Chapter 5
Chapter 5
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 5
Chapter Title: Date with Ye-rin
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"The area enclosed by the two curves... y = x² - 3x and y = x² + x?"
'8/3. Huh? Since when was integrating polynomials this easy?'
As expected from the top high school in the country, they started teaching Math 2 material from first year.
Teacher Wang's classes weren't usually that tough, but the formulas and answers popping into my head let me solve it in one second flat.
'Was I always this smart?'
No genius could solve a polynomial integration problem in one second.
'Just what's inside my head?'
It wasn't just math class. In English classes conducted in the original language or physics classes that delved deep, I kept discovering and marveling at my own intelligence every time.
I could even tell that English teacher Jippa's pronunciation wasn't the standard American white accent but the distinctive black dialect, and I spotted major errors in some of the physics formulas in the textbook.
And then came math class again.
While the other kids diligently worked through problems with their pens, I cranked out the answers with one-second mental math.
My eyes landed on the teacher, who gazed lovingly at the students still solving the problems.
'Pretty teacher. Heh heh heh.'
One of a man's great fantasies: an unattainable romance with a beautiful female teacher.
Lee Ji-hye, the math teacher with celebrity-level looks that made her the hottest in school—no, the whole country.
The sky-blue blouse over her usual skirt suit made her refreshing to behold.
Her slender fingers holding the chalk and her prominent white neckline matched her intellectual face perfectly.
'Damn, if I were just three years older.'
Even as a college student, she'd be worth risking my life for.
"Hyuk, you keeping up with the pace alright?"
Lost in pleasant daydreams while staring at the teacher, I heard Lee Ji-hye's concerned question right in front of me.
"Of course! With Teacher's kind guidance, no problem's a problem anymore. Haha!"
"Hoho! I heard rumors you struggled on the school trip, but that must've all been lies."
Her bright white teeth flashed in her radiant smile.
The moment she approached, a subtle feminine fragrance set my soul ablaze.
"There's that saying: if you're young, seek out hardship. This Europe trip gave me tons of lessons and gifts—a fulfilling time."
"Lessons and gifts? Yeah, even tough times have things to teach. You've grown a lot when I wasn't looking, Hyuk."
Rustle.
Lee Ji-hye stroked my hair gently with her slender fingers, delighted by her promising student.
If I ever went on that TV show Love on Board, I'd definitely invite her.
'But why's that bastard glaring like that?'
As I savored the teacher's soul-soothing warm touch, Hwang Sung-taek and his cronies shot me dirty looks for some reason.
'Might just harvest his corn with Magic Arrow!'
But the time wasn't right yet.
A bit longer, until I reached 3rd Circle—then I'd give him a 19+ hot taste he'd never forget.
Rrrring!
'Already over.'
The bell signaling the end of 4th period rang noisily through the classroom, and Lee Ji-hye returned to the lectern.
"Attention! Salute!"
"Thank you."
"Alright, enjoy your lunches."
She left with a loving smile, cradling the attendance book and materials in her delicate arms.
Thus ended my brief crush.
"Jung-hyun, let's go!"
"Yeah!"
Clatter!
As always, we bolted out of the classroom.
Even Daehan High School's top-notch cafeteria meant lines if you were late.
'What was the Haste spell formula again?'
Racing to the cafeteria, the Haste spell came to mind, and with it, the magic formula naturally followed.
'Mana! Gotta expand my Circles!'
The writhing magical knowledge made my insufficient Circles and mana feel like enemies.
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"Dad, Mom, no overseas trip this year?"
"Trip? I'd love to, but... stocks have been all over the place lately."
"Bummer. Of all times, during my sabbatical year."
I casually brought up overseas travel while eating the spicy, refreshing kimchi jjigae Mom made.
'Parents gone = peace for magic training.'
My heart raced with the jumbled magical knowledge flooding in.
But with Mom and Dad popping in to check my wholesome computer use, I couldn't train.
"Honey, quit the fund managing already. You've earned plenty, and I've got stable income too. Take a break from the headaches and look into something else."
Mom was strict with her kids but endlessly kind to Dad, the ultimate wife and friend.
"I'd like to, but... still gotta put Hyuk through college...."
"Dad! Haha! The Kilimanjaro leopard's all grown up now. Stop worrying about me and enjoy your lives. There's a saying: 'You raised your kids hard—now enjoy middle age~!'"
"Guess I will? Staring at charts all year wore me out body and soul."
Dad, who loved eating and playing as much as I did.
Mom and I's persuasion perked up his ears.
"So where to this trip? We did the Americas last year...."
No sooner had Dad spoken than Mom started planning.
'Oh yeah!'
A cheer erupted inside me!
Time to seal the deal.
"How about a 6-month luxury cruise? A super 7-star liner touring Europe, Africa, the whole world—it's docking in Busan. If you're traveling, make memories for life. Especially you two, still young and in love like newlyweds in your 20s. This son highly recommends it."
To send them far, a long cruise they couldn't just bail on was perfect.
"Oh! There's a cruise trip, huh?"
Mom looked approving right away.
"B-but I hear it's millions per person... Too much for our budget?"
The pitiful middle-aged lion of the house, tempted but worried about retirement funds.
"Go! I'll send you!"
"What? You, Hyuk?"
Parents gawked in shock.
They had no idea.
Their son was an emperor-level tycoon with the world's only unlimited black card.
"Here are the tickets. Booked a suite with ocean views in your names. Departs next Monday."
I handed over the gold-embossed envelope.
"You...."
Parents stared, faces shifting from surprise to grave concern.
"Hyuk...."
Dad's quiet call.
'Hope this goes well.'
Dad's tone wasn't good. Who'd easily accept a multi-million-won—nay, tens-of-millions—trip from their kid?
I swallowed hard.
If they asked where the money came from and demanded the truth, I'd have nothing to say.
How could I explain a dimension-hopping mad Gandalf took me as disciple and gifted insane wealth?
But Dad's next words:
"Any pocket money left?"
'Dad....'
I sighed long, eyes dropping to the living room wall's motto: Honesty.
One subclause on honesty:
'When taking, take thoroughly. And be utterly grateful to the giver. That is true honest heart.'
And my parents were too honest.
Even to their only son.
"Lottery, right?"
"Europe busking, so Super Bowl or something?"
"That's our boy!"
"Hoho! Hyuk, be generous, okay?"
How did they even imagine that?
They'd face Master Gandalf without flinching.
Already checking the tickets I'd given, bursting with joy.
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'Thanks, Big Sister Marso.'
Marso Big Sister and the flight attendants staying in Korea for me.
She gave me her card when I got off the plane.
Call anytime if needed.
'Magician Group? Fitting name for Master.'
Even Master had to adapt to a law-abiding world, stashing unknown fortunes in offshore banks under Magician Group to dodge taxes.
And today, Marso messaged: parents safely boarded the cruise.
Turns out the world's largest luxury liner in Busan was just a fraction of Master's overflowing wealth.
'Three months for this life. Heh heh. Sounds like a movie title.'
Three months, like army service.
I became one of two mages in the world and a tycoon no one else possessed.
'Paradise! For that grand goal!'
Dreams exist to come true someday.
Mine: a kingdom like a medieval king, wielding absolute power with my beloved woman.
A dream I must achieve.
"Time to move."
Separated from Master Gandalf, but not a day without mana meditation.
Now a mage, I'd surpass Master as a grand mage.
'Enlightenment.... What's the key to breaking the 3rd Circle wall?'
Cross-legged in the living room center, I meditated on 3rd Circle magic.
At 3rd Circle, you're a true mage: diverse, powerful attack spells, useful daily magic.
Thinking of 3rd Circle brought all formulas to mind naturally.
'First, form the Circle!'
Money without ability is poison. Magic formulas without Circles were the same.
Not dream magic—real, existing magic.
I'd become a true mage, not a dream one.
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'Tch, regret sending them?'
No sooner said, they quit jobs, prepped, and sailed off next day.
No goodbye to their son—just gone.
A week flew by.
'Miss Mom's cooking. Boo hoo.'
Magic's great, but food matters too.
Side dishes Mom prepped lasted days.
But now bored of them—craved hot soup with rice.
'And why won't this bracelet come off?'
Master's silver bait bracelet.
'Connector of time and time, space and space?'
Ancient runes etched that.
'Time's time, space is space—why parasitize my arm!'
Tried sawing, soaping it off—stuck like body part.
It nagged at me.
'Something happen? It's just a bracelet.'
Staring brought vague images. Too advanced for my level, so I ignored.
'Tch! Saturday, nowhere to go, and Jung-hyun's off traveling with parents!'
Daehan High teachers stuck to 5-day weeks.
Saturdays off like Sundays for me too.
Problem: nothing but magic study, and I'd absorbed most 2nd Circle knowledge.
No Circle expansion meant full mana—no more absorption.
'Give her a call?'
Yesterday.
Nine months in, afternoon downpour hit.
No umbrella prepped, no chauffeur like others—I stared blankly at the rain.
Plop plop on the field.
New sights: pure energy in humble raindrops.
Like a grand orchestra, drops played mana.
Plop, plop, plop-plop.
Watching made my mana dance joyfully.
Then she appeared.
"Refreshing, right? I love rain."
Seo Ye-rin beside me, black eyes embracing the rain endlessly.
Fresh autumn chrysanthemum scent rode wet air into my nose.
"Sometimes I wanna get one shoulder wet."
Splash!
Without asking, she opened her sky-blue umbrella.
Inside school, she hooked my arm like magic. Led by her boldness, we walked home in the downpour.
Envy from crowds, both shoulders half-soaked coolly.
'Manly Kang Hyuk! Don't cheap out on a number.'
After walking, she left umbrella and number.
010-99xx-1179.
Opened new haptic phone, dialed Ye-rin.
Ring, ring, ring.
'No answer?'
Long rings, no voice.
"Hello...."
Angel's voice magically from receiver.
"Ye-rin, it's Hyuk."
"Yeah. Hi, Hyuk."
Bright reply at my name, like woken from sleep.
"Nice day—wanna meet?"
"Hoho. Date invite?"
'Cough, date.'
To date-less me from Safari sims, her question.
"Manly Kang Hyuk formally asks Seo Ye-rin on a date. You'll say yes?"
Good vibe from her voice.
"...If it's you, Hyuk, anytime welcome."
Welcome after pause.
Heart pounded wildly.
'Oh~!!'
Life changed starkly since meeting Master Gandalf.
Held back joy, set time.
"One now, meet at three in Daehangno."
"Daehangno? Cool. See ya."
"Yeah, see ya. Dress pretty."
"Pfft, for who? Hanging up?"
Beep beep.
No clue where that boldness came from.
'Da, date! Yeah, date!'
Clutched ended call, vibrated with emotion.
"Wait—got no clothes! Argh!"
Only uniforms 'cause "grow strong"—no new outfits.
Parents, hyena-like, took 10 mil allowance en route to cruise, still whining.
Post-high entry, only this leopard-skin bod.
'Definitely ignored rich hubby Nolbu couple. Sob.'
Tears held, squeezed into tight-ass jeans, Dad's white sleep tee—dashed out.
Entry day items: Marso's jeans, trendy Euro shirt—Dad took all.
To meet angel Seo Ye-rin.
Angel needs knight's garb.
Today, knight to delight angel.
"This and this please."
Picked safe jeans, long-sleeve summer shirt for late summer.
Shoes, socks, even undies—all new gear.
"Si-sir, your total... over 4 million won. Okay?"
Apgujeong emperor dept store for Korea's richest.
Dressed in fave shop.
'Do I look that broke?'
Material world values looks over substance, but store sister's doubt hurt.
"Ring it up."
To meet angel.
No time blame world's judgments.
"Oh! Platinum card! Hohoho! First time seeing one."
Store sister fusses over my casual platinum card.
"The legendary platinum?"
"Only billionaires, celeb actors use...."
Crowd of sisters gawk curiously.
'Ignored earlier....'
Eyes off obvious women.
30 mins left.
Taxi perfect timing.
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'Crowded.'
Daehangno Marronnier Park, meet spot for Ye-rin date.
Weekend couples like beach sand.
'Heh, prime time.'
Post-rain cooled Seoul heat. Always muggy city smiled freshly.
Hand-holding, arm-linking women strolled happily.
'Great bodies! Ugh! Art!'
Women galore. Older sisters blooming, aura strong.
Trendy short skirts, cool tops.
Swaying hips trembled my heart.
Seoul country bumpkin, no proper gawking since middle for Daehan entry: me.
Blessed September Saturday afternoon.
Dreamlike. Hellish magic training felt ages ago—time healed Gandalf bond pain.
"Oh!"
"Wow!"
"Pretty. Actress?"
"Killer. Ugh!"
'Actress? Who?'
Mid-eye candy bliss, crowd gasps from behind.
Rare beauty? Drooling males, admiring females.
Slide, my head turned too. Free show.
Miss it'd be criminal.
'Whoa! Stunner!'
Eyes hit slim legs first. Not slutty micro-mini but true mini blue skirt.
Snowy pale thighs below.
Worthy of gasps.
'Boyfriend hit jackpot.'
Face alone qualified for stares.
'Huh?'
Mid-envy, white Nike sneakers approached.
"Hyuk."
'Whoa!'
Beauty goddess in mini blue skirt, pearl-powder skin shining in white summer shirt.
My angel Ye-rin.
'Damn! Everyone was ogling Ye-rin!'
Lecherous eyes still on her from males.
Rage surged.
No saint likes thieves eyeing his food.
"Nice weather. Would've napped without you, Hyuk. Hohoho, thanks for the date invite."
Angel Ye-rin thanked, glancing sky.
"Thanks? Movie first?"
"Love movies! But buy popcorn, cola?"
"Deal! Full service, princess."
'Kahaha! 17 years, first date with girl besides Mom.'
Long life brings good, someone said.
Rustle.
'Eek!'
Mid-joyful thought, slimy slender hand gripped my left.
Casually, Ye-rin held my hand.
Like yesterday's arm hook in rain.
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'Fool.'
Ye-rin felt good seeing innocent Hyuk shocked by hand-hold.
'Probably doesn't remember me.'
Not handsome like Jang Dong-gun or Jo In-sung, but cool mask making "manly" slip out.
Tall, solid build—hot topic among first-year girls.
Daehan elite, but high school just college stepping stone.
All top talents: future rivals.
Kids tense, fake smiles, no true friends.
But Hyuk different.
Always cool autumn-sky smile, shoulders back—gained invisible popularity with weary kids.
And to Ye-rin, lifesaver.
Middle school 2nd year, Daehan prep: late-night cram.
Chauffeur home safe.
One day, driver accident—late night solo home.
Bus over taxi.
Neighborhood playground: three delinquent high schoolers.
Chilly autumn night, empty streets—dragged to dark.
Terror froze screams.
Lewd eyes dragging her: unforgettable.
Near-unwashable trauma that night, movie knight appeared.
Neighbor middle school uniform, 170cm-ish boy.
Eyes met as beast-dragged—bolted.
No warning. Grabbed stick, thrashed three like rain dust.
Bigger high schoolers: "Live straight"—vanished.
Saw nametag in dim streetlight.
Kang Hyuk.
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"Fun! Hyuk, next?"
Out of net-hyped Die Rotten Scum Kill Bastards.
Laughed whole way, spectacle-action stole eyes.
Stress gone, out—six o'clock neared.
"Ye-rin, like jazz?"
"Jazz? How'd you know?"
Unique Ye-rin, unlike others.
Remembered jazz melody from her MP3 once.
"Go. Daehangno live jazz spot."
"Really? Awesome, Hyuk! But... you aren't..."
"Huh?"
Cheering my thoughtfulness, then suspicious eyes.
"A player I've only heard of?"
"Pla-player?"
First date, first "player" term.
"Ye-rin."
"Yeah?"
Quiet call: goddess girl with playful big eyes.
"Wonder if you're the real player for making me one. And..."
Paused, stared into black eyes.
"For you, wanna be player always."
Flutter.
'Yeah, feel the melt. Heh.'
Corny line to impulse-buy plane at hardware.
"Hyuk...."
Trembling eyes post-melt, quivering lips called.
"Yeah, Ye-rin."
Dusk-shadowed Daehangno corner.
Hot call from Ye-rin.
Waited next line.
"I'm cold."
'Gak!'
"Sudden winter? So chilly? Hohoho! Careful, Hyuk. Butterfingers'll slip. Hohohoho!"
"....."
'Yeah, thought so. Fool me for believing love easier than studies.'
Middle school, pre-century love: ironclad 4,000-won love textbook.
Theory vs. reality: sky-earth gap. Money always true value.
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"Welcome. Reservation?"
Youth-friendly but classy Daehangno live jazz cafe Prius.
Net-found top pro jazz players.
"Under Kang Hyuk."
"Moment. Yes, Alfa VIP. This way."
Clean-suited waiter led.
"Hyuk, overspending?"
VIP words rounded Ye-rin's eyes.
"Blew allowance. Feed me next month, Ye-rin."
"Pfft, what? ...Cute, so maybe."
Cherry-red lips pouted softly.
'Cute guy.'
Subtle heat glued eyes to lips.
"VIP no separate orders. Chef's special course soon."
'Can't drink yet. Wine'd be perfect.'
No ID ink yet.
Waiter bowed out, no booze ask.
"Quintet here? Sax, drums, contrabass, trumpet, piano. Excited!"
Spotlights on stage instruments, Ye-rin expectant.
Silky long straight hair swept back right hand, face glowing.
"Fusion jazz, standards specialists. Easy listening."
"Hyuk, big jazz fan?"
"Nah, kinda."
Dropped answer to question.
Once career dream: musician.
Past now.
"Sudden accident...."
"Can't miss Yeon-hee...."
"Right when full house."
'Accident?'
Murmurs from backstage.
"Hyuk, something wrong."
Star-eyed Ye-rin, expectant, now disappointed.
'Ugh, my perfect first date!'
Painter midway beauty sans eyes: this feeling?
Unexpected snag soured chest.
Jazz main course threatened.
'Can't end like this.'
Waiters flustered, refunds loomed.
"Wait here."
"Where?"
" restroom quick."
"Come back."
Deep disappointment shadowed her pretty face.
'For Ye-rin, no—for epic first date of mankind Kang Hyuk!'
Resolved, headed to manager-ish guy.
To prove no impossibles on Manly Kang Hyuk's path.
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"Haa!"
Hyuk said restroom, long gone.
'First date with Hyuk....'
Ye-rin's heart ached.
Prince Hyuk's event on white steed.
Unthought live jazz: indescribable`emotion.
Even kind parents busy with work.
Today her birthday too.
Dad's SME crisis: days at office, no home.
Mom phone-stuck to relatives/friends, lamenting.
Business trouble clear from mood.
Amid turmoil birthday, Hyuk's date arrived.
Pure healthy smile chased gloom.
Minus canned jazz hope.
"Sorry to keep you waiting. Starting now."
Sudden mic filled room.
".....?"
Ye-rin startled at stage.
Steps.
Five men-women onstage.
Mostly black casuals, but one comfy jeans blue shirt oddly.
"Hyuk, Hyuk...."
Short-haired with players: Kang Hyuk. Ye-rin unbelieving re-stare.
Smile.
Hyuk's confident cool smile to her.
"Sorry late. Enjoy your evening."
Warm early-40s sax man bowed short.
Clap clap!
Natural applause post-greeting, Hyuk piano-bound.
Thump thump!
Light contrabass.
Ding, dididi-ding, bwoooo!
Soft jazz melody via harmonies.
"Hyuk....."
Familiar Fly Me to the Moon jazz-flowed.
Indescribable emotion wet Ye-rin's big eyes.
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'Phew, saved.'
Safari never so grateful. Kilimanjaro leopard: Mom's "play instrument for mates" piano lesson.
Classical major turned practical prof Mom: jazz et al. skills.
Saved today's crisis.
Thump thump, thump!
'This is ensemble.'
Pleasant standard jazz, home-practiced.
For Ye-rin piano, but soon immersed in jazz harmony.
Free souls love jazz.
Eyes closed, sank deep sweet harmony world.
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'Amazing, Hyuk!'
Seventeen boy.
No wilt among pro jazz breadwinners.
No—piano-led, became jazz center leader.
Eyes closed, swaying immersed: Ye-rin's heart thumped nonstop.
Counted days post-rescue meet.
Co-enrolled luck.
Hesitated till math trip talk.
'Beautiful.'
Men beautiful too: lived sentence.
Drunk on his melody, flew moonward fantasy.
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'Yes! That's it!'
Jazz: mutual hearts for smooth play.
Mindful piano for players—flash! Enlightenment.
Key to 3rd Circle wall.
'3rd Circle magic starts harmonious combos of mastered up-to-2nd. One+one=two, two+two=four—like natural harmony breaks walls. Bigger vessel holds more water.'
Master Gandalf: 3rd+ = true mage title, earn keep.
But most 2nd Circle trainees lifetime-blocked.
Now I could earn as mage.
'Thanks, Ye-rin.'
At new life start, beside me.
Undeniable my lucky goddess.