Chapter 44
Chapter 44
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 44
Chapter Title: Everyday Life and Change
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The departure date was two days later. We spent those days preparing all sorts of things. Dad came home afterward, looking worried, but he smiled and nodded when we told him it was someone reliable. He said he’d taken leave starting two days from now, extending through the weekend.
We arranged to meet Minhee’s family in front of our house. Joo Je-hyeon could teleport anyone to anywhere in Korea just by getting a set of coordinates. For reference, his teleportation used darkness. There was also a method through me and Inha’s shadows, and that worked fine.
Finally, about transportation. With so many people and so much luggage, we decided to go by car. Well, it was a great choice for getting that family trip vibe. Auntie Seona’s car was quite expensive and loaded with convenient magic. You could even change the interior layout like a phone theme. And for this trip, we’d be taking the “skyway,” which was faster than the ground roads. Both Auntie Seona and Uncle Jeongmin had licenses for it.
The skyway required flying in a car with levitation capabilities, and it used more mana than ground driving, so you needed a D-rank or higher mage ID and a skyway-specific license. The skyway was different from ground roads, where you followed existing paths. You went to a skyway point, told the staff your destination, and they drew a straight path avoiding other skyways—exclusive for your vehicle alone.
Two days flew by. On the day of the trip, after linking up with Minhee, we were all buzzing with excitement, faces full of anticipation. Cheong Inho jumped in, and behind him, Joo Je-hyeon politely gave his thanks.
“At your age, B-rank? Impressive. With that kind of talent, you’d be welcome anywhere. You could even go freelance like me.”
“That’s true, but I already have a place in mind.”
“Oh?”
I was chattering away but perked up my ears at that. Whether because I was sensitive to mana or because my body was steadily strengthened by it, my senses had become sharper than my friends’ lately. Everyone else was just talking normally, but I was the only one tuning into that conversation. And I was interested in what Joo Je-hyeon had to say.
‘Heh, he’s got a place he wants to go.’
“I’m going to join Daehyeon’s Guard.”
“Ah, yeah. I’ve heard a lot of that school’s students end up in its organization.”
“Not always, but those with special magic usually do.”
Hearing that made me feel a bit uneasy. Yeah, that’s right. Most Daehyeon grads join the school’s organization. I’d heard that too, so it wasn’t just because of Eunhee... no, it couldn’t be. He got rejected, so he wouldn’t go that far... would he? Yeah, Je-hyeon oppa just really likes the school. I let out a small sigh.
‘Sigh, this feels weird.’
But by that logic, was I a special mage? Illusion and barrier magic weren’t extremely rare, but they definitely had unique properties. Rune magic was fairly rare.
“Load the luggage trunks.”
“We’ve put our stuff in sub-space items, so we’re good.”
Right before departure, things were chaotic as we sorted everything out. In the midst of it, Auntie Seona lent Minhee a self-defense item.
“You’re going somewhere crowded, so take this. If you sense danger, chant the activation word in your mind or out loud. It has five spells: ‘Shield,’ ‘Thunder,’ ‘Shock,’ ‘Fire,’ and ‘Teleport.’”
“Wow! Thank you!!”
The self-defense items we got were all the same bracelets. We could use some magic now, but items were still better than casting ourselves. Not because of mana issues, but to avoid drawing eyes.
“Okay... seats for nine... make it twelve? Nine’s too cramped. Theme... what do you think? Want to pick?”
“Wow! Yes!”
We nodded at Auntie Seona’s words, opened the car doors, and looked inside. It looked too small for all of us from the outside, but space expansion magic made the interior much bigger. The triumph of mage society.
Every time Auntie Seona pressed a button from the driver’s seat, the interior changed dramatically. We watched the transformations and gave our picks.
“I liked the seventh one best.”
“Number ten for me. Eunha?”
“Hmm... third one for me?”
Preferences diverged here. Minhee liked flashy ones, Inha bright ones. I preferred slightly dark and plain. Even my favorite colors—navy, silver, orange—reflected that. (Orange was the only vibrant one, but I had my reasons.)
“Alright, rock-paper-scissors!”
“Rock-paper-scissors!”
The result was quick. I threw scissors, Inha and Minhee rock. The winners did it again, and Minhee took the final win.
“Yes! Auntie, number seven!”
“Got it~.”
We piled into the car right away. Soon parents and brothers settled in too. The brothers took the very back, me, Minhee, and Inha the middle, Mom and Dad the front. Auntie Seona and Uncle Jeongmin took driver and passenger seats.
“Alright, nothing forgotten? Let’s go!”
Auntie Seona started the car. Minhee fiddled with the speakers, playing random songs. I cracked the window and looked out.
To take the skyway, we headed to a skyway point first. Every city had at least one. We drove onto a marked spot, and after a jolt, the car lifted into the air like an elevator. Wow, whoa! Kids who’d never driven the skyway were thrilled.
This world was full of unheard-of wonders! Gates were fun, but the skyway was no joke! Of course, thinking about falling made it scary... but with five C-rank-plus mages here, plummeting was impossible. Absolutely.
I felt a bit of fear from the floating sensation but reassured myself. I could use levitation magic myself. ...Though my fear of heights kept me from flying high.
Soon the car reached the skyway management point high in the sky. A sister there greeted us.
“Please state your destination and show your ID, car license, and skyway license.”
IDs showed mage ranks by default. The sister’s face twisted in shock and awe as she checked them. She bowed with a trembling voice.
“Kim Seona... confirmed! Laying the path now.”
A small hum, and I felt unfamiliar mana stretch ahead. Looking out the window, I saw thin, translucent barriers on both sides of our car, with an orange line glowing sharply between them—the skyway boundary.
“Thank you for using us. Have a great time.”
She bowed, and Auntie Seona drove off. Wow...
The car entered the skyway smoothly. I looked down from the window. Wow, high. The feel of wheels on ground versus flying was worlds apart. My heart raced with the new experience. Thump, thump... thump... thump. Huh? It really is pounding. I gripped my fists tight as my heartbeat grew and my hands shook.
No turbulence at all, yet fear flooded me. Ah, right. I had acrophobia. From my past life. I peeked out again, squeezed my eyes shut at the vertigo. The wonder was gone, replaced by fear filling my chest. I won’t fall. I know that. But still scary. I was the type scared of even Ferris wheels.
‘Ugh...’
I kept my eyes down, hands clenched on my knees.
Ah, what about this when I become a mage later? Levitation was basic for mages—even non-mages could do it easily. But fear kept me from high places. Really big problem... I calmed my trembling hands bit by bit. Looking at everyone around, repeating it’d be fine, listening to the upbeat music and friends’ voices—it helped a little.
Calmed, the view outside was now enjoyable. Yeah, you get used to it eventually. Levitation, acrophobia, high places—all would get better with familiarity. I slowly unclenched my fists.
“Kiddo. Fruit, bread, or snacks?”
“Hmm... snacks!”
Relieved, looking at my friends, I turned at Joo Je-hyeon’s voice. Minhee and Inha had torn themselves from the endless blue sky and focused on food. I smiled, held out my hand to him.
“Which snack?”
“Potato chips.”
I took the chips from Joo Je-hyeon oppa, opened the bag. Crunch crunch. Munching, I gazed at the surreal view again. Yeah, use this chance to stare at the sky I’ve always admired.
The car flew swiftly. We stopped once at a floating rest area, but otherwise nonstop. We reached Waterland about an hour and a half after departure. Parking at the island’s outer lot, we stuffed most luggage into sub-spaces and piled out. Staring at the massive island chunk before us, we gasped in awe.
“Wow! It’s huge!!”
“So don’t lose that bracelet even if you get lost. It has tracking magic I can detect.”
“Yes!”
We promised Auntie Seona again and scurried after her to the island entrance. The ticket booth guy’s shock at her was just a side note.
After magic stamps, Waterland greeted us with a wide park of connected fountains. We looked around and walked in. We saw buildings lined up—lodging, shops, restaurants. Further in, a map sign and pool came into view.
I studied the map, memorizing the layout. The island was divided into areas: lodging, shops, beach, pool, attractions, and combos.
Most leisure spots except the pools were in the sky, not on ground level.
“Let’s see, lodging... up in the sky, huh.”
Squinting against the bright sun, I looked up. People were already flying skyward. I admired the sky barrier. Translucent and fuzzy—I knew buildings were up there, but nothing more. I wondered what kind it was.
“Elevator? Kids might still be uneasy flying.”
“Yeah, better.”
“Ehh, I can fly... Inha and Eunha too...”
“But you’ve never gone high, right? Wind up there’s unstable.”
“And Eunha has acrophobia. She’s scared of flying herself. Elevator’s safer?”
“Eunha does?”
Mom’s words made Minhee and the brothers stare at me in surprise. I ducked my head shyly. Minhee covered her mouth, shocked.
“Wow, first I’ve heard.”
“...Not that I can’t fly, but it scares me.”
“I see... no helping it then.”
“Who’d think a kid who seems so mature had that side.”
Cheong Inho oppa ruffled my hair, surprised. Ah, messed up my bob. I smoothed my tousled hair, shot him a grumpy look. He chuckled.
We checked signs and headed to an elevator. They were scattered around the island.
“Wow, so many people here.”
Most were mages, but tons of kids too. Adults could levitate them, but elevators were safer. Crowded as a result. We squeezed through to get in.
The elevator was like a glass tube. Cylindrical, transparent walls showing the full view.
[30 passengers. Ascending.]
With the announcement, the disc floor lifted us up. Ground receded fast. The weird floatiness made me bite my lip, gripping Dad and Inha’s hands tight. How scary the shrinking view was—only acrophobes knew.
Legs shaky, I stepped onto the sky island. Floating sky cities like this were called sky islands. This one had cloud ground. Parts transparent, showing below clearly—a style I didn’t like.
But the whole-island barrier and anti-fall protections—standard on artificial sky islands—meant no plummeting. Styles varied per island...
“Ah, wait, together...”
The ground view from the sky was breathtaking. Ice-cold panic, though. I hooked my trembling arm through Inha’s. Familiarity would help, but not instantly. I squeezed my eyes shut, then open.
Everyone looked at me worriedly.
“Hey, Eunha, you scared?”
“Oh my. Sky island’s high... can’t walk?”
Cheong Inho oppa and Mom’s voices—I shook my head, trembling. No, not that bad. Just uneasy with solid ground. Yeah, fine if I ignored falling thoughts. Deep breath, then walked straight.
“I’m okay, Mom.”
“Good. Mom’ll carry you if you can’t.”
“...Nah, I’m not a little kid anymore.”
Some chuckled at that. Cute faces. Dad sighed softly.
“I’ve thought this before, but Eunha’s too mature... makes this a relief...”
“Quiet as a baby, but didn’t expect such a well-behaved, sweet kid. Not very childish.”
Uncle Jeongmin laughed. I blinked. Not childish. I’d heard that since childhood.
‘But can’t help it.’
Nearly 100 years of memories in my head. First life: normal old age death. Second: met Goddess, died of incurable disease. Now: mage life. Unavoidable.
I tiptoed over the cloud ground carefully. Inside buildings, less scary.
“Good... remember this spot. Teleport up next time.”
Auntie Seona muttered entering the hotel. Better than elevator maybe... but I was awestruck looking around.
The lodging was a real luxury hotel. Expected with her status, but wow. Staff bowing 90 degrees to her—I gaped in admiration again.
“Inha, your mom’s no joke.”
Auntie Seona strode coolly through them—unlike her usual self, so cool. I agreed fervently with Minhee.
We got adjacent rooms on the same floor. Me, Dad, Mom; Auntie Seona, Uncle Jeongmin, Inha; Cheong Inho oppa, Joo Je-hyeon oppa, Minhee. Three rooms.
“Change and meet outside!”
“Yeah!”
I entered with Mom and Dad, quickly changed into thin clothes from luggage. Good this place didn’t require swimsuits. I hated them—too clingy, too revealing. Hadn’t bought one till Hyunho mentioned—reasons.
Short shorts, tank top, light summer cardigan, goggles around neck. Sandals on. Grabbed tube, inflated with mana, slung over shoulder.
“Mom, Dad! I’ll go ahead!!”
I dashed out. Mom, startled by my speed, followed.
“Ah, wait! No going alone! It’s huge here!”
“Eek!”
Troubled face—then I spotted Minhee across the hall, waiting for me or Inha. She’d finished first. As I pondered, Joo Je-hyeon oppa with Cheong Inho oppa approached.
“It’s fine. We’ll watch them.”
“Hmm... alright then...”
Mom hesitated, then nodded.
“Then, take care.”
Inha emerged then. Unlike our thin clothes, she wore a pure white swimsuit. Bikini even! Most amazing: it suited her terrifyingly well. Eyes dazzled, I shaded them momentarily. Auntie Seona followed.
“Eunha ready already? Ah, Mirae, you done? I’ll take longer.”
“No, not yet. But they say they’ll go together...”
“Oh? Great. Kids are so eager...”
Auntie Seona glanced at the brothers gratefully. Cheong Inho oppa grinned cheekily.
“No worries! We always watched the kids on trips.”
“Reliable. Thanks.”
“Yes!”
Inha came to my side. White bikini, long black hair swaying—she was, truly, so pretty! Adorably insane! Wow! This was loveliness.
But used to her looks unlike others, I stopped myself and pointed out practically.
“Ah, but Inha, long hair in water’ll stick and be a hassle. Tie it up...”
“Oh, right. Inha, here, hair tie.”
Mom handed Inha her rubber band. Inha thanked her.
“We’ll head out~.”
“Yeah. We’ll prep quick and come down. Have fun.”
We waved to parents and walked the hall. Elevator down, Inha eyed her wristband.
“...But I suck at tying hair. Mom does it daily.”
“Hmm... want me to?”
“Yeah, please?”
Inha smiled shyly, happily. I blanked again at that smile. Wow, little goddess... actual goddess. Even I, who’d seen the real one, admitted she was stunning. Wow...
Elevator dinged at 1F, so I’d do it at the pool.
Glancing at Inha as we walked. Really, too pretty. Eyes drawn constantly. Bikini on an elementary kid? Shouldn’t suit, but it did—scarier. Sometimes Auntie Seona seemed obsessed with dressing her up. But bugs’d swarm... wow, loli bait scary...
That thought hit as we left hotel. Acrophobia forgotten, I seriously advised, face stern.
“Hmm, Inha, Minhee. While we’re at it. We all got self-defense items from Auntie Seona, right? Don’t forget them?”
“...? Won’t.”
“Yeah, so, if strange uncles or brothers approach? Be wary if they get hands close. Don’t just approach. Ask directions from women. If they drag despite no? Scream or activate. Ah, no Thunder near water—Shock or Fire. Shock best. Got it?”
“Yeah? Got it.”
“Yeah.”
Inha nodded naturally—she heard this from me/parents often. Minhee puzzled but nodded. Friends listened well. I sighed in relief.
But the two brothers listening laughed out loud. Cheong Inho oppa hugged and half-lifted me laughing.
“Wow! Kiddo talks so pretty. Yep yep, all good advice.”
“Pfft... over-mature’s just cute.”
Joo Je-hyeon oppa agreed, pinching my cheeks. Hey, these oppas. Toy me? I frowned slightly. Scary to others, but cute to them.
“Ah! Oppa!”
“...Put Eunha down. She’s got acrophobia.”
“Close eyes then. Good, elevator’s here. Eunha, eyes shut.”
Whirr, elevator opened. Cheong Inho oppa carried me in, covered my eyes. Eyes closed helped less scary... but floatiness still there? Scary too? Didn’t complain. Either way scary.
Ding. Ground level. He finally set me down.
“Here, Eunha. Tube.”
“Seriously, oppa. Don’t baby us. Annoys me.”
“Dunno. You’ll miss this grown up. Hug more while you can.”
“No way.”
I made a subtle face at the siblings. Not wrong. Only kids get carried... grown, boyfriend might occasionally, if lucky. Hard to find such.
Past life, eldest sister—so I carried, not carried. Siblings cuddly, came when called. Only child now not bad... ah, miss them. Wonder what dying of disease felt like for sis...
Not that I craved parents’ arms grown. But seeing carried kids/piggybacks, nostalgic twinge. Past boyfriend was clingy, hugged often. Princess carry too. Thinking back, he was sweet...
Actually, being carried now wasn’t bad. Oppa right. Grown, no more. Bad boyfriend? Never...
‘Ugh...’
Ah, boyfriend thought—eyes welling, gonna cry...
Memories flood. I shook head, grabbed Inha and Minhee’s hands, walked. Forced thoughts to fun.
“Where first?”
“Beach! Sandcastles, stuff~.”
“Amusement park. Eunha?”
Sandcastles, park—all good. I smiled warmly. Anything to shake this mood. Wanna cry. But deep down, recalled what I most wanted here.
“Super tall slide!!”
“Acrophobia?”
“That’s no-view! Fun regardless!!”
Cheong Inho oppa blocked our slide dash.
“No. Tall ones have height limits. Don’t start there—pool first, then. Heart attack.”
“Ehh~.”
Friends pouted, but right, so I soothed.
“He’s right. Let’s.”
“Ugh... okay.”
First, shallow wave pool. Deeper ones elsewhere, but this wide/shallow. Kid-heavy. Start gentle. Before entering, Joo Je-hyeon oppa said:
“But take off accessories before water. Item’s fine, but Inha, that necklace.”
“...Ah.”
Inha touched the silver chain on her white neckline. Joo Je-hyeon oppa held out hand.
“Swims there, might float away. Just metal? No magic,’ll rust.”
“Right. Je-hyeon oppa, hold for me?”
“Sure.”
I watched them from pool edge, splashing feet. Wow, together they’re intense~ cold-blooded couple? Ice combo? Cheong Inho oppa smirked at them, whispered:
“Look. Everyone staring, guys girls alike.”
I nodded blankly. True. Water players all—everyone!—staring at them dumbfounded.
“Hear it? Think models/celebs.”
“Yeah, both stand out looks-wise.”
“Right. Inha kid but doll-pretty, Je-hyeon model-plus. Swimsuit’d kill.”
Cheong Inho oppa drawing eyes too. I glanced. Swimsuit, toned lean muscles bare. White-tipped hair eye-catching. Pointed at it curiously.
“But oppa, why just side hair white? Dye? So even?”
“Huh? Nah~. Mana effect. You haven’t learned yet—mana can affect body differently per person. Eye/hair color change, fast regen, unique traits... like that.”
“Wow...!”
News to me. His mana: silver and light green. Rare dual-color like me. Shape: grayish silver with green lightning wrap. So hair from mana color.
“Cool, huh?”
“So cool!”
Excited, Inha gave necklace to Joo Je-hyeon oppa, came to me smiling.
“Eunha, tie my hair.”
“Yeah. Sit here.”
Sat her front, me behind. Asked for comb—Cheong Inho oppa pulled one from sub-space. Gently combed Inha’s hair. No pulling strands...
Thought high ponytail, paused. Bikini... braids best! Asked:
“Inha! Try braids?”
“Braids?”
“Yeah. Suits your outfit perfect.”
“Hmm... okay.”
“Great!”
Took time, but braided carefully. People still staring. Tied end with band.
“Ooh~ kiddo’s got eye! Perfect match.”
“Right?!”
Thrilled at Cheong Inho oppa. Really, so pretty! Inha blushed shyly at praise. Ah, some loli-con recruit nosebleeding out. Wow...
Glared lightly there, then stroked Inha’s braid gently.
“Yeah. This is it!’ll mess eventually... now in!”
“Yeah.”
“You three. No diving, ease in.”
“Yes!”
Entered kids’ wave pool carefully. Barely waist-high for adults, near ours.
Splashed, dove, played awhile—then eyed goal. Minhee pointed tall slide obvious afar, yelled:
“Now slides!”
“Good!”
“Spot fun stuff en route, play!”
“Yeah.”
Inha/Minhee exited, about to run slippery wet path—I grabbed, stopped. No running! Slippery! Fall! Brothers burst laughing again. Nothing for them.
“Heard from Minhee, but she’s really their guardian, guardian.”
Joo Je-hyeon oppa laughed, hand on Cheong Inho oppa’s shoulder. I looked away embarrassed.
We conquered the pool area that day. Warped via holes to every pool: alligator lake, long wave channels, high waves, zero-G float pools—all. Long slides galore, joined events midway.
Issue: our group too eye-catching. Used to stares with Inha/Auntie Seona, tolerable but annoying.
Got hit on—Joo Je-hyeon oppa handled most. Peak end-times: adult dude boldly hit on Inha. Brothers glared him off intensely.
Met parents for lunch, split, played together—finished pools at dusk, ascended sky island. Dinner at luxury hotel lodging.
“Ah, right. Je-hyeon oppa. My necklace.”
“Hair still wet?”
“Hands dry. Hold in hand.”
“Do what you want.”
With parents, stares lessened. Auntie Seona used perception-block item for her outing—good.
Joo Je-hyeon oppa pulled Inha’s necklace from sub-space. Jingle. One I handmade/gave her two years ago. Looks crude now. Refine later...
Navy round mana crystal jingled. Seeing it, something hit. Never thought of till now—maybe ‘cause thought of That Guy today.
‘Here. Birthday gift.’
‘Uh, isn’t this for anniversaries? Like 100 days?’
‘Wanted to give. Can’t?’
‘No reason not to... yeah, pretty. My taste.’
‘Knew it.’
High school senior year-ish. Unavoidable reason split us five years. Sudden vanish—I thought breakup. But couldn’t forget, still loved, kept couple ring. Not worn openly... strung on necklace chain, hidden in bosom. Five years later: he rich heir, me hot novelist—reunited...
Unforgettable. Rollercoaster, back together, marriage near. Still wore ring on necklace habitually. Ah, necklace...
Realizing, neck felt empty. Wore daily past life—why totally forgot till now? Hand to chest, clenched. Once noticed, unstoppable longing/regret swirled.
Walked silently. Quiet usually, no one noticed. Ah, really gonna cry.
Back room, changed, showered. Ring thoughts wouldn’t stop—lonely, unbearable.
Slept poorly. Finally rose, slipped on shoes, snuck out.
Cloud path visible. Surprisingly many out. Wandered aimlessly. Spotted sky full of shining stars.
‘Pretty? Good.’
‘Weird today. Me looking hot?’
Dream memory! Vanish on wake—yet unforgettable. Sky view from sky too beautiful, tears welled. Loved stars past life. Enough for dream world. Dates often stargazing spots. Tease him “seducing?” poke laughing...
Drip drop.
Tears rolled cheeks to jaw, fell. Startled, wiped. No. Need alone spot. Sub-space. Mom sensitive—no in room. Then...?
Too late descend. Scanned for empty area. No people. There...?
Crouched behind bushes. Starlight through trees blindingly bright. Carefully opened Goddess’s sub-space. Long time. Unfelt before weird mana flowed in. Recalled familiar shape. Moments later, ring-necklace in hand.
‘Yeah. This’ll do.’
Whispered inwardly, donned necklace. Chain clasped back. Lifted, tried ring on finger. Well-kept but old/dirty obvious—way too big for current left ring finger.
“Ahaha. Really different...”
Laughed.
Without sub-space, this—how believe past real? This lets me long now. Know you’re here, somehow. Can meet—firm belief...
“Sorry...”
My fault first. Left first. Yet cowardly miss you.
But I’ll wait. Someday, meeting moment──forever.
Still like you.
Looked skyward, eyes tight shut. Tears poured cheeks again.
Swallowed sob. Deep breaths, count: one, two, three... heart calmed.
Stood, brushed dust. Pushed bushes, back to path. Dazzling starry night sky. Sky island—stars clearer. Walked, tucked necklace inside shirt unseen. Then, familiar figure.
Man suiting darkness perfectly. Saw him, troubled face. Tried sneak to hotel avoiding gaze desperately—but Joo Je-hyeon oppa noticed, turned.
‘Eek...!’
“You Eunha?”
Frowning, I sighed. Ah, gonna get scolded? Definitely?
Busted...