-793- Times have changed

In the academy, Rozen dared to openly resist in front of everyone, taking Io away. This confidence stemmed from his belief that he could confront and defeat Edmund, resolving the rebellion, and clearing Io's name.

As long as Io's innocence was established, and Rozen showcased his true abilities, he believed that neither the academy nor the British authorities would ignore his words, rushing to convict Io of treason without due process.

Furthermore, with Eva now recovered, analyzing the records in "Eve's Heart" could prove that Io was not manipulating her all along. It would demonstrate that Edmund was the one using it, even erasing her emotional programming, treating her purely as a weapon. While this might not entirely prove Io's innocence, it would draw a clear line between her and the rebellion.

In this way, even though various troubles might persist, Io wouldn't be easily condemned for treason by the royal family or the British. This provided the maximum room for maneuvering in the situation.

However, there were uncertainties, especially concerning the consequences of Io being the developer of "Multi-Controller" and "Infinite Chain Reaction."

Specifically, there were two issues:

1. After witnessing Eva's power, Rozen was unsure how many people might harbor covetous thoughts about it. This was evident in the recent actions of the military officer, not only wanting to take Io but also Rozen, ostensibly for cooperation in the investigation but sounding more like a forced takeover.

Rozen was certain that if he and Io followed that officer, there was a ninety-nine percent chance they wouldn't be able to return. They would undoubtedly be detained by the royal family and the British for various reasons, regardless of guilt or innocence. It wasn't about charges anymore but about possessing something desirable and being targeted. Even if there were no charges, they wouldn't be released easily.

2. The second issue was in the present.

"I know you haven't colluded with the Black Prince, and you haven't rebelled."

Kimberly stared directly at Io and spoke in this manner.

"But, from the Association's standpoint, we cannot turn a blind eye to your development of 'Multi-Controller' and 'Infinite Chain Reaction.'"

This was the second issue.

Or, to put it another way, this issue has been discussed before; even if Io herself has no rebellious intentions, the fact that she developed weapons potent enough to endanger the world cannot be ignored. Especially for the Association that manages the order of the magical world and prohibits forbidden magic and magical crimes, this is a problem that must be addressed.

"Both 'Multi-Controller' and 'Infinite Chain Reaction' have demonstrated immense power in this incident, making people both covetous and fearful of it," Kimberly calmly stated. "We must ensure that a similar event does not occur again, especially not in other countries. Do you understand?"

Because of this, the Association must take Io away. No, it's not just Io.

"The automaton carrying 'Multi-Controller' and 'Infinite Chain Reaction' must also be safeguarded by the Association. We can't allow her to be exploited again."

Kimberly directed her gaze toward the stunned Ivan and sighed silently.

"This..."

Io fell silent.

"Please wait!"

However, Yaya, with an anxious expression, couldn't help but stand up.

But this time, Rozen stopped Yaya.

"Let's go with this."

In the face of Yaya's astonished expression, Rozen unexpectedly said calmly.

"Oh?" Kimberly was surprised. "I thought you would resist even against the Association, just like you did at the academy."

It seems that because of this, Kimberly brought several members of the Association with her.

But...

"Times have changed." Rozen shook his head and continued, "During our time at the academy, Io was falsely accused and arrested as a rebel. If I hadn't intervened, she would have likely died wrongfully in prison, becoming the biggest victim of this incident."

But now is different.

"Now, even if I'm not afraid of the Association and can protect Io from their hands, it's hard to say if I can provide that kind of protection against various countries worldwide," Rozen said calmly, earning an approving expression from Kimberly.

"You've finally kept a clear head," Kimberly remarked. "If you resist the Association, setting aside the enmity with them, Ionela won't have an easy time."

That's because both 'Multi-Controller' and 'Infinite Chain Reaction' are too tempting, and no country would ignore them.

"If you disregard everything to protect Io, she will undoubtedly face various relentless methods from countries worldwide for the rest of her life," Kimberly explained. However, if Io is taken in by the Association...

"The Association can use this to proclaim to the world that 'Multi-Controller' and 'Infinite Chain Reaction' are being properly managed. Io will also gain the Association's protection. At that time, it will be challenging for any country to act against Io," Rozen revealed.

So, Rozen is not planning to resist the Association this time, unless...

"You want to impose the death penalty on Io."

Rozen said this nonchalantly, causing the black-clad individuals behind Kimberly to tense up. Only Kimberly, without hesitation, spoke up.

"As long as Ionela herself doesn't have rebellious thoughts and 'Multi-Controller' and 'Infinite Chain Reaction' can be managed correctly, it won't take long for her to return to the academy."

This is the significant difference between the Association and other countries. If it's confirmed that the developed magic is not forbidden and won't cause harm, the Association will absolutely not intervene. They might even protect Io, a rare talent in the magical world, for the overall development of magic.

Understanding this...

"I got it." Io lifted her head, showing a determined expression. "I'll go with you."

This is the best choice. Only this way can Io clear her name with the help of the Association and protect the secrets of 'Multi-Controller' and 'Infinite Chain Reaction' from countries worldwide, preventing them from becoming weapons of war.

"I will also try to develop means to counter 'Multi-Controller.' This way, we can avoid the world's fear and distrust of it, right?"

Io said this with a mixture of resignation and frustration, but more importantly, determination and effort.

Seeing this, Kimberly relaxed her expression. Rozen also gazed at Io and, after a while, nodded with a smile.