Chapter 240

Chapter 240

Specifically, its about pursuing an excessively balanced form of numerical combat in the workshop.

A moment of silence ensued.

Of course, Im not trying to find fault with that itself. In fact, I highly appreciate the courage of a wizard who doesnt hesitate to engage in close combat However, you always need to be careful with a method that predetermines the outcome of the battle and then fits the process to it.

That is

Pre-determining the battles outcome. Lennok wanted to inquire about its meaning but found himself struggling to articulate his thoughts easily.

Perhaps it was because Lennok himself comprehended the significance of those words.

Evelyn nodded as though she grasped that.

Having fought against you a few times over the past few days, I kind of figured it out. You always have a predetermined way of finishing off your opponent, dont you?

To be precise, it means deciding on a method of victory based on the opponents attributes and patterns, and then meticulously planning the process.

While Lennok maintained his silence, she continued to speak.

I cant fully understand what it means to look at a battle in such a way on a life-threatening battlefield But its true that I can sense both tactical judgment and strategic insight in your way of fighting.

Her emerald eyes gleamed with unwavering clarity, as if attempting to see through him.

This means, in other words, that youre willing to use even your own life as a pawn for victory. In moments where death and victory are separated by a thin line, can you be sure that your judgment wont lean more towards victory than life?

Not equating victory with survival, nor defeat with death.

For Lennok, who had always considered them intertwined in battle, Evelyn introduced an entirely new perspective.

The realization that defeat in battle doesnt always lead to death, and victory doesnt guarantee survival.

This was likely one of the conclusions drawn by Evelyn, a veteran of countless battlefields and encounters with peers of similar caliber.

Seeing Lennoks stoic expression, Evelyn finally softened her demeanor and patted his shoulder.

Actually, this advice isnt really for wizards. Ive never seen anyone born with both the talent for magic and a warriors senses like you. But if you dont recognize the moments when youre pushing your capabilities to their limits, you might make a wrong decision in a battle against a stronger opponent.

Yes, I understand what you mean.

Even now, when we cant fight at full strength, the outcomes are close. Its not hard to imagine what would happen if we crossed that line. Shall we stop here for today?

Evelyn suggested, then chuckled, stretched comfortably, and turned away.

Lennok silently observed her heading towards his waiting comrades in the distance.

He still didnt believe his approach was flawed.

If he hadnt thought and acted this way, Lennok wouldnt have safely reached this point.

His ability to attain his current position, defeating numerous formidable adversaries, might well be attributed to Lennoks almost obsessive pursuit of perfection.

Yet, he also acknowledged and grasped to some extent the concern raised by Evelyn.

Sometimes, to survive, one must choose defeat. Lennok wasnt certain he could make the right decision in those crucial moments.

If Lennok had always equated victory with survival, if he had fully internalized and experienced a different approach to victory both mentally and physically

How would Lennoks magic manifest when confronted by an adversary who surpassed his limits?

It was a question that couldnt be answered through mere contemplation, rendering it all the more enigmatic.

The mental state of a transcendent being who had completed their hierarchy transcended mere will or a change of heart.

Reaching the culmination of self-transformation signified that all conceivable human changes had been accomplished.

To progress beyond this point would necessitate breaking the framework that had already been perfected.

Lennok likely sensed that this was one of the pivotal junctures, even among those at the 7th level.

What Evelyn did was merely present this choice to Lennok in a more expeditious and explicit manner.

This is more than enough as a reward for this task

Even without Evelyns guidance, Lennok might have confronted this dilemma eventually.

However, having a second mentor after Aris didnt seem too detrimental to Lennok.

He offered a wry smile and joined the group, beginning to walk as well.

The party, which had set up a campfire and settled in, greeted him warmly.

* * *

Following his training with Evelyn, Lennok casually mingled with the group and sifted through his possessions.

Among them were books he had procured from Cartels executive vault just prior to embarking on this journey.

Although he had obtained them hastily, there was no issue, as he had the access and could revisit the vault at any time.

To directly pose such a question to her, Lennok would have to reveal that he and Evan Baylon were the same person.

Alternatively, he would need to coax her into discussing the Eyes of Blue, but would someone as responsible as her easily divulge such sensitive information?

For Lennok, it also meant assuming some level of risk, as he couldnt be certain that she would safeguard his secrets.

After all, fundamentally, Lennok and Evelyn occupied different positions.

If, upon hearing Lennoks confession, she deemed him a threat to Vulcan, could he trust her to maintain his secret?

Even after numerous interactions with Evelyn Marcia, Lennok found himself unable to be certain.

Ultimately, a persons true priorities often remained veiled until the very last moment.

Much like Parden McQueen, who harbored a longing for the temple he had abandoned, yet maintained that he did not.

Sigh

Lost in contemplation, Lennok turned his gaze toward the eyes fixed upon him. Evelyns cheeks bore a hint of a flush, possibly due to a few drinks, or perhaps it was the campfires dancing flames casting their glow on her face.

She gazed up at Lennok, her head slightly tilted, and murmured in a distracted manner.

It would be great if you joined the agents

Lets pretend I didnt hear that.

Im not kidding.

In the midst of Lennoks silence, Evelyn shifted her head slightly.

Just a thought. The city governments directives have been unusual lately.

Is the scope of your work expanding rapidly?

Thats part of it But lately, it feels not so much that our workload is expanding but rather being pushed to the outskirts.

She spoke with a mildly intoxicated expression.

Lennok casually surveyed their surroundings.

The other agents were engaged in late-night training, leaving only the two of them by the sizable campfire.

No one else was present to hear her musings except Lennok.

We may not care much about factional fights, but someone else is taking over the central tasks we used to handle.

Other departments, previously restricted by regulations, might start moving Is the city really about to change?

Does it mean that those directly under the city government are getting more freedom to act?

Its not impossible.

Evelyn lowered her head in contemplation.

But not everyone directly under the city government is good And if regulations are loosened, powerful individuals tied to corporations, noble families, or sects might start moving more freely. It wont be the same.

That is

The city council elders I dont understand what theyre thinking. Still spouting nonsense at hearings while cunningly plotting behind the scenes.

Rather than offering a response, Lennok chose to be a silent listener.

Her words werent seeking a definitive solution.

This was merely a moment for her to vent her frustrations into the fire, concealed from her subordinates eyes.

That Lennok happened to be the one listening was purely happenstance.

Perhaps their internal camaraderie had developed during days of intense training.

While Lennok could potentially exploit this atmosphere to gain the answers he sought, he decided to let it be for now.

In a realm where true motives remained concealed, at least Evelyns counsel to Lennok had been marked by sincerity and genuine concern.

At the very least, Lennok wished to reciprocate that level of sincerity with Evelyn.

The night grew darker.

Unattainable efforts and heartfelt sentiments resonated and faded into the warm night sky.

As they journeyed farther from Vulcan, the climate gradually warmed, signaling their approach to volcanic regions.

(To be Continued)

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