Choices That Shape Destiny

Humanity's worst villain had appeared.

The first villain of humanity… a monster in human form.

This villain had already destroyed 60% of Korea, leaving the world in chaos.

"Where is Mr. Lan Tian?" a voice demanded urgently.

Humanity's worst villain—the Necromancer—had appeared.

Faded memories began to resurface in Lan Tian's mind. Flashes of pain, loss, and despair filled his thoughts. His grandfather's face appeared, and a haunting scream echoed through his mind.

"Grandfather!" Lan Tian shouted, jolting awake from his unconsciousness, drenched in sweat.

Uncle Shin came running, his voice filled with panic. "Lan Tian! What happened? Why are you screaming?"

Lan Tian didn't respond. His eyes were wide, wild, and unfocused as if he wasn't even aware of his surroundings. Suddenly, he lunged at Uncle Shin, his attack swift and deadly, fueled by desperation.

Uncle Shin barely managed to block the strike, stumbling back. "Lan Tian! What's wrong with you? It's me, Uncle Shin!"

But Lan Tian didn't falter. Blow after blow, he pressed forward, his movements feral, his strength overwhelming. Each strike carried an intensity that made it clear—he wasn't holding back.

"Lan Tian, stop! It's me! Can't you recognize me?" Uncle Shin's voice cracked, his hands trembling as he deflected the unrelenting assault. He refused to fight back, desperate to reach the boy he cared for.

Finally, Lan Tian's frenzied strikes began to falter. His breaths came in ragged gasps, his vision clearing. He stumbled backward, his trembling hands lowering. "S-Sorry… Uncle Shin… I'm so sorry."

Tears blurred his vision, streaming down his face. "I… I had a nightmare… I didn't know… I didn't mean to hurt you. Please… forgive me."

Uncle Shin's stern expression softened, and he stepped closer. Without a word, he pulled Lan Tian into a firm embrace, holding him tightly. His voice was calm and steady, like a warm anchor in a storm. "It's okay, Lan Tian. Don't cry. I'm here, and I forgive you. I understand your pain."

Lan Tian froze for a moment before his trembling hands clutched Uncle Shin's back. The warmth of the embrace melted the walls around his heart, and for the first time in years, he felt something he thought he had lost forever—a father's love.

Lan Tian sat silently, his head bowed, but his mind was racing. Uncle Shin's full name is Shin Baek... Why does that name feel so familiar?

His body began trembling again, his breath quickening. Uncle Shin noticed instantly and wrapped his arms around him, pulling him into a firm embrace.

"It's alright, Lan Tian. I'm here. You're safe," Uncle Shin murmured soothingly.

The warmth of the hug calmed Lan Tian, his shaking gradually subsiding. But inside, the storm of thoughts continued.

Shin Baek… In my past life, that name belonged to humanity's greatest villain. He was a necromancer… Lan Tian's hands curled into fists. He wasn't just any villain—he was the one who killed my grandfather.

Lan Tian's chest tightened as memories from his past life resurfaced. I remember that face… Shin Baek's face. If I focus hard enough, even Uncle Shin's face looks eerily similar to his. The same sharp features, the same piercing eyes. It can't just be a coincidence.

He swallowed hard, his heart pounding in his chest. But how? Uncle Shin is nothing like the monster I fought in my past life. He's kind, selfless, and has always been there for me. How could someone like him ever become a villain?

Lan Tian's gaze flickered to Uncle Shin's face as the older man pulled back slightly, his expression full of concern. Even if fate says he'll become a villain… even if the future repeats itself… I'll change it. I'll stop it from happening. I'll protect him.

His thoughts darkened as he remembered the necromancer's atrocities. But if it comes to that, if Uncle Shin ever does become that monster… I'll do what needs to be done. No matter how much it hurts.

Uncle Shin smiled gently, his voice cutting through Lan Tian's turmoil. "You're overthinking things again, aren't you? Relax, kid. You're safe now. Whatever's on your mind, you don't have to face it alone."

Lan Tian forced a small nod, though the weight of his thoughts lingered. I won't let the past repeat itself. Even if I have to use every ounce of my strength, I'll make sure Uncle Shin doesn't become that man.

Uncle Shin ruffled Lan Tian's hair, unaware of the storm brewing in the boy's mind. "Come on, let's get back before we both catch a cold."

Lan Tian stood, forcing himself to smile, but deep inside, his resolve hardened. I'll change the future. No matter what it takes.

In Lan Tian's house, Uncle Shin sat at the table, staring at the options in front of him. "Lan Tian, I've been thinking. I have three hidden professions to choose from, but I don't know which one to pick. The necromancer profession stands out—it seems powerful and versatile. Should I choose it?"

Lan Tian sighed and sat across from him. "Uncle Shin, before you make a decision, let me explain something important about hidden professions."

Uncle Shin raised an eyebrow. "What's there to explain? A hidden profession is a hidden profession, isn't it?"

Lan Tian shook his head. "Not quite. There are two types of hidden professions. The first type is rare but not unique. Multiple people can have it, and while it's powerful, it's not one-of-a-kind."

Uncle Shin nodded thoughtfully. "Alright. What about the second type?"

"The second type of hidden profession is completely unique," Lan Tian said seriously. "Only one person in the entire world can have it. If someone holds a second-type profession, no one else can unlock or inherit it—not even while that person is alive. And if the person dies, the profession disappears forever."

Uncle Shin's eyes widened. "So, a second-type profession is truly one of a kind?"

"Exactly," Lan Tian confirmed. "However, not all second-type professions are dangerous or risky. Most of them are just extremely rare and powerful. But some, like the necromancer profession, come with significant challenges and risks. They're incredibly difficult to handle and can draw a lot of unwanted attention."

Uncle Shin leaned back in his chair, digesting the information. "And what about my three professions? Which type are they?"

Lan Tian's gaze hardened. "The first profession you can choose is the first type—rare but not unique. However, the second and third professions you have are both the second type. That means if you choose either one, you'll be the only person in the world with that profession."

Uncle Shin furrowed his brow. "So the necromancer profession is one of the second types?"

Lan Tian nodded. "Yes. It's unique and powerful, but it's also one of the harder ones to control. If you choose it, you'll need to be prepared for the responsibility that comes with it."

Uncle Shin furrowed his brow, leaning forward. "I know second-type professions attract attention, but is that the real risk? What's the real danger with the necromancer profession?"

Lan Tian hesitated for a moment before responding, his expression grave. "Uncle Shin, the attention isn't the biggest risk. The real danger lies in the profession itself. The necromancer profession can affect your mind."

Uncle Shin frowned, his curiosity piqued. "Affect my mind? What do you mean?"

Lan Tian looked him straight in the eye. "If you can't handle the mental pressure of the necromancer profession, it will start to devour your mind. Slowly but surely, it will corrupt you from the inside out. You'll lose control over your thoughts and emotions, and eventually, you'll become something inhuman—a monster."

Uncle Shin's face grew tense. He rubbed the back of his neck, clearly shaken by Lan Tian's words.

Lan Tian continued, his voice firm. "That's why I think you should choose the Spirit Summoner profession instead. It's also a second-type profession, so it's unique and powerful. But unlike the necromancer profession, it doesn't come with such extreme risks."

Uncle Shin leaned back in his chair, his expression conflicted. "Spirit Summoner, huh? That's the second profession on my list… I'll think about it carefully, Lan Tian. Thanks for being honest with me."

Lan Tian nodded, but as soon as Uncle Shin looked away, guilt twisted in his chest. The truth is... I don't know what the real risk of the necromancer profession is.

He clenched his fists, his thoughts racing. I just made up that story about the mental corruption to stop Uncle Shin from picking it. I know the necromancer profession is dangerous, but I have no idea how. This was the only way I could think of to keep him from choosing it. If he did… I don't know if I could stop history from repeating itself.

Uncle Shin let out a deep sigh, breaking Lan Tian from his thoughts. "Alright, kid. I'll take your advice seriously. I'll think it through before I make a final decision."

Lan Tian forced a small smile. "That's all I ask, Uncle Shin."

But inside, his mind remained restless. I don't know if I did the right thing… but I can't let Uncle Shin walk the same path as the necromancer I knew in my past life. Even if I have to bend the truth to protect him.

Uncle Shin leaned back in his chair, letting out a deep breath. "So, Lan Tian, I've made my decision. I'm going to choose the Spirit Summoner profession, just like you suggested. You were right—it's powerful and doesn't come with the risks of the necromancer profession."

Lan Tian nodded, a faint smile on his face. "That's a wise choice, Uncle Shin. Spirit Summoner suits you well."

Uncle Shin chuckled. "Thanks, kid. But what about you? You haven't told me which profession you're going to choose yet."

Lan Tian froze for a moment before sighing. "Alright, I'll tell you. I have two professions to choose from. The first is Thunderswordsman, and the second is Heaven Shaking Swordsman."

Uncle Shin's eyes widened in shock. "Wait, what? Two hidden professions? You're as lucky as I am!" He rubbed his chin, visibly impressed. "And both of them sound incredible. So, which one are you going to pick?"

Lan Tian stared at the floor, deep in thought. His fingers tapped lightly on the table as he muttered, "The profession I'm going to select is..."

He looked up at Uncle Shin, his eyes filled with determination.