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Lennok carefully withdrew Grime’s staff from its place on his back, then firmly planted it in front of him.
“Here, I’ll return this to you,” Lennok declared, his gaze fixed upon the staff as it effortlessly pierced the earth in the garden.
“It appears that you held the wizard in high regard. What a shame.”
Wasn’t there only one individual who held knowledge of Grime’s staff, who possessed prior knowledge of Lennok’s visit to the patent office, and who nonchalantly roamed these streets disguised as someone engaged in exercise?
Wasn’t this the sole person positioned directly opposite Lennok in this particular matter?
The old man looked up at Lennok with burning eyes and said,
“…..You knew.”
“Do you have anything else to say?”
Although Lennok intended to avoid conflict with the powerful as much as possible, he had no other choice when they approached him like this.
He didn’t expect them to reveal themselves instead of ordering their subordinates.
‘When I return, I’ll have to extort more money from the pharmaceutical company.’
Surely, they said they couldn’t move directly because of the lobby against the higher-ups.
Of course, he didn’t take the client’s word for it and accept the request, but he didn’t know it would be so useless.
As Lennok frowned in frustration, the councilor opened his mouth.
His gaze was still fixed on the staff embedded in the ground.
“Grime. He had no talent, but he was a good friend. He was devoted to supporting me from the moment I decided to become a politician.”
“…….”
“Why do you think I came all the way here to see you after my friend died?”
“Is it revenge?”
Lennok replied, but he had a feeling that wasn’t the right answer.
The way the old man looked at him now was clearly different from hatred, disappointment, or anger.
In a way, it was very close to intense greed.
“I won’t talk too long. Come under me.”
“…….”
“It’s a loss to the whole city for a talented and capable wizard like you to work alone. I was convinced when I saw the lightning on a cloudless night.”
He continued speaking.
“I will continue to rise, and I can make you rise too. I can create a place for you in the forest of skyscrapers…”
Each word revealed intense ambition.
Regardless of his present position, Lennok recognized the councilor as an exceptional individual.
He possessed a craving for wealth not rightfully his own, sought after honor and power that remained out of his grasp, and harbored talents that had yet to be acknowledged.
To be so relentlessly driven by such ambitions was a rarity indeed.
Perhaps it was precisely because of these qualities that he coveted the patents produced by the pharmaceutical company within his jurisdiction.
Nevertheless, Lennok had no intention of putting a leash on himself in such a place.
“What’s your point?”
Lennok said with a smile.
“Even if you want me, councilor, I have no reason to need you.”
“Are you rejecting my proposal now?”
“Even if I were in a hurry, wouldn’t I have no reason to specifically choose you, councilor?”
Furthermore, within the heart of this city, there existed numerous individuals who held far greater influence.
If Lennok truly sought the aid of a powerful figure, there were countless others occupying higher positions.
To be frank, the councilor’s worth didn’t measure up.
Lennok had already established himself as a renowned wizard in his own right, while the old man held a mere councilorship over a district, far from the esteemed title of mayor.
Lennok observed the old man, who appeared to comprehend the implications behind his words and lapsed into silence.
‘That should be enough.’
There was no need to cause excessive unease to someone who approached seeking his abilities.
Regardless of the old man’s avarice, transforming such an ambitious individual into an adversary would only bring trouble.
Even without any intention to collaborate, it was wiser to maintain a certain ambiguity in their relationship by offering moderate appeasement.
Observing the old man with his head down, Lennok chose to continue pacifying him.
“But if you help me, councilor, I might be able to repay you someday.”
“….What do you mean?”
“We may not be close, but there’s no reason for us to remain on bad terms, right?”
A faint smile played on Lennok’s lips as he witnessed the rekindling spark in the old man’s eyes.
Back on Earth, he lacked the maturity to navigate such dealings with others.
However, it was imperative to establish a firm connection in this place.
When other influential figures eventually took notice of Lennok’s power and talents, attempting to impose control on him, having someone who could intervene from the sidelines might prove essential.
While it remained crucial for Lennok to grow strong enough to shatter those restraints and forge his own path, the future was uncertain and devoid of guarantees.
Thus, he sowed a small seed within the heart of this covetous old man today, in anticipation of that fateful day.
No one could foresee how that seed would sprout and cast its enigmatic shadow.
Completing the task by submitting a sample to the patent office, Lennok felt relieved.
Fortunately, Amnac Pharmaceuticals had diligently prepared all the necessary documentation in advance, so Lennok simply had to hand in the sample for verification.
Receiving a far more amiable treatment than in District 49, Lennok departed from the patent office and made his way wearily to the orchard situated in District 31.
While he yearned to inform Jenny about the progress of the request and rest immediately, it was of greater importance to replenish his dwindling supply of Cashburn cigarettes.
These cigarettes were an incredibly precious commodity, capable of temporarily alleviating Lennok’s fatigue and enabling him to move his body with the vigor of an ordinary person.
Even if their effects were fleeting, the investment of a substantial portion of his hard-earned money into acquiring them was undoubtedly worthwhile.
“Who’s this? A very precious guest has arrived.”
Seated on a chair with a rounded face, the elderly man chuckled upon seeing him.
Clutching a pipe in his hand, reminiscent of their previous encounter, the old man playfully slapped his knees while gazing at Lennok.
“Last time, I didn’t recognize the noble and was rude. Turns out you’re a very talented wizard.”
“Mister, is there something you want from me?”
At Lennok’s sharp question, the old man giggled.
“No, honestly, I’m just surprised. If rumors have reached my ears, it means you’ve adapted quite well to this place… I couldn’t imagine it.”
For a brief moment, the old man’s eyes, emitting purple smoke, shone eerily.
“I never thought the fool who didn’t even know what he was smoking would still be alive.”
“……..”
Lennok stifled a silent chuckle.
Observing the laughter on the surface, he knew deep down that everyone carried a concealed blade within themselves in this place.
But that was alright.
It was preferable to the deceit of hiding their true intentions behind mere snickering until the very end.
“So, are you not selling it?”
“Oh, what are you saying? Our store is always wide open.”
Seeing the old man flipping his expression in an instant and rubbing his palms together, Lennok silently bought 100 Cashburn cigarettes at once.
“I misjudged you! I didn’t recognize a young man with a bright future and a solid foundation!”
As he paid close to 8 million cells with simple calculations, the old man came out from behind the counter with a giggly look and started recommending other items.
“If you’ve made that much money, you should have told me earlier. Besides Cashburn, how about this? It’s a bit addictive, but the effect is great. The side effects are not much different. I’m not saying buy a lot, but trying a few won’t be bad.”
“…..As long as the dependency isn’t too severe.”
Lennok had no intention of settling for the cigarette he currently smoked.
If there existed a drug with fewer side effects or better suited to his body, he was more than willing to make the switch.
In that regard, he considered it a reasonable decision to purchase a few more cigarettes based on the old man’s recommendation.
The enthusiastic old man continued to suggest even pricier options, but Lennok firmly declined from that point onward.
He needed to save money and accumulate capital, aside from a few necessary expenses.
Lennok was planning to soon utilize all the money he had diligently saved to participate in the bidding for the Elixir Stemmonia.
The starting bid was set at 100 million, and an additional 20 million was required as a safety measure.
While he couldn’t anticipate remarkable effects at that price, the question remained whether it could improve Lennok’s frail physique.
That alone would be sufficient.
He constantly bemoaned the lack of time, but he hadn’t reached a point where he had to abandon all options just yet.
As he continued to grow and amass power and renown, hastening his money-making endeavors would eventually render such expenditures worthwhile.
Gaining the confidence to persistently strive toward that pivotal moment held immense significance for Lennok.
“It’s 8.95 million cells. Live a long life and continue to patronize this old man’s orchard.”
Ultimately, Lennok paid nearly 9 million cells, having chosen and acquired a few additional cigarettes based on the old man’s various recommendations.
Exiting the orchard, Lennok swiftly entered a dimly lit alleyway and tore open one of the newly purchased cigarettes, placing it between his lips.
Until this moment, he had to ration his cigarettes, but now that he had replenished his stock, alleviating his immediate fatigue took precedence.
Leaning against the frigid concrete wall, he exhaled smoke absently, his mind drifting into contemplation.
‘Dependency… Even if I’m careful, can I escape it?’
The rationality and mental fortitude of a wizard always caution Lennok about the smoke he inhales, yet he reluctantly accepts it as a necessary evil for his survival.
No matter how cautious Lennok is and how meticulously he manages his drug dosage, a slight addiction becomes unavoidable.
He still believes that he has managed relatively well without resorting to stronger substances, but can he maintain this delicate balance?
In these harsh and unforgiving streets, Lennok continues his endless tightrope walk.
He has trodden steadfastly without wavering, but there will come a point where he stumbles.
During those moments, Lennok lacks the confidence to withstand the ensuing collapse.
“……..”
Fretting over something that had not yet come to pass served no purpose.
Suppressing the bitterness that gnawed at his heart, he made his way toward Jenny’s bar.
Having worked through the night for the first time in a long while, Lennok intended to take a well-deserved rest upon completing this assignment.
But before that, it would be wise to handle various essential matters and organize his affairs.
“Our wizard is here. I heard the news.”
Jenny grinned and raised her glass.
“You completely crushed that gang, didn’t you? The residents there complained about having fireworks in the middle of the night.”
“………”
Lennok gave a bitter smile as he realized what she was talking about.
It was indeed a rare sight to see cars exploding and jumping up and down.
“I submitted the sample to the patent office. Contact the pharmaceutical company for me.”
As Jenny immediately picked up the phone, Lennok organized his thoughts.
On the way here, he had something to tell her and ask for her advice.
“Isn’t he completely insane?”
When he told her about his encounter with the councilor, Jenny spoke with a dumbfounded expression.
“I’ve heard that there are many people with strong obsessions among the old monsters who entered the political arena, but this is beyond imagination.”
“Do you think he will try something else?”
“Well… based on what you’ve told me, it doesn’t seem likely. If he approaches you again, it will probably be…”
Jenny grinned.
“After you’ve gained a much better reputation than now. If he’s really interested in your abilities.”
“He seemed to desperately want a wizard.”
“It’s not a bad thing to know and be friends with a few politicians. In exchange for putting up with their annoying whims, they can provide various conveniences. It might be off-putting at first, but once you work together, you’ll find it more convenient than you think.”
“……..”
A vivid answer as if she had experienced it herself.
There was definitely a concrete certainty in it that was far from simple conjecture or delusion.