Chapter 392: The Return of the Tower of Magic (Part 1)
Five days had passed since Oliver received the items he had ordered from Ewan and obtained permission for construction in District X from Bartholomew, a senior member of the Development Opposition Committee.
A short time, or perhaps a long one, depending on perspective—just five days less than a week.
Forcing his sore body, still aching from the aftereffects of the Thunder Union, Oliver stood up and did some light stretching before heading to the shower.
So much had happened lately.
The most vivid memory was of Forest.
Forest was astonished when Oliver informed him about obtaining construction approval from the Development Opposition Committee.
Actually, it wasn’t just Forest who was shocked—Jo, who lived in District X, was equally taken aback.
It was, indeed, an exceptional event. For the Development Opposition Committee to grant such permission was unheard of.
‘Naturally, it would be unusual. They’re the ones who rejected it even after the city gave up on it.’
For the first time in a while, Forest showed genuine surprise, highlighting just how remarkable the event was.
Had it been anyone else but Oliver relaying the news, it would’ve been unbelievable.
After all, Landa was a place teeming with fraud and lies.
However, since it was Oliver, Forest trusted him implicitly, without question.
The fact that the Development Opposition Committee allowed construction in District X was a story no Landa native would readily believe.
Jo and his companions felt the same.
Because of this, Jo had asked Oliver for help—to let them borrow his name so that they, too, could gain approval for construction in their residential area.
‘We’ve managed to gather some funds and even secured a loan from Crime Firms Bank, but we’ve been living amid cement dust thanks to that Development Opposition Committee… Of course, we’ll cover all the costs, but could you just lend us your name to prevent any interference from the committee?’
Jo’s words were colored with concern and a sense of responsibility.
It was clear that he genuinely wanted to provide a better life for the people in his community.
Oliver agreed. Although he doubted he had that kind of influence, it was true that the Development Opposition Committee had made a promise.
Upon receiving Oliver’s consent, Jo and his associates, including Double-Gun Sam and Iron-club Owen, cheered and celebrated. Jo then asked Forest to find a construction company for their residential area as well.
Forest readily agreed.
‘Thanks to that, Forest’s been busy too… Not to mention Mari.’
While showering in hot water, Oliver thought back to Mari’s recent activities over the past five days.
As soon as it became certain she could reside in District X, Mari, through an apothecary, reclaimed the hidden funds she had in Wineham and prepared for her permanent settlement in Landa.
She also deployed people to other towns, re-establishing communication lines with other branches that had been cut off due to the Holy Knights, thus starting a full-scale reorganization of her entire organization.
Before she began, Mari had made a promise to Oliver.
‘Of course, we will also cease all religious activities in other branches. However, there’s distance and confusion due to the policy changes, so please allow us a grace period, Master Dave.’
She spoke sincerely, without deceit.
Although she likely had her own thoughts about this, Oliver did not press her further.
The thoughts she harbored seemed to be only at the level of contemplation. Since he couldn’t tell what exactly she was planning, he chose not to question her outright.
Moreover, he didn’t want to add unnecessary pressure to the already busy and troubled Mari.
If any issues arose, he could address them at that time.
“The apothecary has been busy too…”
Sizzle!
Finished with his shower, Oliver cooked himself a hearty breakfast of steak, sausages, three eggs, and six strips of bacon while muttering to himself.
He, who had stayed curled up in his home while the Holy Knight was around, immediately set to work as soon as they left. By filling the void left by Mari and other crime organizations, he managed to restore order and take control of the city.
Additionally, he arranged for the delivery of Mari’s hidden funds and her selected associates to Landa, enabling her seamless settlement in the city.
It was almost as if he intended for Mari to settle permanently in Landa.
Not that this was a bad thing.
Rebuilding his relationship with Mari had already been agreed upon by Oliver and the apothecary, and whatever the apothecary’s intentions, his efforts ultimately benefited Mari by facilitating her rapid establishment in Landa.
In fact, the apothecary, aside from matters related to Wineham, supported Mari as a primary partner, assisting her in restoring communication with other branches to the best of his ability.
Of course, he was eager to finish Mari’s work quickly to begin a joint research project on druidic plants with Oliver, but there was nothing to criticize about that.
After all, it was only natural to help each other when both parties benefited.
Recalling yesterday’s conversation with the apothecary through a communication device, Oliver pondered.
‘When will we be able to start? Will it be once Mari’s reorganization is complete?’
‘Hmm… I apologize, but could you grant us just a little more time?’
‘It’s not an issue, but may I know the reason?’
‘I received an urgent summons, so I need to handle that first.’
‘A summons? Where to?’
‘The Tower of Magic.’
With the memory of this conversation fresh in his mind, Oliver also finished his breakfast.
After clearing the table and washing the dishes, he went back up to the second floor, dressed in a suit, sprayed some cologne, and prepared to leave for the Tower of Magic, wondering why he had been called there.
…
“It’s been a while…”
Looking at the Tower of Magic drawing closer through the taxi window, Oliver murmured.
It didn’t seem all that long, but then again, it had been.
Perhaps it felt longer because so much had happened.
Upon his return from Gallos, he had been consumed with writing papers, conducting research, working on personal experiments, dealing with Edith, Mari, Wineham, the Holy Knights, the Development Opposition Committee… He had spent a relatively short yet eventful period.
Despite how busy it had been, he felt he had spent his time well and had no complaints.
The taxi came to a stop.
After tipping the driver, who accepted the payment with a polite farewell before making an illegal U-turn to continue his route, Oliver stepped out of the car with a sigh.
It was the usual sight of Landa.
After watching the taxi drive off absent-mindedly, Oliver turned and walked toward the front entrance of the Tower of Magic, which felt surprisingly familiar.
‘Hmm… This feeling of being watched. It’s been a while.’
As he walked along the path, he could sense several gazes directed at him.
In the past, his duel with Derek and the Mountain Face incident had earned him brief attention within the Tower of Magic, but this time, it felt different.
Back then, the glances were merely of curiosity and interest, but now they seemed charged with suspicion, mistrust, admiration, fear, confusion, hostility, and even caution.
Not only students but also wizards occupying significant positions within the Tower of Magic were watching him closely.
The way he was observed in the past, as if he were some kind of intriguing animal, was distinctly different.
It felt more like the looks he received while working as a fixer, especially after successfully handling a major case that raised his reputation.
What was going on?
“You arrived right on time.”
As he ignored the stares and arrived at the Elemental School Tower, a voice called out to him.
It was none other than Kevin Dunbar, Merlin’s disciple and the master and professor of the Elemental School at the Tower of Magic.
He had been waiting for Oliver in front of the Elemental School Tower.
“Professor… It’s been a while.”
“Yes, it has been a while. I believe this is the first time we’re seeing each other since you left to write your paper?”
Oliver nodded.
“Yes… But, may I ask, is something going on at the Tower of Magic?”
“…Why?”
“Well, it’s just that, with it being the break, I didn’t expect so many people, but it seems everyone is watching me.”
Oliver glanced toward a group of students gathered at a distant bench and two teachers peeking through a window, pretending not to be interested.
Kevin, who noticed Oliver’s puzzled expression, looked around with him, his face revealing genuine disbelief. He seemed honestly baffled.
“Are you serious?”
“Oh… Yes.”
“Hah… Amazing. I can’t believe how thick-skinned you are.”
Kevin sighed, not so much in admiration as in bewilderment.
“What do you mean?”
“It’s impressive. Judging by your reaction, it seems you’ve already forgotten about Lake Village… Have you really forgotten?”
“Oh.”
Oliver, realizing only two beats later, let out a sound as if he’d just remembered.
Kevin, who had been waiting to see if Oliver might react, was taken aback.
“Looks like it was wise of Master Merlin to call you in advance, seeing as this is all you had to say…”
“My apologies… I was busy with a few matters.”
“I know. Follow me. I think it’ll be better if we discuss this in my office.”
…
Kevin asked Oliver to follow him, and Oliver obeyed, heading toward Kevin’s professor office.
However, something seemed odd.
Looking at the nameplate, it was indeed Kevin’s office, but it wasn’t in the same place Oliver remembered.
“Professor, wasn’t your office located elsewhere?”
Oliver confirmed the office location with some confusion. The new office was in a prime spot within the Elemental School Tower, a highly desirable location.
“Are you saying my office was in a secluded corner that was inconvenient for commuting and out of touch with everyone?”
“Yes.”
Oliver responded without a second’s hesitation.
Kevin, who had been about to open the door, stared at Oliver intently. Realizing his faux pas, Oliver quickly corrected himself.
“I didn’t mean that the place suited you, Professor. It’s just that it’s not where I remembered it… I apologize.”
Kevin, looking at the ever-earnest Oliver, sighed and opened the door to his office, stepping inside. Oliver followed him in.
“Oh…”
Oliver admired the new office. Its interior was as excellent as its prime location.
Kevin’s previous office had been so outdated and cramped that it almost seemed unsuitable to be within the Tower of Magic. But this new office, with its prime location, was spacious, clean, and lived up to the reputation of the Tower. It was a place one could easily settle into.
“It’s the newly assigned office. As you can see, it’s popular due to its location, size, and quality… Do you know how I managed to get assigned here?”
Oliver paused briefly before responding.
“…Is it because of the Lake Village incident?”
“Fortunately, you may be thick-skinned, but you’re not a complete fool. If you hadn’t remembered, I might have died of frustration.”
“I apologize… It wasn’t that I intentionally forgot, but I’ve had other matters on my mind.”
“I know. I heard about it from Master Merlin—Wineham, the Chosen Ones, and also, that your name is actually Oliver.”
“...I apologize for keeping that a secret.”
“No need. I’m not particularly interested in trivial past details. But seeing as you’ve returned, I take it you’ve resolved everything.”
Oliver nodded.
Indeed, things had settled well. He had successfully rescued Mari and even negotiated with the city, so everything was progressing smoothly.
‘The Pater Church is also lying low… which, honestly, is somewhat concerning.’
“Oh, and how did you know I’d returned to Landa?”
Oliver suddenly realized that although he’d been called in, he hadn’t informed Master Merlin of his return, prompting his question.
“Master Merlin mentioned that you’d come back, so he told me to contact you.”
“But I haven’t reported back to him yet…”
“Surprised?”
“Yes.”
“Get used to it.”
“Ah… yes.”
The two disciples of Merlin shared a brief, bemused silence as they both tried to adjust to their master's unpredictable ways.
After a pause, Kevin continued.
“Well then, let’s get to discussing the Tower of Magic, which is more pressing… You were curious why everyone has been watching you, weren’t you?”
“Yes. Although there was a similar situation once before, this time the attention feels somewhat different.”
“It’s similar to how I got assigned to this better office… It’s because of your accomplishments in Lake Village.”