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Hearing Memphis's doubts, Azrael nodded hesitantly.
He truly harbored many uncertainties about what had just transpired.
However, after witnessing the young man before him acknowledge that everything they had observed was his doing, Memphis opened his mouth but found himself at a complete loss for words.
The man in the black suit experienced an overwhelming surge of conflicting emotions.
Just moments ago, when the two demons had been completely obliterated, he had sensed an incomprehensible pressure radiating from the battlefield.
The threat emanating from whatever force had erased them exceeded even that posed by his own superior, Jin.
"Well done, Lewis," Memphis finally managed to utter after a prolonged silence, his voice noticeably strained.
It was hardly surprising that Memphis exhibited such a reaction.
After all, when he first encountered Azrael, the young man had been merely a small-time Bronze-rank Lore Cardian.
During their previous meeting, he had only recently achieved Gold rank.
But now, less than two months after their last encounter, this same individual possessed the means to pose a genuine threat to Memphis himself.
No, calling it a threat would be understating the situation.
It would be more accurate to say that Memphis found himself completely powerless to resist such force.
Based on what had just occurred, Memphis reasoned that if that same method were directed against him, he would be left with no choice but to await his inevitable demise.
The realization was deeply unsettling, yet undeniably true.
As if sensing Memphis's turbulent thoughts, Azrael remarked casually, "It's extremely difficult to replicate, Fifth Brother."
He wasn't volunteering this information out of any particular generosity.
Rather, he harbored genuine concerns about what might happen if Memphis assumed he could deploy such power at will and subsequently assigned him increasingly dangerous missions.
Family connections were one thing, but Azrael refused to gamble his life on whether the [Administrator's Observation] trait would activate again should he encounter another high-level demon.
Just to be safe, he had decided to treat it as a one-time ability.
After hearing Azrael's explanation, Memphis suddenly understood the situation more clearly and released a visible sigh of relief.
Indeed, utilizing such devastating power would surely come at an enormous cost.
He had been genuinely frightened by the display, which had caused him to lose his composure momentarily.
Recognizing this, the man in the black suit adjusted his cuffs with studied nonchalance, gradually regaining control of his expression. "Since you've resolved the situation independently, I'll be departing now."
"It would prove troublesome if someone witnessed us together," he added pragmatically.
Azrael nodded silently. His mind was racing with countless thoughts, leaving him with little attention to spare for Memphis.
He watched the man depart, lost in deep contemplation.
From what had just transpired, Azrael felt certain it had been Shiraori's trait manifesting. After all, the scene bore remarkable similarity to the appearance of the Evil God [D] described in the original novel.
The crucial difference was that Evil God [D] had never displayed the ability to completely erase living beings from existence.
"Could it genuinely be Evil God [D]?" Azrael pondered with growing uncertainty.
Even the concept of trans-universal law enforcement seemed somewhat far-fetched.
Yet he struggled to identify any other potential candidates for such overwhelming power.
After all, the only individual he knew on Earth who was considered among the absolute pinnacle of strength was Lioren.
Even his teacher, Master Lucian, didn't approach that level of capability.
Lioren's title was [Eternal Light]. If a miniature sun had materialized and incinerated Vangeance and his companion, Azrael might have suspected the involvement of the Sovereign-level Lore Cardian.
But the manifestation had clearly been something entirely different.
If it wasn't Lioren, then the other Sovereign-level Lore Cardians were even less likely candidates, since Azrael remained unfamiliar with most of them.
This effectively ruled out the possibility of any Earth-based Lore Cardian being responsible for the intervention.
After contemplating the matter extensively without reaching any satisfactory conclusions, he suppressed his suspicions for the time being.
Just as he prepared to depart for Donglai, two distinct auras emerged from the precise location where Vangeance and Garthy had been completely obliterated.
"Materials?" Azrael muttered with obvious surprise.
Approaching the spot where the two demons had been utterly annihilated, Azrael observed two card-like objects floating mysteriously in the air.
He carefully collected the two pieces of material in his palms and murmured to himself, "How is it possible for materials to simply manifest?"
According to Azrael's extensive experience, materials would never be obtainable from demons whose physical forms had been completely destroyed.
He had completely abandoned any hope of profiting from this encounter.
Yet who could have predicted that Vangeance and Garthy would actually yield materials despite their total annihilation?
The first material was identified as Gold-rank [Pirate Swordsman] (Red quality).
This sword-wielding demon's material proved identical to what Shiraori had previously identified.
However, Vangeance's material presented a puzzling anomaly: Gold-rank [Kingly Power] (Red quality).
"How could this possibly be Gold rank?!" Azrael stared at the material in bewilderment.
Vangeance had undoubtedly been Emerald rank, meaning that normally, any material he yielded would also be Emerald rank.
Yet the item in Azrael's possession was merely Gold rank, and only of red quality at that.
Azrael suspected some form of systematic reduction or interference, though he possessed no means of proving it.
"Perhaps this material could prove useful for Luffy?" he wondered optimistically.
With the self-consoling thought that something was definitively better than nothing, Azrael secured both materials carefully.
"Time to return home," Azrael sighed, massaging his temples wearily.
He then summoned his Shadowkhan soldier to transport him back to Donglai through the shadow realm.
With both Vangeance and Garthy eliminated, Donglai was essentially secure, removing any urgent need to rush back.
Furthermore, while Shiraori and Frieren remained operational, it would be difficult to encounter the Donglai Association's Lore Cardians during his return journey.
Donglai, coastal region
Kishimoto's expression remained grimly serious as he observed the remnants of the massive steel warships falling silent in the distant waters.
"What's the current situation within the city?" he asked after a moment of tense silence, turning to Toriyama beside him.
Toriyama's expression was equally grave. "President Kavach is already coordinating a citywide evacuation."
She paused before adding with obvious concern, "But... did President Azrael truly vanish along with that Emerald-level demon?"
Upon hearing this question, Kishimoto nodded with visible difficulty.
He had personally witnessed the entire sequence of events, making deception impossible.
Although he still struggled to comprehend exactly what had occurred during those final moments.
"I'm afraid so," Toriyama responded, her emotions clearly conflicted.
She had returned to the city specifically to inform Kavach about the appearance of an Emerald-level demon, meaning she hadn't witnessed the actual battlefield events.
She only knew that upon her return, Kishimoto had reported that the young Vice President Azrael, along with both demons, had mysteriously disappeared from the battle site.
Whether he remained alive or dead was entirely unknown.
"Vice President Azrael is in grave danger," she admitted reluctantly.
Although she hated to voice such a pessimistic assessment, it represented the most logical conclusion given the circumstances.
Vice President Azrael must have used himself as bait to lure both high-risk demons away from the populated area, purchasing precious time for Donglai's survival.
Logically speaking, this had been the optimal choice under such desperate circumstances. Under normal conditions, they would have demonstrated the utmost respect for such self-sacrifice.
However, the critical problem was that Azrael also happened to be Master Lucian's disciple.
Although Kishimoto and his colleagues, as Lore Cardians who had worked in coastal associations for many years, understood Master Lucian's generally reasonable character, they also knew that the master Lore Cardian would never direct anger inappropriately toward innocent parties.
But if Master Lucian were truly enraged by his student's fate, even demotion would represent the least of their concerns.
"This situation is going to be incredibly difficult to navigate," the two exchanged meaningful glances, each recognizing the bitter reality reflected in the other's expression.
Just then, two low groans echoed from behind them.
They quickly turned to see Godfrey and Diesel, who had been rendered unconscious by the overwhelming impact of the Emerald-level demon's initial arrival, finally opening their eyes.
Thanks to Kishimoto's timely assistance and the fact that Vangeance and Garthy had been lured away by Azrael, they hadn't sustained any significant injuries.
With the demons' leadership eliminated, the remaining lesser threats had chosen not to launch another assault on the coastal position.
It wasn't that they lacked the desire to attack, but without Garthy and Vangeance providing direction, the remaining demons simply lacked the coordination and power necessary to pose a serious threat.
"What exactly happened here?" the square-faced middle-aged man asked while clutching his head, his expression thoroughly bewildered.
The events had unfolded so rapidly that both he and Godfrey had lost consciousness before they could fully react to Vangeance's overwhelming demonic aura.
Godfrey, standing nearby, maintained his characteristic deadpan expression, though his deeply furrowed brow suggested he was experiencing considerable discomfort as well.
Observing their condition, Kishimoto and Toriyama immediately surrounded them with genuine concern. "Directors, are you both all right?"
Diesel covered his face with one hand and struggled to his feet with Toriyama's support. "What exactly transpired while we were unconscious?"
Hearing this direct question, Kishimoto and Toriyama, their faces heavy with worry and uncertainty, quickly recounted the entire sequence of events.
Diesel's expression shifted rapidly between shock, fear, and anger. A master of Sichuan Opera face-changing would have sought his professional advice.
Finally, after several moments of contemplative silence, he whispered, "So Vice President Azrael successfully lured that Emerald-level demon away from populated areas?"
Diesel didn't expect a response; the answer had crystallized in his mind the moment he posed the question.
He simply couldn't imagine how any Gold-level Lore Cardian could possibly survive a direct confrontation with an Emerald-level demon.
Even though Vice President Azrael possessed extraordinary talent, the fundamental gap in power remained seemingly insurmountable.
Rather, the mere fact that he had successfully drawn away both an Emerald-level demon and a Gold-level demon exceeded his wildest imagination.
Godfrey, standing nearby, wasn't particularly surprised by the Emerald-level demon's appearance; after all, their Crimson Oath Society had been among the first to receive intelligence about the threat.
What he hadn't anticipated was the profoundly unfortunate timing of the Emerald demon's manifestation.
"Fortunately, that individual was willing to make such a sacrifice. Otherwise..." he mused grimly.
"But I believe His Excellency would be quite pleased with this outcome," he added with barely concealed satisfaction.
At this moment, the expressionless middle-aged man felt, beyond his lingering fear, an inexplicable sense of smugness about the situation.
Just as the four of them became lost in their respective contemplations, a familiar voice rang out from beside them.
"What are you four discussing so intently?"
They turned to see Kavach approaching.
The president of the Donglai Cardian Master Association had finally arrived at the scene.
After all, with the confirmed appearance of an Emerald demon, his previous excuses were no longer viable.
Regardless of factional allegiances, if an Emerald demon truly penetrated the city's defenses, it would transform the situation into that of a wolf entering a sheepfold.
Donglai would rapidly become a demonic stronghold under such circumstances.
Although, if there were only Emerald demons involved, they would be quickly eliminated by the Association's response forces.
Upon meeting with Kavach, Kishimoto methodically recounted all the events that had occurred.
Unexpectedly, Kavach's expression took on a distinctly strange character after hearing the complete account.
Kishimoto and Toriyama couldn't determine if it was merely their imagination, but they felt as though President Kavach seemed to be experiencing a degree of satisfaction at the news.
Upon closer observation, however, they detected only an expression of apparent regret. "Alas, the heavens are jealous of talented individuals."
"Donglai will never forget President Azrael's heroic contribution," he declared solemnly.
Observing this display, Godfrey's lips twitched slightly, but he chose to remain silent.
Diesel's face flickered with a hint of barely controlled anger, but he pursed his lips and swallowed the heated words that were building in his throat.
Struggling to suppress a surge of fury that was more difficult to contain than an AK-47's recoil, Kavach casually mentioned another matter. "I've reported the Emerald-level demon threat to higher authorities. An Emerald-level Lore Cardian should be arriving soon to provide reinforcement. Don't worry, all of you."
Hearing this reassurance, Kishimoto and Toriyama breathed sighs of relief.
Once the Emerald-level Lore Cardian arrived, Donglai's crisis would be definitively resolved.
Just as they settled into contemplative silence, a thoroughly familiar voice rang out from beside them.
"I'm genuinely pleased to see that you're all unharmed."
The sudden voice caused everyone to turn their heads in unison.
The individual they had just been discussing, Azrael, came into clear view.
Their eyes widened dramatically. The sight before them resembled encountering a ghost in broad daylight. The young man they had already written off as lost was standing there, alive and completely uninjured.
Aside from appearing somewhat disheveled, he bore no visible signs of injury whatsoever.
"You're not dead?!" a startled voice suddenly erupted.
It was Kavach who had spoken.
As if suddenly recognizing his social gaffe, the president of the Donglai Cardian Master Association quickly added, "I'm tremendously relieved that President Azrael survived."
"You are truly a pillar of the Empire of Aetherlight," he declared with obvious insincerity.
Azrael glanced at Kavach, who was performing so transparently, and couldn't help but respond sarcastically, "Oh, President Kavach is present as well?"
It was difficult to blame Azrael for his reaction. Anyone in his position would probably harbor some resentment.
If it weren't for Kavach's political maneuvering, Azrael wouldn't have been forced to risk his life today.
Although he considered himself fundamentally a good person, being good didn't necessarily mean accepting mistreatment passively.
Besides, did good people deserve to have weapons pointed at them without justification?
Silently elevating his priority for dealing with the creature before him, Azrael chose to ignore Kavach's continued presence.
Kavach experienced momentary embarrassment due to Azrael's pointedly sarcastic tone, but ultimately responded with characteristic shamelessness. "Look at what President Azrael is suggesting. As the association's president, how could I possibly retreat during such a critical moment?"
Upon hearing this declaration, the other three Gold-level Lore Cardians affiliated with the Donglai Cardian Master Association visibly curled their lips in disdain.
Kishimoto and Toriyama sensed underlying tension between the various parties, but as outsiders unfamiliar with the specific conflicts, they had no interest in investigating further. Instead, they turned to Azrael with their most pressing question.
"President Azrael, what happened to that Emerald-level demon?"
"Dead," Azrael replied with casual understatement.
That single word exploded like a bomb in the minds of everyone present.
They repeated the word silently, their minds struggling to process its implications.
The immense shock left them temporarily paralyzed with disbelief.
After several long moments, Kavach was the first to recover. He released a dry, skeptical laugh. "President Azrael, surely you're joking?"
"Haha."
His forced laughter seemed to bring the others back to reality.
Compared to Kavach's obvious distrust, Diesel and the others were simply overwhelmed by shock.
After all, from their perspective, there was no logical reason or benefit for Azrael to fabricate such a claim. Who would make such a completely unprofitable lie?
While they believed that the Emerald-level demon was indeed dead, they still couldn't accept that it had been Azrael's doing.
So Diesel asked hesitantly, "Was it Master Alice who intervened?"
He reasoned that Azrael had already sent a message to his senior sister, the Diamond-level Lore Cardian Alice, before the battle commenced.
Then, by fortunate coincidence, they had encountered the demon and easily dispatched it.
While Azrael had indeed called for assistance and waited for reinforcement to arrive, he couldn't claim it had been someone from the Crimson Oath Society.
Therefore, he could only deny requesting help and attribute the incident to whether his cards had revealed a decisive technique.
After all, no one could verify such a claim, and Shiraori was genuinely his card.
"No, I eliminated it myself."
Looking at the composed young man standing before them, the remaining individuals fell into a profound state of bewilderment.