CLEAVER OF SIN

A full month had passed since Asher had merged with the Star Core Fragment. In that time, his life had been consumed entirely within the walls of the training chamber. Day after day, he immersed himself in endless practice, his mind and body wholly dedicated to refining his mastery over the three new affinities he had gained, Light, Space, and Gravity.

He did not allow himself to favor one above the others; progress in each was balanced and deliberate. Not a single affinity was abandoned for the sake of another. Every session was measured, calculated, and exhaustive.

During this past month, he had not cultivated even once. All of his time and energy were devoted solely to exploring and strengthening these new powers. Yet, despite this focus, Asher did not neglect his lightning element. On the contrary, he devoted hours to conducting numerous experiments with it as well.

The results of these experiments had been nothing short of exhilarating. His lightning had changed, it now carried a sharper speed, a brighter intensity, and a fiercer, more turbulent energy. It no longer crackled; it roared.

Every strike felt like a thunderstorm condensed into a single instant. And Asher welcomed this transformation with an unrestrained smile.

At present, he could be seen seated comfortably in his room, a plate of food placed neatly before him on the table.

Roughly a week ago, a letter from his father had arrived, informing him that he would be sent to an Academy. That day, today, marked the moment of departure.

Not far away, Lyra was quietly folding his clothes and placing them into a large suitcase, preparing every garment with meticulous care for the journey ahead.

Minutes passed in quiet rhythm before Asher finally set down his cutlery. Reaching for a napkin, he dabbed his mouth with composed precision. Noticing this, Lyra rose from her position and, without a word, collected the empty plate before stepping out of the room.

With a faint sigh and a satisfied stomach, Asher rose from his chair, walked toward the bed, and collapsed face-first onto the mattress. Although part of him longed to return to the training chamber even now, he knew that was impossible, there was a journey to embark upon.

His thoughts began to wander, drifting to his siblings. His mind shuffled through memories of each of them. In his father's letter, he had been told that one of his siblings would escort him to the Academy, though the letter had offered no hint as to which.

'It's probably Malrik or Wuthenya, they're the strongest,' he guessed silently as he rolled onto his back, his eyes settling on the plain ceiling above.

Before long, Lyra returned, continuing her meticulous packing while Asher lay in a thoughtful daze, awaiting the arrival of whichever brother or sister had been assigned to accompany him.

Time blurred. Eventually, Lyra finished arranging everything, stood, and offered a respectful bow before stepping outside once more.

'I might as well sleep while I wait,' Asher thought, eyelids beginning to lower.

But just as he was about to drift into slumber, Lyra reappeared at the door.

"What is it, Lyra?" he asked, his voice calm.

"Young Master, the Third Sun and Third Moon are here," she announced.

A faint exhale left Asher's lips. "It seems my guess was wrong then," he murmured as he pushed himself into a seated position.

With a mere thought, Astra pulsed faintly within him. Space itself seemed to ripple, and the luggage Lyra had neatly arranged moments ago was instantly pulled toward him. A simple wave of his hand made them vanish into his system's storage space.

This was one of the progress he had achieved over the past month, through spatial manipulation, he could now pull and push objects with ease.

He rose smoothly from the bed. "Lead me to them," he instructed.

Lyra gave a brief nod before turning, and Asher followed closely behind her.

Within moments, they stepped out of the main building. Asher's eyes immediately fell upon two figures standing beside a carriage, speaking to one another in quiet tones. One was a man, the other a woman; both exuded a quiet presence.

"It seems the youngest has finally arrived," the woman remarked.

"Are you ready?" the man asked, his calm gaze meeting Asher's.

Asher remembered them clearly from the day of his True Awakening, the Third Sun and the Third Moon, the only twins in the Wargrave family.

Xavian, the Third Sun.

Xavienne, the Third Moon.

"Good morning, Xavian. Xavienne. Yes, I'm ready. I've packed everything I need," Asher replied evenly.

"Then let's move, youngest. We're not the only ones heading there," Xavienne stated, her expression composed.

But just as they were about to step into the carriage, a familiar voice called out from behind Asher.

"I hope you can allow this old bone to join you on this journey."

Asher turned at once, recognizing the voice instantly. It belonged to Commander Yevric, head of the Wargrave Knight Order. The man walked toward them with an unhurried gait and a faint, good-natured smile.

Xavian's eyes narrowed slightly. "Uncle, what are you doing here?"

"Shouldn't you be protecting the estate in Father's absence?" Xavienne added, her tone a seamless continuation of her brother's question.

"The Primarch has permitted this old man to stretch his legs a bit. Don't worry, you won't even notice me," Commander Yevric replied with practiced calm.

The three siblings nodded silently.

Asher understood perfectly, Yevric was accompanying them for their protection. Should someone strong enough attack, losing three Wargraves in a single strike would be a devastating blow.

Without wasting more time, Asher turned toward the carriage and began to step inside. But his movement paused mid-stride. Turning back, he met Lyra's gaze.

"Thank you for everything up until now. Don't miss me too much," he said with an easy tone. With that, he stepped inside.

Lyra did not reply, she simply bowed deeply toward the carriage. As she held the bow, a faint, gentle smile softened her lips.

Inside, Asher took his seat. Xavienne entered and settled beside him, while Xavian positioned himself across from them.

"Uncle, aren't you coming in?" Xavienne asked, glancing toward the door.

"The roof will do. It's been too long since I've felt the open air," Yevric answered evenly. Without another word, his figure blurred and vanished, reappearing in the next instant atop the carriage, sitting cross-legged with the ease of one perfectly at home in such a position.

Xavienne nodded once, and the door closed. The two butlers seated at the front gave the reins a swift flick, and the pair of Enduron horses surged forward, pulling the carriage into motion.

And thus, the journey began, toward an Academy Asher knew nothing about.