Azrael fell silent upon examining the first two materials in the envelope, his expression growing contemplative as he read the elegant script describing their contents.
"Gold-grade red [Flesh-eating Spider Demon], gold-grade red [Grand Mage of the Curse Heart School of Magic]."
"That's quite generous indeed," he murmured, setting the materials down carefully. "But the materials are a bit too scattered. Are these two materials connected at all?"
He couldn't help but voice his frustration aloud, though he appreciated the gesture from the Crimson Oath Society. Judging by the two red-quality materials alone, they could definitely be considered generous in their offering.
The problem was that even a seasoned ani enthusiast like Azrael, who had diligently studied mythology since arriving in this world, couldn't imdiately connect the two disparate materials into a coherent creation.
Sighing deeply, Azrael could understand the Crimson Oath Society's position. After all, there was still considerable distance between them and the Empire of Aetherlight, so it was perfectly normal for them to lack a complete set of compatible materials.
"But where did they acquire these materials?" he wondered aloud, his mind turning to possibilities. "Overseas?"
Thinking of the vast ocean beyond the empire's borders, Azrael silently pondered the implications. There were indeed secret realms scattered across the seas, otherwise Master Lucian wouldn't have been stationed for so long in the coastal regions, monitoring mariti threats.
Suppressing his doubts for the mont, he examined the final set of materials with renewed attention.
"Gold-grade red item material [Heart of Desire]."
"Three red materials total!" Azrael initially thought the last set might have so connection to the materials for the Archmage, but then a startling realization struck him.
"Could it be that the Crimson Oath Society controls a secret realm similar to the drow settlents in classic fantasy?" The thought instantly opened new possibilities in his strategic mind.
"But the combat power of ordinary fantasy races isn't particularly impressive, and there aren't many deities with such overwhelming divine power in those mythologies."
He quickly discarded the idea of creating a Drow Matriarch. The main issue was that while a Drow Matriarch might excel at political intrigue and palace scheming, her direct combat capabilities would likely prove insufficient for his current needs.
Instead, his mind began working through characters that might be suitable for the three materials he possessed. Not just one potential creation, but possibly two: a [Flesh-Eating Spider Demon], an [Archmage of the Cursed Heart School of Magic], and a [Heart of Desire].
"I'll need to keep an eye out for related materials in the future," he decided pragmatically.
Although Azrael felt slightly disappointed that he couldn't create a finished card imdiately, he recognized that he didn't have better alternatives at the mont. With Misaka operating openly and Magnus working from the shadows, they could handle the current situation adequately.
Besides, his existing silver-level cards weren't entirely without fighting potential. They would have to suffice until he could acquire more compatible materials.
That evening, Azrael opened his eyes from his ditation practice, the familiar calm of focused breathing giving way to the awareness of his surroundings. Outside his study, the sound of approaching footsteps preceded a gentle knock on the door.
"Sixth Master, Sixth Master..." ca Magnus's cautious voice from beyond the wooden barrier.
"Co in," Azrael responded, his voice carrying the natural authority he'd cultivated in his role within the organization.
Magnus entered, his weathered face showing the telltale signs of soone who had spent considerable effort ensuring everything was arranged perfectly.
"Sixth Master, I've already notified everyone. They're all gathered and waiting for your arrival," Magnus reported efficiently. "Shall we proceed?"
Azrael was genuinely surprised, noting Magnus's sowhat disheveled appearance despite his efforts to maintain composure. "So soon? I wasn't expecting such rapid mobilization."
Magnus chuckled deferentially, the sound containing both pride and relief. "Sixth Master, who would dare to neglect your summons?"
Azrael remained noncommittal, but as he stood from his ditation position, his casual clothing gradually transford into an impeccably tailored black suit that seed to absorb the surrounding light. He deliberately allowed a fraction of his true presence to manifest, just enough to create the proper atmosphere.
"My identity cannot be revealed during this eting," he instructed firmly, the command carrying weight that brooked no argunt.
"Lead the way," he concluded.
Magnus bowed his head respectfully. "Yes, Sixth Master."
A shadow, moving with the fluid intelligence of a living entity, instantly engulfed both figures, transporting them through the darkness toward their destination.
"Which master from the guild has arrived?" The question rippled through the abandoned factory building near the coast, carried by dozens of hushed voices.
"I don't know the specifics, but the ssage transmitted through the [communication network] can't be incorrect. After all, the one who sent it is confird to be a Gold-level Lore Cardian," ca the asured response from soone clearly familiar with organizational protocols.
A diverse group of Lore Cardians, dressed in clothing that reflected their varied backgrounds and specializations, were quietly discussing the urgent summons they had received that day. The gathering represented a significant concentration of talent, if anyone possessed the ntal power necessary to investigate these individuals thoroughly, they would have discovered that none present were below Silver-level capabilities.
Several among them had even achieved Gold-level mastery.
As their conversations continued, the familiar sound of waves lapping against the distant shore gradually faded into an unnatural silence. A shadow darker than the surrounding night began to spread across the factory floor with deliberate intent.
The effect was imdiate and absolute, all ambient noise vanished as if consud by the encroaching darkness.
The assembled Lore Cardians felt an instinctive sense of unease, their trained senses recognizing the presence of power far beyond their individual capabilities.
The next mont, two figures erged from the living shadow before them, one seated in a chair that seed to materialize from the darkness itself, the other standing at respectful attention nearby.
The shadows extended from the feet of the middle-aged man who stood guard, his experienced face maintaining a carefully neutral expression that nonetheless conveyed absolute loyalty to his companion.
"Silence," Magnus announced, his voice cutting through the factory's atmosphere with practiced authority.
The murmur caused by the dramatic entrance gradually subsided as every eye focused on the mysterious figures before them.
All attention centered on the seated figure beside Magnus, a lean silhouette who leaned against the back of his chair with casual confidence, chin propped thoughtfully against his right hand.
Those who attempted to discern his features found their efforts frustrated by shadows that seed to deliberately obscure his face. The dim lighting appeared to avoid that particular area entirely, as if the very illumination had been commanded to retreat.
Everyone present recognized this as Magnus's deliberate manipulation, but the effect was no less impressive for being understood.
The two were, naturally, Azrael and Magnus, though their identities remained carefully concealed.
"How theatrical," soone muttered quietly upon witnessing the display.
Before Azrael could respond to the comnt, Magnus cast a glacial stare toward the speaker. In a split second, a shadow materialized around the man's neck like a spectral noose, lifting him from the ground with supernatural strength.
The unfortunate individual's face flushed crimson as he struggled desperately to free himself from the invisible restraint. His efforts proved futile, the gulf between Silver and Gold-level capabilities was simply too vast to overco through determination alone.
Furthermore, Magnus, having been granted official permission by the Crimson Oath Society to serve as Azrael's protector, possessed skills that clearly exceeded basic Gold-level competency.
Gradually, telltale signs of the man's distress beca apparent as dark stains spread across his clothing and moisture dripped to the factory floor below.
Those familiar with such thods of execution understood that strangulation was particularly undignified. The victim would eventually lose control of basic bodily functions, creating a spectacle that served as both punishnt and warning.
"Release him," Azrael commanded suddenly, his tone carrying mild distaste. "It's unsanitary, and frankly disgusting to observe."
"Thud."
The mont his words concluded, the shadow restraint vanished instantly, dropping the gasping man to the concrete floor.
"Your will is my command," Magnus responded with another respectful bow.
Azrael found himself genuinely impressed by Magnus's intuitive understanding of intimidation tactics. He hadn't expected the man to be so naturally skilled at the classic "bad cop, good cop" routine that proved effective in maintaining organizational discipline.
If Magnus didn't possess such valuable abilities, why would he have been operating undercover in Pixar as a street-level operative for so long?
However, what Magnus was actually thinking at that mont was far different, "I acted too slowly. I should have simply decapitated him and been done with it. I hope Sixth Master won't hold my restraint against ."
The thought of potential disapproval caused cold sweat to imdiately cover the middle-aged man's back beneath his clothing.
Azrael, unaware of Magnus's internal self-criticism, was more focused on the shadow manipulation that concealed his features, undoubtedly Magnus's thoughtful contribution to maintaining operational security.
"You demonstrate excellent foresight," Azrael observed with genuine approval, his mouth curving into a slight smile of satisfaction.
In truth, the concealnt wasn't strictly necessary since he wasn't using his own face for this operation, but rather the borrowed features of his closest friend from before his transmigration. Still, Magnus's initiative showed proper attention to detail.
"You've inherited my research materials from our previous life," Azrael thought with dark amusent. "I suppose you're acceptable with borrowing your appearance occasionally."
As Azrael's mind briefly wandered to philosophical considerations, the large group of Lore Cardians below maintained absolute silence, having learned from their colleague's harsh example. None wished to experience similar treatnt.
"Gasp!"
The labored breathing of the nearly-executed man served as a constant reminder of the consequences of disrespect, keeping everyone's nerves on edge.
The individual who had almost been made an example now clutched at his throat, overwheld by relief at having survived the encounter. He didn't care about the dirty, abandoned factory floor as he tumbled to his knees before Azrael.
"Thank you for sparing my life!" he gasped, performing a kowtow with such force that blood spattered across the concrete, demonstrating the genuine intensity of his gratitude.
Azrael frowned slightly at the dramatic display, but before he could voice any reaction, shadows sealed the man's mouth like supernatural tape before dragging him toward the back of the gathering.
"I've summoned you here to inform you that you'll be operating under my direct jurisdiction for the foreseeable future," Azrael announced, ignoring the subdued man as he focused on the matter at hand.
"Anyone with objections to this arrangent may voice them now."
The assembled Lore Cardians exchanged aningful glances. After witnessing the earlier demonstration, who among them would dare to object to anything?
Besides, they had all heard stories about the masters within the Crimson Oath Society's hierarchy. These individuals possessed the authority to compel suicide if they deed it necessary for organizational security.
The fact that Donglai was a relatively small city ant they rarely encountered such high-ranking operatives directly.
"Which master are you?" soone asked with carefully controlled trembling, voicing the question everyone desperately wanted answered.
"I hold the sixth position in our hierarchy," Azrael stated with confident authority. "My operational na is Bruce, though you may address as Sixth Master."
"Sixth Master!" The acknowledgnt echoed through the abandoned factory as dozens of voices responded in unison.
Azrael raised his hand to silence them, then proceeded to his first operational inquiry, "Has anything significant occurred in Donglai recently that requires my attention?"
Hearing their new commander's question, the Lore Cardians began ntally reviewing recent events, searching for information that might prove relevant or important.
After several monts of consideration, one individual raised his hand tentatively before speaking, "Sixth Master, I heard that national champion Azrael recently arrived in Donglai to serve as vice president of the Cardian Master Association. Would that qualify as significant?"
Magnus struggled to maintain his composure upon hearing this revelation. He desperately wanted to inform the speaker that the very person he was discussing sat before them, but fortunately, his training in operational discipline prevailed, allowing him to control his expression.
Azrael remained perfectly calm, having anticipated this topic would arise. He had been eager to establish clear separation between his two identities, and soone bringing up his public role was exactly what he needed to hear. "That information is noted and relevant."
"What other developnts should I be aware of?"
The assembled operatives pondered his question once again, searching their mories for additional intelligence.
After a brief pause, another mber spoke up, "Sixth Master, were you inford about the Onefold Doctrine's disturbances several months ago?"
Seeing Azrael nod slightly in acknowledgnt, the man continued with growing confidence, "Ever since that incident, Onefold Doctrine mbers have begun appearing throughout Donglai and the surrounding region."
"Actually," he clarified, "there's been Doctrine activity reported in all nearby cities. We've already engaged them in several direct confrontations."
Azrael's mories flashed back to his previous experiences in Riverock City and other locations where he had encountered the cult's operations. He had assud the Onefold Doctrine would adopt a more cautious approach after their recent setbacks.
"Has the security situation in the northern territories deteriorated to such a degree?" he mused aloud.
When Azrael first arrived in this world, the Onefold Doctrine had been firmly contained beyond the empire's borders by the Northern Army under Master Tempest's command.
Now, however, their influence had apparently penetrated much deeper into imperial territory than previously believed.
"Do you possess intelligence regarding their specific objectives in this region?" Azrael asked, focusing intently on the reporting operative.
"I'm afraid I don't have that information," the man admitted with honest regret, shaking his head.
"..." Azrael paused montarily in speechless frustration before responding in a tone devoid of emotional inflection, "Then explain why you've been engaging them in direct confrontations."
"In the future, when encounters like this occur, report them discretely to the Association through proper channels. Let the official authorities handle the investigation and response."
At this point, he felt genuine exasperation. While his words were appropriate for his current position within the Crimson Oath Society, if he truly wanted to report such activities to the Association, he would still be responsible for tracking down these Onefold Doctrine operatives personally.
After all, he remained the Vice President of the Donglai Cardian Master Association in his public capacity.
"Why do I feel like an overworked office employee juggling two demanding jobs?" Azrael thought with dark humor, his eye twitching slightly at the irony of his situation.
However, rembering the valuable materials Jin had provided him helped restore his sense of purpose and satisfaction. At least his dual existence wasn't entirely without compensation.
The Lore Cardians were sowhat stunned by his directive. It wasn't that they hadn't considered reporting the cult activity to the Association, quite the opposite.
Before Azrael's arrival in his public role, Donglai had lacked anyone with the authority to make decisive operational decisions, forcing them to handle threats independently rather than risk bureaucratic delays.
Now that the Sixth Master had provided clear guidance, they would naturally follow his orders without question.
After waiting several monts to see if anyone else had additional intelligence to share, Azrael prepared to conclude the eting.
"Mmph! Mmph!"
Suddenly, muffled sobbing echoed from the back of the gathering. It was the Lore Cardian who had been restrained earlier, wriggling forward like a determined caterpillar toward Azrael's position.
"Allow him to speak," Azrael decided.
"Yes, sir."
The shadow restraints dissolved into the air, freeing the man's voice.
Grateful for the opportunity to redeem himself, the man quickly spoke, "Sixth Master, I have additional intelligence that may prove valuable. The leader of the Onefold Doctrine cell operating in Donglai City is reportedly surnad Li."
Li? Azrael rapidly searched his mory for relevant connections, but initially found no wealthy families bearing that surna within Donglai's local power structure.
Even expanding his ntal search to encompass the entire empire failed to produce a suitable candidate that matched the available intelligence.
Just as he was about to request clarification, a flash of inspiration struck him. A prominent family surnad Li operated near Donglai's sphere of influence, and considering the altered historical context of this transford empire...
"The Goryeo Li royal family?" Azrael ventured, testing his hypothesis.
The informant nodded frantically in confirmation.
Seeing that his deduction was correct, Azrael frowned deeply at the implications. "That seems impossible. How could these two factions be working together?"
Although history had been dramatically altered in this world, Goryeo remained a loyal vassal state of the Empire of Aetherlight on this version of Earth. Even in the current era dominated by Lore Cardians, this fundantal relationship remained unchanged.
The reason was simple: everyone familiar with comparative mythology understood Goryeo's limitations in that regard.
Azrael didn't intend any disrespect, but the historical reality was that Goryeo's mythological traditions were largely derivative works based on Imperial sources, supplented with their own monarchical legends.
Such cultural adaptation was perfectly understandable, it was natural for a vassal to emulate their overlord's traditions.
Unlike the Empire of Aetherlight, however, Goryeo remained under the direct rule of the Li royal family. Azrael had previously encountered Onefold Doctrine operatives, and they had transford themselves into sothing barely recognizable as human. How could the Li family possibly align themselves with such extremists?
In his assessnt, it would make more strategic sense for them to ally with the Crimson Oath Society rather than the Onefold Doctrine.
"Has this intelligence been confird through multiple sources?" he inquired, noting the informant's apparent uncertainty.
The man nodded hesitantly, clearly lacking complete confidence in the verification.
"Understood. As long as they don't directly interfere with our operations, we'll monitor the situation. As for the Li family's involvent, that's a matter for the Association to investigate through diplomatic channels."
Azrael didn't hold the man's uncertain attitude against him, he intended to conduct his own investigation anyway, so he simply maintained his expressionless deanor while speaking.
However, contrary to his outward composure, he felt a growing sense of internal frustration, "What a chaotic ss Donglai has beco! I had no idea the situation was this complicated before arriving here."
He now regretted not choosing Yucheng as his initial posting instead.
"But based on my previous analysis, if all three cities are experiencing similar problems..." he reasoned grimly, "Yucheng probably isn't in significantly better condition."
Located adjacent to Yucheng was the Ryukyu archipelago, another potential source of complications.
"Tsk," he muttered under his breath. "A collection of shadowy manipulators operating behind the scenes."
Azrael's expression grew noticeably colder. If his suspicions proved accurate, he would thodically settle accounts with whoever was orchestrating these regional destabilizations.
Fortunately, his dual identity provided him with options. The Crimson Oath Society could handle operations that would be inappropriate or impossible to pursue through his official Association position.
"That concludes tonight's briefing. Exercise appropriate caution when returning to your normal activities, and ensure no one can trace your movents back to this location."
With those final instructions, he departed the abandoned factory alongside Magnus, leaving the operatives to disperse according to their training.
Azrael didn't imdiately return to ditation upon reaching his residence, as he had previously identified an intriguing individual among the Crimson Oath Society's Lore Cardians operating in Donglai City.
Godfrey, Director of the Public Security Office within the Donglai Cardian Master Association, had been among those present during his initial arrival and welco ceremony in his official capacity.
"The irony is almost poetic," he reflected with dark amusent.
"The entire Donglai region is thoroughly compromised by competing factions and hidden agendas."
The complexity of the situation promised interesting challenges ahead, but Azrael felt confident in his ability to navigate the treacherous political landscape while advancing his own objectives through careful manipulation of his dual roles.
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