Chapter 92

By the time mana came into view, Lennok had already memorized the intricate magical composition and structure stored on the disk. However, the modifications made to simplify its structure and increase casting speed had rendered it more susceptible to external interference. For individuals like Lennok, who had trained their eyes to perceive the mana’s structure, these changes were worse than not doing anything. He effortlessly tore apart the joints, reducing them to a mere handful of powder.

Boom!

The woman witnessing her manipulated mana disintegrate before her eyes couldn’t conceal her shock and disbelief.Expplôre uptodate stories at no/vel//bin(.)com

“It... It can’t be...”

“Amari’s magic, dismantled so easily...?”

Among the gathered wizards, none were foolish enough to underestimate Lennok’s skill. A grim tension settled on the faces of those who had encountered a talent they couldn’t even fathom.

“I don’t recognize you. Who are you?” an old man seated in the innermost seat spoke slowly.

“Elder...!”

“This place is a temporary living space granted under our permission. If you have no specific business here, it would be best to avoid this place.”

“I come with the permission of Croken Asilus.”

As soon as that name was uttered, the faces of the people present turned pale.

Indeed.

These must be the dark wizards aligned with the enchantment faction.

“I have something to discuss with you.”

“What is it?”

“I would like to talk about the events at the Palmus Research Institute.”

The moment those words left Lennok’s lips, an icy silence fell over the crowd.

A certain young man stared at Lennok with intense hostility in his eyes.

Lennok knew it was a sensitive subject, but if necessary, he couldn’t avoid it. It was the most captivating topic to capture their attention.

The old man, who had scrutinized Lennok’s face, let out a deep sigh as if compelled.

“This is not a matter to be discussed here. Let us change the location.”

⏩ ⏩ ⏩ ⏩ ⏩

Inside a modest guest room, Lennok was invited by an elderly man. The room was neatly arranged with basic artifacts and clothing. The man extended his hand for a handshake.

“My name is Raul.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Van, a freelancer.”

As Lennok calmly revealed his name, Raul’s gaze subtly flickered.

“I’ve heard that name. Your reputation as a wizard has been rapidly rising.”

“I was merely fortunate.”

Lennok uttered some humble words that he didn’t truly believe, but Raul was not deceived.

“No, a wizard’s skill is directly proportional to their own enlightenment and capacity. Your growing reputation is proof of your extraordinary talent.”

Raul seemed to let his guard down slightly, knowing that Lennok was a person of some renown.

It might be because he has gained trust that well-known people wouldn’t outrightly criticize them in public.

Indeed, fame and reputation were not always detrimental.

“So, you mentioned that you have something to say about the Palmus Research Institute.”

“Yes. Do you know what happened there?”

“No, I haven’t heard anything about it. But seeing that you’ve come all this way... It’s unlikely to be good news.”

Raul propped his chin on his hand and closed his eyes slowly.

“I’m listening.”

His ability to maintain composure, knowing what had transpired, showcased remarkable mental strength.

Could he remain patient, aware that he might be the target of the impending massacre?

Lennok admired this fact and proceeded to recount the events he had experienced, wasting no time. He explained the massacre at the research institute, his encounter with the dark wizard there, and the outcome of their battle.

“I see...”

Even though Raul had anticipated it, hearing the details directly was still overwhelming. He couldn’t conceal his complex emotions, and his shoulders trembled as he slowly opened his eyes.

After a prolonged silence, he finally spoke up.

“Although we are categorized as dark wizards, we are fundamentally different from them.”

To be frank, Lennok didn’t necessarily need the Enchantment faction’s assistance. If it was solely a matter of dark magic, he could approach the Practical faction and inquire about the brooch’s origin. Of course, he would need to resolve the animosity resulting from killing a dark wizard at the research institute, but was it worth the trouble?

“Twice. Assuming they truly start their actions, I will stop the terror twice, or until a satisfactory alternative is prepared.”

It was a proposal for further negotiation, but Raul nodded, seemingly unworried about Lennok’s words.

“Let’s do it that way.”

Could Raul perceive the conviction in Lennok’s demeanor, which suggested no regrets?

It was a shrewd decision.

“Now, about the specific schedule...” Raul began, but before they could delve further into their trade, a young man burst into the room, searching for Raul.

“Isaac, can’t you see that I’m in the middle of a conversation with a guest?”

“Now is not the time! Those crazed individuals are wreaking havoc on the streets!”

“...!”

Raul’s expression changed upon hearing those words. As if entranced, he quickly grabbed the remote control from the table and turned on the television in the corner of the room.

The chaotic scene unfolding in the city center filled their eyes harshly.

Streets were ablaze, people ran in panic, buildings were riddled with holes and collapsed, and large craters marred the streets. Amidst the thick smoke, a group of about a dozen individuals emerged, walking in unison. They were all dressed in black robes that concealed their bodies, their hoods pulled deeply over their faces.

Among them, the only one to reveal his identity was a tall, sturdy middle-aged man standing at the center. His fierce eyes and grizzled, disheveled beard gave him a menacing appearance. Intricately carved tree roots resembling a tattoo adorned his face under his eyes. He surveyed the surroundings with a stern expression before slowly moving towards the camera, as if it had been pre-arranged.

Lennok immediately recognized the situation.

“It’s staged.”

There was no way a live camera would be conveniently placed at an impromptu scene of terror. This event had been meticulously planned to be broadcasted far and wide.

“But the lives lost there were not staged,” Raul muttered with a heavy voice. Despite being associated with the Enchantment faction, Raul displayed an unexpected degree of humanity for a dark wizard, as far as Lennok knew. Whether this would be advantageous or not in the future remained uncertain, but Lennok wasn’t concerned about it in that moment.

Meanwhile, the man crouched down in front of the camera, bringing his face closer. His deep, resonant voice reverberated through the air, commanding attention even amidst a bustling street.

[We made a promise with Reisen.]

His words were heavy, carrying a weight that demanded obedience.

[We agreed not to interfere with each other while we integrate into this city.]

As he spoke, he reached out and gripped the collar of a fallen individual. His strong arm was prominent, as he held the limp head of a young man and muttered,

[But you broke that promise. And now, we have no reason to respect the order here.]

Whooosh!

Sticky black magic surged, painfully infiltrating the young man’s nose and mouth.

The outcome was not difficult to predict.

“What in the world...?” Raul turned his head with a weary sigh.

[And this...]

Boom!

The unconscious young man swelled before violently bursting open.

[... is our response.]

Blood spattered onto the man.

It was a gruesome and sickening execution.

Yet, the only solace in this horrific moment was the sheer force of the man’s presence.

A heavy silence enveloped the room.

Likely, similar silence pervaded other places where people were witnessing this moment.

[We don’t expect to take everything from Vulcan.]

The man’s composed voice echoed relentlessly.

[But we can certainly destroy something you all hold dear.]

[Reisen.]

The man, now appearing as if he wept blood, brought his face close to the camera and uttered,

[Wait for us.]

Crack!

(TO BE CONTINUED)