Hearing Commander Kageyami's question, Jacob simply shook his head. "Master Kageyami, do you think I'm joking?"
Upon hearing this, the bald commander quickly calmed himself.
Indeed, based on his understanding of Jacob, it was obvious he wouldn't lie about such a significant matter.
Furthermore, after careful consideration, it clearly wouldn't be wise to take credit for his junior brother at this time.
One shouldn't accept responsibility without possessing the necessary capabilities.
If Azrael's combat prowess could be confirmed, then he could be assigned even more dangerous missions in the future.
Thinking this through, Commander Kageyami readily admitted his mistake. "I was inconsiderate."
"Lord Jacob, Deputy Azrael, please don't take it to heart."
Azrael smiled faintly, indicating he harbored no ill feelings.
Yet even though he'd confirmed Azrael's significant contribution to killing Ruth, Commander Kageyami still felt a profound sense of disbelief.
After all, that had been a Diamond-level demon. Above that rank were only Master-level and Sovereign-level threats.
Ruth wasn't someone who could be dismissed as a minor threat anywhere.
But what about the young man before him?
Sensing Azrael's Emerald-level aura, Commander Kageyami couldn't help but twitch his lips.
Just as he was about to speak, a figure suddenly materialized beside Azrael.
It was Artoria.
Azrael hadn't recalled her from his mind, having previously maintained her presence to sustain the Holy Sword.
After Jacob arrived, he'd figured the [King of Perfection] might offer some assistance to his senior brother, so he'd simply left her deployed.
Commander Kageyami swallowed the words simmering in his throat, glancing briefly at Artoria with her hair scattered across her face. "Is this the card that injured Ruth?"
Feeling the blonde's relatively modest aura, Commander Kageyami couldn't suppress his doubt.
Jacob, naturally, knew more than Commander Kageyami.
"Was she the one who unleashed that attack?"
"King Arthur?"
Jacob had previously watched the video of the national competition, so he naturally possessed some understanding of Azrael's cards.
He remembered that his junior brother, at Silver level, had possessed a card bearing a striking resemblance to the blonde girl before him. Online speculation had identified her as King Arthur of Great Britain.
"Was this trip to Great Britain the inspiration?"
Jacob considered briefly before dismissing the thought.
After all, this card had already existed when Azrael was still at Silver level.
"I wonder what those Britons felt when they saw this card of my junior brother," he thought with amusement.
However, Jacob was more curious about the [King of Perfection] trait than the attack power Artoria had recently displayed.
After all, his own strength as a Diamond-level Lore Cardian had improved considerably since their last meeting.
Yet because of the specific details surrounding Azrael's card, Jacob ultimately suppressed his curiosity.
With the matter resolved, the four of them immediately prepared to return to Gaza Town.
At this moment, Jacob led Azrael behind Commander Kageyami and whispered, "Junior Brother, you contributed greatly this time, so the materials Ruth dropped should rightfully belong to you."
"But you haven't reached Diamond yet, so you won't need her materials for now."
"Therefore, I'll take the materials this time. Come back to me once you reach Diamond."
"Then you can choose any Diamond-grade material I have. Don't worry, the quality won't be lower than Red tier."
Hearing this, Azrael was momentarily stunned.
He knew the truth of the situation. If Jacob hadn't arrived in time, he would most likely have perished at Ruth's hands.
After all, even though she'd been reduced to a skeleton after taking Excalibur, she definitely still possessed the ability to fight to the death.
At least, she could fight to the death against Azrael, an Emerald-level opponent.
Meanwhile, Ulquiorra was already on cooldown, and Artoria's Excalibur couldn't be released a second time in such a short period.
Even if she didn't release the restraints, it wouldn't work.
It was obviously unrealistic for her to stop Ruth in this weakened state.
Especially Ruth, consumed by rage.
Furthermore, Jacob had been so supportive of him recently that even if his senior brother took Ruth's materials directly, Azrael wouldn't object.
He hesitated for a moment before saying, "Big Brother, this isn't appropriate."
Jacob waved his hand, silencing Azrael's next words.
The gesture wasn't a refusal, but reassurance that no further discussion was necessary.
Seeing this, Azrael abandoned his resistance, which was actually a favorable outcome for him.
After all, he might not have immediate use for Ruth's materials, but at the Diamond level, Jacob would likely possess materials suitable for him.
Soon, the four of them returned to Gaza Town.
At this moment, Commander Kageyami solemnly addressed Azrael and the others. "You two should go back and rest."
"Thank you for your hard work this time."
"The Northern Defense Army will not forget your dedication."
He spoke sincerely, his words carrying genuine weight.
Commander Kageyami had already resolved to ensure Azrael and the others received proper compensation in his report.
"One hundred thousand?!"
In his residence, Azrael stared at the new message on his phone, utterly stunned.
Jacob, smiling, sat across from him. "How's that? Surprised?"
"This is what Lord Kageyami fought for you."
Several days had passed since Ruth's death.
Azrael opened his mouth, momentarily at a loss for words.
Including the remaining points from his previous expenditures, he now possessed a staggering 123,860 points.
If he used them sparingly, that amount would be sufficient to craft two new Emerald-level cards.
Jacob, rarely seeing such a shaken expression on Azrael's face, couldn't help but laugh.
But then he remembered his purpose for today. He pondered for a moment before saying, "Junior Brother..."
"Do you want to leave the Northern Defense Army?"
Azrael was taken aback.
He had never expected his senior brother to approach him for this particular reason. "I'm not going to be a deserter."
"Why are you suggesting this, Senior Brother?"
Azrael didn't believe Jacob would make such a pointless comment.
Jacob was silent for a moment before continuing, "Junior Brother, the Demon Army has most likely learned of your battle with Ruth."
"They'll definitely expend considerable effort to eliminate you."
"You can handle one Ruth, but how can you handle two or three?"
The Empire of Aetherlight and the Demon Army were already locked in a deadlock.
Neither side adhered to the unspoken rule of not targeting the opposing faction's geniuses, as seen in fantasy novels.
If Azrael dared to continue showing up, the Demon Army would absolutely dedicate substantial resources to crushing him.
After all, facing Master Tempest and Master Fujimaru simultaneously, they still maintained some advantage. But if the Northern Defense Army produced another Master-level Lore Cardian, the situation would be instantly reversed.
And in the eyes of the Demon Army, Azrael definitely possessed the potential to advance to the Sovereign level.
"I've already consulted Master Tempest and Master Fujimaru, and they agree."
Considering Azrael's status, it would be problematic if they disagreed.
Besides, as Master Lucian's disciple, Azrael had already done more than enough for the Northern Defense Army.
Seeing the young man hesitate to speak, Jacob sighed. "Think about it carefully."
If Azrael truly chose to remain in the Northern Defense Army, he wouldn't say more. He would simply pay closer attention to him in future battles.
Then, as if to change the subject, Jacob continued, "By the way, about that demon researcher you and Wendy brought back earlier."