Chapter 1211: Adamant Thunder Annihilation Campaign (2)
Lennok was walking down an endless, colossal hallway.
The ceiling, lavishly adorned, was so high it was barely visible. The hallway stretched into an immense, distant width, making the opposite end seem impossibly far.
“Hey, Van. Wait up…!”
Mila, grumbling as she walked, tripped on the spot and smacked her head.
Thud!
“Gah…!”
She slid helplessly, having lost her balance and hit her head.
Dylan, watching from behind, burst into laughter.
“Hahahaha! Damn, Mila, that’s pathetic! Were you trying to make Van laugh?”
“Hmph…”
“Heh, heh…”
Even Felix and Weian, standing next to Dylan, seemed to be suppressing laughter, their shoulders shaking.
Mila, her face beet red, glared like a demon at her companions following behind.
“…Shut your mouth before I put a shotgun slug through your head. Do you think you’d be any different?”
“She’s the one who tripped, and yet her mouth… Whoa?”
Dylan, grumbling, took a step forward and then tumbled spectacularly on the spot.
Dylan’s neck twisted in the wrong direction with a sickening crack.
“Urgh…”
“Hahahaha!!! I told you, you idiot!”
Mila was doubled over behind Lennok, clutching her stomach and roaring with laughter, while Dylan foamed at the mouth, his neck twisted.
Only then did the Magic Tower companions, who had been quietly following behind, one by one turn to look at Lennok.
They had realized that it was no mere coincidence for two of the mercenaries, who were exceptionally sharp, to lose their balance and fall.
Lennok watched them, then said nonchalantly,
“The coefficient of friction in space was designed to be adjustable with mana, but it seems unstable.”
“…Coefficient of friction? What was that?”
“There are about three days left, wasn’t it…?”
Lennok said, turning away.
“Let’s hurry. We need to look through all the interior facilities of the new Magic Tower before the day is over.”
A colossal, endless golden structure, which he had visited with his Tower companions.
Lennok now stood with his companions at the entrance of the newly constructed Magic Tower.
This was the new Magic Tower, whose basic construction had been completed, planned before his attendance at the Legion Parade.
It had taken roughly two weeks to take shape, but considering the magic of this world, it wasn’t surprising.
With the high-ranking wizards of the Tower, and the aid of allied businesses to procure materials, there was virtually nothing lacking.
However, the completed interior of the new Magic Tower seemed quite unexpected even to the Tower’s companions.
“Everything visible shines like jewels… It’s so bright it hurts my eyes.”
“Were the Magic Tower’s interior facilities this vast? It didn’t seem this big from the outside.”
“Look at this. There are dozens of rooms on both sides of the hallway. It feels like we’ve entered a palace, not a Magic Tower.”
Countless rooms lined both sides of the endless, opulent hallway.
While there were no facilities or furniture, the interior space was clean and tidy, aside from the blinding light.
The intricate spell formations and patterns etched into the hallway’s ceiling and walls shifted and rotated, changing appearance with the angle.
The companions followed Lennok, assessing the hallway’s facilities and width, and opening doors one by one.
“Ryan, don’t push!”
“I, I didn’t do it!”
Every now and then, one or two would fall and smack their heads, or slide helplessly past Lennok.
Yet, amidst it all, some quickly grasped the knack and regained their balance.
“Rotate your internal mana to stabilize your center. It seems a trick is needed.”
“Ah, I get it now. Like a gyroscope?”
“Gy, gyro… what?”
Lennok turned to his companions following behind and spoke.
“I’ve applied space distortion and expansion spellcraft to the entire Tower, so the interior area is wider than what’s visible from the outside.”
“Exactly how wide is it?”
“Well… enough to fit a couple of Vulcan’s outskirt districts?”
“…What?”
Weian’s jaw dropped.
Unlike Vulcan’s central inner districts, the outer districts boast an area comparable to a small city.
An ordinary human could live their entire life without ever leaving an outer district.
The Magic Tower’s interior space had been expanded enough to fit two such outer districts?
The other companions also exchanged bewildered glances.
“No, if it’s that big, just moving around the Tower would take all day…”
“The scale and area of the interior facilities are excessively vast, can we even use all of it?”
“Rather than expanding the Tower later, building it wide and then compressing it is more efficient.”
Lennok replied.
“Moreover, since the Tower’s structure and design are based on a labyrinth, it required a vast site from the start.”
“A labyrinth? Oh, right!”
Dylan looked around, then spoke as if realizing something.
“I have no idea how far I’ve come. This place is perfectly designed for getting lost!”
“That’s just because you’re an idiot who can’t even remember your own payday.”
Jenny retorted, surveying the hallway.
“But as I thought when I first saw the blueprints, it’s certainly hard to get a sense of distance. You intentionally chose this labyrinthine structure, didn’t you?”
“During my travels in Kundara, I had a chance to see a model of the Hanghasa Labyrinth, used by Ascendant Jindun.”
Lennok walked on.
“I applied the structure of the labyrinth I saw then to the design of the Tower’s entrance and initial sections.”
“Anyone coming here for the first time is bound to get lost,”
Aris nodded.
“So, this space was intentionally designed as a convoluted path to guard against intruders?”
He had received Jindun’s Barrier Spellcraft as Cheonbeon, but later, as Adamant Thunder, he had the opportunity to observe the structure of Jindun’s Hanghasa Labyrinth in Kundara.
Thus, Lennok did not hesitate to incorporate some principles and structures of the Hanghasa Labyrinth into the Tower’s design.
However, there was one thing that bothered him…
“No, look here. There’s some kind of monster!”
Wooooosh!!!!
A massive cavern connected the hallways.
At the center of the cavern, several colossal divine statues, glowing with dazzling golden light, were erected.
Lions with nine horns. Dragon-kind enveloped in sturdy chains. Kirins with long necks and soft fins.
They were divine beasts, possessing mysterious and enormous forms, completely unlike any monsters or creatures found on the continent.
Colossal statues, dozens of times the size of a human, gleaming golden and striking dynamic poses as if they could come alive at any moment.
“Wait a minute, this is…”
Weian’s expression subtly changed as he gazed at the divine statues positioned around the cavern.
With his unique Empathic Ability, he had realized that these sculptures were not mere decorations.
“Do these things, perhaps, move on their own?”
“These are divine statues modeled after the forms of the highest-ranking True Bloodlines I encountered in Kundara.”
Lennok answered, turning to the colossal Blood Kirin statue where the group was gathered.
“They’re meant to protect the Tower’s connections and gates, and their abilities should be able to mimic the originals to a similar extent.”
“…Objects made by mimicking the appearance and abilities of True Bloodline Long-lived Beings?”
At Lennok’s nonchalant explanation, the other companions’ expressions turned strange.
Mila, looking up at the several-meter-tall colossal statue with a dubious expression, muttered,
“No way, even if you directly taxidermied a Long-lived Being’s corpse here, I don’t think something like that would be possible.”
“The materials used here, expensive gems, but not special ingredients. How is that possible?”
“A Domain is the power to construct an ideal environment based on the caster’s memories and experiences.”
Lennok replied, walking past his astonished companions.
“That, in turn, means I can artificially reproduce the ‘experiences’ I’ve had within my Domain.”
“…”
“I’ve decided what kind of environment to construct and reproduce in the Tower.”
Lennok raised his gaze.
“All that’s left is to apply the laws and rules I desire to the Domain.”
Wooooosh!!!!
At the center of the cavern, surrounded by colossal divine statues, was a golden gate.
Mana circulated smoothly all around, connecting and transiting between the hallways.
Tatiana, hearing the soft resonating hum, said,
“It’s a kind of connection point for organically adjusting the structure and location of the internal facilities.”
“After all, a labyrinth whose form and structure cannot be changed would be meaningless against high-level superhumans.”
Lennok nodded.
“All facilities of the Tower are designed to move organically, to connect and detach. The innermost part has a slightly different structure but the same function.”
“Being able to connect and detach rooms or hallways as desired… but the Magic Tower, as seen from the outside, didn’t seem capable of that kind of transformation…”
“I’ll explain the Tower’s exterior later. For now, this way.”
Rumble…!!!
The moment Lennok, standing before the gate, raised his hand, the scenery of the hallway where the group stood dramatically shifted.
Walls and ceilings separated and detached, and other staircases and spaces connected in real-time.
The entire interior facilities moved around the gate, unfolding another magnificent scene before Lennok’s eyes.
Lennok nodded with a satisfied expression.
“It’s much more pleasing without stairs.”
“…Van?”
Jenny asked with a dumbfounded expression.
“You’re not saying the reason you applied such ridiculous technology inside the Magic Tower was because of…”
“This is possible because all facilities of the Tower are designed to synchronize within a single system.”
Lennok casually brushed off Jenny’s words and continued walking, speaking as he did.
“I engraved spell formations into the Tower’s outer and inner walls, its components and framework, and its supports, then preserved them, and finally sealed them by covering them with a barrier.”
“…”
Lennok, subtly avoiding Jenny’s piercing gaze, explained,
“Once synchronized with the system, damage to internal facilities does not impede its operation. All structures operate independently, with only their control adhering to central command.”
“Van. But weren’t you mostly in your research lab the entire time the Magic Tower was being constructed?”
Weian, stroking the wall, asked with a curious expression, looking at his palm.
“How did you complete such a complex system without even touching it yourself?”
“While others completed the construction and engraved the spell formations, my Domain is the primary agent in using them.”
Lennok replied.
“All spell formations engraved here are only permitted to function and operate under my Domain. Conversely, it means they are spellcraft that cannot be completed without my Domain.”
“…That’s.”
“Since it’s about engraving spell formations, entrusting it to others won’t reduce its completeness. After all, I can simply reinforce and fit any lacking parts with my own power. What’s important is…”
Lennok raised his gaze and spoke.
“Only the existence of an overwhelming ‘power source’ that can make all of this possible.”
Kwooooooh!!!!
The power room located at the deepest part of the new Magic Tower. A colossal, pure white pyramid unfolded before the group’s eyes.
An overwhelming white altar, easily tens of meters in size, occupied most of the vast power room’s cavern.
On a golden throne located at the apex of the pyramid, a red flame hovered, rotating nobly.
Tatiana, recognizing its form, murmured,
“Phoenix Hall…”
“It was originally the flame that served as the Tower’s engine.”
Lennok said.
“But its attribute doesn’t suit it as the power source for the new Magic Tower. From now on, it will function as the Tower’s rudder, not its engine.”
“Its attribute doesn’t suit it, you mean…”
If it’s an attribute that matches the Adamant Tower, wasn’t there only one to begin with?
“Don’t tell me, you found some lightning relic or treasure? Ordinary relics or artifacts wouldn’t be able to serve as a power source.”
The Phoenix Hall served as the Tower’s engine because it was the flame that burned the will of the former Blaiver Magic Tower Lord.
Without the relic of a Grand Mage comparable to the Tower’s Grand Master, it could never properly fulfill that role.
“That’s right. I never intended to use ordinary lightning as the engine from the start.”
Lennok said, turning his gaze.
“At least, unless a living human is directly seated there, the Tower won’t function properly.”
“…A living human?”
Naturally, the group’s gaze turned to the very back.
The Thorben Magic Tower Lord, who had been standing with his hands behind his back, felt the gazes pouring onto him and his face turned pale.
“Wait, surely… no way.”
“Old man, what are you doing?”
Mila pointed at the throne with her thumb.
“Hurry up and get on. Don’t waste time.”
“The size seems perfect too. Your back won’t ache even if you sit for a long time.”
“If you sit there, you won’t even think about your back. Won’t you get free electric massages for life?”
“Let go, let go, you brats!”
No one was holding him, yet Thorben twisted his body as if violently resisting.
“You ungrateful non-lightning mages, how dare you…! How can you do this to me!!!”
“Watch your mouth. Anyone would think the old man did something for us.”
His companions, having already settled on Thorben, urged him on.
Among all these people, not a single one sympathized with the Tower Lord.
“You’re constantly smashing up the Tower’s equipment and facilities, what kind of answer are you expecting?”
“If you’ve eaten so much of the Tower’s battery, it’s about time you became the battery yourself.”
“Th-that’s…!”
Thorben, unable to refute the statement, his shoulders twitched with a pale expression.
Thorben looked at Lennok, his face seemingly having aged several years in an instant.
“Gr-Grand-nephew… Of course, I did take and use various Tower equipment, but isn’t this treatment too much…?”
“You’ve enjoyed it enough, now it’s time to stop.”
Lennok shook his head.
“Naturally, I have no intention of using the Thorben Magic Tower Lord as an engine. If I did that, it wouldn’t be strange to be branded a public enemy, like a cult, across the entire continent.”
[Actually, his treatment isn’t much different now… Ahem ahem.]
“…”
As Lennok ignored Davi’s whisper, Felix looked up at the golden throne and said,
“If not the Thorben Magic Tower Lord, then are you planning to be the engine yourself, Van?”
“No. That’s not what I intended to discuss.”
Lennok slowly turned and surveyed his surroundings.
The connections he had formed since his days as a freelancer. The companions he had newly accepted after establishing the Magic Tower.
Despite being accompanied by dozens of people, he vividly remembered when and where he had met each one of them.
That was likely because Lennok had spent so much time in this city, personally handling an immeasurable number of affairs.
He had strived to personally conclude every matter, and contrary to the trouble it caused, he had built up these results.
From the moment he first opened his eyes in this world until now, Lennok’s task had not changed at all.
Therefore—
“As I said, I intend to go to the Annihilation Campaign alone.”
Lennok said, looking at the group that had instantly fallen silent.
“Deadrise and the Ability Awakening Warband ultimately want my death, not the Tower’s associates.”
“…”
“On the contrary, they are highly likely to want to absorb the Tower’s assets and infrastructure as is. Jenny’s current item business holds that much potential.”
Lennok slowly walked on.
“From my perspective, I wish for none of you to get entangled in this. It will be a dangerous affair, and it will be impossible to control all the variables that arise during it.”
“Van.”
Dylan spoke in a serious voice.
“That’s something we all accepted the moment we entered the Tower.”
“…”
“Unless we’re just getting in your way in this war, we have no intention of backing out due to fear of death. So, tell us clearly.”
Dylan, adjusting his mask, asked,
“Should we not fight alongside you in the Annihilation Campaign?”
The people gathered here had all worked with Lennok or fought alongside him at least once.
They were the ones who knew better than anyone what kind of wizard Lennok was, what power he held.
The skill gap between the Tower’s companions and Lennok was overwhelming, and the fact that they might even be a hindrance,
Lennok knew that was why they couldn’t readily offer to help first.
Dylan’s words were a request for Lennok to clearly establish that fact and share his direction.
The option of staying out of the Annihilation Campaign had never existed from the start.
“…Yes.”
Lennok replied.
“I will go to the Annihilation Campaign alone. This is a decided matter, and it will not change in any way.”
“Then-”
“But that doesn’t mean I will conduct the war by myself.”
Lennok, cutting off Dylan’s words, raised his gaze.
“I will directly confront The Legion, but it’s unlikely the engagement will start and end honestly on the spot.”
“You mean…”
Only then did the other mercenaries, understanding the meaning of Lennok’s words, change to surprised expressions.
The true meaning behind Lennok’s words, “I will ‘go forth’ to the Annihilation Campaign alone.”
It was because they could vaguely understand what role he intended to assign his Tower companions from behind the scenes.
“What I’m about to tell you will be about how we’ll move during the Annihilation Campaign.”
Seeing his companions reveal an undeniable sense of relief, Lennok walked on.
“The method is already prepared. All that remains is to share the direction and establish the detailed plan.”
“Van.”
“But before we discuss all that…”
Lennok stopped in front of the Thorben Magic Tower Lord and said with an expressionless face.
“Shall we take care of the most important matter first?”
“…Hmm?”
Thorben’s expression momentarily turned bewildered, and the surrounding mercenaries began to whisper.
“See, I knew he was going to use him as the Tower’s battery.”
“I knew it. It all comes back to haunt you someday.”
“If he’s had his fun living it up in the Tower, it’s time for him to do his part.”
“Get on.”
“Gr-Grand-nephew…”
Thorben, sweating profusely, looked at the throne and spoke with difficulty.
“If, if Bonnoh’s existence is absolutely necessary as the Tower’s engine…”
“There’s one thing I’d like to discuss before the Annihilation Campaign begins.”
Lennok interrupted the Tower Lord and said.
The deadline set by Deadrise’s spokesperson when declaring the Annihilation Campaign was three days.
That would be the minimum time for The Legion, having traversed the Eastern Continent under the command of the 1st Command, to arrive in Vulcan.
A brief reprieve, long if one considers it so, yet short if one truly knows.
There were still tasks that needed to be handled most efficiently within that time.
The ‘means’ that Lennok absolutely had to prepare before the Annihilation Campaign began.
Crackle…!!
Lennok, clenching the gleaming dark-blue lightning flickering at his fingertips, spoke softly.
“I’ve found a way to resolve the rampaging lightning magic. I’d like to ask for your help with that.”