The Cursed Wizard: A Game Made Real

"...Wow."

It was a short three-second video, but the content contained within was anything but ordinary.

The sight of the dry sky being torn apart by lightning and the earth's surface being set on fire was not something one could easily witness.

Jenny, who was at a loss for words and watching the video again, said with a hollow laugh, "So, this is what that guy did earlier?"

"Didn't he say with his own mouth that he was a lightning-type magician? I guess we can say that it's almost certain."

Even if you can't actually handle magic, having knowledge of magic is a given in this world.

The two knew very well how difficult it was to strike lightning out of a clear sky.

The unique magic of the elemental magic series is notorious for its high difficulty, as it deals with pure thoughts and magical power without using a specific medium.

It is said to take a long time for it to become practical because it is closer to traditional magic, used for centuries, rather than modern magic, which focuses on user convenience.

It takes a long time to materialize a specific element centered on oneself. How much time and talent would it take to develop magical power and attract will to materialize a phenomenon centered on empty space?

Jenny muttered as she continued to replay the video, "Even if I estimate it low, it seems like it's around level 4."

Level 4 Positioning Magic User. Wizards who have reached a level of mastery through a complete understanding of magic beyond merely using it.

These wizards are capable of playing significant roles without being pushed back in modern firepower warfare and are recognized as researchers, often surpassing the duties of a single wizard.

It was the lowest rank that allowed one to grow by studying the magic system one had mastered on one's own.

Any wizard of level 4 or higher under the supervision of the Balkan City Hall could draw upon the city's pension whenever they wished and receive achievement bonuses simply by submitting their research results.

"It might be level 5 or higher."

"That's ridiculous. Why would a genius like that work here for a bounty? If he just went anywhere and showed some magic, they'd give him a job right away."

Jordan shook his head at Jenny's words. "I don't know about other series, but among the Lightning series, there is a place that I can guess."

"… … That gentleman is a member of the 'Thorburn' school?"

She remembered what Lennox had muttered while denying it. He had clearly said that he had only recently arrived in the city.

"I don't know. But if he really is one of those war entrepreneurs… he could be a very good partner."

As he spoke, Jordan placed Taylor Evans' body back in the bag and hoisted it over his shoulder.

His eyes were dimly shining as he headed toward the incinerator in the basement.

Leo left Jenny's bar straight away and headed toward the orchard she had told him about.

There was something about the story she told along the way that piqued Leo's interest.

There are dozens of areas in the large city of Balkan, but the atmosphere of each area is said to be distinctly different depending on the order in which the districts were created as the city expanded.

Districts 0-9 are where the administrative districts responsible for the city's core operations and economy are located.

The 10th district is a forest of buildings made up of various businesses, including dinosaur corporations.

The 20th district is where most of the busy areas where citizens live and work are located.

The 30th district is home to city facilities that require large areas, such as amusement parks and ports.

The 40s district, where unauthorized organizations have taken advantage of the chaos caused by new development, and the 50s district, where undeveloped areas are full of vagrants and criminals of all kinds.

Among them, the orchard that Jenny mentioned is located in District 31.

Plumber's botanical garden is the largest operating botanical garden in the Balkans.

Among the 30 districts, the areas with lower numbers are where families often visit, and the botanical garden is one of the facilities located in District 31.

Lennox bought a ticket at the booth built like a giant stadium and went inside.

He lost 10,000 cells for the ticket, but with the bounty money, his pockets were full, so it wasn't a burden.

As he entered the botanical garden, a vast jungle formed entirely of plants appeared under the artificial sun.

Plants with huge peaks that could hold several people or flowers that showed hundreds of colours at the same time were so unique and beautiful that even Lennox stopped to admire them.

Trees that walked across the field like animals, or flower seeds resembling umbrellas floating in the air, also attracted attention.

But Leo quickly came to his senses and started walking in the direction Jenny had shown him.

After walking for quite some time, fatigue weighed heavily on his body.

A souvenir shop located on the way out after walking around the botanical garden caught his eye.

A massive shop selling dolls and keychains for children, and glass crystals with preserved flower petals that symbolize good luck.

When he opened the small side door with the sign "No Entry for Authorized Personnel Only" behind the display case, and crossed the long stairs to the lower floor, a stimulating smell different from the one in the shop began to tickle his nose.

As he reached the bottom of the stairs and turned his head, faint purple smoke filled the surrounding area.

Instead of walking through the smoke, Lennox stopped in front of the stairs and opened his mouth.

"I came here on Jenny's introduction."

"Jenny?"

The smoke cleared, revealing the sight beyond—a room with wooden drawers filling one wall. There must have been at least a few thousand.

An old man, with a bear cubby in his mouth, stared at Lennox.

"Are you talking about the woman who sells liquor in District 49?"

The old man frowned as Lennox nodded.

"I don't remember giving that kid the right to recommend guests."

"… … ."

Leo paused, unsure of how to respond, but the old man shook his head with a grin.

"Well, that's fine. I'm not rich enough to be picky about who I sell to. So, what do you look for in my orchard?"

For a moment, Lennox hesitated but decided to push ahead.

"…..Why is there an orchard in the botanical garden?"

The old man laughed, revealing his yellow teeth. "The fruits that result from cooking those plants are right here. They are the fruits that will take us to heaven."

It was an irrelevant question with an appropriate answer.

Lennox took out all the remaining cigarettes from his arms and placed them in front of the old man.

"I'm looking for something with a similar effect. Can I get it here?"

"Let's see… ."

"I wish it had fewer side effects, even if it were a little more expensive."

The old man examined the tobacco Lennox had given him.

"It's a method of inhaling smoke. It's faster than taking pills, but slower than getting an injection. But it's the safest, and it tastes good, so it's hard to quit."

As he muttered to himself, he took out a knife and cut the tobacco lengthwise.

The old man nodded, examining it closely.

"Hmm… I don't know who made this, but it's complete trash."

"… … "

"It's defective. Why on earth were you smoking this?"

"…because of unavoidable circumstances."

"It's intentionally mixed with impurities to lower the price and increase addictiveness. It's not a product I would recommend long-term."

The old man threw the tobacco into the trash can.

"You said you wanted something with fewer side effects. What price range are you considering?"

Leo thought for a moment. He needed something to move his weak body like a normal person, at least while he was working.

"… 2 million cells."

The old man nodded, rummaged through the shelves, and returned with several sealed packs.

He explained, "If you just wanted drugs, that amount wouldn't be enough."

"… … "

"But what you want seems to be something pumped with medicine rather than drugs. If that's the case, you can find it just barely within the category of luxury goods."

The old man placed about thirty sticks of tobacco in front of Lennox.

"Cashburn-C107. Strong pain relief, doping, and awakening effects for about six hours. Side effects like headaches, convulsions, and vomiting after the effects wear off. Very clean stuff."

Leo shook his head with mixed feelings and picked up the Cashburn. It wasn't cheap.

But there was no choice.

Leo paid the money and took the cigarette. "Come again."

Leo left the botanical gardens and headed to his hotel. Thirty cigarettes for 2 million cells. It was time to test them.

Back at the hotel, Leo sat on the bed and smoked. The new cigarettes energized his whole body.

Satisfied, he lay down, thinking about what to do next.

He needed to replenish his ammo and consider making a fake ID.

Leo extinguished the cigarette with difficulty, took sleeping pills, and lay down.

Not long afterward, he fell asleep.