-599- [ Fire Demon ]

"Clang..."

In the faint flowing light, the barrier that enveloped the entire corridor gradually began to lose its effect, fading away and disappearing.

In the corridor, Hokuto, the victorious one, joyfully soared through the air, while Enenra lingered around it, curiously observing. It seemed to have forgotten about its recent opponent, appearing remarkably innocent.

The ten Valkyries once again kneeled around Rozen, showing their support.

In this situation, Rozen's gaze fell upon the three fallen figures on the ground.

"Ugh..."

Yuge Mari had already fainted, making only faint, distressed sounds subconsciously.

"..."

Kagami Reiji lay in a pool of blood, seemingly unaware if he's alive or dead.

"Damn it..."

Kogure Zenjirou clenched the divine blade tightly, struggling to get up, but no matter what, he couldn't manage it.

"Zenjirou!"

"Pull yourself together!"

"Get up, Zenjirou!"

"The bad guy is getting away!"

The four tengu guarded Kogure Zenjirou, their voices filled with anxiety and urgency, almost on the verge of tears. They called out to Kogure Zenjirou while glaring angrily at Rozen.

However, Rozen paid no attention to them. Instead, he reflected on his own battle.

Although he didn't use the "Crimson Wing Formation" in this fight, he undeniably exerted his full strength. With the confirmation of his own full power, Rozen finally understood. Since the singularity in France and his training in the Sword Art Online world, which lasted for about thirty years in total, what level of advancement had he achieved?

"Now, having acquired 'Mind's Eye' as an ultimate skill and realized the acquisition of the 'Crimson Wing Formation,' in addition to being able to summon Upper-level-level familiars and gaining a wealth of jujutsu knowledge, having just defeated three 'Twelve Divine Generals' level national-class onmyoji without a scratch, there should be no doubt that I can now challenge the top-level familiars even without using the 'Crimson Wing Formation,' right?"

If it were the current Rozen, even without using the "Crimson Wing Formation," he should be more than capable of challenging the top-level familiars!

"If I use the 'Crimson Wing Formation,' I could even contend with strategic-level top-tier familiars!"

Strategic-level! This is an existence that can single-handedly rival a country!

Such a being is undoubtedly top-tier even among Servants, standing at the pinnacle of the pyramid, the elite heroes!

Now, Rozen believes he has the ability to compete with top-tier Servants!

Of course, this is without considering Noble Phantasms.

Some of the Noble Phantasms possessed by Servants are too overpowered. Once used, their effects far exceed one's own strength. If the opponent truly possesses a Noble Phantasm capable of altering the tide of battle, Rozen might be in trouble.

Furthermore, not to mention Noble Phantasms, some of the skills possessed by Servants are enough to give Rozen a headache.

Like the skill 'Magic Resistance,' once it reaches A rank, most of Rozen's jujutsu probably couldn't even scratch the opponent's skin.

And if a Servant, despite being only at the level of a upper-level familiar, possesses an Ex-ranked irregular Noble Phantasm, Rozen might be at a disadvantage, even if he faces them.

On the other hand, if the opponent is stronger than strategic level but doesn't possess any exceptional Noble Phantasms, Rozen, with the power of command seals, might have an even greater chance of winning.

But do Servants at that level truly not possess outstanding Noble Phantasms?

Just thinking about it seems somewhat unlikely.

"It seems I can start studying the ritual of 'Heroic Spirit Summoning.'"

Rozen made this decision in his mind.

If Rozen could summon Heroic Spirits at will, what would his strength become then?

It's unimaginable.

Now, Rozen believes that he already possesses the initial ability to study the 'Heroic Spirit Summoning' ritual.

"Even if it's only a Heroic Spirit at the level of upper-level familiars, as long as I can summon types that possess high-ranking Noble Phantasms, they will become my aces."

Rozen made this plan.

Therefore, Rozen's journey of intense training is far from over.

He will continue his daily practice for another ten years, just as always.

That's just how it is.

However...

"If I can fully unleash the power of Kinu and Gyokuto, perhaps, even against top-tier Servants with extremely powerful Noble Phantasms, I might be able to prevail."

In this world, Rozen's greatest gain indeed was these two Shikigami, which also serve as his familiars.

Thanks to them, Rozen was almost invincible.

"Leaving that aside, just considering Kinu and Gyokuto's defense and resistance, even some high-level Noble Phantasms' release should be easily blocked."

Thinking about this, Rozen's mood became extremely joyful.

"All right."

After the reflection was over, Rozen turned his head and looked forward in the corridor.

"Let's go and bring Natsume and Suzuka out."

Having said that, Rozen's body floated up, carried by the Kinu's cloak.

"Wa... wait...!"

Seeing this scene, Kogure Zenjirou struggled even more violently as if stimulated.

To this...

"————"

The chains of the jutsuryoku swept through space and entwined around the incapacitated Kogure Zenjirou, binding him.

"...!?"

Feeling himself bound by 'Unmoving Golden Chains', his mind firmly restrained, gradually being suppressed, Kogure Zenjirou's expression changed drastically.

Obtaining knowledge from Yakou's life and the enhancement of 'Mind's Eye,' Rozen could finally manifest a bit of the true essence of 'Unmoving Golden Chains.' It could bind not only the target's body but also their mind and spirit, rendering them unconscious.

"Apologies, but I don't want to go too far with you. Just go to sleep peacefully."

Rozen gazed at Kogure Zenjirou, sighed lightly, and spoke these words.

Hearing this, Kogure Zenjirou, unable to resist the mental binding, sank into slumber with a sense of reluctance.

"Zenjirou!"

The Tengu mourned one after another, and then, due to the caster losing consciousness, they all disappeared.

At the scene, silence was finally restored.

Rozen looked at the slumbering Kogure Zenjirou, the unconscious Yuge Mari, and Kagami Reiji lying in a pool of blood, ready to retract all the Shikigami.

But...

"Master!"

"Master!"

At this moment, the Valkyries nervously exclaimed one after another, even jumping in front of Rozen to protect him.

"————!"

At the same time, Hokuto also lost his composure, swiftly turned his head, stared in a certain direction, and let out an intimidating growl. Enenra seemed to be frozen solid, emitting a sharp cry.

Even before these Shikigami could react, Rozen's 'Heaven's Eye' had already glimpsed the clue. The Gyokuto Ring on his hand sent a warning, even his Kinu's cloak fluttered, prompting Rozen to suddenly turn and focus on the front of the corridor.

There...

"Ah..."

A sigh resounded slowly.

"In the end, it turned out like this?"

Saying these words, a man walked towards them.

Looking at this man, Rozen's face turned grim.

"Fire Demon..."

It was Miyachi Iwao.

At this moment, the contemporary strongest Onmyouji was no longer wearing a shabby suit but instead wore robes like a monk, holding prayer beads. The atmosphere was completely different from usual.

"If possible, I really don't want to use force inside the hall."

While Miyachi Iwao was walking towards them, he sighed and scratched his head.

"If I burn down the hall, it would really become a problem."

It was precisely because of this that Miyachi Iwao hadn't shown up all this time.

Now...

"It's truly regrettable."

Miyachi Iwao summarized it with these words.

The enemy capable of threatening Rozen had ultimately appeared.

Right in front of Rozen.