Published at 29th of February 2024 8:30 am

Chapter 392

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Five days had elapsed since Oliver received the item ordered from Ewan and obtained construction approval for District X from Bartolomeo, a senior member of the Anti-Development Committee.

This period of time could be perceived as short or long, depending on ones perspective five days, just two days short of a week.

Oliver rose from his bed, despite the lingering weariness from the [Thunder Fusion] aftermath, engaged in some light stretching, and proceeded to the shower.

Certainly, a lot had occurred during this time.

The most prominent memory was that of Forrest.

It was rather astonishing that Oliver had managed to secure construction approval from the Anti-Development Committee.

However, it wasnt just Forrest who found this surprising. Joe, another District X resident, shared the same sentiment.

The Committees commitment to this endeavor was truly unprecedented.

Its bound to be unprecedented. Even the city had given up on this forsaken land.

Forrest was genuinely astonished, a rare occurrence for him. The news was that astounding.

Had anyone other than Oliver conveyed this information to him, he would have dismissed it as a fabrication.

In Landa, deceit and scams were commonplace.

However, Forrests trust in Oliver was unwavering, for it was Oliver who had relayed the message.

The revelation that the Anti-Development Committee had granted permission for construction in District X was a tale that no Landa resident would have believed.

Joe and his group shared the same disbelief.

So, Joe made a request of Oliver to lend his name, allowing them to proceed with construction in their own neighborhood.

We can arrange the funds, either from the fees weve collected or by securing loans from the Crime Firm Bank. However, living in a place shrouded in cement dust due to the Anti-Development Committee has been unbearable. Can you lend us your name to prevent their interference? Well compensate you, of course.

Joes emotions were filled with concern and responsibility.

He genuinely desired to provide a better life for his community members.

Oliver consented. He had doubts about possessing such authority, but the fact remained that the Anti-Development Committee had made a commitment.

Upon obtaining Olivers approval, Joe and his comrades, including Twin-piston Sam and Iron Mace Owen, erupted in cheers. Joe then requested Forrests assistance in finding a construction company for their residences.

Forrest readily agreed.

All of this has certainly kept Forrest busy Marie too.

While taking a warm shower, Oliver contemplated Maries activities over the past five days.

Upon confirming her residence in Landa District X, Marie had withdrawn her concealed funds through Pharmacist in Wineham and made arrangements to settle in Landa.

Furthermore, she had dispatched personnel to other small cities to reestablish communication networks with branches that had been severed by the Paladins, initiating a complete organizational restructuring.

Before embarking on this mission, Marie had made a promise to Oliver.

Ill certainly make the other branches stop their religious activities as well. However, due to the distance and policy changes, please allow us some time, Dave.

Maries intentions were sincere.

She harbored certain thoughts, but Oliver refrained from prying. He did not wish to burden Marie, who was already overwhelmed and emotionally drained.

If issues arose, they could be addressed at a later time.

Pharmacist must have been kept quite busy.

With his shower concluded, Oliver began preparing breakfast steak, sausages, three eggs, and six strips of bacon all at once.

Pharmacist who had remained secluded at home while the Paladins were present had swiftly restored order and control to the city upon their departure, filling the void left by Marie and other criminal organizations.

He had also arranged for the release of the hidden funds and personnel stored by Marie, facilitating her relocation to Landa.

It was almost as if he were truly bidding farewell to Marie.

Well, it wasnt a negative turn of events.

Rebuilding his relationship with Marie had already become a commitment he had made to Oliver, and regardless of the Pharmacists motives, it had facilitated Maries settlement in Landa, benefiting both parties.

In fact, Pharmacist had been quite helpful to Marie in various ways, including the restoration of the communication network with other branches, displaying full cooperation.

Of course, Oliver was eager to wrap up Maries affairs quickly so that they could commence their joint research on druidic plants. However, this eagerness wasnt a negative aspect.

Mutual assistance is a common practice when both parties require each others support.

Oliver recalled the conversation he had with Pharmacist through the communication device just yesterday.

When can we start our research? After Marie finishes her reorganization? Forrest had inquired.

Um could you give me a little more time? Oliver had responded.

Well, thats acceptable, but may I know why?

Ive received an urgent call, so I need to deal with that first,

A call? From where?

From the Tower.

As his reminiscences concluded, so did Olivers meal.

He cleared the table, washed the dishes, and returned to the second floor to change into a suit, apply some perfume, and make preparations to go to the Tower.

He was curious about the reason behind his summons to the Tower.

***

Its been quite some time

Observing the approaching Tower through the taxi window, Oliver mumbled to himself.

Although it didnt feel like it had been an extended period.

Perhaps his sense of time had been distorted due to his busy schedule.

Upon his return from Galos to the Tower, he had been engrossed in writing papers, conducting research, personal experiments, dealing with Edith, Marie, Wineham, Paladins, and the Anti-Development Committee. There had been a series of events, albeit brief.

He didnt feel regretful because it felt like time well spent.

The taxi came to a stop.

Oliver paid the taxi fare, including a tip, to the driver, who was sipping from a brown paper bag, and stepped out of the vehicle.

The taxi driver courteously thanked the generous passenger and promptly made an illegal U-turn to resume work.

It was the same old Landa.

Oliver absentmindedly watched the departing taxi and proceeded toward the main entrance of the Tower, which felt like a visit after an extended absence.

Hmm it feels like its been a while since Ive received this kind of attention too.

As he passed by the main gate, Oliver sensed a few people gazing at him.

In the past, he had briefly attracted attention due to his match with Derick and the Mountain Pace incident, but this time, it felt different.

Back then, it had been mere curiosity and interest, but now, the gazes were mixed with doubt, mistrust, anticipation, admiration, fear, confusion, hostility, and restraint. The intensity of emotions was more pronounced.

Not only the students but even the wizards occupying positions in the Tower were observing Oliver.

It was strikingly different from the past when he was looked upon like an exotic animal.

It was reminiscent of the attention he had received during his time as Solver Dave, when his fame had surged after resolving a significant issue.

He wondered what was going on.

Youve arrived at just the right time.

Disregarding the scrutiny of onlookers, as he reached the Elemental Tower, someone addressed him.

It was none other than Kevin, Merlins disciple and the Master and Professor of the Elemental School in the Tower. He had been waiting for Oliver in front of the Tower.

Professor Its been a while.

Yes, indeed. You left to work on your paper, and this is the first time Ive seen you since, right?

Oliver nodded. Yes But is something happening in the tower?

Why do you ask?

Because it seems like everyone is watching me, even though its a holiday and there arent many people around.

Olivers gaze shifted toward a group of students seated on a bench, along with two teachers who were trying to appear disinterested while secretly observing the scene through a nearby window.

Upon hearing Olivers question, Kevin glanced around just as Oliver had and displayed a sense of incredulity. It was a genuine astonishment.

Are you seriously asking?

Uh yes.

Wow youre quite thick-skinned, Kevin exclaimed, though not in admiration.

What do you mean?

Its truly remarkable that youve already forgotten about the Lake Village incident Have you really forgotten?

Ah, Oliver spoke with a delayed realization, as if the memory had just resurfaced.

Kevins incredulity deepened. magic

As Master mentioned, Im glad I gave you a heads-up, considering your reaction

I apologize Ive been preoccupied.

I understand. Lets go. It would be better to explain once were there.

Kevin instructed Oliver to follow him, and Oliver proceeded to accompany Kevin to his office as directed.

However, something appeared amiss.

The nameplate clearly indicated it was Kevins office, but it was not in the location that Oliver remembered.

Professor, wasnt your office originally situated elsewhere? Oliver inquired while confirming the offices location. The new office was positioned in a significantly better spot within the Elemental Tower.

Are you suggesting my office was tucked away in an isolated, inconvenient corner where I couldnt engage with anyone?

Yes, Oliver replied without hesitation.

As he opened the door to the professors office, Kevin gazed at Oliver with a scrutinizing look. Realizing his error, Oliver swiftly corrected himself.

Professor, its not that the location isnt suitable; its just that its not what I recall I apologize.

Kevin sighed as he regarded Oliver, whose unpredictability remained consistent. He proceeded to fully open the door and entered the office, with Oliver following closely behind.

Wow

Surveying the new professors office, Oliver was genuinely impressed. Both the location and the interior environment were outstanding.

Kevins initial office had been old and cramped, emanating a rather disappointing ambiance.

In stark contrast, this professors office was spacious and immaculate, just as its prime location warranted, truly befitting the title of the Magic Tower.

It might even be worth residing in, Oliver mused.

This is my newly assigned office. As you can see, the location, size, and quality are all outstanding. Its a sought-after spot Do you know how I managed to get assigned here?

Oliver paused for a moment before responding.

Is it because of Lake Village?

Good. At least youre not entirely clueless. If you hadnt known, I would have been extremely frustrated.

I apologize It wasnt my intention to forget; Ive had other matters on my mind.

I heard from Master. About Wineham, The Chosen Ones, and your true name being Oliver.

I apologize for not revealing it earlier.

Its of no consequence. I dont dwell on trivial past matters. In any case, youre back, so you must have resolved everything.

Oliver nodded.

Indeed, he had successfully rescued Marie and negotiated with the city. All matters were progressing smoothly.

Even the Pater religion seems to be keeping quiet Although, it is a source of concern.

By the way, how did you know I had returned and contacted me? Oliver inquired, realizing a bit late. He had been summoned here, but upon further reflection, he wondered how Kevin had become aware of his return to Landa.

Master instructed me to contact you upon your return.

I havent informed Elder that Im back yet.

Does that bother you?

Yes.

Get used to it.

Ah Alright.

Merlins two disciples exchanged words, agreeing to acclimate themselves to the confusion and peculiarity of their situation.

After a moment of silence, Kevin continued.

Now, lets discuss whats happening in Magic Tower. This is more pertinent Are you curious about why people are regarding you differently?

Yes. Ive encountered similar situations in the past, but this time it feels distinct.

Its similar to me moving to a better professors office Its because of your achievements in Lake Village.

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