Regression of the Vector Magician

The sun had barely begun to rise when Edward Phoenix, the Patriarch of the Phoenix Household, turned to Reyon. His expression was the same as always—cold, unreadable, distant.

Yet, despite his usual indifference, today, his words carried importance.

"As you desire, I will recommend you to Mother," he said, his golden eyes flickering with something Reyon couldn't quite decipher. "But even I rarely meet her. She resides in the castle at the border of Horizon Forest."

Reyon nodded. He already knew that much.

Min Hee, his legendary grandmother, had long since isolated herself from the affairs of the empire, residing in a fortress-like castle at the very edge of civilization.

Few were granted an audience with her.

Even fewer left unscathed.

Edward reached into his robe and pulled out a letter.

"Evelyn, take him to the castle and deliver this as my recommendation."

Beside him, Evelyn was standing

"Understood, my lord."

With that, the matter was settled.

Reyon was going to meet Min Hee.

The Journey to the Horizon Castle

The next day, Reyon and Evelyn set out on their three-day journey.

Horizon Forest stretched out before them like an endless sea of green, its towering trees casting eerie shadows as they rode deeper into its depths.

The forest was vast, home to countless beasts and monsters, yet none posed a significant threat.

"Most of the strongest creatures left after Cerberus emerged," Evelyn remarked, her gaze sweeping the dense foliage. "That's why this border is safer than the Dark Nation's."

Reyon nodded.

He knew of Cerberus—the legendary three-headed monster whose mere presence had reshaped the very balance of power between nations.

Still, Horizon Forest was not without danger.

Even now, the rustling of unseen creatures could be heard in the distance.

Evelyn glanced at Reyon. "Your brother, Ray, was stationed at this border, but you won't meet him. He left for the main household to see his mother."

Reyon didn't respond.

Ray…

The name stirred complicated emotions within him.

His eldest brother—the one who had once protected him, died for him in his previous life.

Their meeting could wait.

Right now, his focus was on one person only—his grandmother.

The Unbreakable Barrier

As they approached the castle, Reyon suddenly felt it.

A powerful, invisible force pressing against the air, sending shivers down his spine.

His eyes widened as he looked up.

Stretching across the entire border of Horizon Forest was an immense magic barrier.

A normal magician wouldn't have noticed it at first glance—but to Reyon, it was like staring into the depths of an endless abyss.

The sheer density of mana was staggering.

Even an A-rank monster couldn't pass through this.

There was only one person capable of casting such a powerful barrier.

His grandmother.

His grip on his horse's reins tightened.

This wasn't just magic.

This was on an entirely different level.

And the one who had cast it was the same person he was about to meet.

The Castle of the Phoenix Queen

The castle loomed ahead, its dark stone walls standing in stark contrast to the vibrant greenery of the forest.

There were no guards, no grand entrances—only a silent, imposing presence that sent a clear message:

This is a place not meant for the weak.

Reyon stepped into the main hall of the castle.

There, at the far end of the room, sat an old woman.

Her presence alone made the air grow heavier.

Her hollow, empty gaze rested on Reyon.

Min Hee.

The Strongest Magician Alive.

The only person in history to reach the 9th Circle.

Even in his previous life, Reyon had never once met her.

Now, standing before her, he finally understood why.

Her very existence felt otherworldly.

She regarded him with detached indifference. Then, finally, she spoke.

"So, you are the second son of Edward."

Her voice was calm, emotionless.

"Never thought I would see you here. What brings you?"

Reyon stepped forward.

His voice was steady.

"I greet the strongest magician."

For a brief moment, there was silence.

Then—

Min Hee laughed.

A soft, dry chuckle that echoed through the hall.

"Haha. I am just an old hag now."

She shook her head.

"And to you, I am just your grandmother."

Reyon's eyes narrowed.

Something had changed.

Just moments ago, her eyes had been empty, hollow.

But now—

They were filled with warmth.

It was subtle, but unmistakable.

She turned her gaze away from Reyon and looked at Evelyn.

"And how are you, my doll? Can't believe you don't even visit me nowadays."

Evelyn smiled and stepped forward, embracing the old woman.

"I missed you, Mom."

Min Hee sighed, stroking Evelyn's hair gently.

"If you miss me so much, why don't you visit more often?"

Evelyn pouted. "You're the one who chose to live in this barren land."

"I have many memories here." Min Hee smiled faintly. "I just want to spend my last years in peace."

Then, she turned back to Reyon.

"But why are you here?"

Evelyn reached into her robes and handed over the letter from Edward.

Min Hee took it, her expression shifting slightly.

She unfolded the letter and read in silence.

Then—her brows furrowed.

She scoffed.

"Hmph. That brat actually sent a letter instead of coming here himself?"

A slight smirk played on her lips.

"Has he grown guts now?"

There was a hint of nostalgia in her voice, but it quickly faded as she returned her focus to Reyon.

"So, you want to learn from me?"

Her gaze pierced through him.

"Why? There are many capable teachers. Even Evelyn is a better teacher than me."

The air grew tense.

But Reyon's response was instant.

His voice was firm, unwavering.

"I don't want a teacher."

"Then what do you want?"

Reyon's eyes burned with determination.

"Experience."

Min Hee tilted her head. "Experience?"

"Experience in fighting against someone as strong as a dragon."

Silence.

Min Hee and Evelyn both froze.

For the first time, Min Hee's eyes widened.

She leaned forward slightly, observing Reyon with newfound interest.

"…A dragon, you say?"

Her lips curved into a small smile.

Something about Reyon's words had piqued her curiosity.

And that—

That was exactly what he had hoped for.