The next morning arrived with unusual clarity for Azrael. Perhaps his intensive card-making session the previous night had drained his mental reserves, but he had finally managed to get a proper rest. Calling it "sleep," however, wasn't entirely accurate. Like most Lore Cardians, Azrael had replaced traditional sleep with the "Deep Blue Meditation Method," a technique that rejuvenated both mind and spirit more efficiently than ordinary slumber.
Mounting his Pidgeot, Azrael soared through the morning air toward Silverbrook High School. The majestic bird's powerful wings cut through the sky, eliminating any concerns about traffic delays. Since acquiring his flying companion, punctuality had ceased to be an issue. Not that it mattered much anymore, given his rising importance as a promising Lore Cardian; Victoria would likely overlook the occasional tardiness.
The familiar drone of Victoria's hypnotic voice signaled the start of another school day. Today's lesson, however, sparked genuine interest in Azrael. The lesson covered advanced concepts of chain and legion cards that could significantly impact his card-making journey.
"Students, please listen carefully to the following content." Victoria's expression grew serious as she surveyed the key class members seated before her. The shift in her demeanor immediately commanded the attention of even the most distracted students.
"As the name suggests, chain cards create interconnected effects between multiple cards. This phenomenon typically occurs between creature cards and equipment cards, forming powerful synergistic combinations." Victoria dispensed with her usual dramatic buildup and dove straight into the core concepts.
"A prime example would be the creature card 'Heavenly King Li Jing' (note: this guy is the father of Nezha in mythology, so I won't change the name) paired with the equipment card 'Seven Treasures Exquisite Tower.'" She referenced cards familiar to most citizens of the Empire of Aetherlight. "When these two cards activate together, they produce a devastating chain effect that amplifies their individual powers exponentially."
"The potency of chain effects rivals that of card bonds, a phenomenon some of you may already understand."
Azrael's mind immediately turned to his own cards. The two he currently possessed shared a bond effect. Unfortunately, he lacked the materials necessary to craft a complementary card that could fully realize their potential.
Unaware of Azrael's internal calculations, Victoria continued her lecture. "Chain cards typically originate from significant artifacts or relationships within a character's narrative. This principle will be crucial when you begin crafting your own advanced card sets."
The lesson shifted focus to legion cards, and Victoria's expression grew even more grave. "Now, we will move on to legion cards, the cornerstone of military card-making strategy. I cannot overstate the importance of understanding this concept."
Her seriousness rippled through the classroom, causing the students to sit up straight and focus intently on her words.
"Legion cards don't refer to a single Lore Cardian's collection," Victoria began, adjusting her glasses with deliberate precision. "Rather, they represent standardized cards mass-produced by groups of Lore Cardians working in coordination."
She paused, allowing the weight of her words to sink in. "Most Lore Cardians with limited talent or resources eventually join the military or become guardians of conquered secret realms. In military service, variations in card quality created by different low-level makers can be problematic."
"To address this issue, the Empire of Aetherlight court has released standardized card-making templates. When low-level Lore Cardians use these templates, their cards become uniform. More importantly, when these standardized cards are deployed together in battle formations, they generate collective power far exceeding the sum of their individual capabilities."
Azrael began to grasp the implications of Victoria's serious tone. In her assessment, only he and Gabi showed sufficient promise to transcend the typical fate of their classmates. The others would likely end up as military Lore Cardians or realm guardians who follow templates.
This revelation also illuminated how Lore Cardians stationed at the border managed to hold their ground against demon armies. Individual prowess mattered less than the coordinated deployment of standardized forces.
Though enlightening, these concepts felt distant from Azrael's immediate concerns. After all, he had just successfully crafted a red-quality card the previous evening, and his path seemed destined for heights beyond template dependency.
Time flowed swiftly, and before long, the final bell signaled the end of the day. As Azrael prepared to leave, Gabi approached him. Her troubled expression immediately caught his attention.
"What's wrong?" Azrael asked, noting the worry lines creasing her usually composed features.
Gabi hesitated, gathering her thoughts before responding. "Cory is missing."
Azrael blinked in surprise. The statement seemed unrelated to any of his immediate concerns. Did Cory actually have the courage to seek revenge after their last encounter?
Before Azrael could voice his confusion, Gabi continued with grave urgency. "My father instructed me to warn you to be extremely careful during your journey home from school.
"Cory's parents were found dead in their home this morning. All evidence points to Cory as the perpetrator. The Card Makers Association is currently conducting a manhunt."
Azrael's mind reeled at this revelation. The absurdity of the situation struck him first. "Cory committed patricide? That's unexpectedly thorough of him."
Dark humor bubbled up unbidden in Azrael's thoughts, though he kept most of his irreverent observations to himself.
Gabi ignored his sardonic comment and shook her head with continued concern. "Regardless of the circumstances, exercise caution. Cory may be desperate enough to attempt anything."
Having delivered her warning, she turned and walked away. In her estimation, Cory posed a minimal threat to Azrael, but a heads-up seemed prudent nonetheless.
Azrael guided Pidgeot to a gentle landing beside his dilapidated apartment building. As he prepared to climb the stairs, a familiar voice called out from behind him.
"Feels like I haven't seen you in ages, Little Azrael."
Aunt Suzy emerged from the neighboring unit, her weathered face brightening with genuine warmth. She had maintained a close relationship with the original Azrael and had watched him grow up. In fact, her protective instincts had driven her to help him escape during the Demon's Nest incident. She'd also often invited the lonely orphan to share meals when he was short on resources.
Remembering these kindnesses, Azrael smiled warmly in return. "Becoming a Lore Cardian has multiplied my responsibilities. I haven't had the time to properly visit, Aunt Suzy."
"No need for such formality, child! Drop by for dinner whenever you're free." Aunt Suzy's eyes crinkled with maternal affection. In her view, Azrael's advancement to Lore Cardian status was a huge improvement over his previous struggles as an orphan.
"Next time, definitely next time," Azrael promised with a laugh.
As they climbed the stairs together, Aunt Suzy seemed to recall something important. "Oh, Little Azrael. I don't mean to pry, but young people shouldn't associate with unsavory characters."
Unsavory characters? Azrael's curiosity was piqued.
"When I went out for groceries earlier, I noticed a young man and a shady-looking guy hanging around your door," Aunt Suzy explained, concerned.
Azrael puzzled over this information. The original owner had maintained an exceptionally clean social circle, devoid of the type of individuals Aunt Suzy described. The only remotely questionable person he had encountered recently was Koga from Novex Financial.
Could Koga be involved? But Azrael had paid off that debt completely.
Despite his confusion, Azrael reassured her. "You're absolutely right, Aunt Suzy. However, those people probably had the wrong door. I don't know anyone matching that description."
Relief washed over Aunt Suzy's features. Despite his recent success, she'd genuinely worried about Azrael falling into bad company.
They paused in the stairwell as she prepared to leave. "Well, then. I need to start preparing dinner. Don't forget to visit when you have time, Little Azrael."
"Absolutely. I'll come by when I'm free," Azrael agreed warmly.
Their conversation echoed through the quiet, dimly lit corridor as they prepared to part ways.
Azrael turned toward his door and grasped the handle, reaching for his keys. Suddenly, a tremendous force yanked the door inward, causing him to stumble backward in surprise.
Ken Kaneki materialized beside him instantly, muscles coiled for action.
BANG!
The ancient, rust-covered iron door exploded outward with devastating force, striking Aunt Suzy squarely and sending her crashing to the floor.
Maniacal laughter erupted from within Azrael's apartment. "Hahaha! That kid was right; you really are a genius!"
Azrael realized something as he stared at Aunt Suzy's motionless form. These were the "unsavory characters" she'd warned him about. Cold fury crystallized in his chest, and murderous intent surged through his veins like liquid fire.
"Cory!" Azrael's voice cut through the laughter like a blade. "If you're so eager to die, I'll gladly grant your wish!"
...
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