Chapter 114
Chapter 114
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 114
Chapter Title: [-- 20. Seed in the Heart --]
-----------------------------------------------------------------
In the end, the fourth day of the school trip became an uncomfortable one for everyone. It was one thing that the Daehyeon folks had decided to provide close protection to the six most talented students this time around, but the atmosphere was off. Kang Inha was down in the dumps for some reason, and Yoo Eunha had a hardened expression, her lips sealed shut. Thanks to that, the other kids' moods had turned awkward too.
Jeong Junhwi, Yoo Min, and Joo Je-hyeon, who were following along to protect them, weren't in great spirits either. They kept stiff expressions while scanning their surroundings vigilantly.
The only one acting completely unfazed amid all that was Ardell, who hadn't witnessed the commotion firsthand.
“Eunha! Look at this!”
Ardell had completely changed her attitude from just a few days ago and was sticking right by Yoo Eunha's side. More than a couple of kids watched enviously.
“Huh? What is it?”
Yoo Eunha wore a gloomy look but still responded promptly whenever someone spoke to her. Ardell beamed even wider in return.
“Isn't this pretty?”
What Ardell held out in front of Yoo Eunha was a traditional Yupelrussia accessory: a necklace with green gems shaped like leaves and mana stones unique to Yupelrussia.
Yoo Eunha blinked at it before giving a light reply.
“Yeah. It's pretty.”
“Hmm~. Come to think of it, you don't collect necklaces much, do you, Eunha? I heard you like gathering accessories.”
“Yeah. I already have one.”
Yoo Eunha quietly lowered her gaze. Kang Inha watched Yoo Eunha and Ardell from behind with envious eyes, her own spirits low. She wanted to approach and chat like usual, but Yoo Eunha was still radiating a heavy mood, making it hard. She'd apologized and said she understood Yoo Eunha's words, but her heart hadn't fully settled yet. So Kang Inha couldn't bring herself to talk to Yoo Eunha like normal.
In that subtly subdued atmosphere, the fourth day's school trip schedule came to an end. Not long after returning to the lodging, night fell.
That night was the last of the school trip. Unlike the lively previous nights, Yoo Eunha—who had trailed after the teachers like a doll—went straight to bed after dinner, claiming she was sleepy. True to "first come, first served," she claimed one of the adjacent rooms for herself.
“…….”
“…….”
This left Kang Inha, Joo Minhee, and Ardell at a loss for words. The six of them had switched lodging partners regardless of class, thanks to the incident today. Precisely, the lodging members had been reassigned.
They were getting special treatment because of what happened today. Next door were Kim Hyunho and Park Hansu.
Ardell scratched her head before jumping up.
“I'm gonna go play in the arcade downstairs.”
“Huh? There's an arcade downstairs?”
“Yeah. Didn't you know?”
“Nope.”
“Wanna come?”
Joo Minhee glanced at Kang Inha, hesitating for a moment before nodding with a firm expression.
“Yeah. Let's go.”
As Joo Minhee left the room with Ardell, she called back to Kang Inha.
“If you can't stand it, come down too, Inha. Got it?”
“…….”
“Eunha probably isn't that mad at you. Anyway, rest up since you're tired.”
The door clicked shut. Left alone, Kang Inha fell silent. It was questionable if she'd even registered Joo Minhee's words. Yoo Eunha's face from earlier kept replaying in her mind.
‘Stop it, Inha!’
‘It's not obvious! Don't think hurting people is just natural!’
Kang Inha hugged her knees tightly. It was the first time she'd seen her friend that angry.
Yeah, the first time. Yoo Eunha had always been the type not to get mad easily. Kang Inha had rarely seen her truly upset. Even when she was, it was just a little sulk that blew over quickly.
But this time was different. She was genuinely... angry.
‘Thinking it's natural to hurt people isn't right.’
Kang Inha loved magic too. But how could she not?
Still, this time, she couldn't understand Yoo Eunha. If someone attacks you, you attack back. That was common sense in this world. Their opponent had attacked with intent to harm, so why shouldn't they hurt their attacker in return?
Kang Inha's black eyes darkened, emitting a cold blue gleam.
A world where fighting was natural, where battles with magic were commonplace. Mages learned magic premised on combat. So this was a given too.
For Kang Inha, who had built a combat mage's mindset since childhood, Yoo Eunha's reaction was incomprehensible. Earlier, she'd just nodded along, pretending to understand to soothe her anger.
‘If it hurts me, it hurts them too.’
Kang Inha muttered unconsciously.
“Eunha's too kind......”
She buried her face in her knees. Suddenly, she recalled a time when Yoo Eunha had rejected her like this. Back when Yoo Eunha was struggling with ability control, and her magic had repelled Kang Inha.
Of course, the situations were different then. Yoo Eunha had no choice but to push her away, whereas now it was just anger keeping her silent.
But the only times Kang Inha had been rejected by Yoo Eunha were that day and today. Inevitably, memories of that day resurfaced.
Yoo Eunha couldn't control her special ability properly then and had entered hibernation, unconsciously rejecting those around her. Kang Inha wilted without knowing why. Yeah, it was really similar to now. That was a year ago. And back then...... Kang Inha bit her lip, unable to overcome the loneliness. Back then, Park Hansu had been by her side.
“…….”
After a moment of silence, Kang Inha stood. She glanced at the firmly shut door before heading to the terrace. The window slid open with a rattle, letting in wind that fluttered the curtains. It was a Yupelrussia specialty: a high-rise hotel built into the trees. Even without approaching, the distant ground was visible between the railings. Kang Inha walked slowly toward them. Then she startled.
“Huh? Inha?”
Because Park Hansu was standing on the opposite terrace.
“…….”
Kang Inha couldn't hide her agitation. The person she'd just wished was by her side had appeared right in front of her. It felt like he'd popped out of her thoughts.
Unlike the flustered Kang Inha, Park Hansu waved casually with an indifferent expression.
“Hey.”
Kang Inha hesitated as she looked at him, not knowing why. As she approached, Park Hansu reached over the railing. The railings were close enough for his hand to touch her. He gently stroked her hair.
Kang Inha scowled.
“What are you doing?”
“Nothing. You still look down.”
With a sulky pout, Kang Inha grabbed his hand stroking her head and pushed it away. Park Hansu chuckled briefly before saying,
“Eunha isn't mad at you.”
At that, Kang Inha's briefly brightened gaze darkened again. She leaned her arms on the railing and rested her chin.
“How would you know.”
“You can tell just by looking.”
“It's the first time Eunha's gotten that mad. I......”
Kang Inha pressed her lips as if swallowing a sob.
“I don't get it. That's what's killing me.”
She straightened up from the railing and turned to Park Hansu, leaning over it pleadingly as she cried out.
“Is fighting that wrong? Why can't I attack back? That person attacked us first—!”
Her black hair whipped in the wind, revealing eyes gleaming coldly. Park Hansu watched her cry out with an unusually twisted expression and intensely serious eyes.
“It's not about not attacking.”
Kang Inha froze for a moment. Her eyes fixed on him.
“Eunha didn't say that either, right? Just that since they were trying to hurt us and do shitty things, we don't need to go out of our way to injure them like they would. Even though they were assholes I'd love to beat to death.”
“…….”
“We're different from those bastards. Right?”
Kang Inha gripped the railing tightly.
“So... you understand what Eunha meant?”
“Yeah.”
Park Hansu nodded as if it were obvious. Kang Inha bit her lip, her eyes anxious. She didn't understand, but he did. Park Hansu smiled warmly at her.
“Of course. Attacking to hurt, making them bleed, injuring them—it's brutal. Eunha just doesn't want us doing that. Oh! I agree she's too kind and soft-hearted! That girl could live her whole life without attacking or hurting anyone.”
“......That's because she's Eunha.”
“Exactly. But she's right. Sure, in a fight, you can't always worry about the other side. But that was clearly meant to injure. Eunha was in danger, so you had to hurt too. You used excessive magic on purpose with that in mind. Right?”
“......Yeah.”
“You didn't have to. We're not like those guys. Right?”
“…….”
“Because we like that gentle girl of ours.”
Kang Inha fell silent at his words. Then, despite herself, she burst into a bright smile.
“......Yeah.”
She smiled in relief. Smiled in understanding. Park Hansu looked momentarily surprised at her smile but soon smiled back unusually tenderly.
“Hey, think about it. How would you feel if Eunha hurt someone? If you saw someone bleeding from her magic—what would that be like?”
Kang Inha pondered with her hand on her chin, then frowned.
“......I'd hate it.”
“See? Eunha just put it more painfully. Plus, attacking back when they started it is totally justified, right? But if you'd injured them more, they'd resent you. She'd hate that too.”
“That...... yeah.”
“See? In that sense, I wasn't a fan either.”
“......?”
“Of you doing that.”
Kang Inha stared up at Park Hansu, speechless. As he said it with that gentle smile, she felt her breath catch. It was so unlike him, so tenderly.
“......You.”
Indescribable words swirled in Kang Inha's head. Overwhelming among them were 'Are you crazy?' and 'Did you take your meds?' But gratitude sealed her lips.
Calming that feeling, she stayed quiet a while. Park Hansu had returned to his usual nonchalant face.
“Anyway, Eunha isn't mad at you. She's worried.”
“Yeah......”
“She's overthinking as usual, probably a ton about you, your future, whatever. Man, that girl thinks way too much.”
Kang Inha furrowed her brow. That wasn't for him to say. He talked like that now, but he thought just as much as Yoo Eunha.
She glanced cautiously at his profile. His nonchalant expression held eyes still shining tenderly. Suddenly, she felt stifled.
Park Hansu, gazing down, turned back to her. Their eyes met unexpectedly, and Kang Inha startled, widening hers. Then puzzled.
‘Huh? Why'd I jump?’
As she tilted her head in confusion, Park Hansu reached for her head again.
“Anyway, don't worry. It's her, so tomorrow she'll be back to normal for sure.”
Kang Inha nodded silently. Her mood wouldn't settle. How to describe it? Unfamiliar, awkward. Something felt off. But it wasn't bad, so she bit her lip lightly.
Truthfully, she was a bit annoyed. Park Hansu understood Yoo Eunha's heart well—even parts Kang Inha, who'd been with her longest, didn't. He knew it all.
Kang Inha sealed her lips and looked up at the sky. Beyond the wind thick with greenery and water scent, countless stars twinkled. The sky Yoo Eunha loved most.
She'd told the others she was sleeping and slipped out alone through the window after setting up an elaborate illusion clone in the room. She climbed to the building's roof.
Yupelrussia was trees everywhere, so even this high-rise grew intertwined with them. It truly felt "grown."
I lay on the roof gazing at the sky. Heights used to terrify me with my acrophobia, but now I could ignore it if I didn't look down. My magic was reliable enough these days.
I blinked repeatedly at the sky. It dazzled. Light streamed into my eyes. Seeing the sky this close, with so many stars, was a first.
Even in dreams, it wasn't like this. Reality can be more beautiful than dreams sometimes. With that thought, I gently closed my eyes.
Light seeped even through my eyelids. I inhaled the cooling air deeply.
Worries flooded me. The trigger was, naturally, today's incident.
When we advance to middle school, we'll choose our paths. Ours will inevitably diverge.
I hadn't set a fixed path yet. But one thing was sure: I would never become a combat mage. Meanwhile, Minhee and Inha were all but destined to. Their magics were perfect for it.
That was unthinkable in my previous world. I knew this world differed vastly from the one I'd lived in before. But it hadn't hit home until today, seeing my young friends. That's why I worried.
Adulthood here was age 15—four years younger than I knew. That's huge. When these kids hit battlefields, what will they feel? How will they fight?
Even today: hurting someone just because attacked. Magic wounds don't heal easily without stronger magic overwriting. Pain lingers in the heart too.
Karma, they say. Deceive and be deceived; hurt and be hurt. Sin brings retribution. I believe it. Even unexperienced, killers face mortal threats.
What happens to friends entering battlefields without firm resolve to injure or be resented?
At least I, having died, know this: life is precious.
The only bulwark letting you be with precious people. Death is irreversible.
I'd heard many combat mages grow numb to killing. I hated that.
I hated such karma.
I died.
My past self died of an incurable disease. I, his only lover, died.
Even reincarnating, I'm only "that me" until death. What defines me—body, soul, mind, self—combines into "me."
I'm not "───" now. I'm Yoo Eunha.
Life's value is lighter here. That's why I worry. Will friends, engraving life's worth, point killing intent? I hate seeing them resented or hurting others—even if normal here.
I didn't want to realize they'd grown strong enough to injure.
‘───.’
I called "that guy" in my mind.
I died after all. Yeah, I did.
The me in you died.
Having died, I know life's value. Felt it, etched it. It pities me: my young friends aren't old enough. Sorry to him too......
‘No, maybe Minhee. She lost parents young, so perhaps.’
I slowly opened my eyes. Stars welcomed me dazzlingly.
“Did you let 'don't sneak out alone' go in one ear and out the other?”
“......!”
I jolted up. My senses missed someone approaching. But recognizing him, I sighed in relief. Of course. It was A-rank mage Joo Je-hyeon oppa.
“Ah, it's you. You scared me.”
“I'm the scared one. Kid who should be sleeping is out here alone. You really want a scolding?”
His quiet voice carried a chilling edge. I surrendered meekly.
“Sorry. It was stuffy......”
Mumbling forward, he sighed watching me.
“What.”
I hesitated, glancing at him. Say it or not? After agonizing, I spoke.
“Inha and Minhee.”
“......?”
“When they grow up, they'll become combat mages, right?”
Silence brief. He nodded.
“Yeah.”
“So I'm worried. Today Inha tried to scar the opponent without hesitation......”
I clenched my fists.
“When they grow up thinking combat mage is natural, and in fights they hurt people. Someday kill. Normalize killing. Normalize must-kill situations......”
“…….”
“When must-kill comes, unaware of life's value, they hurt and kill......”
Lonesome. My words, bitterly so.
“What then?”
Under this beautiful night sky, lonesome as if alone. Self-answering. Emptier than solitary dreams.
Abrupt, rude, overstepping question. Yet Joo Je-hyeon pondered seriously. Naturally, he said,
“Then... make sure they don't.”
“…….”
“But their lives aren't that precious to warrant your worry......”
I flinched.
“No one values scum like that. No one cherishes them. Just trash selling people for greed.”
What about that? I glanced at my clenched fist.
I'd written many novels. Fiction, yes. But I liked stories with reasons, strove for them. Baseless mad killer? Possible. Uncherished by all? Sure. But I wouldn't accept it as natural.
“No, it's not. Even the lowest person, someone loves them. I believe that.”
Everyone loves once. Loved once. Friends, lovers, comrades, siblings. Parents at least.
Like I truly saw him weary of all; he loved such me.
“I think everyone's value as precious to someone differs.”
Now I knew.
“Anyone can be precious to someone.”
I stood.
“Anyone.”
This feeling was alien here.
Ah, yes. This world's like that.
I sighed.
But I won't change: life and soul proving me are most precious.
Died, so know. Lose to realize. True, as in novels, comics.
I bit my lip. Smiled at Joo Je-hyeon oppa.
“Sneaking out was wrong. So I'll head back now.”
“…….”
“Je-hyeon oppa?”
I eyed him puzzled. He stared blankly silent. Then smiled.
“Yeah.”
He approached, gently stroking my head with his large hand.
“Let's go back.”
His expression slightly different—far tenderer—puzzled me as I looked up.
“Anyway, no more of this.”
“Yes.”
Nodding, I closed my eyes softly. But as he said, I—who know life's value somewhat—must prevent friends becoming that. At least etch living's meaning in their hearts.
No helping it.
Futures are set.
We'll become strong mages.
“Won't tell the kids I snuck out, so I'll gate back.”
“Gate? What's that? You learned that spell too?”
“Huh? It's my unique magic?”
“What? How many unique magics do you have?”
“Three.”
I paused. Oh, right—I had another unused one. Metal shaping.
“Four.”
At the correction, Joo Je-hyeon eyed me subtly, sighed.
“Really, Eunha, you're......”
I flinched. But soon he smiled tenderly, seeing me off.
“Go on in.”
“Yess.”
Lightly replying, I opened the "passage." My room reflected beyond. I slipped through the black hole, flopping onto the bed. Closed the gate.
In the silent space hearing nothing, I murmured softly.
“Yeah. It was worry it'd happen someday......”
Whatever mages we become, we'll fight. Someday injure.
But I hoped friends never did. If impossible, as little as possible.
“…….”
I recalled my wish to the Goddess.
“My fate's trajectory...... my future......”
I sealed my lips. Ignored the ominous feeling. Slept as usual.
========== Afterword ==========
I debated mentioning this since it comes up vaguely later.... But since it won't connect directly even then, I'll explain once.
Eunha's attack magic and Inha's differ.
Inha's always shatters rock.
But Eunha's—even strongest attack—doesn't shatter rock, ground, structures. Even at full power.
Reason for difference: 'heart.'
Same attack magic changes by intent. E.g., felling foe at full power: no intent to injure/kill = just impact, falls. Malice/hostility = wounds, scars even small.
Eunha's anger was over that.
Ties to this fight.
Issue: Inha unaware, can't distinguish magic ending without destroying.
Eunha unaware Inha can't distinguish. But knows used with intent to injure.
Details in prev: Inha could've stopped at felling but added power at end for burn. Eunha mad at deliberate 'malice' in magic. Inha can't control injury~burn emotions yet, unaware.
But injuring vs murder... hard compromise?
Even here, few never injure lifetime. Develop magic for it.
Some live war, some peace lifelong.
Anyway. Not murder-normal world, esp public institutions. E.g., Eunha's mom never killed. Mages hard to kill unless intent.
Anyway, felt must address Eunha's philosophy.
+++
Thanks Elsukay-nim for sponsor coupon!!
Suga-nim, HappinessAndSolitude-nim, voyd-nim, Bear-ching-nim, sangmin-nim, IMinchoI-nim, DiZert-nim, Siaria-nim, hydee-nim, Dongguri23-nim, LuaDeGrasse-nim, HyeonsichangDtawi-nim, carats-nim, Lenggul-nim, KOZ-nim, Siaria-nim, Pitia-nim, EkaOr-nim, Yurarisian-nim, BlueLightShard-nim, Chunbosson-nim, Jaynel-nim, AboutChu-nim, CheonsangYeonseong-nim, Lorie-nim, kuijok-nim, kdun-nim, vWindy-nim, Yesarit-nim, Linz-nim, Yuuso-nim, Cheon Li-hyang-nim, WolryeongSaja-nim, BluePeach-nim, JaeJae-nim, SpilledInk-nim, LemoniGood-nim, JinjuMon-nim, BANGST-nim, Elsukay-nim, AdaptingHuman-nim, Lublang-nim, Penz-nim, Zuney-nim, KimByungman-nim, SnowdropK-nim, BloodWolfDemonKing-nim, codnjs-nim, LapiL-nim, Kaienellia-nim, HanHoMyeong-nim, MokuMoku-nim, Gonyangi-nim, Roeul-nim, darkangelbin-nim, Meraana-nim, yanein-nim, Kedar-nim, ...,...-nim, Ryumafld-nim, windeuria-nim, odd.antique-nim, TooGee-nim, Pongp-nim, Ruminos-nim, MinTaehyeon-nim, SilkWhale-nim, Anise☆-nim, Yanoshu-nim, AuthorILoveHoHo-nim, Raydk-nim, RedZone-nim, Sefaid-nim, BKD-nim, JeongSuyeon-nim-nim, Botis-nim, Ryumir-nim, BlueEweka-nim, NeoFidelity-nim, Inia486-nim, Nunnung-nim, Binding-nim, KKKranuse-nim, Calypso-nim, Eunhasoojeong-nim, Seidan-nim, StrawberryBasket-nim, Chorom-nim, RieverY-nim, TruthNoseHole-nim, CheesePizzaSet-nim, Paㅂlan-nim, ByeolByeolSamchi-nim, kimtaetae-nim, Plaudite-nim—thanks for comments!!
+Past life foreshadowing to present? Plenty. Blood pact, Goddess meeting key.