-1261- How strong will she become

On the other side...

"It seems to have quieted down."

Watching Stella gradually converge the heat and power, Shizuku expressed her thoughts with a somewhat complex tone.

"Is that the true power of the Crimson Princess?"

Ikki murmured, his gaze fixed on Stella, falling into silence.

Meanwhile, Kurono and Nene were exchanging glances. After a while, they both canceled their Devices, causing them to disappear from their hands.

"It seems our worries were unnecessary."

Kurono's tone relaxed somewhat.

"Although the hidden power of the princess surprised us greatly, that kid isn't bad either. He managed to control the awakened power of the princess. Even if it were us, we probably couldn't do better."

Nene's demeanor also returned to its usual levity and playfulness as she looked in the direction of Rozen and Stella, her expression seeming amused.

"There's nothing we can do about it." Kurono said, "His Device and abilities are just too suitable for controlling this kind of out-of-control situation. Once caught in the lock of his Device, even we probably couldn't break free. If mana is blocked, even abilities to escape become unusable. His Device and abilities are truly terrifying."

This is the tricky part of the Injunction Shackles. Not only does it require equal divine power to resist, but even with targeted abilities, if mana is blocked and powers cannot be used, it can only end in frustration.

Therefore, in a world where magical power is everything, and without the presence of gods, Rozen's Injunction Shackles are a nightmare for all Blazers.

The only way to deal with this Device is, as Stella said, to do everything possible to avoid being caught by its chains.

As long as you don't get caught, there shouldn't be any problems.

But conversely, once caught, even the strongest Blazers can only lament.

So, for those who don't know Rozen's abilities, facing the Injunction Shackles for the first time is probably going to end in defeat, right?

"With that Device, Stella Vermillion's out-of-control situation should be able to be controlled smoothly. With its assistance, she will gradually master her own power." Kurono stared straight ahead, saying, "That man is now guiding Vermillion to control her power. It's clear he was prepared."

If Rozen hadn't intervened, Stella's rampage would have likely leveled the entire Hagun Academy.

Even with Kurono and Nene trying to stop Stella, they wouldn't have been able to handle her power. In that case, even if the academy wasn't completely destroyed, it would have suffered immense damage.

Now, it's just a loss of some land, which is already a good outcome.

However...

"Looking at the way he acted just now, Rozen seems to have used more than just his Device. It seems he used some other means while guiding Vermillion."

Kurono pondered aloud.

And Nene nodded in agreement.

"Did Kuro notice too?" Nene stared straight at Rozen, smiling knowingly. "When guiding the princess, it seems that kid's words carried some kind of power."

In that instant, both Kurono and Nene sensed a subtle magical power acting with Rozen's words.

Clearly, Rozen's words weren't just for reassurance and comfort.

To awaken Stella's consciousness and to help her focus on controlling her power, Rozen used some kind of power through those words.

Neither Kurono nor Nene knew what that power was.

But their speculation was correct.

The reason Rozen's voice could directly enter Stella's heart, awakening her consciousness, was because he used a combination of suggestion magic and incantations. By doing so, he awakened Stella's spirit while strengthening her inner self, allowing her to hear his voice, accept his guidance, and focus on controlling her power.

As two Blazers who ranked third in the Union, both Kurono and Nene noticed this phenomenon. Although they didn't know what methods Rozen used, they understood his actions.

"Could it be that his ability isn't just to lock magical power through his Device, but also to lock other things and even concepts?"

Kurono speculated.

"To think Kuro unexpectedly brought in such an interesting person. With such a mysterious background and unique power, I really want to investigate him further." Nene's interest in Rozen was now even greater than before.

Seeing Nene like this, Kurono couldn't help but warn her.

"Regardless, he's still a student. Don't do anything reckless."

Kurono warned her.

"I know, I know, I won't do anything reckless." Nene responded with a wave of her hand, but her attitude seemed dismissive.

At that moment...

"Chairman."

Ikki suddenly broke his silence and posed a question to Kurono.

"What do you think, if Stella Vermillion can successfully control her true power, how strong will she become?"

Ikki asked this question seriously.

"Onii-sama..." Shizuku seemed to understand the reason Ikki asked this question and showed a worried expression.

"Oh..." Nene's gaze was now focused on Ikki, seeming quite pleased.

"Kurogane..."

Kurono also looked at Ikki.

Because Kurono knew why Ikki was asking this question.

The reason is simple.

"To put it bluntly, do you think I can defeat Stella Vermillion once she awakens her true power?"

Ikki stared at Kurono, finally asking this question.

There's no way around it.

"Stella Vermillion should participate in the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival, and we're bound to meet in the competition."

That's what Ikki meant.

In other words, facing Stella Vermillion after awakening her true power, Ikki no longer knows if he can defeat her and fulfill his dream of becoming the Seven Stars Sword King.

So, Ikki posed this question.

But Ikki already knows, doesn't he?

Knowing the answer to this question is extremely cruel.

Kurono remained silent for a while, then sighed as if giving up and spoke to Ikki.

"You need to understand, Kurogane," Kurono said bluntly. "Once she truly awakens her power, it's not a matter of whether you can defeat Vermillion, but whether there will be anyone at Hagun Academy who can be her opponent."

In short...

"That's already a level of power that shouldn't appear in the Seven Stars Sword Art Festival. Perhaps it will be several times stronger than when Yaksha Princess and I faced off in the festival."

Kurono's implication was clear.

If Stella truly succeeds in controlling that power, at this stage, it's really unknown if there are any student Knights who can be her opponents.

By then...

"Perhaps only Rorelai Arneet has the possibility of being the princess's opponent."

Nene chuckled.

Causing Ikki to fall silent once again.

"Onii-sama..."

Shizuku couldn't help but hold Ikki's hand.

But...

"Okay..."

Ikki showed a determined expression, as if he had made a decision.

That expression was exactly the same as Stella's when she decided to drink dragon's blood just now.