Kim Hae In sat poised at her desk, her thoughts oscillating between past reflections and present obligations. Her gaze swept over the meticulously arranged documents before her, anchoring her focus to the pressing tasks at hand.
Meanwhile, across the city, Hyun Woo returned to his apartment after an arduous day. As he unlocked the door and stepped inside, he was confronted by a scene of domestic disarray. The sink and table were cluttered with unwashed dishes, while the floor was strewn with belongings, evoking the aftermath of a small-scale storm.
Hyun Woo (inwardly, with a faint smirk): "Yuna… hopeless as ever. Was it truly so difficult to wash a few plates?"
Securing the door behind him, he removed his jacket and quickly changed into comfortable sweatpants and a t-shirt. The cool floor under his bare feet and the familiar scent of the apartment reestablished a sense of normalcy. Despite the clutter, the space retained an unmistakable coziness.
Determined to restore order, Hyun Woo rolled up his sleeves and got to work. He systematically organized the scattered items, scrubbed the dishes, and wiped down surfaces. Within a short time, the kitchen and living room had been transformed into a semblance of order. Feeling accomplished, he surveyed the results but frowned slightly upon opening the refrigerator, which offered only frozen meals and a sparse selection of ingredients.
Hyun Woo (internally): "A grocery run is overdue. Let's get some proper food."
Stepping outside, Hyun Woo ventured through familiar streets. The crisp air was invigorating, offering a pleasant contrast to the stifling indoor atmosphere. As he walked along the well-kept sidewalks, his surroundings evoked a cascade of memories. Passing his childhood neighborhood, he noticed the old bench where he and his friends had once gathered, playing soccer or engaging in idle chatter. A gentle wave of nostalgia reminded him of the inexorable passage of time and its impact on both people and places.
Before long, he arrived at a quaint corner supermarket. The creak of its doors announced his entrance, and warm light from within greeted him. Behind the counter stood a middle-aged cashier, her face lighting up as she recognized him.
Cashier (with a warm smile): "Hyun Woo! It's been ages. How have you been?"
Hyun Woo (with a light smile): "I've been busy, but I'm doing well. Thought I'd restock my pantry today."
Engaging in a brief, cordial exchange, Hyun Woo then grabbed a basket and navigated the aisles. He selected fresh vegetables, fruits, meat, grains, and dairy products, ensuring his purchases were both practical and nourishing. At the counter, he paid for his groceries before stepping back into the cool evening air, carrying the bags in both hands.
The journey home was brisk, fueled by anticipation of a hearty meal. Once back in his apartment, he unloaded the groceries onto the kitchen counter. With the space now organized and the refrigerator replenished, it was time to prepare something both satisfying and flavorful.
Hyun Woo moved with efficiency, chopping vegetables, setting rice to boil, and marinating the meat. The rising steam from the pots carried an enticing aroma, enveloping the apartment in warmth and comfort. As he worked, a deep sense of contentment settled over him. The day, which had begun with chaos, had gradually morphed into one of quiet accomplishment. In the tranquility of his home, with a clear mind and a renewed sense of purpose, Hyun Woo felt ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
As evening descended, Yuna stepped into the apartment after a long day at school. The clatter of her arrival reverberated through the hallway, but she froze mid-step, drawn by an enticing aroma filling the air. At first, she assumed it was the neighbors indulging in a lavish dinner — their own apartment was rarely tidy, and complex dishes seemed out of reach. Yet, this aroma was too immediate, too inviting, as though emanating from their very own kitchen.
Yuna (thinking): "Wow, that smells incredible. Could it really be from here?"
Kicking off her shoes, Yuna cautiously moved down the corridor. Her eyes scanned the rooms, and what she saw stopped her cold. The usual chaos of scattered books, toys, and cluttered belongings had been replaced by pristine order. The floor, typically littered with her school supplies, now gleamed. Even the kitchen table, once buried under a mountain of dishes, stood spotless. A chill of confusion swept through her.
Yuna (thinking, bewildered): "Who could've done this? Oppa was in the hospital… Did the neighbors come in? But why would they clean up our place?"
Her puzzlement grew as she hurried to the living room. There, through the open door to the kitchen, she spotted a figure moving under the warm light. Dressed in casual clothes, the person was setting a final dish on the table and rinsing utensils in the sink. Yuna's heart quickened as recognition dawned — that posture, those familiar movements.
Her breath caught as she locked eyes on the profile she knew so well.
Yuna (shouting with joy): "Oppa!"
She sprinted forward without a second thought. Gathering her uniform to avoid tripping, she dashed into the kitchen and threw her arms around Hyun Woo.
Hyun Woo turned, a soft smile lighting his face. Behind him, the table was adorned with steaming plates of food, their aromas filling the room with warmth and comfort.
They soon found themselves seated at the table, savoring a hearty and tranquil meal. The dishes, seasoned with fragrant spices and paired with fresh vegetables and tender meat, enveloped them in a shared sense of home. Yuna animatedly recounted her day — stories of school antics, achievements, and moments of triumph. Hyun Woo listened intently, his smile unwavering, occasionally interjecting with questions to keep the conversation flowing.
When the plates were emptied, Yuna suggested watching a newly released movie. Her enthusiasm was infectious as she described how her classmates had praised its compelling plot and humorous characters. Despite his fatigue, Hyun Woo readily agreed, eager to spend time with her.
They settled into the living room, sinking into the plush couch as they dimmed the lights. The screen came alive with vibrant colors and storytelling. Yuna's laughter punctuated the film's funniest moments, and she added her own lively commentary. Hyun Woo, however, often found his attention drawn to her — her joy, her laughter, and the serenity of their time together.
Midway through the film, Yuna's energy waned. Her laughter softened, and her eyelids fluttered closed. Eventually, she leaned against Hyun Woo's shoulder, her breathing steady and calm.
Hyun Woo smiled gently as he reached for the remote, turning off the television. Carefully, he lifted Yuna into his arms and carried her to her room. She felt weightless as he laid her on the bed, tucking her under the blanket and adjusting her pillow. A faint smile graced her face, as though she could still feel his care even in sleep.
Leaving Yuna to rest, Hyun Woo retreated to his room. The familiar sight of his desk, bookshelves, and soft mattress welcomed him. As he lay down, his thoughts drifted to recent events, replaying them in his mind.
The system… How did it function? Why had it activated at that precise moment? His memories of the Gate were fragmented, obscured by a fog of unease. Fleeting images surfaced, only to slip away, leaving behind a persistent sense of tension and unanswered questions.
Hyun Woo (thinking): "System, analysis, immunity… Why me? Why now? And why can't I remember it clearly?"
Despite his efforts to make sense of the disjointed recollections, clarity eluded him. Yet, he resolved to seek answers. Tomorrow, he promised himself, he would confront the mysteries. For now, he embraced the stillness of the night, letting its tranquility soothe him and prepare him for the challenges ahead.
The next morning, Hyun Woo awoke early and began his usual routine — stretches, a refreshing shower, and dressing in comfortable clothes. Expecting Yuna to still be asleep, he was startled to find her already dressed in her school uniform, her hair neatly tied.
Hyun Woo (surprised): "Yuna? You're up already?"
Yuna (teasing): "What, Oppa? You look like you've seen a ghost."
Hyun Woo raised an eyebrow, recalling the countless mornings when he had to coax her out of bed. Yet, here she was, not only awake but fully prepared for the day.
Hyun Woo (smiling): "This is unexpected. Usually, I have to drag you out of bed. Did last night's dinner work some kind of magic?"
Feigning mock offense, Yuna's eyes sparkled with amusement.
Yuna (playfully): "Ha-ha, very funny. Keep staring at me like that, and I'll think I've turned invisible."
Hyun Woo chuckled, shaking his head.
Hyun Woo (approvingly): "Honestly, I'm impressed. You've become so independent. Good job. Looks like I don't need to worry about your morning routine anymore."
Adjusting her uniform, Yuna glanced at the clock and clutched her bag.
Yuna (hurriedly): "Thanks, Oppa. But I've got to go. I'm almost late!"
She dashed out the door, offering him a quick nod of farewell. The door clicked shut, leaving the apartment in peaceful silence.
Hyun Woo lingered in the kitchen, arms crossed, a warm smile on his face. He reflected on how much Yuna had grown — from someone he had to nudge into action to a young woman eager to seize her day.
Sitting at the table, he poured himself a cup of tea and began his breakfast. The simple act of enjoying a quiet morning, enveloped in warmth and optimism, reassured him that things were steadily falling into place.
Hyun Woo had barely reached for his spoon when a semi-transparent projection window from the System illuminated his field of vision. Squinting slightly, he read the notification labeled "Daily Task." The objectives, descriptions, and rewards were meticulously detailed, but he chose not to engage with it immediately. From experience, he knew that these tasks were designed to seamlessly integrate into his day. For now, his focus was on enjoying breakfast without unnecessary distractions.
Hyun Woo (internal monologue): "I'll deal with it later. No need to complicate things first thing in the morning."
With a practiced swipe of his finger, the floating window minimized into a discrete side panel. The interface faded, leaving him alone to savor his meal. He ate methodically, appreciating each bite, before rising to place his empty plate aside with deliberate care.
Surveying the room, Hyun Woo mentally outlined his morning plan. He headed to his bedroom and changed into athletic wear — a lightweight t-shirt, shorts, and running shoes.
Hyun Woo (muttering to himself): "Start with a run, then move on to push-ups, sit-ups, and squats. Time to rebuild my form. I can't afford to let my potential go to waste."
As he tightened his shoelaces, a faint ripple of anticipation coursed through his muscles. For the first time in weeks, he felt both the time and energy to dedicate to his physical improvement. The System, though still enigmatic, provided a structure that was difficult to ignore.
Before he could step outside, another System notification appeared, semi-transparent yet vivid, displaying the details of the day's challenge:
Daily Task:
• Push-ups: 0/50
• Squats: 0/50
• Sit-ups: 0/50
• Running: 10 km
Rewards:
• 7,000 Experience Points
• 10 Attribute Points
• 5 Recovery Potions
Bonus Rewards (Choose One):
• 3,000 Souls
• 3,000 Crystals
• Full Recovery
This wasn't his first encounter with such a prompt. Exhaling softly, Hyun Woo smirked. The System seemed determined to make physical training an integral part of his daily life. Swiping the notification aside, he left it hovering unobtrusively in the corner of his vision. Breakfast, after all, was still his priority.
After polishing off his meal, Hyun Woo calculated the time it would take to complete the 10-kilometer run and 50 repetitions of each exercise. Clearing the table, he mentally committed himself to the tasks ahead.
Standing before his wardrobe, he donned his workout gear with precision. Double-checking his shoelaces, he nodded at his reflection, solidifying his resolve.
Hyun Woo (thinking): "Start with the run. Follow with the exercises. This isn't just a checklist — it's the foundation of my new routine. And the rewards aren't bad, either."
With quiet determination, he stepped out the door.
The streets were serene as Hyun Woo made his way toward the nearby park. The early hour ensured minimal foot traffic; only the occasional jogger or dog walker shared the space. Starting with a steady pace, he began his run along a familiar route. Ten kilometers might have sounded daunting to others, but the recent transformations in his body reassured him that the challenge was well within his capabilities.
The cool morning air invigorated him, filling his lungs with each deep breath. He synchronized his movements to the rhythmic cadence of his footsteps, letting the repetitive motion clear his mind. By the time he completed the 10-kilometer run, he felt energized rather than fatigued. Without hesitation, he transitioned to his strength exercises.
Push-ups, squats, and sit-ups followed in a deliberate sequence. Each movement was executed with precision, his form unwavering. Sweat streamed down his face as his muscles burned with exertion, tangible proof of his effort. Completing all 50 repetitions for each exercise, he relished the satisfying heaviness in his limbs, a testament to his progress.
A soft chime interrupted his thoughts, followed by the familiar glow of another System notification:
Task Completed!
Rewards:
• 7,000 Experience Points
• 10 Attribute Points
• 5 Recovery Potions
• Bonus Reward (Choose One):
• 3,000 Souls
• 3,000 Crystals
• Full Recovery
Surveying the options, Hyun Woo opted for the 3,000 Crystals, reasoning that their potential utility might outweigh his current understanding of their application. The System confirmed his selection, seamlessly updating his internal inventory.
Taking a moment to catch his breath, he surveyed the park. Birdsong filled the air, and the cool breeze soothed his heated skin. Wandering to a shaded bench beneath a sprawling tree, he sat down and summoned the System's attribute panel.
Evaluating Progress
Current Attributes:
• Level: 5
• Strength: 14
• Agility: 17
• Intelligence: 11
• Willpower: 14
• Endurance: 13
• Vitality: 11
With 10 attribute points to distribute, Hyun Woo considered his strategy carefully. Agility and endurance appeared to be the most immediate priorities, offering enhanced speed and stamina for the unpredictable challenges ahead. He allocated the points as follows:
+4 to Endurance → 17
+3 to Agility → 20
+1 to Strength → 15
+1 to Intelligence → 12
+1 to Vitality → 12
The updated statistics reflected a balanced progression, and Hyun Woo nodded in approval. The System acknowledged his adjustments, closing the window and leaving him to enjoy the peaceful morning atmosphere.
Drawing a deep breath, Hyun Woo rose from the bench. With his morning objectives completed, he turned his thoughts to the day ahead, eager to explore the full potential of his evolving abilities.
Having allocated his attribute points with care, Hyun Woo reopened the System interface to explore the "Inventory" tab. Neatly organized within were his newly acquired rewards, prominently featuring five recovery potions. Intrigued, he selected one. A semi-transparent projection of a vial containing a bluish liquid materialized in the air before him. With narrowed eyes and cautious curiosity, Hyun Woo extended his hand as though to grasp it — and to his astonishment, the small, solid vial materialized in his grip.
Unscrewing the cap, he took a tentative sip. The liquid was nearly flavorless and devoid of aroma, offering little in sensory impact. As he finished the potion, a subtle notification appeared in the top-right corner of his vision: "1 Min." This timer indicated the potion's effects were temporary. Feeling a gentle surge of vitality coursing through him, Hyun Woo rotated his shoulders, noting with satisfaction that the fatigue from his earlier exertions had significantly lessened.
Hyun Woo (internal monologue): "This could be a game-changer. In the right situation, these potions might be the difference between success and failure."
Satisfied with the experiment, Hyun Woo stood up from the park bench. Though he had tested the recovery potion's immediate effects, there was still much left to accomplish. Transitioning smoothly back into his routine, he set off toward home. The tranquil hum of the park receded behind him as he jogged along the quiet morning streets, the rhythm of his steps blending with the city's subdued energy.
Arriving home, Hyun Woo immediately headed for the shower. The warm water cleansed him of the morning's efforts, washing away sweat and tension while leaving him revitalized. Standing before the bathroom mirror, he observed his reflection with newfound determination. The System had not only transformed his abilities but also granted him opportunities to redefine his potential. The question now was how to best leverage this power.
Hyun Woo (internal monologue):"No more hesitation. It's time to act. I'll register for a Gate-Clearing mission. It's a calculated risk, but staying stagnant isn't an option anymore."
With resolve solidified, Hyun Woo dressed in casual yet functional clothing, preparing himself for the challenges ahead. Each choice, from his attire to his mindset, reflected his readiness to embrace the trials that awaited him.
Leaving his apartment, Hyun Woo directed his steps toward the Association. The morning air was crisp, and the streets, though gradually awakening, still retained a sense of quiet anticipation. The path ahead was not merely physical but symbolic — a journey into the unknown, a test of his resilience, and an opportunity to measure the extent of his growth.
The Gate-clearing mission represented more than a task. It was a proving ground — a chance to challenge his evolving capabilities and determine the limits of the power bestowed upon him by the System. As he walked with steady determination, the weight of his purpose anchored him, each step bringing him closer to uncovering the full scope of what he could achieve. Hyun Woo's resolve was unwavering; the future awaited, and he was ready to face it head-on.