-111- Taken from my own body

Automatons can naturally use magic as if it were their breath, but that doesn't mean they can use all the magic in the world.

As mentioned before, the function of the magic circuits in this world is no different from that of magic formation; they're a mechanism that condenses the entire process of performing magic within the body of a puppet.

Given this, a problem is bound to arise.

Just as different magic requires different magic arrays, the magic circuits built into automatons can only produce the effects of a specific type of magic. In other words, automatons can only proficiently use one type of magic.

Two completely different types of magic cannot coexist in a single entity.

This is the fundamental principle of mechanized physics, known as the "Incompatibility Principle of Magical Activity." An individual's body cannot simultaneously harbor the effects of two different types of magic. Otherwise, they would interfere and repel each other, causing the magic's effects to fail. This remains an unsolved magical theory in this world.

However, there's a single exception to this principle, and that's the magic circuit capable of bestowing life upon automatons—the "Eve's Heart."

Essentially, all automatons are equipped with both the "Eve's heart" and another arbitrary type of magic circuit. Only when coupled with the "Eve's heart" do they possess life and intelligence, earning them the designation of automaton. Otherwise, they are simply magical props.

To put it simply, each automaton can only use one type of magic. Only with this magic can automatons exercise their power freely. In this singular type of magic, there's no one who can surpass them.

This is the essence of an automaton.

Likewise...

"As long as it's not this specific type of magic, even the simplest magic is beyond the capabilities of automatons."

Rozen stared intently at Yaya, engulfed in the storm of fragments, his thoughts racing.

"The magic this puppet uses is probably body enhancement magic."

Only that would explain why this seemingly delicate and beautiful girl possessed such astonishing strength, speed, and defense.

Truly...

"A magic that is both simple and powerful."

As the saying goes, a single force can overcome ten. While the magic Yaya could wield was simple, when pushed to the limit, its threat was undoubtedly on par with the most formidable magic.

"So, this is the 'Kongouriki' mentioned earlier?"

———"Kongouriki."

This was probably the name of Yaya's magic circuit.

"Indeed, automatons and regular puppets are worlds apart."

Though the dolls of the Akabane clan were sophisticated, they lacked life and magic circuits. No matter how exquisite they were, they were just dolls armed with weapons and armor.

As for ordinary puppets, they no longer held any comparative significance.

If Yaya were a normally crafted puppet, Rozen would certainly appreciate her craftsmanship.

But now, Rozen had no appreciation left in his heart.

Just the thought that the beautiful automaton before him was made using the body of someone sacrificed by Karyusai Shouko turned his mood utterly sour.

Of course, Yaya herself isn't at fault. But since the other party's attitude is so despicable, Rozen doesn't need to hold back either.

"Without a puppeteer to control you, let's see how you'll defend against the next strike."

Rozen's magic surged like a tidal wave.

"Buzz!"

The air emitted a buzzing sound once again, causing the fragments manipulated by telekinesis to hang in the air. Upon closer inspection, the magical forms on these fragments had undergone a transformation. The telekinesis that originally controlled the fragments was gradually distorting, transforming into sharp shapes.

"————!?"

Yaya finally showed a change in expression.

"What... What's happening!?"

Komurasaki seemed a bit bewildered.

Only Irori seemed to understand.

"That's 'Magic Resilience'...!?"

Indeed, Rozen had infused the fragments with the telekinesis of "Magic Resilience." This would create telekinetic blades capable of cutting through steel, attached to the pieces of the tatami.

"Now let's see if you can block this!"

With a thought, Rozen intended to unleash the storm of fragments onto Yaya.

He was confident that this time, without a puppeteer supplying magic and with Yaya having expended quite a bit of magic in the previous battle, she wouldn't be able to defend against it.

Rozen confirmed his victory in this way.

Until...

"Enough, stop."

From the platform, the voice of Karyusai Shouko, who had been observing coldly, finally sounded.

"If you continue further, I'll have to step in, little boy from the Akabane clan."

Upon hearing this, Rozen halted the impending attack.

Partly because Rozen had already "Spiritually Seen" it. Karyusai Shouko's magic had been set in motion. If this continued, wouldn't she inevitably supply magic to Yaya?

In that case, with the aid of a puppeteer, even if Karyusai Shouko's abilities were inferior, they would thoroughly threaten Rozen.

After all, even the more inferior "Oborofuji" could change the terrain under the control of an average person.

If the rumored "Setsugetsuka" was more advanced than the "Oborofuji," it could likely enable Yaya to unleash power comparable to "Oborofuji," regardless of Karyusai Shouko's abilities.

At that point, even if Rozen uses "Summoning Magic", it would still be dangerous.

However...

"I thought you would intervene right from the beginning."

Rozen glanced casually at Karyusai Shouko.

Originally, Rozen thought that after he discovered her involvement with the forbidden secret, Karyusai Shouko would likely not stop at anything and would try to eliminate him directly.

He hadn't expected that Karyusai Shouko would still have the capacity to mediate verbally.

Perhaps sensing Rozen's thoughts, Karyusai Shouko, for the first time, appeared with a helpless expression on her dazzling face.

"I don't consider myself a good person, but I didn't expect to be looked down upon by a little boy like you. It seems you really dislike taboos, little boy."

Saying this, Karyusai Shouko smiled radiantly.

"However, you can rest assured. If you've discovered my secret, I won't silence you. I'm aware of the crimes I've committed, and I believe I'll face a dead end sooner or later. As for whether you're the one who will lead me to that dead end, that's up to fate."

After speaking, Karyusai Shouko added one more thing.

"By the way, my 'Setsugetsuka' wasn't created by sacrificing anyone. The living parts used in them were taken from my own body."

Upon hearing this, Rozen couldn't help but freeze.

Seeing this, Karyusai Shouko broke into a pleased smile.

"You're a clever young one. You're quite capable. But I prefer your current expression—a blend of childishness and lack of guile. You're a far cry from me."

Karyusai Shouko's words were a mix of self-deprecation and well-intentioned advice.

"Alright, retract your magic. Don't mess up my place. Let's get down to business."