-715- Different thoughts

"————"

In the pitch-black tunnel, everyone fell silent, making the air feel both heavy and oppressive, causing great discomfort.

"Onee-sama," Henri, as if relying solely on Charl, clung tightly to her.

"Don't be afraid, it's fine," Charl continued to embrace Henri, her gaze fixed on the three men before her, as if she could see the intense confrontation unfolding between them, her expression serious.

As for the reactions of Rozen, Magnus, and the Headmaster, they were quite different.

Magnus, with a guarded stance, stood to the side, observing with a cold and silent demeanor, with no intention of speaking or explaining.

Rozen's face was completely casual, as if he didn't know what he had said or done, appearing extremely composed.

On the other hand, the Headmaster, while maintaining an unchanged expression, had sharp eyes.

After a while, the Headmaster slowly spoke, "Have you seen something here, Arneet-kun?"

Although his tone was relaxed, it gave the impression of an interrogation.

With the appearance of this question, the terrifying magic of the most powerful magus of the 19th century acted like invisible gravity, pressing on the entire scene.

No, to be more accurate, it was pressing on Rozen alone, while the others only felt the aftermath.

The magic released by the most powerful magus of the 19th century felt like a surging storm, and it even reminded Rozen of the former Kakugyouki.

The power of this kind, accumulated through overwhelming years, when unleashed, was truly extraordinary.

If it were an ordinary puppeteers, they would have probably already succumbed to this overwhelming power. Even beings at the level of the Wiseman couldn't help but feel the weight and fear when facing this Headmaster.

After all, if the Night Party was held once every four years, a new Wiseman would also emerge every four years. However, the most powerful magus of the 19th century appeared only once every century, making the difference in status quite evident. It was likely that there were very few beings worldwide who could match the current Headmaster in power.

Compared to this Headmaster, even Magnus probably fell short.

In this academy, this man was undoubtedly the highest, the strongest, the pinnacle of existence. There was no one here who didn't fear him, except for Rozen.

"I did indeed see something that, if it were to be exposed, would likely cause a sensation and potentially overturn this academy," Rozen calmly replied while enduring the terrifying magical pressure that could make an ordinary automaton user submit.

"After all, the fact that there are such facilities underground in the academy, and that there are certain things within these facilities, makes it impossible not to investigate, don't you think?"

"For example, the British government."

"Or the Association."

As this was said, a dreadful silence once again enveloped the entire area.

The Headmaster's eyes finally narrowed, and he gazed at Rozen, who appeared calm and even a bit provocative. He couldn't help but ponder.

Clearly, even this Headmaster was somewhat surprised. He was astonished that, in this situation, Rozen was able to withstand the pressure he had exerted and openly brought up such a sensitive topic.

Even Magnus couldn't help but look at Rozen with shimmering eyes.

At this moment, the only thought in Magnus's mind was:

(Just how unfathomable has he become now?)

The more Magnus thought about it, the heavier his heart became.

Two years apart, Magnus knew that Rozen would undoubtedly become much stronger than before, but he never expected him to become this powerful.

It was one thing to accept that back then, with just Yaya, he could fight against Hotaru who had all the magic power concentrated by his Crimson Wing Formation.

Magnus also knew that he had single-handedly destroyed the entire Divine Works. Even if Bronson, someone who had not even achieved Mind's Eye, couldn't deal with Rozen, Magnus could accept that.

But now Rozen could stand against the most powerful magus of the 19th century, without changing his expression, enduring the pressure brought by him, then Magnus had to take him even more seriously.

Now, even Magnus couldn't see through Rozen's true abilities.

Especially in this situation, where Rozen does not have his Karyusai Shouko's "moon" doll with him, being so fearless, it wasn't something anyone could easily achieve.

"Master," Hotaru murmured, perhaps sensing Magnus's solemnity.

"Is it time to take advantage of this opportunity and...?"

Hotaru wanted to say something, and Magnus naturally understood. Rozen in his current state, a puppeteer without his puppet, must be the easiest to deal with.

Hotaru must be thinking that way, right?

This also meant that Hotaru didn't fully comprehend the threat Rozen posed. The lack of a puppet was no issue for this man, and Hotaru hadn't realized this.

So, Magnus said, "Stand down."

"Yes."

Hotaru reluctantly complied with Magnus's brief order and, after a moment of silence, retreated.

However, Hotaru couldn't help but glance in Rozen's direction.

But in the next moment, Hotaru saw it.

Rozen had already been looking at her with a playful look in his eyes.

"!?"

Hotaru's heart suddenly tightened and turned ice-cold.

(He had already discovered my intention!)

That's what Hotaru thought. But she didn't expect that Rozen, as if he hadn't noticed anything, would redirect his gaze towards the silent Headmaster.

"Just kidding."

Rozen, who had raised one sensitive topic after another, suddenly lost interest. He yawned while speaking indifferently.

"What secrets could this place possibly hold? It has nothing to do with me. We should hurry up and get out of here, go back to the dorm, take a good bath, and get some rest," Rozen said, and then he proceeded forward, passing by the Headmaster and Magnus.

Both the Headmaster and Magnus let Rozen walk past without saying a word, not revealing what was on their minds.

Later, the Headmaster spoke as if nothing had happened. "Alright, now that we've found the person, let's leave quickly."

After saying that, the Headmaster turned around and walked forward.

"Clear the path ahead, Hotaru."

"Yes."

Magnus and Hotaru had this somewhat heavy conversation, and then they stepped forward.

"What about us, Onee-sama?" Henri asked, finally relieved, raising her head to inquire of Charl.

"We'll follow too," Charl took a deep breath and helped Henri to her feet.

The group walked in silence through the passage, and they didn't engage in any further conversation, allowing the silence to linger.

Before long, uncomfortable creatures appeared once again. But what they were, where they were, and their purpose remained shrouded in mystery.