CLEAVER OF SIN

At the man's sudden presence, the students instinctively turned toward him. Some immediately recognized him, while others stared blankly, struggling to recall who he was. A few had been unconscious during the previous healing session and thus had no memory of the mysterious figure who had healed them.

"No need to complain," the man said, his tone calm but firm, carrying an authority that silenced the room.

"Follow me."

His voice was not loud, yet it carried effortlessly to every ear, resonating with quiet command. Without waiting for a reply, he turned and walked toward the corridor on the left. Above it hung a small sign illuminated by soft green light, gently swaying from the ceiling.

Asher's gaze lingered briefly on the other corridor to the right, where the same sign glowed in red. 'Green probably means light injuries, while red marks the serious cases,' he thought, his mind as sharp as ever. Without hesitation, he followed.

The moment they entered the left corridor, the air grew denser with energy. Both sides were lined with rows of doors, each one closed tight. Despite that, Asher could feel waves of Astra radiating from within each room, raw, refined, and alive. The faint glow of energy reflected off the polished floor, scattering fragments of light across the corridor walls, creating a tranquil yet powerful atmosphere.

"This section of the Healing Department is for those with light injuries, just like all of you," the man explained as he walked, his hands clasped neatly behind his back. His steps were measured, unhurried, yet every movement carried a certain grace. "The other section, the one marked in red, is for patients with severe or life-threatening wounds."

'Just as I guessed,' Asher mused inwardly, his eyes scanning the surroundings.

The man continued, his tone instructional but never harsh. "Now, within the Healing Department, we charge based on the intensity of your injuries. That is why the receptionist earlier offered to show you our price list. As usual, just like every other service within the Star Academy, payment is required before treatment."

A few students exchanged uneasy glances, realizing how expensive such services might be.

"However," the man went on, "you won't need to pay for this session. Your instructor, Jane, has already covered the cost. But make no mistake, she has only paid for this session. Any future injuries you sustain during her class, or anywhere else, will be your responsibility."

His tone was casual, but the warning behind it was clear.

The students fell silent, absorbing his words as they followed him deeper into the hallway. None dared to interrupt. Eventually, they stopped before a plain white door near the end of the corridor. The man pushed it open without ceremony and stepped inside, prompting the group to follow.

The room they entered was simple, spotless white walls, two beds, and several metallic chairs lined neatly by the side. A faint herbal fragrance filled the air, soothing yet sharp enough to clear the mind.

"Where are the rest of the students?" the man asked suddenly, glancing around with calm eyes.

"They were left behind," one of the students answered carefully.

The man raised an eyebrow but didn't press further. He simply nodded once, clearly uninterested in the details.

Without another word, he lifted his right hand and snapped his fingers. Instantly, a surge of green energy burst into the air, enveloping the room. The atmosphere thickened with Astra, its presence so overwhelming that even the most insensitive student could feel it bending to the man's will. The green light swirled gracefully around each of them for a few moments before seeping into their bodies. Within seconds, the glow faded completely.

Asher glanced down at his arm, where faint scars from earlier injuries had marred his skin. Now, they were gone. The flesh had seamlessly knitted together, leaving his skin smooth and unblemished.

'Such precision,' he thought with mild awe. 'To heal so effortlessly… just how many overpowered instructors does this Star Academy have?'

"The healing session is over," the man said simply, lowering his hand.

A stunned silence filled the room. Some of the students blinked in disbelief, unsure whether to believe him. They had expected an elaborate process or at least a few minutes of glowing energy. But the entire process had taken less than five seconds.

Those who had seen him during the earlier battle examination remained calm, they had witnessed this exact display before. A few others, who came from noble families with high-ranking healers of their own, seemed unimpressed, though even they couldn't completely hide their respect for the man's control.

The man turned his gaze toward them once more. "Since you are all first years and students under Instructor Jane, I'll tell you something most people won't."

The room grew quiet again as his tone deepened, his words deliberate.

"As you already know, within Star Academy, you may challenge other students to battles of nearly any kind, whether for points or for class rank. However, what you are not usually told is this: if you, the challenger, lose the fight, you are obligated to pay for the healing fees of the person you challenged. But if the challenged party loses, you owe nothing. So think carefully before you pick your opponents."

His voice carried no emotion, no threat, only fact. Yet it struck the students harder than any warning.

"You may leave," he said finally, his tone dismissive, ending the conversation as abruptly as it had begun.

Before anyone could react, the air around them pulsed. The Astra within the room responded instantly to his will, surging like a living force. The students barely had time to gasp as they were gently lifted off their feet. With a casual flick of the man's wrist, the entire group was moved through the air and placed outside the room with seamless ease. The door then shut firmly behind them with a soft click.

For a brief moment, none of them spoke. Some stood there in stunned awe, their minds struggling to comprehend what had just happened. A few exchanged looks of disbelief, while others broke into nervous laughter.

Manipulating Astra to that extent, to lift multiple humans simultaneously, was something only advanced users could achieve. Most healers barely used Astra beyond mending flesh and soothing pain. Telekinetic manipulation required immense control and power. What they had just witnessed was artistry.

Even Asher found himself quietly impressed, though his expression remained calm as ever. The display had confirmed his earlier assumption, the man was far beyond ordinary.

Asher brushed the dust off his sleeve, then began walking down the corridor toward the exit. He didn't say a word, nor did he look back. His mind, however, replayed the man's words. The rule about paying for healing after a duel was something worth remembering.

Stepping out of the Healing Department, Asher paused briefly to breathe in the fresh air. The sun had shifted slightly in the sky, casting long streaks of gold across the Academy courtyard. A few students passed by, chatting idly, unaware of the quiet thoughts running through his mind.

With a soft sigh, Asher's figure shimmered faintly. A streak of silver light erupted from where he stood, leaving nothing but a faint ripple of air in the atmosphere.

He was gone.

There were still things to do, far too many to waste time wandering about.