-2171- Rozen's plan

In the past, when Rozen had once successfully invoked the Crimson Wing Formation, Tenzen had lost his composure like never before.

This was not only because Tenzen hadn't expected Rozen to actually reproduce the secret art of the Crimson Wing Formation without relying on the Crimson Wing Blood, achieving a miracle that no one had accomplished in a thousand years, but also because he was overwhelmed with joy.

Since the lines of the Crimson Wing Formation could grasp souls, and Tenzen had offered himself as a sacrifice in exchange for Nadeshiko's soul, he still needed someone capable of using the Crimson Wing Formation to complete the process—binding Nadeshiko's soul and guiding it back into the reassembled body.

That was why Tenzen had paid such great attention to the Crimson Wing Formation, and thus reacted so strongly when Rozen demonstrated it.

"I had originally placed my hopes on Raishin, hoping that his hatred for me would push him to master the secret of the Crimson Wing Formation, so that he would come before me and help me resurrect Nadeshiko."

Tenzen exhaled deeply.

"Unfortunately, Raishin did not walk the path of magic and instead continued to train in swordsmanship. For a time, I thought all hope was lost."

Given those circumstances, it was understandable that Tenzen would be so emotionally stirred upon discovering that Rozen could use the Crimson Wing Formation.

"Of course, even though Raishin didn't choose magic, he still managed to grasp the power of the Crimson Wing Formation. With the two of you, Nadeshiko's soul should certainly be restored successfully."

That was the truth Tenzen had kept hidden.

From betraying the Akabane clan and defecting to Izanagi, then betraying Izanagi and joining the Academy of Machinart, everything had been for the sake of saving his younger siblings.

"My preparations are nearly complete. In the underground chamber of the academy, the ritual altar I've built is almost finished. Once it is, Nadeshiko can be resurrected."

At these words, Tenzen's face was full of relief.

But...

"What about you?" Rozen stared straight at Tenzen and asked, "Have you really taken your own sacrifice for granted?"

Hearing this, Tenzen's expression did not change.

"The Akabane clan was doomed from the start. Now that I've managed to survive a few more years and save a few of you, ensuring our bloodline continues, I'm already more than satisfied," Tenzen said nonchalantly. "As for myself, I should go to the underworld and properly apologize to Father."

After all, though it was out of necessity, Tenzen had indeed taken action against his own clan on the night of the massacre.

Many of his fellow clan members had died at Tenzen's hand.

Including Akabane Kuukan, the clan leader and his father.

Tenzen had once said that the murderer behind the clan's annihilation was undoubtedly himself—this was beyond question.

This Heaven's Child of the Akabane clan had long stained his hands with the blood of his kin and had resolved to atone for his sins.

To this, Rozen could only say...

"You understand everything now, don't you, Raishin?"

Rozen turned his head toward the side as he spoke.

"What...?"

Tenzen froze.

In the next instant, the space beside Rozen crumpled like paper, revealing a figure.

It was Raishin.

Raishin appeared suddenly, gazing at Tenzen with shock, complexity, and bitterness in his eyes.

Tenzen understood immediately.

"This is the magic of the maiden of flower...!?"

Indeed.

The magic just now was the magic of Komurasaki — Yaegasumi.

Rozen had used Yaegasumi to completely conceal Raishin's presence, such that even Tenzen hadn't noticed a third person was present.

Only Yaegasumi could deceive a genius like Tenzen, to the point even his Mind's Eye failed to detect anything.

Tenzen had been outmaneuvered by Rozen.

"...Why?"

Raishin couldn't help but speak.

"Why didn't you tell me earlier!?"

Tenzen was silent upon hearing this.

Because he had already given the answer.

"If you knew the truth, do you think you'd still be alive now?" Rozen said flatly. "If you had known, you wouldn't have been allowed to train in the military. The military would've crushed you long ago."

In other words, Raishin's survival and strength were also results of Tenzen's calculations.

"I..."

Raishin was at a loss for words.

Everything—its true nature—was unbelievably convoluted.

The truth was, for over three years, Raishin had been training relentlessly, feeding on hatred and growing strong enough to rival even a Wiseman, only to realize that he had hated the wrong person and nearly killed the one who cared most for him and their clan.

Thinking of this, Raishin's face twisted.

That expression was worse than crying.

Then—

"I'm going to settle things with Izanagi!"

Raishin turned and was about to leave immediately.

But just as he turned, the space rippled, and six puppet maidens appeared, blocking his way.

"Are you trying to die?" Tenzen released his mana, speaking coldly, "You finally preserved your life, and now you want to waste it?"

"Then what do you expect me to do...!?" Raishin shouted. "Just pretend none of this ever happened...!?"

The one who answered wasn't Tenzen—it was Rozen.

"By the time you realized who the real culprit was, it was already too late." Rozen shot him a glance, annoyed. "Relax. Izanagi is already no more. The true culprits behind that incident have received their due punishment."

At those words, both Tenzen and Raishin were stunned.

Then, Rozen calmly recounted everything he had done within Izanagi.

Including reducing Izanagi's headquarters to ashes.

Including Domon Kira's suicide.

And including the Self-Binding Contract Document.

"From now on, Izanagi will fully support the Akabane clan's return to the center of the nation. They might even be absorbed into the Akabane clan. The Akabane will soon become Japan's second noble clan."

Rozen lifted his gaze toward Tenzen and Raishin.

"You two probably aren't interested in clan affairs. After reviving Nadeshiko, let her become the new head of the Akabane clan. That way, the clan can be reborn."

Perhaps this is why the princess of the Akabane clan became the Calamity Princess?

Akabane Nadeshiko would become the new clan head, absorb Izanagi, and bring about its end.

This might be the real meaning behind the ominous sign of Izanagi.

Naturally...

"Stop talking about sacrifices already."

Rozen declared with shocking finality.

"I'm going to bring back everyone from the Akabane clan."

Indeed.

Rozen intended to resurrect the entire Akabane clan and return them to the world.

To the people of this world, resurrection is an impossible miracle. Even Tenzen had to make so many arrangements just to revive Nadeshiko. But for Rozen, who had mastered numerous forbidden arts including the Taizan Fukun Ritual, it wasn't necessary to go through so much trouble.

Seeing Tenzen and Raishin both wearing shocked expressions, Rozen smiled.

"Just wait and see."