"...As expected of a long-lived Dead Apostle Ancestor, possessing a more detached perspective. The rise and fall of human society, I presume you've already grasped its patterns."
Aozaki Touko chuckled, her slender hand resting on the rooftop railing.
Her gaze fell on the building opposite, and she said casually,
"However, you might be disappointed. Driving the progress of an era sometimes requires more than just people; more importantly, it requires the environment and the era one is in."
"There might not be much room for me to act right now."
This was a lie... If she truly wanted to drive a large-scale social revolution, she could indeed initiate a super great revolution.
She only needed to wait until she became the Third Magician, and then materialize the souls of all humanity. At that time, all humans would be free from birth, old age, sickness, death, love, hate, and resentment, becoming higher life forms.
This level of drastic change should be unprecedented.
"This requires time to witness."
Van Fem smiled, then followed Touko's gaze, seeing numerous observers in the adjacent building: Executors from the Holy Church, Enforcers from the Mage's Association, and people from various other chaotic factions.
To be honest, being watched by so many observers was quite unpleasant.
However, this was unavoidable. One was a Dead Apostle Ancestor among Dead Apostles, and the other was the successor to a Magician; both were extremely formidable individuals.
If they were to fight in Berlin, the resulting destruction would be unimaginable.
Regarding this, neither side wanted to see it, which is why so many people were dispatched to observe this scene, to prevent the situation from becoming uncontrollable.
"...I hate being watched like an animal. If you continue to watch me with such perverse amusement, one day I will be unable to resist killing you!"
Aozaki Touko's tone was sharp. These words were clearly directed at Van Fem, yet her sharp killing intent was aimed at the building across the street, as if warning them not to be too reckless.
To be honest, with her keen perception, the gazes from the opposite building were as conspicuous as searchlights, disturbing her and making her somewhat irritated.
Soon after her words fell.
The reckless observing gazes from across the street suddenly became more subdued and cautious. After all, the person opposite was, in a sense, the successor to a Magician; offending her in such a way was truly not worth it.
"Heh heh... I will be mindful of the distance!"
Van Fem said with a smile, "This time, I was simply too curious whether the anti-cancer drug you are about to sell contains any mystical components."
"What's the point of being curious about that?"
Aozaki Touko retorted coldly.
"Of course there is... If it's purely a product of science."
Van Fem's gaze became serious, "My evaluation of your talent... will rise another step, and it will also solidify my conviction."
"...Is that why you came to steal my research results?"
Hearing this answer, Aozaki Touko felt somewhat speechless.
She felt that Van Fem's way of thinking was a bit strange, or perhaps the thought patterns of long-lived species were somewhat different from short-lived ones, enjoying observing those short-lived humans.
"...Not entirely~"
Van Fem shook his head, revealing a gentlemanly smile, "According to my understanding of you, you should be close to completing the Rozen Maiden by now, so I wanted to see your research results."
"..."
Upon hearing this, Aozaki Touko's aura suddenly turned cold, her gaze clearly carrying killing intent, "Magicians are beings who toy with mysteries. Being understood too well is a great taboo."
As her words fell, the observers in the adjacent building grew tense. Faint roars of beasts could be heard from below the Umbrella building, as if a battle could erupt at any moment.
This was not the dead of night.
People who had finished work were currently enjoying their evening leisure.
This was not a suitable time for a conflict to break out.
"As a top-tier Puppeteer... wanting to deduce the progress of a growing Puppeteer like you, that's a very simple matter."
Van Fem maintained his elegant smile, "However, that's as far as it goes. Now you are like Avicebron back then, having grown to a point where you cannot be casually surmised."
This was no empty boast. To what extent this young girl's doll-making skills had grown, truthfully, he had no way of accurately estimating.
Unless he could personally engage in a battle with this girl.
"Let's have a fight."
Aozaki Touko turned around, a confident smile on her face, "If you lose, you'll offer sincere compensation. If I lose, I'll overlook your rudeness for now."
"...Are you using me as a touchstone?"
Listening to the girl's words, Van Fem revealed a joyful smile, "However, I truly have no reason to refuse you, as I also very much want to understand what level you have reached now."
"Hmm... Then the day of our challenge will be set for three days from now."
Saying this, Aozaki Touko turned and left.
"...Three days from now, that will be the night of the full moon."
Van Fem looked up at the moon, then a fierce cold wind blew, and he had disappeared from the rooftop at some unknown point. As the wind and snow howled, they completely buried any traces of human presence.