CLEAVER OF SIN Chapter 735: Spoiler [Golden Gachapon Bonus - ]

~5 minute read · 1,247 words
Previously on CLEAVER OF SIN...
William, Finch, and Ryaen visit Asher after their training. They discuss their improvements and the upcoming Inter-Empire Competition, which Prince Vaelric confirms will be a global livestream. Asher teases Finch about his younger sister's potential reaction to his performance, sending Finch into despair.

William, seated by Finch’s side, could only offer a look of pity. He was well aware of Rachael and the incredibly high standards the siblings set for each other, even with one of them being just shy of ten years old. Although William, an only child, lacked personal experience with siblings, he could still somewhat grasp Finch’s distress and worry.

"If it’s any comfort, at least she won’t be in the Thalvorn Empire witnessing your performance live," William remarked, patting Finch’s shoulder in a gesture of reassurance.

Asher was momentarily taken aback. He had only been jesting with Finch, making lighthearted remarks, and hadn't anticipated the plump boy would tumble into such a state of despair over it.

Ryaen and Vaelric, unfamiliar with Rachael, gathered from the conversation that she was Finch’s younger sister. They also deduced that Finch, William, and Asher shared a degree of familiarity with each other’s family members.

"Sigh... at least she’ll get to witness Asher dominate the competition," Finch murmured, a faint smile finally gracing his lips.

Asher merely shook his head, offering no verbal reply. He accepted that if he were to lose a match during the competition, so be it. He didn't impose a rigid requirement on himself to win every single bout. However, this did not imply he intended to hold back. He would naturally exert his full effort while enjoying the experience and perhaps gaining some aura in the process.

After all, who wouldn't seize the opportunity to cultivate their aura during a global live broadcast, observed by countless individuals across the Empires?

A brief lull in conversation followed, after which Finch suddenly spoke again.

"How about one last training session?" His gaze drifted towards Asher. "We still have today and tomorrow remaining. I’m sure you can impart some wisdom to me before then." His tone was tinged with eagerness, a clear desire to exhaust every possible avenue to at least meet his younger sister’s expectations.

Five thousand points held no significant meaning for Finch. Having managed various business affairs for an entire month, he had amassed more than enough points to spend freely without a second thought.

Asher regarded Finch in silence for a moment before responding with a shake of his head.

"There’s nothing you can learn instantly that will magically alter the outcome of the upcoming competition," he politely declined Finch’s request, his words holding a measure of truth.

Finch’s countenance shifted immediately, his mood visibly darkening once more.

"Furthermore, you hold yourself in far too low a regard. For all you know, the participants from other Empires might not possess the formidable strength you anticipate, or perhaps you'll only be slated for a single match and won't need to engage extensively," Asher continued. "Have faith in the luck that William always spoke of you possessing."

Finch remained quiet for a beat before offering a slight smile. Asher’s assertions carried undeniable weight, even though he still struggled to fully trust in his own capabilities.

Ryaen paused briefly before finally interjecting, "I do wonder what the other Empires are truly like," she mused, her tone laced with curiosity as she subtly steered the conversation away from Finch’s deepening gloom.

"I share that curiosity," William affirmed. "However, within my family’s extensive library, detailed information concerning the other three Empires was conspicuously absent. No proper descriptions were provided whatsoever." His mind wandered back to the texts he had perused years prior.

"The same applies to me," Asher concurred, noting that the books he had read also made only passing mentions of the Empires, almost as if deliberate efforts were made to omit any specific details about them.

Ryaen simply nodded, as her experience mirrored theirs. Yet, paradoxically, this scarcity only amplified the allure and anticipation for the impending journey.

"I could enlighten you all," Vaelric offered, a subtle smirk playing on his lips.

"You actually possess knowledge on the matter?" Finch inquired, raising an eyebrow in skepticism.

Vaelric nodded before calmly elaborating.

"While your family’s archives may refrain from providing such details, as the Prince, I have access to certain privileged information. If you so desire, I can recount everything and alleviate the suspense that might otherwise consume you," he proposed casually.

"Do not tell us," Asher interjected instantly. "I would much prefer to witness everything firsthand; there’s no need to spoil the anticipation for me." He shook his head, as if warding off potential spoilers for a movie or series.

"Experiencing something firsthand and hearing about it are distinct matters, Tenth Sun. Even if you receive accounts from me, it will not diminish the sense of wonder or excitement you will feel when you witness it yourself," Vaelric responded serenely, taking a sip of tea he had produced from his spatial ring.

Asher shook his head once more. "While that may be true, I would still rather know absolutely nothing beforehand," he replied, his stance remaining unchanged.

"I agree with Asher," Ryaen Silvershade stated. Although she was curious about what the Prince knew, she ultimately preferred seeing everything herself.

William remained silent for a moment before posing another question. "As the Prince, have you ever visited another Empire before? Like for official Royal duties or something similar?" His tone was curious since Vaelric spoke as though he possessed firsthand experience.

"Not at all," Vaelric replied with a shrug, not bothering to lie about it.

William simply nodded. Since his assumption had turned out to be incorrect, he had nothing further to add.

"Sigh... since we have nothing better to do, how about we go abuse some free points?" Finch suddenly suggested. As a merchant, he naturally intended to exploit anything that came at absolutely zero cost.

"I don’t particularly need or want anything," Asher replied, an indifferent expression resting upon his face.

"You could request outrageous artifacts, you know? As the Rank One student of our class and a direct Wargrave, I’m pretty sure the moment such a request is made, it would get approved almost immediately," Finch replied as though he could already see the future unfolding before him.

Asher gazed at Finch before speaking, "I thought you were feeling depressed about disappointing your little sister. You seem to have recovered rather quickly," he teased lightly.

Finch shook his head before replying, "And I have your kind words to thank for that," his response equally teasing.

Asher could only sigh helplessly. He had absolutely nothing to do anyway. These idiots had already interrupted his sleep regardless. Although he didn’t particularly need anything, he might as well accompany them and watch them waste points buying random things.

And with that, the group of friends rose to their feet before leaving Asher’s room together, their voices echoing throughout the hallway as they laughed and casually discussed random topics among themselves.

If anyone were to see Finch among them, they would probably click their tongues in envy. After all, he was the odd one out. He was fat, barely above six feet tall, and technically the weakest person there, while the others were among the Top Four strongest individuals within the class, possessing either Royal or Ducal backgrounds.

Truly, his Good Luck ability was so outrageous that it naturally drew powerful individuals toward him one way or another, almost as though fate itself deliberately pushed fortunate opportunities into his path without end.

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