Hearing Tempest's murderous words and seeing his serious expression, Azrael was slightly stunned.
But after thinking of the other's title as the [Fighting God], he felt relieved.
Before he could respond, Tempest laughed. "Just kidding. We still have to see what Lioren says."
"And Master Lucian hasn't returned to the Empire yet. We have to wait until he returns before discussing anything."
The matter was too important. They couldn't just kill on a whim. At the very least, they needed to wait until Lioren completely suppressed the Master-level demon.
Azrael looked at the Master-level Lore Cardians with some suspicion. He sensed a certain sincerity in their words. "Since the two Masters have already made their decision, I won't say anything further. Is there anything else you need to know about the Crimson Oath Society?"
Hearing this, Tempest and Master Zidaine shook their heads slightly. "Jacob has told us everything we need to know. Azrael, just be careful."
"Also, don't tell too many people about this for now. After all, it involves the imperial court and the Association."
Azrael, of course, wasn't one for gossip. He nodded immediately. "I understand."
After their conversation, Tempest and Master Zidaine exchanged a glance before preparing to leave. Due to the Demon Army's constant vigilance, they couldn't leave Kunlun Mountain for long.
After watching the two Master-level Lore Cardians depart, Azrael and Jacob were the only ones left in the room.
Jacob looked at his junior and gave a wry smile. "I'm sorry, junior brother. I shouldn't have, "
"Senior brother, you're just being cautious. I understand," Azrael interrupted calmly. "I'd do the same."
He wasn't angry. Not wanting to dwell on such a meaningless matter, he changed the subject. "Then, senior brother, I'll stay with you for the time being."
Azrael planned to stay with Jacob until Lucian returned to the Empire. After all, he'd already anticipated a high probability of a second assassination attempt by the imperial court, so he certainly wouldn't be foolish enough to return to Mazong.
According to Alice, it would only be a few days before their teacher returned.
As for the Cardian Master Association, the worst that could happen was they'd expel him.
Jacob nodded slightly. "Junior brother, you can stay as long as you like. I have official business to attend to, so I won't be with you." He turned and left the room.
Seeing he was the only one left, Azrael breathed a sigh of relief. "Teacher, you're the last to know my identity." A strange feeling washed over him at this thought.
Just as his thoughts wandered, a notification rang, bringing him back to reality.
It was the arrival of points.
"Another 100,000?!"
Azrael stared at his remaining 107,860 points, stunned. But he quickly recovered. "Okay, okay, Pierre. I, Azrael, would call you the best at writing reports."
He remembered the last time he'd severely injured Ruth and captured Cliff, it had cost him 100,000 points.
"Wouldn't that mean I could craft two Emerald-level cards?"
Azrael's heart suddenly lifted. Now, not only did he have 100,000 points, but he also had the materials for [Sword Maniac] (Red), [Resurrection Blood] (Red), [Flange Thunder Sword] (Gold), and [Ruthless King] (Red).
With a brief thought, Azrael had a plan in mind. "Let's get Yoriichi and Aizen to Emerald rank first."
With that thought, he immediately opened the points platform and began browsing. It didn't take long for him to locate the materials he needed.
[Endless Sunlight] (Red), priced at 27,000 points.
[Guardian's Fate] (Red), priced at 26,000 points.
[Extreme Seeker] (Red), priced at 26,900 points.
[Majestic Spirit] (Red), priced at 24,900 points.
Azrael felt a pang of pain as his balance shrank again to 3,060. He could only console himself by saying these were necessary expenses.
Since the materials were located in different cities, Azrael had to take turns picking them up. Fortunately, the cities weren't far apart, so it didn't take him long to collect everything.
At Jacob's house, Azrael sent a message about his Lore Cardian plans, then focused his attention on the six materials before him.
He slowly wrapped his spiritual power around [Ruthless King] (Red), [Extreme Seeker] (Red), and [Majestic Spirit] (Red), and was immediately drawn into a mysterious space.
[Please continue to write your story.]
[After taking over as vice-captain of the 5th Division, Aizen began to devote himself to research on the Hōgyoku.]
[At the same time, he extended his reach into Hueco Mundo.]
[Under Aizen's offensive, Hueco Mundo was brought under his control, and he established the organization known as the Espada.]
[All of the Espada were created by him through the Hōgyoku, transforming them into Arrancar.]
[During his research, Aizen discovered a test subject in the human world whom he deeply cared about: Ichigo Kurosaki.]
[After investigation, Aizen learned that Kisuke Urahara had hidden the perfect Hōgyoku within Rukia Kuchiki.]
[However, due to the presence of Yoriichi Tsugikuni, he was unable to carry out his experiments without restraint.]
[Though he successfully maneuvered Rukia Kuchiki into the living world, he could no longer control what happened next.]
[He wanted to replicate the Hollowfication experience of Hirako Shinji and the others on Yoriichi Tsugikuni, but found that although the other party couldn't break Kyōka Suigetsu's Kanzen Saimin, he seemed to vaguely sense something.]
[Helpless, he could only give up.]
[Fortunately, Byakuya Kuchiki later volunteered to bring Rukia Kuchiki back to Soul Society.]
[Seeing that he was likely to be exposed, Aizen chose to kill all the Central 46 and forged an order to execute Rukia Kuchiki, hoping to seize the Hōgyoku within her body.]
[The plan went smoothly. Under his Kyōka Suigetsu, the entire Soul Society was at his fingertips.]
Of course, he also avoided some dangerous individuals, such as old man Yamamoto and his own captain.
However, something went wrong on the day of the execution. Another person he was observing, Ichigo Kurosaki, appeared at the scene.
But it was clear that Ichigo Kurosaki, who had just mastered Bankai, was no match for him. He easily retrieved the Hōgyoku.
In the anti-membrane, he looked at the captains who were helpless against him. After changing his usual demeanor and stating his purpose, he returned to Hueco Mundo, which he ruled, with Gin Ichimaru and Kaname Tōsen.
Some time later, to confirm Ichigo Kurosaki's strength, Aizen ordered Ulquiorra, the 4th Espada, to investigate the human world.
He then had Ulquiorra bring back Ichigo Kurosaki's friend, Orihime Inoue, to lure him to Hueco Mundo.
However, he didn't expect that it wasn't just Ichigo Kurosaki who would be lured there, but also Yoriichi Tsugikuni.
Although he'd long known the terrifying power of his former boss, it wasn't until he faced Yoriichi Tsugikuni in person that he understood the true meaning of his Bankai.
Fortunately, he wasn't the same person he once was. Infinite possibilities were already within his grasp.
The Lore Cardian process was a success, and Azrael's face showed no trace of fatigue. He glanced at the floating card before him, a faint smile etched in his eyes, and then put it away.
[Lord of Hueco Mundo·Aizen Sōsuke]
Rank: Emerald
Quality: Red
Category: Creature
Skills:
[Kidō Expert] [Zanpakutō·Shikai·Kyōka Suigetsu]
Abilities:
[Hairspray Hands] [I Am an Inventor] [The Battle of the Shinigami is a Battle of Reiatsu] [Disguiser]
[Lord of Hueco Mundo]: We are unmatched! When Aizen is present, the power of all Hollow-type cards is significantly enhanced.
Introduction: Gods are merely humans skilled in disguise.
Advancement: Gold Rank [5th Division Vice-Captain·Aizen Sōsuke] → Emerald Rank [Lord of Hueco Mundo·Aizen Sōsuke] → Diamond Rank [Throne of the Heavens·Aizen Sōsuke]
Note: Advancing to [Throne of the Heavens·Aizen Sōsuke] requires the item card [Perfect Hōgyoku].
Bond:
When appearing with a card like [Gin Ichimaru], the effect [Traitor? Traitor.] can be activated.
After briefly reviewing Aizen's card information, Azrael nodded with satisfaction.
Putting aside the increased combat power, the [Lord of Hueco Mundo] trait alone was worth the price of admission. After all, he now had quite a few Hueco Mundo-type cards.
Of course, there was another crucial piece of information: the [Throne Room] in [Las Noches] had been unlocked.
[Throne Room]: Activated when holding [Lord of Hueco Mundo·Aizen].
King: As the King who rules Hueco Mundo, when Aizen is in [Las Noches], the effects of venue cards triggered by the Espada are slightly boosted.
Shinigami and Hollows: Aizen, seeking power beyond his boundaries, has broken the barrier between Shinigami and Hollows. Therefore, when he's present, the power of Arrancar and Masked cards is boosted.
Another Possibility: When [Las Noches] reaches Diamond rank, [Throne of the Heavens·Aizen Sōsuke] will gain a new form. (Blocked)
After reviewing the information from [Throne Room], Azrael couldn't help but gasp. "Why do I feel like I'm about to soar to the heavens?"
Of course, it was just a joke. Soaring wasn't realistic, but with all the added attributes, he had no idea how powerful his cards were now.
"No wonder they all like to make cards from the same series. But does Kamen Rider count as a masked card?"
Azrael calmed himself down, then focused his mental energy on the remaining three materials. He was ready to strike while the iron was hot.
[Please continue to write your story.]
[Yoriichi Tsugikuni, who became the Third Seat of the Fifth Division, quickly became familiar with the team's affairs.]
[While familiarizing himself with the team's work, Yoriichi Tsugikuni continued to search for his beloved.]
[However, Soul Society was vast, and it was impossible for him to find her in such a short time.]
[Yoriichi Tsugikuni knew he had to become even stronger.]
[The Third Seat's influence was insignificant, so what about the Vice-Captain? The Captain? Even the Captain-Commander?]
Through diligent training, he mastered Shikai in just a few years and became the vice-captain of the 5th Division.
As the rescue division, the 5th Division's mission was neither easy nor difficult.
Of course, Yoriichi Tsugikuni also reported Muzan's death to the Captain-Commander.
Without the Quincies, the demons would likely become even more unbridled.
Of course, as the Gotei 13 gradually expanded its functions, the 13th Division became a division dedicated to patrolling the human world.
Yoriichi Tsugikuni believed that using the Shinigami's combat power to deal with Muzan would not be a problem.
Unfortunately, things got out of control, and members of the 13th Division disappeared one after another in the human world.
Yoriichi Tsugikuni, the vice-captain of the rescue division and a familiar figure, and the then-captain of the 5th Division, therefore traveled to the human world to investigate.
It wasn't long before Yoriichi Tsugikuni uncovered the truth. Muzan died shortly after Yoriichi's death.
The perpetrators were none other than the remaining Quincies.
Having grasped the flaw, Yoriichi Tsugikuni immediately launched a pursuit.
Unfortunately, possessing only his Shikai, he was no match for his opponent.
After witnessing the death of his captain, who had usually taken such good care of him, Yoriichi Tsugikuni awakened.
He mastered Bankai: Crimson Scorching Hell Amaterasu.
His initial Bankai release was so terrifying that Yoriichi Tsugikuni couldn't even fully control its power.
Fortunately, however, the outcome was favorable. Leveraging his Bankai's ability to burn spirit particles, he slew the remaining Quincies.
Upon returning to Soul Society, thanks to his Bankai and the previous captain's death, he successfully became the next captain of the Fifth Division, even though it wasn't what he had intended.
After becoming captain, his immense power earned him respect. Even among the Soul Society nobles, who looked down on him as a commoner, he gained their acknowledgment.
He found his true love.
At this point, feeling his life had come full circle, Yoriichi Tsugikuni was approached by Retsu Unohana.
Out of gratitude, he challenged her to a duel.
However, upon realizing that her Bankai required the death of another person to dissolve it, Yoriichi Tsugikuni took the initiative to release Crimson Scorching Hell Amaterasu, breaking through Minazuki.
The days that followed were peaceful, until the arrival of a vice-captain named Shinji Hirako to the Fifth Division, and a third-seat officer named Aizen.
From then on, Hollow invasions became a common occurrence in Rukongai.
That day, Shinji Hirako and his friends became Hollows, and Yoriichi Tsugikuni witnessed it all.
But he always felt something was amiss.
It wasn't until Ichigo Kurosaki invaded Soul Society that he realized it was Aizen's doing.
Aizen reminded him of his brother.
So, after the opponent escaped to Hueco Mundo, Yoriichi Tsugikuni kept looking for an opportunity to enter Hueco Mundo.
Finally, Aizen couldn't hold back any longer, and he found an opportunity to follow Ichigo Kurosaki into Hueco Mundo.
Looking at Aizen, who seemed very unfamiliar to him, Yoriichi Tsugikuni seemed to see his brother when he was alive.
Just as he would show no mercy to Michikatsu Tsugikuni, Crimson Scorching Hell Amaterasu descended.
Unlike Aizen's promotion, promoting Yoriichi Tsugikuni to the Emerald level undoubtedly took Azrael considerable thought. After all, there was no original work for him to refer to.
"Forget it, it's good to be able to successfully promote." Azrael breathed a sigh of relief and stored Yoriichi's card in his mind.
[Fifth Division Captain·Yoriichi Tsugikuni]
Rank: Emerald
Quality: Red
Category: Creature
Skills:
[Red Blade] [Kidō] [Shunpo] [Transparent World] [Sun Breathing]
[Zanpakutō·Shikai·Hirin]
[Zanpakutō·Bankai·Crimson Scorching Hell Amaterasu]: What burns on the blade is not the fire of the sun, but Yoriichi Tsugikuni's obsession to protect others.
Traits:
[Demon Slayer Mark] [Shinigami]
[Sword Saint]: There is no doubt that Yoriichi Tsugikuni, who defeated Retsu Unohana, is already one of the most powerful swordsmen in Soul Society, so the power of his sword skills will be corrected.
Introduction: A demon hunter who fell into hell lives a second life.
Bond: When appearing with the [Michikatsu Tsugikuni] series, the effect [Brotherly Friendship and Respect] is activated.
When appearing with the [Yamamoto Genryūsai Shigekuni] series, the effect [The First Gotei 13] is activated.
When appearing with the [Yachiru Unohana] series, the effect [Unparalleled Great Villain] is activated.
Activated Bond: [The First Gotei 13] (2/13)
Bond Effect: Cards with the [The First Gotei 13] bond will receive a boost in attack power when playing together. The boost increases with the number of bonds.
[Unparalleled Great Villain] (2/2)
Bond Effect: Beings with the title of Unparalleled Great Villain have all emerged from countless bloody battles. Therefore, cards with this bond will see their strength increase as their condition decreases when they're deployed.
After checking Yoriichi's information, Azrael thought to himself, "Now the cards in Soul Society are almost complete."
He already had two captain-level Shinigami cards, which was two short of the four cards required for the Diamond-level feature of [Seireitei].
At this moment, a strange thought suddenly popped into his mind. "So does Aizen count?"
Because [Seireitei] had not yet reached Diamond level, he wasn't sure if it counted. If not, then he would need two more cards.
However, if combat power wasn't a consideration, he could use some weaker captain-level cards to make up the number. For example, a certain unit of measurement.
"Forget it, let's wait until Diamond level."
Azrael suppressed the strange thought for the time being, but then another thought surfaced in his mind. "Should I now be able to compete with ordinary Diamond-level Lore Cardians?"