CLEAVER OF SIN Chapter 753: High Risk High Reward [Castle Bonus - ]

Far in the distance from Asher's current position, within the hallowed halls of the Awakener Association Building, a different scene unfolded.

As FatelessPen had rightly mentioned, this esteemed structure was a sanctuary exclusively for the elite 0.1%, a place where many were not even permitted entry, lacking any valid reason to tread its grounds.

On one of the uppermost levels of the Awakener Association Building, four distinguished individuals were gathered around a table. Each exuded an aura of absolute authority, accustomed to commanding vast numbers of people. Though no overt displays of power were made, their mere presence communicated their status as unparalleled Crownstar Life Rankers.

These four were none other than the Principals of each Empire's Academy.

Familiarity permeated the air; after all, the grand Inter-Empire competition convened once every twenty years, fostering a sense of camaraderie amongst them.

A trio of men and a single woman constituted this elite assembly. The woman, Cindralis, remained as breathtakingly beautiful as ever, seemingly immune to the passage of time, her demeanor placid and composed.

Beside her sat the second figure, a man endowed with striking blue hair and piercing white eyes. His handsome features were complemented by a broad, imposing physique, standing an impressive eight foot five inches tall. An unyielding smile graced his face, hinting at an amused disposition.

He was Raiden, the Principal of the esteemed Constellation Academy, representing the southern Velkarin Empire.

The third man possessed an almost ethereal quality, as if he existed outside the bounds of the present moment. Without direct visual contact, his presence would elude all senses. With fiery red hair and matching crimson eyes, his composure was unshakable as he remained in silent contemplation, detached from the ongoing discussion.

He was Iskarel, the Principal of the Heavenly Academy, hailing from the Thalvorn Empire.

Lastly, the fourth individual calmly savored what appeared to be tea. His pink hair created a stark contrast against his dark, sharp, and refined features.

He was Edrik, the Principal of the Astra Academy, affiliated with the Vandross Empire.

This meeting, a ritual preceding each Inter-Empire competition, found them well-acquainted after centuries of fulfilling their roles as Principals.

"It seems we find ourselves reunited once more," Raiden remarked, his smile genuine. Given their established rapport, pretense and arrogance were unnecessary.

"Alas, this year's competition ought to be annulled. I truly have no desire to subjugate your students," Iskarel stated placidly, his voice resonating with an unshakeable confidence, as if victory were already assured.

"Simply because you triumphed in the last competition does not guarantee a repeat performance this year, tsk," Edrik interjected with a dismissive click of his tongue.

Iskarel's smile widened at Edrik's words. Indeed, his Heavenly Academy of the Thalvorn Empire had emerged victorious in the preceding contest, a feat that had secured them the privilege of hosting the current event, wresting it from the Zarethorne Empire.

Despite the twenty-year interval between these prestigious competitions, and their shared status as Crownstar Life Rankers, each Principal engaged with unwavering seriousness. No one readily conceded defeat. While personal gains from victory were minimal, the triumph served to bolster their egos and reaffirm the supremacy of their respective Academies.

"My words are entirely sincere. The Overlord's daughter will be competing this time, and I need hardly elaborate on her formidable power to any of you," Iskarel declared with a subtle smirk. "And her son possesses even greater talent than she did," he added, his tone dripping with evident pride.

Raiden of the Constellation Academy, turning towards Cindralis, inquired, "Cindralis, will you not offer your input, or do you fear yet another defeat this year?" His tone was playfully taunting.

Cindralis's gaze momentarily sharpened before she responded, "If an eavesdropper heard you, they might mistakenly believe you were the perennial victor of the Inter-Empire competitions," her voice imbued with casual indifference.

"We have heard whispers of you fielding not one, but two Wargraves this time around. Your prospects for victory must be exceptionally high," Edrik commented, directing his attention towards Cindralis.

"I suppose the odds are stacked against them this time around," Iskarel commented. "After all, it appears the Wargrave Bloodline is already in decline, as their latest offspring only awakened his abilities on his third try. A true pity," he added, his voice dripping with a pity that was indistinguishable from cold indifference. "Yet, even awakening on his third attempt, he still managed to secure a spot within the top two hundred and earn admission into your Star Academy," Iskarel continued. "This suggests either the Zarethorne Empire is suffering a talent shortage... or perhaps the Star Academy has stooped to accepting bribes."

Raiden and Edrik remained silent, their gazes fixed on Cindralis as if awaiting her defense. Naturally, as Principals, they were all privy to certain unspoken understandings concerning each other's Academies.

"A Wargrave remains a Wargrave, regardless of whether they awaken on their first or final attempt," Cindralis stated, her expression unwavering. She offered no further explanation, deeming it unnecessary to defend Asher beyond that assertion. Her belief was that actions would ultimately speak louder than words.

"I concur with that sentiment," Raiden remarked, a hint of amusement in his voice. "At least Malrik was unable to participate. Otherwise, it would have been a straightforward victory for the Zarethorne Empire. I imagine you must have been quite furious about that, Cindralis," Raiden added.

"At the very least, the other Wargraves do not exhibit the same level of outrageous behavior as him," Edrik responded, shaking his head as he settled further into his seat.

Despite his absence from the current discussion, the topic of Malrik invariably resurfaced. The man was universally acknowledged as a uniquely outrageous figure.

While Iskarel would have preferred to claim that the Overlord's son possessed talents matching Malrik's, he could not honestly do so. Thus, he chose to remain silent. The Overlord's son would first need to surpass Malrik's established records before earning such accolades.

"In any case, shall we make a wager this time?" Raiden proposed unexpectedly. "The victor of this competition will be owed a favor by the losers," he continued, his tone deepening slightly.

At his words, a collective frown settled upon the faces present. Even Cindralis's expression shifted subtly. Favors exchanged between individuals of the Crownstar Life Ranker status were far from trivial matters.

"Are you so confident in your Constellation Academy? Has the Velkarin Empire truly cultivated such a prodigious talent?" Edrik of the Vandross Empire inquired.

"Hehehehe... this year truly appears to hold the greatest potential. I have my own trump card, Cindralis possesses a Wargrave, and Iskarel has the Overlord's son," Raiden declared. He paused, his gaze shifting to Edrik before continuing, "And I am certain that you, too, have a hidden ace up your sleeve."

Edrik remained uncharacteristically quiet. Indeed, he did possess his own trump card, but was he truly prepared to gamble a favor on it? He certainly was not.

After all, one had to consider that the rules for this competition had not even been finalized. What if their own trump card was rendered ineligible to participate, while another Empire's prodigy was allowed to compete? That would constitute a loss even before the Inter-Empire competition had properly commenced.

Consequently, a heavy silence descended as they each privately weighed the true value of a favor against such considerable risks.

Ultimately, it was understood that high stakes invariably promised equally high rewards.

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