Chapter 77

‘So this is what it feels like... I think I understand it to some extent.'

Lennok gradually tightened his fist, contemplating as he deflected incoming attacks.

He was trying to retain the sensation he once had in his hands, as if he didn't want to let it slip away.

He had engaged in a few battles with other wizards, but truthfully, the magic they utilized didn't captivate Lennok's interest.

Either it was on a level where Lennok could mimic it with common magic or it simply failed to impress.

However, Aris's magic was different.

It wasn't limited to a single attribute but rather comprised a complex and unique blend of elements, covering a broad spectrum.

Merely observing the flow of mana held revelations within.

It approached the realm of practicality that couldn't be attained solely through study and theoretical learning.Vissit novelbin(.)c.om for updates

‘You split the flow of mana into four branches and intertwine multiple branches as needed. It's like simultaneously controlling multiple attributes by inducing changes in properties.'

Although it wasn't an efficient path for Lennok to follow, the concept of interweaving mana while altering the way magic is employed from the outset was worth investigating.

‘If it's a matter of efficiency, I might be able to keep up at this moment...'

But if he were to dabble in it now, Aris wouldn't leave Lennok in peace.

While Lennok was lost in thought, Aris, who had tidied her disheveled shirt, approached him.

"Hmm hmm."

Does she find this amusing without even realizing it?

With an awkward expression, Aris coughed and extended her hand.

"Thank you for participating in the demonstration for our students."

"It was nothing."

"Indeed, your skills are worthy of being directly recruited by Dyke. I was particularly surprised by your ability to control the flow of mana towards the end. That level of control is a precision that cannot be achieved without assistance..."

Assistance, a similar form of assistance had been given to Lennok recently in the library.

"If you don't mind me asking, which school do you belong to?"

"I doubt you would recognize it even if I told you."

Lennok skillfully replied, not even moistening his lips.

"We aren't well-known, and our interactions with the outside world are limited, so word hasn't spread about us."

"I see."

Whether she sensed Lennok's reluctance to answer or not, Aris didn't pursue the topic further after that statement.

Lennok pondered, his gaze fixed on Aris's graceful figure.

In that brief moment, he unconsciously analyzed the opponent he had engaged in a mana clash with.

Precise control over mana, accompanied by composure that remained undeterred by formidable magic right before her eyes.

Adaptability, taking into account the surroundings and reacting swiftly, much like Lennok himself.

And the stable yet vibrant unique magic of the elemental series.

‘There's nothing to criticize.'

That was the conclusion Lennok arrived at after a brief period of contemplation.

Aris Richellen was undoubtedly the strongest wizard Lennok had encountered, excluding the Ascendant.

She, too, must have adjusted her actions considering the aftermath in her surroundings.

If her skill were to be measured in levels, how high would it be? Only after directly pitting their mana against each other did Lennok begin to estimate her skill level.

‘At least level 5, even if I underestimate it. Being a university professor isn't an easy feat...'

While Lennok was lost in thought, it appeared that Aris had something she wanted to say.

With a slightly bashful expression, she asked a question.

"May I ask what brand of cigarettes you smoke?"

It was an unexpected question.

"Why do you ask...?"

"Well, um..."

She mumbled her words as if finding it difficult to explain.

"I thought it reminded me of someone I know, but I must be mistaken."

Lennok was speechless.

Setting aside the absurdity of her answer, it seemed that he knew who she was referring to.

Meanwhile, Manya, who had approached the stage, quickly approached Lennok and whispered to him.

"Mr. Van, I think you can come down now. We'll take care of the remaining schedule. The boss is waiting for you."

As if he had been waiting for that moment, Lennok nodded.

"Alright, I'll come down."

Responding casually, he nodded at Aris.

She seemed to give up, shaking her head and turning away.

It had been a brief yet intense encounter. However, her final question was completely unexpected.

Could it be that the promise they made in the library held some significance to her?

It was impossible to determine at this moment.

Lennok gathered his thoughts and looked at the two individuals waiting for him below.

He had a rough idea. He knew that Dustin wouldn't have requested Lennok's participation if he only needed an average wizard.

Especially with a face-off against a skilled wizard like Aris Richellen, there was likely a purpose beyond simply satisfying Dustin's curiosity.

For instance, the officials who might be observing from somewhere...

The skills that Lennok just demonstrated would undoubtedly have a significant impact on them.

His anticipation wasn't unfounded.

However, he believed that doing something was better than doing nothing, and he believed that such an attitude can steadily improve the quality of life.

If he didn't put in subtle efforts every moment, he'll fall off this precarious tightrope at any time.

He mustn't forget.

Risk and reward. It was his strong will to live that enabled him to walk precariously, balancing between the two.

And Lennok couldn't tolerate any laziness or annoyance that would dilute that desire.

"It's ironic."

Was it merely a coincidence that as his rationality as a wizard strengthened, his thirst for life intensifies whenever he realizes the talent inherent in his soul?

Because he was more rational than anyone else, he may have desired life more desperately than anyone else.

Lennok forcibly shook off these thoughts and bit into a celery stick from the fridge.

Although it was known as a popular diet food rather than a health food, it helped burn calories and contained fiber that improved digestion. Lennok kept it in the fridge and would eat one whenever he felt bored.

Sitting next to the refrigerator and trembling slightly, Lennok began to draw up mana.

The mana swirled in his hand, accompanied by the familiar warmth, and slowly infiltrated the bullet he held, settling within.

Sa-gak, Sa-gak.

Characters and symbols that Lennok wasn't familiar with formed a spiral as they engraved themselves in a row on the surface of the bullet.

The moment the head and tail of the character, starting from one side, met after completing the circle.

Boom!

A bright light erupted from the bullet he held, only to be quickly absorbed back into it.

Lennok silently gazed at the bullet, a smile creeping onto his lips.

The magic he had just imbued into the bullet was [Ignite], a common magic spell that created a flame the size of a bonfire.

The fact that nothing happened despite using magic on a bullet could only mean one thing.

After receiving a clue from Amnac Pharmaceuticals' request, Lennok had finally managed to properly enchant a moving object.

"I should be grateful to Aris."

The foundational knowledge he had gained from studying enchantment magic applied to the Five Fingers of Enakphil.

When he incorporated the principles of the unique magic that he had realized through his duel with Aris, he finally achieved proper enchantment magic.

The key was not to simply draw the original form of the magic circle onto the object while maintaining it, but to carefully include the structure of the object itself within a single magic circle.

It was important to subtly divide the structure of mana and intentionally draw an incomplete magic circle.

There was rapid progress once he realized that he didn't need to be constrained by the circular form and could disregard changes in coordinates.

Of course, the duration of the enchanted magic itself was very short, but the important thing was that he had grasped the concept.

Once he had set the right direction, all that remained was to improve his skills.

"If I can apply this properly to weapons like guns..."

It would be possible to minimize the strain of consecutive magic usage while still having a diverse range of capabilities.

Lennok clenched the bullet between his fingers and leaned his head against the wall.

"I have a lot to do once this is over."

Training in enchantment magic, practicing teleportation magic using the Five Fingers of Enakphil, seeking clues about Thorben School's unique electric magic.

This was an opportunity to significantly enhance his combat abilities, which had been lacking until now.

His body was tired, but his mind was clear with anticipation for the abilities he would acquire.

Lennok smiled faintly as he reached next to the refrigerator and grabbed a bottle of sleeping pills.

It seemed that he would be able to sleep more comfortably than usual tonight.

⏩ ⏩ ⏩ ⏩ ⏩ ⏩

"Alright."

Panua, setting down the smartphone she had been holding, spoke with a bright expression.

Manya, who had been waiting, responded.

"Has the approval finally come from the council?"

"They said it wouldn't matter as long as we can clean up before reaching the checkpoint. We should have enough time for that."

"It was worth the month-long lobbying with the council elders."

As Manya, who seemed tired and rubbed her eyes, spoke, most of the recent work of the project team led by Panua had revolved around lobbying the city council.

Even if everything went smoothly, they couldn't wrap things up without permission from the city government.

Conversely, if the city council turned a blind eye, it meant that Panua could direct all her efforts toward the Gang without hesitation.

"If it weren't for the agreement with the autonomous region, we wouldn't have achieved these results. The city government doesn't have spare time to focus elsewhere right now. We need to wrap things up quickly before the old timers change their minds."

"We need to inform Wizard Van about this."

"Yes, before they make a move on their side, we should-"

BANG!!

Before Panua could finish her sentence, the building trembled slightly with a loud noise coming from outside the window.

Both Panua, wide-eyed as she gripped the armrest of her chair, and Manya, her mouth stiffening, simultaneously turned their gazes toward the window.

The revolving door in front of the Dyke headquarters had been completely shattered, and a large body lay sprawled in the resulting pit.

Manya sighed as she confirmed the bomb vest wrapped around the body and the exposed back.

"It seems they're aware that time is running out."

"...The Gang?"

"Yes," Manya replied.

"It appears that the boss himself has extended an invitation."

Bloodied letters were visible on the exposed back, bearing a message from the Gang's boss, Eden.

"Come and meet me."

(TO BE CONTINUED)