Memorize

As the light that had been incessantly tapping on my eyelids gradually weakened, I slowly opened my tightly shut eyes. The light that had filled the entire room was now fading, leaving only a faint glow. After blinking a few times, my blurry vision began to focus. Once my sight had recovered enough to discern objects, I calmly started to look around.

'It's different.'

Even though I had only closed my eyes for a moment, many things had changed. The sword I had been holding in my right hand and the equipment I had been wearing had all disappeared without a trace. Lowering my gaze from my now empty hand, I saw a camouflage-pattern military uniform. And the moment I saw the tag attached to my left chest, I momentarily held my breath. It was then.

"Code Name Zero. Complete. Confirming activation of Zero Code. Activation confirmed. Player Kim Su-Hyeon, congratulations."

When I looked up at the familiar voice, I saw Seraph still sitting on the altar, gazing at me. At that moment, I couldn't help but frown slightly. Her condition was so severe that it was obvious even at a glance that she wasn't in a normal state.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

Her once-beautiful white wings had become so faint they were barely visible, and her entire body was in a translucent state, revealing everything behind her without any filter. Only her expressionless face remained unchanged.

As I remained silent, Seraph tilted her head and said, "It seems that it's been a while since I've seen your worried gaze. But it's okay. The current date is Thursday, December 27, 2011, according to Earth's time. We have returned to the point when Kim Su-Hyeon first entered the summoning room, as per your request. I must reiterate that your request has been successfully processed and completed."

"Ah… I see. So, Seraph, have you come back with me?"

As I spoke softly, Seraph shook her head slowly from side to side.

"I can't say for sure, but for now, I'll answer 'No.' There are parts that need to be explained to player Kim Su-Hyeon, so I briefly requested some resistance from Zero Code. Fortunately, Zero Code accepted the request, deeming my opinion valid."

"Do you have something to explain?"

"Yes, that's right."

When I frowned in response, Seraph answered with a gentle smile. It was the first angelic smile I had seen in the ten years I had been active in the Hall Plain. It was sudden but so refreshingly engaging that I unconsciously relaxed my furrowed brow.

An awkward silence settled for a moment. However, it was Seraph who broke it, not me. She brushed her silvery hair behind her ear, half-closing her eyes as she quietly spoke.

"I remember the day player Kim Su-Hyeon was first summoned to the Hall Plain. Do you remember what you said when you first saw me?"

"I don't know."

How could I possibly remember something like that? I had no idea why she was bringing up such trivial details, but I decided to listen quietly. Seraph had always been a helpful advisor from her position as a 'helper.'

"You said, 'W-where am I? Huh? Who are you!'"

"Oh, come on, even the stuttering? You remember every little thing."

"Hehe. That's not all. There are other things as well..."

"Zap"

At that moment, there was a tearing sound in the space, and Seraph's entire body twisted violently. It resembled the garbled signal that appears when a TV has poor reception.

"Ugh!"

It twisted, then returned to its original state. Seraph let out a groan soaked in pain. The phenomenon was becoming more pronounced with each repetition, and the translucent state was becoming more severe. Her appearance looked so unfamiliar. If you blinked, you would think she would immediately return to her usual calm demeanor, but right now, the Seraph before me looked as precarious as a lamp in the wind.

Eventually, as the noise phenomenon subsided, Seraph managed to steady herself and revealed a bitter expression.

"It seems difficult to expect recognition from the Zero Code. Even though we've been together for ten years… there's not even a moment to share a parting sentiment."

'Ah, I really can't adapt.'

In the past, I would have immediately gotten to the point without saying such things. As Seraph said, angels always act rationally. After seeing the same attitude for ten years and suddenly seeing this change, it was impossible to adapt.

"Well… then I should just get an explanation and be done with it."

In the end, I snapped curtly. Seraph looked at me with sorrowful eyes, then let out a brief sigh and continued.

"Player Kim Su-hyeon has barely used any GP since the middle part. I plan to grant you some special benefits using the points you've accumulated over that time, and the remaining GP will also be left as it is."

"Huh? Special benefits?"

"Of course, I will leave the remaining GP as it is."

"Special benefits… I don't know what they are, but at least you're giving me some consideration since I've seen it through to the end. I'm so grateful that I might even cry."

Though my tone was laden with sarcasm, Seraph shook her head slightly, indicating that this was not the case.

"Rather than consideration, I would appreciate it if you could see it as a favor. All angels, including myself, understand, empathize with, and sympathize with your feelings."

"Sympathy? Hahaha…"

"If the term 'sympathy' makes you uncomfortable, I apologize. I had no intention of belittling you. However, at least within the Hall Plain, angels are assigned to help players. Have I ever given you advice that could have been harmful, even once? Think carefully. Whether you accept this favor or simply ignore it is entirely up to you."

Although it was said to be entirely up to me, Seraph seemed intent on making sure I received the 'special benefits,' leaving little room for rebuttal. Moreover, even if I wanted to press further, I couldn't think of anything to say. Feeling a bit sullen, I nodded.

"An excellent choice. I have no doubt that this choice will make it much easier for you to achieve what you aim for."

The moment I expressed my consent, Seraph's eyes softened with relief, and she gave a faint, slender smile. She then flapped her almost invisible, faint wings with a strong motion. Soon, the distance between her and me rapidly decreased, and I felt a gentle touch on top of my head. When I slightly lifted my eyes, Seraph continued in a relaxed voice.

"Please bear with it for just a moment, even if you dislike it. There isn't much time left. I will input and transmit the information directly into your mind."

As soon as Seraph finished speaking, I felt a sudden, sparkling shock on the crown of my head. It wasn't painful. Rather, it was strangely fascinating as the information Seraph wanted to convey was clearly entering my mind. I closed my eyes and calmly absorbed the information she provided.

1. Privileges related to the ability information that Player Kim Su-hyeon originally possessed. First, you can 'load' the player information from the first round. Second, among the six basic ability stats, four will be randomly selected and their values increased. The degree of increase will also be determined randomly.

2. Privileges related to class. You can decide your class before entering the rite of passage. This includes not only the general classes but also Rare, Secret classes, and all classes shrouded in secrecy.

3. Privileges related to special and latent abilities. Players generally have 1 slot for special abilities and 4 slots for latent abilities. For you, Player Kim Su-hyeon, an additional special ability slot will be opened. This includes all special and latent abilities, including hidden ones, allowing you to choose what you want.

Additionally, you can open a slot for 'Unique Abilities.' Unique Abilities are abilities superior to special abilities. If you choose to have Unique Abilities, you will consume one special ability slot and can only select what you want for half of the remaining 4 slots (2 slots will be determined randomly).

4. For one time only, you may undergo a physical modification procedure.

5. You may choose one piece of equipment, with no restrictions on type. However, EX-grade equipment cannot be selected.

The information about these privileges filled my mind without giving me a moment's rest. When I opened my eyes, I could see Seraph fading with only a faint afterimage remaining. She still had her hand on my head, but I no longer felt the same sensation as before.

After finally organizing the inputted information, I quietly exclaimed.

"This is…."

Honestly, I had never imagined receiving such privileges, so I was a bit stunned. If I could really start with these privileges, it would be like a character playing before starting the game.

Seeing my reaction, Seraph gave a slight smile and said, "These privileges were created using the points you accumulated, Player Kim Su-hyeon. Of course, I admit that my favor is also mixed in. However, since all the angels agreed to this, there shouldn't be any problems."

"I'm grateful, but you're going to disappear soon, right? Won't this be restricted due to balance issues?"

"That's not the case. Also, I sensed a bit of arrogance in your tone just now. I have repeatedly said for 10 years: never let your guard down, no matter the situation."

"I'll be careful. But still, think about it. If a new player receives such privileges, what do you think will happen?"

"That part can be resolved with Tanay, so you don't need to worry. And as for balance… Well, while balance was considered, it's not the only factor…"

Seraph paused for a moment and began to gauge my reaction. Then, in a hesitant voice, she continued carefully.

"Considering the unique potential that Player Kim Su-hyeon possesses, it could be seen as balancing the scales."

Seraph's words carried many implications, but I immediately understood their meaning. In essence, 'unique potential' is the most crucial key in determining 'player information.'

Although I understood what Seraph meant, I couldn't shake the bitter feeling in my mouth.

No matter what anyone says, I am the only player who has reached the top of the Hall Plain. I don't deny that it was achieved through countless miracles and coincidences. But as the old saying goes, it's not the strongest who survives, but the one who survives is the strongest.

In terms of general strength, I could confidently say I'm strong. Of course, I know I'm not the best or the strongest. But even so…

"…Huh."

"Arrogance is a mistake. Do not let your guard down."

It seems this was what Seraph really wanted to say. Perhaps she felt that I was becoming arrogant, and I felt a bit awkward. I sighed briefly and nodded. After all, she wasn't wrong. Even though it stung my pride a little, seeing Seraph, who had faded to almost nothing, immediately softened my feelings.

"Now… it's really time to part…"

It seems that the end has truly come, as Seraph said. She was twisting and turning like a TV screen on the verge of breaking down. She was no longer able to revert to her original state. I could only watch it endlessly.

"Goodbye… I… really… wanted…"

I could increasingly no longer hear Seraph's words. Her presence was slowly fading away. Still, Seraph was speaking to me with a desperation that made it clear she was trying her best.

"That… really…"

"Seraph. I'm sorry it's like this until the end, but I can't hear you very well."

Even though she seemed to hear me, Seraph's face was tinged with sadness. However, there was nothing more I could do in this situation. It was a situation I had wished for and brought upon myself. But she did not give up.

"Please…"

"Pop!"

As the noise grew worse, a sudden burst of white light flashed with a popping sound. Brilliant rays of light appeared around Seraph and then vanished in an instant. It seemed the end had truly come, as she bit her lip once. She then seemed to gather strength in her eyes before her lips slowly parted.

"Please be happy…"

Softly…

With those final words, Seraph vanished. No more noise phenomena occurred. However, the last words she uttered with all her remaining strength were clearly in my ears. It seemed like she smiled brightly at me in her final moment, but I didn't have the time to observe it closely, as I was focused on her words.

For a brief moment, I stared blankly at the spot where Seraph had been.

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