Chapter 116
Chapter 116
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 116
Chapter Title: 21. Ties of Fate
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I leaned my arms on the railing, gazing at the fireworks embroidering the night sky. Below the rooftop, children chattered and played noisily. The rooftop was the perfect prime seat for watching the fireworks signaling the end of the festival. Plenty of other students had climbed up to the rooftops of various buildings too. Leaning against the railing, I muttered,
“It’s gotten pretty chilly.”
Minhee nodded at my words and pointed at the festival scenery with her finger.
“Yeah! That’s why I suddenly want to see snow! Snow at the festival! Snow with fireworks! Doesn’t that sound great?”
“Should we ask Yujeong Sister? She developed snow magic recently~.”
“Are you an idiot? Why would we drag a middle schooler down to the elementary section?”
“Uh…….”
I chuckled softly watching my friends banter like that. It had indeed gotten quite brisk, and fireworks under falling snow would probably be quite the sight.
Thinking that, I raised one hand. I gathered ice-affinity mana in my open palm and brought it to my mouth. Then I blew a puff of breath. The wind mana mixed with my breath blended with the ice mana in the sky and spread outward. Moments later, snowflake-like crystals drifted lazily down from the heavens.
“Wow! Whoa!”
“Eunha, you copied this spell too?!”
Minhee reached out like a child, and Hyunho turned to me with an amazed expression. I smiled brightly.
“It’s not real climate magic yet, so it’s not actual snow.”
“If you’re gonna nitpick like that, even Yujeong Sister with her real snow magic can’t make it snow from the sky?!”
Minhee muttered in exasperation.
Fair enough. I laughed in agreement and gazed at the school as the snow crystals fell. The kids below marveled or laughed at the drifting flakes. Some even tried to catch them. Inha sidled up beside me and whispered,
“That’s an application of Mom’s magic, right? I’ve seen her use spells like that.”
I just smiled quietly again.
The festival was ending. Winter was approaching.
I cupped my hand to my mouth and huffed warm air. My breath came out white. Though I didn’t actually feel that cold.
Every time I noticed something like this, it really hit me……how much I’d changed. Back then, I couldn’t stand the cold and always bundled up thickly.
Now, even without a coat, I barely registered the chill.
Even as I said that, I was actually bundled up pretty warmly right now. Winter habits die hard.
“Did you hear?”
Minhee suddenly spoke up.
“Hear what?”
“Over ten thousand people applied to our middle school.”
Whoa. I stared at Minhee in shock. Hansu put it into words.
“Crazy.”
“Right? Good thing they restricted it to people who’ve developed main spells, or it would’ve been a disaster.”
“How do they even test and filter that many?”
“Who knows. From what I heard, they check mana capacity first, then simulation results, interviews, that sort of thing? Middle school takes about 500 per grade anyway.”
“500 out of the whole country…….”
Inha, who’d been quietly listening to Minhee and Hansu beside me, let out a short sigh.
“That’s brutal.”
It really was. My friends nodded in agreement, and Minhee continued.
“Yeah. And all the current elementary kids just move up automatically.”
Inha tilted her head at that.
“So in the end, only about 400 out of ten thousand get in.”
“Yep.”
“Well, since the numbers vary slightly by grade for both elementary and middle, there must be other conditions too. Not sure though.”
Hansu scratched his head as he said that. After that, my friends debated the topic for a while. Listening to them, I felt a strange mix of emotions. For six years—barring a few exceptions—I’d been with the same group of kids. But now, a bunch of strangers would flood in from outside. Was I excited? Anxious? Even I couldn’t tell.
I did some mental math. One month, two months—not much left. Rank exam soon, then three weeks later, vacation. One month, two……and we’d graduate elementary.
‘So much I want to learn.’
Middle school means mostly electives outside core subjects. In this world, middle schoolers already choose their career paths. Combat, defense, healing, support, artisan tracks……you pick classes accordingly.
Even in middle school, I might see Teacher Junhwi and the others more regularly. As formal classes, even. But Teacher Min and Teacher Junhwi would probably thin out. They handle elementary.
‘Seonghu Brother covers upper elementary to middle, I heard.’
Strange feeling. How to describe it? Restless? Like the winter chill that didn’t quite reach my body.
I clenched and unclenched my fist.
But graduation didn’t change much. We played, laughed, and chatted as always.
If anything changed, it was consciously—or unconsciously—running into Teacher Junhwi more often? Teacher Min was our homeroom anyway, and I met Master regularly. But Teacher Junhwi taught fifth grade now. Without seeking him out, we might go a month without crossing paths.
Lately, though, that hadn’t happened. Teacher Junhwi and Teacher Min—not just at school, but at Master’s house too. I’d even visited the school dorms where they stayed.
Then, with December approaching, one hurdle arrived.
“Okay, okay. Everyone knows second semester’s almost over, right? And December’s packed with events? Finals, elementary graduation exam. Plus, something new for heading to middle school. This.”
Teacher Min wrote neatly on the blackboard. I froze for a split second at the sight.
『Dormitory Check-In』
The kids buzzed immediately by my ear. I brought my hand to my mouth.
“As you all know, middle school classes are insanely tougher than now. Some run at night, plus off-campus field training. Mostly electives outside basics, so dismissal times vary wildly. Middle school dorms are open 24/7. Tons of kids study late prepping for rank exams and independence after turning adult. High schoolers even more so.”
Right. This world was so different from my original one. I felt it anew, hand still at my mouth.
Just three years till adulthood. Compulsory education ends at middle school. Graduate that, and unless you’re a non-mage, you’re a functional mage. High school’s advanced training—most go. Middle’s job prep; high’s the real fieldwork.
So no mercy in middle school. Well, less than high school. But paths diverge there. Combat mage or…….
‘Or…….’
Whatever you choose, it’s your call. Rank exam decides it. Three years, three years.
Time flies, huh. I swallowed.
“So unless there’s a special reason, middle schoolers must dorm—it’s school rules! You’re still targets. What if something happens heading home late? Even with teleport commuting, most live far. One kid commutes from England. Can’t have that.”
Teacher Min snapped his fingers. Papers fluttered up from in front of him and landed one per desk. Consent forms. Dorm check-in consent.
“So get parents to sign within a week. Graduate in February, move to dorms a week before middle enrollment. No one’s skipping, right?”
Ugh, ugh. Hadn’t even crossed my mind. Not once.
I stomped my feet. High schoolers choose dorms—they’re skilled enough. I’d only recently learned middle wasn’t optional. Never cared before.
But yeah……if I advance, dorms it is. I bit my nail.
‘What to do……?’
Not a big deal, really. Dorms are one-per-room, spacious, customizable with magic. Great amenities.
But……that leaves just Mom and Dad at home. I’m already out gallivanting a lot. Without me, how lonely would they be…….
Not a great daughter in my past life either. How could a daughter who died young of an incurable disease be?
Didn’t love my parents insanely. But I did. Liked them, was grateful.
Same with these parents. No siblings, so just them……it nagged at me. And……I’d miss them too……
I looked at the form again. Standard boilerplate.
‘No special circumstances.’
Doesn’t mean I can’t go home from dorms. Visit anytime past curfew. But ‘living’ in dorms shifts your mindset. Won’t visit as often as living at home. Distance breeds distance.
“Hmm…….”
……But I seemed to be the only one agonizing. Glancing sideways, Inha had already checked the consent and tilted her head at me, face buried in my desk.
“What’s up?”
I gave a wry smile and shook my head. Of course. That’s kid-like. Worrying about parents being lonely……not at our age.
Some would love dorms—no nagging, no siblings. Proof? Other kids were already hyped.
“Yesss! Dorms!”
“I’ve always wanted to try this!!”
Hearing that, I lowered my gaze. Parents……get along great. Love marriage. Mom’s C-rank ace mage, Dad non-mage. Despite that, solid. Me in dorms means more couple time—they’d date like crazy. Neighbors have friends too……
I rolled my pen over the paper. But bigger trouble came next.
Teacher Min clapped to refocus the rowdy class. He knocked the board.
“And one more thing—kinda secretive though.”
Magic activated around the classroom. Soundproofing kicked in.
I sensed it alone, but kids looked at him curiously.
“You guys……ever hear of inter-school friendly matches……?”
Secretive for real—he hesitated. Oh? My eyes widened.
Of course I knew. Since early days here. Saw it……
‘Je-hyeon Brother showed me? First year?’
Dread flashed; I stiffened.
“Here’s the deal……it’s an ongoing thing. Sparring with other schools’ kids. See whose are best. Pick top three skilled upperclassmen per school…….”
Buzzing, milder than before. Then it cut off……all eyes on me.
“So, for our grade, the reps for this friendly match…….”
Teacher Min cleared his throat awkwardly, eyes straight at me. Inha blinked blankly; I froze hard. He met my gaze, looked sorry.
Then the dam burst.
“Eunha!”
“Grade’s strongest? Gotta be Eunha and Inha!!”
“Hansu too! Kyaa!!”
“What’s a friendly match? First I’ve heard!”
“You’re so slow! I knew!”
“Teacher, explain more!!”
“Alright, alright.”
As I cringed, Teacher Min detailed it. Only known in elite school circles, subtle peek at undisclosed elementary skills.
Elite network thing—dozen regulars, all famous. Including Busan’s Yuran, rivaling Daehyeon for top spots.
Kids listened with sparkling eyes. And their verdict? Same as ever, sadly.
“Then it’s gotta be Eunha!”
“Eunha, Hansu, Minhee, Inha, Hyunho’s strong too?!”
“But three: Eunha, Hansu, Inha!”
“Minhee was student council—tough too!”
As they clamored, I paled, hand over face. Ah……hate it.
Knew it was secretive, but hate’s hate. Hate standing out in-school; now exposed to kids from rule-free schools……
Just thinking, no. Middle school’ll expose me more. But with secrecy, newbies might dilute rumors.
No, unrelated. Just don’t wanna! Too much for shy me!
I shot Teacher Min pleading eyes. He flinched, averted gaze.
“Anyway, candidates’ll get personal notices……discuss among yourselves.”
I pouted at that. Turned to Inha.
“…….”
I startled. Inha’s eyes gleamed with deep interest. Cold gaze burned with competitive fire. Very childlike, yet not.
Speechless.
Inha and I differ. I hate fighting; she loves combat. Pursues combat mage strength. Hence thrilled at sparring peers.
Unbidden, Hansu, Hyunho, Minhee faces. Others’d want in too.
Minhee’s classic combat mage like Inha. Hansu not combat-oriented but has kid pride. Hyunho’d enjoy anything.
Others? Near our level……bit below: Yesl Kang, Siha Yoon. One equal: Ardell kid.
‘Siha’s like me personality-wise—no way. Yesl or Ardell might.’
I folded the dorm paper, mana-coated it wrinkle-free, into my small bag.
Who knew year-end’d pile on worries. Headache.
‘Dorms……talk to Mom and Dad tonight…….’
Heard dorm rules too. Free after school/weekends home. Weeknights: back by 10 unless class/training. Rest via student ID message. I read them silently.
Even in class, mind wandered. Notes illegible later. Practice: overperfected absentmindedly, snapped to applause—mortifying.
Teacher Min, ever watchful, noticed instantly. My distraction.
“Mind’s elsewhere today?”
Lunch, he called; said that. I scratched head.
“Something up? Friendly match worries? Unavoidable, but you kids decide—no need to stress.”
“No, not that…….”
“Then?”
“…….”
Met his worried eyes, looked down, spoke.
“Dorms…….”
“……? What about?”
“Wonder if it’s okay.”
Head down, wry smile.
“I’m an only child.”
He gaped silently.
“Mom and Dad, only me. They’re love-married, get along, bestie next door……still……worried.”
“…….”
Mom and Dad are busy. Know Mom cut work to mind me—top comms mage otherwise, gone days no issue.
High-rank org, even civil service.
Maybe past life influence. Left early. Siblings cushioned parents’ loneliness? But died young anyway.
Plus parental heart……no marriage, no bio kids. Pets like children, and……
Thought jammed. Goddess face flashed. Knew why, stopped. Clammed up.
“Just……thought that. Parents see kids as everything. Siblings’d ease it?”
No. As sister, I’d worry lone sib. Kids don’t feel parental love deep early.
Smiled warmly, looked up. Teacher Min stared shocked. Blanked, then serious, patted head.
“Good kid.”
“Huh? Y-Yeah…….”
“Rare even among adults. Eunha really loves family.”
Sensed his aura colors unconsciously—faint frown. Envy.
Right, raised in warzone. No parents. Unknown.
I shut mouth. Heard Junhwi siblings like family now……
“You’re not the regret-after-losing type. Lucky.”
He smiled kindly. I smiled back.
But worry lingered. Not dilemma—inevitable. Worry, yeah.
No excuse, must dorm. Kept fretting.
Unlike me, friends thrilled like Inha. Own dorm room felt special.
Minhee happiest. Je-hyeon Brother busy lately—home alone. Invited us, but empty. Last family, bigger void. Dorms better. Brother nearby for school work—reassuring.
“Hey, heard about friendly matches?”
“Oh, that!”
Hyunho beamed, chimed.
“Yeah! Sounds fun!”
“Right? Wanna try! Know our school’s skills already. Heh. Reps are school’s strongest!”
As expected. Inha nodded eagerly, fists clenched, cheeks flushed—adorably excited vs usual blank. Watched bemused, warmed.
Hansu, though? Meh.
“Not into it.”
Scratched nape, disinterested. Minhee, Hyunho goggled; Inha’s face odd.
“Not big on fighting. Wanna get strong, sure. Dorms too, meh.”
“Why? Why??”
“No me, parents got no reason home—out fighting nonstop?”
I startled, stared. He continued.
“They……get lonely easy despite……Anyway, house close, prefer commuting.”
Minhee poked, giggled.
“You’re not the lonely one?”
“Hah?! No way?!!”
Blushing, bickering Hansu—stunned stare.
Shocked. Different from me, but Hansu thinking same……
Viewed surprised. Hand half-raised, dropped.
When’d he mature?
Missed it. But yeah. Grown up.
Bratty, prickly kid before. Soft inside, couldn’t show.
Now? Deep eyes. Kid yet more adult than me sometimes. Taller than Minhee, near Inha—caught up.
Thought idly. Huh, Hansu kinda my type actually.
Not heart-pounding. But subtle.
Truly subtle.
“……? What?”
Realized. Punched palm.
Ah, Teacher Min’s feeling earlier.
“What? What?”
Strode to Hansu, ruffled hair rough. Wha?! Hey, what?! Patted, hands on hips.
“Yeah. Grown a lot.”
“Huh~?”
Got it. Hansu didn’t, but nodded satisfied. Yeah. Teacher Min felt this. Pride swelled.
What? What? Minhee clung questioning; Hansu fixed hair clueless. Hyunho teased stroking—back to play. Watched fondly.
Clack. Rolling pebble sound. Turned. Inha. Kicking stone silently beside.
“……?”
Moments ago excited; now dark. Not blank……disturbed. Tilted head.
“Something wrong? Inha?”
She snapped up. Awkward head twist, avoiding gaze? Shook no.
“Nah. Nothing.”
Seemed like something……
But shrugged it off.
Chatted till gate, parted. Waved friends; Inha and I teleported home.
“See ya later, Inha.”
“…Yeah. Sure.”
She smiled faintly, turned. Long black hair fluttered. Smiled at back awhile.
At gate, hesitated. Looking up house, tense inexplicably. Rare, family tension.
Reason: dorm talk tonight. Sooner better. Inha probably telling Auntie Seona too. Different reason—Inha wants dorms.
Though face weird midway……
Inha wouldn’t love parting parents. Just kid-excited for ‘dorms’. So childish.
But I couldn’t.
Past life: independent early. Died young. Know abandonment loneliness. Survivor’s too. Guilt, undeserved.
Deep breath, reached gate.