Lennok had never expected that they would transport such a valuable relic in a fragmented state instead of preserving it in its original condition.
Is there a different approach to safeguarding top-tier relics that Lennok might be unaware of?
Contemplating this possibility, Lennok meticulously searched the area where the bodies of the other expedition members lay. However, apart from some damaged cell phones and wallets, nothing of significance was found.
Brrr…!!
Lennok attempted to infuse his mana into the multi-colored gemstone as a test, but it only vibrated vigorously in his hand without triggering any specific event.
Could it require a specialized usage method or perhaps an activation phrase of some kind?
Lennok resolved to investigate the details of this matter once it was concluded.
Without dwelling on his concerns, Lennok promptly gathered the loot and turned away.
Jenny was speaking in the car, but her words were inaudible to him.
Only after dispelling the security spells and mana shields on the sports car did she swing open the door and rush out.
“Is this even possible? Even for a wizard?”
She gazed at the scene Lennok had created, wearing an astonished expression before shaking her head vigorously.
“To single-handedly annihilate the expedition team, this isn’t a matter of just level or skill. You’ve surpassed what an individual should be able to do.”
By ‘individual,’ Jenny likely referred to mana users who hadn’t transcended human limits.
In other words, freelancers like him, whom she worked with.
It wasn’t surprising that she abandoned the idea of confronting them and promptly called for backup.
Lennok’s combat abilities were increasingly transcending the ordinary.
Beyond his proficiency in wielding various magic spells, his battle instincts precisely identified the enemy’s vulnerabilities.
His tactics, involving sensory suppression and exploiting weaknesses, had become as natural to him as breathing.
His repeated experiences and sharpened senses against formidable foes had become part of Lennok’s prowess.
Jenny glanced at the charred remains and remarked, “…calling for help turned out to be pointless.”
“Well, human affairs are unpredictable. It wasn’t a waste.”
As Lennok exhaled rings of smoke and grinned, Jenny let out a deep sigh.
“No, it’s my fault for not trusting you enough. I’m sorry.”
She then swiftly began typing on her phone.
Evidently, she was canceling the backup she had summoned.
Considering it was Jenny’s first time witnessing Lennok’s on-site actions, her reaction was understandable.
The disparity between reviewing Lennok’s accomplishments through records or videos and witnessing them firsthand was substantial.
It wasn’t unreasonable for her to prioritize safety over blind faith in Lennok’s abilities.
After all, Lennok had been through enough to understand this perspective.
“I’m used to solving things on my own. I simply did what had to be done. It wasn’t a complete waste of time,” Lennok summarized what he had learned through his conversations with Brook.
That they had employed the ‘Compassion of the Archangel’ from the other side to stage a ruse and targeted the amulet while attempting to silence both of them.
That the gemstone attached to the ‘Compassion of the Archangel’ had ended up in his possession.
And that the remaining staff portion was likely in the old man’s hands.
“I see,” Jenny sighed with a complex expression as she gazed down at the gemstone.
“They probably separated the relic to weaken its power and reduce the chances of being traced.”
“……”
“Having such an object will only entangle us in needless conflicts…”
When she reopened her eyes, they gleamed coldly.
“But I have no intention of giving away what’s already in my hand for free. The expedition team will pay a hefty price for what happened today.”
It was an expected response. Lennok had initially considered this when he had inquired about an accomplice to Brook.
If today’s incident wasn’t orchestrated by Irina Pheffield, that would be even more puzzling.
“Do I have anything else to do?”
“No. Decimating the expedition team here today is enough. I’ll find out separately how closely that old man we saw at the auction is connected to the expedition team. For now, we should find the potion maker before any more interruptions.”
It remained uncertain whether anyone else besides these individuals was searching for the potion maker.
Upon Jenny’s resolute words, Lennok stared at the amulet he held in his hand.
A high-ranking life wizard who had already retreated from the front lines.
Could the intention to resurrect even a fallen human body lift the curse inscribed on Lennok’s body?
He knew he shouldn’t harbor excessive hope.
But despite his rationality, he couldn’t help but feel a faint flutter in his heart.
***
Yakson Anushka Greenway.
A recluse who, having reached Level 7 as an alchemist, prescribes the most suitable treatment to patients with extraordinary diagnostic and manufacturing skills.
At her zenith, half the region clamored for her medicine, a testament to her reputation.
However, she has now forsaken all fame, vanished from the public eye, and simply awaits her end.
To meet this enigmatic woman, Lennok undertook arduous steps.
Swoosh!
“Ah, this way.”
He allowed the brisk wind to caress his cheek and gazed down at the amulet in his hand.
At first glance, it appeared to be a chaotic amulet adorned with strange characters engraved haphazardly, but Lennok could now discern the hidden truths even within such mundane objects.
If any technique employed magical skills, discerning its purpose wasn’t a formidable task.
The magic contained in this amulet was unmistakably a guide left by Yakson for reconnecting with an old acquaintance.
It was designed so that, if deemed worthy, one could certainly find the path.
Following the flow of the characters and infusing mana, placing the amulet on his palm projected a map displaying a small island.
Situated in District 55, within a mountainous region.
An untouched and undeveloped area, densely covered with lush forests and vegetation.
The mystical aura lingering here possessed the power to leave both those who entered and those who departed feeling incomplete.
Nestled amidst a complex mountain range that crisscrossed the landscape, a serene lake came into view.
An old house perched on the edge of a small island, its petals fluttering like cherry blossoms, caught the eye.
“That old woman still has terrible taste,” Jenny murmured, struggling to catch her breath beside him.
“Why on earth would she choose to build a house in a place like this…?”
Apparently, Jenny had a personal connection with Yakson, but her words and demeanor lacked hesitation.
Considering Jenny’s adaptable approach to dealing with people based on their disposition, one could vaguely speculate that Yakson’s personality wasn’t too eccentric.
For Lennok, it wasn’t a bad thing that the elderly woman wasn’t eccentric, but… The real concern likely lay elsewhere.
What mattered most was whether Yakson could maintain confidentiality after diagnosing Lennok’s condition.
That was the sole apprehension.
The reason Lennok followed Jenny’s advice and embarked on this perilous journey, seeking Yakson’s amulet, was because she was a doctor who had challenged Level 8, imposing a self-imposed constraint to ‘completely forget the memory of a patient she had once treated.’
It was a stringent self-imposed constraint stemming from a sense of vocation, ensuring the safety of erasing all knowledge of a patient she had previously diagnosed.
Ironically, the downfall of the doctor who had been so devoted to medicine had begun with the constraint of not recalling her own diagnoses.
The world doesn’t always align with our desires, and reality often lacks beauty.
Individuals who have walked the righteous path yet failed to achieve the desired outcomes are scattered throughout this city like discarded refuse.
“We’re here.”
Even if she hadn’t vocalized it, Lennok had already detected life forms on the island through his magical senses.
An elderly woman seated at the juncture of the lake and the island, cradling a fishing rod, her gaze fixated endlessly on the distant horizon.
Her thinning hair pulled back and adorned with a flower hairpin.
Her garments billowing in the wind, and her brightly colored shoes.
Had they encountered her in the midst of the city, her striking appearance would have been unforgettable.
Even as the two approached, Yakson didn’t turn her head and continued to focus on her fishing rod.
When Lennok glanced at Jenny inquisitively, she merely shrugged.
Was it a signal to wait?
Well, there was no reason not to exercise patience after coming this far.
As long as it yielded significant results, he was prepared to wait as long as his stamina held out.
Before long, there was a response from Yakson.
With her weathered hands, she deftly snatched the fishing rod like lightning and reeled in a fish that floundered in the air.
Yakson wordlessly placed the caught fish into a bucket beside her and slowly rose to her feet.
She made her way toward the old house without sparing a glance for Lennok and Jenny.
The sharp, almost pungent aroma of herbs permeated the air. It wasn’t overpowering, but it wasn’t a scent one could easily become accustomed to.
With deft skill, she prepared the freshly caught fish and began to have her meal in solitude.
It was evident from the beginning that she had no interest in the two visitors.
“What should we do?”
“Let’s sort out our own meals first.”
Fortunately, Lennok had some sandwiches he had personally brought along, so they could readily satisfy their hunger.
Jenny appeared quite surprised that Lennok had prepared and carried such foods.
“A paprika sandwich? Was this your taste?”
“It’s not bad once you get used to it. The crunchy texture is quite nice, too.”
“People can survive on just meat and flour. You don’t need to pay attention to such a diet.”
Listening to Jenny’s words, one could easily deduce her typical eating habits.
Lennok didn’t disdain such fare, but this health-conscious food had its own refreshing appeal.
While Lennok casually enjoyed his sandwich, Jenny peered at the one in her hands.
She promptly shoved it into her mouth, chewed hastily, and swallowed.
“Ugh…”
Lennok burst into laughter at Jenny’s grimace as she stuck out her tongue.
“If you hate eating it that much, you might as well have gone down to find food.”
“No. I have to see this through here.”
Wiping her mouth, Jenny settled down next to Lennok.
“I’ve already split my limited time to come here. If I don’t see the conclusion now, I won’t be satisfied.”
“You’re not wrong.”
Lennok focused on completing the task and receiving compensation to treat his condition, but Jenny had different concerns.
She continually managed relationships among hundreds and even thousands of acquaintances and friends. She provided suitable work for various freelancers who sought her out and promptly resolved any issues that arose among them.
Even now, her phone must have been buzzing incessantly with notifications, calls, and messages.
Time spent in this profession directly translated into money.
Yet, there was something oddly touching about her decision to disregard all those notifications and sit beside Lennok to help him address his problems.
Catching a glimpse of Lennok’s expression, Jenny lightly tapped his shoulder and smiled, “Don’t worry. I’ve taken care of everything before coming here. Once we’re done and head back, the payment for the last electronic drug kit should be in. I’ll transfer it directly to your account.”
“Okay,” Lennok responded with a faint smile, acknowledging her reassuring words.
Time continued to pass.
In the mountains, the sun set swiftly, casting darkness over the landscape.
The sparkling stars in the night sky were reflected on the small lake, creating a picturesque scene.
A tranquil sight that was hard to come by in the polluted, bustling heart of Vulcan.
In their busy lives, moments like this were quite precious.
Lennok knew he shouldn’t become too sentimental, but he couldn’t help but feel a sense of melancholy at times like these.
He had been running forward, not knowing how far he had come.
He had thought those days of moving forward with trepidation were long gone, but here he sat, grappling with the same concerns.
Gazing at the serene lake only intensified his contemplations.
He needed to calm his urgent emotions and proceed thoughtfully, but the surroundings showed no mercy.
Philenom Autonomous Region. There were undoubtedly things he needed to learn from the next lighthouse keeper.
He had to take the first step before matters escalated.
Lost in thought, he glanced at Jenny, who sat beside him, her gaze fixed on the lake, her head swaying slightly.
Brokers, living according to the unpredictable schedules of freelancers.
Unlike others who had set routines, they were in a profession that demanded constant professional consultations.
Sitting still made accumulated fatigue inevitable.
It would be fortunate if Jenny didn’t stumble and fall into the lake in her current state.
Just as Lennok reached out to gently guide her shoulder, a thick pillow suddenly materialized between them.
…
Before they realized it, Yakson had drawn closer and was peering down at the two with a somber expression.
