Chapter 757: One-Man Show (9)

The Elixir’s ability to fix the existing amount of mana, thereby eliminating its consumption.

However, Lennok did not easily get excited even after understanding the Elixir’s power.

He had vaguely realized the meaning and limitations of the Elixir’s power immediately after the experiment.

“Davi. The time mana is fixed. How long exactly?”

“[When tested on plants, it was 6.409 seconds. Based on when Master ingested it, it’s about 3.98 seconds.]”

“Ambiguous…”

Quantified through Davi’s data measurement, it was only 3.98 seconds. A time that is ambiguous, long if you consider it long, short if you consider it short.

It held immeasurable value in battles between high-level superhumans, but conversely, it was a somewhat ambiguous amount of time to freely wield high-output magic.

‘When I cast Alpha Light seven times, the first four times had no mana consumption, but the latter three did.’

This meant that if the spell was not completed within the duration of the effect, mana would be consumed.

Therefore, to enjoy the Elixir’s effect without mana consumption, one had to finish the incantation and activate the spell within 3.98 seconds.

Lennok quickly racked his brain, considering various possibilities.

‘Most high-level magic could probably benefit from the effect by skipping or changing the order, but it would be a close call for Domain.’

A wizard of Lennok’s caliber could adjust spells by not chanting or by skipping chants by altering the order.

It wouldn’t be difficult to benefit from the effect by changing the necessary order for spell casting and then ingesting the diluted solution in between.

The problem lay in the use of Lennok’s Domain.

The Mind Imprint of the Kaleidoscope is not a spell that can be used by simply changing the incantation or casting order.

It is a Mind Imprint whose structure Lennok himself barely manages to reach, pushing and elevating himself to the limit every time he uses it.

Could he unfold the Kaleidoscope, observe and select branching points, and then deploy it multiply—that miracle—within about 4 seconds.

Lennok pondered for a moment before tilting his head.

“I think it might be possible…”

“[It’s possible?!]”

Davi retorted, as if dumbfounded.

“Even just reducing the mana consumption for unfolding the Kaleidoscope would help. If you think about it that way, it’s definitely not completely unhelpful.”

Of course, whether continuous ingestion of the diluted solution would be too much for the body,

And whether the mana fixation phenomenon works smoothly not only for Lennok but also for other test subjects.

Further research would be needed on the Elixir’s purpose and target, but Lennok already clearly realized how valuable this item was.

From the outset, the fact that it could temporarily fix the mana amount of a wizard like Lennok was certainly not a normal power or ability.

Is a power that reverses the principles of the world structured by existing mana theory and physical laws.

Only Mind Imprints originating from the caster’s core could achieve such a feat.

At the moment he confirmed the Elixir’s ability, Lennok was certain that this elixir was created based on Aris’s core Mind Imprint.

‘I don’t know what kind of Mind Imprint she obtained to make this possible…’

The Aris Richellen Lennok remembered was an exceptionally talented elemental wizard, and among them, a scholar who focused primarily on the water-flow system.

It wasn’t that she lacked talent for combat, but she was most gifted at organizing her magic into theories and systematically arranging them.

That’s why her talent shone brightest when she studied with Lennok in libraries or research labs, wasn’t it?

If such an Aris awakened her Mind Imprint and melted her essence into the form of an elixir,

What kind of scene and abilities would the Mind Imprint she acquired depict?

Water-flow type unique magic. And the Elixir’s ability, which seems to temporarily fix mana.

It felt like a miracle, akin to grasping flowing water with bare hands and stopping it.

“…”

He felt as if he was on the verge of understanding something more, but Lennok stopped his thoughts there and stood up.

Although he had figured out the Elixir’s efficacy, he had no intention of stopping the experiment here.

It was a waste to consume more of the diluted solution here, but even if it meant reducing the number of trials, he had to uncover the Elixir’s potential as much as possible right here.

Thinking so, Lennok received another test subject from Davi and immediately launched into the experiment.

Immediately after, he had to accept a conclusion different from the one he had previously reached.

“The fixation…”

“[This time, the mana isn’t fixing?]”

The object into which the Elixir diluted solution was injected this time was a small flower placed near the laboratory.

It was an ornamental plant that didn’t absorb mana but bloomed with mana the moment it opened.

However, this time, when the diluted solution was injected into the flower, the mana fixation phenomenon Lennok expected didn’t occur.

Lennok met Davi’s gaze and tilted his head.

“What happened?”

“[…Shall we try experimenting on Master again?]”

Ignoring Davi’s uneasy suggestion, Lennok ingested the diluted solution again, confirming that his mana amount was fixed just like before.

That is, the Elixir worked normally for Lennok, but not for other subjects.

“…Let’s experiment on other subjects too.”

After that, Lennok experimented on various plants whose mana fluctuations could be measured, and even caught a few mice wandering outside the lab to feed them the diluted solution. Only then could Lennok confirm.

“The Elixir’s efficacy… works differently for other subjects.”

“[It’s not completely ineffective. However, unlike when Master uses it, it seems to only reduce mana consumption by half for other test subjects.]”

“…”

If a test subject other than Lennok took the Elixir, the effect of fixing the entire mana amount did not occur.

Instead, when they performed actions that required mana consumption, the rate of mana consumption was significantly reduced by about 40%.

Perhaps it wasn’t a mana fixative, but rather a mana consumption half-reducer?

However, at this point, one crucial question remained.

“[Then why did the plant we first experimented on grow with its mana fixed?]”

Davi asked, twisting her tail.

“[If this item’s effect applies differently only to Master, then this plant should have also shown results of halved mana consumption, like now.]”

“The first potted plant we experimented on. It was a plant that grew absorbing mana in the lab, wasn’t it?”

Lennok, who had been silent, retorted.

“Perhaps it absorbed some of my excess mana while exposed to it?”

“[…Are you saying the Elixir reacts only to Master’s mana and gives different effects?]”

The first plant experimented on was one that had grown by absorbing mana in Lennok’s lab.

Therefore, it might have been able to enjoy the Elixir’s effects in the same way Lennok did.

“We’ll know if we ask Claris directly.”

Lennok said that and immediately grabbed his coat.

Just as he was about to leave the lab, his phone rang, and a message arrived.

A direct message from Jenny, who had most notifications turned off for Lennok.

-Van. All preparations for the Magic Tower cooperation project are complete.

“Perfect timing.”

Lennok mumbled, immediately picked up his phone, and called Claris.

“There’s one more thing to show that Long-lived Species immediately.”

“You were faster than I expected.”

Lennok’s magic tower, whose basic construction was almost complete.

The mid to upper floors were already mostly finished, with the office and various other facilities now open.

Among them, the spacious meeting room located relatively high up.

This time, Lennok was sitting, waiting for her, and Claris, who had come after receiving his call, walked in.

Claris naturally took off her coat and hung it on a chair, her eyes shining as she looked at Lennok.

“I thought it would take some time to figure out the Elixir’s abilities. Your research facilities and personnel seem quite good.”

“I diluted it.”

“…Excuse me?”

Lennok said expressionlessly, leaving a flustered Claris.

“I left one bottle as the original concentrate and diluted another to increase the volume. Tell Aris Richellen if she’s curious.”

“…”

Claris, who had been silent, quietly shook her head.

“No. It’s not my concern how an item that has already been delivered is used. Aris must have thought the same, which is why she didn’t say anything to me.”

“I see.”

“Regardless of that, I’d like to officially ask you to keep silent about this matter.”

Claris’s eyes gleamed coldly.

“The Elixir’s mana consumption reduction ability is by far the most outstanding among existing elixirs. Simply ingesting it can reduce the mana consumption of spells cast immediately afterward by up to 40%, and there are no prolonged repercussions or lasting side effects.”

“…”

Indeed, Claris understood the Elixir’s ability as a mana consumption reducer, not a mana amount fixative.

That meant even she didn’t know about the mana amount fixation ability that Lennok had experienced.

Had Aris not told Claris this fact?

Or had Aris herself not expected such a result?

While Lennok was deep in thought, Claris spoke again.

“If the mere existence of this elixir becomes public information, there’s a high possibility that the continental elixir market will greatly fluctuate.”

“How many people within the Sinclair Magic Tower know about the Elixir?”

“Including myself, less than five. Among them, some don’t even know its specific effects.”

Claris replied.

“If Aris doesn’t pursue mass production, I also have no intention of releasing this item to the market.”

“So, you’re saying it’s an item whose commercialization hasn’t even been decided yet.”

“You understand why this information shouldn’t be leaked, right?”

Just the knowledge of the Elixir’s existence would likely cause immense uproar around the Sinclair Magic Tower.

It wouldn’t be strange for other major powers or monsters to intervene simply by realizing the potential of Aris Richellen’s Mind Imprint.

If such is the case for a mana consumption reduction effect, then what about the power of mana amount fixation granted to Lennok?

But Lennok kept silent instead of adding unnecessary words.

He knew there was no need to make a direct promise to Claris in this setting.

Claris stared at Lennok’s face for a moment, then slowly rose and picked up her coat.

“My work in Vulcan is done. I’ll head back to the Magic Tower now—”

“If she’s Aris Richellen’s teacher, she must have considerable authority within the Sinclair Magic Tower, right?”

A saint-level wizard who has reached Level 7. It would be strange if a Long-lived Species, not human, had no power within a magic tower.

Without waiting for Claris’s answer, Lennok immediately continued.

“If you represent the Sinclair Magic Tower’s position, I’d like to form a partnership here. I’ll create a branch of Sinclair, so send wizards to manage it.”

“…I’m not sure what you mean.”

Claris frowned and turned to Lennok, saying.

“Why would you decide to open a branch of our tower in Vulcan?”

“I recently started a new business centered around the magic tower I established.”

Lennok nodded with an expressionless face.

“It’s still in the preparatory phase, but after the trial operation, we’ll begin full-scale expansion.”

“What exactly is this trial business?”

“Look below.”

The moment Claris inadvertently turned her gaze towards the window below at his words.

Vroooom!!

Dozens of large cargo trucks stopped in unison on the wide boulevard of District 49.

Workers with rolled-up sleeves sweated as they quickly unloaded packaged boxes.

All the workers were high-skilled personnel capable of enhancing their physical strength with even a small amount of mana.

After quickly moving the goods from the cargo hold to the vicinity of the tower, other vehicles arrived one after another.

Slam!

All those who opened car doors and immediately disembarked were wizards exuding dense mana.

Moreover, they were all individuals dispatched from organizations of considerable standing, each having mastered different systems and spells.

“What floor was our assigned spot?”

“The east and west sections are separated. We need to go check the location first, so move quickly!”

They walked boldly into the magic tower, carrying boxes and items overflowing from their vehicles.

Freelancers watching with wary eyes began to whisper as they identified the items being moved.

“Hey, do you see that?”

“Definitely. That’s the mana anti-inflammatory only sold by the Voyager Magic Tower.”

“There’s a self-repair kit directly distributed by the Magic Engineering Association. Precious items that sell out as soon as they’re released…”

“It’s a small particle accelerator from the Carlyle Research Institute. Why are such items suddenly here…?”

While District 49 has an abundance of artifacts and goods, rare and hard-to-find items are always present everywhere.

Especially items directly produced and sold by workshops or magic towers are often high-end goods that are difficult to obtain outside of second-hand markets or illegal auctions.

What did it mean that items rarely seen even by veteran freelancers were beginning to be brought into the magic tower in large quantities?

People who had realized the unfolding situation only after those words fell silent.

“The tower’s construction is almost complete.”

“Surely he’s not planning to start business immediately after finishing construction?”

Everyone understood that Vulcan’s first magic tower, established by Adamant Thunder, had already begun to move, even without an official name announced yet.

Claris looked back at Lennok with a surprised expression.

“Surely, the trial business that your magic tower is conducting…”

“Is there a need to individually filter out businesses that want to open a trading post in Vulcan?”

Lennok retorted and walked beside her.

Looking at the hundreds of spellcasters pouring into the magic tower from beyond the window, Lennok said.

“If I’m in a position to choose, I simply decided to handle it as conveniently as possible.”

“…This is.”

“Bringing cooperating businesses and research institutions that want to open up the market of a mega-city into the tower’s Domain, displaying their branches, and attracting businesses.”

Lennok smiled confidently.

“We will soon become Vulcan’s largest luxury complex… no, its largest magic tower.”

“…”

Claris looked at Lennok’s profile with a bewildered expression and asked.

“Even if you permanently reside within the tower’s Domain to maintain it, you can’t bring every business that wants to partner into the Domain.”

The tower’s Domain is designated as an extraterritorial boundary within Vulcan.

Therefore, she could understand Lennok’s idea of bringing business branches inside it to become a massive distribution network itself.

It was truly an idea and solution possible only for the sole magic tower existing in Vulcan.

However, no matter how wide the Domain, it would be impossible to let in everyone who wanted to supply items to the magic tower.

“Even if there was a way to expand the Domain, how do you plan to manage all the businesses coming from across the continent one by one?”

“Manage? Why should I do that?”

“…Excuse me?”

Lennok said that and glanced up at the sky.

The moment Claris also followed his gaze to the sky above the magic tower.

Click!!

A pitch-black fireball rapidly soared up from the unfinished top floor of the magic tower.

Boommm!!

The form of a black sun, about the size of a single person.

It was neither too big nor too small, just barely visible to the eyes of the people gathered around the tower.

But the moment one looked up and faced the black sun, a strange attraction, as if being sucked in, was felt.

Not a physical pull, but a peculiar suction that forcibly drew in one’s gaze.

Claris, realizing its true nature, turned her gaze to Lennok with a look of horror.

“You’re insane, Adamant Thunder. You couldn’t possibly be completely opening the tower’s Consciousness Space to the outside…!!”

“Opening the Consciousness Space and entrusting its management directly to the tower’s system.”

Lennok nodded and said.

“Perhaps because you’re not human, you’re quick to understand the application of Consciousness Space. Have you had a similar experience?”

“…Those similar to me would all have had the same experience.”

Claris gave a bitter smile, speaking nonsensical words.

But instead of pressing the matter, Lennok gestured to Claris.

“Shall we go inside and I’ll explain? You can decide whether to open a Sinclair Magic Tower branch inside the tower after seeing it.”

However, Claris quickly shook her head with a flustered expression.

“No! If I enter the Consciousness Space like this, my main body…!!”

Fwoosh!!

Before her answer could properly finish, a massive black gate unfolded before Claris’s eyes.