-1435- A little calmer?

On this day, the floating academic city of Mistgun was much more lively than usual.

People gathered from all directions, converging toward a large venue—a spacious open-air arena.

This arena resembled an ancient Roman colosseum. The central area was a battleground made of earth, surrounded by high walls that enclosed it in a circular shape. Behind these walls were tiered spectator seats, arranged like stairs, where one by one, spectators entered and filled the seats.

This arena was specifically designated for the intra-school ranking battles of the Sky Wizards Division within Mistgun.

Normally, even ranking battles between A-rank teams wouldn't draw such large crowds, yet today, the arena was packed to the brim.

Today, a ranking battle between two E-rank teams, Team E601 and Team E571, was about to begin.

The ranking battle between Team E601 and Team E571 was the reason why the people of Mistgun had flocked here, filling the arena completely.

The fact that a ranking battle between two E-rank teams could attract such a crowd left many of the high-ranking Sky Wizards with mixed feelings.

In one corner of the audience, someone was watching this scene with a grin.

"I didn't expect that after all these years, I would still see such a large audience. As expected, the title of 'Mage King' is extraordinary."

The person speaking with such amusement had been eagerly anticipating the match since entering the arena—Kanata Age.

As Chloe Sevegny had mentioned earlier, Kanata had come here to watch this battle.

He was not alone.

Chloe was there.

Freon Flamel was there.

Rozen was also there.

In other words, the high-ranking individuals of Mistgun had all gathered here.

"It's true, as Kanata mentioned, it has indeed been a long time since we've seen such a large crowd."

Chloe spoke with a hint of nostalgia.

"What? Thinking about the old days?"

Rozen smiled at both Chloe and Kanata.

In the past, when Rozen, Chloe, and Kanata first formed Team 128 and made a name for themselves in the ranking battles, climbing to A-rank, the number of spectators that came to watch their battles was also unprecedented.

Since ascending to S-rank and earning the title of a special unit, Rozen's team had been exempt from ranking battles. Instead, they focused on maintaining the security, order, and operations of Mistgun by performing various tasks.

Thus, ever since becoming an S-rank special unit, it had been a long time since Rozen and the others had watched a ranking battle, let alone seen such a large audience at the arena.

Even Freon sighed.

"I just encountered the head of the Alchemist Division. He said this battle, which will decide the fate of the 'Mage King,' is also of great significance to the Alchemist Division, so he brought a large group to secure seats. Besides that, the heads of other divisions have also shown up to some extent, and it seems even the principal of the academy is hiding his identity and watching the battle from some corner of the stands. And all of this just for a battle between two E-rank teams."

Freon seemed displeased.

"Isn't that a good thing?" Chloe chuckled, "It looks like your sister likes being in the spotlight. If she can make a name for herself in one go, it would also be beneficial for the Flamel family, right?"

Hearing this, Freon retorted.

"I know how capable that fool is. I'm just worried she'll make a fool of herself and end up being the laughing stock."

It seemed that Freon was genuinely worried about this, which explained her displeasure.

On the contrary, Kanata was the exact opposite.

"A team that no one thinks will succeed suddenly pulls off a stunning reversal under the spotlight—that's what makes it interesting. Otherwise, it would be too boring."

Kanata was still full of enthusiasm.

"I just hope they won't disappoint us, those girls."

Rozen shrugged, expressing only this.

Until…

"It seems senpai really likes those girls, no wonder you're so passionate about this."

A voice full of displeasure suddenly sounded, reaching everyone's ears.

Rozen didn't turn around; he didn't need to. He could tell from the tone alone who was speaking, and he sighed helplessly.

Chloe, Kanata, and Freon did, however, look over.

"So, you came, Yuri."

"The match is about to start."

Chloe and Kanata spoke in turn.

The newcomer was Yuri Flostre.

Yuri approached with a displeased expression.

She looked as if…

"As if someone owed you money, and you came to collect the debt."

Rozen couldn't help but mutter.

"Who's collecting debts…!?"

Yuri angrily shouted.

This shout drew the attention of the surrounding spectators, who finally noticed Rozen and the others.

Immediately, murmurs spread among the audience.

"Look... Look over there!"

"Rozen-senpai is there...!"

"The members of the Special Unit are here too...!"

"Even the head of the Sky Wizards Division?"

"I'm... I'm going to faint…"

Voices like these continued to echo.

It was clear that Rozen and his group couldn't remain hidden any longer.

Given their popularity, it was only natural that their presence would cause a stir.

Not just Rozen—every member of the Special Unit was a star within Mistgun, bonafide celebrities in their own right.

Especially Chloe and Yuri, with their outstanding looks—one being as gentle and caring as an angel, and the other as serious and dignified as a princess. Both had countless admirers within Mistgun, and were the type to cause a stir just by walking down the street.

With the addition of Freon, the head of the Sky Wizards Division, it was impossible not to attract attention.

"Ah..."

"We've been exposed…"

"Sigh..."

Chloe, Kanata, and Freon sighed in unison.

"Can't you be a little calmer, Yuri?"

Rozen rolled his eyes.

"Who... Who do you think caused this…!?"

Yuri was trembling with anger.

But in the end, she didn't do anything else that would draw more attention. She gritted her teeth, suppressed her frustration, and sat down.

This scene caused Chloe and Kanata to chuckle.

After all, despite her anger, Yuri still sat down right next to Rozen, didn't she?

She really was as stubborn as ever.

Maybe even Yuri herself didn't realize this.

Yuri just stared straight ahead at the field, her expression becoming serious as she adjusted her emotions.

This girl was also very concerned about the outcome of this ranking battle.

Rozen glanced at Yuri and smiled slightly.

The two didn't say anything further and simply focused on the arena.

Meanwhile, in a distant corner, hidden in the shadows, someone was secretly watching this scene.

Upon seeing Rozen and Yuri sitting together, a hint of hatred flashed in their eyes.

"You again… It's always you, always you, always you, always you…!"

A voice filled with resentment poured out continuously from the person's mouth.

As if they were possessed by a demon.