Awakening

Cho Hyun-woo has faced challenges since a young age. After his father committed suicide due to a debt of 100 million won, the family burden fell on his shoulders. His mother, Cho Mi-ran, works day and night to meet their daily needs, while his younger sister, Cho Min-ji, lies in a coma due to a rare disease with no known cure.

Every day, Hyun-woo balances school, part-time jobs, and caring for his sister. He works at a small café as a waiter, washing dishes, and cleaning tables. The money he earns is used to help his mother and pay for Min-ji's medical expenses. At school, Hyun-woo often becomes a target of bullying because of his family's poor condition. Despite this, he remains resilient and never gives up. Hyun-woo always believes there is hope behind every hardship.

One night, after working late at the café, Hyun-woo felt exhausted. The streets of Seoul, usually bustling, were now quiet. He decided to walk home, enjoying a rare moment of peace. As he walked, his thoughts drifted to his mother and sister. "How is Mom? Is Min-ji okay?" he wondered.

Suddenly, a blinding light appeared from around the corner. Before Hyun-woo could react, a speeding car hit him. His body was thrown into the air and then fell hard onto the dark street. The world around him became blurry and dark.

When Hyun-woo opened his eyes again, he felt sharp pain piercing his entire body. The bright light from the lamp above him was blinding, making him wince and blink several times. He was in an unfamiliar room, surrounded by advanced medical equipment and the soft hum of machines. "Where am I?" he thought. "What happened? What about Mom and Min-ji?"

Hyun-woo tried to sit up, but the pain forced him back down. Suddenly, a clear and bright electronic voice sounded in his head, startling him.

[Celestial System activated.]

Hyun-woo's eyes widened, and before he could react, a holographic screen appeared in front of his eyes, displaying information he had never seen before.

[Welcome, user. You have been chosen to receive the Celestial System. Your first mission is to understand and master this power to protect the world from the impending threat.]

"This must be a dream," he thought. "There's no way this is real." However, the pain he felt and the clarity of the holographic screen in front of him made him realize this was not a dream.

The room's door opened, and an old man in a long robe entered. He had a face full of wrinkles and eyes that held deep wisdom. "Ah, you're awake," he said calmly. "I am Master Jang. You are very lucky to have survived."

Hyun-woo tried to speak, but his voice was hoarse. "Where am I? What happened?"

Master Jang sat beside Hyun-woo's bed. "You are in our sanctuary. After the accident, we found you and brought you here. You were severely injured, but thanks to advanced medical technology and a bit of supernatural aid, we managed to save you."

Hyun-woo was still confused. "Supernatural aid?"

Master Jang nodded. "In this world, we have something called the Aegis System. Almost everyone has it, and this system allows them to develop unique abilities. However, I can sense that there's something different about you. You have extraordinary potential, perhaps more than anyone else."

Before Hyun-woo could process everything, a gentle and neutral voice echoed in his head, "To start, say 'Status'."

With some hesitation, Hyun-woo said, "Status."

The holographic screen changed, displaying details about him:

Name: Cho Hyun-woo

Age: 18

Level: 1

Strength: 10

Intelligence: 12

Agility: 11

Stamina: 9

Skills: [Star Chain: Level 1 (Whip Mode, Dagger Mode)]

Hyun-woo felt his head spin. "This is like a game, but real," he thought. "Why was I chosen? What am I supposed to do with this power?"

Master Jang gave a faint smile. "Everyone has their destiny, and this is yours. You will learn through the missions given by your system. Each mission will bring you closer to understanding and mastering your power."

Hyun-woo nodded, though still feeling confused. He knew he had to do whatever he could to protect his family. With Master Jang's help, Hyun-woo began undertaking missions given by the system. Each mission brought Hyun-woo closer to extraordinary power and the truth about his past. In one of his missions, he found the Star Chain, a weapon that could change form and evolve as his power increased.

During these missions, Hyun-woo also discovered that this world was full of supernatural threats aiming to seize the Star Tower. These towers were the source of great power that could change the world's fate. Hyun-woo realized that he had to protect these towers from evil hands seeking to control them.

Although this world was full of dangers, Hyun-woo also found new allies with their own leveling-up systems. Together, they fought against the approaching threat. Hyun-woo knew he couldn't do it alone, but with his allies' help, he had hope of protecting this world and his family.

However, Hyun-woo realized that his Celestial System was far more advanced and comprehensive compared to the Aegis System others had. This system provided features not available to others, giving him a remarkable advantage. However, he decided to keep this a secret from everyone, including Master Jang. He knew that great power came with great responsibility, and he didn't want to attract unwanted attention.

Behind the mask he wore, Hyun-woo kept his identity tightly concealed. He knew his enemies wouldn't stop until they discovered who he really was. Therefore, he decided to keep wearing the mask until the time was right. His true identity would remain a secret, at least until he was strong enough to face it without fear.

That night, under the moonlight and twinkling stars, Cho Hyun-woo stepped out of the old building where he had taken refuge. With the Star Chain in his hand and a burning determination in his heart, he was ready to face a new world full of challenges and dangers. He knew his journey had just begun, and he vowed that nothing would stop him.