Card Apprentice Daily Log

Date- 27 Mar 2321

Time- 14: 50

Location- Sky Blossom City, Outskirts

"Fuq, that bitch's senses are too strong. If not for the newbie's origin card we almost got caught." Said a middle-aged bald man as he landed in a makeshift underground base. 

"Hey man, what was that? You almost got me killed. The plan was to do a quick reconnaissance and return to the rendezvous point. What were you thinking? One second, if I were a second late then we both would be dead." Norman Jones yelled in anger at the middle-aged bald man. 

"Calm down newbie, no harm done, we are alive aren't we. I thought I had a clear shot and wanted to take it. Saving us all the trouble of ambushing the freaking Southern Emperor. But who knew that bitch would sense me from that far away." The middle-aged man summoned a long-nosed rifle with a huge scope and caressed it as if it was his only love. 

"Sniper, flower thief is right. That was too much of a risk. Thanks to your stunt we lost the element of surprise and will have to speed up the plans. Madam is not going to be happy to hear about it." A bulky man with grey hair reprimanded the middle-aged man. And addressed Norman and the middle-aged man with their code names Flower thief and Sniper.

"Grey fur, then we do not have to add it in our mission report to the Madam, capish." Sniper gave Grey fur an intimidating gaze. 

"*sigh* you fool, you are not new to how madam works. Our mission report doesn't matter. Even if we do not report to her about this incident, she will know everything with the regular memory inspection. Our mission reports are just to see if we are docile enough. Now hurry and report what you collect during reconnaissance." Grey fur looked at Sniper as if seeing a fool and thought how can this fool be among the world's top 50 deadliest snipers alive. He doesn't have the patience or the attitude of a sniper. I guess if not for his origin card he would just be an average bald fool. 

"The situation has changed. We will be facing the Raining Alchemist along with the Fire first emperor, Axe emperor and Southern emperor. Our five-man team is nowhere near enough to face the Southern Emperor and now adding Raining Alchemist to the mix we are all going to end up dying if we act now, ambush or not." Norman honestly reported what he observed and gave his honest opinion.

"Who told you that it's just us?" Grey Fur summoned his grimoire and ordered, " Update status, Team one reporting." And soon various voices reported their status from the other end. 

"Team Two reporting, 1 hour 20 minutes from the rendezvous point"

"Team Three reporting, 15 minutes from the rendezvous point"

"Team Four reporting, 45 minutes from the rendezvous point"

"Team Five reporting, 1 hour 15 minutes from the rendezvous point"

"Team Six reporting, 1 hour from the rendezvous point"

"There are a total of 6 five-men teams. All of us are card emperors. Now, do you still think we will die? Be it Southern Emperor or Raining Alchemist 30 card emperor is not something either of them can deal with. If we successfully take the city hostage, a righteous ruler like the southern emperor will have no choice but to cave to our demands. So relax newbie I do not think we will need you or your origin card but just in case we should be prepared for all outcomes." Grey fur laughed villainously, after explaining to Norman how prepared they were. 

"The southern emperor I heard is a cruel butcher who killed her half-sister and her family in cold blood. I do not think that taking the city as a hostage will work on her." Norman was surprised to hear the Grey fur call Anna a righteous ruler which was very different from the rumours he heard that painted the Southern Emperor as a ruthless blood-hungry ruler. 

"Newbie I do not have to teach you that rumours are not always true. I am someone who has worked close to her Majesty. Despite her cold and distant look, she cares a lot about the people and her family name. Just follow my lead. If we are lucky we do not have to fight to complete our mission." Grey fur seemed to know the Southern emperor in person and seemed pretty confident about his plan. 

Ever since Norman got his suppressed memories back he was trying to think of various ways to get rid of Sansa's shackles. He never gave in to Sansa's coercion, despite his memories telling him that he had already tried everything and there is no way out of Sansa's clutches. Norman planned to play along until he came up with a plan for his freedom. 

But Norman's all thoughts of rebelling came to an end when he saw Sansa gather 30 card emperors just to get rid of a low realm boy to hide her dirty secrets. Just how much power did that woman gather? Are there more card emperors other than these 30 card emperors in her hands? Even if she can control memories using her origin card, it is still impossible to control these many arrogant card emperors. 

Each one of these card emperors is more arrogant and prideful than others, there is no way they are willing to be mere tools under someone. But seeing how the arrogant and brazen Sniper was worried about being punished by Sansa. Norman realised there is something he is missing here. How come they are so docile towards Sansa, the woman who is blackmailing them to do her bidding? What is it that made someone like Sniper so docile towards Sansa?

Unable to think of the reason why Sansa's grip was so strong on these Card emperors Norman decided to test the waters to get his answer, not the brightest of the plan but he was on a clock. Before Sansa suppresses his memories again he had to collect as much information as possible for his future self. Norman was not arrogant enough to think that he could break free of Sansa's web in a day. So he decided to gather enough hints and clues for his future self.