Notifications rang out.

[‘The Nameless Watcher’ has a very high regard for your composure and calmness.]

[‘The Nameless Watcher’ has been consistently observing you.]

Putting aside the Nameless Watcher, notifications from the Valiant Lion King also arrived.

[‘The Valiant Lion King’ re-evaluates their estimation of you.]

[‘The Valiant Lion King’ now has significantly increased favorability towards you.]

[‘The Valiant Lion King’ is very fond of your hidden bravery and audacity.]

What did I do to suddenly get this courage junkie to reassess their opinion? Suddenly? Large favorability?

[‘The Valiant Lion King’ wishes to gift you ‘x3 Potion of High Strength.’]

It wasn’t just the Lion King’s notifications that resounded.

[‘The Lady of Scales’ holds great fondness for you.]

[‘The Lady of Scales’ highly admires your chivalry and sense of justice.]

[‘The Lady of Scales’ wishes to gift you the ‘Aten Sword.’]

The Aten Sword?

‘Wasn’t that the first sword used by the Typhoon Kwak Tae-woon?’

It’s an item of ‘Rare’ grade, having attack power considerable as almost the best in the ‘Rookie Section.’ Despite being fragile in durability, it is nonetheless an item that overpowers my current level.

‘Why would they give me that?’

It wasn’t just the Lady of Scales.

[‘The Whispering Demon’ wishes to nurture you.]

[‘The Whispering Demon’ shows tremendous fondness for your craftiness and strategic mind.]

[‘The Whispering Demon’ wishes to gift you the ‘Devil’s Fruit.’]

Now the Devil’s Fruit appeared.

‘A fruit that forces one into the Dark-Affinity class.’

The Dark-Affinity class grows rapidly and is very strong. Up until the advanced sections, most of the ‘experts’ had Dark-Affinity classes. If I use the ‘Devil’s Fruit’ now, I might become a top-level ranker in an instant.

‘But I’m probably already a top-level ranker as it is.`

The other countries have only just begun their tutorials, and in Korea, I’m likely to have the highest level. But the Devil’s Fruit, as much as it has advantages, also has significant drawbacks. Beyond a certain level, growth becomes difficult, and one may end up overwhelmed by the ‘Dark Energy,’ losing reason.

‘Make one wrong move, and you become a Berserker.’

The only one who broke through this and reached the pinnacle was Maou (Demon King) Kang Sun-il. Anyway, I think I know why these guardians suddenly want to send me gifts.

‘Could this be……’

I already knew. I just needed a little more time to be sure.

‘Are they sending out feelers before the selection of guardians?`

It’s unbelievable, but it’s true. When one reaches level 30, they choose a guardian. Although the guardians always reign from ‘above,’ the selection of a guardian is solely the player’s choice.

‘That’s it.’

So, the guardians are now asserting themselves. I am such a fine guardian. But it’s a little baffling. I am one person, but they have seen all these attributes in me: composure/calmness/bravery/sense of justice/chivalry/craftiness/strategy. They see what they want to see.

[‘The Pearl of Cheon Ma Mountain’ shows great interest in your talent.]

Even the Guardian of the Sword Empress has started to move.

[‘The Pearl of Cheon Ma Mountain’ wishes to establish a master-disciple relationship with you.]

[‘The Pearl of Cheon Ma Mountain’ wishes to impart to you the ‘Cheon Ma Gong (Heaven Demon Skill).’]

The Nameless Watcher. The Valiant Lion King. The Lady of Scales. The Whispering Demon. And now, the Pearl of Cheon Ma Mountain. I haven’t even reached level 30 yet, but they seem desperate to scout me.

In contrast, the notifications from the ‘Nameless Watcher,’ who had been observing me since the tutorial, were a bit lackluster. It was merely a message that they would keep watching me.

Senia spoke to me.

“Guardian. The Lady of Scales has gifted you the ‘Pause’ ability. As you are aware, Kim Hyuk-jin player, the Pause ability is very costly.”

The world turned into shades of black. The only entities that retained color were Senia and myself. ‘The Lady of Scales’ seemed to have acknowledged her mistake.

‘The Pause ability is not merely a symbol of reconciliation.’

Why has ‘The Lady of Scales’ gifted ‘Pause’ at this timing? Is this to facilitate a comfortable conversation between Senia and myself? Surely that can’t be the only reason.

‘She’s showing off her wealth right now.’

In simple terms, I am wealthy. I have a lot of COIN. So when you reach level 30, choose me. That’s the show-off here.

‘In reality, the Lady of Scales is a generous guardian.’

I had to contemplate for a moment.

‘It’s certain that my talent stands out in the beginner sector.’

I’ve met the Fist King, and the Sword Empress, yet no one surpassed my talent. At least in this section, my talent is the most superior. And likely my knowledge too.

‘So that’s why the guardians are competing like this.’

To cultivate their avatars or incarnations known as players. I have no authority to converse directly with the guardians. In a sense, I am a game character. Any dialogue between me and the guardians has to go through BJ Senia.

“Senia. You’re aware of all the offers that have been relayed to me?”

“That is correct.”

I could see her wings trembling faintly. I could feel Senia’s emotions just a little within my senses. It should be impossible for me with my current level and abilities to read the emotions of a ‘mid-tier manager.’ But being able to sense this means,

‘Even though it looks calm on the outside…… It implies she’s quite shaken up.’

It’s probably like winning the lottery. Influential guardians are openly proclaiming their desire to gift presents to a player who exclusively contracted with them. The more of these guardians there are, the more Senia becomes a successful BJ.

“I am…… truly grateful for the offers from all the guardians.”

The truth is, I wasn’t really grateful. From what I’ve learned over 10 years, to the guardians, humanity is nothing more than ‘entertainment’ and nothing else. Even the ones from the ‘Absolute Good’ faction only act within ‘fun’ as a good influence, never really treating humanity as beings with dignity. Regardless of the truth, that’s how it seemed to mankind.

“I cannot accept anything right now.”

It’s a critical moment. Guardians have a timid side; many dislike it when a ‘character,’ merely an amusement, rejects their offer.

“I cannot presume to accept the offer of any one of you.”

Now is the time to be as humble as possible.

“And I don’t think I should casually accept all of your offers.”

These are not just ‘favors’ or ‘goodwill.’ They are unspoken requests to choose them when I reach level 30. But to only receive gifts without making a selection?

‘That would be a failed grand plan.’

Now that I’ve returned to the past, I want to paint a grand picture. I want to look further ahead. Whatever it is, I want to accomplish it and succeed. I don’t want to be familiar with poverty as a man born on this land anymore.

To do that, you have to look farther ahead and be more composed.

‘For now… we bow our heads.’

Depending on the disposition, guardians generally prefer players who are humbly serving them. What I’m doing now is the correct action in most scenarios.

“For now, I will heed the intentions of the various patron guardians… and focus on playing to the best of my ability.”

The guardians withdrew their ‘gift intention.’ I smirked secretly. Depending on my actions. Depending on my behavior. I can either make the guardians my lords or make them fools.

‘Just as you amuse yourselves by watching me as a court jester…’

I shall turn them into fools.

‘I’ll make full use of you.’

Unbeknownst to them, like a subtle drizzle soaking their clothes. Very slowly. Bit by bit. Especially that rash buffoon. The Lion King will surely go bankrupt because of me. I’m still fuming when I recall almost dying during the Magic Troll Raid.

Senia’s voice reached me.

“The pause ability will soon be lifted.”

The pause ended.

* * *

On my way home after hunting the Six-Tailed Fox, the day before moving into the apartment my mother dreamed of, I received a call. It was Shin Yeon-seo.

-Are you there?

-What is it?

-Did you catch a monster at Inwang Mountain?

What’s going on with her? The news hasn’t even broken out, and the issue has not erupted yet. How could she already know and call me about it?

-Yes, it’s me.

And suddenly she said,

-Thank you.

After talking more with her, I realized Shin Yeon-seo wasn’t just messing around. When I won the PVP against her. She had called out for her mother and then said this:

[If Han Myeong-hee saw this, she would have been frightened, right? It’s the first time I’ve called for ‘mom’ since I was in elementary school.]

And today, one of the people I saved was named ‘Han Myeong-hee.’ In other words, the person whose life I saved at Inwang Mountain is none other than the future Sword Empress. Shin Yeon-seo’s mother.

‘Is this… good for Shin Yeon-seo, or bad?’

If Shin Yeon-seo’s mother, Han Myeong-hee, had died today?

‘She would have been consumed by a desire for vengeance.’

The Sword Empress said that ‘anger’ or ‘revenge’ was the driving force of her growth. Not much was known because her family matters had never been publicly detailed by the media. Back then, one of the victims who died at Inwang Mountain was apparently the Sword Empress’s mother.

‘But that has now disappeared.’

Does that mean the Sword Empress’s growth will stagnate? Since the driving force has vanished? Am I changing the future so much? I don’t know. It was unclear. However, I don’t regret my actions. Not all people can be saved, but there’s no need to sacrifice my own benefit to save others. Nonetheless, if I can save a person before my eyes, then it’s the right thing to do. I did the right thing.

-Thank you. I’ll be sure to repay this favor.

That saying. I’ve heard it a lot from Ma Sang-hyeon. For some reason, I could see an overlay of Shin Yeon-seo and Ma Sang-hyeon.

-Don’t mention it. I just happened to be there by chance.

-I don’t believe in coincidences. I think events are created by inevitabilities coming together, and we just call them coincidences.

What is she talking about out of the blue?

-I’ve made up my mind. I will support you well.

Then the call ended. I can guarantee it. She probably blurted it out without even knowing what she was saying. Supporting me? I couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity. The little kid walking with me, Kang Sun-hwa, tilted her head.

“Brother, why are you laughing like it’s so ridiculous?”

“There is a reason.”

“Che. Tell me.”

Right. The future Sword Empress wants to support me. But she probably has no idea what supporting actually means. Support, in the dictionary, means a wife assisting her husband.

‘Well. I’ve inadvertently granted a favor.’

Either way, it’s a good outcome. The past has already changed a lot from what it used to be. I now have an apartment in my name, and my bank account holds 100 million won. The people destined to become the Fist King and the Sword Empress in the future are showing considerable goodwill towards me. Plus, Sun-hwa, who may have even more incredible talent than them, is right by my side. Things have truly changed a lot. Another day passed. The Inwang Mountain incident was also heavily covered by the media.

-A high-level monster revealed at Inwang Mountain.

-One hiker dead, two seriously injured.

-Who is the hero of Inwang Mountain?

A new monster, different from the Slimes, had appeared, and it killed a person. One had their abdomen split open and was bleeding heavily. They were taken to the hospital for surgery and reported to have no life-threatening injuries.

Ma Sang-hyeon called me.

-Brother! The hero of Inwang Mountain, could that be you by any chance?

I was already planning to call Ma Sang-hyeon. My current level is 26. For now, I need to reach level 30. And until level 30. It’s great to have the help of party members. No, party members are absolutely necessary.

-Quiet down. Meet me for a moment.

I didn’t say much, but Ma Sang-hyeon seemed convinced that I was the hero of Inwang Mountain.

-I knew it had to be you, Brother. Who else could be the true hero of this era if not you?

He rattles on by himself.

-I respect you, Brother.

In a cafe in downtown Seoul. I gathered Shin Yeon-seo and Ma Sang-hyeon together. Of course, Kang Sun-hwa was with us.

I said,

“There’s a place we need to go together.”

Playing inherently comes with risks. The same is true for geniuses. To climb higher than others, to move faster than others, naturally everyone shoulders the risks. The same is true now. I can’t do it alone. I need their help.

“We are.”

I announced the destination.