Chapter 503: A New Routine

Underhanded Deals.

It referred to various shady deals or activities that went against the rules of the Tower of Magic.

Considering its vast grounds, towering spire, and countless people, it was clear the Tower of Magic held numerous resources—some of which were siphoned off or stolen by those looking to line their own pockets. The types of theft were quite varied.

According to rumor, there was ‘Smuggling,’ involving the pilfering of experimental tools and items.

There was also ‘Temp Jobs,’ temporary gigs done secretly in the back alleys.

Then, there was ‘Whispering,’ where information or rumors from within the tower were sold.

Finally, there was something called ‘Back-End Operations,’ which involved organized groups manufacturing and selling potions, scrolls, magical brews, and synthetic drugs.

Even just hearing about it, one could tell the scale was considerable; in reality, it was indeed an impressive operation.

It contributed to a significant portion of Randa’s underground economy.

Without it, there wouldn’t be any way to explain how magic-related items at the Black Market never seemed to run out.

Magic was the domain of wizards; without their involvement, directly or indirectly, such operations would be impossible.

‘Still, it’s surprising that Felix was involved in such underhanded deals… Is that why he was working so hard?’

Oliver reflected on the first time he saw Felix.

Despite everyone’s lack of motivation, Felix did his utmost to attend Kevin’s classes, pushing himself to keep up.

At the time, Felix displayed a hint of tenacity and purpose, which Oliver now wondered if was meant for these underhanded deals, possibly to steal Kevin’s personal research.

It wasn’t an unlikely scenario. Kevin’s research had garnered enough interest that even the military was paying attention.

Being a veteran military mage, Kevin understood the battlefield better than anyone else and regularly met with military officials thanks to his knowledge and skills.

“Hmm…”

Oliver pondered for a moment but decided to stop thinking about it, reasoning that it wasn’t his place to judge. Instead, he finished the last of his calorie bar and continued on his way.

Felix might indeed have earned some karma by being involved in those deals, but Oliver, who knew next to nothing about him, wasn’t in a position to make rash judgments.

The only certainty now was that the project the Tower of Magic had been preparing had been abruptly disrupted by an external force, leading the authorities to conduct a massive investigation that resulted in the capture of Felix and many others involved in underhanded deals.

For someone who wasn’t involved, like Oliver, it was neither more nor less than that.

‘I should just focus on my tasks.’

With that thought, Oliver arrived at the Elemental School’s library inside the tower.

Although he frequented the library during his early days at the Tower of Magic, it had been a while since his last visit due to his busy schedule.

Oliver took out his Tower of Magic employee ID from his pocket and scanned it at the library door.

Beeeeeeep…

The door then opened with a soft sound.

Once again, Oliver felt a sense of amazement.

It was probably because he hadn’t seen it in a while, but it was still impressive technology.

The way they utilized the World Tree by connecting it to the buildings within the tower grounds like a nervous system was really remarkable.

While the basic principle was no different from a key and lock or a puzzle, the way they applied it to the World Tree and made it practical was a different matter altogether.

The wizards who initially built the Tower of Magic were truly extraordinary.

‘Hmm… I wonder if this could be applied to X-District as well?’

Oliver thought about the artificial forest in X-District. He wasn’t sure how it worked, but since the forest was growing naturally as they managed it, even a small World Tree had started to grow. If properly utilized, it could be quite beneficial.

‘The problem is, I don’t know that much about the World Tree… Maybe Eve would, though.’

Oliver recalled Eve once more, and soon felt ashamed of himself for only thinking of her when he needed something.

‘Hmm… I should have at least thanked her.’

Oliver regretted it, wishing he’d managed to carve out some time to express his gratitude, especially since Eve was still unfamiliar with and confused by the world.

Remembering Pandora, whom he met on the New Continent, only deepened his regret.

“Ahem, ahem…”

At that moment, lost in thought, he heard a familiar-sounding cough. It was none other than the librarian, who was glaring at Oliver with an expression full of discomfort, irritation, and displeasure as he lingered by the door.

It was almost the same situation as when he first visited the library.

Just like before, Oliver hurriedly apologized and slipped through the door, causing the librarian’s emotions to shift.

First, there was puzzlement, then confusion, followed by a sense of realization mixed with surprise and bewilderment.

She hadn’t recognized Oliver at first but only realized it later. It was understandable.

Compared to the last time he visited the library, Oliver had become much thinner, his hair on one side had turned white, and he had a bandage on his right arm. It would take a moment even for someone close to him to recognize him.

So, it wasn’t all that strange that the librarian hadn’t recognized him. What was strange, however, was how she became flustered as if she’d made a mistake in front of a superior when she did.

She stumbled over her words.

“Oh… Xenon… I, I’m sorry.”

“Hmm?”

“I mean, for being rude earlier… I apologize.”

The once slightly prickly librarian had now turned remarkably subdued, offering her apology. It was a reaction Oliver didn’t quite understand.

Perhaps it was because he had become a full-fledged employee of the Tower of Magic, but still, something felt off—it seemed a bit excessive.

However, Oliver didn’t question it and simply told the librarian it was okay before moving on. He was curious about the reason, but it was clear from her current emotional state that asking wouldn’t get him a proper answer.

As Oliver passed the librarian and entered the library further, he noticed that the place was as crowded with students as ever.

These were wizards from the Elemental School. They sneaked glances at Oliver but quickly looked away when it seemed like their eyes might meet his.

Their behavior was similar to that of the students he encountered when he first entered the Tower of Magic, as well as the librarian just now.

Curious about their behavior, Oliver chose not to dwell on it and instead headed for the massive machine provided in the library.

The official name of the machine was ‘WAD-3’ or ‘Ward-3,’ jointly created by the Moirai School and the School of Magic Engineering.

It was an impressive device that allowed limited access to the World Tree with just magic power, even without being a Net Navigator.

It was a remarkable invention that expanded the World Tree’s range of users, which normally had restrictions, and Oliver activated it by channeling the magic stored in his body and inputting the books he wished to find.

[Mental Discipline of the Druid], [Druid’s Meditation Techniques], [Druid’s Philosophy on Forests, Animals, and Nature], [Harmony with Nature], [Macro Methods of Discipline], [Theorizing the Druid’s Garden Management], [Basics of Communion with Spirits]…

As books were being input into Ward-3, someone approached Oliver from behind and spoke.

“It’s been a while, Xenon.”

It was Derek. A student of the Tower of Magic who, like Oliver, took Kevin’s class and became a researcher.

When Oliver turned around, Derek was there.

“Hello, Derek. You seem to be doing much better.”

Oliver recalled the last time he saw Derek.

Having lost a great deal of vitality and magic power after being caught up in Theodore’s conspiracy, Derek had seemed frail, his physique shrunken, his face gaunt, and his hair faded. But now he looked much better compared to back then.

With a bit more rest, Derek might even recover to his former self.

“Thanks to you… You, on the other hand, don’t seem to be doing so well.”

Derek said this as he carefully observed Oliver’s appearance.

“Well, I’ve been through some things. But don’t worry, I’m doing much better now.”

Derek nodded without speaking, seeming to have something he wanted to say but finding it difficult to express.

“Those books… Are they for something important?”

“Yes, I need them for personal reasons.”

Oliver nodded. There were several reasons he needed the books. First, he wanted to cross-reference the knowledge Third had compiled about druids. Second, he wanted to plan how to manage the forest in X-District.

Most of the tasks would be left to Third, but Oliver also wanted to know how to do it himself.

Additionally, he had some hope that by practicing druid meditation, he could lessen his cravings and burning pain.

Merlin had suggested that it might be effective.

After hearing this, Derek nodded then spoke with some difficulty.

“Could you use some help? Based on the series numbers, it looks like you’ll have to go from one place to another. You don’t seem to be in the best condition.”

Derek hesitated and spoke indirectly, and Oliver nodded.

“Thank you for offering your help. That would be much appreciated.”

***

Thud. Thud.

A few minutes later, Oliver and Derek had fetched the books and placed them on the desk.

There were so many that they made a bit of noise when they were set down, but it wasn’t a problem.

Most of the Tower of Magic’s libraries maintained comfortable temperatures through magic, and each section had soundproofing spells, so conversing wasn’t an issue.

Given these perks, it was easy to understand why so many wanted to stay with the Tower of Magic. Although the requirements were high, the compensation, benefits, and conveniences were equally substantial if one could prove their worth.

“I’ve gathered them all. Please check.”

Derek said this as he placed the books in a row, and Oliver confirmed.

“…Everything is here. Thank you so much for bringing them all.”

“No, thanks are owed on my part.”

“Pardon?”

When Oliver asked, Derek sighed, as if to steel himself, and spoke.

“Phew… I mean the thanks should be from me. I’m really grateful. For coming to find me and telling me to attend the lectures, for saving me at Lake Village, and for giving me the medicine. I’m truly thankful.”

With genuine sincerity, Derek thanked Oliver from the bottom of his heart.

Even the pride and arrogance he’d once had, as someone from a prestigious family, seemed to have diminished.

“…It makes me happy to hear you say that. Thank you for expressing your gratitude.”

“Well, it was only natural…”

“No, it is a big deal. I know how much courage it must have taken for you to express your gratitude… It’s not an easy thing to do. But you managed to do it, and that makes me happy.”

Derek stared at Oliver. No matter the situation, Oliver always had the same expression, making it hard to believe he was really happy, but Derek chose to believe him.

Given what Oliver had done so far, it was hard to imagine him mocking or ridiculing someone.

“Well, then, I’m glad to hear that.”

“Yes… By the way, did you come here just to tell me that?”

“Not exactly. I actually came to the library to borrow some books, and then I happened to see you. I want to find some research materials for the professor.”

When Derek mentioned Kevin, his expression reflected a newfound respect and admiration. Considering how much Derek used to dislike Kevin for being a Red One, it was quite the change.

Seeing this made Oliver feel that coming to the Tower of Magic today was worth it.

“Ah, may I ask you something?”

As he was about to check the books and take them to the librarian for borrowing, Oliver asked a question. Derek responded.

“A question… Sure, what is it?”

“I heard that Felix was involved in underhanded deals. Did you know?”

Derek was silent for a moment before replying.

“…I didn’t know for sure, but it doesn’t surprise me. Do you know about his family?”

“Yes, I found out when I sorted the records on behalf of the professor.”

“Then you must know that his family wasn’t particularly well-off.”

Oliver nodded. He had confirmed it while reviewing the personnel files. Though Felix came from a wizarding family, it wasn’t a wealthy one.

Of course, they couldn’t be compared to those from the slums, but affording the high tuition and living expenses of the Tower of Magic was still a stretch for them.

“Typically, people like that are more likely to get involved in underhanded deals because they don’t have much money.”

Oliver nodded in understanding. Having read the journals of Adrien, a former student of the Tower of Magic who once threatened the Kimbell family’s magical brew business, Oliver had some grasp of the situation.

Quite a few students turned to underhanded deals for financial reasons.

“To avoid that fate, one either needs to be born into a good family or prove their abilities and gain a sponsor, whether it’s a businessman or a wizard.”

Derek’s voice carried a mix of understanding and bitterness. For someone like him, from the Redhill family, it was probably a distant reality… Or was it?

“It’s a common story… Shall I help carry those?”

Derek gestured to the stack of books on the cart.

Oliver looked at his left hand, holding his quarterstaff, and his right hand, which was wrapped in bandages.

“Hmm… Could you help me out just a little?”

“Of course.”

Derek eagerly answered and grabbed the cart, taking it for him. All that remained was to have the books checked out by the librarian, pack them in his magic bag, and head home to read. His tasks for the day were nearly complete—

“-Ah, there he is.”

The librarian pointed cautiously at Oliver while talking to a man approaching them.

Instinctively, Oliver turned to see a man who was both unfamiliar and familiar at the same time.

The man greeted the librarian and then approached Oliver.

“Greetings, Dave… No, Xenon here, I suppose? Anyway, it’s been a while. Do you remember me?”

“Yes, you’re Albert, aren’t you?”

“Thanks for remembering. I’m glad.”

It was the Moirai School wizard who had briefly worked with Oliver on the ABC case, and he asked Oliver for a moment to talk.

“If it’s not too much trouble, could we have a quick chat? There’s something I need to discuss…”