Seraph, Caught Off Guard
Time rewound ten years. The Seraph, who had been with me for a decade, was gone.
'So, what happens now...?'
The altar was currently empty, but soon an angel would be summoned. It could be a new angel or Seraph again. If it's the former, it wouldn't matter much, but if it's the latter, what then? While I could guess that they would emerge without any memories of our time together, a small curiosity stirred within me.
After waiting for about three minutes, I felt a response. The space above the altar started to ripple like waves. In the first round, I would have lost consciousness around this time. Having never seen the process of an angel being summoned, I watched the altar intently with deep interest.
From the center of the ripple, which spread out in concentric circles like waves on water, a bright white light began to peek through. The light shimmered momentarily before bursting forth like a firework, beginning to form a shape. I watched the creation of a new angel without missing a detail.
Soon, a completed angel stood atop the altar. Their eyes were still closed, but the sight was incredibly familiar. The angel bore fluttering wings exuding a sacred aura, an untouchable dignity, and a radiant glow, resembling Seraph to a perfect degree.
Sensing my gaze, Seraph slowly opened her eyes. In that brief moment, a flicker of emotion passed through her emerald-green eyes.
She was beautiful, noble.
Like angels from novels or comics, Seraph exuded an indescribable serenity and holy charm. Her silver-white hair, shimmering as if touched by moonlight, flowed like silk. Her skin was as pure as snow, boasting an immaculate complexion. Her light double eyelids framed her jade-like eyes, which sparkled, occasionally revealing glimpses of her flesh.
Yet, despite her beauty, no desire stirred within me, as we were beings of different realms and felt emotions differently.
Seraph seemed startled to find me conscious. Her gaze felt probing, as if assessing me. As she observed me, I finally confirmed my suspicion.
'Seraph, it's you from ten years ago.'
At that moment, Seraph's delicate lips parted.
"Nice to meet you."
"Yeah."
"Welcome to the Chamber of Summoning. From Earth, South Korea. Age 23. Name Kim Suhyun. Identity verification complete. You will be referred to as 'User' from now on. I am Seraph, your guide."
"Yeah."
"Kim Suhyun, after being briefed on basic knowledge here, you will proceed to a place known as the Rite of Passage, where you must prove your worthiness as a true User."
"Yeah."
"..."
Seraph, who had been speaking rapidly, suddenly fell silent, tilting her head with a puzzled expression, as if something was amiss. Seeing her like this sparked a fresh emotion within me, though I decided to press on.
"I have a question..."
"If it's about where you are or why you're here, I advise against asking. You only have two hours before the Rite of Passage begins. While I understand the confusion, if you wish to live and return, you should—"
Seraph, seeming reassured, resumed speaking quickly. Though somewhat accustomed to this by now, I recalled my initial fear at her ghostly calmness and expressionless face.
Thinking back made me chuckle. After a short laugh, I responded calmly.
"Ah, I see."
"I recommend you spend the remaining time adjusting to your situation."
"Got it, got it."
"..."
Despite my agreement, Seraph's brow furrowed slightly. Her hand hovered in the air as she blinked a few times, muttering to herself.
"Not mentally unstable... quite calm. Strange."
"I'm not mentally unstable. Anyway, isn't it easier if I just follow your lead, Seraph?"
"That may be true, but—"
"Then that's all there is to it. Why are you grumbling?"
"I wasn't grumbling. Anyway, fine. Kim Suhyun's attitude is commendable. If you maintain it, your survival rate will significantly increase. Now, let's—"
I raised my hand, and Seraph fell silent, noticing my gesture.
"I said I have a question."
"Oh, right. As long as it's not one of the questions I advised against, you may ask."
"Okay, so... don't you have something for me?"
"Something for you? I'm not sure what you mean. Could you elaborate?"
"Well, isn't it called Tanay or something?"
"!"
The moment I mentioned "Tanay," I saw Seraph visibly react, just as I expected. It was amusing, but I began to worry if I might not receive what I was supposed to get. I couldn't afford to miss out on this perk. Determined to push for it, I gently coaxed her.
"Tanay, they definitely said Tanay. It's nice to start things, but we should make sure to receive what we're due."
"..."
Seraph quickly composed herself, but I could tell she was struggling to hide her agitation. Her wings, which usually moved gently, were now fluttering nervously—she was undoubtedly caught off guard.
"Please wait a moment."
Seraph closed her eyes immediately. Her fingers tapped furiously in the air, her lips murmuring nonstop. She was probably verifying "Tanay" and communicating with other angels.
A time sufficient to drink a cup of tea passed. During that time, Seraph displayed numerous facial expressions, while I silently observed. It wasn't a common sight, so the wait wasn't boring.
Eventually, Seraph opened her eyes, still looking unconvinced.
"I would like to speak with Kim Suhyun."
"No thanks."
"It will only take a moment."
"If it's about where we are or why I'm here, I'd advise against asking. You only have two hours before the Rite of Passage begins. While I understand the confusion, if you wish to—"
Seraph immediately clammed up as I parroted her previous words.
"Anyway, as you said, there's not much time left before the Rite of Passage... shouldn't we settle things fairly?"
Emphasizing "fairly," I saw Seraph bite her lip. Sure, she must be frustrated. She probably never expected to be outmaneuvered by a human.
To be honest, I had always wanted to experience such a situation. When I first arrived here, Seraph's reaction was quite cold, treating me like a mere test subject. She had ignored my pleas to return, and when I ran amok, I was promptly subdued.
Perhaps that's why this situation felt oddly satisfying.
A relaxed smile spread across my face as Seraph, looking annoyed, snapped her fingers.
Snap!
A light clap, and the surrounding flow of time seemed to slow slightly. Although my senses weren't fully attuned, ten years of experience didn't just disappear.
Then, Seraph spoke again.
"Kim Suhyun's argument is valid. Therefore, I will compensate for the lost time. The flow of time around the Chamber of Summoning has been slowed. Are you satisfied?"
"Yes."
I responded calmly. Seraph studied me carefully for a moment before speaking quietly.
"I also have questions about you, Kim Suhyun. However, if you are unwilling, I will not press."
"Oh, really? I was thinking of telling you."
Feigning reluctance, I shrugged, and Seraph's eyes sparkled.
"Really? Indeed, we, the assistants, are quite confused. If we could hear the whole story—"
"But I don't want to."
Realizing I was toying with her, Seraph's cheeks flushed red. I felt an urge to clap and laugh loudly, but she simply glared at me, then calmed herself, speaking firmly.
"I could impose appropriate sanctions for such behavior, but our first rule is not to harm Users. Therefore, I ask you to refrain from such wordplay."
"You are beings of a different realm, with a lofty stature. Can't you just be magnanimous and forgive?"
"...As for the Tanay you mentioned, it has been confirmed. It is a kind of pledge with an irrefutable effect. The privileges attached to it have been thoroughly reviewed and confirmed as belonging entirely to Kim Suhyun."
"Hmm, for something so significant, you accepted it quite readily. Not very fun."
"To us, Tanay holds that kind of meaning. While we can review it, we cannot influence it. Therefore, the privileges granted to Kim Suhyun cannot be revoked. You can rest assured."
"But starting with such power from round zero would make me an exception, wouldn't it? For example, it could disrupt the balance..."
"It will not affect the balance."
Seraph replied firmly, then continued with a slightly stern expression.
"I have read the details of the privileges. While they are indeed exceptional, do not become complacent. Even with all the granted privileges, there are beings with abilities far surpassing them."
Still, Seraph remained true to her role, repeating the same cautionary message. Nevertheless, the phrase "there are beings with such abilities" was enough. It was a far cry from the "innumerable" evaluation I had previously received. I decided to accept it gracefully.
"Right, there's no need to limit my focus to Users. There could be others in the Hall Plain."
"Correct."
At the mention of "Hall Plain," Seraph's eyes flickered briefly.
"It is expected that it will take considerable time to set up all of Kim Suhyun's privileges. The remaining time is 1 hour, 47 minutes, and 26 seconds. It seems tight to align with the Rite of Passage. From my understanding, you are already familiar with the internal affairs of the Hall Plain..."
"Okay, skip. That was what I wanted anyway."
"Although the flow of time has been artificially slowed, it only applies to the compensated time. There will be a brief delay before proceeding to the next phase. Please wait a moment."
While Seraph was preparing, my thoughts drifted to the Rite of Passage.
The Rite of Passage, simply put, is a place where one must prove their worthiness as a User by undergoing a test. It's where people like me, who have been brought here without knowing why, are gathered. The conditions for passing are straightforward: survive for seven days or reach the Warp Gate within that time. Essentially, survival is the prerequisite for proving one's qualification.
Those who survive are recalled to the Chamber of Summoning, where they receive a class suited to their potential, before finally entering the real space known as the Hall Plain. In a way, it's an unfair and chilling test because failing to meet the survival condition results in a death sentence.
"Kim Suhyun, everything is ready."
Seraph's signal broke my reverie.
"As for the details of the privilege..."
"I know. It's all in my head, so let's just get started."
"Understood. No further information is necessary. So, which privilege would you like to receive first?"
"Well..."
Without hesitation, I recalled the first privilege.
"1. Kim Suhyun will receive a privilege concerning his original ability information. First, he can 'load' the User information from the first round. Second, four out of six base abilities will be randomly enhanced. The degree of enhancement will also be determined randomly."
I couldn't set the privileges as I wished. There was a reason Seraph had specified the order, so the first option seemed like the logical choice. Since all settings originate from the ability stats, it was crucial to start there. If the previous stats were carried over, I would naturally lean towards a swordsman orientation, but first, I needed to check the level of enhancement.
Without hesitation, I spoke.
"I'll receive the privilege related to loading and enhancing abilities first."
"Yes. Loading the information registered under the name Kim Suhyun. 27%, 56%, 87%, 100%. Complete. The load has been successfully completed."
As Seraph finished speaking, I felt a surge of vitality throughout my body. Along with this, the slow flow around me became more palpable. Even though this body was that of a 23-year-old fresh out of the military, it couldn't compare to the physique of a Sword Master.
Bang!
As I forcefully extended my right arm, I heard a sharp sound as it cut through the air. Satisfied, I checked my User information.
"..."
The abilities were preserved, but everything else was reset. I felt a pang of regret for the lost accolades and achievements, but I nodded, accepting the situation.
"User information load confirmed. Now, we will proceed with the additional privilege of ability enhancement, correct?"
"Yes, of course. Just to remind you, four out of six abilities will be randomly enhanced. The abilities and the degree of enhancement are all random but follow the User's potential and growth. Please keep this in mind."
"I'm aware."
In simple terms, the higher the ability, the less it will increase, while lower abilities will see a greater increase. This rule applied equally to everyone, barring fortuitous encounters, elixirs, or achievement rewards. In the absence of such factors, ability growth from simple training has its limits.
Strength, stamina, magic power. These were the three abilities I hoped would increase the most, with magic power being the priority, followed by stamina and then strength, endurance, agility, and luck in that order. Of course, if the increase in one stat significantly overshadowed the others, it could become a problem, but assuming other stats provided a reasonable foundation, magic power was the most efficient.
"Let's proceed with the ability enhancement privilege."
'Luck doesn't need to increase. Please, strength, stamina, magic power... at least stamina and magic power...!'
Whether my desperate wish was heard, the privilege seemed to have been granted. As Seraph waved her hand, four messages appeared in the air before me.