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Russell stared at Misty's message, frowning. Why now? He'd just gotten bombshell news from his family chat about Master-level threats. The timing felt way too convenient.
Then he remembered the ancient book he'd given her. Probably about the reward.
Since it was Sunday, he'd planned to spend the day meditating. His mental power still wasn't where it needed to be - using all five silver-level cards at once would drain most of his reserves. That's why he hadn't made more cards despite having materials sitting around. Still, reaching silver level and handling five silver cards after only two months... most people would lose their minds if they knew.
He glanced over at Fubuki, who was reading a book on his couch with her legs tucked under her. She'd adapted to his apartment remarkably quickly, though she still made occasional comments about the "cramped quarters." Having her around felt surprisingly natural - like she'd always been part of his life rather than something he'd created days ago.
"Going out?" she asked without looking up from her book.
"Yeah, Society business. Probably just picking up a reward."
"Want me to come?" She glanced at him with those sharp eyes. "Moral support and all that."
Russell considered it for a moment. Bringing Fubuki would definitely send a message about his growing power, but it might also escalate things unnecessarily. "Nah, this should be routine. But thanks."
She shrugged and went back to reading. "Your call. Try not to let them push you around too much."
After finishing breakfast, Russell had his Shadowkhan escort him to the Evergreen Clinic. The journey through the Shadow Kingdom always gave him time to think, and today his thoughts were particularly heavy.
The political situation was getting more complex by the day. Master-level threats in the north meant resources would be stretched thin. University students getting called up to handle inland dimensions was unprecedented - and dangerous. But it also represented opportunity. If he could distinguish himself during this crisis, it would cement his position in ways that normal academic performance never could.
The question was: distinguish himself for whom? Blake and the Association? The Spirit Begging Society? Or his own agenda?
Everyone wants to use me, he thought as shadows swirled around him. Question is, how do I use them back?
The Shadowkhan deposited him in Misty's office with their usual efficiency. She was ready this time and didn't jump when he materialized.
"What do you want?" Russell asked, settling into his chair while flipping through the card-making notebook Blake had given him. "Got my reward?"
Misty wasn't fazed by his blunt attitude anymore. Over their past few meetings, she'd learned that Russell preferred direct communication over pleasantries. She pulled an envelope from her drawer and tossed it across the desk. A Shadowkhan caught it mid-air and handed it to him with a respectful bow.
Russell closed his notebook, passing it to another Shadowkhan. These guys are going to make me completely useless, he thought, watching them handle everything. It was convenient, sure, but sometimes he missed doing simple tasks himself. He opened the envelope, looked inside, and made a face. "Only one material? The Society's pretty cheap."
Misty rolled her eyes. "That ancient book wasn't exactly earth-shattering for us. Be grateful you got anything."
"Come on," Russell said, leaning back in his chair. "It was historical documentation about the origins of pocket dimensions. That's not worth more than one material?"
"To you, maybe. We already knew most of what was in there." Misty's tone suggested this wasn't open for negotiation. "The Society has access to information sources you can't even imagine."
Russell smirked. He'd expected as much from these bandits, but it was worth testing if they'd throw in extras. The material though... Silver-level [Hollowed Soul] (Gold).
The moment he saw it, images flashed through his mind. Hollows from Bleach - spiritual beings consumed by negative emotions, their hearts replaced by holes of endless hunger. Combined with the [Two-Faced Idol] he still had, he could practically see an Arrancar taking shape in his mental workshop. Arrancar were Hollows who'd removed their masks to gain Soul Reaper-like powers, representing the perfect fusion of human intelligence and Hollow strength.
Good thing I made Fubuki instead of Sweet Mask, he thought. Saved myself the materials.
He wasn't rushing into anything though. His mental strength couldn't handle another card yet, and he'd still need to find a third suitable material. But eventually, definitely making Hueco Mundo cards. If he could craft the Field Card [Las Noches], it would link with [Seireitei]. And [Spirit King Resurrection]... just thinking about that kind of power made him envious.
The possibilities were endless. Ulquiorra's nihilistic perfection. Grimmjow's savage pride. Stark's lonely strength. Each Arrancar represented a different aspect of power and philosophy that could be incredibly useful in the right situation.
Still broke though, he sighed internally. Quality materials were expensive, and his point balance was looking thin after recent purchases.
Misty saw him zoning out while staring at the material and thought he was pissed off. Her voice softened slightly - Russell's growing reputation meant keeping him happy was increasingly important to the Society's plans. "Don't be ungrateful. Lots of Society members want this material and can't get it."
"Huh?" Russell looked up. "No, I was just thinking about what to do with it."
"You already have an idea for a card?"
"Few ideas, actually. This opens up some interesting possibilities." Russell slipped the material into his storage space. "But I'm not in a hurry."
Misty nodded approvingly. Patience was a valuable trait in a cardmaker - too many promising talents burned themselves out trying to advance too quickly. "Smart. No point overextending yourself."
She leaned back in her chair, and Russell recognized the shift in her body language. The warm-up was over - now came the real business.
"Actually, I called you here about something else. Something's happening up north. Most inland cardmakers are getting transferred there. Great chance for you to make a name for yourself in the Association."
Russell's chest tightened. So she did know about it. And if Misty knew, then the Society definitely had connections to the court - or spies like Marcus feeding them intel. He decided to play it like he already knew. "Yeah, my teacher told me this morning."
"Of course he did." Misty's smile was knowing. "Blake Whitmore takes care of his students. Good thing too, considering what's coming."
"What exactly is coming?" Russell leaned forward. "My senior siblings mentioned Master-level demons, but details were sparse."
Misty was quiet for a moment, clearly weighing how much to reveal. "Let's just say the northern situation is more complex than most people realize. The pocket dimensions appearing there aren't random - there's a pattern. And that pattern suggests someone or something is orchestrating events."
A chill ran down Russell's spine. If the Society thought someone was deliberately creating Master-level pocket dimensions, the implications were staggering. "Who would have that kind of power?"
"That's what everyone's trying to figure out." Misty's expression was grim. "But that's not your concern right now. What matters is the opportunity this creates for ambitious students."
She was right, of course. Russell filed away the information about orchestrated dimensions for later consideration and focused on the immediate situation.
"That's not the main point though," Misty continued. "After those cardmakers get transferred, you students will have to pick up the slack. But 'they' can't just send you all to die." She meant the court and Association. "Usually it's voluntary. You can choose garrison duty or exploration missions."
Russell blinked, then understood the full political implications. Given the games between court and Association, plus what Mr. Warren had hinted at before, choosing garrison duty would basically label him as court faction. Safer work, but less money and fewer advancement opportunities. Exploration missions were the opposite - dangerous but lucrative, and firmly in Association territory.
Most students probably had no clue about the political undercurrents. They'd make their choice based on risk tolerance or financial need, not realizing they were picking sides in a larger conflict.
"Garrison duty is for people who want to play it safe," Russell said, testing his understanding.
"Exactly. Steady work, regular hours, minimal risk. Perfect for students who want to graduate quietly and find comfortable positions afterward." Misty's tone made it clear what she thought of that approach. "Exploration missions are different. Higher risk, but also higher rewards. And more visibility for talented individuals."
"More visibility to the right people," Russell clarified.
"Now you're getting it." Misty smiled approvingly. "The Association notices students who volunteer for dangerous work. They remember names when it comes time for internships and job placements."
Finally, Misty showed her hand. "The Society wants you to choose exploration missions."
"Wants?" Russell's frown deepened. He'd been planning to choose exploration anyway - the materials and experience would be invaluable for his development. But the Society's "request" reminded him he was wearing invisible chains, even if they were made of gold.
"It's not really a request, is it?" he asked quietly.
Misty's smile faltered slightly. "Russell, you knew what you were signing up for when you took our help. The Society invested in you because we believe in your potential. But investment implies expectation of returns."
"And if I decided garrison duty was better for my health?"
"Then we'd be very disappointed. And disappointment has consequences." Her voice stayed level, but the threat was clear. "But why would you choose garrison duty? It doesn't fit your personality or goals."
She was right, and they both knew it. Russell had never been one to play it safe when greater rewards were available. But the principle mattered - he didn't like being told what to do, even when he agreed with the direction.
He sighed. "Fine. I'll take exploration missions."
"Good choice." Misty's smile returned, warmer now. "I knew you'd see reason."
Misty caught his still-annoyed tone and tried to smooth things over. "Look, it really is for your own good too. You're Blake Whitmore's student - you're already tagged as Association faction. Even if you tried switching to the court, they'd never trust you. You'll never be one of them."
And in your eyes, I'm not one of you either, Russell thought bitterly. As far as he could tell, there was only one real member of the Spirit Begging Society - President Regent Jin. Everyone else who'd signed contracts were just pawns who hadn't figured it out yet.
"The court sees you as Blake's weapon," Misty continued. "The Association sees you as a valuable asset to cultivate. But we see your true potential - someone who could reshape the balance of power entirely."
"Reshape it how?" Russell asked, genuinely curious.
"That depends on how far you're willing to go." Misty leaned forward, her eyes intense. "The current system is stagnant. The same families, the same institutions, the same tired thinking. People like you - people with real vision and power - could change everything."
It was an attractive pitch, Russell had to admit. The idea of breaking free from established hierarchies and creating something new appealed to the part of him that had always chafed against authority. But he also recognized manipulation when he heard it.
"Big words," he said. "What do they mean in practice?"
"Complete your education. Build your reputation. Gather resources and allies." Misty counted off on her fingers. "And when the time comes, be ready to act decisively."
"Act how?"
"That's for later. For now, focus on surviving the exploration missions and distinguishing yourself. The Society will provide support when needed."
Russell nodded slowly. The conversation had given him a lot to think about, but also raised more questions than it answered. The Society's long-term plans remained frustratingly vague, but their immediate expectations were crystal clear.
Russell stood up, letting out another long sigh. "Anything else? If not, I'm leaving."
Misty waved him away. "Go ahead. And Russell? Be careful out there. The pocket dimensions are getting stranger, and not everyone who goes in comes back the same."
That last comment sent another chill through him, but Misty was already turning back to her paperwork, clearly considering the meeting over.
Walking back through the Shadow Kingdom, Russell felt the weight of invisible strings pulling at him from every direction. The Association wanted him as Blake's student. The court saw him as a potential threat because of that same connection. The Society wanted him as their chosen instrument of change.
Everyone wants to use me, he realized. Question is, how do I use them back without getting caught in the crossfire?
The political maneuvering was exhausting, but it was also educational. Each faction revealed their priorities through their actions and requests. The Association valued competence and loyalty to institutional hierarchy. The court prioritized stability and maintaining traditional power structures. The Society seemed focused on disruption and opportunity.
Russell's challenge was navigating between them without fully committing to any single path. That meant keeping his options open while appearing to be a loyal ally to each group. Risky, but potentially rewarding if he could pull it off.
The Shadowkhan deposited him back in his apartment, where Fubuki was still reading on the couch. She looked up when he appeared, immediately noting his expression.
"Rough morning?" she asked, closing her book and giving him her full attention.
"Getting there," Russell muttered, collapsing into his favorite chair. The ornate piece was becoming a comfort - a symbol of the progress he'd made since arriving in this world. "How much of this did you see coming when I made you?"
Fubuki's smile turned predatory, but there was genuine concern in her eyes. "Enough to know you're going to need all the help you can get. The Society isn't the only group that wants to use talented cardmakers for their own ends."
"Speaking from experience?"
"The Hero Association was just as political as anything you're dealing with here. Everyone had an agenda, everyone wanted to use strong heroes to advance their goals." She stretched, then moved to sit on the arm of his chair. "The trick is making sure you get something valuable out of every relationship."
"And if multiple groups have conflicting demands?"
"Then you get creative about how you interpret those demands." Fubuki's grin was sharp. "I spent years managing different factions within the Association. The key is never lying directly, but also never revealing everything you're thinking."
Russell felt some of the tension leave his shoulders. Having someone who understood political maneuvering was invaluable, especially someone who was completely loyal to him by design. "Any advice for handling exploration missions?"
"Don't go in alone if you can help it. But also don't trust your teammates completely - some people get weird ideas when valuable materials are involved." Fubuki's expression turned serious. "And always have an exit strategy. Sometimes the smart play is retreating to fight another day."
"Noted." Russell closed his eyes, letting himself relax for the first time since reading Misty's message. "Think I made the right choice with exploration missions?"
"Absolutely. Garrison duty would have been safe, but safe doesn't get you where you want to go." Fubuki's hand rested on his shoulder, and he felt the subtle warmth of her psychic energy. "Besides, with your cards and my tactical experience, we can handle whatever these pocket dimensions throw at us."
Russell opened his eyes and looked at her. "We?"
"Did you think I was going to let you have all the fun?" Fubuki's smile was both beautiful and dangerous. "I didn't get created just to sit around your apartment reading books. I want to see what this world has to offer."
Russell found himself smiling back. Having a capable partner for the dangerous times ahead suddenly made the future seem a lot less overwhelming. "Alright then. Let's see what kind of trouble we can get into."
(End of this chapter)
PLZ THROW POWER STONES