Chapter 522: Research, Adjustment, Improvement (2)

A new way to use the Ouroboros magic system. Lennok wasn’t just struggling with this theme and going through trials and errors for nothing.

The problem he perceived during the final battle with Amrita, the 10th Apostle of the Cult, when he tried to use Ouroboros and his Domain simultaneously.

“Amrita tried to stop the power of Ouroboros, not my Domain, even resorting to self-harm.”

Lennok’s gaze turned cold.

“It wasn’t just because the power of Ouroboros felt more dangerous.”

Unlike the Kaleidoscope Domain, which observes and projects divergence points, Ouroboros is closer to a power that converges and grasps surrounding possibilities.

The Kaleidoscope Domain, which originates within Lennok’s mind and radiates outward, cannot be perceived or blocked. However, the Ouroboros magic system, which disassembles and analyzes an opponent’s power and Mind Imprint, instills a sense of déjà vu akin to death just by its activation. Naturally, any target of it will try to stop Ouroboros from working by any means necessary.

There’s no need to use this technique on an opponent who can’t perceive Ouroboros’s power. But an enemy strong enough to warrant Ouroboros will inevitably notice the danger of the technique and try to interfere. A fatal blind spot, effectively sealing its use in battles against powerful opponents.

Using Ouroboros against Kebaek was possible only because the fallen Ascendant himself had no interest in his surroundings. However, when facing a monster like Amrita, who possesses high intelligence, using it is likely to be a disadvantage for Lennok.

In the battle against Madrich Onnion, where Ouroboros was first used, success was achieved simply by exploiting the gap created because the battlefield itself was Madrich’s own Domain.

If the gap between the magic system’s power and its practical utility in combat isn’t resolved, it will ultimately become a white elephant.

Lennok recognized this fact and bought an entire set of research equipment to properly delve into magical research, intending to modify the operating mechanism of the Ouroboros magic system itself. A completely new magic system, unfolding at a level beyond Hierarchy. To handle its output, he would need research equipment on par with what’s used in super-large magical engineering facilities.

“It’ll be hard to finish everything before the expo starts, but I want to at least set the direction.”

[Mana synchronization is ready.]

As Lennok extended both hands and drew up mana, Davi read Lennok’s will and synchronized.

Under the Cyber-Spirit’s operation, dozens of pieces of equipment in the lab simultaneously began to rotate, centering around Lennok.

Wooooosh!!!

Ignoring warnings and system outputs, the magical engineering facilities busily moved around Lennok, adjusting his condition. They forcibly stabilized the mana flow, suppressing the backlash erupting from the Ouroboros magic system, and forcefully carved open a path.

Rumble!!!

The impact caused the entire underground laboratory, installed beneath the mansion, to vibrate as if an earthquake had struck, but he paid it no mind.

For high-level wizards, a laboratory isn’t merely a space to study and practice magic or spells. It’s about synchronizing the environment of the entire space to the same conditions as the wizard’s own body, allowing them to contemplate their own spells.

A process of taking the Mind Imprint and mana, which had only flowed and assembled within Lennok’s body, externalizing them, and adjusting and stabilizing them in real-time to find the optimal state. The space of this vast laboratory itself would be treated as an extension of Lennok, the spellcaster, operating in conjunction with him.

The fact that Olivera’s laboratory transformed into a Domain reflecting her own ideals was also evidence that she had long contemplated herself within that space.

What Lennok was attempting now was not much different.

To stabilize the dazzling flow of Ouroboros’s mana, all sorts of research equipment moved rapidly, emitting various magical energies. At the center, Lennok unhesitatingly pulled out an old grimoire from within his robes.

A relic from World 1, the Libra of Fate, Five Ultimate Arts, which he obtained during Pandemonium’s interim settlement.

Lennok unhesitatingly opened the esoteric grimoire containing the ultimate secrets of five different systems, turned to the page describing the ultimate magic of the [Harmony] system, and raised his gaze.

Lennok’s eyes shone sharply as he gazed at the brilliantly shining serpent’s ring.

“I’m going to build a new order within the magic system. Let’s begin.”

Murphy’s Clinic.

After extracting his medical records via Ars Nova’s biological data, Lennok returned to the clinic nearly a month later.

“Adjusting the detailed specifications took longer than I expected.”

Murphy, who had been tinkering with various things with his back turned, quickly turned around and offered Lennok the device in his hand.

“I made it with a design similar to the one you originally used. The staff form is definitely convenient for portability and suits a wizard well.”

The staff resembled a rising stream of water.

The difference from the life-support device that had been transformed by the Penteract was perhaps the deep black gem embedded in the staff’s tip.

As Lennok took the staff, a faint line appeared on the black gem and writhed.

“It’s a lifeline.”

Murphy said.

“It’s a function that shows a comprehensive assessment of your heart rate, mana stability, and nutrient flow within your body.”

Murphy turned his head sharply, fiddled with a computer placed in a corner of the clinic, and added,

“While restoring your damaged body itself is impossible, maintaining its current state won’t be difficult.”

“I see.”

“That’s strictly under the assumption that you take absolute rest. Naturally, you must avoid combat at all costs.”

“……”

It seemed unnecessary to mention how many battles Lennok had fought before returning to this clinic.

Murphy stared intently at Lennok over his glasses.

“If your balance is ever broken, even once, it will be irreversible. You know that, right?”

“To some extent.”

“It’s even more so for a high-level wizard like you. The taller and more intricate the tower you’ve built, the more uncontrollable it becomes once it starts to sway. I can roughly guess what kind of life you’ve lived until now, but from now on, you’ll have to change everything.”

He wasn’t wrong.

After all, the very fact that Lennok had survived and was sitting here meant he had swayed but never collapsed.

One fatal defeat. An irreversible mistake. He had to keep moving forward, even while acknowledging the fear that it might one day come.

“Well, coming to see me, even late, was a wise choice.”

Murphy, who had been looking at Lennok with an unexpressive face, then let out a small laugh.

“You can come right back if you need adjustments. It’s a very delicate item, so if you don’t take care of it often, it’ll be worse than useless.”

“I will keep that in mind.”

After that, Lennok paid Murphy the promised production fee and left the clinic.

Lennok, tapping the back of his hand while holding the staff, tilted his head.

“I suppose I should check its sensitivity without taking any medication first…”

Having improved his condition by taking Archangel’s Tear, and constantly injecting himself with all sorts of drugs, it wasn’t easy to gauge.

Perhaps Lennok’s physical senses were already half-damaged, making it difficult to perceive anything with ordinary measures.

Lennok casually fiddled with the staff for a moment, then leaned on it and immediately set off.

Ultimately, the important thing was to make it seem as though Adamant Thunder had been injured, as indicated by the life-support device.

Since his time operating as Van had decreased, this was a measure to create an alibi for him, so its performance wasn’t critical.

Lennok immediately leaned on the staff and deliberately walked towards Sector 49, where Jenny’s bar was located.

Even within Sector 49, which had a somewhat chilling atmosphere, there was a high-rise building district that was unusually crowded.

After several renovations and expansions, the bar’s entrance, now unrecognizably changed, saw dozens of people continuously coming and going without a moment’s rest.

Inside the bar, with its greatly expanded lobby hall, freelancers and gang members huddled together in hushed conversations, their backs to the dim lighting.

Lennok, who reached a table avoiding the smoke rising from various spots, waved to the old man approaching him.

“Van.”

Without a word, he placed a glass in front of Lennok and skillfully mixed a cocktail.

Lennok naturally tilted the glass, slightly frowning at the bitter taste spreading in his mouth.

“…This isn’t an easy taste. What on earth is this?”

“It’s an herbal liquor made from mugwort, garlic, and ginger. They say the recipe originated from outside the continent. It’s good for the body, so drink up.”

“Mugwort and garlic, you say?”

Was someone trying to create a new person or something?

Anyway, since it was supposedly good for him, he drank it without complaint.

Jordan smiled, watching Lennok swallow the herbal liquor with a slight frown.

“Bad rumors have been circulating often. Jenny bought the recipe and ingredients separately from the deep web to make this.”

“……”

He had already hinted to Jenny about the situation of being injured in the battle with Madrich Onnion before the rumors spread.

However, since he hadn’t visited the bar directly since then, Jenny would naturally be somewhat concerned.

“If the reaction is good, I’m thinking of marketing it as a new menu item. What do you think? You rarely comment on the taste of alcohol, so it’s hard to tell your preferences.”

“It certainly has a fresh taste. If you market it as an energy-boosting theme, there will definitely be people looking for it.”

While Lennok frowned and drank the rest of the liquor, Jenny quickly walked out from behind the bar, pressing her temples.

Her face, with deep dark circles under her eyes, quickly scanned the bar before lighting up when she saw Lennok.

“Van…!! Are you okay?”

“Enough to get around.”

Jenny immediately sat across from Lennok and pulled something out from inside the bar table.

Thud!!

“I’ve scoured the auction houses and the deep web and procured all the elixirs you ordered.”

“Thank you.”

“I also asked a famous doctor in the central district to brew some medicine, so take it if you need it.”

It seemed he would have to tell Jenny later why these rumors were circulating.

For now, he had no choice but to address the reason he had come to see her.

Moreover, it was Jenny’s request, not Lennok’s, that had set up today’s meeting.

“Shall we go upstairs? A guest is waiting.”

Upon entering the executive office on the top floor of the company building next to the bar, the sight of a giant occupying a corner of the sofa immediately caught his eye.

It was a bird-headed giant, sitting with his back straight, arms crossed, and eyes closed.

As Lennok entered the office, the giant’s eyes snapped open, and he shot up from his seat.

“Van!!”

“Felix, it’s been a while.”

Lennok, too, chuckled at the evident delight.

Felix Magath. The manager of the Antares Mercenary Office and a Saint-level warrior, a face Lennok was quite familiar with.

“Are you feeling better?”

It had been quite a while since they last met, but Felix remembered the events vividly.

The Defense Force mutiny. The warrior who, alongside Lennok, fought against Croken, who appeared by destroying the floating fortress. Hadn’t he fallen into a coma and been hospitalized after using a warhammer imbued with the mana of the Ascendant’s Advent during that battle?

Lennok, having received the call-up from the Eyes of Blue and departed for the Hanghasa Labyrinth, had heard little news since, but Felix seemed to have recovered somewhat in the interim.

“That’s what I should be asking you, Van.”

Felix chuckled, as if bewildered.

“I heard you fought an 8-level Commander Wizard and fell into critical condition. Are you really in a position to worry about others?”

His eagle-like, sharp eyes darted towards the staff Lennok was leaning on.

“I thought there were ominous rumors circulating, and it seems Jenny’s worries weren’t unfounded. Many people in our office are also concerned about your health.”

“In your office?”

“A sponsorship contract between the Antares Mercenary Office and your distribution company has just been officially finalized.”

And then, from behind Felix, appeared a short-haired woman with a cold expression.

Her face, exhaling smoke from an electronic cigarette, was still clear in Lennok’s memory.

“From now on, let’s try to pay a little more attention to our health. Our director is enough of a workaholic already.”

“…Stella.”

Stella Green. The Deputy Director of the Antares Mercenary Office, whom he had met when Felix was hospitalized.

If Felix and Stella were here, it meant the two decision-makers of the office had personally come to Jenny’s company.

Jenny had successfully negotiated a sponsorship contract with the Antares Mercenary Office, securing their full assistance across all her business operations.

Today’s meeting was for securing a contract so significant that even Lennok, who had been hands-off with company affairs, needed to attend in person.

Nominally, Lennok was also the company’s president and co-manager, so there were procedures he had to go through.

“While expanding her distribution business, she’s also consistently continued her broker work.”

Stella spoke while Lennok stamped a few documents with the temporary seal Jenny had prepared for him.

“By showing results in both freelancer recruitment and distribution network establishment, our office’s mercenaries are also very interested in prioritizing Jenny’s requests.”

Is that why they agreed to a sponsorship contract that prioritizes requests brought by Jenny?

Nominally, it was a transaction between two equal organizations, but in essence, it was the full cooperation approval of the Antares office’s mercenaries.

Lennok knew full well what it meant to be able to call upon the power of one of the top mercenary groups in this field first.

“Does Antares know?”

“Ah, our director…”

“Hmm, you don’t even need to hide it, he seems to have already caught on?”

The two exchanged meaningful glances and laughed.

As Lennok shook his head, looking at them, Jenny tapped the table and spoke to the two.

“Alright, alright, the agreement’s done, so you two can leave now. I have something to talk about with Van.”

“No, you should listen too.”

“What?”

At Lennok’s words, Jenny spun her head around.

“Given that a sponsorship contract has been made with the Antares office, there’s no need to keep it a secret. The information will spread throughout Vulcan soon anyway.”

“What on earth are you going to talk about…?”

“Interesting. Are you saying it’s somewhat related to our work as well?”

Stella laughed, puffing on her e-cigarette with a languid expression.

“Well, if you’re willing to share information, we certainly wouldn’t refuse.”

Lennok hadn’t just come to the company and the bar after a long absence on Jenny’s whim.

He had gathered the continent’s current affairs and latest information while moving between the Eyes of Blue and Pandemonium.

Among them was information directly related to the mega-city.

Jenny was Lennok’s business partner, but primarily a broker in the underworld connecting freelancers.

It was natural that knowing and acting on such information in advance would maximize the benefits one could gain in a chaotic situation.

“…Deadrise’s main force is returning?”

However, the expressions of the three stiffening at Lennok’s words was, in a way, natural.

“Rumors like that seem to be circulating as the front lines stabilize due to the truce agreement between the Order Alliance and the Cult.”

“Is it reliable information?”

“Most likely.”

“……”

At Lennok’s calm reply, Felix and Stella quietly looked at each other.

“This is a bigger problem than I thought.”

“…Did I ask to hear this for nothing?”

The two certainly knew why Lennok was telling them this.

But Jenny paid no mind to their reactions and calmly began tapping on her laptop.

“The entry and exit records for mercenaries and soldiers on the central front are decreasing. It’s reasonable to assume they’re reorganizing their forces.”

“……”

“A sharp increase in exports to the Paraghini Republic, a significant decrease in sales from the northern industrial cities… I can roughly estimate what’s happening.”

As she typed on the laptop, all sorts of news and articles began appearing on the projector.

Was she really gathering related information and cross-referencing it in real-time just based on a single comment from Lennok?

This wasn’t something possible simply through excellent data collection or processing power.

It was the ability to quickly grasp specific trends through the insights and experience gained from handling underworld affairs. To cross-reference facts and deduce the bigger picture.

A business partner with keen judgment and shrewdness, second to none of anyone Lennok had worked with.

It was precisely because she was this intelligent and quick-witted that she could not only venture into the distribution business but also monopolize the underworld market.

Stella, slightly impressed by Jenny’s work ethic, added her opinion.

“Their activity has been too low until now. They’re not the type to just sit around doing nothing. It makes sense if there was a heads-up that their main force would return.”

“It was a decision made even before the central front stabilized?”

“No, rather… it would be more accurate to say they knew about the truce agreement in advance.”

Jenny swept her hair back as she replied to Felix’s question.

“There’s someone among Deadrise’s leadership who has close ties with either the Cult or the Order Alliance. This must be it.”

“You’re certain.”

“Because I know them.”

Lennok was about to reply but then closed his mouth.

Jenny’s face, staring intently at the laptop, held a complex expression.

“They are people fully capable and with such dispositions.”

“……”

Deadrise’s core leadership were capable individuals who had once been Kaiser’s trusted subordinates.

From Jenny’s perspective, as Kaiser’s granddaughter, it was natural that she would be acquainted with them.

If Jenny, who usually didn’t mind her grandfather’s name being mentioned, reacted like this, it meant their abilities and dispositions were extraordinary.

“Do you think it will be dangerous?”

“…Well, the people I remember never move without a reason.”

Jenny replied, pressing her temples with both hands.

“If they’re returning to the city at a time like this, it won’t just be because the front lines are in a lull. For now, I’ll focus on observing their movements.”

Jenny, who quickly began operating her laptop to investigate both the deep web and the city government’s public network, turned to Lennok and said,

“Over half of the underworld’s distribution network is already in our hands. Even if Deadrise’s main force returns and makes a move, we can detect the signs and stop them.”

“……”

“Don’t worry. We’re also focusing on power buildup and manpower supply just as much. We don’t need to borrow the hand of an injured person.”

“…No, rather than my condition, it would be better to focus on responding flexibly to the situation.”

“Why?”

Before replying, Lennok subtly gestured to Stella and Felix. They understood immediately and disappeared out of the office.

Lennok, having deployed a mana field to block out ambient senses, spoke.

“It’s true I was injured in the battle with Onnion back then, but it wasn’t as serious as that.”

“…Not a serious situation?”

“Right. If a battle is needed, it’s better to state that there’s no need to delay-”

Lennok’s words were immediately cut off by Jenny’s reaction as she shot up from her seat.

Jenny unhesitatingly pulled out a sheet of paper from a shelf, slapped it down, and stared at Lennok with a cold expression, arms crossed.

[Convalescence Guide: To Be Read and Understood by the Patient’s Guardian]

“The doctor who treated you sent this, and you still say that?”

“…Where did you get this?”

The moment Lennok, confirming it was Murphy’s medical record, asked with a slightly bewildered expression.

A voice came from behind Lennok.

“I got it for her.”

“……”

“It’s been a while since Jenny placed a request directly with our office. So I put in some effort for once.”

A young man in a thick fur coat was leaning against the office window, looking towards them.

Even with his long hair casually swept back, his impression was surprisingly neat.

His calm demeanor contrasted with the violent surge of mana that seemed to rage within him.

Lennok, recognizing the face, let out a soft sigh and stood up.

“…Antares, do I need to explain why I set up the mana field? You don’t seem to have any intention of waiting your turn.”

An 8-level physical ability user. The director of the Antares Mercenary Office.

A transcendent fighter, one of the top few in the underworld, and a traveler who has amassed countless achievements and honors.

A prophet who, in exchange for gaining a fragment of omniscience, accepted an unavoidable fate.

Antares had been there from the start, and Lennok had already known it.

Antares smiled faintly and nodded at Lennok.

“I apologize for interrupting an important conversation, but I don’t have much time either.”

“Time? As if someone here has plenty of-”

Lennok’s words were immediately cut off as Antares began to speak.

“I have something to discuss about the expo. Do you have a moment?”

It was a reply that, while completely unfitting for the current situation, simultaneously caught Lennok off guard.