Genius Wizard Takes Medicine [EN]: Chapter 800

A pale and eerie pure white halo. The form of a pure white gauntlet slammed down like an explosion.

What appeared, pressing down on Yao Xun’s powerful Incarnation, was a figure entirely covered in light.

Clang!!

As it rose, trampling the Incarnation that had vanished without a trace, a strange resonance that made the ears tingle echoed out.

A pale and subtly distorted figure, as if its very existence was surrounded by formless light.

Other than the fact that it had a human form, neither its build nor its appearance could be properly discerned.

The only thing that had a definite shape was the pure white gauntlet that replaced its right arm.

“……”

Amidst the violently fluctuating mist barrier, Lenok silently faced the Incarnation that had appeared before him.

His own Incarnation, which he had been steadily researching to obtain, yet had never once imagined.

Because he felt like he knew where the power of this pale figure that had appeared before him came from.

‘The process of forcibly repelling the body and mind to construct a new self, huh…’

Yao Xun had explained the Incarnation Technique as forcibly constructing an Incarnation for Lenok, but.

Lenok, on the contrary, had simultaneously considered the possibility that he might not have an Incarnation.

Ever since he had obtained the Kaleidoscope’s imagery, all possibilities that could exist for Lenok were solely his own.

Even if he forcibly repelled his mind and body to construct a new self, that too would ultimately be just a part of the Kaleidoscope.

No possibility of Lenok that existed in this world could escape his control and be born as an Incarnation.

Then, who exactly was the gauntlet Incarnation that was standing so conspicuously before Lenok’s eyes?

From the moment he faced this pale white light, Lenok had already been intuitively aware.

“Of the old world…”

Even as he muttered that beyond the dissipating mist, Lenok couldn’t help but feel a bitter smile inside.

The power of the Martial Artist that Lenok had first started with in WORLD 1.0.

He didn’t know how to react to the fact that a part of it had now appeared as an Incarnation.

Could it be that because he couldn’t find Lenok’s other self in this world, a connection from the old world that didn’t originally exist had appeared?

Or was this even now a preparation and arrangement that the cult leader had spoken of?

Even in this moment of maintaining Victor’s identity, it felt as if his head was filled with fragments of memories that he had left behind.

(……)

The Incarnation silently stared at Lenok’s figure, then slowly took a step towards Lenok.

Thud!!

And then, it began to collapse powerlessly on the spot.

“……!!”

At that unexpected self-destruction, Lenok quickly drew out his mana threads and forcibly held onto the Incarnation’s form.

Swish!!

He split off mana threads that were manipulating his own body and connected a part of them to the Incarnation’s body.

He forcibly held onto the collapsing body that shone with a pale pure white light, and maintained it in place.

(……)

The Incarnation’s figure, not caring that its own body was collapsing, stared blankly at Lenok’s face.

It was a strangely slow and distant reaction, as if it was only now truly realizing Lenok’s existence.

Is this how Incarnations that are newly constructed and exist on their own usually feel?

The moment Lenok thought that and unconsciously raised his hand towards his mask.

[The Incarnation’s construction is not proper, and it cannot fully maintain its existence.]

Whoosh!!

From beyond the blurring mist barrier, the Ghost Dragon’s voice echoed out.

Even though its spirit had been extinguished by being crushed by Lenok’s Incarnation, its will still remained, watching over Lenok.

[To exist even though it couldn’t draw out a possibility from the depths of the unconscious, and therefore not be able to persist…]

The blue glow that flickered beyond the mist barrier spoke slowly.

[Rather, the fact that it has appeared in this place at all must be called a miracle. A truly wondrous thing.]

“……Are you trying to say that it’s not in a normal Incarnation state?”

[Well. You understand that better than I do.]

At that moment, Yao Xun’s gaze began to shine on Lenok, not the Incarnation.

[The repulsion of your mind and body was not successfully achieved. The construction of a new self also did not exist.]

“……”

[Yet, you have summoned your Incarnation with only that talent, and are holding it in this place, are you not?]

Yao Xun already knew that Lenok’s mind and body had not ‘repelled’ normally.

That there was no new self within it.

Even so, he had guessed that the fact that Lenok’s Incarnation was persisting was only possible because of his talent.

[Your body and mind are so perfectly aligned that the Incarnation’s construction itself was not properly achieved.]

Yao Xun’s gaze, looking at Lenok’s obsidian mask, shone sharply.

[Unbelievable. To be this mentally stable while handling a trait-based technique, this shouldn’t be possible…]

The method of constructing an Incarnation is to forcibly repel the body and mind to realize another self beneath the unconscious.

However, because Lenok’s spirit and body did not resonate in that process, the Incarnation was not fully constructed.

That must be because Lenok’s mind is so perfectly organized that it will never be shaken by the interference or intervention of others.

The absolute reason of a magician whose mind cannot be completely touched or interfered with by anyone, regardless of Lenok’s own will.

But even without the repulsion of mind and body, without the construction of a new self, Lenok has summoned an Incarnation and is forcibly maintaining its existence.

‘It’s definitely a unique technique in many ways, in that it focuses on repulsion.’

Most of the martial arts or techniques that Lenok knows focus on the unity or resonance of mind and body.

The small universe or the self-generating domain also have different results, but their purpose is to realize the imagery by elevating it to the extreme.

In that respect, the power of an Incarnation constructed by repelling the body and mind was clearly a somewhat unfamiliar method.

‘The Incarnation Technique itself might not be a power that belongs to this world’s system of techniques…’

If it was detached from the laws of this world, and there were almost no people who had learned it, where would its origins be?

That was why, the moment Lenok inherited the Incarnation Technique, he had thought that it might not originally be a technique of this world.

And if the Incarnation Technique was a technique inherited from the old world, then the person who brought this technique to the third world was…

Fwoosh!!

Even amidst all that, Lenok’s Incarnation was slowly twisting its body, emitting a pale glow.

A strange gesture, as if the mana threads holding it up were annoying it, even as its entire body was collapsing.

Yao Xun, seeing that, spoke in a strange voice.

[Even if the construction of the Incarnation is lacking, you have already reached the pinnacle of manipulation. One talent is excessively strong, holding onto a balance that should have collapsed.]

“Are you saying that the construction of an Incarnation and talent require different talents?”

Instead of answering that, the Ghost Dragon silently looked at Lenok before answering.

[The answer to that question seems like it will have to be after you pass the ritual.]

“……What?”

[The reason you can summon and maintain an Incarnation even though you haven’t awakened its construction is because your talent for manipulation has reached an extraordinary level.]

Yao Xun said that as he slowly began to lift the mist barrier.

[The Spirit Transformation Ritual is designed to learn the visions of both construction and manipulation and fully inherit the technique… If you pass all the tests and reach the sanctuary, you will be able to understand its meaning.]

“……”

Because Lenok’s Incarnation Technique was not complete, was he saying that he could only answer after he had passed all the rituals?

However, Lenok’s purpose in meeting the Ghost Dragon was not solely to inherit the Incarnation Technique.

The fundamental reason why he was being chased by the Soul Calming Order and wandering around Yorta.

If he accepted Yao Xun’s proposal here, he would have to invest a lot of time to find that out again.

Lenok, who had quickly come to a conclusion, immediately opened his mouth.

“I heard that the Reverse Gate of the Interstice [a passage between dimensions] is hidden here.”

[……]

“They say it’s the only passage made for the living to enter the Interstice.”

Lenok said, looking beyond the mist barrier that was fading as if it would disappear.

“I came to find you to cross the Reverse Gate and reach the Interstice. Where do I have to go to pass through the gate?”

Yao Xun was trying to give Lenok opportunities, even though he knew that Lenok had not yet properly mastered the Incarnation Technique.

Since he was consistently evaluating Lenok’s talent and technique highly, the question itself would not be something that would go against his patience.

However, the Ghost Dragon looked at Lenok with a subtle gaze and slowly shook his head.

[The order of your questions is wrong.]

“……The order is wrong?”

[What you are asking is a secret that only those who have inherited the Incarnation Technique are told. The fact that you came here knowing that is in itself a matter of putting the cart before the horse.]

Was he saying that the truth about the Reverse Gate of the Interstice could only be known after inheriting the Incarnation Technique?

Before Lenok could properly think about that fact, Yao Xun suddenly explained.

[In order to enter the Interstice through the Reverse Gate, you must have mastered the Incarnation Technique.]

“……”

[I am in charge of teaching the Incarnation Technique in order to select the living who will enter the Interstice.]

Yao Xun smiled as he looked at the silent Lenok.

[Do you now understand why the order of your questions was wrong?]

* * *

[So, this disgusting light bulb is Master’s Incarnation?]

“……A light bulb, you say.”

Leaving the ruined training grounds behind, Lenok was walking down a corridor leading into the fortress.

Yao Xun’s explanation that one had to master the Incarnation Technique to enter the Interstice through the Reverse Gate.

Unless he was going to fight the Ghost Dragon and kill him, he had to take the tests according to his words.

He had said that he would test whether he had sufficient capabilities in the construction and manipulation of the Incarnation.

If what Yao Xun said was true, he had enough talent for manipulation, so he should be able to pass the tests quickly.

[Hmm…]

With a dissatisfied look, Davi was looking at the pale Incarnation floating behind Lenok.

Now that the spirit of the priestess had been recovered and there were no eyes watching, Davi had also come out to check the Incarnation.

(……)

The Incarnation’s form, which was being held in shape by Lenok’s mana threads, looked somewhat blank.

Even though it was aware of the cybernetic spirit staring at it, it didn’t seem to have any interest.

Contrary to the intense presence it had when it first appeared, its reaction was slow, even leisurely.

Davi, who had been staring blankly at the Incarnation, tilted his head and muttered.

[It does look a bit like Master, in that it’s annoying…]

“Is that all you have to say?”

[I don’t even know what an Incarnation is in the first place.]

Davi said, rubbing his tail against Lenok’s robe.

[You have to explain what this light bulb can do.]

“……Well, it’s certain that it can exert physical force in reality.”

Lenok said that and turned his gaze towards the pure white halo behind him.

There was no one else visible in the fortress corridor except for Lenok.

After confirming that there were no signs of people within tens of meters, Lenok had conducted various experiments on the Incarnation.

“It exists as an Incarnation but has substance, and it has a faint will and personality.”

Lenok said that and reached out his hand towards the Incarnation.

“The unique thing is that I can control the degree of its materialization against myself.”

(……)

When Lenok touched the Incarnation’s shoulder, his hand passed right through the Incarnation and disappeared below.

A strange reaction, as if the Incarnation and Lenok’s body were overlapping.

“There’s no special effect, but it seems that it can exist overlapping in the same spatial coordinates. So like this-”

Swish!!

Lenok, who had pushed the Incarnation into his shadow robe, said to Davi.

“If I have the robe, I think I can hide its existence while maintaining the Incarnation.”

[To start by finding a way to secretly hide it, that’s just like Master.]

“……”

Lenok, who silently stretched Davi’s cheeks, explained again.

“I haven’t been able to confirm its specific abilities yet. It definitely seems to be of the martial arts type…”

If the Incarnation’s identity was as Lenok expected, then it was certain that its abilities were focused on the front lines.

If he could normally deploy the Incarnation in battle and have it play the role of a front-liner, it would be a huge help in the battle process.

Lenok had also tried to move the Incarnation in anticipation of that, but he was having trouble because the Incarnation itself couldn’t maintain its form.

“For now, I’m focusing on maintaining the Incarnation with mana threads. Once its condition stabilizes a bit, I’ll have to deploy it in battle.”

[It seems like a suitable opponent has appeared?]

Whoosh!!

As Davi said, as they walked down the corridor, the surrounding temperature dropped rapidly and a damp chill was felt.

The forms of fallen military spirits, wandering in groups throughout the old fortress corridor.

Monsters that had lost their bodies and could not even properly stand on their own, with not even a shred of intelligence left.

They rushed in like ghouls craving the bodies of the living, yet their way of existence was almost the opposite of them.

[Haaah!!]

The forms of the military spirits rushed towards Lenok with grotesque screams.

They were distorted and black like dark clouds, and it seemed like several screaming faces were overlapping within them.

[It smells disgusting.]

While Davi was grumbling inside the robe, Lenok manipulated his mana threads and put the Incarnation in front.

If it was Lenok’s Incarnation, which was made of the same spirit, it would be able to handle the military spirits better.

Wasn’t this the perfect place to test the Incarnation’s abilities?

The moment Lenok thought that and gestured with his eyes towards the Incarnation.

The Incarnation, which had been standing crookedly, crossed its arms and shook its head.

(……)

“……What?”

[Heh.]

While Davi was asking back as if it was interesting, the forms of the military spirits rushed towards Lenok without hesitation.

Crash!!

The stone wall of the corridor was dented by the strong impact.

He had managed to avoid it by twisting his body with mana threads, but the absurdity that came before that was the first thing he felt.

Swish!!

[Kiyaaak!!]

Lenok, who was grabbing and throwing away the military spirits rushing in from all directions, looked back at the Incarnation.

The situation was that the Incarnation was gesturing and watching Lenok, who was twisting mana threads and trampling the military spirits.

At this strange situation where the hierarchy seemed to have been reversed, Lenok was lost in thought when Davi said.

[Master. That fluorescent light has been pointing at something since earlier?]

“Pointing?”

[It’s saying to take something out from inside the robe… Ah, I think it’s this.]

Davi said that and rummaged inside Lenok’s robe, taking something out.

Fwoosh!!

The form of a long staff, shining madly, was revealed from Lenok’s chest.

A relic-level artifact with a beautiful appearance with wings and a rainbow-colored jewel.

Lenok, realizing its identity and cause, twisted his lips for a moment.

“……Kashuin.”

The archangel of the old world, Kashuin, who was asleep within the compassion of the archangel, was intensely expressing his will within the artifact.

As if it had sensed something, it was expressing its will madly, convulsing as if it would burst out at any moment.

The intense convulsion of an archangel that he had never felt before.

However, the Incarnation did not care about Kashuin’s will and placed its hand on the jewel of the staff.

The moment it held onto the artifact with difficulty, holding onto its collapsing form with mana threads.

Whoosh!!

A wave of sacred will exploded around Lenok, sweeping away all the groups of military spirits that were rampaging around.

[Aaaah!!]

[Kkeueueuk!!]

The forms of the military spirits, screaming strangely and stretching out, scattered and disappeared like dust.

The Incarnation, as if it had no interest in such military spirits, took its hand off the compassion of the archangel and stepped back.

“……”

Realizing Kashuin’s reaction, and rather using that power to eliminate the military spirits?

That must be because it already knew that its existence had influenced Kashuin, and that it could help in eliminating the military spirits.

Its intelligence itself seemed very faint, but it instinctively knew what to do?

Lenok, who had been silently looking at the Incarnation, pushed the Incarnation back into his robe and moved on.

For now, it was enough to try to confirm the Incarnation’s abilities while proceeding with the tests.

When he reached the end of the corridor, there were two more gatekeepers standing guard at another door.

“Congratulations on passing the first test.”

The one who greeted him first was a military spirit in a gray-white robe.

He bowed his head politely towards Lenok with his hands respectfully clasped together.

“The Spirit Transformation Ritual is a test to master the Incarnation Technique, and it opens up new senses that are not bound by the body-”

“Keep it short.”

Fwoosh!!

The moment Lenok flicked his finger, a pale white light flashed and the Incarnation descended conspicuously.

The two martial artists forgot even to speak and opened their mouths wide.

“An, an Incarnation!!”

“How already…!!”

Lenok said, standing in front of the two people who were in shock.

“What do I have to do to pass the next test?”

“That is…”

Was it even meaningful to conduct a test against an inheritor who had already constructed an Incarnation?

The martial artists, who were muttering as if they were in trouble, took out medicine bottles from their chests as if they were still going to do their jobs.

“This is an item that has increased its efficacy by compressing Hedora’s stone medicine twice.”

“……”

“Please take this, and then defeat us and pass through.”

Lenok took it and immediately ingested it on the spot.

Crack…!!

The illusion that his entire body was hardening.

He could feel that the movement of his tongue and his hearing were not working properly.

Was it an item that increased the performance of the anesthetic to the point that it completely paralyzed even the senses?

Considering the purpose of the anesthetic that Kraya had explained, it was an item that went against the purpose, but it must have been modified and improved for the test.

Was it a method of starting with an anesthetic outside the fortress, and then taking stronger poisons to reduce the senses as one went inside?

A test that forcibly separates the participant’s mind from their body, making them move their body only with pure will and mana manipulation.

Lenok, who had heard the explanation about the Incarnation construction process from Yao Xun, could easily understand the purpose of the test.

“……”

The two martial artists, who had confirmed that Lenok had taken the anesthetic again, immediately began to take their stances.

They lowered their center of gravity and raised their momentum as if they would rush towards Lenok at any moment.

Lenok, who casually massaged his neck, asked.

“A sparring match? Or a real battle?”

“……We are also practitioners who are striving for the balance of spirit and body in this fortress.”

The martial artist, who smiled bitterly at Lenok who was speaking too easily even after taking more anesthetic, answered.

“If the inheritor is willing to risk death, how could we be any different?”

“I see.”

“It seems presumptuous to even say anything to someone who has already constructed an Incarnation.”

The two martial artists who said that looked at Lenok and extended their fists forward.

“We will start the test right away.”

“……Somehow, their stance looks familiar.”

When Lenok muttered, feeling a sense of déjà vu from the martial artist’s momentum, the martial artist asked back in surprise.

“Do you know about the Ninefold Arrival?”

“Ninefold Arrival…?”

“It is an ancient martial art that Yao Xun taught us.”

The martial artist calmed his surprised expression and explained calmly.

“I know that it has now been lost and that only we in Yorta have mastered it…”

“……”

Was he saying that Yao Xun was teaching and passing on the martial arts of the Ninefold Arrival to the military spirits of the fortress?

The moment Lenok was silent at that unexpected remark, a completely different reaction occurred from behind.

[Master?]

(……)

The Incarnation, which had been lazing around without stepping forward even at Lenok’s words, began to move directly for the first time.

The form of the Incarnation, which was creaking as it walked out, connected by mana threads.

The moment the three people turned their gazes to the pale Incarnation that had walked out as if blocking Lenok’s path.

Thud!!

The Incarnation began to take the same stance as the two martial artists, the stance of the Ninefold Arrival.