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.
A young man and a young woman cast their gazes toward Rozen from different directions.
The young man had long black hair, a stern face, and his lips were tightly pressed into a straight line. He wore a luxurious but buttonless linen uniform and was staring intently at Rozen, his eyes showing a look as if evaluating his qualifications.
The young woman was draped in a white cloak and wore a purple protective suit decorated like a luxurious evening gown. She had amethyst-like eyes and a sharp chin. Her beautiful appearance exuded sharpness, and her eyes, which were fixed on Rozen, revealed coldness, hostility, and a fierce fighting spirit.
The emotions contained in the gazes these two directed at Rozen were different from those of others, and certainly not well-meaning.
However, Rozen did not recognize these two.
Of course, Rozen not knowing them did not mean others didn't recognize them.
At the very least, Chloe Sevegny and Yuri Flostre, who had attempted to gather information by contacting the teams from other Sky Floating Cities in the hotel yesterday, knew something about these two.
Noticing that Rozen was paying attention to them, the two girls, who were close to Rozen, immediately understood and approached him.
"Are you looking at that man over there, senpai?" Yuri lowered her voice and whispered in Rozen's ear, "That man is the captain of the representative team from Korai."
——Korai.
That was a Sky Floating City far from Mistgun, with which they rarely interacted.
That young man was the captain of the representative team from Korai, and he was quite well-known in their circle.
"His name is Josink. He's said to be a genius with talents that could be considered universal. From artillery to close combat, he's flawless. His combat skills are extremely advanced, and he often develops excellent strategies targeting his opponent's weaknesses. Whether in strength or intelligence, he is very strong and is the favorite to win this year's Sky Wizards Martial Arts Festival."
Yuri introduced him this way.
Rozen nodded but raised a question.
"Why is he looking at me like that?"
This was something Rozen was quite curious about.
To this, Yuri hesitated for a moment before answering somewhat uncertainly.
"I think Captain Josink might have some personal opinions about you, senpai."
Yuri said this.
"Personal opinions about me?"
Rozen raised an eyebrow.
But this was not without reason.
"Because Captain Josink has such high achievements in various fields and is considered a universal genius, his style is very similar to yours, senpai. Many people think of him as your backup. In short, your substitute."
Yuri awkwardly explained.
"My substitute?"
Rozen was immediately amused.
But if one were to think about it, Josink's style was indeed very similar to Rozen's.
After all, Rozen was also a universal genius, not only possessing exceptional strength but also an extraordinary mind. He could expertly use all kinds of techniques and engage in close combat. Moreover, he could devise strategies that were nearly impossible for others to grasp. In every aspect, he was flawless.
Given this, it was understandable that Josink was seen as a degraded version of Rozen, imitating his style.
However, Josink surely wouldn't want to be seen that way by others, which was probably why he was looking at Rozen with such a gaze.
As for the young woman...
"Her name is Yamier Kaiser, and she's the captain of the representative team from Vebel."
Chloe Sevegny came to Rozen's other side, lowered her voice, and explained to Rozen.
"She's a Sky Wizard from the host city Vebel, and her strength is quite remarkable. She appeared at the training grounds of Vebel yesterday and today, leading her team members in mock battles. Many ordinary students from other schools have come to support her, and she has a lot of popularity. Her weapon is a magic sword, and her swordsmanship is extremely advanced. However, it's clear she has held back during training, indicating that she's not using her full strength."
Chloe said this, causing Kanata Age and Mena Purpleton to direct eyes full of fighting spirit toward Yamier.
Both were close-range combatants and were considered unmatched in Mistgun. One had earned the title of Black Master Swordsman, and the other was known for her strong aerial assault combat. Now, seeing an opponent skilled in close combat, it was inevitable that they would feel a sense of challenge.
However...
"It's not just Yamier Kaiser."
"Her teammates are also not ordinary people."
Kanata and Mena made this assessment.
They saw several individuals standing around Yamier, seemingly her teammates, who were casting respectful glances at her.
And those individuals also exuded a faint but powerful aura.
This aura caused both Kanata and Mena to take note.
"I see."
Rozen then observed Yamier and her teammates, his eyes briefly flashing with a dim light before narrowing. He muttered quietly.
"What's wrong?"
"Are there any problems with them?"
Chloe and Yuri, standing close to Rozen, immediately asked.
"Problems?" Rozen smirked. "Of course, there are problems."
Why?
"Those people are all Armored Beetles in human form."
This statement floated lightly into the ears of Chloe and the others.
"...!?"
Chloe, Kanata, Mena, and Yuri all gasped in unison.
But this was the truth.
The representative team from Vebel, led by Yamier, was entirely composed of human-form Armored Beetles.
What did this imply?
"They must be Zeth Wiegert's subordinates, sent by him to participate in the Sky Wizards Martial Arts Festival."
Rozen spoke calmly.
"It seems like Zeth plans to stir up some trouble in the Sky Wizards Martial Arts Festival."
Upon hearing this, Chloe and the others immediately tensed up.
Everyone turned their attention to Yamier and her group.
However, Yamier and her group completely ignored their gazes.
Especially Yamier, whose eyes contained no one but Rozen.
At this moment, Yamier's eyes were only on one person.
That was Rozen.
Rozen met her gaze.
Yamier immediately displayed a fierce and beautiful smile filled with battle intent.
That smile was like a hunter who had found their prime prey.
At this moment, Rozen also smiled.
His smile was full of playfulness and amusement.
In this instant, both understood.
In the upcoming Sky Wizards Martial Arts Festival, there would be no room for compromise between the two sides.
Once they encountered each other, they would inevitably clash.
And likely, it would be a fight to the death.
This year's Sky Wizards Martial Arts Festival would be more dangerous than previous ones.
Unaware of this, the other Sky Wizards continued to chat at the banquet, oblivious to the cruel future ahead.
Just then...
"—!"
The lights in the hall suddenly dimmed.