Chapter 992: The First Gateway (2)

[A guest? This wasn’t made to welcome such a thing.]

Whoosh-! As the Flesh Giant exhaled roughly, the Conjunction Spell Master’s voice flowed forth.

The Flesh Giant raised its sticky hand, pointing to its own head, and spoke.

[This is a chimera, crafted from the Headro Warlords. It’s the result of capturing a creature that was once called a general and subjecting it to extensive modification.]

“……”

[It lost its intellect and became a corrupted monster after a pact with a demon, but it’s quite useful for detecting living organisms.]

Beyond the Flesh Giant’s quivering lips and eyes, a chilling will-thought seemed to flash.

[It’s perfect for its current role of guarding the Gateway. Even a broken toy has its uses, you see.]

“Ugh, ugh…”

Every time the Flesh Giant’s lips twitched and it writhed, the soldiers collapsed around the gate trembled violently.

The chilling magic emanating from the flesh, which had become one with the gate, was invading their bodies, attempting to control them at will.

Was this the extent of the impact, simply from transmitting will-thought to communicate?

Realizing that the Conjunction Spell Master’s power was far greater than he had expected, Lennok frowned.

‘This has gotten troublesome…’

The unease he had felt in the provisional fortress was the presence of a chimera orchestrated by the Conjunction Spell Master.

It was the monster itself, modified into a fortress guarding the Gateway City, mimicking inorganic matter.

Through the Eye of the Wellspring, Lennok had seen through the chimera, but conversely, the Conjunction Spell Master had also almost simultaneously perceived Lennok’s presence and made contact.

‘Even using a broken chimera to detect, the speed is abnormally fast. Incredible responsiveness.’

This Flesh Giant guarding the gate was a type of chimera, created from the monsters of the Headro Warlords as material.

But what Lennok focused on was the Conjunction Spell Master’s responsiveness itself, which allowed him to perceive Lennok using such a chimera.

If a chimera had undergone this much modification, its internal sensory organs would all be broken, yet the Conjunction Spell Master’s reaction speed was abnormally fast.

It was proof that the Conjunction Spell Master’s responsiveness itself was transcendently superior, to the point of being entirely unaffected by such penalties.

This was practically the first time he had encountered an opponent with such exceptional responsiveness since Weian.

Perhaps because of such talent, he might have acquired the Conjunction Spellcraft, which is uniquely peculiar even within the Order Alliance.

[I was just wondering why the Lighthouse was turning its eyes back to the Gateway-]

The Flesh Giant’s shimmering eyes slowly turned towards the Eye Lennok was holding.

[It wasn’t you, but that. There’s no other relic that holds such pure energy.]

“W-wizard?”

The bewildered soldier trembled and looked back at him, but Lennok did not answer.

Already, flesh was swelling and bubbling up around the bridge and the gate, filling everything.

Crunch!!!

The sound of flesh crushing and bursting echoed along with the Conjunction Spell Master’s voice.

[The Chogyeon’s Authority… The ability of one who sees far is truly troublesome. Isn’t that right?]

Every time the giant’s mouth, merged with the flesh, opened, a low male voice echoed, overlapping.

[In the past, I tried to find a way to possess that eye, but I had to give up when I learned it was a mystery bound to the flow of time.]

“……”

[An Authority that operates not by principle but by desire can ultimately not be defined as a category of spellcraft.]

The Spell Master slowly whispered towards the silent Lennok.

[A blessing not permitted to spellcasters like us, beyond the realm of learning and acquisition… I don’t particularly like such undefined miracles.]

“Do you wish to debate the definition and concept of spellcraft here?”

Lennok asked, staring at the Flesh Giant with an expressionless face.

“It’s typical of a spellcaster from the Order Alliance, but it doesn’t interest me. If you have something to say as a manager, say it quickly.”

[…….]

“Before the soldiers guarding the gate go mad.”

“Ugh, ugh…!!”

Soldiers with bloodshot eyes were clutching their heads and convulsing.

Saliva dripped from their mouths as their bodies trembled. Their skin bubbled like foam, attempting to transform into something aberrant.

The Conjunction Spell Master’s chimera, situated in the middle of the gate.

Simply by its presence moving and emitting will-thought, the soldiers couldn’t endure it and were on the verge of going mad.

This was likely because the will-thought emitted by the Conjunction Spell Master, a specialist spellcaster, was extremely distorted, unlike that of ordinary spellcasters.

But the Conjunction Spell Master did not reply, even after hearing Lennok’s words.

It merely stopped speaking as if contemplating something, then slowly moved the chimera to close the distance.

[There are hardly any spellcasters who are not part of the Eyes of Blue, yet possess a Lighthouse Keeper’s relic.]

The Spell Master, gazing at Lennok from beyond the hazy Flesh Giant’s eyes, spoke.

[Yes. Now I know who stands before me… You are that Cheonbeon who supposedly left the Eyes of Blue, aren’t you?]

“……”

[How ironic. I was waiting for a guest to arrive from the city where you ran rampant…]

“Didn’t you just say this chimera wasn’t made to welcome guests?”

[…….]

It simply stared intently at Lennok for a long time, as if trying to peer into his inner self.

Had it perhaps, with its exceptional responsiveness, discerned the strangeness of the current situation?

But Lennok maintained his composure despite the Conjunction Spell Master’s unusual reaction.

Apart from being unable to read Lennok’s thoughts due to his Targeted Resistance ability, it was not easy to doubt Cheonbeon.

From an external perspective, Evan Martinez was a grand wizard who stood at the antithesis of Adamant Thunder, more so than anyone else.

At the very least, unless one knew about the existence or value of the [Spark], they wouldn’t even be able to imagine that connection.

Sure enough, the will reflected in the Flesh Giant’s eyes quickly blurred.

[There are 48 hours left until all the scheduled surgeries are finished. After that, my main body will have some time.]

“……48 hours?”

The Flesh Giant, who had leaned its face close to Lennok, slowly backed away.

[Yes… Even if it’s unrelated, if you’re an Apostle-Slayer like me, you’re worth meeting.]

“……”

[Come to my operating room located at the Gateway entrance. I will not tolerate refusal.]

Rumble…!!

The Flesh Giant slowly crawled up the gate, extending its flesh in all directions across the city walls.

Like a tree rooting into the ground, the giant, fused with the provisional fortress, hugged its shoulders and tilted its head back.

[I’ll judge you directly with my own eyes.]

Crackle…!!

With those words, the Flesh Giant stiffened and stopped, becoming completely one with the gate.

As the Conjunction Spell Master’s will-thought, which had been surging everywhere, vanished, the soldiers who had collapsed on the ground and convulsed began to regain consciousness.

“Cough, cough…!!”

“Uweeegh!!”

Some were vomiting, while others sat blankly, coughing.

“W-what… what happened?”

They seemed to have barely returned before their minds went irreversibly mad, slowly accepting the situation one by one.

Had the Conjunction Spell Master considered this timing, observing Lennok until the precarious last moment to convey his message?

“……”

48 hours. Surgery. Time. Main body.

If he connected the words the Spell Master had casually dropped – one by one – there was something he could infer.

The reason why the Conjunction Spell Master, who had been highly active in the war against the cult, was suddenly in charge of the Gateway, stationed at the front lines.

Despite that, the reason why he wasn’t directly managing the Gateway, but instead using chimeras to monitor the Gateway City.

“Damn it, what in the world is going on!!”

Bang!!

While Lennok was lost in thought, the gate swung open, and dozens of soldiers simultaneously rushed out from behind it.

“Bring stretchers. Escort the wounded and move them to the infirmary!”

“Is there anyone left who can speak?!”

“No, their eyes aren’t focusing…!!”

They efficiently carried away the convulsing casualties and quickly cleared the chaotic gate overpass.

They handled the scene skillfully, as if such incidents had occurred several times before.

“Mister Evan Martinez.”

While Lennok watched the commotion, a soldier who appeared to be a superior officer approached and saluted him.

The soldier, sweating with nervousness, cautiously opened his mouth.

“The Commander of the Gateway Search Party Command is waiting.”

“……”

“He will be able to… explain what happened here.”

“…Alright. I’ll go with you.”

Lennok, who had been staring silently at the soldier, nodded.

“Because there are things I wish to ask the Commander about the current situation of the Gateway City.”

Lennok’s top priority was to acquire a fragment of the Veil and return to Vulcan without being hindered by the Conjunction Spell Master.

For that, meeting the Commander of the Gateway Search Party and hearing about the internal situation of the Gateway City was the priority.

Above all, the existence of the Flesh Giant, the chimera, which had become one with the Gateway City’s gate.

It was highly likely that more of the Conjunction Spell Master’s ‘works’ existed within the Gateway City in such forms.

The Commander, who had been delegated authority over the Gateway City by the Conjunction Spell Master, would surely know more about this.

Thinking so, Lennok followed the bowing soldier and walked on.

[…Kwoo.]

On the gate overpass, now devoid of people.

The Flesh Giant’s eyelids, as it carefully hugged its own body, twitched as if convulsing.

“A pleasure to meet you, Mister Evan Martinez.”

The city built near the Central Front’s first Gateway.

The Gateway Command, built atop the massive city walls that surrounded and protected the living quarters.

In the office located inside the command, a middle-aged man with a mustache politely offered Lennok a handshake.

“I am Ivanus Griffin, Commander of the Gateway Command. It’s an honor to meet an Apostle-Slayer.”

As an attending aide set down the coffee and refreshments, Ivanus bowed to Lennok.

“I heard you assisted the Search Party in the engagement with the 3rd Legion. As a commander representing the Search Party, I am truly grateful.”

“……”

“The 3rd Legion’s operations, especially those involving the airborne assault unit, had many aggressive elements, causing the Search Party considerable difficulty. As such, the command level intends to provide appropriate compensation-”

“I have a few questions. Can you answer them?”

Ivanus, as if expecting Lennok’s reply, nodded with a slight hint of tension.

“Anything I can answer within my purview.”

“I heard the Order Alliance manages the Gateway, but I see soldiers, not Alliance spellcasters, guarding it.”

As soon as the answer was given, Lennok immediately asked.

“Considering the Gateway’s importance, I thought the Alliance would be watching it closely. What’s the reason?”

“The Conjunction Spell Master, who currently manages the Gateway, is a completely different person from the Blaiver Magic Tower Lord.”

Ivanus answered, calmly clasping his hands together.

“The Magic Tower Lord sought to bring the entire Gateway City under his control, but the Conjunction Spell Master pays no attention to other areas, except for a few specific hidden locations.”

“……”

“Most major facilities, excluding the Gateway entrance, are currently entrusted to the Search Party’s management. The Order Alliance also respects the Spell Master’s wishes and does not interfere within the city.”

Does that mean delegating the administrative duties of the Gateway City to the Search Party Command was the Conjunction Spell Master’s own decision?

Surely, it must be to hole up in hidden spots near the Gateway and devote himself to his own surgeries or experiments.

“The Conjunction Spell Master was one of the strong individuals who led the war against the cult. Do you know why the Spell Master took charge of the Gateway?”

“You must have seen the chimera the Spell Master created on your way here. The Conjunction Spell Master is an eccentric who modifies living beings into chimeras.”

Ivanus gave a wry smile.

“And no matter how excellent a spellcaster one is, such a talent requires appropriate ‘materials’.”

“……”

The First Gateway is one of the transit points in the Central Front with the highest volume of people.

Had Ivanus concluded that the Conjunction Spell Master took charge of the Gateway to acquire the materials he desired?

Having considered that far, Lennok spoke.

“I am looking for a rare catalyst that can only be obtained around the Gateway. I’d like to know the location of businesses that handle such catalysts.”

“There’s an abandoned mine excavation site on the outskirts of Gateway City.”

Ivanus replied immediately.

“A black market is periodically held near the excavation site, so I recommend you go there.”

“A black market?”

Was the Commander himself recommending a business not subject to the command’s surveillance or management?

As if reading Lennok’s intent from his retort, Ivanus replied with a wry smile.

“Not the entire Gateway City is under the command’s surveillance. To be frank, more than half of the area is practically an uncontrolled lawless zone.”

“……”

Attracting factions to the Gateway itself was an indispensable matter, as the Search Party’s forces alone were insufficient to manage the city.

But it was also true that even if the Order Alliance, entrusted with management, neglected their duties or obligations, there was no way to intervene.

Moreover, the Conjunction Spell Master was one of the grand spell masters who held a uniquely prominent position within the Alliance.

From the perspective of the Search Party Command, it wouldn’t even be appropriate to make any requests or ask for favors from him.

Lennok nodded and rose from his seat.

“This should be enough. I’ll take my leave.”

“Yes. And finally…”

The Commander started to say something, then closed his mouth with a complicated expression.

It was a detached expression, as if he had tried to explain something unspeakable but given up.

Ivanus bowed his head.

“Once again, thank you for assisting the Search Party. If you ever need help in the future, please don’t hesitate to ask…”

“I will.”

Considering the Conjunction Spell Master’s abilities and status, this very place might also be under his surveillance.

Thus, Lennok also understood that the Commander couldn’t reveal much.

He had roughly heard about the internal situation of the Gateway, so from here on, Lennok would have to act himself.

Ivanus, without a word on the matter, called for the aide standing beside him.

“Chesley. Guide Mister Evan to outside the command headquarters.”

“Understood. Please follow me.”

The aide, with an ordinary demeanor, bowed with a smile and began to lead the way.

Lennok left the command headquarters and walked along the outer wall, following the aide named Chesley.

‘A black market…’

Since he had heard that a black market opened at the ore mining site, it would be best to head there first.

But what Lennok needed to acquire was not gems or minerals, but the fragment of the Veil itself.

The problem was whether the fragment of the Veil was an item traded in Gateway City.

Just as Lennok was walking behind Chesley, thinking so.

CRASH!!!

A cross-shaped flash of light erupted explosively from beyond the residential area inside the city walls.

“W-what…?!!”

As the startled Chesley turned his gaze, dark red thorny vines wrapped around the cross-shaped flash.

A gloomy-looking man rode atop the thorny vines, followed by a monk in a pure white monastic robe.

With the sudden clash in the middle of the city, soldiers sprang out from all sides of the walls and immediately dashed forward.

“The Gravekeepers and the Cross Society have clashed! To your positions!!”

“Mister Evan. I apologize!!”

Chesley hurriedly excused himself and followed the other soldiers towards the battlefield.

Lennok, suddenly left alone, intently watched the two clashing superhumans from afar.

He had never heard of an organization called the Cross Society before, but he knew about the Gravekeepers.

A group of black wizards who worship the Nether King as a god. Had they caused this disturbance in the Gateway managed by the Conjunction Spell Master?

At that moment, as Lennok watched the battle from atop the city wall, thinking about that fact.

Crackle!

Sharp ice surged from below the city wall, and a white-haired young man hastily extended his hand toward Lennok.

“Evan Martinez, over here!!”

“…Ice user?”

Lennok, recognizing the face of Angel, the Cartel’s Fourth Executive, frowned.

“What are you doing now?”

“What am I doing? I’m making a move to extract you!”

Angel shouted urgently.

“There’s no time! We need to move now to avoid the Spell Master’s eyes, so follow me!!”

“…No.”

Lennok, who had been silently watching Angel and the battle unfolding in the distance, sat down on the city wall and spoke.

“I’ve finished speaking with the Spell Master. Since things are this way, I might as well watch the fight.”

“What?”

Leaving Angel gaping, Lennok turned his gaze towards the distant battle.

“I sense a common strangeness in their spellcraft. I need to confirm if it’s due to the Veil’s influence.”

Both individuals who had engaged in combat were Saint Wizards of Level 7 or higher.

But considering they had set out to run wild within the city, their momentum was weaker than expected.

Even though there was no major problem with the manifestation of their power itself, their strength seemed to be forcibly suppressed immediately after manifestation.

Could it be that there was a factor within Gateway City that suppressed the powers of superhumans?

Lennok, having thought that far, chuckled and spoke to Angel.

“And it’s been a while since I’ve watched someone else’s fight. I’m a little intrigued.”

“……”

Angel, speechless, parted his lips and barely managed to ask.

“You… so there was a reason you got along well with Mister Van, even after almost dying by his hand?”