Chapter 599: Pieces and Parts (1)

After the terrorist incident at Rebatenon Magic University, orchestrated by the sorcerers of the Ghost God Palace, the media extensively covered the developments and aftermath of the event for several days.

“[It has been three days since the terrorist attack targeting students of Rebatenon Magic University was officially concluded.]” “[Criticism is pouring in from all sectors regarding the fact that a terrorist attack occurred against an educational institution directly under the city government…]” “[A significant number of public officials are directly and indirectly involved in this incident, predicting turmoil within the Central Council.]” “[As some of the senators orchestrated this, it is expected they will not be able to evade responsibility…]”

Lennok watched the announcers continuously report on the related news, then subtly shifted his gaze to the side.

“Now that I think about it, the last time we met, these kinds of news reports were also pouring out.” “…” “When the quarantine measures for the Sealed Zone were lifted and related news spread to the public. The Dean gave me a warning then.”

Sunlight streamed into the university hospital ward. Specifically, a top-tier private room reserved for VIPs. The Dean, lying in bed covered in bandages and a pristine white blanket, slowly opened his eyes at Lennok’s words.

He smiled bitterly, unable to even lift his head to properly look at Lennok.

“Perhaps from that moment on, I already foresaw this catastrophe…” “…” “As a result, with things turning out this way, the implicated council members cannot avoid responsibility either. From the beginning, it was a plan destined to fail.”

The Dean’s voice was heavy with resignation. Just as Lennok was about to reply, the screen on the hospital room wall spat out more news.

“[The debate over the accountability of Rebatenon’s Dean, Saiolus Garteanon, is also fervent.]” “[Though currently in critical condition, it is presumed he will in no way be able to evade responsibility for endangering the students…]” “[Academic circles are cautiously expressing opinions that he may retire from his position as Dean following this incident.]”

Lennok, who had been listening to the news with his back turned, nodded.

“Is that true?” “Even if it weren’t my will, it will likely turn out that way.”

The Dean nodded.

“The incident has grown too large for it to be smoothed over by just one or two people stepping down.”

… Regardless of whether the Dean himself cooperated with the sorcerers of the Ghost God Palace, the fact that the university’s defenses and security were breached is fatal. While he may avoid punishment due to evidence of him fighting and being injured by the sorcerers, it would be impossible for him to comfortably retain his position as Dean.

“Don’t worry about the Central Council Technology Advisory Committee matter. Even without me, your achievements alone have already secured your admission.” The Dean spoke first, as if reading Lennok’s thoughts.

“The real issue, however, is your integrated master’s-doctoral thesis and the proposal for your professorship. The successor who takes over after me will need to be quite accommodating…”

“You needn’t worry about that.” Bang! At the same moment, the hospital room door swung open, and an elderly man with strikingly white hair walked in.

His impression was sharp and shrewd. He was clearly an elderly man of advanced age. Yet, the eyes of the old man, holding a cane and wearing a coat, were unusually keen for his years.

The Dean, recognizing the old man’s face, murmured with a hint of surprise. “Councilman Meyer…”

The elder, John Meyer, who entered the Central Council’s lower house at the oldest age and became a member of the Audit Bureau. This ambitious man, who had cultivated acquaintance with Lennok under various guises, had suddenly appeared in the university hospital room where the Dean was staying.

“The Central Council’s Audit Bureau has taken charge of resolving this situation.” Meyer stood beside Lennok, looking down at the Dean’s face without sitting, and spoke quietly.

“Given that more than five council members, both from the Senate and the House, are presumed to be involved in this incident, I, as a councilman, will meticulously review and judge the locus of responsibility for this matter and report it to the higher authorities.”

He nodded, his stern gaze shifting between Lennok and the Dean.

“As you surmised, it will be difficult for the Dean, who has an acquaintance with Hyman Kilberg, to evade responsibility in this matter.”

“…” Seeing the silent Dean, Meyer spoke again.

“But conversely, it means our Audit Bureau can exert some influence in the matter of appointing your successor.”

“That’s…!” “I deeply resonate with the achievements and talent that Assistant Professor Evan Vylun has demonstrated.” Meyer said, directing a gaze at Lennok that was entirely different from the stern one he had given the Dean.

It was a covetous gaze, one that went beyond merely showing favor to talented individuals, expressing a desire to be on the same side.

“I will endeavor to recommend a candidate for Dean to succeed you who shares my views as much as possible.”

“Thank you…” Lennok said, bowing his head out of courtesy, but he wasn’t particularly surprised.

He had been certain that Meyer wouldn’t have appeared in person if he were carrying a proposal that would be detrimental to Lennok. If the situation had turned unfavorably for Evan’s standing, there would have been no reason for Meyer to show himself. It was clear that Meyer had come in person to deliver the message because he was in a position where he could both offer a genuinely helpful compromise to Lennok and take credit for it.

“Ah, and also, Garteanon, please note that after discussion, it was decided that your position on the Central Council Technology Advisory Committee will be maintained.” Meyer, turning to leave after delivering his message, spoke as if remembering an afterthought.

“It’s a position that ordinarily should have been rescinded simultaneously with your stepping down as Dean, but the other members of the committee strongly opposed your dismissal.”

“The other members…?” The Dean murmured quietly, a little surprised. “That’s unexpected. They aren’t the type to be so sympathetic…”

“Isn’t it because they value your cooperative relationship with Evan Vylun so highly?” Meyer tapped his cane, responding with a curt expression.

“Professor Vylun hasn’t even joined the Advisory Committee yet, but to me, it looks like a sign that they don’t want to jeopardize their relationship with him.”

“…” Seeing the Dean lost in thought, Meyer said nothing more and turned away without delay.

Lennok naturally followed him out of the room, and then offered a brief greeting to Meyer, who had stepped into the hallway.

“Thank you for your consideration.”

“Don’t worry, no harm will come to you.” Meyer patted Lennok’s shoulder naturally, a benevolent smile on his face.

Meyer’s gaze, as if looking at a treasure, was undeniably overt, but precisely because of that, it was also more trustworthy.

“Furthermore, you evacuated the students first and remained until the end to resolve the situation, didn’t you? That alone is enough. The media won’t touch you.”

Meyer, who had accepted Lennok’s greeting and was about to leave the university hospital wing with his bodyguards, paused as if something had just occurred to him.

“Ah, come to think of it, there was one more thing I wanted to tell you in advance.”

“Please do.”

“Due to this incident, several Central Council members will be stepping down. Among them are two or three who have served long terms in the Senate. This means there will be vacant seats in the Senate for the first time in a long while.”

“…” “Do you understand what this means?”

Only then did Lennok, realizing the meaning of Meyer’s words, look at him with a slightly surprised expression.

What Meyer was telling Lennok was not merely the fact that there were vacancies in the Senate. Lennok could easily guess what it meant for Meyer, who was still a member of the lower house, to be aware of those vacant seats.

“I hope to see you again next time, in a better position.” Lennok added, bowing his head slightly. “Senator Meyer.”

“Indeed, intelligent mages are all quick-witted and astute.” Meyer nodded with satisfaction, chuckling.

“Among the truly capable mages I know, there’s one man whose talent is comparable to yours.” “…” “It would be good if I could introduce that friend to you next time.”

Even without hearing him finish, Lennok had a bitter smile, somehow knowing who that mage was.

Lennok’s underground research lab in his mansion. One side of the lab, usually cluttered with all sorts of artifacts, theses, and books, was completely cleared, and an arcane ritual circle was drawn on the floor.

Davi was curled up in the center of the ritual circle, which pulsed with a brilliant blue glow, occasionally tilting her head. Each time her voluminous five tails swayed, magical radiance brightly gleamed through her pure white fur.

Whoosh! “[Hmm…]” “Is this not enough?” “[I don’t really… feel much?]” “I see.”

Lennok nodded and, with a wave of his hand, withdrew the mana he had laid out. Swoosh! Davi, walking out of the now dim and faded ritual circle, nimbly jumped onto Lennok’s shoulder.

Lennok quietly tilted his head, gazing at the form of the magic circle laid out beneath his feet.

“Well, I didn’t expect it to go smoothly as hoped… but using ordinary artifacts as components isn’t nearly enough.”

The Spirit Growth Promotion Ritual used by the sorcerers of the Ghost God Palace to enhance their spirits. Davi, who had consumed Hyman Kilberg’s preparations for his Creation Spirit, succeeded in awakening her fifth tail. However, the Spirit Growth Promotion Ritual obtained after dealing with Hyman wasn’t yielding significant results.

“It seems they weren’t just randomly trying to sacrifice mages as catalysts…”

A ritual that gradually enhances a spirit’s power by setting up a magic circle and offering the necessary catalysts to it in sequence. However, it was no exaggeration to say that almost none of the energy generated from offering the catalysts was fully transmitted to the spirit during this process. Despite strictly leveraging the power of the spell formula and ritual, the amount of energy lost during transmission was absurd. It was as if pouring in mana equivalent to an entire truckload would only result in a tear-sized amount barely detectable by Davi’s cognitive abilities.

“[I wonder if those wicked sorcerers were running a scam?]” Davi said, raising her five extended tails high. “[I think those organisms need another good scolding.]”

“What are you talking about? There aren’t even five surviving sorcerers from the Ghost God Palace.” Lennok said, pinching Davi’s cheek and scrunching it up.

“The ritual itself is real. The problem seems to lie elsewhere, rather than in its efficiency.” Based on their attempts with Davi using various artifacts as catalysts, the core of the Spirit Growth Promotion Ritual lies in directly stimulating a spirit’s spirituality. Ordinarily, the spirituality of sentient beings cannot be physically touched, nor can it be interfered with unless through specific curses or negative rituals. However, this ritual, specifically for spirits, allows their spirituality to be directly stimulated with mana simply by consuming specific catalysts. Most spirits, by having their spirituality stimulated through this ritual, experience a significant increase in cognitive ability and can elevate their very level of existence by one stage.

The reason Davi showed no reaction despite consuming all sorts of artifacts to stimulate her spirituality was that the growth process necessary for other spirits was a path she had already far surpassed.

“Your spirituality and cognitive abilities are so excessively developed that ordinary stimulation doesn’t even register with you.”

“[Sigh…]” Davi leaned her head back and shook it. “[It was because Master’s spirit is simply too exceptional again. I can accept that.]”

“…” “[Now that I think about it, it was obvious. I should have realized sooner that my spirituality, which never neglects cultivation for a single day, has developed as vast as the ocean, unlike those who are satisfied with just eating their fill and sleeping!]”

“You’ve never even seen the ocean, yet you speak like a poet.”

“[But I have, with Master!]” “Been with… Right.”

Lennok, who had been about to thoughtlessly refute her claim of going to the ocean together, realized what Davi was referring to and fell silent. Hadn’t they visited the Sea of Understanding, where the floating island clusters are located, in the Pilenom Autonomous Region, where the Eyes of Blue’s main base is situated?

Lennok had been preoccupied searching the drug lord’s warehouse then, but Davi seemed to have long remembered the sight of the ocean she saw for the first time. Come to think of it, there certainly were moments when he saw the ocean, such as when they visited the Guido Cult’s Far Eastern branch. Lennok simply hadn’t deeply imprinted all those moments in his memory.

Lennok smiled as he gently stroked Davi’s head.

“…Next time, it would be nice if we could go to the ocean for something other than combat, wouldn’t it?”

“[If we go to Machina, the Machine City, this time, that might happen.]” Davi said, flicking her tongue.

“[From what’s known, one of Machina’s biggest power sources is seawater power generation, produced during the process of refining seawater.]”

“So, is there an area defined as ‘the ocean’ within the city?” “[Rather than that, it feels more like the entire city functions as a giant power plant.]”

Lennok continued chatting with Davi about various things, then naturally turned his gaze to the spoils he had acquired from recent events.

“Now that I think about it, the Machina Tickets. I haven’t attempted to process them since I got my hands on them.”

Lennok took out two artificial bio-chips near the workbench and placed them down, then set Davi in front of them and asked, “How about it? Can you do this?”

The Tickets required for entry into each district of Machina. He had obtained one from the Cartel and one from Aegis, with the aim of comparing the two different tickets to discern the rules of their periodically updated patterns. He was starting the work now because he had been a little late in checking the ticket sent by Aegis Director Greta Wilderhild, but for Davi’s abilities, recognizing the differences by comparing two distinct tickets shouldn’t be difficult. The challenge lay in perceiving those changes and predicting the patterns of future updates.

Click! Davi held the two tickets with her front paws, then mouthed them, causing electricity to crackle and the workbench to flash. As electricity flowed into the bio-chips, their exteriors shimmered, and Davi’s tails flapped, each changing into a different color. Davi’s form shifted between spiritual and material states, cycling through lightning, ice, and cybernetic attributes.

“…” Since acquiring the Automatic Combat Algorithm and awakening her fifth tail, her external appearance and fluidity felt significantly enhanced. Could her essence, which was once closer to an electric fox, be gradually changing, independent of her shifting between spiritual and materialized states?

‘That external transformation back then. It wasn’t an elemental form.’ The moment Hyman was captured and his fate decided, Davi’s appearance seemed to briefly touch the abyss of the universe. Though it passed like a fleeting illusion, it was undoubtedly one of the horizons of possibility Davi, as a being, could reach. Was it because she was a spirit born strongly influenced by Lennok’s Mind Imprint, which observes divergence points of possibility? It remained unknown whether it was a side effect of the sudden surge in power during her awakening as a Five-tailed fox. Even Davi herself couldn’t yet control her own external transformations, but perhaps when she awakens another new tail, she might learn what that appearance truly was.

“[Master, I’m done.]” Davi, who had spit out the bio-chip she was holding while Lennok was lost in thought, offered one to him. “[I’ve identified the update encryption pattern variables and adjusted the bio-chip’s encryption variables to match the date.]”

“Good job.” “[The detailed parts are beyond what can be speculated or adjusted here right now, so I’ve left them in a state where they can be modified later.]” “Meaning it’ll be difficult to confirm unless we arrive in Machina and use it directly?”

Lennok thought this, then stood up, holding the bio-chip. As Lennok turned off the lab lights and left, Davi naturally hopped onto his shoulder.

“[I wish we could go to the Machine City right away!]” “I know you’re excited, but we won’t be departing immediately.”

Lennok said this, then checked his phone’s message inbox, his brow faintly furrowed. “Many messages have come in… There have been too many isolated incidents lately.” It had been a while since he had stopped receiving external contacts while meeting Kaiser in the Sealed Zone, mediating the power struggle between Aegis and the Cartel, and resolving the Ghost God Palace terrorist incident. Independent of the giant city’s frantic pace, the world outside the city was also rapidly turning.

“[Lapis: We’ve successfully located and secured the fourth Lighthouse candidate site. Once the Lighthouse construction is complete, I believe we’ll be able to restore a new Public Ability.]” The Lighthouse construction plan from the Eyes of Blue sent by the Lighthouse Keeper. The activation of the Lighthouse Keeper’s Public Ability following that. Below the message was a reply stating the date the Lighthouse construction would be completed and that a large-scale joint operation on the Central Front was scheduled after completion.

“…A large-scale joint operation?” Perhaps due to concerns about information leakage, there was no further explanation, but Lennok found the answer in an entirely different place. A message had arrived on another phone he carried under his Victor alias, from a Pandemonium intermediary.

“[Hylaea: The Headro Warlords have fallen into corruption. Assassination orders have been issued for all their marshals, including the generals. It seems an extermination force will be formed soon, so contact me if you’re interested.]”

“The Headro Warlords…” Despite being a powerful faction with no small significance on the Central Front, Lennok had only directly encountered them once, considering their size and influence. That was when he met Hylaea, who resided in a secluded cathedral in Vulcan, under his Victor alias. He knew them to be a group with scarce news for their activities on the Central Front, so could there have been an incident significant enough for assassination orders to be issued for all their generals? If the word “corruption” could be used for the entire warlord faction, there must undoubtedly be a secret of that magnitude.

“[Priscilla: Assistant Professor, I’m messaging you because I haven’t been able to reach you for several days. My sister seems to have a headache but is doing well. She asked me to relay that the mercenary group’s security personnel will likely change soon…]”

“[Felix: Van, are you feeling better after your visit to the Sealed Zone? I’m quite worried about your injury. Stella has a hobby of collecting useful medicinal herbs, so if you happen to need anything, just tell me discreetly…]”

In addition, there were messages from school officials, students, Aegis, and the mercenary office, but Lennok couldn’t reply to any more and left the lab.

“[Madam: My reply is quite late, isn’t it? If you’re still willing to discuss the matter, come to my mansion.]”

Madam had confirmed that she now had time for an appointment. Where Kaiser’s body was buried, and who had been managing that location. It was time to hear it directly from her.