Chapter 225: Follow
Asher walked steadily toward William, who was bent over and brushing dirt from his trousers with slow, tired movements. Sweat clung to William’s forehead, and his chest heaved heavily with every breath.
"Well, with the way you’re breathing, you might collapse before we even reach the dormitories," Asher remarked in his usual calm tone, his eyes lingering on William, who was clearly struggling to regain composure.
William let out a long sigh that carried both fatigue and resignation. "Not everyone is a monster like you, Asher. Some of us are just average talents trying hard not to be swallowed by whales like you." His tone was tired, but there was no bitterness, only the weary humor of someone who knew where he stood.
The two began walking side by side, their pace slow but steady. Behind them, Finch hesitated, uncertain if he ought to insert himself into their conversation or remain silent. In the end, his indecisive nature won, and he merely trailed behind them, a quiet shadow who contributed nothing but his presence.
"It’s nothing special," Asher replied, a faint smile curving his lips. "At the rate you’re going, you’ll get the hang of it in another two classes or so. Patience is all it takes."
William clicked his tongue in mock irritation. "Tsk... I can hear the humble brag hiding underneath your words." His voice carried the faintest note of playful accusation, but Asher only chuckled softly, refusing to rise to the bait.
After a brief silence, William turned to him again, curiosity glimmering in his eyes. "Tell me something, Asher. Did the Wargraves really teach you the Star Academy curriculum before you even set foot in this place?"
The question caught Asher off guard for a moment. He tilted his head, eyes narrowing slightly as he studied William’s expression. He wondered why the question arose now, though he supposed it was inevitable. His flawless performance in the Academy’s first two classes had already set tongues wagging. Rumors had a way of growing like wildfire, especially in a place where competition ruled every breath.
"Even if the Wargraves had done such a thing," Asher replied evenly, "do you think the other ducal families and noble houses would simply stand aside and watch?" His voice was calm, but there was steel hidden beneath the softness, a reminder of the political weight surrounding him.
William fell silent at that, his steps slowing slightly. Finally, he sighed and spoke with a faintly self-deprecating chuckle. "I already knew they hadn’t. I suppose I just wanted to ask anyway. I just wish my Copy ability could let me replicate your monstrous talent. That might be the only way I’ll ever keep up with you."
Asher’s lips twitched faintly, betraying his inner amusement. He didn’t outright dismiss the thought. After all, there was no law or principle in existence that dictated William’s ability couldn’t evolve in such a direction. If one day William truly could replicate his talents, even for a short time, it would be both a terrifying and impressive feat.
Each copy William produced was bound by a limit of twenty-four hours, but even so, possessing Asher’s talent for a single day could place William leagues above others. It was a prospect that could not be ignored.
’I don’t know if I should be wary of him or look forward to seeing what he becomes,’ Asher thought quietly to himself.
Then, with a mental sigh, he muttered inwardly, ’System, isn’t this the point where you update yourself and shield me from this guy’s ridiculous ability? Or do you actually want two of me running around? Where’s the originality in that?’
As usual, the system gave no answer. Long accustomed to its host’s shameless requests, it didn’t even bother to send the ellipses it often used when words failed it. Its silence stretched, as if ignoring him was the only valid response.
Asher noticed, but said nothing further. He simply let the thought go and continued walking.
William glanced at him again, his eyes flicking to the ring glimmering faintly on Asher’s finger. "Why are you walking with us anyway? Why not just teleport back to your room? You have that ring, don’t you?"
Asher lifted his hand slightly, glancing at the teleportation ring before lowering it again. "I’m still new to the Star Academy," he said coolly. "I want to enjoy the view, breathe in the air, feel the Astra that lingers in this place. Once I’m accustomed to it, I’ll probably start teleporting back and forth without a second thought. For now, I walk."
"Understandable," William replied with a simple nod, his tone respectful.
As they continued their pace, Asher tilted his head slightly. "What are you planning to do now that classes are over for the day?"
Finch, still trailing behind, seemed all but forgotten. He said nothing, nor did he complain. He simply kept moving, his short breaths blending into the background.
"Well," William muttered thoughtfully, "I guess I’ll take a bath, eat, and sleep for a bit. Then I’ll train afterward. I’m too drained to do anything immediately. What about you?"
Asher hummed lightly, almost as if weighing the thought. "Let’s see... since I didn’t do anything too strenuous in the last two classes, I’ll probably rest for an hour or so, then head straight into training."
His eyes shifted toward Finch. "What about you? Any plans for training?"
The unexpected question startled Finch. His steps faltered, and his dark eyes widened as they met Asher’s striking purple gaze. He had not expected to be addressed at all, not by someone like the Tenth Sun.
"I... well, I plan to do the same as William," Finch stammered slightly. "Bath, eat, and rest before anything else."
Asher nodded calmly. "It seems we’ll all be busy for the next few hours, then."
William chuckled, a trace of his earlier energy returning. "How about we use a few points to order some good dishes? Training will go down easier on a full stomach." He smiled slyly at Asher as though testing his response.
But Asher merely smirked, his expression as though he could see right through William’s hidden intent. "If your plan is to touch the two thousand points Melissa awarded me, you can forget it. Challenge someone for their points, or better still, rob them. It’s not as though the Star Academy forbids it." His voice was calm, yet the faint edge of humor laced his words.
William went quiet immediately. He had no interest in robbing his peers, nor was he eager to challenge anyone, not yet. He had his own code of conduct, and though the Academy might turn a blind eye to bullying and theft, he would never lower himself to such methods.
Unknowingly, while lost in their exchanges, the three of them arrived at the residential buildings. Finch offered them a hasty farewell, vanishing into the second dormitory with almost comical relief. Asher and William continued toward the first building.
But at the entrance stood a figure that brought them both to a sudden halt. Berion, the Ninth Vice Principal of the Star Academy, waited calmly, his presence sharp and undeniable.
Asher and William froze instinctively before bowing in unison. "We greet the Vice Principal," they intoned respectfully.
Berion’s lips curved into a small smile. His eyes shifted briefly toward William as he spoke. "Go ahead, William. I have something to discuss with the Tenth Sun."
William understood immediately. It was not a request, but an order, delivered with the quiet authority of one who expected obedience. He nodded once, then walked past without so much as a glance toward Asher.
Asher, meanwhile, kept his gaze fixed on Berion, silent but attentive, waiting for the man’s command.
"The Principal wishes to meet you," Berion said at last. His tone was steady, yet it carried a weight that brooked no refusal. It was less an invitation and more a decree.
"It’s an honor," Asher replied swiftly. And indeed, he meant it. The prospect of meeting the Principal of the Star Academy stirred genuine curiosity in him. What kind of individual could command such a vast institution? What kind of presence awaited him? Now, at last, he would have the chance to find out.
Berion gave no further explanation. With a casual wave of his hand, the very air before them split open. Space itself tore apart, unraveling into a glowing portal. Without hesitation, Berion stepped through, his voice echoing faintly as he vanished into the rift. "Follow."
Asher did not hesitate either. His stride was steady, his expression calm. Without looking back, he entered the portal after the Ninth Vice Principal, walking into the unknown with serene composure.