The Light in Darkness
"Don't mind them, bro," a familiar voice said as it caught up with him through the crowd. "They're just annoyed that you're better than all of them, and they know it."
Baek Do-Hyun appeared at his side. Slightly chubby and cheerful, he always spoke with energy that could make anyone smile. While others focused on Jin-Seok's isolation, Do-Hyun treated him like a friend.
"You're literally the only person who says that," Jin-Seok replied, allowing a small smile for the first time that day.
"That's because it's true," Do-Hyun said. His face brightened, showing the kind of excitement he always carried.
"Come on," Do-Hyun added, taking Jin-Seok's arm. "My parents want pictures, and Mom made her kimchi pancakes. You know you're basically family now. They'd be disappointed if you didn't come."
Before Jin-Seok could protest, he found himself being led toward the family area, where parents watched their children with pride.
---
Family Bonds and Simple Joys
Do-Hyun's father arrived in a work apron over a dress shirt, hands rough from labor. His mother carried a picnic basket, smiling at the graduates.
Before Jin-Seok could greet them, Baek Yumi, a ten-year-old girl, ran toward him.
"Oppa! You're the topper!" she shouted, hugging him tightly. Her uniform was slightly messy, but she was excited.
She stepped back and saluted. "Permission to serve you celebratory cookies, sir!"
Jin-Seok raised an eyebrow. "…Permission granted, soldier."
The family laughed. Do-Hyun's cousin nudged Yumi. "Are you sure he's not from an idol group or something? I swear I've seen him somewhere."
"He's not an idol," Yumi said firmly. "That's Jin-Seok oppa! He helps me with homework and he's smart. He'll be amazing at whatever he chooses!"
"Plus, you've seen him on the poster in my room," she added.
Do-Hyun's mother smiled. "She really likes you, Jin-Seok. She talks about you all the time."
"I do NOT!" Yumi shouted, turning red, making the adults laugh even more.
The graduation drone recorded the moment—a family bound by affection, sharing laughter amidst the day's celebrations.
---
Evening Shadows and Hidden Truths
As evening arrived, the crowd thinned. The celebration ended, leaving a quiet sense that things would change the next day.
"So," Do-Hyun said, walking beside Jin-Seok, "still planning to spend tonight alone with a book and instant noodles?"
"That was the plan," Jin-Seok said, though it sounded less appealing than usual.
"Not happening," Do-Hyun said. "We're graduating. You owe me one night of proper celebration."
Jin-Seok considered it. Returning to solitude suddenly seemed too heavy. "Fine," he said. "Let's go to my place."
"Wait… your dorm? That place is depressing even for a student."
"No. My house."
Do-Hyun paused. "…You have a house?"
"You'll see," Jin-Seok said, continuing to walk.
---
The Revelation Behind Iron Gates
Twenty minutes later, they reached the gates. Tall black iron twisted into patterns. Security systems hummed softly. A family crest glowed faintly near the center.
"You brought me to the wrong place," Do-Hyun whispered.
"Nope."
"You're sure?"
"Yes."
"Really sure?"
"Yes."
Do-Hyun frowned. "We're not about to get arrested, right? Because I don't want a criminal record."
"Maybe," Jin-Seok said calmly.
"…What?"
Do-Hyun noticed a device near the top of the gate. "Is that… a cannon?"
"Anti-drone system," Jin-Seok said, placing his palm on a biometric scanner. The gate opened.
A robot emerged—three meters tall, humanoid, and polished.
"Welcome back, Young Master Jin-Seok," the robot said.
Do-Hyun's jaw dropped. "Young… what?!"
"Alfred says that to everyone," Jin-Seok replied. "It's programmed for formal address."
"Are you some secret prince or something?" Do-H
yun asked.
"No," Jin-Seok said, though the answer came quickly. Do-Hyun's eyes shone with surprise.
Palace of Memories and Mysteries
The mansion is large and well-equipped. Gardens are carefully maintained. Automated systems respond to every need. There is a personal training area big enough for professional competitions. Technology and design are advanced, but the layout is practical and functional.
A robot dog approaches Jin-Seok. He pats it. "Go play by yourself today. A friend is visiting." The dog walks away quietly.
The interior holds many historical items. Portraits line the walls—heroes and figures from past Tower expeditions. Weapons are displayed on the walls: blades, staves, and armor, all with clear signs of past use and historical significance.
Do-Hyun walks through the halls, looking at everything with wide eyes.
"These can't be real," he says quietly.
Jin-Seok doesn't answer, guiding him deeper into the mansion.
In the grand hall, glass cases display robes and weapons. Each item has a label with the owner's name, dates, and achievements.
Do-Hyun stops at a black robe and a cracked sword.
"That's from the Flame War," he says. "And that robe—wasn't it in the Sovereign documentary? The one used in the battle against the Dragon?"
He notices an old photograph. Ryu Han-Seok stands in the center. Faces around him are blurred.
"That's him," Do-Hyun says. "Ryu Han-Seok. That's real."
"Are these replicas?" he asks.
Jin-Seok nods. "The previous owner was a collector. A fan of Han-Seok's achievements. I grew up surrounded by his stories."
"You're an even bigger fan than I am," Do-Hyun says, calmly, without teasing.
Jin-Seok looks at the photograph quietly. "I grew up with his stories. They shaped who I became."
---
Dinner and the Weight of Secrets
A robot butler delivers dinner on trays. The food is high quality and carefully prepared. Do-Hyun eats while noticing the wealth and resources around them.
"You've been acting like a broke student for three years," he says. "I bought you snacks, shared my lunch, and you live in a place like this?"
Jin-Seok smiles lightly. "I never asked you to do that. You chose to be generous."
"You owe me. Big time," Do-Hyun replies.
They laugh together. Later, Do-Hyun grows serious.
"You're really not climbing the Tower?" he asks.
"I'm not interested in chasing glory or power," Jin-Seok says.
Do-Hyun sighs. "I got accepted to a mid-tier guild. It's not perfect, but it's a chance. I could save a spot if you change your mind."
"I'll keep that in mind," Jin-Seok says calmly.
"Just… don't regret it."
"I won't regret it."
"We'll see," Do-Hyun says.
After a moment, he stands. "I should go. Early start tomorrow."
"Yeah. Me too."
The door closes, leaving Jin-Seok alone in the dining room.
---
The Message from Beyond
An hour later, Jin-Seok sits in his room. The mansion is quiet. The day's events weigh on him: graduation, friends, and the constant thoughts about wasted potential and choices.
He remembers his grandfather's words:
"If I don't come back on time… open it."
He opens a drawer and lifts a pendant. It is finely crafted, old, and precise. Touching it activates a projection.
Ryu Han-Seok appears, older and wearier, but still warm. Lines of age are visible around his eyes.
"If you're seeing this, I'm still out there—or I chose to stay," Han-Seok says.
"I went back into the Tower because of unfinished business. Mistakes. Failures. People I let slip away. I had to face it all one last time."
"You don't have to follow me, Jin-Seok. You're free to live quietly, to make your own choices."
A pause.
"Or… climb the Tower. Face its challenges. Learn who you really are."
"You'll find out who you are. How capable you are. If you come far enough… you might find me again. If I'm still alive. The Tower isn't easy. But you know what you'll choose."
The image fades, leaving Jin-Seok alone.
---
The Calling Answered
Jin-Seok stands on his balcony. The night wind moves his hair. He looks toward the Tower on the horizon. Even far away, it dominates the landscape.
Below him, the city continues its activity, millions of people pursuing their own goals. Jin-Seok's attention remains on the Tower.
He speaks quietly to himself:
"A quiet life, huh? You never expected me to stay behind, did you, old man? You wanted me to choose for myself."
A small smile appears.
"Alright… let's see what the Tower has for me."
The wind blows. The Tower glows faintly in the distance.