Kapitel 1532: -1513- The strong from around the world
The following evening.
It was the night before the upcoming Sky Wizards Martial Arts Festival.
Early tomorrow, the much-anticipated Sky Wizards Martial Arts Festival would officially begin, marking the time for the sky wizards to compete against each other.
And now, it was the time for the pre-festival banquet.
During this banquet, the top sky wizards from around the world who had come to Vebel would gather together.
During the banquet, representatives from the Floating City Alliance Council would take the stage to deliver pre-festival declarations and speeches.
Thus, tonight's banquet was of great importance, and no one would want to miss it.
This included the members of the S128 Special Task Force.
As for the venue of the banquet, it was the Noesis Palace, as previously mentioned.
So, all the members of the S128 Special Task Force dressed in formal attire and made their way through the corridors of Noesis Palace toward the grand hall.
"Is this the stage where the top sky wizards from around the world are gathered?"
Kanata Age, dressed in a black tailcoat, tugged uncomfortably at his collar, his expression gleaming with battle spirit.
"Honestly, it's a bit exciting."
Mena Purpleton, wearing a red off-the-shoulder dress that highlighted her perfect figure, was equally unaccustomed to her appearance, yet her gaze remained fixed forward.
"Are tomorrow's opponents… all here?"
Yuri Flostre, dressed in a light blue princess gown, looked like an elegant and graceful little princess, her face tense the entire time.
"Even in a situation like this, it's hard not to feel anticipation—that's what being a sky wizard is."
Chloe Sevegny, wearing a purple-and-white wedding-like gown, with a figure no less stunning than Mena's, had been shy at first but had now returned to her usual gentle smile.
Finally, leading the group and walking at the front was Rozen.
Rozen wore a flawless white suit, looking like a prince who thrived in high society, his face no longer lazy or indifferent but adorned with a perfectly crafted smile.
"It's too early to get excited."
Rozen, like the others, gazed ahead with a smile.
"The real show is yet to come."
With these words, the group moved closer.
Closer to the large door at the end of the corridor that had everyone's attention.
That was the entrance to tonight's banquet hall.
The group stopped just before the door, their gazes seemingly piercing through it, as if they could see the scene beyond. Each one of them radiated a light they hadn't shown before.
Rozen could sense it: in this moment, Kanata, Chloe, Mena, and even Yuri were filled with nervousness and excitement.
Even though they knew there were more important tasks to complete within Vebel, the thought of facing the strongest from the floating academies around the world on the same battlefield was enough to stir their anticipation, just as Chloe had mentioned.
Because this is what it means to be a sky wizard.
Because this is what it means to be a wizard.
"If only we could truly compete with them for the title of the strongest in the world."
Kanata couldn't help but voice his regret.
"They must all be incredibly strong…"
Even Yuri took a deep breath, murmuring softly.
Chloe and Mena shared the same feeling of regret.
However…
"Though things will be complicated this time, as long as humanity isn't wiped out and there's still a future, and if the threat of the Armored Beetles diminishes, the same opportunity will come again."
Rozen addressed his companions behind him.
"So, don't rush. We still have time."
Hearing this, the group smiled in unison.
"That's right."
Mena nodded in agreement.
"We still have time."
Chloe smiled gently.
Regret, disappointment, and anticipation all faded from the hearts of the group, replaced by a burning fighting spirit and determination.
Kanata, Chloe, Mena, and Yuri all focused their gazes on Rozen.
Seeing this, Rozen smiled knowingly.
"Let's go."
With these words, Rozen reached out and pushed open the banquet hall doors.
In the next second, the scene inside the banquet hall was laid bare before the S128 Special Task Force.
What greeted them was a luxurious and splendid ballroom.
An extravagant chandelier hung from above, while red carpets adorned the floors.
Elegant classical music flowed from every direction.
The long tables along the walls were filled with an array of dishes and delicacies.
Students dressed in formal attire were gathered in various corners, chatting and mingling. As soon as they heard the sound of the doors opening, they immediately turned their gazes toward the entrance.
For a moment, an inexplicable silence filled the room.
Countless eyes focused on Rozen and his group, bringing an indescribable pressure.
The eyes of every sky wizard in the hall were filled with scrutiny and appraisal, their gazes sharp and gleaming.
The top figures from the floating academies around the world were all staring at them in unison, assessing, evaluating, and observing them, creating a pressure that was far from ordinary.
In response, Kanata smiled fearlessly, Chloe's gentle smile remained unchanged, Mena stood poised and calm, and even Yuri, her face tight, exuded an imposing aura.
As for Rozen…
"It seems we're not too late."
As if completely ignoring the intense gazes directed at them, Rozen's casual remark instantly dispelled the oppressive atmosphere.
Then, Rozen swept his gaze across the room.
At that moment, many people were visibly moved.
Everyone felt as if their eyes had been pricked by needles the instant they met Rozen's gaze, a sudden sharp pain causing many of the sky wizards to lower their heads in shock.
Only then did Rozen smile slightly and lead the group into the hall.
"Is… is that the representative team from Mistgun?"
"The one leading them is the Hero of Humanity, Rorelai Arneet, isn't it?"
"Scary…"
"There's this subtle sense of danger, even though I didn't feel any overwhelming pressure…"
"Damn, what a monster…"
One by one, the sky wizards watched as the S128 Special Task Force entered the room, especially Rozen. Their gazes ranged from fear and apprehension to outright admiration.
In addition to these reactions, some intriguing gazes were also cast their way.
Rozen followed these intriguing gazes, looking toward three specific directions.
The first came from someone familiar.
"Hmph…"
Not dressed in formal attire but still wearing her uniform, Noel glared at Rozen, her expression displeased as she coldly snorted.
By her side, several other sky wizards in the same uniform were also looking their way, their expressions somewhat unfriendly. They were most likely the representatives from Falcion, like Noel.
As for the other two directions, they came from individuals Rozen didn't recognize.
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein