The Return of the EX-Class Wizard - Chapter 69

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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 069
Non-awakened individuals often possessed a more thorough theoretical understanding than their awakened counterparts.
Choi Kang-mok was no exception.
Floor 30 allowed players to select the boss’s attribute and challenge accordingly.
Fire, water, earth—three-attribute hydras appeared,
and each attribute came with distinct characteristics and strategies.
“Floor 30 has a job-reversal mechanic, you know?”
One could obtain this information relatively easily by simply browsing the Explorer Community for a bit and researching Floor 30 strategies.
Of course, Choi Kang-mok already knew this.
But he pretended not to.
Kang Hye seemed far too excited about it.
“What’s that?”
“It’s a mechanic that triggers when you clear the boss using abilities unrelated to your job.”
In simpler terms, a mage defeating the boss with physical attacks,
or a dealer clearing it using healing. That sort of thing.
This floor was therefore called the ‘Job-Reversal Floor.’
“It brings meaningful changes to Tower climbing and Gate creation. You even get random boxes with good artifacts dropping. Some people have completely turned their lives around with this? Apparently, legendary-grade items have dropped several times.”
Kang Hye continued excitedly.
“Actually, quite a few people have completely reversed their fortunes with just this. It’s a famous mechanic among explorers.”
However, there was a condition.
This mechanic only applied to ‘first-time clears.’
So awakened individuals ascending Floor 30 had to choose one of two paths.
Either aim for a high-grade clear with certainty,
or fulfill the job-reversal condition and pursue the hidden reward.
Guilds typically assigned high-grade clears to their main prospects and had marginal resources attempt the job-reversal challenge.
“Job-reversal does favor support classes, though. N-not that I’m saying you’re a support class, brother.”
She said so, but upon reflection, it seemed oddly accurate.
Lee Kang-nam had clearly stated it.
The strength required to tear through that bulletproof material equaled approximately 100 in raw strength.
Moreover, there was even a record of defeating Lee Kang-nam.
Despite being classified as a mage(?)
‘Let’s just pretend I didn’t hear that.’
No point in stirring up trouble again.
“But you’re clearly a mage, aren’t you?”
“I’m working on it.”
“Still, if I had to classify you, you’re a non-physical dealer. So if you clear it using purely physical attacks, you’d satisfy the job-reversal condition.”
Kang Hye grew slightly more animated.
The moment of designing a meaningful strategy as an explorer.
Right now, she was a ‘real support’ who could actually help her brother.
“I’ve compared all the clear videos and calculated the necessary damage output and such….”
I already knew all of this.
Choi Kang-mok’s mathematical understanding was far superior.
Still, since Kang Hye seemed so excited about it, I played along half-heartedly.
“…In conclusion, with your current strength, I believe it’s entirely possible to clear Rank 1 while achieving a job reversal.”
But there was a problem.
“Whether an EX-Rank clear is possible. That’s the thing.”
Kang Hye glanced at me cautiously.
“…If I go in with you, it’ll work.”
“Together?”
“Yeah. As long as you don’t use magic. I’ll wait outside the boss room. That way I’m not in danger either, right?”
Then the clear rank would rise due to the promoted explorer effect.
Floor 29 also achieved an EX clear with this effect.
“Hmm… It’s worth trying.”
“Right?”
Choi Kang-mok smiled brightly.
A random box that drops legendary artifacts?
Well, it was impressive, but I wasn’t particularly drawn to it.
With Saudi Arabia and London available, equipment could be procured anytime.
A meaningful increase in Tower quality?
Seoul already possessed the world’s finest Tower quality.
A meaningful impact on Gate generation?
That was the Guild’s domain, not something that particularly appealed to me personally.
Nevertheless.
“How reassuring. Work out a strategy that suits me. I’ll challenge it around tomorrow.”
“Yes yes!! Just trust me!! I’ll prepare something amazing!”
Kang Hye dashed toward her room.
Her footsteps were so light she seemed ready to take flight.
Choi Kang-mok smiled brightly.
“She’s excited.”
It was good.
That smile. That joy was good.
That evening, Kang Hye brought out a whiteboard and began a full briefing.
“Floor 30 is a boss selection round. There are fire-attribute, water-attribute, and earth-attribute Hydras. You just need to enter through the red door. That’s where the fire-attribute Hydra is.”
The structures of the Hydras were projected in real-time three-dimensional imagery through a video-rendering mana stone.
Kang Hye continued her explanation, wielding a laser pointer.
───────
[Fire-Attribute Hydra]
Attack Power: High-Mid
Defense: Low-Mid
Speed: Mid
Stamina: Medium
───────
“Overall, it’s a balanced build, but physical defense is low. That makes it perfect for targeting a reversal condition through strength-based attacks, just like you do.”
By the time the briefing ended, beads of sweat had formed on Kang Hye’s forehead.

* * *
Real Madrid was executing a two-track strategy.
On the surface, they designated the EX-Rank Awakener as a “public enemy” of all European Guilds, strengthening solidarity among the organizations.
However, beneath the surface, they simultaneously deployed a “friendly strategy”—secretly approaching the EX-Rank Awakener to attempt persuasion and negotiation.
At the center of it all stood Antonio, Real Madrid’s lord.
“The EX-Rank Awakener. A man overflowing with greed and ambition.”
That’s why he’d managed to clear 29 consecutive floors.
Especially Floor 29—it would have been impossible to achieve an EX-Rank clear without special preparation.
Meticulous planning and cold calculation.
And the mental fortitude to execute it all.
‘If he possesses all of that…’
“If we offer to lend him the Castilian Spear, his eyes will light up.”
The sub-lords nodded in agreement.
Recently, Real Madrid had been operating a dedicated “EX-Rank Awakener Analysis Division.”
According to their analysis, the EX-Rank Awakener would definitely pursue both an EX-Rank clear and the job reversal mechanic simultaneously.
An 80% or higher probability of targeting the Fire Hydra.
“The Castilian Spear is the most powerful universal weapon available, usable even by non-spear users.”
It even demonstrates exceptional performance in boss battles.
Within the first 10 seconds of a boss fight, the damage multiplier reaches 500%.
“It has already been enhanced with water attribute.”
Type advantage against the Fire Hydra secured.
Perfect conditions to dominate the boss battle.
“What should we request in return?”
“We demand [First-Rate Bride Material] and [EX Floor Connection].”
Both were strategic assets that Seoul prided itself on.
It was somewhat excessive for an item loan, but Antonio was confident.
“Right now, his body must be burning with desire.”
Floor 30. Consecutive EX-Rank clears and job reversal mechanic achievement.
Any human would be consumed by greed.
Any human would inevitably develop desire.
The symbolism of double digits—accomplishing it all.
Desire inevitably leads to compromise.
A lord is one who reads and manipulates the human heart.
“If he had to choose between the two…”
First-Rate Bride Material would likely face public criticism.
The criticism that ‘You’re all just the same as London after all?’
By comparison, the ‘EX Floor Connection’ had legitimate grounds.
It could be framed as ‘cooperation for Spain’s development.’
“But we’ll obtain both, without fail.”
That was how Real Madrid moved—true to its nature.

* * *
Real Madrid’s proposal was delivered through Choi Kang-chul, the EX Division Manager of the Seoul Guild.
“The top bride material and an EX Floor Connection? What, they’re leaving this to me?”
Choi Kang-mok was aware of Spain’s recent movements as well.
While he wasn’t particularly interested in politics, he understood that they were positioning Choi Kang-mok himself as a sort of rival, using him to strengthen internal cohesion.
Choi Kang-chul broached the subject carefully.
“We think there’s room to accept the EX Floor Connection at least on a ‘future consultation’ basis.”
Not to the point of doing it immediately.
But couldn’t we leave the impression of ‘if the need to connect arises later, we’ll prioritize Real Madrid’? That was the extent of it.
“I don’t like it.”
Something about it didn’t sit right with me.
While it was circumstantial evidence, the probability that Real Madrid had infiltrated Joshua was highest.
What, they think I’ll accept their proposal just because she’s pretty?
“I feel the same way.”
Choi Kang-chul smiled broadly.
Now came the real discussion.
“Actually, our Guild has an artisan too. Genuinely talented, you could say.”
“Yeah?”
“In a bad way.”
Emily from London is a genius in the ‘good sense.’
The Seoul Guild’s artisan was ‘bizarrely talented only in the wrong direction.’
Whenever they attempted to craft something, strange items were completed with high probability.
Incidentally, there was unexpected demand for such items among ‘perverted collectors’ who specialized in gathering them.
“Look at this.”
───────
[Gleaming Gold-Plated Spear]
Type: Spear and Cudgel
Grade: Legendary (Appearance)
Equip Restriction: 10 Billion Diamonds or More
Level Restriction: 40
Description: A gleaming golden spear (cudgel). You can effectively flaunt your wealth.
Effects:
1) Possess 10 Billion Diamonds or More: Glows silver.
Possessing 1 billion diamonds or more: shines in silver.
2) Possessing 2 billion Diamonds or more: glows golden.
3) Possessing 3 billion Diamonds or more: glows in rainbow colors.
4) Converts a portion of magical damage into physical damage. (Conversion rate: 1%, Conversion success rate: 33%)
───────
Choi Kang-mok felt dizzy at the staggering description.
He had never encountered an artifact of this kind before.
Yet the final effect caught his attention.
───────
4) Converts a portion of magical damage into physical damage. (Conversion rate: 1%)
───────
Choi Kang-chul added an explanation.
“This is a failure. Originally, I intended to absorb magical effects and apply them as an enhancement to the spear. To make it shine even more brilliantly…”
The result turned out completely different from the intention.
The conversion rate was merely 1%.
By normal standards, it was a trash option.
“I’ll take this.”
It was perfect for a click-damage mage.

* * *
Antonio, the lord of Real Madrid, twisted his expression.
His cheeks flushed red with agitation.
“He rejected Castilla?”
“Yes. It appears he’s abandoned the idea of a job reversal and is only aiming for an EX-rank clear.”
The fellow was more trivial than expected.
Antonio bit his lip.
“…It’s actually better this way.”
He convinced himself by pressing his lips firmly together.
“At least I’ve learned he has no greed. Good intelligence. When will he enter Floor 30?”
Having cleared Floor 29, he would typically rest for about two weeks.
But the opponent was an EX-awakened climber ascending the Tower at an unprecedented pace.
“Based on our calculations, I suspect he’ll take only about two more days of rest.”
Of course, that was wrong.
[Entering Seoul Tower Floor 30.]
[Entering party members: 2]
[Challenge: Defeat the Hydra. (1/1)]
“Doing a formal party play with my brother. I’m a bit nervous.”
The briefing was already complete.
She had already familiarized herself with the spear’s gleaming abilities.
“Enter through the red door. When the boss battle starts, you have one minute. There’s a glowing jewel on its chest, right?”
The core of the fire-attribute Hydra.
A weakness that glows red for one minute.
During that time, even the Hydra’s defense plummets dramatically.
“You remember that’s its weakness, right?”
Kang Hye patted Choi Kang-mok on the back.
“I’ll wait here.”
Going in together wouldn’t help.
Kang Hye’s judgment was that combat should be left to combat-specialized mages.
“Huh, oppa?”
Something strange happened.
“Hey! What are you doing!”
What Choi Kang-mok opened wasn’t a red door.

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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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