Chapter 3

00003 Seraph, flustered.

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Ten years have been rolled back. Seraph, who had been with me for ten years, has disappeared.

‘Then, what happens now…?’

The altar is currently empty, but soon an angel will be summoned. A new angel might appear, or Seraph might appear again. In the former case, it wouldn’t matter much, but in the latter case, what would happen? I can guess that she would probably come out without any memory of our time together, but still, a spark of curiosity arose.

After waiting for about three minutes, I could feel a response. The space above the altar began to ripple like waves. In the first cycle, I would have lost consciousness by now. Since I had never seen the process of an angel being summoned, I watched the altar with deep interest.

From the center of the ripples, which spread in concentric circles like the surface of water, a pure white light began to seep out. The light flickered for a moment, then exploded brightly like fireworks, beginning to form a shape. I watched the process of a new angel being created without missing a single detail.

Eventually, an angel was fully formed on the altar. Her eyes were still closed, but her appearance was so familiar. Her shimmering wings exuded sanctity. Her aura, which no one could dare to approach, and her noble and dignified radiance. The angel that appeared was exactly the same as Seraph, flawless in every way.

As if sensing my gaze, Seraph’s eyes slowly opened. For a brief moment, a glint of surprise passed through her emerald eyes as she met mine.

Beautiful and noble.

Seraph possessed a charm that was hard to describe, a serene and holy aura that overflowed, much like the angels in novels and manga.

Her silver-white hair, which seemed to be bathed in moonlight, shone like silk. Her skin was as white as snow, flawless and without a single blemish. Her eyes, with their light double eyelids, sparkled with emerald irises. Even the hint of her skin beneath her clothes was visible.

However, even seeing her perfect form, not a single desire arose. Since she is a being on a different level, the emotions felt towards each other would naturally be different.

Feeling her gaze, I realized she was surprised that I was awake. She scanned me with her calm eyes, as if observing me. Feeling her gaze, I could finally confirm it.

‘Seraph. You’re from ten years ago.’

At that moment, Seraph’s delicate lips parted.

"Nice to meet you."

"Uh-huh."

"Welcome to the Summoning Room. Planet Earth, Republic of Korea. Age 23. Name Kim Suhyun. Identity verification is complete. From now on, I will refer to you as User. I am Seraph, your guide and assistant."

"Uh-huh."

"User Kim Suhyun will be taught basic knowledge in this Summoning Room and then moved to a place called the Rite of Passage. There, you must prove your qualifications to become a true User."

"Uh-huh."

"..."

Seraph, who had been speaking rapidly, fell silent. She tilted her head with a look of ‘This isn’t right.’ Seeing her, a fresh feeling arose in me. However, I needed to get what I could.

"I have a question..."

"If your question is about where you are now and why you are here, I advise you not to ask. You have only two hours left before the Rite of Passage. Of course, I understand that the current situation is confusing. However, if you want to survive and return..."

Seraph, thinking she was right, started speaking rapidly again. Even though I had adapted to some extent, it was honestly quite scary at first. Her expressionless face and calm tone made me feel as if I had seen a ghost.

Thinking back to that time, I couldn’t help but laugh. After letting out a chuckle, I answered calmly.

"Ah. Yeah."

"Users are recommended to spend the given time adapting to their situation..."

"I get it, I understand."

"..."

Despite my compliance, Seraph’s brow furrowed slightly. Her hand floated in the air, and she blinked several times, muttering to herself.

"You are not a lunatic... and your mind is very stable. This is unusual."

"Who decides who’s a lunatic... Anyway, it doesn’t matter. Seraph, wouldn’t it be easier if you just followed what I say?"

"That is true, but..."

"Then it’s settled. Why are you grumbling?"

"I am not grumbling. Anyway, it’s fine. User Kim Suhyun’s attitude is very commendable. If you can maintain this attitude, your survival rate will increase dramatically. So, for now..."

I raised my hand this time. Seraph, finally noticing my signal, stopped speaking.

"You said you had a question."

"Yes. That’s right. I’ll allow you to ask a question, as long as it’s not about what I mentioned earlier."

"Not that. Do you have anything to give me?"

"Give you? I don’t understand the meaning of your question. I require a more detailed explanation."

"Hmm~. Ah, saying ‘Tanay’ should work, right?"

"!"

The moment I said ‘Tanay,’ I could see Seraph visibly flinch. I knew this would happen. While her reaction was amusing, I was slightly worried that I might not receive anything. I couldn’t give up the special benefits. Determined to get them, even if it meant pushing hard, I spoke in a gentle tone.

"Tanay, I definitely said Tanay. It’s good to start things on your own, but you should also take what you’re supposed to get..."

"..."

Seraph quickly regained her composure. However, it was only her expression. I could clearly see her trying to hide her flustered state. Her wings, which usually shimmered gently, were now fluttering uncontrollably. She was definitely flustered.

"Please wait a moment."

Seraph immediately closed her eyes. However, her fingers were tapping the air at an incredible speed, and her lips were moving non-stop. She was probably confirming ‘Tanay’ and communicating with other angels.

After a time equivalent to drinking a cup of tea, Seraph showed numerous facial expressions, and I silently observed her. It was an unusual sight, so the waiting time didn’t feel boring.

Then, Seraph opened her eyes. However, she still looked unconvinced.

"I want to have a conversation with User Kim Suhyun."

"No, I don’t."

"It will only take a moment."

"If your question is about where you are now and why you are here, I advise you not to ask. You have only two hours left before the Rite of Passage. Of course, I understand that the current situation is confusing. However, um, what did I say again?"

Repeating what Seraph had just said, she immediately fell silent.

"Anyway, as you said, there’s not much time left before the Rite of Passage... Giving what you should give and taking what you should take. Isn’t that a reasonable action?"

Emphasizing the word ‘reasonable,’ Seraph bit her lip. Yes, she must be frustrated. She probably didn’t expect to be outwitted by a human.

Honestly, I had always wanted to experience a situation like this. When I first came here, Seraph’s reaction was very cold. It felt like she was looking at a lab mouse. She ignored my pleas to be sent back and quickly threw me out when I caused a commotion.

Perhaps because of that memory, this situation gave me a subtle sense of pleasure.

A smug smile naturally spread across my face. Seraph stared at me intently and then flicked her finger.

Snap!

A sound of flesh colliding echoed, and the flow around me slowed down slightly. Although my body was in a reset state, I couldn’t feel it in detail, but my ten years of experience weren’t for nothing.

Then, Seraph continued.

"User Kim Suhyun’s claim is reasonable. Therefore, I will compensate for the lost time. The flow of time around the Summoning Room has been slowed. Are you satisfied?"

"Uh-huh."

I answered calmly. Seraph seemed to carefully observe me for a moment, then spoke calmly.

"I also have a question about User Kim Suhyun. However, if you don’t like it, I won’t ask."

"Ah, really? I was thinking of telling you anyway."

Feeling a bit mischievous, I shrugged, and Seraph’s eyes sparkled.

"Ah, really? Indeed, all the assistants, including myself, are currently confused. If I can hear the whole story, I would like to."

"But I don’t want to."

Realizing I was toying with her, Seraph’s cheeks turned red. I wanted to clap and laugh out loud. She glared at me with a pout, then composed herself and spoke.

"If you go too far, I can impose appropriate penalties, but the first rule of assistants is not to harm users. Therefore, I hope you will refrain from wordplay with assistants in the future."

"You’re beings of a different dimension with a lofty rank. It would be better to show magnanimity and forgive."

"...I have confirmed the ‘Tanay’ you mentioned. This is a kind of pact that has already been paid for and is ‘irrevocable’ to us. The special benefits granted, after thorough review, have been confirmed to belong to the flawless User Kim Suhyun."

"Hmm. For something like that, you’re quick to understand. It’s not very interesting."

"To us, ‘Tanay’ means that. We can review it, but we cannot exert any influence. Therefore, the special benefits granted to User Kim Suhyun cannot be revoked. You can rest assured."

"But starting with such power from the very beginning would certainly make you an exception, wouldn’t it? For example, it could distort the balance..."

"It will not affect the balance."

Seraph answered without hesitation, then continued with a slightly stern look.

"I have read the contents of the special benefits. There were indeed many exceptional aspects. However, arrogance is forbidden. Even if you accept all the special benefits, there are beings with abilities that surpass yours."

Still, Seraph was Seraph, repeating the same words. ‘There are beings with abilities that surpass yours’ was enough. It was a stark contrast to the ‘there are countless beings’ I had received before. I decided to accept it.

"True, there’s no need to limit the focus to users. Other beings might exist in the Whole Plane."

"That’s correct."

The moment I said ‘Whole Plane,’ Seraph’s eyes flickered for a moment.

"Setting all of User Kim Suhyun’s special benefits will likely take a lot of time. You have 1 hour, 47 minutes, and 26 seconds left. It will be tight to align with the Rite of Passage. I assume you already know the internal affairs of the Whole Plane..."

"Ok. Skip. That was what I wanted from the beginning."

"Although I have artificially slowed the flow of time, it is only for the compensated time. Some preparation will be needed before moving to the next stage. Please wait a moment."

While Seraph was preparing, I thought about the Rite of Passage.

The Rite of Passage can be defined as a place where ‘users prove their qualifications through a test.’ It’s where people who, like me, were kidnapped without knowing why, gather. The conditions for passing the test are simple: survive for 7 days or reach the Warp Gate within 7 days. In other words, ‘survival’ is the necessary condition to prove one’s qualifications.

Those who succeed in survival are called back to the Summoning Room. They are then given a class that matches their potential and finally enter the Whole Plane, which is the real (實在) space. It’s a rather unfair and chilling test. If you fail to meet the survival conditions, you will be declared ‘dead.’

"User Kim Suhyun. All preparations are complete."

While lost in thought, I received the signal that Seraph had finished preparing.

"The details of the special benefits..."

"I know. They’re all in my head, so let’s start right away."

"Yes. I understand that there’s no need to provide additional information. Then, which special benefit would you like to receive first?"

"Hmm..."

In order, I recalled the first ability.

'1. Grant special benefits related to the ability values User Kim Suhyun originally possessed. First, you can ‘load’ the user information achieved in the first cycle. Second, randomly select 4 out of the 6 basic ability values and increase their values. The degree of increase is also determined randomly.'

You can’t set the special benefits as you please. There must be a reason for the order Seraph has set. So, the correct answer is to start with the first one. All settings originate from ability values. If I inherit my previous ability values, I should naturally go for the swordsman class, but I need to confirm the increase first.

Without a moment’s hesitation, I spoke.

"Load, and then grant the special benefit for ability value increase."

"Yes. Loading the information entered under the name of User Kim Suhyun. 27%, 56%, 87%, 100%. Complete. The load has been successfully completed."

As soon as Seraph finished speaking, I felt a surge of vitality throughout my body. The sluggish flow around me became even more apparent. Even a 23-year-old body fresh out of the military couldn’t compare to the body of a Sword Master.

Bang!

I extended my right arm forcefully, and a rough sound of air breaking echoed. I checked my user information with a sense of satisfaction.

"..."

The ability values were inherited. However, everything else was in a reset state. Although it was a pity to lose my normal true name and achievements, I nodded, accepting it.

"User information load confirmed. Now, I need to use the additional special benefit for ability value increase, right?"

"Yes, of course. Just to be thorough, I’ll remind you that 4 out of the 6 abilities are randomly increased. The abilities and the degree of increase are also random, but they are determined based on the user’s potential and growth. Please keep this in mind."

"I know that much."

In simple terms, the higher the ability value, the lower the increase, and the lower the ability value, the higher the increase. This is a rule that applies equally to everyone, with minor individual differences based on potential. Ability value increases through simple training have limits, except for special events, elixirs, and achievement rewards.

Strength, Endurance, Magic. I sincerely wished for these three ability values to increase, especially strength, endurance, and magic.

I consider magic the most important, followed by endurance and strength. I view durability and agility as equal, and luck as the least important. Of course, if one value is extremely high and the others are abysmally low, it could be a problem. However, assuming the other values are reasonably supported, magic is the most efficient ability.

"Then, I will grant it now."

‘It’s fine if luck doesn’t increase. Please, strength, endurance, magic. At least endurance and magic...!’

I don’t know if my earnest wish reached her, but the special benefit seemed to have been granted. The moment I felt Seraph’s hand wave, four messages appeared in the air before my eyes.

============================ Author's Note ============================

1. Typos and context corrections.