Lucian and Dareth exchanged knowing smiles when they heard Azrael's decision. While choosing ready-made materials was certainly the safer path, both n secretly hoped Azrael would opt for the secret realm experience instead.
More trials ant faster growth, and faster growth ant taking on greater responsibilities sooner. They knew that flowers sheltered in greenhouses could never withstand real storms. These old veterans could only temporarily provide cover for Azrael and other promising talents.
What the two elders didn't realize was that Azrael had already started planning his second bronze-level card after leaving the Black Flag secret realm. After all, it hadn't been long since he crafted his first bronze-level card. Without this sudden windfall of resources, he never would have considered advancing so quickly.
Perhaps secret realms truly were hell for weaker Lore Cardians, which explained why so many chose to retire in association-controlled territories. But for a genius like Azrael, these realms were simply material farms waiting to be harvested.
The next morning arrived crisp and clear. Azrael mounted Pidgeot early and soared toward the Black Flag secret realm's base camp. Ever since he and his companions brought back news of the pirate group's reunion, the Association recalled all Lore Cardians from the realm, ordering them to return imdiately.
With no ti for a complete purge, the Association decided to station guards at the entrance instead. After all, defending a single point is far easier than clearing an entire realm.
Three figures waited for Azrael at the entrance to the secret realm.
"Brother Zhao, Brother Liu, and Kent." Azrael greeted each of them in turn, his voice carrying genuine warmth.
The first two were Marvin and Lewis, whom he had t on his previous expedition. How could they miss Grey's revenge? Technically, given his current status as a bronze-level Lore Cardian, Azrael could have called Marvin "Little Zhao" without protest. However, Azrael, who had spent his previous life as a struggling contractor, had long ago learned the value of treating others with respect. A few kind words cost nothing.
Of course, if soone truly overstepped their bounds, the ever-strengthening Azrael wouldn't hesitate to put them in their place.
Marvin and Lewis had watched the Elite Talent Cup competition over the past few days and witnessed Azrael's incredible performance. They were most shocked to learn that Azrael had beco a bronze-level Lore Cardian after leaving the Black Flag secret realm. Such talent was unprecedented.
Both n had assud that soone destined for greatness like Azrael would have forgotten about Grey entirely. After all, with Azrael's bright future, what did one bronze-level Lore Cardian matter?
Yet here he was, still rembering Grey.
They both watched Azrael with complicated expressions.
Lewis recalled his cold words to Azrael previously, his smile turning bitter as sha flickered in his eyes. "Little Azrael, I judged you by my own petty standards. I owe you an apology."
Azrael waved dismissively, indicating that he had never taken it to heart. Lewis's reaction was purely human; he harbored no resentnt over it.
Marvin had already prepared himself for Azrael to abandon Grey's revenge, so now he felt nothing but gratitude. In his mind, Azrael had been innocently dragged into this ss. With a different team, Azrael could have gained far more from the secret realm.
This was actually a misconception. During Azrael's last Black Flag expedition, he obtained substantial resources. Not counting the materials traded for Empyrean Dollars, two components used to craft Luffy ca from that exploration.
But Marvin didn't consider this. His voice choked with emotion as he spoke, his eyes reddening slightly: "Thank you, Little Azrael."
Grey had been like a brother and a father to Marvin. Since that terrible day, flas of hatred had consud his heart; thoughts of revenge consud him. But he was powerless to act. Moore was too powerful even for Grey. What chance did a re black iron-level Lore Cardian like himself have?
Marvin had never hated his diocre talent more. Anger and anguish intertwined like venomous serpents, gnawing at his heart through sleepless nights.
Seeing Marvin's pain, Azrael fell silent.
He couldn't claim a deep bond with Grey or Carl. Yet the flash of the white blade and Grey's severed arm haunted his thoughts, refusing to let him find peace. Since revenge was within his grasp, he would pursue it, if only to quiet his conscience.
"Save the lodrama for after we finish the job."
An impatient voice cut through their mont. The speaker was Kent, the third mber of their group.
Kent's irritation was palpable. He couldn't believe the Association had pulled him from exploring the secret realm just to babysit so brat. Even worse, he was explicitly responsible for the kid's safety.
"Tsk." Kent sneered inwardly. "Probably just another leader's spoiled child. These desk jockeys are getting more brazen by the day."
Kent had spent the last few days exploring the secret realm, so he had naturally missed the Elite Talent Cup competition outside. Even the upheaval caused by the Crimson Oath Society had escaped his notice until yesterday. He knew nothing about Azrael's true capabilities.
In his mind, Azrael was just a leader's idle child playing secret realm explorer. The other two were simply the unlucky bastards assigned to accompany Azrael last ti, now back to clean up whatever ss he made.
"If not for the Crimson Oath Society leaving the Association critically short-staffed, this wouldn't be my problem," Kent thought bitterly.
"Let's move," he snapped. "What are you standing around for?"
Azrael sensed the silver-level Lore Cardian's unfriendly attitude, but he couldn't fathom the reason. Still, since the Association had assigned Kent as insurance, he didn't dwell on it.
The fishy, salt-laden sea breeze filled his nostrils as they crossed the threshold. That familiar yet strange scent confird their entry into the Black Flag secret realm once again.
The sa empty coastline stretched before them, identical to his previous visit.
As the four contemplated their route to Skull Island, a ship speeding away from the realm's entrance caught their attention.
Azrael and Kent exchanged glances before simultaneously summoning their mounts. Azrael called forth Pidgeot, but Kent realized he lacked a flying vehicle and could not follow.
Fortunately, Marvin had one. Without hesitation, Marvin took Kent aboard and raced after Azrael.
Lewis stood alone in the sea breeze, disheveled and forgotten. "Hey! I haven't gotten on yet!"
...
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