Genius Warlock

Chapter 234

Although it wasn't his intention, Oliver decided to form a cooperative relationship with Willes.

Honestly, it didn't seem like a bad idea.

Although there were some differences in the details, both Oliver and Willes ultimately aimed to solve the mysterious disappearances in Mountain Pace. So, it might be beneficial if they helped each other.

No, maybe Oliver would benefit more...

Although it was not something to be proud of, unraveling problems and deducing hidden stories was far from Oliver's forte.

The next morning, Oliver, Willes, and the truck driver ate breakfast together, consisting of potato soup and bread provided by the village, and set off right away.

It was best to resolve the problem as soon as possible.

"Also, I personally think it's better to hurry. The non-cooperative attitude of the Hall family in Holland is bothering me."

Oliver couldn't provide a specific explanation, but he felt a nagging uneasiness that he couldn't ignore and climbed onto the truck.

Thanks to refueling and oiling the parts, the truck climbed the mountain road more vigorously than when it first arrived.

As they climbed for a while, Oliver suddenly realized something and spoke up.

"Hmm... it's fascinating."

"What is?"

"That there's a road for vehicles in such a remote mountain area."

He was right.

Although it was a small road that barely allowed a single truck to pass, it was quite amazing that there was a road in such a secluded mountain area.

The construction cost must have been considerable... It was not something the nearby villages could afford.

Of course, the local government might have built it, but the chances were very slim.

Kevin and the people from the Magic Tower branch said that the Northland Kingdom's administration only spent money on infrastructure related to mining.

So, there was only one answer.

"Did the Tower build this road?"

Oliver instinctively asked the driver, who, after a brief silence, responded.

"...Yes, I heard it was built to transport food and supplies to the research lab."

Oliver nodded.

"That's interesting."

"What's interesting?"

Willes asked, and Oliver happily replied. Conversation was always enjoyable, especially when exchanging opinions.

"I find it interesting to see firsthand what I've heard about Magic Tower."

"Shall I guess what you heard about Magic Tower? That the research and experiments of wizards ultimately bring happiness to people, so they should take pride in their work and never give in to any criticism or hardship?"

That was spot on.

On less busy days, Oliver followed Merlin and Kevin's advice and attended other classes, where he learned about countless magical theories and stories like the one he just mentioned.

The wizards, being central figures in leading humanity's golden age, should believe in their path and continue to challenge themselves despite difficulties, obstacles, criticism, and mockery – that was the essence of their spiritual philosophy.

This idea had left quite an impression on Oliver. Of course, it was somewhat distorted, but it was memorable nonetheless.

"Ah, yes, that's correct. How did you know?"

"Well, there are many wizards who've come out of the Tower these days, so I heard it from them. They all seem eager to brag about themselves."

"Ah, I see?"

"It seems you don't know much about the inner workings of the Tower, even though you're an employee? These days, due to fierce competition, many are spilling out onto the streets."

"I'm sorry. I was hired by the Tower just this year."

"Aha... This year?"

Willes asked with a gleam in his eyes.

"Yes."

"Hmm, how did you get the job? Seems like there might be an interesting story there."

"I can't really go into details... I'm sorry."

"No, it's okay. Everyone has their secrets... Anyway, back to the main point, you said that life has improved here thanks to the Tower?"

"Um... I don't know if life has necessarily improved, but it seems like they've been helped in terms of transportation."

Willes's emotions showed a hint of disagreement with Oliver's statement. A signal that he didn't agree with Oliver's intention.

"So, it seems like the villagers around here wouldn't have very positive feelings towards the Tower's research facility, but there are still some friendly people. Why is that?"

"Time has passed, and they're making a living off the jobs provided by the research facility."

"...?"

"It's actually a common sight. People seem to never forget their grudges, but in reality, they often do. Especially when they're powerless. So even if everything is taken away, they'll waver when they get a part of it back... That's what's scary. Eventually, they'll forget. Who the original owner of this land was, and where their roots lie."

Willes spoke the last part with emotion, sincerely expressing fear and concern.

"...I may not understand everything, but I think I have a rough idea of what you're saying. Thank you for your kind answers."

At Oliver's gratitude, Willes was surprised, realizing he had said more than he intended.

"...This is a bit unfair."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm the only one talking. We're supposed to help each other with what we need, but it's unfair if I'm the only one talking, right? Shouldn't we have some sort of conversation?"

"Well, you're not wrong. How about a joke, then?"

"A sudden joke?"

"It's a really funny one."

"...Alright, let's hear it. Go ahead."

"Ahem, ahem... Three men were playing poker in a bar. One was from Northland, one was from the kingdom, and the last one was from Landa. These three were..."

"...We've arrived at the next village!"

The driver yelled through the gap between the front seats.

Oliver silently looked in the direction of the driver.

⏩ ⏩ ⏩ ⏩ ⏩ ⏩

As soon as Oliver and Willes arrived at the second village, they got off the truck.

The second village was more reserved than the first, but as soon as Willes showed the mark, their attitude softened.

Willes immediately sought out the village elder, who, despite her pale face, urgently explained the state of the village.

This village was no different from the previous one.

In fact, the number of missing persons was even higher, and most of them were children, making the situation even more severe.

"Is there anything unusual?"

"There's a lot... We occasionally see strange beasts. It's as if they're watching the village. To be honest, they feel more like monsters than beasts. And there are stories of ghosts wandering around at night."

"Ghosts...?"

"Yes. They say it's some sort of female ghost... Anyway, once the sun sets, everyone is afraid to even go outside the village."

Although it was only a day's journey from the previous village, the severity of the situation was much worse.

The villagers who had lost their children looked at Willes as their last hope, begging for help, and Willes, in turn, reassured them and promised to solve the problem. He was sincere.

"We'll have to check the surrounding villages."

After finishing his conversation with the village elder, Willes approached Oliver.

"I'm going to check the nearby villages, you should move with me."

"Yes, but can we go?"

"There are several nearby villages. If we enhance our bodies with magic and run, it won't take long."

Enhancing the body with magic and running... At those words, Oliver thought for a moment and then pulled out a map from his pocket.

It wasn't anything spectacular, just a rough map with Mountain Pace's research facilities marked on it. Oliver checked the location of their current village and then looked for nearby research facilities.

"How about we visit a research facility instead of a village?"

"A research facility?"

"Yes, I think there might not be much information to gain from visiting other villages, so it might be better to go to a research facility instead."

Willes didn't object to the idea, thinking it wasn't a bad one.

"Where are we going?"

"There's an herbal research facility nearby. How about we start there?"

Oliver showed the map as he spoke.

(To be Continued on June 05(MON))

OR

$5/month6 chap ahead + 5 chap/week$15/month12 chap ahead + 5 chap/week$30/month19 chap ahead + 5 chap/week$45/monthAll advance chap + 6 chap/week