"Thud, Thud, Thud, Thud...!"
A series of intense footsteps erupted the moment Miyachi Iwao appeared, simultaneously emerging from behind him.
They were a group of exorcists dressed in protective gear.
"Director!"
"Director!"
"Director!"
One after another, the exorcists rushed to the scene, reporting while looking at Kogure Zenjirou, Yuge Mari, and Kagami Reiji lying on the ground, their eyes filled with astonishment.
But Miyachi Iwao didn't give these exorcists much time to be astonished.
"Take the independent officers for treatment. The rest, disperse and set up the barriers. Make them as strong as possible."
Miyachi Iwao instructed in a lackluster tone, waking the exorcists from their shock.
At that moment, the exorcists dispersed in all directions, and some of them took Kogure Zenjirou, Yuge Mari, and Kagami Reiji away.
Facing the actions of the exorcists, Hokuto, Enenra, and the Valkyries seemed to want to react, but Rozen had them under control.
There was no other way.
Even if Miyachi Iwao seemed lackluster, Rozen wasn't arrogant enough to ignore his presence and do as he pleased.
Confronting Miyachi Iwao like this, Rozen realized why this seemingly sloppy middle-aged man could pose a threat to him.
Because, even without using the ability of 'Spirit Vision,' Rozen could feel the rich and immense spiritual power harbored within the man's body.
It was an abyss without boundaries, no matter how you measured it.
If comparing only spiritual power—jutsuryoku, Rozen was confident he wouldn't lose to Miyachi Iwao.
However, there was a fatal difference between the two.
That difference was Rozen's jutsuryoku being finite, while Miyachi Iwao's spiritual power was nearly infinite.
Based on Yakou's knowledge before his passing, Rozen now understood how this situation came to be.
"An Onmyouji capable of directly connecting to the spiritual energy source of the world?"
Rozen murmured quietly.
Yes.
Spiritual energy source.
In this world, there existed abundant and vast spiritual energy sources akin to the "Mana".
They were like spiritual veins, ley lines, dragon veins, and similar existences. Some were hidden underground, some were in the deep sea, and others were in places others couldn't find, distributed in various forms around the world, almost impossible to be glimpsed.
However, an extremely small number of Onmyouji had the innate ability to connect with these spiritual energy sources, like being naturally able to connect with them, allowing them to obtain vast amounts of spiritual energy and gain extraordinary power.
Past Yakou was a individual close to this type of existence, so Yakou's spiritual power was extremely strong, almost like a natural gift.
Miyachi Iwao belonged to this type of existence.
No.
Even when compared to those Onmyouji, Miyachi Iwao is a special exception.
Because this Onmyoji is not just connected to the spiritual energy source, but is like a source of power itself, continuously emitting spiritual power from within.
Rozen's jutsuryoku wouldn't lose to the opponent, but at best, it's something finite, needing to measure its quantity to use it, to avoid collapsing due to excessive consumption.
Miyachi Iwao doesn't have this problem.
As long as he wishes, he can maintain maximum usage continuously.
Using a gaming analogy, even if Rozen and Miyachi Iwao both have a 1000 MP gauge, Rozen uses magic in increments of 10 points until he completely depletes the MP, while Miyachi Iwao can consume 1000 points in one go to use magic. Who is stronger in magic between the two, doesn't need an explanation.
Moreover, Miyachi Iwao's MP, which is depleted in one breath, can be instantly replenished, allowing him to use 1000 points of MP continuously for spellcasting. How could this not be terrifying?
It's just...
"It's like a human 'Holy Grail.'"
Rozen had this thought in his mind.
Miyachi Iwao is like a magus who possesses a 'Holy Grail,' not able to fulfill any wish with it, but it gives him formidable spiritual power.
As long as Miyachi Iwao desires, he could turn everything around him into scorched earth.
"If I burn down the entire hall, that would really be a big problem."
These words from the other party were definitely not said to scare people randomly; this was indeed a problem.
Miyachi Iwao himself seemed to be very aware of this problem, so he had the exorcist subordinates spread out, setting up barriers all around, making them as sturdy as possible.
This was not to imprison Rozen, but to prevent Miyachi Iwao's power from going berserk and really burning down the entire hall.
"If you surrender now, that's okay—even if I say this to you, you won't listen, will you?"
Miyachi Iwao glanced at Hokuto and Enenra roaring at him in mid-air, then looked at Rozen being protected by the Valkyries, making this confirmation.
To this, Rozen had only one thing to say.
"What do you think?"
Rozen said with a smirk.
"Then there's no other way."
Miyachi Iwao shrugged helplessly.
Looking at the other's lack of vigor, Rozen frowned.
"Why did you defile yourself by joining forces with the Kurahashi and Soma families?"
Rozen finally asked Miyachi Iwao this question right in front of him.
"They are willing to sacrifice everything to achieve their pursuit, but for you, I don't think you possess that."
Rozen said this right in front of Miyachi Iwao.
But that's the reality.
From Miyachi Iwao's complete lack of enthusiasm, one can tell that he's not like Kurahashi Genji or Soma Takiko, who have a profound sense of purpose.
Furthermore, Miyachi Iwao gives off the impression that he's not interested in these matters at all, displaying an indifferent attitude.
Therefore, among the masterminds behind the scenes, Rozen has never known Miyachi Iwao's motives for his actions.
So, Rozen wanted to ask.
"Why exactly did you do all of this?"
Rozen posed this question.
Faced with this question, Miyachi Iwao fell silent.
After all, this was not an occasion to openly discuss such matters.
Each and every fully organized exorcist around them watched, displaying a clueless expression about what was happening.
In such a situation, Miyachi Iwao couldn't possibly provide a straightforward answer, right?
But...
"What's wrong with it?"
Miyachi Iwao responded this way.
"Whether it's right or wrong, following others' commands is the position of us who cannot control our own fate."
Saying this, Miyachi Iwao's tone took on a hint of self-deprecation.
"Cannot control our own fate?"
Rozen was initially puzzled, then suddenly understood.
"...Your kind of power doesn't seem to be something easily obtained, does it?"
Rozen pondered for a moment, then said with some sympathy and pity.
"Well, that's how it is."
Miyachi Iwao sighed with a bitter smile.
With this, Rozen also understood.
This battle was destined to be unavoidable.
"That's fine." Rozen grinned and said, "Let me experience the power of the strongest onmyoji of this generation."
"That's good," Miyachi Iwao said indifferently. "For this body, 'strength' is the least valuable thing, enough to let you fully appreciate it."
Rozen's and Miyachi Iwao's gazes locked onto each other.
"Boom!"
The next moment, the surging jutsuryoku erupted from both of them.