Chapter 1251: Post-War Cleanup (4)
Two days after the Adamant Thunder Annihilation Campaign concluded.
Following the lifting of Vulcan’s martial law and embargo under the direction of Senator Meyer, who was in charge of the post-war cleanup.
There was only one topic dominating all media and news outlets across the mega-city.
[The great battle that shook the entire Eastern Continent concluded completely two days ago.]
Hundreds of billboards and screens across the city’s buildings continuously streamed different news reports.
Broadcasting stations competed to provide endless coverage, updating new information related to the Annihilation Campaign in real-time.
[The Central Council announced the lifting of martial law and its intention to proceed with post-war cleanup under the command of Senator Meyer…]
[The City Government and the Central Council have jointly pledged to do their utmost to address the aftermath of the war.]
[Currently, citizens are raising negative suspicions about this incident, expressing distrust towards the City Council…]
The massive war had utterly devastated and turned a significant part of the mega-city, home to tens of millions, into ruins.
The war, which the City Government had anticipated and prepared for by declaring martial law, resulted in far greater damage and casualties than expected.
While citizens who had evacuated beforehand were not caught in the crossfire, the lingering effects of the war were immeasurable.
[The war, which annihilated eight Outer Zones of Vulcan, concluded after 60 hours of engagement, leaving tens of thousands of casualties…]
[Experts from various fields are unanimously offering the opinion that this was the most one-sided and unrealistic battle in the history of the Eastern Continent…]
[This incident was a catastrophe orchestrated primarily by the private military company Deadrise… which now operates across the continent under the name ‘The Legion’…]
[In the Central Council, it is presumed to have been a long-planned attack, absurdly named the Adamant Thunder Annihilation Campaign.]
Even at this moment, the uncollected bodies of The Legion members lay in the Outer Zone.
The wreckage of tanks, armored vehicles, and other war machines were scattered, broken, and abandoned.
No one could ignore the traces of death and destruction piled up like mountains outside Vulcan.
“Policy Advisor Dennis. I heard an investigation team has been dispatched to the site to assess the scale of the damage related to the Annihilation Campaign.”
Channels not broadcasting 24-hour news had scheduled special programs, interviewing experts.
“Many in various fields are saying that rather than assigning blame to Adamant Thunder, the focus should be on restoring the Outer Zone. What is the purpose of the investigation team?”
“Currently, the City Government is dedicating all its efforts to restoring Vulcan’s entire environment and infrastructure to its pre-war state.”
The dignified-looking middle-aged man, sitting opposite the anchor, answered courteously.
“After the investigation team thoroughly examines the battleground where the engagement occurred, the restoration of the Outer Zone will proceed sequentially.”
“Many of Vulcan’s Outer Zones include areas focused on trade with external cities. Can we assume these areas will be prioritized for restoration?”
“Due to the excessively wide scope of damage in the Outer Zone, selecting construction companies is taking some time, but… even considering various complex circumstances, the restoration of District 49 will likely be the top priority.”
“That…”
Even the anchor, who had been leading the conversation dynamically, momentarily closed her mouth in surprise.
Dennis was a high-ranking official belonging to the Post-War Cleanup Measures Committee, formed by the City Government to handle the aftermath.
The anchor also understood the significance of his direct declaration on official broadcast that District 49 would be prioritized.
“It sounds like you are prioritizing District 49 over any other damaged area, emphasizing its importance.”
The anchor, quickly adopting a cautious demeanor, glanced at the camera and asked,
“Can we take this to mean that the City Government’s stance on the Annihilation Campaign… specifically, Adamant Thunder’s treatment and recognition, has effectively been decided?”
“For the sake of Vulcan’s citizens who suffered from this incident, the City Government should not maintain an ambiguous stance. I will state it clearly here.”
Dennis calmly said,
“The Vulcan City Government assesses Adamant Thunder’s power as the most extraordinary asymmetrical force at this moment. Furthermore, we are preparing to grant him immunity for all destruction and illegal acts he committed.”
“Are you saying—”
“District 49 will undoubtedly be the site to receive the greatest benefits during the restoration process, and there is intense competition in selecting construction companies. The economic effects that neighboring districts will gain from this process are expected to be astronomical.”
Dennis nodded towards the anchor, whose mouth was slightly agape.
“Above all, Senator Meyer, who is currently leading the Post-War Cleanup Measures Committee, has also been a close acquaintance of Adamant Thunder for a very long time.”
“…”
“I hope this broadcast has sufficiently helped Vulcan citizens watching to understand the City Government’s position.”
A large-scale conflict, almost unheard of in modern mega-cities.
The reactions of citizens who faced the destruction and the fallen were diverse.
[While the number of Vulcan citizens applying for immigration due to concerns about another war is slowly increasing…]
[We also report news of a surge in immigration applications to Vulcan from across the continent.]
[Magic Towers, research institutions, and experts from various fields wish to visit Vulcan to join the Annihilation Campaign investigation team or cooperate in research…]
[The City Council welcomed the influx of highly skilled personnel and urged the active participation of the Technical Advisory Committee.]
[Meanwhile, we conclude by reporting that Vulcan’s internal market capitalization surged by nearly 30% in the days following the end of this war…]
War, in any form, generates money.
A law applicable anywhere on the continent, regardless of era or place.
By now, no citizen was ignorant of why the City Government had feigned ignorance and allowed the Annihilation Campaign to proceed.
As Vulcan’s stock market became highly active, investors flocked in, and assets grew, the public criticism directed at the City Council temporarily subsided.
[For investment inquiries from investment institutions and businesses across the continent, please contact this broadcasting station’s number for detailed guidance—]
Beep.
The screen turned off, and the fox sitting in front of the TV wagged its tail.
[Hehehe…]
With its plump belly pushed out, Davi looked at a tablet as big as its own body, completely at ease.
Hundreds of numbers, all stained crimson, floated in the Cybernetic Spirit’s eyes.
[Hoo-hoo-hoo, hehehe.]
The fox, whose laughter was not just meaningful but downright sly, sprang up and began scampering across the living room.
It nimbly bounded up the walls and ramps of the mansion, where not a trace of stairs could be found.
[Master~]
Arriving at the door to the second-floor bedroom, Davi nudged it open with its forehead, and bright sunlight streamed in through the wide-open window.
Piles of magic books and research papers were stacked haphazardly around the bed, which occupied nearly half the room.
A young man sat leaning against them, fast asleep as if dead.
Two days after the Adamant Thunder Annihilation Campaign ended.
At this moment, as people across the continent eagerly sought one person’s whereabouts, turning their gaze relentlessly.
Lennok had momentarily set everything aside and fallen into a deep slumber for over two days.
[Master. Wake up now!]
Davi jumped onto the bed and burrowed its face into Lennok’s, rubbing vigorously.
Lennok’s cheeks were pushed back and forth by Davi’s tail and head.
[Master said it was okay to wake you up today~]
“…”
[I’m bored. So bored. So, so bored~ The Central Network is a mess, so I could only do chart analysis.]
Davi whined, using its tail to smooth Lennok’s disheveled hair.
[I worked hard to earn money instead of Master, so praise me quickly!]
“…Hmm.”
Only then, Lennok, with half his face buried in the blanket, slowly opened his eyes.
Davi, looking down at him, narrowed its eyes.
[Ah, he woke up when I talked about money.]
“…”
Lennok closed his eyes again, pretending to be asleep.
Davi, furious, pressed its paws against Lennok’s cheek.
[Don’t pretend to sleep! You’re just like an adult who only cares about numbers!!]
“…You learn such cheeky expressions every day, don’t you?”
Lennok, still lying down, caught Davi’s paw and tickled its belly.
He chuckled, watching Davi roll around on the bed in delight.
Turning his gaze, Lennok stared blankly at the sunlight pouring into the room and murmured,
“Has it really been two days…?”
Taking a few days to sleep deeply after a major task was a habit Lennok had developed since his freelancer days.
It was one of the routines he created to give his insomnia-ridden body some rest.
He had always fallen into such a deep sleep after finishing life-threatening missions.
However, even considering that, it had been a long time since he had slept for over two days straight.
It was proof that the schedule, from the Legion Parade to the Annihilation Campaign, had been intensely strenuous and burdensome.
The midday sun streamed through the window. Outside, he heard the leisurely chatter of people.
In the silence, as if time had stopped, Lennok lay blankly with open eyes, lost in thought, when suddenly—
Davi, perched on Lennok’s head, peeked its face out.
[There are about 80 urgent tasks to handle right now; should I just cancel all of them?]
“…”
Seeing Lennok not respond, Davi said playfully,
[Master can rest more. I’ll take care of everything cleanly.]
Davi spoke playfully, but Lennok knew it was serious.
Davi had been with him when he met the Kaiser of the past in the Restricted Zone, and when he annihilated Kaiser in the Annihilation Campaign.
Davi knew why Lennok saw himself in Kaiser, and why he had chased Kaiser for so long.
Davi was the only one who understood what Kaiser had meant to Lennok all this time.
‘…I.’
In the end, Lennok couldn’t change Kaiser’s answer, even until the very last moment.
Kaiser, too, understood Lennok’s response but didn’t change his choice.
Kaiser understood that everything was irreversibly late, and that he shouldn’t change his choice.
He truly understood the meaning of the choice Lennok had revealed, and so, he continued on the path he had chosen until the very end.
Lennok knew that Kaiser’s chosen ending was the result of a deeper understanding of Lennok’s own path as a Seeker than anyone else.
“…”
The final battle of the Annihilation Campaign. The irony was that the Kaiser he faced for the first time in reality understood Lennok’s answer more deeply than anyone.
If they had met in a different timeline, a different place, would something have been different?
As Lennok felt when he saw the past Kaiser left in the Restricted Zone, could they have become comrades discussing the future together?
Perhaps because he was so similar to Lennok in many ways, and because the ending he chose was slightly different from the other Seekers Lennok had encountered in the past…
Was that why he had chased the Project and Kaiser for so long?
[Master? So, should I cancel all the schedules that came in and play more?]
“…No.”
Lennok slowly pushed himself up from the bed.
“I’ve rested enough. It’s time to get up.”
Ultimately, it was a question with an unknowable answer now.
An irreversible choice. An unchangeable decision.
He would try not to regret this single journey to find the answer.
Killing Kaiser, who had constantly regretted and regressed, was proof that Lennok would uphold his own answer until the very end.
Two days after the Annihilation Campaign. From now on, he had to deal with the remaining tasks.
“The war is over, but there’s a lot to handle related to it. In a way, it might be even more troublesome than the Annihilation Campaign itself.”
[They say preparation and post-war cleanup are always harder than the war itself, right?]
The Annihilation Campaign ended with The Legion’s defeat, but that didn’t mean all problems intertwined with the Project were resolved.
Regardless of Kaiser’s departure, complex and dangerous secrets still remained.
Watching Kaiser’s regression, Lennok had clearly recognized the nature of that anomaly.
“The Left Prime Minister of The Empire’s Imperial Palace of Ars Nova, Yuseong, was it?”
Lennok’s eyes grew cold as he recalled the memory.
“The Imperial Palace’s involvement during the Project… I certainly need to investigate that, if nothing else.”
Kaiser Bajour, worn down by infinite regressions, had become like a broken component.
And the existence of the Left Prime Minister, who had called Kaiser a ‘causal link’ and offered a deal.
The Imperial Palace of Ars Nova used Kaiser as a component and the Project as some kind of link.
Even the memory of the Corpse Emperor, who hadn’t appeared until the final timeline.
Clearly, everything in this world lies beyond that.
The existence of Ars Nova, which self-destructed using the Project as a trigger.
The ruined Empire, still hidden beyond the veil covering the Central Front.
Now that the Black Consumer Project had reached its conclusion, Lennok could finally determine his destination.
“I will cross the Central Front and head to the ruined Ars Nova.”
[…]
“Only by confirming what happened there… can I fully understand the end of this world.”
He didn’t know when he would arrive, but he would do his best for the moment to come.
For that, resting sufficiently and reorganizing his power was the priority now.
Lennok’s new abilities and authorities acquired through this Annihilation Campaign.
Above all, he needed to train and research them first.
Click.
He got out of bed, put on a shirt, and went downstairs to the kitchen.
As he opened the refrigerator and took out vegetables, Davi displayed a hologram.
[First, would you like to check the schedule I’ve organized for the past few days?]
“Yes, please.”
As he sliced vegetables and placed them on a tray, he checked the schedule Davi had displayed.
The hologram screen in front of him rapidly expanded, showing dozens of overlapping displays.
Lennok grimaced as he reviewed Davi’s messages and reports.
“The third redevelopment of District 49. The reconstruction of a new Magic Tower. The dispatch of the City Government’s investigation team. The intervention of the Giants of the Sunlit World. An unofficial meeting request from the Central Council…”
[These are just the major pending approval requests.]
“All of them are troublesome matters. And I have to handle all these schedules during a period when the entire city is paying attention?”
He had somewhat anticipated the redevelopment of District 49 and the reconstruction of his Magic Tower.
If the Annihilation Campaign concluded as planned, it was highly probable that the City Government would grant conveniences regarding post-war cleanup.
It was natural to have factored in gaining advantages from that process after the Annihilation Campaign.
However, directly handling the complex administrative procedures and paperwork was another matter entirely.
[Master. As it is, there’s an overwhelming flood of immigration applications heading towards Vulcan’s Outer Zones.]
Davi shrugged.
[This is just the schedule that the Magic Tower couldn’t handle and got passed on to you, so it’ll be even worse when you go back to the Tower, you know?]
“…”
The Empire’s Imperial Palace of Ars Nova and the Central Front could wait; he had mountains of immediate tasks.
The effort required for post-war cleanup already seemed immensely greater than performing the Annihilation Campaign.
Lennok, with a complicated expression, took out a cigarette, sat at the table, and began sorting through other schedules first.
“I need to visit Plumber’s Orchard again regarding Jinwa’s Fruit. I also have to go to Rebatenon University for my thesis… And I should check on the Tower’s comrades properly.”
[It doesn’t seem like anything will get done if you only look at the easy tasks?]
“I’m not just sorting easy tasks.”
Lennok stroked Davi’s head and slowly looked up.
“I used both the Adamant Thunder and Victor identities for this incident. There are many interwoven interests. If I don’t prioritize those… ”
At that moment, Lennok, who had been organizing his thoughts, suddenly stopped speaking.
Davi wagged its tail in confusion.
[Master?]
“…No. That wasn’t it.”
There were many immediate tasks, but the most urgent wasn’t any of those.
After the final moments of the Annihilation Campaign, after killing Kaiser Bajour, there was one thing Lennok had to prioritize above all else.
Clang!
Abandoning the breakfast he had been preparing, Lennok grabbed his coat and immediately left the mansion.
The commercial district of District 49, which had been utterly ruined after the war with The Legion, was now undergoing reconstruction and restoration work in various places, as if the devastation had been a lie.
Dozens of colossal construction vehicles and workers busily moved along the newly paved roads.
Wizards and restoration spellcasters repaired collapsed buildings, reinforced materials, and raised them back up.
A large-scale construction project was expanding the site and reorganizing blocks through land expansion and infrastructure redesign.
But Lennok walked quietly, passing through these bustling activities like a ghost.
At the very edge of District 49’s commercial center, in the back alley lined with once-failing shops and offices.
There, Lennok found a very familiar bar, already restored, and stopped.
“…”
Just as he had first sought this place after escaping the factory.
Just as he had felt nostalgic upon returning after a long regression of Kaiser.
Lennok silently looked up at the bar’s sign, then opened the door and stepped inside.
Inside the dimly lit bar, touched by faint sunlight, a woman stood with her back to him.
Her curly hair swayed gently each time she took out a bottle and placed it on the shelf.
“Oh, you’re here?”
The woman, noticing Lennok’s presence a moment too late, quickly turned her head.
Sweeping her hair back, she tilted her head at Lennok.
“If you’re here, why don’t you say something? Why are you just standing there staring?”
Lennok didn’t answer.
He simply looked at the bar with an unreadable expression.
Jenny looked at Lennok and smirked, as if she had expected it.
“Honestly. Always worrying about unnecessary things.”
“…”
“Never mind. Come sit down. I’ll make you a drink.”
Jenny walked past the bar and lightly gestured to Lennok.
Just like the first time Lennok came to this bar, awkwardly looking for a place to sit.
“Just a moment. The usual one, right?”
“…Jenny.”
Lennok quietly said, looking at her back.
“I have something to say about the Talent for Reversing Heaven—”
Suddenly, Lennok cut off his words and silently looked up.
The reason Lennok, after waking up, had put aside all other matters and come to Jenny first.
Bajour’s blood. The ‘adjustment’ that Jenny’s Talent for Reversing Heaven might ultimately need.
But, there was one thing even more important than that.
Because he wanted the process, not just the result. Because he always wanted to cherish this very moment.
Therefore, what Lennok needed to do now wasn’t to summarize the achievements of the Annihilation Campaign—
“…Yes.”
Releasing his complicated thoughts, the answer flowed naturally.
Lennok smiled faintly, pulled up a chair opposite her, and sat down.
At the very end of the dimly lit bar lobby, where faint sunlight streamed through the door crack.
Lennok watched Jenny retrieve ice, resting his chin on his hand and closing his eyes.
Just like the first day he came to this bar, seeking work from Jenny.
Just like when he impulsively started his freelance work, knowing nothing.
Having finished everything and now returning to the beginning, only now, finally.
“A drink, please.”