Genius Wizard Takes Medicine [EN]: Chapter 664

[Therefore, the defendant is found not guilty on all 27 counts of special felony charges submitted.] Clang!! The military courtroom, paneled in dark wood. At the judge’s verdict, a bell rings, signaling the end of the trial. As Lenok, who was standing at the defendant’s seat with his hands bound, shrugs, someone sitting behind him rushes towards him. “Uwaaaah!!” A superhuman, dressed in a prisoner’s uniform with his hands bound like Lenok, screams and throws himself at him. The guards standing nearby are startled and subdue the rampaging prisoner, slamming his head into the floor. “Stay still!!” “What do you think you’re doing!!” “Damn it, why are you innocent!!!” It was one of the mechanized corps soldiers, glaring at Lenok with bloodshot eyes and shouting. Among them, he was one of the very few superhumans who had been sentenced to death for the serious charge of human sacrifice. “You killed all my comrades…!! Why does this monster get to walk out alive!!!” “Gag him!!” “Take him to solitary confinement now!” The guards surrounding the prisoner rush out, leaving only the lawyers, witnesses, and judges in the courtroom. “Thank you for cooperating sincerely with the plea bargain.” The judge, clearing his throat, added while looking at Lenok. “It’s a shame that we can’t officially commend you, but I’m glad things have worked out smoothly.” “……” “As per the recommendations from Ex Machina [a powerful organization within the city], your identity as Lyman will be protected, and the workshop assigned to you in the upper industrial district will be maintained.” “Understood.” “There will be no confiscation of possessions or income you acquired under the identity of Lyman. This was decided by the unanimous agreement of everyone within Ex Machina.” This meant that the machine city was unofficially acknowledging and condoning the identities of both Ban and Lyman. In fact, it was Lenok’s first officially recognized dual identity. As Lenok nodded appropriately, the handcuffs binding his hands were released and fell to the floor. Click!! The atmosphere in the courtroom tensed up at the sight of Lenok rubbing his wrists and looking around. Everyone knew how bloodstained the reputation of that wizard, said to be the most dangerous in the shadows of the great city, was. He was a monster who single-handedly crushed the 3rd Corps of the Mechanized Corps and killed nearly half of the Side Squad operatives. They had confirmed, by grinding down a part of Machina’s military force, that his power and skill were by no means inferior to the rumors. Although he had strangely agreed to the deal, he was a dangerous element who could do anything at any time. However, the wizard’s power and the information he possessed were so significant that even Ex Machina could not handle him carelessly. But from the beginning, Lenok had somewhat anticipated that things would turn out this way. Nasisa Solmer, of all people, knew that Lenok had opposed Hermes and resolved this situation. Although she had pressured him with various words and offered a deal, she had never intended to harm or kill Lenok from the start. She simply needed a proper justification and excuse to reward Lenok’s merits and grant him immunity in an appropriate manner. And the one who provided the final piece was none other than the former executive who had been banished from this city long ago. “……” Lenok turns his gaze away, ignoring the executives and several superhumans who are watching his actions with tension. Lenok, who was about to walk out of the courtroom without a word, stopped at the door as if he had remembered something and turned around. Ignoring the people who flinched and became wary, Lenok opened his mouth. “I’d like to confirm one last thing.” “What is it?” “Mouser Blofeld. Can you extend the same immunity clause to him as well?” “……” The judges exchanged glances with a somewhat relieved look and nodded. “Master Blofeld is a disciple of the Hearthfire Army, so he will not receive any major punishment or disciplinary action.” “He is only staying in the industrial district by his own will. Considering Councilor Solmer, it wouldn’t be strange if he were to come up to the council right now.” Lenok nodded. “That’s enough.” “You’re making a rather unique condition. If you still have the intention to work as a craftsman…” Thud!! Without waiting for an answer, Lenok walked out of the courtroom. Standing in front of the door of the quiet courtroom where the cold dawn air lingered, Lenok slowly exhaled. “Hoo…” The scene of the machine city, which had been in chaos due to Hermes’ forced district relocation. However, in a few days, almost all traces and damages have been repaired, and it is returning to its normal city appearance. The machine city Machina, where the entire city is divided into huge mechanical barriers and districts. Once the system goes wrong, it is easy to break down and collapse, but conversely, it is also easy to repair and restore the broken parts. “Mouser is…” [Shall we find the coordinates of that plump organic being?] At Davi’s words, Lenok, who had been lost in thought, smiled and shook his head. “No, this will be fine for now. It’s not like I can’t come back at all anyway.” Since he has maintained his identity as Lyman under the official recognition of Ex Machina, he can visit Machina again anytime he wants. Lenok, who had agreed to the plea bargain offered by Nasisa Solmer, testified about Hermes’ plan, failure, and eventual suicide. He was able to receive recognition for his identity as a craftsman, ownership of his workshop, and his earned income. Of course, if they knew what items Lenok had acquired in this city, they would have no choice but to think differently, but that process was also left unmentioned, so it was useless. “Let’s go back to Balkan for now. I need to contact Jenny first.” Although it was handled as a media misreport, the news that Lenok had been captured in Machina had been leaked, so Jenny would also know this fact. It is necessary to let her know that he is resolving things and returning. He picked up his phone, which had been turned off, and scrolled through the message box before getting on a nearby transport. When he first entered the machine city, it was difficult for Lenok to even travel between districts, but after a series of incidents, his ticket had been upgraded to an authority comparable to Ex Machina. [Welcome, Master Lyman.] [All transportation within Machina is provided free of charge for skilled craftsmen.] [Please feel free to use all public facilities in the city for your talents!] As soon as Lenok boarded, his name was called out, and a splendid effect echoed, and the other citizens in the spacious vehicle all looked at Lenok at once. “……” Could it be that releasing Lenok right in front of the courtroom was a sophisticated tactic for this? Pretending not to notice, Lenok bowed his head and returned to the outermost part of the city, and only after finding the train station did he take the ticket off his wrist. “The train to Balkan is…” [It arrives in 10 minutes.] “Still, it’s a relief that I won’t be bothered by organ trafficking gangs like when I came.” Having dealt with all sorts of criminals since before arriving in the machine city, he also wanted to go back a little more comfortably. Since his condition has not fully recovered, it would be better to return quietly without getting involved in any incidents if possible- “……” Thinking that, Lenok realized that the train station, which had been bustling just a moment ago, had become quiet and raised his head. In the middle of the quiet station, where people had completely disappeared as if someone had intended it. Across the railway, in front of the waiting area facing the opposite direction, someone was quietly leaning back, looking at Lenok. A mysterious woman with a cold and frigid impression. Even though she was not emitting any signs, her eerie atmosphere seemed to flow across the railway. Lenok, having recognized her face, smiled wryly and tilted his head back. “Right. There was still work to be done, wasn’t there?” Mayya Lenslit. The best executive of the machine city, and now a criminal who has become the worst exile. The level 8 extreme ability user who helped Lenok plunge the entire machine city into chaos and bought time by confronting the executive agency. She had been thought to have left the city after the situation was over, but she was still waiting for Lenok. “I didn’t know you would offer a plea bargain to get me released.” Lenok asked, taking out a cigarette and lighting it. “What did you offer as a price?” “When I stepped down from my position as an executive and was exiled, there were a few projects that I couldn’t hand over.” Mayya replied quietly, sitting with her legs crossed. “I offered some of the rights to important military facilities that were under construction at the time, and some secrets left by the city’s founders.” “……” “It’s nothing much, but it has incalculable value for Ex Machina, and it’s also related to the benefits of the War Hammer, so Nasisa couldn’t have ignored it.” “If you had so many cards in your hand, why didn’t you use them for yourself?” “The charges against me are not something that can be resolved with a plea bargain.” Mayya laughed softly. “Over 800 billion cells of property damage and over 80,000 casualties. My name is on the final list of all the casualties related to that.” “……That’s a lot. Did you make massacres a hobby while working as an executive?” While Lenok was speechless at the unimaginable numbers, Mayya nodded. “All of them are about the assets and people who disappeared into the void beyond through the failure of the Ascension Gate project.” “……” “What I want now is no different from what I wanted before.” Mayya, who slowly stood up from her seat, stared at Lenok, who was sitting across the railway, with a cold gaze. “To restore all the mistakes and responsibilities that were sacrificed due to the failure of the Ascension Gate. I don’t intend to return to this city until that is over.” “Restore it to the way it was.” Lenok chuckled. “You know how absurd that resolution is, right?” What Mayya is saying is not complicated or profound. The former executive Lenok knows was intuitive, honest, and just as sharp and keen. Mayya Lenslit’s wishes have always been the same, and she has never bothered to hide that fact. It was only at this point, when Lenok had come to understand all the secrets of the Ascension Gate, that he could understand its meaning. Mayya is not trying to fix the failure of the Ascension Gate in her own way. She is literally trying to undo the failure caused by the Ascension Gate project. The tens of thousands of people and vast assets that were used for human sacrifice for the Ascension Gate project. A miracle of reverse causality that brings it out from beyond the already determined outcome. “The souls sacrificed through human sacrifice will never return. Knowing that, you’re trying to reverse a predetermined cause and effect…” Lenok muttered, puffing on his cigarette. “Among the wishes that a monster like you can have, it’s the most absurd and futile.” But it is precisely because she has such a wish that Mayya Lenslit bowed her head and joined Pandemonium [a mysterious organization]. The leader who transcended the world once and found the answer. The existence of the doctor who knows more about the failure of the Ascension Gate, including human sacrifice, than anyone else. If Mayya wants to revive the victims who were sacrificed through human sacrifice, the organization closest to that method would be Pandemonium. And that’s why Lenok could understand why Mayya was bringing up this story again at this point. The reason why Mayya, who should have left this city immediately to avoid pursuit, was waiting for Lenok even after saving him through a plea bargain. “Join Pandemonium, Ban.” Mayya said quietly. “Your talent and experience will surely satisfy the leader’s standards. Joining itself won’t be difficult.” Lenok didn’t answer and silently flicked his cigarette. Mayya watched Lenok’s reaction carefully and continued. “If you saw the memories beyond the gate, you would know that what he wants is a feat that no one in this world has ever attempted. To be precise, it’s the process of realizing the impossible and creating new possibilities that don’t exist.” Across the station where the cold wind was blowing. Mayya’s low voice echoed clearly as if whispering in his ear. “He is a monster who has already achieved that feat once, while challenging an irresistible miracle. And I… I don’t think he’s wrong.” “So, you’re saying you’re willing to introduce a special talent on behalf of the leader?” “There are several monsters in Pandemonium who have more special and powerful talents than me. And even those people are pursuing miracles that cannot exist under the leader’s command.” Mayya mocked herself. “Because no matter what you want or refuse, you will eventually seek only one value under the conclusion.” “……” “No matter where your purpose and desires lie, this organization will be able to answer you. The more you want something different and special, the more you will eventually find him.” Mayya’s words were quiet and calm, but all of them were subtly touching on the essence. The essence of Pandemonium, which seeks special talents. The more you want something different from others, the more you are drawn to their allure. None of those words were wrong. Lenok had also felt the same thing as Mayya, and had moved in the same direction as her. Moreover, how many people would be as reliable a method as Pandemonium for Mayya, who has the desire to reverse the transaction of human sacrifice? How Mayya thinks of the leader, and what she feels about the value of this organization, comes across clearly as if it can be grasped. And that is probably because Lenok has already dipped his feet to some extent under that value. That’s precisely why Lenok couldn’t accept Mayya’s offer at this place. Lenok had already deeply stepped into the center of Pandemonium under another name, Victor. “I’ve heard similar stories from a black magician and a war mercenary a few times.” Lenok, who had appropriately chosen an answer that was different from Victor’s and that only Ban could give, opened his mouth. With a calm gaze, Lenok leaned back in his chair and said, meeting Mayya’s gaze. “I’ve already answered their offer. I hope that’s a sufficient answer.” “……I see.” The black magician and the war mercenary. Although she had spoken indirectly, Mayya also immediately realized who those words were referring to and smiled. If the two people, the Underworld King and Kraken, had recommended Lenok, and Ban had not yet joined Pandemonium. The possibility of the answer changing after seeing the leader’s memories would be low. Mayya, understanding that Lenok had said that fact indirectly, nodded and slowly stood up from her seat. Looking at her back as she was about to disappear without a word, Lenok asked as if he had suddenly remembered something. “In the military trial, my charges and accusations were handled through a plea bargain, but your criminal record has only increased.” “……” “Your responsibility for this incident is virtually non-existent, but are you okay with that?” “……As someone designated as an exile, nothing changes even if I take on a few more serious crimes now.” Mayya replied self-deprecatingly. At the same time, her body was enveloped in the fog of the train station and slowly blurred. “To be charged, resented, hated, and loathed… if that’s how they remember me.” “……” “For some, even that is a driving force to live. Isn’t it?” “……I don’t know.” Lenok shook his head with a wry smile. “I don’t know.” Even the hatred towards himself, if it becomes a driving force for this city, is that okay? Devotion beyond dedication. What was it about that cruel and cold executive that made her cherish this city so much? There was no time to ponder and ask questions for long. Instead of clinging to the traces of Mayya, who had already disappeared, Lenok quietly turned his gaze. He stood up from his seat, looking at the train lights approaching from beyond the fog. Now it was finally time to return to the great city. Lenok muttered, leaning his shoulder against the street lamp and waiting for the train to arrive. “I have too much to do even when I return to Balkan…” As long as the journey he spent in the machine city was, the meaning and harvest he gained were considerable. Even if he went back to the lab and secluded himself for a month, it would feel like there was not enough time. Lenok, who was thinking about what he had to do in the future while waiting for the train, chuckled. “Shall we start with the most interesting thing first?” [……Is it something interesting?] Leaving Davi, who was bewildered, Lenok reached into his pocket. “Jenny. Do you have some time?” Lenok, who had taken out his phone, naturally made a call somewhere and moved towards the train. “I’ll explain the details later, but there’s something I want to ask. I got my hands on something interesting.” A faint smile formed on Lenok’s lips as he heard Jenny’s shouting voice. “Yeah. Just gather the people you know. Shall we make it a release party? And say we’re buying gifts for everyone.” ……!! “No, I’m not crazy. I didn’t go crazy while being interrogated either. Aren’t they both the same thing in the first place? Are you just trying to say harsh things to me?” As Lenok finished the call and put his phone away, Davi, who was hanging in Lenok’s arms, asked. [Are you going to buy souvenirs for the organic beings now?] “Of course not.” In Lenok’s hand, who laughed lightly, was the shape of the door frame that Kaise had left behind. Only then did the tail of the cybernetic spirit, who had noticed Lenok’s intention, flutter. [……Could it be?] “Since it’s something I got here, shouldn’t we test it right away?” Chiiik!! At the same time as he boarded the train with the door open, even Lenok’s voice faded away. In the train station where the fog had cleared, there was no trace of anyone left.