My Deck Is Made Up Of OP Anime Characters

The Pixar University representative felt his heart sink as he watched the situation unfold before him. Someone is definitely cheating! he thought bitterly.

Originally, his strategy had been foolproof. By revealing that Azrael would be accepted as Master Lucian's personal student, combined with Pixar University's generous offer, he'd assumed that no other institution would dare compete for the prodigy's commitment.

But the representative from Northwind University, who had remained silent throughout the recruitment process, had just delivered a devastating counterblow.

Fear immediately clouded the Pixar representative's features as he turned to Azrael with barely concealed desperation. "Azrael, don't listen to this nonsense. They could never match the terms offered by Pixar University."

After dealing with competing institutions for so many years, everyone in the room understood the financial constraints under which each university operated. Unfortunately, these conventional limitations only applied when the institutions had equal appeal.

With Grand Scholar Tempest's involvement, Northwind University's appeal to Azrael had suddenly returned to parity with Pixar's advantage through Master Lucian.

Just as Azrael prepared to respond to the Pixar representative's plea, a calm voice cut through the tension like a blade through silk.

"Is this young student Azrael?"

Azrael turned toward the source of the voice and saw a distinguished middle-aged man standing next to the Northwind University representative. The newcomer had an air of refined authority that immediately caught the attention of everyone present.

When the assembled university officials saw the newcomer, they all bowed their heads respectfully and called out "Master Tempest" in unison.

Even the president of Riverstone University was no exception to this show of respect.

This was the first time Azrael had encountered a master-level Lore Cardian other than Master Lucian. Contrary to his expectations, and despite Ashton's title of "Fighting God," his appearance was not the rugged warrior Azrael had imagined.

Instead, the man resembled an elegant, middle-aged scholar with distinguished gray hair at his temples and intelligent eyes that seemed to catalog everything they observed.

However, Azrael was not so overwhelmed by meeting another Master that he lost his composure. Having met Master Lucian on several occasions, he immediately responded with appropriate respect, "Hello, Master Tempest. I am Azrael."

Watching the composed young man before him, Ashton's eyes registered a flicker of genuine curiosity. For a Bronze-level high school student to maintain such composure in the face of a Master demonstrated exceptional character, a trait that couldn't be taught or faked.

What's more, before arriving, he had already reviewed the video footage that Northwind University had compiled documenting Azrael's tournament performance. Ashton had no reservations about his institution's proposal to recruit the prodigy as a potential student. After all, Azrael's talent was undeniably exceptional.

There was only one consideration that gave him pause, Azrael's fighting style differed greatly from his own philosophical approach to warfare.

After suppressing these analytical thoughts with a practiced smile, Ashton addressed the young champion with genuine warmth, "Student Azrael, what are your thoughts? I'm authorized to match the terms offered by Pixar University. Northwind University will match any terms they propose."

Hearing this declaration, Azrael fell into thoughtful silence, his mind racing through the strategic implications of both options.

At this point, the material differences between the two offers weren't substantial enough to sway his decision. He needed to analyze the pros and cons from a broader perspective that would affect his long-term future.

Just as Azrael lowered his head to consider the competing advantages, an older voice spoke from beside him with gentle authority, "Little Fang, you're not being entirely fair to the young man.

The surprised voice of the Pixar University representative immediately erupted, "Master Lucian! Why are you here?"

Azrael looked up to see Master Lucian, whom he had met several times before, standing quietly beside the assembled representatives.

"It has been far too long since we last met, Master Lucian," Ashton acknowledged, a respectful smile spreading across his features. "You remain as distinguished as ever."

"But young people these days have strong opinions of their own," he continued diplomatically. "Perhaps we should allow Azrael to choose for himself, Master Lucian?"

Hearing Ashton's reasonable suggestion, Master Lucian chuckled with genuine amusement. "I would never pressure a child to make a decision of this magnitude."

Privately, of course, Master Lucian hoped Azrael would choose Pixar University. Though Ashton remained relatively young among Masters, he still had decades of productive years ahead of him before retirement.

Lucian's own time was running out, and if no Master-level Lore Cardian remained to maintain stability in the coastal regions after his death, those territories would likely descend into chaos as various factions vied for control.

While Azrael would most likely not reach Master level before Lucian's death, with proper guidance the young prodigy could avoid countless developmental pitfalls that claimed lesser talents.

Master Lucian, however, refused to voice these concerns directly to Azrael; such manipulation would constitute unconscionable moral coercion. After all, whatever institution the young man chose, he would be dedicating his talents to protecting the people of this land.

After listening to both masters, Azrael quietly considered the pros and cons of each option, weighing factors that went far beyond immediate academic considerations.

Since both institutions offered equal material support, he could only analyze the choice by examining other critical aspects that would shape his future trajectory.

Northwind University was located in Springcity, in the far northern reaches of the Empire. Ashton's primary duty was to guard the northern borders and confront the demon armies that constantly threatened these frontier regions.

If Azrael chose Northwind, he would inevitably join the Border Defenders upon graduation. Any hope of returning to Velkairos would likely remain unfulfilled unless the northern demon armies were completely eliminated, a goal that could take decades or even centuries to achieve.

Pixar University presented the exact opposite scenario. Located in the southern capital, one of the two seats of power in the Empire of Aetherlight, it occupied a central position in the political and economic heart of the realm. Cardians who graduated from Pixar traditionally received appointments throughout the empire's various territories, providing flexibility and diverse career opportunities.

In addition, the Crimson Oath Society maintained active operations primarily in the coastal regions. Azrael could not simply abandon his infiltration mission by fleeing to the distant northern frontier without this dangerous obligation following him.

Another crucial factor was that, at Ashton's relatively young age, he would certainly be recruiting more disciples in the future, while Master Lucian was unlikely to take on any more students. Therefore, choosing Master Lucian would guarantee more personal attention and exclusive access to advanced training.

After much deliberation, Azrael finally announced his decision under the expectant eyes of all present.

"Master Tempest, I deeply appreciate Northwind University's generous offer, but I've decided to choose Pixar University."

The Pixar University representative could barely contain his inner elation upon hearing Azrael's choice, his professional composure threatening to crack under the wave of relief and triumph that washed over him.

Ashton showed no anger at the rejection, instead laughing heartily with genuine good humor. "Pixar University is indeed an excellent choice. I wish you a bright future, young Azrael."

After speaking, Ashton bid farewell to the assembled group and left with the Northwind University representative. After all, there was another promising candidate from this provincial trial besides Azrael who was more in line with his philosophical approach to combat and training.

Watching Ashton's gracious departure, Master Lucian turned to Azrael, satisfaction gleaming in his ancient eyes. "Young Azrael, I will arrange for Pixar University to admit you for the second semester. There's no need to wait until you graduate from high school."

Azrael's face showed genuine surprise at this unexpected announcement. "Master Lucian, is this according to the usual rules?"

Although he'd originally planned not to return to Velkairos due to the threats of the Crimson Oath Society, his current status as a member of that organization eliminated those concerns. It wouldn't matter if he returned to finish one more semester of high school.

People always had to adapt to changing circumstances.

Master Lucian, however, did not immediately address his student's concern, but instead smiled warmly and asked, "Are you still calling me Master Lucian?"

Azrael immediately understood the gentle correction and replied with appropriate respect, "Teacher.

Master Lucian nodded in deep satisfaction, then answered Azrael's earlier question with confident authority. "Special circumstances call for special measures. Continuing to attend high school would be a tragic waste of your extraordinary talent."

The Pixar University representative beside them immediately stepped forward with bureaucratic efficiency. "I'll submit the paperwork to the administration today. Azrael, you just need to prepare for enrollment in the second semester."

"Also, here is your enrollment contract," he continued, pulling an official document out of his briefcase. "Please review and sign it when you're finished."

Azrael accepted the contract, examining it carefully to ensure that all the benefits and terms discussed were properly documented. Finding everything in order, he immediately signed his name with decisive strokes.

Seeing Azrael's signature complete, the Pixar representative felt no need to linger. "Since the contract is signed, I will not disturb Master Lucian any longer."

After Master Lucian acknowledged his departure with a slight nod, the representative left the scene with the precious contract in his possession.

As Azrael prepared to bid his own farewell, Master Lucian again spoke with the warmth of a grandfather to his favorite grandchild.

"Since you now call me Teacher, I can hardly fail to express my appreciation for this honor."

Master Lucian's eyes twinkled with anticipation as he continued, "Please accept these gifts as a token of our new relationship.