CLEAVER OF SIN Chapter 717: Shopping Spree

Hours melted away as the day progressed, with students channeling the free point system, which Cindralis had sanctioned, into various indulgences. They feasted on the most exquisite meals allocated to students and some, with unrestrained abandon, visited numerous shops, accumulating mountains of clothing without charge. Those overseeing each building and establishment could only offer resigned nods; as long as an item's price didn't breach exorbitant levels, no approval was needed, leaving them with little recourse to intervene.

Consequently, if a student desired a shirt priced at one hundred points, obtained in a hundred different variations and designs, such a request met no restriction. The Training Facilities Building would have been the prime location to exploit the free point system, but alas, it remained closed, much to the quiet chagrin of those who had planned to leverage its resources fully.

A select few students abstained from such a spree; they retreated to their personal quarters to conserve energy for the impending events, anticipating that training would commence the following day, though the precise timing and nature remained unknown.

At this juncture, Asher was departing William’s room. His own abode was just a short distance from William’s, situated on the same building level, negating any significant travel. Yet, the sounds of students' laughter echoed from the lower floors' hallways. His curiosity piqued, he approached the railing, gazing down at them, observing their boisterous behavior with a detached interest.

Each carried substantial bags, undeniable proof of their extravagant acquisitions. He leaned an elbow on the rail, idly watching them, projecting an air of boredom or perhaps a simple disconnect from their fervent excitement. While he hadn't partaken in Cindralis's free point system giveaway, he harbored no ill will towards those who had.

After all, not everyone possessed the means to acquire points so readily. When they did obtain points, prudence was paramount in their spending, as under normal conditions, not a single point could be squandered on superfluous luxuries.

Asher recognized that were he in their circumstances, possessing less power and being of commoner status, he would undoubtedly have acted just as they were, without a second thought. Though the allure of new garments was tempting, the sheer volume of new clothes already stored within his system inventory rendered the temptation hollow, as he wouldn't be able to utilize them all anytime soon.

Furthermore, Asher understood that regardless of the extent to which these students abused the free point system over the ensuing month, it would scarcely impact Star Academy in any meaningful way. Cindralis, having existed for no less than nine millennia, had accumulated a fortune so vast over her immense lifespan that it was beyond the capacity of mere twenty-year-olds and younger to deplete within a single month, irrespective of their reckless indulgence.

Following a period of quiet observation, Asher withdrew from the railing and moved towards his own doorway. Upon entering, he proceeded directly to the balcony. Night had fallen, and the sky was a tapestry of glittering starlight, stretching infinitely across the celestial sphere in a breathtaking spectacle. Some of the top-ranked students were also present on the balcony, each lost in their private contemplation.

Asher cast a brief glance in their direction, offering a silent nod. He had dedicated the entire day to conversations with William and Finch; at this moment, he craved only silence and tranquility, a brief respite from the incessant clamor of interaction and expectation.

With a sigh, Asher settled into a quiet repose, his thoughts persistently circling back to the tournament. The anticipation remained an unyielding presence, clinging to his mind and body with an almost oppressive tenacity.

'System, given I'm on the cusp of a global competition, wouldn't it be prudent to grant me an aid? Even Cindralis herself acknowledged the existence of individuals who could rival or even surpass me in raw talent and power,' Asher communicated mentally, directing his thoughts toward his ever-present system.

Despite labeling the system as malevolent during their last exchange due to its demand for his entire vitality, Asher couldn't resist trying his fortune once more, hoping for a different outcome this time.

[The system will bestow upon the Host a reward for each individual battle or matchup that results in a loss]

The system's response chimed, effectively subverting Asher’s expectations, presenting an offer that was simultaneously enticing and utterly preposterous.

Asher raised an eyebrow, immediately recognizing the system's attempt at mockery. Even if the system were to promise him instantaneous ascension to the Heavens, Asher would refuse. His family name, his father's reputation, his brother's honor – everything would be irrevocably stained in the eyes of the world. Furthermore, the esteemed image he had cultivated within the Star Academy over the past ten months would shatter in an instant, rendering all his arduous efforts utterly futile.

Consequently, despite the undeniably alluring reward, it simply was not a worthwhile exchange.

'Why don't you simply grant me something if I emerge victorious?' Asher inquired once more, endeavoring to negotiate, fully aware of the likely hopelessness of the situation.

However, the system offered no further response, maintaining a deliberate silence that seemed to convey a clear message: accept the original deal or cease bothering it altogether. It maintained an almost taunting stillness.

Asher shook his head, realizing the system had ceased responding. He couldn't help but ponder the origins and reasons behind the system's sudden descent into such malevolence and sinister behavior. Yet, Asher seemed to overlook that he himself was the architect of this shift; after all, he had persistently demanded rewards at every conceivable juncture, compelling the system to devise countermeasures against his incessant requests.

'I wonder what offerings the other Empires would present as rewards,' Asher mused, his thoughts drifting away from the system. 'Would there be a singular reward, or perhaps four distinct prizes, one allocated by each Empire?' He let out a soft sigh and shook his head, concluding that speculation was pointless without any concrete information.

'I ought to get some rest; tomorrow will be an early start,' he declared to himself. Rising to his feet, he made his way back to his private chambers. Although he possessed the capability to remain awake throughout the entire night while still maintaining peak physical condition for the impending training, sleep invariably provided a mysterious means of restoration and recalibration for both the body and the mind, in ways that defied simple replication or explanation.

He entered the bathroom, indulged in a nightly ablution, and changed into sleepwear before retiring to his bed. As for his evening meal, it was prudent to abstain entirely, thereby circumventing any potential unfortunate 'scenarios' during the following day's training. After all, the exact nature and intensity of the training remained unknown.

With that final thought, his consciousness gradually receded, allowing the Dream Realm to envelop him entirely, drawing him into a profound and untroubled slumber.