Zap!
The occurrence was too precise to be a mere coincidence, too ethereal to be an attack. However, it carried an undeniable weight, suggestive of an intent to suppress.
It was a display of mana, clumsily executed, allowing Lennok to easily seize control and alter its trajectory.
‘What should I do....?’
Numerous solutions presented themselves in the brief moments as the magical entity soared towards him.
Incapacitating the individual responsible for this assault, driving them to the brink of demise, appeared to be within reach. Yet, such an act would diminish the satisfaction of finally gaining admission to the university.
At least in Aris’ eyes, Lennok had to maintain the facade of a knowledgeable researcher well-versed in theory.
Lennok’s mind raced, swiftly identifying the optimal move to retaliate against his assailant.
‘This should do it.’
With a casual motion of turning his head, Lennok covertly manipulated his mana, diverting the course of the magical entity.Finnd new chapters on nove/lbin(.)com
A maneuver so subtle that it eluded anyone’s notice.
Through a mere touch, the entity slipped effortlessly from the caster’s control and rocketed upward, crashing forcefully into the ornate chandelier suspended from the ceiling.
Crash!!
The resounding noise shattered the tranquility of the corridor, plunging the classroom Lennok had just exited into chaos.
As Aris emerged through the door, Lennok turned his head, feigning surprise.
“Evan, what on earth is happening?”
Amid Aris’ inspection of the shattered chandelier, her blue eyes narrowed as a languid voice emanated from behind her.
“He made an error in mana control.”
Footsteps echoed as a handsome young man with swept-back hair approached them.
Despite his defined jawline and strong eyebrows, his smile softened his overall appearance.
He offered a slight bow to Aris, accompanied by a friendly smile.
“Professor, it’s been a while.”
However, Aris did not acknowledge his greeting, cutting to the chase.
“Archiwood, what do you mean by a mana control mistake? I would like to hear an explanation for the shattered chandelier adjacent to my laboratory.”
Lennok now realized that Aris’ sharp reaction went beyond the interruption of her class.
Despite Aris’ cold words, Archiwood maintained his composure and explained.
“It appears that Evan made an error while controlling his mana in the corridor, resulting in a backlash. The mana surged from his hand and shot upward unexpectedly.”
Lennok regarded Archiwood’s face, observing his effortless deceit without a hint of nervousness. In return, Archiwood bestowed a subtle smile upon Lennok, even though they had just met.
Lennok could discern his character and motives.
Although Archiwood’s initial plan had failed, he devised the most efficient way to disgrace Lennok before the assembled students and Aris, who watched from inside the classroom.
By shattering the chandelier, Lennok would be painted as a reckless researcher, incapable of even controlling his own magic properly.
It was evident how the less-than-friendly students would perceive Lennok.
‘It’s a bit amusing.’
Lennok had encountered similar attitudes before, but never had someone been so audacious and eager to openly disrespect him.
Archiwood, was it?
If Lennok were an ordinary individual devoid of mana or abilities, he would have been defenseless against such schemes.
However, Archiwood remained blissfully unaware that Lennok had fully anticipated this turn of events.
As evidence, Archiwood now realized the faint trace of disdain concealed within Aris’ gaze directed at him.
His once-smiling countenance faltered slightly.
“Professor?”
“Are you suggesting once again that Evan’s mana control error caused this incident?”
“That is indeed the case, but...”
Archiwood responded with a bewildered expression, feigning ignorance.
Even if he couldn’t see them, he could feel them.
Curiosity mixed with caution, jealousy, and ostracization.
For the first time since arriving in this world, Lennok faced such cold and hostile glances.
If it were to become known that Lennok was unable to use mana, the situation would only worsen.
But it didn’t matter. After all, he had accepted Aris’s proposal to experience the vibrant atmosphere of the university, not for any other reason.
However, there was no reason to endure the hostility of those who bared their teeth at him first.
As a chilly wind blew through the campus, Lennok, among the hundreds of students wandering the school grounds, noticed Archiwood’s gaze and responded with a faint smile.
‘He must think it’s fine as long as Aris doesn’t notice.’
It was evident, but fortunately, Lennok wasn’t the only one who had come to that realization.
⏩ ⏩ ⏩ ⏩ ⏩ ⏩
Whoooooosh!!
The wind roared, its sound echoing in Lennok’s ears.
The brisk wind whistled between the buildings, brushing roughly against Lennok’s hair against the backdrop of the clear night sky.
The operation was about to commence.
The task entrusted to Lennok by Evelyn was on the verge of execution.
The designated meeting point was the 37th-floor rooftop of the Trade Center in the 41st district.
As one could infer from the description, it was a towering building.
Lennok, sitting and waiting, was approached from behind by a figure slowly approaching.
“So, you’re Wizard Van.”
The young man had a long scar on his nose, making it difficult to determine his age.
He plopped down next to Lennok, noticing the cigarette that Lennok was smoking, and unexpectedly asked, “Can I have one too?”
“70,000 cells,” Lennok replied, handing over a cigarette. The young man lit it without offering payment.
A flame materialized from thin air, swiftly igniting the end of the cigarette, producing smoke.
Taking a few puffs, the young man remarked, “It’s stronger than I anticipated. Is this how all wizard cigarettes are?”
Ignoring the comment, Lennok inquired, “Psychic?”
“Close enough. Nice to meet you,” the young man replied.
“Are we the only participants in this operation?”
“Well... I heard there might be more than three. Ah, here comes another one now.”
As soon as the young man finished speaking, a new figure emerged.
A burly man with bulging muscles and a stern countenance surveyed the faces of the two men but remained silent.
Simultaneously, a woman in a suit landed gracefully on the rooftop’s edge.
“Nice to meet you,” she greeted them, her voice carrying a sense of efficiency.
“Now, all four of you have assembled.”
“Hmm? Was there one more?” the young man queried.
In response, Lennok silently gestured towards the back.
A woman with an emotionless face, concealed beneath an aged hood, stared at them intently.
“I’m Hina O’Neil, in charge of management and supervision for this operation,” introduced the woman on the rooftop edge, her antique silver-framed glasses adding an air of sophistication.
“Someone from the agency, I presume?” the young man remarked.
“We’ve already explained why we specifically hired freelancers,” Hina brushed off the comment.
“Tonight, a terrorist attack by dark wizards is scheduled to target this Trade Center. It’s not a spontaneous act of crime but a well-planned operation in collaboration with the professional terrorist organization, ‘Falcon’.”
Cold determination gleamed in her eyes behind the lenses of her glasses.
“As always, we aim to eradicate these parasites that disrupt the city’s peace.”
(TO BE CONTINUED)