When I lay down on the bed, my body wanted to sleep.My mind wanted the exact opposite.
I stared at the barely visible lines in the ceiling above me.The room in the Copper Lantern Inn was quiet; aside from the faint creaking of floorboards in the hallway and muffled voices from far below, there was no sound.
I pulled the blanket up to my chest.
I'm here.In a bed. In an inn room. In another world.
I closed my eyes, but sleep didn't come.As soon as I did, images of the cave returned:
The stone altar.Broken pillars.The ruined city swallowed by darkness.The face in the water that wasn't mine.A thin, black-haired, eighteen-year-old body.Morgael's form—first alluring, then nightmarish.The metallic cube that wouldn't let go once I touched it.And then… the watch.
I drew a deep breath.
"Alright," I muttered to myself. "Time to stop running and actually sort this out."
Still staring at the ceiling, I whispered:
"System."
As if it had been waiting for that single word, a familiar translucent screen appeared in my vision. The voice was as cold and mechanical as ever—but I was starting to get used to it.
⟪SYSTEM⟫[MODE: DIALOG]Host is awake. Ready to receive questions.
"Good," I said. "Then let's start from the beginning.How did I get here? You know, don't you?"
A brief pause.Then lines appeared:
⟪SYSTEM⟫[SHORT RECORD OF PAST]– Original world: UNDEFINED (Low priority)– Event: High-speed vehicle accident– Condition: Critical injury → loss of consciousness– After that: [DATA MISSING]
Soul state: 'Transfer'Body state: Matched with new host body
[RESULT:]Your physical existence in your old world most likely ended.In this world, you experienced a "soul migration" into a weak 18-year-old body.
A lump formed in my throat.
"So…" I said, "I basically died."
⟪SYSTEM⟫[EVALUATION]The term "death" depends on definition.
Chance of returning to your old body: None.Your existence in this world: Active.
In human terms: Yes, it can be called "death."
I closed my eyes.Deep down, I already knew it.
The crash. The impact. The drop off the cliff.That silhouette of a man walking toward me at the crash site. The words I couldn't understand…
"What about that man?" I asked. "The one walking toward me after the crash, saying something I didn't get. Got anything on him?"
⟪SYSTEM⟫[SEARCHING RECORDS]…
Result: No clear record.Only:– Indistinct energy trace– Unintelligible speech– Temporal proximity to soul transfer
[CONCLUSION:]That person / entity may have played a role in the transfer process.Details: [ACCESS DENIED]
An uncomfortable emptiness stirred inside me.Like there was someone—or something—at the center of all this, and the data cut off right before I could see it.
"What about the cave?" I asked. "The place I woke up. That ruined city underground… do you have records of that?"
⟪SYSTEM⟫[LOCATION ANALYSIS – PAST]Location: Underground Ancient City RuinsDetailed name: [REDACTED]
Danger level: Cannot be calculatedInformation status: Corrupted / Incomplete / Blocked
Note: The disappearance of the entrance after your exit is part of this anomaly.
"So my old world, that man, the cave… they're all 'missing data' to you. Is that it?"
⟪SYSTEM⟫[SUMMARY]Some things are in "shadow" even for the System.
Possible reasons:– Intervention by a higher authority– Deliberate censorship– Or access levels you have not yet reached
I frowned.
"Access levels? Aren't I the user? Doesn't that make me the owner?"
This time, the answer was more honest than I expected:
⟪SYSTEM⟫[ROLE DEFINITION]You: Host.Me: System.
You use the System.That does not mean you "own" it.
Ownership is a separate concept.Your access level to that concept: NONE.
"Perfect…" I muttered. "So I'm using a program I don't fully understand, and I never read the terms of service."
It didn't laugh.No reaction.
I inhaled slowly.
"Alright. Then what about Morgael?" I said. Even saying the name made my skin crawl. "That… thing. First a seductive woman, then a nightmare. What do you know about her?"
For a moment, there was a flicker across the screen, like static.
⟪SYSTEM⟫[ENTITY ANALYSIS]Code name: M***aelFull name: [REDACTED]Type: Semi-sentient (?) high-tier entityStatus: Physical body destroyed.
Information status:– Partially corrupted– Partially locked– Partially out of reach
Note: The fact that you're questioning her name this early may be an "indicator" important to the future.
"This early?" I repeated. "She tried to crush me against a wall on day one. What was I supposed to do—not think about her?"
Silence.Sometimes that silence felt sharper than actual words.
"Fine. Then the watch," I said. My hand went to my pocket on its own. I felt the weight of metal there. I didn't take it out; just knowing it was there was enough. "That chained pocket watch. I took it from her hand. I know it doesn't belong to me originally. What can you tell me?"
⟪SYSTEM⟫[ITEM ANALYSIS: CHAIN POCKET WATCH]Status: Analysis restricted.
Basic information:– Old, custom-made object– Contains non-ordinary energy traces– Time display is fixed
Details: [DATA REDACTED]Access level: INSUFFICIENT
Recommendation:– Do not lose it.– Ask again once you are stronger.
I felt the urge to swear, but swallowed it down.
"So far, here's what I've learned:I died and got thrown here.The cave is dangerous and censored.Morgael is dangerous and censored.The watch may be dangerous and is censored.And you are partially gagged about all of it."
This time, the reply was immediate:
⟪SYSTEM⟫[HONESTY MODE]Correct.
However, this does not mean I am weak in all areas.I can still help you survive and grow stronger.
"That's where I was heading," I said. "What exactly can you do? Show me all your functions."
In the dark room, the screen expanded.It felt like an actual main menu had opened.
⟪SYSTEM⟫[ACTIVE BASIC MODULES]
STATUS– Shows your current attributes, conditions, and some tags.– Example: Strength, Agility, Endurance, Intelligence, Perception, Luck.– Note: Numbers are relative, not absolute.
QUESTS– Lists main quests, side quests, and long-term objectives.– Quests come with rewards and sometimes penalties.
MINI-MAP– Displays your nearby surroundings in simple form.– You can mark certain key locations.– Limited in dark or unknown areas.
INVENTORY– Records key items you carry.– May allow certain special items to be stored "virtually." (Partially unlocked.)
ANALYSIS (LOW LEVEL)– Provides basic information on simple items and weak entities.– May fail or be blocked for powerful beings, old artifacts, or censored zones.
[LOCKED MODULES]– Skill Trees– Advanced Map– Combat Assistance– Formation / Creation modules
Unlock conditions: Synchronization + Level + Real experience.
"So you level up with me," I said. "The more I grow, the more you open up."
⟪SYSTEM⟫[CORRECTION]We synchronize together.I remain constant; you change.
Your changes determine which data becomes accessible.
"Alright, then here's the big question," I said. "How do I get stronger in this world?Spell it out, one by one."
This time, the tone of the screen felt slightly more serious.
⟪SYSTEM⟫[WAYS TO GROW STRONGER – SUMMARY]
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT– Regular physical activity, especially those that push your limits, can increase core attributes like Strength / Endurance / Agility.– Examples: Carrying heavy loads, training, close-combat practice.
COMBAT & DANGER EXPERIENCE– Situations involving real risk to your life are treated as higher "experience" by the System.– Facing monsters, enemies, or lethal danger accelerates growth.– Note: Do not underestimate the risk of death.
QUEST COMPLETION– System quests—both main and side—shape your path.– Some quests grant special passives, abilities, or permanent stat increases.
KNOWLEDGE & LEARNING– Gaining information about this world (history, languages, magic systems, monsters, maps, etc.) can increase Intelligence and Perception in certain contexts.– Some knowledge acts as a key to unlock locked modules.
ITEMS & ARTIFACTS– Special weapons, armor, charms, and objects like the watch…– The right item can grant effects beyond your current level.
INCREASED SYNCHRONIZATION– As synchronization between you and the System grows:• New modules unlock.• Existing functions become stronger and more precise.• Some restrictions may be relaxed.
"So in short," I said, fingers tightening slightly on the blanket, "here's the rough outline:I work my body, face danger, complete quests, gather information, find items… and sync more with you.Then I get stronger."
⟪SYSTEM⟫[CONFIRMATION]Correct.
Important note:If you rely solely on quests I give you and never act on your own will, part of your potential will remain locked.
The System is a tool.The deciding factor: You.
"I like that line," I said. "The problem is… I'm starting from the basement.Level 1. Strength 3. Endurance 2.If two big guys stood too close together, I'd probably get crushed between them."
⟪SYSTEM⟫[OBJECTIVE EVALUATION]True.
But you are not bound to stay that way.
I stayed quiet for a moment.Then I turned onto my side, drawing my knees up slightly. In the dimness of the room, I focused on the sound of my own breathing.
"Alright," I said at last. "Then I want one more thing.I don't fully understand the cave, Morgael, the watch, or the crash.But I know they'll come back to me someday."
I cleared my throat.
"Put all of that under one heading. Call it whatever you want. I want a long-term quest. Even if it stays locked, I want it there.So I don't forget."
The screen shimmered for a moment. Even the System seemed to recognize this as something serious.
⟪SYSTEM⟫[LONG-TERM QUEST CREATED]
[QUEST TYPE:] LONG-TERM / PERSONALName: Uncover the Origin of the Shadows
Description:Your soul's transfer to this world, the underground ruins, the entity called M***ael, and the chained pocket watch…None of these may be coincidences.
Objective (for now, general):– Learn the connection between your past and the dark points of this world.– Uncover the true nature of the watch and the ancient ruins.
Status: LOCKED DETAILS– Detailed objectives will unlock as your strength and synchronization grow.
Reward: UNKNOWNPenalty: UNKNOWN
"Even the penalty is 'unknown,' huh…" I muttered.
⟪SYSTEM⟫[NOTE]Some threats do not need to be spelled out to be understood.
I stared at the quest window for a few seconds until it slowly faded away.
The ceiling came back into view.
"Alright then," I whispered. "Here's the order:One: Survive in Veldan.Two: Grow stronger.Three: Learn how this world works.Four: Turn around and settle things with the shadows."
I felt the weight of the watch in my pocket.I didn't touch it, didn't take it out. But I was almost certain it was "listening."
I closed my eyes again.This time, sleep came slowly—but steadily.
In this world, I'd been given a second chance.And this time, I wasn't living just to survive.
I was living to survive and grow stronger.
The darkness no longer felt like that cave.It was just a curtain leading to the next morning—and the next step.