"Do you know why Principal Kang of Silverbrook High School asked you to enter a secret realm for training in advance?" Gustav's voice carried a weight that made Azrael pause. "Even if it's only the lowest-level secret realm?"
Seeing Azrael's confusion, Gustav didn't answer directly, but asked another question.
Azrael had assumed it was preparation for the upcoming joint examination between the four schools in the Nirvale District. However, Gustav's reaction suggested that there was more to it than that. "Isn't it for the joint examination of the four schools?" he asked hesitantly.
A soft chuckle escaped Gustav's lips. "You're right, but only half right."
Azrael leaned forward, intrigued despite himself.
"More importantly," Gustav continued in a serious tone, "it's for the secret realm that becomes accessible after winning the joint examination."
A secret realm? Azrael's mind raced. What could be so special about this particular realm? Before he could ask his questions, Gustav pressed on.
"This secret realm is an ordinary bronze-level one," he explained. "But for high school students like you, bronze-level secret realms are opportunities that you can encounter, but never actively seek."
Azrael scratched his head, still not grasping the full significance. Even if that were true, why the intense preparation?
Gustav studied Azrael carefully. If this young man hadn't saved his daughter and demonstrated extraordinary talent, Gustav wouldn't be sharing this information with a high school student. Seeing the confusion on Azrael's face, Gustav smiled knowingly.
"Once you enter the bronze-level secret realm, you'll have the chance to advance ahead of schedule. That advancement will give you a real edge in the Greenridge Province Unified Examination at year's end."
The explanation clicked into place. Most selected high school students remained at the black iron level throughout their academic careers. Only those with exceptional family backgrounds and natural talent managed to reach the bronze level before college.
"Greenridge Province Unified Examination?" Azrael couldn't help but ask. The term felt familiar yet foreign as he searched his memories for any reference to it.
"Exactly." Since Gustav had already revealed this much, he saw no point in being cryptic. "The Greenridge Province Unified Examination is being held for the first time this year. Students who excel on it can gain early admission to higher education institutions throughout Vaelcrest."
Understanding dawned on Azrael's face. No wonder Gustav had emphasized the importance of this bronze-level secret realm. Even if Silverbrook High School didn't win, Gabi could rely on her father's connections for future resources and opportunities.
Azrael wasn't so fortunate. As an orphan, he had to depend entirely on his own efforts and achievements for every step forward.
But something nagged at him. Why was the Greenridge Province Unified Examination only being implemented this year? In his fragmented memories, the original Begging Spirit Association hadn't been nearly so brazen in their operations.
Was something wrong with Vaelcrest itself?
The thought troubled him, but Azrael quickly pushed these concerns aside. Such matters were far beyond his current reach or influence.
Recognizing that Azrael had grasped the implications, Gustav smiled warmly and patted his shoulder. "Work hard, Azrael. I have high expectations for you."
This wasn't mere politeness; Gustav genuinely believed in Azrael's potential. When Gustav was at the black iron level, the highest-quality card he had managed to create was gold-ranked, and even that had taken over six months of dedicated effort.
Azrael, on the other hand, had gathered the materials yesterday and successfully crafted a black iron red card today.
"Thank you, Uncle Gustav. I won't let you down," Azrael replied, keeping his tone humble. After all, he was standing on the shoulders of giants; he would have to rely on Kubo and Kishimoto's creative legacy for inspiration in the future.
While Azrael and Gustav talked, several association vehicles with flashing red and blue lights pulled into the Xingfu Empyrean Dollars Community parking area.
A familiar figure stepped out of the lead car:
It was Micheal, a junior student from Velkairos University's Lore Cardian department.
"Michael? What brings you here?" Azrael asked, genuinely surprised to see him.
Michael squinted at Azrael for a moment before recognition dawned. "Oh, it's you, little Azrael."
He sighed dramatically. "I had no choice in the matter. It's a school-arranged internship, so I had to come."
Most junior and senior students from Vaelcrest's higher learning institutions' Lore Cardian departments were required to complete internships. Some found their own placements, while others accepted school assignments.
Michael had desperately wanted to avoid this internship. Playing games in an air-conditioned dorm seemed infinitely more appealing than actual work.
Why do people have to work just because they're alive?
"Michael," Gustav interjected. "Since you already know Little Azrael, this should be straightforward."
Only then did Michael notice Gustav standing beside Azrael. His eyes widened in shock. "Director Gustav! What are you doing here?"
As a gold-level Lore Cardian, Gustav held significant influence within the city and occupied an important position in the association hierarchy.
"Little Azrael is my daughter's classmate," Gustav explained smoothly, delivering the story he and Azrael had agreed upon. "I happened to be giving him a ride home when we encountered those Crimson Oath Society scum."
Michael blinked in confusion. When he'd received the initial call, only Azrael had spoken.
"Wait, didn't the report say Little Azrael encountered them alone?" he began to ask.
But halfway through, he caught sight of Gustav's knowing smile and quickly changed direction. "Director Gustav did excellent work. Everyone should help eliminate the scum of the Crimson Oath Society wherever they're found."
Michael might be lazy, but he wasn't stupid. With Gustav's endorsement and confirmation that the deceased were members of the Crimson Oath Society, Micheal wouldn't dig into unnecessary details.
After hesitating for a moment, Michael ventured, "Director Gustav, would you be able to accompany us back to record your statement about what happened?"
Gustav had expected this request and wouldn't refuse it. He turned to Azrael with a meaningful look. "Azrael, I'm afraid your place has been too badly damaged for you to continue living there. You should find new accommodations."
Azrael understood the underlying message. Gustav was warning him not to return to the Xingfu Empyrean Dollars community. Despite Gustav's help in handling the association's inquiries, too many people had witnessed today's events. It was impossible to guarantee his continued safety there.
He nodded subtly. "I understand, Uncle Gustav. I'll look for a new place soon."
Satisfied that Azrael had gotten the message, Gustav said nothing more and settled into the backseat of Michael's vehicle.
Azrael hesitated, then asked with genuine concern, "Michael, do you know how Aunt Suzy is doing next door?"
Since neither Azrael nor Gustav had healing cards, Aunt Suzy had remained unconscious on the ground until the Cardian Master Association personnel arrived to transport her.
"Don't worry," Michael reassured him, clearly reading his anxiety. "Our people examined her. She has a few broken bones and lost consciousness, but she's not in any life-threatening danger."
Relief washed over Azrael. At least Aunt Suzy hadn't been seriously harmed by being caught up in today's chaos; she'd simply been in the wrong place at the wrong time.
"Well then, Little Azrael, we'll be heading out," Michael said, wrapping up processing the scene. He waved goodbye to Azrael before leading his team away from the Xingfu Empyrean Dollars community.
The association generally covered damages caused by illegal Lore Cardians, so Azrael wouldn't be responsible for any repair costs.
Returning to his old, rundown apartment, Azrael sighed as he surveyed the wreckage. He'd only been living there for half a month when a dangerous organization targeted him.
My life feels pretty bleak right now.
Still, the most pressing issue was finding a new place to live. He definitely couldn't stay in the Xingfu Empyrean Dollars Community any longer.