Just as I began to sense the relentless flashes of light tapping against my eyelids fading, I slowly opened the eyes I had kept tightly shut. The light that had once filled the entire room was now gradually dimming, leaving behind only a faint glow. After blinking once or twice, my blurred vision slowly began to focus. Once I could see clearly enough to discern my surroundings, I calmly looked around.
'It's different.'
I had only closed my eyes for a brief moment, yet so much had changed. The sword that had been in my right hand and the gear I had been wearing had completely vanished. When I looked down at my now-empty hands, I saw camouflaged military fatigues. And the moment I noticed the name tag on the left side of my chest, I instinctively held my breath. It was then—
"Code Name Zero. Complete. Zero Code activation confirmed. Activation successful. Congratulations, User Kim Soo-hyun."
At the familiar voice, I lifted my head and saw Seraph still seated at the altar, gazing at me. I instinctively furrowed my brow. Just one glance was enough to know—her condition was far from normal.
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
Her once-beautiful, radiant white wings were now so faint they were almost invisible. Her entire body had become translucent, showing the background through her like glass. Only her expressionless face remained unchanged.
As I kept silent, Seraph tilted her head slightly.
"It's been a long time since I saw that worried look in your eyes. But I'm okay. It is currently Thursday, December 27, 2011, in Earth time. Per your request, we have returned to the moment when Earth's Kim Soo-hyun first entered the Summoning Room. Let me repeat—your request has been successfully processed and completed."
"I see... I understand. Then Seraph, did you come back with me?"
When I asked softly, Seraph slowly shook her head.
"I cannot say for certain, but for now, I will answer No. There were still things I needed to explain to User Kim Soo-hyun, so I asked Zero Code for a temporary override. Fortunately, it accepted my reasoning and granted me a short extension."
"There's something you need to explain?"
"Yes."
As I asked with a frown, Seraph responded with a gentle smile. It was the first time I'd ever seen an angel smile like that in my ten years in the Whole Plane. The unexpected warmth of it made me unconsciously relax my furrowed brows.
A brief awkward silence passed. But it wasn't me who broke it—it was Seraph. She brushed her silvery-white hair behind her ear and began to speak quietly with her eyes half-closed.
"I remember the day you were first summoned to the Whole Plane. Do you remember the first thing you said when you saw me?"
"I don't."
How could I remember something like that? I had no idea what ghost story she was about to tell, but for now, I decided to listen. As far as 'guides' go, Seraph had always given me sound advice.
"You said, 'Wh-Where am I? Huh? Wh-Who are you!'"
"Seriously? You even remember the stutter? You remember everything."
"Hehe. That's not all. There's more…"
Crack!
Suddenly, a ripping sound echoed through the space, and Seraph's form twisted violently. It was like a TV with bad reception, full of static.
"Ugh!"
Her form warped, then returned to normal. Seraph let out a pained groan. The more this happened, the more translucent she became. This unfamiliar image of her—so fragile and unsteady—looked nothing like the Seraph I once knew. She seemed on the verge of disappearing at any moment, like a candle in the wind.
As the interference finally subsided, Seraph steadied herself and let out a bitter sigh.
"I suppose I cannot expect acknowledgment from Zero Code. We spent ten years together... yet not even a moment is granted to say goodbye."
'This is so surreal.'
In the past, she would've skipped the sentimentality and gone straight to the point. Angels, as Seraph always said, were a rational species. Seeing her suddenly act like this after a decade of consistency—it just didn't sit right.
"Okay then... let's just get this explanation over with."
I finally snapped a bit. Seraph looked at me with sorrowful eyes and continued, letting out a short sigh.
"User Kim Soo-hyun barely used any GP in the latter half. So I've decided to grant you a few special privileges to help you as you restart, using the points you've accumulated."
"Huh? Privileges?"
"I will also leave your remaining GP untouched."
"Privileges, huh… I don't know what they are, but I guess I should be grateful I'm getting rewarded for finishing. I'm so touched I could cry."
My voice was clearly sarcastic, but Seraph only shook her head slightly.
"Rather than a reward, think of it as a gesture of goodwill. Myself and all the angels fully understand, empathize with, and sympathize with your feelings."
"Sympathize? Hahaha..."
"If the word 'sympathy' offends you, I apologize. There was no intent to belittle you. Still, inside the Whole Plane, angels serve to assist users. Have I ever once given you advice that was harmful? Think about it. Whether or not to accept this offer is entirely up to you, User Kim Soo-hyun."
She said it was up to me, but clearly, Seraph wasn't leaving any room to decline the 'privileges.' And honestly, I couldn't think of a solid reason to push back. So, albeit reluctantly, I nodded.
"A wise choice. I am confident that this decision will make it easier for you to achieve your goals."
The moment I agreed, Seraph gave a relieved smile and softly flapped her nearly invisible wings. In an instant, the distance between us closed, and I felt a gentle hand touch the top of my head. As I looked up, she spoke calmly.
"Even if it's uncomfortable, please bear with it for a moment. We don't have much time. I will transmit the information directly into your mind."
As her voice faded, I felt a flicker of energy enter through the crown of my head. It didn't hurt. Strangely, the information Seraph wanted to give was being clearly etched into my mind. I closed my eyes and focused on absorbing it.
Stat Privileges
You can 'load' the information from your first run.
Four of your six base stats will be randomly enhanced, and the magnitude of the enhancement will also be random.
Class Privilege
Before entering the Rite of Passage, you may choose your class in advance.
Includes all classes, from common to Rare and Secret classes.
Special & Potential Abilities
Normally, users have one special ability slot and four potential ability slots.
You will receive one additional potential slot.
All ability slots can be freely selected, including hidden ones.
Alternatively, you can unlock the "Unique Ability" slot, which is higher than Special Abilities.
Choosing Unique Ability consumes one potential slot. Of the remaining four, you may choose two, while the other two are randomly selected.
If you forgo the Unique Ability, you may choose one Special and all five Potential Abilities freely.
One-Time Body Modification Procedure
Choice of any one piece of equipment, no type restrictions (EX-grade equipment excluded).
The flood of information filled my head without rest. When I opened my eyes with mixed emotions, Seraph's figure was barely visible. Her hand still hovered above my head, but I no longer felt her touch.
After mentally organizing the information, I quietly muttered:
"This is…"
Honestly, I never imagined the privileges would be this generous. It was almost like starting a game with full character customization.
Noticing my dazed expression, Seraph smiled faintly.
"These privileges were created from the points you earned. I won't deny some of it came from my own goodwill. But all angels agreed unanimously, so there's no issue."
"I mean, this is great for me, but aren't you about to disappear? Won't this mess up the balance?"
"That won't happen. And… from your tone earlier, I sensed a bit of arrogance. I've told you countless times over the past ten years: never let your guard down."
"I'll keep it in mind. But think about it—wouldn't it look unfair to others if a newcomer started with all this?"
"That will be handled through Tanay. No need to worry. As for balance... well..."
Seraph hesitated and glanced at me, then continued cautiously.
"Considering the potential you originally possessed, this actually helps maintain balance."
Her words held a lot of meaning, but I understood immediately. After all, 'potential' is the key factor in determining 'user information.'
I could grasp her intent, but I still couldn't shake the bitter taste in my mouth.
No matter what anyone said, I was the only user to reach the top of the Whole Plane. I won't deny that luck and miracles played a role. But as the saying goes, "It's not the strongest who survive, but those who survive who are strong."
In terms of practical strength, I could confidently say I was strong. I know I can't claim to be the absolute strongest—but even so…
"…Whew."
"Pride leads to downfall. Don't let your guard down."
In the end, I think this is the message Seraph truly wanted to leave me with. Maybe I really had let arrogance slip in. I sighed briefly and nodded. She wasn't wrong. My pride might've been a little bruised, but seeing Seraph now so faint she was barely visible, that pride quickly faded.
"Now… it really is time… to say goodbye…"
Just as she said, the end had come. Her body twisted like a broken TV screen, unable to return to normal. All I could do was watch helplessly.
"There… is… something… I must… say…"
Her voice grew fainter and fainter. Her presence was vanishing. Yet she tried desperately to speak.
"That… truly…"
"Seraph. I'm sorry, but I can't hear you very well."
Maybe she could still hear me, because her expression twisted with sadness. But there was nothing more I could do. I had asked for this, and brought it upon myself. Still, she didn't give up.
"Please…"
Pop!
The static surged, then with a final burst of light, radiant beams flared up around Seraph—then vanished. At last, it was over. She bit her lip once, then her eyes sharpened with resolve, and her lips moved again.
"Please be happy…"
Ssshhhhh…
With those final words, Seraph disappeared. The static was gone. Yet her last words echoed clearly in my ears. Maybe she smiled as she said it—but I was too focused on the words to be sure.
For a while, I stood there, silently staring at the spot where Seraph had been.