Thus, the Walpurgis Royal Academy of Machinart welcomed the beginning of a new semester.
Rozen also reappeared at the academy, spotted by many.
"After disappearing for two months, he's finally back."
"Better report this to the higher-ups. Aren't there a lot of people looking for him?"
"I wonder what the Glove Holders who are about to participate in the Night Party alongside him are feeling right now."
"Indeed, it makes one curious."
People discussed among themselves like this, and once again, Rozen became the most talked-about figure in the academy.
Rozen merely made a brief appearance, stepping into the public eye, and it was enough to stir up such a commotion.
Everyone at the academy looked at Rozen with awe, fear, reverence, and even worship, making him the center of attention no matter where he went.
Thanks to this, many people indeed planned to approach Rozen after learning of his return to the academy.
Unfortunately, none of them could even get close to him.
Rozen had made a public statement in front of the entire academy:
"Sorry, I'm currently focusing all my energy on the Night Party. Please don't talk to me about anything else."
That statement crushed the intentions of many who wanted to come knocking.
Rozen made it clear: he had no interest in olive branches from any country or faction.
Though many didn't want to believe that, every time someone approached Rozen, they were turned away at the door.
Having experienced similar situations in the world of sky wizards, Rozen was quite familiar with these tactics and had plenty of ways to send them packing.
Fortunately, Rozen was within the academy—a territory with autonomy and independence—not just anyone could enter. This allowed him to avoid a lot of unnecessary trouble.
Of course, if anyone tried to play dirty tricks, then there would be no need for Rozen to act—the academy would handle it.
After all, given the current situation, if the academy didn't take extra precautions around Rozen, it wouldn't just be the Night Party that might end in disaster. Any incident within the academy could damage its reputation severely.
Rozen had become a prized asset in the eyes of the world's major powers. If his affairs weren't handled properly and those nations caused a ruckus in the academy—perhaps even igniting a war—it would be a grievous offense on the academy's part.
Thus, once it was discovered that Rozen had returned, the Security Division and Disciplinary Committee both mobilized, increasing patrols and defenses. The areas Rozen frequently visited were designated as high-priority zones, with guards and committee members regularly patrolling them.
This alone showed how much attention Rozen's presence demanded from the academy and many others.
In a world teetering on the brink of a second world war, Rozen's abilities were far too important for many to ignore. That things turned out this way was understandable.
Rozen was certain that aside from the academy and world powers, many other forces were paying close attention to him.
For example—the Mage's Association.
Rozen had discovered mysterious and unfamiliar individuals around him, constantly observing him from the shadows.
These people were undoubtedly from the Mage's Association.
Other forces also sent agents to watch Rozen, but none with the skill and proficiency of the Mage's Association. Their abilities were top-tier—if not for Rozen's Wise Eye and Mind's Eye, they would be undetectable. Ordinary people simply weren't up to that level.
However, Rozen didn't bother with them much.
"As long as they don't interfere with my life, it's fine."
Based on that principle, Rozen chose to ignore them.
However, perhaps due to the sheer number of people watching Rozen, many began to notice certain things.
For instance, whenever Rozen moved around the academy, he was always accompanied by three extremely beautiful girls—inseparable.
Additionally, before the new semester began, Rozen re-registered his Automaton Dolls. Instead of having just one, he now had three.
Previously, although Rozen had acted alongside Irori and Komurasaki in the academy, it was merely a countermeasure against the threat of Multi-Controller. He had not registered them as his Automatons, nor had he brought them to classes or the Night Party. That had left many speculating about what their appearances truly meant.
Now, everyone knew—Rozen had new Automaton Dolls. New combat strength. It was likely they would be deployed in the Night Party.
"He's added new Automatons?"
"Give me a break."
"He can already summon an army of hundreds of thousands, and now he's gotten even stronger?"
"Is there no end to his power?"
Many trembled in fear.
Ordinary people didn't know about Setsugetsuka, nor were they aware of Irori and Komurasaki's origins. But both were obviously high-grade models—otherwise, they wouldn't resemble humans so closely. In the past, they had revealed a glimpse of their power when Rozen resisted the academy's attempt to arrest Ionela Eliade, leaving many in shock.
With two such advanced Automatons added, how much stronger would Rozen become?
Most dared not imagine it.
Of course, having more Automatons didn't directly translate to greater power. If one lacked the skill and strength to control multiple Dolls simultaneously, then increasing their number would be foolish—it could even backfire.
But no one doubted Rozen's ability to control three Automatons.
"If he can control hundreds of thousands of monsters, what are three Dolls to him?"
That was the general consensus.
Thus, the fact that Rozen now had three extremely high-grade Automatons and had increased his strength once again spread throughout the academy and became a major topic of discussion.
In such an atmosphere, the new semester began, and the Night Party finally resumed.
...
Academy, Arena.
This was a bowl-shaped arena resembling an ancient amphitheater, located near the academy's forest.
It was a bit far from the academy's central area, rather secluded, but the arena itself covered a vast area. Spectator stands surrounded it, and at the topmost layer of the stands, special box seats with roofs had been set up—clearly intended to host VIPs.
As night fell, the arena lit up brightly, and the stands were packed with people. Even the VIP seats were full, with obviously distinguished individuals—wealthy and noble in appearance—whispering among themselves. Though they seemed to be chatting and laughing, their gazes were frequently drawn to the battleground below.
There, in addition to the fighting grounds, was a dedicated entry tunnel for participants.
At that moment, one student after another emerged from the tunnel with tense and serious expressions.
These were the Glove Holders—the participants of the Night Party.
This arena was the new battleground for the resumed Night Party.
Tonight, the Night Party officially resumed.
Everyone's attention was fixed on this battle—or rather, on one particular person about to make their entrance.
It wasn't long before that person appeared.
With three extraordinarily beautiful Automatons by his side, Rozen stepped into the arena.