Chapter 161

Today was an unusually tiring day. Normally, I would’ve woken up earlier, opened the window, and admired the outside scenery, but today, it was Anne’s quiet voice that roused my groggy eyes.

“Darling?”

“…Hmm?”

“Tired?”

“A little.”

“Did you have a tough day yesterday?”

“Honestly…it was quite exhausting.”

I could almost feel the price of overusing my powers catching up with me—my body heavy with fatigue.

“It’s fine. I’m just a bit tired.”

“Then let’s rest well today!”

“Sounds good.”

“Want to sleep more?”

“No. Isn’t breakfast ready?”

“Yes.”

“Let’s head down together.”

As we descended the stairs side by side, the fragrant scent of spring greeted us. Spring herbs in our cooking. The aroma made my mouth water, and my stomach growled audibly.

“Master has arrived?”

“Abba! You’re here?”

A neatly set table awaited me. Yul sat there patiently, chopsticks untouched, her big eyes watching me expectantly. I quickly took my seat and scooped some rice.

“Good night?”

Just as I did, Yul beamed brightly and dove into her meal with gusto. It was like a small battle unfolding at the dining table. As she ate voraciously, I wiped away the crumbs she spilled and enjoyed my meal leisurely.

Spring radish greens, slightly bitter dandelions, thinly sliced and grilled beef—it all came together beautifully, reinvigorating my weary body.

After breakfast, everyone went their separate ways. I thought I’d listen to a morning report before stepping out for a while. When I returned, endless free time stretched before me.

Lazily sprawled on the sofa, Evangelin approached me with concern.

“Are you feeling unwell?”

“I’m fine. Just a bit tired.”

“In that case, it’s fortunate. Would you like something sweet? Or perhaps some warm tea?”

“Could you make something for me?”

“Of course! Anything at all!”

Her thoughtful care brought a smile to my face. Sitting idly on the couch, I suddenly remembered—I hadn’t claimed the reward from this expedition yet.

The palace acquisition. Learning new skills.

All secondary matters. My true goal was to upgrade the system to advanced level.

Opening the long-ignored system interface, I checked the message log.

[Clap clap clap clap!!]

[System Advanced Level 1 achieved! Choose your Advanced achievement effect!]

[1. Secret Friend]

[2. Secret Friend 2!!!!!]

“…?”

Does the system now have a personality?

Lately, it’s felt increasingly human. Unlike its previously cold and emotionless tone, it now expresses whimsical emotions since integrating with my skills.

It wasn’t annoying—it was rather endearing, even likable.

Like when it asked for gratitude or when raising Yul gave me similar vibes. The system seemed to crave attention like a child.

“I’ll choose option 2.”

Quietly muttering, I added words I never used before, selecting the second option. Even if both would likely be chosen anyway, there’s a certain charm in making the choice.

The pain from upgrading to Advanced was minimal. Perhaps because I’d endured so much already, it barely registered—a faint fatigue overshadowed by my existing weariness.

Regardless, being pain-free was a relief.

Curious about what changed with the system reaching Advanced, I lazily traced patterns with my fingers and began reviewing the updates.

Two major changes stood out:

A new [Advice] item appeared.

And a new [Secret] item appeared.

Other than that, nothing significant changed—a rather dull update compared to the dramatic transformations other skills underwent upon reaching Advanced. This implied Advice and Secret were incredibly powerful.

I tapped on Advice. A small window popped up with a notepad where I could write questions.

[Ask any question, and once a week, the system will answer anything!!!]

Anything, huh? Smiling at its confidence, I revealed a long-buried desire.

[Tell me how to return to Earth.]

An unexpected question, one I didn’t really expect an answer to. I could’ve accepted “unknown” without issue.

[…Processing! Please wait a moment.]

Its polite request to wait was inexplicably cute, so I simply smiled.

[1. Unlock the Floating Island and New Continent modes!

2. Break limits and achieve at least one skill ‘Transcendence’!

3. Eliminate all world-threatening factors!

4. Investigate hidden modes unlocked after completing sequential elements!

5. Confirm coordinates and create a passage!

6. Return to Earth!

This advice represents the most feasible and fastest route currently available, subject to change based on future actions!!]

“Eh…?”

Caught off guard by the detailed response, my brain froze momentarily. The unexpected specificity shocked me.

Upon further reflection, it seemed plausible. It touched areas beyond my knowledge, sparking thoughts of “worth trying.”

“Huh.”

Only two additions from the system reaching Advanced—but their depth and potential far surpassed everything else.

To me, knowing the way back to Earth alone justified upgrading the system.

And the fact it wasn’t a one-time thing but a recurring weekly feature brought me subtle joy.

Naturally, my curiosity shifted to the [Secret] item. With a flick of my finger, I explored it.

[Today’s Secret!]

[Press ‘here’ to confirm!]

[You can check the secret once per day!]

What could this be? Curiosity piqued, my finger instinctively moved toward the indicated spot.

[Today’s Hidden Secret Information!]

[Six great threats endanger the world. Currently, five remain!!]

“Ah.”

So this is how it works. Once daily, random useful information is provided. Though limited to one record, it was undoubtedly helpful.

—

Later, Evangelin returned with a sweet treat.

“Here, I brought some sweets.”

“It’s bread?”

“Yes. I’ve recently taken an interest in baking.”

“I’ll enjoy it.”

A delightful cream-filled bread and a refreshing drink. Lifting the bread, its warmth suggested it had just been baked. The unique aroma filled the air, satisfying every sense.

Taking a bite, the crispy texture gave way to moistness inside, followed by the smooth sweetness of the cream. It was delicious.

“How is it?”

“Very tasty!”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Want a bite?”

“Yes.”

Was this her first attempt? Evangelin approached curiously and took a small bite of the bread I’d already nibbled on. After a moment, she nodded happily, smiling contentedly.

“Delicious.”

“You’re getting good at baking too.”

“Hehe.”

Her adorable smile prompted me to finish the bread and drink right there. Despite being full from breakfast, it went down effortlessly.

Perhaps it was the deliciousness or my body’s energy needs, but either way, I enjoyed it thoroughly.

After eating, curiosity satisfied, my body grew lazy. My eyelids grew heavy, and my head naturally drooped—sleep was coming.

“Are you sleepy?”

“…A little.”

“Come here. I’ll be your pillow.”

“Will it be uncomfortable for you?”

“Not at all. I actually enjoy it.”

Her thighs subtly invaded my space. She gently patted them, signaling me closer. Reluctantly obeying, I rested my head softly on her lap.

“Hush… hush…”

“Isn’t that the lullaby for Yul?”

“Child. Lullabies are universally ageless.”

“I didn’t know that.”

“I’ll sing it again for you. Hush… hush…”

Before I knew it, I drifted off.

—

* * *

“Is Minho asleep?”

“Shh…”

“Cute.”

“Don’t make loud noises; he might wake up.”

“Ssh. Of course.”

Anne covered her mouth to muffle her voice as she tiptoed over and sat near Minho’s feet. Gazing at her peacefully sleeping husband…

Objectively speaking, his appearance radiated pure love. No wonder Anne’s eyes brimmed with affection.

“Let’s switch places.”

“Hmm?”

“Doesn’t your leg hurt? I want to be the pillow too.”

At that, Evangelin chuckled softly. Anne’s desires were so clear—and somehow endearing, reminiscent of Yul.

“Alright?”

Agreeing was easy for Evangelin, who had selfishly wanted to serve as a leg-pillow herself. Sharing such small joys with a lifelong friend wasn’t difficult.

“Okay!”

“Shh.”

With perfect timing, they swapped quietly. Minho remained deeply asleep, oblivious to their stealthy maneuver.

“Heehee.”

“Do you enjoy it that much?”

“This is special. When else would I get the chance?”

“That’s true.”

Indeed, it was rare for Minho to nap like this, exhausted from work. Watching him sleep peacefully, Anne smiled, feeling the gentle weight on her legs.

“How’s your appetite lately?”

“Not sure. Sometimes sour things sound appealing.”

“Our baby must want those foods.”

“You too?”

“Our winter girl did the same sometimes.”

“So it’s not just me.”

Small conversations between pregnant women. Anne only hoped this happiness would last forever.

Praying silently for eternity, she resolved to cherish the present moment. First, admiring Minho’s sleeping face.

“Soon, Yul will be home.”

“Already?”

“It’s lunchtime.”

“We should prepare.”

“Yes.”

Their adorable daughter Yul—the household’s source of vitality and unofficial village mascot. Imagining her cheerful presence brought instant joy. If only they could ride bicycles together, it would’ve been perfect.

“Love you.”

Whispering softly so he wouldn’t hear, Anne tenderly patted Minho’s head.

It was a blissful midday moment.

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