Chapter 234

Chapter 234

The easiest way would be to obtain the essence of another Magic Tower. However, its difficult to find the right opportunity.

While Lennoks interactions with the Thorben Magic Tower had been minimal, aside from the case involving Eden, the former leader of the Cigar Bang Gang, his independent accomplishment of developing unique lightning-based magic had tangible value.

At present, Lennok was in the process of mastering the distinctive heat-based magic of the Blaiver Magic Tower. Nevertheless, this achievement was primarily acquired through the teachings of a young wizard who had assisted Byzen and the Drug Lord. It couldnt be claimed that he possessed as profound an understanding of this magic as he did with his lightning-based abilities.

Despite obtaining the Domain in an incredibly unconventional and unimaginable manner, his concerns did not diminish; instead, they continued to grow. Ultimately, to fully utilize this Domain, he came to the realization that he needed to shift from his current risk-averse approach to a more proactive one.

Reaching the pinnacle of magic represented one of the most assured ways for Lennok to liberate himself from his limitations.

However, in order to make rapid progress towards this goal, he had to actively accumulate diverse experiences and explore new avenues far beyond his current efforts.

Im not sure if changing my approach will yield results. I thought it was something I had to do someday, though

Persisting in a passive role only led to Lennok obtaining rewards that others had already claimed. He was fully aware that he needed to proactively pursue what he desired. The challenge lay in convincing himself to prioritize those desires over safety.

Having secured the necessary opportunities, it was time for him to move forward. He didnt require prolonged contemplation. As long as Lennok didnt lose sight of the path he had chosen, his current position would suffice.

With his contemplation complete, Lennok promptly rose to his feet.

There was one more matter he wished to address now that he had come this far.

* * *

Arriving naturally at a rather organized workshop, dressed in a lengthy cardigan, Lennok wasted no time in entering. Despite the space lacking a proper signboard, he strode in without hesitation.

Upon hearing the resonating sound of a drill within, Lennok tapped on the wall, prompting a stout middle-aged man to appear.

It was Palmer, the blacksmith he had become acquainted with while dealing with Dyke Corporation.

Its been a while.

Lennok inquired with a friendly smile, and Palmer, who appeared to have just woken up, responded with a yawn and a belly scratch, his eyes still puffy.

What brings you here?

I heard you moved your workshop, so I thought Id stop by while handling some business.

The workshop had a distinctly different atmosphere compared to the cramped, nearly collapsing room from before. Although not large, it now appeared more proper and well-kept. Given that Palmers income likely hadnt changed significantly, it seemed reasonable to assume that Dyke Corporation had provided him with substantial support.

As Lennok casually pulled out a chair to sit, Palmer grumbled but removed his gloves and took a seat across from him.

Coming out of the blue and thats all you have to say?

Arent we closely connected through business? Panua would be disappointed to hear that.

Seeing Palmer remain silent, it became apparent that he had received help from Panua in setting up the new workshop.

Palmer changed the topic.

Ive heard the rumors. You had a good fight with those cartel guys?

Is that whats being said?

Well done. Stagnant water like that needs to be stirred up once in a while. My hometown stalled because it couldnt do just that.

If Lennok continued to listen to Palmers stories, he might end up spending endless time there. Sensing this possibility, Lennok swiftly brought up the main topic.

You know I use firearms.

Ah, I vaguely remember. Thought it was a strange taste for someone with your skills to favor gunpowder weapons.

Now that I think about it, I did check one of your revolvers before right? Hard to remember stuff I did while drunk.

Im here for a similar reason.

As Lennok spoke, he extended his hand toward his left wrist.

Whoosh!

Instantly, a revolver and a shotgun appeared and landed on the table.

Palmers expression grew serious as he naturally reached out to examine the two firearms.

Hmm theyre junk.

The revolvers barrel is cracked, and the cylinder has been spun so much the oils all dried up. And the shotgun? The barrel is so corroded its fused. Did you shoot at point-blank range?

Thats accurate.

This time, Palmer fell silent, and Lennok averted his gaze. He hadnt neglected gun maintenance, but it was true that he had been rough with his equipment. Relying on shooting-assist magic, he hadnt been overly concerned about the durability of his gear. So far, he had simply infused mana into the cracked barrel and cylinder, but he couldnt keep it up indefinitely. With the evolution of his mana, it was time to upgrade his equipment.

I want to know if theres any room for further modification of these weapons. If not, Id like to commission new equipment.

Forget about modifying them.

After wrapping up his business, Lennok spent some time at a bar and then left District 49. It wasnt common for Jenny to call after he had departed, but it indicated she had been getting busier lately.

Even as she focused on running her business, she continued to inquire about freelance work from Lennok, showing no signs of giving up her role as a broker.

-I forgot to mention earlier when you took those bounty hunter photos, but there are a few clients looking for you.

Clients

-It seems your reputation has really spread in the last month.

A faint smile could be detected in her voice on the phone.

-The number of miscellaneous requests has decreased, but the value of the clients themselves has increased significantly.

This meant that as Lennoks fame and position had grown, only clients suitable for his stature were sending requests.

Lennok thought for a moment but then shook his head.

Decline all simple targeted requests. As I said before, I only want to take on tasks related to space-time artifacts or formulas.

-Really? Even though other clients are one thing, the Balitz Corporation has reached out to you directly.

Balitz Corporation.

It had been a while since he had heard that name. Lately, he had had very little interaction with them, but they were a massive conglomerate with various successful businesses in this sprawling city.

If they were reaching out now, it must be for an event and reward commensurate with their stature.

Lennok hesitated for a moment, and then he felt the surroundings blur slightly as he stopped walking.

An unnatural sense of time.

Along with a rapid decrease in the surrounding pace, as if time itself were fading away.

Lennok recognized this feeling. It was as if consciousness were accelerating wildly, leaving everything else behind a precursor to a rapid sprint along a different timeline.

Click!

Lennok turned his head to break free from the interference and spoke into the phone.

Balitz is tempting, but no, I still have things to do.

-What do you mean?

There was someone who interfered and played a crucial role in the cartel issue. It might seem over, but

-

I didnt expect to encounter them again so soon, but I need to understand their intentions clearly.

Finally catching on to something in Lennoks words, Jenny asked with a trembling voice.

-Wait, Van Who are you talking about right now?

Click!!

Their mouth is lighter than I thought.

A voice came from right behind Lennok.

Indistinct, somewhat disinterested, but Lennok had never forgotten that tone.

If you go around spilling our story like that, whats the use?

Our?

Lennok turned around to face the speaker and smirked.

Thats a word that really doesnt suit you or me.

A man of indeterminate age, somewhat unruly in demeanor. Despite standing nonchalantly in the middle of the street, his appearance was so ordinary that one could never guess his profound background.

Who could imagine the notorious name of Pandemonium in this man, dressed in a plain black shirt and pants?

The man, named Fame, looked at Lennok and grinned.

Last time wasnt the right situation to talk.

Shall we move to a different place first?

(To be Continued)

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