Chapter 49: Aftermath and New Threats

Two days had passed since the chaos unleashed by the Crimson Oath Society. While the immediate turmoil had gradually subsided, scars remained visible across Velkairos. The ruins surrounding the former Novex Financial Headquarters Building reminded the city's residents that the destruction they had witnessed was no mere nightmare.

At the Velkairos Cardian Master Association Headquarters, tension hung thick in the air.

"So, Master Lucian, are you saying that Gustav might be a traitor?" Dareth rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on. The information Lucian had presented was difficult to swallow.

Gustav had been a veteran cadre of the Velkairos Cardian Master Association for years. Logically, there was no reason for him to betray the Association and join the Crimson Oath Society. Yet the evidence Lucian had outlined was disturbingly compelling. Doubts gnawed at Dareth's mind: Could Gustav really have turned?

After all, Jin had identified Azrael specifically, meaning the traitor knew Azrael personally and had known him before his rise to prominence. Throughout Azrael's entire journey of growth and development, Gustav's presence had been a constant thread.

With a heavy sigh, Dareth made his decision. "I'll arrange some lighter administrative work for him over the next few weeks. Let him rest for a while." The words tasted bitter in his mouth. "Rest" was merely a euphemism; what he really meant was covert surveillance and observation.

Setting aside the troubling matter of Gustav for now, Dareth's expression grew more serious as he addressed another pressing concern. "Master Lucian, given the magnitude of destruction the Crimson Oath Society has caused this time, why haven't the other two masters come to assist us?"

A bitter smile crossed Lucian's weathered features. "The demons in the north have established something called the Onefold Doctrine. I'm sure you're aware of the situation."

"The Onefold Doctrine claims they're merely cooperating with the demons, but anyone with half a brain can see they're nothing more than puppets dancing to demonic strings."

Dareth remained silent for a long moment, processing this information, before pressing further. "Even so, there's no need for both masters to remain stationed there, is there?"

He had a point. Ashton alone possessed enough power to handle the northern situation, especially with the substantial force of Lore Cardians from the Empire of Aetherlight already deployed along the border to confront the demon army.

But there was more to the story.

Lucian hesitated, weighing whether to reveal the full truth. However, he realized that news of this magnitude wouldn't remain hidden from someone of Dareth's status for long.

"The secret realm in Shudoria has gone into riot mode.

"What!?" The color drained from Dareth's face, and shock registered in his voice. "Hasn't Lioren been keeping it suppressed all this time?"

Thinking of Lioren's deteriorating physical condition, a shadow of worry crossed Lucian's features. Still, he answered the question honestly. "A new master-level secret realm has manifested adjacent to the existing one. The Mountain Master has gone to provide backup for Lioren."

Dareth sat in stunned silence, his voice barely above a whisper. "How is that even possible?"

The frequency of secret realm appearances had steadily increased in recent years, and the monsters emerging from them had grown progressively more powerful and dangerous. The once stable and prosperous Empire of Aetherlight now felt like an empire watching its sun set on the horizon.

To be honest, neither man present particularly cared about the Empire of Aetherlight's political machinations. Their concern lay with the countless innocent lives scattered across the continent. Had they been willing to abandon their responsibility to ordinary people, Lucian could have lived a far more comfortable and carefree existence.

A helpless smile tugged at the corners of Lucian's mouth. "At least this time, we can be grateful that Little Azrael discovered the Crimson Oath Society's plan before they could fully execute it."

"If they had succeeded and gone into hiding afterward, I shudder to think what the consequences might have been."

"For now, though, I believe they'll remain quiet for a while. They'll need time to lick their wounds and regroup."

The truth was that the main base of operations for the Crimson Oath Society remained frustratingly elusive. Had Lucian known its location, he would have paid them a personal visit to settle matters permanently.

Mentioning Azrael brought Dareth back from his troubled thoughts about the broader crisis. "Azrael is exceptional in both talent and character. Looking back now, the reward I initially promised him seems inadequate."

Previously, he had only offered Azrael a guaranteed spot at Velkairos University, partly because he was concerned that the young man might not live up to his potential. Throughout the recent history of the Empire of Aetherlight, geniuses had been relatively common, but none had displayed Azrael's level of ability.

Now, however, those concerns seemed laughably unfounded.

Lucian, who was naturally aware of Azrael's remarkable performance during the recent crisis, nodded in agreement. "Whatever you decide to do, you have my full support."

Glancing at his watch, Dareth frowned with mild concern. "Speaking of Azrael, he said he would come by today. I wonder what's keeping him."

As if summoned by their conversation, the elevator chimed with its familiar "ding-dong," and Azrael stepped into view.

Dareth had granted Azrael's identification card special permissions long ago. With the exception of the most classified areas, Azrael could freely enter and exit virtually any section of the association headquarters. The president's office, naturally, was not considered a restricted zone.

"Master Lucian, President Dareth," Azrael greeted both men with respectful courtesy.

Dareth acknowledged the greeting with a brief nod before getting straight to business. "Student Azrael, you said you had something important to discuss. What brings you here today?"

Azrael had indeed come with a specific purpose in mind. The first matter involved information he had gleaned from President Bai during their previous encounter.

After repeating President Bai's words verbatim, Azrael waited quietly for the judgment of the two powerful figures before him.

Dareth and Lucian exchanged meaningful glances, their minds racing to process the implications.

"Make Velkairos more chaotic?" Dareth mused aloud.

What possible benefit could such a strategy provide to the Crimson Oath Society? In both men's estimation, this approach seemed far less valuable than exploiting the wealthy financier exposed during the recent turmoil.

Yet the Society had deliberately chosen this path.

They both realized simultaneously that there had to be larger plans in motion—schemes that remained hidden from their current understanding.

At that moment, both men felt the oppressive weight of an approaching storm. One crisis had barely been resolved when a darker cloud began to gather over the city of Velkairos.

Dareth filed away Azrael's warning for careful consideration and continued with his inquiry. "I suspect you have additional business to discuss today, Student Azrael?"

Azrael nodded, then hesitated briefly before speaking. "President Dareth, when might I be able to enter the Black Flag secret realm again?"

The request didn't surprise Dareth. Azrael had never forgotten Grey's death, and his burning desire for revenge remained a constant driving force in his actions.

After considering the timing and logistics, Dareth responded, "How would tomorrow work for you?"

Azrael's excitement was barely contained as he immediately accepted. "Thank you, President Dareth! I truly appreciate this opportunity."

"Now, regarding the additional reward for your first-place victory in the Elite Talent Cup," Dareth's expression grew more serious and formal. "Beyond the Velkairos University placement I previously promised, I'm prepared to offer you another choice."

You may select one bronze-level material from the association's entire inventory or choose one bronze-level secret realm for exploration."

The offer was tempting indeed. Having access to any bronze-level material in the association's vast collection would be extremely valuable.

However, Azrael found himself calculating his current resources and capabilities. He had two million, seven hundred twenty thousand in liquid cash, one gold-quality Bloody Devourer card, and seven blue-quality Inferior Flesh Demon cards.

These resources were sufficient to craft another bronze-level card if he chose wisely. With two bronze-level cards, the potential gains from exploring a bronze-level secret realm would likely exceed the value of any single material, no matter how rare or powerful.

Rather than making an impulsive decision, Azrael chose the prudent path. "President Dareth, would it be possible for me to examine the materials available in the association's inventory before making my final choice?"

"Of course," Dareth replied without hesitation. Having made the promise, he certainly wouldn't be petty enough to deny Azrael the information needed to make an informed decision.

Azrael accepted the tablet that Dareth handed him and began scrolling through the extensive catalog. The variety and quality of the bronze-level red materials was overwhelming; he had never imagined that such a wealth of resources existed in one place.

Despite the impressive selection, however, nothing caught his eye or aligned with his current strategic needs.

Setting the tablet down on the table between them, Azrael made his decision with quiet confidence. "President Dareth, I choose to enter the secret realm."