-98- A clash in the light and in the dark

The sky began to brighten slightly.

Outside the restricted area, a vast crowd led by Domon Kira and Akabane Kuukan was still waiting. If one observed carefully, they would notice that the Izanagi clan was somewhat restless.

Domon Kira's face turned grim as she asked Yumiya beside him, "Have they not found Hinowa yet?"

Clearly, the overnight time had been sufficient for the Izanagi clan to realize that Domon Hinowa's group of three was missing.

"Yes, we haven't found Miss Hinowa yet," Yumiya replied, bowing his head. "Kamo's son and my unruly son have also gone missing. I presume they are together with Miss Hinowa?"

"Hmph," Domon Kira snorted disapprovingly. "It seems my speculations were right. They took advantage of the opening of the restricted area's barrier and slipped in."

The thoughts of a group of kids could not possibly escape Domon Kira's notice.

"Their audacity is getting bigger."

Domon Kira's expression was as cold as ice.

The Izanagi clan members seemed to understand the situation and whispered among themselves. Akabane Kuukan even suggested, "How about suspending the trial and retrieving Lady Hinowa first?"

This wasn't the first time Kuukan had gave this opinion. Unfortunately, Domon Kira didn't consider it at all.

"A bunch of reckless kids. Let them taste some hardship."

Domon Kira spoke indifferently, as though she didn't care about her granddaughter's safety at all.

With Domon Kira's decision, Akabane Kuukan naturally didn't say anything further.

In this situation, they continued to wait for the group to return from the restricted area.

Until the sky was about to fully brighten, Akabane Kuukan began to worry.

"After spending so long in the miasma-filled restricted area, Nuragami might be fine, but can Raishin handle it?"

Kuukan kept this worry to himself.

However, at the same time, he also had another thought: "Once they come out of the restricted area and experience enough hardship, Raishin might start to understand the importance of magic and become interested in learning the clan's secret techniques."

It turned out that Kuukan had this plan in mind. If he could make Raishin develop an interest in magic and start practicing the clan's secret arts, the trip wouldn't have been in vain.

As for the danger Raishin might face inside the restricted area, as a father, Kuukan did not even consider not letting his own son go through such a situation.

"As members of a prestigious magical family and descendants of our mercenary clan, how can we not experience a bit of pain and danger?"

This is the difference between a magical family and an ordinary household; they absolutely won't overly protect their offspring.

Otherwise, they would never be able to nurture talented individuals.

Time passed slowly under such thoughts from Akabane Kuukan.

Until the sky was about to fully brighten, someone with keen eyes finally noticed.

"They're coming out!"

Upon hearing this exclamation, everyone in the crowd was startled. They reflexively raised their heads and gazed towards the entrance of the restricted area.

There, a group of five bedraggled children was slowly walking out.

"Miss... Hinowa!?"

"Princess Hinowa!"

"Subaru!"

"Mutsura!"

The people of the Izanagi clan were the first to call out and rushed towards Domon Hinowa's group of three.

"Young Master Nuragami!"

"Young Master Raishin!"

The members of the Akabane clan also called out, even Akabane Kuukan breathe a sigh of relief.

Of course the childrens also expressed joy at seeing their fellow clan members and family.

Until...

"Hmph."

A cold snort dissipated all the joy in the atmosphere.

Rozen looked ahead and, in the first moment, saw the stern-faced Domon Kira.

"Grand... Grandmother..."

"Clan... Head..."

"...."

Domon Hinowa, Kamo Subaru, and Yuge Mutsura looked fearful and lowered their heads, not daring to meet Domon Kira's gaze.

"I didn't expect you all to actually sneak into the restricted area." Domon Kira's voice was cold. "You should be able to give me an explanation, right?"

Hearing this, Domon Hinowa's group naturally had no choice but to comply.

At the same time, Rozen and Akabane Raishin returned to their Akabane clan's ranks.

"What?"

Upon learning about the events inside the restricted area from Domon Hinowa's group, Domon Kira was visibly moved.

"You managed to deal with Enenra?"

Her tone was full of disbelief.

Not only Domon Kira but even the people of the Izanagi clan were in awe.

"No way?"

"They actually took care of Enenra?"

"That's the formidable demon even we find challenging!"

The members of the Izanagi clan exclaimed in amazement.

There was no way that the childrens were lying

"The shrine in the restricted area has been burned down."

"Enenra is no longer there."

"If you don't believe us, you can go and see for yourselves."

Domon Hinowa, Kamo Subaru, and Yuge Mutsura spoke one after another, like repentant children admitting their wrongdoings.

This left the people of the Izanagi clan speechless.

Akabane Kuukan was also surprised, but a little irritated.

"You never mentioned that there was an Enenra inside the restricted area, Lady Kira."

Akabane Kuukan's words contained a hint of sarcasm.

It was impossible to hide this from the adults who knew about Enenra.

How could Akabane Kuukan not be annoyed when the Izanagi clan arranged an Enenra to guard the location of the token inside the restricted area?

"...Let's calm down for now, Head of the Akabane clan," Domon Kira said after a moment of silence, her face remains expressionless. "I will give you an explanation for this matter."

"Well, I'll look forward to it," Akabane Kuukan's expression improved slightly, and he asked, "What about the marriage alliance then?"

"Well..." Domon Kira pondered for a moment before replying, "Since the token has been destroyed, perhaps it was destined to happen this way. We don't need to rush into anything. We can decide about this matter later."

"...Alright," Akabane Kuukan finally nodded.

"In that case, this trial is over," Domon Kira announced to everyone, "Please disperse and rest."

With that, this event came to an end.

However, behind these events, there were hidden schemes and clashes that only those with keen insight would be aware of.