Its been a while, Van, Evelyn said as she entered the bar, dressed in a lightweight suit. She was holding sothing in her hand.
I was wondering what to bring as a congratulatory gift for your opening You know? she continued.
Im not sure what you an, replied Lennok, who was seated at the bar on the first floor, tilting his drink and shaking his head.
Is that sothing soone who brought a basket of vegetables should say? It hasnt changed at all from before.
Its sothing I grew myself, so rest assured. Its very healthy, Evelyn assured him.
Upon closer inspection, it was apparent that the composition of the vegetables was exactly the sa as the pile Lennok had received and cared for the day before.
Evelyn, wearing a sowhat proud expression, took a seat beside Van and uncorked a bottle of whiskey. Despite her striking presence, she seamlessly blended in with the crowd, as if it were second nature. For a first-class archer, it wasnt so challenging to beco inconspicuous.
About the incident last ti. I have sothing to say.
Its not sothing to talk about here. Lets find a more private place Are you okay?
What do you an?
Your glass hasnt moved at all.
Upon hearing Evelyns words, Lennok realized that he had been sitting motionless, his left arm immobilized.
Its nothing. Just sothing on my mind, he replied, concealing his concerns about whether Evelyn had uncovered his true identity.
However, observing her actions, it seed that she was more preoccupied with sothing other than exposing Lennoks secret. If she hadnt discerned it yet, that was a relief.
Quickly regaining his composure, Lennok stood up and guided her to an improvised office space. It was a location he frequented after the Cartels assignnts to stabilize the magic core, and it had collected a bit of dust over ti.
After shutting the door and hastily tidying up, they were ready for a private conversation. Evelyn reclined in a chair by the window and turned her head at a sound from outside. In the bars backyard, Dray and other office employees were engaged in a sparring session among themselves. It appeared that following the Weian and Manson sparring match, they had developed an interest and turned it into an annual event.
Evelyn observed them attentively and offered a soft smile. Its nice to see. We do sothing similar. Its effective for assessing the mbers skills and boosting their training enthusiasm.
Is that so?
Of course, Ive never missed being first.
Instead of acknowledging her trivial comnt, Lennok lightly tapped the desk.
A substantial wave of magical energy quickly enveloped their surroundings, drowning out all external noise. Lennok produced a slender cigarette, lit it, and fixed his gaze on Evelyn.
So, what do you want to talk about that youre beating around the bush?
Since I started working in this field, Ive known you for not a short ti. The only ti you ca to directly was when you had a bounty request.
He recalled their previous conversation when he sought information on Parden McQueen. In recent tis, an agents duties had expanded significantly, making it challenging to find an opportunity to et. She had expressed difficulty in assisting Lennok further due to her struggle with situations outside Vulcan. The fact that she sought him out now implied that the circumstances were far from ordinary.
However, instead of addressing Lennoks inquiry, Evelyn began talking about sothing else, her gaze slightly averted.
Do you rember the day we first t, Van?
It was a hard day to forget.
How could he forget the day he encountered that colossal crocodile while demolishing the factory with Dylan? The transcendent strength that surpassed human limits remained vivid in Lennoks mory even after more than two years.
Yeah. Even when I saved your lives that day, I never imagined youd beco like this.
Others might think you were hiding your skills, but I know. Theres a vast gap between you then and you now. And that you have the talent to make such unbelievable growth plausible.
Evelyn rested her chin on one arm, her head bowed, her black hair cascading down to obscure her expression.
Back then, I saved your life, so I have the right to know, she asserted, her green eyes glistening with an unsettling coldness.
That the potential I thought I pulled out of the swamp of Pandora hasnt walked into that swamp on its own.
Evelyn, you
Van.
Evelyn cut Lennok off with a frigid tone.
Whats your relationship with the black wizard of Pandemonium?
Lennok extinguished his cigarette and regarded Evelyn in silence.
It wasnt unreasonable for her to suspect a link between Lennok and Fa. When Fa had unexpectedly appeared and hastened the discussion with Olivera, Evelyn, who had arrived later at the scene, might have noticed his presence. Even Lennok hadnt anticipated Fas appearance to assist him during the executive committee eting, and this would be even more surprising to Evelyn, who had supported Lennok in various capacities. In fact, the fact that Evelyn had sought out Lennok only after everything had been resolved spoke volus about her patience and her approach to dealing with Lennok.
Lennok couldnt fathom all the thoughts swirling within her.
He invited to join Pandemonium.
Lennok responded honestly, both for his own sake and for hers.
He asked if I had made my decision and said they needed a wizard like .
I refused, and he accepted it. But he said others might be different Thats all.
How can I believe that?
I dont know.
Lennok closed his eyes.
But I havent forgotten the value of the life you saved back then.
At least I think Ive been honest with you to that extent.
A profound silence enveloped them.
What thoughts were racing through Evelyns mind in response to Lennoks disclosure? In the worst-case scenario, Lennok might need to directly confirm whether she possessed knowledge of the enigmatic organization known as Blue Eyes.
The faint green light that had shimred amidst her hair gradually dimd.
Evelyn, lifting her head once more, displayed her usual composed countenance, characteristic of an archer.
Fine. If what youre saying is true theres one thing you need to do.
One thing?
Was she referring to a bounty request?
Curiosity caused Lennok to slightly tilt his head, but Evelyn retrieved a stack of papers and placed them on the desk. It was a newspaper that had been lying around the bar. Among the articles, one stood out.
[Blaiver Magic Tower, Finally Heading Towards Normalization.]
[Leaving an unexpected trouble behind and returning to the forefront of the steel industry.]
[The spokesperson for the Magic Tower avoided comnting on the recent conflict.]
After the nerve-racking standoff between Blaiver Magic Tower and Pandemonium, the tower went silent, causing problems in the nearby steel industry.
Soon after, the Magic Tower resud normal operations, but nothing was known about what happened to Pandemonium. The Magic Tower refuses to acknowledge the conflict, keeping tight security about its internal affairs.
So?
The upper echelons of the city council suspect that the Magic Tower and Pandemonium might have reached a compromise after the conflict. Evelyn remarked, her eyes narrowing with intensity.
In other words, there might be evidence of negotiations with Pandemonium inside the Magic Tower, or maybe so of their mbers are still there. That ans
The city can subjugate the Blaiver Magic Tower using its collusion with Pandemonium as a weakness? Lennok sat up straight, intrigued by the concept.
Targeting the Magic Towers collaborators rather than confronting Pandemonium directly to maximize gains seed like a sensible strategy. Pursuing every Pandemonium mber individually would prove highly inefficient for the city governnt.
The reason why individuals like Croken, who were known to roam the city streets, were left undisturbed probably stemd from the potential casualties that could result from attempting to apprehend them.
Yes. As you know, the Blaiver Magic Tower, specifically its West Continent branch, is located in a remote volcanic area. We dont need to bear the damage caused by pursuing Pandemonium.
I see
The two cities have reached an agreent, and the city council has already issued the directive. A few agents working on the field and I will form a team and move in. And Van, I want you to participate in this operation as an external consultant to the agents.
A raid on the West Continent branch of the Blaiver Magic Tower.
Lennok now comprehended why Evelyn had sought him out. Even though his role as an external consultant to the agents was largely honorary, finding a wizard of his caliber would have proven challenging. At a ti when a thorough investigation of the Magic Tower was imperative, and magical expertise was required, it was evident who the most valuable wizard for the job would be.
Lennok had never anticipated that the sequence of events in the autonomous region would culminate in this situation, but he found it intriguing.
In fact, it all began with Lennok, disguised as Byzen, incapacitating the drug lord and attempting to shift suspicion onto the wizards of the tower, including Byzen. However, he had never imagined it would work so effectively.
Nevertheless, one thing continued to gnaw at him
If you suspect of being part of Pandemonium, you shouldnt be offering this operation at all.
If there really is sothing wrong with the Magic Tower, and I betray you in the process of discovering it, the operation itself would be Ah, I see.
Lennok ceased speaking, and it dawned on him what Evelyn was truly getting at. He chuckled.
You never thought I was part of Pandemonium from the start. Was this long introduction just to suggest this operation?
Well, not exactly. Evelyn replied, her smile mirroring Lennoks.
If youre not part of Pandemonium, then you can prove it in front of them.
Even though she said that, if she genuinely harbored no doubts, she wouldnt have co to him directly. Lennok contemplated whether she was using this operation to leverage his abilities while also confirming his lack of ties to Pandemonium. Alternatively, given her role as an agent, she might have received additional directives from higher authorities.
Lennok set aside those thoughts for the mont and nodded.
Alright. Its true Im in a suspicious position, and I am interested in this operation.
The Blaiver Magic Tower served as a veritable haven for Lennok and his unique thermo-magic abilities. Even without delving into the topic of Pandemonium, a re visit to the tower held the promise of invaluable magical insights and inspiration. Given the remarkable potential of Lennoks recently awakened Domain, amassing diverse experiences to expand the branching points was an imperative pursuit.
However, this did not imply that Lennok intended to provide his services gratuitously.
However, youll need to offer sothing worthwhile if Im to leave my current position.
Though his business was gradually finding stability, departing from the city carried inherent risks. Having recently assud a position on the Cartels board of directors, unless he desired to antagonize the Trident, no one would dare to ddle in his affairs. Nevertheless, Lennok was not inclined to blindly follow Evelyn based solely on her assurances.
Dont worry about the compensation. Almost all the budget I requested from the higher-ups for this operation has been approved, so we can et most of your demands with that funding.
Good. Then
Lennok proceeded to outline his conditions to Evelyn. She accepted the majority of them, yet she frowned montarily, seemingly perplexed by the final condition Lennok proposed.
You want that?
Its essentially my biggest demand. Lennok responded, his arms crossed. I think this opportunity wont co again if not for this operation.
Haah
Evelyn heaved a profound sigh before nodding hesitantly.
I knew you werent a typical wizard Fine. Anyway, its a request I can handle.
A deal, then.
Lennok smiled and extended his hand.
Im counting on you for this operation.
And so, the two reached an agreent on a eting place and ti before parting ways.
Lennoks initial request as an advance paynt was an entry permit to an exclusive society known as the Palgung Fortress, affiliated with the Trident. Additionally, he requested a quantity of various elixirs, sufficient to replenish what had been expended during the confrontation with McQueen and then so. He also sought a copy of alchemical formulas stored separately by the agents, a supply of catalysts used in crafting and maintaining magic circles, and a personal favor tied to Evelyn herself.
The scope of the contract was substantial, such that, regardless of the operations outco, Lennok could claim artifacts or relics from the agents treasury afterward.
Following Evelyns departure, Lennok gazed intently at the object resting on his desk. It was a tattered piece of paper bordered with diagonal gold lines a temporary ID granting access to the heart of the Palgung Fortress.
Among the Trident, this fortress was among the most enigmatic and impenetrable organizations, a place where even Jennys influence struggled to infiltrate. In a sprawling tropolis defined by a web of interwoven interests, it stood as a unique enclave where unlawful activities and corruption thrived, beyond the reach of the citys authorities. It was akin to a slum, almost a microcosmic nation within the city, swiftly amassing power and expanding its territory around a cluster of unauthorized structures.
While individuals affiliated with the Palgung Fortress occasionally ventured beyond the citys boundaries, entering the fortress itself was nearly insurmountable unless one adhered to their stringent protocols. Yet, precisely due to these restrictions, rumors circulated of unusual items, rarely found within the city, circulating there. Whispers even spoke of forbidden zones within the fortress where ti flowed at an abnormal pace compared to other archaeological sites.
This was precisely what Lennok had set his sights on. Artifacts or relics procured from such a place undoubtedly held facets that would prove advantageous to Lennok.
(To be Continued)
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