Before Rozen had even left, Loki had already reached the sixth step of a Magus — Heaven's Eye.
Therefore, Rozen assumed that, in the span of two months, Loki must have advanced to the seventh step of a Magus — Magic Resilience.
Loki, after all, was the adopted son of Bronson, the former Sword Angel, who had once been the closest to the Wiseman. He was famed for his telekinetic swordsmanship, had exceptional skill in telekinesis, and had personally mentored Loki. Given that background, Loki's talent in telekinesis was inevitable. Whether it was Telekinesis or Magic Defence, he had mastered them both. Reaching Magic Resilience, the ultimate refinement of telekinesis, was only a matter of time.
Yet, Rozen had underestimated Loki.
Not only had Loki reached the seventh step of a Magician, he had even ascended to the final step — Mind's Eye.
That was truly beyond Rozen's expectations.
However, thinking about it carefully, it wasn't that surprising after all.
It had been said many times before: Mind's Eye wasn't a technique but a state of being. Any ordinary person could potentially reach it. It didn't require training. One might comprehend it at any time — and conversely, might never comprehend it in an entire lifetime. That too wouldn't be surprising.
Loki was supposed to only reach the stage of Magic Resilience, but under the stimulation brought by Rozen, the young man seemed to have figured out many things in the past two months and ultimately awakened to Mind's Eye.
Of course, what Loki had grasped was merely the initial form of Mind's Eye. Compared to Rozen's perfected and complete Mind's Eye, it was like comparing an apprentice to a master — one had just begun, the other had already reached the summit. There was simply no comparison.
Even so, the fact that Loki had awakened Mind's Eye meant his strength had increased dramatically.
After all, in past Night Parties, puppeteers who had grasped Mind's Eye often won the championship with ease.
In other words, Loki now possessed strength nearing that of the Wiseman.
(What's more surprising is that Loki still has other cards up his sleeve.)
Not just Loki — even Frey does.
It's a trump card that only these two siblings possess.
Although extremely dangerous, they seemed to have already gained control over it.
The strength of these siblings had drastically transformed.
However, Rozen's transformation was even greater. Unfortunately, others could not see it; they could only observe the visible parts.
At the very least, Loki's gaze drifted to Irori and Komurasaki behind Rozen. He squinted as he looked at the two unfamiliar girls.
Irori and Komurasaki, in turn, looked behind Loki.
There, a mechanical angel followed closely behind Loki.
It was Loki's Automaton Doll — the Cherubim.
Loki brought his Cherubim and stepped before Rozen once more.
"I've finally returned to this battlefield," Loki looked directly at Rozen, speaking coldly, "This time, I won't let you hog all the spotlight."
With that declaration, a subtle yet palpable fighting spirit leaked from Loki's voice.
Irori, Yaya, and Komurasaki all unconsciously tensed up and entered alert mode.
Clearly, the three girls had sensed the threat in Loki's attitude.
Even if Yaya and the others couldn't discern that Loki had reached the state of Mind's Eye, as top-class Automaton Dolls, their instincts were sharp.
In contrast, Rozen merely smiled in response to Loki's declaration.
"Then I'll be looking forward to your performance."
Rozen's calm laughter made Loki raise an eyebrow slightly.
It seemed Loki had noticed some changes in Rozen too.
"…You've gotten even better at putting on airs," Loki said, tossing out those words before turning his head away, as if he had nothing more to say.
"Loki, don't be so rude. Bad boy,"
Frey actually frowned and scolded Loki, which was rare for her.
Over the past two months, these siblings who once had friction had been training together. Perhaps they had repaired and even deepened their once-fractured bond.
"So many things can change in just two months, even though it's such a short time."
Rozen remarked with emotion.
Yaya immediately turned to Rozen, smiling brightly.
"Yaya's love for Rozen will never change!"
Well, thank you very much....
"Ah~ I'm not someone who falls out of love easily either, so Rozen can rest easy!"
Even Komurasaki chimed in playfully, smiling as she spoke, causing Yaya's smile to stiffen.
"I-I also… I also…"
Irori, seeing her sisters all speak up, tried to join in too, but grew shy. In the end, she could only blush and lower her head.
That reaction was a little too adorable, wasn't it…!?
Just as Rozen couldn't help but steal a few more glances at Irori's face, causing dark aura to begin rising from Yaya's body—
—the last contestant finally arrived.
"What's this talk about change? You guys haven't changed at all! Still just as relaxed and dumb! Totally stupid!"
A voice with a bit of a bad attitude echoed as a girl with a small steel dragon emerged from the entrance tunnel.
"Miss Charlotte!"
Yaya's eyes lit up.
"Charl."
Frey's voice also brightened.
The young lady of House Belew, wielder of the Gram, and the girl known as the Tyrant Rex— Charlotte Belew.
After many days, the girl dubbed Tyrant Rex finally returned and made her reappearance before everyone.
Not just Charlotte — even her little sister had returned.
Rozen could see her in a corner of the audience stands, wearing a maid outfit and waving toward them.
That was Charlotte's younger sister, also a daughter of the House of Belew, though she had no talent as a puppeteer. She was currently an assistant to Kimberly — professor of Machinart and a member of the Mage's Association's combat division. She usually helped Kimberly manage daily affairs.
Rozen couldn't help but relax the corners of his mouth as he stared at Charlotte, a glimmer appearing in his gaze.
Because on Charlotte's body, Rozen saw an unusual presence.
It was something residing inside Charlotte.
"A spirit…"
That's right — a spirit.
A spirit dwelled within Charlotte's body.
Rozen turned to glance at Sigmund, who was following behind Charlotte.
Sigmund nodded at Rozen, as if seeing through his thoughts.
That single gesture was enough for Rozen to confirm it.
Charlotte had succeeded.
She had mastered the mystical art passed down through generations of the House of Belew — Spirit Arts.
And the presence residing within her was her Guardian Spirit.
Just like how Onmyoji used talismans to summon shikigami, while also forming contracts with guardian shikigami, Charlotte's Spirit Arts allowed her to command the spirits of nature, and she too possessed her own guardian spirit.
This girl had been reborn.
Things were about to get a lot more interesting.