Chapter 113-An Unconventional Walk (5)

Right after Yoo Jae-myeong’s ascension to the sixth circle, the American Magic Association made an official offer of $1 billion (about 1.19 trillion won) in exchange for his loyalty. Yoo Jae-myeong refused. His refusal set the public perception of sixth circle magic’s value very high indeed. That unknown, mysterious realm held profound meaning in academic magic, and Kang Min-hyuk had just announced that he would offer the knowledge encapsulated within it for free. The statement generated lots of noise – those who’d maintained composure throughout the awesome display were animated by the prospect – the most stoic of attendants were reduced to a state of euphoric befuddlement.

“Are you really planning on revealing the sixth Circle magic for nothing?”

“The sixth Circle magic is valued at over $1 billion! Even if they were to auction right away, many magical forces could offer more than that.”

“Will the knowledge of the sixth circle only be released to those affiliated with the tower? If there’s another way, I would like to know that, too.”

Journalists grew restless; they craned their necks, and questions pooled from their lips. They knew the significance of the inauguration instinctively. Many wizards were confined to a liminal state, between circles due to their inability to ascend to the sixth – what will happen when they heard of Kang Min-hyuk’s plans? Archmages would flock to his tower in droves. He held a monopoly of power, and even if there were only three archmages involved, Kang Min-hyuk would rise to a position where his voice would echo around the World Magic Alliance.

Kang Min-hyuk sifted through the clamor of questions thrown at him and answered, “I have told you all. The purpose of the pagoda is to develop magic and use the power to eliminate the monsters beyond the gate. If I don’t reveal the 6th Circle magic, my cause is meaningless. But that doesn’t mean I’m only going to attract wizards with sixth-circle magic skills. I want everyone to work together, not for me to have everything. The forces who have expressed their intention to cooperate with me are the same forces I will freely offer my knowledge to.”

People had to be rewarded for their risk. If only five forces, including Britain and Germany, chose Kang Min-hyuk, the rest would be suitably envious. The faces of the representatives of the five major forces who were watching brightened in response to the unexpected situation. They would never have imagined such a colossal reward for their controversial decision. The journalists got the answer they were looking for.

Kang Min-hyuk’s inauguration ceremony was showing giant steps, and their busy hands quickly wrote articles. The inauguration ceremony was heading towards the end, leaving only one final twist.

* * *

With the introductions complete, it became apparent that, despite the relatively small scale, the quality of the individuals involved was so high that it could be argued to be the basis of the world’s most formidable team. There was another impressive addition to be announced.

“Kim Seong-ho, leader of the Defender Alliance Shield, has also pledged to cooperate with our tower in the future. When a wizard is protected, their firepower is amplified. I am confident that we will be able to maintain a good relationship between the tower and the Shield, and I will also spare no support for the development of the Shield.”

Kim Seong-ho had become a valuable ally, gaining a reputation as the first defenders – based on their skills and experience, they formed Shield – an organization to which many flocked. As the magical evolution sparked an atmosphere that shifted the power dynamic to the point that wizards were gaining the upper hand, those who had their finger on the pulse of the times chose defenders’ role rather than straight-up warriors. Not only that, but ordinary people were interested in training for the position, too.

So, Kim Seong-ho founded the world’s first and largest Defender Alliance, and they became the strength of Kang Min-hyuk. The path of destiny was certainly an intricate and captivating one. The relationship between Kim Seong-ho and Kang Min-hyuk, which had begun in party hunting, had transformed into something of profound importance.

One more member was announced, whose relationship with Min-hyuk had been equally evolutionary: Choi Byeong-ho. He stepped onto the stage and said, “I am thrilled to see our Min-hyuk succeed like this. From the moment I met him, I knew that Min-hyuk would expand into big waters and succeed. That’s why I’m very sorry to part from him, academically speaking, but now is the time for him to spread his wings and take majestic flight. However, I intend to continue my journey with Min-hyuk. In the future, the Department of Magic will conduct classes in conjunction with Min-hyuk’s Matop. The students will be invited into the secrets of his brilliance and receive wonderful teaching – if they wish, they will have access to the gateway into Matop. I am convinced that this will brighten the future of Korean magic.”

Choi Byeong-ho’s expression was bright, much brighter than when Min-hyuk initially informed him of his plans. Then, he had felt desperate, as though the world was crumbling around him – Kang Min-hyuk’s association to the magic department had amplified his position, which had previously been neglected, into something worthy of much recognition. He feared losing him, but Kang Min-hyuk made an unexpected proposal: to link the department and Matop, like a feeder school, in preparation for the tower’s higher education. The connection was mutually beneficial.

The Department of Magic was significant due to its capacity to offer outstanding education. The conjunction to the tower was gainful as it would provide fully formed wizards the opportunity for expansion – their continued success would reflect positively on the department of magic. Of course, Choi Byeong-ho accepted Kang Min-hyuk’s proposal. As the president of the Hunter Academy, he felt it would be silly not to.

The two external forces’ additional strength paved a bright future for Matop, and it left people gobsmacked. People had gathered with doubts at first, unsure they’d made the right decision, but as the future was mapped out before them, they grew firm in their convictions of prosperity. The wealth gained by monopolizing the mana stone market, members of the magical academia recognized in the world, and even the joint forces united in enhancing the superiority of Matop.

Reporters who were writing articles in anticipation of failure were now highlighting the bright future ahead.

Kang Min-hyuk said, “We cannot accommodate a large number of people in a short time. First, there are 100 wizards to be recruited, and the wizards who pass our test,’ regardless of their skills, will receive the best that we can give to ensure their growth. This is the conception of a new tower: the tower’s name is Guardian, and it will lead the magic academia on the right path in the future.”

The inauguration reached its conclusion. It left people relishing the sensation that they were present at a turning point in history.

* * *

After the ceremony, Marco Dawson called the German Magic Society head, wearing a thoughtful expression. The German Magic Association director had no choice but to leave for other work, and he wanted to inform him of the current news.

Click.

[How is the inauguration ceremony going?]

“It’s a big hit now! Do you know what kind of people are working with Kang Min-hyuk? Lee Hak-beom, Jeong Sang-hoon, and Yoo Jae-myeong! Kang Min-hyuk nurtured their growth and announced the creation of the tower!”

[Is that true?]

The president’s voice trembled. He had allowed Marco Dawson to attend the ceremony because he respected his opinion, but the president had felt a sense of unease about the whole thing, in the sense that it would mean turning away from the WMA. If Kang Min-hyuk could not build firm foundations, he would be headed for catastrophe. However, Kang Min-hyuk showed better results than he anticipated.

Marco Dawson couldn’t hide his excitement.

“I don’t know where to begin! Kang Min-hyuk released sixteen sixth circle spells and said that he would pass on the magic to cooperating forces, like us, at no cost. Sir, we have finally opened the path of Circle six. I was right! No matter how strong the World Magic Alliance is, this is the right choice considering the future. Jackpot, jackpot!”

Following praise from the association’s president, Marco Dawson felt as if he were floating in the sky.

Then he said in a subtle voice, “Can I make a request?”

[Anything! Just say it, I’m open to anything.]

“The Guardian said that the exchange student system is only available to partners. I know I’m a little old to be a student, but can’t I study at the Guardian?”

Marco Dawson blushed as the president’s silence lingered over the line.

* * *

An article about the founding ceremony was published, including a video of the demonstration.

[Kang Min-hyuk, the protagonist of the magical revolution, introduced the new Korean tower ‘Guardian.’ Among the tower members were people with considerable fame, such as Professor Lee Hak-beom, Archmage Yoo Jae-myeong, and Sang-hoon. The most startling revelation was that Kang Min-hyuk was the one who taught the sixth circle magic to Archmage Jaemyung Yoo and has now developed sixteen six-circle spells. Kang Min-hyuk maintained the identity of Matop, proclaiming that he would release magic to the members for free.]

There was an uproar. A tower where all the hottest people in the Korean magic academia were concentrated and Kang Min-hyuk freely declared the disclosure of the magic that was regarded as a treasure. Of course, those who longed for the development of magic had no choice but to drool.

-It’s incredible!

-It wasn’t that Kang Min-hyuk created the tower without thinking. Looking at the pagoda’s construction at the National Museum of Korea, it seems that he was planning to build it for some time. The World Magic Alliance doesn’t seem to recognize the Guardian’s legitimacy, but it will soon prove them wrong.

-This is crazy! The American Magic Association offered $1 billion for something Kang Min-hyuk is offering for free? He truly is the god of academic magic!

The inauguration became a major event as the stories of its content spun out. The fact that Min-hyuk retained the Guardian’s integrity by keeping the education free touched the hearts and minds of wizards everywhere, and even the doubts that centered around his green age dissipated. Many people were uncomfortable with the WMA’s hostility to the Guardian’s election, but they knew it was an opportunity not to be missed. However, there was a problem.

-According to Kang Min-hyuk, the initial recruitment will consist of only 100 wizards. It seems that many mages will gather, eager to join…I wish that I can be one of the chosen few!

Kang Min-hyuk had deliberately put a limit on the number of people; applications flooded in from all over the world, and from the moment it was announced, the Guardian was a source of mass interest.