-1026- Where are you planning to go?

The emergence of the vampire infection may just be an unknown spreading danger to others.

However, for Rozen, who is informed, the appearance of the vampire infection is a message to himself.

The banquet is finally going to take place on Itogami Island.

Undoubtedly, it's a phenomenon that occurred because of the awakening ritual of the Fourth Primogenitor.

Just like the emperors in Nelapsi, the Ardeal principality, and the Northern Eight Provinces, the vampire infection appeared on Itogami Island, announcing the right to perform the ritual on the island as well.

Simply because, on this island, there is also the vessel of the Fourth Primogenitor.

That is Avrora.

"Mm..."

It's unknown if Avrora is aware of this, but she dared not look directly at the scenery of the old southeast region just now, only burying her head in Rozen's chest, revealing all her inner unrest.

...

Maybe they don't yet understand what the emergence of the vampire infection truly signifies, but as people who have lived in the Demon Sanctuary, they are certain of one thing:

An invisible storm is about to come.

Even Rozen's words can affirm that.

"Next, someone will definitely come knocking."

Will it be Zaharias? Or the duke of the Ardeal principality? Or someone from the Chaos Zone where the vampire infection hasn't appeared yet?

Rozen cannot be sure.

However, feeling Avrora trembling anxiously in his arms, Rozen is certain of one thing.

"After finally breaking free from the seal and becoming a normal person, starting a life here, I can't let this girl get caught up in a cruel fate."

That's the only thing that can be certain.

This is not only because Avrora has become an indispensable person in Rozen's life in this world, but also because Rozen can empathize.

Rozen stares at Asagi's laptop, as if to memorize the scene about to be presented, then changes the subject as if diverting attention.

"Now that the infection is being controlled by the higher-ups, we don't need to worry too much. Even if the sky falls, those people will bear the burden. We're just ordinary students, let's focus on our studies, and not bother about these national affairs."

Rozen's words somewhat dispel the heavy atmosphere in the infirmary.

"That's true." Asagi immediately agrees, "Dealing with those troublesome matters is the adults' job. I told you not to step forward, just to remind you to be careful."

Indeed, that's Asagi's purpose.

"Well, as long as we take care of ourselves and those around us." Motoki shrugs, his tone relaxed. "Anyway, the vampire infection has some signs, like sudden improvement in physical abilities for no reason, and memory loss. That's the symptom of infection, right?"

If that's the case, paying attention to oneself or others for such conditions can confirm whether one has contracted the vampire infection.

However...

"If you're bitten by an infected person, won't you immediately turn into a vampire?" Kojou voiced his concern.

"We'll talk about that when you actually encounter such a patient. If you don't want to get bitten, just go home after school," Rozen retorted, then turned to Nagisa and Avrora.

"Both of you stay in the infirmary and rest well," Rozen advised softly.

At this point, Nagisa and Avrora couldn't refuse anymore, nodding weakly and staying in the infirmary.

Later, Rozen performed calming and cleansing jujutsu on Nagisa as usual, then left the infirmary with Kojou, Asagi, and Motoki, returning to the classroom.

The four of them tacitly avoided discussing the matter further, chatting as usual, even in the classroom.

Thanks to this, no one harbored any strange suspicions.

Presumably, soon the events in the old southeast region will be announced, and the residents of Itogami City will stay away from there, right?

However, before that, one piece of news was confirmed and spread across Itogami Island through the news:

"The Nelapsi Provisional Autonomous Government attacked the Ardeal principality. The duke of Ardeal went to counter, but both he and the castle were annihilated, and their fates are currently unknown."

...

Night soon descended.

Rozen, Kojou, Nagisa, and Avrora went straight home after school and didn't go out again.

Nagisa, in order to take care of her health, went to bed early and had already fallen asleep.

Avrora, like Nagisa, seemed mentally exhausted despite no physical issues, appearing to have been on edge all day in the classroom, so she also went to bed early.

Kojou was somewhat concerned about Nagisa's condition but could do nothing about it, so he simply went to bed with her to rest and recuperate.

In this situation...

"That's about enough."

Rozen, in his room, looked at the night scenery outside the window, gazing in the direction of the old southeast region, changing into casual clothes while activating space manipulation magic, causing spatial fluctuations around him.

Clearly, Rozen was preparing for spatial jumping to leave his current room.

But just before that...

"I believe I've mentioned that nighttime excursions are not allowed, haven't I?"

Behind Rozen, a youthful yet authoritative voice rang out.

"Ugh..."

Rozen was immediately at a loss for words, then slowly turned around to look behind him.

There, as expected by Rozen, sat a figure who appeared out of nowhere on the small sofa in Rozen's room.

"Natsuki-nee..."

Rozen's face suddenly became bitter.

Natsuki, however, acted as if she hadn't seen anything, staring directly at Rozen.

"It's late. Where are you planning to go?"

Natsuki asked bluntly.

"Haven't you already guessed?" Rozen sighed.

"Asagi is getting more and more audacious. If she weren't my student, just invading the database of the Artificial Island Management Cooperative would be enough to put her in military court."

Natsuki sighed as well.

Natsuki knew everything, so she predicted Rozen's actions.

That's why Natsuki appeared here.

"Good children should go to bed obediently. Behave yourself," Natsuki sternly gazed at Rozen.

"You've come to stop me after all?" Rozen's expression became even more bitter.

Natsuki didn't continue the topic but calmly spoke.

"Do you know who Dimitrie Vatler is?"

Natsuki suddenly asked this question.