Chapter 774: The Third Thesis (8)
The Order Alliance’s extraordinary offer to forcibly complete Evan Vylun’s Hierarchy.
You mean they’d offer such a reward just for meeting the Order’s leader?
“…That’s an interesting offer.”
But instead of showing delight at Jenny’s words, Lennok could only give a bitter laugh.
The leader of the sorcerers who sought to weave all the spells of this world into a new order.
He felt he understood why he had extended this offer to Evan Vylun.
Yet, contrary to his inner thoughts, Lennok’s mouth calmly voiced a reply that questioned the Alliance’s proposal.
“But I can’t agree with that method. Is there even a way to forcibly complete a Hierarchy?”
“Well, I don’t know that much myself.”
Jenny replied with a hesitant expression.
“I mean, it wouldn’t be strange for the Order Alliance to have a relic-grade artifact like that, would it?”
“……”
“I actually think this offer itself wasn’t genuinely extended to you, Professor, but rather a form of display.”
Jenny said, lightly tapping the letter.
“Usually, important matters like this aren’t conveyed through an intermediary. And they didn’t even try to hide it.
“I see.”
“Don’t you think they’re trying to show that the Alliance has this much power? That they can assist in your research?”
“Hmm…”
While nodding as if in agreement, Lennok inwardly believed the Alliance had no such intention.
If the Alliance truly wanted to flaunt its power or abilities to Lennok, it wouldn’t have ended with just this simple message.
Rather, it was likely because they had no interest whatsoever in adding unnecessary formalities to the offer.
The big names operating on the central front.
Especially the groups at the forefront, heading towards Ars Nova, are quite literally hotbeds of beings beyond human comprehension.
A group of sorcerers who thoroughly pursue practical dealings and efficiency.
Worshippers of magic who disregard ethics, morals, and worldly standards.
In a way, that also connects them, albeit differently, to the cult they oppose.
‘Forcibly completing a Hierarchy… it wouldn’t be through ordinary artifacts or spells, would it…’
From his past experience, Lennok also had an inkling of how they intended to complete Evan Vylun’s Hierarchy.
The high-ranking sorcerer of the Alliance, Nyaav, whom he had encountered in Duke Kabahim’s fortress, Jellian’s Castle, had applied summoning magic to his own body, transcending his lineage, showing how the Alliance was challenging new heights.
Perhaps the method they proposed to Evan Vylun was also not about boosting the power of his Hierarchy, but rather about meddling with his very essence.
Naturally, this was aid Lennok didn’t particularly need from the start.
“I will decline any offer to meddle with my Hierarchy. Spirit magic is different from ordinary spells, so I don’t wish to receive help in that manner anyway. However…”
“However?”
“Regarding a face-to-face meeting with the leader, there might be room for consideration.”
If the leader of the Alliance, who had never appeared publicly before, suddenly wished to meet Evan Vylun directly, what could be the reason?
The Third Thesis.
The new Common Magic, whose versatility had been maximized for use in this world.
He probably thought that the new topic Lennok had brought up aligned with the essence the Alliance pursued.
Thus, Lennok also knew that while there was no need to accept the offer, there was no reason to refuse it either.
Lennok picked up the letter Jenny held out, turning it over in his hands as he asked.
“This letter. It’s not just the offer you mentioned, but a kind of invitation required to visit the Alliance, isn’t it?”
“…That is.”
Jenny hesitated for a moment, then glanced back and whispered quietly.
“I only learned this by chance, but it’s not just a simple invitation.”
“Oh?”
“I heard it when I was very young. This isn’t an invitation, but…”
Jenny muttered, gazing at the invitation with a complicated expression.
“It’s a usage right for a portal managed by the Alliance.”
“A portal?”
He knew such means of transportation existed, but he never imagined the Alliance would possess and distribute the usage rights for them.
Given that the fact itself wasn’t widely known, perhaps those within the Alliance kept it thoroughly confidential.
And if Jenny knew about this, it was probably related to her relatives, not just herself.
“……”
As expected, instead of explaining further, Jenny closed her mouth with a troubled expression.
Perhaps it was because if she spoke more, she would have to explain her past.
Aside from getting acquainted with Evan, Jenny had never wanted to talk about her childhood with anyone for long.
Lennok thought so, slowly nodding.
“Understood. As you said, I’ll just keep this. Please convey that answer to the Alliance.”
There was no need to immediately refuse the Alliance’s offer. Leaving some room for consideration here would be enough.
He was interested in what a high-ranking sorcerer, such as the leader of the Order Alliance, thought of Common Magic.
And what they aimed to achieve through the organization known as the Alliance.
He hadn’t thought there would be a situation where he’d meet him as Evan, but there was no need to preemptively eliminate the chance of contact.
Watching Lennok calmly tuck the letter into his pocket, Jenny mumbled with a perplexed expression.
“You seem to have far more experience with things like this than I do… Did you know this would happen?”
“As you said, I have experienced similar things a few times.”
“……”
Jenny, who had been squinting at Lennok at his calm reply, suddenly spoke as if something had occurred to her.
“The cult’s offer is much simpler than the Alliance’s. They plan to send a missionary soon, with the nuance that they want to visit to congratulate you on your achievements, Professor.”
“A mere formality, then.”
“Those cultists are always like that, but from the general atmosphere, it seems they’re far more pressed for time than we thought.”
Jenny said, as if it were nothing important.
“It means their situation is so urgent they couldn’t even bother with the details, despite hearing the news.”
“……”
He had thought they had recovered enough strength to resume war with the Alliance, but perhaps the cult also harbored countless internal problems.
Perhaps the Pontiff’s renewed contact with Lennok at this point wasn’t for just one reason.
While Lennok was lost in thought, Jenny rustled through documents, beginning to organize other agenda items.
“I think that’s mostly everything I needed to tell you… Oh, a summons from the City Government’s Central Council arrived. What should we do about this?”
Jenny pulled out a sheet of paper, waving it lightly as she asked.
“I looked into it after seeing this, and it seems they want to involve you with the Technology Advisory Committee for collaboration.”
“It’s not something we need to answer immediately.”
Lennok immediately shook his head.
He had expected the Central Council to summon Evan directly, but as he said, he had no intention of appearing immediately.
He had already created a pretext for his absence, using the fourth Common Magic update as an excuse.
If he claimed to be currently focused on adjusting the research outcomes of his thesis and handling follow-up measures, it would be difficult for the Central Council to officially justify summoning Evan.
“For the time being, I intend to refrain from official activities and focus on personal research.”
“Good thinking.”
At Lennok’s firm reply, Jenny chuckled and nodded.
“I’d recommend keeping a low profile for a while. Tremendous research and investment are already starting regarding your thesis, Professor.”
Jenny said this, pushing all the documents she was holding toward Lennok.
“The demand for consultations on it is also absurdly high, so if you attend the council, you’ll be forced to handle tasks. You wouldn’t want to waste time on such consultations, would you?”
“……”
“We’ll filter most of it on our end, but inquiries coming directly to Rebatenon will be something you’ll have to handle yourself. We don’t have the authority to intervene in the administrative affairs of a city government-affiliated educational institution.”
“Of course.”
“Alright. Then let’s stop here for today, and tomorrow we’ll again—”
Bang!!
The moment Jenny opened the door, loud shouts echoed from outside.
“Professor Vylun!!”
“Your presentation was incredibly impressive, Professor…!!”
Not just one, but a line of dozens of mages.
An echo resounding from down the hall, blocked by Felix, unable to even see Lennok’s face.
“This is Tristan from Voyager Magic Tower. Please, allow us to take this learning device out!!”
“It’s an honor to witness an achievement that will fundamentally change the basis of continental magic theory. We would truly like to invite you to our society, Professor!”
“Not just the Common Magic system, but this learning device also holds immense potential. Please, just read the association’s proposal, even once…!!”
These people had not yet left the magic tower even after the seminar presentation ended, stubbornly staying to somehow talk to Lennok.
Jenny closed the door, turned to them, and massaged her temples with an annoyed expression.
“I believe I told you that the Professor needs absolute peace and quiet. Didn’t I promise that he would speak with you once the situation settled down?”
“Th-That’s not enough. You don’t know what a commotion is happening outside!!”
“Every academic society and investor I know is demanding in-depth research into the Common Magic system. We must achieve results, no matter what!”
Jenny flashed a very bright smile at the desperately shouting mages.
“That’s why you should have listened carefully during the Professor’s seminar and asked your questions then.”
“Please…!!”
“Felix. Take them away!!”
“Professor!!!”
The anxious shouts of the mages, like brothers calling out to a lost sibling.
Lennok, confirming the corridor had instantly fallen silent, closed his eyes and leaned his head back.
“Questions, huh…”
Yes, the opportunity to ask questions doesn’t always come.
If you don’t ask what you’re curious about when the time is right and let it pass, the chance might never come again.
Hadn’t Lennok himself, while exploring the secrets of this world, let several opportunities slip away despite his best efforts?
That’s why Lennok didn’t find it strange at all that the Alliance leader wanted to meet him.
A secret only he knew, one that no one remembered now, yet undoubtedly existed in this world.
Because the third Common Magic thesis he presented was, in fact, a question posed to those who knew the world’s secrets.