Card Apprentice Daily Log

Chapter 2372  Celebrations & Consequences

Date: Unspecified Time: Unspecified Location: Myriad Realms, Lil. Red Storm, Seed World, Trophy Section, Duel Realm, Crafting Sector, Venue: Chaos Dwarven Forge.

”Holy shit! This started out a little slow, but it turned into the best crafting duel Iʼve seen all year.”

”Right? Weʼre lucky we got to see an Elder Chaos Dwarf in action. Even though it was just a corpse puppet duel, it made these overpriced tickets totally worth it.”

”Forget the tickets! A Demon Emperor beat an Armixian devil corpse puppeteer and then drew against an Elder Chaos Dwarf in a corpse puppet duel. This duel is definitely going to blow up on the Duel Realm Network.”

”Yeah, but youʼve got to admit, the odds werenʼt exactly in their favor—thanks to the dumb Chaos Dwarf they chose to represent. However, it makes their lose more deserving.”

”Hey, whyʼs everyone crowding around that unknown demon merchantʼs section?”

”Isnʼt it obvious? He introduced a whole new way to craft a Frosling corpse puppet. And judging by how flawlessly it performed in the duel, people want to learn everything they can about it.”

”Youʼre thinking too small, my friend. Itʼs not just about learning the technique—they want to own that crafting print. Itʼs priceless.”

”Priceless? Come on, I know itʼs impressive and all, but youʼre blowing it out of proportion.”

”Thatʼs why I said youʼre short-sighted. Do you even realize that Froslings and Snow Elves are practically the same species, just from different native worlds? Do you see where Iʼm going with this?”

”Wait, hold up—holy shit. Youʼre saying that demon merchant just figured out how to craft a Snow Elf corpse puppet without messing up their soft and supple physique? Damn, thatʼs every necrophiliacʼs dream!”

”…Buddy, are you a necrophiliac?”

”Ahem—no! Of course not!”

”Anyway, itʼs not just necrophiliacs. Every corpse puppeteer out there is going to want that version of a Snow Elf puppet. Thereʼs so much money in this that the unknown demon merchant could be in the top 20 percent of the wealthiest across the myriad realms within a few decades.”

”Assuming he lives that long and doesnʼt get killed for the crafting print.”

”Thanks, brother. I was starting to feel jealous of that demon merchant, but now I feel this weird sense of satisfaction.”

”Still, I donʼt think heʼs in too much danger. The Elder Chaos Dwarf is heading his way. If heʼs smart, heʼll turn this into an opportunity and make a deal.”

”Damn it, that shouldʼve been me!”

…

”We won! Master Crafter, we won!” Dulas shouted, her voice full of excitement as the judges officially declared the unknown demon merchant the victor of the duel.

Bioreʼs lips twitched into a reluctant smile. Though he wasnʼt thrilled that Moon had stolen his spotlight, he couldnʼt deny the satisfaction of the win. It wasnʼt every day he got to stick it to his family, after all.

Wyatt gave a small nod, his eyes following Moon as she returned to his side, bowing her head in apology. ”Sorry, Master Crafter,” she said quietly, her voice tinged with genuine regret.

Wyatt gave her a reassuring look and waved off the apology. ”Itʼs alright. You did well,” he said, his tone calm and approving. Sheʼd done everything she could to secure the win for him, after all. Plus, it was Bigold who had paid for it all.

He turned his gaze to Biore, who was watching them closely, and said, ”Hand over the authority of the corpse puppet to Moon.”

Biore clenched his fist, his fingers curling in reluctance. The corpse puppet wasnʼt just a tool of combat for him; it was a chance to expand his craft. There was so much he could learn from it, and the idea of giving it up was a bitter pill to swallow. He knew it wasnʼt right to covet something that wasnʼt his, but the temptation gnawed at him.

Dulas, noticing her uncleʼs internal struggle, stepped in with a soft smile. ”Uncle, itʼs okay. You can borrow mine.”

Biore looked at her, grateful for her understanding, his features softening. With a sigh, he relented and passed the authority of the corpse puppet to Moon.

Wyatt nodded in approval, then spoke, his voice firm but appreciative. ”Iʼve transferred the master key of the corpse puppet to you two as a thank-you,” he said, handing the puppet over to Dulas and Moon. It was a gesture of gratitude for their help, and also a subtle reminder to Biore: he wouldnʼt hesitate to reward merit. While Dulas was naive and easy to manage, Biore was another matter—scheming and calculating. Subduing someone like him wouldnʼt be as simple as it had been with Dulas.

”Thank you, Master Crafter,” both Dulas and Moon said, their voices full of gratitude. They bowed their heads, their respect for Wyatt clear in their expressions.

”Alright, letʼs get out of here. If you guys are free, feel free to join me to check out the workshop I just won,” Wyatt said, extending the invitation to all three of them while glancing at the growing crowd swarming around his section of the colosseum, eager for his attention.

Biore and Moon exchanged a quick look before nodding almost immediately. They both had their own reasons for wanting to get to know the unknown demon merchant better. ”Yes, weʼll come. Thank you, Master Crafter,” they responded in unison, their voices polite but eager.

Dulas hesitated, her expression shifting with a hint of reluctance. ”Iʼm sorry, Master Crafter,” she said softly, her gaze dropping. ”My shift isnʼt over yet.”

Biore, sensing her hesitation, quickly stepped in with a warm smile. ”Dulas, Iʼll help you take a half day off. Just come with us,” he offered, his tone persuasive. He needed her by his side as knew that unknown master crafter had a soft spot for her, something he could use to his advantage.

But before Dulas could respond, a familiar voice rang out, sharp and cold. ”You donʼt need to worry about taking a day off. As of today, you both are disowned by the family.”

The words hung in the air, freezing the both they young chaos dwarfs in their tracks.