Dark storm clouds roiled overhead the battlefield at Suzhou University, lightning crackling with terrifying intensity as it fueled Oliver's summoned cards. The air itself seemed to hum with barely contained electrical energy.
A member of Suzhou University's Battle Club, the petite girl known as Emma, watched the spectacle unfold with growing dismay. Before the match began, she'd believed that this year, Pixar University's Battle Club only possessed one truly formidable member, which was Azrael. But Oliver had just delivered a harsh wake-up call.
Weather manipulation tactics like Oliver's were typically the easiest strategies to counter during a first encounter against an unprepared opponent. Yet despite this theoretical weakness, his execution proved flawless. While his three cards lacked any obvious synergistic bonds, their abilities complemented each other with devastating efficiency. Unless an opponent could overwhelm him through sheer brute force, gaining any meaningful advantage in an initial confrontation seemed nearly impossible.
"Oliver wins," Azrael murmured from the sidelines.
As if responding to his quiet pronouncement, a deafening thunderclap shook the arena. Blinding lightning illuminated the battlefield before gradually dissipating, taking Emma's cards with it as they dissolved into motes of light. Oliver stood victorious, though clearly exhausted. The storm clouds that had once covered the entire field had mostly dispersed, leaving only scattered patches of dark mist clinging to the scorched earth.
Emma returned to Professor Ronnie's side with obvious dejection, her delicate features flushed with embarrassment. "Professor Ronnie, I lost."
While Suzhou University maintained a respectable reputation, it still couldn't compare to Pixar University despite the latter's current decline. Truthfully, setting Azrael aside, the gap in strength between the two institutions wasn't particularly dramatic, perhaps a sixty-forty split in Pixar's favor.
Ronnie observed his somewhat embarrassed student and sighed silently before turning to address Professor Chisaki. "I apologize for the poor showing."
He was referring to Emma's earlier attempt to challenge Azrael directly.
Chisaki shook his head dismissively. "Your team performed admirably this year. You should be able to make a strong impression at nationals."
He meant every word. Even before Azrael's arrival, Oliver had already served as Pixar University's ace player. The fact that Suzhou University had managed to push him to his limits spoke well of their capabilities.
"What's the point of strong performances if we can't claim the championship?" Ronnie replied with mock exasperation.
Chisaki couldn't suppress an eye roll at his colleague's dramatic response. Even he wasn't entirely certain how far Pixar University would advance this year. Azrael should have excellent chances in the individual competition, but the team tournament presented different challenges. No matter how powerful Azrael might be, surely he couldn't fight five opponents simultaneously, right?
As Chisaki contemplated Azrael's cards and their remarkable ability to transform during different phases of battle, uncertainty crept back into his thoughts. Perhaps his assumptions about tactical limitations needed revision.
"Let's go. I won't keep you any longer," Chisaki announced, standing and patting Ronnie's shoulder in farewell.
Azrael followed his instructor thoughtfully. The weather manipulation Oliver's cards had demonstrated reminded him of a certain character from his collection, along with materials he'd acquired long ago: Silver-level [Lonely Star] (Gold quality).
It'll gather dust if I don't use it soon. But getting Artoria a proper weapon takes priority.
Priorities mattered. He already possessed enough character cards for now, what he needed were equipment cards to enhance his combat effectiveness. He sensed he wasn't far from reaching Gold-level himself, perhaps requiring just one more creature card to achieve the breakthrough.
At the school gates, Azrael had previously informed Chisaki about his plans to return to Velkairos, so he didn't follow the Battle Club back to Pixar. Watching Chisaki's minivan disappear into the distance, Azrael transformed into his Pride symbiote form and took to the skies toward his former home.
Moving within urban areas was certainly easier using his Shadowkhan, but for traversing wilderness like this, the symbiote proved more efficient.
A dark crimson figure streaked across the heavens like a meteor.
Observing the peaceful eastern districts of Riverrock City passing beneath him, Azrael breathed a sigh of relief. "Looks like everything will be stable going forward. My efforts to report the Onefold Doctrine were worthwhile."
This reminder prompted him to check his messages.
[Loving Family Group Chat]
[Azrael: Teacher, I'm in Riverrock City. It seems the eastern district was under martial law last night. Did you know? @Master Lucian]
[Master Lucian: I'm not in Velkairos currently. Let me investigate.]
Seeing that Master Lucian was aware of the situation, Azrael breathed easier. He couldn't directly reveal that the Onefold Doctrine was operating secretly in Riverrock City, after all, he supposedly had no access to such intelligence, and a direct statement would certainly raise uncomfortable questions. A subtle reminder to his teacher would suffice.
Putting away his phone, Azrael continued his flight toward Velkairos.
Soon, the familiar skyline came into view. Having learned from his previous interception at Pixar, he deliberately reduced his speed to avoid unwanted attention.
"I'm back," the crimson figure murmured as he descended, gazing at the old residential complex with "Happy Homes Complex" emblazoned across its entrance.
"They actually repaired it."
A brand new iron gate had been installed where the green-haired thug had previously demolished the original barrier during the Crimson Oath Society incident.
Azrael hadn't returned to Happy Homes Complex since eliminating the organization's operatives in Velkairos. He wondered who had undertaken the restoration work.
Extending his mental perception, he discovered that Aunt Suzy from next door wasn't home. In fact, the adjacent apartment appeared to have been abandoned for quite some time.
Of course. Anyone who had experienced such violence would naturally choose to relocate. Aunt Suzy had been a direct victim of that chaos.
The realization left Azrael feeling somewhat melancholy. When he'd first awakened in this world, he'd been nothing more than a high school senior with no understanding of his circumstances.
Now?
A disciple of a master-level Lore Cardian. A top student at Pixar University. The Sixth Master of the Crimson Oath Society.
Layer upon layer of identities surrounded him like masks.
With a subtle gesture, a Shadowkhan materialized beside Azrael, respectfully holding his mobile phone.
[Azrael: Uncle Gustav, are you free? I'm back in Velkairos and would like to see you.]
Azrael sent the message to Gabi's father, who had shown him considerable kindness in the past, then waited silently for a response.
[Gustav: If you're available, please come directly to my house.]
[Gustav: [Address attached]]
Although they were quite familiar with each other, Azrael had never actually visited Gustav's residence. And while he claimed to be visiting Gustav, Azrael actually had a more important objective in mind.
As he approached the address Gustav had provided, Azrael couldn't help feeling nervous. However, upon meeting Gustav in person, he released a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding.
"Good, he's not."
After experiencing threats from the Crimson Oath Society, Azrael had briefly suspected Gustav of potential membership. However, due to lack of evidence and the fact that Gabi had also been attacked by the organization, he'd kept his suspicions private.
Now that he possessed the authority to sense organizational bonds, he naturally wanted to confirm Gustav's status. Fortunately, Gustav wasn't a member, otherwise, the social dynamics would have become impossibly awkward. How do you interact normally when you've become a high-ranking leader of the very organization that once threatened someone's family?
"Uncle Gustav, it's been too long," Azrael said with genuine relief, smiling at the middle-aged man with gold-rimmed glasses.
Gustav studied the young man before him, noting how Azrael's youthful features had matured slightly, and raised an eyebrow with amusement. "Do I look that intimidating?"
Azrael waved dismissively. "Just confirming something important."
"Speaking of which, where's Gabi?"
He hadn't sensed her presence anywhere in the vicinity.
"Azrael, Gabi is still in her final year of high school. She has classes today, on a Saturday."
Azrael felt momentarily speechless. He'd been a university student for so long that he'd forgotten about high school schedules.
"Well, come inside first," Gustav said with understanding.
They settled in the living room, where Azrael made himself comfortable on the sofa. "Uncle Gustav, how has Velkairos been recently? Is the situation stable?"
Gustav sighed at the question. "I honestly couldn't tell you. I'm only responsible for monitoring controlled secret realms."
Azrael immediately understood the implication. "The leadership still doesn't trust you completely."
He felt somewhat helpless about this situation. He couldn't exactly approach Master Lucian and vouch for Gustav's reliability without raising questions about how he'd obtained such information.
"That's probably for the best, actually. At least there's minimal risk involved."
"True. It gives you more time to spend with Gabi."
Both men fell into contemplative silence.
After a long pause, Gustav broached a new topic. "Azrael, after the national competition, have you decided where you'd like to do your internship?"
As a Gold-level Lore Cardian, Gustav could naturally sense Azrael's current state when the young man wasn't maintaining defensive barriers.
"Return to Velkairos, perhaps?" Azrael replied with some uncertainty. Though he was only a freshman, he sensed he wasn't far from the Gold-level threshold.
If a normal Lore Cardian possessed as many Silver-level cards as Azrael currently commanded, they would have achieved Gold rank long ago. But Azrael's situation remained somewhat unique.
"I really need to focus on winning the national championship," he mused aloud. After all, first place in the individual competition came with a complete set of Gold-level materials, the perfect foundation for rank advancement.
"Velkairos certainly wouldn't be a poor choice," Gustav acknowledged. "But for someone with your talents, the Association probably won't allow you to select a major city like Velkairos right from the start."
Azrael looked puzzled. "Why not? When I enrolled at Pixar University, I was told positions were self-selected."
With his years of experience, Gustav naturally understood the underlying politics. "You're extraordinarily talented. The Association wants to develop you properly."
"Once you reach Gold rank, there's a strong possibility they'll assign you to administrative positions in smaller or medium-sized cities."
"Only after promotion to Emerald or Diamond level would you be transferred back to major urban centers."
Azrael's expression fell. "But I don't know anything about that kind of work."
"That's precisely why they want you to gain experience. Master Lucian went through the same process," Gustav explained matter-of-factly.
Azrael felt speechless, unsure how to respond to this revelation. He was beginning to recognize a familiar pattern in his circumstances.
Both the protagonist and antagonist held high positions within opposing organizations.
I'm becoming like a certain Rocket Team leader from that franchise, Azrael reflected with dark humor.
"So what would the Crimson Oath Society ultimately become? The Rainbow Crime Syndicate?"
Azrael began to contemplate the absurd parallels.
"Anyway, I'm glad you came to visit, but don't you want to return to school now?" Gustav's voice interrupted Azrael's wandering thoughts.
Azrael had originally planned to make additional visits. Since he was returning to Velkairos, he naturally wanted to see all his acquaintances.
"Uncle Gustav, I won't impose any longer. I'll take my leave now."
After bidding farewell to Gustav, Azrael set off for Silverbrook High School.
Fortunately, he hadn't lost his student identification card, so he managed to enter the campus without difficulty.
"Knock, knock, knock."
Azrael rapped on the teacher's office door.
"Come in."
Pushing the door open, he discovered his former homeroom teacher, Victoria, concentrating on lesson plan preparation. After all, final examinations were approaching rapidly.
"Miss Victoria, it's been a while."
Victoria raised her head upon hearing the somewhat unfamiliar male voice. After taking in the visitor's appearance, she couldn't help but look startled.
"Azrael? What brings you here?"
Azrael shrugged casually. "We had a scheduled match against Suzhou University's Battle Club today. Afterward, I decided to stop by Velkairos."
Victoria's face brightened with a pleased smile. "How thoughtful of you to remember us. Would you like to visit your old classroom?"
Seeing Azrael nod enthusiastically, Victoria stood and led the way.
Naturally, several teachers along their route recognized Azrael, the prodigious graduate of Silverbrook High School. No, calling him a prodigy hardly seemed adequate anymore. A Silver-level Lore Cardian represented serious power. Silverbrook High School didn't even employ faculty of that caliber.
Arriving at the senior class entrance, Victoria whispered to Azrael, "Wait here briefly. We'll surprise them."
Azrael agreed to the plan.
While waiting somewhat impatiently for Victoria to announce his arrival, his phone vibrated with incoming messages.
[Master Lucian: Azrael, are you still in Riverrock City?]
[Master Lucian: I've confirmed it. The Onefold Doctrine was operating in eastern Riverrock City.]
[Master Lucian: But the situation has been resolved now.]
[Master Lucian: However, I've initiated investigations in nearby cities as well. If you're still in Riverrock, be cautious and return to Pixar as soon as possible.]
[Jacob: How could the Onefold Doctrine establish operations in a place like Riverrock without detection?]
Azrael shared his senior brother's confusion, though clearly no one would provide explanations for such intelligence failures.
[Azrael: Understood, Teacher.]
Just as Azrael prepared to reveal his current location in Velkairos, Victoria's voice rang out from the classroom, "Azrael, come in!"
"The timing couldn't be more perfect," Azrael muttered, pocketing his phone and entering the classroom.
Inside, Gabi and Yurek, Azrael's former closest friends, stared in astonishment. They couldn't understand why Azrael would be in Velkairos at this particular time.
However, they were naturally delighted to see their old friend again.
The students erupted in excitement upon seeing Azrael appear in their classroom.
"Holy shit, Azrael! Long time no see!"
"Yeah, Azrael! We all watched that previous match, it was incredible!"
Azrael felt somewhat uncomfortable with his former classmates' enthusiastic flattery. The dynamic reminded him of someone returning home after achieving wealth and success, suddenly finding relatives eager to seat him at the head of the dinner table while elders raised their glasses and watched his every expression.
Well, perhaps not quite that extreme.
Just then, someone called out jokingly, "Azrael, show us those Silver-level cards!"
The students had only ever been exposed to Bronze-level cards, so they naturally wanted to witness the difference Silver-level summoning could make.
Azrael saw no problem with such a modest request. After brief consideration, he realized the only cards he could safely demonstrate were his Shadowkhan, the others wouldn't be appropriate for high school students to observe.
With a subtle mental command, figures clad in dark blue emerged from the classroom shadows.
The room fell into stunned silence as students watched the intimidating warriors kneel respectfully beside Azrael.
Victoria felt equally amazed. Despite her years of teaching experience, she'd never encountered cards quite like these. As a Bronze-level Lore Cardian herself, she could sense that the creatures emerging from shadow possessed Bronze-level strength, yet their aura suggested something far more significant.
Gabi, seated among the audience, experienced the same sensation. As the most talented student since Azrael's departure, she now stood just one step away from Bronze rank herself. She naturally recognized the terrifying potential these spectral soldiers represented.
However, the figures' subsequent actions surprised everyone present.
Handfuls of snacks materialized from blue-tinged palms, distributed among the delighted students.
"I'm feeling... somewhat disillusioned," one student muttered while munching contentedly.
Shouldn't Silver-level cards inspire awe and terror? Gabi and Yurek's cards appeared far more imposing than these seemingly domestic servants.
Furthermore, none of the Silver-level cards Azrael had displayed during his televised battle against Crowley had resembled these particular entities.
Azrael found himself thinking about his teacher's recent warnings. After some deliberation, he decided to speak privately with Victoria before departing.
"BOOM!"
At that moment, a deafening explosion erupted from somewhere near the school's main entrance.
"Am I really this unlucky?" Azrael groaned internally.