Getting to his residential building, Asher moved with the grace of an agile feline, leaping effortlessly and landing calmly upon the polished hallway of his floor. He wasnât heading to his own room; instead, his destination was Williamâs room. Turning to his right, he made his way down the corridor until he stood before a door with the number "4" engraved upon it, a mark signifying Williamâs class rank.
Asher knocked twice, then stepped back, his hands clasped behind him as he waited. A few seconds passed before the door swung open, revealing a round-faced, chubbyl boy, Finch, whose ever-present fat made him instantly recognizable.
"Ahhh... good afternoon, Tenth Sun," Finch greeted respectfully, his head dipping in a polite nod.
"Is William available?" Asher asked, acknowledging the greeting with a brief nod of his own, his tone calm yet firm as always.
"Yes, Tenth Sun. Heâs out on the balcony," Finch replied swiftly, stepping aside to make room for Asher to enter. Without hesitation, Asher walked through the doorway, his sharp eyes scanning the interior before heading straight toward the balcony where Finch had indicated William was.
Stepping onto the open balcony, Asherâs gaze fell upon William, who sat leisurely with a half-filled glass of juice in his hand, while a jug brimming with the same orange liquid rested on the table beside him. The afternoon light danced across the glass surface, reflecting faintly on Williamâs relaxed expression.
"Isnât the usual you supposed to be training or something?" Asher asked, his tone carrying a hint of amusement the moment his eyes met Williamâs.
William turned his head slightly, his relaxed gaze shifting from the sky to Asher, who was now seated opposite him. "Whatâs the point of training," he said, swirling the juice lazily, "if I canât take a little time to enjoy life every once in a while?"
"Words of wisdom," Asher replied with a soft chuckle. He lived by a similar philosophy, one that balanced hard work with moments of calm. After all, maintaining equilibrium between discipline and rest was a true art of living.
Moments later, Finch joined them, pulling out a chair and sitting down as though to witness whatever discussion was about to unfold.
"So," William began, his tone casual but curious, "what are you here for? Youâve never visited me just for the sake of visiting. Sometimes I wonder if weâre actually friends."
Asher didnât respond to the teasing remark. Instead, he went straight to the point, his usual directness shining through. "I went to take a mission," he began evenly, "but according to the facilitator, it requires a team of three. Hence, my visit." He paused briefly before continuing, explaining everything the mission facilitator had told him regarding the Academyâs team-based requirements and the rules of the Academy Mission.
"So, you want Finch and me on the team?" William asked, instantly understanding that Asher was trying to recruit people he trusted within the Star Academy.
But Asher simply shook his head. "No," he said plainly, his gaze calm and steady. "Iâm here only to recruit you."
Finch, who had been quietly observing, merely smiled and said nothing.
Asherâs tone remained composed as always as he turned his eyes toward Finch for a moment, before turning to William once more. "While Iâm acquainted with Finch through you, and I do consider him a colleague since you both are close, I canât take him on the mission. He isnât strong enough. Weâd have to slow down for him to keep up, and that would compromise efficiency. It wouldnât be worth it," he stated bluntly, showing no intention to sugarcoat his words.
Williamâs gaze shifted toward Finch, perhaps to gauge his reaction. Yet Finchâs expression didnât waver. He smiled again, this time faintly, and gave a small nod, as though silently agreeing that Asherâs words were not insults but simple truth.
Finch knew himself well. He was perfectly aware of his own limitations and the vast difference in strength and talent between himself and the two prodigies before him. Compared to these behemoths, William and Asher, he was little more than an average student. In his heart, he even believed that William joining forces with the Tenth Sun was the smartest possible move.
"Whoâs the third person you plan to recruit, then?" William asked, his tone calm but mildly curious.
"Iâm planning to approach Ryaen Silvershade next," Asher answered. "As you already know, I fought her during the entrance examination. So, I have firsthand knowledge of her strength. I also believe sheâs improved considerably over the past month."
William nodded slowly, understanding Asherâs reasoning and the practicality of his choice.
Then, after a short silence, William leaned back and said something unexpected. "Iâm sorry, but Iâll have to decline." His tone was gentle but firm, and his lips curved into a faint, apologetic smile.
Asherâs brow furrowed slightly. He hadnât expected that response. "Do you already have a team?" he asked. "Iâm quite certain you havenât gone to the Logistics and Missions Operations Hall yet."
William gave a soft laugh, shaking his head. "Although I value our friendship, Asher, I canât simply abandon Finch to go on a mission with you. Finch has been my friend for years, long before the Academy. It wouldnât be right." His voice grew steadier, more serious. "Besides, from what we know about the Academyâs mission system, some students might try to exploit or even endanger weaker ones for personal gain. Yes, Finch is weaker, thatâs true, but Iâm not the kind of noble or person who only builds temporary alliances just for benefits."
Both Asher and Finch went silent at his words. They hadnât expected such sincerity from William. His tone was neither proud nor boastful, it was simply honest.
Then, almost at the same moment, both Asher and Finch smiled.
Finch smiled because he was genuinely touched. Despite the glaring difference in strength and the presence of the prestigious Tenth Sun before them, William still chose loyalty over ambition. In a world ruled by strength, where friendship was often nothing more than a convenient arrangement, such a choice was rare, almost unheard of.
Asher smiled for a different reason. He, too, valued friendship deeply. True, he knew that someday, as he climbed higher in rank and power, he would form temporary alliances purely for strategic reasons. But with William and Finch, things were different. Their connection wasnât built on gain, it was genuine.
He hadnât even considered the possibility that William would reject his invitation for Finchâs sake. That realization humbled him.
âIt seems Iâve grown quite arrogant without realizing it,â Asher thought to himself, letting out a quiet sigh.
"I understand," he finally said, his tone softer than before. "And I respect your decision, William."
For a brief moment, a rare expression crossed Asherâs face, a flicker of respect that vanished almost as quickly as it appeared.