Chapter 724: The Wizard and the Magic Tower (1)

Deadrise.

Lennok realized that the very name “Deadrise” was the strongest circumstantial evidence supporting his speculation about Ethan Bajour, and he gave a bitter smile.

The realization that not a single name left in this city was meaningless hit him with particular sharpness.

“[Whether Ethan Bajour has been resurrected, or is merely wandering the present world as a ghost. Either way, it’s quite fascinating. I am immensely curious.]”

Olivera laughed. Beyond the veil, her Mystic Eye seemed to glow with unprecedented clarity.

“[Having already left this city, what is it that he truly seeks…? To uncover that, I suppose I must continue clinging to this wretched life.]”

“…….”

Establishing an organization, raising it to become one of the three core leaders of the underworld, and even advancing to the Central Front to form a vast army. Even from these indirectly revealed actions, it was clear that Ethan Bajour was no ordinary man.

Moreover, if Kaiser’s comrades were with him, it meant he possessed the ability and qualification to convince them. What had Ethan Bajour promised them, what had he asked, to make such a thing possible?

And why, despite being alive, had he shown Jenny absolutely no concern?

At this point, having concluded matters with Deadrise and handed over Peshia’s custody, there was no way to confirm that fact. To delve further into that cause and effect, he would inevitably have to approach it in a different manner.

Just as Lennok acknowledged that fact and was about to turn away.

“[Ah, I forgot to hand this over.]”

Olivera extended another old scroll from beyond the veil.

It was similar in form to the incantation for Wheel of Consecration that he had received during a previous transaction. Lennok, catching the scroll as it rolled towards him with his magical threads, checked its contents and smiled.

“[Radiant Body Mastery (曜熙身躬)]”

Because the incantation for the Radiant-type clone magic, Radiant Body Mastery, which Lennok had originally intended to acquire from Olivera, was written there exactly as he wanted.

“I don’t know what you’re thinking. Did you suddenly decide to be generous?”

“[Wheel of Consecration is a spell that ranks among the most complex within Radiant-type magic.]”

Olivera’s reply was tinged with amusement. “[If you’re able to master it and use it in actual combat in such a short time, I merely thought there was no need to waste time… Do you have any complaints?]”

“……No. I understand what you mean.”

Lennok, understanding her words, smiled wryly.

From the beginning, Olivera had known that Lennok desired Radiant Body Mastery, not Wheel of Consecration.

But knowing that Lennok had easily acquired Wheel of Consecration, she judged that he would soon master Radiant Body Mastery on his own. In that case, she must have thought it better to simply hand over the incantation herself and gain some credit.

Her way of thinking, prioritizing adding weight to a transaction without caring about emotional losses, remained unchanged.

“I’ll gladly accept it.”

“[I don’t know what you hope to achieve by dabbling in Radiant magic, but it won’t be as easy as you think.]”

Olivera scoffed from beyond the veil.

“[Radiant Body Mastery is a magic that is thoroughly esoteric, regardless of one’s proficiency. Even I only dabbled in it briefly to construct major techniques or domains.]”

Lennok, knowing this as well, nodded readily.

“I know. It’s probably not a proper clone magic to begin with. The very essence of the magic wasn’t designed with control in mind, was it?”

Radiant magic is powerful and intuitive, but it is also a system heavily influenced by environment and dependent on specific conditions.

In the past, Olivera had only properly used Radiant Body Mastery once, during her battle with Lennok, to ensure Wheel of Consecration was a direct hit. This must mean that even with Olivera’s talent, it was difficult to properly control the magic of Radiant Body Mastery.

“Controlling the concept of diffuse reflection at will, after all, will be more a matter of environment and location than proficiency.”

“[…Ha, it seems you haven’t been researching idly.]”

The magic of Radiant Body Mastery and Wheel of Consecration itself were high-level spells that used the essence of diffuse light reflection. They were powerful precisely because they borrowed the concept of randomly refracted diffuse reflection, but for that very reason, they couldn’t be controlled at will.

All one could do was, like Olivera, individually calculate the position and number of diffusely reflected clones to temporarily use them for multiple incantations. Or simply unleash them wildly, completely releasing control and discarding calculations.

Yet, Lennok felt the need to experiment with Radiant Body Mastery at least once.

“I needed a spell that operates on a completely different principle than existing clones. Radiant Body Mastery should serve as a good teaching material.”

“[From what I hear, it seems you desire a concept different from mere clones… In that case, it would be better for you to visit Yorta.]”

Olivera said.

“[It is the place most proficient in spirit body manipulation, as well as the materialization of spirits and the concept of Avatars. It’s a city where you’ll learn much about spells that transcend the realm of the physical body.]”

“……Thank you for the advice. I’ll consider it.”

Military Spirit City, Yorta.

Of course, Lennok hadn’t entirely dismissed the idea of visiting Military Spirit City.

Kaiser had left messages and a diary. Through them, he knew that Kaiser’s body was buried in either Military Spirit City or Outer Tribulation City, so he would have to visit sometime.

Moreover, he needed to visit Yorta to learn how to properly utilize Avatars, as taught by the Watcher and dog-headed giant, Rapperd.

Olivera replied indifferently, as if it were none of her business.

“[I merely offered advice suitable for our transaction. I have no interest whatsoever in what happens next.]”

“Of course.”

Lennok nodded, gazing at the luminous eye-light beyond the veil.

“Still… if there’s a reason for you to live long, as you said, it would be wise to pay attention to your health.”

“[What nonsense are you spouting?]”

“Giving advice about clones is proof that you’ve also taken an interest and researched them, isn’t it?”

“[……]”

Olivera was not generous enough to meddle in matters that didn’t concern her.

The very act of personally handing Lennok the incantation for Radiant Body Mastery and mentioning Yorta with explanations implied interest. Considering her inability to show herself directly, her intention was obvious.

“If your condition is so poor that you need a stand-in, wouldn’t focusing on recovery be the priority?”

Thinking back, unlike the Olivera of the past, the current Olivera had never once engaged in direct combat. She rarely showed herself even in her own laboratory, only venturing out when absolutely necessary.

He could now guess at the circumstances of her poor health and what alternative she was considering.

“[You’re speaking needlessly. How dare you presume to worry about me?]”

But Olivera’s reply was closer to a chilling sneer than embarrassment or denial.

“[If your business is concluded, then leave. I have too many things to concern myself with, even without you.]”

“Right. I spoke out of turn.”

Lennok chuckled faintly and turned his back.

It was merely a remark thrown out to gauge her intentions; he hadn’t expected a significant revelation.

For now, merely confirming that Olivera’s health was not good would suffice.

“It was not a bad trade. I’ll contact you again if I need anything.”

Lennok, turning his gaze while holding the doorknob, said.

“That is, if you’re in a state to receive calls.”

“[…….]”

Only after the wizard’s presence completely vanished did the eye-light beyond the veil shift its gaze.

From the back of the silent chairman’s office, someone opened a side door and walked out.

“Chairman.”

Virgil, the red-eyed vampire, asked quietly, standing with his hands clasped behind his back.

“Are you sure it’s alright not to silence Adamant Thunder?”

“[What do you mean?]”

“I believe it’s a matter that should be strictly observed, even if it requires a material transaction.”

Virgil said calmly.

“He is by no means a loose-lipped man, but he is someone who will seize the hilt of a blade whenever necessary. Personally, I consider him a decent person, but….”

The vampire smiled wryly.

“Which makes him all the more dangerous and someone to be wary of.”

Regardless of how Adamant Thunder’s reputation bizarrely inflated, Virgil knew what kind of person Lennok was.

Unlike his ruthless and cruel methods, he was a being who retained humanity to a degree hard to believe for a high-level superhuman.

How vast must his internal standards and self-awareness be, to possess such extreme duality as if he were two different people?

For that reason, Virgil believed they should neither fight Lennok nor distance themselves too much from him.

“[Virgil. You still don’t know him well. Does he seem like the type to bind his own tongue with trivial transactions?]”

“[He’s a man who understands that his own judgment and actions are more valuable than anything else. Such suggestions would only serve as unnecessary provocation.]”

“……I misspoke.”

Virgil stepped back, and Olivera, unconcerned, changed the subject.

“[How is the expansion of the laboratory progressing?]”

“The expansion is complete, and we’ve moved on to spell formula calibration. It should be finished within a few weeks.”

Olivera’s chronic illness and weakened health were originally so unstable that she could barely find stability even within her laboratory. She had been venturing out briefly to expand the laboratory’s domain, but now even that was becoming difficult to bear.

Normally, being away from the laboratory for an extended period at this stage would entail significant risk. But Olivera, knowing this, decided to secretly undertake the laboratory expansion.

“[To create a substitute, I will inevitably have to increase the capacity.]”

As if slowly closing her eyes, the dazzling eye-light beyond the veil gradually diminished.

“[I will be waiting……]”

“…….”

Virgil silently bowed his head, turned, and exited the chairman’s office.

The vampire’s face, as he walked down the corridor, was transparently expressionless.

As if to reveal nothing of the conversation that had just transpired.

“Three, two, one!”

FWOOSH-BOOM!!!

As fireworks exploded overhead, Lennok moved the scissors in his hand.

Simultaneously with the cutting of the long ribbon, applause erupted from the surroundings.

Amidst it all, squabbling voices echoed nearby.

“You got the order wrong, you idiot!!”

“You’re supposed to cut the ribbon then set off the fireworks. What are you doing?”

“You’ve been a mercenary for so long, haven’t you ever attended an event like this?”

“No, you guys didn’t tell me properly!!”

Dylan cried out indignantly amidst the scolding from Jenny and the other mercenaries.

“To begin with, I’ve never done a dedication ceremony before. I mean, you haven’t even put up a signboard, what are we doing?!”

“Of course, we’re celebrating among ourselves in advance.”

Jenny puffed out her chest and cleared her throat, rubbing her nose.

“Once the Magic Tower is built, we’ll be too busy to have time for things like this. It’s obvious, isn’t it?”

“……So, you’re saying we just put on a ridiculous show in front of this construction site?”

Chen’s bewildered reply wasn’t entirely wrong.

A large empty lot, about two blocks away from Jenny’s bar and company. A construction site in full swing, located in an empty lot slightly removed from the 49th District’s commercial area.

In this dusty place, Lennok was holding a rather clumsy dedication ceremony with his comrades.

WEEEENG!! THUD!! DRRRR-CLANG!!

The sounds of cranes and drills echoed, and workers busily transported all sorts of materials.

The Magic Tower, whose construction had begun with the help of Chen, who started his construction business in Hexagonal Fortress. What was being erected in the middle of the empty lot was the foundation stone of an immense ivory tower.

“That’s not wrong, but if we absolutely must commemorate a date, today is indeed the most suitable.”

Tatiana said with a smile.

Even standing with her body wrapped in bandages and splints, leaning on crutches, her face looked somewhat relieved.

“The construction of the Magic Tower can happen anytime, but formally establishing the tower’s system and declaring its Domain will only happen once—today.”

“Is declaring the Domain something that needs to be done now?”

“They say the tower’s system needs to be established before the tower is fully built.”

Lennok answered Soo-ryun’s question.

He set fire to the ribbon fragment he was holding, burning it as he averted his gaze.

“There’s no reason to wait long once preparations are complete, is there?”

“Van, this won’t cause any issues for the construction site, right?”

Chen, who had been watching from the side, asked in an anxious tone.

“If any problem arises, we might have to restart the entire construction.”

Jenny replied sharply, arms crossed.

“Chen, what’s the problem? We’re covering all the construction costs anyway.”

“Well, that’s because we’re working at a discounted rate, accepting a loss.”

Chen protested.

“For us, schedule and time are money. If the construction gets delayed, the losses will be severe.”

“I clearly said I’d pay the full price. You were the one who insisted on a discount.”

“……We can’t just take the full payment from Van, can we?”

Jenny smiled sweetly.

“Then you’ll just have to accept it if a problem arises, won’t you?”

“…….”

Lennok shook his head, leaving Chen speechless.

“It’s unlikely, but if there’s any disruption to the construction schedule, I’ll compensate you, so don’t worry.”

“Van. Don’t worry too much. This guy isn’t actually working at a loss to begin with.”

Jenny scoffed beside Lennok.

“Do you know how valuable a track record Magic Tower construction is in the building industry? Chen is the one benefiting, not us.”

“That’s not wrong, but…”

As Magic Towers formally authorized and established are extremely rare, a track record in Magic Tower construction itself receives high praise in any industry.

This is because a properly erected Magic Tower often becomes a landmark or symbol of its region.

Given that materials and labor were being poured in without regard for cost, it wasn’t surprising that Chen was worried and Jenny was being assertive.

After a moment’s thought, Lennok gave Chen a slight nod.

“It would be best for you to take the workers and stand clear for a moment. It won’t take long.”

Even setting aside those issues, there was no reason to conduct the work in the middle of a bustling construction site.

Eventually, as Chen retreated with his workers for a moment, Lennok turned to his companions and nodded.

“Let’s begin immediately. I’ve found a suitable spot.”

He walked with his companions into the half-built tower.

An immense size, seemingly capable of accommodating hundreds of people on a single floor. Considering that the operation plan for the Magic Tower hadn’t been properly established yet, it was an incredibly vast area.

Lennok led his companions to the very center of the open space, which was planned to be the first-floor lobby.

“Dylan.”

“Yup, ready when you are!”

Dylan, wearing his mask, skillfully set down the metallic object he had been carrying.

WHOOOOSH!!

The form of a massive engine, its sleek body impressive. Lennok involuntarily admired his skillful touch, as he set down the engine, which was as big as his own body, without even a clank.

“Your strength control is remarkable. Did that incident help?”

He indirectly asked about Dylan’s limiter during the random box party, but Dylan shook his head vigorously.

“Some terrible employer threw me into the ocean and made me catch tuna all day long, you see.”

“…….”

“Mmm…”

Seeing Soo-ryun and even Mila’s expressions turn haggard, Lennok quietly shut his mouth.

It seemed nothing good would come from discussing this topic any further.

Instead, Lennok slowly rolled up his sleeves as he looked at the engine placed before him.

HISS!!

As the magical threads binding the bandage unwound, molten flames flowed down Lennok’s hand from within.

Blaiver Magic Tower’s Seventh Sun. The Phoenix Hall, a powerful will-thought matter and Authority Receptor.

The flames, fully acquired after his confrontation with the Tower Lord, dripped like tears from his fingertips.

The flowing flames of the Phoenix Hall finally melted properly into the power unit below, emitting an intense glow from the seams.

WOOOOOOOSH!!!

“Ohh…!!”

Black flames enveloped the spherical engine that floated into the air, and it slowly began to rotate in place.

KABOOOM!!!

A beautiful form, burning and rotating above the group like a black sun.

Around that sun, a golden aura rotated like a ring, and at the moment it bit its own tail…

FWOOOOOOSH!!!

Golden ripples, swirling around the sun, instantly spread out in all directions across the surrounding area.

All the mana users gathered there felt the resonance, so it must have been the same for others in the 49th District.

As he turned his gaze with a pounding heart, Lennok was looking up at the engine, a cigarette in his mouth.

Lennok closed his eyes briefly, surveyed the engine’s condition with his mana sense, and nodded.

“It’s a success.”

“……It’s over?”

Mila tilted her head at the phenomenon, which was grand and splendid yet seemed to finish faster than expected.

“Perhaps because I borrowed an already completed system, it finished much more easily than anticipated.”

Declaring a Domain centered around a Magic Tower meant overturning the very nature of the surrounding environment.

Normally, it would require the preliminary process of constructing the Magic Tower’s engine, and then, centered around it, seamlessly integrating the magical system and Root Mindscape over a long period.

Lennok, using the shortcut of borrowing the Phoenix Hall’s system, rapidly skipped that process and instantly designated the entire area as a Domain.

“For now, the benefit will only be a boost to senses and mana, but over time, other authorities will also be generated.”

It was a reversal of cause and effect: not succeeding in Domain designation through the Property Transformation of space, but first establishing the concept, then allowing the Property Transformation to follow.

It was something he had been half-certain of ever since he acquired the Phoenix Hall’s power and the Satellite Factory’s engine.

The moment Lennok lightly brushed his hands and took a few steps back.

Mila, who had been watching with her mouth agape, suddenly raised a finger as if she had discovered something.

“Hey, there’s something strange sitting there. Was that created by that authority too?”

“……What?”

Lennok, inadvertently following Mila’s pointing hand, discovered the strange object and fell silent.

A massive egg sat all by itself beneath the rotating engine in the air.

Its form was so bizarre and enormous that he couldn’t understand why he hadn’t noticed it until now.

“……”

“What is this?”

At the appearance of the huge egg, large enough to reach one’s waist, the mercenaries gathered around it, observing with curiosity.

“You’re right. There was no egg like this here just a moment ago.”

“No, there’s no way we wouldn’t have noticed such a huge egg to begin with. This must have just been created here.”

“Can we eat it? It looks tasty.”

Jenny replied, watching Dylan smack his lips.

“If we ask Felix, we’ll know right away if it’s edible, won’t we?”

“What if he tells us not to eat it, calling it his own kind?”

“Weian, what on earth do you think Felix is? Well, then again, you never know…”

“Right?”

“Everyone, you’d better calm down. I’m sorry, but this isn’t for eating.”

Tatiana, who had stepped forward, replied with a hint of bewilderment.

“Then what is it?”

Tatiana, who had been gazing fixedly at the egg, slowly replied.

“Even I find it hard to believe… but this is the egg of a Guardian Spirit Beast that protects the tower.”

“……Guardian Spirit Beast?”

“They say it’s an intelligent being that appears extremely rarely at the moment a very powerful Domain is created.”

Tatiana’s face, as she looked back at the egg, was filled with unconcealed wonder.

“I’ve only ever heard of it in texts; this is my first time seeing one directly, but there’s no mistake. This is a guardian deity that protects the tower Van created.”

“…….”

A powerful Domain. The master of ritual. A phenomenon Tatiana, who worked at the Central Front, had never even seen.

What could possibly be the reason for such a miraculous phenomenon, previously known only through texts, to suddenly appear here?

Naturally, everyone turned their gaze towards Lennok.

Lennok, with a reluctant expression and crossed arms, avoided answering.

“……This is the first I’ve heard of it. It seems there might be a mistake.”

CRACK…!!

At that moment, as if it had recognized Lennok’s voice, the surface of the egg slowly began to crack.