Chapter 18: Magical Conference (6)
A slow clap began to rise. Soon, the applause spread throughout the whole room, as if it was a highly contagious disease. People jumped to their feet and shouted:
“Amazing!”
“What a fantastic presentation!”
“Well done!”
“This is groundbreaking!”
The audience was not made up of ordinary people—it was made up of fellow Wizards and academics who had a direct stake in the information Min-Hyuk had presented and who fully understood the implications it had. Impressing them was noteworthy. Min-Hyuk was very pleased with himself.
The Magic community was small. The presentation had gone well, and those who had some influence over what became widely known about Magic were all in the room; the concept of Double Casting would soon become common knowledge. For a topic that was considered nearly impossible, this was fantastic news.
This was a groundbreaking development. The judges knew how important it was. But the room was so loud and excited, and John Wesley could not quiet them down to continue.
Despite decades of research by well-funded and highly esteemed Wizards, it was a 17-year-old who had made a breakthrough in the research.
Min-Hyuk reflected on what his professor had said earlier:
“…Min-Hyuk completed over 90% of the research. I’m sure you would agree that the research should be presented by the individual who understands it best, regardless of age or status…I will be his assistant.”
The professor had assisted the student. It was unheard of. But there was no shame in a professor assisting a student as profound as Min-Hyuk.
It was hard to imagine but impossible to deny as it happened.
Surely, if Min-Hyuk’s research were flawed in any way, the judges would have pointed it out, especially since he was still a student and was used to being taught by those older and more experienced than him. But no one said anything. It seemed the student had become the teacher.
And so, it was time to determine the outcome of the championship.
It seemed to be down to two finalists: Alain Corno’s presentation on 6th Circle Magic and Min-Hyuk’s presentation on Double Casting.
John Wesley held up his hands to silence the crowd.
“We have a decision to make,” he began, “Alain Corno’s presentation on 6th Circle Magic was impressive. Not many have been able to claim the ranking or Archmage or reach even 5th Circle Magic skills. It is truly groundbreaking and has the power to strengthen Wizards individually. But Min-Hyuk’s discovery about Double Casting could change the face of Magic as we know it for the entire Magical Academic World. The difference in the number of who will be impacted by these two different topics is huge. Whereas 6th Circle Magic would benefit a few, Double Casting could benefit everyone. Because of this, the winner is clear.”
Not only had a 17-year-old presented his research at the most prestigious Magical Conference there exists, but he had won.
When a civilization makes such huge leaps all at once, usually there is a pioneer, a genius, a Min-Hyuk…
Instead of announcing the winner’s name, John Wesley’s face grew serious.
“Min-Hyuk,” he said, “you must join the British Magic Association!”
It was obvious that everyone would try to recruit Min-Hyuk now that his talent had been discovered.
The judges seemed to be thinking the same thing.
***
Professor Phil-Doo met Min-Hyuk as he left the stage.
“Congratulations, Min-Hyuk! I always knew you were great! From the moment I first met you, I knew it. But Double Casting! What a surprise! If you knew you had such groundbreaking research going on, why didn’t you tell me? I’m your research partner, too! Next time, include me!”
It was a total change of character. Min-Hyuk had worked with two competing professors, and of course, each thought their research project was better. Before the presentation, Professor Phil-Doo thought Double Casting research was a waste of time. But now, he was claiming he knew that Double Casting was bound to succeed from the start. It was not a genuine change of heart.
Min-Hyuk knew that winning the Magic Conference Champion title would grant him instant attention, wealth, and independence of his status as a mere 1st Circle student. He also knew there were plenty of people who never treated him kindly before who would try to ride along on his coattails now. He did not like to think his professor was one of them.
Professor Mi-Hye Lee also rushed over to Min-Hyuk, but she seemed embarrassed once she reached Min-Hyuk and couldn’t say anything.
“Stupid bitch…”
Min-Hyuk had never really liked her, and this did not reassure him about her intentions.
The other student presenter, Mu-Yeol Kim, sidled up to Min-Hyuk and settled right in. Somehow, he did not seem to grasp the implications of what had just occurred. He had such a big head. He congratulated Min-Hyuk, then began prattling on about his own research—as if Min-Hyuk’s groundbreaking presentation was not as important as the work Mu-Yeol had been conducting that was publicly shot down and denounced earlier that day on the very same stage!
Had Mu-Yeol Kim tried to connect with Min-Hyuk personally before the competition, maybe he and Min-Hyuk would have become friends, and Mu-Yeol would have made a great connection to his future career. But this was not the case, and Min-Hyuk let Mu-Yeol know it.
“Mu-Yeol,” he began, “we were not friends this morning, and we are not friends now. Maybe if things had been different then…”
Mu-Yeol was upset by this comment and started arguing. He said, “If I had known you were smart, I would have tried harder to be your friend!”
But Min-Hyuk was not moved by this feeble argument.
The crowd was bustling with energy and excitement. They had not made the official announcement, but everyone knew who the winner was.
Finally, Donald Butler took the stage to present the Awards.
“It should come as no surprise that the winning team of the 82nd Magic Academic Conference is the Department of Magic’s presentation on Double Casting made by Professor Hak-Beom and student Min-Hyuk. I want to extend my enthusiastic congratulations, as I’m sure would the rest of the room.”
The crowd clapped and cheered.
***
“Now,” said Donald Butler, “the judges confirmed the winner unanimously and quickly, so the question became how much should the prize be? How much is Double Casting worth? Double Casting research has great significance for Wizards all over, and its success here at the Magic Conference will ensure its popularity and spread. So, how much should the award be for such a huge undertaking? The judges have determined that the prize for continued research on Double Casting will be $300 million.”
$300 million?
It was a huge amount.
The prize typically received for something extraordinary was $100 million—and that amount alone could fund a research lab for years.
“Additionally,” Donald Butler continued, “I am happy to present both Lee Hak-beom and Kang Min-hyuk with Class-A IDs from the World Magic Association. From now on, you both have a distinguished guest’s status, no matter which country you are in. This also permits you to build your own Research Tower. Again, a warm congratulations to you both. And now, the presentation of the trophy!”
The trophy was given to the presenters in both first and second place. As expected, second place was awarded to Alain Corno of the French Magic Association.
And then, the contest was finally finished.
As soon as Min-Hyuk left the building, several people followed.
“Excuse me, Min-Hyuk, I’m with the French Magic Association. Could you please give me a moment of your time?”
“Min-Hyuk, it would be my pleasure to recruit you to the Blue Moon group. Please let us know if there is anything you desire.”
“The American Magic Association—”
The attention was overwhelming.
The judges were no better—some of them had joined, adding questions and proposals of their own.
Min-Hyuk stayed calm.
“I will not accept or reject any of your offers right now. I will only take business cards and consider them at a later time.”
He had handled the situation well. Being the son of a famous warrior had taught him to keep a level head in overwhelming situations like these. He would not only buy himself time to consider his offers, but he would actually increase his value by stalling and giving the organizations time to squirm and increase their offers.
Once he decided what he wanted, Min-Hyuk would have plenty of excellent options and offers.
For now, he would return to school…
Two rows of students lined the road as they returned to the Academy. As soon as they got off the bus, they were met with applause.
Some of the students seemed jealous, but some seemed impressed and genuinely happy.
Since they were students, they were expected to follow their teachers’ instructions, whether they were pleased about it or not.
The Head of the Department was there to greet them as well.
“Welcome home. Did you have a hard time winning?”
He grinned, “We are so proud.”
Winning was a big deal.
Comments