Crowley produced three distinct sets of materials with practiced ease, arranging them between himself and Azrael like a rchant displaying his finest wares. The spiritual energy radiating from each collection spoke of careful curation and substantial investnt.
Examining the offerings, Azrael couldn't shake the feeling that he was selecting from the three great noble houses of so ancient empire, each set carrying the weight of legendary potential.
After spending so much ti in this world, at least I've developed so expertise, Azrael reflected as he studied the materials with analytical precision. His daily imrsion in Lore Cardian theory, combined with classroom instruction and countless hours of reading, had finally begun yielding practical results.
Perhaps due to his enhanced ntal capabilities as a Lore Cardian, Azrael had achieved sothing approaching photographic mory. Technical concepts that would have taken months to absorb in his previous life now crystallized within days of exposure.
Focusing on the three sets before him, recognition dawned imdiately for one collection. The components were remarkably similar to those Master Lucian had provided earlier, clearly materials intended for creating ng Po, though these versions carried significantly lower quality ratings.
The remaining two sets proved more mysterious, though their thematic resonance suggested underworld deities from various mythological traditions. Both radiated the distinctive energy signatures associated with death-domain entities.
Then his attention fell upon the final collection, and his pulse quickened with recognition.
Silver-level [Wandering Crown Prince] (Gold), Silver-level [Blood of Red Dragon] (Gold), Silver-level [Sword of the Chosen King] (Gold).
"Is this King Arthur?" Azrael asked, holding up the materials with growing excitent.
Crowley's eyebrows rose in genuine surprise. "You can actually recognize it? I'm impressed."
"I'll choose this one," Azrael declared without hesitation, his mind already racing through creative possibilities as he secured the Arthurian materials and returned the other sets to Crowley.
Crowley accepted the returned components with obvious puzzlent. "I assud you'd select ng Po's materials. After all, you're Master Lucian's disciple, the thematic alignnt seems obvious."
The logic was sound from an outside perspective, but Crowley wouldn't press the issue. Truth be told, that particular set had been acquired by subordinates hoping to curry favor with his father, despite having no connection to Wu family card systems. The gesture had been well-intentioned but poorly researched.
Now that Azrael had chosen the King Arthur materials, everything worked perfectly. Crowley's lips curved into a satisfied smile as he considered the strategic implications.
Speaking of which, I have no idea where those bootlickers obtained such an incongruous set of materials, he mused privately. European mythology has no place in the Empire of Aetherlight's cultural frawork.
According to the Wu family's extensive historical records, even in Britain itself, the most powerful King Arthur cards ever docunted had peaked at Gold level. With only Silver-tier materials to work with, Azrael's creation would inevitably fall short of legendary potential.
Perfect for my purposes, Crowley concluded with cold satisfaction.
"Then let's begin," Crowley announced, his voice carrying anticipation as both young n prepared for their creative duel.
As his ntal energy settled into the familiar rhythm of card creation, Azrael began sketching on the blank surface. The figure that erged was a young woman of ethereal beauty, golden hair catching light like spun sunlight, erald eyes blazing with determination, clad in pristine white and silver armor that spoke of nobility and purpose.
This wouldn't be the legendary King Arthur of Calot's golden age. Azrael had far better options available to him.
[Please begin crafting your story.]
[In the fifth century AD, the British Isles descended into chaos as warring kingdoms tore the land apart with endless conflict.]
[Uther Pendragon, one of Britannia's most noble princes, suffered defeat at the hands of the usurper king Vortigern, forcing him to place his hopes in the next generation.]
[King Uther and the royal magician rlin conceived an ambitious plan, to create a ruler who would transcend mortal limitations and unite their fractured realm.]
[Through mystical ritual and royal bloodline, they forged a connection to the Red Dragon of Britain itself.]
[Thus was born Artoria Pendragon, the future Knight King, bearer of the Red Dragon's sacred blood.]
[Since Artoria's gender prevented direct inheritance under traditional law, she was sent to Sir Ector's household for fostering, where she t her sworn brother Kay and began her hidden preparation for destiny.]
[For years, Artoria lived simply in her adoptive father's manor, enduring modest circumstances while receiving the rigorous training befitting a future sovereign.]
[When Artoria reached her fifteenth year, King Uther passed into legend, leaving the kingdom without an heir.]
[According to rlin's prophetic proclamation, the next ruler would be whoever could draw forth the sword embedded in the stone within the National Church Cetery.]
[Countless knights attempted the feat, their failures mounting until many began questioning the authenticity of rlin's vision.]
[But when Artoria, her true identity still concealed, approached the mystical blade, she understood the weight of what awaited her.]
[Drawing this sword would end her carefree youth forever. No longer would she be a simple girl pursuing her own dreams. Instead, she would beco sothing far greater and more terrible, a king whose life belonged to her people.]
[Without hesitation or regret, she grasped the hilt and drew forth Caliburn, the golden Sword of Promised Victory.]
[The Sword of Promised Victory served primarily as a ceremonial blade, its true power lying in symbolism rather than raw destruction. Yet this symbolic nature didn't render it powerless, when its true na was invoked, Caliburn could release devastation that ca at the ultimate price of its own destruction.]
[Having claid her birthright, Artoria felt overwheld by the magnitude of her new responsibilities. Doubting her readiness to rule, she embarked on a journey of growth alongside Kay and rlin, seeking the wisdom and experience necessary for true kingship.]
[During their travels across Britain, Artoria's noble heart couldn't ignore the suffering of the innocent. Ti and again, she intervened to protect the helpless, drawing upon the supernatural strength granted by her dragon's blood to turn seemingly hopeless situations into victories.]
[Throughout the realm, tales spread of her deeds, a mysterious knight in pure white armor who appeared wherever evil threatened the innocent.]
[The people she rescued began calling her the Pure White Knight, never suspecting they were witnessing their future queen in action.]
[When her journey finally reached its end, Artoria had gained the confidence and wisdom to accept her crown. With newfound maturity and resolve, she began the trek ho to claim her destiny as Britain's rightful ruler.]
The narrative felt complete, a coming-of-age story that established clear advancent paths while maintaining the essential elents of Arthurian legend. Azrael sensed the mysterious space's approval as his consciousness returned to the secret realm.
[Pure White Knight Princess·Artoria]
Rank: Silver
Quality: Red
Category: Biological
Skills:
[Mana Burst]: Enhances weapons and physical capabilities through concentrated magical energy release. [Caliburn, Sword of Promised Victory]: The blade that chose the king. Upon invoking its true na, releases catastrophic power at the cost of the sword's destruction.
Note: Following destruction, enters a twenty-four hour restoration period.
Traits:
[Instinct]: Instantly comprehends the optimal course of action in any combat situation. [Dragon's Blood]: Possesses the lineage of Britain's greatest fantasy dragon, granting superhuman physical capabilities and vast magical reserves. [Charisma]: Natural leadership presence developed through royal training. Provides minor enhancent to all allied cards in battle. Effect doubles for cards bound by [Knights of the Round Table]. [Journey of Flowers]: The maiden destined for kingship receives countless blessings. Allies fighting alongside her gain immunity to Silver-level and lower emotional manipulation effects.
Introduction: An innocent knight-princess who has yet to taste the blood and fire of true warfare.
Advancent Route: Silver [Pure White Knight Princess·Artoria] → Erald [King of Knights·Artoria] → Master [Lion King·Artoria]
Bonds:
When appearing alongside [Lancelot] and other Round Table series, activates [Knights of the Round Table] effect. When appearing alongside [Morgan] and other Pendragon series, activates [Sisterly Bond] effect.
Examining the floating card before him, Azrael felt deep satisfaction course through his consciousness. "Perfect."
The advancent route extending all the way to Master level caught his attention imdiately. Logically, the Lion King represented an alternate tiline rather than canonical progression, but his current creation, Saber Lily, was equally non-standard by those criteria.
Both versions explore what-if scenarios, he reasoned, setting aside such concerns. The important thing is the potential for growth.
After studying the card's specifications more thoroughly, Azrael touched his chin with genuine appreciation. "Excellent. The energy she radiates is remarkable."
The [Charisma] and [Journey of Flowers] traits might prove less impactful during standard Lore Cardian duels, but their strategic value in other contexts was undeniable. If Azrael were joining the northern frontier forces, those abilities alone could secure him an officer's commission within days.
Unfortunately, their current one-on-one confrontation would render both traits largely useless. Fortunately, Artoria retained Caliburn as her ultimate technique, a Silver-level Red quality card's desperate gambit that sacrificed her weapon for overwhelming destructive potential wasn't sothing any opponent could ignore.
After storing the newly created card in his ntal space, Azrael turned toward Crowley, noting that his opponent remained deep in concentration with closed eyes.
"Still not ready?" Azrael sighed, settling into a patient waiting position.
The creation process varied dramatically between Lore Cardians. So worked with lightning speed, their concepts crystallizing almost instantly. Others required extensive contemplation to properly develop their narratives. Given Crowley's apparent confidence in his prepared materials, the delay suggested either perfectionism or unexpected complications.
He seed so certain of victory earlier, Azrael mused, studying Crowley's focused expression. Either he's crafting sothing truly exceptional, or his overconfidence was misplaced.
Either way, the waiting provided Azrael with ti to ntally review Artoria's capabilities and develop tactical approaches for their impending battle. The Pure White Knight Princess represented a versatile combatant, strong enough to face most opponents directly, yet possessing the strategic depth to adapt to unexpected situations.
Her [Instinct] trait would prove particularly valuable against an unknown opponent. Combined with her [Mana Burst] enhancent capabilities, Artoria could likely match or exceed most Silver-level cards in direct combat.
And if the situation beca truly desperate, Caliburn's ultimate technique remained available as a ga-ending option. Few cards could survive a legendary sword's dying blow, especially when wielded by soone carrying the blood of dragons.
Let him take his ti, Azrael decided with growing confidence. Rushing will only lead to regret once our battle begins.
The corrupted realm around them continued its eternal twilight vigil, storm clouds churning overhead while the stench of decay served as a constant reminder of their hostile environnt. But within this nexus of death and resurrection, new legends were being born, stories that would echo through both their futures long after the [Night Banquet] had ended.
Crowley's eyes remained closed, his breathing deep and controlled as whatever creation he was developing continued taking shape within his consciousness. The intensity of his focus suggested complexity far beyond simple card creation, perhaps he was attempting modifications or enhancents that required extraordinary precision.
Or perhaps he's simply overthinking, Azrael considered with a slight smile. Confidence is one thing, but execution is what truly matters.
Soon enough, they would discover whose preparation had been more effective. Until then, Azrael was content to wait and observe, gathering what intelligence he could about his mysterious opponent's capabilities and thods.
After all, patience was often the most valuable weapon a strategic mind could possess.
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