Genius Wizard Takes Medicine [EN]: Chapter 396

“Hey, did you see that? Did you see it?”

“Are you talking about the demonstration? Of course. I gathered our guys to watch.”

The fact that Lenok and Ayun had a formal showdown under the guise of a demonstration spread like wildfire, not only through the cartel but throughout the entire district.

The two’s battle was not recorded at all and was only broadcast in real-time to employees above the mid-management level of the cartel, but in this world, there is no such thing as perfect security.

Even if the video itself could not be obtained, there were quite a few outsiders who witnessed the spectacle.

“No, damn it… I’ve never seen anyone engrave the Guido Order’s symbol so blatantly. Is that even possible with a clear mind?”

“It’s true that it doesn’t make sense to make excuses after getting such a tattoo…”

A power struggle within the leadership of the most stable of the Three Factions.

The fact that a member of the Order was involved was enough to pique people’s interest, but,

what drew more attention was the fact that the Fortress of the 49th District had finally begun to participate in the cartel’s operations.

“Isn’t it hilarious that no one still understands what the Fortress did at the end?”

“He’s so meticulous that he doesn’t even show his face on satellite screens. The fact that he showed it openly means he’s confident that no one will recognize him, right?”

“That’s probably it. I secretly asked some of my acquaintances who might be able to do that.”

“…That?”

“Yeah, that. There are a few monsters in this district who can do that.”

Is he talking about the Self-Generating Domain as ‘that’?

Ignoring the other person’s uncomfortable expression, the man continued.

“They all said it was a concept that they couldn’t define at their level. They even said that maybe it looks that way because the shadow can’t be recognized. What do you think this means?”

Only then did the other person’s expression harden as they understood what the man was trying to say.

“…Are you saying that the Fortress has already reached a level beyond the Saint-tier?”

“Yeah. And maybe this whole commotion was a ploy to spread that fact.”

“…”

“It’s like saying, ‘Those who know, should recognize and act accordingly,’ what else could it be?”

“I know that the Fortress isn’t someone who would do something so ambiguous…”

“Are you close to him? How do you know what that monster is thinking?”

“That’s not it, but…”

It is true that the Fortress’s actions are shrouded in mystery compared to his outstanding skills and reputation, but,

It is also undeniable that the Fortress’s personality is being inferred from his actions recorded over time.

According to those who have worked with him or survived against him, he is not a person who is so crazy or twisted that he cannot be associated with.

As much as he is known for his extraordinarily powerful skills and decisive actions, he is also known for being clear-cut in his dealings.

Why would a mage who has maintained a consistent attitude since he first made a name for himself in this city now try to show off his power through the cartel?

The contemplation did not last long.

“We’re going to re-examine all businesses directly related to the Fortress. Cartel, Dyke, agents, even the distribution side that’s collaborating with that broker… It’s best not to clash until something is decided.”

“What about the Achilles project? I know they submitted a collaboration proposal. Even if we hold the casting vote, it’ll be difficult to back out now that it’s reached the review stage.”

“We’ll have to think about that from now on. No matter how much they join hands with the mainstream and build up their reputation, the Three Factions will always be the Three Factions…”

Across from the two men who were lowering their voices and talking non-stop.

Lenok stared at them blankly, toying with his glass.

The person sitting across from Lenok chuckled and muttered.

[Things are getting interesting.]

“…”

[Many people think that there must be a reason for things that are unexpected. They waste meaningless time trying to figure out the truth that only those involved would know.]

The other person, who was leaning on their chin with a languid gesture, said while tilting their glass.

[But in reality, there are many things in the world that have no reason or meaning.]

“It’s natural that they don’t understand the concept of the False Dimension [a dimension that exists outside of normal reality].”

Lenok said, tilting his glass.

“Because that’s a concept that you don’t even touch in the process of achieving the completion or transcendence of a hierarchy. It’s the job of madmen to attach meaning to something that doesn’t exist.”

[Are you saying that you are also such a madman?]

“It would be strange if people who discuss the end of a world that hasn’t come yet weren’t crazy.”

[…]

For the first time, the other person fell silent. The veil that draped over their face shook with their movement.

The chairman of the cartel and an 8-level Archmage.

The leader of one of the Three Factions that dominates the underbelly of Vulcan, and a researcher involved in the darkest secrets of this city.

Lenok was having a drink alone with none other than Oliviera Ron Maze.

Lenok watched her through her veil and continued.

“But when the maintenance of such beings accumulates, things like yesterday happen. If the opponent is a special technique like Qimen Dunjia [a complex form of Chinese metaphysics], then it is possible to give some meaning even in the False Dimension.”

Self-Generating Domain Reversal Deployment [False Guiding Star].

A great domain reversal technique that dismantles the already deployed mental image by raising a non-existent guiding star in the False Dimension and using it as a center.

By redrawing the magic power on the reverse side of the domain according to the existing domain, the perfectly inverted mental image interlocks like a key, causing the constructed domain itself to unravel. It was a reversal technique taken to the extreme.

It was incredibly effective, but it was only possible because the Five Thunder Golden Lock Array he deployed was a domain that was thoroughly specialized for battlefield control with an invasive nature.

Even for Lenok, it would take more time and effort to do something similar against other mages or superhumans.

However, Oliviera scoffed at Lenok’s words as if they were absurd.

[Excessive humility is just arrogance. The fact that you so easily understand and handle the principle of proof of absence is proof that you have already half-transcended the hierarchy.]

“…”

If it weren’t for the Feigenbaum’s Eye that observes the False Dimension and the Jintun’s barrier technique that redefines domains and concepts, Lenok wouldn’t have been able to dabble in such tricks in such a short time.

However, instead of explaining the reasons in detail, Lenok closed his mouth with a nonchalant expression.

He didn’t want to explain what he had experienced while arguing with the chairman.

Oliviera stared at Lenok for a moment and then asked.

[You’re still hesitating even though you have the concept of self-modification at your feet. Is that why you came to me?]

“Ayun, who was using Qimen Dunjia, turned to the Order’s teachings to overcome his own limitations.”

Lenok subtly changed the subject.

“If it’s possible to protect one’s mind in the form of fanaticism, as he said, then we need to be wary of those who join the Order seeking similar power. We need to be careful that the details of this incident don’t leak out.”

Although the series of conversations between Ayun and Lenok were not broadcast in the video, it was natural that there would be people who would have other thoughts after seeing the Order’s symbol.

However, despite Lenok’s warning, Oliviera shook her head.

[It’s too late to be wary of the power of Guido with such measures. It’s enough to just weed out the fools who have fallen for the teachings, like this time.]

“Did you know that Ayun had joined Guido?”

[The leader of Guido is said to be a monster who is comparable to ascension, yet does not let go of his interest in the secular world.]

Oliviera said.

[Those who follow such a being and worship the end of the outer sea as a god cannot hide their traces in any way.]

“…”

The Guido Order.

After Lenok dealt with Walter Martinez, who was trying to awaken as an apostle, in the Palgwang Fortress, there has been no noticeable activity in this city,

But it is possible that they will come back again and try to summon an apostle with their teachings.

An organization that is one of the most powerful and strangely certain on this continent.

It was too dangerous to ignore them, thinking of them as a religious group that had fallen into fanaticism.

[But you never know. How fanaticism that rushes towards destruction might be rewarded. Maybe the one standing at the end is…]

Oliviera, who had muttered up to that point, suddenly stopped talking and quickly changed the subject.

[…That was a long talk. Let’s get back to what we were talking about. You said you wanted something from me.]

“I wouldn’t have come to you if I didn’t intend to make a deal.”

Lenok replied calmly.

“I was prepared from the moment I got involved in the cartel’s affairs. At least I have a reason to endure the aftermath.”

Lenok took a sip of the dark brown whiskey and looked at the other person’s face hidden behind the veil.

[…]

Instead of answering Lenok’s words, Oliviera silently brought her glass to her veil.

She managed to pour the whiskey down without lifting the cumbersome veil that hid her face.

While Lenok was watching her blankly, Oliviera said.

[This bar has been around since the days when there were no proper area divisions in the megacity.]

“…”

[It seems that not many people are looking for it now, but a long time ago, there were times when people gathered here to discuss the city’s affairs.]

Oliviera slowly pointed to the two people who were still talking over there.

[Even though those guys are frivolous in their speech, the fact that they are gathering here to drink means that they are also involved in remembering those times.]

“…So you’re saying it’s a meeting place that only those in the know are aware of. Is that why you called me here?”

[The topics discussed here haven’t changed since then.]

She smiled bitterly and slowly put down her glass.

[Then and now, stories about talented newcomers were good topics of conversation. But apart from that, it’s also true that a monster that transcends standards hasn’t appeared in this city for a long time.]

“…”

[The days when every small movement was given meaning and balance was discussed… I thought I was tired of the endless disputes, but now I miss them. It’s been a really long time.]

Lenok listened silently to her monologue, which she uttered in a detached tone.

It seemed that the conversation of the people chattering behind them had unintentionally stirred Oliviera’s long-standing nostalgia.

She stared blankly out the window and then quietly closed her mouth.

Silence hung between the two. In the stillness that continued for a long time as if there had been no conversation from the beginning, she put down her glass and said.

[I can’t tell you much about Madrich Onion.]

“…”

[Because the restrictions placed on those directly involved in the project are still valid even after 50 years.]

Did she already know what Lenok wanted?

Well, Virgil, who had faced Panoa with him, would have reported the information about his chairman.

[But I can at least tell you how he has managed to survive and maintain his existence until now. I’ll have Virgil pass on the information separately.]

“Is not telling me directly a way to avoid the restrictions?”

[That’s part of it, but… The reason I called you here today is to solidify your position in the cartel.]

Oliviera, who was slowly shaking her glass, said in a subdued tone.

[It’s been decades since I founded the cartel, a corporate alliance. Now, interfering with the organization would only be a repetition of my past mistakes.]

“I see.”

[But even so, this company is still my property. It’s the owner’s duty to prevent the underlings from muddying the waters.]

She took out an old pager from her pocket and held it out to Lenok.

[I’ll give you a way to contact me, so please use that from now on. It’ll be easier for us to talk directly if we need something from each other.]

“…”

Oliviera’s attitude, which seemed unchanged from when she faced Chairman Parden McQueen, but was subtly different.

Lenok understood that it was because she recognized him not just as a member of the outside board of directors, but as an equal negotiating partner.

If Virgil had noticed Lenok’s precarious state, which seemed like it would explode at any moment, there was no way that she, who had a deeper and more profound insight than that vampire, wouldn’t have noticed.

Regardless of their respective power and levels, she had also noticed that Lenok had accumulated enough qualifications and knowledge to have a conversation with Oliviera herself on an equal footing.

Many things had changed since she first encountered Lenok due to the conflict with the cartel.

How long did it take for Lenok, who was a talented mage worthy of recruitment, to become a figure that Oliviera herself had to deal with?

Perhaps the fact that he only accepted the position of outside director, a nominal title, instead of formally joining the cartel, was also for this moment?

Oliviera Ron Maze was having a one-on-one meeting with Lenok at this very moment, leaving those speculations and thoughts behind.

Lenok stared at her veil for a moment, then smiled faintly and opened his mouth.

“There was a reason why you called me all the way here to talk. If you want to be wary of the scales becoming too heavy, it’s not a bad choice.”

[…]

Lenok slowly brought his finger to his left eye and said.

“But no matter what you’re thinking, you’ll have to pay me properly for the work I’ve done.”

Whirr…!!

Lenok’s left pupil rotated in place, becoming tinged with red and blue, and then turned into a purple magic eye.

The cracks engraved on the retina of the magic eye were now so clear and deep that they could be seen with the naked eye, and it looked as if it would break at any moment.

“That’s why I went to the demonstration while doing you a favor.”

[This is…?]

Only then did Oliviera realize why Lenok had come to her and offered a deal, and she let out a low groan.

The magic eye was so unstable that it seemed like it would break at any moment.

“If you have the Seven-Colored Treasure Eye, you should be able to tell what’s happening to my eye right now.”

Lenok looked at her calmly with that eye and said.

“I want to borrow your knowledge to solve this problem.”