Genius Wizard Takes Medicine [EN]: Chapter 407

“It’s not bad that the color doesn’t change either…”

Having both eyes change to different colors upon awakening the magic eye isn’t exactly something he desires.

In battles between high-ranking transcendents, even minor changes in appearance can become variables.

If it’s just a faint golden halo appearing like this, it’s acceptable, but the process of opening the magic eye isn’t over yet.

Olivierra only showed him her magic eye once.

Since then, she has been merely observing his control over his magic power and his handling of his abilities, occasionally offering light advice.

It’s more like a transactional relationship than a master-disciple one, a continuous exchange of information where they seem to monitor and check each other.

However, just that has started a new reaction in his right eye, so he has to acknowledge that her ability and results are certain.

The guidance of an extreme-level mage who knows the combination of abilities and formulas better than anyone.

Even amidst all this, Lenok tried to gauge what the Cartel’s chairman wanted from him, but it wasn’t easy.

The chairman understood too well that not revealing his inner thoughts might be the most effective method.

‘It’s not something I can finish right away. I have no choice but to focus on what I need to do.’

The moment Lenok brought his eyes closer to the mirror to examine the changes more closely.

Clang!!

The mirror, which had been vibrating, shattered into pieces.

“Ah…”

Fragments of the broken mirror grazed his forearm, and drops of blood began to form.

Lenok’s expression deepened as he unconsciously touched the sharp pain, feeling it.

Because the hot drops of blood flowing down his forearm clearly showed how weak and precariously balanced this body was.

“…”

It’s different from the fatigue and injuries caused by intense battles.

Normally, he would protect his body with shields and carapace armor. This is a body that has to worry about injuries from broken mirror shards, not just powerful transcendent attacks.

Lenok stared blankly at the shattered mirror pieces on the sink, then put his forearm under the running water to wash away the blood.

Davi, who had been quietly watching him, spoke.

[I’ll order a new mirror from the auction. This time, it’ll be much sturdier.]

“…Okay. Thanks.”

[If you know, don’t get hurt this time. Hmph.]

Davi snorted lightly and coiled up on top of Lenok’s head.

Lenok looked at her, chuckled, and raised his hand.

Whirr!!

The magic threads that extended from his fingers instantly grabbed the mirror shards, put them in the trash can, and stopped the bleeding.

Since he had become able to manipulate the physical force of magic threads more delicately, Lenok had been trying to apply magic in more diverse ways.

If he couldn’t balance his physical health and the study of formulas, he wouldn’t be able to achieve anything.

If it weren’t for Davi, he would have been lost in thought all day.

The existence of the digital spirit was, in a way, a coincidence, but it was clear that Lenok was receiving help from her in many ways.

“It’s time. I need to get ready quickly.”

After looking at the clock on the wall, he immediately rushed to prepare to go out.

He had forced himself to sleep during the day to reverse his body clock for today.

The clothes he picked up weren’t the shadow coat he always wore as Van, but a short coat that could block the wind.

He was moving under the name of Van, but it was a place where he shouldn’t be exposed as Van.

While checking the necessary equipment and his condition, his phone started ringing again, as if urging Lenok.

[Van, are you ready?]

Sebastian’s voice, clearly tense.

The broker’s suppressed voice, as if he was holding his breath, echoed quietly from the speaker.

[If it’s okay, I’d like you to come as soon as possible. I need time to get you in here. Do you know how much effort I put into changing the participant list?]

“I believe there are still about two hours left until the appointment time.”

Lenok replied while changing his clothes.

[I said it would be better if you could come as soon as possible. To see how things are going and be able to jump in at any time…]

“It’s all done, so don’t worry. However…”

It was an operation that was proceeding without exposing Van’s identity.

Changing clothes and his face was natural, but if he found an effective method, there was one more way not far away.

“…”

The obsidian mask standing in one corner of the workbench.

Its dark appearance covering the entire face, and the surface emitting a mysterious glow, were impressive.

Lenok had never forgotten the item he had received directly from the Underworld King of Pandemonium.

As the Underworld King had subtly recommended it as a way to hide his identity and contact the Demonic Assembly, there was no better item to conceal his identity.

However, after hesitating, Lenok eventually stopped thinking and shook his head.

“…Later.”

He had confirmed that there were no tracking devices or harmful powers in the mask, but he hadn’t yet figured out the artifact’s abilities.

If there was an irreversible ability when wearing the mask, he would have to use that item when he decided to contact the Demonic Assembly.

Lenok quickly organized his thoughts, grabbed Davi’s tail, and left the mansion.

[Ehh, it’s still nap time…]

The digital spirit’s dying words echoed quietly through the deserted hallway.

* * *

Around midnight, past evening.

The air, close to midnight, was so cold that you could see your breath.

Amidst the cold night streets where even small sounds echoed loudly.

Vroom!!

The deafening engine sounds echoed incessantly.

Lenok, with the intense noise that seemed to vibrate his stomach, looked up at Sebastian standing in front of him.

“Sebastian, I’m sorry, but your disguise skills are terrible… Not very broker-like.”

“I couldn’t help it. It’s been over ten years since I’ve been directly involved in the field like this,” Sebastian replied defensively, wearing a thick scarf and sunglasses.

Below the alleyway stairs where the two were standing was a wide street.

There, dozens of people were gathered, each making completely different noises, as if waiting for something.

Cugugugugu!!

The engine sounds from all kinds of vehicles overlapped, emitting a powerful vibration.

From basic four-wheel drives to armored vehicles, racing bikes, and even people in jeeps and trucks.

There were also people riding on floating carpets that didn’t touch the ground, as well as trainers riding on beasts that were drooling.

Sebastian mumbled, awkwardly touching his disguised face.

“The Balkan Outskirts Cross-Country Race hosted by the Grimoire Gang… It’s my first time seeing it in person. Thanks to you, I’ve come to a place like this.”

The Grimoire Gang, which held a position in the shadows of the Balkans, though not as much as the Three Heads [a powerful organization].

What made them famous, having almost completely occupied two outer districts, was not their unique and powerful organization, but the races they held irregularly.

Lenok followed Sebastian, carefully observing the participants who were already in place below, and said to him.

“Among the terminals connected to Achilles’ security network, one particularly powerful one was connected to the very center of the gang.”

“…Considering that there is no connection between the two organizations, it’s highly likely to be a line from Madrich Onion. The rumors about the Grimoire Gang also support that.”

Sebastian scratched his cheek awkwardly and replied.

“The public goods that the Grimoire Gang distributes are not something that can be overlooked as simple looting or embezzlement. Yet, these guys are not hiding the fact, but actively using it to increase their power.”

“Is the city government’s high-ranking officials deliberately handing over public goods to them?”

“That’s right. If that’s really happening after some kind of agreement, wouldn’t it be because the Grimoire Gang itself has connections to someone in the high ranks?”

Sebastian’s eyes flashed sharply as he smiled.

“My acquaintances in the city council have confirmed that the person is likely… Madrich himself.”

“…”

“As you know, Madrich himself hasn’t appeared in public for a long time. Even though he was the head of the judicial system, he handled his work by sending out military orders.”

“A military order mage…”

“There must be a reason why that wild man, who used to capture and control those who rebelled against his will with military orders, has come this far after hundreds of years.”

Sebastian said that and tightened his scarf to avoid the cold.

“But it’s not my job to find that out. Are you ready?”

Instead of answering, Lenok turned his head downwards.

A spectacle of headlight beams falling through the dark road. Lenok’s eyes deepened as he looked through them.

“Night march… military order mage… I see. Understood.”

Lenok said that and took the equipment that Sebastian handed him.

Clank, clank!!

What he held in both hands were the rider gear commonly used when riding a bike.

Jackets, boots, and even a bike helmet coated so that his eyes couldn’t be seen.

As Lenok, who had received and put on the items to completely conceal his identity, reached for the end of his sleeve.

Thud!!

A blurry shape instantly swelled up, pressing a heavy front wheel onto the ground, and a massive monster bike popped out.

“Is this your first time driving it since you took over?”

“You could say that.”

“Good.”

Sebastian nodded with a satisfied expression.

The fact that Lenok had directly commissioned the president of Otterble [a company] to custom-make a monster bike was not made public.

Also, if he used the 10 types of appearance change functions on the bike, the chances of being caught were low, even if he tested the bike’s functions to his heart’s content today.

“Then I’ll be going. The closer it gets to the race start time, the more eyes will be watching here.”

“You’ve worked hard.”

“Don’t forget to let me know the results later.”

Sebastian, who had repeatedly urged him, hurriedly disappeared into the darkness of the alleyway.

Lenok stared at his back for a while, then slowly gripped the bike’s throttle.

He knew that there was a reason why Sebastian, who had been dealing with wealthy clients without directly working in the field, had come forward himself.

At the very least, he intended to live up to the favor and expectations that Sebastian had shown him today.

Lenok thought that and took Davi out of his pocket, carefully placing her on the bike’s engine.

Davi, who was rubbing her eyes sleepily, raised her head.

[Is it time to work?]

“Yes.”

Lenok smiled.

Vroom!!

At the same time as the bike’s system interface lit up, a loud engine sound echoed.

The thick wheels crushed the old cement steps and dropped onto the middle of the road.

Thud!!

All eyes began to focus on the unidentified rider who appeared wearing a helmet.

Someone who had been leaning against the side of the road approached Lenok.

A woman with a long scar on her cheek and an expressionless face. It was impressive that she had shaved one side of her hair and left scratches.

The woman, who was puffing on a pipe, stared down at Lenok and suddenly asked.

“Race participant?”

[Yes.]

Lenok replied in a voice that echoed from behind the visor.

A creepy voice that sounded like a ghost crying, scratching against glass. It was an eerie tone, even though Lenok himself had modified it.

“Name?”

[Victor.]

It was the first time to demonstrate Otterble’s custom-made product. He figured it was okay to use the president’s name.

“Hmm…”

The woman took out an old notebook from her waist, flipped through it, and nodded.

“Ah, here it is. Sorry for checking. I don’t think I could forget if someone like you had participated before.”

[…]

When Lenok crossed his arms and ignored her, the woman also nodded and stepped back slightly.

Someone else who had been watching him began to speak.

“Nice bike.”

A middle-aged man who had climbed onto a heavy tank standing right in front of him was looking at Lenok.

“I hear it’s your first time participating in this race, so give up on expecting any meaningful results.”

A vehicle closer to a tracked tank than wheels. It was clear that he intended to compete with power, not speed.

The man, who was sitting on the end of the tank’s tracks and smoking a cigarette, looked down at Lenok and smiled.

“The Grimoire Gang is famous for having direct connections to high-ranking officials in the city government. Thanks to that, there are quite a few wannabes who try to get a piece of the pie through this race.”

[…]

“I hope you’re not one of those pathetic guys.”

Lenok didn’t answer the man, but he didn’t ignore what he said.

The Grimoire Gang was one of the gangs that was making a fairly stable profit and maintaining its organization among the violent organizations located in the Balkan outskirts.

Apart from the general explanation he had heard from Sebastian, Lenok had also collected information about them separately through Jenny.

‘The Sigger Bang Gang said that the Grimoire was their role model. If it’s true that they have connections to Madrich, then it makes sense that their roots are solid.’

And if this race was held regularly, even if irregularly, it wasn’t strange that those who had heard the rumors would continue to challenge it.

Naturally, Lenok, who was participating in this race for the first time, was relatively disadvantaged in terms of competitiveness.

While Lenok was lost in thought, people began to stir at the front of the road.

Shhh…!!

The night fog that had been flowing eerily through the road began to gather at some point, and soon began to take the shape of a person.

At that unusual appearance, Lenok also began to pay attention to the magic flow nearby.

“It’s time. The signal will drop soon.”

The fog, which had transformed into the appearance of a frail old man, slowly began to speak.

The old man looked around at the participants who filled the road, then turned his gaze towards the outskirts.

“Cash, have you secured the required number of people?”

The woman, Cash, who had been bowing politely as soon as he appeared, immediately replied.

“Of course. Counting the last participant who appeared, 112. We have clearly exceeded the standard.”

“Good. It’s important to secure the headcount at the moment the race starts. It seems you’ve done your job.”

The old man turned his head and smiled as he looked down at the participants.

“As you all know, this race is one of the annual events directly planned by the gang. It’s a journey that starts in the outer district, goes around the outskirts of the city, and finishes in the developed area of the undeveloped district.”

“…”

There was no answer. The old man didn’t expect a big reaction either, and continued.

“There are about 4 hours left until dawn. If you can reach the destination within that time, the gang will distribute the supplies they have to all participants. However!”

The old man, who had cut off his words with a strong tone, looked around and said.

“Participants who drop out or are eliminated in the middle will be dealt with directly by the gang. Also, keep in mind that you must pass through the checkpoints that were notified in advance and cross the finish line.”

There was still no answer. But there were no objections to his words either.

“We are thoroughly screening the participants who are participating in the race to keep these two preconditions. If you voluntarily give up on the race, we will find out the participant’s backers and impose disadvantages in the name of the gang.”

“What are the privileges given to the participants who rank in the top?”

A bronze-skinned young man who was stroking a leopard’s head at the front asked.

His somewhat relaxed tone was impressive, and it seemed like it wasn’t his first time participating in this race.

“I was a bit troubled last time because the prize was different from what was announced.”

“…This race will proceed normally. The participants who rank in the top 3 will meet with the boss directly and receive one item they desire.”

The old man paused for a moment and replied.

“We’ve recently received high-quality artifacts and elixirs, so if you do your best, you might get good results—”

Fwoosh!!

Before he could finish his words, a small flame rose from the other side of the road.

The atmosphere around them instantly began to tense up.

Woo woo woo!!

The resonance of engines and magic power echoed loudly around Lenok.

Naturally, Lenok also put his hand on the throttle and waited for the signal.

The old man also glanced back and slowly stepped out of the road.

“It’s something that might happen. Then, I hope everyone will follow the instructions I gave earlier, and I wish you good luck.”

Pop pop!!

An unknown firework that exploded in the night sky began to draw clear numbers at some point.

3, 2, 1.

The traces of the fireworks disappeared into the dark sky.

At the same time as the last number 1 disappeared into the air, everything with legs that was standing on the road simultaneously leaned forward.

Vroooom!!

With the ear-splitting engine sound, they began to run on the asphalt.

Amidst the vehicles and beasts that were passing by in all directions in an instant, Lenok was also about to grip the throttle and increase his speed when.

The heavy tank that was running right in front of him suddenly slowed down and began to reverse.

Ujijijik!!

The tank’s body, which was fiercely reversing while crushing the asphalt with its heavy tracks.

“Aha ha ha ha!!”

Even the vile laughter of the middle-aged man echoed from inside.

“If you were still standing behind me like an idiot, you’d have to pay the price!!”

The fact that he came to the race with such a tank meant that he had no intention of competing with speed.

It was a blatant intention to trample on other competitors from the start and secure a place in the rankings.

Others had already noticed that and distanced themselves from the tank, but Lenok alone had not moved from the back of the tank where he had first landed.

No matter how large the monster bike was, it was nothing compared to a tank used in war.

If the two vehicles collided like this, Lenok’s bike would be crushed flat like a plastic can.

But Lenok, who knew that, chuckled.

[I know.]

[Front alloy armor triple deployment. Jet thrusters activated. Reverse field glider open.]

Whirr!!

At that moment, the alloy parts that had been disassembled and gathered at the front of the bike transformed into a huge fox-head shield.

The supports that popped out from various parts of the vehicle stirred the air, forcibly lowering the vehicle’s weight.

Kwaaaa!!

Pipes popped out from behind the bike’s wheels, explosively spewing blue flames.

The engine sound, which was so loud that it heated and vibrated the ground.

Just before the rear of the tank and the bike collided, Lenok’s bike disappeared from its spot for a moment.