Chapter 113
Chapter 113
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 113
Chapter Title: [-- 20. The Seed in the Heart --]
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As Teacher Min had said, the place where my friends were taking their courage test was a famous haunted spot—an abandoned forest that no one had passed through in ages. They'd made sure we wouldn't get lost, at least. Well, they'd handle that part themselves.
I walked quietly through the forest, looking around. The woods at night felt eerie. I sensed presences here and there in the trees, but they were pretty far off. Still, screams would occasionally erupt from somewhere in between, so it never felt truly quiet. If anything, it was rowdier than a typical night.
We just strolled through the forest. Despite the haunted spot reputation, nothing showed up aside from a slight chill. A bit disappointed, we kept walking along the path.
Even in the dark, the black shadows of the leaves stood out sharply. After wandering the woods a bit, I looked up at the sky out of habit. That's when my eyes widened.
It was dazzling.
Countless—thousands, billions—of stars sparkled vividly against the night sky, far clearer than in my dreams. It was a starry spectacle that seemed ready to pour down like rain.
They were so bright my eyes stung and watered. I must still be half-asleep. I stared blankly up at the heavens.
That's when it happened.
"Wah!!!"
I startled—not jumping out of my skin, but enough to flinch. I turned my head to see Teacher Min standing there, arms spread wide toward me. What the heck? He looked puzzled as I turned my head back.
"Huh? Not scared?"
"I was, really."
"You don't look it. Aren't you afraid?"
"If someone yells out of nowhere, most people would jump. Not because of ghosts."
"No, you just looked so spaced out, Eunha."
Teacher Min scratched his head and grinned. I walked silently beside him for a while before speaking up.
"Teacher."
"Yeah?"
"Who was the mage that wiped out everything back there? It was just one person, right?"
"......"
He fell silent at my question. I slowly raised my hand to my forehead.
It was an unbelievable shock, a shiver down my spine. I'd never sensed such terrifying malice before. How could mana from over a century ago carry such murderous intent?
Just thinking about it now sent fear surging through my body. Teacher Min sighed shortly and brushed back his hair.
"You know the name. The strongest in the witch nation of Traveria—the Black Reaper, the Guillotine of Death, the transcendent who birthed execution magic, the Witch of the Black Scythe, Bella Trizzer—"
I flinched at the name. Among mages, it was infamous and terrifying. But that power came with many followers. She'd reigned at the pinnacle of mages for over three hundred years. World mage ranking 17th: Bella Trizzer.
The most vicious mage in history.
"She's terrifying. I've never met her, but even the remnants let me feel her dreadfulness."
I nodded obediently. An S-rank transcendent's mana was beyond someone like me. Even its echoes shook me to my core.
For a moment, I thought I'd never want to cross paths with her. If I did, just meeting her eyes would probably freeze me solid, leaving me crawling on the floor, unable to breathe under the pressure... or worse...
But I shook my head and pushed it aside. No point dwelling; we'd never meet anyway. I held my breath and looked up at the sky again. Starlight filled my vision once more. I closed my eyes, etching it into my eyelids, when Teacher Min brought up something random.
"By the way, unrelated but... Eunha, have you ever been in love?"
"......?"
How'd we get here? My mind went '?????'. I glanced over; he was chuckling like it was amusing. Just teasing, huh.
"You seem so mature even when you're just standing there. Weird to say, but there's this idea that love makes a girl mature. That's why I asked. Though it might not just be for girls. I grew up after meeting Junhwi..."
I stared blankly at him. Mature, huh. Maybe...
He scratched his head at my blank look.
"Too deep? Okay, first love then? Kids your age have all had one, they say."
I finally smiled and played along.
"Can't even remember properly now."
"Oh, so you had one? Who was it?"
"Kid stuff... I was shy, couldn't make friends easily. This boy... he was the first to reach out to me. Now, I'm not even sure if it's a real memory or just wishful thinking."
What I was sharing was my first love from my past life. I'd met him in my first remembered life, and again in the second, which replayed the start the same way. The boy who transferred in elementary school. Now, only a faint impression lingered.
Back then, I was timid and got picked on a bit by bolder kids. Looking back, it was just normal kid pranks. But he stepped in boldly, telling them to stop—a weak but brave boy...
Then one day, I wondered: Did that really happen? Or did I imagine it? The memory felt that old.
Lost in thought, I muttered absently.
"Come to think of it, do the others have first loves too?"
Teacher Min, who'd been humming "Hmm, jealous..." perked up wide-eyed. I knew Hansu's: me. But the others?
"Probably."
"Right?"
Everyone gets a first love. And I couldn't claim to know all of them. We weren't always together—different classes sometimes, fights, my own stuff keeping me busy.
Or maybe before they met me. They were precocious for their age, so possible. Inha... as long as it's not me, fine.
I trailed off, looking up at the sky again. Yufelsia's night sky was breathtaking.
The poison wore off completely by the next day. I brushed off my friends' worries.
After insisting I was fine and leading the way, I spotted someone at the front of the group and froze. Girls squealed and blushed. In the center, in black clothes and hat, was Je-hyeon oppa.
Wait, why was Je-hyeon oppa here? I looked around—no sign of Teacher.
Friends were shocked too. Minhee rushed to him first.
"Oppa! Why are you here?"
"Ah, just happened."
I scanned around repeatedly.
"Where's Teacher? Why are you here, oppa?"
He flicked my forehead with his finger. I looked up, startled. He grinned playfully.
"What? Disappointed it's not Teacher Mina?"
I grinned back teasingly.
"A little?"
"You rascal."
He laughed and patted my head. Kids around us gasped in awe. As we bantered lightly, Minhee watched us nodding thoughtfully.
"Hmm, hmm."
Her scheming hum made Je-hyeon oppa and me turn curiously. She struck a pose—gun-finger to chin, other hand supporting elbow—like she'd figured something out.
"What?"
"What's up?"
Others eyed her oddly too. Then she said,
"Well, seeing you two... you actually suit each other, Eunha and my oppa."
"......Huh?"
"Ha?"
"What?"
Everyone froze or frowned. Hansu, Inha, Je-hyeon oppa scowled; Hyunho and I gaped. Panicking, I blurted,
"W-where? Looks-wise, I'm way outclassed by oppa... Honestly, even comparing us is off."
"Hey, hey."
Je-hyeon oppa tapped my back, displeased. But Minhee shook her head.
"No, no. Oppa is handsome—awkward for me to say, but yeah! Still, you two... um... yeah! Similar vibes, special! Both have this mysterious aura! So, the atmosphere? You match. And oppa's especially nice to you... hoo..."
Mid-sentence, she eyed me up and down thoughtfully. I flinched at her sly vibe. She stepped close, grabbing both my hands.
"Eunha!"
"W-what?"
"Wanna date my oppa?"
"───."
Total bombshell. I went silent, then gaped. Reactions exploded around us.
"W-what the hell?!?!"
"Hold on, Minhee! What?!"
"Minhee, what're you..."
Kids yelled, Inha intervened, Je-hyeon oppa looked dumbfounded. I was just as flustered. But Minhee leaned in casually. I backed away uncomfortably.
"But oppas's hot and single for some reason~. You'd be great! You'd be soulmates, date forever!"
......I gaped in disbelief. Instead of yelling, I frowned and clutched my forehead. Minhee... I said flatly,
"Oppa and I have an age gap..."
"Psh, mages don't care. We're adults in three years."
"Fine. I'll say it clearly."
I eyed her, unsure if joke or serious. Probably half-half. No idea why this now, but... I gripped the ring under my collar and declared.
"I'm into younger guys."
Not total lie. I prefer younger over older. Dating aside, as ideal type.
Doesn't mean Je-hyeon oppa's out—my tastes are complex, like favorite manga characters. Cool guys good. Cute over pretty. Pretty's fine too. Ultimately, whoever I fall for.
Basically: pretty, cute, hardworking, bit stoic okay but some aegyo, that's my type. And those are mostly younger.
"W-what?!"
Hansu screamed this time. Je-hyeon oppa, Inha, Hyunho looked stunned. Others whispered. Regret hit me. Oh right... in front of everyone...
My bold declaration wilted; I slumped, hiding my flushed face. Minhee plopped down too, pulling my hands down.
"So oppas not your type?"
"Argh, stop asking. And no plans to date oppa. He's just oppa, no other feelings."
"Even if you don't like him much, dating's fine."
"You're ridiculous. Why keep shipping me and oppa?"
"Cause not!"
Minhee pouted.
"Oppa so hot but won't date? Never heard him talk crushes. Waste."
I stood indifferently, pointing at Je-hyeon oppa.
"Your oppa can handle love himself. I'll handle mine~."
My un-kidlike words trailed playfully. Je-hyeon oppa, watching our exchange blankly, suddenly chuckled and hugged me from behind. Whoa... now what? This oppa's got issues too. This skinship's making even me flutter!
"True. Dating Eunha might not be bad."
Inha and Hansu exploded then, yanking us apart from both sides. No way! Unforgivable!
...Hearing that, I was still a bit shocked. Never thought Je-hyeon oppa would even joke like that. He's... getting better? I glanced at him amid the chaos, smiled softly. Fiddled with the ring under my collar repeatedly.
......I'm still nowhere near okay.
Once the commotion settled, we headed to the next spot as planned: ruins exploration. An underground city below the sky city, accessible via ancient Yufelsia caves.
I wandered blankly. Kinda tired. Probably lingering effects from yesterday's mana hit.
Unique place, I thought touring the ruins.
Mana flowed like wind around the cave, mysteriously beautiful. I followed its glow unconsciously. Actually, halfway, I was half-asleep, rubbing eyes to stay upright.
When I snapped to, I startled.
"Uh... huh? Where am I?"
Only mana-laced wind trails fled. A stalactite corner—icicle-like stones jutted spirally. Only wind and dripping water sounds. I glanced around. No clue how I ended up alone here.
And why didn't anyone notice? Arms crossed, pondering, I recalled a similar incident before.
'No way... that was a secondary dimension orbit...'
Our world has countless dimensions intersecting. Like consciousnesses in my dream world. Looks like I sleepwalked into one, taking a spatial shortcut.
Figuring it out, I sighed deeply. But no big worry—not far from start. Mana told me so.
Too late to backtrack; unseen dimensions unstable, vanish quick unlike visible ones. Teleport back? Risky in unknown spot. Passage? Nah, explore this not-narrow cave.
I walked straight along the path. Soon, a walkway appeared. Must've strayed off the main path.
Back on track, crowds surged. Famous tourist spot. Soon, clustered people—place we'd passed with teacher. Way behind somehow. I wove through.
"Excuse me. Pardon."
Now I could track friends' mana. Opened senses; colors vivid. Crowded, dizzying, but spotted familiar mana afar. Followed, pushing deeper.
Then, someone grabbed my wrist. I whipped around—a clearly foreign man holding it.
He said something. Foreign language, no clue. Tried pulling free; he wouldn't let go. Someone tugged from behind too.
Panicking, dragged by two men to quieter spot. Short teleport. I shook off with lightning mana, cast translation on ears/mouth.
"Who are you? What's this about?"
They shrugged at each other.
"Right?"
"Yeah, the kid with Daehyeon group. Probably another of Daehyeon's students."
I flinched. That one phrase revealed their goal.
"Kid. Sorry, come with us."
I bit my lip, glaring. As I hesitated, they raised mana.
"Knock her out first."
One zipped behind me instantly. No need eyeing them—I teleported around them. Wanted to flee, but reckless teleports risky amid dense walls. Could get stuck. Not precise enough yet. Gate better...
"......!"
Before I could cast again, magic flew from behind. Spiral light line—binding spell. Dodged, spotted caster: longer, brownish hair.
Other summoned sword, infused wind. Blade hummed vibrating. He swung, sending sword wind. Both magics incoming.
I barriered them casually, pondering.
'What to do?'
Attack, probably. But hesitated.
I clenched my fist. Hate hurting people. Even spars, training magic on friends/peers? Uncomfortable. That's why my barriers are mostly defensive.
Limits my offensive spells on people. Hesitated, then attribute magic. Light beam focused on one. Adult mage vs. kid me—I poured max mana.
It pierced dazzlingly. Inha-style lemon-yellow glow, unsuited to me.
He... passed out.
"......"
I shut my mouth. Too easy. Not that strong. All talk. Fainting to a kid's spell?
Blankly turned. Lone man stared bewildered. Our eyes met; he backed away.
"W-what! Even Daehyeon kids...!"
Exactly my thought. Kidnapper weak against a child? Saved me, though.
No letting guard down—I glared. He raised hand; mana gathered, forming something. Attacking. But before complete, blinding light pile rained from behind. Intense, hot glow.
Boom!
Blast affected surroundings. Cave wall crumbled, rocks shattered. I turned to familiar mana. Rushing: Inha, Minhee, Hansu, Hyunho, Je-hyeon oppa.
Direct-hit man coughed, staggering. Meanwhile, five reached me, worried faces scanning.
"Eunha, you okay?!"
"Why'd you vanish like that?!"
"That guy tried attacking you? Who?"
Inha, Hansu, Minhee grilled me. Inha anxiously checked head to toe. I eyed the rising, coughing man and spoke.
"Well..."
"Damn... Daehyeon...!"
Before I could, he yelled. Inha, Hansu, Minhee, Je-hyeon oppa's faces hardened instantly. All grasped the situation from that.
Hyunho stiffened a beat late. Then, before I could stop, Inha, Hansu, Minhee aimed at him.
Rare for low-aggression Hansu. Minhee's vacuum bullets, Inha's light/lightning, Hansu's black vines swarmed.
But before hitting, he vibration-mana shielded. Shattered Minhee/Hansu's; Inha's pierced through.
Tougher than thought. Dodged Inha's follow-up easily.
Minhee switched weapons: anti-tank rifle loaded neutral mana shells. Inha gathered light. Hansu's eyes darkened.
Suddenly, vines sprouted from his footing, extending. He leaped, slashing them. Minhee fired. Bang! Bang! Explosions rocked. Shells burst air barrier, shaking his magic. Huge echo; wall trembled—might collapse. Turbulence unbalanced him midair. Faint dark mana streaked through. He plummeted staggering.
All in seconds. Stunned, I glanced at Je-hyeon oppa. Not illusion—they did it, but his domain suppressed the man's mana from attack start.
Inha's light pierced through.
Horizontal beam from her hand slammed him midair. He staggered but stayed conscious. Surprising—similar mana guy fainted quick.
Inha clenched fist, focused light, punched ground. Vibration from impact; light traveled underground, erupted huge pillar. Engulfed him and meters around. Rumbling, sizzling flesh. Panicking, I stopped her. She kept it up.
"Stop! Inha!"
"But..."
"He'll get hurt!"
"But...!"
Inha grimaced. I bit lip.
I knew. Unlike me, she walked combat mage path fully. Fights with magic normal. Hurting people with it normal. Can drop any foe if needed. Unless close...
But not for me! Hurting people terrified me, whatever! Burns in my old world? Surgery scars forever. Horrific.
Hate hurting people.
Hate them suffering more.
My timidity? From hating that. Always gauging reactions, if they'd hate it... So cautious, stupidly. I knew.
"But he attacked you! Taking him down's obvious, right?"
"Not obvious!!"
I snapped coldly. Inha flinched at my anger.
I'd rarely been truly mad. How often get genuinely angry at precious sister-friend? Even our big 1st-year fight, I never truly yelled at avoiding me Inha.
"Don't take hurting people as normal! Can knock out with mana shock alone, no wounds! Don't use magic to hurt!"
I screamed like banshee. Inha recoiled.
Emotions surged; I panted, clutching chest fist-tight.
Never thought Inha took attacking so lightly. ...No, everyone does. I bit lip bitterly. Mages here see combat normal. Dropping foes obvious...
Fighting means hurting. But this world's magic has non-harm ways...
Choking up, I muttered.
"I wasn't hurt, and even if I was, repay with same pain? Hurt for hurt. Magic's not for wounding. Can avoid it... My pain doesn't mean theirs must..."
Sighed deeply. Yeah, knew. I'm timid. By this world's rules, Inha's right. Totally.
But it hurt this much...
I clamped mouth. Inha fidgeted anxiously. Hyunho unsure. Minhee shocked silent, Hansu thoughtful.
Silence fell. I recalled scene, head down, hand on chest, fist clenched.
Then Je-hyeon oppa hand on my head. Looked up—faint smile.
"You're truly kind."
"......"
"Yeah. Like Eunha said. No need magic to hurt, even as kid."
"......Yes."
Inha nodded anxiously, hands clasped. Man out cold.
I swallowed horror at his charred/reddened skin, turned away sharply. Knew it made Inha more anxious, but silent. Couldn't speak.
"Alright, let's go back. Teacher Min was worried sick."
"......Yes. Sorry."
Short apology, followed Je-hyeon oppa first. Mood sank weirdly. Head messy, eyes down. Friends unusually quiet—minding me, probably. I ducked head more. Je-hyeon oppa walked silently between.
Staring feet, Inha approached cautiously from behind. Hesitantly took my hand. I flinched but felt her tremble, gripped back silently. Her anxious face brightened. Teary, she apologized.
"Um... Eunha..."
"......"
"S-sorry earlier..."
Hearing that, I felt blocked. Not something to apologize for. Feeling teary myself, swallowed, exhaled slowly, spoke hesitantly.
......Cause it was just this world vs. my values differing. And for combat-aspiring Inha, her view might be necessary.
But still hated it. Hated my precious kid hurting someone already. Wanted to bawl.
"......Inha."
"Y-yes? Yes!"
She gripped tight, hands shaking. I continued conflicted.
"So... I hate that. Magic hurting people..."
"Yes."
"Yes. So... don't hurt people with magic. You're not adult, no need fight yet. So."
"Yes, yes."
"I... hate fighting."
"Yes. Got it. Won't fight."
"At least, hate deliberately hurting."
"I'll do proper mage combat from now."
"......Okay."
Inha kept agreeing, glad I softened. But obvious not heartfelt. Wish she'd truly get it someday. I just shut mouth.
Knew I'm timid here. Attack back if attacked. But not my type. Knew that.
That's why, even strong mage later, I can live normally. Peacefully.
Slowly stepped, head up. Regret lingered in chest.
While kids left ruins, two downed men taken by Joo Je-hyeon, Jeong Junhwi, Daehyeon staff. They checked IDs. Eyes narrowed.
"Ragal Keter... Raymond Cald... Both C-rank mages. Bottom of C, but not pushovers. Actually, plenty..."
"Yes. Strong enough. Cald with vacuum magic was easier cause I dominated domain. But Keter... purely Eunha downed alone."
"......"
Jeong Junhwi silent, forehead to brow. Gauging, closed eyes, opened quietly. Seeing deep gaze, Joo Je-hyeon bitter smile, muttered.
"Fast, as expected."
"Yeah... faster than thought."
Junhwi eyed direction. Je-hyeon followed. Just cave wall... but to Junhwi, something else visible.
"Everyone, I mean."