Chapter 4
Chapter 4
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 4
Chapter Title: 01. Magic and Talent
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I first recalled the spells I had wanted to learn in my previous life. Then I started jotting them down on paper as they came to mind.
Teleportation—this one I absolutely had to use. Not as my main magic, of course. Just something I wanted to learn. As a support spell, maybe.
Before that, I wrote 'barrier magic' in one of the sub slots. It was one of the spells I had decided to create on my own from when I was a baby. There were plenty of types of teleportation magic, so I could just pick one... It was fairly advanced, but it didn't seem like a bad match for me. Just a hunch, but if it didn't work out, I could always rethink it later.
I paused my writing and sank into thought for a moment. Come to think of it, there was a spell I had most wanted to use if I became a mage in my previous life... but I couldn't recall it. I had thought of barrier magic using space as second-best, but that wasn't it. The gaps in my memory hit me anew. But knowing the reason, I just nodded it off as no big deal. It was necessary for me to live in this world without a care.
Imagination was the most important thing in this world's magic, and my specialty was imagination, too.
As a novelist in my previous life, I had confidence in that area.
Might as well put my existing talents to good use, right? So this was essential. A spell that could fully unleash my novelist's imagination. One for creating worlds and stories... Perfect.
Just as I had planned long ago. I wrote 'rune magic' in the blank main slot above where I had written barrier magic.
The first step toward manifesting my world in concrete form.
I felt, just a little, like my own unique magic was drawing closer. A grin bubbled up unbidden.
I picked up my pen again. Alright, now let's jot down the other spells I wanted to learn in a separate section. Even without creating my own magic, this world had spell magic and such, offering endless spells to learn.
Mom could use most basic spells, after all. I scribbled away with my pen.
First off! I definitely wanted to learn clairvoyance! I still vividly remembered struggling to find lost items. Tracking magic, too, for the same reason.
I planned to try as many spells as I could. Of course, right now all I could do was move my mana. But once I could do that, I would be ready to learn magic.
Come to think of it, I suddenly remembered asking Mom once if mana colors were just something you could see. It had been simple curiosity, but she shook her head and said no. Only people with a talent for sensing mana could see them. Talent, talent.
Mom still only knew that I could move mana and had started generating my own—she didn't know about seeing colors or anything like that. No need to worry her unnecessarily, so I hadn't told her. With those thoughts, I added healing magic to the list.
"Hmm, I was thinking of using barriers as space magic. Could I combine that with something like Bloody Mary's Flesh Reformation—no, that's too much—or maybe space regression or time regression? Like reverting to the original state? Since barriers are meant to be my 'world' anyway... Maybe make barrier magic one branch of space magic...."
I mumbled to myself as I flipped back to that section. In the end, barrier magic and the spells I just mentioned were all similar—they were spatiotemporal magic. Especially since they all dealt with space.
'That would probably be more useful, right? With spatiotemporal magic, I could rewind time in a set area, cut space, move through it, erect barriers... Dominate space....'
With those thoughts, I drew a line next to barrier and wrote 'spatiotemporal magic.' In parentheses beside it, I added an explanation of the spells. I looked over what I had written.
『Barrier—Spatiotemporal Magic (Barrier + Gate focus).』
Plenty of spatiotemporal spells came to mind. I imagined them in my head. How they would manifest, what form they would take. Transparent barriers with shape, black passages crossing through space—images like that floated up.
If I could make them, they'd definitely be incredibly useful. I could probably remodel sub-spaces, too? Hide in the cracks of severed space, attack from between spaces... If used cruelly, I could outright sever and slice space... No, that's too gruesome.
Come to think of it, the barrier magic I wanted and the concept of spatiotemporal magic to dominate space felt the same. Actually, thinking about it, I planned to create a domain I ruled over with barriers. Reinforce it with runes, or issue commands via runes and strengthen them with barriers. What difference did that make from spatiotemporal magic?
Mid-thought, I set down my pen and let out a hollow laugh. This was ridiculous—truly absurd. If I could create all this as planned, I'd be a total munchkin!
I hadn't properly learned this world's magic, but I knew human limits. Unless you were an S-rank mage like Mom's friend, it was nearly impossible. It was always like that, wasn't it? Space and time manipulation magic was the hardest and most terrifying.
So I knew I couldn't do all of it. But I grinned anyway, a spark of competitive thrill mixed in.
Still, making it my goal wasn't a bad idea. Even just barriers offered endless possibilities. Barriers basically felt like 'walls,' so if I shaped them freely, couldn't I make sharp swords? Well, rune magic would be easier for making swords, but still.
This moment was just fun. Imagining magic, envisioning my future.
In the end, I stayed up half the night happily fleshing out magic settings. My old novelist habit had kicked in.
I'd always been like that in my previous life. Once I started writing a novel, I finished it to completion. Even synopses were freeform. I'd draw characters, build settings, infuse themes. Then craft a big story around it. The most fun was creating settings. I'd jot down any sudden ideas for settings or dialogue onto the rough story, whether they fit or not.
It felt just like that. That's why it was even more enjoyable. And imagining actually creating all these spells and using the support ones—god, it was thrilling. Imagination is free, right? And this world was one where you could make your own magic with imagination.
And so... I fell asleep late into the night and groggily boarded the kindergarten bus in the morning.
On the bus, half-dozing, I kept thinking about magic.
After staying up all night jotting settings in my notebook, my mind had settled on rune magic as the main. Sub magic—support—was naturally spatiotemporal magic! If spatiotemporal didn't suit me, I'd make barrier magic the sub, another magic to combine with the main. Combining the power of rune and barrier magic to set my space would make me invincible in that world, right?
...But.
I tilted my head. As I thought before, what was this nagging feeling of something missing? Like there was a spell that could unleash even more of my imagination....
But I shook my head. Nah, I'm not making magic right now. By the time I do, I'll have thought it through plenty, and something will come up.
Mom worried, but since I was born here, I wanted to try everything I could. This mana-sensitive constitution of mine—even if I awakened it early by luck—was a kind of talent, so I was glad. Of course, I truly hated standing out, so I had no plans to show it....
"Everyone, we've arrived at kindergarten!"
How long had I been lost in thought? I snapped to at the teacher's bright voice. Kids up front shouted "Yes!" and stood. Seeing that, I suddenly smiled.
Truth be told, I wasn't thrilled about attending kindergarten, but this one thing was great. Getting to see all these cute little kids I liked!
The problem was that I was the same age as them, but hey, they were cute and easy on the eyes, so whatever! Their faces scrunched up when they messed up, but their clumsy speech was adorable. Deep down, I wanted to pat their heads, but I lacked the courage and just watched. Like a picture of rice cakes—close but untouchable.
"Eunha, bye-bye."
"Bye, Teacher."
I gave my standard goodbye and got off the bus, heading to class.
After putting my bag on the chair and sitting at my desk, I rested my chin on my hand. Free time until Teacher came—what to do? I started doodling on the corner of my desk with a pencil from my pocket. Flower... music note, I mean....
"Ahh! No doodling!"
The one who said that was Lee Yumi, who had become my desk mate after yesterday's self-introductions. And Yumi was the kid who had just started sensing mana during playtime last time—the one Teacher marked as talented. I nodded obediently at her pure eyes and erased the doodle with an eraser. She nodded back, looking very satisfied. ...Ah, so cute.
In the end, I decided to kill time with a book from the class bookshelf. Other kids were pulling out books or toys to play. Watching them, I narrowed my eyes. More than half the toys contained mana to boost mana sensitivity. I could tell because they gave off a strange feeling.
That thought made me marvel anew, somehow. Mana really was palpable.
In my previous life, all I'd done was open a sub-space—I couldn't cast spells. Feeling a bit excited, I started reading the book. Naturally, it was a picture book... no, a story simplifying magic... well, still a picture book.
'But why's the title Sturdy Tree? Hmm... whatever.'
I turned the pages slowly. The book simply explained magic basics and the importance of sensing mana. Stuff I knew from birth and holding books, but it was decent enough.
Time flew by with the short books. Soon, Teacher gathered the playing kids. They came at her few words and sat in their assigned seats. Next to me sat Yumi again, from yesterday. She looked at me and grinned with those big, round eyes. It was so cute I had to stifle a groan.
Kindergarten's main class started ordinarily. Or 'ordinarily' for the kids in this magic world kindergarten—not for me.
Teacher began explaining magic. Where it started in this world, what it was like.
Content all the kids probably knew from birth. The magic city of origin: sky-high Ufellシア, ocean's Labient, hidden misty nation Polizen, and finally the sealed strongest nation, Witch's Country Traverria.
After briefly covering spell magic, true magic, and special inherited magic—excluding unique magic—Teacher taught meditation methods. I listened with sparkling eyes.
"First, close your eyes, sit straight. You're not used to meditating, so we'll start with the posture. Place both hands stacked right below your chest. Yes, like that."
I already knew how to meditate, of course. Mom was a high-rank mage. But learning it as 'formal education' felt strangely new.
"Imagine mana gathering in the space between your hands. Breathe in slowly, out slowly. Think of mana flowing with your breath."
I repeated it. And that 'imagination' was key.
I could vividly feel mana circulating my body. Smiling quietly, I savored it.
Kids' meditation was short. Then proper—kindergarten-style—class began.
First, she read a picture book. Then we learned a song. The electronic keyboard started playing on its own, and I was startled—not by that, but by the mana coloring as it played.
It was such a cool sight. Beautiful, even. Mana shifted wildly with the keyboard's notes, and I realized this class was early magic training, too. Life in this world revolved around magic. Everything connected to it, even light songs like this.
We sang this world's unique nursery rhymes. Mana rode Teacher's voice after the keyboard. Even our singing carried mana unconsciously. The keyboard seemed designed for that.
I sang along softly. Partly distracted by mana, partly embarrassed to sing loud. Meanwhile, Yumi next to me belted it out and got praised.
Not a bad time. Especially with all the mana-infused toys around—it was fun. I tried sensing the mana in them as much as I could. At some point, I realized I could hide mana colors at will. A blink, and they appeared or vanished. It felt like I was already casting magic.
The colors were so pretty I toyed with mana discreetly, enough not to alarm Teacher or kids. Breathing felt easier around it. Even finger twitches were delightful.
Yes, I needed magic to fully unfold a world like this. Like an animation. No one starts with combat or utility in mind. Pure desire. This is good, I want this. I needed magic to vividly express my envisioned world. Yes, like a 'dream.'
'...Huh? Dream?'
My eyes widened.
That was it!!
I anxiously waited for kindergarten to end. Fidgeting through class, I bolted to the bus the moment it did—knowing it wouldn't leave right away.
While the bus idled, I barely contained my overflowing excitement. We got off in the neighborhood, but oddly, Mom wasn't there to pick me up today.
"Oh dear, what's this? Eunha, should Teacher walk you home?"
"No. It's fine. I can go alone!"
"Really?"
My head full of ideas, I nodded quickly. Running would be faster alone. Already antsy, walking would make it worse. But Teacher still looked worried.
"You sure?"
"Yes!"
"Well, your house is right there.... I could teleport you, but no one who can use that magic is available now... Eunha, Teacher will mark the path with magic, so follow it carefully, okay?"
"Yes."
I nodded, and mana rose from Teacher. I blinked. Light green like new sprouts. It flowed in an instant. Eyes wide, I watched.
Teacher took my hand. Then a light green line unrolled from it ahead.
"Hold that green line and follow it. It'll vanish when you reach home."
I nodded and pretended to follow it, then rounded the corner and ran. No real shortcuts home, so I stuck to the green line. It led straight to our house.
Panting at the gate, I fumbled the key from my neck to unlock it. Hands shaky from running, it took a bit. I dashed inside and yanked open the front door. It creaked loudly as I struggled.
"Hm? Someone's here?"
"Really?"
Back home, I meant to grab my notebook right away. But familiar voices made me freeze. Someone was there, but more urgent matters called, so I kicked off my shoes and hurried inside impatiently. Then I froze, eyes wide at the sight.
"Uh, Eunha? Oh, Mom! It's already end of kindergarten!"
"You too. Glad you made it home safe!"
She approached with a smile, black hair tied in a ponytail. Familiar face... almost unchanged. Well, of course—she was a transcendent. I stared up at her face, pausing.
"...Ah, right. No way Eunha remembers me. She's shy with strangers, huh?"
"Can't be helped. Last time she saw you was right around two."
"Yeah."
She grinned at me, eyes crinkling. Mom apologized lightly my way.
"Sorry, Eunha. Mommy's catching up with an old friend—she's the owner next door, remember?"
"Uh... hello."
Not having seen her face in years, I felt a bit dazed and bowed. It was Auntie Seona. I looked up again. She returned the greeting with a soft smile, just like when I was a baby, facing my blank eyes.
"Ah, right. This is my daughter, Inha."
She gestured, calling her daughter from behind the wall. Seeing Inha emerge quietly, I widened my eyes.
She might already sense mana. The mana swirling around her felt like Yumi's. Pale yellow, cool yet brightly blooming. It suited her but felt slightly off—discordant somehow. Now I saw Auntie Seona's mana was blue-silver. Perfect for ice and wind magic....
"Inha, say hi."
"Hello."
Inha said it flatly, with an unchildlike cool, quiet expression. But ignoring that, I stared at her.
A kid, same age as me. But my first thought was how 'beautiful' she was.
Eyes fixed on Inha, I gaped. She had the look of a future beauty even as a baby....
Beyond imagination. And this was now—how would she be grown? Long black hair swayed. Eyes black mixed with blue... opposite her mana's color.
Dazed, I waved back at her greeting. Talking felt awkward, so I just did the light hello Mom suggested.
Heard she wasn't back for good—still settling in—but stopped by for a break. Returning in about a month.... While Mom and Auntie chattered, I slipped to the corner room. Hurrying, I carefully pulled out my hidden notebook and pen. I opened it.
Flip.
The first page's main magic slot was blank. Without pause, I wrote:
『Illusion Magic (+幻影)—Magic that handles reality and dreams』
Staring at the main magic name, I flipped to the next page and reread sub and support.
『Main: Illusion Magic (+幻影)』
『Sub: Spatiotemporal Magic (+Barrier)
Rune Magic』
I fixed on the words. Then grinned in satisfaction.
"Perfect."
It hit me the instant I thought it. That's the one!
Energy surged through me, heart pounding. I beamed and hugged the notebook.
Decided.
My main magic is 「Illusion Magic」.