Kapitel 1568: -1549- That....?
Since the survival competition began, Rozen and his group hadn't eaten. By now, each of them was already on an empty stomach.
The event organizers had provided all the representative teams with the necessary supplies for the survival competition, such as tents, food, flares for detecting and reporting patients requiring emergency care at night, and signal guns to fire the flares. However, because of how cumbersome these supplies were, Rozen didn't suggest that everyone bring them along.
Especially the food, which consisted mostly of canned goods, snacks, and some compressed biscuits. While nutritious, they were far from delicious.
Since Rozen could solve the food problem with jujutsu, whether or not they brought these items wasn't a big deal.
As a result, the group only carried flares, signal guns, and similar items, leaving behind everything else. This led to them not having eaten until now.
At this moment, Chloe and Yuri had started catching wild chickens and rabbits around their cave base, gathering fruits and vegetables to begin cooking.
To facilitate their work, before going to sleep, Rozen also used a jujutsu from the Metal Element talisman, creating bowls, chopsticks, and pots for everyone to use.
Chloe and Yuri made use of these items to cook inside the cave, roasting wild chickens and rabbits, which sent an enticing aroma wafting through the base.
During this time, although Kanata and Mena were on guard outside, they eventually couldn't resist the fragrance and came inside to help.
By the time night was approaching, Rozen lazily woke up and joined the others for a meal of wild game, accompanied by a soup made from the fruits and vegetables. It was quite satisfying.
Outside, the representative teams from the various floating academies were likely still fiercely competing.
Under such circumstances, Rozen and his group were casually camping out here, living so well that if any other team discovered them, they'd probably die of frustration.
Thus, the S128 Special Task Force was enjoying a camping experience that no one else could replicate, indifferent to the outside world's battles, and completely content with their meal.
After Chloe went to dispose of the animal remains and Kanata and Mena returned to their guard posts, Rozen was still sipping herbal tea brewed by Yuri.
"Here you go, Senpai."
Yuri handed Rozen a steaming cup of tea.
"Thanks."
Rozen didn't hold back and took the cup, lazily drinking from it.
"Hehe..."
Seeing Rozen like this, Yuri sat beside him, smiling brightly.
Seeing this, Rozen found it strange.
"You're in a good mood. Did something good happen?" Rozen asked with a smile.
At this, Yuri shyly lowered her head.
"It's not really anything special," Yuri murmured. "I just can't help but relax my face when I think about being able to fight alongside Senpai under the same sky again."
Hearing this, Rozen was momentarily stunned, then sighed sentimentally.
If Yuri hadn't mentioned it, Rozen would have almost forgotten.
Previously, in order to return to the front lines and continue fighting alongside him, Yuri had thrown many tantrums, both subtly and openly expressing her feelings to Rozen.
Unfortunately, Rozen had no intention of returning to the front lines.
Therefore, Yuri's feelings were complicated.
Now, due to the incident with the humanoid armored beetles and the major issues facing human society, Rozen had no choice but to make a comeback, allowing Yuri to realize this small wish of hers.
Thinking back, ever since Rozen's return, Yuri had quietly participated in all team activities, attending every training session no matter how busy, diligently fulfilling her duties, just like when she had first joined the S128 Special Task Force—extremely hardworking and determined.
Undoubtedly, the person happiest about participating in this Sky Wizards Martial Arts Festival was Yuri.
However...
"Don't forget, this isn't just a competition. If we're not careful, we might lose our lives," Rozen reminded her.
But Yuri responded without hesitation.
"No problem. As long as you're with us, no matter who the enemy is, our S128 Special Squad will win in the end."
This was trust built up over years.
The fact that this was dangerous and important didn't mean they couldn't be happy.
After all, in the past, the team Rozen had formed wasn't just participating in ranking battles. They also took on missions, going out to exterminate armored beetles, so encountering danger was normal.
Yuri, however, wasn't afraid of danger. As long as she could fight alongside Rozen, she had the courage to face any perilous or terrifying situation.
Because of this, she had been very happy to fight alongside Rozen again.
Seeing Yuri so joyful, Rozen could only sigh inwardly.
There was nothing he could do.
(This comeback is only a temporary situation.)
Once the current objectives were achieved, Rozen would return to his research on Foreign Mana, leaving the front lines again.
Thus, Yuri's happiness was destined to be fleeting.
But Rozen wasn't foolish enough to bring that up.
Looking at Yuri's bright, happy smile, Rozen thought to himself.
(Forget it, I'll find more time to accompany her in the future.)
The research on Foreign Mana was already in its final stages, so Rozen's schedule would be more flexible.
In that case, occasionally taking on missions with the S128 Special Task Force wouldn't be a problem.
With this in mind, Rozen turned to Yuri and asked about something important.
"You all should be able to use 'that' proficiently by now, right?"
This question caused Yuri to put away her smile and grow serious.
"Kanata-senpai and Chloe-senpai are highly skilled and talented. They can now use 'that' to some extent," Yuri replied, pressing her lips together. "As for me, I still need a little more practice, and Mena-senpai is in the same situation. It'll take some more time before we can use it in battle."
"I see," Rozen mused. "Well, that shouldn't be a problem, right?"
"No," Yuri shook her head. "Didn't you already make several adjustments before we left?"
"That's true." Rozen nodded. "But you and Mena had better hurry and practice. The time when you'll need to use 'that' is bound to come soon."
"Yes," Yuri answered earnestly.
With that, the two began chatting casually again.
The scene was warm and natural, just like the old days when Rozen was still with the S128 Special Task Force.
Little did they know, someone was watching them.
"Those two finally made up, huh?" Kanata smiled.
"They never really hated each other; they were just sulking the whole time," Chloe added with a grin.
"..."
Mena remained silent.
She knew that Kanata and Chloe were referring to the time when Yuri had a falling out with Rozen over his decision to leave the front lines.
Mena, being in the same position as Yuri back then, couldn't say much.
So, she quietly observed.
Just then...
"Hm?"
Rozen suddenly frowned.
"Senpai?"
Yuri was taken aback.
Kanata, Chloe, and Mena were also surprised.
Rozen ignored them, frowning deeply. After a while, as if sensing something, he abruptly looked up toward the sky.
The next moment, an unusual phenomenon occurred in the sky.
"Buzz—!"
With a buzzing sound, the sky changed color.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein