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“This is what it means to project one’s own mental image. Of course, to accomplish this, you must accompany your own practice and state, but ultimately, bestowing another ability onto the domain is up to oneself.”

She shared these thoughts with a soft chuckle.

“What’s your impression?”

“It’s impressive. To be honest, I’m a bit surprised.”

Lennok, who had been gazing absentmindedly at the densely packed wilderness that surrounded him, acknowledged with sincerity.

This marked his inaugural encounter with a sorcerer of such caliber. Encounters with high-level sorcerers who willingly unveiled their domains without hostility were exceedingly rare.

Furthermore, the landscape of this jungle likely represented the innermost recesses of Grisha’s heart—a direct projection of her deepest self.

In essence, Grisha was baring her soul to Lennok.

Judging by her self-assured demeanor, it was evident that she took pride in this jungle scenery. Lennok could roughly discern her motives for this bold action.

The enigma shrouding the domain where one projected their mental image was a well-guarded secret among sorcerers. By revealing one of her most potent assets, Grisha was extending a different kind of trust to Lennok.

To some extent, this audacious move reflected a hint of desperation in her eyes.

“Alright. Remember it well and research diligently. Someone of your level might be able to mimic it quickly.”

Grisha remarked with a hint of arrogance in her expression.

However, as Lennok surveyed the jungle once more, he shook his head in silence.

“Well, it’s helpful, but… the problem ultimately depends on me.”

“What?”

Lennok refrained from answering and plunged into contemplation.

Ever since Aris had mentioned the concept of self-projecting domains, Lennok had a notion.

The art of projecting mental images. The knowledge to materialize a resolute will into a tangible tool could aid in scrutinizing Grisha’s domain.

However, what did Lennok’s own mental image entail?

He had barely spent two full years residing in this world.

Did the landscape within Lennok’s heart reflect the time he had lived as Lennok or encompass the days he had spent on Earth?

‘It’s a difficult issue…’

Either way, it was a question without a straightforward answer.

This predicament had nothing to do with Lennok’s inherent talents.

While Grisha might have interwoven her hometown nostalgia into her Spellcasting practices, Lennok remained clueless about which mental image to select, or rather, which one he would inevitably choose.

‘If I add an ability to the domain, it should be in a direction that helps in combat… It should maximize my strengths. The key is whether it’s possible to pick and project that mental image myself.’

“Well, fine. If you’ve seen enough, let’s wrap this up. This act also consumes a lot of energy…”

Grisha spat out a mouthful of saliva and rubbed her forehead with her left hand.

As soon as she raised her palm, her wound instantly healed, and the jungle scenery that enveloped the surroundings disintegrated.

Observing this, Lennok inquired with curiosity,

“You handle spells in quite a unique way. Is spellcasting usually like this?”

“Huh? What, is this your first time seeing a spellcaster?”

“I told you earlier. It’s my first time seeing a high-level spellcaster like you. I’ve never seen a spellcaster who could even come close to half of your level before.”

This was no exaggeration.

Throughout his assignments, Lennok had occasionally crossed paths with sorcerers. Still, regardless of their skill, none had reached the level of a 4th-level Spellcaster capable of consistently maintaining their firepower.

The spellcasters Lennok had encountered were memorable due to their use of highly individual or unique spells. However, meeting a spellcaster like Grisha was an unprecedented experience for him.

However, Grisha’s expression subtly shifted upon hearing Lennok’s words.

“So it’s the first time you’ve seen a spellcaster like me, huh?”

“Is there a problem?”

“…No, it’s nothing.”

Grisha scowled as she scratched her head in frustration. The potent mana that had been gradually corroding the space began to dissipate, causing the vivid projection of the forest she had maintained to fade away.

The boundaries of the space began to crumble, revealing the original appearance of the area bit by bit.

“Since you seem to know nothing about spellcasting, let me explain briefly.” Grisha stated dismissively from the heart of the disintegrating forest, her arms crossed.

“Mana is very capricious and mysterious, so it’s not easy to measure its limitations even after you put it into the framework of spellcasting. That’s why we find methods to stabilize spells and achieve maximum efficiency through a series of actions, offerings, and mediums known as ‘triggers.\'”

“…”

Lennok was well-versed in this information but chose to remain silent; there was no need to interject at this moment.

“And self-harm is a kind of enhancement method belonging to a very powerful category among these triggers. It’s a method of forcibly amplifying the power by incorporating a simplified self-sacrificial spell into the spell system to reduce its volatility.”

“So you’re saying that you raise the lowest point to enhance stability. That’s interesting. Is there any room for applying this in mana?”

It was an abrupt question, but Lennok posed it without hesitation.

Grisha’s initial explanation of spellcasting had been a brief courtesy, but Lennok discerned that her attitude indicated a certain degree of acknowledgment. Specifically, her answers were offered with the hope that he might lend her assistance.

Hence, Lennok had to seize this opportunity to glean as much knowledge as possible, particularly about the ‘trigger’ techniques Grisha utilized. Could her self-infliction method potentially enhance his control over mana?

‘Although it’s not something to try carelessly, it’s worth studying.’ Lennok contemplated.

Given his inherently fragile physical condition, rash attempts could result in more harm than good. Nevertheless, there was no harm in acquiring knowledge.

However, Grisha responded to Lennok’s question with an odd expression and a shake of her head.

“Are you crazy? Using such methods in spellcasting is because the spell system itself has many loopholes and allows for various manipulations. It’s not something you should try with mana.”

“Hmm…”

Examining Lennok’s contemplative countenance, Grisha let out a snort.

“Anyway, that’s not the main issue here. What I wanted to show was a matter of how to use domains. If you’re already familiar with freely manipulating the form of spells, there’s no need to stick to formality. Although it seems like you already have some idea…”

She waved her hand dismissively, visibly fatigued. Maintaining a potent domain seemed to be a considerable strain, even with her robust mana.

“Let’s meet again tomorrow.”

***

Following Amon’s guidance, Lennok exited the space.

Descending into the tower’s basement, he was greeted by a spacious corridor leading to impressive accommodations. Amon led Lennok to an unoccupied room and nodded in approval.

“I was quite surprised today. I didn’t know that you, a wizard, had such powerful skills… Now I understand why she gave you a direct message.”

Having witnessed Lennok’s battle with Grisha up close, Amon’s demeanor was notably more respectful. He recognized the value of a wizard capable of standing toe-to-toe with a high-ranking sorcerer.

“If you join us, Sir Evan, we will make sure you won’t regret your decision. Your skills will significantly help us regain the trust of the Autonomous Region,”Amon affirmed.

Ignoring Amon’s words for a moment, Lennok began to inspect the room. However, upon hearing a particular word that couldn’t be ignored, he spoke up.

“So, you all have been neglecting the lighthouse for a while.”

“Pardon?”

“Look here.”

With those words, Lennok trailed his finger along a shelf in the corner of the room.

“Despite being a space prepared for guests, it’s covered in dust. The bed is somewhat tidy, but that only proves that the vicinity was hastily cleaned recently.”

“…”

“The carpet in the corridor is slightly wrinkled, and the lanterns on the walls were irregularly turned off. Considering Lapis’s attitude, who was worried about whether I had contact with the Pandemonium but checked it in such a crude manner…”

As he spoke, Lennok turned his back.

“Lapis recently returned here to inherit the role of the next lighthouse keeper, didn’t she? Am I wrong?”

“…You’re quite sharp. Is this common among wizards living in big cities?”

Amon managed a wry smile.

“I thought I had a fair amount of experience in the battlefield, but I can’t match Sir Evan’s intuition.”

“Battlefield, you say?”

“You are absolutely right.”

After verifying that Byzen remained unconscious, Amon continued speaking.

“Up until recently, we were aiding the rebels on a nameless plain in the West. The Pandemonium got involved over a Dyzylia mine discovered near the Republic, and we responded.”

“Two members involved in the operation, both new without much information, were assassinated by Grisha and her forces. It caused significant damage.”

“A Dyzylia mine, huh?”

It was a rare metal, traded at a higher price than gems of equivalent weight due to its unique properties of high thermal conductivity and almost zero magical conductivity.

It made sense for the Pandemonium to intervene if such a mine had been discovered.

‘But what’s more surprising is that they’ve actually made some progress against the Pandemonium.’

Considering that these were new members, they likely didn’t possess the formidable power of wizards like Croken or the dark wizard…

Nonetheless, it was evident that the “Eye of Blue” was more than just a group of empty boasts.

“Many have died or been injured in our long fight. Excluding Grisha and a few others on external assignments, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say we have no force capable of directly confronting the Pandemonium.”

Amon spoke, regarding Lennok with a level of intensity he hadn’t shown before.

Lennok grasped the meaning behind that gaze but chose not to react.

This was a matter that had already been discussed with Lapis.

Amon lacked the authority and qualifications to further intervene.

He lowered his head, seemingly aware of this.

“…I will take my leave then. We still haven’t decided how to deal with the fire wizard, so I need to discuss it with others.”

“Hold on.”

Just as Amon was about to depart, Lennok halted him.

“If you’re planning to interrogate Byzen, I’d like to do it myself.”

“…”

“Wouldn’t you normally have killed Byzen on the spot? I have things to confirm with him. Half a day should be enough.”

“I can’t make that decision alone.”

Amon hesitated.

“You can get permission from higher-ups if you want. You don’t think I’d collaborate with the guy who tried to kill me, do you?”

“…No, I don’t. Lapis was the one who contacted you first. And I don’t think someone as powerful as you would scheme to attack the lighthouse in such a shallow way… Alright.”

Finally, after some contemplation, Amon nodded.

Originally, Byzen hadn’t even registered on the higher-ups’ radar, and this situation arose primarily because Amon sought to impress Lennok.

“But once the work is done, let’s report it to our superiors. Is that okay?”

“Do as you wish.”

Without delay, Lennok placed the small bag he had been carrying in the room and trailed Amon down to another floor.

Unlike the spacious hallway on the basement’s first level, what lay deeper within was a claustrophobic chamber designed like a cell.

It appeared to be a space constructed for confinement and observation.

This served as clear evidence that the ‘Lighthouse’ was far more than a mere observatory.

However, without uttering a word, Lennok seized Byzen by the collar and hurled him into the cramped enclosure.

BANG!

“I know you’re awake, so get up.”

“Ugh, ugh…!”

Startled by Lennok’s icy words, Byzen forced his eyes open.

He peered up at Lennok with bloodshot eyes and began to perspire profusely.

The prolonged period of being bound and the injury inflicted by a cursed dagger still exacted a toll on him.

Having witnessed Lennok and Grisha’s battle right beside him, along with Amon, there was no conceivable way he could still feign unconsciousness.

The two men sat across from each other at a cold table, their gazes locking.

Amon departed and sealed the room with the door, but he was unquestionably monitoring them from somewhere.

Byzen, with no intention of engaging in anything untoward, paid no heed.

Avoiding eye contact, Lennok spoke curtly,

“Why are you still alive?”

“What?”

“After taking a wingboat and trying to steal Nick’s badge from behind my back, why are you still breathing? Isn’t it strange?”

“…”

“What’s the reason that the wizard, who was following you around like a subordinate, is suddenly groveling to me? Want to know?”

“No, no.”

Byzen rolled his eyes and stammered in response.

He was remarkably astute in this situation, unlike his usual arrogant demeanor.

Lennok harbored no desire to waste further time and got straight to the point.

“I can spare you.”

“…”

“If you agree to one condition I have, I’ll let you go unscathed. I’ll even remove the curse that’s eating away at you.”

Naturally, Lennok refrained from revealing any intention to actually set him free from this location.

Byzen could serve as a valuable alibi the moment Lennok gained access to the Drug Lord’s vault.

However, Byzen seemed enticed by the apparent ploy and cast a searching gaze upon Lennok with a diminished countenance.

In stark contrast to his usual arrogance, he now displayed an entirely honest desire to survive.

“Show me the unique magic of Blaiver’s Tower…”

“No, it’s not possible.”

“Just show it to me once, right in front of me.”

“What?”

Byzen blinked in surprise as the conversation took an unexpected turn toward unique magic.

A sly grin spread across Lennok’s face.

Byzen, after all, was a wizard of no lesser caliber than Eden, whom Lennok had previously encountered.

Such a talented and skilled wizard was a rare find, especially within an environment boasting impeccable security like this.

Furthermore, when coupled with Byzen’s inherently avaricious and timid disposition, adept manipulation could compel him to unwittingly divulge vital information to Lennok.

It was time to extract the essence of Blaiver’s Tower’s unique magic, a discipline firmly rooted in the mainstream schools of fire and heat, down to its very core.

(To be Continued)