Chapter 587: -580- And if I refuse?
"Clang!"
Just as the exorcists were closing in on them, a dazzling barrier spread around, firmly controlling the scene.
The one who activated the barrier was not the surrounding exorcists but the only woman among the four leaders.
She wore a jacket and a tight-fitting suit, shortening the exorcists' protective gear for mobility. Her hair was of medium length, adorned with a striped hairpin, showcasing a streamlined nose and lively eyes. She looked to be in her early twenties, radiating determination on her face, typical of someone accustomed to standing at the forefront. Her spiritual power was exceptional.
Seeing this woman, Natsume had an immediate reaction.
"The Binding Princess..."
———The Binding Princess.
One of the "Twelve Divine Generals," a nationally recognized top-level onmyouji specializing in barrier techniques, an independent exorcist affiliated with the Exorcism Division. She stood out in her mastery of barrier techniques, considered one of the new generation's pillars alongside the "Omnipotent Sword" within the Exorcism Division. Her real name was Yuge Mari.
Appearing here and activating the barrier was none other than her.
"Children...?"
It seemed she hadn't expected a group of underage children here, especially with Dairenji Suzuka, also one of the "Twelve Divine Generals" present. This surprised Yuge Mari.
On the other hand, the remaining three had different reactions.
"It's actually you...?"
Dressed like a biker gang member, a young man with a divine sword at his waist slightly widened his eyes, then his expression turned somber.
He was one of the "Twelve Divine Generals," praised as the "Omnipotent Sword" — Kogure Zenjiro.
"Hah! This is quite a delightful surprise!"
The person who spoke in such a rough yet pleasant manner, looking like a delinquent youth with an "X" mark on his forehead, exuded a dangerous aura. He inserted both hands into his pockets, displaying a rebellious and untamed appearance.
He was one of the "Twelve Divine Generals" known as the "Ogre Eater" — Kagami Reiji.
As for the remaining person, he was well-known to everyone.
"It seems you've done something quite dangerous, you lot."
Speaking with a lazy tone, this man was of short stature, unkempt in appearance, sporting a beard, and had a disheveled head of hair, giving the impression that he could never stand on the podium.
However, in this world, he was one of the only two people that Rozen was wary of.
Known by the name of "Fire Demon," acclaimed as the strongest onmyoji of the current era — Miyachi Iwao.
The commander of the Exorcism Division led three independent exorcists and a group of division personnel to surround the area.
Facing this situation, Natsume and Suzuka appeared visibly tense.
As for Rozen, after a moment of silence, he suddenly smiled.
"I didn't expect the four renowned independent exorcists from the Exorcism Division to show up together, even 'Fire Demon' Miyachi is here. Quite surprising, isn't it?" Rozen said, though his words seemed somewhat insincere.
Because Rozen was not surprised at all.
"Although I don't know what delightful things you've been up to, the spiritual phenomena we just witnessed can't be easily explained away. Do you think the Exorcism Division is here for a casual visit?" Kagami Reiji taunted, hitting the nail on the head.
Given the magnitude of the spiritual phenomenon just witnessed, it was impossible for the Exorcism Division not to notice anything.
And one could imagine the disaster that would be unleashed once the distorted spiritual energy from earlier erupted.
Hence, the four independent exorcists of the Exorcism Division mobilized together and even called in reinforcements. It was not surprising at all.
"What exactly are you doing here?" Kogure Zenjiro sternly questioned, although his eyes indicated that Rozen and his group should truthfully disclose their actions, implying a lighter outcome.
"The two top students of the Onmyo Academy, plus the 'Child Prodigy,' are also present. Seems like you've been up to something quite unusual,"
Yuge Mari stated, her tone businesslike.
In response, both Natsume and Suzuka had no words.
Which was entirely normal.
After all, the disturbance this time was indeed caused by their side; there was no denying that.
Therefore, Natsume and Suzuka had nothing to say.
Only Rozen spoke casually, as if having a casual conversation.
"Is it too presumptuous to say that we've done something? Let's not jump to conclusions so quickly," Rozen said in this manner.
However...
"We also find it hard to believe that a group of underage children could have caused the spiritual phenomenon we just witnessed," Miyachi Iwao sighed, his gaze fixed on Rozen.
"However, it's clear that it's not you... No, it should be said that it's not something an ordinary onmyoji can possess so casually. Don't tell me such a thing can easily appear by your side," Miyachi Iwao's words made the three independent exorcists present and all the exorcism division members look at Rozen.
Of course, they weren't looking at Rozen, but at the three-legged crow and the snow-white rabbit perched on Rozen's arm and nestled in his embrace.
Seeing those two shikigami, everyone present trembled.
It was an instinctive shudder.
From the three-legged crow and the rabbit, an aura that was incredibly noble and extraordinary continuously emanated. It was as if a sun and a moon had descended, displaying in front of everyone. This was enough to make all onmyoji who had the ability to see spirits tremble.
"Truly intriguing things..." Kagami Reiji grinned, but a drop of cold sweat trickled down his forehead.
"What kind of spiritual energy is that?" Kogure Zenjirou was visibly serious.
"I've never seen anything like this..." Yuge Mari bit her lip.
Even Miyachi Iwao was staring intently at Kinu and Gyokuto, abandoning his usual unkempt appearance, and performed a formal Buddhist bow with clasped hands.
It was a gesture of respect.
Evidently, Miyachi Iwao knew exactly what kind of beings had appeared before him.
On the other hand, Kinu and Gyokuto seemed to sense Miyachi's capability and looked at him with interest. However, to the rest of the people, they showed no interest whatsoever, causing the two shikigami to leisurely groom their scattered feathers or scratch their rabbit ears, appearing incredibly cute.
But no matter how cute they were, the aura they emitted still made everyone involuntarily gulp, unwilling to make any hasty moves.
Except for one person...
"While it's undoubtedly offensive, I'm sorry, but could you please come with us?" Miyachi Iwao said to Rozen's group.
In response, Rozen remained silent for a moment and then spoke nonchalantly.
"And if I refuse?"
This sentence made the atmosphere at the scene instantly heavy.
Miyachi Iwao sighted once again, scratching his head.
"Although I don't want to do this, if you really refuse to cooperate, then I'll have to..."
Before he could finish speaking, Miyachi Iwao was interrupted.
"Whoosh!"
A dark figure carrying fire powder darted in front of Miyachi Iwao. It's golden eyes emanated a cold, indifferent light, locking onto Miyachi Iwao.
"——!"
Miyachi Iwao suddenly felt an unbeatable pressure enveloping him, causing his complexion to change instantly.
At this moment, the white rabbit lying in Rozen's arms also raised its head and let out a gentle call.
"Bang!"
The barrier shrouding the surroundings shattered instantly.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone