Memorize Chapter 3

I turned back the time by 10 years. The Seraph I had been with for that decade has vanished.

'So, what happens now...?’

It's empty now, but soon an angel will be summoned to the altar. It could be a new angel or the Seraph again. If it's the former, it doesn’t matter, but what if it’s the latter? I can guess that it might forget all memories with me, but still, curiosity arises.

After waiting for about 3 minutes, I could feel a reaction. The space on the altar began to ripple like waves. I must have lost consciousness around this time during the first round. Since I had never seen the angel summoning process, I watched the altar with keen interest.

Like waves on a surface, a white light started to seep out from the center of the rippling pattern. The light briefly flickered before exploding brightly like fireworks and began to form a shape. I watched the entire process of the new angel’s creation.

Eventually, one angel appeared on the altar. Although its eyes were still closed, its appearance felt incredibly familiar. The angel had fluttering wings that exuded sanctity and a radiant, noble glow. The figure was exactly the same as Seraph, flawless and perfect.

Noticing my gaze, Seraph’s eyes slowly opened. For a brief moment, a unique emotion passed through her green eyes as she faced me.

Beautiful and noble.

Seraph had an allure overflowing with a serenity and sacred aura that was almost indescribable, like angels from novels or comics.

Her moonlit silver-white hair shone so brightly it was almost chilling, with a silky luster that flowed smoothly. Her skin was as white as snow, flawless and pristine. Her pale double eyelids framed jade-like eyes that sparkled, revealing glimpses of the inner glow.

However, even seeing her beautiful appearance, not a trace of lust or desire arose. As a being from a different dimension, the very emotions we felt towards each other would be fundamentally different.

Seraph’s gaze seemed to notice that I was awake. With a calm expression, she surveyed me with her serene eyes, as if observing every detail. Feeling her gaze on me as usual, I was finally able to come to a conclusion.

‘Seraph. It’s you from ten years ago.’

At that moment, Seraph’s delicate lips parted.

“Nice to meet you.”

“Yeah.”

“Welcome to the Summoning Room. Planet Earth. Country: South Korea. Age: 23. Name: Kim Su-Hyeon. Identity verification is complete. From now on, you will be referred to as 'Player' for convenience. I am Seraph, your guide.”

“Yeah.”

“Player Kim Su-Hyeon will be given basic information in this Summoning Room and will then be transferred to a place known as the Ritual of Passage. There, you must prove your worth to become a true player.”

“Yeah.”

“…….”

Seraph, who had been speaking rapidly, suddenly fell silent. She tilted her head with a look that said, ‘This isn’t right.’ Seeing her like that stirred a faint, fresh feeling within me. But for now, I should just take what’s given.

“I have one question…”

“If it’s about where this place is and why you’re here, I would advise against asking. There are only 2 hours remaining before you enter the Ritual of Passage. Of course, I understand that the current situation is confusing. But if you want to live and return…”

Seraph, as if she thought it was the right thing to do, began to speak rapidly again. Even though I had adapted to some extent, it was honestly quite frightening at first. Her expressionless face and calm tone made me feel like I was seeing a ghost.

Remembering that time made me smile for no reason. After a faint smile, I responded calmly.

“Ah, I see.”

“It’s recommended that players spend the remaining time adapting to their situation as best as they can…”

“Got it, got it.”

Despite agreeing willingly, Seraph’s brow furrowed slightly. Her hand drifted slowly through the air, and she muttered with a hint of displeasure after blinking a few times.

“He’s not insane… and his mind is in a very stable state. It’s unusual.”

“Who decides if someone is insane… Anyway, it doesn’t matter. Isn’t it easier for you to just follow along?”

“Well, that’s true.”

“Then let’s leave it at that. Why complain so much?”

“I wasn’t complaining. Anyway, it’s fine. Player Kim Su-Hyeon’s attitude is very commendable. If he can maintain such an attitude, his survival rate will increase dramatically. So for now…”

I raised my hand this time. Seraph seemed to finally notice my signal and stopped speaking.

"I said I had a question.” 

“Is that so? Very well. As long as it pertains to what was previously discussed, I’ll allow questions."

"That’s not it. Do you have something to give me?"

"Something to give? I don’t quite understand the clear meaning of your question. Please provide a more detailed explanation."

"Uh~. Oh, I heard I should call it Tanay?"

"!"

The moment I mentioned Tanay, I could see Seraph visibly flustered. I had suspected this reaction. It was amusing, but I worried slightly about whether I might not receive anything. I couldn’t afford to forgo the special benefits. With the thought of pushing her to give in, I spoke in a gentle tone.

"I said Tanay, definitely Tanay. It’s fine to start things on your own, but you should still give what’s due…."

"……."

Seraph quickly regained her composure, but only in expression. I could clearly see her struggling to hide her agitation. Her usually slow-fluttering wings were fluttering uncontrollably, indicating her discomfort.

"Please wait a moment."

Seraph immediately closed her eyes. Her fingers tapped the air rapidly, and her lips moved constantly. She was probably confirming Tanay and communicating with other angels.

After a time long enough to finish a cup of tea, Seraph showed many changes in expression, and I watched in silence. It was an unusual sight, so the wait was not tedious.

Then, Seraph opened her eyes, still with an incredulous expression.

"I want to speak with player Kim Su-Hyeon."

"I don’t want to."

"It will only be for a moment. If you’re asking where you are right now and why you’re here, I’d advise against it. There are only two hours left until the rite of passage begins. I understand the current situation is confusing, but… well, what else was said?”

When I repeated exactly what Seraph had just said, she immediately fell silent.

"Anyway, as you said, it seems like there’s not much time left before the rite of passage begins... So, let’s give what needs to be given and take what needs to be taken. Isn’t that a rational course of action?"

Emphasizing the word "rational" on purpose, Seraph bit her lip. Yeah, she must be frustrated. She probably didn’t expect to be outmaneuvered by a human before coming here.

Honestly, I had a curiosity about experiencing a situation like this at least once. When I first arrived here, Seraph's reaction was very cold. It felt almost like being looked at as a lab rat. Ignoring my pleas to be sent back, I was immediately thrown out after causing a commotion running around here and there.

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

A content smile naturally appeared on my face. Seraph gazed at me for a moment before snapping her fingers.

Snap!

With a sound of flesh meeting flesh, the flow of time around us slowed slightly. Though I couldn’t feel it in detail due to being in an initial state, years of experience still counted for something.

Seraph then spoke.

“Player Kim Su-Hyeon’s request is rational. Therefore, I will compensate you for the lost time. The flow of time surrounding the summoning room has been slowed. Are you satisfied?”

“Yes.”

I answered calmly. Seraph scrutinized me for a moment before speaking softly.

“I am also curious about you, Player Kim Su-Hyeon. However, if you don’t want to answer, I won’t press the matter.”

“Oh, really? I was just about to tell you.”

Feeling mischievous, I shrugged slightly, and Seraph’s eyes gleamed.

“Ah, is that so? Indeed, all the assistants, including myself, are confused right now. If you’re willing, I’d like to hear the full story.”

"But now I don't want to."

Realizing that she had been toyed with, Seraph’s cheeks turned bright red. Seeing that, I wanted to clap and laugh heartily. She glared at me with a pout before calming her expression and said, “We can impose appropriate sanctions if actions exceed acceptable limits, but there is a principle that assistants must not harm players. Therefore, please refrain from making further jokes at the expense of the assistants.”

“Being beings of a different dimension with vast ranks, I suppose you can forgive me with broad tolerance.”

“…I have confirmed Tanay as you mentioned. This is an irrevocable pledge with completed payment, holding a ‘binding’ effect for us. The special privileges granted have been determined to be perfectly suited to player Kim Su-Hyeon after thorough review.”

“Hm. For that sort of thing, you seem to understand quickly. It’s not very interesting.”

“To us, Tanay means that. We can review things, but we have no influence. Therefore, we cannot take away the privileges granted to user Kim Soo-hyun. You can be assured of that.”

“But if you start with this kind of power from Year 0, it will definitely become an exception, won’t it? For example, it could disrupt the balance…”

“It will not affect the balance.”

Seraph answered decisively without hesitation. Then, with a somewhat stern expression, she continued.

“I have read the contents of the privileges. Indeed, there are many exceptional elements. However, do not be complacent. Even if you accept all the privileges, there are still beings with capabilities that surpass them.”

Still, Seraph was being true to form, repeating the same thing as always. But even her words, “there are still beings with capabilities beyond,” were enough. It was a stark contrast to the earlier assessment of “there are countless.” I decided to accept it willingly.

“Well, there’s no need to focus solely on players. It would make sense for such beings to exist in the Hall Plain.”

“That’s correct.”

The moment "Hall Plain" was mentioned, Seraph’s eyes flickered briefly.

“It is expected that a significant amount of time will be needed to set up all of user Kim Soo-hyun’s privileges. Currently, there are 1 hour, 47 minutes, and 26 seconds remaining. It seems it will be tight to align with the rite of passage. My guess is that you are already familiar with the internal circumstances of the Hall Plane…”

“Okay. Skipping that. It’s exactly what I was hoping for.”

“Although we artificially slowed the flow of time, this only applies to the time compensated. There will be a slight delay in preparations before moving on to the next stage. Please wait a moment.”

While Seraph prepared, I thought about the rite of passage.

The rite of passage can be simply defined as “a place where a test is conducted to prove one’s qualifications as a user.” It is a place where people like me, who were kidnapped without understanding what’s happening, gather. There are only two conditions to pass the test: either survive for 7 days or reach the Warp Gate within 7 days. In other words, ‘survival’ is a necessary condition to prove one’s qualifications.

Those who succeed in surviving are then summoned to the Summoning Room again. They are given a class suitable to their potential and finally enter the actual space, the Hall Plane. It is, in a way, a quite unjust and eerie test. If you fail to meet the survival conditions, you will be immediately declared ‘dead.’

“Player Kim Su-Hyeon. All preparations are complete.”

While lost in thought, I received the signal from Seraph that the preparation was finished.

“Detailed information about the special privileges…”

“I know. It’s all in my head, so I’d like to start right away.”

“Yes. I understand there is no need to provide additional information. Then, which special privilege would you like to receive first?”

“Hmm…”

In turn, I recalled the first ability.

‘1. Special privilege related to player Kim Su-Hyeon's original stat information. First, you can ‘load’ the player information from the first round. Second, among the 6 basic stats, 4 will be randomly selected and their values will be increased. The extent of the increase will also be determined randomly.’

You cannot set the special privileges according to your whims. There must be a reason why Seraph designated the order. Therefore, it was indeed correct to start with number 1. Since all settings begin with stats, it would be natural to go with the stat-oriented option if inheriting the previous stats. However, for now, it was necessary to check the extent of the increase.

Without any hesitation, I spoke up. “Load and grant the bonuses for the attribute increase.”

“Yes. Retrieving information under player Kim Su-Hyeon. 27%, 56%, 87%, 100%. Complete. Load has been successfully completed.”

As Seraph finished speaking, I felt a surge of vitality throughout my body. Along with it, the slow flow around me felt more pronounced on my skin. Even with my young 23-year-old body, freshly discharged from the military, it couldn't compare to the physique of a Sword Master.

“Bang!”

When I extended my right arm forcefully, I heard a rough cracking sound. I checked the player information with satisfaction.

“……”

The attributes were inherited, but everything else was reset. Though I regretted the loss of the peak achievements and reputation, I nodded, accepting it.

“Player information load confirmed. Now you need to use the attribute increase bonus?”

“Yes, of course. Just a caution: among the six abilities, four will be randomly increased. The abilities and values that increase will also be random but will be in accordance with the player's potential and growth. Please keep this in mind.”

“I understand that.”

In simple terms, higher attributes would see less increase, and lower attributes would see more. This was a rule applied equally to everyone, despite minor personal differences based on potential. Outside of luck, elixirs, and achievement rewards, there was a limit to increases from simple training.

Strength, stamina, magic power. I earnestly hoped these three attributes would be increased.

I consider magic power most important, followed by stamina. Strength, durability, and agility are of equal importance. Luck is the least important. While having one attribute high and others low can be problematic, magic power is the most efficient if other attributes are somewhat balanced.

“Then I’ll grant them now.”

‘Luck doesn’t need to increase. Please, strength, stamina, magic power. At least stamina or mana…!’

Whether my fervent wish was heard or not, it seemed the bonus had been granted. As soon as Seraph waved her hand, four messages appeared floating in the air.