Though my eyes remained closed, my consciousness had surfaced.

My mind was hazy. The bed supporting my body was soft, and the blanket covering me was incredibly warm.

And my right hand felt particularly cold.

— Haaahm...

Still wrapped in the remnants of sleep, I suddenly yawned, taking care not to let any sound escape.

After successfully stifling the yawn, I shut my mouth firmly.

Perhaps because I’d just woken up, my mouth felt dry. I licked my lips, craving some moisture, and pushed myself up into a sitting position.

The blanket slid down, and immediately, I heard a familiar voice beside me.

“You’re up early.”

I fiddled with my fingers for a moment before activating my Observation Power.

The dome overhead still displayed a night sky, and the bed was in the center of the room.

There I was, just waking up...

“How are you feeling? The bed’s a luxury piece, so you must’ve slept comfortably.”

Baek Ahrin, who had been lying in the same bed, waved her hand.

My hand, still clasped with hers, moved with it. The coldness of her hand felt familiar, as if we’d held hands all night.

Waking up next to someone else on the same bed is... surprising, if not a little shocking.

“......”

After a moment’s thought, I nodded.

[Yes.] [Good morning.]

I was surprisingly unphased by it.

...

The Sunday morning streets were quiet.

After leaving the facility that resembled a celestial projector, we walked down the streets without encountering many people.

The place wasn’t densely populated to begin with, and since it was early Sunday morning, there were even fewer people than usual.

“Oh, here it comes~!”

[Table 11. Your order has arrived.]

When I was about to head back to the dorm, Baek Ahrin suggested having breakfast together.

After a brief hesitation, we decided to go to a nearby restaurant and order some food.

It was just the two of us in the place, so the food was served quickly.

A serving robot placed the dishes on the table.

Steam rose from a hot broth, accompanied by white, curled noodles topped with garnishes and seaweed flakes…

It was a simple bowl of janchi guksu.

There were side dishes like dumplings, but Baek Ahrin didn’t seem particularly interested in them.

When I asked if I should order some dumplings, she declined, and I didn’t order them either.

“Thank you for the meal~” [Thank you for the meal.]

Baek Ahrin picked up her chopsticks. She grabbed a portion of noodles and brought it to her mouth.

“Aren’t you eating?”

[Huh?]

She paused, noodles still held by her chopsticks, and glanced at me and my untouched chopsticks lying on the table.

[Ah.] [Please, go ahead.]

Placing my hands on my lap, I tilted my head and encouraged her to eat first.

With a curious look, Baek Ahrin took a bite of her noodles.

After watching her chew and swallow, I picked up my own chopsticks.

I stirred the noodles a bit to mix them with the broth, then grabbed a portion and put it in my mouth.

Chewing the thin noodles, I swallowed and twirled my chopsticks absentmindedly before lifting more noodles.

To be honest, janchi guksu wasn’t my favorite.

When I was starving, I’d eat anything, bugs included, but after settling into comfort, I’d become more selective with my food.

And janchi guksu... It was bland, even with added pepper; the flavor just didn’t appeal to me.

‘It’s not bad.’

For some reason, it wasn’t too bad now. I sipped the broth with a peculiar expression.

It felt like drinking warm water, but honestly, that’s not far from how I remembered janchi guksu broth tasting.

Janchi guksu was essentially noodles boiled in anchovy broth—simple food.

Since the original flavor was mild, I didn’t feel any strong discomfort or displeasure while eating the noodles.

“This place is better than I expected, considering it’s my first time here.”

[Yes.] [I thought it was fine too.]

As I steadily worked my way through the noodles and sipped the broth with a spoon, I was able to finish my meal quickly.

Thanks to pacing myself with Baek Ahrin’s eating speed, we stood up from the table almost at the same time.

“Shall we take a walk on the way back to help digest?”

[Yes.] [Sounds good.]

As a superhuman, I required a larger amount of food than a regular person.

So my appetite had increased as well. I wouldn’t have managed even a few bites before, but now, I could polish off an entire bowl.

Rubbing my comfortably full stomach, I nodded at the suggestion of a walk.

Shioram was vast. While it had dedicated parks for walking, even the path to the dorm was substantial enough to make a good walk.

‘It’s been a while since I’m heading back.’

The idea of returning made me feel nostalgic as we walked, engaging in idle chatter to pass the time.

We held hands as we strolled, and at some point, it occurred to me that it had been quite a while since I’d gone back to the dorm.

During the written exam period, I’d stayed in the library; after the preliminary tournament round, I stayed at Hong Yeonhwa’s dorm; and after the finals, I’d been at my master’s lodging…

Now, after nearly a week, I was finally heading back to the dorm. With the basic purification spells active, there shouldn’t be any dust accumulating.

Once I’m back, it’s time to buckle down and train seriously.

Even though it was a midterm, I’d taken it too easy on the training.

I have tasks for the summer vacation and the upcoming trial of growth at the start of the next semester, which will definitely bring a big boost to my abilities, but…

“Oh, right.”

My thoughts were interrupted by Baek Ahrin’s exclamation.

Curious, I turned to look at her, and she asked in a casual tone, as if it were the most normal question in the world.

“Don’t you get a lot of talk about engagement?”

[What?]

It was a sudden and unexpected topic.

Engagement.

Not an immediate marriage, but a promise to marry in the future.

There could be various reasons for it.

Maybe they’re too young for marriage, or circumstances aren’t right.

Or, as I tend to think about engagement, it’s a strategic arrangement.

“I figured you must’ve received a lot of proposals already, but now that the midterms are over, I’d imagine they’ll start pouring in more seriously.”

Baek Ahrin added to her question, watching me intently. Seemingly waiting for an answer, I nodded uncomfortably.

Early in the semester.

When I hadn’t yet proven my qualifications, strange messages started arriving.

We are from such-and-such family… We hold power in this region… Our child is also talented… We’d like to forge a bond…

Fancy messages filled with flowery language. At first, I dismissed one or two as spam and threw them in the trash.

But as time went on, they only kept coming, piling up to the point where there’d be ten a day.

Eventually, the tone shifted from the heavy topic of engagement to lighter messages just wanting to meet.

I remembered that this was something that happened in the original story as well.

Strategic engagements.

If I recall, this sort of culture was more common in eras with monarchy and nobility.

It’s not entirely gone in the modern world, but it’s not like it’s common for the neighbor’s kid to be engaged to the kid next door.

At least, according to the standards of the world I used to live in.

Here, it was different.

Superhumans and the factions they formed could wield power comparable to, if not greater than, nobility.

In fact, national borders are vague, with each region being governed by local powers that appoint administrative personnel as needed.

It’s no longer South Korea but the Korean Peninsula, or the South Korean region.

Not China but the former land of China…

In fact, names like China, Korea, and Japan have long referred more to regions than to countries.

“Indeed... There are many who assume it’s a guaranteed match.”

...And the person walking beside me, who curiously asked if I’d received proposals on the first day of school, is the heir to one of the largest powers.

Baek Ahrin, heir to the Changhae Family, which governs North Korea, the Maritime Province, Khabarovsk, and other areas.

She’s practically royalty or nobility. In fact, she holds even more authority than that…

“What do you think about engagements, Hayul?”

Just as I was considering Baek Ahrin’s impressive status.

She nodded to herself and suddenly asked.

“......”

That question made my legs come to a halt.

Baek Ahrin stopped as well, her familiar blue eyes watching me.

Engagements... When I’d considered them spam emails, I ignored them, but seeing the deluge of messages made me think a little about the topic.

— Creak...

The Confession Necklace creaked.

[I don’t like it.]

— Crrrack...

The necklace emitted a sound akin to nails on a chalkboard, expressing my rejection.

[I don’t like it.]

Baek Ahrin looked surprised at the firm rejection from the necklace.

[I don’t mean to judge other people’s situations.]

Seeing her expression, I hurried to clarify.

[It’s not that I feel total aversion...] [Uh...] [I just... well...]

I stumbled over my words, feeling a strange urgency, and after a moment of struggle, I found an appropriate response.

[It’s overwhelming.]

“Overwhelming?”

[Yes…] [It’s too much for me.]

To be engaged means to be in a relationship that promises marriage.

Marriage, where two people become spouses and build a life together.

If you’re engaged, you’ll likely get married, and if you’re married, you’ll probably build a family and become a couple.

And from there... children will come along, too.

When I thought about it and imagined myself in that role, I felt a crushing pressure.

To put it bluntly, I wasn’t confident.

I wasn’t confident I could make a partner happy.

I wasn’t confident I could have children, raise them safely and happily, and ensure they had a bright future.

I mean, look at me.

How could I talk about making someone else happy, raising them, or teaching them?

I’m still cursed, on borrowed time, not even sure if I’ll survive...

“True. Honestly, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed at our age,” Baek Ahrin replied.

‘Oh.’

At that moment, I snapped out of it and clamped down on the necklace.

I’d unintentionally voiced my thoughts. The cool, soft hand that gently squeezed mine reassured me, prompting me to pour out my feelings.

I hadn’t shared everything, but I had conveyed that it felt overwhelming and impossible.

Baek Ahrin listened intently and nodded in understanding.

Then she gently pulled on my hand and started walking again.

The conversation ended. She seemed to be lost in thought.

I took the chance to double-check if the necklace had said anything strange.

Thankfully, it hadn’t. Just my ramblings about feeling burdened… and my lack of confidence.

I regretted that, but at least I hadn’t spilled any irrelevant past stories.

The effort I’d put into controlling the Confession Necklace had paid off.

“And here we are!”

We finally reached the dorm.

[Thank you for walking me back.] [Yesterday was really enjoyable too.]

Standing at the entrance to my dorm, I bowed slightly in gratitude.

I meant it. At the very least, it hadn’t been an unpleasant experience.

“It’s reassuring to hear that directly from you!”

Baek Ahrin responded with a bright smile.

She didn’t seem bothered by my earlier rambling. Relieved, I started to release her hand, but then…

“Hayul.”

Baek Ahrin lifted our clasped hands close to my face.

“If engagement matters ever become too overwhelming, I can help.”

[Help?]

“Yes, help.”

I tilted my head in confusion, and Baek Ahrin gave a mysterious smile before releasing my hand.

“Just keep that in mind. If you find it all too burdensome to handle, I’ll lend a hand.”

In other words, she was offering support if things got tough.

[Thank you.] [I’ll reach out if it becomes too much.]

It was a sincere gesture of goodwill.

I bowed my head, and Baek Ahrin smiled and waved.

...

Back in the dorm. It had only been a week, but it felt like an eternity.

Feeling a strange mix of emotions, I walked down the hallway.

After exiting the elevator, I headed toward my room, which was now within Observation range.

It wasn’t someone else’s place—it was my own. There was no need to restrain my Observation.

Thinking this, I left it active.

— Craaack… craaack…

I perceived the Origin Egg, sitting in the corner of the living room, beginning to crack in real time.

‘…No way!’

For a moment, I froze like a statue, then hurriedly ran over and threw open the door.

There, in the corner of the sofa, the Origin Egg wobbled and scattered fragments around.

The protective barrier began to shake—a clear sign it was about to hatch.

‘No way…!’

Though my eyes were closed, I could feel my internal gaze alight with excitement.

‘It’s hatching, it’s really hatching…!’

The Origin Egg.

A hidden treasure I thought I’d secured for good.

It had shown no signs of hatching, and I’d started to suspect I’d been scammed…

But it was hatching now, right before my eyes…!

My heart pounded. Suppressing my anticipation, I crouched down in front of the sofa.

‘What could it be?’

I was brimming with excitement, practically vibrating with anticipation.

‘The Elixir of Extremes?’

The potion that had significantly contributed to the absurd stats of the 11th timeline’s ‘Diamond Warrior’?

‘Or maybe the Mirror of Duality?’

The single-use artifact that allowed the 3rd timeline’s ‘Triple Path’ to replicate a unique ability?

‘Even the Order of Reversal would be good.’

The artifact that created the 5th timeline’s ‘Reverse Mage.’

Though difficult to use, even that would be worthwhile. If I didn’t use it, I could auction it off and make a fortune, even by superhuman standards.

Having briefly considered the possibility that it might never hatch, I’d even be happy if it turned out to be a basic elixir set.

I could use it, or if I was uncertain, I could have it appraised and either consume it or sell it.

Anything would be fine.

But if I had a preference… it would be something I could use right away during the summer break.

Of course, I had contingencies in place, but since I was planning something risky, I hoped it would be something that could quickly add to my strength.

— Craaack, craaack-crack…!

As if responding to my hopes, the Origin Egg began to hatch faster.

Finally, a large crack split down the middle of the egg.

The protective barrier remained, but on closer inspection, the shell had already split in two.

‘Is it open?’

My heart raced. After taking a few deep breaths, I carefully reached out my hand.

— !

The Origin Egg shuddered dramatically. The upper half of the shell tilted askew, revealing a violent reaction I hadn’t seen before.

The egg wobbled again. As if… there was something inside.

‘?’

My hand trembled. A slight, instinctive unease crept over me.

Then—

— Craaack!

A tiny hand popped out of the crack in the egg.

It was a small arm with soft, pale skin.

After flailing around for a moment, it retracted, only for another arm to emerge from the opposite side.

The two arms flailed aimlessly for a moment before slipping back inside. Then a tiny hand reached out, lifting the shell covering the egg.

The little hand went up, taking the shell with it.

Finally, the creature inside revealed itself.

“Pyaa-ha!”

A baby’s carefree laughter echoed, free from any trace of worry.

Its hair and eyes were pure white, devoid of any other color—innocent and brimming with purity.

It was an unusual-looking baby…

But not just any baby.

The real peculiarity was yet to come.

Behind the laughing baby’s back, a pair of wings fluttered.

Unlike its pure white hair and eyes, these wings were translucent and beautiful, with a dazzling array of iridescent colors…

‘......’

My mind went blank. My thoughts cut off abruptly, and a pounding headache began to set in.

A ringing noise filled my ears. My legs nearly gave out as I almost fell backward.

Just then, the baby, still flailing its tiny arms, looked straight at me.

Since I was crouched down in front of the sofa, I was at eye level with the baby sitting on the sofa.

The baby’s mouth opened.

“Ah, paaa!”

My ears throbbed. The sound seemed to stretch out.

Ah, paaa…

Appaaa…

Appa…

Dad...?

To whom?

To me?

— Bang!

At that moment.

An intense headache and pressure like I’d never felt before washed over me.

My already darkened vision grew even darker...

...

______________

 

[The Origin Egg accepts the Manifestor’s origin.]

[Searching for compatible conditions for the Manifestor...]

[The Origin Egg is hatching.]

...

[Fairy Knight... Fairyknight hatch complete.]