King Aldwin rose from his throne, and the entire throne room fell silent. Even Min-jun's magical companions seemed to sense the importance of the moment, with Bounce stopping his usual happy gurgling and the pixies hovering motionlessly in the air.
"Lord Min-jun," the king began, his voice carrying the weight of authority and concern, "in all my years of rule, I have never seen the ancient ruins respond to anything. They have remained silent and dark since before my grandfather's time. Yet now, mere days after your arrival in our kingdom, they begin to awaken."
Min-jun felt a chill run down his spine. "Your Majesty, surely that's just a coincidence?"
"Perhaps," the king replied, but his knowing look suggested he didn't believe it was coincidence at all. "However, I have learned that when dealing with matters involving the System and the ancient mysteries of our world, coincidences are rare."
Princess Seraphina stepped forward. "Father, what are you thinking?"
"I'm thinking that Lord Min-jun may be exactly the person we need to investigate these ruins," King Aldwin said. "His unique abilities and connection to the System make him ideal for such a task."
Lady Cecilia frowned with concern. "But Your Majesty, the Whispering Mountains are dangerous even in normal times. If the ancient ruins are truly becoming active again, sending anyone there could be extremely risky."
"Which is why I'm not ordering anyone to go," the king clarified. "I'm asking for a volunteer. Someone who has already proven capable of handling unexpected situations with wisdom and skill."
Min-jun considered the proposal carefully. This could be exactly the kind of challenge he had been looking for - something that might help him unlock more of the System's hidden features. The ruins sounded like they could contain important secrets about Admin's world.
"What exactly would you want me to do there?" Min-jun asked.
"Investigate the cause of the activity," the king replied. "Determine whether it poses any threat to our people. And if possible, discover what connection these events might have to the System that governs our world."
"You want me to go alone?"
"Not necessarily," King Aldwin said with a slight smile. "If you accept this quest, you may choose companions from among the kingdom's knights and mages. You would also have full royal backing - supplies, equipment, whatever you need."
Before Min-jun could respond, Princess Seraphina stepped forward boldly.
"I volunteer to accompany Lord Min-jun," she declared.
"Absolutely not," the king said immediately. "Seraphina, you just returned from a dangerous encounter with bandits. I will not risk losing you again."
"But Father, I have magical abilities too! And I've been studying the ancient texts about the ruins for years. My knowledge could be valuable!"
It was true that Princess Seraphina had magical skills. During their journey to the capital, Min-jun had seen her use healing magic to help an injured horse and light magic to illuminate their camp at night. She was certainly capable, even if she was young.
"I also volunteer," Lady Cecilia added. "My family has extensive knowledge of ancient history, and I have combat training. Besides, someone needs to keep an eye on both of them."
King Aldwin looked exasperated. "Cecilia, your father would have my head if anything happened to you."
"My father would understand that this is important," Lady Cecilia replied firmly. "And he would approve of me gaining practical experience with ancient magic."
Min-jun found himself in the unusual position of having two beautiful, intelligent women volunteering to accompany him on what could be a dangerous mission. In his old life, he couldn't even get a girl to notice him, let alone volunteer to go on adventures with him.
"Your Majesty," Min-jun said diplomatically, "I would be honored to have such capable companions, but the decision should be yours. I don't want to cause problems within the royal family."
"Wise words," the king agreed. "However, I know my daughter well enough to realize that if I forbid her from going, she'll probably try to sneak out and follow you anyway."
"I would never do such a thing," Princess Seraphina said, but her expression suggested that she absolutely would do such a thing.
King Aldwin sighed. "Very well. You may both accompany Lord Min-jun, but only under strict conditions. You will take a full escort of royal knights. You will check in regularly using communication crystals. And at the first sign of serious danger, you will retreat immediately."
"Thank you, Father!" Princess Seraphina exclaimed, practically bouncing with excitement.
"When would we leave?" Lady Cecilia asked, already switching into planning mode.
"Not for several days," the king replied. "I want you to rest and prepare properly. Lord Min-jun should also have time to familiarize himself with the palace and perhaps upgrade his equipment."
"Actually, Your Majesty," Min-jun said, "I'd like to spend some time in your library first, if possible. I want to research everything I can about these ruins before we go."
"Excellent idea," the king approved. "Our Royal Library is second only to the Ancient Library of All Knowledge. I'll have the librarians give you access to our restricted archives."
"Restricted archives?" Min-jun asked with interest.
"Documents that contain detailed information about the time before the Great Transformation," Lady Cecilia explained. "Most people don't have access to them because the information is considered potentially dangerous."
"What kind of dangerous information?"
"Details about the dark magic and chaotic forces that existed before our world was purified," Princess Seraphina said. "Father worries that if people knew too much about the old ways, some might try to bring them back."
That was very interesting. Min-jun definitely wanted to read those documents. They might contain clues about how Admin had transformed the world, and perhaps hints about the System's hidden capabilities.
"I'll arrange for accommodations in the palace," King Aldwin said. "You'll be staying in the East Wing, near the Royal Library. Princess Seraphina can show you around once you're settled."
"Thank you, Your Majesty. I'm honored by your trust."
"Don't thank me yet," the king said with a wry smile. "Wait until you see what we're dealing with in those mountains."
The audience concluded with arrangements for Min-jun's stay at the palace. He was assigned a luxurious suite of rooms that was bigger than his entire apartment back on Earth. The main chamber had a four-poster bed large enough for six people, a sitting area with comfortable chairs around a fireplace, and tall windows that provided a spectacular view of the palace gardens.
There was also a smaller chamber for his magical companions, complete with comfortable nests and beds sized appropriately for each creature. Bounce was particularly excited about a small pool that had been installed for aquatic slimes.
"Palace life good!" Bounce declared as he bounced around the room, testing different surfaces. "Soft beds! Pretty lights! Nice smells!"
"Don't get too comfortable," Min-jun told his companions. "We're only staying here temporarily."
But privately, he had to admit that the luxury was quite nice. After weeks of camping in forests and sleeping on the ground, having a real bed with silk sheets felt amazing.
A knock at his door interrupted his thoughts. "Come in," he called.
Princess Seraphina entered, now dressed in a more casual blue dress that somehow made her look even more beautiful than her formal gown.
"I hope your rooms are satisfactory," she said with a bright smile.
"They're incredible," Min-jun replied honestly. "I've never stayed anywhere this nice before."
"I'm glad you approve. I wanted to personally invite you to join me for dinner tonight. Lady Cecilia will be there as well, and we thought you might enjoy a more intimate meal after the formal throne room ceremony."
"That sounds wonderful," Min-jun said, then realized he was still wearing his travel clothes. "Although I should probably change into something more appropriate for dining with royalty."
Princess Seraphina laughed, a sound like silver bells. "Don't worry about that. I've already had the palace tailors prepare several outfits for you. They should be delivered within the hour."
"You didn't have to do that."
"Nonsense. You're a hero and our honored guest. Besides," she added with a playful smile, "I wanted to see how you'd look in proper court attire."
After she left, Min-jun spent some time exploring his suite and getting his companions settled. The pixies were fascinated by the crystal chandelier and spent time making the light dance in pretty patterns. The Crystal Wolves claimed the sitting area as their territory and were soon napping contentedly on the expensive rugs.
True to Princess Seraphina's word, a team of palace tailors arrived with an assortment of elegant clothing. There were formal court outfits, casual noble wear, and even some practical adventure gear that looked both functional and stylish.
Min-jun selected an elegant dinner outfit - a dark blue jacket with silver embroidery, matching trousers, and a white shirt that was softer than anything he had ever worn. When he looked in the full-length mirror, he hardly recognized himself. The combination of his improved appearance and the fine clothing made him look like he truly belonged in a royal palace.
"Master looks very handsome!" Sparkle declared as she and her fellow pixies flew around him in an approving circle.
"Thank you," Min-jun said, straightening his jacket. "I just hope I don't embarrass myself at dinner. I'm not exactly used to royal etiquette."
"Just be yourself," Luna advised. The evolved Crystal Wolf had become quite wise during their travels. "The princess and Lady Cecilia like you for who you are, not for how well you know which fork to use."
That was good advice. Min-jun took a deep breath, made sure his companions were comfortable, and headed out to find the dining room.
The palace was even more impressive at night. Magical lights illuminated the hallways with a warm, golden glow, and the marble floors reflected the light like still water. Servants moved quietly through the corridors, nodding respectfully when they saw him.
Min-jun only got lost twice before finding the private dining room where Princess Seraphina and Lady Cecilia were waiting for him.
The room was intimate and elegant, with a small table set for three near tall windows that looked out over the palace gardens. Candles provided soft lighting, and the smell of delicious food filled the air.
"Lord Min-jun!" Princess Seraphina exclaimed as he entered. "You look wonderful!"
Lady Cecilia nodded approvingly. "The palace tailors certainly know their business. You could easily pass for a duke or prince."
Min-jun felt his cheeks warm at the compliments. "Thank you both. You look beautiful as well."
And they did. Princess Seraphina wore an elegant pink gown that complemented her golden hair perfectly, while Lady Cecilia had chosen a sophisticated green dress that matched her intelligent eyes.
The dinner was unlike anything Min-jun had ever experienced. Course after course of exquisite food was served by discrete servants. There was roasted meat that melted in his mouth, vegetables prepared with magical herbs that enhanced their natural flavors, and desserts that were almost too beautiful to eat.
But even more enjoyable than the food was the conversation. Princess Seraphina was charming and funny, telling stories about palace life and her various adventures (most of which involved trying to sneak past her tutors to explore forbidden sections of the castle). Lady Cecilia was intelligent and thoughtful, discussing politics, history, and magic with the kind of depth that showed her excellent education.
"Tell us about your homeland," Lady Cecilia requested as they enjoyed a dessert that looked like a miniature castle made of spun sugar. "The Eastern Kingdoms are so distant that we rarely get news from there."
Min-jun had prepared a basic backstory during his travels. "It's quite different from here," he said carefully. "Less magical, more focused on technology and industry. I came west seeking adventure and to learn about different ways of life."
"Is that why you're so skilled with the System?" Princess Seraphina asked. "Different training methods?"
"Something like that," Min-jun replied. "Where I come from, people have to be very adaptable to survive."
It wasn't technically lying, he told himself. His original world had definitely required adaptability, and the gaming skills he'd learned there were helping him survive in this magical realm.
"Well, we're very glad you came here," Princess Seraphina said warmly. "You've made our lives much more interesting."
"And safer," Lady Cecilia added. "Don't forget about the bandit rescue."
As the evening continued, Min-jun found himself relaxing more and more. Both women were easy to talk to, despite their royal status. Princess Seraphina was genuinely curious about everything and had a talent for making him feel like the most interesting person in the world. Lady Cecilia challenged him intellectually while also showing that she valued his opinions and insights.
"I have a confession," Princess Seraphina said as they moved to the sitting area after dinner. "I've been reading about you."
"Reading about me?" Min-jun asked, confused.
"Well, not about you specifically," she clarified. "But about people with unusual System capabilities. There are old legends about individuals who could access features that others couldn't. They were called System Chosen."
Min-jun felt his heart skip a beat. "System Chosen?"
"Legendary figures who appeared during times of great change," Lady Cecilia explained. "They had the ability to unlock hidden aspects of the System and often played crucial roles in shaping the world's destiny."
"Do you think these legends are true?" Min-jun asked carefully.
"I'm starting to," Princess Seraphina said, looking directly at him. "Especially after seeing what you can do."
"What I can do isn't that unusual," Min-jun protested. "Lots of people can tame monsters and use multiple types of magic."
"Not like you do," Lady Cecilia disagreed. "Your level of skill and the speed at which you learn new abilities is far beyond normal. And the way magical creatures respond to you... I've never seen anything like it."
Min-jun wasn't sure how to respond to that. He couldn't exactly explain that he had cheat codes provided by a god who had accidentally run him over with a car.
"Maybe I'm just lucky," he said finally.
"Maybe," Princess Seraphina agreed, but her tone suggested she didn't believe luck had anything to do with it. "Or maybe you're exactly what our world needs right now."
"What do you mean?"
"The ancient ruins becoming active right after your arrival... it's quite a coincidence," Lady Cecilia said thoughtfully. "Though I suppose coincidences do happen."
"I hope we can figure out what's causing it," Min-jun replied. "It would be good to make sure there's no danger to the kingdom."
Before Min-jun could respond to that unsettling observation, a soft chime sounded throughout the room.
"Midnight," Princess Seraphina noted, glancing at an ornate clock on the mantelpiece. "We should probably let you get some rest. Tomorrow you'll want to start your research in the Royal Library."
As they said their goodnights, Princess Seraphina surprised Min-jun by taking his hand.
"Thank you for accepting Father's quest," she said softly. "I know it could be dangerous, but I feel like we're on the verge of discovering something important. Something that could change everything."
"I hope you're right," Min-jun replied, though privately he was starting to worry about what they might find in those ancient ruins.
Lady Cecilia also approached him before leaving. "Be careful in the restricted archives," she advised quietly. "Some of that knowledge is restricted for good reasons. Don't let curiosity lead you into something you're not prepared for."
After they left, Min-jun returned to his suite to find his magical companions waiting for him with obvious excitement.
"Master smell like flowers and happiness!" Bounce declared. "Good dinner with pretty ladies?"
"Yes, Bounce, it was a good dinner," Min-jun replied with amusement.
"The princess likes you," Sparkle observed with typical pixie directness. "Her aura glows brighter when you're near."
"And Lady Cecilia thinks about you even when you're not speaking," Luna added. "I can sense these things."
Min-jun changed into the comfortable sleeping clothes that had been provided and settled into the incredibly soft bed. But despite his physical comfort, his mind was racing with questions and concerns.
The more time he spent in this world, the more complicated it became. Admin had told him that Aetheria was peaceful and free of chaos, but bandits existed. The System had hidden features that even the king seemed to know about. Ancient ruins were awakening for mysterious reasons. And now people were suggesting he might be some kind of chosen hero from legends.
"This is nothing like the simple adventure I thought I was getting into," he murmured to himself.
But as he drifted off to sleep in his luxurious bed, surrounded by his loyal magical companions, Min-jun had to admit that he was more excited than worried. Tomorrow he would begin researching the ancient ruins and hopefully uncover some answers about the true nature of this world.
And he would be doing it with the support of two remarkable women who, for reasons he still couldn't quite believe, seemed to find him interesting and attractive.
"Not bad for a former shut-in gamer," he said with a smile as sleep finally claimed him.
Outside his window, the two moons of Aetheria continued their eternal dance across the star-filled sky, casting silver light over a world that was proving to be far more complex and mysterious than anyone had initially suspected.