Chapter 72

Perseus observed the magical phenomenon I had summoned… or rather, what seemed more like a display of mana in action, with a deadpan expression before offering a curt remark.

“Something this basic is to be expected from a dragon. So, it’s hardly an extraordinary result.”

Just as I was about to nod in agreement…

Perseus suddenly started patting my head vigorously with a wide grin on his face.

And when I looked up wondering if I’d actually done well…

“While it’s not just any feat to cover an entire room with plants and flowers instead of creating just one, even for a dragon, achieving such perfect results is incredibly difficult… But yeah, nothing too special.”

Though he said it nonchalantly, upon closer listening, it was clearly praise.

While I was rubbing my cheeks against Perseus in embarrassment…

Han Arin clicked her tongue disapprovingly, pushed Perseus aside, and spoke.

“Why can’t you just say ‘great job’ directly?”

Then she began explaining why my accomplishment was indeed remarkable.

“Filling a crystal orb with mana is a test to gauge one’s sensitivity and responsiveness to mana. Those with talent usually see some reaction just by touching the orb.”

It seemed I had a natural aptitude for magic.

As I let out a sigh of relief, Han Arin continued.

“But most people only see a small reaction, like maybe a single flower petal or a leaf or two appearing…”

She then patted my head, noting how different my achievement was.

Embarrassed by the compliment, I shook my head to regain composure.

‘It’s not because I’m amazing. It’s just luck.’

As I tried to stay humble, Perseus looked at me and said,

“Good job.”

Despite trying to stay modest, I couldn’t help but wag my tail happily.

Nearby, Yuna became curious and leaned toward the crystal orb, cautiously extending her hand after checking everyone else’s reactions.

When her pristine hand touched the orb, white snowflakes began falling around us.

Not enough to completely fill the room, but enough to form a light layer on the floor, which was quite fascinating.

“Wow! Clouds are coming down!”

Chae-a laughed joyfully and started jumping around, prompting Somtul to chase her all over the place.

Watching Chae-a’s antics, Yuna pulled back her hand shyly, her ears and tail perking up.

‘She must be feeling embarrassed.’

I patted her head gently to show approval, and Yuna closed her eyes happily, wagging her tail like me.

“Yuna is amazing too… With talents like hers, she could easily become the next Great Mage.”

“That’s usually true.”

Perseus smirked at me and continued.

“But with Hae-un around, it might be tough.”

“Stop exaggerating.”

Though worried Yuna might have heard, I turned to find her simply tilting her head curiously at me.

Relieved, I sighed, until Han Arin picked up Chae-a who was still running around and suggested,

“How about Chae-a gives it a try?”

Chae-a giggled nervously but allowed herself to be carried toward the orb.

“Just touch it and channel your mana.”

Hesitant at first, Chae-a lightly tapped the orb before quickly hiding behind me, whispering,

“It’s too shiny… Like the moon…”

“The moon? What does that mean?”

As I tilted my head in confusion, Chae-a gave me a hint: “Something round hanging in the sky.”

‘Really round and in the sky?’

Looking up, I noticed a light bulb.

‘Does she mean the light bulb?’

To confirm, I pointed upward and asked if that was correct. Chae-a nodded frantically.

Why was she scared of light bulbs? Maybe something happened during her travels?

Was it broken? Or maybe too hot?

Whatever the reason, I felt a pang of sympathy and reassured her while Han Arin asked,

“Can you tell us why you’re scared of light bulbs?”

After hesitating, Chae-a pointed at the bulb and explained,

“I made friends with a moth, and when I sent him to a bright place, he fell right away.”

Realizing the moth likely died instantly after clinging to the long-lit bulb, Han Arin blinked in surprise before quickly regaining composure and addressing Chae-a urgently.

“That’s very dangerous.”

“Yeah! That’s why it’s scary.”

Chae-a remained hidden behind me, genuinely frightened.

As I waited for her to calm down, I noticed several white spiders—no, they were white bugs—appearing briefly around the room before disappearing.

‘Twenty of them?’

The creatures appeared momentarily before vanishing, leading me to speculate that Chae-a hadn’t held onto the orb long enough.

Impressed, Perseus observed,

“Even considering her elemental nature, her mana receptiveness is incredible. This seems like a unique case, though I’m not sure exactly what yet.”

Chae-a frowned, clearly uncomfortable with the orb, glaring at it.

Worried she might cry or get upset, I quickly retrieved the orb and placed it back in its box.

*

Having roughly assessed our talents, Perseus announced he’d structure lessons accordingly. Though we were told we were exceptional, it didn’t quite sink in, leaving us somewhat skeptical.

Smiling warmly, Han Arin asked us,

“If you could learn any magic first, what would you choose?”

Chae-a giggled and replied,

“A spell that lets me grab Haeuni’s tail!”

“My tail?” Surprised, I blinked, when nearby Yuna calmly added,

“To keep warm.”

Curious, I offered my tail for Chae-a to chase and asked Yuna why warmth mattered.

“When I hug Haeuni, she feels cold.”

Though I insisted I wasn’t cold…

“At night, Haeuni shivers, so I sleep alone.”

Yuna’s matter-of-fact explanation left no room for denial.

“Ah… I see. Then, big sister will bring you an electric blanket later, okay?”

Confused by the term, she perked up upon hearing it kept things warm and nodded eagerly.

Pleased, I patted her head approvingly when Han Arin turned to me.

“And what about you, Hae-un?”

After pondering, I revealed the magic I’d wanted since childhood.

“Cleaning magic!”

At this, Han Arin chuckled and questioned,

“Out of all the magic, cleaning magic? Why?”

With seriousness, I explained,

“It makes trash disappear and instantly cleans everything… Super convenient, right?”

“True. Even I stopped cleaning after learning cleaning magic.”

Her words made me beam as I nodded enthusiastically. After a brief pause, Han Arin smiled and promised,

“I’ll prepare lessons so each of you can learn the magic you desire.”

Thrilled, my tail wagged furiously until Perseus interjected, looking exasperated at Han Arin.

“This is my class. Why are you taking over?”

“Is that important?”

“…?”

Ignoring Perseus, Han Arin continued,

“Here’s your homework: eat well and sleep well before tomorrow’s class. That’s all.”

“Chae-a will work hard!”

“Great, I’ll look forward to it.”

“Yup!”

Typically, homework meant studying, but was this all we needed to do? As I wondered, Perseus sighed and clarified,

“We’ll alternate teaching duties between myself and Han Arin.”

Surprised by how easily Perseus included her, Han Arin blinked before Perseus added briefly,

“It seems best for Hae-un.”

“Too embarrassing.”

Though unclear about their relationship, seeing them interact amiably filled me with relief as I wagged my tail contentedly.

*

Post-lessons, using mana was added to our daily routine.

Though grandly stated, it mostly involved grunting and flexing my hands, leaving me unsure if it was truly effective.

Still, it felt better than doing nothing as I stared at my palms.

“There’s so much to do now.”

First, stretching to grow taller.

Second, practicing maturity.

Third, lifting pillows to build strength.

Fourth, practicing restraint from crying.

Fifth, gaining control over my tail.

Sixth, practicing mana manipulation.

Thinking about these exercises made time fly by, leaving me feeling accomplished. As I decided it was time to start my broadcast, I grabbed my phone.

“What should I talk about?”

Uncertain, I started the stream, only to be greeted by many viewers.

[SeolinSeolin – Hae-un!!!]

[Yangachia – Haha, starting off as a ditz already!]

[FrontRollThreeTimes – It’s been too long, I almost forgot your face!]

Seeing the influx of comments, I was unsure what to say when…

“Moyayo?”

Instead of “What?” came Yuna’s odd phrase as she peeked out.

Viewers, spotting Yuna in her dinosaur pajamas, began typing strange messages.

[JjajangmyeonAteIt – What is this? Hae-un and Chae-a weren’t enough, now there’s another ditz?]

[WantToRegret – Haha, why are these kids so cute?]

[MungMungYong – Did Hae-un get an older sister?]

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