The Yozakura Estate wasn't a house. It was a fortress carved into the side of a mountain.Stone walls rose fifty meters into the air. The path leading to the main gate was lined with ancient cedar trees and statues of warriors who looked like they were judging my fashion sense."We are here," Runa whispered.She stopped at the torii gate marking the entrance. Her face was pale. Sweat beaded on her forehead."The barrier..." she gasped, clutching her chest. "It is denser than I remember."Ayaka stumbled, grabbing my arm for support. "Heavy," she wheezed. "The air pressure... it feels like walking underwater."Sae was on one knee, adjusting her glasses with trembling fingers. "This isn't just gravity. It's concentrated Killing Intent. S-Rank psychometric pressure designed to crush the will of intruders."Even Melody and Claire looked uncomfortable. The Siren was shivering, and the Saint was murmuring prayers to keep her knees from buckling.I looked at them.Then I looked around.(It's

"And you have terrible hospitality."I said those words to a man who could probably cut the moon in half with a butter knife.Genjurou Yozakura didn't blink. He didn't rage. He simply turned around, his grey robes swishing silently on the stone floor."Follow," he commanded.(I don't want to follow. I want to run back to the limo and hide under the seats.)But Runa was watching me with stars in her eyes. Ayaka was watching with critical interest. Even Sae looked like she was taking notes on "How to Intimidate a Warlord."I had to commit.I followed him into the keep.The Tea Room was sparse.A single hanging scroll depicting a mountain. A flower arrangement that looked like it had been cut with violent precision. And a low table."Sit," Genjurou said, lowering himself onto a cushion.I sat opposite him. My knees cracked.(Ouch. Arthritis at twenty. Stress ages you.)My harem waited outside on the veranda. This was a conversation between men. Or rather, between a Sword God and a Fraud.

"Now, the real trial begins."Genjurou Yozakura didn't shout. He didn't posture. He simply vanished.One second, he was standing ten meters away. The next, he was gone.There was no sound. No wind. Just a sudden, terrifying pressure against my neck.(He's fast. He's faster than sound. He's already swinging.)I didn't see the blade. But the hair on my arms stood up. My instincts screamed that a razor-sharp edge was about to occupy the space where my head currently resided.I couldn't dodge. My muscles were too slow. Even with Ayaka's level-up boost, I was a turtle compared to a Sword God.I had one option.I opened the Void. I channeled the S-Rank mana I had stolen from Lumi.I focused it all into my throat.[Skill Activated: Siren's Echo.] [Command: Absolute Halt.]I didn't scream. I didn't whisper.I projected a single, violent vibration directly at the space in front of me."STOP."The air rippled.SCREEEEECH.It sounded like a train slamming on its emergency brakes.The invisible b

"And so is my peace."I wrapped the towel around my waist and stepped out of the hot spring. Kaori was still unconscious on the rocks, drooling slightly from the mana overload.(I should probably cover her. But if I stay here, I die.)I grabbed her robe and threw it over her."Sleep well, Ice Queen," I muttered.I ran toward the front gate.The estate was in chaos. Smoke billowed from the guard towers. The alarm bells were ringing—a frantic, rhythmic clang that screamed "INVASION."I reached the main courtyard.It was a battlefield.Scores of Syndicate soldiers in black tactical gear were pouring through the breach. They wielded mana rifles and shock batons.Defending against them were the Yozakura disciples."Hold the line!" Genjurou roared, swinging Soul Cutter. A wave of invisible force decapitated three invaders."Die!" Runa was a blur of motion, her dagger flashing as she danced through the enemy ranks.Even Ayaka and Melody were there. Ayaka was throwing gold coins that exploded

"This is going to be a problem."I backed away as the massive, chrome-plated Cyborg stepped through the ruined wall.Unit Zero. The Syndicate’s answer to S-Rank Hunters.It didn't have a soul to charm. It didn't have ears to listen to my [Siren's Echo]. It didn't have lust for my [Phantom Caress].It was a walking tank fueled by logic and batteries."Target Acquisition Mode," the robot buzzed. Its single red eye swept across the courtyard.It focused on Genjurou, who was still paralyzed on the ground.[Target: Genjurou Yozakura.] [Mana Level: S-Rank (Suppressed).] [Threat Assessment: Extreme.] [Action: Immediate Termination.]The Cyborg raised its rotary cannon. The barrels spun with a terrifying whine.Then, the red eye swiveled to me.I froze.(Don't shoot. Please don't shoot. I am just a towel-wearing tourist.)I held my breath. I didn't try to flare my aura. I didn't try to look cool. I did the opposite.I embraced the Void. I pushed my presence down until I was nothing more than