Genius Wizard Takes Medicine [EN]: Chapter 991

[Guest? This isn’t something made to welcome guests.]Whoosh-!As the flesh giant took a rough breath, the Grafting Art Master’s presence flowed out.The flesh giant, raising its sticky hand, pointed to its own head and said,[This is a chimera made using a Head Warlord as material. It’s the result of capturing and modifying an entity that was once called a general.]”…….”[After making a deal with a demon, it lost its intelligence and became a corrupted monster, but it’s quite useful for searching for living organisms.]Beyond the flesh giant’s twitching lips, a cold intent seemed to flicker.[It’s perfect for monitoring the gate, just like now. Even broken toys have their uses.]”Ugh, ugh…….”Each time the flesh giant’s lips twitched and wriggled, the soldiers who had fallen around the gate trembled. The eerie magical power emanating from the flesh that had become one with the gate was trying to invade their bodies and control them at will.Just communicating through intent alone caused this much of an impact?Lenok frowned, realizing that the power of the Grafting Art was stronger than he had thought.’This is troublesome…’The sense of unease he felt at the temporary fortress was the presence of the chimera arranged by the Grafting Art Master.It was the monster itself, modified into a fortress to protect the gate city, mimicking an inanimate object.Through his Heavenly Eyes, Lenok had seen through the chimera, but conversely, the Grafting Art Master had also recognized Lenok’s presence and made contact almost simultaneously.’Even using a broken chimera to sense, the speed is abnormally fast. This is an absurd level of sensitivity.’The flesh giant guarding the gate was a type of chimera made using a Head Warlord’s monster as material.However, what Lenok focused on was the Grafting Art Master’s sensitivity itself, which had recognized Lenok using such a chimera.If it was a chimera that had undergone this much modification, all of its internal sensory organs would have been broken, yet the Grafting Art Master’s reaction speed was abnormally fast.That was proof that the Grafting Art Master’s sensitivity itself was so transcendentally outstanding that it was not affected by such penalties.Since Wayan, this was practically the first time he had encountered an opponent with such outstanding sensitivity.Perhaps it was because of such talent that he had obtained the Grafting Art, which was uniquely peculiar even within the Alliance.[I was just wondering why the light from the lighthouse was shining on the gate again-]The gaze of the flesh giant, whose eyes were gleaming, slowly turned towards the eye Lenok was holding.[It wasn’t you, but that. There’s no way there could be another artifact with such pure energy.]”M-Magician?”A soldier, not knowing what was going on, trembled and looked this way, but Lenok did not answer.Already, flesh was swelling and boiling on the legs and around the gate, filling the surroundings.Crackle…!!The sound of flesh being crushed and bursting echoed along with the Grafting Art Master’s voice.[The function of the Heavenly Eye… the ability of one who sees far is truly troublesome. Don’t you think?]Each time the giant’s mouth, merged with the flesh, opened, a low male voice echoed in layers.[I used to want that eye and looked for ways to get it, but I had to give up after realizing it was a mystery bound by the flow of time.]”…….”[A power that works not by principle but by desire cannot be defined by the category of a technique.]The Art Master slowly whispered to the silent Lenok.[A blessing not granted to us Art users, a blessing beyond the realm of learning and acquisition… I don’t particularly like such unidentifiable miracles.]”Do you want to have a discussion about the definition and concept of techniques at this place?”Lenok asked, looking at the flesh giant with an expressionless face.”It’s typical of an Alliance Art user, but it’s not my interest. If you have something to say as a manager, say it quickly.”[…….]”Before the soldiers guarding the gate go insane.””Ugh, ugh……!!”The soldiers, their eyes bloodshot, were clutching their heads and convulsing.They were drooling and trembling, their skin bubbling like foam, trying to transform into something grotesque.The Grafting Art Master’s chimera was located in the middle of the gate.Just by its existence moving and emitting thoughts, the soldiers were unable to withstand it and were about to go insane.It was probably because the thoughts emitted by the Grafting Art Master, a special ability user, were extremely twisted, unlike those of ordinary Art users.However, the Grafting Art Master did not answer even after hearing Lenok’s words.He only stopped speaking as if thinking about something, slowly moving the chimera to close the distance.[There are hardly any Art users who are not affiliated with the Azure Eye and yet possess the relic of the lighthouse keeper.]The Art Master, who had been staring at Lenok through the hazy eyes of the flesh giant, spoke.[Yes. Now I know who is standing before me… you are that Thousand, who is said to have defected from the Azure Eye.]”…….”The eyes of the flesh giant looking at Lenok momentarily bent into a bizarre, elongated shape.[It’s ironic. I was waiting for a guest to come from the city where you wreaked havoc…]”Didn’t you say earlier that this wasn’t a chimera made to welcome guests?”[…….]The Art Master did not answer Lenok’s cynicism.He only stared intently at Lenok for a long time, as if trying to see into his inner self.Was he trying to read the sense of unease about the current situation with his outstanding sensitivity?However, Lenok maintained his composure despite the Grafting Art Master’s unusual reaction.Apart from the fact that he could not read Lenok’s thoughts, which possessed target designation resistance, it was not easy to suspect Thousand.From an outside perspective, Evan Martinez was a great magician who stood at the opposite end of the spectrum from solidity.At least, unless one knew about the existence or value of the [Ember], it would be impossible to even imagine their connection.As expected, the will in the flesh giant’s eyes quickly faded.[There are 48 hours left until all the scheduled surgeries are finished. After that, my main body will have some time.]”……48 hours?”The flesh giant, which had been leaning its face close to Lenok, slowly retreated.[Yes… even if it’s not related, if you are a fellow Apostle Slayer like me, it would be worth meeting you once.]”…….”[Come to my operating room located at the gate entrance. Refusal will not be tolerated.]Thump…!!The flesh giant slowly climbed up the gate, extending its flesh all over the walls.The giant, fused with the temporary fortress like a tree extending its roots into the ground, hugged its shoulders and tilted its head back.[I will see you with my own eyes and make a judgment.]Crack…!!At that moment, the flesh giant hardened and stopped, becoming completely one with the gate.As the Grafting Art Master’s thoughts, which had been surging everywhere, disappeared, the soldiers who had been convulsing on the ground began to regain their senses.”Cough, cough……!!””Uweeek!!”Some were vomiting, and some were sitting blankly, coughing.”W-What… happened?”It seemed they had barely returned before their minds were driven to the point of no return, slowly accepting the situation one by one.Was the Grafting Art Master aware of this time, looking at Lenok until the last moment and conveying his message?”…….”48 hours. Surgery. Time. Main body.If one linked the words the Art Master had casually thrown out, one could guess something.The reason why the Grafting Art Master, who had been active in the war against the Order, was suddenly in charge of the gate and stationed at the front line.Even so, the reason why he was monitoring the gate city by using a chimera, without directly managing the gate.”Damn it, what the hell is going on!!”Bang!!While Lenok was lost in thought, the gate swung open, and dozens of soldiers rushed out from behind it.”Bring the stretchers. Transport the injured to the ward!””Is there anyone left who can speak?!””It’s no use. Their eyes are unfocused…!!”They were carrying the convulsing injured in an orderly manner and quickly clearing the messy gate overpass.They were skillfully cleaning up the scene as if this had happened several times before.”Evan Martinez, sir.”While Lenok was watching the commotion, a soldier who appeared to be a superior approached and saluted.The soldier, sweating nervously, carefully opened his mouth.”The commander of the search unit headquarters is waiting for you.””…….””He will be able to explain what happened here…””……Okay. I’ll accompany you.”Lenok, who had been staring at the soldier, nodded.”I have something I want to ask the commander about the situation in the gate city.”Lenok’s top priority was to obtain the fragment of the barrier without being disturbed by the Grafting Art Master and return to Vulcan.To do that, it was a priority to meet the search unit commander and hear about the situation inside the gate city.Above all, the existence of the flesh giant, the chimera, that had become one with the gate of the gate city.It was likely that there were more ‘works’ created by the Grafting Art Master in the gate city.The commander, who had been delegated authority over the gate city by the Grafting Art Master, would surely know more about this.Lenok thought so and followed the soldier, who bowed his head, and began to walk.[……Koo.]On the gate overpass where no one was left.The eyelids of the flesh giant, who was hugging its body dearly, twitched as if convulsing.* * *”Welcome, Evan Martinez, sir.”A city built near the first gate of the central front.The gate command center was built on a huge wall that surrounded and protected the living area.In the office located inside the command center, a middle-aged man with a mustache politely offered Lenok a handshake.”I am Ivanus Griffin, the commander of the gate command center. It is an honor to meet an Apostle Slayer.”As the attendant who had been waiting placed the coffee and refreshments, Ivanus bowed his head to Lenok.”I heard that you helped the search unit in the battle with the 3rd Corps. As the commander representing the search unit, I am truly grateful.””…….””The 3rd Corps’ operation, led by the airborne assault unit, was very aggressive, and the search unit had a lot of trouble. The command center will provide appropriate compensation for that-“”I have a few questions I’d like to ask. Can you answer them?”Lenok, interrupting Ivanus’s words, looked at him with an expressionless gaze.Ivanus, as if he had expected Lenok’s response, nodded with a slightly nervous look.”If it’s something I can answer, anything.””I heard that the Order Alliance manages the gate, but it’s the soldiers, not the Alliance’s Art users, who are guarding the gate.”As soon as the answer was given, Lenok immediately asked.”Considering the importance of the gate, I thought the Alliance would be keeping a close eye on it. What’s the reason?””The Grafting Art Master, who is currently in charge of managing the gate, is completely different from the Blaber Magic Tower Lord.”Ivanus replied calmly, clasping his hands together.”The Magic Tower Lord tried to keep the entire gate city under his control, but the Grafting Art Master doesn’t even pay attention to other places except for a few specific areas.””…….””Most of the major facilities, except for the gate entrance, are currently under the management of the search unit. The Order Alliance also respects the Art Master’s wishes and does not interfere within the city.”Was it the Grafting Art Master’s own decision to delegate the administrative work of the gate city to the search unit headquarters?He was probably holed up in a specific area near the gate, engrossed in his own surgeries or experiments.”I heard that the Grafting Art Master was one of the strong figures who led the war against the Order. Do you know why the Art Master is in charge of the gate?””You must have seen the chimera the Art Master created on your way here. The Grafting Art Master is a peculiar person who modifies living organisms to create chimeras.”Ivanus gave a wry smile.”And no matter how skilled an Art user is, they need suitable ‘materials’ to perform such feats.””…….”The first gate was one of the most frequented transit points on the central front.Did Ivanus think that the Grafting Art Master was in charge of the gate to obtain the materials he wanted?Lenok, who had thought that far, opened his mouth.”I’m looking for a rare catalyst that can only be found around the gate. I’d like to know the location of a business that handles such catalysts.””There is an abandoned mine on the outskirts of the gate city.”Ivanus answered immediately.”A black market is held periodically near the mine, so I recommend you go there.””A black market?”Was the commander himself recommending a business that was not under the surveillance or management of the command center?As if he had read the meaning in Lenok’s question, Ivanus replied with a wry smile.”Not the entire gate city is under the surveillance of the command center. To be honest, more than half of the area is a lawless zone outside of control.””…….”The fact that they had brought forces into the gate was a necessity because the search unit’s power alone was not enough to manage the city.However, even if the Order Alliance, which was in charge of management, neglected its duties or obligations, there was nothing they could do about it.Moreover, the Grafting Art Master was one of the great Art users who held a unique position within the Alliance.From the perspective of the search unit headquarters, it would not be appropriate to even make any requests or favors to him.Lenok nodded and stood up from his seat.”That’s enough. I’ll be going now.””Yes. And lastly…”The commander was about to say something, but then closed his mouth with a complicated expression.It was as if he had tried to explain something he couldn’t say but had given up.Ivanus bowed his head.”Thank you again for helping the search unit. If you need any help in the future, please feel free to ask…””I will.”Considering the Grafting Art Master’s abilities and status, it was possible that this place was also under the Art Master’s surveillance.Therefore, Lenok also understood that the commander could not tell him much.He had roughly heard about the trends inside the gate, so from here on, Lenok would have to move on his own.Ivanus also did not say anything about that and called the attendant standing next to him.”Chesley. Guide Evan to the outside of the command center.””Understood. Please follow me.”The attendant with an ordinary appearance bowed his head with a smile and began to walk ahead.Lenok, who had left the command center, followed the attendant named Chesley and walked around the outer wall.’A black market…’He had heard that a black market was held at the ore mine, so it would be best to head there first.However, what Lenok needed to obtain was not jewels or minerals, but the fragment of the barrier itself.The problem was that he did not know if the fragment of the barrier was an item that was traded in the gate city.As Lenok was thinking that and following Chesley, a cross-shaped flash of light exploded from the residential area inside the wall.”W-What…?!”At the same time as Chesley, startled, turned his gaze, crimson thorny vines wrapped around the cross-shaped flash of light.A gloomy-looking man riding on the thorny vines, and a white-robed monk running after him.Soldiers poured out from all sides of the wall at the sudden clash in the middle of the city and immediately rushed forward.”The Gravediggers and the Crusaders are clashing. Everyone to your assigned positions!!””Evan, sir. I’m sorry!!”Chesley hurriedly asked for understanding and headed to the battlefield, following the other soldiers.Lenok, who was left alone in an instant, carefully watched the two superhumans clashing in the distance.He had never heard of an organization called the Crusaders, but he knew about the Gravediggers.A group of black magicians who worshiped the Underworld King like a god. Were they causing a disturbance in the gate managed by the Grafting Art Master?Lenok was thinking about that fact and watching the fight from the wall when-Crack!Sharp ice rose from below the wall, and a white-haired young man hurriedly reached out his hand to Lenok.”Evan Martinez, this way!!””……Ice boy?”Lenok frowned as he recognized the face of Angel, the fourth president of the Cartel.”What the hell are you doing?””What am I doing? I’m making a move to get you out of here!”Angel shouted urgently.”There’s no time. If you want to avoid the Art Master’s eyes, you have to move right now, so follow me!!””……No.”Lenok, who had been silently watching Angel and the fight unfolding in the distance, sat down on the edge of the wall and said,”I’ve finished talking with the Art Master. Since it’s come to this, I’ll watch the fight before I go.””What?”Leaving Angel, who had his mouth wide open, Lenok turned his gaze towards the fight unfolding in the distance.”There’s a common sense of unease that I feel from their techniques. I need to check if it’s because of the barrier’s influence.”Both of the people who had engaged in combat were level 7 or higher Saint-level ability users.However, considering that they had started rampaging in the city, their momentum was weaker than expected.Even though there was no major problem with the manifestation of power itself, it seemed as if the power was being forcibly suppressed immediately after its manifestation.Could it be that there was a factor in the gate city that was suppressing the power of superhumans?Lenok, who had thought that far, chuckled and said to Angel,”And it’s been a while since I’ve watched someone else’s fight. It’s a bit interesting.””…….”Angel, who had lost his words, stammered and barely asked,”You, there was a reason why you were on good terms with Ban even after almost dying at his hands?”