Genius Warlock

Chapter 336

In a vast research laboratory established by the Life School Faction in Lake Village,

In a certain section, space became distorted as if bending through the refraction of light, and shortly thereafter, a portal manifested as the space was torn asunder.

A man emerged from the ruptured portal. It was Theodore Brant, the Grand Master of the Life School Faction.

His appearance seemed only half of his actual age, as he had utilized his abilities to present himself as at least a decade younger during combat. The moment his feet made contact with the ground upon emerging from the portal, the repercussions followed.

"Ugh...!"

Theodore wavered, experiencing dizziness as he sensed his strength ebbing away from his entire body.

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He had barely sustained his youthful state; to amplify this while participating in a fierce battle... It would be more astonishing if there were no consequences.

"Test Subject 162 was stronger than I thought. The burden was even greater after dealing with Philip and Tilda... Damn it."

Theodore gazed at his own hand, which had undergone rapid aging, with its skin sagging and wrinkling like that of an elderly man. It was a disconcerting transformation.

"Master, are you alright?!" Finn Russo, Theodore's experimental subject and disciple, provided support and inquired.

Without delay, Finn produced medicinal remedies designed to restore the substantial energy required for maintaining youth: life force concentrate, a specially blended potion, and high-calorie pills. Theodore ingested them all in one swift motion, replenishing his drained energy and regaining his physiological vitality.

"The efficiency is declining."

Theodore observed his hand, pondering its condition. Despite their endeavors, the technology for rejuvenation and youth preservation remained as unstable as a structure built upon shifting sands.

The technique itself was intricate, costly, and yet lacked enduring effectiveness, necessitating constant upkeep.

As time passed, the ratio of effort to reward declined.

It was as though aging and mortality were inevitable, regardless of his actions. Sensing the inexorable grasp of death, Theodore felt an absolute dread.

Ultimately, death was more terrifying than anything else.

But Theodore reassured himself.

He had discovered a means of evading this absolute, inescapable curse. This was a providential opportunity, a testament to his chosen status.

"Master... Are you alright?"

Finn Russo inquired once more, perturbed by Theodore's unusual reaction.

"I'm fine... Did you confirm it?"

"Yes."

A third voice interjected, a voice familiar to his ears.

It was his sole grandson, Carl.

"Carl..."

"Grandfather."

Carl offered a respectful bow, a marked departure from his usual overconfident demeanor.

However, it was unsurprising, as his conceit had its origins in his grandfather's teachings.

"So, Carl... Is it him?"

"Yes, grandfather. Kevin's personal staff Zenon is the Solver Dave we were trying to capture. I have confirmed it."

Theodore nodded with determination, his lips firmly sealed. He felt content. Yet, a question emerged.

"But why didn't you capture him?"

In response to Theodore's query, Carl hesitated, an uncommon occurrence for someone of his age.

Carl had also made attempts to ensnare the target, Dave, leveraging the latter's laid-back disposition to draw him into a favorable situation.

However, Dave exhibited extraordinary mana manipulation, even wresting control of Carl's own mana, elevating the entire basement to the surface in a remarkable display. Thus, the plan had faltered.

Despite unleashing [Thunderbolt] with all his might, Dave effortlessly deflected it and closed the distance.

"You stopped it? And easily at that?"

"Yes... I apologize."

Carl couldn't meet his grandfather's gaze as he offered his apology. He had let down his grandfather.

"...No, it's okay. You're not yet in a state of perfect fusion. It can't be helped if the precision of your skills is lacking."

Theodore consoled him, not wanting to dampen spirits before an important mission.

"It's my fault, Master. Not the Young Master's."

As the atmosphere grew weighty, Finn Russo, who had stood like a privacy screen beside them, spoke up.

"I took the initiative to retreat with the Young Master, despite his willingness to continue the battle. So it's my fault."

"It may be related, but it's probably not just for eternal life," Kevin asserted confidently.

"Why is that?"

"Immortality is indeed an incredible achievement, but even so, this kind of behavior is unacceptable. The acts the School of Life Magic has committed can only be justified if they are prepared to either collapse or consume the Magic Tower themselves," Kevin explained.

The point he made was valid. Indeed, this was the motive behind their efforts to sway Philip and Tilda.

"What they ultimately need for that is power. Without power, neither negotiations nor schemes can be established."

"So you're saying that Theodore is preparing to enhance his power?"

"Yes. Of course, it may be related to immortality, but power is definitely a factor... at least to the extent that he could face my master."

Kevin was referring to none other than Archiver Merlin, the recipient of a millennium's worth of knowledge and generally recognized as the most exceptional wizard of his era.

If Theodore had amassed the strength to confront such a wizard... then his audacious conduct held a degree of rationale.

This remained speculative, but...

Listening attentively, Tilda interjected. Her voice, though not loud, commanded everyone's focus with its distinct icy undertone.

"We all have good theories, but we need to decide on something else first."

All eyes turned to her. As she held their attention, Tilda continued.

"We need to decide whether to fight Theodore here or to retreat."

Indeed, this was a pertinent consideration.

While comprehending the adversary's circumstances and intentions held importance, an even more critical aspect was formulating their own course of action.

"As you can all see, the situation is not good. The mist surrounds this place, making it difficult to even assess the damage, and we are outnumbered, with most of us not in good condition."

None could dispute this assessment.

Philip had lost an arm, while Kevin and Terence had depleted their mana reserves, necessitating rest and recovery. Battle injuries were an additional concern. Yareli and Tilda were among the few in better shape, alongside the rescued wizards, yet even they were fatigued.

Could they stand against Theodore and the wizards from the School of Life Magic with such a depleted force? Logically, their chances appeared slim.

Yet, Philip held a contrasting viewpoint.

"That's why we have to fight now."

"Now?"

"Yes, Tilda. What they want is to secure ingredients for some sort of spell or ritual... Whatever it is, it's quite threatening. If Theodore has gone to such lengths, we should also risk intervening now."

A rational argument. Undertaking this path implied they had the confidence to see it through. Allowing their adversaries to succeed was not an option.

A viewpoint truly akin to that of a warrior.

However, Tilda pragmatically countered, deliberating over the prospects of success and potential losses. She proposed that it would be wiser to alert the Magic Tower and ready themselves to thwart Theodore.

Philip retorted that Theodore's strategic acumen could encompass ambushing them in retreat or even deceiving the Magic Tower using other wizards who might have been coerced.

This hypothesis also held merit.

In the midst of the Honorary Grand Master and the One Master exchanging specific insights, and others sharing their opinions on what they deemed right, Kevin unexpectedly spoke up.

"...Zenon."

"Yes, Professor."

An involuntary hush fell over the assembly as all eyes turned to the pair.

"What's your opinion? You're the one who can utilize this barrier."

"I will go along with everyone's opinion."

"So, you're saying anything is fine?"

Yareli interjected, displaying a hint of irritation at the equivocal response, akin to the situation in the basement.

Sensing Yareli's sentiment, Oliver responded.

"Ah... that's not what I meant. I'm merely a staff member, so I don't think it's my place to give an opinion in front of all of you... Also, I'm a warlock."

"At the same time, you're also the person who helped Yareli rescue the other wizards and will be responsible for using the mist for transportation... So you really have no opinion?"

Kevin earnestly inquired.

Reading his emotions, Oliver earnestly replied as well.

"Um... Personally, I would like to fight against the Life School."

"And why is that?"

"Because there's someone I'd like to hit."

Oliver stated, genuine emotion flavoring his words as he envisioned a boy in his mind.

(To be Continued)