The orange afterglow of the setting sun cast long shadows across the vast plain, painting the wilderness in hues of amber and crimson. A gray mouse stood upright among the sparse grass, nose twitching as it cautiously explored the area. The small creature continued its nervous investigation until a black-red meteor suddenly streaked across the sky, startling it into scurrying toward the safety of a nearby crypt.
"This secret realm is larger than any I've encountered before," Azrael mused silently as he soared through the air in his imposing form. The massive black and red figure that was his true combat manifestation cut through the sky with supernatural grace.
He had been exploring the secret realm known as the Mutual Cannibalistic Wilderness for quite some time now. Despite flying for what felt like hours, he still hadn't reached his intended destination. The sheer scope of this dimensional pocket continued to astound him.
"The intelligence reports were accurate about the demons here," he reflected, observing the chaotic landscape below. "They seem to lack higher intelligence and are constantly engaged in internecine warfare."
The briefing materials he'd studied before entering had painted an unusual picture. Unlike typical secret realms where demons organized invasions against the outside world, the Mutual Cannibalistic Wilderness was a realm consumed by internal conflict. The creatures within showed no interest in whether they'd successfully breached into the outside world, they were far too busy slaughtering each other.
When the association's Lore Cardians had first entered this realm for reconnaissance, they'd witnessed an endless cycle of violence. Demons clashed with their own kind in brutal combat, as if killing fellow demons held greater importance than attacking human intruders. This bizarre behavior pattern had prompted the association to adopt a hands-off approach, allowing the realm to exist as a self-contained battlefield.
Periodically, Emerald-level Lore Cardians and above would conduct sweeping operations to prevent any demons from achieving breakthrough evolution, but otherwise, the realm was left to its own chaotic devices.
"Finally," Azrael murmured, pausing mid-flight as he checked the coordinates on his phone.
After using his formidable Gold-level mental power to scan the surrounding area for immediate threats, he descended to the ground. The moment his feet touched the rocky terrain, Misaka materialized beside him in a crackling display of electromagnetic energy.
Invisible waves of electromagnetic force radiated outward from the brown-haired esper, instantly transforming her into a living radar system capable of detecting even the slightest electrical disturbances in their environment.
"According to the intelligence reports, a Gluttonous Beast should be engaged in territorial combat with a Hollow Demon Bat somewhere in this area," Azrael stated, frowning as he surveyed the seemingly peaceful surroundings. "Why is there no activity?"
His question was answered moments later when a massive column of dark energy erupted from a distant location, shooting straight into the sky like an obsidian pillar. The ominous beam immediately captured his attention, and both he and Misaka turned toward its source.
"There," he decided instantly, his tactical mind already formulating an approach.
However, given that Misaka was currently his only Gold-rank card, Azrael opted for the cautious strategy he'd employed during his previous mission to the Eye of Infinity. He would send his Shadowkhan soldiers ahead as scouts while maintaining a safe distance to observe and strike when the opportunity presented itself.
Inky shadows spread beneath Azrael's feet like spilled oil, and both he and Misaka sank into the Shadow Kingdom for rapid, concealed transportation. Within moments, they were racing across the dimensional plane toward the source of the disturbance.
Soon, his lead Shadowkhan soldier transmitted crucial reconnaissance data back to him through their mystical bond.
"Just ahead?" Azrael processed the information quickly before emerging from the shadow realm with Misaka at his side.
The instant they materialized in normal space, two overwhelmingly powerful auras crashed into his consciousness like physical blows. The sheer intensity of the demonic presences made him pause, reassessing the threat level.
"This level of power..." he whispered, genuinely impressed by the raw energy emanating from the combatants.
Meanwhile, in a high-tech monitoring facility deep within the Mutual Cannibalistic Wilderness, three Gold-rank Lore Cardians lounged in their observation chairs, feet propped up on control panels as they engaged in casual conversation.
"I never imagined we'd encounter such a promising young talent," remarked a white-haired Lore Cardian, savoring a sip of steaming tea.
"Talent or not, it doesn't affect our situation," replied a portly middle-aged colleague with a dismissive shrug. "We're all here for early retirement anyway, aren't we?" He shifted the topic with practiced ease. "When are you leaving today, Mr. Shawn?"
"Your granddaughter should be getting out of school soon, right?"
The elderly Lore Cardian glanced at his watch. "Around half-past one. I'll be departing shortly."
"This secret realm really depends on you two. I'm getting too old to be of much use," he added with self-deprecating humor.
"Mr. Shawn, you're being too modest," the middle-aged man protested. "We should all share the workload equally."
The third member of their team, a man appearing to be in his thirties, remained silent throughout this exchange, his discomfort obvious. Since joining this assignment, Mr. Shawn had consistently left early every day. While he understood the man was approaching retirement and that reporting such behavior would likely be ignored by the association, it still meant that he and his remaining colleague had to handle the work of three people until a replacement arrived.
His brooding was interrupted when something on the surveillance screen caught his attention. "Shawn, Octavius, come take a look at this!"
"Is there an issue with those two demons?"
The two conversing casually glanced at the monitor, then returned to their relaxed positions with barely concealed indifference.
"Oh, that's nothing to worry about," they responded dismissively. "This isn't a significant problem."
"If there's real danger, that kid will extract himself. Don't underestimate genius-level talent, Tommy."
Their cavalier attitude sparked genuine frustration in their younger colleague. After a moment of tense silence, he stood abruptly and headed for the door. "No, I'm still concerned about this. I'm going to investigate personally. I'll leave this place in your capable hands."
Without waiting for their response, he summoned his vehicle card and departed, leaving behind two men who exchanged meaningful glances.
Octavius finally broke the awkward silence. "Tommy hasn't been here long, and he might not have adjusted to the nature of this job yet. Don't take it personally, Shawn."
Shawn shook his head with understanding. "Why would I be angry with a young person?"
He knew that every Lore Cardian who ended up in these remote monitoring positions harbored their own personal frustrations and disappointments. He had been similarly passionate in his youth.
"Age changes everything," he murmured philosophically.
The earth groaned in agony as another devastating attack tore through the landscape. Dark, corrupted energy passed through the ground, leaving hideous scars of destruction in its wake.
Azrael and Misaka positioned themselves behind a massive boulder, observing the fierce battle between two powerful demons from a safe distance.
"That's definitely the Gluttonous Beast and the Hollow Demon Bat," Azrael confirmed, studying the combatants intently.
The attack that had just devastated the terrain came from the Hollow Demon Bat, a colossal creature with pitch-black wings and eyes that seemed to absorb light itself. Its massive form dominated the sky as it unleashed ranged assaults on its opponent.
As for the Gluttonous Beast, Azrael had to admit he couldn't definitively identify what type of creature it had originally been. The demon appeared to be a unique species that had evolved specifically within this secret realm, its form twisted by whatever dark energies permeated this dimension.
"We'll wait until they've exhausted each other before making our move," Azrael instructed, gently restraining Misaka, who was clearly eager to join the fight.
"But what's wrong with this Gluttonous Beast?" he wondered aloud. "It doesn't seem interested in fighting back."
From his vantage point, the demon known as the Gluttonous Beast appeared to have only one driving motivation: consumption. It methodically devoured everything in its path, grass, soil, rocks, organic matter, inorganic matter, nothing was beyond its voracious appetite.
If the Hollow Demon Bat hadn't been launching exclusively ranged attacks, Azrael suspected the Gluttonous Beast might have attempted to take a few experimental bites out of its aerial opponent.
The two creatures remained locked in their strange stalemate for an extended period. After what seemed like hours of relentless consumption, the Gluttonous Beast finally paused in its feeding frenzy.
Just as Azrael thought it might finally retaliate against its attacker...
"BURP!"
A thunderous belch erupted from the creature, causing Azrael's eye to twitch in disbelief. After releasing this deafening burp, the Gluttonous Beast appeared to have satisfied its hunger and began leisurely preparing to leave the area.
The Hollow Demon Bat was clearly enraged by this display of complete indifference. Since establishing its territory in this region, it had maintained a peaceful existence, bothering no one and expecting the same courtesy in return. However, this gluttonous intruder had been arriving daily like clockwork to systematically devour everything within its domain.
The destruction was absolute, the once-lush area now looked as if it had been gnawed clean by some cosmic dog. But beyond the environmental devastation, the real problem was that many prey animals had fled the region due to the Gluttonous Beast's presence.
The Hollow Demon Bat now faced a difficult choice: relocate to compete for new territory with other powerful demons, or remain and slowly starve to death.
As these thoughts fueled its growing fury, the creature's resolve hardened. The more it restrained itself, the more its anger intensified; the more it tried to retreat diplomatically, the more inadequate it felt.
A massive sphere of pitch-black energy, so dark it seemed to absorb all surrounding color, gradually formed within the demon's maw. The air itself appeared to bend and warp around this concentration of destructive force.
The next instant, the ground exploded upward in a shower of earth and stone as the energy sphere crashed into the Gluttonous Beast with devastating impact. The black energy spread outward like a consuming void, silently devouring everything in its path.
Azrael, witnessing this display of raw power from his concealed position, felt his pupils contract in alarm. His Shadowkhan soldiers immediately began a tactical retreat. "That level of destructive force is beyond what I anticipated!"
"Please don't completely destroy my materials!" he thought desperately.
His primary concern now was that the Gluttonous Beast might be utterly annihilated by this overwhelming assault, forcing him to search for another specimen of what was essentially an endangered species. He understood exactly why even typically patient demons like the Hollow Demon Bat were driven to extreme violence by the Gluttonous Beast's behavior.
Fortunately, when the devastating energy finally dissipated, the Gluttonous Beast remained intact, though visibly weakened by the assault.
"Gurgle!" The creature's stomach rumbled like rolling thunder.
Despite having just survived a near-death experience, the Gluttonous Beast immediately lowered its head and began consuming the energy-scorched earth around it. Azrael watched this display with a mixture of amazement and exasperation.
"Does it really need to eat even now?" he muttered in disbelief.
In reality, if the Hollow Demon Bat had possessed enough energy to launch another attack of similar magnitude, it could have eliminated its persistent territorial violator. However, sensing the equally weakened state of both demons, Azrael couldn't help but smile with predatory anticipation.
"While the snipe and clam fight, the fisherman benefits," he quoted an ancient proverb. "I'll put your materials to excellent use."
Thick, dark storm clouds began gathering above the battlefield as Misaka's body crackled with increasing electrical energy. They hadn't simply been passive observers during the prolonged conflict, they had been making their own preparations.
Beside Azrael, Sasuke raised his right hand in preparation for his ultimate technique.
"Now!" Azrael commanded.
Meanwhile, Tommy raced across the wilderness on his summoned vehicle, watching distant flashes of dark energy with growing anxiety.
The closer he approached his destination, the more overwhelming the demonic auras became. The sheer intensity of power radiating from the combat zone filled him with dread.
"How could these creatures have been overlooked during our last purge operation?" he wondered aloud.
What he didn't know was that the Emerald-level Lore Cardian who had conducted the previous sweep had indeed detected the excessive power levels of both the Gluttonous Beast and the Hollow Demon Bat. However, after observing their behavior patterns, one creature interested only in eating, the other content to hide in its cave like a reclusive hermit, the sweep team had classified them as low-priority threats and designated them as material reserves.
Suddenly, waves of energy washed over Tommy as he sped toward the battleground. Looking ahead, he witnessed a massive spherical shockwave expanding outward from the combat zone.
His pupils dilated with shock. "An attack of that magnitude..."
"Is that young genius going to die out there?!" he thought frantically.
This fear drove him to push his vehicle to maximum speed, racing against time despite the increasing danger.
Raindrops began pelting his protective energy shield as an unseasonable storm gathered overhead.
"Why is it raining at a time like this?" he gritted his teeth and pressed forward.
Just as his anxiety reached its peak, two brilliant pillars of lightning suddenly erupted from the storm clouds, striking the ground with devastating precision. The blinding light forced Tommy to squint against the overwhelming radiance.
A thunderous roar followed:
"BOOM!"
The sound was so intense that an ordinary person would have suffered permanent hearing damage. Tommy stared in awe at the gradually dissipating lightning columns, his mouth agape.
"Was that the genius's counterattack?" he whispered.
As a Gold-level Lore Cardian himself, he could fully appreciate the enormous power behind those twin lightning strikes. When he imagined facing such attacks directly, his conclusion was immediate and sobering.
"Would I survive that?"
"Absolutely not."
When Tommy had first accepted this monitoring position, he had harbored dreams of a comeback, perhaps discovering powerful materials or developing revolutionary techniques that would propel him back to the top tier of Academy City's Lore Cardian hierarchy.
But the demonstration he had just witnessed completely shattered those ambitions. The gap between his abilities and true genius-level talent was far greater than he had ever imagined.
Feeling utterly deflated, he slowly continued toward his destination, arriving just as a young man was carefully examining materials in his hands.
"Oh, it's you," the young man noticed his arrival and looked up with mild surprise. "Is there some kind of problem?"
A thought seemed to occur to him, causing his expression to shift to one of concern. "Are these demons protected by some kind of hunting prohibition?"
Tommy struggled to articulate his original purpose, his words heavy with bitter realization. "I noticed irregularities in the power readings of these two demons on our monitoring system and was concerned for your safety, so I came to investigate."
The young man appeared genuinely surprised by this explanation, then smiled warmly. "Thank you for your consideration, but two mere Gold-level demons pose no threat to me."
Tommy fell silent for a long moment before quietly responding, "Then I'll take my leave," and departed quickly, leaving the young man watching his retreat with obvious confusion.
When Tommy finally returned to the monitoring station, Shawn and Octavius looked up at his visibly shaken demeanor.
"What happened out there?" they asked. "Did someone give you trouble?"
Tommy glanced at them briefly, then turned his gaze to the young man on the surveillance screen, lost in contemplation. "You were right. A genius of that caliber doesn't need our concern."
The two older men immediately understood that their colleague had experienced a profound reality check about his own limitations. They offered words of comfort, "Don't compare yourself to a monster like that."
"Take it easy, Tommy. I believe you have the potential to achieve great things!"
"..."
Back at the battlefield, Azrael watched the monitoring station employee depart and couldn't help but mutter, "I thought those creatures were supposed to be unkillable."
The twin lightning strikes had naturally been delivered by Misaka and Sasuke. The moment she had observed the two demons locked in combat and unable to pay attention to environmental changes, Misaka had begun generating storm clouds above them.
For a Level 5 esper of her caliber, creating a thunderstorm was elementary. While her lightning attacks might have seemed underwhelming against certain opponents in her original series, effectiveness depended entirely on the target. Her electrical assaults could easily overwhelm most Gold-level demons, not to mention the addition of Sasuke's Lightning Release: Kirin technique.
"What a profitable venture," Azrael reflected, examining his newly acquired materials with obvious satisfaction.
In his hands lay two Gold-grade red materials: the Gorgon Beast core and the Hollow Demon Bat essence.
"Two red-quality materials in a single operation," he smiled with genuine pleasure. "If they hadn't weakened each other through prolonged combat, this would have required significantly more effort."
Even at peak condition, the Gorgon Beast's legendary defense and resilience would have made it extremely difficult to defeat, requiring an extended battle of attrition from Azrael's cards. Similarly, the Hollow Demon Bat's devastating offensive capabilities could have proven fatal if he had engaged it at full power without adequate preparation.
"The timing was perfect," he acknowledged, carefully storing the precious materials.
Setting aside his immediate satisfaction, Azrael began contemplating the potential applications for his new acquisitions. He already had specific plans for the Gorgon Beast material, if he could obtain additional suitable components, he believed it would be perfect for crafting a King Slime variant. Unfortunately, his current inventory only included the Flesh-eating Spider, which while useful, limited his options.
The card he was planning to create with available materials would certainly possess considerable potential and power, but the Hollow Demon Bat essence required more careful consideration. He had several promising ideas for its use, but they needed thorough analysis before implementation.
After securing both materials in his storage space, Azrael transformed back into his imposing black and red giant form and took to the sky.
"Now I just need to exchange my accumulated points for one more set of materials, and I can begin crafting my first Gold-level card," he planned with anticipation.
The successful acquisition of these high-quality demon cores represented a significant milestone in his development as a Lore Cardian. With proper planning and execution, these materials would enable him to create a card that could dramatically increase his combat effectiveness and tactical options.
As he soared through the crimson sky of the setting sun, Azrael's mind was already working through the complex calculations and design considerations that would go into his next masterwork creation.