Chapter 19: The Beginning of true education

Not long after my provocation, Baek Jooseok’s video was uploaded to NATUBE.

“Hello. I am Baek Jooseok, the headmaster of Helmunt Academy.”

Baek Jooseok continued speaking in a slightly irritated tone.

“I have carefully reviewed the contents of Masked Instructor’s declaration. However, I am concerned that you might be making a reckless challenge.”

Clearing an A-rank dungeon using the strange mana technique known as external mana is indeed impressive.

Being the first wizard to solo clear an A-rank dungeon is undoubtedly a significant achievement.

I’ll even partially admit that you are not a complete fraud, contrary to what I previously said.”

“But, isn’t it because you used external mana as a loophole?

The true mastery of a wizard depends on how well one manipulates mana.

I believe this is determined by how adeptly one can handle advanced magic.

Thus, no matter how many low-level spells you may cast through such tricks, it’s difficult to call it true mastery.”

“What I’m saying is that while you may seem great if we factor in your shortcuts, I have doubts about your actual qualifications as a wizard.

From what I saw in your dungeon-clear video, you didn’t use a single S-rank spell.

How can someone like you teach others? I think those watching the video must feel the same way.

How can someone who only uses B to D-rank magic be called an instructor or leader? You’re still just a student at best.”

“The media is currently spreading only biased information.

They are hiding the fact that you can’t use advanced magic and only highlight the dungeon-clear results achieved through low-level spells and loopholes.”

“If you wish, I’ll show you myself what real skill a leader should possess.

What a true A-rank high-tier wizard is.

I doubt you can even use an S-rank spell, so I don’t understand why you would seal your external mana and fight me.

Nevertheless, I’ll accept the magic duel.

If you wish, I’ll gladly show you the difference in our abilities.”

“I’ll leave the date and location of the duel in the comments. Please don’t run away.”

“Wow… this guy is insane, seriously…”

I couldn’t help but be impressed after watching the video Baek Jooseok uploaded.

The reason? He reacted exactly how I expected.

Throughout the entire dungeon, I intentionally avoided using high-tier magic.

Part of the reason was to inspire hope in the disciples I planned to recruit later, showing them that they too could achieve such feats if they mastered external mana.

But I also did it in anticipation of this very duel with Baek Jooseok.

‘Since Baek Jooseok can use S-rank spells, he probably thinks that if I seal my external mana and can only use A-rank spells, he stands a chance against me.’

What a fool. Of course, I can use S-rank magic without relying on external mana.

‘I can’t wait to see how he reacts after getting crushed. Will he make excuses again?’

After checking the comment Baek Jooseok left, I saw that the magic duel was scheduled for the next day, and the location was Helmunt Academy’s internal magic duel arena.

‘Damn. I’m going to have to see a bunch of those annoying faces when I go there.’

Feeling irritated for no reason, I passed the time by browsing articles on my phone.

[Masked Instructor Becomes the First Wizard to Solo Clear an A-rank Dungeon: Who Is He?]

[Creator Masked Instructor Reignites the Debate Between Swordsmen and Wizards]

[Masked Instructor’s Dungeon Clear Video: Incredible Death Knight Battle Scene]

[A Hidden Quest Occurs in an A-rank Dungeon: Experts Express Concern Over the Unprecedented Situation]

Most of the real-time articles popping up on the portal sites were about me.

Even when I used to work as an S-rank instructor, I never received this much attention.

It made me realize just how far I had climbed in such a short time.

‘If I can keep building my recognition and proving my abilities like this, I’ll be acknowledged nationwide.’

No longer the Choi Juwon who was looked down on and despised for delving into the intranet, but an unparalleled wizard, respected and desired by everyone across the world.

I will make the name “Masked Instructor” mean just that.

‘Now, how should I cook this up?’

I pondered how to deal with Baek Jooseok in the most shocking way possible, to truly teach him a lesson.

And if there’s something I can provoke out of him in the process, what would that be? I considered various possibilities.

As I was passing time like that, a message came from Jang Hyena.

– Masked Instructor, have you seen Headmaster Baek Jooseok’s declaration video?!
– Yes, I’ve seen it.
– I was really surprised by how aggressive he came out! It seems like he’s really conscious of public opinion this time!
– Well… he has no choice. After all, I, the one he called a fraud, solo-cleared an A-rank dungeon. I’m guessing he’s betting everything on tomorrow’s battle.
– Uh… I have something I want to ask you…
– What is it? Go ahead.
– Would it be okay if I livestream the magic duel with Headmaster Baek Jooseok? I mean… if it makes you uncomfortable, of course, I won’t do it! I’m just asking, so don’t worry too much, and feel free to answer!

Her question didn’t require much thought.

Other people would be filming it anyway, and besides, the more people broadcasting it, the better.

The more humiliating Baek Jooseok’s defeat is broadcast nationwide, the more sensational the story will become.

I’m not just going to destroy him. I’ll drag his entire academy down into ruin with him.

I replied to Jang Hyena.

– Go ahead and broadcast it. Oh, and from now on, you don’t have to ask me about every little thing. I’ll contact you if anything comes up, so I’d appreciate it if you could handle the exclusive filming. It looks like your channel has been getting good views lately, and having a 5-million-subscriber channel promote me would be great.
– R-Really…? Thank you so much! You’ll be blessed for this!
– You know the location of tomorrow’s duel, right? Helmunt Academy. It’s at 11 a.m.
– Yes! I’ll be there on time!

After finishing the conversation with her, I called Seol Eun-ah.

“Yes, this is Seol Eun-ah of the Lutther Guild.”

“Seol Eun-ah, it’s Choi Juwon.”

“Oh! Juwon! Sorry, I didn’t realize it was you. I was in the middle of something and didn’t check before answering.”

“Ah… If you’re busy, I’ll hang up then.”

“W-Wait a second! I’ve just gotten some free time. Is there something you need?”

“I contacted you because I have a favor to ask. You’ve seen Baek Jooseok’s declaration video, right?”

“Yes, of course. I’ve seen the whole thing. I plan on being there at that time as well. It won’t be uncomfortable for you if I come, will it?”

“Why would I be uncomfortable? If you come, I’ll be grateful. There’s actually something I’d like to ask you to help with. I have a scenario in mind for tomorrow’s duel with Baek Jooseok.”

“Feel free to tell me anything!”

“For tomorrow’s duel…”

I gave Seol Eun-ah a detailed explanation. After hearing it, she responded in a slightly flustered voice.

“W-Wait… do you really think Baek Jooseok would stoop to something that despicable? Isn’t it a bit too much to prepare for?”

“He’s exactly the type who would. If you could make the necessary preparations, I’ll reward you generously.”

“N-No, that’s okay! I don’t need any compensation, but instead, could you grant me one favor later?”

“If that’s all, I’ll gladly do it.”

“Great! You can’t go back on your word. I’ll see you tomorrow then.”

“Alright, take care.”

I had set a trap, just in case. If things go well, I might be able to completely destroy Baek Jooseok’s reputation.

‘Phew… I’ve come this far already…’

Not long after being kicked out, I was lucky enough to rise quickly with my Masked Instructor channel, and now I’m drawing the attention of everyone.

Surely, everyone across the nation is eagerly anticipating the battle between Baek Jooseok and me.

Now that all eyes are on us, it’s the perfect moment to bring down the academy that claims to be the best in the country.

‘Damn bastard. You thought you could frame me with that bullshit and live well? Just wait. I’m going to drag you straight into the gutter.’

The next morning. The sun had risen.

‘Finally, today is the day.’

‘Those damn students who looked down on me… they probably won’t recognize me because of the mask, right? I wonder how they’ll react. I’m curious. FUCKING bitches.’

Creaaak

Click

After finishing my preparations, I opened the door and headed to Helmunt Academy for my magical duel with Baek Jooseok, the first step of my revenge.

To be continued.