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After Leigh-Xie's teleporting escape, the cleanup continued with mechanical efficiency. Russell stroked his chin thoughtfully while cardmakers hauled corpses.
"Perhaps Leigh-Xie isn't the fool he pretends to be?"
"The Vice President noticed too?" Zayne asked quietly.
Russell met his gaze. "You also think Leigh-Xie's a decoy?"
Luther looked confused until Russell's words clicked. "True—cards can't override their maker's will. That boy's rage seemed genuine, yet his card retreated instantly."
In combat, experienced cards often made better tactical decisions than emotional cardmakers. Except for berserkers like Frank Dragomir, of course.
Retreat was logical against Mikoto's enhanced railgun. But if Leigh-Xie had been genuinely enraged, demanding they fight to the death, his card couldn't have disobeyed.
"So either he's acting, or the card isn't his," Russell concluded.
Both directors nodded agreement.
Russell filed the Sect matter while subtly observing Zayne. The Public Security Director's behavior had been odd all mission.
"I have some gossip," Zayne said with uncharacteristic hesitation. "Though I'm unsure if I should share it..."
Luther blinked. "That's unlike you. Just say it."
"My sources report the Sect's local leader is from Coria's Leigh family. And that Leigh-Xie we just met..."
Russell feigned surprise while Luther exclaimed, "Where did you hear this?"
"Subordinates reported it. Probably from the Spirit Society." Zayne caught Russell's expression, doubt flickering in his eyes.
Luther considered Zayne's position—Public Security Director with underground connections. "That... makes sense. Especially given Leigh-Xie's imperial robes."
Clever, Russell thought. Zayne had learned this at the Society gathering but now presented it naturally, mixing nine truths with one lie about the source.
Russell's concern deepened. Has he connected me to the new Lord Six?
Both identities had appeared in East-Haven simultaneously. That would explain Zayne's attitude shift.
Need to appear as "Lux" with a new card soon. Either [Spider Demon] or [Grand Magus].
Even if exposed to Zayne, the Society's mutual blackmail ensured silence. But better to maintain separation.
"Vice President, cleanup complete."
Russell nodded at the reporting cardmaker. "Good work today. Let's return."
Luther watched with calculating eyes. He still gained authority despite everything.
Russell's Residence
"So I basically investigated myself."
Russell contemplated the irony until the Association's 5,000-point payment restored his mood.
"Though that only buys one purple Gold-level material."
Vice President perks included:
20% material discount
10,000 monthly points
Various "gifts" from subordinates (all gathering dust in his Shadow Kingdom)
"The national championship welfare secret realm should complete my materials."
He'd research East-Haven's options, though small cities rarely had quality realms.
Simon's Study
"You saw today's performance."
Simon replayed Mikoto's footage frame by frame, finally sighing heavily. "Miscalculated!"
Luther smirked. "Didn't you say Gold quality at most? Is YOUR Gold card that strong?"
"OUR miscalculation," Simon corrected irritably.
After silence, Luther suggested, "Perhaps we should abandon the plan? We haven't taken irreversible action yet."
"Lost your nerve?" Simon's eyes narrowed. "Without Russell, that Vice President position would be YOURS."
Luther remembered his original motivation but remained hesitant against Russell's demonstrated power.
"Think of your son. Besides, Ms. Xie won't stop now—she doesn't answer to you."
"...Understood. We proceed."
Simon sneered internally. Coward—precious about himself until he sees profit, then reckless.
What Simon didn't share: his term was ending. Originally expecting promotion to a major coastal city directorship, he'd received an irresistible offer. Any leverage against Russell, however minor, would earn him transfer to Northgate or the Capital. Perhaps even Court position eventually.
He was done with thankless coastal defense. Let others guard the borders.
Luther changed subjects. "The Sect numbers seem off. Thirty-eight members in one base alone?"
"Thirty-eight or three hundred eighty—irrelevant. Just don't cause problems before I leave."
Luther's disappointment was palpable, but he departed silently.
Online Forums
Mikoto's Thunder Giant had been recorded and posted locally. Discussion exploded:
"What happened? That was huge!"
"My cousin's neighbor works at the Association. They received tips about illegal organizations."
"Anonymous here: New Vice President Russell did that."
"THE Russell? From nationals?"
"He's Gold-rank now?"
"Should I visit the Association for luck? My kid's grades need help."
"When I was 20, I worked factory. He's 20 and Vice President. The gap between humans is bigger than between humans and dogs."
"One man defending one city—Russell the Great!"
Russell's First Week
Day 4: Nothing happened. Fubuki handled paperwork while Russell drank tea.
"Experiencing retirement I never had in my past life."
Day 5: "Why do humans work? Boredom..."
Day 6: "The Sect targeted a Society base."
"They learn fast."
"Zayne responded. The Society had mostly evacuated."
Day 7: "Russell! No decadence! Set goals! Handle one day's work!"
"...Head hurts. Fubuki, you do it."
Watching the statuesque beauty work, Russell sipped tea contemplatively.
People have different talents. Mine isn't paperwork.
Weekend Plans
Finally, blessed weekend arrived. Association protocol required either President or Vice President on duty, never both absent.
Russell had researched East-Haven's secret realms all week. Small city, pathetic selection. No useful Gold-level welfare realms.
"Back to Northgate then."
For identity security and materials, no journey was too troublesome.
"Good chance to visit Senior Sister Hazel."
Thinking of Hazel reminded him of "Ms. Xie." She'd attempted visits all week, blocked by security.
"Vice Presidents don't meet random visitors."
When informed, Russell had given three words: "Don't know her."
As for approaching his residence directly...
A lone girl encountering the Spirit Society late at night? Capture, interrogation, torture—all perfectly normal, right?
"Do they think I'm swayed by pretty faces?"
Well, yes, I am. Absolutely.
Russell admitted his weakness freely.
"But Hazel and Nancy aren't dead. Why not pursue them instead?"
"Unless Ms. Xie has issues..."
Please don't be a manipulative Makima type. Though I wouldn't mind Esdeath...
Shaking off daydreams, Russell informed Simon he was visiting Northgate to see Hazel. Understanding granted.
After visiting the lonely Ice Queen, Russell searched Northgate's Association database for suitable welfare realms.
Filtering parameters yielded results quickly:
[The Wilderness of Mutual Consumption]
Primary Output: Gold-level [Gluttonous Beast]
Location: New Metro
Russell's hometown beckoned once more.
(End of Chapter)
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