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“There was a young brat I wanted to smash in the head. But you surely wouldn’t have cared about him at that level.”

Despite his disparaging tone, the giant had a rough estimation of the dark wizard’s formidable achievements.

An eminent dark wizard, surpassing the boundaries of forging his unique ‘domain,’ and delving into the manipulation of physical laws.

A grandmaster whose mastery over magical might achieved what Croken could attain through his physical form and martial prowess.

If measured in tiers, he stood at the cusp of level 8, his power nearly transcending the limits of level 7. A true anomaly.

In the eyes of this ancient prodigy, Lennok appeared as nothing more than a fledgling, frail wizard.

However, the man named Myung responded with a grin, shaking his head.

“I intend to propose that young one to Pandemonium. I suggest you do the same.”

“…Pandemonium?”

“I gave him a challenge on a whim while accomplishing my own task. Yet, he not only accepted it but excelled beyond my expectations. He’s driven, intelligent, and possesses remarkable potential. His utility will manifest sooner than you think.”

“Hmm…”

Croken stroked his chin, absorbed in contemplation over this wholly unexpected suggestion.

“I’m not particularly fond of the idea, but…”

Who could have foreseen that the brash factory kid would mature intellectually to such an extent?

A pace of growth that even surpassed Croken’s, earned through battles of every grimy and coarse kind.

And Myung, a wizard like no other, was even more attuned to this transformation.

It was only rational to take notice.

After deep consideration, Croken’s grin emerged.

“It sounds fun. Agreed.”

“Then it’s decided.”

Only then did Myung stand from his seat, brushing off his thighs.

“In six months, there’s a summoning scheduled. I’ll wrap up the narrative by then.”

“Deal with it yourself. That’s none of my concern.”

Boom!

Croken, slowly rising, cast his gaze downward at the man before him.

A gargantuan form that far exceeded human proportions.

Though both fell under the classification of ‘beings,’ no one would mistake Croken for a member of the same species as the fragile humans.

“To be honest, I came here today to engage in a bout with you.”

“That’s quite unexpected.”

Myung responded with a smile.

“Well, I can’t decline. I was just curious about the sound of a crocodile’s cry.”

“No, never mind. Witnessing you, an elderly fellow, showing interest in a youth like that drains away all my enthusiasm.”

Leaving Myung momentarily speechless, Croken smirked.

“It’s good to observe the young ones, but you should be careful. Don’t carelessly blabber the world’s secrets… you might attract the useless attention of the Ascendants.”

“Do you believe that transcendent entities, those enlightened about reality, would bother with such matters?”

Myung chuckled.

“Even the Great Seer, who held compassion for humans, only relinquished those mundane attachments on the brink of death. They are detached from the concerns of this world.”

“Heh, heh, heh… I’m not interested in the usual response. Only one thing truly matters.”

Croken scoffed, turning away.

High-minded ideals and rationale, the enigmas of the world—they held no sway over him.

Throughout the past and present, the sole desire of Croken Asilas remained unwavering.

With ponderous steps, his colossal silhouette gradually receded into the shadows.

“If you wish to avoid entanglements in the mysteries of ascension, keep your word.”

Myung silently gazed at Croken’s retreating form for a while before shifting his gaze.

In a fleeting moment, when the starlight in the night sky vanished, the desolate building stood devoid of any presence.

***

A week had already elapsed since the collaboration with the agent had concluded.

Lennok had dedicated himself to recuperation, hardly stirring from within the confines of the house.

“Ugh…!!”

He expelled bile into the sink, swiftly rinsing it away with water.

It wasn’t just the aftermath of mana addiction.

“Heck, that damn Dray…?”

Healing potion Hedlock, renowned for its efficacy in treating internal injuries.

While it seemed to alleviate the persistent effects of infusing his body with energy, and he continued to imbibe it, the excruciating bitterness remained unbearable.

On his fourth round of the potion Dray had bestowed upon him, he still struggled to acclimate, expelling the acrid liquid that surged up.

“I’m starting to suspect he intentionally gave me this potion.”

Lennok glared at the vial with evident annoyance, then departed from the bathroom and settled onto the bed.

He had come a long way from the times of sleeping on a lone blanket in a cramped apartment. He felt a sense of pride for what he had achieved, but at the same time, he was fatigued by the long journey that lay ahead.

Yet, now was the moment for him to find respite. The operation with the agent had been draining, demanding a significant expenditure of his energy to ensure its successful conclusion.

He clutched a plush pillow and retrieved his phone. The once-empty inbox had now filled with contacts that had accumulated unbeknownst to him.

Over ten emails had materialized while he slept.

[Jenny: Awake, Van? The agent’s team got in touch regarding the operation’s results. They want your input before negotiations start. Give me a call when you’re up.]

[Chen: Your contribution on the mission was substantial. It’s fair to say we owe it all to you. Let’s grab dinner sometime. I’m also interested in introducing you to a business venture I’m working on.]

[Evelyn: It would be great to get your input before I visit that woman’s bar again. She’s insisting on settling matters with your presence—does she trust you that much?]

[Dylan: I’ve come across an interesting job. Interested? Not that I’m footing the bill for you, but someone I know wants to hire you.]

[Aris: Lennok, I’ve lined up some subjects that might intrigue you in the lab. I’ll be swamped preparing for a conference, so there won’t be any lectures for a while. If you have personal queries, don’t hesitate to drop by my office.]

[Hina: I’ve been curious about the magic you employed last time…]

“So many messages.”

The pressing matter seemed related to the bonus from the operation. It appeared that Evelyn was considering revisiting the freelancers’ compensation following the resolution involving Councilor Reisen.

Despite Jenny representing Lennok, determining remuneration without his consent would be challenging. The discussions of negotiations hinted at the possibility of an offer beyond mere currency.

After responding that he was open to hearing the terms, Lennok rose and consumed some nutritional supplements.

Even amidst busyness, he never neglected health supplementation and dietary management. While he no longer carried paprika sandwiches as he once did, he always contemplated procuring convenient health-focused snacks.

Following the ingestion of supplements, he retrieved meat from the fridge to thaw and then reclined on the bed, emitting a groan.

The aftereffects of mana addiction continued to afflict Lennok relentlessly. Coupled with his intake of Feather Fall, which brought more side effects than the previously employed Red Scarlet, the lingering discomfort was only logical.

Once, he could alleviate this damage with Stemmonia acquired through auctions, but even such potions had become scarce in online markets.

‘Merely relying on mission rewards has its limitations. Personal effort is necessary.’

Fusing the incentives earned from the numerous operations he participated in with the supplementary funds from Dyke, he now possessed nearly 1 billion Cells.

While Lennok’s value had indeed skyrocketed, it also underscored his repeated recognition for contributions to operations.

Reflecting on his initial arrival in the city, the sum was staggering, yet from Lennok’s perspective—where health and longevity required constant investment—it remained insufficient.

‘VIP auctions at the underground auction house. The only route I can think of now is here.’

Even here, possibility existed, as Lennok had cultivated connections in both the shadows and the light.

A faction of influential figures scarcely spoken of, let alone approached, by a mere freelancer.

Lennok found himself compelled to enter that realm where diverse treasures and artifacts converged.

To achieve that goal, he needed to rapidly regain his mobility and return to the scene.

Suppressing tears, Lennok procured another vial of headlock.

“If possible, I must find medicine that tastes good.”

***

“Reisen stood as one of the prominent figures with a profound interest in controlling awakened superhumans with magical abilities,” Evelyn expounded, lowering the teacup she cradled. An exquisite aroma wafted from the steaming beverage, teasing the senses.

It was likely tea brewed from leaves cultivated by her, a conclusion not surprising in the least.

“He scrutinized every operation our agents conducted, striving to trim the budget where he could. Yet, paradoxically, he sought to harness the very power we wield.”

“So you struck preemptively, before being struck yourself? A wise move,” Jenny interjected, her expression tinged with boredom.

Evelyn sighed at the overt gesture.

“I understand that this facet of the story doesn’t pique your interest. I entertained a guest with a pointless story.”

“If you understand that, give the catalog quickly. You must show what we can choose.”

Her eyes gleamed with an incisive intensity amidst her ebony locks.

“You didn’t summon us here just to secure pity, did you?”

Evelyn turned her gaze wordlessly toward the ashen-faced Lennok.

“Van, it’s perhaps belated to mention this, but your broker possesses an infuriatingly effective knack.”

“……”

“Could you inquire if she’s concealing illicit funds? If there’s something shady, I want to dig into it.”

“Ha, unlike Reisen, I’m not foolish enough to be apprehended for holding onto pocket change. Is that a jab at me?”

In the midst of the intense volley, Lennok massaged his temples.

The intellectual sparring was so acute that his head pulsed with pain.

Jenny knew too well that Evelyn could not boast carelessly, and the reverse held true—Evelyn wasn’t foolish enough to be ensnared by verbal maneuvers.

They understood the underlying reasons behind Jenny’s current assertiveness.

While the operation was in progress, she had refrained from expressing her thoughts, but now was the time to emphasize Lennok’s remarkable contributions to the endeavor.

Rather than relying on conjecture about how much Evelyn might value Lennok’s efforts, Jenny’s approach was to vigorously demand what he desired.

Finally, Evelyn let out a profound sigh and acquiesced.

“You’ve been unyielding right from the start. Very well, I’ll reveal our terms first.”

“You should have started with that.”

“Are you interested in assuming the role of our negotiator? You certainly seem capable of squeezing concessions even from a shred of tissue. It could help economize the agents’ budget.”

“Can you afford my fees?”

“Both of you, enough already. Let’s get to the point.”

Only after Lennok intervened did the intense mental sparring cease, and Evelyn commenced her explanation.

“We managed to bring down Reisen, but it’s important to recognize that the resources expended to secure the success of this operation were considerable.”

“What exactly do you mean?”

“I can compensate you, Van, as per the initial agreement. However, disbursing performance bonuses for this operation’s triumph in monetary form poses difficulties.”

…

In essence, the agency lacked the financial means to provide monetary incentives.

It wasn’t an unexpected revelation.

Had they failed to uncover intelligence about illicit funds in this operation, Reisen, having caught wind of Evelyn’s intentions, would have launched a counterattack against her.

From Evelyn’s standpoint, the success of this operation had been imperative, regardless of the financial outlay.

“So cash isn’t feasible. It seems you’re contemplating an alternative mode of compensation.”

Jenny remarked, crossing her legs.

“You aren’t considering stuffing us with surplus supplies to placate us, are you?”