CLEAVER OF SIN Chapter 742: Ruling Powers [Golden Gachapon Bonus - ]
Previously on CLEAVER OF SIN...
Asher remained quiet, his understanding of the division between the Rings solidified without further inquiry; it was fundamentally a safety measure, something the Zarethorne Empire had neglected.
His gaze drifted through the car window, observing the noticeably fewer vehicles and traffic lights within the Inner Rings compared to the Outer Rings. This was logical, considering the supernatural speeds at which people traveled. Excessive traffic, lights, and conventional driving rules were hindrances they did not require.
"However, do not fool yourselves into believing crime ceases to exist simply because of these Rings and segregation," FatelessPen stated. "One does not need to be an awakener to commit heinous acts like serial murder or rape." He let out a soft sigh before elaborating. "While the Thalvorn Empire does maintain military forces and soldiers, the bulk of their strength is dedicated to confronting Emovirae, Monsters, and Beasts. They are unable to constantly divert military personnel to investigate every individual infraction."
He spoke with a measured tone, reminding them that despite the Thalvorn Empire's advanced systems and laws, the harsh realities of Crymora remained unaltered.
This made perfect sense, logically. After all, one could not expect the Military to immediately commit valuable soldiers and resources to investigate deaths that occurred during missions or under suspicious circumstances.
The principle of survival of the fittest persisted even within the Thalvorn Empire. The distinction lay in the rulers' attempts to create a more equitable playing field. Anyone falling victim to an overwhelmingly stronger opponent was either actively seeking death or had simply met unfortunate timing.
All present nodded in silent agreement, comprehending FatelessPen's explanation.
"What can you share about those who govern the Thalvorn Empire?" Asher inquired suddenly. "Are they nobility like us, or is the entire Empire managed purely by Military Law?" He was genuinely curious about the individuals responsible for instituting the Ring system and stratifying the populace.
"I believe Cindralis should start compensating me at this juncture," FatelessPen quipped humorously. "I am, in essence, performing the duties of a history instructor."
Asher and the others responded with smiles and gentle headshakes.
FatelessPen returned their smiles before resuming his explanation. "Truthfully, the ruling powers within the Thalvorn Empire bear significant resemblance to our own," he stated calmly. "Noble Households exist here as well, all residing within the Zero Rings. Much like our Empire, they hold titles such as Barons, Viscounts, Counts, Marquises, Dukes, and so forth. However, the Thalvorn Empire lacks an Emperor or a King."
Expressions of confusion immediately spread across everyone's faces as they absorbed FatelessPen's words.
"Do they jointly administer the Thalvorn Empire, or does the supreme leader simply hold a different title besides Emperor or King?" Vaelric asked, his bewilderment evident.
"I was about to address that, Mr. Prince," FatelessPen responded with a touch of dryness.
"Unlike our Empire, where Noble Households govern distinct territories, the nobles here exercise no territorial authority. They all congregate within the Zero Rings." FatelessPen continued smoothly. "Yet, despite this lack of territory, they remain elevated above ordinary citizens, possessing far greater privileges, much like all of you. Consequently, they glean all the advantages of nobility without the burden of managing exasperating populations."
FatelessPen paused briefly before proceeding. "Most Noble Houses also secure prominent positions within the Military. Ultimately, however, every Noble Household, and indeed the Military itself, answers to the Awakener Association, or as I prefer to call it, the AA."
Asher’s focus sharpened at the mention of the name.
Having consumed a vast number of novels in his prior existence, he instantly recognized the name as one of the most common and predictable tropes in narratives concerning awakeners and supernatural realms.
'Did someone transmigrate to Crymora before me? Or perhaps reincarnate here?' Asher pondered internally, a seed of suspicion sprouting in his mind.
The technology present was essentially a perfect imitation of Earth's modern era, and now, the governing entity of the Thalvorn Empire was dubbed the Awakener Association. The entire scenario struck him as suspicious on every conceivable level.
If such an event had indeed transpired, it would signify the arrival of another individual from the same twenty-first-century Earth, who had subsequently seized control of the Thalvorn Empire. This newcomer would have also established the Awakener Association, while maintaining the existing system of rule by the Noble Households.Such a scenario would imply that the passage of time between Earth and Crymora was wildly inconsistent and impossible to accurately measure.’Sigh... Perhaps I'm merely overthinking this,’ Asher mused internally, gently shaking his head. He resolved not to ponder such matters further, especially since he lacked any concrete means to ascertain the truth... or did he?’System, what are the odds that another transmigrator or reincarnated soul exists within Crymora?’ Asher inquired in his mind.Though the System had largely fallen silent in recent times, only occasionally fulfilling its time-related functions, he decided to ask anyway.[There is no need for concern, Host. The System confirms that there have been absolutely zero instances of transmigrators or reincarnated individuals within Crymora, either currently or prior to your own arrival. After all, no one on Earth lived a life as idyllic as the Host’s.]The System responded almost instantaneously.While the System had technically answered his query, Asher couldn't shake the feeling that it was subtly teasing him about his supposedly perfect, worry-free existence back on Earth.Even the world's most affluent individuals grappled with anxieties and burdens. But Ethan? He truly had none.Asher helplessly shook his head, choosing to disregard the System completely. At the very least, its definitive answer meant he no longer needed to agonize over such possibilities.A new question immediately sprang to mind, and without hesitation, he asked again, ’System… is there some hidden reason behind my transmigration?’This question had been a persistent echo at the back of his consciousness since his arrival in Crymora.Had he truly passed away peacefully in his sleep? Or was his appearance in Crymora the result of some superior power subtly orchestrating events?[Perhaps... perhaps not... who can say? Certainly not the System.]The System chirped back, adopting a playful tone once more.Asher let out a deep sigh before shaking his head. If the System ever chanced to develop a physical form, he suspected a confrontation might be inevitable.He decided to shift his focus away from the System and instead pay attention to FatelessPen, who was currently disseminating valuable information without charge.After all, who knew how much time they would have spent uncovering this information independently?Yet still... the notion that his reincarnation might have been manipulated stubbornly persisted in the recesses of his mind, despite his efforts to dismiss it.Asher could only hope that his return to life was not contingent upon some unforeseen obligations.He genuinely hoped to avoid a life spent battling obscure higher entities or ancient beings; such demanding endeavors seemed incredibly taxing for someone as inherently indolent as himself.____