A. Identity 869 & The System
[Identity #869 — Profile Scan Complete]
Name: Han Jisoo
Age: 25
Class: Undefined (Default: Survivor)
Chosen Path: Path of the Blade
Level: 1
Attributes:
• Strength: 5 ➤ 8
• Agility: 5 ➤ 11
• Speed: 5 ➤ 8
• Intelligence: 5
• Endurance: 5
Status Effects:
• Memory Fragmented
• Emotional Tension Detected
[Mission: "Seek answers to revert a fallen world."]
In a forest where the numbers of trees seem immeasurable, I walk and exchange paths with a dead body lying on the ground, it was a minute ago.
A thought in my mind whether If I will survive this world or not stresses me for a bit, I got a grip of myself somehow and just keep walking through the forest.
The sunrise has begun, and I realize I still haven't got anything to eat nor to drink, I am starving and even the weather seems to be my enemy tonight. Rain poured and my clothes began to get wet.
"It's still haven't been my first day here in this world and It's already treating me harshly."
"*Sigh* The rain washed off everything, even the inside. I might want to take this off before I get a cold"
I removed my long brown blazer that almost reached my legs, and then a question came into my mind.
[Is Yunji-Nim still, okay?]
A question that has been clinging to me ever since I was transported into this world. I don't seem sad because of the thought I won't see her again, I feel alright even when she's not around, I feel normal even when the world separates us.
[Am I scared that she's gone?]
[That's right, I'm scared because I couldn't see her nor even get in contact with her. I am scared, I can't lose a fragment of hope for our world and for myself.]
I then felt a touch of comfort, I calmed down.
"She's still alive, she should be alive."
As I was about to remove my shirt, I heard the sound of blades nearby. Now it wasn't the sound of tens nor hundreds of blades, it was just two.
I then grabbed my blazer lying on the ground as I ducked into the cover of thick miscanthus grass, the feathery tops brushing against my shoulders as I tried not to make a sound.
I tried to have sight of what was actually going on through the grass. I saw a man wearing a damaged cloak and he was wearing a black shirt inside, he is wearing just a slipper, and he looks like he's in his late 20s, If I were to guess between 26 or 27.
His hair is black and long so it reaches his neck. I can't confirm if what I observed is the truth, but as I tried to get a closer look...
Crack. A branch snapped.
[Oh god...]
The other person the man in the cloak was fighting was distracted by the sound I made, this then gave the oppurtunity for the man in the cloak to strike a fatal blow. The blow took off the person's arms and he was then beheaded soon after.
"This was for the girl you killed."
The man in the cloak looks at the lifeless body with disgust and hatred.
[I need to get out of here before he-]
"Come out and show yourself, you don't have to hide anymore."
[This man! How can I just show myself after you mercilessly killed that person? Are you trying to get a double kill or something?"
"Don't worry, I won't hurt you. You can show yourself now."
I stand up from where I'm hiding and our eyes met, he looked so tired and his clothes were more damaged than from what I observed, his shirt have two holes, as if two sword was pierced through him.
The way he looked at me was all serious and I can safely tell from his eyes that he faced countless battles in his life.
I am too afraid to say a word but suddenly he dropped his sword, the knife he's hiding inside his cloak.
"You can talk now as well."
[He looks harmless now, and judging by his pose, he doesn't look like he's going to do anything.]
"What did that man do to deserve such death?"
"He killed someone's daughter for his own benefit."
He replied in a cold tone.
"Do you even know the reason he did that?"
"I don't need a reason to kill him, besides the act he committed. That act may occur due to the desire to leave poverty, or from an order."
"He still commits an evil act, and that deserved to be punished."
[He is right, he does not deserve to live for what he did. What is already done cannot be undo anymore.]
[But I wonder if that person has a second thought before he killed the girl.]
"You're right."
He stared at me dead in the eyes, but he didn't seem to have any bad intentions, so I asked him who he was.
"Jung Ha-Joon."
"Han Jisoo"
"You don't look like you're from the Cathedral of Peace. I can say from your clothes, you don't seem to come from any realm as well."
"Could it be that you..."
"Aren't from this world?"
My face was painted in shock and disquiet; I looked at him seriously yet not intimidating. I am nervous, I don't have any idea what's going to happen to me once I answer his question.
"Yes, I am not from this world."
I answered anyway, things might get worse if I didn't.
"I see, well you should take care of yourself here. Battles are constant, they never end. If I were you, I would take that clothes off because it's just going to attract attention."
"Take this man's cloak and go to the Cathedral of Peace."
"They can provide you with food and water. It's not that far from here, from where you're standing, go right and when you see a tree with a carved slice to it."
"Then go left straight until you see the gate of the cathedral. Just be sure to be careful and don't act strange, the guards there are weary of outsiders like you."
I looked at the man's dead body and picked up his cloak. There was also a bag of coins attached inside of it and two daggers.
[This is great, maybe I can buy food and get a place to rest there with this.]
"Hey, aren't you going to come with me?"
"Don't bother, I still have unfinished business to take care of."
He just walks away through the dark forest with confidence.
[Talks about skill, he is a great fighter. I think he's just exhausted during the fight, that's why it took him long to kill that guy.]
"Let's see here...'
*Checks Identity's Profile*
"As expected, the 'Path of the Blade' didn't come with a skill or a skill to unlock."
[In the RPG games I played throughout my life, I think a way to acquire a skill is to find a master and learn it directly from them.]
As I scrolled through the system interface, my eyes landed on a tab labeled "Identity Inspection." at the 'Blessing' section.
The name alone piqued my curiosity. Could it allow me to view the profiles of other identities in this world? The thought sent a quiet thrill through me, if so, it might just be the edge I need.
I pressed it and then...
[Identity's Level is too low to extract
information from 'Identity Inspection']
[You must do the following task to acquire this blessing.]
[Complete the following Task]
• Reach Identity Level !0
• Reach level 2 reputation at the "City without a God"
• Acquire at least 5 companions 0/5
• Defeat the Dragon "Eldras" from the lost City
• Acquire 5 skills 0/5
"This looks tiring, so much unfamiliar information showed. How am I going to find the Dragon and the place its roaming at?"
I looked at the system bewildered and somewhat anxious.
[This isn't a normal blessing, I should not worry about it for now though. I should finish the task that seems at least acquirable.]
"Let's see, I still haven't read the instructions nor the rules of the system."
*Checks System Settings*
*Pressed System Guide*
[SYSTEM GUIDE: LEVELING & GROWTH]
➤ Leveling Up:
Gain experience (EXP) by completing quests, defeating enemies, or discovering hidden knowledge.
How much EXP will you get by:
Completing quest:
D Tier: 50EXP - D+ Tier: 60EXP
C Tier: 80EXP - C+ Tier: 95EXP
B Tier: 105EXP - B+ Tier: 120EXP
A Tier: 170EXP – A+ Tier: 190EXP – A++ Tier: 220EXP
S Tier: 250EXP – S+ Tier: 290EXP – S++ Tier: 350EXP
SS Tier: 400EXP – SS+ Tier: 450EXP – SS++ Tier: 600EXP
Defeating Enemies: Difficulty:
Sustainable (D – C Tier): 50 - 300EXP
-These types of monsters can be found anywhere in the world, some can be seen at day, but some can be normal in the day, but they transform into a horrifying entity at night increasing their power level up to C or C+
Reward: 500 – 5,000 Coins
Dangerous (B-A): 500 - 1000EXP
-These monsters rarely spawn, they have the power to shape-shift into anyone and anything. Their power level is comparable to that of 20 regular knights. They too increase their power level during the night; it can go up to Tier A.
They can carry weapons and possess extraordinary strength, speed, endurance and stamina.
Reward: 15,000 – 30,000 Coins
Disaster (A+ - S++): 2,000 – 10,000EXP
-Disaster level Monsters have consciousness, their intelligence can't be measured, but normally it's average. Their power level is still not properly measured yet. They are said to have exceptional sword skills and possess abilities. These Monsters can only be found within certain cities, realms or places. They rarely come out to ensure balance over the world's conflict.
Reward: 40,000 – 90,000 Coins
[Be aware of these Monsters]
Calamity (SS-???): ??????EXP
-No information
Reward: No Information
[Do not engage with this Monster Type]
As I read the system guide, all I feel is anxious and nervous. I am questioning myself what if I were to encounter such beings, will I even be able to hold my ground? Will I even have the courage to unsheathe my sword? My body is shaking, the thought of giving up has crossed my mind, once.
I have faced such world like this, it was not filled with supernatural, the thing that makes this world no different from my world is...
"Filled with Chaos and Destruction"
I then began to feel calmed down, my body feels lighter, and my mind feels stronger.
I clenched my fist and declared that "I Will See the End of my Journey Heroically!"
I continued to scroll down and got to the final guide.
Hidden Knowledge: refers to information, lore, or ancient truths scattered across this world that are not accessible through ordinary means. These fragments can drastically alter your understanding of the world, unlock secret skills, or reveal alternative paths of progression.
Modern (C-A Tier)
-This Knowledge can be found on certain Items. It can also be acquired by exploring certain ruins, or even in certain texts. You can find them mostly in the East and West Part of this World. The Items possesses extraordinary power.
Ancient (A+ - SS++)
-This Knowledge can only be obtained by slaying Disaster Level Monsters, Exploring S+ or SS ruins, and find texts that were inside of the Disaster's Domain. Ancient Objects are the pinnacle this world has to offer.
[Recommend not to engage with these Knowledge yet.]
As I continued to scroll for the last time, I hit the "end", from what I currently know off, it left me in a deep state of curiosity.
[The Advance System Guide is still not Available]
"Advance System Guide?"
I sat by a tree for a few minutes to calm myself down again, as ideas poured into my mind, it's giving me a headache. I tried to use common sense into it and just put it aside for now.
[The "System" has a lot of secrets, like this world. If I continue to level up and fight, then I can found the answers I'm looking for.]
"I don't want to see the tasks for unlocking it yet, I have already a lot of things to do."
"Now, I just must continue to go right, and I'll find a carved slice tree."
Jung Ha-Joon, I wondered what that guy is doing right now, I also wanted to know if he's one of us & to ask him about how burdened he is. I then felt a bit of envy towards Jung Ha-Joon, he hid his face too much, it's not like he is ugly.
It's the complete opposite. In fact, I could use a face like that, it's not like I'm not popular with girls [I am not], just that I can easily gain companion with it.
I am already in my late 20s, and my hair is a bit curly, girls wouldn't probably like it, because in my case, I look like a total mess with it.
Jung Ha-Joon's eyes are pretty as well; they were like shining rubies, my eyes are straight out of the ordinary, I have brown eyes that is only visible when the sun shines in it.
I also bet that guy's physique is crazy good too, though I must admit that If I were to rate mine, it will be a solid 6/10, we're almost the same height too, but he is slightly taller than me, and I am 6'1!
"I must be getting closer; there are branches all around and leaves are scattered everywhere. Now I just need to find the tree that has the slice."
I continued walking and my eyes widened as it surprised me. There it was.
The very thing I'd been looking for, buried beneath every step I took now standing before me, as if it had been waiting all along
"Finally, the Cathedral shouldn't be far from here now."
[What way am I going to go next again?]
[Ahh...that's right! It's straight left now.]
"I am so exhausted, but I am very close from the Cathedral of Peace now, so there's no time to waste."
Right after I took my first step, an intense aura that I couldn't handle at my current level began to come close behind me. I can't move, my body is shaking, the pressure and thought of dying have completely overwhelmed me.
[Don't move, don't you dare move.]
[Move Goddamn it, move your feet and fight]
The thought of dying without even accomplishing anything engulfed me mentally, I couldn't unsheathe my sword.
But then, a familiar and gentle voice began to play in my head.
Despite being in a helpless state, this voice rang louder than the beat of my heart and the scream I'm holding inside of me.
"I want to drink with you again."
My thoughts then began to get slowed, like waves settling after a storm, heartbeat began to be steady again but not without fear. The dread still lingers at every corner of my chest, but clarity began to cut through the fog.
I wasn't whole, not yet. But in between the silence, courage and noisy fear, I knew what had to be done.
"I have to fight."
I drew out my sword and prepared myself for what awaits, I stand there with legs apart, knees slightly bent and both hands gripping my sword tightly.
Though it is a rusty sword, I can still see it penetrating through this monster's skin.
The monster is at least 7 feet, its claws are not that sharp, yet it can slice a rock, it's very hairy from head to toe. It has two short horns popping on Its forehead.
[You are now engaged in a fight with a Sustainable D+ Tier Monster]
Informations:
[The System began to analyze the Monster]
Difficulty: Sustainable D+
Race: Ravgar – These species are recognized for their versatile and bloodthirsty nature; they have claws that can go up to 1-1.5 feet. Their race is also known for its fast growth; they can grow up to 11 feet.
Fighting Style: None
Ability: Scream of Terror- if you are level 10 below, it can affect you, but as you level up, the effect will be weaker.
Reward: 900 Coins
[I can at least buy some time, I'm sure someone from the Cathedral will notice this fight.]
"Or just try and kill it on my own."
I charged at it in full speed, despite being exhausted, I held my sword tightly and prepared to strike the first blow.
However, my effort to try and damage it came to nothing as it clenched its fist and hit me on the right side of my waist. I didn't get awfully damaged to bring me on my knees, but my body began to feel numb.
The burning will to survive then covered me, I must fight and survive. I attempted to strike again, but this time I got lucky as its right arm got stuck in between a tree's branch.
I can tell from this monster that it just had a fight, no wonder the reward was low and its Tier, even though It's already night.
[Now's my chance!]
I struck it in the stomach and made a minor damage for its organs to fell out. I backed out and prepared myself for what's coming.
[Is It going to use Its skill?]
[No! I must not let that thing use it!]
I moved without a second thought and sliced the arm that was stuck between the tree's branches.
Though it didn't completely tear it off from its body, the damage was still severe. I conclude that it cannot use Its ability anymore.
It was on its knees, and just when I was about to make my attack, the thing I was not expected to happen, happened.
"WRaAAAaaaaA!!!"
[The Monster Uses the Ability: Scream of Terror]
[Sh*t, this is the worst-case scenario-]
I felt my body all wrapped, I can't move, I was completely Immobilized. The thought of death once again crossed my mind, for the last time it did as I slowly accept my fate.
My vision began to get blurry, and my mind began to shut down. But I heard words that came from me before I lost consciousness.
"No! It can't end like this!"
I screamed my lungs out with those words, I broke free, and I was already unconscious when I tried to attack it again.
As I unconsciously strike it multiple times and move fast to places where I can wound it, I did wound it a lot, but not enough to kill it (or so I thought).
I hit my head on a tree on the process of killing it, that is where I was completely lying on the ground, exhausted, with blood splashes all around me.
A mysterious blonde, with eyes the same eyes as Jung Han-Joo appeared from the dark forest, it examined the place before looking down on me
"An Outsider? Or Perhaps a Traveller?"
He then took me Inside the Cathedral of Peace, where I was put in the hospital and was asleep for two days.
I opened my eyes and felt easiness, though my body still hasn't completely recovered, they sure did feed and took good care of me while I was asleep.
"I did make it."
[System Profile Update]
[Identity #869 — Profile Scan Complete]
Name: Han Jisoo
Age: 25
Class: Undefined (Default: Survivor)
Chosen Path: Path of the Blade
Level: 1 ➤ 2
Attributes:
• Strength: 5 ➤ 8(+1)
• Agility: 5 ➤ 11(+1)
• Speed: 5 ➤ 8(+1)
• Intelligence: 5(+1)
• Endurance: 5(+1)
Status Effects:
• Memory Fragmented
• Emotional Tension Detected
• [Mission: "Seek answers to revert a fallen world."]
[You have Aquired the Title "He who sliced out from death's grasp"]
"I am finally inside the Cathedral of Peace"
B. Bearer of Luminosity
I was already noon and I'm still lying comfortably in the hospital bed. My strength finally came back to me, my body feels lighter and stronger.
The room was made of old, cracked stone—worn but enduring. Though the damage wasn't extensive, it was clear this hospital had stood for a very long time. There wasn't a trace of paint on the walls, only the bare, weathered stone speaking of age and quiet resilience.
I was the only patient here. Four empty beds lined the room, and beside mine stood a small wooden table. A single flower rested in a glass of water, its stem holding steady as if clinging to life.
The air was warm; the open window let in sunlight, and with it, a soft breeze that stirred the silence gently.
A knock at the door was then heard as if they have already anticipated that I'll wake up today.
"Come In."
I wasn't anxious to meet anyone from this world anymore; I said those words calmly.
"Here's your lunch dear patient."
[As I expected, it was a girl]
She looked younger than me. Unlike the white medical uniforms, I was used to in my world, hers was a striking combination of deep red and golden yellow. The robe flowed down to her feet, matching the traditional length I'd expected, yet the colors gave it a regal, unfamiliar feel.
Atop her head was a yellow hat, from which a sheer black cloth or scarf draped down, lightly veiling her face and adding an air of quiet mystery.
"Thank you..."
"Did you have a good rest?"
"Yes, I did, thank you for taking care of me."
Despite the cover of her face, I can see a soft smile and genuine eyes. It feels as if I was her first patient to be healed successfully. She was happy as far as I can tell, and I'm happy too for being taken care of.
"We have you confined here for two days, and I was personally tasked to take care of you."
"You suffered from exhaustion, a broken rib and loss of blood. Though it was not severe, I still have a hard time healing you."
"My ability to heal are still weak, it took me hours to heal just one broken rib."
"But..."
"I'm glad that you're finally awake!"
Her words were very cheerful and comforting, they echoed through my heart, and I felt a lot better hearing those words.
I smiled back at her, we exchanged gazes, and when I was about to ask a question, a person came in without knocking.
A knight emerged, bathed in sunlight.
His hair glowed like polished gold, catching the light with every step he took. He walked with steady grace and stared directly at me. I couldn't see his face clearly—his helmet concealed it—but then he picked up a chair and sat down a little farther from the girl. Without a word, he removed his helmet.
His face was fully revealed. His eyes held a quiet innocence, and messy strands of hair fell across one side of his face.
What caught my attention next was the badge pinned to his chest—ornate, unmistakable. This man held a high reputation here, that much was clear.
Before I could speak, the girl broke the silence.
"Ahh!"
"Allow me to introduce you to Commander Galen. He was the one who took you in the Cathedral of Peace and checks you in here for treatment!"
[I see, so then I guess he was also the one who found me in the forest.]
[My items are all still here, Infact, nothing was missing.]
I spoke back and tried my best to let out a grateful tone.
"Thank you for aiding me inside the cathedral when I was unconscious, Sir."
He just sat there, still, staring at me deeply. I felt awkward and I couldn't let out a single word after that.
The silence held for a little while, but in a deep and commanding voice, yet not intimidating, he ordered the girl to get us a glass of water.
"On it, Sir!"
I still couldn't let out a word. He was completely silent after that, but he just sat there and looked outside the window.
He sensed that I'm anxious he's here, that act he did was to make me feel less stress about the atmosphere we have in the room, I ate my fill and once I'm finished. He spoke again.
"How did you end up near the Cathedral?"
I expected his voice to be cold, commanding, but instead, he questioned me gently. It didn't sound like an order. It felt more like a request.
For a second, I forgot to be anxious.
"I am a traveler."
"I didn't have anything to drink nor eat last night, so the best solution I came out with was to go here."
"Were you alone?"
[Does he know about Jung Ha-Joon?]
"Yes, I'm alone."
He tried to press for an answer, letting silence stretch between us like a quiet threat. The room grew heavier in a second.
"I understand, how do you feel right now?"
[Looks like he doesn't know about that guy.]
[or...]
[At least for now.]
"I feel completely recovered now."
"The one who personally treated you was still a newbie here, but in the end, I'm glad it goes smoothly."
"At what state did you find me in the forest?"
"You are lying on the ground just beside the tree, covered with your and the monster's blood, your forehead was bleeding a little too."
[So, I hit a tree huh?]
[That's so embarrassing.]
My face turns red as a strawberry due to embarrassment.
"One more thing."
"Not far from where you fought and slayed the monster, there's another dead body, headless and armless to be specific."
"From what vampire class studied, since they specialize the investigation of murders and murderer here in the Cathedral of Peace."
"They found out that it was the same man who killed a girl from the neighbor village just near here."
"Lastly, they inspected the cloak you're wearing. The same blood was found on it, still warm, which means that man hadn't been dead for long."
He locked eyes with me—cold, unwavering—for a split second, then asked if I was the one who killed that man.
"Did you kill that man?"
[If I answered no, will he believe me?]
[If I answered yes then... he might put me in prison, and that'll just be a great waste of time.]
As silenced covered the entire room, I raised my head and look straight at him with nothing more than a look of confident.
"Yes, it was me who killed him."
As when I thought everything would go downhill for me, and I will be sent to prison for what I did. His expression changed, he looked at me with relief and smiled at me with eyes sharp as his words cut through the stress I'm feeling.
"You did great."
[Huh?]
"That person killed the daughter of my comrade. I split up with the group I'm leading; I told them to go south and check the battle that happened there."
[The "battle"? Was it the one I saw shortly after I got transported in this world?]
"I..."
"...wanted to kill that man myself."
Without saying another reason. He simply asked me to get up, because we are going somewhere."
"Wait! Am I not going to pay for the treatment?"
"No need, I already covered the expenses for you. But you can pay me back with a drink later."
"I brought your cloak. We cleaned the blood but left the damage untouched."
"However,"
".... they did a little modifying with it."
[Modifying?]
After slipping on my shirt and draping the cloak over my shoulders. The system then appeared, and a translucent interface flickered into view in front of me.
[Item Updated: Modified Cloak]
Condition: Worn, Damaged, Magically Boosted
Endurance +2
HP +2
Modification Notes: Your cloak was magically modified by the Arcaneforge Guild, not only does it enhance your HP and endurance while worn, but it also now carries an enchantment. a stealth ability that activates the moment you will it to.
Ability: Stealth
[But be warned: it lasts for only ten seconds per use, and you're limited to twice per day. Use it wisely.]
This was unexpected. I froze for a moment, caught off guard.
A strange warmth crawled up from my chest, halfway between disbelief and excitement.
[Impressive... Am I seriously getting this for free?]
I stood there awkwardly, shoulders slightly raised, posture stiff—like someone trying not to look too hopeful in front of a lottery ticket.
Then she shut it down.
"...And no, it's not for free."
My stance collapsed a little, not dramatically—but enough that anyone watching could see the quiet defeat in my bones.
[Darn it!]
I give 900 coins as a payment for the cloak, it is not a fair price for them as far as I'm concerned, but it's a total win for me!
[I guess the people have pity to those who doesn't look rich.]
"Are you sure that's enough?"
"I don't know."
[What-??]
"If this all you've got then they don't have a choice but to just take it."
"Is it really, okay?"
"If you doubt me, then I can help you think of a way to repay them rightfully. Let's go."
"We'll talk about it on the way there."
[On the way where?]
[Never mind, I must avoid asking too many questions.]
"Are you ready to go?"
I stood, my shoes slipping on with practiced ease. With a steady breath, I straightened my back, the weight of my purpose settling in again. I stood tall and ready to embark on my journey again.
"Let's go."
We got down the stairs and made our way to the reception to check out of the hospital. Commander Galen glanced at me, then asked if I wanted some water, mentioning that our walk would be a long one before we reached our destination.
"I'm pleased, Commander."
He nodded and went off to fetch our waters. I sat down in a wooden chair by the window and gazed outside. There, I spotted a golden carriage, studded with diamonds, drawn by an armored horse. It looked like something out of a royal parade.
Below, the bustling market stretched out before me, divided into distinct sections, Sea, Nature, and even a Monster section. The monster section caught my attention; I never imagined monsters were edible. The sounds of vendors calling out their wares mixed with the distant chatter of the crowd, and in the air was the scent of freshly prepared food.
As I watched, everything seemed to fall into place. The talk around me was about the 'Cathedral of Peace,' a topic everyone seemed to speak about with reverence. It was strangely comforting to observe such a well-organized and peaceful environment.
'If only things were this orderly in my world,' I thought wistfully.
Then a sudden familiar voice called out to me. It was the girl who personally treated me, the smile carved to her face seems a little wider compared to when her face is lightly covered.
"Are you heading out now, Mister?"
"Yes, I am, thank you again for taking care of me."
I glanced at her and smiled gently, though it wasn't something I typically did. I smiled only to please her, not wanting to ruin the pleasant atmosphere.
"I wish you the best of luck Mister!"
I felt awkward being called 'Mister,' especially since I was only 25, but I kept smiling.
"Keep trying your best."
"Save as many lives as you can."
My smile grew wider. These words weren't typical for me to say, but for someone like her, who had done everything she could to help another, this was the least I could offer in return. It was also a way of cherishing the life she had saved.
A sudden feeling of heaviness engulfed me for a brief moment—a feeling I didn't want now, and a thought I despised having at this very instant.
"'Saved'... That was the word furthest from my entire being."
I held my ground trying not to express my feelings, then Commander Galen steps in, holding our water with both hands have one for me and his.
"Let's go."
I looked back at her, a wide smile stretching across my face—so genuine it surprised even me.
"I'll remember that... when we meet again."
With those words, I stepped out into the world once more. Something within me had shifted. My will felt sturdier, my gaze steadier, and my thoughts clearer than ever before.
I looked at her one last time, pushing aside the hope that I would see her again—though, deep down, I wished I would. I didn't want to carry that weight. I hated how heavy it felt. For now, I had to focus on what needed to be done.
We exchanged a final farewell, quiet and brief. But just as I took my first step outside, her voice tore through the silence. She screamed at the top of her lungs—words that echoed through the entire building and shattered the belief I was trying so hard to hold onto.
"Anna Kolskish!!"
"Please take care of yourself!"
I looked back at her, my gaze softening as if drawn by something beyond reason. In that moment, something within me stirred—an awakening, quiet and undeniable.
Time felt as though it had paused just for us. My eyes gleamed for a fleeting second, my heart falling into a rhythm that wasn't there before.
The atmosphere—once the kind that would have weighed heavily on the old me—felt lighter now. Maybe it's because I keep meeting people like her... people who change me.
"Han Jisoo,"
"I will,"
I replied with a nod, a gentle smile tugging at my lips.
"And... "
".... pleased to meet you too."
Our paths had diverged. Still, I clung to the wish of never meeting her again, not out of resentment—but out of fear that hoping would only weigh me down. Yet, beneath that denial, a quiet hope flickered. A reunion. Unexpected, maybe. But fitting, somehow.
Commander Galen glanced at me before he began to walk again. As if he could read me like an open book, he spoke in a low voice,
"Don't let your mind wander too far. Focus on what you want right now."
Then he asked, "You know how to ride a horse?"
I nodded. "Yeah, I do."
Memories surfaced ones I didn't mean to recall.
Back when I was a child, my biological mother would often take me horse riding. She used to say, 'This house is choking us. Let's go somewhere we can breathe.' I won't go into full detail, but it was a pretty messed-up place. Living with that person... it was hell.
But riding with Mom—that was living. The wind crashing against my face, the pounding hooves beneath us—it felt like freedom. Like peace.
As I sank deeper into that memory, I hadn't even noticed that we'd arrived. The horse training farm stood just ahead, nestled beside the Knight's Guild.
"Which horse do you prefer?"
"I guess, I'm going with that brown one."
"Keen eyes, that was one of our most trained horses, although I say that we are going to be generous to you since you've unintentionally killed that monster that was roaming our place."
"You can take it."
"Thank you, Commander."
He just hummed and nodded.
We geared up our horses and prepared to leave the Cathedral grounds. But before setting off, we made a quick stop by a nearby vendor and bought something to eat—simple food, enough to hold us until our next rest.
With saddlebags packed and reins in hand, we finally set out.
"Is this really one of the finest delicacies here Commander?"
"Yes, it is, it might not look very appealing in the eyes, but once you taste it, you'll see why it is one of the bestselling out there."
[But there's literally eyes floating in the dish, how can you confidently say that???]
[Well, this is a Fantasy world after all, I am not picky eater, but I can tell the difference between an edible and inedible.]
"Where are we heading by the way?"
"To one of my old comrade's houses."
"He lived in many houses, but lucky us today, he is staying to the house that wasn't that far from the Cathedral."
"Why does he live outside the Cathedral?"
Long silence then occurred, I immediately regretted asking him that. I might have triggered something he doesn't want to feel nor think about anymore.
"You'll ask him that yourself." he replied in a serious tone.
"Alright."
We ventured the forest, its towering trees crowding the sky with tangled branches. Sunlight filtered through in broken shafts, barely enough to warm the damp earth beneath us.
The air smelled of wet bark and moss, and every step I took stirred the leaves, crackling softly beneath me.
Somewhere above, a crow called, loud, lonely, and sharp.
"Hold it."
"Something's roaming around."
[A monster? At this early?]
"Do you think it's a monster?"
He suddenly told me to stay quiet.
There was no sound, no movement, just trees all around us. I couldn't see anything—not even a shadow of a monster nearby. But judging from the way Commander Galen reacted…
something was off.
His senses must be sharper than mine.
Maybe it's his aura awareness.
He's hearing or feeling something that hasn't even brushed past my instincts yet.
It's probably still far, I thought—
But just as I was about to finish that thought…
"Look out!"
Commander Galen pushed me from my horse, something fast moved towards me, almost beheading me if It's not for Commander Galen, and it causes our horses to panic, resulting for both of us to fell on the ground.
"Ready for battle."
We unsheathed our swords, settling into position—ready for whatever was coming. Feet shoulder-width apart.
Backs low. Fingers wrapped tightly around our hilts, muscles tense. Our eyes scanned the shifting shadows between the trees, trying to catch even the smallest sign of movement. The air thickened. Even the wind seemed to hold its breath.
[There!]
I parried the attack that came from the right, and Commander Galen parried the one that came blitzing in front of him.
"So, there's two of them huh?"
"Boy, stand down. And don't move until I say."
His voice carried a weight that hit me like a sudden gust—firm, commanding, and absolute. Something in the tone alone made my instincts submit before my thoughts could catch up. I dropped low without question, heart pounding, confused and uncertain about what he sensed… or what was coming next.
"Hear me Gods of Luminosity, with this skill you gave me, I will eradicate any evil that exist. Watch their bodies crumble to dust and be satisfied to hear their screams."
[An incantation? Is he going to...]
"Skill of Luminosity..."
"Cleve of the Heavens"
He swung his sword in a full 360-degree arc.
A brilliant light erupted from the blade—radiant, blinding, and beautiful in its devastation.
Trees fell in a sweeping ring, severed clean as if by divine judgment. The slash wasn't just powerful, it was terrifying.
To my left, the monster began to crumble into dust.
To my right, the other followed, disintegrating just as quickly.
The light hadn't just struck them. It burned them, unmade them. All that remained was silence... and ash.
The system then appeared in front of me as I held my ground all tucked up.
[Commander Galen have defeated D+ Tier Monsters]
Contributions: Obeying his command
Reward: 20 coins.
[Analyzing Target's Profile]
[Huh? Target's profile?]
I stared in confusion. I didn't know the system could do this—access someone else's data like this.
What's more surprising... he wasn't even marked as an Identity like me.
[Analyzing]
[Analyzing]
[Target's Profile has been completely
analyzed, feel free to check it now]
[So, this is...]
[Galen Armadilo— Profile Scan Complete]
Name: Galen Armadilo
Age: 39
Class: Knight of Peace #4
Path: Luminosity
Tier: Dangerous B+
Skills:
I. Cleave Of Heavens
II. Unidentified
III. Unidentified
IV. Unidentified
Abilities: (Not available at your current level)
Items Information: (Not available at your current level)
[Access Denied: Insufficient clearance to view full profile of target.]
[Profile View Ascension unlocked at Level 6]
Unlocked Features:
• View Target's Abilities
• View Target's Item Information
With the sun pouring directly over him, his hair shimmered like burnished gold. He raised his sword to his face, standing tall, calm, proud, and bound by honor.
"...So, this is the power of those handpicked by the gods themselves.