A concealed chamber lay undiscovered within the building.
To be precise, an unseen 6th floor concealed itself from prying eyes, defying external confirmation.
Unraveling its mystery was not an arduous task, provided one followed the right clues.
Venturing out of the room and traversing the hallway led to a diminutive attic space.
Within its desolation, an ancient piano and a stack of discarded cigarette butts occupied the room's barrenness.
The solution was within reach.
Lennok directed his mana towards the piano, employing a spell.
[Unlock]
Fizzzz…!!
In that fleeting moment, an invisible spark emanated from the piano's ivory keys, colliding with Lennok's mana.
It was an expected outcome.
Given the rudimentary nature of the unlocking spell, it was unlikely to penetrate the defenses of a skilled wizard's barrier.
However, it remained certain that the key to the laboratory lay concealed within this very instrument.
If magic could not prevail, then sheer force would suffice.
Disregarding the sparks, Lennok channeled his mana directly into the piano, enveloping it completely.
He encased the piano within a sphere of mana, dove inside, and meticulously deciphered the intricate magical structure hidden within.
Lennok captured and unraveled the intricate tangle of mana flowing through the piano keys.
Zizzzz!!
With a sound akin to paper tearing, the keys of the piano moved as if possessed,
Simultaneously, the room's ceiling swung open wide, revealing a descending staircase.
Thud!
In that moment of realization, Lennok smiled, acknowledging that he had seized the correct thread.
Typically, hidden spaces of this nature were designed to incinerate their contents when subjected to external intrusion.
It became evident that the optimal method of entry was to manipulate the security barrier with precision, as Lennok had just accomplished.
Ascending the staircase, Lennok's eyes fell upon a low-ceilinged attic, where he had to bow his head slightly to navigate its confines.
Lennok's amusement grew as he surveyed the stacks of books, unfamiliar ingredients, and scattered catalysts strewn across the floor. It was evident that significant research had taken place in this hidden chamber.
He picked up a fallen book and examined its contents.
[Advanced Application Research Diary of Electric Flow Control Vol. 3]
"It's confirmed."
These were advanced theories that would never be found in conventional libraries. They contained invaluable knowledge pertaining to unique magic. Each book bore the marks of Eden's relentless efforts to explore and develop extraordinary spells.
By studying these volumes and replicating the research, Lennok's magical prowess could take a leap forward.
Undoubtedly, this discovery held greater significance for Lennok than anything else in this operation.
‘But how should I take all these…?'
A quick glance revealed at least a dozen volumes. Taking into account the catalysts and other items, it would be too conspicuous to move them all at once.
Since Lennok had identified the location, it would be wiser to seal it for now and return later.
Reluctantly, he chose only one book and made his way back to the basement.
The rest of the team had gathered in the hallway, presumably after completing their search of the basement.
"Ah, you're here," Killian greeted, waving his hand.
"Still no luck?"
If the basement indeed housed a vault, it wouldn't be concealed so thoroughly.
Especially in a space regularly utilized, it would be absurd to hide it even from the mana users present.
"No, we found it. But there's a complication," Killian replied.
"The safe's security system is incredibly robust. It's nearly impossible to access it easily."
Agria chimed in, wearing a wry smile.
"If you enter the wrong password more than five times from the outside, the security system activates, blasting hot wind that destroys all the contents. Alternatively, we would need the boss's biometric recognition, which is currently unattainable."
Agria's detailed explanation was accompanied by her bitter smile when questioned about its thoroughness.
"We also develop and provide vaults with a similar structure on our end. The most reliable security measure is to destroy the contents instantly upon detecting an intruder, so they likely had a similar idea."
"Where is the vault located?"
"It's in the facility control room. Let's discuss it once you see it."
The team promptly escorted Lennok to the new destination.
They arrived at an expansive underground space, a vast control room with a ceiling that seemed to stretch dozens of meters high.
Navigating past dormant machines and dusty control consoles, they approached the wall of the open area, allowing Lennok to grasp the significance of their earlier remarks.
"They've converted an entire room into a vault."
"We haven't been able to breach it due to the security system Agria mentioned. Do you have any unconventional methods?"
Killian's question prompted Lennok to give him an incredulous look.
"Are you suggesting that a wizard should hack into a security system?"
If it were a barrier created by a spell like Eden's lab, Lennok would have been capable of breaking through it with his own abilities. However, this fusion of magic and engineering was an entirely different matter.
It resembled an engineering creation powered by mana.
Killian had no response to offer, simply moistening his lips with an awkward expression.
‘Well, this is certainly not what I expected…'
Lennok had assumed that the key he had acquired from Beck Clinton would grant access to the vault. However, upon closer inspection, it appeared that not even a needle would fit in the vault's entry point.
The other team members had brought him here, hoping that Lennok might have a solution. Unfortunately, he had no immediate answers either.
‘Could I use Blink to gain entry…?'
There was no need to employ such a valuable artifact in this situation.
"….I will contact headquarters to check if they possess a similar decryption code."
Agria slipped away from the scene, and the rest of the team remained idle, seemingly at ease.
Lennok gazed at the security device for a while before placing his hand on the keypad, infusing it with mana to enter the password.
The principle behind it was entirely different, but if it operated using magic in a similar fashion, he might be able to discern something.
Uuuuung…!!
Almost instantly after infusing mana into the device, Lennok sensed something peculiar.
‘Wait, this is… easier than I thought.'
The moment his mana spread inside, Lennok had a gut feeling that the circuit's structure within the security device rapidly unfolded in his mind, causing him to flinch involuntarily.
He grasped how mana flowed and accelerated within the circuit, the spatial dynamics involved, and why it operated in a manner tailored to its specific purpose.
All of this information flowed neatly into Lennok's mind, aligning with his newfound enlightenment and heightened understanding of magic engineering.
The product was a testament to the meticulous definition and interpretation of magical principles, relentlessly pursuing optimal efficiency.
Consequently, it operated according to strict rules rather than relying on the user's talent or will.
Weeeeee!!
"Hold on a moment, Van. Something doesn't feel right…"
Lennok interrupted the jubilant voice behind him, his attention fully focused on his task.
This mode of operation was based on logical thinking and a systematic process, akin to magic yet distinct in its own way.
Without precise control over mana at the particle level, interfering with the system would be impossible.
If only Lennok could slightly interfere with the flow from within. And if there is someone who can do that.
He took action.
With precise touch, Lennok connected the mana he had captured on a particle level to a specific circuit, stimulating it. As if by magic, a green light illuminated the keypad, and the security device began to vibrate faintly.
Geek…!!
Witnessing the once securely closed vault door swing open, the rest of the team stared at Lennok in disbelief.
"Is this even possible?" they exclaimed, shaking their heads as if struggling to accept the reality unfolding before them.
After all, it was the vault of a gang that had held a monopoly on the weapons business in the 40s districts for some time. Naturally, their curiosity piqued, and there was the hope of a potential bonus for a successful outcome.
Eyes filled with an inexplicable ambition were fixated on the wide-open vault door, but…
As soon as they spotted a man rummaging inside the vault, it vanished into thin air.
"Hmm? What's going on?" The man turned his head, responding to the sound of the vault opening behind him.
Confidence exuded from him in an unsettling manner, enveloping the group in an eerie silence.
An unexpectedly bewildering presence in a place where everything should have been resolved.
Scratching his head, the man emerged from the vault, one hand casually tucked into his pocket.
"I thought it would take longer for the vault to open, but it seems the job was completed faster than anticipated."
"……"
"……"
"You folks have someone smart in your group, huh? Well, it doesn't really matter either way."
Casting a brief glance at the group, he waved his hand with an annoyed expression.
"Alright, I'll spare you this time. Just get lost. Consider it my generous offer."
"Who are you?"
"Do you really think you'll find out if you ask?" he replied cryptically.
"Hey, keep up that attitude, and we might have to get rough with our questions," Kilian stepped forward, growling with anger.
It was only natural for them to be furious. They believed they had eliminated all remnants of the gang, and now an unwanted intruder was plundering the spoils.
Judging by the absence of any detectable mana, he was likely an opportunist taking advantage of the chaos.
However, as Lennok observed the same person, he sensed something entirely different than Kilian did.
‘No, this is…?'
It wasn't that the man lacked mana. On the contrary, his mana level was so high that no one present could easily determine his limit.
Lennok acted swiftly, placing his hand on the fourth pencil in his pocket.
"Kilian, if you don't want to die, step back," Lennok warned with urgency.
"What? Why?" Kilian was taken aback by Lennok's sudden command.
"He's a wizard, and an incredibly powerful one at that…" Lennok's voice trailed off.
Before anyone could react, the man unleashed a surge of pitch-black mana, striking everyone with devastating force.
Kwoaaaang!!
An invisible force, moving at a speed close to that of sound, tore through the air. It wasn't a mere manipulation of mana; it felt more like a barrage of dark artillery.
The sheer speed generated a powerful shockwave, and an eerie silence engulfed the space.
The intensity of the attack left the onlookers pale-faced, stunned by the overwhelming power on display.
Reacting swiftly, Killian and Dylan sprang into action, seemingly in sync.
Screeeech……!!
In an instant, Killian transformed into a wolf, let out a fierce roar, and launched himself forward. At the same time, Dylan extended his leg and assumed a low stance.
Squuuuueal!!
A javelin streaked through the empty air. Killian deftly caught the elongated projectile, resembling a bolt of lightning, over his shoulder and charged toward the man.
His gray fur-covered claws emitted a strange silver mana, striking out in a wide arc.
Kaaaack!!
A thunderous sound tore through the air as the shockwave from the claw attack surged toward the man, threatening to shatter everything in its path.
Kwoaaaang!!
The joint assault from Kilian and Dylan came at the man from both directions.
The resounding explosion snapped the others out of their daze, prompting them to unleash their own barrage of attacks.
Everyone sensed the aura of death emanating from the black wave unleashed by the man. Deep down, they knew that if they didn't eliminate him now, there might not be another chance.
However, their hopes and premonitions shattered the moment they witnessed the black droplet emerging from the epicenter of the explosion.
That single droplet, formed by the man's casually extended finger, nullified all projectiles and mana that came into contact with it, freezing them in place.
How much intricate imagery and complex magical formula were embedded within that deceptively simple spell?
Only Lennok, in that moment, could fathom the depths of its power.
Emerging from behind his frozen comrades, Lennok stepped forward with determination.
"Move…!" he commanded, slicing through the stunned silence.
Though he hadn't fully comprehended the enlightenment he gained from his battle with Eden, there was no time to ponder its intricacies now.
Drawing upon his newfound understanding, he pushed his mana to its limits, gathering and coalescing it.
Above Lennok's right palm floated a small, spiral blue sphere, resembling a miniature star.
[Anti-Torpedo]
Buzzzzz!!!
Electricity crackled violently in the air, spinning and exploding, engulfing everything in its path in a blinding flash.
The dispersed black droplets couldn't withstand the onslaught and dissipated.
Yet, the blazing streak of light continued its relentless charge, aimed directly at the man's head.
"Magic that I know, how intriguing," the man remarked, a smirk playing on his lips.
"Then try to catch this."
[Soul Fusion]
In that instant.
The entire space plunged into darkness, robbing everyone of their sight simultaneously.
Sssssssss…..!!
Only the chilling sound of encroaching darkness seeped into their consciousness, creeping ever closer.
Amidst the disorienting chaos, where rationality gave way to panic, Lennok alone remained composed, adjusting his mana with calm precision.
The overwhelming power differential that stripped away the opponents' senses.
Yet, his mind was ablaze with thoughts beyond mere powerlessness.
His intellect, sharpened by the battle with Eden, and his instincts, if only for a brief moment, sought a level of skill that transcended normal boundaries.
What must be blocked, and what can be defended against the unseen, unfelt darkness emanating from the adversary?
The answer didn't elude him for long.
Within the pitch-black abyss, the mana he had gathered sparked an innate miracle, unleashing vibrations even Lennok himself hadn't known.
Knowledge without sight.
As the ‘droplet' that had fallen from the tips of the confronting index finger dissipated into the air, it expanded before Lennok, seizing and blocking the surrounding space.
Kagagagagak!!!
A jarring sound reverberated, as if it were tearing through eardrums.
After what felt like an eternity, the darkness weakened and slowly receded.
"What is this?" the man on the other side queried, a playful smile adorning his face.
"I thought there were only useless fools, but it seems there is a valuable young talent."
Kiiiiii…….
With those words, an eerie noise suddenly echoed throughout the entire cavern.
Gugugugugu!!!
The basement shook violently, and only then did the other comrades realize something was amiss, their faces turning pale.
"I like it."
Kwaaaaaaaa!!!
As if a colossal lid was being lifted, the ceiling of the cavern swung open wide, dispelling the darkness.
Beyond the expanse of the wide-open sky, a towering figure loomed, effortlessly clearing a ten-meter distance from the battlefield.
Covered in a grotesque array of thorns akin to a demon's form, its massive fingers were adorned with sharp blades and thick chains.
Merely locking eyes with it induced a bone-chilling freeze. Under the oppressive weight of its cold and viscous mana, everyone held their breath, their eyes widening in astonishment.
(TO BE CONTINUED)
