-2361- I won't allow it

In the past, to face Rozen in battle, Giada Kukulcan—the Third Primogenitor—went through great lengths to come to Itogami Island. Along with the people of the library, she devised a plan to dismantle the Prison Barrier.

This alone demonstrates how much the Primogenitors observed and were curious about Rozen.

Since the Three Primogenitors are connected to the former gods—or may themselves be fallen deities—it was only natural they would be interested in Rozen, who had summoned Cain's spirit by drawing down vast divine mana.

The Lion King Agency once feared that if Rozen truly could freely summon extinguished gods, the world would face great upheaval. They sacrificed much to monitor Rozen and prevent that from happening.

If even the Lion King Agency foresaw such risks, how could the Primogenitors and world leaders have missed them?

However, where some see danger in Rozen, others see opportunity.

For example, the Primogenitors might want to restore the age when gods still walked the earth—and Rozen would be their best asset.

World leaders, too, wish to leverage someone like Rozen. After all, the gods once created the Fourth Primogenitor capable of slaying Cain, the only three Demon-Slaying Spears worldwide, and even a "Divine Vibration Wave Drive"—ancient super-technology. They even created artificial vampires like Kaleid Blood. Such technologies are the envy of nations.

Since Rozen performed a miracle in summoning a god, why not use him to obtain ancient divine powers and technologies?

Moreover, Rozen sealed away the Primordial and defeated the Fourth Primogenitor, taking its power—gifts that other powers covet as well.

If humanity could command Beast Vassals like vampires, would they still fear Demons?

If Demons could, like Rozen, steal the Primogenitors' power, would they still despair about stagnation?

Rozen possesses so much that the powerful desire. Even as a child, Natsuki shielded him from hidden hands, allowing him to grow in peace. Now, world nations have likely been salivating over him for ages.

In this context, no one dared act out—until now.

As Vatler said: the island can be rebuilt, the Primogenitors have eternity. But Rozen, if removed, is gone forever.

Even though Cleansing is powerful, it cannot grant humanity or Demons the knowledge and technology to advance an age. Compared to Rozen personally, it's of lesser value.

And while Cleansing could theoretically revive gods, its power has not been fully replicated.

At least, no ordinary person can use it to corrupt gods into Demons like Cain did.

The altar of Itogami Island is far less powerful in the hands of others than in Cain's own hands—there's no doubt.

Moreover, its strict conditions make nations naturally seize this chance.

They don't even need to destroy the island—they just need a pretense to come, capture Rozen, and leave at will.

This is the true reason the Sanctuary Treaty Organization is mobilizing.

They are truly targeting Rozen—it's not just rhetoric.

And all of it is part of Vatler's scheme.

"I understand now."

Rozen spoke to Vatler.

"You're the one who hired Tartarus Lapse to destroy Itogami Island."

"And your goal was to give the Sanctuary Treaty forces a reason to strike me."

"Because you know that if they have justification, they'll wage war for me—that's the interest logic of vampire Primogenitors and powerful nations."

"That way, you can openly choose a side: either cooperate with Itogami Island to fight the Sanctuary Treaty forces and the Primogenitors, or attack the island with the Organization and fight me—you get to satisfy your desire for battle."

"Am I right?"

Rozen's words drew a contented smile from Vatler— a mad grin.

"Can't help it, I've always been bored."

Vatler spoke, half mocking, half lamenting:

"For hundreds of years of existence, I've seen the same foolish history replay over and over, the world never improves."

"Every masterpiece has become junk."

"Every brilliant culture has faded with time."

"From people to nations, wars to treaties—it all pretends to change, but it's the same old tragedies and comedies."

"I'm sick of it. I'm truly tired of it."

Vatler voiced the truth of old-world vampires.

"All of this— to us, old-worlders—it's long been stale!"

"Only pain and blood! Screams and death! The struggle against fear with all your being—that alone can relieve my ennui!"

"I want to witness life's march toward annihilation—in its full, dreadful glory!"

"That's my pursuit, Minamiya Nichiyo!"

As he declared, Vatler gestured toward the ocean.

"Behold! The hour of extinction draws near!"

At his words, Rozen and Yukina followed his gaze.

They saw it: distant on the ocean—countless dark shapes.

A fleet—a massive fleet.

Huge armored airships swarmed down from the sky.

On the sea, warships formed in array.

Submarines moved beneath the waves.

A fleet so large it could obliterate a nation overnight now headed toward Itogami Island.

"That is the multi-national joint force formed under the Sanctuary Treaty—the world's strongest army. To fight against this fleet is to stand against the world itself!"

"No one could possibly resist such might!"

"But we have Cleansing—we have the power of this island—so we have a sliver of hope!"

Vatler laughed with wild delight, as though consumed by the moment.

"This is war!"

"Once it begins, it will drag in the entire world!"

"Let us savor this! My beloved, adored, cherished Divine Child!"

The deep crimson radiance around Vatler exploded outward.

Then Rozen's voice rang out, calm and measured:

"No, you will not enjoy this, Vatler."

"This war will never happen."

"Because I won't allow it."