( BONUS CHAPTER )
Unlike the worried Luther, Russell felt slightly relieved. After today's events, the probability of Zayne exposing him had decreased significantly. But to truly separate his two identities, the key was creating the "man with the hair-gelled hand." That person was already in his production plans anyway—this card series connected to his eventual Diamond-level trump cards.
Setting identity issues aside, Russell pondered Leigh-Shuo's strange behavior. "He obviously had other cards. Why not use them initially?"
Russell's philosophy: keep one or two trump cards, but never use just one card in serious combat. The lion uses full strength even against rabbits. He'd only used Kumoko because she was his only card for the "Lux" persona. Using others required waiting until he advanced further and digested Regent Jin's remaining materials.
"So either Leigh-Shuo was arrogant, thinking he could toy with me... or he has limitations." Recalling the man's character, Russell remained uncertain.
Without clear answers, he shelved his doubts. "Forget it. Tonight hurt them enough. They shouldn't make noise short-term."
Both forces—Spirit Begging Society and Unification Sect—were crippled. The Sect suffered heavy casualties from Kumoko. The Society had many losses fighting the Sect before Russell arrived. Five wouldn't issue tasks immediately.
Thinking of Five, Russell pulled out the [Kang Tao Communicator]. For safety, he summoned Mikoto—cards reset status; who knew if the device was patched? Kumoko used detection skills to prevent eavesdropping.
[Six: Brother Five, are you there?]
He typed expressionlessly. Calling Five "brother" didn't bother him—Five was likely Emerald-level, far stronger currently. Temporary submission meant nothing. But Russell hadn't forgotten the coercion forcing him to join. Someday, he'd settle that account.
[Five: Speak.]
Russell reported East-Haven's situation methodically. The communicator fell silent. After a while:
[Five: Understood.]
[Five: Contracts coming soon for fresh blood absorption. If exposure concerns you, use subordinates.]
[Five: Also materials batch. Distribute at discretion.]
[Five: I'll inform you of other actions.]
Russell's heart leaped, though he suppressed his joy.
[Six: Understood. Thank you, Brother Five.]
No reply. Russell pocketed the device, turning to Mikoto. "Find anything?"
Mikoto stood with hands in her Gekota hoodie pockets, coconut lollipop in mouth. "Phone activated front camera—recording video. Also read your recent communications. No sensitive info, so I didn't block modifications."
"As expected," Russell said calmly. "Surveillance capabilities."
But Five's message intrigued him more. Fresh blood absorption? Clear meaning: Russell had discretion over candidates AND materials. "Even the Society knows you can't make horses run without feeding them."
He'd definitely claim useful materials first.
Nearby, Mikoto waved a lollipop at Kumoko. "Want some?"
"I want! If Mikoto-sama feeds me, I'll be your most loyal lackey forever! Nai wah~!"
Mikoto unwrapped it, stuffing it in Kumoko's mouth.
Russell sighed. "Speaking of which, Kumoko, any other information?"
Gulp. Kumoko shifted the candy between cheeks. "Of course! Don't underestimate me! But uncle fled too fast for complete identification."
She shared:
[Name: Leigh-Shuo]
[Title: Failed Ambitionist (Sect Collaborator)]
[Level: Gold]
[Cards: [Progenitor Dangun], [Lord of the Northern Palace • Jin-Pyo], ???]
"Jin-Pyo? Corian mythology?" With just a name, Russell couldn't determine if self-created or mythological.
Kumoko also identified Zayne and Luther:
[Name: Zayne]
[Title: Public Security Director (Society Agent)]
[Level: Gold]
[Cards: [Lord of Scales and Shells • Genbu], ???]
No surprise given Zayne's demonstrated water abilities. As for Luther:
[Name: Luther]
[Title: The Ambivalent Addict]
[Level: Gold]
[Cards: ???]
"Ambivalent Addict?" Russell frowned. Each title Kumoko identified related to identity, like Leigh-Shuo's [Failed Ambitionist]. But Luther's meaning eluded him.
"Why bother?" Russell abandoned the puzzle. Dawn approached. "Time to return."
President's Office - East-Haven Association
"Masters who've never appeared before in BOTH the Sect and Society?" President Simon looked existentially confused. He'd secretly contacted the Sect, but only knew a Gold-level limb-grafting demon. Leigh-Shuo was news. As for Lux from the Society—complete unknown.
"When did East-Haven become so popular?" Simon laughed bitterly.
"Should we request reinforcements?" Luther asked hesitantly. "Both groups seem restless. Something feels wrong."
Luther's words doused Simon's anger like ice water. He stroked his chin thoughtfully, then said quietly, "I'll consider it. Request help if necessary."
Luther relaxed. Only Zayne glanced silently at Simon, knowing Luther's proposal was DOA.
Indeed, Simon had no intention of calling for help. What if they discover my Sect connections? Forget promotion—peaceful retirement becomes impossible. At worst, we all die together.
BOOM!
The door burst open. Russell strode in, face heavy. "Sorry I'm late. Current situation?"
Simon's eye twitched. He should reprimand the Vice President's dereliction. But the excuse—visiting senior sister Hazel, a Diamond-rank cardmaker—left Simon toothless.
"Nothing wrong now," Simon said tiredly, eyes closing. "Director Luther will brief you." He waved dismissal to Russell's office.
Outside, Zayne returned to his initial coldness. "Vice President Russell, I must handle aftermath. Excuse me." He left without awaiting response.
Luther was confused. "What's with Old Zayne? He was flattering last mission. Did he eat gunpowder?"
He watched the Vice President secretly. But expected anger never came. Russell calmly opened his office door. "Please enter, Director Luther."
Inside, Russell listened expressionlessly to Luther's account. Finally, Luther's voice faded.
"Vice President, that's everything."
"Thank you. Rest early, Director Luther."
"Yes."
After Luther departed, Russell sighed deeply. "Quite a story." As an eyewitness, he knew far more details.
Sky fully bright, Russell summoned Fubuki. Hardworking Fubuki-chan handles today's duties.
Russell massaged her shoulders. "All yours. I need rest."
Fubuki shooed him to the reception sofa like swatting a fly, then bent to accumulated work. Hearing his breathing steady, she glanced up. Seeing him asleep, her sharp features softened. "Really..."
Russell woke at evening, having slept through the workday. No wonder—he hadn't stopped for days.
"Awake?" Fubuki spun a black pen between slender fingers. "Documents needing signatures, sorted and marked. Unreasonable ones flagged for subordinate revision."
Russell stretched. "Lucky I have you."
Fubuki rolled her eyes, throwing the pen. Russell caught it, chuckled, signed swiftly. Then lightning-quick, kissed her smooth cheek before withdrawing as she blushed. Even after so long together, she remained shy sometimes. But girls' feelings were poetic—Russell understood.
Lights out, office silent. "Let's go home."
As Russell expected, the Sect caused no further trouble. The Society couldn't act without his orders.
Peaceful days broke when Unohana handed him a document. Though Fubuki handled paperwork better, he wouldn't summon her frivolously. He wasn't a black-hearted capitalist.
Opening the gentle captain's document, his face turned grave.
[Risk Assessment Document: Newly Emerged Secret Realm in Laiyang County, East-Haven]
(End of Chapter)
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