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Zap!
The occurrence was too precise to be a mere coincidence, too ethereal to be an attack. However, it carried an undeniable weight, suggestive of an intent to suppress.
It was a display of mana, clumsily executed, allowing Lennok to easily seize control and alter its trajectory.
‘What should I do….?’
Numerous solutions presented themselves in the brief moments as the magical entity soared towards him.
Incapacitating the individual responsible for this assault, driving them to the brink of demise, appeared to be within reach. Yet, such an act would diminish the satisfaction of finally gaining admission to the university.
At least in Aris’ eyes, Lennok had to maintain the facade of a knowledgeable researcher well-versed in theory.
Lennok’s mind raced, swiftly identifying the optimal move to retaliate against his assailant.
‘This should do it.’
With a casual motion of turning his head, Lennok covertly manipulated his mana, diverting the course of the magical entity.
A maneuver so subtle that it eluded anyone’s notice.
Through a mere touch, the entity slipped effortlessly from the caster’s control and rocketed upward, crashing forcefully into the ornate chandelier suspended from the ceiling.
Crash!!
The resounding noise shattered the tranquility of the corridor, plunging the classroom Lennok had just exited into chaos.
As Aris emerged through the door, Lennok turned his head, feigning surprise.
“Evan, what on earth is happening?”
Amid Aris’ inspection of the shattered chandelier, her blue eyes narrowed as a languid voice emanated from behind her.
“He made an error in mana control.”
Footsteps echoed as a handsome young man with swept-back hair approached them.
Despite his defined jawline and strong eyebrows, his smile softened his overall appearance.
He offered a slight bow to Aris, accompanied by a friendly smile.
“Professor, it’s been a while.”
However, Aris did not acknowledge his greeting, cutting to the chase.
“Archiwood, what do you mean by a mana control mistake? I would like to hear an explanation for the shattered chandelier adjacent to my laboratory.”
Lennok now realized that Aris’ sharp reaction went beyond the interruption of her class.
Despite Aris’ cold words, Archiwood maintained his composure and explained.
“It appears that Evan made an error while controlling his mana in the corridor, resulting in a backlash. The mana surged from his hand and shot upward unexpectedly.”
Lennok regarded Archiwood’s face, observing his effortless deceit without a hint of nervousness. In return, Archiwood bestowed a subtle smile upon Lennok, even though they had just met.
Lennok could discern his character and motives.
Although Archiwood’s initial plan had failed, he devised the most efficient way to disgrace Lennok before the assembled students and Aris, who watched from inside the classroom.
By shattering the chandelier, Lennok would be painted as a reckless researcher, incapable of even controlling his own magic properly.
It was evident how the less-than-friendly students would perceive Lennok.
‘It’s a bit amusing.’
Lennok had encountered similar attitudes before, but never had someone been so audacious and eager to openly disrespect him.
Archiwood, was it?
If Lennok were an ordinary individual devoid of mana or abilities, he would have been defenseless against such schemes.
However, Archiwood remained blissfully unaware that Lennok had fully anticipated this turn of events.
As evidence, Archiwood now realized the faint trace of disdain concealed within Aris’ gaze directed at him.
His once-smiling countenance faltered slightly.
“Professor?”
“Are you suggesting once again that Evan’s mana control error caused this incident?”
“That is indeed the case, but…”
Archiwood responded with a bewildered expression, feigning ignorance.
Yet, it seemed more peculiar that he failed to comprehend the reason behind the situation’s escalation.
How could one guess that a researcher who was skilled enough to be directly recruited by Aris for her lab couldn’t use mana unless informed beforehand?
And for that reason… Archiwood’s composed face and his lies seemed all the more disgusting in contrast.
Aris, now completely cold and stern, slowly spoke up as she gazed up at Archiwood.
“Archiwood, if you ever dare to lay a hand on my researcher in such a manner again, I will not let it go unpunished. Do you understand?”
“…”
“I expected you to be disappointed about not gaining entry to my lab, but to vent your anger in such a petty way… I have seriously misjudged you.”
Unfortunately, despite Archiwood’s deteriorating character, he wasn’t foolish.
Nevertheless, he realized that his deceit had been exposed, and even then, he knew to salvage not his pride, but his own self-interest.
“…I apologize.”
As Archiwood immediately bowed his head, the students in the classroom buzzed with conversation. However, Lennok understood that this judgment was appropriate.
For Lennok, who had just joined the lab, and for the students, reputation could be a matter of life or death, but the same didn’t hold true for Archiwood.
What mattered to Archiwood now was finding a way to overcome this challenging situation.
But Aris, seemingly able to read his inner thoughts, didn’t accept his apology easily.
“If something like this happens again, I will send a letter to your family and The Tower to request confirmation.”
Her tone had completely changed as she stared down at Archiwood.
“If you understand what I mean, you may leave.”
Instead of responding, Archiwood bowed his head once more and performed a deep bow.
He didn’t forget to glance at Lennok in the process.
Rather than avoiding his obvious stare, Lennok simply smiled back at him, just as Archiwood did when they first met.
The beads of sweat forming on Archiwood’s forehead, which he had been trying to conceal, became visible. However, he didn’t forget that Aris was watching him closely by his side.
As Aris observed Archiwood obediently turning around and disappearing down the hallway, she abruptly closed the door to the classroom.
Bang!
As soon as they were out of the students’ sight, Aris turned her head and addressed Lennok.
“Lennok.”
Of course, she had been informed of Lennok’s real name in advance.
Otherwise, it would have been impossible to reveal his alias, Evan Vylun, and his fabricated identity and seek her cooperation.
It could easily become confusing, but Aris, being the exceptional wizard she was, adeptly differentiated between the two names and dealt with him accordingly.
“Yes, Professor.”
“This incident isn’t simply a stroke of bad luck for you. You probably already suspect, but Archiwood intentionally acted with malice. I can’t believe he would dare create such chaos and shamelessly shift the blame…”
Aris spoke with a troubled expression.
“I apologize. However, merely saying this won’t resolve the situation. I will promptly discuss the matter with the administration and seek a solution.”
Fortunately, Aris didn’t harbor the naïve belief that a few words could change or admonish someone like Archiwood. She knew very well that the chances of him changing his behavior or not plotting against Lennok were slim.
Lennok nodded calmly.
If she promised to find a solution herself, it wouldn’t be an empty gesture. Moreover, the unfolding events weren’t entirely incomprehensible.
Aris Richellen, despite her young age, was a talented and accomplished wizard, having reached the esteemed Level 6. Furthermore, she had the prestigious background of being a Tower wizard, and her own beauty was remarkable.
For any Rabatenon University student, the intangible benefits of being associated with her lab would be significant.
“Please try to stay within my line of sight on campus as much as possible, and be sure to change your appearance when you go outside.”
“Understood.”
At Lennok’s response, Aris finally nodded, her expression somewhat calmer now.
Brushing aside her bright golden hair, she appeared slightly more fatigued than before.
“I will make sure to find an artifact that can offer you protection soon. I don’t want to lose a valuable researcher like you, especially not under these circumstances,” Aris openly expressed her concern, showing her genuine care for Lennok’s well-being. It seemed safe to trust her to that extent.
At least, Aris had never put Lennok in a disadvantageous position or forced him into a one-sided situation.
Declining Aris’s invitation to return to the lab together, Lennok left the lecture building, aware of the many gazes fixated on his retreating figure.
Even if he couldn’t see them, he could feel them.
Curiosity mixed with caution, jealousy, and ostracization.
For the first time since arriving in this world, Lennok faced such cold and hostile glances.
If it were to become known that Lennok was unable to use mana, the situation would only worsen.
But it didn’t matter. After all, he had accepted Aris’s proposal to experience the vibrant atmosphere of the university, not for any other reason.
However, there was no reason to endure the hostility of those who bared their teeth at him first.
As a chilly wind blew through the campus, Lennok, among the hundreds of students wandering the school grounds, noticed Archiwood’s gaze and responded with a faint smile.
‘He must think it’s fine as long as Aris doesn’t notice.’
It was evident, but fortunately, Lennok wasn’t the only one who had come to that realization.
Whoooooosh!!
The wind roared, its sound echoing in Lennok’s ears.
The brisk wind whistled between the buildings, brushing roughly against Lennok’s hair against the backdrop of the clear night sky.
The operation was about to commence.
The task entrusted to Lennok by Evelyn was on the verge of execution.
The designated meeting point was the 37th-floor rooftop of the Trade Center in the 41st district.
As one could infer from the description, it was a towering building.
Lennok, sitting and waiting, was approached from behind by a figure slowly approaching.
“So, you’re Wizard Van.”
The young man had a long scar on his nose, making it difficult to determine his age.
He plopped down next to Lennok, noticing the cigarette that Lennok was smoking, and unexpectedly asked, “Can I have one too?”
“70,000 cells,” Lennok replied, handing over a cigarette. The young man lit it without offering payment.
A flame materialized from thin air, swiftly igniting the end of the cigarette, producing smoke.
Taking a few puffs, the young man remarked, “It’s stronger than I anticipated. Is this how all wizard cigarettes are?”
Ignoring the comment, Lennok inquired, “Psychic?”
“Close enough. Nice to meet you,” the young man replied.
“Are we the only participants in this operation?”
“Well… I heard there might be more than three. Ah, here comes another one now.”
As soon as the young man finished speaking, a new figure emerged.
A burly man with bulging muscles and a stern countenance surveyed the faces of the two men but remained silent.
Simultaneously, a woman in a suit landed gracefully on the rooftop’s edge.
“Nice to meet you,” she greeted them, her voice carrying a sense of efficiency.
“Now, all four of you have assembled.”
“Hmm? Was there one more?” the young man queried.
In response, Lennok silently gestured towards the back.
A woman with an emotionless face, concealed beneath an aged hood, stared at them intently.
“I’m Hina O’Neil, in charge of management and supervision for this operation,” introduced the woman on the rooftop edge, her antique silver-framed glasses adding an air of sophistication.
“Someone from the agency, I presume?” the young man remarked.
“We’ve already explained why we specifically hired freelancers,” Hina brushed off the comment.
“Tonight, a terrorist attack by dark wizards is scheduled to target this Trade Center. It’s not a spontaneous act of crime but a well-planned operation in collaboration with the professional terrorist organization, ‘Falcon’.”
Cold determination gleamed in her eyes behind the lenses of her glasses.
“As always, we aim to eradicate these parasites that disrupt the city’s peace.”