-1034- [ Cursed Shackles ]

"What... what's going on...?"

"Why is Instructor Minamiya fighting with her brother...?"

"And, what exactly is that thing, that battle...!"

The members of the Security Force, struggling to get up from the ground, witnessed the intense exchange between Rozen and Natsuki, completely stunned.

What unfolded before everyone's eyes was such a battle.

From the conversation between the two, it seemed like nothing more than a sibling quarrel.

However, within this seemingly relaxed banter unfolded a dazzling and incredibly intense battle.

"Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!"

The crisp sounds of clashes continued to resound in the space between Rozen and Natsuki, with each collision sparking.

Countless chains emerged from the ripples of space, fiercely colliding in midair, resembling numerous swords clashing, extraordinarily dazzling.

Rozen and Natsuki remained motionless, but both poured all their focus into this battle, controlling the surrounding space while manipulating their magical tools, demonstrating astonishing skills.

Natsuki continuously sent out chains, allowing them to shuttle through the rippling space, appearing and disappearing from all directions, surging towards Rozen.

Rozen, equally unyielding, made the surrounding space ripple, causing white chains to move like dragons, constantly intercepting Natsuki's attacks.

In terms of offense, Natsuki had been on the offensive side from the beginning, never stopping her assault, creating ripples in space, sending out chains, and constantly trying to surround Rozen from all directions in an attempt to restrain him.

However, Natsuki's control over the "Lawbinding Shackles" was far inferior to Rozen's control over the "Injunction Shackles" with his psychic energy. Under Rozen's interception, which was both snake-like and dragon-like, agile and lifelike, none of the chains could touch Rozen; they were all sent flying in bursts of sparks.

At the same time, Rozen forcibly interfered with the surrounding space, attempting to strip Natsuki of her control over space, gradually reducing the space she could control, and diminishing her offensive.

Onlookers could only see countless chains flying and moving between Rozen and Natsuki like streaks of light, with clashes and sparks constantly erupting, appearing extremely intense, but completely unaware of the amount of technique, skill, and power required in this battle.

However, those who regarded Natsuki as an instructor knew exactly how strong she was. Seeing Rozen being able to fiercely fight against her, not yielding at all, they would be surprised, but it was only natural, right?

Little did they know, it was actually Natsuki who was gradually falling behind. Not only were her attacks completely neutralized, but her control over space was also gradually taken away, putting her at a disadvantage.

"...Since the beginning, your learning ability has been very high. Not only have you mastered everything I know in the shortest time possible, but you have also mastered everything I don't know, reaching a very high level in no time. Unconsciously, even the space manipulation magic that I, as a witch, can easily control, you have not only used it to the same extent as an ordinary magic user but also replicated my 'Lawbinding Shackles.' By now, you have gradually surpassed me."

Natsuki didn't feel surprised at all; feeling her disadvantage, she remained calm and whispered softly.

In Natsuki's whisper, there was a slight, imperceptible sense of comfort, joy, and pride.

However, in an instant, they disappeared.

"I know that someday, you will surely surpass me, become stronger than me, so I have always had confidence in you and great expectations. I even believe that you will become the strongest attack mage, not inferior to the Lion King Agency's 'Three Saints,' and reach a level that even the three Primogenitors would be wary of."

Natsuki stared directly at Rozen, the magical power fluctuating around her not stopping, but boiling even more.

"But you're still too young now."

As she spoke, the magical power on Natsuki's body burst.

Around her, the swiftly moving "Lawbinding Shackles" suddenly began to intertwine, transforming into extremely sturdy golden chains with weapons resembling battleship anchors at the front.

"That is...!"

Rozen's gaze suddenly sharpened.

"I haven't taught you this move yet, have I?"

Natsuki spoke calmly, without changing her expression.

"This move is called 'Cursed Shackles.' As the name suggests, it twists the chains into one using curses, enhancing their power, magic, and restraint to the limit. It's another use of the 'Lawbinding Shackles,' and your 'Injunction Shackles' should not be able to do this."

Because, Rozen's 'Injunction Shackles' had already been cursed from the beginning.

It was called—'Unmovable Golden Chain.'

"Since the beginning, you have imbued your magical tools with curses, so your magical tools can not only imprison magic but also spirits, the latter of which even the 'Lawbinding Shackles' cannot achieve. However, because your magical tools have already been cursed, they cannot form 'Cursed Shackles' using curses again, so I didn't teach you this move. Now, let me show you how to use these chains."

Natsuki pointed, and the 'Cursed Shackles' turned into golden spears, carrying immense power, rushing towards Rozen.

"Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!—"

The crisp sounds of clashes continued to ring out.

However, this time, the clashes were not caused by the collision and rebound of chains against each other. Instead, it was the 'Cursed Shackles' resembling meteorites, and the battleship anchor chains at their fronts that knocked away all incoming white chains, sparking the clashes.

"Woosh—!"

Natsuki swung the massive golden chains as if by hand, and with a swift motion, the battleship anchor chain roared as it surged towards Rozen's direction.

"How will you block this move?"

Natsuki didn't say these words aloud but conveyed them all through her eyes.

Rozen remained silent in response, calmly channeling his magical power, turning it into psychic energy, covering his 'Injunction Shackles.'

Countless white chains flew towards the immensely sturdy golden chains.

"Clang!"

A white chain bypassed the battleship anchor chain and suddenly collided with a specific position on the golden chain.

"Clang!" "Clang!" "Clang!" "Clang!"

Accompanied by the resounding sound of impacts, the white chains flexibly bypassed the battleship anchor chain one by one, rhythmically colliding with specific positions on the golden chains.

In such a situation...

"Boom—!"

The sturdy golden chains suddenly trembled, abruptly disintegrating and turning into countless ordinary chains again.

"What?"

Seeing this scene, Natsuki was astonished.