Zero Code, Rewinding 10 Years 2
As the light that had been relentlessly striking my eyelids gradually dimmed, I slowly opened my tightly shut eyes. The once brilliant light that filled the entire room was now fading, leaving behind only a faint glow. Blinking a few times, my blurry vision began to focus. As my eyesight recovered enough to discern objects, I calmly surveyed my surroundings.
'Something's different.'
It had changed so much while my eyes were closed for just a moment. The sword I held in my right hand and the gear I wore had all vanished. Looking down at my now empty hand, I saw a camouflage-patterned military uniform. Then, as I noticed the emblem attached to my left chest, I momentarily held my breath. It was at that moment.
"Code Name Zero. Complete. Activation of the Zero Code confirmed. Kim Su-hyun, congratulations."
I looked up at the familiar voice and saw Seraph, still seated on the altar, staring at me. At that moment, I couldn't help but frown slightly. Her condition was visibly severe, far from normal.
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
Her once beautifully shimmering white wings had faded to the point where they were almost invisible, and her entire body was semi-transparent, revealing the background behind her. Only her expressionless face remained unchanged.
As I maintained my silence, Seraph tilted her head and spoke.
"It's been a while since I've seen you with such a worried expression. But I'm fine. Right now, it's Thursday, December 27, 2011, Earth time. As per your request, we've returned to the moment when Kim Su-hyun first entered the summoning room. I must emphasize again that your request has been successfully processed and completed."
"I see... So, Seraph, did you come back with me?"
When I spoke softly, Seraph slowly shook her head.
"I can't say for sure, but for now, I'll answer with a no. I still have some things to explain to you, Kim Su-hyun, so I requested temporary restraint from the Zero Code. The Zero Code considered my request valid and fortunately accepted it."
"There's something you need to explain?"
"Yes, that's correct."
Still frowning, I questioned her, and Seraph responded with a gentle smile, a smile I had never seen before in my ten years of knowing her. The sudden yet refreshing sensation caused me to relax my frown unconsciously.
An awkward silence settled in for a moment. But it was Seraph who spoke first, not me. As she swept her silver-white hair behind her ear, she spoke softly with her eyes half-closed.
"I remember the day Kim Su-hyun was first summoned to the Hall Plain. Do you remember what you said to me when you first saw me?"
"I don't know."
How could I remember such a thing? I had no idea what kind of strange story she was trying to tell, but I decided to listen for now. After all, Seraph had always given me appropriate advice from her perspective as a 'guide.'
"You said, 'Where am I? Who are you?'"
"Seriously, even stuttering? You remember all sorts of things."
"Hehe. That's not all. There are also..."
Crack!
Suddenly, there was a sound like space being torn apart, and Seraph's entire body twisted violently, resembling a TV with a poor connection.
"Ah!"
She twisted and then returned to her original state. Seraph let out a pained groan, and the phenomenon became more severe, making her already semi-transparent form even more so. Her appearance seemed so unfamiliar, like a candle flickering in the wind, struggling to stay alight.
As the noise subsided, Seraph managed to compose herself, revealing a bitter expression.
"It seems seeking recognition from the Zero Code is difficult. Even after ten years together, we're not allowed time for a proper farewell."
'I really can't get used to this.'
In the past, she would have gotten straight to the point without any of this. As Seraph said, angels always acted rationally. Seeing such a change in her after ten years of consistent behavior was jarring.
"Alright... Then explain and finish it quickly."
In the end, I responded curtly. Seraph looked at me with sorrowful eyes, then sighed softly and continued.
"Kim Su-hyun, from the middle period, you hardly used GP. You accumulated points, and I intend to grant you several privileges for your fresh start."
"Privileges?"
"Of course, any remaining GP will also be retained."
"Privileges... Whatever they are, I appreciate the consideration."
Despite my sarcastic tone, Seraph shook her head slightly, indicating it wasn't the case.
"Please think of it as a goodwill gesture. All the angels, including myself, fully understand, sympathize, and empathize with your situation."
"Sympathize? Hahaha..."
"If the word 'sympathy' offends you, I apologize. It wasn't meant to demean you. However, within the Hall Plain, angels are there to assist users. Have I ever given you advice that was harmful? Please think carefully. Whether you accept this goodwill or ignore it is entirely up to you."
Although she said it was up to me, Seraph left little room for refusal. Pushing further seemed pointless, so I nodded reluctantly.
"An excellent choice. I believe this decision will make it easier for you to achieve your goals."
As I agreed, Seraph's eyes showed a relieved expression as she smiled faintly. Her nearly invisible wings fluttered gently. Suddenly, the distance between us closed, and I felt a soft touch on my head. Looking up slightly, Seraph spoke in a calm voice.
"Please bear with this for a moment, even if you dislike it. We don't have much time left. I will directly input and transmit the information to your mind."
As soon as Seraph finished speaking, I felt a flash of impact at the crown of my head, where her hand rested. It didn't hurt. Instead, it was strangely fascinating as the information she wanted to convey clearly entered my mind. With my eyes closed, I calmly absorbed the information she provided.
[ Kim Su-hyun's Exclusive Privilege Settings (Tanay) ]
1. You will receive privileges related to your original ability information. First, you can 'load' the user information from your first playthrough. Second, out of the six basic ability stats, four will be randomly selected and enhanced. The extent of the enhancement will also be determined randomly.
2. You will receive privileges related to your class. Before entering the rite of passage, you can choose your class, including Normal, Rare, and Secret classes, and all other hidden classes.
3. You will receive privileges related to special abilities and potential abilities. Users typically have one slot for a special ability and four slots for potential abilities. However, for Kim Su-hyun, an additional potential ability slot will be opened. You can select any special or potential abilities, including hidden ones.
Alternatively, you can open a 'unique ability' slot. The unique ability is superior to special abilities. If you forgo the unique ability, you can choose all five slots for special and potential abilities as you wish (with the additional slot automatically included as a potential ability).
If you choose to have a unique ability, one potential ability slot will be consumed, and out of the remaining four slots, only half can be chosen as desired (the other two will be randomly determined).
4. You are allowed a single physical modification procedure.
5. You can choose one piece of equipment of your choice, with no restrictions on type, though EX-grade equipment is excluded.
The privileges information filled my mind without respite. After organizing the inputted information, I let out a quiet exclamation.
"This is..."
Honestly, I hadn't expected such generous privileges, leaving me somewhat stunned. Starting with these privileges was akin to editing a character before beginning a game.
Perhaps reading my expression, Seraph smiled faintly and spoke.
"These privileges are granted using the points Kim Su-hyun earned. While it's true that some of my goodwill is included, rest assured that this decision was unanimously agreed upon by all angels."
"That's good for me, but won't there be an issue with balance?"
"There won't be any problems. Also, from your tone, I sense a bit of arrogance. I've repeatedly told you over the ten years—never let your guard down."
"I'll keep that in mind. But, still, if a new user starts with such privileges, what will they think?"
"That issue can be resolved with Tanay, so there's no need to worry. As for balance... While it's true that we considered balance, there's another reason."
Seraph hesitated, then cautiously continued, carefully observing my reaction.
"Considering Kim Su-hyun's original potential, this actually brings balance."
Though her words carried many implications, I quickly understood their meaning. After all, 'potential' is the key factor in determining 'user information.'
I could understand Seraph's point, but there was still a bitter taste in my mouth. Despite what anyone might say, I was the only user to reach the peak of Hall Plain. I won't deny that I achieved this through a series of miracles and coincidences. However, as the saying goes, it's not the strongest who survive but those who survive who are the strongest.
In terms of general strength, I could confidently say I was strong. I knew I couldn't claim to be the best or the strongest. But still...
"...Phew."
"Arrogance is a dangerous thing. Never let your guard down."
It seemed that Seraph's main message was to warn me against arrogance. Feeling slightly embarrassed, I sighed and nodded. She wasn't wrong, after all. Although my pride was somewhat hurt, it quickly dissipated when I looked at Seraph, who had become almost indistinguishable.
"Now... It's really time to say goodbye..."
It seemed the end had finally arrived, as Seraph's form flickered like a television screen on the verge of breaking down. She no longer returned to her original state. I could only watch her with a sense of helplessness.
"Goodbye... there's something... I've always wanted... to say to you."
Seraph's voice began to fade, her presence diminishing. Yet, she was trying desperately to communicate something to me.
"Please... be happy...."
With those final words, Seraph disappeared. There were no more flickers, no more signs of her presence. However, her last words had reached my ears clearly. She might have smiled at me in her final moment, but I was too focused on her words to notice.
For a brief moment, I stood there, staring blankly at the spot where Seraph had been.