Chapter 2: Zero Code, Turning Back 10 Years of Time |
Just as the light that had been relentlessly beating against my eyelids began to feel as though it was weakening, I slowly opened my tightly shut eyes. The light that had filled the entire room was now gradually fading, leaving only a faint glow. I blinked once, twice, and my blurry vision slowly came into focus. When I could finally distinguish objects clearly, I calmly began to survey my surroundings.
‘Different.’
I had only closed my eyes for a moment, yet so much had changed. The sword in my right hand, the gear I was wearing—it was all gone. Lowering my gaze from my empty hand, I saw a military uniform with a camouflage pattern. The moment I saw the insignia attached to the left breast, I held my breath. It was then.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙
Code Name Zero.
Complete.
Confirming activation of Zero Code.
Normal activation confirmed.
User Kim Su-hyeon, congratulations.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
Her beautifully shimmering white wings had faded to the point of being invisible, and her entire body was translucent, revealing everything behind her without filter. Only her usual expressionless face remained the same as before.
As I remained silent, Seraph tilted her head and spoke.
“It feels like it’s been a long time since I’ve received such a worried look from you. But it’s alright. It is currently Thursday, December 27, 2011, Earth time. As you requested, you have returned to the moment when Kim Su-hyeon of Earth first entered the Room of Summoning. I repeat, User Kim Su-hyeon’s request has been successfully processed and completed.”
“I see... So it is. Then, Seraph, did you return with me?”
As I spoke softly, Seraph slowly shook her head from side to side.
“I cannot say for certain, but for now, my answer is no. There are still things I need to explain to User Kim Su-hyeon, so I requested a brief suspension from Zero Code. Fortunately, Zero Code seemed to find my reasoning valid and granted my request.”
“You have something to explain?”
“Yes. That is correct.”
When I questioned her, my brow still furrowed, Seraph responded with a gentle smile. It was the first time I had ever seen an angel smile in the ten years I had spent in the Hall Plain. The sudden yet refreshing feeling made me unconsciously relax the frown on my face.
An awkward silence settled between us for a moment. But it was Seraph, not I, who broke it first. She swept her silver-white hair behind her ear, half-closed her eyes, and spoke softly.
“I remember the day User Kim Su-hyeon was first summoned to the Hall Plain. Do you remember the first words you said to me?”
“No idea.”
How could I possibly remember something like that? I had no clue what kind of nonsense she was about to spout, but I decided to listen quietly for now. As a ‘helper,’ Seraph had always offered appropriate advice.
“‘Wh-where am I? Huh? Who... who are you!’ is what you said.”
“Seriously, even the stuttering? You remember everything.”
“Hehe. And that’s not all. Besides that…”
Crack!
At that moment, a sound like space tearing apart echoed, and Seraph’s entire body, which had been continuing her trivial talk, distorted violently. It looked like the static on a TV with a bad connection.
“Hk!”
She distorted, then returned to her original state. Seraph let out a pained groan. With each repetition of the phenomenon, her translucent state grew more pronounced. Her appearance felt so alien. It seemed as if she would return to her usual calm demeanor with a blink of an eye, but the Seraph before me now was as precarious as a candle in the wind.
When the static-like phenomenon finally subsided, Seraph, having barely composed herself, wore a bitter expression.
“It seems seeking acknowledgment from Zero Code is too much to ask. We spent ten years together, after all... It won’t even grant us time to share a parting farewell.”
‘I really can’t get used to this.’
In the past, she would have gotten straight to the point instead of saying such things. Just as Seraph said, angels were a race that always acted rationally. After seeing her maintain the same attitude for ten years, I found it impossible to adapt to this sudden change.
“Right... Then you should hurry up and explain so we can finish.”
In the end, I snapped at her curtly. Seraph gazed at me with sorrowful eyes before letting out a short sigh and continuing.
“User Kim Su-hyeon barely used any GP from the mid-game onwards. I intend to use some of the points you’ve earned to grant you a few privileges for your new start.”
“Huh? Privileges?”
“Of course, your remaining GP will also be left untouched.”
“Privileges... I don’t know what they are, but I guess they’re giving me some consideration since I’ve seen the end once. This is so touching, I could cry.”
Although my tone was dripping with sarcasm, Seraph shook her head slightly as if to say that wasn’t it.
“I would be grateful if you thought of it as a gesture of goodwill rather than consideration. All the angels, myself included, fully understand, empathize with, and sympathize with your feelings.”
“Sympathize? Hahaha…”
“I apologize if the word ‘sympathize’ sounded offensive. I had no intention of belittling you. However, at least within the Hall Plain, angels are tasked with helping the users. Have I ever given User Kim Su-hyeon advice that sounded harmful, not even once? Please think carefully. Whether you accept this goodwill or simply pass on it is entirely up to User Kim Su-hyeon.”
Although she said it was entirely up to me, Seraph seemed determined to make me accept the ‘privileges,’ leaving no room for rebuttal. Besides, I couldn't think of anything to say even if I wanted to press further, so I nodded my head with a sense of reluctance.
“An excellent choice. I have no doubt that this decision will make it much easier for User Kim Su-hyeon to achieve what you set out to do.”
The moment I agreed, Seraph smiled faintly with a look of relief. Then she gave a powerful flap of her faint, almost invisible wings. The distance between us closed in an instant, and soon I felt a gentle touch on my head. As I slowly looked up, Seraph continued in a relaxed voice.
“Please bear with it for a moment, even if you don’t like it. There isn’t much time left. I will directly input and transmit the details into your mind.”
As soon as Seraph finished speaking, I felt a flashing shock on the crown of my head where her hand rested. It didn't hurt. Rather, strangely, the information Seraph was trying to convey was entering my mind with perfect clarity. I closed my eyes and calmly absorbed the information she was giving me.
User Kim Su-hyeon's Exclusive Privileges (Tanay)
1. A privilege regarding User Kim Su-hyeon's original ability stats is granted.
First, you can 'Load' the player status you achieved in your first playthrough. Second, four of the six basic ability stats will be randomly selected and increased. The degree of increase will also be determined randomly.
2. A privilege regarding Class is granted.
You may decide on a Class before entering the Rite of Passage. You can choose from all available classes, including not only common classes but also Rare, Secret, and all other hidden classes.
3. A privilege regarding Special and Potential Abilities is granted.
Users normally have one Special Ability slot and four Potential Ability slots, but User Kim Su-hyeon will have one additional Potential Ability slot unlocked. This also includes all hidden abilities, allowing you to choose any Special and Potential Abilities you desire. Alternatively, you can unlock a slot for a 'Unique Ability.' A Unique Ability is a tier above Special Abilities. If you forgo the Unique Ability, you can choose one Special Ability and all five Potential Abilities as you wish.
(In this case, the unlocked slot is automatically counted as a Potential Ability slot.)
However, if you choose to acquire a Unique Ability, it will consume one Potential Ability slot, and you will only be able to choose the abilities for half of the remaining four slots.
(The other two will be determined randomly.)
4. You may receive a one-time body modification procedure.
5. You may select one piece of equipment of your choice, with no restrictions on type.
However, EX-grade equipment cannot be selected.
Information about the privileges filled my mind without a moment's rest. Opening my eyes with a complicated feeling, I could see Seraph, now just a faint afterimage. Her hand was still on the crown of my head, but I no longer felt the same touch as before.
After barely managing to process the inputted information, I let out a quiet exclamation.
“This is…”
Honestly, I never dreamed I would be granted such extensive privileges, and I was slightly dumbfounded. If I could really start with these benefits, it would be no different from using a character editor before starting a game.
As if reading my thoughts, Seraph smiled faintly and said.
“These privileges were created with the points User Kim Su-hyeon earned. Of course, I won’t deny that some of my goodwill is mixed in. But since I have the unanimous consent of all the angels, there is no problem whatsoever.”
“It’s great for me, but you’re going to disappear soon anyway. Won’t you be reprimanded for balance issues?”
“That won’t be the case. And just now, I sensed a hint of arrogance in User Kim Su-hyeon's tone. I have told you time and time again over the past ten years. Complacency is forbidden under any circumstances.”
“I’ll be careful. No, but balance is the issue. Think about it. What would people think if a brand-new user starts with privileges like these?”
“That part can be resolved with Tanay, so you need not worry. And as for balance... Of course, I did consider balance, but…”
Seraph paused and began to glance at me. Then, in a hesitant voice, she carefully continued.
“Considering User Kim Su-hyeon’s original potential, this could actually be seen as creating balance.”
Seraph’s words held many implications, but I understood her meaning immediately. After all, ‘potential’ was the most crucial key to determining a ‘user's status.’
I could understand Seraph’s intent, but why did I still have a bitter taste in my mouth?
No matter what anyone said, I was the only user who had reached the pinnacle of the Hall Plain. I had no intention of denying that I had climbed there through numerous miracles and coincidences. But as the old saying goes, it’s not the strong who survive, but those who survive who are strong.
If we were talking about general strength, I could confidently say I was strong. Of course, I knew I couldn't claim to be the best or the strongest. But even so…
“…Hah.”
“Arrogance is forbidden. Do not be complacent.”
In the end, it seemed this was what Seraph had wanted to say all along. Perhaps she was right and I had felt a touch of arrogance, because I felt a bit sheepish. I let out a short sigh and nodded. She wasn't wrong, after all. My pride was a little bruised, but seeing Seraph, who had faded to the point of being almost unrecognizable, immediately soothed it.
“Now… it is truly time… to part…”
Just as Seraph said, it seemed the end had truly come. Her form was distorting back and forth like a TV screen on the verge of breaking down. She wasn't even returning to her original state anymore. All I could do was stare blankly at it.
“Farewell… You… I truly… wanted… There is…”
Seraph’s words were becoming harder to hear. Her presence was slowly fading away. Still, she was speaking to me with what could only be described as desperation.
“That… truly…”
“Seraph. I’m sorry to be like this until the very end, but I can’t hear you well.”
She seemed to hear my words, as sadness colored her face. But there was nothing I could do in this situation. It was what I had wished for and brought upon myself in the first place. Yet, she didn't give up.
“Please… be…”
Flicker!
Just as the static seemed to worsen, a white light suddenly flashed with a sharp sound. Brilliant rays of light shot out from around Seraph before vanishing in an instant. The end was truly here. She bit her lip once. Then, as if putting strength into her eyes, her lips slowly parted.
“Please be happy…”
Ssshhh…
With those final words, Seraph vanished. The static phenomenon no longer occurred. But her last words, uttered with all her might, had reached my ears clearly. It seemed she might have smiled brightly at me in her final moment, but I was too focused on her words to see it clearly.
For a short while, I stood there, staring blankly at the spot where Seraph had been.