Date: Unspecified

Time: Unspecified

Location: Myriad Realms, Card World, Central Region, Central Academic City, Morningstar University District, Morningstar University Campus, Garden of Beginning

After Ceeds birth transformed my Seed World into a true realm, I hadnt found the time to craft any storage cards of my own. For the most part, I relied on the standard ones Id obtained by trading phantom mushroom wood with Jill Norley. They were decent enoughcapable of holding herds or even monster eggsbut nowhere near capable enough for Slays egg.

Sure, I couldve carried it back to our present physically through the Time Vestige, but why go through that trouble when I could simply borrow a dimensional storage card?

No way, its personal, Lucine shot back instantly. Her card held all her prized possessionsperfumes, jewelry, clothes, delicates, and more. Sure, specialized item cards existed for such things, but she preferred the touch of mortals peak craftsmanship and ingenious alchemy over mass-produced cosmetic or designer cards. She liked it when other women asked her where she got her perfume or jewellery or clothes because not only were they stunning but they were refreshingly unique. There was no way shed let me near the one holding those private treasures with such high personal value.

Here, take these storage cards and transfer your items into them before you hand me the dimensional storage card, I said, taking out a few empty storage cards as if I didnt hear her rejection.

Here, take these storage cards and move your things into them before handing me the dimensional storage card, I said, pulling out a few empty ones as if her refusal had never reached my ears.

Didnt you hear me? I said no Lucine began sharply, but I cut her off before she could finish.

Hurry up, I urged, glancing around. The Celestial Wills tantrum has already drawn too much attention. If we stay any longer, the card apprentice of this timeline will find us.

Why cant I carry the egg? Lucine demanded, glaring at me with clear irritation and no intention of giving in.

Fine, I sighed, smirking slightly. You carry the egg. But if anything happens to it, Im holding Morningstar University fully responsible. My tone dripped with mock seriousness, hoping to intimidate her into surrendering the card.

This is my universitys Labyrinth of Myriad Pasts, and Slay is our prisoner, Lucine shot back sharply. If anything, you should be the one paying me for allowing you to recruit such a powerful and capable devil servant.

Before I could respond, she strode over to Slays egg and stored it in her dimensional storage cardcompletely ignoring my protest and doing it without a shred of hesitation.

I couldnt help but raise an eyebrow in amusement, wondering if Lucine had conveniently forgotten that while this might be her universitys Labyrinth of Myriad Pasts, I was the strongest one here. .

As for her taking Slays egg, I wasnt particularly concerned. Once Slay was reborn in her new body, she would seek me out no matter whereor in whose possessionshe was within the Card World. After all, she was my most powerful calamity daughter gem, or bloodkin… second only to Dalie, of course.

I had done everything I could to help Slay to be chosen as my bloodkin, but there was no way to predict how the cursed bloodline would react until her new body finally took shape.

You sure you want to take this conversation there? I asked with a teasing grin. Did you forget how I ended up here? Considering everything Ive had to doand sufferbecause of your universitys failure to properly manage its own Labyrinth of Myriad Pasts, Id say Im more than entitled to a generous compensation package for the trauma and emotional distress Ive endured.

Lucine, who had been smugly satisfied after claiming Slays egg, froze. Her confident smile faltered into a tight, uneasy frown.

Man, Morningstar University sure is irresponsible, I went on, feigning a sigh. They put their guests in mortal danger. If I werent as strong as I am, Id have died long ago. I really feel bad for the poor students who have to study there. How are they supposed to study if they are busy defending themselves from the universitys poor management?

You take those words back, or Ill destroy the egg for good. I wont feel an ounce of guilt shes a devil whos slaughtered countless card apprentices and others, Lucine warned, summoning her diamond grimoire to defend her universitys honor.

Nope. I dont lie. Go ahead and destroy Slays egg and forever be known as the sinner who denied the five regions a powerful ally for the coming second demon invasion, I shot back, daring her. I knew she actually wanted Slay to serve me even more than I did.

Morningstar University had been monitoring Slay through the Time Vestige for centuries. They knew exactly how strong, intelligent, and dangerous she was. For generations, they had tried to unravel her secretsstudying her every word and deedyet all their efforts had ended in miserable failure.

Now that Lucine had witnessed me subdue Slay, she saw a rare opportunity. Through me, Slays master, her university could finally uncover what they had sought for ages. Thats why Lucine wanted Slay to become my servant even more than I did.

It also explained why she hadnt immediately removed the egg when the Card Worlds Celestial Will appeared. She did in the end, but the hesitation mattered. To defy the will of the worldeven for a few breathswas to defy the very voice of the gods for a card apprentice. That brief act alone showed how much she wanted me to succeed in binding Slay.

Still, Lucine wasnt foolish. She knew I was far too cunning to be trusted blindly. Thats why she needed leverage, something or someone, to help her keep me in check and ensure I cooperated with Morningstar University. Thats why she argued with me to store Slays egg with her. Unfortunately, she was overestimating Morningstar University and herself to take Slays egg.