-549- That is the actual person, without a doubt

"Three person?"

Rozen's statement made Kurahashi Miyo, Ohtomo Jin, and Kogure Zenjirou exchange glances, with Ohtomo Jin's expression being the most intriguing.

"I can probably guess which three persons you're referring to, Akikan-kun," Ohtomo Jin shrugged helplessly, not answering Rozen but turning to Kogure Zenjirou for consultation.

"Can we tell him, Zenjirou?" Ohtomo asked the current "Twelve Divine Generals" for their opinion.

After all, the three people they were about to mention were not someone whose existence could be casually revealed. Even many professional Onmyouji were kept in the dark.

In this regard, Kogure Zenjirou was also quite helpless.

"Well, Akikan-kun is a directly involved party and has considerable strength. It should be fine to tell him."

The implication was that they could indeed provide Rozen with an answer.

That is to say,

"I can assume that you all are aware of the identities of these three individuals?" Rozen confirmed.

"If the three individuals you mentioned are the ones we're thinking of," Ohtomo Jin scratched his head, saying this with an expression of slight annoyance.

Following that, Ohtomo Jin looked at Rozen.

"Akikan-kun," Ohtomo said, "you encountered 'd,' didn't you?"

— 'd.'

This was a codeword exclusive to the Mystical Investigators' Department, referring to a certain Onmyouji hidden behind the scenes in the world of curses.

He had been an active presence behind the scenes for a long time throughout the years, although he hadn't directly caused any major events, traces of his activities could be seen in almost all significant incidents.

The identity of this Onmyouji remains shrouded in mystery.

However, the individual claims to be:

"Ashiya Douman."

Ohtomo Jin spoke this name.

"You encountered him, right?"

He said it with great certainty.

Clearly, Ohtomo had completely figured it out.

Rozen fell into silence.

— 'Ashiya Douman.'

This name was impossible to ignore.

Any Onmyouji should have heard of this name.

He was referred to as the 'Dōma Hōshi,' once sparring in Onmyou techniques with the great Onmyouji Abe no Seimei. He was a legendary Onmyouji, a formidable adversary and opponent throughout Abe no Seimei's life. He was a true legendary Onmyouji.

In other words, the legendary Onmyouji known as Ashiya Douman was a figure who was active during the Heian period, a thousand years ago. Moreover, he was a nemesis of the Tsuchimikado family, descendants of Abe no Seimei.

It was precisely because of this that when Rozen heard the old man claim to be Ashiya Douman, he found it absurd and akin to a joke.

Not because the individual was a legendary figure.

Rozen had encountered countless legendary figures as the Master of Chaldea. He had lost count of how many mythological heroes and warriors he had encountered, even clashing and fighting with them personally. If it were merely because the person was a legendary figure, it wouldn't have surprised Rozen that much.

What truly surprised Rozen was the existence of this individual.

The fact that a figure from a thousand years ago could appear in the modern era was what truly astonished Rozen.

You see, this wasn't Chaldea. Whether it was gods or Heroic Spirits, they were still unknown territory for the people of this world.

If that old man was indeed Ashiya Douman, what did it mean?

"Manifestation of the Divine."

Rozen muttered this term to himself.

— Silence fell upon the entire director's office, making the air feel considerably heavy.

Yes.

If that old man was truly Ashiya Douman, it meant that a miraculous manifestation of the divine had occurred.

And, unfortunately, it wasn't just anyone being manifested; it was Ashiya Douman, the archenemy of the Tsuchimikado family.

This was why Rozen felt that things had taken an unbelievable turn.

However,

"That's not something that can just easily appear. It's too hasty to think it's a manifestation of the divine right now."

Ohtomo Jin pushed his glasses and, contrary to his usual carefree appearance, spoke very calmly.

"Although he claims to be Ashiya Douman, it hasn't been confirmed. It could be someone impersonating the Doma Hoshi. It's more likely an inheritor of the name Ashiya Douman, not necessarily the original person. That's why the Mystical Investigation Department considers him a mysterious Onmyouji using the codename 'd' and sees him as a threat."

Ohtomo Jin said just that.

It was only natural, right?

Rather than believing that the individual had survived for a thousand years or had miraculously manifested, it was more human to explain it as impersonation or someone inheriting that title.

But Rozen still wanted to say this.

"That is the actual person, without a doubt."

Rozen said this with absolute certainty, leaving Ohtomo Jin astonished.

Even Kogure Zenjirou couldn't keep silent anymore.

"Why are you so sure?"

Zenjirou Kogure looked at Rozen, his expression now serious.

In contrast, Rozen appeared indifferent.

"It's simple," Rozen spoke bluntly.

"I don't believe that such monstrous beings would appear in the modern era, let alone two of them. Having one 'Fire Demon' is already a miracle."

This was Rozen's most genuine belief.

You see, even now, Rozen didn't know what level his true strength had reached.

After the singularity in France, Rozen devoted himself to rigorous training in the world of Sword Art Online for over a decade, constantly honing his skills. He not only acquired the ability of 'Mind's Eye' but also elevated his proficiency in 'Summoning Arts.'

By that time, he had become significantly stronger than before. Afterward, he continued to train for over a decade in this world, mastering Jujutsu and gaining numerous familiars and Shikigami. He now possessed a formidable arsenal of abilities and trump cards. The true extent of his strength remained unknown.

However, it was clear from the fact that Rozen didn't sense any threat from Kogure Zenjirou and Kagami Reiji that at least, he could handle individuals at the level of the 'Twelve Divine Generals.'

However, the 'Twelve Divine Generals' were already individuals standing at the pinnacle of this world.

From this, it could be seen that although Rozen's strength hadn't been confirmed, it was definitely different from before.

Only two individuals made Rozen feel a substantial threat.

One was the man known as the strongest Onmyouji of this generation, Miyachi Iwao.

The other was the old man claiming to be Ashiya Douman.

Therefore, Rozen was absolutely certain that these individuals were not mere impersonators or inheritors.

Most importantly, as a Master, Rozen, who had interacted with various heroes and legends from mythology, almost instinctively understood the essence of the other person.

The other was by no means an impersonator or inheritor.

Rozen was certain of this.

Ohtomo Jin and Kogure Zenjirou didn't know this, but they acknowledged Rozen's words and fell into silence.