Regression of the Vector Magician

The Cost of Power

Reyon's eyelids trembled as he slowly regained consciousness. A sharp, pulsing pain throbbed in his head, as if someone had driven nails into his skull.

He groaned, pressing his fingers against his temple. His whole body ached—a dull, suffocating exhaustion weighing him down like heavy chains. But that wasn't the real problem.

Something worse was happening.

A dark presence slithered through his mind, like invisible tendrils crawling into the depths of his consciousness.

A sinister whisper echoed in his ears—an unintelligible voice, laced with malice.

He clenched his teeth.

So this is the side effect of the Ring of Ferica…

It wasn't just a power booster. The ring enhanced his brain, allowing him to use stacked magic symbols with £, but the trade-off was severe.

The black mana embedded within the ring was like a parasite, gnawing at his sanity.

If he continued using it recklessly—

He might lose himself.

His grandfather, Leywin, had once possessed the ring.

How had he resisted its corruption?

How had he kept his mind intact while wielding its immense power?

Reyon didn't have the answers, but right now, it didn't matter. He shoved his doubts aside.

There was something more important at hand.

Taking a deep breath, he forced himself to stand. His legs trembled slightly, but he steadied himself and stepped out of his tent.

The Orc King's Head – A Milestone of Strength

As he emerged, the morning breeze brushed against his face, carrying the scent of blood and battle.

And there it was—

The head of the Orc King.

A grotesque monument of his victory, its massive, gnarled features frozen in an expression of rage.

It was displayed on a wooden spike in the center of the camp, like a trophy of war.

The sight of it filled Reyon with a deep sense of satisfaction.

In his previous life, he had never been able to defeat the Orc King at this stage. It had taken him years of training, countless battles, and near-death experiences before he could even stand a chance.

But now—

He had slain it alone.

The difference between his past self and his reborn self was becoming clearer with every passing day.

Reyon smirked.

He was no longer the weak noble boy scorned by the world.

A Declaration of War Against Monsters

He turned to his squad.

They were exhausted but alive—bruised, battered, and bloodied from three months of constant hunting.

Even now, many were bandaged, sitting by the campfires with tired but resolute expressions.

Reyon inhaled deeply, then spoke.

"Everyone, listen up!"

His voice carried power and authority, immediately grabbing everyone's attention.

The squad members snapped to attention, their gazes locked on him.

"For the next three months, we're going to hunt monsters regularly! Every single day, we'll push our limits!"

A murmur spread through the group.

Sylph stepped forward, her arms crossed. "Three months? That's insane! We need rest too, Reyon."

Reyon met her gaze, unwavering. "I won't stop anyone who wants to quit."

Silence.

Not a single squad member moved.

Even though they were exhausted, no one was willing to back down.

They had fought too hard to give up now.

Reyon smiled. "Good. Then let's begin."

And so—

For the next three months, they hunted relentlessly.

They fought B-rank and A-rank monsters, sharpening their skills through endless battles.

By the end of it—

They weren't just stronger.

They were ready.

The Grand Assembly – The Hunting Festival Begins

Three months later—

The vast open fields of the Phoenix Household were alive with anticipation.

Nobles, warriors, and magicians from all over had gathered for the Hunting Festival.

It wasn't just a competition—

It was a battle of prestige, a chance for squads to prove their worth.

The four fortresses that defended the Phoenix Territory had each sent their top five squad leaders.

Among these, only one squad leader per fortress would be chosen to present their hunt to the Phoenix Patriarch.

And the squad with the most outstanding achievement would receive a favor from the Patriarch himself.

The air was thick with tension as the first squad leaders stepped forward.

The Results – A Shocking Turn of Events

The first to be evaluated was Ray, Reyon's longtime rival.

A smirk played on his lips as his squad's trophies were revealed.

"Ray's squad has successfully hunted an A-rank Troll!"

A wave of murmurs spread through the crowd.

A Troll was not an easy foe. Known for their insane regeneration, these beasts could overpower even seasoned warriors.

Ray folded his arms, pleased with the reaction.

For a long time, the highest record in previous Hunting Festivals had been 20 B-rank monsters.

But now, Ray had shattered that record.

Or so he thought.

Next, Helios stepped forward.

His achievements were respectable as well.

"Helios's squad has successfully hunted 20 B-rank monsters!"

While not as flashy as Ray's feat, it was still impressive.

Many nodded in approval—after all, this was the previous record-holder's achievement.

Then, it was Alice's turn.

The crowd fell silent as she approached.

Alice was no ordinary squad leader.

She was a prodigy—a magician who, in another timeline, had reached the 8th Circle and was on the verge of breaking into the legendary 9th Circle.

And her results reflected her genius.

"Alice's squad has successfully hunted TWO A-rank Sandworms!"

The crowd erupted into chaos.

"Two?! And Sandworms?!"

Sandworms were stronger than trolls, known for their underground attacks and near-impervious hides.

Even veteran 7th Circle magicians struggled to take one down.

Ray's face darkened.

Helios gulped hard.

Alice smirked, her gaze shifting toward Reyon.

He doesn't stand a chance.

Reyon's Turn – A Jaw-Dropping Revelation

Then—

It was Reyon's turn.

The crowd waited expectantly, already convinced Alice had won.

The announcer began.

"Reyon's squad has successfully hunted…"

"…One A-rank Troll."

Alice sighed in relief, a victorious smirk spreading across her face.

As expected.

She had already won.

Or so she thought.

"Two Orc Generals."

A hush fell over the crowd.

Orc Generals never acted alone. They were always together, and their combined strength rivaled an A-rank monster.

But that wasn't all.

The announcer continued.

"…And the Orc King."

Silence.

Absolute silence.

Then—

Gasps. Stunned whispers.

"D-Did I mishear?"

An Orc King was one of the strongest A-rank monsters, its power rivaling even a veteran 7th Circle magician.

But more importantly—

An Orc King never lived alone.

They ruled a domain, alongside Orc Generals and a horde of Orc Warriors.

To clear such a domain—

An 8th Circle magician was required.

Yet—

Reyon had done it.

Alice's smug expression disappeared.

Ray looked like he had seen a ghost.

Helios was completely speechless.

And as the stunned crowd stared at Reyon—

He simply stood there, calm and victorious.

He had won.

And with this victory—

He was one step closer to his goals.