After sharing a meaningful moment with his mother during dinner, Kim Hae Neul found himself overwhelmed by a mix of emotions. Gratitude and love had taken root within him, yet he also felt a sense of bewilderment and confusion about what was truly unfolding. Following laughter-filled conversations with his mother, he saw her off to bed before returning to his room, a clear purpose in his mind.
In the room that once felt so familiar, Hae Neul sat before his study desk. His gaze rested on his books and writing materials, but his thoughts wandered far within. How had all of this come to pass? How could he have journeyed back in time, glimpsing his departed mother and reliving moments once lived? These questions haunted him like unvanishing specters.
Then, he recalled the message from the "One Who Subdues Dragons." At the brink of death, he remembered receiving an offer to inherit abilities.
With a surge of determination, Hae Neul hurriedly retrieved his device and accessed his status window, a place where he could view his abilities.
[Status Screen]
[Name: Kim Hae Neul
Strength: 25
Agility: 28
Magic: 60
Stamina: 75
Traits: Dragon Heir
Abilities: - ]
Displayed on the screen were details concerning his abilities. His name, level, and acquired talents were listed. Yet, the most conspicuous section was under "Traits," where "Dragon Heir" was written.
Hae Neul's heart raced as he scrutinized those words. What did this signify? What had he inherited? And who exactly was the "One Who Subdues Dragons"? He felt that this held the key to the enigmas that had befallen him, the mysteries of why he could traverse time and change outcomes.
With bated breath, Hae Neul selected the "Dragon Heir" option, seeking more information about the traits within him. However, before further details emerged, he sensed a warm surge of energy within himself. It was as if a power yearned to be expressed, a power that wanted to be learned.
His heart raced as he read the information. Dragon blood strength? Elemental prowess? Exceptional combat skills? It all sounded so fantastical, like something only achievable in dreams.
Yet, this was his reality. He had the chance to master this power, to grow and evolve with abilities previously foreign to him. Though he couldn't fully grasp the meaning behind it all, a resolute determination welled up within him to harness it.
Amidst the silence, Hae Neul pondered, his gaze shifting from the screen back to the confines of his room. He contemplated the past and the future, the decisions he'd need to make, and the significance of all that had befallen him.
A strong resolve emerged within him—to seize every opportunity afforded, to not only his future but also the future of the world he cherished.
Kim Hae Neul's gaze remained fixed on the screen of his Windows status. The information about "Traits: Heir of the Dragon" is still displayed there, and he lets his mind wander through all the meanings and potential contained within that ability. He felt as though he stood at the precipice of a new world, with the door to unimaginable capabilities wide open before him.
However, suddenly, his attention was disrupted by the voice of a man greeting him from behind. Startled, he swiftly turned around, his eyes widening. Before him stood a captivating figure, with a sharp gaze and an air of confidence.
"What are you up to, young one?" the man inquired, his voice calm yet compelling.
Hae Neul clenched his fist against his chest in surprise, his heart racing. He had no idea how this person could appear so suddenly in his room. But what was even more astonishing was when the man began to speak further.
"I saw you staring at your window status with such intensity," the man said with a smile. "It's rare to witness someone delving so deeply into understanding their abilities."
Hae Neul quickly processed the words, still taken aback by the sudden presence of this stranger. He sensed an inexplicable uniqueness about this man's presence, something that was difficult to put into words. "Who are you really?" he asked, attempting to find answers amid all this confusion.
The man locked eyes with him, his gaze penetrating. "I am Siegfrieds," he stated calmly. "The legendary swordmaster who vanquished ancient dragons that shook Asgards and defeated the sacred wolf Fafnir."
Hae Neul felt his heart race even faster. Siegfrieds? He could hardly believe what he was hearing. He knew how renowned this figure was in legends and epic tales. But why was he here? And why was he claiming that Hae Neul had agreed to inherit his abilities?
With a more serious expression, Hae Neul inquired, "What do you mean by me agreeing to inherit your abilities?"
Siegfried smiled, yet his smile was filled with wisdom and depth. "When you were on the brink of death, you chose to accept my offer," he said calmly. "The offer to inherit my abilities as the 'One Who Subdues Dragons.'"
Hae Neul felt his world spin. All those events rushed back to him in a flash. He remembered that when he faced Celestial, in the moments of near-death, he had accepted that offer without hesitation. And now, before him stood the figure making that offer.
"Why are you here?" Hae Neul asked with profound curiosity. "Why did you choose to help me?"
Siegfrieds shrugged casually. "In history, I was a dragon conqueror. But in this reality, I am an entity representing this ability. I see potential within you, Hae Neul. I see your determination to protect your loved ones and alter your destiny."
Hae Neul felt his heart flutter at those words. Everything he had gone through, everything he had experienced, none of it had escaped his observation. He felt a deep connection with this figure, even though he hadn't fully comprehended it all yet.
Siegfrieds smiled gently.
"I am here to guide you, to aid you in developing the abilities within you. With this skill, you can face the threats that will come and shape your fate into one acknowledged by the world."