Chapter 1171: Blooming (2)
He had known it even before leaving for Kundara.
That someone would return alongside Claris Richellen’s return to the Sinclair Magic Tower.
That the Agents, along with Evelyn, would bring her back to Vulcan.
The reason he hadn’t tried to recall it was that too much time had passed since then.
A lot of time had flowed, and far more had happened.
Lennok had changed that much, and yet, he hadn’t changed at all.
Because it was Lennok himself who had experienced all those things, he could continue to be so.
But could he be sure that Aris hadn’t changed from that time either?
He thought he didn’t know, but perhaps he hadn’t wanted to know.
Just as Aris had been away, Lennok too had long put off that answer.
Because he had deliberately tried not to attach forced meaning or emotion to that fact.
But, still.
“……”
The beautiful scenery of the library as the sunset faded.
In the sunset pouring through the windows, it was as if time itself had stopped.
The first place Lennok had visited after opening his eyes in this world, seeking knowledge of magic.
The memory of furtively rummaging through shelves to read even crude theoretical books was still as vivid as yesterday.
The confusion he felt upon realizing that Common Magic didn’t exist in this world.
Yet, the desperation with which he confirmed his talent and sought possibilities.
The sight of someone who had first spoken to Lennok, who had nothing, and offered advice.
All of them remained in this very place, unchanged.
Swaaah-
Abundant golden hair swayed in the blowing wind.
Footsteps pacing as she selected books between empty shelves.
Wondering what theory she would try to teach today.
Like that day, long ago, when they studied magic together in the library.
“……”
He tried to say something, but no words came out.
A moment he had once imagined in his heart, thought about countless times.
What should he say? Where should he begin?
Now, even the memories were faint, with only lingering regrets echoing.
Yet, just as Lennok took a step forward, thinking he should speak first—
She turned her head.
The moment his gaze met her deep, blue eyes like the sea, Lennok froze, as if rooted to the spot.
Aris smiled.
“Lennok.”
“……”
How long had it been since he had heard that name from someone else?
Proof that he had shared his ignorant days, days when he couldn’t hide anything, with another.
Lennok gasped at the name, which felt awkward to hear and even unfamiliar to utter himself.
With a wry smile, he answered softly, as if letting the words drift away.
“Didn’t you say you’d return after winter?”
“……”
“You’re too late.”
She didn’t answer.
She merely looked at Lennok’s face, smiling gently.
Was it because she didn’t know what to say first?
Or was she recalling the promise made on that last day they met like this?
Perhaps, now, she was replaying what they had said to each other before parting.
…No, that was a lie. He knew that wasn’t true.
Just like Lennok, she too must have never forgotten a single moment since then.
The reason Aris Richellen left her professorship at the magic university and departed for the magic tower.
The reason she even abandoned her research with Lennok and set out to find something more.
Because he knew that even that reason was, in fact, connected to Lennok.
“Aris. I……”
Aris Richellen was an intelligent person.
She trusted her own senses and talent, yet knew how to listen to others, and even after reaching a high level, she strove to find joy and passion within it.
A person who could see reality, yet value inner goodness.
A true seeker of magic who knew that some things could only be obtained by bending but not breaking.
He had drawn close to her because she was good, and tried to keep his distance because she was exceptional.
Knowing that she was not one to overlook the mistakes Lennok made in his immature days, and therefore, would try to get even closer.
He wished that such an excellent wizard and wonderful educator wouldn’t waste her time on Lennok’s secret.
He had tried not to give her certainty, yet Aris, following traces and mistakes only she could perceive, had long ago arrived at the answer.
And even now, she was delaying the moment of confirming that answer sheet.
Just like that night, to hear the answer directly from Lennok’s lips.
Golden hair shimmering beautifully in the sunset. Deep blue eyes like the sea.
He had always thought this moment, seeing her like this, might be his last.
He had to tell her the words he couldn’t say then.
The answer, which he had pondered and hesitated over countless times, flowed out more gently and calmly than he expected.
“I knew from the beginning that I didn’t have much time left.”
“……”
“I’ve tried many things, changing my identity and affiliation, to find a way.”
Lennok lifted his gaze.
“I’ve found an answer, but I’m still not sure if it’s the right way. I’m just trusting it.”
“……Lennok.”
“I’m sorry. But I……”
Lennok paused, then closed his eyes against the pouring sunset light and said,
“I didn’t think I should drag Aris into my problem. Not just for you, but for myself too.”
“……”
“A lot of time has passed since that day, and many things have happened… but my thoughts haven’t changed.”
Lennok met her sad, blue eyes and continued.
“I always want to be myself, just as I was at the beginning. Including my remaining lifespan, and my will and desire to solve things myself—because I am all of that, I am here.”
“……”
“So, it’s okay if Aris doesn’t try to help me.”
Lennok smiled.
“Even without that, I will remain myself until the very end.”
He spilled out the complicated, echoing words in his heart, haphazardly.
The worries he had carried from the moment he first met Aris until now.
The thoughts and resolutions that had congealed from repeated 고민 without resolution.
In this moment, had Lennok narrowed the distance with Aris, or pushed her away? Perhaps both.
Because even as he confessed his secret, he tried not to lean on her. Because he accepted her goodwill, yet tried to refuse it.
Too much time had passed to find the right answer to this relationship.
Because Lennok himself tried not to change, his surroundings kept changing with time.
Lingering regrets, a moment of wistfulness.
If he could just bring this to a close, however clumsy and awkward—
“Lennok.”
Every time she called his name, his hand stopped as if deeply pierced in the chest.
Seeing Lennok unable to say anything, Aris shook her head.
“I didn’t sacrifice for you, or give up something I deserved.”
“……”
“I did it because I wanted to, and I started it because it’s what I desired. I haven’t regretted it for a single moment.”
“But……”
“Do you remember the conversation we had at the very end?”
She walked past Lennok, down the corridor bathed in sunset light.
Leaning against Lennok’s stiff back, she tilted her head back and closed her eyes.
Just like that night they parted. On the rooftop overlooking Vulcan’s nightscape.
“The belief that some things don’t change. The hope that they wouldn’t… I wanted to confirm if those feelings still existed within me.”
“……”
“Perhaps, I haven’t changed at all since then. Or perhaps I’ve changed a little without even knowing it.”
Aris whispered, closing her eyes as if recalling an old memory.
“But, if there’s one thing for certain… it’s that I’ve always longed for this scenery.”
“……Aris.”
“Lennok. I don’t want to forcefully stop you or hinder you. Your heart, which envisions boundless possibilities, is itself the miracle that contains all of it.”
Aris’s peculiar answer, as if she had guessed something.
But before Lennok could realize that fact and ask, she turned around.
“So, for now, I want to start by helping you from the side.”
Aris met Lennok’s gaze naturally and smiled gently.
“Close enough that if you just turn your head, your eyes can reach me. Close enough that if you take one step, I can lend a hand. So I can be with you without hindering your journey.”
“……”
“Now that I can do that, I’ve returned.”
Aris scratched her cheek with an embarrassed look.
“It’s too late, but you won’t kick me out, will you?”
“……Of course not.”
To Lennok’s answer, a forced attempt to maintain distance, Aris neither affirmed nor denied.
She merely replied that she had earned the qualification to respect even Lennok’s will and join him on his journey.
What kind of qualification had Aris Richellen obtained after returning to the Sinclair Magic Tower?
What form did the method Aris chose for Lennok’s time take?
Even though she had clearly found the answer herself, he couldn’t know about it yet.
But, still—
Lennok was grateful to himself for being able to genuinely rejoice in meeting Aris again like this.
“Welcome back, Professor.”
“……That ‘Professor’ title. I should have changed it before I left.”
Aris, with a sulky expression, abruptly turned her head and followed Lennok’s steps.
The fading sunset gently slanted, following their two shadows.
Vulcan Mega-city, District 49. The Adamant Tower.
The Tower Lord’s office at the end of the top floor corridor.
“I know it’s sudden to introduce her, but—”
Lennok opened his mouth, gesturing beside him.
“This is Aris Richellen from the Sinclair Magic Tower. Let’s all give her a round of applause to welcome her.”
“……”
His colleagues, who had returned from across the mega-city at Lennok’s summons, blinked in silence.
Jenny with a somewhat sullen expression, Dylan with his mouth agape. Felix resting his chin in a peculiar way.
Tatiana with an intrigued face, Jutiya yawning blankly. The Thorben Tower Lord chuckling.
In addition, a good dozen or so other colleagues gaped at the sight of Aris.
Aris, standing next to Lennok, smiled and waved.
“Nice to meet you all.”
“Aris Richellen will serve as an external consultant for the Tower, continuing research and technical cooperation in various fields.”
Lennok glanced at her as he spoke.
“This arrangement takes into account her previous position as an endowed professor at Rebatenon, as she takes over Claris Richellen’s role, who has returned to the Sinclair Magic Tower.”
“My master said there are many very interesting people here at this Magic Tower.”
Aris, with a gentle smile, clenched her fist in a ‘fighting’ gesture.
“I will do my best not to be a hindrance to any of you. I look forward to working with you.”
“……Nice to meet you too.”
Along with Jenny’s subtly delayed reply, Manson and Soo-ryun welcomed Aris.
[I saw her working during the Defense Force Rebellion incident. It seems she’s returned to Vulcan after a long time.]
“I’ve heard the name of Rebatenon Magic University’s youngest endowed professor. A capable talent has joined our Tower.”
“The professor who taught Priscilla is joining our Magic Tower…”
Mila muttered with a disgruntled expression.
“If not ‘Professor,’ what should I call her? Should I call her ‘unnie’ now?”
“Generally, when establishing the hierarchy of the Tower, you should use titles according to the order of admission.”
Aris answered with a smiling face.
“You can comfortably call me by my name. Senior.”
“……Huh, I didn’t do anything wrong, did I?”
“The Sinclair Magic Tower is known as an academic faction that boasts excellent results not only in Attribute Magic but also in magic theory research.”
Behind Mila, who was tilting her head, Tatiana stroked her chin with interest.
“I heard that they rarely engage in external activities because they only have proud and introverted wizards. It’s quite something that you decided to come to Van’s Magic Tower.”
“I’ve effectively half-left the Sinclair Magic Tower anyway.”
Aris bowed politely to Tatiana.
“Just like Lady Chiglet, I will strive to be judged without being constrained by my previous affiliation.”
“……I see, so you’re not as delicate as you appear.”
Tatiana grinned, pulling up her mana.
“It’s rare for opposing Attribute Magic users to meet in a setting like this. If it’s alright, shall we clearly establish our standing here?”
“Of course, that’s fine, but would it be possible to do it somewhere with an infirmary or a healing spellcaster?”
Aris replied with a bright smile.
“I’m not used to sparring, so I’m not confident in controlling my strength.”
“Hoh. Is that so?”
“Hey, Van. Is that really okay?”
Dylan whispered, leaning close to Lennok, as he watched the two high-level wizards smiling at each other.
“She seems sharper than I expected in many ways.”
“I’m not being sharp, particularly.”
Aris, who had eerily overheard Dylan’s words, replied calmly.
“It’s just that, having joined the Magic Tower later than everyone here, I feel a need to demonstrate the qualifications you desire.”
“……”
Aris looked around the now quiet office, placed a hand on her robe, and bowed her head.
“I will ensure there is no deficiency in my research achievements or my skill. If you require proof or confirmation in those areas, please do not hesitate to ask.”
“……Hmm, proof or confirmation.”
“Her words are strangely similar to Van’s.”
“Their way of speaking is alike. Have they known each other for a long time?”
The other colleagues, their expressions slightly relaxed now, exchanged glances and one by one offered Aris handshakes.
“Well, if she wants to do well in the Magic Tower, there’s no need to stop her.”
“Professor Richellen. Welcome to Van’s Domain.”
“I’m Jutiya. Do you like fruit smoothies?”
“I wondered where you’d been traveling alone again after leaving the Tower, and it turns out you brought back such a sharp friend.”
The Thorben Tower Lord chuckled, stroking his chin, and nodded.
“She seems to have reached a very special level for a wizard. How did that stubborn Sinclair Tower Lord manage to let go of such a talent?”
“……Is it a matter of hierarchy?”
Indeed, even Lennok couldn’t quite gauge the extent of Aris Richellen’s current achievements.
Since she had already reached Level 7 when he last saw her, she was certainly a Saint Wizard or higher, but even Lennok found it difficult to sense if she had surpassed that.
Was it due to the results she had achieved by dedicating herself to research in the Sinclair Magic Tower, or was there some other special reason?
While Lennok pondered this, lost in thought, Aris, who had been conversing with other colleagues, turned her head.
“Oh, if it’s alright, could I be assigned a research lab or a laboratory in the Magic Tower? Since I’m here, I wouldn’t want the supply to be cut off.”
“There are plenty of empty labs all over the Tower, so it doesn’t matter. But what do you mean by ‘supply’?”
“She’s a Sinclair Magic Tower wizard, so maybe she melts ice to supply highly purified mineral water?”
“Fortunately, I can make things a little more valuable than mineral water.”
Aris smiled, pointing to herself.
“The Sinclair Magic Tower was supplying Elixirs. If possible, I’d like to set up manufacturing facilities here as quickly as possible. Could I get your cooperation?”
“Wait, hold on. You were an Elixir producer?”
“Surely Van didn’t just beat up the Sinclair Magic Tower and poach her, did he?”
“Are we going to war with Sinclair?”
“Jenny.”
Ignoring his colleagues’ astonished reactions to Aris’s words, Lennok turned his gaze.
“I have something to discuss regarding the Tower’s affairs.”
“I know.”
“……You know?”
“Aren’t you planning to transfer the Tower’s authority or position to Aris Richellen?”
Jenny replied with a calm expression.
“That person. She’s a very famous high-level wizard. I also know that she worked with you during the Defense Force Rebellion incident.”
“……”
“If there are two high-level wizards working in the Tower, like Tatiana, I won’t need to handle the Tower’s affairs anymore.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Lennok looked at Jenny with a bewildered expression.
“I brought Aris Richellen here to entrust her with magic research and teaching the Tower’s wizards. For research, I’m planning to collaborate with the Vylun Research Institute rather than here.”
“……”
“I’m satisfied with your work and performance. I have no intention of handing over your authority in the Magic Tower to anyone else now.”
“But—”
“On the contrary, I plan to significantly expand your authority and qualifications within the Tower beyond what they are now.”
“……Huh?”
“We need to prepare for a war that might engulf Vulcan. You mentioned that once, didn’t you?”
Lennok smiled, looking at Jenny, who had lifted her gaze with a surprised expression.
“I intend to completely remodel the Tower’s form and structure using Ouroboros. I want to create an unprecedented strategic weapon among all Magic Towers. Are you willing to cooperate?”