Miracle Card Shop: All My Cards Can Be Actualize-Chapter 376: The Sessho-Seki

"Is Papa going to be... in trouble?" Sylvana asked, a hint of worry in her voice.

Koyuki reached out, placing a comforting hand on her daughter's arm. "It sounds like you're worried about Papa, honey. That's okay. Papa is strong and knows how to take care of himself. Sometimes, there are people who make mistakes, and Papa might be helping them understand what's right."

With a gentle smile, Koyuki continued, her eyes twinkling. "How about we head to the restroom and clean up that delicious sauce? Then, when we come back, it's game time! Maybe Papa and Mama Greed can finally conquer you in Monopoly this time."

Sylvana's eyes lit up. "Monopoly! Yay!" She bounced in her seat, clearly eager for the game.

Koyuki gently reached out, wiping a smudge of sauce from Sylvana's cheek. "Alright, my little messy adventurer, time for a quick cleanup. Let's go." With a guiding hand on her daughter's shoulder, Koyuki led Sylvana towards the restroom. Before leaving, she glanced at Envy and subtly nodded, signaling that they could discuss a more serious topic away from the presence of a child.

"The Hightower employs a threat level system acknowledged across the Curtained World," Envy began, her voice taking on a professional tone. "This system categorizes potential threats based on their destructive capabilities and the scale of damage they can potentially inflict."

"Imagine a spectrum, with Level 1 representing the least severe and Level 7 the most catastrophic. Here's a breakdown:"

Level 1: Localized Threat: Individuals at this level can endanger ordinary citizens within a limited radius, typically around 10 meters. Their destructive power is restricted, often due to inexperience or limitations in their abilities. Apprentice mages frequently fall under this category.

Level 2: Town Threat: This level signifies a threat capable of jeopardizing an entire town. Think of a small, isolated community. While these individuals might not possess immense power themselves, they have the potential to overpower the town's defenses, which could include regular soldiers or basic technology. An average, seasoned mage would likely be classified here.

Daniel interjected, a hint of surprise in his voice. "So, you're saying a single mage could potentially devastate a town?"

"Indeed," confirmed Envy. "This is particularly true if the town lacks adequate defenses, such as the presence of other mages or a well-equipped military force."

"Moving on," Envy continued, her gaze fixed on Daniel. "Level 3: City Threat. Imagine major metropolises like San Francisco or New York. Only a handful of mages possess the capability to inflict widespread destruction on such a scale. These individuals typically wield powerful area-of-effect spells or devastating plagues that could cripple an entire city."

Daniel nodded, his thoughtful expression betraying the calculations whirring within his mind. Clearly, the threat levels presented a sobering perspective.

"Level 4: Provincial Threat," Envy continued. "Entities at this level pose a significant danger, capable of threatening an entire province, encompassing multiple cities and towns. Their destructive potential can extend over a 100 kilometer radius, theoretically enabling them to devastate several cities simultaneously. Some Enforcer is in this Level

Envy continued her explanation of the threat levels.

"Level 5: The Country Threat. Entities in this category can wipe out an entire country. We're not discussing small or underdeveloped nations; we're referring to mid-sized countries like Japan, the United Kingdom, and Germany. These countries boast considerable strength, territory, and military presence, yet threats at this level can obliterate them using destructive spells, rituals, or plague spells.

There aren't many mages at this level, but Cyrus Ashborn and Lucian Blackscar are due to their rituals that can open hell gates," Envy explained before pausing, allowing Daniel to process the information.

"And now, the major leagues. Level 6: The Continental Threat. We're talking about the scale of Australia, North America, or the entire continent of Europe—devastation on a vast scale. I'm in this category, and I believe Golden Scale is as well.

And finally, Level 7: Planetary Level… You, Daniel, are in this level. Specifically, it's your Super Submarine that falls into this category. The arsenal capable of reducing an entire planet to the Stone Age resides here."

"What? Me?" Daniel asked, his disbelief evident. He knew his capabilities and his submarine's capabilities well. It seemed too easy to prevent his submarine from firing; he believed an average mage could also do so.

Envy leaned forward, her expression turning serious. "It's crucial to understand, Daniel. Threat level is not a measure of raw strength or fighting ability. Take your subordinate, Momotaro.

While he may be classified as a Level 1 threat, his exceptional skills in swordsmanship and close combat could potentially overpower even someone like Lucian Blackscar, a Level 5 threat, given the right circumstances."

Daniel nodded in understanding, grasping the nuance of the system. A flicker of relief washed over him - at least the threat level wasn't a direct measure of combat prowess. But a sliver of unease remained. Envy's earlier mention of a Level 6 threat accusation against him is still there.

"Now, regarding the situation at hand," Envy began, her voice laced with concern, "the Hightower believes you've released a Level 6 threat. This means you may have inadvertently, or perhaps even deliberately, unleashed something with the potential to devastate an entire continent."

Daniel's face hardened. Disbelief battled with a burgeoning sense of dread. "Intentionally? That's absurd. I wouldn't—" He stopped himself, a sliver of uncertainty creeping in. Could he have done something unknowingly?

Envy held up a hand, her expression grim. "Let me be clear, Daniel. A Level 6 threat signifies an entity capable of unimaginable destruction. We're talking about forces that could reshape entire continents. And the Hightower believes you might be responsible for unleashing it, either through action or inaction."

A wave of frustration washed over Daniel. He slammed his fist on the table, the sound echoing in the tense silence. "This is ridiculous! I haven't done anything like that! And even if I did... unintentionally? What kind of accusation is that?"

Envy sighed, a flicker of sympathy crossing her features. "The Hightower takes such threats very seriously, Daniel. If the accusations hold true, the consequences could be severe. We'll need to investigate further, and depending on the outcome, there might be... repercussions."

Daniel scoffed, a humorless chuckle escaping his lips. "Repercussions, huh? Interesting. Seems the Hightower's definition of 'severe threat' depends on the situation. I distinctly remember a certain incident involving Mammon and a Hellgate that could've caused continent-wide devastation. And yet, the Hightower itself backed that little maneuver."

Envy's gaze softened, a hint of weariness replacing the earlier concern. Having spent centuries within the Hightower's Grand Council, she understood all too well the complexities and inconsistencies that often plagued the organization.

While the two were talking, Reiko, the spirit residing within Daniel's blade, sent a telepathic message filled with urgency. Daniel listened intently, his expression hardening with realization. He glanced at Envy, a flicker of hope battling with trepidation in his eyes.

"Does anyone here know about the Sessho-Seki?" he asked, his voice carefully measured.

Envy, her curiosity piqued by Daniel's sudden shift, leaned forward. The name held a faint echo in the vast caverns of her memory.

"The Sessho-Seki," she murmured, recalling the ancient legends. "Yes, I am familiar with it. A cursed stone, said to be formed from the remains of a nine-tailed fox who attempted to overthrow an emperor. Though the details are hazy, I believe the legends mention the stone possessing some... malevolent power."

Daniel nodded, He strode towards the coat hanger. Leaving the coat hanging where it was, he reached for his blade. Since the atmosphere had grown heavy ever since Dupont had dropped the bombshell during the feast and no one was interested in eating anymore. Daniel placing the weapon on the table, he channeled his mana into it

A gasp rippled through the guests gathered at the feast table. Some leaned forward, eyes wide with curiosity, while others shrank back, a tremor of fear flickering across their faces. Envy, however, remained composed, her gaze fixed on the point where Daniel's blade lay.

As Reiko materialized, bathed in a soft glow of summoned energy, Envy's scrutiny intensified. There was a flicker of curiosity in her emerald eyes, but it was quickly overshadowed by a hint of something deeper – suspicion or perhaps even recognition, then she glanced toward Daniel once again with a knowing smile.

"Everyone," Daniel announced, his voice laced with newfound resolve, "allow me to introduce Ms. Reiko."

Reiko, radiant in her blue kimono, bowed gracefully towards the guests. Her refined features and elegant movements spoke of a bygone era, hinting at a noble lineage from a distant land.

"Greetings, Lords and Ladies," her voice echoed melodiously. "I am Reiko, faithful servant to Lord Emberweave."

"Hey, Reiko, may I ask you something?" Envy raised her hand with a mischievous smile, a gesture that sent a foreboding shiver down Daniel's spine.

"Please go ahead, Lady Envy," Reiko replied with a smile of her own, her demeanor poised and courteous.