After returning to the Empire, Azrael naturally recounted everything that had transpired in Great Britain.
However, as Lucian, Tempest, and Fujimaru listened, their expressions grew increasingly distorted with disbelief.
When Azrael finished his account, an eerie silence descended upon the conference room.
After a long pause, Lucian spoke with dry humor. "Azrael, with your recent adventures, we in the Empire can barely keep track of you."
"That's right," Tempest and Fujimaru nodded in agreement, their expressions mixing amusement with genuine concern.
Faced with their teasing, Azrael's face showed a hint of helpless resignation. "Masters, please stop joking. King George VII is probably annoyed just seeing my face now, and as for Louis XXIV..."
He paused, his expression darkening slightly. "I'd better stay away from him."
Upon hearing this, the three Master-level teachers exchanged meaningful glances. Although Azrael hadn't elaborated on the details of his encounter with Louis XXIV, they understood there was likely something suspicious about the French Emperor's interest.
Since Azrael hadn't mentioned specifics, they chose not to pry.
Not wanting to waste any more time on this topic, Azrael immediately changed the subject. "Teachers, has anything major happened in the Empire while I've been away?"
"Nothing significant," Lucian shook his head thoughtfully. "During your absence, a new Master-level secret realm emerged in the Empire. Everything else has been relatively stable."
Just as the elderly Master was about to reassure Azrael that all was well, he paused mid-sentence, his expression shifting to concern. "Actually, there does seem to be some movement in the Mughal Empire."
His frown deepened. "I'm not certain if it's directed at us specifically."
Since the unpredictable [Golden Emperor] Motian, who had previously clashed with the Empire, ruled the Mughal Empire, none of the Empire's leadership dared take any potential threat lightly.
Upon hearing his teacher's words, Azrael's expression darkened considerably. After a moment's silence, he spoke in a serious tone. "Let's assume it's directed at us. After all, no one can predict what that lunatic might do next."
Of all the current Sovereign-level Lore Cardians on Earth, Motian was undoubtedly the most unpredictable and dangerous. In Azrael's assessment, the Mughal ruler possessed the mentality of a capricious child, doing whatever pleased him in the moment.
Unfortunately, his power more than sufficed to support such reckless behavior, though it only brought suffering to the people of the Mughal Empire.
"We've already stationed Lore Cardians in the southern border," Tempest assured him.
Even without Azrael's reminder, the Empire's military leadership had been acutely aware of the threat. They'd dispatched a substantial force of Lore Cardians south before Azrael's return from Great Britain.
Azrael nodded slightly, satisfied with the proactive measures. "Good."
After this brief strategic discussion, he returned to his mansion in Velkairos.
Honestly, being away for so long had been exhausting, not to mention dealing with something as momentous as the [World-Devouring Disaster]'s appearance.
"What a shame, I can't rest just yet."
Looking at the materials spread across his workspace, Azrael couldn't help but sigh heavily.
However, before crafting new cards, he still needed to meet with Earth's World Consciousness. He had questions that desperately needed answers.
Just as the World Consciousness had previously been able to summon him, he could now initiate contact as well. Azrael focused his will and reached out through the connection they shared.
Unfortunately, this time his invitation to Earth's World Consciousness went unanswered, no response came despite his repeated attempts.
He waited for a full hour, but the entity that enjoyed cosplaying as [Truth] from Fullmetal Alchemist didn't manifest even once.
"Has the situation really deteriorated this badly?" Azrael frowned, a glint of worry flickering through his eyes. "I'll just have to craft the cards first and address this later."
With this pragmatic decision made, he returned to his card-crafting space and reviewed his progress.
After incorporating the materials he'd obtained from Great Britain, his card-crafting projects had advanced significantly.
[Terrible Tornado]:
Hero: 103% Psychic: 101% Telekinesis: 100% Current Status: Craftable (3/3)
[Kaenken Rekka]:
Wind Sword: 0% Sound Sword: 62% Smoke Sword: 100% Dark Sword: 0% Light Sword: 0% Time Sword: 49% Current Status: Uncraftable (1/3)
[Tornado] was ready for creation, but [Kaenken Rekka] still required substantial work. Fortunately, sword-related materials were relatively abundant in his collection, and Azrael still had 67% of his [Universal Materials] unused. It wasn't long before he'd gathered sufficient components to make [Kaenken Rekka] craftable as well.
"That should do it," Azrael breathed a sigh of relief and began the creation process.
[Reading Information.]
Tatsumaki possessed powerful psychic abilities from a young age, but was imprisoned and experimented upon by a shadowy organization. After being rescued by the enigmatic hero Blast, she dedicated herself to protecting others, eventually becoming the S-Class Rank 2 hero of the Hero Association. Following a battle with Saitama where neither could gain a decisive advantage, Tatsumaki acknowledged the bald hero's strength and chose to end the confrontation.
The information flow completed, and Tornado's card materialized before Azrael, glowing with ethereal energy.
However, he didn't immediately store it away. Instead, his expression grew contemplative, his brow furrowing slightly.
After crafting several Master-level cards, Azrael had developed an increasingly strange awareness of his state during the information-reading process. It wasn't that Earth's World Consciousness had tampered with anything, rather, he himself felt like a giant storybook being read by some cosmic observer.
"Tsk."
After pondering this unsettling sensation for several minutes without reaching any conclusions, Azrael could only suppress his concerns for now. He turned his attention to examining Tornado's complete card information.
[Terrible Tornado]
Rank: Master
Quality: Colored
Category: Biological
Skills:
[Superpower]: This represents a terrifying psychic power capable of tearing apart continents and summoning meteorites. Such overwhelming force should not exist in this world.
Traits:
[Hero's Peak]: With S-Class Rank 1 hero Blast absent for years, Tatsumaki stands as the Hero Association's ultimate ace and the pinnacle of heroism. When deployed, all Hero Association affiliated cards receive a significant boost to their attack power.
[Hero's Legacy]: Tatsumaki became a hero because Blast saved her as a child, leaving a profound impact on her worldview. When allies operate within Tatsumaki's telekinetic range, their attack power against demons receives a moderate increase.
[Unspoken Affection]: Though Tatsumaki deeply loves her younger sister Fubuki, she finds it nearly impossible to express these feelings openly. When Fubuki is present on the battlefield, Tatsumaki absorbs all damage directed at her sister while receiving a slight increase to her own power.
Description: Small yet adorable.
Bond Effects:
When appearing with the [Fubuki] series, the [Stubborn Sisters] effect activates.
When appearing with characters from the [Bang] series, the [S-Class Hero] effect activates.
When appearing with characters from the [Blast] series, the [Childhood Admiration] effect activates.
When appearing with the [Saitama] series, the [Bald Caped Menace] effect activates.
Activated Bond: [Stubborn Sisters] (2/2)
Bond Effect: When Tornado is deployed, Fubuki shares 30% of her Psychic Strength with her older sister. When Fubuki is deployed, Tornado shares 30% of her Psychic Control with her younger sister. Additionally, if either sister falls in battle, the surviving sister enters a Rage state.
Note: Rage, At the cost of losing rationality, the card's attributes are dramatically enhanced across all parameters.
"Only one skill?!" Azrael exclaimed, genuinely stunned as he reviewed Tornado's card information.
He'd never encountered a Master-level card with only a single ability listed. Every other Master-tier card in his collection possessed multiple skills.
However, his shock quickly transformed into understanding and anticipation. A Colored quality card couldn't possibly be weak, the ranking system was absolute in that regard. Based on this logic, Tornado's singular skill must be exponentially more powerful than he'd initially imagined to compensate for the lack of versatility.
"Speaking of which, Tornado no longer needs to worry about protecting her physical body," Azrael mused aloud, a strategic smile crossing his features.
In the original One Punch Man series, Tatsumaki constantly expended psychic energy maintaining protective barriers around her relatively fragile human form. This defensive necessity limited her offensive potential.
But Azrael's situation differed fundamentally from a standalone hero.
"There should still be enough room for Naruto and Sasuke if they squeeze in together," he calculated thoughtfully.
The Nine-Tails' chakra cloak and Susanoo's crystalline armor provided more than adequate physical defense. Perhaps Tornado could even use her psychic powers to reinforce their protective capabilities, creating a nearly impenetrable defense.
With this tactical consideration settled, Azrael carefully stored Tornado's card in his collection.
The Lore Cardian schedule remained tight and demanding, he still had numerous projects awaiting completion.
Fortunately, advancing Kaenken Rekka to Master-level didn't require the usual information-reading process. Simply completing the progress bar would automatically upgrade it to Master-tier.
As Azrael had anticipated, upon reaching Master-level, the Wonder Ride Book granted to [Kaenken Rekka] was indeed the [Ancient Dragon Wonder Ride Book], a powerful enhancement that would unlock significantly stronger transformation capabilities.
Looking at the upgraded belt in his hands, satisfaction crossed the young Lore Cardian's features. "Master-level at last."
His expression grew more contemplative as he considered the future. "The next step will be achieving the Sovereign-level [Haouken Xross Saber], the Blade King Sword that commands all Ten Holy Blades."
Thinking of the legendary holy sword from the original Kamen Rider Saber series, powerful enough to resolve conflicts threatening the entire world, anticipation stirred in Azrael's chest.
By the time I complete that card, no one on Earth will dare speak to me with disrespect.
After crafting two Master-level cards in rapid succession, Azrael turned his attention to creating the Knights of the Round Table for Artoria.
Although the blonde Lion King had seemed noncommittal when he'd asked about her preferences, Azrael had ultimately decided to proceed with creating her legendary knights regardless.
"I wonder how King George VII will react when he sees them?" Azrael's lips curved into a mischievous smile.
Then again, what did British politics have to do with him? As Lord Protector of Great Britain, he certainly possessed sufficient authority to make such decisions.
Besides, wasn't it entirely reasonable for the legendary King Arthur to be surrounded by her Knights of the Round Table?
With these somewhat self-serving justifications, Azrael immediately began crafting the knight cards.
The Knights of the Round Table consisted primarily of Emerald-tier cards with a few Diamond-tier exceptions, so he completed them without significant difficulty or resource expenditure.
Once finished, Artoria gained access to two new bond effects.
[Your Majesty, Please Acknowledge Me as Your Son!] When Artoria and Mordred are present simultaneously, each gains a corresponding damage bonus when attacking the other.
Upon reading the first bond, Azrael's expression darkened considerably. Would young Mordred really dare draw her sword against Artoria in Lion King form?
The thought seemed absurdly reckless, even for the rebellious knight.
Fortunately, the second bond proved far more promising and strategically valuable.
[Knights of the Round Table]: The Knights increase in power proportional to their numbers. When Artoria manifests in Lion King form and all the Knights of the Round Table are present, they will collectively deploy the Sacred Round Table Domain: Camelot.
After mentally communicating his intentions to Artoria, Azrael watched as the cards belonging to the Knights of the Round Table were summoned forth by their legendary king.
However, they weren't transported to Velkairos where Azrael currently resided, instead, they manifested directly in Great Britain, presumably answering Artoria's call.
"I sincerely hope King George VII enjoys this unexpected gift," Azrael murmured, unable to suppress a grin.
After converting all available materials into tangible power, Azrael emerged from his card-crafting space and returned to physical reality. He immediately summoned both Tornado and Fubuki to assess their capabilities firsthand.
Looking at his significantly taller younger sister standing beside her diminutive older sister, Azrael found himself struggling to suppress inappropriate laughter. The height disparity was almost comical.
Despite Tornado's youthful appearance, she was actually twenty-eight years old, considerably older than Azrael himself, who was still in his early twenties.
The case is solved, Azrael thought with dark amusement. This is definitively a case of an older woman with a younger man.
Unfortunately for him, his poorly concealed thoughts didn't escape Tornado's notice. The petite esper's emerald eyes narrowed dangerously as psychic energy crackled around her small frame.
"Hey! You look like you're thinking something incredibly rude!" Tornado's voice carried an edge of threat as she clenched her small fists, green energy swirling ominously.
Rather than showing fear, Azrael leaned back with an expression of genuine curiosity, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "Actually, I've always wondered about something. Are you wearing anything under that dress?"
"?!"
Tornado's face flushed crimson, whether from embarrassment or rage remained unclear.
Before she could formulate a properly devastating response, the answer became evident through Azrael's own observations. His enhanced perception had already confirmed what he'd suspected.
Yes, she is.
"This meal is absolutely delicious," Azrael said contentedly, examining the rice bowl the Shadowkhan had prepared moments earlier.
He'd deliberately changed the subject, sensing that pushing Tornado's patience further might result in actual violence, and while he was confident in his defensive capabilities, antagonizing a newly created Master-level card seemed counterproductive.
After quickly finishing his meal, Azrael leaned back in his chair, savoring this rare moment of peace and tranquility. Such quiet intervals had become increasingly precious given recent events.
The vibration of his communication device shattered the peaceful atmosphere. His expression immediately soured as he reluctantly activated the screen, already anticipating some new complication.
However, when the content became clear, Azrael's demeanor shifted from annoyance to serious concern.
Noticing his sudden change, Alice, who sat across from him delicately finishing her own meal, set down her chopsticks and wiped her lips with practiced grace. "What's wrong?"
"Edley has arrived and is waiting to meet with me," Azrael replied, his voice carrying an undertone of wariness.
Alice's previously calm expression flickered with concern. She spoke softly, her voice carrying genuine worry. "Be careful, Junior Brother."
"I know." Azrael's features hardened with determination as he stood. "But I suspect Edley's visit this time isn't meant to escalate our conflict."
He paused, considering the political implications. "His choosing to reveal himself openly through official Association channels, rather than approaching me privately, suggests he wants to avoid direct confrontation."
Despite this logical assessment, Azrael maintained his guard. He pulled out his communication device and sent a quick message to Tempest.
Master Tempest, inform Master Lucian to prepare for potential combat. Edley the White Crown has arrived.
Without waiting for a reply, Azrael steeled himself and headed toward the designated meeting location. He pushed open the conference room door with measured confidence.
Inside, Edley sat with an expression of genuine curiosity, sampling the Empire's unique pastries and tea with apparent interest. When his eyes landed on Azrael, they lit up with something approaching enthusiasm.
"How are you, Master Azrael?" Edley's tone was surprisingly cordial, lacking the tension from their previous encounter.
"Please forgive my unexpected visit, but what Apache reported truly intrigued me." The White Crown's smile widened slightly. "It's regrettable that I didn't see through your true nature during our last meeting. If I had, the Skinner would have been completely at your mercy."
As he spoke, the Sovereign-level Lore Cardian snapped his fingers with casual authority.
The next moment, a miserable figure materialized before Azrael, its limbs had been brutally severed, leaving only a torso and head.
It was the Skinner, barely recognizable in her mutilated state.