Chapter 115
Chapter 115
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 115
Chapter Title: The Seed in the Heart
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After sleeping through the night, I woke up back to my usual self. Sure, I had my timid side and tended to overthink things, but I wasn’t the type to dwell on negative emotions for long. Not unless it was something truly major.
Of course, what happened this time wasn’t minor if I thought about it too much, but considering the situation, it was. I’d come out unscathed, and the other side hadn’t taken any serious damage from Inha’s magic either. That’s what I’d heard, anyway.
“Hello.”
When I stepped out of my room, the other kids were already up. Thinking back, it was a bit regrettable. We’d come all the way to Ufellrussia on a school trip, but I hadn’t enjoyed yesterday at all.
“Huh?”
“Eunha...”
My friends greeted me with awkward expressions. I hadn’t neglected them yesterday, or at least I didn’t think so. Maybe I had. But it was something only I could worry about so deeply—something they couldn’t understand. It was just a difference in perspectives and experiences. There was no reason to give the cold shoulder to kids who didn’t know any better.
Still, they’d picked up on my emotions so sensitively. My gloom, the vague anger directed at something undefined—they’d sensed it all. And I hadn’t been able to shake it off right away, even knowing they had.
But today was fine. I might not fully shake off yesterday’s feelings, and the fear and pity lingered unchanged. Still, being around them would change things bit by bit, surely. It wasn’t anything to get mad at my friends over.
It was just how this world was.
“Sleep well?”
I smiled like always. Inha hesitated, then approached me with a face about to burst into tears. She really was still a kid.
“Ugh, Eunha. Yesterday, I really...”
“It’s fine.”
I let out a soft sigh and shook my head.
“No overkill next time. That stuff scares me.”
I flicked her forehead with my finger, and Inha clutched it in surprise but nodded brightly all the same.
“Yeah! Yeah, I got it!”
She answered several times, then rushed over and clung to my arm. Looking down at her sparkling eyes, I gazed back with an exasperated expression—then felt a sudden weight on the back of my neck. Minhee had hugged my neck and shoulders.
“Ugh, don’t do it so suddenly. You’re heavy.”
“Yeah, yeah, you’re delicate, Eunha. But I like it~.”
“Yeah, yeah.”
Their relieved faces were obvious. I smiled faintly at my friends. Ardel watched us three with a subtle expression.
Just then, a knock sounded. No need to approach—Ardel opened the door with magic. It was Hansu and Hyunho. They widened their eyes at the sight of us huddled together.
“Oh.”
“Wow!”
They grinned and headed over. Well, Hyunho ran. Like he was about to dive right in. But Ardel grabbed him by the scruff.
“Hey now.”
“Wah! What the heck~!”
“You’re out! You’re a guy!”
“Yeah, yeah, a guy.”
Minhee teased him from behind, still hugging my neck. Now that I noticed, Minhee and Ardel got along surprisingly well. I’d seen them hanging out during student council stuff sometimes, and it seemed that was why. Even now.
“Anyway, it’s morning. Get ready quick—we’ll be heading out again soon.”
“You came all the way here just to say that?”
“Nah? We were coming to grab breakfast together. It’s the next room over, not like it’s far.”
“Hmm...”
Inha nodded once at Hansu, then gripped my arm tighter.
“Let’s go quick. Eat quick, get ready quick, and head out.”
I nodded lightly.
“Sure.”
It wasn’t just my friends who were happy to see me back to normal. Je-hyeon oppa and the teachers smiled with quiet relief, and my classmates visibly brightened. Right—this school, especially our grade, I had a pretty big influence. I’d overlooked that.
To make up for not enjoying yesterday, I led my friends around and made sure to have fun today. It was our last day in Ufellrussia. We wandered everywhere, and I picked up my camera again—skipping the cave from yesterday.
I’d taken some shots from day one, but knowing it was the last day made me snap way more. Especially of people I knew. With pretty backdrops: Hansu, Inha, Minhee, Je-hyeon oppa, Hyunho, Ardel. Even Sihwa and Yesul, just one shot each. As I captured their smiles one after another, I suddenly wished my mentor was here. But I’d gotten a few of her the day before, so that was fine.
Being in sixth grade made it extra special. This was our last year in elementary school.
I looked through the images saved on my camera, satisfied. Photography was one of my hobbies. Never studied it professionally, but snapping something I liked with whatever camera I had always felt great.
These shots turned out pretty nice, luckily. Especially the teachers’. There was one of Teacher Min whispering in Teacher Junhwi’s ear, making him smile so prettily! Teacher Junhwi’s clear smile was rare. Nailed it.
“Should sell prints or something.”
But after a moment’s thought, I decided to give it to Teacher Min someday. Until then, it was mine.
“Eunha! Group photo time! Come here!”
“Huh? Got it!”
The last stop on the school trip was Ufellrussia’s most famous park. There was always a reason something was “the most” famous. This place held one of Ufellrussia’s six incredibly special and unique magistones. And this one was the only pillar open to everyone.
“Wow! There it is! That’s the magistone!”
“Uwaa, it’s huge!”
It glowed in a sunset-like red hue. I dashed toward the magistone amid the cheering kids.
“Amazing...!”
Looking up at the pillar of pure mana, I gasped in awe. Magistone: a stone refined by human hands or magic. Or mana itself solidified. Gems that generated mana—aside from crystals—were called mana stones, and those refined by people were magistones.
Meaning, this one was man-made too.
I gasped again. Honestly, I was probably the one who appreciated its grandeur most here.
No way I wasn’t. I could see the massive mana flow plunging into the earth below. Mana mist blanketed the area around the magistone, spreading out from its center to enrich the entire sky island. Majestic, noble, transcendent. I couldn’t help charging straight for it.
“Hey, hey. Don’t wander off alone.”
Je-hyeon oppa reached out to stop me, then took my hand and led me forward slowly. A bit disappointed, but I had no choice—I held his hand and walked slowly.
Circling the pillar they called the magistone, I marveled once more.
Ufellrussia’s magistones were incredible feats: enormous natural mana stones hardened with magic. From centuries ago, when magic wasn’t accepted and mages were persecuted. Mages banded by clans to hide their lands. Traverria vanished into space, Rabient into ocean depths, Polizen into forest mists, and finally Ufellrussia soared into the distant skies.
That’s when countless mages pooled their power to create the magistones. The six pillars resonated to keep Ufellrussia afloat in the heavens, block attacks, and protect the nation. It was the foundation of the country.
Truly worthy of being called the “pillars of the nation”—an overwhelming mana presence. So many emotions welled up. Awe-inspiring beauty.
“Pretty.”
In front of the magistone, I whispered and grinned broadly.
After staring up endlessly, I heard friends calling from behind and turned. That instant, my heart thudded down with a ‘thunk!’ for no reason.
“...Huh? What was that?”
I froze mid-turn. Mana mists flowed past my legs like fog. I gazed at the mystical mana a moment, then looked up. There stood Hansu and Inha side by side. Oblivious to my stare, they talked a short distance away.
“Thanks. For yesterday.”
“Hm? Oh...”
“Felt like it eased my mind, thanks to you.”
“What’s gotten into you? Being honest.”
“Hmph. Gratitude’s gratitude.”
“See? No need to worry big-time, right?”
“...Yeah.”
Inha nodded with a short laugh. I didn’t know the details, but Hansu had comforted her yesterday, clearly. But what was that feeling just now? Like a premonition... I tilted my head and turned back to the magistone. Then I saw Hansu smiling warmly, reaching out to Inha. His hand slowly headed for her head.
“...”
Thump.
A quiet thrum like tension. The pulse drew closer, grew louder. Thump, thump, thump—my heart pounded relentlessly. I knew this pulse, this feeling.
Hansu patted Inha’s head.
“Good job, you worked hard.”
“...Hmph.”
Inha didn’t push his hand away. Seemed a bit off from her usual self. At the same time, baffling. Why was my heart racing watching them? I saw Inha’s shy expression, Hansu’s gentle one.
“Ah...”
That moment, realization hit. Ah... aaaah...! Right, that’s what it was. Yeah, I got it. But...
I stared at Hansu and Inha in silence, unable to continue the thought. Embracing emotions they hadn’t realized themselves, I covered my mouth and stayed quiet.
“This is... really...?”
I’d wondered once, maybe someday. Time had passed since. But now that it happened, it felt weird. Not like I’d expected. Uncomfortable, anxious, complicated. I brushed my hair back, feeling troubled.
Then my eyes met theirs. Inha pulled away from Hansu and hurried to me.
“Eunha, what’s wrong?”
She clung to my arm with a puzzled look. But this was... I gave a wry smile this time.
“Nothing. Just.”
“Really?”
I patted her head lightly as she nodded easily. And sighed inwardly.
The fluster was brief. I focused on my original goal.
The park with the magistone was open but heavily guarded. The patrolling mages were all royal court mages—B-rank or higher. It felt heavier than a park should, but as a super-famous tourist spot, it buzzed anyway.
The red magistone area was closest to the sea in Ufellrussia, with another pier, so trade thrived. Shops galore, from clothes to food—everything. Market street that way, they said.
The most famous souvenirs here? Artifacts made from pillar fragments. From the pillars holding up Ufellrussia—naturally precious.
Plus, influenced by the pillar, rare mana stones abounded nearby, fueling more artifact sales. This souvenir street was Ufellrussia’s top spot for magistones. Also tons of unique Ufellrussian magic tools. Pricey, with authentic magistones embedded.
Right from the park: bustling market street open to all. Left: tourist shops for gifts. We hit both last.
Shops first—proper artifacts there. Red magistone crafts too. Pricey, sure, but I’d saved for this. Spend freely! I eyed real from fake, entering a genuine magistone shop.
‘Need this magistone. Mixed attributes, fragment of the one holding Ufellrussia... already a mana stone itself...’
But even resolved, the price shocked me. Found one with fitting power—not too strong, not weak, pretty shape... over 1 million won converted.
“Whoa...!”
“Eunha... you’re not thinking of buying that...?”
“Yeah... worth studying...”
Friends eyed me shakily. I wavered too. The shop girl eyed us sharply. Good thing no teachers or Je-hyeon oppa nearby—they’d gone to handle a commotion with other kids. Ardel had vanished too.
I sighed inwardly in relief, examining my pick closely.
It was a bracelet studded with magistones: silver chain with flower and vine ornaments—gorgeous. Would match my student ID too.
I checked the cheapest first. Even that... heavens! 450,000 won. Mine was mid-range. The priciest... t-ten billion...?
‘No, it’s a pillar—probably hiding even better stuff. So damn expensive...’
I swallowed hard. Friends tried stopping me.
“Too pricey.”
“Yeah.”
“How with our allowance?”
“Umm...”
But the price made sense—Ufellrussia’s six pillars were rarer than 100% pure diamonds from my past life. Fragments were sellable for that reason. I squeezed my eyes shut.
Listening to Minhee and Hyunho, I recalled my finances. Plenty for this. Excluding savings deposits, allowance plus monthly game scenario payouts added up big.
My account balance was unbelievable for a kid. Not some chaebol heiress or anything. Well, Inha was, but not to my level. Yeah, I was the outlier.
Buying wouldn’t dent my wealth. Thankful I’d never told parents my full royalties. I opened my eyes.
‘No helping it...’
I decided on the bracelet—over 1 million won. Yeah! Money’s for times like this.
And it’d help long-term. Studying attribute fusion, needed exposure to special mana types. This magistone exceeded that.
So, I pulled my card. Cast translation magic on mouth and ears.
“That bracelet, please. Check card okay?”
“Eunha!”
Friends protested, but I didn’t flinch. Money’s for bold spends. The woman scanned me, then spoke.
“Tourist? Overseas payment set up?”
“Yes.”
“Thanks. Good choice—all our magistone jewelry’s premium genuine.”
She swiped, paid. Boxed the bracelet. Not just stones—pure platinum band. Lucky this world’s gold and platinum cheaper than past life. She added care tools too.
“Thanks, miss.”
“You’re welcome.”
Clutching the pretty box, I exited. Whew—huge sigh outside. Prepared, but ouch at the outflow.
‘Might take the paperback offer. But contract means revealing age... Can I author novels anonymously? Or just go paid chapters.’
I scratched my head, pained. Friends followed my dazed self to a park bench, baffled.
“You really bought it...”
“Knew you saved, but not like this...”
“Don’t blow cash like that!”
“No! For magic study!”
I grumbled at them poutily, sat on the bench, opened the box. Yep, stunning as thought. Rarely bought red accessories, but sunset hue—not ruby red—fit perfectly.
“Ugh... so pretty!”
Above all, mana aura and color hooked me. Complex structure, pure vibe! Right up my alley.
I slipped it on, cast protection magic just in case. Tracking and return spells first. Plus LV3 anti-theft shock on thieves. Item-specific spells. Arrays differ a lot for people vs. objects.
“Yep. Phase one defenses good!”
Ah, love it! I beamed and hopped in place. Friends gave helpless looks. As I admired it twirling my wrist, student ID buzzed. Message from Je-hyeon oppa.
『Sender: Joo Je-hyeon
Where’d you go. Stay close, come back.』
Replied instantly.
『To: Joo Je-hyeon
Yessir. Oh, Ardel there too?』
『Sender: Joo Je-hyeon
Yeah. With that girl Sihwa.』
Gone since when? To Sihwa and Yesul, huh. I pressed off the ID, stood. Friends saw the messages too, rose with me. I adjusted the bracelet, smiled brightly at them.
“Anything you wanna buy?”
They shook heads firmly.
“Nope, nope.”
“Scared after your purchase.”
“Yeah.”
I scratched my head awkwardly.
“Some cheap pretty stuff too. Accessories from other mana stones, not magistone.”
“No interest in accessories.”
“Weapons too?”
“Let’s go!”
Minhee flatly refused, so I grumbled—hook, line, sinker. We skipped oppa and teachers, window-shopped magic gear and items first. Sadly, pricey. Cheapest over 20,000 won. Minhee scowled.
“Ugh... gotta come back as adults...”
“Clothes are cheap though.”
Ribbons, hats, hair accessories, pins—affordable for friends. But they waved hands no.
“Market it is.”
Back with Je-hyeon oppa, teachers, other class kids—scolded immediately. After last incident, wandering far?
“Didn’t go far. Just browsed shops.”
Je-hyeon oppa grumbled again.
“Where to? Mostly expensive here. Kids went market. All gathered—let’s go.”
“Yeah! Nothing affordable here.”
“Market’s better for that.”
Je-hyeon oppa smiled slightly at grumbling Minhee. Other class already moving per teacher orders. We flowed to market street.
Market buzzed wildly. Shops lively too, but this teemed with life. Stalls everywhere: fish, meat, veggies, fruits. Clothes and accessories way cheaper than shops.
“Buy what you like, but if prices seem off-high, tell teacher. Gotta haggle sometimes here.”
“Eek?”
“Fun!”
“Let’s do it!”
“Won’t overcharge kids, probably...”
Teacher Junhwi muttered watching kids dash ahead. I checked my wallet eyeing the leading adults—about 15,000 won left?
“Nice. I’ll grab something good too.”
Friends looked queasy.
“Again?”
“Spending’s winning!”
I scanned the vibrant market eagerly. Anything fun? Eyes wide, checking appearances and mana properties. Who knows—might snag another novel-style treasure. Friends sighed at me.
We split briefly. Market huge—friends checked low-price spots for faves. Different tastes. As I fingered items, someone grabbed my wrist.
“...?! T-Teacher Junhwi?”
I turned puzzled. Behind him: Je-hyeon oppa and Teacher Min. They scanned around me, frowning slightly.
“Where’re the others? Alone?”
“Different likes, split temporarily. Meeting over there...”
“Hmm. Security’s good here, probably fine...”
Teacher Min muttered, hand to forehead. Then Teacher Junhwi, eyeing my wrist, scowled.
“You... bought this, didn’t you?”
“Y-Yes?”
“That’s... pillar magistone. Genuine too? You bought something this pricey on impulse?”
“...Whoa?”
Teacher Junhwi raised his voice in shock. Teacher Min and Je-hyeon oppa looked stunned at his words. Uh, um... I twirled hair, averted eyes awkwardly, then nodded.
“Um... yes.”
Teacher Junhwi forehead-palmed, deep sigh. I shrank hearing it. Teacher Min baffled too.
“Thought you’d wandered—turns out you caused a different mess?”
“Um...”
“Genuine, high purity. Bracelet silver or platinum. Minimum 1 million won...”
Teacher Junhwi appraised painedly. The more he said, the smaller I felt. Je-hyeon oppa approached, face darkening, interrogating.
“Where’d you get money like that?”
“Saved from game scenario writing, duh...”
“You saved for this? What even for?”
Tone sharpening to scolding. I snapped back, upset.
“I thought long and hard before buying! Seeing mana helps most, and this has super unique attribute mix!”
“Still too expensive.”
He was angry now. Je-hyeon oppa’s face twisted harshly. Scary, honestly. Eyes stinging a bit, but I pressed.
“I considered price too! Skipped ultra-expensive, picked good mana feel, decent purity, not too costly, and pretty!”
“You’ve liked impulse-buying since kid—bad habit. Plenty other mana to study. Come to Ufellrussia when grown. Can’t start with stuff this pricey. Too advanced anyway—won’t help now.”
“It will help!”
“How?”
“W-Well...!”
Words stuck. Je-hyeon oppa’s gaze chilled unlike usual—like scolding a childish screw-up. Mood sank, eyes heating.
Yeah, expensive—I get it. But I thought it through. Earned it myself, decided myself.
“W-Well...!”
It would help. I’d prove it. Palmed out, gathered mana. Compared to bracelet’s magistone, fused mana. Identically, like copying the spell!
‘Light, wind, fire... this is sun, and—sky! Gather it all... solidify...!’
Mana swirled in my palm. Teacher Junhwi’s eyes widened. Teacher Min panicked, shielding me. Toughest fusion yet. Well, not harder than light-dark. Definitely.
Mana compressed, solidified in my hand. Moments later... a fist-sized gem dropped onto my palm. I tilted my head at it.
“...Huh?”
Forgetting anger, I rolled the stone lightly on my hand.
“Crystal...?”
Mana mix matched bracelet’s magistone closely. But unlike a crystal...
Then Teacher Junhwi’s shocked voice.
“No way... a magistone?”
...What?
I looked up. Teacher Junhwi stared at the gem in my hand, eyes huge. His hand trembled over his mouth.
...What? Magistone?
I peered at the stone again.
Mana crystals and magistones totally different. Crystals: mage’s mana solidified. Magistones: no. Mana stones are mana in stone form; magistones refined by hands. They generate mana themselves.
And what I just made... a magistone...?
“...!”
Eyes widening slowly, I gasped. The stone’s feel in my hand felt utterly different now.
Rare mages could craft magistones directly. Yeah, I’d heard.
My hand nearly slackened. But I gripped the magistone tight, staring with shaky eyes.
We stood shocked, silent for a while.
All done, we boarded the airship again. I stared blankly at Ufellrussia from the deck.
The sky-floating island still wondrous, beautiful. But I couldn’t focus. Recent events stuck in my head.
‘Magistone... huh.’
Leaning on the railing, I gazed at the sky. Friends called from behind.
“Eunha, whatcha doing?”
Strong wind hit as I turned. Airship started moving slowly. Wind picked up. I looked at friends, grinned.
“Nothing. Kinda tired?”
“Yeah?”
Inha joined me at the railing. She gazed at receding Ufellrussia, murmuring.
“Fun, right? Ufellrussia.”
“...Yeah. It was.”
Nodding slowly, recalling five days. Yeah, fun. All fun.
I scattered my crowded thoughts, stretched hugely.
“Huaa... Truly fun, Ufellrussia.”
I smiled wide. Biting wind felt great.
And so, the school trip ended.