Of the several secret realms Lian had provided, Azrael immediately focused on the Sword Lake. The Conscience material it produced seemed perfect as a Zanpakutō prototype.
In the Bleach setting, Zanpakutō are forged from the soul of their wielder, and power manifests through spiritual dialogue. Azrael currently possessed a bronze-level Ghost (Gold) material—a sword and soul element that would harmonize perfectly with the story he planned to craft.
"I'll take Sword Lake," Azrael decided without hesitation.
Lian simply nodded. "Done. I've registered you. Come by the association tomorrow, and someone will escort you there."
Secret realms under the association's control were essentially welfare territories. The dangerous elements had been cleared out long ago, leaving only demon populations that were deliberately maintained for continuous material production. Yes, demons could reproduce—a discovery the association had made years earlier. Whether demons and humans could crossbreed remained unknown to Azrael.
Unlike the team expeditions required for unexplored territories, card makers typically went alone when entering these welfare realms. Though some powerful individuals preferred solo exploration, the Association generally respected personal preferences.
Azrael acknowledged the arrangement and left the Nirvale District branch.
The next morning, he rose early, collected his realm entry permit from the association, and boarded the transport to Sword Lake. This marked his first solo secret realm expedition. Nerves were natural, but his three bronze-level cards gave him enough confidence. Even though Zoro and Mark 3 needed to remain hidden, he would use them in genuine life-threatening situations. Self-preservation trumped secrecy.
As Azrael dozed off during the journey, the vehicle reached its destination.
"Sir, we've arrived," the driver announced softly.
It was time to secure Yoriichi's next advancement material.
The Sword Lake Secret Realm first appeared six years ago and primarily produced Bronze-level biological materials (Sword Seekers) and item materials (Conscience). Initially, demons from this realm attempted to invade Earth, but the Empire's forces were stronger back then. A small Bronze-level threat was quickly suppressed, transforming Sword Lake into an association backyard for Lore Cardians to harvest materials.
Standing before the entrance to the realm, Azrael reviewed the association's briefing, took a steadying breath, and stepped through the portal.
The world shifted around him.
He steadied himself and surveyed his new surroundings. Just as the association had described, he found himself in a shadowy bamboo forest.
Two Lore Cardians approached him swiftly—association personnel stationed at Sword Lake for monitoring purposes. Controlled realms like this one required constant surveillance to prevent demons from escaping the Association's oversight. It was similar to the Thousand Foot realm from Azrael's first expedition.
"You must be Azrael," the lead guardian greeted him, not offering introductions. They likely wouldn't interact with Azrael again. His talent, impressive as it was to the Association, meant little to them. Guards assigned to low-level realms were typically pensioners with limited advancement prospects.
There were no magical elixirs in this world that could directly enhance Lore Cardian strength. Excessive flattery couldn't grant power boosts like in certain fictional scenarios.
"Since this is your first solo welfare realm entry," the guard continued, "I need to reiterate the rules, regardless of what the association told you."
"We'll provide a map marking demon gathering locations. You may harvest from any marked area, but remember—don't eliminate entire populations. Leave breeding stock. You're not the only one who'll use this realm."
Azrael understood immediately. It was a matter of sustainable development. If the Bronze or Silver Lore Cardians slaughtered every demon, the realm would become worthless.
"I understand the regulations," Azrael confirmed.
The guard handed him a detailed map. "Everything's marked here."
Azrael thanked the guard and, seeing no interest in continued conversation, departed without ceremony.
Following the map, Azrael reached the realm's central feature: a massive lake. Sword Lake naturally contained an actual lake, which, according to the markings, was approximately 3,000 square kilometers. Even with Mark 3's flight speed, crossing it would take considerable time.
Numerous islands dotted the water's surface. Originally, every island housed demon families, but association clearance operations reduced the population to several large islands with carefully maintained breeding groups.
The lake earned its name from the countless swords of various styles embedded in its depths. No monsters inhabited the depths, but a distinctly different broken sword stood at the lake's center. The Association had attempted various extraction methods without success. Even high-level Lore Cardians examined it, but found nothing of interest before abandoning the effort.
Fortunately, Azrael's target wasn't the mysterious blade. [Conscience] materials were cultivated by the demon families inhabiting the islands surrounding the lake, not found in its depths.
Morning mist hung over the water's surface, limiting visibility. Azrael noticed a boat moored at the shoreline—transportation provided by the association for visitors to the realm—but he wouldn't need it.
Glancing discreetly at the nearby monitoring equipment, Azrael summoned Pidgeot and took to the sky.
Once airborne, he consulted the map and selected his destination, directing Pidgeot toward the marked location.
The intelligence read: Kai Family: 11 Black Iron-level demons and 2 Bronze-level demons. [Conscience] materials matured.