-1572- A higher place

"Thank you all for your patience!"

The announcer's voice echoed throughout the arena, catching the attention of the entire world.

"After the amazing performance by Team Vebel in the first match, the second match is about to begin!"

"The outcome of this match will determine who will face the powerful Team Vebel and compete with them for the title of champion at this year's Sky Wizard Festival!"

"Now, let's welcome the highly anticipated team—Team Korai!"

As the announcer's voice faded, several figures darted out from one side of the arena passage, quickly appearing in mid-air.

Joshink led his team into formation, spreading out in a line in the sky. Each of them had already deployed their alchemy weapons, showing a calm and composed demeanor.

The announcer's voice rang out again.

"These Sky Wizards from Korai are all incredibly skilled, especially their captain, Josink, who is known as a versatile genius. He's even considered a potential successor to the Hero of Humanity, catching the attention of the Floating City Alliance, including members of the council like Councilor Hartmann!"

With that, the announcer's voice grew louder.

"And their opponents are none other than the legendary team led by the greatest Sky Wizard and highest-ranking Alchemist, known as humanity's last hope—Team Mistgun!"

As soon as this was said, several figures emerged from the opposite side of the passage.

Unlike Team Korai, who took a direct path to ascend into the sky, these figures moved like chasing meteors, tracing graceful arcs as they crossed space in the blink of an eye, appearing in front of Team Yellow Thunder.

These figures were none other than Kanata, Chloe, Yuri, and Mina, the four members of the S128 Special Team.

Their elegant flying techniques and dazzling entrance instantly captured everyone's attention.

Yet, there was a conspicuous gap between them in the formation.

Because...

"Buzz!"

With a ripple in space, Rozen appeared, emerging from a distortion.

He wasn't wearing any protective gear, nor did he deploy an alchemy weapon. He simply floated in the air, the hem of his uniform fluttering in the wind.

For a brief moment, the entire crowd fell silent.

Then...

"OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

A deafening cheer erupted, shaking the sky.

At that moment, whether in the arena or watching through screens, people everywhere began shouting with excitement.

"Rorelai! Rorelai! Rorelai! Rorelai! Rorelai!"

One by one, the people called out Rozen's name, as if they were cheering for an idol, a superstar, a hero.

The scene left not only the announcer stunned but also the VIPs in the viewing seats.

"W-Was his popularity always this high?" Emilie asked, astonished.

"I thought Mr. Rorelai's fame was only prominent in Mistgun," Cris added, equally surprised.

"You're both wrong," River shook his head and explained, "Whether it's the Hero of Humanity or the Mage King titles, they've spread across the world. Especially a year ago, when Rozen single-handedly defeated all the Sky Wizards in the Fortress Floating City. Word of his feats has spread, not just through them, but also because Rozen visited Vebel before. His popularity in Vebel rivals that in Mistgun."

Many people had long been anticipating Rozen's appearance, waiting with high expectations.

Zeth raised an eyebrow and glanced at Annerose, who appeared completely unfazed by the scene.

"This wouldn't be part of your plan, would it, Your Holiness?" Zeth asked with a smirk. "You must have helped build up this image of a true Hero of Humanity to counter my popularity in human society. Your faction must have done a lot behind the scenes to boost his fame, right?"

Upon hearing this, Annerose didn't bother to deny it.

"That boy's abilities were already high, and his popularity was never low. It only took a little push to get here. Don't you think it's worth it?"

Anneroje's indirect confirmation explained everything.

Since Zeth was so highly regarded in human society, the Pope's faction had been wary of exposing his identity, knowing he had many supporters. Hence, they quietly bolstered Rozen's reputation to counter Zeth.

Of course, as Annerose pointed out, Rozen's popularity was already significant. Otherwise, Rozen wouldn't have been able to use that to threaten Annerose back in the Underground City, preventing her from labeling him as a traitor.

With that, the announcer's voice grew even more excited.

"Now, I declare the second match... has begun!"

Upon this announcement, the force field representing the Wizard's Field expanded across the arena.

"Attack!"

The next moment, Josink immediately gave the order, and the entire Korai team charged at the members of the S128 Special Team.

"Win the battle swiftly with minimal energy consumption!"

Josink laid out an extremely straightforward battle plan.

This wasn't because Josink lacked intelligence or was reckless.

As someone skilled in tactics, Josink understood their true objective.

(Our real target is the team of Armored Beetles. We don't have time to get entangled with Mistgun's Sky Wizards!)

Today's tournament was tightly scheduled. After the first two matches concluded, the winners of both would immediately face off in the finals.

In other words, if too much energy or magic power was expended in the first or second matches, they wouldn't be able to fight at full strength in the finals.

Korai's true target was Team Vebel. They had to defeat them in the final match.

And Josink knew that against humanoid Armored Beetles possessing Collapse Power, they had no chance unless they fought at full capacity.

Therefore...

(We need to finish this quickly, with a relentless, formation-less assault...!)

Only then could they minimize energy and magic consumption. Their sudden attack would also catch the enemy off guard, allowing them to secure victory.

Josink's actions clearly showed that he had no interest in Rozen.

(Our goal lies in a higher place...!)

Josink mentally shouted and charged forward with all his might.

Unfortunately, Josink hadn't yet realized one crucial thing.

That was, Rozen had no interest in him either.

And so...

"—Namo Hachiman Daibosatsu—"

A low whisper-like chant resounded.

"Clap!"

The sound of hands striking together clearly reached everyone's ears.

In the next moment...

"BOOM!"

An astonishing shockwave, like an invisible explosion, suddenly burst forth from the front, turning into a violent force that surged outward.

"Bang!"

The rapidly charging members of Team Korai were instantly hit head-on by the shockwave.

"Aaaaahhhhh!"

Amid the screams, each member of Korai was blasted away, crashing into the arena walls like cannonballs.

"Aaaaahhhhh!"

Josink let out a howl of pain as it felt like every bone in his body had been crushed. He slammed into the ground, rolling several times before finally stopping.

"——"

The roaring cheers suddenly ceased.

All the spectators stared wide-eyed.

Lying on the ground, Josink weakly raised his head, looking toward the sky.

There, Rozen had lowered his clapped hands, glancing down at Josink.

That look was as if he was gazing at something irrelevant, devoid of any emotion.

"You..."

Josink wanted to say something.

But his consciousness began to fade, his head tilting to the side as he lost consciousness on the spot.

The entire arena fell silent.

A moment later...

"OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Cheers erupted once more.

With that, Mistgun had defeated Team Korai and secured a place in the finals.

Time taken: one second.