When dealing with the crime scene, Azrael originally planned to summon Yoriichi and incinerate everything with his solar flames. However, the Soul Reaper's distinctive golden-red fire would be far too conspicuous, like a target painted on his back for any later investigators.
"I should create a special Evidence Disposal card," he mused, filing the tactical consideration away for future development.
Putting these thoughts aside, Azrael activated the Mark 3's flight systems and soared through Pixar's darkened skyline toward a shadowy alley several kilometers from his apartment. The distance would make any connection to his residence nearly impossible.
Once safely concealed in the narrow passageway, Pride flowed over his body like liquid shadow, reshaping his features into those of a middle-aged stranger. The transformation was seamless, even his height and build shifting subtly as the symbiote adjusted his physical profile.
Azrael emerged from the alley and blended into the foot traffic that flowed through Pixar's bustling night market district. The crowds provided perfect cover as Pride constantly changed his appearance, a different face every few blocks, subtle changes in his gait and posture, even altered clothing textures that would fool casual surveillance.
By the time he left the far end of the market, Azrael had reverted to his original appearance, leaving a trail so convoluted that even dedicated observers would have trouble connecting his various incarnations.
"That should be sufficient countermeasure," he concluded with satisfaction. "If there really is high-level surveillance monitoring this abandoned building, this level of operational security won't matter anyway."
The realistic assessment helped calm his lingering paranoia. After all, they were dealing with street-level criminals attacking a single detective, hardly the kind of threat that would warrant High-level surveillance. At most, Bronze-level Lore Cardian investigators might be assigned to investigate the incident.
With his confidence restored, Azrael made his way back to Velvet Springhouse. The mission was complete, and Fredrika would be expecting his report.
In the abandoned construction site, Detective Chen stared grimly at what resembled a ritual sacrifice scene from some deranged cult. Blood and tissue fragments painted abstract patterns on the concrete walls, while the metallic stench of death hung heavy in the stale air.
Beside him, a young woman with a ponytail and a bandaged arm continued to retch violently, her body rejecting the horrors she'd witnessed.
"Professional execution," Chen muttered through clenched teeth, his experienced eyes cataloging the methodical destruction. He turned to his partner, concern evident despite his stoic demeanor. "Emily, what exactly have you observed? Tell me everything."
The woman called Emily pressed her hand to her mouth, fighting another wave of nausea as she forced her report out in fragments. "Master Chen, I followed your instructions and kept watch from outside the building. About thirty minutes ago, someone in silver armor approached the structure."
She paused to steady herself before continuing. "The figure moved with obvious combat training, definitely military or professional law enforcement background. I didn't dare reveal my position.
"The armored individual appeared about ten minutes later and left without hesitation."
Chen's expression darkened as the implications crystallized. "Ten minutes to eliminate multiple targets and clean up the scene. This wasn't random violence, this was a calculated assassination."
"Unfortunately, they were thorough. No useful evidence remains, and the bodies are..." He gestured helplessly at the unidentifiable remains scattered throughout the room.
Detective Chen immediately transmitted Emily's description to his colleagues via their secure communications network, then exhaled wearily. "Thank you for your dedicated work on this case, Emily."
This illegal Lore Cardian gathering place had been Emily's discovery after weeks of painstaking investigation. Chen had rushed to the scene the moment he received her alert, but arrived too late to prevent the massacre.
Emily's face flushed with righteous indignation. "It wasn't difficult, Master Chen. Any detective would take action against such criminals."
Looking at his passionate apprentice, Chen placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Did you manage to gather any additional information before this happened?"
Disappointment flickered across Emily's features. "No, Master Chen. This place was my only solid lead."
"Then our investigation has reached a dead end," Chen admitted with obvious frustration. "We'll have to submit what we have and hope that someone higher up the chain takes an interest."
Emily stared at him in disbelief. "But there's obviously a larger organization behind this! Won't the Imperial Court authorize further investigation?"
Chen's bitter smile reflected years of bureaucratic frustration. "Those guys above have more pressing concerns than street crime. We'll have better luck with the Association than waiting for Imperial interest."
Just as Emily prepared to raise another objection, Chen's phone buzzed with an incoming message.
"Interesting," he murmured, scanning the text. "Your armored figure actually has a record."
"First documented appearance was at Velkairos."
"Goes by the name 'Iron Man.'"
Meanwhile, Azrael sat comfortably in Fredrika's office, unaware that government investigators were actively pursuing the case he'd just closed for good.
Fredrika looked at him with undisguised astonishment, her carefully applied makeup unable to hide her surprise. "The operation is indeed complete?"
Azrael nodded casually. "I've eliminated all witnesses."
Fredrika's perfectly sculpted eyebrow twitched involuntarily. "Please tell me you're referring to the detective and his partner."
Azrael, who had been sipping tea with relaxed confidence, immediately choked on the liquid. "You think I'm some kind of master-level powerhouse? I don't have that kind of ability."
After regaining his composure, Azrael gave a detailed account of David's briefing and the subsequent events that had unfolded.
Understanding dawned on Fredrika's features as she processed the full scope of the situation.
Originally she'd expected a complex operation involving assassination and careful framing to divert suspicion. She'd never expected Azrael to resolve everything with such direct and decisive action.
But his tactical choice could not be criticized. If Azrael had determined that this was the optimal solution, then his judgment deserved respect. After all, the mystical contract ensured his loyalty; there was no possibility of deception or hidden agendas.
Since the criminal cell hadn't been fully exposed to the authorities, eliminating them altogether was indeed the cleanest solution.
Fredrika had worked in Pixar for years, which gave her an intimate knowledge of how the local power structure worked.
"Can't solve the problem? Then solve the people who have the problem," Azrael observed with dark pragmatism. "Speaking of solutions, you should deliver my previously promised rewards."
He was referring to the compensation the Crimson Oath Society had promised for his victory in the Provincial Championship and his acceptance as Master Lucian's personal student.
Azrael fixed Fredrika with an expectant gaze. "You're not going to withhold payment, are you?"
Fredrika rolled her eyes in theatrical annoyance, took an envelope from her desk drawer and threw it at him. "All your accumulated rewards are inside. See for yourself."
Azrael wasted no time examining the contents, his eyes widening as he catalogued the materials.
Silver Level [Demon Hunter] (Purple), Silver Level [Resurrection Blood] (Gold), Silver Level [Power Magic] (Gold).
"Now that is what I call generous compensation," Azrael murmured with genuine appreciation, mentally calculating the combined value of the three Silver-level components.
"This is the last assistance you will receive for the foreseeable future," Fredrika announced, immediately dampening his enthusiasm.
Azrael's blood ran cold as paranoid thoughts flooded his mind. Had his deception been discovered? Were they planning to eliminate him as a security risk?
Fortunately, Fredrika's next words provided a reassuring context. "As Master Lucian's student, you've become too valuable and visible for regular contact. The Organization has decided to minimize our interactions to reduce your risk of exposure.
"Unless an emergency arises, I will not contact you again."
Azrael understood the strategic logic at once. The Crimson Oath Society intended to let him develop under Master Lucian's tutelage, preserving him as a long-term asset for future use when the time was right.
'They don't realize they're throwing away their investment,' Azrael thought with dark amusement. 'Like feeding meat to a wolf and expecting gratitude.'
Outwardly, he projected appropriate understanding and commitment. "I'll keep deep cover. You have my word."
"If there is nothing else, I will return home now."
Seeing his apparent acceptance of the new arrangement, Fredrika simply nodded in agreement.
Back in his apartment, Azrael studied the Crimson Oath Society's generous materials with growing excitement. His mind immediately turned to a specific advancement opportunity.
"Time to upgrade Shinobu to Silver," he decided with anticipation.
The vampire's progression path was clear, he just needed to incorporate additional strength and regeneration materials to unlock her next evolutionary stage. The process would be simple and familiar.
Of course, the most compelling motivation for this particular upgrade was entirely personal. After all, what red-blooded male wouldn't want to experience the enhanced... abilities... that come with higher-level manifestations?
There wouldn't be anyone who didn't appreciate such improvements, would there?
Therefore, his most urgent priority was to reach the silver level first. Only then could he properly utilize these premium materials.
Azrael could feel the breakthrough approaching, the threshold within reach, requiring only a little more focused cultivation to move to the next level of power.
The pieces were falling into place perfectly. With the backing of the Crimson Oath Society, Master Lucian's guidance, and these extraordinary materials, his future growth was assured.
The only question was whether he could manage his various commitments and identities long enough to achieve his ultimate goals. But for now, advancement beckoned, and Shinobu Oshino's evolution awaited.
It was time to claim the power he'd been working toward since his arrival in this world.