I was busy the past couple of days and wasn't able to upload any chapters. Even Patreon hasn't updated until now.
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Azrael ignored the demon's provocations echoing across the waters from the distant steel warship, his expression growing only marginally colder at the taunts.
Without needing verbal commands, Godfrey had already deployed his Prime Minister Turtle, stirring the previously calm ocean into a maelstrom of supernatural fury. Though the massive turtle's quality hadn't reached the coveted red tier, its destructive potential in maritime environments remained unparalleled among gold-level cards.
The tranquil coastal waters transformed dramatically under the turtle's influence. Towering waves crashed against the shoreline with thunderous force, sending cascades of seawater spraying inland. Simultaneously, Misaka's electromagnetic abilities summoned ominous storm clouds overhead, their dark masses pregnant with barely contained electrical energy.
Serpentine bolts of lightning writhed within the gathering tempest as rain began pelting the ocean's surface. The combined assault of these two gold-level cards transformed the once-peaceful maritime setting into a treacherous natural disaster that would have been impossible for ordinary humans to conjure.
Confronted by such hostile environmental conditions, the imposing steel vessel began rocking violently against the supernatural storm. Yet Sword King Garthy merely sneered with obvious disdain, his stance remaining perfectly stable despite the ship's violent motions, as though the chaos meant nothing to him.
Under the watchful eyes of the Lore Cardians gathered on shore, the sword-wielding demon assumed his combat stance. A devastating gust of wind-infused blade pressure suddenly erupted skyward, its whistling intensity tearing through the storm clouds and allowing brilliant rays of sunlight to pierce through the gaps in the overcast sky.
Swish! Swish! Swish!
Several more waves of sword pressure followed in rapid succession, completely shattering the dark clouds that Misaka had painstakingly gathered through her electromagnetic manipulation. While dispersing the aerial storm proved relatively straightforward, calming the turbulent seas beneath remained a far more challenging proposition.
BOOM!
A colossal wave slammed into the warship's reinforced hull with bone-jarring force, causing the entire vessel to shake violently. Several weaker demons lost their footing entirely, tumbling overboard into the churning waters below where they quickly disappeared beneath the surface.
Completely indifferent to his subordinates' fate, Garthy sheathed his sword with practiced ease. He cast one final, contemptuous glance toward Azrael and his companions positioned on the distant shoreline before turning and striding back toward the captain's quarters.
Minutes later, the massive steel warship began executing a slow, deliberate turn. Rather than advancing toward shore, it repositioned itself beyond Prime Minister Turtle's effective range and came to a complete stop, maintaining a strategic distance.
Observing this tactical withdrawal, Diesel spoke with evident relief, "Thanks to Director Godfrey's intervention today, we've bought ourselves precious time."
"I'll return immediately to report our situation to President Kavach. I'll leave the coastal defense in your capable hands."
The square-faced middle-aged director's gratitude was well-founded. Without Godfrey's Prime Minister Turtle creating this aquatic barrier, they would likely be engaged in desperate life-or-death combat against unknown demonic forces at this very moment. While they would inevitably face these enemies eventually, at least now they had secured valuable preparation time.
Azrael nodded approvingly, signaling for Diesel to depart and return with reinforcements as quickly as possible.
Soon, only two Gold-level Lore Cardians remained manning the coastal defense: Azrael and Godfrey. As they watched the lower-tier Lore Cardians begin their fortification work, Azrael felt the weight of responsibility settle heavily upon his shoulders.
While Diesel might lack complete intelligence about their enemies' true capabilities, both Azrael and Godfrey understood the gravity of their situation all too well. Among those distant demonic forces lurked Emerald-level threats, beings whose power dwarfed anything currently defending Donglai.
Though it appeared these superior demons remained occupied with their conflict against Goryeo forces, preventing their immediate involvement in this coastal assault, no one could predict when they might break free from that engagement. Once liberated, dealing with Donglai's defenders would prove trivially easy for such entities.
Unfortunately, neither Azrael nor Godfrey could share this critical intelligence with their colleagues. The previous night, when Godfrey had been handling this intelligence gathering, he'd been extremely careful about concealing his true identity and connections. He'd simply arranged for association Lore Cardians to discover demonic corpses rather than revealing that his operatives had interrogated captured demons to obtain specific strategic information.
Releasing a weary sigh, Azrael addressed his companion gravely, "I fear the next few days will prove exceptionally challenging for you, Director Godfrey."
Godfrey straightened slightly at this acknowledgment but responded with stoic determination, "It's my duty to protect this city."
Azrael placed a reassuring hand on the middle-aged man's shoulder, and together they stood in contemplative silence, their gazes fixed on the ominous warship maintaining its threatening position on the horizon.
After several minutes of reflection, Azrael decided to reach out to his teacher for guidance regarding Donglai's increasingly precarious situation.
Given the unstable presence of the Onefold Doctrine cultists within the city, combined with these maritime demonic threats, Donglai faced potential annihilation from multiple directions. As the highest-ranking Lore Cardian currently stationed in the coastal defense network, Master Lucian's absence meant Azrael needed to take initiative in requesting additional support.
[Azrael: Teacher, Donglai situation critical.]
He quickly composed and sent a detailed message explaining their circumstances, then settled in to wait for a response. Minutes passed, then more, but his communication remained unanswered.
Frowning slightly, Azrael pocketed his device with growing concern.
"Now that I think about it, Teacher hasn't been active on our group chat since the national competition ended," he mused thoughtfully.
Reflecting on Master Lucian's prolonged absence from their "Loving Family" group communications, Azrael began forming a troubling hypothesis. In fact, none of their usual correspondents had posted anything recently, everyone seemed occupied with urgent matters.
"I suspect Teacher may be trapped in another problematic secret realm somewhere along the coast."
This seemed the most logical explanation for Master Lucian's continued absence. Any secret realm capable of detaining a master-level Lore Cardian would necessarily be diamond-tier or higher in classification.
High-level secret realms weren't comparable to the gold-tier realm Azrael had recently suppressed and cleared within days. Diamond-level realms required weeks or even months of careful exploration and systematic conquest.
"Perhaps I should contact my senior sister for assistance."
Azrael possessed multiple options for emergency support, and as a Diamond-level pastry chef, Alice could easily resolve Donglai's current crisis through overwhelming force.
However, remembering Alice's peculiar behavior during her last departure, combined with the approaching start of Pixar University's academic year where she served as a counselor, Azrael ultimately decided against imposing additional burdens on her schedule.
Contemplating his situation, Azrael realized he'd been living in this world for nearly a full year. His experiences during these twelve months had proven far more eventful and transformative than the previous two decades of his original existence.
"Perhaps it's time to let Magnus assume my identity and take action."
After careful consideration, Azrael resolved to find an appropriate opportunity to inform the association about the presence of Emerald-level demons among the maritime threats.
"Fortunately, everyone present has likely witnessed Aizen's Kyōka Suigetsu demonstration."
"That should simplify certain aspects of the deception."
At Association Headquarters
BANG!
"President!"
The office door burst open violently as Diesel rushed inside with obvious urgency.
President Kavach, being a Gold-level Lore Cardian himself, remained completely unfazed by the sudden dramatic entrance. In fact, he'd sensed the square-faced middle-aged man's approach well before his arrival at headquarters.
"Remain calm, Director Diesel. Take your time explaining the situation," Kavach stated casually, continuing to focus on his computer screen without raising his head.
Diesel didn't take offense at the president's apparent inattention, he'd worked with Kavach long enough to understand his superior's work habits during crucial periods.
"President, a new wave of demonic forces has appeared along our coastline. The situation requires immediate attention, "
Kavach glanced up briefly, "Gold-level threats?"
Diesel nodded confirmation.
"Then handle it yourselves as you did previously," Kavach responded with evident impatience. "I believe you three managed quite effectively last time."
Diesel hesitated before voicing his deeper concerns, "President, shouldn't we request reinforcement from higher authorities? Especially considering the massive disruption the Onefold Doctrine caused throughout the city just days ago."
At this inquiry, Kavach finally lifted his head fully, his eyes carrying an unreadable darkness.
"I submitted assistance requests some time ago, but the current situation across the Empire of Aetherlight isn't favorable. They lack available personnel to support Donglai's defense at this time."
The first statement constituted a complete fabrication, he'd never actually requested assistance. The second part, however, contained truth. As the city guild leader, Kavach possessed comprehensive intelligence about Donglai's broader strategic situation.
However, Diesel lacked access to this classified information, so he simply accepted the explanation with a nod of understanding.
"Should we alert neighboring coastal cities about this demonic emergence?" Diesel inquired.
Since Donglai wasn't the region's only coastal settlement, informing surrounding communities about maritime demonic activity would allow them to enhance their defensive preparations.
"I'll make the necessary arrangements," Kavach agreed with a slight nod. "Anything else requiring my attention?"
Diesel shook his head. "Then I'll return to the coastal defenses immediately."
With that declaration, he turned and departed the office.
Kavach's eyes flickered with calculating intensity as he watched the square-faced middle-aged man's retreating figure.
Back at the Coastline
Following Diesel's return, Azrael arranged rotating duty schedules with his two colleagues. Since Godfrey's Prime Minister Turtle remained paramount to their defensive strategy, the expressionless middle-aged man would bear the heaviest burden, maintaining continuous vigilance to prevent the maritime monsters from easily reaching Donglai's shores.
Azrael and Diesel would alternate eight-hour shifts until the defensive fortifications reached completion, providing mutual support and ensuring no gaps in their protective coverage.
However, both Azrael and Godfrey understood the true reason behind the demons' current inactivity. They were simply waiting for their Emerald-level commanders to conclude their engagement with Goryeo forces before launching their full-scale assault on Donglai.
Therefore, once the defensive preparations finished, they would need to launch a proactive exploratory attack rather than waiting passively for the enemy's initiative.
"Thank you for bearing this burden over the coming days," Azrael addressed his companions while affecting a slightly fatigued expression. "I need to retrieve some materials from home. I'll return shortly."
Though technically on break, the others would need to maintain their positions at the coastline. Azrael required privacy to deactivate his cards, meditate, and recover his mental energy through focused concentration.
He needed a plausible excuse to temporarily escape his colleagues' observation without arousing suspicion about his true activities.
Since the maritime threat represented an unexpected emergency situation, neither man questioned his stated need to collect additional supplies from his residence.
After nodding farewell to the two middle-aged directors, Azrael vanished from the coastal position using his transportation abilities.
Upon reaching his residence, the artificial fatigue immediately disappeared from Azrael's features. Without hesitation, he retrieved his communication device and accessed the Crimson Oath Society's internal messaging application to obtain the latest meeting coordinates from Godfrey's covert network.
Following the provided directions, Azrael discovered a concealed basement beneath an seemingly abandoned villa. To his considerable surprise, despite the building's deteriorated exterior appearance, the underground chamber represented a meticulously designed sanctuary.
Expensive velvet carpeting covered the floor completely, while mahogany bookshelves lined the walls, holding extensive collections of Lore Cardian theory and practical manuals. Azrael's mental energy sweep detected sophisticated concealment barriers woven throughout the basement's structure, clearly designed to prevent magical detection or surveillance.
Such elaborate preparations obviously required months or years of careful development rather than overnight construction.
"This must have been an established safe house," Azrael concluded.
As the Crimson Oath Society's highest-ranking member operating within Donglai, Godfrey naturally required secure facilities for conducting organizational meetings and mission briefings. The existence of such a hidden base seemed entirely reasonable given their clandestine operations.
After transmitting the new location coordinates to Magnus, Azrael browsed the available literature while waiting. He selected a volume titled "Ninety-Nine Jokes of the Divine King v8," but after reading the first entry, "Resurrection, My Love?" he quickly returned it to its shelf with obvious distaste.
"What sort of reading material does Director Godfrey collect?" he muttered disapprovingly.
He randomly selected another book, "Big Eyeballs: How to Build a Good Story," and settled in to wait for the middle-aged operative's arrival.
Meanwhile, Magnus, summoned by his sixth master, dared not delay his response and quickly materialized within the underground chamber.
"Sixth Master, you summoned me," the middle-aged man declared with his perpetually sullen expression, displaying a fawning smile that reminded Azrael uncomfortably of certain disreputable characters from popular entertainment.
However, while such individuals might be sleazy, they were typically just lazy rather than genuinely obsequious in this particular manner.
Azrael closed his current reading material and returned it to the shelf. "I have a mission requiring your immediate attention tonight."
Magnus straightened attentively at this announcement. "Please proceed with your instructions."
However, Azrael didn't immediately reveal the assignment details. Instead, he studied Magnus carefully from head to toe. "How would you assess your survival capabilities?"
"Give me an honest evaluation."
Magnus paused thoughtfully before responding with characteristic directness, "Back in Pixar, I was considered second to none within the entire Crimson Oath Society when it came to escape artistry."
"Additionally, my cards provide damage absorption capabilities, making me exceptionally difficult to eliminate permanently."
He kept his next thought carefully internal: Otherwise, the assassination mission targeting you would never have been assigned to me.
Privately, Magnus thanked whatever deities might be listening. At that time, he'd genuinely aspired only to maintain a modest existence as a watch repairer in Pixar's quieter districts.
Hearing this assessment, Azrael nodded with satisfaction. "Excellent. Tonight, I need you to impersonate me and maintain appearances at the coastline."
Magnus stared in shock, pointing uncertainly at himself with his right hand. "You mean... me?"
His expression resembled that of Benboerba, the demon from Journey to the West who'd been sent by the Nine-Headed Insect to assassinate Sun Wukong.
"Won't the deception be immediately exposed, sir?"
Anticipating the middle-aged man's resistance, Azrael rolled his eyes with mild exasperation. "Don't worry, I'll arrange for my cards to accompany you during this charade."
"Regarding your physical appearance, that's already been addressed."
"By the way, you do possess disguise capabilities, correct?"
As a former Crimson Oath Society operative who'd spent years infiltrating hostile territories, Magnus naturally possessed extensive identity alteration skills. Individuals engaged in criminal activities frequently needed to modify their appearances to avoid recognition and pursuit.
Magnus nodded confirmation, then hesitated briefly before allowing his facial features to shift and flow. Within moments, he'd transformed into a perfect replica of Bruce, Azrael's public identity.
Azrael observed the transformation carefully, providing guidance to correct minor details until achieving complete satisfaction. "Impressive work."
"She'll accompany you tonight."
As Azrael finished speaking, a menacing white spider materialized within the underground chamber, Shiraori in her arachnid form.
The reason for deploying only Shiraori to accompany Magnus stemmed from tonight's mission being purely theatrical. Frieren remained concealed whenever possible, as revealing this powerful hidden card prematurely would compromise future strategic advantages.
"Uncle, tonight I, Shiraori, will be working alongside you. You should feel honored by this partnership, shouldn't you? Hahahaha!"
Shiraori began an enthusiastic dance upon materializing, her razor-sharp forearms cutting through the air with deadly precision.
Unfortunately, Magnus couldn't understand her communication attempts, and he couldn't help flinching as he watched the spider monster wielding those wickedly sharp appendages so close to his position.
Azrael casually blocked Shiraori's enthusiasm with one of Misaka's coconut soda lollipops, then continued his briefing, "Maintain proximity to my location tonight and exercise extreme caution to conceal your presence."
Since Shiraori represented one of Azrael's cards, she couldn't venture too far from his actual position. However, the allowable distance would prove more than sufficient for completing tonight's objectives.
"Now I'll explain tonight's mission in detail. Listen carefully to every instruction."