Chapter 701: Uninvited Guest (2)

The fact that Lennok would be the owner of the newly established Magic Tower in Vulcan.

I’d expected it to be spreading publicly, but I certainly didn’t expect to hear it mentioned directly here. It must mean others also consider this news to be critical information.

However, what piqued Lennok’s interest wasn’t the fact that the information had leaked, but rather the individual, Deimus, who had mentioned it.

‘So, there was someone in Pandemonium with ties to Deadrise.’

Given that Pandemonium itself operates in a manner far removed from typical organizations, it’s not unusual for its members to have other affiliations. It was merely surprising that someone from Deadrise, having held a position as one of the three core leaders, had found their way into Pandemonium.

They were said to continue their activities across various parts of the continent, including the Central Front, but was there truly someone who even joined Pandemonium? Given his detailed knowledge of the Magic Tower, he must be one of the high-ranking executives.

Perhaps Deimus, too, was once one of the close confidantes who served Kaiser.

As Lennok reflected on that fact, attempting to commit his face to memory, others began to speak one by one.

“A new Magic Tower, you say…”

“Has the Vulcan City Government sided with Adamant Thunder?”

“This changes things a bit.”

Sabrina and Cheyenne’s expressions shifted slightly.

“The Vulcan City Councilors aren’t fools. The fact that those cunning old men sitting in the Central Council granted Adamant Thunder such authority means…”

“It means Adamant Thunder might not be as insane or uncontrollable as the rumors suggest.”

Deimus’s single remark instantly hit upon the most crucial point. Deimus had probably shared these facts about the Magic Tower precisely to indirectly convey this information: his personal opinion on Adamant Thunder, or rather, Van’s fundamental nature and danger.

“Cheyenne, when an Archmage like Adamant Thunder establishes a Magic Tower, what’s the typical range it encompasses?”

“He could easily encompass the scope of a decent-sized mid-to-small city, and then some…” Cheyenne let out a gloomy laugh, rattling her doll.

“While it might not cover the entire mega-city, in the worst case, it wouldn’t be strange if even the outer regions of Vulcan became impenetrable to others.”

“…”

“This is unprecedented in Vulcan, so it’s hard to predict… It will vary wildly depending on what lineage Adamant Thunder belongs to.”

For a wizard, a Magic Tower is akin to a colossal fortress, a concept of a research lab extended to its absolute limit. The declaration of a Domain begins with designating a specific space and integrating a magical system within it. To put it simply, it’s an expanded concept of Olivera designating her research lab as a Domain to adjust spacetime.

Naturally, within that Domain, the abilities and range of the wizards affiliated with the Magic Tower would explosively increase. If an Archmage were to establish a new Magic Tower, the reach of their will would no longer be explainable by mere distance.

If that were to happen, Hylaea’s activities in Vulcan might also become severely restricted in the future.

“A Specialist sorcerer. You don’t seem surprised.”

While others were lost in their thoughts, Deimus quietly looked at Lennok and asked, “Did you already know about this?”

“I told you, I’m not interested,” Lennok retorted coldly. “Or do you want to hear that Adamant Thunder might have obtained the Phoenix Hall that flowed into Vulcan?”

“…”

The very reason Lennok knew about Tatiana’s Phoenix Hall was because he had received a commission offer from Hylaea. There were probably others among those gathered here who had received similar offers or heard about it. Considering that, Victor mentioning this much speculation now was not strange. It even naturally explained why Lennok had listened quietly to the news without surprise.

But Lennok didn’t stop there.

“It seems your side, on the other hand, has been struggling against the Eyes of Blue recently. Is it really alright for you to be here like this?”

The sudden shift in topic caused Deimus’s composed expression to crack. It was practically a vulnerable point for Deadrise, closely tied to the establishment of the Magic Tower. At Lennok’s words, which unhesitatingly poked at their raw nerve, others turned their gazes, intrigued.

“Victor. Do you know something about Deadrise?”

“It seems this Deimus hasn’t told you.”

“Deimus is a field commander who handles a section of the front lines within Deadrise,” Kangara explained. “Since he knows the headquarters’ situation in detail, there are many things he can’t speak of due to security oaths. The very reason he’s even appearing like this—”

“Kangara.” Deimus tilted his head, his face expressionless. “…You’d do well to mind your words. Many are listening.”

“Go on. Why the hesitation?” Lennok smiled.

“…”

“Are you trying to hide the fact that you’re struggling to secure the outer regions of the Central Front against the Lighthouse Keeper at this point—”

At that moment, Freya, who had been lounging with an air of boredom, muttered coldly.

“Hey, hands down.”

Click.

Deimus, who had subtly lowered one hand, was twisting the gem on a ring he wore.

“…”

“Are you trying to start something?”

At Freya’s words, as she merely occupied her seat with a sullen expression, the surrounding gazes converged. The atmosphere instantly turned chilling. As Lennok watched, arms crossed, the two seemed on the verge of collision, while Kangara and a knight exchanged subtle glances. Were they planning to intervene if necessary? Since each individual gathered in this space was an exceptional superhuman and a unique sorcerer, it wasn’t as if there were no means.

Deimus seemed to sense this, glancing around at the atmosphere before being the first to back down.

“…I hope you won’t misunderstand,” Deimus said, slowly lowering his hand. “Even if this is a space made of consciousness, it is dangerous to utter that name carelessly. I was merely preparing for any unforeseen circumstances.”

“Deimus, what do you mean by that?” Kangara asked. “When I was first captured, the Eyes of Blue didn’t seem that dangerous.”

“Kangara, what era are you talking about?” Deimus replied while Sabrina chided him. “During the creation of the Fifth Lighthouse, there was a major clash between armed groups stationed outside the Central Front and the Eyes of Blue. Most of these ended in overwhelmingly one-sided defeats, to an unreasonable degree, and among them were battles where the Lighthouse Keeper herself directly participated.”

He seemed reluctant to even speak of it. Perhaps he was displeased that Lennok had brought up this topic in the first place.

“We confirmed there that the Lighthouse Keeper completed her Hierarchy and inherited the unique ability of the previous Lighthouse Keeper.”

“…”

“Perhaps some members here have heard the news. Everyone tried to dismiss it easily, but it was an event of such great significance.” Deimus looked around, speaking quietly. “But I confirmed it with my own eyes. That woman didn’t merely inherit the unique ability of the previous Lighthouse Keeper; she directly possessed the power of an Ascendant, even—”

So Lapis had completed her Hierarchy and reached Level 7 in the interim? Though she had inherited a portion of the previous Lighthouse Keeper’s power, in terms of time, her growth was as rapid as Lennok’s.

However, what piqued Lennok’s interest wasn’t the fact that Lapis had completed her Hierarchy. While certainly significant, it was something he had always expected to happen.

What was noteworthy, however, was Deimus’s reaction as he spoke of it. A hesitating, sharp edge to his demeanor, as if he were wary of his surroundings. He tried hard not to show it, with excellent self-restraint, but there was no doubt. Deimus was afraid to speak of Lapis.

‘I’ll have to meet Lapis sometime.’

Regardless of her completing her Hierarchy, he needed to ascertain what aspect of Lapis had frightened a Deadrise executive. Perhaps the very existence of her Mind Imprint was connected to it.

Other members, too, seemed to have heard bits and pieces, as they began to exchange information one by one.

“I heard the Fifth Lighthouse’s performance is utterly absurd. They say it’s on a completely different level from any Lighthouse created so far.”

“The skirmishes in the Northern Sector are quite intense. It’d be best not to approach that area for a while.”

“The Central Front has been in chaos ever since the Headro Warlords became corrupted…”

“Perhaps because of that, rumors are rampant that the armistice between the Guido Cult and the Order Alliance will soon break. It would be wise to prepare in advance.”

“Since that bastard Clown is still holed up in Torquepaz, the Southern Continent is completely paralyzed.”

“There’s nothing to be done, the Well of the Codex incident was too critical…”

“I heard there are plans for a canal in the Great Forest once the situation there is resolved. Tracking shell accounts suggests a high probability that Vulcan’s capital has been invested.”

The members naturally shifted topics, exchanging sensitive information about the Central Front and various parts of the continent. Just a few added remarks from each, based on what they’d seen and heard during their activities, instantly expanded the pool of information. Since most members operated independently, not relying on Pandemonium, these occasional gatherings proved even more beneficial.

The Doctor, too, was aware of this, which is why he mediated by creating a simulated consciousness space processed from Agilon’s will-thought. It wouldn’t have been easy to gather everyone in one place without a significant justification like a mid-term settlement.

“That’s enough for today. Not much time left.” Hylaea, who had been quietly observing, checked the time and clapped her hands.

“Since this was the first trial, we prioritized summoning the necessary sorcerers for maintenance, but from now on, individual discretion will be key.”

“Are you going to set a schedule in advance?”

“You’ll be contacted again once The Doctor finishes the adjustments,” Hylaea replied. “He said he’d try to create a more convincing landscape next time, rather than this empty void.”

“The Doctor, surprisingly, pays a lot of attention to aesthetic elements…”

“Ah, one last thing I’d like to ask,” Sabrina said to Deimus. “Is Deadrise planning to intervene with Adamant Thunder’s Magic Tower?”

“…”

“If you knew about it beforehand, it suggests some prior connection, doesn’t it?”

Everyone likely knew through Hylaea that Tatiana had fled to Vulcan with the Phoenix Hall. However, the information that Adamant Thunder had received the Phoenix Hall and was planning to establish a Magic Tower was not yet widely spread. Sabrina was pointing out, through him, that Deadrise was also somewhat involved in this situation.

Naturally, all eyes turned to him. Deimus remained silent before replying,

“We have already dispatched the necessary personnel. Peshia will begin her move once she concludes her personal business.”

“Ghost Princess? Ah, so that’s why that gambler pulled out of the front?”

“…”

“She was famous for constantly heading to Torquepaz for fun, wasn’t she? Looks like she still hasn’t come to her senses.”

At Freya’s words, which instantly grasped the situation, Deimus quietly shut his mouth.

Lennok sat among them, quietly smiling and listening intently to their conversation.

With the topic having shifted this far, it was a golden opportunity for Lennok to easily learn Deadrise’s internal affairs without lifting a finger. Having just obtained the information that Peshia Grisbern enjoyed gambling was incredibly valuable information.

“Where is Deadrise’s main force? What is the headquarters doing, holding one of the most powerful military factions on the front?”

“Currently, the main force is unable to move due to certain circumstances. The headquarters is in the same situation.”

“Why?”

“…I cannot say. It is classified information involving the leadership.”

Deimus shook his head, looking troubled. In a way, his reaction seemed to indicate a stance favoring Deadrise, rather than Pandemonium, at a critical juncture.

“Well, if you don’t want to say, I suppose there’s nothing to be done.”

However, no one bothered to question Deimus’s loyalties at this gathering. Perhaps it was because Pandemonium itself is an eccentric organization that operates on such principles. Lennok was quite satisfied, having learned about Peshia’s operational range and the fact that she wouldn’t receive other support.

Just as others, having spoken, began to withdraw their consciousness one by one, Deimus spoke again.

“However, it will be others, not us, who make a move.”

“Others?”

Before answering, Deimus first stood up and slowly caressed the ring he wore.

Click!

“The Fisherman fishes for time outside the continent, and the Monstrous Monk slays those who seek to become gods.”

“…”

“Adamant Thunder’s actions deviate from the objectives of the Transcendent who transcend common sense, and it’s no different within Pandemonium.”

As he slowly twisted the gem on his ring, the void filled with darkness slowly began to open. It was as if the sky was shattering, and a gigantic maw was opening beyond it. Simultaneously, everyone instinctively sensed the fundamental power maintaining this space slowly waning.

“If even that fails to keep Adamant Thunder’s Magic Tower in check…” Deimus said, “…then a subjugation force to take down a single wizard might indeed be necessary.”

“…”

A peculiar tone, as if suggesting they might need to prepare in advance starting now. However, the other members reacted differently to his calm persuasion. Some frowned, clearly disinclined, while others remained expressionless, as if completely uninterested. There were even those whose expressions changed, seeming to regard Deimus with caution.

And among them, Lennok, who had been leaning back in his chair, slowly stood up. All gazes converged on Lennok as he walked forward, his thick robe pulled over his head. He passed Deimus indifferently, stopping before the wide-open gate.

“An interesting notion,” Lennok said.

“…”

“If a subjugation operation is ever assembled to take down Adamant Thunder—”

Lennok, turning to Deimus from behind his obsidian mask, smiled.

“I will certainly participate.”

Behind the vanished shadow of Victor, only a chilling silence lingered.