Genius Wizard Takes Medicine [EN]: Chapter 304

“Pallard O’Con. A civil servant who’s managed to snag the Deputy Director position at the Agents.”

Pallard, after casually shaking Lenok’s hand, turned and led them into his office.

Lenok followed, quickly observing his surroundings and Pallard’s actions.

He ruffled his already messy hair and tossed his loosened tie onto a corner of the desk.

It was easy to get a rough idea of his personality.

Among the city government’s intelligence organizations, they were the only elite armed group permitted to interfere and manage the outer districts.

The second-in-command of this massive organization seemed much more laid-back than Lenok had imagined.

“Listening to you, it sounds like you were having a lot of fun without me,” Pallard said, lounging in his office chair.

“I was merely conveying the necessary information beforehand,” Hina replied firmly, causing Pallard to chuckle.

“Why are you making the person who’s been waiting bored? It’s not like the old geezers in the city council haven’t been testing the waters to lift the Prohibition Edict [a formal order forbidding something] for a day or two.”

“…….”

“But this time is definitely different. Even if those old fools are senile, they wouldn’t directly plot to destroy this city.”

His tone was meaningful. Lenok, unable to ignore his words, asked,

“If the Defense Force Command’s plan succeeds, do you think Balkan could collapse?”

“If they bomb the 30th district as they planned, then yes, it could,” Pallard answered with a yawn.

“The destruction of the transportation network that’s densely spread throughout the megacity might not be a big deal. The real problem is that, taking advantage of the chaos that has spread to the surface, other cities might intervene.”

“Intervention from other cities, huh….”

“Because it’s so large, nothing much has happened yet, but the city government has many enemies.”

For a moment, the smile on Pallard’s lips turned sharp.

“We’ve also contributed to that process, after all.”

“…….”

Pallard said that, then subtly looked up at Lenok.

“The problem is that those old geezers won’t actively try to stop the Command’s rebellion. Do you understand what I mean?”

“You mean some of the council members are willing to endure some of the damage caused by the coup,” Lenok replied.

“Perhaps they even want it to happen.”

“Exactly.”

Pallard snapped his fingers, pointing at Lenok, and then jumped up from his seat.

“I called you here because I wanted to know if you understood that premise.”

As he said that, a very faint hint of killing intent swirled in Pallard’s eyes.

“If you don’t understand that the city council isn’t our ally, then any further conversation would be meaningless.”

“…….”

Lenok silently drank the cheap coffee that Pallard had roughly brewed and tossed to him.

The fact that the city council members weren’t trustworthy allies wasn’t that surprising now.

Just by wandering around the outer districts of this massive city, it wasn’t hard to realize how diverse and enormous the mistakes and errors they had committed were.

“Councilor Meyer accepted resolving this matter as a condition for joining the city council. Therefore, I don’t doubt his sincerity.”

Pallard said, slumping back into his chair with his arms crossed.

“But the other councilors are different. The greater the damage from this incident, the more urgently the danger of the Defense Force is felt by the citizens, and the more active the discussions to lift the Prohibition Edict will become.”

“They wouldn’t want the entire city to be swept up in a coup, but some degree of damage….”

“They might even be hoping for it,” Lenok said, and Hina and Pallard nodded simultaneously.

“What’s the possibility of the city council accepting the Defense Force’s conditions?”

“Very low,” Pallard answered sharply.

“The 13th district is the most strictly managed restricted area among the restricted areas in this city… The Defense Force General has essentially demanded that the city council hand over their lifelines. It’s a condition that those old geezers, who are obsessed with self-preservation, would never accept, even if they were to die and come back to life.”

A restricted area.

Lenok had heard of its existence, but he never thought he would encounter it through the Defense Force’s affairs.

It must be because there are secrets beyond just the convenience of the city government that both the Defense Force and the city council are reacting so sensitively.

Lenok finished the rest of his coffee and then opened his mouth.

“I’ve heard enough about the situation, so I’d like to get to the main point.”

“The main point, huh.”

“I don’t think a man who’s the Deputy Director of the Agents would call someone just because he’s itching to talk.”

Pallard and Lenok’s calm gazes met in the air.

“Isn’t there something you want from me, in place of Ivelin, that you’ve arranged this meeting?”

“You’re very direct. Our civil servants aren’t used to that kind of speech,” Pallard said with a hearty laugh.

Lenok chuckled at his words.

“That’s not something someone who was just gleefully badmouthing the city council should say.”

“That’s….”

“If the person in charge of this matter, which wouldn’t be strange if the entire Agent force was mobilized, is the Deputy Director and not the Director, then you must have your own reasons.”

“…….”

“But that’s none of my business.”

Lenok said that, put down his coffee cup, and took out a cigarette from his pocket.

“I’m not interested in the internal factional fights within the Agents. What’s important is what kind of plan you have for this matter.”

It’s understandable that Pallard O’Con has taken over some of Meyer’s duties.

Since Meyer promised sufficient compensation and privileges, there’s no need to haggle over the tasks they’re presenting now.

However, it was essential for Lenok to know exactly what the Agents were planning.

If they were directly calling in an outside consultant, who had no particular connection with them except for Ivelin, it was ultimately because-

There was a need to fill the void of power that Ivelin had been in charge of.

“…Amazing. You’re right.”

Pallard, who had been silent while listening to Lenok’s thoughts, slowly nodded.

“The mobile fortress attack operation that Team Leader Marcia should have done. I want to entrust its core to you.”

“…….”

“But you are clearly different from her, who took on difficult tasks with a sense of responsibility and goodwill. So, I needed to understand your intentions accurately. No matter how much compensation we offer, not many people would easily accept a request to deal with a moving fortress.”

“Keep talking.”

“…Moreover, it’s not easy to ask for cooperation in the countless armed conflicts that will occur in the process. That’s what I’m curious about.”

Pallard poured a new cup of coffee into Lenok’s empty cup and asked,

“The lives of over 20 million people living in the 30th district. Are you willing to take the risk of failure and sacrifice to save them?”

“…….”

“The sense of justice and responsibility are just a hair’s breadth apart. But no matter how much compensation you give, not many people are willing to give their lives for responsibility.”

Pallard’s eyes gleamed sharply.

“But they might give everything for their own sense of justice. Ivelin Marcia was that kind of person.”

“Deputy Director.”

Hina called out to Pallard from the side, but he didn’t stop.

“That’s why we expect something similar from you, whom Team Leader Marcia cherishes so much. We’re in such a desperate situation right now.”

He spoke slowly, as if catching his breath, and asked,

“May I ask if something similar is alive and breathing in your heart?”

“No,” Lenok replied indifferently.

“Sorry, but I have no connection with such noble emotions.”

“……”

“But I roughly understand what I need to do.”

He didn’t have many memories of caring about people’s lives, the city’s order, or its safety.

It’s been quite a while since he escaped the days of living hand-to-mouth, but that doesn’t mean that Lenok’s perspective has changed.

The scenery Lenok sees hasn’t changed.

In the face of a future where he can’t guarantee tomorrow and a reality where no guarantees are possible, he has tried to grasp many things rather than the safety of strangers.

He doesn’t think he’s stopped for even a moment, but he still feels it’s not enough.

But in this chaotic city, if there’s one thing he doesn’t need to justify,

“I can’t just leave the guys who are interfering with my business alone.”

“…It’s decided then.”

Pallard nodded.

“Then let’s go straight into the strategy meeting.”

* * *

After Lenok accepted the Agents’ proposal, things progressed quickly.

Pallard still didn’t seem to grasp the details of Lenok’s business, but it wasn’t a big problem.

The important thing was that he was willing to fill Ivelin’s void in this matter.

Beyond cooperating with Councilor Meyer, he also agreed to provide military support during the Agents’ handover process.

After exchanging the information they knew, Pallard said,

“There are three things we need to do.”

He raised his hand and folded his fingers one by one.

“Identify the Defense Force’s intelligence units that have infiltrated the city. Neutralize the mobile fortress and the Defense Force’s generals. And finally, keep the Gearsides’ forces from intervening.”

“It’s good that you’re aware of the Gearsides information, so we can move quickly.”

It seems that the Agents, including Meyer, had already tracked down the Gearsides’ existence while investigating the captured members.

“The first thing we need to deal with is the elimination of the Defense Force’s intelligence units.”

“Does that mean we need to clean up the inside before we can neutralize the fortress?”

“The Agents’ intelligence department is working with Councilor Meyer’s task force to pattern the Defense Force’s surprise attack locations and create a movement prediction algorithm,” Hina said.

“In about 30 hours, the personnel and programs needed for operational support will be completed.”

“Councilor Meyer’s side has also agreed to compile the personnel they had previously negotiated with and hand over the list to us.”

Even in a situation where he couldn’t move directly, he was finding things he could do and requesting cooperation from the Agents.

“By dawn the day after tomorrow, all the necessary preparations will be completed, and we can start the operation. After that, we’ll have ten days.”

Pallard said firmly, pressing his temples with one hand.

“Within ten days, we’ll clean up the Defense Force’s special forces and stop the mobile fortress. That’s all we have to do.”

“Okay.”

Lenok nodded and immediately got up from his seat.

He understood why the Agents had called him.

The first priority was to predict the movements of the Defense Force’s special forces and deal with those who would appear to secure data.

If the operation could start as early as the day after tomorrow, there would be plenty of time to prepare until then.

But Pallard stopped Lenok as he was about to leave.

“Wait a minute, if you’re not in a hurry, there’s one more thing I’d like to ask.”

“What is it?”

“All available field agents will be deployed for this operation. Most of them have mission experience, but few have faced someone as skilled as you.”

Pallard said.

“For their sake, I’d like to conduct a mock training before the operation starts. I think it would also be good experience for you in urban warfare against a large number of opponents, what do you think?”

“That sounds like a waste of time,” Lenok retorted.

“There are too many variables, and one training session won’t help. It would be lucky if they don’t get injured and reduce our forces.”

“That’s exactly what I want.”

“…What?”

A mischievous smile spread across Pallard’s face as he clapped his hands together.

“Didn’t I say all the agents? It’s not good like this. I need a proper justification to set aside some troops.”

“…I see.”

Lenok quickly understood Pallard’s intention and chuckled.

“The fact that all the agents are being mobilized for the operation isn’t your intention?”

“While you guys are eliminating the Defense Force’s intelligence units, our Agents will be waiting near the 13th district and watching the situation.”

Pallard’s eyes gleamed sharply.

“If the intelligence units are cornered, they’ll start reacting in other ways. The direction they’ll head is likely to be the 13th district, which is their goal.”

“…….”

“This isn’t something that will end with one operation. If we do it right, we can identify and draw out the forces hidden behind the Defense Force. And that will be an important clue for the upcoming mobile fortress attack operation.”

Rather than achieving three goals in different ways, he intended to gather all the clues for the next operation while carrying out one operation.

A firm will to find an efficient way, even if it meant violating the city council’s surveillance if necessary.

Lenok could vaguely feel how Pallard O’Con was looking at this matter from various angles and perspectives.

But even after hearing that, Lenok shook his head.

“We don’t have much time. Find someone else. There’s no need to use me as an excuse, is there?”

“The excuses we give to the old geezers in the city council have to be thorough. If it’s you, who was involved in this matter from the beginning, those suspicious old geezers won’t say anything.”

“Hmm….”

Still, he wasn’t very keen on it.

Even if it was just a matter of justification, wasting time and magic power on such a thing without any compensation….

“I knew this would happen, so I swiped something nice from the Director’s vault.”

Pallard, seeing Lenok’s indifferent face, immediately took something out from his office desk.

“It might not be something you need, but it would be a great help to your acquaintances. Is the compensation still not enough?”

“…No.”

Lenok shook his head.

“That’s more than enough.”

The item in Pallard’s hand was five pencils covered in dense magical script.

To ask Lenok for a mock training, he had brought five fingers of Enac pencils [magical pencils] as compensation.

* * *

“Are you sure about this?”

The mock training ground was located in the basement of the Agents’ building.

The vast space, with an entire cityscape recreated, was so realistic that it didn’t feel like it was underground.

Hina and Pallard were watching Lenok, who had descended to the lower area, from the control room of the training ground.

“What do you mean?”

“If you get caught stealing and using the Director’s things, the backlash will be considerable.”

“I thought you were going to say something else,” Pallard scoffed at Hina’s words.

“That woman has no interest in the Agents’ work anymore. She’s so engrossed in the back door she dug that she doesn’t even come to work. Would she even remember what’s missing?”

“That’s….”

“She’s just useful as a shield, so I’m leaving her alone for now. I’ve already finished talking with the team leaders of each department. It seems you haven’t been properly briefed yet.”

“I’ve been moving around so many different departments….”

Pallard looked down at Hina, who was trailing off, and then subtly turned his gaze.

“I understand your desire to be in the field, but if you can’t manage your own condition, it’s time to make a decision.”

“……”

Hina didn’t answer, but Pallard didn’t force her to answer.

Despite having a weak constitution due to a congenital illness and difficulty moving for long periods, her swordsmanship and martial prowess were considerable.

Moreover, she had built relationships with various superiors within the Agents by doing her part in any department, making her position quite unique within the organization.

Many departments wanted her, a capable agent who combined both martial prowess and intelligence.

The problem was that Hina herself extremely preferred the field combat team’s work, which Ivelin directly managed.

Her attitude of not settling for a comfortable position and actively seeking out work was commendable, but if the environment and aptitude didn’t match, she had to know when to give up.

But instead of giving such obvious advice, Pallard turned his gaze to the lower part of the training ground.

“It seems he’s ready.”

At the lower crosswalk of the artificially constructed cityscape.

Lenok, who had been leaning against the old traffic light while lighting a cigarette, was slowly getting up from his seat.

Pallard watched Lenok’s figure with a strange smile.

“He’s said to be the most talented magician in this city. Let’s see what his skills are like.”

It wasn’t just to rummage through the Director’s vault that he had entrusted this task to Lenok.

He needed to directly confirm and assess the extent of the magician’s skills, who was supposed to be the key to this matter, in order to design the future operations in detail.

However, Pallard had only asked for this task in a more refined way, considering his relationship with Lenok and Ivelin.

“It won’t be easy.”

Hina replied with a slightly disgusted expression.

“At least, among the people I know, no one has ever done it.”