Cleaver Of Sin

Chapter 295: Contribution

Asher walked toward Finch’s bed and sat down with a calm and composed demeanor. Since there was no couch within the small room, he had only two options: the bed or the single wooden chair that William had already claimed. The atmosphere was quiet, filled with the faint hum of Astra-infused lamps that illuminated the modest space.

Finch waved his hand lightly, summoning refreshments from his space ring. Being the host, and this being his first time hosting both of them, he couldn’t afford to treat Asher and William carelessly. It was a simple gesture, yet it carried a tone of respect and camaraderie.

The trio drank their alcohol in silence for a moment. The clinking of their glasses was the only sound that filled the room, soft yet grounding. The air was thick with a calm tension, the kind that always lingered before an important conversation. Then, breaking the stillness, Finch spoke first.

”So,” he said, his tone calm but firm, ”what now?”

”Now?” Asher asked as he set his glass down, his deep voice steady. ”We discuss the points.”

Finch instantly understood what Asher meant. The Tenth Sun was referring to how they would divide the points earned from their upcoming mission. Although the three were now considered friends, or at least close allies, none of them were naive enough to simply forgo their share of points. After all, those points were the very foundation of growth and power in this Academy.

”What do you propose?” Asher asked, turning his steady gaze toward William, who sat leisurely in the chair with a glass swirling in his hand.

William fell into quiet thought, his expression unreadable. After a few moments of silence, he finally spoke. ”How about we share the points based on contributions?”

”Contributions?” Finch repeated curiously, raising an eyebrow.

”Yes,” William said, his tone measured. ”The amount of work each person puts in will determine how many points they receive. It’s simple and fair. The harder you work, the greater your reward.” His head turned to Finch, and their dark eyes met for a brief but meaningful moment. ”Although you are the weakest among us,” he continued calmly, ”I don’t doubt that you’ll make solid contributions during the mission.”

Finch gave a small nod, appreciating William’s straightforwardness.

Asher, who had remained silent up to this point, contemplated for a while before nodding slowly. Most teams would have opted for an even split, dividing the total into three equal portions, each person receiving roughly thirty-three percent. But Asher knew that such a method wouldn’t be effective for this particular group. Their strength levels were far from equal. An equal share would only breed inefficiency. That approach might have suited balanced teams like Darissa’s group, where every member was roughly on the same level, but not his.

At least, with the contribution-based system, everyone would have a reason to give their all. It wasn’t that Finch or William lacked motivation, but when points determined one’s future strength, even the most disciplined would push past their limits for them.

”Since we’ve agreed on that,” Asher finally said, his calm voice breaking through the quiet once again, ”let’s move on to the next topic.”

William arched an eyebrow. ”There’s still something else to discuss?”

”Yes,” Asher replied with a faint nod. ”We need to introduce our abilities. While you, William, already know about Finch’s and my own, Finch and I don’t know each other’s. Besides,” he added with a slight smirk, ”your ability changes nearly every day, so you’ll have to introduce it again.”

Both Finch and William nodded in understanding. It made sense, if they wanted to coordinate effectively during their mission, each member needed to be aware of the others’ capabilities.

Asher leaned back slightly, his voice steady as he began, ”As a Wargrave, you both already know I possess a superior physique compared to most, along with a soul-bound weapon. Beyond that, I wield four elemental affinities: Lightning, Light, Space, and Gravity.”

William remained unfazed, already familiar with the Tenth Sun’s remarkable abilities. Finch, however, was visibly stunned. The Wargrave bloodline was already famous for its monstrous strength and often came with a single powerful elemental affinity, but the man before him possessed four. It was nothing short of terrifying.

William spoke next, his tone as casual as if he were discussing the weather. ”As you both know, my ability allows me to copy other people’s abilities under specific conditions. For today, the ability I’ve copied is from the Stormveil Bloodline ability, Blood Manipulation.”

”That’s a good choice for this mission,” Asher commented, nodding thoughtfully. ”A monster subjugation will definitely involve a lot of bloodshed. The only limitation you’ll have is your Astra reserve.”

William acknowledged his words with a faint smile. Then both he and Asher turned their attention to Finch, who was still standing, his glass of amber liquid gleaming under the light. Straightening his back, Finch began to speak.

”My ability,” he said slowly, ”is a soul-bound weapon, a chain.”

As he spoke, a long, black chain materialized midair, its metallic surface glimmering faintly as it coiled around him like a living serpent. It floated silently, the air humming faintly around it.

”I can perform a variety of maneuvers with it,” Finch continued, his voice gaining a quiet confidence. ”Binding and restricting opponents, attacking, defending, and even using it for mobility and manipulation in battle. There’s a lot more it can do, but those are best explained in combat.”

He paused for a moment before adding with a grin, ”Although I might be the weakest among us, I’m sure I’m the luckiest.”

Asher arched an eyebrow in mild confusion. He couldn’t quite grasp what Finch meant by that. He turned his gaze toward William, who knew Finch better than he did.

William noticed the look and chuckled lightly. ”It’s exactly as he says,” he began. ”There’s no one more fortunate than him in all of Crymora. Good things and lucky encounters just... happen to him for no reason. Honestly, I’m convinced Lady Luck herself pays him tribute from time to time.”

Finch only smiled in quiet pride, his eyes glinting faintly. Though he couldn’t reveal that his luck bordered on the supernatural, there was no harm in letting others believe he was simply ”blessed.”

Asher gave a small shake of his head, choosing to dismiss the matter. After all, luck wasn’t an attack, defense, or even support-type ability, at least not in any practical sense. There was no use dwelling on it.

”If that’s all,” Asher said at last, rising to his feet, ”let’s begin preparations, unless either of you still has something to add.”

Both Finch and William shook their heads, indicating they had nothing more to say.

”Good,” Asher said firmly. ”Then let’s put on our armor and move out immediately.”

At his words, the team sprang into motion. Each of them reached into their space rings, retrieving pieces of equipment that gleamed faintly with enchantments. The air buzzed with energy as armor plates clicked into place and the room transformed from a space of conversation to one of purpose.

Asher adjusted his vambraces, his eyes sharp and focused. Finch tightened his greaves around his legs, while William adjusted his breastplate carefully.