Hyong Ryo stared intently at the data the system had presented, trying to analyze it in a way that gave him a clearer picture of his current situation.
The system had already explained things… but he wanted to understand them in his own way—something that made more sense to him, that felt more real.
As he thought, a question popped into his mind.
"System, you mentioned something about 'Seeds' earlier… what exactly did you mean?"
> [ Seed: The primary source of power in the world you've been reincarnated into.]
"Could you explain that in more detail? I don't think I've read anything quite like this before."
He scoffed lightly. "Tsk… Seeds, huh?"
> [ Retrieving relevant data…]
> [ In the world you now reside in, there exists a colossal tree, located at the center of the continent—on an island shrouded in dense fog and surrounded by endless waters. No one can see the tree, no matter how hard they try. The only way to reach it is by ship, and each round trip takes roughly one week.]
> [ This tree produces rare, powerful items known as Seeds. These Seeds can only be consumed through specific rituals under strict conditions. Once absorbed, a Seed grants its user exceptional powers, far beyond what ordinary humans are capable of.]
Hyong Ryo stroked his chin in deep thought. He caught a glimpse of his reflection and noticed something strange—his face had no features. It was as if he were an unfinished sketch.
No face… weird. But I can still talk, hear, and see… That's all I need. Facial features are the least of my concerns right now.
"Interesting... this power system is truly unique. It reminds me of some Chinese novel I read a bit of once. Same core concept. If that's the case, then... there must be more layers to it."
He smiled to himself.
"Don't spoil it for me, System. I'm starting to feel excited to uncover the details myself. But for now—tell me, what body can I use?"
> [ Searching available hosts… ]
> [ Currently accessible body: Karbile Hogbor. Do you wish to transfer into it? ]
"Yes," he replied clearly.
> [ Command received. Transferring…]
In an instant, the environment around him began to distort. The system interface vanished, replaced by an all-consuming darkness.
He didn't panic, but a subtle tension pressed against his chest. Soon, he felt a weight settle into him—a new heaviness he hadn't noticed before.
It worked. I'm inside Karbile Hogbor's body.
When he opened his eyes, he found himself lying on a soft bed in a lavish room. The interior was elegant, perfumed, and arranged in a way that calmed the senses.
He shifted slightly and sat upright.
"Well… it seems the transfer was successful."
His voice had changed—rough and deeper, the voice of a man approaching middle age.
It feels strangely familiar. Almost like my old body… but better. This guy clearly didn't live in the mess I did.
Judging by the surroundings, I might be in the royal palace of Arbina Kingdom. These documents and reports… looks like state affairs. But something doesn't add up.
This man… Karbile Hogbor… is a spy. A spy from another kingdom.
He approached the wardrobe and opened it. Inside were several rows of expensive, elegant clothing. He chose a modest yet refined outfit and began to dress. The clothes felt a bit tight—especially at the sleeves and pant legs.
He's shorter than me… I'm around 173 cm. This guy's probably 165. Didn't expect to feel the difference so clearly.
Short people really have it rough. They always look up at others like giants.
Once he had tidied up, he walked out of the room. The door opened into a breathtaking garden—lush, wide, and vibrant.
This isn't the royal palace…
This is his private residence. Karbile Hogbor's personal estate.
The place was massive. A grand villa… or in this world's terms, more like a noble's castle. Hyong Ryo walked through the long corridors, built from gray stone mixed with a gleaming white mineral.
Quartz maybe? Just a guess. But this world is strange… and fascinating.
Along the way, he encountered several individuals—some dressed in fine clothes, others clearly servants or even slaves. Some spoke languages he didn't understand. Others spoke one he could.
There's something… unusual about them. An aura I can't identify.
The system said this body is weak in combat. But it didn't say anything about being unable to sense magic… or energy.
"Good morning, sir," said a passing servant politely.
"Morning," Hyong Ryo replied in Karbile's voice.
Karbile Hogbor—Third Minister of Arbina. He oversees the kingdom's treasury… which makes him the Minister of Finance.
That explains the number of guards. He's well protected.
He continued walking until he reached a medium-sized hall overlooking the same garden. Based on the path he took, it seemed the mansion was built in a circular layout—this hall being at its center.
He took a seat on a low chair by a small, clean table. Moments later, several servants entered carrying trays of food.
Breakfast, huh? Let's see what the people of this world eat.
Just as he reached out to pick up a piece of bread, the sound of footsteps interrupted him.
A man with a sharp black beard and a suspiciously wide smile walked in. His steps echoed with confidence, and his presence caused Hyong Ryo to instinctively freeze.
Someone familiar with Karbile… judging by his expression.
Let's see what kind of man this is.
"Good morning, Minister Karbile Hogbor. Did you sleep well?" the man asked, grinning from ear to ear.
Flarrio Andreo… Karbile's trusted assistant. Always smiling. A little too much. That explains the weird vibe I got from him when I first saw him.
"Good morning, Assistant Minister Flarrio Andreo. Yes, it was a peaceful night. I woke up feeling refreshed," Hyong Ryo replied, keeping his tone calm and measured.
There's something wrong about this guy… Even without full access to Karbile's memories, I can feel it—this body is wary of him. Deeply.