Chapter 19
Chapter 19
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 19
Chapter Title: The Day I Went to School
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I woke up when the class bell rang. Right after it sounded, Inha shook me awake. Rubbing my bleary eyes, I caught the topic of the first lesson. What we learned in the first class was something surprisingly unexpected.
"Alright, for today's first lesson, we're covering this. Everyone got their student IDs, right?"
"Yes!"
"Today, we're learning how to use those student IDs."
"Huh?"
"Why...?"
It was unexpected, but deep down, I figured it made sense. Unlike me, though, the other kids looked puzzled and started murmuring at the teacher's words. What? Why the surprise? Was learning about computers or getting a school tour that different from student ID usage?
"Everyone seems thrown off. So, let's see how much you all know about your student IDs. I'm handing out printouts now—answer honestly."
"Aw~!"
"No use making those faces! This is a direct order from the chairman herself~."
The teacher grinned at the kids pulling bored or annoyed expressions.
"There are two types of questions on the printout. 'Select all places where the student ID can be used.' 'Select all things that can be done with the student ID.' Just pick what you think is right. Got it?"
The printouts passed from the front row all the way to us in the back. I glanced at mine and made a strange face for a moment.
First question: Places where the student ID can be used.
Public transport discount. Movie theater discount. Amusement park discount. Classroom door lock. Desk operation. School library book loans... Isn't this all yes?
I checked yes for everything and flipped to the back page. Things that can be done with the student ID. View school map. Connect to computer. Use GPS. Use as a bag. ID verification.
This all yes too? After that came stuff like teleporting via the student ID or help systems. ...There, I paused.
『Contact others who have student IDs.』
The sudden realization hit me, and I froze mid-check, brushing my hair behind my ear. Huh, come to think of it, this thing requires more than just a bit of mana control—plenty of functions you can't use without solid handling....
That's when I started worrying. If I answer everything I know, I might give away my magic level. I glanced around at the kids' mana colors. About twenty in here could move mana—over half the class. But do they know all these functions...?
Come to think of it, Inha and I need to set a cap on how much power we show outwardly.
"......"
I hate standing out.
After a moment's thought, I steeled myself with a serious gaze and started marking again. I sent a telepathic message to Inha: Go easy on it. She looked at me, then nodded.
Honestly, even if I answered purely from knowledge and revealed a bit of skill, it wouldn't be a big deal. The kids would just think, "Oh, cool," even if they saw my printout, and the teacher wouldn't tell anyone my level. She couldn't break the supreme school rule.
Still, I preferred not to reveal my skills if I could help it, so I chose answers carefully.
Finally, I marked no for "access all school information." You can access info, sure, but not *all* of it with a student ID.
Just as I finished marking everything thoughtfully, the teacher smiled and spoke up.
"Alright~ Everyone done?"
The kids laughed and replied.
"Yes!"
"All done!"
"Then I'll give the answers now. Listen closely."
"Wait? This was a test?"
It had felt suspiciously like taking a test. I sighed and whispered to Inha. You go easy? Yeah, but I didn't know a lot of it? I made a subtle face. Then was I weird for experimenting with every student ID function for a week?
Self-grading, though—this was lame. I'd told her to half-ass it assuming it'd be collected. Maybe lucky? Or not—might still collect after. Better to think carefully.
"For places the student ID can be used: all the discounts listed are yes. Did you know?"
"What? For real?"
"Wow, really?"
"I knew that one!"
"Everyone probably knows about desk and classroom door locks, and you use it for borrowing books at the school library too. Some nearby libraries let you use it as a membership card without signing up."
The class split between those who knew and those who didn't. But that stuff didn't tie to skill levels anyway. I half-listened to the teacher's ongoing explanation.
"Second question. Everyone probably knows about the school map, but did you know if you infuse a certain amount of mana and select the function, you can teleport anywhere except restricted areas?"
"Yesss?!"
"Really?"
"Wow!"
"See? Gotta learn the usage. You know school notices and comms all come through the ID too? It connects to computers... and actually, you can place it on paper to copy text—print function."
'Ooh.'
News to me. I jotted it in my notebook.
"GPS needs initial mana infusion, then sips a bit depending on permission, but it works nationwide, not just school grounds."
"Wow!"
"I didn't know that."
Inha whispered in my ear amid the kids' reactions.
"Eunha knew, right?"
"Yeah. Marked yes."
I replied and turned back to the teacher. The exclamations kept coming.
"For bag use, needs steady mana infusion—there's a 'subspace' function inside. Not huge, but fine for everyday stuff."
"Really?"
"Gonna try now!"
"Hold on. Keep listening. And your mana probably can't yet?"
Fair point. I roughly knew how much mana the subspace needed, and probably only Inha and I could manage it here?
Not certain, of course. Others might hide skills too. That's this school.
I thought that while scanning the kids. Various mana colors flickered in my vision.
Plus, my detection wasn't great for measuring others' mana yet. These eyes see mana colors, sure. But "seeing" was tricky. For me, more advanced mana showed clearer around people. But that "clarity" was my judgment from visual differences.
Hence the subtlety. Clarity varied by color. How do you describe black clarity vs. white?
Honestly, intuition or feel was more accurate. Sensing others' mana was hard, though. Stronger than me? Barely registers. Weaker but not mine? Fuzzy.
Whether they can move mana? I spot it from surrounding activity and density. Can't accumulate if you can't move it. Non-mages have weird flows.
The clearest mana kids here? Probably these two right in front of me. I propped my chin on my hand, thinking that. Teacher kept explaining.
"You all know it doubles as ID in school. But tons of shared data inside: magic-allowed/forbidden spots, other magic-related places and info. Requests help? Basic help system and comms activate. Not just incoming school comms—you can contact school or other ID holders, even telepathic chat."
Lost in thought with chin propped, my eyes lit up at that. I latch onto interesting stuff.
Telepathy! Mind voice!
Jotted it down. Hehe, gotta try everything!
"Of course, needs mana control too. Owner senses mana, moves it, accumulates it... functions vary by amount, and strong mana upgrades lots. It's special—grows with your skill."
Inha and I exchanged looks. So maybe... our functions differ a lot from others'? Yeah, our screens had subtle differences before. Something.
"But average for you elementary kids: that level. Teleport and subspace hardest."
Teacher scanned us, smile fading to serious teacher face.
"Meaning: functions depend on skill. No peeking friends' IDs or blabbing functions. Severe punishment. School's top rule, four letters?"
"'"Keep secrets!!"'
"Right. IDs gauge skill too. No peeking, ask only super close friends, no anger if refused—even if they showed theirs."
I grinned at the teacher's words. Love "keep secrets." Dream school for shy folks like me.
Teacher finished saying info access varies by skill too.
"Many of you can't use explained functions yet—most need mana skill. Now, functions anyone can use."
First period ran to second. Printouts collected. Good I thought deep.
Break time, kids got rowdy—kid-like, making friends, noisy. Especially around us. Thanks to Inha. Pretty, cool Inha drew boys and girls nonstop, but she shut them down coldly, cut talks, or ignored.
Her charisma worked—no anger. Some mad, but her glance wilted them shyly. Inha eyed the crowd irritably whole break.
Bell rang, they scattered. But glanced back going to seats. I giggled and teased Inha's ear.
"You're amazing, Inha. Fan club incoming."
"Fan club?"
Blank look. I just said they exist. Joke anyway. Pretty as she is, that's manga stuff. Not celeb. But glimpse of her future popularity.
Third period: school facilities. Magic devices everywhere, no-go zones, student council systems, etc. Didn't note—recognized from student ID data. Hmm.
"That's third period done! Fourth is free time. Soundproofing solid—no disturbing other classes. Dispel area activating—no magic, just mingle."
"Yay!!"
I whispered to Inha amid cheers.
"Perfect soundproofing—heaven for kids. Talk away."
"Yeah."
But I hate noise.... Awkwardly, I sprawled out face-down. Bell rang, kids swarmed us—er, Inha. More boys. Ooh, precocious. I smirked. Yeah, she's that pretty.
First-years were cute, so the crowd wasn't awful. Noisy, spotlight heavy, but on her, tolerable. ...Sounds like she's bait. Felt bad for Inha.
"Hey, you."
Lost in relief, a girl I'd glimpsed spoke up. Startled, I replied.
"Uh, y-yeah? Me?"
"Your shoes match the uniform great! Where'd you get 'em?"
Oh, she wore uniform too. Curious? Flustered but shyly:
"Shoe store in school shopping district... they had 'em."
"Yeah? Name?"
"Uh..."
Told her, she beamed thanks and turned. Hmm, she can move mana already.
Meanwhile, Inha ignored the noise, reading my old book. One line to noisy kids:
"Wanna read. Quiet down?"
Cold, icy firm rejection—they flinched back. Wow, total cool. Couldn't even apologize to wilted kids. I'm so timid....
"Hey."
Front kid spun chair, eyed us smiling. Pointed frail-looking boy beside.
"Yeah?"
" Messing with his ID, but stuck after map and GPS per teacher... how next?"
Nodded, went over.
"Hmm... screens might differ, but... enter map first."
"Yeah."
She nodded, activated ID upfront—no secrecy vibe. GPS needs mana anyway, she'd said. Felt talented.
"Tap top button for GPS."
"Yeah, yeah."
"Blinking spot's you. Tap 'destination' above, search input."
"How type?"
"......"
Blinked. Mine auto-keyboards on thought....
"For me, think type..."
"Oh. Keyboard up. Aha. Thanks."
Her innocent grin got my smile and nod. Turned habitually—Inha staring.
"Why? Book done?"
"Nah. Just now."
"......?"
"Hmm...."
Odd face, then silent. Huh? What's up? I puzzled at her.
Free period, I didn't initiate, but kindly answered whoever asked. Felt classmately now.
Front boy-girl asked ID stuff most.
Fourth ended, lunch. First lunch at cafeteria per homeroom teacher's order(?).
"First time, line up to cafeteria. After, pack lunches with friends, cafeteria, or shops ok. Commissary sells lunches too. Cafeteria free—don't forget!"
Free! Right! Eyes sparkled. Inha beside snickered. Shyly looked away.
Lined single-file, picked from three meals per teacher. Food on trays.
"Looks good."
Past life food lover. No gourmet hopping, but enjoyed eating. All tasty-looking; picked pork cutlet. Ah, yummy. School food great—no need buy.
"Good?"
"Yeah."
Ate happily. Inha watched with amused eyes.
Lunch done, closing ceremony.
"Ok, everyone. Play moderate, home. Late worries parents! Groups of three min wandering, stay in school! Got it?"
"Aw~!"
"Mean, teacher!"
"Outta school? Three min! Better play out after home. Got it? Crowded spots only! Trouble? ID help or call seniors!"
Mom-like nagging closed it. Groups of three out. Not rule, but me-Inha duo tricky. Smiled at her.
"Home?"
"Yeah."
"Oh, wait!"
Grabbing bags, girl grabbed my sleeve. Startled look; Inha frowned, she dropped shocked.
"Uh... hey......"
"...What's up?"
Flustered but calm-faced her. Shoe girl? Right? She fidgeted, scratched head shyly, perky:
"Searched your shoe store on ID, confusing! Guide me! Shopping district!"
Twin tails mesh hair—kid-cute style. Eyed hair, hesitated. Guiding ok, but......
Glanced Inha. Nodded blank. Nodded back.
"Yeah, sure."
"Go quick!!"
"Uh...."
Grabbed hand, ran. Stumbled after half-forced. Glanced back—Inha frowning following. Eek, annoying.
School hall too. No running halls. Too strict? Others post-closing ran too. Don't care running, hate running myself—stalling excuse. Can't say well—why timid. Inha hates strangers anyway....
Plus she knew school less. No warp hole know, crossing trees bushes straight-line map to shops....
"Wait."
Had to speak. Just kid. Light ok.
"Th-there's faster... map has...."
"Black hole on map? Warp hole. Instant shops—go?"
"Huh? Yeah, why not."
Simple nod. Swallowed sigh. Thanked Inha eyes. She smiled warmly. Inha best!!
Knew I hate strangers—spoke for me. Worst: casual chit-chat.
Warp helped—fast to shops, guided her.
"Cute! Tons pretty shoes!!"
"We'll head...."
"No!! Teacher said threes! Wait till I buy!!"
"......"
Inha frowned clear. Shop auntie smiled fond. Secretly patted Inha back. Typical brat boldness. Yeah.
"Since here, browse too."
"......Sigh."
Inha sighed quiet, nodded. Pretty shoes galore. Heel pumps tempted, but eyed feet, shook head. Too young—high heels bad growth. These boots low-heel comfy.
"Prices... huh, cheap? Under 30k. Looked pricy...."
"School stuff, duh."
Auntie laughed at browsing us. Cheapest slippers: classroom/hall dirt-proof magic, shoes ok inside, slippers common. 1500-4000 won. Great school. Agreed vaguely—seemed so.
"Got it! This one!"
Same as mine.
"30k! Here, auntie!"
"Ok, ok."
"Hehe. Mom said buy!"
Held shoes, bounced out excited. ...Classmate, "that kid" rude?
Name...? Dozed roll call.
"Hey Eunha! Inha! Next what eat!"
Beamed shout. More hanging burden... glanced Inha. Frowned slight at her, cold eyes to me:
"No."
"...Huh?"
"No reason hang more. We're going."
"What? Mean! Wanna play more......"
Ugh, kids tricky. How nice split...?
"Inha, Eunha~ Play more! Huh? Huh?"
"Play solo then? Don't drag us."
"You!! Mean!!"
Fumed. Tugged Inha sleeve panicked; she cold-eyed her, turned. Panicked alternated, to fuming her:
"Sorry... Inha bad mood...."
"Hmph! Eunha play with me!!"
Yanked arm. Troubled face, quietly slipped arm free. Ah...... hate bad blood classmates...... but....
Inha here. Most precious friend.
"Sorry, gotta go...."
"Ugh... fine! Me too! 『Return』!"
Grumpy, light-wrapped vanished. Stroked hair of cold-faced turned Inha:
"Inha...... too harsh."
"...Nah."
Mumbled, spun, grabbed hand, strode.
"You're my only friend needed."
"......Super happy, that."
Face warmed brief. Best friend words—what tops? From pretty Inha, special.
But coaxing smile:
"But she's not bad."
"Just honest mood."
"You're cool, Inha. I hate anyone hating me. And kid."
"We're kids too? And I don't like her. Bossy."
"...Everyone bossy."
Stopped, turned.
"Not you?"
"I do what I want too."
Just can't voice opinions, hate hate—extra considerate. But true hates? No budge. Mental age higher maybe, but reincarnated normal human.
......Now.
"Hmm... doesn't look that way...."
"Don't friend who I dislike. But needless anger sucks."
"Yeah... true."
Inha quiet agreed. I smirked.
Inha seems mature—actually kid. True child unlike me.