Lennok closed his mouth, realizing that his arrogance had become unbearable.
The past month had seen a noticeable divergence in his path. Lennok had become deeply engrossed in researching magic that surpassed conventional boundaries, venturing into uncharted territory. He had even shared this newfound knowledge with Aris, unaware of the consequences.
But deep down, Lennok knew that Aris might have already sensed the change in him. After all, they were comrades studying magic together.
Seeing Lennok, who had completely transformed into a different person in an instant, Aris urgently spoke.
"Of course, I don't intend to exploit you in my research lab without any position. I propose that you officially join as an assistant professor, with the authority to give lectures and attend courses at the university. You'll receive a salary and various benefits, ensuring your well-being…"
Lennok abruptly stood up, not bothering to listen to the rest of Aris's offer. A familiar, friendly smile graced his face, reminiscent of their first meeting.
"Let me think it over, and I'll get back to you, alright?"
Aris was no fool. She understood that missing this opportunity would make it impossible to broach the subject again. Filled with anxiety, she stood up from the table, turned to face Lennok, and spoke with determination.
"I can provide you with a new identity."
"……"
Upon hearing those words, Lennok realized that their relationship had reached a point where avoidance was no longer possible.
"How did you find out?"
Lennok wasn't foolish enough to ignore Aris's resolute tone. Nor did he desire to deceive her.
Aris responded in a subdued voice to Lennok's calm admission.
"In this city, it's not uncommon to be nameless."
"……"
Perhaps Lennok had allowed her to speculate precisely because he hadn't shown much interest in either side.
"Being an assistant professor at Rabaton University alone is a recognized job. Even though your status is uncertain right now, taking action through this connection could make obtaining a genuine identification card not impossible."
"Hmm…"
Lennok let out a small sigh.
It seemed absurd, but Aris's words held a sliver of truth in them.
The cost of acquiring a high-quality forged identification card, as the hacker introduced by Jenny had revealed, was over 400 million cells.
But what would it cost to obtain a legitimate identification card?
What price would he have to pay to establish a respected job and position within the city?
It was a problem that couldn't be easily estimated.
For Lennok, the significant benefits lay in reducing intermediaries and saving costs. Moreover, the opportunity to engage in proper magical research under Aris's guidance held far greater merit than mere financial gain.
Had Lennok managed to read Aris's wavering expression? Aris hesitated and spoke.
"I want to help. You may think it's unrelated, but…"
"……"
"It's a challenging situation."
Only after hearing those words did Lennok fully trust Aris's sincerity. Considering her personality and actions thus far, it was evident that her words carried weight. She was an uncommon individual, particularly in this cold and rigid city.
The only question remained: Was Lennok prepared to accept her proposition?
In the end, his response wasn't any different from before.
"I need some time to think," Lennok stated, echoing his earlier words.
But this time, had he glimpsed something beyond Aris' gaze?
Unlike before, Aris' expression had softened considerably.
⏩ ⏩ ⏩ ⏩ ⏩ ⏩
"It should be around here."
Having finally ventured outside the library after a long time, Lennok surveyed his surroundings. The weather was growing colder with each passing day. The sharp air that brushed against his skin had transformed into a chilly breeze, seeping beneath his collar.
An abandoned shopping district. Lennok caught a glimpse of his own reflection in the opaque glass, wearing tattered clothing and gazing into the mirror with bloodshot eyes. Suddenly, he came to a halt.
The image of the disheveled young man clad in rags, staring back at him with bloodshot eyes, gradually faded away. In its place, a thick trench coat hung from Lennok's shoulders, replacing his worn-out sneakers with sleek dress shoes.
With black gloves gifted by Panua adorning his hands, no exposed flesh remained on his face. If he were to wear a mask, his appearance would bear a striking resemblance to Dylan's.
"The surroundings are rather dim. It differs from what I've heard."
Jordan had provided Lennok with information about the dark wizards, including a street where the moderate faction conducted their activities. However, finding even a single passerby on the desolate street proved challenging.
A month had passed since the crackdowns began, and Lennok had anticipated a gradual return to normalcy. Yet, it seemed he had been mistaken.
The buildings had sealed doors and tightly shut windows, refusing entry from the outside world.
A shop with closed shutters and an unidentified exhibition hall caught Lennok's attention. Only a row of worn-out mannequins in a clothing store caught his gaze.
The government's hold on the underground seemed stronger than he had initially assumed.
Helplessly, Lennok activated his mana, scanning the surroundings.
In an instant, he absorbed visual information from the entire street, quickly searching for signs of life.
Footsteps. Faint breaths.
And a group of individuals rapidly approaching from a distance.
It appeared that these individuals might hold the answers to Lennok's questions.
As he stood there, arms crossed, a crowd emerged from the dark alleyways.
They wore suits, with shiny silver badges adorning their collarbones.
They were government officials from the Vulcan City Government.
Lennok's eyebrows twitched slightly as he noticed a small, hunched elderly man standing among them.
He recognized the face—a person he never expected to encounter in such a place.
The old man widened his eyes as if recognizing Lennok's face.
They stood within earshot of each other, and the old man struggled to speak.
"I never thought I would see you here again."
"I feel the same way, Councilor. I hope you have been well."
Upon hearing Lennok's composed response, Meyer, a councilor, pursed his lips.
"You always have a way with words, don't you? I have been hearing stories about you."
"……"
"I'm referring to the recent commotion on this street. They say you single-handedly eradicated a gang. Even my colleagues warned me to be cautious around wizards."
"The rumors are exaggerated."
Though Lennok attempted to downplay it, Meyer paid no mind.
"Indeed, my judgment was not mistaken. I should have firmly grasped you back then."
His eyes still brimmed with unwavering ambition, just as they had before.
Unable to evade the topic, Lennok shifted the conversation.
"So, what brings you here?"
"You still remember what you said back then. It was the most memorable advice I received from a friend younger than my own son," Meyer remarked, observing Lennok's embarrassed expression. Finally, he initiated the conversation in a discreet manner.
"It's a belated explanation. I have secured a position in the committee overseeing the inspections. I came here for the follow-up process after the inspection."
"The committee?"
Lennok found it quite unexpected.
It meant that this greedy old man had somehow managed to secure a place in the schedule organized by the city government.
While one might call it luck, such fortune rarely comes easily in the political arena.
Lennok didn't know what methods Meyer had employed, but in a short span of time, he seemed to have solidified a significant political position.
"Indeed. If I want talented young individuals like you under my command, I need to establish a more convincing reputation, wouldn't you agree? But it seems you have already increased your value in the meantime."
"You'll have to work harder."
Meyer chuckled, causing Lennok to shudder.
He could make such jokes without hesitation because he held a favorable view of Lennok from the beginning.
As Lennok assessed the situation in his mind, his eyes narrowed.
‘Perhaps we could actually collaborate.'
Although it was currently impossible for Lennok to establish connections with key figures in the government, it might be feasible to prepare for the future.
Despite Meyer's advancing age, he had proven that he could secure a slice of that limited power pie for himself.
While Lennok was unaware of Meyer's ambitions and the challenges he posed to authority, there was no reason to keep him as an enemy.
That's why Lennok candidly revealed his purpose for being there.
"I have some business with the dark wizards, which is why I came here. I knew there were people conducting business in this area, but it seems they couldn't evade the inspections."
"It might be challenging to find other wizards here for a while."
Meyer's statement implied that even he, as a participant in the inspections, found it difficult to locate them.
Ignoring Lennok's gaze, Meyer murmured as if discussing someone else's affairs.
"The determination of the higher-ups is stronger than I anticipated. There must be a more significant reason than what meets the eye."
"Is preventing wizards from profiting the ultimate goal?"
"Well, there could be various reasons. Perhaps the wizards are evading taxes on the money they earn, or maybe they aim to attract wizards who have been hiding in obscurity into the government's embrace."
"……"
"I have no idea, but it's a possibility."
Meyer chuckled softly.
Greed glistened in Meyer's eyes once again. Observing that naked emotion, Lennok let out a soft sigh.
He behaves like a fool who only cares about immediate success, but in the current situation, it's actually a wise approach.
Do not desire information and knowledge that surpasses your authority.
Even if you're curious, keep it concealed.
Even if Lennok were to question the other officials standing behind Meyer, it would be challenging to receive a satisfactory answer.
With a nod, Lennok neatly concluded his thoughts.
"Well then, I shall take my leave."
"Are you planning to visit your friends?"
"Even if they managed to evade the inspections, they wouldn't have left the city."
He had no intention of giving up so easily.
A stagnant world.
Lennok was prepared to do whatever it took to hear the story about the theory that Aris had dismissed as utterly useless.
"Hmm…"
Meyer exhaled as if there was no other choice.
"It would be futile to search in the 40s districts. Try going further out."
"Thank you."
"You probably understand why I'm telling you this, right?"
Meyer revealed his yellowed teeth and smirked.
"Let's have a drink together soon."
Lennok shrugged lightly as he watched Meyer depart with the officials he had brought along, disappearing down the street.
Compared to their meeting in front of the Patent Office, Meyer appeared much more lively as he moved with a dozen or so aides.
Lennok didn't know what motivated him to seize power at such a late stage in life, but regardless, the fact that he was achieving results was significant.
For that reason, Lennok didn't simply dismiss the person named Meyer.
Currently, Meyer was the one pursuing Lennok, but nobody knew what the future held.
With that thought in mind, Lennok adjusted his coat collar and turned away.
"The outer district, huh…"
Lennok recalled the discussions about dark wizards residing in the extra zones from the information provided by Jordan.
Before setting off, he thought it would be wise to visit Jenny's bar and inform her of his intended destination.
(TO BE CONTINUED)
