Chapter 856: Handover (24)

The Elemental Studies faculty building at Rebatenon Magic University.

From early in the morning, undergraduate students and reporters were jostling for position to see a notice posted in the building.

They were likely there to confirm whether Evan Vylun, who had returned to the university after several months, would officially begin his lectures today.

But Lennok, instead of paying any mind to the atmosphere outside, sat in a corner of his lab and casually watched the news.

[The Vylun Research Institute, established directly under the Central Council, is scheduled to undergo a major overhaul.]

[The institute has stated that this is not due to the explosion incident a few days ago, but is part of a planned schedule…]

[Acknowledging the lack of infrastructure prepared for universal magic research, and to allow for pure focus on research…]

[The renowned Dr. Mav Raphael, famous in academic circles for his parallel theory, will be the first to join the institute—]

“I apologize for having to greet you with such unpleasant news on your first day back at the university in a long while.”

Thud!

Dean Saiolus spoke as Cassia placed a steaming cup of coffee in front of Lennok.

The dean, stroking his white beard, sat opposite Lennok and turned his gaze to the screen.

A bitter smile formed on the old man’s face as he looked at the sensational news headlines surrounding the institute.

“I never imagined they would use your name without your permission. By the time I confirmed it through a councilman I know, it was already too late. It was my oversight.”

“It’s not your fault, Dean.”

Lennok replied, lifting his coffee cup.

“I don’t share all the details of my agreements with the Magic Tower with the university, either. It wouldn’t have been strange for you to assume it was all agreed upon.”

“You cut off all contact and disappeared right after publishing your third paper. Who would know?”

Cassia grumbled, standing with her own coffee cup in hand.

“It’s fine to focus on research, but this is what happens when you’re completely unreachable. You get taken advantage of.”

“Cassia.”

“Am I wrong?”

Despite the dean’s stern tone, Cassia only glanced at Lennok before continuing, undeterred.

“I know you wanted to open up the papers you’ve published for use throughout the industry, but just receiving royalties gives you no control. This is a problem that can absolutely never be solved unless the person involved takes matters into their own hands.”

“…”

“Besides, would the situation with the institute even be this big of a deal if it weren’t for the explosion a few days ago?”

Cassia gestured sharply at the screen.

“After the explosion, the council’s handling of the matter has been unusually swift, and things are being sorted out, but if we can’t contact Evan, there’s nothing we can do either.”

“You have a point.”

Lennok nodded with a smile.

“It’s something I need to manage more carefully. I’ll be more attentive in the future.”

“…I wasn’t looking for an apology. It’s just a shame to see the brilliance of your excellent papers fade like this.”

Realizing she had gotten worked up, Cassia looked away awkwardly, and the dean shook his head.

“The fortunate thing is that the City Council’s attitude has become incredibly favorable. I suspect something must have happened during the explosion… The special treatment you’re about to receive will be the best ever granted to a researcher in Vulcan.”

“I was told that I would be given a list of the council members who proposed and executed the measure.”

Lennok agreed with the dean’s words.

“I can’t completely trust the Central Council, but for the time being, this should be enough.”

“…”

At that, the dean and Cassia exchanged unreadable glances.

After awkwardly clearing her throat while stealing glances at Lennok, Cassia pretended to be nonchalant and asked.

“Ahem, so, what are you going to do about that?”

“About what?”

“The research institute. The Vylun Research Institute.”

A hint of anxiety surfaced on Cassia’s face.

“Are you thinking of leaving the university to go there?”

“…”

“Well, I’m not necessarily going to stop you. It’s only natural to move where it benefits your research, and it might provide some extra motivation for the Carlyle Research Institute—”

“I have been offered the position of Director at the institute.”

At Lennok’s words, the dean and Cassia flinched.

They tried not to show it, but their agitation was palpable.

“They said they were willing to provide an improved research environment for the distribution and expansion of the universal magic system.”

“W-Well, that’s good.”

The dean stammered, nodding his head.

With a composed expression, he brought his coffee cup to his lips and spoke.

“There was that unfortunate incident, but the facility and personnel are surely top-class among the research institutions directly under the City Council. For the sake of your future, I am always willing to let you leave Rebatenon for a better place.”

“For someone saying that, your hands are trembling quite a bit.”

“It’s just a tremor. You’ll be like this too when you get old.”

“A 7-level Saint Wizard?”

The coffee in the dean’s hands was trembling so violently it was about to spill from the cup.

Lennok watched the sight and shook his head.

“Even if I accept the directorship, I will not be leaving the university. I’ll have to discuss the contract terms to ensure I can at least hold both positions concurrently.”

The dean’s expression brightened instantly.

“Is that so?”

“Dean, please…”

The dean’s voice was so excited that Cassia was startled enough to try and calm him down.

Lennok smiled and replied.

“The students I was teaching are still here, and lecturing is also quite helpful. It weighs on my mind that I can’t pay them more attention, but…”

“As long as you remain at the university, what does that matter? Everyone would welcome you even if you only lectured once a year.”

The dean slammed the table forcefully.

“If you wish, I could even create a new department centered around you. No, considering the existence of the universal magic system, that’s what ought to be done. I’ll speak to the administration right now!”

“No, that’s going too far…”

Lennok laughed with a troubled expression.

It wasn’t that he couldn’t understand the dean’s aggressive attempt to secure him.

Just as it’s difficult for an outstanding scholar to also be a good teacher, talent that can consistently produce results while also communicating smoothly is rare.

Having been responsible for running this educational institution, the dean must see Lennok’s existence as that precious.

And yet, since the dean owed Lennok his life from the Ghost God Palace incident, he couldn’t treat him entirely without reservation.

But Lennok’s desire to not leave the university wasn’t just for those reasons.

“Because there was someone who brought me here when I had nothing and made a place for me at this university.”

Lennok smiled.

“Until that person returns, I intend to remain in the Elemental Studies department.”

“…”

The moment they heard those words, Cassia’s and the dean’s expressions clouded over simultaneously.

“Evan. Endowed Chair Professor Richellen is now…”

“I must be clear about this.”

The dean’s hands clasped together with a somber air, his eyes sinking deep.

“I am in constant contact with the Sinclair Magic Tower, but the only answer I receive is that Aris’s extended sabbatical is her own choice.”

“…”

“I don’t doubt Aris’s character, but she may have had a change of heart… Are you still okay with that?”

“I’m fine.”

Lennok said, unconsciously reaching a hand into his coat.

Feeling the cold touch of the elixir with his fingertips, Lennok replied.

“Because I believe I know why she doesn’t want to come back.”

“…”

“To be honest, I still think it’s a meaningless endeavor, and I believe that any meaning gained from it is likely to be just as futile, but…”

Nevertheless, Lennok had to respect Aris’s decision.

Regardless of what Lennok thought, his answer wasn’t the only correct one.

He believed that the fruition Aris Richellen was researching and trying to attain must have its own meaning.

If he were to deny that, the very moment he understood her resolve and let her go would become a lie.

For a moment, the dean looked at Lennok’s face with a somewhat sorrowful expression, then forced himself to cheer up and shot up from his seat.

“Alright. I have a gift for you, who has waited with such patience.”

“A gift?”

“An item whose news has been absent for as long as the endowed chair professor you’ve been so eagerly awaiting.”

“That’s a strangely unpleasant description.”

“Hehe, you noticed?”

Letting out a grim laugh, the dean hid something behind his back and slowly approached Lennok.

Walking on the balls of his feet like an old predator stalking its prey, the dean swung his arm around and forcefully placed something down in front of Lennok.

“Here, look at this!”

Thump!!

A large picture frame, big enough to cover half of the dean’s body.

Inside the frame, an award certificate with golden decorations and elegant cursive script was displayed.

Lennok read the contents of the certificate and smiled.

“A certificate of completion for the integrated Master’s and Doctoral program. Has it finally been decided?”

“Frankly, it should have been done long ago. The internal review was finished a while back, but it was delayed because the Central Council intervened to inspect it.”

The dean tapped the frame excitedly and exclaimed.

“I originally wanted to give it to you right after you published your paper… but now that it has the council’s certification, it’s good that you’ll receive the same treatment in other cities.”

“I never knew they gave out certificates like this.”

“I had it made as a special request.”

With a proud smile, the dean clapped Lennok on the shoulder.

“You are now a graduate with a City Council-certified doctorate, and a formal professor of our Rebatenon Magic University.”

“…”

A doctorate and a formal professorship.

Only then did Lennok look at the certificate the dean had set down with a fresh perspective.

He had been called a professor half the time since the universal magic announcement, but strictly speaking, it hadn’t been a formal position.

The fact that he was now receiving it in a complete, official capacity struck a different chord.

An 8-level mage. The realm of an archmage. The Kaleidoscope Mind Imprint and the blood-soaked deeds of Adamant Thunder.

It might pale in comparison to the fame and power Lennok had acquired so far, but…

This was proof that Lennok had lived his life to the fullest in a direction other than killing and fighting.

His time spent holed up in a lab researching magic was just as meaningful as the time he’d spent fighting for his life, drenched in blood.

Thinking this, Lennok picked up the certificate with a gentle smile.

“Thank you.”

“I should be the one saying that. Thank you so much for your dedication to the university until now.”

The dean said, wiping his eyes as if he were getting emotional.

“I don’t know why seeing my pupils climb the steps moves me so much now that I’m older…”

Lennok’s face turned serious.

“I did not climb any stairs. Your metaphor is incorrect.”

“Was that really something that needed such a firm correction…?”

Cassia retorted, looking dumbfounded, but then chuckled as she saw the happy dean.

“I’ll go get Director Bailla. She said she’d prepare some drinks to celebrate Evan’s professorship.”

“Ah, I also have a rare liquor I only bring out on days like this. It’s a poison liquor made by soaking a basilisk’s fang in it. The rumor is that if three people drink it, four might die without anyone noticing, it’s that infamous—”

“What are you doing not throwing that out immediately?!”

[Booo, boooo~]

As Cassia screamed in horror, the fur-ball spirit, woken from its slumber by the noise, came over and rubbed its body against Lennok’s leg.

[…Hmph. Hmmm~]

Sensing the Cybernetic Spirit squirming with great discomfort inside him, Lennok smiled and stroked Davi.

“It’s been months since you’ve seen each other. Why not say hello?”

[…I’m not ignoring it, you know. We’re on different starting lines, to begin with.]

Davi retorted with a snort.

Even in the cramped space of Lennok’s coat, it proudly puffed out its chest and exclaimed.

[While that thing was lazing around at the university blowing snot bubbles in its sleep, I’ve already grown six tails and am growing day by—]

“Alright, I get it.”

Tapping Davi’s snout, Lennok stood up, immediately put on his overcoat, and grabbed the doorknob.

The dean and Cassia, who had been in a heated debate over what ratio to dilute the basilisk’s venom with alcohol to fall below a lethal dose, immediately whipped their heads around.

“Evan? Where are you going?”

“Weren’t we going to have a drink together?”

“My apologies, but since I’m out for the first time in a while, I thought I’d take care of some things I need to do.”

Lennok, now wearing his coat, smiled and bowed his head slightly.

“And now that I’ve received my doctorate, it would be more convenient to sort out the City Council’s proposal as well.”

“…The City Council’s proposal, you mean.”

“Yes.”

Lennok, hand on the doorknob, replied as he turned his back on the lab.

“The position of Director of the Vylun Research Institute. There’s no need to refuse what they’re offering.”

Thud!

Behind the firmly shut door, the dean and Cassia stared at each other blankly.

“Huh?”

“…Weren’t we having a pretty heartwarming moment just now?”

Flash! Flash! Flash!!!

The dazzling lights of cameras exploded.

The ear-splitting sound of shutters overlapped, like machine gun fire.

Whitestone National Park, located between Sectors 35 and 36.

In the middle of a deserted mountain path, usually devoid of people, over a hundred members of the press had set up camp, capturing one man’s ascent on camera.

“Professor Vylun!!”

“Professor, please look this way just once!”

“Congratulations on formally acquiring your doctorate!!”

“If you have any comments on the recent incident, we can feature you on the front page of our exclusive interview—”

“…”

Bodyguards who had been waiting quickly blocked the reporters thrusting recorders forward to catch even a single word from Lennok.

Amidst the bodyguards, Lennok walked without a word, his face expressionless.

His figure, ascending the path to the research institute, was so calm and still that it seemed devoid of any vitality.

The reporters whispered among themselves as they watched Lennok’s reaction.

“His eyes are unfocused. He looks dead tired.”

“They say he’s mad for research, and just like they say, he doesn’t seem to be in his right mind.”

“There’s a reason the City Council was looking for that professor so desperately. Isn’t he the kind of workaholic the council members love most?”

“I wonder if he was researching universal magic? If we got any news on whether a new spell is being added to the learning devices, our views would explode.”

At the splendid, newly renovated main gate of the institute, dozens of researchers were already waiting to greet Lennok in person.

The middle-aged man at the very front strode forward and grasped Lennok’s hand.

“P-Professor Vylun.”

Raphael said, unable to hide his excitement, his breath coming in puffs.

“You have no idea how long I’ve waited for you, Professor Vylun. A true welcome to you.”

“…”

Evan, who had been staring at him with a blank face, instantly broke into a gentle smile.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Professor Raphael.”

“Y-You know me?!”

In response to Raphael’s hopeful reply, Evan gently shook the captured hand as if in a handshake.

“I was also deeply impressed by your theory on the parallel arrangement of mana particles, Professor. It was impressive how you considered its versatility for application in various fields, even while contradicting existing mana theories.”

“Gasp…!! H-How did you know!”

“It first occurred to me that you probably felt the same thing I did when I wrote my papers.”

Evan smiled as he watched Raphael nod his head as if he were about to pass out.

“I’m relieved that you took charge of the institute in my stead, Professor. I believe we have much to learn from each other.”

“I-I wanted to say the same thing. How do you know my feelings so well…!!”

Hayward, standing to the side, watched in astonishment as Raphael’s favorability toward Evan reached its maximum after just a few words.

But Raphael paid no attention to the reactions of those around him. He gripped Evan’s shoulders firmly and immediately began to guide him into the institute.

“In preparation for your arrival, I’ve familiarized myself with the research achievements of the Vylun Institute, and I’m already completely immersed in this project. Let me show you right now!”

“It’s an honor.”

“The universal magic system is a truly incredible achievement. If I could, I’d want nothing more than to stay here for years and conduct my research alongside yours—!!”

Dozens of researchers, hundreds of press members, and a similar number of onlookers poured into the institute like a rising tide.

At the center of it all was the jubilant Raphael, talking animatedly about whatever he pleased, and Evan Vylun, maintaining a gentle smile as he listened.

“Good.”

And this entire scene at the institute was being observed by Lennok, who was perched on the edge of a rock ledge dozens of meters away.

He was a quiet figure in a black cardigan, a cigarette in his mouth, sitting on his staff.

But his eyes, glinting from between his hair, were focused with a deep intensity, as if watching across the distance.

“Controlling a clone using the Incarnation Body is far more stable than I thought.”

Lennok murmured as he watched Evan begin to tour the institute with Raphael from afar.

“Making it imitate Evan Vylun isn’t difficult, and with a little more practice, I might even be able to do Victor.”

[Imitating the mask-wearer would probably startle a lot of other organic beings.]

“That’s what you like best.”

After a moment of thought, Davi conceded.

[Now that I think about it, that does sound fun!]

“…In any case, what’s important is distributing the mana and splitting the patterns to project them simultaneously. This will require constant practice.”

As he said this, Lennok closed one eye and began to concentrate on controlling the Incarnation Body.

“For now, the priority is to stabilize the Incarnation Body and find out how far away I can maintain smooth control.”

It was the research journal on stabilizing nature spellcraft that he had obtained through Raphael during the institute attack.

Having grasped the knack of stabilizing a spellcraft by simultaneously observing its interior and exterior, Lennok had immediately understood that this technique could be applied quite easily to the Incarnation Body.

In most cases when Lennok controlled the Incarnation Body, he was observing it from the outside anyway.

All that was needed was to insert a new scrying spellcraft inside the Incarnation Body and fix its form by observing both the inside and outside simultaneously.

This way, he could manipulate and manifest the Incarnation Body, whose existence had become infinitely unstable due to the Apostle-fication of the Gwangramuhae-gung, in a relatively stable state.

Lennok had disguised that stabilized Incarnation Body as Evan and sent it to the institute visit in his place.

“50, 75, 63, 82. Stop.”

The moment it crossed a certain distance, Evan’s naturally moving expression stiffened slightly.

Lennok immediately halted the Evan incarnation and drew upon his mana, and only then did the clone begin to move smoothly again.

“Control of the incarnation begins to get stiff at roughly 81 meters.”

Davi diligently transcribed Lennok’s murmured words onto an electronic screen from within his coat.

“Mana consumption doubles for every 7.334 meters farther away, and the tremors in the Incarnation Body, stabilized with the nature spellcraft technique, grow stronger. Projecting that much more mana helps, but the loss during transmission is also severe.”

If it were a spell Lennok himself was casting, this kind of mana consumption would be impossible.

But the Incarnation Body was not Lennok himself, but a spellcraft-lifeform created by forcibly awakening another ego.

Furthermore, Lennok’s incarnation was not based on his own ego, but on a martial artist from the Old World.

No matter how precise and delicate Lennok’s control was in transmitting mana to the Incarnation Body, it was meaningless if the body couldn’t receive it.

“102. 121. 156. Wrong. Past 150 meters, it’s virtually uncontrollable.”

Lennok tilted his head in annoyance and muttered, tapping his staff.

“It seems the mana perception of the 1st World martial artist wasn’t that great. The efficiency is far lower than I expected.”

[Should we move?]

“No, if we go any closer, we might be detected by the institute’s security system. It’s best to be cautious for now.”

This was the first time he was controlling the Incarnation Body amidst such a large crowd, so Lennok also needed to be prudent.

At worst, he had to prevent the fact that Lennok was controlling Evan Vylun from being discovered.

Just as Lennok was thinking this, carefully paying attention to the surrounding presences and fluctuations in mana…

Whoosh!!

He felt a hot wind by his ear.

It was like a blast of heated air, yet it had a strange movement, as if trying to take on form and will.

The moment Lennok recognized it and shot his gaze sharply downward…

Cruunch!!

The mound of dirt beneath him shifted, and a corpse shot out, immediately throwing its head back.

“Ah, ah…”

The corpse, with only its upper body sticking out of the dirt, let out a strange moan as if clearing its throat.

“Aaaah—Ah, can you hear me?”

Instantly adjusting its pitch to form words, the corpse looked up at Lennok from below the rock ledge.

Its face was too rotted to read any expression. A corpse that had died so long ago that its eyeballs weren’t properly attached.

Before Lennok could say anything, the corpse offered a brief impression.

“Impressive.”

“…”

A low laugh escaped the throat of the corpse as it tilted its head, propping its chin on one hand.

“For the Archmage who rules Vulcan’s underworld to put so much effort into the movements of a single human. Quite different from the rumors I’ve heard.”

“I don’t particularly want to hear that from someone who has to borrow someone else’s mouth to even introduce himself.”

Lennok’s eyes gleamed coldly.

“Necromancer. Do you have business with me?”

A high-level spellcraft capable of using a corpse as a messenger.

Moreover, if it was a system that could be cast from a distance so vast that even Lennok found it difficult to pinpoint the location, there was only one possibility.

Necromancy, a spellcraft system that operates entirely on the dead. And it had to be a user of Saint-level or higher, one who had perfected corpse manipulation that was not bound by distance.

“Don’t glare so hard. I’m just a messenger. Especially in this matter.”

The corpse laughed with a sticky, viscous tone.

“There are many people who are very interested in your recent intervention in the City Council’s affairs. To be precise, people who were impressed by your methods.”

“Keep it short.”

As Lennok turned his gaze back toward the distant view of the institute, the corpse shrugged.

“Alright. A meeting is planned between peak Level 8 ability users. Interested?”

“…”

Lennok’s gaze snapped back to the corpse.