Genius Wizard Takes Medicine [EN]: Chapter 507

Gazing at the tightly clenched fist of the statue, Lenok slowly focused his thoughts.

*Woo-oong!!!*

Re-outputting information from the old world through the level 8 causality adjustment value.

It was said that the desired information was settled for the subject, but Lenok had already grasped a blind spot the Doctor hadn’t mentioned.

‘It’s not possible to settle for just any information you want.’

The statue’s ability isn’t about directly reading the causality of a destroyed world and extracting information.

Strictly speaking, it’s about returning some of the data extracted from the old world’s artifacts or information that Pandemonium has collected so far back to the members.

Since they’ve adopted this kind of settlement method, it’s certain that the amount of old world data, technology, and information accumulated is truly immense.

Of course, Lenok had to consider the possibility that the information he wanted might not be in the statue’s database.

‘In the worst case, I might not get the information I want, and my purpose might just be revealed to the Doctor.’

Information that Lenok needed right now, and that Pandemonium was likely to have obtained through their work.

At the same time, a theme that wouldn’t be useful in guessing or deducing Lenok’s identity.

And a secret valuable enough to use up the massive level 8 adjustment value without leaving anything behind.

From the moment he heard the word ‘settlement,’ Lenok had already made his decision.

*Whoo-oong……!!*

As his desired thought was conveyed to the Doctor through the statue, he let out a faint groan.

‘Oh ho, this is… how did you…’

‘If it’s difficult, I’ll choose something else.’

‘…No, it’s fine. But to think at this point…’

The Doctor, who had been agonizing alone, finally nodded.

‘However, this settlement might be reported to the Commander later. If you’re okay with that, I’ll allow it.’

‘Is that even a question?’

Lenok chuckled.

‘At least contact the Commander first before talking about it.’

‘…If you know that much, then it’s fine.’

The Doctor, with a strange smile, twitched, and at the same time, a faint light emanated from the statue.

*Kiiing……!!*

At the same time, the statue’s tightly clenched hand slowly opened, and within it, an old book wrapped in a mysterious magic circle appeared.

It was a spectacle of unknown magic circles and ancient characters densely inscribed on a dozen or so crumpled pieces of paper that looked as if they would crumble at any moment.

Even the name written at the very front of the book was blurred and distorted, making it hard to see properly.

However, Lenok glanced over it roughly and put it inside his coat without any hesitation.

He knew that the fact that this item was properly settled was virtually impossible at this point.

And he knew that the other members should never notice that fact.

‘The Five Laws of the Fated Scale, Extreme.’

An item well-known as a legendary esoteric grimoire in WORLD 1.0 that Lenok remembered.

It was famous as a top-tier magic textbook that was said to contain the extreme arts of five different systems, but very few players actually used this grimoire.

For mages who found it difficult to master multiple systems at once, the Fated Scale grimoire, which only contained the extreme arts of five systems without any particular curriculum, was an item with low utility.

There were even rumors that the grimoire of the Five Laws of the Extreme was a mere imitation of the transcendent system’s unique magic [Ten Laws of the World], which only existed in the settings, so despite its power and unique content, its value had already plummeted by the time WORLD 2.0 was released.

However, the reason Lenok chose the contents of the grimoire, which had low utility despite its fame, as the settlement reward was different.

‘Among the magic books in the game that I remember, this is the only one that has both the themes of time and space.’

What Lenok needs to be concerned about isn’t just space manipulation magic.

Perhaps a unique magic of the time system that could solve Lenok’s fundamental problem.

He was clearly aware that this could be another opportunity to delve into that concept.

He might have been able to ask the Doctor for a unique time-system grimoire, but since he hadn’t yet grasped the concept of time, it would be a pointless endeavor.

It’s more reasonable to choose a grimoire that has both space and time themes, delve into the concept of space to the end, and then prepare a stepping stone to move on to the concept of time.

Moreover, if it was a famous grimoire in WORLD 1.0, it must have been a famous grimoire in the first world that existed in reality.

Lenok thought that such information would surely exist as a causality among the old world information collected by Pandemonium.

The Doctor looked down at Lenok with a strange gaze, then turned his head away.

‘Let’s continue the settlement. Those who wish to participate, come forward.’

At those words, Vernon, who hadn’t participated in the settlement yet, tilted his bottle and turned his head.

‘Victor, what should I bring? Time is running out.’

‘…….’

‘If you think too much, it’ll be over soon. If my share disappears because you’re wasting time, what good is the filter or whatever?’

‘The names and statues of famous martial artists from the first world.’

Lenok spoke at Vernon’s words.

Lenok’s eyes, as he adjusted his mask, shone coldly.

‘Or request related anecdotes from the Doctor.’

Originally, he wanted to focus on the magic musketeer side, but the theme of magic musketeer would be too easy to pinpoint.

If he obtained this kind of item with a level 8 adjustment value, then information that could be easily requested with a level 4 adjustment value, which is half of that, would be sufficient.

He had obtained the items necessary for hierarchy and formula research, so now it was time to find out about the secrets left to Lenok himself.

Behind Vernon, who was tilting his head and walking towards the statue, Sabrina gestured with her eyes towards the outside of the theater.

* * *

‘Is it okay to come out to a place like this?’

‘It’s fine. What are you worried about?’

A secluded parking lot behind the theater’s back door.

Sabrina, who had been waiting in a corner where the cold night air swirled, laughed.

‘Anyway, the Doctor can’t leave until the settlement is over.’

‘That’s not just because of an unwritten rule or the organization’s regulations, is it?’

‘Of course, it’s a kind of geas [a magical compulsion].’

Sabrina nodded casually.

‘From the start, the statue’s ability itself was created by borrowing the power of forbidden arts.’

‘…….’

‘I added some of my language binding and the clown’s illusion magic, but it’s essentially a masterpiece created by the Doctor.’

Sabrina giggled.

‘To embed a system that exchanges the causality of the old world into something that doesn’t even weigh dozens of tons… the Doctor is indeed a monster. A very smart and alien monster at that.’

‘I see…’

Lenok somewhat agreed with her words.

Even though Lenok himself had directly infused magic power into the statue and activated the system, he couldn’t grasp the principle or the operating method.

Perhaps the Doctor created a completely new system or rule solely to independently manage the laws of the old world.

Sabrina seemed to have some idea about that fact.

‘Anyway, what I want to say is this. I want to exchange information if you have anything useful.’

Sabrina said.

‘If you came in through a recommendation from a named individual and even visited the Well of the Compendium, you must have seen and heard quite a bit.’

‘…….’

‘As I said before, I need information that is highly important but also highly volatile.’

‘Is it because you need to use it urgently somewhere else?’

At Lenok’s words, Sabrina nodded.

‘Yes. Like you said, Amrita died and the apostle formula became temporarily unusable… that kind of feeling is perfect. Tell me if you know anything.’

‘What’s the price?’

‘I’ll tell you one piece of information that I already know. If it seems like it exceeds the standard, how about we exchange from your side?’

At her words, Lenok unintentionally laughed.

It was a condition that was extremely advantageous to Lenok, considering that she had said they would exchange information.

‘You seem to be in quite a hurry.’

‘I have an important meeting scheduled. Information about Amrita alone is not enough.’

‘…….’

‘The reason I’m telling you this first is because I heard information about Amrita’s death from you first. Considering that, let’s try to make a deal.’

Lenok nodded.

‘Go ahead and talk.’

‘…Okay. Since there’s a megacity nearby, shall we start with information about that?’

Before he could react, Sabrina spoke.

‘The PMC [Private Military Company] Dead Rise, called the Three Heads of the Balkan Underworld. Among them, the headquarters that advanced to the central front will soon return to the Balkans.’

‘…….’

‘The truce between the Order Alliance and the Church has put the front line in a lull. They’ll take a break for about half a year and then try to return to the front line.’

The three major organizations in the shadows of the megacity Balkan, known as the Three Heads: the Cartel, the Eight-Pillar Fortress, and Dead Rise.

Was it true that the private military company, which had only been rumored and had not made any moves, was finally returning to the megacity?

He knew that their main force was operating outside the city, but he didn’t know that they had advanced to the central front.

Did they grow their power in the shadows of the city and expand their business to the central front with that power?

He thought it was strange that there was so little news about them, but he never imagined that it was for that reason.

However, Lenok didn’t show it and adjusted his mask.

‘Continue.’

‘Is this not enough? Then how about the information that the Ascendant Jinwa has created a new apostle?’

Sabrina continued, leaving Lenok silent.

‘There were rumors that he was trying to imitate the end of the outer sea, but it seems like his symptoms are getting worse. It’s a serious problem for language users like us.’

‘…….’

‘Shall I tell you more about the central front? The Torben Magic Tower is withdrawing from the front line. There’s a fierce war of nerves with the Order Alliance regarding that matter.’

Sabrina began to subtly gauge Lenok’s reaction.

‘I’ve brought out the most recent information I have… is it still not enough?’

‘…No, let’s stop here for now.’

It would be troublesome to unnecessarily arouse suspicion by trying to extract too much from Sabrina.

‘Since we started with the theme of the megacity, I’ll do the same.’

Lenok, naturally turning the topic back to the megacity he knew best, opened his mouth.

‘The Balkan City Council is preparing a new project to follow the Black Consumer Project.’

‘……!!’

‘They’ve already gone through one trial and error and are in the process of concrete planning.’

‘Is that reliable information?’

‘It’s a story I heard directly from a City Council official.’

Since it was a story he heard directly from Madrich Onion himself, it wasn’t a lie.

‘Some of the development personnel who participated in the Black Consumer Project at the time are involved, and people from the Military City are also involved.’

‘Wait a minute… this is too sensitive of a topic.’

Sabrina said with a stiff expression.

‘No. I’m sorry, but I can’t use this information. It could lead to a war between cities.’

Lenok laughed coldly.

‘Do I have to take even that into account when I speak?’

‘…….’

Sabrina, who had been agonizing for a while, shook her head.

‘I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that. Instead, I’ll give you a few more pieces of information, so let’s talk about something else.’

After that, Sabrina talked about the trends in the central front and the Eye of Azure, and the civil war that broke out in the Western Continent Republic.

Lenok listened to the story quietly and then opened his mouth again.

‘It seems that the Church has found a new way to reach ascension. According to rumors, they seem to have already finished clinical trials.’

‘Ugh…….’

Sabrina’s complexion was slightly pale.

‘No, how do you know this… what are you doing outside of Pandemonium?’

When Lenok didn’t answer, Sabrina quietly distanced herself from Lenok.

Her face was filled with a faint fear.

‘…There was a reason you participated in the Ascendant’s operation. You’re actually someone with a very high status, aren’t you?’

‘…….’

‘It’s only information that you could know with such conditions. Could it be that the Commander or Myung directly…’

Lenok shook his head at Sabrina, who was starting to make ridiculous assumptions.

He had embellished the facts that Lenok knew to some extent, but it seemed that she thought the risk was too high.

However, both of the two pieces of information he had just mentioned were information that Lenok could release to the outside without any burden.

The City Council’s new project, the Church’s new ascension.

The more these two things were actively known to external forces and checked, the more likely the situation would turn in Lenok’s favor.

That’s why, even knowing that others were listening to this conversation, Lenok could bring up these topics without any burden.

Lenok thought so and turned his gaze towards the alley behind Sabrina.

‘This language user says that, but what do you think?’

‘…The Commander and Myungwang are not the type to do such troublesome things.’

Soryu, who appeared from the alleyway with a cold expression, said with an expressionless face.

‘If you have something you want to do while avoiding our gaze, you don’t even need to wear a mask. It’s purely a misunderstanding.’

‘Soryu……!!’

Sabrina turned her back sharply, grinding her teeth.

‘Were you listening the whole time, you rat bastard!!’

‘You’re saying strange things.’

Soryu retorted without even raising an eyebrow.

‘It’s a rational action to take necessary information arbitrarily. There’s no reason to be criticized for it.’

‘What nonsense are you spouting? We came out separately because we had something to talk about!! No, more than that, how did you sneak in when I put up a language barrier?!’

‘Are you talking about this?’

*Crack……!!*

The unknown array of characters held in Soryu’s hand was frozen solid.

Sabrina was flustered when she saw it and foamed at the mouth.

‘How did you…!!’

‘If you materialize magic power and leave it behind, the effect is powerful, but it also becomes easier to interfere with.’

Soryu, who broke the frozen letters with one hand, walked closer and said.

‘You should be careful when dealing with a transcendent who understands the concept of attribute change.’

‘You…!!’

Soryu, who passed by Sabrina, who was about to go wild, stood in front of Lenok with a calm gaze.

Two transcendents facing each other, with the cool night air behind them.

Soryu, who was staring at Lenok’s mask, said.

‘When we met in Kaius, you didn’t seem like you were going to participate in the Well operation.’

‘…….’

‘If it was decided after you left the city, it’s not unreasonable that Highlea didn’t know. The important thing is not that.’

Was he already guessing how Lenok came to participate in the jungle operation?

Soryu, who had dismissed the events that had happened with a few words, asked.

‘Was the Commander there?’

‘…If you heard about the jungle’s events, you would know.’

Lenok tilted his head slightly.

‘The clown led the work, and I just helped. I didn’t see the Commander.’

‘According to Agneta, you took on the most important role at the end and made it a success.’

Soryu retorted coldly.

‘I’m asking if there was any help or arrangement from the Commander in that process.’

Only then did Lenok realize that what Soryu was talking about wasn’t the Commander’s existence itself, but the stake that had been driven into Gye Baek’s body at that time.

The last geas that was dormant in Gye Baek’s body.

The stake that activated the order to challenge ascension once again. An item that the Commander himself had made and handed over.

Soryu was guessing that there must have been an arrangement from the Commander at the end of the jungle operation and was asking about the details.

‘I see what you’re saying.’

Lenok nodded.

‘But it doesn’t seem like there’s any reason to tell you.’

‘…….’

The surrounding air instantly turned cold.

Even though Soryu himself didn’t raise his magic power, the air around them was turning cold with just a faint killing intent.

That was proof that Soryu was a skilled ability user who had become one with the ice attribute.

As Sabrina, who was watching from the side, frowned and stepped back, Lenok spoke with a joking tone.

‘You could just ask the clown or Freya instead of me, but the fact that you didn’t means there’s something you want to hear from my mouth.’

‘Oh oh…….’

Sabrina, who unintentionally let out an exclamation, quickly closed her mouth, and Soryu’s gaze turned cold.

‘Do I really need to tell that to a guy who was eavesdropping on our conversation a moment ago?’

‘What do you want?’

‘The skull staff you were going to use against the armored ship in Kaius. Or the binding artifact you submitted for this settlement.’

‘…….’

Lenok smiled as he looked at the silent Soryu.

‘Prince of Kabahim. I heard you have a lot of precious artifacts? If you put out one of those items, I’ll think about it.’

A demand that was excessive for just hearing about the jungle’s events.

However, it was appropriate for someone who had arbitrarily eavesdropped on their conversation and was demanding information about the stake without properly revealing his intentions.

If he set the conditions this strongly, the other party would also react in some way.

Lenok was planning to deduce the reason why Soryu wanted the Commander’s information through that.

Until Soryu, who had been listening to the words quietly, nodded immediately.

‘Okay.’

‘…What?’

‘I didn’t know you were interested in the legacy of the Kabahim Dynasty.’

Soryu, who activated the pattern engraved on his wrist, said.

‘I’ll open the vault, so choose one thing you want. Then we’ll talk.’

‘No, wait a minute. Are you really giving it?’

Sabrina raised her hand with wide eyes.

‘No, if you’re going to come out like that, you should give me financial compensation, even if it’s not as much as Victor!! The information I just spouted is worth a certain amount of money-‘

‘I will. Wait your turn.’

‘Damn it, I knew it would be like that… what!!’

‘…….’

Could it be that this ice ability user standing in front of him was a guy who didn’t know how to say no?

Thinking about it, when they met in Kaius, he was going to go straight to Balkan to confirm Lenok’s identity.

It was possible that his way of thinking was just a different type from ordinary people.

Lenok, who felt that his impression of this cold prince was changing, stared at Soryu’s fingertips with a slightly dumbfounded look.

*Kiiing……!!*

A very faint sound, like a string being plucked, echoed in his ears.

‘……!!’

At the same time, Sabrina and Soryu, who had been talking to each other, sharply rose for a fleeting moment, then returned to normal in an instant.

A very faint and subtle sense of incongruity that even Lenok, who was watching closely, wouldn’t have noticed.

However, Soryu immediately made a hand seal as if nothing had happened and took out a dagger from his sleeve.

A black and sharp dagger like ink. The black energy flowing from the blade was impressive.

Soryu unhesitatingly held it in reverse and extended the handle towards Lenok.

‘The Kaius incident. You still remember it, right?’

‘…….’

Soryu’s words were very meaningful. But as he said, Lenok still remembered that dagger.

The dagger that Soryu used to stab and subdue Jebek Yanicus Barbaria in Kaius.

What did it mean that he had told him to choose a treasure a moment ago, and then suddenly chose a dagger and handed it over?

There was someone to stab.

‘I see. Is this the method you prefer?’

Lenok nodded, grabbed the dagger, and swung it towards Sabrina.

*Swish!!*

‘Wait, what…!!’

Space transfer was activated right in front of Sabrina, who quickly hardened her expression and stepped back.

The dagger, which had been transferred behind her head, was stuck in the empty air and stopped there.

[Guh……!!]

At that moment, a sense of incongruity, as if space was breaking, appeared, and the figure of a person falling backward appeared.

The dagger was embedded in the front of the face of the person wearing a thick helmet, spewing out black energy.

Soryu, who appeared behind the staggering opponent, kicked their back without hesitation.

*Kwaaang!!*

The fallen opponent was thrown into a corner of the parking lot, making a loud noise.

Soryu wiped his hands with an expressionless face, and Sabrina got up from her seat with a slightly pale face.

‘Hey, if you’re going to do something, at least tell me beforehand!!’

‘When would I have time for that?’

Lenok retorted indifferently and turned his gaze.

‘We’re already surrounded. You’re quite skilled.’

At the end of the parking lot, above a street lamp bent to one side. Under the shadow of a car that was split in half.

People wearing colorful visors appeared one by one and quietly looked at this place.

They were wearing black suits that covered their entire bodies, and their colorful eyes were flowing out from behind their visors.

They were exuding a different kind of momentum and intimidation than the person Lenok had killed a moment ago.

More than a dozen transcendents were silently looking down at them without saying a word.

‘We can’t leave this place until the settlement is over either.’

Soryu said, picking up the dagger that had fallen on the floor.

‘Let’s inform the Doctor and deal with it.’

‘Sabrina, contact them.’

‘No, don’t you guys even carry communicators?’

Sabrina grumbled and was about to take out a device from her pocket when.

[There’s no need for that, Pandemonium.]

The transcendent wearing a green visor on the far right spoke.

[The preparations are already complete.]

‘What?’

At that moment, Sabrina’s mouth slightly opened as she turned her gaze to the unknown roar coming from above her head.

*Kugugu……!!*

A black meteorite the size of a house was falling onto the roof of the huge theater where the three of them were standing back to back.