Zero Code: Turning Back the Clock Ten Years
As the relentless light tapping against my eyelids began to fade, I slowly opened my eyes. The room, once filled with blinding light, was now dimming, leaving only a faint glow. After blinking a few times, my vision gradually cleared, allowing me to take in my surroundings.
“Everything’s different.”
In the brief moment my eyes were closed, everything had changed. The sword I had been holding, the gear I was wearing—gone. Looking down at my empty hands, I saw a camouflage uniform. My breath caught when I noticed the insignia on my left chest. It was then that I heard a familiar voice.
“Code Name Zero. Complete. Zero Code activation confirmed. Congratulations, user Kim Soo-hyun.”
I looked up to see Seraph, still seated on the altar, watching me. Her condition was visibly dire, far from normal.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
Her once radiant white wings were now barely visible, and her entire body was translucent, revealing the space behind her. Only her expressionless face remained unchanged.
As I stayed silent, Seraph tilted her head and spoke.
“It’s been a while since I’ve seen that concerned look in your eyes. But don’t worry. It’s December 27, 2011, Thursday, Earth time. As per your request, you’ve returned to the moment when Kim Soo-hyun first entered the summoning chamber. Your request has been successfully processed and completed.”
“I see… So, Seraph, did you come back with me?”
When I asked quietly, Seraph shook her head slowly.
“I can’t say for certain, but for now, I’ll answer no. I requested a brief extension from Zero Code to explain a few things to you. Fortunately, Zero Code deemed my request reasonable and granted it.”
“You have something to explain?”
“Yes, I do.”
Despite my furrowed brow, Seraph responded with a gentle smile—a smile I had never seen in my ten years on the Hall Plain. It was so unexpected and refreshing that I couldn’t help but relax my tense expression.
An awkward silence settled between us, but it was Seraph who broke it first. She brushed her silvery hair behind her ear and spoke softly, her eyes half-closed.
“I remember the day you were first summoned to the Hall Plain. Do you remember what you said to me then?”
“I don’t.”
How could I remember something like that? I had no idea what she was getting at, but I decided to listen. Seraph had always been a reliable guide.
“You said, ‘Where am I? Who are you?’”
“Wow, you even remember my stuttering? You remember everything.”
“That’s not all. There were other things…”
Crack!
Suddenly, a sound like tearing fabric interrupted her, and Seraph’s form flickered violently, like a TV with poor reception.
“Ugh!”
She twisted and then returned to normal, letting out a pained groan. With each flicker, her transparency increased. Her current state was unsettlingly unfamiliar, like a candle flickering in the wind.
As the distortion subsided, Seraph managed to regain her composure, though her expression was bitter.
“It seems Zero Code won’t allow us a proper farewell, even after ten years together.”
‘This is so strange.’
In the past, she would have gotten straight to the point. Angels were always rational beings. Seeing her change so suddenly after ten years of consistency was disorienting.
“Alright, let’s get on with it.”
I finally snapped, my tone brusque. Seraph looked at me with sorrowful eyes, then sighed and continued.
“User Kim Soo-hyun, you hardly used your GP in the latter half. With the points you’ve accumulated, we plan to grant you several privileges as you start anew.”
“Privileges?”
“Yes, and your remaining GP will be preserved.”
“Privileges, huh… I don’t know what they are, but it’s nice to be rewarded for once. I’m so touched I could cry.”
Though my words dripped with sarcasm, Seraph shook her head slightly, as if to say that wasn’t the case.
“Think of it as a gesture of goodwill rather than a reward. All the angels, including myself, understand, empathize, and sympathize with your situation.”
“Sympathy? Ha…”
“If the word ‘sympathy’ offends you, I apologize. I didn’t mean to belittle you. But remember, in the Hall Plain, angels are here to assist users. Have I ever given you advice that was harmful? Think carefully. Whether you accept this goodwill or not is entirely up to you.”
Though she said it was up to me, Seraph left no room for refusal, clearly intent on having me accept the “privileges.” With no argument coming to mind, I nodded reluctantly.
“An excellent choice. I have no doubt this decision will make your goals much easier to achieve.”
As I agreed, Seraph’s eyes softened with relief, and she gave a faint smile. Her nearly invisible wings fluttered once, and suddenly, the distance between us vanished. I felt a gentle touch on my head. Looking up, Seraph spoke in a calm voice.
“Even if you dislike it, please bear with it for a moment. There’s not much time left. I’ll directly input and transmit the information into your mind.”
As soon as she finished speaking, a flash of sensation hit the top of my head. It wasn’t painful. In fact, it was fascinating how the information Seraph wanted to convey flowed seamlessly into my mind. I closed my eyes and absorbed the details.
<User Kim Soo-hyun’s Exclusive Privileges (Tanay)>
You will receive privileges related to your original abilities. First, you can ‘load’ the user information from your first playthrough. Second, four out of your six basic abilities will be randomly enhanced. The degree of enhancement will also be random.
You will receive privileges related to your class. You can choose your class before entering the rite of passage, including Rare and Secret classes, as well as any hidden classes.
You will receive privileges related to special and latent abilities. Normally, users have one special ability slot and four latent ability slots, but you will have an additional latent ability slot. You can choose any special or latent abilities, including hidden ones.
Alternatively, you can open a ‘unique ability’ slot. Unique abilities are superior to special abilities. If you forgo a unique ability, you can choose one special ability and all five latent abilities. (In this case, the open slot will automatically be included in the latent abilities.)
However, if you choose to have a unique ability, one latent ability slot will be used, and you can choose only half of the remaining four slots. (The other two will be randomly determined.)
You can undergo a single body modification procedure.
You can choose one piece of equipment of your choice, with no restrictions on type. However, EX-grade equipment cannot be selected.
The information about the privileges filled my mind without pause. As I opened my eyes, I saw Seraph’s faint silhouette. Her hand was still on my head, but the sensation was gone.
After processing the information, I let out a quiet exclamation.
“This is…”
I was genuinely taken aback by the extent of the privileges. Starting with these advantages was akin to editing a character before beginning a game.
Reading my expression, Seraph smiled faintly.
“These privileges were created with the points you earned. I won’t deny that my goodwill played a part. But since I secured the unanimous agreement of all the angels, there won’t be any issues.”
“I’m grateful, but you’re about to disappear. Won’t this upset the balance?”
“It won’t. And I sensed a hint of arrogance in your tone just now. I’ve told you countless times over the past ten years: never let your guard down, no matter the situation.”
“Alright, I’ll be careful. But the real issue here is balance. Think about it. What would people say if a new user started with such advantages?”
“Don’t worry about that. We can address it with Tanay. As for balance… well, I did consider it, but…”
Seraph paused, gauging my reaction before continuing in a hesitant voice.
“Considering the potential that the original user, Kim Soo-hyun, possessed, this actually restores balance.”
Her words were layered with meaning, but I understood immediately. After all, ‘potential’ is the key factor in determining a user’s profile.
Even though I grasped what Seraph was implying, I couldn’t shake the bitter taste in my mouth.
No matter what anyone says, I’m the only user who reached the pinnacle of Hall Plain. I won’t deny that it was a mix of miracles and coincidences that got me there. But as the saying goes, it’s not the strongest who survive, but those who survive who are strong.
In terms of sheer strength, I could confidently say I was strong. I knew I wasn’t the best or the strongest, but still…
”…Sigh.”
“Don’t get complacent. Stay vigilant.”
It seemed that was the real message Seraph wanted to convey. Her words left me feeling a bit sheepish, as if I had indeed been a little too self-assured. I let out a short sigh and nodded. She wasn’t wrong, after all. My pride was slightly bruised, but seeing Seraph’s form flicker and fade made it easier to swallow.
“It’s time… to say goodbye… for real…”
It seemed the end had truly come. Seraph’s image flickered like a TV on the verge of breaking down, unable to return to its original state. All I could do was watch helplessly.
“Parting… you… must… something…”
Her voice was fading, her presence slipping away. Yet, she was determined to convey her message to me.
“That… really…”
“Seraph, I’m sorry, but I can’t hear you well.”
Despite my words, Seraph’s face was tinged with sadness. But there was nothing I could do in this situation. It was what I had wanted and brought upon myself. Still, she didn’t give up.
“Please…”
Pop!
The noise intensified, and suddenly, a bright white light flashed with a pop. Radiant beams surrounded Seraph, only to vanish in an instant. As the end truly approached, she bit her lip, gathering her strength to speak one last time.
“Please be happy…”
With those final words, Seraph disappeared. The noise ceased, but her last words echoed clearly in my ears. I thought she might have smiled at me in those final moments, but I was too focused on her words to notice.
For a brief moment, I stood there, staring at the spot where Seraph had been.