Genius Wizard Takes Medicine [EN]: Chapter 1193

Parade (8)

The Deadrise, the largest legion on the continent.

The legions at the pinnacle of a military force that swept through the central front, absorbing power and growing in size as they went.

The heads of the legions, who were granted autonomous authority and operated throughout the world, were gathered in one place.

Chairs were arranged behind the walls where the splendid banners of each legion hung. A huge table stretched through the center of the conference hall.

The legion commanders were seated around the vast conference hall, with several meters of space between them.

As soon as Lenok arrived at the conference hall, guided by Enel, he surveyed the legion commanders.

‘There are quite a few empty seats.’

Around 12 seats were placed around the head of the conference table, where the Marshal sat with his chin resting on his hand and his eyes closed.

However, only half of the legion commanders were actually seated.

Apart from Mirva, the 4th Legion Commander, Atiya, the 6th Legion Commander, and Deimus, the 7th Legion Commander, whom Lenok knew, all the other commanders were new to him.

Including Euphria and Lenok, who attended as the designated successors of the 3rd and 5th Legions, the number barely exceeded half.

Were there that many vacant legion commander positions, or were there many generals who could not attend the parade for some reason?

Considering that none of the three marshals were present, the latter could not be ignored.

“Commander, this way….”

Enel, with a nervous expression, spoke briefly with a staff officer and then guided the two to the end of the conference hall.

Since they had not yet officially received the title of legion commander, they were likely assigned to the 3rd and 5th Legion seats.

In terms of protocol, it was the lowest seat, but it was not bad as it allowed a full view of the entire conference hall.

The moment Lenok sat down, thinking that, he felt a sharp gaze from across the table.

“……”

A dignified middle-aged man, exuding an intense aura from his entire body, was staring intently at Lenok.

Lenok chuckled as he checked the man’s seat and the legion’s banner hanging behind him.

Townsend, the commander of the 8th Legion of the Deadrise, responsible for a section of the northern front.

It seemed that this man was the direct superior of Mathis, the brigadier of the 8th Legion, whom Lenok had killed as soon as he arrived at headquarters.

If he had received a report that Thousand had clashed with the 8th Legion at the parade, it was not strange that he would react like that.

Judging by the aura he exuded, he seemed to be a quite powerful warrior, but that was not the important thing.

The Kyonroe subjugation battle.

How much time had passed since he first heard that story from Deimus in Pandemonium?

A proposal that had been vaguely discussed was now about to be briefed as an official operation in front of the legion marshal.

The top priority for the legion’s return to the Balkans, and another real purpose of this parade.

Proof that the parade and the subjugation battle were not independently scheduled plans, but organically linked.

The reason why the available forces of the Deadrise were gathered in the Eastern Continent and nowhere else.

“Since the Marshal has just returned, I will briefly explain the outline of the Kyonroe subjugation operation.”

*Pat!*

As Deimus touched the projector, a picture appeared on the screen.

The streets of a satellite city built on white sand were crumpled into a circle as if crushed by a fist.

Lightning flashed and struck down like pillars of light, and the earth rising from all sides floated in a spectacular sight.

In the center, a black-haired mage with a black coat fluttering behind him was standing with his back turned.

A photo faintly revealed the sharp facial contours, with blue light scattering between his hair.

“This photo is the result of a battle that took place in a satellite city near a megacity, taken from thousands of kilometers away.”

“……”

“And it is also the only image that the legion has officially ‘captured’ and secured of Kyonroe.”

Deimus said, pointing at the enlarged photo with his baton.

“Kyonroe (堅雷) [meaning ‘Firm Thunder’]. A great mage of the 8th level. The most talented war mage in the history of the Eastern Continent. A slayer of apostles and a possessor of multiple attributes.”

“……”

“Uses more than nine types of magic and spells, including Thorben’s lightning magic. Possesses more than three innate abilities, including magic eyes. Possesses numerous relic-level spell weapons and artifacts.”

Only Deimus’ calm voice echoed in the quiet conference room.

“The owner of the only magic tower in the Balkans, and a transcendent who effectively controls the shadows of the megacity. A self-made man who rose from a freelancer to a great mage, and a madman with an unparalleled record among transcendents of the same level.”

*Pat!*

Each time Deimus spoke, the data screen changed one by one.

“He is the one who defeated not only the heroes of the civil war, such as Madrich Onion and Armas von Anathema, but also Major General Peisha Greeceburn.”

The Balkans and nearby satellite cities. The western front where the machine city of Machina and the outer city of Kundara fell.

The terrain, scenery, and colors were all different, but the flash of lightning in the sky was always the same.

The other legion commanders staring at the screen also showed various and diverse reactions.

Displeasure. Competitiveness. Some were interested, some were wary, and some were not even paying attention.

All the legion commanders gathered here listened to Deimus’ briefing with different reactions and attitudes.

“He is a transcendent so rare that it would be faster to find someone who has clashed with him and survived. In fact, there are few who can compare to him in the Eastern Continent in terms of individual prowess.”

“……”

“Evan Martinez, who is attending today’s meeting, is one of the very few superhumans who have fought against Kyonroe and survived, and is a mage who is now virtually confirmed as the new legion commander.”

At Deimus’ words, the gazes of the legion commanders sitting in the conference hall immediately turned towards Lenok.

Ethan still had his eyes closed, his chin resting on his hand, and showed no reaction.

“Now that the legion command has designated him as the head of the 5th Legion after the first gate incident, if the Marshal permits, the name of Thousand will be on the legion’s banner-”

“Lieutenant General Deimus. I’m sorry, but I haven’t heard anything about him beforehand.”

At that moment, the legion commander sitting in the ninth seat of the conference room opened his mouth.

An old man with white hair combed back, with a fierce face like a tiger.

Phillic Lenoir, the lieutenant general leading the 9th Legion. The oldest veteran among the legion commanders gathered here, and a veteran who had lived on the battlefield for decades.

Despite his old age, he was a fierce general whose aggressive and ferocious courage was more impressive than his command ability.

He was also a hero of the legion who had achieved great victories against the alliance near the western front.

“If what you say is true, this man is the one who killed Lieutenant General Roberaid. How can you hand over the position of legion commander to the enemy general who harmed the 3rd Legion Commander?”

The 9th Legion Commander stroked his beard and narrowed his eyes, looking at Lenok.

The old man, revealing his yellowish teeth like a beast, growled in a low voice.

“No one in the legion didn’t know how loyal Lieutenant General Roberaid was. He was a true soldier who was willing to sacrifice himself for the cause of the legion.”

“……”

“Even the fact that the lieutenant general clashed with Thousand and fell must have been for the legion, but how can the legion betray his loyalty and join hands with the slayer of apostles?”

“Lieutenant General Lenoir. The status that Thousand currently holds on the central front far transcends such interests.”

Deimus said in a calm voice.

“After defeating the 10th Apostle of the Order, Amrita, and the alliance’s grafting master, his value has become virtually immeasurable. Since briefly stopping the Gabi flight at the first gate, Thousand’s evaluation in the center has skyrocketed.”

“……”

“In the current situation, the joining of such a great mage to the legion would be an immeasurable strength. Nevertheless, the reality is that it is difficult to guarantee victory against Kyonroe.”

“I don’t know why you are evaluating that mage Kyonroe so highly that you are putting in so much effort.”

“I think that at least three or more legions participating in the parade should participate in the subjugation battle.”

Deimus said.

“It is a war against a transcendent who controls the shadows of the Balkans. At least three or more legions will be needed to establish a front line in the outer areas of the megacity and near the satellite cities.”

“…More than three legions?”

The expressions of the other legion commanders changed slightly at those words.

“I understand the need for the subjugation battle, but wouldn’t it be realistically difficult given the enormous size of the legion?”

“One of the fronts that the legion is in charge of will be empty. It will have a fatal adverse effect on future operations.”

All the legion commanders understood that the Deadrise’s long-cherished desire was to return to the Balkans.

They also knew that it was inevitable to clash with the mage who controlled the Balkans in the process.

The problem was how much of the legion’s power could realistically be drawn for the subjugation battle.

“Lieutenant General Deimus. There are some problems with your plan. Everyone, don’t get excited and listen.”

Mirva said, tapping an unlit cigar.

“After the death of General Armut, who was in charge of the legion’s ground operations, each legion was given the authority to operate independently. Now, all legions are operating independently and carrying out operations in various parts of the continent.”

“……”

“Currently, each legion commander is very accustomed to this environment, and they are putting in a lot of effort to maintain the central front. If you tell them to vacate the front for the subjugation battle overnight, who will readily agree?”

Only Mirva’s raspy voice echoed in the quiet conference room.

“General Armut served as the commander of ground operations because he was a great commander who contributed more than anyone else to the legion’s advance into the center. It was possible because he was a key contributor to turning a private military company into a legion alliance.”

Mirva’s gaze crossed with Deimus’ in the air.

“If the lieutenant general tries to take over the role of General Armut, it is inevitable that there will be a backlash. What can the legion gain by going that far?”

‘Experienced.’

Lenok, who was sitting at the end of the conference hall listening to the conversation, was inwardly impressed.

Mirva Neosoto seemed to be opposing the subjugation battle at first glance, but she logically explained why it was difficult for the subjugation battle to be established.

Through her, she forcibly calmed the anger of the other legion commanders who were resisting, and brought the atmosphere to a level where more constructive discussions were possible.

In Lenok’s view, it even seemed as if Mirva was creating room for Deimus to refute and setting the stage for him.

Deimus, who also knew this, nodded without hesitation and raised his baton.

“I am about to explain the outline of the operation right now.”

*Pat!*

At the same time, a map of the Balkans appeared on the screen, along with the expected advance positions and front lines of each legion.

The detailed outline of the subjugation battle, which had been secretly hidden within the Deadrise.

The first step in displaying it in its entirety and starting to establish the front lines.

Lenok, who had twitched his eyebrows, focused on the map that flashed by for a moment.

“What you are seeing now is a rough operational map of the subjugation battle and the subsequent recapture of the Balkans.”

Deimus walked in front of the legion commanders and said calmly.

“In addition, it is also a schematic diagram that best explains the essence of the subjugation battle, which is not only to supply the forces to fight Kyonroe from within the legion, but also to draw them from the outside.”

“…The recapture of the Balkans?”

“Currently, the ‘Seat’ of the Ability Awakening Corps and Pandemonium are about to participate. It will probably be decided for sure at the parade. There are more external forces that have promised support in the process of starting the subjugation battle and establishing the front lines.”

Deimus’ voice, as he looked around the conference hall, was filled with power.

“This is the integration that General Armut had planned long ago, spanning the entire continent-”

“Armut.”

At that moment, Deimus’ movement, who was about to move the projector with his baton, froze.

The Marshal, who had not reacted since arriving at the conference hall, opened his mouth.

“I see. He used to be here with us.”

Ethan, with his chin resting on the table and his eyes closed, whispered softly.

“I heard he died in a clash with the Gabi flight [a type of aerial vehicle or unit]. A comrade who had been with me since the Balkans closed his eyes.”

“……”

“When I heard the news a long time ago, I thought I would have to repay the debt someday. But the Underworld King left before me.”

Ethan’s voice, which echoed in the quiet conference hall, gradually faded.

Something sticky dripped down Ethan’s hand, which was resting on his chin.

Ethan, narrowing his eyes as he looked at the red liquid falling down his arm, whispered.

“Now, even those emotions…”

“Lord Bajur!!!”

As soon as they saw the drops of blood falling from Ethan’s hand, the legion commanders jumped up from their seats.

The adjutants, their faces pale, picked up their communicators and shouted to the officers outside.

“Bring the emergency treatment artifacts immediately!!“

“Evacuate the Marshal to a safe place. Call the guards, immediately!!“

“It’s the command’s fault. At this point when he still needs a lot of rest…!!!”

“…No.”

Ethan, who had risen with the support of Atiya, who was nearby, looked around the conference hall with a calm gaze.

At his one word, the bustling officers stopped at once and waited for orders.

“There is no reason to seek my permission for all operations. Do as you please with the subjugation battle.”

Ethan said with an expressionless face.

“The legion is not one, but a group with separate heads. The legion has coexisted because each head does not depend on the other.”

“Marshal, but…”

“Judge and act on your own. At this point, whether each legion vacates or defends the front line will not affect the overall flow.”

With that, Ethan slowly moved, supported by others.

Ethan, who had made eye contact with Lenok sitting at the end of the conference hall with an indifferent gaze, turned his body without any regrets.

“It seems that I was a little… lacking in rest. I will talk about the rest of the matter after I recover.”

“……”

*Koo Woong!!*

At the same time as the conference hall door closed, Ethan disappeared and silence fell.

Mirva, who was half-sitting on her chair, took out a cigar and put it in her mouth.

“Let’s postpone the operation meeting and start again later.”

“Lieutenant General Neosoto. But…”

“This briefing was to explain the subjugation battle to him. The purpose was to seek advice on the macroscopic direction of moving the legion.”

“……”

Mirva puffed on her cigarette, leaving behind the uncomfortable-looking generals.

“It would be right to deal with the other schedules of the parade first. Until then, let’s prioritize the work of reorganizing each legion.”

Following Mirva’s words, the bustling atmosphere of the conference hall quickly settled down.

The other generals were also excellent commanders who led their respective legions, so they would not have completely lost their reason.

However, even in the midst of all this, Lenok was sitting at the end of the conference hall, recalling the scene he had just witnessed.

To be precise, it was the image of Ethan, who had been listening to the story with his chin resting on his hand throughout the meeting.

At first glance, it seemed as if he had fallen asleep because he could not overcome his fatigue, but what if that was not the case?

What if Ethan was not resting his chin, but ‘supporting’ his neck?

What if the blood flowing from his hand was flowing from the ‘cross-section’ of his neck that he was holding?

Lenok was thinking about what that speculation implied.

“……”

The operation meeting was suddenly interrupted, but he had obtained a clue that was worth it.

A key clue that might reveal the identity of Ethan Bajur at this parade.

In the end, it would be impossible to confirm his identity without a one-on-one meeting with Ethan.

Having made up his mind, Lenok followed the other generals and left the conference hall without hesitation.

* * *

“We have prepared accommodations for the two of you to rest.”

The officer who was guiding Lenok and Euphria opened his mouth in a polite tone.

“If you need anything during the parade, please let us know and we will take care of it immediately.”

“Is it okay to receive such treatment even though we haven’t received the position of legion commander?”

“Unlike other legion commander candidates, you two have already been designated by the command.”

The officer bowed his head.

“Once the new legion commander candidates are finalized, you two will also be officially appointed as legion commanders.”

“……”

It wasn’t just Lenok and Euphria who were new legion commander candidates attending the parade.

It was a union of legions that were constantly fighting wars and growing in size throughout the continent.

It was not unusual for even the highest-ranking generals, such as legion commanders, to die and leave their positions vacant.

The officer who had guided Lenok to a luxurious private mansion near the headquarters turned his gaze towards Euphria.

“Aosel, please come this way… The command has issued an order regarding the previous transaction.”

“Ah.”

At that moment, Euphria turned to look at Lenok with a look as if she had remembered something.

She tilted her head silently and then said to Lenok.

“Evan Martinez. Let’s go together.”

“Go together?”

“Didn’t we make a deal regarding the Suwahonilcho [a rare medicinal herb]?”

Euphria said with an expressionless face.

“An opportunity to show you how to use life spells for treatment purposes. It seems like now is the time.”

“…I see.”

A certain deal that Euphria had made with the legion command for the reconstruction of Kundara.

Was she asking for a proposal to treat the highest-ranking general in the legion with her life spell now?

Euphria, turning her gaze to the hesitant officer, said without hesitation.

“Short-lived one. This mage will also accompany me. Please explain who I need to treat.”

“Ah, Aosel…”

The officer stammered, his face more flustered than before.

“I’m sorry, but no one except Aosel should know about this…”

“Without Thousand’s help, I won’t be able to properly treat the short-lived one with life spells.”

Euphria cut off the officer’s words like a knife.

“If you can’t accept the offer, I’ll go back.”

“N, no, that can’t be!”

The officer, startled, hurriedly took out a communicator from his pocket and started contacting someone.

He was probably contacting his superiors to ask how to deal with Euphria’s actions.

Lenok, leaving the officer behind, looked at Euphria with a strange gaze.

“That’s an unpleasant gaze. What are you thinking about?”

“No. I was just thinking that you are unusually good at keeping promises.”

In the process of obtaining Suwahonilcho, she had promised to let him see the treatment process of the life spell, but he did not expect Euphria to actually keep her promise.

However, Euphria was now even mixing in a few lies to the officer and insisting that Lenok be allowed to accompany her in the treatment process.

For the first time, a subtle emotion, as if she was snorting, was mixed into the face of the long-lived one, who had always been expressionless.

“That’s an insult that cannot be overlooked. Unlike the short-lived ones, the long-lived ones of Kundara always keep their promises-”

“Both of you, please follow me.”

The officer immediately cut off the communication and bowed deeply to Euphria.

The officer, trembling with pale complexion, said with difficulty.

“I will guide you to the patient that Aosel will treat.”

“……”

Perhaps sensing that the reaction was unusual, Euphria also stopped talking and turned around.

Lenok also followed Euphria and the officer towards the military hospital that could be seen in the distance.

A hospital as large as a high-rise building, built behind the headquarters to treat patients and the injured.

However, as soon as Lenok entered the hospital, he tilted his head, feeling the sharp thoughts pouring in from all directions.

Thoughts that were strangely hostile and murderous. A sharp hostility that did not fit the atmosphere of the hospital.

Even the officer’s reaction, who was strangely afraid to guide Lenok to the hospital.

However, he had no intention of missing the opportunity to grasp the operating principle of Euphria’s life spell because of such signs.

The life spell was a power that could interfere with Lenok’s ‘lifespan’ itself more than any other type of spell.

He didn’t know that the opportunity would come so quickly, but it was one of the top priorities that Lenok had to deal with at the parade.

Thinking that, Lenok ignored the hostility pouring in from all directions and followed the guide to the top floor VIP room.

Lenok could easily understand the reason for the hostility and murderous intent towards him.

“……”

A vast private room that occupied an entire floor.

A middle-aged man lying on a hospital bed with his eyes closed, his entire body disfigured by burns.

“The first person that the legion asked Aosel to treat…”

The doctor, who was standing with a medical chart in his hand, opened the door, trembling with a pale face.

“It is Lieutenant General Robert Roberaid, the former 3rd Legion Commander.”

“……”

“Hey.”

The middle-aged man, his face disfigured by burns, smiled and waved his hand.

“Fire mage, it’s been a while. How have you been!”

Robert Roberaid.

The one who fought Lenok near the first gate and fell into the lava.

The person who had proposed to Lenok to join the legion even at the moment of his death was lying down and looking at him.