Chapter 8
Chapter 8
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 8
Chapter Title: 02. Learning as I Go
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Crash!
The men's forms collapsed one after another. Their bodies ended up tightly bound by thin stems like plant stalks, in a bizarre state of restraint.
"Urk...! What the hell are you...!"
"You don't need to know!"
The ones who took them down were a man and a woman. The woman glared coldly at the 'culprits' and unleashed her magic.
"Wind Bell! Crystal!"
At her call, a small boy and girl resembling fairies appeared in midair—one with silver hair, the other with blue.
"Wind Bell! Detect every room that's gone haywire! Crystal! Show me all of it!"
The tiny fairies sprang into action. Moments later, they pinpointed the rampaging rooms: the iron plant chamber, a small jungle inhabited by trees wielding eerie spells, and a quartz cave blooming with stone flowers. Three locations in total.
Images of the three sites reflected in a mirror of water. Seven people were trapped: two in the quartz cave, four in the small jungle, and one in the iron room.
"That iron room—there's a kid trapped alone in there?!"
The woman gasped in shock. The man's cold expression twisted slightly, his brows furrowing.
"This is bad! Seonghu! Freeze those bindings!"
The man called Seonghu complied without hesitation. The thin yet tough stems binding the culprits froze solid in an instant. The ice was as hard as steel.
"This'll take time. There has to be a magic source somewhere for something that powerful..."
At that moment, a loud clatter rang out. The woman whipped around, startled. Her partner was rummaging through the culprits' bodies.
"Remote control magic isn't child's play. Especially to cause this level of rampage. These guys are D-rank mages."
"Ah...!"
The woman's eyes widened at his words. Then, objects that looked like magic sources emerged one by one from the men's bodies. Two in total—mana crystals, unmistakably catalysts for spells.
But even with the finds in hand, the man frowned.
"This magic... these aren't the sources. Just mediums for relaying commands, maybe."
"Good enough! Quartz! Wood Spirit!"
As she spoke, the woman summoned two more spirits.
"Use those mediums to dispel the magic!"
The two mediums were plant and earth attributes—likely for the jungle and cave rooms. She immediately began dispelling the spells with them. Even though her summons handled the work, it still drew on her own mana. But it didn't take long for the jungle and cave spells to unravel sequentially. Right after, she let out a sigh of relief—then jolted.
"The iron room?!"
"...No other items with strong mana signatures."
The culprits had already passed out from the icy chill. The woman gritted her teeth at the sight of the child in the mirror. The kid somehow looked calm. Or...
"Huh?!"
The woman's eyes bulged. Not just her—the man reacted the same.
The child scribbled something in a notebook. Light rose from it, flying off somewhere. The girl followed it. The woman cried out in astonishment.
"Magic?! No way! How old is she?!"
"...Report's come in. Haneul Kindergarten, Sunshine Class, age five, Yoo Eunha... missing near the iron room."
"A five-year-old?!"
The child in the water mirror kept following the light. She stopped at one spot, looked around, then walked straight toward the wall without hesitation. She began drawing on it with her pen. Scratch, scratch—the wall filled with black in one area.
"What is she doing?"
A huge, pitch-black circle took shape. The child closed her eyes and spread her hands. In that instant, the magic activated.
"......!"
The two sensed it. But nothing seemed to happen, and the child slumped to the ground.
"Crystal. Bring the mirror closer."
Crystal adjusted the angle. The mirror now showed the wall right in front of the black-painted section. The woman's eyes widened. Barely noticeable, but... the iron wall was slightly dented, caved in.
"Magic? She can use magic? Oh my god..."
But that was it. The child crawled toward the wall, her face contorted in anguish, and punched the dent with her fist. Pity and gravity filled the watching man and woman's faces. After a moment's thought, the woman spoke to the blue-haired Crystal.
"Crystal. Link the mirror between here and there. I'll send mana directly to break it."
The man frowned at her words.
"You're weak against metal, aren't you? Let me do it."
"Then... please."
Just as they spoke—
The child's magic activated once more.
The wall caved in from the center of the painted circle. The iron composing it pushed outward like melting, creating a 'hole' in the iron wall.
"Huh...?"
It was unbelievable. The iron yielded to the child's touch, parting to form a hole in the once-solid wall. An 'exit'.
"......"
The two watched, breathless. Soon, the girl vanished through the hole. They were speechless. The iron room stood empty.
Silence lingered. Finally, the woman broke it.
"Yoo Eunha from Haneul Kindergarten... right?"
"Yeah."
"That kid sure held her own..."
She trailed off mid-mutter.
"That's a developed spell, isn't it? Existing magic has something similar, but it's advanced. Not attribute magic, that's for sure. Drawing magic—no, that light was text magic. Text magic and... iron, shaping magic."
"......"
"She's a protectee."
"Agreed."
"And a scout target."
The man nodded silently at her words.
"Either way, we can't just leave a talent like that alone."
"No kidding!"
The woman beamed in agreement. Seeing her, the man's icy expression softened into a gentle smile.
"Alright, then. Let's haul these guys back."
With that, the two vanished along with the culprits' forms.
After the iron room incident, Mom grilled me thoroughly. Of course, Dad rushed back upon hearing I'd been caught in danger and got the same treatment.
From then on, I trained in magic seriously with Mom. The perilous botanical garden fiasco soon faded from memory. It was in the past anyway—no point dwelling. Apparently some terror-like event, but I was fine, so whatever.
Meanwhile, Auntie Seona's return to Korea drew near. Mom grew more excited as the date approached. I was looking forward to it too, but watching her buy new tableware, teacups, clothes, and hum tunes was oddly fascinating.
Then came the call from Auntie Seona—a bolt from the blue for Mom.
"Another month delay? What the hell! That's too much!"
[Yeah... but it's just me coming late. Inha and your brother-in-law are heading there as planned in a week.]
Mom pouted at Auntie Seona's words on screen, deflated like a kid. Mom only acted that way around her.
Mom sighed in response.
"Fine... hope you wrap it up quick."
[Yeah.]
I watched quietly from behind as they video-chatted, lost in thought. Auntie Seona was Mom's one-and-only. But I'd asked her not to tell about my skills. Might be rude, but Mom had honored my request without a word.
Not that I saw it as bad. Auntie Seona did the same with Inha's talents. I'd seen Inha manipulate mana clearly. She might craft spells in a few years.
And I decided not to tell Mom. Not telling meant not wanting to advertise it. Maybe Mom knew but pretended otherwise.
The call ended, screen blank. Mom turned to me with a bright smile.
"Eunha. Inha's coming in a few days. Great, right?"
"Yeah."
Honestly, Inha and I were awkwardly distant, but Mom liked her, and I did too—so I nodded. Yeah, Inha was pretty. I smiled at the thought.
"So, any progress with magic lately?"
"Yeah!"
My eyes sparkled this time—clearly different from before, but I plunged into my achievements.
"Switching to your meditation method sped up my mana growth, so I can cast more spells now. Especially barriers! A few days ago, I made a small square one instead of just wrapping ones!"
It was progress since showing Mom my magic. She'd tailored basic training to my level. Having a guide was key. Young and ignorant of this world, self-growth had limits. Should've confessed sooner.
Text and illusion magic improved too. No big visual change, but I felt it sharply. Wider range. Biggest gain: barriers with defined shapes in midair. Mana surged too.
But gates were still out of reach. I was five, after all—no rush, take it slow.
"Jeez, you really are something..."
Mom sighed with a smile, amused yet wistful—proud, maybe worried. I grinned toothily at her.
"Alright, let's try basic attribute spell magic. Start with your best match, darkness? Just the absolute basics—darkness magic's dangerous. Such a picky affinity."
"Hehe."
"First..."
I stopped grinning like a kid the moment Mom began explaining, staring intently. I absorbed every word. Soon, I circulated mana as instructed. Magic manifested; darkness blanketed the room. Success, yet Mom's reaction:
"Haa..."
...Whatever. Can't be helped. My comprehension matched an adult's, but even simple stuff stumped me sometimes. I beamed at her sigh.
Thus, I learned magic bit by bit from Mom.
Oh, post-incident, I practiced the iron-moving spell repeatedly. But it only worked with existing iron nearby.
I'd used the wall iron initially. No self-generating iron, so that was the condition—not baked into the spell. But with iron present, I could shape it as desired. Even add a bit of mass.
Makes sense—I'd wished for the iron to move, create an exit right there.
Great affinity, but no real interest.
Despite home training, kindergarten didn't dampen my magic passion. I wove it into routine: circulating mana around me, devouring magic fairy tales. Mostly known stuff, but unknowns outnumbered knowns. Plus, tons of magic education books there.
I dove in eagerly. Zero focus on uninteresting subjects, hyper-focused on passions—same as past life school scores. Once locked in, I stayed till the end.
My magic progressed slowly but swiftly for my age peers.
Two days before Inha and her dad were due—
I sat on the floor, circulating mana to conjure a tiny breeze in my palm. Mom suddenly barreled in, frantic.
"Big trouble!"
"Huh?"
"Inha's coming today!!"
"...What?!"
I'd thought it was something serious—my hand dispersed mana as I shot up, stunned.
"Wasn't it in two days?"
"Yeah! Two days! But... schedule changed suddenly. They're sending Inha first—today! Auntie Seona sounded desperate, begging me to look after her! She's landing in under an hour!!"
"What? But Mom, international warp gates are in Seoul. We're in Jinju! Even gates take an hour tight."
"Heh. Got a fix. This."
Mom handed me a compass-like item. Small round plate etched with letters. Magic item—I sensed the mana instantly. Space type...?
Matching the crisis, I guessed.
"Teleport artifact...?"
"Spot on. Quick study."
"Just figured from the 'solution' bit..."
Mom beamed proudly at my puzzled look, then explained.
"Set the needle to the engraved spot, say 'teleport'—simple. Now, Eunha, get ready quick. Change clothes."
I nodded, eyeing the item curiously.
In the room, I grabbed clothes from the drawer. Still slept with parents despite many rooms. Picked neat, comfy ones—Inha'd outshine anyway, no point dressing up.
Short jeans, sleeveless hoodie. Brushed my frizzy curls again.
No pocket money or extras at five—clothes swap sufficed. Mom tied my hair. Could brush, but short arms made ponytails tough solo.
Shoes on at the entrance. Mom, slightly behind, slipped into heels, took my hand, activated the artifact. She twisted the needle to letters, chanted.
"Move, two people, international warp gate, teleport, activate."
Blue light from the item enveloped us. Eyes open—amid bustling crowds, huge building ahead. I gawked admiringly.
"That's the international warp gate?"
"Yep. Let's see... 30 minutes till arrival. Go wait for Inha."
"Yeah."
Clutching Mom's hand, we entered. Huge gates moved 100 at once, no procedures, anywhere—exclusive for verified elites: tycoons, politicos, A-rank mages and associates.
Hence, luxurious interior. I ogled around. Mom chatted at the desk.
"What brings you here?"
"Oh, picking up my friend's daughter. Sudden change, coming alone early."
"Name and arriving person's name?"
"I'm Han Mirae, kid's Kang Inha."
She tapped the computer, checked list, nodded.
"This way."
Following her, hand in Mom's. The lounge was plush: plants big and small, luxe sofas, bookshelves stuffed, desk computer. TV over there. Full amenities—even cake/cookie display.
She bowed after escorting.
"Han Mirae, we'll notify when Kang Inha arrives. Wait here."
"Sure."
Mom smiled as she left. Door shut; I flopped on the sofa.
"Auntie Seona must be seriously strong. This treatment."
"Psh, Mom's used to it. Seen it all thanks to her."
Mom shrugged, then flicked my forehead.
"And our mature little girl? Keep going, you'll get this too."
"Me...?"
"Normal five-year-olds can't sense mana! Can't gather it! Can't cast! Can't invent!! Tons barely craft spells in high school!!"
I tilted my head; Mom huffed exasperatedly, sighing.
"From what I heard, Auntie Seona sensed mana in kindergarten but made her main spell in third grade... thank god yours aren't all attack magic."
True.
I'd never prioritized combat when creating.
First whims: manifest mind-images into reality. That's it. Fun and novel, so now try everything.
Like a kid with toys, I crafted past-life dream spells. Metal shaping? Total accident.
Loving magic now, I tested limits. How far could I go? I'd chase it till death.
But purely for fun/interest—not power.
"Still... never mind. Keep this up, you might hit world top 500 mages? At least top 1000. Seriously."
"But that's mostly combat ranking, right?"
"Well... yeah."
Mom sighed deeply.
"You're gonna be an amazing mage. Obvious. That's why Mom's worried sick lately."
"...Hehe."
We killed time browsing knickknacks. Mom fetched snacks; I eyed the computer. Better spec than home's—new features thrilled.
Read books too, poked cake with fork—regret. Way too sweet. Not my thing.
Cookies were mildly sweet, tolerable. Green tea with it. Mom eyed me oddly. Daughter too adult, no fun??
Can't help it. Past-life adult. Immature brain might glitch actions, but died fully grown.
Grumbling inwardly, I smirked bitterly. Death memory surfaced.
Died of incurable disease.
His voice echoed: sobbing, begging me not to go. We'd loved deeply.
...Still do. Heart swells at memories—bittersweet, helpless.
Felt we'd need this love forever. Died before marriage, at 30 past life.
Crunch.
Whatever. No use dwelling. Unforgettable—that's certain.
[Han Mirae, Kang Inha has arrived.]
Perfect timing. Screen popped with our guide announcing. Mom nodded smiling, extended hand to me.
"Come, Eunha. Let's greet Inha."
"Yeah."
I smiled as usual, took her hand, stood.
[This way.]
A small remote drone led us—round body, square frame like a mini TV. Trailed it.
Casually sensed: mana-powered flight, mechanical voice relay.
Marble corridor led to a tiny figure leaning against the wall.
Petite, yet stunning—I gasped inwardly. Transparently pretty.
Long straight black hair to mid-chest. She glanced our way impassively. Eyes prettier than glass... obsidian or black pearl? Deep in emotionless black irises, icy blue flickered coldly.
Chillingly beautiful.
I stared blankly. Inha approached straight-backed, white dress hem swishing softly. Mesmerized.
"Hi, long time no see, Inha."
"...I'll be in your care for two days."
"Oh, no need to be so formal."
Inha bowed politely to Mom first. Her gaze shifted to me.
Caught off-guard, I froze tensely. Ridiculous—I, timid no more, stiff at a kid's glance. Especially one so worldly-naive.
Yet inevitable. Inha's beauty and aura overwhelmed.
Her stare lingered. Say something?
Hesitant, I crossed right foot behind left, hands clasped behind, fidgeting shyly.
"...H-hi."
"Please take care of me."
She replied coolly, gaze sliding away. I sighed inwardly—relieved.
Inha hadn't changed mid-flight or anything; just emerged cool like that. Parents busy with work, maybe... so they said.
Quippy? No—effortlessly natural, disarming vibe.
Gorgeous, aura immense, personality cool? Boys inevitable, but girls too. Universal crush material.
I admired silently.
"Alright, let's go? Oh, artifact needs contact for group teleport. Eunha, hold Mom's hand. Inha, hold Eunha's."
I took Mom's outstretched hand (artifact in hers), turned hesitantly to Inha, offered mine—eyes down, awkward. She took it without pause.
Her hand surprisingly warm. I squeezed gently.
"Move, three people, 'home'."
Light bloomed, wrapping us. Teleport vertigo—left hand tightened. Her small hand gripped harder.
'...Scared?'
I squeezed back firmly.
Blink—home entrance.
"Pretty cool, huh?"
Inha blinked, scanning. She'd visited months ago with Auntie Seona—not fully unfamiliar. I released Mom's hand, then Inha's naturally.
"Might be uncomfortable, but you'll stay with us awhile. Your house next door, but too young alone. Till Auntie Seona and Uncle Jeongmin return."
Inha gazed at Mom slowly, bowed.
"Yes. Understood. Please take care of me."
See? Too polite for bratty. Mom beamed.
"Oh, no need for that. Sleepovers tricky? Blankets short... same age, bunk with Eunha? Sudden, blame Auntie Seona for late notice."
"...Yes."
Inha glanced at me, nodded slowly. I panicked inwardly.
'Whoa, sharing a bed? I sleep bad with anyone close...'
Hence separate blankets with parents. But refusing awkward.
Mom, oblivious, took Inha's hand for tour. Not huge or permanent, but frequent visits ahead. Inha peeked at me, followed.
Watching, I sighed.
Magic training on hold for now, clearly.
I hesitated, then trailed them.