Chapter 52
Chapter 52
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 52
Chapter Title: 11. Teacher and Child
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As soon as I opened my eyes, what came into view was a room decorated brightly and warmly, just like sunlight.
A bright yellow chair and desk. One long wall was entirely glass, and beyond it stretched a terrace in the same yellow tones.
Sunlight poured abundantly through the long, wide glass windows.
I cautiously looked around my surroundings.
Before long, I came face-to-face with a woman who had been sitting at the yellow table.
The woman was wearing a pink something-or-other that resembled an antique dress.
The lace trailed elegantly without being childish.
Her hair, tied with a ribbon, was long and wavy brown.
Earrings dangled below her ears, jingling metallically, and with her haughty expression, she gave off an air of refined nobility overall, like some highborn young lady.
She gazed down at me sharply, her impression imperious.
After giving me a quick once-over, she opened her mouth.
“Indeed, the aura of your mana is extraordinary for a girl. Anyway, you're quite late. Did the chairman keep you quite a while?”
The woman rose from her chair.
Standing a short distance away from me, she said,
“For now, I suppose I should introduce myself. My name is Jeong Mina. I'm an A-rank mage with Daehyeon, handling the role of association guide, or leader of the defense and communications team, or perhaps advisor. And your name?”
Ah, at those words, I quickly wiped the blank look from my face and bowed my head.
“Pleased to meet you. I'm Yoo Eunha, third-year student in Daehyeon Elementary Division.”
She gave a faint smile at my greeting.
“You leave quite a different impression from the other children I've met so far. Not noisy, not arrogant, and very polite. Sit here.”
She indicated one corner of the desk.
I approached as quietly as possible, pulled out the chair, and sat.
She sat down across from me again as well.
“Before we begin the lessons, I'd like to learn more about your magic. Of course, I've heard the basics beforehand, but it's better to hear the details straight from you. For starters, I'd like to ask about your main affinity, illusion magic—is that all right? Ah, of course, the confidentiality rules apply to us as well. Quite strictly, in fact.”
Since this was our first face-to-face, I observed her with slightly guarded eyes.
The flow of her emotions began to seep gradually into my vision.
Lately, as I'd focused on the flow of emotions tied to mana, I'd started to perceive their colors and flows bit by bit.
Of course, with my skill level—like with detection abilities—there were limits to reading anyone stronger than me.
But I decided to give it a try.
Her mana flowed calmly, without the slightest ripple.
A moment later, I nodded cautiously.
“Then, do you have a goal set for your illusion magic?”
I nodded and replied.
“Yes. Basically, both reality and the mind. For reality, I want to reach the level of materializing illusions... And for the mind, um, something like freely displaying dreams?”
“‘Mind’ as in ‘dreams’... Not bad at all.”
There was actually one more ultimate goal for illusion magic, but it was too dangerous to mention, so I kept it to myself.
She listened intently to my words and pulled out a sheet of paper, beginning to jot something down.
Her expression was deeply contemplative.
She looked back at me.
“You do know that pursuing both of those simultaneously is incredibly difficult, right?”
“Yes.”
“And you still want to do it?”
“Yes.”
“And with illusion magic... you've set your goal for reflecting it in ‘reality’ all the way to ‘materialization,’ but... in that case, ‘manifestation magic’ might suit you even better. Why did you choose illusion as your magic?”
“Because it fits my vision of magic the best.”
“Why is that?”
She probed my thoughts and opinions with relentless detail.
Convinced that this was the standard procedure for teaching, I slowly laid out my reasoning.
“What I want isn't to ‘create’ the things I think of into reality. I want to ‘show’ them. Uh, um... In that sense, manifestation magic feels kind of inefficient... And besides, to support that, I already have one magic with similar properties to manifestation magic.”
“‘Character magic,’ you mean.”
“Yes.”
She nodded calmly.
“Then, onto ‘character magic.’ What's its goal?”
“Um, character magic is... the feeling of ‘executing exactly what's written,’ so... word spirit magic?”
“Word spirit magic...”
“Uh, yes. It's less a concrete goal and more the concept itself—I want what I write to execute as is. And... also...”
“Have you thought of any magic ideas using character magic?”
“Um. For example, writing a book and using illusion magic to draw reality into it. Or lots of ways to assist illusion magic, like drawing a picture and having it manifest... Basically, I want to try everything that can be done by writing something? Like manifesting my own story world... That kind of thing.”
“Word spirit magic combined with storytelling...”
At some point, interest began to show on her previously impassive face.
She murmured with a slight smile. Storytelling, huh. Maybe it was accurate. My magic was fundamentally rooted in word spirit magic, directly tied to my ‘heart as a novelist.’
“Lately... I've even tried implementing spell magic by writing out the characters. Writing the names of advancement spells... It feels like characters are a bit simpler than drawings, somehow...”
“Not bad at all. It's the magic with the most potential out of everything.”
I thought the same. Illusion magic had its versatile aspects, but character magic took it even further. Above all, it was built on word spirit magic as its foundation. For someone like me, with endless things I wanted to do with magic, it was perfect.
“Finally, barrier magic... What's its goal?”
This time, I could answer definitively.
“Space-time magic.”
“Space-time magic...”
Her expression grew grave.
“Explain in more detail.”
“Um, so... basically, you erect a barrier and manipulate the space inside it. If you can freely control the space within the barrier... you should be able to manipulate time inside it too. And passages as well. Like a gate that can go anywhere? So the foundation of my space-time magic is... the barrier that lets me define the scope of my magic... and passages, or gates, that let me freely navigate dimensional rifts or the like... Those two. I've thought of barrier magic as space-time magic from the very start.”
As I spoke, I found myself growing serious at some point.
The goal of barrier magic wasn't space-time magic.
Space-time magic began with barriers.
This magic had lofty aims, so progress was quite slow.
Even so, I'd succeeded in expanding the gate size enough for a child to pass through.
The passage distance was still pitifully short, but I took pride in my growth nonetheless.
I'd peeked inside the passages I'd created a few times.
I'd also experimented by sticking my hand through.
There were two types of passages I'd made.
Metaphorically speaking, doors and tunnels.
Straight-connected passages where sticking your hand in one gate made it emerge immediately from the other.
And passages where you entered a pitch-black space first before being able to exit.
All of it was exactly as I'd imagined it long, long ago.
Once I finished speaking, she tapped the paper thoughtfully with her pen, her expression serious.
A moment later, she looked at me with a subdued face.
“You do know these are extremely difficult goals, right? To be frank, not a single one of the magics you've described is ordinary.”
“......”
I clamped my mouth shut.
“Illusion magic's goals: materialization and dream control. Character magic: from word spirit magic to storytelling. Barrier magic is actually space-time magic... I thought you were a very well-mannered child, but clearly there's more to you than that. So, how do you want to use these three magics in combination?”
She watched me with eyes quietly ablaze.
Overwhelmed by her presence, I quietly confessed the ultimate combination I'd envisioned with those three magics...
“With barriers... to define the area where I use illusions... and with characters... to add the fine details to that barrier or illusion...”
Reinforce the illusion's domain with barriers.
Add detailed settings with characters.
Hearing my words, she let out a hollow chuckle.
“In other words, you want to create your own world... and in such a complicated way, no less... but more vividly and perfectly... Now I see—you're just like a child who loves toys. Wanting to toy with an entire world to your heart's content. Do you aspire to be a god or something?”
I shut my mouth.
A god... maybe I did.
In the world of my novels, I was a god.
All novelists create their own worlds.
I was the god of that world.
This magic was ultimately born from my desire to show my stories to others.
I couldn't escape the framework of ‘stories.’
What I wanted as a novelist was set in stone.
I wanted to show my stories... to as many people as possible.
I wanted someone to cry reading my novels.
To laugh.
I am the god of my own stories.
Ultimately, that's what it boiled down to.
But was that a cruel story to tell others...?
A strange, dictatorial one?
For the first time, such a thought crossed my mind.
No, maybe not the first time.
It felt like once, I'd apologized for it, sobbing desperately toward someone... Who was it?
Static crackled as fragmented memories approached.
My head hurt.
My chest tightened.
But at that moment, she laughed.
“Huhu... I'm not really scolding you. A mage's domain is extremely important. I'm just impressed by your wisdom in choosing yours. If you want to do it, then do it. Even if you can't, even if it's near impossible—it's your choice, and you created the magic yourself. Your magic is pretty fun. It'll be your absolute ally.”
At her words, I lifted my head, eyes widening.
The noise in my memories faded away.
Her smiling face filled my vision.
“And, indeed. Now I understand why I was assigned to you. No wonder they recommended me so enthusiastically. My magic is similar to yours.”
They? Similar? Her words piqued my curiosity.
Smiling, she explained her magic to me.
“My magic is ‘Game’ magic.”
“Game...?”
It was a magic that didn't suit her noble young lady vibe at all.
My eyes went wide.
“I've loved games ever since I was little. So I created game magic. Of course, it's possible to create games in the internet world too... but this magic truly shines in reality. Specifically, in battles between mages.”
“......”
“I'm the game master. I can turn my surroundings into a ‘game world.’ Inside it, all magic gets quantified, transforms into skills, and becomes part of the game. Of course, only within the limits of my mana... And I can wield all the administrator powers. Whatever I want with admin privileges. See? Similar to you, right?”
I was at a loss for words.
It was exactly as she said.
“In the game world, I am the game system itself. And I can create that very system however I please. Just like you, it's magic for creating worlds. I never imagined I'd meet someone with magic so eerily similar to mine.”
I felt the same.
Beyond word spirit magic, beyond barrier magic, I'd never dreamed of encountering someone with magic so akin to mine.
Game magic.
Just from the name alone, it was unimaginable how closely it resembled mine.
Plus, when you think game magic, don't you usually picture levels?
Something where you level up and get stronger.
But she was the game master.
More than that, the creator of the game itself.
The game world was her world.
With full admin powers at her disposal.
She could probably use all those common skills you see in games, too.
By the time my thoughts reached that point, her magic sounded truly incredible.
A magic that could utterly dominate any opponent in combat.
“Well... anyway, that's not the end of the questions. Now I'd like to hear about the combat applications of your magic.”
Combat applications, huh.
My expression grew complicated.
I felt my previously clear gaze waver.
I wasn't the type suited for combat at all.
But I knew full well that I had to think about it whether I liked it or not.
“Mages have to master basic combat no matter what. Since you're a mage now, you'll inevitably get dragged into fights someday. If you hate combat, at least master perfect defense to avoid death, right? Have you thought about any offensive magic?”
It was the question that troubled me the most out of everything so far.
After deep thought, I answered.
“I've been pondering offense since last year... but since my magic isn't inherently offensive, I'd probably use attribute magic or spell magic for attacks... Or maybe use illusion magic to confuse and knock them out? Now that illusion magic is starting to affect the brain substantially...”
I mumbled to myself, swallowed the sigh trying to escape, and continued.
“Honestly... I haven't really thought much about attacks or combat even while learning. If I had to say... I'd hide and protect myself with barriers and illusions... then strike at an opening with character or attribute magic? Something like that?”
“Don't worry. Mage combat isn't always about charging to the front. Fighting by striking at openings, or protecting and supporting allies—those are roles someone has to fill in combat too. From what you've said, you definitely fit as a defense or support-type mage.”
She paused to think for a moment, then continued.
“But honestly, if you set your mind to ‘attacking,’ those magics could become tremendously powerful offensive spells. It's magic for creating a whole world. You think that's impossible? If illusions affect the brain, that means they're no different from reality for the victim. Every illusion you create will leave wounds on their body. Your characters are word spirit magic. If you will pain upon them, they'll suffer simply. Do you realize that?”
I clamped my mouth shut for an instant.
It was true.
My magic turned everything into reality within the scope of my mana.
An illusion stabbing the heart might actually stop it.
A character command for madness might drive them truly insane.
And above all... space-time magic could slice or stab anywhere on the opponent in an instant if I so willed it...
However, I'd only contemplated such gruesome uses in my head, never writing them in my notebook.
I had known it was possible for a long time, though.
“The reason you see your magic as defensive isn't its form—it's your personality. Not a bad thing. Domain magic can be extremely dangerous if used improperly.”
With that, she smiled.
“But you're really not childish at all. A child wouldn't have convictions this firm. When I asked if manifestation magic might be better, a normal kid would get anxious like, ‘Is that so?’ Or stubbornly insist on their own magic. You really are... more mature than I even imagined, from what I'd heard.”
Her words left me at a loss for how to respond.
Well, yeah. Kids this age were still in the midst of forming their egos.
But mine was already that of an adult.
A solid ego had taken root in my heart.
It might evolve naturally over time, but unlike other children, I had clear convictions, emotions, and thoughts.
I'd heard ‘not childish’ countless times, but this was the first person to analyze it so precisely.
After that, I talked with her for a while longer.
Or sometimes we just silently sipped tea.
Before I knew it, the lesson time was drawing to a close.
“Time's up already... From next time, we'll do proper magic training. And... if you have any questions in the meantime, feel free to ask. Do you have a phone?”
“Ah, yes.”
“Then let's exchange numbers. And even outside lesson hours, if I think you need it, I might call you in for training. Got it?”
“Yes... Understood.”
“Your number?”
I carefully recited my phone number at her question.
She inputted it right away.
Moments later, my phone rang.
It was from her.
“That's my number. Save it. Now head back to school. See you next week.”
I bowed politely toward her.
I'd been tense, and she'd said some piercing things at times, but her serious, thoughtful demeanor somehow stuck with me.
I hadn't experienced actual teaching yet, so I couldn't say for sure, but she seemed like she'd be a good teacher.
And that antique way of speaking was oddly fun.
“Thank you. Excuse me.”
With that, I used my teleport badge to return to school.
The moment I teleported onto the school grounds, I naturally strolled the field while thinking.
‘She looks mid-twenties on the surface... but her speech is so mature, or antique, I guess. Well, she's an A-rank mage, so appearances might not tell the whole story. Jeong Mina... Maybe look her up online.’
I knew it was rude, but I got curiously fixated on her age.
And strangely, even though it was our first meeting, her face felt familiar.
Because she's an A-rank mage? I wondered.
‘But somehow, it feels like more than that...’
I tilted my head in thought for a moment before heading to the classroom.
The classroom was already abuzz with post-lesson chatter from my classmates.
Inha was back too.
I waved at her with a smile.
The moment I sat at my desk, Inha asked in a small voice.
“How was it?”
“Um... I'll tell you later. It's kinda secret stuff.”
“Yeah, fair.”
Inha nodded.
As we spoke, we started doodling and passing notes in our textbooks.
『The teacher assigned to me was a woman with a super unique vibe. She uses incredibly antique speech, like some noble lady from somewhere?』
『Mine's a male teacher. Kinda cold vibe. But I think we'll get along. Uses fire magic.』
I see. I blinked.
Inha seemed to have matched with someone of a similar personality.
Fire magic, huh... The kind you see a lot in comics and novels.
A staple power that always shows up in fantasy comics or novels. Wouldn't be outdone even in superpower stories...
『My teacher is named Jeong Mina, and she uses game magic. You usually think of game magic as leveling up and such, but her ability is game master powers, so it feels similar to mine. Guess that's why she's my teacher.』
『Oh yeah? Well, your magic is pretty unique anyway.』
『Yeah. I was totally shocked.』
Rattle! Bang!
We were in the middle of note-passing when a loud noise suddenly rang out.
The rowdy kids instantly fell silent and turned that way.
We did the same.
There stood Hyunho, catching his breath with an excited expression.
“Hyunho? What's up?”
“Awesome!!”
Hyunho shouted that as he rushed over to us.
I tensed a bit at his momentum, like he might hug us.
But he came right up with gusto, flashed a mischievous grin, then whispered in our ears in the tiniest voice.
What Hyunho said was this.
“My teacher is Mr. Yoo Min?”
We were shocked too.
No way! We'd expected a strong mage, sure, but who would've thought Teacher Yoo Min was A-rank?
And assigned to Hyunho, of all people?!
I stared up at Hyunho, who was beaming vacantly with wide eyes.
Somehow, I understood why he was so thrilled.
“I-I was, l-like, totally shocked...”
“Can't blame you.”
Even Inha agreed.
Inha, who hardly ever showed emotional shifts outside a few exceptions, was convinced by Hyunho's shock.
“H-He... kept it secret to surprise me... And it wasn't officially confirmed yet... A-Ah, I was really shocked...”
Hyunho stammered on in fluster before breaking into the biggest, happiest grin.
“......I'm super happy.”
But his voice was on the verge of tears.
Inha nodded silently, and I smiled warmly as I patted Hyunho's head.
Boys this age usually hated that sort of thing, but since I'd been acting like their guardian since first grade, he took it naturally.
After all, there was a world of difference between parental guardians and a friend acting as one.
“Anyway, it's great news. Let's tell Minhee and Hansu right after class ends.”
“Yeah!”
Hyunho nodded vigorously.
I itched all over, dying to share this with my friends right away.
Minhee would be thrilled.
Jealous too, maybe?
Hansu would be super shocked.
And happy.
At that moment, Siha's face crossed my mind, and I hesitated briefly, but I shook it off inwardly—no, it wasn't like that.
Siha wasn't in Class I, and he had no particular connection to Teacher Junhwi or Teacher Min.
So there was no need to tell Siha.
It'd be awkward to explain to him anyway.
That was how I convinced myself inwardly.