CLEAVER OF SIN

'I can't even sense any form of presence from him,' Asher thought, his gaze fixed on the man before him.

'Also, why is everyone in this world so tall?' His thoughts spiraled. 'Father is taller than Malrik, who's already eight feet in height. Then there's Cassandra, who stands at seven feet. And now, this man is nearly seven feet tall as well. Meanwhile, I'm already 6'6"… and I'm just eighteen.'

With that internal sigh, Asher took a step forward and calmly seated himself in the chair opposite the Commander.

"Nothing serious, Commander," Asher began evenly. "I just need your help with something."

"Hoo…" the Commander let out a deep hum. "Did someone make a move against the Tenth Sun?"

Though his voice remained calm, Asher's Omni Perception picked up the subtle shifts in their bodies. Both the Commander and Cassandra had slightly adjusted their stances, small, precise movements that suggested they were instantly ready to act, should the need arise.

"No, Commander," Asher responded. "I doubt anyone would dare. But I'm here to ensure that they never get the chance."

The Commander gave a thoughtful nod, then slowly took a seat himself. His eyes met Asher's, calm but piercing, as if urging him to go on.

Without any hesitation, Asher continued, "I'll be heading to an auction at The Orchid Auction House. I'd like you to accompany me as my personal Knight until the event concludes."

This was Asher's plan from the start when he said he would only take one guard along. If he was going to bring just one escort, then why not the strongest? In the off chance that someone tried something reckless, at least he could sit back and enjoy the spectacle. After all, he'd never witnessed a true battle between those at the peak of this world.

He didn't know the Commander's exact strength, but there was no reality in which the leader of the Wargrave Knights would be weak.

The Commander seemed to understand the unspoken concern behind Asher's request. "Why not simply inform us of what you want from the auction house?" he suggested. "One of the Knights could retrieve it and bring it to you."

"I don't need anything, Commander," Asher clarified. "I'm only going to look around. Nothing more."

The Commander raised a single brow, but after a moment of consideration, he nodded slowly in understanding.

"Then I must apologize, Tenth Sun. I won't be able to accompany you outside," he said plainly, without a hint of hesitation.

Asher's expression didn't shift. "Why?"

"As the Commander, it is my duty to guard the estate in the Primarch's absence. I cannot abandon my post, not even briefly."

Asher nodded in acceptance. He didn't argue, nor did he try to insist. He understood the man's position well. If the Commander had already decided, then there was nothing anyone could say to change it.

Asher wasn't foolish enough to act like a brain-dead young master, threatening the man with his Sun status or demanding who held more value: a Sun or a building filled with servants.

That wasn't who he was.

"I understand. Thank you for your time," Asher said respectfully, though mentally he sighed in disappointment. 'Looks like I'll have to recall those five Knights,' he thought to himself.

"Tenth Sun," Cassandra's voice suddenly rang from behind. "Although the Commander is unable to leave, I would be honored to accompany you. I dare not sound arrogant, but I believe my strength will suffice for this task."

Asher's head turned toward Cassandra, who stood beside Lyra with a composed expression. He then looked to the Commander. "Isn't she stationed here as well?"

"She is," the Commander confirmed, nodding slowly. "But she will eventually succeed me when this old man retires. Consider this an opportunity for her to gain experience."

Asher stood from his chair and offered a slight bow of his head. "Thank you, Commander. It was a pleasure meeting you."

"The pleasure is mine, Tenth Sun," the Commander replied with a faint smile.

Asher turned and walked toward the golden door. Upon reaching it, he paused, glancing back over his shoulder.

"I never did catch your name, Commander."

The old man smiled, his eyes gleaming with pride as he responded, "I'm Yevric, Commander of the Wargrave Knight Order, Eraser of all who dare oppose the will of the Wargrave."

'Another cool title and introduction,' Asher mused internally, a faint smirk playing at the corner of his lips. 'I need to get myself one of those.'

Without another word, he nodded and stepped out, his expression returning to calm neutrality, footsteps steady and soundless as the door closed behind him.

"Young Master," Lyra spoke gently from behind, "I'll move ahead to prepare the carriage for your arrival."

"No problem," Asher replied with a nod.

Without another word, Lyra turned and leapt straight through the nearest window. Asher paused, slightly startled, blinking at her sudden disappearance before shaking his head and chuckling softly.

He continued walking forward, Cassandra following silently behind. In just a few minutes, they stepped out into the sunlight, where the familiar golden-plated carriage stood waiting at the estate's entrance. The reins were already secured in the hands of the coachman. Asher's gaze shifted to the man, and recognition instantly dawned on him.

It was the same coachman who had brought him to the capital.

"It's been a while," Asher said calmly, his eyes settling on the older man.

"Good afternoon, Tenth Sun. It is an honor that you still remember me," the coachman, Kent, replied with a respectful bow.

"It's nothing special," Asher said with a light chuckle, stepping into the carriage. "I wouldn't be able to forget you even if I wanted to."

Kent stood frozen for a second, stunned by Asher's words. 'He… wouldn't be able to forget me?' The thought echoed in his mind, filling him with a strange mixture of awe and joy.

What Kent didn't realize, however, was that Asher had meant those words quite literally, his memory was flawless. His mind never forgot a face, a name, or even the faintest of details. He remembered everything he had ever seen or heard, perfectly.

Lyra stepped into the carriage behind him, giving the daydreaming coachman no attention whatsoever.

Vice Commander Cassandra, now clad in light armor, mounted her Enduron horse effortlessly. With that, the journey officially began.

The carriage creaked into motion, its wheels rolling smoothly over the estate's polished stone path. The Enduron horses trotted ahead with practiced ease, their bodies glistening under the sun.