Genius Wizard Takes Medicine [EN]: Chapter 1044

Signpost (32)

The sofa was located in the center of the top floor office of the Magic Tower.

Lenok and Jutiya sat facing each other, with the Obeokro board game [a traditional Korean board game similar to Go] placed on the table between them.

Tap. Tap.

The sound of stones striking the game board echoed rhythmically in the quiet office.

Lenok and Jutiya continued their game, moving and flipping stones without a word.

Each time their hands moved, black and white stones flipped, and territories appeared and disappeared.

The speed of the game was incredibly fast, and the situation changed so rapidly that it was difficult to tell who had the upper hand.

Jenny, who had been watching the game with interest, was already dozing off.

“From EN12, each corner in order.”

“Bias from SA5 to 10.”

“Pure from AB34 to the end.”

Tap.

As Lenok placed a black stone, the stones on the board flipped to black.

In an instant, nearly half of the white stones placed by Jutiya vanished.

“I expected it to some extent, but you’re really good at this.”

Jutiya said, staring silently at the scattered stones on the board.

“I’ve played Obeokro a lot, but there were hardly any people in Ars Nova who were this good.”

“I suppose so.”

Lenok replied in an indifferent tone.

“If the condition for acquiring user rights for a strong AI is set as an Obeokro match, it means that the designer himself must have played this game a lot.”

“……”

Could she not have imagined that he would bring it up first?

Lenok stared at the silent Jutiya.

“The Ars Nova’s strong AI search engine ‘Heiberg,’ hidden under the deep web’s unauthorized network. It must be your work, right?”

The existence of the search engine that the deep web administrators had called Lenok to deal with.

In the process, Lenok had directly played an Obeokro match against the built-in strong AI to obtain the search engine.

After winning the Obeokro game using the Papyrus of Jintun and obtaining the search engine, he had obtained information about the 1st Apostle and the Incarnation of the Order’s leader.

In fact, it was an incident that led to the first meeting between the leader, the head, and Lenok.

Lenok still remembered that incident.

“Wait…!! You were the one who did that?!”

Jutiya, who had a shocked expression, soon smiled and pushed up her glasses.

“Just kidding. Actually, I knew it from the start.”

“……”

“Well, it’s true that I thought I should check it myself.”

Jutiya, who had a sheepish expression at Lenok’s cold reaction, which was hard to take as a joke, opened her mouth while holding a white stone.

“If you weren’t such an outstanding Obeokro player, you wouldn’t have been able to break through the strong AI and take control of the search device.”

Tap!!

As Jutiya placed a white stone, half of the game board turned pure white.

The balance of the board, which had been evenly maintained until now, immediately tilted towards her side.

“If you don’t mind, would you give it back?”

Jutiya asked, looking at the silent Lenok.

She squatted on the sofa, fiddling with a white stone, and spoke as if recalling a memory.

“It’s a rough draft I made when I was immature, so it’s very clumsy. It’s a bit embarrassing to show it to others now.”

“Setting the condition for acquiring user rights for the search engine as Obeokro was innovative.”

Lenok replied, placing a black stone.

“To be honest, it was also interesting. I didn’t know that Ars Nova would value a board game made by Jintun so highly.”

“Obeokro is not just a game that helps with learning barrier techniques or spell formations.”

Jutiya turned her gaze.

“It’s a unique means of simultaneously measuring various talents that are difficult to quantify, such as logical reasoning ability, multi-dimensional complex thinking ability, and aptitude for areas and spaces for spell interpretation.”

“……”

“Because it’s a game that perfectly embodies the mysteries of spells, the better the player, the more they can read the spell aptitude of their opponent through their moves.”

Jutiya, who had slowly organized the white stones, looked at Lenok and said.

“If you read the aptitude for spells, you can see the basis of learning, and even guess the aptitude and origin…”

“……”

“The great mages of Ars Nova could read what kind of life their opponents had lived while playing Obeokro. Obeokro itself was a means of exchange and communication.”

Jutiya smiled, looking at Lenok, who did not answer.

“Well, if you’re a mage who won against a strong AI in an Obeokro match, you probably already know that.”

“I don’t have much interest in mind-reading, though…”

Lenok frowned at the sudden remark, then tilted his head.

“But I can’t say I have nothing to say about your style or spell formation aptitude.”

“Style?”

“A tendency to play with stable and solid moves. A composure that doesn’t waver even in a crisis.”

Jutiya nodded as Lenok spoke.

“Ah, if it’s about that kind of tendency, I’ve heard it a lot-”

“The essence of delaying the match and trying to escape in important situations.”

Jutiya’s words stopped abruptly at Lenok’s calm words.

Ignoring her reaction, Lenok looked down at the game board and said.

“You’re trying to drag out the game by avoiding the decisive moment. You’re trying to put the moment of your defeat as far back as possible.”

“……”

“But that’s different from the feeling of not wanting to lose. Are you assuming defeat from the start and thinking about the next step?”

“…You.”

“You’re not giving up on this game and aiming for the next one either. If you were, you would have tried to see and analyze my moves as much as possible. Rather, that’s…”

Lenok stroked his chin, leaving Jutiya, who had a rare look of surprise.

“It seems closer to a calculation to decide the moment the game ends yourself.”

“……”

Silence flowed.

In the quiet moment when even the sound of Jenny’s breathing, who was dozing off next to Lenok, could not be heard.

Jutiya, who was staring at Lenok through her thick glasses, opened her mouth.

“Didn’t you say you weren’t interested in mind-reading earlier?”

“I’m just not interested now, but that doesn’t mean I can’t do it.”

Lenok chuckled.

“I showed off my skills for once because you wanted to hear an answer, how was it?”

“…It’s the worst. It makes me feel very bad.”

Jutiya replied with a languid smile.

“I’m starting to regret asking. If it was going to be like this, I shouldn’t have come to you with this topic.”

“Haha.”

Even at the harsh criticism, Lenok smiled and rested his chin on one hand.

Whether Lenok’s answer was completely wrong, or whether it hit the nail on the head with the opposite meaning.

Because he already knew which side Jutiya’s harsh criticism was based on.

“Thanks for the praise. Are you going to play more?”

“…No.”

Jutiya, who had been staring intently at the game board through her glasses, threw the white stone she was holding onto the game board.

“I give up. It’s unpleasant, but you’re right.”

Jutiya shrugged.

“I knew from the start that the game was tilted. It would only make me look worse if I continued. I lost.”

“……”

Jutiya began to quietly organize the scattered stones.

Lenok stared at her for a moment, then opened his mouth nonchalantly.

“There are things that can only be accomplished by clinging on until you look pathetic.”

“What?”

“At least, I think that kind of struggle is necessary. I suppose your way might be right.”

“……”

“Well, that was a pointless story.”

Lenok chuckled, looking at Jutiya, who had suddenly closed her mouth.

“If you want to get the strong AI back, I can return it. I’ll also tell you where it’s being used now.”

“So, you weren’t just keeping it?”

“But there’s a condition.”

Lenok said, leaning back on the sofa with his arms crossed.

“The reason I have the search engine is because I won against the strong AI in Obeokro and acquired user rights. Strictly speaking, I am also a rightful owner.”

“……”

“The algorithm of the search engine has been copied, so it’s not difficult to return the original, but I need to receive a price.”

“What price do you want?”

“The World Tree’s leaf and the parts of the Degenerator that you offered during the funeral.”

Lenok’s eyes lit up.

“I think I need the location coordinates of those, or at least information equivalent to that.”

“……”

“I think you have a lot of information as the secretary of the Central City Council of Destiny, and I’m personally interested in that.”

Lenok shook Jenny’s shoulder to wake her up, who was still pretending to sleep, and said.

“Ah, but if you know anything about the Outer City, I’ll prioritize that. Either way is fine.”

“…Outer City? Are you talking about Kundara?”

“It seems like I’m saying this for the first time here, but I’m planning to visit Kundara soon.”

Lenok nodded at Jutiya’s wide-eyed response.

“The city of the long-lived, hidden behind a veil. I heard it’s a haven created to avoid destruction.”

“……”

“If you’re an aristocrat of Ars Nova, you must know something about the Outer City. I’d like to hear your advice on that.”

The Outer City is the place most closely linked to the Central City among all the cities on the continent.

Since the veil surrounding Ars Nova is the work of Kundara, what more is there to say about their relationship?

That’s why Lenok thought that Jutiya might know about the long-lived of Kundara.

He was also interested in the World Tree’s leaf and the parts of the Degenerator, but if he could get some useful advice before going to Kundara, it would be helpful.

As Lenok thought that and raised his gaze to ask Jutiya’s opinion.

“…Why do you have that expression?”

“No, I thought you would know, but…”

Jutiya had a rare, blank expression with her mouth open.

It was as if she had never even imagined that he would ask about this now.

“So, you’re going to Kundara, so you want advice.”

Just as Lenok tilted his head at the strange reaction, Jutiya smiled wryly.

“I think it’s enough as it is. I don’t think I have anything to say?”

“…I don’t know what you’re talking about. In the first place, I haven’t even told you about the preparations for going to Kundara?”

“No, it’s perfect as it is. Rather, if you don’t know, it would be much more helpful to go without knowing.”

Jutiya nodded firmly with a serious expression.

“I don’t know what you’re going to do in Kundara, but if you go as you are, things will definitely work out. I guarantee it.”

“……”

Whether she wanted to play a quiz with Lenok, or whether she was twisted and didn’t want to tell him the answer.

Considering Jutiya’s personality, which he had seen so far, it was difficult to be sure which one it was.

“Okay. I understand.”

Lenok shook his head at her confident appearance, even raising her thumb.

“I’ll understand that as you don’t want to get the search engine back for now.”

“Eek.”

* * *

The underground common area of the Magic Tower where Lenok’s guardian spirit resided.

Several people had gathered in the space where Torben, the Magic Tower Lord who had become a food spirit, was living.

“Hey, old man. If you’re awake, take a look at this.”

Dylan asked, poking the Tower Lord, who was lying on the floor, with the sheath of his sword.

The news was reporting on the investment agreement between the War Magic Tower and the city government.

The Tower Lord glanced at the news and yawned with a bored expression.

“What do you want me to do about it?”

“Your capital is about to flow into this city, don’t you have anything to say?”

Dylan, who had comfortably sat down in front of the Tower Lord, asked, adjusting his sword sheath.

“You’re the largest shareholder of the Torben Magic Tower. Don’t you know which areas or facilities in Balkan they plan to invest in?”

“Heh, you’re an impudent one.”

Torben said, stroking his beard with a nonchalant expression.

“Are you saying you’re going to use Bonno as a whistleblower to make a profit?”

“No, I’m asking you to tell your great-granddaughter to give up on investing in District 49.”

Dylan crossed his arms.

“Since District 49 is centered around the Ban’s territory, we plan to buy all the remaining land soon.”

“Hmm…”

“We plan to buy everything, no matter the price. There’s no need to have a wasteful competition with other magic towers, right?”

“Ahem.”

Belber, who had been watching the situation from Dylan’s side, said.

“The Tower Lord might accidentally give us some inside information, there’s no need to be so definitive in refusing…”

“Belber, shut up.”

Mila’s foot slammed into Belber’s abdomen with a thud.

While Belber was bent over at a right angle, gagging, the Tower Lord let out a strange exclamation.

“Ho! That’s a great kick. The speed is like lightning, wouldn’t you like to learn lightning magic?”

“…Old man. What does my fast kick have to do with lightning magic?”

“Don’t mind him, Mila.”

While Mila was responding with a dumbfounded expression, Suren, who had her arms crossed, said as if she was used to it.

“This great mage has already recommended learning lightning magic to more than five people for all sorts of reasons.”

“……”

“Old man. In the first place, we belong to Ban’s Magic Tower, not yours.”

Dylan asked, standing with his sword sheath like a cane.

“If you acknowledge Ban, shouldn’t you not be trying to persuade us like this?”

“You’re mistaken. You don’t have to belong to Torben just because you learn lightning magic.”

The Tower Lord said with a confident expression.

“If you have engraved the cause and effect of lightning, you are no different from a fellow disciple, regardless of your affiliation or origin. What does it matter which magic tower you are in!”

“You’re completely insane.”

“To ignore Bonno’s kindness, who wishes that even one more person would realize the true value of the great lightning, you are truly wicked!”

“Can you please not shout, it’s noisy?”

The mercenaries also seemed to understand that this lightning-crazed old man was harmless inside the tower, even if he was loud.

They were wary of the Tower Lord for a moment, but soon the mercenaries were casually responding to the Tower Lord’s absurd remarks.

Lenok, who had been watching the Tower Lord and the mercenaries bickering while leaning against the railing of the slope, moved his feet.

“Ban!!”

Dylan, as if he knew, shook his sword sheath at Lenok.

“Is the conversation over?”

“Wrong. I was going to give feedback on the Torben Magic Tower’s investment direction, but all he did was talk nonsense.”

Dylan shook his head.

“It would be good if we could contact Lyell Torben before he leaves Balkan.”

“I heard that Jenny is coordinating the schedule for that. Let’s wait a little longer.”

“Ban, most of the stocks listed on Balkan are fluctuating right now.”

Belber, who had been cowering after being beaten by Mila, quickly jumped in.

“When an outside force like the Torben Magic Tower intervenes, that’s the opportunity. If we get investment information from the Tower Lord and realize the profit, the Magic Tower’s assets will be multiplied several times…!!!”

“Pretend you didn’t hear that, Ban.”

“Why is this guy really like this?”

Hands flew from all directions to stop Belber’s mouth, pressing down on his mouth and chin indiscriminately.

Belber’s face was kneaded like a rice cake, and his true intentions soon came out of his mouth.

“Kaaak!! The Torben Magic Tower preferred stock I bought three years ago is still at its lowest price. Please…!!”

“He’s finally revealed his heinous true colors.”

“I told you not to keep confessing your terrible investment skills to Ban?”

“No, how can someone who invests in stocks touch the preferred stock of a magic tower?”

Even the Tower Lord, who had been listening without interest behind the mercenaries who were scolding Belber, added a word with a dumbfounded expression.

“Lyell made that preferred stock to fleece the operation forces, how did you pick that one…”

“Uwaaaak!!”

[Woong]

Belber’s cry was so desperate that the guardian spirit, who had been sleeping soundly with its front paws in its mouth, stirred.

As the baby dragon with a protruding belly showed signs of waking up, the terrified mercenaries began to drag Belber out.

“Ban, then we’ll be going!!”

“Manson was right. Let’s find a curse mage.”

“Let’s put a curse on this guy so that the word ‘investment’ never comes out of his mouth again.”

The mercenaries, who had quickly finished their conspiracy, disappeared, and the underground common area became quiet again.

“You have truly talkative and noisy disciples.”

The Tower Lord, who was lying down using the sleeping baby dragon’s belly as a pillow, laughed heartily.

“They’re terrible as mages, but if I have guys like that, every day won’t be boring.”

“They’re not particularly outstanding in terms of magical aptitude or talent.”

Lenok replied.

“Knowing that, you still thought of teaching Mila lightning magic.”

“Hmm, were you listening?”

The Tower Lord smiled.

“I have no intention of trying to cover up what’s lacking. Either way, they’re just weak flames compared to you.”

“……”

“But just because they lack talent doesn’t mean they can give up on learning. That’s why you’re teaching magic to your disciples, aren’t you?”

“I have no intention of forcibly guiding them down the path of magic.”

Lenok replied.

“I’m just trying to help them in the process of developing their abilities and talents.”

“Hmm, I understand since the magic system you created is so unique…”

The Tower Lord, who had his magnetic field eaten by the guardian spirit’s ouroboros, would understand how bizarre that magic was.

The creation magic that Lenok had created himself to transcend the hierarchy when he reached level 8.

But the Tower Lord knew its true value and kept silent in front of the War Magic Tower.

“I thank you for this matter.”

Lenok, who had been lost in thought, broke the silence and said.

“Thanks to you keeping silent about my magic system and protecting the guardian spirit, I was able to finish things in my own way.”

“……”

“I will compensate for the losses incurred by the Torben Magic Tower later. At least, I don’t intend to leave them in danger.”

“That’s enough. I felt it last time too, but you try to keep your morals in unnecessary areas.”

The Tower Lord laughed heartily.

“If they are my disciples, they should be grateful for the fact that they fought against a mage like you and use it as a stepping stone for growth. They wouldn’t want anything more than that.”

“……”

“More than that, I’m very curious about the enlightenment you gained in the Thunder God Palace.”

The Tower Lord looked up at Lenok with sparkling eyes and asked.

“Surely you didn’t come out of the sanctuary empty-handed. Tell Bonno honestly what you got.”

“I didn’t bring out an enlightenment that transcended the horizon of thought from the sanctuary.”

Lenok said, reaching out his hand.

“Instead, I brought out something with a clearer form.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. If you didn’t gain enlightenment, you wouldn’t have been able to return from that sanctuary in the first place.”

The Tower Lord tilted his head.

“In the first place, if you exclude the being that is holding the center in that sanctuary of the Thunder God Palace-”

“I came here because I wanted to discuss that part with you.”

He bent his fingers and stroked the air.

The moment Lenok’s hand, which had been wandering as if searching for something invisible, grabbed the air as it was.

[Thunder Piercing Key]

Kwaaaang!!!

As the air cracked like glass, a golden key that was emitting light popped out in Lenok’s hand.

“…!!!!”

Lenok lifted it up, looking at the Tower Lord’s expression, whose eyes looked like they were about to pop out.

A huge key, the size of Lenok’s forearm, that was emitting light while constantly sparking sharp lightning.

The failed answer left by the Ascendant of the Old World, or the Thunder Emperor who held the secret of the first world called the Thunder Sea Spell.