CLEAVER OF SIN Chapter 748: Women’s Only Clothings [Golden Gachapon Bonus - ]
Previously on CLEAVER OF SIN...
The morning sun finally graced the land, yet Asher remained seated before his television screen. Eventually, he powered it off, deciding it was time to delve into the wonders the Thalvorn Empire held and to make his own displays.
Shedding his clothes, he made his way to the shower, standing silently under the cascading water, letting it flow soothingly down his back.
Emerging a few minutes later, he donned a fresh set of attire. With his preparations complete, he opened his room door and stepped out, setting his course for William’s chamber. While he had dismissed them the previous night, did he regret it? Absolutely not. And would they harbor any anger towards him for it? Certainly not.
Asher was already aware of William's room, having observed the young man's entrance the night before. Upon reaching the door, he simply rang the bell and awaited a response. In mere seconds, the door slid open, revealing William standing there.
Upon seeing Asher, William immediately uttered, ""I thought you were dead,"" his voice a low, indifferent murmur.
Asher effortlessly moved past him into the room, responding with casual ease, ""Then I have risen from the dead."" The very first detail to catch his eye was the television, a movie playing in the background.
""It appears you’ve mastered the television's operation,"" Asher remarked, settling himself comfortably on William’s bed.
""It’s not difficult to operate once you decipher the function of each button,"" William replied, closing the door behind him and proceeding further into the room.
Asher offered a simple nod, pausing in silence for a moment.
""Did you not hear our knocking yesterday?"" William inquired, moving towards the refrigerator to retrieve a beverage.
""I did, but I chose to ignore you. I was engaged in private time with the provided technology,"" Asher stated truthfully, making no attempt to conceal his actions.
William gave a nod of understanding. His gaze shifted to the gaming console before he spoke again, ""Playing the games here is quite challenging. Even though I've figured out every button on the controller, I still meet my demise within seconds,"" he sighed softly, taking another sip.
""What you require is experience; that is all,"" Asher responded placidly. Despite his proficiency in gaming, he was acutely aware that he was far from the caliber of those unemployed individuals on Earth who dedicated nearly all their waking hours to online gaming.
""Regardless, I came here so we could explore the Zero Rings,"" Asher resumed. ""If you are prepared, we can depart now, though it’s perfectly fine if you prefer not to go,"" his tone remained calm and unhurried.
""Allow me to change first,"" William replied with a flat tone before heading towards the walk-in closet. After a few minutes, he emerged, having refreshed himself and changed his clothes.
The pair exited the room in unison and proceeded towards Finch and Ryaen’s rooms, extending an invitation for them to join. The Prince, however, was not even considered for notification.
Yet, as they were traversing the hallway towards the elevator, the Prince emerged from his own room, offering them a faint smile. It appeared their encounter was purely coincidental.
With that, all of them entered the elevator together, descending to the first floor before making their way to the reception desk. The Hotel Manager was no longer present; a different staff member had assumed his role, while the Manager himself had apparently returned to his original duties elsewhere.
""Good morning, how may I assist you?"" one of the staff members inquired warmly, a gentle and inviting smile gracing her features.
""We will be requiring a cab or taxi; we wish to explore the vicinity,"" Asher stated directly, understanding that hotels typically managed such simple logistical needs for their guests.
""Kindly grant me a few moments,"" the staff member replied, promptly reaching for a phone and initiating a call right there at the desk.
Concluding her call, she stepped away from the reception counter and announced, ""This way, please.""
Asher and the others followed her lead, exiting the Gentle Hotel Skyscraper. A sophisticated black van awaited them just outside the main entrance. As if anticipating their arrival, the side door slid open automatically, revealing an exceptionally opulent interior.
Asher entered first, with Vaelric and the others following closely behind. Each found their own seat before the van commenced its smooth journey forward at a steady pace.
Noticing a small button located on his armrest, Asher pressed it with curiosity. In the following instant, the external world, which had previously been obscured, became visible, creating the illusion that the van itself had become transparent.
There was no need for them to provide any directions to the chauffeur, as the hotel staff had already relayed their destination earlier.
Finch, with curiosity piqued, pressed another button near his seat. The chair emitted a soft hum before reclining backward, and a moment later, a gentle massage began to soothe him. Finch settled deeper into the luxurious seat, thoroughly enjoying the automated comfort.
"So, where to first?" Ryaen inquired, her posture elegant as she crossed her legs.
"I have no idea," Asher replied, shaking his head slightly. "Wherever the driver takes us, we'll simply go."
Within a few minutes, their van smoothly came to a halt. The automatic doors slid open, and Asher, along with the others, disembarked. They found themselves standing before another colossal skyscraper. While not quite reaching the impressive heights of the Gentle Hotel, the structure still soared magnificently towards the heavens.
The driver made no move to exit the vehicle. He was, after all, merely a driver, not a tour guide. With no additional payment offered for explanations, he saw no reason to exert himself beyond his basic duties.
Asher and his companions proceeded to enter the building on their own. The instant they crossed the threshold, a completely transformed atmosphere greeted them. Before them lay a massive escalator, which they ascended without hesitation. They soon arrived at what appeared to be an immense shopping floor.
Throngs of people filled the space, thousands moving continuously. The air buzzed with incessant noise, yet paradoxically, it felt like a symphony of controlled chaos rather than mere disorder.
Diverse clothing brands were visible in every direction, while elegantly dressed mannequins stood within glass displays, showcasing the unique fashion culture of the Thalvorn Empire.
It was evident that most individuals present were likely individuals of wealth, accustomed to countless shopping excursions. Nevertheless, the exquisite designs, ambient lighting, striking architecture, and vibrant colors of the various establishments provided William and the others with an experience quite unlike anything they had encountered before.
Ryaen was the first to take action.
Without a moment's delay, she entered the closest boutique, her eyes alight with excitement as she approached a display rack brimming with an array of women's attire, meticulously arranged on wheeled stands. In that instant, she bore no resemblance to the typically quiet and composed Ryaen.
The establishment appeared to exclusively cater to women's fashion. However, as they had arrived as a group, the young men naturally elected to accompany her inside. Given they were in a completely unfamiliar Empire, they had mutually agreed that staying together would be the safest course of action, minimizing the risk of unexpected trouble should they separate.
Upon noticing Ryaen's arrival, a female staff member inside the shop promptly approached with a practiced, professional smile.
"Welcome to Women Only Clothings. How may I assist you today?" she inquired, her voice imbued with charm and politeness.
Ryaen paused for a brief moment before responding.
"As you can likely discern, I hail from a different Empire. Therefore, I require your assistance in styling me according to the fashion conventions of the Thalvorn Empire. I can take it from there," she explained with a calm demeanor.
The staff member offered a professional nod and then led Ryaen further into the store.
____