LIGHTNOVELSTORY Chapter 10
Chapter 10
To absorb the memories and experiences of a ghost—
At first thought, it sounded dangerous.
Wasn’t that the premise of some movies where people lose their sense of self?
Seeing Mina’s worried expression, Seonghyeon reassured her.
“Don’t worry; nothing like that will happen.”
“But what if something goes wrong…?”
“It won’t. Everything stays perfectly distinct and separate. It doesn’t even surface unless I deliberately think about it or decide to use it. It’s more like acquiring a talent.”
“Like a skill?”
“Kind of. I don’t know for sure since I only have a butchering skill, but it’s similar.”
“Oh, really?”
If Seonghyeon said so, then it must be true. He had always been reliable like that since childhood.
The idea of absorbing memories and experiences from ghosts was more incredible than Mina had imagined.
“Seonghyeon, do you know about synchronization rates?”
“Synchronization rates?”
“Yeah. It’s the measure of how much you mentally accept virtual reality. It determines how well you can control your character.”
“Oh, so the more it feels like your actual body, the better your control?”
“Bingo!”
Synchronization rates measured how much a player accepted the virtual world as their own reality.
A higher synchronization rate didn’t necessarily mean better physical control, but it gave a significant advantage.
Now, what would happen if someone absorbed the memories and experiences of a ghost, who was essentially a native of that world?
The answer was simple.
“I think the memories and experiences of ghosts could affect your synchronization rate.”
“Oh. So it’s not just about gaining talent?”
“Exactly. While absorbing talent is part of it, it might also raise your synchronization rate.”
“Wow.”
Listening to Mina, Seonghyeon couldn’t help but feel she made a valid point.
Her insight made her seem like an expert, and for a moment, she looked a bit different in his eyes.
Noticing his gaze, Mina puffed up with pride, her shoulders nearly reaching her ears.
Seonghyeon shook his head with an amused smile. Mina always liked showing off her knowledge.
Still, he had another question.
“Then, what do you think about the memories and experiences of a hero?”
“…Huh?”
Mina reacted as if she’d forgotten something critical.
Her eyes widened, and her jaw dropped.
Her expression seemed to ask, How did I not think of that?
As Seonghyeon waited expectantly, Mina finally spoke in a trembling voice.
“The memories and experiences of a hero… that might let you change your class to Hero.”
“What?”
A surprising revelation.
Changing to the Hero class?
“You know about the rankings in Eternal World, right?”
“Yeah, of course.”
From Normal to Rare, Epic, Unique, Legendary, and finally, the pinnacle of Almighty—
He had read about it last night in a guide. Rankings were a core aspect of Eternal World.
Everything—items, skills, titles, and even classes—had ranks.
There was no way to be unaware of such a foundational system.
Then, how high-ranking was the Hero class?
Mina answered his unspoken question.
“The Hero class is known to be at least Legendary.”
“At least?”
If it was fixed, wouldn’t it just be a set rank? Why “at least”?
“No one’s ever obtained the Hero class. It might even be Almighty.”
“Wow.”
“And now, you might be the one to get it.”
The gravity of Mina’s words began to sink in.
The opportunity to obtain such a phenomenal class—
The thought made Seonghyeon’s heart race with excitement.
At least Legendary rank.
Possibly Almighty rank.
How could anyone resist the allure of such a possibility?
Feeling an urgent need to return to the game, Seonghyeon began eating faster.
Watching him shovel food into his mouth, Mina chuckled.
“Slow down a bit.”
“I need to get back in and look for it.”
Mina couldn’t help but think how intense he was.
Well, everyone got this engrossed in the early stages of a game. She herself had been hooked for ages, so she understood.
But running off to search blindly? He still had a long way to go.
“Where are you even going to look? Search the whole village?”
“…Oh.”
“If you head north in the village, there’s a Hero Hindel Memorial Hall. Start there. It’s where Hero Hindel and his companions are buried.”
“Thanks!”
After finishing his meal, Seonghyeon got up and moved to clear his dishes.
“Leave them. I’ll take care of it.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. What, surprised because I’m being nice?”
“No, just grateful! I’ll head out, then!”
“Go ahead~”
Watching Seonghyeon dash off to his room, Mina smiled warmly.
She felt proud as the one who had gifted him the capsule.
At first, he had been indifferent, but now he was thoroughly engrossed.
It seemed her decision to buy it had paid off.
Hearing the capsule open and close quickly, she figured he had already reentered the game.
Thinking back to when she had first been that excited, Mina finished her meal, cleaned up the leftovers, and washed the dishes.
If she was going to do it, she might as well do it properly.
After tidying up, Mina went to her room, opened her capsule, and logged into the game.
A giant fortress stood before her, its banners adorned with a distinct emblem fluttering noisily in the wind.
Beneath the banners lay a formidable stronghold, a fortress born of nature’s blessings.
The grand structure exuded magnificence as Mina—now Yuna in the game—appeared within its walls.
“Huh?”
“Gasp.”
“Wha…?!”
The chatter of the armored guards bearing the same emblem ceased abruptly as they noticed her.
Their reactions made it clear: Yuna was no ordinary player.
The warmth she had shown to Seonghyeon earlier was nowhere to be seen. Cold and stoic, she walked past them, heading for the largest door in the fortress.
Upon arriving—
“Lady Yuna, you’ve returned.”
“The Guildmaster is in his chambers.”
“Open the door.”
With just those words, the two guards bowed their heads and pushed open the massive door.
Inside was a room neither overly extravagant nor excessively plain.
Anyone with a discerning eye would recognize that each object within was exceptional.
As the door closed behind her, Yuna spotted a poised, elegant woman seated at a large wooden desk, diligently writing something.
Yuna waited patiently until the pen stopped.
“Guildmaster, I have something to discuss.”
“Yuna? You?”
“Yes.”
“What could our guild’s pride and solo ranker, Yuna, possibly want to discuss?”
Though the voice held no sarcasm, only genuine curiosity, Yuna replied succinctly.
“I have a player I’d like to recommend.”
“Oh? Tell me more.”
Within Rapid, the third-ranked guild in Eternal World, a commotion was brewing.
The source? A recommendation made by Yuna, the guild’s most formidable member and the ninth-ranked player in the world. It was her first-ever player recommendation.
1.
Seonghyeon opened his eyes in the beginner village, Hindel, the same place where he had logged out.
[Welcome to Eternal World, a world both eternal and otherworldly.]
Reading the startup message as he reconnected, a fresh sense of excitement filled him.
Even though he had just been playing moments ago, logging back in felt completely different.
Perhaps it was because it was all still so new to him, but the thrill he felt now was even greater than before.
“Nuna said it’s to the north, right?”
A compass-like indicator showed the direction in his field of view.
Without hesitation, Seonghyeon decided to head north and began running.
Whoosh!
The sound of wind roared in his ears as his rapid pace startled every player who saw him.
“Oh my gosh! How can anyone be that fast?”
“Wait, they’re still level 1, right? Can level 1 players even run like that?”
“Did they get some special title or something?”
“Their gear looked a bit different…”
“Can you even get stuff like that in the beginner village?”
Players muttered amongst themselves as Seonghyeon sped by, but he didn’t pay them any attention.
All that mattered was the possibility of meeting the Hero’s ghost in the north.
Suppressing the grin creeping onto his face, he focused on running.
He’d been prepared to comb the entire village if necessary, but learning there was a burial site for Hero Hindel saved him the trouble.
‘Ghosts often stay near their graves.’
If no grave or memorial existed, they’d wander freely. But when one did, they typically lingered nearby, watching over those who came to honor them.
The Drill Instructor had stayed in the training ground where he had spent his life. Ghosts in Eternal World often felt like local spirits bound to a particular place.
If that was true, then the Hero would likely be near his burial site.
And the Hindel Memorial?
If Hero Hindel’s ghost existed, it would undoubtedly be there.
On the flip side—
‘If he isn’t here, then his ghost doesn’t exist in this village.’
Accepting the thought calmly, Seonghyeon hoped he’d find something.
The Hero class was said to be at least Legendary tier.
Even if he couldn’t obtain the class itself, absorbing the Hero’s memories and experiences would grant him the Hero’s talents.
The sheer power that could bring was beyond imagination.
Excitement bubbling inside him, Seonghyeon arrived at the site—a vast cemetery.
At the center stood a towering statue.
It was a statue of Hero Hindel, similar to the one he had seen in the Hunter’s Forest, yet different.
The previous statue had depicted only Hero Hindel. This one included his companions.
Standing at the center was Hindel, not physically imposing but exuding an aura of brilliance. Surrounding him were a Saint, a Sage, a Knight, and an Elf Archer.
The statue was both majestic and grand.
Seonghyeon stared in awe, his jaw dropping as he muttered, “Wow.”
Just like in the Hunter’s Forest, the statue emanated a certain energy.
Was it because it depicted Hero Hindel?
Or was there something special about the statue itself?
He couldn’t be sure, but one thing was clear—it was a masterpiece worthy of admiration.
Unconsciously, Seonghyeon bowed his head in silent reverence.
Some might scoff, saying it was just a game, but he felt compelled to do so.
As he lowered his head, a message appeared.
[In honor of Hero Hindel and his companions.]
To include an Easter egg like this—it was no wonder the game was hailed as a masterpiece.
‘Amazing. Truly.’
For a moment, Seonghyeon forgot his purpose and simply marveled at the experience.
But that moment passed, and it was time to begin his search.
Scanning the area, he quickly noticed something.
As expected, many ghosts wandered the cemetery.
‘I need to find the right one.’
Most of the ghosts looked similar, so perhaps he should look for one resembling the figures in the statue?
Or maybe it would be near the statue itself?
As he scanned his surroundings, something unusual caught his eye.
A faintly shimmering ghost radiated a mystical aura—a light cyan hue that distinguished it from the others.
The presence it exuded was clearly on another level.
The ghost had long, crimson hair flowing neatly down its back. Even from behind, it was evident that this was no ordinary spirit.
Its ethereal beauty and distinct presence made it stand out even among the semi-transparent, smoky forms of other ghosts.
Seonghyeon fixed his gaze on the figure.
The ghost stood gazing up at Hero Hindel’s statue. Its posture seemed tinged with sorrow and solitude.
‘Who could that be?’
As the thought crossed his mind, the ghost turned.
Her light cyan aura shimmered as her dark eyes sparkled.
And then she spoke.
“Hello there! Nice to meet you!”
“Hello. My name is Seonghyeon,” he responded instinctively to her bright greeting.
Her presence was overwhelming.
But the mood abruptly shifted as the surrounding ghosts started wailing in fear.
“The Demon King! The Demon King is moving!”
“The Demon King has awakened!!!”
“Run away!!!”
“It’s been centuries since she last stirred!”
“Run! If she catches us, it’s over!!!”
The commotion erupted as ghosts scattered in all directions, screaming in panic.
Seonghyeon gulped nervously.
Even he, usually composed, felt his tension rise as he looked at the ghost.
The ghost, however, seemed more annoyed than anything else.
“Idiots. I’m not catching anyone,” she muttered, glaring at the fleeing spirits.
Then, turning back to Seonghyeon, she smiled faintly.
“My name is Helena. As they said, I was once called the Demon King.”
Seonghyeon realized he had encountered the Demon King.