The Magic Conference (1)
Lee Hak-beom’s heart shook.
Did Min-hyuk already figure out the principle of Double Casting?
He knew that Kang Min-hyuk was not the type of person to spout nonsense.
‘… If this is true, this is a revolution for the magical world.’
Lee Hak-beom looked back when he first became interested in studying Magic. He remembered thinking that Magic was exciting, and if appropriately researched, could lead to various innovations. Magic had so much potential, yet why did people look down upon it?
He thought about it and eventually Hak-beom had an answer,
‘Magic was a limited discipline. The public could only access information until 5th circle magic, and Magic was no match for Class-A monsters or higher. It was only natural that people interested in Magic would decrease every year; after all, it doesn’t have many job prospects.’
Well, one reason was that Magic allowed for long-range attacks.
This ability allowed interest in magic research to continue; unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to make it popular.
‘Another advantage is that fortified humans can use Aura Wave; this allows the user to release mana from the body to attack multiple enemies at once. Magic was effective with low-level monsters, but isn’t enough for Magic to be considered necessary. If we can’t justify Magic’s existence, then it will cease to exist.’
It was for that reason that Hak-beom was so desperate to make Double Casting a reality. This skill would allow wizards to cast two spells at once, giving wizards a substantial advantage against low-level monsters. No matter how strong an enemy is, being able to cast simultaneously would be an advantage worth having.
“Is that so?”
Lee Hak-beom’s voice trembled.
He couldn’t believe what Kang Min-hyuk had just said.
“Is it true? Have you figured out how to achieve Double Casting?”
“Yes.”
“Hah”
The professor exhaled loudly.
His heart was trembling with anticipation, and he was struggling to speak.
“You understand what this means, right? Double Casting has been a mystery to most; people believed that only geniuses could do it. If you’ve truly solved the mystery, then you’ll be considered a pioneer in the magic community.”
Lee Hak-beom, he was a true scholar.
His research was indeed for the benefit of others, and he wasn’t jealous that someone else had solved his research. His passion for Magic was real.
This is why Kang Min-hyuk chose Lee Hak-beom.
Especially after meeting Kang Pil-doo, the contrast between them further emphasized Lee Hak-beom’s love for magic.
He is knowledgeable, stiff, and sometimes prejudiced, but his passion for Magic was real.
“Before I tell you the principles of Double Casting, I have a few conditions.”
“What conditions?”
Min-hyuk wanted to make another deal. He tried to get the most he could, in exchange for what he knew.
The academic conference was one of them.
The other condition was,
“Professor Hak-Bum Lee, in the future, I want you to help again.”
Min-hyuk knew that in the future, he would need people to help him, he’d need allies.
* * *
When the magic conference was about ten days ahead, the Department of Magic posted a notice:
[This is to announce the participants of the upcoming 82nd Annual Magic Academic Conference. The first group will be Professor Kang Pil-doo and Kang Min-hyuk, the second group will be Professor Lee Hak-beom and Kang Min-hyuk, and the third group will be Prof. Lee Mi-hye and Kim Moo-yeol. We hope that the students will show their unconditional support for the participants that will represent our school.]
It was an announcement of the groups. However, this caused controversy among students.
“Kang Min-hyuk?”
“Are they serious? Letting a freshman participate in the Magic conference?”
“I thought it was strange that Professor Lee Hak-beom let him join his research.”.
It was a natural reaction.
In the case of the third group consisting of Prof. Lee Mi-hye and Kim Moo-yeol, it is known that Professor Lee Mi-hye has been conducting her research for two years now. Meanwhile, Kim Moo-yeol was a fourth-year student, and was at the top of his class. It wasn’t odd to see him participate in the conference.
But Kang Min-hyuk, the guy who could only do 1st circle magic? Who couldn’t explain fundamental magical theories? It was hard to believe he was a participant.
What is the magical academic convention?
For students in the magical department, it is the stage they dream of walking on even just once in their lives.
Just being able to participate in it was considered a big deal.
“Are you sure about this professor? Entering Kang Min-hyuk in the conference is a risky move.”
“Yes, Kang Min-hyuk can participate. Even though his skills are unrefined and he’s a freshman, he still contributed to the research, but participating in two research studies is forbidden.”
“Who would have thought that the eldest son of Suhomun would be participating in the Magic conference? He was even chosen by Professor Lee Hak-beom himself; he better not disappoint us then.”
Complaints spread rapidly.
A representative from the student body even filed a formal complaint. The professors didn’t expect the backlash to be this severe.
[As your department head, I understand that this is a controversial issue for the magic department, but Min-hyuk was allowed to participate in both studies because he played an essential role in each of them. Both Professor Lee Hak-beom and Kang Pil-doo realized that if Min-hyuk left either study, it would stall its progress. It was inevitable, so the two professors agreed to share him, both parties agreed to this, and the decision was finalized. There will be no further discussions since the parties involved have settled the matter. We will not entertain any further complaints.]
A firm attitude.
Choi Byung-ho showed his authority in the short statement.
No student could go against him and prevent Min-hyuk from going to the conference.
“Why are you favoring Kang Min-hyuk so much?”
“He will bring glory to our school’s name.”
This statement only confused the students more.
In a very unusual situation, even on the day of the competition, controversy related to Kang Min-hyuk showed no signs of dying.
* * *
While the Magic Academy was still in the middle of the commotion, Kang Min-hyuk was back home.
Jeong Pan-soo was a first-rate student of Suhomun. He was able to slay a Class-A monster that appeared in Seo Dong-gu; thus, he was eligible for knighthood.
His father, Jung Jeong-soo, who was also one of the guardians of Suhomun, held a feast to celebrate his son’s achievement.
The atmosphere was friendly.
To be polite, Jeong Pan-soo started a conversation with Kang Min-hyuk.
“By the way, Min-hyuk, there was a rumor going around that you’re going to participate in the magical conference; is that true?”
“It is.”
Jeong Pan-soo’s eyes widened.
Warriors usually looked down on Magic, but participating in the magic conference was still a huge deal.
The magic conference was known to be an exclusive event that only the best of the best could attend.
So why was Kang Min-hyuk going? Wasn’t he still a freshman?
“Min-hyuk, is Pan-soo’s words true? About participating in the magic conference.”
Everyone’s eyes were focused on Min-hyuk, who was forced to be there.
“Yes.”
“Huh.”
Jeong Pan-soo’s expression was distorted.
Kang Min-hyuk, whose lineage determined him to become a warrior, was going to participate in the magical tournament.
“Why? I mean, if you’re really going to participate, of course, I’ll cheer for you, but didn’t you only recently pick up Magic? You started when you were already 17 years old. Is this your rebellious phase? Are you rebelling against your dad? What about your title as the heir of Suhomun?”
The atmosphere cooled down.
The attendees glanced over to Kang Deok-cheol, Suhomun’s current clan leader. His expression remained the same and he continued to drink his tea.
Jeong Pan-soo took it as a silent permission. He raised his voice even higher,
“Just because you gave up your title doesn’t mean that you no longer carry the Kang name. You are still related to this family, and we will still be watching you, even if you’re in the magical academy. So if you’re just doing this to rebel against your father, you should quit now. You may no longer be his heir, but you are still Suhomun’s son.”
It has always been this way.
Even when he entered the Department of Magic, the eyes of his family continued to watch him.
These people saw him as Suhomun’s disgrace, they all looked at him with the same cold eyes as Kang Deok-cheol.
His father laughed to himself.
‘It was the expected result.’
He knew it would end up like this once he announced letting go of his successor position.
Kang Deok-cheol was over the moon when he found out he had a son that could inherit his title, but for Min-hyuk, this title was forced upon him. Ever since he was born, everyone thought of him as Kang Deok-cheol’s son, the heir of Suhomun; For years, that was the role he played.
All his life, the people around him criticized him, judged him, and lambasted him, but not once did Deok-cheol ever defend or comfort him.
Well, it didn’t matter anymore; he was used to being criticized.
For the first time, Kang Min-hyuk spoke up for himself,
“It’s my life, so why do you care so much?”
“What did you just say?” Jeong Pa-soo asked.
“I gave up my title so I could live my own life, but if you’re still going lecture me about being a Kang family member, then maybe I’ll give up my last name too, so elders like you would stop telling me what to do. I’m going to the magical conference, and I’m going to continue studying Magic, nothing you say or do can stop me.”
“This guy!”
Jeong Pan-ho’s face turned red.
He flipped the table and left without looking back.
His father, Kang Duk-cheol, remained stoic, showing just how cold he was.
“How dare he?”
A loud voice was heard from behind.
But Min-hyuk didn’t care.
‘Tomorrow is the magic conference.’
This was the life of a fallen successor, Kang Min-hyuk had to adapt to his new life.
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