-72- Akabane clan's library

"You both have done very well."

Under the watchful eyes of all the members of the Akabane clan, Akabane Kuukan praised his two sons, standing before him.

"Tenzen has already reached the sixth tier of a mage, and given time, reaching the ultimate eighth tier of a mage will surely be no problem. Narugami, you are also impressive. Although your mage level is lower than Tenzen's, your precision in technique is even higher."

Indeed, while Rozen is currently only at the fourth tier of a mage compared to Tenzen's sixth tier, as Tenzen previously mentioned, a mage's level represents only the difficulty and height, not necessarily the strength.

Imagine if Rozen's "Telekinesis" could manipulate an entire mountain and hurl it towards Tenzen, would Tenzen be able to handle it?

The answer is no.

Thus, while higher mage levels indicate greater power, lower levels do not necessarily mean weakness.

These eight tiers are merely eight types of magical skills; some individuals who have mastered only one of them are already invincible, while others who have learned all eight are still often defeated by lower-level opponents.

Even mages can selectively learn these skills based on their own circumstances.

For example, Rozen could easily skip the fifth tier and directly learn the sixth-tier skill, "Heaven's eye," and it would be completely feasible.

In summary, while Tenzen's mage level is higher than Rozen's, Rozen is stronger than Tenzen in all four skills: "Telekinesis," "Spiritual Vision," "Rigid Body," and "Magic Resistance." Overall, Rozen's strength is higher, so he naturally wouldn't lose to Tenzen.

Of course, Tenzen is by no means weak either. His "Telekinesis" is at the level where he can simultaneously control ten puppets, leaving the clan members in awe.

However, Rozen's "Telekinesis" is even more exceptional than Tenzen's; if not for the lack of enough puppets, he could easily control twenty at once.

This point seems to have been noticed by Akabane Kuukan.

Thus, Akabane Kuukan is very satisfied with the performance of both his sons.

However...

"If only Raishin could be like you two."

Akabane Kuukan sighed slightly, with a hint of frustration.

Rozen also understands why Akabane Kuukan feels this way.

Akabane Raishin.

He is Akabane Kuukan's second son.

The same age as Rozen, both are ten years old this year.

However, compared to Rozen, Akabane Raishin appeared significantly weaker. Not only did he lack any talent in magic, but he also had little interest in the family's hereditary "Puppetry Technique." Instead, he was deeply fascinated by various martial arts, swordsmanship, and boxing. He even declared that he would find a master in the future to teach him and become a skilled martial artist.

This led to Akabane Kuukan feeling quite a headache and being helpless. Akabane Raishin was regarded as a waste by everyone in the clan and was often compared to Rozen and Akabane Tenzen, making everyone look down upon him.

On the other hand, Akabane Tenzen furrowed his brow slightly and ultimately chose to remain silent.

This wasn't because Akabane Tenzen didn't care about Akabane Raishin at all.

On the contrary, Akabane Tenzen genuinely cared a lot about Akabane Raishin.

It was precisely because he cared that Akabane Tenzen knew that no matter what he said, it would be inappropriate.

After all, he was the one who was compared to Akabane Raishin, contributing to his being looked down upon by the clan. Whatever he said would only turn into irony.

Thus, remaining silent was the best choice.

Naturally, Rozen made the same choice and stayed silent as well.

Akabane Kuukan adjusted his expression slightly and spoke to the two of them.

"Today's puppetry practice ends here. The next time we practice, I hope your skills will be more mature. The library is fully open to both of you, and you can come and go as you please."

This was an exceptionally good news.

In the Akabane clan's library, there were various secret techniques, manipulation methods, and even puppet-making techniques. For Rozen and Akabane Tenzen, it was like receiving precious rewards.

Both of them expressed their gratitude to Akabane Kuukan and then prepared to leave the training ground as per his signal.

Suddenly, as if Akabane Kuukan had thought of something, he hesitated for a moment and then spoke to Rozen.

"Nuragami, come to my room tonight."

Hearing this, Rozen was first surprised, but then nodded in acknowledgment. Following Akabane Tenzen, they both left the training ground.

...

As soon as they left the training ground, Rozen and Akabane Tenzen were surrounded by clan members, much like celebrities, and were entangled for quite a while before finally being set free.

After their release, the two of them walked together in the direction of the library.

On the way, Akabane Tenzen asked Rozen a question.

"Is there anything specific that Father wants to talk to you about tonight?"

Akabane Tenzen expressed his curiosity about it.

However...

"I'm just as clueless. I have no idea what it could be about."

Rozen shrugged, looking nonchalant.

"You..." Akabane Tenzen shook his head and said, "Since it's Father's request, you should take it seriously. It must be something very important."

"I know," Rozen replied casually, causing Akabane Tenzen to feel somewhat helpless.

To be honest, Akabane Tenzen quite liked Rozen.

Although they were not blood-related brothers, they had a relationship of competition and mutual improvement. They didn't interact much in their daily lives, but they never had any conflicts. As sworn brothers, they respected and cared for each other.

Thanks to this, Akabane Tenzen knew that Rozen might sound indifferent, but he would still take important matters seriously in his heart.

Having understood this, Akabane Tenzen didn't say much anymore and simply went with Rozen to the Akabane clan's library.

The library was located in the deepest part of the mansion's basement.

The air was slightly damp and a bit stuffy. Ordinary books would not be well-preserved in such conditions. However, this was a library of a mage family, and it was apparent that there was some magical barrier protecting the books here.

And indeed, that was the case.

At least, Rozen "saw" the presence of the barrier.

At this moment...

"I want to look at the books related to puppet-making. Narugami, what are you planning to read?" Akabane Tenzen asked as he picked up a book from one of the shelves.

Regarding this, Rozen hesitated for a moment and then suddenly stopped in front of a particular bookshelf.

On this bookshelf lay the most secretive collection of books within the Akabane clan, such as the tactical styles of the Akabane family, group magic techniques, and the methods of efficiently commanding multiple puppets in combat. All related books were kept here.

At the top of these books, there was an ancient volume that seemed to sit on a throne-like position.

Its name was " Crimson Wing Formation ".