Just like that, everything settled.
Due to Rozen's purification ritual, Tokyo's spiritual veins not only recovered but became more stable than ever before.
One by one, the Spiritual Disasters that had arisen from the previous disorder in the spiritual veins were exorcised by the wandering Hyakki (Hundred Demons) within Tokyo.
Then, the youkai, demons, and all manner of phantoms began disappearing one after another, and the Tokyo that had turned into a demonic domain seemed to see the light of day again, finally returning to peace.
And in the moment when the Hyakki vanished like a mirage, the military and Self-Defense Forces that had surrounded Tokyo and repeatedly attempted to invade it immediately drove military transport vehicles into the city. Helicopters roared through the skies in groups, tanks, armored vehicles, and fighter jets appeared one after another on Tokyo's streets and in the air, making the whole city resemble a live military exercise zone filled with tense atmosphere.
Unfortunately, upon entering Tokyo, all the military and SDF encountered was a deserted, ruined city. There were no signs of human life, not even half a corpse, only devastated buildings, seas of fire, and a cityscape in shambles. It was hard to believe that just a few days ago, this place was the national administrative center and the most prosperous capital in the country.
But no matter how much they didn't want to believe it, everything in front of their eyes was a clear statement of what had transpired in the city.
Thus, the army and SDF began searching the city extensively, and many squads were dispatched toward the shelters.
There, Tokyo's citizens finally emerged, as if rescued, walking out of the shelters one after another, sobbing as if the heavens were falling.
Clearly, the past two days had terrified them greatly. Now that rescue had arrived and the tension had released, their tear ducts burst completely.
Undoubtedly, today's experience would be etched into the memories of many for the rest of their lives.
However, something unbelievable happened—despite such a massive catastrophe, not a single casualty was reported.
Even though Tokyo had turned into ruins and the citizens were shocked, there were no other losses. In a way, it was a blessing amid the misfortune.
Many people were stunned by this fact, unable to believe it—but it was the truth. No one could deny it.
Of course, something even more astonishing was about to happen.
Just as the government began accepting the citizens and preparing to assess the damage to Tokyo, the event occurred.
"Zing————!"
From one corner of Tokyo, a golden urn suddenly ascended into the sky, radiating dazzling light while releasing immense power. Brilliant rays of light shone down on the city below.
Under the illumination of that light, buildings that had been reduced to ruins began to restore themselves as if time were reversing.
Scorched materials were mended.
Shattered glass, rubble, concrete walls—everything was dragged back by some unseen force, returning to its original place.
Before everyone's astonished and shaken eyes, Tokyo gradually returned to its former appearance.
In no time at all, the ruined city was as though it had never been touched—completely back to its state two days ago, even the hotel room that Shigeoka Shunsuke had bombed was restored.
"What... what the hell is going on?"
"Am I dreaming?"
"My god…"
"Is this jujutsu?"
Whether military, SDF, Tokyo citizens, or government officials sent to manage the situation—everyone was stunned by what they saw.
Especially those who saw the golden urn in the sky—it was as though they were witnessing a divine manifestation. Some even knelt and began to worship.
That golden urn restored the entire city, then retracted its power, dimmed its glow, and fell to the ground in front of all eyes, disappearing without a trace.
Seeing this, countless people burst into chatter and discussions, making Tokyo suddenly vibrant with noise.
Naturally, a few with ulterior motives also issued subtle orders.
"Search the area around that golden urn with everything we've got. If anything is found, report immediately."
Some senior officials gave such orders.
It was obvious what kind of ideas they had in mind.
However, they were destined to find nothing of that golden urn.
Because—the golden urn already had a master.
Within the grounds of Kanda Myojin Shrine, Tsuchimikado Harutora stood with a group of Onmyo Agency onmyoji, watching the scene. Their eyes held shock, awe, but most of all—admiration.
"He's pulled off yet another incredible feat."
Kakugyouki sighed.
"He's truly an interesting man."
Hishamaru gave this evaluation.
"How come we didn't notice he had this kind of ability before?"
Ato Touji also expressed amazement.
As for Harutora, he simply stared in the direction where the golden urn had descended, and let out a bitter smile.
"Don't tell me he had planned all of this from the beginning?"
Harutora couldn't help but suspect.
If Rozen had been confident all along and had the means to reverse all damage, then no wonder he boldly summoned the Hyakki and turned Tokyo into a demonic domain.
He never truly intended to destroy Tokyo—he just wanted to teach a lesson to all those eyeing him.
That was why Rozen did all of this.
"I really have to hand it to him."
Harutora felt a mix of exasperation and relief.
Since Tokyo had been restored, with no casualties and even the ruins reversed, he could now easily give the government a satisfactory explanation.
Perhaps Rozen had considered this from the beginning, which is why he returned Tokyo to normal.
From beginning to end, Rozen was always so calm, so composed, handling everything in an orderly manner—unlike Harutora, who had become somewhat reckless trying to stop the Tensou Jifu Ritual .
This made Harutora think:
"If he existed in the past life…"
If Rozen had been around in the past life, perhaps—everything would have turned out very differently.
That was the one undeniable regret.
"All right," Harutora pulled himself together and said, "Since he's already done all he needed to do, it's our turn now."
Upon hearing this, all the onmyoji present nodded firmly.
The group then left Kanda Myojin Shrine, escorting Kurahashi Genji and Miyachi Iwao to make contact with government officials.
Only two people remained behind.
"Are you not coming with us, Kagami-kun?"
The tattered Ohtomo Jin pushed up his glasses casually and spoke to Kagami Reiji, who was about to leave the group.
Kagami didn't turn around.
"After witnessing that realm and that kind of power—you think I could still be content just staying in the Onmyo Agency?"
Kagami replied coldly.
In other words, Kagami Reiji intended to leave the Onmyo Agency and no longer act as a professional onmyoji.
"I'm going to find my own path. I won't walk the one that guy decided for me," Kagami glanced at Ohtomo Jin and added, "But one day, I'll be back to face you again."
After all, defeating Ohtomo Jin was still one of Kagami's goals.
And with that, Kagami Reiji left.
Where he would go—no one knew.
"Yare yare…"
Ohtomo Jin could only smile helplessly and muttered:
"Now then, I wonder what comes next?"
Thinking about it—it really was something to look forward to.