The Path of Choice
I held the crying Psi tightly in my arms and patted her for a long while. Her small body trembled faintly against my chest. Warmth seeped through my clothes.
"Psi, I'm sorry..."
It seemed she was really upset that I'd tried to leave. Psi turned her head slightly, her expression not fully eased yet. Her round eyes glistened a bit. She was so adorable that I felt even more guilty for no reason.
"I'm sorry, Psi, okay? Daddy was wrong. Forgive me."
I slowly stroked her back. The faint breaths against my palm gradually steadied. Whether she sensed my sincerity, Psi hesitated for a moment before burrowing back into my embrace. Her tiny front paws clutched my clothes tightly. She rubbed against me softly, as if melting away her hurt feelings. Somehow, emotions seemed to flow between us.
'Daddy... just this once. But never again!'
I felt like I could hear those words. Chuckling, I stroked Psi's head.
"Got it. I won't do it again."
Psi let out a small, satisfied chirp.
"Kyuuu."
It felt like a sign of forgiveness. I gave her head one more pat and stood up.
After a quick lunch, we got in Mom's car and headed to the Awakener Inspection Facility. Familiar streets passed by the window, but today they felt somehow different. Awakener. That word was no longer just some distant story—it was about me now.
Psi sat on my lap, peering out the window curiously. She'd tilt her head at passing cars now and then. I chuckled at the sight.
The building was quieter than expected. I'd imagined the Awakener Inspection Facility would be bustling, but being a weekday, there weren't many people waiting. Pushing through the glass doors, cool air hit us. The walls were plastered with awakener notices and posters.
Carrying Psi, I approached the counter.
"Um... I'm here for an awakener inspection."
The attendant glanced at me—once at Psi, once at me—then said flatly,
"Go to Examination Room 1."
I opened the door to Room 1. A young-looking female doctor sat inside, her calm gaze striking.
"Here for your awakening check? Have a seat."
I nodded and sat. Psi, on my lap, looked around curiously. The new place seemed fascinating to her.
"Psi, stay still, okay?"
Thankfully, she listened this time. The doctor eyed Psi with interest.
"What an unusual summon. What's it?"
I shook my head.
"Not a summon."
I looked at Psi for a moment, then said quietly,
"She's family."
The doctor smiled briefly and nodded.
"Got it." She picked up a pen. "Let's start with the formalities. When and how did you awaken?"
I explained everything step by step—from picking up the fossil three weeks ago to my ability to gacha and raise dinosaurs. She listened silently, jotting short notes occasionally.
After hearing me out, she pulled out a small crystal orb-like device.
"Put your hand here."
I took a breath and placed my hand on it. Instantly, the familiar status window appeared before my eyes.
I glanced down at my hand. Nothing was visible on my palm, but I definitely felt something had changed—like an invisible door had opened.
Psi watched my expression quietly, her small eyes sparkling as she tilted her head.
"Kyuu?"
As if asking if I was okay. I chuckled and scratched under her chin.
"I'm fine. Just... it's a bit amazing."
Feeling my touch, Psi narrowed her eyes in pleasure and rubbed against my hand lightly. The sight eased my tension a little.
Awakener. Until now, they'd been figures from news and the internet—fighting dangerous monsters, saving people, sometimes hailed as heroes. And now... I was stepping into that world.
It hadn't sunk in yet, but I could feel my life changing, bit by bit. Together with the little dinosaur on my lap.
The air in the room shifted subtly. The doctor's gaze grew more serious.
"Ancient Life Series... and unconfirmed at that." She murmured intriguingly. "Interesting."
Psi wagged her tail slightly on my lap, as if aware of her own uniqueness. I felt inexplicably proud and stroked her back slowly. Her small body moved softly under my hand.
The doctor watched for a moment, then spoke calmly.
"At this stage, it's hard to assign a rank to your ability."
Her voice was quiet but firm.
"But one thing's clear: you're an official awakener now... and your potential is enormous. It has unlimited room for growth."
She paused, then added,
"And plenty of research value."
Research value... The words hit heavy and sharp.
"Oh, I haven't introduced myself." She stood naturally. "I'm Yoon Sera, principal of the National Awakener Central Academy."
I blanked out for a second.
"I came today just to help with inspections at a friend's request..." She smiled. "Didn't expect to see such an intriguing ability."
Principal. The air felt different now. She took a step toward me.
"Thinking of enrolling?"
A short question, but its weight was immense. The National Awakener Central Academy—a name every awakener knew.
I thought for a moment.
"Could I... have some time to decide?"
The principal nodded slowly.
"Of course."
She handed me a business card.
Yoon Sera
Principal, National Awakener Central Academy
"Call anytime if you're interested. Wait a sec—I'll get your registration card issued."
She left the room. In the now-quiet examination room, I looked down at Psi and murmured,
"What should I do..."
Psi nuzzled my hand, as if responding.
'Do what you want, Daddy.''I'm on your side.'
My heart warmed inexplicably.
"Good girl."
I ruffled her enthusiastically. Psi accepted it happily, eyes half-closed.
The moment of choice had come sooner than expected.
A bit later, Yoon Sera returned with a small card.
She handed it over casually.
"Official awakener as of today."
My name and awakener number were printed clearly on it.
"Your ability's hard to judge precisely yet, so we've classified it as the lowest rank, E-rank, for now."
Her tone was matter-of-fact, but meaningful. I nodded quietly and took the card.
Outside, Mom waited in the car. I sat in the passenger seat with Psi, and we headed home.
On the way,
"Mom... can I be an awakener...?"
Mom's hands paused on the wheel. Silence followed.
"Sung-jun."
She smiled softly.
"Honestly... I'd prefer you didn't do anything dangerous."
"But." She glanced at me. "You're not the type to listen if I say no. And more than that... I know you've already made up your mind."
I couldn't speak. My chest ached.
"Yeah..."
Mom nodded.
"Just... promise not to get hurt. That's all I ask."
Tears welled up, my throat hot.
"Thanks, Mom..."
Back home, I went to my room and pulled out the principal's business card.
Staring at the name, I hesitated, then searched her on my phone. Articles popped up.
The photo showed the same relaxed smile I'd seen. But the articles' evaluations were anything but light.
A-rank hunter. She wasn't just a researcher.
I stared at the screen for a long time, then made my decision. I dialed the number on the card.
A short ringtone. My heart raced.
"......"
With the call, my choice solidified.
"Hello... Principal, this is Park Sung-jun." I held my breath, then said, "I'll enroll in the Central Academy."