Genius Wizard Takes Medicine [EN]: Chapter 1088

Regnus’s assertion that Maleon would not become an Ascendant cast a chilling silence between him and Lenok.

After a moment of contemplation, Lenok broke the silence.

“The Jintun I knew was a transcendent being solely focused on delving into barrier techniques.”

“…”

“He wouldn’t have been the type to intentionally weave falsehood and deception into a magic circle he designed.”

Regnus Airom was the administrator of the Eight Calamities and the gatekeeper who opened the trials of the Nine Calamities. [The Eight and Nine Calamities are likely levels or realms within this world, with the Nine being higher and more difficult to access.]

If such a being was skeptical about Maleon’s challenge, there must be a valid reason. However, it was unexpected that he would conclude that the ascension magic circle itself was a trap left by Jintun.

Jintun was a transcendent being who was indifferent to everything except researching barrier techniques. He might have created a magic circle out of necessity, but he wouldn’t have been one to put effort into deceiving someone.

As if answering Lenok’s unspoken question, Regnus said,

“In his lifetime, Jintun suffered from a chronic illness, and in his final years, he relied on life support devices to stay alive.”

“…”

“He tried to complete all the tasks assigned to him before his time ran out. The trials of the Nine Calamities are also a result of that.”

Regnus, looking back at the far end of the hall with a cold gaze, continued,

“Jintun never handled things carelessly, but all those processes were carried out using shortcuts only he was allowed.”

“Are you saying that the ascension magic circle is also one of those shortcuts?”

“The trials of the Nine Calamities are not just a gateway designed to test challengers.”

Regnus replied.

“It is also a barrier to prevent those who ‘wander’ within the Nine Calamities from descending below the Eight Calamities.”

“…”

Maleon had mentioned that non-living things were alive and constantly wandering inside the Nine Calamities. Was the trial of the Nine Calamities also serving the role of preventing such entities from descending below the Eight Calamities?

“Jintun created the magic circle to adjust the trials so that they would function on both sides, allowing passage between the Nine and Eight Calamities.”

Regnus said, looking at Lenok with a calm gaze.

“That’s why you shouldn’t use that magic circle to activate the ascension ritual.”

“Because the moment you use the magic circle, a passage will open to both the Eight and Nine Calamities.”

What should be achieved through the ascension ritual is the ascent from the Eight Calamities to the Nine Calamities. However, the moment the magic circle is used, a descent from the Nine Calamities to the Eight Calamities also occurs.

Regnus was warning that using a magic circle where ascent and descent are mixed is extremely dangerous for the ritual itself. That’s because the magic circle was originally a tool made for the convenience of Jintun, the Ascendant, not for the challenger.

“You seem to know a lot about the trials of the Nine Calamities and the existence of the magic circle.”

Lenok, having considered this, asked naturally.

“Is that a conclusion you reached after directly challenging the trials of the Nine Calamities?”

“…”

Regnus didn’t answer, but Lenok understood. Two dropouts who had given up on the trials of the Nine Calamities, which he had confirmed through the Blood Oath [A magical contract or bond]. Lenok naturally understood, while listening to the explanation, that one of them was standing in front of him.

“He probably didn’t even care how the magic circle he left behind was used.”

Regnus said calmly.

“But as a result, the act of challenging ascension using the magic circle has become nothing short of a trap for the challenger.”

“…”

“An Ascendant of that level would have known how the magic circle could be misused. But he probably didn’t think there was any reason to take action even knowing that.”

The young man’s eyes flickered calmly as he looked at Lenok.

“Jintun was not an evil transcendent, but he was certainly not a good one either. He was indifferent to everything, focused on barrier techniques, and simply accepted the end that came when the time was right.”

No, that wasn’t quite right.

Even Jintun, who seemed indifferent to everything, had hoped that this world would not perish in the end. The will he left behind, confessing that, still remained within Lenok.

But what about Jintun, who designed the trials of the Calamities in Kundara before meeting Lenok? What was Jintun thinking when he designed the trials, and what kind of ending did he want those who challenged them to face?

“I understand the danger of the magic circle. I see what you’re trying to say.”

Therefore, the words Lenok could say were decided.

“But what Maleon wants is a challenge that embraces all those risks. I, too, understand that fact, which is why I am cooperating.”

“…”

“Although I am tied to Maleon Gnosis through a business relationship, I have also received a lot from him.”

If Maleon hadn’t given him the elixir of ascension and explained its dangers, Lenok would have considered Nibecks’s offer more carefully. Just like opening the spring of Aitalon and giving him the Life Vessel, Maleon did not hesitate to show favor. Regardless of Maleon’s true intentions and thoughts, he had received help from him in various ways so far. No matter how his challenge ended, no matter what ending Maleon faced, Lenok intended to watch the process by his side.

“I cannot deny the possibility that the variable you warned about could cause problems with the ritual.”

Lenok said, rising from his seat.

“But as long as I am here, even if he doesn’t succeed, I will never let him fail in vain.”

Lenok smiled.

“Because I have both the need and the ability to make that possible.”

“…Is that so? That’s quite a confidence.”

Regnus smiled wryly.

“But if a mage like you is with him, even a challenge destined to fail might be turned into a success.”

“…”

“Once Maleon’s preparations are complete, the work to elevate his soul’s level will begin in earnest.”

Regnus said as he began to walk away.

“I will open all the sanctuaries in the Eight Calamities for free use. Come find me when the ritual preparations are complete.”

Whoosh!

With those words, Regnus’s figure completely disappeared from the far end of the vast hall’s corridor. Was the fact that he had walked the corridor with Lenok all this time purely to have a brief conversation with him? As Regnus had said, he would be waiting in front of the trials of the Nine Calamities for Maleon to finish his preparations.

Lenok, who had been staring at the spot where he had left for a moment, immediately turned and headed towards Maleon.

Woo-woo-woo-woong…!!!

Just getting closer caused a roar to echo as if a huge engine was resonating. The resonance of the domain and magic surrounding Maleon had broken through the critical point, repeatedly colliding to the point of self-destruction. Maleon’s expression, with his eyes closed amidst the countless streams of light, was still as peaceful as ever.

The moment Lenok took a step closer to Maleon, looking at him, a weak old man’s voice echoed from right beside him.

“Don’t approach him.”

“…You were here.”

A frail crane had lowered both wings to the floor and was looking at Lenok. The Hollow, with a pale complexion as if he were about to collapse, was drawing out magic power and coughing slowly.

“The spell transfer… will be over… soon…”

“…”

“When the time comes, I will entrust Maleon-nim to you… please give me some time…”

He couldn’t even finish his words properly and took a labored breath. Lenok, staring intently at the Hollow’s face, shook his head.

“You were singing about how it was okay to die, how it was good to die, and you were really using your life force to use the spell.”

The Hollow was currently using his own spell to continuously draw up Maleon’s luck. However, the magic power that was the basis of the spell was, in effect, being replenished by cutting away at the Hollow’s own remaining life force. Lenok, looking inside the Hollow’s body, could easily understand that he was truly helping Maleon by sacrificing his lifespan.

“You’re extracting your own spell and transferring it whole to Maleon. Do you want to make Maleon an Ascendant even by doing that?”

“It’s not that I want to make Maleon-nim… an Ascendant…”

The Hollow replied with a blurred gaze.

“It is what Maleon-nim wishes… so it is worth sacrificing this old man’s life…”

“…”

“So, you… please… take good care of… Maleon-nim…”

“Didn’t you tell me to leave Kundara as soon as possible until just recently?”

The Hollow stopped speaking. Instead, he just looked up at Lenok as if looking at something, with a blurred gaze. He knew what he was thinking without having to ask. Because of the way Lenok had solved the trials of the Eight Calamities, the Hollow had no choice but to acknowledge him. The Hollow had also realized that Lenok was the only mage who could help Maleon’s ascension.

“I was going to cooperate with the ascension ritual anyway, so it doesn’t matter.”

Lenok said calmly, looking at the back of the trembling crane.

“I also intend to confirm the story I heard from Regnus through the ascension ritual.”

“Is that… so…”

The Hollow smiled and slowly lowered his head.

“That’s a relief…”

He couldn’t even finish his words properly, and the frail crane slowly bowed his head. At the same time, the streams of light surrounding Maleon’s body all seeped into his massive form.

Fwaaaah!!!

“…”

The moment the Hollow closed his eyes, Maleon opened his eyes. While the other long-lived species were carefully supporting the Hollow, a dazzling silver light descended in front of him.

Whoosh…!!

The figure of Maleon Gnosis, emitting brilliant silver thoughts from his entire body. The tall dragon-headed giant was looking at the Hollow with an unreadable expression.

“It’s a serious level of exhaustion, but not to the point of being life-threatening.”

“…”

“Considering the Hollow’s age, his lifespan has been greatly reduced, but if he rests for a few months, he should have no problem with his daily life.”

“I see.”

Maleon replied in a low, subdued voice.

“Thank you all for your hard work. No matter how the ritual ends, I promise the maximum compensation for this.”

“Maleon-nim…”

“From now on, watch the ascension I am trying to achieve.”

But Maleon no longer answered their words and slowly turned around. Maleon, leaving the other long-lived species behind, said to Lenok, who was standing in front of him.

“I’ve kept you waiting long. I’m glad you returned safely from the trials of the Nine Calamities.”

“…Yeah.”

As the scales on his entire body glittered brilliantly, Maleon’s presence swelled up without pause. With every breath, thoughts and magic power exploded out, engulfing and devouring the surroundings. The ultimate state of exaltation that a transcendent being who has built up his rank reaches when he receives a powerful inspiration or enlightenment. The best condition created by maximizing it and then fixing it as it is. Just standing still, it felt like Maleon’s body had grown at least three times larger.

“Thanks to you opening the hall of the Eight Calamities to my attendants, I was able to complete the adjustments to the maximum.”

Maleon, slowly raising his hand, said calmly, looking down at his glittering body.

“I am ready. I couldn’t have prepared more perfectly than this.”

“It seems so.”

“The will of those who believe in me and follow me remains here.”

Maleon said quietly, closing his eyes.

“I want to start the challenge while this feeling is so clear within me.”

“…”

“If you are ready, let’s depart right away.”

Maleon’s eyes, which slowly opened, glittered with a brilliant silver light.

“Today, in this place, I intend to stand on the same level as the transcendent beings who have surpassed the world.”

* * *

Lenok arrived with Maleon at the gateway, blocked by the darkness of the outer sea.

The entrance to the Trial of the Nine Calamities, where Regnus stood guard.

After reuniting with Oliviera, Lenok immediately explained what he had seen in the darkness.

[Are you saying that the entire Trial of the Nine Calamities is structured like a giant labyrinth?]

“Currently, I’m speculating that it’s a mimicry of a part of Jintun’s Hanghasa Labyrinth [a vast, complex maze].”

[That’s not an impossible theory.]

Oliviera nodded at Lenok’s words.

[Even if Jintun was a great Ascendant, he wouldn’t have known multiple ways to become an Ascendant.]

“…….”

[If the only way to manifest a trial was through his own successes and failures, then that wouldn’t be wrong.]

Oliviera reached a conclusion almost identical to Lenok’s with just a brief explanation.

Maleon, as if he knew what form the Trial of the Nine Calamities took, nodded without surprise.

“That’s why only a mage who has thoroughly explored barrier magic and spell formations can properly handle the ascension formation.”

“…….”

“First, I will activate the ascension formation left by Jintun and forcibly trigger the ascension ritual.”

Maleon said, looking back at Lenok and Oliviera with a heavy gaze.

“If I participate in the ascension ritual that is triggered, the ritual to become an Ascendant will begin.”

“If successful, you can naturally break through the Trial of the Nine Calamities.”

“You must watch the ritual by my side. Only then can you also cross over to the Nine Calamities with me.”

Maleon looked at Lenok and slowly nodded.

“But all those assumptions are possible only under the premise that you can manipulate the formation and trigger the ascension ritual.”

“…….”

“Can you do it?”

A heavy silence fell.

The other long-lived species watching knew how difficult what Maleon was asking of Lenok was.

The ascension formation that Jintun left in the Sanctuary of the Eight Calamities.

It was about forcibly manipulating and activating a spell formation created by an Ascendant [a being who has transcended mortal limitations].

But it was also clear that Lenok was the only mage capable of such a feat.

Hadn’t Lenok already proven that he could do such a thing in front of the Trial of the Eight Calamities?

The Hollow Spirit had also seen it, and humbly acknowledged his misjudgment and bowed his head.

If Lenok judged it impossible, Maleon would have to manipulate the formation and activate the ritual alone.

This would double the burden on Maleon, who already had to give his all to the ritual.

“The question was wrong.”

Lenok said, rising to his feet.

“It’s not about whether I can or cannot do it. It’s already too late for that.”

“Then?”

“The analysis of the ascension formation left by Jintun is already complete. And-”

Fwoooosh!!!

At the same time, a brilliant burst of multicolored light began to erupt from beyond the sphere of darkness.

With the vast waves of magical power surging like a storm behind him, Lenok said,

“The activation of the ascension ritual is already complete. Let’s begin the ritual.”

“……!!!!”

The darkness receded, and beyond it, a vast labyrinth of unknown depths revealed itself.

The Trial of the Nine Calamities designed by the Ascendant Jintun. A huge spell formation that floated above the labyrinth, glowing fiercely.

However, before his death, Jintun had handed over control of the entire Hanghasa Labyrinth to Lenok.

Although the real Hanghasa Labyrinth had collapsed with Jintun’s death, making it impossible to use again.

The imitation of the labyrinth that remained here was still functioning with Jintun’s will.

That’s why Lenok was able to use the control authority of the Hanghasa Labyrinth that Jintun had given him to forcibly activate the ascension ritual.

He had been able to stop the ritual activation and wait until Maleon arrived.

“Mage, how……!!”

Even Regnus, who had spoken directly with Lenok, hadn’t expected that the ritual would already be prepared.

Ignoring Regnus, who was looking back at him with a surprised expression, Lenok immediately drew up his magical power.

The magical light that soared out of the darkness drew a huge circle in the air, transforming into a complex magic circle.

It soared like a spiral pyramid, breaking through the ceiling of the Sanctuary of the Eight Calamities.

Kwaaaang!!

The ascension formation, activated by Lenok’s will, rotated majestically outside the misty universe.

It was enveloped in a light so brilliant that it was impossible to look up at, harshly suppressing all senses and thoughts.

Charrrrrk!!!!

The ascension ritual where an 8th-level Archmage challenges the 9th level. [Archmage is a high-ranking mage].

A miracle of forcibly activating the process that must be gone through to be born as a new Ascendant, using Jintun’s legacy.

While the long-lived species watching were overwhelmed by the spectacle of the miracle, Lenok slammed his magical power into the formation.

“It begins.”

Wooowoong……!!!

He placed his hand on the ascension formation and continuously poured magical power into it.

He recognized the myriad mysteries unfolding within the formation and adjusted the flow.

‘As Regnus said, there is a part within the spell formation that allows for bidirectional passage.’

Sweat began to form on Lenok’s forehead as he closed his eyes and concentrated.

Only after hearing an explanation was he able to recognize the path from the Nine Calamities to the Eight Calamities within the formation.

The form that was a mixture of 2D and 3D, which he had pondered over when he first saw the ascension formation, was a design for bidirectional passage between the Eight and Nine Calamities.

‘I have to kill the path leading from the Nine Calamities to the Eight Calamities and build a new circuit on top of it.’

While deleting one of the original design purposes of the formation, he was rebuilding the structure in real-time so that the formation would operate normally.

Chwararak!!!

The magical power that bloomed from his fingertips became an array of complex symbols and characters, quickly filling the inside of the formation.

If the order was even slightly off, the formation could overheat and a part of it could collapse.

He changed the direction and speed thousands of times, specifying the priorities so that they would operate according to the set order.

A vicious level of difficulty that seemed to test all of Lenok’s barrier magic capabilities to the limit.

But if Jintun had done it, Lenok could also do it someday.

Jintun entrusted his will to Lenok because of that possibility and conviction.

If he could do it, he would reach it someday. If he knew he would reach it someday, he could do it now.

Lenok’s barrier magic, which had grown beyond the past and future, unfolded to its limit at this place, changing the formation.

Clunk!!

With a heavy impact like a lock closing, Lenok, who had changed the function of the formation itself to one-way, raised his gaze.

“The preparation of the formation is complete. Immediately restart the ritual and designate the target-”

Kooong!!

Above the formation that had pierced through the hall and soared into the misty universe, Maleon’s figure slowly rose.

Oooooooooh!!!

With his hands naturally hanging down, he floated naturally into the sky without a place to step.

Maleon, drawn to the center of the ascension formation, looked down at Lenok as he floated in the air.

“I don’t know how to thank you.”

“……Maleon.”

“All the conditions are met. All that remains is the miracle that I must achieve on my own.”

Maleon’s expression, which had turned to Lenok with a soft gaze, hardened with an unwavering determination.

“Leave it to me, Ban.”

Wooowoong……!!!!

Maleon, who had soared to the top of the formation, whispered as he looked down at the outer city from the end of the misty universe.

“This challenge, with the fate of Kundara on the line. I will succeed, even if it costs me my life-!!!!!!!”

Faaaaaaaat!!!

The formation that had spread to the end of the sky compressed at an incredible speed and penetrated Maleon’s entire body.

Maleon’s figure was enveloped in an immeasurable light and began to melt away in that spot.

An Ascendant is a being who rebuilds themselves to match their answer and gains qualification through it.

The challenger completely rebuilds their existence to match the 9th level during the ritual.

“It has begun……!!!”

“Heavens. Please!!”

The long-lived species, realizing that Maleon’s ritual had begun, knelt down and began to pray.

A gamble where success cannot be guaranteed, even after preparing for decades and being fully prepared for the challenge.

There was the helplessness of having to entrust it to fate and accept the results, and yet the desire for a miracle.

Even Regnus, who was watching the ritual, turned his gaze away as if he could no longer bear to watch.

“Hoo…….”

But Lenok was watching Maleon’s challenge, which had begun at the end of the sky, as if he couldn’t miss a single moment.

The moment when an 8th-level Archmage challenges ascension, a moment that can only be encountered in Kundara.

A near-miraculous moment when a 9th-level Ascendant might be newly born into this world.

He had to observe and remember the process without missing anything, and leave it in Lenok’s heart.

What was lacking and what was needed for Lenok’s ascension, which he would have to challenge someday.

He expanded his senses to the limit to recognize it through Maleon’s challenge now and to use this moment as a teaching material.

Lenok’s transcendent intuition unfolded beyond his senses, and he began to observe everything that was happening to Maleon without missing anything.

‘Disconnection of the body’s connections at the cellular level, followed by decomposition and reconstruction in the order of magical power, thoughts, and mental images.’

Lenok thought, ignoring even the pain of being burned by the light that pierced his eyes.

‘The focal point is the spell or martial art that forms the basis of the mental image. It’s about raising the strongest single original thought to the surface consciousness.’

He savored every process that Maleon was facing through the ritual without missing anything.

What it meant to go beyond the 8th level and challenge the 9th level.

What kind of concept it was that the qualification to challenge ascension was granted to life.

‘Erase the hierarchy built up to the 8th level, rebuild it from the beginning, and then destroy it. If you repeat building and destroying, building and destroying again-‘

He repeated countless creations and destructions centered on his inner self.

He created and built up the causality of life, and carried out destruction to break it.

The process of cause and effect being connected and disconnected, circulating and closing, was carried out to the point of oblivion.

Whether the causality was connected or closed was not important.

What was important was to melt the process itself into his inner self and make it a law, so that it could exist without relying on anything.

The self becomes the world, and the world becomes the self.

He devoured and forgot what it meant to become an Ascendant and what process it went through, as if he were possessed.

His eyes, which had been staring at the light for a long time, had long since become blurred, but Lenok was still watching everything with perfect clarity.

‘Yes…… that’s what it was…….’

What is an Ascendant?

What does it mean to challenge ascension?

All the speculations that he had vaguely fantasized about, expected, feared, and denied were gradually turning into convictions within Lenok’s heart.

Yes.

An Ascendant is.

To make myself infinitely one with the world-

Crack!!!!!

“……!!!!”

An ominous cracking sound that seemed to gnaw at his brain.

The moment he heard that chilling sound, Lenok returned to reality as if it were a lie.

A flash of ominous black lightning flashed before his eyes.

The moment Lenok felt a stronger sense of déjà vu than anything else from that lightning.

The black lightning that fell from the sky pierced through the spell formation and dyed the space black.

Jjeoeoeong!!!

The entire huge spell formation, which was hundreds of meters in size, twisted and shattered in a terrifying scene.

[Ah, ah, ah……!!!]

The shadow of Maleon, buried in the ascension formation that was being corrupted and tainted in an instant.

The trap inside the formation that Regnus had mentioned. Even though he had completed a perfect spell formation that had removed the bidirectional passage function.

That which had been smoothly undergoing the challenge until just now was writhing in agony more than ever before.