Genius Wizard Takes Medicine [EN]: Chapter 1182

“Pull your elbow back just a little more.”

“Like this?”

“No, that’s your shoulder, not your elbow. What are you even looking at?”

Balkan Zone 20, a megacity. A custom training ground located on the outskirts of the downtown area.

Ivelin looked dumbfounded as she watched Lenok awkwardly draw the string of a mechanical longbow.

She put down the bow and approached him, pulling his elbow back with one hand.

“If you lean your shoulder back too much there, you’ll throw off your balance. Just pull your arm back like this.”

“Got it. This is the feeling.”

“You’re completely wrong, you know?”

After several attempts at correction, Ivelin shook her head.

“I can’t. You have absolutely no sense for this. It’s a bit of a shock, but you really have no athletic ability in this area, do you?”

“It’s always difficult to grasp the feeling when learning how others move their bodies.”

Lenok replied calmly.

“It’s easier for me to build it up from scratch based on my own standards. That’s why I’ve always struggled.”

“Is that why you fight so well with that strange body of yours?”

Ivelin shrugged and asked.

“Alright, get back into position. I can’t go back without teaching you how to draw the string properly.”

“No, it’s fine.”

“Huh?”

Swish!

The moment Lenok grabbed the longbow and drew the string, his shoulder and elbow naturally pulled back.

The movement was so natural and skilled that it was incomparable to before.

Lenok looked at Ivelin, who had a slightly surprised expression, and asked.

“How is it? Is it a little better than before?”

“…Wait, are you controlling your body with magic again?”

“I converted the timing of your string draw, the shift in your center of gravity, and your body proportions into my own and systematized it.”

Lenok smiled.

“Even if you don’t get the feel for it with your body, you can still use it like this if you learn the technique with your head.”

“Yeah, you’re so great.”

Ivelin sighed and picked up her own longbow.

Swish!

She gracefully spun the longbow with one hand, then glared at Lenok with her green eyes and said.

“I’ll teach you a few more techniques and tips. You can learn them on your own. You don’t need my advice anymore, right?”

“No, I’ll follow your advice unconditionally in the areas I can.”

Lenok quietly looked at Ivelin.

“You’re the best archer I know. I think your perspective is absolutely correct when it comes to archery.”

“……”

“I’m not here to ignore your opinion or twist it to my liking. I’m sorry if it felt that way.”

He imitated Ivelin’s movements with magic because he thought it was the only way to learn from others.

He had no intention of ignoring Ivelin’s experience or advice as an archer.

If that were the case, he wouldn’t have come to Ivelin to ask for her guidance now, when there wasn’t much time left.

Ivelin scratched her cheek, looking awkward, and quietly replied.

“It’s okay. I wasn’t upset. It’s not like you had to apologize in the first place.”

“That’s a relief. Shall we continue right away?”

“…You’re making me feel like I’ve been tricked. It’s not just my imagination, is it?”

After that, Ivelin grumbled but meticulously taught Lenok the techniques and tips needed for shooting a bow.

Where to look when shooting at a moving target, how much to draw the string, and at what angle to shoot the arrow.

After summarizing the key points and doing a simple practice, Ivelin asked.

“So, why are you suddenly trying to learn archery? You haven’t been very interested in it before.”

“I felt it when I was using magic before, but the shape of a bow is efficient for constructing the image of firing a spell.”

Lenok replied.

“Especially when dealing with concepts that are difficult for me to control, it seems to be quite helpful in setting the direction and trajectory precisely.”

He had been thinking about it since he used the Hellfire Illusion Bow, but the shape of the bow and arrow was quite helpful in capturing the image of magic.

Even if he didn’t use the bow directly, just imagining the magic in a similar form showed room for improvement in terms of manipulation and efficiency.

The reason he took the time to come to Ivelin to learn archery was because of that.

“What, did you finally realize how great a weapon the bow is?”

Ivelin’s eyes sparkled as she spoke with a smug look.

“Yeah. As you know, there are few weapons that require as much complex skill and judgment as the bow. If you look at the high end, it’s the most precise and superior range weapon among all ranged weapons. In the first place, it has endless applications in that it has more room to carry magic or thought than firearms… ”

“Yes, that’s not wrong.”

“People who are just starting out in archery often give up quickly if they don’t hit the target, but that’s a mistake. It’s much deeper than other martial arts in terms of mental training, carefully paying attention to the surrounding environment and waiting patiently until the desired moment comes. But many people are obsessed with firearms, which are just unnecessarily convenient, and forget that fact, depriving themselves of the opportunity to control themselves. I can’t help but feel sorry for the current state of affairs…”

“…Ivelin. You suddenly seem like a different person, are you okay?”

Lenok, who had been listening to Ivelin’s suddenly talkative explanation, drew the string and said.

“Anyway, that’s why I came to you to learn archery, because I thought it was a very suitable form for the new spell I learned.”

“A new spell? When did you learn a new magic again?”

“I’ll tell you later. I don’t have time now.”

“What, are you teasing me? Don’t you know that it’s the worst to stop talking in the middle?”

Lenok smiled at Ivelin’s sulky face and naturally changed the subject.

“How’s life at the Tower? I was too busy last time we met to ask.”

After the Kundara incident, Lenok had made an offer to recruit Ivelin to the Tower [Magic Tower].

If she wasn’t planning to return to being an agent, he said that the Magic Tower could fully accommodate her.

Ivelin replied that she would decide after working with the agent one last time, and eventually decided to become a member of the Tower.

Although the proper procedures had not been followed due to the start of construction, Jenny was already fully supporting her.

“There’s nothing uncomfortable about my life. There are a lot of familiar faces. In fact, everyone is trying to be too nice to me, so it’s a bit overwhelming.”

However, even after hearing Lenok’s words, Ivelin looked away with a subtle expression.

“I’m trying to pick out talented people at the Tower and teach them… but I’m not sure yet.”

“It doesn’t seem to be going as you planned.”

“It’s a little different from training and educating people in the agency.”

Ivelin scratched her head, looking dejected.

“There, we tested their abilities in the field and selected them as official agents, but we can’t do that here.”

“I’ll give you command of the Magic Tower’s operations if you need it.”

“No, I’m not asking for that to show off.”

“Even if you don’t need it, it’s a power you’ll have to take on someday, right?”

“…That’s not what I’m talking about.”

Ivelin looked back at Lenok with a dumbfounded expression and sighed.

“I’m just worried because I can’t find a direction. I don’t want to laze around at the Tower, but I’m not going to train agent operatives here either.”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“Those kinds of things are not possible unless they are people I know… it doesn’t matter?”

“You can bring the agent operatives you know to the Tower.”

Lenok said as he drew the string, and the arrow sharply pierced the target.

8 points. Lenok checked the score and said as he placed another arrow on the string.

“If there are operational agents who can be active in the field with a small elite force, it will be helpful in some way. I can back you up if you want.”

“…It’s not as easy as you say. Former and current special agency operatives can’t transfer their affiliation without the city government’s approval.”

“Don’t worry about that.”

Swish!

9 points. Lenok, holding a new arrow, said as he looked at the arrow that hit the target.

“The last scheduled event before the parade is a dinner appointment with a city councilor.”

“…What?”

“I’ll talk to the city councilor about it.”

Lenok slowly drew the string and said.

“They might be able to agree to ‘borrow’ some of the special agency’s personnel.”

“No, that’s not the problem…”

Ivelin looked complicated and picked up her bow, but she couldn’t draw the string and put it down.

Ivelin glanced at Lenok and asked.

“So, you’re going to the parade after all. Have you already made up your mind?”

“It seems there are things I can’t hear unless I meet him directly.”

Lenok replied, aiming the tip of the arrow at the target.

“Just as you can’t change the result after an arrow leaves the string, it will be the same with this matter.”

“……”

“The preparations are complete. Now, all I can do is do my best in the process, so I need to practice like this from now on.”

“…Then, have you already decided ‘which side’ you’re going to take?”

“Not yet.”

Lenok said as he slowly released the string he had drawn.

Lenok looked at the arrow flying away from the string and quietly replied.

“But it will be decided soon.”

* * *

La Haven, a satellite city near the outermost edge of the Balkan.

The shape of the pier, which is now nearing completion after investment and business cooperation with the Torben Magic Tower.

Unique streamlined buildings and structures are erected everywhere, and all kinds of flying vehicles fly in a row above the sky.

Airships floating in an orderly manner as if there were roads, even though there are no roads or signs in the sky.

The appearance of flying vehicles that take on free and individual designs regardless of their shape, whether they are helicopters, ships, jets, or discs.

“Professor Bailon’s words when he announced the anti-gravity engine have become a self-fulfilling prophecy.”

A middle-aged man with thick blond hair gently shook his wine glass as he watched the scene.

“The skyway he mentioned in his second paper is right here. Perhaps he had been imagining this scene for a long time.”

“……”

The top floor lounge of an 8-star hotel built near the pier.

Surrounded by transparent glass walls, it creates a spectacular view of the sky above the pier.

The lights emitted by the flying vehicles moving in rows from all directions brightened the sky and dyed it in various colors.

“Just a few years ago, flying through the magnetic storm in the Balkan was the privilege of the city government’s air force.”

The middle-aged man said as he turned his gaze while receiving the wine poured by the waiter.

“But now, even peddlers are bringing their own airships to the pier. What do you think, Ban?”

“I don’t think you called me here to talk about that.”

Lenok replied indifferently without even looking at the wine glass.

“Senator Haven. Why did you choose La Haven as the meeting place?”

Conrad Haven, a senator of the Central Council of the City Government.

A powerful figure with considerable influence in the Senate, and a politician who directly intervenes in major events inside and outside the city.

He was the person Lenok had spoken to when he announced the anti-gravity engine under the identity of Bailon, and during the Iron Wall hearing.

“There’s no particular meaning. I just wanted to hear your thoughts before I left on a business trip.”

Conrad said, turning to Lenok.

Even after a long time, his unique dignified aura and gentle atmosphere remained the same.

“Since your Magic Tower is the only organization officially cooperating with Professor Bailon, you must have some thoughts on this as well.”

“……”

“This pier is a miraculous result that would never have been completed without Professor Bailon’s anti-gravity paper. It wouldn’t have happened if he hadn’t announced that he would open the skyway and shared the technology.”

Conrad tilted his wine glass and spoke slowly in a dignified voice.

“Torben’s money, the city government’s regulations, the cooperation of citizens, and the connection with other cities… Sometimes, without the genius of one person, it all becomes meaningless. I was able to learn that fact from a past failure.”

“……”

“Although the direction is very different, I think your existence is also an unprecedented singularity in the history of the Balkan.”

Conrad murmured, looking at the countless airships outside the glass ceiling with a gentle face.

“From the city council’s point of view, I don’t particularly want to acknowledge it, but I don’t deny that such a ‘scenario’ exists.”

Conrad slowly got up from his seat, picked up the briefcase he had leaned against the side, and said.

“That’s why my destination for this business trip is the Dead Rise parade.”

“…I see.”

Lenok glanced at him.

“Is the city council planning to send a senator directly to the legion’s parade?”

“The city council knew even when the legion left the Balkan to advance to the central front.”

Conrad said, turning his gaze to the glass window outside the airport with an indifferent look.

“That they had left on a long journey to return someday. That they had chosen to suffer for a greater wish than taking the Balkan.”

“……”

“That’s why it’s necessary to meet with the legion’s command before the parade begins to adjust the direction.”

Conrad said as he slowly took a step.

“They also know how many dangerous things are buried in this city. It’s a kind of agreement that’s needed.”

As Conrad moved, attendants in various attire quietly appeared and followed him.

The city council’s directly affiliated elite special agency [Hollow Eater], who had not appeared during Lenok and Conrad’s conversation.

Oooooo!!!

A superhuman unit that scatters a hollow aura as if their bodies and souls are empty, assists the senator.

The senator, standing among the blank-eyed superhumans, turned to Lenok with a heavy gaze.

“I don’t know if you’ll attend, but you must know that the result of the parade will be related to you.”

“……”

“Looking at the large-scale construction underway in Zone 49, I can guess how you’re taking that fact.”

“Did you call me all the way here just to confirm that fact?”

“No, it’s the opposite, to let you know.”

A faint smile seemed to flash across the senator’s face for a moment.

“The reason why a senator of the Central Council of the City Government is attending the legion’s parade. And yet, the reason why I’m telling you this. You should be able to understand without me saying it.”

“……”

“You seemed to know the gestures that would be difficult to express in words better than I thought. That’s why the chairman allowed you to take the position of the Tower Lord.”

Conrad, who had put on his fedora and covered his face, turned around.

“It’s time for the airship to depart. I’ll pass on your opinion about the recruitment of agent operatives to the city council. I hope to see you then if the opportunity arises.”

“That’s an interesting answer. Do you think there will be an opportunity in this city even after the parade is over?”

“Of course.”

A faint smile was mixed in Conrad’s dignified voice as he turned his back to Lenok.

“The city council doesn’t choose a scenario that will fail. This schedule is just part of that.”

“……”

Sitting by the window of a quiet cafe, Lenok silently looked at the empty seat where Conrad had left.

A huge airship taking off from the first-class pier visible outside the window and accelerating.

Kuooh!

A long, submarine-like airship, hundreds of meters in size, crossed the sky of the pier and accelerated.

Other airships that were cruising the skyway avoided the airship carrying the senator as if they had made a promise.

While Lenok was looking up at the scene, Davi explained from inside his pocket.

[It’s called the ‘Adrasteia’, a transcontinental cruiser newly built by the city government’s air force.]

“…Is that so?”

[It’s supposed to replace the aerial fortress that was damaged by Kraken Acilus… but in reality, it seems to be more like a cruiser made for key figures of the city council.]

Davi tilted his head.

[It’ll be annoying if that thing starts flying around the Balkan sky to keep Master in check.]

“The reason Conrad Haven is attending the parade is not to keep me in check or to side with the legion.”

Lenok raised his gaze.

“If anything, it’s closer to the opposite.”

[Huh? Is that what it was?]

“Davi. You really have no interest in the communication of organic beings.”

Lenok smiled wryly and shook his head.

“The fact that he revealed his destination in front of me was intentional. The fact that he subtly mentioned the authority to establish the Magic Tower that was granted by the Senate was also the same.”

[Hee.]

“He’s attending the parade himself, but he’s giving me a heads-up about the matter separately. I can see that he’s trying to maintain a balance…”

Lenok, who had been looking at the sky where the airship had disappeared with a blank face, sipped the remaining coffee.

“In other words, it means that the city council is confident that it won’t lose out no matter which way things go.”

[That’s a lot of confidence.]

“Decades have passed since Kaise died, and the Balkan has become a city-state where tens of millions of people live. The power and authority of the city council are greater than I thought.”

Lenok got up from his seat, returned the cup to the counter, and turned around.

“Someday, I may have to clearly define my position with them regarding this city… but that’s not what I need to do now.”

It wasn’t for nothing that he had come all the way to the pier to talk to the senator who was about to leave on a business trip.

It was true that Conrad had requested it, but it was also because Lenok had finally finished his preparations.

The short break he had after the Kabahim incident.

Magic Tower remodeling. Research and training, checkups and treatments. Information gathering and preparation for writing papers.

He had to put aside all the things he had tried to handle with leisure and move now.

“I’ve been thinking about it for a long time, but I’ve decided now.”

The truth of the Black Consumer Project, which he had been chasing for a long time, was in front of him.

Kaise’s death. The failure of the project. The final encounter in Kundara.

The one person who holds all those secrets is returning to the legion.

Lenok’s eyes sank coldly.