Genius Wizard Takes Medicine [EN]: Chapter 978

“To be honest, I thought the rumors about you were exaggerated….”

Claris, who was guiding Lenok to the management office, said with a small sigh.

“I was wrong.”

“What do you mean?”

“If Gyeonryoe is hiding his identity and teaching alternative incantations, what would other mages think of him?”

Claris, who was walking ahead, glanced back at Lenok and asked.

“You could have said something anytime. Why were you listening to the slander about you when you knew it all along?”

“There’s no particular reason.”

Lenok answered after a moment of thought.

“I just thought it looked fun.”

“……”

Claris was speechless and stared blankly at Lenok.

Lenok’s attitude of teaching alternative incantations while listening to the slander about himself was something she couldn’t understand.

Claris, who had been staring intently at Lenok’s face with a thoughtful expression, hesitated before speaking.

“Just in case, I’ll say this, you mustn’t kill the mages of the Magic Tower.”

“Do you even need to say that?”

“Torture or interrogation is also not allowed. Taking an arm or a leg as compensation is also not allowed. I can’t allow you to pull out their tongues either.”

“How cruel. Were you perhaps thinking of such terrible acts as revenge?”

“……”

Claris’s forehead throbbed at Lenok’s shameless reply.

Seeing Claris clench her fist, Lenok chuckled and pointed to the management office.

“Enough, let’s go inside and talk. I also have something to discuss with the owner of this studio.”

“……Haa.”

Following Claris, who let out a deep sigh, they walked down the studio hallway.

In the time since he had last been there, the studio’s materials and props had been replaced with the latest equipment.

It was no exaggeration to say that the interior scenery was completely different, even though the location was the same as when he had visited before.

As they opened the door to the management office and entered, someone sitting inside turned their head sharply.

“Mr. Ban…?”

“You are…”

A somewhat familiar woman was looking at Lenok as if she couldn’t believe her eyes.

Lenok, who quickly recognized her face, nodded.

“You’re the mage I saw at the hearing. I believe you were a member of the Valefor Magic Tower?”

“I am Avenia Stenson. You remember me.”

Avenia bowed her head, but couldn’t hide her surprise as she spoke.

“How is it that Mr. Ban is at this studio…?”

“You two. Do you know each other?”

“I was in charge of guiding her during the hearing.”

“Ah, I see….”

It seemed that Claris had expected the management office to be empty, so it was unexpected to find someone there.

Claris, who seemed troubled, cleared her throat and gestured to Lenok.

“Gyeonryoe. This way.”

“Um, well… nice to meet you. Yes.”

A woman with a strong impression, her abundant white hair tied up, stood awkwardly looking at Lenok.

Lancia, a martial artist instructor who runs the Pilates studio.

And the very person who taught Lenok the martial art called Gujungdorae [a counter-attack technique], an incomprehensible counter-attack technique.

It wasn’t strange that Lancia didn’t recognize Lenok, even though he had visited the studio several times.

Since it was the first time he had visited the studio with Ban’s face and identity, there was no chance that Lancia would recognize Lenok.

Rather, it should be said that it was truly unexpected for Lenok to visit the studio again at this time.

“They say you’re the most successful archmage in Vulcan these days.”

Lancia, who looked at Lenok with a sullen expression, said.

“I don’t know much about your industry, so I don’t recognize faces-”

“I didn’t know there was a training craze among mages.”

Lenok interrupted Lancia and asked.

“I’d like to hear an explanation about it from you. Is that possible?”

“As you’ve already heard, alternative incantations using physical techniques are being actively researched among mages.”

Claris answered instead.

It was probably because she thought it would be better to finish the conversation and leave the studio rather than asking them to vacate the management office right away.

“There are many alternative incantations that replace hand seals, but Chunbeon’s was the most outstanding. Naturally, mages began to flock to environments where they could learn physical techniques.”

“An environment where you can learn physical techniques, huh.”

“Lancia is a martial artist, so she has a high understanding of the body and deep insight into the manipulation of internal mana. She’s from a famous martial arts clan, so the mages staying in Vulcan can trust her identity.”

“……”

“But most importantly, she provides a very efficient teaching method even for mages who are naturally weak in physique or stamina.”

Claris, who looked at Lancia with an interested expression, said.

“She knows exactly how much training is needed to stimulate the body without causing harm, and this is proving to be a great help in training alternative incantations.”

“So, word spread among the mages of the Magic Tower.”

“Avenia here is also training at the studio through a similar process. She’s someone with a great desire to improve herself.”

At Claris’s words, Avenia lowered her head.

“I am ashamed. I’m sorry.”

“Why are you apologizing?”

“Isn’t it because of researching alternative incantations?”

Claris said with a smile, defending Avenia.

“She seems to respect you quite a bit. She might not have wanted to be caught learning Chunbeon’s techniques that you fought against.”

“Ah, is that why….”

Lenok chuckled and raised his gaze.

“It doesn’t matter. Is there any reason to take sides when it comes to researching and learning incantations?”

“……”

“It’s not like you can just copy it by looking at it, and if there’s something to learn from Chunbeon’s method, you should take it and learn it.”

Leaving Avenia, who still couldn’t relax her expression, Lenok turned his gaze to Lancia.

“Moreover, if there’s a martial artist who can help with physical training, is there any reason not to try it?”

“Well, to be honest, it’s not something I could have done alone with just my abilities.”

Lancia said awkwardly.

“I’ve told my students several times, but I used to teach a student who was very weak.”

“……”

“Among the students I taught, there was someone who was literally cursed with a weak body.”

If it wasn’t a mistake, he could tell who that weak student was as soon as he heard it.

Whether she knew Lenok’s feelings or not, Lancia murmured as if lost in memories.

“Instead of being weak, they had a really strong sense of perseverance and mental fortitude. Thanks to teaching that person, I gained a very deep understanding of the body’s coordination.”

“Such a story….”

“Because you experienced the worst case, you were able to lower the average value and conduct classes.”

“Yes. In that regard, it has been very helpful in conducting customized classes for mages.”

Avenia and Claris also seemed quite interested, listening intently.

As Lenok raised his gaze to hide his expression, Lancia tilted her teacup and said.

“In many ways, I owe that person a lot. Thanks to that person buying my studio membership in yearly installments, I’ve been able to make a living until now.”

“……”

“I’d like to repay them if they come to the studio, but I can’t reach them at all.”

The experience of teaching Lenok Pilates and martial arts had, as a result, greatly helped Lancia’s business.

He didn’t expect to find out how far the aftermath of the fight between Gyeonryoe and Chunbeon had spread in a place like this, but it wasn’t a bad thing that Lancia’s business was doing well.

Regardless, Lancia was one of the very few martial artists who had learned and mastered the martial art ‘Gujungdorae.’

In order for Lenok to learn more about Gujungdorae in the future, it would be advantageous for Lancia’s business to prosper for a long time.

“I think I’ve heard enough about alternative incantations. Thank you for explaining it honestly.”

Lenok thought as he put down his teacup and stood up.

“Claris. Let’s go.”

“Yes. I’m ready.”

Whoosh!

As Claris said that and stood up from her seat, her martial arts uniform instantly transformed into an elegant robe.

A high-level transformation incantation that even made Lancia’s eyes widen for a moment.

Claris, placing her hand on her chest, bowed politely to Lancia.

“Instructor. Thank you for your hard work today. Then, see you again next week.”

“Ah, yes. Please take care on your way.”

The moment Lancia bowed her head and opened the door to the management office, the studio became quiet in an instant.

The mages who had been standing in an orderly manner in front of the management office were bowing their heads with pale faces.

They couldn’t leave the studio, nor could they concentrate on their training.

They seemed to be waiting for the time to come, standing awkwardly like children being punished.

“……Huh?”

The atmosphere of the studio had become so cold that even Lancia tilted her head in confusion.

“Ahem, ahem.”

“That….”

“Haa….”

Clearing of throats and sighs. Hesitation and faint lamentations.

The mages who had been having a friendly conversation with Lenok just a moment ago couldn’t even look at each other and avoided eye contact.

Yet, they couldn’t run away or turn their backs, and silently waited for Lenok’s words in their places.

As Claris sighed with a troubled expression, Lenok stepped forward with a smile.

“I’ve heard your opinions on alternative incantations well.”

“……!!”

At Lenok’s one word, the mages’ shoulders trembled greatly in the quiet studio.

Only then did Lancia realize that the current silence was caused by Lenok, and her expression turned bewildered.

“Whether it’s interpretation or handling, there were quite a few interesting parts.”

Lenok said, looking at the mages of the Magic Tower who had turned to face him.

“It’s not a bad thing for mages from various Magic Towers to gather and research one incantation.”

“…….”

“Keep up the good work in the future.”

Leaving the mages who were silent with pale faces, Lenok nodded to Lancia.

“Then.”

“No, what on earth is going on….”

“Mr. Ban.”

As Lancia muttered something, Avenia quickly nodded to Lenok.

“I’ll take care of things here. Please go ahead.”

“You’ve worked hard.”

At Lenok’s words, Avenia bowed her head.

“I will visit you soon in the name of Valefor.”

Even though she was taking on unnecessary work, she was also taking advantage of the situation appropriately.

He had felt it during the hearing, but she was quite good at her job.

Lenok, leaving Avenia’s greeting behind, left the studio with Claris.

“I really can’t understand your kind of human beings….”

Claris, who followed Lenok out with a bewildered expression, asked.

“Why did you say that to the mages of the Magic Tower at the end?”

“Well.”

Lenok shrugged his shoulders.

“If I had to say, it’s because I don’t want them to stop researching alternative incantations.”

“You don’t want them to stop?”

“Wouldn’t it be strange if the mages got scared and ran away because of me, and that interfered with that woman Lancia’s business?”

Lenok, turning to look at Claris, said with a cold smile.

“So, I just made sure they could continue their physical training at that studio with peace of mind.”

“…….”

More than anything, if they steadily researched alternative incantations and achieved results, Lenok could also easily take advantage of their interpretations and research, couldn’t he?

Claris, who was speechless, checked a message on her phone and slightly opened her mouth.

“……All the students at the Pilates studio have signed up for memberships for five years.”

“It seems that woman Lancia has quite the business acumen.”

“You….”

Claris, who was about to say something in disbelief, sighed deeply and shook her head.

“I understand. It’s also my responsibility for saying I would stay until the end of the class.”

“…….”

“So, can you now explain what happened with Oliviera?”

* * *

The research building located in the basement of the Cartel headquarters.

The right arm of Anathema hanging from the center of the ceiling, and Oliviera watching the scene from the control room.

It was obvious that there should be no mistakes in the analysis of the components of the remains that the Cartel chairman had obtained at a great cost.

Oliviera, who was looking at the scenery of the research building beyond the veil with her arms crossed, said without turning around.

[The mages of the Sinclair Magic Tower are irresponsible now as they were in the past.]

“…….”

[Where were you hiding and spending your time alone, I wondered, but you were enjoying the trivial things of the mundane world?]

Oliviera’s magic eyes flashed sharply as she looked at Lenok, who was just entering the research building, and Claris, who was standing behind him.

[I wonder if I have taken away the precious time of a long-lived species.]

“In this case, I don’t think we have the right to point out each other’s faults, Maze.”

Claris said, nonchalantly brushing off Oliviera’s openly sarcastic words.

“Weren’t you also trying to use Gyeonryoe’s purpose as a private condition for the deal in this meeting?”

[It was thanks to a certain irresponsible long-lived species who went off to enjoy themselves after making a deal.]

Oliviera let out a cold laugh.

[But your shameless nature is helpful on days like this. Otherwise, the long-lived species wouldn’t have been able to stay in this city.]

“…….”

The gazes of the two mages, looking at each other, turned sharp for a moment.

Lenok, who was watching the scene from the side, clicked his tongue as if looking at something pathetic.

“I don’t know what you’re doing. Are you going to try to fight each other here?”

Lenok had previously asked Claris about how to get to Kundara, and she had given him an elixir made by Aris, saying she would find out how.

Claris had consulted Oliviera about this, but Oliviera had learned through it that Lenok was trying to go to Kundara.

Oliviera had requested a deal with Lenok at the meeting, using that information regarding Anathema’s causality.

At this point, it was only natural that the relationship between Oliviera and Claris would become somewhat uncomfortable.

“There’s a misunderstanding, Gyeonryoe. I’m not here to pour out criticism or blame on her.”

However, Claris answered calmly without any particular expression, despite Lenok’s dissuasion.

“I’m just curious how Maze came to have the mind to cooperate with you at this point.”

[If you heard what happened at the meeting, you would know what achievements that mage has made.]

Oliviera shook her veil.

[It is only right that a reward is given to someone who has achieved more than expected. Is it so strange that I am cooperating with him?]

“Maze. You’re not someone who can be moved by just that kind of motivation. Wouldn’t it be more reasonable to think that there’s a reason beyond that?”

“…….”

“Above all, Gyeonryoe is also closely acquainted with my disciple, so as a teacher, I will naturally give him as much consideration as possible.”

Claris said, turning her gaze to Lenok.

“If there is a private reason for Maze helping Gyeonryoe, shouldn’t we address that fact?”

[Hooh. A disciple…….]

Oliviera’s eyes, looking at Lenok, seemed to be twisting mischievously from behind the veil.

[This is unexpected. Is it possible that a cold-blooded person like you is also bound by private feelings or relationships?]

“I wouldn’t say it’s private, but… I don’t know.”

Lenok smiled wryly and raised his gaze.

“As you often say, a lot of time has passed.”

[…….]

“…….”

Was it because she was surprised by Lenok’s answer, which didn’t deny Claris’s words, or was she shaken by his attitude of not dwelling on those feelings?

Ignoring Oliviera and Claris, who were looking at Lenok as if he were unexpected, he reached into his pocket.

Flap.

Lenok, who had taken out the celestial incantation grimoire [a book of spells] he had borrowed from Nox Biblio, showed it to Claris and said.

“Oliviera said that you could use this celestial incantation to open a path to Kundara.”

“…….”

Lenok asked Claris, who was silently examining the grimoire without answering.

“Check the contents of the grimoire and answer. How much time do you need to find a way to Kundara by twisting the barrier?”

“……Celestial incantations are not incantations that directly manipulate and change the movements of the sky.”

Claris, who had received the grimoire, said with a calm expression as she opened it.

“No matter how hard a mere mortal tries, it is impossible to change the movements of the celestial sphere and the trajectory of the planets. That is rather an act closer to an apostle [a divine messenger].”

“Then?”

“In the old days, people interpreted the stars in the night sky in relation to the fate of the earth, and called that variability the will of heaven.”

“…….”

“To artificially manipulate the will of heaven by changing the constellations in the sky, and ultimately to indirectly reach out to fate.”

Thud.

Claris, who closed the grimoire with one hand, said.

“This is the essence that you must fundamentally understand in order to learn and handle celestial incantations.”

Celestial Incantation Deployment

Model Garden: Celestial Sphere Formation

Spero Sphaera

Whoosh!

The light that sprang from the grimoire spread out in an instant, drawing a huge celestial sphere on the page.

The magnificent celestial sphere, which filled the underground ceiling and walls, began to rotate majestically, embracing the three people.

A mysterious and beautiful scene, as if the entire research building space was a model of the vast night sky, drawing the movements of the stars.

“This is….”

The model garden implemented through celestial incantations. Is this the power called the origin of the magnetic field?

The moment Lenok tried to draw up his mana to look around the model garden that was drawing the shape of the celestial sphere.

Oliviera said coldly.

[Gyeonryoe. Step back if you don’t want to be crushed to death.]

“……Crushed to death?”

[The concept of the model garden is the power to construct by overlaying an ideal landscape that does not exist in reality onto the world.]

Oliviera said, watching Claris’s body, which was holding the grimoire open, being covered in pure white light.

[In other words, it means that the essence of a long-lived species, which can only be seen in the consciousness space, can be forcibly brought to this place.]

“……No way.”

The moment Lenok belatedly understood the meaning of Oliviera’s words and glanced away.

Oliviera, with her arms crossed, nodded with a rather interesting expression.

[Soon, the main body of Claris Richelieu will descend upon this place.]

“Crushed to death. That’s a very rude thing to say, Maze.”

At that moment, a pure white light enveloped Claris’s body and exploded, filling all sides of the celestial sphere.

Kwaaaang!!!

A divine beast emitting a mysterious light landed in the middle of the research building and looked down at Oliviera with a cold gaze.

“Just to be clear, I’m not that heavy.”

“…….”

Instead of answering that, Lenok silently lowered his gaze.

The alloy container crushed under the feet of the giant divine beast was answering instead.