Genius Wizard Takes Medicine [EN]: Chapter 723

Dead Rise.

Lenox smiled wryly as he realized that the very name was the most powerful circumstantial evidence supporting the speculation about Ethan Bajur.

The fact that not a single name left in this city was used carelessly struck him to the bone.

[Whether Ethan Bajur has been resurrected or is wandering the present world while dead, either way, it’s very interesting. I’m very curious.]

Oliviera laughed.

Beyond the veil, her magic eyes seemed to emit an even clearer light.

[To leave this city so late, what on earth does he desire… To find that out, I must keep clinging to this wretched life.]

“…”

To build an organization, raise it as a triad in the shadows, advance to the central front, and form a massive legion.

Even the indirectly revealed actions were enough to prove that Ethan Bajur was no ordinary person.

Moreover, if Kaise’s companions were with him, it meant he possessed the ability and qualifications to convince them.

What did Ethan Bajur promise them, and what did he ask of them to make such a thing possible?

And why, despite being alive, did he not pay any attention to Jenny at all?

Now that the matter with Dead Rise is settled and Feisha has been handed over, there is no way to confirm that fact.

To delve deeper into the cause and effect, he would have to approach it in a different way.

Just as Lenox acknowledged that fact and was about to turn away.

[Ah, I forgot to give you this.]

Oliviera produced another old scroll from beyond the veil.

It was similar in form to the scroll of the Wheel Fortress that he had received during their previous transaction.

Lenox, who had caught the scroll rolling towards him with his magic power, checked the contents and smiled.

[Radiant Body of the Shining Goddess]

The scroll of the Radiant-type doppelganger magic that Lenox originally wanted from Oliviera was written there in its entirety.

“I don’t know what you’re thinking. Did you suddenly decide to do a good deed?”

[The Wheel Fortress is a technique that ranks at the top in terms of difficulty among Radiant-type magic.]

Oliviera’s answer was tinged with laughter.

[If you’ve mastered it and can use it in actual combat in such a short time, I just thought there was no need to waste time… Do you have any complaints?]

“…No. I understand what you mean.”

Lenox, understanding her words, smiled wryly.

From the beginning, Oliviera knew that Lenox wanted the Radiant Body of the Shining Goddess, not the Wheel Fortress.

However, knowing that Lenox had easily mastered the Wheel Fortress, she judged that he would soon master the Radiant Body of the Shining Goddess on his own.

In that case, she must have thought it would be better to hand over the scroll directly and take the credit.

Her way of thinking, which prioritized the transaction first without caring about emotional losses, was still the same.

“I’ll accept it gratefully.”

[I don’t know what you’re hoping to achieve by dabbling in Radiant magic, but it won’t be as easy as you think.]

Oliviera scoffed from beyond the veil.

[The Radiant Body of the Shining Goddess is a magic that is thoroughly difficult, regardless of proficiency. I only dabbled in it briefly to build great techniques or domains.]

Lenox, who also knew this, nodded obediently.

“I know. It’s probably not a proper doppelganger magic in the first place. The very principle of the magic isn’t designed with control in mind.”

Radiant magic is powerful and intuitive, but it is also a system that is greatly affected by the environment and has many conditions.

In the past, Oliviera had only properly used the Radiant Body of the Shining Goddess once, in her battle with Lenox, to ensure the Wheel Fortress hit its target.

This meant that even with Oliviera’s talent, it was difficult to properly control the magic of the Radiant Body of the Shining Goddess.

“The act of arbitrarily controlling the concept of diffuse reflection will ultimately be a matter of environment and location rather than proficiency.”

[…Ha, it seems you haven’t been researching carelessly.]

The magic of the Radiant Body of the Shining Goddess and the Wheel Fortress itself is a high-level magic that uses the diffuse reflection of light as its principle.

It is powerful because it borrows the concept of diffuse reflection, which is randomly refracted, but that is why it cannot be controlled arbitrarily.

The only thing one can do is to calculate the position and number of the diffusely reflected doppelgangers one by one, like Oliviera, and use them temporarily for multi-casting.

Or to release control completely and scatter them without calculation.

However, Lenox felt the need to experiment with this Radiant Body of the Shining Goddess at least once.

“I needed a technique that worked on a completely different principle than existing doppelgangers. The Radiant Body of the Shining Goddess will be a good teaching material.”

[From what I hear, it seems you want a concept other than a doppelganger… In that case, it would be better to go to Yorta.]

Oliviera said.

[It is the place most proficient in the concept of materializing spirits and avatars, including spirit manipulation. It is a city where you can learn a lot about techniques that go beyond the realm of the physical body.]

“…Thank you for the advice. I’ll think about it.”

The military city of Yorta.

Of course, it wasn’t as if Lenox hadn’t considered visiting the military city at all.

Kaise’s message and diary.

Through them, he knew that his body was buried in either the military city or the outer city, so he would have to visit one of them someday.

Moreover, he needed to visit Yorta to learn how to properly utilize the avatar that the Watcher and dog-headed giant, Rapper, had told him about.

Oliviera replied indifferently, as if it was none of her business.

[I’ve only given you advice that fits the transaction. I don’t want to care about anything else after that.]

“I suppose.”

Lenox nodded and looked at the light shining beyond the veil.

“Still… if there’s a reason to live long, as you said, it would be good to take care of your health.”

[What nonsense are you spouting?]

“Giving advice about doppelgangers means you’ve also researched it with interest.”

[…]

Oliviera was not generous enough to meddle in matters she was not interested in.

The very fact that she handed over the scroll of the Radiant Body of the Shining Goddess directly to Lenox and mentioned Yorta, explaining it, meant that she was interested.

Considering her attitude of not being able to show herself directly, her intention was obvious.

“If your condition is so bad that you need a substitute, wouldn’t it be better to focus on recovery first?”

Come to think of it, unlike the Oliviera of the past, the Oliviera of the present has never directly engaged in combat.

She rarely shows herself even in her own laboratory, and only goes out when absolutely necessary.

He could now guess the circumstances of her poor health and which alternative she was considering.

[You’re talking nonsense. Who do you think you are to worry about me?]

However, Oliviera’s answer was not one of embarrassment or denial, but rather a cold cynicism.

[If you’re done with your business, leave. I have too many things to worry about, even without you.]

“Alright. I said something unnecessary.”

Lenox chuckled and turned his back.

It was just a word thrown out to test her intentions, and he didn’t expect much from it.

For now, it would be enough to confirm that Oliviera’s health was not good.

“It was not a bad deal. If I need anything, I’ll contact you again.”

Lenox, who had grabbed the doorknob, turned his gaze and said.

“That is, if you’re in a state to receive a call.”

[…]

Only after the magician’s presence had completely disappeared did the light beyond the veil turn its gaze.

From the back of the silent chairman’s office, someone opened a side door and walked out.

“Chairman.”

Virgil, the red-eyed vampire, asked quietly, standing with his hands behind his back.

“Is it alright not to silence the mouth of the Adamant?”

[What do you mean?]

“I believe it is a matter that must be strictly adhered to, even through material transactions if necessary.”

Virgil said calmly.

“He is by no means a man of loose lips, but he is someone who will take up the sword at any time if necessary. Personally, I think he is a good person, but…”

The vampire smiled wryly.

“That’s why he’s more dangerous and someone to be wary of.”

Apart from the fact that the reputation of the Adamant was grotesquely inflated, Virgil knew what kind of person Lenox was.

Unlike his cold and cruel way of handling things, he was a being who retained his humanity to an extent that was hard to believe for a high-ranking superhuman.

How vast must his inner standards and self-awareness be to possess such extreme duality, as if he were a different person?

That was why Virgil thought that he should neither fight Lenox nor keep too much distance from him.

[Virgil. You still don’t know that man well. Do you think he’s someone who would bind his own mouth by being tied to a lowly transaction?]

However, Oliviera cut off Virgil’s suggestion as soon as she heard it.

[He is a man who knows that his own judgment and actions are more valuable than anything else. Such a proposal would only be an unnecessary provocation.]

“…I misspoke.”

Virgil stepped back, and Oliviera changed the subject without caring.

[How is the expansion of the laboratory going?]

“The expansion is now complete, and we are entering the process of correcting the techniques. It should be finished within a few weeks.”

Oliviera’s chronic illness and weakened health were so unstable that they could only be stabilized within the laboratory.

She had been on a temporary outing to expand the laboratory’s territory, but now it was difficult to endure even that.

Originally, being out of the laboratory for a long time at this point was a great risk in itself.

However, Oliviera decided to expand the laboratory in secret, knowing that.

[To make a substitute, we have no choice but to increase the capacity.]

As if slowly closing her eyes, the dazzling light beyond the veil gradually diminished.

[I’ll be waiting…]

“…”

Virgil silently bowed his head and turned to leave the chairman’s office.

The vampire’s face, walking down the hallway, was as transparent as it could be.

As if trying not to show any sign of the conversation they had just had.

* * *

“Three, two, one!”

Poof! Poof! Poof!

At the same time as the fireworks exploded overhead, Lenox moved the scissors in his hand.

At the same time as he cut the long ribbon, applause erupted from the surroundings.

Even amidst that, the sound of bickering voices echoed from around him.

“You got the order wrong, you idiot!!”

“You’re supposed to cut with the scissors and then set off the fireworks. What are you doing?”

“You’ve been a mercenary for so long, haven’t you ever been to an event like this?”

“No, you guys didn’t tell me properly!!”

Dylan shouted, seemingly wronged by Jenny and the other mercenaries’ scolding.

“I’ve never even done a signboard unveiling ceremony before. No, what are we even doing without a signboard?!!”

“Of course, we’re celebrating among ourselves beforehand.”

Jenny shrugged her shoulders and rubbed her nose with a smug look.

“Once we build the magic tower, we’ll be too busy to do something like this. It’s obvious.”

“…So you’re saying we did this ridiculous show in front of this construction site?”

Chen’s bewildered answer was not entirely wrong.

A large vacant lot about two blocks away from Jenny’s bar and company.

At the construction site, which was in full swing in a vacant lot slightly away from the downtown area of District 49.

Lenox was holding a clumsy signboard unveiling ceremony with his companions.

Wiiiing!! Thud!!

Drrrrrrr!

The sounds of cranes and drills echoed, and workers were busily carrying all sorts of materials.

The magic tower, which had begun construction with the help of Chen, who had started a construction business in Palgwang Fortress.

In the middle of the vacant lot, the foundation of an ivory tower of enormous size was being built.

“It’s not wrong, but if we had to commemorate a date, today would be the most appropriate.”

Tatianna said with a smile.

Even with bandages and splints all over her body, and standing with crutches, her face looked quite relieved.

“The construction of the magic tower can be done at any time, but officially establishing the tower’s system and declaring the territory will only happen once today.”

“Is declaring the territory something we have to do now?”

“The establishment of the tower’s system is something that has to be done before the tower is completely built, I was told.”

Lenox answered instead of Suren’s question.

He lit the piece of ribbon he was holding and burned it, then turned his gaze.

“There’s no reason to wait any longer when we’re ready.”

“Ban, this doesn’t interfere with the construction site at all, right?”

Chen, who had been watching from the side, asked in an anxious tone.

“If there’s a problem, we might have to start the construction all over again.”

Jenny crossed her arms and retorted sharply.

“Chen, what’s the problem when we’re paying for all the construction costs?”

“Well, it’s because we’re also working at a discounted price, taking a loss.”

Chen protested.

“Our schedule and time are money. If the construction is delayed, the losses will be severe.”

“I clearly said I would pay the full price. You’re the one who insisted on doing it at a discounted price.”

“…We can’t just take money from Ban at face value.”

Jenny smiled brightly.

“Then you’ll have to accept the consequences if there’s a problem, right?”

“…”

Lenox shook his head, leaving Chen speechless.

“It’s unlikely, but if there’s a problem with the construction schedule, I’ll compensate you, so don’t worry.”

“Ban. Don’t worry too much. This guy isn’t working at a loss in the first place.”

Jenny scoffed from beside Lenox.

“Do you know how much of a feat it is to build a magic tower in the construction industry? It’s Chen who benefited, not us.”

“That’s not wrong, but…”

Since it was extremely rare for a magic tower to be officially approved and established, the record of building a magic tower was highly regarded in any industry.

In the case of a properly built magic tower, its very existence often became a landmark or symbol of the area.

As much as they were pouring in materials and manpower without worrying about costs, it was not strange that Chen was worried and Jenny was acting up.

After pondering for a moment, Lenox lightly nodded to Chen.

“It would be better to take the workers and move away for a while. It won’t take long.”

Even putting aside those issues, there was no reason to handle things in the middle of a busy construction site.

Eventually, while Chen took the workers away for a while, Lenox looked at his group and nodded.

“Let’s start right away. I’ve found a suitable place.”

He walked with his group into the half-built tower.

A huge size that seemed to easily accommodate hundreds of people on one floor.

It was a very vast area considering that there was no proper plan on how to operate the magic tower yet.

Lenox led his group to the very center of the open space planned for the first-floor lobby.

“Dylan.”

“Yes, I’m ready.”

Dylan, who was wearing a mask, skillfully lowered the metal object he had been carrying.

Whoosh!

The shape of a huge engine with a sleek body was impressive.

Lenox was unconsciously impressed by his skillful handling, which did not even make a sound while he was lowering the engine that was as big as his own body.

“Your strength control is considerable. Did that incident help you?”

At the random box party, he had asked about Dylan’s limiter, but Dylan shook his head.

“Some evil employer threw me into the sea and made me catch tuna all day.”

“…”

“Hmm…”

Lenox quietly closed his mouth when he saw that even Suren and Mila’s expressions had turned haggard.

It didn’t seem like it would be good to talk about this topic for long.

Instead, Lenox looked at the engine that had landed in front of him and slowly pulled up his sleeves.

Chik!

The bandages wrapped in magic power unraveled, and the melted flames inside flowed down Lenox’s hand.

Blaver Magic Tower’s seventh sun. A powerful ideational substance and authority receptor, the Phoenix War.

The flames he had fully obtained after facing the tower lord dripped like tears from his fingertips.

The flames of the Phoenix War that had flowed down finally melted properly under the power unit, emitting an intense glow between the joints.

Woo-woo-woo-woong!!!

“Ooh…!!”

Black flames covered the spherical engine that had risen into the air, and it slowly began to rotate in place.

Kugwagwagwagwa!!

A beautiful shape that burned and rotated above the group’s heads like a black sun.

The moment a golden glow rotated around the sun like a ring, biting its tail with its head.

Faaaat!!!

The golden ripples that rose up, enveloping the sun, spread out in all directions in an instant.

All the magic users gathered here felt the reverberation, so the others in District 49 would have felt it as well.

With a pounding heart, he turned his gaze and saw Lenox looking up at the engine with a cigarette in his mouth.

Lenox, who had briefly closed his eyes and checked the engine’s condition with his magic sense, nodded.

“It’s a success.”

“…Is it over?”

Mila tilted her head, wondering if something that was so flashy and magnificent had ended so quickly.

“It ended much more easily than expected, probably because we used an already completed system.”

Declaring a territory centered on a magic tower was an act of overturning the very nature of the surrounding environment.

Originally, the process of building the engine part of the magic tower and then slowly melting the magic system and the root image around it without any sense of incongruity had to be done first.

Lenox quickly skipped that with a shortcut using the Phoenix War’s system and immediately designated the entire area as a territory.

“For now, it will end with benefits such as sensory and magical power assistance, but other authorities will be created over time.”

Not by succeeding in designating a territory through changing the nature of space, but by establishing the concept first and then making the change in nature follow, a reversal of cause and effect.

It was something he had been half-certain of since he had obtained the power of the Phoenix War and the satellite’s engine.

The moment Lenox lightly dusted his hands and took a few steps back.

Mila, who had been gaping and watching, suddenly raised her finger as if she had discovered something.

“Hey, there’s something strange lying there. Was that also created by that authority?”

“…What?”

Lenox, who had inadvertently turned his gaze following Mila’s hand, found the strange object and closed his mouth.

A large egg was lying alone under the engine rotating in the air.

It was a strange and large shape that he couldn’t understand why he hadn’t noticed until now.

“…”

“What is this?”

The mercenaries, who were curious, began to surround and look at the appearance of the large egg, which was about waist-high in size.

“That’s right. There wasn’t an egg like this until just now.”

“No, there’s no way we wouldn’t have noticed such a large egg. This was just made here.”

“Can we eat it? It looks delicious.”

Jenny answered, looking at Dylan, who was smacking his lips.

“If we ask Felix, we can find out right away if it’s edible.”

“What if he says we can’t eat it because it’s his kin?”

“Weian, what do you think Felix is? No, maybe…”

“Right?”

“Everyone, it’s better to calm down. I’m sorry, but this is not something you can eat.”

Tatianna, who had stepped forward, answered with a slightly dumbfounded look.

“Then what is it?”

Tatianna, who was staring at the egg, slowly answered.

“It’s hard for me to believe, but… this is the egg of the guardian spirit beast that protects the tower.”

“…Guardian spirit beast?”

“It’s said to be a sentient being that appears extremely rarely when a very powerful territory is created.”

Tatianna’s face, as she looked back at the egg, was full of undisguised admiration.

“I’ve only heard about it in literature, and this is the first time I’ve seen it in person, but I’m sure of it. This is the guardian spirit that protects the tower that Ban created.”

“…”

A powerful territory. The master of consciousness. A phenomenon that even Tatianna, who had worked on the central front, had never seen before.

What could be the reason why a strange phenomenon that had only been passed down in literature suddenly appeared in this place?

Naturally, everyone turned their gaze towards Lenox.

Lenox, who had his arms crossed with a sullen look, avoided answering.

“…It’s the first time I’ve heard of this. It seems like there’s been a mistake.”

Crack…!!

At that moment, as if recognizing Lenox’s voice, cracks slowly began to appear on the surface of the egg.