Chapter 18
Chapter 18
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 18
Chapter Title: The Day I Went to School
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[-- 05. The Day I Went to School --]
I blinked as I looked at her. It was the woman who had guided us earlier.
‘Ah, she really is a teacher.’
My guess and Inha’s had been spot on. And from the looks of it, she was our homeroom teacher.
I took a fresh look at her. She was wearing a suit, her brown hair cascading down, and she looked young, maybe in her early thirties.
She smiled and greeted us.
“Hello. I’m Youngah Im, and starting today, I’ll be your homeroom teacher for Elementary Division Class 1-1. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
With that, the teacher bowed slightly. At the same time, we clapped out of habit.
“Then, let’s take roll call... but first, everyone needs to close their desks. I’ll show you how. Slide your student ID back into the slot on the desk and think, ‘Desk, close.’”
At her words, all the kids put their student IDs back into the slots and started closing their desks. Next, the teacher showed us how to open just the desk drawer. The key was thought, just like I had done.
“Alright, now for roll call.”
I listened to the teacher calling names from number one as I pulled a few textbooks out of my desk drawer, skimmed them, and tried to slip one I liked into my student ID... then stopped. Come to think of it, the student ID’s sub-space function required injecting a certain amount of mana. About half the kids here seemed able to move mana, but from what I’d heard, it still wasn’t enough to use the sub-space.
As I let out a sigh of relief—or maybe disappointment—my name was called.
“Number 20, Yoo Eunha.”
“Yes.”
Like the other kids, I raised my hand in response. She nodded, just as she had for them.
After roll call, nothing much happened. She explained tomorrow’s schedule—school orientation, a short class, and so on. First semester would focus on textbook studies, basic magic theory, especially meditation to gather mana, sensing mana well, and moving it. But starting second semester, there’d be some practical work with potions and such.
Then the teacher spent about twenty minutes introducing herself, gave a quick rundown of the classroom, and said we could go home for today. Since it was the entrance ceremony, it ended early. I stood up, thinking as much. By the way, only about seven kids in the class—boys and girls combined—were wearing uniforms.
“With your student IDs, you can roam the school freely, so feel free to explore with your parents before heading home.”
““Yes!!””
At the teacher’s words, the kids bolted out like they’d been waiting, rushing to their parents outside. We waited for the crowd to thin a bit before heading over to ours, chatting along the way.
“What do you think? Want to tour the school before we go?”
“Hmm—ask Mom.”
“Yeah, let’s do that.”
We held hands and approached Mom and Dad.
“It ended early.”
“Yeah. That’s why I like it.”
School classes always start off easy, right? I grinned as I said it. Mom playfully smacked my head, calling me a rascal.
“Then how about we tour the school building and grab something at the shopping district on the way out?”
“Let’s do it.”
“Yeah!”
We headed out from the academic building along the path by the sports field. I checked the map. Bringing up the school map on my student ID showed my location on a translucent screen. This student ID even had GPS centered on it. No, really—it connected directly to the internet beyond the school bank. That’s why I thought it was like a computer.
...I love it completely. Especially without a phone. My hands were shaking when I found out. And it could store music too, with earphone linking.
“...There’s stuff like that too?”
“Yeah. See, it’s right here?”
I pointed to a button-like spot on the translucent membrane. “Oh, right,” Inha said, nodding as she looked.
“Hmm, seeing you handle that so well, Eunha must be good with computers?”
“She’s pretty good at home. Finds everything easily.”
“Really?”
“And she devours web novels.”
“Come to think of it, Eunha likes writing?”
I scratched my cheek as I listened. Well... it’s a hobby.
“She reads fantasy novels a lot too. Makes me think that’s why her magic improves so fast.”
...Ouch, that hit the nail on the head. My current magic skill probably came from all the magic stuff I wrote and read in my past life?
Mom said it with a subtle expression, and Auntie Seona burst out laughing.
“Ahaha. That’s funny.”
“But it’s not entirely unrelated, right?”
“Hmm... you might have a point. Compared to our Inha, Eunha’s growth is really fast.”
The parents started chattering behind us as we walked ahead. Where do you want to go first? At that, Inha asked if the clothing store here sold uniforms.
“Of course they do—it’s the school uniform shop. You want one too, Inha?”
“I agree with you. Can I get one?”
“Eh—Mom prefers Inha in casual clothes. Uniforms are too uniform.”
“......”
“At least wear casuals for first and second year. Of course, Eunha looks cute in uniform. Oh, but first, let’s get Eunha some matching shoes.”
Auntie Seona said that to me with a smile as Inha looked up at her a bit disappointed. Why? I asked.
“Any shoes are fine at this school, right? It respects individuality. So, I want to buy pretty ones that match your uniform. How about low-heeled boots? Black with laces to match.”
I looked down at my shoes—white sneakers over pitch-black stockings. Yeah... that sounds good.
“Uh, but Auntie...?”
“It’s fine, it’s fine. Our families are like one! Ahem!”
“...So, you’re the sugar mama?”
“Pfft.”
“Where’d she learn that?!”
Uncle and Auntie burst out laughing. Dad slumped his shoulders for a moment, and Mom tugged my cheeks in embarrassment. But seriously, isn’t that it?
“Anyway, we’re like family, and our house has money to spare, so don’t worry. This auntie’s pretty capable.”
“...Yeah, no kidding.”
Recently ranked in the world’s top 90s as a promising young mage in her thirties, Auntie Seona was top three in Korea. She’d quit her organization a year ago to go freelance, which made me think freelancing might not be bad when I grow up.
“But that sounds good. Where’s the shoe store?”
“Let’s see. Shopping district first, then...”
I was answering Mom while checking the map when I paused. Black holes marked spots on the paths. Warp holes...? There were about twenty on the school grounds map—elementary, middle, high divisions, dorms, shopping district, library, and more. I saw one nearby and quickened my pace.
“Why? Something there?”
“Yeah. Warp hole ahead on this path.”
I double-tapped the “warp hole” label with my finger. A description popped up: Magical passage connecting to others (shortcut). Warp holes link to all others, so visualize your destination to move. Holds 10-20 people at once.
As I read and walked, a black circular area appeared where people were vanishing one after another. We headed there.
“Impressive.”
I nodded at Mom’s words. We stepped onto the black hole together, picturing the shopping district. In an instant, we were there, stepping off into the bustling area.
“Quite the crowd.”
Mom said it, and I nodded. Mostly older students in uniforms.
“Shoe store?”
“This way.”
I ended up leading. I was the only one with the map tool. As I skipped along following it, Inha and the parents followed. The map was straightforward. We reached the store easily.
And the moment we arrived, Mom, Auntie Seona, and I pointed to the same shoe.
“Ah. That’s exactly what I pictured!”
...That’s why we picked it right away.
No, really—it was perfect. Mid-calf black boots with red laces crossed in an X. Straight out of my imagination, like from a comic. Love at first sight.
I changed into them with my uniform and spun in place like a kid. But even as a kid, my heart’s that of a full-grown woman—finding clothes I like just lifts my mood.
I strolled the streets in my slightly uncomfortable new shoes. The shopping district lived up to the hype—clean and neat, with great-view cafes, cute clothes, accessories, and weird magic items everywhere. Parks and fountains dotted the way. Flowerbeds in parks bloomed with magical flowers unique to this world, and fountains sprayed at regular intervals. We ate lunch at a restaurant there.
“Huh, is that Eunha?”
As I wandered the district with my parents and Inha, someone called me. I turned to see a familiar face from a few months back.
“...President Sister.”
It was the title I’d settled on after some thought, but she shook her head with a friendly smile.
“You’re good with titles~. But Eunhee Sister is fine.”
“Uh, Eunhee Sister...”
“Eek~ so cute! Oh, and behind you, Eunha and Inha’s parents... oh, long time no see...!”
She’d been smoothly chatting until she spotted Auntie Seona and flinched, her voice trembling. I nodded, somehow understanding.
Auntie Seona was a legend among mages. Wherever she went, people held their breath and bowed. That’s why she wore high-grade perception-blocking items daily—to slip by unrecognized despite her fame. Of course, some still spotted her.
The parents responded normally to Eunhee Sister’s greeting. But she stiffened in front of Auntie Seona. Inha quietly asked her.
“What are you up to?”
“Oh, uh, on patrol date with the vice president.”
Inha’s blunt question got a sheepish smile. Basically, working. Inha followed up.
“...Where’s the vice president?”
“Oh, he’s doing what I told him and will catch up. Want to see? He is pretty handsome, our Seonghu.”
Eunhee Sister blushed and grinned. Proud, I guess—that kind of smile.
Yeah, the vice president from last time was handsome. Understandable why she’d brag. Beauty president and handsome vice—straight out of a novel if they dated.
But Inha, oblivious to looks, just tilted her head.
“Not really?”
“Ugh......”
I stifled a laugh. Eunhee Sister turned from Inha with a pouty tone.
“What~? Our vice president is popular~~. You’re too young to know~. Eunha, what’d you think? Seonghu’s quite the looker, right?”
Why ask a kid? Well... kids these days know.
After a moment, I nodded innocently and honestly. Pure truth—that brother was handsome. Refined features.
“Yeah, he was.”
“Ooh~. Smitten?”
I gave her teasing a subtle look. She’d said “our Seonghu” and blushed, so I thought they were together. Hmm, or maybe we’re just kids to her.
Anyway, her boldness made me shrink naturally. With a shy expression, I said.
“...Not that much... just thought he was handsome......”
“Well, big age gap. You kids probably don’t get it yet?”
Eunhee Sister nodded, giggled, and patted my head. Then she checked the time and waved.
“Seonghu should be back soon. Gotta get back to work. Enjoy, Inha, Eunha, and everyone. Excuse me!!”
Eunhee Sister waved brightly and left. Energetic type. I watched her go. Students passing by smiled and greeted her warmly. Popular.
‘Someone like that... enviable......’
As I blinked, Mom whispered with a smile beside me.
“Such a lively kid.”
“Yeah. Tell me about it.”
We toured the shopping district and school a while longer before heading home.
A fun first day.
I had a habit from my past life. Well, several, but this was one.
Kindergarten bus was on its schedule, so no, but for school, I’d arrive first in class, open the door, even air it out. Core: always early for appointments.
I had that habit. Alone, no issue, but with Inha, maybe drop it? Feel bad making her wake early for my sake.
By the way, first week drop-off by 9 AM leeway, normally 8:40. But at 7:40 now, I was ready, sitting blankly on bed. Mom was shocked at 7:10 when I woke: ‘Why up so early?’ ...Agreed. Sleep 30 more minutes?
“Hmm, wonder if Inha’s up. Probably by now?”
Better than sitting—go for a walk. Or just head to school early...... Inha’d sulk?
“Already going? Inha?”
“Inha’s probably just waking, so just a walk!”
“Alright?”
“Yeah!”
I stepped out, naturally activating my student ID. Like turning on a computer or phone now. Thrilled to browse internet on the go! I resumed yesterday’s novel. ...This isn’t walking anymore.
I plopped on a nearby seat. Wanted to shape mana into a chair, but careful with mana outside. Recently learned barriers for chairs too. Too bad, air chair. Haha.
“What’re you laughing at?”
“Wahk?!!”
I jumped and turned. Inha stood there silently. Her vivid mana color approached as she appeared. Yesterday I saw peers’ mana, but Inha’s was strongest, most beautiful. I smiled brightly at her.
“Scared you?”
“Yeah, a bit. Just reading a novel.”
I stood, dusting my butt. Inha smiled faintly.
“Up early.”
“Yeah... got ready. I’m the type to leave 10 minutes early for appointments.”
“......? That’s why you’re always early.”
“Yeah. Thought since we walk together, got ready early. You too?”
I scanned Inha. Neat outfit, teleport badge on chest, backpack—school-ready.
“Yeah. Woke early, saw you leave, hurried and came.”
“Oh... sorry then.”
“Nah?”
“Hmm, but let’s set a time for tomorrow. What time?”
Inha smiled slyly.
“Hmm, then...... don’t like crowds. For a while, leave when empty, teleport to school.”
“8:15 okay?”
“Yeah.”
Inha nodded.
We held hands and teleported to school. At 8, gate fine, but elementary building quiet. Normal—drop-off 8:40.
I opened the map on student ID, checked path to class. Love this GPS. Won’t get lost. Grinned.
Map on fine, but GPS needs mana. Initial tiny amount, then auto. Warns if more needed, auto-deducts if okay. Dandelion-fluff mana, so I loved it.
“Eunha.”
“...Huh, yeah?”
Lost in map and thoughts, nearly missed Inha. I hear if spoken to, but sometimes not. I turned; Inha stared silently.
“What’s up?”
“...Eunha, you.”
“Yeah?”
“Don’t daydream while walking.”
Inha turned away, a bit sulky. ...Oops.
I hurried after, soothing her awkward expression.
The classroom was blessedly empty. We were first.
I tapped student ID to door lock. Password from yesterday. Beep, number pad up—I punched it in.
“Open.”
“Yeah.”
I entered, glancing around. Mana so rich... felt it yesterday too.
We sat in yesterday’s seats—now ours. Seats change after a month, though.
Spring air made outside view warm. I reached past Inha, opened window. Classroom air clean without need, but whatever. Magic?
With Inha’s help, I opened all windows. Sitting made me drowsy. I laid head on desk, cheek down.
“Ah...... wanna nap right here.”
“Then nap.”
“Right.”
I sprawled over the desk and passed out.
========== Author’s Note ==========
Thanks for the donation coupon from screwuji! Thank you!
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Shoutout to EOEW, ㅈ모몸, elskai, 여름이싫어, haeollim, naperusha, haneultong, wiwing, osy0 for the comments!!!
+Yep. Auntie Seona can teleport to space and has a body that survives there! So she’s a ‘Transcendent.’ Even B-rank can handle space fine, though.....