Chapter 32
Chapter 32
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 32
Chapter Title: 07. Fight
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A routine that had always been unchanging suddenly shifting was bound to be stressful. Ever since I was six, Inha had always been by my side. The thought that she might disappear from my side and perhaps drift away forever plunged me into depression.
But time marches on regardless. On the morning of the festival day, I knocked on Inha’s door just in case, remembering the promise we’d made to watch the festival together. Truth be told, I had a sliver of hope.
…That hope was shattered soon enough.
[...Sorry. I went ahead without you.]
“I see…….”
[I’ll at least let you know when I get there.]
“Yeah, please do.”
My mood sank. With a listless expression, I teleported to school.
From today until the festival ended, the elementary division didn’t just have delayed start times—they checked attendance and then dismissed everyone. I hesitated before entering the classroom. If she’d gone ahead, that meant she was in there. Honestly, I didn’t have the courage to keep facing Inha’s cold expression anymore. No, I knew I shouldn’t be like this……but after two weeks of being ignored by someone I’d grown close to, how could anyone hold onto their confidence?
I felt like bursting into tears for no reason, but I held it back. Dragging my heavy legs as if I might collapse right there, I opened the classroom door. The screech echoed. There were only a few people inside. Inha was among them. Keeping my eyes fixed on the floor, I headed to my seat without looking up.
“Hey… Inha……”
Inha didn’t reply or even turn to look at me. I slumped into my seat.
‘Should I just give up?’
The thought swirled in my mind. Honestly, this wasn’t like me. I was timid, which made me skeptical about relationships. Aside from my family—parents and relatives who were always there—and the one precious exception, the person I loved, I’d never built deep bonds beyond those two categories.
Friends especially. We’d meet, but they’d drift away quickly. Probably my personality’s fault. Yet because of that, I longed for deep friendship while doubting I could ever create one.
I slumped over my desk, lost in gloomy thoughts. This really wasn’t like me. Normally, if someone let go of me, I’d let go of them.
Should I give up? But Inha was so special to me. I……
‘I like you so much!’
For the first time in my life—no, across all my memories—it was true. The first person to see me as such a precious friend……was Inha.
But I was someone who easily gave up on relationships, so after two weeks of this, exhausted as I was, I thought with a weary face.
‘Would it be better for Inha if she just drifts away like this?’
I’d always lacked confidence in myself. Truth be told, it wasn’t like I’d never had friends I genuinely liked before. Even in my past life, it happened a few times. And I’d let them go each time. Once they gave up on me, I thought letting them go was for their sake. Dressed up nicely, it sounded noble, but really, it was just giving up. Hiding the hurt, pretending it didn’t matter, crumbling my pride, wrapping it all in hypocrisy……
‘Hypocrisy, huh……’
But this time, with Inha, I didn’t want to let go. I swallowed nervously. Should I ask? Are we still friends? If Inha said yes, I’d hold on; if no, I’d finally let everything go. But that word would also signal the complete end of our relationship.
‘I don’t want to ask……’
It terrified me. Terrified me so much I didn’t want to think at all. I squeezed my eyes shut. I’m excited! The festival starts today! Where should we go? I wanna hit the high school division first! The middle school’s fun too! Voices around me faded into my thoughts. I stayed slumped like that for a while.
I didn’t want to think anymore. I wanted to escape this place. I needed somewhere to rest.
Pushed to the limit by stress, that’s when attendance check ended. Without even turning around, I left the classroom. Stress made my stomach and heart throb painfully. I felt like teleporting away and vanishing right then. The surroundings were so noisy that at some point, I just stood there dazed amid the chaos. My insides hurt and churned. Pushing through the crowd, I dashed to the bathroom.
“Urk……Urk……!”
It had been like this since my past life. Stress first tightened my chest, caused anemia, then weakened my stomach. I hadn’t expected it even now, with no genetic weakness.
After vomiting everything inside, I finally came to my senses. I hadn’t eaten much lately, so it was just stomach acid. I hated crowds, yet I loved festivals……Tears welled up for no reason.
Truth be told, my heart was weak. People grow stronger with age, but I was the fragile type who’d break into tears from emotional wounds and try to hold it back. Ha, me……I burst into tears in the bathroom, stifling the sobs.
I swallowed my tears as quickly as possible. Only when the sounds outside faded did I open the door. Thankfully, no one was inside. I went to the mirror. My face was a mess. But the signs of crying weren’t too obvious. Then again, my eyes reddened only briefly, never swelling.
I washed my face with tap water and straightened my clothes. Vomiting cleared my head.
Really, instead of leaving, I should’ve gone to Inha and asked to watch the festival together. My heart really is too weak……
How could I master illusion magic like this? How did I score a perfect 10 in mental magic compatibility? Are compatibility and mental strength different? Or potential? I dried my face with the mana tool nearby.
As soon as I stepped out, I flinched in surprise. A hand popped out and pinched my cheek. It was Minhee. She grabbed both my cheeks with her hands and looked down at me. Minhee was taller than me. Hansu and Hyunho stood beside her.
“Oh my god, what’s this? I thought your expression’s been off lately, but this is bad. You okay?”
Not okay. I swallowed my words and nodded. Hansu sighed in disbelief.
“Don’t lie. You look awful.”
“I’m starting to get mad at Inha now. Can I chew her out a bit?”
“Don’t. Don’t butt into girls’ issues.”
“You guys girls too?”
“Damn right! Inha and Eunha are especially sensitive! Yelling’s fine, but ignoring? No words, so frustrating. Better to just say it properly. You gotta speak up to know for sure.”
I let my gloomy gaze drop. As expected, they were far more mature than their age.
“This isn’t how you treat a friend.”
Even so, knowing they’d sided with Inha before, they must’ve felt hurt by me too, but them taking my side now made me happy and gave me strength. On the other hand, thinking of Inha alone since our fight hurt my chest. I pressed my lips together.
“Eunha, if it hurts a lot, tell us.”
“No……it’s not that bad.”
I slowly shook my head. Minhee watched me for a moment, then grabbed my hand and yanked me along.
“……?!”
“No good. Let’s change your mood. Yeah? Come on. Brooding just makes it worse.”
“W-wait, but Inha……”
Hansu and Hyunho agreed, grabbing my arms firmly.
“She the problem now? You look like you’ll collapse. That’s why we’re agreeing for you.”
“Right. Eunha, let’s go. And you haven’t eaten, have you? Can’t do that! Mom said eat properly.”
I stared blankly. My friends, worried looks on their faces, led me along. My eyes stung—not just from emotion, but their brightness dazzled me. My dry eyes beheld their figures shining too brightly.
When had I ever had this? Friends worrying and taking my hand……
‘I hate it when you hang out with other kids or act nice to them!! Your friend is me!’
Inha had said that, but these were our friends too. Pushing away over emotions—that’s not friendship, right?
Exhausted and on the verge of giving up, a smile crept onto my face. I nodded.
“…Yeah.”
I smiled watching my friends’ backs.
“Oh, right, we gotta call Siha too. Let’s start with middle school!”
“Why middle school?”
“High school seniors’ll cover it with their siblings! Might as well explore the school just us!”
Note: Elementary teachers mostly decorated, not real festival zones. They’d borrow middle/high teachers or help seniors.
Soon Siha joined, and per Minhee, we headed to explore middle school. Glancing at elementary kids between middle and high, I thought.
‘Inha……she probably won’t look around alone. Hope she’s okay……?’
Wish Inha had come. Worry hit first. But I shook it off. Like Minhee said, what good stressing more? Fun and laughter are the best medicine, so fix this tired face before talking to Inha. Who’d soften to this mug?
So regain energy today somehow. I haven’t given up on festival with Inha.
Vomiting earlier made me hungry. Felt refreshed, so eat something. Kids cheered agreement at my suggestion.
“What first?”
“So much food! Awesome!”
Festival’s heart: food! Streets brimmed without searching. Food aromas made me salivate. We shoved in whatever looked tasty, in order.
Skewers, fish-shaped buns, rice balls, drinks. Saved money moderately. Tomorrow’s high school had tons more.
Eating, I scanned happily. Streets overflowed wondrous magic. Street performances too—plenty outside.
We wandered outside, then entered buildings. More food stalls inside, classrooms hosting events. Some paid, some free.
Haunted house, magic castle, mirror maze—exceeded expectations, high quality. I’d underestimated the magic world.
Not just student shops; real stores too, mostly magic items and gear. Gear needed special permits: 12+ to use, under 15 needed guardian okay. With guardian, even under 12 could use light ones. Mage skill restrictions too.
Items often restricted by skill, but today’s were mostly unrestricted fun types.
Spotting a high-level weapon shop, Minhee eyed gleaming weapons hungrily—guns especially. Fitting for her shooting magic love.
Veteran mages/techs hosted some.
Others seemed unrelated: accessory/craft shops. But all enchanted. Craftsmen can’t survive without.
“This glass pretty. Wow, it moves. What magic?”
“Just moves. Probably telekinesis? Say ‘Light’ for glow. Needs mana recharge sometimes.”
“Cool─.”
Simple stuff thrilled us kids. For me, born here seven years, still more unseen magic than seen. From magic-less world, nothing felt ‘normal’ yet.
Some non-magic: clothing try-on. By then, middle school nearly done. Snacks filled us—no hunger.
Festival day one ended at 5 PM.
[The first day of the festival has ended. Please leave if still here. Cleanup time. Again……]
We returned to class hearing broadcast. End at 5, so homeroom then. After noon, could leave early with teacher okay. Knowing Inha gone chilled me.
“Alright, dismissed!”
Chest grew cold. Minhee approached.
“Tomorrow high school, got it? I’ll call oppa!”
“Um……”
Hesitant, I said.
“Tomorrow I’ll go alone. Meet day three.”
Everyone exchanged looks. They knew why. Hansu sighed first.
“Fine. Good luck.”
I smiled warmly.
“Yeah.”
That night, I messaged Inha via student ID.
『To: Kang Inha
Inha, sorry about today. Felt sick so……
By recovery, couldn’t find you.
Remember promise to watch festival together?
Tomorrow, definitely together.』
Not sure if she saw. Sent same via phone chat. Read mark vanished.
Corner of heart sparkled with hope. Still anxious.
Next day, no Inha morning. Not home, not school. Not by roll call.
“Hey, what’s with Inha?”
“Dunno…. Sick? Said she went to school……”
Anxious. Sick? Stress like me? Possible. If she still valued me, she’d be angry, stressed. Knew she wasn’t weak like me, but absence worried. To me, Inha was friend and child to protect. Yes, Inha seemed mature but still a kid.
“I-I’ll go find her.”
“Hey! Yoo Eunha! Wait!!”
I bolted out. Breath short, one thought dominated.
Kang Inha.
Inha, where are you……?
Clutching heaving chest, I ran wildly. Too easily shaken. Just your brief absence made me anxious, frantic. Amid noise, surroundings felt empty. I panted, scanning.
Ran thoughtlessly awhile, then magic hit me. Dove into empty classroom unseen. Opened student ID map. Mine highly evolved.
Uncapped pen from pocket, touched map. ‘Text Magic’.
『Kang Inha’s Location』
Text engraved. Then shattered like magic rebound. Just before, red text:
『Undetectable』
Undetectable by my mana? Unease. But calmly: Basic spell. If my mana can’t,……
Inha talented but currently weaker than me. Lower mana. Couldn’t block my own magic.
One answer.
‘Magic item……’
Inha anticipated me, used item to hide. Unlikely others; no one around us would hide her from me. Parents least. I pouted sadly.
So Inha hid deliberately with item—not wanting to meet. My detection can’t find her mana. Wander blindly.
Where? Intuition not great. Bad feelings accurate, but senses average.
Gritted teeth. Had to search. Luck might strike.
Thoughts darkened. Messaged phone first.
『To: Kang Inha
Inha where? Message when see』
Started elementary—familiar to her. Before, opened sight.
Mana colors vivid. Parsed chaotic hues: black, white, gold, blue, green, brown, orange, mixed. ‘Eyes’ grown; 50m radius, even indoors, penetrate see colors.
Scanned elementary building for Inha’s lemon-gold mana. Prioritize gold despite item interference. Better than blind.
No reply meantime.
Past elementary to middle. Tired by then. Mana sight strained head. Eyes stung. Gulped fatigue-relief drink nearby—magic potion mixed.
Then asked around. Should’ve sooner; shyness issue. Approaching strangers burdensome. But started, got easier; soon asked anyone: students, visitors, staff.
“Excuse me, seen super pretty girl my age?”
“Long hair, cold vibe, stunningly beautiful.”
“Um……other traits……prettiest? Instantly captivating……”
Inha’s features as kid: black hair, blue-tinged eyes, overwhelming beauty. But no one saw ‘that’ pretty. Exhausted from asking, think high school next……
“So……long hair to back, cold impression, super pretty little girl? Saw her. Unforgettable standout.”
“Where?!”
“High school grounds. Uh, exact spot fuzzy……”
“Thanks! Bye!”
Whirled, nearly tripped. Steady legs awkwardly, turned back, ran.
“Kid, careful!”
Embarrassed worrying stranger. Face burned, ran harder. Training paid; reached high school intact.
“Huff… huff……!”
Heart pounded. Opened sight again. Vast, vivid colors dwarfed middle school. Dizzy. Breathing steady steps, bumped someone—thud.
“Ouch……”
Thought careful……face-plant into someone……Covered pained face, blushed shame. Looked up to apologize.
“…Eunha.”
“Huh? Who?”
Recognized face, eyes widened. Incredible coincidence. Probability knowing person in this crowd? Spoke bemused.
“Uh… Seonghu… oppa……?”
Hesitant. Meant ‘senior’, but Eunhee’s words recalled.
‘He likes kids despite looks. Cute personality, call him oppa later. He’ll love it.’
He twitched at title. I tensed post-call. Oh no, if he hates? Apologize first.
“Um, s-sorry for bumping.”
“Wow……First besides Minhee calling me oppa. You know each other?”
Even Minhee only one! Shrunk at his companion’s words. Might annoy even if not mad. But unexpectedly, he gently ruffled my hair. Cool mana not unpleasant. Water affinity synergy? Stared dazed.
“No biggie. No need apologize.”
“…Ah, okay.”
Then vice president’s friend-senior watching asked.
“So, who’s she?”
“Junior.”
“Duh, uniform shows……wait, isn’t she that girl from sports day quiz you gave free coupon to? First time seeing you do that, memorable.”
“Yeah.”
Vice president nodded. Made sense. Ah~that event. Not just Eunhee or him there.
Shrunk, nodded. He beamed ‘knew it!’, eye contact joyful.
“Hi. I’m this guy’s friend, Yeon Yowoon. Little miss……what’s your name?”
“……Yoo Eunha……”
“Right, Eunha. Alone now?”
“Uh……yeah.”
Awkward reply, he worried.
‘Huh…? Yeon Yowoon……heard somewhere……’
Fleeting thought, but fidgety urgency. Wanted bypass seniors, find Inha ASAP.
“Okay alone? High school crowded, might get trampled?”
“Fine. Uh, looking for friend……”
“Friend? Lost? Page announcement?”
“N-no!”
Panicked yell.
“Sh-she’s mad at me, that’d make big fight……”
“Ah, so foot-searching?”
“Yeah……”
Nodded before them. Tension gripped sleeve. Looking up burdensome. Then senior said.
“Then we’ll help search.”
“…Pardon?”
Stared shocked. Kind smile full warm face.
“Okay, right Seonghu?”
“Yeah. Worried leaving kid—girl—alone.”
“Um……but……”
“Hey, we’re high school council? Ways: cams, ID track, etc.”
Eyes widened. True, not solo-easy but methods exist.
“B-but can you just……”
“No. What you saying?”
Vice president glared friend. He grinned.
“No track, but cams okay? Why. Little girl desperately seeking friend.”
Vice president looked down. I stiffened. Stared, nodded.
“…Yeah. Helps fine. Nothing urgent.”
“See? C’mon kid, hand. Nah, trample risk—piggyback?”
Shocked again. Affinity max! Reminded Minhee. But brotherly warmth unlike her. More Hyunho-like. Shook head quick.
“N-no thanks!”
……Refusing lost chance dodge awkward bond.