Ashburn let out a long sigh and leaned back in his chair. Relief washed over his eyes—relief that he had managed to survive a little longer. Yet he had no time to truly relax. He could not help but wonder: once the soldiers defeated this sudden newcomer, he would inevitably face the same agonizing choice all over again. How would he handle it then? He surely could not keep hoping for another random intervention to interrupt...
Besides, someone had already succumbed to the temptation. Ashburn glanced sideways at the noble who had just spoken. He remembered this man was one of the nouveau riche, named Evan. Since Evan was not a Transcendent, it was entirely natural for him to be tempted by this power.
Ashburn was certain that others had heard Evan speak as well. Even if the non-Transcendent nobles might have missed it amid the sudden commotion in the Arena, he was confident that Angus, Mr. Ulysses, and the few Transcendents had certainly heard every word.
Chapter 317