Chapter 665: Karma (7)

Therefore, the defendant is hereby acquitted of all 27 charges of grave felonies.

Ding!

The military courtroom, covered in dark wood.

As the judge’s verdict was announced, the bell signaling the end of the trial echoed.

Lennok, standing in the defendant’s dock with his hands bound, shrugged his shoulders, when someone seated behind him lunged forward.

“Waaaah!”

A superhuman, dressed in a prisoner’s uniform with hands bound like Lennok, screamed and threw himself towards him.

The officers standing by were startled and quickly subdued the thrashing prisoner, pinning his head to the floor.

“Stay still!”

“What are you trying to do?!”

“Damn it, why are you innocent?!”

It was one of the Mechanized Troops soldiers, screaming at Lennok with bloodshot eyes.

He was one of the very few superhumans who had been severely charged with human sacrifice and sentenced to death.

“You killed all my comrades…! Why does a monster like you get to walk away alive?!”

“Gag him!”

“Drag him to solitary at once!”

The officers surrounding the prisoner rushed out, leaving only the defense attorney, witnesses, and judges in the courtroom.

“Thank you for diligently cooperating with the plea bargain.”

The judge cleared his throat, looking at Lennok, and added, “It’s regrettable that we cannot officially commend your contributions, but I’m glad the matter concluded smoothly.”

“…”

“As per the recommendations from Ex Machina, your identity as Lyman will be protected, and the workshop assigned to you in the upper workshop district will also be maintained.”

“Understood.”

“There will be no recovery of possessions or income acquired under the Lyman identity. This was decided through unanimous consensus within Ex Machina.”

This meant that Lennok’s identities as Van and Lyman would be unofficially recognized and condoned by the Machine City.

In essence, it was Lennok’s first dual identity officially recognized by others.

As Lennok nodded appropriately, the handcuffs binding his hands fell to his feet with a click.

Clack!

A tense atmosphere briefly filled the courtroom as Lennok massaged his wrists and looked around.

No one present was unaware of how stained with blood the reputation of the ‘Adamant Thunder’ of the megacity, the most dangerous wizard in the underworld, truly was.

He was a monster who single-handedly crushed the 3rd Corps of the Mechanized Troops and killed nearly half of the Sidesquad agents by himself.

Hadn’t the Machine City’s military forces confirmed that his rumored power and methods were by no means exaggerated, grinding down a portion of their ranks in the process?

Although he had surprisingly complied with the deal, he was a dangerous individual who could cause trouble at any moment.

However, due to the wizard’s power and the critical information he possessed, Ex Machina could not treat him carelessly.

But Lennok had somewhat anticipated this outcome from the beginning.

After all, Narcissa Solmer, of all people, knew that Lennok had resolved this crisis by antagonizing Hermes.

Though she had pressured him with various words and offered a deal, she had never intended to harm or kill Lennok from the start.

She merely needed an appropriate justification and excuse to properly compensate Lennok for his merits and grant him immunity.

And the final piece of that puzzle was none other than the existence of a former enforcer, who had long since been exiled from this city.

“…”

Lennok turned his gaze away, his back to the enforcers and various superhumans who watched his every move with tension.

As Lennok silently walked out of the courtroom, he paused at the door as if remembering something, and turned back.

Ignoring the people who flinched and watched him warily from all directions, Lennok spoke.

“There’s just one last thing I’d like to confirm.”

“What is it?”

“Mouser Blofeld. Can you extend the same immunity clause to him as well?”

“…”

The judges exchanged glances, seemingly relieved, then nodded.

“Master Blofeld, being a disciple of the Furnace General, will not face any significant punishment or disciplinary action.”

“He is merely remaining in the workshop district by his own will; considering Committee Member Solmer, it wouldn’t be strange for him to be promoted to the council immediately.”

Lennok nodded.

“That’s enough.”

“You’re making a surprisingly unique request. If you still intend to work as a craftsman…”

Thud!

Without waiting for an answer, Lennok walked out of the courtroom.

Standing before the quiet courtroom door, where the chilly dawn air lingered, Lennok slowly exhaled.

“Whew…”

The Machine City, which had been thrown into chaos by Hermes’s forced sector transfer.

However, within a few days, almost all traces and damage had been repaired, and the city was returning to its normal state.

The Machine City, Machina, exists as a vast mechanical barrier and is separated into districts.

If the system goes awry, it’s easy for it to break down and collapse, but conversely, it’s also easy to repair and restore damaged parts.

“Mouser…”

[Should I find the coordinates of that chubby organic life-form?]

Lennok, lost in thought, smiled and shook his head at Davi’s words.

“No, this is fine for now. It’s not like I can’t come back at all anyway.”

Since his identity as Lyman was officially maintained under Ex Machina’s recognition, he could visit Machina anytime he wished.

Lennok, who had accepted the plea bargain offered by Narcissa Solmer, testified about Hermes’s plan, its failure, and his eventual suicide.

As a result, he was granted recognition of his craftsman identity, workshop ownership, and earned income.

Of course, if they had known what items Lennok had acquired in this city, they would have certainly thought differently, but since that process was overlooked, it was a moot point.

“First, I’ll head back to Vulcan. I should contact Jenny first.”

Although it was covered up as a media error, the news of Lennok being captured in Machina had leaked, so Jenny would surely know.

It was necessary to send a message that he had resolved the matter and was returning.

He picked up his turned-off phone, scrolled through his messages, and got onto a nearby mode of transport.

When he first entered the Machine City, Lennok’s ticket made it difficult even to travel between sectors, but after a series of incidents, it had been upgraded to authority comparable to Ex Machina.

[Welcome, Master Lyman.]

[All transportation within Machina is provided free of charge for talented artisans.]

[Please freely use all public facilities in the city to support your talent as an artisan!]

As soon as Lennok boarded, his name was announced with a flashy effect, and the other citizens in the spacious vehicle all stared at Lennok.

“…”

Could releasing Lennok right in front of the courtroom have been a sophisticated ploy for this?

Lennok, pretending not to notice, lowered his head and rode to the outermost edge of the city. Only after finding the train station did he take the ticket off his wrist.

“The train to Vulcan is…”

[It’s arriving in 10 minutes.]

“At least I won’t be bothered by organ trafficking gangs like on the way here, that’s a relief.”

Having dealt with all sorts of criminals before arriving in the Machine City, he wanted to travel a bit more comfortably on the way back.

Since his condition hadn’t fully recovered, it was better to return quietly without getting caught up in any incidents—

“…”

As Lennok thought this, he realized the bustling train station had fallen silent and looked up.

The station was eerily quiet, as if someone had intentionally made everyone leave, now deserted in the middle.

On the opposite side of the tracks, in front of the waiting seats facing the other direction, someone sat quietly, leaning back and watching Lennok.

A mysterious woman with an impression so cold it was chilling.

Even without emitting any presence, her eerie aura seemed to spill across to the other side of the tracks.

Lennok confirmed her face and let out a wry smile, tilting his head back.

“Right. There was still something left to do, wasn’t there?”

Maiya Lonsdale.

The Machine City’s top enforcer, and now the worst exile and criminal.

The Level 8 Ascendant who had helped Lennok, plunged the entire Machine City into chaos, and stalled for time against the enforcement agencies.

She, who he thought had left the city after the incident, had remained and was waiting for Lennok.

“I didn’t expect you to offer a plea bargain just to free me.”

Lennok took out a cigarette, lit it, and asked, “What did you offer in return?”

“When I stepped down from my enforcer position and was exiled, there were a few ongoing projects I couldn’t hand over,” Maiya replied calmly, sitting with her legs crossed.

“I offered a portion of the authority over critical military facilities that were under construction at the time, and a few secrets left by the city’s founders, as compensation.”

“…”

“It’s nothing much, but to Ex Machina, it holds immeasurable value, and it also relates to the War Hammer faction’s interests, so Narcissa couldn’t just dismiss it.”

“If you had so many cards in your hand, why didn’t you use them for yourself?”

“The charges against me cannot be dismissed with a mere plea bargain.”

Maiya let out a low laugh.

“Over 800 billion cells in property damage and over 80,000 casualties. My name is on the final registry of all human casualties related to those incidents.”

“That’s… quite a lot. Did you make mass murder a hobby during your time as an enforcer?”

Lennok was speechless at the unimaginable figures, and Maiya nodded.

“All of it pertains to the assets and people that vanished into the void beyond due to the failure of the Ascension Gate project.”

“…”

“What I desire now is no different from what I desired then.”

Maiya slowly rose from her seat and gazed at Lennok, who was sitting on the opposite side of the tracks, with a cold stare.

“To reverse all the mistakes and responsibilities that resulted from the failure of the Ascension Gate. Until that is accomplished, I have no intention of returning to this city.”

“To reverse it to its original state, you say.”

Lennok chuckled.

“You know how preposterous that ambition is, don’t you?”

Maiya’s words weren’t complicated or profound.

The former enforcer Lennok knew was intuitive, honest, and equally sharp and perceptive.

Maiya Lonsdale’s desire had always been the same, and she had never bothered to hide it.

It was only at this point, now that Lennok fully understood the secrets of the Ascension Gate, that he could grasp its true meaning.

Maiya wasn’t trying to deal with the failure of the Ascension Gate in her own way.

She literally intended to undo the failure caused by the Ascension Gate project entirely, as if it never happened.

The tens of thousands of people and immense assets used for human sacrifice in the Ascension Gate project.

Bringing them back from beyond the predetermined outcome—a miracle of causality reversal.

“Souls sacrificed through human sacrifice never return. Knowing that, yet trying to reverse a predetermined causality…”

Lennok puffed on his cigarette and muttered, “Among the desires a monster like you could have, that’s the most preposterous and futile.”

But precisely because she held such a desire, Maiya Lonsdale had bowed her head to Pandemonium and joined their ranks.

The Director, who had once transcended the world and found an answer.

The Doctor, who knew more about human sacrifice and the failure of the Ascension Gate than anyone else.

If Maiya truly wished to resurrect the victims offered in human sacrifice, Pandemonium would be the organization closest to achieving that method.

And for that reason, Lennok could understand why Maiya was bringing up this topic again at this moment.

And why Maiya, who should have immediately fled the city to avoid pursuit, had waited for Lennok, even going so far as to save him through a plea bargain.

“Join Pandemonium, Van.”

Maiya said quietly.

“Your talent and experience will undoubtedly satisfy the Director’s criteria. Joining won’t be difficult.”

Lennok didn’t answer, silently flicking his cigarette ash.

Maiya watched his reaction intently and continued, “If you saw the memories beyond the gate, you’d know that what he desires is an undertaking no one in this world has ever attempted. To be precise, it’s the process of realizing the impossible and creating new, non-existent possibilities.”

The cold wind blew from beyond the station. Maiya’s low voice echoed clearly, as if whispering in his ear.

“He’s a monster who challenges an irresistible miracle, and has even achieved that feat once before. And I… I don’t believe he’s wrong.”

“So, you intend to introduce a special talent on behalf of the Director?”

“Pandemonium has many monsters with talents more special and powerful than mine. And even they are chasing a miracle that cannot be achieved under the Director’s whim.”

Maiya self-deprecatingly chuckled.

“Regardless of what one desires or rejects, ultimately, everyone seeks only one value.”

“…”

“Wherever your purpose and desire lie, this organization can answer you. The more you desire something different and special, the more you will eventually seek him out.”

Maiya’s words were quiet and calm, yet every one of them subtly touched upon the essence.

The essence of Pandemonium seeking special talents. The magical allure that draws one to them the more one desires something different.

Not a single word of it was wrong. Lennok himself had felt the same and moved in the same direction as Maiya.

Furthermore, for Maiya, who desired to reverse the human sacrifice deal, how many organizations could offer a more certain method than Pandemonium?

How Maiya regarded the Director, and what she felt about the organization’s raison d’être, came across with palpable certainty.

And perhaps that was because Lennok himself was already somewhat involved in that same value.

Precisely for that reason, Lennok could not accept Maiya’s offer then and there.

Lennok was already deeply involved in the heart of Pandemonium under another name, Victor.

“I’ve heard similar stories a few times, from a black wizard and a combat mercenary.”

Lennok chose an appropriately evasive answer, one that only Van could give, different from Victor, and opened his mouth.

With a composed gaze, leaning back in his seat, Lennok met Maiya’s eyes and said, “I’ve already responded to their proposals. I hope it was a sufficient answer.”

“…Is that so.”

A black wizard and a combat mercenary.

Though he spoke indirectly, Maiya immediately realized who he was referring to and smiled.

If the Nether King and Kroken had made an offer to Lennok, and Van had not yet joined Pandemonium,

Then the answer was unlikely to change even after seeing the Director’s memories.

Lennok that he had implied this, nodded and slowly rose from her seat.

Lennok watched her back as she was about to disappear without another word, then asked as if something had just occurred to him.

“My charges and accusations in the military court were handled with a plea bargain, but your criminal record has only grown.”

“…”

“Despite having virtually no responsibility for this incident, are you truly okay with that?”

“…As an officially designated exile, nothing changes if I take on a few more grave charges now.”

Maiya replied self-deprecatingly.

At the same time, her body was enveloped in the station’s mist, slowly fading.

“If someone remembers me by labeling me a criminal, resenting me, hating me, detesting me… then even that would be fine.”

“…”

“To some, even that is a driving force to live. Isn’t it?”

“…I suppose.”

Lennok gave a wry smile and shook his head.

“I wouldn’t know.”

Was she saying it was fine if even the hatred directed at her became a driving force for this city?

An obsessive devotion beyond dedication. What about that cruel and cold enforcer made her cherish this city so much?

There wasn’t time to ponder and ask questions.

Instead of clinging to Maiya’s presence, which had vanished without a trace, Lennok quietly turned his gaze.

He stood up, looking at the train lights approaching through the mist.

It was finally time to return to the megacity.

Leaning against a lamppost, waiting for the incoming train, Lennok muttered, “There’s still so much to do when I get back to Vulcan…”

As long as his journey in the Machine City had been, the meaning and harvest he gained were substantial.

He felt as though even a full month of secluded research in his lab wouldn’t be enough time.

Lennok chuckled to himself as he waited for the train, thinking about what he needed to do next.

“Should I start with the most interesting thing first?”

[…An interesting thing?]

Leaving a bewildered Davi, Lennok reached into his pocket.

“Jenny. Do you have a moment?”

Lennok pulled out his phone and naturally made a call, walking towards the train.

“I’ll explain the details later, but I have a favor to ask. I’ve acquired an interesting item.”

A faint smile played on Lennok’s lips as he heard Jenny’s shouting voice.

“Yes. Just gather the people who need to know. Should we call it a release party? Tell them to bring a gift.”

…!!

“No, I’m not crazy. I haven’t gone insane from interrogation. Besides, aren’t those both the same meaning? Aren’t you just trying to say harsh things to me?”

As Lennok finished his call and put his phone away, Davi, clinging to Lennok’s pocket, asked, [Are you going to buy souvenirs for the organic life-forms now?]

“Of course not.”

In Lennok’s lightly smiling hand was the object shaped like a door frame that Kaiser had left behind.

Only then did the Cybernetic Spirit’s tail wag excitedly, realizing Lennok’s intention.

[…You don’t mean?]

“Since I got it here, shouldn’t I experiment with it right away?”

Chii-iik!

As he boarded the opening train, even Lennok’s voice faded.

In the misty train station, no one’s presence remained.