CLEAVER OF SIN Chapter 750: Face Slapping [Golden Gachapon Bonus - ]

Upon reaching the lower levels, the entourage proceeded onward, with onlookers directing their gazes at either Asher or Ryaen, their attention driven by personal inclinations. As was their custom, both individuals paid no mind to the attention they received. Naturally, a few bold souls ventured forward, requesting their phone numbers, a request Asher and Ryaen consistently and politely declined.

A number of people also observed Finch, not due to any resemblance in charm or appearance to Asher and Ryaen, but simply because of his substantial girth. While the inhabitants of the Zarethorne Empire might have grown accustomed to his unique physique, the citizens of the Thalvorn Empire were certainly not. Finch could only manage a slight twitch of his lips as he walked, while William made a valiant effort to suppress his amusement.

"What else are we acquiring?" Ryaen inquired, her steps graceful, her hands tucked within the voluminous sleeves of her attire.

"Isn't it self-evident? We're selecting phones and laptops next," Asher responded with a smile.

Fortunately, thanks to FatelessPen, the necessity for him to expound upon the nature of phones and laptops to the others was obviated.

‘I do wonder about the robustness of certain corporate firewalls,’ Asher mused internally, a mischievous grin playing on his lips. Back in his previous existence, his exceptional intellect and high IQ had rendered hacking merely one of numerous casual pastimes he had acquired.

After all, who could resist the allure of learning to hack after viewing a few exhilarating films?

However, Asher first required possession of a laptop and a phone before embarking on any clandestine digital endeavors. Crymora might operate upon a completely disparate technological framework or foundational programming, potentially reducing his aspirations of breaching corporate defenses in this realm to mere figments of imagination.

"Asher, may I inquire as to how you obtained such an extraordinary sum of platinum coins?" Finch suddenly asked, his voice lowered.

He had effectively articulated the query that occupied the minds of everyone present. After all, what sort of parental figure would casually bestow such an immense fortune upon their offspring?

"My Father, naturally. Who else?" Asher replied dismissively, not even bothering to turn and face them.

Finch and William immediately conveyed their dissent through headshakes. If they were to expend even half the amount Asher had so readily utilized, their respective families might face genuine financial ruin for a period of one to two years.

"The Duke must indeed be exceptionally generous," Vaelric offered his candid assessment. To be entirely truthful, he had never perceived Azaron as the sort of individual to casually disburse such colossal wealth. Vaelric recalled that, on every occasion he had encountered the man, Azaron consistently maintained the identical stoic, unexpressive countenance.

"Even my Father could not provide me with such extravagant sums," Ryaen confessed, her head moving in a slight, negative gesture, her statement entirely factual.

"Just disregard it; I'm certain if you all made a proper request, your families would acquiesce," Asher stated with a wave of his hand.

Ultimately, their destination was a floor exclusively dedicated to electronic devices and the latest technological innovations. Asher surveyed his surroundings with distinct curiosity for several moments, yet, as expected, he recognized none of the brands displayed. Consequently, he directly approached various retail personnel and requested demonstrations of their premier phones and laptops currently available.

Several minutes transpired as the staff members enthusiastically presented each laptop and phone model, detailing their associated prices, unique features, technical specifications, and advancements. In the conclusion, Asher opted for the absolute pinnacle of available technology, electing not to engage in any calculations. Unsurprisingly, he settled the transaction with cash once more.

"Assist us in the setup process," Asher directed, his gaze placid as he addressed the attendant, who promptly nodded with professional alacrity.

"I shall require your identification documents for SIM card registration, alongside fingerprint and iris scans," the staff member continued, enumerating a series of stipulations.

"We are without such identification. Is it not possible for the phones and laptops to function without them?" Asher inquired, a hint of bewilderment in his voice.

"They are incapable of functioning so," the staff member replied evenly.

Asher and the others, understandably, lacked official Thalvorn Empire identification cards. Asher, therefore, cast a casual glance around before silently causing fifty platinum coins to materialize directly onto the staff member's lap.

Although surveillance cameras were ubiquitously positioned throughout the establishment, there existed no conceivable method for them to detect Asher’s recent action via the system. After all, he had not physically made any movement.

The staff member regarded Asher silently for a span of moments before immediately commencing their task without further interrogation.

Regardless of the specific world or Empire one inhabited, currency invariably reigned supreme.

What little money Asher possessed allowed him to effortlessly resolve the situation through bribery. Whatever method the store employee intended to use to activate the gadgets without proper identification was, thankfully, no longer his concern.

Mere minutes later, all preparations were finalized. With everything in order, Asher, William, and the group stood up and exited the store.

Asher, already adept with his mobile device, navigated its functions with practiced ease, while the others were still fumbling with the unfamiliar technology.

Naturally, Asher stepped in to assist them, demonstrating how to make calls, send messages, utilize various applications, and perform other basic operations. The functionality was immediately put to the test, leaving Vaelric and the rest of the group utterly astonished.

Asher then delved into the digital world, scouring the internet for every social media application available within the Thalvorn Empire. Without a second thought, he downloaded any that piqued his interest.

However, their progress was abruptly halted as they noticed a young man, roughly their age, approaching them. Three guards, garbed in imposing, heavy armor, trailed closely behind him.

The young man directed his attention solely to Ryaen, completely disregarding everyone else as if they were invisible.

"May I know your name, beautiful lady?" he inquired politely, extending his hand with the gesture of someone requesting to kiss a lady's hand.

Ryaen met the young man's gaze with a calm demeanor. Despite having politely declined numerous advances earlier, she recognized this one as likely belonging to a Young Master from a prominent family. Her refined senses picked up the faint aroma of alcohol on his breath, the lingering scent of cigarettes on his attire, and even the visible hickeys adorning both sides of his neck.

It was evident that the young man had likely just departed from a brothel or a similar establishment, yet he shamelessly approached another woman.

Just as Asher abhorred foolishness, Ryaen held a deep disdain for men who perceived women merely as objects for their amusement. The young man before her perfectly embodied this type.

With her sharp intellect, Ryaen surmised that even a polite refusal, similar to those she had offered before, would likely not deter him. To avoid a public spectacle or unnecessary complications, she opted for a different approach.

Linking her arm through Asher's, she offered a serene smile and stated, "I regret to disappoint you, but I am already taken," she replied gently, leaning slightly closer to Asher.

Unfortunately, her smile only seemed to intensify the young man's infatuation, his gaze immediately shifting to Asher.

"End your relationship with her and get out of my sight," he commanded arrogantly, his tone suggesting he viewed Asher as utterly beneath him.

Asher was momentarily rendered speechless.

First, Ryaen's unexpected action of linking arms had caught him off guard. Now, he was equally taken aback by the audacity of this individual addressing him so dismissively.

Ironically, Asher had harbored a secret desire for a cliché 'face-slapping' encounter with a preening Young Master, and now, one had virtually presented itself to him. A faint smile began to form on his lips as he resolved to play along.

While it might be remarkably cringe-worthy, it also promised to be rather amusing.

Slightly turning his head towards a nearby clothing store employee who had paused to observe the unfolding scene, Asher calmly remarked, "I wasn't aware your establishment permitted beggars and dogs within its premises."

The young man confronting Asher froze, utterly dumbfounded, while even the guards behind him appeared visibly startled.

Never before had anyone dared to address them in such a manner.

Asher casually retrieved a single copper coin from his System Inventory and tossed it towards the boy's feet. The coin clinked loudly on the polished floor as Asher continued, his voice dripping with disdain, "As a beggar, I understand a mere copper coin is akin to a fortune for someone like you. Thus, bend down, like the dog you are, and retrieve it with your mouth. Should you impress me with your performance, I might even bestow upon you a silver coin." His tone was laced with arrogance.

____