-743- The sudden anomaly

To be honest, Rozen was quite surprised.

"I thought those who didn't show up were planning to deal with us, forming teams like the 'Kreuzrittern' to overwhelm us in numbers."

That was Rozen's most straightforward thought.

So, regarding Charl's news claiming that those who hadn't appeared in the competition had forfeited, Rozen was genuinely surprised.

On the contrary, Charl, looking somewhat disdainful, spoke up.

"Like the 'Kreuzrittern'? Are you serious?"

It's understandable why Charl would say that.

"Even the so-called 'Kreuzrittern' was defeated by you single-handedly. Even if the lower-ranked participants formed a legion to deal with you, wouldn't it be in vain?"

Sigmund, lying on Charl's head, said so, expressing what everyone present was thinking.

Just as Sigmund said, since even the 'Kreuzrittern' was defeated single-handedly by Rozen, those lower-ranked participants wouldn't believe that they could overpower Rozen through sheer numbers.

So, instead of taking such futile actions, forfeiting was the more sensible thing to do.

"Well, I do understand that logic." Rozen scratched his cheek, spreading his hands. "But after all, it's the Night Party. I thought even those people, no matter how bad off, would try to struggle."

If they could obtain the throne of the Wiseman, then fame, wealth, status, and power would be within easy reach. Moreover, even if they couldn't win, the Night Party offered various benefits. For example, 'Divine Works' intended to use it to test new technology and showcase it to the military. The Rosenberg group, affiliated with the 'Kreuzrittern', also had similar goals, as evidenced by bringing the newly developed MK5 Maschinensoldat to the Night Party.

Considering all this, Rozen thought that those people would still try to put up a fight.

Moreover, this Night Party is exceptionally special, as it is related to the so-called "gods." It's likely that countries and major forces worldwide are closely watching this event. Abandoning participation in the Night Party under these circumstances is unwise.

Of course, whether these lower-ranked participants are aware of the uniqueness of this Night Party is another matter.

Charl mentioned it this way, "Not only those ranked 60-70, but it's said that even those who haven't participated have voluntarily forfeited. The Night Party organizing committee just hasn't officially announced it yet."

Upon hearing this, Rozen raised an eyebrow.

"Even the Night Party organizing committee hasn't announced this news. How did you manage to find out?"

In response, Charl snorted coldly. "This is the most basic quality for Night Party participants. Regardless of the situation, you must stay informed about the latest news and confirm your opponents' conditions. That's what qualifies you. On the contrary, you guys have been too careless and inattentive since before. That's why I've always thought, you men are really..."

Just when Charl was rambling, Sigmund, lying on her hat, spoke up.

"Charl heard about it when she went to visit Henri from Professor Kimberly."

...So, it was just something she happened to hear?

Rozen, Yaya, Frey, and Loki all looked silently at Charl, even the surrounding dogs turned their attention.

"Shut up, Sigmund! Or I'll swap your chicken dinner for mashed potatoes!"

Charl's embarrassment exploded, grabbing Sigmund on her hat and threatening him directly.

"Forgive me. I've already suffered enough from the lack of meat before."

Sigmund immediately put on a distressed face.

Watching the commotion between the master and servant, the people present couldn't help but laugh.

At this moment, Loki spoke up.

"Does that mean there won't be real combat in the upcoming Night Party? There might still be more people forfeiting, and those who don't want to forfeit might try to do something behind the scenes during this time, is that what you're saying?"

The implication in Loki's words was clear, and everyone could sense it.

"W-Will someone attack us behind the scenes?"

Frey, lying on the bed, shrank her neck, looking timid.

"It's not impossible." Rozen nodded. "Since winning in the Night Party seems unlikely for them, those who are unwilling to give up the Wiseman's throne will surely consider taking action outside the Night Party, such as hiring qualified assassins."

"Mm..." Frey appeared even more frightened.

In response, Rozen smiled faintly.

"Frey, you don't need to worry. With so many Garm around, anyone attempting to get close to you secretly will be immediately detected."

Initially, Rozen's "Invisibility jutsu" was exposed by Rabbi. Now, with so many Garm around Frey, covert attacks should be the least of her concerns.

"Loki, you're fine too. With the ability of 'Heaven's Eye,' at least you don't have to worry about someone hiding in the shadows."

Saying this, Rozen shifted his gaze towards Charl.

Seeing this, the others once again looked in her direction.

"What... what are you all looking at?" Charl said with some annoyance. "Although I don't have the 'Heaven's Eye' ability, I have Sigmund!"

...Does this woman intend to make Sigmund, like a dog, rely on his sense of smell to detect enemies?

The looks the others gave Charl became increasingly pitiful.

"What... what's with you guys! Don't look at me like that or I'll turn you all into ashes!"

Charl couldn't bear it and shouted, tears welling up in her eyes, portraying a bullied appearance.

Just when everyone found the situation somewhat amusing...

"Hmm?"

Rozen's "Mind's Eye" suddenly reacted.

In the world that only Rozen could perceive, ripples were spreading, gradually covering the surroundings.

This is...

"Sound? Magic?"

Rozen instantly recognized the nature of these two types of ripples.

At this moment, an anomaly occurred.

"Ah...!"

Yaya, standing behind Rozen, suddenly screamed, as if experiencing dizziness, covering her head.

"Ugh...!"

Sigmund, lying on Charl's head, also groaned, stretching his limbs stiffly. His entire body became rigid, and his wings twitched unnaturally, with a distorted expression on his face.

"Woof!"

"Woof!"

In the medical room, the obedient dogs lying on the floor also suddenly tensed up, as if stimulated by something, and started barking wildly.

"Yaya!"

Rozen's heart tightened.

"Sigmund!"

Charl was shocked.

"Everyone...!"

Frey became completely panicked.

However...

"Cherubim!"

Loki's shout rang out, filled with rare uncertainty.

The reason was simple.

"————"

Suddenly, the large mechanical sword leaning against the wall released a strong gust of hot air, levitated, and immediately began to rotate, like a flaming sword, spinning faster and faster.

"Boom!"

In the medical room, magic went haywire, causing the atmosphere to rumble.