Chapter 103-The Incompetence (3)
S News quickly organized a special broadcast. They canceled the hunter-related program scheduled that afternoon and released a video of the non-dance in its place.
The video started with an introduction from Jung Min-gu.
[Something incredible has happened. Earlier this afternoon, S News received an anonymous text message informing us that Kang Min-hyuk, the former successor to Suhomun, and pioneer of the magical revolution, was to strike up a non-dance beginning with Byeokgyeungmun. We fact-checked the message, and fortunately, by the time it was verified, I was able to capture the confrontation between Gu Gwang-mo, the marvelous gatekeeper, and Kang Min-hyuk.]
The broadcast went on to show the confrontation between Gu Kwang-mo and Kang Min-hyuk. The process and result of the fight were incomprehensible to residents of the fortified civilization. Kang Min-hyuk did not retreat against the reinforced warrior and overwhelmed Gu Gwang-mo with a brand of magic nobody had ever seen before. In the end, the audience was astonished at the fall of Gu Gwang-mo.
A wizard defeated-Gu Kwang-mo?
– OMG.
-It’s insane! Gu Gwang-mo is a great warrior.
-Are you sure this is real life and not CGI?
-Kang Min-hyuk said he’s only been learning magic for a year, so how is he using circle five spells?
Gu Kwang-mo’s defeat was astonishing. Gu Kwang-mo was different from the general hunter – he was of the higher tier among reinforced warriors’. He was an opponent even other warriors feared, never mind a wizard. Still, Gwangmo Gu fell to magic. Not only was he defeated, but he also didn’t have a chance to show his skill.
One viewer said, “I couldn’t believe my eyes! Kang Min-hyuk’s magic was a feast of firsts! Flames transformed, he cast in transit and used magic to create illusions at the end. Who is Kang Min-hyuk? The spells he used took me by surprise. In particular, moving to cast is a technique that can be said to be a wizard’s wish, but Kang Min-hyuk uses it casually.”
Wizards had been trying for many years to unravel the secrets of moving to cast and had failed consistently. Mana’s instability prevented catching two rabbits at once, but Kang Min-hyuk used moving to cast casually as if it came naturally to him. Fortified warriors were baffled by Gu Kwang-mo’s defeat, and the public revelation of new magic techniques had a similar effect. It seemed that wherever Kang Min-hyuk went, he obliterated expectations, and something new and unique was built in their place.
The final scene of the broadcast involved an interview with Kang Min-hyuk.
[Mr. Kang Min-hyuk, I have a question!]
His business at Byeokgyeokmun was over. As Kang Min-hyuk broke the signboard and left his seat, reporter Jung Min-gu rushed over and caught him before his departure.
[Please, ask it.]
[Mr. Kang Min-hyuk applied for non-dance against Byeokgyeungmun. In the world of reinforced warriors, Incompetence involves taking three challenges to prove your strength. Will you continue your challenge? If so, can you tell us where your next opponent will be?]
It was the question on everybody’s lips. Kang Min-hyuk looked at the camera and laughed.
[I can’t tell you about the next person, but I’m sure I’ll see the process through to the end. Each day will hold a new challenge. Now that we have finished the wall, we will proceed with non-dance for the next two days. It would be good to prepare in advance – it’s a prejudice that wizards are weak in one-on-one battles, and Gu Gwang-mo, who is also a killer, would never have dreamed of defeat until he faced me.]
The interview drew to a close, and with it, a hot flame fell on the foot of the Seoul Ganghwa Warriors’.
* * *
Seoul Small and Medium Alliance was founded by Ganghwa warrior forces based in Seoul to join forces with one other. It did not include Korea’s four major forces, but the Seoul SMA usually acted as separate factions but united when there was a threat to SMAs. Since Byeokgyeungmun was part of the alliance, its closure plunged the group into a state of distress.
“Explain.”
The head of the SME Alliance and Steel Rain owner, Baek Beom-young, stared at the wall with a stiff expression. The atmosphere was interrogative. The small and medium-sized coalition leaders were sitting around Byekgyemundo, and the pressure emanating from them was extraordinary.
“Well, it started with Park Cheol-woo…”
The explanation began.
The SMA coalition heads were struck by sensation-storm while listening to what hadn’t appeared on the broadcast. Byekgyeungmun was a powerful force among the small and medium-sized alliances; it was hard to accept their defeat even after the explanation.
After a moment of silence, the head of Heukchang emerged.
“This is clearly what Kang Min-hyuk warns of the reinforced warrior society. His magical revolution is a means to seize control. He shows no concern for the future of our kind; just as the sorcerer prevailed with the magical revolution, he clearly intends to take advantage of his new power by placing wizards above warriors!”
“I agree. Inaction is a risk we can’t afford to take. We must stand and fight.”
Kang Min-hyuk’s intentions were clear – he had become a representative of magic. As the ranks of the reinforced warriors declined, the emergence of Kang Min-hyuk was a natural progression. The heads of the SMA looked nervous; the risk of closure seemed very real following the fall of Gu Gwang-mo.
Baek Beom-young said, “The wall gate is so strong – if the wizard could take that, none of us are safe. Kang Min-hyuk’s power is real. Therefore, we must go head-to-head, knowing the risks. In his arrogance, Kang Min-hyuk has forewarned us of his intentions – we now have time to prepare for his challenge. For 24 hours, we will thoroughly analyze the non-performance video. If we can grasp the magic that Kang Min-hyuk uses, we’ll have a chance.”
It seemed to make sense. While the rest of the group writhed in suspense, Baek Beom-young concocted a strategy.
“Besides, Kang Min-hyuk can’t challenge the four major forces. Yes, he defeated the Byeokgyeongmunju, but his streak would end on the spot if he challenged the four major forces. Kang Min-hyuk was ignoring us and chose Byeokgyemun as a starting point. So let’s show him: under the Seoul sky, there is also our small and medium-sized alliance.”
“Let’s do it.”
“Let’s take this opportunity to show our strength!”
So, the small and medium-sized coalition joined forces. The video analysis continued until the day dawned, and they returned to their homes the following day.
Before the storm, a sharp atmosphere wrapped around Seoul.
* * *
When Seoul’s SMA was full of noise and anticipation, Kang Min-hyuk was struggling with contact from all over the world.
[This is Wayne Burns.]
Head of the British Magic Association.
He cautiously asked Kang Min-hyuk.
[Honestly, I don’t know what to say. I’m shocked that you’ve already reached the fifth circle but defeating the reinforced warrior in close combat – it’s incredible. I rewatched the fight dozens of times before calling. My reason for calling like this. Can you tell me what magic you used? Apart from the ridiculous growth, did you succeed in moving to cast? If so, are you willing to disclose it for free again?]
After watching the video, Wayne Burns couldn’t suppress his excitement and intrigue. Defeating a reinforced warrior in close combat was the ideal that all wizards dream of. Kang Min-hyuk said,
“I will explain everything after this non-dance is over. When it comes to releasing the knowledge to the public, I will tell you then. For now, know this: we have succeeded in developing moving casting.”
Wayne Burns was shocked.
From that time on, he started making a lot of noise. At the same time, there was an effort to work in Kang Min-hyuk’s favor. He knew instinctively that the Incompetence did not just create ripples through the world of warriors – now, magical academia had no choice but to pay attention, too.
Kang Min-hyuk created a new role: War Mage – a position that had otherwise only existed in imagination. He knew that others would contact him, shedding their self-respect to discover his secrets. After his communication with Wayne Burns, there were numerous other contacts: the French Magic Union, the American Magical Union, and several towers. They all congratulated Kang Min-hyuk’s victory and spoke honeyed words to coax information from him. Their purpose was one: moving to cast.
The other spells were unidentified, but moving casting, at least, was a bright beginning. Interestingly, however, while the World Alliance recognized and respected Kang Min-hyuk, the Korean Magic Alliance had a different attitude.
[I will arrange a seat at once. Please explain the techniques used in non-dance to steer the progression of Korean magic. Because of Kang Min-hyuk, Korean magic will develop.]
They took the help of Kang Min-hyuk for granted.
The Korean Magic Alliance thought that the special relationship between Suhomun and themselves would secure Kang Min-hyuk’s cooperation, so refusal wasn’t on the cards in their minds. Kang Min-hyuk hung up the phone without saying anything. Now wasn’t the time to waste time on those places.
His senses rose sharply, and thoughts repeatedly spun through his head. During the half-year he’d spent as Klinssman, Kang Min-hyuk sharpened himself as a wizard through countless fights. Now, the real test began, ad he would take the stage in front of many. With his heart beating hard and fast in his chest, Kang Min-hyuk felt alive.
“Tomorrow is the true beginning.”
The Incompetence with the Byeokgyeokmun was only an outpost.
Tomorrow, Kang Min-hyuk had to risk his life.
* * *
The next day dawned bright. People thought that Kang Min-hyuk would immediately proceed with non-dance, but things progressed unexpectedly. Kang Min-hyuk attended the academy, and while traditionally taking classes, he showed no thoughts of non-dance.
“What the hell is he doing?”
“Is he going to finish the academy?”
People were whispering while watching Kang Min-hyuk. People flocked outside the academy – most of them were journalists and cameramen, and they set up broadcasting equipment as they waited for Kang Min-hyuk to appear.
S News’ video was a big hit. Since Kang Min-hyuk’s non-dance was a matter of attention not only in Korea but worldwide, crowds flocked to the academy.
Time passed quickly. After lunch, when Kang Min-hyuk didn’t come out, some people said,
“Is he scared? It turns out that yesterday afternoon there was an emergency call by the SMAs. The small and medium-sized coalition are now sharpening their swords, so the consequences could be grave.”
At the end of the school day, Kang Min-hyuk went outside. Reporters gathered, and questions rained down, but Kang Min-hyuk answered only one:
“As promised, I will proceed with the second non-dance.”
Kang Min-hyuk was not a coward. When they realized that their wait was not in vain, they followed Kang Min-hyuk with anticipation. He was like the pied piper of the wizarding world.
In a procession of hundreds, led by Kang Min-hyuk, the people who followed behind said.
“Where are we going?”
“Is he going to challenge Steel Rain? Since it is the head of the SMA, it has its own symbolic meaning.”
“I think he’s going to challenge Steel Lane, but shouldn’t that come last? After Steel Rain, only four forces remain. It would make more sense to save the strongest opponent for the finale.”
“Will he ever challenge the four major forces?”
“It will never happen. Gu Gwang-mo claimed his loss was because he was caught off guard. It would be suicide for Kang Min-hyuk to face the Big Four.”
The SMA shared their opinion.
“Huh?”
“Surely not.”
“This is crazy.”
Kang Min-hyuk’s steps stopped in front of a signboard, much to the confusion of the procession.
He looked up at the sign:
[蒼天劍門]
Changcheon Checkpoint.
Like Suhomun, it was one of the Big Four major powers in Korea.
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