After finishing the ancient tome, Azrael finally understood why Corey had described its contents as simultaneously important and unimportant. The weathered pages essentially contained the origin story of the secret realms, information that seemed critical on the surface but was likely already known to those in positions of real power.
"Could this be the source of disagreement between the Empire and the Association?" The possibility struck him immediately, though he lacked additional evidence to support his theory. The political implications were intriguing but remained frustratingly unclear.
After collecting his thoughts, Azrael reflected on the chaotic behavior he'd witnessed among the demons in the underground cavern, and couldn't suppress a bitter laugh. "So internal conflict truly is their ancestral specialty." Backstabbing appeared to be their cherished tradition as well.
"In that case, this book's contents might fetch something useful from the Crimson Oath Society."
Apart from the historical narrative, Azrael detected no other remarkable features in the ancient text. Since he planned to provide only photographs rather than the original, and considering this was apparently common knowledge among the upper echelons, he felt no moral qualms about trading the information.
Azrael handed the tome to one of his ghost soldiers and retrieved his phone.
[Azrael: Miss Fredrika, I'll be visiting shortly.]
[Fredrika: ? Why the sudden courtesy of advance notice? Usually you just appear without warning.]
[Azrael: My method of arrival tonight is rather... unconventional. Best to prepare yourself.]
[Fredrika: ?]
Pocketing his device, Azrael watched as an ornate chair materialized from the room's shadows. He'd purchased the elegant seat two days prior, a practical investment considering the convenience of shadow travel. The ghost soldiers made transportation effortless, and the chair could be stored directly in his shadow realm when not needed.
Settling into the comfortable seat, Azrael allowed the surrounding darkness to envelop him as his spectral servants carried him into the void.
Meanwhile, Fredrika puzzled over his cryptic message, wondering what strange transportation method he'd referenced.
"Forget it. I'll deal with whatever he brings."
Dismissing Azrael from her thoughts, Fredrika picked up her lipstick and began applying it to her lips with practiced precision.
The next moment, several dark figures emerged from her office shadows.
Fredrika's expression hardened instantly as she prepared to summon her cards in defense. However, as the shadowy forms solidified, they revealed a familiar figure seated regally upon an elaborate throne.
Recognizing her visitor, Fredrika's alarm transformed into irritation. "Couldn't you have been more specific? You nearly gave me a heart attack."
Azrael accepted a cup of tea from one of his kneeling ghost soldiers before responding with amusement, "Oh? I didn't realize you were so easily startled."
Fredrika couldn't help but study the spectral servants more closely before addressing Azrael directly. "What brings you here tonight? Just showing off your new cards?"
Though Azrael's summoned beings hadn't appeared publicly very often, their current display was undeniably impressive and made her envious of his capabilities.
Azrael chuckled. "What kind of person do you take me for?"
At his subtle gesture, one of the ghost soldiers approached Fredrika with a USB drive extended in its ethereal hand.
As Fredrika accepted the device, Azrael added a warning. "Before you examine the contents, make certain your computer isn't being monitored."
Fredrika rolled her eyes. "Don't question my professionalism."
She inserted the drive and began reviewing the files, her expression growing increasingly serious as she absorbed the information.
After several minutes, she looked up sharply. "Where did you acquire this?"
Azrael sipped his tea calmly. "I discovered it during our practical training in the secret realm."
Fredrika's brow furrowed with concern. "Is it still there?"
Azrael allowed a hint of helplessness to color his features. "The location made it inappropriate to bring to the Society, so I gave it to my teacher instead. It seemed like a good opportunity to improve my standing with the faculty."
Fredrika's tension immediately eased. "You made the right choice. Much better than handing it over to those Imperial bureaucrats."
"The Association needs you to establish a stronger presence in Master Lucian's circle."
Azrael's pulse quickened. Though he'd originally intended this as a test of the Crimson Oath Society's intentions, Fredrika's response confirmed his suspicions. "As expected," he thought, "the Crimson Oath Society wants me to climb higher within the official ranks."
Feigning reluctance, Azrael replied, "But Master Lucian has been stationed at the coastal defense lines recently. I haven't had any contact with him."
"The Society has temporarily suspended coastal operations specifically to ensure his swift return. We need him back in the capital where he can be more useful."
This revelation sent shockwaves through Azrael's mind, though he maintained his external composure. Then, allowing a trace of greed to creep into his expression, he added, "The Society should provide appropriate compensation for this intelligence, don't you think?"
Fredrika caught the subtle shift in his demeanor, and a knowing glint appeared in her eyes. "Naturally. I'll contact you when the arrangements are finalized."
Azrael drained his teacup and handed it to his attending ghost soldier. "Then I'll take my leave."
Fredrika watched as Azrael vanished into the shadows with his spectral entourage, a satisfied smile spreading across her features. "Finally."
Returning home, Azrael analyzed his performance from the evening. "That should have been convincing enough."
Tonight he'd played the role of a gradually corrupting genius, someone who'd evolved from resistance to slowly accepting his identity as a Crimson Oath Society operative. In Fredrika's eyes, his transformation should appear authentic and complete.
The practical training phase at Pixar University had officially concluded. Though several students remained unaccounted for in various secret realms, the institution couldn't indefinitely delay regular classes for stragglers.
"How was everyone's harvest this time?" voices echoed through the classroom.
"Not bad on my end. What about you?"
"Don't even mention it. The monsters in that realm were absolutely savage, like they'd been fed gunpowder. If I hadn't been more skilled, I really wouldn't have achieved any meaningful results."
The first-year Lore Cardian Master classroom buzzed with animated discussions as students compared their secret realm experiences and acquisitions.
Harold checked his watch and whispered to Arnald, "Class starts soon. Why isn't Azrael here yet?"
Arnald glanced at the empty seat beside them. "I'm not sure. Maybe he's still trapped in the secret realm?"
Harold looked surprised. "No way, really?"
As they speculated, a familiar voice interrupted from nearby. "What are you two whispering about?"
"What are we talking about? Azrael!" Harold's suddenly elevated voice drew the attention of the entire class.
Realizing his outburst, Harold smiled sheepishly. "Sorry, sorry."
He then lowered his voice to ask Azrael, "How did you get in here?"
Azrael accepted a textbook from one of his ghost soldiers and replied casually, "What do you mean, 'how did I get in?'"
Seeing Harold's stunned silence, Azrael turned to look at him directly. Both Harold and Arnald were staring in amazement at the spectral servant.
"New card," Azrael explained simply. "Would either of you like some snacks?"
Another ghost soldier knelt gracefully before the two students, offering an assortment of treats in its ethereal hands.
The class bell chimed at that moment, and the ghost soldier instantly melted back into the shadows.
Harold finally found his voice. "Your card is incredible."
"It's adequate," Azrael replied modestly.
He casually responded to Harold while checking his vibrating phone.
[Chisaki (Battle Club Instructor): Come to the Battle Club after your final class today.]
[Azrael: Understood.]