Chapter 12
Chapter 12
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 03
Chapter Title: The Name of Friend
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“Hey, I've been thinking about this for a while, but you know how to move your mana, right?”
“Huh? Y-Yeah?”
“You've been able to sense mana since last year, and there's no way a kid like you wouldn't practice moving it once you could sense it. And no way you'd practice and still not be able to move it. I feel this weird mana around you whenever I'm nearby.”
“…….”
“I saw it the other day. You putting mana into that orb of light.”
“……!”
Inha's words hit me like a storm, leaving me stunned at first. Then I jumped in shock. Gasp, she was awake? I regretted it too late—should've just pretended to sleep. Inside, I made a pitiful face. But I thought she'd forget by morning.
That panic didn't last long, though. I sneaked a glance at Inha and thought it over.
Actually, this girl might be okay knowing. Even as a kid, Inha seemed like the type who could keep a secret.
“Whatever, I get it. Mom's always telling me not to show my magic skills to others. That's your deal too, right?”
Not wrong. I nodded.
…Then I looked at Inha with a bit of surprise. For some reason, her vibe was totally different from moments ago.
“But, um…….”
“Hm?”
“Could you maybe…… show me your magic affinity?”
Inha asked super carefully. I suddenly remembered Auntie Seona asking if I wanted to check my affinities last time, and how I'd said it scared me and refused. Was that why? I pondered for a bit.
…Inha didn't seem like the type to blab to others. And since her own mom had suffered so much from her talents, she'd probably drilled secrecy into Inha. After a moment, I opened my mouth.
And……I wanted to get closer to her anyway. If I want to be friends, I have to open up too. So I made a request to Inha.
“…Sure. But don't tell anyone else…….”
“Why?”
“It's……embarrassing.”
“That weird?”
I nodded. Inha went quiet for a second before asking.
“…Even to my mom and dad?”
“No……if you're gonna find out anyway, those two are fine. But not others…….”
“Got it.”
I gave Inha a quiet smile and a quick thanks. With my mind made up, I led her to the master bedroom. I rummaged through drawers and such, finding the affinity stone slab I'd used before. Explaining would be confusing, so I'd just show her.
Feeling Inha's gaze, I poured mana into the slab. Lights flickered on in all the embedded gems, and the same numbers from before appeared.
“Huh…? Mom said it's rare for someone to have affinities in everything. And usually hard to have three or more high ones…….”
Inha stared at the slab I'd activated, her eyes going wide. Yeah, Mom had been pretty shocked too.
Light 9, Darkness 10, Water 9, Fire 6, Wind 8, Earth 5. Metal 9, Wood (Plant) 4, Special 10, Mental 10, Lightning 8.
Three perfect 10s, three 9s. Two 8s. Even the lowest, Wood and Earth, were average. Out of the 11 magic attributes, eight were super high affinity.
“This……that's why you didn't say anything. If I told Mom, she'd freak and rush over right now. Maybe better to keep it hidden for now…….”
Inha's eyes shook with confusion. She squeezed them shut, then opened them, her face calm as she slid the glowing slab back to me. Then she grinned.
“Amazing.”
What an odd feeling.
It was such a plain compliment, but that's why it made me so happy, and…….
“…Thanks.”
I felt shy, then broke into a big, happy grin.
That day, we talked while smiling for the first time. For lunch, we got udon delivered. At first, I ordered udon, and Inha hesitated before getting the same.
We chatted a bit, ate lunch, and afterward Inha went back to her usual quiet self. But today, she felt warmer somehow. She'd smiled at me, even started the conversation—stuff she'd never done before.
And that wasn't all. How to put it? She seemed less reserved than usual? When sitting on the couch, she'd normally sit a bit away, but now she was right next to me. When I struggled to reach a book on a high shelf, she'd grab it for me (Inha's taller than me).
Those little changes made me so happy.
By sunset, Auntie Seona came back. I buzzed her in through the intercom, and she burst inside with a huge smile. Uncle Jeongmin nearly tripped at the door on the way in. So clumsy, as always.
“Inha~ Did you have fun?”
Auntie Seona hugged Inha tight, looking like she'd missed her tons. Inha gave a small smile and nodded.
“Yeah. It was fine.”
“Good. And how were Mom and Dad?”
“All good. A bit tiring, but no problems! Hey, Eunha.”
“Hi.”
What a warm family. A kind, strong mom; a stoic-faced but caring, clumsy dad who's a bit off-kilter somewhere; a slightly stoic but cute, pretty, sharp daughter who looks after her parents well.
Wow, such a cozy setup. I smiled quietly at the heartwarming vibe.
“So, Inha, what'd you do while we were gone?”
“…Auntie Mirae helped me with magic training.”
“Hm~ Mirae's good at sensing, yeah. You can come train anytime.”
“…Yeah.”
Inha hadn't brought much from home—just herself was fine.
But she hesitated, glancing back at me. Why? Her parents were back; she should be thrilled to go home with them. At the same time, Auntie Seona looked at me worriedly.
“Oh, right—Eunha, you okay alone? Mirae's not back till tomorrow, and Jinhan won't be home for hours.”
“Yeah. I'm good.”
If anything, being alone was pretty normal for me. I answered casually.
Seeing my calm face, Auntie Seona hesitated, then said.
“If you're scared or lonely alone, just run next door to our place. And hey, I've been going to your house so much, you've hardly ever come to ours. Great—I'll tell that Mirae girl to bring you over tomorrow.”
She beamed as she said it.
“You too, Eunha—come tomorrow, okay?”
I smiled and nodded at her words. Yeah. Come to think of it, I don't remember going much. Plus, checking out Auntie Seona's house would be good for me.
She's as capable as she's busy—and rich too. Top world-ranked mage, super high-value talent. Bet she has tons of cool magic tools. Can't touch without permission, but just looking would be fun.
“…See you tomorrow.”
Inha hesitated a while before saying goodbye and heading out. That made me thrilled. I grinned all the way to my room, then it hit me.
“Oh, right. Now I can do magic training to my heart's content for once?”
I grinned wide. Awesome!! Alright, let's start with illusions in order!!
In the end, that day I collapsed from mana exhaustion for the first time in a month……well, it still happens sometimes, okay…….
Next day, Mom was sleeping till I got home from kindergarten. She'd forgotten to pick me up a few times before after work trips, but since I always came home fine, she just accepts it now. Teacher thinks it's normal too. Sometimes she even warns them ahead she can't make it.
Still, today Teacher asked about Inha again, which was kinda annoying.
But Auntie Seona said come over today—Mom's this tired, though. Should I tell her I can't? As I debated, Mom's phone rang.
“……?”
Unknown number? I'd ignore it—but it said 'Seona'. I grabbed the phone, went out of the room, and answered. A video popped up. Video call.
[Han Mirae, youuu! I said come over toda—! Oh? Eunha?]
[Wait, why's it Eunha?]
“Um, Mom's wiped out and sleeping…….”
Auntie Seona's eyes widened at my answer. It was that super casual face you make with close friends.
[Reall~y? Gotcha. Wait there!]
—Click.
The call ended after that. I stared blankly at the blank screen. I frowned a bit, went back to my room, and shook Mom awake.
“Mom—.”
“Mmm……Eunha……Mom's tired today, so…….”
“No, Mom—Auntie Seona said wait and hung up. She's coming to wake you.”
Total that vibe. Mom mumbled “Oh…?”, her sleepy voice cutting off. Then she bolted upright!
“G-Good thing……almost made a fool of myself…….”
“Mom…?”
“Thanks for waking me, Eunha. You're Mom's lifesaver──.”
She dashed to the bathroom, splashing water on her face, combed her messy bedhead neat, and changed clothes. All in two minutes flat.
“Mirae, you!”
I'd expected Auntie Seona at the door, but she teleported in—whoosh. Makes sense, world top-100 mage; teleport's easy. Our house has security wards……but probably whitelisted her family.
She appeared looking furious, but seeing Mom all put-together, she covered her mouth in surprise.
“…Oh, you're up?”
“Hehe. Eunha's my lifesaver~?”
“Tch, why'd you get a sharp daughter.”
Auntie Seona pouted a bit regretfully, came over, and grabbed our hands. I looked up at her.
“Eunha, like this okay?”
“Yeah? Sure…….”
I'd known she'd teleport the second she grabbed my hand—her mana was buzzing. Hair neat, clothes casual, so I nodded. I stared wide-eyed, taking in Auntie Seona's silver mana swirling actively.
…This is teleport mana.
The flow when a person teleports.
Felt amazing. The mana wrapped us three in an instant. Maybe because of its color, my vision went pure white for a moment. I blinked, the white mana scattered, replaced by a totally new scene. There was Inha in a yellow dress.
“Hi, Inha. So pretty today too~ Oh? Where's Jeongmin?”
“He's got other work today. I'm free. Hehe, actually made time on purpose.”
“What? Other stuff right after a three-day trip? Harsh.”
“It's fine. Got him to promise five days off after.”
“Well then…….”
“Squeezed a week free for me too. Though emergencies might call.”
“…Hmm.”
“Gotta squeeze more then.”
“Yeah! That's my Seona!”
“What'd you say—?”
Mom and Auntie Seona bickered like true decade-long friends. So childish for moms. I watched with a smile. Then Inha tugged my clothes from behind.
“…Huh?”
“Hi.”
“Yeah, hi.”
I smiled back, and Inha gave a faint smile. …Huh, what?
I was a little thrown. I'd thought since yesterday—after she smiled at me—the vibe had shifted. Less distant, friendlier……but now I saw it wasn't my imagination?
The distance between us had changed. Unlike yesterday's surprise, I could really feel it now. Her attitude was almost completely different.
…The smile I'd longed for, Inha showed so easily. My heart was actually pounding.
I put a hand to my chest without thinking. It'd been ages since someone's smile made my heart flutter. Inha's was that beautiful.
“Inha, show Eunha around? And that—‘basement’ too.”
“Yeah, got it.”
Auntie Seona's timely words snapped me out of it. I shook my head like waking from a dream and turned to Inha. She was nodding at her mom. Auntie Seona went back to chattering with Mom like they were fighting.
Basement? Oh, they have a basement. As I thought that, Inha led me.
She showed me rooms near the entry: her parents' room, guest rooms, storage, her own room. Inha's was super girly—unlike her personality. Mostly bright whites.
“Wow, so many pretty things. That's totally princess curtains, right?”
“I don't like it much.”
“Huh?”
“Mom decorated.”
“Oh.”
No wonder it didn't match her image. Made sense.
For reference, my room's done to my tastes—girly in a different way. Good color combos, I think. Brown desk and shelves, white lace bedspread with sky-blue fabric, glow-in-the-dark star and moon stickers on the ceiling. Brown wardrobe, light orange curtains tied with pink bead strings. Quilt mostly white and pink. Still think I nailed it.
Inha had her own room too. I marveled oddly. I looked around her room happily, then she took me to the farthest one.
A stark room. Just shelves for furniture, magic tools lined up neatly. Like the storage I'd seen. My eyes sparkled, but I didn't dare touch—I just checked their mana. Hm, this feels……kinda like Inha's mana…?
“Light magic tools?”
“Lightning magic tools.”
Oh yeah, Inha had high lightning affinity too. I nodded.
Then I puzzled over the mana's color. Wait, the item's mana was gold. I'd never seen other light magic, but my light and lightning are silver. Inha's mana is gold too. High light affinity doesn't mean gold light, right? Or high lightning makes it gold? But lightning doesn't have an inherent color—just temperature-based……
Anyway, Inha's mana and these tools were gold—more yellow-gold precisely.
“…Look at that later.”
Inha said that, tugged my arm away from the items, felt around the wall, and hit a switch. Stairs appeared in the storage room's center floor.
“Wow!”
My eyes sparkled. I accidentally let out a gasp and covered my mouth in embarrassment. But seriously, I'd only seen this in movies—super cool. I shook off the shy and stared at the stairs excitedly. Glanced at the wall too. Probably just a mechanism—no mana. So the stairs are plain stone? …No.
I focused mana in my eyes. There—faint traces, but with focus, colors showed sporadically. Probably traps.
“Stick right behind me.”
Inha said flatly and stepped down. I followed. Ooh, dodging those. That one's safe? Thinking that, we descended. Another door at the bottom.
Beep beep.
Inha punched in a code and added mana. The door slid aside, revealing inside.
“Heh.”
A room packed with high-tech-looking gear. Most of one wall was thick glass to another room. I sensed mana enveloping the glass wall. Defensive magic? Felt like my barriers—guessed from that. Barriers are basically 'defense'.
Figured the glass room was a magic training area. Glass walls, machines out front—textbook setup. Spot on.
“That's the magic training room.”
So these machines control the glass room's environment. Still mana-focused, I scanned around. Then a vivid mana color caught my eye—from another room inside. Looked like a plain wooden door.
Tried see-through magic. But it didn't penetrate well. Anti-magic ward?
“Ah……that's the high-level magic item vault.”
Got it! No wonder.
“Cool, right?”
Auntie Seona's voice came from behind my excited self. I turned mid-gawk to see her hands on hips, smug. I nodded shyly.
“Yup~ Snagged it from the Defense Ministry. They owed me for blocking attacks, so I asked for a training room that could handle my full power. Heh……I'm pretty capable, huh.”
“Pfft, self-praise.”
“Hehehe.”
I watched the two kids-at-heart, then looked back at the training room in awe. If it handles Auntie Seona's mana……that's huge.
Soon she explained everything: how to use the training room, operate machines, activate simulations, sim types, training modes by category and item applications. I listened intently.
After, she said once I could use magic, come train anytime. ……Awkward smile from me, since I already could.
We went back upstairs, played board games with magic items. I'm bad at games, but it was fun.
Even better, Auntie Seona's an amazing cook—I shyly scarfed it down and went home.
“Come play again.”
“Uh……yeah.”
A fun day.
And from that day—no, from the day Inha first smiled at me—we started getting close. Slowly, but fast.
Quiet Inha always greeted me after that. When Mom and Auntie chattered, Inha quietly talked to me. I was thrilled. Answered carefully, started conversing. Inha began showing expressions around me.
Once we could chat naturally, Inha started coming over without her mom. I welcomed her a few times, then one day mustered courage to visit her. She welcomed me warmly. Made me so happy. And another day,
“Can I……sleep over in your room tonight?”
“…….”
Auntie Seona and Uncle Jeongmin were home that day. I grinned and answered.
“Yeah!”
We talked, practiced moving mana. Inha was amazed at all the ways just moving mana could be used, from what I taught. At some point, I realized smiling at each other felt natural.
At night, lying in bed under covers whispering, Inha suddenly asked.
“Not using it tonight?”
“Hm?”
“That……you often write in your notebook at night?”
“Oh……that…….”
I scratched my head, embarrassed. Right, she'd seen me with the light orb.
“That's……me writing magic I wanna learn…….”
“Oh?”
“Yeah. I have high affinities in lots, so basic or support spells are doable…….”
“…True.”
Inha nodded. We went quiet. She asked next.
“…Picked your main spell yet?”
“Yeah.”
More like made it already. Should I say? As I debated, Inha looked surprised.
“Really? What?”
“…Illusion.”
Introducing my main magic was surprisingly embarrassing. Or just me? I turned away awkwardly, and Inha said “I see,” then raised a finger.
“Me too. Main magic.”
She poured mana into her fingertip, making tiny lights float. Two or three circled us, melting the darkness.
“Wow…….”
Fall of age 6, Inha already had her main spell. Amazing speed. Not reincarnated, no cheats. But innate talent and maturity beyond her parents—she'd made light magic, like I'd said suited her.
“Sub too?”
“Still thinking on sub…….”
She spun the lights as she said it. Pretty. Definitely not standard magic. Pure Inha mana—like fireflies, glowing yellow in the air.
“Then, since you showed me…….”
I murmured, pointing at her floating lights. Slow now, but soon with mana, light-speed or shooting attacks easy. Mine just circled people—low difficulty unless high-end, and never planned as attack magic.
“Huh……?”
The flying lights scattered. Like mirror reflections, bouncing everywhere. I could now make illusions real enough for the brain to buy, even a little. The room filled with tiny lights. Inha yelped in shock.
“You……!”
“Y-Yeah……!”
“That's 'illusion' magic? When'd you make a spell……?”
Inha knew her talent was special. I hesitated, then answered. She'd shared, so……
And we're 'friends' now? Took guts to say it, but I told the truth.
“…Age 5.”
“Age 5?! Why didn't you say!”
“Embarrassing……shy……sudden would be weird……waiting for the right time? Didn't really wanna anyway.”
“…….”
“Oh, uh—since I showed it, might as well? I made sub spells too.”
“What—?”
“Word magic and barrier magic! Those two, plus illusion—all unfinished. Barriers super hard. Not just defense—based on 'world'?”
“…….”
Stunned by my bombshell, Inha crossed arms, pondering seriously. Ugh……too soon? As I worried, she met my eyes intently.
“Show me.”
“…Yeah!”
Thrilled, I grinned proudly.
Han Mirae, Yoo Eunha's mom, smiled tenderly at the kids asleep leaning on each other. She closed their door and turned. Continued her call. Kim Seona, watching via video, grinned warmly.
[Good they're close. Our Inha worried about Eunha so much. Won't approach if she doesn't like or care—yet always sits by Eunha on her own. Hesitates seeing her from afar, but still goes over.]
Kim Seona recalled recently. Yeah, the rainy day during Inha's three-day sleepover at Eunhas', endless monsoon. Inha spotted Eunha huddled under an umbrella and went right to her. Thought some kid was splashing puddles, but quiet, mature Eunha? Kids are kids, she'd thought fondly.
[Plus I heard her muttering alone once, 'Does she hate me?']
Mirae giggled.
“No wonder—Inha always tries sleeping next to Eunha.”
[Oh my.]
“And our Eunha fussed over Inha too. Those eyes. Even said she wanted to be friends.”
[Hehe, know what? Inha watches Eunha a lot.]
“Yeah, kept catching Inha staring at her.”
[Both mature, but Inha's sharper? Hehehe. Oh, been sensing mana around Eunha lately.]
Mirae bowed her head silent. Seona's face hardened.
“…….”
[…Mirae?]
At Seona's call, Mirae answered apologetically, looking guilty.
“Um……sorry. Guess my kid's surprisingly good at magic. Can't tell yet—even you'd freak. And she's shy, embarrassed.”
[Really? Seemed like she can use magic already.]
Mirae flinched. Seona eyed it meaningfully, then smiled wryly. Forced cheer.
[Eunha wins on talent then~.]
“Seona~!!”
[Fine, I'll play dumb for now. But why'd Inha suddenly wanna get close? Even said she might hate her.]
“Oh, I saw that.”
Mirae switched to a grin.
“Told you I asked Eunha if she wanted to be friends with Inha? Inha overheard from behind. Sneaky-like.”
[Oh my my, kids are so precocious.]
“Right?”
[Anyway, glad Inha and Eunha are friends. Our Inha had zero…….]
“Our Eunha struggles with friends too~.”
They grinned at each other. Cute kids—they'd hoped for reliable friends like they had for each other. It happened, and they were overjoyed.