018. Is This For Real?
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In this world, there are groups tightly knit together by their individual circumstances. To climb higher, to survive.
Mages, who are sharper and have studied more than others, aren't exempt from the law of aggregation and dispersion. They grab, pull, sometimes envy—but still stick together.
The magic world divides their close-knit communities into two main types: the "prestigious families" famous for secret spells, and the "Magic Towers" developed through long apprenticeship traditions.
Prestigious families pass down magic through bloodlines, while Magic Towers accept anyone with talent in their lineage, even outsiders.
A master in the Red Tower teaches fire and destruction magic; one in the Green Tower teaches plants and wind. Similarly, the Blue Tower and Black Tower take in those suited for water and ice, or black magic.
If prestigious families are sects, Magic Towers are schools.
Though the towers seem similar, subtle hierarchies exist among them.
Even if other magics have pros and cons, the Blue Tower didn't sell as well as the Red Tower.
If affinities were similar, most chose the Red Tower for the big merit in destruction magic.
To hunt monsters with water-attribute spells, you need tidal waves; ice takes even more mana.
Red Tower folks had far better results over centuries—straightforward and mana-efficient.
"Ah, here to get burned again?"
"Fuck."
That's why Red Tower mages puff up and snicker at Blue Tower mages.
They'd endured humiliation for ages. But recently, Blue Tower recruited a genius by chance, flipping the script.
In a way, it's people versus people. Victory decided by people.
If fire beats ice in efficiency, just have a genius with even clearer talent gap.
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The Blue Tower had a genius.
Not just any—specialized in ice like chosen by the god of ice.
Born with a frozen heart, cold blood pumping her body, living a frosty, static life.
In martial terms, like Nine Yin Severed Meridians—incurable. She survived but didn't fully conquer it.
Made it hers, but couldn't erase it.
Haah—whoosh—
Lose control exhaling, frost forms in air; hands always cold.
Others envied, but she hated it.
Stayed home except training; idle time: dramas, movies, comics, games.
Sharp mind made her good at games, but limited to online worlds.
"You suck so bad at games."
Blue Tower's genius, Ice Flower Seol Yeonhwa, twisted elegantly.
Cool and cold normally, but chats with peers online/games picked up their habits.
Her chat was rough.
Opponent no slouch either.
"Should I kill you?"
Her speech grated more each time.
Seol Yeonhwa frowned, gearing up to go out.
Never leaves home on rest days, but today stakes her dignity in another world.
The cold-faced mage clenched her fist and dashed out.
[The Goddess watches the hero with an intrigued yet worried expression.]
"Don't worry, Goddess. I'll win."
[The Goddess sighs deeply, frustrated— that's not the issue.]
I usually don't go out on weekends, but a special event forced me.
Of all people, my first IRL beef is with a neighbor in the same apartment complex.
After slaying demons, stars, hero duties—didn't plan to hit a real person.
'Eh, scare 'em a bit?'
Some grudge, but their chat showed they'd cause trouble for others.
Better I vaccinate before a buff dude does—for their sake.
Thinking that, I headed to the complex park.
"Why~ don't you know my heart~"
Casually cardigan-clad, humming happily, hunting my prey.
Ultra-luxury complex with convenience store, restaurant, gym, bowling—nice walkways and park felt like outing.
Though likely a pimply teen.
'No, reverse world—girl more likely?'
Game chars gender-flipped; players too?
'Not weird if girl; assume that.'
So, search for pissed-off teen girl.
I strolled the park lazily, scanning.
Swoosh—one lap, two laps.
Kept circling... no huffing, furious face.
"Damn. Did this punk bail?"
Getting mad myself? Made homebody go out, then ghosts on time?
Meeting spot's right outside—appointment failed hard.
Is this for real?
Suddenly craving a real beatdown.
[The Goddess covers her smirking mouth, consoling the stood-up hero.]
Goddess seemed not on my side.
Didn't ask for solutions; tapped chin, pondering revenge if no-show.
But bailing after calling me out? Unfathomable.
"Agreed too easy to park meet—got cold feet?"
Makes sense; rich parents or OP talent to live here.
My confidence scared 'em? Or bluffed with luxury apt name.
"I'm loaded!" then chickened.
I assumed neighbor knew; plausible.
"Tch, thought hero material, but natural coward..."
Interest gone.
Licked lips idly, strolled home.
No dox or swap needed...
Just don't challenge IRL if hate getting stood up.
Late realization.
"Not neighbor, wouldn't meet anyway—feels unfair?"
Grudge bubbled, but what against no-show?
Report chat, enjoy weekend.
"Sigh."
"Hoo... "
Thinking that, left park; opposite exit, similar sigh.
Eh? What?
Not annoyed, but feels kindred?
She glanced; eyes met—parker from earlier.
Definitely not beef target vibe.
Mask hides lower face, but familiar...
Hmm?
"......"
"......Huh?"
Is this for real? Real life?
