The Return of the EX-Class Wizard - Chapter 174

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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The Return of an EX-Rank Mage Episode 174
Lee Byung-gyu made his way to the An House in a single breath.
The ‘An House’—its location now whispered among the masses.
Though its significance as the An House itself had faded considerably, it was transforming into something sacred.
‘There are so many tourists trying to find this place.’
Its position on the map had been exposed.
Yet no one could penetrate Mayo’s friend-or-foe identification barrier.
To the public, the ‘EX-rank Awakener’s An House’ became something that both existed and did not exist—a kind of urban legend.
For Lee Byung-gyu, there was a certain pleasure in this.
‘I can freely come and go from this place.’
One might think this is natural for Korea’s Domain Lord, but it is not.
For reference, the Lord above the Lord—Korea’s Grand Lord Jeon Myung-gyu—was never granted access here.
Only a select few blessed with Choi Kang-mok’s permission could enter the An House.
‘Somehow, I feel chosen.’
As a fan. As a Domain Lord.
Where could one find such satisfaction?
‘No, I truly am chosen.’
Choi Kang-chul and Kang Hye are family.
Christine and Emily share an exceptionally intimate magical bond.
And then comes myself.
No matter how I think about it, I’ve positioned myself well.
It’s not merely personal gratification—the fact that this ‘connection’ is the golden rope sustaining all of Korea sends electricity through my entire being.
And this is far from the end.
“It seems I may be able to obtain a special appraisal grimoire.”
Lee Byung-gyu knew how to please a mage.
Choi Kang-mok broke into a broad smile.
He came in person to deliver news he could have sent via system mail!
Anticipation was already building.
For the record, Lee Byung-gyu flinched slightly.
Come to think of it, he could have mentioned this through system mail.
‘I should be honest about it.’
If he inadvertently caused disappointment, that would be problematic.
Unlikely as it was, if Choi Kang-mok grew displeased and decided to withdraw his favor, there would be no recourse.
His displeasure could overturn all of Korea.
“I confess, I also wanted to indulge in the pleasure of being someone chosen, which is why I came in person.”
“I see.”
Choi Kang-mok let the words go in one ear and out the other.
By Choi Kang-mok’s standards, Lee Byung-gyu was always a humble man.
He was simply being himself.
“So, about this appraisal grimoire…?”
“To be precise, I haven’t obtained the grimoire itself. I’ve discovered its location.”
“Its location?”
Lee Byung-gyu’s expression brimmed with confidence.
‘Yes. This won’t disappoint a mage.’
There’s no need to worry.
“It’s information that Lin Zhiwei urgently conveyed to me.”
Who was Lin Zhiwei again?
-Such trivial details need not burden a mage’s memory. I, Mayo, shall provide comprehensive assistance to the mage, ahem.
-Lin Zhiwei is the former Beijing Lord and currently the unified Lord of China.
Ah, that’s right.
The name wasn’t important enough for me to retain it clearly.
I know her face, but the name escapes me slightly.
Especially with foreigners.
“Lin Zhiwei is China’s Lord.”
“Yes, I’m aware.”
“Within Beijing, there exists what they call a magical artillery dimension—a connection point to the Arsia Magic Empire.”
The otherworlders had invaded Earth.
They had been in collusion with China.
“The connection is not one-way, apparently.”
I still don’t know the exact method of crossing.
But there’s definitely a way to traverse it.
Some of the defeated soldiers returned to their dimension through that passage.
“Their magical civilization is far more advanced than Earth’s, and they too have unclaimed Gates. The reward is confirmed to be a [Grimoire of Discernment]. However, no mage has ever broken it, they say.”
Interest surged within me.
No mage has ever broken it?
Then if I break it?
Wouldn’t that prove I’m a superior mage to them?
“According to them, the challenge is quite vicious.”
“What is it?”
“You must leave scars of a certain depth or greater on an indestructible rock. The deeper the scar, the higher quality the Grimoire of Discernment you receive, or so I’m told.”
Choi Kang-mok’s eyes widened.
This was truly a challenge for mages, by mages, and of mages.
“With Lin Zhiwei’s assistance, you should be able to reach the other world. However, Lin Zhiwei did make one request.”
“A request?”
Choi Kang-mok asked without much thought.
“Ah, no. Not exactly a request—just a small favor, really. She’s asking if you could visit China for a bit, have some light refreshments, enjoy some traditional tea, and take a few photographs. If it’s bothersome, you’re welcome to decline.”
“I have to eat anyway.”
It’s not that difficult.
I can certainly do that much, especially since she’s providing an opportunity to obtain a Grimoire of Discernment.

* * *
A piece of news had been made public.
An EX-rank Awakener was personally heading to Beijing.
Lin Zhiwei, the Lord of China, had prepared a “royal reception” that transcended even state-guest protocol to welcome him.
A crimson carpet stretched end to end along the runway.
[Is this a real red carpet? lol]
└They even mobilized an honor guard and imperial carriages lol
└They closed off the plaza and launched fighter jets—that’s genuine royal treatment
└Has any Korean ever been treated to that degree in history?
At that moment, twelve People’s Liberation Army fighter jets tore through the sky.
Red and blue smoke trails crossed, and what was painted across the heavens was unmistakable.
The Taegeuk flag.
[They’re really going that far? lol]
└Insane lol
└Honestly, at this point shouldn’t we admit to national pride?
└If you wrote something like this in a novel, people would tell you to dial back the nationalism lol
Choi Kang-mok gazed upward at the sky.
“A Taegeuk flag manifested through magic.”
Though it took the form of smoke trails, that was magic in truth.
An illusory spell implemented through magic. Magic alone—just witnessing it lifts the spirit.
“The propulsion is scientific civilization.”
It was launched in the form of rockets rather than staffs.
Magic had been embedded not in scrolls, but in something else entirely.
It was advanced technology rarely seen on Earth.
“The blue is a chromatic mana fog that synchronizes and disperses atmospheric mana particles. Layered with high-frequency magical vibrations to create a wave-refraction-based reflective interference illusory field.”
Beside me, Lin Zhiwei whispered softly.
“Shamefully, we have received instruction in magical applications from those otherworldly beings.”
“Not at all. There is no shame in that.”
If one could learn advanced magic, one should pursue even an invading otherworldly being’s grandfather on bended knee to study under them.
-They must have poured considerable wealth, time, effort, and mages into realizing this.
-Ah, it is romance in lethal doses.
-Magic is, after all, an art that blooms from inefficiency.
Choi Kang-mok nodded in agreement. This was not inefficiency—it was romance.
Opening a door that would yield to merely turning the handle, yet deliberately unlocking it with high-dimensional unlocking magic.
Simply walking over and speaking, yet deliberately transforming into a triple-headed bald eagle and speaking with three different voices instead.
That needless devotion and madness—therein lay the true essence of magic.
As Choi Kang-mok gazed with pure admiration and delight,
countless lords and political experts analyzed the EX-rank Awakener’s actions.
───────
[A calculated move. The giant’s footsteps lending strength to Lin Zhiwei]
Through the transnational power of an EX-rank Awakener, I had effectively stamped a ‘sacred seal’ upon China’s political landscape.
───────
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[Regarding the True Reason for Not Designating a Rival Nation]
Analysis emerged that this was a diplomatic signal positioning China not as a competitor, but as a partner nation.
Consequently, some Chinese citizens were experiencing considerable pride.
───────
Lin Zhiwei glanced at Choi Kang-mok.
Fortunate. That Choi Kang-mok remained favorably disposed toward her.
‘Should I interpret that smile as genuine admiration for the magic?’
No.
That couldn’t be it.
‘He’s doing it deliberately—displaying his friendliness toward me, Lin Zhiwei, to the world.’
He was even showing himself smiling broadly before the media.
He was orchestrating the appearance of conversing with me in pleasant spirits.
‘It must be to prevent my political standing from crumbling.’
An EX-rank Awakener’s visit to China.
A few photographs appearing ‘friendly’ with the EX-rank Awakener.
A handful of articles.
These were transplanting a new heart into Lin Zhiwei’s political life.
There was no need to do anything elaborate.
There was no need to wage a public opinion campaign.
Simply pleasing Choi Kang-mok—or at minimum, appearing to please him—shifted the balance of power entirely.
“Thank you for viewing me favorably.”
“Not at all. I should be the one thanking you.”
That gratitude sounded genuine. It shouldn’t have been.
Lin Zhiwei swallowed hard.
On the surface, an iron-willed lord who never lost his humility and gentleness.
Despite possessing such tremendous power, not a trace of arrogance showed through.
‘He appears like a youth who simply enjoys magic for its own sake.’
Which made him all the more terrifying.
There were no openings to exploit.
She reaffirmed her conviction today.
‘Diplomatic submission is our path forward.’

* * *
News of the incident reached the otherworldly mages still scattered throughout China.
The Arsia Magic Empire, which had been connected to Earth, declared a state of emergency martial law.
-A vicious otherworldly mage is preparing to invade us.
A monster who single-handedly destroyed an entire magical artillery battery is heading this way.
-The Arsia Imperial Royal Mage Division immediately began work to sever the dimensional gateway.
In war, information is paramount.
By obtaining intelligence swiftly, they could respond with equal speed.
-We are mobilizing all our resources to permanently sever the connection with the newly linked Earth dimension, thereby preventing unnecessary warfare.
Dozens of layers of barriers overlapped one another.
The vast dimensional rift was pressed down, suppressed, and sealed.
As befitted an empire built upon magical civilization.
-The justification put forth by the invader is to clear the Crimson Cat’s Cradle Gate and obtain the identification grimoire, but….
Impossible. It was unbelievable.
The moment that gate opens, they will undoubtedly lead an army through it.
Their scientific civilization is not a level to be dismissed lightly.
-Fortunately, all the barriers have been completed.
The gateway has been successfully sealed.
The Imperial mages ridiculed the invader’s foolishness.
Was this their first dimensional conquest war?
Why would anyone announce an invasion so brazenly and openly?
Even a covert infiltration would be risky, let alone this.
-The barriers are flawless.
In that instant.
Something shocking occurred.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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