"A double face what?" Kairo repeated. This was the first time hearing such a thing.
"Take a look at the face of the card just behind wind breaker, Kairo," Fabian pointed.
Kairo acted without waiting a second and glanced at the back of the card.
Normally, all cards had a single face where the description, card design, and name were displayed. Behind them was a motif that was recurrent to all cards—a motif that he had seen many times etched in the circuitry of the void.
Making both cards and the circuitry inherently connected.
But on Wind Breaker it was different. On the back of the card was the drawing of the strange soul-like warrior wielding its massive butcher-like blade. This card had a completely new name and description.
"Wind Slayer," it read.
[A soul that attacks everything that is within range after Wind Breaker has been activated. Cannot be used before Wind Breaker. Only after.]
"Double face cards are extremely rare and extremely precious. These cards are like having two for the sake of one. Most of the time, the double face cards have abilities that complete or repel each other. Sometimes they can be a real blessing or a terrible curse depending on how you want to see them," Fabian explained.
Kairo had a very bad feeling about all of this.
"A blessing, you say?" Given how this had played out, Kairo felt it was more of a curse than a blessing.
Kairo had a bad feeling, given how deep the scar in the walls was. Wind Breaker alone was already very powerful, but adding to this, Wind Slayer was a real monster.
As if sensing his worry, Fabian added, "See the right side of the card. In terms of explosive power, you have risen in rank. This was exactly what you needed. Tactical brilliance and the Sand Paladin are good, but against an opponent whose defense you can't even break, there's no way you're going to win. Now with this double face card, explosive power shouldn't be a problem."
"That's not the problem. How do I handle this without putting my teammates in danger? You saw it for yourself."
Kairo wasn't naive. The only reason Fabian was still standing was the gap in strength was too big to be closed with just explosive power. But what about his teammates? On missions, most of the time they were in groups.
He didn't dare think what would happen if he accidentally wounded Nyx or the others with this. If something were to happen to her, he wouldn't forgive himself.
"That's one of the numerous mysteries of card magic. The fool behind this system was either very intelligent or very sadistic. Whatever the answer, you will have to find out on your own. You did find a way to handle Animate—this should be a little problem," Fabian said, arranging his vest. "I think we are done here for today, Kairo. You have your day. Tomorrow, get here early for the briefing about the next mission."
Even after Fabian left, Kairo still stood, observing the scar in the wall. Wounding one of the people he cared for deeply scared him, but that was not the only thing.
According to what the surgeon said, all of the cards awakened were related to the inner self at the moment of awakening.
Did all of this chaotic energy mean he wasn't over what the surgeon did? Or might one part of him, deep inside, not be forgiving himself—and thus gave rise to Wind Breaker and Wind Slayer?
"My state of mind must have been affected. I need to get back in shape—and not only physically. This is so complicated," Kairo murmured.
After Fabian left, Kairo took out three of his cards in hand, the action causing his face to twitch slightly. This was pretty risky, as at this rate he would face exhaustion from aura drain even faster. But this was actually the best way to train a mage's aura. Apart from the physical conditioning, only through this exercise could his aura control improve. Thus, he kept training.
…
After getting changed, Kaior wore a casual attire—a simple jacket and trousers. It was rare, but Kaior was going out today. To be more precise, he had invited all his friends to a high-end restaurant in town. This was his way of thanking everyone after they had worked so hard to save him from the surgeon's grip.
Kaior took his father's car and soon arrived at the venue, lining his car in the parking lot full of luxurious cars. Kaior soon went into the building. There was a smooth scent in the air that made his tense muscles ease.
The restaurant was almost full, with a lot of families, friends, and couples dining. The atmosphere was quite lively and festive. The smell of the food all over the place made his stomach grumble in jealousy.
Kaior went to the second floor where his table had been reserved. On this floor, it was quieter with just a handful of people. Their table was located at the edge near a beautiful view of the city just behind them.
"Looks like I'm the last to arrive," Kaior noticed. At the table sat four people. Nyx on the edge, seemingly bored on her phone; Leli, facing her, was talking nonstop as always; and even someone Kaior doubted would have replied to his invitation—Jeder, who sat with his eyes glued to the glass windows, never talking to or looking at anyone.
"Finally here, Kaior. What have you been doing? Ah, I see—you wanted to make yourself handsome," Leli teased.
"Hello guys. Sorry for the lateness. I'm glad you could all come here today," he said.
"Hi, Kaior," Nyx finally returned to earth, dropping her phone for a minute. Next to her was a free place that had obviously been reserved for him.
Without ceremony, Kaior took his seat. "This is a little gift for all that you guys did. You can ask for anything you wish," Kaior said.
"Sure? This place isn't cheap, even for us," Jeder asked with a suspicious gaze.
"Whatever, I'm not leaving your side until you fulfill your promise. That's the only reason I'm here," Jeder said, picking up the menu.
Kaior was clear about Jeder's thoughts and said no more. He had made a promise, and he hadn't forgotten it yet. "Well, I'm taking this, this, and also this then," Leli didn't stand on ceremony.
"This shall be okay for me," Nyx chose a single dish. After taking their orders, the teller left immediately.
Kaior was startled—this was nothing like her. Normally, she wouldn't miss the opportunity to tease him, yet she was strangely calm. Could it be because of Jeder? Kaior had his doubts.
Most of the time it was just the three of them with Leli, and she didn't mind disturbing him at that time. Kaior had an amused smile. Nudging her under the table, he murmured, "Have you suddenly become shy or something?"
"Since we have all decided, let's make a little toast to our victory. We haven't had time to really celebrate. Let's also take it as an opportunity to remind ourselves we aren't forgetting what we did and striving to be better," Nyx said.
Jeder's expression twitched a little but he said nothing. The group all lifted their glasses of wine, joining in a memorable toast.
"To being better," they all said.
While everyone was sipping their wine, Kaior felt a strange touch on his thigh, as if someone was sliding their finger on him.
His eyes almost fell out of their sockets, yet Kaior forced a smile so as not to betray what was going on.
"Any problem, Kaior? You don't have the habit of drinking?" Lelei asked, curious.
"With a father like Magnus, I doubt Kaior had the time to do anything," Jeder added. It wasn't a secret how strict Magnus Veyne was, thus many attributed Kaior's behavior to his upbringing.
The problem isn't my father, Kaior wanted to scream. But he dared not. The feeling was rising closer and closer upward. He glanced to the side. Nyx had an innocent smile while sipping from her glass.
"Any problem, Kaior? You seem very shy all of a sudden?"
Kaior wanted to swallow back his earlier words, but it was too late. Forcing himself to stay focused, he asked, "Any idea of what the new mission will be? I have heard my father, Fabian, and many others talk about it?" He tried to change topics.
Leli leaned forward to the group and said in a low voice, "I am not supposed to talk about it. But since Mirelle allowed me to listen, it simply means you will obviously get all the details tomorrow. However, I can say I heard it's about a group of prisoners—extremely dangerous prisoners—you will all need to escort to some place."
Given Leli was Mirelle's protégé, it wasn't surprising she knew a little more than everyone. However, Kaior leaned back in his chair, as Nyx had finally stopped teasing him, equally eager to learn more. "Escorting a group of dangerous criminals? That sounds thrilling... thrillingly dangerous," he said.
The dishes finally came and the group started eating, with Leli talking again and again, Nyx continuously teasing Kaior, and Jeder complaining how they all managed to bear this sparrow of Leli.