The large, luxurious room lit with the soft glow of overhead lighting, reflecting off the polished wooden floors. On one side, a tall man with a lean figure stood at his desk. He wore an elegant, expensive suit beneath a striking red coat, draped over his shoulders like a royal cape, but with his arms not through the sleeves. His platinum blonde hair caught the light, adding to his commanding presence as he casually scrolled through a tablet. This was Kim Jinsoo, an S-rank hero and the leader of the prestigious Golden Zone guild.
Across the room, sitting leather sofa, another young man with jet-black hair and piercing red eyes was quietly engrossed in a thick book. His hair, slicked back from the sides, was a little messy in the front, giving him an effortlessly handsome look. He radiated an air of calm detachment. This was Kai, Jinsoo’s sponsor, and Soobins brother.
Breaking the silence, Jinsoo continued scrolling on his tablet as he said in a casual tone, “I heard you’re going to your brother’s contract ceremony tomorrow.”
Kai, still focused on his book, didn’t even look up. “Hmm.”
Jinsoo’s lips curved into an amused smile, his eyes gleaming with mischief. “You once mentioned he didn’t have a core. Guess he developed one late, huh? Fascinating…”
Kai’s brow twitched, visibly irritated. His gaze remained on the book as he replied with a curt, “Yeah.”
Jinsoo chuckled, clearly enjoying Kai’s reaction. “If you want, I could get the guild to sponsor him. It’d be good if he has even a decent rank, but even if not… he could always make a good friend for our Jisoo.”
That finally got a reaction. Kai snapped his book shut with a soft thud and stood up, his sharp red eyes locking onto Jinsoo with a look that was part annoyance, part resignation. “He wouldn’t join, even if he were to get a bronze spirit, and we were his only choice, he wouldn't. That’s just how he is…” Kai trailed off, his expression showed as if he was thinking of something. He quickly shook it off. “Ugh, whatever.”
Jinsoo watched him with amusement as Kai turned to leave. “Interesting,” Jinsoo murmured under his breath, observing Kai’s mannerisms like a cat toying with a mouse.
As Kai reached the door, Jinsoo called out, “By the way, let’s go together. We can scout prospects while we’re there. Taehwan’s busy, and since you're going already, it makes sense to go with Jisoo.”
Kai paused, giving a small nod. “Yeah, okay,” he said before exiting the room.
Jinsoo smiled, returning to his tablet. He glanced at a notification. 'Jisoo’s ceremony tomorrow,' he thought. 'My baby will be forming her contract tomorrow.' He resumed his work, the faint click of the tablet echoing in the large, quiet room.
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The next day, outside the sprawling ceremonial grounds, the atmosphere was festive and alive with energy. A massive crowd had gathered, people from all over Korea and even outside the country, all eager to witness the contract ceremony. The air buzzed with excitement as vendors sold mystical orbs, potions, and rare artifacts at makeshift stalls.
Inside a luxurious black limo, the ride was quiet. Soobin and others finally reached their destination.
When they finally arrived, security parted the crowd, escorting them through a special VIP section. They stepped into what felt like a futuristic carnival, with holographic displays and floating stalls selling rare items, all under a vibrant sky.
As they entered, the Silverlight Guild’s section caught Soobins eye—particularly Taehyun’s parents, Hyunmoo and Soyeon, famous heroes who were beloved by the entire country.
As soon as Taehyun spotted Soobin, his eyes lit up, and he waved enthusiastically. He quickly closed the gap between them, throwing an arm over Soobin’s shoulder like they’d just finished a big game. “Soobin! broooo Finally, it’s the dayyy!” he shouted.
His energy was contagious, and despite the nervous knot in his stomach, Soobin couldn’t help but smile back. He had truly become one with this world.
“Yeah,” Soobin replied, a bit more quietly but with a soft grin. “It’s finally happening.”
While the boys talked, Soobin’s parents, Yuna and Seojin, were busy introducing Eunhee and Eunjeong, along with their son Jun, to Taehyun’s parents. Eunhee, always eager to impress, greeted them warmly. “Oh, it’s so nice to meet you! We’re such huge fans! This is our son, Jun—he’s forming his contract today too! Jun-ah, say hello.”
Hyunmoo and Soyeon also politely responded and accepted their greetings.
Eunhee then pushed jun to talk to Taehyun.." jun ah say hello to Taehyun, hes your brother Soobins friend"
Jun awkwardly greeted Taehyun, who responded with a halfhearted, “Hey,” clearly more interested in catching up with Soobin.
Hyunmoo and Soyeon soon approached Soobin, with Hyunmoo grinning ear to ear. “Soobiiiin-ahhh! Congratulations!” He wrapped Soobin in a bear hug.
This shocked eunhee and eunjeong, who weren’t expecting such familiarity from one of the top heroes in the world towards soobin.
Soobin laughed, used to Hyunmoo’s overly friendly antics. But before Hyunmoo could continue, Soyeon pulled on his ear with a sharpl scold. “Leave the poor boy alone!”
“Ahhh—ow, ow, okay!” Hyunmoo yelped, stepping back with a sheepish grin.
Soyeon smiled softly, she then touched soobins head and ruffled his hair.. “Soobin, I’m so happy for you. When your mother told me about you suddenly getting a core, I was overjoyed.” .. She then handed him a beautifully wrapped box. “This is a gift we’ve prepared for you.”
“You didn’t have to…” Soobin muttered, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the gesture.
“Open it!” Hyunmoo urged, his eyes wide with excitement.
Soobin carefully unwrapped the present to reveal a white jacket, intricately crafted with fine material. There were transparent strips of some material that lined up some parts.
You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.
Soobin examined the jacket carefully..
Soyeon looking at him continued, “This was handcrafted by the main designer of Beuran. It’s infused with spirit energy and made from the fur of a special luminous spirit beast. When you contract your spirit, those transparent strips will glow with the color of your spirit aura.”
Soobin was speechless. Beuran was the biggest luxury brand in earth. their headquarters was based in korea. the main designer of Beuran was also the owner of the company. He specialised in making clothes with spirit energy and from materials of spirit beasts and monsters. Some of their products prices were as high as a building in Seoul.
To think that this jacket is handcrafted by the main designer...it must cost a fortune. Soobin was shocked,
His parents, Eunjeong and Eunhee, were equally shocked. “This is too much…” Eunhee began.
“What do you mean too much?” Soyeon said, laughing. “It’s a small token of our love for Soobin. We got Taehyun one too, so they can match.”
Soobin, grateful but still processing everything, thanked them.
Eunhee and eunjeong couldnt believe it, just how close were they?? to gift him such a expensive gift?? she got more mad thinking about it. it should have been her son .. it should have been her son who should get this special treatment,.. her eyes were filled with jealousy.
The jacket fit perfectly over Soobin’s black shirt. Taehyun smiled, nudging him playfully. “Looking good bro, the girls are gonna love this”
“Thanks,” Soobin replied, feeling the warmth of their support.
Yuna laughing at Taehyuns words and mannerisms said.. " You dont look too bad too taehyun, should i find a girlfriend for you."
Taehyun replied , closing his eye with pride and flutering his hand, " thanks aunt, ahhh but.. this body is too precious for one person to enjoy"
SLAP , Soyeon slapped the back of taehyuns head, "what did u say???" ... "aaaahhh sorry moom"...
Everyone started laughing, all the initial nervousness had vanished.
The massive coliseum-like arena was filled to the brim with spectators, the seats looked like a sea of people chattering away. Thousands of eyes were fixed on the centerpiece of the event—the towering Tree of Life. Its luminescent glow spread across the space, the light warm yet overwhelming, with a brilliant shine.
Soobin stood at the edge of the platform alongside Taehyun and thousand other participants, both trying to take in the sheer grandeur of the event. The stadium, which could hold over a hundred thousand people, had not a single empty seat. The air was thick with excitement and tension.
Taehyun, always cool-headed, shifted uncomfortably beside him.
“This place is jam-packed,” Soobin muttered, half-amused, half-nervous.
“Yeah, no kidding,” Taehyun replied, glancing around. “There’s always a crowd, but why the fuck is it so packed today? I swear this is worse than usual.”
Soobin gave him a playful nudge. “Well, duh. The heir to one of the biggest guilds in Korea is getting his spirit contract today. Of course, it’s gonna be crowded. People from all over the country—and even outside—are here to see you, idiot.”
Taehyun blinked in surprise. “Wait, whaa—” He stopped, realizing what Soobin was implying.
Soobin smirked and knocked lightly on his friend’s head. “Yeah, you. You’re the heir of Silverlight, remember?”
“Ugh, these people,” Taehyun groaned, rubbing his temples. “I hate the attention.”
Soobin gave a supportive pat on Taehyun’s shoulder, trying to comfort him. “Don’t worry, you’ll do great. You always do.”
And why wouldn’t he? Soobin knew from the novel that Taehyun was going to form a contract with a gold-rank spirit, one of the highest possible. It was hard to feel too sorry for his friend when his future was that bright.
Around them, other young people waited nervously for their turn. All of them had come for the same reason—to form their first-ever spirit contracts. Among them were the children of all kinds of guilds, nobodies with no connections, and also children of important figures too. The line they stood in seemed endless, snaking its way toward the base of the Tree of Life.
Just then, a sudden loud voice interrupted the low murmurs of the crowd. “HELLO! HELLO!” A man floated in mid-air, standing on a hovering platform. He wore a suit that was sharp and immaculate, his hair neatly combed back, and a mic in his hand. The arena fell silent, all eyes on him as the host began to address the audience. “WELCOME TO THIS YEAR’S FIRST SPIRIT CONTRACT CEREMONY!”
The crowd erupted in cheers, the sound echoing through the stadium like thunder.
“This year,” the host continued, “we have some amazing prospects joining us, with bright futures ahead of them!” He glanced at the screen behind him, which displayed several key names , including Taehyun. there was also another name that Soobin recognized, kim Jisoo, daughter of kim jinsoo. she played an important role in the main novel.
“I can see there are many important figures here today!” The large floating screen zoomed in on various VIP boxes in the stands. The first was the Golden Zone Guild’s box, where the S-Rank hero, Kim Jinsoo, gave his usual charming smile and waved, the crowd roaring in response.
Then, the camera moved to the Silverlight Guild’s section. Hyunmoo, grinning from ear to ear, waved with both hands energetically, while Soyeon beside him gave a more elegant, but warm smile. Soobin knew despite Hyunmoo's bubbliness , he was one of the strongest and if provoked, could be the most ruthless person anyone has ever witnessed. Soobin personally remembered the Hyunmoo in the novel.. after 'that' incident.
The camera then panned over to the Arcane Hide Guild’s box, where a few serious-looking officials sat, the leader was absent that day.
Finally, the camera zoomed in on the Ethereal Alliance’s VIP box. At its center stood Ryu Jihan, the infamous leader. He had many scandals under his name, which were thrown under the rug. He rose from his seat, arms spread wide in a theatrical wave. The crowd’s cheered for him too.
Soobin’s expression darkened as soon as Ryu Jihan appeared on the screen.
“Fucker…” Soobin muttered under his breath, barely loud enough to be heard.
Taehyun, standing beside him, looked over in surprise. “What did you just say?”
Soobin’s face immediately returned to neutral. “What? Nothing. Are you hearing things?”
Taehyun shot him a suspicious glance but didn’t push the matter further. “Hmm… okay.”
The host’s voice boomed again, “Now, let’s begin with our first participant for the day!” A name flashed on the screen as a boy, slightly older than Soobin and Taehyun, approached the tree. He looked nervous but determined as he stepped forward, placing his hand on a marked spot on the trunk of the glowing Tree of Life.
The tree’s light intensified, casting a warm glow around the boy’s figure. Moments later, a small beam of light shot from the tree into his hand, marking him with the spirit contract. A tattoo-like emblem appeared on his skin, shimmering in the light as the entire arena held its breath, waiting to see the rank of his spirit.
On the massive screen above, the result flashed: “Silver Rank.”
The boy’s face lit up with a wide smile, clearly thrilled, and the crowd roared. He stepped down, huffing from the exertion but filled with joy as he returned to the waiting area. A silver-ranked spirit was no small feat.
There were many devices around the tree of life that measured the amount of spirit energy expelled, then this measurement was used to determine the rank of the spirit.
1-40000 - bronze
40001 -70000 - silver
70001- 90000 - gold
from 90000+ - Platinum
Several more candidates followed, most receiving bronze ranks, which were more common, though none seemed too disappointed. The entire process was fast-paced yet nerve-wracking for those waiting their turn. Bronze was most common, after that came silver.. gold were rare, people with gold were one of the most strongest, and the most rarest was platinum, which came like 2 to 3 per 5 to 10 years in a country. Korea itself barely had like 6-7 platinum ranked spirit users
Soobin’s eyes wandered across the other waiting participants, feeling the weight of the moment creeping up on him.
Then suddenly , his gaze landed on a small figure standing not too far from him—a boy with golden hair and golden eyes, a bit shorter than the others, with his lean body, he stood out a bit from the others. The boy had an innocent smile, eyes wide as if admiring the grandiosity of the whole event.
ONLY Soobin knew who he was. " A image flashed in his mind, the boy, with his signature two katanas, glowing eyes , glaring at his enemies"
" ah fuck , i forgot ..he was gonna be here today "
It was Choi Jiho, the protagonist—the true main character of this world.
image [https://i.imgur.com/mrrljQg.jpeg]