Extremely weak.
This was Naoki's impression of everyone before him.
Far too weak. Did his Pan-Human History self love such a group of weaklings? Did the him who swung the Holy Sword fight shoulder-to-shoulder with such weaklings?
While Naoki pondered this inwardly, Aoko and the others were utterly shocked.
Though not the first time they'd seen Arcueid sent flying—some had witnessed it in the Seventh Singularity—Naoki hadn't moved a finger just now, yet somehow hurled both Arcueid and her Imaginary Manifestation from afar.
(How did he do it? No, more importantly, Arcueid couldn't resist at all before being thrown? Underestimating the enemy? Or pure power suppression?)
Various scenarios flashed through everyone's minds.
Then Naoki's voice rang out again.
"No need to overthink, weak Pan-Human History."
"Just atmospheric manipulation. Didn't my Pan-Human History self use it often? Controlling Wind Fairies or Wind Elementals, freely manipulating air flow and shape—Did you think I discarded all past powers after two thousand four hundred years?"
So it was just… atmospheric manipulation?!
Meaning the air cannon threw Arcueid? The chain-shattering was air pressure? Or vacuum blades?
"After two thousand four hundred years, you've truly become more monstrous than before." Cold sweat dripped from Aoko's forehead. "By the way, you've been speaking ahead of us. Don't tell me you know what we're thinking?"
"Ah, of course I do."
Naoki laughed and raised his hand: "I know everything. I know your thoughts because I've been using this Magecraft."
[Consciousness-peeking Magecraft… telepathy formed via Magecraft?]
"That voice… Ah, it's Merry, right?" Naoki glanced at the communication device on Fujimaru Ritsuka's wrist. "You didn't come? What a shame. I'm slightly interested in the first woman I loved in Pan-Human History. Since you're also someone I loved, you must share a little with Morgan—maybe she could learn a thing or two from you."
"That way, I might know how to love her even more. Don't judge me like this—I'm actually quite passive with my wife; sometimes I want to be more proactive."
[Sorry, Aoko—can you all beat the hell out of that shameless married-showoff bastard? I can't go, but you're there. Please make him black and blue, okay?]
"Don't ask the impossible." Aoko smiled bitterly.
Naoki nodded: "True, you're all too weak now—Thus, I'll give you time."
"Time?"
"Use Magecraft or self-Alteration… I'll give you ample time to show your strongest sides, then fight you. Until then, I won't attack first."
Such arrogant words and attitude.
Hearing this, even the most patient—Gray and Mash—felt slightly displeased. Being underestimated to this degree would make anyone feel negative.
Naoki's meaning was clear—"Even if you unleash your strongest and attack together, I still won't take you seriously."
Aoko took a deep breath: "Huuu~ Arcueid was right—you've truly become a stranger to us, Naoki. You've become so annoying, so infuriating, exactly what we hate most."
"So, can you return to your old self? Otherwise, bringing this you back to Pan-Human History is meaningless."
The current Naoki wasn't the old Naoki but a new consciousness, self, and personality born within the vessel named Natsukawa Naoki after two thousand four hundred years here.
Aside from appearance and power, his essence was entirely different from the original Naoki.
Aoko's words made Naoki smile faintly: "Heh, interesting thought. I'm no longer my old self, huh… You're wrong, Aoko."
*BAM!*
A shimmering indigo-Mana fist suddenly struck Naoki's face before he finished!
"Now—"
"Now I'm not worthy to call you Aoko, right?" Naoki spoke Aoko's intended words first. "I understand. Then I'll call you formally, Fifth Magician."
Seeing the fist stop about two meters away, Naoki placed a hand on his chest: "Indeed, I left everything two thousand four hundred years ago. All memories of you—I left them, but myself hasn't changed much. I'm still me."
"It's just that anything changes over long time. I merely made the changes I deemed most appropriate after two thousand four hundred years."
"Changes made for Morgan."
As he spoke, Naoki touched his fingertip to Aoko's fist, lips curling slightly—
*BAM!*
Aoko was instantly hurled thousands of meters away, just like Arcueid!
Two people.
"You use force to bring me back to Pan-Human History, and I won't return with you—so I'll respond with force."
"Besides, can you be a bit more serious or attack together? Don't judge me like this—I'm quite busy. My not-so-obedient daughter just returned after running away; I need to re-educate her soon."
"Post-breakfast rest time, honestly, isn't much. Attacking one by one like this just wastes time."
The moment Naoki finished—
*BAM!*
*BOOM!*
Arcueid and Aoko—previously thrown—returned instantly! Both glared at him with furious expressions!
Rei and Okita stepped forward, standing beside them.
*CRACKLE!*
Red lightning leaped around Rei. The golden-haired girl gradually transformed into a tall woman with massive armored sleeves floating at her sides, wielding a giant Oodachi. Behind her, amid roaring thunder, appeared a fully red-armored Wyvern!
Meanwhile, Okita Souji—in azure light—revealed her Counter Force guardian side.
Black armor, long white hair, cold face, and a super-long blade far taller than herself—Majin Souji, present.
"Good, that's more like it."
Naoki smiled, gently snapping his fingers. Instantly, the surroundings drastically changed—from Moon Fall-ruined Camelot to an endless vast grassland!
"Let's move the venue a bit. Fighting there would cause later issues."
"Then, let's begin. Let's quickly finish this post-breakfast exercise."