-2349- The revealed threat

"A destined surveillance… huh?"

To the gloomy words spoken by Shizuka Koyomi, Rozen seemed to understand a little.

"Surveillance…"

Even Himeragi Yukina couldn't help but glance at Rozen, not knowing what to think.

At that moment, Shizuka Koyomi revealed an unknown secret.

"Because of a mission, Itogami Meiga's watcher passed away, and as a result, Itogami Meiga lost his mind and completely fell into darkness as a magic criminal. Before being captured by the Witch of the Void and locked away in the Prison Barrier, he killed thirteen Attack Mages from the Lion King Agency. His resentment towards the Lion King Agency, and towards us, has always been a darkness within his heart."

Shizuka Koyomi's explanation left Akatsuki Nagisa, Kanase Kanon, and Avrora Florestina confused.

"Why did the death of that watcher lead to that person called Itogami Meiga becoming a magic criminal?"

Nagisa asked with great surprise, raising her hand.

To this, Shizuka Koyomi gave a simple answer.

"Because Itogami Meiga fell in love with that watcher. It's only natural he would hold resentment over the watcher's death, which was caused by a mission from the Lion King Agency."

Shizuka Koyomi explained it in the most straightforward way.

"Love…"

Nagisa was rendered speechless.

Even Rozen and Yukina were at a loss for words, yet they inexplicably looked at each other, then quickly turned away — one scratching his cheek, the other's face turning red and flustered. It was clearly unnatural.

So, Rozen decisively changed the subject.

"Itogami Meiga hunts you out of hatred — that, I understand now," Rozen said. "But you also mentioned there's another reason besides hatred. Something about a certain plan, right?"

What plan is that?

That's the real question.

Also…

"I've been meaning to ask," Rozen stared at Shizuka Koyomi and said, "This guy's surname is Itogami. The same 'Itogami' from Itogami Island, and Itogami Senra's 'Itogami.' Am I right to think that?"

What Rozen implied was very clear.

In other words—

"Is that guy possibly a descendant of Itogami Senra?"

Rozen's words made all the girls present hold their breath.

But clearly, this wasn't a coincidence.

Rozen was correct.

"Yes," Shizuka Koyomi said in a deep voice. "Itogami Meiga is the grandson of Itogami Senra, the inheritor of the forbidden name 'Itogami,' and the rightful descendant of the God of Sin."

Thus, after betraying the Lion King Agency, Itogami Meiga came to Itogami Island.

Because this was his domain — the artificial island built by his grandfather. It was also the altar used by the forbidden four characters to resurrect the God of Sin, Cain. As the rightful descendant of the God of Sin and the inheritor of the name 'Itogami,' he would naturally return here.

Unfortunately for him, this island wasn't home to just the forbidden four — it also had guardians like Natsuki, who oversaw the Prison Barrier.

Thanks to that, Itogami Meiga, now a magic criminal, was captured by Natsuki and sent into the Prison Barrier.

Had it not been for the plan of Tokoyogi Aya and Tokoyogi Yuuma that resulted in the release of the Prison Barrier, Itogami Meiga might have spent the rest of his life locked away.

However, there are no 'ifs' in this world. Itogami Meiga did escape from the Prison Barrier. Upon escaping, he did not abuse his power or act recklessly but quietly stole the Meigaro kept in the museum inside the Keystone Gate and vanished without a trace—until now.

And now that he has reappeared, it can only mean one thing:

"His revenge may not be over yet."

Shizuka Koyomi's voice grew heavier.

"He must be stopped."

It's not just because Itogami Meiga harbors hostility and hatred toward the Lion King Agency, or that he might retaliate against it again — it's because of that so-called plan.

"Itogami Meiga has realized that with just his own power, he cannot exact meaningful revenge on the Lion King Agency. Even with a weapon like Fangzahn in hand, he was originally just a researcher and lacks great power. To achieve vengeance, he must rely on a greater power."

Shizuka Koyomi's voice continued to spread.

"And he is the heir to the forbidden name of Itogami, the rightful descendant of the God of Sin. He possesses the means to awaken this island's true power. If he's aiming to do that…"

There was no need for Shizuka Koyomi to finish the sentence — Rozen already understood.

"If he's aiming for that, then the God of Sin really might be resurrected, right?"

Rozen said this quite calmly.

Shizuka Koyomi didn't deny it, but her tone became more resolute.

"He must be stopped, or something terrible will happen."

That was her firm conclusion.

After all, the signs of catastrophe were already beginning to show.

"I see…" Rozen murmured, as if something had dawned on him. "If Itogami Meiga really holds the method to awaken the island's true power, then it makes sense why the mainland still hasn't sent any disaster relief."

Those words made everyone stiffen.

"Disaster relief?"

Kanase Kanon tilted her head in confusion.

The others were just as puzzled.

Because they didn't understand why Rozen would bring that up so suddenly.

But Rozen wouldn't say that without reason.

"Think about it. If Itogami Island being the altar for Cain's resurrection is already exposed, and Itogami Meiga, the rightful descendant of the God of Sin, knows how to use it—what do you think happens next?"

Rozen explained bluntly.

"Forget the general public — just consider the three Primogenitor's empires. If they knew the truth, they would definitely view this island as a threat."

The three Primogenitors, being the original enemies of the God of Sin, would never allow this island to be used as a tool for resurrection.

And the will of the Primogenitors is the will of their empires — the three great Night Empires would never turn a blind eye.

And if they view this island as a threat, then the nations allied with them under the Sanctuary Treaty will undoubtedly follow suit.

Japan happens to be a Sanctuary Treaty signatory.

With that in mind, it explains why the mainland has turned a blind eye to the disaster situation on Itogami Island.

"Could… could it be…!"

Akatsuki Nagisa, Kanase Kanon, and Yukina all seemed to understand Rozen's point and gasped in unison.

Rozen narrowed his eyes and calmly continued.

"The incident of Tartarus Lapse probably revealed the truth of Itogami Island to countries around the world."

"Now that the world knows the truth, especially the Sanctuary Treaty signatories, they've chosen to treat this island as a threat."

"That's why Itogami Meiga emerged from hiding and began to act. The mainland also refused to provide disaster relief to the island."

"This situation… just got a lot more troublesome."

"If we're not careful, it might even lead to war."