After realizing the Cardian Master Association's true intentions, Azrael smiled and waved his hands dismissively. "No, no. I believe the well-educated citizens of the Empire of Aetherlight will naturally stand up when faced with such situations."
That may not be the case, the person in charge thought privately. He'd seen too many new Lore Cardians crumble when facing monsters during high school secret realm training. Their confidence shattered the moment real danger appeared.
Though somewhat skeptical of Azrael's optimistic words, he was still satisfied with the young man's humble approach to the situation.
"How about this, Azrael? Let's get your identity registered as a Lore Cardian first, then we can discuss the interview details."
Standing at the branch entrance, Azrael stared at the card in his hand—the word "Black Iron" gleaming under the afternoon sun. A strange sense of unreality washed over him.
He was now an officially registered Lore Cardian.
Black Iron, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, Master, Sovereign.
The ranking system flashed through his mind like a ladder stretching into the clouds. Each tier represented years of dedication, countless battles, and unimaginable growth.
I've just taken the first step.
After sorting through his swirling emotions, Azrael recalled the parting words of the branch manager who'd introduced himself as Lian.
"Student Azrael, we'll conduct an interview at your school tomorrow morning. Don't worry about the arrangements—we'll handle all contact with the administration. The Velkairos Daily will manage the interview itself. Any objections?"
What could Azrael have said, especially after receiving the promised 100,000 Empyrean Dollar reward for bravery? Though the money wouldn't be available until tomorrow—they still needed photos and paperwork completed.
On the way home, Azrael's phone buzzed incessantly against his leg. Pulling it out, he saw his class teacher Calvin's name flashing on the screen.
"Hello? Teacher, what's wrong?"
"Azrael!" The shouting from the other end nearly burst his eardrums.
Azrael quickly moved the phone away from his ear. "I'm here, no need to yell."
Calvin's voice calmed considerably. "Azrael, the school informed me about your heroic actions yesterday. I'm calling to check if you sustained any injuries during the incident."
Warmth spread through Azrael's chest at his teacher's genuine concern. "No injuries, class teacher. How could a few measly zombies hurt me?"
Relief flooded Calvin's voice. "Thank goodness. Get some rest today and make sure you clean up your appearance tomorrow morning. The interview is important."
The line went dead with a sharp beep.
Azrael couldn't help but chuckle. Was checking on my wellbeing really the only reason for that call?
The next morning, Azrael rose early and caught the bus to school. Today marked the first day of classes for all high schools in Velkairos—a fresh start to what promised to be an eventful year.
"Morning, Azrael." A greasy-haired boy plopped down beside him, school bag in tow.
Azrael nodded acknowledgment. "Morning, Morvane."
Morvane was a classmate from his previous life's memories. The boy's family ran a modest business, making their relationship cordial if not particularly close.
As Azrael leaned his head against the cool window, lost in thought, Morvane suddenly broke the comfortable silence. "Speaking of which, Azrael... how's your card making progress coming along?"
The shifty look in Morvane's eyes made Azrael suppress a laugh. The boy was clearly an adolescent bursting with the need to show off his achievements.
Sure enough, Morvane's next words confirmed his suspicions. "I got pretty lucky over the summer. Managed to craft a Black Iron Green card."
Pride radiated from Morvane's entire posture. Creating a Black Iron Green card during their third year of high school was genuinely impressive—it suggested he might craft Blue cards in the future and become a true Lore Cardian.
In his mind, Azrael—being an orphan—probably hadn't even attempted card making during the summer vacation. He was clearly expecting praise and admiration.
Instead, Azrael responded with simple sincerity. "Then congratulations."
Azrael had no interest in showing off or putting down a fellow student. In his eyes, Morvane was still just a kid who hadn't faced the real world's harsh realities.
Morvane scratched his head, confusion creeping across his features. Something felt different about Azrael today compared to before, but he couldn't pinpoint exactly what had changed.
"Ding! We've arrived at Silverbrook High School. Please exit the bus in an orderly fashion."
"Let's go, Azrael. We're here." Morvane hoisted his backpack and stood first.
As they disembarked, Azrael spotted Calvin waiting anxiously by the school gates.
"Good morning, Mr. Calvin." Morvane offered his usual polite greeting.
Calvin nodded absently at him, then immediately grabbed Azrael's arm. "Come quickly! Everyone's waiting for you."
Watching his homeroom teacher practically drag Azrael away at a near-sprint, Morvane fell into deep contemplation.
Then a bold theory struck him.
Bursting into the classroom and slamming the door open, Morvane shouted, "Azrael might have to drop out to work!"
Every head in the classroom swiveled toward him. With their full attention captured, Morvane loudly proclaimed his reasoning.
"Think about it—Azrael's an orphan with no family money to continue his education. He seemed really depressed on the bus this morning. And why else would Mr. Calvin be waiting at the school gate so early?"
The class gradually began nodding along with Morvane's logic. Soon, heated discussions broke out about whether they should organize a donation fund for their potentially departing classmate.
Meanwhile, Calvin jogged alongside Azrael toward the principal's office, both slightly out of breath from their hurried pace.
After taking a moment to compose himself, Calvin knocked and pushed open the office door.
"Principal Kang, I've brought Azrael."
"Excellent timing. Reporter Lamia and President Lian are already waiting."
Upon entering, Azrael offered respectful greetings. "Good morning, Principal Kang. Good morning, President Lian."
Lian, president of the Nirvale District Card Makers Association, smiled warmly. "Come now, I told you to call me Uncle Lian."
He gestured toward an elegantly dressed woman with sharp, intelligent eyes. "This is Reporter Lamia from the Velkairos Daily."
Reporter Lamia stepped forward with professional confidence, extending her hand. "Hello, Student Azrael. We'll conduct a brief interview today—nothing to be nervous about."
"Student Azrael, may I ask what motivated you to act in such a dangerous situation?"
Azrael's response came smoothly, each word carefully chosen. "The residents of Happy Homes Complex needed protection. I believe any student of Silverbrook High School, any member of the Card Makers Association, would have acted similarly in that moment."
Principal Kang's satisfied smile was impossible to miss.
Reporter Lamia continued her questioning. "President Lian mentioned you successfully crafted a Purple card on your very first attempt. Is that accurate?"
Azrael inwardly groaned. This reporter really asks about everything. Doesn't she know card information is a Lore Cardian's most guarded secret?
Despite his internal complaints, his expression remained perfectly neutral. "I was simply fortunate. The story I crafted resonated well with the card's requirements. This success is inseparable from Silverbrook High School's excellent teaching and the association's guidance."
Principal Kang's satisfaction with Azrael reached new heights. Talented in card making AND possessing high emotional intelligence. He's perfect as this year's face of Silverbrook High School.
After completing her notes, Reporter Lamia smiled. "Now, if I could ask Azrael, Principal Kang, and President Lian to stand together for a photograph?"
She retrieved a banner from nearby and handed it to Azrael. "Hold this, please."
The banner's message made Azrael's eye twitch: "Brave Silverbrook High School Student—A Good Young Man Who Acts Righteously!"
Obviously made by the school's publicity department, he thought wryly.
Gripping the banner, Azrael forced his most diplomatic smile for the group photo.
"Perfect! Thank you all for your cooperation," Reporter Lamia said, reviewing the photos with obvious satisfaction.
"May I return to class now?" Azrael asked hesitantly, seeing no further purpose for his presence.
"One moment, Student Azrael," Principal Kang called out just as he reached for the door handle. "The association has prepared a reward for your actions. Additionally, Silverbrook High School has our own recognition to present."
...
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