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More than a month had elapsed since Russell had wrapped up the assignment handed to him by the Spirit Begging Society, and in that time, he had embraced a lifestyle of serene tranquility that surpassed any period of peace he had experienced since arriving in this world. His days unfolded in a rhythmic simplicity, dedicated either to profound sessions of meditation that deepened his mental reserves or to energetic... "sparring sessions"... with his summoned companions, where the air would fill with the sounds of clashing abilities and spirited exertion. He ventured outdoors only when absolutely necessary, preferring the solitude of his home to recharge and refine his skills without external distractions.
At this particular moment, Russell sat cross-legged on his bed, immersed in a pivotal meditation practice that demanded his utmost concentration. After what felt like an eternity of focused introspection, he gradually opened his eyes, revealing a stark contrast between his visibly fatigued features and the vibrant spark that now illuminated his gaze, as if a fresh surge of vitality had ignited within him. A subtle smile began to curve his lips, growing into a genuine expression of accomplishment.
"Finally," he murmured softly to himself. "Silver level."
Indeed, after nearly a month of unwavering dedication and rigorous training, he had achieved the breakthrough to the silver level. Unlike his ascent to bronze, which had been catalyzed by a surge of intense emotional resolve during a moment of crisis, this advancement stemmed purely from persistent effort and disciplined practice. His exceptional innate talent for mental cultivation had played a crucial role, enabling him to cross this threshold just in time, mere days before the commencement of the new university semester.
Reaching the silver level instilled in him a modest sense of security, a buffer against the uncertainties of his dual existence. He was aware that figures like Jonathan Whitemore, a director within the New Metro Cardmakers Association, operated at the gold level—a reminder of the heights still ahead. Yet, his own silver status remained nascent and fragile; after all, he lacked any silver-level cards to bolster his arsenal, leaving him vulnerable until he could craft them.
"Fortunately, both my teacher and the Spirit Begging Society have provided me with sets of materials to kickstart this phase," he reflected gratefully. This abundance was a privilege few could claim, unique to his circumstances. For typical cardmakers hailing from modest backgrounds without familial legacies, each rank progression demanded exhaustive financial sacrifices, often depleting household resources just to attempt forging their inaugural card at the new tier.
"It's regrettable that the materials from the Society must remain concealed from public view," he noted with a sigh. They had supplied him with four silver-level items in total: [Star of Calamity] (Gold), [Demon Hunter] (Purple), [Blood of Resurrection] (Gold), and [Power Demon] (Gold). Their value was immense, but utilizing them openly would invite scrutiny and questions he couldn't afford to answer.
Thus, he resolved to begin with the materials bestowed by Director Blake, prioritizing those that aligned with his overt identity. "However..."
He examined the four underworld-themed materials cradled in his hands: [Soul Guide Hag] (Red), [Waters of Styx] (Gold), [Bowl of Five Flavors] (Gold), and [Two-Faced Idol] (Gold). A contemplative furrow formed on his brow as he appreciated Director Blake's generosity; the assortment was clearly a meticulously curated set, designed for synergy. This marked Russell's first encounter with a red-quality material, a rarity that underscored the exceptional nature of the gift.
Though his pre-transmigration knowledge of mythology had been superficial at best, he had since supplemented it with formal studies, blending that with insights into Blake's personal card system. The intent behind these items was unmistakable, pointing toward the creation of the mythological entity Meng Po, the guardian of forgetfulness in the afterlife.
"But the [Two-Faced Idol]..." He puzzled over its inclusion, as it seemed somewhat discordant with the others at first glance.
Casually reaching for the World Mythology Atlas, Revised Edition 4.8 resting on his bedside table, he flipped through its pages until he landed on the entry for Meng Po. As he absorbed the annotations accompanying the illustrations, a wave of realization washed over him. "Meng Po's origins trace back to the Classic of Mountains and Seas?" The text described her as originally being Nüying, the second daughter of Emperor Yao, who also embodied a deity associated with the winds.
"The two-faced idol... representing duality, two facets of the same entity." Clarity dawned as he grasped his teacher's foresight. This material was strategically placed to facilitate an evolutionary path for Meng Po, bridging her to her primordial divine incarnation. "What a shame," Russell sighed, a tinge of regret in his voice. "I'm not pursuing Meng Po." Undoubtedly, with these components, the resulting card would achieve at least gold quality, a formidable asset. Yet, it diverged from his envisioned trajectory.
Given that his Yoriichi card could now establish bonds with other figures from the Bleach universe, expanding that roster represented the most strategic direction. Alternatively, he contemplated Eiki Shiki from the Touhou Project, whose archetype drew from the bodhisattva Ksitigarbha—a figure of such exalted stature that manifesting her at his current level was infeasible. The notion of unveiling such a card amused him, imagining the bemused reaction on his teacher's face; after all, Eiki Shiki held dominion as a renowned King of Hell, echoing Blake's own thematic domain. A mischievous grin spread across his features at the thought.
"Retsu Unohana, Shutara Senjumaru, Kirio Hikifune... all such esteemed and formidable ladies," Russell mused, scratching his head in deliberation. "The choice is agonizing." The Bleach world brimmed with powerful female characters of maturity and strength. "Nevertheless, proceeding will necessitate swapping out some of these materials."
For an average cardmaker, the options would boil down to scouring trading sites for alternatives or defaulting to crafting Meng Po, given the rarity of assembling such a harmonious set. But Russell was no ordinary practitioner; he was the apprentice of a Master Cardmaker. While his personal network was still budding, his teacher's influence was vast. With this in mind, he promptly composed and sent a message to Blake Whitmore.
[Russell]: Teacher, some of the materials you provided don't align with my intended design. I'd like to exchange them with someone suitable.
He waited patiently for a response, and shortly thereafter, his phone rang instead of chiming with a text.
"Hello, young Russell. Have you already ascended to the silver level?" Blake Whitmore's voice, aged yet infused with genuine warmth, greeted him from the other end. Though aware of the boy's prodigious aptitude, the speed of his progress still elicited a measure of astonishment.
"Yes, Teacher. I was fortunate enough to break through today," Russell replied with a modest chuckle.
"You mentioned exchanging materials. Do you have a specific concept in mind for your next card?"
"Indeed, but a few pieces from this set aren't quite fitting."
On the line's opposite side, Blake wore a pensive expression. The materials he had curated were highly targeted; if Russell sought alternatives, it likely stemmed from a desire to forge bonds with his existing cards. Respecting his student's autonomy, Blake refrained from probing further. "I'll forward you a contact shortly," he assured. "It's one of your senior sisters, currently instructing at Northgate University. Feel free to reach out to her for similar needs moving forward."
"Understood—thank you, Teacher."
"Haha, we're mentor and pupil; no need for such formalities. I have other matters to attend to, so I'll end the call here."
"Thank you again, Teacher. Goodbye."
Glancing at the newly received contact details on his phone, Russell was momentarily taken aback by the efficiency. He hadn't anticipated resolving the issue so seamlessly. It truly simplifies matters when backed by influence, he reflected. Without delay, he initiated the friend request.
[Russell]: Hello, Senior Sister. I am Russell, the teacher's latest disciple. I'm seeking to exchange some materials with you.
After a brief interval, the request was accepted.
[Hazel]: Address.
[Hazel]: Come find me here.
Studying the terse messages, Russell formed an impression of this unseen senior sister as someone of decisive action and efficiency.
(End of this chapter)