—「Binding Shikigami」.
This is a Shikigami born with a thorough enhancement in the function of "binding," specifically designed for capturing purposes.
Shikigami come in various types. Regardless of their respective nature and characteristics, they are classified based on the written incantations and symbols on their forms, which naturally determine their types and purposes.
Just like jujutsu, different symbols and incantations will manifest different Shikigami.
Hence, even for professional Onmyoji, creating simple Shikigami poses no problem.
However, to create powerful Shikigami beyond this, one needs a comprehensive understanding of various symbols and must modify and use them accordingly. Only then can they create the Shikigami they desire.
Onmyoji lacking this ability naturally cannot possess specialized Shikigami and can only use simple ones in battles. The difference compared to Onmyoji with powerful Shikigami is not something that can be easily measured.
However, in the modern industry, some Onmyoji choose to become professionals in research and development. Their goal is to create charms, talismans, and even Shikigami, and then mass-produce them for use by Onmyoji.
Now, among the transparent, glass-like swallow Shikigami appearing in front of Rozen, there is one such product, widely circulated in the market, possessing a powerful binding effect. It has become a popular mass-produced Shikigami and a representative of the Binding Shikigami—「SwallowWhip·WA1·」.
Although this kind of Shikigami is a mass-produced type available in the market, it's not something you can easily purchase.
Due to its effectiveness, the SwallowWhip has become the most frequently used and favored Shikigami for Jujutsu Search Agents who frequently deal with criminals.
Consequently, it's also a preferred Shikigami for Onmyou Agency members. During regular times, it's specialized for capturing criminals. The sales channels for the SwallowWhip are almost all from the Jujutsu Search Department, making it difficult for external Onmyoji to obtain.
In other words...
"Are you Jujutsu investigator?" Rozen's voice finally carried a hint of surprise.
However, the surrounding Onmyoji seemed uninterested, as if this identity was inconsequential. They continued to gaze at Rozen with fanaticism and obsession.
Including the handsome man in the lead, who said, still grinning, "My king, please focus on the trial."
He continued, "Although the identity of a us means nothing before the great King of North Star, we, eight comrades, all possess the qualification of 'Onmyo second class.' Even if we add your strength to ours, unless you awaken the power and memories of your past life, you won't be a match. Please respond to our expectations and prove your identity here."
In other words, they wanted to forcefully push Rozen to awaken his so-called memories and power of a past life.
If he could do it, it would prove that Rozen was the reincarnation of Yakou.
If he couldn't, Rozen would be a fake, and the idea of being Yakou's reincarnation would remain a mere rumor.
This so-called trial was imposed unilaterally, completely disregarding Rozen's will, intent, and wishes, an imposition of so-called trials...
"Simply the self-satisfaction of a lunatic," Rozen remarked, sounding bored.
"Truly foolish," this evaluation seemed to deeply offend all the Onmyoji present.
"King of North Star...!"
"We dedicated ourselves to you out of loyalty!"
"To call us loyal servants lunatic?"
"Indeed, you haven't awakened yet!"
"Let us bestow upon you a trial to regain your true power and wisdom!"
Each Onmyoji shouted these lines.
Immediately, the SwallowWhips hovering around Rozen started speeding up astonishingly, with their long light tails converging toward Rozen.
Once these Shikigami approached, they would turn into strong restraints, binding him.
It was said that skilled Onmyoji could even seal the target's Jutsu with SwallowWhips.
Though Rozen didn't think any of the so-called Jujutsu investigator present had such skill, since the start, he had been subtly sensing a faint Reiki stimulating his skin, making him understand one thing.
The Onmyoji before him were just pawns pushed out.
In the shadows here, there were probably... no, very likely two formidable Onmyoji.
They hadn't appeared but were silently observing the situation.
Clearly, these two were the main course tonight.
As for the people currently here...
"As an appetizer, it seems a bit inadequate," Rozen said, and several Jujutsu scrolls flashed in his hand.
"Order!" Like bullets, the Jutsu scrolls were thrown towards the surroundings, each igniting upon release.
Besides fire talisman, what else could they be?
Raging flames instantly erupted, painting the surroundings red and entwining the SwallowWhips like red vines.
"Not that easy!"
"Just mere Fire talisman...!"
"Please don't underestimate us!"
The surrounding Onmyoji shouted in succession, some forming hand seals and others unleashing charms. This caused the SwallowWhips to cleverly change direction, avoiding the spreading flames and conjuring large amounts of water to extinguish the blaze.
However, these Onmyoji hadn't noticed the floating seals within the raging flames.
The seals were protected by a glass-like barrier and started glowing as the flames were extinguished.
"Order!"
Rozen unleashed the power of the seals, causing them to transform into eagles amidst the light.
"Shikigami Generation!"
Rozen formed hand seals, creating a series of simple Shikigami.
However, under Rozen's control, these simple Shikigami seemed to come to life, emitting sharp cries and pouncing on the approaching SwallowWhips.
"Splurt!"
Caught off guard, the SwallowWhips were torn apart by the eagle's talons.
As for the water streams, under the wing beats of the eagles, they were blown back as if by a strong wind.
"What...!?"
"No...!"
The Onmyoji were stunned, unable to react in time, and were directly swept away by the reversed water streams.
"Eek!"
In the distance, the leading handsome man seemed panicked and kept retreating.
But...
"Don't... underestimate me!"
The handsome man shrieked in terror and then cast his charms.
They were also Shikigami.
However, Rozen, relying on his keen vision, saw that the charms had different spells from the SwallowWhips.
"Clang!"
The unleashed charm immediately emitted a black light, turning into dense black mist that enshrouded Rozen.
"This is..."
Rozen narrowed his eyes.
"Curse Shikigami?"
————"Curse Shikigami."
This is also a type of artificial Shikigami, but different from the popular SwallowWhip on the market. It's a dangerous Shikigami forbidden by the Onmyo Agency.
They are created using cursed Jutsu power, powerful yet perilous. If not careful, they could even backlash against the user. Therefore, the Onmyo Agency prohibits their creation or use without permission.
Now, this kind of Shikigami was being employed.
"Go, Gudo!"
The handsome man shouted his Shikigami's name, allowing the black mist to spread towards Rozen like a corrosive swamp, threatening to consume him.