Chapter 91
Chapter 91
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 91
Chapter Title: 17. Teacher
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By the way, this was a very short escape. I already knew the next next period was joint magic practice.
Right after I slipped into my half of the class, the other friends followed me in, excluding the teachers. Only then did I lift my head, confirming the shadows of my friends beside me. Maybe it was a good thing they followed me in. After they entered, the other kids came rushing in after us, but Inha's icy demeanor and Hansu's prickly vibe blocked the storm of questions from the kids. I sensed it through their gazes and the colors of emotions leaking out, letting out a quiet sigh of relief inside. Hansu scowled at me.
"Hey! Isn't it kinda rude to just go in alone like that?"
"Sorry, I wasn't thinking... I was just too embarrassed..."
At my words, my friends looked at me with expressions like 'yeah, that figures.' They all sighed as if there was no helping it and shifted to casual chit-chat. Minhee twirled her finger excitedly as she spoke.
"But hey, that scream earlier? Apparently it came from Inha and Hansu's class. Same reason as ours. Teacher Min must be super popular~."
"Yeah. He's handsome, after all."
"Right, right."
Minhee nodded. The other friends agreed.
"Teacher Junhwi's popular too! The girls were all gushing about how cool he is."
I nodded vaguely at Hyunho's words.
"Anyway..."
I glanced around at the kids in the class. They were sneaking peeks at us while squealing about the new homeroom teachers. On the flip side, the boys looked deflated. Well, it was a bit unbalanced having all the teachers for the entire grade be men.
I swept a pitying gaze over the squealing girls. If only they knew the owners...
"Anyway, what?"
"Huh? Oh, just that the teachers are popular."
"Oh, yeah, totally."
This time, all my friends nodded. Yeah, yeah, I nodded too.
In the next class, Seonghu Brother couldn't hold out against the kids' whining and gave us free time. Naturally, it turned into the girls bombarding him with questions. Truth be told, while we knew Seonghu Brother, we weren't super close, so we learned a lot of new facts through their questions.
We listened to the wide-ranging questions and answers with intrigued expressions. Then, at one point, this question came up.
"By the way, Teacher, what's your relationship with Eunha?"
The room went quiet in an instant. Huh, what? I put on a flustered face at the sudden shift in atmosphere. The brief peace shattered. The kids, silent for a moment, soon started raising their voices noisily one by one.
"Yeah! You were chatting so friendly with her in the hallway earlier, right?"
"Eunha seems to know the teachers from the other class too?"
"What's the connection?"
Whoa, it felt like they were grilling a cheating girlfriend or something...
Seonghu Brother turned to look at me calmly at the question. I gazed back at him with troubled eyes. Seonghu Brother brought a hand to his chin, making a thoughtful face for a bit.
"Hmm... I knew her as a school junior... Back when I was in my senior year, Eunha had just entered as a freshman..."
Whoa, hearing someone else talk about me felt so weird. I started feeling seriously burdened and laid my arms on the desk, burying my face in them. Minhee patted my back like she was comforting me, saying yeah, yeah.
"Huh? If you were at this school back then, with that face, you'd have been famous, right?"
"I know her. She was the high school section vice president."
"Really?"
"Oh yeah! I remember now too."
"That was when Senior Eunhee, who's in the Guard now, was president."
"Oh, from back then...!"
Oh, the kids started recalling events from five years ago one by one. Not an easy feat—I was impressed for a second.
"Ah, right. I got close to her through Eunhee since they knew each other."
Most of the kids here knew I was acquainted with Eunhee Sister. They all nodded in understanding.
"Ah, I see..."
"Then Minhee knows too, right? Since Eunha, Minhee, Inha, Hansu, Hyunho, and the Guard trio are all friends."
Seonghu Brother's eyes widened briefly before he nodded.
"Yeah."
Thankfully, no more embarrassing questions about me came after that. Free time passed smoothly enough. There were occasional twinges of embarrassment or shyness, but it was manageable.
The next period was joint PE class. We paired up randomly in twos for sparring. And it was real practice without virtual devices. After meditation and a quick review of martial arts, we jumped straight into sparring.
By fifth grade, about a third of the kids had already created their unique magic. So more kids were sparring using unique magic.
Sparring publicly in front of people I knew—former seniors turned teachers—was pretty nerve-wracking. The silver lining? Teacher Min didn't come at me this time.
I got matched for sparring early in the class. Not just one pair at a time—multiple pairs went simultaneously.
"Please go easy!"
"Yeah, you too."
Like always when sparring with kids, I eyed the boy in front of me tensely. He hesitated a moment but soon attacked without holding back.
The kids all knew by now. I sucked at offense but had never once messed up defense. I slightly opened my field of vision. Following the mana flow, I lightly blocked the incoming magic with a barrier shaped from my mana.
The boy's magic was wave magic. Not 'water' waves—various magics matching his affinity came as waves. Even physical objects if he could summon them.
I watched the incoming mana waves and pondered. Sparring with kids always made me hesitate.
'Should I attack?'
Then I wavered.
'...Nah?'
My skills were out, but I still didn't want to stand out. I hesitated and ended up just defending like usual. But now I didn't let myself get worn down and collapse. Thanks to my mana sensing and control growing way better.
Eventually, the boy ran out of mana first and dropped from exhaustion. Sparring ended in my win. As I wiped the cold sweat from tension, a shout rang out.
"Yoo Eunha! You not even trying?!"
Eek, guilty as charged—I turned to see the teachers right behind me. Teacher Min scratched his cheek with an 'oh no' face, Seonghu Brother just sighed, and Teacher Junhwi... had a stiff expression. Um, I averted my eyes awkwardly, then flashed a silly grin to defuse things.
"Uh, well... ehehehe..."
Then I got lightly bopped on the head. I flinched and clutched my forehead. Teacher Min looked at me troubled, then bowed his head and whispered in my ear.
"Even so, that's too much. Your skills are out now. Plus, you control your magic well these days, right?"
"Still... hitting the kids bugs me..."
"Tsk. You've grown enough to just give a light shock and done?"
"That's attribute magic... Hallucination magic is mental-based by nature... so it inflicts pain based on what the target thinks..."
"So, you can control that now too? If you're that worried, just use attribute magic."
Teacher Min's face drew closer. Before the kids' murmurs could grow meaningful, Teacher Junhwi separated us.
"This time, do it properly. No point hiding now your skills are known—it won't help improvement."
He paired me with someone else. I let out a huge sigh. But soon I got serious about my opponent.
I closed and opened my eyes. From Teacher Junhwi's reaction, winning with plain attribute magic wouldn't satisfy. Hallucination magic? I pondered, then pulled out my hallucination pen.
This opponent was a girl. Fire magic user. Flame shaping magic—not cloaking in fire to attack, but shaping fire forms to strike. Her magic flew straight at me.
Trusting my body barrier, I reached out fearless toward the flames. The moment the hallucination pen touched them, the character magic activated. The compressed characters in the pen spread out, engraving before my eyes.
Character magic was the easiest for me to wield when controlling magic. Maybe from my novelist experience—it reflected my magic almost perfectly.
I shaped the characters as 'hallucination,' giving them visible reality.
『Fall apart』
『Whirl away』
"Urk...!"
In that instant, control of the flame magic shifted fully to me. I drew the flames to the pen, then curled the fingers of my free hand into a circle and blew into it. Wind attribute magic—the flames riding the wind surged as a wave, engulfing the girl. If not magic, it'd be lethal burn power.
"Eek!"
But I didn't want to hurt her. So only mana shock hit her. I kept slashing the wave-like flames with hallucination to snuff them. The girl plopped down in shock. Even magic fire is hot—its heat shocked her fully, though I minimized burns. I lowered the flames' temperature, shock, and sustaining mana drastically to avoid harming her as much as possible.
But mana shock brings instant pain and numbness. Mental impact too. The girl sighed, slumped.
"Wow...!"
"Amazing!"
"See? That's Eunha's real skill!"
The kids cheered and clapped happily. I accepted it embarrassed, then sneaked a glance at Teacher Junhwi. He nodded satisfied this time. Teacher Min grinned and clapped playfully.
Seeing that, I beamed, but then worried and rushed to the girl.
"Hey, does it hurt a lot? No injuries...?"
"Ah, no. Just a momentary shock. I'm fine."
She blushed shyly at me. I scratched my cheek. Using polite speech—another fan club member? I was getting detached about the fan club now.
Amid the continuing applause, I embarrassedly dashed behind Inha and Hansu to hide. They took it in stride. Inha patted my back warmly.
Sparring continued a few more rounds after. Kids' mana was still small, so injuries or big wounds were rare. Big difference between mages hit by magic vs. non-mages. Non-mages feel the magic's traits fully with little mana. Mages only feel up to their magic level. So fire magic won't easily burn you dead. Varies by skill, though...
Kids' skills were similar overall. Except us. Some stood out with great mana flows. Especially the transfers this year. But mostly even, barring a few.
Focusing on mana flows, I shifted my gaze.
'Looking like this, Siha's upper tier compared to others... Near top class...'
Siha—Yoon Siha—hung with Kang Yesl lately thanks to the fan club (ugh...). Kang Yesl was top-class among non-us kids. Their mana similar. Siha's magic: gravity. Good balance for close and mid-range.
Made me reflect unbidden. Back when we weren't friends. She thought she had no talent, but she actually did—quite a bit.
"Alright, now individual practice. But if sparring, do it near us."
"Yes!"
"Yesss! Teachers!"
Sparring time ended, short free time came.
At those words, I checked near the wall. Easier to rest leaning back. Thinking of meditating against a good spot, Minhee and Hyunho grabbed my arms and dragged.
"Huh? Where?"
"Where? To the teachers."
Uh, uh... Honestly, near teachers is pressuring. Already kids swarming. But I didn't resist, nodded. Sitting nearby wasn't bad. Alone way over there would draw more eyes.
But Minhee and Hyunho pushed through kids right to the teachers. There, I twisted free and plopped against the wall near the kids.
"Eunha, cheater!"
"I'm the cheater."
Plugging ears saying that, Inha and Hansu snickered. As they sat by me, Minhee, Hyunho, and other kids sat one by one near the seated teachers.
"Whew, now I see Eunha's pretty my-pace?"
"I've always been."
"Go right ahead~."
But practicing magic near kids is iffy. As I replied indifferently, Teacher Min stroked my head fondly. Five years together, playful jabs pop occasionally. Kids chattered around us.
"But Teacher Junhwi! From what you said to Eunha earlier, you knew her skills from before?"
"Yeah."
"Me and Junhwi were her leveled class teachers back then!"
Teacher Min proudly slung an arm around Teacher Junhwi's shoulder, flashing a V-sign. Wow! Really! Kids exclaimed in awe. I half-listened to whispers, then hugged my knees, burying my face. Not sleeping or sulking—just comfy pose. I evened my breathing. Internal meditation possible like this.
Mana entered slowly, circling body. Through nose to esophagus, heart, lungs, dantian, to fingertips and toes. Riding breath in, blood around.
Drifting to sleep in the calm, someone shook me. Opened eyes: Teacher Junhwi.
"Break time. Rest."
"...Ah, yes."
He noticed meditation. I lifted head helplessly, leaned back on wall—kids pounced.
"Eunha, you were so cool earlier. Do that in spars every day..."
"Yeah, eye candy daily."
"Eek. Eunha's too shy for daily."
"True!"
"Yeah!"
"Didn't notice before, but that's cute, right?"
"Totally!"
Argh, what're these teachers doing. Kids laughed, chiming in at Teacher Min's words. Overwhelmed by shame, I buried in Inha's chest beside me. Inha patted again.
Rest of time passed smoothly. Teacher Min caused occasional embarrassment, but not fan-club level, so okay. Plus, close people as homeroom teachers? Thrilling.
Through classes, realized Seonghu Brother taught academics super well. Impressed. Teacher Min and Junhwi had years experience—expected. Seonghu only year two.
"But Teacher, warn us about stuff like this."
"Yeah! Sudden homeroom? We were shocked!"
"Was fun!"
"Classic Teacher Min..."
"Minhee, cold?"
Teacher Min laughed, ruffled Minhee's hair. That day, we went home waved off by three teachers.
Day with new normal added.
Three as teachers slowly blended into our lives. Seonghu Brother not just taught well but handsome—classes more fun. I called him 'Teacher' before others. He made mixed pleased-regret faces.
Other good? Bumping into Eunhee Sister more. Perfect pair—watching made heart flutter. But spotting Je-hyeon Brother nearby? Pitiful... He's stubborn in love like me.
Daily life flowed... Then first trial for upper elementary us.
"You know, fifth and sixth graders take turns demoing for lower grades."
I eyed Seonghu Brother at podium, super troubled. Fun watching as lower, but being demo? Uncomfy.
"Good for training magic too. Pick what demo, what magic—practice carefully. Demo itself real-combat practice. Helps lowers improve big."
True. Demos special vs. solo. Ponder magic choice, shy? Practice more. Chance self-reflect showing magic.
"Next Wednesday first period: magic demo. Monthly once no-events, seven kids. Volunteers first. Anyone?"
I bowed head, pondered. Always shrink in these. But... if must once anyway, I prefer quick end, full relief.
Ponder short. Not solo—seven together. I raised hand. Only me and blonde transfer girl. Rare foreign transfer.
Kids buzzed our way. Seonghu Brother surprised at my hand. Minhee eyed me shocked, then quick-raised hers.
Minhee whispered.
"What's up? Eunha volunteering first..."
"Yeah... but better finish early, peace of mind."
"Makes sense."
Seonghu Brother at our three hands.
"...Three volunteers."
"Ah, Teacher! Me too!"
"Me!"
Unexpected or expected—others followed. More than thought. First seven set by order.
"Demo next Wed first period, Class 1-1 first graders. Your choice magic. Unique or existing fine. Ponder, practice hard."
I nodded to Seonghu Brother. Volunteered first, but demoing? Tense, worried. Plan: check home notebook first.
Not waiting home. Wrote on study notes.
First dilemma: unique or existing magic?
'Hmm...'
Decided unique. Considered copied, but conscience nix. Plus, copying secret ace—even close seniors unknown.
Which unique? Character, barrier, hallucination. For 'show'—hallucination. But kids know only barrier/character. Not main hallucination. Tilted head.
Tough choice.
Kept pondering demo during class. Settle character/barrier—how show? Not too hard for kids.
Class end, break—I dazedly wandered hall. Shoulder tap: turned, Seonghu Brother.
"Ah, Teacher."
"..."
He paused at title, spoke.
"Didn't expect you first volunteer. Eunhee said you're kinda timid..."
"...Yeah. A bit shy."
Awkward, twirled hair. He watched silent. Felt need more, spoke.
"But volunteering first 'cause if must, better soon done, comfy. First still tense... but whatever..."
Got it. He nodded understanding. Asked.
"Any magic wanna demo?"
"Hmm... still thinking. My magic no fixed form... hard pick."
True. Hallucination imagination, character writing, barrier my shape. Attributes fixed per type. Mine: any—light, water, orb, cube. Tougher.
Plan one magic, but which, what form? Lots worry.
"Your magic... character and barrier, right?"
Nodded at him. Known as such. Skip hallucination. Pick one.
Narrowed, still endless options. Plus demo context. Showy-good. Character better? Barriers often transparent borders, hard notice. But opaque fixes.
Recall past demos. Might help. Too many tries—inner sigh.
"Ponder with Minhee. What good for lower sibs demo."
Caught me zoning, stroked head saying that. Looked up at him. Thought: men I know all hobby pet my head. I prefer petting others, though.
"Yes. Will."
Politely replied, back to class. Next moving class—changed PE uniform, to magic practice room.
Unlike my worry, Minhee set already. Asked during gym free practice: done. Curious-eyed her.
"How?"
Grinned.
"Watch. Auto-fire pistol, E-rank, attribute enchant."
Whispered weapon info soft, manifested pistol. Her manifestation: made weapons stored consciousness-like—freely summon/vanish/sustain.
"Shot!"
Bangbangbangbang!!
Pulled gun sudden, ceiling-bursting shots—I shocked. Self-practice, but flashy burst? Kids startled, looked. Plus guns restricted under 12. Minhee not-yet-10.
Up-shot bullets split many, curved. Tracked speed fine. Fastish, but multi-control slowed vs. usual. Bullets wild lines scatter. Finally, aimed point, shot again.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Huge recoil, but training kept stance. Second volley sniped first all down. Colliding exploded loud.
Mana flames burst fireworks-like amid blasts.
"How's that?"
"..."
Ridiculous face. Kids shocked-looking, yet she asks. Blurted.
"Loud."
Pouted.
"Eeen~ But guns fun with sound!"
"Forget—demo kids no magic yet. Eardrums burst."
"Yessir."
Gunshots deafen close, rupture worst. Minhee deflated nodded. Back to pondering.
Thus, lunch: Minhee and I pondered demo magic together. Told friends, all brainstormed. Gathered, opinions.
Only me/Minhee demoing of five, but pre-ponder.
Midway, Hyunho:
"But I thought Eunha'd do later, skipped."
"Me too."
Others agreed.
"I... figured mid."
Ah, yeah. Nodded Inha.
"Truth, pondered mid or first-done... Went first."
"Gotcha."
Resumed magic ideas.
Minhee lately sim-comm learning (paid): magic-combat martial plus basics/sword. Also real-combat arts/shooting. Dojo direct—teacher intro.
Idea: show various weapons, demo use. Skip loud guns.
Good. Minhee nodded. My turn problem.
Kid-show magic? Repertoire overload—harder pick. Characters various? What tho?
Flipped library mag random. Maybe idea.
Characters: various write, float—mystical vibe? But my handwriting issue. Ugly. Hand-write slow. Pre-written? Only magic notes—waste show.
"Urgh."
Hyunho: water doll. Hansu: grow tree harvest. Inha: light fireflies. Me: nada.
"...Slowly think."
Crisis sparks ideas. Trusted that, no panic.
Home, first: rifled magic idea notebook. Successes mostly.
"Wow, so many..."
Mused scanning. Five: three palm-memos, two spiral—desk-piled. Sat, oldest opened, read page-by.
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