Chapter 2: A New Name, A New Home
Within the depths of the Forest of Hidden Beasts, where monsters roamed freely and danger lurked behind every tree, two figures walked as though such threats did not exist.
Vale Kindspring strode forward with calm confidence, while Haneul Kim followed closely behind, listening intently. Despite the terrifying reputation of the forest, not a single beast dared approach them.
As they walked, Vale spoke casually, as if lecturing an eager student.
"This world was created by five Celestial Gods," Vale said.
"The God of Space, who formed the foundation of the world.
The God of Time, whose authority allowed time to flow.
The Goddess of Life, creator of all living beings.
The God of Death, who guides lost souls in the underworld.
And lastly—the God of the Architect, who bestowed upon us the System."
"So the world was created by five Celestial Gods…" Haneul murmured.
He hesitated before asking, "But how do you know all of this?"
Vale smiled proudly.
"It is because the first four races created by the Goddess of Life still exist."
He continued, his voice filled with dignity.
"The Angels, who serve the gods with absolute loyalty.
The Giants, whose physical strength is unrivaled.
The Demons, created to assist the God of Death in managing the underworld.
And lastly—Dragons. We were created as the pillars of creation itself."
"I see…" Haneul replied quietly, absorbing every word.
As they continued walking, Vale spoke of many things—
the Abyss, enemies born from the power of Outer Gods;
the world's complex magic system;
and the advanced weapon craftsmanship unique to each race.
After a while, Vale glanced at Haneul.
"So, Haneul… what do you plan to do now?"
Haneul slowed his steps.
"I'm… not sure," he admitted.
"I don't know what to do with this second chance I've been given."
Vale stopped walking.
"Then how about becoming my adopted son?" he said calmly.
"You lack direction right now—and I can guide you."
Haneul froze.
At first, he hesitated.
"But… even if I reincarnated, my mind is still that of a 24-year-old man," he said cautiously.
Vale waved his hand dismissively.
"That won't be a problem. I already have a solution."
He paused, then added casually, "Besides, I'm 340 years old."
"340?!" Haneul shouted in shock.
Vale laughed heartily.
"I am a Dragon. Dragons live far longer than any race created by the Goddess of Life."
"…I see," Haneul said with a tired sigh.
Not long after, they finally exited the Forest of Hidden Beasts.
Before them stood a massive city, its towering walls and medieval architecture stretching far into the distance. Stone buildings, spires, and banners fluttered proudly in the wind.
Haneul was mesmerized.
"So," Vale said, turning to him,
"what is your answer to my proposal?"
Haneul clenched his fists, then looked up with resolve.
"I will gladly accept. Please take care of me from now on."
Vale burst into laughter.
"Very well."
His expression then turned serious.
"However, to become my official son, you must become a Dragon."
Haneul stiffened.
"For that, you will undergo a week of training—strengthening your body, controlling mana. Afterward, you will face a process called Rebirth."
Vale explained that Rebirth was a ritual exclusive to Dragons.
Haneul would need to push his body to its absolute limit. When he did, Vale would create a Dragon Egg that would reconstruct both his physical and astral body—and he would receive a Spiritual Dragon Heart.
"What… is an astral body?" Haneul asked.
Vale explained that the Astral Body was a being's second body—commonly known as the soul. Astral parts such as Soul Bones and Mana Limbs could strengthen it. These could be crafted using rare materials or obtained—very rarely—by slaying powerful monsters.
"So… how am I supposed to get one?" Haneul asked.
"I already have one," Vale replied.
"It's stored in my family's treasure vault."
Haneul smiled sincerely.
"Thank you," he said.
"I'm truly grateful for everything you've done for me."
"It's nothing," Vale replied warmly.
"And from now on—you should call me Father."
Vale placed a hand on Haneul's shoulder.
A magic circle appeared beneath them, glowing brightly—
And in an instant, they were gone.
They reappeared before a magnificent manor, elegant and majestic.
Haneul stared in awe.
A man with black hair and brown eyes, dressed in a butler's uniform, approached and bowed.
"Greetings, my lord."
"Hello, Isaac," Vale said.
"This is my adopted son. Treat him with the same respect you give me. Guide him to his room—and be aware that he is a transmigrator."
"Yes, my lord."
"Please, this way, sir," Isaac said politely.
"Y–Yes," Haneul replied nervously.
As they walked, Haneul asked quietly,
"Does this manor belong to Val—Father?"
"Yes, sir," Isaac replied respectfully.
"This is Kindspring Manor, and Lord Vale is its Patriarch."
They reached a beautifully furnished room.
"From now on," Isaac said, "this will be your home."
Haneul was speechless.
In his past life, he had never even owned a proper bedroom.
After changing into new clothes, Isaac led him to the center hall, where Vale stood beside a beautiful woman and an adorable little girl.
"Ah, Haneul," Vale said warmly.
"These are my wife and daughter."
"I'm Elizabeth Kindspring," the woman said kindly.
"From now on, I'll be your mother."
"I'm Emily!" the little girl said cheerfully.
"Please take care of me, big brother!"
"N–Nice to meet you," Haneul said, bowing deeply.
"My name is Haneul Kim. Please take care of me."
Elizabeth chuckled softly.
"You're more polite than Vale described."
"From now on, you're my big brother!" Emily declared happily.
Haneul's face flushed.
Vale smiled.
"Welcome to the family, Haneul."
And so ended Chapter 2.