Understanding the Cardmaker Association's intentions, Russell quickly put on a smile and waved his hands. "Oh, it's nothing, really. In this kind of situation, I believe any well-educated citizen of New Metro would've stepped up."
Not necessarily. Plenty of rookie cardmakers froze up during senior-year dungeon training when facing monsters.
The branch president silently thought this to himself. Although he didn't fully agree with Russell's modest words, he was still pleased with how tactful the boy was.
"How about this, Russell," he said. "Let's get your cardmaker registration done first, and then we'll talk about the interview."
Standing outside the branch office, looking at the Black Iron-level identification card in his hand, Russell felt a little dazed.
So this was it. He was now an officially registered cardmaker...
Black Iron, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Emerald, Diamond, Master, Hall of Fame...
This was only the first step on a long road.
He recalled the words just spoken by Marcus, the local president of the Soulweaver Clan:
"Russell, we're planning to run a profile feature at your school tomorrow."
"We'll handle the arrangements with the school directly."
"The piece will be published by the New Metro Daily. How do you feel about that?"
Russell wasn't about to object—especially not after receiving a ten-thousand-yuan award for public service. The only catch was that the money would arrive tomorrow, after some promotional photos were taken.
On his way home, Russell's phone kept buzzing.
Caller ID: Mr. Williams.
"Hello? Mr. Williams?" he answered.
"Russell!" The voice on the other end nearly burst his eardrum.
He pulled the phone slightly away. "...I'm here."
Mr. Williams eventually calmed down. "I heard from the school about what you did. I just wanted to check—are you hurt?"
Russell felt a warm twinge in his chest. "Nope, not a scratch, sir. Just a few ghouls. Nothing I couldn't handle."
Mr. Williams sighed in relief. "That's good. Get some rest today. Tomorrow morning, make sure to tidy up a little. That's all."
Russell chuckled as he hung up. Really? That whole phone call just to say that?
Ding. Transit Pass Used.
The next morning, Russell was up early and caught the city bus.
Today marked the official start of the school year for all New Metro high schools.
"Morning, Russell." A slick-haired student dropped into the seat beside him.
"Morning, Marvin," Russell replied.
Marvin was a classmate of the original Russell—family ran a small business, their relationship was... borderline decent.
As Russell leaned his head against the window, Marvin suddenly turned and asked, "So, how's your cardmaking going?"
Russell couldn't help laughing. Marvin was clearly dying to brag.
Sure enough, the next thing out of Marvin's mouth was, "I got lucky! Managed to make a Black Iron–grade green card!"
He was visibly proud. Getting a green card this early in senior year meant that, with effort, a blue card wasn't out of reach—nor was becoming a full-fledged cardmaker.
He figured Russell, being an orphan, probably hadn't even tried making cards over the break.
Marvin readied himself for some flattery, but instead heard Russell casually say: "Good for you."
Russell had no intention of showing off or putting Marvin in his place. To him, Marvin was still just a high school kid—not worth crushing.
Marvin scratched his head. Something felt different about Russell today. He couldn't quite put his finger on it.
Ding. New Metro First High. Please disembark in an orderly fashion.
"Come on, we're here," Marvin said, slinging his backpack over his shoulder.
As they stepped off, Russell spotted Mr. Williams anxiously waiting at the school gate.
"Morning, Mr. Williams," Marvin greeted.
Mr. Williams nodded before urgently pulling Russell aside. "Come on, everyone's waiting for you."
As Mr. Williams hurried away with Russell in tow, Marvin fell into deep thought.
Then he had a bold idea.
He dashed to the classroom, burst through the door, and shouted, "Russell's dropping out to get a job!"
He launched into his logic—about Russell being an orphan, looking gloomy on the bus, and Mr. Williams waiting at the gate so early...
Gradually, the class began to believe it.
Meanwhile, as Marvin stirred up rumors of charity drives and dropouts, Mr. Williams had already brought Russell to the principal's office.
After catching his breath, he knocked and opened the door.
"Principal Shepherd, Russell is here."
"Come in, quickly. Reporter Lee and President Marcus have been waiting."
Russell stepped in and politely greeted them. "Good morning, Principal Shepherd, President Marcus."
Marcus grinned. "Didn't I tell you to just call me Uncle Marcus?"
Then he gestured to a sharply dressed woman nearby. "This is Reporter Lee from the New Metro Daily."
She stepped forward and shook Russell's hand. "Nice to meet you, Russell. Today's just a short interview. Nothing to be nervous about."
"Russell, why did you choose to step up in such a dangerous situation?"
Russell replied smoothly, "Because my neighbors at Harmony Heights needed my protection. And I believe any student at New Metro First High—or any cardmaker from the Soulweaver Clan—would've done the same."
Principal Shepherd beamed. He was more than pleased with that answer.
"Is it true," Reporter Lee followed up, "that you produced a purple card on your very first try?"
Russell internally sighed. This lady asked everything. Didn't she know card details were top secret?
But he kept his cool and answered, "I just got lucky. The story I built happened to resonate. It's thanks to the guidance I received at school and through the Clan."
Principal Shepherd's smile deepened. This boy had talent and tact—a perfect candidate to represent the school this year.
Reporter Lee wrapped up her notes. "Could I get a photo of you with Principal Shepherd and President Marcus?"
She handed him a banner: "Fearless Student of First High – A Model of Heroism!"
Russell winced. This had to be a school-made prop.
Still, he pasted on a polite smile for the photo.
"Great," said Reporter Lee. "Thanks for your cooperation, Russell."
"Am I free to go?" Russell asked hopefully.
"Wait a moment," Principal Shepherd interjected. "You've already received a reward from the Clan—but First High has a gift for you too."