Chapter 660: Karma (2)
The middle of Jenny’s bar fell silent.
On the screen, the announcer’s report continued.
[The Police Department announced that the culprit had been apprehended at the scene and was being transported, and that they intended to continue with their statements as soon as a trial date was set….]
“Jenny!”
“Huh? Oh….”
Jenny, who had been staring at the screen, quickly snapped out of it at Mila’s words. She shot up, glancing coolly at the others, then nodded.
“Close up and send the customers out. Business is done for today.”
“Alright, folks. You heard her, right? Business is done for today. We’ll reopen when the sun rises, so please head out for now~”
As soon as the news was confirmed, Dylan began ushering customers out, ending business for the day, while Mila quickly locked the back door and disconnected the phone lines.
[Jenny, I can’t reach Van’s phone. It seems he’s completely out of range.]
“…….”
While Manson called and inquired about the location with the telecom office, the news continued.
[Ex Machina is currently investigating the damages and specific motives behind the explosion…]
[It has been confirmed that Machina’s leadership has officially requested cooperation from the Vulcan City Council regarding the incident.]
[The Vulcan City Council conveyed through their spokesperson that they would not issue any statement without concrete evidence…]
“As expected, they’re backing out. Typical City Council.”
“Better than needlessly interfering and complicating things. First, we need the necessary people—”
CRASH!!
Soo-ryun, clad in a dopo, burst through the bar doors. A noble from Palgung Fortress, and a skilled military ability user who trained with an eonwoldo. A spear master who had been freelancing at Jenny’s bar since Apostle Walter Martinez was subjugated. Even on her face, usually devoid of strong emotion, an unmistakable surprise still lingered.
“I heard the news. Is Van alright?”
“Sit down for now.”
Jenny nodded, her voice calm and subdued.
“We need to quickly confirm the situation.”
In an instant, the spacious bar emptied, and other superhumans gathered around tables, centered on Jenny.
[The information that Van has been apprehended is being reported simultaneously across various media. So, it’s not a false report from any single source.]
While Jordan prepared simple cocktails, Manson fiddled with his robot head and spoke.
[There’s no reason to specifically blame Adamant Thunder as an excuse. The connection itself is likely significant.]
“The black flames that filled the sky in the footage. I saw them once before at the Fortress.”
Soo-ryun said in a heavy voice.
“When dealing with the cult’s Apostle, Van used similar black flames.”
“So, there’s a very high probability Van is actually in Machina… Anything else noteworthy?”
Jenny, resting her chin on her hand, asked.
Soo-ryun, deep in thought, replied.
“At the time, Van didn’t seem to be able to control those flames properly. We had trouble escaping because of them; we nearly burned to death together after the job was done.”
“…….”
It wasn’t what they expected, but ironically, that detailed anecdote made Van’s presence all the more real.
Mila, lounging casually against a shotgun, spoke up.
“Should I arrange for a train to Machina?”
“…….”
“If a couple of people need to sneak into Machina, I can arrange it.”
“We should be clear about our objective.”
Dylan said, his demeanor calm.
“If it’s just to investigate the situation, we can move now. But if we’re going to rescue Van… a more cautious approach will be needed.”
If Machina knows Adamant Thunder’s reputation, they wouldn’t have him carelessly apprehended. If Van really was apprehended in Machina, their security level would certainly be far from ordinary. They might need to summon top-tier bigwigs from Jenny’s network, or the highest-ranking executives of the Antares Mercenary Group.
But Jenny, with a calm expression, shook her head at Dylan’s suggestion.
“Dylan, do you think Van would die in a situation like this?”
“…No, not really.”
“If we move, it’s to confirm Van’s intentions. We shouldn’t rush in and become a hindrance.”
Having quickly reached a conclusion, Jenny immediately nodded to Mila.
“Mila, please arrange the train tickets. As for who will go to investigate the situation….”
Jenny looked around at the faces of those seated nearby, then nodded.
“Soo-ryun is confirmed. Let’s decide on one more person.”
“This woman still doesn’t quite understand the ins and outs of Vulcan’s underworld. Is she really alright?”
Soo-ryun cleared her throat at Mila’s casual question.
“Ahem, that’s rather rude. While my knowledge of underworld business may be lacking, I have certainly not been idle in my efforts….”
“Soo-ryun is from a noble family of Palgung Fortress. She’s the most skilled among us in external diplomatic affairs. We need to be prepared for contact with the Machina government. However, there’s one thing that bothers me….”
Jenny murmured this, fumbling with her phone. The news of Adamant Thunder’s apprehension seemed to have spread like wildfire in their circles, as her phone was constantly bombarded with calls and messages.
No matter whom they chose to work with, the options were many. All Jenny had to do was decide how to act in this situation. After that, the fruits of Lennok and her accumulated efforts would lead them to the desired outcome.
However, instead of immediately picking up her phone and making calls, Jenny turned her gaze behind her. She asked Jordan, who had been standing quietly beside the table.
“Jordan. What do you think?”
Dylan readily nodded.
“Everyone here has had their say, so we should hear Jordan’s thoughts too.”
“Hmm, in my opinion….”
Jordan, lost in thought, spoke.
“It might be better to trust Van a little more.”
At the unexpected topic, the other colleagues present blinked in silence.
“…What?”
“He is more brilliant and cautious than anyone I have ever met. Do you think such a man would carelessly cause such a stir?”
Jordan’s calm gaze swept silently over those seated around the table.
“He’s the kind of person who would never allow his name to be mentioned by others unless he wished it.”
“…….”
“There are many hidden aspects to Van’s activities. Similar incidents have occurred a few times, but they were always resolved very quietly.”
Jordan glanced up at the TV screen and murmured.
“The fact that Van’s name is being spread in the media like this means that even this situation was either intended by Van, or….”
[We have just received a correction regarding the breaking news we just reported and would like to inform you.]
The flustered announcer rapidly spoke.
[Uh, the Machina Police Department has changed its stance, stating that Adamant Thunder is not the culprit in this incident.]
“…….”
[Along with expressing regret for the related reports, they also stated that no further announcements would be made regarding this incident….]
Jordan looked around the bar, which had fallen silent in an instant, and shrugged.
“Wouldn’t it be because he judged that he could handle this much?”
“The Police Department seems quite upset.”
Top-tier private ward in Machina’s medical district. Behind the pristine white corridor, two Enforcers walked in.
CLANG, SSSSHHIIKK!!
Behind them, dozens of layers of steel barriers opened and closed, isolating the connecting passageway. Each time they passed through a barrier after scanning their Tickets, the tense soldiers on guard nodded. Strict defensive facilities, like a fortress. But all these isolation and security measures were designed as a containment facility for the inside, not the outside.
“They seem unable to comprehend why such a high achievement shouldn’t be publicly announced.”
“How absurd. They weren’t even the ones who made the arrest, yet they tried to take credit?”
“Because they are publicly responsible for city security. It’s not incomprehensible for them to be blinded by the prospect of a high evaluation after apprehending a big shot.”
“But thanks to the Police Department’s arbitrary actions, we’re the ones in trouble. Look at that.”
The annoyed Enforcer turned his gaze beyond the transparent glass window in the corridor.
“What in the world is this, holding the most dangerous wizard in a mega-city like this?”
Beyond the window was a calm, pristine special private detention cell. Its size was vast, comparable to an entire workshop. A young man was lying on a bed that looked comfortable and soft at a glance, idly flipping through a medical chart. From the IV in his arm, a diluted elixir was steadily supplied, and the air, managed by a purifier, circulated clearly, free of any dust. Aside from the heavy handcuffs on both his wrists, it was hard to tell if this was a detained criminal or a VIP on a medical tour.
Beside Lennok, more than six doctors bustled about, diligently recording his every movement and condition.
“This is an extremely valuable opportunity to obtain bio-data from a Peak of Extremes-level superhuman. Everyone, focus.”
“The mana readings aren’t stabilizing. This is strange.”
“It might be a matter of constitution. We’ve applied mana-suppressing metal, so let’s wait a bit longer.”
They ceaselessly exchanged opinions while inserting electrodes and IVs into Lennok’s body, fully dedicated to restoring his condition.
“His bio-response activity is unbelievably low. What’s going on?”
“There was a rumor he sustained serious injuries. This appears to be an after-effect.”
“That can’t be. So, he massacred the 3rd Mechanized Troops Division alone with an injured body?”
“That’s why he’s called by the grand title of Great Archmage, isn’t it?”
The doctors observed and treated Lennok, but never once spoke to him. Their attitude was one of complete disregard, treating him solely as a research subject, as if he weren’t even there.
Knock, knock.
The doctors’ expressions immediately soured as they saw the Enforcers knocking on the window.
“…I believe we had an agreement not to be disturbed during treatment.”
“The directive was to restore his condition to a point where it wouldn’t impede interrogation.”
The Enforcer entered the ward and nodded to the doctors.
“We have a great deal to discuss with this individual.”
“The precise measurements haven’t been completed yet. The chance to meticulously observe the recovery process of a Peak of Extremes-level superhuman’s mind and body is a once-in-a-lifetime…!!”
“Doctor Pelton.”
The Enforcer ran a hand over his face and called his name. The Enforcer’s eyes, as he looked at Pelton, were chillingly calm.
“This is about taking responsibility for and resolving the disaster that swept through the entire city.”
“……”
“I implore you.”
After the doctors reluctantly left the ward one by one, Lennok lay comfortably on the bed, watching the Enforcer who had just entered.
“It’s rumored that Machina’s bio-engineering technology is at the forefront of continental academia. It seems that wasn’t a lie.”
“……”
“The medical facilities and ward services are excellent. It’s been a very long time since I’ve been able to rest so comfortably.”
“You must remember that all the considerations you are currently receiving are by no means acts of free goodwill.”
The Enforcer said in a stiff tone.
“The only reason you’re still alive after turning the entire city upside down is—”
“Because there are testimonies you need to hear directly from me, I suppose.”
Lennok interrupted him and replied indifferently.
“I believe the clarifications regarding Hermes’s crimes, the secret of the Ascension Gate, Furnace General, and Maiya Lonsdale are not yet complete.”
“…….”
“It’s not something that can be resolved with just one piece of information, and there’s too much information requiring cross-verification to be handled carelessly.”
At the nonchalant wizard’s words, the Enforcer’s shoulders trembled.
“Damn it, you knew all of it from the start…!!”
“Did you believe I would simply allow myself to be arrested and atone for something I didn’t do?”
Lennok let out a hollow laugh and propped himself up against the wall. Lennok glanced over the Enforcers’ shoulders and shrugged.
“Your leadership isn’t stupid enough not to know that, so you must be planning to offer a deal.”
“…A deal?”
“The court-martial against the commanders of the Mechanized Troops just concluded.”
A chilling voice came from behind the Enforcers. Narcissa Solmer, in a wheelchair, was looking at Lennok with cold eyes.
“The charges against all involved, including the commanders and those who colluded with Hermes, have been confirmed.”
“M-Madam Commissioner Narcissa Solmer…!!”
“You came alone, without any bodyguards?!”
The Enforcers, who hadn’t sensed her presence at all, were startled and bowed slightly towards her.
Narcissa didn’t even look back at them, just gave a slight nod.
“I will speak to him directly, so please step outside for a moment. Explain the situation well to the doctors.”
“…Understood.”
As soon as the Enforcers vanished without a word, she spoke.
“As the three factions of Ex Machina are deeply intertwined, this will greatly impact the political landscape of the city’s leadership. The Governor’s position will likely see a major reshuffle.”
“So?”
“To handle this matter decisively, your testimony, as someone present at the scene, is required.”
Narcissa said, her brow faintly furrowed in displeasure.
“As you are the sole individual who witnessed the beginning and end of this entire affair, your very presence serves as a testimony to the incident.”
“Just get to the point. What do you want?”
“…Submit the full transcript of your conversation with Hermes, Maiya Lonsdale’s contact history and location, and the circumstances of your contact with the Old World Ascendant as evidence.”
Narcissa’s eyes, fixed on Lennok, gleamed sharply.
“If you accept, we will drop the charges against you for this incident and maintain your Lyman identity through other means.”
“…….”
The Old World Ascendant. So Narcissa Solmer also understood what Hermes was trying to do and how far it had progressed. However, judging by the situation, it seemed they weren’t yet certain if the Old World Ascendant had truly descended into this world. Was this why she was offering Lennok a deal—to clarify that fact and for the subsequent handling of the situation?
“If you accept, your charges in the court-martial will be classified as part of a plea bargain, and your sentence will be reduced without further proceedings.”
Instead of answering, Lennok raised his head and gazed steadily at Narcissa. Lennok, silently observing Narcissa’s expressionless face, spoke.
“You people, you still have no intention of killing me.”
“…What?”
“At this point, I thought I might be sentenced to the maximum penalty or receive somewhat harsh treatment… but you’re far more cautious than I expected.”
As he spoke, Lennok quickly gauged Narcissa’s reaction and asked.
“A decision by the leadership? No. Resistance from lower-level armed groups? Not that either… It’s not about the Heart-Star Vault artifact or the Ascension Gate problem.”
Lennok’s eyes glinted sharply.
“There’s still something in the Machine City I don’t know about. Isn’t there?”
“…….”
Only then did Narcissa realize that Lennok had been actively reading her reactions, effectively turning the interrogation back on her, and she let out a sharp breath.
“…This is astounding. You’ve been acting as a docile artisan all this time with such a disposition?”
Narcissa, who had once visited Lyman’s workshop to test his talent, seemed to feel a sense of incongruity with Lennok’s response.
Lennok chuckled at Narcissa’s words and lay back down on the bed.
“I can show you the skill I demonstrated back then anytime. Do you need it now?”
Lennok’s eyes quickly scanned Narcissa’s haggard appearance from head to toe, and he immediately spoke.
“You haven’t slept much for three days. It looks like you visited the coast, probably entering the undersea barrier. Is the recovery of the collapsed Heart-Star Vault nearly complete?”
“……”
“Considering how long you’ve been confined, your nutritional status seems decent. You’re artificially managing your condition. Is that the wheelchair’s ability? You trust that equipment so much that you don’t bring bodyguards.”
Lennok’s gaze shifted to the wheelchair Narcissa was in.
“The size and spacing of the parts don’t match your physique or hand size. This isn’t something you made, nor was it made specifically for you. Yet, considering its excellent finish, it’s probably the Furnace General’s….”
“Enough!!”
Narcissa cut Lennok off with a sharp tone.
Lennok closed his mouth and leaned back, while Narcissa’s lips twisted into a sharp expression.
“…In that brief moment, your eye for detail has already far surpassed that of any artisan. What exactly do you want?”
“Narcissa Solmer.”
Lennok smiled.
“I’m negotiating the terms precisely because I want to know that.”
“…….”
Narcissa, who had been silent, slowly turned her wheelchair around.
“The trial will resume within 12 hours. Until I return, do not even think about stepping one foot outside this detention cell.”
Standing at the ward door, she spoke in a much calmer voice.
“All of Machina’s elite troops are focused solely on you, watching your every move.”
Narcissa didn’t wait for a reply and immediately exited the ward. The waiting Enforcers also glanced at Lennok before quickly concealing their presence.
As he fiddled with the handcuffs on his wrists, the doctors re-entered and began to check Lennok’s condition. The IV fluid provided in this ward was much more effective than expected, significantly aiding Lennok’s fatigue recovery. It wasn’t a bad decision to accept temporary detainment and entrust his personal safety. Thanks to that, Lennok could also consider his previously deferred objectives.
“12 hours until the court-martial resumes…”
Even with the Machine City half-destroyed at this point, there was still an unrevealed secret, something that was preventing Lennok from being arbitrarily dealt with. A secret so important that even the veteran Meister Narcissa couldn’t conceal its implications, and one Lennok was still unaware of. If such a secret existed, could it be related to traces of Kaiser that Lennok hadn’t yet found?
Originally, he had intended to recuperate while negotiating a plea bargain with the Ex Machina leadership, but….
“As expected, it’s hard to know without checking it myself.”
The moment Lennok murmured this and snapped his fingers, the busy doctors collapsed like puppets with severed strings.
BEEP, BEEP…!!
Tearing off the electrodes and IVs clinging to his body, Lennok rose from the bed and stood before the detention cell in his patient gown and handcuffs. Only the disconnected medical equipment vibrated, emitting irregular noises.
[Special Detention Facility three-dimensional blueprint 48% recreation complete. Doctor’s Pass acquired. Detention cell opening.]
GRIIIIIND!!
“W-what the?!!”
A soldier on guard frantically raised his communicator and rushed forward, aiming his gun.
“My body feels a bit stiff, so I thought I’d go for a little stroll. That’s alright, isn’t it?”
Lennok looked at him, slowly rolling his shoulders and stretching his body.
“You’d better say it is.”