Chapter 18
Chapter 18
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 18
Chapter Title: The Start of True Education
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Not long after I issued my challenge, Baek Juseok's video went up on NA TUBE.
"Hello. I'm Baek Juseok, president of Helmont Academy."
Baek Juseok continued in a tone that sounded slightly irritated.
"I've reviewed the declaration of war from the Masked Instructor. That said, I'm worried that you're being far too reckless with this challenge."
"Clearing an A-rank dungeon using that peculiar method called external mana is impressive enough. It's the first time a mage has solo-cleared an A-rank dungeon, so of course it's noteworthy. I'll grudgingly admit, as you pointed out with my previous statements, that you're not a complete fraud."
"But isn't that all thanks to exploiting this external mana loophole? A mage's mastery hinges on how effectively they wield mana. And I believe that's determined by how proficiently they handle high-tier spells. So, it's hard to call it true mastery when someone like you just spams low-tier spells with a cheat like that."
"What I'm saying is, you might seem impressive if we factor in the exploits, but your actual talent as a mage is highly questionable. From the dungeon footage, you didn't use even a single S-rank skill—how do you plan to teach others? Don't the viewers think the same? A guy slinging B- to D-rank spells as an instructor and leader? He's just a student at best."
"The media is only pushing biased info right now. They'll hide the fact that the Masked Instructor can't use high-tier magic and just hype up his dungeon clear with low-tier spells and cheats."
"If that's what you want, I'll show you myself. What real leadership requires. What a true top-tier A-rank mage looks like. You probably can't even use S-rank magic, so I can't fathom why you'd challenge me while sealing your external mana. I accept the magic duel. I'll gladly demonstrate the gap between us."
"I'll post the time and place in the comments. Please don't run away."
'Holy shit... this guy's a total psycho...'
I couldn't help but marvel at the video Baek Juseok had uploaded. It was because he'd reacted exactly as I'd hoped.
Throughout the dungeon run, I'd deliberately avoided high-tier magic. Partly to plant hope in my future disciples that they too could achieve it with external mana, but also to some extent, to prepare for challenging Baek Juseok.
'He probably thinks he has a shot against me if I seal external mana, since he can use S-rank spells and I'd be limited to A-rank.'
What an idiot. Of course, I can cast S-rank spells without external mana.
'Can't wait to see his reaction after I crush him. Will he make excuses again this time?'
He'd left the details in the comments: the duel was set for the next day at the Magic Duel Arena inside Helmont Academy.
'Fuck. Gonna have to see a bunch of those ugly mugs because of the mask.'
Irritated for no good reason, I killed time scrolling through news articles on my phone.
[Mage's First Solo A-Rank Dungeon Clear: Who Is the Masked Instructor?]
[Creator Reignites Swordsman vs. Mage Debate: Masked Instructor]
[Masked Instructor's Dungeon Clear Video: Death Knight Battle Scene Is Insane]
[Hidden Quest Triggers in A-Rank Dungeon: Experts Voice Concerns Over Unusual Event...]
The real-time articles flooding the portal sites were mostly about me. Even when I'd been an S-rank instructor actually doing a decent job of teaching, I'd never gotten this much attention. Suddenly being thrust into the spotlight like this made me realize just how high I'd climbed.
'If I keep building recognition like this and proving my skills, I'll gain nationwide acclaim.'
Not the Choi Juwon who'd been despised and ignored for digging through the intranet, but a one-of-a-kind mage revered and sought after by everyone worldwide. That's what I'd make the name Masked Instructor into.
'Alright, time to cook up a plan.'
How could I dismantle Baek Juseok in the most shocking way possible? What could I use to provoke him into giving his all? I mulled over various angles.
As I was passing the time like that, a text came in from Jang Hyena.
- Masked Instructor! Have you seen President Baek Juseok's declaration video?!
- Yeah, I checked it out.
- He came out way more aggressive than I expected! Seems like even the president is really tuned into public opinion this time!
- Well... he had no choice. The guy he called a fraud actually solo-cleared an A-rank. He's probably betting his life on tomorrow's fight.
- Um... there's something I wanted to ask...
- What is it? Go ahead.
- Would it be okay if I live-streamed your magic duel with President Baek...? I-I mean, if it's uncomfortable, of course I won't! I was just asking... please don't overthink it, just let me know!
Her question didn't even need consideration. Other people would film it anyway, and more than that, the more broadcasters, the better for me. Baek Juseok's humiliation needed to air nationwide for maximum impact.
I wouldn't just smash the guy. I'd drag his academy down with him.
I replied to Jang Hyena.
- Go ahead and stream it. Oh, and from now on, you don't need to ask permission one by one. I'll contact you if something comes up, so consider yourself my exclusive camerawoman. Your channel's views are doing great lately—I'll help push you to 5 million subs.
- R-Really...? Thank you so much! You're gonna be blessed for this!
- You know the duel spot, right? Helmont Academy, 11 a.m. tomorrow.
- Yes! I won't be late!
After wrapping up with her, I called Seol Euna.
"Yes, this is Seol Euna of Luster Guild."
"Seol Euna, it's Choi Juwon."
"Oh! Juwon! Sorry, I picked up without checking who it was since I'm swamped right now."
"Ah... if you're busy, I can hang up."
"W-Wait! I just freed up some time. What's up?"
"I have a favor to ask. You saw Baek Juseok's declaration video, right?"
"Of course. I've got it all covered. I was planning to head there at the scheduled time anyway. Hope that's not an issue?"
"Why would it be? I'd appreciate you coming. Actually, I have a request—can you help? I've got a scenario in mind for tomorrow's duel with Baek Juseok."
"Sure, lay it on me!"
"For tomorrow's duel..."
I explained the details to Seol Euna. She responded in a flustered voice.
"N-No way... you think Baek Juseok would stoop that low...? Isn't this overpreparing...?"
"He's exactly the type. Just cover for it, and I'll pay you handsomely."
"N-No need for payment! But if you grant me one favor later, that'd be great!"
"Deal, then."
"Perfect! No backing out later. See you tomorrow."
"Yeah, take care."
Just in case, I'd set a trap. If it worked out, it could tank Baek Juseok's image overnight.
'Whew... I've come this far already...'
Not long after getting kicked out, luck struck with the Masked Instructor channel, and now the whole world was watching.
Everyone in the country was probably anticipating it. The clash between President Baek Juseok and me.
This was the perfect moment, with all eyes on us, to topple what was supposedly the nation's top academy.
'You bastard. Thought you could frame me and live it up? Get ready—I'm shoving you into the gutter.'
The next morning dawned.
'Finally, the day is here.'
'Those disciple brats who looked at me like shit won't recognize me thanks to the mask. Wonder how they'll react? Can't wait, you bitches.'
-Creak
-Click
With preparations complete, I stepped out the door, heading to Helmont Academy for my magic duel with Baek Juseok—the starting point of my revenge.