Chapter 1270: Fourth Thesis (3)
Whoosh-
The colossal blue eye swirled beautifully, blinking slowly.
It focused and blurred repeatedly, as if observing the wide hall of the Capitol Building with contemplation.
Its gaze wasn’t on the Capitol Building; it seemed to stretch far into the distance, as if looking beyond the city of Vulcan itself.
“The Eye of Promise was one of the byproducts of a scenario Kaiser designed during his Regression.”
Lennok, who had been looking up at the eye while holding a sapphire staff, turned his gaze and saw the blond boy lounging in a councilor’s seat.
The Mayor, Ormeon, propped his chin, smiling wryly as he looked at Lennok.
“It was a plan to create a Will-Authority that would act on all contracts and powers in the world, but it ended in failure. Contracts outside the continent, managed by Ascendant Crimson, were a concept we couldn’t touch from this side.”
“…”
“Well, it wasn’t a meaningless failure since we managed to make contact with Crimson through that incident, but Kaiser didn’t really like it.”
The Mayor spoke in a relaxed tone.
“The Eye of Promise, a spirit bound to the Central Council’s main building, was created by modifying the scenario’s outcome to manage all powers and qualifications throughout Vulcan…”
“Your explanation is unnecessarily long.”
Lennok cut him off.
Lennok, turning with the blue staff in hand, walked across the wide hall of the Capitol Building.
“I understand how the power works. It’s a type of system that manages and distributes intangible concepts like qualifications and authority directly… likely a modified innate ability.”
“…”
“The request to upgrade my Magic Tower to Vulcan’s highest executive agency has been approved. Other tasks can be completed later through my proxy.”
Wooooosh!!!
From the blue staff in Lennok’s hand, a bright blue magical radiance swirled smoothly like waves.
The wizard effortlessly understood how to handle formless concepts and qualifications, wielding them with complete freedom.
Lennok stood before the boy, leaning on his staff, and spoke.
“Let’s return to the main point. What does it mean for Vulcan to directly advance into the Central Front?”
The mega-city Vulcan. Located in the southern part of the Eastern Continent, it is the largest city-state in the continent’s history.
With a population numbering in the tens of millions, its system is closer to a nation, comprising dozens of districts comparable in size to small cities.
The continent’s largest population and area. Vulcan’s overwhelming domestic market allowed the city to survive without relying on external influx.
Indeed, other cities and factions continuously invested capital or attempted to flow in, targeting Vulcan’s domestic market.
After the City Expansion Development Plan failed decades ago, Vulcan’s size ceased to grow and had maintained the status quo for a long time.
It was only very recently that the satellite cities, abandoned outside the undeveloped zones, began to be redeveloped concurrently with La Haven’s success.
Because Vulcan had maintained its current trajectory for so long, Lennok paid close attention to and remembered the Mayor’s words.
“If a direct line to the Central Front were all that’s needed, there would be no need to move like this. Do you wish to become one of the super-factions that dominate the Central Front?”
“We don’t intend to start immediately, but as soon as the Post-War Processing is complete, we’ll form a team and begin drafting related policies in earnest.”
The boy said, tapping the table.
“We’ll start by moving the existing infrastructure in Vulcan’s Outer Zone. After that, we’ll gradually expand our authority and scope, even considering relocating administrative agencies to the Central District.”
[Relocating administrative agencies? That’s quite serious.]
Olinic, seated in a councilor’s seat, uttered a slow telepathic voice.
The metallic orb that served as his head slowly rotated, looking down at the boy.
[Are you considering not just establishing a foothold for advancing into the Central Front, but even relocating the administrative capital?]
“I’m not sure if such a thing is actually possible. Has a single city-state ever declared a direct advance into the Central Front in history?”
“It’s absurd. Even putting aside the grandiose goal, it would require an exorbitant budget.”
“Just drafting related policies would face considerable backlash. Do you not intend to remain Mayor for long?”
The explanation was to go beyond merely relocating some of Vulcan’s infrastructure to the center of the Eastern Continent, but to move some of its administrative agencies.
The Mayor’s words were so radical that even the Transcendent beings listening nearby expressed dismay.
Having resided in this city for so long and built up their prestige, they were now in no position to welcome environmental changes.
“Our Sword Sect of Demise has resided in Vulcan for over decades, enduring with the task of preserving our sword principles,” Habaek said.
“To relocate the city now would be akin to completely denying the history and identity of our sect. Is there any reason for us to follow that proposal?”
“I’m not saying we’ll move the entire mega-city to the Central Front.”
The boy waited for the surrounding opposition to subside, then said with a smile.
“It’s impossible to begin with, and people would never tolerate such a decision. You know that, right?”
“…”
“What I’m talking about is the City Council’s macroscopic direction… it’s more about creating insurance and escape routes beforehand.”
The boy, perched on his chair and swinging his legs, turned his gaze.
“Considering what lies ahead, Vulcan’s intervention in the Central Front will be a necessity, not an option. Isn’t it better to prepare and anticipate rather than wait until the problem is upon us?”
“You mean you wish to share the direction the Vulcan City Council is pursuing in advance, here and now?”
“If not now, with The Legion defeated and the Forbidden Zone in the center of the Eastern Continent secured, there would be no opportunity for so many Transcendent beings to gather and discuss this.”
The Mayor assented to Lennok’s question.
“The Forbidden Zone, where the 2nd Command was stationed, is currently the only viable candidate for relocating Vulcan’s infrastructure without burden… effectively, it’s a strategic stronghold directly linked to the path to the Central Front.”
“…”
“As soon as the Victory Ceremony concludes, this council will grant privileges to Adamant Tower to establish a branch in the Forbidden Zone and draft related policies. While cooperation isn’t strictly necessary, at a minimum, understanding the council’s direction will help minimize losses if we diverge later on.”
“I apologize, but I don’t agree with that premise to begin with.”
Kiriya Yuberz, former Commander of the Kabahim Knights, looked down at the Mayor with a cold expression.
“Why does Vulcan need to advance into the Central Front? I thought this city was the most free from the brutal struggles happening there.”
“…”
“The country I was born in was ruined by its obsession with the heartland, and eventually met its demise. If you intend to follow the same path, I will not cooperate.”
Kiriya’s gaze sharpened toward the silent Mayor.
No superhuman present disagreed with Kiriya, who spoke with resolute conviction, mentioning Kabahim’s demise.
Even Rage Mistral, who had been listening silently, muttered with a displeased expression.
“Among the civilizations currently forming city-state systems, there has never been a single instance of one directly advancing into the Central Front. The reason Vulcan should attempt such a reckless endeavor is—”
“Why do you think there isn’t?”
The Mayor, cutting off Mistral, lifted his gaze with a smile.
“There is one, isn’t there? Ars Nova.”
“…That’s different.”
“Everyone seems to be mistaken, but the Central City wasn’t occupying the heartland from the moment it was born.”
“Ormeon. You…”
Mistral frowned, as if in disbelief.
“Are you saying Vulcan should occupy that city instead of Ars Nova?”
“That’s right. Vulcan will advance into the Central Front and seize the ruins of Ars Nova.”
The Mayor nodded, looking around with a smile.
“Because… to survive, that’s the only way, isn’t it?”
“…”
Silence fell.
Even superhumans worried about Vulcan’s direction. Even Transcendent beings who opposed it, considering it unprecedented.
Because no one had expected Ormeon to bring up nothing less than the world’s demise to argue his case.
The demise that all Transcendent beings living in Vulcan recognized but believed to be an unsolvable problem.
The Mayor was mentioning exactly that, stating that to survive, they must head to the Central Front.
“Among the Project’s [scenarios], there were several iterations that predicted and foretold the world’s demise. You’ve all heard of them, I’m sure.”
The boy ran his finger along the edge of the table.
“According to ‘Compression Formula: Astrology,’ the demise is the process of the sea descending and meeting the world… quite literally, the void of the Outer Sea swallowing the stars itself.”
“…”
“The atmosphere will boil, and sea levels will rise. The two seas, of the world and the cosmos, will simultaneously surge from sky and land, swallowing the continent.”
Ormeon spoke in a tone utterly devoid of emotion.
“The city-states across the four directions of the continent will, with high probability, suffer immense damage. None will be able to endure for long, and eventually, all continents will sink beneath the sea. To survive until the very end, you must ultimately have a foot in both the Central Front and the Eastern Continent.”
“…”
“Let me repeat. Advancing into the Central Front is not an option, but a necessity. We have no intention of relocating Vulcan to the Central Front, but at the very least, we must secure the gateway to the Central City beforehand.”
The boy’s explanation continued amidst the silence.
“This is also why we plan to establish a Magic Tower branch in the Forbidden Zone, where the 2nd Command was stationed. A mere garrison force stationed there won’t be enough. It will be difficult to protect that location for long unless we relocate some of Vulcan’s infrastructure and manage it directly.”
“…Ormeon.”
“We will create a path to the Central Front as quickly as possible, and consistently manage it by investing the city government’s budget and personnel. Establishing a branch of Adamant Tower will provide a good justification for the current government to intervene in the Forbidden Zone.”
So, it’s not about entrusting the Forbidden Zone’s management to Lennok’s Magic Tower, but merely using the name of Adamant Thunder, who won the subjugation campaign, as justification.
If, as compensation, Lennok’s Magic Tower was showered with all sorts of privileges and authority, then these rewards and costs are somewhat understandable, but—
“Of course, it would be good to receive help from other Transcendent beings or Sunlit Forces, but for now, we’re also considering cooperation with the Eyes of Blue. While we would have to concede a significant amount regarding the independence of the Pilenom Autonomous Region, without their [Lighthouse], securing organic links between the Central Front and the Eastern Continent would be difficult… Why are you looking at me like that?”
The boy, sensing a strange silence flowing all around, turned his gaze with a smile.
The Capitol Building, where superhumans who transcended hierarchy gazed at the blond boy with heavy eyes.
“You weren’t just sitting idly by, waiting for the end from the beginning.”
Lennok, who had been listening with an expressionless face, spoke.
“You intend to create an alternative to ensure Vulcan’s survival, timed with the arrival of the demise.”
“Kaiser and I disagreed on that point right up until the end.”
The Mayor tilted his head, a smile on his face.
“He couldn’t understand the desire to survive, even if it meant being pathetic. So, at some point, we had to promise not to interfere with each other until the project concluded.”
“…”
“Now that he’s gone, I will also move in my own way. Kaiser, during his Regression, left [scenarios] in the Elder Council… I will have to experiment with the various measures he devised to avoid demise.”
“I can’t understand…”
Habaek closed his eyes and let out a bitter laugh.
“Do you truly wish to strive so hard, even to that extent, to preserve this city’s lineage?”
“Sword Master of Demise. I am the Mayor of this city.”
The boy propped his chin, smiling wryly.
“Isn’t it natural for a Mayor to strive for the city’s development and well-being?”
“…”
Instead of giving up and doing nothing in the face of demise, he sought methods to survive even a little longer until the very end.
The Mayor, who had returned with the project’s conclusion, was a completely different pragmatist from Kaiser, yet no one declared him wrong.
Though they didn’t know why he strove so hard to preserve Vulcan, or why he was here in a form different from Kaiser’s memories.
At the very least, no one could dispute the fact that Ormeon had secured a more powerful justification than any other Transcendent being present.
Ormeon nodded and rose from his seat.
“If everyone understands, then I ask for your active cooperation with the city government’s policies going forward. I won’t ask you to help with everything the council does, but at a minimum, you must cooperate with Adamant Tower in establishing its new branch.”
“If you wish to establish a Tower branch in the Forbidden Zone, there will be more than just a policy or two to draft and privileges to grant.”
Lennok said with an expressionless face.
“Do you believe it’s achievable simply by exchanging authority and privileges?”
“We can discuss that seriously as we proceed with the next agenda item.”
The boy said, smiling.
“After all, the City Council has prepared one more main event to make this meeting a success today, haven’t they?”
The grand auditorium located in the annex of the City Government Central Council.
The grand auditorium, structured to accommodate thousands of people, was a massive facility consisting of no less than six floors.
The audience seats were already packed with observers, and countless camera equipment was set up among them.
The scale was not significantly smaller compared to when Lennok first arrived at the Central Council Main Building.
Unlike Adamant Thunder’s case, they must know that the upcoming event is unconditionally available for broadcast.
Thump!!
The moment the door opened and they entered, the attention of thousands of people in the audience focused on the entrance.
The moment they saw Lennok walking with an expressionless face, the clamor of voices in the noisy auditorium instantly ceased.
Those seated in the audience watched Lennok, holding their breath from all directions, with expressions of disbelief.
“Look. It’s him…”
“He really came. I thought it was just a formality from the City Council.”
“This is virtually the first time seeing him in public since the hearing. Was today’s event… that important to him?”
Adamant Thunder is a Grand Mage who started as a freelancer in Vulcan’s underworld and achieved transcendence.
Since he first made a name for himself, he has made the Outer Zone his territory, so he rarely appears at official events of his own volition.
Excluding his attendance at the public hearing held after the Lighthouse Keeper incident, it’s virtually an unprecedented rare occurrence.
This implies that the scheduled event holds significant meaning for both the council and Adamant Thunder.
In the settled silence, Ormeon navigated around the intricately tangled wires and outlets, guiding Lennok to the upper-level audience seating.
“The auditorium is quite spacious, isn’t it? They say when the annex was built, it was designed to be large enough to host operas, circuses, and art exhibitions.”
“The city councilors serving at the time must have enjoyed such events.”
“No? It was because it was easy to allocate budget to those fields and siphon it off without it being obvious.”
“…”
The boy standing beside Lennok smiled brightly, seeing Lennok silent.
“The valuation of artistic activities is never accurately determined. I’ve given you a good tip, so I’ll overlook it if your Magic Tower handles expenses in a similar fashion.”
“No need.”
Flash!!!!
The moment the superhumans, led by Ormeon and Lennok, crossed the auditorium, the lights and cameras installed all around the audience seating flashed frantically.
Reporters and observers continuously pressed their shutters, as if determined not to miss the scene of Lennok standing there.
Among them, many were seeing Lennok directly for the first time, as strange exclamations continuously echoed from all directions.
“That strange rumor was true. He really doesn’t appear in photos…!!”
“Is he really not using any spellcraft or magic? How is that possible?”
“Even if it’s his constitution, it doesn’t make sense. There’s no way a human could instinctively detach from the act of target designation…”
“Ugh, it’s dazzling.”
Unlike Lennok, who didn’t even blink, the boy beside him frowned at the flashes pouring down.
“Excuse me, but could you please stop taking photos for a moment? We’re not the people who should be photographed here.”
=I hope you’ll understand with a generous heart, Ormeon.
At that moment, a soft voice, mixed with mechanical sounds, echoed beside the two.
A woman, whose entire body had been mechanically modified, was seated on a small floating chair, standing beside the audience corridor.
=Many of the people attending here are academics or professional researchers. They are people whose profession thrives on curiosity about incomprehensible phenomena.
“…Ah, Bridges.”
Ormeon gave a wry smile and turned his gaze.
“We haven’t met in a long time; do you really have to greet me like that?”
=Nice to meet you for the first time, Tower Lord.
The woman called Bridges ignored the boy’s words and extended her hand to Lennok for a handshake.
More precisely, the mechanical arm attached to her side.
=I am Bridges, leading the City Council’s direct Technical Advisory Committee. Please feel free to call me Aida Romil Bridges.
“That’s too long a name to call comfortably.”
=Oh, my apologies.
The woman’s emotionless expression shifted slightly to one of surprised amusement.
=You’re more receptive to jokes than I expected. During the last war, I thought you were a man without blood or tears.
“…”
=Indeed, if you were a person lacking emotion, you wouldn’t have come to this presentation yourself. My apologies to a war hero.
“For someone whose body has been mechanically modified, you talk too much.”
Lennok turned his gaze.
“Are you the administrator in charge of this event at today’s Victory Ceremony?”
=That’s right. Today’s event is a monumental occasion even within the Technical Advisory Committee.
Bridges smiled and nodded.
=There are many experts here whom I’m meeting face-to-face for the first time myself. That means there are many people eagerly anticipating the distinguished guest at today’s Victory Ceremony.
“…”
=Actually, there’s been frequent political friction among the various agencies under the City Government Central Council over who should oversee this event.
A faint weariness tinged Bridges’ voice, mixed with mechanical sounds.
=As the outcome of this event is expected to impact the entire city in the future, the city government and various council agencies are highly vigilant. It’s a position with a lot at stake, in many ways.
“…”
=Indeed, there was some debate as to whether it was appropriate for the Advisory Committee to host today’s event, but if Ormeon wishes to use us as justification, then there’s nothing we can do.
“Bridges. Saying that makes it sound like I forced the committee to do something.”
The boy, seated next to Lennok, said with a wide smile.
“Alright, fine. So, should we entrust the task to another agency instead of the Advisory Committee, even now?”
=It’s too late, Ormeon.
Bridges cast her gaze downwards with a soft smile.
=Because the other protagonist of today’s event seems ready now.
Whoosh!!
No sooner had she finished speaking than the curtains beyond the stage drew open, and a young man in a lab coat walked forward.
With each step the pale-faced researcher took, the fervor of the people in the audience grew.
The moment the young man, grasping the microphone on the stage, slowly lifted his gaze.
Upon seeing his face, people cheered, rose to their feet, and began applauding in unison.
Rumble-
Woooooah!!!!
In sync with the applause, the entire vast auditorium rumbled and shook like thunder.
Even other Transcendent beings, as if inwardly understanding and empathizing with the fervent response, leaned forward, directing their attention toward the stage.
Chair Professor, Department of Elemental Studies, Rebatenon University of Magic, a research institution directly under the City Government.
The author of the most cited thesis, encompassing all academic and research fields currently.
An engineer receiving astronomical levels of royalties from all Magic Towers and research institutions combined.
A researcher who, in just a few years, achieved unparalleled research results across the entire continent and made a name for himself.
Amidst the pouring applause, Evan Vylun opened his eyes, his gaze focusing.
He met eyes precisely with Adamant Thunder, who was looking down at the stage from the far end of the audience seats with an expressionless face.