章 676: -667- Do you have a moment?
"Regardless of my registered code, I'm quite satisfied with my current ranking," Rozen thought.
"Although I've never received any ranking other than first place before, occasionally being second isn't so bad."
Ignoring how his scholarly reputation might harm others, Rozen accepted his new ranking with a casual comment that sounded as though it would invoke divine retribution.
If it weren't for the Night Party Execution Division's interference, this would likely have been Rozen's original ranking.
In terms of academic performance, Rozen was already at the top, just like Magnus. Since Magnus was first, it was only natural for Rozen to be second.
Regarding practical skills, although Rozen hadn't attended many practical lessons, his battles with Magnus and Felix already showcased his abilities. Competing against the first-ranked Magnus and easily defeating the fourth-ranked Felix in front of the entire Disciplinary Committee were achievements that should have secured Rozen at least third place. Getting second place now was entirely reasonable.
Moreover, Rozen was only a second-year student at the moment. Being two years younger than Magnus, he had this level of strength. Therefore, the Night Party Execution Division had a high opinion of Rozen's abilities, which was only natural.
"That being said, I can't help but feel the academy headmaster is up to something," Rozen thought, recalling the presentation ceremony from earlier in the day.
At that time, in the central lecture hall, the academy headmaster, accompanied by numerous professors and students from the Night Party Execution Division, handed Rozen a glove with his exclusive registered code. With a seemingly meaningful smile, the academy headmaster spoke to Rozen.
"I have great expectations for you, just like I do for Magnus. I hope you both continue to improve and offer the most perfect performance in the 'Night of Fate.'"
As the academy director spoke these words, ignoring Rozen's bewildered expression, he handed him the glove and then promptly left.
Thinking about that moment, Rozen couldn't help but feel that his rapid rise in rank, which occurred shortly after he enrolled, had something to do with the greatest mage of the nineteenth century. Even though Rozen didn't know what the academy headmaster had in mind, his intuition told him that the director was keeping a close eye on him.
"He's quite the sly fox," Rozen remarked.
After making contact with this legendary mage, Rozen realized there was a valid reason why this strongest mage of the nineteenth-century was considered a cunning politician as well.
Beyond just his power, the academy director possessed an uncanny level of cunning. Rozen couldn't underestimate him.
"After all, I don't want a repeat of what happened with Kurahashi Genji," Rozen muttered to himself.
Regardless, Rozen had successfully secured his qualification to participate in the Night Party, and he held the second position in the academy, making him the closest person to the throne of the Wiseman besides Magnus.
In just a short while, the Night Party would officially commence. After 99 intense nights of competition, the strongest puppeteer of their generation would be determined, aiming to dominate the world.
Rozen's turn to participate would come on the 98th night.
"There are still several months left; I can be patient," Rozen thought, believing he had excellent patience in this regard.
After all, Rozen was a fanatic who could continue his training for decades without a break. A mere few months meant nothing to him; it would pass in the blink of an eye.
"However, it seems there will be an interruption during the summer break. The Night Party will temporarily halt."
Considering this time frame, Rozen had nearly half a year until his appearance.
"By then, I hope I can uncover the truth I seek," Rozen silently thought.
One of Rozen's goals in coming to this academy was to discover the truth behind the downfall of the Akabane family. As for seizing the position of Wiseman, that was merely a secondary objective.
Therefore, not long after entering the academy, Rozen had already dispatched his simple shikigami to keep an eye on Magnus, making sure to monitor his every move.
However, he added, "The level of vigilance from the team is notably high. Whenever my simple shikigami get even slightly close, they almost never return."
"Discovering my sent-out simple shikigami must not be solely because Magnus possesses the 'Heaven's Eye' and 'Mind's Eye' abilities. There must be something else at play," Rozen pondered.
Anyway, Rozen had applied advanced-level "Invisibility jutsu" to his automatons. Even if someone had "Heaven's Eye" or "Mind's Eye" abilities, it wouldn't be easy to detect them when they got close to the automatons.
"Unless they possess 'Heaven's Eye' and 'Mind's Eye' of my level, Magnus won't detect them so quickly and accurately."
With this in mind, Rozen was certain that Magnus must have other means of vigilance in place.
"Perhaps he's set up a tight barrier around the workshop?"
Or maybe, within Magnus' team, there were members with keen eyesight and perception.
Therefore, it seemed unlikely that he could gather information in this manner.
In that case,
"I'll just have to take it slow."
Rozen still had time. Even if he couldn't afford to be hasty, it was better not to rush, as it might lead to problems.
"Let's take it one step at a time."
That was Rozen's current plan.
So, he stopped pondering this issue and turned his attention to other matters.
"Yaya hasn't returned yet?"
Taking a closer look, he noticed that Yaya, who was usually always with him, was not in his room.
The reason was simple.
"Even if she's going to meet someone, it shouldn't take too long, right?"
Rozen contacted Yaya through the spirit contract, sensing her location.
He could feel that Yaya was currently a considerable distance away from the academy's premises.
In other words, Yaya had currently left the academy and gone outside.
This was a significant issue because on the first day of entering the academy, all students' automatons were registered and not allowed to leave. Otherwise, they would be apprehended, and in severe cases, even the academy's guards would disassemble them.
In this situation, for Yaya to sneak out of the academy was incredibly risky.
Of course, Rozen had considered this. He had previously applied the "Invisibility jutsu" to Yaya, completely concealing her presence, allowing her to leave the academy smoothly.
As for how she would return after meeting someone,
"If that little one is there, there shouldn't be a problem."
Rozen continued to sense Yaya's location, lying on the bed idly.
Just as Rozen was about to get up and practice some magic,
"Rorelai."
At the sound of this voice, Rozen slightly paused and turned toward the direction of the window.
There, a steel-colored little dragon flew in and landed on the windowsill.
"Sorry for disturbing your rest."
The magical dragon, named Sigmund, smiled at Rozen and spoke.
"Do you have a moment now?"
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