Chapter 70: Clap
Asher remained motionless, his gaze fixed ahead as his breathing gradually steadied. He was fully aware that he was being tracked, and given the number of assassins lurking nearby, it was wiser to confront them now and consider an escape plan afterward.
Besides, with his movements already under surveillance, fleeing would likely prove futile. What he couldn’t afford, however, was to be encircled or confined to a single location.
Virelass was already drawing Astra from the atmosphere, steadily replenishing her reserves in preparation for when Asher might require them. Meanwhile, Asher’s own Astra was recovering passively.
Though he had discovered a method to absorb Astra without needing to assume a fixed posture, like the traditional lotus position, it didn’t grant him the freedom to draw it under any circumstance.
No, the passive intake only functioned during mundane activities such as walking, eating, reading, sitting, or light jogging. Certainly not while engaged in a life-or-death battle.
As Asher waited for the assassins to make their move, he used the brief lull to recover his stamina. Then, he heard it, a sound. A clap.
Clap. Clap. Clap. Clap. Clap. Clap.
His gaze shifted toward the source of the noise, and from the darkness, five figures emerged, each wearing a distinct mask that concealed their identity.
The one who had been clapping stepped forward, eyes fixed on Asher. His voice carried a mix of amusement and intrigue.
"I must admit, the Wargrave bloodline truly defies reason. Not even the mediocrity of a third awakening could restrain it."
Asher remained silent. He offered no reply. Though he wasn’t into villainous monologues and was the type to end things swiftly through combat, he knew better than to waste the opportunity, every second of stillness allowed his body to recover just a little more.