Genius Wizard who sees Rainbows- Chapter 294

**#294. Figures of the Old Era (4)**

—

Ray moved quickly through the alleyways, repeatedly going over the woman’s words in his mind.

*“The city—he asked where in this city there are the most children.”*

Why had the doctor asked such a question?

Was it to absorb the children’s life force through an exploitation spell, just like Walter had done?

Or was he looking for sacrifices for his experiments?

Ray couldn’t be sure.

All he knew was that the woman had answered by pointing to the Tower’s training institute.

*“As you know, every school operates a training institute to foster new magicians. It’s only natural that the place with the most children is the training institute.”*

*“But why would he ask that question? Everyone in the city knows that. He spoke as if he were someone returning from a long absence.”*

Ray met with several other residents who had encountered the doctor, but they all gave the same information.

Deciding there was nothing more to gain, Ray returned to the Tower and used the space gate inside the bus to travel to the settlement in the wasteland.

“Oh, you’ve arrived!”

“Sir Ray! Good to see you!”

Greetings poured in from all directions—dwarves and elves busy cultivating the forest under the World Tree and constructing an underground city.

Ray responded with a polite nod of his head.

He then met with the dwarf elders and learned where Rael was. Without delay, he ascended to the top of Rael Row and opened the door to the watchtower.

*Creak—*

Suddenly, the view ahead brightened.

In front of the railing stood Rael, gazing down at the ground.

A voice came from there.

“You’ve arrived.”

“…”

Without speaking, Ray stepped beside him and stared at the scenery below.

Turning to face Ray, Rael bowed his head respectfully, as a retainer before a king, and said:

“I imagine you must have been quite confused. You were suddenly told that you are the reincarnation of the divine being known as the Rainbow.”

“I’ve had some time to process it.”

“I’m glad.”

Rael nodded slightly and, following Ray’s gaze, looked out again as he continued.

“I’ve heard from the elders of Rael Row. They say this beautiful scenery before us exists entirely thanks to you.”

What lay before them was a vast expanse of green and brown.

Vegetation, growing lush and dense, was gradually forming into a forest.

Between the trees, animals of all sizes dashed about with energy.

All of it had happened in just three months—a result of elven growth magic combined with dwarven technology.

“…The scenery is astonishing. But what amazed me the most was that dwarves and elves, who are inherently incompatible, have come together and are now living in harmony.”

“That wasn’t my intention.”

To Ray’s firm response, Rael smiled and replied,

“Even if it wasn’t intentional, perhaps it was your unconscious actions that led to this harmony. Because you’ve always wished for the unity of all races.”

All of it, just as you willed it.

Rael added that the creation of the shared settlement between dwarves and elves may have been close to destiny.

“Maybe fate is the right word. Just like the yellow shard I passed down to my descendants eventually returned to your hands after a long, long time.”

Rael looked down at the massive mobile fortress he was riding.

Rael Row, which once roamed the wasteland powered by the yellow shard.

Now, with no more need to wander, its deck and exterior were overgrown with vines and foliage, making it resemble an ancient ruin.

“Rael Row has finally completed its long, uncertain journey… and can now enter a deep slumber.”

“…”

Listening to the emotion-laden voice, Ray suddenly asked,

“What was the old era like?”

“The old era?”

“I’m said to be the reincarnation of the Rainbow, but I don’t remember anything from back then.”

“I believe it will return to you slowly, like being submerged in water.”

Rael took a quiet breath.

Then he began his tale.

“In the beginning, the first living beings were trapped in a gray prison-like landscape. They lived by repeating mechanical acts of survival, unable to feel even the smallest of emotions. To put it metaphorically—”

He paused briefly.

“—they were like what I am now. A robot made of inorganic matter.”

Ray silently looked at Rael.

A robot—that was a word he’d heard countless times growing up.

Especially in his childhood, when he felt no emotions and had yet to be socialized.

But the Rael standing before him now didn’t feel robotic at all.

“You don’t feel like a robot at all.”

“If so, it must be thanks to the emotions you bestowed upon me. In my past life, I lived fully immersed in emotion, and those memories remain intact in the circuits of my current mind.”

Rael smiled as he added,

Of course, he couldn’t truly *feel* emotions. He merely responded with the appropriate behavior based on pre-programmed values. Still, outwardly, there wouldn’t be anything noticeably off.

“…Anyway, back to the story. In the beginning, only two beings in the sky had true color.”

“The Sun and the Rainbow.”

“Correct. You descended to the earth and scattered your colors, bestowing upon us the blessing of emotion.”

You divided your power into seven parts, sharing it so that the ancient races could prosper.

Of course, the subsequent great war soon brought an end to that peace.

*Vmm—*

Ray summoned all the rainbow fragments he had gathered so far into his hand.

Orange, yellow, green, and indigo.

Four gemstones gleamed with a radiant light.

“You’ve nearly recovered them. That leaves…”

“Red and purple.”

Ray shared what he currently knew with Rael.

The blue fragment was being protected by a spirit named Blue.

The red fragment was believed to be in the possession of the doctor, Redran.

“And it seems Redran’s goal is to return the world to a state devoid of emotion.”

Rael looked dumbfounded upon hearing that.

“Why would anyone do such a thing? I can’t understand it. But… even from the time he was appointed as a guardian in the distant past, Redran was always an inscrutable figure. As the world’s emotions diversified, his nature seemed to grow increasingly complicated. He was the one who suddenly started the second war after sealing the Indigo Guardian.”

Ray nodded faintly.

Then added another piece of information.

“The residents said he asked where the most children were in the city. I wonder if it’s connected to crossing the Land of Calamity.”

“Children… the Land of Calamity…”

Rael repeated the two phrases quietly, then shook his head.

“I must admit, I don’t know much about the Land of Calamity either. Ever since the fairies finished setting up all the wards and traps, I haven’t been back there. No—‘couldn’t dare to approach’ would be more accurate.”

The fairies, the most mana-attuned and powerful among the ancient races.

They had relocated their entire species to protect the sealed ruins and constructed the Land of Calamity.

They attacked all intruders, regardless of friend or foe, so little was known about the area.

“We can’t even be certain the fairies are still alive. The calamity might now be maintained by automated systems left behind after their deaths.”

“Do you know anything else about the fairies?”

“Based on what you’ve said, fairies generally possess many childlike traits. They’re often mischievous and playful, especially around the children of other races—they’d follow them around asking to play.”

Given that the most powerful magical race often caused trouble and disturbances, conflicts were not uncommon.

Ray recalled the witness testimony he’d heard in Dark Alley about the doctor.

*“He asked where in this city there are the most children.”*

“…”

Now it made sense.

What the doctor’s goal was.

He had vanished again after attacking the workshop, and from the looks of it, he wasn’t ready to break through the Land of Calamity and reach the sealed ruins just yet.

In other words—

*“There’s still time.”*

While the doctor was preparing, they too could make their own preparations.

And right now, what Ray felt he needed most was strength.

If he had been strong enough, he might have been able to stop the doctor from escaping with Indiago during the battle with the Dawn Society.

Lately, he had experienced a few emotional awakenings, but they were minor—his heart still had only four circles.

The odds of reaching the next stage were slim by any objective measure.

*“…But if I use a method other than awakening…”*

The possibility existed.

Especially since he was currently living in a city full of training methods for magicians.

Ray collected his thoughts and said,

“I’ll return.”

“Yes. I will remain here for a while, watching over my descendants and Rael Row. I’m sorry I couldn’t be of more help.”

“Let go.”

“Yes, of course.”

“I can’t leave unless you let go.”

Rael reluctantly released Ray’s arm, looking extremely regretful.

*
*
*

Back in the city of magicians, Ray headed straight for Sector 7.

It was his first time visiting the Harmony Tower, but there was no need to ask for directions.

*“It might be even bigger than Rael Row.”*

After all, its spire could be seen towering over the city from anywhere.

When he finally arrived, Harmony Tower lived up to its reputation as the top-ranked magical school—boasting over a hundred floors.

The structure exuded a majestic sense of history, with its older, worn sections gradually becoming more modern and sleek as they rose.

A security guard in a crisp uniform stopped Ray at the entrance.

“Do you have an appointment? If you could give your affiliation and name, I’ll check.”

Ray hadn’t made an appointment.

Just as he was thinking he probably should have, another guard spoke up in a stammering voice.

“Wait a moment. White hair… looks about seventeen… C-could you be Sir Ray of the Imaginus School?”

Ray nodded.

“I’m here to see administrator Khan.”

“Please wait just a moment! I’ll confirm it right away.”

The guard hurried into the booth beside him and soon came running back out, panting.

“Director Khan is waiting on the 113th floor. Once you enter, a staff member will guide you!”

Just as the guard had said, once inside, a neatly dressed man rushed over and bowed his head.

“Phew, phew, it’s an honor to meet you, Mr. Ray. I’m Cherot, the Head of External Cooperation for the Harmony School. I’d be grateful if you remembered me.”

Ray casually tucked away the business card the man handed him and followed his lead.

They boarded a disc-shaped elevator that was open on all sides and began ascending. At every passing floor, Ray could feel countless eyes directed at him.

Cherot glanced at Ray’s expression and smiled.

“Haha, it’s because everyone recognizes you. There’s no one in the city who hasn’t heard the rumors about the Imaginus School and Ray. And white hair is quite rare. I’m sure you’ve experienced similar stares on your way here, haven’t you?”

“More than that.”

“Pardon?”

“There seem to be a lot of people from other schools.”

“Ah, that’s because the Harmony School pursues the harmony and balance of the elements. In fact, we cover research areas of nearly every other school, which means we also engage in exchange with many of them.”

Harmony and balance of elements.

In a way, it resonated with the concept of the Element of Creation—formed by all elements merged in equal proportion.

Then, several consecutive floors appeared to have a high number of children.

“Hey, come back here!”

“Haha, a ghost? Who would believe that?”

Children were playing around, casting small spells on their palms and chattering playfully.

In his rapidly shifting field of view, Ray spotted large signs posted on the walls.

\[Residential Floor – Level 1 Trainees]

\[Residential Floor – Level 2 Trainees]

\[Residential Floor – Level 3 Trainees]

Ray muttered quietly.

“You’d better pay more attention to managing the children for a while.”

“Pardon? What do you mean by that…?”

Just then, the elevator arrived at their intended floor.

Cherot didn’t get the chance to ask further as he guided Ray through a maze of corridors.

*Knock knock.*

“I’ve brought him.”

—Let him in.

As the office door opened and Khan saw Ray, he immediately rose from his chair, approached, and shook his hand firmly with a broad smile.

“It’s been a while. I believe we last saw each other at the academic conference—so nearly a year?”

“It’s only been four days.”

“Haha, that’s how much I wanted to see you. You should’ve given me some notice if you were visiting. I stopped my lectures with my top disciples as soon as I heard you were here.”

“That wasn’t necessary.”

“Haha, how could I keep an honored guest waiting?”

Khan burst into hearty laughter.

He seemed far more exuberant and cheerful than when Ray had seen him at the conference.

“If it were up to me, I’d have stayed after the conference to drink and chat all night, but you slipped out as if fleeing. What’ll it be? Tea? Coffee? Or… do you enjoy alcohol?”

“Anything’s fine.”

“A fine answer.”

At Khan’s wave of the hand, a bottle of alcohol and glasses floated over and settled on the table.

Seeing Ray down the strong liquor like plain water, Khan let out a murmur of admiration.

“Your stomach must be made of steel. I’ve got many questions, but I assume you came here for a purpose. Let’s get that out of the way first.”

“I have a favor to ask.”

Ray briefly explained.

He wanted to borrow Harmony Tower’s state-of-the-art facilities for circle training.

“That’s not a difficult request. May I ask how many circles you currently have?”

“Four.”

“A remarkable level for your age. No—considering the theories you’ve published, perhaps not so surprising. And what’s your circle limit?”

“My limit?”

Ray looked puzzled.

Khan soon let out a low whistle.

“So it’s true—you really came from outside the Wall. I thought it was a calculated remark to draw attention.”

“Everything I said at the conference was true.”

“Then allow me to explain what a circle limit is.”

The explanation followed.

Before properly learning magic, all residents of the city measure the maximum number of circles they can build using special equipment.

“The measurement isn’t absolute, but it’s very accurate. How about taking the test before your training?”

There was no reason to refuse.

At Khan’s gesture, a metal plate engraved with complex patterns floated down from a shelf.

“Place your palm here.”

Ray followed the instruction.

As mana flowed into his body and coursed through it, the gauge etched into the metal plate began to rise.

“First Circle, Second Circle, Third Circle… it’s rising quickly. Fourth Circle—that’s expected, given your current state. Oh? Fifth Circle is within reach too…? Wait a moment—”

Khan became flustered.

The gauge showed no signs of stopping and continued to rise at a pace that bordered on a runaway surge.

 

 

 

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