-1296- Stop looking for me

"————"

At this moment, Rozen and Edelweiss simultaneously issued warnings to Shinguji Kurono and Saikyo Nene.

Perhaps, both were simply speaking offhandedly, wanting Shinguji Kurono and Saikyo Nene to leave so they could resolve their own matters.

In other words, neither Rozen nor Edelweiss harbored any malice.

Naturally, Rozen, who was not a stranger to Shinguji Kurono and Saikyo Nene, wouldn't have ill intentions towards them. The two had significantly supported Rozen's stay at Hagun Academy, so he would not harbor any malice towards Shinguji Kurono and Saikyo Nene.

As for Edelweiss, despite being labeled the most evil criminal in the world, only Rozen knew how kind-hearted this goddess of the sword realm truly was.

Edelweiss was someone who would never kill the weak and couldn't stand by while innocent people were persecuted.

Previously, Bishou had said that because of Edelweiss's nature, he had to abandon his plan and stop taking hostages at this shopping center, simply to avoid displeasing Edelweiss.

The reason Edelweiss was labeled the most evil criminal was because she had opposed both the Union and the League of Mage-Knight Nations, making her a wanted criminal by the world's two major powers. Additionally, her close association with the Rebellion had led to misunderstandings.

Otherwise, how could someone who single-handedly destroyed an army of 300,000 to save her homeland of Estonia be deemed the most evil criminal in the world?

Considering war achievements, Rozen had done his fair share of outrageous things, like resisting tens of thousands of soldiers alone and summoning hundreds of thousands of monsters, feats that were on par or even surpassed Edelweiss. Yet, he wasn't labeled the most evil criminal. The difference was that Rozen had also fought against the Rebellion, not just the Union and the League of Mage-Knight Nations.

Thus, people knew Rozen as someone who had once opposed the world, but didn't consider him the most evil criminal, highlighting how much public perception is influenced by objective factors.

So, Edelweiss naturally wouldn't develop inexplicable hostility towards Shinguji Kurono and Saikyo Nene just because of their arrival.

However, their warnings still exerted considerable pressure on Shinguji Kurono and Saikyo Nene.

After all, even without malice, warnings from the world's strongest Blazer and the strongest swordsman, representing the pinnacle of human strength, were bound to be intimidating.

Moreover, Rozen's unsettling appearance and Edelweiss's vacuum faults had already shaken Shinguji Kurono and Saikyo Nene, making them breathless.

But...

"…Unfortunately, as the chairwoman of Hagun Academy and a Blazer of this country, I cannot just watch you two continue fighting."

Shinguji Kurono took a deep breath and voiced her resistance.

"After all, you two merely exchanged a few blows and already turned this place into such a state. If you fight seriously, this city would become the second place to be utterly destroyed by your clash, after the mountains on the western European border. This isn't some remote wilderness. If you fight at full strength, countless people would die. We can't just stand by and watch."

Saikyo Nene similarly expressed, never taking her eyes off Rozen and Edelweiss.

In fact, Rozen and Edelweiss were aware of Shinguji Kurono and Saikyo Nene's concerns.

As beings in the strongest realm, both were well aware of their own and each other's power. They knew that Shinguji Kurono and Saikyo Nene's concerns were not unfounded.

At the very least, they both acknowledged that if they fought with all their might, this city would indeed be reduced to ruins, like a natural disaster.

In fact, if they disregarded everything, the damage would be far more extensive.

Therefore, their earlier exchanges were merely greetings, without revealing their true abilities.

And knowing this, neither Rozen nor Edelweiss intended to fight with all their strength.

So...

"Since my objective is already achieved, there's no need for unnecessary fighting."

Edelweiss stated.

Edelweiss's goal was simply to find Rozen; she had no other intentions.

People thought Twin-Wings pursued Tenkai for revenge, to re-enact the duel from two years ago and settle the score. But Edelweiss wasn't fixated on victory or defeat. Even if she lost, she would accept it gracefully.

Therefore, her search for Rozen wasn't for another duel, but to fulfill the oath they made — regardless of the outcome, neither would walk away.

In other words, finding Rozen was enough for Edelweiss.

Next...

"Wherever you go, I'll follow. Don't think you can shake me off again."

Edelweiss declared.

This left Shinguji Kurono and Saikyo Nene stunned.

...Why does it feel like their relationship isn't as the rumors say?

While Shinguji Kurono and Saikyo Nene were taken aback, Rozen chuckled bitterly.

"I knew you'd say that, so I showed up myself to avoid you causing trouble."

Rozen rolled his eyes.

"Are you planning to break the oath?"

Edelweiss questioned.

"I've said before, us being together is too conspicuous. You don't want to be targeted by everyone like me, do you?" Rozen said. "Don't be fooled by the current ceasefire by the three major powers. I guarantee, given the chance, they'd attack again. That's the nature of power and politics."

The potential of possessing multiple abilities and Devices was irresistible to any power; they wouldn't simply give up.

Currently, they were temporarily subdued by Rozen's might to avoid losses. Once Rozen showed weakness, he'd become prey.

At that point...

"Even disregarding the Union and the League, the Rebellion you allied with would turn against you. There's no need for you to become a target for everyone like me."

Rozen looked at Edelweiss.

"I came here to advise you."

"Stop looking for me."

"We'll meet again if fate allows."

With these words, Rozen's figure merged into the space and vanished.

Just like that, he left decisively.