CLEAVER OF SIN Chapter 713: Warning [Castle Bonus - ]

Figures like Asher, Thalric, Teo Swig, William, and Ryaen remained unfazed by Cindralis’ declaration. They strived daily, their determination to reach the pinnacle fueled by their own ambition, not by any promised reward or external validation for their burning desire for self-improvement.

Cindralis’ imposing presence dissipated, allowing the students in the hall to finally draw breath. Sweat soaked their garments as they gradually composed themselves, absorbing the gravity of her pronouncements. After all, Crymora was a brutal world where indecision often led to demise.

"For those unaware, we suffered a defeat previously," Cindralis continued, her voice cutting through the relieved silence. "However, that does not obligate me to coddle the weak or the fainthearted simply to secure a victory in a competition that will recur countless times."

The revelation of their prior loss did not elicit any surprise. The Zarethorne Empire was not lauded as the supreme power, rendering the defeat unsurprising or difficult to accept.

"Now, as previously stated, in one month's time, all of you will be dispatched to the Thalvorn Empire. Consequently, for the ensuing month, specially selected Instructors will personally oversee your training. During this period, all facilities within Star Academy will be accessible without charge. Naturally, access to essential items will require prior approval from the designated personnel to prevent misuse," Cindralis announced with an indifferent calm, as if outlining a simple logistical arrangement.

Her pronouncement caused eyes to widen in unison, their focus immediately shifting from the mention of training to the prospect of free access. Who among them disliked freebies? Having been accustomed to working for every meager possession, the sudden declaration of complimentary access for the next month sparked immediate elation. Even with the stipulation of approval for certain items, the announcement was more than enough to thrill them.

"A month of dedicated training... I find myself looking forward to it," Asher mused internally, a faint smile gracing his lips. He was not alone in this sentiment; the more formidable students simply bypassed the discussion of rewards and concentrated on the training itself. Even without an immediate tournament on the horizon, this presented an unparalleled opportunity to enhance their individual strength for an entire month without incurring any costs or labor.

"Now, while the four Empires may offer their own rewards, those are theirs to bestow. I, however, have my own," Cindralis stated, resuming her address without pause as she unveiled her personal set of incentives, her tone unwavering.

An immediate hush fell over the assembly, attention sharpening as a palpable sense of anticipation began to build.

"The first reward grants a one-year complimentary pass to utilize the Training Facilities Building at your convenience. I trust the benefits and the necessity of it for some of you are self-evident," Cindralis declared, her gaze momentarily settling upon Teo Swig, who remained seated with an unreadable composure.

Catching Cindralis’ attention, Teo Swig understood the implicit address. As a commoner, he was acutely aware that upon graduation in the coming two months, numerous nobles would vie for his allegiance, seeking to bind him to their service. He could, of course, opt for the simpler path, pledging loyalty to the noble of his home territory.

However, Teo harbored no desire to serve any master. He was his own man, confident in his ability to ascend to the Crownstar Life Rank within a few decades. Yet, he recognized the inherent need for resources to achieve such a goal, the very reason many commoners swore fealty to these nobles in the first place.

Alternatively, the path of an adventurer or mercenary presented itself, though it was fraught with challenges akin to any other, even while offering the allure of personal freedom and autonomy.

But this unrestricted one-year pass, usable even after his graduation from Star Academy, offered a reprieve. It would grant him a year without the arduous decisions, providing ample time to strategize and train without falling behind, making it an opportunity he could hardly afford to disregard.

"The second reward consists of two million academy points, which can be expended or exchanged for any item of equivalent value," Cindralis announced, her calm demeanor a stark contrast to the immense significance of her declaration.

A wave of astonishment swept through the hall, the second reward proving as substantial as the first. It captivated everyone present, including Asher himself; both offerings were simply too alluring to dismiss.

Two million academy points represented a fortune beyond their wildest imaginings, yet for Cindralis, it was a negligible sum, offered without a second thought.

"The third reward," Cindralis declared, her gaze sweeping across the assembled multitude, astonishment evident on their faces as they realized there was yet more to come. "A one-time use, space-type artifact from myself, granting you the ability to teleport to any location you have previously visited, anywhere in the world. Distance is irrelevant, and there is no cost."

A profound silence descended upon the hall.

An artifact capable of traversing the globe without limitation was, frankly, unbelievable. Yet, here was Cindralis, offering it as a prize. Though its use was singular, its immense value was readily apparent; such an item could preserve a life or ensure victory in ways beyond imagination.

They couldn't help but ponder the reasons behind Cindralis offering such a reward for a competition she claimed she could witness countless more times. Whether it stemmed from a past defeat, they could not surmise, nor did any dare to inquire.

Asher, too, felt a pull toward the artifact. While his Position Marker offered a similar function, he possessed only three marks, rendering the ability practically useless in many scenarios without a free mark.

Their eyes remained fixed on Cindralis, anticipating another astonishing reward. However, she ceased, her voice dropping to a low, calm tone. "If you believe my rewards are special, then win the tournament and discover the truth. The prize will remain undisclosed unless you emerge victorious. Yet, even my offerings pale in comparison to what the four Empires are vying for."

The students swallowed hard, their imaginations ignited by the veiled promise of the reward. Though unknown, it conjured visions of treasures and opportunities beyond their wildest dreams.

"Your training commences shortly. Give it your utmost effort. After all, other Empires harbor youths as gifted as yourselves, and some who are far more formidable," she added with a definitive calmness, her eyes briefly flicking toward Asher. Her dark irises met his purple ones, a silent, unspoken warning passing between them.

Without another word, Cindralis conjured a portal and stepped through, her announcement concluded. How the students would fare was a matter of their own talent and dedication, not her concern beyond providing the initial opportunity.

Though their gazes had only met for a fleeting moment, to Asher, it felt considerably longer. He couldn't shake the feeling that Cindralis's final words were directed specifically at him, a caution that formidable opponents, veritable monsters, existed within the other Empires.

But did Cindralis truly grasp the magnitude of the 'monster' Asher himself was, to issue such a warning?

Furthermore, even if such beings existed, Asher eagerly anticipated clashing with each and every one of them, his excitement mounting rather than waning.

The instant this thought formed, his battle intent surged, his Wargrave Bloodline seemingly awakening. Teo Swig and Thalric’s battle intent rose in kind, as these three beings in human guise stood poised, ready to menghancurkan anything placed in their path.

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