Chapter 649: Enforcer (6)
Thump!!
Two colossal, human-sized Divine Statue heads fell off.
From the severed neck, a dark, crimson essence began to gush out, like blood from a living person.
Watching Maiya casually sheathe her short sword, Lennok spoke, dumbfounded.
“Is it alright to destroy the prototype like this? It’ll make it difficult to use the statue’s abilities.”
Maiya replied with a stoic expression.
“Among the materials that constitute the statue’s power, there’s something essential for this plan.”
Instead of replying, Lennok looked around, dipped a finger into the spilled essence, and mumbled.
“This… this is the Archangel’s Essence.”
“You knew?”
“I’ve faced an Archangel summoned by Hermes in the Heart-Star Vault.”
Didn’t a dark, crimson essence overflow the moment Archangel Kashuin descended, borrowing a Meister’s body?
Lennok realized that what was gushing out like blood from the statue’s severed neck was the Archangel’s Essence itself.
As proof, the Compassion of the Archangel, which had absorbed Kashuin’s spirit, was faintly vibrating.
“I hadn’t thought it could be used anywhere due to its poor magic conductivity, but was it used as the statue’s power source?”
“The Archangel’s Essence is one of the very few catalysts that can reconcile information between both the current world and the Old World.”
“Reconciliation, huh…”
Was it because they served a failed god, one whose worship was rooted in faith, failing in both the Old World and this world?
Lennok felt he could somewhat guess why the Archangel’s Essence could reconcile information from both worlds.
Maiya turned to Lennok, as if surprised, and said,
“Rather, your words are more intriguing. You mean Hermes summoned an Archangel’s spirit from beyond the gate?”
“To be precise, it was a form of possession over a human body, but…”
Lennok briefly explained how Hermes had summoned the Archangel at the time.
After he recounted the events, omitting the story of the failed god, Maiya fell deep in thought.
“Drawing a spirit directly from beyond the gate almost always failed even during the planning stage… It seems Hermes’ skill in manipulating the gate has reached a profound level.”
“According to Hermes, injecting the Archangel’s spirit into a human body itself seemed close to an experiment.”
Lennok, who had naturally collected the Archangel’s Essence into an empty vial and put it away, replied.
If the essence itself acts as a catalyst, he needs to collect data.
“Now that he knows a spirit from the Old World can reside in a human body, he’ll probably try to summon the Transcendent himself in earnest.”
Hermes is an artificial self, directly consumed by the memories of the Ascendant.
While he identifies himself with the Ascendant’s memories, strictly speaking, he isn’t a Transcendent.
However, if Hermes summons the spirit of a true Ascendant from beyond the gate, then the story changes.
That would be tantamount to the Ascendant from the Old World himself descending directly upon the Machine City, Machina.
Having confirmed the plan has no issues through the Archangel’s descent, he’s creating a new Ascension Gate through Section Movement.
The moment the plan is complete, Hermes will attempt divine fusion by directly summoning the Ascendant’s spirit from beyond the third gate he’s created.
‘I am curious what would happen if an Ascendant from the Old World descended upon this world, but…’
While Lennok was lost in thought, Maiya walked towards the Divine Statue heads she had severed.
The two severed heads lay with their eyes closed.
She brought her short sword to an eyelid, gouged it open, and extracted each of the ten eyeballs from the Divine Statue.
The statue’s heads faintly squirmed as if in pain, gushing out dark, crimson essence.
But the moment Maiya extracted all the eyeballs, they instantly lost all power and solidified as if dead.
Lennok looked at the ten eyeballs extracted from the statue’s heads and asked,
“So it wasn’t the statue’s abilities you needed. Was it these eyeballs you wanted from the start?”
“The prototype created by Artemeyer wasn’t fully functional, thus parts of it were forged by borrowing the power of Machina’s mythical-grade artifacts.”
Maiya replied, gripping an eyeball in her hand and carefully shattered it.
Crack!!
The Divine Statue’s eyeballs. From them, she carefully collected the dark purple crystalline lenses that served as pupils.
As she extracted and gathered the embedded pupil fragments, they naturally merged, transforming into a finger-sized mirror.
Thump, thump…!!
The dark purple gem-mirror, emitting a heavy glow, vibrated and shook irregularly in Maiya’s hand.
Lennok stared intently at the dark purple gem-mirror, pulsing like a heart, then faintly furrowed his brow.
“The space…”
The space around the mirror in Maiya’s hand was actually expanding and contracting.
A strange phenomenon where space itself expanded and contracted, following the gem-mirror’s pulsation.
Maiya’s hand also expanded and contracted with the space, her skin tearing and blood dripping profusely.
“…”
It went without saying how remarkable the endurance and regenerative abilities of an 8-level physical ability user were.
Yet Maiya’s hand was swelling and tearing just from holding the mirror, due to the intense spatial distortion.
But Maiya’s expression remained unchanged even as she watched her hand swell, tear, and bleed.
She simply held out the mirror, dripping blood, to Lennok.
“Do you understand what this is?”
“…I only know it’s something possessing a very powerful will-thought.”
Lennok mumbled, scrutinizing it.
“Given that it contains no magic at all, it’s not an artifact or a type of gem. It wasn’t created by natural phenomena or causality in the first place.”
“It’s a materialized will-thought of the 9-level Ascendant, Madria Falcia, the previous Lighthouse Keeper.”
For a moment, Lennok fell silent, unable to grasp the meaning of that answer.
He knew all too well the significance of the name Maiya had abruptly uttered, which was precisely why he couldn’t comprehend it.
“…What?”
“It’s an extract made by drawing out the foundational will-thought of the Ideological Domain of the previous Lighthouse Keeper, who was said to foresee everything in this world more clearly than anyone else.”
“…”
Lennok, who had been speechless, quickly composed himself and asked,
“The previous Lighthouse Keeper… You mean it’s a materialized will-thought extracted from that Lighthouse Keeper’s Ideological Domain?”
“When the Ascension Gate project was underway in Machina, several such extracts were made with the help of the previous Lighthouse Keeper.”
Maiya replied.
“Among the great Ascendants, the previous Lighthouse Keeper was relatively amicable towards humans. That’s how we were able to obtain this materialized will-thought after offering immense tribute to the Pilenom Autonomous Region.”
“…”
“Most of them were consumed as markers during the creation of the Ascension Gate, but this is one of the objects Artemeyer secretly siphoned off and hid.”
Maiya, clutching the gem-mirror, mumbled self-deprecatingly.
An Ideological Domain, where a 9-level Ascendant completely overlays their Mind Imprint onto reality.
Through his encounter with Jindun, Lennok knew well how unrealistic that concept of power was.
The Ideological Domain Jindun Zaygis Eterno had deployed on the northern continent’s snowy plains: the Hanghasa Labyrinth.
A colossal labyrinth that could accommodate thousands of superhumans at once, deployed by overlaying his entire life as a barrier mage onto reality.
It was a power that went beyond merely dominating and controlling the area, enabling him to wield absolute power over the life and death of all who entered the Ideological Domain.
Maiya was saying that a portion of the will-thought from the Ideological Domain possessed by the previous Lighthouse Keeper had been extracted and materialized.
‘So Madria Falcia extracted her own Ideological Domain and spread it across the world…?’
Why did the previous Lighthouse Keeper, while alive, lend her power to Machina’s Ascension Gate project?
Could it be that she hoped the Machine City’s method would provide an answer to this world’s ultimate fate?
If so, Lapis, who inherited the role of Lighthouse Keeper, would surely not be ignorant of this fact.
It’s possible that the Eyes of Blue’s plan to restore the Lighthouse Keeper’s Cybernetic Ability by erecting lighthouses across the world is related to the previous Lighthouse Keeper’s Ideological Domain.
As Lennok remained lost in thought, Maiya continued.
“The will of a qualified Transcendent possesses power comparable to the very fabric of this world. If we borrow that power, we can forcefully twist the timeline and create a fixed point.”
Does that mean they materialized the Ascendant’s will-thought as a power source, tearing through the world’s barrier to forcefully create the genesis of a gate leading to the next world?
Lennok, intuiting how absurd Machina’s technology and ingenuity encapsulated in her words were, unconsciously nodded.
“You’re saying they materialized the previous Lighthouse Keeper’s will-thought to forcefully fix the plan’s starting point, using it as a marker. That’s insane…”
The crux of the Ascension Gate project was to create a gate leading to the next world itself.
But as it transcends the world itself, a starting point is needed to return from the rapidly changing timeline at any time.
Without a fixed point that transcends the relativity of time, they could get lost and drift during the plan’s execution, never to return.
That’s why the ancestors of the Machine City, to succeed in their plan, sought to materialize the will-thought of none other than the Ascendant, the previous Lighthouse Keeper, as a marker.
“If it’s the will-thought of the Lighthouse Keeper, who can foresee the furthest, it could certainly serve as an eye to find the way even beyond this world.”
“…You grasp this faster than I expected. Have you had a similar experience?”
Maiya turned to Lennok, seemingly a little surprised that he had understood the explanation so quickly.
“…You grasp this faster than I expected. Have you had a similar experience?”
Lennok, having also pondered what abilities are necessary to handle time magic, could immediately understand the gem’s function.
“Anyway, I understand that gem-mirror is a materialized will-thought catalyst of the previous Lighthouse Keeper. Is this the method Artemeyer spoke of?”
The Doctor, Artemeyer, was the one who had entirely replicated and embedded the Ascension Gate’s activation code into the mind of Elava Artemeyer, known to be his kin.
Considering that, it wouldn’t be strange for The Doctor to have left behind a means to forcibly close the gate in reverse.
He reacted as if he had no lingering attachment to the Ascension Gate whatsoever, but perhaps he still held a means to intervene in the gate’s system should the need arise.
That meticulousness and mad curiosity were among the reasons Lennok found The Doctor uniquely dangerous, even among Pandemonium’s geniuses and monsters.
“Hermes’ method is simply running wild in a direction unrelated to the Ascension Gate’s failure… There is no lingering regret or solution regarding that fact.”
Maiya scoffed coldly.
“I cannot accept such an alternative. Fundamentally, there must be a way to rectify the Ascension Gate’s mistakes.”
“…”
“I will definitely find a way before the end comes… Until then, no one will manipulate this city as they please.”
What flickered in Maiya’s eyes was not mere zeal or enthusiasm.
It was an infinitely calm, coldly gleaming obsession and madness. The resolve of a failure ready to use any means necessary for her goal.
Even knowing it couldn’t lead in the right direction, it was a shortcut hurtling towards ruin.
The moment Lennok opened his mouth to say something in response.
Shhhh…!!
From afar, a chilling coldness, accompanied by a sharp, oppressive presence, began to spread like ink.
Almost simultaneously, both turned their gazes and immediately recognized the source of the sensation.
Distinct from the Mechanized Troops, resembling artillery batteries, and different from the secretive, shadowy Sidesquad, this was the sharp, clear presence of highly skilled individuals.
The Machine City’s top elite special forces.
The symbol of Machina’s power and the enforcers of its order.
The Enforcer Agency had directly surrounded the Core District.
Rumbling!!!
Near the intensely vibrating Core District clock tower.
Among the buildings filled only with the deafening noise of the intensely vibrating district, which made the surrounding streets sway.
Dozens of superhumans in dark uniforms stood atop various building roofs, silently gazing in one direction.
Machina’s elite special forces, the Enforcer Agency.
These elites, who only receive the official title of Enforcer after undergoing dozens of real combat engagements, all stared at a single point, awaiting their moment.
Static—!
A rigid female voice echoed through the silent communication channel.
[I’ll go first. I’ll leave the rescue of the Ex Machina committee members to the other Enforcers.]
“…Isabella.”
Pylo, one of the Branch Managers tasked with commanding the other Enforcers on site, spoke.
“Are you sure?”
[He’s the one I selected as a candidate and summoned to the Meister selection ceremony.]
Isabella replied with a voice devoid of any emotion.
[I also bear responsibility for things turning out this way.]
“…”
Without waiting for Pylo’s reply, Isabella moved immediately.
Her form, melting away as if into a shadow, immediately materialized before the clock tower.
[If anything happens, don’t worry about me and proceed with the operation as planned.]
Isabella was the one who involved Lyman in the selection ceremony. Therefore, taking responsibility, Isabella stepped onto the most dangerous front line.
Uzart bit his lip watching her, but he too said nothing, simply observing the situation.
Standing before the clock tower’s main entrance, Isabella slowly pulled back her hood and stepped into the lobby.
Creak…!!
The sound of the door creaking open echoed, but Isabella made no effort to hide, calmly walking inside.
The dark clock tower lobby, utterly devoid of light.
Only occasional vibrations from Section Movement faintly stirred the lobby.
In the center of the various statues lining the lobby ceiling, a man stood with his back turned.
Isabella called his name in a chilling voice.
“…Lyman.”
“This is our first meeting since the Lower Workshop District, isn’t it?”
Lennok spoke first, without turning to Isabella.
“So you’re still using the amplification device. I thought you might seek me out again at some point.”
“…”
“It’s something that requires periodic adjustments. You should ask another artisan to adjust the device from now on.”
“Why?”
Isabella asked.
“Your talent as an artisan is so exceptional it’s hard to compare it to anyone else’s in this city.”
It was a soft whisper, yet even that tone clearly echoed in the silent lobby.
“Had you simply devoted yourself to your craft and dedicated yourself to this city, glory and advancement would have been guaranteed.”
“That’s a rather misplaced question.”
Lennok chuckled.
“Didn’t you know I was an outsider, Enforcer?”
“…”
“You gave me the name Lyman to participate in the selection ceremony, and you borrowed the identity of a dead artisan to create an alibi.”
Lennok calmly spoke to Isabella, who offered no reply.
“Things have simply unfolded as circumstances dictated, leading to this point. Isn’t it too late to blame anyone now?”
“Yes. That’s right.”
Isabella said so, gripping the amplification device in her hand.
Its four folded blades opened, and the rotating magic within them amplified wildly, transforming into a sphere of light.
A fist-sized sphere of magical light. Yet the compressed, rotating magic within it was powerful enough to vaporize the entire clock tower and more.
That magical light alone illuminated the dark clock tower lobby so brightly it could blind a person.
Crackle!!
Moving the amplification device to aim the sphere of light at Lennok’s back, Isabella said,
“So now, it’s time for you to take responsibility for what I did back then.”
Only Isabella’s calm voice echoed amidst the blinding radiance.
“We’ve secured circumstantial evidence and related testimonies from the scene that you are the culprit wearing the Iron Mask. You are hereby arrested on twelve counts of special grave felonies, including the assassination of Meisters and Ex Machina committee members, and sedition. Close your eyes and extend both hands forward. No statements will be permitted until the transfer is complete.”
“Sedition, huh…”
Lennok mumbled, tilting his head back.
He chuckled, unconcerned as the glowing sphere moved a step closer.
“It seems Hermes saw this incident that way.”
“Lyman. I told you before, didn’t I?”
Isabella said so, immediately tightening her grip on the amplification device.
“I hate repeating myself.”
Fwoosh!!!
The sphere of light at the tip of the amplification device rotated and was precisely fired at Lennok’s back.
An immense blast of light erupted before their eyes, illuminating the surroundings and drenching everything in hellish heat.
Kwoooosh!!!
Isabella’s expression showed not a trace of hesitation as she fired the magical cannon at the artisan who had repaired her equipment.
She knew that a decisive conclusion had to be reached the moment the name Lyman began to signify more than just an artisan.
CRASHHH!!
Without hesitation, she reached into the blinding storm of heat and relentlessly gripped Lennok’s collar.
“If you truly are the culprit who overturned the Heart-Star Vault, then you wouldn’t be unable to withstand merely this much.”
Whoosh!!
“All that’s left is to drag you to the interrogation room and extract every detail…!!”
However, the moment Isabella realized that what she had grabbed wasn’t Lennok, but someone who had seized her hand in return, her words abruptly cut off.
WHOOSH!!!
Beyond the magical flames, someone wearing an Iron Mask strode boldly towards her.
A crude and explosive magical power, incomparable to Lyman’s.
Behind the Iron Mask, who walked forward, radiating an overwhelming killing intent, Lennok stood, his face expressionless, looking back at her.
“!!!”
The moment Isabella felt a sudden, profound confusion and her face hardened upon realizing that the Iron Mask’s true identity wasn’t Lyman.
Lennok slowly stood up and said,
“It’s regrettable that things have come to this, Isabella.”
“This is…!!”
The moment Isabella tore free from the Iron Mask’s hand, recoiled, and swiftly brought her hand to her communicator.
The Iron Mask, having exploited her momentary opening, straight-up kicked Isabella in the solar plexus.
Thwack!!
“!!!”
An ultra-high-speed strike that seemed to split space itself, compressing her movement to the extreme.
Isabella’s body, unable to even react, violently doubled over and slammed into the clock tower wall as if ricocheted.
CRASHHHH!!!
“Gahk!!”
But even as she let out a painful cry, Isabella didn’t lose control of the magic contained within her amplification device.
The Enforcer’s formidable mental fortitude and exceptional talent were manipulating its output, despite a shock severe enough to sever her consciousness.
The massive sphere of light, following Isabella like a trailing tail, instantly transformed into a lightning-fast pillar of light.
In an instant, it became a colossal bombardment capable of obliterating the clock tower itself, crashing down to the ground.
FWOOSH!!!
But the Iron Mask, standing before Lennok, quietly mumbled even as he watched the descending magical construct.
[…A nostalgic reverberation.]
Beyond the Iron Mask, a rigid, unidentifiable voice echoed.
[It’s too ancient a memory; I didn’t recognize it for a moment.]
“Cough!! What did you…?”
[Did he say he repaired your equipment? I see. Clark is already…]
Isabella’s expression twisted as she watched the Iron Mask, who fell silent and slowly bowed his head.
It was because not only did he know Clark Lonsdale’s name, but his agitated reaction upon realizing Clark’s death gave her a strong sense of unease.
Meanwhile, the Iron Mask tilted his head askew and slowly began to walk forward.
[This is all due to my own inadequacy, Isabella.]
“…Who are you, really?”
[It’s all my fault. I apologize.]
“Take off your mask and show your face…!!!”
The moment Isabella snarled, unleashing the magic stored in her amplification device as a powerful projectile.
The being in the Iron Mask parried the magic projectile with one hand, deflecting it to the side.
CRASHHHH!!!
The clock tower wall exploded outwards, unleashing a fierce blast of heat.
The communication channel buzzed with noise. The sharp presences of the Enforcers surrounding the clock tower were now consecutively felt as they began to move in unison.
Amidst temperatures violent enough to instantly melt the ground, the Iron Mask lightly gestured, sweeping away the blast of heat.
Through the receding heat, the Iron Mask said without turning to Lennok,
[I don’t intend to give you a separate signal, so just start when you deem appropriate.]
“I’ll take care of that. But are you sure you’ll be okay?”
Lennok asked, gesturing towards the other side of the completely shattered clock tower building, now cleared of the heat blast.
“It looks like quite a lot to face alone.”
Beyond the dust storm, the shadows of superhumans began to reveal their presences, one by one.
Each one radiated sharp, exquisitely refined killing intent, their gazes piercing down from all directions.
A fleeting exchange with Isabella.
But as if the pillar of light that half-destroyed the clock tower served as a signal, the other Enforcers began to move.
It was essentially like leaving dozens of Enforcers to her alone.
But at Lennok’s words, the Iron Mask let out a cold scoff, as if it were preposterous.
[Don’t spout useless nonsense. Just stand back and watch.]
Clink!!
As the Iron Mask lightly waved a hand, a short saber slid into his grip from his forearm.
The Iron Mask began to stride forward casually, gripping the sharp silver blade in a reverse grip.
[Because defeat for me in this city simply does not exist.]