Prologue Story

“Alright, let’s start by infusing magic into the gemstone plates. Our goal is to be able to use the attribute magic most compatible with you—besides Special and Mental—by the end of the second semester. If you can use two or more types of attribute magic, you’ll get bonus points, so keep that in mind. Using attribute magic will be part of the second-semester exam.”

“What?”

“Got it~.”

Listening to the children’s playful jeers, we each infused our gemstone plates with magic.

As expected, the results appeared. Darkness 10, Light 9, Water 9, Fire 6, Wind 8, Earth 5, Plant 4, Metal 9, Lightning 8, Special 10, Mental 10.

These were values I didn’t want anyone else to see.

I immediately cut off my magic flow, and the light and numbers disappeared.

I glanced at In-ha. Her compatibility results remained unchanged. Light 10, Fire 8, Lightning 10, Earth 3, Wind 5, Mental 7. None of the other attributes lit up.

Finally, I stole a glance at Hyun-ho.

Recently, my vision had become abnormally sharp. It might be because I kept “seeing” things.

Even from across In-ha, I could clearly identify Hyun-ho’s attributes. Come to think of it, this was the first time I had properly observed his compatibility.

Hyun-ho’s gemstone plate displayed Light 8, Water 10, Wind 7, Plant 5, Lightning 1, and Special 5.

It was clear that his talents leaned overwhelmingly toward Water attributes.

No wonder he had been crafting water-based magic.

“Now, summarize the three magic attributes with the highest compatibility for you and write them down on a slip of paper.”

At this, we each activated our student IDs.

Submitting it on a slip of paper actually meant sending a message.

Since I had a lot of high-compatibility attributes, I deliberated for a moment before submitting Darkness, Water, and Metal.

Special and Mental attributes are unique—attributes that can’t really be used as magic in the conventional sense.

Mental magic can sometimes be formed as an attribute, but Special magic is a vague type that doesn’t clearly fit into any category.

Special and Mental are more like auxiliary attributes that signify “You are compatible with these kinds of magic as well.”

In essence, they represent talents related to miscellaneous magic that can’t be neatly defined by the other nine attributes.

After submitting my message, I turned to look at In-ha.

“What did you write?”

“Light, Lightning, and Fire. What about you?”

“Darkness, Water, and Metal. Having both Darkness and Light as high compatibility attributes is pretty rare.”

“What about you, Hyun-ho?”

In-ha turned to Hyun-ho, asking the question.

Hyun-ho replied lightly.

“Water, Light, Wind.”

We nodded quietly.

Objectively, Water, Light, and Wind were definitely the most compatible with him.

A moment later, the attribute magic lesson officially began.

There are levels to attribute magic.

In the first stage, you only imbue your magic with the attribute’s properties.

In this stage, the magic doesn’t yet take on the full form of the attribute but shows some of its characteristics—for example, Fire might feel hot, or Plant attributes might encourage plant growth.

The second stage is much more distinct.

Magic imbued with attributes is manifested physically—Fire becomes flames, Water takes the form of liquid, and so on.

For attributes without a solid shape, like Light, Darkness, or Wind, the results are less visually apparent. (Special and Mental are exceptions here.)

Reaching the second stage generally means mastering attribute magic.

However… both Plant and Metal attributes have unique traits.

For Plant attributes, there are millions of possible manifestations. Broadly speaking, they are divided into tree forms and flower forms. The higher your talent and compatibility, the more forms you can manifest.

On the other hand, if your talent is insufficient, you’re stuck with just one form.

And I didn’t have particularly high compatibility with Plant attributes.

Although I managed to master Plant attribute magic, it was fixed in the form of a tree.

It had taken a tremendous amount of effort just to achieve that.

“I really worked hard to master just this much….”

Metal attributes are similar.

While most people generate iron, some can occasionally create silver or gold.

I wondered if my Metal Shaping Magic could produce something like silver if I put in more effort….

“Not that it matters much, since my magic requires a base metal to work in the first place.”

Tapping my pen lightly against the paper, I refocused on the lesson.

Attribute magic is ultimately something a magician must figure out on their own.

To assist us, the teacher distributed magical items enchanted with Spell Magic of attributes most compatible with each student.

These items also carried a Hypnosis Magic effect to help us feel the essence of attribute magic better.

“Observe the magic and try to align your magic to resemble it. Once you get the hang of it, converting attributes will become second nature. Practice diligently, a little every day.”

As a result, the rest of the class consisted of everyone staring at their magic items.

Naturally, our concentration didn’t last long.

About ten minutes after receiving the items, the classroom grew noisy with chatter.

Meanwhile, I continued to focus quietly on my magic item.

Instead of the Spell Magic for my highest compatibility, Darkness, I had been given an item containing Water attribute magic—one of the four classical elements.

I heard that both Darkness and Light attributes are considered too challenging to handle, so they are taught starting in middle school.

Because of this, In-ha was also paired with Lightning attribute magic.

I stared at the rippling blue water encapsulated within the item for a while before, like everyone else, chatting with friends.

When there were about ten minutes left of class, the bell finally rang.

Although attribute magic was fascinating, what we were really excited about was the next class.

Today, we would have our first club activity session.

As soon as the second period ended, the class began preparing their materials and heading off in various directions.

The classroom was unusually lively, filled with excited chatter.

Hyun-ho waved at us as he packed his swimsuit and goggles into a waterproof bag.

“Alright, I’m off. Yay, swimming!”

“Have fun.”

We didn’t need any special materials for our club.

Gathering the supplies needed for crafting accessories was a bit challenging for kids our age.

There were too many varieties, and most weren’t available at ordinary stationery stores.

Because of this, we only needed to bring money for the materials.

The club’s supervising teacher would handle the rest and distribute the materials to us.

In-ha and I headed to the classroom we’d been told about beforehand, carrying the material fees.

The room, typically empty, had been repurposed years ago for the accessory-making club.

When we entered the classroom at the very end of the third floor, a few students were already there.

It looked like there were two or three students from each grade, starting from third to sixth grade.

Even so, the total number wasn’t very large—less than 20, including us.

Furthermore, apart from one or two boys, the rest were all girls.

As soon as we stepped inside, all eyes turned to us.

The reason was simple: In-ha.

Regardless of gender, everyone stared at him with their mouths agape.

Good grief, she’s only ten years old, and already she’s causing this kind of reaction. I can’t imagine what it’ll be like when she grows up….

We sat down in a random spot.

For a while, all attention remained focused on us.

It was uncomfortable, but I had grown used to it over time.

Seeing how much In-ha had matured outwardly in the past few years hit me anew.

“Now that I think about it, Eun-ha, you’ve always liked this sort of thing, haven’t you? Accessories, I mean. Bracelets, rings, hair ornaments…. Every time you go out with Auntie, you always come back with one. But you don’t seem to collect necklaces.”

I gave a faint, bitter smile at her comment.

That’s because I already have a necklace….

I held back the words and instead smiled at In-ha.

“My favorite is earrings, actually.”

“Earrings?”

“Yeah.”

I nodded and briefly touched my earlobe.

In my past life, I had a metal allergy.

If I wore metal for an extended period, the area would itch. In severe cases, my skin would become red and inflamed.

“So, the other day when I was shopping for accessories with Mom, I asked if I could get my ears pierced. But Mom said it’s still too early for me.”

“Hmm….”

Although I was venting, In-ha responded with a serious tone.

“I’d have to agree. Why would you want to get hurt?”

“Because I want to wear earrings. Don’t you think earrings make people look pretty? Bracelets and hairpins are nice, but I think earrings are the best. If the first piercing goes well, I’d like to get a couple more up here later.”

Whenever I saw someone with multiple piercings, I always thought it looked cool and wanted to try it.

In my past life, my metal allergy made it difficult to even consider getting more than one.

But now, with no such issues, I was eager to try.

However, In-ha frowned and shook his head.

“I’m against it.”

“Why? Why?”

“Doesn’t it hurt?”

“It’s just a quick sting. And don’t you think earrings make people look elegant?”

“Maybe….”

“Mom said no for now, so I can’t do it yet. But I’m planning to ask again on my birthday.”

“….”

In-ha stayed quiet for a moment after hearing my thoughts.

Then, after some hesitation, she spoke cautiously.

“Then… should I get one too?”

I blinked at those words.

If In-ha wore earrings… then it would definitely suit her.

If she didn’t like them, she could simply stop wearing them.

In that case, the pierced hole would close up within a few days.

Anyway, as long as In-ha liked the idea, I was all for it.

“Really? If it’s you, In-ha, it’ll definitely suit you. Ah, but it will sting a little, and you’ll need to take good care of it to avoid any infections for a while.”

“What? So it’ll hurt after all.”

“No, it depends on the person. To wear pretty earrings, it’s no big deal. When I see something pretty, I want to collect it. If I think it will suit me, I want to wear it.”

I really love things that are pretty or cute.

Animals, pretty clothes, accessories—everything.

For instance, when it comes to clothes, I prefer calm colors, but I can’t resist anything with lace or ribbons.

The same goes for hair ties.

I like small, charming designs that aren’t overly flashy.

The hairpin I wore today had lace and ribbon decorations.

I enjoy collecting pretty accessories.

Other than a designated necklace, I collect hair ties, bracelets, rings, earrings, anklets—everything.

I also enjoy things like cross-stitching and knitting.

Making something with my own hands is always fun.

And using those things to decorate myself is an absolute joy.

“Really? Then… how about we get it done together for your next birthday?”

In-ha hesitated for a moment but soon spoke with a determined look.

I clapped my hands in excitement.

“Yes! And after that, let’s pick out earrings together.”

“Yeah, let’s do that.”

In-ha smiled shyly at me.

Excited, I lost myself in thoughts.

What kind of earrings would suit In-ha?

I was really looking forward to this birthday.

I hoped Mom would allow me to get my ears pierced this time.

As we chatted, the bell signaling the start of class rang.

The teacher entered and announced the lesson.

For our first club activity, we were going to make bracelets.

It was a simple bracelet made by stringing large beads in a row—very straightforward.

Since it was for elementary school students, the task seemed intentionally easy.

We selected beads in our preferred colors and strung them according to the teacher’s instructions on the electronic board.

I chose blue tones, while In-ha went for white tones.

I enjoy simple, relaxed activities like this.

I happily strung beads one by one onto the bracelet cord.

As In-ha threaded the large beads, she tilted her head curiously.

“This is easier than I thought.”

“Right?”

Unlike my clumsy hands, In-ha’s were precise and skillful.

Perhaps the phrase “all-around perfection” existed just for In-ha.

Her appearance, skin, hair, and hands were flawless and beautiful, almost unbelievable for someone our age.

On top of that, she excelled in magic and crafting skills.

In-ha could tie ribbons beautifully and excelled at crafts that I found challenging.

When she folded paper, the edges were sharp, and when she sculpted clay, it was smooth without any cracks.

She was truly amazing.

In-ha finished her bracelet faster than I did.

I calmly continued threading beads and completed my bracelet soon after.

Despite the simple design and straightforward process, the finished bracelets were beautiful.

The teacher added a metal charm to each bracelet.

In-ha’s had a crown design, while mine featured a bird, likely a dove.

We placed the bracelets we had just made onto our wrists.

“It feels nice to wear something you made yourself.”

“Right? There’s something thrilling about making pretty things yourself.”

“Is that so? So this is what you like, Eun-ha.”

I gave In-ha a slightly bashful smile.

After the club activity ended, we returned to the classroom, where Hyun-ho greeted us.

With a cheerful expression, Hyun-ho talked about his impressions of the first club session.

In-ha and I proudly showed off the bracelets we made that day.

From third grade onwards, on four-class days, we didn’t eat lunch.

The teacher came in for dismissal right after.

After class, we gathered in the hallway but, unusually, parted ways instead of hanging out.

While walking home with In-ha, my phone rang.

When I checked the screen, I was momentarily surprised.

The person calling was someone I wasn’t very familiar with.

『Jung Min-ah』

Oh, my goodness. Was it the teacher?

My assigned teacher?

Feeling flustered, I answered the call.

Thankfully, it wasn’t a video call.

A voice with a commanding presence resonated clearly through the phone.

[Is this Yoo Eun-ha?]

“Yes, yes.”

In-ha glanced at me with curiosity.

[It’s about the time your classes would end, so I called. There are a few things I need to check with you. Can we meet today?]

“Um, today?”

[Yes, if possible, right now.]

I hesitated at those words and glanced at In-ha.

In-ha’s curious eyes met mine with a puzzled look.

“Uh, just a moment… In-ha, I need to meet someone. Do you want to head home first?”

“No, I’ll wait. Can’t I come with you?”

Lowering my phone, I asked In-ha, who responded in a slightly subdued voice while shaking her head.

I placed the phone back to my ear.

“Um, teacher… I’m currently with a friend. Is it okay if I bring them along?”

[If that’s fine with you, then it’s not a problem.]

“Ah, thank you.”

With that brief reply, the call ended.

I looked back at In-ha.

“They said it’s fine to come with me. Let’s hold hands.”

“The person who called—was it that dignified teacher you mentioned?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

In-ha asked out of curiosity, grabbing my hand.

When I nodded, In-ha let out a soft “Hmm…” and returned to her usual nonchalant expression.

“Alright, let’s go then.”

Holding In-ha’s hand, I teleported.

As I held onto the badge and murmured “Teleport” internally, magic energy swept us away.