“A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special” is a South Korean web novel that follows the story of Desir Arman, a powerful mage sent back in time after a catastrophic battle against formidable enemies known as the Shadow Worlds. His goal is to alter the course of history to save humanity from destruction.
Reasons Why Desir Can’t Join the Yellow Contest:
1. Time-Critical Mission
Desir’s primary objective is to alter the course of history and prevent the catastrophic events that led to humanity’s near-extinction.
This mission is time-sensitive and takes precedence over participating in magical contests. Engaging in the Yellow Contest could potentially divert his attention and resources from this crucial goal.
2. Strategic Priorities
Given Desir’s knowledge of future events, his focus is on gathering allies and strengthening his skills in preparation for the impending threats.
The Yellow Contest, while potentially prestigious, may not align with his strategic priorities in preventing the Shadow World’s devastation.
3. Character Development Arc
The narrative emphasizes Desir’s growth and the relationships he builds with other characters.
By not participating in the Yellow Contest, the story can focus on Desir’s unique journey and the development of crucial dynamics with other characters, which are essential for the plot’s progression.
4. Maintaining a Low Profile
As a time traveler with knowledge of the future, Desir may need to maintain a low profile to avoid drawing unwanted attention or altering the timeline in unpredictable ways.
Participating in a high-profile event like the Yellow Contest could jeopardize his mission by exposing his abilities or changing the course of events he’s trying to influence.
5. Narrative Tension and Conflict
The inability to join the contest may serve as a source of conflict or tension in the story, driving character development and plot progression. It could highlight the sacrifices Desir must make in his quest to save humanity, adding depth to his character and the overall narrative.
Example for Better Understanding
To illustrate, consider a scenario where a hero in a fantasy story is tasked with saving their kingdom from an impending invasion.
If this hero were to participate in a tournament instead of rallying their forces and strategizing against the invasion, it would not only jeopardize their mission but also undermine the urgency of their quest.
Similarly, Desir’s choice to forgo the Yellow Contest aligns with his overarching goal of saving humanity and ensuring that history unfolds differently.
In conclusion, Desir’s inability to join the Yellow Contest is rooted in his commitment to altering the past and preparing for the future, which takes precedence over participating in competitive events.
Examples from Similar Fantasy Stories
To better understand Desir’s situation, we can draw parallels with other fantasy narratives:
- In “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,” Harry is initially unable to participate in the Triwizard Tournament due to age restrictions, yet he unexpectedly enters. This scenario demonstrates how protagonists can be barred from significant events but become involved through unforeseen circumstances.
- Kvothe from “The Name of the Wind” faces numerous barriers to entering the University, a place of magical learning. His determination and unique talents eventually allow him to overcome these obstacles. This mirrors situations where characters are restricted by external factors but find ways to circumvent them.
- In “The Wheel of Time” series, Rand al’Thor often finds himself restricted by prophecies and others’ expectations. His journey involves overcoming these limitations and finding his own path, similar to how Desir must navigate the constraints of his time-traveling mission.
Conclusion
While Desir Herman’s inability to join the Yellow Contest in “A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special” may seem limiting, it serves a greater narrative purpose. This restriction highlights the protagonist’s dedication to his mission, the strategic choices he must make, and the unique challenges he faces as a time traveler.
By focusing on altering the past and preparing for the future, Desir’s journey becomes a compelling exploration of sacrifice, strategy, and the weight of knowledge in a world on the brink of destruction.
