Card Apprentice Daily Log

Chapter 2717: Heroes Rise From Unexpected Places

Date: Unspecified

Time: Unspecified

Location: Myriad Realms, Card World, Southern Region, Blossom District, Sky Blossom City, TSR Guild Headquarters

As I explained the appeal process with confidence, making it sound far simpler than it actually was, Jack and Catherine began to feel hopeful. Pax, however, did not share their optimism. He knew that appealing to the Devil Merchant Code was far from a done deal. Unlike the impartial World Will, the Code’s judgments were heavily influenced by offerings.

One thing, however, was absolute: in its court, anyone with concrete evidence could prove their case. What they could not expect was for the Devil Merchant Code to deliver the punishment the guilty truly deserved. As long as the accused offered sufficient tribute, they could still escape unscathed.

Pax had neither the concrete evidence to prove the New Age Merchant Guild’s conspiracy in his recruiting nor the wealth to protect himself if he lost the appeal. In other words, the solution I proposed was never meant for him.

But it was the ideal solution for someone with his circumstances. Now that they were in the court of Devil Merchant Code, with enough tribute, a guild member could have the Devil Merchant Code annul all their contracts and commitments with the Guild.

Unless the guild was willing to offer more. It would then become a blind bidding war, with each new bid backed by a higher promised tribute. When it came to squeezing profit from others’ misery, no one surpassed the Devil Merchant Code.

Seeing the troubled look on Pax’s face, Jack and Catherine realized the situation was far more complicated than I had made it sound. Catherine frowned and asked, ”What’s wrong, Young Master? Is there a problem with the plan Master Wyatt proposed?”

Pax pulled himself out of his spiraling thoughts and forced a brave smile for his father. ”No, Master Wyatt’s plan is solid. If I involve the Devil Merchant Code, I can escape. But I was wondering whether I need to take that route at all. There’s another way... a better one, isn’t there, Master Wyatt?”

”I don’t know if I’d call it a better way, but it would take balls of steel to pull it off,” I replied with a light chuckle.

Unknowingly Pax had just given me a solid reason to go above and beyond to help him out of this mess. The fact that he could arrive at the second solution without any hint from me proved that Pax Whiteburn Godson, despite his young age , was a true man. He was living proof that it is our choices, not our circumstances, that define who we become.

”What do you mean, son?” Jack asked, his face tightening with confusion and unease. A sense of foreboding settled in his gut. He could tell his son was being honest, yet he also knew he wasn’t hearing the whole truth. His expression made it clear he was about to do something dangerously reckless.

”I was thinking... why not go along with the New Age Merchant Guild’s plan?” Pax said to everyone’s surprise. ”Before they can brainwash me or anything, I’ll sign a demon contract stating that, as long as they guarantee the safety of my loved ones, I’ll help them secure the rights to the Card World when it becomes available again. But when that time comes, I’ll delay the process for as long as possible, giving Master Wyatt the chance to purchase it before I can. That way, we can free the Card World from the Devil Merchant Code once and for all. I believe this is the best solution. I’ve made up my mind.”

What began as an explanation turned into a firm declaration. I watched as, with each word, his trembling hands steadied and his eyes hardened with resolve. Heroes truly do rise from unexpected places.

Even so, I had no intention of stepping in just yet. I would let this play out until the very last moment, when action was truly necessary. This was a turning point for Pax, and pressure like this would grind and polish him into the diamond he was meant to become.

I felt an unexpected swell of pride watching the kid grow. Part of me wanted to shout, ’I created Pax W. Godson’s Origin Card.’ There was something indescribable about watching something I had created be used for a greater good.

”Son, are you sure about this?” Jack asked, already prepared to support his son’s decision. He felt both pride and anguish. Pride, because his son had grown into someone remarkable. Anguish, because he feared he might soon lose that remarkable son. For the first time in his adult life, Jack cried.

”Dad, don’t cry. It’s not as bad as it sounds. I can file the appeal as Master Wyatt said after we’ve saved our world,” Pax said.

He believed that by the time they had driven back the second demon invasion and secured the Card World, he would have earned enough to save himself. Once we purchased the rights to the Card World and screwed over the New Age Merchant Group, he could then appeal to the Devil Merchant Code and buy his own freedom.

”It seems you’ve thought this through. I’ll respect your decision. If you need help with anything, don’t hesitate to contact me. You have my contact ID, right?” I said, offering my support in acknowledgment of his resolve while carefully hiding how pleased I was by his growth.

I couldn’t help but remember the boy he used to be, innocent and hopelessly spoiled by his twin older sisters. Now he stood ready to shoulder the burden of sacrifice for the greater good.

His plan, however, was far from foolproof. There was no guarantee the leaders of the New Age Merchant Guild would accept his proposal. They might decide it was safer to proceed with their original plan and simply brainwash him. The risks were numerous, and any one of them could ruin everything.

Yet despite that, he carried himself with quiet confidence, prepared to navigate every danger for the sake of his world and the people he loved.