Genius Wizard Takes Medicine [EN]: Chapter 659

The center of Jenny’s suddenly quiet bar.

The announcer’s voice continued on the screen.

[The Metropolitan Police Department has announced that the suspect has been arrested at the scene and is being escorted, and they will continue to announce the trial date as soon as it is set…]

“Jenny!”

“Huh? Ah…”

Jenny, who had been glaring at the screen, quickly came to her senses at Mila’s words.

She stood up abruptly, nodded, and looked at the others with a cold gaze.

“Close the doors and send the customers out. We’re done for today.”

“Alright, folks. You all heard? We’re closed for today. We’ll open again when the sun rises, so please head out~”

As soon as they confirmed the news, Dylan ended the bar’s business and ushered out the customers, while Mila quickly locked the back door and unplugged the phone line.

[Jenny, I can’t reach Ban’s phone. It seems like he’s completely out of range.]

“……”

Even as Manson made a call and inquired about the location with the communications bureau, the news continued.

[The cause of the explosion and the specific motives are being investigated by Ex Machina…]

[It has been confirmed that the Machina leadership has officially requested cooperation from the Valkan City Council.]

[The Valkan City Council has stated through a spokesperson that they will not express any position without clear evidence…]

“They’re backing out as expected. Typical of the City Council.”

“It’s better than interfering unnecessarily and making the situation worse. First, let’s get the people we need-”

Bang!!

Suryeon, wearing a robe, burst through the bar’s door.

A noble from the Eight Directions Fortress and a skilled military force user who trained with a glaive [a pole weapon with a blade at the end].

Changsa, who had been working as a freelancer at Jenny’s bar since the subjugation of the Apostle Walter Martinez.

Even on her face, which usually didn’t show much emotion, there was still an undeniable surprise.

“I heard the news and came. Is Ban alright?”

“Sit down for now.”

Jenny nodded with a calm and composed tone.

“We need to quickly confirm the situation.”

In an instant, the vast bar was emptied, and the other superhumans gathered around a table, centered around Jenny.

[The information that Ban has been arrested is being reported simultaneously through various media outlets. It’s not an error from one side.]

While Jordan made a simple cocktail, Manson fiddled with his robot head and spoke.

[There’s no reason to point at Iron Wall as an excuse. The correlation itself is likely to exist significantly.]

“The black flames that filled the sky in the footage. I’ve seen something similar at the fortress before.”

Suryeon said in a heavy voice.

“When we dealt with the Order’s Apostle, Ban used a similar black flame.”

“That means there’s a very high chance that Ban is really in Machina… Any other notable points?”

Jenny, resting her chin on her hand, asked.

Suryeon, who had been lost in thought, replied.

“At the time, Ban didn’t seem to have proper control over the flames either. Thanks to that, we had a hard time escaping, and we almost burned to death together even after finishing the job.”

“……”

It was different from what they had expected, but ironically, the detailed experience made Ban’s involvement more real.

Mila, who was leaning against a shotgun, spoke up.

“Should we arrange a train to Machina?”

“……”

“If it’s just a couple of people sneaking into the machine city, I can arrange it on my end.”

“It would be better to have a clear objective.”

Dylan said with a calmer demeanor.

“If it’s just to investigate the situation, we can move right away. But if we’re going to rescue Ban… we need a more cautious approach.”

If Machina knows Iron Wall’s reputation, they wouldn’t have him carelessly detained.

If Ban was really detained in the machine city, the level of security would definitely not be ordinary.

They might need to mobilize the top figures in Jenny’s network or the highest-ranking executives of the Antares Mercenary Corps.

However, Jenny shook her head at Dylan’s suggestion with a calm expression.

“Dylan, do you think Ban would die in this situation?”

“…No, I don’t.”

“If we move, it’s to confirm Ban’s intentions. We shouldn’t interfere and become a hindrance.”

Jenny, having quickly come to a conclusion, immediately nodded towards Mila.

“Mila, please arrange the train. The people who will go to investigate the situation…”

Jenny looked around at the people sitting around her and nodded.

“Suryeon is confirmed. Let’s decide on one more person.”

“This woman doesn’t even know the ways of Valkan’s back alleys, are you sure about this?”

Mila asked with a nonchalant tone, and Suryeon cleared her throat.

“Ahem, that’s a rude thing to say. While it’s true that I lack knowledge of the underworld, I have certainly not been negligent in my efforts…”

“Suryeon is from a noble family of the Eight Directions Fortress. She’s the most skilled among us in external diplomatic affairs. We need to prepare for the possibility of having to contact the Machina government. However, there is one thing that concerns me…”

Jenny muttered as she fiddled with her phone.

The news that Iron Wall had been arrested had already spread like wildfire in this circle, and her phone was constantly ringing and buzzing with messages.

No matter which side she chose to work with, there were many options.

All Jenny had to do was decide how to act in this situation.

After that, the results of the efforts she and Lenok had built up would lead them to the outcome.

However, instead of immediately picking up her phone and making calls, Jenny turned her gaze towards her back.

She asked Jordan, who was quietly standing next to the table.

“Jordan. What do you think?”

“Are you asking for my opinion?”

Dylan nodded readily.

“Everyone here has said something, so we should hear Jordan’s opinion too.”

“Hmm, in my opinion…”

Jordan, who had been lost in thought, spoke.

“It would be better to trust Ban a little more.”

At the unexpected topic, the other colleagues at the table blinked silently.

“…What?”

“He’s the most intelligent and prudent man I’ve ever seen. Do you think such a person would do something like this carelessly?”

Jordan’s calm gaze silently scanned the people sitting around the table.

“He’s the kind of person who would never allow his name to be mentioned by people if he didn’t want it.”

“……”

“There are many hidden parts to Ban’s actions. There have been similar incidents a few times, but they were resolved very quietly.”

Jordan glanced at the TV screen and muttered.

“Yet, the fact that Ban’s name is spreading in the media like this means that even this situation was intended by Ban, or…”

[We have a correction to the breaking news we just reported.]

The announcer, looking flustered, quickly spoke.

[The, the Machina Metropolitan Police Department has changed its position, stating that the perpetrator of the incident is not Iron Wall.]

“……”

[Along with expressing regret for the related reports, they mentioned that there will be no further announcements regarding this incident…]

Looking around the suddenly quiet bar, Jordan shrugged.

“Isn’t it because he judged that he could handle this much?”

* * *

“The Metropolitan Police Department is very upset.”

In the highest-grade private ward of the Machina Medical District.

Two enforcers were walking down the pure white corridor.

Click, hiss!!

Behind the two, dozens of layers of steel barriers opened and closed, isolating the connecting passage.

Each time they passed through a barrier by scanning a ticket, the soldiers on guard nodded with a tense expression.

A strict defense facility like a fortress.

However, all these isolations and security measures were not made for the outside, but for the inside, a detention facility.

“They don’t seem to understand why they can’t publicly announce such a high achievement.”

“That’s absurd. They didn’t even arrest him themselves, and they were trying to take credit?”

“They are in charge of the city’s security externally. It’s understandable that they would be blinded by the achievement of catching a big shot.”

“But thanks to the Metropolitan Police Department’s reckless actions, we’ve been put in a difficult position. Look at that.”

The enforcer, annoyed, turned his gaze towards the transparent glass window on the inside of the corridor.

“What is this, keeping the most dangerous mage in recent times in a major city like this?”

Visible through the window was a calm and neat special private detention room. Its size was comparable to a workshop.

A young man was lying on a bed that looked comfortable and soft, flipping through a medical chart.

An IV drip in his arm was smoothly supplying a solution of diluted elixir, and the air, managed by a purifier, was circulating clearly without a speck of dust.

Except for the heavy handcuffs on both hands, it was hard to tell whether he was a criminal being detained or a VIP on a medical tour.

Next to Lenok, more than six doctors were busily moving around, diligently recording all his movements and conditions.

“It’s an extremely valuable opportunity to obtain the bio-data of an extreme-level superhuman. Everyone, focus.”

“The magic power data isn’t being properly captured. This is strange.”

“It could be a matter of constitution. We’ve put on a magic power blocking metal, so let’s wait a little longer.”

While constantly exchanging opinions, they were plugging electrodes and IV drips into Lenok’s body, doing their best to restore his condition.

“The bio-response activity is absurdly low. What’s going on?”

“There were rumors that he suffered a major injury. It seems to be the aftereffects.”

“That can’t be. Then, are you saying he single-handedly massacred the 3rd Mechanized Corps with an injured body?”

“That’s why he’s called by the great name of Archmage.”

While observing and treating Lenok’s condition, the doctors never spoke to Lenok.

It was as if he was not there, completely ignoring him and focusing on him only as a research subject.

Knock knock.

The doctors’ expressions turned sour as they saw the enforcers knocking on the window.

“…I believe we had an agreement not to interfere during treatment.”

“The order was to restore his condition to the point where it would not interfere with the interrogation.”

The enforcer entered the room and nodded towards the doctors.

“We have a lot to talk about with this person.”

“We haven’t finished taking specific measurements yet. The opportunity to closely observe the process of an extreme-level superhuman’s mind and body recovering will never come again…!!”

“Dr. Felton.”

The enforcer ran a hand over his face and called out his name.

The enforcer’s gaze towards Felton was coldly subdued.

“It’s to take responsibility and resolve the disaster that swept through the entire city.”

“……”

“Please.”

The doctors reluctantly left the room one by one, and Lenok, seeing the enforcer who had opened the door, lay comfortably on the bed.

“I’ve heard rumors that Machina’s bioengineering technology is at the forefront of the continental academic world, and it wasn’t a lie.”

“……”

“The medical facilities and ward services are excellent. It’s been a long time since I’ve rested so comfortably.”

“You must remember that all the consideration you are receiving is by no means a free favor.”

The enforcer said in a stiff tone.

“Even after turning the entire city upside down, the reason you are still alive is only because-”

“Because there are testimonies that you need to hear directly from my mouth.”

Lenok interrupted him and replied indifferently.

“The crimes of Hermes, the secrets of the Ascension Gate, and the matters concerning Hwadeok Jin-gun and Maiya Lenslit have not been resolved.”

“……”

“It’s not something that can be finished with just one thing, and there’s too much information that needs cross-verification, so it’s difficult to handle carelessly.”

The enforcer’s shoulders trembled at the nonchalant mage’s words.

“Damn it, you knew everything from the beginning…!!”

“Then did you believe that I would obediently get arrested to atone for something I didn’t do?”

Lenok chuckled and raised his upper body to lean against the wall.

Lenok, glancing over the enforcers’ shoulders, shrugged.

“Your leadership isn’t stupid enough not to know that, so they’re probably thinking of offering a deal.”

“…A deal?”

“The military trial against the commanders of the mechanized corps has just ended.”

A cold voice came from behind the enforcers.

Nacissa Solmer, in a wheelchair, was looking at Lenok with cold eyes.

“The charges against all those involved, including the corps commanders and those who colluded with Hermes, have been confirmed.”

“N-Nacissa Solmer, Commissioner…!!”

“Did you come alone without any guards?!”

The enforcers, who had not sensed her presence at all, were startled and bowed slightly towards her.

Nacissa nodded without even looking at the two of them.

“I’ll talk directly, so please step out for a moment. Explain the situation to the doctors.”

“…Understood.”

As soon as the enforcers disappeared without being able to say anything, she spoke.

“Since the three factions of Ex Machina are all intertwined, it will have a significant impact on the city’s leadership. The position of the governor will probably be replaced on a large scale.”

“So?”

“We need your testimony on the scene to handle things properly.”

Nacissa said, faintly frowning as if she was displeased.

“You are the only person who has witnessed the beginning and end of this incident, so your mere existence is like a testimony of the event.”

“Get to the point. What do you want?”

“…Submit the full transcript of the conversation you had with Hermes, the details and location of your contact with Maiya Lenslit, and the circumstances of your contact with the Ascended from the Old World as evidence.”

Nacissa’s eyes shone sharply as she looked at Lenok.

“Then, for this matter, we will remove the charges against you and maintain Lyman’s identity in a different way.”

“……”

The Ascended from the Old World.

So, Nacissa Solmer also knows what Hermes was trying to do and how far it had progressed.

However, judging from the situation, it seemed that they were not yet sure whether the Ascended from the Old World had really descended into this world.

Was she offering this deal to Lenok to clarify that fact and handle the aftermath?

“If you accept, your charges in the military trial will be classified as a plea bargain, and you will be granted a reduced sentence without further procedures.”

Instead of answering, Lenok raised his head and stared at Nacissa.

After silently looking at Nacissa’s expressionless face, Lenok spoke.

“You guys, you don’t intend to kill me after all.”

“…What?”

“At this point, I thought I might receive a severe sentence or somewhat harsh treatment, but… you’re being much more cautious than I thought.”

Lenok quickly observed Nacissa’s reaction as he spoke.

“A decision from the leadership? No. A backlash from the lower military groups? Not that either… It’s not about the relics of the Mind Palace or the problem with the Ascension Gate.”

Lenok’s eyes shone sharply.

“There’s something I don’t know about that still remains in the machine city. Isn’t there?”

“……”

Only then did Nacissa realize that Lenok had been checking her reactions in real-time and had been conducting an interrogation, not an interrogation.

“…Amazing. With this kind of nature, you’ve been acting like a docile craftsman all this time.”

Nacissa, who had visited his workshop to test Lyman’s talent, seemed to feel a sense of incongruity in Lenok’s reaction.

Lenok chuckled at Nacissa’s words and lay back down on the bed.

“I can show you the skills I showed you back then anytime. Do you need them now?”

Lenok’s mouth opened immediately after roughly scanning Nacissa’s haggard appearance up and down.

“You haven’t slept properly for three days. You seem to have gone to the beach in the middle, and you seem to have entered the underwater barrier. Is the cleanup of the collapsed Mind Palace coming to an end?”

“……”

“You look fine for someone who’s been lying down for a long time. You’re artificially managing your condition. Is it the ability of that wheelchair? The reason you don’t bring guards is because you trust that equipment.”

Lenok’s gaze turned to the wheelchair Nacissa was riding.

“The size and the spacing of the parts don’t match your body shape or hand size. It’s not something you made or something made for you. However, considering the excellent finishing, it’s probably Hwadeok Jin-gun’s…”

“Stop!!”

Nacissa interrupted Lenok’s words in a strong tone.

Lenok closed his mouth and stepped back, and Nacissa twisted her lips with a sharp expression.

“…In that short time, you’ve already surpassed the insight a craftsman should have. What exactly do you want?”

“Nacissa Solmer.”

Lenok smiled.

“That’s exactly what I want to know, and that’s why I’m negotiating the conditions.”

“……”

Nacissa, who had been silent, slowly turned her wheelchair around.

“The trial will be reopened within 12 hours. Until I come back, don’t even think about taking a single step out of this detention room.”

She said in a calmer voice as she stood at the door of the room.

“All of Machina’s elite soldiers are watching you, targeting only you.”

Nacissa left the room immediately without waiting for an answer.

The enforcers who had been waiting also glanced at Lenok and immediately disappeared.

While fiddling with the handcuffs on his wrist, the doctors came back in and began to check Lenok’s condition again.

The effects of the IV fluid provided in this room were much better than expected, and it was quite helpful for Lenok’s recovery.

It wasn’t a bad decision to accept the temporary detention and entrust his safety.

Thanks to that, Lenok also seemed to be able to think about the purpose he had been putting off.

“12 hours until the military trial…”

Even at this point when the machine city has been half-destroyed, there are still secrets that have not been revealed, and that is what is preventing them from carelessly dealing with Lenok at this point.

A secret that is so important that even the experienced Meister Nacissa cannot hide its flaws, and yet Lenok does not know it.

If such a secret exists, it might be related to the traces of Kaise that Lenok has not yet found.

Originally, he was planning to rest and negotiate the terms of a plea bargain with the Ex Machina leadership…

“It’s hard to know without checking it myself.”

The moment Lenok muttered that and snapped his fingers, the doctors who had been moving busily collapsed like puppets with their strings cut.

Beep, beep…!!

Lenok, tearing off the electrodes and IV drips that were attached to his body, stood up from the bed and stood in front of the detention room, still wearing his patient gown and handcuffs.

Only the disconnected medical equipment was vibrating, emitting irregular noises.

[Special detention facility 3D blueprint 48% reproduced. Acquired Doctor Pass. Detention room open.]

Clatter!!

“W-What is it!!”

A soldier on guard hurriedly picked up a communicator, pointed his gun, and ran towards him.

“My body is a bit stiff, so I’m going out for a walk. Is that okay?”

Looking at him, Lenok slowly lowered his shoulders and began to stretch his body.

“You’ll have to say it’s okay.”