CLEAVER OF SIN Chapter 715: Merchant Finch’s Analysis

Unlike Teo Swig and Thalric, who departed the hall, Asher remained seated, tuning into the chatter of his peers. Their voices merged into a cacophony of excitement and conjecture as they discussed various Empires. Each student contributed rumors and wildly embellished, often fictitious, accounts about other Empires, with no concern for verification or denial.

A question formed in Asher's mind: 'I wonder how many individuals possess strength comparable to mine... or perhaps surpass it.' His gaze was steady, yet his thoughts drifted. He refrained from claiming the title of the most talented in Crymora's world; perhaps within the Zarethorne Empire, but globally, not yet. Nevertheless, this competition, this sudden declaration, presented an unspoken yet undeniable challenge to that very notion, a challenge he eagerly anticipated with his entire being.

'Should I achieve my breakthrough during the training period, or after its conclusion?' Asher pondered, his focus narrowing momentarily. After all, he was on the cusp of entering the Firmstar Life Rank, the sixth of the ten established life ranks.

After a brief contemplation, Asher relegated the thought to the back of his mind, resolving to make a decision later.

'We were not informed about the commencement of the training, but knowing the Star Academy, it's likely to begin at the crack of dawn tomorrow,' Asher mused, a vivid mental picture forming. Visions of training scenarios from novels and comics flooded his thoughts: stern instructors, grueling drills, unattainable expectations, and students succumbing to exhaustion.

'Well, whatever happens,' he concluded, rising to his feet with unhurried movements. Ryaen had already departed with Darissa and the Princess, precluding him from accompanying her. Instead, the instant Asher stood, William approached, with Finch close behind, their presence almost a given.

A faint smile touched Asher's lips as he addressed them, his tone laced with amusement, 'So, did either of you two manage to attain the Radiant Swiftstar Life Rank?'

'Sigh... we should be asking if you've broken through to the Firmstar Life Rank,' Finch couldn't help but retort, a hint of exasperation coloring his voice.

Asher regarded him for a moment, his expression enigmatic, before shaking his head and responding with a low, calm tone, entirely unfazed, 'I have not.'

'Good to know you're still human,' William remarked with a nod, accepting this statement without reservation.

'I will be breaking through in a few days,' Asher added seamlessly, his voice imbued with a casual certainty that rendered the statement even more remarkable.

'I take back my previous statement,' William interjected almost instantly, shaking his head, evidently unwilling to categorize Asher within any conventional definition of 'human.'

The trio exited the hall together, their conversation naturally weaving around Cindralis’ announcement as they navigated their way toward William’s room, rather than Asher’s.

'Honestly, I'm incredibly excited for this,' Finch exclaimed, a broad smile plastered across his face, radiating sheer enthusiasm.

'Once you endure the instructors' full month of training, I'm sure that excitement will wane,' William commented, though a subtle undercurrent of anticipation could be detected in his voice.

'My perspective from seven months ago differs significantly from my current one. I will gladly push myself beyond any set training limits,' Finch declared confidently with a smirk, his tone resolute. Indeed, his mindset had transformed; over the past seven months, he had grown accustomed to stretching himself to the very edge of his capabilities.

'But imagine the immense loss if Asher didn't represent us,' William stated, glancing briefly at Asher as they walked.

'The most amusing aspect is the Principal's mention of selecting the ten weakest students from each Empire to represent them. That would create quite a spectacle; it would be hilariously entertaining to witness,' Finch remarked, a chuckle escaping him at the mere thought. Such an outcome would undoubtedly ignite widespread outrage across every Empire, accompanied by exclamations of discontent.

Asher, who had remained silent for some time, finally voiced his thoughts, 'Personally, I'm curious if this competition will be accessible to a global audience. I mean, a broadcast spanning the entire Empire, or perhaps the world. And, if such a broadcast isn't feasible, then how many noble families from each Empire would journey to the Thalvorn Empire to witness the event live?' His tone was one of genuine inquiry.

Finch and William immediately fell into contemplation before Finch, the merchant, spoke up, "Honestly, I reckon ninety percent of what you’ve said holds true. After all, within our Empire alone, the population is in the billions," he began his assessment, a hint of his profit-driven expression surfacing. "I’m certain the Emperor views this as a lucrative venture. He would likely charge a few silver coins for households across the Empire to access the live broadcast, with tiered pricing based on viewership status. Naturally, a Duke and a commoner wouldn't be expected to pay the same amount." He paused, as if mentally tallying the immense wealth the Imperial family stood to gain.

"As for live attendance, that’s a one-hundred percent certainty. The Thalvorn Empire will inflate the prices of everything – their inns, their food, their water, absolutely everything. And considering the magnitude of such a competition, securing tickets for live viewing could easily cost a minimum of one thousand to ten thousand platinum coins per person," he continued his analysis, his voice unwavering. "This implies that nearly every noble household will be present, meaning anyone you see watching the battle live possesses unimaginable wealth," he stated, sounding much like a seasoned accountant accustomed to daily financial dealings.

Upon hearing Finch’s breakdown, William dismissed it with a shake of his head. "You know, I sometimes struggle to decide whether to be more impressed by your merchant acumen or your uncanny luck," he admitted, clearly taken aback.

Finch merely offered a smile, remaining silent. His affinity for financial matters was simply too profound; whenever profit and income were involved, his senses would involuntarily heighten, as if instinctively drawn to the opportunity.

"It appears my father, and likely all the Wargraves, will be in attendance," Asher declared, stroking his chin in thought. If live attendance was a given, he was confident that figures like Malrik, Great Elder Morthern, and his own father would undoubtedly be present, as an event of this significance would be impossible for them to overlook.

"I wonder if my parents will be there," William mused aloud, his voice softening, tinged with contemplation as he walked.

Finch responded to William's query, "You can set aside that hope; they will most likely only witness the events through the global broadcast, assuming one is established," he said with conviction.

"Huh? Why is that?" William inquired, his confusion evident.

Finch regarded William as if he were slow on the uptake, then sighed and shook his head. "As I've said, the ticket prices will be astronomical. If a single ticket costs ten thousand platinum coins, families of Barons, like yours and mine, would be ruined. Considering your father and mother alone, that’s twenty thousand platinum coins. And we haven't even factored in the knights they would surely bring along for protection at the live event, which would incur another substantial expenditure," he elaborated, his tone pragmatic. He spoke as if it were obvious that Baron families lacked the financial capacity to amass such vast sums purely for entertainment.

Only the exceptionally affluent nobles, such as Count households and higher, or perhaps a prominent merchant family, or even a lesser noble house renowned for its immense wealth and financial dominance, could afford such an extravagant outlay.