Genius Wizard Takes Medicine

“Specifically, it’s about pursuing an excessively balanced form of numerical combat in the workshop.”

A moment of silence ensued.

“Of course, I’m not trying to find fault with that itself. In fact, I highly appreciate the courage of a wizard who doesn’t hesitate to engage in close combat… However, you always need to be careful with a method that predetermines the outcome of the battle and then fits the process to it.”

“That is…”

Pre-determining the battle’s outcome. Lennok wanted to inquire about its meaning but found himself struggling to articulate his thoughts easily.

Perhaps it was because Lennok himself comprehended the significance of those words.

Evelyn nodded as though she grasped that.

“Having fought against you a few times over the past few days, I kind of figured it out. You always have a predetermined way of finishing off your opponent, don’t you?”

“……”

“To be precise, it means deciding on a method of victory based on the opponent’s attributes and patterns, and then meticulously planning the process.”

While Lennok maintained his silence, she continued to speak.

“I can’t fully understand what it means to look at a battle in such a way on a life-threatening battlefield… But it’s true that I can sense both tactical judgment and strategic insight in your way of fighting.”

Her emerald eyes gleamed with unwavering clarity, as if attempting to see through him.

“This means, in other words, that you’re willing to use even your own life as a pawn for victory. In moments where death and victory are separated by a thin line, can you be sure that your judgment won’t lean more towards victory than life?”

Not equating victory with survival, nor defeat with death.

For Lennok, who had always considered them intertwined in battle, Evelyn introduced an entirely new perspective.

The realization that defeat in battle doesn’t always lead to death, and victory doesn’t guarantee survival.

This was likely one of the conclusions drawn by Evelyn, a veteran of countless battlefields and encounters with peers of similar caliber.

Seeing Lennok’s stoic expression, Evelyn finally softened her demeanor and patted his shoulder.

“Actually, this advice isn’t really for wizards. I’ve never seen anyone born with both the talent for magic and a warrior’s senses like you. But if you don’t recognize the moments when you’re pushing your capabilities to their limits, you might make a wrong decision in a battle against a stronger opponent.”

“…Yes, I understand what you mean.”

“Even now, when we can’t fight at full strength, the outcomes are close. It’s not hard to imagine what would happen if we crossed that line. Shall we stop here for today?”

Evelyn suggested, then chuckled, stretched comfortably, and turned away.

Lennok silently observed her heading towards his waiting comrades in the distance.

He still didn’t believe his approach was flawed.

If he hadn’t thought and acted this way, Lennok wouldn’t have safely reached this point.

His ability to attain his current position, defeating numerous formidable adversaries, might well be attributed to Lennok’s almost obsessive pursuit of perfection.

Yet, he also acknowledged and grasped to some extent the concern raised by Evelyn.

Sometimes, to survive, one must choose defeat. Lennok wasn’t certain he could make the right decision in those crucial moments.

If Lennok had always equated victory with survival, if he had fully internalized and experienced a different approach to victory both mentally and physically…

How would Lennok’s magic manifest when confronted by an adversary who surpassed his limits?

It was a question that couldn’t be answered through mere contemplation, rendering it all the more enigmatic.

The mental state of a transcendent being who had completed their hierarchy transcended mere will or a change of heart.

Reaching the culmination of self-transformation signified that all conceivable human changes had been accomplished.

To progress beyond this point would necessitate breaking the framework that had already been perfected.

Lennok likely sensed that this was one of the pivotal junctures, even among those at the 7th level.

What Evelyn did was merely present this choice to Lennok in a more expeditious and explicit manner.

“This is more than enough as a reward for this task…”

Even without Evelyn’s guidance, Lennok might have confronted this dilemma eventually.

However, having a second mentor after Aris didn’t seem too detrimental to Lennok.

He offered a wry smile and joined the group, beginning to walk as well.

The party, which had set up a campfire and settled in, greeted him warmly.

* * *

Following his training with Evelyn, Lennok casually mingled with the group and sifted through his possessions.

Among them were books he had procured from Cartel’s executive vault just prior to embarking on this journey.

Although he had obtained them hastily, there was no issue, as he had the access and could revisit the vault at any time.

What truly mattered was the content of these books. The covers of these ancient tomes bore the titles “Liberation Sorcery” and “Main Control Diagrams” in an antiquated font.

During the early stages of Cartel’s establishment, Parden McQueen had transformed his sorcery into books and personally preserved them in the vault for the benefit of his successors.

However, these techniques, stemming from the practices of mountain monks, were so esoteric and filled with seemingly unrelated information that few could easily master them.

Even those proficient enough to access the executive vault had already developed their unique styles, rendering these techniques seemingly irrelevant.

‘But for me, it’s a completely different story…’

Irrespective of Parden McQueen’s abilities, the summoning techniques he employed, such as Arjumarta and Taeyokrak, had left a profound impression on Lennok.

In particular, the barrier techniques utilizing the Main Control Diagrams were of an exceptionally high standard, even by Lennok’s criteria.

Studying these techniques could potentially introduce another dimension to Lennok’s magical repertoire.

‘Barrier spells do depend a lot on conditions, but they have many uses. They could help stabilize the Domain and increase efficiency.’

He contemplated as he flipped through the pages.

‘But they seem hard to integrate into magic since they use a completely different kind of power than mana…’

It was no wonder that other Cartel executives had overlooked these techniques.

The system of harnessing a distinct power source, “doryeok,” differed fundamentally from the mana-based magic Lennok was accustomed to.

This situation mirrored Lennok’s difficulty in drawing inspiration from Grisha’s spellcasting practices.

After all, in the autonomous region, he had only gleaned indirect knowledge of enhancing triggers and comprehending domains and conditions by observing her techniques.

It stood to reason that Lennok could only extract a similar level of understanding from McQueen’s techniques.

While engrossed in his thoughts, he overheard conversations nearby.

“So if you deploy mana like this…”

“No, that approach doesn’t make sense. How likely is it that the opponent will move in that direction?”

“Just push the opponent like Van did…”

“That’s what I mean, not everyone can just do that…”

Agents engaged in a fervent discussion around the campfire.

When the journey had commenced, they had quietly focused on their respective tasks, providing assistance to both Lennok and Evelyn. However, as they witnessed the evening sparring sessions, they too became inspired and engaged in lively discussions about training and combat techniques.

This transformation was a sight for Lennok, but he could discern the reasons behind it.

Observing higher-level individuals in combat often served as a wellspring of inspiration, opening up new possibilities.

In particular, with one of the agents accompanying them being a manipulative wizard, it was likely that they found Lennok’s fighting style profoundly enlightening.

During a break after dinner, as Lennok observed the agents beginning a mock training session following their discussions, a faint smile graced his lips.

Evelyn, deftly slicing a grilled onion, spoke.

“They don’t say it, but they all respect you.”

“……”

“They really like the way you fight. It’s no coincidence that you, a freelancer, could sit at the negotiating table with Cartel.”

“Is that so?”

“Of course. For them, this moment itself is almost a rare opportunity.”

She let out a small yawn and finished the remaining grilled items, washing them down with beer.

“In the giant city, it’s hard for strong characters above level 7 to move freely, and it’s also difficult to witness such skilled fighters in action. You’ve unintentionally given them a valuable experience.”

“But there should be plenty of capable people directly under the city government.”

“Don’t even mention it. Do you know how intricately divided the factions are within that? They’re too busy checking each other to make any real moves. Tied down by all kinds of regulations and doctrines, they can hardly do anything. Agents, at least, have some breathing room since they manage the underworld, but they have to take on much more risk compared to other departments.”

Instead of responding, Lennok simply shook his head.

Evelyn casually mentioned the challenges of being an agent, but Lennok recognized the profound sense of responsibility and justice that she carried.

Despite her exceptional skills and rare archery talent, attributes that would make her a sought-after asset for numerous organizations, she had chosen to remain an agent, dedicating herself to upholding the city’s order. This attested to her unwavering commitment.

Possessing considerable power and capability, yet opting to fulfill her duties, showcased that her character was not swayed by simplistic notions of good and evil.

Perhaps, as someone who could exist outside the constraints of laws, she had chosen to champion the value of order instead.

Indeed, if that were the case, was Evelyn Marcia truly under the scrutiny of the Eyes of Blue?

“……”

Lennok’s request for combat training with Evelyn wasn’t solely motivated by a desire to enhance his own skills and identify his weaknesses.

He had realized that spending significant time with someone as skilled as her would offer ample opportunities to delve into her true intentions.

Considering Grisha’s mention of the emerald archer, Lennok had intended to subtly inquire whether she was indeed a member of the Eyes of Blue. However, this proved to be more challenging than he had anticipated.

To directly pose such a question to her, Lennok would have to reveal that he and Evan Baylon were the same person.

Alternatively, he would need to coax her into discussing the Eyes of Blue, but would someone as responsible as her easily divulge such sensitive information?

For Lennok, it also meant assuming some level of risk, as he couldn’t be certain that she would safeguard his secrets.

After all, fundamentally, Lennok and Evelyn occupied different positions.

If, upon hearing Lennok’s confession, she deemed him a threat to Vulcan, could he trust her to maintain his secret?

Even after numerous interactions with Evelyn Marcia, Lennok found himself unable to be certain.

Ultimately, a person’s true priorities often remained veiled until the very last moment.

Much like Parden McQueen, who harbored a longing for the temple he had abandoned, yet maintained that he did not.

“Sigh…”

Lost in contemplation, Lennok turned his gaze toward the eyes fixed upon him. Evelyn’s cheeks bore a hint of a flush, possibly due to a few drinks, or perhaps it was the campfire’s dancing flames casting their glow on her face.

She gazed up at Lennok, her head slightly tilted, and murmured in a distracted manner.

“It would be great if you joined the agents…”

“Let’s pretend I didn’t hear that.”

“I’m not kidding.”

“……”

In the midst of Lennok’s silence, Evelyn shifted her head slightly.

“Just a thought. The city government’s directives have been unusual lately.”

“Is the scope of your work expanding rapidly?”

“That’s part of it… But lately, it feels not so much that our workload is expanding but rather being pushed to the outskirts.”

She spoke with a mildly intoxicated expression.

Lennok casually surveyed their surroundings.

The other agents were engaged in late-night training, leaving only the two of them by the sizable campfire.

No one else was present to hear her musings except Lennok.

“We may not care much about factional fights, but someone else is taking over the central tasks we used to handle.”

“……”

“Other departments, previously restricted by regulations, might start moving… Is the city really about to change?”

“Does it mean that those directly under the city government are getting more freedom to act?”

“It’s not impossible.”

Evelyn lowered her head in contemplation.

“But not everyone directly under the city government is good… And if regulations are loosened, powerful individuals tied to corporations, noble families, or sects might start moving more freely. It won’t be the same.”

“That is…”

“The city council elders… I don’t understand what they’re thinking. Still spouting nonsense at hearings while cunningly plotting behind the scenes.”

“……”

Rather than offering a response, Lennok chose to be a silent listener.

Her words weren’t seeking a definitive solution.

This was merely a moment for her to vent her frustrations into the fire, concealed from her subordinates’ eyes.

That Lennok happened to be the one listening was purely happenstance.

Perhaps their internal camaraderie had developed during days of intense training.

While Lennok could potentially exploit this atmosphere to gain the answers he sought, he decided to let it be for now.

In a realm where true motives remained concealed, at least Evelyn’s counsel to Lennok had been marked by sincerity and genuine concern.

At the very least, Lennok wished to reciprocate that level of sincerity with Evelyn.

The night grew darker.

Unattainable efforts and heartfelt sentiments resonated and faded into the warm night sky.

As they journeyed farther from Vulcan, the climate gradually warmed, signaling their approach to volcanic regions.