[Marcus H.]

Originally Posted by Cosmic Eagle

And what is that? Haven't actually read beyond 17

From what I have read, it's the spell which Bal Masque needs to either free or awaken the Snake of the Festival, a very very powerful Crimson God which was sealed a long long time ago.

It has been foreshadowed in Shana before. You remembered that a piece of a spell insignia was shoved in the Reiji Maigo by Sabrac. That was part of the Psalm of Grand Order.

Also, the last two "failures" by Bal Masque are actually successes in itself.

Spoiler for Shakugan no Shana:

The first one was to create a fountain of existence basically. But in fact, the true reason for the first campaign was to retune the Reiji Maigo such that it can restore an epic amount of existence. Bal Masque seemed to use the "fountain of existence" as a front.

Spoiler for Shakugan no Shana Second:

The second one was another cover-up. They let Dantalion use his nutty brains to play with the Reiji Maigo to create the Statue of Pride. IMHO, it was just another stress test on the Reiji Maigo which also doubles as a device to eliminate the Flame Haze which would be tough obstacles to the breaking of the seal of the Snake of the Festival.

The third season will make us realize that the Bal Masque has been winning the war and it will take another epic effort to give them the ultimate blow of defeat.

For short...
Bal Masque: Just as planned.