Of course, for Lennok, the most important harvest was none other than the dozens of Malabest roots carefully stored in his pockets.
Although there were many twists and turns to acquire this item after hearing from Yakson that Malabest was needed, it was more than satisfying to have successfully plundered the Drug Lord’s assets.
If the massive amount of rare medicinal herbs stored in his warehouse were converted into money, their value would also be considerable.
Once he received confirmation from Lapis for the settlement of all these affairs, Lennok’s work in the autonomous region would be considered done.
He was curious about Akasha’s whereabouts, but a wizard of her caliber wouldn’t have been unable to protect herself; he would have an opportunity to meet her again later.
With that thought, Lennok shoved the bread he was holding into his mouth and stood up.
He observed Amon, who had also ceased eating and risen from his seat.
“There’s no need to follow me; I’m going to see Lapis.”
“No, let’s go together.”
Amon replied promptly, gathering his attire.
“I’ve been asked to guide you whenever you wish.”
The two of them proceeded directly to Lapis’ office.
Upon their arrival, Lapis warmly greeted them, though she had been sighing over a towering stack of paperwork, almost her own height. She said, “Welcome, I’ve been waiting for you.”
“You look busy.”
“Yes, I have to deal with cooperation measures during the cleanup of the floating island’s wreckage, as well as rights for researching Homunculus corpses. It’s a matter that can’t be entrusted to anyone else since I have to directly coordinate opinions with the government.”
At a subtle signal from Lapis, Amon nodded and promptly exited the room.
His demeanor had completely transformed from the previously sluggish one.
“Quite loyal. Has he always been like this?”
“Amon is a survivor of a destroyed martial arts family. We took him in after he lost everything to the ‘White Lion,’ fueled by his desire for revenge.”
“White Lion?”
“A notorious murderer known as a member of the Pandemonium. He’s a highly wanted criminal with a particularly cruel modus operandi and a bizarre taste for human flesh, someone who tends to establish vengeful relationships.”
“Hmm…”
In a world with crocodile-headed and eagle-headed beings, the existence of lion-headed individual didn’t seem unusual.
“Anyway, we intend to settle your contributions to this matter.”
“A settlement?”
“Since you haven’t formally joined the Eyes of Blue, you’re an outsider. It’s only natural to compensate you accordingly.”
Lapis rose from her chair.
“Rather than talking about it here, it would be better to show you and explain. Come with me.”
She then led Lennok directly to the basement of the lighthouse.
After passing through guest rooms on the basement’s first floor and navigating through cluttered, dimly lit rooms and warehouses on the second floor, they reached the third floor. A massive iron door awaited them.
Lapis touched the door and channeled mana into it, causing it to swing open, revealing the interior.
The room emanated a gentle warmth and a distinct fragrance, a blend of various magical energies.
It reminded Lennok of when the wizard Raul had displayed his collection of artifacts.
This room appeared to serve a similar purpose for Lapis.
Under the subdued lighting of the spacious chamber, an assortment of weapons and riches were piled high.
“This is the vault where we’ve stored assets acquired since the Eyes of Blue returned to the lighthouse.”
She explained, then guided Lennok through the jumbled collection of artifacts and items toward the innermost part of the vault.
There, in an upscale glass display case, rested four items—various artifacts exuding unique magical auras.
These were not merely valuable items; they possessed an overwhelming and potent aura that even momentarily captivated Lennok.
The magical aura emanating from the surrounding artifacts paled in comparison to the energy bursting forth from this collection.
Noticing Lennok’s focused gaze, Lapis began to explain.
“These are equipment used by Grandmother. They are also known as magical armaments.”
“Items directly used by the Ascendant?”
“To be precise, these are the items Grandmother used before attempting Ascension. I’ve heard that they haven’t been used since taking on the role of the Lighthouse Keeper.”
“…”
Lennok was familiar with the concept of high-level wizards using a collection of artifacts to assist in casting spells and in battle, which were often referred to as magical armaments. If Lapis was correct, these were items used by Madria Falcia just before reaching level 9.
“The artifacts gathered here don’t suit me very well, so I’ve set them aside. However, their effects are significant. I thought of giving them to someone worthy, along with the Eyes of Blue, as a meaningful gesture. I believe it’s more than sufficient as compensation for this matter.”
With these words, Lapis opened the display case and took out a black shining rosary from it.
“This is called ‘Charm of Earth’s Embrace’ (程土伸該珍言), made of 108 beads carved from Night Moon tree. Please take it.”
Lennok accepted the artifact without hesitation. He had no intention of refusing Lapis’ gift, especially when it meant forging a connection with the Eyes of Blue. Furthermore, an artifact used by a level 8 spellcaster piqued Lennok’s strong interest, as it undoubtedly possessed unique and potent attributes.
Lapis continued her explanation.
“As far as I know, it operates by designating a specific space and trapping concepts within. Both I and Grisha have tried handling it, but it requires a significant understanding of space to manipulate easily.”
“An understanding of space…”
“The artifact has the ability to disassemble and analyze the properties of a particular space, which helped Grandmother master the abilities of Celestial Sight.”
“Is it okay to hand over such an item to me?”
If it’s an item that assisted Madrea in understanding spatial magic, it will undoubtedly also be of great help in understanding spellcasting related to space.
Lapis nodded calmly.
“Unlike Grandmother, who inherited the mission without any foundation, I have already inherited everything from her. It’s actually too much for someone like me, who is not very talented in combat.”
At that point, Lennok remained silent. Judging by Lapis’ explanation, the rosary seemed to be an artifact related to trapping and sealing concepts based on spatial understanding. Given that Madrea had used it, its effects must be incredibly potent. It could be a valuable aid to Lennok, especially when he needed to subdue opponents without causing harm.
Upon wearing the rosary, Lennok felt his mind clear. He deactivated his magical sensing and found that his innate spatial perception had sharpened significantly. It was clear that this seemingly ordinary item held extraordinary power.
As Lennok examined the rosary, he couldn’t help but be impressed.
“Amazing. Are all artifacts used by Ascendants like this?”
“While not all of them have combat abilities added, the artifacts are certainly adequate for top-tier spellcasters.”
Lapis closed the vault and continued, “If it weren’t for Evan’s suggestion, I would have originally planned to reveal some of the weapons existing within the Eyes of Blue as the price for revealing the Lighthouse’s location. But the most important thing is not to expose our own power.”
Of course, she could make such statements because the restoration of the two floating islands was proceeding smoothly. It was fortunate that matters had been resolved successfully in the end.
‘Considering the essence extracted from the drug lord’s body, it’s a win-win situation for us.’
The essence of the Homunculus extracted just before escaping the island.
It’s akin to the essence of alchemy, which is the condensation of the mystical into a single form.
If he studies this essence alongside his existing foundational knowledge of alchemy, mastering the art of alchemy wouldn’t be too daunting.
With these thoughts in mind, Lennok followed Lapis up to the lighthouse.
At the summit of the colossal lighthouse, half of which lay in ruins.
Amidst the debris from the fallen stone walls scattered on the observation deck, Lapis turned toward Lennok, her face braving the wind.
“You’ve really gone through a lot this time. I originally just wanted to have a simple chat, but I’ve inadvertently received a lot of help.”
“There’s no need to think that way. I wouldn’t have even tried if the odds were against us.”
While physically exhausting, there was no denying the tremendous gains made.
Lennok had obtained benefits, both magical and financial, that exceeded everything he had accomplished thus far.
From the development of unique fire-based magic to innovative magical research.
Not just a few Malabest roots but all the assets seized from the drug lord’s storage.
And the Charm of Earth’s Embrace that Lapis had given as a token of gratitude for his involvement in this affair.
Certainly, this information about the drug lord being comatose would prove highly valuable when he returned to the Vulcan.
Even though he had been tirelessly navigating the autonomous region without proper rest for days, Lennok was content, knowing he had gained more than he had invested.
“What are you planning to do going forward?”
“I plan to leave the autonomous region for a while. Although we’ve successfully subdued the drug lord, it would be wise to step back and monitor the situation with Pandemonium.”
“……”
“Not just Pandemonium, the Guuido Church is also showing unusual movements. Unlike Pandemonium, who plans to use monsters from the sea, they are genuine zealots serving the apocalypse, so we need to be even more cautious.”
Lennok tilted his head as he observed Lapis from behind.
The bright sunlight cast a shadow on her face as it radiated from behind her.
“Aren’t you going to ask me to join the Eyes of Blue anymore? You’re being quite generous.”
“Isn’t it enough that I’ve realized I can’t persuade you with just a few words?”
“……”
“I am content with keeping the relationship like this for now.”
Lapis’s demeanor seemed much more relaxed than before. She must have adjusted her approach after witnessing Lennok’s handling of the drug lord.
“Whenever you can gauge what we can achieve, please visit us again. That will be enough.”
“You speak well. But what if I really don’t show my face after saying so?”
Rather than responding directly, Lapis offered a gentle smile.
Unable to resist, Lennok also chuckled.
“Fine, good. I was planning on going back to the Vulcan anyway. I can put off what comes next. Let’s see how well you can keep your word until then.”
“I will not give up. Shouldn’t you go through nine thresholds to get a good spear?”
“……Is that how you use proverbs here? Whether it’s a spear or a sword, it doesn’t matter, think as you please.”
He gave a slight shake to the rosary bracelet on his wrist.
“I’d rather not repeat yesterday, but I’m always open to gifts like today.”
