My Deck Is Made Up Of OP Anime Characters

The day's classes concluded without incident, but as Azrael prepared to leave campus, he found himself genuinely surprised by the absence of any challenges from his fellow students. He had fully expected at least one ambitious classmate to test their luck against his newly claimed position, convinced they could exploit some perceived weakness from his battle with Kevaugn.

"Could it be that Retsu's performance was too terrifying?" Azrael mused, scratching his head as he considered the psychological impact of their confrontation.

In reality, his assessment proved accurate. While information about Unohana Retsu's capabilities had indeed circulated throughout the Card Making Department, the half-collapsed training platform atop the mountain served as a far more visceral reminder of what challenging Azrael actually entailed. The massive crater and fractured stone spoke volumes about the consequences of underestimating his cards' destructive potential.

Any student with genuine ambitions of claiming his Battle Club position would first need to demonstrate they could defeat Kevaugn, whose own card information remained largely exposed from their public confrontation. The logical progression demanded that challengers prove themselves against known quantities before attempting to face unknown variables.

Standing at the campus gates, Azrael was about to summon Pidgeot for his journey home when memories of his encounter with Crowley in the [Night Banquet] secret realm suddenly surfaced. That young man's behavior had struck him as oddly hostile despite their surface-level cordiality, and his instincts suggested there were deeper currents at play.

After a moment's consideration, he decided to seek answers from the one person in Pixar who might possess relevant intelligence.

While Fredrika had explicitly stated that the Crimson Oath Society would minimize contact with him going forward, she hadn't specifically forbidden him from visiting for information gathering. If anyone questioned his presence at the Velvet Springhouse, he could simply claim to be patronizing their services, a perfectly legitimate explanation that would damage nothing but his personal reputation.

In this world, such activities barely registered as scandalous among working adults. University students visiting entertainment establishments was hardly newsworthy.

"Even top students from Pixar University visit brothels," the taxi driver observed with casual amusement as they navigated through the city's afternoon traffic.

Azrael maintained his neutral expression, offering no response to the unsolicited commentary. The driver's assumption was both incorrect and irrelevant, but correcting such misconceptions would only invite additional questions he had no interest in answering.

The familiar opulence of the Velvet Springhouse greeted him as he stepped through the ornate entrance, crystal chandeliers casting rainbow patterns across marble floors that spoke of considerable prosperity. The establishment's aesthetic balance between elegance and sensuality remained as carefully calculated as ever.

"Young Master Azrael, welcome back," the madam greeted him with practiced deference, her painted smile widening as recognition dawned. "Shall I arrange companions for your entertainment this evening?"

Her tone carried the respectful undertones reserved for valued patrons whose influence extended beyond simple monetary considerations.

Azrael raised his hand dismissively. "I'm here to see Miss Fredrika. Please continue with your duties."

The madam's bow deepened as she watched him approach the private elevator, her expression shifting to one of heightened awareness. Once he disappeared from view, she turned toward a heavily made-up girl who had been observing the exchange with obvious curiosity.

"Mama, who was that gentleman?" the newcomer asked, her voice carrying the breathless interest of someone eager for gossip.

The madam's expression hardened into something approaching warning. "Questions like that will get you into trouble, girl. Some information isn't meant for your ears."

Her voice dropped to emphasize the gravity of her words. "All you need to understand is that Young Master Azrael holds significant authority within this establishment. Beyond that, your ignorance is your protection."

The warning carried weight that even the inexperienced girl could recognize. In their line of work, knowledge often proved more dangerous than valuable, especially when it concerned individuals whose influence operated in shadows.

"Why are you here?" Fredrika's voice carried notes of boredom mixed with mild irritation as she glanced up from her tablet, clearly engaged in whatever digital entertainment helped pass the time in Pixar's relatively quiet operational environment.

The southern capital lacked the constant urgency that characterized Velkairos's Crimson Oath Society activities. As regional coordinator, Fredrika's daily responsibilities were far less demanding than her position's title might suggest.

"I need information," Azrael replied directly, settling onto the familiar leather sofa without ceremony. "Have you heard of someone named Crowley?"

The question immediately captured Fredrika's attention, her fox-like eyes sharpening with interest as she set aside her tablet. "Why? Did you encounter him somewhere?"

"I have," Azrael confirmed, recognizing the shift in her demeanor as confirmation that Crowley's name carried significance within their circles.

He proceeded to recount the events of the [Night Banquet] secret realm, focusing on the interpersonal dynamics rather than the specific details of their card battle. The tactical information he'd revealed during that confrontation was already compromised, but his strategic capabilities remained closely guarded secrets.

Fredrika listened with growing amusement, her expression shifting through various shades of surprise and calculation. "I genuinely didn't expect you to cross paths with him so early in your academic career," she mused, tapping her perfectly manicured nails against the desk's polished surface.

"Though I suppose I should congratulate you on extracting free materials from the encounter. Crowley's generosity is... unprecedented."

Her smile carried predatory satisfaction as she continued. "Would you like to understand why he harbors such obvious hostility toward you?"

Azrael nodded, confirming that this had been his primary motivation for the visit.

Fredrika's expression shifted into something resembling theatrical mischief. "Beg me prettily, and I might consider sharing what I know."

"Is this routine actually entertaining for you?" Azrael asked with obvious exasperation. "You're not seriously developing romantic interests in someone half your age, are you?"

Fredrika rolled her eyes with theatrical disgust. "How utterly disappointing. You have no sense of drama whatsoever."

Her demeanor shifted back to business efficiency. "Crowley attempted to become Master Lucian's apprentice several years ago. The rejection was... publicly humiliating."

"This information isn't particularly secret, most people in relevant circles are aware of the circumstances."

Understanding dawned immediately in Azrael's mind, explaining the undercurrent of resentment he'd sensed during their interaction. Crowley's surface courtesy had concealed genuine antipathy rooted in professional jealousy and wounded pride.

"Exercise appropriate caution in future encounters," Fredrika advised, returning her attention to the tablet. "Crowley possesses a vindictive nature that doesn't easily forgive perceived slights. He'll certainly seek opportunities for revenge."

"Is there anything else you require?" she added with obvious dismissal.

Azrael hesitated for a moment before voicing the question that had brought him here as much as curiosity about Crowley. "Speaking of broader political concerns, is there genuine discord between the Imperial Court and the Cardian Master Association?"

"Does our organization see opportunities in such divisions?"

He couldn't directly inquire about potential collaboration between the Crimson Oath Society and court officials, but this indirect approach might yield useful intelligence about their true loyalties and objectives.

The office fell into absolute silence.

Fredrika's hands froze on her tablet, the device's screen reflecting her suddenly tense features as seconds stretched into an uncomfortable eternity.

"How did you learn about that?" she asked finally, her voice carrying a dryness that suggested considerable internal calculations.

Azrael recognized she was asking specifically about the court-association tensions, not their organization's potential involvement. He couldn't suppress a slight eye-roll at her reaction. "The divisions are hardly subtle. Anyone with basic observational skills would notice the pattern."

He proceeded to detail his experiences during the Provincial Examination's closing ceremony and the bureaucratic complications surrounding welfare secret realm access. The evidence painted a clear picture of two organizations barely maintaining cooperative facades while pursuing competing agendas.

After listening to his analysis, Fredrika muttered something under her breath that his enhanced hearing barely caught, "They're not ready to act yet."

Her comment, intended to be inaudible, confirmed several of Azrael's suspicions about the Crimson Oath Society's true nature and allegiances.

"The organization will make appropriate decisions regarding such developments," Fredrika said with renewed seriousness, her casual demeanor replaced by something approaching gravity. "Until then, avoid discussing these observations with others."

Her tone carried warnings that transcended simple operational security.

Azrael nodded with apparent compliance. "Understood completely."

"If there's nothing else requiring my attention, I'll take my leave."

As he prepared to depart, Fredrika's voice followed him toward the door. "I wonder if the Association's preparations will prove adequate for what's coming."

The comment was delivered quietly, but Azrael's symbiote-enhanced senses ensured he caught every word. Combined with her earlier slip, the implications were deeply troubling.

Outside the Velvet Springhouse, Azrael processed the intelligence he'd gathered while navigating through Pixar's evening foot traffic. Fredrika's reactions had been more illuminating than her actual words, revealing connections he'd suspected but couldn't previously confirm.

The Crimson Oath Society had clearly known about court-association tensions for an extended period. More concerningly, their response suggested coordination rather than opportunism, they weren't seeking to exploit the divisions for organizational benefit.

If the Crimson Oath Society were truly independent, their natural reaction should involve sowing additional discord while positioning themselves to gain advantages from the resulting chaos. Instead, Fredrika's comments suggested patience, preparation, and strategic timing that implied external coordination.

Azrael was increasingly convinced that some form of collaboration existed between his nominal criminal organization and certain court factions. The alternative explanation, that they preferred to observe rather than act, seemed inconsistent with their demonstrated willingness to pursue aggressive objectives in other contexts.

"My position is becoming genuinely precarious," he reflected grimly as he considered the complex web of loyalties now surrounding him.

Master Lucian's disciple, inner agent of the Crimson Oath Society, and now potential recruitment target for Imperial Court interests. He found himself balanced between three powerful factions, each with their own expectations and potential for devastating retaliation if his true loyalties were discovered.

"One wrong step could destroy everything I've built," he acknowledged with stark realism.

The fundamental problem remained his relative weakness. Silver-level advancement provided significant capabilities, but fell far short of the power necessary for genuine independence in conflicts between institutional giants. Until he achieved Gold-level status or higher, he would remain vulnerable to forces beyond his ability to resist.

His mental energy had grown considerably since reaching Silver tier, but the gap between levels increased exponentially rather than linearly. Breaking through to Gold would require both time and resources he wasn't certain he possessed.

"Upgrading Pride takes priority," he decided, mentally reviewing his available materials.

The components the Crimson Oath Society had provided offered his most promising path for immediate improvement: Silver-level [Falling Star of Heavenly Fiend] (Gold), Silver-level [Demon Hunter] (Purple), Silver-level [Resurrection Blood] (Gold), and Silver-level [Power Magic] (Gold).

"Quite an impressive collection," he murmured with genuine appreciation for their generosity, or their investment in his continued utility.

For Pride's enhancement, he intended to utilize the [Resurrection Blood] and [Power Magic] components, both of which aligned perfectly with symbiotic improvement patterns. However, the upgrade would require three materials total for optimal results.

Retrieving his phone, Azrael composed a message to his most reliable trading contact.

[Azrael: Mr. Wolfgang, do you have any materials related to mimicry or adaptation? I can offer a Silver-level [Lesser Demon] (Blue) plus six million Empyrean Dollars in exchange for a Purple-tier Silver component.]

The response arrived within minutes, confirming Wolfgang's continued attention to communications from valued clients.

[AAA Material Wholesale Mr. Wolfgang: Silver-level [Horror Imitator] (Purple) available immediately. However, this particular transaction will require in-person discussion.]

The hesitation in that final sentence triggered warning bells in Azrael's analytical mind, but his need for the material outweighed his caution about potential complications.

[Azrael: Mr. Wolfgang, please specify your conditions directly. I'll evaluate whether they're acceptable before committing to anything.]

He had no intention of walking blindly into whatever arrangement Wolfgang had in mind. If the terms proved unreasonable, he could always request materials from Alice or Master Lucian, returning equivalent value once he obtained replacement components.

[AAA Material Wholesale Mr. Wolfgang: Interview required.]

The terseness of that response heightened Azrael's suspicions, but ultimately he decided the potential benefits justified the risk. After summoning Pidgeot and allowing Pride to enhance the bird's appearance into something more formidable, he set course for Wolfgang's corporate headquarters.

"Young Azrael, excellent timing!" Wolfgang's enthusiasm seemed genuine as he gestured toward the comfortable seating area in his opulent office. "Please, make yourself comfortable."

The businessman's cordiality felt excessive, immediately confirming Azrael's suspicions about ulterior motives. When merchants offered unusual courtesy, they typically sought something beyond simple commercial transactions.

"Mr. Wolfgang, please state your conditions directly," Azrael replied with diplomatic firmness.

Rather than taking offense at his bluntness, Wolfgang poured himself tea with deliberate casualness, his expression shifting to one of calculated embarrassment.

"Your request presents certain... complications," he began with theatrical reluctance. "While I do control the company's policies, I must also consider the emotions and expectations of my subordinates."

Azrael suppressed a sneer at the transparent manipulation. "I understand the challenges of management, Mr. Wolfgang."

Wolfgang's smile widened with obvious satisfaction. "I'm gratified by your comprehension, Young Azrael."

"However," he continued, allowing hope to creep into his voice, "there may be solutions available."

Recognizing his cue, Azrael leaned forward with apparent eagerness. "Please, specify whatever conditions you require."

The performance was entirely calculated, he wanted to see exactly what Wolfgang was planning before committing to anything.

"Young Azrael, you're aware that junior-year students must complete internship requirements, correct?" Wolfgang's question seemed to shift away from materials entirely.

"I understand students from prestigious universities like Pixar have considerable freedom in selecting their placement locations."

This was news to Azrael, who had assumed internships were assigned by academic administration. The revelation raised immediate questions about why Wolfgang was raising the subject.

"I hope you'll consider court-related positions when your internship period arrives," Wolfgang said, finally revealing his true objective. "Your exceptional talents have been noticed by influential officials within the Imperial bureaucracy."

So Mr. Wolfgang represents court interests, Azrael realized with crystalline clarity. Does Alice know about his affiliations?

Despite his internal shock, he maintained a facade of uncertainty. "That seems... inappropriate. My teacher would naturally expect me to pursue Association opportunities."

Wolfgang had clearly anticipated this objection, his confidence suggesting he'd researched Azrael's circumstances extensively.

"Master Lucian is far too distinguished to concern himself with such trivial career decisions," Wolfgang replied dismissively. "Moreover, he would certainly respect your personal choices regarding your professional future."

Had Azrael possessed genuine ignorance about the political tensions between these factions, he might have found Wolfgang's arguments persuasive. Unfortunately for the businessman's recruitment efforts, Azrael understood exactly what forces were actually at play.

"This is a significant decision," Azrael said with performed hesitation. "I cannot make such commitments without extensive consideration."

"Perhaps we should forget about this material transaction entirely."

Wolfgang showed no surprise at this response, having clearly expected initial resistance. "Of course, Young Azrael. Such important decisions require careful thought."

"As for the material you requested, please accept it as a gesture of goodwill from my organization."

Azrael's mental alarms screamed warnings about accepting gifts from potential enemies, but refusing might appear more suspicious than graceful acceptance.

"I insist on proper payment, Mr. Wolfgang," he replied firmly, producing his bank card and the [Lesser Demon] component. "Honest transactions serve everyone's interests better than unclear obligations."

Wolfgang's expression remained pleasant as he processed the payment, five million Empyrean Dollars deducted with practiced efficiency.

"Your integrity is admirable, Young Azrael. Many people in your position would simply accept the generosity."

"I'll give your proposal serious consideration," Azrael assured him while accepting the [Horror Imitator] material. "Working with court officials does sound... intriguing."

The lie rolled off his tongue with practiced ease. If Wolfgang wanted to believe he was making progress, such delusions served Azrael's purposes perfectly.

"I'll await your positive response with great anticipation," Wolfgang replied, his substantial frame radiating satisfaction.

Both participants left the meeting convinced they'd achieved their objectives. Wolfgang believed he'd successfully established a recruitment pathway for a valuable asset, while Azrael had obtained essential materials without committing to anything beyond vague consideration.

Everyone's future looked brighter, at least from their individual perspectives.

Returning to his apartment, Azrael spread the three enhancement materials across his workbench with growing anticipation: Silver-level [Resurrection Blood] (Gold), Silver-level [Power Magic] (Gold), and Silver-level [Horror Imitator] (Purple).

"Time to see what Pride can become with proper resources," he murmured, already envisioning the tactical advantages that symbiotic enhancement might provide.

"I wonder what new capabilities will emerge once Pride reaches Silver-tier integration."

As for Wolfgang's recruitment pitch? That conversation had been forgotten the moment Azrael left the corporate building. Some suggestions weren't worth remembering beyond their immediate utility.

The materials before him represented genuine power, everything else was merely political theater that would sort itself out when he possessed the strength to dictate terms rather than accept them.

Time to discover what evolution awaited his symbiotic partner.

...

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