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Researchers of the British Magic Association were the best in the world. Hak-beom shared his thoughts as they worked together, offering new ideas.

“How about this way?”

His questioning was careful and precise. At first, the other researchers did not show a positive attitude toward Lee Hak-beom’s suggestions – researchers from the British Magic Association had not yet recognized him. Hence, his opinion, as an outsider, was much less reliable. However, their attitude changed quickly.

Lee Hak-beom’s opinion was always helpful, and as he consistently proved his worth, they grew to respect and rely on his input more and more.

“How do you think we could improve the method?!”

“Professor Lee Hak-beom, could you explain in more detail what you just said?”

“It’s amazing! Ah, without Professor Lee Hak-beom, this experiment would have been much more difficult.”

Lee Hak-beom became the key to the research.

Researchers, including Wayne Lapierre, grouped around him, and Lee Hak-beom eventually led the research team. It was the moment when the study, which was in a stalemate, moved forward. Lee Hak-beom’s mind opened while playing with the monster named Kang Min-hyuk, and through that communication, his abilities surpassed anything he could have aspired to previously.

So, the study paid off.

Under the respectful gaze of talented researchers, Lee Hak-beom was filled with a sense of accomplishment beyond words.

“I can do it too.”

There was a time that he doubted himself. He even suspected that his quiet and disciplined disposition might limit his research opportunities. Not now, though…now he was discovering his true potential. Even the great Wayne Lapierre applauded his skills, and Lee Hak-beom became confident in himself.

When his spirit had grown stronger, Wayne Burns asked to meet him.

* * *

Wayne Burns was an honest person. When it was necessary to capture someone’s heart, he presented himself with sincerity and clarity, rather than beating around the bush.

“I’ve been very impressed by your work on this experiment, Lee Hak-beom. I would like to recruit you to the British Magic Association officially. What I can offer is the power to run a team like Wayne Lapierre. The research team’s budget is at least £100 million per year (approximately KRW 153.4 billion), and additional support is possible depending on the situation. If there is an annual salary or any condition that you’d like to implement, we’d be happy to accommodate.”

He handed out a blank check.

It was a tempting offer. However, Lee Hak-beom had fallen in love with the research he was undertaking, and the blank cheque merely confused his sensibilities.

“To be honest, I am not interested in money and honor. All I want is the development of magic…for that reason, I can’t leave Kang Min-hyuk.

“Why the hell should you stick with Kang Min-hyuk? You are a great researcher in and of yourself. If you team up and conduct research at the British Magic Association, I am sure that you will succeed in countless studies that will advance magic in the future. I admit that Kang Min-hyuk is great, but I hope that Professor Lee Hak-beom will shine as the protagonist of his own story.”

Most people don’t want to be a supporting actor and seize the opportunity to play the hero’s role. Kang Min-hyuk’s shadow covered Lee Hak-beom, and Wayne Burns provoked him by appealing to his insecurities. Most people would agree with Wayne Burns.

Hak-beom thought for a moment before speaking. “Over the past few months, I have made great strides as a researcher. You might say that that is an ability inherent in me, but I would not have developed in the first place without Kang Min-hyuk. Do you know why I was so hung up on research? I had to do it if I wanted to stay with Kang Min-hyuk. His presence alone makes me move and develop.”

It was a complex interplay. At first, he admired Kang Min-hyuk’s talent, then he was disappointed with himself, and at some point, he accepted the reality and enjoyed the dynamic. Having put down the burden of fame, he enjoyed his life as a researcher.

“At one time, I thought that Kang Min-hyuk came from the future. All of his research has an incomprehensible starting point – the result of that has advanced the magical academia. I don’t want to be the main character. I am satisfied if my ability can be helpful to Kang Min-hyuk’s research. Kang Min-hyuk is incomparable. He will develop a magical civilization, and I will remain with him to help it bloom.”

Lee Hak-beom had evolved to remain with Kang Min-hyuk.

Wayne Burns was lost for words by the deep trust Hak-beom expressed in Kang Min-hyuk. His faith couldn’t be shaken – not by money, or honor, or fame.

Lee Hak-beom concluded, “I like the British Magic Association. You have outstanding researchers and a great research environment. Being able to study here has been a great blessing. However, the only way I’d transfer here is if Kang Min-hyuk joined the British Magic Association. If he made such a choice, I would follow suit.”

Now, the question was: how to recruit Kang Min-hyuk?

The process would not be easy…

* * *

Simultaneously, as Professor Lee Hak-beom was wrapping up his conversation with Wayne Burns, Kang Min-hyuk met Go Young-cheol.

“We took care of the Park Moo-cheol business, and things are going as you planned. Did you expect Professor Lee Hak-beom to stand out in the British Magic Association? You wanted him to be recognized in the magic academia, but it happened at the right time. The British Magic Association’s research is not yet in the presentation stage, so the general public may not know Lee Hak-beom’s achievements, but the magic academia already says that he is the best researcher representing Korea.”

“I believed, rather than expected. I had a deep conviction of his excellence.”

The situation was ideal. Sang-Hoon gained fame as a magical genius, and Lee Hak-beom was recognized as a brilliant researcher. That wasn’t all. Yoo Jae-myeong was known as the best wizard in the world. The title of the one and only sixth-circle wizard was remarkable, and talented wizards flocked under him. With the help of Go Young-cheol, they filtered out those with pure intentions from those who did not. The remaining fifty wizards were those who sincerely wanted to develop alongside Yoo Jae-myeong.

Sang-hoon, Lee Hak-beom, and Yoo Jae-myeong’s progress snowballed. Go Young-cheol was expanding the power of intelligence troops globally, and he took control of the mana stone market.

Kim Seong-ho’s party, who took on defenders’ role in the S-class dungeon Dark City, was in harmony with Kang Min-hyuk’s plan and formed a new force. Those who wished to become defenders gathered around Kim Seong-ho and received intensive training. They knew how to adapt to the changing world.

The tower was being built in Seoul’s center, at the National Museum of Korea near Ichon Station; the old building was demolished, and so made a new type of pagoda. Local residents were intrigued by the tower’s purpose. Although it had not been completed, the general public and various forces sought to find out the tower’s identity, but it wasn’t easy. It was inevitable that the purpose was Matop but Go Young-cheol concealed its identity in various ways, such as using an agent and a borrowed account. In the dark world, it was not easy to step on Go Young-cheol’s tail.

The plan moved steadily. Go Young-cheol admired the progress. It had been less than a year since Kang Min-hyuk made up his mind to form a force, so he was doing a really great job. In the past, he had high expectations for Kang Min-hyuk, as the heir to Suhomun, which would have been a great success. Although Lee Jun-ho, the current successor to Suho-moon, was more talented in swordsmanship than Kang Min-hyuk, his qualities as a Caju would always be inferior to Kang Min-hyuk’s. He was born with Kang Deok-cheol’s blood.

Kang Min-hyuk said, “The announcement of the tower will be made by surprise. To prevent any backlash, it must have a strong impact, so people are forced to accept it. We’re not just trying to form a force; we’re trying to create the only force. We have to be the best.”

Go, Young-cheol smiled. He knew the next step of the plan. His heart jumped. What if Kang Min-hyuk implemented the next step, and people like Sang-Hoon, Lee Hak-beom, and Yoo Jae-myeong announce their intention to join Matop? The world would be overwhelmed. The thought alone inspired excitement.

“I’ll do whatever you like.”

Go Young-cheol had been promised the next generation of power from Lee Jun-ho, but he had refused, saying: ‘Kang Min-hyuk has a talent that makes people’s hearts beat. Because of this, I can’t leave this guy’s side.’

He was an unrecognizable shadow…but in that shadow, Go Young-cheol smiled wide.

* * *

At the center of Eunpyeong-gu, in Seoul, there was a place called Byeogyeokmun – the power of Ganghwa warriors. It did not surpass the four major forces, including Suhomun, but it was a place that boasted considerable strength with its own warlike technique. In particular, the owner of Byeokgyeokmun was skilled enough to have the experience of defeating dozens of A-class monsters.

It was an ordinary afternoon. The sound of disciples training resonated in the Byegyeokmun. At that time, it was no different from any other day, but a guest came by when the floor was wet with sweat.

“Who is it?” The gatekeeper of the wall asked, his expression confused.

Recently, as medical magic was created, the wizard’s power increased, and there was considerable antipathy from the wall. Reinforced warriors were mainstream – they wanted it to stay that way. Wizards’ actions to go against the trend touched the mainstream planting, threatening the status quo.

The wizard spoke, “I have heard that the reinforced warriors who have achieved success always welcome challengers. I hear that they are proud of their skills and that maintaining their name against challengers’ threats proves their power. Is that correct?”

“That’s right, but do you know the price? If you fail the challenge, you will be punished for it. Many have tried, and many have failed.”

The gatekeeper showed harsh momentum. The person who followed the wizard’s course was enthusiastic about the challenge.

Under his hood, his mouth, just visible, was stretched into a smile. He removed his hood, revealing his face.

“My name is Kang Min-hyuk. And now, I’m going to apply for a challenge with Byeokgyeokmun.”

In the world where the assumption is that the wizard is weak in a one-on-one, Min-hyuk was proceeding with a plan to give his next steps the gravity they needed for success.

In response to Kang Min-hyuk’s remarks, the afternoon began to spiral into chaos.