Cleaver Of Sin

Chapter 454: Hire

A few days passed, and the time to return to the Star Academy was drawing closer and closer with each passing hour. Within that short span of time, Asher and Rachael had grown noticeably closer. Every single day without exception, she would disturb him, either pestering him endlessly for a spar or bombarding him with endless questions about Virelass.

The sentient rapier had completely captivated her attention, and her fascination with it bordered on outright infatuation. To her, Virelass wasn’t just a weapon, but a marvel, something alive and mysterious, and Asher, as its wielder, only added to that sense of wonder.

At this moment, Asher could be seen giving Rachael a piggyback as they headed toward Finch’s room. Rachael hummed softly to herself as though she were enjoying the ride immensely, a wide and carefree smile plastered on her face as her head bobbed from side to side in a relaxed rhythm. She clung to Asher’s shoulders with complete trust, treating the whole thing like a casual stroll rather than being carried by one of the most dangerous individuals in the barony.

”Brother Asher, how about I tell father and mother to fire my current weapon instructor and hire you instead?” Rachael requested cheerfully as she remained perched on Asher’s back, her tone filled with innocent enthusiasm.

”That will be impossible, Rachael,” Asher replied calmly as he continued walking forward without any change in expression.

”But why?” she asked immediately, craning her neck and twisting slightly as she tried to peek at his face from behind. ”I’m sure mother and father have enough money to pay you.”

A faint smile appeared on Asher’s face as he answered, his voice gentle but firm. ”Because I’m enrolled at the Star Academy. I’ll be there for several years, and during that time I won’t be able to leave freely to teach you. So it’s impossible, Rachael.” He paused briefly before continuing, his tone softening further. ”Besides, your current rapier instructor is already good enough for you at the moment.”

”Is that so...” Rachael murmured, her voice lowering noticeably, tinged with disappointment as though the idea saddened her more than she expected.

Asher picked up on the shift in her emotions almost immediately, though he said nothing in response. Over the past few days, he had indeed taken the time to observe the rapier instructor while she trained Rachael. While the woman was far from what could be considered a true rapier master, Asher had spoken truthfully. Given Rachael’s current stage and age, the instructor’s level of skill was more than sufficient. Rachael was still a child, after all, and pushing her too far too early would do more harm than good.

”Then at least promise me that you will teach me when you leave the Star Academy,” Rachael said softly. Her voice was cute, her words innocent, and she herself did not truly understand the weight of what she was asking.

”I will try my best, Rachael,” Asher replied with an assuring smile. ”I won’t leave a cute girl like you behind.”

Although he could have easily made a promise without intention of keeping it, he didn’t. Asher would rather not promise at all than break his word later, even if the promise was made to a child. Children, after all, were far more perceptive than most adults gave them credit for, and they forgot broken promises far less easily.

Rachael immediately giggled, her earlier sadness vanishing into thin air as her usual bright and cheerful demeanor returned in full force. Not long after, Asher and Rachael reached Finch’s door. Asher didn’t bother knocking. Instead, he casually pushed it open using a controlled pulse of Astra energy. Once again, Rachael was visibly amazed, her eyes sparkling at the effortless display, though she refrained from commenting. Asher had already shown her many fascinating things that could be done with precise Astra control over the past few days.

Finch turned toward them as the door swung open.

”Big Brother!” Rachael called out excitedly from behind Asher. Using him as leverage, she leaped off his back and bounded toward Finch, landing gently atop his bed.

”Good morning,” Finch said warmly as he brushed his little sister’s hair with his fingers. ”How was your training session this morning?”

”It was fine,” Rachael replied happily, her grin wide and proud. ”I’ll be getting to Brother Asher’s rapier level in a few years!”

”I’m sure you will,” Finch said with a smile. He didn’t bother correcting her optimism. This was the essence of childhood, the dreams, the joy, the belief that anything was possible. Those things would inevitably fade as reality set in with age.

’Unless you’re a monster like him,’ Finch thought quietly, ’I’m afraid it might take you a decade after awakening just to reach his current level.’

While his sister was undeniably talented, Finch wasn’t delusional enough to believe her growth could rival Asher’s absurd rate. Even the Wargraves themselves struggled to compare.

’And besides,’ Finch mused further, ’in six years, he might already be at the Crownstar Life Rank... or at least frighteningly close to it.’ By the time Rachael awakened, Asher would likely already be standing near the peak of the world.

”Is it true you’re leaving for the Star Academy tomorrow, Big Brother?” Rachael asked, her blue eyes fixed on Finch.

”I am,” Finch replied with a sigh. ”I’ve already stayed here longer than usual. This is about as much time as I can spend with you for now.”

Rachael went quiet for a moment, then nodded firmly. ”I’ll be waiting. And when you return, I’ll show you how much I’ve improved. Look forward to it, Big Brother.” She struck a fierce battle pose as if holding a rapier.

”I’m sure you’ll improve,” Finch said fondly, pinching her cheeks. ”You are Rachael, after all.”

Asher watched the exchange silently. The very first piece of advice he had given Rachael during their initial sparring session had already borne fruit. In just two days, she had shown noticeable improvement. Her talent was genuine.

The door swung open once more as William stepped inside without bothering to knock.

”Morning,” he muttered as he sat down on the couch.

Greetings were exchanged, Rachael flashing her usual bright smile. Asher’s gaze shifted toward William.

”You seem to be pushing yourself harder than usual,” Asher observed.

”Well, I am,” William replied, grabbing a piece of fruit from the bowl. ”Can’t afford to be left behind.” He glanced toward Asher. ”How about you?”

”I’m focusing on strengthening my Astra veins,” Asher replied truthfully.

William nodded, and the conversation drifted naturally. Tomorrow, they would be leaving the Whale Barony. Their stay was nearing its end.