At tonight's pre-competition banquet, Rozen encountered the representative squad of Vebel, led by Yamier Kaiser.
They are humanoid Armored Beetles, followers of Zeth Wiegert, and also his assassins.
Think about it: why would Yamier and the others represent Vebel in the Sky Wizards Martial Arts Festival?
It's not because they were bored. They are very aware of the significance this year's Sky Wizards Martial Arts Festival holds.
"The Pope has forcefully pushed for the Sky Wizards Martial Arts Festival to take place, which has already raised suspicions among many people. Someone as shrewd as Zeth must have realized that this decision holds extraordinary meaning. And with Vebel lacking sufficient military power, it's clear that the Pope is planning to rally sky wizards from floating cities across the world to move against him."
Rozen spoke confidently.
"If that's the case, Zeth won't just sit by idly; he will surely take action."
This action involves sending his subordinates to represent Vebel in the Sky Wizards Martial Arts Festival, intending to crush the human sky wizards.
"If they defeat the human forces in the festival and win, then, on one hand, they weaken human power. On the other, if the humanoid Armored Beetles demonstrate overwhelming strength, Zeth can declare to the world that he has the power to rule over humanity, because no human sky wizard can defeat them, proving they are the strongest."
This will be a critical step for Zeth, who plans to rule humanity through force.
However...
"If humans manage to defeat the Armored Beetle squad in the Sky Wizards Martial Arts Festival and emerge victorious, they can similarly weaken the Armored Beetle forces and morale. They can also prove to the world that the Pope's faction has the power to confront the Armored Beetles. When Zeth retaliates and starts a war, many humans will join the Pope's side without fearing the strength of the Armored Beetles. At that point, exposing Zeth's true identity will carry more weight and influence."
Rozen looked at Annerose Sutherland Vebel.
"So, this year's Sky Wizards Martial Arts Festival is not only a façade, but also a formal declaration of war by humanity against the Armored Beetles, a prelude to the final battle between the two major factions."
The victor will gain the most advantageous position.
The defeated will become the underdog, ruthlessly beaten down.
The importance of this event needs no further explanation.
Given this, Rozen must now compete seriously.
Because this stage is not just a competition but the center of the swirling storm.
"I imagine Zeth isn't the only one sending representatives. To secure victory, the Pope's faction must have secretly dispatched a squad to participate in the Sky Wizards Martial Arts Festival as well, right?"
Rozen smiled slightly.
"Since both the Pope's faction and Zeth's faction are on this stage, how could I miss this opportunity?"
This stage is one that Rozen must intervene in.
Otherwise, how can Zeth's conspiracy be thwarted?
And Rozen's participation in the Sky Wizards Martial Arts Festival would also be advantageous for humanity.
If Rozen can defeat the Armored Beetles' squad, humanity will hold a favorable position in this war against them.
Considering the enemy's strength and our own forces, it's only natural to let Rozen join the battlefield.
After all, the enemy is a squad of humanoid Armored Beetles sent by Zeth. If they are valued so highly by Zeth, they must all be Collapse Force holders, making it near impossible for humans to defeat them.
But if Rozen takes the stage, it'll be different.
Unfortunately...
"Mr. Rorelei, your power represents humanity's hope. You absolutely cannot be recklessly thrown into the battlefield."
Annerose firmly rejected the idea.
By now, Zeth already knows of Rozen's arrival and knows that Rozen is the captain of Mistgun's representative squad in the Sky Wizards Martial Arts Festival. He won't be entirely unprepared.
Perhaps Zeth will even attempt to eliminate Rozen on the stage of the festival, setting up obstacles for him.
With this in mind, Annerose cannot allow Rozen to easily join the battlefield of the Sky Wizards Martial Arts Festival.
Even if humanity loses the festival, as long as Rozen remains, there's still a chance for humanity to ultimately win.
Conversely, humanity could face total defeat.
So Annerose believes that this valuable combat power, Rozen, shouldn't be thrown in so early.
"Please, stay here, by my side, and act for the sake of humanity."
Annerose asserted this view.
However...
"Sorry, but I don't intend to do that."
Rozen rejected it outright.
"Rorelei!"
"Mr. Rorelei!?"
"Little Rozen!?"
Seeing Rozen refuse the Pope's order, River, Cris, and Emilie couldn't help but speak out.
Annerose even stood up from her throne.
"I am the highest authority of humanity, the current Pope. You, as a sky wizard under Mistgun, do you intend to defy the Pope's orders?" Annerose raised her voice. "Please listen to reason, Mr. Rorelei. I don't want to accuse you of betraying humanity."
This was her right as Pope.
However, it meant nothing to Rozen.
"Not to be blunt, Your Holiness." Rozen sighed, then said, "Don't you think Zeth's situation can also apply to me?"
This made Annerose freeze for a moment before her expression shifted, as if she had realized something.
Rozen smiled.
"Because of Zeth's popularity in human society, you can't accuse him directly, for fear of sparking a civil war."
Rozen spoke each word clearly.
"The same situation applies to me."
Popularity?
Zeth may have gained glory by winning a victory against the Armored Beetles, but didn't Rozen, who fought on the front lines during his third year in the academy, achieve the same?
Supporters?
Zeth, as the Council Chairman, has the backing of some sky wizards, but Rozen, who advanced magical technology by half a century, doesn't?
He's known as the Hero of Humanity.
He's also the Mage King.
In human society, there are countless people who admire, respect, and revere him.
If Annerose were to accuse Rozen of betraying humanity, many would likely side with him and overthrow the Pope's rule.
For Annerose, who seeks to avoid a civil war among humanity, this is a fatal flaw.
Thus, Annerose cannot move against Rozen.
Rozen had already made it clear.
"I have the right to choose, but you all don't seem to take it seriously."
Leaving these words behind, Rozen vanished in a flash.
"Wait…!"
Annerose was shocked. Realizing Rozen had already left, her expression darkened.
"Your...Your Holiness?"
River became flustered.
"..."
Cris remained silent.
"Looks like little Rozen's more difficult to handle than we thought."
Emilie sighed, unconcerned.
Annerose gritted her teeth in frustration, stomping her foot.
"I'm still a child! Why do I have to bear such pressure…!?"
The Pope, who has lived for centuries, cried out like this.
And so, the gears began to turn.
The battle that would determine humanity's future had begun.