The morning light filtered through the thin curtains of my childhood bedroom, casting a warm glow across the familiar room. For a moment, I simply lay there, bewildered by the strange yet comforting return to my teenage self. But as the minutes ticked by, reality began to set in. I had been given a second chance, and I needed to make the most of it.

My thoughts were interrupted by a sudden clamor from the kitchen. I listened intently and recognized the sounds of animated conversation—my parents' voices. Tentatively, I ventured out of my room and made my way to the source of the noise.

As I entered the kitchen, the sight that greeted me was both heartwarming and surreal. My parents, Sung Chea Ae and Sung Woo Bin, were seated at the breakfast table, chatting with animated excitement. The smell of sizzling bacon and freshly brewed coffee filled the air, a stark contrast to the meager meals I had grown accustomed to as an adult.

My sister, Sung Hae Jin, was there too, sitting at the table with a radiant smile. She was dressed in a sleek adventurer's outfit, her aura exuding the confidence and grace of a top-tier mage. I blinked in disbelief, struggling to reconcile this moment with the painful memories of my past.

"Jin Ah, you're up!" Hae Jin called out, her voice filled with warmth and enthusiasm. She waved me over to the table, where my parents greeted me with smiles and affectionate gestures. "We were just talking about today's ranking event. We've got to get going soon."

My mother's voice was full of cheerful anticipation. "We're so excited to see you both get ranked today, Jin Ah. It's been a while since we've all been together like this. We'll try to be there maybe we'll get some time off, if we dont we'll watch the live stream."

My father nodded in agreement, a proud grin spreading across his face. "Yes, it's going to be a great day. your mother and I have been looking forward to this."

I felt a pang of unease. The warmth and attention from my family were overwhelming, especially given how distant they had been in my previous life. The memory of the last time I attended the ranking event came flooding back—my sister's triumphant ascent to A-rank while I had been left unranked, a feeling of failure compounded by their disappointment.

I shivered involuntarily, the echoes of that painful day still fresh in my mind. The bitter sting of their disdain was a harsh reminder of my inadequacies, a reality I had hoped to escape. The contrast between then and now was jarring.

Hae Jin's voice jolted me from my reverie. "Come on, Jin Ah! You need to get dressed. We can't be late for the guild ranking. make sure you choose something that won't embarrass us."

Her nudging, while light-hearted, was a reminder of the sibling bond we once shared. I managed a weak smile, trying to suppress my anxiety. "Okay, just give me a minute."

As I hurried back to my room, I prepared myself for the day ahead. I reached for the adventurer's outfit I had meticulously prepared over the past month—a sleek ensemble crafted for this very occasion. It was a striking combination of all-black and dark green leather, designed to provide both style and utility. The fitted black leather pants and jacket accentuated my slender frame, while the dark green leather satchel strapped across my chest added a touch of practicality.

I glanced at my reflection in the mirror. My red hair fell in soft waves around my shoulders, and my green eyes, though now bright and youthful, carried a hint of apprehension. My pale skin contrasted sharply with the dark hues of my outfit, creating a striking appearance that I hoped would make a positive impression.

With a deep breath, I adjusted the leather straps and checked the fit of my gear. The outfit, though carefully chosen and prepared, felt unfamiliar on my newly youthful body. As I made my way back to the kitchen, I could feel the weight of expectation pressing down on me.

I rejoined my family at the table, where they eagerly discussed their plans for the day. My mother and father were heading to work, while Hae Jin and I would make our way to the Adventure Guild Ranking event. It was a chance to start anew, to redefine myself, and to prove that I was more than just the girl who had been left behind.

As we finished breakfast and prepared to leave, I couldn't shake the mixture of excitement and trepidation that gripped me. Today would be a test of my newfound abilities and my resolve. With a deep breath, I steeled myself for the challenges ahead, hoping that this time, the outcome would be different.

While in the back of my mind something was gnawing at me, the anticipation of this thing was scaring me but i locked it away in the back of my mind. it'd have to wait till later. 

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Next Chapter Teaser
Jin Ah faces the Adventure Guild Ranking, grappling with her past and her newfound abilities. Will she rise above her previous failures and embrace her second chance, or will the shadows of her former life haunt her once more?