Chapter 752: One-Man Show (4)

The word ‘achievement’ flowed directly from Evan Vylun’s lips.

At his words, the dean and professors flinched, and Tatiana, too, turned her gaze, surprised. He’d been speaking quite forcefully from the start; had he been planning this from the beginning?

The reporters, who had been intently listening to their conversation, also widened their eyes. The meaning of Evan’s recent words was clear to everyone.

Just as Tatiana’s lips parted, choosing her answer, a quiet voice echoed from behind her.

“An interesting invention, you say.”

Adamant Thunder, standing behind Tatiana, looked at Evan with an unreadable expression.

“That confidence, it should remain the same even after you bring the achievement to the Magic Tower.”

“……”

Adamant Thunder, who had shown no interest in the university’s internal research facilities, reappeared as soon as he heard Evan’s words. As others realized this fact and watched the two men, pale-faced, Evan maintained his smile and stroked the spirit.

“You needn’t worry about that. This accomplishment is something that embodies my experience as an assistant professor.”

“Didn’t you come all this way specifically to confirm it?”

“……”

Adamant Thunder again offered no reply to Evan’s words, and by now, everyone understood the meaning of his silence.

From the moment he first appeared at Rebatenon, he had only pressured Evan Vylun. The Arch-Wizard’s reaction of simply letting it slide when Evan’s spirit committed a rudeness, or focusing solely on the research achievements. Despite his cold demeanor, whose true intentions were unknown, it would be strange not to understand the source of his interest.

It was clear that the wizard with Vulcan’s most chilling reputation was interested in Evan’s research. Evan Vylun was aware of this, and Adamant Thunder made no effort to conceal it. It was as if he intended to set the standard right here, in front of thousands of watchful eyes, rather than dragging things out unnecessarily.

Adamant Thunder tilted his head slightly, turning his gaze to Evan and muttering, “Yes. Achievement, you say… if that can indeed be the standard.”

People intently listened to every word of the sparse conversation. Although they were only exchanging ambiguous replies, there was no doubt that the two had made some kind of deal for this matter. And that the terms of that deal were still being adjusted, and they had no intention of hiding it either.

What could two of the biggest figures in the mega-city be aiming for, exposing their intentions like this? As everyone racked their brains to deduce the unknown plan and the secrets behind the agreement, Adamant Thunder closed his eyes and said,

“It’s a bit lacking. You know that, don’t you?”

“If you want to take credit for just that, you’ll have to put in a little more effort.”

“……”

Evan’s smiling face hardened, and Adamant Thunder’s unreadable expression subtly shifted. The moment the expressions on their faces, as they silently faced each other, suddenly inverted, the reporters, who had been holding their breath, scrambled to grab their phones.

“P-Professor Vylun is going to announce his achievements soon…!!”

“Quickly contact headquarters and release it as breaking news! Right now!!”

“It’s a headline worthy of a special feature, upload it to the news site first!!”

Evan Vylun would announce his research achievements. It was virtually the first time he had officially released research records since his anti-gravity thesis. Even if it wasn’t a new thesis, that alone would cause attention for this matter to skyrocket.

As reporters frantically searched for contacts to relay the urgent news as quickly as possible, Tatiana, who had been blankly watching their negotiation, belatedly came to her senses and turned her gaze.

As if they hadn’t just exchanged sharp words, Evan was smiling and guiding them through the Department of Particle Theory. Beside him, the Arch-Wizard walked with his staff, followed hesitantly by dozens of professors and hundreds of reporters.

“……”

Normally, she should have immediately followed Adamant Thunder and meticulously managed his fatigue. Moreover, he had recently suffered significant backlash from dealing with Deadrise in the restricted zone.

But Tatiana was not watching Adamant Thunder; she was focused on the back of Evan, who had just been negotiating with him as an equal. The moment Tatiana showed some concession, Evan immediately proposed a deal premised on a return. It confirmed that Evan had anticipated this situation and responded quite strongly.

Indeed, he was too shrewd and meticulous to be someone who secluded himself in a laboratory and shunned exposure. His ability to perfectly calculate surrounding reactions and external gazes, seizing the optimal moment to display his talent to the fullest. Not only his talent, but also the timing of his presentation, his judgment of the situation, and his coordination were all impeccable.

It was incomprehensible why such a scholar had not gained significant fame in the past few years.

‘…I see. So that’s why….’

And at that moment, Tatiana realized why Adamant Thunder had decided to join hands with Evan Vylun. A genius so prodigious that every thesis he published generated immense buzz, and a judgment so keen that even Tatiana momentarily missed its flow. A glimpse of dazzling talent that made it clear why this man’s name was mentioned as frequently as Adamant Thunder’s in the bright light of Vulcan.

Although their direction and texture were different, wasn’t he somewhat similar to her Tower Lord, whom Tatiana had newly decided to serve? Their personality, aura, the flow of magic, the spells they wielded, the branch of their talent—they were different in every aspect, yet there was a point where they seemed to overlap.

The essential commonality felt in their transcendent talent and their unreserved wielding of it. Perhaps Van was seeing himself reflected in Evan Vylun.

As Tatiana’s gaze subtly shifted upon this realization, Evan immediately turned his steps.

“Then, we will conclude the schedule by reviewing the department project presentation.”

Evan then led the other party directly to the Department of Pharmacy and the Department of Particle Theory, visiting them in turn. They were relatively close to the central academic building, within walking distance. The project demonstrations did not take as long as expected.

Both the Department of Pharmacy and the Department of Particle Theory had prepared thoroughly, allowing for quick demonstrations. Of course, there were minor disturbances, such as the overly nervous chair professor of the Department of Pharmacy trembling and breaking four or five top-grade elixir bottles, or the researchers from the Department of Particle Theory risking their lives to offer bribes, wanting to see Adamant Thunder’s magic pattern.

Surprisingly, Adamant Thunder did not react very intensely during these incidents. He simply ignored the commotion around him with an unreadable expression.

Rather than being annoyed or angry, he seemed utterly disinterested in everything happening in the vicinity. Realizing this, the faces of the dean and professors seemed a little more relaxed when they exited the Department of Particle Theory lecture hall.

“He’s much quieter than I thought…”

Even the reporters, who had been observing Adamant Thunder’s every move while following the group, cautiously whispered, having noticed it themselves.

“His demeanor is quite normal compared to the rumors. He doesn’t seem crazy at all.”

“Is he tired? He looks listless about everything. Seems he’s only interested in Assistant Professor Vylun.”

“Perhaps he thinks others aren’t even worth killing. Lucky for us.”

“If I could get a direct interview with Adamant Thunder at this opportunity… Hey, don’t stop me!!”

“There’s always someone who tries to cross the line first. Grab him!”

While the bodyguards moved to restrain the jostling reporters, the group had already arrived at the final department.

The Department of Necromancy research building, a huge bone-shaped structure, exuded a chilling atmosphere.

“……Hmm.”

“Van…?”

Adamant Thunder, who had shown no reaction to the demonstrations of the previous two departments, chuckled, and Tatiana noticed him.

“The Department of Necromancy holds a unique position within the Rebatenon Magic University.” The dean, stepping forward this time, naturally guided the group inside the lecture hall and said, “Because it was the department managed by former Chief Justice Madrich Onnion to foster junior scholars, the relevant curriculum and research achievements also tend towards that… What’s wrong?”

“……”

People suddenly began glancing at Adamant Thunder, unable to focus on the dean’s words. More than the other professors or attendants, Adamant Thunder’s own companions, including Tatiana, were pale-faced and wary. As others scratched their heads at the strange atmosphere, as if they were desperate to stop the dean’s mouth, Evan, moving belatedly, gave a wry smile and quietly leaned into the dean’s ear.

“When you told me about the Department of Necromancy, you didn’t mention Madrich Onnion, did you?”

“…Well, there’s no need to tell the history of the Necromancy Department multiple times. Is there a problem?”

The dean, lowering his voice as well, whispered, and Evan subtly pretended to look at Adamant Thunder.

“It’s true that Adamant Thunder himself killed Madrich Onnion.”

“……”

“You thought it was just a rumor.”

The dean was speechless, his mouth agape. Although a considerable time had passed since Madrich Onnion’s death was announced, the reason for his demise had never been publicly revealed. However, the dean, who had connections with the Elder Council, was naturally expected to know, but it seemed he was unaware of the specific circumstances surrounding Onnion’s death.

“…Ahem, ahem!!”

Only then did the dean realize the situation and began to clear his throat, looking chagrined. If Evan’s words were true, the dean was now proudly displaying the legacy of Adamant Thunder’s victim to him. A somewhat aggressive and short-tempered superhuman might even take this act as a provocation or a challenge.

However, even seeing the dean’s reaction, Adamant Thunder did not seem inclined to hastily unleash his magic or show anger. He merely gazed at the Department of Necromancy research building, muttering with a thoughtful expression.

“They say he was an excellent judge.”

“That…”

“Considering his end, perhaps that’s true.”

“……”

A monologue whose meaning was unknown. But as the dean, vaguely guessing the reason, fell silent, Adamant Thunder didn’t wait for a reply and began to walk.

“Let’s go in. Was this the last one?”

The dean and other faculty members watched Adamant Thunder enter the Department of Necromancy research building with strange expressions. Even the underworld figures mixed among the onlookers quietly whispered, finding it somewhat peculiar.

“He’s very different from the rumors. Adamant Thunder isn’t supposed to be like that.”

“Even if he’s not well, is it possible for his personality to change…?”

“Perhaps he suffered damage akin to a shift in Hierarchy.”

“Indeed, the injuries sustained from the battle with Onnion were that fatal—”

“Quiet. If he hears you, there’s no telling how he’ll react.”

Immediately after Evan and Adamant Thunder walked into the Department of Necromancy research building, an elderly man waiting inside nervously spoke first towards Adamant Thunder.

“H-hello. I am Pascal Gaudreau, the chair professor of the Department of Necromancy.”

He seemed strict and firm, yet, befitting a necromancer, he had a somewhat pale appearance. Still, he couldn’t hide his nervousness in front of Adamant Thunder.

“It is an honor to meet an Arch-Wizard of the Peak of Extremes. I shall now begin the demonstration of our department’s newly established project.”

Pascal said so, holding a key that looked as if carved from bone, and guided the group into the research lab. It was a massive auditorium located in the center of the research building. Its vast area seemed more like a plaza than a lab.

Eerie decorations were scattered everywhere, and in the center, a human-like dummy hung from a stake. Below the stake, a complex magic circle was drawn, and researchers moved about, adjusting the formation. Pascal, who had guided the group right in front of the magic circle, explained,

“The project demonstration prepared by the Department of Necromancy is the incarnation of a spirit into an artificial body.”

“Artificial body?”

“A completed spirit cannot descend into an object without history or origin. If the body meant for incarnation isn’t good, a spirit cannot be summoned.” Pascal replied, “Our department has consistently pondered methods to solve that problem. And that is through this artificial body.”

“……”

“In an educational institution like this, we can directly employ methods that might not be attempted under Yorta’s strict rules.” Pascal pointed proudly at the dummy hanging from the stake. “Although it’s not a living human, all the elements and materials composing the dummy are identical to those of a human. We have confirmed that by incarnating a relatively well-preserved spirit here, we can obtain significant results.”

Did he mean they could create a dummy identical to a human and directly incarnate a spirit into its body? It was difficult to call the idea extraordinary, but it should be seen as a project faithful to the essence of necromancy.

“Well, enough with the chatter, let’s move straight to the demonstration. Is everyone ready!!”

“Yes, Professor!”

At Pascal’s command, other researchers moved in unison, drawing up magic and activating the magic circle.

Wooosh!!

The moment ominous light burst from the magic circle and was sucked into the dummy’s body, something pale flashed above the Department of Necromancy research building and struck the dummy’s body like lightning.

Flash!!

The limp dummy lifted its head and began to look around as if alive. The dummy, with its transparent eyelids, blinked and looked down at the people. The dummy’s inorganic face eerily twisted the moment its gaze met Evan’s.

[……]

“Phew, the magic circle has successfully activated.” Pascal, proudly displaying his achievement, wiped his sweat and turned his head. “Now, to prove that the spirit has incarnated into the body, if we can slowly induce conversation—”

[A disgusting liar was hiding here.]

“……Hmm?”

A spine-chilling wail, unlike anyone else’s present. A whisper that ripped through one’s ears with a chilling tone. It was clear where that voice had burst from.

Pascal, who had been staring blankly at the dummy, turned his gaze to the researchers.

“W-when we last demonstrated, was its linguistic ability this good?”

“N-no.” The flustered researcher quickly replied, “Back then, it only remembered a simple word or two, it was absolutely not this level…”

[Did you think you could instill an impossible wish in all of us and then just run away?] The dummy glared at Evan, muttering murderous words as if spitting them out. Its vitality was so vivid, as if facing a living human. Only then did Pascal’s complexion turn ashen, sensing that something was wrong.

“J-just a moment… The state of the spirit that was summoned…!!”

[Yes. It’s rather for the best.]

Crunch!!

With those words, the dummy’s limp body began to swell explosively. Its physique expanded, its skin turned pale, and dozens of eyes and fingers sprouted on its limbs, forming a grotesque shape.

“Kyaaaah!!”

A researcher screamed at the sight of the dummy transforming into a horrific shape. The dummy, which had instantly transformed into something resembling dozens of humans lumped together, looked at Evan and raised its fist.

[I’ll chew and swallow your soul whole right here…!!!] The monster-transformed dummy mercilessly slammed the research building ceiling.

CRAAASH!!

The research building’s ceiling instantly shattered, and through the gaping hole, the sky was starkly revealed. The ground and walls shook wildly, and all sorts of decorations and bone fragments fell from the ceiling. Simultaneously with the ground-shaking noise, the roar unleashed by the monster instantly deafened people.

[Oooohhh!!!]

A terrifying, ferocious cry that seemed to immediately shatter everything around it and devour all living beings without exception.

“Uwaaaah!!”

“R-run away!!”

“The Necromancy Department’s spell has gone wild!! A ghost has gone berserk!!”

Researchers and reporters scattered in all directions in a panic. The dean and professors quickly exchanged information while evacuating their subordinates.

“A spirit body capable of proper conversation. What’s its Hierarchy level?”

“If it has that much power right after incarnating, it’s Saint-tier or higher…!!” Pascal muttered, trembling, “Incarnating a spirit body that surpasses the caster’s Hierarchy, such a problem has never occurred before!!”

A Saint-tier spirit body. Furthermore, the opponent was a sacred spirit that had just been born into an artificial body with power. The professors, having heard Pascal’s explanation, gritted their teeth and began issuing commands at a rapid pace around them.

“We must immediately seal the research building and retreat!!”

“Evacuate civilians, and block access for reporters.”

“We must prevent it from escaping the research building. Everyone, prepare—”

Clack.

At that moment, the light tapping of a staff echoed in the hard research building corridor. The figure of a wizard, like a ghost, streaked past the professors who were drawing up magic from all directions. The professors, realizing that it was the figure of the cold wizard who had shown no reaction until now, desperately reached out.

“T-Tower Lord!!”

“It’s not an opponent with a physical form. If you approach it with ordinary magic—!!”

A spirit incarnated in a physical body does not simply vanish or disappear from physical blows. Although Adamant Thunder was a wizard who had reached an outstanding level, it was widely known that his system was biased towards lightning-based magic. Given that his condition had been emphasized as not good several times, in the worst case, it wouldn’t be strange if Adamant Thunder were to be injured instead.

At that point, the agreement between Rebatenon and the Magic Tower would terminate. As it was an incident caused by their mistake, the backlash would be enormous.

However, Lennok had an inkling as to why the incarnated spirit had suddenly gone berserk.

‘It’s because of the Guide’s spirit.’

The Guide’s ghost, which he had used as Evan’s alter ego. That spirit body was recognizing its existence and trying to devour it instead. Perhaps that spirit body also had a connection to Yorta in its lifetime. If Madrich Onnion himself had designed this Necromancy Department space, it wasn’t incomprehensible that a spirit related to him would be drawn out.

However, at this point, if he didn’t want his alter ego to be exposed, it would be more certain for Lennok to act directly. Lennok, having quickly made his decision, used Adamant Thunder’s voice to question the professors.

“Ordinary magic?”

“……Yes?”

“It seems you still don’t quite understand what this agreement means.”

Adamant Thunder returned a cold smile, then slowly raised one hand. The moment the wizard muttered, pointing to the sky with his finger, Adamant Thunder’s voice reverberated throughout Rebatenon.

“I’ll show you clearly right here, right now.”

The sky, visible through the shattered research building ceiling, began to darken.

Kooooong…!!!

A miraculous phenomenon where an enormous amount of dark clouds instantly gathered in the clear sky, obscuring sunlight and warmth. Even onlookers gathered outside the lecture hall looked up blankly at the absurd miracle that seemed to manipulate the weather itself.

“M-mad…!!”

“It’s not human magic, how can he do it without chanting!!”

As the professors, gasping, realized the true value of his intent and spell, Adamant Thunder slowly turned his back and swung his raised hand.

“What can be achieved with that ordinary magic.”

At the moment he drew a long, extended finger from sky to ground, a creaking roar echoed from the heavens.

CRACK!!

An immense vibration converged and rotated in the darkened sky, extending a desolate light from its tip. The Arch-Wizard’s magic, transcending Hierarchy, manipulated natural phenomena, instantly transforming into the clearest lightning intent.

[Thunder Calling]

A single streak of enormous lightning struck towards the Department of Necromancy research building.

KABOOOOM!!!!

“Uwaaahhh!!”

“M-mad!!”

A massive surge of lightning that seemed to connect heaven and earth.

[Kuaaaaaaaah!!!]

The spirit’s body, unable to withstand the absurd amount of heat, instantly evaporated and vanished on the spot. A horrific shriek, like a soul being scraped, pierced through the entire Rebatenon campus. The moment everyone covered their ears and squeezed their eyes shut at the soul-scraping scream, Adamant Thunder looked back and snapped his fingers once more.

[Cleaving Thunder (開霹)]

Fwoooosh!!!

A second light, surging inversely from the tip of the lightning, chased away all the screams and dark clouds that had echoed everywhere. A dazzling pillar of light soared above, instantly revealing a clear sky.

“……”

The wizard, riding on that glow, descended onto the collapsing research building. The professors and researchers who had been watching the project demonstration inside the lecture hall. The reporters. The onlookers and various industry officials who had been waiting for Evan and Adamant Thunder to emerge outside.

All of them simply stared, mouths agape, at Adamant Thunder, who was rubbing his brow. Since he had handled the berserk ghost in the lecture hall, Adamant Thunder’s notoriety would likely be somewhat neutralized. He would uphold the Magic Tower’s prestige and surely leave a positive impression regarding this agreement.

Just as Lennok thought so and enhanced his hearing by raising his magic perception, he began to hear voices of fear and shock from all directions.

“He blew up the entire research building just to show off his magic…”

“……Hmm?”

“He’s insane. Who blabbered that Adamant Thunder was quieter than expected?”

“So that’s why he was quiet all this time. He really has completely lost it, hasn’t he?”

“He was holding back to cause a scene at the end. What excellent patience for an Arch-Wizard.”

“I wish I hadn’t come…”

“Don’t make eye contact, lower your head!”

“……”

A completely different reaction than expected. Voices filled with regret and lament echoed from all corners. As Lennok paused at the sight of them unable to even properly lift their heads, Davi quietly whispered into Adamant Thunder’s ear.

[If you plan to clear out all the organic beings at once, wouldn’t it be better to leave out the students?]

“……No, that’s…”

[They’re such considerate organic beings who offer me snacks.]

“……”

Lennok was speechless.