Chapter 212: Training Maniac

As the door creaked open, Asher’s eyes immediately fell upon William, who stood before him drenched in his own sweat. His chest rose and fell rhythmically as he panted slightly, his bare torso gleaming faintly under the room’s soft lighting. He wore nothing but a pair of trousers clinging to his frame, the evidence of his intense exertion clear in every detail of his posture and breath.

For a moment, Asher froze in place, caught off guard by the sight. His gaze lingered on William in mild astonishment.

’He’s training,’ Asher thought inwardly, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly.

While most of the other new students of the Star Academy were busy exploring their new surroundings, admiring the vast architecture, and indulging in the novelty of the view, William had instead devoted himself to training. It was a decision that immediately set him apart.

’Is he one of those training fanatics?’ Asher thought silently, his eyes fixed upon William.

It was not that Asher disapproved of training, far from it. In fact, he could respect William’s diligence. At the very least, William was investing in himself, dedicating time to strengthening his body and skill rather than being carried away by distractions.

But still, Asher could not help but think that anyone who had just entered such a prestigious place as the Star Academy would normally take some time to look around, to familiarize themselves with the new environment, to secure a sense of belonging and awareness. That sense of balance was important, or so Asher believed.

’I never took him for the training maniacal type,’ Asher admitted to himself with a quiet mental sigh.

"Asher, I wasn’t expecting you," William finally said, breaking the silence as he shifted slightly to the side, gesturing for Asher to step in. His voice, though faintly tired, still carried its usual composed tone.

"It seems I’m interrupting your training. I can come back later when you’re finished," Asher replied evenly, his words carrying the weight of sincerity.

He did not want William to feel compelled to stop for his sake. Asher himself knew well that he would not halt his own training merely to entertain someone else, no matter who it was.

"There’s no need. I finished just a couple of minutes ago, right before you knocked. So, in a way, your timing was perfect," William said with calm assurance.

Asher gave a small nod, neither insisting nor withdrawing further. Without a word, he stepped fully into the room. William, with a controlled motion, closed the door behind him, the gesture marked by a practiced gentleness that contrasted his sweat-drenched state.

"I’ll admit, I didn’t quite picture you as the training-obsessed type," Asher remarked as his eyes drifted across the room’s interior.

’It seems the rooms of the top ten are arranged identically,’ he noted silently. Indeed, William’s room mirrored his own: three fitted doors in clear view, one leading to the bathroom, another to the training chamber, and the last to the living room.

"Who says I’m a maniac?" William retorted, his voice carrying a hint of defensive humor.

"Don’t ask me. Just look at yourself," Asher countered calmly. "While others are out exploring, you’re here pushing your limits. I don’t deny the discipline, it’s commendable, but I can’t help but think it’s... unusual."

His tone was measured, almost casual, as he strolled toward the living room as though it were his own room. Without hesitation, he lowered himself onto the couch, claiming the seat comfortably.

William’s lips twitched at Asher’s words, though he restrained himself from commenting immediately. Finally, he exhaled lightly before speaking.

"Unlike you and the other high nobles, I don’t have a bloodline to carry me forward. I don’t have that inherent power pushing me beyond limits. To survive in a world where monsters like you exist, I can only double my efforts. Work ethic is all I have."

With that, he lowered himself onto the floor, deliberately avoiding the couch so as not to stain it with his sweat-soaked body.

Asher raised an eyebrow, his voice calm yet probing. "So, are you saying our bloodlines are the only reason we’re here? That without them, our training would mean nothing?"

William shook his head, his eyes steady. "Not exactly. I’m not saying you haven’t worked for your place. I’m only pointing out that you all began with a head start I’ll never have."

Asher remained silent for a moment, his expression unreadable. He did not deny it. He could not. The bloodline of the high-ranking noble families indeed provided an undeniable advantage, one that most commoners or lower-ranked nobles could never hope to match.

"But even with that head start," Asher said at last, "you’ve held your ground against the best of the best. During the entrance exams, you stood at the top for a time. First place, then second, and eventually fourth. Only the Royal twins and I surpassed you. That is no small feat."

William’s lips curved into a small, proud smile at the acknowledgment. He had worked tirelessly for that result, and though it wasn’t first place, the recognition still meant something.

"Well then," William said with a smirk, "you’d better watch your back. I might just come for your rank. No one in their right mind would resist the temptation of gaining fifteen hundred points every Friday."

Asher’s gaze sharpened, a flicker of amusement sparking within his eyes.

"Then you should be prepared to bleed. I wonder how your screams would sound. For your sake, I hope your tolerance for pain is unusually high." His tone shifted, carrying a darker undertone, his aura almost daring William to challenge him here and now.

William’s lips twitched at the reply, though he forced himself not to flinch under Asher’s gaze.

’Even if he acts different from the rest, he’s still a Wargrave,’ William reminded himself.

Of course, he had only been joking about challenging Asher. He had no intention of truly fighting him. During the Star Academy’s entrance battle exam, William had relied on copying Asher’s abilities, and even then, the difference between them had been overwhelming. To face Asher directly, the original owner of those terrifying abilities, would be reckless at best, suicidal at worst. Better to leave such battles for others.

"I don’t mean to pry," Asher said suddenly, his voice cutting into William’s thoughts like a blade through still air, "but could you tell me about your awakened ability? I admit I’m curious. If you like, I could share mine in return."

William hesitated briefly, though not out of fear. He simply weighed his options before answering. "I don’t mind. It isn’t exactly a secret."

The truth was, he never had any intention of hiding it. In fact, even if he wanted to conceal it, doing so would be nearly impossible. His ability relied heavily on the existence of others’ abilities. It was not the type that could remain in the shadows forever. Besides, the Star Academy kept meticulous records of every student’s awakened ability, ensuring that no matter what, each could be properly trained and refined.

For William, secrecy was a luxury he did not have.