Chapter 1362: Variation (1)

Days passed after an unexpected accident occurred during Lennok’s training on the manifestation of a Thought World.

After several trials and errors, Lennok decided to temporarily postpone learning about the Thought World.

This was because he understood that the Director’s warning wasn’t limited to the Thought World of Rebellion, but also applied to Lennok himself.

Something incredibly powerful and transcendent is preventing Lennok’s Thought World from being completed in its true form.

No, to be precise, it feels as if something is trying to ‘be born’ within Lennok’s world the moment it is completed.

He could vaguely understand what had happened.

At that time, the other side of the Kaleidoscope that Lennok glimpsed through the mirror in the Ascension Ruin.

He realized then that the Kaleidoscope contained even the worst possibilities Lennok would never choose, without exception.

If completing the Thought World was akin to manifesting both the front and back of the Kaleidoscope simultaneously in one world…

And if the current Lennok couldn’t fully control it, bringing his worst possibilities into reality…

“……”

In the middle of a vast, dark underground cavern.

Lennok, who had been lost in thought for a long time, slowly opened his eyes.

The image of the whale, still in its demonic form, lingered in his mind.

Demons. The Un-named Ones who chose self-corruption and confined themselves to their own Hell instead of ascending to the heavens.

Then, was the whale’s demonic transformation an omen of Lennok’s worst possible ending?

Was even the concept of ‘demon’ that the Director explained at the last moment a warning, guessing that moment?

Busy footsteps and boisterous voices echoed from afar.

As Lennok awoke from his reverie, he began to hear people’s voices.

“Good evening, viewers. This is Zayn, senior reporter for Chatterbox Channel.”

“Currently, we are here to film the newly constructed magic tower in the center of District 49.”

“Access permission was granted only two weeks after the Ascension Ritual, and we ask for your understanding that internal filming is prohibited…”

A multitude of cameras and drones were set up in front of the District 49 downtown area.

In front of the cameras, reporters, ready for broadcast, were delivering live breaking news.

The immense, dark blue magic tower erected in the heart of District 49 immediately after the Ascension Ritual.

Many people showed keen interest in the reconstruction of the magic tower, which had been completely destroyed after The Subjugation War.

“The color itself looks quite different from during the war, doesn’t it? It has changed from dazzling gold to a dark blue.”

“The exterior of the tower also appears vastly different from before. It used to be something between a sphere and a pyramid, but now it’s closer to a normal tower again.”

“A great wizard like Adamant Thunder wouldn’t have designed these differences without careful thought.”

“Will the new magic tower be equipped with transformation or floating capabilities, just like it showed during the war?”

“Vulcan citizens are reacting positively to the revival of the magic tower that played a significant role in The Subjugation War…”

“The market cap of Vulcan’s stock market, which had been trending upwards every quarter, has once again surged significantly…”

Journalists busily moved around the dark blue magic tower, enthusiastically photographing and broadcasting its appearance.

Some even conversed with experts or wizards they had brought along, trying their best to deliver meaningful information.

Bellita, who was watching from below a window, murmured.

“Everyone seems very interested in the new magic tower Van built.”

“Well, when a magic tower of this scale appears overnight, you’d feel that way.”

Mila, who was carrying a mountain of stacked boxes next to Bellita, shrugged.

“From the outside, it looks like the tower just suddenly appeared right after the Ascension Ritual, right? What would other people think?”

“They’d probably guess that Van succeeded in the Ascension Ritual, or achieved some kind of equivalent result.”

Jenny, who was writing something in a notebook next to Mila, answered on her behalf.

“That’s why we held a banquet to celebrate. Since there’s a visible result, we just need to plant the idea in people’s minds.”

“There’s no need to let the outside world know that the magic tower Van built isn’t actually a finished work yet, is there, old man?”

Felix, who was walking with house-sized containers on both shoulders, laughed.

“But it’s amazing that it’s already this big just from laying the foundation. Isn’t it almost the same size as the magic tower used before the war?”

“It’s not just ‘almost the same size,’ it’s actually wider. It took us over a week just to move the data and materials scattered across District 49.”

“Thanks to that, we were able to end our wandering life and return to the tower, so we should be grateful to Van.”

“What’s that supposed to mean? You’re the kind of guy who’d say ‘thank you’ even if Van suddenly beat you up.”

“……What are you talking about?”

The new magic tower was the prototype Lennok created through his will during the Ascension Ritual.

After The Subjugation War, his scattered comrades were moving their residences to the newly erected magic tower.

It took a week to divide the tower’s internal facilities and sections, install power and mana circulation systems, and then move data and materials.

Only after the move was almost complete did Jenny publicly announce access permission to Vulcan’s media outlets and allow external filming.

She judged that even an unfinished magic tower, with its magnificent exterior, would be beneficial to show the results to the public.

“Please gather all item business related data in the lower section. I’ll entrust the magic tower management facilities to the upper section.”

“The server room will be placed along the inner wall of the magic tower. The underground cavern is the Guardian Spirit Beast’s space, so please be mindful of entry.”

“Since it’s been a while since we returned to the tower, you might not remember the work assignments. If anything is unclear, please ask me immediately.”

In the midst of the bustling mercenaries and laborers, Jenny ceaselessly gave instructions, operating her tablet.

“Jenny. My back is really hurting. Can’t I take a break?”

“No, Mila. Don’t think I didn’t know you secretly skipped work yesterday to go play.”

“N-no, I wasn’t playing. I took a commission and worked. I earned money for the tower’s reconstruction!”

“……”

When Jenny narrowed her eyes and looked at Mila, Mila’s neck shrunk back like a turtle’s.

Jenny approached Mila and, with a smiling face, gently patted her shoulder.

“Oh, really, Mila? It seems the incentives from the tower aren’t enough these days? You should have said something.”

“Ah, no. It’s not really because I’m short on money…”

“Is that so? Then, you’re not thinking that the tower is exploiting you because it’s out of money, are you?”

“……”

“Well, it’s great that you’re willing to work extra hours for money outside of work hours.”

Jenny’s expression, as she gripped Mila’s shoulder, turned into that of a wicked employer.

“I’ll pay you double the commission you received yesterday, so let’s pull an all-nighter until the day after tomorrow. Get moving right now!”

Mila’s shriek echoed through the tower’s central lobby hall.

Aris smiled as she listened to the boisterous quarrel reaching even the underground cavern.

“Everyone seems happy to be back in the tower. They must have a lot of good memories here.”

“They’re always a talkative and noisy bunch, no matter where they are.”

Lennok, standing next to Aris, replied with a wry smile.

“Still, for a mistake made during the ritual, the result isn’t bad, so that’s a relief.”

“……Isn’t it too large-scale to be called a ‘mistake’?”

She recalled him saying that the very establishment of the new magic tower was something he did unconsciously while wielding power during the Ascension Ritual.

She had heard Lennok explain what happened during the ritual after everything ended, but it was still hard to believe.

That’s likely because the magic tower, to which the tower’s comrades have returned, appears outwardly perfect.

But Lennok’s opinion seemed a little different.

“It only looks good on the outside; inside, it’s virtually empty. You could say it’s more like a framework has been laid.”

“……”

“It will take time to restore the functions and systems enhanced through The Subjugation War. Honestly, it’s not a satisfactory result, but…”

Lennok looked around the underground cavern, then turned his gaze with a smile.

“Still, there’s no denying that we’ve overcome the biggest hurdle.”

The reason the collapsed magic tower couldn’t be rebuilt after The Subjugation War was that the materials needed for the new magic tower were incredibly difficult to obtain.

It was because the vessel itself, designed to contain the various functions and systems Lennok desired, was closer to a difficult masterpiece to create.

Originally, he should have spent a long time acquiring materials and laying the foundation, but he skipped that process. Could there be a greater stroke of luck than this?

Though unintended, in a way, it might have been the most significant achievement he gained through this Ascension Ritual.

“I explained this to Jenny, but I plan to design the entire tower to be almost like a living being. It should actively respond to all sorts of variables while safely protecting its interior in every situation.”

Lennok said, pointing to the ground below his feet.

“This guy will play an important role in that process.”

“……”

[Snore~]

In the middle of the underground cavern, a colossal Guardian Spirit Beast lay asleep, hugging its potbelly.

With snot bubbles at its nose, its deeply sleeping form resembled a lazy pig rather than a spirit beast.

The pride and shame of the magic tower, which momentarily flustered even the Ascendants visiting Vulcan.

“Hmm, I suppose so…”

Aris also feigned agreement out of courtesy, yet couldn’t hide her bewildered expression.

“Of course, since it’s Lennok’s Guardian Spirit Beast, it’s only natural, but…”

[Snore~ Snore~]

Aris, watching the smiling Lennok, confessed her honest feelings with a wry smile.

“Honestly, I can’t quite trust it…”

[Chomp chomp chomp]

The baby dragon’s form, even in its sleep, was like it was dreaming of eating something, smacking its lips.

Even lying on the floor, its body was as massive as a mountain, so much so that its back was out of sight.

Lennok looked at the Guardian Spirit Beast and nodded, chuckling.

“I understand. In fact, it would be strange if you did trust it. That’s why I’d like to ask you to take care of this one, Aris.”

“…Me?”

Lennok turned to Aris, who looked bewildered, and said.

“It’s hard for me to say this, but I feel like others have raised this one by spoiling it too much.”

“Ah, haha…”

“Since you studied at Sinclair Magic Tower, you’ll know how to handle a tower’s Guardian Spirit Beast. Could you also teach others the ropes while I’m away?”

“Of course, if Lennok wants, it’s not difficult, but… are you sure?”

Aris tilted her head.

“This child… I know it’s been asleep for a very long time. Shouldn’t it be woken up carelessly at a time like this?”

“No, it will be fine. You’ll see if you watch this.”

Saying that, Lennok raised his hand and poked the spirit beast’s belly fat.

[Rumble…!!!]

The moment Lennok’s hand touched it, its body trembled, then sagged with a peculiar yelp.

It seemed to be sensitive to external stimuli even while asleep, reacting acutely.

But Lennok’s expression, as he gripped the spirit beast’s belly fat with one hand, was utterly serious.

“Do you see it?”

“Huh? See what…?”

“Its belly fat has decreased to four layers.”

“……”

“Just a few days ago, it was a whopping five layers. This is a tremendous improvement for this one.”

While Aris was speechless, Lennok spoke with utmost seriousness.

“It’s finally digesting and burning off the fat it accumulated.”

“Ah, yes… So, the belly fat disappearing is a good sign, right?”

Aris, unable to hide her bewildered reaction, looked down at the Guardian Spirit Beast’s belly fat.

Aris’s voice, as she looked down at the snoring Guardian Spirit Beast, turned slightly colder.

“I understand. To lose weight, it might need a stricter diet and management.”

“I apologize for asking such a difficult favor.”

“No, now that I’ve heard it, I’m actually more interested.”

Aris nodded with a wry smile.

“A spirit beast that undergoes transformation after sleeping this long… I’m curious what kind of dragon it will become. However…”

“However?”

“I feel like I heard something I shouldn’t overlook when you asked me.”

Her sea-blue eyes stared intently at Lennok.

“‘While I’m away’ you said? What does that mean?”

“……”

Seeing Lennok’s silence, Aris hesitated and asked.

“…Is it, after all, because of the banquet?”

Everyone else had also heard what Croken said to Lennok at the end of the banquet.

Yet, no one questioned Lennok, not because they weren’t curious about the details.

However-

“Croken didn’t seek me out for complicated reasons. He likely just thought it troublesome to convey what he had to say in any other way.”

“…Lennok?”

“So, at first, I deliberated on how to deal with it, but…”

Lennok raised his gaze.

“Surprisingly, sometimes thinking simply is the answer.”

“The Director’s advice certainly has some helpful parts.”

The megacity of District 49. The magic tower’s upper-floor private laboratory.

Inside the spacious room, accessible only by the tower master, diverse mana lights flashed.

Due to the ongoing move, not all research equipment and facilities were fully set up, but there was no problem conducting simple experiments or research.

“Using Mass Formula to create bullets… This certainly has room for various applications.”

Fwoosh…!!!

The complex magic circle rotating in Lennok’s hand began to condense, harmonizing with a platinum-white glow.

He instilled mass into the originally formless magic circle, processed it through Property Transformation, and shaped it to the size of a finger joint.

After rounding and refining the edges of the processed mass, it would be complete as a bullet.

Instead of imbuing a spell into a bullet, a magic bullet made by processing the spell itself was created.

Click!!

He loaded a bullet into the magic gun, Terelem’s Demise, which the Director used, and aimed the barrel at the wall.

Just that alone made the air tremble, and silver-white lightning began to leak from the barrel.

The prelude to the Lightning Seal, a symbol of the lightning magic Lennok used.

“Even high-level spells difficult to imbue into bullets can be turned into magic bullets using this method. Why didn’t I think of this sooner?”

[Well, it feels like a waste to make consumables like bullets with a top-tier spell like Mass Formula, doesn’t it?]

Davi said.

[It’s like catching a very rare fish and then insisting on frying it.]

“…Where did you learn that analogy?”

While working as a freelancer, Lennok was accustomed to combat using a magic gun, but he gradually stopped using it frequently.

This was because the power and capacity of spells that could be imbued into bullets were limited, making it more efficient to cast spells directly.

In a way, it was natural since Lennok’s talent wasn’t that of a Magic Marksman, but the Director had shown him a different way to apply Lennok’s talent.

Instead of imbuing a spell into a bullet, if the spell itself was converted into a mass entity using Mass Formula, even spells that originally couldn’t be imbued could be shaped into bullets.

By using this, powerful magic or spells could be processed into bullet form and stockpiled as single-use consumables at any time.

Lennok immediately realized how tremendous the benefits gained from this were after experimenting.

“While the power is slightly reduced during the process of converting a spell into a mass entity, it dramatically reduces mana consumption and casting delay.”

[You could say it’s like high-level spells being instant-ified.]

“…The expression is a bit odd, but it’s not wrong. In the first place, Mass Formula itself seems accustomed to this kind of processing–”

Lennok paused, lost in thought.

“That’s right… Was this something that already happened once in the Second World?”

The memory of the Ascendant Hermes Orokneer, whom he faced in Machina.

In the Second World, the Director adjusted his authority, gradually losing his abilities as a Magic Marksman.

Perhaps by the end, he might have been unable to produce not only magic guns but even magic bullets on his own.

If so, who made the bullets for the Director at that time?

The answer had been determined from the beginning.

“Hermes must have made bullets for the Director for a long time in the Second World.”

Lennok murmured.

“Then, just by following that sensation, I should be able to become proficient in manipulating Mass Formula.”

[Hee hee.]

“Let’s make as many magic bullets as possible before the appointment time. It seems it will greatly help with practicing Mass Formula.”

[Considering the upcoming schedule, shouldn’t you avoid depleting your mana or will?]

Lennok continued to practice making magic bullets with the grumbling Davi for a long time before finally getting up.

Whoosh!!!

The vast rooftop of the magic tower where the wind blew.

He looked down at the tower, still bustling with preparations for the move, then walked without hesitation.

Crackle…!!!

Lennok’s form, disappearing with a flash of lightning, arrived at the edge of District 21, shrouded in darkness.

The old cathedral where Hylaea had resided until recently, where the Pandemonium branch was located.

Normally, upon arriving in District 21, he would have put on a mask and completed his disguise.

But Lennok didn’t wear any disguise until the moment he opened the cathedral door and stepped inside.

Instead, he simply walked into the dusty chapel, leaning on a silver staff.

Creak-

“Oh dear, the black wizard is dying. The black wizard is dying…”

As soon as the old door opened, a pathetic yet familiar voice echoed from the chapel.

The black wizard, who had taken over Daymus’s body, was hunched over a chair, kneading his waist and shoulders.

He had some sort of massager on his back and was grumbling incessantly.

He seemed not to even care that someone had opened the chapel door and entered.

“No, if you were going to discard it anyway, why throw it in the trash instead of just leaving it on the street? My whole body aches, I can’t even get up.”

“……”

“Damn it, suddenly they want to stick someone into the plan now. What, are they trying to bring in a parachute appointee or something?”

Ermont, who was sitting in a chapel chair, gestured without looking back at Lennok.

“You there, don’t just stand there. If you’re in, come here and sit down. Let’s have a brief interview before we start.”

“……”

“Anyway, I wonder who that monstrous old man picked to push someone into this. “

Ermont carefully straightened his back and got up, then pulled out a file from under the chair and quickly flipped through it.

“If something goes wrong, we might have to go through Paradise Lost, so why bring in an outsider? Does this operation look that easy?”

“……”

“Well, whatever. I don’t know who you are, but you probably know what’s going on, so I’ll just interview you briefly and send you back–”

Ermont, looking up with a bored expression, stopped speaking abruptly when he saw Lennok sitting opposite him.

“……”

Silence fell for a moment.

Ermont blinked, staring at Lennok, then rubbed his eyes with one hand.

It was as if he had seen a hallucination, seeing someone who absolutely shouldn’t be there.

Lennok opened his mouth to shatter Ermont’s illusion.

“I’ve seen that face in The Subjugation War.”

“……”

“You were one of the guys who remained until the very end of that war, weren’t you?”

In the suffocating silence, Lennok leaned back leisurely in the chapel chair.

“So, what’s the result of the interview for the new parachute appointee? Rejected?”

“……”

“If possible, I’d like a clear reason. Speak it.”

“……”

Ermont couldn’t say a word and began to sweat profusely.