-1080- The looming danger

"Magic criminals..."

Rozen finally furrowed his brow.

Ever since hearing about the fire at the warehouse street in the eastern district, Rozen had suspicions. There seemed to be some hidden truth behind it.

Regardless, the abilities of the vampires from the old generation had reached a certain level of strength. It was unbelievable that they couldn't even control their own vassal beasts. So, Rozen had his doubts from the beginning about the incident in the eastern district being solely caused by the rampage of a vampire's vassal beast.

Now, Rozen knew that similar incidents had occurred close to ten times on Itogami Island. The true reason wasn't the demons' power going berserk but rather someone launching attacks against them.

As for the purpose of the attacks, there were many possibilities. For example, irrational actions from humans who harbored hostility towards demons. Or perhaps outsiders, attack mages, hunting demons for their work. Or even failed companies resorting to taboo experiments to salvage their performance, disregarding all else to target demons as test subjects.

These were the most common motives for attacking demons. This was, after all, a demon sanctuary, where anything could happen.

Currently, the only certain thing was that the demons attacked had all fought powerful enemies and were defeated.

"Can't they identify the culprit?" Rozen asked.

"No," Natsuki shook her head. "The culprits are very cautious, never launching attacks in crowded areas but specifically targeting isolated demons. So far, there have been no witnesses, and the scenes are almost completely destroyed due to the conflict, leaving no clues."

The only certain thing was this:

"Whether it's individual or group crime, at least one of the perpetrators is a vampire," Natsuki stated.

"Although there are no witnesses nearby, the scene where vampires from the old generation release their vassal beasts can be seen even from a distance," she continued.

Leaving aside other matters, each vassal beast of the Fourth Primogenitor was over ten meters tall, comparable to a tall building.

Though the vassal beasts of vampires from the old generation couldn't compare to the Primogenitors, they undoubtedly had remarkable sizes. Such colossal creatures being released couldn't go unnoticed.

Given this...

"Some have reported seeing another vassal beast fighting the one released by the attacked vampire," Natsuki disclosed the only clue.

"Since the enemy also has a beast vassal, it's safe to assume they are vampires. Unless they're like you, a special case, clearly human yet still nurturing vassal beasts in their blood. Such individuals are rare, if not unique," she remarked, glancing at Rozen.

Rozen could only shrug.

"So, what kind of beast vassals specifically targets demons?" Rozen asked the last question.

To which Natsuki replied, "It's hard to say exactly what kind of beast vassl it is. But eyewitnesses unanimously describe it as a 'giant arm of iridescent white.'"

That's the description of the mysterious beast vassal that fought numerous demons, even overpowering vampires from the old generation.

"If you discover anything, don't hesitate to inform me," Natsuki no longer treated Rozen as a brother in need of protection but as an independent attack mage, advising him.

Of course, she added, "Be careful yourself. The enemy's identity is still unknown, and your status has changed. Perhaps they might come after you."

With this warning, Natsuki turned around.

"And you, Kojou, be cautious lately. If you notice any suspicious individuals following you, remember to report to me."

With a firm wave of her lace fan, an invisible shockwave exploded in the corner of the living room.

"Ouch...!"

As Kojou tumbled out, clutching his head in pain, he complained.

"Don't just go around attacking your own students, Natsuki-chan!"

As soon as the words left his mouth, another invisible shockwave hit Kojou's forehead, causing him to howl in pain and collapse.

"Don't address your teacher with 'chan'!"

With this stern remark, Natsuki turned around and disappeared from the living room, leaving no trace.

Surely, Natsuki is investigating the recent events, right?

"It's really hard work, Minamiya-sensei. She teach during the day and work as an attack mage at night, always protecting her students no matter when. Having such a great teacher is really wonderful, don't you think, Nichiyo-kun?" 

Nagisa asked Rozen with a sigh while casually helping up Kojou, who was still rubbing his head.

"Natsuki-nee is indeed remarkable," Rozen naturally understood Natsuki's hardships and agreed with Nagisa's statement.

"Are you going too?" Avrora approached Rozen, asking somewhat tentatively.

"Why would I go? I'm not a national attack mage," Rozen shook his head, patting Avrora's head. "You need to be careful too, especially if there's someone specifically targeting powerful vampires. You have a high chance of being targeted since you're a vampire, even more so than the previous generation, part of the Fourth Primogenitor."

Even though Avrora only possessed a fraction of the power of the Fourth Primogenitor, she was still among the top-tier vampires.

Therefore, being cautious was very necessary.

"I... I understand," Avrora nodded in fear.

The group gathered back in the living room, leaving behind the heavy topic and returning to their usual routines.

Outside the window, a moth stuck to the glass watched the scene without stopping.

At this moment, no one knew.

In fact, the culprit had already set their sights.

"Is this the No. 12, Kaleid Blood, nurtured on Itogami Island?"

In a hidden darkness, a man murmured solemnly.

He wore a robe reminiscent of a clergyman, with golden hair shaved like a soldier, a metal eyepatch covering his left eye, towering over 190 centimeters tall, appearing around forty years old but with massive muscles bulging all over his body, giving him a sturdy physique.

Under the robe, glimpses of metal armor could be seen, and in his right hand, he held a metal battle axe, dripping with crimson blood.

Walking through the dim alley, the clergyman carried a photo.

In the photo, there was a scene of a beautiful girl with golden hair and blue eyes, cowering among a group of students.

Apart from Avrora, who else could it be?

"Poor puppet, let me grant you mercy."

The clergyman spoke with compassion and pity.

"The next target is her. Let's go."

At his words, the person walking beside the clergyman raised her head.

She had waist-length straight blue hair, light blue eyes, wearing a knee-length cloak covering her entire body, barefoot, a very young girl.

The girl responded expressionlessly.

"Accept."

With this, the clergyman and the girl set off together.

They took dark steps towards an impossible target.