#522

Magic Engineering Expo (3)

"The idling-induction system designed to improve engine efficiency is gradually…."

"Enough."

A massive auditorium shrouded in darkness.

The researcher standing on a small podium, illuminated by a single beam of light, shuddered at the stern voice. He hurriedly lifted his head to look up, but he couldn’t feel any eyes on him from the shadowy audience seats. Only the faint presence of silent observers, seated with an air of indifference, permeated the space.

This was the Senate of the City Government’s Central Council.

It was the core council chamber of the city hall, where the executives who effectively governed the megacity Vulcan had gathered. However, none of them seemed remotely interested or expectant about the expo.

"The time is up."

"L-Let me just say one last thing…!"

"Batch Truyah, researcher."

Hearing his name called softly, the researcher sharply raised his head. In the dark audience, he felt a fleeting illusion of faint, glinting eyes.

"You have successfully demonstrated your research achievements."

The gentle tone of an older voice, as if to soothe him.

"Rest assured, funding for your research will be approved without issue, so you may step down now."

"…Understood."

The researcher, attempting to say more, bowed his head, holding back. As he disappeared from the podium, others began to express their opinions.

"That was rubbish."

"Let's remove his research lab from the funding list."

Unlike the view from Batch Truyah’s podium, the audience wasn't truly in darkness. Through a mix of ritual enchantments and various security spells, ordinary people weren’t even allowed to look at their faces.

The senators, seated comfortably in chairs illuminated by a soft glow, sipped their drinks and flipped through the expo catalog.

"Despite being given four years, all he managed was to rehash existing papers."

"He only made slight improvements to the commercialization of the magic-power substitution thesis from Rabatenon University."

"He must have scrambled to grab a trending topic and tweak it a bit when his own research didn’t yield any results."

They hadn’t even pretended to listen to the presentation, but they fully grasped the essential points. In fact, they’d known the value of his research from the outset and deemed it unworthy of their attention.

"Speaking of which, I heard the author of the paper he referenced is attending this expo."

"The thesis on the conversion of magic and electricity? His name was Evan Vylun, right?"

"I heard that Dean Garteanon bypassed internal procedures to select him as Rabatenon University’s representative. It shows how highly they regard his work."

"I haven’t heard a thing about him."

"You know the dean’s personality. If he didn’t consider you an ally, he wouldn’t have bothered to mention anything."

"So, someone here must have heard about it in advance. What do you think, Congressman Mayer?"

Not all the expo's judges were senators. The advisory committee, the audit bureau, and heads of various organizations or external advisors were also essential for assisting the Senate’s judgment.

John Mayer, an elder who served as an auditor and also held a seat in the Central Assembly's House of Representatives, was among them. Mayer, after appearing to ponder briefly, shook his head.

"I’ve reviewed all the financial flows and transaction records around the expo. While I flagged a few suspicious names, Dean Garteanon’s wasn’t one of them."

"Interesting."

"If he only leveraged a personal connection, there’s little we can do on this end."

Despite the rank difference between the Senate and House, Mayer's considerable age made it difficult for the senators to address him dismissively. Mayer had rapidly risen to prominence, securing his position in the audit bureau despite his late entry into the Central Assembly.

"Indeed, that sly old fox wouldn’t do anything to get caught."

"So, did he just leave some superficial pleasantries, hoping for a favorable review?"

"He must have confidence in Vylun's paper. If he's the genius rumors suggest, winning something at this expo shouldn’t be difficult."

"I heard his first paper is approaching 30,000 citations now—a staggering number, even for academia."

"Are you saying it’s an achievement independent of Professor Aris Richellen’s reputation and talent?"

"I’d be interested to know, though it’s unfortunate. We’ve already chosen the theme we’re adopting for this expo."

With that, the senator turned his gaze toward a man in a military uniform seated in the front row.

"Isn’t that right, Commander Carrasco?"

"…"

"We've put considerable effort into promoting the results of your Technological Bureau. We’d be disappointed if it didn’t meet our expectations."

Carrasco, with a peculiar look reminiscent of a fish, exhaled thick smoke from the large cigar clamped between his lips, though no one seemed bothered. He lazily glanced toward the podium below, his arm draped casually over the seat, then slowly turned his head.

After observing the senators, Carrasco gave a relaxed smile and responded.

"As long as the Central Assembly honors our agreement, it will be enough."

His stance, bordering on arrogance when dealing with the city’s powerhouses, went unchallenged by anyone present. Carrasco, a former Defense Force general known for his undefeated record and formidable presence, had been appointed as commander of the Vulcan Air Force’s 2nd Corps through the ambitious air force development project. This massive initiative, directly overseen by the City Government Central Assembly, aimed to replace the army’s influence with a powerful air force.

Now, he stood as one of the core members of that project, bearing the rank of general and serving as a judge at this expo—an officer who had once symbolized the might of the city’s army, a figure now entrenched in the halls of power as the Air Force Commander.

"It’s all for the sake of appearances, isn’t it? Isn’t that why we set a specific theme in the first place?"

Carrasco gestured with his cigar in hand.

"We’re not here to ask you senators to endorse results that don’t meet the standards."

"…."

"The key here is to restore the Air Force's standing after that disastrous first deployment and to demonstrate progress, both in achievements and accomplishments."

The ambitious Air Force development project had launched with the goal of replacing the Defense Force Army. One of its outcomes, the air fleet, had turned to scrap at the hands of Croken Asilus in its first outing. However, this failure didn’t diminish the strategic importance of the Air Force's capabilities for Vulcan.

The massive city, surrounded by irregularly surging magnetic storms, created an extreme environment where most flying machines couldn’t operate. Establishing an air force capable of functioning normally in these conditions would give the city exclusive air supremacy.

Securing air control in and around the metropolis and placing it firmly under the jurisdiction of the city government and the Air Force—this expo was part of a series of measures to bolster the Air Force’s technological strength and competitiveness.

‘He may speak that way, but this contest is no different from a rigged event with a winner already chosen,’ Mayer thought as he calmly listened to the senators' conversation from the back of the audience.

Since the expo was sponsored by the Assembly, they wouldn’t give awards to projects that were outright failures or of poor quality. However, from the start, themes and topics likely to appeal to the senators had been selected in advance and discreetly used as bargaining tools.

The fact that they were discussing this openly, even with Mayer from the audit bureau in attendance, was essentially their way of telling Mayer that they believed this practice was beyond reproach.

Understanding this, Mayer chose to remain silent rather than interject.

‘Focusing on technologies that contribute to Air Force development isn’t inherently wrong. However, the other researchers at the expo, who had no knowledge of this…’

For them, it would be nearly impossible to attract the senators' interest or achieve success at the expo with an ordinary paper or result. Any researchers whose work didn’t align with the Air Force’s needs, or those who hadn’t produced truly exceptional results, would likely go unnoticed, buried without a second thought.

A topic favored by the judges had been set in advance. Where does that place it on the spectrum between fairness and unfairness? Perhaps this kind of precarious balancing act is one of the Central Assembly's seasoned veterans' most practiced skills.

"Then, in line with Commander Carrasco's request, shall we proceed to evaluate the participants more swiftly?"

"Agreed. Since we’re borrowing the framework of an expo, we should select a few presentations to showcase to the public as well."

"Too many are trying to ride the coattails of Evan Vylun's paper. Let's filter those out quickly."

No sooner had the words left their mouths than the next presenter started walking in from behind the podium.

***

The innermost auditorium of City Hall, where the senators waited for the presentations to be judged.

In the dimly lit hallway leading inside, dozens of researchers stood in tense anticipation, waiting for their turns.

"Ah… ahhh…"

A researcher in the coat of the Pegrache Institute, who had previously tried to provoke Lennok, walked out with a drained expression. Soon after, other researchers rushed out, looking equally defeated.

Perhaps they had hoped to showcase their achievements or papers but had returned after a brutal rejection.

Other presenters waited anxiously, either rehearsing their speeches or repeatedly checking their work’s functionality. Yet, amidst the tension, a few researchers emerged from their presentations with a relatively calm demeanor, having completed their sessions.

In this chaotic hallway, where tension and composure mingled, Lennok waited his turn, though rather than steadying his mind—

"So, you’re Assistant Professor Evan Vylun."

"I’ve wanted to meet you. Could we chat for a moment?"

He found himself receiving greetings from numerous researchers and mages who had recognized him.

Lennok’s first paper, published under the name Evan Vylun, had made waves across various fields, and while many in the industry hadn’t seen his face, they certainly knew his name. In particular, researchers and mages who had come from outside the metropolis or from the Mage Tower for the expo seemed unwilling to let him go.

"You look much younger than I expected. How old are you?"

"I never imagined you’d prove the principles of magic-to-electricity conversion in that way. I’d love to hear how you came up with the idea."

Handshakes flooded in from talents outside the city and the Mage Tower. Of course, among them were a fair few skeptics trying to gauge Lennok’s abilities.

"Nothing’s been properly verified yet, has it?"

"We’ll have to see the results at the expo. Maybe we’ll learn how much Professor Richellen contributed to the paper."

"If he’s the genius the rumors claim, there’s no way he’d come to an expo of this scale with mediocre results, right?"

Their veiled provocations and attempts to gauge his reaction were blatant. But a blond man standing beside Lennok burst out laughing, dispersing the tension.

"Those kinds of questions can wait until after the expo. Personally, I’m just curious how Assistant Professor Vylun came up with that paper, aren’t you?"

At the man's words, other researchers naturally joined the conversation, as if agreeing inwardly.

"I feel the same. Proposing a hypothetical experiment based on a future perspective, then circling back to prove it from a past standpoint—it's almost unreal."

"Do you know that the proof method Vylun used is already being attempted in various ways across different academic fields?"

"I've heard that related papers are already in the works. Before long, they might even name a proof method after you."

"…."

Lennok quietly listened to the surrounding chatter, while keeping a close eye on the blond man who had deftly redirected the conversation. Broad-shouldered and sturdy, the man wore an old yet neatly pressed suit with no accessories—simple and unadorned. He had been the first to speak to Lennok in the tense hallway and was enthusiastically boasting about his accomplishments. Just moments ago, he had subtly taken Lennok's side, easing the tension in the corridor.

Without caring about Lennok's gaze, the blond man was already animatedly chatting among the researchers, sharing various stories.

"I hope this paper gets a good evaluation from the judges…"

"I'm worried since the senators are directly involved. What would those old geezers know about the sacred study of magic engineering?"

"The chance my Mage Tower gave me ends this year. If I don't produce results by this quarter, I might actually get dragged to the central front."

From those voicing their anxieties and grievances to those sharing tips about the judging process, the atmosphere around Lennok quickly grew lighter, drawing the attention of others around him. Even mages showed curiosity toward the spirit nestled in Lennok's arms.

"Such a charming spirit."

"It's rare to see a spirit materialized so tangibly."

"Nice to meet you. May I shake hands?"

[Hmm.]

The proud Davi extended a paw to shake hands courteously, and the mages turned away with satisfied smiles. Davi whispered to Lennok, looking pleased.

[The mages outside the city seem to be more respectful than I expected.]

"…"

"Evan Vylun. Still here, are you?"

A woman in uniform patted Lennok on the shoulder. It was Fedora, who had introduced herself earlier as part of the Defense Force’s Technological Bureau.

"Did you finish your presentation?"

"More or less."

She looked somewhat displeased as she glanced at the mages and researchers gathered around Lennok, then cast a knowing smile at the engine standing beside him.

"It would’ve been hard to make major changes in the meantime. Do your best."

"The comment you made earlier about the theme the senators want—I’ve given it some thought."

"I’m off now."

Fedora turned away, ignoring him, but Lennok murmured quietly to her retreating back.

"Technology related to air force capabilities."

"…!!!"

"Or research into alternative flight methods. It’s one of those two, isn’t it?"

Lennok smiled as Fedora whipped her head around to look at him.

Fedora’s expression showed disbelief as she glanced back and forth between Lennok and his engine. Her face now carried a noticeable tension, a gaze that regarded him not as an ignorant outsider but as a wary competitor. This reaction alone made it clear that Lennok’s guess was close to the mark.

The strange repetition of research themes he’d noticed while touring other booths with Davi, the hints Fedora and Sleeman had dropped about the predetermined theme—all had helped Lennok deduce what the judges were really looking for at this expo.

Fedora stepped forward with a stern expression, leaning close to whisper in a low, hurried tone that only Lennok could hear.

“You… how did you…!!”

“Was it such a big secret?”

“...!!”

When Lennok didn’t respond, Fedora’s hand shot toward his collar, her power flaring up as she moved to grab him. Perhaps, as a member of the Defense Force’s Technological Bureau, she trusted her own skills enough to act forcefully—almost like a soldier’s response.

In that instant, as the air heated up, the surrounding mages, startled by the sudden surge of magic, began to search for its source.

“Now, now, causing a scene already would be rather troublesome.”

Zap!!

A hand swiftly struck Fedora’s forehead, and her eyes rolled back as she collapsed unconscious. The man, who had been standing beside Lennok, caught her effortlessly and seated her on a nearby bench.

“I went through the trouble of creating a nice atmosphere here; I’d rather not have it spoiled.”

Rising with a genial smile was a middle-aged man with slicked-back dark blond hair. The other researchers stared in shock at the man, who had been laughing heartily next to Lennok moments before.

“W-What exactly are you saying?”

“Weren't you waiting in line with us for the expo…?”

The man paid no attention to the bewildered researchers around him. With a light motion, he straightened his suit and ran a hand through his hair, transforming his demeanor from lively to stern and imposing.

With a calm, unreadable expression, he adjusted his collar and slowly extended a hand toward Lennok. A deep blue badge, marking his position in the Central Assembly Senate, glinted faintly on his sleeve.

“Conrad Haven.”

Grasping Lennok’s hand in a firm handshake, the man smiled.

“An old man entrusted with the humble role of a senator.”

“S-Senator Haven…!!”

“Why would one of the most senior members of the Senate, known for being incredibly busy, be here…?!”

Voices of astonishment rippled outward, spreading in waves as realization dawned on those around them. Only then did Lennok fully grasp who he was facing. This was a senator of the Vulcan City Government’s Central Assembly, one of the top-tier figures in the city’s power structure who had come personally to meet Lennok.

And not only that, he had blended seamlessly among the researchers and mages waiting for the presentation, even deliberately lifting the mood.

“I’ve heard a great deal about you. Shall we step outside for a chat?”

With a friendly smile, he casually ran a hand over Lennok’s engine and gestured over his shoulder. What came next was a statement that shattered all of Lennok’s expectations.

“Before we erase everything that happened at this expo today, I’d like to have one last conversation with you.”