Chapter 397: Symbiotic Mystic Eye (1)

“Hey, did you see it? Did you see it?”

“You mean the demonstration? Of course. I gathered my guys and we watched.”

The news that Lennok and Ayoon had officially clashed under the pretext of a demonstration spread like wildfire, not just within the Cartel but throughout the entire city.

Their battle was not recorded, only broadcast in real-time to Cartel employees above middle management, but in this business, perfect security is a myth.

While the video itself couldn’t be obtained, there were quite a few outsiders who witnessed the spectacle together.

“No, damn it… I’ve never seen anyone openly engrave a Guido Cult emblem like that. Is that even possible when you’re sober?”

“It’s true that defending such a tattoo would be absurd…”

The power struggle unfolding within the leadership of the most seemingly normal organization among The Triad.

The fact that a cult affiliate was involved was certainly enough to pique people’s interest, but even more captivating was the fact that Adamant Thunder of District 49 had finally begun participating in Cartel affairs.

“Isn’t it hilarious that no one still understands what Adamant Thunder did at the end?”

“He’s a meticulous person who doesn’t even show his face on satellite screens. The fact that he openly displayed it might mean he’s confident no one will recognize it, don’t you think?”

“Probably. I secretly asked a few of my acquaintances who are capable of that…”

“…That?”

“Yeah, that. There are a few monsters in this city who can do that.”

Could he be referring to a Domain as “that”?

The man continued, unconcerned by the other person’s sour expression.

“They all said it’s a concept that they can’t definitively explain at their level. They even said it might appear that way because the shadow itself can’t perceive it. What do you think that means?”

Only then did the other person’s expression stiffen as he understood what the man was trying to say.

“…Are you saying Adamant Thunder has already surpassed the Archmage-level?”

“Exactly. And perhaps this whole commotion itself was a ploy to spread that fact.”

“……”

“What else could it mean but, ‘Let those who know, know, and tread carefully’?”

“I understand Adamant Thunder isn’t someone who would pull such ambiguous stunts, but…”

“Are you close with him? How do you know what that monster thinks or lives like?”

“No, but…”

It was true that Van’s whereabouts were shrouded in mystery despite his exceptional skill and reputation, but it was also undeniable that Adamant Thunder’s character was being inferred from his recorded actions over time.

According to those who had worked with him or faced him and survived, Van was not an uncontrollably insane or twisted individual. For someone known for his strangely immense power and decisive actions, he was also surprisingly clean in his dealings.

Why would a wizard who had maintained a consistent attitude since first making a name for himself in this city suddenly try to display his power through the Cartel’s mouth now?

His contemplation didn’t last long.

“All businesses directly related to Adamant Thunder will be re-examined by our side. The Cartel, Dyke Corp., the Agents, and even the distribution network collaborating with that broker… It’s best not to clash until something definite is decided.”

“What about the Achilles proposal? I heard a cooperation plan came in from them. Even if we hold the casting vote, backing out after it’s reached the review stage will be difficult.”

“We’ll have to think about that now. No matter how much they align with the light and build justification, The Triad can only remain The Triad…”

Across from the two men, who were talking non-stop in low voices, Lennok quietly watched them, toying with his glass.

The person sitting opposite Lennok scoffed and muttered.

“Things are getting interesting.”

“……”

“I believe there’s always a reason for things many people don’t predict. Spending meaningless time trying to uncover truths that only insiders could ever know.”

The person, propping her chin with a languid gesture and swirling her glass, said,

“Truthfully, there are many things in the world that have no reason or meaning at all.”

“It’s natural that they don’t understand the concept of the imaginary dimension.”

Lennok said, tilting his glass.

“It’s a concept one never touches during the process of completing or transcending Hierarchy. Attaching meaning to something that doesn’t exist is the work of lunatics.”

“Are you saying you are also such a lunatic?”

“It would be strange if people who discuss the end of a world that hasn’t arrived weren’t crazy.”

“……”

For the first time, the other person fell silent. The veil draped over her face swayed with her movement.

The Chairman of the Cartel, an Archmage of the Peak of Extremes at level 8.

The leader of one of The Triad, ruling Vulcan’s underworld, and a researcher involved in the city’s darkest secrets.

Lennok was sitting alone, sharing drinks with none other than Olivera Ron Maize.

Lennok gazed intently beyond her veil and continued,

“However, when the maintenance of such beings accumulates, things like what happened yesterday can occur. If the opponent is a special art like Qimen Dunjia, you can assign meaning to the imaginary dimension in its own way.”

Domain Reversal Manifestation [False Morning Star].

A grand Domain reversal spell that projects a non-existent morning star into the imaginary dimension, using it as a focal point to dismantle the already manifest Mind Imprint into fragments.

It utilizes the extreme of reversal: by tracing mana over the existing Domain from its opposite side, a perfectly inverted Mind Imprint locks into place like a key, causing the constructed Domain itself to unravel.

While it struck a devastating blow, it was only possible because the Filthy Accumulation Binding Array he had deployed was an invasive type, thoroughly specialized in battlefield control.

Even Lennok would need more time and effort to attempt something similar against other sorcerers or superhumans.

But Olivera scoffed at Lennok’s words, as if unimpressed.

“Excessive humility becomes arrogance. The mere fact that you can so easily understand and wield the Principle of Non-Existence Proof is proof that you’ve already halfway shed the Hierarchy.”

“……”

Had it not been for Feigenbaum’s Eye, which observes the imaginary dimension, and Jindun’s barrier magic, which redefines Domains and concepts, Lennok wouldn’t have dabbled in such tricks in such a short time.

But instead of explaining the reasons in detail, Lennok fell silent with an indifferent expression.

He had no desire to contradict the Chairman’s words and explain his experiences.

Olivera gazed at Lennok and asked,

“You’re still hesitating, even with the concept of Self-transformation beneath your feet. Did you seek me out to resolve that issue?”

“Ayoon, who wielded Qimen Dunjia, dabbled in the Guido Cult’s doctrine to transcend his own limits.”

Lennok subtly changed the subject.

“If, as he claimed, it’s possible to protect one’s mind through fanaticism, then we need to be wary of those who join the cult hoping for similar power. You must be careful to prevent the details of this incident from leaking outside.”

In any case, the series of conversations between Ayoon and Lennok might not have been broadcast in the video, but it was still natural that some might develop ill intentions upon seeing the cult emblem.

However, Olivera shook her head despite Lennok’s warning.

“We’ve come too far to guard against the Guido Cult’s power with such measures. It’s enough to simply weed out the fools who succumb to the doctrine, as we did this time.”

“Did you know Ayoon had joined the Guido Cult?”

“They say the Guido Cult’s pontiff is a monster comparable to an Ascendant, yet one who doesn’t relinquish interest in the secular world.”

Olivera said.

“Those who follow such a being and worship the end of the outer sea as a god can hardly hide their traces.”

“……”

Guido Cult.

After Lennok dealt with Walter Martinez, who was attempting to awaken as an apostle in Palgung Fortress, there had been no noticeable activity from the cult in this city.

However, it was unknown when they might return and try to summon an apostle with their doctrines.

It was an organization as powerful and strangely resolute as any hand-picked few on this continent.

Its danger transcended the point where it could be dismissed as a fanatical religious group.

“But you never know. How fanaticism, rushing towards ruin, might be rewarded. Perhaps in the end, it will be…”

Olivera, who had been muttering to herself, abruptly cut off her words and swiftly changed the subject.

“…I’ve spoken too long. Let’s return to our conversation. You said you wanted something from me.”

“I wouldn’t have sought you out if I didn’t intend to make a deal.”

Lennok replied calmly.

“I was prepared for this the moment I got involved in Cartel affairs. At least, I have a good reason to endure the repercussions.”

Lennok took a sip of the dark brown whiskey and spoke, looking at the veiled face of his counterpart.

“……”

Instead of answering Lennok, Olivera silently brought her glass to her veil. She expertly drank the whiskey without lifting the cumbersome veil that obscured her face.

As Lennok quietly watched her, Olivera spoke.

“This bar has existed since before proper area divisions were established in the mega-city.”

“……”

“Now it seems not many people seek it out, but a long, long time ago, there were times when people gathered here to discuss the workings of the city.”

Olivera slowly gestured towards the two men still chattering in the distance.

“Even if their tone is frivolous, the very fact that they gather here to drink suggests they are insiders who remember those times.”

“…So it’s a meeting place known only to those in the know. Is that why you called me here?”

“Then as now, the topics of conversation here haven’t changed.”

She smiled bitterly and slowly set her glass down.

“In the past and now, stories of talented prodigies have always been good conversation starters. But separate from that, it’s also true that no monster surpassing the norm has appeared in this city for a very long time.”

“……”

“A time when every small movement was imbued with meaning and balance was discussed… I thought the endless disputes were tiresome, but now I find myself missing them. So much time has passed.”

Lennok listened silently to her cold, detached soliloquy.

It seemed the conversation of those chattering behind them had unexpectedly stirred Olivera’s long-held nostalgia.

She stared blankly out the window, then quietly fell silent.

The silence between them lingered, as if no conversation had ever taken place. In that long quiet, she set down her glass and spoke.

“I cannot tell you much about Madrich Onnion.”

“……”

“Because the prohibitions placed on those directly involved in the Black Consumer Project are still valid, even fifty years later.”

Did she already know what Lennok wanted?

Indeed, it was impossible that Virgil, whom he had met with Panua, hadn’t reported the related details to his Chairman.

“But I can at least tell you roughly how he has managed to survive and maintain his existence until now. I’ll send the information separately through Virgil.”

“Are you saying you won’t tell me directly to avoid the prohibition?”

“That’s part of it, but… I called you here today to solidify your position within the Cartel going forward.”

Olivera said, slowly swirling her glass with a subdued tone.

“Decades have passed since I founded the Cartel corporate conglomerate. At this point, interfering with the organization would only be repeating foolish acts for me.”

“I see.”

“But despite that, this company is still undeniably my property. It is the owner’s duty to prevent the subordinates from muddying the waters.”

She took out an old pager from her pocket and placed it in front of Lennok.

“I will designate a method, so contact me through that from now on. It will be more convenient for both of us to communicate directly when we need something.”

“……”

Olivera’s attitude had subtly changed, yet remained similar to when Lennok dealt with former CEO Parden McQueen.

Lennok understood that this was happening because she no longer saw him merely as an outside director, but as an equal negotiating partner.

If Virgil had noticed Lennok’s dangerously unstable condition, it was impossible that she, with her deeper and more profound insight than any vampire, wouldn’t have noticed.

Regardless of their respective power and attainments, she too had realized that Lennok had accumulated enough qualifications and knowledge to converse with her on a similar standing.

Many things had changed since she first encountered Lennok during the conflict with the Cartel.

How long had it taken for her perception of Lennok—from a talented wizard worth recruiting—to shift to that of a formidable figure who required Olivera herself to step forward?

Perhaps his decision to accept only the nominal position of outside director instead of formally submitting to the Cartel was also for this very moment.

Olivera Ron Maize, putting such conjectures and thoughts aside, was now meeting Lennok alone in this place.

Lennok gazed at her veil, then slowly smiled faintly and opened his mouth.

“So there was a reason you called me to a place like this to talk. If you want to prevent the scales from becoming too heavy, it’s not a bad choice.”

“……”

Lennok slowly brought a finger to his left eye.

“But no matter what you’re thinking, you’ll have to pay me exactly what my work is worth.”

Whirrrrr…!!

Lennok’s left pupil rotated in place, becoming tinged with red and blue, then transformed into a purple Mystic Eye.

Fissures etched onto the retina of the Mystic Eye were now deeply and clearly visible to the naked eye, appearing as if it could shatter at any moment.

“That’s why I specifically agreed to your request and participated in the demonstration.”

“This is…?”

Only then did Olivera realize why Lennok had sought her out to propose a deal, and she let out a low groan.

The Mystic Eye looked unstable, as if precariously hanging on the verge of shattering.

“As someone who possesses The Seven Debts Jewels Mystic Eye, you should have some understanding of what’s happening to my eye right now.”

Lennok looked at her calmly with that eye and said,

“I want to borrow your knowledge to solve this problem.”