The cicadas outside droned in chorus as morning light spilled across the room.The alarm clock rang at eight sharp.
Aoyama stirred, groaning."Ugh… did I really fall asleep that soundly? Guess the system shut off my skill for me. Not bad. I needed that."
He sat up, stretching with a wide yawn.For the first time in years, his mind felt quiet. No racing thoughts, no heavy weight. Only peace.
"Strange," he muttered. "But maybe that is the system's way of protecting me. Alright. Routine first, plans later."
After nearly an hour of exercise, meditation, and washing up, he stood before the mirror, fixing a mask over his face and pulling on a cap."Low profile. No risks. Today, let's live like an ordinary twenty-year-old."A small smile tugged at his lips. "The arcade… it has been forever since I played without a care."
By the time he stepped outside, the city air stung his lungs. He tightened the mask and moved through the crowded streets.
Then a scream cut through the noise."Help me! Somebody, please!"
The cicadas' cry was drowned by the sound of panic.
[System Alert]Perception +1
His eyes sharpened."Activate Skill: Leap."
[Skill Activated: Leap]Energy flow optimized. Aura suppression engaged.Combat Output: Grandmaster level (limited).
"That is enough."
In a blur, Aoyama leapt across rooftops until he spotted the source. Six thugs had cornered a girl in a narrow alley.
His fists clenched. "Pathetic."
He dropped like a shadow.WhackOne thug slammed into a trash can, groaning. Another swung a pole in desperation.
"You like bullying girls?" Aoyama's voice cut cold. "Then feel what you give."
A kick sent two crashing into the wall. The others froze, trembling.
"P-please, spare us! We were only ordered—"
"Excuses." He grabbed one by the collar. "A weak man still makes his own choices."Thud
The last thug bolted, dragging his groaning comrades. The alley fell silent.
"Are you alright?" Aoyama turned, offering the girl his hand.
Her eyes widened. Beneath the shadow of his cap and mask, she caught only a glimpse of sharp eyes—calm yet untamed, like a blade hidden in silk.
"I…" She clutched his arm, cheeks flushed. "Thank you."
He pulled her along quickly. "No time. Let's move before they regroup."
They ran through the streets until they reached the safety of a quiet park. Aoyama pulled a bottle of water from his inventory and handed it to her.
"Drink. You will recover faster."
The girl accepted, her fingers trembling against the cool plastic."T-thank you…"
"Good. Then rest." His voice softened, almost fatherly, yet distant.
Minutes passed before she spoke again, hesitating."Can I… ask your name?"
Aoyama paused, then smiled faintly beneath the mask."Call me Dr. A. If fate wills it, we will meet again."
Before she could reply, he activated [Leap], vanishing like a phantom.
Her heart raced.(Who is he? He saved me like a prince from the stories. Strong, mysterious, and gone before I could even—)
A black car pulled up. A stern bodyguard rushed out."Miss Soo, your father forbade you from wandering here. Please return at once."
The girl looked down, cheeks still warm."I think… I am in love."
The bodyguard sighed heavily. "Miss…"
She pouted, climbing into the car. "Fine. But you would not understand."
Far away, Aoyama landed on a rooftop, catching his breath.
"System," he muttered. "Show me that girl's data."
[Ding][Analyzing Target…]
[Status Information]Name: Soo Yun SookAge: 19Race: Human (Mortal Vessel)Nationality: KoreanCultivation Stage: Qi Gathering (Peak)Potential: Divine Phoenix Fire Lotus Body [Dormant]Affinity: Fire (Heaven-tier)Soul Strength: Above-averageAffiliation: Seok Soo International School (Top Achiever)
[Special Notes] Constitution dormant. Awakening probability: 72% within 2 years. Fate Thread: Intertwined with Host's path. High chance of future entanglement. Threat Level: None (current).
Aoyama's eyes narrowed."…A Divine Phoenix Fire Lotus Body? In this world?"
Another window slid open.
[Quest Triggered]"Guardian of the Phoenix"Objective: Protect Soo Yun Sook until awakening.Reward: ???Failure: Loss of Fate Points. Severe backlash.
Aoyama chuckled darkly, though his chest tightened."This system really will not let me live quietly. Fate points again… every choice pulling me deeper."
The cicadas wailed louder, as though heralding the unseen storm to come.