The guards stationed at the entrance to the secret realm were Lore Cardians from the Association. Their usual routine was disrupted when Azrael emerged far earlier than expected. Their eyes widened in confusion. Wasn't the training supposed to last much longer?
Azrael didn't pause to catch his breath. He sprinted toward them, his expression grim and urgent. Three words cut through the air like a blade: "Something happened."
Within minutes, Victoria and the base leadership arrived, having been alerted by the emergency call. Victoria's heart lurched when she heard that Azrael had left early. In her mind, if anyone would push through to the very end of the training, it would be him. Seeing him safe brought immediate relief, but that relief quickly transformed into concern.
"What happened?" she demanded.
Azrael recounted the events within the secret realm, being careful with his words. Too many ears were listening; ordinary Association Lore Cardians surrounded them, and among them could be spies. Although he suspected the Qiling Society's involvement, he deliberately omitted the details about Kent. Instead, he painted a simpler picture: an unknown demon had attacked and killed the stationed Lore Cardian.
Director Blonski, the base leader, felt his blood run cold. The secret realm operated under constant surveillance. For a powerful, uncontrolled demon to emerge undetected was virtually impossible. Yet, he didn't challenge Azrael's account; the young man before him had no reason to fabricate such an easily disprovable story.
"Get the rescue teams in there immediately," Director Blonski ordered the surrounding Lore Cardians.
As the rescue teams disappeared into the secret realm, Azrael made a calculated decision. With fewer people around, he could reveal the truth to those who needed to know.
"Miss Victoria, Director Blonski," Azrael said, his voice dropping to a more serious tone. "It wasn't actually a demon that attacked us. It was one of the Lore Cardians stationed in the secret realm."
Director Blonski's composure cracked for a split second. A string of curses nearly escaped his lips before his leadership training reasserted itself. His expression hardened into professional seriousness.
"That's a serious accusation, student. You'll need evidence to support such a claim."
Azrael shook his head slowly. In fact, he had no evidence; he had deliberately positioned himself to block the surveillance cameras from capturing Kent's face during their confrontation.
"I don't have proof," he admitted. Then he reached into his pocket. "But I don't think this material should exist in the Thousand Foot Secret Realm."
The gold Blood Demon gleamed ominously in his palm.
Director Blonski's face turned pale as he stared at the impossible material. His breathing became labored as the implications hit him.
"I need to contact my superiors immediately," he said through gritted teeth. "Miss Victoria, please wait here with Student Azrael."
Director Blonski's departure was swift and tense.
Soon after, the key class students began emerging from the secret realm, confusion written across their faces. They had barely had time to explore; some were still clutching the materials they had just gathered.
"That's it? I just found one decent item!"
"You're lucky they pulled me out when I was halfway up the mountain!"
Victoria clapped her hands, trying to sound cheerful, cutting through their complaints. "All right, everyone! I'm sure you've all gotten a taste of the Secret Realm's dangers. Consider today's training complete.
"Please return to the bus and wait patiently."
She wouldn't explain the real situation. Based on Azrael's account, it was clearly a coordinated attack. The less these students knew, the safer they would be.
Shortly after, Gabi and Cory emerged, accompanied by medics carrying Yurek on a stretcher. The unconscious student looked pale but stable; his injuries were serious, yet not life-threatening. In the world of Lore Cardians, he would recover quickly.
As Victoria prepared to dismiss Gabi and Cory, Cory's voice cracked with manufactured remorse.
"I'm sorry, Miss Victoria. I was so terrified that I accidentally pushed Gabi."
Azrael barely suppressed a derisive snort. Scared when it matters; brave when it doesn't.
Victoria's brow furrowed in confusion at Cory's seemingly random confession. Gabi stepped forward to clarify, explaining the cowardly betrayal that had nearly cost her her life.
Victoria's expression transformed into cold fury. "I'll be reporting this directly to Principal Kang. You can expect consequences."
Her gaze fixed on Cory like a laser. "Get back on the bus right now. I'll be talking to your parents when we get back to school."
The education system had clear, unwavering rules: never abandon your teammates and never let others take the blade meant for you. Cory had violated the most fundamental principles of Lore Cardian cooperation.
Cory slunk away, his future crumbling around him. Expulsion from Silverbrook High School was certain. Whether any other institution would accept him was questionable. Even more severe was the possibility of being stripped of his card-making abilities.
Azrael watched Cory retreat without a shred of sympathy. The consequences were entirely self-inflicted.
Director Blonski returned, his expression grave but purposeful. "Student Azrael, Master Lucian requests your presence."
"Master Lucian?"
"Dread King Lucian, Master Lucian himself."
Meanwhile, atop the Velkairos Cardian Master Association building, two figures occupied the executive floor. A white-haired elder sat across from a middle-aged man with a distinctive goatee.
The elder's voice carried the weight of experience and concern. "I've heard several high schools were attacked while exploring the Secret Realm?"
The middle-aged man's face darkened. "There were multiple student casualties, both injured and killed. We haven't identified the perpetrators yet."
"Besides the Qiling Society and the Onefold Doctrine, who else would dare?" The elder's tone suggested that this was more of a statement than a question. His weathered features showed no surprise. "The mystery is how they managed it."
The middle-aged man opened his mouth to respond when his phone rang, cutting through the conversation.
"Excuse me, Master Lucian. I need to take this."
Lucian gestured for him to proceed.
"Hello? Understood. Have the student wait there."
After ending the call, the man's expression shifted to one of grim satisfaction mixed with concern.
"Master Lucian, we have a breakthrough: A student from Silverbrook High School successfully eliminated the attacker.
"More importantly, he witnessed the attacker's true identity."
It was one of our own Lore Cardians, someone stationed in the secret realm."
For the first time during the conversation, Lucian's weathered face cracked into a smile. Despite the betrayal within their ranks, hope flickered in his eyes.
"It seems our Empire of Aetherlight still breeds heroes. Bring this student to me immediately."
"Right away. I'll have them escort him here."