The summoning chamber was a sealed hollow, completely cut off from any light. Normally, such a place would be pitch black, but strangely, there was enough faint light to make out shapes. Following the source of this dim glow, one would find a lone angel seated at the central altar.
In the silence so deep that not even a breath could be heard, the angel sat with eyes closed—mysterious and beautiful, yet somehow lonely. It almost felt as if time itself had stopped in this space. Only the angel’s wings moved gently, fluttering with a mournful grace. The stillness of the figure was like that of a widow turned to stone, waiting forever for a husband who would never return.
Then, at that moment, the wings rippled like waves, scattering specks of light. The empty space shimmered and was bathed in a deep blue glow. Almost simultaneously, a man appeared through the light, breaking the angel’s silence. The angel slowly opened and closed its eyes, fixing its gaze ahead. Moments later, its delicate eyes snapped wide open.
“User…”
The word barely escaped before cutting off. The man—no, Kim Suhyun—was not as he had been before. His face was no longer rigid, nor did it carry the scornful glare of the past. Instead, confusion was etched deeply into his features, and his weary steps seemed on the verge of collapse. His slumped shoulders made him look like a drenched mouse, helpless and pitiful—but there was no humor in it. This was a first.
Eventually, his aimless wandering brought him to a halt in the summoning chamber, standing in the same spot as always. But that was all. Kim Suhyun said nothing, standing quietly. The seraph’s lips moved several times but remained sealed. His gaze was vacant, staring blankly into the void, as if seeing yet not seeing. It was impossible to find words.
Time stretched endlessly as they silently regarded each other. Perhaps because he looked so fragile, the seraph was the first to move. Rising from the altar, his wings unfurled in a brilliant flash of light. He ascended into the air and glided toward Kim Suhyun.
After a brief hesitation, the seraph stopped before him and gently cupped his face. Despite the hatred he once bore for this angel, Kim Suhyun did not pull away. The cool, soft touch soothed his burning cheeks, and finally, he exhaled a long sigh. Seeing his eyes clear just a little, the seraph spoke softly.
“Welcome back…”
The whispered words tickled his ears. Though a simple greeting, it was enough—more than enough—for someone who had lost their way. Kim Suhyun closed his eyes with a look of relief and collapsed as if crumbling. The seraph settled gently beside him, folding his wings around them both and pulling him close.
After a moment, even breaths began to even out on the seraph’s shoulder.
When Kim Suhyun slowly came to, his mind felt foggy and dull. In truth, he remembered nothing after fleeing the room. Or perhaps leaving was just a dream. After sending Vivian away, he must have fallen into a deep sleep, and someone had quietly moved him to bed.
Rubbing his face against the soft, plush mattress, he decided to believe that. He could get up and assess the situation later, but for now, he kept his eyes closed. Maybe it was the dreamlike haze, but the warmth of the bed and the blanket covering his head felt incredibly comforting. Even his troubled mind seemed to be healing in that warmth.
“No, no, that won’t do.”
A hoarse voice suddenly escaped his lips. Kim Suhyun shook his head a few times. Though his mind was still hazy, he somehow remembered the official announcement from his brother. He didn’t want to leave this drug-like comfort, but he needed to check the time and plan his next move. Then—
“Are you awake now?”
A calm voice sounded right beside him, clear and close. Reflexively, Kim Suhyun opened his eyes.
The first thing in his sight was a pale chest, smooth and white, with a straight cleavage. Blinking up, he met serene pale green eyes looking down at him. Then, catching sight of softly glowing silver-white hair and a pair of gentle wings draped around the figure, his heart sank.
“Se…?”
“It’s alright.”
The seraph spoke immediately, meeting Kim Suhyun’s startled gaze with calm composure.
“When you entered the summoning chamber, User Kim Suhyun’s mind was in a very unstable state.”
“When I entered the summoning chamber…?”
“Yes. For reasons unknown, your body and mind were pushed to their limits, and you immediately fell asleep.”
“……”
“You don’t have to look at me like that. It’s also the assistant’s duty to help stabilize the user. You’ve improved a lot since yesterday, but if you’re willing, I’ll stay with you until you’re fully recovered.”
“Ah.”
His dazed eyes blinked rapidly. The seraph’s gentle embrace returned, bringing back the comforting sensation from his dream. Though he felt a bit embarrassed and flustered, the desire to stay wrapped in that warmth was stronger. The conflict faded, and like a child, Kim Suhyun nestled into the seraph’s arms—unaware of the joyful smile spreading across the seraph’s face.
How much time passed, he didn’t know.
Quietly cradled, Kim Suhyun sorted through his memories when suddenly he spoke, breaking the silence.
“Seraph.”
“Yes?”
“Just hypothetically…”
“Yes?”
“If I don’t go home, and instead stay here… what do you think?”
“……”
Kim Suhyun didn’t look at the seraph. Or rather, he could, but chose not to. He only sensed the slight tightening of the hand stroking his back. Inwardly, he felt embarrassed.
‘I just can’t understand.’
‘I finally obtained the Zero Code I so desperately wanted.’
‘I can achieve anything I desire.’
‘…And that’s why it’s so painful.’
‘User Kim Suhyun, do you truly want to turn back time in the Whole Plane?’
‘Are you willing to relive those ten years of torment all over again?’
Of course, the seraph probably didn’t know. Still, despite repeated warnings, it was Kim Suhyun who stubbornly insisted on returning. And now, to even bring up such a thing—it was absurd, even to himself.
Then the seraph spoke.
“I don’t think it’s my place to judge your personal choices… but I do have one question.”
“What is it?”
“Why have you suddenly started thinking this way?”
“Huh?”
“To choose between going home or staying in the Whole Plane, there must be reasons for each option, right?”
“Right.”
“Then wouldn’t it be reasonable to compare those reasons and choose the one that draws you more?”
“Reasonable…”
Kim Suhyun muttered to himself, turning away and curling his back, still feeling shy.
“What if I’m not drawn to either?”
“Excuse me?”
“What if it’s fifty-fifty? Neither side pulls me more. Then what?”
“Heh…”
The seraph chuckled softly and shifted closer, gently grasping Kim Suhyun’s shoulder and peeking around.
“Every action has a reason, and those reasons come from experience.”
“If your thoughts have changed, those reasons lie in your experiences. You may have felt certain emotions or noticed some difference.”
“If it’s hard to decide now, you don’t have to. Future experiences will influence your choice, so postponing it isn’t a bad idea.”
“Just don’t let yourself get trapped by obsessive thoughts.”
“What matters is the experience you go through before reaching the point of decision.”
“If you feel those experiences are valid…”
Kim Suhyun responded when the seraph said,
“There’s no need to fear change.”
When the seraph mentioned ‘change,’ Kim Suhyun suddenly sat up, a look of surprise flashing across his face. A thread of clarity finally pierced through his foggy mind. Change of thought, feeling a difference, not being bound by obsession, not fearing change… as those four phrases connected, a single thought struck him like lightning.
He looked at the seraph in disbelief. It wasn’t certain yet. It could be a simple guess, or the seraph might have been speaking hypothetically. But when he added the weight of ‘experience,’ it fit too perfectly.
Yes, exactly…
“Seraph, you don’t mean…”
“I’m just sharing my thoughts.”
The seraph said calmly, shaking his head as he rose. Flowing through the air, he settled back on the altar and smiled gently.
“By the way, shouldn’t you be heading out soon?”
“What?”
“It’s already past noon.”
“…Huh?”
Kim Soo-hyun furrowed his brows, and Seraph flicked his fingers lightly. Instantly, a translucent projection screen shimmered into existence in midair, revealing the scene of a vast plaza. There, a familiar man stood on a podium, engaged in conversation with someone, while a bustling crowd of users surrounded them.
“Official announcement!”
The moment Kim Yoo-hyun’s face appeared, Kim Soo-hyun shouted.
“What’s going on? I was definitely—!”
“After you collapsed yesterday, we prioritized your mental stability and, under my authority, put you into forced sleep. We did send a messenger to the clan, though…”
“So you’re telling me I’ve been here for over a day?”
“The official announcement started less than thirty minutes ago, so it’s not too late yet.”
At those words, Kim Soo-hyun hurriedly turned around.
“Are you leaving?”
In that instant, Seraph’s voice echoed through the summoning chamber. Kim Soo-hyun stopped at the portal and glanced back.
“I won’t stop you if you want to go…”
“…?”
“But I think we’ll be meeting again soon.”
“…”
The words were cryptic. Kim Soo-hyun opened his mouth as if to say something but swallowed it back. In truth, he had more questions than answers. He wanted to understand what was happening behind his back.
But for now—
“…Alright. I’ll be back soon.”
With a quiet voice, he stepped into the portal.
Soon enough, he would find out.
Meanwhile, at the same time—
“…That was a long explanation. In any case, I want to hear a clear statement from Hamill Lord regarding this matter.”
The man who had finished speaking took his seat, and Kim Yoo-hyun fell silent for a moment. It wasn’t just dozens or hundreds of eyes watching—thousands, maybe even tens of thousands, all fixed on him. Despite the intense scrutiny, his expression remained surprisingly composed, though beneath the surface, it was a different story.
Kim Yoo-hyun glanced sideways. Another seat was set up on the podium, but it was empty. It was obvious who it was meant for. Mercenary clan members were present, but the Mercenary Lord was not.
‘Is this your choice…?’
He wouldn’t be honest if he said he wasn’t even a little surprised. But that was all—no bitterness, no disappointment. He had already resolved to respect and accept whatever decision Kim Soo-hyun made.
With that thought, Kim Yoo-hyun spoke softly.
“I will answer.”
And then—
“Actually…?”
Suddenly, Kim Yoo-hyun’s voice rose strangely.
---------------------------= Author’s Note =---------------------------
Honestly, there’s so much I want to say…
You know how it is.
Like in the last note, when I asked, “Do you still see me as Ro Yoo-jin?”
Now, I’m scared to say anything, afraid I might be digging my own grave again… ;ㅅ;