CLEAVER OF SIN Chapter 925: Dream

~5 minute read · 1,318 words
Previously on CLEAVER OF SIN...
Asher meets with Kimberley Elox, who apologizes for abandoning him during a previous conflict. She admits she bet most of her money on Arianna, not Asher, but Asher dismisses it, noting their families' vast wealth. Kimberley reveals her father's incredible money-rebating ability, which multiplies any money he spends by at least a hundredfold, astonishing Asher.

Asher’s mind couldn’t help but spin as he processed the ability the Patriarch of the Elox family possessed. Asher couldn’t help but think about the economic state of the world if that man decided to unlock his vault and share money so ridiculously.

But at the same time, Asher knew that the man understood this. After all, he was a businessman, hence he did things in moderation, like sharing money only with those who remained until the Qualifier Round ended, and those who had actually placed a bet, as he simply returned the money they already had, thereby not affecting the economy in any negative way.

If Asher had been given the option of being born into the Elox family or the Wargrave family prior to his transmigration, without truly realizing the nature of this world, he would have immediately picked the Elox family. Who wouldn’t pick infinite money over fighting endlessly? Well... maybe some otakus and weebs wouldn’t, which was respectable in its own way.

But knowing what he knew now, Asher understood that if he were presented with that choice again, he would always choose the Wargrave family. After all, it was the perfect family to be born into in a world like this.

Although Theodore’s ability was nice and all, he had still ultimately lost.

Besides, Asher himself had doubled the ten thousand platinum coins he had staked on himself earlier through William into twenty thousand platinum coins.

People like Azaron, Malrik, Baron Whale, Baron Rivelle, and Baron Canestane were the ones who would enjoy it more, as they would win the money from the bets they had made and still receive the total amount they had staked throughout the tournament for free.

Their net worth had truly skyrocketed.

As for the Wargrave Elders, Great Elders, and the current Suns and Moons, they were happy to at least receive their money back. Well... the entire world was.

If not, a lot of people would have become homeless, as they might not have been able to keep up with rent and other expenses.

"Sigh... you really are living the dream," Asher replied with a sigh as he shook his head. His wealth was truly nothing compared to Kimberley’s. He was just a poor church rat compared to her.

Kimberley arched an eyebrow, her black eyes turning toward Asher as she couldn’t help but sigh and shake her head, having no reply to that.

She wouldn’t lie, she was richer than many people. Many awakeners were no different from paupers compared to her due to the sheer amount of funds her father gave her and her siblings because of his rebate ability. But at the end of the day, her greatest wish was to be an awakener. She wanted to possess the ability to use Astra energy.

It didn’t matter if she became the most untalented awakener in existence. It didn’t matter to Kimberley. After all, her family wasn’t a combat family like the Wargraves, so even if she possessed the lowest talent possible, nobody would judge her. Even if the ability she awakened was merely the power to make coins float, she would still be grateful for it. After all, Elox like her brother, Theodore, whose money-related ability was also suited for battle, were extremely rare.

But... alas, reality was often disappointing.

Whenever Kimberley saw people who had awakened on the third attempt simply give up, it always made her somewhat angry, as they didn’t appreciate what millions of unawakeners dreamed of every single day.

But alas, she was still grateful for at least being born into such a family. She was loved, she had her own business, and no one placed immense or worldly expectations upon her.

While people loved her money, she loved the fact that they were awakeners. Hearing Asher say she was living the dream simply caused her true dream to come rushing back to the forefront of her mind. Hence the reason she said nothing. What could she possibly say or do? Trade places? No, thank you.

Although the Wargraves were powerful and all, she feared she might be devoured alive if she wasn’t talented enough.

Asher seemed to notice the subtle change in Kimberley’s expression and emotions. Being far too smart for his own good, he immediately realized that what he had said wasn’t exactly the best thing to tell someone who dreamed of becoming an awakener. Although Kimberley hadn’t outright said she desired such a life, Asher could at least deduce that much.

"I apologize if I overstepped," Asher spoke as he walked beside her.

"It’s fine. It’s only natural that no one has it all... if anyone truly had everything, life might simply become too boring for them, and they might even end up committing suicide from sheer boredom," Kimberley said with a light smile and a gentle shake of her head.

Even her father, with such an outrageous ability, didn’t have it all. After all, there were some things in this world that money simply couldn’t buy.

Asher couldn’t help but wonder if anyone could really commit suicide out of sheer boredom. Kimberley’s statement was certainly a wild one.

’But I had it all back on Earth,’ Asher thought to himself.

Peace, love, wealth, comfort, height, a handsome face, a good physique, a loving girlfriend, and brains.

Maybe he had died in his sleep from boredom. Asher shook his head, deciding not to think about it any further, although he did enjoy reminiscing about his past life every once in a while.

"You know, every time I see you talk, laugh, apologize, and stuff, I’m always amazed," Kimberley spoke with a shake of her head.

Asher didn’t need to ask to know where this was going. As he and Kimberley had been walking around, he had seen one of his siblings within the hall, and as usual, they either wore expressions carved from stone or cold expressions as though they couldn’t be bothered to talk to anyone or laugh with anyone.

Asher understood that the Wargraves were this way simply because people wanted to be friends with them only because they were Wargraves. Although he, Asher, wasn’t exactly like that, he simply wore an expressionless face whenever he dealt with unfamiliar people.

"I guess you could say the First and the Last Sun are different... or unique," Asher replied jokingly.

"I guess so," Kimberley replied with a shake of her head before adding, "this is where we part ways, Tenth Sun," her tone calm.

"Call me Asher," Asher replied, his tone equally calm. "Where are you heading today?" he asked.

Kimberley sighed before explaining, "while I might not be an awakener, I’m still an Elox, and events like these are supposed to strengthen the family’s network and further increase the value behind our already ridiculous fortune. Besides, I have a few deals to close for my own company. I was talking to a few clients before I decided to walk over and talk with you for a bit," her tone calm.

Asher simply nodded, not needing any further explanation.

"I wish you good luck with your deals then," he replied. "Also, I have a friend I’d like to introduce you to someday. He simply loves money way too much and is the most business- and money-minded person I’ve ever met," he added as his mind immediately drifted to Fatty Wang.

Kimberley wondered who Asher was talking about, but she didn’t ask, as she couldn’t stay any longer. She simply waved at him before turning and walking away as she spoke;

"I’ll be looking forward to meeting this person... Asher," she said lightly as she vanished into the endless sea of people.