Joon-Woo focused on the translucent screen hovering before him.
The System Shop expanded, its interface glowing softly in the dim chamber. Rows of neatly organized listings appeared one after another.
Items Available
Normal Clothing Set
Simple, durable attire suitable for everyday use
Cost: 5 Points
Healing Potion (Minor)
Restores physical injuries gradually over time
Cost: 15 Points
Mana Recovery Potion (Low Grade)
Restores mana slowly
Cost: 20 Points
Elemental Weapon — Water-Condensed Dagger
A temporary weapon formed entirely from compressed water mana
Cost: 25 Points
Artifacts, weapons, and supplies filled the screen.
Joon-Woo's gaze moved carefully from one item to another before he shifted tabs.
---
Skills & Potions
The moment he opened it—
His expression changed.
His focus sharpened.
He scrolled down.
Then—
His breath stopped.
One skill glowed faintly, standing apart from the rest.
Aqua Body (Passive Skill)
Cost: 100 Points
Effect: Allows the user to partially or fully convert their physical body into water
Mana Consumption: Extremely Low
Notes: Highly effective against physical attacks. Enhances fluid movement and evasion
"…My entire body… into water?"
His heartbeat quickened.
This… this is perfect.
A defensive skill.
A survival skill.
One that didn't recklessly consume mana.
Without hesitation—
He purchased it.
[System Notice]
Skill Acquired: Aqua Body (Passive)
Status: Dormant (awaiting synchronization)
A second notification appeared instantly.
[Achievement Unlocked]
First Purchase from the System Shop
Reward: 20 System Points
Joon-Woo blinked in surprise, then smiled faintly.
Teleportation consumes too much mana, he thought grimly.
Right now, I can only use it once a day.
[System Notice]
Teleportation Skill Limitation Confirmed
• Usage: Once per day
• Cooldown resets at dawn
So I can't rely on teleportation during long battles…
His gaze returned to Aqua Body.
But this… this lets me fight without running.
He exhaled slowly.
Hope bloomed in his chest.
In the future… this shop will change everything.
---
System Warning — Ancient Artifact
Just as his thoughts settled—
A sharp pulse echoed inside his mind.
[System Warning]
Ancient Artifact: Sealed State
Current Compatibility: Insufficient
User's body is too weak to withstand activation
Joon-Woo stiffened.
Another message followed.
Usage Restriction Applied
Artifact activation prohibited until a later condition is fulfilled
Early activation may result in irreversible damage
"…So that's how it is."
His fists tightened.
That artifact reacted to me… but my body can't handle it yet.
His eyes hardened with resolve.
Then I'll grow stronger before that day comes.
---
King Aldric's Study Room
Deep within the palace, King Aldric Glacierborne stood inside his private study.
Tall shelves filled with ancient tomes lined the walls. A massive frostwood desk dominated the center of the room, illuminated by a crystal lamp glowing with cold white light.
The door opened.
Prince Leon stepped inside.
The king did not turn.
"The auction incident," Aldric said calmly, "explain it again."
Leon straightened.
"The attackers were organized," he replied. "Their movements were coordinated. They weren't thieves—they were operatives."
"And their target?"
"The ancient artifact."
King Aldric finally turned, his sharp gaze locking onto his son.
"That artifact has not awakened in centuries," he said. "Yet tonight, it reacted."
Leon hesitated—only briefly.
"…Yes."
"To what?" the king asked.
Leon lowered his voice.
"There was a presence," he said. "Someone whose magic resonated with it."
The king's fingers tapped lightly against the desk.
"…Was it your fox?"
"Yes."
Silence filled the room.
"If that artifact awakens," Aldric said slowly, "it could shake the foundation of this kingdom."
Leon nodded.
"I understand."
He bowed deeply.
"Yes, Father."
---
Night — Prince Leon's Chambers
Later that night, Prince Leon returned to his chambers.
The palace had grown silent.
Moonlight spilled through the tall windows, bathing the room in silver.
Snowflake was awake.
Those deep purple eyes followed Leon as he approached.
"…You didn't sleep?" Leon murmured.
The fox shifted softly.
Leon removed his gloves and lay down, gently lifting Snowflake onto the bed beside him.
"You're safe here," he said quietly.
Snowflake curled closer.
Joon-Woo listened to the steady rhythm of Leon's breathing.
This man…
He doesn't know anything… yet he trusts me.
Slowly, the tension left Joon-Woo's body.
Side by side—
They fell asleep.