Who is Yu Eunha!! [Chapter 17. Self-Transcendence]
◆ Phenomena-type images are formed from a mage's specific personal experiences, such as [gaining a new opportunity] or [seeing the first snow]. This is the most fundamental foundation of images, namely the phenomenon. At this stage, the image core consists of substances and attributes like oceans, snow, fire, or electricity—this realm is called the phenomena type.
◆ Self-Transcendence
However, as a mage matures, they move beyond the surface of experiences to internalize their meaning and structure. This is the true essence of what has been called "attaining enlightenment" until now—self-transcendence. The Mage Association defines it as the image expanding from phenomenon to essence, describing it as "the experience of a mage discovering universal human values from their personal experiences."
◆ Essence Type
Afterward, the image becomes [humanity's standard] or [accumulation holds power]—formed from a mage's personal enlightenment. This is the evolved image, namely the essence. With this change, while existing phenomena-type magic focused on substances like [fire], [water], or [ice], essence-type magic draws closer to universal human meanings such as [protection], [healing], [passion], or [death], achieving a massive leap in power and efficiency.
A wave sparkling with starlight coiled around my hand.
'My magic is for those who have lost their way.'
A guide for shipwrecked souls swept too far by the waves. The pole star of a transcendent being that everyone, entranced, yearns to follow.
Thus, overwhelming power to crush them—that shall be the goal of my magic.
I extended my hand and clashed it against the abyssal entity's fist.
It was a single punch.
The surrounding air compressed from the sudden shock and burst outward. The fist it met crumbled powerlessly, like a sandcastle swept away by a massive wave.
Crack—with the sound of the abyssal entity's core shattering, over half its body exploded away, and it collapsed on the spot.
"……."
When I withdrew my fist and stood, not a handful of ether remained.
Beep—text appeared on the massive display board.
Official Certified Time: 11 minutes 07 seconds
"Didn't break the record, huh. Took quite a while."
I fiddled with my fist and glanced at the audience seats. My eyes met Monica's, and I gave her a small smile.
'I passed the test thou gavest me.'
That was the meaning.
As soon as the barrier lifted, a mix of bewilderment and excitement washed over the atmosphere.
[…Number 50 examinee Kang In-ho, please… wait… your turn.]
The announcer stumbled over their words, and people who met my eyes hurriedly cleared a path.
For a moment, memories of my Mage Hunter days flashed back. The Mage Hunters I met in Orbis had all looked at me that way.
'So, the time has come to grow accustomed to such gazes once more.'
The weight of attention was, as always, light. Seemed like it was in my nature.
*
For a while, a single video circulated across many places in Korea.
A video of a girl buried in stars and waves overwhelmingly smashing a 3rd-grade abyssal entity. The sight of her crushing it with raw, brute force—no strategy or tactics needed—resembled the overpowering skill seen only in magic powerhouses like America.
Thus, that short 11-minute video rocked all of Korea, which had been dismissed as a magic wasteland.
Isara, who set a world record with overwhelming skill, and Yu Eunha, who delivered an equal shock. In an instant, photos of Isara and Yu Eunha flooded Korea everywhere.
Since both wore good masks, the Korean media turned into a factory churning out goods trying to capture their faces.
"Hm."
I folded the newspaper with a satisfied expression and lounged on the sofa, leisurely sipping cocoa.
"Sweet and nice."
"So, kiddo."
Monica looked haggard amid the avalanche of documents.
"What're all these papers, anyway?"
"…What else? Academy or school? Stuff like that."
"Even that's got interest?"
"That's not all? Why's an American teaching a Korean kid privately, why's the address and residency registered like this. Not a North Korean spy, are ya? Where'd you even get this kid? Total chaos."
"Ugh, must be tough."
This body's records were blank. To others, it must look like I dropped from the sky.
"And amid it all, someone pointed out the Reverse Flow used in that kid mage tournament."
"Uh…. Reverse Flow's a headache if mentioned."
"Yeah, your past'll get dug up. Gotta handle that carefully."
If it came out I was the Mage Hunter's daughter, the press wouldn't let it go. Fanbase or not, terrorist's kid with a bounty—nothing good would come out.
'Truth is, not the daughter but me myself….'
I cleared my throat awkwardly with an embarrassed look.
"Ahem. So, when's the J1 MBS Tournament?"
"Next week, right? Gotta prep soon. Seong Jiho, a 3-level,'ll be there."
"Seong Jiho…."
A name I'd heard a few times—a promising mage like Isara.
As I thought of Seong Jiho, Monica stretched and patted my head.
"I'll handle all this paperwork, master. Got it?"
"Don't worry about the J1 Tournament."
"Well, your skill's early 5-level, but 5-level magic's another story."
I nodded at Monica's words.
"Oh, Alexandr wants you at the training ground?"
"?"
"Alexandr hit 1-level lately. Maybe 'cause he reached 5-level before—progressing fast."
"Ah, yeah, was just thinking I need to see Alexandr."
I clenched my fist.
Two months since I gave him a new image, and only 1-level now? Might need to give him a hand.
"Pathetic pace. Gotta go discipline him."
As I packed to head to Bundang Training Ground, Monica grabbed my nape.
"Gah!"
Throat caught, I glared at Monica.
"Kiddo, you're a famous mage now."
"I know. Was gonna sneak in."
"That's impossible, kiddo."
"?"
Monica sat me at the desk and opened her laptop.
"……."
I stared at the CCTV feed of the training ground entrance on the screen. Crowds everywhere.
"What is all this…?"
I checked the broadcasts Monica showed.
Broadcasters were camped out in front of the firmly shut Bundang Training Ground.
"What the…."
"What else~? Freaking out if you might not show."
"……."
"By the way, this is common at Bless Academy where our Sera is."
I flinched at Monica's words.
"Our… Sera? You two close?"
"Eh, taught her a few times when I came to Korea. That Star Play of hers? I consulted on it."
"……."
I glanced at her, and Monica's eyes curved like crescent moons.
"What, kiddo jealous? Oh my oh my~ Teacher's at a loss~"
I narrowed my eyes at Monica's words.
"Enough. That Star Play wasn't much anyway."
Monica spoke in a soothing tone.
"Right~ Now your image has reached essence type, so you could even beat a 5-level mage, yeah?"
"Hm. Verily."
I nodded, and Monica reached out to ruffle my hair wildly.
"……."
"Sorry, too cute."
"Ow! This lady prefers an overwhelming, imposing presence, not cuteness!"
I flailed from the passenger seat, and Monica giggled.
"So, kiddo, what now?"
"What dost thou mean?"
"Gonna bust through that? Alexandr's waiting inside."
"Ah, that guy."
I stroked my chin.
"Whatever. I'll break through."
Monica's eyes sparkled.
"Then! Before we go, wanna change up your style?"
Monica grinned and grabbed the car keys.
"Change style?"
"Today's the day you debut and solidify your image."
She poked my forehead firmly.
"Ah."
"So, gotta build the image you want today, right?"
"Hm…."
I curled my lips upward.
"That sounds fun. Let's go at once."
I climbed into Monica's car, envisioning a very heavy, solemn image.