《I'm Not That Kind of Genius》


 Episode 1 - The Beginning of the End

    I was just an ordinary university student, spending most of my time studying and working part-time at the nearest convenience store.


    I lived alone in an apartment. My parents died in a car accident ten years ago. It was the worst moment of my life.


    My grandpa took me in until I turned eighteen, and then I started living on my own. My life was full of ups and downs, but I knew that effort bore fruit.


    Well, at least that was what I thought¡ªuntil my professor said to me.


    "Lee Han, I know you worked hard for the scholarship. But Kang Jinseok did better than you."


    I clenched my fist as I listened to the disgusting bastard who called himself a teacher. I knew the truth.


    Kang Jinseok.


    He was the youngest son of the third-generation chaebol family of the Jinseok Group, the conglomerate that sponsored Hanseong University.


    Everything was just bullshit.


    Kang Jinseok and his friends were laughing in the corner, clearly enjoying the scene.


    "I understand, professor. If there''s nothing else, I''ll excuse myself."


    I left the room without hesitation. I heard the ridiculing voice of my professor but decided to ignore it. I slammed the door shut.


    Bam!


    "Fuck! I worked my ass off for that scholarship, and that bastard just took it from me to humiliate me. I''ll never forget this humiliation."The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    After leaving, I headed to my apartment. It was on the third floor of a building, and the rent was cheap. I had been living there for years.


    Today was my day off, so I spent my free time reading a web novel to relieve my stress. The fantasy novel was called The Infinite Regressor.


    "I wish life was interesting like this novel. I miss my parents... Why? Why did you have to die and leave me alone?¡±


    Tears started to fall from my eyes, and I eventually fell asleep. Despite everything that had happened in my life, I looked calm.


    As my phone lit up, a red alert notification popped up on the screen.


    [Emergency Alert! National level Crisis!]


    [(Gangnam, 10:46 pm) Towers have appeared all around the world. The government has declared martial law. All citizens are required to stay indoors immediately. Stay inside for your safety. Further instructions will follow. Stay alert.]


    The next morning, I woke up to the sound of my ringtone. I hurriedly fixed my bedsheet, brushed my teeth, and took a cold shower.


    After putting on my school uniform, I locked the door to my apartment.


    The air outside was cold, and the eerie silence gave the streets an unsettling feeling.


    The street was empty¡ªno cars, no people. I checked my phone and saw the message sent at 10:46 PM¡ªthe exact time I had fallen asleep.


    "No wonder it''s so quiet," I thought, grumbling.


    Just as I was about to turn back, a growl came from a distance. A massive beast stood far away, glaring at me with hostility. I turned toward it, my expression stiffening.


    "Shit! Are you fucking kidding me? Where the hell did that monster come from? Am I seeing things? What¡¯s that above its head? A name and level?"


    Bloodhound (A basic monster, undead)


    LV. 5


    HP: 300


    My instincts told me I would die if I didn¡¯t act quickly. Without hesitation, I threw my bag at the bloodhound and ran toward the nearest building.


    The bloodhound growled, chasing me with insane speed.


    ¡°Damn it! This thing¡¯s faster than a normal wolf. One wrong move, and I¡¯m dead.¡±


    I panted heavily, my legs shaking as I ran. My heart pounded in my chest, and my thoughts raced.


    I reached the entrance of an old, abandoned building, slammed the door shut, and locked it with an iron pipe I found on the floor.


    This construction site had been abandoned for years and was scheduled for demolition this week.


    After catching my breath, I cautiously looked around the dark interior of the building. I then glanced at the monster outside through a small crack in the door.


    I picked up my phone and tried calling the police, but to my surprise, there was no signal. It felt as if I¡¯d been completely cut off from the world.


    "Fuck! I should¡¯ve stayed at home and waited for rescue. At a time like this, I need to think. Think, Lee Han. Think."


    I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself, when suddenly, a hologram-like screen popped up right in front of me.


    [A few selections of classes are now available. Please choose a basic class to ensure your survival.]


    I was confused. A class? Is this some kind of game?


    [Pick your class]


    [Warrior]


    [Thief]


    [Ranger]


    [Swordsman]


    [Mage]


    [Cleric]


    I quickly picked the swordsman class. The sword was something I was familiar with since I was a national-level Kumdo practitioner.


    It¡¯s ironic that swordsmanship in the 21st century would still come in handy in this kind of situation.


    ¡°Not bad,¡± I thought as I picked up the sword that came with my class.

 Episode 2 - Hidden Dungeon

    Still, nothing had changed. I was still stuck in the construction site. I checked the time¡ª9:31 AM. By now, I had already given up on expecting the police to arrive.


    I could only rely on myself now.


    My eyes landed on the entrance to the construction site¡ªit looked creepier than usual.


    I stopped for a moment. Suddenly, a system notification appeared in front of me.


    Ding!


    [System Notification: Congratulations to Player Lee Han. You¡¯ve discovered a hidden dungeon.]


    ¡°Huh? A hidden dungeon at this early stage? And I found it? What¡¯s going on?¡±


    I shook my head. I didn¡¯t know what was happening, but this was my chance.


    I stepped into the first floor of the dungeon. The silence was heavy, broken only by the sound of my footsteps. Not long after, I saw three small goblins walking in circles.


    [Lesser Goblin]


    (A basic monster, humanoid)


    Level: 2


    HP: 50


    I bent down and picked up a small rock. I threw it at one of the goblins and quickly hid behind a broken column.


    The goblin that was hit turned toward me and walked over cautiously.


    I gripped my sword tightly in my hands.


    As the goblin got closer, I thrust the sword into its chest.


    Screech!


    The goblin let out a cry before its body turned into light particles and disappeared.


    I looked down at the dropped item it left behind.


    [Rune of Strength]


    (Consumable Item)


    Effect: Increases Strength +1 (Permanent)


    "A rune?"


    Before I could think further, the rune dissolved and entered my body. I felt a strange warmth spread through my muscles.


    The other two goblins heard the noise and came closer.


    I didn¡¯t hide this time.


    I charged forward, slashing at the first goblin with all my strength. It died instantly. The second goblin didn¡¯t have a chance to react before my sword pierced its head.


    [Rune of Agility]


    (Consumable Item)


    Effect: Increases Agility +1 (Permanent)


    [Rune of Strength]


    (Consumable Item)


    Effect: Increases Strength +1 (Permanent)


    The runes dissolved and entered my body. My muscles felt stronger, and my movements became faster.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    "Not bad. If I keep this up, I¡¯ll only get stronger."


    I moved deeper into the dungeon. Whenever I saw goblins, I killed them without hesitation.


    Ding!


    [You have gained a level.]


    "Status."


    [Lee Han]


    [Level 2 (0%)]


    [Profession: Swordsman]


    [Str: 15.1]


    [Agi: 13.4]


    [Vit: 10.2]


    "I¡¯ve become stronger¡­ but this isn¡¯t enough. I need to keep going."


    I climbed to the second floor.


    [Hobgoblin]


    (A basic monster, humanoid)


    Level: 4


    HP: 150


    I didn¡¯t hesitate. I charged at the hobgoblin, cutting off its limbs before stabbing it in the chest. The hobgoblin let out a cry before disappearing.


    The others rushed at me, but I killed them all with precise strikes.


    Ding!


    [You have gained a level.]


    "Status."


    [Lee Han]


    [Level 3 (0%)]


    [Profession: Swordsman]


    [Str: 25.1]


    [Agi: 17.4]


    [Vit: 14.5]


    [Sense: 10.3]


    [Mana Resistance: 11.4]


    "Not bad. I¡¯m getting stronger, but I still need more power."


    I had killed nearly all the lesser goblins on the first floor, so I made my way to the second floor.


    And, after that, I went to the third floor. I had acquired a few runes, and a new type of rune along the way. I also acquired B-rank relics.


    [Ring of Devour]


    (Growth-Type Relic, B-rank)


    Effect:


    Life Drain: Restores HP by taking a portion of the enemy¡¯s health with each attack.


    Mana Drain: Restores MP by absorbing the enemy¡¯s mana with each attack.


    Additional Stats: Vitality +3


    "No way¡­ This relic is insane! A growth-type item?!"


    I quickly put the ring on my left middle finger.


    As I walked forward, my eyes fell on a massive goblin holding a heavy weapon. It was surrounded by hobgoblins.


    [Goblin Chieftain]


    (Special Elite Monster, Humanoid)


    Level: 15


    HP: 10,500


    "I''m royally fucked," I muttered, glancing at the monster.


    Before I could come up with a plan, the hobgoblin charged at me with terrifying speed. Without hesitation, I gripped my sword tightly and swung.


    A clean cut. The hobgoblin''s head flew off. But before I could even take a breath, the goblin chieftain¡¯s attack came at me.


    Shrieeeek!


    I froze. Why did they attack so suddenly? Then it hit me¡ªone of the hobgoblins must have seen me hiding under the stairs earlier.


    "Fuck!"


    Ignoring the chieftain for now, I dashed toward the remaining hobgoblins. My sword pierced through one¡¯s throat with precision, killing it instantly.


    I can''t fight that special elite monster right now, I thought, shifting my focus back to the hobgoblins. I can handle them¡ªand their runes will make me stronger.


    I moved quickly, taking them down one by one. But the moment the last hobgoblin fell, the goblin chieftain let out a deafening roar. Its movements became faster and more aggressive.


    Bang!


    The mace struck me, slamming me into the wall. My chest tightened, and my ribs felt like they had cracked.


    "Shit..."


    My breathing was rough. Blood dripped from my lips, but I forced myself to stand.


    "No one said anything about it going berserk after killing its minions!"


    The goblin chieftain roared again, swinging its mace wildly, destroying everything around it.


    I barely managed to dodge the debris flying in all directions. The chieftain suddenly closed the distance, its mace crashing down with terrifying speed.


    Bang!


    I blocked the strike with my sword, but the impact made my arms numb. I clenched my teeth and held on.


    The goblin staggered slightly, off-balance. I saw my chance. I lunged forward, driving my sword deep into its throat. Blood gushed out, drenching me. The goblin''s HP dropped rapidly.-100.-150.-350.-500.


    But it wasn''t enough. I didn¡¯t stop. I slashed at its chest, shoulders, and neck, chipping away at its health.


    Shrieeeek!


    The goblin chieftain roared again, stunning me.


    "Shit!"


    My body froze. My fingers wouldn¡¯t move, and the goblin¡¯s mace was coming straight for me. Desperate, I bit my lip hard, the sharp pain breaking the stun.


    Just in time, I rolled to the side, avoiding the mace by a hair''s breadth.


    Bang!


    "That was too close..." I muttered, breathing heavily.


    The goblin was stumbling now, its movements slowing. I gritted my teeth and slashed at its tendon. The monster fell to one knee.


    Without hesitation, I pierced my sword into its chest with all my strength.


    RAAAAH!


    The goblin''s HP hit zero. Its massive body dissolved into particles of light, leaving behind a skill book and a few relics.


    [Trait Acquired! You''ve obtained the Thread Manipulation.]


    Thread Manipulation (S)


    A trait that allows the user to control and manipulate threads with incredible precision. The user can weave, extend, and control threads to bind, attack, or defend.


    "S-rank?"


    I couldn¡¯t believe my luck. A trait like this so early? It was beyond anything I''d expected.


    Ding!


    [You''ve gained a level!]


    [You''ve gained a level!]


    [You''ve gained a level!]


    [You''ve gained a level!]


    The notifications kept coming. My body surged with power. My wounds healed, and my exhaustion disappeared as if it had never existed.


    I picked up the other items left behind.


    "This... isn¡¯t bad at all," I muttered, smirking.


    I inspected the items again, satisfied with what I had obtained.


    Camping Tent (Unique-Grade Relic)


    Fully restores health and energy while resting.


    Equipped with an alarm system to warn of approaching threats.


    Includes a stealth function to reduce detection by monsters.


    100% recovery rate when used.


    Apprentice Cooking Stove (Common Cooking Tool)


    Allows cooking in the wilderness.


    Reduces cooking time by 10%.


    I couldn¡¯t help but smile. The Camping Tent was exactly what I needed. The alarm system would keep me safe, the stealth function ensured monsters wouldn¡¯t find me while I rested, and the 100% recovery rate was perfect.


    The Apprentice Cooking Stove, though common, was still useful. Cooking would be faster, and I wouldn¡¯t have to worry about food during my travels.


    ¡°This should make things easier,¡± I muttered, storing the items in my inventory.


    I opened my status window to check my progress.


    [Lee Han]


    [Level: 13 (0%)]


    [Profession: Swordsman]


    [Str: 55.1]


    [Agi: 57.4]


    [Vit: 44.5]


    [Sense: 42.3]


    [Magic Power: 42.0]


    [Mana Resistance: 41.4]


    [Possessed Traits]


    [Thread Manipulation (S)]


    "Not bad," I muttered, a satisfied grin forming. "All that effort wasn¡¯t wasted. Now that I¡¯ve cleared this dungeon, it¡¯s time to leave."


    A portal appeared before me. I glanced around for any signs of danger, then stepped through without hesitation.


    The world spun, and in an instant, I was standing outside. The construction site that had hidden the dungeon was completely gone, as if it had never existed.


    ¡°What the hell?¡± I muttered, staring at the empty space, confused by the sudden change

 Episode 3 - The Gangnam Station

    I stared blankly at the spot where the construction site had once stood.


    A man in military uniform approached, his voice cold and stern.


    "You there! What are you doing here?"


    He glared at me.


    "The government issued an emergency evacuation order. Don¡¯t you know how dangerous it is to stay here?"


    I paused for a moment, then quickly replied.


    "I¡­ I stayed home yesterday after getting the message. But I ran out of food and thought I could grab some from the convenience store nearby. Then¡­ a monster appeared, and I barely escaped with my life."


    I subtly moved my hand, hiding my sword in my inventory. I wasn¡¯t about to reveal my awakening to some soldier I just met.


    He let out a small sigh, his expression softening slightly.


    "I see. I¡¯m Sergeant Kim Seungwoo, assigned to patrol this area. My job is to get you to the evacuation center. Stay close and follow me."


    I nodded silently. It was better to follow the soldier than wander aimlessly. Plus, this was a chance to learn more about what was really going on.


    He spoke into his mini-radio.


    "Sergeant Kim Seungwoo reporting, sir. I found a civilian in the construction site near Gangnam district. I repeat, I found a civilian in the construction site near Gangnam district."


    After receiving orders, Kim Seungwoo led me toward the evacuation center.


    On the way, we encountered a bloodhound. He reacted quickly, taking it down with precise shots from his AKM assault rifle. The monster dropped to the ground without a fight.


    "First time seeing a monster?" Kim Seungwoo asked, still holding the rifle.


    I shook my head. I¡¯d already fought monsters far stronger than that, but I kept it to myself.


    "I see," Kim Seungwoo said, his face grim. "A huge tower suddenly appeared in the city. No one knows where it came from or why. Then monsters started attacking. So many people died, including my wife. She sacrificed herself to save our daughter. By the time I got there, it was too late. But my daughter survived. She¡¯s in the hospital now."


    I hesitated for a moment before speaking.


    "I¡¯m sorry for your loss. But I¡¯ll avenge your wife."


    Kim Seungwoo was stunned. He hadn¡¯t expected such words from a stranger, especially not from a university student.


    "Are you out of your mind? It''s our job as soldiers to protect civilians like you. For now, focus on surviving and forget about fighting monsters."


    Finally, we arrived at the evacuation center.


    "This is the evacuation center. I know you probably have questions, but for now, I need to report to the higher-ups."


    Kim Seungwoo walked off without another word, heading toward the nearest station. I watched him disappear into the crowd before turning my attention to my surroundings.


    To my surprise, the evacuation center was located inside Gangnam Station. The area was packed with evacuees, and soldiers armed with rifles stood at the exits, keeping a watchful eye on everything.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    "Ah¡­! Are you new here? I¡¯m Baek Seolhwa, a doctor. Nice to meet you."


    A woman in a white coat approached me with a warm smile and extended her hand.


    "I¡¯m Lee Han. Nice to meet you."


    I shook her hand firmly, my expression calm.


    "If it¡¯s more comfortable for you, Han-ssi, you can just call me Seolhwa. I¡¯d appreciate that," she said with a smile.


    "As a doctor, I need to check for any injuries or abnormalities. It¡¯s just a precaution, so don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m gentle. I won¡¯t bite."


    I nodded slowly. "Ah¡­ okay."


    Baek Seolhwa led me to a small office that had been turned into a temporary clinic. The faint scent of antiseptic filled the air. My eyes wandered across the room, taking in the rows of patients lying on makeshift beds. Many of them had visible injuries, some severe enough to reveal broken bones. Despite their condition, most of them appeared to be resting peacefully.


    "Are you sure it¡¯s okay to waste time on me, Seolhwa-ssi? Don¡¯t you have other patients to attend to? I¡¯m not even injured."


    Baek Seolhwa pouted slightly at my blunt words but quickly brushed it off. She motioned to a chair beside her.


    "Just sit down. It won¡¯t take long."


    Reluctantly, I sat on the chair.


    "Take off your clothes," she said casually.


    "...Excuse me?"


    I stared at her, my eyes wide.


    "What? Are you embarrassed, Han-ssi? I¡¯m a doctor. This is normal," Baek Seolhwa said with a slight smirk.


    I sighed and reluctantly began unbuttoning my shirt. I removed my blazer and shirt, leaving only my undershirt.


    Baek Seolhwa¡¯s gaze lingered on my body longer than expected. She hadn¡¯t imagined someone like me would have such a well-built frame. My muscles were defined, and my physique didn¡¯t match what she would expect from a university student.


    "For a student, your body is¡­ impressive. Do you work out regularly?" she asked, her tone almost playful.


    I replied honestly, though I chose my words carefully.


    I wasn¡¯t entirely sure why my body had become so muscular, but I suspected it was related to the hidden dungeon I¡¯d discovered and the mysterious runes I had obtained.


    The runes had increased my strength, but their effects seemed to have altered my body both physically and mentally. Still, I decided to keep that part to myself.


    "I don¡¯t, actually," I said calmly. "I¡¯m always busy studying and working my part-time job at the convenience store. There¡¯s barely time for anything else."


    Baek Seolhwa tilted her head slightly, a sly smile forming on her lips.


    "Really? With a body like this, I¡¯d think you were secretly doing some intense training or something."


    Her teasing tone made my brow twitch, but I kept my composure. I wasn¡¯t about to explain the truth about the runes.


    "Well, no injuries, and your condition is perfect," she said, her tone turning professional again. "You¡¯re healthier than most people I¡¯ve seen today."


    She pulled out a small piece of paper, scribbled something on it, and handed it to me.


    "Here¡¯s my contact number, Han-ssi. If you notice anything unusual¡ªor if you just need someone to talk to¡ªgive me a call. Let¡¯s keep this between us, alright?"


    Baek Seolhwa smiled as she turned back to her desk, humming softly.


    For a doctor, she was certainly¡­ unique.


    After leaving the office, I made my way through the evacuation center.


    I walked around the station for a while before sitting down on a bench to rest. The exhaustion from more than eight hours in the dungeon weighed on me.


    I leaned back and took a short nap, falling asleep on the bench.


    Meanwhile, Kim Seungwoo knocked on the door and entered the room. He saluted and introduced himself.


    "Sergeant Kim Seungwoo. I have business here in the battalion commander''s office."


    The battalion commander, Lieutenant Major Choi Minseok, sat behind his desk.


    "Is it true, soldier, that you disobeyed my orders and prioritized civilian safety over your mission?" Choi Minseok¡¯s voice was sharp as he asked.


    "Yes, sir!" Kim Seungwoo saluted and replied. "I disobeyed your orders to protect the civilians. I¡¯m ready to accept any consequences, but I have a question, sir."


    A young officer near Choi Minseok stepped forward, glaring at Kim Seungwoo.


    "You dare question the lieutenant major?" he snapped. "A soldier like you doesn¡¯t deserve to stay in the military!"


    Choi Minseok raised a hand, silencing the officer. He fixed his gaze on Kim Seungwoo. "Go ahead."


    Kim Seungwoo took a deep breath.


    "During the ceremony, you said that our duty as soldiers is to protect the citizens first. If we can¡¯t defend them from the monsters, then what¡¯s the point of serving this country? If we abandon the people, the vows we swore mean nothing."


    He paused for a moment, lowering his voice.


    "I understand that following orders is part of being a soldier, but I¡¯ve already lost my wife because of your orders to defend Gangnam. I can¡¯t lose my daughter too."


    The room fell silent.


    Choi Minseok¡¯s expression remained calm. After a long moment, he spoke, his voice cold.


    "Sergeant Kim, I respect your commitment to protecting the people. But as a commander, my duty is to ensure the survival of this nation, even if it requires sacrifices."


    "Do you think you¡¯re the only one who¡¯s lost someone? I lost my wife during the monster outbreak. She was at the airport, about to leave for vacation, but when the attack happened, I had to choose... my wife, or my country."


    Kim Seungwoo¡¯s eyes widened slightly.


    "You... chose your duty?"


    Choi Minseok nodded. "Yes. And I will carry that regret for the rest of my life. But as a soldier, I swore an oath to protect this country. And I will not stop until every last monster is eradicated."


    "I¡¯m sorry, Lieutenant Major. I thought you were just after your own ambition, but I was wrong. I¡¯m sorry."


    "It¡¯s fine," Choi Minseok said. "I expected this. Some will call me a monster for choosing my country over my wife, but I¡¯m prepared to do whatever it takes for revenge. But for that, I need allies who will support me. Sergeant Kim Seungwoo, will you join me?"


    Choi Minseok extended his hand, hoping for Kim Seungwoo¡¯s support. To his surprise, Sergeant Kim shook his head.


    "I¡¯m sorry, Lieutenant Major, but I must decline. My wife didn¡¯t die for that reason. The only thing that matters to me now is my daughter. I think my wife would hate me if I lived my life seeking revenge instead of living for our daughter."


    Sergeant Kim bowed deeply and turned to leave the office. Before walking out, he placed his military badge on the table. He was surprised by his own decision, but his thoughts shifted to a young man around his daughter¡¯s age.


    "Are you just going to let him leave like that, Lieutenant Major? Didn¡¯t you do everything to convince him?" the young officer asked.


    Choi Minseok¡¯s face hardened.


    "What a waste. Sergeant Kim Seungwoo, you''re more capable than your peers, but you chose to stay behind. You¡¯ll regret this decision."


    He leaned back, his eyes cold.


    "Forget him. There are countless others who would gladly join my faction. The day will come when I rule this country as its monarch. Tell my people to prepare the runes, gather resources, and strengthen the army. Failure is not an option."


    The officer bowed deeply.


    "Yes, Commander. Your command is my honor. I¡¯ll make sure no one stands in your way when you become our monarch."

 Episode 4 - Monster Outbreak (1)

    I woke up with a stiff body from sleeping on the cold bench. My stomach growled¡ªI hadn¡¯t eaten properly since entering the dungeon.


    I went to the cafeteria, grabbed a can of food and a bottle of water, and sat down. The bland smell reached me as I opened the can.


    ¡°Ugh, this tastes awful¡­¡±


    ¡°Why can¡¯t I have a proper meal like everyone else?¡±


    As I ate, Kim Seungwoo approached, his face as tense as ever.


    ¡°Hello.¡±


    ¡°Sergeant Kim Seungwoo. Finished your report?¡±


    He gave me a wry smile.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ but I got demoted. I was about to visit my daughter at the hospital.¡±


    I could see the exhaustion in his eyes and something else¡ªunease. Something was off.


    ¡°Why do the soldiers seem so on edge? Did something happen?¡±


    ¡°A monster wave is coming. It¡¯s a serious threat. You should leave now.¡±


    ¡°Damn it¡­¡±


    A monster wave? Fighting an army of monsters wasn¡¯t something even trained soldiers could handle, let alone me.


    "I''ll leave as soon as I can."


    I said goodbye to Kim Seungwoo and went to the clinic. Baek Seolhwa was packing up.


    ¡°Ah¡­ hello.¡±


    ¡°Why are you back? Did you forget something? Or... were you looking for me?¡±


    "I just came to say goodbye."


    Her smile faltered but quickly returned, though her lips pouted a little.


    "You¡¯re truly kind, Han-ssi. I¡¯ve treated many patients, but you¡¯re the first to actually care about me. Guess we won¡¯t see each other again, huh?"


    I nodded.


    "I see..."


    "I know it''s strange to feel attached after just one meeting, but there¡¯s something I want to say. Will you listen?"


    I stayed quiet, watching her with a faint smile.


    "I have a little brother about your age. He wasn¡¯t perfect, but he was all I had..."


    "He was stubborn yet kind. He always visited me at the hospital, taking care of his useless sister. I was proud of him..."


    She paused, blankly staring into the empty space. Her voice trembled with guilt.


    "But my brother, Baek Jiwon, died because of me. He was killed by a monster¡ªbrutally. His last words were for me to run."This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    "He sacrificed himself for me, but I froze in fear. By the time I realized, it was too late. I killed him with my own hands. I ran away... not even looking back."


    Her voice cracked, and tears spilled out. Her body trembled with the weight of her guilt.


    Without saying anything, I pulled her into a hug. She paused for a moment, then relaxed.


    She buried her face in my chest, her sobs muffled as she clung to me.


    ¡°Seolhwa-ssi?¡±


    ¡°Just a little longer,¡± she murmured. ¡°I want to enjoy this moment¡­¡±


    After a few moments, she let go, her cheeks flushed red. She stepped back, avoiding my gaze, her hands fidgeting.


    ¡°What¡­ What did I just do?¡± she mumbled. ¡°I hugged someone I barely know¡­ and it felt good?¡±


    She bit her lip, conflicted, but I just smiled warmly.


    Seolhwa took a deep breath, her expression serious as she looked me in the eyes.


    ¡°Han-ssi, I¡¯ve decided. I¡¯ll follow you.¡±


    ¡°I might be a burden right now, but I¡¯m a doctor. I can take care of your health, and I can treat your injuries... I¡¯ll prove my worth.¡±


    ¡°I appreciate it, Seolhwa-ssi. But I refuse.¡±


    ¡°Eh? Why not?¡± she asked, voice shaky. ¡°I¡¯m a doctor. I can help with your health, treat your injuries... Isn¡¯t that enough?¡±


    I sighed and shook my head.


    ¡°Seolhwa-ssi, unless you¡¯re awakened like me, the outside world is too dangerous.¡±


    Her shoulders slumped, but she clenched her fists.


    ¡°I know it¡¯s dangerous. But staying here, doing nothing, feels worse. I want to do something... something I¡¯ll never regret.¡±


    I knew she was serious, but the outside world was more dangerous than she realized. Still, having a doctor with me was tempting. Maybe a cleric class could be an option later.


    ¡°Well... if you insist, I won¡¯t refuse you, Seolhwa-ssi.¡±


    Seolhwa smiled brightly.


    ¡°You won¡¯t regret this decision.¡±


    While I thought it over, a hologram screen appeared in front of me.


    Ding!


    [System Notification: The party system is now unlocked. You can now add members to your party.]


    [Would you like to invite Baek Seolhwa? Y/N]


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    I forgot about the party system in the game. It was used by players to add people to their friend list and invite them. I¡¯d been too focused on fighting to notice it.


    I selected yes and added Baek Seolhwa.


    She was surprised. A notification appeared for her.


    Ding!


    [You¡¯ve been invited to join the party by Lee Han. Do you accept? Y/N]


    ¡°Kyaaaaa~¡±


    She tilted her head, looking at me.


    "Han-ssi, who exactly are you?¡±


    I chuckled. She was too cute. I shook my head and shrugged.


    "Didn¡¯t I tell you the world is dangerous, and only awakened humans can survive?"


    "Hmm. Now that you mentioned it, I remember you saying that. I was too emotional earlier, so I didn¡¯t really listen."


    I quickly equipped the sword from my inventory.


    Swoooosh~


    "So amazing~ Is that magic? How did you do it, Han-ssi?"


    Her eyes sparkled as she looked at the sword in my right hand.


    "This sword is my weapon. I obtained it when I picked my class. If you want to help me, then pick a class that suits you and accept my invitation to join my party."


    Without hesitation, Baek Seolhwa accepted the invitation immediately with a smile.


    Ding!


    [You''ve accepted the invitation.]


    Hmmm. A blue arrow? I noticed the blue arrow above her head, along with her name and level.


    Was it because I accepted her as my party member, or was it because I¡¯m a player with a system?


    ¡°Han-ssi?¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­ It¡¯s nothing. Let¡¯s get out of here immediately.¡±


    The monster wave was approaching, and there was no time to waste.


    After helping Baek Seolhwa pack her things and placing them in my inventory, we quickly left Gangnam Station.


    But as we moved further, a chill ran down my spine.


    Thousands of undead monsters were marching in our direction, led by a figure clad in pitch-black armor.


    It was a Death Knight.


    Out of curiosity, I used my status check ability.


    Death Knight


    Lv. ???


    (???)


    HP: ???


    ¡°What¡­?¡± My voice trembled. The difference between us was so overwhelming that I couldn¡¯t even read its stats.


    The Death Knight suddenly turned its head and stared directly at me.


    A shiver ran down my spine, and my blood ran cold. It felt as though a blade was pressed against my neck.


    ¡°Huff¡­ Huff¡­¡±


    "Impossible! It noticed me from this distance?"


    "Han-ssi, are you okay?"


    Baek Seolhwa¡¯s worried voice snapped me out of my thoughts. She stared at me, noticing my pale face and trembling hands.


    But even though fear gripped me, a strange smile formed on my lips.


    Three days had passed since then, and I was training my swordsmanship by hunting monsters in the wilderness.


    I still remembered the day I met the Death Knight.


    Baek Seolhwa had been checking on me regularly, asking if I was feeling okay. As a doctor, it was natural for her to be concerned.


    At first, she was terrified when she saw a bloodhound. Her trauma resurfaced, leaving her unable to move. She trembled uncontrollably.


    "Kyaaaah!"


    "Somebody help me! I don¡¯t want to die¡­ Please save me, Han-ssi!"


    She crawled on the ground, reaching out to me, begging for my help.


    ¡°Baek Seolhwa! If you don¡¯t stand up right now, I will leave you here.¡±


    I knew I was being harsh, but if she didn¡¯t overcome her trauma, she wouldn¡¯t survive in the wilderness. She¡¯d be the first to die.


    "Wh-What do I do? I''m weak. I''m not strong like you. I''m afraid... Whenever I see a monster, I remember the day my little brother died... I can''t..."


    "Seolhwa-ssi, I understand what you''re feeling. My family died in a car accident ten years ago.


    ¡°I know how it feels to lose someone you love and care about. But will you let the sacrifice of your brother be in vain?¡±


    ¡°Will you stand up now, overcome your trauma, and fight with me? Or will you live like a coward for the rest of your life and face your brother in shame?"


    After hearing my voice, Baek Seolhwa stopped trembling and glared at the bloodhound in front of her.


    She grabbed the bow I had given her, knowing she needed a weapon to survive. With a quick step back, she distanced herself from the bloodhound and aimed. Without hesitation, she fired. The arrow hit its head, killing it instantly.


    Thwack~


    "Wh-What?"


    I was surprised. No matter how skilled she was with a bow, it was unheard of to land such a perfect shot. The bloodhound had let its guard down for a brief moment, thinking it had easy prey, but for her to kill it with one shot¡­ she was a genius.


    "Promise me one thing, Han-ssi. Please don¡¯t abandon me," she said, smiling, but there was something different in her eyes.


    I nodded without thinking, only to regret it immediately. I had never expected her to be so talented with a bow. For now, I had to avoid making her angry.