Chapter 16
Chapter 16
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 16
Chapter Title: 04. Scout
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That must have been the main point.
I felt a bit uncomfortable as I muttered softly.
"No..."
"Hmm~ I see..."
She looked disappointed. I figured as much. There was no other reason for her to be so kind to me out of nowhere and buy me food except to recruit me.
On the other hand, I grew a little curious about Daehyeon. After all, she'd come here on her own time. It meant she liked the school enough to personally scout talent for it. And she was still a student herself. The fact that the student council president—no less—thought it was worth doing made it pretty appealing.
Just then, as if reading my mind, she pointed at me and said,
"Were you wondering? Why I'm being so nice to you?"
"..."
"It's nothing big. I just thought it'd be great if you became my underclassman."
I stared at her confident smile, then hesitantly replied,
"Because... I have talent?"
Even saying it myself made me cringe. Talent? What talent! It felt embarrassing to brag about magic I'd picked up early just because I was mature for my age.
She nodded at my words. Then she said something unexpected.
"Yeah. That's part of it."
"?"
"But more than that, I was impressed watching you use your magic."
My eyes widened at that, but a 'ding!' rang out like it was timed to break the mood, and our food arrived. The delivery system brought the plates to the table. Ah, finally. She eagerly reached for her plate and cup, placing the coffee cake and espresso in front of me before taking her own drink and dessert.
She immediately scooped a bit of cake onto her fork and popped it in her mouth.
"Mmm~! So good!"
Her happy expression made me smile without realizing it. Seeing people bliss out over delicious food always lifts my spirits. Even if I don't like sweets, I love that they do.
"So, where was I? Oh, right. That day with the terrorist attack, I saw you using magic and thought you were amazing."
Before I could ask why, she answered the question in my heart.
"Think about it. What kid could do that? Kids are usually so immature... powerless. Even with talent and power, what child would make that call in a crisis? If you look back at my own childhood, I would've been shaking and crying, not knowing what to do. I couldn't have done anything more."
Everyone's different, I thought. But I blushed and looked down. She was trying to be objective, but I knew it was high praise directed at me. She took another bite of cake.
"But you did something I couldn't have at your age. Instead of waiting for help, you took charge and broke out of that situation. It was incredible."
"..."
"I'm the one who told the other teachers about you. After seeing that, I hoped a strong kid like you would become my underclassman. It wouldn't do to let someone like you get caught up in adult drama."
Her words made my whole body tingle. Embarrassment, shyness, a touch of pride, joy... Was she trying to make me dance like a whale on praise? Suddenly, affection for her bubbled up out of nowhere. It was embarrassing, but more than that.
But her next words made my eyes go wide.
"And above all, what really caught my eye was how cool your magic was. It had such amazing power that it could help you in a situation like that."
She said it with a smile, spearing another piece of cake like it was the most natural, boastful thing.
In that moment, my chest tightened. It was... yeah, like the feeling when someone praised my novel.
I'd always had rock-bottom self-esteem growing up. I never thought I was better than anyone. I was ordinary, plain—that's what I believed.
The one thing I was truly proud of was my novel. It was the dream I'd chased since childhood, worked hard for, and achieved with my own hands. My one real accomplishment.
It felt just like that. I'd loved magic since birth. I'd agonized over it and chosen it. From the moment I heard it was magic I "grew," I'd cherished it deeply.
So this time, I was truly proud. Honestly, I was touched. Overjoyed. I beamed at her.
"Thank you!"
Her eyes widened this time.
"For saying that about my magic... It makes me so happy."
It was still a little embarrassing, but unlike the awkwardness earlier, this was genuine joy. I smiled and started nibbling my cake. A moment later, she patted my head.
"Good girl."
Somehow, her hand didn't feel uncomfortable anymore.
She walked me all the way home. As we reached the front gate, she looked a bit regretful.
"By the way, you still haven't decided on a school, right? Hey! Come visit ours sometime. Yeah, that'll work. I'll give you a special tour. What do you say?"
I looked at her, a little flustered, and said,
"Uh... I heard Daehyeon is pretty secretive. Is that okay?"
"Of course~ Who'd object to something I do? Besides, it's fine for you. You're our top scouting priority at Daehyeon."
Her playful words made my eyes go round. Top priority? Me? She burst out laughing at my shocked face.
"You think talented kids like you are common? Sure, your friend Inha seems pretty gifted too, but not like you—creating magic and using it so skillfully. You're a little lady who deserves top-tier VVIP treatment at Daehyeon right now."
Her exaggerated praise left me flustered. It hit home that my magic skills were out, and her words felt heavy. Ha, I let out a sigh.
But touring the school did appeal to me. As I pondered, a creaking sound came from beside us. I turned to see our front gate opening. Black gates swung wide, and Inha popped out.
"Eunha! You're late!"
I stifled a grin at Inha's blank-faced scolding. Anyone else would see it as pouting cheeks puffed out in a sulk. So cute.
"Ah, Inha! Hi?"
"...You."
Inha, who'd been about to run to me, paused at the unfamiliar face. She waved at Inha.
"Hi~ Still so, so pretty. Wow, I don't see girls as gorgeous as you often. I was shocked at first."
I nodded in agreement. Yeah, Inha really was stunning. Her glossy black hair like polished ebony, pale jade-like skin, icy cool eyes—everything was perfect.
"But pretty girls have it rough~. Good looks build confidence, but they attract weirdos. If you come to our school, I'll give you anti-stalker gear. Otherwise, I couldn't leave you alone; it'd worry me."
That was a concern for me and Inha's family too. We never let Inha out alone. Me? I'm fine. Average looks. But Inha's too pretty; no helping it.
Inha stared at her, frowning like she didn't get it.
"So?"
Inha grabbed my hand from behind.
"Why are you with Eunha?"
She hugged my arm, glaring warily. I panicked, but she reached for Inha with a delighted look.
"Jealous? Adorable."
Inha dodged the pat, annoyed.
"Ugh, don't touch me."
She pulled me back too. But she seemed unfazed, enjoying it.
"Nice guard dog—love it. Big sis loves seeing close friends get along."
She was no pushover, slipping through any attitude with ease—
"Nothing much, just thinking of inviting you to school. You know the mage rank exams are coming up? Classes are light right now. Middle school's kinda the same. So I can show you the high school part. Secretly, of course."
She put a finger to her lips. I turned and couldn't help smiling warmly. Inha's eyes sparkled instantly, her attitude flipped.
"Really?"
"Yep. Big sis has skills? I can teleport you there in a flash."
Inha yanked my arm right away.
"Come on, Eunha. Let's go."
"Yeah. If Inha wants, let's check it out. When should we...?"
"N-Now! Let's go now."
"What? Now?"
I was startled. She seemed a bit thrown too, brushing her hair.
"Hmm... I don't mind..."
"Let's go! Pleeease, Eunha~~."
Inha's uncharacteristic whining flustered me. She'd bolt if I said yes. Then she nodded.
"Fine, if you're going, I'll take you."
Ah, Inha's eyes burned brighter. I looked at her, then Inha, and sighed softly.
"First, tell Auntie or Uncle. I'm in kindergarten clothes anyway; need to change. Meet back here in 10 minutes."
"Okay!"
No way we'd go unprepared. Inha nodded eagerly. She nodded too, agreeing to wait.
Inha dashed inside. I followed.
"Mom! I'm home!"
"Eunha, you're late... What're you doing?"
I stripped off my kindergarten uniform in the living room, grabbed it, and bolted upstairs to my room.
"Eunha?!"
"Wait! Changing!"
Under my uniform was kid stuff, not my taste. I pulled on long black pants and a brown sweater up to my neck, topped with a light jacket. I tossed the old clothes on the bed and packed my small purse. Hmm, the self-defense spray Mom got me last time, and...
"Eunha, what're you up to? Going out?"
"Yeah! Inha begged, so... Remember Lee Eunhee, the student council president from Daehyeon? She's offering a school tour. Inha wants to go now."
"And you're going?"
"Yeah. Teleport there. Okay, right?"
Mom pondered. I grabbed my wallet too. She murmured like a sigh.
"Fine, no funny business at school... Should be okay. But the secrecy's iffy. You sure you'll be fine alone?"
"Yeah. Like I said, they're secretive. Especially wary of adult mages, from what I heard. Kids like us, scouting targets—they'll sneak us in."
Mom seemed convinced. She'd mumbled during my prep, stuff Auntie Seona mentioned. Seona knew Daehyeon's head; said it's a good organization.
"Alright, I'm off!"
"Have fun."
Inha was out already, with Auntie Seona too.
"Huh? Auntie Seona, why...?"
"Just... have fun."
"Don't worry. Quick trip."
Council President smiled—a bit more restrained than before. Auntie Seona nodded.
"Yeah. Oh, don't mention me to their chairman. Awkward if we're linked like that."
"Got it."
She bowed politely, offering hands to me and Inha.
"Ready? Let's go."
She grinned at me. Her smile to Auntie Seona was different—polite. Now I saw she'd been tense around her.
'Figures.'
Auntie Seona's an S-rank mage, top 100 worldwide. Most mages fear or admire her. Heart-pounding tension's natural. She's that legendary.
Especially fellow Koreans. I nodded inwardly and took her hand.
Whoosh—mana enveloped us. The scenery melted away. Teleport felt familiar now.
Mana settled; the school from the pamphlet loomed ahead. Inha let out a rare gasp.
"Wow..."
"Bigger than you thought?"
"...(nods)."
Inha nodded vigorously.
"Come on, this way. Shh—gotta be sneaky. Hide or dodge if people show. Or say elementary division, but Inha's face is too noticeable... Ugh, it'll work out."
She scratched her head, eyeing us.
"Elementary's casual uniforms anyway... No one'll recognize you. Avoid teachers, sharp ones especially... Alright, let's go."
She led us again. She said be careful, but she seemed to be having fun. We snuck across the empty sports field, walked quiet halls, gawking curiously.
"Honestly, rules limit what I can show... Classrooms? Can't go in. Auditorium maybe? Oh, student council room later for tea?"
The big building looked like a normal school inside. Cleaner than ones I remembered. Inha kept looking around in wonder.
Similar but different. Potted trees at corners—twice our height, radiating mana.
Classroom doors: steel, painted. Windows: reinforced glass, mana-coated. Auto doors with key slots and keypads.
Things I'd never seen in my past life.
Silence in the hall. Light footsteps, reddish sky through windows. Wingbeats maybe.
"Ah, people coming."
At the hall's end, she whispered, peeking. Sighed softly.
"Hmm, them's fine. Just go."
She acted casual. I huddled behind her. Three high school girls approached from the opposite hall, chatting. They bowed to her.
"Oh, President! Hi."
"Hi."
"Huh? Kids behind you..."
"Elementary kids. Curious about high school, so I brought 'em. Friends."
"Wow, look at her! So pretty!"
"Skin's super pale~."
"Cute~!"
They squealed, reaching for us. I looked troubled; Inha's face hardened. She intervened.
"Hey, you're scaring them."
"Aw~."
She led us away.
"Good luck on rank exams."
"You too! Best results!"
"Thanks."
Inha glared back at them unhappily, then turned away, clutching my arm tight.
"Next time, avoid people."
"Yeah? Less hassle."
I eyed Inha worriedly. I knew she hated nosy strangers, but this seemed extreme. Almost social anxiety.
'Hmm, just young? She'll grow out of it.'
Yeah, I wouldn't like random touching either.
We toured more: auditorium, computer lab peeks. Science room too—magic potions galore. Worth the visit.
No classroom entry. She didn't even try; must be off-limits. Made sense—personal student stuff inside.
"Ah, student council room that way..."
We followed. Suddenly, she pointed down a hall, then froze.
"...Geh."
Weird groan; she backed up, face twisted in panic. She started retreating stealthily.
"Annoying guy's here... Ugh, run. He's sharp, freakishly smart—spot you instantly..."
"What're you doing?"
She froze mid-whisper. I looked up curiously. Wow...
"Senior. Weren't you on expedition? Voluntarily, right?"
Handsome guy. Jet-black hair, eyes—mysterious vibe. Tall.
Unlike my awe, she straightened up at him, hiding us behind her. We were stuck, arms linked. Situation felt tense; no complaining.
"Uh, um..."
Awkward reply. He twitched a brow.
"...I see the kids behind you."
"..."
She turned away from his gaze silently. Our eyes met—ice-cold, mechanical stare. Breath-stealing.
I looked away quick. She sighed.
"No, just guiding elementary kids..."
"Hmm... Don't recognize them."
"You memorize every elementary kid's face?!"
"The ones close to you."
I tilted my head. ...Stalker? But her next words cleared it.
"Ugh, yeah, your memory's insane. Never forget a face. But these are under my authority; ignore 'em. I know you dislike little girls."
"Not all; just uncomfortable."
"Sigh... Fine. But Joo Je-hyeon, why're you here?"
He smiled faintly—warm, startling me. Eye candy.
"Reason I can't? Came to spar Seonghu Senior, but work piled up. So, you're fully back?"
"Huh? Oh, maybe 3 more days? Seonghu still inside?"
"President ditched for expedition..."
"Ah, sorry, sorry."
She grabbed our hands, closing in on him.
"Good luck on rank exams. Results'll be fun—won't lose to you, Senior."
"Brat~!"
She growled, glaring. He grinned mischievously, passing without glancing at us. Heading to council room, she grumbled.
"Sheesh, run into Je-hyeon of all people. Guy's too perceptive; annoying."
Yeah, that vibe. But he smiled nicely at friends. Not bad. Handsome too.
That was it. I tuned him out—not into strangers.
"But Seonghu might be in council room. Whatever. Come in. Late anyway—tea, chat, then home."
Yeah, seen enough, had fun. Inha and I exchanged looks, nodded.
She turned the knob. Click—council room door opened. Sign above: 『Student Council Room』.
We followed inside. Spacious. Walls lined with books. Small sofa and table upfront; bigger desk, computer behind. Papers stacked beside.
A guy at the desk typing.
"Hi, Seonghu."
'Heh.'
Another hottie.
Unique hair: short but sides long, bob-like. Dangling earring on one ear.
"...Lee Eunhee? Aren't you still on expedition?"
"Yeah. But wanted to talk to these kids."
She nudged us forward.
"Ta-da. Cute, right?"
I flinched. Inha frowned. Colder gaze swept us than before. Then his eyes widened in surprise.
"'Yoo Eunha'..."
Eh? Knows my name? Again? I turned to her flustered. She whispered,
"The kid who stopped the glass arboretum terrorist with me."
I looked at him shocked. So he's my benefactor too.
She beamed; he sighed at us.
"You... these kids should be in Gyeongnam..."
"Yeah, but scouting 'em. They're sharp. Plus, worried they'd get dragged into trouble elsewhere. Our school's nicest to kids, from what I see."
"...Fine."
Sigh-like breath; his face softened warmly. I blinked. He stood.
"Huh? Where?"
"Got called by teacher. Speaking of, where's Teacher Baekhan?"
"Oh, he's basically on vacation?"
"...Left him."
He walked past casually. Our eyes met—surprisingly kind. Unlike the last guy.
"Send 'em back soon."
"Ye~s."
She nodded, seating us on the sofa. He left.
"Who's he...?"
"Vice president. My right-hand. Han Seonghu. Pretty cool, huh?"
She blushed, grinning. I watched, then sat where she gestured.
"Alright, toured the school, parents left it to you... Let's chat?"
She pulled stuff from desk drawer—teapot, steaming tea, cookies popping out somehow.
"Eat up."
Inha thanked her, grabbing a cookie. I hesitated, bowed, then did too.
"Honestly, I want a firm yes from you two—especially you, Eunha—before heading back. That's why I'm lingering."
"..."
"Truth is, seeing your skills, and dragging you into that mess... I feel responsible. Inferiority complex? Ah, you kids don't know that term. Just responsibility then. Anyway, confirmed your power in that spot..."
So that's it. Beyond school loyalty, needless guilt. Tough exterior, but kind-hearted.
Yeah... She's basically a savior; I'm grateful already.
"So I'd love to bring you here. Protect you best that way—or recommend another good school."
She gave a wry smile.
"But your will matters most."
She looked at us seriously. Inha hesitated, looking down, then spoke. Rare for her.
"Honestly... School seems good. Famous... But..."
I hid my troubled look, bowing head. Yeah. Inha wants to go where I do. If I waver, so does she. I hesitated, asked,
"Question okay?"
"Sure. Ask away."
"Um... Sis."
I settled on "sis" over president or senior.
"You seem to love this school. Why...?"
She grinned.
"Heard it before?"
She propped elbows on desk, chin in hand. Distance closed.
"I transferred from another school. Did elementary elsewhere, made unique magic early? Got recommended into Daehyeon..."
Yeah, heard that. I nodded.
"'Confidentiality rule' was perfect for me—skills leaking, dragged everywhere. Tired of adults using me for danger. Sick of leaning on my talent, whispers, admiring stares. Then I heard about Daehyeon."
"..."
"Half-hoping. Needed secrecy desperately. But..."
She smiled overwhelmed.
"Better than expected! Hiding strength! Speak it yourself, or not. Even if, stays internal till high school; protects student privacy! For me, battered by everything—it was pure joy."
Hand on heart, earnest.
"And hiding strength smooths student bonds too. Full disclosure breeds unwanted admiration. High school's fine for that—real combat starts then."
She nodded fervently.
"Felt it brutally outside. Then here, anonymous, friends treating me normal—so happy..."
Her eyes sparkled with star-like joy. Mana danced, glittering. Ah... Mana reacts to emotion? Eyes wide.
"Got so much here I never had. Love it. Feel kinship, want kids like you here."
I eyed her mana, sincere face, then pondered head down.
Talk was short. Till cookies gone. Dusk near dark, she teleported us home.
"Waiting for your answer!!"
She yelled, waving. We waved back; whoosh—she vanished.
I dropped my hand, walked hands behind back. Slowly, thinking, a bit.
What to do?
Fate led here; skills exposed anyway. Other schools need demos too. Plus, scouting school's advantageous.
Might be fine.
'Plus, likes my magic; genuinely loves school kindly...'
Not rushing home, Inha followed. Hand in pocket—jingling touch.
'Ah...'
Pulled it out absently. Thin chain necklace swayed, jingling. Inha eyed curiously.
"What's that? Necklace?"
Indigo mana crystal dangled. Pretty under evening sky.
I smiled faintly, offering it palm-closed to Inha.
"Here."
"?"
Hand out; she opened palm reflexively. Dropped necklace gently.
Jingle.
"Gift."
Inha stared puzzled at her palm, eyes widening at my words.
"Huh?"
"Just... well-made."
"..."
She gazed silently. Trembling eyes asked,
"...You made it? Yourself?"
"Yeah. Magic."
"For me...?"
"Yeah."
Nodded, smiling. She lifted it shakily, held to streetlight, unreadable face—then hugged me tight, deeply moved. Muffled whisper by ear.
"Thanks...!"
Startled briefly, I smiled, nodded at her voice.
"Yeah."
That word thrilled me. Hugged her small frame preciously, murmured again.
"Yeah."
Days later, I submitted my application to Daehyeon Magical Academy.