Seun-mi Ho adjusted his cloak one last time, the dark fabric slipping smoothly over his shoulders. The weight of the humiliation he had endured was beginning to fade, replaced by a cold resolve. Lysander, still kneeling, dared not lift his eyes toward him, while the guests of this grotesque gathering remained frozen, terrified by the aura of intimidation radiating from Seun-mi.

The knight in silver armor, however, observed the scene with a smug smile, his sword resting lazily on his shoulder. He showed no trace of fear, not even in the face of Seun-mi's overwhelming presence, which intrigued the young man even further.

"You're ready to leave, aren't you?" the knight asked, his mocking grin unchanging. "But before you go, it seems I owe you an explanation or two."

Seun-mi narrowed his eyes, measuring the man before him. "Who exactly are you?" he asked in a calm but razor-sharp voice.

The knight laughed, as if he had been waiting for that question. With a heavy thud, he plunged his sword into the ground, crossing his arms in a relaxed posture that clashed with the tension in the room. "We're finally getting somewhere," he said, raising his hand. Instantly, an interface appeared in midair, glowing brightly as it revealed his information.

---

Silver Knight's Interface

Name: Caelum Argentus

Level: 85

Rank: S

Known Skills:

•[Lightning Strike]

•[Divine Swordsmanship]

•[Dimensional Slash]

•[Mana Resonance]

•[Astral Walker]

---

Seun-mi quickly scanned the details. Level 85, Rank S. This man was leagues above most fighters he had encountered so far. The listed abilities—especially Mana Resonance and Dimensional Slash—hinted at a mastery of energy and spatial manipulation. This knight was no ordinary adventurer.

"I am Caelum Argentus," the knight introduced himself with a theatrical bow. "I belong to a guild based in Naraheim, the city you're currently in—though you seem to have been... briefly distracted by this castle." He cast a disdainful glance at Lysander before returning his gaze to Seun-mi with a sly smile. "Our guild is always on the lookout for exceptional talent, and I must say, you've caught my attention.You're... promising, young man."

Caelum reached into his pocket and pulled out a small black card adorned with a silver seal. He extended it toward Seun-mi, who accepted it without a word, examining it briefly. The seal depicted a winged lion, a symbol of power and pride.

"This," Caelum continued, "is an invitation to join our guild. I'm not asking for an immediate decision, but if you ever feel curious about what we offer, present this card at our headquarters. We could accomplish great things together."

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Seun-mi slid the card into one of the pockets of his tunic, nodding in acknowledgment. "I'll think about it," he said calmly. "But first, I have other matters to attend to."

He glanced once more at Lysander, who seemed barely able to breathe under the passive weight of Seun-mi's presence. This man had tried to break him, but Seun-mi knew he had to pick his battles carefully. For now, regaining his freedom was enough.

Just as he prepared to leave, a lingering question surfaced in his mind. Seun-mi turned back to Caelum, his eyes narrowed with curiosity. "Before I go, I have one more question."

Caelum raised an amused brow. "I'm listening."

"What's the difference between mana and magic?" Seun-mi asked thoughtfully. "I know both are forms of energy—data, in a sense, within this world. But I manipulate mana, while Lysander uses magic. Does that mean magic is superior?"

Caelum laughed, a genuine and slightly mocking sound. "You're asking the right questions, but you've got a lot to learn." Leaning in slightly, as if sharing a secret, he said, "Mana and magic are connected, but they're far from identical. And no, magic isn't necessarily superior to mana."

Seun-mi stayed silent, waiting for more insight.

Caelum straightened up, adopting a more serious tone. "Mana is raw energy—a primordial force that flows through everything in this world. Those who wield mana tap into an infinite, unstructured source. It's versatile and adaptable, but it demands precision and mastery to unlock its full potential. Think of it like a wild river: powerful and unpredictable."

"Magic," he continued, "is more refined and structured. It's channeled through incantations, rituals, or artifacts, allowing for more precise and immediate results. Magic is like a tool, crafted for a specific task."

He paused briefly, crossing his arms. "But magic has its limitations. It follows strict rules and formulas. Stray from those rules, and you risk losing control. Mana, on the other hand, offers freedom but requires more effort to master. In short, magic is convenient, but mana is stronger—if you know how to use it."

Seun-mi narrowed his eyes, absorbing the explanation. The distinction between the two energies was more nuanced than he had anticipated. Mana could be the key to surpassing the limits imposed by magic. But there was still much to learn.

"I see," he murmured. "So, in the end, it depends on the one who wields them."

Caelum nodded. "Exactly. Don't be deceived by appearances or those who boast about their magic. With the right mastery, mana can outshine any magic."

After a moment's reflection, Seun-mi asked another question that had been gnawing at him. "And you, Caelum—are you an NPC? A player? Or... someone reincarnated like me?"

Caelum's grin widened, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Ah, now that's an interesting question. To be honest, I'm a bit of all three."

Seeing Seun-mi's confusion, he elaborated. "I am a player in this world, like you. But I'm also someone who was reincarnated here… and as a part of this world, I've become an NPC to some. Reality here is complicated, my friend. The lines between player and NPC are often blurred."

Seun-mi nodded slowly, though Caelum's answer left him unsettled. This world was full of mysteries. "I understand," he murmured, though he felt he had only scratched the surface of this strange truth.

"I hope you'll visit Naraheim guild," Caelum added as he turned to leave, his sword still resting on his shoulder. "Our guild could really use someone like you. And who knows—you might find the answers you're looking for there."

Seun-mi watched the knight walk away, his thoughts swirling. The black guild card sat in his pocket, and though other matters occupied his mind, he knew he would eventually explore this opportunity.

For now, however, there was something more pressing: Lysander. Though the manipulator was cowed and broken, Seun-mi knew he couldn't let the humiliation go unanswered. He would ensure Lysander never wielded his influence over anyone again.

With a final glance at the door, Seun-mi prepared to leave the castle and continue his journey. This time, however, he would be more vigilant. Stronger.

"Naraheim guild awaits," he whispered to himself, knowing it would be the next step on his path.