-1514- No room for compromise

A young man and a young woman cast their gazes toward Rozen from different directions.

The young man had long black hair, a stern face, and his lips were tightly pressed into a straight line. He wore a luxurious but buttonless linen uniform and was staring intently at Rozen, his eyes showing a look as if evaluating his qualifications.

The young woman was draped in a white cloak and wore a purple protective suit decorated like a luxurious evening gown. She had amethyst-like eyes and a sharp chin. Her beautiful appearance exuded sharpness, and her eyes, which were fixed on Rozen, revealed coldness, hostility, and a fierce fighting spirit.

The emotions contained in the gazes these two directed at Rozen were different from those of others, and certainly not well-meaning.

However, Rozen did not recognize these two.

Of course, Rozen not knowing them did not mean others didn't recognize them.

At the very least, Chloe Sevegny and Yuri Flostre, who had attempted to gather information by contacting the teams from other Sky Floating Cities in the hotel yesterday, knew something about these two.

Noticing that Rozen was paying attention to them, the two girls, who were close to Rozen, immediately understood and approached him.

"Are you looking at that man over there, senpai?" Yuri lowered her voice and whispered in Rozen's ear, "That man is the captain of the representative team from Korai."

——Korai.

That was a Sky Floating City far from Mistgun, with which they rarely interacted.

That young man was the captain of the representative team from Korai, and he was quite well-known in their circle.

"His name is Josink. He's said to be a genius with talents that could be considered universal. From artillery to close combat, he's flawless. His combat skills are extremely advanced, and he often develops excellent strategies targeting his opponent's weaknesses. Whether in strength or intelligence, he is very strong and is the favorite to win this year's Sky Wizards Martial Arts Festival."

Yuri introduced him this way.

Rozen nodded but raised a question.

"Why is he looking at me like that?"

This was something Rozen was quite curious about.

To this, Yuri hesitated for a moment before answering somewhat uncertainly.

"I think Captain Josink might have some personal opinions about you, senpai."

Yuri said this.

"Personal opinions about me?"

Rozen raised an eyebrow.

But this was not without reason.

"Because Captain Josink has such high achievements in various fields and is considered a universal genius, his style is very similar to yours, senpai. Many people think of him as your backup. In short, your substitute."

Yuri awkwardly explained.

"My substitute?"

Rozen was immediately amused.

But if one were to think about it, Josink's style was indeed very similar to Rozen's.

After all, Rozen was also a universal genius, not only possessing exceptional strength but also an extraordinary mind. He could expertly use all kinds of techniques and engage in close combat. Moreover, he could devise strategies that were nearly impossible for others to grasp. In every aspect, he was flawless.

Given this, it was understandable that Josink was seen as a degraded version of Rozen, imitating his style.

However, Josink surely wouldn't want to be seen that way by others, which was probably why he was looking at Rozen with such a gaze.

As for the young woman...

"Her name is Yamier Kaiser, and she's the captain of the representative team from Vebel."

Chloe Sevegny came to Rozen's other side, lowered her voice, and explained to Rozen.

"She's a Sky Wizard from the host city Vebel, and her strength is quite remarkable. She appeared at the training grounds of Vebel yesterday and today, leading her team members in mock battles. Many ordinary students from other schools have come to support her, and she has a lot of popularity. Her weapon is a magic sword, and her swordsmanship is extremely advanced. However, it's clear she has held back during training, indicating that she's not using her full strength."

Chloe said this, causing Kanata Age and Mena Purpleton to direct eyes full of fighting spirit toward Yamier.

Both were close-range combatants and were considered unmatched in Mistgun. One had earned the title of Black Master Swordsman, and the other was known for her strong aerial assault combat. Now, seeing an opponent skilled in close combat, it was inevitable that they would feel a sense of challenge.

However...

"It's not just Yamier Kaiser."

"Her teammates are also not ordinary people."

Kanata and Mena made this assessment.

They saw several individuals standing around Yamier, seemingly her teammates, who were casting respectful glances at her.

And those individuals also exuded a faint but powerful aura.

This aura caused both Kanata and Mena to take note.

"I see."

Rozen then observed Yamier and her teammates, his eyes briefly flashing with a dim light before narrowing. He muttered quietly.

"What's wrong?"

"Are there any problems with them?"

Chloe and Yuri, standing close to Rozen, immediately asked.

"Problems?" Rozen smirked. "Of course, there are problems."

Why?

"Those people are all Armored Beetles in human form."

This statement floated lightly into the ears of Chloe and the others.

"...!?"

Chloe, Kanata, Mena, and Yuri all gasped in unison.

But this was the truth.

The representative team from Vebel, led by Yamier, was entirely composed of human-form Armored Beetles.

What did this imply?

"They must be Zeth Wiegert's subordinates, sent by him to participate in the Sky Wizards Martial Arts Festival."

Rozen spoke calmly.

"It seems like Zeth plans to stir up some trouble in the Sky Wizards Martial Arts Festival."

Upon hearing this, Chloe and the others immediately tensed up.

Everyone turned their attention to Yamier and her group.

However, Yamier and her group completely ignored their gazes.

Especially Yamier, whose eyes contained no one but Rozen.

At this moment, Yamier's eyes were only on one person.

That was Rozen.

Rozen met her gaze.

Yamier immediately displayed a fierce and beautiful smile filled with battle intent.

That smile was like a hunter who had found their prime prey.

At this moment, Rozen also smiled.

His smile was full of playfulness and amusement.

In this instant, both understood.

In the upcoming Sky Wizards Martial Arts Festival, there would be no room for compromise between the two sides.

Once they encountered each other, they would inevitably clash.

And likely, it would be a fight to the death.

This year's Sky Wizards Martial Arts Festival would be more dangerous than previous ones.

Unaware of this, the other Sky Wizards continued to chat at the banquet, oblivious to the cruel future ahead.

Just then...

"—!"

The lights in the hall suddenly dimmed.