-756- Why not?

According to the headmaster, the automatons of those glove owners suddenly went out of control at certain moments, disregarding the attempts to stop them and disappearing without a trace.

This phenomenon, as Karyusai Shouko mentioned, also occurs with automatons on the streets – some go out of control but remain, while others vanish, leaving their owners searching.

These glove owners went through a similar process, desperately searching within the academy, then seeking the help of security and the Disciplinary Committee, and even involving the academy council, but all efforts were in vain.

Eventually, feeling disheartened, they had no choice but to withdraw from the Night Party.

Of course, Rozen and the others being in an unbeatable situation during the Night Party was a major factor in these glove owners deciding to withdraw, an unavoidable outcome.

The question lies in...

"Where did these automatons go? And what kind of magic can directly interfere with automatons?"

The headmaster spoke in this manner.

"Even automatons in the Machinart City of Liverpool have been affected, indicating that the scope and potency of this magic are extensive. If that's the case, the magical energy required must be described as formidable. The question remains, where does this magical energy come from?"

All of these are mysteries.

"Coincidentally, the Automaton Exposition will take place soon, and even His Highness the Crown Prince will attend. In such a situation, with this abnormality specifically targeting automatons, one cannot help but suspect if there's a sinister plot underneath."

The headmaster then became serious, addressing Rozen and Magnus.

"You were brought here for three main reasons."

"One: Both of you are the most outstanding students in the academy, the strongest competitors in the Night Party, and the individuals closest to the throne of the Wiseman. I must remind you to take protective measures to avoid losing your automatons and withdrawing from the Night Party like the others."

"Two: According to the academy's investigation and analysis, the source of this disturbance is likely within the academy itself. Therefore, the perpetrator of this disturbance is very likely someone within our academy. If their goal is exceptional automatons attending the Night Party, both of you are likely considered prime targets."

"Three: As the strongest individuals within the academy and with Banned Dolls under your command, less susceptible to influence, I hope that after taking protective measures, you can help identify the mastermind behind this incident within the academy, ensuring peace for both the academy and the Machinart City."

"These are the reasons for summoning you here," the headmaster explained. At this point, his tone relaxed, and he inquired, "I wonder what your thoughts are on this matter?"

The headmaster then handed over the opportunity to speak to Rozen and Magnus.

Rozen and Magnus remained silent.

Not only them but also the girl-type automatons, who were initially in opposition, withdrew their gazes, redirecting their attention to their respective masters.

Even Irori and Komurasaki, along with others, had their eyes fixed on Rozen.

The reason was simple.

Back at the mansion, Karyusai Shouko had posed the same question to Rozen, who had then chosen to remain silent.

Now, facing the question once again, how would Rozen respond?

Both Irori and Komurasaki were curious about this.

In this situation...

"I have a question," Rozen said after a moment of contemplation, calmly making his request.

"Feel free to ask; as long as it's a question I can answer, I will," replied the headmaster, offering the most significant response.

Rozen, without hesitation, voiced the question that weighed on him the most.

"Can you confirm whether the origin of that unknown magic is within the academy, and if the perpetrator using this magic is also someone from the academy?"

To this...

"As for whether the perpetrator is from the academy, we haven't fully confirmed it, but it's a possibility," the headmaster answered candidly.

"However, the source of the magic is indeed within the academy. Both the Department of Machinart Physics and the Department of Machinart Technology have detected an unknown magic originating from the academy, gradually expanding and affecting the outside."

If not a member of the academy, the perpetrator still operated within its confines. It was highly likely that the person was within the academy.

"I understand," Rozen nodded, standing up from the sofa.

"Are you ready to assist the academy, Arneet-kun?" the headmaster inquired calmly.

Rozen, without hesitation, responded, "I prefer to act alone. I'm not interested in collaborating with the academy. Thank you for providing valuable information, Headmaster."

With these words, Rozen turned and left.

Observing this, Yaya, Irori, and Komurasaki quickly followed suit, leaving the reception room together.

At the same time, Magnus also stood up.

"I will be taking my leave."

Without even giving the headmaster a chance to inquire, Magnus directly uttered these words, then promptly left with his squad of girls.

"You...!"

Seeing both Rozen and Magnus being so disrespectful, Avril raised her eyebrows, about to speak, but the headmaster stopped her.

"Young people with abilities always have a bit of temperament. We are old after all; let's tolerate it a bit," the headmaster smiled without a care.

This caused Avril to first relax her raised eyebrows, then she spoke without reservation.

"You're the only one who's old. You can't even control two students. You truly are a useless old man."

Avril scolded without holding back.

"Avril..."

The headmaster made an undignified sound, pressed down by his own secretary. Perhaps anyone would consider him a truly useless old man?

However...

"That cunning old fox intends to use us."

As soon as they left the headmaster's residence, Rozen immediately said this to Yaya, Irori, and Komurasaki who caught up.

"Wha... what...?"

Yaya was instantly stunned.

"Use us?"

Irori was equally surprised.

"That old man?"

Komurasaki also looked astonished.

But that's the truth.

"The ultimate goal of that old fox is the 'machine doll', there's no doubt about it."

Rozen said so.

"For the sake of that Divine Automaton, that old guy highly values this Night Party. He even went so far as to vouch for me before, ensuring I wouldn't be accused for the destruction of the Divine Works. It's not to protect me, but to protect potential candidates for the future Wiseman."

This revealed how much the headmaster valued the Night Party.

"And if contestants keep forfeiting in consecutive rounds like this, the legitimacy of the event will be questioned. Not only will people outside investigate the reasons for such a situation, doubting if the academy has some shady dealings, even the association will suspect if there's a problem with the academy. In the worst case, they might no longer permit the Night Party to be held within the academy."

Rozen explained.

"To prevent such a thing from happening, that old fox wants to use us to find the culprit. As he said, both Magnus and I have banned automatons, capable enough to handle this situation. We are the most suitable pawns."

Rozen laid bare what the headmaster was thinking.

"So, should we still go find the culprit?"

Komurasaki couldn't help but ask.

Rozen smiled.

"Why not?"

Rozen then chuckled with a meaningful smile.

"We gain the initiative only when we find them."