CLEAVER OF SIN Chapter 743: Overlord [Golden Gachapon Bonus - ]

"Then enlighten me, who presides as the highest authority within the Awakener Association?" William inquired, his curiosity now uncontainable.

"The leader of the Awakener Association is known as the Overlord. She is a woman who has held dominion over the Thalvorn Empire for centuries. Her deeds and triumphs are the stuff of legends," FatelessPen responded with composure. "I am certain you will all encounter her during the competition, or perhaps even sooner. Therefore, do not press me for excessive details. My own knowledge is limited to mere snippets beyond her name," he concluded definitively.

Asher and the others conveyed their understanding through nods. FatelessPen’s presence in the Thalvorn Empire was purely for vacation, a traveler’s brief visit. Thus, it was understandable that he lacked profound insights into the enigmatic Overlord.

"Given that nearly every facet of the Thalvorn Empire differs from our own, do their power systems also diverge? I'm referring to terms like 'Life Rank' and all such classifications," Vaelric posed, his question both logical and well-founded.

"There exists no disparity whatsoever between our power system and that of the Thalvorn Empire, nor indeed any other Empire. We all fundamentally adhere to the same cultivation system," FatelessPen explained instantly, evidently accustomed to such queries from his extensive travels across all four Empires upon reaching the Radiant Crownstar Life Rank.

"Ultimately, cultivation is cultivation. It involves absorbing Astra Energy, purifying Astra Veins, and fortifying one's physique and essence. The methodologies remain constant irrespective of location. Consequently, there is no incentive for each Empire to contrive uniqueness or devise entirely disparate systems; such efforts yield no genuine advantage." He declared serenely.

Asher silently concurred, personally finding this uniformity far preferable. The creation of distinct power systems for every Empire would undoubtedly introduce unnecessary complexity and widespread confusion. A singular, universally recognized cultivation system was, in truth, a far superior arrangement.

"What of their currency?" Ryaen interjected suddenly. "Must we convert our existing coins to theirs if we wish to conduct transactions freely here?" As a woman with a penchant for shopping, she already had numerous items in mind within this foreign Empire.

During the preceding month of rigorous training, Cindralis had granted permission for parents and guardians to provide their children with allowances for their sojourn in the Thalvorn Empire, enabling everyone to spend according to their personal means and social standing.

As for the orphaned students, Cindralis had generously dispensed coins from her own coffers. Her immense wealth precluded any possibility of her acting parsimoniously towards her pupils.

Naturally, individuals such as Asher, Ryaen, and Vaelric had each been bestowed with hundreds of Platinum Coins.

"Hmm... In ages past, stretching back several millennia, each Empire operated with its own distinct currency," FatelessPen recounted as if he were a direct witness to that historical epoch. "However, owing to the continuous inter-Empire trade and the perpetual complexities of currency exchange, representatives from all prominent Empires convened and subsequently established a unified monetary system for the entire world."

"So, cease your worrying," FatelessPen added with a playful grin. "You may indulge your spending desires. Though... prepare yourselves, for a significant shock awaits you very soon."

"A shock regarding what?" Asher immediately inquired.

"Ah, that," FatelessPen smirked with a touch of mischief, "shall remain a closely guarded surprise."

A brief silence descended upon the group, followed by a collective, helpless sigh. None of them knew how to react to the man any longer.

Finch’s ingrained merchant instincts resurfaced as he leaned forward slightly, then spoke.

"Regarding the matter of technology, even if the Thalvorn Empire is unwilling to share its advancements, could you not simply replicate these inventions yourself and discreetly market them to us nobles?" he proposed.

"And for what reason would I undertake such a endeavor when I can simply generate my own income?" FatelessPen retorted with characteristic nonchalance, shaking his head. "That sounds like an utterly unrewarding endeavor."

Finch paused momentarily before murmuring an awkward apology, "My mistake," he whispered.

"You know," FatelessPen suddenly remarked, directing his gaze at Finch, "I genuinely admire your entrepreneurial spirit and innate talent." He then let out a soft sigh. "It is unfortunate that I can never embrace the life of a merchant, even if I so desired."

Asher remained reticent. From a technical and practical standpoint, FatelessPen could arguably be considered the wealthiest individual on the planet, purely in terms of accumulated fortune.

Within the bustling halls of auctions, the man known as FatelessPen could effortlessly outshine any competitor. In truth, he barely needed to engage in bidding wars; a mere proclamation of an exorbitant sum was sufficient to claim any coveted item as his own.

Yet, it begs the question why FatelessPen would even grace auctions with his presence. This extraordinary individual possessed the uncanny ability to manifest virtually any resource or object into existence, provided he wielded sufficient Astra Energy.

'I do wonder about the boundaries of his power,' Asher mused internally, observing FatelessPen with a thoughtful gaze.

Unbeknownst to Asher, FatelessPen's remarkable talent was indeed bound by stringent limitations. For any object or entity to be drawn into reality and achieve true existence, it must have previously existed somewhere within the realm of Crymora.

This meant he couldn't simply conjure a mythical World Tree from a fantasy novel at will, nor could he casually create a Dragon from thin air. Such fantastical beings, absent from Crymora's history, lay entirely beyond the scope of his ability.

However, at the end of the day, these restrictions held little consequence. After all, what need would FatelessPen ever have for a World Tree or a Dragon?

He already commanded the power to summon forth devastating attacks, formidable artifacts, and an abundance of invaluable resources whenever the desire struck him. Ironically, FatelessPen seldom felt the inclination to employ his abilities for such grand displays.

With his discourse concluded, Ryaen, William, Finch, and Vaelric promptly resumed their studies, diligently absorbing as much knowledge as possible before their imminent arrival within the Zero Rings.

Asher, meanwhile, remained in quiet contemplation, pondering the enigma of the Zero Rings.

He envisioned the multitude of arrogant young masters who might reside there, individuals who considered themselves superior to all simply by virtue of being part of the Thalvorn Empire's elite one percent.

Or perhaps, they wouldn't be arrogant at all. After all, every inhabitant of the Zero Rings stood as a formidable power in their own right, leaving scant room for pointless conceit and foolishness.

'Hmmm... a touch of face-slapping cliché wouldn't be entirely unwelcome,' Asher contemplated inwardly.

Though he personally harbored a disdain for such tropes, often overused by authors back on Earth without a sense of moderation, he acknowledged that he hadn't truly encountered any classic cliché face-slapping moments since his arrival in Crymora.

He might as well seize the opportunity if it presented itself amongst the denizens of the Zero Rings.

Naturally, he harbored no intention of deliberately instigating conflict. However, should trouble find its own way to him... well, that would be simply perfect.

A subtle smile gradually graced his features at the thought, as if he could already vividly picture such scenarios unfolding.

FatelessPen, observing that Asher and his companions had fallen silent once more, did not continue his address.

The historical accounts he had imparted to Asher's group were being simultaneously delivered across nearly every conveyance through his myriad clones, each one furnishing identical explanations and information to any students who dared to pose questions.

As for those students who remained quiet, perhaps paralyzed by apprehension, FatelessPen's clones simply paid them no mind.

____