Celestial Art: Model Garden (2)
“Honestly speaking, I thought the rumors about you had been exaggerated all this time…”
As she guided Lennok to the management room, Clarisse let out a small sigh and said,
“I was mistaken.”
“What do you mean?”
“If Bolt is hiding his identity and teaching substitute incantation, what do you think other mages would assume about you?”
Clarisse, walking ahead, glanced back at Lennok as she asked.
“You could have said it anytime. You clearly knew, so why did you just sit there listening to people badmouth you?”
“There wasn’t any particular reason.”
After a moment of thought, Lennok answered,
“It just seemed amusing.”
“……”
Clarisse stared blankly at Lennok, at a loss for words.
It must have been incomprehensible to her—Lennok teaching substitute incantation while listening to others criticize Bolt himself.
After glaring at him with a contemplative expression, she hesitated before speaking,
“I’ll say this just in case—you must not kill the mages of the towers.”
“Is that even something you need to say?”
“No torture or interrogation either. You can’t take an arm or a leg as payment. And pulling out tongues is absolutely forbidden.”
“How cruel. Were you seriously thinking I’d do something that horrific as revenge?”
“……”
At Lennok’s shameless reply, a vein bulged on Clarisse’s forehead.
Seeing her clench her fist tightly, Lennok smirked and pointed at the management room.
“Enough. Let’s go inside and talk. I also have something to discuss with the owner of this studio.”
“…Haa.”
Following Clarisse, who let out a deep sigh, they walked down the studio hallway.
In the meantime, the studio’s materials and equipment had all been replaced with the latest facilities.
Though it was in the same location as before, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say the interior was completely different.
As they opened the management room door and stepped inside, someone sitting within quickly turned their head.
“…?”
“Van…?”
“You are…!”
A familiar-looking woman stared at Lennok in disbelief.
Recognizing her face instantly, Lennok nodded.
“You’re the mage I saw at the hearing. You said you were from Balfour Mage Tower, if I recall?”
“I’m Abenia Stenson. I’m honored you remember me.”
Though she bowed her head, Abenia couldn’t hide her surprise.
“How is it that you are here in this studio…?”
“You two know each other?”
“I guided him during the hearing.”
“Ah, I see…”
It seemed Clarisse hadn’t expected anyone to be in the management room.
Muttering awkwardly, she cleared her throat and gestured to Lennok.
“Bolt, this way.”
“Th-that is… um… n-nice to meet you. Yes.”
A stern-looking woman with thick white hair tied back stood awkwardly before Lennok.
Rancia—the martial artist-turned-instructor who ran the Pilates studio.
And the very person who had taught Lennok the martial art Ninefold Descent, along with its incomprehensible counter technique.
Though Lennok had visited the studio several times before, it wasn’t strange that Rancia didn’t recognize him.
This was his first time coming here under Van’s face and identity, so there was no way she could.
Rather, it was Lennok himself who should have found it surprising that he had returned to the studio at this point.
“I heard you’re the most prominent archmage in Vulcan these days…”
Rancia said with a slightly uneasy expression.
“I don’t know much about your field, so I didn’t recognize your face—”
“I didn’t know there was such a training craze among mages.”
Interrupting her, Lennok asked,
“I’d like to hear an explanation directly from you.”
“As you’ve probably already heard, substitute incantation using physical techniques is actively being researched among mages right now.”
Clarisse answered in her place.
It seemed she judged it better to finish the conversation naturally and leave, rather than immediately asking to vacate the room.
“There are various types of substitute incantations that replace hand signs, but Treadburn’s version had the highest level of completion. Naturally, mages began flocking to environments where they could learn physical techniques.”
“An environment to learn physical techniques…”
“Instructor Rancia has a deep understanding of the body due to her martial arts background, and she also has profound insight into the operation of internal mana. She comes from a renowned martial lineage, so mages staying in Vulcan can trust her identity.”
“But most importantly, she provides extremely efficient training methods even for mages with weak physiques or stamina.”
Clarisse looked at Rancia with interest as she spoke.
“She knows exactly how much training induces stimulation without overburdening the body, and that helps a lot in training substitute incantation.”
“So that’s why word spread among the mage towers.”
“Abenia here is also training in the studio through a similar process. She’s someone with tremendous drive to become stronger.”
At Clarisse’s words, Abenia lowered her head deeply.
“I have no excuse. I’m sorry.”
“Why are you apologizing?”
“Isn’t it because she’s researching substitute incantation?”
Clarisse laughed lightly as she defended Abenia.
“She seems to admire you quite a bit. Maybe she didn’t want you to find out she was learning the technique of Treadburn, the one you fought.”
“Ah, so that’s why…”
Lennok chuckled softly and lifted his gaze.
“It doesn’t matter. Why divide sides when it comes to researching and mastering techniques?…It’s not something you can replicate just by watching anyway. If there’s something to learn from Treadburn’s method, it should naturally be taken and mastered.”
Leaving Abenia, who still couldn’t relax, Lennok turned his gaze to Rancia.
“And if there’s a martial artist who can assist with physical training, why wouldn’t you try?”
“Well… to be honest, it wasn’t something I could accomplish alone.”
Rancia said awkwardly.
“I’ve told my students a few times, but I once taught someone who was extremely physically weak.”
“……”
“Among all my students, that person was literally so frail it felt like their entire body was cursed.”
Was it just a coincidence that one could immediately guess who she was referring to?
Unaware of Lennok’s thoughts, Rancia murmured as if reminiscing,
“Instead of physical strength, they had incredible patience and mental fortitude. Thanks to them, I came to deeply understand bodily coordination while teaching.”
“I see…”
“Because you experienced the worst-case scenario, you were able to lower the baseline for your classes.”
“Yes. That helped a lot in designing customized courses for mages.”
Even Abenia and Clarisse listened with interest.
While Lennok lifted his gaze to hide his expression, Rancia tilted her teacup and said,
“I owe that person a lot. They even bought an annual membership for my studio back then, which helped me make ends meet.”
“……”
“I’d really like to repay them if they ever come back, but they’re someone I can’t contact at all.”
The fact that her experience teaching Lennok Pilates and martial arts had ultimately helped her business so greatly.
He hadn’t expected to see the ripple effects of the battle between Bolt and Treadburn in a place like this—but it wasn’t a bad thing that Rancia’s business was thriving.
After all, she was one of the very few martial artists who had learned and mastered Ninefold Descent.
For Lennok to further learn it in the future, it would be advantageous for her business to continue prospering.
“I think I’ve heard enough about substitute incantation. Thank you for the honest explanation.”
Thinking that, Lennok set down his teacup and stood up.
“Clarisse, let’s go.”
“Yes. I’m ready.”
Whoosh!!
As Clarisse stood, her training uniform instantly transformed into an elegant robe.
A high-level transmutation technique impressive enough to widen even Rancia’s eyes.
Placing her hand on her chest, Clarisse bowed politely to Rancia.
“Instructor, thank you for your hard work today. I’ll see you again next week.”
“Ah, yes. Take care.”
As Rancia bowed and opened the door first—
The studio fell silent in an instant.
Mages stood in neat lines before the management room, their faces pale as they bowed their heads.
Unable to leave, yet unable to continue training either.
They stood awkwardly like children awaiting punishment.
“…Huh?”
Even Rancia tilted her head in confusion at the frozen atmosphere.
“Ahem… Haa…”
Coughs, sighs, hesitation, faint lament.
The mages who had been chatting warmly with Lennok moments ago now avoided even meeting his gaze.
Yet they neither fled nor turned away, simply waiting silently for him to speak.
As Clarisse sighed awkwardly, Lennok stepped forward with a smile.
“I’ve heard your perspectives on substitute incantation.”
“…!!”
At his words, the mages’ shoulders trembled.
Only then did Rancia realize that this silence had been caused by Lennok.
“There were quite a few interesting aspects, whether in interpretation or application.”
Lennok looked at the mages of the various towers.
“It’s not a bad thing for mages from different towers to gather and research a single technique.”
“……”
“Keep up the good work.”
Leaving the silent, pale-faced mages behind, Lennok nodded to Rancia.
“Then.”
“No, what on earth is going on…?”
“Van.”
As Rancia muttered in confusion, Abenia quickly bowed to Lennok.
“I’ll handle things here. Please go ahead.”
“You’re quite diligent.”
At Lennok’s words, Abenia bowed again.
“I’ll visit you soon under the name of Balfour.”
Even while stepping in for unrelated matters, she managed to secure practical benefit.
As he had felt during the hearing, she was quite competent.
Leaving her behind, Lennok exited the studio with Clarisse.
“I really can’t understand people like you…”
Clarisse said with an exasperated expression.
“Why did you say that to the mages at the end?”
“Well.”
Lennok shrugged.
“If I had to say, I want them to continue researching substitute incantation.”
“You want them to continue?”
“If mages got scared and ran away because of me, disrupting that woman Rancia’s business, it wouldn’t look right.”
Turning to Clarisse, Lennok smiled coldly.
“So I simply made sure they could continue training there without worry.”
More importantly, the more they researched and produced results, the more Lennok could effortlessly reap the benefits of their interpretations.
Clarisse, speechless, checked a message on her phone and slightly opened her mouth.
“All the students at that Pilates studio just purchased five-year memberships.”
“Seems that woman Rancia has quite the business sense.”
“…”
Clarisse, about to say something, sighed deeply and shook her head.
“Fine. It’s not like I’m free of responsibility for saying I’d stay until the end of the class.”
“So now, will you explain what happened with Olivera?”
***
The underground research facility beneath the cartel headquarters.
The right arm of Anathema hanging from the center of the ceiling, and Olivera watching it from the control room.
Given that the cartel’s chairwoman had paid an enormous price to obtain it, there could not be even the slightest error in analyzing its hazardous components.
With arms crossed, Olivera gazed at the research facility beyond the veil and spoke without turning around.
[The mages of Sinclair Mage Tower have always been irresponsible.]
“……”
[So you were hiding away, wasting time enjoying trivial mortal amusements?]
Olivera’s mystic eyes flashed sharply as she looked at Lennok and Clarisse entering the lab.
[I hope I haven’t stolen the precious time of a Long-Lived.]
“In this matter, I don’t think either of us has the right to point out the other’s faults, Maize.”
Clarisse replied calmly, brushing off the blatant sarcasm.
“Didn’t you also attempt to use Bolt’s objective for your own benefit during the negotiations?”
[Thanks to a certain irresponsible Long-Lived who ignored the deal and idled away.]
Olivera smiled coldly.
[Still, your shameless nature is useful on days like this. Otherwise, a Long-Lived wouldn’t still be lingering in this city.]
Their gazes sharpened as they faced each other.
Watching from the side, Lennok clicked his tongue in annoyance.
“I don’t know what you’re trying to do. Are you planning to fight each other here?”
Previously, Lennok had asked Clarisse about a way to reach Kundara, and she had given him an elixir made by Aris, saying she would look into it.
Clarisse had consulted Olivera about it, but Olivera deduced that Lennok intended to go to Kundara.
Thus, during the negotiations, Olivera used that information to strike a deal with Lennok.
Given everything, it was only natural that relations between the two had become somewhat strained.
“There seems to be a misunderstanding, Bolt. I didn’t come here to criticize her.”
Clarisse answered calmly.
“I’m simply curious why Maize has decided to cooperate with you at this point.”
[If you heard what happened at the negotiations, you should know what achievements that mage accomplished.]
Olivera flicked her veil.
[It is only natural to reward one who has achieved beyond expectations. Is it so strange that I would cooperate with him?]
“Maize, you’re not someone who moves for such a trivial reason. Isn’t it more reasonable to assume there’s another motive? Moreover, Bolt has a close relationship with my disciple, so as a master, I intend to offer him due consideration.”
Clarisse turned her gaze to Lennok.
“If your cooperation with Bolt involves any personal motive, shouldn’t we clarify it?”
[Oh? A disciple…]
Lennok could feel Olivera’s eyes curve mischievously behind the veil.
[How unexpected. Even someone as cold-blooded as you is bound by personal ties?]
“I wouldn’t call it personal…”
Lennok gave a faint smile and raised his gaze.
“As you often say, a long time has passed.”
“……”
Perhaps surprised that he didn’t deny it—or unsettled by his indifference—both Olivera and Clarisse looked at Lennok.
Ignoring them, he reached into his coat.
Flap.
Taking out the grimoire of Celestial Art he had borrowed from Nox Biblio, Lennok showed it to Clarisse.
“Olivera said you could use this celestial art to open a path to Kundara.”
Without answering, Clarisse silently examined the grimoire.
Lennok asked,
“Check its contents and answer me. How long would it take to find a path to Kundara by twisting the veil?”
“…Celestial arts do not directly manipulate or alter the movement of the heavens.”
Clarisse opened the grimoire calmly.
“No matter how hard a mortal tries, it is impossible to change the motion of celestial spheres or planetary orbits. That is closer to the domain of apostles.”
“Then?”
“In ancient times, people interpreted the stars of the night sky as connected to earthly fate, calling their changes the Mandate of Heaven. To rearrange constellations and artificially manipulate that mandate, ultimately extending influence over fate itself.”
Snap.
Closing the grimoire with one hand, Clarisse said,
“That is the fundamental essence one must grasp to learn and wield celestial arts.”
Celestial Art Deployment Model Garden: Celestial Sphere Formation Spero Sphaera
Fwaaaah!!
Light burst forth from the grimoire, instantly unfolding into a vast celestial sphere above the pages.
The underground chamber’s ceiling and walls filled with a magnificent celestial sphere that began to rotate solemnly, enveloping the three of them.
It was as if the entire facility had become a model of the night sky, depicting the movement of stars—mystical and beautiful.
“This is…”
Was this the Model Garden manifested through celestial arts—the original domain of the stellar field?
As Lennok tried to raise his mana to examine it—
Olivera spoke coldly.
[Bolt, step back if you don’t want to be crushed.]
“…Crushed?”
[The concept of the Model Garden is the power to overlay an ideal landscape that does not exist in reality onto the world.]
Seeing Clarisse’s body covered in pure white light, Olivera continued,
[In other words, it can forcibly draw out the essence of a Long-Lived that normally exists only in a cognitive space.]
“…Don’t tell me.”
Realizing what she meant, Lennok glanced aside—
Olivera nodded with interest.
[In a moment, the true body of Clarisse Richellen will descend here.]
“Crushed, you say? That’s quite rude, Maize.”
At that moment, pure white light exploded outward, filling the celestial sphere.
Kwaaaang!!!
A divine beast emitting mysterious light descended into the center of the research facility, looking down coldly at Olivera.
“Let me be clear—I am not that heavy.”
Instead of answering, Lennok silently lowered his gaze.
Beneath the massive divine beast, a crushed alloy container lay flattened—answering in his stead.