Genius Wizard Takes Medicine [EN]: Chapter 834

“Bailon Research Institute… Bailon…”The name, which felt strangely familiar, clearly seemed to be derived from Lenok’s other identity.The problem was that Lenok had never heard anything about the establishment of such a research institute. Considering that there was no mention of it before he left for Yorta, it was highly likely that it was finalized during his visit to the Military City.“Do you happen to know where the research institute is located?”“Ah, no.”At Lenok’s subdued words, the woman shook her head, momentarily flustered.“I just heard about it in passing… I haven’t looked into it in detail.”“……”It would probably be fastest to have Davi gather information separately.At the very least, it was clear that he needed to check the purpose and direction of the research institute.Lenok, who had quickly come to a conclusion, gave a clumsy smile and bowed his head to the woman.“Ah, I apologize. It’s just that I’m hearing about the Bailon Research Institute for the first time. If it’s not too much trouble, could you please continue with your explanation?”From being engrossed in operating the learning device in the middle of the street, she was clearly someone with a considerable interest in public magic. Perhaps because of her interest in the device, as expected, the woman lowered her guard and answered.“It’s a learning device that allows even non-mages to use magic. From what you’re saying, it seems like you’re interested in Professor Evan Bailon.”“Yes. I’ve heard he’s a researcher with a very fine character.”“Fine character…?”The woman, who seemed bewildered as if she had never heard of it, then readjusted the device.“This learning device isn’t an artifact with magic built in, but a medium that guides the user’s mana. It’s me who uses the magic, and this device just helps with that.”The woman gave a brief explanation and demonstrated the use of public magic to Lenok.“That’s really amazing.”Lenok clapped his hands and nodded.The woman, looking a bit embarrassed, sat back down and said,“I heard that derivative research on public magic is still being actively conducted. It’s also excellent for assisting with the fine manipulation of mana, so I heard that mages use it a lot.”“I see.”“Most of the factories in Balkan are mass-producing this product, and I only managed to get one a few days ago, so you can see how popular it is, right?”Perhaps because of Lenok’s enthusiastic agreement, the woman’s explanation became a bit more friendly.“I wish they would distribute new public magic soon. They must be preparing an update, but I don’t know when they plan to announce it.”“Hmm……”He hadn’t even touched it for weeks, let alone prepared it, but he couldn’t tell her that.“Even great researchers must have various circumstances.”Lenok subtly averted his gaze and replied.“Of course, there aren’t many things impossible for such a brilliant scholar, but it might be better not to expect it for a while.”“Ah, yes. You seem to like Professor Bailon a lot……”“Ahem.”At the woman’s bewildered mutter, Lenok coughed awkwardly.He had inadvertently revealed his true feelings while talking as if she were a stranger.As he tried to ignore Davi’s strange gaze from inside his coat, the woman tapped on the learning device and muttered.“It’s okay if it’s late, but I wish they would just tell us what kind of magic they plan to develop and distribute next……”“……”The woman seemed to be completely immersed in the sensation of using magic herself after trying the learning device.People who are born with mana but don’t have the talent to manipulate it.For them, the sensation of handling mana must be a desire that goes beyond mere fun or interest.Of course, Lenok had also thought about that when he distributed public magic, but the reaction seemed much more intense than he had expected.“Even if it’s not Professor Bailon, new magic will be developed when the public magic system research is finished. By then, won’t all citizens be able to become mages?”“……I hope so.”Lenok couldn’t bring himself to agree with those words and gave a bitter smile.Even he, who had created the public magic system himself, hadn’t published his paper with the certainty of such a future.What Lenok had presented in his third paper was merely an achievement based on vague possibilities.It might be possible someday, but it was just something he couldn’t be sure when it would be realized.Perhaps the current moment, when people are vaguely dreaming of a hopeful future, is when this public magic is most highly valued.However, instead of explaining that fact, Lenok nodded and stood up.“Thank you for the kind explanation. I should go back and try using the learning device myself.”“Ah, if you are……”The woman hesitated slightly at those words and then asked Lenok.“I’m thinking of going to an academy that teaches public magic from now on. Would you like to come with me?”“……An academy, you say?”“Yes. There’s an academy that teaches people who have purchased the learning device how to use public magic.”“……”“It’s the recruitment period for students, so if I introduce you, it would be beneficial for both of us. If you’re interested……”“No.”Lenok interrupted the woman and replied.“It would be better not to go to the academy.”“……Pardon?”“The public magic built into the learning device is complete in itself, a basic mana manipulation technique that doesn’t require skill or practice. The magic system has been simplified as much as possible to fit into the capacity of mass-producible devices, so there’s no room for improvement.”Lenok explained, looking at the device the woman was holding.“Unless you’re researching combinations or techniques after a new magic update, practicing public magic at an academy now would be largely meaningless.”“But, didn’t you say earlier that you recently purchased the learning device?”“Actually, now that I think about it, it would have been better to increase the number and performance of the built-in magic, even if it meant giving up mass production. But I didn’t have much time, so it couldn’t be helped……”“……”“No, still, I think it would have been better to prioritize completeness, so I’m a bit regretful.”Lenok, who had been muttering to himself while lost in thought, belatedly came to his senses and turned to the woman.“I’m sorry. Where were we?”“Ah, no……”The woman, who had been looking at Lenok with friendly eyes just a moment ago, was now backing away.She hurriedly grabbed her learning device and moved away from Lenok.“I, I have something urgent to attend to, so I’ll be going now……!!”“……Ah.”Lenok, watching the woman’s retreating figure as she quickly crossed the road, smiled wryly.“Well, it might have been better this way if I didn’t want to be followed to the academy.”Davi, who had been watching from inside his coat, asked as if he was dumbfounded.[No, did you know why that organic being asked you to go with her and still answer like that?]“……It’s not that, but it’s also true that there’s no need to actually go to the academy.”The three papers published under the identity of Evan Bailon.The technology and theories that he had spread in Balkan were not only changing the city for the better.Some people would misuse Lenok’s research achievements, or deceive people to extort money.The flourishing business of public magic academies was also one such example.“Contact the head of the academy and sound them out about regulating derivative businesses other than research. There’s no need for people who bought the learning device to waste their time.”To go to an academy again to learn how to use the device made for learning public magic, what a contradiction.Coincidentally, news related to this was being broadcast on a nearby building’s electronic display.[The distribution rate of public magic learning devices has reached nearly 30%.][As the supply stabilizes to some extent, the skyrocketing used prices are also expected to stabilize……][It is also expected that the crime rate, which has increased in the outer districts due to the thriving black market trade, will also decrease.]“……”[However, despite the active derivative research on public magic, there are concerns about the lack of significant results so far-][As a considerable amount of budget has been invested, negative opinions are emerging from various places. We will now bring you interviews with experts.]Chik!!The screen showing the announcer switched, and old professors, irritable mages, and researchers flashed by in succession.=There have been no tangible results since the start of the research.=Some departments have concluded that the independent expansion of the public magic system will be difficult.=Each magic has a different structure and method of manifestation, making comparison difficult. Unless we increase the comparison group through additional updates……=We need to bring Professor Bailon. We need more detailed advice on how he developed the magic system.“……”Lenok’s expression changed slightly as he watched the news with his arms crossed.‘There’s no mention of the Bailon Research Institute at all.’From his conversation with the woman earlier, it was clear that the existence of the research institute itself was widely known even among the citizens.Yet, the fact that there was no mention of the research institute in the news or by experts.If this subtle sense of incongruity felt like there was a hidden secret, was it just his imagination?‘Come to think of it, there have been rumors among city council officials that Evan Bailon wasn’t one person……’Perhaps the existence of the Bailon Research Institute itself was established in a completely unrelated time and causality to Evan Bailon.And if so, why would they go to the trouble of establishing a research institute using his name, even though it was obvious that Evan would find out?Lenok thought that he should visit the research institute directly soon, and as he tilted his head, other people who were watching the news next to him began to grumble.“In the end, it means they don’t know anything without Professor Bailon. Why are they making so many excuses?”“I want to try using new public magic soon. The magic built into the learning device is not enough.”“At least, I wish they would release barrier or notification magic soon. When is the fourth magic update?”Even while complaining, they were all holding the learning device that Lenok had created in their hands.People who were not using cell phones but learning devices, focusing on manipulating mana and practicing magic.“……”Standing in the middle of the bustling street, he picked up the information they were uttering one by one.In the discarded newspapers, there was a bill restricting the use of public magic in public places,On the electronic display on the wall, there was an advertisement for the use of public magic.On the screen, experts from various fields were constantly talking about the third paper.As if expecting public magic to completely change the city, they were talking as if vague imaginations could be realized immediately and trying to turn them into money.Even at this moment, all sorts of technicians and researchers, regardless of whether they were in the light or the shadows, were trying to use public magic as they pleased.Perhaps in that process, the city’s research infrastructure and manpower would improve dramatically, and Balkan’s technological prowess would also greatly advance.However, Lenok had not distributed public magic to enable the use of magic solely for the sake of macroscopic development or common benefit.[……Master?]For all those who had touched public magic to admire, pay attention to, envy, and desire Lenok’s talent.To constantly care about Lenok, pay attention to him, and ultimately trust his capabilities without question.To become a being who fulfills the desires and wishes of others, and to make even those wishes his own.So that joy becomes trust, trust becomes hope, and hope turns into faith.It was also to know whether that faith, created in such a way, had any meaning for him.However, now that he had returned from seeing the cult leader’s memories in Yorta-“Right.”Lenok, who had been standing among the crowd for a long time, looking up at the sky, chuckled.“That’s not my way after all.”Obtaining results through the faith and belief of others was not Lenok’s way.That was not a path to finding answers, but a path to becoming a god, a destination that could only be reached by giving up everything else.The ending that everyone feared had not yet come, and a time close to a fleeting moment remained in this world.He still didn’t know what the ‘salvation’ the cult leader had chosen was, but Lenok was still firmly holding onto himself.For now, that alone was enough.After that, Lenok went to the lab with the groceries he had bought at the mart.Davi asked as Lenok, who had put a fresh celery stick in his mouth, turned on the lights.[I think it would be better to rest a bit more, are you already going back to work?]“I felt something in Yorta. I have something to check right away, as well as to check on the research institute.”As he authenticated his mana pattern and entered, the research equipment turned on with strange resonance sounds from all directions.Wee-ing!!“From now on, I should refrain from using the cult leader’s power or legacy. That’s why I learned the Incarnation Technique.”Lenok said that and took out a new celery stick.It had no taste after several improvements, but it was still palatable to Lenok’s taste, which had become accustomed to all sorts of tobacco and drugs.“Dore couldn’t properly remember the Ninefold Return even when he fought me. That’s probably because the essence of the Ninefold Return belongs to the cult leader.”[……]“Assuming that the acquisition of techniques is based on Incarnation, I should investigate the other secrets of the Ninefold Return.”With a flash of blue mana, Lenok stood in front of the workbench, leaving behind the vibrating equipment all around, and reached out his hand.He lightly cut his finger with a simple cutting spell, drew blood, and immediately put it into a test tube and turned on the equipment.The research equipment slowly rotated and scanned the test tube containing Lenok’s blood, displaying the results on the screen.[ERROR CODE 992. Unable to measure mana quantity.][ERROR CODE 145. Unable to observe mana pattern.][ERROR CODE 31. System estimation failed.][ERROR CODE 296. Target designation failed.][ERROR CODE 439. Blood analysis failed.]The result window, where most of the data values were displayed as failed or unavailable, as if it were natural.However, Lenok skillfully selected only the necessary data from among them and rearranged it.It was impossible to analyze or measure Lenok’s mana or blood with such research equipment, but that didn’t mean there was no information to be gleaned.Even if it was intangible data that couldn’t be quantified, Lenok could read the cross-section of mana particles or the structural design once he saw it directly.Because he could read the tendency itself among the irregular graphs and data derived from microscopic analysis.The problem was elsewhere.[Analysis impossible. Presumed to be blood of an extinct mana beast or ancient species.][1AA+4 grade rare analysis material confirmed.][Would you like to send this data to a nearby research institute?]Davi, who had read the results on the research equipment’s screen, asked in disbelief.[It seems like it’s not even being read as human mana anymore?]“I had a hunch, but the mana flow has changed again……”After using the Gwangramuhae Palace [a technique or location] to absorb mana from the outer sea, Lenok’s mana and presence changed little by little.Lenok first learned about this fact after using the domain against the 10th Apostle Amrita at the Far East Branch, and at the mid-term settlement with Pandemonium.He had received similar results now that he had used the power of the domain for the second time.It was changing into a presence more similar to a monster or an incomprehensible ancient species than a human.From Lenok’s perspective, who could freely manipulate his mana patterns, it was convenient that he could hide it at any time if he wanted to, and that it would become impossible to analyze, but it was clear that it was not a positive sign.After that, Lenok began to check his body in real time using various equipment in the lab.Wee-ing!!Test tubes containing Lenok’s blood were divided and transported all over the lab,Hair and skin were taken and analyzed for their components, and the skeletal structure was X-rayed to meticulously record injuries and damage.Davi, who was perched on his shoulder, analyzed the data for Lenok, wearing pet-sized vision-assisting glasses that he had somehow obtained.[There are no problems with the amount of hormone secretion or blood oxygen concentration in the body.]Click, click!!Lenok, who had entered a huge capsule-like device, looked pale as he was hit by the cold air.However, he suddenly frowned as he sweated for a moment due to the warm heat that was suddenly shining down.A device that measures the body’s response to various stimuli, such as cold and warmth shaped by mana, to gauge long-term condition and recovery.Originally, it was a rehabilitation training device for mana users made by Baritz for patients with paralysis, but it was a perfect fit for someone like Lenok.[Most of the body’s reactions are below average. Except for the fact that he has become insensitive to strong stimuli like pain, it seems normal for Master.]Pshh!!Davi tilted his head as he covered Lenok’s head with a large towel as he walked out with his clothes soaked.[It seems like there’s no need to worry about damage to the mana circuit or core leakage, and rather, among the damaged internal organs, there are parts that have undergone over-recovery that are not in line with the average value.]“Over-recovery?”[It seems like it will naturally balance out over time and go back to the way it was……]“……Getting worse isn’t the original state.”Lenok smiled wryly at those absurd words, but they weren’t wrong.It was clear that the discomfort Lenok was feeling while moving his body was in that area.The side effect of forcibly restoring the body with the power of the sanctuary.If recovery that did not take into account Lenok’s original body condition and penalties was poured in without limit, discomfort would arise in this way.In any case, he had extracted simple data about Lenok’s condition as he had wanted.All that was left was to find an expert in this field and seek advice.“I should go see Murphy.”Lenok, who had pulled out dozens of warm sheets of paper through the output device, took out his cell phone.A vampire from the central city, and an unlicensed doctor hiding in the shadows of Balkan.In addition to Lenok’s physical condition, there was something he needed to ask him about the events in Yorta.“It’s been a while, I should get a checkup.”