Genius Wizard Takes Medicine [EN]: Chapter 527

A revolutionary anti-gravity technology, more efficient than any magic or spell known before.

What does it mean that Lenox openly announced this achievement in front of tens of thousands of citizens?

Only those who understood the implications had their faces stiffen, anticipating the uproar and repercussions to come.

The air superiority of the megacity, which the Balkan City Government had invested so much time and effort to acquire.

With just that one announcement, Lenox had effectively nullified the efforts of government agencies, the Air Force, and the Technology Management Bureau that had spanned over decades.

Whoosh…!!

As the engine reached its output limit, the updraft that had been supporting the entire space weakened.

The laws of physics returned to the area that had seemed to defy gravity.

“Please hold onto nearby objects and descend slowly to avoid injury.”

Lenox spoke, watching the people who were grabbing onto the seats and descending to the ground with bewildered expressions.

“Even when the engine’s output ends, the descent speed won’t be too fast. The effect will remain until the power completely disappears.”

Many people lost their balance and staggered after gliding in the air for just a moment.

Those who doubted the content of Lenox’s thesis, those who understood the meaning but didn’t feel it, and those who knew about the repercussions that would follow.

The overwhelming feat was undeniable the moment their feet lifted off the ground.

As he slowly walked up to the platform, a familiar voice came from the side.

“Evan, you…”

Mila and Felix from the Antares Mercenary Office.

The two of them, rubbing their legs with blank expressions, couldn’t take their eyes off Lenox.

They had also vaguely understood the implications of what Lenox had done within the influence of the buoyancy resonance [a phenomenon where objects float due to a specific energy field].

Lenox lightly bowed his head towards the two of them and immediately stepped onto the platform.

“……”

Quiet silence.

The audience, who had been chattering incessantly, no longer said a word.

They were just waiting for Lenox to open his mouth, quietly recalling the feeling of floating they had just experienced.

The sight of the audience, who had become quiet in an instant with just one demonstration.

That scene was directly projected onto the city hall plaza, and the atmosphere of the plaza also calmed down quietly.

Lenox also hesitated, holding the microphone and moving his lips a few times.

What should he say? Could he add a better answer after this?

After a moment of contemplation, Lenox chuckled and was about to slowly bring the microphone to his lips when.

Shhh!!!

Lenox’s figure disappeared from the people’s sight.

At the same time as thick curtains were drawn around the platform, all sounds and senses were cut off.

Everyone who had been staring at the platform as if hypnotized suddenly snapped out of it, as if waking from a dream.

“What, what was that!”

“I was watching it so well…!!”

“I came to the expo to see this, what are the public officials doing?”

“I haven’t heard the full explanation yet. Open the curtains quickly!!”

“Tell me more about that technology, what does skyway mean…!!”

Even as the audience protested loudly with curses, the curtains did not open again.

[The judging time given to Assistant Professor Evan Bailen has ended. We ask for the cooperation of the citizens for the fairness of the expo judging.]

Along with the mechanical announcement, other public officials came up to organize the chaotic audience and calm the people down.

Citizens leaving in anger, officials getting up as if there was nothing more to see.

The mages of the Magic Tower and the researchers of the research institutes stood up with cold faces and quickly left the audience seats.

In front of the chaotic audience, the curtains opened again, revealing the next presenter, who was standing there trembling with a dark complexion.

Ivelyn silently watched the scene with her sunglasses on, then slowly got up from her seat.

She threw the neatly emptied popcorn box into the trash can and picked up her phone.

“Deputy Director, it’s me.”

Ivelyn, who had lowered her voice slightly and left the city hall, had a slightly serious expression on her face.

“I think we need to look into the technologies that have recently been separately patented in the military development field of the city government’s defense forces.”

In response, someone’s voice was heard quickly in an angry tone.

“Okay. I’ll explain my side later, so please investigate what I said first.”

Ivelyn said that and glanced at the direction where Lenox might be, still inside the city hall.

Of course, she was also aware that senators and expo judges were in the same space.

The only reason they stopped sharing the achievements of Lenox’s thesis with the public was that.

The public release of this presentation was not something the entire judging committee had agreed to.

It seemed completely late now, but it must have been because they were convinced that it was a technology of such great value that a drastic measure was needed, even belatedly.

Ivelyn was no different.

“It seems like a new means of transportation might be created in the megacity. I should buy some airline stocks.”

The archer glanced at the blond man standing with his arms crossed at the end of the hallway, chuckled, and disappeared.

Senator Conrad Haven, who had been watching Ivelyn, was looking at the next presentation in silence with his arms crossed.

A faint message came from the shadows beneath his feet.

[Senator. The promised 15 minutes have long passed.]

“……”

[Complaints about the disruption of the plan are coming from more than 8 organizations…]

Even at the voice’s words, Haven did not answer.

After a long time of being silent with a thoughtful expression, Haven nodded very slowly.

“That word about waiting… it was because of this.”

[…Yes?]

The terrorist attack that Haven had prepared for the expo lost all meaning the moment Evan’s second thesis was announced.

He had chosen extreme measures to prevent the Air Force’s power and technology from being monopolized by the city government.

However, the moment an anti-gravity technology that was almost a superior version of any achievement the city government had accumulated was released to the public, Haven’s purpose was virtually achieved.

Hundreds of people had experienced it directly, and tens of thousands had witnessed it with their own eyes.

In the process, not only the people of the city but also a considerable number of experts invited from external magic towers and research institutes were present.

No matter how powerful the authority and prestige of the Central Council were, it was virtually impossible to hush up and hide this fact.

From now on, people and the media all over the city would be competing to cover this achievement, and they would start to be interested in the commercialization of anti-gravity technology.

Evan was able to do with just one presentation what Haven was trying to do at the risk of his life.

And Evan had from the beginning what the city government and the Air Force were trying to obtain with a huge investment.

“Talent… I honestly didn’t believe it.”

Just as not all things in the world are bound to be complicated.

Sometimes, things can be solved so cleanly and easily that it feels absurd.

Haven, recalling the conversation with the researcher that made him keenly realize the irony, let out a cold laugh.

“The plan is completely suspended. Notify the other senators who were involved in this as well.”

[But Senator, if we stop at this point, our side will be held responsible…]

“If it’s to protect the most valuable treasure at the expo, we have to accept that much loss.”

Haven, who muttered with a hint of laughter, turned around without any regrets.

“This won’t be the end of it. I wouldn’t have started if that was the intention.”

Haven’s figure, who had risen up, leaving behind a shadow that seemed to have lingering regrets, slowly faded away.

“I don’t know what he’ll show next, but until then, I need to organize our side’s position. There will be even more to do in the future…”

[Senator?]

“Let’s start by getting the personal contact information of the president of Lavatenon University. Right now.”

* * *

The second-floor seating area above the platform where the curtains had closed.

The auditorium, where all surrounding sounds were blocked, was filled with a deathly silence.

Lenox, who had been called out to the waiting room outside the second-floor seating area by his attendants, drank another bottle of the bottled water he had brought.

“I talked a lot for the first time in a while, so my throat is quite dry.”

Lenox smiled nonchalantly and looked inside the second-floor seating area.

Although the seating area was shrouded in darkness, Lenox’s gaze was as if he knew exactly where the judges were sitting.

“…Assistant Professor Bailen.”

After a long time, someone’s voice, as if exhausted, slowly echoed.

“Do you know… what you’ve done?”

“I finished presenting the results of my second thesis according to the outline.”

Lenox replied with a smile.

“I was relieved that the audience seemed to like it quite a bit.”

“Don’t lie!!”

Another voice, like a shrill scream. It was a judge who seemed to be from a research institute, not a senator.

“Where in this outline is there any mention of the absurd achievement of an anti-gravity engine…!!”

“Today’s demonstration was just a test to aid understanding.”

Lenox said without changing his expression.

“I used the updraft of the Sea of Understanding [a region known for its unique atmospheric phenomena] as an example. The outline clearly states the relevant theory according to the expo’s standards.”

“Do you think you can explain this situation with such an excuse…!!”

“Enough.”

At the same time as the heavy voice of an old man echoed, all other noise disappeared as if washed away.

A senator, sitting apart from the others in the deepest part of the second-floor seating area with his eyes closed.

He slowly opened his eyes, made eye contact with a noblewoman with purple eyes, and quietly continued to speak.

“The presenter himself would know better what he was trying to show. There seems to be no reason to ask more questions about that.”

“……”

“Your thesis presentation today was very impressive. I called you here to say that.”

The old man looked at Lenox’s face with a profound gaze and slowly nodded.

“The judging results will be announced later, so you can go now. You’ve worked hard.”

Lenox did not answer immediately to that.

He looked around the silent second-floor seating area once, then bowed his head in a somewhat polite manner.

“I consider it a great honor to be able to participate in the expo.”

Having finished the presentation and confirmed the desired reaction, there was no reason to create unnecessary hostility by being confrontational.

All that remained was to have his achievements evaluated as a solid theory through academic verification.

Bang!!

“Wait!!!”

Commander Karasco, covered in sweat, burst into the second-floor seating area.

Behind him, with his fish-like eyes glinting, were more than a dozen soldiers in Air Force uniforms, waiting with cold expressions.

Clank!!

Karasco glared with his pale eyes as the soldiers quickly approached, surrounding Lenox.

“It’s not too late yet.”

“……”

“I’m arresting you now on suspicion of leaking military secrets. We’ll hear the details in the detention center.”

“Hoo…”

A sound like someone among the senators quietly sighing could be heard.

As if they knew what would happen right after this.

The soldiers, who had approached with rough gestures, were about to put magic-suppressing handcuffs on Lenox’s arms when.

“That won’t do, Commander.”

Clang!!

Along with a sound like glass breaking, an old mage walked out.

Saiolus, who had appeared as if he had been waiting there from the beginning, stepped forward as if to protect Lenox, with his hands behind his back.

Whoosh!!!

The magic power release operated at full power by a 7th-level Saint-level mage [a mage of exceptionally high power].

The other soldiers stopped with hardened expressions due to the immense pressure, and Karasco’s face contorted.

“Are you going to interfere, President Garteanon!!!”

“I think that’s what I should be saying.”

Saiolus replied, chuckling and stroking his beard.

“To try to arrest our university’s proud researcher in this way is truly an absurd and unreasonable response.”

“What did you say…?!”

“Your actions are nothing more than the Air Force Command’s unilateral decision, which cannot be explained by any justification. Our university can never accept such harsh treatment.”

Wasn’t the deal with this cunning president to ensure the smooth handling of the thesis presentation?

Until now, it was something that Lenox had to overcome solely with his own capabilities.

From now on, it was time to borrow the power of the president’s connections, tact, and political influence.

“In the name of the president of Lavatenon University and the Central Council’s Technical Advisory Committee, Assistant Professor Bailen is under my protection.”

The president’s eyes, who was blocking Lenox as if protecting him, shone resolutely.

“To take him away, you will have to overcome the public opinion of the Balkan citizens, including me.”

* * *

After the expo, there was only one topic of conversation among the citizens.

The anti-gravity engine.

The excitement that the skies of Balkan, where flying had been forbidden due to the magnetic storm, might finally be allowed.

[Skyway.]

The short but powerful headline of the newspaper’s front page, which directly quoted Lenox’s words.

The articles on the following pages were all similar in tone.

[Lavatenon University research team succeeds in artificially imitating the updraft of the Pilenom Autonomous Region.]

[The first time in history that a natural phenomenon that only existed in the Sea of Understanding has been artificially reproduced. Is the secret of the mystic realm being revealed?]

[Experts in the energy field speculate that a de facto anti-gravity technology has been implemented.]

[A broadcasting accident occurred during the groundbreaking demonstration… The city government denies any fault and only repeats that they will investigate the details later.]

“Hmm…”

Lenox silently made a humming sound and silently rummaged through the pile of newspapers stacked like a mountain next to his chair.

From the first page to the tenth page of the social and economic sections, they had been reporting on what happened at the expo for days.

The same content, expert evaluations, and predictions.

Lenox, who had nothing more to see, turned on the TV in the huge laboratory and turned his gaze to the news.

[There is a flood of interview requests for Assistant Professor Bailen, but the university administration is rejecting all requests.]

[There is a great deal of interest in how anti-gravity technology will be commercialized.]

[There are even predictions that the laws related to air vehicles, which were impossible due to the megacity’s environment, will be completely reorganized…]

[The excitement of the citizens is growing even more at the fact that they may soon be able to witness vehicles flying freely in the sky above the city-]

Click!!

As he was listening to the news and reports coming from all directions, a wrinkled hand appeared next to Lenox and used the remote control to turn off the TV screen.

Saiolus Garteanon, the white-haired president of Lavatenon University, was looking at Lenox and sighing softly.

“Researcher Bailen. Can you please focus while the video conference is in progress?”

“Ah, I’m sorry.”

Lenox turned his gaze to the hologram that had appeared on one side of the laboratory without batting an eye.

“It seems like you don’t want to talk about my thesis.”

[…I thought we were already talking enough about that topic.]

A middle-aged man in a rather old-fashioned suit was looking at this side from beyond the hologram, twitching his lips.

Below the screen, where he was rhythmically tapping the desk with his veined hands, was a nameplate that read [Haider Barsel, Director of the Technology Management Bureau].

Haider took a light breath, as if trying to control his anger, and then continued to speak.

[You must know how serious your actions at this expo were.]

“……”

[President Garteanon, the same goes for you. Knowing the value of the thesis, did you just let it be released at the expo?]

“I simply recommended my subordinate researcher’s achievements to the most prominent place.”

Saiolus said, leaning back in his armchair with a grin on his wrinkled face.

[If you had read Evan Bailen’s thesis, you would have known how valuable it is as a theory that can be used in various fields…!!]

Haider, not hiding his discomfort, shouted in a low voice.

[To release a technology of this value to the public without going through the information disclosure agreement is practically an act of treason against the government!!!]

“Director Barsel.”

Saiolus’s eyes turned cold.

“You’re going too far with your words.”

[……]

“Are you saying that we are plotting treason against the city government? Can you take responsibility for uttering such slander in this place?”

[Cough, cough…]

“The thesis outline was submitted in advance, and it was the judges who decided to release it. I believe there is no room for any suspicion in the relevant procedure.”

[Ugh…!!!]

Haider began to cast a strong gaze at the president’s words, which were calmly responding as if he had been waiting for them.

Lenox, who had made eye contact with the president, simply shrugged his shoulders with a bored expression.

The author was not angry that Lenox had released his thesis through the expo.

It was the fact that it was announced without going through the Technology Management Bureau, even though they knew it was such an important technology.

To be precise, he was furious that there was no room to get a piece of the pie in this situation.

The reason why he demanded a meeting with the authority of the management bureau was also to pressure Lenox to insert his opinion and appeal for his achievements.

Lenox knew that, so the moment he received the director’s call, he had summoned President Saiolus and entrusted the meeting to him.

Wasn’t it to avoid wasting energy on such unnecessary power struggles that he had borrowed the president’s name and position?

[…It’s not too late yet.]

The main point that came out of Haider’s mouth after a long time was not much different from Lenox’s expectations.

He revealed his true intentions, frowning as if he had come to a conclusion after much deliberation.

[If you go through the formal cooperation procedure with the Technology Management Bureau now, we will take care of the noisy media and the issues with the council.]

“……”

[Isn’t that why you’ve been rejecting all media interview requests until now?]

The president tilted his head, touching his temple, as he looked at Haider, who was protesting as if he was wronged, from beyond the hologram.

“Director Barsel. You’re completely mistaken.”

[What do you mean?]

“The reason why we have been rejecting requests for cooperation from the media and experts is not because we were waiting for the support of the Technology Management Bureau.”

[No, without the cooperation of the management bureau in such a matter, how are you going to handle the related procedures…!!]

They were looking at and thinking about things so differently that there was no way they could communicate.

[The Technology Management Bureau is responsible for managing and supervising the research institutes directly under the city government. Even if it is not under the jurisdiction of Lavatenon University, it is undoubtedly the most suitable place to handle this matter!!]

“It’s because we’re waiting to confirm the decision-making of a higher authority than the Technology Management Bureau.”

[What…?]

While Haider, who did not understand the words, blinked his eyes, Lenox glanced at his watch and slowly nodded.

“It’s time. It’s about time to give a reply.”

[What nonsense are you talking about, right now-!!!]

Haider’s words were not finished.

Two people who had appeared from behind the chair he was sitting on roughly grabbed his arms and stood him up.

Thump!!

Haider’s expression, who had been forcibly made to stand, was more distorted than he could have ever been.

[W-wait a minute!! What is this!! Who are you!!!]

[Haider Barsel, Level 2 Executive Officer of the Technology Management Bureau.]

A relaxed old man’s voice came from behind Haider.

A voice that felt more aged than Saiolus, who was sitting next to Lenox and yawning, by at least a few decades.

But even so, the tone and pronunciation were not at all blurry or unclear.

[You are being arrested and will be investigated on suspicion of forced performance distribution and arbitrary project acceptance at the research institute under the management bureau, so please take note.]

Along with those words, a familiar face appeared, holding Haider’s shoulder.

Haider’s eyes widened as if he recognized the person.

[C-Councilman John Mayer…!!! What is the auditor’s dog doing here!!!]

[I prefer to handle things at once. There’s no need to visit multiple people, wouldn’t you agree?]

Mayer’s low and heavy gaze clearly stared at Lenox from beyond the screen.

[The Central Council’s Senate has just finished voting on the matter. From now on, I will convey the council’s resolution regarding the treatment of Assistant Professor Evan Bailen.]