Genius Wizard Takes Medicine [EN]: Chapter 57

The table shook violently from the raw magical force, sending the wad of cash and blood sample flying. Dozens of bills and the blood sample scattered everywhere.

Lenox used his magic to snatch all the items mid-air, pulling them back in a single motion. He neatly placed the cash and sample back on the table, then asked, “How’s this?”

“………”

The boy stared at Lenox, his expression blank at the nonchalant question. The look in his eyes was clearly different from before. The sheer force of magic was too intense for a mere wandering sorcerer, and the powerful control to convert that force into physical action was undeniable. And then there was the precise magic to grab and stack the floating cash. At the very least, he was a level 4 or higher precision magic user.

With just this display, Lenox had shown he was powerful enough to kill the boy instantly. It also showed he had no reason to lie about the information. After a long pause, the boy nodded. “…Enough.”

If he possessed that much skill, then Lenox’s claims about sensitive information like inspections were credible. As soon as the boy agreed, things moved quickly. Kiiiing…!!

Drawing a triangle with his thumbs and index fingers and slowly rotating it, the blood was precisely separated into three parts and placed into the prepared bottles. Handing it to Lenox, the boy muttered, “You were lucky. If it had been more than two days, it would have exceeded the limit that could be controlled with blood magic, making it difficult to separate.”

Should he be glad he acted so quickly? He had obtained a pure clue more easily than expected, but the real task was just beginning. Lenox nodded silently and immediately stood up. “…Wait.”

At that moment, the hesitant boy finally stopped Lenox. “What is it?” He looked serious, as if contemplating something, then took 2 million cel [currency] from the money on the table and handed it to Lenox. “If the information you gave me is true, then there’s change left over. 2 million cel. Take it.”

He had even included the blood separation fee in his calculations, so there would indeed be some money left over. But instead of taking the money, Lenox shook his head. “There’s no need to return money once it’s been given.”

After all, the information would quickly lose its value once the police started moving in earnest. The boy might think there was money left over, but in Lenox’s eyes, it was just adding certainty to a rumor that would soon spread. Rather than wasting time trying to save Sebastian’s money, it would be more efficient to show a little favor and maintain a decent relationship with the blood mage.

However, the boy gritted his teeth and came closer, pushing the money forward. “If you’ve done work, then calculate it properly. Take it.” “…….Alright.”

Lenox, who had been watching him silently, chuckled and took the money. It wasn’t about the money, but the boy’s stubborn pride that was impressive. Considering he was running a business alone at such a young age, it meant he was no ordinary novice. “My name is Ryan Eiter. Remember it.” “Why would I?” “So that you can come find me when you need a blood mage again.”

The boy said, forcing a smile. “It’s not something to brag about, but I’m a genius who mastered blood magic at 15. There’s no one in this business who handles blood better than me. Don’t bother looking for anyone else and come to me from now on.” “………”

Was he saying this to confirm Lenox’s abilities and establish a business relationship? Even if his approach was rough, he seemed to know what was important in this business. His somewhat awkward attitude when they first met, and the way he seemed clumsy yet quick-witted, made him seem like someone new to this street.

The corners of Lenox’s mouth curled up slightly, but he didn’t respond. Instead, he turned and immediately left District 44. If the opportunity arose, he might see the boy again, even if it wasn’t here. Lenox couldn’t promise such a trivial meeting. Where did Lenox have the luxury to promise a next time? All he could guarantee was his own determination and the success of the task he had taken on.

As soon as he left District 44, he immediately used the [Bloody Chase] magic on the blood sample classified as a male in his 20s. This time, the magic completed without interruption, and a red thread successfully formed. The thread turned its head, looked at Lenox once, and then began to wriggle between his legs, moving somewhere. Lenox quietly followed the thread, walking slowly.

‘I’m reminded of a few months ago.’ When he first used this magic, his magic power was so insufficient that he nervously chased the wanted criminal into the undeveloped area. It was still difficult to say he had enough magic power now, but at least he was confident he could keep the thread from breaking. He could increase the thread’s speed, but then it would be too difficult for him to keep up. Even now, he needed to slow down to follow the [Bloody Chase], which suddenly veered off the path.

‘…No, it wasn’t veering off the path.’ It was just that the place where the thread was heading was gradually becoming less like a normal neighborhood. Before he knew it, the surrounding walls were covered in filth and graffiti, and the acrid smell of cigarette smoke stung his nose. The combination of a lingering, greasy smell like urine and the smoky air created a dirty atmosphere. It looked like an old junk ship had been dragged and placed on the ground. Judging by the boisterous laughter coming from inside, it seemed to be a lively bar in the area.

For Lenox, who usually frequented the calm bar run by Jenny, such a noisy place felt different. Looking around as he followed the thread, it was truly a sight to behold. A bald man with a flushed face sat on the ground, chain-smoking, a couple had a barbecue on an old jeep, and a motorcycle revved wildly in the distance. It didn’t seem like a place that model citizens who faithfully paid their taxes would like. And, after confirming that the thread was pointing directly at the bar, Lenox nodded.

Immediately after, the [Bloody Chase] suddenly broke off. “………” Was it a coincidence that the magic broke off after coming all the way here? Of course not. Considering that [Bloody Chase] was particularly vulnerable to interference magic, it was more likely the criminals, noticing Lenox’s pursuit, were trying to cut off their trail. And, if the criminals really noticed it… ‘They’ll try to get out of the bar right now.’

Pursuit. Lenox, who had come to a conclusion in an instant, hid next to an old jeep and watched the bar entrance. The couple having a barbecue stared at him, but he ignored them. Not long after, the bar entrance became noisy, and two people hurried out. “Hey, are you sure about that?” “I’m sure. I could feel a strange energy flowing from the back of your head until just now.” “Ha, damn it…. This is really annoying.”

A couple, a man with broad shoulders and a woman with a haggard look. Both seemed a bit unsteady, probably because they were drunk, but the magic power flowing from them was surprisingly strong. Their expressions seemed more annoyed than afraid of being tracked, so they were probably freelancers confident in their abilities. And they were a pair who stuck together. Just like Cybrid Echo, he seemed to be seeing pairs of people often.

“Let’s run away first. If we get caught here, the Madam will give us more than a few curses.” “I’d rather die than that… I can’t give the Madam a reason to bite my neck.” Lenox saw the man fumble at his waist and take out a key that looked like a car key, and got up. He couldn’t let the criminals escape right in front of him. He took out a cigarette and immediately walked towards them. As soon as he moved, both the man and woman turned their heads towards Lenox at the same time. Chiiik…!!

He lit the cigarette and stared at them. They couldn’t pretend not to know at this point. The man said with a pout, “I never thought my first stalker would look like this.” “Mount, watch your mouth. The opponent is a sorcerer.” The woman took a tense stance. Lenox also pulled up his magic power and opened his mouth. “Madison, you know her?” “………” “Bring her here.”

The man named Mount and the woman looked at each other silently. Without warning, a smoke bomb exploded between the man’s legs. Poof!! In an instant, black smoke billowed out, obscuring the view. Everything turned into chaos, but Lenox’s magic sense was not affected. Just as he was about to shoot a shock magic to check the two people trying to get into the car while pulling up a shield, Buaaaang!!

The car, with an empty driver’s seat, suddenly jumped forward. At the same time, Mount and the woman grabbed the trunk and quickly escaped. Kwaang! Even in the chaos, Lenox managed to swing a bolt of lightning, bursting the rear tire, but it wasn’t enough to stop the car. “……..” Lenox, watching the car disappear around the corner, frowned slightly. He had burst the rear tire, so they wouldn’t get far. He had to catch up and stop them before that.

Just as Lenox thought that and was about to move, he heard a sound that shouldn’t have been heard from the side. Click. The man from the couple who had been having a barbecue on the jeep suddenly took out a pistol and pointed it at Lenox’s head. Lenox held back a sigh and turned. “…What is this all about?” “What do you mean, what is it?” The man replied, chewing on meat. “I let you stick to my car earlier, but I can’t stand you messing with my friends in this neighborhood.”

“………” “I don’t know what business an outsider has coming all the way here, but you’d better make a choice quickly.” Even with his face flushed from drinking, his aim was steady. “Either leave quietly, or get shot and leave.” The sense of alienation he hadn’t felt until now. It was a neighborhood where the extreme exclusivity of rejecting outsiders was clear. He guessed it was probably a place where freelancers with connections gathered… but frankly, it was none of Lenox’s business. “Hoo…..”

Lenox smiled, blowing away his complicated feelings with smoke. Normally, he shouldn’t let the guy who pointed a gun at his head live, but he had something he needed to do right now. “You’d better consider yourself lucky.” “…What?” “Because you’re paying for your life with a car.”