**Digitization.**

It is the name of the unique ability in the cyber system among the many abilities in the world. Its effect is to transmit a player's mind onto the net.

That was the only effect of Digitization, and it was an extremely rare ability that had only manifested in two people worldwide.

Of course, initially, no one knew how amazing Digitization was.

In fact, no one even knew it existed.

‘That was until Overload appeared.’

**Overload.**

He, along with Seogiwon, was one of the only two people in the world with a cyber system ability. He was also the owner of Digitization.

Overload was an elite graduate of the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, which might explain his sharp intellect. He quickly realized how powerful Digitization was.

With this understanding, Overload spent about ten years preparing and eventually used Digitization to take control of all the Earth’s network systems, creating an unprecedented situation.

Suho shook his head as he recalled that time.

‘Thinking about it again, it was really absurd.’

It truly was an unprecedented event.

After all, Overload had literally taken control of all the electronic systems on Earth—the entire planet.

At first, everyone thought it was impossible.

However, Overload confidently took control of all the network systems and eventually held the world hostage using nuclear weapons from various countries. At that time, people thought the world would end because of Overload, not the Gates.

Even though the world was undergoing massive changes and the player system was born, modern society still relied heavily on the internet network systems.

So, Overload arrogantly called himself the Overlord of the Earth and the ruler of the planet.

And then appeared Seogiwon.

Seogiwon asked, “Why? What do you mean?”

“Because only you can prevent the future disaster.”

“A disaster?”

Seogiwon’s eyes widened at the mention of a disaster.

If it were someone else, he would have laughed and dismissed it as a joke.

But the man in front of him was none other than Suho Ahn—the talk of the town and the ultimate issue maker.

Moreover, wasn’t it Suho who had found him and rescued him when neither the police nor the Association could?

Suho continued, “Yes, in the near future, a man-made disaster will threaten the world. Someone with the same ability as you will emerge in another country.”

“…Ah!”

The moment Suho said this, Seogiwon immediately understood.

He knew how powerful his ability was.

‘In fact, Seogiwon had already used his ability to escape on his own.’

How did he escape?

It was simple.

Like Overload, Seogiwon had undergone a mental awakening due to the excessive stress of being imprisoned for a year. Using his Digitization ability, he called the police and escaped.

Of course, afterward, he fled during the police investigation.

He had become disillusioned with being involved with people and was sick of it.

After that, he disappeared.

With Digitization, erasing one’s traces from the world was an easy task.

But just when it seemed like he would live in hiding forever, Overload appeared, forcing Seogiwon to resurface.

Seogiwon realized then that only he could stop Overload.

So, he uploaded a self-written autobiography to the internet, like a will, and chose to perish with Overload.

Unlike Suho, who had been quietly living his life, Seogiwon decided to end Overload—the immensely powerful being who had declared himself a god and ruler of the planet.

Seogiwon became known as Meteor because of his sacrifice.

He had ended Overload.

‘But this time, neither the birth of Overload nor Seogiwon’s death will happen.’

Suho had planned it so.

Suho continued, “Seogiwon, through my ability, I can foresee future events. That’s why I was able to clear the Tower of Trials and the Sealed Gates. And that’s why I need you. This world will eventually be destroyed by the Gates and the system, and I can’t stop it alone. So, Seogiwon, will you join me?”

Seogiwon’s eyes began to tremble, as if struck by an earthquake.

Not only was he surprised that he had been rescued by such an unexpected person, but now, that person was offering to make him a partner.

Moreover, the reason was something grand.

The world is going to be destroyed?

Perhaps that’s why.

Seogiwon felt his head might explode.

It was hard to logically accept this absurd situation.

But…

[ The Ring of Emotions reacts to the target's strongest emotions. ]

[ Absorbing emotions of ‘Black’. ]

[ Absorbing emotions from the target. ]

As Seogiwon’s emotions became unstable, Suho immediately activated the Ring of Emotions.

Seogiwon’s mind cleared up miraculously, and he could think calmly again.

‘What should I do?’

Seogiwon found it difficult to make a decision.

But that hesitation didn’t last long.

There were three reasons for this.

The first reason was that while he was imprisoned, he had once sworn that if he could escape, he would sacrifice his soul to a demon.

The second reason was that he felt too guilty to refuse Suho, who had saved him.

After all, Suho was his savior.

And the final reason was…

‘There’s someone like me…’

Seogiwon swallowed nervously.

He knew exactly what his ability was capable of.

So, he vaguely understood the type of disaster Suho had mentioned.

That’s why he couldn’t refuse.

Seogiwon had always been a kind-hearted person, overflowing with altruism.

After much deliberation, Seogiwon couldn’t help but answer.

“…I… agree.”

A slow response.

But he had given his permission.

And with that, Suho smiled.

“Thank you for accepting.”

“No… I’m the one who should thank you.”

Seogiwon’s acceptance.

Suho had expected him to accept his offer.

From Seogiwon’s autobiography, Suho knew that he was a selfless person, willing to sacrifice himself for humanity.

Suho smiled and said, “Well then, before we get into the details, shall we go grab something to eat?”

“Food?”

“Yes.”

With that, Suho glanced around.

There were empty convenience store lunchboxes, bags of bread, and empty milk cartons around Seogiwon’s laptop.

He had been living like a prisoner, eating these kinds of foods.

In the corner was an old blanket, which was Seogiwon’s bed.

Suho turned his gaze back to Seogiwon.

Seogiwon, swallowing his saliva out of hunger, said, “But I don’t have any money…”

“Of course, I’ll treat you. Don’t worry about the money.”

“Well, then, please just this once…”

Seogiwon said awkwardly, lowering his head and smiling.

Suho was a bit surprised by his actions.

He hadn’t expected Seogiwon to say something like that in such a situation.

That’s why Suho was even more determined to punish the four who had kidnapped Seogiwon.

‘To lock up such a kind person for half a year…’

What was even more absurd was that the four who imprisoned Seogiwon were like brothers to him, having grown up in the same orphanage.

Suho shook his head, reached into his inventory, and pulled out slippers that he had prepared earlier, handing them to Seogiwon.

Seogiwon’s eyes widened again.

“How…?”

“You know, so go ahead and wear them.”

“…Thank you.”

Suho had intentionally brought slippers for Seogiwon.

According to his autobiography, while he was imprisoned, Seogiwon had been made to live without even shoes to prevent him from escaping.

The two of them left the basement, climbed the stairs, and when they finally stepped outside, Seogiwon saw the blue sky, clear and without a cloud, and the bright shining sun.

Seogiwon was stunned.

He hadn’t realized how much time had passed, but also, it had been so long since he had seen the clear sky and the bright sun.

“Ah…”

It was hope rediscovered for Seogiwon.

---

Suho took Seogiwon to a quiet old soup restaurant nearby.

Luckily, since it was an old place, no one recognized Suho, and the two could eat comfortably in peace.

When the soup came, Seogiwon ate it quickly.

It was the first proper meal he’d had in a long time.

Suho, seeing him finish his meal so quickly, ordered another bowl of soup and some boiled pork, and Seogiwon didn’t refuse, though he was embarrassed.

Once Seogiwon’s stomach was filled, he finally let out a sigh of relief.

He smiled awkwardly and said, “Haha… Sorry. It’s just that it’s been so long since I had a proper meal, I didn’t realize…”

“It’s fine. You eat well, so it’s nice to see.”

“Thank you. But… if it’s okay, I have a question.”

“Of course. We’re a team now.”

“Thank you. But… how should I address you?”

Seogiwon asked carefully.

Suho smiled and said, “Just call me casually. We’re only one year apart, so you can call me by my name.”

“Oh, no! Even though we’re only a year apart, you’re still older. I’ll call you ‘Hyung,’ then. You can speak casually with me too.”

“Alright, then.”

The term ‘Hyung.’

Maybe because he had lived in the orphanage for a long time, Seogiwon

 was more comfortable with that term.

Seogiwon said, “Hyung, then why the Association?”

“Why the Association?”

“Well, with a prophetic ability like yours, you could create your own guild or join another large guild, right? Wouldn’t joining the Association limit your activities?”

Suho chuckled.

He had been asked the same question before.

But since Seogiwon had lied about being a prophet, Suho couldn’t give him the same answer.

Suho said, “Because it’s a national agency.”

“Huh?”

“No matter how big a guild gets, it can’t compare to the authority of the government. And I plan to prevent the coming destruction of the world, but I also want to minimize the damage caused by other things before that. For that, there’s no better place than the Association.”

“I see…”

Seogiwon nodded, understanding Suho’s reasoning.

Suho continued, “Of course, I’m not asking you to join the Association. You’re you, and I’m me. What we do together is separate from that. But I promise you this: while you’re with me, I’ll make sure this never happens again.”

Seogiwon smiled, feeling reassured by Suho’s words.

“Yes, thank you. I’ll trust you, Hyung.”

“In that case.”

“Huh?”

“Let’s do something together first.”

“Something? What kind of…”

“You know the guys who imprisoned you.”

“Ah, yes.”

“Let’s take care of them first.”

“…Huh?”

“Follow me.”

With a grin, Suho left the restaurant with Seogiwon.