Chapter 89: Negotiations (1)

Louis’s question about whether Blake regretted his decision only angered him further.

“…What did you do?”

Blake had been promised something incredible to behold, but all Louis showed them was a metal rod wrapped with wires. He felt mocked by Louis.

In response, Louis shrugged nonchalantly.

“No, give it a minute. Khan, Kani, who wants to help me?”

“I’ll do it!”

“Me, me, me! I want to do it!” The twins squabbled over it.

Louis suggested a solution. “Hold hands, you two.”

“What for?”

“No way! Khan’s hand is dirty!”

“Sis’s hand is dirtier!”

“…Seriously, how can siblings be so grossed out by each other?” Louis forcibly made them hold hands despite their protests.

Louis then placed each end of the copper wire into their hands.

“What’s this?”

“What do we need to do with it?”

Louis grinned mischievously. Why else would he have called them over? He wanted to use them as efficient batteries.

“Alright, charge up Khan! Pour your mental energy into the copper wire you’re holding.”

“Charging!”

Khan now reflexively emitted his Mental Energy at Louis’ command. The resulting current flowed through the copper wire and back into Kani. As the magnetic field formed…

Clunk.

The arrow and dagger, which were quite far away, flew towards and attached themselves onto Louis’ electromagnet due to its powerful magnetic force.

The electricity traveled over two meters through the air effortlessly, demonstrating far greater power than Blake’s holy magic spell. The spectators murmured amongst themselves as they witnessed this, and Blake’s jaw dropped from where he stood nearby.

“W-wh…what is this?!”

It had taken Blake four years to discover Mental Energy and develop his technique, yet this kid sitting before him was able to generate even stronger energy with just a few flicks of his fingers.

Louis spoke up at Blake’s stunned silence. “This proves it, doesn’t it? That there’s a more efficient method out there?”

“…”

“No need for complicated spells here. Even children can achieve similar results with enough Mental Energy.”

“H-how…?”

“You mean how did I know this?” Blake silently nodded.

“The Wish Tower studies various objects and natural phenomena. This knowledge was acquired through such research.” Louis smoothly lied without breaking a sweat.

However, Blake had no energy left to question him further. He simply stared at the electromagnet, spellbound as Louis’s voice droned on.

“So from now on…don’t underestimate talismans.”

While Louis was draining Blake’s soul…

“Kani, use your Mental Energy!”

Kani obediently stood by and emitted his energy. Normally, electromagnetic fields require current to flow in one direction only. As the electromagnet lost its magnetic field, Kani panicked and tearfully asked:

“L-Louis… Is it broken?”

”…Let’s go.”

Louis grabbed both twins by their collars. As he turned away, he addressed the stunned Blake.

“Consider this as my gift to you. Take it and study it further.”

With that, Louis led the twins away, leaving Blake alone. He stared despondently at the fallen dagger and arrow on the ground before opening his mouth:

“With this, I shall conclude…my presentation.”

Blake picked up the electromagnet created by Louis and trudged off, looking somewhat defeated from afar.

Meanwhile, Dexter muttered incredulously while watching them:

“Louis, Inseok… That’s mine.”

However, Dexter’s extension had already been taken by Blake.

After each presentation, there was a brief pause before moving on to the next one. So far, thirty-three towers had presented their research, and thirty-two of them couldn’t escape Louis’s relentless questioning. In other words, every tower presenting after the Wish Tower faced his merciless interrogation.

As this pattern continued, people naturally became curious.

“How will the kid chairman handle it this time?”

“There’s only Dawn and Dusk left, plus the brightest Fragment of Luminosity. They might be different.”

People speculated whether Louis would continue with his aggressive questioning. How long would this young mage persist with his inquiries? Moreover, would any tower emerge unflustered and provide perfect answers to Louis’s questions?

The atmosphere at the academic conference, traditionally focused on presenting research in holy magic, had taken a strange turn. As anticipation built for the next presentation, murmurs spread throughout the audience.

“Huh? What’s going on?”

“Three people?”

Instead of one mage entering the stage, three individuals approached, each dressed in distinct robes representing Dawn, Dusk, and the brightest Fragment of Luminosity respectively. These were the top three towers from the Autumn Continent, surprisingly collaborating on a joint research project.

“They’re presenting together?”

“Woah… I can hardly believe my eyes.”

Everyone was aware of the strained relationships among Dawn, Dusk, and the brightest Fragment of Luminosity within the community of mages during the Autumn Continent competition.

Dawn and Dusk were almost sworn enemies, while Glorious Tower was their rival they wished to surpass. It seemed impossible for them to collaborate amicably, so it naturally came as quite a surprise that these three would present joint research together.

Louis also appeared slightly taken aback.

The top three towers working together?

As the most prestigious institutions on the continent, there was much anticipation about what they might reveal.

With everyone’s attention focused on them, Watt began his presentation.

“Good afternoon, everyone. I’m Watt, the lead researcher for this collaborative project. Many of you may be surprised to see us all here together.”

Watt was well aware of the public perception surrounding the three towers, which made him cognizant of the potential impact of their joint announcement.

He was fully aware of the potential impact this research presentation could have.

“Phew…” He took a deep breath and looked back at the three mages accompanying him. After exchanging glances with them, one mage stepped forward pulling a cart behind him. On top of the cart sat a small tank that reflected the image on the ceiling above.

What’s that?

Louis’s curiosity piqued as he studied the object inside the tank. It shimmered silver like metal but flowed like a liquid.

Mercury?

At first glance, it might resemble mercury, but such a mundane substance wouldn’t warrant joint research by prestigious towers across the continent. Louis patiently awaited further explanation.

“I am from the Dawn Tower and specialize in psychic attributes. The principles of psychic holy magic are based on research into the minds of living beings. This led me to wonder: Is having a mind exclusive to sentient creatures? Can objects possess consciousness as well?”

Everyone was now fully engrossed in Watt’s presentation.

“For quite some time, I’ve been researching whether it’s possible for objects to have spirits embedded within them. Many dismissed my efforts as futile, but with the help of these two esteemed colleagues, we were able to achieve modest results. Although we haven’t yet proven that objects can indeed have spirits, we succeeded in creating a substance responsive to mental power.”

“…?!”

The room erupted in unprecedented excitement at the mention of a material reacting to mental power.

Louis’s eyes widened at this revelation.

‘What?!’

He stared intently without blinking.

“W-well then, let me show you directly.”

The mage next to Watt took out a mana stick. As it emitted a red glow from its tip, the shimmering liquid-like substance slowly began taking various shapes: cubes, cylinders, spheres, and more.

Watt continued explaining as they watched the fluid rapidly transform.

“After much effort…we have named this material ‘Mental Energy Fragments’.”

The silvery liquid changed shape several more times.

“Currently, it only responds to spiritual attributes, but after several experiments, we discovered that it reacts even to ordinary mental power. However, as it is not yet ready for public release, I have brought only the completed version.”

After providing some more explanations, it was time for questions from the audience. Queries flew from all directions, and Watt hurriedly answered them.

“I understand why Dawn and Dusk were involved since this substance interacts with the mind… But why did the brightest Fragment of Luminosity participate in this research?”

“That pertains to internal matters related to our study, making it difficult to disclose here.”

“Then, what can be achieved using this material?”

Watt’s previously fluid responses halted at this question. After a momentary pause, he spoke again.

After a long pause, Watt responded, “As this material is merely a byproduct of our research…we haven’t yet determined its intended use.”

“Oh… I had high expectations since it’s a joint project among three towers, but you’re presenting incomplete research? Tsk.” The questioner clicked his tongue dismissively.

Watt’s expression hardened at this attitude, but he couldn’t refute the criticism as it was true to some extent.

The faces of the chairmen and vice chairmen from Dawn, Dusk, and Glorious Towers also grew grim.

Watt bit his lip.

They’re trying to undermine us.

Being highly esteemed on the autumn continent meant having just as many rivals. That’s why, for the first time, Louis wasn’t the one receiving critical questions.

As public opinion began to turn negative, sentiments regarding the Mental Energy Fragment also shifted unfavorably for Watt.

The relentless questioning left him drenched in sweat.

”…Any more questions?”

Despite his words, Watt’s gaze was fixed on Louis. The young chairman had asked at least one question during every presentation thus far, and Watt felt anxious after witnessing how Louis’ inquiry earlier had led to the Tower of Destruction representative storming out. However, this time, Louis remained silent, much to Watt’s relief.

”…With that, we conclude today’s presentations.”

The event ended without any further queries from Louis.

Meanwhile, Louis was intensely focused on the Mental Energy Conversion Material.

The audience thought the young chairman’s questioning had finally concluded and felt somewhat disappointed. However, Louis’ mind was preoccupied with something else entirely.

That…

If he saw it correctly, whenever mental energy manifested, physical energy also briefly activated simultaneously. The implication was simple:

…They converted psychic power into physical force!

As someone proficient in both mental and physical attributes, Louis instantly grasped the essence of their research, which left him exhilarated.

Exerting physical influence through mental power—a concept known in modern times as:

Telekinesis!

Louis had previously utilized strength only within the confines of gravity and repulsion. However, what he witnessed now transcended his preconceived limitations. Above all else, Louis was amazed by how they managed to convert mental energy into physical power.

His eyes sparkled with excitement.

I never knew this was possible!

Despite possessing innate abilities related to space, time, mind, and strength, Louis had always used them separately. Witnessing the organic integration of mental and strength attributes made him realize that he hadn’t fully maximized his inherent talents until now.

Attribute conversion between different types…

It was truly a groundbreaking concept.

Do other dragons know about this?

If not, this would undoubtedly go down in history as a monumental achievement.

I’ve learned something today.

Louis initially thought he’d leave disappointed after attending the academic conference with high expectations, but instead, he gained unexpected insight at the end of the day.

…I still have much to learn.

Feeling uplifted by the potential for further advancement, Louis wanted more details on their research.

If possible, I’d like some samples, too…

His interest wasn’t solely driven by personal growth. As soon as he saw the Mental Energy Fragments, he realized what they represented.

It was precisely what the Tower of Wishes desperately needed at this moment. Louis couldn’t help but wonder:

Why isn’t such groundbreaking research more widely known?

There hadn’t been any innovation as revolutionary as Mental Energy Fragments until now. Given enough time, Louis firmly believed their discovery would change the world. However, despite his extensive knowledge of the original storyline, he had no recollection of these fragments ever appearing before.

This could mean either they failed to improve upon it or…

It got buried away.

Louis envisioned countless applications for the Mental Energy Fragments, yet the rest of the world might not recognize their immense value.

The reactions from the chairmen earlier seemed to support this theory. Moreover, even the developer himself hadn’t been able to find any practical use for it. So that scenario was entirely plausible.

As Louis pondered these possibilities, an elderly man entered the presentation hall, signaling the start of the final lecture. Everyone recognized him as the moment they had all been waiting for. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that every attendee at the academic conference had come solely for this occasion.

Ron Gremillion, the most powerful mage on the continent, stepped up to the podium and began his speech.

“I appreciate your patience throughout today’s presentations, honored guests. I am Ron, the brightest Fragment of Luminosity.”

His brief self-introduction was met with thunderous applause. Ron smiled at the warm reception before continuing calmly:

“I stand here today because I have discovered new possibilities for holy magic that we’ve been studying thus far.”

Ron’s subsequent presentation caused more waves than any other talk given by scholars from the various towers.

“Today, I will introduce to you a new auxiliary control divination circle superior to existing ones.”

The auditorium erupted in whispers loud enough to make it reverberate throughout the hall, creating quite a commotion.

Amidst the chaos, Louis raised an eyebrow.

…A support control divination circle?

The term Ron mentioned sounded very familiar.