Genius Wizard Takes Medicine [EN]: Chapter 519

I didn’t expect much when I extracted Logier’s memories.

Pandaemonium and the Special Operations Agency Aegis.

As a double agent moving between the two organizations, he was likely to have a lot of sensitive information.

Conversely, he was someone who revealed his identity at this point and was subdued by Lenok.

A man who didn’t understand his own inner self enough to be exploited by Victor, who couldn’t even use half his power, and self-destructed by attacking the weak point of his microcosm [a personal, self-contained world or reality].

If I had to compare him to someone, it would be the White Lion Turan, whom I fought at the Blaver Magic Tower and who is now the Doctor’s puppet.

Despite having a powerful body and a useful inner self that coveted the flesh and souls of others, he used it in the wrong way, and as a result, he met an end worse than death.

Perhaps the Doctor also saw a similar sense of déjà vu in Logier’s existence as he did with Turan, and that’s why he jokingly warned him to be careful.

Unlike his innate talent and aptitude, his inner self and the way he handled it were so inferior that he ultimately failed to reach higher places.

Therefore, I thought that the information contained in his memories would be closer to the latest information rather than the secrets of the Demon Realm and Aegis.

But the scene unfolding before Lenok’s eyes was a sight he had never seen before, even as someone who had been fighting Pandaemonium for a long time.

[…….]

A ruined city turned to rubble.

A desolate fog hung thick, as if cut off from the world.

In the emptiness as if facing the end of the world, Myung and the Commander stood, but their gazes were slightly different.

Unlike the Commander, who seemed to have no interest in anything else, Myung’s gaze seemed to be looking at the ruined city over his shoulder.

As if trying to keep the scenery of the ruins he was standing in for a long time in his memory.

“Are you alright?”

After a long silence, Myung was the first to speak.

He glanced at the direction Lenok was looking and chuckled.

“You’re still watching.”

“…It doesn’t matter.”

The Commander replied.

He didn’t even look back at where Lenok’s gaze was.

“I’ve cleaned up all the karma left in this area. This is the last one.”

“This is the last one…”

“More than anything, weren’t you the one who brought that werewolf here?”

Myung nodded at the Commander’s indifferent question.

“The road to the Outer Defense Line was quite rough. I needed the help of a local.”

‘A local…’

Only then did Lenok understand why Logier had met the Commander and Myung.

Among the various ‘jobs’ that Myung handled alone while traveling around the continent, there must have been a task that required Logier’s help.

“If there’s a story that needs to be told, it doesn’t matter who the messenger is.”

The Commander said.

“As long as it arrives correctly, the intermediate process doesn’t matter much.”

“Even if you don’t know who it’s being delivered to?”

Myung asked.

“You wouldn’t know if it arrived correctly.”

“No. It will definitely arrive.”

The Commander denied it.

“Hundreds of destructions and two failures prove it.”

“Interesting.”

Myung, who had been listening to the conversation, laughed with his arms crossed.

“Is that a personal anecdote?”

“……”

The Commander didn’t answer immediately.

He lifted his gaze, which was filled with noise, and stared at the ruins where Myung’s gaze was directed before answering.

“It’s not just my story.”

Myung seemed to understand the meaning of those words and closed his mouth, and Lenok also remained silent.

Because now Lenok could vaguely understand what the Commander’s words meant.

‘The Commander knew that I would look into Logier’s memories.’

He knew that someone would confirm this moment through Logier’s memories, although he didn’t know who it would be.

And he also knew that it would be properly delivered to the person the Commander wanted.

Myung asked about the reason, and the Commander was saying in a very roundabout way that the basis was based on personal experience.

While also taking into account that the answer might be related to the Commander’s identity.

Myung must have been asking the Commander about the leakage of information through Logier rather than Logier’s existence itself.

An eerie intuition and a near-certain prediction.

The conversation between the two had already transcended the concept of timelines and variations of possibilities.

‘Myung and the Commander agreed to show this memory to someone, and they didn’t know who that person was.’

But why?

This conversation they are having and the ruined city.

Does their meeting have such a significant meaning that it has to be conveyed in this way?

To drive a wedge of certainty into the suspicion that has already solidified into a strong inspiration?

Even as Lenok was lost in thought, the conversation continued in his memory.

“Are you trying to manipulate contradictions in the discontinuity and infinity of space-time? Even the great failures would be troubled.”

“Repeating the right choices is a miracle that is established on contradictions and duality. You should know that, right?”

The Commander said.

“That’s why we have to leave memories like this. During the brief respite of condoning the corruption of Jinwa, the transmission through language will lose its meaning.”

Myung stared at the Commander for a while before shaking his head.

“There are no regrets. There is no delusion.”

“……”

“But that’s why it’s also true that I’m putting off reaching the end of the road. Is it really okay like this?”

Myung’s last question, which had never lost its smile.

But the Commander seemed to smile faintly at those words.

“There’s not much you can learn from foolish failures.”

“……”

“All I could learn was that even if you do your best, you’ll still have regrets. So, do what you believe in.”

The Commander said as he walked past Myung.

“If you can’t reach the answer, all promises will eventually turn into bubbles across the sea.”

Logier’s memory ended there.

The scenery he had been facing through his vision and senses rapidly moved away, and then he felt like everything was breaking and bouncing out.

Fzzzt…!!

“Kuh…!!”

As if waking up from a light sleep, Lenok’s consciousness immediately jumped into reality and rolled on the floor of the train.

The noise in his head was irritating, as if tickling his brain, but even so, the memory he had just seen did not disappear.

Lenok grabbed his head with a deeply furrowed brow, then slowly sighed.

“Haa…”

The conversation of the monsters who still transcend the human realm feels like it’s a step away from reason.

Perhaps it’s because the concepts they’re looking at and the timeline they’re standing on are in different places than others.

But even so, Lenok was able to understand to some extent what they had been trying to convey.

‘The Commander’s next goal has been set.’

Ascendant Jinwa.

A transcendent who created the common language of the continent, and an ancient monster who has existed for a very long time among the ascendants.

Although he hasn’t seen him directly or heard much about him, Lenok was aware of some information about him.

Sabrina, who was a language mage, had also given Lenok information and rumors about Jinwa through trades.

A bizarre rumor that he was becoming more and more strange in his actions as he followed the work of the Outer Gods.

Perhaps that rumor itself is somewhat related to the Commander’s actions.

The name that referred to the ruins where the Commander and Myung were, the Outer Defense Line.

Does the name and the scenery of the ruins itself mean that it is somewhat related to the Ascendant Jinwa?

‘The crystal ball… It’ll only last a few more times at best.’

It seems that the output of the memory Lenok just looked into was too strong, and the shape of the crystal ball is gradually melting and sticking together.

At this rate, it would be difficult to replay Logier’s memories even a few times.

Lenok pondered for a moment, then decided to return to Vulcan later and analyze the memories in more detail in the lab.

It was already overwhelming to remember and organize the conversation about the Commander and Myung, so there was no reason to force himself to delve into the memories any further here.

“Dabi, what about Ivelyn?”

[I’ve confirmed the signal update of the Sacred Bow in the agent database. It seems they gave up the pursuit at the point of reporting to the higher-ups.]

“I see…”

So, it was the right answer to throw Logier as bait and run away.

Since Ivelyn was cooperating with Aegis’s operation, it would have been difficult to push further at the point of securing the double agent.

However, even knowing that, the fact that he was wary of her pursuit meant that the confrontation with Ivelyn just now was quite a burden for Lenok.

Ivelyn Marcia. An outstanding warrior, an excellent hunter, a transcendent archer.

She was someone who was difficult to imagine being defeated, even if she was compared to anyone Lenok knew.

Her combat ability, skills, and various actions and advice based on judgment and intellect were a great inspiration to Lenok.

And in the process, he had even imagined a scenario of fighting her once.

What are the conditions necessary to win when facing her, assuming he uses his full power?

The answer had already been decided a long time ago.

‘If I deploy the Magnetic Domain, it’s more than half and half, and if I deploy and overlap Uroboros, it’s an easy win. But the process of getting there is the problem.’

No matter how powerful, intelligent, and technically accomplished Ivelyn is, Lenok’s inner self has already reached a concept that cannot be compared by the superiority of power.

Even if he succeeds in deploying either the Kaleidoscope Domain or Uroboros, the possibility of defeat is greatly reduced.

And if he deploys both, as he tried to do when facing Amrita, he can almost certainly win.

However, given Ivelyn’s skills and mobility that Lenok knows, there was a high possibility that the battle would unfold in a way that would not give him time to deploy his inner self.

The output and conceptual range of her Inertia Bias are lower than Lenok’s Magnetic Domain, but the deployment speed is incomparably faster.

Since it can be applied in various ways, like concentrating and detonating gravitational force, she would try to win by piercing the gap in the moment of deploying the domain in various ways.

Considering that, it is undeniable that it is difficult to predict a sure victory in a battle with Ivelyn, assuming he uses his full power.

Moreover, facing her as Victor, with injuries sustained from the battle with Amrita, was a big gamble.

He didn’t think he would lose, but she was a difficult and challenging opponent that he couldn’t be sure of winning.

In the first place, he had never even imagined that he would face her in this way at this point, so it was true that Lenok had some trouble.

The thought of meeting Ivelyn again as Van made him feel overwhelmed.

“It always seems to turn out like this when I get involved with Pandaemonium…”

Lenok sighed, took off his mask, and ran his hand over his face as he muttered.

“I should look through the Black Palace Workshop’s loot when I get back.”

[I’ll put the location in the auction in advance.]

“The underground auction won’t be enough. I might have to borrow some connections from Dyke Company.”

Since he used a glove from the Black Palace Workshop to deceive Logier, he needs to get a new one.

What could be more ridiculous than being suspected of not having a glove when he meets Ivelyn again as Van?

“I need to adjust the distorted aura and life reaction as well. If the disguise magic I’m using now doesn’t filter it, I need to change the pattern.”

Apart from the fact that Lenok’s life reaction is twisted in a way that is difficult to detect, there is a side effect that it is easier to identify because of that.

If he can’t solve this problem, Lenok’s position, who has been juggling multiple identities, will be in trouble.

He had gained various achievements since leaving the city for a long time, but there were also many problems to solve.

[It’s a relief that we were able to make it on time.]

Dabi said, perking up her ears.

[At this speed, we’ll have some leeway even after we return to Vulcan.]

“The settlement ended faster than I thought. I thought it would be close, but I can roughly finish the preparations…”

The construction of the Blue Eye Lighthouse, the interim settlement of the Demon Realm. And another schedule that is planned in Vulcan.

It was something he had prepared for since dividing his identities, but it was inevitable that he would take on various fatigue in the process.

But instead of thinking about the things he had to do in the future for a long time, Lenok lay down on the floor of the train car and closed his eyes.

Along with the scenery of the distant giant city, the night of the settlement in Bairutz was slowly coming to an end.

* * *

“So, didn’t I tell you that we don’t know anything about this?”

Agent Deputy Director, Palad Ocon, had been on the phone all day, responding to incoming calls.

It had been a long time since he, who had risen to a position where he could be proud as a high-ranking public official of the city government, had been so diligent in his work.

But the calls that were coming in one after another were only from such high places that Palad himself had to answer them.

“Yes, Congressman. I know.”

[……]

“It was Aegis’s decision to take the Sacred Bow. We have no involvement in her will…”

[…!!]

“We only received the results, and we haven’t confirmed what actions she took during the operation…”

Thud!!

Palad, who had thrown the phone down, covered his eyes with both hands and leaned back in his chair.

“No, damn it… Why are they blaming us for Aegis’s failed operation!!”

Palad, who had shouted at the top of his lungs in the empty office, took a rough breath and grabbed his coffee cup.

Behind Palad, who was drinking the coffee that had gone cold like water, a listless voice suddenly rang out.

“Your frustratingly 답답한 [frustrating] work processing is still the same. Deputy Director.”

“…!!!”

“Are you still spending the rest of your life being tormented by the old men of the city council?”

An elderly woman, leaning against the window with a cigarette in her mouth, was looking this way.

Unlike her white hair and wrinkled face, her slender physique and thick coat stood out.

As soon as Palad saw the old woman, he jumped up from his seat.

“Director Greta…!!”

“I’m here.”

“Where have you been and why are you here now, you crazy old hag!!”

“……”

“You haven’t shown your face for years, so you’ve been dismissed from your position for a long time. Get out of here right now.”

Palad said, pointing to the office door with a cold expression.

Greta, unconcerned by Palad’s words, took out a piece of paper from her pocket and placed it on the table.

“This is a reinstatement report directly approved by the city council. It’s still fresh, the ink hasn’t even dried yet.”

“Re, reinstatement report?”

Palad picked up the document with trembling hands and read it through.

His expression after putting down the paper was filled with an emotion that was not enough to be described as dumbfounded.

“Didn’t you just call the old men of the city council some kind of crazy shit… just now?”

“Did I?”

“And then you went running to get your reinstatement papers?”

“Let’s skip the unimportant facts.”

Greta, who had subtly changed the subject, asked.

“Where is Marcia? I came to ask her something.”

“She hasn’t returned yet. She’s probably just killing time somewhere.”

“Is that so?”

Greta blew out a puff of smoke and threw herself onto the sofa in the office.

“Then I’ll have to wait here until she comes.”

“…Do as you please.”

She was someone who had been in charge of the director of the agent, but had disappeared for several years without a word.

A strange person who had no interest in the way the organization worked or its system.

Palad had long since stopped expecting normal thinking or reactions from her.

In the first place, wasn’t it Palad himself who had been leading the agent organization until recently?

“Can you make me some coffee? My throat is dry after smoking one after a long time.”

“Why did you come back? No, what have you been doing all this time?”

“Oh, haven’t you heard?”

Greta laughed.

“I’m the one who created the Special Operations Agency Aegis and trained the members. The business trip is over, so it’s time to return to my original job.”

“…What?”

“Hmm, come to think of it, was this a secret only known to the upper house of the city council?”

Greta, who was casually stroking her chin, laughed.

“Let’s keep it a secret between us. Well, Marcia already knows, though.”

“No, no… wait a minute. You were originally the director of the agent. But you suddenly disappeared, and then you went to help create Aegis?”

Palad said, pressing his temples.

“Ivelyn knew about that?”

“Otherwise, would that picky girl have lent her strength to this side?”

Greta said, picking up a nearby newspaper and lying down.

“Even though I took two cooperative monsters with me, things always end up a mess when it comes to Pandaemonium… Well, I thought it would fail.”

“……”

Palad, who had been silent with his mouth open, asked.

“Then, is it also you who passed the blame for that operation failure to this side?”

“Hehehe.”

“Dieee!!!! You crazy old hag!!!”

A desperate chase between Palad, who was screaming and trying to strangle Greta, and the two elderly public officials who were giggling and dodging him.

But both of them seemed to be out of shape, and within 5 minutes, they were panting and leaning on the sofa, silently drinking water.

“Give me coffee.”

“Shut up. Please…”

Palad, who was staring blankly at the ceiling of the office with a soul-less face, asked.

“What do you need to ask Ivelyn?”

“Wouldn’t I have come to find her if I was going to ask her directly?”

“No.”

Palad said with a sunken gaze.

“Tell me here. Right now.”

“……”

“I don’t care what you’ve been doing all this time. But if you’re planning to do something, I’ll have to stop you.”

“Hey…”

Greta gave a cold smile.

“Since when have you been so fond of the agents? It doesn’t suit you.”

“……”

“The other agents who died because of your failed operation would be very sad to see you now. Wouldn’t they?”

“It was Ivelyn’s own decision to quit the agent.”

Palad cut off Greta’s words firmly and took out a cigarette from his pocket and lit it.

“There would have been plenty of ways to return if she wanted to, but she hasn’t come back yet. She’s already left.”

“Is that so?”

“The Sacred Bow has dedicated herself enough to the city. At least much more than you.”

Palad said in a heavy voice.

“Don’t hold her back, Greta. Let her live the way she wants to.”

“……”

“You don’t even know how much time she has left.”

At Palad’s words, Greta looked slightly surprised.

“…You’ve come to say such things. Do people change even after getting old?”

“…”

“Well, you’re not wrong.”

Greta said, and naturally took out another cigarette.

Palad naturally lit her cigarette.

Greta, who was puffing out smoke, laughed.

“But that ending, it won’t come as quickly as you think.”

“How do you know that?”

“The city council is giving even a bum like me time to prepare.”

Greta said with a chuckle.

“Those old men who are crazy about their own affairs still have enough time to think about the future. That’s what I think.”

“……”

It was not a clear basis or reason, but an absurdly contradictory trust.

A trust not in a precious colleague or friend, but in a superior or burden that he hated more than anyone else.

“So, I’m not going to play the role of such a generous superior. At least in that regard, my thoughts are different.”

Greta waved her hand with a hollow face as she smoked.

“If there’s anything you need, you have to use it all up and scrape the bottom, what do I care about other people’s circumstances?”

“Greta…”

“That’s why the agent is in this state, because you’re buried in that loser mentality.”

Greta, who had risen with a stern expression, walked towards Palad’s desk.

“Now that I’m back, I’ll have to reorganize this organization from beginning to end.”

Whoosh!!

Greta, who had swung her arm and blown away the pile of documents that had been piled up, threw the cigarette she had been holding.

Whoosh!!

Palad jumped up and grabbed Greta by the collar at the sight of the pile of documents burning in an instant.

“Don’t talk nonsense…!! Who gave you…!!”

“I’ve gathered enough data while training the members of Aegis.”

Greta laughed while being grabbed by the collar.

“The agents we’ll create from now on will be the best elites in the giant city.”

“…!!”

“So, tell me where Marcia is.”

Greta, who had pushed away Palad’s hand, sat down on the office chair with a staggering movement.

Her figure, leaning back in the chair with the flames of the burning pile of documents behind her, looked like an old ghost.

“The wolf who was straddling both the Demon Realm and Aegis and was playing it safe has become an idiot. The special type mage who last faced him. I need Marcia’s help to find his whereabouts.”

There was no longer any expression on Greta’s face.

“I’m not asking you to help with the agent’s work right now, Palad. It’s just a story about the aftermath of the operation she agreed to.”

“…”

“So, don’t hide it anymore, and tell me where she is. That’s an order from the director.”

At Greta’s firm words, Palad took the cigarette he had in his mouth and sighed.

Palad, who had thrown the embers left between the burning piles of documents, said.

“She said she was going to the expo.”

Greta slightly opened her mouth at the unexpected word.

A strange conversation that seemed to have instantly erased the solemn atmosphere up until now.

“…Expo?”

“Yeah, she said it was the Magic Engineering Expo hosted by the city government.”

Palad said, scratching his head roughly.

“She said she was going to see her friend’s thesis presentation.”