Unlike the worried Diesel, Azrael felt a wave of relief wash over him as he reflected on the evening's chaotic confrontation.
After tonight's battle, the chances of revealing his true identity to Godfrey had diminished considerably. The delicate balance between his public role as Vice President of the Donglai Cardian Master Association and his shadow operations within the Crimson Oath Society remained perfectly intact.
However, if he truly wanted to separate his dual identities completely, the solution lay in developing his mysterious phantom operative, the enigmatic figure with the distinctive hairspray technique. This persona would serve as the perfect scapegoat for his underground activities, already forming a crucial element in his upcoming diamond-level trump card strategy.
Setting aside the complexity of identity management, Azrael found himself puzzled by Li Gang's restraint during their encounter. The man clearly possessed additional cards in his arsenal, so why hadn't he deployed them immediately?
Given Azrael's tactical mindset, he would typically keep one or two cards as trump cards while utilizing the majority of his resources. After all, even a lion uses full effort when hunting rabbits, holding back against an unknown opponent was a dangerous luxury.
Shiraori represented the only card he could safely deploy under his Crimson Oath Society identity without risking exposure. Using other cards would have to wait until Zoro advanced further and properly absorbed the remaining materials Jin had provided.
This limitation suggested two possibilities for Li Gang's restraint: either he was monumentally arrogant, believing he could toy with Azrael like a cat playing with a mouse, or he operated under significant restrictions that prevented access to his full arsenal.
Considering his own past personality quirks, Azrael remained uncertain which scenario was more likely. Without additional intelligence, he could only suppress his curiosity and focus on the broader strategic implications.
"Regardless," he murmured, "tonight should have dealt them a substantial blow. Both the Crimson Oath Society and the Onefold Doctrine will likely maintain a low profile for some time."
The assessment seemed reasonable. The Onefold Doctrine had suffered devastating casualties under Shiraori's methodical elimination of their operatives, at least among the forces Li Gang had brought to the confrontation. Replacing such losses would require significant time and resources.
As for the Crimson Oath Society, they had endured heavy casualties during their fierce battle with the Onefold Doctrine before Azrael's intervention as the mysterious spider summoner. Memphis would be unlikely to issue new missions immediately, needing time to assess damage and reorganize their forces.
The thought of Memphis reminded Azrael of an important task. He withdrew the [Kantau Intelligent Central Communication Tool - Sub-device] from his coat and decided to contact his supposed superior.
For security, he summoned Misaka, the Level 5 Electromaster whose abilities provided perfect countermeasures against electronic surveillance. The short-haired esper materialized beside him, her electromagnetic field immediately scanning the device for security risks.
"Even though cards reset their states after each summoning," Azrael reasoned aloud, "it's better to maintain consistent security protocols."
He also deployed Shiraori to establish a perimeter, her godlike detection abilities integrated through [Ruler: Wisdom] providing early warning against unauthorized approaches.
Azrael had positioned himself deep in the wilderness outside Donglai, far from populated areas. Even if someone discovered his location, they would likely be illegal Lore Cardians operating in shadows, hardly concerning given his current capabilities.
[Six: Fifth Brother, are you available?]
He typed without hesitation, feeling no discomfort addressing Memphis with the respectful honorific. Their previous encounter in Velkairos had revealed Memphis to likely be an Emerald-level Lore Cardian, significantly superior to his current abilities.
A momentary show of respect was a small price for maintaining his cover. However, Azrael hadn't forgotten the initial coercion that had forced him into the Crimson Oath Society. One day, when power dynamics shifted sufficiently, he would settle that particular account.
[Five: Speak.]
The terse response appeared quickly, prompting Azrael to provide a comprehensive report on the Donglai situation. He detailed the factional conflict, casualties sustained, and current operational status of both organizations.
The communicator remained silent for several minutes as Memphis presumably processed the intelligence and considered implications.
[Five: Understood.]
[Five: A batch of contracts will be sent shortly. Use them to recruit fresh blood for our operations.]
[Five: If you're concerned about exposure, delegate recruitment to your subordinates.]
[Five: Additionally, there's a shipment of materials being prepared. Distribute them according to your judgment.]
[Five: I'll contact you if there are new assignments.]
Azrael's pulse quickened as he read Memphis's message, though he maintained neutral expression and professional demeanor in his response.
[Six: Understood. Thank you for the support, Brother Five.]
Memphis didn't reply further, so Azrael pocketed the communication device and turned his attention to Misaka, who was examining a colorful lollipop with scientific curiosity.
"How's the analysis? Did you detect anything suspicious?"
Misaka tucked her hands into the pockets of her cartoon frog sweatshirt, the coconut-flavored candy creating a slight bulge in her cheek. "The device accessed your phone's front camera during the conversation, so it's definitely recording your activities."
She paused to adjust the lollipop's position before continuing, "Your recent communications have been monitored and analyzed. Since nothing particularly sensitive was transmitted, I didn't interfere with their surveillance protocols."
Azrael nodded grimly, having anticipated such measures. "As expected, comprehensive surveillance capabilities are integrated."
More importantly, Memphis's message carried significant implications beyond obvious organizational support. The offer to delegate recruitment and provision of materials suggested a level of discretion and autonomy that could prove invaluable.
Absorbing fresh blood, Azrael mused, analyzing the phrasing. Memphis's words indicated complete trust in his judgment regarding both personnel selection and resource allocation.
"Naturally, the Crimson Oath Society wouldn't expect their operatives to work without compensation," he concluded with satisfaction. "Even the finest horses require proper feed to maintain performance."
Azrael would undoubtedly select materials most beneficial to his development. After all, he had genuinely rescued numerous Crimson Oath Society members during the evening's conflict, such contribution warranted appropriate compensation.
With immediate business concluded, Azrael shifted attention to the ongoing interaction between his summoned cards.
Misaka approached Shiraori with characteristic directness, offering her coconut lollipop with a friendly gesture. "Want some?"
"Yes, yes! If Misaka-sama gives it to me, I'll be your most loyal follower!" Shiraori accepted the offering with exaggerated enthusiasm, her spider-like mannerisms endearing rather than disturbing.
Misaka carefully peeled away the wrapper and handed the candy to her new friend, prompting Azrael to sigh with fond exasperation at their easy camaraderie.
"Speaking of intelligence gathering," he addressed Shiraori, "did you identify additional information about our opponents tonight?"
"Mmm-hmm." Shiraori shifted the lollipop from one side of her mouth to the other before responding. "Of course, Azrael! Don't underestimate my investigative capabilities!"
She paused to enjoy the sweet flavor before continuing, "Though that uncle ran away too quickly, so some card information remained incomplete."
Shiraori shared her analysis through their mental connection, displaying gathered intelligence directly in Azrael's consciousness.
[Name: Li Gang][Title: Failed Ambitious Schemer (Onefold Doctrine Collaborator)][Rank: Gold][Cards Detected: [Ancestor of the Tranquil Dawn·Dangun], [Lord of the Northern Temple·True Spirit Lord], ???]
"True Spirit Lord?" Azrael frowned as he processed the information. "I'm not familiar with that particular figure from Korean mythology."
The limited intelligence gathering was understandable given Shiraori's explanation, Li Gang had retreated too quickly for comprehensive analysis. With his current knowledge, Azrael couldn't determine whether this represented Li Gang's personal creation or an authentic mythological figure.
Shiraori had also updated intelligence on other participants from the evening's conflict.
[Name: Godfrey][Title: Director of Public Security, Donglai Cardian Master Association (Crimson Oath Society Operative)][Rank: Gold][Cards Detected: [Scaled Sovereign·Turtle], ???]
Considering Godfrey's demonstrated abilities during previous encounters, the turtle-based defensive specialization made perfect sense for his tactical role.
However, intelligence on Diesel proved more intriguing:
[Name: Diesel][Title: Contradiction Seeker][Rank: Gold][Cards Detected: ???]
"That title..." Azrael studied the designation with growing puzzlement. "Contradiction Seeker?"
Shiraori's identification system had proven accurate in connecting titles to individuals' core identities and motivations. Li Gang's designation as "Failed Ambitious Schemer" clearly reflected his personality and circumstances.
But Diesel's title remained frustratingly ambiguous, suggesting some fundamental internal conflict or philosophical struggle that Azrael couldn't immediately decipher.
"Regardless," he concluded after several moments of consideration, "there's little point obsessing over incomplete intelligence."
The first hints of dawn were brightening the eastern horizon, signaling the end of a remarkably eventful night.
"Time to return home and prepare for tomorrow's responsibilities."
Later that morning, in the president's office of the Donglai Cardian Master Association, Diesel and Godfrey stood at attention as they delivered their report to President Kavach.
"You're telling me," Kavach said, his expression shifting between disbelief and concern, "that both the Onefold Doctrine and the Crimson Oath Society have established significant operations in Donglai, each with previously unknown high-level operatives?"
The revelation struck him as particularly ironic. During his covert negotiations with the Onefold Doctrine, his primary contact had been a gold-level limb-replacement specialist. Li Gang's name had never appeared in those discussions.
Similarly, his intelligence on the Crimson Oath Society had revealed no indication of such extensive local presence. The organization's activities in Donglai had seemingly expanded far beyond his awareness.
"When exactly did our city become such a popular destination?" he muttered with bitter amusement. "Everyone seems eager to establish operations in our territory."
"Sir," Diesel ventured hesitantly, "should we consider requesting assistance from higher authorities? Both organizations have demonstrated concerning levels of activity recently."
Kavach's expression immediately grew more serious as he considered the implications of such a request. After a long pause, he responded in measured tones:
"I'll evaluate the situation carefully. If circumstances warrant it, I'll reach out to our superiors for additional support."
Diesel's tension visibly decreased, though Godfrey recognized the non-committal nature of their president's response and suspected no such request would be forthcoming.
As expected, Kavach had no intention of involving higher authorities in the Donglai situation. Such escalation would inevitably lead to investigation of his own questionable connections with various factions, scrutiny that could easily end his career and potentially result in criminal charges.
If higher-ups discover my arrangements with the Onefold Doctrine, he thought grimly, transfer to some remote inland posting would be the least of my concerns. They could easily decide my "retirement" should be far more permanent.
There was always the possibility that the Onefold Doctrine might expose his involvement if pressured by investigative authorities, but by then, his mission would be complete. The organization's leadership would face consequences alongside him, creating mutually assured destruction that might provide some protection.
"Better to handle this locally," he concluded, "and avoid unnecessary complications from outside interference."
Just then, the office door burst open with considerable force as Azrael strode in, his expression conveying both urgency and frustration.
"My apologies for the delay," he announced without preamble. "What's the current situation?"
Kavach's first instinct was to reprimand the Vice President for his casual entrance and apparent dereliction of duty. However, he quickly reconsidered the wisdom of such confrontation.
Azrael had reported his departure properly, claiming urgent personal business in Pixar involving his senior sister, who happened to be a Diamond-level Lore Cardian of considerable reputation and influence.
Moreover, the timing had been documented through official channels, leaving Kavach without legitimate grounds for disciplinary action.
Best to avoid unnecessary conflict with someone whose family connections could prove... problematic, he decided diplomatically.
The President simply waved dismissively and gestured toward the other two officials.
"Nothing that can't wait. Director Diesel can brief you on the details."
He closed his eyes and leaned back in his chair, suddenly feeling the weight of accumulated stress and political complexity.
"You three can handle operational discussion in Vice President Azrael's office. I need time to process everything that's happened."
Leaving the president's office, Godfrey maintained the same cold, professional distance he might show a complete stranger.
"Vice President Azrael," he said formally, "I still have aftermath management duties to complete. If you'll excuse me."
Without waiting for response or acknowledgment, he departed with swift, efficient strides.
Diesel watched this interaction with growing bewilderment, unable to understand the dramatic shift in Godfrey's attitude toward their Vice President.
"What's gotten into him?" Diesel wondered aloud. "Last mission, he couldn't stop praising your leadership and tactical insight."
"Has he been having personal problems lately?"
Expected signs of annoyance or frustration never appeared on Azrael's face. Instead, he simply opened his office door with calm composure and gestured politely.
"Please, come in, Director Diesel. Let's discuss the situation properly."
Diesel quickly suppressed his wandering thoughts and followed the Vice President into the office, settling into familiar routine of operational debriefing.
As Diesel methodically recounted the previous night's events, Azrael maintained appropriately attentive expression while his mind occupied itself with entirely different considerations.
The intelligence he possessed far exceeded anything in Diesel's report, and the man's account contained numerous gaps and inaccuracies based on his limited perspective as ground-level observer.
Still, maintaining his official cover required appropriate responses and reactions to information he supposedly hadn't witnessed firsthand.
"Director Diesel," Azrael interjected at an appropriate moment, "thank you for this comprehensive report. Your dedication during what must have been an extremely challenging situation is commendable."
"Please, get some rest and recovery time. You've earned it after such an ordeal."
After Diesel's departure, Azrael settled into his chair with a weary sigh and glanced toward morning sunlight streaming through his office windows.
"What an elaborate performance that was," he murmured to himself.
As someone who had actually participated in the previous night's conflict, he possessed far more detailed intelligence than any of his supposed colleagues. Listening to their incomplete and often inaccurate assumptions had required considerable self-control to avoid obvious contradictions.
Looking at the brightening sky outside, Azrael decided to summon Fubuki to handle administrative responsibilities for the day. The psychokinetic hero's experience managing the Hero Association's B-Class operations made her ideally suited for such organizational tasks.
"I'll leave routine work to you," he said as the elegant young woman materialized beside his desk, her dark green hair styled in its characteristic bob cut. "I need rest and time to process everything that's happened recently."
Fubuki efficiently shooed him toward the reception sofa with practiced ease of someone accustomed to managing difficult personalities, then settled gracefully behind the desk to tackle accumulated paperwork and correspondence.
Her hands moved with fluid precision as she sorted documents, prioritized urgent matters, and prepared responses for his eventual review and approval.
After some time had passed, gentle sounds of steady breathing indicated that her summoner had fallen into much-needed sleep. Fubuki paused in her work to glance toward the sofa, her typically sharp expression softening as she observed Azrael's peaceful rest.
"Really," she murmured with fond exasperation, though her tone carried unmistakable affection. "You push yourself far too hard sometimes."
When Azrael finally awakened, afternoon sun was casting long shadows across his office. He had slept through most of the working day, hardly surprising given his recent schedule of constant activity and strategic maneuvering.
Between his journey to Pixar, immediate transition to the secret realm in Velkairos for material acquisition, intensive card creation process, and the previous night's confrontation with Godfrey followed by the factional conflict, he had maintained exhausting pace with virtually no recovery time.
"Finally awake?" Fubuki inquired, twirling a black signing pen between her elegant fingers. "There are several documents requiring your signature. I've organized them by priority and flagged items needing clarification or correction."
"I've also highlighted inconsistencies in certain reports that should be returned for revision rather than approved as submitted."
Azrael stretched slightly to work out stiffness from his impromptu nap. "I don't know what I'd do without your efficiency and attention to detail."
Hearing this praise, Fubuki rolled her eyes in response to his flattery but tossed him the signing pen with a slight smile playing at the corners of her mouth.
Azrael caught the pen smoothly and quickly worked through the stack of documents, adding his signature to approved items and annotating others with revision requests.
After completing administrative tasks, he moved closer to the desk and quickly stole a gentle kiss on Fubuki's smooth cheek before retreating as she blushed at the unexpected affection.
It was telling that even after their relationship had progressed significantly, with several of his summoned companions having engaged in more intimate encounters, moments like these could still cause such charming reactions.
A girl's feelings are always poetic, Azrael reflected with warm understanding, and those tender emotions deserve to be cherished.
As office lights dimmed with approaching evening, comfortable silence settled between them.
"Time to go home," Azrael declared, dismissing Fubuki with genuine gratitude for her assistance throughout the day.
For several days following the confrontation, both the Onefold Doctrine and the Crimson Oath Society remained notably quiet, exactly as Azrael had predicted. The factional conflict had clearly disrupted their respective operations sufficiently to require substantial reorganization and recovery time.
This peaceful interval was finally interrupted when Unohana Retsu approached him with an official document that immediately commanded his complete attention.
While Fubuki's administrative skills made her ideal for handling routine paperwork and organizational tasks, Azrael recognized that he couldn't simply exploit her capabilities without consideration for her own interests and well-being. He wasn't about to become the kind of inconsiderate superior who treated valuable allies as disposable resources.
The gentle captain of the Fourth Division handed him the document with her characteristic serene composure, though something in her expression suggested the contents were particularly significant.
Reviewing the paperwork, Azrael's expression grew increasingly serious as he processed the implications.
"Risk Assessment Document Regarding the Newly Emerged Secret Realm in Laiyang County, Donglai."