BXBX NOVEL Chapter 5
Though Hak-beom’s perception of him in class has changed, letting him participate in the research was an entirely different matter.
“You want to participate in the Double Casting study?”
“Yes.”
“Why? You suddenly became interested in my research just because I said your answer was good?”
Lee Hak-beom’s eyes became defensive.
Any noble scholar would become sensitive to someone trying to invade their domain.
“No. If I wasn’t interested from the start, I wouldn’t have been able to answer correctly then.”
A valid statement.
As Lee Hak-beom’s expression softened, Min-hyuk added,
“In fact, contrary to the rumors surrounding me, I’ve been interested in magic for a long time, but I couldn’t practice because I was heir to Suhomun, but I studied the theories a lot. Then at some point, I became interested in Double Casting. According to one of your papers, Double Casting was a fully feasible theory. However, few people wanted to invest in research and had low interest in magic. It must have been hard researching alone, so I want to help if it’s okay.”
He was lying through his teeth.
His interest in magic ‘for a long time’ was not genuine, but he wasn’t stupid enough to tell him that to him.
‘Suhomin’s disciples see me as a loser.’
The truth was Min-hyuk had no talent in sword fighting, so he ran away to the magic department.
But if he added that he was also not interested in magic before this, it would confirm the rumors about him.
‘I branded himself as the disgraced former successor of Suhomun, who was forced to train in swordsmanship because of his background but wanted to learn magic instead. If it all goes according to plan, I will no longer be seen as a loser, but as a colleague who hasn’t let go of magic under challenging situations. This method works for scholars like Professor Lee Hak-beom. ‘
It was as he expected.
Lee Hak-beum showed interest.
“Thank you for your words. The research was indeed tricky, as you say, but that doesn’t mean I’m desperate enough to get your help. So, I’ll give you 10 minutes to convince me to agree. “
Anyone with niche interests would prefer to study alone.
But Min-hyuk did not panic.
Before he met up with Lee Hak-beom, he prepared by conducting numerous simulations for ideal results.
“This is a deal between you and me.”
“Deal?”
“Yes.”
“What does that mean? Is your request to participate in the study a transaction?”
Making a deal and working together to produce good results would aid Min-hyuk.
“Why?”
He already prepared an answer to that.
Min-hyuk can even prove Professor Lee Hak-beom’s theory that Double Casting is possible now.
But Min-hyuk needed something in exchange, so he wanted to make a deal with Lee Hak-beom.
“There is something I want from you, Professor, in return for participating in the research. I want you to announce my involvement in the research first. If I make a significant contribution to your research achievements, it should also be my achievement.”
Min-hyuk had doubts about Lee Hak-beom.
People are different on the outside and the inside.
Min-hyuk wanted to assure that he would get something in exchange for the information he has.
“I started magic late, so I’m still weak. Please help me. You can teach me yourself, or you can even just give some books about magic. Either way, I need your help.”
He decided to amplify his performance.
When Min-hyuk expressed his willingness to participate in the research as a student, he also expressed favorable conditions.
The Professor could react one out of two ways: get angry or not.
“If you are willing enough, you should be able to give me a reason to accept you. You have eight minutes left.”
This was something he expected; he laid some papers before the man.
Min-hyuk handed over a summary of the data to answer some questions raised by Lee Hak-beom.
“This is my value.”
The data was not perfect.
It was a mixture of information from Klinssman and how it might apply to their reality.
But that was enough to convince the Professor.
I think Lee Hak-beom’s expertise in Double Casting is helpful for research.
“……Good. Let me accept your deal. Come to my lab every day after school, starting tomorrow.”
Perfect.
It was the moment Min-hyuk was gained help.
* * *
While studying the knowledge of magic civilization all night long, Min-hyuk became firmly convinced.
‘This is just the beginning.’
Double Casting.
108 kinds of one-way magic
In fact, Double Casting alone can have a tremendous ripple effect on Kang’s world, but it is only basic in the world of Klinssman’s own. Just as the first person wielding a sword simply copies the cut, the value of Min-hyuk’s knowledge was nothing to them.
‘You get a lot in exchange for Double Casting.’
Said Klinssman.
Grow up and become a wizard, and subdue the monsters of this world.
Min-hyuk must be strong on his own. He needs to be robust and influential, so he may be a force to be reckoned with.
So Min-hyuk chose to study.
As long as there are scholars like Lee Hak-beom, the Double Casting theory is possible. Using the information he gained, Min-hyuk saw this as an opportunity to learn and gain a reputation for himself. As long as the deal goes smoothly, Min-hyuk will have a magical foundation after being called a loser at the Guardian Gate.
In the span of three months, and three more trips to the world of Klinsmann, Min-hyuk, would slowly unveil his Double Casting theory.
As promised, he came after class to help.
Min-hyuk immediately joined the study.
Initially, he only helped out with the chores, but now and then, he’d spit out words to prove his worth.
“Calculations and research won’t be enough for Double Casting to become popular. We need to convince people that it’s more effective than just casting by itself.”
“Isn’t storing a magical system in a tool the same as preserving artifacts, Professor. Aren’t we trying to go the easy way? To open a completely new area, the wizard must be able to use Double Casting on its own without assistance.”
Min-hyuk was throwing him a clue.
Professor Lee Hak-beom’s eyes widened.
At first, he regarded Min-hyuk as an assistant, but at some point, he saw him as an equal.
“I acknowledge your role.”
Lee Hak-beom was wiser than Min-hyuk thought.
Despite being more knowledgeable, Lee Hak-beom immediately registered Min-hyuk as a co-researcher at the Magic Society. Min-hyuk was not just an assistant, but of equal position to conduct research with the same stake as Lee Hak-beom.
Thanks to him, there were things that Min-hyuk gained.
Lee Hak-beom’s teaching supplied the gap of Min-hyuk’s deficiencies, as a bonus advantage of Lee’s position, Min-hyuk got hands on a magic book that would be hard for him to get on his own. Although he had the knowledge of the other world’s magical civilization, it was only a baseless foundation of magic. To make more valuable use of Klinssman’s experience, it was necessary to increase his understanding of the state of magic.
Through his deal with Lee Hak-beom, Min-hyuk was steadily growing into a wizard.
* * *
It’s been about half a year since Min-hyuk entered the study.
Baek Dong-suk, a professor of practical magic, said,
“As I announced last time, we’re going hunting today. Magic is ultimately a means of defeating monsters. The efforts made in studying should cultivate into practical skills. We will move to the training field in 15 minutes; so for now, form groups of four.”
Practice.
With that word, the novice wizards became nervous.
They gathered together to form groups and moved quickly to form good teams.
“Dongsu, come into our group.”
“Is there nothing wrong with this?”
“I’m getting nervous.”
“Joe, form a group with us.”
Groups formed fast.
Because they were already familiar with each other, students knew who to group with; groups of four formed swiftly.
But in the midst of that, one person remained.
Min-hyuk.
Nobody tried to talk to him.
‘Real hunting is a dangerous task that could endanger a person’s life, so I need to be careful about choosing who to be with.’
It was everyone’s general way of thinking.
Who was he?
Unlike the other students, Min-hyuk entered the magical academy at the late age of 17, and they knew he was only a 1st circle wizard.
Most students thought of Min-hyuk as a burden because he had hardly mastered the 2nd circle. Nobody wanted to group with him in fear of accidents occurring.
Kim Chang-soo was no different.
Min-hyuk was alienated from his class, but was relieved to know one group skill lacked a member.
“We’re still incomplete.”
“What if we settle for a three-person group?”
“Someone already took Joe.”
They needed one more member, but remained hesitant about the thought on Min-hyuk joining.
He began walking.
While the three members were talking, Kim Chang-soo had faced the reality of the situation and could no longer turn a blind eye.
Min-hyuk was the only choice.
With Min-hyuk standing there with a mean look on his face, Kim Chang-soo’s face expressed discomfort.
“Come join our group.”
The bomb everyone was avoiding.
Looking at Min-hyuk, Kim Chang-soo couldn’t manage his expression.