Chapter 11

“Hmm....”

Lennok, having made his way back to the hotel, took a seat in the center of the bed. In solitude, he took a drag from his cigarette and focused on the task at hand.

Recalling the words of the old man, it was apparent that inhaling the drug offered less potency than administering it through injection. Indeed, there was no more efficient method of delivering the substance than via direct entry into the bloodstream.

Yet, carrying around disposable syringes proved to be a cumbersome task. Fortunately, a cigarette was an inconspicuous item to have in one's possession.

Moreover, the sensation of inhaling the smoke was not as unpleasant as he had initially anticipated.

"It's definitely... different."

In the event that the previous cigarette he had filched from the factory had a dulling impact on his physical being, causing throbbing at the nape of his neck, the new one he had procured had a powerful effect of invigorating his entire body without any hint of exhaustion.

For Lennok, who needed to overcome his physical weaknesses more than he craved mental pleasure, this newfound vigor was an indispensable effect.

He felt significantly more energized and robust than before. Even though it was only a forced stimulation of his system, he believed that it wouldn't be challenging to remain active while the drug continued to be effective.

Lennok was well aware that he had achieved a reasonably competent wizard level. However, engaging in actual combat situations was a completely different ball game.

He couldn't afford to be held back by his frail body and stamina, particularly if he were to suddenly confront gunfire, as he did when he captured Taylor Evans.

Having satisfied himself with the drug's effectiveness to some degree, Lennok stretched out on the bed and pondered his next moves, exhaling smoke intermittently.

"Oh, I need to replenish my bullets."

Even though he had no grievances with the firearm he had appropriated from the supervisor, Lennok was down to only four rounds of ammunition.

Ever since his magical ability had surfaced, Lennok never doubted his own mystical prowess. However, he also recognized that he should not disregard the importance of physical weaponry.

Despite his formidable talent, his body was alarmingly delicate, liable to snap with even the slightest pressure.

It was inevitable for him to take up work in District 49 to earn a living, but it was equally important to prepare himself for any and all eventualities.

"After earning some money, I should think about making a fake ID. I can't live as a nameless person forever..."

Lennok gazed remorsefully at the cigarette in his hand, his fingers trembling as he crushed it against the ashtray with a palpable effort.

At a cost of 70,000 cells per stick, the price of a single cigarette was even more expensive than his hotel room. He longed to gnaw on the filter as well, but for now, he had to resign himself to closing his eyes.

Lennok reached for the sleeping pills resting on the nightstand with practiced ease and settled down to rest.

Come to think of it, he had already depleted his stock of sleeping pills during the week he had dedicated to his research on magic.

The remaining 700,000 cells were already earmarked for other necessities.

Before long, Lennok succumbed to a restless slumber.

Insomnia plagued him relentlessly, and his body was perpetually weary.Nêww chapters will be fully updated at (n)ov(e)l/bin(.)com

He knew that eventually, he would build up a tolerance to the sleeping pills and cigarettes he consumed daily, forcing him to seek out drugs with even stronger effects.

But, at least for the moment, his features remained placid.

Another day had passed like so many before it.

It was the day that marked Lennok's first foray into earning a living in the colossal metropolis of Vulcan.

⏩ ⏩ ⏩ ⏩ ⏩ ⏩

The passage of time was swift.

After confirming that the side effects of the newly purchased cigarette were significantly milder than the previous one, Lennok took a few days off to rest.

During this time, he had plenty of activities to engage in. Since he could manipulate magic, he could study it while reclining on his bed. His growing aptitude gave him ample time to concentrate on honing his abilities.

His body was completely different from before.

While taking drugs to work was unavoidable, Lennok could adequately manage basic nutrition and diminish the side effects.

It was crucial to prioritize one's health within the constraints possible.

Yesterday, Lennok scraped together enough money to order a comprehensive set of nutritional supplements on the internet for the first time.

"Madam, could you please give me two onions, five scallions, and six bell peppers?" Lennok, who had frequented the market several times, adroitly selected the ingredients he desired and requested them from the store's attendant.

Although the ingredients were noticeably distinct in appearance and name from those on Earth, it was astonishing that Lennok could remember their names.

"That will be 34,000 cells," the attendant said in a composed tone, which was entirely unlike the store owner he remembered.

Lennok looked up in surprise, caught off guard by the change in voice.

A woman with short hair gave Lennok a subtle glance.

"Who are you?" Lennok asked.

"I'm the proprietor of this store," she responded.

Could this makeshift tent, situated near the market, be considered a store?

"And the previous lady?" Lennok inquired.

"She's an employee of mine."

"Then, what about all these vegetables?"

"I cultivate them as a hobby."

Were these vegetables, piled up on one side of the counter, the product of a hobby?

It was too vast in size to classify it merely as a hobby.

Finally, Lennok scrutinized the woman he was conversing with.

Her composed gaze and expressionless countenance. She was a beauty with a small yet striking nose and red lips.

Despite donning a loose-fitting aviation jumper and jeans and hunching over, her distinct calm aura was impressive.

Certainly, she seemed out of place amidst the people who bought and sold fruits and vegetables in the market.

"With so many items grown as a hobby, you must be quite affluent," Lennok remarked.

"Yeah, I make a good amount of money," the woman replied.

Lennok paid her 34,000 cells without a word and clutched the bag in his hand.

He couldn't determine if her words were truthful or not.

However, if everything she did was solely for her hobby, she must be incredibly wealthy.

Lennok had no intention of displaying any further interest in her beyond that. Until she addressed him once more before he headed back to the hotel.

"You possess an unusual mana."

"...What?" Lennok queried.

"Why is a wizard like you here?"

"I don't understand what you're saying."

"If the pattern is that precise, I'll remember it in my memory. You haven't been in Vulcan for long, have you?"

Upon hearing her emotionless words, Lennok experienced a momentary chill run down his spine.