Genius Wizard Takes Medicine [EN]: Chapter 387

Unlike the magic Lenok had freely used until now, barrier magic was a technique with quite clear limitations and conditions. It not only required time to cast, but even the effective range was difficult for the caster to vary at will. Defining an area and establishing new rules demanded a considerable price. ‘But that’s why there are things only barrier magic can do.’ Because barrier magic was inherently bound by limitations and rules, it had the advantage of being able to surpass any other law within the area where the technique was applied. The act of defining and dividing an area to partially implement barrier magic wasn’t limited to reality. Didn’t Jin-Doon, whom Lenok had faced before, also nonchalantly divide his consciousness and bring Lenok into it? If it was possible to construct a barrier in one’s own mind or consciousness, there was only one thing to do. Lenok, who had inherited Jin-Doon’s barrier magic of specifying, separating, and defining concepts, had been attempting to fragment his own mind and partially implement it. Whoooosh!! The moment he grabbed the concentric circles that had appeared on the chests of the staggering superhumans, the shattered fragments, like broken glass, embedded themselves into the superhumans’ bodies and began to stir up unknown thoughts in their minds. “Haa…!!” Even with their eyes wide open, information poured endlessly into their minds. Amidst a vast, endless void, a golden ring emerged, illuminating the dark universe. Whoooooooom!! What appeared in the minds of each different superhuman was not Lenok’s complete mind. It was just a single, enormous golden ring in the dark void, its size impossible to fathom. Lenok was partially breaking down his kaleidoscope [referring to his complex mind] and hammering the scenery directly into the superhumans’ minds. Combining the visual sharing ability of his magic eye with the partial implementation of barrier magic in his mind, he was forcefully shoving that information into the opponent’s mind. Without directly projecting that mindscape into reality, just by partially extracting and showing it, the superhumans were unable to regain their senses and were screaming in pain. “No… my head…” “Ah, ahhh…!! What the hell is this…!” At the same time, a golden glow rotated clockwise behind Lenok, drawing a vast halo. The moment the huge circle was completed behind him, a swelling wave grabbed each of the superhumans and slammed their heads into the ground. Koo-oo-oong!! The sight of the superhumans, who had been floundering since the moment the concentric circles began to form, collapsing and losing consciousness. Lenok, looking down at their miserable forms, eyes rolled back and gasping for breath, muttered while stroking his chin. “Was that too much… It’s more effective than I thought.” He had only used the visual sharing and information overload abilities of his magic eye and hammered the partially fragmented mindscape into their heads using barrier magic. If he had dragged it out even a little longer, it wouldn’t have been strange if he had turned the brains of everyone who had fallen here into mush. Even though he had projected a part of Lenok’s mind to subdue them by injecting excessive information into several people in a short time, they couldn’t even withstand that brief moment. Considering that Lenok himself was desperately trying to control his own magnetic field, it was only natural. They probably wouldn’t even remember what they had seen. Lenok, after gathering the fallen and roughly binding their limbs with mana threads, turned his head towards Yerien, who was gaping behind him. “Enough with the sightseeing, are you going to help me soon?” “…Yes, yes?” “I want to leave the interrogation of these guys to your boss. I’d like you to call some people.” Only then did Yerien realize what Lenok was saying, and she nodded hastily. “Ah, I understand!” * * * Yerien first called her escorts, who had been sent to headquarters, and immediately began transporting those captured by Lenok to the headquarters’ basement. As soon as she contacted the board of directors, including Virgil, about what had just happened, she received a reply from headquarters. Yerien, who had received a message to escort him as respectfully as possible, wiped away sweat with a slightly nervous expression. “H-hello, Mr. Ban. I’m Yerien Checkfield, who was appointed as a registered director this quarter.” As soon as she saw Lenok approaching, she bowed deeply. “Thank you for your help.” “Can you clean that up?” When Lenok pointed to the carnage he had created on the street, Yerien immediately nodded. “Of course. The headquarters will have it restored by the end of the day.” The intersection where asphalt had been laid was in such a mess that it was impossible to find its original shape due to the projection of Lenok’s electric magic, but that was not a big problem in this city where magic and techniques were alive and breathing. Using the Cartel’s capital and connections, it could be completely restored to its original state in less than half a day. “Good. Then let’s go to headquarters. Are you also planning to attend the regular meeting?” “Ah, yes. Actually, I received orders to escort Mr. Ban myself. Let’s go together.” Lenok glanced down at Yerien and then turned his gaze back to the surroundings of the street. “I wonder if I should catch a taxi again. Where’s the nearest bus stop?” “T-there’s my car in the nearby parking lot. If you don’t mind, I can drive you!” Lenok nodded immediately. “Okay. Let’s go.” Yerien immediately guided Lenok to her car. She was about to naturally open the back door for Lenok when she noticed the trash scattered on the floor and quickly closed the door. Bang!! “…What’s wrong?” “No. It’s nothing. If you don’t mind, would you perhaps sit in the passenger seat…” Even if they were both directors, their status within the Cartel was as different as heaven and earth. The other party was a distinguished guest who had killed former Chairman Parden McQueen single-handedly and was appointed as a director in recognition of his merits. As rumors that he had declined the position of president were almost confirmed, Yerien was doing her best to guide Lenok very politely. Lenok tilted his head slightly and chuckled. He could see roughly what the inside of the car looked like through his mana perception. Yerien, who couldn’t possibly not know that, had her head bowed deeply. “It doesn’t matter. Let’s get going.” They left District 42 and headed to the area where the headquarters was located. Even though the road was wide open, perhaps because Lenok was in the car, Yerien was focusing intently on safe driving. Instead of urging her, Lenok turned his gaze out the window and was lost in thought. The Jin-Doon’s barrier magic he had used in the process of subduing the unidentified superhumans was much more effective than he had thought. ‘Jin-Doon’s barrier magic. I thought it would help with the partial implementation of my magnetic field, but it’s beyond my expectations.’ When Lenok had finished his conversation with Jin-Doon and had just emerged from the cradle [a place of rest or recovery], he had simultaneously faced three superhumans with his momentarily amplified mana. Lenok had not forgotten that the golden halo that had appeared behind him at that time was a trace of a part of his mind being partially projected into reality. If the concept of constructing a barrier itself could be applied to Lenok’s own mind and separated, it would be possible to bring a part of the magnetic field, which could only be fully deployed, into reality. For now, he had only combined it with the ability of his magic eye to hammer his mindscape into their heads, but he had confirmed that it was not impossible with enough mana and trial and error. While Lenok was lost in thought about how he should use barrier magic in the future, Yerien, who was holding the steering wheel, glanced at Lenok and opened her mouth. “I’ve heard that Mr. Ban has a special position within the company…” “Is that so?” Even with Lenok’s indifferent reply, Yerien was not discouraged and spoke again. “Yes. I’ve heard that you haven’t been involved in company affairs since you were appointed as a director.” “…” “And also, considering that you helped me earlier, I was wondering if you have any intention of participating in the Cartel’s work… May I know?” It was certainly an awkward question to ask while holding the steering wheel, but Yerien had made up her mind. The magician sitting next to her was a being treated exceptionally among the mysteries that existed in the shadows of this city. What was the magician, who had survived while confronting the Cartel’s chairman and all sorts of big shots and stirring up secrets, thinking? Without any background or connections, had this man, who had killed countless monsters with his skills alone and had become an outside director, now decided to follow the Cartel’s will? “I’ve heard that you’re still working as a freelancer. If our chairman has placed a special request…” At that, Lenok, who had not said anything until now, chuckled for the first time. “Your information is lacking for a Cartel director. It’s been quite a while since I’ve taken a request.” “I-is that so…?” Yerien was sweating profusely, thinking she had made a mistake. Lenok shook his head, watching her constantly push up her glasses, which were slipping down her nose. Except for the time when he was focused on building his reputation, the work Lenok had done was the result of acting according to his own interests. In the process, he had only nominally taken requests to receive some compensation. Although he still held the title of freelancer, Lenok had no intention of taking on other people’s requests unless it was a matter of space-time artifacts or techniques. “But you’re not wrong. It’s true that I have business with your chairman. If necessary, I’m willing to help with the Cartel’s work.” “S-sorry… What?” Yerien, who had been shrinking her shoulders and bowing her head, was startled and turned her gaze towards Lenok. Lenok reached out and pointed to the windshield. “You should look ahead.” Screeeech!! “Kyaaak!!” Yerien, her face pale, barely avoided the truck that had appeared in front of her and asked, catching her breath. “M-Mr. Ban, you’re saying you’re going to help us…?” “Isn’t that not surprising? I’m nominally an outside director of your company, after all.” “But what the director has done so far…” Wasn’t it all about destroying the Cartel’s subsidiaries and killing Parden McQueen, the first president? The answer that she didn’t know if those things had helped the Cartel in the end came up to Yerien’s throat and disappeared. Lenok noticed what Yerien wanted to say and smiled faintly. In this world, there was no such thing as a favor without a price. It would be more comfortable for the Cartel’s board of directors or chairman if Lenok clearly presented what he wanted. Even if she couldn’t fulfill all of Lenok’s wishes, it was certainly enough to put her on the negotiating table. * * * After that, Lenok immediately took Yerien’s car and headed to the Cartel’s headquarters. A building district that was by far the most magnificent and towering in the shady downtown area. Among them, he headed to the central headquarters, which was built with the most splendid and grand size. Even though it was bright daylight, hundreds of people were busily walking around outside the company, each engrossed in their phone calls. An office-like atmosphere that was hard to believe for a big shot in the underworld and a member of the Three Heads [a powerful group]. The Cartel’s headquarters, which had grown into a corporate alliance, had both a scale and capital that were not inferior to any other conglomerate. Yerien took Lenok, who was quietly looking around, and immediately began to move. “Yes. I’m escorting him now. Please start preparing for the meeting as quickly as possible…” Her appearance, holding a phone in one hand and constantly writing something in a notebook with the other, looked like an amazing feat to Lenok. “Yes, yes. I understand. First, check according to the manual, and if instructions come down in the middle, immediately… Ah, has the report already arrived? I understand.” Yerien, who had hung up the phone, immediately turned to Lenok and said. “Director. The report on the situation has been sent to the president. He wants to see you immediately, so I’ll guide you to the president’s office right away.” “You seem quite used to this kind of thing.” Yerien smiled awkwardly. “I worked in the secretary’s office for quite a long time. I didn’t know I’d be doing similar things even after becoming a registered director… Ah ha ha.” Lenok immediately followed her to the president’s office located on the top floor of the headquarters. The appearance of the president’s office, which occupied an entire floor, was vast beyond measure. In the middle of the room, where expensive furniture and works of art were displayed ostentatiously all around. Virgil, who had been sitting on a long sofa that stretched around the room, stood up from his seat and approached Lenok as soon as he saw him. “Ban. It’s been a while. Thank you for coming like this.” Lenok also smiled at Virgil’s face as he readily extended his hand. “You have a nice room. Is it okay for a vampire to use a place with so much sunlight?” “I don’t know where you heard such strange things, but we don’t believe in such strange superstitions…” A red-eyed man with solid muscles. Virgil, who had taken office as the first president of the Cartel, stopped as he approached Lenok. He even stopped what he was saying and looked at Lenok, his face mixed with undisguised surprise. “…I really can’t believe it. Did you find a way to go higher in the meantime?” “…” “It feels like you’re on the verge of exploding. There’s no way you’d feel like this unless you’re balancing on the edge of a cliff.” “You must have lived a long time too. I didn’t think you’d be able to recognize it.” Instead of saying anything else, Lenok shook his head. Virgil, as if he had gained confidence from Lenok’s reaction, sighed with an absurd expression. “I can tell that you’re about to break free from the hierarchy. You’re out of your mind. To be walking around the streets so nonchalantly in this state…” Certainly, unlike others, Virgil seemed to have some idea of how far Lenok’s achievements had reached. That was because this vampire, who held the position of the first president of the Cartel, had reached the level of 7, and had also become familiar with the extreme level by assisting Chairman Oliviera Ron Maze. Virgil sat Lenok down and brought him something to drink. Virgil, who still seemed unable to shake off his surprise, kept looking back at Lenok and muttered. “I really can’t believe it. You look like a completely different person from when you killed McQueen. I still can’t believe that you’re the same being as back then.” “How long are you going to keep talking about that?” Even with Lenok’s indifferent reply, Virgil did not stop. “Is a new monster being born…? In order to prepare for the moment when the balance of power collapses, it would be desirable to step forward in the end…” “Virgil.” Paang!! When he lightly tapped the table and released mana, Virgil finally turned to Lenok. Looking at Virgil’s eyes, which had turned blood red, Lenok said. “I appreciate you clearing your schedule and making an appointment for the meeting, but I didn’t come here to discuss this matter with you. I came here to make a deal.” “…” “I want to meet Oliviera Ron Maze. Can you make an appointment and contact her?” “…The regular meeting was canceled the moment the attack on the directors was confirmed. You don’t have to worry about that part.” “How long do I have to wait?” “It’s been over ten years since the chairman attended a meeting. I’ll probably have to contact her separately.” Instead of answering immediately, Virgil subtly changed the subject. “More than that, Merilda has succeeded in interrogating the people you captured and extracting information.” “Already? You’re faster than I thought.” While Yerien was taking Lenok to headquarters, they had already gotten the captured people to talk? Merilda, the third president. As far as Lenok knew, she was originally not human but a long-lived species close to a giant beast. If she was in charge of interrogating humans even though she was not human, she must have been quite confident in her skills. Virgil opened his mouth, carefully watching Lenok’s face. “I don’t know what method she used, but she said it was easy because they couldn’t regain their senses. After cross-checking with the released personal information, it’s most likely that they are from a special unit belonging to Achilles’s military response department.” “…Achilles, you say?” Lenok had also heard that name before. A military company that was never left out when mentioning the giant dinosaur company that reigned in the light of this huge city, Balkan. Wasn’t it the sword of the light that produced and managed security devices and military equipment using AI, and sometimes even acted as a PMC (Private Military Company)? “And also the biggest competitor of the currently precarious Dyke Corporation.” Whoooom!! No sooner had Virgil finished speaking than Lenok’s phone began to vibrate in his pocket. [Dyke Management Planning Team. Panoa Bellucci] Panoa’s response, who had been out of contact all day. Virgil, who had glanced down at Lenok’s phone, chuckled. “Apart from letting you meet the chairman, it seems clear that there’s an issue that needs to be dealt with immediately. Shall we call that friend over and talk?” Virgil, who was still looking out the window where the bright sunlight was pouring in, began to have his eyes dyed a gruesome blood color. “She seems to be able to give the most accurate testimony about the ominous rumors that have been circulating on the streets these days.”