#520

Magic Engineering Expo (1)

Antares had been present from the beginning, which was something Lennok already knew. The meaningful reactions of Felix and Stella, and the faint sense of unease he had felt upon entering the bar—all of it pointed to his presence. Lennok had thought Antares might observe quietly, perhaps only leaving a hint of his presence without directly involving himself. Yet here he was, speaking directly to Lennok. 

And the mention of the upcoming expo, which Antares had just casually brought up, was something Lennok couldn’t easily ignore. Lennok sighed and stood up.

“How did you get ahold of my medical records?”

Antares responded quietly, “I've been a regular customer for a long time. I have a personal connection as well. While catching up with an old friend, I just happened to take a look into their database. It wasn’t difficult.”

Lennok knew that Antares wasn’t in the best health, likely due to the price he paid for glimpsing into the future. Given that, it wouldn’t be strange for him to be consulting Murphy for treatment. Perhaps it was a small comfort that Murphy hadn’t willingly handed over his records. After all, if someone as powerful as Antares had been determined to get the information, there was no way Murphy could have stopped him. And the fact that Antares had gone through this hassle just to create an excuse to meet Lennok—what could that mean?

“I’ll be waiting outside. I’ll pretend I didn’t hear any of this, so don’t worry.”

“Sure, I believe that,” Lennok sneered, but Antares vanished from sight without a word in response.

“Van, let’s wrap it up here today,” said Jenny, running a troubled hand through her hair and grabbing Lennok by the sleeve.

“For now, I’ll look into Dead Rise’s movements. You focus on what you need to do. Understood?”

“But if we don’t come to a conclusion on this issue…”

“Van, listen.” She opened her mouth as if to say more but simply sighed and turned her back to him.

“To be honest, I don’t really care about whatever went on with the Black Consumer Project.”

“…”

“What does it even accomplish, dredging up the past? What would it give us to dig into whatever happened between my grandfather and his confidant, or the disasters that led us to where we are now?”

Jenny spoke quietly. “If you hold onto illusions that you can’t understand or let go of, then in the end, you’ll just lose what you have now. As for me… I refuse to make that kind of foolish choice.”

She glanced at Lennok, scratching her head, and shook her head vigorously. 

“No, just go home already! Rest up like a good patient, even though I know you won’t tell me where you live anyway!!”

Bang!!

Even as she spoke, Jenny carefully grabbed his shoulder and pushed him out of the office. Lennok let out a quiet laugh, leaning against the door that had closed firmly behind him.

A faint smile appeared on the lips of Jordan, who was silently mixing drinks below the bar.

"…"

Lennok knew what Jenny wanted to say. She didn’t want him to overexert himself or worsen his condition while tracking down Dead Rise’s movements. Even if her own past became entangled in the process, she subtly conveyed that he shouldn’t worry about it. Originally, he’d intended to explain to her that his injuries weren’t as severe as they seemed. But with Murphy having sent that kind of notice, any reassurance would likely fall on deaf ears. 

And how could he possibly explain that he’d been in worse shape before, without mentioning his penalties?

In the end, Lennok leaned against the corridor wall, cigarette in his mouth, quietly pondering. Finally, he straightened up.

"…I don’t know."

"It’s always hard to keep secrets from those close to you," came Antares’ voice from the end of the hallway, where he was waiting for Lennok. There was a trace of amusement as he gazed down at Lennok, whose expression turned to irritation.

"If you’re just going to spout incomprehensible nonsense, spare me."

"I’m merely sharing a personal experience," Antares replied, chuckling bitterly. "Whether you say it or don’t, regret is all that remains in the end."

"…"

Somehow, Lennok felt he’d heard similar words before. As he frowned in thought, Antares twisted his wrist lightly and stood up.

"Time is short, so let’s keep this brief. You’re planning to participate in the expo, aren’t you?"

It seemed Antares had a pretty good idea of the dual identities Lennok was juggling. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be asking with such certainty. Yet, the next words from Antares’ mouth dispelled any doubts Lennok had.

"As things currently stand, there will be no winner at the expo. Instead, all nine judges will die."

"…What?"

"Then again, ‘currently’ might not be the right word. After all, we’re talking about events that haven’t happened yet," Antares mused, resting his chin in thought.

"The city will officially conclude that it was a terrorist act, but rumors will later spread that it was orchestrated as part of an internal power struggle."

"…"

"So, be cautious of any judges or senators who approach you," Antares added, passing by Lennok as he stood silently.

"I’m not sure what kind of achievement you plan to unveil at this expo to have twisted fate this much, but still…" 

  *

"Evan! Evan!!"

Bang!!

Lennok turned his gaze to the energetic voice coming from behind him.

As the lab door swung open, a researcher he recognized strode in with purpose.

“There’s not much time left! We need to leave soon!!”

“I’m just reviewing the final demonstration process, so hang on a bit longer,” Lennok replied, stifling a small yawn. Dark circles shadowed his eyes, as if he’d stayed up all night. Even transformation magic couldn’t completely hide the signs of a sleepless night.

Next to Lennok, a little fox was energetically leaping in the air, poking at various pieces of machinery.

“It shouldn’t take too… hoo,” he sighed.

“How long have you been holed up in this lab to end up this exhausted?” Cassia asked, stepping closer and looking down at Lennok in disbelief. “You hadn’t shown your face at the university for so long, I thought Evan had given up on submitting his thesis.”

Lennok rubbed his eyes, smiling at her words. “If I’d done that, do you think the dean would have left me alone? He’d have hounded me until I couldn’t even step foot in this lab.”

“Is this the result related to the rumored second thesis?” Cassia tilted her head as she watched Davi, the fox, darting around and touching the machinery. “It just looks like a standard magic-engineering engine to me.”

“...Standard? This engine is based on the principle of magic-to-electricity conversion from my first thesis.”

“Exactly,” Cassia nodded without missing a beat. “Isn’t that basically the design for the top-level hybrid engines currently used in Vulcan?”

“…”

Cassia, finally understanding Lennok’s reaction, clicked her tongue. “Wait, don’t tell me—you don’t even know how widely your thesis has been commercialized?”

“Hm.”

“Wow, should I be amazed or just speechless… Is this how all geniuses like you are?”

“No, I knew it was being commercialized, but…” Lennok glanced back at the engine that Davi was excitedly playing with. “I didn’t realize products of this quality, similar to what I designed, would already be actively used in the market.”

Though this engine was hastily made for the demonstration of his second thesis, it seemed products of similar quality were already on the market. While creating a clear theory and proving it was difficult, the infrastructure within the city was more than capable of producing a practical product based on a paper’s theory.

Perhaps he hadn’t expected other engineers in the city to replicate such an engine so quickly.

Cassia gave him a bewildered look in response. “Wait, the way you’re talking, it sounds like you haven’t even checked the account where your royalties are deposited. The dean was so insistent with me about handling everything thoroughly—”

"Cassia, who was it that reminded you so earnestly?"

Cassia jumped in surprise as a hand rested on her shoulder from behind—a hand belonging to the elderly dean.

"Eek! Dean!"

“You’re not in fieldwork, so your magic detection is still a bit lacking. You should work on sharpening those senses. Unlike you, though…” The dean, Syollus Garteanon, stroked his chin and turned his gaze toward Lennok, smiling.

“He didn’t even flinch or turn to look at me.”

“It’s been a while, Dean,” Lennok replied, standing up after swallowing a stimulant pill that had been lying on the desk.

The dean chuckled as he looked at Lennok. “It’s good to see you making an effort at the end. I was almost convinced you’d given up on this expo altogether.”

“I recall sending you regular updates on my thesis plan and progress reports, so I don’t understand what you mean,” Lennok said calmly, rubbing the dark circles under his eyes. “You must have known I was achieving results, or you wouldn’t have left me alone.”

“Ahem.”

“Of course, keeping it confidential is expected, but I didn’t think you’d go so far as to hide it from Researcher Cassia as well.”

If Cassia had known about Lennok’s second thesis, her reaction to the engine he’d just touched wouldn’t have been so mild. This suggested that the dean had kept the thesis contents thoroughly under wraps, even from her. The dean nodded in agreement, as if he had anticipated Lennok’s point.

“Cassia only recently learned about your thesis. Until I was sure you’d participate in the expo, I kept it close to my chest.”

“Is that so?”

“I hope you remember just how significant your role is in this expo,” Syollus said, his aged eyes flashing sharply.

“We bypassed the internal university competition and selected you directly to represent us. You realize that approach has stirred some opposition, don’t you? Do you know how many city council members are unhappy with this decision?”

“…”

“The university administration receives petitions from staff several times a day protesting this choice.”

The Magic Engineering Expo brought together all researchers and certified mages in Vulcan. Research institutions affiliated with the city council, prominent figures from the Mage Tower, and members of the Spellcasting Guild would be in attendance—a gathering backed by immense resources and personnel. Lennok would present the second thesis of the author of the magic-to-electricity conversion theory, bringing all that acclaim to Rabatenon University’s name.

For the dean, this was an opportunity to elevate the university’s reputation, prove his institution could produce outstanding talent, and cement his position. Given the attendance of top research institutions, mage towers, and other universities, it was only natural that each organization would carefully select the talent to represent them at the expo.

Originally, Rabatenon University would have held an internal competition to select the representative for the expo, and Lennok would have had to go through that process to secure his spot. However, the dean had bypassed all the usual steps by his authority and deliberately appointed Lennok as the representative.

Such actions could understandably spark discontent, as they could be seen as unfair. And it was all too clear where the blame would land if the outcome didn’t meet expectations.

“If you fail to produce a definite result, neither you nor I may be able to stay at this university much longer.”

The dean added a comment, as if gauging Lennok’s reaction.

“You may end up tarnishing the name of Professor Richellen as well.”

“You keep saying things you don’t mean,” Lennok chuckled as he stood up, signaling to Davi. He watched as the virtual spirit promptly ceased the engine’s operation, then turned his gaze to the dean. Meeting the elderly mage’s eyes head-on, Lennok spoke.

“If you hadn’t been sure… you wouldn’t have recklessly pushed me forward like this in the first place.”

"…"

Syollus Garteanon, the dean of Rabatenon University, was an accomplished mage, but just as notable for his strategic moves and political skills. Besides holding the dean’s position, Syollus also served on the city council’s technical advisory committee and various academic boards, often simultaneously. It was unlikely that he’d push forward solely on Lennok’s word. Rather, he had carefully examined Lennok’s thesis plan and progress reports, verifying the feasibility of Lennok’s work. Only after gaining confidence in its potential did he decide to bypass the usual tedious procedures and support Lennok’s candidacy.

The results Lennok had shown him from the second thesis—the dean was almost convinced that its content, set to be presented at the expo, was valuable enough.

“Isn’t that right?”

“...Indeed.”

With a slight smile, the dean watched as a spirit resembling a mountain goat rolled into the lab from his side. 

[Buuu.]

The spirit let out a curious bleat as it looked around, then excitedly rolled toward Davi, who was perched on the desk.

[Buuu, buu~]

[Uh…!]

Davi tensed up momentarily at the cheerful spirit’s approach, then, as if deciding something, leapt down from the desk. The two spirits stood facing each other at their owners’ feet, like opponents preparing to duel. Davi raised his tail high, letting out a confident cry.

[Buuuu!]

[Buu?]

"…"

Lennok deliberately avoided Davi’s imploring gaze.

[This… isn’t working.]

The mountain goat spirit happily nuzzled against Davi’s puzzled form, who tilted his head, uncertain. Cassia stared at the two spirits in bemusement and murmured quietly.

"Shouldn't the city government of Vulcan focus on providing one spirit per household instead of worrying about the expo?"

"Not that I don’t understand the sentiment."

"I’m the only one without a spirit… It’s unfair."

Cassia crouched down, watching the two spirits bicker, seemingly forgetting the engine Lennok had created. The dean, seeing her sulking, gave a wry smile and shrugged.

"Shall we get going if you’re ready?"

  *

Central City Hall Square in District 5 of the megacity.

Under the vast, domed structure, thousands of people gathered, filling every available space. Crowds wandered between hundreds of booths set up for the Magic Engineering Expo, marveling at inventions and equipment on display. Researchers and mages stationed at the booths moved quickly, attending to the curious visitors.

"This is the most revolutionary amplification device from the Machine City of Machina."

"Our lab has newly developed a magical artifact charger…"

"Batteries inspired by the principles of magic-engineering engines will soon fuel groundbreaking technology…"

"Consider the future of power generation and invest today. With the coexistence of magic and electricity, the energy sector’s potential has increased exponentially."

"Come check out rechargeable toilet paper and a wireless-operated shower!"

Steam-powered machinery and ring-shaped personal vehicles rolled around the booths. Sprinklers scattered water mid-air, and rechargeable toilet paper rolls operated with electric power. Animal-shaped robots roamed the square, giving children rides. Balloons floating above displayed rotating images, gracefully sketching scenes in the sky.

"Our university’s booth is further inside," the dean said, leading them toward the center of the square.

After navigating the bustling crowd and entering City Hall itself, the noisy clamor from outside was immediately replaced by a serene quiet. Sunlight poured into the spacious lobby through the glass dome ceiling. The area had been cleared of its usual furniture and fixtures, with rows of booths arranged neatly for the expo. 

These inner booths, allocated to key research institutions, held the real highlights of the expo, stationed directly within the City Hall building.

"Dean, good to see you again!"

"Garteanon, is it safe for you to be out and about at an event like this?"

"Old man, take it easy and mind your health!"

People recognized Syollus as he walked through the booths, greeting him one by one. The dean, with a friendly smile, returned each greeting but swiftly guided Lennok to their booth.

Even within City Hall, a sizable crowd had gathered, yet the researchers at these booths displayed a noticeably different demeanor. Rather than catering to the onlookers, they appeared focused on their preparations and groundwork, absorbed in their work and barely acknowledging the visitors.

The researchers stationed at these inner booths understood that they weren’t here to engage with the general public but to face city council members directly.

"Well, I’ll be off now. When the time comes, they’ll likely summon you directly to discuss the content and outcomes of your thesis," the dean said in a low, serious tone.

"As your recommender, I can’t participate in the evaluation, but I’ve done what I can on my end. The rest is up to you. You understand that, right?"

“If you’ve reviewed the thesis, then you should know," Lennok replied, skillfully assembling engine parts. "I’ll either be dismissed without even explaining it properly, or I’ll sweep up all the awards. It’ll be one or the other.”

He loosened a protruding screw, tilting his head slightly. “Let’s hope for the latter.”

“Yes, good…,” the dean replied, struggling to suppress his nervous expression with a faint smile. “In this situation, I actually appreciate that arrogance of yours.”

“…Was that arrogant?” Lennok asked, to which the dean couldn’t help but let out a chuckle.

“Entirely—especially since you don’t even realize it.”