Chapter 48
Chapter 48
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 48
Chapter Title: 10. The World
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The auditorium fell into silence. A potion...? Something that only appeared in novels or comics. That's what it was to me. That's what it *used* to be. I bit my lip lightly.
"You all... probably haven't fully understood the secrecy rule up until now. Even if you did, I doubt you've ever truly felt the urgency. But keeping our students' abilities secret has been the best way to protect young, talented children like you from the 'talent lust' of various organizations."
What suddenly came to mind was the story Mom had told me about Auntie Seona's past.
"In this world right now, dozens of magic organizations have formed their own factions. And there's only one thing that determines the power of those magic organizations: the individual strength of their mages. These organizations are desperate to find talented prospects."
I slowly hardened my expression. I didn't remember Mom's exact words... but I vividly recalled how she said them, the atmosphere. The warmth of Mom hugging me tightly as she told the story.
"You all know this, even if you haven't experienced it yourselves. Battles between mages break out all over the world. Mages die, get injured. Sometimes those fights spill beyond the battle zones into residential areas, carving deep wounds into people's hearts. Mage society has laws and rules to prevent that from happening too often... but this world is far from peaceful."
Her trembling voice, repeating "I'm worried" over and over.
I lowered my gaze and clenched my fists. Right. And as a child, I'd felt that fear once myself. They might not have been after my talent, but I'd been caught in a terrorist attack back then. That's what connected me to this school.
But now, I was starting to forget all about it. Treating it as just something in the past. It could happen again, though. If my talent got out, anytime.
I bit my lip. And the reason incidents like that were rampant in this world, the reason it valued mages' strength so much... was because of these "organizations" and "factions" everywhere. Under national oversight, sometimes crossing borders, building all sorts of power structures... and fighting. It didn't have to be far away—Minhee and Auntie Seona were victims too. Just in different ways.
Minhee has no parents. Both died in battle when she was little.
Je-hyeon Brother was in middle school when their parents passed. They had a decent inheritance, so the two could live together without much trouble. Meaning Minhee had basically been raised by Je-hyeon Brother for the past few years. I'd heard their next-door neighbors—Siha's parents—helped a lot with raising her. Relatives were too distant to ask for support.
But the bigger problem was how common this was in our world. All too common. In our grade alone, including Minhee, five kids had lost at least one parent to mage battles. Five out of a hundred. How could anyone call that a small number? It'd be even more if you included relatives and acquaintances.
Auntie Seona was different. She was a victim of mage battles too, but she'd sacrificed her own body. Not often, but sometimes I'd hear about it from her or Mom. Even as an elementary student, she'd been thrown into battles and endured immense pain.
And the kidnapping just yesterday. I felt my eyes stinging. It wasn't some distant tale. It could happen to me right now. I pressed my lips together and listened.
"In this world, the most valuable information is about mages—and especially young talents like you. Those who show talent early have to hide it or have someone to protect them; otherwise, they're dragged into battle zones from a young age. In severe cases, dark organizations kidnap them, torturing and training them from childhood. ...I was one such victim."
Ah, my breath caught. Plenty of mages contribute to society independently without joining organizations. There are rules and laws for recruitment. But this world has too many things laws can't stop. Because ultimately, everything comes down to power. And dark organizations ignore laws and ethics entirely. So powerless kids just get taken and used.
"I lost limbs at a young age, had my eyes gouged out, endured that horrific pain over and over. I've undergone training tantamount to torture."
I squeezed my eyes shut. If students' abilities leaked out, we'd be the first ones kidnapped and thrown onto the front lines. Me, Inha, Hansu, Minhee, Hyunho. I'd never been through anything that bad, but I knew how terrifying it was.
"After that... I founded my organization and this school to protect other children from suffering like I did. The secrecy rule exists for that purpose."
Hearing that voice, emotion welled up in me, and I looked up at him.
"Even if you break the rules or your information leaks, this school's teachers and members will protect you. But those targeting you won't hesitate at anything—threats, torture, murder, drugs. They'll do whatever it takes. To keep you safe from them, your information mustn't spread. That's why we've placed magical restrictions on you young ones who might not grasp it yet. We didn't need them inside the school... but."
He was strikingly beautiful up close. Not so much his features, but his platinum hair and eyes, glowing with their own light. Stunning. Yet icily cold.
"...But don't forget: many of your friends' parents have heard these truths directly and live in fear. The secrecy rule must be upheld above all else, no matter what. Violations carry heavy penalties. It's essential for your comfortable school life too. Please, keep it."
He swept his cold gaze over us as he spoke. Such gentle words from such icy eyes. I clenched my fists. ...A heavy silence seemed to settle around me. Kids whispered anxiously, glancing around, as the chairman finished.
Back in class, our homeroom teacher gave us a stern warning too.
"As the chairman said, you're all young, but you know mage battles happen all over the world. Thanks to mages' rules, fights rarely spill into non-combat zones, but sometimes the damage reaches downtown, killing civilians. That's how frequent they are."
With one near-expulsion already, we listened intently. When was the last time I'd felt this world's dangers so keenly? Ah, right—probably since that terrorist attack at age five. I clenched my fists.
"Legit organizations don't go that far, but there are underworld groups laws can't fully judge. They cause terrorism to kidnap talented kids, bypassing formal recruitment. Even the police do it—claiming 'shortage of talent,' they drag young mages into fights under 'cooperation.' That's how thirsty organizations are for talent."
This was that kind of world. My old world looked peaceful at a glance—North and South Korea glaring, wars and famines afar—but it was materially affluent, yet danger always lurked. 70% of the population here were mages. Over 50% joined organizations like national police; the rest were freelancers—doctors, lawyers, teachers, craftsmen, engineers, merchants, etc.
70%+ mages meant that many with power.
Naturally, underworld figures were mostly mages too, sparing no means, craving strength. Criminals were overwhelmingly mages. Everyone wanted the powerful.
"As you know, our students are all verified talents. Their info is tightly controlled, but risks remain. They have our uniforms memorized. The teleport commuting badges and IDs we gave you? They're enchanted with tracking and defense magic, in case you're kidnapped. Of course, kids your age might not have awakened yet, so they'd probably leave you alone... but."
I listened with uneasy eyes. Terrifying. Just attending this school put us at kidnapping risk. Wow, so elementary kids don't have to wear uniforms? To avoid detection? No way...
"Still, incidents like yesterday happen about every two years on average. Real kidnappings every three or four. When they do, your ID or badge signals, and a guard teleports in... but there are conditions. So if you're in real danger, use the help system on your ID. Say 'help' to it, got it?"
I nodded, sinking into melancholy. Inha's face came to mind unbidden. I worried for her. She planned to wear the uniform like me starting third grade, and she's so pretty. What if something happened...?
"That's why middle schoolers must stay in dorms unless necessary. Elementary boarders too, without guardians."
The teacher sighed deeply, face full of anguish.
"You're already vulnerable. If someone slips about your abilities on top of that..."
She bit her lip in distress.
"Maybe I should've explained sooner. But kidnappings aside, grade-wide scares like this happen about once a year..."
Kids started murmuring. The teacher steadied herself, banging the desk to quiet them.
"Quiet! And don't say a word to Ha Jinsung, whose ability got exposed. Same for the absentees in the hospital—act like you know nothing. Don't ask questions; that's helping them. You heard they went through something big, right?"
"Yes!"
Whether they fully grasped it was doubtful. Future dangers or friends' recent peril might be too complex at this age. But they should at least get that it's serious and absolutely not to be discussed.
That day, second grade ended early. Assembly, warning, done. A massive uproar unimaginable in my past life.
We gathered post-class at the elementary playground on the hill. Early dismissal should've been fun, but no one felt like playing. I glanced at Minhee. She looked graver than usual, talking with friends. I worried for her. Today's talk tied to her parents somehow. Well, what mage's story didn't...?
"So that's why they told us to keep it secret. I finally got it today. If teachers had said it like that sooner, everyone would've shut up."
"Right?"
Hyunho agreed eagerly with Minhee. Hansu snorted.
"Some idiots just don't get it."
"I'm not."
"Hah."
Hansu snorted again.
I was relieved. Minhee hadn't dwelled on her parents. I sighed inwardly.
"But is Jinsung okay? Heard he's hospitalized... What hurt him so bad he needed potions too?"
"What?"
I blinked in confusion. What? Minhee and the others stared blankly, and I realized their misunderstanding.
"It's not an injury hospitalization. I don't know if he was hurt... but they were hospitalized because of the potions."
"What? Why hospital for potions? Don't they cure illness?"
They stared innocently. I hesitated, then spoke.
"No, potions aren't always good. There are all kinds, right?"
"Yeah?"
"Cold medicine, painkillers, headache pills. Pills, powders, liquids, creams..."
"Yeah."
"But potions include bad ones too. Healing ones, beast-killers, suppressants. Some harm the body. Even alcohol's called a potion sometimes."
"What? Why?"
"Potion means a lot of things. Like 'night'—eating night or sky night. Potion covers a lot."
I checked their faces. Minhee and Hyunho nodded; the rest listened wide-eyed.
"So... potions can be injected. What if they inject alcohol?"
"What?"
Hansu frowned. Minhee swallowed.
"A-Alcohol's bad if too much, right?"
"Very bad. Too much bad stuff, and you die."
"I-If injected..."
I paused. Minhee looked lost.
"So, there are bad potions. Ones that paralyze, knock out, induce sleep, or addict so badly you weaken without them."
I skipped poison. They gulped. Minhee's eyes teared.
"Th-Then... Jinsung, Yuna, Minhyuk too..."
"Yeah. For kidnapping, probably knockout potions? Maybe worse... That's why hospital. Potions have aftereffects... to treat those."
"Wh-What do we do..."
Minhee and Siha teared up, crying. I sobered my face. Childish empathy. Hyunho looked teary too.
But I felt a different unease. Not just childish...
"Were you in the same class as Jinsung?"
"Y-Yeah."
The teary ones nodded. Hansu pointed.
"Those three were close to them."
"Oh... I see..."
I shut my mouth sympathetically. I'd emphasized the bad to stress severity. I inwardly tsked, comforting them.
"It's okay. Don't worry. Overdose is dangerous, but they're kids, so mild potions. And rescued. Probably one dose; proper treatment means no aftereffects, quick recovery. They'll be anxious from the kidnapping, but care helps. When they return, no prying, be considerate, don't ask— they'll be fine soon. Got it?"
They calmed a bit. But Minhee still looked anxious.
"H-How do you know?"
"Uh..."
"B-But Eunha, you've never been through it... Must've been terrifying... Brother says trauma's dangerous. If unforgettable..."
I avoided her eyes, silent. True, childhood trauma lingers deep. But I believed they'd be fine. Not alone; rescued quickly. So...
"...Trauma forms without emotional support. They weren't alone, got saved fast. If you protect them, they'll recover quick."
But they stayed downcast. I shrugged helplessly, swinging the swing.
"Really. Heal the mind, time heals all. I got caught in a terrorist attack too."
I smiled, recalling. Terrifying, yes.
But in hindsight, nothing. My optimism chalked it to a fluke; nothing since.
Now it's just 'Oh yeah, that happened.'
That's why I smiled. But they didn't see it that way.
"What?!"
"What do you mean?!"
They stared in shock. I stopped the swing hard.
'Ah... Never told them?'
Only Inha wasn't surprised—she'd heard before. Right, hadn't told the others. I scratched my head.
"Uh, years ago. Age five? Terrorist attack at the botanical garden field trip from kindergarten. I got locked alone in a scary room exploding with magic. Nothing major, escaped fine. How? Later, okay?"
Swinging my legs seated.
"Super scary then? Iron room, bars shooting from floor—terrifying. But years passed, nothing happened, so it's just past. With good support, he'll be fine. Don't let fear fester."
"..."
They eyed me worriedly, disapprovingly. Worry for my ordeal, annoyance at not telling sooner.
"It's past for me, so fine."
Their faces stayed stern. Inha didn't back me, so I reassured repeatedly.
We chatted briefly, then headed home. Chills lingered from today's talk. Near-kidnapping victims too... It could happen anytime.
'Ugh, mood's sour.'
I knew not to dwell. But after yesterday's same-grade scare, chairman's past—acting normal was hard.
Right, the chairman...
'Chairman, that's why you built this school...'
He looked coldly aloof. Not stunningly handsome, but subtly glamorous. Glowing golden hair, golden eyes. Slender build—not feminine. Masculine face unmistakable.
Eyes utterly emotionless, cold. Intangible pressure around him. Yet gentle words always from those eyes. Highly popular.
"..."
Frustrated, I looked skyward. Then someone tapped my shoulder from behind.
"...Huh?"
"Hey, kids. Big incident in your grade today, huh?"
Startled, but it was Eunhee Sister. I sighed in relief. Minhee perked up.
"Yeah! Some kid broke the rule, huge uproar! From our class. Kinda close..."
Eunhee Sister wore the guards' black suit, on duty. Minhee frowned.
"Hit with potions, hospitalized..."
"Oh? Someone you know? Makes sense, same grade... Don't worry much. Just muscle relaxants. Mild; rest a few days, good as new."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
She nodded firmly. I felt curious.
"Huh? How do you know details, Eunhee Sister?"
"Oh... I rescued them. Part of guard duty."
"Oh...!"
Minhee finally relaxed. From the rescuer herself, trustworthy. I nodded too.
"Whew, but this blew up big. Happens once per grade, sooner or later. Kids don't grasp or follow rules at first. I entered middle school here, so never dealt with it."
She sobered.
"But big fuss this time. Culprit's expelled for sure. Parents won't stay quiet."
She sighed.
"Hardest on the exposed ones. Scared to go out awhile; better dorm them. Gossip from students and adults... And they're so young."
"Yeah, true."
Minhee nodded worriedly. I did too, but thought: maybe because of the chairman—this school has so many kind people...
But really. How many, after suffering, purely wish others avoid it, selflessly? Most resent their fate. Some might wish pain on others, even act on it.
That's the world. Human emotions. Yet how many, post-trauma, genuinely pity others' identical pain? Worry for them before relief it's not just them?
Eunhee Sister probably endured similar—or worse—to that boy. Yet she saves/comforts others because of it. Unimaginable for ordinary people.
Then her next words shocked me. Staring oddly at Minhee:
"Huh, you didn't know? Je-hyeon did that."
I swallowed, eyes wide.
"What?!!"