Chapter 957: The Prohibition (12)

[“It’s the Precept of Virtuous Guidance.”]

“……What?”

Deep within the Duris Workshop.

A secret vault accessible only to VIP clients who had long utilized the workshop.

While Elbato and the others remained unconscious, Lennok easily located the sacred artifact left behind by the Second Apostle.

He hadn’t been told the vault’s location, but traces of the Second Apostle remained on the VIP client list, making it easy to find.

Next to the ledger, a name was written, perhaps to distinguish the client, but it was likely a meaningless alias anyway.

What mattered was the content the Second Apostle claimed to have left inside the vault.

Lennok, who had reversed the security barrier array to open the vault door, discovered a transparent bracelet emitting a pure white light.

Surprisingly, it was an enigmatic object whose abilities even Lennok couldn’t discern from its appearance.

Faced with the cult’s sacred artifact whose abilities he couldn’t immediately grasp, Lennok didn’t hesitate long, instead summoning Kashuin.

The Archangel of the Old World provided Lennok with answers, drawing upon his own memories.

[“With body and mind, willingly perform good deeds, forgive vexations, anger, and grudges, and seek the growth of virtuous law based on all good principles.”]

Kashuin’s telepathic message resonated calmly.

[“This shall become a precept, embodying and replacing ethical principles.”]

“It seems you’ve already forgotten the terms of our deal after meeting the Pontiff last time.”

Lennok, gripping the Compassion of the Archangel, spoke flatly.

“You said you’d cooperate earnestly. Summarize it in a way I can understand.”

[“You troublesome fellow… In short, it’s a sacred implement used to practice virtuous law and protect the soul.”]

Kashuin grumbled but explained obediently.

[“If you faithfully follow the doctrine and perform good deeds, that karma accumulates and becomes a barrier shielding the user’s soul.”]

“……Does that mean it’s a type of artificially constructed mental barrier?”

[“It’s a far more advanced and indirect form of sacred artifact. Literally, by practicing the law, one obtains treasure, symbolizing the cult’s rule that karma benefits one’s actions.”]

“……”

Equipment that gains the ability to protect the soul by performing good karma.

As with the doctrines and norms of any religious group, Kashuin’s explanation was exceedingly arcane.

In any case, according to the Archangel’s summary, it was closer to a type of protective gear for the soul.

However, the fact that good deeds designated by the cult were required for the sacred artifact’s activation was quite intriguing.

While Lennok pondered its exceedingly peculiar activation method, Kashuin spoke, as if marveling.

[“It should be a precious item rarely seen even in the Theocratic Nation, so I don’t know why such a sacred artifact was hidden in a mundane vault.”]

“It doesn’t seem to be an ordinary sacred artifact.”

[“It is an item crafted by refining the relics left behind by a deceased angel like myself. It’s an item that is difficult to process, let alone mass-produce.”]

“……”

[“Although originally intended for the faithful of the Theocratic Nation, this sacred artifact would be of greater help to an unbeliever like you.”]

Kashuin explained.

[“The gazes sent by the Outer Gods are something a mere human cannot endure, so this sacred artifact will prevent the gods from watching you.”]

“So, soul protection works in such a way, then.”

Nodding, Lennok gripped the pure white bracelet and slowly slipped it onto his right wrist.

“Not bad. If it can evade the eyes of the gods, then it has its own use.”

Lennok, with a wizard’s mind and the ability of Targeted Resistance, was unaffected by the Outer Gods’ gazes.

However, being able to evade the Outer Gods’ gaze, separate from his resistance, was undoubtedly a useful ability.

A sacred artifact that only the cult, which had long researched the Outer Sea and the gods, could produce.

And it was certainly a precious item that none other than the Second Apostle would have kept in their possession.

Whoosh……!!!

As Lennok put on the sacred artifact, the Priestess’s Authority glowed as if resonating with the Precept of Virtuous Guidance’s sacred artifact.

As if recognizing and confirming the Authority left by Seina Naydree, the artifact’s light gradually subsided and became calm.

After gazing at it for a moment, Lennok immediately returned to the workshop and woke the unconscious Elbato Duris.

He couldn’t explain the Second Apostle’s true identity, but he needed to account for the fact that the man had knocked out the workshop’s customers and fled.

Indeed, if he didn’t explain that fact, it wouldn’t be strange for Lennok to take the blame for everything that had transpired in the workshop.

“An assault, I can’t believe it……”

Elbato murmured, looking around the quiet workshop with a dumbfounded expression.

A bizarre scene where everyone in the workshop had lost consciousness and collapsed. The security and surveillance equipment were also completely paralyzed.

Understanding that this was the result of a powerful Transcendent’s intervention, whose level could not be guessed, Elbato muttered blankly.

“Of all people, that particular client……”

“It seems you knew him.”

“He was a distinguished guest who had been coming to the workshop for ten years to get his glasses fitted.”

Elbato replied, still sounding incredulous.

“Not only was his identity verified, but his background was also perfectly guaranteed, so I never once doubted him. How could this……”

The Second Apostle had said himself that he frequently used this workshop’s quality assurance services.

Considering that he hadn’t killed a single person in the workshop while confronting Lennok, it probably wasn’t a lie.

Indeed, there was a high probability that he had established a certain acquaintance with Elbato Duris.

“Getting glasses fitted, huh.”

But as Lennok listened to Elbato’s rambling, his eyes quietly gleamed.

“What exact service did he request at the workshop?”

“I didn’t hear it directly, so I don’t remember exactly, but……”

Elbato said cautiously, with a reluctant expression.

“He seemed to say that his prescription often didn’t match.”

“……”

“Among the craftsmen who handle orders, there was talk that perhaps his eyesight was very poor.”

“Prescription doesn’t match……”

At Lennok’s murmur, Elbato awkwardly bowed his head slightly.

“I apologize. It’s such an insignificant detail……”

“No, it was sufficiently meaningful information.”

“Pardon?”

If even an Apostle needed to wear glasses to protect their eyesight, there must surely be a reason.

Though it might be an utterly trivial piece of information for an Apostle who is an Incarnation Body, for an Apostle who is an Incarnation Body, it was a sufficient clue to pinpoint their characteristics or the manifestation of their power.

It’s highly probable that a special power resides in the act of seeing something, or in their eyes themselves.

Perhaps he could utilize this information when he encountered the man again in the future.

Thinking so, Lennok nodded and turned away.

“I’ll give you time to tidy up the workshop. I’ll be waiting where we met earlier.”

“Ah, understood.”

As Lennok headed to the room located behind the workshop, he heard Elbato hastily waking the workshop staff.

The lobby turned chaotic, filled with the screams of customers who hadn’t even realized they had fainted.

It would take some time to quell the commotion and restore the workshop to normal.

Click!!!

Returning to the room where he had first met Elbato, Lennok locked the door and sat down in a chair.

Leaning slightly towards the table, he lowered his head and pulled a pocket watch from his pocket.

Kaiser’s Memento, which he had obtained in the sealed zone.

A heaven-defying artifact that Kaiser Bajour of the past had transmitted to Lennok across time.

“……”

Lennok, gazing at it with a complex expression, opened the dusty glass of the old pocket watch.

Carefully, he extended a Magic Scribe between the stopped hands of the watch, burrowing beneath the metal plate.

Creak……!

With eyes closed, he used the Magic Scribe to trace the intricate structure of the complex watch parts assembled beneath the metal plate.

Its shape was so complex that even Lennok found it difficult to discern the order of the parts and the design structure without concentrating and examining the interior.

Carefully, he loosened the internal screws and, the moment he peeled back the metal plate.

Lennok confirmed the existence of a spirally wound component beneath the metal plate.

“……Found it.”

The hairspring. A component used to control the second hand of a watch.

The exact same component depicted in the blueprints left by Oshuto Duris was assembled inside the pocket watch.

The only difference was that the actual hairspring inside the watch was burnt black and stuck between the parts.

“……”

As Lennok silently stared at the melted component, someone knocked on the room door from outside.

“Wizard. Are you there?”

Lennok slipped the pocket watch into his pocket and flicked his wrist, and the locked door opened, allowing Elbato to walk in.

“You finished tidying up quickly.”

“We’ve decided to close for the day. As for the strange incident that occurred today, I couldn’t explain it myself, so……”

Elbato replied with a bitter smile.

“If that client were to visit the workshop again later, we would have to deal with it then, but……”

“No. That won’t happen.”

“……Pardon?”

Lennok said, looking at Elbato, who was sitting awkwardly opposite him.

“I told you I would track him down and inform you of his identity. He will not appear in this workshop ever again.”

“……”

“If he does try to visit the workshop again, contact a Magic Tower.”

“Th-thank you.”

It was practically a declaration that Lennok would personally protect the workshop under his own name.

Seeing Elbato bow his head, seemingly impressed, Lennok rose from his seat.

The Second Apostle would certainly not use the same identity he had been using if he were to visit the workshop again.

If he was determined to conceal his identity, Elbato was unlikely to recognize him.

“Let’s just confirm the transaction record date for Kaiser Bajour one last time, and then we’re done. Thank you for your cooperation.”

“……Wizard.”

Just as Lennok was about to leave the workshop without hesitation, Elbato, who had been faltering, belatedly called out to him.

“Among the mementos my father left behind, there is an item I can specifically prepare for you.”

“……”

“If you were to visit the workshop again someday, then I would……”

“I’m going to retrieve a very dangerous weapon.”

“……Pardon?”

As Elbato hesitated at Lennok’s sudden words, Lennok turned his gaze.

“After I retrieve it, I might need to ask the workshop for maintenance.”

“……”

Lennok said, smiling.

“I’ll hear your thanks again then.”

[Vylun Research Institute’s seminar presentation date confirmed.]

[Testimonies of recent significant achievements secured through institute officials.]

[The announcement of the new Universal Magic System is imminent.]

In a mega-city where tens of millions live, news never ceases, day after day.

Even gathering news from various areas divided into dozens of districts and publishing only the most crucial topics, there was no end to the headlines.

But among them, the hottest topic on Vulcan’s central network was the matter of Anathema’s corruption and death.

[“The City Government has officially announced that Armas von Anathema, hero of the civil war, has become an Apostle of the Guido Cult……”]

[“Born a noble of Ars Nova, he dedicated his life to relief efforts, but behind that façade, he committed shocking atrocities as a cultist……”]

[“All funeral procedures planned after Anathema’s death have been canceled, and there is a possibility he will receive different treatment than former Chief Justice Onnion……”]

Lennok scrolled through the screen, muttering.

“So the City Government finally decided to make the announcement.”

[“Even on the Deep Web, the search volume for the entity known as Anathema spiked instantly.”]

Davi poked her head out, adding.

[“My search engine’s recognition even increased slightly because of it, and the topic’s popularity on the central network must have been beyond the Central Council’s control, don’t you think?”]

“It wasn’t a topic that could be hidden in the first place.”

Though a Siege Barrier was deployed to prevent external interference, how many superhumans had attended that conference?

It was a futile task to pressure even a fraction of the superhumans, all of whom were leaders or high-ranking executives of major factions, to keep silent.

Even if it wasn’t those who remained until the end, it wouldn’t be strange if black wizards or Executioners had leaked the information.

Lennok thought so as he scrolled down the news site, then suddenly stopped at an article.

[It is the first time in nearly 20 years that a noble of Ars Nova has officially died.]

[According to the procedures of the central city, whether other noble families will come to retrieve his remains is also drawing unprecedented attention……]

[If a central noble visits the mega-city, the Elder Council is scheduled to respond directly, according to protocol.]

“Other noble families might come to retrieve Anathema’s remains, huh……”

Lennok gave a bitter smile.

“This must be why Slain mentioned the Elder Council.”

Lennok had intended to retrieve Anathema’s body anyway, so its handling would also be his responsibility.

However, it was correct to view Slain’s warning about the Elder Council’s existence and potential intervention as a goodwill gesture.

Indeed, he couldn’t prolong the Anathema matter.

If he didn’t retrieve the Forbidden Armament now, things might become difficult.

Thinking so, Lennok put his phone away and continued walking.

Thump, thump, thump!!!

A training room enclosed on all sides by solid black iron.

A muscular, bird-headed giant, stripped to the waist, was engrossed in his workout, lifting a barbell several times larger than his own torso.

He held a barbell, shaped like a giant truck wheel, in each arm and slowly rotated his shoulders.

Screech……!!

Each time, the violent sound of metal twisting, unable to bear the weight, resonated.

Lennok, who had been watching the bird-headed giant engrossed in his workout, called his name.

“Felix.”

“Ah, Van.”

Felix, who had been dripping sweat but turned his head calmly, finally threw the barbell from his shoulder behind him.

CRASH!!!

A violent tremor that shook the entire training room.

Felix wiped his body with a towel and walked towards the training room entrance.

“Have you been waiting long?”

Felix, with thick hands on his hips, his eyes gleaming with enthusiasm, asked.

“So, shall we begin right here?”

“Hmm, about that.”

After hearing the truth about the Pilgrimage Path, Lennok had promised to help Felix master Dorye’s magic.

This was because Lennok also wanted to ascertain exactly what kind of concept the Ascension Ritual granted to physical ability users was.

So, whenever he found time, he had planned to schedule a separate appointment and proceed with training Felix, but—

“About the training we were supposed to do today……”

Lennok cleared his throat, subtly glancing at Felix.

“Something came up that needs handling regarding Anathema’s legacy.”

“Ah……”

Felix’s shoulders slumped in disappointment, having read the ominous sign in Lennok’s voice.

“So you have a schedule conflict. Well, that can’t be helped.”

“I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you in advance.”

“No. Van, you wouldn’t deliberately hide something from me, so it wasn’t intentional.”

Felix, subtly averting his gaze as if to hide his expression, asked with an effort at cheerfulness.

“Then, for today, would it be alright if I just trained by myself?”

“No, there’s no need for that. The training will proceed as normal.”

“……?”

Lennok smiled, watching Felix tilt his head in confusion.

“I said I’d help you master Dorye’s magic, but I’m not a physical ability user myself, am I?”

Lennok replied.

“I’m confident in quantitative analysis, but when it comes to the sensation of manipulating the body, there are many more experts than me.”

“You mean……”

Saying so, Lennok turned his gaze behind him.

“What are you doing, not coming out quickly?”

“……Shut up.”

At that moment, someone slowly emerged from behind the iron door of the training room.

A gaunt figure, rubbing a spearhead against her palm, her eyes flashing with a chilling glare.

The woman, her disheveled hair pulled back, bared her teeth at Lennok.

“Wizard, don’t rush me.”

Standing behind Lennok, exchanging sharp words as if unwilling to be outdone, was a woman with a keen demeanor.

Felix, belatedly realizing the woman’s identity, gasped.

“Peshia Grisbern……!!”

“This woman is the external instructor who will help you with your training this time.”

Lennok gestured towards the bored Peshia, then nodded at Felix.

“I’ve explained the situation, and most importantly, we’ve agreed that no objections will be raised even if you die during training, so don’t worry.”

“……”

Lennok looked back at Peshia, who stood there with a sour expression, and smiled.

“You have my permission to beat him to a pulp with all your might.”

“……Drop dead, Wizard.”