CLEAVER OF SIN Chapter 744: Investigation [Spacecraft Bonus - ]

As the hours ticked by, the convoy of vehicles finally navigated the Inner Rings, eventually reaching the Zero Rings after a comprehensive series of security checks.

Asher's gaze was captivated by the world outside the car window. Towering skyscrapers dominated the landscape in every direction, their structures fashioned from diverse types of glass and gleaming metallic materials. There were no signs of castles, manors, ancient estates, or noble fortresses; only the stark reality of modern civilization was present.

"Welcome to the Zero Rings," FatelessPen announced with a calm demeanor. "Here, you will encounter Young Masters and Young Ladies whose pride surpasses even the Dragons of legend." He added with a slight chuckle.

Numerous young individuals were already visible outside as their vehicle moved along the streets. The car's pace had noticeably reduced, signaling their imminent arrival at their destination.

"I shouldn't need to tell you this," FatelessPen continued, his tone shifting to one of gravity, "but simply to avoid creating diplomatic issues for the Empire and the Academy while visiting a foreign Empire does not mean you should tolerate disrespect from any of the younger generation."

His gaze swept over the students with measured calm. "If they challenge you, fight them," he paused briefly before adding, "just be sure not to kill them."

All eyes were fixed on FatelessPen as he elaborated further.

"Your purpose here is to dominate and demonstrate to the world precisely why you stand superior to all others of your generation. That is all." He paused for a moment, a rather sinister smirk gracing his lips. "And if any of the older generation dare seek retribution on behalf of their Young Master afterward... then you need not fret," FatelessPen's smile widened perceptibly.

"I will handle them myself." A disturbingly malevolent undertone colored his words.

A silent reverence filled the air as everyone absorbed FatelessPen's declaration, eventually nodding in understanding.

Asher readily grasped the unspoken accord that existed between the Empires.

It was virtually inevitable that groups of arrogant and proud geniuses from different Empires would clash, especially with the impending competition so near. Such encounters were practically permitted by every Empire.

After all, not every individual would directly participate in the grand competition. Therefore, allowing some to test their strength, abilities, and combat prowess against foreign opponents beforehand was a natural course of action.

Within mere minutes, their vehicle smoothly came to a halt. Without any delay, FatelessPen opened the door and calmly stepped out. Asher, Vaelric, Finch, William, and Ryaen followed suit immediately.

The instant FatelessPen exited the vehicle, he dissolved all his clones simultaneously, then regrouped the students.

Asher slowly tilted his head back, his neck straining under the immense height of the colossal building before him. By his estimation, the structure contained at least two hundred floors.

The Female Commander from earlier stepped forward with practiced grace, positioning herself beside FatelessPen. "I shall now escort you to the Hotel Reception Floor," she announced serenely.

"Thank you," FatelessPen responded courteously.

Asher's attention was suddenly drawn to the side. Among the extraordinary skyscrapers that filled his field of vision, one stood significantly taller than the rest, completely dwarfing them as if they were mere ordinary structures.

"What is that building?" Asher inquired softly, unable to discern its summit. The skyscraper's peak vanished directly into the clouds, as though it was intentionally built to touch the Heavens.

FatelessPen paused, his gaze shifting toward the immense edifice that had captivated everyone's attention.

"That," FatelessPen replied evenly, "is the Awakener Association Building." His eyes remained fixed on the colossal skyscraper for a brief moment. "It is reputed to have a minimum of five hundred floors. The Overlord herself resides there, along with the most formidable beings within the Thalvorn Empire. In essence, the top 0.01 percent of the entire Empire dwells within that edifice."

Asher knew without a doubt that no one back on Earth would ever dare to construct anything of such a monumental scale.

The sheer height alone surpassed several thousand meters, a testament to the awe-inspiring fusion of advanced technology and potent supernatural abilities.

The Commander's eyebrow arched subtly upon hearing FatelessPen’s explanation. Mentally, she resolved to investigate him thoroughly once she was back in her office. After all, the man spoke with excessive familiarity concerning the Thalvorn Empire. To her, he could very well have once been an undercover spy who had completed his mission and departed.

However, regardless of her suspicions, such thoughts did not interfere with her current duties.

"Let’s proceed," FatelessPen stated calmly as he resumed walking. He had already seen the building countless times in the past, so it no longer inspired awe within him.

The Commander nodded before leading everyone toward the massive structure ahead.

Together, they entered the building. The very moment they stepped inside, numerous Hotel workers immediately bowed respectfully, welcoming them toward the Zero Rings. Although only individuals possessing status, influence, or power resided within the Zero Rings, society itself still required ordinary people in order to function properly.

After all, no one realistically expected Young Masters and Young Ladies to fill roles as hotel receptionists or managers. Thus, the individuals bowing respectfully before them were mostly people at the very bottom of the Life Ranks or those who had never successfully awakened at all.

Normally, skyscrapers served numerous purposes, with different floors rented out to companies, organizations, and businesses. However, this particular skyscraper existed solely as a Hotel, nothing else.

The Hotel Manager stepped forward before speaking politely, "Welcome to the Gentle Hotel. We pride ourselves on being one of the top five Hotels within the Zero Rings." His tone was calm, respectful, and inviting. "Please, if you encounter anything unsatisfactory during your stay, do not hesitate to notify us. Your satisfaction remains our highest priority and concern."

With that, the man gestured toward those beneath him in rank. Immediately, the lower-ranked workers began distributing welcome gifts toward Asher and the rest of the students. Despite the presence of well over four hundred students in total, the Gentle Hotel had clearly prepared adequately beforehand.

Everyone accepted their gifts calmly; none of them immediately checked the contents of the bags they received. Instead, they simply held onto them while maintaining proper decorum and noble etiquette.

"My duties officially conclude here," the Commander stated, her eyes shifting toward FatelessPen. Her responsibility had merely been to escort them safely toward the Hotel.

"Thank you for your assistance," FatelessPen replied with a small smile, not bothering to act arrogant or superior.

"Enjoy your stay," the Commander responded before turning around and walking away alongside her soldiers. Her new mission now involved thoroughly investigating FatelessPen.

Watching the soldiers finally depart, the Hotel Manager offered a polite smile before speaking once more.

"Please, follow me," he gestured forward respectfully.

With that, the students began walking deeper into the Hotel. Although they attempted to maintain composed expressions, it remained practically impossible to stay completely calm while witnessing so many unfamiliar and astonishing sights for the very first time.

Only Asher and FatelessPen remained genuinely indifferent.

One had already seen such things in his previous life.

The other had already experienced them during this one.

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