Seika Dormitory, training grounds.

With just one hand behind his back, Charles effortlessly blocked the combined assault from Rokuro Enmadō and Benio Adashino.

"Faster! Is this really all you've achieved in two years? This level is nowhere near enough! I'm only using power equal to yours—if this already has you stuck, how will you fight stronger enemies?"

Charles caught Rokuro's arm with a single motion and, with a quick jerk, tossed him aside. The appearance of Rokuro's right arm had changed—it was no longer grotesque and terrifying.

Two years ago, Rokuro had finally made peace with the Impurity inhabiting his arm.

With the red talisman spirit gear "En" created by Seigen Arata, Rokuro had successfully overlaid jūryoku-enhancing spell armor over the Impurity, drastically boosting his arm's power.

Unfortunately, his control over that power was still lacking—Charles deflected the attack with ease.

But Rokuro didn't insist on pressing the attack. He sidestepped to give Benio a clear shot from behind.

Thanks to Kamui's power, Benio's legs now also wielded Impurity-like strength, just like Rokuro's arm. The ability was called Shirogin Tōga.

It was as if she were wearing gleaming white leg armor—her speed and destructive force had increased dramatically.

But even with her relentless flurry of kicks, Charles simply waved his hand and blocked every strike.

"Your coordination's not bad," Charles remarked. "But your attacks are still too unrefined."

With that, he grabbed Benio's ankle and tossed her toward the oncoming Rokuro.

Rokuro abandoned his attack to catch her, and the two retreated together.

Setting her down, Rokuro spoke up: "I already knew it, but… Charles-sensei, you're ridiculously strong!"

Benio, panting heavily, added, "Seriously—he didn't even take a single step!"

Rokuro's expression turned serious. Throughout the entire fight, Charles hadn't moved from his spot. His feet hadn't budged at all.

They'd already known Charles was powerful from when he defeated Yuto Ijika, but experiencing it firsthand was an entirely different story.

Charles waved a hand. "No need to hold back—come at me with everything you've got. You haven't even used your Resonance technique yet."

Rokuro and Benio exchanged glances—and then charged together.

"Entei!"

"Kōha!"

As they moved, their hands clasped together—and in that instant, Charles could clearly feel their jūryoku multiply tenfold.

Resonance—a technique only the Twin Star Exorcists, with their unique Yin and Yang jūryoku, could use.

"Guren Ryūsei Ken!"

A crimson glow burst from Rokuro's right arm as he launched a punch, his overwhelming energy condensing into a blazing red beam aimed at Charles.

Charles nodded in approval. "Now that's more like it."

He reached out—and slapped the beam aside.

"So… a feint?"

The power wasn't as strong as it should've been. Not just because they were holding back—but because it was meant to draw his attention.

Sure enough, as the beam dissipated, Charles saw the two already airborne.

"Resonance—Moon Rabbit's Dawn Cry!"

Whereas the last Resonance centered on Rokuro, this time the focus had shifted to Benio.

Their jūryoku surged into her legs, and she descended from the sky in a devastating kick.

"Now we're talking!" Charles said with genuine admiration—and punched upward to meet them head-on.

BOOM!

The training ground trembled violently.

As the dust cleared, all three figures came into view.

Charles glanced at his torn sleeve and spoke to the two kneeling on the ground before him. "Not bad. But you still have a long way to go.

From now on, you two are coming with me. I'll help you grow stronger."

Joy flashed in both their eyes. They didn't know why Charles's demeanor had changed, but being trained by him was an opportunity too rare to pass up.

At that moment, Sonji Otohime appeared at the entrance. "Charles, Lord Arima is ready for you."

Charles nodded. "Alright. I'll be there in a minute."

He left the training field and headed to the living room.

The Onmyōji's communication technology was quite advanced. As soon as Charles entered, he saw Arima Tsuchimikado's face on the portable computer screen.

The background was a slightly dim room, and behind Arima sat a large group around a circular table.

"Yo! Charles! It's been two years—I've really missed you, you know?"

Charles cut him off. "Yeah, yeah. Save the nonsense."

The playful smile vanished from Arima's face. His sharp, narrow eyes glinted with seriousness.

"So, why'd you contact me right after escaping? And why involve the Twelve Guardians?"

Charles answered, "I've received intel. The barrier around the Impurity Realm has been compromised. Dark Void's power has evolved to the point that he can now open Ryūkuro Points at will—letting Impurities and miasma flow freely into the real world."

Arima stared through the screen. "You're not joking, are you?"

Charles met his gaze directly. "Do I look like someone who jokes around? Dark Void has likely already started his operation."

A familiar face at the round table stood up—Shimon Ikaruga. "Do you realize what it means if Ryūkuro Points start opening regularly?"

Ryūkuro Points—spatial anomalies in the barrier that connect the Impurity Realm to the real world.

Ordinary people can't see them, nor the miasma leaking from them.

This makes them especially vulnerable to miasmic contamination—which can be fatal in extreme cases.

And worse, Impurities can use Ryūkuro Points to enter the real world and recharge their strength.

It doesn't take much imagination to understand the scale of destruction they could cause.

Charles identified the speaker and replied, "Exactly. That's why I'm telling you all—immediate action is necessary."

Arima calmed down and asked, "You're right. We can't just sit around. So—what do you plan to do?"

Charles answered, "I'll take the Twin Stars and go after Dark Void directly. We'll also deal with any Ryūkuro Points we encounter. As for the rest… I'm leaving those to you."

Arima paused briefly, then nodded. "It's a solid plan. And I must say—Charles, you've become… surprisingly reliable."

Charles rolled his eyes. "Then it's decided. The sooner we act, the less damage there'll be. Let's end this—fast."

------------------

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