Memorize - Episode 2
2 Zero Code, Turning Back the Clock by 10 Years
As the relentless light that had been pounding my eyelids began to fade, I slowly opened my eyes. The room, once filled with intense light, now had only a faint glow remaining. After blinking a few times, my blurry vision began to focus. Once my sight was restored enough to judge objects clearly, I started to observe my surroundings calmly.
"It's different."
Just closing my eyes for a moment had changed many things. The sword in my right hand and the equipment I was wearing had all vanished. Looking down at my empty hand, I saw a camouflage military uniform. When I noticed the insignia on my left chest, I momentarily held my breath.
"Code Name Zero. Complete. The activation of the Zero Code has been confirmed. Normal activation confirmed. Congratulations, User Kim Su-hyun."
I lifted my head to the familiar voice and saw Seraph still sitting on the altar, looking at me. At that moment, I frowned slightly. Her condition was visibly severe, far from normal.
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
The white wings that once fluttered beautifully were now barely visible, and her entire body was translucent, allowing the background to show through. Only her expressionless face remained unchanged.
As I kept silent, Seraph tilted her head and spoke.
"I think it's been a while since I've seen your concerned gaze. But don't worry. Currently, it's December 27, 2011, on Earth. You have returned to the point when Kim Su-hyun first entered the Summoning Room, as per your request. I repeat, User Kim Su-hyun's request has been successfully processed and completed."
"So... that's right. Then, Seraph, did you come back with me?"
Seraph slowly shook her head from side to side.
"I can't say exactly, but for now, I'll say no. I requested a temporary force from the Zero Code to explain some things to User Kim Su-hyun. Fortunately, the Zero Code accepted my request."
"You said you'd explain?"
"Yes, that's right."
I frowned, and Seraph responded with a gentle smile. It was the first time I had seen an angel smile during my ten years on the Hollow Plane. The sudden, refreshing smile made me relax my frown.
An awkward silence fell for a moment, but Seraph broke it.
"User Kim Su-hyun, you didn't use many GP points from the middle onwards. I plan to give you some privileges using the points you earned. Of course, I'll leave the remaining GP as is."
"Huh? Privileges?"
"Indeed, the GP will remain untouched."
"Privileges... I don't know what they are, but it seems like a good deal, considering I've reached the end once. It's so generous that it brings tears to my eyes."
My tone was sarcastic, but Seraph shook her head slightly, indicating it wasn't meant that way.
"Please consider it a favor rather than a reward. All the angels, including myself, understand, empathize with, and sympathize with your feelings."
"Sympathy? Hahaha..."
"If the word 'sympathy' offends you, I apologize. It wasn't meant to belittle you. However, as helpers, angels are tasked with assisting users. Have I ever given you harmful advice?"
Seraph didn't leave room for argument, pushing me to accept the privileges. Since I couldn't think of anything to say, I nodded reluctantly.
"Excellent choice. I believe this decision will make it easier for you to achieve your goals."
As I agreed, Seraph smiled faintly, seemingly relieved. She flapped her almost invisible wings once, and the distance between us suddenly decreased. I felt a soft touch on my head.
"Please bear with it for a moment. Time is short. I will directly input and transmit the information into your mind."
As Seraph finished speaking, I felt a brief, painless shock on the crown of my head. The information she was transmitting flowed clearly into my mind. I closed my eyes and absorbed the details calmly.
Ability Score Privileges: You can load your original user information from the first run. Additionally, four out of six basic ability scores will be randomly selected and increased. The extent of the increase is also random.
Class Privileges: You can choose your class before entering the Trial of Passage. This includes not only normal classes but also Rare and Secret classes.
Special and Latent Ability Privileges: Users typically have one special ability slot and four latent ability slots. For User Kim Su-hyun, an additional latent ability slot will be opened. This includes hidden abilities, allowing you to choose any special or latent ability you want.
Alternatively, you can open a "Unique Ability" slot, which is superior to special abilities. If you choose a unique ability, you'll consume one latent ability slot and can choose abilities for half of the remaining slots (the other half will be random).
Body Modification: You can undergo a body modification procedure once.
Equipment Choice: You can choose one piece of equipment without any restrictions, except for EX-grade items.
The information about these privileges flooded my mind without pause. As I opened my eyes, I could see only a faint residual image of Seraph. She still had her hand on my head, but the sensation was gone.
After barely processing the information, I let out a quiet exclamation.
"This is... "
Honestly, I hadn't expected such extensive privileges. It felt like starting a game with character editing before beginning.
Seraph smiled faintly, noticing my reaction.
"These privileges were created using the points you earned. Of course, my favor is also included. But since all the angels agreed, there's no problem."
"It's good for me, but you're about to disappear. Won't there be issues with balance?"
"That's not the case. And I sensed a bit of arrogance in your tone earlier. As I've said many times, complacency is forbidden in any situation."
"I'll be careful. But think about it. If a new user starts with these privileges, what would you say?"
"That part can be resolved with Tanay, so don't worry. And balance... well, considering the potential User Kim Su-hyun had, this might actually balance things out."
Seraph paused, looking at me cautiously, then continued hesitantly.
"Originally, User Kim Su-hyun's potential was a key factor in determining user information."
I could understand Seraph's meaning, but a bitter taste lingered in my mouth.
No matter what anyone says, I am the only user to have reached the top of the Hollow Plane. I don't deny that it was based on many miracles and coincidences. However, there's an old saying: it's not that the strong survive, but that those who survive become strong.
If we're talking about ordinary strength, I can confidently say I'm strong. Of course, I know I'm not the best or the strongest. But still...
"Later..."
"Complacency is forbidden. Don't be careless."
It seemed that was what Seraph wanted to say all along. Feeling a bit embarrassed, I realized I might have been arrogant. I sighed and nodded. It wasn't wrong, after all. Seeing Seraph's faint form, my pride quickly dissipated.
"Now... it's really time to part... ways..."
It seemed the end had truly come, as Seraph's form was now like a malfunctioning TV screen, distorting and unable to recover. All I could do was watch helplessly.
"Farewell... you... I wanted to... say..."
Seraph's words became increasingly inaudible as her presence faded. Yet, she was desperately trying to speak to me.
"Re... really..."
"Seraph, it's hard to hear you. Sorry."
Even though my words were barely audible, Seraph's face filled with sorrow. But there was nothing I could do. This was the situation I had wished for and caused. Yet, she didn't give up.
"Be... happy..."
Pop!
The noise intensified, and a bright light flashed with a popping sound. The radiant beams around Seraph vanished instantly. It seemed the end had truly arrived, as she bit her lip and then slowly parted them.
"Be happy..."
With that, Seraph disappeared. There was no more noise. Her final words, spoken with all her might, clearly reached my ears. It seemed she smiled at me in the end, but I was focused on her words and didn't notice.
I stared blankly at the spot where Seraph had been for a moment.