Just as physical strength is important for all aspects of life, it is equally essential for wizards.
There might be differing opinions among wizards, but at least, that’s what I believed.
Having a high magic power level isn’t enough. Without physical strength to support it, you can’t properly utilize that power.
I wanted to train a wizard who could fight for extended periods and defend themselves when necessary.
A magician who casts high-powered spells but collapses due to low stamina? Such a magician would be nothing but a burden to the party I was planning.
That’s why…
“While we’re on the subject, why don’t you train with me starting today?” I suggested.
“Are you going to the swordsmanship school today?” Yeon-ha-neul asked, tilting her head as she organized her desk and bag before heading home.
“That’s the plan,” I replied. “But today, instead of training there, I’ll be doing it at home.”
“Um… So you’re saying you want to train at your house?”
“That’s right. Why don’t we train together at the facility at my place? I’ll guide you on what to do from now on.”
“Um…”
“What? Don’t want to?”
“I don’t mind,” she said hesitantly, “but I’ve only been to your house a few times. Wouldn’t your mother feel uncomfortable if I just showed up?”
“Mom already said you’re always welcome.”
“Still…”
“Should I call her and ask?”
“If you do, of course, she’ll tell me to come,” she muttered, her voice tinged with resignation. “Fine, let’s go.”
Despite her initial hesitation, she quickly changed her mind when I began to take out my smartphone.
“Wait,” she said, glancing at me nervously. “If we’re going to train, won’t we sweat a lot? Shouldn’t I bring a change of clothes, a towel, and something to wash with?”
“You don’t need to. Everything you need is already at my place. You can just shower there after training.”
“Um… Showering there might be fine, but I don’t have a change of clothes.”
“You can wear mine. Our sizes are similar. And as for underwear—”
“Oh, absolutely not!” she cut me off with a firm tone.
“…”
Her sharp rejection left me momentarily stunned.
“Fine,” I muttered. “So, what’s your plan?”
“Well… should I stop by my house and grab a change of clothes?” she pondered, ignoring my earlier suggestion.
“That’ll take too long…”
She paused, deep in thought, and then clapped her hands as though struck by inspiration.
“Oh! That’s right!”
“What? What is it?”
“I just remembered—I have gym clothes in my locker! I keep a spare set just in case.”
“Good thinking,” I said, watching as she retrieved her gym clothes from her locker. The bag she pulled out clearly contained more than just the basics, but I decided not to pry. She seemed oddly proud of her preparedness, so I let her enjoy the moment.
“Alright, shall we go now?” I asked.
“Okay, let’s go.”
We left the classroom together, chatting along the way. Walking home with Yeon-ha-neul made the journey far more enjoyable.
Before I knew it, the house came into view.
“Mom, Haneul’s here!” I called as I opened the front door.
“To! Ki! Un! Ni! Da!”
“…”
The moment we stepped inside, I spotted Ye-eun sprinting down the hallway, yelling enthusiastically.
“Hey, Gyeon-woo, is that your sister? Did you say her name is Ye-eun?” Yeon-ha-neul asked cautiously.
‘She’s way too excited…’
“…Why aren’t you saying anything?”
Ye-eun’s sparkling eyes resembled a predator who had found its prey. Knowing her behavior all too well, I quickly stepped aside.
After all, Ye-eun wasn’t interested in me—her target was Yeon-ha-neul.
Haneul, good luck…
With that thought, I moved out of the line of fire and watched as Ye-eun lunged toward Yeon-ha-neul, arms outstretched.
“To! Ki! Un! Ni! Da! Ah! Ah! Ah!”
“Gyaaaaah!”
“Wow! Real rabbit ears! They’re amazing!” Ye-eun exclaimed, tackling her to the ground.
“Ugh… Ah, wait—don’t touch that!”
Yeon-ha-neul groaned as Ye-eun bombarded her with attention.
Later
“Ye-eun, Mom told you to behave! What if you had hurt her? Hurry up and apologize to Haneul,” I scolded.
“I’m sorry…” Ye-eun said sheepishly.
“Oh no, it’s fine. Are you hurt? Are you okay?” Yeon-ha-neul asked, concerned.
“Yeah!”
It was fortunate that their mother intervened before things escalated. Without her, Yeon-ha-neul might have been thoroughly trampled and subjected to all sorts of mischief.
Still, as Ye-eun apologized, I noticed Yeon-ha-neul giving me a peculiar look.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.
“You…” she began, a mix of irritation and disbelief in her tone. “You knew this would happen, didn’t you?”
“What?”
“You knew, and you avoided her. You left me to deal with her alone!”
Her annoyance was palpable, and I had no room to argue. She had seen through me entirely.
However, I had no choice but to act that way to survive.
If I hadn’t, I would have ended up trampled on the floor.
“I’ll remember…” Yeon-ha-neul whispered in my ear, her voice carrying a faint edge, as if warning me to wait and see.
Yes, remember, I thought.
But honestly, her voice didn’t sound threatening at all.
It wasn’t scary—if anything, it felt like she was joking.
I quickly masked my expression and watched as she politely greeted my mother. I couldn’t help but snicker quietly.
Turning to my mother, I said, “I’m going to train with Haneul starting today. Is the training ground outside available?”
“I cleaned it up a while ago, so it’s fine to use… But you’re going to train with Haneul? What do you mean?”
“Haneul also wants to become a hunter. So I decided to teach her.”
“What?”
Yeon-ha-neul had said she was coming over to hang out, not to train.
That’s why my mother looked so bewildered.
“Ugh… It seems like Gyeon-woo tricked her into becoming a hunter,” she muttered.
“… .”
My mother sighed and furrowed her brows. Her sharp gaze landed squarely on me.
What she said wasn’t entirely wrong, but why did I feel so uneasy under her stare?
I shifted nervously as my mother turned away from me and addressed Yeon-ha-neul.
“I’ll respect your decision, but being a hunter is not something to take lightly. Did you truly think it through and make the right decision?”
“… .”
Her tone was sharp and stern, yet layered with concern.
Having lived an ordinary life before marrying into a prestigious family, my mother knew all too well how difficult and dangerous a hunter’s life could be.
That’s why she’s asking if this decision was made lightly.
My mother cared deeply for others—it was in her nature.
However, Yeon-ha-neul wasn’t someone who could be easily swayed by tricks. She had thought this through.
Sure enough, she blinked at my mother’s concern and then shook her head firmly.
“I’ve made my decision after thinking it through. I know how dangerous being a hunter is. But I believe it suits me, and I think I can do well.”
“… .”
Her words seemed to make my mother pause.
Then Yeon-ha-neul’s lips curled into a small smile, the corners of her eyes softening.
“And Gyeon-woo said he’d help me become a hunter. If I were doing this alone, I would feel anxious and worried. But if I become a hunter with Gyeon-woo, I think I’ll be fine. So you don’t need to worry too much.”
“… Then that’s a relief,” my mother finally said, her voice noticeably gentler.
Hearing all this felt oddly awkward. I turned my head for no particular reason, avoiding their gaze.
On the other hand, my mother’s demeanor had softened significantly.
“Actually, I was worried about whether Gyeon-woo would manage on his own in Academy City. But if you’re with him, I feel reassured. Please take care of Gyeon-woo later.”
“Yes, you can count on me,” Yeon-ha-neul replied with a confident smile.
“… .”
Why am I the one being pitied now?
I was so dumbfounded that I opened my mouth to protest—but thought better of it and just kept silent.
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