I Became the Younger Sister of the Game's Villain - Chapter 16.1
While waiting for the crosswalk light, I inadvertently glanced up at the news displayed on the large billboard above a building, hearing a familiar voice.
The screen showcased Lee Gyeom taking the stage for the press conference, surrounded by a myriad of spotlights.
Their faces, possibly straight out of another dimension, seemed tired and irritable.
‘Lee Gyeom…… I haven’t seen you lately. So that’s where you’ve been.’
I had assumed he was sulking and had run off somewhere.
In my embarrassment, I rubbed my eyebrows.
I realized I hadn’t really sought him out.
Despite how busy he professed to be, Lee Gyeom always made sure to come home for dinner.
In unavoidable circumstances, he would communicate through Gu Seo Bok, and it seems I had gotten accustomed to that pattern.
After I stopped hearing from him, I thought, ‘So, he’s decided we’re in a cold war.’
‘It was a misunderstanding.’
He could have at least mentioned it before leaving.
I grumbled softly to myself.
Dimensional travel, in essence, felt like stepping out of reality and into a story, akin to participating in an immersive event.
For instance, if it’s the mythical dimension, it might involve the Trojan Horse, Oedipus… etc.
Characters from such stories appear, and by joining them, we help to shape an ending.
Whether it follows the original story’s trajectory or diverges to create a different outcome doesn’t matter.
Naturally, any mishaps resulting from taking a different path fell squarely on the rankers’ shoulders.
Three days.
Given it was the mythical dimension, it didn’t seem too lengthy.
I’ve accidentally gotten stuck in a planetary dimension before, losing nearly two weeks of game time, but whatever.
Anyway…
“Oh.”
Abruptly jostled by someone bumping into my shoulder, my thoughts halted.
Startled, I looked ahead to find the traffic light already flashing green.
Oops. I hurried my steps and just managed to cross the pedestrian crossing before the light turned red.
There was no point in cursing at the person who bumped into me.
“Excuse me.”
“Yes?”
Just as I thought I was getting somewhere, someone else grabbed me.
Unkempt long hair that reached the waist.
Large black-rimmed glasses covering half her face and even her eyes, was hard to make out.
She hesitated, clutching the end of my sleeve, seemingly wanting to ask something.
Was she trying to ask for directions?
Just as I was about to look down to meet her eyes, reaching the point where only the top of her head was visible in my field of view…
“The aura emanating from your face is just so positive. Really. Your eyes are so bright, and the air flowing around you…”
As if I’d fall for that.
With a stern face, I shook off the hand that had grabbed my arm.
“Oh, you don’t believe?”
“No, it’s not a matter of your beliefs….”
“Belief or disbelief aside, sorry, I’m busy.”
“It’s not like that, really, if you just study a little with us…”
Terrifyingly persistent.
I deliberately lengthened my stride, and the woman who had been jogging to keep up seemed to give up as her voice became more distant.
After that, I walked on, making the most disgusted face I could muster.
A “don’t mess with me” aura must have been radiating off me.
Well, in my mind, at least.
“If the localization patch was so thorough it even included cult recruiters…”
I couldn’t help but shake my head in disbelief.
My steps picked up speed as I headed toward my destination.
***
『Korean Mana Association』
I paused for a moment to admire the dignified characters written on the traditional signboard.
Just the entrance, yet the densely arranged tiled roof and the slightly upturned eaves.
The wooden pillars, bearing the weight of time’s passage, seemed to declare the importance of the place within.
That place was:
‘Seonggyungwan, the premier educational institution of Joseon.’
Why Seonggyungwan in the 21st century, you might ask?
Well, alongside it sits a real university in reality.
The creators of Akka did not miss the opportunity to incorporate this prestigious and historic site of education.
They continued the legacy of the famous illusion and transformation arts among Seonggyungwan scholars, making it the base for researching and advancing all magic using mana.
But why call it a Mana Association and not something related to magic or sorcery?
“…So childish.”
Just past the entrance, I sighed at the large sign hanging there.
Only because it’s me, I could read it casually.
The reality was that the letters were mostly erased as if scratched out, and tape was wrapped around in places.
There were messy traces of repairs everywhere.
Could these truly be the enlightened beings that occupy the heart of such a venerable institution of education?
As you can see, despite being of the same essence, sorcery and magic have formed a deeply entangled rivalry over a long time.
Especially as the world became what it is.
A fervent nationalism erupted, arguing “it’s our duty to protect our country, our people” (with Lee Gyeom, proudly holding the 2nd place in world rankings, adding to this fervor).
Consequently, wizards, oozing a Western vibe, received poor treatment.
Moreover, their position was increasingly isolated, thanks to “Light and Shadow” and the presence of those practicing forbidden dark magic.
In any case.
“The Jongyeonggak (Hall of Honor)* was this way.”
(T/N: For the halls in this building, I’ll be putting both names, as the Romanized names of the halls might be confusing for readers)
I moved towards the Magic Association.
