บท 645: -637- Who concealed deeper?
When the sudden voice echoed throughout the battlefield and reached everyone's ears, an unimaginable presence appeared simultaneously, suppressing all movements and sounds.
"——!"
Both Rozen and Magnus almost simultaneously halted their actions—one stopped the concentrated magic, and the other retracted the ten magical threads that extended from his hand.
This overpowering sense of existence intruded between the two who were in the midst of their intense battle, instinctively making them alert. They diverted their attention from each other and focused on the unexpected third party.
"Boom!"
As the attention of the puppeteer was diverted, Yaya and Hotaru simultaneously launched attacks towards each other. Utilizing the impact-generated shockwaves, they pushed each other back, then leaped back to Rozen and Magnus, guarding their masters.
This prompted all the present students to react, quickly turning their heads towards the direction of the sound.
The next moment, everyone saw it.
They saw two individuals walking towards them.
It was a male and a female, one in front and one behind, slowly approaching. Their positions and demeanor made it clear they had a superior-subordinate relationship.
The female seemed to be the subordinate, dressed in military attire with a sword at her waist, appearing like a guard but possibly functioning as a secretary.
The male was a sturdy man.
The man seemed quite old, probably in his fifties, but he didn't give off a sense of age. He had a robust physique, tanned skin, a bushy mustache, and slight wrinkles around his eyes, allowing one to glimpse his true age.
However, no one could underestimate him because of his apparent age.
Because from this man emanated a terrifying spirit, immense magical power, and a powerful body, forming an astonishing presence that overwhelmed everyone present.
Seeing this person exuding a fearsome presence, all the students present exclaimed in succession.
"Headmaster!"
"It's the headmaster!"
"The headmaster is here!"
The students voiced their astonishment.
"The headmaster?"
Hearing the voices of the students around him, Rozen was slightly stunned and then looked at the man in surprise.
Although he had been at Walpurgis Royal Academy of Machinart for less than three days, making him unfamiliar with the people in the academy, there was one person whose name he had heard from Karyusai Shouko before coming to the academy.
No, or rather, even those unrelated to this academy should be familiar with the headmaster, shouldn't they?
Even Yaya was surprised.
"Is that old man Edward Rutherford?" Yaya called out the name.
——— "Edward Rutherford."
This is a name that still resonates throughout the world even now.
He is the headmaster of Walpurgis Royal Academy of Machinart, a person who can interact with major figures from various countries single-handedly and maintain the academy's autonomy.
Of course, if he were just a politician, he wouldn't have a reputation that echoes worldwide.
The reason why Edward Rutherford is renowned worldwide has only one explanation.
That is his strength.
Everyone calls him this unanimously.
"The strongest mage of the 19th century."
Yes.
Edward Rutherford is indeed the strongest mage of the 19th century.
If the Wiseman dominated the Night Party and the era, then this headmaster dominated the entire 19th century.
In other words, in front of this kind of figure, even if it's not accurate to call them small fries, they are only successors worthy of making him seriously deal with.
"I see, truly exceptional," Rozen gazed at the headmaster.
Through his Spirit Vision ability, Rozen could glimpse the astonishing magical power contained within the man's body.
It surpassed Magnus, who hadn't used Crimson Wing Formation, and was on par with Rozen or possibly even surpassed him in magic power.
Although immense magical power doesn't equate to great strength, powerful individuals often possess considerable magical power.
Hence, the title of the strongest in the 19th century was not something to be said lightly.
Only such a person could become the headmaster of this academy, standing above talented individuals from around the world and even allowing the Night Party to be held on his grounds.
Now, such a formidable figure had barged into the arena of Rozen and Magnus, interrupting their intense battle.
"While it's an incredibly spectacular battle that has opened my eyes, could you two consider stopping here?" The man named Edward Rutherford, accompanied by his secretary, walked in, smiling nonchalantly.
"Continuing this battle here might result in damage to this place, which is a minor issue. But if you two prodigies were to sustain any injuries here, it would be a significant matter. So, this should be enough for a spar, don't you think?" The headmaster said in a friendly tone, with a kindly expression, making people feel close to him.
However, neither Rozen nor Magnus could form such an impression of the headmaster.
Because beneath that amiable tone, an undeniable sense of authority faintly emanated, telling others that the person before them wasn't as easygoing as he appeared, but a genuine politician, a powerful individual, a person of high standing.
In response, Rozen and Magnus fell silent successively.
In this situation, the surrounding students, on the other hand, began expressing their discontent.
"How can this be?"
"Haven't they determined the victor yet?"
"The real show is supposed to come next!"
"Why stop now?"
"Yeah!"
The students voiced their opinions consecutively.
However, the thoughts of these individuals were easy to guess. Either they hoped Rozen and Magnus would harm each other here, preferably with an accident preventing them from attending the Night Party, or they wanted the two to reveal more of their abilities and gather much information, right?
Unfortunately...
"While the academy doesn't prohibit fair competition between students, it doesn't mean we'll indulge recklessly," the headmaster said, looking around with an imposing gaze that silenced every student.
Then, the headmaster looked at Rozen and Magnus.
"To be honest, Magnus, to us, is a rare treasure. And now, we have Rozen as well, which is truly a pleasant surprise. So, it's a bit of a shame if the two of you determine a victor here," said the headmaster, eloquent in his proposal. "How do you both feel about leaving this spectacular duel for the Night Party?"
The headmaster suggested this.
Upon hearing this, everyone present looked towards Rozen and Magnus.
Under the gaze of everyone present, Magnus remained silent.
As for Rozen...
"I don't have the qualifications for the Night Party, Headmaster," Rozen said calmly.
"That's easily handled," the headmaster responded without hesitation. "Rorelai Arneet achieved a perfect score in the entrance exam and academic performance is unquestionable. Regarding your strength, there's no need for any doubts. I will use my authority as the headmaster to submit an application to the Night Party organizing committee for your reevaluation."
Since the Night Party organizing committee is composed of representatives from students, professors, and the headmaster, the headmaster could only make a request and couldn't directly grant participation qualifications.
However, after this battle, coupled with the headmaster's recommendation, presumably, no one would oppose Rozen getting a spot.
"How do you feel about this, Mr Rorelai?" The headmaster displayed sincerity.
"In that case, I'm grateful."
Rozen nonchalantly nodded.
In fact, Rozen hadn't intended to determine a victor between him and Magnus in this kind of setting.
As the duel with Magnus progressed, Rozen expected that someone would step in to stop it; he had anticipated this.
Given this, Rozen didn't find it hard to accept.
Even though he still wanted to settle the old scores from years ago, Rozen's goal wasn't for revenge but to uncover certain truths.
Therefore, this time, Rozen actually had two other purposes.
One was to demonstrate a portion of his strength to the academy and secure participation in the Night Party.
The other was to probe Magnus and ascertain his current strength.
Now, Rozen had essentially achieved both of these objectives.
He believed that after this battle, it would be impossible to not obtain the qualifications for the Night Party.
And as for Magnus's strength, Rozen had roughly probed it.
Rather...
(Perhaps the other side is also probing?)
Probing after a two-year interval, how far had each side progressed?
If this matter were known to the others, it would undoubtedly shock them once again.
But it was just a probe, yet both sides had already displayed this level of strength, which was truly frightening.
However, that was the reality, right?
Rozen, needless to say, had displayed his level as a Magus, revealing that he had reached the heights of "Mind's Eye." Yet, from start to finish, he had only used Yaya in the battle. It was unclear if even one-tenth, let alone one-hundredth, of his strength had been shown.
Similarly, Magnus had done the same. Even though he had used the secret technique "Crimson Wing Formation," not only did he conceal the abilities of two puppets, he only used Hotaru after employing the "Crimson Wing Formation," not revealing his full power.
You see, with the Akabane family's "Puppetry," for every additional puppet, the available tactics, strategies, and means become increasingly advanced and exquisite. Some of them require mastering the "Crimson Wing Formation" before they can be used.
Hence, Magnus probably only brought out about half of his strength, right?
Those lurking on the sidelines thought they could use this to glimpse the actual strength of the two, but were Rozen and Magnus fools?
The real tricks that needed to be hidden, both of them kept closely guarded.
Of course, who concealed them deeper, no one knew.
At that moment, Rozen and Magnus both retracted their magic.
Their gazes met once again, and after a moment, they separated from each other, with one turning to leave and the other heading to his workshop.
Yaya quickly followed Rozen, while the girl from Magnus's team hurriedly followed him.
The two of them silently went their separate ways, leaving the battlefield.
As people watched these two figures, some had complex expressions, while others looked solemn, each with their own thoughts.
Including the headmaster, who, after watching Magnus's departing figure and then looking at Rozen's departing figure, smiled.
"It seems that we can really look forward to this Night Party."
That's how a stunning automaton battle that amazed the entire academy came to an end.
However, starting from today, everyone in the academy knew one person.
That person was Rozen.
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