-1490- The most detestable type

The Pope's Floating City — Vebel

In a distant place called Mistgun, just as Rozen snapped his fingers at Elis, a disturbance suddenly occurred in an office within a grand mansion there.

"Bang!"

A crystal ball placed on a desk shattered without any warning, scattering into countless fragments that shot out in all directions.

"Buzz!"

Almost simultaneously, a surge of power erupted.

It was jutsuryoku.

The wave of jutsuryoku seemed to take control of the fragments, stopping them mid-flight and suspending them in mid-air, before they gathered back on the desk and formed a pile.

"Have I been discovered?"

The young man who used jutsuryoku to manage all this waved his hand, withdrawing the power, and narrowed his eyes.

At that moment…

"Are you alright, Lord Zeth?"

The one who spoke was a young girl who had always been at the young man's side.

The girl had long, sapphire-blue hair that glimmered faintly, and she wore a white jacket and knee-high boots. At first glance, she appeared to be a dazzling beauty, but the aura she exuded was that of a battle-hardened warrior, brimming with a murderous aura.

The one attended to by such a girl was none other than Zeth.

"I deeply apologize. Due to the suddenness of the situation, I couldn't intercept the fragments in time. This lapse is inexcusable, and I await your punishment, Lord Zeth."

The girl bowed her head to Zeth.

"Don't worry about it, Kirsty," Zeth said, waving it off nonchalantly. "Even I didn't anticipate such an event happening suddenly. I just happened to be closer and could react quicker; it's not your fault."

Zeth didn't mind the incident at all.

After all, compared to such a trivial matter, the situation with Rozen was far more important.

"Rorelai Arneet."

Zeth tapped his desk thoughtfully.

"This human is more capable than I imagined. Not only did he see through all my schemes, but he also managed to give me a warning in return. He truly deserves his reputation as a 'Hero of Humanity.'"

Zeth couldn't help but admire Rozen.

Initially, Zeth had only appreciated and paid attention to Rozen.

It wasn't that Zeth underestimated Rozen.

In fact, given Rozen's track record and achievements, Zeth couldn't possibly underestimate him.

But after witnessing it firsthand, Zeth realized that he had, in the end, slightly underestimated Rozen.

"Foreign Mana, and a mysterious, powerful female swordsman—if that's what this human wanted to show me, then I must admit, he succeeded."

Seeing such a presence, even Zeth couldn't remain indifferent.

So, not only had Rozen given Zeth a warning, but he had also managed to instill a sense of caution in him.

In this remote battle of wits, Zeth lost thoroughly, while Rozen secured a great victory.

"I really don't want to be enemies with someone like that."

Zeth spoke his thoughts objectively.

To this...

"If this person obstructs you, Lord Zeth, then with just one command, I will immediately head to Mistgun and take his head."

Kirsty said this without hesitation, her unwavering loyalty evident in her words.

And of course, this girl was not merely boasting or seeking credit.

Kirsty, full name Kirsty Vermilion, was Zeth's personal secretary, directly under his command, and the most loyal and powerful assistant in Zeth's ranks.

Like Elis and Cris, she was a humanoid Armored Beetle, capable of using both mana and jutsuryoku, as well as Collapse Force. She took pride in being Zeth's right hand, having done countless things for Zeth, both openly and secretly. In terms of strength, she was undoubtedly second only to Zeth.

Someone like Real Nua was no match for Kirsty, not even for a single round. Even Elis couldn't compare to Kirsty. Due to her exceptional strength, loyalty, and track record, Zeth trusted this girl more than he trusted Elis—in fact, Kirsty was Zeth's most trusted subordinate, without a doubt.

Because of this, Kirsty was viewed as a thorn in the side by Zeth's enemies, known as the "Slaughtering Seraph."

Therefore, if Zeth gave the order, Kirsty would rush to Mistgun and begin a massacre, willing to sacrifice everything to complete the task Zeth assigned.

Unfortunately…

"I fear that even you wouldn't be a match for that man, Kirsty," Zeth said calmly. "That man can use High-Grade Mana of the highest caliber, a power even beyond our Collapse Force. Real Nua, who can use Collapse Force, seems to be no match for him, and Elis and Cris were helpless against him. Even I couldn't see through his techniques at all. He's not called the 'Mage King' for nothing."

Possessing a power that surpasses Collapse Force and hiding unknown powerful techniques, this man's strength was indeed unfathomable.

"Moreover, there's also that mysterious female swordsman. If I rashly send you out, even you might not return, and I can't afford to lose you, Kirsty."

Zeth advised earnestly.

This was treatment even Elis didn't receive, showing just how much Zeth trusted Kirsty.

"Thank you for your kindness, Lord Zeth," Kirsty bowed her head before continuing, "However, I still can't believe that a power surpassing Collapse Force exists in this world."

"Who could?" Zeth spread his hands, saying, "But it is a fact. Just in case, we must keep a close watch on the situation in Mistgun."

"And how should we deal with Rorelai Arneet?" Kirsty asked.

"He already said it, didn't he?" Zeth smiled, a deep meaning in his expression as he said, "He said to continue in Vebel. That man has already made his intentions clear."

Kirsty immediately understood.

Zeth then recalled the recent events and smiled wryly.

"Although he's an extraordinary variable, it's still unclear whether he's friend or foe. For now, let's try our best to pull him into our side. That would be an unbelievably strong ally."

However, from the current situation, the possibility of him joining their side didn't seem high.

Even if that's the case, it doesn't matter.

As long as he stays quiet, Zeth wouldn't mind.

The real concern was if he ended up joining the opposing faction.

That would be the worst-case scenario.

And the opposing faction certainly understood this as well. They would definitely do everything in their power to protect Rozen and bring him to their side, wouldn't they?

"Let's see if you can succeed under my watchful eyes."

"Pope."

Zeth continued to ponder.

Kirsty quietly observed from the side, captivated by her master's unwavering resolve and immediate planning for the next steps even after facing a setback.

As for the state of Elis and Cris, the two had long been ignored by both of them.

As Rozen said, even if his own sister were to be killed, Zeth wouldn't bat an eye.

This, perhaps, is what defines a tyrant.

Unfortunately, Rozen most detests this type of person.