CLEAVER OF SIN Chapter 716: Death Flags [Castle Bonus - ]

"Moreover, we must consider the aspect of security; surely the various families won't simply materialize within the Thalvorn Empire, will they?" Finch inquired, his voice hushed and deliberate.

"The brigands we encounter during our missions will seem like mere trifles at this point, as these Knights will be confronting formidable Emovirae, Monsters, and Beasts," he expounded, shaking his head while detailing the perils inherent in traversing between Empires. Additionally, they possessed no clear estimate of the travel duration between these vast territories, adding another layer of uncertainty and danger to the entire undertaking.

"However, while I cannot be entirely certain, I have a strong conviction that either the Emperor, a prominent Merchant family, or a powerful noble household has already initiated a transportation service. This service would undoubtedly guarantee the safety of individuals journeying to the Thalvorn Empire. Nevertheless, such a mode of transport would incur substantial costs, likely amounting to another surge of hundreds of platinum coins, solely due to the immense resources dedicated to ensuring protection," he elaborated.

Asher and William remained in contemplative silence, absorbing Finch's market-savvy analysis without interjection, granting him the space to fully articulate his perspective without interruption.

Unbeknownst to Finch, his assessment was remarkably accurate; every point he raised was indeed true. A global live broadcast of the competition was planned, and the admission fees for in-person attendance were projected to be even more exorbitant than his estimation. Furthermore, the very concept of a dedicated transportation business he casually proposed was precisely what would occur, as no one would pass up an opportunity to profit.

After all, acquiring strength necessitates wealth; the impoverished cannot attain the esteemed Crownstar Life Rank through mere conviction and pronouncements, can they?

"Although the exorbitant ticket prices for live viewing will be beyond the reach of many, a considerable number of individuals will still venture to the Thalvorn Empire simply to witness the broadcast from there. Once in the Thalvorn Empire, they can indulge in a diverse array of culinary delights, seek out companionship, and experience all manner of fantasies they may have ever envisioned," Finch concluded emphatically.

Asher observed Finch from the periphery of his vision, genuinely astounded. He mused that if an individual like Finch had existed on Earth, he would likely have amassed a fortune surpassing that of the world's wealthiest individuals with minimal effort, simply by seizing opportunities that others failed to even recognize.

"But... won't there be complications?" William began, his expression shifting to one of slight seriousness. "I am certain the Empires harbor animosity towards one another, perhaps not overtly, but might conflicts erupt? After all, the Vandross Empire recently launched an assault on our Empire's eight Noble Households," he reasoned thoughtfully.

Asher nodded in response, stating, "While your thoughts and concerns are certainly valid, I believe the Empires typically suppress their mutual animosity to present a unified front for the spectacle. If conflict had erupted even once during these competitions in the past, I am confident the event would have been discontinued by now," his explanation delivered with measured logic.

"Hmmm... I suppose that reasoning holds," Finch and William remarked in unison, nodding their heads. Yet, despite their agreement, a sense of apprehension lingered, preventing them from fully dismissing the possibility of trouble.

Asher, however, was not particularly preoccupied with the inter-Empire disputes; they were of no direct concern to him. It was not a matter within his control or influence at the present time. Furthermore, another, far more significant matter weighed heavily on his mind.

It was a widely acknowledged trope that during any Academy competition, unforeseen calamities invariably occurred. Whether it be an invasion by Demons seeking to annihilate the younger generation, or the machinations of Cult worshippers or some nefarious organization intending to instigate a massive conflict on the spot, eliminating all present – regardless of age – in a single, devastating blow.

Out of a thousand novels featuring an Academy arc, perhaps a solitary one managed to avoid such a predictable cliché.

And, naturally, in those rare cliché-free novels, the schools, students, and all involved invariably emerged victorious in the end. However, that was the product of plot armor, a narrative dictated by an author's hand. This was reality, not some meticulously crafted storyline. A single misstep, an errant decision, and everyone could be annihilated without warning.

Certainly, exceptionally powerful individuals would be present at such gatherings, but even their immense power did not guarantee absolute safety.

Then there was the danger associated with transportation, as Finch had pointed out. What if the Sinvairas decided to launch an attack, eradicating the students entirely? The potential threats were myriad, and ominous signs, or 'death flags', seemed to be scattered everywhere.

Ultimately, he was powerless to alter any of it. His role was merely to observe, to wait, and to fervently hope that no catastrophic events would unfold. Or, should something indeed transpire, that it wouldn't impact those he held dear, either directly or indirectly.

'I truly hope they have some kind of Seers, or individuals gifted with foresight, perhaps someone who can sense an impending disaster,' Asher couldn't suppress the thought, his mind growing increasingly unsettled.

'Well, Malrik mentioned Father is counted among the ten most formidable beings on Crymora. I pray his sheer presence deters any organization contemplating hostile actions from proceeding with their schemes,' he reflected internally, acknowledging that such a belief might be nothing more than a fleeting wish. Any adversary daring enough to make a move would undoubtedly dispatch someone capable of matching Azaron, or perhaps a contingent of individuals sufficient to at least hold him at bay.

'Sigh... this world truly is on Hell Mode difficulty; even a typical school event seems riddled with countless death flags,' Asher sighed inwardly, a faint shake of his head accompanying the thought.

'If I were to perish, I wonder if that would truly be the end... would I be reincarnated again, or perhaps awaken back on Earth?' he pondered, considering the uncertainty of his existence. After all, nothing guaranteed he would survive until he achieved the Crownstar Life Rank. For all he knew, this journey to the Thalvorn Empire could very well be his first and final one.

'Tsk, if only I had reincarnated into one of the novels I've consumed, like in those common tropes, I'd at least know what's coming,' he thought with a touch of exasperation, shaking his head.

'Well, if death does come, I shall at least ensure I go out with a spectacular flourish,' Asher mused, not genuinely fearing death but rather accepting its eventual arrival.

Indeed, he possessed the Position Marker, a tool he could utilize for escape when facing peril. However, this ability didn't activate autonomously. He had to consciously activate it, or Virelass needed to intervene, and beings at the Crownstar Life Rank, or even those at the Void level, moved with a speed that defied thought itself. They possessed the capacity to end him before he could even contemplate activating Virelass's Position Marker ability.

As Asher's thoughts drifted along these lines, it felt as though yet another death flag had alighted upon the already colossal pile accumulated on his path.

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