CLEAVER OF SIN Chapter 740: Wakanda

The vehicles surged forward at an unbelievable velocity, eclipsing the speed of Enduron horses and any conveyance Asher had ever encountered in his prior existence. The external world transformed into a mere streak of blurred colors outside the car windows, yet, astonishingly, Asher experienced none of the physical repercussions typically associated with such rapid movement.

‘This automobile is traveling at a pace achievable only by high-tier Life Rankers,’ Asher mused internally, struggling to grasp the nature of the technology enabling such speed while simultaneously fortifying their vehicles against the immense strain.

In the narratives and fiction he had consumed back on Earth prior to his transmigration, technologically advanced fantasy realms invariably featured some form of mana-imbued monster cores as an energy source, capable of powering contraptions far surpassing the limitations of conventional electricity. However, within the realm of Crymora, concepts like Astra Energy Stones or magical cores were entirely absent.

‘Unless circumstances differ within the Thalvorn Empire,’ Asher contemplated.

Despite his inclination to dismiss the notion, he found it impossible to do so. The stark disparity between the Thalvorn Empire and the Zarethorne Empire continued to baffle him. If such profound differences existed, it stood to reason that their respective Monsters, Emovirae, and Beasts might also be unique, possessing Astra Cores or analogous energy sources.

Yet, ultimately, this remained mere conjecture on his part.

Inside the car, William, Finch, Vaelric, and Ryaen were already engaged in animated conversation. Even Ryaen, typically reserved, was speaking more than she had throughout her entire year at the Star Academy.

“So, this is the surprise you mentioned,” Asher finally broke the silence, his words directed at FatelessPen, who sat opposite him with a placid smile.

“You are surprised, are you not?” FatelessPen responded casually. He paused briefly before continuing, his tone low as he met Asher’s gaze directly. “Although, it appears you are already acquainted with the Thalvorn Empire’s technology, which should, by all rights, be impossible.”

Asher remained unperturbed, recognizing that his reactions and expressions markedly differed from those of the other Star Academy students. He was undeniably the anomaly among them, and to the perceptive eye of a Crownstar Life Ranker, such a divergence would be impossible to overlook.

Without directly addressing the remark, Asher maintained his composure, his gaze fixed on the rapidly blurring scenery outside the windows.

“In any case,” FatelessPen resumed with an easy smile, sensing Asher’s disinclination to engage in his probing, “as you have likely surmised, the Thalvorn Empire is the creator of the Sky Jet.”

As he spoke, he gestured, conjuring a sound-dampening dome that enveloped their conversation, shielding it from the driver. This was not an act of divulging a profound secret or conspiracy, but simply a matter of maintaining privacy.

Asher inclined his head slightly. “Did the Thalvorn Empire bestow the Sky Jet upon the Principal, or did the Principal acquire it herself?” he inquired calmly, his eyes returning to FatelessPen.

“Neither,” FatelessPen replied instantly. “The Thalvorn Empire merely extended a loan of the Sky Jet to the Zarethorne Empire for the specific purpose of transporting foreign visitors to and from their territory.” His voice softened slightly. “If it were truly possible to procure something like the Sky Jet, then undoubtedly lesser technologies such as mobile phones, automobiles, and bicycles would have long since been purchased and brought back to the Zarethorne Empire.”

At these words, Asher’s brow furrowed subtly, as FatelessPen’s explanation resonated with undeniable logic.

Advanced technology was a marvel, irrespective of the epoch. The nobility of the Zarethorne Empire, with all their accumulated wealth and influence, would unquestionably have pursued even the smallest fragments of such sophisticated technology if it were attainable. Yet, Asher had observed no trace of it within the Zarethorne Empire.

This led to an inescapable conclusion.

“As you’ve probably deduced,” FatelessPen continued, his gaze steady on Asher, “the Thalvorn Empire guards its technological advancements closely, sharing them with no one. Not even something as seemingly trivial as their streetlights. They are aptly referred to as ‘The Ultimate Gatekeepers’ for a valid reason,” FatelessPen mused. “Not a single piece of their technology has ever departed the Empire without their explicit consent.” He concluded with a shake of his head.

William, Ryaen, Finch, and Vaelric were already absorbed in FatelessPen’s explanation. After all, these were insights they could never have unearthed, even within the hallowed halls of the Imperial Library.

‘So, they’re essentially a hidden advanced nation, much like Wakanda, but not of the same race,’ Asher pondered internally, recalling the Marvel series and its depiction of a technologically superior, isolated society.

The Thalvorn Empire mirrored this concept closely. However, unlike Wakanda, they made no pretense of being impoverished while secretly holding immense power.

‘The Ultimate Gatekeepers, indeed,’ Asher mused about their moniker.

"Furthermore," FatelessPen continued without pause, "even if vehicles like cars were somehow brought out using Space Rings or other abilities, the terrain within the Zarethorne Empire isn't conducive to them. Our Empire lacks paved roads and advanced infrastructure, unlike the Thalvorn Empire."

"Umm... what exactly are cars, cellphones, and paved roads?" Finch inquired unexpectedly, his gaze fixed on FatelessPen with curiosity.

Ryaen, Vaelric, and William also turned their attention to FatelessPen, their silence indicating their unfamiliarity with these terms.

FatelessPen opted against a verbal explanation. With a swift movement of his pen through the air, four books titled "Technology Terms, Meanings, and Images" materialized and landed gently in their hands.

These books contained the extent of FatelessPen’s knowledge regarding the Thalvorn Empire’s technology, information entirely alien to the inhabitants of the Zarethorne Empire.

"I presume you have no need for one," FatelessPen stated, looking towards Asher and refraining from offering him a book.

"That is correct," Asher responded evenly.

He saw no reason to feign surprise or ignorance like the other students. Had he been reborn as an ordinary person, his reaction might differ, but as a Wargrave with substantial backing and influence, such pretense was unnecessary.

It was highly unlikely FatelessPen would dare to abduct him or interfere with his life merely for not displaying astonishment at technological concepts.

After all, no rational person would willingly face the fury of Azaron or Malrik.

FatelessPen observed Asher, genuinely intrigued by his apparent prior knowledge of technology, a fact that seemed impossible.

He chose not to investigate further.

He was well aware of Duke Azaron’s previous actions—the obliteration of the Assassin Guild and the demise of their Crownstar Life Rank leader, Valentine, simply because the Tenth Sun had been targeted.

He also knew that Azaron had directly confronted the Imperial Family when the Emperor attempted to manipulate the Tenth Sun’s mind.

With such significant events centered around Asher, any individual with basic reasoning skills would grasp that the Wargraves protected the Tenth Sun with utmost seriousness.

Indeed, FatelessPen possessed considerable power.

But was he strong enough to challenge the Primarch? He certainly wasn't that foolish; Malrik alone presented a formidable challenge.