As the light that had relentlessly drummed against my eyelids gradually dimmed, I cautiously opened my tightly shut eyes. The brilliant radiance that had once filled the entire room was now fading, leaving behind only faint glimmers. Blinking a few times, my blurry vision began to sharpen, and soon, I could clearly make out my surroundings.
"Different."
Though I had only closed my eyes briefly, everything had changed. The sword I had been gripping in my right hand was gone, as were the equipment I had been wearing. Lowering my gaze to my now-empty hand, I saw a camouflage-patterned military uniform. My breath caught momentarily as I noticed the badge affixed to the left side of my chest.
It was then that I heard a voice.
"Code Name Zero. Complete. Activation of the Zero Code confirmed. User Kim Suhyun, congratulations."
Lifting my head at the familiar voice, I saw Seraph still seated on the altar, looking at me. However, her condition was clearly dire.
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
Her once beautifully glowing white wings had dimmed to the point of near-invisibility, and her entire body was semi-transparent, with the background visible through her form. Only her expressionless face remained the same.
When I remained silent, Seraph tilted her head slightly and spoke.
"It seems it's been a while since I've seen such a concerned look from you. But rest assured, it's fine. The current time on Earth is Thursday, December 27, 2011. As per your request, we have returned to the moment when Earth's Kim Suhyun first entered the Summoning Room. Once again, I confirm that your request has been successfully processed and completed."
"I see... So, Seraph, did you come back with me?"
When I spoke softly, Seraph shook her head slowly.
"I cannot say for certain, but for now, I will answer no. There are things I must explain to you, so I have temporarily requested a slight extension from the Zero Code. Fortunately, it deemed my request valid and granted it."
"You have something to explain?"
"Yes, that's correct."
When I asked, still frowning, Seraph responded with a soft smile—a rare sight in the ten years I had spent in Hall Plain. Startled by her unexpected gentleness, I unconsciously relaxed my furrowed brow.
An awkward silence fell between us for a moment. Seraph was the first to speak, brushing her silvery-white hair behind her ear and half-closing her eyes.
"I remember the day User Kim Suhyun was first summoned to Hall Plain. Do you recall the first words you said to me?"
"No."
How could I remember something like that? Not knowing what she was getting at, I decided to listen quietly. As a guide, Seraph had always given appropriate advice.
"You said, 'Wh-where am I? Who are you?!'"
"You even remember me stuttering? You really do remember everything."
"Heh. That's not all. There's also—"
Crack!
Suddenly, a sharp sound of tearing space interrupted her words. Seraph's body twisted violently, resembling a distorted TV screen with static interference.
"Agh!"
Her form flickered back to normal, only to contort again. Each time, her already translucent figure became fainter. Watching her fragile state was unsettling. She seemed like a candle flickering in the wind, on the verge of being snuffed out.
As the distortion subsided, Seraph, struggling to stabilize herself, gave a bitter smile.
"It seems the Zero Code won't allow even a moment for farewells. Even after ten years together..."
"Ugh, this is just too much to take in."
If it had been before, Seraph would have gotten straight to the point without such sentiments. Angels always acted rationally, after all. Watching her sudden change was difficult to adjust to.
"Alright... then just explain quickly and wrap it up."
I snapped, irritated. Seraph, her eyes tinged with sorrow, sighed softly before continuing.
"From the latter half of your time here, User Kim Suhyun hardly spent any GP. With the points you've accumulated, we plan to grant you several privileges as you start over."
"Privileges?"
"Yes. Additionally, your remaining GP will remain intact."
"Huh. Privileges, huh? I guess you're at least giving me some recognition for seeing this through. Makes me want to cry out of gratitude."
Though my tone was dripping with sarcasm, Seraph didn't seem to take offense. She shook her head slightly.
"Rather than recognition, consider it a gesture of goodwill. All angels, myself included, understand, empathize with, and even pity your situation."
"Pity? Hah!"
"If the term offends you, I apologize. There was no intention to demean you. However, angels in Hall Plain exist to assist users. Have I ever given you advice that would harm you? Reflect on that. Whether you accept this goodwill or dismiss it is entirely up to you."
Though she claimed it was entirely my choice, Seraph's demeanor left little room for rejection. And since I couldn't think of a solid argument against it, I reluctantly nodded.
"A wise choice. I firmly believe this will make your goals much more achievable."
Seraph's relieved expression was followed by a faint smile as she beat her almost-invisible wings. In an instant, the distance between us vanished, and I felt a soft touch on my head.
"Please bear with this for a moment. Time is short. I will transmit the necessary information directly to your mind."
A tingling sensation accompanied Seraph's touch, but it wasn't painful. Instead, the details of the privileges she spoke of began flowing clearly into my head.
---
After processing the information, I opened my eyes and murmured, astonished.
"This is..."
The privileges were far more than I could have ever imagined. It was akin to starting a game with a fully customized character.
Reading my reaction, Seraph gave a faint smile.
"These privileges were created using the points you earned. While my goodwill is mixed in, all the angels unanimously approved it, so there are no issues."
"I appreciate it, but won't this upset the balance?"
"There's no need to worry. Besides, considering your original potential, this is merely balancing the scales."
Seraph's words carried undeniable truth, though I couldn't help but feel a bitter taste in my mouth. After all, I had been the one to reach the pinnacle of Hall Plain.
"Do not grow complacent. Never let your guard down," Seraph cautioned, as if reading my thoughts.
Her words, though frustrating, weren't wrong. I sighed and nodded, my pride taking a small hit.
"Now... it's truly time to part."
Seraph's form began to flicker violently, unable to stabilize any longer. I could only watch as she wavered like a broken TV screen.
"I... wanted to tell you..."
Her voice grew fainter, her presence fading. But even as her form disappeared, she spoke with all her might.
"Please... be happy..."
With that final whisper, Seraph vanished completely, leaving nothing behind.
For a while, I simply stood there, staring blankly at the space she had occupied.