Disregarding the astonished expressions of those around him, Lennok took his initial step forward.
This kind of ice magic isnt bad either. The efficiency is a bit low, but
The ice magic ingrained within the conventional magical system Lennok had been practicing was primarily designed for environnts with a readily available water source.
Consequently, it consud a minimal amount of mana and possessed the capability to blanket a broad area, which led Lennok to employ it by initially introducing water and then forcibly shaping it into a platform.
However, this approach rendered it challenging to utilize in arid locations.
Hence, Lennoks visit to the executive vault was motivated by his quest to acquire knowledge from a wizard specializing in the ice elent, who employed a distinct magical system.
Obtaining McQueens Liberation Technique and the Primary System Diagram was an accomplishnt unto itself.
Lennoks primary objective was to concurrently advance his training in both the heat and ice magic disciplines.
Just wait a mont. he conveyed to his companions before replenishing his mana reserves.
Initiating ice magic from his repertoire, he enacted the [Circle of Frost].
As he took a asured step forward, a potent mana whirlwind stirred within Lennok.
The hierarchys completion. Novel insights integrated into Lennoks magical arsenal started to transmute into tangible might.
Crackle!!!
In an environnt entirely devoid of moisture, ice shards inexplicably sprouted, enveloping the terrain in a frigid forest, countering the mounting heat as they ascended the mountain.
Only then did the agents fathom how Lennok could wield ice magic on such a grand scale.
Did he freeze the mana itself solid?!
Its impossible To manipulate mana at the particle level like this!
Even for a wizard, materializing mana was one thing, but substituting moisture with mana was an extraordinary feat, unattainable without flawlessly emulating the attributes of water and ice.
It was a feat achievable only through innate talents or an extensive mastery of ice magic.
The agents swiftly turned their attention to Evelyn.
So thats why you called the external consultant for this mission
Team leader knew that Mr. Van was this proficient in ice magic!
Huh? Well Yeah, sothing like that.
Leaving Evelyns sowhat uneasy response in the background, Lennok retrieved a book from his coat once more.
What should I do next?
In the absence of water, he decided to employ particles to substitute for moisture.
He already possessed an ample repertoire of mana manipulation skills.
What remained was rapidly grasping how others harnessed and applied the ice shards they conjured using their unique ice magic.
For this purpose, the knowledge contained within a single book would suffice.
Hmm
While Lennok turned the books pages with one hand, his fingers twitched, causing the widespread cold to part, creating a wide path.
Lava creatures, erging upon detecting this anomaly, were deterred by the formidable and razor-sharp ice shards.
However, the ice pathway Lennok was extending abruptly halted and began lting rapidly at a specific point.
At that mont, Evelyn, who had been casually trailing Lennok, lit up with recognition.
This is
She picked up a small pebble nearby and hurled it towards the location where the ice path was severed.
Sizzle!!
As soon as the pebble crossed a certain threshold in the air, it ignited and disintegrated, as though dissolving.
This phenonon was unequivocally distinct from any natural occurrence they had encountered.
A barrier that incinerates all foreign objects entering a designated area. It was the power of the Magic Tower.
Observing the stones combust and dissolve into thin air, Lennok voiced his observations.
Its unrealistic to think that all visitors to the Magic Tower go through such inconvenience.
This situation itself proves that they find our visit unwelco.
Lennok turned his gaze towards Evelyn.
What should we do?
After a brief contemplation, she composed herself and replied,
I contacted them just before climbing up to the volcanic region. Still, such high-level security is being maintained, which ans they want us to break through on our own.
Van, can you do it?
Instead of responding imdiately, Lennok contemplated for a mont before extending his hand forward.
His audacious gesture sent a subtle shiver through the other agents, but Lennoks hand, unaffected, breached the point where the ice path had been severed.
Whoosh!!
Instantaneously, his hand ignited and began to burn.
Mr. Van!!
Just a mont.
Shielding his hand, he ticulously examined the flow of mana within the barrier.
The objective was to identify objects entering a specific zone and trigger their ignition through a long-distance spell.
The barriers interior was more akin to a radar system, detecting and intercepting adversaries rather than being saturated with unbearable heat.
Surprisingly simple principle. Then
How is it?
I was thinking of smashing the entire barrier if necessary But that wont be needed.
Lennok retracted his hand, gently shook his left sleeve, and conjured dozens of magazine cartridges stored using lightening and shrinking magic.
Bang!!
He ruptured the casings, extracting hundreds of bullets within, suspending them in his mana grasp, and then flung them beyond the barrier.
Ratatatatata!!!
As soon as they entered the barrier, the bullets ignited.
Lennok promptly elevated his mana levels and gestured with his hand.
Manipulation series creation magic.
[Mana Injection]
[Multiple Resonance: Dispersal]
Boom!!!
Under Lennoks precise control, hundreds of bullets detonated simultaneously, emanating a potent magical force.
A sequence of brilliant blue flashes illuminated the sky, unfolding like a sudden and unexpected fireworks display amidst the ashen and dusty atmosphere.
Only then did Lennok retract his hand and casually step across the point where the ice path had been severed.
Lets go.
Is it over?
Its just a temporary confusion in the barriers detection system. If its a security barrier that detects and intercepts enemies, disrupting its detection should prevent follow-up attacks.
It was only now that the other agents comprehended Lennoks strategy and expressed their admiration.
Hes using flares to interfere with the barriers detection. To do this on the spot without any equipnt
No, this would be impossible without fully interpreting the barriers detection pattern and ticulously controlling the deploynt timing. How did he?
It wont last long. Lets move quickly.
At Lennoks command, the group ceased their conversation and proceeded with haste.
As they made their ascent up the volcano, the environnt underwent a dramatic transformation.
Apart from the sweltering heat that made every breath a challenge, their vision was obscured by the acrid smoke billowing from below.
Nevertheless, Lennok couldnt help but marvel at the vista that unfolded from the very heart of the volcanos crater.
Even for a heat-elental Magic Tower, to set up in such an extre location Their audacity is comndable.
At the center of the mountain lay an imnse lake of seething lava, its fiery crimson surface radiating intense heat.
Surrounding this molten cauldron were five towering structures that rose majestically.
Within the intricate spirals of these five towering edifices, molten lava flowed with an almost serene fluidity.
Rock bridges connected and supported each of these colossal structures.
Around the dark, stone-built Magic Tower, lava andered in a spiral pattern, casting a faint glow.
Its distinctive appearance resembled light radiating between the threads of a screw.
The Blaiver Magic Tower wasnt rely situated within a volcanic region; it harnessed the volcanos molten lava as the primary source of power for the tower.
As the group proceeded toward the heart of the crater, they finally spotted an individual approaching them on the ground of the towering structure.
An elderly gentleman with a genial countenance, clad in a deep crimson robe, ca into view.
He regarded the group with a warm smile.
The elderly man waved his hand excitedly and called out like a child.
Evelyn!
Evelyn adjusted her collar and proceeded toward the elderly man.
Aintz, its been a long ti.
Aintz, the man in question, warmly shook hands with Evelyn, shared a light embrace, and then placed his hands on her shoulders.
Its really been a long ti! How is life in the city?
Thanks to your concern.
The Marcia family keeps its lineage thanks to you. Im ashad to face my brother since my incompetent sibling cant take care of his daughter.
Evelyn responded with a faint smile, choosing not to say much.
Aintz then turned to the other mbers of the group with a serious deanor and offered a slight bow.
I am Aintz from the Blaiver Magic Towers Empirical Theory Research Team 3.
This unexpected politeness deviated from the customary arrogance of Magic Tower mages.
As the other mbers of the group reciprocated with bowing heads, Aintz retrieved sothing and began distributing it.
Everyone, please take one.
The objects in question were bright red bracelets crafted from paper. However, Lennok couldnt overlook the fact that they were imbued with so form of magic.
Aintz discreetly pointed to a similar item concealed on his wrist and offered a warm smile.
This is sothing we give to every guest invited by the Magic Tower. Primarily, it serves as an identification for outsiders, a consumable made for our esteed guests.
A consumable ans
If you tear the bracelet longer, youll be reverse-summoned outside the Magic Towers barrier. If you feel sothing going wrong inside the Magic Tower, dont hesitate to use it.
A silence fell upon the group, struggling to grasp the significance of Aintzs words at that mont. Lennok was the first to break the silence.
It seems you too, Aintz, is wearing the sa bracelet.
Aintz turned to Lennok with a mildly surprised expression before offering a gentle smile.
You are a wizard as well. And not just an ordinary one but an exceptional one.
Thats correct. At this point, I am also essentially an outsider in this Magic Tower. Shall we go inside?
With this, Aintz guided the group into the inner sanctum of the Magic Tower.
Upon reaching the rooftop of the Magic Tower, which corresponded to the head of a screw, they descended a narrow staircase, and suddenly, a pristine corridor with a refreshing breeze welcod them.
Despite the prohibition on outsiders, the atmosphere within the Magic Tower didnt exude a sense of leisure.
Every room was brightly lit, and through the hallways windows, one could catch glimpses of people in diverse attire and hues, moving about purposefully.
This environnt piqued the curiosity of not only the other agents but also Lennok himself.
His first visit to a Magic Tower hadnt led him to anticipate such surroundings, but he had always harbored a fascination for how wizards congregated and conducted their research.
Aintz, who led the group, maintained a pleasant smile on his face as he walked with his hands clasped behind his back, yet he refrained from speaking.
While this might have appeared as a relaxed deanor to others, Lennok discerned it as a transparent attempt to feign calm.
Lennok, who had worn a mask since his arrival in the great city, found it relatively easy to see through such facades.
Aintz did not seem well-versed in the art of deception.
Evelyn, too, seed to sense that the Magic Towers atmosphere was not as inviting as they might have hoped, and her expression subtly hardened.
The group rapidly traversed the Magic Towers corridors and eventually arrived at a colossal iron door, marking the entrance to a spacious hallway adorned with an impressive chandelier.
In front of the door to a high-end conference room located on the Magic Towers top floor, Aintz turned to face the group.
The Elders will be waiting for you inside.
His countenance remained composed, but his lips displayed an unusual stiffness.
Evelyn, I wish you good luck.
As the iron door swung open, Aintz retreated.
Once the group entered, the hefty door closed behind them, and the dimly lit conference room gradually illuminated.
Theres no one here.
Mauser muttered under his breath as he observed the lengthy, ornately crafted table and neatly arranged chairs, all devoid of occupants.
However, instead of voicing any complaints, Evelyn quietly seated herself on a chair positioned before her.
Whoosh!
In that mont, flas of different colors ignited above the seats at the table.
!!!
[A barrier was established to hinder your ascent to the volcanic region.]
As astonishnt registered on the faces of the others, a resonant voice emanated from within the flas.
[Thats quite a high-level interference. Did you tamper with it?]
The collective gaze of the group turned toward Lennok as the flickering flas naturally illuminated his countenance.
After a brief silence, a composed voice emanated from beyond the flas.
[It appears we neglected to deactivate the barrier in anticipation of your arrival. I apologize for this oversight.]
It was a rather bland apology, lacking any indication of a desire to rectify the situation.
Evelyn, maintaining her composure and sporting a tranquil expression, spoke up.
It seems the Elders have no intention of personally welcoming us.
[.]
Having received official recognition from two cities, we are here in an official capacity. Do you have nothing to say about this matter?
Finally, the fla on the far right danced, accompanied by a deliberate voice.
[Missile We have heard of that na. Known to be the most complete inheritor of the Marcia familys archery secrets. Its welco that a warrior of your caliber visits the Magic Tower, but unfortunately, the circumstances are not quite appropriate.]
The flas rippled, as though they were shifting their attention through the air.
[And with Master Mauser of the forge here as well I apologize for not greeting you personally. It would be appreciated if Machina could overlook this incident.]
The tone was noticeably more respectful compared to their interaction with Evelyn, signifying their high esteem for the robust blacksmith. However, despite the courteous words, Mauser shook his head.
I didnt travel this far just for such pleasantries.
[.]
Everyone is concerned about why the Blaiver Magic Tower has locked its doors after the conflict with the dark wizards. As you know, the Magic Tower you have established in the volcanic region of Claronis is one of the largest furnaces on the continent. If you, who were a core part of the western continents steel industry, are reluctant to disclose recent events, who would want to work with you?
Gone was the feigned naivety from their initial encounter; now only piercing eyes and a resolute voice remained.
He addressed the Elders atop the arrogant Magic Tower without a trace of hesitation.
Lennok then comprehended why Evelyn had endured various inconveniences and awaited the delegation from the city of machines. Without the involvent of soone directly connected to the steel industry, which was particularly sensitive to this issue, justifying an inspection of the Magic Tower would have been challenging.
I wont demand that you resolve the issues and reopen the Magic Tower imdiately.
Mausers voice softened slightly.
But at the very least, you must allow us to verify that the Magic Tower is operating smoothly and without any problems.
[What do you an by that?]
The Magic Tower needs to prove that it has erged victorious from the conflict with the dark mages and is rely recuperating from its aftermath.
Mausers gaze grew somber.
I accepted this eting under the assumption that you agreed to this condition.
[.]
A tranquil silence ensued.
As if they were ticulously selecting their words, deliberating over what to say.
[Very well.]
The response erged after a protracted pause, originating from the leftmost fla, in stark contrast to the previously speaking ones.
The voice possessed an icy deanor, as cold as the fervently burning fla was hot. Polite in tone, yet chilling like ice gliding over a surface.
[Starting today, for the next three days, we will open all facilities of the Magic Tower to your inspection.]
(To be Continued)
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