Genius Wizard Takes Medicine [EN]: Chapter 415

[They say once you start accumulating debt, you can’t stop.]

Davi, curled up on the coat Lenox had taken off, yawned and muttered.

[Turns out, it wasn’t about money, but about the social life of organic beings?]

“…Lately, you’ve been saying things that are strangely poignant.”

Lenox, drenched in sweat and wearing only a shirt, turned to Davi and smiled.

“It seems you’ve become quite interested in humans.”

A deserted construction site, devoid of any trace of people.

Amidst the chilly ruins where cement dust swirled, Lenox was concentrating, both hands raised.

Having returned to the city, he was now resuming various training and research that he couldn’t do in the labyrinth due to circumstances.

At the edge of the cartel’s undeveloped district, which he had visited after a long time, Lenox was engrossed in refining his space magic.

As Lenox turned his gaze back and focused his magic on a pile of concrete, Davi snorted and shook his head.

[I don’t want my ignorance of other organic beings to hold me back. I’m a good spirit who takes good care of my master.]

“Yeah, yeah, I’m very grateful.”

Although he spoke as if sulking, Lenox didn’t think Davi was wrong.

Although he was unusually fond of attention and praise, if the spirit, who had not been very interested in individual people, was now changing his attitude, it must be because of Lenox.

Conversely, could it be that there are people who influence Lenox, even though Davi, who is not very interested in others, is watching from the side?

Reaching that point, Lenox slowly withdrew his wavering magic and took a breath.

“…”

Lenox had no intention of denying that the premises he had thought of were gradually changing with time and environment.

However, if there were such changes, the direction itself had to move in a way that Lenox could control.

It was not a good choice to increase variables in a situation where it was still unknown where the end of this world would lead.

Lenox himself was seeking answers based on convictions and intuitions that he could not even know the basis for, but he also understood that the ending could be a tragedy.

What meaning could there be in an illusion built on a promise without a deadline?

It was impossible to clearly define a future that could not be certain, and it was also impossible to deceive others with such lies.

It wasn’t a problem that would be solved by worrying for a long time. Lenox ended his thoughts and turned his attention back to the problem at hand.

“…Even if I incorporate barrier magic, improving the efficiency of space teleportation itself is still a long way off.”

Crackle!!

With a gesture, the space in front of him distorted as if a piece of paper was crumpled, and then, unable to overcome its limits, it tore apart.

At the same time, the heavy concrete mass that had been in front of Lenox was shattered into pieces to match the crack, and then melted and burned, unable to withstand the friction between the spaces.

Chiiik!!

The acrid smell of melting cement stung his nose, but Lenox’s expression did not change.

“Not only does the activation of the space teleportation formula consume a huge amount of magic power, but the larger the area, the more it’s like pouring fuel on a fire.”

[That’s something we concluded a long time ago.]

Davi wagged his tail and replied.

[Unless you define a new area within the space system and make adjustments within it, it’s difficult to expect more efficiency than now… There’s a record in the research journal written 84 days, 5 hours, and 48 minutes ago.]

“…You don’t have to tell me that. I came back here today to solve that problem.”

Lenox himself had recorded his achievements in magic, however briefly, in a journal and stored them in Davi’s database.

Even if Davi wasn’t of great help in discussing the theory of magic, it was helpful to organize his thoughts by talking to someone.

Having recognized that, Lenox had also conveyed some of the insights he had understood to Davi and had taken measures to analyze them in real time.

Even if there was no significant effect right away, who knew?

Perhaps Davi, who had fully understood Lenox’s theory, would also be reborn as a full-fledged magician.

It was an imagination that made him chuckle just thinking about it, but it didn’t require much time or effort, so it didn’t matter.

What truly required a tight schedule of effort and time was the research on the new space magic he was about to attempt.

“Shall we begin?”

Woong!!

At the same time as he touched his left eye, a purple magic eye appeared and began to scatter a faint purple glow.

The cracks that had densely covered the magic eye were still there, but his vision no longer deteriorated.

At the same time as he opened a new magic eye, the output was dispersed, and it began to be adjusted to a level that was not harmful to the body.

“Hoo…”

Lenox, who took a low breath, did not hesitate and took out a huge scroll from his chest and unfolded it.

Chwarururuk!!

Papyrys Argenteus.

One of the formulaic weapons acquired in the Hidden Dungeon of the Infinite Sand, originally intended for recording and using complex barrier formations or formulas that required prior preparation.

It was certainly a versatile item, as it could also be used as a simple magic storage, but from the moment Lenox obtained this formulaic weapon, he had only thought of one thing.

The complex space jump magic, [Blink], which consumed a lot of magic power, required prior chanting, and required calculations.

This magic was exactly the kind of magic that was suitable for being recorded on papyrus and used like a consumable.

Even though he knew that, the reason why he hadn’t been able to record the Blink formula on papyrus until now was because the function was not properly implemented due to the collision between the two formulas and the relic.

Papyrys Argenteus was a relic that compressed formulas or barrier formations to the extreme and recorded them between the surfaces of the pages.

Naturally, it was natural to interfere with the space and formula information in the process.

Lenox’s Blink formula, which directly touched the space system in the same way, collided with the basic operating principle of such papyrus, making it impossible to record it inside.

‘Space interference is a task that must be handled extremely precisely and delicately, and I can understand that two already completed systems of relics and formulas would collide. But…’

Conversely, it was a problem that Lenox had to solve in order to use the Blink formula without worrying about magic consumption.

It was a much more doable task than inflating the amount of magic power to an absurd level or drastically reducing the magic consumption of space-based formulas.

And if he combined the new abilities Lenox had acquired so far, it wasn’t an impossible task.

Weeeing…!!

Carefully placing his hand on the page of the papyrus, he draws a small circle with his finger.

The other formulaic weapon, [Feigenbaum’s Eye], which was worn on his finger, reflects the imaginary dimension and forcibly opens another space on the papyrus.

Kigigigik…!!

Overloading Feigenbaum’s eye, which observes the imaginary dimension, to directly interfere with the imaginary dimension was only possible for 0.75 seconds.

It was a time close to a fleeting moment for human reaction speed, but at the same time as Lenox touched his right eye, the papyrus began to be fixed with the imaginary dimension open.

Lenox’s right magic eye was an ability that he had opened by imitating the magic eye of the Seven-Colored Treasure possessed by Oliviera.

It was not yet comparable to her magic eye, which observes and fixes the results of causality, but it was possible to fix and maintain the situation in progress in terms of the formula.

Uuuuuung!!

Opening a passage to the imaginary dimension on the wide page of the scroll, and forcibly fixing the situation with the power of the magic eye.

Lenox began to slowly pour in the magic circle of the Blink formula that he had prepared in advance with his trembling hand.

Jijijijik…!!

As he began to apply the barrier formation of the Blink magic, which had been pre-schematized with the barrier magic of the Hidden Dungeon, the sound of paper tearing echoed due to the fierce backlash.

The backlash between different space systems. A side effect of using a trick to cram it in from the other side of the imaginary dimension.

“Hoo…!!”

Even though a cold wind was blowing, large drops of sweat were constantly flowing down Lenox’s forehead, who was wearing a light shirt.

As the gray glow of the imaginary dimension spread backwards along his arm, it dulled the sensation at the tips of his fingers, but conversely, the magic circle of the Blink began to be slowly engraved on the surface of the papyrus.

Jjeojeok!

A roar as if bedrock that had been tightly closed for a long time was being split.

It was like a precarious balance that Lenox had meticulously honed by grinding all his capabilities and methods to the limit.

The moment the magic circle of the Blink was completely engraved on the scroll as if drawn by an invisible hand.

The intense shock wave that burst out from the scroll threw Lenox’s body backwards.

Paang!!

Lenox’s figure fell straight out of the wall of a remote high-rise building that was under construction.

[Master!!]

Davi, who was flustered, jumped up from his seat and tried to jump down to the same spot, but.

Pabat!!

Lenox, who flashed and appeared above Davi’s head, grabbed the fox cub by the scruff of the neck and began to fall tens of meters below.

“Don’t worry too much.”

[Huh?]

The cybernetic spirit tilted his head while being held in Lenox’s arms.

Lenox, who was holding onto his shirt fluttering in the wind, smiled contentedly as he fell with the ground behind him.

“It seems like I succeeded after all.”

[Blink]

Lenox’s figure disappeared as if flashing in the air.

It didn’t end with just one, but flashed twice more in the air, quickly traversing the night sky where the wind was blowing.

He extended his magic thread to grab a nearby building and glided. He then used Blink once more to jump inside the building and ran through the office.

Thud thud thud!!

He didn’t stop even though he was drenched in sweat and panting.

He waved his arms and staggered forward, then used Blink again to jump into the air.

He rode the wind and fell into the cold night air.

Swaeeeeek!!

The sharp sound of the wind was heard in his ears. The cold chill brushed his face.

Even as he gasped for air until his lungs burst, Lenox couldn’t stop smiling.

Even though he had used Blink in succession like this, there was not a single change in Lenox’s magic power.

The Blink formula that had already been recorded on the papyrus was being consumed instead, moving Lenox’s body as it was.

The thought that he had found a way to temporarily escape the burden of magic power, although he had to jump according to the distance and speed recorded in advance.

His fingers trembled at the thought that he had finally gained the mobility to be used in combat.

[Hoo… I thought I was going to die.]

Davi, who had climbed onto Lenox’s shoulder and was looking at him, sighed and hung limply, biting the collar of his shirt.

Hugging such Davi, he ran until his breath ran out, Blink, and jumped again.

Pa ba bat!!

Lenox’s body, which had flashed in the air several times, was soaked with sweat.

But on his face, a conviction close to joy was spreading.

“Haa, haa…!! The preparation is complete.”

He rolled up the papyrus that was slowly floating in front of him, circling around Lenox, and turned around.

Lenox, who stood on the outer wall of the building with one boot, looked down at the distant ground and muttered.

“It’s time to go meet Madrich.”

* * *

The undeveloped district sprawled on the outermost edge of the megacity. Among them, the coastline located at the end of the southeastern continent.

Even though the sea was not yet clearly visible, the salty smell and the cold sea breeze that tickled the tip of his nose battered Lenox’s body.

Lenox, who had his hands in his coat pockets and was crouching down, trying to hide his presence and slowly reveal himself, at that moment.

“Mr. Ban, this way.”

A voice heard from behind a thick rock quietly called Lenox’s name.

Lenox also naturally nodded and moved his steps towards the other party.

A man who was leaning against the top of a rock, checking his equipment, slightly bowed his head after confirming Lenox.

Lenox approached the man and quietly asked.

“Agent?”

“I’m Struman from the field response team. It’s an honor to be able to work with an external consultant I’ve only heard rumors about.”

A strong impression with a short haircut. His disciplined posture and attitude were impressive.

“I heard you were from the Navy.”

“It’s been over five years since I was discharged. In fact, it’s hard to call me a soldier anymore.”

Struman, who answered nonchalantly, turned his back and began to move first.

“Let’s go. Everything is ready before Mr. Ban arrives.”

“The information I gave you in advance was only this coastline, and even that was just a rough location. Do you already have some idea of what’s going on?”

He liked Struman’s attitude of exchanging a few light greetings and getting straight to the point.

But it would be strange if there was no conviction in his bold movements.

As expected, Struman, who was walking ahead, quietly nodded.

“Originally, I had no intention of accepting this mission. Even if I put aside a promotion test that was meaningless to me, my memories of this sea area are not good.”

“…”

“But when I heard that Mr. Ban was stationed in this sea area and that he might be a military command art user, I had no choice.”

Even though they had come to the coast, Struman’s steps did not head towards the sea.

Rather, he only headed to a small hill overlooking the sea, a simple grassy field created on the outskirts of the salty sandy beach.

The sight of hundreds of long tombstones densely erected on the grassy field.

On the tombstones, which had been worn away by the sea breeze, the names of the deceased and the ranks that would be used in the military were written.

Only then did Lenox realize exactly where this place was and quietly muttered.

“A cemetery for naval war dead.”

“If a military command art user has taken a position in this sea area, there is only one thing he wants.”

Struman muttered with an indescribable expression in front of hundreds of tombstones.

“I can’t stand the fact that my friends, who should be resting in peace, are being used in such a way.”

“…”

It was not difficult to guess what had happened until the naval force directly under the now-defunct city government was disbanded.

Just like Lieutenant General Trepen of the Defense Force that Lenox had faced, the reality of losing scale and power, weakening, and eventually being abandoned like a dog after the hunt.

Could it be said that this did not happen to the Navy as well?

Lenox, who took out a cigarette from his chest and put it in his mouth, turned to Struman and said.

“Thank you for your cooperation. I’ll contact the agent side separately for compensation.”

“…Are you really going to be okay going alone?”

Struman, who couldn’t easily leave his seat even after Lenox’s words, hesitated and said.

“Team Leader Marcia told me to consider stopping Mr. Ban if the scene seems too dangerous.”

“Didn’t we just meet?”

Lenox chuckled.

“That’s right. Actually, I’ve never said these words to my colleagues even when I was in the Navy.”

Struman also scratched his head with an awkward expression.

“Team Leader Marcia will be very sad.”

“…”

Lenox closed his mouth.

Lenox, who was nodding silently with an unlit cigarette in his mouth, patted Struman on the shoulder and got up from his seat.

“I’ll try my best to prevent such an unfortunate event from happening.”

“…If you go down the 6 o’clock direction in the center of the cemetery, there will be a charnel house leading to the basement. It’s a method preferred by the disbanded naval command.”

Struman said that and took a step back and bowed his head.

“I wish you good luck.”

He was a person who knew how to hold back his words even though he had more to say.

He must have been an outstanding soldier in the Defense Force as well.

It was just proof that the situation of the Defense Force at the time was so terrible that even such a man could not last long.

Considering the downfall of Lieutenant General Trepen and the existence of the Air Force newly put forward by the city government, it was not difficult to guess the inside story.

But Lenox neatly put those impressions aside and turned his gaze to the cemetery.

“Hoo…”

He knew he was walking into the jaws that the other party had prepared, but he couldn’t stop.

In the end, it was Lenox’s job to uncover the hidden secrets.

If Lenox did not take the risk, the other party would only wait for an endless ending while maintaining their current attitude.

He had to move before all those mistakes remained as a handful of regrets and flowed away.

There was no regret. He had always convinced himself with lame excuses and trivial reasons, but it was because he had fully accepted the desire to leave meaning in every moment.

All the preparations that could be made were completed.

From now on, it was a problem that depended solely on Lenox himself.

Thud!!

Below the huge cornerstone placed in the center of the cemetery.

When he extended his magic power to the crack between them, a staircase leading to the basement naturally appeared.

Lenox checked the empty space where Struman had disappeared and immediately moved his steps down the stairs.

At the same time as the figure of the magician wearing a coat disappeared underground, the moon tilted slightly and changed its angle.

Immediately after, the sight of hundreds of tombstones disappeared like ghosts, and only a quiet grassy field remained.

Saaaaaa…

The evening breeze that blew softly brushed the grassy field and disappeared.

* * *

He stepped on the cold stone steps and descended into an underground space of unknown depth.

As Lenox descended through the stairs, he slowed down, realizing that his position, which he felt through his sensory range, was changing rapidly.

‘Space distortion… Magicians close to level 8 use it like breathing. Is it a method of placing only the entrance in the sea area and changing the internal location?’

Each time he moved his steps, Lenox’s own coordinates, which he checked with magic power, skipped around and quickly moved away from the sea area.

‘He’s definitely not an ordinary military command art user. Then who the hell is he…?’

How could a magician from the military command city of Yorta have such a powerful influence on the decision-making of the megacity?

What was the meaning of this huge cemetery and charnel house that Lenox was passing through now?

It was certainly an opportunity to confirm all those reasons and meanings.

Lenox’s steps, which had hardened his heart, changed even faster, and he stopped in front of a stone door that appeared at the end of the stairs that led to the endless underground.

“You’re young.”

Tap!!

A frail old man, who had somehow appeared in front of the stone door, was quietly smiling at Lenox.

“You’re young and full of vigor. It’s a longing that has been difficult to encounter in recent decades.”

“That face is…”

Lenox frowned, recognizing that the person standing in front of him was the same old man who had given instructions to the participants right before the start of the Grimmoire Gang’s race.

Despite Lenox’s reaction, the old man spoke again without being bothered.

“To think you would reject my offer and try to find my sanctuary yourself. That audacity is admirable, but what’s even more surprising is the ability itself that has turned that arrogant idea into a meaningful result.”

On the old man’s face as he looked at Lenox, a faint admiration that could no longer be hidden was visible.

“I’m not generous enough to allow guests who visit without an invitation, but if you wanted to fascinate me, it was a great decision. To find this sea area and come down to the entrance of the charnel house with just one meeting.”

“…”

“Good. I must give a gift to a child who has found the answer even though I didn’t give him a problem.”

At the same time as the old man turned his back, the stone door of the charnel house began to open.

The old man glanced at Lenox and moved his steps as they were.

“Follow me. I have also prepared the answer you want.”