Chapter Text
"Eat again."
"...Stop looking at me."
"So cute, it's been a long time since I saw a cute human."
"..."
Cale swallowed the cake in his spoon and trembled a bit as he felt the gazes from around him.
..These constellations.. Do they intend to eat me..? Have they found out that I'm from another world?...
Cale was gripping his cookie spoon with all of his thoughts when he heard mumbling.
"Why did he come alone?.."
"Hm?"
Cale looked at Wukong's face and raised his eyebrows.
"Kim Dokja. I felt a small battle close by from here, it seems like that incarnation was abandoned by his companion and came here on its own."
"A Battle..?"
"Well... My senses are strong and it seems like there are some enemy parties attacking them. Tsk, to be honest, I like that incarnation."
"..Will it be dangerous?"
Wukong patted Cale's head.
"It's normal to be hated by one constellation and loved by another. It's rare to find an incarnation like you who is loved by so many constellations."
"And it's important to have a companion though?"
"Yes, someone should accompany humans who come here, like you who should be accompanied by me."
"... Help him?"
Cale looked at Wukong, but in Wukong's eyes, Cale's eyes pleading cutely. (The filter was too strong).
"..Okay... Don't stare like that or I'll get a nosebleed."
"?"
Cale had a confused face when Wukong snapped his fingers.
"?"
"Done, eat again."
"Just... like that?"
"I sent another clone."
Wukong covered Cale's eyes who continued to look at him strangely.
"Okay stop, he'll get here later."
"?"
After Kim Dokja entered with help of 'The Great Sage Equal of Heaven' he was taken by Bihyung to incarnation waiting room. He didn't know what would become of him, if he remained standing there.
And constellation banquet...
...it is mentioned frequently in Ways of Survival.
As expected, there was Yoo Joonghyuk.
This was where Yoo Joonghyuk usually came whenever he used 'regression.' It was natural for Yoo Joonghyuk to be included in the invitation list.
Kim Dokja doesn't know who invited him this time, but this person might be trying to establish a relationship with a narrative level constellation...
The constellation banquet was a joint event with several countries or domes. There are the Seoul Dome, the Washington Dome, the Moscow Dome and the New Delhi Dome.
Perhaps the bureau will be holding a performance presentation to select the best performing domes.
After he saw the list of participating countries… It was similar to Yoo Joonghyuk's 24th regression where there were separate incarnations for each country in the waiting room.
"Why are you here?"
Joonghyuk asked him,
"Probably similar reasons to yours."
"When will you come back to life?"
"Maybe tomorrow."
"... The others are worried."
"Sorry..."
Kim Dokja felt a bit uncomfortable when he talked to Yoo Joonghyuk.
His fists were clenched tightly like he was angry. Kim Dokja suspects that he may actually have some anger management problems.
"Did you see Cale?"
"Hm? Cale? I think he's accompanying the others at my funeral."
"... He plays with people who look bad. Help me tell him to stop hanging out with bad people."
Kim Dokja was about to say '..Aren't you bad too?' but kept his mouth shut. (For obvious reasons)
"I know, besides, that kid is smart. Don't worry too much."
… No answer. Well, Kim Dokja instead just sat on a chair next to Yoo Joonghyuk and watched a scene play out on the big screen in front of him. There was also a promotional advertisement for an intermediate dokkaebi playing on the screen.
-Thank you to all the constellations and dokkaebis who have given me the glory of a story...
It was an interview with a representative of low-level dokkaebis, Bihyung.
'That bastard, this is why he told me to watch.'
-Half the glory is actually due to the incarnations that work hard on my channel. With some being a friend that you might know. I will give half of this joy to that incarnation!
Kim Dokja felt uncomfortable with those shameless words.
Meanwhile, the incarnations around seemed to be looking at him with strange looks, so Kim Dokja turned his attention away instead. Then Bihyung took the golden egg and raised it to the sky.
...He immediately recognized what it was.
– The other half will be given to this child who will be born!
It was the egg where Shin Yoosung's soul slept. Luckily, it seems to be growing well.
'...Cale will kill me if he sees this ad.'
When Kim Dokja patted his chest in horror, Yoo Joonghyuk's voice was heard.
"Don't tell me.. Right...?"
Yoo Jonghyuk used the Sage's Eyes as he looked between him and Bihyung's egg with a shocked expression.
Kim Dokja spoke about the reason.
"That's the only way."
"Do you know what you are doing?"
"I know."
"If you do this, Shin Yoosung...!"
Kim Dokja knew what Yoo Joonghyuk was worried about. The person who has suffered from a 'story' for so long, now becomes the subject which gives rise to tragedy.
Kim Dokja didn't need to say that Yoo Jonoghyuk knew how painful this was.
So he told him.
“If he was born as a dokkaebi, he would never die. The Bureau is the safest place until Star Stream is destroyed.”
Of course, this is not the only reason. Still, he couldn't tell him all his reasons for making Shin Yoosung a dokkaebi.
Cale and Yoo Joonghyuk, he would not explain the other half of the reasons to them.
'...Because I'll be a mush if they find out.'
Yoo Joonghyuk's eyes met Kim Dokja's eyes.
It felt like he was going to pull out his sword, and cut him to pieces right here and now….
"...Cale was also angry at first, but he still allowed it and I promised to be responsible, so don’t worry."
Like magic, Yoo Joonghyuk's anger disappeared after hearing Cale's name.
"Make sure you are truly responsible."
Kim Dokja nodded.
'Well anyway...'
Kim Dokja looked around.
Seeing someone coming, he sighed.
'Here they are.'
"Kid."
Cale, who was lying prone on the table to try to ignore the constellation’s pressure in this place, could only raise his eyes gloomy.
"..What?"
"Why should I give you another toy?"
Cale looked at the Rubik next to him and lowered his head.
"Enough. Their gazes are piercing."
Wukong looked at Constellations, who was looking at the little kid with amusement. Especially from the <Underworld> and the <Eden> nebula.
From Eden, one of the angels even made a face as if she was going to pounce on the child.
Meanwhile, from Underworld, that queen smiled with a smile that didn't reach her eyes.
"They're your fans, son."
Cale snorted and Wukong chuckled again as he picked Cale up and placed him on his lap.
"Your father and mother will arrive. Come take a look."
Cale had a confused face when he heard 'father and mother'.
"Ahem, your friend I mean."
Cale blinked his eyes several times and tried to open his mouth to ask what he meant, when cheers sounded.
[Selena Kim! King's Guard!]
[I have witnessed your good performance!]
Cale had a stunned face when he saw a girl walking and being cheered on as if she was an idol.
"What..?"
"That's because they met their favorite incarnation which is like meeting their favorite celebrity."
"..Celebrity..?"
"You will also be cheered by them if you walk there."
"No thank you."
"I'm serious kid,it’s just because not many people see you that there’s no fuss right now. A lot of constellations also idolize you."
"...Don't talk nonsense."
"Hmm... This is the first time an incarnation has said that I talk nonsense... But I'm serious."
Cale chose to ignore this strange constellation.
Actually, all these constellations are strange.
Then a white blonde girl walked past constellations and waved lightly as if she was giving them fan service.
[Iris! The Red Square Girl!]
[Hahaha! How tiny.]
[Isn't that exactly the same as what I saw on the screen?]
"Hmm... I really want to put you there and have you walk on that stage."
"Please... Forget that thought."
Cale said with a sincere plea.
But...
… Kim Dokja… Why is there no reaction?..
"...Is Kim Dokja not popular..?"
"Hmm.. Well, he shouldn't be."
Wukong said curiously.
Isn't this a bit too sad?
"Kim Dokja!!"
Cale shouted at Kim Dokja who was wearing an embarrassed face.
But unfortunately Cale's scream made many constellations look at him.
Happy, fanatical, excited, furious, and about to jump constellations for your information.
And Cale, who flinched again, quickly buried his head in Wukong's chest.
Damn it... why did I scream!? And why are they looking at me like that!!
Cale trembled as Wukong's chest shook from laughing.
This damn constellation bastard is just laughing at me isn't he?!
Cale was about to pinch Wukong, when the sound came again.
[...That person. He is Kim Dokja from the Korean Peninsula?]
[Kim Dokja? That's Kim Dokja?]
The chat started again.But it was a completely different reaction from the previous incarnation.
[Kim Dokja! That person is Kim Dokja.]
[Kim Dojega! Kim Dojega!]
[King of the Kingless World!]
The sounds of rising constellations began to appear.
Cale looked back at Kim Dokja as the screams got louder every time that bastard took a step.
[He who opposes the enemy!]
Cale sighed as he tried to get closer to Kim Dokja.
"Don't go there. Just stay here first."
"Why?"
"You will be caught."
"?"
Wukong pointed at the constellations on this floor that were all looking at him.
Cale's hands were shaking.
"I told you they were your fans, right?"
..Why does it feel like seeing a lot of Crazy Clopehs..?
Cale had a sad face when he saw Kim Dokja, who was greeting many constellations.
The first floor was noisy while the second was quiet. It's like the nobles with etiquette and the common people.
Even constellations are not immune from the caste system...
Cale sighed as Wukong delivered a slice of cake to his mouth.
Cale chewed while looking at Yoo Joon Hyuk's eyes peeking at him (He was still backstage) and at Kim Dokja who kept glancing at him in surprise.
Cale waved his hand.
Yoo Joonghyuk was next.
[Yoo Jonghyuuuuk―!]
[The best Great King!]
[Come to our nebula!]
"Oh, so he's very popular. It feels like an artist walking across the red carpet."
"Something like that I guess. Looks like he's expecting to be cheered on by you."
Cale also noticed Yoo Joonghyuk's gaze. However, the attention he unintentionally got when he shouted Kim Dokja’s name earlier was enough. After all, the 'nobles' also shouted at that bastard. Why should he bother?
And just as Cale said, the constellations from the 2nd floor also shouted Yoo Joonghyuk's name.
"This really is like a show, isn't it?"
"That's how we constellations see incarnations."
Cale looked away from the screen showing the white blonde girl's face to face Wukong.
"You too?"
"Hm. Should I answer?"
Cale sighed and looked back down (Ignoring Yoo Joonghyuk's gaze).
As I thought, the constellations aren’t a good thing.
"By the way..."
Wukong looked at the little kid while cutting the cake and delivering to his mouth.
"...Why are the ones here human but the ones on the first floor... Have a strange shape?.."
"You mean those?"
Wukong put down the spoon after Cale ate while looking at the high-class constellation.
"There are different classes of constellations, and they have that form to reduce probability."
"Then are the ones here strong?"
Wukong nodded.
"Yes they’re strong, and me included. So do you want to be my incarnation?"
"I don't intend to look for sponsors yet."
"Fine."
Wukong just smiled mischievously when Cale snorted again.
Not long after, a familiar voice was heard.
"Cale."
“Hyukic-ahem, Yoo Joonghyuk.”
"Why are you here?"
"...I was brought here..."
Yoo Joonghyuk looked at Wukong as Wukong also looked at him.
The gaze lasted for several minutes before Yoo Joonghyuk came forward and patted Cale's head.
He sighed.
"Don't go anywhere and stay together."
"Oh."
Cale nodded confusedly as Yoo Joonghyuk turned around.
"What's wrong with that bastard?"
"Well, he had to control himself and behave. He won't be able to drag you back, so I guess he realized that it was safer for you here."
"Hmm.."
Cale nodded and closed his eyes.
He hadn't had enough rest after attacking the hunters.
I'm tired... I need a rest...
There's a commotion...
Cale raised his eyes sleepily and saw Kim Dokja covered in symbols and someone who looked drunk.
...That bastard got into trouble again...
Cale confusedly walked over before Wukong could stop him.
When can I rest well and be a slacker..? Why are these people always causing trouble?
Cale unknowingly stood in front of Kim Dokja.
His only thought was 'protecting the people he considered family'.
And so, Cale thought of a way to escape while using his dominating aura to reduce the pressure.
He blocked the drunkard with his body.
[Who are you-]
[Stop-!]
Before the drunkard could open his mouth, another voice was heard.
[Judge, don't do anything unnecessary. And the First Sword of Goryeo, you can't be too harsh.]
As Kim Dokja pulled Cale behind him, the woman intervened in the situation.
"What are you doing by coming forward like that!"
Kim Dokja lowered his voice and rebuked Cale harshly.
"What..?"
To be honest, Cale still wasn't conscious, he was still half sleepy. The pressure on the 2nd floor made him more tired.
"..Wait, are you even okay Cale?.."
"Just sleepy."
"You-!"
Kim Dokja really wanted to pull Cale's ears and take him home. Cale was too stupid to suddenly intervene.
"Don't do that again, never try to fight against constellations!"
Cale was still tilting his dizzy head in confusion.
"Save your aura as well Cale."
Only then did Cale realize.
He cursed inwardly and deactivated his ancient powers.
But why didn't the superrock say anything?
-Because that person didn't show anger towards you Cale 🪨
Cale glanced at the person called the First Sword of Goryeo who sat back down with a dissatisfied expression on the stairs and started drinking.
He, with an astonished face, was carried by Dokja while he was still staring at the First Sword of Goryeo.
"Queen of the underworld."
Cale looked up and saw a woman.
"..Grandma..?"
Cale called out in confusion without realizing as he remembered how Hades was obsessed with him calling him grandfather.
Persephone smiled faintly.
[It's been a long time. Kim Dokja. And I 'm glad I finally met you, my grandson.]
Cale and Kim Dokja were stunned.
Cale wondered why these two people from the underworld nebula were obsessed with having him as a grandson while Kim Dokja was stunned because in many regressions, this was the first time he had seen Persephone even calling an incarnation a grandson.
"...Eh... But why is her face..?"
Cale looked at Persephone's face strangely.
[Kim Dokja likes it.]
"..No.."
Cale glanced at Kim Dokja who was blushing when he heard his mumbling.
"She's really a vengeful aunt."
Vengeful?
Persephone opened her arms and Cale was moved to her lap by Kim Dokja.
...You.. You just gave me to her like that?..
'She can be trusted you know?'
Their telepathy (?) was active.
Then there was a cool aura surrounding Cale.
I’m too sleepy..
And without realizing it, Cale fell asleep in the middle of Kim Dokja and Persephone's conversation.
[You did something useless in Tartaru-hm?]
"Seems like Cale was tired."
Persephone adjusted Cale's sitting position so that it was comfortable and glanced at Wukong, who nodded coldly.
She stroked Cale's head gently.
[Cale can withstand constellation auras and voices well. But his body is still not strong enough. Not to mention he has no skills..]
Kim Dokja looked at Cale who was frowning uncomfortably.
"He's probably tired."
As if she knew something, Persephone sighed.
[Must be tired... maybe some wounds haven't healed well.]
Kim Dokja flinched at the word wound and was about to ask again when the queen changed the subject.
[Sit down, Kim Dokja.]
Kim Dokja could only sit slowly and look at constellations around him.
It was harder to say who these constellations were when they had humanoid bodies, not symbolic bodies. A symbol can evoke the name of a constellation...
Kim Dokja could also see the Great Sage Equal of Heaven sitting on the second floor. The Great Sage Equal of Heaven looked at Cale gloomingly, then stared at him for a moment before turning his head away.
... Was his personality originally like this? Wasn't he having a friendly conversation with Cale earlier?
After a little more time, the setting of the second floor became familiar and Kim Dokja found out about the camp.
Olympus was based around the central region with Persephone, Veda was in the west and those who were not in the nebula or are in smaller ones were in the north, including The Great Sage Equal of Heaven...
Finally, it became a bit easier to recognize Eden in the south. The wings showed it off. Not to mention a very beautiful angel that winked at him while covering her mouth in a motherly smile. An angel dressed as a demon in a black lace dress...
Wait a moment. Like a demon? Is she that angel?
...And why was she looking at Cale and him with that strange look?
Kim Dokja suddenly became curious. Maybe that constellation...
But Kim Dokja turned his gaze back to Persephone.
“Queen of the Underworld, I want to ask you something.”
[What's that?]
“Did a constellation named ‘Secretive Plotter' come here?”
[...Secretive Plotter?]
Persephone's expression looked strange for a moment. Then she shook her head.
[I don't know unfortunately. But besides that, the Succession Story is about to begin. Have you made a decision yet? There are several constellations that want to use your revival story.]
She changed the subject, but Kim Dokja answered.
"I'm still thinking."
Of course, there were several methods he thought of. However... Persephone seemed to be able to read his thoughts.
Well... maybe he could hear this opinion first.
Kim Dokja looked at Cale who was sleeping peacefully while talking with Persephone.
That's right, the more opinions there are, the better it might be.
This chapter has been checked by Beta readers.
Phaillinne
Thanks to Nene~~