"Boom!"
In the battlefield of Yaya's combat arena, the sound of impact roared like thunder. The shockwave generated by Yaya's full-force kick was akin to a raging storm, instantly raising countless dust and debris.
This strike, made with Rosenberg's mental state in shambles and without controlling his automaton to use magic, successfully blew up the tower shield along with the Maschinensoldaten. There was no issue whatsoever.
If it were the current Rozen, he could empower Yaya with "Kongouriki" to this level.
However, this strike ended up being in vain because before it could land on the target, a figure darted like an arrow and reached out, intercepting Yaya's attack.
The impact's fierce wind sprang from the interaction of their feet and elbows.
Yaya's tremendous force was thwarted by the opponent, who manipulated the molecular motion to enhance their defense.
The one who intervened was the last remaining MK4-type Maschinensoldat.
Seeing this scene, Rozen raised an eyebrow.
"You finally couldn't sit still, huh? Miss Alice of the House Bernstein?"
Rozen then turned his gaze towards the master of Shin.
Alice remained in her position, and only her magical power fluctuated, flowing into Shin's body.
It had to be said that compared to the automaton users in the "Kreuzrittern," Alice's magical power was quite substantial. She was genuinely on par with the "Thirteen" or even surpassed the average "Thirteen."
Perhaps, in terms of magical power alone, not even Loki, Hinowa, and Charl combined would be a match for Alice.
Thanks to this, with Alice's magical power combined with Shin's, Shin's "Fragarach" exhibited a level of defense that, even if not quite on par with Rosenberg's MK5 defensive specialized Maschinensoldat, was still not far behind.
Yaya's kick that could have easily secured victory was thus blocked, leaving Yaya visibly taken aback.
"Boom!"
In the midst of the impact, Yaya and Shin pushed each other away, carried by the violent waves, returning to their respective masters.
With all eyes on her, Alice slowly approached and came to Rosenberg's side.
"Is this it?" Alice looked at Rosenberg, who couldn't accept reality, and spoke sarcastically.
"Quite embarrassing, Rosenberg. You actually gave up controlling your automaton because of this minor setback. If you had fought back properly, even if you couldn't win, with your MK5's defense, it would have been challenging for the opponent to break through."
This was indeed the truth.
After all, "Fragarach" was a magic that manipulated the direction of molecular motion. Even though Yaya's strength was formidable, as long as magical power and skill kept up, it could block Yaya's attacks, preventing them from being instantly defeated.
Previously, both MK4 and MK5 were taken care of directly by Rozen when he seized their vulnerabilities and timing, before they could use "Fragarach" to manipulate molecular motion direction and enhance defense. It proved that their skills couldn't keep up with Rozen, making it challenging to use magic flexibly between offense, defense, and acceleration.
But Rosenberg was different.
Rosenberg only needed to thoroughly implement defense, keeping the molecular motion direction in a static state. So unless Rosenberg's magical power was exhausted, Rozen might not be able to harm him.
Of course, this was only the case with Yaya's usage alone.
However, even if only using Yaya, with Rozen's current skills and abilities, it still wouldn't be impossible to destroy the MK5 Maschinensoldat.
The reason is quite simple.
"Specialization in molecular immobilization, precisely because of its high stability, makes it impossible to react instantly. With that man's abilities, he might not destroy your automaton right away, but he might play around with it and then resolve the situation."
Alice stated confidently to Rosenberg.
"I've told you before, compared to the specialized MK5, the balanced MK4 is better suited for all situations. Yet, you chose to focus on defense and believed that by doing so, you could remain undefeated, even if not winning, you'd never lose, and eventually, an opportunity for victory would come. This isn't cautiousness; it's cowardice. Do you finally understand reality now?"
Alice tore apart Rosenberg's facade without holding back.
Yes.
Cowardly.
Rosenberg was truly cowardly.
Because he couldn't accept failure, let alone falling from the lofty pedestal.
That's why Rosenberg needed to gather his legion.
That's why Rosenberg needed to implement defense.
"With this, you're utterly useless. You'd better accept your fate."
Alice bluntly stated.
This made Rosenberg's face contort.
"Alice Bernstein...!"
Rosenberg angrily shouted.
"It's all because of you...! If it weren't for you unilaterally bringing 'Fimbulvetr's Winter' into the Night Party...!?"
He was cut off by Alice before he could finish a sentence.
"Even if I hadn't brought 'Fimbulvetr's Winter' into the Night Party, and let your 'Kreuzrittern' enjoy continuous victories, advancing until the second-to-last night, the runner-up would still eventually step up. The outcome would be the same."
Alice laughed, and her sarcasm became increasingly pronounced.
"Don't speak as if there's a long time until the second-to-last night and there would be enough time for you to figure out how to deal with 'Fimbulvetr's Winter.' You may see yourself as cautious, but, in reality, you are arrogant, foolish, and blind. Otherwise, you wouldn't have believed that your 'Kreuzrittern' were enough to defeat any strong opponent. Once you've tasted continuous victories, your confidence would undoubtedly swell to the point where you no longer fear 'Fimbulvetr's Winter.' At that time, you won't even consider how to deal with the opponent. You'll only continue to enjoy being revered, admired, and respected by others."
Alice continued to mock, causing Rosenberg to glare at her with a distorted face.
At that moment, Rosenberg released his magical power, manipulating his automaton, causing it to leap toward Alice and launch an attack.
The audience seats immediately filled with gasps.
The Night Party strictly prohibited attacking puppeteers, and Alice was supposed to be Rosenberg's comrade. It was unexpected that he would directly attack her.
However, the opponent's attack naturally turned out to be in vain.
"Boom!"
Shin, like a phantom, flashed behind Rosenberg's automaton, swinging a kick and sending it crashing to the ground.
"Just as I said, you can't react instantly, and you concentrated all your attention on the enemy in front of you, neglecting the defense behind you."
Alice commented while accumulating magical power.
"Boom!"
Alice fiercely slapped Rosenberg, sending him flying, and his face swelled up, crying out in pain.
"You...! You...!"
Rosenberg roared in hatred.
But Alice had lost interest in Rosenberg.
"Sorry for making you witness such a spectacle."
Alice smiled at Rozen.
To this, Rozen also smiled slightly.
"It's nothing."
Rozen spoke nonchalantly.
"After all, I enjoy watching dog biting dogs."