Genius Wizard Takes Medicine [EN]: Chapter 885

The Adamantine Magic Tower, located in Sector 49.

Those gathered in the hospital room where the collapsed Dylan had been transported were reviewing his examination results.

“Grade 1B full-body burns. Extreme exhaustion. Impact to the thigh and lower jaw. Are these the only significant injuries for now?”

“Regeneration was already underway during transport, so it’s difficult to know the exact progression at the time.”

“We checked his blood alcohol level, but it’s not significant. The hormone levels released when resisting mental magic are much higher.”

“Considering he was left alone at the scene, it seems the result was quite one-sided.”

“One-sided…”

Felix’s expression subtly hardened as he looked at Dylan.

“Are you sure that mage fought alone?”

“He only knocked him out enough not to die and left him. He must be used to fighting powerful regenerators like Dylan.”

“…”

At Jorden’s diagnosis, the other mercenaries also fell silent, looking incredulous.

Dylan was a warrior highly regarded for his combat abilities, both within the office and the company.

He was also an exceptional regenerator, constantly healing his body as if immortal.

He was skilled at holding his own in most battles, and it was no exaggeration to say he was specialized in survival, yet he was found collapsed without even trying to escape.

Unless the mage named Evan was far superior to Dylan, this shouldn’t have been possible.

“I heard he easily killed dozens of mercenaries, but I didn’t think it would be to this extent…”

“Could there have been another helper? To fight and win against Dylan alone?”

The other superhumans standing around Dylan quickly began exchanging opinions.

“If there was a helper, they would have been traveling together before the wanted order was issued. The possibility is low.”

[He’s a fugitive being chased by a wanted order across the Balkan region. He can’t have any companions.]

“Then, the mage really fought and won against Dylan alone…”

A mage who can engage in melee combat directly at the front line, not just provide rear support.

Even among mages with outstanding talents, this is a rare ability.

They knew better than anyone how dangerous a mage who had honed their combat abilities to the extreme could be.

Belver muttered with a serious expression.

“In the worst case, he could be a degraded version of Van… This is really dangerous.”

“He’s definitely a war mage with a lot of combat experience. There was a reason why he was guarding the lighthouse keeper alone.”

“At this level, he must have several unknown achievements. Shouldn’t we investigate his background?”

“Felix, Tatiana. What do you think?”

Ignoring the heated discussion about Evan, Jenny immediately asked a question.

“Could you two win against Van from back then?”

“…”

“That’s a difficult question.”

Felix remained silent, while Tatiana replied, smoking a cigarette with a languid expression.

“It’s not often that you encounter a genius of that type, even in the Central. For me, it’s a scenario I’ve hardly ever considered.”

Could they win against Van of the Adamantine level 7, not the Great Mage Van of level 8?

No, what about Van of level 6, who hadn’t even completed his Origin Imago [A mage’s unique, ultimate form]?

Ironically, even Felix and Tatiana couldn’t be sure.

Van’s combat ability. The mental aspects of strategy, psychological warfare, prediction, and intuition had already reached an unparalleled level.

The level that Adamantine had achieved was merely proof that the results were far behind his completed strength.

And if the mage named Evan Martinez had a similar talent to Van in his youth-

“If we deploy a microcosm [A small, self-contained world created by a mage] and domain first before engaging in combat, then a fight could be possible.”

Tatiana said.

“And we need to check the opponent’s domain. It’s possible to deploy a formless domain even at level 6, let alone level 7, if it doesn’t contain an Imago.”

“…”

“Or, conversely, we need to keep forcing him to deploy his domain and drag him into a war of attrition.”

Tatiana, with a cigarette between her fingers, tapped the ashtray and gestured.

Pointing to the rapidly burning cigarette filter, she said.

“In this case, we need to predetermine the order of our Imago users. Especially against an opponent who has a microcosm with good mana efficiency.”

“Oh…”

Wayan was impressed.

“Tatiana, you sound very experienced when you talk like that. You finally feel like a veteran.”

“Do you want to die, kid?”

Tatiana, looking annoyed, smacked Wayan on the head.

However, Tatiana’s explanation contained details that were difficult to explain unless one was an expert, which even Jenny, who was not an expert, could agree with.

That was because she had actually learned those countermeasures while facing various powerful superhumans and sorcerers in the Central.

“However, just a guess, but it’s probably better to avoid a war of attrition if possible.”

“Why?”

“The burn marks on Dylan’s body. These are traces of the pyromancy taught at the Blaver Magic Tower.”

Tatiana said, looking down at Dylan’s reddened skin.

“He might be a disciple of my teacher.”

“…A mage from the Blaver Magic Tower?”

“Yes, especially this burn pattern is something I’ve never seen before…”

Tatiana’s expression changed slightly, becoming somewhat displeased.

“He must be a very atypical mana holder. His mana is working in a different way from existing sorcerers.”

“…”

“In the first place, there’s too much information to know beforehand in a war of attrition against a high-level sorcerer. Mana consumption per second, mana efficiency when using large-scale spells, the yield of spells immediately after incantation… Without prior information, it’s just a meaningless mutual destruction.”

That he had increased his maximum mana by absorbing mana from the outer sea, and that his mana control method had been distorted in the process.

Although she didn’t understand the essence, Tatiana was making a guess that was very close to the truth, just by looking at Dylan’s wounds.

“If that’s the case, we should definitely avoid facing him one-on-one.”

Jenny, also agreeing with Tatiana’s words, nodded and took out her terminal.

Looking down at the collapsed Dylan, Jenny said while tapping on her phone.

“He might know that the lighthouse keeper is in the tower. In the worst case, he might target Sector 49.”

“The possibility is high.”

Felix nodded.

“He’s a mage strong enough to survive and continue fighting even after being hit by Van’s magic. If he has that much ability, he must be aware of the existence of the tower.”

“Okay. I’ll warn the tower personnel and tell them not to go outside for the time being.”

“Shouldn’t we evacuate the partners separately?”

“To where?”

“…”

[This tower is the territory that Van directly declared in Sector 49.]

Manson supplemented the explanation, looking back at Mila, who had lost her words.

[If that guy named Evan comes into the tower on his own, then it’s not our business to intervene.]

“Huh? Why is that?”

At Wayan’s bewildered question, Manson let out a sinister laugh.

[That would mean he’s either a madman who enters the territory of a Great Mage with his bare hands, or a monster who has reached a similar level to Van.]

“…”

[Either way, it’s not our problem, is it?]

“Just imagining it is chilling…”

Manson’s explanation was so eerie that even Belver unconsciously rubbed his arm.

However, the feelings shared by the others were not much different.

If the mage named Evan was a monster who had reached that level and was trying to retrieve the lighthouse keeper by any means, then this discussion itself would become meaningless.

In the first place, does a mage with talent comparable to Van even exist? Such speculation is meaningless.

Breaking all existing common sense and prejudice, wasn’t a Great Mage right beside them in a corner of the Balkan underworld?

“His movements haven’t stopped since the wanted order was issued, right? It’s clear he’s a mage specialized in solo actions.”

“He’s been moving for days without rest. Is he purely making up for his lack of stamina with mana?”

“I’ve requested information from the Cartel about the battle in Sector 45. If Virgil doesn’t reject it for no reason, we should be able to get the related data.”

The mercenaries, who had been talking about Evan, quickly changed the subject.

“How is Lapis Palshire doing?”

“She’s unbelievably calm. I know she’s young, but she has very strong self-control.”

Mila shrugged and replied.

“She was trying to see where our boundaries are. She understands her position as a hostage, but she hasn’t given up yet.”

“Wasn’t she about the same age as Wayan? It’s quite strange…”

“What, what is?”

Wayan protested, shrinking his shoulders at the strange looks from his colleagues.

“I’m an adult too!! Why are you suddenly looking at me like a kid…!!”

“Lapis Palshire seemed very interested in the items handled by the tower.”

Jenny said, as if suddenly remembering something.

“If the head of a large force that has advanced into the Central is showing interest, shouldn’t we expand the item business further?”

“She was lingering on the floor of the branch where the partner companies are located for a long time this morning. She showed a strong interest in Professor Bailon’s research field.”

The mercenaries who had been monitoring Lapis until now added their opinions, as if agreeing one by one.

“We haven’t been able to contact Professor Bailon lately, is there a problem?”

“It’s not like it’s a one- or two-day thing. He hasn’t had any official activities since the third paper after partnering with the tower.”

“Rather than that, let’s discuss the conditions requested by the Blue Eye main force-”

Whoosh…!!

The noisy voices from beyond the hospital room gradually faded away.

The view in front of her was filled with quiet darkness, and only the soft noise of the sleeping guardian spirit echoed.

However, Lapis’s eyes, who was sitting down in the underground chamber, were deeper than ever.

“Evan, Bailon…”

She knew that Evan Bailon had officially entered into a research partnership with the Adamantine Magic Tower.

She also knew that Evan was temporarily putting aside his true identity to help her.

But then, where did the relationship between Evan Bailon and Adamantine begin and end?

She had been putting off confirming the results that contradicted common sense, between trust that went beyond belief and intuition that went beyond reason.

In the end, there was a fact that Lapis herself could not confirm without facing the answer.

“Ivelyn. I’ve made up my mind. Please prepare.”

Lapis’s eyes, who slowly rose from her seat, flashed with intense conviction.

“Before Adamantine returns, I will escape from the tower and head to the Eight Directions Fortress.”

* * *

“The situation is not good.”

Sebastian, a broker in charge of a corner of the freelance business in the Balkan underworld, was sitting in his luxurious office, holding his phone all day.

There wasn’t even enough time to refill the wine glass he always held.

The phone was so hot that he had to support it with a weak telekinetic power.

However, Sebastian was too preoccupied to care about such trivial things.

“Evan Martinez. There’s a high possibility that he’s not an ordinary mage. I recommend refraining from conflict as much as possible.”

-Sebastian. I told you that was difficult.

A pompous voice echoed from beyond the phone.

-It’s a wanted order directly issued by the Central Council. If you stand out here, it won’t be difficult to get a direct line to the council. The opponent is just a mage, isn’t he?

“He’s not a mage to be ignored.”

-Do you know how many mages I’ve met in my youth who relied on their talents and acted cocky?

The man laughed heartily on the other end of the line.

-They’re all talk and no substance. If their substance was even close to Adamantine’s, I wouldn’t be here.

“So, that mage named Evan…”

Even though the other party was someone who had built a business from scratch in this field, being a broker was not an easy job.

Sebastian, with a suppressed expression, sighed and said.

“I’m telling you that he might be a talent similar to Adamantine.”

Only then did the laughter on the other end of the phone stop abruptly.

-……What?

He had to quickly finish his explanation while this customer, who often fell into self-praise, was listening to him.

Sebastian quickly turned to the monitor and opened his mouth.

“The news coming in through the information network is unusual. All the expected values for the mage Evan’s martial prowess are off.”

-B, but…

“He fought and won against a Grade 1 mercenary from the Antares Mercenary Office alone. He broke through the encirclement of the official military organization, the Witas Temple. He fought and escaped against the lower-level executives of the Cartel. None of these are achievements to be taken lightly.”

-……

“As soon as he got out of the city, he became very cruel. He’s been massacring mercenaries and private forces who approach him for the wanted order near Sector 47. The news hasn’t spread yet, but it will soon be rumored throughout the city through other brokers.”

For him, who mainly dealt with sensitive and self-esteem-high VIP customers, this was a forceful persuasion he would never choose under normal circumstances.

“I’m only making this judgment now and telling you late…”

Sebastian hesitated before finally speaking.

He had only reached a reasonable conclusion as a broker, but it was difficult to understand the situation that was unfolding.

“The achievements and martial prowess that the man named Evan is showing now are estimated to be comparable to Adamantine’s from a few years ago.”

Evan Martinez. A pyromancer from the Blue Eye.

The fact that this man, about whom there were no rumors about his origin or background, might have a skill level comparable to the former Adamantine.

-Is that… possible? Could there be another elemental mage with such absurd talent?

The man, who accurately pointed out the elemental aspect, was also proof that he was not an ignorant fool.

As the man had boasted earlier, it was possible because he had met many mages and accumulated experience.

However, talent that transcends experience and common sense is something that appears without warning and sweeps away everything around it.

“That’s what I’m judging. Please withdraw the hired mercenaries and private forces, and move in a direction that avoids contact.”

-……

“You should also consider abandoning your business and fleeing. Your safety should be the priority-”

-Actually… I’ve already released information to lure Evan Martinez.

“…Excuse me?”

-I heard that he was looking for kindling to burn in this city.

Sebastian’s ears, which had gone stiff, heard the trembling voice of the president.

-Among the heirlooms passed down in our family, there’s a branch left over from burning in evil fire. So I deliberately released that information to lure him-

Sebastian jumped up from his seat and shouted.

“Where are you now!”

-In the management department of the second business site, in the monitor room…

Listening to the stammering answer, he sat down in front of the computer.

“I’ll access the business site’s surveillance system, please grant access immediately.”

-Ah, I understand.

Beep!!

On Sebastian’s monitor, dozens of CCTV screens appeared simultaneously.

In an old workshop with a complex intersection of wire fences and temporary stairs, mercenaries and soldiers were densely packed.

They were either people who had come for the wanted order on Evan, or underground powerhouses hired by the president.

“I’ll guide you through the escape route in real-time.”

Sebastian reorganized the CCTV screens and drew a map of the interior of the business site.

“Try to get out of the 40s area as quickly as possible-”

Whoosh!!

At that moment, the camera screen showing the main gate of the business site began to flicker faintly.

A strange illusion, as if the heat haze rising from beyond the gate was distorting the lens.

“He’s here!!”

“Shoot him!!”

Dududududu!!!

The freelancers, armed with rifles as secondary weapons, pulled the trigger as if they had been waiting for this moment, ready to empty their entire magazines.

Hundreds of bullet holes were made in the iron gate, which buckled with fierce sparks.

Kigigigik…

Even after pouring fire until the bullets ran out, there was no sign of movement beyond the gate.

Only the amount of heat coming through the bullet holes was getting stronger.

Chiiiik…!

The heat flowing out from beyond the gate became so intense that it melted the iron gate with just a small breeze.

“…Huh?”

“Shouldn’t we have just avoided him-”

A huge fist of fire pushed through the iron gate as if piercing it, completely destroying the entrance of the business site.

[Fire Imprint]

[Heavenly Collapse]

Bbeoeoeoeong!!!!

A bizarre scene, as if a giant’s arm had been set on fire and was burning.

All those caught in the punch screamed horribly, their bodies burning and rolling around.

Chiiiik!!

“Kkyaaaaaaack!!”

“Aaa, it hurts…!!”

“Haaat, haak!!”

Kugwagwagwa!!!

The fist made of flames split in both directions, spreading like a curtain of fire.

Beyond the curtain that had been spread for one person, a young man with a blank expression walked into the business site.

He had a thick cigar in his mouth, and his fire-resistant coat was slowly fluttering, looking calm and composed.

Hot steam was rising from the pipes of the array device on his left arm, constantly releasing body heat.

Chik, chik!!

“Wanted target confirmed. We just need to catch that fire bastard, right?”

“I was expecting a pyromaniac, but he looks much more normal than I thought.”

“Yeah, shouldn’t he have a big burn on his face or something?”

Even after seeing their colleagues die right in front of them, the freelancers were joking and chuckling casually.

“Achilles’s spell interception system is ready.”

“I’ve also reported it to the police. They’ll be here soon and surround this place.”

“It would be nice if a few special forces also came. They should catch the wanted criminal they missed themselves.”

A man with a pale mask on his face asked, tapping the dagger in his hand.

“Hey, arsonist. Are you listening?”

“…”

“Say something. How does it feel to set fire to the city?”

“Feelings?”

At that moment, the focus returned to Renok’s eyes, which had seemed to be looking somewhere far away.

As if belatedly recognizing the mercenaries and freelancers blocking his path, Renok looked around and tilted his head.

“Why are you still here? Do you all want to die?”

“What?”

“What is this bastard talking about…!!”

The mercenaries frowned in displeasure at Renok’s sudden question and began to gather their mana.

At that moment, the fiery arm that had smashed the gate and struck down began to writhe as if it was alive, and slowly began to retreat.

Chwaak!!

A movement as if he had put his hand deep into the basement of the business site and was slowly pulling something out.

Finally, a branch emitting a pale glow was held in the grip of the flame that had appeared.

Kwaddeuk…!!

A bizarre sight, still maintaining its shape while burning in Renok’s flames.

“A cursed flame that burns by using negative emotions as fuel…”

Hwareuk!!

At that moment, the flames burning on the branch began to change color to a deep purple.

Renok, looking at the branch stuck under his feet and the purple flames burning around him, nodded.

“It’s good enough to be brought into the new star of the Red Star System.”

The Red Star System is an amplification secret technique that explosively increases the power of spells through a pre-built mana core, the so-called star.

However, to maintain the Red Star System so that the trajectories between the stars do not overlap, the new mana core to be built on the outskirts must use a more powerful and heterogeneous force as its attraction.

In that respect, the cursed flame that Renok has now obtained is sufficient for use in building a new star.

Kkiriririk!!!

Behind Renok, who was slowly turning around, four flame spheres, wrapped in a ring of barrier magic, appeared and began to rotate simultaneously.

The glow of the flames filling the business site brightly illuminated the faces of the mercenaries, which had turned dark.

“I’ll ask again.”

Renok smiled and raised his finger.

“Why are you still here?”