Genius Wizard Takes Medicine [EN]: Chapter 1170

I knew it even before leaving for Kundara.

That along with Clarice Richelene’s return to the Sinclair Magic Tower, someone else would be coming back.

That the Special Operations Agency would bring her to Balkan along with Ivelin.

The reason I tried so hard not to think about it was because too much time had passed since then.

A lot of time had passed, and even more things had happened.

Lenok had changed a lot, and yet he hadn’t changed at all.

Having gone through all of that, Lenok was still himself, and he could continue to be so.

But could he be sure that Aris hadn’t changed since then either?

He thought he didn’t know, but perhaps he didn’t want to know.

Just as much time as Aris had been away, Lenok had also put off that answer for a long time.

And as much as that, he had tried not to give it any forced meaning or emotion.

But, even so.

“……”

The beautiful scenery of the library as the sunset faded.

In the sunset pouring through the window, it was as if the world’s time had stopped.

The first place Lenok had visited after opening his eyes in this world, to seek knowledge about magic.

The memory of looking around the shelves, trying to read even a crude theory book, was still as vivid as yesterday.

The confusion he felt when he realized that common magic did not exist in this world.

And yet, the desperation he had to believe in his talent and find his potential.

The figure of someone who had spoken to Lenok first and given him advice.

All of it remained here, unchanged.

Swish, swish-

The abundant blonde hair swaying in the breeze.

The footsteps wandering while choosing a book between the empty shelves.

Wondering what theory she would teach today.

Like that day when they studied magic together in the library.

“……”

He tried to say something, but no words came out.

A moment he had once imagined in his heart, a moment he had thought about countless times.

What to say. Where to start.

Now, even the memory was distant, and only the lingering regrets remained, echoing.

Even so, the moment Lenok took a step forward, thinking he had to speak first.

She turned her head.

The moment he met her deep blue eyes, like the sea, Lenok stopped as if frozen in place.

And Aris smiled.

“Lenok.”

“……”

How long had it been since he had heard that name from someone else?

Proof that he had shared his past, when he knew nothing and could hide nothing, with another person.

Lenok took a breath at the name that was awkward to even hear, and unfamiliar to say himself.

With a bitter smile, he answered quietly, as if letting it flow out.

“You said you would return when winter was over.”

“……”

“You’re too late.”

She didn’t answer.

She was just looking at Lenok’s face and smiling softly.

Was it because she didn’t know what to say first?

Or was she remembering the promise they had made on that last day they met like this?

Perhaps she was now, belatedly, recalling what they had said to each other when they parted.

…No, that’s a lie. He actually knew that wasn’t the case.

Just like Lenok, she probably hadn’t forgotten a single moment since then.

The reason why Aris Richelene had given up her professorship at the Magic University and left for the Magic Tower.

The reason why she had even stopped the research she had been doing with Lenok and set out to find something more.

He knew that even that reason was actually related to Lenok.

“Aris. I’m…”

Aris Richelene was an intelligent person.

She trusted her senses and talents, but also knew how to listen to others, and even after reaching a certain level, she tried to find joy and passion within it.

A person who could see reality but also value inner goodness.

A righteous seeker of magic who knew that there were things that could only be obtained by not being broken, even if she wavered.

He had approached her because she was a good person, and he had tried to distance himself because she was an outstanding person.

He knew that she was someone who wouldn’t overlook the mistakes Lenok had made when he was immature, and that she would try to get closer to him.

He didn’t want her, an outstanding mage and excellent educator, to waste her time on Lenok’s secret.

He had tried not to give her any certainty, but even so, Aris had long ago reached the answer by following the traces and mistakes that only she could know.

And now, she was putting off the moment of confirming the answer sheet.

Just like that night, to hear the answer directly from Lenok’s mouth.

The blonde hair shining beautifully in the sunset. Deep blue eyes like the sea.

He had always thought that this moment, when he could see her face with his own eyes, might be the last.

He had to continue the words he hadn’t been able to say back then.

The answer he had pondered and hesitated over many times flowed out more softly and calmly than he had expected.

“I knew from the beginning that I didn’t have much time left.”

“……”

“I tried various things, changing my identity and affiliation, to find a way.”

Lenok raised his gaze.

“I found an answer, but I’m still not sure if it’s the right way. I just believe in it.”

“…Lenok.”

“I’m sorry. But I…”

Lenok paused for a moment, then closed his eyes in the pouring sunset light and said.

“I thought I shouldn’t drag Aris into my problem. Not just for you, but for myself as well.”

“……”

“A lot of time has passed since that day, and a lot of things have happened… but my thoughts haven’t changed.”

Lenok, meeting her blue eyes that seemed to be filled with sadness, said.

“I always want to be myself, as I was in the beginning. I am here because I am myself, including my remaining lifespan, and my will and desire to solve it myself.”

“……”

“So, it’s okay if Aris doesn’t try for me.”

Lenok smiled.

“I will remain myself until the end, even without that.”

He haphazardly brought out the complicated thoughts echoing in his heart.

The worries he had been carrying since the moment he first met Aris until now.

The thoughts and resolutions that had become solidified because he could not solve them, even though he worried about them every time.

At this moment, had Lenok narrowed the distance with Aris, or had he pushed her away? Perhaps it was both.

Because he was confessing his secret to Lenok, but also trying not to rely on her. Because he was accepting her good intentions, but also trying to refuse them.

Too much time had passed to find the right answer in this relationship.

Because Lenok was trying not to change, the world around Lenok continued to change over time.

The lingering regrets, the brief disappointments.

If he could finish it like this, even if it was clumsy and awkward-

“Lenok.”

Every time she called his name, his hand stopped as if his lungs had been pierced deeply.

Seeing Lenok unable to say anything, Aris shook her head.

“I didn’t sacrifice myself for you, or give up what I should have enjoyed.”

“……”

“It’s something I wanted to do, and I started it because it’s what I wanted. I’ve never regretted it for a single moment.”

“But…”

“Do you remember the last conversation we had?”

She walked down the corridor, which was dyed with the sunset light, passing by Lenok.

Leaning against Lenok’s back, who was standing stiffly, she tilted her head back and closed her eyes.

Just like that night when they parted. On the rooftop overlooking the night view of Balkan.

“The belief that there are things that don’t change. The desire that they don’t… I wanted to confirm if those feelings still existed within me.”

“……”

“I might not have changed at all since then. Or maybe I’ve changed a little without me knowing.”

Aris, closing her eyes as if recalling an old memory, whispered.

“But, if there’s one thing that’s certain… it’s that I’ve always missed this scenery.”

“…Aris.”

“Lenok. I don’t want to forcibly stop you or interfere with you. Your heart, which draws infinite possibilities, is the miracle that encompasses everything.”

Aris’s strange answer, as if she was guessing something.

But before Lenok could realize that fact and ask, she turned her body.

“So, for now, I want to start by helping you from the side like this.”

Aris, naturally meeting Lenok’s gaze, gave a soft smile.

“In a place where I can reach you with just a turn of my head, where I can lend a hand with just one step. So that I can be with you without interfering with your journey.”

“……”

“Now that I can do that, I’ve come back like this.”

Aris scratched her cheek with an awkward look.

“It’s too late, but you’re not going to chase me away, are you?”

“…There’s no way I would.”

Aris neither affirmed nor denied Lenok’s answer, which was trying to forcibly create distance.

She had simply answered that she could respect even Lenok’s will, and that she had earned the right to be with him on that journey.

What kind of qualification had Aris Richelene obtained after returning to the Sinclair Magic Tower?

What form was the method that Aris had chosen for Lenok’s time taking?

It was clear that she had found the answer herself, but he still didn’t know about it.

But, even so-

Lenok was grateful to himself for being able to be purely happy about the fact that he had met Aris again like this.

“Welcome back, Professor.”

“…That ‘Professor’ title. I should have changed it before I left.”

Aris, with a sulky expression, turned her head and followed Lenok.

The fading sunset light gently tilted along the shadows of the two people.

* * *

District 49 of the megacity Balkan. The Impregnable Magic Tower.

The Tower Lord’s office, located at the end of the corridor on the top floor of the tower.

“I know everyone was surprised by this sudden introduction, but-”

Lenok opened his mouth, pointing to his side.

“This is Aris Richelene from the Sinclair Magic Tower. Let’s all welcome her with applause.”

“……”

The colleagues who had returned from all over the megacity at Lenok’s call blinked silently.

Jenny with a somewhat sulky expression, Dylan with his mouth wide open. Felix, resting his chin with a strange look.

Tatyana with an interesting face, and Jutiya yawning blankly. And Tower Lord Thorben, grinning.

Besides them, at least a dozen colleagues opened their mouths at the sight of Aris.

Aris, who was standing next to Lenok, smiled and waved her hand.

“Nice to meet you all.”

“Aris Richelene will be working as an external advisor to the tower, and will continue research and technical cooperation in various fields.”

Lenok said, glancing at her.

“This is a reorganization that takes into account the existing position of Lavatenon Chair Professor, while taking over the position of Clarice Richelene, who has returned to the Sinclair Magic Tower.”

“My teacher said that there are a lot of interesting people in this magic tower.”

Aris made a fist with a gentle smile and took a fighting pose.

“I will work hard not to be a hindrance to you all. Please take care of me.”

“…Please take care of us.”

Along with Jenny’s subtly delayed answer, Manson and Suryeon welcomed Aris.

[I saw her working during the Defense Force rebellion. It seems she’s back in Balkan after a long time.]

“I’ve heard of the youngest chair professor at Lavatenon Magic University. A talented person has entered the tower.”

“The professor who taught Priscilla is coming to our tower…”

Milla muttered with a sullen expression.

“What should we call her if not professor? Should we call her ‘sister’ now?”

“Generally, when determining the hierarchy of the tower, titles should be given in the order of entry.”

Aris answered with a smiling face.

“You can call me by my name comfortably. Senior.”

“…Huh, did I do something wrong?”

“The Sinclair Magic Tower is famous for its excellent achievements not only in elemental magic but also in magic theory research.”

Tatyana, behind Milla, who was tilting her head, stroked her chin as if she was interested.

“I heard that there are only proud and introverted mages, so they rarely do external activities. How did you think of coming to Ban’s tower?”

“I’m practically halfway out of the Sinclair Magic Tower now.”

Aris bowed to Tatyana.

“Just like Chiglet, I will try to be evaluated without being bound by my previous affiliation.”

“…I see, she doesn’t seem to be as weak as she looks.”

Tatyana smiled and raised her magic power.

“It’s rare for mages with opposing elemental magic to meet in a place like this. If you don’t mind, shall we decide on the distribution here?”

“Of course, I don’t mind, but if possible, could we start in the medical ward or a place with healers?”

Aris answered with a bright smile.

“I’m not used to sparring, so I’m not confident in controlling my strength.”

“Hoo. Is that so?”

“Hey, Ban. Is that okay?”

Looking at the two high-ranking mages smiling at each other, Dylan whispered closely to Lenok.

“She seems to be more sharp-edged than I thought.”

“She’s not being particularly sharp.”

Aris, who had heard Dylan’s words like a ghost, answered calmly.

“However, since I entered the tower later than the people here, I also think that I need to show you the qualifications you want.”

“……”

Looking around the quiet office, Aris placed her hand on her robe and bowed her head.

“I will make sure that there is no lack of research results or skills. If you need proof or confirmation of those parts, please tell me anytime.”

“…Hmm, proof or confirmation.”

“She’s strangely similar to Ban.”

“Their way of speaking is similar. Have they known each other for a long time?”

Only then did the other colleagues look at each other with slightly relaxed expressions, and one by one, they shook hands with Aris.

“Well, if she says she’ll do well in the tower, there’s no need to stop her.”

“Professor Richelene. Welcome to Ban’s territory.”

“I’m Jutiya. Do you like fruit smoothies?”

“I thought you went on another solo trip out of the tower, but you brought back a smart friend.”

Tower Lord Thorben, stroking his chin while laughing heartily, nodded his head.

“She seems to have reached a very special level for a mage. How did that stubborn Sinclair Tower Lord think of letting go of such a child?”

“…Is it about hierarchy?”

Certainly, even Lenok couldn’t really feel how much Aris Richelene had achieved now.

Since she had already reached level 7 when he last saw her, it was certain that she was above a Saint-level mage, but even Lenok had difficulty sensing whether she had reached beyond that.

Was it because of the achievements she had gained while focusing on research at the Sinclair Magic Tower, or was there some other special reason?

While Lenok was pondering that for a moment, Aris, who was talking with other colleagues, turned her head.

“Ah, if it’s okay, could I be assigned a research lab or laboratory that remains in the tower? I don’t want to cut off the supply because I’m here.”

“There are research labs scattered all over the tower, so it doesn’t matter. But what do you mean by supply?”

“Since she’s a mage from the Sinclair Magic Tower. Is she going to melt ice and make high-purity mineral water to supply?”

“Fortunately, I know how to make something a little more valuable than mineral water.”

Aris smiled and pointed at herself.

“I was making elixirs and supplying them at the Sinclair Magic Tower. If possible, I would like to set up a manufacturing infrastructure here as quickly as possible. Can I get your cooperation?”

“No, wait a minute. You were the elixir maker?”

“Surely Ban didn’t beat up the Sinclair Magic Tower and scout her.”

“Do we have to prepare for war with Sinclair?”

“Jenny.”

Leaving behind the colleagues who were shocked by Aris’s words, Lenok turned his gaze.

“I have something to say about the tower’s affairs.”

“I know.”

“…You know?”

“You’re not going to transfer the tower’s authority or position to Aris Richelene, are you?”

Jenny answered with a calm expression.

“That person. She’s a very famous high-ranking mage. I also know that she worked with you during the Defense Force rebellion.”

“……”

“If there are two high-ranking mages who have worked in the tower like Tatyana, then I don’t need to be in charge of the tower’s work anymore.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Lenok looked at Jenny with a dumbfounded expression.

“Aris Richelene was brought here to take charge of magic research and teach the tower’s mages. I’m planning to link the research with the Bailon Research Institute rather than here.”

“……”

“I’m satisfied with your work and duties. I have no intention of transferring your authority over the tower to someone else now.”

“But-”

“Rather, I’m planning to greatly expand your authority and qualifications in the tower.”

“…Huh?”

“We have to prepare for the war that might come to Balkan. You said that once, didn’t you?”

Lenok smiled as he looked at Jenny, who had raised her gaze with a surprised expression.

“I’m planning to completely remodel the shape and structure of the tower using Uroboros [a mythical serpent that eats its own tail, symbolizing cycles of creation and destruction]. I’m going to create a strategic weapon of an unprecedented form among all the towers. Are you willing to cooperate?”