Five days had elapsed since Oliver received the item ordered from Ewan and obtained construction approval for District X from Bartolomeo, a senior member of the Anti-Development Committee.
This period of time could be perceived as short or long, depending on one’s perspective – five days, just two days short of a week.
Oliver rose from his bed, despite the lingering weariness from the [Thunder Fusion] aftermath, engaged in some light stretching, and proceeded to the shower.
Certainly, a lot had occurred during this time.
The most prominent memory was that of Forrest.
It was rather astonishing that Oliver had managed to secure construction approval from the Anti-Development Committee.
However, it wasn’t just Forrest who found this surprising. Joe, another District X resident, shared the same sentiment.
The Committee’s commitment to this endeavor was truly unprecedented.
“It’s bound to be unprecedented. Even the city had given up on this forsaken land.”
Forrest was genuinely astonished, a rare occurrence for him. The news was that astounding.
Had anyone other than Oliver conveyed this information to him, he would have dismissed it as a fabrication.
In Landa, deceit and scams were commonplace.
However, Forrest’s trust in Oliver was unwavering, for it was Oliver who had relayed the message.
The revelation that the Anti-Development Committee had granted permission for construction in District X was a tale that no Landa resident would have believed.
Joe and his group shared the same disbelief.
So, Joe made a request of Oliver – to lend his name, allowing them to proceed with construction in their own neighborhood.
“We can arrange the funds, either from the fees we’ve collected or by securing loans from the Crime Firm Bank. However, living in a place shrouded in cement dust due to the Anti-Development Committee has been unbearable. Can you lend us your name to prevent their interference? We’ll compensate you, of course.”
Joe’s emotions were filled with concern and responsibility.
He genuinely desired to provide a better life for his community members.
Oliver consented. He had doubts about possessing such authority, but the fact remained that the Anti-Development Committee had made a commitment.
Upon obtaining Oliver’s approval, Joe and his comrades, including Twin-piston Sam and Iron Mace Owen, erupted in cheers. Joe then requested Forrest’s assistance in finding a construction company for their residences.
Forrest readily agreed.
“All of this has certainly kept Forrest busy… Marie too.”
While taking a warm shower, Oliver contemplated Marie’s activities over the past five days.
Upon confirming her residence in Landa District X, Marie had withdrawn her concealed funds through Pharmacist in Wineham and made arrangements to settle in Landa.
Furthermore, she had dispatched personnel to other small cities to reestablish communication networks with branches that had been severed by the Paladins, initiating a complete organizational restructuring.
Before embarking on this mission, Marie had made a promise to Oliver.
“I’ll certainly make the other branches stop their religious activities as well. However, due to the distance and policy changes, please allow us some time, Dave.”
Marie’s intentions were sincere.
She harbored certain thoughts, but Oliver refrained from prying. He did not wish to burden Marie, who was already overwhelmed and emotionally drained.
If issues arose, they could be addressed at a later time.
“Pharmacist must have been kept quite busy.”
With his shower concluded, Oliver began preparing breakfast – steak, sausages, three eggs, and six strips of bacon – all at once.
Pharmacist who had remained secluded at home while the Paladins were present had swiftly restored order and control to the city upon their departure, filling the void left by Marie and other criminal organizations.
He had also arranged for the release of the hidden funds and personnel stored by Marie, facilitating her relocation to Landa.
It was almost as if he were truly bidding farewell to Marie.
Well, it wasn’t a negative turn of events.
Rebuilding his relationship with Marie had already become a commitment he had made to Oliver, and regardless of the Pharmacist’s motives, it had facilitated Marie’s settlement in Landa, benefiting both parties.
In fact, Pharmacist had been quite helpful to Marie in various ways, including the restoration of the communication network with other branches, displaying full cooperation.
Of course, Oliver was eager to wrap up Marie’s affairs quickly so that they could commence their joint research on druidic plants. However, this eagerness wasn’t a negative aspect.
Mutual assistance is a common practice when both parties require each other’s support.
Oliver recalled the conversation he had with Pharmacist through the communication device just yesterday.
“When can we start our research? After Marie finishes her reorganization?” Forrest had inquired.
“Um… could you give me a little more time?” Oliver had responded.
“Well, that’s acceptable, but may I know why?”
“I’ve received an urgent call, so I need to deal with that first,”
“A call? From where?”
“From the Tower.”
As his reminiscences concluded, so did Oliver’s meal.
He cleared the table, washed the dishes, and returned to the second floor to change into a suit, apply some perfume, and make preparations to go to the Tower.
He was curious about the reason behind his summons to the Tower.
***
“It’s been quite some time…”
Observing the approaching Tower through the taxi window, Oliver mumbled to himself.
Although it didn’t feel like it had been an extended period.
Perhaps his sense of time had been distorted due to his busy schedule.
Upon his return from Galos to the Tower, he had been engrossed in writing papers, conducting research, personal experiments, dealing with Edith, Marie, Wineham, Paladins, and the Anti-Development Committee. There had been a series of events, albeit brief.
He didn’t feel regretful because it felt like time well spent.
The taxi came to a stop.
Oliver paid the taxi fare, including a tip, to the driver, who was sipping from a brown paper bag, and stepped out of the vehicle.
The taxi driver courteously thanked the generous passenger and promptly made an illegal U-turn to resume work.
It was the same old Landa.
Oliver absentmindedly watched the departing taxi and proceeded toward the main entrance of the Tower, which felt like a visit after an extended absence.
‘Hmm… it feels like it’s been a while since I’ve received this kind of attention too.’
As he passed by the main gate, Oliver sensed a few people gazing at him.
In the past, he had briefly attracted attention due to his match with Derick and the Mountain Pace incident, but this time, it felt different.
Back then, it had been mere curiosity and interest, but now, the gazes were mixed with doubt, mistrust, anticipation, admiration, fear, confusion, hostility, and restraint. The intensity of emotions was more pronounced.
Not only the students but even the wizards occupying positions in the Tower were observing Oliver.
It was strikingly different from the past when he was looked upon like an exotic animal.
It was reminiscent of the attention he had received during his time as Solver Dave, when his fame had surged after resolving a significant issue.
He wondered what was going on.
“You’ve arrived at just the right time.”
Disregarding the scrutiny of onlookers, as he reached the Elemental Tower, someone addressed him.
It was none other than Kevin, Merlin’s disciple and the Master and Professor of the Elemental School in the Tower. He had been waiting for Oliver in front of the Tower.
“Professor… It’s been a while.”
“Yes, indeed. You left to work on your paper, and this is the first time I’ve seen you since, right?”
Oliver nodded. “Yes… But is something happening in the tower?”
“Why do you ask?”
“Because it seems like everyone is watching me, even though it’s a holiday and there aren’t many people around.”
Oliver’s gaze shifted toward a group of students seated on a bench, along with two teachers who were trying to appear disinterested while secretly observing the scene through a nearby window.
Upon hearing Oliver’s question, Kevin glanced around just as Oliver had and displayed a sense of incredulity. It was a genuine astonishment.
“Are you seriously asking?”
“Uh… yes.”
“Wow… you’re quite thick-skinned,” Kevin exclaimed, though not in admiration.
“What do you mean?”
“It’s truly remarkable that you’ve already forgotten about the Lake Village incident… Have you really forgotten?”
“…Ah,” Oliver spoke with a delayed realization, as if the memory had just resurfaced.
Kevin’s incredulity deepened.
“As Master mentioned, I’m glad I gave you a heads-up, considering your reaction…”
“I apologize… I’ve been preoccupied.”
“I understand. Let’s go. It would be better to explain once we’re there.”
Kevin instructed Oliver to follow him, and Oliver proceeded to accompany Kevin to his office as directed.
However, something appeared amiss.
The nameplate clearly indicated it was Kevin’s office, but it was not in the location that Oliver remembered.
“Professor, wasn’t your office originally situated elsewhere?” Oliver inquired while confirming the office’s location. The new office was positioned in a significantly better spot within the Elemental Tower.
“Are you suggesting my office was tucked away in an isolated, inconvenient corner where I couldn’t engage with anyone?”
“Yes,” Oliver replied without hesitation.
As he opened the door to the professor’s office, Kevin gazed at Oliver with a scrutinizing look. Realizing his error, Oliver swiftly corrected himself.
“Professor, it’s not that the location isn’t suitable; it’s just that it’s not what I recall… I apologize.”
Kevin sighed as he regarded Oliver, whose unpredictability remained consistent. He proceeded to fully open the door and entered the office, with Oliver following closely behind.
“Wow…”
Surveying the new professor’s office, Oliver was genuinely impressed. Both the location and the interior environment were outstanding.
Kevin’s initial office had been old and cramped, emanating a rather disappointing ambiance.
In stark contrast, this professor’s office was spacious and immaculate, just as its prime location warranted, truly befitting the title of the “Magic Tower.”
“It might even be worth residing in,” Oliver mused.
“This is my newly assigned office. As you can see, the location, size, and quality are all outstanding. It’s a sought-after spot… Do you know how I managed to get assigned here?”
Oliver paused for a moment before responding.
“Is it because of Lake Village?”
“Good. At least you’re not entirely clueless. If you hadn’t known, I would have been extremely frustrated.”
“I apologize… It wasn’t my intention to forget; I’ve had other matters on my mind.”
“I heard from Master. About Wineham, ‘The Chosen Ones’, and your true name being Oliver.”
“I apologize for not revealing it earlier.”
“It’s of no consequence. I don’t dwell on trivial past matters. In any case, you’re back, so you must have resolved everything.”
Oliver nodded.
Indeed, he had successfully rescued Marie and negotiated with the city. All matters were progressing smoothly.
‘Even the Pater religion seems to be keeping quiet… Although, it is a source of concern.’
“By the way, how did you know I had returned and contacted me?” Oliver inquired, realizing a bit late. He had been summoned here, but upon further reflection, he wondered how Kevin had become aware of his return to Landa.
“Master instructed me to contact you upon your return.”
“I haven’t informed Elder that I’m back yet.”
“Does that bother you?”
“Yes.”
“Get used to it.”
“Ah… Alright.”
Merlin’s two disciples exchanged words, agreeing to acclimate themselves to the confusion and peculiarity of their situation.
After a moment of silence, Kevin continued.
“Now, let’s discuss what’s happening in Magic Tower. This is more pertinent… Are you curious about why people are regarding you differently?”
“Yes. I’ve encountered similar situations in the past, but this time it feels distinct.”
“It’s similar to me moving to a better professor’s office… It’s because of your achievements in Lake Village.”
