The light vanished. For a brief moment, Narin felt the same strange sensation again—the dislocation of space folding around his body.

  Then the light faded.

  And he opened his eyes.

  “….”

  He was standing in a place that felt wrong.

  Two enormous walls loomed on either side of him.

  They were ancient—taller than any fortress wall he had ever seen—stretching upward until they vanished into a dim gray haze above. Their surfaces were uneven and scarred by time, their stones cracked and swollen with age. Thick layers of green mold clung to the mortar between them, spreading like diseased veins.

  Some parts of the wall looked as if they had been standing there for centuries.

  Others looked as if they had been forgotten even longer.

  The smell reached him next.

  A damp and earthy rot. The kind of scent that only existed in places where sunlight had not touched for far too long.

  Narin slowly lowered his gaze.

  The ground beneath his feet sank slightly.

  It felt soft and wet, like mud.

  Each small shift of his weight produced a quiet squelching sound.

  He looked forward.

  The narrow corridor between the two massive walls stretched onward in crooked angles, branching off into darker passages that twisted like veins through an enormous labyrinth.

  A maze.

  “….”

  Narin blinked once.

  Then twice.

  He looked around again slowly, his shoulders rising and falling with a quiet breath.

  His posture remained relaxed.

  But inside his mind—

  He was already exhausted.

  Not the physical exhaustion of the body.

  But something deeper. Something far heavier.

  He lifted a hand slowly and rubbed his face.

  “…I want to give up.”

  His voice was calm and casual, as if he were commenting about the weather.

  The moment the words left his mouth—

  A notification screen appeared.

  But this one was different.

  It didn’t float gently in front of him like the others.

  It overlapped everything.

  Every other faint interface window that had been lingering at the edge of his vision was pushed aside, suppressed beneath a larger translucent panel glowing softly with pale blue light.

  The words appeared one by one.

  [ The Core has granted you the right to give up. ]

  Narin blinked.

  “….”

  Another line formed.

  [ Teleporting user to The Lobby. ]

  “WHAT?!”

  His head snapped up.

  His eyes widened in genuine shock.

  “Really?!”

  For the second time in a very long time, his composure cracked.

  But before he could process it—

  The light came again.

  It swallowed him whole and the maze vanished.

  When the light faded again—

  Narin appeared somewhere else.

  He blinked slowly then looked around.

  His brows lifted slightly.

  “….”

  There were no walls. No ceiling. No horizon. Nothing.

  Just white. Endless, boundless white.

  It wasn’t the harsh white of glaring light.

  Nor the sterile white of polished marble.

  It was softer and almost like standing inside a cloud on a clear summer day.

  The space seemed to glow faintly with its own gentle brightness.

  Yet despite its softness—

  The silence here was absolute.

  No wind. No footsteps. No echoes.

  Even his breathing felt strangely muted.

  “…Finally…”

  The word slipped from his lips as a whisper.

  He lifted both hands slowly and covered his mouth.

  His fingers trembled slightly.

  A deep breath escaped through the small gap between his palms.

  “…Just one more…”

  His shoulders rose and fell again.

  He stood there for several seconds without moving.

  Inside him—

  Something enormous was swelling.

  Shock. Disbelief. Relief.

  But above all—

  Bliss.

  If someone could see his emotions as colors—

  They would see a towering pillar of golden-yellow light rising endlessly upward, piercing beyond the sky itself.

  One more obstacle.

  Just one.

  One last step.

  If he could pass this—

  He would reach the exit.

  How could he possibly control what he felt?

  Even now his heart was racing inside his chest, beating harder and harder like a drum echoing through his ribs.

  Yet outwardly—

  His body remained calm.

  His breathing steady.

  His posture relaxed.

  But his mind—

  His mind was racing faster than it ever had before.

  Then—

  Something began forming in the empty space before him.

  At first it looked like dust gathering in the air.

  Then the dust turned into faint glowing particles.

  The particles aligned themselves slowly.

  Word by word. Letter by letter.

  Until a sentence appeared.

  What is most important to you in life?

  Narin stared at it.

  His head tilted slightly.

  “….”

  “This is that famous hundred questions, right?”

  His voice was quiet.

  Almost thoughtful.

  He leaned forward slightly, resting his hand on his chin.

  “…hm.”

  His eyes narrowed faintly as he considered the question carefully.

  Several seconds passed.

  Then he nodded to himself.

  “Yes.”

  He straightened slightly.

  “It is my life.”

  He spoke calmly.

  “Myself.”

  The sentence dissolved.

  Then another formed.

  If you had to define yourself with just one word, what would it be?

  Narin smiled faintly.

  “…Living.”

  The next question appeared.

  And then another.

  And another.

  The interview had begun.

  This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

  What motivates you to wake up in the morning?

  He thought briefly.

  “Curiosity.”

  His fingers tapped lightly against his arm.

  “There’s always something new worth seeing.”

  Are you more afraid of being forgotten or being hated? Why?— He shrugged faintly.

  What does your ideal definition of success look like?— He answered almost instantly.

  Do you view death as an end or a new beginning?— Narin folded his arms.

  If there were no laws in this world, would you still be the same person?— “No.” His answer was immediate. “I would not.”

  What is the one thing you would sacrifice your life to protect?— He paused longer for this one but eventually he moved on without answering aloud.

  Do you believe more in fate or in your own actions?— “My own actions.”

  What is your greatest regret in life so far?— Narin’s expression softened slightly. “…My greatest regret is the time I had wasted when I was young after the death of my parents.”

  If you could go back and change one thing in your past, what would it be?— “I wouldn’t change anything.”

  What is the first thing you look for when entering an unknown place?— His eyes shifted around the white void.

  Is true happiness found in peace or in excitement?— “In peace of course.” He answered without hesitation.

  Do you value the Past, Present, or Future the most?— “Present.” He nodded slightly. “After all it defines both the past and the future.”

  What kind of praise makes you feel the most proud?— “Uh…” He scratched the side of his head awkwardly.

  How do you handle true solitude?— He chuckled quietly.

  Do you believe humans are inherently born good or evil?— He gazed at the question before answering.

  What is the mask you wear most often in society?— “…Calm.”

  How do you want to be remembered after you are gone?— “That wasn’t in my thoughts before.” He shrugged. “And it doesn’t matter how I will be remembered.”

  If you were a color, which one would you be and why?— He smiled faintly.

  Which is more important: being loved or being accepted?— “...”

  What would you do if the person you trust most betrayed you?— He thought deeply about the question.

  Is mercy a strength or a weakness?— “Both.”

  Would you tell a lie just to protect someone else's feelings?— “Sometimes a lie is more necessary than the truth..”

  In a group, do you naturally take the role of a leader, a follower, or an observer?— “I would like to be an observer.” He smiled lightly. “It’s a pretty chill role.”

  Do you view an enemy as an obstacle or a teacher?— “Both again.”

  Which is more agonizing: being alone in a crowd or being alone in a deep forest?— “Alone in a crowd.”

  How much weight do you place on debts of gratitude?— He tilted his head at the question.

  If forced to choose, would you save the many or save the one person you love?— He did not answer immediately.

  How do you process anger caused by others?— He paused to think before speaking softly.

  Does forgiveness have a limit?— “Forgiveness has to have a limit.”

  Is conflict something to be avoided or confronted?— It depends on situation

  How much value do you place on a promise?— “A very high value.”

  What is the specific thing that makes you decide to trust someone?— A faint smile appeared, accompanied by a firm answer.

  What would you do if you were forced to care for someone you dislike?— He clenched his fists slightly before releasing them.

  Is sharing an act of losing something or gaining something?— He nodded slightly to himself.

  How do you feel when you witness someone else in pain?— He remained silent for a long moment.

  Do you judge people first by their appearance or by their actions?— Narin frowned slightly. “What kind of fools judge someone by their appearance?..” He shook his head. “Well not me. I choose actions.”

  What are the essential components of a true friendship?— “Trust and time.”

  Can you accept defeat gracefully in front of others?— His hands trembled slightly as certain memories flooded into his mind.

  When facing a high wall, do you climb over it, break it down, or find a way around?— “Find a way around.”

  For what purpose should power in your hands be used?— He shook his head reluctantly.

  Are you better at solving problems with your mind or with force?— “My mind.”

  What has failure taught you best?— He sighed deeply, calmly bearing the heavy burden of the past on his shoulders.

  How do you manage pressure in a moment of crisis?— He rubbed the back of his neck, looking like just an ordinary young man.

  If you had one superpower, would you use it for yourself or for others?— He raised one eyebrow in a slightly teasing manner.

  What was the most worthwhile risk you’ve ever taken?— A sharp glint flashed in his eyes for a moment, like a sword just drawn from its sheath.

  Do you believe in thorough preparation or improvisation?— “Both.”

  What is the one line you will never, under any circumstances, cross?— He did not answer aloud.

  Do you view money as the goal or simply as a tool?— “Money is a tool.” He nodded slightly. “It has been created as a tool therefore I view it as a tool. Even if it wasn’t… money can be the goal but never the end goal.”

  When making a major decision, do you rely on logic or intuition?— He stood still as if time had stopped, only his eyes moving in response to the letters.

  How do you truly handle criticism?— He lowered his gaze to the floor, his silence making the atmosphere around him more awkward.

  If you fall down, do you stand up immediately or stay down to reflect?— He tilted his head back and forth to relieve his fatigue.

  How does having power over others make you feel?— His eyes dimmed, like a star about to fade in the silent night.

  Do you value the process or the result more?— He let out a dry laugh in his throat.

  What would you do if a plan you spent your life on collapsed entirely?— His eyes flickered for a moment, before being quickly replaced by a calm expression.

  What is justice in your eyes?— He shook his head slightly to clear the confusion, his demeanor becoming more resolute.

  How easily can you accept help from others?— He didn't avert his gaze from the piercing question; his demeanor demonstrated honesty to himself.

  What specific thing makes you feel powerful?— “Control over myself.”

  If placed in total chaos, how would you establish order?— He shrugged as if shaking off his worries.

  Do you prefer a stable home or a journey with no destination?— “A stable home.”

  Nature or technology—which makes you feel safer?— “Nature.”

  If you had to build a new world, what is the first thing you would create?— “A home.”

  Do you view silence as emptiness or as meaning?— He lowered his head until the shadows from his hair completely obscured his eyes.

  What kind of place feels like a true home to you?— “My home.” He smiled faintly. “The place where I can do whatever I want… where I can just lay down and relax all day.”

  How do you manage resources when they are extremely limited?— He shook his head slightly at the system's bossiness.

  If the world were ending in 24 hours, what would you do?— He looked at his hands with a confused expression.

  Is change something scary or something exciting to you?— “Both.”

  What is the greatest beauty you have ever encountered?— He froze, as if recalling words from someone in the past.

  Do you value possessing objects or collecting experiences?— He moved his lips softly.

  If you could communicate with an inanimate object, what would you talk to?— He laughed quietly.

  Is darkness a place of fear or a place of rest?— His eyes were calm, yet a fleeting glint of wit flickered between them.

  Which is harder: creation or destruction?— “Creation.”

  How do you feel when you are in a place where nobody knows who you are?— He let out a long sigh, his eyes looking weary for a moment.

  If you were stuck in a single room forever, what must be in it?— “A bed.”

  Does freedom always come with a price?— His eyes looked empty, yet surprisingly warm.

  What is the thing that makes a place feel alive?— “People.”

  How do you handle the chaos of the world around you?— He placed one hand on his hip, his posture resembling a law enforcement officer assessing the situation.

  If the world were only black and white, where would you find joy?— He pressed his lips together in a straight line, his demeanor resolute and without hesitation.

  Do you believe humans can truly coexist with non-human entities?— “I believe so.” He nodded slowly. “But not every non-human entity.”

  How is the value of a soul measured?— “….”

  Which fulfills you more: being the giver or being the receiver?— He let out a short, self-aware laugh.

  How would you treat an uninvited guest?— He shook his head slowly, as if rejecting the judgment of anyone who questioned this question.

  What is the true meaning of service?— His eyes narrowed slightly.

  Are secrets meant for protection or for control?— He looked past the letters, as if the question were merely a meaningless obstacle.

  If you had to trade something precious for ultimate knowledge, would you?— “No.”

  A cruel truth or a beautiful lie—which do you choose?— “A cruel truth.”

  Is fortune something to be hunted or something predetermined?— His hands clenched tightly around his body.

  If you were the guardian of a certain place, what would be your one iron rule?— “No unnecessary harm.”

  Which is harder to endure: physical pain or mental anguish?— “Mental anguish.”

  Do you believe in life after death?— “…Maybe.”

  What is it that makes a person valuable?— “It is who you are, who you want to be, and what you want to do.”

  What would you do if you held the power of life and death over others?— He gazed at the floating letters, his eyes filled with questions directed back at the Core.

  What does true rest mean to you?— “Peace.”

  Is luck just preparation meeting opportunity?— He froze for a moment before forcing a bitter smile at the question that struck a nerve.

  If you had to live as an immortal alone, would you accept it?— “No.”

  What are you most grateful for in this exact moment?— He furrowed his brows slightly, before quickly relaxing them once he had made a decision.

  The next question appeared.

  If the System is God, do you have anything to say to it?

  Narin suddenly laughed.

  “HAHAHAHAH…”

  The sound echoed strangely in the silent white void.

  Then he slowly stopped.

  His laughter faded into a long quiet pause.

  “I don’t know…”

  He rubbed the back of his neck slightly.

  “But I wouldn’t be completely hateful toward the system… neither would I be completely amiable toward it.”

  The next question formed.

  Are you ready to accept the consequences of all these answers?

  Narin’s heartbeat slowed.

  But each beat felt heavier.

  Stronger.

  He lifted his gaze toward the floating words.

  And spoke honestly.

  “Yes.”

  “I am ready.”

  Then—

  The final question appeared.

  The final question… Who are you in the world?

  Narin inhaled slowly.

  His chest rose then fell.

  “…I am Narin Wong-sura.”

  His voice was steady, calm and unshaken.

  “In all timelines…”

  “Past…”

  “Present…”

  “Or future…”

  He placed a hand over his chest.

  And spoke clearly.

  “This is me.”

  “Narin Wong-sura.”

  The final words lingered in the white expanse for several seconds after Narin finished speaking.

  “This is me.”

  “Narin Wong-sura.”

  His voice slowly faded into the endless silence.

  For a brief moment—

  Nothing happened.

  The white world around him remained perfectly still.

  No wind. No sound. No movement.

  Then—

  The space itself began to change.

  At first it was subtle.

  The white mist that made up the endless void started to ripple, like the surface of a calm lake disturbed by a falling leaf. Thin waves of light rolled outward from the place where the final question had hovered.

  Narin noticed it immediately.

  His eyes narrowed slightly.

  “….”

  Then the light condensed.

  Lines of text began forming again.

  This time the letters appeared faster, more solid—like metal being forged out of glowing particles.

  A notification screen appeared before him.

  Brighter than all the previous ones.

  [ Congratulations! You have met the requirements for the class. ]

  Narin blinked once.

  Another line appeared.

  [ Master of Wandering Hotel class has been granted. ]

  “….”

  He stared at the words.

  Silence stretched between him and the floating screen.

  Then he exhaled slowly.

  “That sounds like some troublesome class…”

  His voice was calm but there was a hint of tiredness.

  The corner of his mouth twitched faintly as if he wanted to smile—but even that small expression seemed too exhausting to complete.

  He looked at the notification screen for a few seconds longer.

  Then his eyelids slowly lowered.

  He closed his eyes.

  “….”

  And simply stood there without rushing.

  Just… letting the moment settle.

  Then the light came again.

  But this time—

  It was different.

  This light was warm and gentle. It was like standing beneath sunlight after a long winter.

  It began as a faint glow beneath his feet then it rose slowly around his body.

  His coat fluttered lightly as the brightness intensified.

  The white illumination grew stronger and stronger until it surrounded him entirely.

  His body reacted before his mind could fully process it.

  His shoulders trembled.

  A small twitch ran through his fingers.

  Then another.

  The muscles in his arms tightened unconsciously.

  He clenched his hands slowly from his emotion.

  His breathing grew uneven.

  A deep breath escaped his lips.

  “….”

  His eyes remained closed.

  Inside the darkness behind his eyelids—

  A memory appeared.

  What appeared was simple.

  An old room.

  His bedroom.

  The one from his house.

  The faint sunlight that used to slip through the curtains in the morning.

  The familiar smell of old wood and laundry detergent.

  The soft creaking of the bed frame whenever he shifted his weight.

  The slightly uneven floorboards he had memorized after years of living there.

  He could almost see it.

  The worn blanket he never bothered to replace.

  The small table beside the bed with a chipped coffee mug resting on it.

  “….”

  His throat tightened slightly.

  All the exhaustion he had carried through the challenges…

  Suddenly felt distant. Almost unreal like a dream slowly dissolving in the morning sun.

  A quiet breath left him.

  “…How long has it been… huh?”

  His voice was barely louder than a whisper.

  No one answered.

  Of course no one would.

  But the question lingered in the silence anyway.

  The weight inside his body remained.

  Heavy. So incredibly heavy.

  Narin understood it clearly.

  That feeling wasn’t just fatigue.

  It was time.

  The weight of years.

  His youth had been left somewhere behind him.

  Left behind in this place.

  His body felt like an old anchor dragged along the ocean floor for decades.

  And yet—

  Despite all that—

  Relief rose inside his chest like a tide.

  The warmth and gentleness almost overwhelming him.

  He exhaled again.

  His fingers relaxed slowly.

  The trembling in his body gradually faded as the light surrounding him grew even brighter.

  Then the notification appeared again.

  Floating directly before him.

  [ Teleporting user to The destination. ]

  The words glowed softly.

  Narin did not open his eyes.

  He simply stood there in the light, letting the brightness swallow him completely.