Heavenly Opposers-Chapter 284 - 283-Meetings.

"What are the pushbacks we are facing?"

Azrail asked as he gazed at the beautiful city spread far and wide, so vast that even he couldn’t see its end. Species ranging up to a million different types walked around, business blooming faster than it could be tracked, ships flying in the sky, and technology that couldn’t even begin to be imagined in his lower realm was being moved around here.

"We have rattled some people. The quick access with which everything was done and the connection you are trying to build to the Cosmic Fighters Association is not being taken well by the rest."

Azrail silently nodded his head at those words, his gaze looking through the city as he asked.

"What about the connections that Nayan spoke about?"

This made Lisbon flinch, but she didn’t avoid the problem at its centre as she spoke.

"We have contacted them, but as you know, the majority are from the darker side. Beginning with them won’t get as much reputation with those of the side that perhaps has a much more grounded approach."

Azrail nodded at those words. As there is light, there is also darkness. Different factions, just as those between life and death, organisations or pantheons led by a much more sensible approach, live a good life, while there are ones that treat the ones below as slaves and just work them to death—a pure hell, one could say.

The power between the two sides is on equal footing, with both sides not trying to get over the other. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t rivalry and hate between them. At times, merchants would have to choose the side with which they deal, and only the best of the best get to play both sides and thrive to tell the tale.

Azrail wishes to be that behemoth, one that thrives in both areas, but the path to that isn’t easy at all. Thankfully, he has a lot of connections he can use, especially from both Nayan’s and even Adria’s side. She might be dead to many, but to the eyes of those who follow her loyally, Valencia is theirs to follow.

Plus, the amount of favour that is owed to Adria is humongous, especially from powerful people in the cosmos. Pulling at that string, Azrail will be able to get the situation he wants, and the path for that is already set, too. Nayan has some very loyal ’evil’ followers, loyal clients in a sense that dump their ’wastes’ on him.

"Have those appointments been done?"

Azrail asked, to which Lisbon replied.

"They have, some of them wishing to iron out the details as fast as possible."

To Lisbon’s reply, Azrail asked.

"Looks like they have their ego on them too, right?"

Lisbon kept silent to that, but that was more than enough of an answer for Azrail to work on, the meetings being with some of the followers or ones that owe a huge favour to Adria. Ones that can be trusted, as per Adria’s words, and many of them are in positions of power, which would help get more deals for Azrail.

Using his unique situation, it’s not hard at all to make money, but for him to be legitimate, there also needs to be a legitimate business he can show to the world. Money being made not through loopholes but through real efforts, which means he has to do this. Plus, building this empire would only be useful for him in the long run.

After all, the character of Azrail still needs to make a debut into the cosmic world, not just DeathMark can exist at all, which means a lot of stuff needs to be done, not to mention the fact that several interviews and calls are still going for DeathMark. After that stunt, there is a lot the cosmos still wants to know about him.

Moreover, that group had finally contacted Azrail, wanting to meet up with him, which would only be useful for him but something he must be careful walking through. After all, one small mistake there and things would take a very wrong turn, very fast.

"Schedule those meetings with the correct time, try to get some today. I will deal with each of them."

"Yes, Dreadcloaks."

With a respectful nod, Lisbon walked out of the room, leaving Azrail alone to think. Pretty soon, a huge meeting between young geniuses will take place, in which Valencia, Yurou, and Lysandra will meet, one to show their strength. But Azrail can only hope that things don’t get too out of hand when the three meet for real.

[Looks like you have your work cut out for you.]

All-See spoke, to which Azrail could only smile wryly, his instincts telling him the fact that the meeting wouldn’t go as well as he hoped it would.

[What else do you expect when three powerful women sharing one man come together when they are head over heels for him?]

’Nothing much, just a catfight, but they are smart too, so it would be under the veil. That’s all I can rely on for now.’

With that thought, Azrail went towards the desk. Taking a seat, he started to read through the documents, intent on dealing with the coming issues at hand.

"Let’s start with the most immediate issue," Azrail muttered to himself, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the desk. He stood, straightening his coat, and headed toward the meeting chamber. The first of today’s appointments awaited him.

---

The chamber was dimly lit as Azrail entered. At the far end of the room sat an imposing figure draped in dark robes adorned with silver runes that sparkled faintly in the low light. His guest was none other than Xur’var, a high-ranking member of the Shadow Court, a faction that governed much of the underworld dealings in the All-Realm. Xur’var’s expression was unreadable, his violet eyes glowing with a certain light beneath his hood.

Azrail took a seat across from him, maintaining a calm look. He was no stranger to Xur’var’s type, and he knew that any show of weakness would be immediately exploited.

"Azrail," Xur’var began, his voice a soft, almost predatory whisper. "Or should I say, Dreadcloaks? I understand that you are looking to establish a new... venture here in the All-Realm. How fortunate for us both."

Azrail gave a slight nod. "Fortunate, yes. But let’s not dance around the point. I know the Shadow Court owes a significant debt to Adria. She was instrumental in several... delicate matters, and it’s time to settle that debt."

A flicker of amusement crossed Xur’var’s face. "Indeed. Adria was quite the... resourceful woman. But, you must understand that while the Court is willing to honour its obligations, we will not do so blindly. What exactly is it you seek from us?"

Azrail leaned forward, his tone unwavering. "I need access to your smuggling routes, especially those that cut through the Undershadow Rift. It’s the fastest way to transport high-value goods discreetly across several layers of the All-Realm, and I know the Court controls it."

Xur’var’s eyes narrowed slightly. "That is a bold request. The Rift is one of our most carefully guarded secrets. It would be... costly."

"Costly, yes," Azrail agreed. "But I’m willing to offer you something in return. Information. Specifically, I have connections with the Cosmic Fighters Association—connections that will soon become even more valuable. They’re looking to expand their influence, and I’m in a prime position to help them do so. In exchange for access to the Rift, I can offer you insider information on upcoming tournaments, participant strategies, and even potential candidates for... other kinds of business."

For a moment, Xur’var was silent, considering the offer. Finally, he spoke. "You drive a hard bargain, Dreadcloaks. But I cannot deny the value of such information. The Court is always looking for new ways to expand its influence within the Association. Very well, we will grant you access to the Rift. But remember, this is only the beginning. The Shadow Court does not forget its debts—or its allies."

Azrail gave a nod of acknowledgement. "Agreed."

With that, Xur’var stood, his robes whispering as he moved toward the exit. "I will have the necessary arrangements made. But tread carefully, Azrail. The All-Realm is not as forgiving as the lower planes."

As Xur’var left, Azrail allowed himself a moment to exhale. The Shadow Court was a dangerous ally but a necessary one. And this was only the first step. There were still many more players to meet.

---

The next meeting took place in a more refined setting. The grand halls of the Skybound Citadel were filled with light, the entire building made from an enchanted crystal that reflected the sky’s color. Azrail sat in a plush chair, sipping tea as he waited for his next guest.

Valoria, the Celestial Chancellor of the Radiant Dominion, entered the room with a regal air, her golden wings folded elegantly behind her back. She was a member of one of the most powerful factions in the All-Realm, governing over the celestial beings that represented the light and order in the cosmos. Unlike Xur’var, Valoria’s power was more overt, and her influence stretched far across the higher planes.

"Azrail," she greeted him, her voice smooth and commanding. "You seek a favour from the Radiant Dominion. We rarely entertain such requests, especially from someone of your... background."

Azrail smiled, not at all perturbed by her thinly veiled insult. "I believe we both understand the importance of maintaining balance. Adria was no stranger to that concept, and as you know, she helped secure the protection of several of your more... sacred artefacts during the last Great War."

Valoria’s eyes hardened slightly, but she did not deny it. "Yes, Adria’s actions were... appreciated. But that was then. What do you seek now, Azrail?"

He set his tea down and folded his hands. "I’m establishing a new trade empire, and I need legitimacy. The Radiant Dominion’s endorsement would open many doors for me, especially among the more... reputable clients. In return, I can offer you exclusive contracts for some of the rarest materials in the cosmos. Materials that can enhance your artefacts and your warriors alike."

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Valoria raised an eyebrow. "And what makes you think we need such materials?"

Azrail chuckled softly. "Because, while the Radiant Dominion may be powerful, it’s not without its weaknesses. You’ll need every advantage you can get, especially if you wish to maintain your hold on the upper realms."

Valoria remained silent for a moment, her gaze piercing. Finally, she nodded. "Very well. The Radiant Dominion will lend its support to your venture, but know this, Azrail. If you betray us, there will be no place in the cosmos where you can hide."

"I wouldn’t dream of it," Azrail replied smoothly.

With that, Valoria turned and exited the room, her wings brushing the doorframe as she left. Azrail watched her go, knowing that securing the Dominion’s favour was a crucial victory. With their backing, his trade empire would gain the legitimacy it needed to thrive.

---

The day’s meetings continued, each one a careful negotiation with powerful individuals from different factions, pantheons, and organisations. From the fiery halls of the Ignis Coalition, where he met with the half-elemental General Kaelon, to the good looking gardens of the Verdant Assembly, where the elven diplomat Sylvara agreed to supply him with rare herbs and alchemical components, Azrail moved through the layers of the All-Realm with practised ease.