-496- I must remind you

———The "Taizan Fukun Ritual."

A ritual that has been conducted since the era of Abe no Seimei, the ancestor of the Tsuchimikado family.

Its history can be traced back to Abe no Seimei, when it first appeared in this world and was used to successfully manipulate souls for the exchange of his disciple and a monk's life.

Later on, this ritual became a secret national ritual, routinely conducted by the Tsuchimikado family. Its purpose was to summon ancestral spirits for worship and supplication, aiming for the prosperity of Onmyoudou and the peace of the nation.

However, the nature of this ritual changed half a century ago.

Through the integration and modification by Tsuchimikado Yakou, this ritual transformed into a taboo jujutsu for manipulating souls, and at one point became the cause of a major spiritual disaster unparalleled in history, leading to persistent spiritual disasters in Tokyo even after half a century. It was regarded as the most dangerous type of forbidden ritual in this world.

Not only was its usage prohibited, but even touching upon this forbidden art was strictly forbidden. Once someone ventured into this taboo, the Jujutsu Search Department, consisting of the nation's onmyoji, would treat them as jujutsu criminals and had the authority to arrest them.

Now, a person right in front of them had admitted to Rozen that she would be contacting this taboo, even conducting experiments and completing this forbidden jujutsu ritual.

"You... Are you out of your mind?"

Natsume couldn't help but speak, her voice full of disbelief.

There was no other way.

"You're a top elite, a national-level onmyoji with 'Onmyou first class' qualification, ranked among the 'Twelve Divine Generals,' even if you're at the bottom, you're still one of the foremost figures in the jujutsu world. How can you willingly touch the taboo and become a jujutsu criminal?"

Natsume raised her voice.

But Natsume was right.

Who was Dairenji Suzuka?

She is a national-level Onmyoji, recognized as the highest-ranking elite by the Onmyo Agency. If we were to draw a comparison, it's like the topmost special agent in a police bureau, or even one of the top-ranking officials in the military.

Originally, they should be the most powerful force to guard and protect the nation, but now, they are on the verge of becoming criminals. Who wouldn't be shocked?

However, Dairenji Suzuka remained unfazed, smiling with a somewhat somber expression.

"I am a researcher. Is there any researcher who doesn't wish to complete the most remarkable experiments?"

This was how Dairenji Suzuka put it, which only led to a louder rebuttal from Natsume.

"Even if you're the highest-ranking researcher, there are studies that should not be conducted. The Imperial-style 'Taizan Fukun Ritual' is classified as a taboo for a fundamental reason—it's too dangerous. A slight mistake could cause significant impacts in the vicinity, even triggering the second major spiritual disaster in history. Do you intend to proceed with such a terrifying experiment disregarding the people and the future generations?"

Natsume's accusation was impeccable and unassailable, considering both from a societal and historical perspective, this was something that should never be allowed.

Or rather, it was precisely because it could cause such terrifying disasters that the jujutsu manipulating souls was classified as a taboo.

Otherwise, if studies on things like souls were disallowed solely due to the removal of religious implications, it would be too stringent and unnatural.

"In your eyes, as members of the Tsuchimikado family, this ritual appears to be such a fearsome entity," Dairenji Suzuka retorted, unaffected by Natsume's words, even letting out a low laugh.

"After all, it was the ancestor of the Tsuchimikado family who caused a major spiritual disaster by using the 'Taizan Fukun Ritual.' As his descendants, it's perfectly normal for you to react so strongly upon hearing that someone intends to conduct this ritual again."

With that said, Dairenji Suzuka changed the direction of the conversation.

"But unfortunately, I am a researcher. Standing on the shoulders of predecessors to enjoy the fruits of labor is my patent. I will absolutely not repeat the same mistake as Yakou, causing a major spiritual disaster."

Dairenji Suzuka confidently proclaimed.

"According to my research, as long as the correct procedure is followed, the ritual should not have adverse effects on the surroundings. Not to mention, there have been successful cases of the 'Taizan Fukun Ritual.' With these two layers of assurance, the ritual will undoubtedly proceed without harm, without hindrance, and without impact."

As Dairenji Suzuka spoke like this, her voice began to lower.

"Yes... it will definitely succeed... it will...,"

These extremely faint words weren't so much confident as they were self-reassuring.

Clearly, despite Dairenji Suzuka's outward display of confidence, she had no real certainty.

At least, Rozen could tell that from the final words of Dairenji Suzuka—it was as if someone pushed to a dead end and finally uttered these words.

The evidence was clear...

"Since there's a genuine reincarnation of Yakou here, with the successful cases of the 'Taizan Fukun Ritual,' as long as you cooperate with me for the ritual, it will definitely succeed."

This was why Dairenji Suzuka sought out Rozen.

But there was a glaring contradiction in Dairenji Suzuka's words.

That was...

"I must remind you," Rozen looked directly at Dairenji Suzuka, pinpointing the fatal flaw in her words.

"I am not the reincarnation of Yakou. That's just a rumor."

One sentence froze Dairenji Suzuka's delicate and cute face.

That's right.

Rozen was not the reincarnation of Yakou.

Even though the outside world had always spread rumors about him being Yakou's reincarnation, it was just a rumor, and to this day, it remained unconfirmed.

It was precisely because of this that Yakou's followers continued to attack Rozen one after another, using the most forceful means to accelerate Rozen's awakening, to bring back memories and powers from his previous life.

If Rozen truly were Yakou's reincarnation, then, with the past successful execution of the 'Taizan Fukun Ritual,' perhaps there might be a way to achieve Dairenji Suzuka's goal.

Unfortunately, Rozen wasn't.

"In case I am not Yakou's reincarnation, won't all the premises for your experiment collapse? Is that alright with you?"

Rozen voiced this fatal flaw without any regard for Dairenji Suzuka's emotions.

Dairenji Suzuka lowered her head slowly at Rozen's words, her face covered by her bangs, making her expression unreadable.

However, Dairenji Suzuka's petite body trembled slightly, a scene clearly visible to both Rozen and Natsume.

Soon after...

"What if you are the reincarnation of Yakou?"

Dairenji Suzuka laughed somewhat despondently and spoke.

"If you happen to be the reincarnation of Yakou, then all the premises for my experiment would be valid. It's a fifty-fifty chance, quite a gamble, isn't it?"

Such a statement was no longer made based on a researcher's perspective but rather resembled something a child would say, just like her appearance.

"Dairenji Suzuka!"

Natsume shouted loudly at Dairenji Suzuka.

"Shut up! Ugly freak!"

Dairenji Suzuka finally lifted her head and roared at Natsume.

Beneath her bangs, her face seemed on the verge of tears, as if about to cry.

"I don't need you to tell me what to do!"

Astonishing spiritual energy erupted from Dairenji Suzuka, dense and eerie, akin to a noxious miasma.