-1612- Found it by chance?

Rozen's actions undoubtedly stunned everyone.

The hospital director, upon seeing that Rozen could mobilize state authorities, dared not offend him, no matter how young Rozen appeared. As a result, the director immediately agreed to Rozen's request without hesitation.

This hospital, after all, primarily serves affluent and influential families. Patient safety is a top priority, which is why even a simple visit requires a pass, card authentication, and several procedures—an intentionally cumbersome process. Many families prefer that their loved ones not be disturbed by unrelated individuals, so Rozen's request to deny visitation rights to non-family members was not uncommon. Some even prohibit family members from visiting.

Thus, the director had no reason to refuse Rozen's request and granted it on the spot. Whether this offended Sugou Nobuyuki was of no concern to the director. As the head of one of the country's top medical facilities, his status was on par with that of Yuuki Shouzou, far above that of a mere research department head.

It was clear that Rozen's intent was to target Sugou Nobuyuki directly. From this moment, Sugou would no longer have access to Asuna.

Even Yuuki Shouzou could no longer intervene, and Nobuyuki, realizing the situation was out of his control, could only glare in frustration, unable to say a word.

However, deep inside, Sugou coldly smiled.

"Awakening Asuna before next month?"

Sugou did not believe Rozen could achieve such a feat—and even if he could, Sugou had no intention of letting him succeed.

"At the very least..."

Sugou's expression remained sharp. "The server situation is critical. As the person in charge, I have to prioritize the safety of 300 lives. I advise you, Mr. Kirigaya, to abandon this plan."

Sugou was convinced that even if Rozen had considerable power, as long as Sugou used the 300 lives as leverage, Rozen would be helpless. No one, not even the government, would take such a risk lightly.

Sugou felt that by holding onto this point, he could prevent Rozen from accessing the server. And if Asuna failed to wake up by the deadline, Rozen's efforts would be in vain, and Sugou would still be the groom at the upcoming wedding.

His cold smirk deepened at the thought.

But to his surprise...

"No, I no longer need access to the server."

Rozen finally gave Sugou a direct look, one filled with amusement, as if he were toying with a defeated clown. The scorn in his expression made Sugou's heart tighten with unease.

Did Rozen really have another way? Had he seen through everything already?

Unable to stay any longer, Sugou left in disgrace, his departure bordering on a hasty retreat.

Yuuki Shouzou, too, took his leave, though not before bowing deeply.

"Asuna is in your hands now," he said earnestly before departing.

After that, the director and the team of specialists also exited to discuss the next steps in Asuna's treatment and care, leaving Rozen alone in the room.

Rozen glanced at the empty doorway and then back at Asuna, still peacefully asleep, narrowing his eyes.

"Come out, Kinu."

With that quiet summon, a cloud of blood mist rose from Rozen's hand.

Moments later, amidst a cascade of black feathers, a three-legged raven materialized from the mist. Its body was pitch-black, with golden eyelids, each eye containing three tomoe. A shimmering aura of fire dust surrounded its form.

The raven circled the room once before settling on Rozen's arm, affectionately nuzzling against his chest.

Rozen gently stroked Kinu's feathers, then gazed into its golden eyes and gave it instructions.

"Stay here. If anyone harbors malicious intent toward Asuna or tries to harm her, bite off whatever part they use—and bring it to me."

Kinu flapped its wings in response, as if assuring Rozen of its vigilance. It then flew out the window and perched atop a nearby rooftop, keeping a watchful eye on the hospital.

Satisfied, Rozen nodded, whispered a few parting words to Asuna, and left the room.

---

On his way to the Kirigaya residence, Rozen's phone rang.

"How did it go? All settled?" asked Kikuoka Seijirou from the other end.

"Yes, it's done," Rozen replied without surprise.

Seijirou's voice betrayed his eagerness. "Then you can send over that technology we agreed on, right?"

Indeed, the call Rozen made outside Asuna's room was to Kikuoka Seijirou. Using Seijirou's connection to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Rozen had arranged for top specialists to care for Asuna, securing additional funds in the process.

The technology Rozen had offered as leverage came from other worlds. Although Rozen was a master of magical arts and had little exposure to advanced technology, that didn't mean he lacked access to it.

Chaldea, for example, combined magic and science in its observatory.

Itogami Island specialized in researching demon ecology through a fusion of science and magic.

Even floating cities like Vebel were created using both magical and technological methods.

Rozen had read and memorized the vast archives of Chaldea, Itogami's library, and Vebel's central repository. Many of these records contained knowledge that did not exist in this world.

Though magic and science take divergent paths, their goals often align. After traversing multiple worlds where the two were intertwined, Rozen had accumulated a wealth of knowledge. Even if the specific technology didn't exist, he could deduce it using Virtual Ether.

Thus, Rozen had traded a trivial piece of technology for the government's cooperation. It was a minor exchange but one that caused ripples at the highest levels of authority.

For a magus, the most valuable resource is always knowledge. This principle was now playing out perfectly.

"I'll send over the rest of the data once I return," Rozen promised Seijirou.

"Good," Seijirou sighed in relief, though he tentatively asked, "About that technology..."

Before he could finish, Rozen interrupted.

"I found it by chance," Rozen said, his tone playful. "Maybe I'll stumble upon more in the future. If I do, let's continue working together."

With that, Rozen hung up, leaving Seijirou holding the phone, listening to the dial tone with a wry smile.