The meeting room was cloaked in a thick, stifling silence. Ashton stood before a gathering of formidable figures, his head slightly bowed and the weight of his hasty actions pressing heavily on his shoulders.
He had hoped that hunting the rest of the Conundrum members would get something out of them regarding the people Rose's brother had mentioned before dying.
Unfortunately, even after intense torture, they didn't say a word. Not because of their loyalty but due to their cluelessness. No of them had any idea about what their leader had told Ashton.
Eventually, he gave up and returned to New Lycania, where he had just finished informing the others about his 'findings'.
In front of him sat Vulcan and Flintmace. Their expressions were a mix of sternness and disappointment.
Flanking Ashton were the twins, Lycaon and Frankenstein and Ricochet. Their faces mirrored concern and curiosity as they waited for Ashton to speak further. But there was nothing for him to say anymore.
Vulcan, known for his short temper and fiery disposition, broke the silence first. His voice rumbled like an approaching storm as he addressed Ashton.
"Sit down, Ashton."
Ashton obeyed, taking a seat at the long, oak table. He couldn't help but feel small under Vulcan's intense gaze. The twins exchanged a worried look but remained silent, understanding that this was a matter between Ashton and his masters.
Flintmace spoke next; his usually calm demeanour was nowhere to be seen. His voice starkly contrasted with Vulcan's, but it carried its own weight.
"Ashton, you acted impulsively in ending his life. I hope you at least know that much."
Ashton felt guilt wash over him as he admitted his fault.
"I did, Masters. I couldn't bear his taunting, and I wanted answers. I thought by consuming his memories, I could uncover the truth about the shadowy organisation he mentioned, so there wasn't any need-"
Vulcan's fiery aura flared, a visible manifestation of his anger. "And in your haste, you've potentially erased any chance of retrieving those answers. Do you understand the gravity of your actions, boy?"
Ashton nodded, unable to meet Vulcan's fiery gaze. "I do. I admit I was reckless, and I accept full responsibility for my impulsive decision."
The room fell into a heavy silence as Vulcan and Flintmace exchanged a meaningful glance. It was evident that both masters were deeply disappointed in Ashton's actions, and their disappointment weighed on him like a heavy stone.
Ricochet, ever the loyal follower of Ashton's, couldn't hold back any longer. He leaned forward, his voice filled with fervour.
"But he had to do something! The leader was taunting him, and he needed answers! Ashton made a difficult call, but it was necessary!"
At this point, the twins also wanted to jump in and give their count of things as they happened.
However, Lycaon and Frankenstein, who had remained silent until now, exchanged a disapproving glance. Frankenstein's deep voice carried a tone of reprimand as he addressed the twins.
"Silence. This is not your place to speak," Frank instructed the twins. "You are here not as a participant but as a witness. You will not speak until spoken to. Is that clear?"
The twins, chastened by Frankenstein's words, lowered their heads in acknowledgement. They had meant well in defending their friend, but they now understood it wasn't their place to do so.
"Ashton, your haste has not only cost us potentially valuable information but has also endangered everyone around you," Flintmace leaned forward, his expression grave. "The shadowy organisation the leader hinted at may now remain hidden and continue its operations."
Ashton felt a heavy weight settle on his chest. He had let down his masters, his allies, and himself. He had acted impulsively out of frustration, and the consequences of his actions were becoming painfully clear.
However, how was he supposed to know there was someone capable of remotely erasing memories as well as the physical forms of others?
Yes, he was in the wrong for doing what he did. But in his defence, he only did what he had been doing until now. He rarely took prisoners because he viewed it as a waste of resources and that killing them was easier.
However, regardless of the situation, Ashton knew he had to alter his ways and stop his killing spree.
"We cannot change what has transpired, but we must learn from it," Vulcan's voice softened slightly, though his anger still simmered beneath the surface. "Haste without caution can lead to dire consequences."
Ashton nodded, his voice filled with remorse. "I understand, Masters. I promise to be more cautious in the future and not let my emotions dictate my actions."
"Yeah... good luck with that," Vuclan scoffed.
[Wow, this bastard is quite hypocritical. I mean, look at him! When you told him about what happened, he lost his mind, yet he dares lecture you about 'getting a hold of your emotions'?]
'Not the time, Asta... besides, it's not like he's wrong.'
[Since when did you become an obedient child?]
'...'
[Look, I know you're experiencing something different for the first time, but it's alright to fail as long as you learn from it and use it to your advantage.]
'...right. Thanks.'
While Ashton conversed with Astaroth, he forgot that Flintmace could also hear their conversation. Since his senior was on Ashton's side, Flintmace had no choice but to support Ashton, and his expression softened as he placed a reassuring hand on Ashton's shoulder.
"We believe in your potential, Ashton, but you must learn to harness your emotions and act with wisdom," Flintmace smiled. "This lesson, albeit a harsh one, will serve as a reminder of the importance of patience and restraint."
Everyone also nodded. After all, a life without failures is not a life at all. But when you make a blunder... that's an entirely different thing.
"Don't be so lenient with the boy just because we have another way to find out about those 'powerful' enemies," Vulcan said sternly before smiling. "The girl you saved, she is our final lead."