Chapter 51
Chapter 51
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 51
Chapter Title: [-- 11. Teacher and Child --]
-----------------------------------------------------------------
“Studying~? With those boring books... I thought you were reading novels again. Eunha, you’re really diligent...”
I smiled brightly at his words.
“Thanks. But what about you, Hyunho? How’s that sub magic you’re working on coming along?”
It wasn’t just Hyunho. I could tell Minhee was starting to wrestle with her own magic too. Even Hansu had begun exploring sub magic ideas. Inha and I already had ours, but for Hansu, Minhee, and Hyunho, this was the stage where doubts piled up as they learned magic.
“Hmm, not sure. Hansu and I have been tossing around ideas for sub magic, but... nothing’s clicking.”
“Well, yeah. Most people don’t create sub magic until high school. You figure out your combat style with your main magic in middle school, then build the sub around it. Unless you had a goal from the start. Or if you’re not going the combat mage route.”
“Yeah, true...”
“Sub magic might be even more important than main magic, so don’t rush it. Your magic’s growth direction can branch in all sorts of ways. Better to give it time.”
“Yeah~ I dunno. Must be nice for you and Inha, already having yours.”
At that, Inha and I exchanged glances. Well, yeah. I’d had a goal from the beginning, and Inha quickly found something that fit her magic.
Seeing Hyunho so down—unusual for him—made me think I’d said the wrong thing. After a moment’s thought, I spoke up.
“Then how about reading some comics?”
“Huh? Comics?”
“Yeah. Comics have all these unique worlds and powers. Imagining stuff from them can be fun and boost your creativity.”
“Ehh~ I hate books...”
“Comics aren’t books! They’re fun! Just try it—great for a mood boost. Or watch anime or movies.”
“Movies! I love movies! Wanna go this Saturday? Sunday works too.”
His face lit up instantly, and Inha and I exchanged another look. Come to think of it, I could use a break myself. Twenty books a day was overkill, even with speed-reading glasses...
“Sure, sounds good.”
Inha nodded right away. I smiled and added,
“Me too. But what movie? Theater or rent DVDs?”
“Then whose house?”
“Who’s got the best TV?”
“Probably mine or Hansu’s.”
Inha’s eyes narrowed slightly at Hansu’s name. Reflex-level now, huh? And they were close friends. She’d heard all his gripes, good and bad. I stifled a laugh.
“Yeah, makes sense. Let’s ask them!”
“Right. Lunchtime.”
We chatted as we headed back to class. The moment we entered, every eye in the room snapped to us. I shrugged inwardly. Inha was so pretty, guys kept pranking Hyunho out of jealousy for hanging with us. Hyunho’s personality kept it from turning into bullying, though.
At lunch, as planned, Inha, Hyunho, and I pitched the movie night to the others. They all grinned and agreed.
“Heh, you suggesting fun? What’s up with you?”
“Sounds great! What’re we watching?”
Hansu and Minhee chimed in, and Siha nodded with a smile too. I jumped in.
“I’m in the mood for flashy fantasy. Kinda fits since this started as brainstorming for magic ideas.”
“Yeah, romance is boring.”
“Totally.”
I smiled at their agreement. At our age, romance was still a mystery. I’d picked fantasy too.
Though, I mused, from my perspective, every movie here was fantasy. This was a magic world—how could it not be? Fantasy here meant stuff impossible here: superpowers beyond magic, other races, dimension travel, reincarnation...
Romance leaned daily life over fights, but battles always snuck in. I enjoyed it as cultural flavor.
We settled on action or fantasy, searched online with student IDs or phones, and picked rentals from a nearby DVD shop—school or home area. ‘Tree of Spirits’ was the choice. Others like ‘Your Dream and Mine’ or ‘Mirror World’ tempted us, but all were hits; lucky if any were left.
Hansu’s house for viewing. Three years into our friendship, Inha and I had never been there.
“Now that you mention it, first time at Hansu’s.”
My words made everyone realize it. Even Hansu scratched his head.
“Yeah...”
“You two hardly visit friends’ houses.”
True enough. For me, meeting parents or imposing felt awkward. Inha just stuck to me. But the others...
Minhee nodded, then whispered mischievously in my ear.
“Hansu’s mom is super strict? Total ice queen vibe. Bet he got his personality from her.”
She giggled. Agreed! Hyunho added on, and Inha and I turned to Hansu. Siha nodded too. Hansu just pouted silently. Never met his parents, so imaginations ran wild. Strict? Kinda nerve-wracking.
“Anyway.”
Hansu, unhappy with the topic, shifted gruffly.
“Level classes start tomorrow. Wonder where we’ll end up.”
“...”
Dead silence. Mood plummeted. Minhee and Hyunho’s smiles vanished into gloom. Inha’s face fell too, and even Hansu looked down. Siha glanced around, flustered.
Only I stayed calm. But separation was inevitable. I knew I was cold about it. I always was with bonds—they flashed by. Only family and boyfriends got real attachment...
First real friends. First time seeing a teacher as a true mentor. That thought dimmed my mood a bit. Not as deep as theirs, though.
I spoke quietly.
“If Jeong Junhwi Teacher’s right... we’ll get personal tutors...?”
“Maybe...”
Sighs all around. Not even a month since tearful goodbyes with teachers. Softies like Hyunho and Minhee looked ready to cry.
Honestly, I was scared but excited. Magic studies felt stalled lately. A school-recommended tutor would be theory-sharp, experienced, great teacher. Expectation bubbled.
Old me would dread one-on-one with a stranger. Now? Thrilled. Like Hyunho with sub magic, I pondered next training steps.
Guidance matters. Magic has solo limits—even unique spells. Growth varies wildly with mentors. Endless ideas to leverage my strengths, yet solo walls closed in. Mom and Auntie Seona helped plenty, but not enough. Needed a specialist.
Hoo... I sighed softly.
“Anyway, hope the new teachers are good people.”
Hyunho said, gloomy but earnest. We turned to him.
“Since we’re all stressing over magic right now.”
“Yeah... true.”
True magic headaches hit just thinking. School taught tons, but... I ran a hand through my hair, then noticed.
“...”
Siha biting her lip, eyes distant and lost.
My chest tightened. I opened my mouth... nothing came.
I closed it.
Since third grade, we’d delved into true magic—not my only worry. Attribute magic too. Subjects split: Spell Magic (Practical), True Magic (Practical), Attribute Magic (Practical), Magic Theory (Comprehensive). Plus regular subjects.
Theory emphasized practice now. Potions, items, unique magic details—basics we knew, creation tips, cautions.
Third grade already eyeing unique magic creation. Every kid here was talented. We were getting lapped.
Elementary kids max out physically anyway. Real strength post-middle school. But starters push hardest.
The dreaded level-class day arrived. First period: Magic Theory. First task: ‘Write.’
“Starting unique magic study this year. Before we dive in, write your dream spells on paper. Main, sub, support—anything.”
Uh, caught off guard. I glanced at Inha; she met my eyes. Shared understanding passed wordlessly; back to paper.
I tapped the pencil. Spells done ages ago. But copying mine felt off. Something kid-like...
Thought of unmastered applications. Wrote one.
『Warp』
Warp vs. Teleport: Warp via ‘passage,’ Teleport direct ‘move.’ Mine leaned warp—higher magic, creates/connects space paths.
Stared, pondered. Peeked at Inha: light, lightning, ice in messy script.
Erased, wrote 『Space Transfer』, added Barrier. Recalled kid dreams pre-finalizing.
Illusion, space-time, word magic—my true dreams. Others tempted, but not must-haves.
Hmm. ‘Ah!’ Struck by idea, erased space transfer, swapped.
Final ‘dream spells’:
『Subspace Magic』『Barrier Magic』『Word Magic』
No real ones; this sufficed. Past life wishes? Mostly space: teleport, barriers. Or attributes—wind, water, ice suited me.
Goddess’s subspace gift? Proof I craved personal space. Later, space-time for my own...
‘Even I think these are insanely hard.’
Word Magic from character magic association. Satisfied with three.
“Wrote yours? Why those?”
Smiled at Inha’s puzzled look.
“Just. Didn’t feel like ‘real’ ones.”
“Fair. No rules against faking it.”
“Inha? Ice for Auntie Seona?”
“Yeah. Mom’s ice is pretty; as a kid, I wanted that.”
“Yeah...”
Agreed. Auntie Seona’s magic stunning: wind amps ice, shards slice mountains.
Checked each other’s; turned to Hyunho, furiously pondering.
Totally sub magic stuck. Prodded via Inha at his ‘help me’ face.
“Huh? Oh? What?”
Flustered turn. Can’t say stop stressing. Pointed at paper. He peeked teacher-ward, lifted his.
‘...’
Blank. Erase marks galore. Inha whispered worriedly.
“Write anything? Blank’ll get you scolded.”
“Right... Water magic then.”
Wrote, sank back. Even I felt stifled.
Cheery kid down showed our guidance need. Unique magic solo, but Junhwi or Min Teachers could advise...
Realized I’d leaned on them as teachers. Surprising—I, depending naturally? Stunned myself.
We needed guides. Hyunho stuck at ‘water.’
Hours later: ‘level assignment time.’ Teacher called names briskly amid chaos.
“Remember secrecy rule... Starting with 1: Kang Inha... S-Class. 2, Kim Nabin, A-Class...”
Tense listening. Glanced at Inha. S-Class her, us too. Yup—me and Hyunho S-Class.
Post-calls, locations explained. Kids knew theirs paired off. S-Class last.
“S-Class: Kang Inha, Kim Hyunho, Yoo Eunha... Head to Chairman’s Office first.”
We blinked.
“...Huh? Yes?”
Chairman’s Office? Why?!
Teacher serious. We left awkwardly. Hallway, I glanced next class.
“If we’re going... Hansu and Minhee too?”
They paused, turned.
“Now that you say...”
“Yeah.”
Snuck to Class 2 window—empty. Disappointed, turned.
“Chairman’s Office? What’s up? He looks super cold. Nervous.”
“Mmm...”
“Really?”
Inha, Je-hyeon Brother, Seonghu Brother topped cold looks.
I was tense, but situation—not face. Not hugely, though. What’s he gonna do?
Cold face, but words suggested opposite personality. Not purely icy. Founded school to protect talents. Rules worked absolutely.
Not the worry. Level classes—why Chairman? Not teaching us?
Long walk—high school wing.
En route, thoughts: Not him teaching; introducing tutor? Personal via him?
Regretted not asking Junhwi more. Stared at sign.
“Here... right?”
First time. Hyunho gulped unusually. Examined door, hesitated... knocked twice. Sliding or not, manners.
Voice inside.
“...Come in.”
Eased door open, swallowed nerves. Saw Minhee, Hansu’s profiles on sofa. Chairman at desk beyond. Bookshelves packed, antique desk/chair, sofa, guest table.
Inha strode in confidently. I nodded Hyunho; he followed. I closed door last.
“Good elementary harvest this year...”
Mid-eye-greets to Minhee/Hansu, Chairman scanned us, muttered. Stood, faced us.
“...Sit.”
Glanced sofa. Hyunho shuffled to Hansu’s side. Inha and I opposite chairs. Black leather sofa comfy.
Chairman sat silently beside me. Quick glance: sharp as ever.
Tension spiked. Excluding us, trio opposite radiated nerves. Not just title—his aura. Inha’d have it grown.
“You know why you’re here.”
Silence broke. Kids eye-locked frozen; I spoke softly for them.
“...Yes.”
“Heard from Junhwi Teacher. All prodigies. School does personal level classes for top talents. You exceeded; personal lessons til elementary graduation—three years.”
“Yes.”
Knew from teachers. Less tense, more excited; peeked Chairman.
“But your teachers’ status requires my intro...”
Muttered at table: ‘Come out’—barely audible to me. Silently, steaming teacups, tempting cookies/candy appeared on table—like always there. Minhee’s eyes sparkled; sweets fiend.
“Eat. Won’t take long, but necessary.”
Minhee grabbed first cautiously. Inha natural with tea. Most tense Hyunho eyed, nibbled cookie—face lit kid-like, dug in. I smiled faintly. Hyunho simplest.
Skipped snacks; eyed magic. Summon? Not manifestation. Prodded table wonderingly, warmed at kids’ joy. Sipped tea.
“Your guides: all A-rank mages.”
Eyes widened.
“Talented kids face dangers—must grow strong. Your teachers: powerful, knowledgeable, raised many. School’s strong mages from them. Learn well.”
Whoa... Heart pounded—pure joy. A-rank tutelage? Thrill and nerves surged. Fists clenched tight, trembling.
Burden too: Must hit B-rank min... Hands to cheeks impulse fought.
“They’ll teach three years elementary, but stay mentors after. Kind souls. Ask anytime, even off-hours—they’ll like it. ...Time’s up.”
Subjective teacher praise trailed; checked time, placed something on table from nothing. Tiny nail-sized orb.
“Teleport coordinate embodied. Junhwi and Min matched to your styles/magic. Press to teleport badge.”
Orbs flew before reach: mine pink, Inha black, Hansu brown, Minhee green, Hyunho dark gray. Pressed to badges—absorbed.
“Visualize orb, teleport. Takes to lesson space.”
Followed. Pictured pink orb, focused—float sensation. Teleport feel confirmed; opened eyes cautiously.