-970- [ MAR ]

"Damn it... it's always like this."

In a luxurious Mercedes cruising down the road, Kojou sat in the incredibly comfortable carriage, constantly gritting his teeth in frustration.

Looking at Kojou in this state, Rozen, sitting across from him, no longer had the impeccable perfect expression but rather a mocking look on his face.

"Well, being noticed by so many girls is better than being ignored as a faceless nobody in the class, right?" Rozen said indifferently, provoking Kojou.

"I don't want this kind of attention!" Kojou complained loudly. "And don't act like it has nothing to do with you. If you didn't intentionally show off at school, I wouldn't be despised by those girls!"

"What can I do?" Rozen shrugged. "With a strict sister at home constantly reminding me to maintain a good image outside, or else I need more education, I can only do as she says, right?"

"Isn't that too exaggerated?" Kojou scoffed. "What does 'noble and elegant' even mean? You don't need to go to such lengths just to maintain a good image."

"I thought the same," Rozen smirked. "Why not discuss it with Natsuki-nee?"

"Uh..." Kojou suddenly became speechless.

Negotiate with her?

"Forget it, I don't want to die."

Kojou surrendered helplessly.

"A wise decision," Rozen shrugged.

From the interaction between the two, it could be seen that Rozen's relationship with Kojou had improved significantly.

It was inevitable.

Kojou moved to Itogami Island several months ago.

Since the spirit in the Fairy's Coffin possessed Nagisa in the demon sanctuary in Gozo's demon sanctuary, Nagisa was brought to Itogami Island by Natsuki.

The reason was simple.

"Since it's a spirit that escaped from the coffin related to the Fourth Primogenitor, we can't just let it be," Natsuki explained.

Just like how Natsuki had to take the frozen girl known as No. 12 and bring her to Itogami Island, she had to bring Nagisa to Itogami Island.

Otherwise, leaving Nagisa outside, possessed by such a malevolent spirit, would eventually lead to her being 'devoured.' That was inevitable.

For this reason, Natsuki had to bring Nagisa to Itogami Island.

"Not to mention, since she's possessed by such an evil spirit, leaving her alone would inevitably lead to her being 'consumed,' right?" Natsuki said with provocative language, making it hard to refute.

So, if they wanted Nagisa to survive, bringing her to Itogami Island was necessary.

"Of course, if you want to enter, I can make arrangements for you to stay in the demon sanctuary."

Natsuki made this promise.

But...

"No, no need. Even if I go, I won't be of any help. It's better to explore more ruins, investigate more ancient texts. Perhaps we can find a solution."

Gajou rejected the proposal, which was equivalent to accepting the fact that Nagisa would be brought to Itogami Island.

After all, that was the only path they could take.

So, Nagisa came to Itogami Island with Rozen and Natsuki, while Gajou set out on another journey, going to other places to investigate matters related to the Fourth Primogenitor.

And Kojou came along with everyone.

"Since Nagisa is moving to Itogami Island, I have to go, right?"

Kojou said through gritted teeth, seemingly determined not to watch Nagisa being brought to the demon sanctuary alone, isolated and defenseless.

In summary, Kojou came to the Demon Sanctuary's Itogami City, entered Saikai Academy as arranged by Natsuki a few months ago. Over these months, Rozen and Kojou got to know each other to a certain extent.

Therefore, Kojou learned that Rozen usually suppresses his true nature to get by. Initially sympathetic, Kojou extinguished that sympathy in just a few days.

Certainly, Rozen was living in Itogami City while concealing his true nature, but that was only for outsiders. With those close to him, Rozen never hid himself; otherwise, Kojou wouldn't have discovered Rozen's true nature.

Ironically, due to Rozen's easy-going nature, Kojou quickly befriended him. However, because of Rozen's perfect image, Kojou was resented by almost all the girls.

Why was Rozen always with Kojou?

The girls couldn't help but harbor resentment towards Kojou. Given this, Kojou was the one most worthy of sympathy.

Of course, in the eyes of others, Kojou was undoubtedly lucky. Not only did he befriend Rozen, a perfect companion, but he could also often hitch a ride, enjoying the luxury car ride every day instead of walking under the hot sun.

Moreover, the car was prepared by Natsuki, and the driver was a member of the Special District Security Team, serving as Rozen's chauffeur and personal bodyguard. Every day, he picked up and dropped off Rozen, giving Rozen the treatment of a noble.

By the way, today Rozen wasn't planning to go home directly but to visit Nagisa. Kojou would stay here for the same reason.

So, the luxurious car drove into the northern area of Itogami Island.

This area was filled with research facilities of various enterprises and universities, forming a research institute zone.

The car stopped in front of a huge research institute consisting of several buildings.

The exterior walls of the institute were unified in white, resembling a hospital.

In fact, there was not much difference from a hospital.

——MAR.

This was a representative large enterprise in East Asia, a globally renowned compound of magical industries. They dealt with a myriad of magical products, from cold medicine to military fighter jets. It was a globally famous giant enterprise, formally known as Magna Ataraxia Research.

Such a magical giant enterprise naturally had research institutes and various facilities in the Demon Sanctuary's Itogami City. They employed nearly a thousand researchers in the facilities. Besides various research institutions, there were also medical facilities, and thus, a affiliated hospital was established.

Now, Nagisa was staying in that affiliated hospital.

Rozen and Kojou came specifically to visit her.