After closing the System window, Hyun Woo experienced an unfamiliar sensation. Could it be that he had truly altered himself using this seemingly 'game-like' mechanic? To confirm, he reopened the attribute window, this time solely by focusing his gaze. The attribute screen reappeared before him, clearly reflecting the changes he had implemented.
• Strength: 12
• Agility: 14
• Intelligence: 10
• Willpower: 14
• Endurance: 10
• Vitality: 10
Hyun Woo (thinking): "Everything is intact. So, the System actually works."
He exhaled, dismissing the projection, and stood up from the table. A walk outside in the fresh air seemed like a reasonable idea. However, the restricted section of the Association's facility did not allow for free movement, making it impossible to leave the premises without clearance. Nonetheless, through the window of his room, he noticed a small park enclosed by the facility's stone walls. It looked tranquil and secluded — offering the sense of refuge he currently needed.
Determined, Hyun Woo made his way to the doctor's office. Entering, he greeted the physician with a respectful nod. The doctor, noticing his presence, looked up from his tablet, slightly raising his eyebrows in question.
Hyun Woo: "Doctor, may I request a favor?"
The doctor removed his glasses, squinting slightly, and gestured for him to proceed.
Hyun Woo: "I noticed the park outside the window. Would it be possible for me to go out there for a short walk? Also... I'd really like to see my sister."
The doctor frowned slightly at the request but promptly redirected his focus to the tablet. He reviewed Hyun Woo's medical results for a few moments. The data — numbers and graphical trends — did not align with his initial expectations.
Doctor (thoughtfully): "Hyun Woo, your results are... extraordinary. No abnormalities, no residual signs of injury. It's as if, not only have you fully recovered, but your physical condition has actually improved beyond your baseline."
The doctor shook his head, visibly perplexed, but found no compelling reason to deny the request.
Doctor: "Very well. I'll authorize a walk in the park. Regarding your sister... I'll consult with the administration to arrange it."
Hyun Woo (smiling): "Thank you, Doctor."
The doctor waved dismissively, refocusing on his work. Hyun Woo turned and walked down the hallway to where a landline phone was mounted. Lifting the receiver, he dialed Yuna's number. After a few rings, her voice came through the line — bright and eager.
Yuna (cheerfully): "Brother?!"
Hyun Woo (smiling): "Hey, Yuna. How are you holding up?"
Yuna (sighing, relieved): "I'm alright. What about you? How are you feeling?"
Hyun Woo: "Honestly, I've never felt better. Listen, can you come over here? I'd really like to see you and talk."
Yuna: "Of course! I'm on my way now."
After hanging up, Hyun Woo made his way towards the exit. The hallways of the facility were hushed, with only the occasional presence of staff members passing by. Stepping outside, he inhaled deeply, savoring the crisp freshness of the air, and paused for a moment, taking in the serene sight of the park ahead of him.
He walked towards the park, each step feeling like a small triumph. The gentle rustle of leaves and the soft chirping of distant birds brought a sense of calm he had not felt in a long time. There was something profoundly grounding about this small, secluded space — something that reminded him that, despite everything, he was still alive, still capable of change, and still in control of his destiny.
Hyun Woo (thinking): "This is just the beginning. With this System... I will become even stronger."
He clenched his fists, feeling the energy coursing through him, his determination growing with each breath he took. For now, he would focus on the small victories — one step, one breath, and one moment of peace at a time. And soon, he would face the greater challenges that lay ahead, ready to overcome them, no matter what.
The sunlight gently illuminated the manicured green lawns of the park, enclosed by the tall stone walls of the Association's medical facility. Hyun Woo took his first step beyond the building's threshold and paused, drawing in a deep breath of fresh air, infused with the earthy scent of wet leaves and soil from the recent rainstorm.In front of him spread a meticulously curated landscape. Narrow, stone-paved paths meandered between tall trees crowned with thick, leafy canopies. Their branches swayed softly in response to the breeze, as if welcoming him. In the distance, he could hear the gentle splashing of water — a small fountain sparkled under the sunlight, sending slender streams upward, which then cascaded down in glittering droplets.
Along the pathways, several patients strolled at a slow pace. Some wore the Association's standard white gowns, while others were dressed in casual clothing. A few leaned on crutches, while others occupied benches, engaging in quiet conversations. An elderly man, his face etched with deep yet gentle wrinkles, scattered crumbs for the pigeons gathered at his feet, while a young woman nearby seemed to struggle to focus on her book, her eyes periodically wandering, distracted by her surroundings.
The park exuded a sense of coziness and serenity, yet beneath the surface lay a subtle tension. The people here were varied — some rested in silence, basking in the natural surroundings, while others seemed lost in their thoughts. A few glanced around uneasily, as though they were apprehensive of an unseen threat.
Hyun Woo moved along one of the paths, his shoes making a faint, rhythmic crunch on the smooth stone pavement. He passed meticulously arranged flowerbeds, vibrant with blooming roses, tulips, and lilies. The mingling scents of these flowers, combined with the crisp aroma of pine from the towering trees lining the walls, added a complexity to the air that felt almost invigorating.
Benches were spaced along the path, each painted a crisp black with sturdy metal armrests. Hyun Woo selected a bench beneath the shade of a broad tree and sat, placing his hands on his knees. The dappled sunlight filtered through the leaves, painting intricate, shifting patterns across his face and clothes. Closing his eyes, he allowed himself to relax, surrendering to the tranquil ambiance of the park — the whispering leaves, the sporadic chirping of distant birds, and the muted voices of patients conversing nearby.
In the background loomed the medical facility's structures — tall, austere buildings made of gray stone, their somber façade contrasting with the vivid greenery of the park. They stood like steadfast sentinels, guarding the tranquility within the walls. Ivy climbed along parts of their surfaces, while the windows glinted in the sun, reflecting its light like numerous small mirrors.
A woman walked by, holding the hand of a young child who clutched a brightly colored kite. The kite danced high above, its vibrant stripes catching the breeze, but the child seemed oblivious to his own delight — his expression strikingly solemn for someone so young.
As he absorbed these small, seemingly inconsequential details, Hyun Woo felt a sense of calm settle over him. The natural beauty of the surroundings seemed to offer a gentle reminder that life persists, regardless of what transpires.
He glanced at his watch; there was still time before his meeting with Yuna. Rising from the bench, he continued his walk along the winding path, savoring the rare tranquility — an all-too-rare luxury amidst the turmoil that often defined his life.
Hyun Woo settled himself on one of the benches, waiting for his sister to arrive. Not long after, he heard the gentle patter of approaching footsteps and saw Yuna hurrying towards him. She was slightly out of breath, but her face was glowing with a joyful smile.Yuna (smiling): "Brother!"
She rushed forward, enveloping him in a tight embrace. Hyun Woo felt her arms trembling, and he noticed tears welling up in her eyes, even though her smile remained unwavering.
Hyun Woo: "Hey, it's okay. No need for tears."
Yuna (sniffling): "I was so worried about you! I tried to visit you every day, but they wouldn't let me in!"
She sat down beside him, continuing to recount how she had spent her days anxiously, praying and hoping for his recovery. Hyun Woo listened attentively, nodding along, trying his best to comfort her.
Hyun Woo (smiling): "Well, I'm right here now — safe and sound. Everything's going to be fine, I promise."
Wanting to shift the conversation towards something more cheerful, Hyun Woo leaned in closer to his sister, a playful glint in his eyes.
Hyun Woo: "Hey, do you notice anything strange around me? Maybe some floating windows or weird words?"
Yuna blinked at him in confusion before breaking into laughter.
Yuna: "Brother, you look so silly waving your hands around like that. What are you even trying to do?"
Hyun Woo realized that the system interface was visible only to him. Satisfied with this confirmation, he decided to play it off, joining her laughter.
Hyun Woo: "Just testing how quickly you can spot something weird."
With that, they continued to chat about ordinary, everyday topics.
Yuna talked about school, her friends, and her daily routines, while Hyun Woo listened with genuine interest. When she began once more to speak about how worried she had been during his recovery, he gently placed his hand on her shoulder.
Hyun Woo: "It's really all okay now, Yuna. You are my strength, and because of you, I know everything will be alright."
Yuna gave him a small smile, her eyes still glistening, but the tension slowly leaving her shoulders. She seemed to take comfort in his words, and Hyun Woo could feel the weight of her worries lifting, even if just a little. They sat together in the park, soaking in the sun and the rare peacefulness of the moment. For now, the chaos of their lives could wait. Right here, it was just them — brother and sister, together again.
As the sun sank closer to the horizon, it painted the park in hues of golden-orange, bathing everything in a gentle glow. Hyun Woo and Yuna sat on a bench beneath a sprawling tree, savoring the tranquility of the moment. Yuna was speaking animatedly, recounting stories about school, her friends, and the amusing incidents that had occurred over the past few weeks.Yuna: "You're not even listening!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with mock frustration as she noticed her brother's gaze drifting away, his eyes fixed pensively on a flowerbed full of vibrant blooms.
Hyun Woo: "I am listening," he replied, shifting his attention back to her, though a hint of distraction still lingered in his eyes. "I was just... thinking. Actually, I wanted to ask you something. Have you ever noticed anything... strange?"
Yuna raised her eyebrows, tilting her head slightly in surprise.
Yuna: "What do you mean by strange?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.
Hyun Woo: "Well," he hesitated for a moment, carefully choosing his words. "Like something that just... appears in front of you. Almost like in video games — some kind of pop-up window, or maybe text that only you can see."
Yuna stared at him, her lips twitching as if she were struggling to hold back laughter.
Yuna: "Are you messing with me, Brother?" she asked, breaking into a broad grin. "You look like you've completely lost it. What are you even talking about? Pop-up windows? Did they give you something weird at the hospital? Or maybe it's a side effect of the meds?"
Hyun Woo tried to maintain a serious demeanor, though he could already feel his nerves rising. Yuna began mimicking his actions, waving her hands in front of her face as if trying to "catch" something invisible.
Yuna: "You look so ridiculous!" she said, bursting into laughter, doubling over and covering her face with her hands.
Hyun Woo froze for a moment, trying to gauge how she might react if she knew the truth. But her laughter was so infectious that he found himself smiling as well. It was clear that Yuna had no idea what he was talking about, and it reassured him. It confirmed his suspicion — only he could see the "System." Continuing to discuss it would only raise more questions, ones he wasn't ready to answer.
Hyun Woo: "Alright, alright," he said, dismissing the topic with a wave of his hand. "Forget it. Just some weird thoughts after being in the hospital for so long. I guess my head's still not completely straight."
Yuna continued to shake her head, still trying to suppress her laughter.
Yuna: "You're so weird, Brother. You think way too much. No wonder you're seeing things. Maybe you do need more rest."
Hyun Woo just snorted and nodded, smoothly changing the subject to something lighter to avoid drawing any more attention to himself. Deep down, he felt a wave of relief wash over him. Whatever was happening to him — the visions, the System — remained his secret, and for now, that was exactly how it needed to stay. He didn't want Yuna burdened by this knowledge, at least not yet.
The time spent in the park passed by imperceptibly. As the sun continued its descent, the sky transformed into a canvas of crimson and golden hues. Yuna checked her watch and let out a sigh, realizing it was time to head back home.Yuna: "Brother, I don't want to leave... But I still have homework, and there's a test tomorrow. But still..."
Hyun Woo: "You should go and prepare properly. I don't want you getting in trouble because of me."
He studied his sister's face intently, as if trying to etch every detail into his memory. Then, he pulled out his phone and opened his banking app. After a few moments, he spoke.
Hyun Woo: "I've transferred some money to you. Just for small things. Get yourself something nice, okay?"
Yuna (with a warm smile): "Brother, you hardly keep anything for yourself... Why?"
Hyun Woo (giving her a gentle nudge on the shoulder): "Because I'm your older brother. That's what I'm here for."
Yuna gazed at him, her eyes filled with warmth. Unable to suppress her emotions, she hugged him tightly.
Yuna (voice trembling as she whispered): "Thank you, Brother. You're the best."
Hyun Woo (a little awkward, hugging her back and softly saying): "Take care of yourself, Yuna. If anything happens, call me right away. Understood?"
Yuna (wiping her tears and smiling again): "I will. And you take care too. I don't want to see you in the hospital again."
She turned away, giving him one last wave before heading towards the park's exit. Hyun Woo stood there, watching until she disappeared from sight. He took a deep breath, as if bracing himself for something significant that lay ahead.