Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Hello.”

The door to the hospital room slides open. A young man was standing on the doorsill. His face is cold, detached from any emotion.

“Kim Dokja?”

The teenager on the bed lowers his phone. “…yes?” he replied cautiously.

“My name is Kim Rok Soo.” The young man introduces himself. “I’m your second cousin and your guardian from thereon.”

“What?”

“I assume you are confused.” The young man, apparently his second cousin, sat on a hospital chair next to the bed. “Your soon-to-be former guardian will be charged with child neglect, as they failed to provide you with basic care. Start with stealing money that was supposed to go for your education and college fund. However, they may be exempted from law since they’re your lineal family through your mother.”

The tiny, bony hand gripped the phone. Hard.

“Lucky for you, or not, the fact you’ve been committing suicide attempts and ended up hospitalized yet neither of your soon-to-be-former foster relatives checked on your current condition nor provided care means they’re illegible to fostering you. Coupled with old evidence showing they’re reluctant to take you in, means if there are parties who are willing to step up and take you, some arrangements can be made.”

“And you are… willing.”

Kim Rok Soo sighed.

“I have recently turned twenty-five.” He stated. “Twenty-five of Korean age, twenty-four of Western age. The minimum legal age to adopt a child as the law states.”

“Ah.”

Kim Dokja… doesn’t know what to say.

Kim Rok Soo sighed and rolled his eyes.

“Well, then,” he stood up. “I still have some paper to fill. See you soon.”

He paused, then stretched out his hand to gently pat Kim Dokja on the head.

The fifteen-year-old child can only stare with wide eyes at the retreating back. Kim Rok Soo looked back and nodded before closing the door behind him.

The headpat is warm and somehow spread to his whole body.

Kim Dokja curled up on the bed, clutching the phone that displayed the first chapter of Three Ways to Survive in Ruined World. His pale cheek flushed red.

“…how weird.”

His life turns around after he commits suicide.

Was this god’s way of making amends?

…maybe

Maybe he should have tried to off himself earlier.

.

Somewhere, across time and space

In a Subway heading to nowhere

A young man in a white coat that was too big for his small frame is holding a book.

Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint¸ the title read.

“The cycle changes.” He whispered. A small smile played on his lips. “It worked, you madlad. It really worked.”

The subway jerked and changed direction.

The man fell off sideways, sprawled on the chair. Tears welled up in his eyes, as he hugged the book close to his heart.  “Ah…” he moaned in relief, “I finally can go home. I’m so tired.”

He closed his eyes and imagined faces he had almost forgotten. Voices he had almost forgotten.

“Just… a little more…” he mumbled sleepily. “Everyone… please… wait for me… a little longer…”

And with that, he fell into a deep slumber.

Hoping that by the time he wakes up, the train has reached its new Destination.

[Next Stop: Seoul, South Korea, Earth, Planetary System 8612...]

.

[The Giant Story “To Change Fate” has begun Narrating Its Story]

[The Giant Story “Miraculous Encounter” has begun Narrating Its Story]

[Your ■■ has changed]

[Your ■■ is now…]

Chapter Text

In less than four months, Kim Dokja had graduated from Middle School.

He only stays in the school until winter break. After that, he was pulled out of school by his cousin and has been homeschooled since.

His cousin come overly prepared with all the study materials he needs. From the beginning of first grade to High School materials. Somehow, they manage to cram all Middle School lessons and some High School first-grade material into Kim Dokja’s brain.

In those less than four months, Kim Dokja managed to find out his cousin’s secret.

He’s in the Mafia. Possibly the boss who is retired but still called from time to time since the new boss and the underlings are so damn incompetent.

Why? First, he’s wealthy AF. And he does not work. Not when Kim Dokja is looking, at the least.

Second, he has this killer presence. It was not visible, but the first and last time Kim Rok Soo rolled into Kim Dokja’s ex-school, he had glared the headmaster, the teachers, the students, and some self-centered parents into submissions. Kim Dokja still remembers some bullies ended up wetting their pants. Kim Rok Soo somehow manages to put the fear of God into them.

With him as said God.

Third, related to the second, Kim Dokja only recently found out that Kim Rok Soo landed Kim Dokja’s Aunt and Uncle into hot water with debtors. Something something about buying many expensive stuff but being unable to pay them back, ending up borrowing money, and so on and so on? Also… his uncle is suspected of cheating with a call girl?

Holy shit.

Kim Rok Soo is scary.

And not to mention that Kim Rok Soo has a map of Seoul. With several locations marked. Stores, drug stores, pharmaceuticals, and some stores that apparently sold weapons?! Not to mention a shed that is apparently full of weapons! Swords, spears, whips, Bow and Arrow, guns, Knives, Daggers, Axe, Shield…

Ah, how about notes about how to make handmade bombs and how to disable them? Or how to survive in the wild.

And how about he makes a plan to teach Kim Dokja to wield said weapon?!

Kim Dokja reiterates: Kim Rok Soo is Scary.

Joonghyuk-ah… Tell me. How does one live with a vicious person?

.

Kim Rok Soo has two hobbies: Painting and Reading.

On the latter, Kim Dokja is ecstatic to find out his cousin did not mock him about his habit of reading Ways of Survival. On the contrary, Kim Rok Soo asks for the link so he can read it. Or, Kim Dokja can read it out loud for him. The Lazy bum.

It eventually devolves into a discussion and criticism about the novel.

“I don’t see the point of getting stronger through pain.” Kim Rok Soo commented after Kim Dokja explained Yoo Joonghyuk’s ability as a regressor. “And his habit of giving up living at the smallest mistake is annoying. Living is the best. If you live, there’s a chance the world will turn around.”

Kim Dokja didn’t voice it, but he agreed.

Had he successfully committed suicide, he might never have known there was someone who cared. Albeit in his own way.

Never know there’s a story he grew to love. Grew attached to. Who became his inspiration to be better, keeping up with whatever strange plan Kim Rok Soo drafted up for him.

Hyung is correct.

Living is the best, yes.

(Kim Dokja ends up choosing swordsmanship because Yoo Joonghyuk wields a sword.

Though Hyung mention something about making him know how to use the rest, even if only so he didn't injure himself by accident

How vicious)

.

On the topic of painting, their house is decorated mostly by fantasy-style paintings.

European Castle. Portrait of people not of Korean origin. Elves. Werewolf. Cat. Dragons. Some were people fighting. Some were picnics or other leisure activities.

The people in the painting are downright gorgeous. So gorgeous they can slap Yoo Joonghyuk several times. The golden-haired elf, in particular, could slap him across the country and back.

Only three people among all subjects of painting are of Korean Origin.

One of them is mostly drawn with other non-Korean people. Often with the red-haired lady and the wolf man. The other two are often drawn together, though one of them also has a portrait alongside a youthful winged boy. An Angel?

The Dragons in the painting are not sitting on piles of wealth, or fighting against the humans. No.

They are standing side by side as if they are friends.

The black dragon, in particular, is often portrayed in someone’s arms, or flying close. Or eating apple pie.

How… adorable.

.

It happened at the end of the first week after Kim Dokja entered High School.

He is not bullied there. Nobody knows him.

It was a nice change.

When he comes home, he finds that they have a guest.

It was the brown-haired man from the painting. One of the rare Korean people.

He dressed in a suit. Like Spy.

Or Mafia.

A hitman?

Did someone order a hit on Hyung? No. That cannot be. Hyung won't invite his would-be killer for a tea. Maybe he works for Hyung?

“Hyung…?” Kim Dokja asks.

“Ah, welcome home, Dokja-yah.” Kim Rok Soo replied. “Meet Choi Jung Soo. He’s your Sword Instructor.”

“Ah, so you’re Dokja-yah that my Dongsaeng talks so much about?” Choi Jung Soo grinned.

“Ah… um…” Kim Dokja didn’t know what to say.

Did… did Kim Rok Soo talk about him to his colleagues?

“Don’t call me Dongsaeng. We’re literally of the same age.”

Ignoring Kim Rok Soo, Choi Jung Soo hummed and looked at Kim Dokja from top to bottom. He then swoops Kim Dokja up, holding him by the armpits.

“Hey?!”

“Hm, I heard you were malnourished. Good job fattening him up, Rok Soo-yah.” Choi Jung Soo. “Still on underweight scale, but at least you have some proper meat on your bone.” Putting him down, the brunette turned to Kim Rok Soo. “Think I can have his medical files?”

“Sure. Let me get them.”

Now there are only two of them.

“So, uh, you know sword arts?” Kim Dokja feels stupid asking. Of course he knew! Why else Kim Rok Soo calls him for a favor?!

“Yeah.” Choi Jung Soo nodded. “My family has practiced Sword Art for generations! If only my family members hadn’t been disappearing and never return, we could have opened a school.”

Being in Mafia is dangerous…

Still… Kim Dokja won’t waste the chance to get stronger.

(He promised he’s going to get as strong as Yoo Jonghyuk—no. not as strong. He’s going to be stronger.

So he can support and protect his dear Protagonist, even if only in his dream

He's glad hyung never make fun of his obsession with his Protagonist. Unlike his mother who never really care about what Kim Dokja likes..)

Chapter Text

“Need a hand?”

“Please…!”

Nodding, the now Seventeen-year-old Kim Dokja helped pack the spilled groceries. Having ran to a nearby store to get a new plastic bag. He noted that they are mostly baby stuff and a few foodstuffs. The instant, cheap kind.

There’s a lot of instant noodles there.

The teen he helped has glassy eyes from the sheer relief, all while swaddling the baby in an attempt to make her stop crying.

“I’ll carry these.” Kim Dokja offers.

“You don’t have to.”

“But I want to.”

There’s something about this teen that makes Kim Dokja want to bundle him in a comfy blanket—like the kind his Hyung uses. Some kind of kinship.

“Then, this way.”

They were walking to a nearby apartment. Kim Dokja trailed after the teen like a duckling. He had to shake himself from a stupor seeing the insides of the apartment. It was average… which is why he was surprised.

Living with Rok Soo-hyung had skewed him with what is average and what is luxury. Hyung spoiled him.

Don’t get him started on Choi Jung Soo-Nim.

The baby wails louder, snapping Kim Dokja out of his daydreaming.

“Mia-ah, please wait a little longer, ok?” The older brother tried to soothe her. Practically snatching baby formula from the plastic bag and racing to make it. Bouncing her in an attempt to ease her crying. Leaving Kim Dokja standing in the kitchen awkwardly.

He decided to unpack the groceries and put them in the fridge, and the cupboard. Stuff like diapers and other baby stuff, he left on the table.

It didn’t take long before the baby is fed and now greedily sucking the formula.

“Thank you.” The teen sighed and slumped in the chair. “Truly, thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Kim Dokja replied, shuffling awkwardly. “Not being rude or something but… aren’t you a bit too young to be a father?”

“Mia-yah is my sister.” The teen almost snapped, but calmed himself down on time. “Or so the letter said.”

“The letter?”

“She…” the teen looked at the baby, “she was dropped on my doorstep this morning.”

“That’s… horrible.” Kim Dokja winced. Child abandonment is, unfortunately, a problem in their country. “What about your parents?”

The teen’s eyes darkened. “I lived alone.”

…shit. Double child abandonment? Tracking down the older child to dump the younger one at his door? What kind of irresponsible parents does he have?!

“Sorry.” Kim Dokja apologizes, and he means it. Hmm, maybe he can have Hyung teach him how to track people down. That should make up for touching the sensitive subject. Speak of it, “You are given a great responsibility… and you did well. You make a good big brother.”

“Do you think so?”

“Your actions certainly say so.”

“Thank you.” The other teen smiles and Kim Dokja just realizes how handsome his youthful face is. Especially with his mismatched eyes. “Ah, sorry. My name is Yoo Joonghyuk.”

Kim Dokja almost shot up from the chair.

“Mine’s Kim Dokja.” He replied with a stiff smile. Hoping the teen across him doesn’t notice it.

“Dokja… is a weird choice for a name.”

“I’ve heard it before.”

Seriously. What’s the odd of sitting across the teen who shares the exact same name as his beloved protagonist?

Maybe it was a coincidence. Like those Chinese Webnovel where transmigration is involved. The MC (Reader) has the same name as the character in the novel they read. Yeah. Certainly, it was just a coincidence.

“Ah, I think she’s full.”

“Oh? Yes.” Yoo Joonghyuk looked at the now empty bottle. His eyes then glanced to Kim Dokja. “Do… you want to hold her?”

“Eh? I mean… if you’re alright with it…”

Maybe she doesn’t like it when she isn’t being held by her brother. The baby is squirming. Become fussy and cranky.

Kim Dokja was about to return her back, before she could burst his eardrums when…

“!!!”

“…”

“Oh… my… god…” Yoo Joonghyuk stares at the crime scene, part horrified, part mortified. “I—Mia?! Why?! Why did you throw up?!” He turned to Kim Dokja. “I-I’m sorry! I didn’t know she gonna do that! I’m sorry! I’m so sorry!”

The baby wails and her brother looks ready to join her.

Kim Dokja, with a strained smile fixed on his face, fished out a phone. “I’ll just… call my guardian. Maybe he knows a thing or two about baby.”

.

Apparently, you need to burp the baby after feeding them. Who knows? Certainly not the seventeen-year-old who just got saddled with single fatherhood.

So that’s how Kim Dokja meets a real-life, civilian, youthful version of his beloved protagonist. Helping him carry groceries home and get vomited by, according to Rok Soo-hyung, a two-month-old baby. Or one year and two months old or so, if we’re talking about the Korean age system.

He kicked Hyung who certainly laughing to death inside. His face might be flat as a wall, but his eyes tell Kim Dokja everything.

He also kicked Choi Jung Soo-nim in the ass when the latter doubles over in laughter after hearing the story of why Kim Dokja has vomit on his jacket.

.

“Motherfucker—” Kim Dokja crouched down.

The tool of crime is the football that hit him square in the face. He was just walking to the cafeteria dammit! What did he do wrong?!

The criminal and the cause of this incident ran at him.

“Oh god, I’m so sorry!” The other boy apologized. “Are you hurt anywhere? Do you need to go to nurse?”

Kim Dokja slowly lowers his face.

He saw blood on his palm.

“Your nose is bleeding!” The other teen shouted. “Let’s go to the nurse!”

“I’m fi—”

He didn’t even get to finish his words before he got yanked to the infirmary. The other teen called for the nurse and panicked as if the world is ending or something the like. How annoying. It kind of reminds Kim Dokja of a dog someone in the neighborhood owned. Sweet boy, but for the love of the stars, it might as well be the neighborhood siren with how loud it is. And fussy.

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

Now, fresh out of the infirmary with something to help with the nosebleed, the other teen insists on walking Kim Dokja back to the classroom. The plan to get snacks is canceled. His appetite is thoroughly ruined by a soccer ball to the face.

“M fin.” Replied Kim Dokja. “Stahp be’ng a fuss.” He glared at the other.

“R-right…”

He swears he can see dog ears and tail dropping. Gods, this guy is such a dog.

Sighing, Kim Dokja patted him on the head with his free hand.

“Try ta be carful next tim.” He advises him.

It instantly cheers him up.

“Of course!”

.

And if Kim Dokja thinks that was the end of it, he is wrong.

The other teen, whom he later learned his name was Lee Hyunsung, identical to a character in The Ways of Survival, stuck close to him ever since. Any attempt to dissuade the other results in a pitiful kicked puppy look.

In the end, Kim Dokja is stuck with him.

It was like getting his own version of Choi Jung Soo-nim.

He shudders at the thought of the two of them ever meeting.

.

“Ah.”

Kim Dokja looked around and found that he could not see Lee Hyunsung or Yoo Joonghyuk anywhere. He must be split up from them at the last turn. Kinda expected, with hundreds of marathon participants or so.

Guess he’ll see them at the finish line. Fail that, he phones them later.

Nodding to himself, he continues jogging. He was only halfway there. Running fast is only for the last mile.

“Noona… is it still far?”

“Of course it is, you stupid. We’re only halfway.”

“Haa…? I cannot take it anymore!”

Kim Dokja should ignore it, but goddamn his heart.

He approached the pair of siblings. He notices that the elder sister is more fit than her brother.

“Sorry for butting in, but I overheard your conversation.” He said, startling them. “If you’re tired, you can just walk from here. There’s no shame in taking it easy.” He looks at the gear. Wow. The shoes look brand new.

“But dad…”

Does their father make them join Marathon? Or do they, particularly the brother, enter the marathon to impress their father? Well, the girl looks like she could care less.

“Runners usually start taking a fast pace at the last mile, so you can start running again from thereon.” Kim Dokja advises. “Join the flow, you can pretend that you run the whole way. No one will know. Or pay attention.”

“Thanks for the advice.” The sister nodded before turning to her brother. “And next time, you warn me ahead the time so we can have more preparation!”

Seeing that they can take care of themselves, Kim Dokja waves his hand and continues running.

.

It won’t be until years later that he meets the older sister again.

Specifically, they are out celebrating Yoo Joonghyuk winning a game competition. It’s also would be the last time they're together in a long time, since they're going to take turn enlist in Mandatory Military Enlistment. Why it was Mandatory?! Gah, annoying!

(Kim Dokja is not a big fan of alcoholic drink, but since he knows his companions are ready to restrain him and knock him out if he ever reach the level of his sperm donor, or even halfway there, he can rest assured.

Also, mocktail is a thing.)

When the bartender served them drinks, Kim Dokja felt that she was familiar. As if he knew her from before.

Jung Heewon became his favorite bartender for her skill in mixing drinks and no-nonsense attitude. Especially when dealing with pervert, drunk, and drunk pervert.

(He had to endure Yoo Joonghyuk’s utter jealousy and possessiveness afterward.

WHY?! Kim Dokja swears he just admires her bartending skill! It was Lee Hyunsung who made moon eyes at her after she knocked unconscious the pervert who tried to cop a feel?!)

Chapter Text

An Hour before Cataclysm

Russet eyes glanced at the clock.

Another hour and the stage truly begin.

Only time will show whether the dominoes that he had set up years ago would finally pay off or not.

“Rok Soo-yah.” Choi Jung Soo called. “Your hair is red.”

“Right.” He fiddled with his pendant and his form shimmered and became leaner, with his black hair turned red like spilled blood and framed his now European-like face.

“Our job here is almost over. And the kids are not here to see it.” He reasoned. Taking out a wine from the drawer, he asks, “Care to join me? We still have an hour.”

“Sure.”

Swirling the wine, Cale began to muse.

Gods are annoying, and the God of Mischief practically needs their own warning labels. And if he has to directly handle this universe’s mess with its multitude of gods watching his every move… he gonna commit mass-scape deicide. Lucky for the world, this time Kim Rok Soo, or Cale Henituse as he prefers whenever he can afford it, doesn’t have to personally handle it. His role here is as an observer and guide.

Unlike the mess that was The Birth of a Hero and things with the Hunters.

And this time, there’s a fool-proof measure to prevent him from accidentally stealing the Protagonist Halo. Again. And involved in more hijinks than the world of TBOAH had in store.

Let Kim Dokja and Yoo Joonghyuk take the fame. Cale is done dealing with godly bullshit and cleaning up their messes.

They will be all right. Cale had specifically prepared them, especially his now-Dongsaeng. Hopefully, his effort in raising The Oldest Dream right would pay off. He did a lot of things to raise the “sleeping” Omniscient Being’s self-worth, so he won’t be eager to throw his life away.

Super Rock often asks if Cale wants to sacrifice himself. Pssshh. He had nothing on Kim Dokja. Cale’s injury is because his body formerly had a weak plate so it cannot be helped. That brat, on the other hand, would develop the habit of choosing the riskiest path if Cale didn’t try to hammer it out of him.

Come to think, most of Kim Dokja’s sacrificial act is borne out of his love for Yoo Joonghyuk. Thus him meeting and getting close to this Universe version of Yoo Joonghyuk before the Apocalypse can either result in even more restraint to do risky stunt, because he had other people to worry about, or doubling his bad habit, because he knows Yoo Joonghyuk as a fellow person, not just a character.

Cale had headaches.

Aigoo… he’s gonna need to keep a close eye on that pair, isn’t he? His poor Slacker Life…

Maybe he should call someone to help him. Team Leader sounds like a good idea. He has a good head between his shoulders… unlike some that Cale unfortunately could name off.

.

Thirty Minutes Before Cataclysm

“Orabeoni!”

“Mia?” Kim Dokja blinked. “Joonghyuk-ah?”

“Dokja-yah.” The taller male smiled and pressed a kiss at Dokja’s forehead, Ignoring the squawk.

Listen. He and Dokja had danced around each other for years. He had to swallow his insecurity and jealousy when Dokja talked about female colleagues because he didn’t know if Dokja swung for the home team or not. It was thanks to Kim Rok Soo-Nim and Choi Jung Soo-Nim’s machinations, and Mia-yah’s prodding, that Joonghyuk knew that Dokja had been pining on him, too. Obviously he’s not going to let the chance slip off.

Let him stake his territory. Bad enough he had to share with a fictional character bearing his name. At least that ‘Yoo Joonghyuk’ cannot come to life and snatch his fiancé from him.

“I, you,” Kim Dokja coughed to calm his flustered heart. “Not that I don’t like it, but what are you two doing here? Is there any celebration or something that I forget?”

He is pretty sure today was no one’s birthday, or his anniversary.

“Nope.” Mia answered. “Ahjussi kicked us out and told us to pick you up.”

Note for the day: shove a lemon tea down Hyung’s throat. Lemon Tea Without Sugar.

“Haa…” Kim Dokja sighed. “Of all times the car is put on maintenance. Tch.” Stupid car robber. “Here’s hoping the subway is not crowded.”

.

Twenty Minutes Before Cataclysm

A couple and a little girl who might as well be their daughter entered the 3434 Train to Bulgwang, carriage 3807.

So does an office lady whose bike was stolen.

So does a Head Department who was following the office lady.

So does a Soldier who was given a break time and planning to surprise his friends.

So does a child carrying a web full of insects for his collections.

.

Thirteen Minutes Before Cataclysm

A man shrouded in a veil made of stars and space frowned.

“Is something wrong, Great Plotter?” A miniature version of him, with the number tag 41 asked.

“No, just…” the Plotter replied, “something feels off.”

Something about the worldline he is about to observe feels off.

It's like a puzzle, but some key pieces are missing, and he has no idea what the whole image is supposed to be.

No. Maybe it was just him. Maybe it was because he had doze off and has some strange dreams. Dreams he can't recall.

Hm, yeah. It has to be that.

There's no way this worldline be any different than ones he know. At best only some small deviation, but nothing big. So it was nothing special.

...Right?

.

Seven Minutes Before Cataclysm

“You seem very invested in making your Constellation’s Modifier.”

“If I’m gonna stuck with a Title, I damn decide what it gonna be lest I end up with something embarrassing like Young Master Silver Shield.”

“I say that was a fun one.”

"Lee Soo Hyuk, shut up."

.

Five Minutes Before Cataclysm

“Dokja-ssi.”

“Ah, Yoo Sanggah-ssi.” Kim Dokja greeted her.

He has to resist to roll his eyes. He could feel Joonghyuk-ah’s jealousy the second Yoo Sangah-ssi greeted him. What a Salty Sunfish.

Mia tugged on his sleeve. “Orabeoni, who is this?” Her eyes narrowed.

…like brother, like sister.

“Ah, this is Yoo Sangah. She’s my Sunbae at work. Sangah-ssi, this is my fiancé, Yoo Joonghyuk, and his sister, Yoo Mia.”

“Ah, so you’re the fiancé Dokja-ssi talk about.”

“Oh,” did that man just purr?! “Dokja-yah talk about him.”

“Someone once asks about Dokja-ssi’s ring, then Dokja-ssi would talk anyone’s ears off about his beloved fiancé and his little sister.” Kim Dokja covers his face. Ugh, stop calling him out.

Ah well, at least the vinegar smell is gone.

“But I’m surprised.” Yoo Sangah finally diverts the topic. “Dokja-ssi usually drives a car. Did something happen?”

Eugh. “Someone tried to steal it and managed to get away. I got the car back but it got damaged so it was left at the repair shop.”

And Choi Jung Soo-nim took the other car on a Business Trip. He should be home today, but clearly not when Hyung sends Joonghyuk-ah and Mia-yah to pick Kim Dokja. As if he’s incapable of navigating the subway by himself.

He means, how hard it was to hop the train and get off at the station near their district?

“Ah…”

“What about Sangah-ssi.”

“My bike got stolen.”

Mia-yah grumbles. “Why there are so many thieves nowadays?”

Nobody has an answer for that.

.

Three Minutes Before Cataclysm

“Okay.” A white-furred creature psyches himself up. “You can do it, Bihyung. You will find interesting humans and you will draw attention of the Great Constellations! You will become a Great Dokkaebi!”

.

Ten Seconds Before Cataclysm

Starry eyes hummed as he saw a book being formed. A Giant Story is about to take shape.

He smiles.

Raise the curtain. The show starts now.

Open the page. The Epic begins.

.

7:00 PM

[The Free Service of Planetary System 8612 has been Terminated]

[The Main Scenario has Started]

Chapter Text

Yoo Mia glanced at the cotton ball creature of doom with a frown on her face.

A Dokkaebi.

Not just any Dokkaebi, but one whose description matched word-for-word with the one in Orabeoni’s favorite web novel. The one whose protagonist has her Oppa’s name. Come to think of it… the starting scene is also inside a subway, isn’t it?

Oh dear gods

Don’t tell her they’re transmigrated into the novel the second they step into the subway.

(Perks has a brother who is a Pro-Gamer and played many games, and another who is an avid reader of novels and excited to share the content. She knows her tropes.)

And from Orabeoni’s twitching eye, she can tell he thinks of the same thing.

[#@*%@#!...]

…no wonder the novel uses symbols. It was utter gibberish. Fish’s “blub…blub…blub…” is easier to understand.

“A Dokka—urgh…!”

“Oppa?!”

“Joonghyuk-ah? What’s wrong?!”

Her oppa suddenly doubled over, clutching his head.

“My head… hurts…”

Orabeoni is holding Oppa tight and lets him bury his head in Oppa’s lap. Making muffled sounds of pain.

Mia winced. Oppa doesn’t like showing pain. Certainly not in public.

What happened? Oppa was fine until Dokkaebi showed up.

[Ah. Ah. Does this sound good? Ah, I had a hard time because the Korean Patch didn’t work. Everyone. Can you hear my words?]

Someone gets up and walks to the demonic fluffball. An actor.

Uh, ahjussi. Are your brain nerves got crossed or something? Or you haven’t been told about folklore? Perhaps you never watched a certain trope destruction of Magical Girl show? Just because something is cute doesn’t mean it’s a good creature.

The train gets noisy. Not good. Oppa is having a headache.

Mia quickly put his headphones on. It should dampen the noise a little.

She didn’t dare to play a song. It was not the time for it.

“Yoo Sangah-ssi, it’s dangerous, so stay here.” Orabeoni stopped the Unnie. Was unnie about to walk to the Dokkaebi?

“Huh?”

“It’ll kill you.”

It was Oppa who answered. Do the headphones trick work?

[Haha, you are really loud]

The Dokkaebi is angry. Its eyes turned red. Literally.

[I told you to be quiet]

Mia’s vision went black as Kim Dokja quickly covered her eyes. Just in time to prevent her from seeing heads burst and splattering the subway with blood. She still can hear what the Dokkaebi is talking about.

That this isn’t film shooting or the world inside a novel (even if it is a damn near perfect replica of her Orabeoni’s favorite). Something about living in this world for free (and she wants to hit the Demonic Plushie for that. LIES AND SLANDER! LIVING IS NOT FREE!).

She yanked the hands off.

Oppa had sat straight, even if he still applying pressure to his brow.

[But now the good days are over. How long can you continue living for free? If you want to enjoy happiness, it is common sense to pay a price. Isn’t that right?]

“D-do you want money?”

Orabeoni’s face went flat.

“Do you know him?” Mia asks in a whisper.

Orabeoni types something and shows the screen to her.

He’s Department Head Han of the Finance Team in the Company I worked at.

Oppa read the words and snorted, before typing something in his phone.

More like Idiot #2

They cannot deny it.

Especially when Idiot Ahjussi tried to bribe Dokkaebi with money.

Yoo Mia didn’t remember any story about Dokkaebi asking or wanting money. The ones she knew were the Dokkaebi like the talent Wenny Man had. If anything, Dokkaebi in the story was the one who gave money.

Predictably, the cheques went up in flames with the Dokkaebi threatening the Idiot Ahjussi.

The Dokkaebi next floated to the ceiling and its horns rose like antennas.

That… shouldn’t be possible? Mia is sure horns aren’t supposed to do that. Or maybe because it’s Dokkaebi and not your normal animal it’s possible?

A message rang out.

[#BI-7623 Channel is Open]

[Constellations have entered]

Mia blinked as a small window, like those from cartoons and manhwa, popped out before her eyes.

┏

[The Main Scenario has arrived!]

[Main Scenario #1 – Proof of Value]

Category: Main

Difficulty: F

Clear Conditions: Kill One or More Creatures

Time Limit: 30 minutes

Compensation: 300 Coins

Failure: Death

┛

The dokkaebi smiled faintly as it became transparent and disappeared.

[Then, good luck everyone. Please show me an interesting story.]

Silence.

Then, Chaos reigned again.

Orabeoni sighed as he thumbed the back of his head at the Train’s window.

“Next time I see Hyung, I'll shove a whole lemon down his throat.”

Chapter Text

Mismatched Gold and Dark eyes watched through the screens. Each screen shows different Channels.

He closed off Channel to carriage 3707. He’s sick of that carriage.

Jihye seems to be handling the first scenario… okay. Not well, but she will survive, as she had in other regressions, and that was what mattered.

Lee Seolhwa… she seems to be managing. For now. It would be later when her fate, either as enemy or ally, is decided.

Anna Croft… nope. He will watch the recording later, when her presence become necessary, but Secretive Plotter is not going to torment himself watching that manipulative bitch.

Now, all that was left was Kim Namwoon and Lee Hyunsung. Though he knew how it would go—

“Wait. This is carriage 3807, right?” 222 suddenly asks.

“Yes?” Secretive Plotter replied. “Why?”

“Then why is Yoo Joonghyuk riding that carriage and not the one next door?!”

…huh?

“Where?” 333 shoves 222 off to watch the remaining screen. “Wait you’re right. Did he ride the wrong carria—HOLY SHIT IS THAT MIA?!”

Wait. WHAT?!

Alarmed, Secretive Plotter pay utmost attention to the screen. His eyes rounded behind the hood when he saw this Worldline Yoo Joonghyuk (which regression is this?) supporting an admittedly pretty man with Mia sitting next to him.

The (former?) Regressor had to rub his eyes to ensure he didn’t hallucinate. The scene stays the same.

“What the fuck?” 81 asked out loud. A sentiment shared among them.

They do not remember any regression where Yoo Joonghyuk and Yoo Mia have stayed together since the very first scenario.

“What’s the plan?” Yoo Joonghyuk asked. Paying no attention to the chaotic atmosphere around them.

And they clearly don’t remember any regression where Yoo Joonghyuk relies on someone. Certainly not in the very first scenario.

The pretty man frowned. He then took out a hand sanitizer and began to rub it.

“Dokja-ssi, what are you doing?” The OL next to him asked.

“Trying to see if bacteria count as living organisms. Turns out not.” The pretty man replied.

“Huh?”

“The mission. It said to kill a living being. It never said we have to kill people. Bacteria is considered as a living thing, but maybe there’s some requirement.”

The N’Gai forest turns silent.

Then a loud thumping sound can be heard as 33 bashed his head against the throne.

“Why” THUNK “Did” THUNK “I” THUNK “Never” THUNK “Think” THUNK “Of” THUNK “THAT?!”

Yes.

1863 regressions and never did they try to find an alternative method. They mean, sure, the carriage doesn’t have any living creatures aside from humans, but shouldn’t they at least try instead of jumping on a murder spree?

Lee Hyunsung showed up and tried to instill some order. 41 sighed at his naivety. While he has good intentions, his method is all wrong. Especially when the train goers watch the video conference, huh now that he thinks of it he never knows what the country leader was doing, only to see the Prime Minister get murdered by a pissed-off Dokkaebi.

Murder cotton ball.

The consequences of pissing off Dokkaebi was shortened to 10 minutes only. Ouch.

Then Dokkaebi shows what happens in the other places. Including Lee Jihye’s.

My, suddenly having a rag made of Dokkaebi skin sounds more tempting than ever.

“Kim Dokja.” That round Yoo Joonghyuk ask. “Are we…” he gestured to the frazzled crowd.

Secretive Plotter understands why Yoo Joonghyuk hesitates to kill. It was one thing to go psycho on a bunch of strangers. It’s a different thing to do it while Mia is watching and potentially caught in the crossfire.

But if they don’t kill someone soon, she’ll die and Secretive Plotter would never forgive this Yoo Joonghyuk if that was the case.

“I’m thinking, I’m thinking…” This ‘Kim Dokja’, who apparently Yoo Joonghyuk is close of, and since when Yoo Joonghyuk know someone who was not his immediate inner circle of companions? Since when ‘Kim Dokja’ is on Yoo Joonghyuk’s life and why Secretive Plotter cannot remember him?

Is he related to the past before Scenarios that Secretive Plotter cannot recall?

That was when Kim Namwoon acted up. Huh. So this is how carriage 3807 ends up in a battle royale that leaves only him and Lee Hyunsung alive. If that so then Secretive Plotter hopes Mia can live. Maybe Yoo Joonghyuk leave someone weakened so Mia can take them with ease. Surely Mia won’t blame her brother. In other rounds, she did kill people too… right?

…wait. How did Mia survive the first scenario again?

“Have…” 8 asked, hesitating, “have we ever ask Mia who or what did she kill in the first scenario?”

No one has answer to that.

Suddenly Kim Dokja stands up and walk to a boy with net filled with insects.

Wait.

Could it be…?

“Hey, kid,” Kim Dokja smiled. It was a nice smile… if not for Secretive Plotter can see the underlying manipulation in the process. “Can this Ahjussi ask for insects?”

“Um?”

“Ahjussi will leave one for you, is that ok?”

Seeing the kid still confused, Kim Dokja brazenly took one insect. He put it on the kid’s palm and closed it.

The Kid achieves the first kill.

“That…” 41 blinked. “That easy…?” He seems in disbelief at how easy it was to pass the scenario.

Bacteria don’t count. Insect count.

If one wasn’t trapped in a train… then passing the first scenario is actually easy! JUST STEP ON ANTS! They’re common, they are easy to kill, and it would be bloodless! Forget Rating D. It would be F MINUS!

“Knew it.” Kim Dokja smirked. “Kid, can Ahjussi have the rest? Please? Ahjussi really needs them.”

The kid nodded.

Kim Dokja smiled. “Thank you, kid, you are a lifesaver.” And in this case, literally, as he brings the net filled with insects back to his… group… who somehow had integrated Lee Hyunsung in.

“Dokja-ssi!” Lee Hyunsung smiled in relief. “You’re here. Where were you?”

“Finding us a way to survive.” Kim Dokja replied. He handed each of them a grasshopper… and he himself held an egg sack.

“Switch.” Demanded Yoo Joonghyuk.

“We didn’t know if it counted.”

“Which is why I’ll be the one who took the risk. Switch, now.”

Lee Hyunsung huffed in amusement. “Even in a situation like this you two can still banter. You guys never change, do you?”

“Why would I change?” Yoo Joonghyuk quipped as he crushed the egg sack… and yes. The egg counts!

The banter between them was like that of old friends… wait.

“Did he know Lee Hyunsung before the Scenario?” 999 asked. “Did… Did we know Lee Hyunsung before the Scenario?”

That… is a good question.

Did they know Lee Hyunsung before the Scenario? Did they always pick Lee Hyunsung each time not because he is useful but because he is a familiar face and thus reliable? Their tie to their ever-so-elusive past?

This round had just started, but Secretive Plotter already had so many questions.

Kim Namwoon finally kills the grandma, and relief fills the train carriage until…

“W-wait. In that school… only that girl survives.” One speaks up. “Does… does that mean… each of us has to kill?”

Silence reigned. A tense silence as they eyed each other. Then,

“Die!”

“You die first!”

“You owe me 50,000 won!”

“That's just money, you bitch!”

They began to attack each other.

“You… you have kill…akkkkk”

“So what if I do?” Kim Namwoon grinned. “I refuse to die for you.”

“The kids… we have to kill the kids. Yes. The kids and the elders must go.” One crazy man murmurs. “We adults have a better chance to survive than them. They’re just baggage…”

One woman turned to the boy with insects. She reaches out and wrings his neck.

She didn’t go far, with Kim Dokja slammed her, hard. Sending her sprawled and wheezing in pain. Taking the advantage, he took the kid back to his crew.

Huh. He’s rather quick on his feet, with no wasted movement whatsoever.

“Sorry Sangah-ssi.” Kim Dokja stated as he gave the boy to the OL. Yoo Joonghyuk did the same to Mia. “But can you hold the kids for a moment? This gonna get ugly.”

The woman nodded and held the children close, while the men formed a protective line as other passengers advanced with intent to kill. Secretive Plotter would be worried she might betray them, but she clearly knows her place. She knows nothing of the situation and follows the orders, mostly this Kim Dokja.

Right now, her uselessness is not prominent, but only time will tell if she can be useful or remain a useless baggage that slows them down.

“Hey,” Kim Dokja stated. “Before we do this, I have something to say.”

“What is it?” Yoo Joonghyuk asked without taking his eyes off the crazy passengers.

“Whatever you do, I won’t hold it or blame you for what happens, so do what you feel must.”

“Thanks.”

…It was clear.

Yoo Joonghyuk is not the leader. Won’t be the leader. Kim Dokja already claimed the position, and no one questioned it.

Secretive Plotter mused, “How… interesting.”

Appearance of new people. Potential link to the past he had forgotten… This round had started on a different note than usual.

He had to observe this round.

He has feelings this round has the answer to his questions and goal. It had to.

Chapter Text

Kim Dokja lifted his arm and shielded his face when the timer hit zero point double zero. Just in time to cover his face from a sudden blood fountain as heads started exploding.

When he no longer felt blood showering him, he dropped his arm.

Ahh… one done, many to come.

But first,

“Anyone hurt?” He asked.

“Nope.” Lee Hyunsung shook his head.

“We’re okay.” Replied Yoo Sangah-ssi. The children are okay as well. Not a scratch. Only bloodstained from when blood fountain happens. Even then, not much.

Joonghyuk-ah hummed and checked Kim Dokja of possible wounds. “Looks good here.”

That’s good to hear.

From the corner of his eyes, Kim Dokja can see Kim Namwoon wiping his store-bought knife on a corpse’s shirt.

Also

How did Han Myungoh survive? He doesn’t… look, Kim Dokja is trying to not let bias color his judgment, but he cannot see how his ex-superior-of-some-sorts survived the crazy desperate mob. He is not the athletic type of some sort.

“Ah,” Yoo Sangah winced and whispered to him, “I think when he tumbled among the chaos, he accidentally landed on someone and smothered them to death?”

Well, think again desperation can bring the unexpected out of people. At the cost of sanity, of course.

Kim Dokja glanced at the screen that sent rapid messages one after another. One insect, one human. Each netted him 100 coins. Halved the first one because it’s a non-resistant living being, and doubled the second. Adding the 300 coins from the scenario clearance reward and subtract 100. The end result should be 450 coins.

Joonghyuk-ah must have the most coins then. Who knows how many eggs are inside that sack?

He stumbled when the train suddenly lurched forward without warning, crashing onto Joonghyuk-ah, who steadied him.

Has he mentioned he loves his Fiancé? Well, he gonna say it again. And again, and again. Hundreds of times, Thousands. Millions. Billions of times, even.

The train stopped halfway past Dongho Bridge. When Kim Dokja wiped the window off the blood, he was greeted with a scene of giant Snake-like monsters eating a fighter jet that crashed onto the river sometime during Main Scenario 1.

If he wasn’t wrong, that was ichthyosaur species, or Sea Serpent for easier pronounce, a 7th-Grade Monster in the Ways of Survival.

“It’s coming!”

“Calm down.” Kim Dokja told Han Myungoh. “If you are that scared, stand still and pretend to be a statue. If you agitated, you just draw its attention.” The bespectacled man went still like a statue at once.

“How is Dokja-ssi so…” Yoo Sangah ask.

There are things he could say to answer the question but… they’re quite dangerous to say. So,

“I’ve watched A Quiet Place.” Is all he said instead. “Got issues for weeks, but worth it now that the world come to be like this.”

[A handful of Constellations admires your scenario]

[500 coins have been sponsored]

Kim Dokja glanced at Joonghyuk-yah, who let out a soft growl. He didn’t know what was wrong with his fiancé, he had been acting strange since Dokkaebi appeared, but one thing for sure: as Kim Dokja held his hand tightly, he reaffirmed his determination to stand by his side, to support and protect him.

No matter what the cost.

“Oppa, Orabeoni.”

“Mia-yah.” Joonghyuk-yah kneels to her. “You… are alright?”

“Um.”

“That… that is good.”

Kim Dokja smiled. Trust Mia to snap Yoonghyuk-yah from whatever slump he was in.

“Hey, how did these three survive?”

And trust Kim Namwoon to ruin the warm atmosphere.

Kim Dokja positions himself between his people and the future Delusional Demon.

“Humans are not the only living beings.” He informed him. “Insect is also living being.”

It would be easier if bacteria do as well, but you can’t have everything.

“Hee…” Kim Namwoon narrowed his eyes while giving a smile full of teeth. “So, you play savior, huh? Why you don’t save the rest?”

“You’re wrong.” Kim Dokja stated. “There are only a limited number of insects, so I can only save a few. And between people I care about and trust me, with people who easily turn against each other, my choice is clear."

Joonghyuk-ah nodded. “Saving a potential backstabber is just dumb.” He added. “And not worth it in the long run.” His eyes seem to look at the distance, as if recalling an unpleasant experience.

Did he think about his awful, neglectful parent or…?

Kim Dokja narrowed his eyes. He has an inkling of what is happening to the love of his life and he hopes he is wrong.

[A few Constellations are satisfied with the answer]

[300 coins have been sponsored to Incarnation Kim Dokja and Incarnation Yoo Joonghyuk]

“Fair points.” Kim Namwoon nodded. “The strong and the smart survive. The dumb and the weak die.”

[Kim Namwoon has shown faint liking towards you]

The teen glanced at the rest of the survivors. “Well, maybe some luck is needed.”

Oh this fucker—

Before the tension can be strung further, the Dokkaebi appears. Delighted at the events that had just transpired and at the number of twinkling stars that appear above the Dokkaebi’s head.

24. There are 24 stars, meaning 24 Constellations are connected to this channel. That was quite a high number for low-grade dokkaebi, no wonder he is happy.

Hmm, was in the Ways of Survival the number is this high this early in the game? Or was it because there’s some anomaly that the number changes?

Maybe he should read the text he got from the author as a gift. He has good knowledge about the novel, but he is not Hyung with his Photogenic Memory. He is bound to get some fact crossed or plain wrong.

The Dokkaebi manipulates something in the air and shows them the list of Survivors.

[Survivors from the 3434 Train to Bulgwang, Carriage 3707: Kim Dokja, Yoo Joonghyuk, Lee Hyunsung, Kim Namwoon, Yoo Mia, Yoo Sangah, Lee Gilyoung, Han Myungoh. Total of eight survivors]

Eight. Not two. Butterfly effect at its finest.

Kim Dokja is worried that some scenarios will be harder. Or there are more Sub and Hidden Scenarios that don’t exist in the Ways of Survival.

He needs to check his attribute window.

Yet before he can do that, Han Myungoh asked in fear, “W-Will you release us now? Didn’t you get what you wanted?!”

Naturally, the Dokkaebi is amused at his panic. His words clearly told so.

[Now now, shouldn't there be a reward for overcoming the hardships? As a reward for the first scenario, you are entitled to the sponsorship of the 'constellations'. Waahhh! How about it? Aren't you looking forward to it? Hmm, you are all unenthusiastic. This is really a big deal.]

Joonghyuk-ah winced again. Another headache?

Hyunsung decided to fish for more information, but the Dokkaebi might be impatient, so he just showed them the sponsor selections.

“Dokja-ssi? Two strange choices appear before me.”

“Orabeoni, there’s three weird names.”

“Um… H-hyung…?”

Dokja withheld a sigh as others clamored around him. He turned to look at Joonghyuk-ah, who stared at his screen. His expression is half scowling half bewildered.

“What’s wrong?”

Did he get no offers? That shouldn’t be possible. At least one or two had to take an interest in him.

“I…” his brow furrowed. “I think mine is bugged?”

Bugged?

Bugged?!

What does he mean by bugged?! How is that possible? Starstream is an Inter-Dimension version of Twitch or something! You cannot hack it if you are not a) Super Duper Mega Powerful Constellations, b) a Dokkaebi King, or c) the aforementioned creature that lies beyond the Starstream, as stated in passing at The Ways of Survival.

So, did someone hack Joonghyuk-ah? If so, who and why? And why him?

Is it because he shares the same name as the Protagonist?

“Dokja-ssi?” Yoo Sangah waved a hand before his face.

“Ah,” shelve that for later. Right now, they had more important matters. “Choose one you feel the best.” He told them.

“It almost feels like picking Patron for your Class in DnD.” Lee Hyunsung commented absent-mindedly.

There’s a moment of silence before

*SMACK!*

“Thanks a lot for the mental image, Lee Hyunsung.” Growled Joonghyuk-ah. “I really need that.” Sarcasm practically dripping from his words.

Kim Dokja can understand his feelings.

Their world is screwed enough as it was, with constellations and scenarios. Adding DnD mechanism is not rubbing salt on the wound anymore. It’s dumping the heavily wounded to the Dead Sea! He means, their fate will be relying on luck! Nat20? Oh yes. Deus ex machina, baby. Especially in tight situations. But Nat1?

Oh Bloody Hell NO!

Shaking his head, Kim Dokja focused on his own screen.

┏

[Sponsor Selection]

Please Choose Your Sponsor

Your Chosen Sponsor will be your Strongest Supporter

1. Demon-Like Judge of Fire
2. Prisoner of the Golden Headband
3. Secretive Plotter
4. ‘Trash’ of Count Family
5. Lineage of Swordmaster

┛

Five choices. That was… a lot. As much as ‘Yoo Joonghyuk’ from the Ways of Survival. As Constellations did not reveal their true name, they use titles, more often referred to as Modifier. At least he knows two for certain.

Demon-Like Judge of Fire. Archangel Uriel.

Prisoner of the Golden Headband. Sun Wukong.

These two are among the top constellations. Which, makes it difficult. Well, Uriel is not an option, sorry, Uriel, Kim Dokja likes how you support Yoo Joonghyuk in the 999^th round, but Constellation Absolute Good come with annoying restriction when it comes to unleashing full power. Sun Wukong is a better option. He is a powerful Constellation. If Kim Dokja recalls correctly, there was an Incarnation with him as a supporter… and the power is no joke.

He cannot believe such a powerful Constellation appeared so early, and giving an offer to Kim Dokja to boot

The rest…

He did not know Constellations with these modifiers. Lineage of Swordmaster sounds pretty interesting, especially as Kim Dokja is a practitioner of sword art himself. For some reason, this Constellation’s Modifier reminds him of Choi Jung Soo.

‘Trash’ of Count Family is just… how to put it? Weird. There are a lot of weird modifiers in the Ways of Survival. Kim Dokja swears half of the Constellations are Chuuni. But this? This takes the cake. Count Family means this Constellation was part of the nobility. Maybe a Human who ascends as Constellation. But the Trash part made Kim Dokja hesitate. Hell. THERE’S A QUOTATION MARK IN THE WORD! What the hell?!

It sounds way too similar to how Rok Soo-Hung likes to describe himself.

(He wonders if Hyung survived.

…nah. He definitely is. Dokja learns all of his skills from him. Hyung will be fine.)

Kim Dokja will ignore this one. It gives him headaches.

The last but not the least, Secretive Plotter. It was a very simple, obvious modifier, without a ‘proper noun’. It makes Kim Dokja think it wasn’t a Powerful Constellation. But one thing he learn, was appearance can be deceiving. Maybe he is secretly powerful. The word Secretive is here for a reason.

Haaah, Kim Dokja sighed. If only Yoo Joonghyuk-ah is a Constellation, he would choose him in a heartbeat. Guess no sponsor for him, then.

But having a Constellation Sponsor can be annoying. They got a restriction in order to use their full power. Plus, Constellations he doesn’t know… there’s no guarantee the Stigma they give is compatible or useful to him. Some Stigma are, putting it simply, a Very Situational Sword.

How does he break the news to the Constellations without getting smote or thrown into high-rank Sub Scenario just because?

[Sponsor Selection Has Ended]

[You haven't selected a sponsor.]

Oh. This also works.

[Constellation Demon-like Judge of Fire is disappointed in you.]

[She will persistently monitor your justice in the future.]

[Constellation Secretive Plotter is interested in your choice.]

[200 Coins have been Sponsored.]

[Constellation Prisoner of the Golden Headband is interested in your choice.]

[Constellation Lineage of Swordsmaster smiled while raising an eyebrow.]

[50 Coins have been Sponsored]

[Constellation ‘Trash’ of the Count Family is amused at your choice]

[He will look forward to your choice at Second Sponsor Selection]

[1,500 Coins have been sponsored]

Looking at the messages, it seems it wasn’t a wrong choice, except…

Kim Dokja eyeing the coins the Constellation ‘Trash’ of Count Family had just given to him. The amount is crazy for an Incarnation who doesn’t choose him. Is that a bribe? Is he bribing him to increase Kim Dokja’s favorability to him?

[Several Constellations are side-eyeing Constellation ‘Trash’ of the Count Family]

Mood.

Chapter Text

Yoo Joonghyuk wished someone had aspirin or ibuprofen or anything that could reduce the headache. It was no longer searing hot pain as if someone took a giant mallet and slammed it with full force, but the throbbing was persistent, even if it was low-key.

[Haha. Aren’t there two interesting people? Well, yes. There will be another chance.] The Dokkaebi stated mockingly. [Now now, everyone has finished the selection. Rest here for a while. I have to go prepare for the next scenario. I'll see you in 10 minutes!]

10 minutes is not nearly enough. But with the wild beast outside, Yoo Joonghyuk wished the Dokkaebi cut the waiting time into half or less.

“Is there anyone who can open the carriage door?”

“Huh? You want to go out?” The white-haired teen asks curiously. His nametag say his name was Kim Namwoon.

“Yeah.”

“W-wha…” Oh, Idiot #2. “Go outside? You want to go outside? Are you insane?”

“Good idea.” Dokja-yah nodded. “Where should we go?”

“Kim Dokja! You…!” When Dokja-yah ignores him, the idiot's face reddened in anger. Oh god no. Please don’t tell him he’s going to see such a cliché minor villain act. “Look at this boy! Where did you learn your etiquette?! Hey, I’m a Department Head, you’re just a small-time worker! Listen to me or you don’t care how much time you have left on your contract?”

Dokja-yah flip him the bird.

“If you want to hold a strategic meeting, or use this carriage as your shelter, be my guest.” He replied. “I, on the other hand, refuse to do so in a place where I am open for attack, or have you forgotten the wild beast out there? The one you are so scared of earlier?” He points out at the window.

The others take one look at the massive monster and blanched.

“Let’s go somewhere where we aren’t in danger of being fish—err… snake food.” Yoo Sangah nodded.

And Dokja-yah still has something to say to the Idiot. “Also, just fire me from Mino Soft, assuming the company still standing. I don’t need it, to be honest.”

Yoo Joonghyuk snorted.

Considering Dokja-yah is pretty rich from his untouched trust fund (from his mother’s bestselling book that Kim Dokja hates so much), and the fact Kim Rok Soo really spoiled him in monetary sense (he swears that guy has no common sense when it come to money, bloody rich people), plus the unused salary from his mandatory military service … yeah. Kim Dokja really doesn’t have to work in Mino Soft. He just works there for social experience.

Nevermind the fact that Yoo Joonghyuk is more than happy assuming the role of breadwinner in their relationship. After all, he and Mia had moved in with the Kims after his old apartment burned down (damn you, senile neighbor! If you cannot cook then don’t make a fancy smancy complicated dish you saw on Youtube!).

“W-what if the Dokkaebi return and blow out heads?!”

The idiot have a reasonable and justified fear, unfortunately.

“It blows some head because people keep pissing him off.” Yoo Joonghyuk answered. “I mean, if someone cut me when I was making an important speech, I’d be pretty crossed. That thing just happened to have anger issues and too much power in its body.”

“How do you know that?”

Yoo Joonghyuk sighed. Some people are way too stubborn for their health.

“Stupid ahjussi.” It was Mia who fed up this time. “The door is not blocked by magic anymore. It just,” she tried to tug it with all her strength, “help?”

Yoo Joonghyuk tried to move the door. It didn’t even bulge.

It seems, unfortunately for their escape plan, the doors are broken. Either because Dokkaebi’s magic left some long-lasting damage or the explosion from earlier or something else.

“Find the manual door!”

"It's over here!"

Yoo Joonghyuk fucking love his fiancé to hell and back.

Dokja-yah tried to pull the door, but it stuck not even halfway. The gap is not big enough for adults to make it. Kids are another story, though, if they walk sideways.

“Guys, a help would be welcomed?!”

Right.

Yoo Joonghyuk quickly helped him pull the door to one side, while Lee Hyunsung pulled to the other.

“Fucking… move… already… dammit!” Yoo Joonghyuk cursed while pulling the steel door.

Stupid thing got jammed!

“Can… someone… just use a skill or something…?!” Groaned Dokja-yah. “Like, you know, those stuff in Manhwa and cartoon?!”

“Hold on…! I think I got something!” Shouted Lee Hyunsing. His muscle seems to be bulging and he manages to pull his half of the door… maybe he overdid it because he ends up destroying a bit of the carriage wall, but who cares?!

“Alright guys. Let’s go!”

Yoo Joonghyuk pick Mia up while Hyunsung picked up the boy. That brat had been quiet. Someone should give him a firm but gentle talk before he snapped. Maybe a shoulder to cry and an ear to rant to. He just survived attempted murder earlier.

[...Ah, this is really. I knew this would happen. What did I say earlier? I told you not to go anywhere, Damn! The scenario isn't ready yet-]

“Sorry not sorry but the sea monsters look Hangry!” Snarked Dokja.

[Sigh...it can't be helped. You are really lucky humans.]

The Dokkaebi snapped his finger, and Yoo Joonghyuk saw the screen.

[Second Scenario Has Arrived!]

┏

[Second Scenario – Escape]

Category: Sub

Difficulty: E

Clear Conditions: Cross the Broken Bridge and Enter Oksu Station

Time Limit: 20 minutes

Rewards: 200 coins

Failure: ???

┛

“Dokja-ssi, something is strange. It says the 'broken bridge' but the bridge is still...”

“Less talking, more running, woman!” Barked Kim Namwoon.

Even as they’re running, Yoo Joonghyuk keeps alert to his surroundings.

Years of being Pro-Gamer, and lots of DnD sessions, imply that things are not what they look like. There’s a catch. If anything, if something went too well, expect it to be a trap.

Cue a monster showing up from the river and chewing the bridge foundation.

[There is no fun if the game is too easy.]

[The Scenario Difficulty has been Adjusted]

[Scenario Difficulty: E -->  D]

[Is there any fun if you just run away? Let's create a bit of atmosphere!]

“Oppa! Zombies!”

Yoo Joonghyuk glanced back, and scowled.

He hates Sadistic DM.

Furthermore, the Zombies are not just from behind, but also at the front. From more dead people who didn't pass the First Scenario.

Just their luck.

There’s a giant shadow covering the sky.

“EVERYONE GET DOWN!”

Without questioning, Yoo Joonghyuk crouched down. Holding Mia close to his chest and shielded her from the resulting debris as the road before him was destroyed. The noises almost deafened him.

When Yoo Joonghyuk opens his eyes, and the smoke dissipates, he finds that the bridge has broken, fulfilling the Scenario Stage.

On the other side, were Kim Namwoon, Lee Hyunsung, and Lee Gilyoung. Safe, if worried and frustrated. Oh. And has some surviving zombies. But that shouldn’t be too much problem. Just kick them off the bridge.

It was this side that was troubled. There are many zombies behind, and there’s a large gap due broken bridge. Just peachy.

“Haa…” Yoo Joonghyuk sighed. “Mia-yah. Piggyback sounds good?”

“Um. Hold tight and don’t let go.”

“Atta girl.”

Yoo Joonghyuk waited until Mia got into a comfortable position, before sprung into action. His punches and kicks send the zombie flying backward and hit others. Dokja-yah use some metal shrapnel as impromptu weapon to cut the zombies.

Is it just him or did the shrapnel glowed?! Maybe Dokja-yah subconsciously use a Skill?

Ugh. No matter. That wasn’t important. There’s still a lot of Zombies. Could they come from other carriages? Dammit. And there are only two combatants here. Him and Dokja-yah. Mia is not going to fight and risk endangering herself if Yoo Joonghyuk has any say in it, that lady has no fighting skill whatsoever, and the less said about the idiot, who is now limping due to some damage he got when the bridge is broken, the better.

[Someone has received the favour of a constellation.]

[The Constellation's Scenario 'Deus Ex Machina' has been activated.]

Hah?

Yoo Joonghyuk glanced at the bridge. It now has something glowed and connected both broken ends. A screen appears with explanation.

“Mia, can you read it?!” He was a bit busy here!

“A-ok! It said you can cross the glowy bridge if you’re two or in a group of even numbers. But if you are alone or in odd numbers, the bridge is goner!”

And there’s five of them. Meaning at the end of the day, someone must be left behind. Asking Lee Hyunsung and Kim Namwoon to cross is not going to work. Nevermind it would leave the boy vulnerable, and Yoo Joonghyuk is not sure Kim Namwoon wants to risk his neck like that.

Maybe grabbing a knocked-out zombie? It never said the person has to be alive, does it? Should it work?

But what if it doesn’t?

Okay, let’s grab the OL and forget the idiot. He’s just gonna be deadweight anyway—

“Let me go! Let go! Dokja-ssi! Dokja-ssi!”

That Idiot, who had just been limping, was carrying the lady over one shoulder and moving across the bridge at an astonishing rate.

Argh!

“I’m going to kick that asshole in the balls!” Yoo Joonghyuk growled as he basically flipped a Zombie and threw it into the river.

It’s water pollution, but honestly, he didn’t care.

The deadly dance continues. Yoo Joonghyuk moved away from the edge. He had Mia to worry about. If this situation wasn’t so dire, he would be enjoying how he and Dokja-yah moved in sync.

They’re truly made for each other.

Now, if only the Constellations above can please stop distracting him with their useless and non-informational notifications, he would be grateful. He was thinking how to cross the bridge with Mia and Dokja-yah! Like hell he’s leaving any of them behind! One is his sister whom he raised like a daughter, and the other is his (future) husband!

Seriously. Fuck Star Stream. Fuck Dokkaebi. FUCK WHOEVER MADE THIS SCENARIO! SUCK A DICK AND CHOKE ON IT YOU SADISTIC BITCH!

[Wow, you are quite good at surviving. Now now! Will any constellations help this poor friend?]

Yoo Joonghyuk wants to remove the Dokkaebi’s insides and replace them with cotton. You know, to make a punching toy for stress relief.

[Constellation ‘Trash’ of the Count Family is offering Incarnation ‘Kim Dokja’ a Stigma to cross a Bridge in exchange for finishing a Scenario in the Near Future]

“Huh? What?” Dokja-yah ask. “Wait. What do you mean the details are for later?!”

[Several Constellations are looking at Constellation ‘Trash’ of the Count Family]

Yoo Joonghyuk keep battling the zombies, with Mia act as his second pair of eyes, while Dokja-yah is busy arguing with this Constellation.

Is it healthy, or safe, to argue with the only one who is willing to lend a helping hand? Normally, no. But since it was less of help but more of a debt that need to be repaid at a later date… yeah. Go Dokja-yah.

“Fine fine. It can help Joonghyuk-ah and Mia-yah, can’t it? I get it! I accept your offer!”

There’s a light and then wind swirls around Dokja-yah’s ankle.

“Dokja-yah?”

“Let’s go.”

“But the bridge…”

“The Skill I borrowed can take care of it.” Just as he said it, wind gathered under his feet and he hovered a few inches off the ground.

[Several Constellations are baffled by Constellation ‘Trash’ of Count Family’s Action]

[Constellation ‘Black Wings Who Embraces Lost Ones’ laughs and states that Constellation ‘Trash’ of Count Family is a Big Softie]

[Constellation ‘Lineage of Swordmaster’ nodded his head at Constellation ‘Black Wings Who Embraces Lost Ones’ words]

“Ah. That is good.”

If he didn’t stepped on it, the bridge won’t collapse. Useful skill. What was it called? Yoo Joonghyuk have to ask later.

He quickly runs through the ‘Even’ Bridge, with Dokja-yah flying beside him. Just outside the bridge range.

Almost there

Almost there

Almost there…!

Yoo Joonghyuk panted. He could feel exhaustion settling in. Both physical and mental.

And not to blame Mia, but she isn’t getting lighter.

His steps become slower and each step cover shorter distance.

[20 Seconds Remaining]

“…We won’t make it.”

“Wrong.” Yoo Joonghyuk gritted. “We will make it.” Come on, legs. Just, just another 50 meters…

[Constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ is Watching with Interest]

[Constellation ‘Demon-Like Judge of Fire’ is at Edge]

[Constellation ‘Prisoner of Golden Headband is biting at his nails]

“Joonghyuk-ah. Dear.” Dokja-yah forced him to stop and look at him. The grip on his arms were strong. “Let me tell you this: the failure of this Scenario is not death. It never stated anywhere that death is penalty.”

Yoo Joonghyuk suddenly has bad premonition.

“Orabeoni… what are you talking about?” Mia ask for him.

[Constellation ‘Trash’ of Count Family is Sitting Straight]

[Constellation ‘Trash’ of Count Family is Threatening Incarnation Kim Dokja to Not Do What He Planned]

[Constellation Secretive Plotter Narrowed His Eyes]

“Kim Dokja.” Yoo Joonghyuk hissed. “What are you planning?!”

Because he has that smile.

A smile that Yoo Joonghyuk thought was gone for good. A smile he never want to see ever again.

“Remember, Joonghyuk-yah,” The wind starts to blow around Yoo Joonghyuk and Yoo Mia. “Living is the Best, so take care of yourself and Mia.”

No

“Kim Dokja. Don’t you dare. Don’t you fucking—”

“I’m sorry for this.”

Dokja-yah flung him and Mia across the bridge. Reaching safety in a timely manner.

Yoo Joonghyuk can only watched with a scream choked inside his throat as Kim Dokja smiled gently at him.

Right before the Monster jumped into the air and swallowed him in one bite.

He can only stare blankly at the retreating scaled figure.

No... that... cannot be...

“…Kim… Dokja…?”

Chapter Text

[Constellation 'Trash' of the Count Family is Furious at You!]

[Constellation 'Trash' of the Count Family is Withdrawing the Stigma!]

[Constellation 'Trash' of the Count Family said that He Will Give You a Hit at The Back of Your Head for The Stunt!]

[Constellation Demon-Like Judge of Fire is Touched by Your Sacrifice!]

[100 Coins have Been Sponsored]

[Constellation 'Trash' of the Count Family is Angrily Berating Constellation Demon-Like Judge of Fire for Trying to Encourage and Rewarding the Incarnation Kim Dokja's Foolishness!]

[Constellation Lineage of Swordmaster is Trying to Calm Down Constellation 'Trash' of the Count Family]

[Constellation Black Wings Who Embraces the Lost Ones is Trying to Calm Down Constellation 'Trash' of the Count Family]

[Constellation Father of Rich Night is Agreeing with Constellation 'Trash' of the Count Family]

[Several Constellations are Taking Reasonable Distance from the Furious Constellations!]

Wow, Bihyung thought, the Constellations are going crazy because of this Human. That was amazing.

He had planned to check on this Human. Maybe drawing out Constellations' attention because, hey, who doesn't love an interesting story? Turns out this Human is more durable than he looks like.

That is good! Bihyung can still use him to draw the attention of the Great Constellations! Already, he can see the viewer numbers increase because nearby Constellations are curious of what agitated his Subscribers.

This, how did humans say it again? Oh yes, Dog and Pony Show! The show Bihyung put when he shows himself is also a good ad. Especially when the Human didn't act like how he predicted him to be. Maybe he should consider it when the Human mentions to his companion that the failure of this Sub-Scenario is not [Death]. Ha, this Human's way of thought is really something else.

How interesting.

His thought changed when the Human utters his name. as if knowing him.

Not just him, but also other Dokkaebi. The Big Name.

What? How?! How did he know that? How did he know so much about Star Stream!

T-thankfully he listened when Human mouthed about closing the Stream for a while. If this get streamed and makes its way to higher ups... yikes.

Though he wonders if he should keep the Stream open. This guy is asking him, a Dokkaebi, to become his sponsor? Did he think Dokkaebi and Constellations are the same?

Well. Cannot be helped. Humans are stupid like that.

"I never told you to sponsor me. Your channel. It's what I want. Have you ever heard Stream Contract?"

If Bihyung was eating or drinking something, he would've choked.

Did this Human propose to have rights over his Star Stream Channel? What on Void Beyond Star Stream?!

[I don't know how you know about such things but some human dares to mention the stream contract? It is also a trivial buy with no sponsor?]

Haha... is this a joke? How funny. Never have Bihyung heard such a hilarious joke this impudent incarnation ought to be taught a lesson—

"Precisely because I have no Sponsor this is a good idea." The human smiled wickedly. "About Star Stream...feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, but Constellations are divided between casual viewers and those who want to find Incarnations, right? As a streamer, you have to cater to one group. But what if there's a way for you to cater to both?"

He spread his arms.

"After all, isn't the seed have been planted? I am an Incarnation with no Sponsor, and I draw attention from various Constellations. Isn't there already a ruckus over my actions? If I keep showing a good performance, won't it be fun? Constellations will be intrigued by what this little old me, a Sponsorless Incarnation, would do? Can he survive? What is his course of action? The more they are intrigued, the more they invest in your channel. Their attention will draw other Constellations to take a peek. You can put a fee or cut a few scenes for non-subscribers to entice them to Subscribe to your Channel! Won't that heavily benefit you?"

[Heh. You think you can beat Sponsored Incarnation?] Bihyung floated forward. [And that is only applicable if you have no Sponsor. What if in the future you pick a Sponsor? What if there's a backlash on me?]

"Fluffball," FLUFFBALL?! "By the time it happens, I already have a good number of interesting Scenarios with my name stamped on them. Those Constellations might be disappointed, but they are too emotionally invested in me to just leave."

Haha.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

What a shrewd Human! To use and string Constellations along! Heh, Bihyung feels lucky.

Indeed. If he goes along with this Human, there's almost no backlash. At worst, some Constellation Unsubscribe his Channel, but the fact Bihyung had Interesting Scenarios, and if he did make non-Subscribers have "less" than the Subscribers...

[How can you be so sure this will work?]

"My fiancé is a Pro Gamer with his own Streaming Account. And I act as his PR agent sometimes. I know how this streaming business works."

Ha... so that's why he is so certain. He has experience in this field.

How amusing!

[Okay, but first you have to paid for Failing the Scenario, the price is—]

"Isn't being swallowed by the Sea Commander enough punishment for failure? I mean, a regular human would've died."

Sharp ones can be annoying at times.

"Ah, also, since I survived, shouldn't it trigger a Scenario? Something about escape or survival? I know quite a tropes, and side quests are not that unusual if something happens."

Huh? What? Is he for real?

"Open the Channel now, the Constellation must be impatient, and there must be a Scenario waiting to be cleared."

To Bihyung's surprise, there is a Scenario popping up not even ten seconds later.

┏

[Hidden Scenario – Commander Slayer]

Category: Hidden

Difficulty: A+

Clear Condition: Kill the Ichthyosaur 'Sea Commander' and Escape from Its Stomach

Time Limit: 10 Days

Compensation: 9,000 Coins

Failure: Death

┛

He... what? How? He didn't make it. Who messed up with his Streaming Account? No. Why didn't he get notification that a Scenario is in process of forming?!

"Told you." The Human smiled in amusement. "Now, open the Channel. I got a thing or two to buy. Oh, also check on Incarnation Yoo Joonghyuk. You know, the guy who I threw out of danger earlier. Tell him I'm still alive."

[What am I? Your maid?]

"I like to inform you that his account or whatever you call it, is bugged. I think it is related to Sponsor Selection."

Bihyung frowned.

A bugged account? That cannot be.

But just in case...

Once he open the Channel, and with a heavy heart ignore the Constellation, Bihyung sneak to where the other Humans are.

The one named Yoo Joonghyuk is currently being restrained by others. Huh. Wonder what happens here.

Quietly Bihyung check on his Attribute Window. The one Dokkaebi can access. It cannot show his Skills but something about Constellation Sponsor should be...

┏

Name: Yoo Joonghyuk

Age: 28 Years Old

Sponsor: [LOCKED]

┛

Wait.

Locked? LOCKED?! Is this for REAL?! No wonder this guy picks no Sponsor. He literally CANNOT do so!

[What the hell is happening?] He mused out loud.

"You?!"

[Oh, be at ease.] Bihyung waved the Killing Intent off. For a human, he has a rather scary one. Even if he didn't show it, Bihyung is affected. [Your friend inside the Sea Commander's stomach is telling me to check on you. He is still alive, by the way. Lucky fella, isn't he?] There, done.

Now... how to fix this bug?

Chapter Text

Yoo Joonghyuk take several deep breaths.

Dokja is alive. He is not well (WHO WOULD if they’re inside a Beast’s stomach and in danger of being DIGESTED?!), but he is alive and definitely will make his way back.

Dokja-yah hated breaking promises. And Yoo Joonghyuk knew his fiancé loves him more than anything (his life included, apparently, that jerk). Therefore, he can rest assured Dokja-yah will find a way out and back to him. Then he can punch that lovable smarty bastard then force him to sit down and talk. Because apparently his suicidal tendency is not truly gone. Just buried deep under the lull of domestic bliss. And this Apocalypse just unearth that!

If Kim Rok Soo knows, he’s going to be furious.

But he was not here. Maybe he’s stuck somewhere. So Yoo Joonghyuk had to assume the position.

“Alright.” He exhales. “First, thank you for stopping me from doing something stupid.” Like jump into the river and track that monster who fucking swallows the love of his life. “Second, we need to go into Oksu Station, yes?”

“According to the Scenario… yes.” Yoo Sangah stated.

“Then we better make haste.”

“You change gear quickly.” Kim Namwoon cannot help but comment.

“Dokja-yah is alive. He will get out. That smarty bastard is determined when he sets his mind on something.” Which is why dragging him into therapy, or pry his feelings out of his mouth when he clammed up is absurdly hard. “And I hope the Constellations are willing to inform him when he gets out?”

[Constellation Queen of Darkest Spring Promises to Inform Incarnation Kim Dokja]

“Why, thank you.” Yoo Joonghyuk looks at his phone and opens the Map App. “Now, let’s mosey.”

…the plan went down the toilet the second they stepped into Stage for Second Scenario.

“Gwah!”

*Cough!*

The group doubles over when their lungs suddenly burn.

[You have entered the region of the second main scenario.]

[The land in the scenario area is deeply polluted.]

[Be careful about your breathing and move underground as quickly as possible.]

“What the--*cough cough*”

[The constellation 'Abyssal Black Flame Dragon' is making an insidious smile.]

“Bastard…!” Kim Namwoon can be heard groaning.

“C-change of the plan,” Yoo Joonghyuk coughed, “Underground Station!”

“W-what if we make a stop at the Hospital?” Yoo Sangah suggested. “Oxygen tank…”

Portable Oxygen tank? That… theoretically is a good idea. But does anyone here know how to put it on?! If it was Lee—

…?!

If it was what? Who? Lee who? It cannot be Lee Hyunsung. He did not take a Medic-related Major during their college days.

Maybe a doctor he knew? Lee is a common surname, surely he's bound to know at least one doctor with that name?

But he think he was referring to a Specific Person. A specific Lee who is a Doctor or at least knows their way around delicate medical stuff. But who?! Who was it?!

“Oppa!”

Shit. Why does he keep getting distracted? This poison is deadlier than he thought!

“Dokkaebi!” Yoo Joonghyuk coughed. “Get your *cough* furry ass here *cough cough*!”

[How rude!] The furry appears. [I was busy doing something important, you know!]

Yoo Joonghyuk rolled his eyes.

“If this was a game-like system,” he bite out between coughs, “I suppose there’s a Shop or something the like?”

Their rewards come in the form of coins. Money. Which means there’s a place to spend it. And if he recall correctly from Dokja-yah’s rambling, there’s a Store. It’s called…

[Oh, you want to use Dokkaebi Shop?] The creature leered. [How interesting. Well, if you are his companion, then I suppose it was natural.]

Excuse him? A mere companion? THEY ARE ENGAGED DAMMIT! GET THE FACTS RIGHT!

[So, what do you want to buy? There’s a nice Package for weak incarnations like you but you cannot afford it.]

[Constellation ‘Trash’ of Count Family Ask How Much]

[Constellations Lineage of Swordmaster says “NO!” to Constellation ‘Trash’ of Count Family]

[Constellation Black Wings Who Embraces the Lost Ones Sighed and Stated that He Have to Monitor Constellation ‘Trash’ of the Count Family’s Spending Habit]

What the fuck? Sugar daddy wannabe? Bah! Sorry not sorry, Yoo Joonghyuk is Kim Dokja-sexual, thank you very much!

“Search, Item that can Nullify Poison.” He barked. “Or Item that can Detoxify Poison. Which one, I don’t give a Damn! Anything would do!”

[Hmm… there’s Ellain Monkey’s Lungs. That should be useful… oh wait. Do you have coins to spare? They’re 500 coins apiece]

Wow. Highway robbery.

Let’s see… Quick mental math how much I got. 123 eggs net me 100 coins each, but half those because they are non-resistant. Then I killed three people, double that because those are resistant living things. Then 300 coins as Main Scenario 1 reward, subtract 100 for Starstream payment, 300 coins given to me, 200 as Sub Scenario rewards… 7,450. Six Ellain Monkey’s Lungs cost me 3,000. I’m more than afford it.

“Six of those.”

[3,000 Coins Have Been Subtracted from Your Overall Coins]

[Constellation ‘Trash’ of the Count Family Sponsor 5,000 Coins to Incarnation Yoo Joonghyuk]

[5,000 Coins have been Sponsored to Incarnation Yoo Mia]

[3,500 Coins have been Sponsored to Incarnation Lee Hyunsung]

[3,000 Coins have been Sponsored to Incarnation Lee Gilyoung]

[2,500 Coins have been Sponsored to Incarnation Yoo Sangah]

[2,500 Coins have been Sponsored to Incarnation Kim Namwoon]

[200 Coins have been Sponsored to Incarnation Han Myungoh]

Yoo Joonghyuk can only stare at the flood of messages with blank eyes. Momentarily forgetting where he is and which situation he is currently in.

[Constellation Black Wings Who Embraces Lost Ones Sighed in Exasperation]

[Constellation Secretive Plotter is Staring Blankly]

[Many Constellations are Wondering How Rich Constellation ‘Trash’ of Count Family Is]

Ignoring the clows above, he handed it out to others (Except to that bespectacled dead weight) and instructed them how to use it. That blasted novel is useful.

 “Wait!” What now? “What about me? Why I don’t get any?!”

“Yer falt Dokja-yah is gon.” Yoo Joonghyuk replied mercilessly, biting his own Ellain Monkey’s Lungs. Still not forgetting, or even close to forgiving, that he was the reason Dokja-yah had to sacrifice himself. If this guy doesn’t survive the first round, there’s a chance Dokja-yah can survive since Yoo Sangah needs a partner to cross the bridge. Petty? Yoo Joonghyuk never said he wasn’t. “Yer useless dead weight. Pay fer yer own me’l.”

The Dokkaebi laughed.

“urk! You and Your Constellation are the same!”

“He isn’t mine.”

He cannot pick Constellation Sponsor for some weird reason. And even if he can, he won’t.

Unless one of those Constellations is Kim Dokja from Future who had ascended to a higher plane of existence, that is.

Alright, the Poisonous Air Problem is solved. For now.

Better get moving and fast. Since Oksu is aboveground station, let’s move to the nearest Underground Station. That should be… oh right. Geumho.

Wait. Isn’t that place also a setting in that blasted Novel? Minor location, but still…!

Yoo Joonghyuk sighed. Is he doomed to retrace his fictional counterpart’s footsteps? Dokja-yah better rewards him with lots of love for this, for he had become his Fiancé AND real-life Protagonist.

Suddenly ground was shaking.

“Wh esh tha?” Someone asked.

[Danger Sense Lv??? Activated!]

[There’s a Danger heading from the Road Ahead!]

Shit.

His Heterochromia eyes darted around and found a Convenience Store.

“Ov’r er!” He half-shouted through the lung. Directing everyone to the store. Just as Lee Hyunsung get in, making sure others were inside before he does, and closed the door, there was a giant monster racing through the street.

It was a Godzilla-Rhino, running towards Truck-Sized Fox… and that was a sentence Yoo Joonghyuk never thought he gonna use.

“Kaiju Fight.” Muttered Kim Namwoon in awe. Watching the fight through the window.

He gives… a functional sociopath/psycho vibe… but turns out he is just a Chuuni. Just a teen. A cracked, violent teen, but still a teen nonetheless. Not a monster.

Yoo Joonghyuk sighed. Looks like they’re stuck in the meantime.

Depending on how long the fight goes, he may need to buy another set of the Monkey’s Lungs. Good thing he had a Constellation to milk dry of his coins, eh?

“Oppa.’

“Hm?”

“Hungry.”

Yoo Joonghyuk glanced at the clock.

It was past dinner. And she hadn’t had dinner, nor had he. They were picking Dokja-yah from work, and then this happened. Naturally, she was hungry.

“Good thing we are in a convenience store.” He took off the Monkey Lung and told her. “Go have whatever you want. And take the boy with you. He could use some sweets.”

[Constellation ‘Trash’ of Count Family Nodded and Said Children Must Eat Well]

[Constellation Secretive Plotter Nodded in Agreement]

[Constellations who loves children Support the Action of Incarnation Yoo Joonghyuk]

[2,200 Coins have Been Sponsored]

That was what it needed for others to join in looting the Store. Even Kim Namwoon went to grab a sandwich before resuming watching the Kaiju Fight. Yoo Joonghyuk himself went to grab plastic bags and put stuff in. Non-perishable food and Food with long Shelf Life are prioritized. Who knows how long they’re going to be stuck underground until the Scenario is over.

Yoo Joonghyuk paused at the sight of Dokja-yah's favorite brand of snacks and felt as if a knife twisted in his heart.

“Please get out of there soon, Dokja-yah.” He pocketed the snacks. “You’re missing dinner.”

He’ll give these to him when they’re reunited.

[Constellation Lineage of Swordmaster is Smiling Sadly and Says He Understand How You Feels]

Does he?

Chapter Text

“Oppa.”

“The slimy guy gives you the creeps again, Mia?”

“Un.”

“Wanna me to beat him up?” Kim Namwoon offers.

Look, they’ve been stuck Underground for two days. Kim Namwoon had been feeling Cabin Crazy. He needs to do something. Also, that Slimy guy is really Slimy! He means, what the hell with those eyes?! Even Fish has more expressive eyes! Eugh. One look and Kim Namwoon feels the urge to scrub himself raw. Or beating something. More on the latter and preferably the slimy bastard. Disgusting.

“Excuse me.”

And his smile is ten times more disgusting, especially close up.

[Several Constellations are Looking at Incarnation Cheon Inho in Hostility]

Ya know you are real shit when even guys upstairs are like that.

“What do you want?”

“Ah, you see…” Ew, again with that creepy smiling face. “Our food is running low. Do you have food to spare?”

“No. Fuck off.” Kim Namwoon barked. Ready to reach his swiss knife.

He lied of course. Pigtails has a skill that allows her to store an absurd amount of absurd things inside her stomach, and she can take it out anytime (even if the method is gross, but it worked so Kim Namwoon can’t complain). She got a whole Store worth of food, so they can survive longer.

Not like he shares. The Soldier and that Nice Lady might if you give them puppy eye long enough, which is why Kim Namwoon had to keep them in line.

[Constellation Abyssal Black Flame Dragon Approved His Incarnation’s Actions]

Feels good to be acknowledge like this.

“I see.” Yeah, yeah, now shoo. You’re polluting the air. Is there any Anti-Scum stuff in the Store? “Then would you like to join the Scouting Group?”

“Scouting group?”

The scum pointed at some people who huddled at the entrance. Not all were his men. Kim Namwoon didn’t see that Stupid Ahjussi among them.

(And there’s a dang reason why the “temporary” leader of their rag-tag group is threatening the glasses ahjussi at knifepoint to never talk about his sister’s ability or else)

“Yes. There are our brave men and women who are willing to help us by searching food and water. Like heroes.”

[Several Constellations are Anticipating Your Actions]

Kim Namwoon snorted.

Does he think he can manipulate them with weak words like Hero and such? Bitch, please. Try again to someone who has holes in their brains, not people who saw true sacrifice.

(Kim Namwoon despises Heroes. But he can begrudgingly respect that Ugly Ahjussi. It takes a lot for someone to sacrifice themselves for others. Doesn’t make it any less stupid.)

“No.” Their Team Leader refused. “Fuck off.”

[Constellation Lineage of Swordmaster is Smiling Proudly]

[100 Coins have been Sponsored]

“I see…”

Finally, they leave.

“I swear, for a moment I thought they were never going to leave.” Kim Namwoon waved the air, as if the so-called Mainstream Group had polluted the air around them. “Fucking pest.”

“They really…” the Lady squirmed. “Would it be fine? Us not helping? I mean…”

“Have they ever help us?” Kim Namwoon shot back.

He knows their eyes. The Scums. They definitely going to use them like tools until they’re broken, then discard them just as easily. All while pretending to be good people. The kind Kim Namwoon hates.

Ugh. Not even a literal Apocalypse can get him away from those two-faced hypocrites.

Suddenly the Soldier-Ahjussi stood up.

“What?” Kim Namwoon grumbled. “You want to join them?”

Stupid, lawful blind idiots. Here he thought he was smart.

“They got Heewon with them.”

That got the Team Leader’s attention, as he looked at the so-called Scouting Group. Whatever he found, make his eyes hardened.

“I see.”

.

“So… who’s this Heewon again and why I should care?”

Listen. This is not Kim Namwoon's Idea, okay? Team Leader orders him to go with Soldier Ahjussi.

"Give me a reason why I should."

"Let's just say... I have feeling something interesting is bound to happens."

"...does it means I can finally beat them up?"

"Maybe."

Yes. The only reason Kim Namwoon agrees is because he could finally relieve his boredoom on those scums.

Took them some tries to get around talking while biting the Monkey Lung. How and since when a Monkey Lung could neutralize poison, Kim Namwoon doesn’t know and he doesn’t care about details. If it worked, then it worked. End of discussion.

“She…”

Oh look at those colors. “You got a crush on her or something?”

“…en.”

[Constellation 'Master of Steel' is Choking on His Drink in Shock!]

[Constellation Secretive Plotter is Leaning Forward in Interest]

Oh boy. Puppy in love. Just what Kim Namwoon needs.

Well, maybe he could use this. Love make people dumb.

“How do you meet?”

“Ah, she worked in a bar.”

“Bunny girl?”

What a taste. Nice to know fellow cultured man.

Ahjussi tripped. “What? No!” His face turns redder. Oh, this is funnier than Kim Namwoon thought it gonna be. “She’s a bartender!”

“Ah, she serves you mean drink?”

“More like, she can throw drunk perverts around and twist their arm like champ.”

Bwuh.

That one strong bartender.

“Dude. Are you into Amazon?”

[Constellation Abyssal Black Flame Dragon Whistled]

[Constellation  Prisoner of Golden Headband Respect Your Taste in Women]

[Constellation Secretive Plotter is Smiling Like a Cat]

[Constellation 'Master of Steel' is Spluttering with Red Face!]

[350 Coins Have Been Sponsored]

“But if she’s strong, shouldn’t she be fine?”

“She’ll be fine if her opponent is a normal human.”

Ah. Yeah. New World, New Normal. The Old Normal is history since the day Dokkaebi graced their lives.

This new world has Kaiju-sized monsters roaming the street, poisonous air, and people who can do incredible feats. This Soldier Ahjussi can bend metal. Twintail’s stomach is some sort of Space Hammer. And when Kim Namwoon looks at his Status Window, he can use Black Flame. Thanks to his Sponsor. So yeah. There’s that.

The chance those scumbags got a sponsor and powerups is not nill.

Though Kim Namwoon is sure he can take care of them with ease. Those punks don’t like they are worth much.

The earth suddenly shakes.

Oh for fuck’s sake! AGAIN?!

The two of them quickly hide behind an alleyway. Just in times before the Rhinozilla tramples them into pancakes.

Wait. Is that Giant Praying Mantis over there?

Does it mean Mothra exists somewhere? Are they going to fight her in the future… what was it called, Scenarios? What about King Ghidorah?

“They’re gone.”

“What? The monsters?”

“No. The other group.”

“Damn.”

They must have been sneaking elsewhere when the Rhinozilla ran rampant earlier. Kim Namwoon didn’t see tomato sauce on the road, after all. The problem is, they are at a crossroads. There’s ahead, left, and right.

“Okay. Where they would go?”

Ahjussi check on the right. “The stores over here were broken into.” Huh, how did he—oh right. Broken windows and broken doors are pretty tell-tale. “So they must be going there.”

“They could have gone ahead.”

“Only suicidal people do that.”

Because the Kaiju fight ahead, huh?

“Ahjussi. There are idiots who tried to play Small Fry Villain. I don’t think they are smart.”

“They should have some self-preservation.”

[Several Constellations Doubt That]

Oh yeah. Totally. Press X to Doubt.

Still, they went to check the stores on the left.

They heard some ruckus. That comes from the Convenience Store.

Inside was Scum in their Natural Habitats. Taunting, Trampling Others, Murder while Laughing…

And a scene makes Kim Namwoon’s blood boil.

…those scums are the Absolute Worst.

There’s a sound of steel being snapped in half.

[Constellation Demon-Like Judge of Fire is Furious at the Scene!]

[She Demands You to do Justice!]

[Constellation Queen of Darkest Spring is Growling in Anger!]

[Constellation Father of Rich Night's Eyes Hardened in Fury!]

[Nebula <Underworld> is Shaking at Its Rulers' Anger!]

[Constellation Prisoner of Golden Headband is Disgusted!]

[Constellation Secretive Plotter is Frowning]

[Constellation 'Master of Steel' is Scowling in Anger!]

[Constellation Abyssal Black Flame Dragon Demands Bloodshed!]

[Constellation 'Trash' of the Count Family Says Those Scums Need to be Given Lesson]

[Constellation Lineage of Swordmaster is Brandishing His Sword]

[Constellation Black Wings Who Embraces Lost Ones are Ready for Beatdown]

“I’ll kill them, you can go play Shining Knight.”

A hand landed on his shoulder. WHO THE—

“What if I say I have a better idea?”

Wait. Isn’t this—

“Dokja-ssi!”

Right. This is the sacrificial Ahjussi. Huh. He got clothes change.

“What do you mean by a better idea?” Kim Namwoon demanded.

Ahjussi looks at him. For a moment something on his face is distorted. Like, his face is already unclear to begin with, but this time something about his eyes changed.

What was it?

Ahjussi then smirked.

That was not a nice smirk.

“What about putting the Fear of Gods into them, that they run away screaming and wetting their pants? And if they happen to draw attention of the monsters, well, that'll be on them, no?"

Oh.

Oh.

Kim Namwoon leans closer.

“I’m listening.”

[Constellation ‘Trash’ of Count Family is Smiling Wickedly]

[Constellation Prisoner of the Golden Headband is Pulling His Hair in Excitement of The Plan]

[Constellation Demon-Like Judge of Fire Saying She Will Support the Plan So Long Justice is Served]

[Constellation Abyssal Black Flame is Grinning and Rubbing His Hands in Anticipation]

[Constellation Secretive Plotter is Interested in Your Scenario]

[Many Constellations are Anticipating the Karma]

[3,000 Coins Have Been Sponsored]

Chapter Text

Secretive Plotter watched as the first thing that greeted Kim Dokja when he arrived at Geumho station is a sucker punch, delivered by yours truly Yoo Joonghyuk of that Round (which regression is he?).

“Is that a bit excessive?” 11 questioned.

“I got that one coming, didn’t I?”

“Since this Kim Dokja expect it and accept it with grace… no.” Replied 71. “He had it due.”

“Just for the records, I am furious.” Yoo Joonghyuk’s voice is deceptively calm.

It was the tone They used when they were well and beyond furious. The calm before the Storm. Based on how Kim Dokja flinched, he knows it as well.

Yoo Sangah looks like she wants to step up, but one glare from Yoo Joonghyuk stops her in her tracks.

“This doesn’t concern you.” He hissed. “If you want to be useful, take care of them.” He jerked his head at the barely conscious victims. “Make sure their injuries are taken care of and they’re fed.”

Cowed, she led others to take care of the survivors of the Marginalized group.

“Now, Dokja-yah.” Yoo Joonghyuk tapped his foot. “Do you have something to say?”

Kim Dokja seemed to be hunching and tried to make himself smaller. “I’m sorry.”

“Sorry for what?”

“For causing you worry.”

“And?”

“He rakes him over the coals.” 212 winces.

“Deserved, I say.” 41 huffed.

“For… throwing myself away without trying to find another way…”

“And why,” Yoo Joonghyuk pressed, “do you think sacrificing yourself is the best course of action, hm? Have you thought about what it would do to Mia? To me?”

999 flinched.

It was oddly similar to when he sacrificed himself for his Companions during his rounds. His companions ȃ̵̧̧͕͕͈̭͕͍̜͎̲͙̲̂̋̐͌̍̃̇̈͊͝͝n̶̨̛̪͖͚͓̼̜̠̥̲ď̵̢̛̠̳̮͍̙͈́͋̈́̄̎̊͌͜͠ ̸̛̗͎̩̠̽̆͛̇̇͌͒͒̑̀͐̕͜ḩ̷̨̖̱͚̤̘̩̥͇͖̬̠̆́́̎̔͑͊̈̄̇ͅį̵̘̰̹̰͍̳̘̠̥́͂̿̀̑͒̈́͗̌̈͘̚̚͜ͅs̵͎͙̤̟̃́̅͊̔̆̇͘ ̷̤̬̝̳̜̫͕͚̺͓̲̯͓̆̈́͑̿͐͘͠S̷̨̯̖̣͖̯͈͚̼̜͑̈́̓̎̃̚̚͝p̶̣͚̱̟̹̯͉̙͈͂ơ̶̦̿̔̀̅̓̓̚͘͠n̷̛͉̼̱̤͚̙̮͉̭̠̳͕͖̭̓̌́͑̏̂͌̂͒ṡ̶̲̺̻̺̦͍̭̰̤̎̀͗̽̀ȯ̶̦͉͚̪̤͍̱̂̈́̃̃̿̅͘̕ȓ̷̗͈̱̞̟̠͗̀͊̀̔̑͛̋̓͠ are all berating him for taking risks without caring about his own well-being.

The difference here is that, here, Yoo Joonghyuk is the one who is furious at his companion’s act.

Kim Dokja looks like he wants to crawl into a hole and stay there.

“I don’t think…”

“Exactly. You don’t think.” Yoo Joonghyuk cut sharply. “You forgot that just because the penalty is Not death doesn’t mean you cannot get injured or die! Don’t think I don’t notice the burn under your jacket—a new jacket mind you. What happens to the old one? Oh right, Stomach Acid. Am I correct?” He looms over Kim Dokja. “Don’t you dare to think that just because your head is not blown up, you are well. There are more ways to kill humans than you think.”

“But I’m alive and well and…”

“And how likely you are, if you don’t get supplied with coins from Constellations? Let’s assume you how to use the Coin System, but there are set amount of coins required. What if yours is not enough? What would happen then?!”

999 is trying hard to not curl into Secretive Plotter’s side.

On the bright side, he was not the only one. The Kkomas, even 41, were wincing as this Round’s Yoo Joonghyuk continued tearing Kim Dokja a new one.

This one is brutal with words, not sword.

“Kim Dokja. What if your gamble fails? Miscalculation happens all the time and the result can be fatal. We both know that in this situation, Dark Joke is not funny considering all it takes is one wrong step before they become reality. And don’t get me started on Murphy’s Law!”

Secretive Plotter sighed.

He had never joked for a long time. Because those jokes can end up as reality in the worst way possible.

(Which is why he let out a laugh when Kim Namwoon pointed out Lee Hyunsung’s type. It was a harmless teasing. The worst that could happen is Lee Hyunsung got rejected. Knowing the Steel, he would bounce back soon enough, once you give him a target to focus his attention on.)

“I know you have depression! You could, you could just talk to me about it? I’ll listen, fuck, I’ll listen to your woes, all of it. Heck, I’ll get you some medicine! Just, just let me in, will you?!”

“…Is there any of us who was reliant on anti-depressants?” 212 asked.

“Me.” 1305 replied. “Jihye and I raided an Apothecary for first aid kits, and she took some when I wasn't looking. By the time I realize, she gave some to me."

"And rather than throw it away and stop her,you become just as addicted." 212 remarked dryly.

"Not sorry. Those pills were the reason I went as far as I did." 1305 shrugged. "And I'm not the guy who died by OD."

“I’m sorry.” Kim Dokja bowed and apologized.

“Do you?” Yoo Joonghyuk on the screen prods. “Do you really mean what you said? Can you look me in the eyes and say with certainty you won’t do a similar stunt, ever?”

“…you know I cannot promise that. Not with…”

Not with the Scenarios. Secretive Plotter knows it.

How many times he had seen his companions, or just bystanders, throw themselves into harm’s way just because some higher beings exclaimed that they were bored and wanted entertainment?

(Too Many Times, enough that he lost count)

“You bastard…”

And this Yoo Joonghyuk, who apparently had forgotten the lessons, will have to relearn it.

Such is their Fate. Never-ending Tragedy of losing and keep losing anyone they care about. Burdened with knowledge only they know.

Such is the reason he has to kill—

“But I can promise you one thing.” Kim Dokja walked up to that round Yoo Joonghyuk, and hugged him. “No matter what happens, I’ll be right by your side. Like what I’d done in the past, like us right now. No matter what the future may bring, I'll be right there with you. If we ever get separated, if I get derailed on my way, just know that I’ll eventually find my way back to you. No matter how long it takes. You can trust me on that. You will never lose me. Ever.”

Secretive Plotter went still.

Has he ever gotten that promise?

Has he had a companion, who manages to return to him, alive and intact?

The answer is no.

They die. They always die. They are always gone.

None of them ever return.

(And he regresses. And then it was as if their shared history never existed to begin with.)

He's alone.

He's always alone.

(Shin Yoosung from the 41^st Round managed to return, brief as it was, but she wants his head, and she came back in the wrong regression)

So why? Why this Kim Dokja dare to make that promise? How could he speak so confidently? What guarantees that he can fulfill it?

“…Promise?”

“Promise.”

And why… this Yoo Joonghyuk believe it?

(Because he had proved it.

He had gotten derailed into a dangerous situation and sacrificed himself, and yet he still managed to return. Alive at that. Still the same person he was before the sacrifice. It was him and not a stranger wearing his face.

There’s a precedent. A proof.)

But… how long he can keep that promise? Can he do it when things are worse than they are right now? The future Scenarios make Sea Commander look like a worm in comparison. Can he keep the promise by then?!

(But if he could, then…)

Dare... dare Secretive Plotter hopes?

Chapter Text

Kim Dokja chewed his lunch as Joonghyuk-yah rested on his shoulder, tired himself out from thoroughly roasting and guilt-tripping him.

And Kim Dokja deserves each and every word of it.

He really doesn’t think much about the consequences of his actions. Ugh. He was so dumb. He’s lucky Joonghyuk-ah didn’t break up with him on the spot for giving him Trauma. He should take care of himself better, for Joonghyuk-ah and others, if for nothing else.

Others also surround him, once Joonghyuk-ah doesn’t look like he’s ready to bite their head off at the slightest provocation.

The victims were still out cold. Combination of Poisonous air, the shock of sudden betrayal, and…

“Ah, excuse me.”

Kim Dokja looked up and his face contorted in dislike. The young man before him gives the bad vibes. Like that corrupt CEO who was arrested a while ago.

(He remembers it clearly because everyone’s work schedule is thrown out of whack, and Kim Dokja had to work overtime for a month which would have made him almost miss Mia-yah’s birthday if he didn’t play truant. Jerk.)

“I see we have a new face. Nice to meet you, may I ask what your name is?”

“…Kim Dokja.”

"Dokja-ssi. I see. I am Cheon Inho."

‘Dokja-ssi’? Oi. Who gives you the right to call me familiarly, huh? I don’t recall giving you permission. At least includes my Surname!

“I see that you’ve arrived with Hyunsung-ssi and Namwoon-ssi. Oh, you also brought back the member from”

He can see from the corner of his eyes that Kim Namwoon bristled like a cat.

“What if we are?” Kim Dokja asks. Trying to not move so much since Joonghyuk-yah is resting on him.

“You see, I am curious.” Cheon Inho stated. “That Hyunsing-ssi and Namwoon-ssi left despite refusing to join Scouting Team… or that they only return with two members of the Marginalized Group, while people of Cheoldoo only just arrived.”

“They do?” Kim Dokja tilted his head and see behind this slimy CEO-thingy, were the gangsters he had just scared shitless earlier. It took quite a mental fortitude to not snickering when he saw some of them has, ahem, suspicious stain in their pants. Particularly at the crotch area.

As if they’re forgetting to unzip their pants when taking a pee.

[Several Constellations are Still Snickering from Your Scare Tactics Earlier]

“I see.” Kim Dokja commented. “What happened to them?” He asks, pretending to be innocent.

[Skill Acting Lv3 is Activated]

“That was what I want to ask.” Cheon Inho’s voice took a dip. Oh, someone is angry? “They said, suddenly a monster made of shadow and fire showed up and started attacking them.”

“A monster made of Shadow and Fire?” Damn. Thank You Acting Skill, otherwise Kim Dokja has hard time keeping amusement out of his voice. Kim Namwoon! Lee Hyunsung! Don’t crack! “They don’t look charcoaled to me.”

They’re just shaken.

Which, good! That was Kim Dokja’s aim when he gather some cardboard to craft some mishappen shape, then have Kim Namwoon shrouded that thing in fire (and burning them) while Lee Hyunsung use a one-use bright item he bought from Dokkaebi’s Store while making scary sounds, enhanced by broken Megaphone Kim Dokja found in the store across the street.

“How Evil…” Lee Hyunsung moaned, trying to sound like a Zombie. Kim Namwoon had to shove a fist into his mouth before he broke into peals of laughter. “Killing and Raping… You know…

Evil People’s Heart Must Taste Good!”

Cue Flame, and Kim Dokja threw one of the Thorn for good measure.

It set the store on fire, though, so they’re on time to rescue the survivors and scrouge whatever food they can get on their hands.

Mistakes were made at that time. Kim Dokja needs to be more careful when playing with fire.

He swears he can hear the Constellation’s rambunctious laugh.

“Because they manage to get away just in time.” Cheon Inho is speaking as if Kim Dokja is particularly slow five years old or something. How… irritating. “What I’ve been meaning to ask, was how did you three escape it? You look better than them.”

“How odd.” Kim Dokja hummed, threading his fingers through Joonghyuk-ah’s hair. “Hey, Hyunsung, Kim Namwoon. Do you guys see a monster made of shadow and fire earlier?”

[The observing Constellations are Curious of What Are You Doing]

They got what he meant.

“Nope.” Kim Namwoon replied, struggling to keep a grin off his face. Try harder brat!

“I only saw a giant Rhino and Insect.” Lee Hyunsung added. “I don’t see any Fire Monster. I do see black flame eating a building, though.”

HYUNSUNG!

“T-that must be the monster’s doing.” That guy, oh. The Cheoldoo.

“Maybe you pissed off a deity or something.” Kim Namwoon waved his hand in dismissal. “You know, like saying blasphemous things. Maybe you anger the dead? I know Zombie is a thing. Why not vengeful ghost?”

Lee Hyunsung nodded in agreement.

Oh, smart. Very smart, you two.

“Sounds like they triggering a Scenario.” Kim Dokja threw his opinion. “Does that group often go up? Maybe they accidentally meet a requirement of a Hidden Scenario or something.”

“Does that mean they accidentally close the window, thinking it was an add or something?” Lee Hyunsung’s eyes twinkle in mischief.

“Probably. You know how annoying adds can be.”

[Constellation Abyssal Black Flame Dragon is Laughing and Hitting the Table!]

[He Recommends Your Scenario]

[100 Coins have Been Sponsored]

[Constellation Prisoner of the Golden Headband Loves Your Audacity!]

[Constellation ‘Trash’ of the Count Family is Shedding Tears of Pride!]

[Constellation Master of Steel is Shaking His Head in Disbelief!]

[Constellation Secretive Plotter is Amused at Your Blatant White Lie!]

[2,700 Coins have Been Sponsored]

“I… see…”

The group’s eyes then fell onto a plastic bag. It was a small one they managed to put their loot in.

“Is that food?”

“Yeah?”

Wow. Is this how it felt to be on the receiving end of laser point focus?

Hyung’s glare is scarier.

“Then, thank you for your hard wo—"

Mia took it away from his reach.

“Orabeoni never said he’ll give.”

Smart girl.

“I-it wasn’t for us?!”

Kim Dokja glanced at the people who gathered after hearing the word food.

“Why would it be?” Kim Dokja tilted his head. “It was not as if you guys went out and grabbed them.”

That sends the people gasping in shock.

[The eyes of a few constellations are shining.]

“Are you going to eat it all when there is enough to share with everyone?”

“We are all staying here! Why are you the only one to have it?”

Noisy. So noisy. Can’t they see that Joonghyuk-ah is resting? Ahh, Kim Dokja is getting irritated.

“If you lots want food so badly, why are you begging here instead of going out?”

“That… that was what Scouting Group is for!”

“That’s right. The Scouting Group under Cheon Inho-ssi went to get food and distribute it to us!”

“Leave the food to Inho-ssi! He will distribute it fairly!”

Fair? Fair?!

“Yeah? And?” Kim Dokja pinned the fool who said it with a glare of his own. Nowhere near as scary as Hyung or Joonghyuk-ah, they’re natural masters at Art of Glare, but Kim Dokja likes to say he’s pretty scary when he wants to be. “Newsflash, I’ve been stuck in a Sea Monster’s Stomach for two days and have nothing to eat the entire time. Your point being?”

[Constellation Lineage of Swordmaster Nodded in Agreement]

That stunned the mobsters into silence.

“What…”

“Mm… Dokja-yah?”

Ugh! See what you did! You wake up Joonghyuk-ah!

“Just some nonsense noises, nothing important.” He soothes him. “Go back to sleep.”

He nodded off and now laying his face on his laps.

[Constellation Demon-Like Judge of Fire is Squealing at the Cute Scene]

[100 coins have been sponsored]

BE QUIET!

Glancing back at the group, his eyes zeroed on a person in a pinstripe suit.

“Head Department Han Myungoh.” He called. “Why don’t you enlighten them on what happened on the Dongho Bridge that day? You were there, weren’t you?”

“Ah… that was…” He sweated.

Kim Dokja scoffed.

“See? By that logic, I deserve to hoard some food since I went through the most tribulation of all people here. Stop hounding me.”

If Joonghyuk-ah wake up for the second time, Kim Dokja is going to be pretty pissed. And a Pissed Off Kim Dokja with Sharp Implements of Pain and Death on His Disposal is not someone you want to face.

“Ah, but please consider, Dokja-ssi.” Still being rude?! “Some of us here cannot go out. Surely your kind heart won’t let them risk their life, don’t you?”

His kind heart? Is he appealing to what limited humanity and compassion Kim Dokja had?

[Cheon Inho has used Skill Incite Lv1]

Ha. So that was his game. Appealing to his humanity…

IS THIS GUY AN IDIOT?!

Did they think he gonna hand out the hard-earned food to people who had basically done nothing but contently sit here like lambs to slaughter? Don’t make him laugh.

But if you want to play a game? Then let’s fucking play.

“Okay. I’ll give you food.”

“Ah, I know Dokja-ssi will come ar—”

“On a price.”

His sickening smile froze.

“Pardon.”

“I said, I’ll give you food, with a price.” Kim Dokja repeated. “I’m not an altruistic person. Nor am I a charity worker. Don’t expect me to hand out things for free.”

Taking advantage of their stupefied state, he continues,

“Let’s make a deal. Those who want food from me, I’ll sell the food at a fair price.”

“S-sell?”

“What?”

“Uh, how much...money?”

Kim Dokja laughed.

“Money? Sorry, when did I mention money? You’re mistaken. I never said I accept Korean Won.” He smirked. “It’s Coins. 50 coins per person. How was it?”

Player Two is Online.

Chapter Text

“Hey, so, a question.”

“What is it?”

“Do you guys think Dokkaebi would make a great punching bag?”

“Honestly, better give him to someone who’s so into cute things and strangle him in excitement.”

“Good idea. But who?”

“…baby?”

“Oh, Baby drool and burps. That would be great emotional damage!”

Augh. Don’t remind him! His dark history!

[Several Constellations are Laughing at the Mental Image]

[1,500 Coins have Been Sponsored]

This morning had started with such a cheery note of Dokja-yah telling others how the Mainstream Group had bought half the food, then resold them at outrageous prices. Like, they complain that Dokja-yah’s price of 50 coins is too much? The mainstream group sells them at 200. Four times that.

Overkill much?

Quoting Kim Namwoon, “I rather buy Ellain Monkey’s Lung and chance my luck aboveground.” Quote ends.

Which, fair. Three pieces of food from Mainstream Group can buy you an Ellain Monkey’s Lung with 100 coins left.

Oh. And that bastard had the gall to blame this on his darling Star.

What an audacity.

Mia-yah had to hug his legs before he could do anything drastic.

The Mainstream Group added a clause that they could barter it with something precious or valuable.

Lee Hyunsung had to wrestle Jung Heewon from marching over the tent where some women entered, guarded by lewdly grinning members of the Mainstream group. Only manage to tame her wrath by assuring she will have her revenge soon.

The other girl seems to retreat to her shell in shock from seeing the scene, and now Yoo Sangah and the kids are gently coaxing her.

To twist the knife further, a black Dokkaebi shows up and declares that a) stockpiled food will be non-existent, and b) there will be a survival fee per person. Those who cannot pay will have their head blown up like those who fail the First Main Scenario.

Let’s just say, they were so done with the Dokkaebi.

So, rather than deal with the Pandemonium that is currently taking place, the group decided to hunt for their own food.

They had Mia-yah and her Storage System, of course, but like hell, they revealed it next to the crazies. They’re going to mob her and if that happens, Yoo Joonghyuk is going to go batshit insane.

Plus, they had to train the Group Members in preparation for the Future Scenarios. This would be the perfect training ground. The monsters they’re going to face are not as powerful as the Sea Commander.

They got weapons, courtesy of Thorns. Those are what Dokja-yah use to climb out of the monster’s stomach, so they’re pretty strong.

One problem though,

“Y-you guys are crazy! Are you asking to get killed?!”

Their group is giving the hysteric Pinstriped guy a side-eye.

“Why are we taking him again?” Jung Heewon asks while pointing her thumb.

She had noticed when they were gearing up and demanded to join in. The other lady gently turned down the offer, saying she would keep an eye on the Mainstream Group of what atrocities they would commit.

This prompts a Sub-Scenario: Food Acquisition.

“Because Cheon Inho asked him to come along, as a witness of some sort.” Yoo Joonghyuk replied.

“And we agree… why?! He’s useless!”

Said useless man cowering and gripping at Yoo Sangah’s hand. Shivering like a leaf in a storm.

“Better this coward than one of those leers.”

Yep. Han Myungoh is weak, but it means he cannot stab them in the back. He’s a safer option than other third-rate villains at the station.

“Ah, Hyung.” Lee Gilyoung called. Floating green lights surround his index finger as he looks back at Dokja-yah. “The insects said there will be a monster soon.”

“I see. Gilyoung, turn off your skill.”

If he remembers correctly, Kim Rok Soo-hyung once narrated a story with a fantasy story taking place in a parallel world. That was when Mia-yah ask about paintings.

In that story, one of the Characters is a Shaman, and Two are Illusionists. People who can manipulate the power of nature through a medium. One of those applications is to control a certain animal. Crows, for the Shaman. Rats for the villainous older sister illusionist. Dogs for heroic illusionist younger sister.

Lee Gilyoung’s power is similar to them. His medium is [Insects].

Useful, in that you can find insects anywhere.

It would be bad if he received backlash when the insects died, though.

Dokja-yah takes one look at everyone. “I’ll say this: I don’t expect we all made it, so, do your best.”

The ground is shaking as numerous Ground Rat is rampaging towards them.

“HA?!” Crossroads appears on Kim Namwoon’s head. “DON’T KIDDING ME YA SHITHEAD!”

Dokja-yah grinned to himself as Kim Namwoon launched himself to the foremost Ground Rat, [Blackening] Skill turned on. Thorn in his arm aims for the skull. It chipped, but not before shattering the skull and killing the Rat.

Haaah, his fiancé really loves to rile people up when he can get away with it.

That’s one of many reasons why Yoo Joonghyuk loves him. never a quiet, boring moment.

The other Ground Rat shrieked in anger at its kin’s death and began attacking. An act that was met with a fight.

Before the battle, Dokja-yah had cautioned others to increase their Stats with the Coins, but leave enough for survival fee. Since they got a philanthropist among the watching constellations, their stats shot up like crazy. Even a previously normal person can hold their own so long they’re smart.

But still, the skill difference between their group members was palpable.

There are Yoo Sangah and Lee Gilyoung who have the necessary stat, but no combat skill nor experience. Then there are Kim Namwoon and Jung Heewon, who know how to fight. There is Lee Hyunsung whose muscle still remembers Army Lessons.

SLASH!

“Whoa little girl, how did you do that?” Jung Heewon looks at Mia-yah in disbelief.

Natural, considering Mia-yah just bisected a Ground Rat and the Ground Rat behind it in one move.

“It’s the Skill from my Constellation.” She replied. “[Slash], I can cut anything so long I have a bladed weapon.”

“Is that why you ask for my knife instead of the thorn?”

“Yes. It’s a good skill.”

“The one from Constellation is called Stigma, Mia-yah.” Yoo Joonghyuk replied while he slashed another ground rat.

It was, indeed, a very good Stigma.

[Secretive Plotter is Deeply Pleased with the Scenario Progress]

[1,000 Coins have Been Sponsored]

[Black Wings Embrace Lost Ones is Glad that His Incarnation Likes and Makes Full Use of the Stigma]

Yeah. There is Yoo Mia. His precious sister with her Stigma makes the Sub-Scenario a walk in the part. Even if Kim Namwoon’s [Blackening] and [Knife Fighting] Skills levels are higher, Mia-yah still outclassed him by a wide margin.

He’s so Proud.

Ah. There is also Yoo Joonghyuk and Dokja-yah, who make full use of their Sword Art lessons, courtesy of yours truly Choi Jung Soo-Nim. In fact, Choi Jung Soo-Nim teach so well that even back at earlier Scenario, they didn’t have to spend much money to raise his Constitution, Agility, and Strength, what with them already high to begin with.

Guess that's what getting beaten on a bi-weekly basis done to his body. Yoo Joonghyuk didn’t regret joining the lessons back then… even if he always cursed the older man at the end of each session.

Choi Jung Soo is a Merciless Taskmaster when it comes to teaching. At the beginning he allows them to make some mistakes and gently correct him, but later he reveals his true color as Perfectionist and has no qualm in beating his ass. The last time they tried to skip out and let their skill rust, they got the beating of their life.

For some reason… he reminds him of someone…

“Is it done?!”

On the flip side of the hardworking people, there is Han Myungoh, who is cowering from a distance.

“Heeey, there’s one about to get you from behind!”

“HIEEEEK!”

“Just kidding, hahahahaha!”

Kim Namwoon is having fun at his expense.

“Kim Namwoon, stop it.” He told the teen.

“Eh? Why?”

“You already have your fun butchering monsters.”

“I only kill six, though?”

“Oh,” Jung Heewon raised her hand. “I got six also.”

“Ah, I only got five.”

Mia-yah raised her hands in pride. “Eight. Oppa”

“I got Nine.” Joonghyuk smiled and patted her head. “You’re amazing, Mia-yah.”

“What a coincidence, I got Nine too.”

Yoo Joonghyuk beamed. It’s a good coincidence. Nine is a lucky number. It symbolizes Long-Lasting or Eternity.

“Three…” Gilyoung on the other hand looks downcast. Yoo Sangah looks equally sheepish and guilty. Dokja-yah gives them a pat on the shoulder.

“Hey, three is a good number.” He assured them. “In fact, it was one of Lucky Numbers, yeah.”

“So, it means the Sub-Scenario is over, right?”

“Nope.” Yoo Joonghyuk shook his head. “It said Food Acquisition. Do you think you can eat monster meat, raw at that, and not get sick?”

There’s meat from exotic animal. And there’s this, Monster Meat. You need to prepare them carefully or you end up caught something you don’t want. And even if you don’t, who’s dumb enough to eat them raw? This is Ground Rat, not Fish.

“That’s right,” Yoo Sangah nodded. “How are we supposed to cook these?”

“We can’t eat them now, but we’ll find the way soon.” Dokja-yah commented.

He said it as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

Really, Dokja-yah? Do remember not all of us follow that infuriating WebNovel for ten years. You come across as suspicious, you know?

“Oh?” Kim Namwoon raised an eyebrow. “You’re pretty optimistic about it, Ahjussi. How come you act as if you know what gonna happen?”

See?

[Several Constellations Are Looking Forward to Your Answers]

[Constellation Secretive Plotter Looks Forward to Your Decision]

Seeing his fiancé startled, Yoo Joonghyuk decided to give him mercy.

“Game Logic.” He answers for him. “Don’t some games have items that can be found if you search the area carefully? If we treat Scenario as Quest, surely we can follow the logic of Easter Egg or something.”

That satisfied them enough.

“And some people say playing games won’t help you.” The Chuuni muttered to himself. “Whoever says that better eat their words.”

“So,” Jung Heewon jabbed at Yoo Joonghyuk, “where should we start—"

“AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!”

That idiot Han Myungoh got himself caught and dragged away by a Ground Rat. And when Yoo Sangah tried to save him, braked her feet against the rail, another Ground Rat showed up and got her as well.

The rest can only watch in a stupefied silence at the turn of events.

It was broken by Jung Heewon’s groans.

“Aaaahhh! I know that ahjussi is useless!”

There’s a collective sigh.

“Kim Namwoon-hyung?”

“Yeah?”

“Dark comedy is deadly here.”

“…my bad.”

And to think Yoo Joonghyuk just lectured Kim Dokja about tempting fate yesterday…

They stared at each other for a moment.

“Go down?”

“Should we?”

“I say that Ahjussi can get himself screwed for being an idiot and careless, but Yoo Sangah-ssi deserves a better fate.”

Yes. She, at least, put in some effort and cooperation. That glasses man, on the other hand, is better off as Chewtoy. Saving them from some future headaches.

[Constellation Demon-Like Judge of Fire Nods at Your Words]

Dokja-yah and Yoo Joonghyuk exchanged a look, and sighed.

“Buckle up guys.” The decision is almost painful, “Hope none of you has a phobia of darkness, underground, or enclosed space. We’re tracking the rats back to their burrow.”

“Yaaay” comes the unenthusiastic cheer slash groan.

The feeling is universal.

Chapter Text

The expedition started okay. Jumping is easy. Landing is rough. Hurray for high Constitution, otherwise someone would have broken their ankle and they really don’t need that on top of everything else.

And no incident or “unfortunate” landing position. Or piled up one after another. That ought to be annoying.

Finding the nest is also easy. Lee Gilyoung’s skill come very handy in the darkness. They don’t have to crawl their way blindly. Seriously. His power has the potential to be OP. Wonder if he can control Insect-type monsters, like ‘Shin Yoosung’ controls Beast monsters, or if he is limited to normal insects?

It doesn’t take them too long to find the nest.

It starts with an Item Box. Since their group is genre savvy enough to know Good Things Come with a Catch, they did a wait-and-see basis.

[Constellation ‘Trash’ of the Count Family Approve Your Decision]

[2,000 Coins have been Sponsored]

Coins aside, they soon saw how the Item Box was surrounded by many Ground Rats, which were throwing something and exchanging information with each other. The room is illuminated by black fire, flames made with dark ether. Mia-yah once asked him why black flame could light up a dark room and honestly? Kim Dokja chalks it up as fantasy mumbo-jumbo rather than trying to find the physics behind the mechanism. Easier on his brain. This place was the Core of Dark Root, so it has many Dark Ether to burn. Enough to illuminated the place.

And speak of roots…

“It’s all because of Sangah-ssi!”

Their target was tied up by roots.

“Huh?!”

“Because of me, what do you mean by that?”

“I-if Yoo Sangah hadn’t take the subway, the situation won’t be like this!”

[Constellation Demon-Like Judge of Fire Hates Incarnation Han Myungoh]

The argument continues, and it devolves into the man not-so-quietly admitting to petty thief because he got rejected.

Kim Dokja can only stare blankly at the idiot who still fails to grasp his situation and resorts to petty remarks. Or did stress catch up to him and he snapped under the pressure?

[Constellation ‘Master of Steel’ is Facepalming at the Ridiculousness of the Situation]

Funny. There was a smacking sound and when Kim Dokja glanced back, he saw Lee Hyunsung was facepalming also. Mia-yah is patting his side in commiserate.

[Constellation Prisoner of the Golden Headband Hates this Trivial Argument]

Join the Club.

It got so… crazy… that Jung Heewon marched out of their hiding place and slashed any Ground Rat in her path before she punched Han Myungoh with a mean left hook.

[Constellation Prisoner of the Golden Headband is Pleased]

[100 Coins have been Sponsored]

“Seriously, Heewon?!” Lee Hyunsung exclaimed as he shot out, defending her from the Ground Rat incoming from her blind spot. “Can you be more patient?”

“This old man infuriates me!” She replied while slashing the root around Sangah, freeing her.

“But still!”

Guess this is what they called Mission Successfully Failed?

The Ground Rats rush to attack them. Lee Hyunsung did well in using the weapon at hand to block and redirect the attack, with Heewon doing the finishing strike. Tank and Striker respectively.

Note to self: get Lee Hyunsung a Shield. Capitalize on his Strength and all.

Then Jung Heewon swung her weapon too enthusiastically and slashing the Ground Rat’s head… and ended up having her weapon embedded in the wall.

The crack spreads like a spiderweb. Then darkness falls apart to reveal a monster above their paygrade.

A tall, tentacled, Grim Reaper.

[Dark Warden Had Appeared!]

[New Sub Scenario Had Appeared!]

[Sub Scenario – Kill the Guard Has Begun!]

The surviving Ground Rat is falling on their knees. And soon after, they too, feels a great pressure weighing them down. A pressure that brings Primal Fear to the mind. Prey upon Predator.

The children were brought to their knees and trembled uncontrollably. The adults are not better off.

If they, and the monsters, are pressured, the cockroaches straight up committing suicide—

Shit, Gilyoung! He did not turn off the skill!

Kim Dokja turned around to check on the boy, but he froze when his eyes landed on someone else.

Yoo Joonghyuk is staring at the Dark Keeper with his face bearing the color of curdled milk. One hand covered his mouth and he was shaking uncontrollably.

“Joonghyuk-ah?”

Why is he shaking?

Why is he so scared?

What terrified him so?

At the back of his mind, there’s sound of something pulling into taut

[The Dark Keeper Had Received the Favor of the Demon King it Follows]

There’s a sickening feeling that accompanies the pressure.

A tainted pleasure

A feeling where pain and pleasure blend together that he cannot tell where one begins and the other ends

[The Dark Keeper Has Emitted ‘Fear’]

“Yitur!”

Yoo Joonghyuk take a step back, and another.

“I… am scared?” He muttered to himself. “Why am I scared? I… I don’t understand…?”

[Secretive Plotter is Watching Intensely]

The thread is pulled too tightly

“M-mother?”

Joonghyuk-ah flinched as if receiving a crushing blow. What?

“What do you mean?!” Kim Dokja snapped at Yoo Sangah. His hand tightly gripped the thorn.

“T-that monster just said ‘Mother’…” Yoo Sangah is startled. “S-so... Kardu... Emiren...?" She asked, "No wait, should it be pronounced Aketu?”

“What the hell.”

“Well, it's uh... It's asking us to become a mother?”

Kim Dokja stilled.

Trrk

“Kallitu!” The Monster roared.

Mother.

Becoming Mother.

“Uh, mother? I-I’m not even married yet?!”

Birth.

Some Demonic Species conceived their young in other races…

Trrkkk

“Kallitu!”

Asmodeus’ Modifier.

The tentacle rose.

Demon King of Lust and Wrath

A disgusting wet squelching sound echoed in the chamber room.

[Nebula <Fantasia> is Horrified at the Scene]

[Constellation ‘Master of Steel’ is Throwing Up!]

“AAAAGGGHHH!”

[Constellation Queen of the Darkest Spring Want the Incarnations to Get Away from the Monster!]

[Constellation Father of Rich Night is Holding Constellation Queen of the Darkest Spring in Concerns!]

“Oh gods oh gods! It’s Tentacle Rape! IT’S FUCKING TENTACLE RAPE! I DIDN’T SIGN UP FOR THIS SHIT OH MY GODS!”

Rape

Yoo Joonghyuk was Raped during his Second Regression Turn

Asmodeus Touched Him

SNAP!

H̵̡̢̢̧̗̖͕͙͈͇̱̠͖͈̣͎͈̜̪̻̻́͂̀́̉̽̂̏͒̋͒̈̿̑̌̓͝ͅo̷̡͚͓̥̎w̵̛̫̐͒̀͛̐̐̇̒͐͑̈́̔̀̍͑̾̀͒̚̕͠ ̸̛̪̦̭͕̒̈͛̾͐͂͂̐͑̓̃̆̏̿́̈́͠͝

Ḑ̸̭̠̺͈̙͕̟̰͍̲̲̻̖͈̩̒͋̆̾͒̂̽͑̕͘͜ą̸̟̪̬͇̹̖̥̤̖̳̳̹̭̝̔̏̆̄̏͐̈́̊͑̀̈́͐̿̍̏͝͝ͅr̶̢̠̞̮̮̻̭̲̬͓̰̫͈̜͍̲̀́͌͐͑̊̌ͅę̷̢̛̛̯͎̰̤͍͔̻͎̣̗̜͕̫̣̩̤̯̤̜̳̪̂̍͒̉̈́̄̅̓̀̀̄͌̆͗̇̕͘͘͝͝͝͠ͅͅ ̴̧̢̨̼͎̹͍̮̹̜̣͚̫̼̘̹̟̭̗̪͚͉͂͆̇̓͊̈̍̀́̌̓̈̊̽͘̚͠ͅ

Ḩ̸̭̹͍̥̟̠̖̐̀̏̈̿̓̔͆̈̆͂̓̅̕͠Ę̵̮̘͉̝̙͚̪͎͎̥̞̗̝͌͗̄̍̎̀͒̐̓̀̑̓̕͝͠!

“Dokkaebi. Give me the item in my inbox.” His voice is colder than winter itself.

[Hihihi… i-isn’t it Bihyung thing?]

“Dokkaebi Biryu,” Kim Dokja turned his head and looked at the black-furred Dokkaebi with terrifyingly blank eyes. “It was not a Request.”

[Killing Intent Lv3 has Been Activated]

The Dokkaebi swayed as the killing intent muddled the pressure in the room. Choking the air away.

The Dokkaebi shakily did as told.

Slowpoke.

Too Slow.

Kim Dokja held the broken blade in his right hand and the last thorn in his left hand, and cut the tentacle with a loud squelching noise.

The Monster shrieked in pain.

He doesn’t care.

He vaguely heard someone call his name.

Not Joonghyuk-ah. Not Important.

He blocked and slashed the filthy tentacle that was attacking him.  His weapon is a mere broken sword.

He doesn’t care.

[Due Repeated Action and the Circumstance, Your Attribute Is Blossoming]

Get Lost you Useless View-Blocker!

[Your Attribute ‘Disciple of Ancient Sword Art (Rare)’ has Blossomed into ‘Swordmaster (Heroic)’!]

[You Can Now use Exclusive Skill ‘Swordmaster Aura’!]

His sword is covered in a shimmering black aura, akin to a starry night sky, forming a whole blade.

Kim Dokja. Does. NOT. Care.

At that moment, he only cares about one thing and one thing only.

He cut away the noisy useless notifications that were blocking his vision and the Dark Keeper in one smooth motion.

He will ensure  it never touch his beloved Yoo Joonghyuk.

Remove the tentacle at the upper right.

Diced apart the one at the bottom.

Destroy any that regenerates.

“Kar. Men—”

Kim Dokja shatters the shoulder and the upper arm. Paying no heed to the blood that spurted and stained him.

[D-Dear Constellations… D-did you all see this…? O-or am I s-seeing things?]

[A Few Constellations are Doubting Their Eyes]

[Constellation Abyssal Black Flame Dragon Grins in Delight]

[200 Coins have been Sponsored]

[Constellation Prisoner of the Golden Headband is Pulling His Hair in Excitement]

[500 Coin have Been Sponsored]

[Constellation Demon-Like Judge of Fire is Asking How is That Possible]

[Constellation ‘Trash’ of the Count Family is Concerned of Incarnation Kim Dokja’s Mental State]

[Constellation Father of the Rich Night Pays Close Attention]

He raised a sword and was about to blow this filthy creature’s head when a voice stopped him

“STOP!”

The sword stopped one inch away from cleansing the world from this degenerate.

He looked back and saw Joonghyuk-yah watching with wide eyes. Shaking, yet he still calls out,

“Dokja-yah… don’t.” He pleaded. “Stop. Please. Stop now.”

Fight bleeds out of Kim Dokja.

“Okay.” He replied. “I’m stopping.”

It was his Joonghyuk-ah who said so. Therefore Kim Dokja will listen.

He trusts him with his life and more.

He lowered the weapon and jumped off the monster’s carcass. Walked to where Joonghyuk-ah was and let himself engulfed in a warm hug.

He didn’t realize he was so cold and tired.

It feels like he was trapped in a red haze and only now has he found his way out.

Meanwhile, Jung Heewon and Lee Hyunsung move to free Yoo Sangah and Han Myungoh.

“So, what now?” The Former Soldier asks.

Joonghyuk-ah looked around (his eyes still averting from looking at the monster—such audacious thing he ought to grab black flame and start burning it—) and replied, “Grab the loots inside Item Box, then leave this place.”

[L-Leave? A-aren’t you going to kill it? The r-reward is great, you know! You will be the first person to kill a Grade 7 Demon and you can get 7,000 coins! Y-you’re almost there!]

Joonghyuk-ah holds Kim Dokja tightly. “It’s not worth it.” He whispered.

“I know.” Kim Dokja was so furious that he forgot about what would happen when this particular monster was killed.

He’s beyond grateful that Joonghyuk-ah stops him just in time.

[The Grade 7 Demon the Dark Warden is Killed!]

But it seems someone didn’t get the memo, or even pause to think why their most capable member stopped the other from dealing the finishing blow.

Han Myungoh did some victory dance as he mocked them, Kim Dokja specifically, for not finishing the job right and turning off such a great reward.

It didn’t last long because…

[The Grade 7 Demon Dark Warden Has Been Killed and the Demon King of Lust and Wrath Has Been Notified of Its Killer's Presence]

A low growl came out from Kim Dokja’s throat.

Asmodeus.

[The Demon King of Lust and Wrath will hunt the incarnation that delivered the final blow until they die.]

[The Demon King of Lust and Wrath will lay upon a terrible curse on the incarnation that delivered the final blow!]

One way or another

H̵̜͓̙̰̱̠̰̃̚e̸͔͉̯̙̖͓̩̊̓͛ ̸̩͔̬̜͍̉͘w̶̤̘̬̹̦̍̇̈͆͑͘͘i̵͍̼͚͓̝̬̐͑͗̿͌ḷ̶̜̲͉̼̹̱̰͚͌͜l̵̙̗̫͒́͐̉̎̓ ̶̗̐̌͌̀̐͂͛͒͌̐ṁ̵͉̯͔͎̖̎̈́̊̆͝a̸̻̟̞̖̟͉͇̐̀̂̔͒̍̈́͆͝ḱ̶̠̞̱̰͚̖̤͔̞̟̈́͆͊̽̈́ė̴͔̯̦̪͙̘̦́̂͛́͗̃ͅ ̴̥͌͋̑̀͝͝ṡ̷̨̱͎̟͈̮̖̟̍̔͌̀̊u̷̞͇̤͍̻͂ṟ̵̡̠̟͉̬͎̓́̏̏͂̋̊͘e̴̫̜̳̣̣̻̜̋̈́̉́̄̈̇̐̄̒ ̶̦̯̈́ẗ̷̳͍͍͕́̐̒̽͝ḧ̷̛̖̗́͆͐̓é̵̢͔͎̼̞͔̞͓̠̗̐̀́̽͂̋̈͝ ̴͙͚̖̰͚̙̥̭͐͌̆͆͆Ḍ̵̡͍̠̦̠̺̺͔̈́̆̆ḛ̶̲̦͔̑ͅm̶̫̮͓͕̹̉ͅỏ̴̧͇͇̻̥̜̻͉ͅṉ̴̡̡̭̜͔̟̈̉́̿̾̌͂̎͘͝ͅ ̶̧̣̩̺͆̐̐̆͘͠p̶̧͎̭̺̺̺̰͓̔̔̑̈̌̈́̓͊̎͜͠a̴̡̢̧̬͙̝̫̣͔̾͌̄̃̈́̅̾̓̅͘ÿ̷̢̧̪͕͖̣́́̋͗ͅ ̵͖͖̾͗̓̿͐̌̋̇̚̚f̴̢̛̋̉̾̋͑̃͐ö̸͉̦́̿̈́r̵̡̤͎̮̹͎͍͑̅̉̚͠ ̷̢̠͇̞͎͈̜̟̭͕͆̋́t̵͙̤̼̠̪̳̜͖͔͐̽͂̔́̈́ͅh̶͕̟̰̽͛̌̆̈͋͛̆i̶̡̯̫̝̥̯̦̺̻̱͑̄͠s̶̖͍̼̱̽̈́́̒͒́̀̍͋͠ ̶̢̞͕̗̏̉͂̄͆̓̌͒͋͠t̶͇͓̝̱̱̜̑̈̈́̌͜͜ř̷̳͚̤̾̒̾̓̈̀̈́͐͠a̸̛̜͕̟̪͎̣̥̼͋̋̆̂̊n̶̡͔̯̩͕̰̫̅́͛̃̑̕͠s̵̖͉͍͍͎̈͌͑͆͐̏̿̚̕̕g̸̡͔̍̎͆͋̆̐̉̕͠r̵̗͕̫̍̿͋͠e̷̛̩̝̰͊̊̾͊̄̚s̶̛̥̑͆̈́͋̒͠s̴̡̠̻͎͖̣͕̞̥̎̽͂͑̉͠ͅi̴̢͖͇̮͕͕͔̩̝̮͐̏̔͆̐̑̿̕͠ǫ̶̱̭͉͔̲̟͓̘̼͂̚ṋ̶͉̮̱̜͍́͜͝͠

Chapter Text

Lee Hyunsung nomming the Ground Rat meat with gusto. And he was not alone.

Kim Namwoon and, surprisingly enough, Yoo Sangah were almost abandoning all their table manner in favor of taking bites.

Not that he blames them. Joonghyuk-ssi somehow make the meat melt-in-your-mouth tender, juicy with fat, and damn, did he really not use any spices? This is too good for just-roast-in-open-fire Fried Rat Leg.

[Many Constellations Are Drooling]

[Constellation Abyssal Black Flame Dragon Swallows His Saliva]

[Constellation Prisoner of the Golden Headband is Biting His Nails]

[Constellation ‘Master of Steel’ is Reminiscing the Past]

[Constellation ‘Trash’ of the Count Family is Happy the Incarnations Are Eating Well]

…

[2,500 Coins Have Been Sponsored]

“Hyung, are you a chef?” Lee Gilyoung asked Joonghyuk-ssi. Meat juice still dribbing from his chin, which Dokja-ssi rip a part of his sleeve to use as a makeshift napkin.

(Lee Hyunsung can see Joonghyuk-ssi fell in love harder—if such a thing is even possible)

" “ “Yes.” ” " Yoo Mia, Dokja-ssi, and Lee Hyunsung replied in unison.

“No.” Joonghyuk-ssi glared at them without much heat. “I’m just a decent cook.”

“Decent my ass.” Jung Heewon replied. “If you’re decent then what am I? Noob? Your cooking is better than some restaurants I’ve been to!”

There are many nods around the impromptu campfire.

“Oh, this guy likes to downplay his cooking skills.” Lee Hyunsung waved the bone—he had cleaned the Fried Rat Leg. “Believe me when I said he can make full course meal if given the ingredients and tools for it.”

He still remembers their College Graduation Party. Joonghyuk-ssi truly overdid himself.

And don’t get him started on his dinner dates with Dokja-ssi. As far as Lee Hyunsung knows, they never went to the restaurant because the food at home is just as delicious or better.

"If you ever open a restaurant," Kim Namwoon reaches for seconds, "Tell me. I'll be your first customer."

"No! Me!"

"As if!"

This light-hearted atmosphere is good for them. It takes their mind off of the monster behind them, which means Dokja-ssi is no longer out for blood.

(They do mean it when they say Beware of The Nice Ones)

“So, what do we do with that?” Kim Namwoon pointed at the Random Item Box—or so said Yoo Sangah, their resident Translator.

(When and HOW did she learn Demon’s Language??? Is that in the course nowadays? Seriously, Lee Hyunsung is curious!)

“How do we use it? Did we insert coins? Is it paid gacha?”

“No.” Dokja-ssi took his sword, err, broken sword, and the globe thingy he took from the monster earlier in another fit of rage after Han Myungoh-ssi killed it. “I think you should put the item.”

[W-what? What’s THAT doing here?!] Huh, the Dokkaebi is flustered. [I-It was Pulled from the Game not long ago!]

Pause.

“DO IT!” They shouted at Dokja-ssi.

Hurry up and use it before the Dokkaebi take it away!

Anything to spite the Dokkaebi is Gold in their book.

Dokja-ssi put the items into the box and closed the lid. It glowed brightly and sprouted soft purplish light like a geyser. Vaguely Lee Hyunsung heard that the stream was temporarily closed.

Just before the box stops shaking and the lock opens with a soft click.

“Shall we open it?”

Nods.

The lid lifted up, it proudly displayed a European longsword—The notification did say since Dokja-ssi put in a bladed item, it would give the same type of item. Still, it was one beautiful sword. Lee Hyunsung is not a Sword Maniac, but he can appreciate the detail this sword has. From the handle to the tip of the blade. Not to mention it literally hums with power.

Way, way superior than the rest of Item Box loots combined.

“…a Star Relic?” Joonghyuk-ssi’s eyes were wide. “Either you’re really lucky or this is a premonition of what is to come.”

“Is Star Relic good?” Yoo Sangah asked.

“You know the item Graded by Letters? Star Relic is basically S Rank above.”

“Whoa… so cool…”

Dokja-ssi moved out of the way when grabby hands were about to snatch it.

“This is mine.” He cradled the sword defensively.

“Oh come on!” Heewon pouted. “Can’t you lend it for a moment? Your Man got the other Sword!”

“I’ll make you weapon out of the bones if you want a sword so badly!”

“Not the same!”

Really, what they are? Children?

Lee Hyunsung is satisfied enough with the shield. Old as it was, it still can do great things. He just needs to polish it. So what if it was Grade D?

Seeing the argument heated up and a brawl was about to happen, he stepped between them.

“How about we let Dokja-ssi keep the sword since he made the most contribution?” He suggested. “And the rest of us has the right of next dungeon’s best loots?”

That is enough to pacify them. For now.

So, with the loots, and new weapon fashioned out of Ground Rat bone, they walk away from the room.

Originally, they meant to use Lee Gilyoung’s Skill… but the cockroach committed suicide en masse.

“There’s one I can call.” The kid stated. Then when he used his skill, his eyes rolled to the back of his skull and blood started dripping from his nose.

“Hey…” Heewon tugged at his shirt. “This… is not a good sign, right?”

Nope.

The ground vibrates. A familiar sensation. Lee Hyunsung experienced it when there was a monster near—A MONSTER NEARBY?! IS IT ABOUT TO BURROW ITS WAY FROM THE ABOVEGROUND?!

Yoo Mia quickly slapped Lee Gilyoung back to reality. “Stop it!” She screamed at him.

The vibration, thankfully, subsides.

“Dude…” Kim Namwoon breathes. “Are you trying to summon Mothra’s Great Granddaddy or something?” He asks incredulously.

Lee Hyunsung hit the teen on the head. He better not jinx them. For all they know, the next Scenario will take them to fight giant insects, or worse, parasitic insects that can take over someone’s mind—

…

…he just jinxed them, didn’t he?

Fuck him running.

“Okay so… we’re camping tonight?” Dokja-ssi scratched his cheeks.

“A-actually!” Yoo Sangah raised her hand. “If it was finding our way back, I have something that can help.”

That something is a magical string to find their way out.

.

The station was in the state of utter chaos when they returned. What happened?

[There are 30 Minutes until Paid Settlement Begins]

[Prepare the Survival Fee]

Oh.

Lee Hyunsung can only look sadly at the pandemonium unfolding before him. Despair. Desperation. Begging.

A part of him wants to help. Want to shout that he has enough coins to help them. The Good Soldier for the Country side of him demanded he stands up and helps them. To instill order.

But a selfish part of him held him in the place. Reminding him of what happened in the carriage. The Law will not take hold when the mass is against him, no matter how much he tries. That part  sharply reminded him that while there are some people who deserve his help, not everyone does.

Not people who sit idly, bemoaning their fate and act selfishly, refusing to accept compromise, while others are risking their life.

“Ah, Dokja-ssi. You and your group have returned.”

And certainly not people who take delight in this situation.

“You certainly have a lot of coins, right? What about the rest of your group? Surely they too also have coins to spare?”

At the word “Coins” every other human being turned in their direction like sharks smelling blood.

“C-coins?”

“Please! Please give me some coins!”

“100! Just one hundred coins!”

“Save me!”

“Please save me!”

Is it coward if Lee Hyunsung wished to clamp hands around his ears and shut his eyes so he doesn’t have to deal with it? Yes.

Does it break his oath to protect the weak? Also yes.

Is it a wrong reaction?

No.

No it wasn’t.

They’re terrifying. The mobs. Their eyes scream greediness and selfishness amidst desperation. Begging, pleading, uncaring of who they beg at. Uncaring to confirm whether the person they ask for help has enough coins or is willing to part with it. To them, so long they have enough coin to survive, it doesn’t matter.

Terrifying.

Humans are the most terrifying thing to exist.

(And what if they survived today? What about tomorrow? What if tomorrow also requires them to pay? Would they beg again? Would they leech others dry on the pretense 'please be our savior')

Dokja-ssi look at each of them with dead eyes, “Why should I give you any?”

“W-why?”

“You have a lot of coins! Why don’t you give us a few!”

Cheon Inho laughed at the hysterics, “I knew you were going to say that! You've been like this the moment you arrived! Even selling the food you brought with coins! Do you know how many people could survive if they hadn't bought food from you?” That sinister smile was back and Lee Hyunsung felt anger build up inside.

“Yes, he is right!”

S-shit, give back my coins!”

“Don’t wanna.”

They geared up to attack, but a glare stopped them in a track. They're hesitating after seeing this group was armed better.

Infuriated, a gangster with knuckle brass attacked while shouting,

“You scums! Why are you hesitating?! Just snatch the coins after you kill him!”

That makes others have dangerous glints in their eyes.

Kill?

Oh hell No!

Not on His watch!

The knuckle brass meets the Shield as Lee Hyunsung stands in front of their group, defending them. With one free hand, he punched the bastard. Sending him flying.

“Are you people an Idiot?!” He roared, unable to hold his anger back. “You get 300 coins for completing the first scenario, and paid 100 as fee for Star Stream! That left you with 200 coins! Even if you only bought one or two, you still have enough coins!”

He glared at each and every one of them.

“Why, are you blaming Dokja-ssi for your own mismanagement of funds?!” Seriously! “In fact, why are you refusing to earn your own coins and just sit idly here?!”

[Constellation ‘Master of Steel’ is Watching]

[Constellation Secretive Plotter is Smiling in Amazement]

“Now, now, Ahjussi.” Kim Namwoon touched his arm. “Don’t be too harsh on these people! Pretty sure they fail basic math. Surprising, I know, but hey, that’s livestock for you!”

His words riled them further.

“Livestock?!”

“Livestock is an apt description,” Dokja-ssi stated. “You people refuse to put in effort to better yourself. To earn your own coin. Instead, you resigned yourself to living in uncertainty and listening to empty platitudes. Content to have others do all the hard work. When things went south, you all were too happy to cast blame without confirming the truth of the situation. Merely following the loudest voice. In fact, thinking seems to be a difficult task for you.”

He scoffed.

“Think for yourself for once, you dunderheads. Why are these people so calm despite the impending death? Have you ever asked how many coins they have, rather than listening to claims that they don’t have enough coins?”

“U-uhh… I-Inho-ssi… how many coins do you have…?”

Finally! Some brains start working!

“Oh, you know me. I just sold many things and—”

“Like buying food from me and reselling it at the price of 200 coins, four times of my price?” Dokja-ssi interjects. “Extortion much? Am I right?”

That got more people to look at Cheon Inho in disbelief and anger.

“Oh right! There’s also the fact one of the Mainstream Group said that you can get coin from my corpse! It was one thing if we were still in Main Scenario One, but it was long over so… How did he know that? Did he get a manual somewhere? No. How? Unless…” Dokja-ssi paused for maximum effect.

It works.

Because everyone slowly realizes what happened.

“Unless they find out by trying it out?”

[Constellation Prisoner of the Golden Headband is Pulling His Hair Out With Excitement.]

The Dokkaebi appears on the TV screen and reminds them of the time limit.

It set off everything.

“Are you human or are you livestock waiting for slaughter? If you are human with any self-respect, then fight. Fight for yourself, for your own justice. Take back what is yours.”

That was just how this world works. Begging would solve your problem in the short term, but cause lasting damage in the long term.

“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”

Get up. Put on some effort.

No one will hold your hands. If you want to live, work for it.

His old Justice cannot work here. Obsolete. He has to rediscover it.

And he does.

His Justice is to Protect his group. From any danger.

He cannot do anything back when the Dark Warden appears. But here?

Here he will protect them.

He swears on his life he will protect them.

Because they are his Friends, and he, their Shield.

[Due to Your Determination, Your Attribute Has Blossomed]

[Your Attribute 'Soldier with Broken Sense of Justice (General)' has Blossomed into 'My Will, My Justice (Rare)']

Chapter Text

“Well…” Choi Jung Soo croaked. “That happens.”

“Did you predict this?” Cale demanded.

“I’ve trained your cousin well, maybe a bit too well, so I can tell he will reach the Swordmaster Level early on. Especially with the number of monsters and trials this Apocalypse is so fond of. If nothing else, they’re honing his skills like no tomorrow. However, I predicted Kim Dokja’s Attribute would evolve during the Third Main Scenario, you know, basically, a reenactment of our history when all the shelters suddenly collapsed for twenty-four hours and it was a defensive battle against waves upon waves of monsters. Not this early.”

In hindsight, he should have thought that.

Life always found a way to give you a middle finger.

“Well,” Lee Soo Hyuk tried to calm his Dongsaengs, “The Dokkaebi might chalked it to the advent of Powerful Enemy causing his Attribute to bloom early, which is not wrong. It was not like Swordmen is rare.”

“Swordsmen? Rare? Of course not. Swordsmen who can use Energy Blade so early in the Scenarios? One without a Sponsor to boot?” Cale growled. He threw himself against the couch and inhaled deeply. “Okay, okay this is not unsalvageable. The Dokkaebi won’t remove him from Scenarios, not when the Constellations in the Channel paying attention in earnest. If Bihyung worded his reasoning well, he could appeal Kim Dokja as the main star of his channel, and removing him would cause a huge number of Constellations to go riot. Fuck, okay, so long the Fourth Wall keeps the more troublesome Attribute and Skills under Lock and Key.”

There’s a reason why Fourth Wall is mostly absent, and that is because it has the most arduous task of keeping Kim Dokja in the dark about what he is truly capable of. At least until later scenarios. For his own safety.

Cale doesn’t like playing chess using his family as the pieces, and Kim Dokja is a family.

That brat starts as a mirror to his own childhood and then grows on him like fungus. Cale got attached, badly.

“See? Energy Blade might be shocking, but ultimately it relies on the user’s own skill and mana to make the best of it.” Choi Jung Soo stated. “I’ll worry when we reach the Fourth Scenario.”

Several Screens showed up as he snapped his fingers. One of them shows a group of people discussing stuff.

To regular Constellations, they would hear censorship like it was going out of fashion. But to them who have Clearance from Higher Ups, they can hear everything.

“It seems they are really gearing up to hatch Minor Disaster to wipe out the Prophets the second the meteor landed.”

Choi Jung Soo’s Sword Art has strong ties to Dragon. That’s what makes him worry. Not to mention, Disaster-related Scenario has Mid-Grade Dokkaebi as Watcher and the one assigned to Seoul is a goddamn jerk.

“Agh, don’t remind me!” Cale sighed as he typed something in the air. “I still have to create a Scenario for Kim Dokja as “Payment” for ‘Borrowing’ Song of the Wind.”

He had to ensure the group picked Lee Jihye up, so he also had to watch over the girl and secure her survival. Thank the Oldest Dream her Sponsor catching up to what he was doing and becoming accomplice.

Not to mention the other kids.

Sigh.

Who says becoming Chessmaster is easy, huh?! There’s so much at stake here, and one wrong move can result in a Bad Ending!

“On the bright side, a New [Story] is forming.” Lee Soo Hyuk tried to cheer his Dongsaengs. “[Twin Blossoms of Justice] is a sweet name, don’t you think?”

It was a Legend-Grade [Story] that belonged to Lee Hyunsung and Jung Heewon as a result of both of them having their attributes Blossomed at the same time, against the same Injustice, and for the same reason.

It was adorable.

“So, they are the first to earn their Story?” Cale frowned. Don’t get him wrong, he is happy, but is it natural for Incarnations to start gaining Story this early?

“No. That would be your Cousin. It starts forming when he sacrificed himself during Sub-Scenario Escape, and gains fragments during the fight against Dark Warden. Right now, it’s still dormant to observe further.” Replied the Hawk. “But… once it Blossom, undoubtedly it would be Myth-Grade or even a Giant Story.”

And that was a Fact.

Kim Dokja lives because of Yoo Joonghyuk. For Yoo Joonghyuk.

Sure, Kim Rok Soo and Choi Jung Soo are important figures in his life, sure, he adores Yoo Mia as if she were his own daughter, but ultimately, Yoo Joonghyuk owns his heart. No questions asked.

Sighing, the Redhead nursing a headache. “If the [Story] doesn’t have word like Dedication or something similar in the title, I’ll have Lemon-Based full course for Dinner.” He decided.

Chapter Text

DING!

The Group had just halfway to Dongguk University Station from Yaksu—curse the Underground for being infested with Rats—when Kim Dokja got a new Notification.

[Due to Contract for Using Constellation ‘Trash’ of the Count Family’s Stigma, You’ve Given a Scenario!]

┏

Sub-Scenario: Two Halves of a Whole <‘Trash’ of the Count Family>

Category: Sub (Personal)

Difficulty: B

Clear Condition: A Sacred Item is Split into Halves! Found and Reunites them into One Whole Being

Time Limit: 36 Hours

Reward: 7,000 Coins, ???

Failure: ???

┛

Kim Dokja exchanged a look with his group crew.

He cannot back out since he did accept the Stigma to save Joonghyuk-ah and Mia-yah.

“I’ll come with you,” Joonghyuk-ah informed him. “I don’t trust you to not do anything stupid, and before you said anything,” he cut in when Kim Dokja opened his mouth to retort, “Consider the Sea Commander Incident as Exhibit A.”

“…You never gonna let me live it down, won’t you?”

“Not a chance.”

“I think he means, we will come.” Jung Heewon stated. “Stick together, right?”

Looks like the decision had been made for him. Kim Dokja should be angry, but, well… guess having experienced how dastard humans can be makes anyone cling to any “decent” person they found.

“So, where is the Location?”

[The Location of the Item is at Namsan Mountain]

Oh, an aboveground location, just Peachy.

Time to get Ellain Monkey’s Lungs in Bulk.

"By the way, do you still have the Stigma?"

"No. It get withdrawn when I sacrifice myself."

He think he can hear someone snorted and muttered "deserved".

Hey...!

.

On the way, they paused twice. Once at the Statue of Samnyeondang, where Kim Dokja makes a bargain with the constellation in question (and scaring half of the group if Jung Heewon's reaction was any to go by), and the other at front of a school.

Taepung Girls High. The one from Streaming during the first Scenario.

For some reason, Yoo Joonghyuk stopped and stared at the school.

His mind flashed at the image of the girl. The sole survivor of her class. For some reason, the thought of her made his heart ache.

Why?

He signaled to others about his intention, pointing to the building. Some raised their eyebrow, but followed him regardless.

Due to the size of the building, they decided to split up into groups. To his ire, Yoo Joonghyuk teamed up with Kim Namwoon. Ah well, Mia-yah can keep his Fiancé in check.

He pretends to not see the way the white-haired teen flinched a little when they passed the halls littered with dead and decayed bodies of those who failed the First Scenario, and Yoo Joonghyuk remembered that Kim Namwoon was still in the school. He was wearing High School uniforms, not casual clothes college students do. Based on few pages of Ways of Survival he read (thank you for shoving the webnovel under his nose and forcing him to read it, Dokja-yah), Kim Namwoon is held back by grades. And High School Students attend Night Classes. Gods knows Yoo Joonghyuk has his.

So, when the Scenario happened, Kim Namwoon was either skipping the class. That… might be the thing that saved his life?

He wonders what could have happened if Kim Namwoon didn’t skip Night Class. Would he survive? Would they meet?

Does Kim Namwoon have a close friend at school? Someone whose fate is up in the air? Is he worried about them? What about his family? The Book’s Kim Namwoon never talks about his past, saying it is no longer relevant now in the face of Apocalypse. But how much of that was the truth, and how much was he talking to himself and trying not to think about what-ifs? About lingering regret he may have?

The older man resolved to talk to him once they found a place and time for it.

Kim Namwoon was one of them. Therefore, it was natural for him to look after him.

Their search is not smooth. There were… mutated monsters. Nowhere near the Kaiju size that haunts Oksu neighborhood, but the frogs were the size of a Labrador. And positively slathered in mucus. Yoo Joonghyuk is pretty sure they are poisonous as well. Their colors are bright. Eye-searing bright.

The Mutant Frogs are weak, but the Mucus makes the floor slippery.

Yoo Joonghyuk painfully ignores the notification that the Constellations were amused when he slipped and hit the door, face-first.

He makes the stabbing extra painful, in retaliation. Start by removing the limb.

“Did some class about to have a dissection lecture and the frogs escape and mutate?” The Pro-Gamer scowled.

“If so then they’re pretty stupid.” Kim Namwoon scoffed, flicking the blood and what-you-have off his knife. “They got their survival ticket on a silver plate and still die. Dumbo.”

They went on their way, this time more cautious than before due to knowing there were monsters ready to ambush them.

Shiing

There’s a sound of metal. Yoo Joonghyuk, guided by his well-honed instinct, dropped low and tackled Kim Namwoon. Just a few seconds before a kitchen knife can stab the teen right at the face.

The wielder of the knife was a girl a few years younger than Kim Namwoon, with messy black hair falling out from her ponytail, a torn-up uniform, and a wild look in her eyes. There are several injuries on her body. Days old injuries. Battle injury.

That was… isn’t that the girl from the stream? The sole survivor of her Class.

“Lee Jihye?”

Why didn’t she stay in the Station? Yoo Joonghyuk thought she should be heading to Chungmuro… or is her target station elsewhere? But what is she doing here?

“Who are you?!” The girl barked. “What do you want?!”

She’s feral, Yoo Joonghyuk realized, because she has been cooped up. With only monsters as her company (target).

Did the people at the Station turn against her like people back at Geumho almost turned against him and his group? Is that why she’s wary?

“We are not enemy.” He told her.

“Liar!” She denies. “Why are you here, then?!”

That… is a good question.

Seeing that Yoo Joonghyuk has no good answer for that, she lunges again.

This time, Kim Namwoon blocked her. He spat the monkey lung, which had run out of its use, and hit her in the eye. She jerked back, which was what Kim Namwoon needed to grab her outstretched hand and in one move, pinned her down with her hands twisted behind her. Her knife kicked away from her reach.

“Heh. You think you’re a match for me?” Taunted the older teen. “You? In that state?”

He’d be blind if he didn’t notice the way her skin turned purple, and by purple, he didn’t mean bruise purple, but poison purple. This girl was poisoned by the air around her.

“Let go!” She roared and trashed. “Let me go!”

Kim Namwoon twisted her arm further. Earning a pained cry.

“Kim Namwoon, enough!”

“She starts it.”

“I know.” Yoo Joonghyuk admitted. “Let me talk to her.”

Without getting permission, he kneeled and almost went eye-to-eye level with Lee Jihye. Making sure his hands were empty and his posture as non-threatening as possible (though with how Kim Namwoon is pining her down, he suspects she didn’t view him any favorably).

“We meant no harm.” He started. “We were just checking the building before making our way. Seeing we were aboveground, we didn’t expect someone to occupy this building, as we thought everyone went underground at the Stations.”

She glares at him.

“Why are you here?”

“Where the fuck am I supposed to go, huh?” She snarled. “As if I return back there, especially after…” her voice trailed off.

Bingo.

“Something made you leave the Station.” Yoo Joonghyuk summarizes. “Is it the de facto leader of the Station? Did you attack them?”

“If you know why ask?!”

“Just confirming.” Yoo Joonghyuk signaled for Kim Namwoon to release her. Begrudgingly, he did as told. “Which station? And what did they do? Monopolize food and water?”

“Chungmuro. And more like, they monopolize Rooms.”

Rooms?

Either an Important Key to finish the Scenario, or a Red Herring. Fifty-fifty.

“Hey, ahjussi. Chungmuro is our station goal, isn’t it?”

“It is.”

Seeing the scoff in her eyes, Yoo Joonghyuk makes his decision.

“Join the group?”

“Ha?” “What?!” Both teenagers look at him. One in confusion, other in outrage.

“Ahjussi, you cannot be serious?!” Kim Namwoon is against it. “No way! Hell no! I’m not sharing space with this feral cat!”

“Who wants to share with a mangy mutt like you, huh?!”

Yoo Joonghyuk pinched their cheeks.

“No fighting.” He chides them. “Kim Namwoon, she knows the situation so she can be of help. Lee Jihye, my group is heading to finish a Sub-Scenario then we’re moving to Chungmuro. We’ve taken down a Station Leader before, and we can do it again.”

Her eyes seem to be searching for something.

“Gong Pildu is not your run-of-the-mill villain.” She warned him. “He’s powerful.”

“And power, sometimes, bow to wisdom. Or rather cunningness.” Yoo Joonghyuk replied. “We cross the bridge when we get there. But first, are you in or not?”

She hummed.

“Will I get stronger?”

“Yes.”

Even if it means Yoo Joonghyuk has to teach her. Or maybe he should. Seeing her wield the Knife in frenzied rage makes his inner swordsman want to shake her and scream “What the fuck she was doing she could have hurt herself for the love of anything good—!” and not without proper reason.

She doesn’t take care of her weapon. Already, he can see bloodstains that were not cleaned correctly and it definitely will make the steel rust. Nevermind it chipped at the edges from rough usage.

“Fine. I’ll join.” She glared at Kim Namwoon. “So long you keep this bastard on a short leash.”

“Beat me in a fight first, bitch.”

[Constellation Behind Incarnation Lee Jihye Has Revealed Himself]

[Constellation Maritime War God is Grateful to You]

Yoo Joonghyuk sighed.

He hopes Dokja-yah isn’t upset.

(His fiancé, turns out, is just resigned at seeing their newest addition and Kim Namwoon tried to scratch each other.

“Is this how it feels owning a cat and a dog that doesn’t get along with each other?” He muttered to himself)

Chapter Text

[You Have Discovered the Hidden Dungeon of Namsan Mountain]

[You Have Earned the Achievement of the Dungeon First Discovery.]

[1000 coins Have Been Sponsored.]

[A New Hidden Scenario Has Arrived.]

┏

Hidden Scenario - Arduous Path Under

Category: Hidden

Difficulty: B

Clear Condition: Travel Through the Dungeon and Reach the Summit

Time Limit: -

Reward: 2000 Coins

Penalty: Trapped Inside the Dungeon for 24 Hours

┛

Kim Dokja looked up.

“I assume the Item is inside the Dungeon?”

[Constellation ‘Trash’ of the Count Family Nods]

Whelp.

“Let’s go in?”

[Entering the Dungeon]

Once the word had been spoken, their vision went black, and by the time it returned, their surrounding had changed.

They were no longer in the park. Rather, they seem to be underground. Their surrounding is a mix of cavern and an underground temple. The area they were in, was a round circular room, with one door-shaped hole on the wall ahead. Showing a path lit by torches.

“They did call it Arduous Path Under.” Muttered the Reader, feeling headache. “So are we supposed to find our way out from here? Going our way up the hill?”

“Most likely.” Joonghyuk-ah nodded.

Kim Dokja hummed and cast a look around his Party Members, using his Skill to Read their Character Description.

[Character Description Lv1 Activates]

┏

Name: Kim Namwoon

Age: 19

Constellation Sponsor: Abyssal Black Flame Dragon

Stigma: Black Flame Lv1

Personal Attribute: Chuunibyou (Rare)

Skills: Knife Fighting Lv2, Unusual Adaptability Lv2, Blackening Lv3

Overall Stats: Strength Lv 10, Constitution Lv10, Agility Lv14, Mana Lv9

A Chuunibyou whose Dark Side had Awakened due to the Change of the World. He and his Constellation Sponsor had shown Liking and Faint Trust towards you and would continue to Support you so long you didn't hinder or disappoints him.

┛

┏

Name: Lee Jihye

Age: 17

Constellation Sponsor: Maritime War Admiral

Stigma: Sea Battle

Personal Attribute: Scarred Demon Sword (Rare)

Skills: Demon Slaying Lv1, Ghost Walk Lv4, Absolute Sense Lv1

Overall Stats: Strength 4, Constitution Lv7, Agility Lv 7, Mana Lv4

A Girl who was traumatized from Killing her own Best Friend. She is distrustful towards you but willing to follow you to gain more strength. Her Constellation Sponsor is currently at neutral, albeit bemused, at you (due to your actions towards his Old friend)

┛

┏

Name: Jung Heewon

Age: 28

Constellation Sponsor: -None- (Currently Three Constellations are Interested with This Individual)

Stigma: N/A

Personal Attribute: Demon Sword, Judge of Evil (Heroic)

Skills: Kendo Lv1, Demon Slaying Lv1, Hour of Judgement Lv1

Overall Stats: Strength Lv 8, Constitution Lv 8, Agility Lv 10, Mana Lv 6

Someone who is taken by sense of Salvation and Justice and hate Evildoer. Due to your Actions, she had great Trust in you and will fight for you.

┛

┏

Name: Lee Hyunsung

Age: 28

Constellation Sponsor: ‘Master of Steel’

Stigma: Great Mountain Push Lv1

Personal Attribute: My Will, My Justice (Rare)

Skills: Bayonet Lv2, Camouflage Lv3, Patience Lv3, Sense of Justice Lv2

Overall Stats: Strength Lv 12, Constitution Lv15, Agility Lv10, Mana Lv7

A Soldier who had not just regained his sense of Justice, but also able to define his own version of what's Right and what's Wrong. Owing to your lasting friendship, he have faith in you no matter how bad situation become, but he will not hesitate to stop you from doing something stupid if he could. His Constellation Sponsor is currently curious of your connection with him.

┛

┏

Name: Yoo Mia

Age: 11

Constellation Sponsor: Black Wings Embrace the Lost Ones

Stigma: Slash Lv1

Personal Attribute: Hoarder (Rare), Precocious Child (Rare)

Skills: Storage Space Lv3, Knife Training Lv1, Mental Barrier Lv1, Appraisal Lv1

Overall Stats: Strength Lv 7, Constitution Lv7, Agility Lv10, Mana Lv10

A precocious child who is both coddled by her parental figures but also taught the way of the world and thus can adapt faster and better than regular people.

┛

┏

Name: Yoo Joonghyuk

Age: 28

Constellation Sponsor: [LOCKED]

Stigma: S̶͉̦̙̐̐y̶̛͙̼̼͎̙͕̺͎͍̪͉̙̥͋̈́͐̆̐͒͂͗̕͝͝ͅn̸͇̖̖͈̂͐͗̾̿͘̕͝ͅc̷̟̰̳̙̗͎̙͈̣̙͛̉h̴̪̦͖̥̝͉͓͉̅r̶̨̡̲͔̰͇̪͓̯̰̘̯̄̎͑̿̓̈́̓̓̽͛̕͘͝͝ò̷̦̙̋̋͑̃̀̃͝n̷̨̛̛̩͍͚̺͔͍̱̩̟͖̟̑̑̽̍̒͊̓̌̚͠i̶̡̛̫̟̟͍͔̩̻̙̘̤͌͌̓̂̈̓̈́̊̊̉̅͊̚͜z̸̡͍͙̠̬̋͗̐͋̀͋̓͛̐́̃͘͝a̴̛̳͖͙̯̖̟̤͑̒̂̑͌̾̌͛͘͘͜͠t̶̙̪̞̻̞̺̆ḯ̴̡̨̲̭̯̃̔o̵͈̱̪̠̣̳͊͆́̎̈́͜͝ͅn̵̢͉̠̗̖̮̹͈̼̦̬̦͋ ̷̧̢̧̳̲̱͚̠̲̼̭̗̭̙͋̿̔͒̓̃͛̆Ľ̸̹̖̠̜̠̲̟̖̤̩̲͒̒ṽ̶̧̛̥̫̝͖̣̙̙̯̲̪͑͊̇̎̾̇͋̿͑̚̚͜͜͠?̷̬͔̪̻̪̙̱̍̽ͅ?̸̧̢̢͚̜̥̙̞͔̝̮̬͓͎̘̂̍̓̕?̶̡̠̥͉̯̱͎̹̘͕̫̆̿̈̋̈́͂̓̅̀ͅ

Personal Attribute: Pro-Gamer (Myth), Passionate Love (Legendary), Disciple of Ancient Sword Art (Rare) ,  R̸̢̨͖̜̫͙̤͕̗̪̲̮͔͑͆ͅȩ̷̝͙̹͇̗̪͈͇͖̅͛̃̈́̿̎̀͊̚͜͠ͅͅg̴̢̛̯̹͎̬͚̎̿͌̀̀̅͘̕͠ŗ̵̣̝͈͈̝͓̥̰̻͖̮̈́̈͗̀́̋̈́̈e̴͎̩̫̤͉̼̫̖̣̼̖̻̽̀͆̑̆̆̑͐̽͆̃̚͝͝͠s̸̡̡͓̲͚̪͊̎̍̃͑s̴̟̐̈́̽̓̋͒̏́̽͆̚͝o̶̢͍̤̗̥̦͊r̵̛̬̬̩̹͙͖͓̮͆̈́̈́͋̂̌͋̊̈́̏̔͝ ̶̨̨̡͙̲̫̟̙̫̭̙̱̻̀͆̾̄̒̈́̕̕͜(̶̛̟̩̜̠͉̓́͗̓̓͑̃̏͊̓̑̕͜͝E̵̩͔͂̆̚R̷̨͔̫͎̩̩̬̱͙͓͌͒̎̏̆̐̈́̄̑̃͘͜͝R̶̟̪̽͛̇̅́̽̌͗̂́͗́̕͜Ơ̷̢̥̥̳̟̰̭̲̹̱̦̏̏̂̅̔̇̈̀̿͆̊͘̕͠R̶̯̺̪̱͆̓͊́̏́̋̈́͘!̵̢̰̺̻̘̘͉̲̲͉̤̦̀̓̈͆̈́ͅ)̸̢̢̢̧͔̪̜̱̤̳͚̱̤̀͑́̉͛͒̉̚͜,  ■■■■ ■■ ■ ■■■■■ (???), ■■■■■■■■■■ ■■ ■■ ■■■■■ ■■■ (???) 

Skills: Ancient Sword Art Lv8, Sage’s Eyes Lv2, Cooking Lv10, Reasoning Lv4,  Weapon Training Lv3,  Close Combat Lv5,  Reasoning Lv3, Strategic Thinking Lv3,  Lie Detection Lv9,  Red Phoenix Shunpo Lv1, Breaking the Sky Swordmanship Lv1

Overall Stats: Strength 15, Constitution 15, Agility 15, Mana 15

A person of Interest due to an Error in his Sponsor Status. For some reason, there is a lot of mystery shrouding this person. However, due to being Recipient of Kim Dokja's Love and return it as Strongly, you can be rest assured he will NEVER harm you. If anything, this Incarnation is more likely to develop codependency towards you. Please have a Good, Deep Talk with him to Avoid the Issue. NO LYING, HOLDING BACK INFORMATION OR MAKING FALSE PROMISES! NO SACRIFICING YOURSELF!

┛

Joonghyuk-ah's status is confusing. Seriously. There are blurred words, and there are censored words. As if there's a lot of mystery that needs to be unpacked. The Overall Evaluation even says so.

Kim Dokja did flushed bright pink when his eyes landed on Passionate Love Attribute... and the fact Joonghyuk-ah feels as strongly as him (the potential codepedency part flattered him as much as it worried him, though).

Shaking his head, he focused on the Overall Stats. Most of them are in 30s or 40s in Total Stats, except for Joonghyuk-ah who is exact 60, and Jihye who has Total of 22. Jihye's stats is the lowest out of them all. For some weird reason, he cannot see Yoo Sangah's stats, nor Lee Gilyoung, but considering a certain constellation had been showering them with Coins, undboutedly they fare better than her.

“Lee Jihye.” He called. “Do you know how to use coins to increase your stats?”

Based on her deer-in-the-lights expression, he assumed not.

Kim Dokja quickly stepped on Kim Namwoon’s toes before the Chuuni could make disparaging remarks. “You should try to increase them, but leave at minimum 100 coins left for the survival fee.”

Once the girl raised her stats sufficiently, and Kim Dokja handed her a spare weapon (Thorn come really useful, at least it's more durable than her knife), they warily stepped into the hallway. Their formation has the strongest combatant both at the vanguard and the rear, with children in the middle.

The hallway is empty and dark, even if it has old-style torches lighting the way. The wall has rough edges but thankfully, no stalactites.

After a while, they hear noises. Rumbling. Quickly they were on guard and ready to run in case an earthquake hit them.

But as quickly as they came, the rumbling stopped. Yet silence did not greet them. Oh no.

Sound of clacking bones, of bodies being dragged across the floor, and rather unfortunate moans that most of the crew unfortunately have heard before.

From both front and behind, bunch of enemies are coming.

“Are we fighting Zombie again?!” Kim Namwoon called out in disbelief.

“Unless you see another enemy or Message that says otherwise!” Jung Heewon replied. “Shit! They’re coming from behind!”

Kim Dokja’s mind work fast. “Gilyoung! Any insect you can control?!”

“N-No Hyung! There’s none!” Come the panicked response.

Dammit. Okay, let’s go with this. “Hyunsung, protect Gilyoung and Mia! Sangah-ssi, use tour thread to bind and tangle as many as you can! Lee Jihye! Cut down the immobilized Zombie!”

“Why I have to listen to you?!”

“Got better idea?!”

“Ugh!”

“Joonghyuk-ah, Kim Namwoon! Take care the ones from the Rear! Heewon, with me!”

“Do you think they’ll infect us like in the film?”

“For the love of us, PLEASE DON’T GET SCRATCHED OR BITTEN! I DON’T WANT TO FIND OUT THE HARD WAY!”

It took them quite some time to coordinate their movement. Kim Dokja is unfamiliar with Jung Heewon’s swordstyle, and she admit she’s a bit rusty since she only knows “a little”. Thankfully no harm come from their trial of fire.

“This is the last one…” Joonghyuk-ah sighed as he wiped the sweat from his brow.

Kim Dokja sighed in relief, once he confirms that there’s no more undead.

At least none as far as he can see.

[Some Constellations are Impressed by Your Teamwork]

[500 Coins Have Been Sponsored]

…he must have been really spoiled when the first thing he think of was, wow. How cheap.

Shaking his head, he looked around to ensure that there’s no trap.

“Orabeoni!” Mia called him. “I found the Item!”

It was a broken Crown with a hollow section, as if someone had removed a jewel, and then smashed the crown in half.

<Item Information>

Name: Broken White Crown (First Half)

Grade: D+

Lore: This Item was used by a Transmigrator of a Certain World to Subdue a certain Being

This Item’s Power is severely reduced due it’s broken Status

Subduing a certain being? That sounds too vague. And the rank is too low.

Or maybe because it was literally broken? The information did say so. Maybe if they unified both halves, it will become powerful? Hopefully it’s B or A Grade Item.

“Good job Mia. Keep it safe?”

"Kay."

"Soo..." Lee Jihye drawls. "Where, now?"

Lee Gilyoung tugged at his pants.

"There are stairs."

...for some odd reason Kim Dokja feels dread settling on his bones.

Why?

Chapter Text

“Fuck… Stairs!” Kim Namwoon wheezes. “Seriously, Fuck… these… stairs!” He collapses face first.

“Those ain’t stairs…” Groaned Jung Heewon from where she’s sprawled in starfish position. “Those are things of evil…”

Their way up is by stairs from one level of floor to the next.

And by stairs she doesn’t mean the kind you saw in building as Fire Exit. Oh no… that would be too convenient, won’t it? No.

The stairs to Second Level are a long, long flight of steep narrow stairs. Their stamina were sap real quick.

That was not bad? Bitch. The one after that is worse. Way worse.

The Stairs are not just narrow and steep but also damn near VERTICAL! The kind you saw carved out at cliffside of a rather tall mountain to a hermitage or something. The kind only thrill-seeker want to climb.

In fact, if it was not for Yoo Sangah using her Stigma, someone would have fell off to their death and dragging others.

Seriously.

Fuck. These. Torture. DEVICE!

[Several Constellations are Laughing at Your Misery]

[Some Constellations are Impressed at Your Tenacity]

[500 Coins have been Sponsored]

Jung Heewon decided to be petty and raised her middle finger.

“Ahjussiiiii…” whines Lee Jihye, propping her face up with great difficulty. “I can’t move my leeeeegggsss.”

“Funny, I can’t feel mine either.” Replied Dokja-ssi. He’s barely sitting up and he was using the sword as a walking stick for fuck sake! “Let’s take a break.”

“Hallelujah…” Praise Jung Heewon.

Water and snacks were distributed as they rest their sore feet. Ow. Fuck it. Jung Heewon exercises more in the last hour than she did in the past three years!

The only good thing that come out was her strength and stamina increased. But Cons outweigh Pros!

“What do you think our opponent this time will be?” Hyunsung questioned. “It must be different from the ones before.”

Yeah. First, they were mobbed by your old regular Zombie.

Then they were mobbed by Monk Zombie who somehow knows Kung Fu. Motherfuckers are so fucking nimble.

Dokja-ssi got black eye fighting the general, who dropped a black oval gemstone.

“Maybe they got fireball?” Suggested Mini Joonghyuk. “There are lot of torches.”

Ugh so they are going to play with fire? Sign her out. Can they have something else, please?

There were rumble as the path to lower floor was slid shut, like a trapdoor from Tomb Raider or the likes. Then there were hauntingly familiar sounds of bones clacking together, but this time it was accompanied by growls.

Purple gems shone around the room and illuminate their surroundings. Before their eyes, bones gather together and form a quadrupedal creature with the front legs gain additional bones akin to wing frame.…

[Black Flame Abyssal Dragon is Watching with Mouth Open Wide in Surprise]

[Many Constellations are Excited]

“Is that… a Bone Dragon?”

“Bone Wyvern, actually.”

“Is that supposed to make it better?!”

Jung Heewon feel depression begin to settle in.

“I change my mind. I want fireball-throwing zombie please.”

The Bone Dragon is not amused and let out a screech (HOW?! IT WAS LITERALLY JUST REANIMATED BONES?!) and begin to crawl forward in such a high speed, they barely had time to shot on their feet and dodge out of the way.

Golden threads shoot out from Yoo Sangah’s fingers and they webbed themselves around the Bone thingy. It roared and trashed wildly. Swinging and using its superior strength to take the control instead.

“Aaahhh!”

Lee Jihye and Kim Dokja grab her before she can be flung around like some kind of toy.

Hyunsung lifted Lee Gilyoung and helped him climb up from the front leg. The kiddo is now holding for dear life along the spine while using his hammer to smash whatever surface he can touch. Hyunsung himself jumped up and use the Shield to bash the lower jaw.

“Heewon! Kim Namwoon!”

“Yeah!”

“Got it!”

With Hyunsung took the most attention, the three of them would shatter dem bones. The front legs slash wings. The problem is that the wingbones flared like feather or fan and almost pierce them! Damn!

More Golden thread shot up and now bind the wings.

“I got you!” Shouted Yoo Sangah.

Jung Heewon gives her a thumb up before continue whacking the bones. Damn. This creature for sure never skip drinking milk every day. These bones are unbelievably dense!

It jerked up and start doing… Rodeo?

“Waaahh!”

“Gilyoung!”

Dokja-ssi quickly run and catch him midair.

“Wait, Dokja-ssi! The tail!”

“FU—”

Black blur that was Yoo Mia shot up and she use her weapon to shatter the bones. The shrapnel were flying everywhere.

Right. Her Stigma can cut anything. Even dense bones.

“Just… stay… DOWN! DAMN IT!” Curse Joonghyuk-ssi, using his sword to keep the jaw stuck open before it can bit him.

The next time Hyunsung based the Wyvern Head, he must have landed a critical hit, or the accumulated damage was finally taking effect, as he finally dislocated the lower jaw.

Seeing the chance, Jung Heewon jumped, using his broad back (Sorry Hon!) and somersault. Sword drawn and ready to stab. From below, Kim Namwoon uses the leg as jumping board with his weapon aimed to the same spot.

“OFF WITH YOUR HEAD!”

Their weapon, glows red and black respectively hit the same spot.

One second of terrifying tense moment, and then the bone cracks.

It spread and before she knew it, the Skull had fallen. The rest of the body, too, collapse on them like puppet on the string.

[The Grade 8 Bone Wyvern Has Been]

[You Are the First to Defeat Grade 8 Bone Wyvern!]

[Contributors: Kim Dokja, Yoo Joonghyuk, Lee Hyunsung, Jung Heewon, Yoo Sangah, Kim Namwoon, Lee Jihye, Yoo Mia, Lee Gilyoung]

[Each of You gains 5,000 Coins!]

[Calculating Reward]

[Reward is Awarded to Final Contributor the Incarnation that Lands Final Blow]

[Final Blow: Jung Heewon, Kim Namwoon]

“Whoa…”

Jung Heewon watched in amazement as light particles gathered around her sword, and change it. From the crude Stone Age style bone sword, to a bone white longsword.

<Item Information>

Name: Wyvern Bone Sword

Grade: B

Lore: A sword made from polished Wyvern Bone. Carrying a sharp edge enough to cut even giant boulder into half, this sword is infused with energy to cut down the Undead and the Evil.

This is a good sword for her. Anti-Evil buff stacked one against another equal GG. Yep, yep.

“Oh this is so cool!”

She look at Kim Namwoon, and saw him admire his new Gun.

“Does it ever run out of bullet?”

“I can use my MP or blood as substitute.”

Everyone but him pales.

This kid is already Hard Core. WHOSE BRIGHT IDEA WAS IT TO GIVE HIM A GUN?!

[Secretive Plotter is Questioning the Decision of Whoever Handed Out the Reward]

[‘Master of Steel’ is Anxious at the Incarnation Kim Namwoon’s Weapon Reward]

[Black Flame Abyssal Dragon Beams in Excitement]

Hyunsung coughed.

“Do…” He hesitates. “Do you need pointer in aiming?”

Us people with sane line of thought are staring at him with wide eyes in shock.

Dude. Did he just...?

This...

This is going to be disaster in the making, isn’t it?

Chapter Text

“I don’t like this Dungeon.” Complained Kim Namwoon. “Too Silent.”

Everyone nodded.

Walk up the hill, through these TRICE DAMNED STAIRS (AAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGHHHHH!!!) and through Zombies was difficult. Getting the reward makes them worthwhile, though he doesn’t know what this Constellation would do with the Crown that was the key item. They didn't keep it since it floats by and popped out of existence and then the reward is handed out. Maybe this guy is Vain? Eh, so long he pays them.

Walking down, they need to cross through yet another Dungeon: <Forest of Mystic>, a Grade C Dungeon.

So far, they haven’t encountered an enemy, and while it was a good thing, it actually rankles their hackles and put them into tense, ready to attack at slightest sound.

The forest is too silent, with the trees casting shadows on their path. Purple Poisonous Mist were thicker, but also less poisonous than they were outside the Dungeon, blocking their vision.

Being constantly exposed to the Poisonous Air actually benefited them, in a way each of them gained [Poison Resistance] Skill.

It definitely going to level up by the time they reach Myeongdong, Kim Namwoon is sure of it. Nothing increases their Poison resistance more than constant exposure until it no longer works.

And no, they aren’t going the route they went from. Too Far. Myeongdong is closer, from their spot and to Chungmuro.

Srrk, Srrk

“There!”

Pulling the trigger, the teen shot where he heard the noise.

BANG!

The gunfire might as well be a bomb going off with how silent the Forest is. Even Kim Namwoon needs a moment to take his bearing.

Nothing shows up.

False alarm?

“…let me check.” Soldier Ahjussi went to check behind the bush. He removes what obscures their vision, and shows that Kim Namwoon just shot a tree root.

“Either there was nothing or it was really fast…” Frowning, hm… since that ahjussi follows his boyfriend, maybe he’s Vice-Team Leader? Vice-Ahjussi? No. Vice-Captain. That sounds good. “But what it could be?”

His eyes widened.

“Everyone, get down!”

Body moved in reflex; Kim Namwoon dropped to the ground.

Something sailed above their head. It was… seeds. A barrage of seeds.

“Squirrel? Monkey? Birds?!” Kim Namwoon listed possible enemies.

“Worse! The trees!”

What?

Kim Namwoon didn’t believe it, until he saw with his own eyes that the three suddenly move. Root rose from the earth to attack them. Thick branches swung like club.

“The fuck? First Zombie Monk, then Bone Dragon, and now we’re fighting the forest itself?” That hissy cat complained. “C’mon! Give me a break!”

Kim Namwoon actually agrees with that.

Give them a break damn it!

Good thing his Gun is Magick Gun otherwise it’ll be pretty useless. Normal Gun only got their bullet lodged in the wood. His Gun can actually blow off the root and the branches.

It did drain his MP quite fast, considering he had been shooting non-stop since the Tree show themselves to be fucking enemy!

Not like other fares better.

String Noona is actually quite useless here, since her trusty power is completely useless. Bugsy got a little advantage, by summoning ants and termites from who-knows-where and having them eat the meanest tree (who happens to be the biggest, and since when Namsan has that Giant Tree?!) but make them work faster dammit! They’re going at a snail's pace!

The rest were busy hacking branches and roots that came near. Team Leader even looking out which route is safer.

“I’m starting to think this Dungeon is Misranked!”

Same Noona, same!

Kim Namwoon’s movement became sluggish and he grimaced. He must have used quite a lot of MP already. Anything more and he might start to get anemic from needing to use his blood.

Okay, okay. If you can’t brute your way, think smarter. No matter what the losers of your classmates say, they are in the wrong. Think Kim Namwoon, you are smarter and better than them, who probably were corpses right now.

What is the weakness of the forest? Of wood?

Fire. Fire is the answer.

His Stigma got Fire in its name, right? [Black Flame].

Yeah, sounds cool… but HE’S LOW ON MP DAMMIT! EITHER HE GOT SPARKS OR NONE AT ALL!

Oh right! Silly him! There’s a Store he can access at any given time, right? How to use it again?

“Open Store.”

It works!

Now, MP Recovery… MP Recovery… Oh good! There’s a lot of them on sale! And they are pretty cheap. The shape of the bottle is annoying tho. He means, lightbulb? Seriously? Do they want him to drop it and waste the potion?

Oh wait, they probably do, so he wastes even more coins on them. More than he should.

Capitalism at its finest.

He should grip them strong and nicely—oh hello. What is it?

A Flamethrower? At the Price of 3,000 Coins only? And it was super powerful compared to your ordinary Flamethrower?

Bitch. Give him your stock!

“Damn, they’re keep coming. Isn’t there…” Vice-Captain Ahjussi trailed off. “K-Kim Namwoon? Is that a Flamethrower?! Where did you get it?!” His voice hiked up at the end.

“Yep! Time to burn these bitches!”

[Constellation Abyssal Black Flame Dragon is Delighted]

[300 Coins Have Been Sponsored]

[Constellation Secretive Plotter Does Not Believe This Is A Good Idea]

[Constellation ‘Master of Steel’ is Requesting Kim Namwoon to think it Through]

[Constellation Prisoner of the Golden Headband is Grinning from Ear to Ear]

[Constellation Lineage of Swordmaster is Concerned]

“I’m thinking it through.” The teen replied as he prepared his Weapon.

“You sure?” Team Leader doubts him.

Bleh. Everyone is a critic. Except for his Sponsor. He knows the cool stuff.

“Why not?” He replied back. “These mists are gas, right? They’re good flammable material.”

“Good Flam—THEY’RE POISONOUS, YOU DUMBASS!”

“We got Poison Resistance Skill!”

“THAT’S NOT AN EXCUSE?!”

“KIM NAMWOON! PUT IT DOWN RIGHT NOW!”

“NOPE!”

“KIM NAMWOON! YOU BITCH! DON’T YOU DARE! DON’T YOU FUCKING DARE—”

“KIM NAMWOON, NO!”

“KIM NAMWOON, HELL YES!”

"FUCK! FUCKFUCKFUCKFUCKFUCK! EVERYONE RUN FOR YOUR GODDAMN LIFE!"

IT’S ARSON TIME BABY!

.

Kim Namwoon is not sure why they are resenting him. And confiscating his Flamethrower.

Sure, by the time they reached the Station, their skin flushed red from the heat and smelled like smoked meat.

But hey! They’re alive, aren’t they? The Monster Trees goes up in Flames real quickie! Faster than you can say “Fire!” and he got all of them within ten minutes! Maybe at the cost of destroying an entire landmark (and would have gotten him branded as a terrorist should the government was still standing so Soldier-Ahjussi’s anger is understandable), but who cares? It was not his fault the Mist turned out to be extremely flammable. Pretty sure he got an achievement for Clearing the Dungeon at never seen before speed! Practically a record!

He thinks he got a notification that says he just got a Title and became Famous for his action! Isn’t that Sweet?

Plus, he got Coins from his Sponsor and for removing the Dungeon, making up for the cost!

[Y-you just… augh…]

And it get the Dokkaebi looking like it develops an ulcer.

Win-Win-Win in his book!

Chapter Text

Mia really wants to refund this Psycho for someone saner. She honestly does.

However, to her utter dismay, they are his only leash. Except it was less leash and more of directing his destructive tendency elsewhere for more productive results. And if they are having difficulty stopping him from burning an entire forest, leaving him running wild is just asking Seoul to implode. He’s going to be the death of them, not the Scenario.

Like it or not, she’s stuck with him.

He can be pretty useful in certain situations, though.

“Kuaaaakk!”

Like now.

They were just stepping onto Myeondong, like, not even five minutes, and they were being attacked! Did the smell of smoke irritate them that much?!

Too bad for them, Zombie Monks are better fighters.

“Was the Situation in Chungmuro like this, Jihye?” Oppa asked while kicking an ugly ahjumma.

That was abuse against the elderly... but said elderly is an ugly evil witch so it was just fair. They were just defending themselves.

“What? No.” Jihye-unnie answered. “Unless you count how people fight over Green Zone.”

Green Zone? What was that again? All Mia could remember was Oppa likens it to the Tower Defense Game he played a long time ago.

“Oh, I see.” Orabeoni! Share the info! “Let’s wrap it quickly before their leader and heavy hitter come back.”

It took them more time than what Mia would have liked. But someone has a skill that increases gravity so it gets really troublesome. Oppa had to kill him and Orabeoni used his Skill to make them back off, so their group could move to their Base Station already.

“Hey, what was that?” Heewon-Noona demanded. “You know something?”

Orabeoni answered, “It seems Myeongdong is already on the next Scenario. Probably the Fourth.”

“How do you know that?”

“It was just a hunch. Our Second Main Scenario is to move to the Base Station. Jihye mentioned something about Green Zone, so maybe that was a Key Item to Third. But in Myeongdong there was none, and they were hostile to new arrivals.”

“Like War?” Lee Gilyoung wondered.

“Either War Game or Capture the Flag. I did see a Flagpole.”

“Would Chungmuro be like that also?” Sangah-Unnie ask in concern. “Would we get attacked as well?”

“Maybe not.” Oppa was the one to answer this time. “We are still on Our Second Scenario, so maybe they are getting delayed. Either the third is not yet starting, or still underway.”

“So… each station has a different scenario going on? Like Time Zones?”

“Most likely.”

[Many Constellations are Surprised by Your Knowledge]

[Several Constellations Express Their Admirations for Deducting the Situation Correctly!]

[900 Coins have Been Sponsored]

[Constellation Poked Out His Eyes is Interested in your Scenario]

[Constellation Queen of Darkest Spring Gazes at Constellation Poked Out His Eyes in Hostility!]

Scratch the Most likely.

It’s Most Definitely.

“So, attacked by humans at Chungmuro is a ‘Maybe’ unless we’re involved with Green Zones, which change it into 'of-fucking-course', whatever the fuck Green Zone is supposed to be.” Summed our resident Psycho. “What about monsters?”

Their way to Yaksu Station was filled with too many Ground Rats.

The reason they don’t get attacked on their way to Myeondong is because a) This Psycho’s fire scares all other monsters, if not burn them into crisps, and b) they take the aboveground route.

The route to Dongguk University and the one they took… still unknown.

“I think if you feel the need to ask about whether bad things are about to happen,” Oppa commented dryly, “assume the answer is always a solid Yes.”

“Prepare for the Worst but Hope for the Best?”

“Mn.”

“Like at the Forest-themed Dungeon earlier? Also, can I have my Flamethrower back?”

“No!”

"Nope."

"Not a chance."

"Fuck off."

"Hell no."

"Gun is as far as I allow you to!"

"Try again when I give a fuck."

Nope. No more Flamethrower for him.

They are in an enclosed space dammit! Does he want to cook them alive?!

.

They’re almost reaching Chungmuro when they get a new task.

[A New Sub-Scenario Had Arrived!]

┏

Sub-Scenario: Illusory Prison

Category: Sub

Difficulty: D-F

Clear Conditions:

Escape the Illusory Prison Within the Time Limit

Time Limit: 1 Hour

Reward: 300 Coins

Penalty: ???

┛

"Oh fuck!" Orabeoni curse. "Everyone, watch--"

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

“Is your throat still hurting, Noona?”

Jihye-Noona grimaced and rubbed her throat. Lee Gilyoung can see palm-shaped bruises around it.

Noona must be punishing herself hard about what happened to her friend.

(Lee Gilyoung had no right to comfort her. He got lucky he brought insects to the train when Aunt was about to drop him off at an Orphanage in Seoul. He got lucky that Dokja-Hyung helped him. Had saved him.

Jihye-Noona has no one to turn to, and has to kill her friend.)

Around them, Hyungs and Sangah-Noona were taking care of others.

Heewon-Noona and Namwoon-hyung were still out cold. Hyunsung-hyung is fighting a headache, with Sangah-Noona offers him some pills they pillage from an apothecary.

Joonghyuk-hyung and Mia were clinging to Dokja-hyung like koala. Dokja-hyung literally cannot move from how tight they hold him.

In a way, Lee Gilyoung can understand why.

The Specter was… horrible.

Absolutely horrible.

(He can still feel Aunt’s hands around his throat and her crazed look)

“Will we get attacked again?”

“No.” Dokja-hyung shook his head. “At least, not by the Specters.”

There were gem shards around his feet. From monsters, then.

“Sta..tion.” Jihye-Noona croaked.

Station? Oh! “Chungmuro Station?”

“Should… close…”

Should be close.

“Hyung! Should I check the situation?” Lee Gilyoung asked.

“Ah, please.”

Nodding, Gilyoung began to reach out his senses.

It was as if a thread, unlike Sangah-noona’s, shoot out from his body. Spreading like spiderweb and attaching to any Insect-Type creature nearby.

Suddenly he can see himself. So big yet so helpless. From front, from behind, from any angle.

He has so many eyes and legs and wings and antennas.

Everything looks so big.

Wheretogowhattodogohere?gohereletsgoletsseehungryfoodaheadmaybenoyesshutupandjustwalk

Those are not his thoughts, but also is.

Because there are a lot of him.

He’s sitting on the Railside (crawling along the rail, on the wall, flying)

The station is so close yet so far

TWANG

Huh?

Solidsolidsolidhurthurthurtwhatisitwhatisitawallaglowingwallabarrierforceincannotwhywhywhywecannotcrossourjourneystophere

“Ah, Hyung.” His mouth moved (mouth, human mouth). “There’s a barrier ahead.”

Dokja-hyung frowned.

“A barrier, but…” he mumbled. “Maybe, Scenario? But how… third… defense… monster… maybe protection?”

Sometimes, Lee Gilyoung has no idea what going on inside Hyung’s head.

“Does it mean we cannot enter?” Mia pondered aloud. “Are we banned from entering the Scenario? From finishing the Scenario?”

They were silent.

“How about we wait?” Joonghyuk-hyung suggested. “We’re resting here while we wait if the barrier will come down or not. Maybe it was temporary penalty. We’re not really chased by time.”

That’s true. They’re not in a rush.

The Second Main Scenario did not have Time Limit.

They can afford to wait.

Plus, Heewon-noona and Namwoon-Hyung are still out of it. If they still have nightmares and move around while getting carried, poor whoever have to carry them.

(It’s either Hyunsung-hyung or Joonghyuk-hyung. They have the biggest bodies)

.

It doesn’t take long before Hyung and Noona wake up.

Poor Hyunsung-hyung had to bear the brunt of their frightened attack. Maybe it was a good idea that Sangah-Noona confiscated their weapons first.

“Ah! Sorry!” Heewon-Noona exclaimed when she realized she had just punched Hyunsung-Hyung.

“T’s ok?”

While Noona fussed on him, Kim Namwoon-Hyung turned to Dokja-Hyung and Joonghyuk-Hyung.

“So… we are locked out?”

“It seems.”

Down! Lee Gilyoung suddenly heard the insect speak. Thebarrierisdownwecanmovesomuchbloodthoughfeastmaybe

“Ah, Hyung!”

“Hm?”

“The insects say the barrier is down.”

All eyes are on him.

(Fair. He did keep eyes on them. More eyes.)

“They are?”

Lee Gilyoung nodded.

“The barrier just went down, but the insects smell blood.” He paused. “A lot of blood.”

Maybe there are dead people.

It was sad that Lee Gilyoung noticed he was not as unsettled as he should be. Was it because he had seen a lot of dead bodies along the road? (Or was he broken since the beginning?)

“That means they were attacked.” Sangah-noona frowned. “But by who?”

They still get up and walk to where the Station is.

“I think,” Dokja-hyung hummed, “it was not ‘by who?’.”

They’re blocked by a crowd of monsters, who went from where the Station is.

“It was ‘by what?’.”

Sangah-noona sagged in relief, even when they were facing monsters.

Does Noona still hate the thought of hurting people? Even if there’s no promise they won’t hurt us?

Noona is really nice. Foolish and naïve, but nice.

Chapter Text

“This place looks like it went through shit.” Jung Heewon commented, “Think again, it did, considering the monsters.”

Secretive Plotter hummed in agreement; eyes glued to the screen.

It was a nice perspective to know what happens when you are about to enter the Station but the ‘Main Event’ of the Scenario is in process. Or seeing what it was like in other Stations. Quite an enlightenment.

He had always rushed to finish Scenario one after another, while this Round took his time and earned an interesting perspective.

(He ignores the small voice at the back of his head that says he’s acting more like Constellations he detested oh so much)

“Oppa.”

“If you don’t want to see, then you don’t have to.” The Yoo Joonghyuk replied as he pulled Mia closer. Away from what was left of unlucky Incarnations.

“No. I mean, Green Zone.”

“…I see. So that was the Green Zone.”

It was as same as Secretive Plotter remembered. The shape. The color.

The location and the sizes… though… maybe he misremembering things? Won’t for the first time it happens. When one lives as long as him, in his shoes of repeating the same things over and over with minor twists, some things are bound to blur together.

(There are things he cannot recall. Memories missing from his mind no matter how hard he tried to remember)

“Huh. There are less of those.” Jihye commented. “Did they get a reduction in numbers when I was away or something?”

“It’s Dokkaebi. What do you expect?” Kim Namwoon replied.

“How did you know?”

“Back at Geumho, the Dokkaebi took away the stashed food and forced Survival Fee. We’re fine, naturally, but the other survivors back there? It was a madhouse.”

“Damn.”

“Ah, Dokja-ssi. Joonghyuk-ssi. Should we ask others?”

Kim Dokja shook his head. “Not now.” He answered. “They’re probably still high-strung after facing monsters by waves. And seeing us newcomers are alright, resentment will brew. Especially since we arrive so soon after the Scenario ends.”

Secretive Plotter nodded.

Indeed. Striking them while it was hot was a tactic used when you are on strike. If you want to gather info for making a plan, you have to wait until it is the right time.

“Then, what now?”

“I don’t know about you, but I’m going to catch up on my sleep.” Was the answer. “I’m not going to collapse on my feet because I was an idiot for not taking a break when I had the time.”

The Outer God politely not looking judgmentally at 36, who sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. That Regression Round had to learn the lesson the hard way.

“You can sleep?” Grimaced Jung Heewon. “After…”

“Did we catch what the Illusion Prison shows him?” 1207 questioned.

“Not much.” Replied 1300. “Only that someone is talking to him before everything went static. Actually, come to think… isn’t that same with this Yoo Joonghyuk?”

He is correct.

They can only see a glimpse of what the Illusion Prison shows him.

It was the scene where Kim Dokja sacrificed himself back at the bridge. This Yoo Joonghyuk was shaking as he stood up.

But then everything went static. And then Yoo Joonghyuk was ejected from the Illusion.

(He thinks he heard Kim Dokja talking but surely that can’t be the case

Right?)

How… curious.

That never happened to him.

In fact, one of his regressions died because of that thing. Regression 9, if he wasn’t wrong.

“Right. That thing.” Yoo Joonghyuk frowned. “If sleep is not an option for you, then, you can play games like word chain or something just as harmless.”

“Ah.” Yoo Sangah clasped her hands. “I remember the game. Back in high school, we used it to learn about words. The loser got their face drawn.”

One can see sparks flying between Kim Namwoon and Lee Jihye. Their competitive fuse was lit.

It doesn’t help their sponsors are egging them on.

Children. The lots of them. Children with too much power and not enough common sense, decency, or shame.

“I hope you like having a mustache.” Namwoon taunted. “Because you are going to have the ugliest mustache and beard.”

“Ohoho.” Jihye covers her mouth and laughs, like those pretentious VillainessNobleGirls Constellation, “Like loser like you can win against me.”

…this is going to end in hilarity or pain. No in-between.

Where is Yoo Joonghyuk? Shouldn’t he keep an eye on them?

“He’s actually resting.” 222 answered.

Lo and behold. Yoo Joonghyuk actually resting next to that pillar, with Yoo Mia and Kim Dokja using his chest as pillows. So close and so intimate.

A shocking action because Secretive Plotter would never.

That spot is way too close to his heart. Way too easy for someone to kill him even if he slept with one eye open—which Yoo Joonghyuk didn’t. He didn’t even bother putting up his guard or acting vigilant.

So foolish

So relaxed.

Does he trust others that much to keep him safe while he’s resting? Others who were too busy playing games to pay proper attention to him?

Does he trust Kim Dokja that much to not betray him despite the ample opportunity?

‘Kim Dokja promised him, didn’t he?’ A tiny hopeful foolish voice asked.

So what? Is that enough guarantee that he won’t turn on Yoo Joonghyuk? Is there enough proof to show he didn’t have a hidden agenda like that bitch Anna Croft?

‘He did let Yoo Joonghyuk rest back at Geumho… he protects him from Dark Keeper.’

And, oh

How Secretive Plotter hates it because that voice is correct.

Not only does this Regression start off differently, with Yoo Joonghyuk boarding the wrong carriage and with Mia, but the way he easily lets Kim Dokja take the lead and seamlessly follows his command.

The way he trusts the smaller man with faith that Secretive Plotter never had.

(Not since his Second Regression Turn where his trust is betrayed so horribly it scars him forever)

Trust returned with equal ferocity and more.

Kim Dokja looked back. Looked at Yoo Joonghyuk with possessive yet soft eyes and held him like one would do to the most beloved priceless treasure. A gaze that did not make Secretive Plotter feel like countless insects crawling all over his body.

He vowed to always be on Yoo Joonghyuk’s side, and he protects him without getting injured much less losing his life in the process. He will come back to listen to Yoo Joonghyuk’s sermon and accept it with grace.

He’s gone berserk on Yoo Joonghyuk’s behalf, to protect Yoo Joonghyuk. And even in that state, he was still able to hear Yoo Joonghyuk and listen to his command without any semblance of protest.

(As if affirming an oath that he will never betray Yoo Joonghyuk.)

Jealous

There’s no way he isn’t jealous.

(He went through hell. Repeatedly. Why it was that strange Yoo Joonghyuk who got all the nice things?)

“Kim Dokja.” He murmured the name. “What is your goal? Who even are you?”

If he’s truly someone from his past, shouldn’t he show up during other turns as well?

But he wasn’t there. And yet he is here.

Why did you just show up now?

Why in this strange Regression turn?

Why not during his turn?

Why this turn? Why this one in particular? What makes it special?

(Why it was not him?)

(̵̢̛̗͙͈̼̜̻͍̮̱͒̌͌̌̐̉̈́̈́̊̕͠͠(̴̧̦̹͇̼̥̫͍͔͓̏̆̽͛̍͝W̴̢̝̮͚̻̟̗̫̣͓̭͙̜̣̓̅͜h̶̙̻͐a̶̰̱̜̍̂̊̏̒̃̈́̈́ť̷̻͎ ̸̨̗̱͙͙͈͈̜̜̇́̈̈́͌͂́͘͘̕̚a̸̘͈̳̱͓͛̏r̴̼̗̼̩̳͍̺̫̐̈͌͒̂͘͝è̵̢̢̢̹͇̮͕͗̅̈́̑̈͘̚͜ ̵̯̞̰͇͖͈̹̯̥̯̺̣̯̓͜͜ỹ̴̫̻̮͎̥̫̩̗̻̪̤̣̟̩̗̀̓̋̒͐ö̸̜́́̈́̋̇̐͛͘̚͠ṳ̵͚̓̃̉ ̴̡͔̠͔̘̝͖͍̯̄͋̀̒̾͝t̷͓͕͓̖̙̠̰̞̳̗̝̉͂͛͋͂̔̃̒̆͘̕͜ả̷̮̞̩̠̫̰͆̍̒̊̕l̸̪̠̰̣̪͉͎̘̞̤̻͈̰̐̇̍͛͠͝ķ̵̺̟͇̇͊̄̓̇́̏͐̏̎̚͝͝i̸̡̪̣͓̺̘͍͒͜n̸̛͔̎͒̅͘͘̚g̸̮̮͙̬̬̩̲̟͒̀̀̓̈́̂̕͠ ̷̤̲̺̖͉̼̹̣̖̳̙̱̦͍͚̓́̓́͊̚͘͝a̸̬̾͐́b̴̘͚̪̆̎̊̎́̿̐̎͝ͅỏ̵̭̝͕̱͓̹̜͚̻̳͒̈́͌͘ͅů̴̡̞̥̥̘̝͖̱̱͛͜t̸̡̟͕̳̝̮͇̭̳̎̾͜?̶̧̧̯̟̙̹̮͎͎̬͛͂̓̽̾̅ͅ

̴̡̧̢̡̟̖̩̰͚͙͔̺̝̍̉̾̓̐H̸͕̰̖͓̲̻̭̖̼̺̗́̍̈͂̾͒͐͜ę̴̜̟̘͇͍͌͂̇ ̴̻̝͈̖͍̱͚̔̇͊͆̽́̀͊̔͊̐̔́w̴̢̗̗̻̮̥̼͓͈͖̗̭̣͉̿͋̀̀͒̏̐͠ą̷̘̯͓͙͓͎̩̹̽̈́̑͛͊̂̇̎͛̿͒̇̕͝͠s̸̨͎̬͚͇̤̹̤͌͑̈́́̓̚ ̸̧̲̰̙̟̯̖̫͕͈̍̈́̄̎͜t̴̛̤̬̩̱̩̠̹̩̪̗̗̋̌͐̎́̇͐̐̑̀̇̃͘ͅḩ̶͇͓͔̪̖͎̻̹̖̫̭͖͚͐̈́̌͐̂̏͆̔é̷̢̪͚̼͎͉̱̟̂͒͐́̏͐̀̋̍͊͊͒̚̚ṟ̴̨͔̦̥̎ͅẻ̸̡͍̫̗̮̰̲̠̺̦͍̉̾͌͋̐͛̋͜

̴̞̥̦͕̹̜̥̝̑͐̄̉̈́̔̿̚͠ͅH̶̞̬̣̮̒̅̃̎́̏̏͛́̊͒͠͝͝e̵͈̅̔͛͒̐͛̈́̆̍͘̚ ̶͖͎̅ẇ̸͖̩̜̋̓́̋̈̕̚͝a̴̠͊̽̊̈̀͊̓ş̸͉̤̮̝̆͆ ̷͎̫̭͈̗̪̻̙̩͙̳̐̇̍͑̂̉̓͘͝ͅ ả̵̡̡̱̞̭̫̲̩̭̝̭͖̼̝͆͌̈́̾̚̕͘͝͝l̴̩̺̦̺̞̗̩͆͐̀̍̓̂͂̕͝͠ẅ̸̳͕̪̻̻͉̫̦̭̤͎́͑̈͌͐̎̈́̓͛̌͛̎̍̈́́a̷̛̜͌́́̌̃́̅ŷ̴̢̛̙͇͓̘̖̗̺̪̋͋̃̒͝͠͝s̵͙̘̣̈̅̒̆͋ͅ ̷̡̨̨͍͕̱͍̻̜̟͙͈͚̝͂͒̐͒̓͋̈́́̑͋̍̎͑̽͝t̷̗͇̪͋͑̀̈͊̾́͐͝ḥ̶̲̮̳̯͈̔̇͌̅̒̔e̷͓͈̲̩̘͋̚r̷̦͇̠̠̝̐̓͜ͅȩ̶̛̝͈͓͓̟̭̬̯͔̖̻̈̈́̐̈́̌͜͠ͅ ̷͓̀͂̄̎͒̌͆̈̓̓ͅf̵͔͉̤͛̓̉̋̋̂̔̏̑͒̔͘͠ờ̴̢̨̦̗̣̰̰̩͈̘̞̀́̃̈́͜r̴̯̞͇͕͂͊̾̽͋͛̑͘ ̸̡̝̯̳̕ŷ̷͉͓̑́̐̂͊̒̀̔̔̕͜ǫ̷̡̟̰͒̇̅̓̐͘͝ứ̷̮̓͂̎̀͋̄̈́͂͐̌͑͘͠

̷̧͓̫̩̜͚͑̎͒͋͠Y̶̧͉̟̮̹̍̌͗͊̐̇̉̃͆͗̃̈́̎͠͝ọ̸̢̫̼̘͈̜̝̭̙̼̎͑͜ù̵̦̣̫̟̲̕ ̶̠͉̀̓̊̄̚̕͜͜͝j̵̝̮͇̟̙̯̲̓̊̊͌ṳ̵͍̤̈́́̀̑̈́̂s̵̰̞̦̰̫̈̃̀̔͂̎̇͐̾͠ͅt̵̤͊͗̂͊̓̍͑̃̈͐̈́̓͛͘̚ ̶̹̞̣͚̯̇̔͠h̷̡̛̙̟͍̿͆̿̐̈͒̈́͐͆͘̕͜͝͝͠a̴̧̨͍̫̭͚͇͈̬͆ͅv̸̳̎͂̆̏̒͌͐͑͗e̸̻̎̾̒̿̈́̔̐̊ ̵̘͚̻̜̜̻͎̩͋̽͋̈́̔̈͘ͅț̷̨̞͉͓̘̪̝͍͚͖̦̱̿̐̿͝͝ő̵̧͎̞̂͝

̵̫̻̤͖̝͚̌̑͗̇̕R̵̘̞̘̤̤̈́̉͊͠͝e̶̡̡̢̢̯̰̹̪͇̭̼̗̫͆̈́̂͂̄̑̓̊̎́̓̍̍̕͜ͅm̸̙̞͓̬͖̖̈́́͊͒̌͜ȩ̴̢̛͈̟̳̗͓͚̟̝̤͔̟͂̆͊̑̌̏͊̋͛͠m̵̬͕̜̹͂̐̇͋b̸̦̩̝̜̟̬̺̘̘̙̂͒̿̄͘͜͜e̴̗̦͙̺͍̣̟̬̲͎̩̝̪̘̟̐̇̓͊̈ṛ̵͖̮̦̈́̅̉̉͑ )

Chapter Text

“So, what do we gather?”

Once everyone is well-rested (and taking turns in sleeping/guarding “I’m sorry for the nightmare but you need to rest or else you’ll collapse!”), and well-fed courtesy of Joonghyuk-ah’s homemade food (“Ahjus’! Thesh ish sho gwooth?!” “No talking with mouth full, Lee Jihye.”) they hold a strategic meeting for the upcoming scenario.

Joonghyuk-ah is sitting very close to Kim Dokja, and practically holding his waist the entire time.

[Constellation Demon-Like Judge of Fire is Squealing at the Scene!]

[1,000 Coins have Been Sponsored]

[Constellation Secretive Plotter is Frowning]

[Constellation ‘Trash’ of the Count Family Says Incarnation Kim Dokja Need to Talk with Incarnation Yoo Joonghyuk, ASAP]

Ah yes…

The possibility of codependency in their relationship. It starts to take root.

Kim Dokja has a feeling it was his fault. Because his stunt back at the bridge is the only plausible ‘target’ of a traumatic experience for the Illusion Prison to drag up. The fact it was so recent doesn’t help.

They really need to talk.

But first, situation report!

“You were right, Dokja-ssi.” Hyunsung was the first to reporting. “The Green Zone is a key item in the scenario. Starting at Midnight, for eight hours monster will spawn. The Green Zone is the only safe place from the monster onslaught, and therefore…”

They glanced at the scene where people were defending their Green zone with zeal and wild crazed eyes.

“The so-called Landlord coalition is hoarding the Green Zones.” Scowled Jung Heewon. “The big ones. The kind that can save dozens of people. And rather than share, they keep others out of it.”

“Where is the biggest one, and who owns it?” Kim Dokja ask, wanting to confirm if this part of Story is the same as he knew or if something changed.

“The biggest one is on the second floor, even covering the Toilet. From what other says, it was owned by some guy named Gong Pildu.”

“Wait. Toilet?” Kim Namwoon blinked in shock. “You mean we cannot use the toilet here?! Where the heck we should do private business then?!”

Sangah looks uncomfortable at the topic. To be fair, the thought of needing to do business in open space makes Kim Dokja queasy. It was just… disgusting.

“It was not like we cannot…” their resident translator assured, “we just… had to pay a fee.”

“How much?”

“500 coins, per person. Per usage.”

“…oh. That much?”

Kim Dokja was glad they took a spot far away from the rest of the people. If they heard the casual tone that basically says “cheap!”, mutiny would happen.

Not all of the Incarnations have supporting Constellation, and for those who have, there is no guarantee that Constellation cares. Most Constellations are thrill-seekers who can and will abandon their Incarnation if deemed useless. Or plain set their Incarnation into a world of pain.

Monarch of Small Fries is infamous in this regard.

There are ways to earn coins, of course, by impressing Constellation or clearing Dungeon. But those require you to risk your life. And those people who were used to a peaceful society, it was scary. Some even deemed it an unacceptable risk. Something they refused to do unless they were forced otherwise. Therefore, they would be considered Super Rich if their balance account is over 1,000.

Them?

This motley crew of gremlins is insane. They keep dragged into Dangerous Scenarios one way or another (and most of the time, by their own will). They’ve cleared TWO dungeons, and each netted them coins. By Thousands.

Then there’s the Constellation in their channel. Very enthusiastic Constellations who cheered them on and were willing to spend coins for stuff they found amusing. Biggest Contributor: ‘Trash’ of the Count Family, who is basically their Sugar Daddy because he never sponsors coins less than 1,500. Per Person.

Putting it simply, they are Outliers and should not be used as Measuring Sticks. Pretty sure they broke the scale simply by being themselves.

(It was like living with Rok Soo-Nim all over again. Shock at sudden rich and his value of money is getting skewed)

“500 just for using the toilet,” Joonghyuk-ah commented. “I bet that to actually stay in the zone for the night is more expensive.”

“2,000.”

…That basically is an extortion for regular people. Well… Gong Pildu is of Ten Evils for a reason…

“Did they ask something else?”

Jung Heewon’s dark expression is telling enough.

“How did Gong Pildu look like?” Kim Dokja quickly diverts the topic before she can erupt in rage.

Women were seen as commodities, that was Heewon’s trigger and one of the nasty classic tropes in a dystopian world.

Unfortunately, The Ways of Survival, which takes place in a Post-Apocalyptic World with influx of Higher beings playing with humanity for amusement, definitely fits the bill of a Dystopian World.

“Oh, he’s a fat bearded man with belly beer.” Jihye descripted.

“…all of the so-called landlords are bearded, fat, and have belly beers,” Hyunsung replied. Sweatdropping. “They even look similar to each other.”

“Gong Pildu wore a hat since he’s halfway bald.”

Kim Dokja can see which one is named Gong Pildu if he uses his skill, but thanks to Jihye, he will have a faster time doing it.

Their strategy time was interrupted when Bihyung appeared with a happy expression.

[Hello hello, my dear Incarnations! How was your day? Looks like we have a new face here!] He glanced at them. [I come bearing good news! The third scenario is about to begin!]

And here is it. The Third Main Scenario.

┏

[Main Scenario 3 - Green Zone Day 3]

Category: Main

Difficulty: C

Clear Conditions: Occupy a Green Zone and Survive the Monsters that Emerge Each Night at Midnight. This Scenario Will Last for 7 Days.

Duration: 8 Hours

Reward: 1000 coins

Penalty: -

┛

[1 Hour and 30 Minutes Remaining Until Scenario Started]

[The rule here is simple,] Bihyung nodded his head sagely, despite nothing about him is sage-like, [You just need to occupy Green Zone before anybody else. Well, you can also steal someone else’s Green Zone] his eyes drifted to the murder in the back, [If you fail to occupy Green Zone at midnight, well… Good Luck then.]

The Penalty is not stated to be death.

But considering you will be going up against monsters… well, you’ll need the Luck.

[Constellation Bald General of Justice is Angry that People’s Lives Were at Risk]

[Constellation Black Wings Embraces the Lost Ones is Biting His Lips]

[Constellation Lineage of Swordmaster Calmed Down Constellation Black Wings Embrace the Lost Ones]

Kim Dokja chews his lower lips in anxiety as he quickly opens The Ways of Survival on his phone and tried to find where the fuck is the Hidden Zone. Thankfully despite twist and turn they’re still on the third night which means he can use the info here.

The novel never says where the Hidden Zone is during the other nights.

Heewon almost shakes his bones off, if not for Joonghyuk-ah shielding him. “Kim Dokja! It was not the time to play with your phone?!”

“It’s my nervous tick, alright?!” Kim Dokja replied, exasperated. “Okay, we need to find a room. It doesn’t have to be for all of us. At least it should hold two.”

“Two? Ah!”

Everyone's gaze landed on the children.

“But all the rooms were occupied.” Lee Jihye shook. “Then, we should…” she palmed her sword.

Only the sweat that runs down her pale face is any indicator that she is nervous and very much would like to avoid doing it.

“I… that…” Heewon was shaking. Kim Dokja doesn’t need Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint to know what she is thinking.

Jung Heewon doesn’t like senseless murder. She only raised her sword to those she deemed ‘evil’. But, in this situation, she is going to be Evil, needs to be evil, if only to keep the children safe. This conflicts with her moral ground.

“It cannot be helped.” Kim Namwoon fingering his gun. Ready to take it out and start shooting. “Better them to die than us. Any of us.”

[Constellation Black Flame Abyssal Dragon Want to See Some Bloodshed]

[Constellation ‘Trash’ of the Count Family Told Constellation Black Flame Abyssal Dragon to Pipe Down and Read the Mood!]

[Constellation Queen of Darkest Spring Agrees with Constellation ‘Trash’ of the Count Family]

Killing people would be easy.

They are practically ants compared to Kim Dokja. Sloppy movement, poor equipment, weak stats, weak supports…

The Constellations did not disagree with the idea. Even Jihye who left ‘Yoo Joonghyuk’ in the novel for killing to take a room for himself, is now considering the idea.

(But is it alright to kill them in cold blood?)

(How funny that he, a murderer, is questioning about morality.)

“We can fight, you know.” Lee Gilyoung stated. “We are not weak.”

Indeed, they are not.

They had seen how the children fare against monsters, and they did well. Just that… old habits die hard.

“Oppa. What about hidden gimmick?” Mia-yah inquired. “Something something about hidden rooms or hidden traps? Like those games you played.”

That seems to bring hope into their group.

“Right. If it was like a game, there should be a hidden gimmick somewhere.” Hyunsung nodded. “We just need to find them.”

“But where?” Kim Namwoon pressed. “Where do we find them?”

Kim Dokja was about to open his mouth when he got a private message.

[You Have Been Given a Piece of Revelation from Constellation Secretive Plotter]

His mouth was agape.

This… this was not in the plot?!?!?!

Revelation, as the name suggests, is a piece of vital information about Scenario. Most notably it connected to the Scenario they were currently facing or about to face.

[At the start of the Scenario, The Monster will Spawn from the Area heading to Dongguk University. Run towards them, and look at the left wall. There should be a Green Zone near the area where the Monster Spawn. It can hold three people.]

[Then, on a line next to the station, right in front of the signboard of Line 3, there is another Green Zone. This one can hold two people.]

“Dokja-yah?” Joonghyuk-ah holds him tighter. “What are you thinking?”

“There are two Hidden Green Zones on Line 3, but the total number of people they could hold is five. Which means some of us will be fighting monsters from midnight to morning.” He begins to explain.

Their group was silent.

“Dokja-ssi. Hey. Your Sponsor… was it One-Eyed Fortune Teller?”

“I don’t pick any yet.”

Jung Heewon blinked in shock. “You… don’t have any?!” She exclaimed in shock. “But then how did you—”

“A combination of Skill of mine,” Kim Dokja looked up, “and the fact someone is giving us a helping hand.”

Giving a Piece of Revelation… that was not a light act.

To begin with, not all Constellations know what will happen in the Scenario. Especially if it was not directly linked to their Story. And those who know, they tend to hold all cards close to their heart. If one needs information, they should be made of doing a labor or sign into contract.

Even then, the act of sending information like this has to cost a hefty amount of power.

This means Secretive Plotter is surprisingly stronger than he acts. Much stronger.

Why is he helping them?

Is he like the ‘Trash’ of the Count Family who give help first but ask for payment later? Kim Dokja did not like it. He prefers to pay it in the front. He can negotiate the term and less chance of someone scamming him.

But this is non-refutable help, and since he already uses it… all he can do is grit his teeth and bear with it.

“Then, who will fight?”

“The ones who will use the Green Zone are Lee Gilyoung and Mia—no. I won’t hear any protest.” Joonghyuk-ah cut them before they could even start. “With the amount of monsters and the narrow space, there’s a higher risk you two will be trampled by bigger monsters. I’m not risking that.”

Faced with a stern gaze, the children can only sulk.

[Constellation Secretive Plotter Nods]

[Constellation Lineage of Swordmaster Tells the Children to Listen and They Can Help Elsewhere]

“Elsewhere?”

“You can use your power.” Kim Dokja told the kid. “Only if you stayed from behind the safe zone,” he pointedly looked at Mia-yah, “and if there is an Insect-type monster. Other than that: Do. Nothing.”

He is not risking them.

“Then, Sangah-ssi and Kim Namwoon.”

“Me?”

“Why me?!”

Of course they’d protesting.

[Constellation Abyssal Black Flame Dragon Demands You to Explain Yourself!]

“Sangah-ssi is going to protect the fifth person to use the Green Zone.” Kim Dokja explained. “The fifth person is the one who rotates with other combatants, to ensure each of us has time to rest. But in case that person is too exhausted to stand straight, Sangah-ssi has to make sure they keep attached to the Green Zone no matter what.”

“I understand. I have to protect you.”

“What about me?”

“Kim Namwoon. You got a gun, didn’t you?” Joonghyuk-ah caught on to what Kim Dokja is planning. “You are our long-range fighter. Your role is to shoot monsters and protect our back. Making sure there’s no monster ambush us.”

“Ah, gotcha.”

[Constellation Black Flame Abyssal Dragon is Satisfied with Your Explanation]

“Hyunsung, there’s still enough time left before the monster starts coming. Can you give Kim Namwoon the crash course now?”

“Yes sir!”

“Then, the last of us,” Jihye prodded. “Who gets to use the Green Zone first?”

Kim Dokja took the last of the Thorn.

“Let’s gather in a circle and spin it.”

Chapter Text

“Had it already started?!” Choi Jung Soo panted as if he had run a marathon.

In a way, he did.

He had to check on Original Kim Dokja, Demon King of Salvation/the Second Most Ancient Dream, after the Entity interfered with Worldline Beta despite knowing the Probability Storm was going to be crazy.

After all, there’s another version of him in this worldline, so his existence can be detected as ‘Bug’ and the price for small interference is crazy.

(There’s a reason why the former Most Ancient Dream did not interfere. Not because he didn’t want to, but because he was blocked at any and every turn)

Cue finding out the suicidal squid sacrificed his Vocal Cord and currently regrowing it at cost making himself appear smaller and younger until he can collect enough Probability to fill the gap to retain his adult size.

Seriously. That cute new Dongsaeng of his is lucky his Hyungs are willing to donate some probability to speed the recovery.

“Don’t worry, you didn’t miss much.” Lee Soo Hyuk replied, this time he was taking his original Ability User form. “The kids are taking the Zone near the Monster Spawning Area, most likely so they can be more efficient in taking them out while staying safe.”

“So, it was the adults who took the other one.”

They watched as Lee Hyunsung blocked the bear-like monster and allowed Yoo Sangah to yank Lee Jihye.

The shift of taking breaks was Lee Jihye -> Lee Hyunsung -> Jung Heewon -> Kim Dokja -> Yoo Joonghyuk.

They will change shifts every one and a half hours.

Not the best plan, but that was all they could come up with, and frankly, better than Kim Dokja’s plan in Canon.

Trauma is Not Fun to revisit.

"I'm glad he use his brain to think a better idea than simply sacrificing himself."

"Oh, like what you would do?"

The redhead is suddenly deaf.

“This reminds us of when the Shelter fell, doesn’t it?” Lee Soo Hyuk commented. “Albeit on smaller, and weaker scale.”

Choi Jung Soo laughed. “These people would complain if they hear your words.” But he did not refute it.

Why bother? It was the truth.

The one they faced in their Seoul was worse.

For one, it lasts for a whole day. Twenty-Four fucking hours. Not eight. For another, they did NOT get warnings. It was one minute the shelter was still working, then suddenly, BAM! The barrier did not work! Leaving them scrambled in trying to figure out what to do to survive the attack. Not to mention the monster keeps getting stronger with each wave.

Though the premise was similar. Hmm… both Park Jin Tae and Gong Pildu have similar treatment of people, not to mention their powerset. The latter got turrets granted by Defense Master via Stigma, though, while the former actually owns that Ability.

(He hopes Defense Master is not some alternate self of that ass. Sure, he didn’t like Park Jin Tae’s differential treatment between ability user and non-ability user, but knowing Defense Master’s backstory, as sparse as it was, Cale really would never wish such fate to befall upon his former comrade.

Being left alone suck)

Through the screen they how the Dokkaebi decide to get rid of some Zone. Notably, the ones that can only hold one person.

“Wow.” Kim Namwoon took a small break from shooting to down a Mana Potion (Cale thinks he should discreetly send better quality ones), “So glad we didn’t go that route. Imagine going through all the trouble only to have it end up useless in the end!”

“Rude, but also, point.” Yoo Joonghyuk used the time to check on Kim Dokja. Both of them did not come unscathed, but so far nothing that cannot be fixed with some bandages. At this point, they can handle the monsters just fine. It was not strong, but they came in large quantity.

“If I remember correctly, the monster waves with increase difficulty every few hours will come at the later scenario.” Choi Jung Soo tapped his chin. “I think that was when they got into trouble with a cultist.”

“Eugh. Cultist.” Cale makes a face. Remembering his very own Cultist.

Between Clopeh and Nirvana, he doesn’t know which one is worse. Both of them have way too many missing screws and a creepy obsession with their object of worship.

(He feels Yoo Joonghyuk on a Spiritual level. He really does.)

“Speak of cultist, neither of them have met that Prophet, haven’t they?”

“No.” Lee Soo Hyuk answers. “Or rather, not yet.”

They have doubts she can predict things when it comes to the Dark Horse of this worldline.

“If she’s having any self-preservation, she better stay away from Kim Dokja and his company. Particularly, Yoo Joonghyuk.” Cale snorted. “This version is possessive, even if he tried his best to tone it down.”

The Dark Keeper Incident comes to mind.

Back at the Scenario, once the monsters are done attacking the weaker Incarnations, they refocus on the ‘preys’ who actually have some fangs and are not afraid to use them.

“Round Two, Guys.” Kim Dokja warned. “Hyunsung, if you want to switch, do it now. I’ll cover you.”

“I can still fight. It’s not yet my time.”

“Don’t push yourself too hard, teddy bear.” Jung Heewon slapped his back before they got into position. “Even the sturdiest shield will break if keep taking damage.”

She understands why Kim Dokja said what he said. All of them do.

Being a Tank is not easy. One has to be sturdy and steadfast. Blocking such attack take a toll on strength. If he relaxed even for a fraction of a second, he would be toppled over. Even with stats boosted by coins, he cannot afford to drop his guard when on duty.

“I know. But I’ll still do my best.”

Chapter Text

They manage to survive the monster onslaught, earning [Hide n Strike] Achievement. Not without some damage.

Their combatants sustain some degree of injury. Nothing life-threatening, thankfully, but they were covered in scratches and cuts, and Heewon-ssi sprained her ankle during the last hour. Kim Namwoon is pale and sweating because of his low low mana level and blood loss from using his gun too many times.

He was now being hand-fed by begrudging Lee Jihye since his hand was shaking too much to be of use.

(Lucky bastard)

“We cannot do this again.” Lee Hyunsung stated.

“No. We cannot.” Dokja-ssi agrees. “That takes too much toll on us.” He glanced at them, then at their equipment.

Out of them all, only Dokja-ssi’s Constellation Artefact Sword, as well as Heewon-ssi and Kim Namwoon’s dungeon reward weapons remain in good condition. Joonghyuk-ssi’s sword started to chip on the edges, and Lee Jihye’s weapon’s status was closer to Lee Hyunsung’s Shield. They are starting to fall apart. One good conflict and they will become useless.

“Do you have a plan, ahjussi?” Asked Jihye while... ujhm... Young Miss? Please don’t shove the food down Kim Namwoon’s throat. You’re almost choking him.

Dokja-ssi nodded. “Yep. The catch is we might get an angry mob at our ass.”

“What should we do?” Gilyoung asks in earnest.

Dokja-ssi jabbed his thumb at the stairs leading up, smiling brightly in a rather familiar way. The ‘someone-is-going-to-get-scammed-and-I’m-going-to-enjoy-it’ kind of familiarity.

“Let’s make that fat ass do some workout, yeah?”

The plan is called ‘Let’s Give Those Greedy Fatass the Taste of Their Own Medicine!’. Basically, they need to drag Gong Pildu out of his comfy zone, by destroying all the Green Zone remaining, then forcing the guy to use his Stigma and fight the monsters. Maybe with the help of other people, while their group did something else.

“Man, ahjussi, that was some evil planning.” Jihye whistled.

Joonghyuk-ssi and Hyunsung snorted.

“Jihye, that was mild compared to what his Hyung would come up with.” Hyunsung told her.

“Eh?”

“Hyung’s mind is a scary place,” Dokja-ssi stated wryly. “He would call me vicious for my plan, but he did not realize that his ideas were even more vicious. Like, hyung, I got it from you? I literally learn the tricks from you?!” He sighed and shook his head, exasperatedly. "Either he is a hypocrite or a dense with narrow world view and selective memory."

[Constellation God of Wine and Ecstasy Doesn't Believe Someone that Dense Exist]

Sangah-ssi tilted her head. “Really?”

“Kim Rok Soo-Hyung,” Joonghyuk-ssi explained. “An even bigger conman than Dokja-yah. He can play people like fiddle and they cannot protest when they finally catch up to his scheme because they are already deep into it and even get benefits.”

“Oppa and Orabeoni often get tricked,” Mia commented with a smile.

Lee Hyunsung had to hold back snickers. Remembering all the rants about Kim Rok Soo-Nim from Dokja-ssi and Joonghyuk-ssi.

Then he remembered the times he was made to dance loop around that man’s palms.

Augh…

“That fucking Glib Tongue of his.” Joonghyuk-ssi rolled his eyes.

[Constellation Prisoner of Golden Headband Snickers!]

[100 Coins Have Been Sponsored]

[Constellation Black Flame Abyssal Dragon is Interested in Individual Kim Rok Soo!]

[Constellation Secretive Plotter is Curious]

[Constellation Secretive Plotter Wants to Know More about this Kim Rok Soo Person]

“Sounds like a riot.” Commented Kim Namwoon. “Where is he?”

“He was back at home,” Dokja-ssi replied nonchalantly. “He probably survived. Assuming he didn’t take his Mafia Job out of Seoul and disappeared on week’s end before the scenario started, that is.”

There are some spittakes.

[Constellation 'Trash' of the Count Family is Staring in Shock!]

[Constellation Black Wings Embrace the Lost Ones is Cackling!]

[1,000 Coins have Been Sponsored]

[Constellation Lineage of Swordmaster is Gasping for Air !]

[1,000 Coins have Been Sponsored]

[Constellation Demon-Like Judge of Fire Doesn’t Know What to Think of the Revelation]

[Constellation Queen of Darkest Spring is Interested in Your Background!]

[Constellation Father of Rich Night is Interested in Your Background!]

[Constellation Secretive Plotter is Staring with Mouth Agape!]

[Constellation ‘Master of Steel’ is Asking if You Are Serious]

[Constellation Black Flame Abyssal Dragon Want to Know More!]

[500 Coins have Been Sponsored]

[Constellation Prisoner of the Golden Headband is Amazed at the Plot Twist!]

[500 Coins have Been Sponsored!]

[Many Constellations are Surprised!]

“Dokja-ssi?!”

“Ahjussi, what the hell?!”

“Hyung, are you serious?!”

“You know about it?” Kim Namwoon exclaimed with… is that shine in his eyes?

“I lived with him.” Deadpanned Joonghyuk-ssi. “And there was never a secret between us. Hard to not know.”

[Constellation Demon-Like Judge of Fire Likes Your Companionship!]

[200 Coins Have Been Sponsored]

“Holy shit… does that mean you two are mafia?!” Heewon-ssi asked.

[Constellation Secretive Plotter did a Double Take]

Joonghyuk-ssi and Dokja-ssi look at each other.

“Well, dunno?” Joonghyuk-ssi shrugged. “We never truly get involved with the job. I think Rok Soo-Hyung thinks we don’t know or tried to keep us out.”

“Hyung does act like a Mafia Boss who retires early, but keeps dragged back into business,” Dokja-ssi added.

[Constellation ‘Trash’ of the Count Family is Flustered!]

[Constellation Black Wing Embraces Lost Ones is Holding His Sides While Laughing!]

[Constellation Lineage of Swordmaster is Rolling on the Floor Laughing!]

[3,000 Coins have been Sponsored!]

“Anyway, enough about that.” Dokja-ssi clapped his hand. “We can share our backstory later. Now, we had to find where the remaining Green Zones were and who destroyed what. I’ll be taking Hyunsung to confront Gong Pildu.”

“Me?” Hyunsung blinked. “Not Joonghyuk-ssi?”

“We’re going to destroy the floor, and your punch causes bigger collateral damage than Joonghyuk-ah’s sword strikes. No Offense.”

“None taken.”

Well, if Dokja-ssi say so…

“Too bad we’re in the Underground zone. If we are above, I might be amendable to make some mini bombs.”

Oh dear.

“You can make bombs?!”

“Somewhat. I think I got the recipe here… I just need the ingredients.”

[Constellation Black Flame Abyssal Dragon Want to See Chaos and Destruction!]

“Sir.” Kim Namwoon stares. “You are fucking amazing! Take me as your disciple please!”

Oh dear gods…

[Constellation ‘Master of Steel’ is Terrified for the World’s Safety]

“Me too, sir, me too…”

“Hm? What was that, Hyunsung-ssi?”

“Nothing.” Nope. Let’s not tell them. “Should we start searching?”

“I already did.” Gilyoung! Right. His power makes scouting easy. Already, he mapped where the zones are located and how big it is.

“Then, Gilyoung, Mia-yah, and Yoo Sangah take the Smallest zone. One to three people. Kim Namwoon and Heewon took five to eight. Jihye and I took the rest. Hyunsung-ssi and Dokja-yah take Gong Pildu and Landlord Coalition. Any question?”

“Can I join your Famiglia?”

“I’m not the heir or the boss. Next question. Relevant ones, please.”

No one said anything.

“Then I take it as everyone understands what to do.” Dokja-ssi clasped his hands together. “Let’s do our best messing with those lazy fatasses. Oh, and beware of angry mobs. We definitely will get some after our ass.”

“We’re going to take away their rooms.” Heewon-ssi rolled her eyes, but smiled. “Of course there will be mobs.”

Chapter Text

[WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING, YOU LUNATIIIIIIIIIIIC?!] Screeched Bihyung.

Look, he was all in for weird circumstances and crazy ideas. Those made entertaining stories. The thing they do back at Namsan? Yeah, that white-haired brat gave him migraines, but his viewer count increased. The Constellations are curious about why the mountain over there caught a flame and are interested in this bunch of weirdoes.

HOWEVER!

[DID YOU FORGET THAT I’M NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH A CHANNEL HERE?! ALL THE DOKKAEBI IN CHUNGMURO ARE UP IN THE ARMS BECAUSE OF WHAT YOU DID!]

Already Bihyung is bombarded with cuss words (among other things) via messages by his fellow Dokkaebi for what this Maniac had done! Why won’t they?! This Maniac had just destroyed the setting for the Third Main Scenario! Does he have ANY idea how hard it was to set it?! Especially since Chungmuro is late compared to other Stations?! The Monsters, the number of Green Zones set, their location, and sizes. Even Bihyung cannot just remove some willy-nilly! He had to send the proposal and have those permitted before he could carry out the plan!

‘Ugh, Pipe Down. I had a headache already because of the Constellations.’

SERVES HIM RIGHT!

‘Whose Channel is Gong Pildu on?’

Bihyung narrowed his eyes.

[Biryu’s Channel. BIR-3642]

His Cousin is the loudest in cursing him.

Looking at the recently sent message, Bihyung blinked. Wow. He doesn’t think there are any equivalents of the things the profanity he just sends via message in human language. It was pure filth even in the Dokkaebi language.

‘The one who took over your channel before?’ Why Bihyung is even surprised this human knows? He had named Popular Dokkaebi before! Why won’t he know Biryu’s name just by seeing him just once? ‘What about his audience.’

[They’re mostly thrill seeker.]

Thrill Seeker is the easiest to gain, but also the easiest to lose and hardest to please. Which is why Biryu currently sending Bihyung filthy swearwords while he tries to please his audience so they would stay.

It’s hard pleasing those bunch of finicky Patrons, you know?

Bihyung counts himself as lucky, since his bunch of freaks are attracting Constellations who very much enjoying their shenanigans. These cuckoos would cause untold mayhem just by existing so he doesn’t have a hard time making entertainment.

Speaking of hard times…

“Here they are!”

“Get them!”

“Kill!”

“Don’t let them escape!”

On top of the angry mobs, there’s a Scenario.

┏

[Bounty Scenario – Assassination]

Category: Sub

Clear Condition: The Constellations of Channel #BIR-3642 Have Put a Hit On The Incarnation Kim Dokja of Chungmuro Station

Time Limit: 10 Minutes

Reward: 2,000 Coins

Penatly: -

┛

[…*sigh* You’re dead meat, you know?]

Despite saying so, Bihyung knows that this Menace will survive.

The gap between this madman and most of the incarnations is so wide it is not even funny. Amazing they haven’t been slapped with Probability Storm yet.

The only ones who can deal damage to him would be the crazies he collects along the way but…

“If I kill you I’ll get 2,000 coins?”

What a dark aura from that Incarnation over here. Sheesh. Bihyung can feel the possessiveness in the air despite the so-called hunted Incarnation is relaxed.

“What? Wanna try?”

“Bah. Try 20,000 then I’ll think about it.”

The dark aura just intensifies in the background.

Bihyung snorted.

This bunch of weirdoes won’t be swayed by a mere 2,000. Why, their patrons are wealthy and not afraid of spending coins on them, particularly this weirdo ‘Trash’ of the Count Family. 2,000 is merely pocket change in comparison.

That one is a Weird Constellation who spends coins like water. Just how rich he is?

Eh. Not Bihyung’s problem. If anything he’s lucky since he got a nice cut from it.

(Spoiler: It was not NICE! The agreement is 80% to 20% ratio with Bihyung only got 20%! The only reason he accepted is because this madman tried to go 90 to 10 or even 100 to 0! What a BITCH!)

Plus… thanks to erasing all the safe spots, we Dokkaebi had to revamp the challenge since the original one was rendered moot.

[All Green Zones in the Scenario Have Been Destroyed. The Main Scenario System Has Been Overloaded!]

[The Difficulty of Current Scenario Will be Adjusted According to the Remaining Scenario Duration!]

[The Current Scenario Has Been Renewed!]

┏

[Main Scenario 3 – Emergency Defense]

Category: Main

Difficulty: B-

Clear Conditions: All the Green Zones in the Station Have Been Destroyed, Spawning the Remaining Monster All at Once. Survive the Onslaught of Monster for the Remaining Duration!

Duration: 8 Hours

Reward: 1000 coins

Penalty: Death

┛

[Emergency Defense Has Begun!]

Hm… meh. Bihyung cannot be too mad at this Psycho he signed a contract with. Things just get exciting.

He means, sure, their group doesn’t fight, but they destroyed the stairs and locked the rest of Incarnation on the floor where the Monster Spawned. Quite cold-hearted.

“Now now, don’t be stupid.” His human stated. “Even if you can climb up, you’re still gonna die. There’s no more rooms left, you know. This way the monster cannot get up.”

“You Rat bastard!”

“You’re the ones who destroyed the rooms!”

He laughs.

“Hey, Gong Pildu!” He called out. “Are you gonna stand around like an idiot over there or are you gonna do something? Surely with your power, you can save them all! My group survived against the monsters by cooperating. If we can then why you can’t?”

That glib tongue of his…

Well. Mafia-raised. His backstory is quite shocking but that actually explains a lot about his behavior.

“Right guys. Let’s sit back and enjoy the show.”

“What? We’re not gonna do anything?”

“The name of the Plan is ‘Let’s Give Them a Taste of Their Own Medicine’. This pretty much on par of the course.”

What a sadist.

Thanks to that sadist, Biryu is having a MAJOR problem. Many of his subscribers are leaving his channel since it gets boring.

That’s the cons of appeasing Thrill-Seeker. They need constant stimulation. They easily subscribe channel they think is interesting, and just as easily leave said channel if it ever gets ‘boring’. Incarnation-Seeker Constellations, on the other hand, are not that shallow even though they also demand stimuli, so they can spread their Story through their Incarnation. The thing is, they are extremely finicky when it comes to their Incarnations.

Hm. Oh, poor Biryu. His channel is shut down. That’s what happens when One's Channel loses a substantial number of subscribers to the point they don’t meet the minimum quota. The Dokkaebi Streamer will get into trouble for ‘not managing the Channel properly’ and they will have a hard time in the future.

Whelps. Quite a number of them join Bihyung’s, attracted by the Scenarios he has. Like Escaping Ichthyosaur’s Stomach, Against Dark Warden, Fire at Namsan Mountain, and Third Night Cooperation.

Biryu is going to be pissed at him later, but honestly? Sorry not sorry dear cousin. Competition is absurdly hard, you know? No Hard Feelings, OK?

Oh sweet. He almost hit his Quota Limit. He better do an expansion.

‘Hey Bihyung. Open the shop for a moment, will you? I need to get something.’

[Ugh, can’t you pick better timing? My Subscriber Count is finally skyrocketing!]

‘Seriously it was for five min! Tell them you need a break to expand your Channel. Or do you want to lose Subscriber instead?’

Tch.

‘Also, here, 5,000 coins for Gold Membership.’

Why is he sealing a deal with this guy again?

Right. For benefit.

That guy is buying the prepackaged Mana Recovery Potion. Okays. Some of his crew has skills and stigma that eat Mana so those will be useful. Is he planning to jump in for one last sweep? Or did he discover another Dungeon? Bihyung hopes for the latter since Dungeon is far more exciting to stream than your regular monster slaying.

Oh, he also bought a Dokkaebi Con—WHAT IN THE ACTUAL HELL?!

[WHAT?! WHY ARE YOU BUYING THAT CONTRACT?! DIDN’T YOU PROMISE NOT TO SIGN A CONTRACT WITH SUPPORTING CONSTELLATIONS?!] At least not until Bihyung got tons of good Scenarios under his channel?! It was not good enough dammit!

‘Easy. I won’t sign a contract with supporting Constellation. It was not for that.’

THEN FOR WHAT?! What is this Sleep Paralysis Demon of his planned about?!

“This is… a contract that turns an Employer into an Employee.”

Bihyung swore he could feel his blood pressure shooting through the roof! Augh. Ignore it… ignore it… since he doesn’t need the shop anymore, he can proceed to expand the channel.

Send, receive, permitted. Okay. All criteria are met. Expanding Channel. More Constellation joins in. Some were wondering what this crew was about to do, impatient lots, but others shushed them and told them to watch the recorded Scenario instead if they were that bored.

Hm?

[Gong Pildu’s Constellation Sponsor is Asking Other Constellations for Help]

Huh? That’s new. He is not the one in battle, isn’t he?

[Constellation Prisoner of Golden Headband is Snorting at the Request]

“Ah, it’s time.’

Time for what you Gremlin?!

“Hey! Hey you over there! Are you just gonna die here and now? Or will you sign a contract with me?”

Who is he talking to?! Bihyung suddenly has a bad feeling.

No. He cannot do what Bihyung thinks he’s about to do, right? RIGHT?!

“I can't be a Supporting Constellation because I'm not a Constellation myself but I can still sponsor you, you know!”

“What the Hell You’re on about—?!

“Pipe down, Pildu. I wasn’t talking to you.”

HE’S DOING IT?!?!?!?!

“Hurry and answer me. If you sign the contract, I'll give him all of these potions?”

[WAIT! WAIT A FUCKING MINUTE ARE YOU—]

[Gong Pildu’s Constellation Sponsor is Revealing His Modifier!]

[Constellation Defense Master is Dumbfounded by Your Suggestion]

Yeah, NO SHIT! He is not the only one! Already the Channel is on riot because of his action!

[HAVE YOU GONE INSANE?! I’VE NEVER SEEN ANYONE WHO’S OFFERING TO SPONSOR A CONSTELLATION BEFORE!]

‘And why can’t I? Are there any rules I cannot?’

The thing is… Bihyung doesn’t know. But,

[He is a CONSTELLATION! Do you think he will accept orders from a Mere Human?!] It was supposed to be the other way around!

‘Well, that was what you think. He has no more coin left, you know?’

Whut.

C-come to think of it… Defense Master is oddly quiet aside from increasing the Sigma and giving more skill… c-could it be…? no way. Absolutely no way. That would be absurd…!

DING!

[Constellation Defense Master Wants to Know the Terms of the Contract.]

[WHAT?! Seriously?!]

[Constellation Defense Master Begins to Review the Contract]

[Constellation Defense Master Is Asking for Some Time to Think About It]

[Constellation Defense Master is Adding New Clauses to the Contract!]

[Constellation Defense Master Agrees to Sign the Contract Provide That You Agrees to The New Clauses]

“You have a deal.”

[The Contract has been agreed upon.]

That possessive Incarnation that stuck with the Psycho began to laugh uncontrollably.

“Joonghyuk-ssi?!”

“Ahahah… sorry sorry, I don’t know what overcame me but for some reason, I find this hilarious!”

[H-Hey, Dokja…]

‘Hm? What is it?’

[Was this… what were you after all this time?!]

That smirk… that scamming smile… have he…

[Why… How can I…? What have I gotten Myself into…?]

He just smirks.

Did… Did Bihyung sell his being to a Devil?!

[Constellation Prisoner of the Golden Headband Drops His Staff in Shock!]

[Constellation Abyssal Black Flame Dragon is Offended by Your Impudence!]

[Constellation Secretive Plotter is Intrigued by Your Idea]

[Constellation ‘Trash’ of the Count Family is Chuckling!]

[Constellation ‘Trash’ of the Count Family is So Proud of You!]

[7,000 Coins Have Been Sponsored!]

Chapter Text

Yoo Joonghyuk hopes Gong Pildu is not so stupid and makes use of the potions they left for him. Dokja-yah spends coins on those so that fat ass better appreciate it!

He’s better still alive by the time they were back.

“This is the Dungeon?”

Right now, their group was standing in front of Daehan Cinema.

Yoo Joonghyuk peers on Dokja-yah’s phone. He didn’t know it was fate or pure coincidence that Dokja-yah got the file of that thrice-blasted novel just right before the Scenario Started.

He hates it because the protagonist shares the same name with him. Because he can see himself in the protagonist’s shoes. Because Dokja-yah loves that story as much as he loves him.

Yoo Jonghyuk supposes he was lucky that he seemingly took over the Protagonist role, otherwise, he would be unhappy if the Yoo Joonghyuk of that novel also existed somewhere and charmed his Dokja-yah away.

Kim Dokja is his dammit! Hoes and thots and cat thieves should just stay the fuck away from a TAKEN MAN!

(He’s scared Kim Dokja will leave him)

“Joonghyuk-ah?”

Oops. He must have shown his Jealous Face.

“Nothing. Let’s go inside.”

He feel a scorching gaze on his back, but he ignore it in favor of new message in front of them.

[You Have Discovered A Hidden Dungeon!]

[This Dungeon Has Already Been Discovered. The Discovery Achievement Cannot be Obtained.]

Yoo Joonghyuk startled and exchanged a glance with Dokja-yah.

If the novel says anything, they should be the first ones to discover it. Nobody else should. Daehan Cinema is closer to Chungmuro so the people who discover it should be from the station, and yet Joonghyuk is very sure no one go up. They’re too cowardly or too busy to survive for it.

People from other stations? Myeongdong is already ahead of them. So maybe it was possible.

But why do they go to Daehan? Did they know about the Dungeon’s existence, guided there by Constellation, or they were unluckily lucky?

“Hey. What’s with that expression?”

“There must be someone inside.” Yoo Joonghyuk’s mouth ran off by itself. “Since the Dungeon is not yet cleared, they must be still inside.”

They then entered the Dungeon cautiously.

[A New Hidden Scenario Has Arrived.]

┏

[Hidden Scenario - Theatre Dungeon.]

Difficulty: A-

Clear Conditions: Defeat the Master of the Cinema Dungeon.

Time Limit: None

Reward: 4000 coins

Penalty: -

┛

[You have entered the Theatre Dungeon.]

“A Movie theater, huh? How Romantic.”

“Heewon-ssi like Movie?”

“Well, who wouldn’t? Kicked off the day with watching your favorite movie with drink and snacks sounds heavenly.”

Gee. Is Hyunsung try to know Heewon’s preference? Right now?

(Not that Yoo Joonghyuk has any ground to talk)

“Sometimes I’d like to visit Cinema though…” her eyes swept at the building condition. “Not when it was like this.”

This place is abandoned by lifeform. Dirty floor with unmanned ticket booth and counter. Whatever food and drink sold must have been long gone bad. Already he can see rotting popcorn scattered on the ground.

Yuck.

“Yeah. This place is more of a horror movie setting than a place where Couples go for a date.” Dokja-yah agrees. His eyes meet Joonghyuk,

Date, huh? The last time they had time just for the two of them, no work no Hyung no Mia, just them, had been a little over a week ago.

Gods, now that he thinks about it, he starts to feel pent up.

“Hyung! There is people over there!” Lee Gilyoung suddenly whisper-shouted.

“Shit?! Everyone, hides!”

Jung Heewon grabbed the kids, jumped over the counter, and crouched down.

Dokja-yah and the teens hide inside the open theatre room, peeking from the door.

Yoo Sangah used her strings to tie herself, Yoo Joonghyuk, and Lee Hyunsung to the ceiling, Spiderman Style.

He listens closely to what those people were saying.

“No! Not this one!”

“Dude, what’s with you? Stop being a chicken!”

“Last time YOU picked a Movie, we almost die! Hell No!”

“Ugh… at last my 1,000 Coins aren’t wasted on The Prophets… Creepy bunch but at least their info was true.”

Yoo Joonghyuk narrowed his eyes at the last one. The Prophets? Who? Was it Anna Croft? No. It cannot be her. She should be in US. It was not yet her stage to appear. Also, that guy said Prophets. As in, plural.

Who?

“Come on. It was just the dinosaurs! What’s the harm?”

A spotlight shot on them and the next thing happen, they disappear.

“They’re gone?!”

Everyone get out from their hiding place.

“What was that?”

Isn’t that the million coins question? A bunch of strangers who know the existence of Hidden Dungeon and not because they accidentally found it. A Group Called the Prophets who spread classified information.

Where did they get the Info? And how much do they know?

“We have to go after them.” Heewon readied her sword.

“Wait! Heewon no don’t—!”

Before they knew it, another Spotlight had hit them.

[You have been hit by the projector beam.]

[The screening will now begin on your floor.]

“Oppa! Orabeoni!”

.

When they opened their eyes, they were no longer inside the Cinema. In fact, they were in the middle of a Jungle that clearly do not belong to Korea, leave alone their Time Period. Giant Trees and lack of air pollution.

“WHERE ARE WE?!” Screamed Lee Jihye.

“We’re inside the Movie.” Dokja-yah replied flatly, then he do a double take. What? “Where’s Mia, Hyunsung, Namwoon, and Sangah-ssi?”

Huh? Crap! They’re not here?!

“Mia? MIA?!” Joonghyuk shouted. “MIA WHERE ARE YOU!”

Shit, what if she was in danger?

“Ah, Joonghyuk-ssi,” Heewon called out. “They were not hit by whatever that light was.”

Oh. “Really?”

“Yeah. Just outside the range.”

“Thank goodness.” He hopes she remembers Dokja-yah’s rant about this particular dungeon and not get too close to ANY posters.

“So… what movie was this?” Jung Heewon asked. “I don’t get a good look at the poster.”

“Well…”

“Hyung! Hyung, Look at this!” Lee Gilyoung shows them a puppy-sized bug… and he carried it like one would do to a dog to boot…

“That was… one hell of big bug…” Sweated Jihye.

Gilyoung’s expression went from happy to panicked. “Hyung! This is bad!”

Cue the ground shaking and two of the earlier men running with bloodied appearance.

“H-HELP!”

And a giant beast follows shortly after.

“OFF ALL MOVIES IT HAS TO BE THE JURRASIC PARK?!” Screamed Lee Jihye as they turn tail and start running for their lives. Dokja-yah even carry Lee Gilyoung. “WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK?!”

That was a Good Question indeed. However,

“I have a better question.” Yoo Joonghyuk’s eyes twitched. “WHY THE FUCK I HEAR JURRASIC PARK THEME SONG?!”

WHERE ON EARTH DID THE BACKGROUND SONG COME FROM?!

“WHY IS THAT YOUR QUESTION, YOO JOONGHYUK!?”

A jaw narrowly snapped Jung Heewon in half.

“OH MY FUCKING GOD WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK?!” She shrieked. “ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!”

“OI! WHAT NOW?!”

“HOW CAN I THINK WHEN I’M BUSY RUNNING FOR LIFE?!”

Something simmers on Lee Gilyoung’s hand. It was… a Book?

“Tyrannosaurus, more commonly known as T-Rex, is more agile than they look, but they have narrow vision and are vulnerable to attack from sides.”

Oh Thank FUCK!

“JIHYE, HEEWON, TO THE SIDES! I’LL TAKE ITS ATTENTION! DOKJA, TAKE GILYOUNG AND KEEP A LOOKOUT!”

“WHAT?!”

“DON’T ‘WHAT’ ME! JUST KEEP A LOOKOUT! I DON’T WANT VELOCIRAPTORS ON TOP OF THIS OVERGROWN CHICKEN ANCESTOR, ALRIGHT?!”

Between those devils on legs and this overgrown chicken, he picks T-Rex. Big Body make easy target.

Still…

This gonna SUCK!

Chapter Text

“Hey guys… we’re back…”

Yoo Mia quickly hugged her brothers when they were back.

She doesn’t have an attachment issue, that’s her Oppa’s thing. She was just worried since they suddenly were gone. Orabeoni might have ranted things from his favorite novel, but it has so many plots she barely can remember some.

“Welcome back…” Sangah-unnie greeted. “Where did you go? And… what happens?”

“Inside the movie.” Oppa then explained how this Dungeon works. About the Theatre Master and qualification to complete the Mini Scenario.

“So to clear the dungeon, we need to clear the movies and change its ending,” Hyunsung-oppa summed it up. “Did I get it right?”

“Actually, we don’t have to. We can move up straight to the Dungeon Master, but I think it’s better for us to clear the Movie.” Orabeoni raised a bottle. “There’s a reward for when you clear the Dungeon, and if you’re lucky, hidden rewards.”

“SIRS!” Kim Namwoon gets in their face. “Can I clear the Godzilla? Please please please?! I beg you! I’ll behave but please can I? It’s the Original Godzilla!” He begs. Complete with puppy eyes.

…Is this the same guy who set Seoul Landmark on fire?

“…Take someone with you. We’re doing it in groups.”

“THANK YOU!” He hugged them before turning and skipping to the poster. Snatching Hyunsung in the process. “LET’S KICK SOME GODZILLA ASS!”

They were gone in a flash.

“Well… that escalates quickly.” Dokja-ssi looks like he regrets giving permission too soon. “Soo, what about you, Gilyoung?”

“I’m fine with Hyung.”

“Well, is that so?”

Ugh! Yoo Mia did not hate Lee Gilyoung, but can’t he see that this will be Family-only stuff?! Grr…!

“Which means us girls will go together.” Heewon-Unnie declared. “Alright gals, who’s ready for Explosion, Spy Stuff, and High Speed Race?!”

“Me! Me! Me!” Jihye-unnie raised her hand, excited. “Let’s bust some wheels!”

Sangah-unnie let them drag her to another movie.

“Which one we’re tackling, then, Joonghyuk-ah?”

“How about this one?”

Oh! That one!

“Ah wait!”

“Dokja-yah?”

“You guys can speak English, right?!”

.

“Why are we here again?” Mia whispered to her brother.

“To suffer,” Oppa replied.

Right now, they were sitting in the class of one quack Divine Teller, drinking tea.

At least it wasn’t the Second Movie. One of the Golden Trio got his wand broken and vomited live snails as a result of a backfired curse. The Main Lead lost bones in one arm thanks to fraud, and the only girl of Golden Trio is petrified. Not Fun.

“…I don’t like this blend,” Orabeoni muttered behind them. “Too sweet. Less sugar next time please.” He paused then continued in a lower voice, in Korean.

Right. Then do this… and do that…

Since they were seated in three instead of pairs, Mia took Oppa’s, Oppa took Orabeoni’s, and Orabeoni took Mia’s.

“Crooked Cross and Sun.” Orabeoni grinned. “Tribulation and Suffering, but happy.”

Oppa snorts. “So long nobody dies.” He finished sharply that Orabeoni flinched.

Once done never forgotten.

“You got… I think it was some kind of angel.” Oppa commented. “Guardian Angel?”

If Oppa has any Guardian Angel, that got to be Orabeoni.

Just get married already, please!

.

“How was your experience with the Time Turner?”

They seem to know their role already and it was really impressive that no one commented how ‘Ron Weasley’ is a black-haired girl, or that ‘Harry Potter’ is way older and taller than even older years, and how Hermione Granger is… snnrk… a cross-dressing man.

“It’s something, alright.” Orabeoni groaned as they followed the other students to Hagrid’s Hut to meet the Hippogriff. He glared at how the other students whispered about ‘Grim’ ‘Dementor’ and ‘Death’. “How… how do you deal with this?”

“I pretend that they don’t exist.”

“…you’re really strong…”

Orabeoni?

[Constellation ‘Trash’ of the Count Family Gazes at Incarnation Kim Dokja with Sadness]

Wait. What happened?!

Sadly, Mia cannot think much about it because the Slytherin Cronies are making fun of someone’s trauma.

“Joonghyuk-ah.”

“Oppa…”

“Don’t worry.” Oppa smiled. “I got it.”

Orabeoni smiled wryly. “Don’t go Flamethrower on them. They’re just kids.”

“Back at you.”

.

“HYUUUUUUUUUNNGGGG!”

A white blur hurtled and hit Oppa in the back of the head when they were back from the Hippogriff Class.

(Mia deserves some sweets for stopping the idiot from getting torn into shreds. Literally.)

Oh. And the white blur is Hedwig, who is Gilyoung.

“So… Female Snowy Owl?”

“Uhhhh! Why I’m the only animal here?!” Whines Gilyoung, flapping his wings indignantly.

[Constellation Black Wings Embrace the Lost Ones Said Nothing is Wrong with Being a Bird!]

[Constellation Demon-Like Judge of Fire Says Having Wings is Wonderful!]

Orabeoni laughed. “Now, now, Gilyoung. You actually have the best role.” He said pleasantly. “See, we have to secure someone, but since Joonghyuk-ah, Mia-yah, and I have to attend class, you are the only one who can do it.”

“Is it the Big Bad?”

“Oh, very.” Oppa nodded. “But currently the Big Bad is a balding stressed rat. Mia will show you him later. Keep an eye on that Rat, ok?”

“Got it.” Gilyoung then paused. “What about the black stuff over there?”

Black stuff? Oh. Dementors.

“Stay the fuck away from them,” Orabeoni commanded. “Think of them as the more lethal version of the thing that creates Illusion Prison.”

That was… actually that’s accurate.

“Also, we better do it fast.”

Eh? “We have a time limit?”

“I refuse to face Boggart.”

Boggart… boggart… Oh! “The thing that changes to whatever you fear the most?!”

“Yep.”

Everyone grimaces.

Oh yeah. Avoid that for sure.

.

“GET OFF OF ME YOU STUPID TOAD!”

Seriously, he was doing his job keeping an eye on this Rat Traitor when this stupid Toad just landed on his back. Ew ew ew! Get off dammit!

“Trevor!”

“…Neville, you might want to invest on special portable habitat for toad. Or, just let him live freely on the lake or something and get better pet.”

.

The Slytherin Students have Diarrhea.

Actually, almost everyone does.

“Are their stomach that weak?” Oppa wonders while sharing his Sundubu Jjigae with Orabeoni. “It was not even that spicy, you know? I don’t use gochujang paste since the kitchen don’t have any and I doubt the elves know what is that when they follow the recipe.”

Mia shrugged and continued eating her Ramyeon.

Ah, it was good to eat something Korean. Don’t get her wrong, she doesn’t hate British cuisine, but they are sub-par compared to Oppa’s cooking. Especially when house elves tried to recreate Korean Food.

.

Who knows all it took was an innocent query of ‘how to distinguish regular animal from animagus’ to resident Transfiguration Professor with the stressed-out rat as subject test?

Mia and her brothers watch with delight at the Trainwreck that was Peter Pettigrew being grilled over coal by a very shocked and very unamused Remus Lupin. With the rest of Teacher Staff and shocked Weasley siblings as witness.

“Oh god. Sirius.” The Werewolf in hiding bemoaned. “He was… he was innocent all along…”

It doesn’t take long for the Hound to show up.

Hm… this doesn’t satisfy the Theatre Master?

“Professors.” Oppa stated while holding a frying pan. “Permission to hit him? Please?”

“Now my boy,” The Wizard with Technicolor gaudy Robe (is he colorblind or something?) tried to calm Oppa down. “Let’s not be haste. And where did you get the pan from?”

“I’m calm, Professor,” Oppa replied while waving the pan. “I’m just… squicked that a grown-ass man is sleeping on the same bed as Minor. And possibly saw us changing clothes. Wait. Ginny. Did Scabbers ever go to your room?”

The Weasley Siblings have a myriad of emotions flashing through their faces before seething in pure anger.

“Professor Lupin.” The oldest of them all spoke with steel cold in his voice. “I suggest you step back while my siblings and I can still hold ourselves back.”

“Please don’t go overboard.” The Healer replied mildly. “I might need to call for St. Mungo.”

It was not a ‘no you can’t do it’.

Especially with other teachers were taking reasonable distance away from Line of Fire.

Peter Pettigrew the Rat is going to have a very bad time, and he knows it.

“Mercy.”

Orabeoni beamed.

“You made your bed, sir. Please, it’s time for you to lay on it.”

The fat man screams as multitude of curses hit him. Mia cannot see what the result since Oppa cover her eyes, but she assume it would be a Body Horror.

Curses ain’t fun.

[The Dungeon Master is Satisfied With the Movie’s Ending.]

[You Have Reached the Second Ending Credit.]

[Cast: Yoo Joonghyuk, Yoo Mia, Kim Dokja, and Lee Gilyoung.]

[You Have Each Earned 1000 Coins for Your Performance.]

.

They were the first to come back, it seems.

“Do we get anything?” Oppa asked.

"Wait. I got one. I think it's a Hidden Item... or maybe not?" Orabeoni fished something from inside his shirt. It was a necklace with an odd pendant.

<Item Information>

Name: Wizard’s Time Turner

Grade: A

Lore: A Magical Item that can Turn Back the Time for Its User

Usage: User Must Turn(s) the Hourglass. Each Turn Will Take the User Back to One Hour Prior. This Item Can Only be Used Three Times

Usage Remaining: 3 Times

Warning: User Past Self and User Present Self Must NOT Meet to Prevent Time Paradox! Treat with Caution!

“Damn.” Oppa whistled. “This is one useful item.”

[Constellation Secretive Plotter Nods in Agreement]

“Right.” Oppa put back the pendant inside his shirt. “So… which one do we tackle NeEEKKK?!”

“Gwah!”

“Dokja-ssi?!”

The Psycho-oppa and Hyunsung-oppa arrived and tumbled and landed atop Orabeoni.

“GET OFF OF ME! YOU GUYS ARE CRUSHING MY KIDNEYS DAMMIT!”

Chapter Text

Yoo Sangah is wary as she looks around.

She had been hit by film projector before she can take a good look of the Movie.

She noticed that she was wearing a green dress. She thinks it was something out of Medieval era Europe, and nothing about the furniture screams “Post Industrial Era!” so that was a starter.

Is she a Princess?

What Movie she was in?

She then hear sounds. Like… groaning…?

“Uuughh… uuuuughhh…”

Walking around the dimly lit room, she saw a figure covered in bedsheet and trying to wrestle out of it.

“Um,” She hesitated, “hello?

The figure rose and rose… and rose… till the head almost touched the ceiling. Gulping, Yoo Sangah took steps back to make for room in case she has to fight… whatever it is.

The cloth fell down and reveal a fur covered figure.

A bear.

A Black Bear to be exact.

Crap.

Isn’t Bear one of most dangerous predators?

Okay. Okay she can do it. The bear’s back is facing her. She activate her Stigma, her only weapon (she have to get a new weapon and soon), and tie them into knot. With a prayer for good luck, she threw it.

The thread hanged around the bear’s neck. Not stopping with that, she shot more thread and loosely bind the limbs, then she yanks them. Pulling the strings into taut and binding the limbs, subduing the Bear and—

“AAAUUUGHHHH!!!” Come the masculine voice—wait.

“H-hyunsung-ssi?!”

“S-sangah-ssi?”

Oh golly! The bear is Hyunsung-ssi?!

Yoo Sangah quickly untie him.

“Are you hurt?!” She fretted. She can’t believe that she almost strangles him! Wait, she can.

He’s a Bear.

“I’m fine. Just…” Hyunsung-ssi rubbed his… mouth? snout? “What the heck did I eat? I feel nauseous for some reason…”

Yoo Sangah look around to see if he can find bucket or something, before Hyunsung-ssi throw up all over the floor (and her). To her shame she didn’t find any, but there’s a window good enough for him to stick his furry head out.

She hopes nobody was below when he does. That would be disgusting otherwise.

“Did you get a good look at the Poster?” She asks him.

“Uhh? Don’t get a good look at the title, but it was a girl with ginger hair and a bow?”

Ginger hair… bow… Medieval era European… Bear…

“Oh!”

“You know this movie?”

Yoo Sangah nodded. “Yeah. It’s Disney movie. Well, collaboration between Disney and Pixar.” She explained. “It set in Viking Age Scotland.” She looks down, and then at the room. “Looks like I’m Merida and you’re Queen Elinor.”

“I—wait. I’m taking woman’s role?!”

“And my character’s Mom. Wait. Does it mean I have to call you ‘Mom’?”

[Constellation ‘Master of Steel’ Gawked]

[Constellation Secretive Plotter Snorts]

[100 Coins Have Been Sponsored]

“Please let me have my dignity.” Bemoaned Hyunsing-ssi. “Why not the ‘Father’ character? Or brother?”

“Uh well, the Father is secondary character, and the brother… or rather brothers… are triplet.” She paused and think what if Hyunsung become the brother character. “Either you possess one of them or you’re split into three. Those three are so close-linked they might as well be clone.”

Hyunsung-ssi made a face.

Wow. Who knows Bears are so expressive?

“What should we do now?”

What should they do, indeed.

The Movie Plot is about theme of Family and Bonds. To fix the chasm between family. If they follow the plot… how? Yoo Sangah and Lee Hyunsung are not family. And they’re rather amicable with each other. Never did they have a fight between themselves. That route is… impossible.

Thankfully the goal is not to follow the plot, but to change the end. Or make it as interesting as possible.

But first,

“First.” She stated with utter seriousness. “We need to get out.”

.

“Over there! The Bear is over there!”

Yoo Sangah want to scream.

FOR THE LOVE OF GODS, STOP MAKING THIS EVEN MORE DIFFICULT THAN IT ALREADY WAS!

Scotland Stone Castle is hard to figure out because the hallways were the same. But that was not the problem. Her Stigma got ‘finding the way out’ covered. The Problem is, they are NOT alone. There is the Servants, the King, and the Visiting Three Clans. The first one would alert the rest of existence of a Bear, which will turn into Manhunt!

She made a mistake to push Hyunsung-ssi down the main hall where the Clans gathered.

She hate her life, sometimes.

“This way!”

She pulled Hyunsung-ssi down to another corridor, to hide.

Sadly, they weren’t alone there.

“Uhh…”

The maid was petrified at the sight of a Black Bear loomed above her.

“B-b-b-b-b-AAAAAAAAAHHHH!”

“Sorry ma’am.” Yoo Sangah apologize. “I’m really sorry for this.”

With coin-boosted speed, she knock the maid out cold before she could further alarm the Clans.

“Whoah.”

Startled, she turned around and ready to strike,

Only to see a triplet gingerhead.

Oh. Oh good.

She can use this.

“Show of hands: who want to pranks the clans?”

.

“Are you—ow! sure they will be—yikes! be alright?” Hyunsung-ssi asked in worry as he race away from the castle. Yoo Sangah rode on his back.

“Those gremlins can weasel their way out, sure of it!” Yoo Sangah replied. “Also, are you hurt anywhere? You’ve been wincing.”

“You! Ouch! Are pulling! Geh! My Fur!”

Oh. She gripped his fur too tight.

“My bad! But if I loosen my grip, I’ll fell down!”

“No you won’t.” Hyunsung-ssi slowed down into a walk. “Not on this speed.”

Huh. He’s right. She can take her hands off of him—uh… sorry Hyunsung-ssi. Some of your fur stuck to her hands…

“So? What now?”

Hmm… “We can go to where the Mordu resides and kill him earlier than the movie did.”

“Mordu?”

“The main antagonist. A big bear. Er, bigger than you and rabies-ridden. Maybe.”

It will be difficult.

Neither of Yoo Sangah or Lee Hyunsung are Offensive-type battler. She’s a Support, and Hyunsung-ssi is a Defender. Neither of them is equipped with weapon. Hyunsung-ssi’s shield must be dropped somewhere and they can’t retrieve it. Not after escaping the Castle.

“Okay, where should we go?”

“Huh? Oh. I think we should find the will-o-wisp first.”

“The what now?”

.

Fishing is difficult.

She had tripped over the dress skirt and landed flat on her face and scaring the fish away. Only manage to get some, finally!, by weaving a net using her Stigma.

[Constellation Abandoned Lover of the Labyrinths Says This Is Now What the Stigma is Used for]

Sorry. But when all you have is hammer… or rather, thread, then you have to be creative.

“Got another!”

Hyunsung-ssi seems to have no difficulty in catching the fish with his bear paws.

Wait. Wait a minute…

“Sangah-ssi? What’s so—ghh?!?!”

A fish took a bad timing and leaped straight to Hyunsung-ssi’s throat.

Sangah laughed. She cannot help it, alright?

“How’s the taste of fresh Sashimi?”

“Too Fresh.” Hyunsung-ssi stuck his tongue out.

“Just bear with it!” She exclaimed.

In English.

There’s a silence.

“Sangah-ssi.” Hyunsung-ssi narrowed his eyes. “Is that a pun?”

[Constellation God of Wine and Madness Huffed in Amusement]

[200 Coins Have Been Sponsored!]

.

“Is this the place?”

Yoo Sangah looks at the scenery before her.

An Old Ruin? Check.

Ominous Atmosphere? Check.

Led here by Will-o-Wisp? Oh, Check on that one.

“Yes, it is.” She nodded. “The boss is deeper inside.”

The climb up is difficult, with uneven stones and steep stairs. At least this one is not almost vertical. They bearly made it to the top floor.

“Where do we find Mordu?”

Cue the floor collapse underneath their weight.

“Ooof!”

“Are you alright, Sangah-ssi?”

“Yes, I’m fine!”

Yoo Sangah landed on Hyunsung-ssi’s back. He makes a nice mattress. Almost like… like… like a Giant Teddy Bear.

(If anyone asked, Yoo Sangah would deny of pawsing to imagine Lee Hyunsung with teddy bear ears atop of his head and wearing bear paw mittens)

Climbing down, she looked around. It was… interesting to see the Ruins of Old Castle in Scotland, even through it was probably made up to fit the fantasy setting. The carving is really interesting and made her want to know if there are real life version of Stone Carving from Viking Age.

“They say there was once upon a time a four brothers, but the eldest brother, believe his strength was everything he need to inherit the throne, proclaims himself as the King of them all. This led to a war, and in a bid to gain advantage… the eldest brother visited a Witch and ask for a Power. He get what he wants, but in exchange…”

There’s a growl of a beast from behind her.

“He became a Beast. Mordu.”

Dropping to the floor, she rolled away from the beast.

A window quickly flashed before her eyes.

[Grade 9 Beast – The Black Beast Mordu]

“Hyunsung-ssi!”

“I got it!” He roared and rushed to the beast. Pushing it away from her and punching it in the jaw.

The Beast roared in anger and attacked back.

Yoo Sangah didn’t have many words for it. It was savagery versus order. Hyunsung-ssi is trying to fight like a human. With punches and kicks and Physical Strength. The Mordu is fighting like a beast. Relentless with his attack, roaring and clawing and biting where it could. There’s no attack pattern. It was pure Instinct.

Channeling her Mana, she once again activates her Stigma. Like when she first arrived, she tied the Thread into a Lasso. Running to the side, she waited for the perfect time and…

“HI-YAH!” She threw the thread and had it tangled at the raised claw. Pulling it and aborted the attack.

The beast turned to her and growled in anger. Kicked Hyunsung-ssi off of him and rushed towards her.

Yoo Sangah already tied another Thread to herself that was connected to the ceiling. She quickly shot up and avoided the attack. From her wrist, another thread shot and bound the beast’s muzzle. Silencing it.

“Hyunsung-ssi!”

With a roar, Hyunsung jumped on the bear. Paws joined together in a fist, glowing with the power of his Stigma. With all of his might, he bring his fist down and smashed the Beast in the back. Crushing and Killing it.

The impact causes a crater, and bring down the ruins.

“Sangah-ssi!”

Yoo Sangah felt she was pulled in by Hyunsung-ssi. She let herself be, as Lee Hyunsung use his superior Physique to shields her from the stones that were raining on them.

[Constellation ‘Master of Steel’ is Gripping his Seat in Anxiety!]

[Constellation Lineage of Swordmaster is Biting his Lips in Worry!]

[Some Constellations are Worried]

[Several Constellations are Wishing for Your Death]

[Constellation Abandoned Lover of the Labyrinth is Clasping Her Hands and Praying for Your Safety!]

For a moment that feels like years, Yoo Sangah afraid she was about to get buried alive.

When the rumbling no longer echoed in her ears, Hyunsung-ssi once again activate his Stigma and pushed the rubbles off of them.

“That,” she breathes. “Was amazing.”

[The Theatre Master is Very Satisfied with the Ending]

[You Have Reached the 21^st Ending Credit]

[Cast: Lee Hyunsung, Yoo Sangah]

[You Have Each Earned 3,000 Coins]

.

“Yo!” Dokja-ssi waved his hand. “Welcome back.”

It seems everyone has done with their movie and was waiting for Yoo Sangah and Hyunsung-ssi before advancing to the next floor.

“What do you get?” Mia peers on them.

Hyunsung-ssi unfold his fist, and reveal a pill.

<Item Information>

Name: Bear’s Strength Pill

Grade: B

Lore: A pill containing the Strength Black Bear Mordu. Consuming It will multiply your Strength by 10

Duration: 10 Minutes

“I’m just glad we were not buried alive.” Yoo Sangah commented, then her smile turned impish. “That would be pawsitively terrible.”

Hyunsung-ssi groaned. “Not again.”

Looking at the confused face, Yoo Sangah happily exclaims, “he’s the Bear Queen!”

Immediately the humor spreads among them.

“Seriously? A She-bear?” Namwoon-ssi laughed. “Oh my god. That was embearrassing!”

“I distinctly remember the Movie has a Fishing Scene.” Heewon-ssi smirked. “Did you catch the fish with you Bear Hands?”

“Heewon… not you too!”

“What?” Jihye grins. “Are we being beary annoying?”

"Oh! He bearly hold onto sanity. Are we being Impawsible to handle?

Desperate, Hyunsung-ssi turned to Dokja-ssi and Joonghyuk-ssi for help.

Unfortunately for him, Dokja-ssi smiled and said,

“Just Bear with it.”

Chapter Text

“That one was really… intensive, isn’t it?”

“Oh? Which Scene?”

“Not the Scene.” Yoo Joonghyuk answers Kim Namwoon. “The debate between Theatre Master and one of the Constellations.”

“What?”

Kim Dokja smiled wryly. “That movie was, basically, a fiction from Sun Wukong’s journey. And since one of our watchers is titled Prisoner of the Golden Headband…”

“Oh, wait, seriously?!”

“Does he like it?” Gilyoung wondered.

[Constellation Prisoner of the Golden Headband is VERY HAPPY with the Film!]

[Constellation Prisoner of the Golden Headband Recommends Your Scenario to the StarStream!]

Jung Heewon asked, “Does it mean you get a good item?”

Kim Dokja and Yoo Joonghyuk look at each other.

“Err… actually, thanks to him butting in and give commentary, the Theatre Master is not so… pleased… so he withdrew the items.”

[Constellation Prisoner of the Golden Headband Huffed and Says the Dungeon Master Must be Blind to Not Recognize His Greatness!]

[Several Constellations Rolled Their Eyes at Constellation Prisoner of the Golden Headband’s Antics]

[Constellation Prisoner of the Golden Headband Stuck Out His Tongue]

Lee Hyunsung laughed weakly. Ah, he can see why…

“So…” He trailed. “What role did you get?”

“The reason why the guy upstair is very excited.” Kim Dokja answer. “I’m casted as Sun Wukong.” Oh, No wonder… “Joonghyuk-ah got Pigsy.”

“The character in the movie is badass, I admit.” The man in question replied. “But which part of me is that looks like a womanizer?!”

Well… you are not a womanizer, yes, Lee Hyunsung thought to himself, HOWEVER, Your intensity with your love life on the other hand… DOES resemble Zhu Baijie’s persistence when chasing his love life.

At least this one got the man he wanted. If not then Hyunsung will move to the other side of the country just to escape the constant Pining and Not-Quite-Third-Wheeling by these Lovebirds-in-Denial. Dogfood is nice compared to those!

[Constellation Prisoner of the Golden Headband is Happy that Incarnation Kim Dokja Played His Part Well]

[Constellation Prisoner of the Golden Headband Says Kim Dokja Makes A Good Sun Wukong]

“Yes, yes, this humble one is glad your majesty is pleased.”

The sarcasm is thick.

“You know,” Lee Jihye stated, “I wonder what’s the next floor had for us.”

Turns out there was no movie on the next floor.

The Fifth Floor was the Reward Floor.

“Huh, looks like this is where they store the props… that was no longer the props…” Commented Kim Dokja.

This must be the reason why Yoo Joonghyuk in The Ways of Survival swoops the Dungeon more than once. Well, not that Kim Dokja can blame him. Look at all those things! All of those items are A Grade. What a find…

“What? Come on!”

Looks like Jihye wants to lift the Replica of Thor’s Hammer… and meet with resistance.

“Why! Won’t! You! Move?!”

And to her shock, when Gilyoung look at what she was trying to attempt and he tried it himself, he could easily lift the hammer.

“W-wha…”

“Gilyoung starred as Thor in the Avenger Movie.” Lee Hyunsung told her as if it explains things (it does). The (former?) Soldier himself took the Replica of Captain America’s Shield.

Here’s hoping Hyunsung knows how to throw and catch frisbee or Kim Dokja might need to invest more in his Agility. Just in case.

“That and you’re a Swordswoman.” Yoo Joonghyuk added. “Naturally you won’t get to use Hammer. There’s a difference between cutting the enemy and inflicting blunt trauma. Go pick a sword instead.”

“Like this!” Kim Namwoon waved a glowstick—wait. That was not a glowstick! That was—

“Is that a fucking lightsaber?”

“Let a guy geek in peace, will ya?!”

You know what? Kim Dokja is not paid enough to give a fuck of whatever weapon he chooses so long it wasn’t WMD.

(He can't help but pout in jealousy though. Damn! He can't believe he did not see a Lightsaber over there! Aaaahhh!)

Speaking of a weapon, Sangah-ssi is taking an Umbrella.

Mia approached her, holding a Hoverboard. “An Umbrella, unnie?”

“I know it from an old Chinese movie.” Sangah-ssi explained. “It can be used as a shield and a spear at once. And,” Whoa! “It’s also a sword sheath.”

“Cool!”

Kim Dokja nodded in agreement. That was indeed a cool multipurpose weapon.

Now, what should he choose? Should get some weapon for a better chance against the Theatre Master and future Scenario? Or was Armor better? Or should he find out if there’s a Skill Scroll or Book somewhere? Accessories? What to pick… what to pick…?

“Joonghyuk-ah…”

His voice died in his throat when he saw Joonghyuk-ah.

Holy shit.

“Is that… is that Tom Cruise Outfit for Mission Impossible: Fallout?”

His sexy as FUCK fiancé nodded. “It grants me a boost in Agility and a good chance to move around undetected.” He looks at him. “Do I look good in this?”

Look good? Look GOOD?! Honey, you’re fine as hotcakes! You are a God Blessed ADONIS! That shirt clung to his body perfectly like a second skin! Kim Dokja swears he can see the outline of his buff chest. He means, seriously! How come Joonghyuk-ah grows such massive TITS?!

Kim Dokja knows how nice Joonghyuk-ah’s boobs are. They’re squishy but firm oh my gods they’re his favorite pillow (and hearing his heartbeats put him into a comfortable mood). But this? In that outfit? They showcase how defined his chests are!

Fuck him. Fuck him sideways. The Cake is tempting. Joonghyukkie in his usual outfit is sexy but in that one? He’s a feast. Kim Dokja wants to take a bite. A smaaaaaa~ll bite please—

“Hyung. You’re drooling.”

What? Huh? S-shit!

[Constellation Demon-Like Judge of Fire is 'Quietly' Shrieking]

[500 Coins Have Been Sponsored]

[Constellation Trash of the Count Family is Smirking at You]

[Constellation God of Wine and Ecstasy is Smirking at You]

[Constellation Lineage of Swordmaster is Smirking at You]

[Constellation Black Wings Embrace Lost Ones is Smirking at You]

[Constellation Secretive Plotter Looks at His Fellow Constellation Weirdly]

[Constellation Secretive Plotter is Asking What You Were Thinking]

“N-none of your business!” Kim Dokja wipes the droll.

He glanced at Joonghyuk-ah, who was blushing red to the ears.

S-sorry Joonghyuk-ah. Your fiancé here must have been pent up. Uh, he doesn’t have a boner, right? Not yet? Good.

“So,” Joonghyuk-ah coughed, “what are you going to get?”

Uhm… what should he get… oh! Those are good!

He quickly put on some Reinforce Armor Suit – Replica. It was a bit stuffy, but it gives a minor boost to agility and has a Damage Reduction Feature. He also took a plain-looking cloth that was featured in a certain Child’s Movie that has Blue Earless Cat Robot from the 22nd Century and put it in one of the armor’s pockets. The cloth will be useful in future Scenarios, he can just tell.

“Everyone got what they want?” He made sure to double-check. Just in case the props were gone after they defeated the Dungeon Master. “Alright! There’s still four more floors to go through. Let’s Mosey!”

Chapter Text

“I loathe that Movie.” Kim Dokja spewed curses once he and Yoo Sangah and Lee Hyunsung returned from a Movie. “I fucking loathe that Movie. Damn Screenwriter. Damn Director. Can’t even do Movie Adaptation right!”

Yoo Joonghyuk looked at the Poster.

Oh.

“What’s wrong with that movie?” Lee Jihye asked.

“What’s wrong?” Dokja-yah twitched. “Oh where the fuck do I start? How about they don’t even consult the original author of the novel it adapted from? Oh, oh how about THEY DESTROY THE CHARACTERS AND BOMBED THE PLOT?!” He screams.

“I GET IT THAT THEY CUT SOME SCENES TO SQUEEZE IN FOR TIMES, BUT FOR PETE’S SAKE MUST THEY FUCKED THE CHARACTER?! THE AGE IS THE IMPORTANT BUILD-UP TO THE MAIN PLOT AND THE MOVIE THROWS IT TO THE TOILET! THE MAIN CHARACTER IN THE MOVIE SACRIFICES HIS FRIEND WHEREAS IN THE BOOK HE DOESN’T! THE CHARACTER DYNAMICS IS OUT OF WHACK! AND DON’T GET ME STARTED ON HOW THEY MASSACRE THE PORTRAYAL OF THE UNDERWORLD! ESPECIALLY HADES!”

[Constellation Father of the Rich Night Find the Movie a Disgrace and an Insult!]

[Constellation Queen of Darkest Spring Loathe the Movie!]

[Nebula <Underdworld> Shows Disdain at the Movie!]

[Many Constellations Feels Pity for Constellation Father of Rich Night]

“At least it was not the Sequel.” Yoo Joonghyuk commented. “The Sea of Monster Movie Adaptation is even more fucked up.”

[Nebula <Underworld> is Staring in Horror]

[Nebula <Olympus> is Staring in Horror]

[Constellation God of Wine and Ecstasy Ask How Bad It Is?]

Yoo Sangah winced. “You don’t want to know.” Is all she said.

And that was more than enough.

Better spare them from the utter clusterfuck that was Percy Jackson The Movie: Sea of Monsters.

Even Yoo Joonghyuk who is not invested in the Movie finds it terrible.

“Let’s move on.”

They advance to the next floor.

Unfortunately, over half of the group were hit by Projector Light the second they stepped on the next floor.

“What the—Who the fuck put a Poster this close to the stairs?!”

In a flash, only Yoo Joonghyuk, Kim Dokja, and Yoo Mia remain. They carefully steps around the poster to take a good look of it without getting hit by projector beam themselves.

“Well.” Yoo Joonghyuk put a hand on his hips. “I hope they like stairs.”

Kim Dokja is amused. “We don’t join them?”

“Orabeoni!” Mia cut in. “I wanna do that one!”

That’s the answer.

“Really, Mia?”

“Yeah! Come on!”

“We’re coming, we’re coming!”

.

Jung Heewon looked at her arms.

It was covered in orange fur with black stripes and white fur on her forearm, ending in fluffy paws with toe beans and hidden claws. She was also wearing a sleeveless qipao shirt and black pants and went barefoot. Feeling something, she looked behind and saw a tail swinging.

She connects the dots.

“Holy shit. I’m Tigress?!” She exclaimed in delight. “This is so cool!”

She adores this Kung Fu Panda Character! Sure, Tigress had her own problems, but hey! She’s a Cool Character! Especially in the Third Movie where her Character Development really shows the fruit!

Wait, which movie she was in? Since she’s wearing red, she’s either in the first or second movie.

Jung Heewon began to look around for Clues. There should be something that can tell her. Records, Notes, anything.

She found a scroll in the drawer.

<Item Information>

Name: Tiger Style Kung Fu

Lore: A Scroll Containing Kung Fu Style Used by Tigress

Usage: Instinctive Knowledge and Skill of Tiger Style Kung Fu

“Oh, this is so rad.” Jung Heewon whispers in awe.

Pocketing the Scroll, she get out of her room (just to be on the safe side, she scratched the floor before the sliding door to mark it). It doesn’t take long before other Furious Five stumbles out from their respective room.

“Why the fuck I am a Monkey?”

“I’m animal again?”

“…where is my arms and legs?”

“This feels so weird…”

Jung Heewon blinked.

Oh she recognize their voice.

“Guys?”

Four animals looked at her.

“Unnie?!” The Crane flapped his wings. Wait? His? Jung Heewon remember the Crane was a male but the voice just now is very much female. That means… “Jihye?!”

The Crane bobbed his (her?) head.

Looked around, she recognized her fellow friends.

“Gilyoung?”

Mantis raised his front arm and antennas were twitching.

“Sangah?”

“Uh, here?” Viper raised her tail.

“Namwoon?”

The Monkey looks very annoyed.

“Dude, how do I deal with tail?” He asks. “This thing tripped me twice.”

“That’s your complaint?” Jihye scoffed. “How about me? Look at this?!” She pointed at her wings. “How am I supposed to hold anything?”

“Yeah. Those twiggy legs ain’t helping either.”

Jihye hissed.

Oh wait. Wrong girl. It’s Sangah who hissed.

“Ahem. May I remind you that I have neither?” She reminded them.

Gilyoung raised his arms and shouted, “I’m TINY!”

The four before her began to argues.

Jung Heewon has a headache.

Where is Kim Dokja and Yoo Joonghyuk? Hell. Where is Lee Hyunsung for that matter?!

.

“…”

Lee Hyunsung is not amused at his predicament.

He had been a bear. And now he is a Panda.

He can hear the puns already.

“Come on Po!”

Sighing, Lee Hyunsung the Panda obediently followed Mr. Ping the Goose’s orders and pushed the noodle cart to the Dragon Palace.

It was quite an ordeal, trying to not get tripped over his own weight and crash all those bowls and making fun of himself. Once he got out of this, Lee Hyunsung vowed to never make fun of anyone with a large body size, or for having a pot belly. This is awfully hard.

And then he find out that the Dragon Palace was located at the top of a mountain that overlooks the village. Far, far higher than any Mountain Hyunsung ever climbed.

His neck is already hurting just to look up how many stairs he has to climb.

The Palace is sitting atop thousands upon thousands of daunting stairs.

“Gods have Mercy on me…” he whimpered.

[Constellation Lineage of Swordmaster is Cheering for You!]

[Constellation Abyssal Black Flame Dragon is Laughing at Your Predicament!]

[Your Sponsor, Constellation ‘Master of Steel’, Smiles Awkwardly and Wishes You Luck]

.

Let it be said

Kim Namwoon is seconds away from busting out his guts and rolling on the floor laughing when he heard that Soldier-Ahjussi is screaming “AAAAAIIIIEEEEE!!!” as he rode firecrackers and landed right in the middle of the arena. Perfectly reenacting the entrance scene.

[Constellation ‘Trash’ of the Count Family Smirks]

[Constellation ‘Master of Steel’ Hates Constellation ‘Trash’ of the Count Family for Tricking His Incarnation]

[Constellation ‘Trash’ of the Count Family Defend His Action and Saying It was Movie Canon!]

[Constellation Abyssal Black Flame Dragon is Chortling!]

[Many Constellations are Snickering]

When they were dismissed and left the premise for some “quiet and secluded place”, they exploded in laughter.

“Did you guys see his face?” Hissy Crane wheezes. “It was ‘omg I can’t believe I’m doing this!’ kind of face!”

“H-his scream… pffffttt…!”

“Oh, oh what about when the Goose dad open the door?” Tiger-unnie grins from ear to ear. “He looks like someone had slapped him silly with a fish!”

Kim Namwoon’s fist is pounding the ground.

“It was – haha – he looks like – ffffff – saying I could have done that instead?! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! MY STOMACH!”

.

“How’s your Training?”

Lee Hyunsung, with difficulty, lifted his head. “Beginner Level.” He replied.

Look. Just because he is not a Martial Arts practitioner, it doesn’t mean he can’t throw some punch or kick. He was ex-military personnel alright?! The thing is, this round body makes it hard! He had to rebalance himself because he was not used to his new body! Gods, he had to increase his stamina via coin just so he didn’t run out of breath too soon.

If he knew this would happen, he would have taken Taekwondo back at high school.

“Cheer up.” Heewon patted him on the back. “You haven’t done the split yet, right?”

Hyunsung slammed his face down.

“I hate split…” He groaned. “And how come you guys are fine?!” He glared at his fellow comrade-turned-furry.

Especially Yoo Sangah who, as a snake, lacks arms or legs.

And Lee Gilyoung who had to struggle dealing with things that were his size or bigger.

“Oh us?” Heewon commented airily. “We found Scrolls with our correspondence form. It helps a lot.”

...fucking unfair.

.

“GET THOSE THINGS AWAY FROM ME!”

Yoo Sangah is amused at how Lee Hyunsung is trying to flatten himself against the wall the second Lee Gilyoung whips out a case where Mantis keeps his acupuncture needle.

“Are you scared of needles?” She asks.

“No.” Liar. Yoo Sangah bet if he wasn’t covered in fur, she could see him sweat. “I don’t trust you with those needles. Do you even know Acupuncture?!”

“I got a guide?”

“Is that an answer or a question?!”

Yoo Sangah opens the sketchbook with a diagram of Panda. It reminds her of a certain work of Da Vinci… what was it called again?

“See? A Guide!”

Lee Hyunsung glanced at the sketch dubiously. “Uh-huh. And how sure you are that you can hit the acupoint correctly?”

“…the fat might be trouble…”

“Ah geez!” The paper door slides open and Kim Namwoon saunters in. “What took you so long? If you want to do it then just do it!” He grabs some of the needles and mercilessly jabbing them at Lee Hyunsung. Like he’s some kind of giant breathing pin cushion or something. “There! Done!”

Lee Hyunsung didn’t even yell at him.

He just fell down in weird position and twitching.

“HOLY SHIT KIM NAMWOON?! WHERE DID YOU JAB THOSE NEEDLES AT?!”

“Why are you screaming at?!”

“THE ACUPUNCTURE POINTS ARE IMPORTANT?!”

“Guys you know that I can hear you from the cor—WHAT THE FUCK IS HAPPENING HERE AND WHY IS HYUNSUNG TWERKING ON THE FLOOR?!”

“Pffft! Twerking Panda!”

“GILYOUNG-AH! QUICK! PULL OUT THOSE NEEDLES!”

“COMING!”

[Constellation ‘Master of Steel’ is Requesting for The Incarnations to Stop Bullying His Incarnation]

.

“Do you enjoy the Sacred Peach Tree of Wisdom?”

Lee Hyunsung found himself internally praising the gods for manage to catch himself before falling off the cliff. The Fat would reduce the damage but it would still hurt.

“Ah! M-Master Oogway!” He clumsily salutes the old turtle.

With difficulty.

“At ease.” The Master waved him off. Lee Hyunsung is left standing awkwardly, which earned a chuckle or two. “Tell me, how do you find the scenery.”

“It’s…” Lee Hyunsung glanced beyond the cliff. “It’s pretty but…” he looked down. “I don’t think I’ll ever get used with the stairs.”

He swears he’s going to develop hatred for stairs by end of this. Fuck stairs and praise whoever invent elevator!

“I see that you have gotten close with the Furious Five.”

“Ah… yes.”

“It was quite amazing, how quickly they taken liking on you. Especially Tigress.” Lee Hyunsung is sweating at the turtle’s knowing smile. “One would think they’d be against it but pleasantly enough you formed bonds. Why, for a moment I thought they might be entirely different persons, but surely that can’t be the case, can it?”

The ‘Panda’ can only laugh awkwardly.

“Haha… yeah… that’d be absurd…” Lee Hyunsung murmured. “…Master Shifu is displeased, though.”

The red panda doesn’t enjoy teaching the Panda, teaching Lee Hyunsung, with how clumsy he behaves, and hold him in high standard. Even if he didn’t say anything about it, he’s certainly suspicious of how the ‘Furious Five’ is getting close to the Newbie whom by all accounts they should hate.

“Did he give you a hard time?”

“What? No.” At least nothing more than what the Military dishes out for its soldiers. “He’s… a good teacher, really. Just that…” he trailed off.

“Ah, you find yourself is the problem.”

“…Well, I won’t say it but…”

“Perhaps you wish to have been born with more. Perhaps with Claws, Wings, Venom, or anything that can put you in advantage.” Master Oogway narrates. “Perhaps you wished you were put into a body that is more suitable for Kung Fu. Something less clumsy. Something that can do more than take damages.”

“Err… that…”

“Perhaps you look at others and hold yourself to unfair standards. Wishing you were half as good as them. Thinking that you were holding them back. Afraid that, even if you can do something now, you can’t do the same in the future.”

Lee Hyunsung clammed up.

The Turtle laughed. “My child, you were too focused, too concerned, on what was. On what had been. And of what will be.” He told him. “There is a saying: Yesterday is a History, Tomorrow is a Mystery. However, today is a Gift. Hence why it’s called Present.”

Lee Hyunsung has a strange feeling it wasn’t said just to his character. Just to him.

As if it was said to someone else.

But that would he absurd. Who else were listening? The Constellations? Nah. That cannot be.

“What you have now, what card you’ve given to, is part of the gift.” Master Oogway told him with his wise old eyes. “There are no Coincidences in this world, after all. Nor there are accidents.”

Something about those words struck him deeply.

As if it holds a deeper meaning.

“OI PANDA! WHERE ARE YOU?!” Come the shouting. “DINNER IS READY!”

Master Oogway chuckles.

“I think you better go.”

“Ah, yes! Thank you for your time, sir!”

Lee Hyunsung didn’t look back, perhaps if he did, he would notice something... odd.

.

Fighting against Tai Lung is certainly an exercise in and of itself.

The Snow Leopard do deserve title Master Kung Fu with how he executes his movement. Fast, Powerful, Unrelenting, and Merciless. Similar to one Jung Heewon use, but the similarity ended there. The one Tai Lung use also has him testing their capability by using Fake attack, before switching gear once he gauged their worth.

Extremely Cunning.

Even worse when his palm strike induces paralyzes!

Jung Heewon manages to avoid the worst, but her arms were hanging limply on her sides. Fuck dammit! Yoo Sangah is now a frozen Noddle and Kim Namwoon lose feelings on his legs and had to use his hands as replacement legs.

Suddenly Jung Heewon feels jealous of Lee Hyunsung. No matter how accurate Tai Lung’s strikes are, it was useless if the fat stood in the way and blocking it.

Speak of block, it seems that Hyunsung’s ‘passive’ Fighting Style in absorbing attack and redirecting back the energy work wonders. It was almost like he’s weaponizing Newton’s Third Law of Kinetic Energy!

Her Teddy Bear is going to be formidable opponent in close combat by the time they get out from here.

“FIREWORKS!”

They quickly dives to the sides, with Lee Jihye fly up, just in time to avoid getting run over by a racing cart filled to the brim with festive explosives. All of which has its fuse lit up.

The ensue fireworks is merry enough to launch Tai Lung to the air.

By time the Snow Leopard landed comically on his butts, he was worse for wear, but no less pissed.

“I’m… gonna kill you…”

Seeing a spot of grin, Jung Heewon exchange a look with Lee Hyunsung and they grins.

“Not today.” The pseudo Panda stated. “I mean, you forgot someone.”

“Who?”

“Me!” Lee Gilyoung chirped, displaying some needles he procures from who knows where. “Do you like Acupuncture?”

He pulls a page from Kim Namwoon and start jabbing those needles randomly.

It was anticlimactic to see Tai Lung frozen with hilariously comical expression when Lee Gilyoung jabbed one of the needle in whatever Acupuncture Spot it was.

“…I think I hit his heart?” The Mantis wondered. “Is that enough?”

[The Theatre Master is Pleased With the Ending]

[You Have Reached the 39th Ending Credit]

[Cast: Lee Hyunsung, Jung Heewon, Yoo Sangah, Lee Jihye, Kim Namwoon, and Lee Gilyoung]

[You Have Each Earned 1,000 Coins]

“Yeah, it’s enough.”

Projector light hit on them and when they opened their eyes, they were back at the Cinema. It was with delight that Jung Heewon found that she could move her arms again. Albeit with difficulty but hey! At least it now feels like someone had used them for pillows for far too long rather than outright paralyzing.

Still cannot use a sword for some time, though.

Others were having similar problems, with Yoo Sangah winced as she tested her limbs.

“Feels weird having arms and legs again.” She commented, staring at her hands.

“Tell me about it. Fingers now feel so weird.”

Yeah, the peril of readjusting to their body.

Both Jung Heewon and Kim Namwoon had to quickly adjust of not having tail, at least not to the extent of a Tiger or a Monkey.

Another flash of Projector light, and Yoo Joonghyuk, Kim Dokja, and Yoo Mia are done with their movie.

“Enjoy being fury?” Kim Dokja teases.

“Har de har har. Very funny.” Lee Jihye replied back. “What about you?” She looked at the poster, and did double take. “WHO’S THE RAPUNZEL?!”

Chapter Text

Kim Dokja has suspicion.

He had been casted as Flynn Rider, and boy, wasn’t it a surprise to enter the scene as he was being chased for theft?! He was thankful his experience allows him to dodge the arrows or some would have lodged in his skull!

He can hear snickers from the Constellation despite the message is written in Indirect Sentences!

And this horse is so sassy what the fuck? Is all horse this sassy or was it just this one?

Dammit. The freefall hurts. He manages to minimalize the injury, hurray for coin-enhanced endurance! ‘cept now he has to hid from that sassy af horse and find where Mia-yah and Joonghyuk-ah is.

Oh wait.

Maybe they’re at Rapunzel tower. It was just down this cave. Already he can see the stone tower.

“Time to follow the plot a little.” He muttered to himself as he took out two arrows and began to use them as climbing tool.

He wonders who’s the Rapunzel. Maybe it’s Mia-yah? She gonna make a tsundere Rapunzel, which gonna be hilarious. Joonghyuk-ah gonna be a grumpy Pascal who would posturing comically to intimidate others. Looks like it’s up to Kim Dokja to intimidate the fools away from the little princess.

“Uff!” He huffed as he hauled his ass on that window. “Goddamn Mother Gothel and damn her possessiveness. And damn Princess locked in tower tropes!” If he want to kidnap someone, locking them in a goddamn tower in middle of nowhere is pretty much giant Red Flag for any passerby!

“Orabeoni! You’re finally here!”

Oh that’s Mia—huh. “Mia-yah? Where are you?” He didn’t see the girl.

“Down here.”

He looked to the side, and saw a small chameleon look at him expectantly.

“Mia-yah?”

“Who else?”

Wait. If she is Pascal the chameleon then…

Kim Dokja’s eyes trailed on the insanely long dark hair, that goes everywhere, before it ends with…

[Constellation Demon-Like Judge of Fire Squealed and Exclaim Incarnation Yoo Joonghyuk is Pretty!]

[500 Coins Have Been Sponsored!]

[Constellation Queen of Darkest Spring Smiles Mischievously]

[500 Coins Have Been Sponsored!]

[Constellation Black Wings Embrace Lost Ones Wolf-Whistle]

[Constellation Secretive Plotter is Bemused]

Eyebrows seemingly drawn by a single, uninterrupted stroke of a famed artist’s brush; a nose and a chin shaped in perfect angles that defied attempts to measure them through mere devices of men. Wide, black, sultry eyes that Kim Dokja could never get boring looking at. His thick, curly hair is really soft to the touch and that was when it was short! Now? Now with Rapunzel-length hair, it was like endless waves of darkness. Like perfect starless night sky and Kim Dokja wanting no more than to brush them and decorate them with gems and flowers and everything beautiful.

And the outfit. Oh gods. The dress looks good on him! He means, it would be better if it was darker color, but holy guacamole! The upper part of the dress hugged his biceps nicely and outlining his tits! Not like the Spy outfit he got from Fifth Floor, no, but this one somehow softening his Macho outline into something softer, something girly.

Or maybe it was the color? Pink and light purple. Maybe if switch the pink with black and get rid the sleeves—

Oh.

Oh no.

That would be a bloody hot sight ohmigosh does he has Crossdressing kink? Because he sure af has Chinese Dress and Garter belt kink---asdfghjkl if Joonghyuk-ah wore it then—AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

“…please stop staring.” Joonghyuk-ah muttered, one hand covering his pretty face. His pretty, red face.

“But! But you’re so pretty! Like, PRETTY FUCKING HOT!” Kim Dokja shouted, cutting his words. Blood dribble down from his nose like world’s tiniest river.

That, if anything, just make Joonghyuk-ah turned even redder.

[Constellation ‘Trash’ of the Count Family Snorted at the Exclamation]

[Constellation ‘Trash’ of the Count Family Would Like to Notify that You Are Openly Ogling Incarnation Yoo Joonghyuk]

“Why not?” Kim Dokja looked up. “He is my fiancé! Of course I have all the right to ogle him. If Joonghyuk-ah is bothered, he would have socked my face. It’s not like he never ogle me publicly either.”

[Constellation Secretive Plotter Chokes on His Drink!]

[Constellation ‘Master of Steel’ Went Still in Shock!]

[Constellation Demon-Like Judge of Fire is SQUEALING at the Revelation!]

[1,000 Coins Have Been Sponsored!]

[Constellation Secretive Plotter is Staring in Shock!]

[Constellation Scribe of Heaven is Reconsidering Cutting Constellation Demon-Like Judge of Fire Internet Connection]

[Constellation Secretive Plotter is Trying To Process the Information]

[Constellation Prisoner of Golden Headband is Pulling His Hair and Laughing at How Open You Are!]

[200 Coins Have Been Sponsored!]

[Constellation Secretive Plotter is Shouting “WHAT?!”]

[Constellation God of Wine and Ecstasy is Smiling in Amusement and Commendable on Your Communication With Your Partner]

[500 Coins Have Been Sponsored!]

[Constellation Secretive Plotter Demands Since When You Two Are in Relationship!]

Kim Dokja exchanges a look with Joonghyuk-ah, who had lowered his hand.

“Ah, well, we know each other since high school.” Joonghyuk-ah answered. “We didn’t date until our last year in college, though. If I had known I would’ve skipped the Pining phrase.” He grumbles Kim Dokja shares the sentiment.  Pining hurts. “We were engaged a few years ago.” The taller male flashed his engagement ring. Thankfully no matter which scene they’re on, the rings stayed on their finger.

Kim Dokja would be very upset if anything happens to it. He bought the ring with his own money. And they are CUSTOM MADE! Elegant black titanium with silver carving in their lover’s name. Kim Dokja’s has Yoo Joonghyuk, while Joonghyuk-yah’s has Kim Dokja. They’re one-of-a-kind!

“We would have married this Autumn once Hyunsung got his break from military, considering he is Joonghyuk-ah’s best man for the wedding.” Kim Dokja continues. “Except this shit happened and our wedding is pushed into backburner.”

Can’t they wait until Winter at least?!

[Constellation Secretive Plotter is Flustered!]

[Constellation Secretive Plotter is Turning Red!]

[Constellation Secretive Plotter is Thinking Too Had and Gain Psychic Damage!]

[Constellation Secretive Plotter Fainted!]

[…]

[Several Constellations are Looking at Constellation Secretive Plotter in Confusion]

There’s a moment of silence.

“What is wrong with him?” Mia asked. Confused.

Kim Dokja shrugged.

What? Don’t ask him. He is not Secretive Plotter, ok?!

“Ah, also.” He remembers. “Don’t tell Hyunsung, ok? We’re planning to make it a surprise for him.”

[Constellation Prisoner of Golden Headband Mimic Zipping Up His Mouth]

[Constellation Queen of Darkest Spring Nods]

[Constellations of Nebula <Fantasia> Smiles At Your Request]

[Constellation Demon-like Judge of Fire Giggling and Ask if She can Facilitate the Wedding]

[Constellation Scribe of Heaven Pointedly Looks at Constellation Demon-Like Judge of Fire]

[Constellation Lily Blooming in Aquarius Sighed at Constellation Demon-Like Judge of Fire’s Antics]

[Constellation ‘Master of Steel’ Excuse Himself and Stating He Needs to Scream into the Void]

He takes whatever he can take.

“So,” turning to Joonghyuk-ah and Mia-yah, he wondered, “how do we change the ending?”

“Arson?” Their little sister suggested. “Stone and wood make oven.”

.

The Mother Gothel screams as the tower explodes in fire, courtesy of Flamethrower Yoo Joonghyuk confiscated from Kim Namwoon.

To ensure her death, he cut off his hair short, despite the mournful puppy eyes look from Kim Dokja and Yoo Mia.

Look. He’s willing to grow out his hair, but not to this ridiculous extent, okay?!

Chapter Text

“I say it was a shame we haven’t found Golden Compass.”

“Eh? Why Unnie?”

“Because,” at this Lee Jihye shot a smirk at their resident Bear. “One of its important characters is a Polar Bear.”

“Jihye, no.”

“Oh come on.” Just one moreeeee~

“Absolutely no.”

“Just one more.”

“I’m not doing your We Bare Bears checklist!”

But it was such a waste! We got Brown/Black Bear, we got Panda, and all that’s left is Polar Bear!

“I’m just saying, you guys are hypocrites.”

“You’re still hung up on it?”

“Of course! Who was it who confiscated my Flamethrower in the first place and—”

“Alright, alright. No need to throw hands.” Ugly Ahjussi breaks the fight. “We almost done with the Dungeon.”

“So, all that’s left is the Boss, right?” Jihye looked at the stairs. “Let’s go finish it!”

She picked up the pace.

“Oi! Wait!”

“Hey, don’t be hasty! The boss is—"

Glancing back she grin when Ahjussi chased after her and—

FLASH!

“Seriously?! One more?!”

Light blinds her vision. She can't get used to this sensation even after so many movies she went through.

Huh. Oh, it seems she had finally arrived. Lee Jihye can feel her feet standing on something… solid-ish. She tapped down. Wood. Huh. The ground moved. And this salty smell… sea? Again?! She had seasickness dangabit! Why she has to take part in a sea-based movie?! Yeah, her sponsor is called Maritime War Admiral, but even Jihye is puzzled as to why! Don’t ask her!

Jihye open her eyes, disgruntled with the content of her stomach is ready to rebel… again. And yet when she finally grasps where she is—

(“Crybaby! Hey!” A girl with short black hair grinned at her.)

“No.”

Lee Jihye took a step back, hands pressed against her mouth as she suddenly had a whole different reason to feel nauseous.

“Not this.” Whimpers escape her lips. “Not this one… not this… anything but that film!”

(“You sure you wanna blow your allowance for this?”

“Whaaaat? This is a good film! I mean, we basically gonna learn history! Imagine if we passed out History test because of this film!”

“Oooooh! Goodbye boring book!”

“Exactly!”)

“Everyone! Duck!”

Lee Jihye feel how she was pulled aside and made to huddle under a makeshift shelter from the rain of artillery. She vaguely heard dialogue from the movie, of how the Soldiers command the ship to turn around and tried to mitigate the damage they took.

“Uh, sooo… how are we gonna blow those up?”

“We can reena—what the actual fuck? Where is the rest of the armada?!”

“Don’t tell me that shitty Dungeon Master—!”

“Oi! Oi!” Lee Jihye felt a pair of hands shake her roughly. “Oi! Your Constellation is Maritime guy something right?! Do something!”

“..can’t.”

“What?”

Lee Jihye slapped his hands away.

“I said… I CAN’T!” She screamed.

[Constellation Maritime War Admiral Pities Lee Jihye]

“I can’t!” I can’t! I won’t do it!”

“Unnie?”

[Constellation Maritime War Admiral Encourages Lee Jihye]

“Just… just finish it yourselves!” They are strong, aren’t they? They can do it without her! Just… just leave her here…! “You guys… just take care of it…!”

“What do you mean by that?!” Kim Namwoon grabbed her by wrist. “Oi! What is wrong with you? Get ahold of yourself!”

“Lee Jihye.” Ahjussi kneeled by her side. “Please. We need you.”

“Shut up!” Lee Jihye screamed. “You guys don’t need me! So shut up and leave me be! You don’t…” She chokes. “You don’t understand anything!”

If she closes her eyes hard enough, she can pretend that she is in a cinema seat. Sitting and watching the film with a bucket of popcorn in her lap. And next to her was…

[Constellation Maritime War Admiral Gazes at Lee Jihye in Sorrow]

SHUT UP!

“Jihye. Can I call you just Jihye?” Ahjussi kneeled. “I am going to take a shot and guess… this movie reminds you of someone.”

Lee Jihye choked.

Because he is not wrong. No.

Ahjussi guess it correctly.

“It’s someone you know well.”

(“Hi! My name is Na Bori. Yours?”)

“And… that someone is no longer in this world.”

(“I-I’m sorry…! I’m sorry! I’m so sorry!”

“It’s… o… kay…”

The feeling of bones snapping under her palm would forever etched into her brain)

Lee Jihye wailed.

Just a week ago they were happy. Just a pair of ordinary school girls. All they have to worry about is their grades, their parents’ nagging, and club activity. And yet… and yet everything changed when that furball demon entered their life and turn everything into Hell!

Why she lived at the expense of her best friend?! Why Na Bori must die?! Why they can’t survive together WHY?!

WHY SHE MUST KILL HER BEST FRIEND WHILE OTHERS CAN AVOID IT?!

It’s not fair…

It’s not Fair…!

“Shit—! Hyunsung! Namwoon! Cover for us! Buy me time!”

“Understood sir!”

“Don’t take too long!”

Ahjussi made her look at him.

“Jihye, I can’t say I understand what you went through… and I’m sorry I can’t give you the comfort you need… but you must stand up, Jihye.”

She shook her head.

“N-no… I can’t. I-I’m disgusting. I don’t… I don’t deserve to live—”

SLAP!

Lee Jihye feels a stinging pain on her cheek.

Ahjussi had slapped him.

“You are not allowed to say such a thing, ever.” He told her not unkindly. “Jihye, you can’t change past. It already happens. But you can decide your future. And for that, you must live.”

“I—”

“Jihye. Life. Please. Don’t give up on living. If you live, there’s a chance that things will turn around. There’s a chance that things will become better. You must not give up no matter what.” Ahjussi told her. “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is mystery, but today is called present for reason. It’s a gift for you.”

“Ahjussi.”

“The one who loved this film… the Cinema Master had messed it up. So…” Ahjussi held out his hand. “Stand up and correct it—no. Give it a better ending. An ending that would make that person happy. Stand up, Lee Jihye. For yourself. For us who are here with you. For others who were waiting for us. For that Person who is no longer here and passed their will onto you.”

(“Jihye.”

“Kill me.”

“And Live.”)

Lee Jihye choked a laugh.

Right.

She must live. She must keep living.

Otherwise… otherwise that idiot Na Bori threw her life away for nothing and Jihye can’t let that happen, can she?

[Lee Jihye Has Acquired a New Stigma]

[Stigma Ghost’s Fleet Lv1 Has Been Activated]

A passage spoke through her mind.

“I still have twelve ships left to fight with.

I would happily die where I stand, if I could have my Vengeance.”

“Took you long enough!”

Lee Jihye grinned.

“Don’t think you’re off the hook, bastard!” Lee Jihye shouted. “Because I am going to work you to the bones!”

Looking into the sky, Lee Jihye put on her most challenging look.

You want an exciting battle, huh?

She will give you exactly just that. Make no mistakes. It wasn’t for you.

For her friend who loved this movie, for her who sacrificed herself so Lee Jihye could live.

She will give her all in this battle.

“Bring it on, you bunch of compressed EXP!”

Chapter Text

“Welcome back to the land of consciousness, Great Plotter.” 41 greeted the recently awakened Outer God.

“What did I miss?”

“Nothing much. Just them finished the rest of Movies. Albeit…”

“Albeit… what?”

“Have we ever been that soft?”

Plotter watched the recorded video of Yoo Joonghyuk comforted Lee Jihye.

“…Don’t give up on living. If you live, there’s a chance that things will turn around. There’s a chance that things will become better. You must not give up no matter what.”

“I can taste the Irony.” 81 offers his opinion. One that is shared by everyone.

Wasn’t quite a number of them died because of suicides when things take turn for worse instead of for better? This Yoo Joonghyuk is particularly naïve. Even 999 is not this naïve.

Maybe this one can afford to be naïve because so far, nothing but good things happened to him.

If they discounted the Kim-Dokja-threw-himself-to-Monster-Mouth, that is.

Speaking of, the group finally climbed to the final floor, Sky Garden, and was about to face Simulacra.

From his peripheral vision, Secretive Plotter can see 8 and 11 hold onto each other when Simulacra finally appears.

Right. Those two died because of that Dungeon Boss.

The Cinema Master raised his head, pretending to be an aged gentleman, before a dark aura shot from his feet to…

“Akk!”

“Urgh!”

Both Jung Heewon and Lee Jihye fell to their knees. Groaning and clutching their head as if in pain.

“WHAT THE FUCK?!” 8 screamed aloud. “This is not supposed to happen!” He turned to 999. “This didn’t happen on your turn, isn’t it?!”

“It didn’t!” 999 shook his head, his face rapidly losing color. “It tried to attack me but my Mental Barrier repelled the skill!” he turned to others who also challenged Cinema Dungeon and won.

All of them shook their head in negative.

“Then why is he targeting them?!” 11 flailed, pointing to the screen that was now showing Lee Hyunsung blocking all of Jung Heewon’s attacks, while Yoo Sangah was desperately restraining Lee Jihye using her stigma.

Yoo Joonghyuk and Kim Dokja tried to attack Simulacra. Keyword here is tried, as the bastard summons the enemy of the previous movies.

“Okay. Now, that one did happen on mine.”

Secretive Plotter gripped on his armrest.

Unknown variable. Unknown outcome. This never happened before, he can’t predict what will happen next.

Why the Cinema Master didn’t target Yoo Joonghyuk of that round? Why someone else?

What makes him different?

Is it because he is mentally stable? If one ignores the clinginess, then yes, Yoo Joonghyuk of that round has the most mental stability. He was seemingly unaware of regressions, and having his sister and fiancé (and isn’t that a can of worm? Him having a fiancé?!) in his arms, safe (for the most part) does wonders on his mental health.

On the screen, Yoo Joonghyuk is attacked by a minion that Simulacra summons. That creature manage to cut his back open.

Well, mental health doesn’t equal physical strength.

This one is particularly weak.

But he does it to protect Kim Dokja so he get a pass.

(A good part of Secretive Plotter is still in disbelief that he is an engaged man! He has a fiancé! Wait, his fiancé is a man! Does it mean he is Gay?! But that guy is rather pretty looking with a small waist and—

Holy shit he is gay!

Or bi, at the very least.

Urgh.

Secretive Plotter slotted the dilemma to The Box that will be unpacked later)

Back to the situation. Why Yoo Joonghyuk hasn’t used Stigma [Transmission] and gathered the Skill from other Regression rounds? Secretive Plotter can name a dozen skill that is useful for this scenario.

Wait. This one is not aware he is a regressor. Could it be… he is not a regressor?

No. that can’t be. Secretive Plotter is sure this is Worldline 1864, not zero

Or…

Is 1864 synonymous with Zero? Is that why he didn’t use the stigma? Because he didn’t have it?

But why 1864? Why Plotter is so sure of it?

(Something is missing. He realizes with horror. Something is missing from his memories

He had to take a deep dive)

“Urk!”

That Yoo Joonghyuk coughed blood after the attack he just received sent him flying to the barrier.

A black miasma shot from Simulacra.

Here it comes.

Being toyed as its puppet.

Maybe it won’t work. This Yoo Joonghyuk looks stable so he can resist. Precedence existed so—

“Joonghyuk-ah! Watch out!”

Kim Dokja pushed Yoo Joonghyuk away from the miasma. Taking the hit from him.

It… took Secretive Plotter a moment to realize that he was screaming alongside the kkomas.

“You… you… WHY DID YOU DO IT YOU ABSOLUTE FOOL?!”

Yoo Joonghyuk won’t be able to fight him. Secretive Plotter is sure of that. It took him several regressions and multiple deaths in her hands before he finally accepted that in some regressions, Lee Seolhwa wasn’t his ally but his enemy. In some, they were mere strangers, even. Going on their separate ways. He had gotten used to the idea. And even then, he originally met Lee Seolhwa starting from the Fifth Scenario onwards.

Kim Dokja is different.

That fool was his. His fiancé. They have been together ever since before Scenarios.

Secretive Plotter is not sure why he only shows up now (maybe he died early—abyss did either Kim Namwoon or Lee Hyunsung let him die? Did either of them kill him?! he was in their carriage, wasn’t he? No. this Yoo Joonghyuk boarded it too. Maybe Kim Dokja was elsewhere and he got killed? It was one thing to go against monsters, it was different when it came to humans because they got creative when they betrayed someone!). either way, Kim Dokja is an anomaly that exists only in this worldline and his precious ties to life Before—

The Outer God took deep breath.

It won’t do for him to have panic attack.

He had… he had to calm down.

Kim Dokja… he raised his sword and lurched forward… to Kim Namwoon. Expertly dodged the attack and sent him flying with a roundhouse kick and landed atop the children. Then he moved to Yoo Sangah and Lee Jihye. Swinging his sword to strike the girls—and cut the minions in his way.

Like a whirlwind, he moved to Jung Heewon and Lee Hyunsung. In this, he faced more difficulty, as he didn’t have a surprise element (both are alert), and they are physical fighters (Yoo Sangah is a Support and Lee Jihye was firmly bound).

Secretive Plotter bites the inside of his cheek when he watches how Kim Dokja wildly swings his sword. So… unrefined. So unlike his fight against the Dark Keeper where he is cold and calculative. Right now his fiancé (FIANCE!) is nothing more than a mindless wild beast—

Wait.

“Is it just me or…” 111 squinted his eyes. “Or is he delivering strikes with excess power that blow away the minions in his path?”

Indeed.

Kim Dokja might attack like a rabid beast… his strikes landed harsher against the minions Simulacra summoned than against his companions. And… isn’t he ignoring Yoo Joonghyuk? And didn’t strike those who were already down?

“Why did he…”

As Kim Dokja swung his sword to Hyunsung’s open back when the man was down (handling damage from not one but two of his comrades is taxing), Yoo Joonghyuk suddenly appeared and intercepted the attack.

“Kim Dokja!” He called out. “Get… a grip… on… yourself!”

That was useless, Secretive Plotter thought bitterly. And 11 seems to know it too.

In his regression, he had brought his companions… only for them to die on his hands when they tried to snap him out of control, and failed. Badly.

Simulacra command the Minion to attack.

Yoo Joonghyuk foolishly lowered his weapon in the hope Kim Dokja would come back—that idiot is getting killed for sure—

Many pairs of eyes watched with astonishment as Kim Dokja turned against the Minions and cut them to ribbons instead.

“…no…”

To their shock, Kim Dokja’s eyes regained their focus.

“Not… you… not Joonghyukkie… not him… w-won’t…”

“He is fighting against the influence.” 41 mutters in wonder.

Kim Dokja screamed as the Cinema Master tightened his grip around him.

“Dokja-yah!”

Kim Dokja launched himself forward… but he changed his trajectory at the last possible moment, and his attack missed Yoo Joonghyuk’s head by an inch. His expression is one of pure horror.

“YOU BITCH!” 11 screamed at the image of Simulacra. “YOU-YOU FUCKER! HOW DARE YOU?! HOW DARE YOU!”

It was one thing to watch another version of themselves being puppeted.

It was a different ballpark for the Scenario generated Son of a Bitch to go after others.

After their fiancé.

Who manages to regain his consciousness, and yet is still being used as a puppet and all the horror that comes with it.

Many kkomas joined him screaming death threats at Simulacra.

999 was silent and—oh dear. He is on the verge of a panic attack.

“I-I can’t,” he whispered. “I can’t watch it… I can’t… this is too much…”

Secretive Plotter rubbed his back.

On the Screen, Kim Dokja dig his heel. Tripping himself.

“I… I won’t!” He cried out. “I won’t… harm… Joonghyuk-ah!” He raised his sword, holding it with both hand. But the direction—no. no no no no no no no NO! “I will not… I refuse to hurt Joonghyuk!”

He stabbed himself in the stomach.

“NO!”

“KIM DOKJA!”

Yoo Joonghyuk caught him. Blood dyed his hands red. Shakily called his name and not knowing whether to let the sword sticking out from his guts or taking it out.

Secretive Plotter think he can hear someone throwing up but he doesn’t know who.

He didn’t dare to look away from the screen.

His eyes zoned at the limb body of Kim Dokja.

(Red is not a good color for him

Not in that quantity

It’s the wrong red)

“You…” he turned to the shocked Dungeon Boss.

The culprit.

The reason Kim Dokja is dying.

If he could...

Secretive Plotter will kill him.

“I WILL KILL YOU!”

Something is tugging at the back of his head.

Activation of a Stigma

Chapter Text

Yoo Joonghyuk lifts Kim Dokja in bridal carry. Careful to not aggravate the injury. Even though he knows the wound on his stomach has closed without a trace, the High Grade Recovery Potions that ‘Trash’ of the Count Family gave to him work wonders, yet still… Yoo Joonghyuk didn’t want to take chances in case something went wrong.

His hands are still red from dried blood. Dokja’s blood.

[Constellation Demon-Like Judge of Fire Worries about Incarnation Kim Dokja]

[Constellation Prisoner of Golden Headband Pulls His Hair in Stress]

[Constellation Father of Rich Night Look at Incarnation Kim Dokja with Indiscernible Expression]

 [Constellation Queen of Darkest Spring Sighs Sadly]

[Constellation Abyssal Black Flame Dragon Stated That Wasn’t the Bloodshed He Wants]

[Constellation Secretive Plotter is Fretting About Incarnation Kim Dokja’s Wellbeing]

“Orabeoni will be alright,” Mia told him. “He will. Have to.”

Yoo Joonghyuk can’t even muster the strength to smile at her attempt to console him.

His mind replayed the scene where Dokja-yah stabbed himself.

Because of him.

Dokja-yah loves him more than he loves himself. Yoo Joonghyuk is painfully reminded of that when Dokja-yah rather die than hurt him.

If only he was stronger.

If only he killed the Dungeon Boss faster.

If only he didn’t lower his guard.

If only he jumped aside when the Dungeon Boss was about to snare him.

If only

If only

If only…

“…what do we do now?” Yoo Sangah asks.

Yoo Joonghyuk look at the sky. A dawn filled with shooting stars.

It should be a beautiful sight. If it was any other situation he would have made wishes.

But he doesn’t.

Knowing what those shooting stars, those meteors, carry inside them, what they signalize, makes the inside of his mouth taste sour.

“Let’s go back to the Station.” He told the others. “The Third Scenario is going to end soon.”

He heard groans.

“Seriously?” Jung Heewon complained. “We were done with this and you talk about Scenarios? What about Dokja-ssi?”

Yoo Joonghyuk gives her a withering look.

“You think I don’t care? Sorry to burst your bubble but we don’t have a choice.” He told her. “The scenario will happen regardless of our protest.” If it were up to him, he would pause the whole shenanigans just so Dokja-yah could recover. Or better yet, pause it indefinitely.

Right on cue, the notification about how the Third Main Scenario finally ends… and the Fourth will begin shortly.

Kim Namwoon swore. “Dude. Have you ever heard something called break?”

“Will the Station be safe?” Lee Hyunsung worried. “Dokja-ssi, us, we anger a lot of people, what if they attack?”

Right.

Dokja-yah is the one with command and he’s out cold.

“Then we better get ready to dirty our hands.”

If it was to protect Dokja-yah, Yoo Joonghyuk is ready to do anything. Anything. Killing some pests is not a particularly hard decision.

His hands might be full of Dokja-yah, but he still has legs. One good kick can break neck. Or shatter joints. He just needs to invest in his strength.

Yoo Joonghyuk makes sure Dokja-yah is comfortable, with head tucked to his chest just the way he loves it, before making his way down.

The Station is chaos by the time they arrived. Yoo Joonghyuk send his most terrifying death glare when one of the Landlord Coalition sneers at them, at Dokja-yah. Before anyone can say something, the notification about the Scenario Progress appears. Five more minutes until the Fourth Scenario begins.

[Hahaha! How have you been, everyone? I can tell you have a great time from the look on your face!]

That demonized plushie better shut up about Great Time or Yoo Joonghyuk will do something.

“What is it this time?!”

[Now, now, don’t get upset and listen up. I came to tell you about the Fourth Scenario, of course! You have to join forces with other Stations for the Fourth Scenario! You’re Going to Love what I’m about to tell, so keep your ears peeled open!]

“Join forces with other Stations?” Yoo Sangah inquired. “But… wasn’t people from Myeondong tried to kill us back then?” She whispered among them.

“Well.” Yoo Joonghyuk drawled. “Forced cooperation is a thing…”

“War games or Capture the Flag?” Lee Gilyoung asks, remembering the discussion on other day.

[The Game that’s about to take place is like a Prelude. A Warm-up of sorts. The rules are as follows:]

[A New Sub-Scenario Have Arrived!]

┏

[Sub-Scenario – Leader Election]

Category: Sub

Difficulty: C

Clear Condition: Take the White Flag Installed at the Center of the Platform

Time Limit: 30 Minutes

Reward: 1,000 Coins, Winner Elected as the Leader of Chungmuro

Failure: -

*You will be granted Absolute Authority over others when elected as Leader

┛

A pole with a small flag formed at the center of the Station.

“Capture the Flag, it is.”

“Hold him for a moment.” With a heavy heart, Yoo Joonghyuk passed Kim Dokja to Lee Hyunsung, before making a dash for the flag using [Red Phoenix Shunpo Lv1]. Stepping onto Gong Pildu’s back when the man scrambled for it.

Hah.

As if.

The fatty bastard must be thinking if he became the Leader, he no longer have to listen to Dokja-yah, maybe even enacting revenge. No. Yoo Joonghyuk can’t let it happen. He will be the leader so those loose ends won’t be able to harm Dokja-yah.

[You Have Taken the White Flag from the Flagpole]

[You Have Become The Leader of Chungmuro Station]

[You Have Been Granted the Right to Walk the King’s Path]

[Yoo Joonghyuk Has Taken the White Flag]

[If the Ownership of the Flag Didn’t Change in the Next Five Minutes, Chungmuro Station Will Remain Under His Command]

[If the Ownership of the Flag is Changed, a New Leader Will be Elected and the 5 Minutes Timer Will be Reset]

Five minutes, huh?

“TAKE THE FLAG!”

Yoo Joonghyuk glanced at the mob that rushed to him. Clicking his tongue, he moved to incapacitated them. Kicking hard enough to leave bruises for days and hitting with the sheathed sword. From the corner of his eyes, he saw the rest of the group helped him. Tripping their leg or did blunt trauma damage. Practically using the mob as practice for their newfound Kung Fu Skill.

“Damn it…!”

Gong Pildu activate his Stigma.

Kim Namwoon replied by giving a warning shot that grazed his cheek.

“You know old man? I’ve been wondering.” He bared his teeth. “Which one is faster? My gun or your turrets?”

[Constellation Abyssal Black Flame Dragon Roared in Delight]

Looking at the angry, cornered mob, Yoo Joonghyuk thinks, ‘what Dokja would do?’

The answer is easy.

“You have two choices.” He told them. “First, you can stay and do as I say, no complaints. If I say Jump, you will jump.”

“So You are playing King aren’t you?!”

Yoo Joonghyuk shrugs. “Second, you can leave the station. I won’t stop you, but if the other Stations refuse to accept you, or even attack you, I refuse to hold any responsibility. In fact, I will not hesitate to attack if you come back crawling for refuge.” Looking at them, he added.

“I loathe traitors and detest betrayal.”

“I-If we join your group, can you guarantee our safety?”

“I can, but only from other stations. I don’t dabble in internal conflict unless it threatens to tear this group apart, and if you don’t resolve it among yourself fast, I will choose the bloodiest and quickest way to end discord. I’m not your nanny.” Yoo Joonghyuk replied bluntly. “If you wonder about the Fee, then I will tell you this: I don’t need your coins. Keep them on yourself.”

He is loaded enough as it was.

He then saw one of the Landlord try to get Gong Pildu left with them.

Feeling petty, Yoo Joonghyuk threw a condescending sneer. “I suggest you leave Gong Pildu here, unless you want to take a time bomb with you seeing he is still under contract with Kim Dokja.”

You have to be amazed at how easy they abandon him after that.

Turncoat, amirite?

[The Sub Scenario Has Been Completed]

[You Have Received 1,000 Coins For Your Achievement]

[You Have Become the True Leader of Chungmuro Station Thanks to the Power of the White Flag]

[You Can Punish Any Member Who is Disagree With you]

[You Have Insufficient Fame to be Named A King]

Heel, Joonghyuk, heel. Now is not the time to think about kinky roleplay. Your fiancé is not even conscious.

[So You’re the Leader? Let’s get the Main Game started, then!]

[The Fourth Main Scenario Has Been Activated!]

┏

[Main Scenario #4 – Capture the Flaf]

Category: Main

Difficulty: C

Clear Condition:

1. Each Station is Given a Flagpole Where a Flag Can Be Planted (*The Flag Can Only be Held by Leader of Each Group).
2. You Must Defend Your Flagpole from the Other Groups. If Another Group’s Flag is Planted, Your Station Will be Taken Over by the Group That Has Planted Their Flag and The Fate of Your Group Will be Left at Their Disposal.
3. You Can Plant Your Flag at The Flagpoles in Other Stations. Only the Leader Has the Power to Plant Flags. If Your Leader Dies, the Next Person to Take the Flag Will be the New Leader. If the Other Group Takes the Flag Before a Member of Your Group Does, the Fate of Your Group Will be Left at Their Disposal.
4. You Must Plant Your Flag At A Specified Target Flagpole Within the Given Time Limit or Everyone in Your Group Will Die.
5. The Target Station For Your Group Will Be [Changshin Station].

Time Limit: 12 Days

Reward: 2,000 Coins

Failure: ???

┛

“Doorstopper.” Jung Heewon sweated. “So… we have to defend our flagpole and at the same time plant our flag at other’s? Did I get it right?”

“Sounds like beginning or World’s Bloodiest Capture the Flag Game.” Lee Jihye chuckled to herself.

“Do you think… we have to fight other people again?”

“Yes.” Yoo Joonghyuk answered. “Seeing if we don’t get our target within the time limit we all die, I’m willing to bet others get the same stipulation. Perhaps someone out there has our Chungmuro Station as Target.”

“Which one Changshin Station is?”

“Line 6.” Hyunsung answered Mia’s question. “If we go through Yaksu, we can pass on one of the transfer stations.”

[The Safety Barrier Around Chungmuro Has Been Deactivated Due to Scenario]

[You Can Now Move Freely Between Stations]

“Hyung is still sleeping.”

Right.

“We split the team then.” It pains Yoo Joonghyuk. If only he could be in Two Places at the same time… is there a skill for that? Cloning or whatever. Should he take a good look at the Store?

Wait. Does it mean someone out there has Cloning Skill?

The sound of roaring engines draw his attention.

This fast? Oh, wait. Right. Time flows differently between Stations.

“Gear up, everyone. Looks like we have unwanted guests here.”

Chapter Text

“What got onto this bastard?”

Lee Gilyoung glared at Gong Pildu-Ahjussi, but answer, “Dungeon Master got him.”

“Don’t tell me you got into Sub-Scenario.”

Lee Gilyoung shrugged.

“Dammit brat!” The old man grumpily crossed his arms. “What kind of Scenario is it?”

“Entering Movie and played as Actor. We got most of them.”

“Is there some Movie untouched?” Someone asked. “Think we can try it?”

“There’s one Hyung and others stay away from it.” He answers. “The Ring.”

He saw everybody’s face turned pale.

“Change my mind. Someone else can have it.”

Lee Gilyoung tilted his head.

It was almost same reaction as Hyung. Back at the Cinema, the adults take one look and the poster and give it wide, wide breadth, with Jihye-noona and Namwoon-Hyung give it wide side-eyed look.

Just… how bad was the movie?

Seeing his expression, one of the Ahjussi told him, “Listen here kid. Rather than experiencing scenes in that Movie for real and death, I rather die.”

[Some Constellations Are Puzzled with the Reaction]

[Constellation ‘Trash’ of the Count Family Shudder at the Reminder of That Movie]

[Constellation Secretive Plotter is Curious How Constellation ‘Trash’ of the Count Family Know that Movie]

[Constellation ‘Trash’ of the Count Family Answers “by Losing a Bet”]

[The Constellations are Even More Curious]

AaaaAAAaINTRUDERINTRUDERINTRUDERYOU’REUNDERATTACK!

Lee Gilyoung focus snapped to a direction.

“We’re under attack!”

Before he finished sentence, a rambunctious army entered the Station, brandishing weapon.

“WHO THE HELL THEY ARE!” Gong Pildu-Ahjussi demanded as he get up and get ready for his Stigma.

“Myeondong? Maybe?” The direction come from there and… they did piss the Station back then.

“Find the Flagpole! We’ll be done once we planted the flag!” Commanded the guy with red bandana. Wait. That’s not bandana! That’s the Flag! It’s red with the letters being white! “Fight until we get to the flagpole!”

[The Leader of Myeongdong, Kim Hyuntae, Has Used the Effect of the Red Flag]

[The Members of Myeongdong Group has Received Buff From the Red Flag]

[Members of the Group’s Attack and Defense Has Increased by 5%]

Lee Gilyoung thought of some crude words that would make Hyung gasp in a scandalized manner, before lifting his hammer and slamming it at the nearest Myeongdong guy’s knee. Shattering his kneecaps.

“Aaaaah! What the heck with this kid?!”

Lee Gilyoung moved to avoid the attack and swung the Hammer. A few times, he had to called for Thunder using the Hammer’s Special property.

He think he saw Mia running to the Flagpole and defend it.

“Hey, you little Rats…! Who do you looked down at, HUH?!”

[Incarnation Gong Pildu Activates Stigma Militarized Zone Lv6]

[Incarnation Gong Pildu Activate Skill Private Property Lv6]

The battlefield part of the Station quickly filled with dead bodies and occasional severed limbs.

That… was some red stuff. Blood, that is.

Amidst the sound of Turret going wildly, Lee Gilyoung can hear something.

“Regroup—"

“…intel we gather—”

Intel? Like, information?

Who told them about the Station?

Was it same people that “tried to offer alliance”? The group of suspicious people Yoo Joonghyuk-hyung and others went with just before the station got attacked? Was those suspicious people tried to get Hyungs and Noonas away so the Station be left undefended?

“RETREAT! RETREAT!”

Ah, they tried to get away.

A black blur moved so fast and lop their heads. Oh. That Joonghyuk-hyung.

“Did they—” he panted.

Lee Gilyoung turned to where they put Hyung to rest and,

“Oppa!” Miac tackled him. “You’re awake!”

Hyung smiled weakly. “Ah, morning every—Gong Pildu. Sit Down!”

CRASH!

Looks like that Ahjussi tried to get the Flag when they weren’t looking.

Namwoon-Hyung poked him on the head with the tip of his shoes. “Whoa. This is some stuff straight out of Inuyasha.”

“Eh? You watch Inuyasha, too?” Heewon-Unnie commented.

Hyung paid them no attention. He instead looked at Joonghyuk-hyung who crushed him with a hug.

“Ah, congratulations on becoming the Leader.” Hyung patted Joonghyuk-hyung’s back. “What else did I miss?”

[Constellation Lineage of Swordmaster Chides You to be More Sensitive About Your Fiancé’s Feelings]

[Constellation Black Wing Embrace Lost Ones Sighs at How You Skipped Part Where You Traumatize Your Companions]

[Constellation Secretive Plotter is Relieved that You Are Awake]

[Constellation Secretive Plotter Wish You to be More Careful in the Future]

[Constellation Demon-Like Judge of Fire Cheers Up That You Are Well!]

[Constellation Abyssal Black Flame Dragon Snorts and Says Constellation Demon-Like Judge of Fire Overreact]

[Constellation Prisoner of Golden Headband Informs Constellation Abyssal Black Flame Dragon is Worried About Your Health]

[Constellation Abyssal Black Flame Dragon Deny the Statement!]

“Ah,” Hyung looks apologetic. Hmph! That was the least he can do. “I’m sorry.” It’s half-hearted apology, isn’t it? “But seriously, what happened while I was unconscious? Do I need to worry we’ll get attacked again in next few minutes?”

Lee Gilyoung decided to spread the surviving Insects more to warn him in case another wave is coming.

“We got people from Dongdaemun who tricked us.” Joonghyuk-hyung inform him. “But their true objective was to take our best attacker and let other station attack Chungmuro. More likely they’re in coalition with other Stations and act as Scouting group.”

“I see.” Hyung nodded. “Are they still alive?”

“The leader of ‘scouting group’ should be.”

“Master told us to spare this one.” Jihye-Unnie added, dragging a guy bound by Sangah-unnie. “Like, must we?”

“Information is lifeblood.”

“Like how they recognize Joonghyuk-ssi by name?”

Hyung narrowed his eyes at Sangah-unnie’s words.

“Oh? Do they?” Hyung looked at the bound man. “Why don’t you talk, hm? Kang Ilhun?”

“H-how did you know my name?”

That’s right… wasn’t Hyung unconscious when they arrived? Did Hyung was awake at the time but pretend to be asleep, or was this his skill?

“That’s not the answer.” Joonghyuk-hyung pointed his sword at him. “He ask you a question: How did You know? You better talk. I’ll count from three. If you don’t talk…”

“3…” Namwoon Hyung cocked his gun.

“2…” Jihye-unnie and Heewon-unnie pointed his weapon at him.

“1…” Joonghyuk-hyung raised his sword.

“DONGMYO!” The guy spilled. “At… at Dongmyo… the people… the ones from there… they told us about Chungmuro… those people… they… they call themselves the pro—the prophe—”

He suddenly chokes out of nowhere. Face turned blue with bloodshot eyes and foam formed from his mouth.

Joonghyuk-hyung kicked him to the Land of Dream.

“Looks like those Prophets got a security system installed. Annoying. Meticulous, but annoying.” Hyung sighed. “Hey, Joonghyuk-ah. Have you grabbed the flag?”

“No.”

“Grab it, then let’s head to Myeongdong to take over their station. Time is ticking here.”

“Alright—” Joonghyuk-hyung paused. “Wait a minute, who do you mean by let’s?”

Hyung can't be thinking what I think he is thinking, right?

“Uh, I’m coming with you?”

Oh, he totally is.

There’s only one answer for that.

“NO!”

Chapter Text

[This Station is Under the Control of Dongmyo Station]

[If You Want to Take Control Over the Station, Steal the Flag or Plant Your Flag At the Station’s Flagpole]

“This explains why this place is deserted.” Yoo Joonghyuk looked around and found the station bereft of life. “So long the HQ is protected, no one can steal the spare base, thus eliminating the need to expend manpower.”

“So we go ahead to Dongmyo?” Lee Jihye poked the flagpole. Her sword actually go through it.

“N-no!” Their hostage suddenly come into awareness. “Dongdaemun is…!”

[Kang Ilhun Has Become a Wanderer]

“A what now?” Kim Namwoon tilted his head, smacking the man back into unconsciousness.

Someone is going to develop head injury at this rate.

Eh, not Yoo Joonghyuk’s problem.

“Probably a title for those who lost their base.”

“So this guy used as pasty before got double-crossed.” The Teen nodded his head. “Wow. You really can’t make alliance huh?”

It’s every station for themselves.

Still, if Dongmyo was the one who did it… then they probably the ones behind Myeongdong’s Assault, and those figures who killed people there was part of them.

Part of The Prophet.

“Ah. Master. We got guest.”

Yoo Joonghyuk sighed. Ever since the incident at Dungeon Theatre, Jihye had been calling him Master. Is there any way to make her drop it?

The newcomer was a group of four males. Lead by one dandy-looking gangster-wannabe guy. Ugh. The accessory is tacky as fuck. They better be Reward Item or something otherwise Yoo Joonghyuk will punch this guy for making him see a Fashion Trash.

“Hey, Ilhun. Looks like you’ve brought unwelcome guests.”

“You’re the one who’s unwelcome you peacock wannabe.” Kim Namwoon bites.

Lee Jihye snickers while the said peacock-wannabe look affronted. “Ha! Nice one, you twerp.”

“I show you twerp you nepotism-child.”

“Why you—”

“Jihye. Namwoon. Quit it.”

Sometimes, Yoo Joonghyuk feels like babysitting them is harder than raising a literal child (Mia). Maybe it was Teenage Drama? Oh, gods please don’t let Mia be like either of them when she grows up.

“Lee Jihye? Kim Namwoon?” The group fell into a hush. “That means you are Yoo Joonghyuk?”

[Someone is Using Skill Search on You]

“What if I am?” Yoo Joonghyuk unsheathed his sword a little and nearly blinded that guy. “Also turn off your skill if you still want your eyeballs stay where they are and functional.”

“Hey! Who do you think you ar—”

The one who spoke up is killed by the apparent leader.

Huh. Quite cold-blooded person, isn’t he?

“I’m terribly sorry. We apologize for our Transgression. Let me introduce myself. My name is Lee Seongguk. Vice Representative of Dongmyo Station.”

“What do you want?”

“We like to invite you to meet with our king and—”

“Good. Lead the way.” Yoo Joonghyuk has no desire to hear the spiel. He has feeling he can gleam more when he arrived at the base. “Also, hand over the station.”

“P-pardon?”

“This one and Dongdaemun. As Vice Representative, you can’t take over Station since you don’t have flag, but you can manage the Stations you have, including giving them away as bargaining chip.” That’s the power of Vice Representative, aside from handling the members. “Unless you want to die here? I’ll be taking over your stations, either way. If you hand over your base right now, you might just live.”

It was funny how Lee Seongguk’s expression turned from confident to damn near pissing his pants as he complied.

“Now move along. I don’t like wasting time.”

The faster he gets this over with, the faster he returns to Dokja-yah.

“Y-yes sir!”

“Master. Are you serious?” Lee Jihye pinched his arm. “I mean don’t you think they are suspicious?! They knew my name, and I never said what my surname is! Hell, they knew who you are before you introduces yourself!”

“I agree with her.” Kim Namwoon agreed. “Should I just shoot them?”

“Not yet.” Yoo Joonghyuk stopped them. “At least let’s find out the bottom of this mystery first, then have your way.”

Of course he knows why Lee Seongguk recognizes the names.

He must be a reader of TWSA.

Dokja-yah is The Reader who follows the story faithfully (Yoo Joonghyuk’s jealous pout notwithstanding), but he wasn’t the only one who has read it. At the beginning there are a lot of readers, but as the story progresses, they dropped one after another due to “plot twists” “plot holes” “lame characters” et cetera et cetera, until Dokja-yah the only reader left. His fiancé used to get into keyboard war with them online, especially after SSSSSS-Grade Regressor came out.

Since the Major Theme is Regression, naturally there are reoccurring characters. Yoo Joonghyuk of That Story is always accompanied by Lee Jihye, Kim Namwoon, and Lee Hyunsung. Sometimes there’s a doctor character joining in. Sometimes there are children. So by process of elimination, it’s easy to know who is who.

Yoo Joonghyuk wondered if he should have brought Lee Hyunsung along, but decided it was for the best to leave him behind to guard Dokja and Mia, along with the rest of the base.

When they arrived at Dongmyo, Yoo Joonghyuk noticed that there are ‘caste’ of some sort among the members.

Must be differentiating treatment between those who are useful to the scenarios and those who are useless.

[Constellation ‘Trash’ of the Count Family Says the Scenery Reminds Him of the Past]

Oh, do you? Interesting. Are you the lower class who is treated as servants, or the higher class who treat other as servants? Yoo Joonghyuk initially thought it was the latter, but considering the word Trash is inside the quotation mark… perhaps he is a bit hasty in making a decision.

“This way, sir!”

Yoo Joonghyuk glanced at the teens.

“I have one job for you two.” He told them. “Don’t recklessly cause trouble, but be as intimidating as possible.”

“Got it. Mafia Bodyguard Duty, are we?”

Yoo Joonghyuk doesn’t even have the energy to roll his eyes at Kim Namwoon’s sass. He just followed Lee Seongguk into the tent. Inside, he saw a kid crouched in ‘L Sitting Pose’ and typing something in the computer.

Wait. Do they have internet here? UNFAIR! Yoo Joonghyuk is completely cut off from the Internet otherwise he would have messaged Dokja-yah for status info! Agh! He hopes by the time he returned, Dokja-yah had found a Skill they could use to communicate over long distances!

(Hopefully, the task would keep him occupied enough from thinking about outrageous ideas. Idle mind is the breeding ground for Chaos, after all)

“Yoo Joonghyuk-ssi, sir. M-may I introduce you to my King.”

Yoo Joonghyuk activates Sage’s Eye Skill.

┏

Name: Han Donghoon

Age: 17 years old

Constellation Sponsor: Shadow Behind the Curtain

Stigma: Lack of Presence Lv. 2

Personal Attribute: Noble Invalid Hermit (Hero)

Skill: Wide-area Internet Lv. 5, Comments Manipulation Lv. 3, Keyboard Attack Lv. 3, Small Eater Lv. 6, Sound Wave Blocking Lv. 2…

Overall Stats: Physique Lv. 10, Strength Lv. 10, Agility Lv. 19, Magic Power Lv. 26.

A person who is the peak of the Noble Invalid Hermit type. His Wide-area Internet skill installs a virtual LAN cable to specific devices through the dokkaebi channels. He has an amazing ability to incite public opinion but has weak mental defenses. The sponsor was very dissatisfied with the circumstances that his incarnation is in.

┛

Yoo Joonghyuk glanced at Lee Seongguk.

“Lee Seongguk, 25 years old.” He narrates. “Also has Hypnotism skill. Tell me,” his sword unsheathed in the blink of eyes and grazed the man’s neck. “Do you think it’s funny to trick me? To introduce me to your puppet?”

The man sweated.

“Y-Yoo Joonghyuk-Nim.” Oh, most respectful honorific now? “I-I have…  I have a good explanation for this.”

“…you better start talking.”

“You see… ahem… this tent, if Yoo Joonghuk-Nim wishes to know, this tent is under the influence of the [Block Soundwave] Skill. So what we say here… to put it… no one outside can hear us.”

Interesting. Is it just the tent or is it the skill? Can he bought that skill?

“Yoo Joonghyuk-Nim, what I’m about to tell you is of great importance to us all.” Oh? “I am A Prophet. One of them, to be exact.”

Yoo Joonghyuk sat on the bed. Expression completely flat as he ignores the rambling of Fake Fan.

He bet 1000 coins this guy is trying to butter him up by praising the Regression Stigma that Yoo Joonghyuk the Novel’s Protagonist has, and his lonely eternal battle to attain the “perfect regression round” before moving to how he and the Prophets are going to help him.

Bitch. You push the wrong buttons.

This guy is clearly a Fake Fan!

Regression is a Miracle? More like a CURSE IN DISGUISE! Condemned to a lonely existence like that is maddening! Gosh, what is wrong with Yoo Joonghyuk of the Novel?! Ugh. He would never agree to that damn thing. Unless Kim Dokja is on the line. Even then he won’t view it as a blessing. At best? Necessary torture. To hear someone praise it… all it would do is send the regressor’s blood pressure skyrocketing faster than you can say YIKES.

About prophet and revelation whatsoever, that Yoo Joonghyuk the Protagonist won’t accept the help. Hell, forget accepting, he will either outright kill them or throw them into a monster’s mouth the first chance he gets. And Yoo Joonghyuk understands why.

The story implied that during his Second Regression, Yoo Joonghyuk allied and betrayed by the Prophet Anna Croft, and thus he nurses a grudge or at least massive distrust towards anyone who claims to be Prophet. Therefore, rather than view them as ally, that Yoo Joonghyuk was more likely to view them as a danger that must be eliminated.

Honestly, those who claim to be prophets in this day and age… are either crackpots or conman.

The sound of the ground getting destroyed draws their attention.

“What the—”

“Oh wow.” Yoo Joonghyuk can’t help but comment, “Guess someone want to be sliced into mincemeat. Or have bullets lodged in his skull. Who’s out there dumb enough to piss off those feral teens?”

The answer?

Another Prophet.

“Looks like having a glimpse of the future makes someone a reckless idiot.” He scowled. “One had to wonder where is your preservation instinct. Died in your place, perhaps?”

Seriously you idiots. Knowing how the Canon goes doesn’t mean you have Plot fucking Armor! Murphy Law is a damn thing and does Deviation from the Plotline! Isn’t there enough Isekai Manhuas and novels that show you that Canon is a mere Guide and even then, it can be unreliable at times!

Goddammit…!

“Sorry Yoo Joonghyuk-nim.”

“Yoo Joonghyuk-Nim… you mean…!” Haiz… “Deeply Apologize Yoo Joonghyuk-Nim! Ah, uh, My name is—”

“Jung Minseob, another so-called Prophet. Also the 1,089^th Renouncer.” Yoo Joonghyuk cut him off.

“Wha—?” he turned to Lee Seongguk and hissed, “Did you tell him?!”

Yoo Joonghyuk growls. “Did you idiot forget I have a Skill called Sage’s Eye? Or was your brain full of holes?”

They have the decency to look embarrassed.

“From now on, only answer what’s necessary.” Yoo Joonghyuk crossed his arm. “First, does all Prophet have Renouncer Attribute? In the first place, what even is Renouncer?”

“That…” Lee Seongguk turned red. “I-it was… it was the order… in which we stopped reading the revelation.”

…useless moron.

“Does all of you stopped reading the revelation? How many are you out there?”

“Ah-uh.” Jung Minseob coughed. “I-indeed. We all stopped reading it at one point or another. The revelation… it was too profound and complicated for us to understand.” Yoo Joonghyuk rolled his eyes. Just say bad writing, will you? “There… there are currently 48 of us that we know of. We suspect there are a lot more in the beginning but they were killed off.”

“…bunch of idiots. The lots of you.” Yoo Joonghyuk sighed. “You guys are absolutely useless.”

“N-No sir! We assure you we can be of help!”

“Oh yeah?” The Pro-Gamer raised an eyebrow. “And pray, what lousy amateur who dropped Three Ways to Survive in A Ruined World can offer to me? Or did you read its plagiarized version instead? What was it called again? SSSSS- Grade Infinite Regressor?”

The so-called Prophets choked.

Ah, music to his ears.

Chapter Text

“Whooo! That’s Delusional Demon Kim Namwoon!”

“Miss Naval Admiral Lee Jihye!”

“They sure look as awesome as the Revelation described!”

“Is that white hair really natural?”

Kim Namwoon stepped closer to the other teen. “Why are we doing this again?” He hissed, feeling uncomfortable at numerous pairs of eyes looked at him.

“Because Master wants to clear those Crackpots in one fell swoop.” Lee Jihye whispered back. “It’s easier and faster to capture when all the fish gather in one place than fishing them out one by one.”

They glance at each other, before sighing.

Vice-Captain had told them about the Prophet. Apparently, some crackpot got a vision or something from a webnovel, the plot is uncannily similar, so they think they must be placed inside the story and got ‘right’ to change the narrative as they see fit. And seeing multiple people are in-the-knows… well. Those damaged-in-the-head weirdoes form a coalition.

Sounds like a cliché Isekai/Reverse-Isekai plot, if you ask Kim Namwoon’s opinion.

So after spending the night mostly taking over nearby stations around Dongmyo, turning the Flag color into navy, they went to Angguk to meet with a majority of the so-called Chosen Ones.

Bleh. Chosen ones. More like, a wrongly chosen one.

Which part of these gawking freaks looks like they FIT to save the world?! They looks like the type who were set up as side character who will die just to hammer Cerebus Syndrome! Even kiddos back at Chungmuro could have and had done so much better.

Seriously! When can they move to the Killing Phase already? Those stares creeped them out!

At least the Vice-Captain takes the brunt of the gawk. Man, if Kim Namwoon got creepy amount of attention, their (temp) leader is basically made a spectacle. Like an animal on display at the zoo. Or maybe a Circus Freak on show.

Neither of them is flattering, but they’re a rather fitting comparison.

Kim Namwoon won’t begrudge him for looking like he wants to bolt away back to his lover’s arms. These stares stressed them out, man! If you were gonna stare, at least have the decency to be normal! These people really ask to have their eyeballs removed!

“Ahh, Yoo Joonghyuk-Nim. It was impressive how you fought against ■■■■■■■■ in your ■■■■■■ ■■■■■■■■■■. It’s too bad it was only told to us in a flashback in the Revelation. I’ve always wanted to hear—”

“Cease Your Yammering or I’ll remove your tongue.”

Kim Namwoon elbowed Lee Jihye. “Was it just me or did you hear static also?”

“Not just you.” She confirmed it. “Weird. Looks like Master can hear it well.”

[Constellation Abyssal Black Flame Dragon Protest At the Dialogue Filtering!]

[Constellation ‘Master of Steel’ Frowned at the People of Angguk Station]

“Well. Whatever it is, he pissed off Master. Like, his-puppy-got-killed-and-spat-on kind of pissed.”

“That goes without saying.”

Vice-Captain’s expression was as dark as Captain-Ahjussi during Food Hunting. When he goes nuts against Tentacle Demon to be exact.

This shady-looking guy won’t live long enough to see the next sunrise. Kim Namwoon is certain of it.

“Y-Yoo Joonghyuk-ssi, w-we-we’re really sorry!” Other so-called Prophet pushed the shady-looking guy to his knees. “What are you doing? Apologize!”

“My… my deepest Apologize, Yoo Joonghuk-ssi.”

“Ah, um, Yoo Joonghyuk-ssi. Can, uh, may we ask, which ■■■■■■■■■■ you are currently in? Was it your Third?”

Third? Third what?

“None of your business.”

The brave fool who ask almost lost a few fingers.

“I think we might’ve gotten 41^st…”

“I think so too.”

“Forty-first what now?”

Kim Namwoon shrugged.

“You.” He pointed at another weirdoe. “I heard you guys hid a weapon. Where is it?”

“Ah, this way sir!” A mousy-looking weirdo led them to the epicentre of the station. Where a dark red rock sitting on a pedestal.

That was one ominous looking rock. Almost like fossilized egg.

Kim Namwoon rested his chin on Vice-Captain’s shoulder. “Sooo…” he drawled. “On scale The First Scenario to Actually entered The Ring, where are we?”

Vice-Captain turned to one of the idiots. “How long have it been sitting here?”

“Ah! We have been at it for five days sir!” The idiot did not notice how neither Vice-Captain, him, or this sassy cat next to them is on fight/flight mode. “We have taken turn in supplying it mana, so it should hatch sometimes tonight.”

“…I say we’re somewhere between Dark Keeper and Third Scenario Revised Edition.”

Ah. That fucked up, then.

This is bad.

“Constitution or Speed?” Lee Jihye asked, fingers hovering on her status page.

“Both. Actually, use your ampoules instead and save Coin for Shop.” Gotcha. “On that note, who the bastard who brought it here?”

“Uh? Ah. I-I think it was 1,124^th?”

“And where is that person? I want to talk.”

“I-I don’t think he is here yet.”

Kim Namwoon facepalmed.

Wow.

These guys really can’t see Trap, or realize that they’ve been duped, even if the proof was RIGHT IN FRONT OF THEIR EYE! Might as well wear red shirts, you dumbasses!

Then, out of nowhere, the thing shook and cause a local earthquake.

“We run?”

“Duh.”

They tried to book it, but red barrier blocked their way.

[The Constellations Who Protesting Against Excessive Filtering Have Stopped]

[Many Constellations Are Interested to See the Sign]

[Constellation Prisoner of Golden Headband is Intrigued by What Is Happening]

[Constellation ‘Master of Steel’ Feels Like Screaming]

[Constellation ‘Trash’ of the Count Family Scowls and Says Nothing is Worse than Know-Nothing-Know-It-All Making Things More Difficult than They Should Be]

[Constellation Maritime War God Is Displeased at the Turn of Events]

“Yeah. We’re fucked, I get it.”

“Yoo Joonghyuk-nim.” And here is their Moronic Bait. “What’s wrong? Why did you—”

A notification appears before each of them.

[The Signs of Fifth Scenario Begins to Appear]

“There’s your answer.” Vice-Captain scowled. Fist pounding against the barrier to no avail.

Behind them, there was sound of screaming as the Meteorite finally hatched in Lava, and a Lizard thingy crawled out.

“Please tell me this is not a Major Disaster…”

[Tier 5 Fire Dragon, Lesser Dragon Igneel, Has Appeared!]

“Hey,” Kim Namwoon sweated and looked up, “You’re a Dragon, too, right? Do you know this one?”

[Constellation Abyssal Black Flame Dragon Scowl and Says He Doesn’t Mingle with Lesser Being]

Nice to know your opinion you bastard.

The one before them open his mouth and plasma and thunder gathered. Damn.

[Some Constellation are Protesting Sudden Spike in Difficulty]

A Dokkaebi appeared and says something. Huh. This one has human proportion and wear suits and glasses, rather than Dinosaur-age garb that Captain-Ahjussi bullied into serving him.

Someone whines and bitches and… Sigh… Kim Namwoon knew he should have gone on murder spree earlier. Would save them a lot of pain, honestly. He mean, that idiot CANNOT read the fucking room, and for all he claim to be one of so-called Prophet, he fail to realize that Dokkaebi’s appearance means PAIN!

Unless you are Captain-Ahjussi who can bully one into submission, but Ahjussi is Mafia Heir so he is an exception.

End result?

They get a Hidden Scenario. United We Die, Divided We Die. What a nice, ominous name it got.

[Constellation Lineage of Swordmaster Suggest You to Start Running]

“No need to tell me!”

They manage to avoid the fire/plasma streams, but won’t you know it? It was only the opening act.

They still has twenty minutes left to survive and…

And…

And what?

The Dragon will be gone? Just like that? Or will it stay here? The barrier is just gone and while they can escape, this thing will roam Seoul until the Fifth Main Scenario?! Will there be another Hidden Scenario to continue this one?!

[Tier 5 Dragon, Lesser Dragon Igneel, is Preparing to use Flame of Destruction]

Crap

[Constellation ‘Trash’ of the Count Family Scowl and Demands Compensation from Star Stream for Plagiarizing His Skill!]

[Many Constellations Are Surprised!]

Kim Namwoon almost tripped.

“THAT’S WHAT YOU FOCUSED RIGHT NOW?!”

[Constellation Black Wing Embrace Lost Ones Suggest You to Look Down]

Look down what—oh hello. What is this? Plate? One that can save them if the number of people on it exactly same as the number it has?

But it only has four.

“You Four take it!”

“But Master—”

“I’ll think something! Just go!”

Gritting their teeth, they huddle inside the Plate.

Thankfully Vice-Captain got in another one with shady-looking-guy. Huh. He is pretty pissed. Vice-Captain.

Wait.

Could it be…?

Kim Namwoon open his Inventory (and unlike Vice-Captain Mini-Me, he has to BUY it from the shop) and swipe it.

“What are you doing?!”

“I’m searching where the fuck did I put my reward from Godzilla movie!” He answered. “Should be useful right now.”

“What kind of reward is it?”

“Some kind of bomb. Gotta fight fire with fire.”

The fire stream did not hit them because of the shield generated by plate.

“What the fu—DO YOU WANT TO KILL US ALL?!”

“Nope. Just clean up the store.”

“What?”

“Look around. There are people who has this bluish aura around them.”

And they did.

“They probably planning to sacrifice us like roasted lamb.” AHA! Found it. “Bet you two thousand coins they’re the one behind this fiasco. It wasn’t our loss if we sacrifice them first, was it?”

[Constellation Abyssal Black Flame Dragon Grins and Demand You to Enact Revenge!]

[500 Coins Have Been Sponsored]

Oh, don’t worry.

Kim Namwoon has every intention to make those bastards pay for tried turning them into pasty. With. Heavy. Interest.

Chapter Text

“You were one of the Apostles, were you?”

It was not rocket science. This shady as fuck guy is basically Cheon Inho v.02. Only smarter and with a far more ambitious goal than merely ruling a Station and its people.

Or maybe this is what Cheon Inho would’ve done if he was allowed to live longer and spread his influence.

“Ah, indeed. You got me, Yoo Joonghyuk-ssi. Allow me to introduce myself again. I am… the 1,195^th Renouncer, and the Fifth Apostles.”

He wonders how much this guy knows. Meh. Probably not even half the things Dokja knows—wait. Apostles read up above 50 chapters, but not 60… round that number to sixty anyway. Three thousand divided by sixty… this guy only knows one-fifth. At most.

And he claims to know the future?

Spare him the idiocy, please.

“What is your goal?”

“Well, you know how the saying goes. Too many butterflies will cause a storm. This way we’re simply eliminating them before they become butterflies.”

“And your plan regarding me? What are you after?!”

“Haha… what if I told you I could save you, Yoo Joonghyuk-ssi?”

“I don’t need saving.”

What does he think Yoo Joonghyuk is? Damsel in distress? And even if he was, he only wants to be Saved like a Princess by Kim Dokja and only by Kim Dokja.

“You see, Yoo Joonghyuk-ssi, we do not wish for your death. Thus it was quite a shock and pain to see that incompetent 9^th and 1,089^th brought you here, and we have to change our plan.” Oh good. Looks like these two might be useful for something, alright.

The position of the plate changed and they had to move accordingly, all while dodging the dragon.

Truly, it was too ugly compared to the gorgeous dragons in Rok Soo-Hyung’s painting.

“Yoo Joonghyuk-ssi. Since we are here, let’s hunt the Disaster together.”

“Rejected.”

Playing nice with this fucker? Yeah no. Not a fucking chance.

“You must be doubting our capability. Don’t worry Yoo Joonghyuk-ssi, we have made some preparation.”

“Fuck off.”

“If you don’t cooperate, your friends will die. Also, your HQ is going to be under our control anytime soon.”

Yoo Joonghyuk froze.

.

Kim Dokja smiled as he sat, leaning on a wall with both Mia and Gilyoung using his legs as pillow. A bit far, he saw Yoo Sangah making friend with Gong Pildu while Hyunsung and Jung Heewon was making people do drills. Kim Dokja himself was noting the progress of the Fourth Scenario.

After excessive searching in the Store, he managed to find an Item that could act as a Group Chat. Way too pricey, and you need to spend coins to extend its usage, but nothing like clearing a few dungeons and milking the Constellations off of their money can’t be fixed.

It was rather peaceful.

Then suddenly it felt like a storm alarm was going off.

Ugh. He just jinxed it, didn’t he?

A wave of monsters rushed. It was a scarily reminiscence of the Third Scenario.

“Pildu!”

“Don’t tell me twice brat!”

Kim Dokja sits back and lets the adults do the job. They got it under control. He can just stay back to protect the children, who were roused to awareness by the sudden noise, as well as trying to analyze what is happening.

“I guess Flute of Hamelin wasn’t enough for the job.” Someone spoke.

Someone who wasn’t from their group.

Also, Flute of Hamelin? That was not just any item you could just stumble on at the store! It was a reward item for clearing a hidden scenario at Northwest of Seoul! It must be triggered by finding a certain book in a certain school’s library! Yoo Joonghyuk of the 27^th Regression accidentally found it and gave it to Shin Yoosung since it synergized with her skill exceptionally well!

“This is one of Joonghyuk’s stations. Tier 9 Subterranean won’t be enough.”

“Hmm… I supposed so.”

Kim Dokja pushed off the kids, gently, and told them to climb up the stairs first, before walking to the forefront. What greeted him was a bunch of the edgiest chuuni whose fashion sense can rival Kim Namwoon. They also have Roman numbers inscribed somewhere on their person.

Fuck. Isn’t it a bit too early to meet Cultist?!

“Who are you people?!” Kim Dokja is prepared to unsheathed his sword.

These people are a far cry from the ones they have encountered so far. To have a Reward from Hidden Dungeon already… they are dangerous. The question is, how much?

“Hee. Interesting. So it was true that Master if Steel Lee Hyunsung is allied with one of the Ten Evils.” Those phrases. “But strange. I never see this woman. She certainly can’t be Naval Admiral Lee Jihye. And that ugly guy.”

Ugly? Does he mean… Kim Dokja?

“I suggest you all to leave.” Kim Dokja ordered. “Or there will be hell to pay.”

“Who went Dragon Hunting?” The guy in the cloak asked.

Dragon Hunting?

“You—”

“Please be quiet, Pildu.” Kim Dokja command-whispered. “We might get to hear their plan.”

“The fifth, sixth, eighth, and ninth. Plus one Guy who wasn’t Apostle but still quite useful.”

Apostle? Apostle of what?

“So excluding one that wasn’t in Seoul, there’s only five of us left here.”

Now Kim Dokja is even more alert.

“Five is more than enough. Let’s wipe them out.”

“Pildu. Feel free to shoot.” To make a point home, Kim Dokja sends some coins to the Defense Master to spend. That guy got the gist and upgraded the Stigma for Gong Pildu.

Kim Dokja watched with eyes narrowed at how the weirdo assailants pulled out Mana Nullifying Shields to protect them from Pildu’s Turrets. That, is one thing they can buy from the store, but to think they are this prepared…

“Was Pildu’s Turrets this difficult to take down?!”

“Have Lee Hyunsung’s Shield supposed to be this strong?!”

“What the fuck with this woman? I don’t remember a character like this appearing—"

Oh.

Kim Dokja gets it.

Those are not your usual Incarnations, no sire.

Those are readers like him. People who know the ‘story’ and try to control the narrative to serve their purposes. No wonder they had some inkling of Meta-Knowledge.

Unbidden, Kim Dokja smirked.

Heh.

He always wants to fight against these assholes who badmouth his Protagonist, and now the world sees it fit to let him do that for real.

His smirk fell when he noticed the cloaked guy pulled something dangerous: Mana Bomb!

.

“Master of Steel Lee Hyunsung, one of Ten Evil, your Sister, and some strange bunch of people you gathered. It was different from Prophecy, but you got yourself a solid team. Won’t it be trouble for you to regress again if they all died? What if you lose Chungmuro?”

“…you send people to attack them.”

“Our group has taken over ten Stations and completed the sub-scenario. You should know very well the difference between a group with a King and without. It should be over by now. Our group should be waiting for you to make a decision in front of Chungmuro Flagpole.”

They’re sending people to attack Chungmuro.

To kill the people.

Everyone.

Mia.

Dokja.

What comes out from the bastard’s mouth next fails to reach Yoo Joonghyuk. His ears are filled with static, as a fresh memory is dragged to the surface.

Kim Dokja, lying limply in his hands, eyes closed and face pale, with a heavily bleeding wound in his stomach.

No.

No!

NO!

[Constellation Secretive Plotter is Screaming in Anger!]

“You bastard… I’ll kill you!”

[You Have Activated Stigma Synchronization Lv1]

.

Kim Dokja breathes heavily. Sweat clung to his face. That was… that was a close call. If not for Lee Hyunsung activating his skill… they’ll be screwed. He glares at the smirking triumphantly weirdoes/hack-of-readers who act as if they’ve already won the battle.

Damn. To think those bastards come this prepared… fine! Let’s fight fire with fire!

“Plan Trigger, everyone!”

Yoo Sangah nodded and began to pull their members upstairs, with the kids already moving on their own before Kim Dokja even finished the command. The last ones on the bottom floor were Lee and Gong Pildu, and that’s because they’re fending off the assailant.

Eventually, Pildu turned off his skill and Lee Hyunsung saw it as his cue to pick him up and ‘retreat’.

Those weirdoes tried to chase them. Crying out “Cowards!”. One was even foolish enough to approach the flagpole.

“You guys are stupid, to think you leave thi—”

The hologram fizzles out of existence, and the trap is triggered.

Immediately, the wires launched the sharp implements of pain and death (raided from nearby stores), as the few strategically placed flamethrowers went off.

Screams went off as the bastards tried to escape the death trap.

“I’ve told you, haven’t I?” He smiles pleasantly. “There will be a Hell to Pay.”

He had thinking of the worst possible scenario. Such as a group with A King had attacked them when Joonghyuk-ah wasn’t there. As much as Kim Dokja is confident in his ability, there are weak links. Never mind Flagpole is a big weakness.

So he had set up some traps, had Gong Pildu buy him a Mimicry Hologram from the store to act as a decoy, booby-trapped with Molotov cocktails they hastily made after raiding the closest bar, while Mia stored the real one in her Inventory.

You can’t take over a Station if there’s no Flagpole, can you?

[Constellation Father of Rich Night Applauds Your Foresightedness]

[500 Coins Have Been Sponsored]

[Constellation God of Wine and Ecstasy Still Believe It Was Waste of Good Alcohol]

“You bastard.” The man with a bandana over there growled. The entire group looked a bit cooked. “I’ll kill you—”

Goomba Stomping this guy is easier than Kim Dokja thought it would be.

“You come planning a takeover on Chungmuro and didn’t expect us to fight back? Bitch please.” He sneers, fully unsheathing his sword. “Piddle your delusion elsewhere, you hack.”

.

Yoo Joonghyuk’s fist curled around the Apostle’s neck, lifting him from the ground.

On his feet, the remains of Apostle’s comrades lie. Alive, but broken and battered after he shattered their bones.

“A-ah… hrrkk… Y-Yoo Joonghyuk-Nim…”

The man in question tightened his fist.

“T-the plates… it won’t… won’t work… if they’re here…”

“So, you are also willing to betray your own comrades to save your neck?” Yoo Joonghyuk tilted his head with too empty expression. “Is nothing ever sacred to you? Oh, wait.”

One of his eyes flickered. Color switches between void black to piercing gold like a glitch.

“Nothing is. After all, it was juuuuust a Self-Insert Story to you, wasn’t it? So what if they die? So long you live, that was the only thing that mattered, right?”

Yoo Joonghyuk bared his teeth in mockery of a smile.

“You think just because you know about, oh, a small piece of the future, you have Plot Armor in your side. Why don’t we test it, hm?”

“W-what are you planning? The plate was… the plate…”

“Let’s Play a Game.” Yoo Joonghuk smiled.

It was akin to a Serial Killer slashing his mouth in an attempt to smile.

Pulling the bastard close, the man purred, “If You are a prophet, you can predict your future, so predict this: How much longer do you have to live?”

The man’s eyes widened and he began to trash around. Clawing on Yoo Joonghyuk’s fist in a bid to escape.

“The answer is… your trial of life has expired.”

Mercilessly, he threw the bastard in the Dragon’s direction. Right on its face, when it opened its jaws and shot a stream of destruction.

Yoo Joonghyuk watched impassively as the bastard, and his motley crew who happened to be in that direction, were burnt alive.

The stream should have roast him as well, but a storm of probability shielded him. Heat Resistance neutralizes off the side effect, leaving him pristine and well.

Wait.

Something is not right here

“MASTER!” Jihye called him. “GET BACK HERE! NAMWOON IS GONNA DO SOMETHING STUPID!”

Ah. Right.

Yoo Joonghyuk turned around and ran to where his comrades were (they’re fine they’re alive thank goodness they’re safe), just in time for Kim Namwoon to launch something.

A huge explosion occurred.

.

Kim Dokja dances around the weirdoes.

Clearly, between store-bought skill and one who had years honing his body, there is a massive difference! No wonder Breaking the Sky Swordmanship is the strongest sword art in Murim World! You didn’t just practice a few times a day and call it done! You have to spend a long ass time honing your body and familiarizing each and every movement until you can execute them in your sleep!

These guys aren’t so bad in skill-wise, as much as Kim Dokja loathe to admit it, but their instinct! Man! They lean too hard on Meta-Knowledge!

Like they expect Lee Hyunsung to passively take damage before dishing out one himself. Whelp. They did not take account of Jung Heewon, or the fact their synergy is powerful.

Oh, you guys have someone with Flute of Hamelin? We have Lee Gilyoung who can control Insects. Sure, cockroach is weak AF compared to those mutated beasts, but nothing is more unnerving than have waves of Humanity’s Most Hated Nemesis crawling toward you. The poor gal who wields the Flute ends up screaming her head off and backing away from the creepy crawlers.

Kim Dokja? He can easily parry off the remaining weirdoes.

Yeah. They were cornered… not.

What those weirdoes planned, he and his group can do as well. And Better.

“You are quite a pest, don’t you?” The cloaked guy told him with a smile that said ‘just-die-already!’ as they exchanged blows with their respective weapons.

“You bitch!” He glanced to the fatso over there. “Forget that Naval Brat! I’m going to fucking ruin you!”

Jung Heewon paused. Her eyes were covered by her hair. Lee Hyunsung, picking up her mood, wisely backed away.

“Ruin me… huh?”

“Oh wow.” Kim Dokja clicked his teeth. “Dead man walking.”

“What do you mean?”

[Incarnation Jung Heewon Activate Skill Judgement Time]

[Constellations of Absolute Good Alignment Are Agreeing with the Use of Skill!]

Yep. Fatso is so dead.

“Fuck.”

Kim Dokja looked at the hooded guy.

“You know, I’ve been wondering.” He mused. “How did you know about Lee Hyunsung, about Gong Pildu, Lee Jihye, Kim Namwoon too I presume? Oh. And Joonghyuk-ah. Did those rascals who left Chungmuro because they can’t accept someone else take the command tattle on you?”

“Heh. Won’t you wanna know?” Let he guess… he was a reader who got off at fifty-something and thought he knew everything… despite TWSA being over 3000 chapters and taking 13 years (counting hiatus time)… making him a know-nothing-know-it-all idiot— “I’m the one who possesses The Revelation.”

Kim Dokja paused.

What?

Revelation? What nonsense it was now?

“Revelation?”

“Don’t you know it? An epic foretelling of this world’s future. Of what is to come.”

Kim Dokja blocked the attack and easily parried it off, even twisting the weapon out of its wielder’s hands while focusing on this guy.

Writer of The Revelation…

Writer…

Epic Foretelling…

Don’t tell him… is this guy the Author of TWSA?!

“So… you’re an Author.” Kim Dokja finally killed this pest who kept interrupting his interrogation time.

Did he really fight against the author of TWSA? It can’t be, right? No way an author of that gigantic epic would bake such a harebrained plan. He mean, force takeover on Chungmuro? Bitch, your Protagonist won’t take it kindly. It was as if he didn’t know Yoo Joonghyuk at all—

Wait a minute.

If he wasn’t wrong, there’s a story with a similar premise and a damn near identical name for the protagonist and it was…

Ah.

“You know. I originally was planning to go easy, maybe even apologizing when you reveal yourself to be an author.” He chuckles darkly.

[Incarnation Kim Dokja Has Activate Skill Swordmaster Aura!]

“But instead you’re not the Author I hope to meet!” His mouth stretched wide. “Is it fun, leeching on someone else’s story, mister Pla-Gi-A-Tor?”

“WHO DO YOU CALL PLAGIATOR—Wait.”

Kim Dokja watched with Cheshire's smile as the bastard’s face turned rapidly pale with realization.

Yes.

There is only one person who made it to the end. Only one person who is willing to call a story plagiarized ver of a preexisting story.

One, fanatic, loyal reader of TWSA.

It's only Reader.

“YOU?!”

.

Yoo Joonghyuk swayed and almost hit the ground, if not for several pairs of hands stabilizes him.

Dammit. That Stigma… is taking a lot of him. He feels like a cloth wrung too hard. A beaten-up punching bag.

His whole body hurts.

At least… the Dragon is dead… the Bomb Kim Namwoon threw to it… manage to weaken it while blasting the roof all the way to display open sky. Jihye acted as bait, being the fastest of them all, and allow Yoo Joonghyuk to stab the dragon in the heart. Killing it.

[Constellation Prisoner of Golden Headband Applauds Your Fighting Spirit]

[Constellation Demonic Judge of Fire Praise Your Loyalty to Your Comrades]

[Constellation Abyssal Black Flame Dragon Enjoy the Show]

And so on… and so on… the notification goes.

[Many Constellation Are Impressed by Your Feat]

[20,000 Coins Have Been Awarded]

But… he can’t rest assured just yet. Not now. Kim Dokja… he has to check on Kim Dokja… he has to return to Chungmuro. Right now.

He cannot lose him. Can’t. He can’t.

[Constellation ‘Trash’ of the Count Family Informs You that Your Other Half is Fine and Is Handling Everything Well]

[Constellation Secretive Plotter Slumps in Relief]

Is that so…? But he still has to check… just in case.

The Dokkaebi in a suit shows up again.

[Terribly sorry. There’s a bit Problem in Distributing Rewards, and thus it was delayed for a time being.] This thing doesn’t look sorry at all. [We will begin Issuing your rewards now]

3,000 Coins for completing the hidden scenario… and favor from Imyuntar, whatever or whoever it was.

Yoo Joonghyuk didn’t care.

He is hurt, tired, worried out of his mind, and wants to go back to Dokja-yah’s side. Please.

[But there’s a hitch in the scenario because of your hard work] Oh for the love of Probability… What now?! [The Management have discussed this, and concluded that the Skills of the Incarnations in this Area far surpass the scenario’s difficulty. Therefore, I have decided to adjust Scenario Difficulty in my area.]

What the fuck—

[The Time Limit of the Fourth Scenario Has Been Reduced Severely]

[48 Hours Remaining Until the End of this Scenario!]

[Enjoy]

And that goat devil is gone.

Kim Namwoon sums up their feelings perfectly,

“The Lion, The Witch, and the Audacity of that Bitch!”

Chapter Text

Yoo Joonghyuk slams onto Kim Dokja like car with broken brake, clung to him and practically drag him to the floor when his legs eventually gave up.

“Joonghyuk-ah?”

“You’re fine… you were safe… thank goodness…”

[Constellation Demon-Like Judge of Fire is Tearing Up at the Reunion]

[1,000 Coins Have Been Sponsored]

Jung Heewon blinked at the exchange.

“Did something happen?”

Yeah, Kim Dokja did stab himself, but Yoo Joonghyuk overreact. Did he have Separation Anxiety or something? It was like he know Chungmuro… was… attacked…

She then notices new additions.

“And why did you bring him here? Who even those two are?!”

“Holy shit?! Are those the Apostles?!” the big guy with darkest skin tone jumped at the corpse.

“You know them?!”

“Uh, we were formerly allied—”

Jung Heewon was about to cut them in half.

“FORMERLY!” The squeaky new guy shouted. Backpedaling. “WE’RE NO LONGER WITH THEM!”

“And how can I trust you?”

“They take over my station?”

“They tried duped me and tried to kill us?”

“They set a Dragon on our ass?!”

Ah. Got double-crossed. Gotcha.

“And this guy?”

Kim Namwoon drag along a teen… whoa. Look at those eyebags. He got worse eyebags than her during her final college year! And back then she had to conceal hers under makeup because they’re horrible!

“Kinda hostage kinda hatchling Master collected.” Lee Jihye answered. “He’s NEET. Just let him play with a laptop or phone and give him three meals a day and you don’t have to worry.”

That sounds more like guide to raise a PET than hostage, you know…

“But… still…” this guy who originally tried to tricked them commented. “I’m amazed you guys manage to survive. N-No offense, but from what I heard, the Apostles weren’t pushover. They’re supposed to be hard to beat.”

“That because they challenge the wrong guy.”

Kim Dokja manages to get up… with Yoo Joonghyuk half-carried in his arms. The guy is standing on his legs, but it was clear Kim Dokja was supporting his entire weight.

Jung Heewon wonders if it was because of Coin-Boosted Strength… but Yoo Joonghyuk act more like babygirl around Kim Dokja… and he was THE Rapunzel… so maybe Kim Dokja is used to carry him around, despite having shorter and slimmer frame. Man… you really can’t judge a book from the cover, huh?

Yeah. Yeah, Jung Heewon knows they’re in relationship. She’s not blind. Those two seriously get their shit better than half the couple she saw on Bar she worked at. NOW… if a certain Teddy Bear would be upfront instead skirting around the topic…!!!

“Information is lifeblood, you know?” Dokja told them. “They can decide which side won and which side lose. And when you pit two sides who has same information, it boils down to how much one knows and how they applied it.”

“Know more… wait!” The dark-skinned guy pointed his finger. “Are you…”

“Kim Dokja.” Kim Dokja makes a mockery of a bow. “Gotta admit. Pretty ballsy if you for making STUPID plan. Sure, at best you lousy lots only know one-sixtieth, but you have to add Misunderstanding on a BASIC context and running with it?” he shook his head. “You guys are lucky your head are still attached to your neck.”

Jung Heewon is pretty sure she’s missing some context, but she gets the gist: these people are Idiots of Highest Magnitude and it took Divine Intervention they’re still alive. Or proof that sometimes, Idiots escape Natural Selection and spread their bad genes.

“Anyway, gather ‘rounds. We need to discuss what we must do. Whoever Dokkaebi cut down the timer must be one hell of a sadist.”

Oh that, that no one would disagree.

They go from nine days remaining to LESS THAN TWO DAYS to complete it.

“We have about 42 hours to complete both Fourth Scenario and King’s Path.”

“Eh? King’s Path? What’s that?” Jung Heewon inquired. She didn’t get any notification.

“Sub-Scenario for Leader only. Take over Ten Stations.”

Ah.

“How many do you have?”

“Chungmuro as HQ. Myeondong and its controlled station Hoehyeon. History and Culture Park. Dongdaemun. Dongmyo. Sinseoldong. Sindang. Anguk. Total nine.”

“Anguk is a bit too far.” Sangah commented. “What about Jongno? And Changsin? It was closer to Dongmyo.”

“Both stations are under someone else’s command.” Yoo Joonghyuk shook his head. “Worse, I heard that Changsin is under control of Tyrant King.”

Kim Dokja grimaced at hearing the news.

“Of all people…”

“Is it bad news?” Hyunsung asked.

“If you completed King’s Path, you got King Attribute, and each attribute is unique and tied to said King’s personality and actions. So when someone’s King Attribute is Tyrant King…”

“He is bad news.” The dandy-looking man nodded. Damn. Heewon has to ask for names. “He doesn’t care about others. If he finds pretty or good-looking people, he makes them his concubines. If ugly, slaves.”

Holy hell.

[Constellation Demon-Like Judge of Fire Declare the Tyrant King to be Evil!]

[Constellation Secretive Plotter Hiss in Agreement]

[Constellation Abyssal Black Flame Dragon Can’t Wait for You to Shed the Tyrant King’s Blood]

[Constellation ‘Trash’ of the Count Family Warns You to be Wary of the Tyrant King]

That goes without saying?!

“And we have to kill him.” Kim Dokja stated in matter-of-factly manner. “Otherwise we can’t occupy Changsin, and we all die.”

True.

“Do you guys know where this Tyrant King stationed?” Heewon turned to their (former?) enemy.

“Yeah. He’s stationed in Dobong… and he has the most stations… one of us stupidly heading his way and…”

Kim Dokja facepalmed at their stupidity, which, fair.

“What should we do then?”

“I have a plan, but,” Kim Dokja turned to Yoo Joonghyuk. “You won’t like it.”

Uh oh.

“What’s your plan?”

“We split.”

Jung Heewon have the forethought to cover her ears before,

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY ‘WE SPLIT’?!”

[Constellation Secretive Plotter Demands You to Explain Yourself!]

“We don’t have enough station to occupy to reach Black Flag, nevermind that the Target Station is out of reach. We don’t know which station is Independent and which one is already taken over. And we only have 45—no. Make it 44 hours left. If we had, like, five days, I’d think another plan, but right now we’re racing against time. We. Have. To. Split.”

“…I don’t like this plan.” Yoo Joonghyuk mumbled. “I don’t like it. At all.”

“Neither do I.” Kim Dokja sighed. “But we don’t have options here.”

Ain’t that the kick?

Fuck whoever cut the timer. Fuck that bitch!

“Give me the details.”

“Can someone give me map?”

Turns out the sleep deprived Kid they brought come with built-in Internet connection. Which mean they can access their phone for google map.

“Okay. The plan is for Joonghyuk-ah and Mia to head to Changsin and steal the Flagpole.” Ah. “But that doesn’t resolve the problem for King’s Path and Fourth scenario, so I’ll have you take over whatever Stations you can get, to upgrade your Flag. You’re one station away from completing it.” Right. Nine Stations under control. He need one left. “I’ll head to Yaksu and see if they are still free for picking.”

“Are you planning to take King’s Path for yourself, Orabeoni?” Mia asked.

“We’re doing it two pronged. Both Joonghyuk-ah and I will attempt to complete the Fourth Station. When we’re reaching the final stage, I have feeling the Kings will gather together in some sort of menage-a-trois. You can’t have two tigers occupy same mountain, after all. By then we’ll compare the flag and one will surrender the control to other. This way, we can both take over our Target Station and get our flag enough upgrade all the way to max.”

“What about the Tyrant King? We can’t take over Changsin if he still control it.” Yoo Sangah pointed out.

“Easy.”

Kim Dokja turned to the… Apostles’ patsy? What do you call them again?

“You said one of you went to his sides, right? Which mean he’ll be reliant on so-called information you can provide and take it as gospel for his reign.” His smirk is positively evil and Jung Heewon feels anticipation builds. “Let’s drag that asshole out of his comfy seat. Who knows, we might even snare other fishes while we’re at it and making our job easier.”

[Constellation Prisoner of Golden Headband Pull His Hair and Anticipates the Chaos You’re About to Unleash]

[Constellation Secretive Plotter Doesn’t Like How You Risk Your Safety and Wish You Luck]

[Constellation Queen of Darkest Spring Wonder How Things Will Turns Out]

[Constellation Abyssal Black Flame Dragon Cackles]

[Constellation Demon-Like Judge of Fire Approves Your Plan]

[Constellation Maritime War God Nods in Approval]

[Constellation Bald General of Peasant Army Says You Make Good Strategist]

[Constellation ‘Trash’ of the Count Family Comment How Vicious Your Plan Is]

[Constellation Lineage of Swordmaster Side Eyes Constellation ‘Trash’ of the Count Family]

[Constellation Black Wings Embrace Lost Ones Side Eyes Constellation ‘Trash’ of the Count Family]

[]

[]

[]

[7,100 Coins Have Been Sponsored]

Chapter Text

“Human! You’re awake!”

“Cale-nya!”

“Awake, nya!”

Cale makes an “oof!” sound when the kids jump on him.

“Off kids, you’re crushing my chest.” He grumbles.

“Welcome back to this side, unlucky bastard.”

Cale giver Eruhaben a wave, before he pushed the kids off of his chest. They’re heavy, okay?!

“How long was I asleep?”

“Eighteen hours.”

Cale nodded.

One hour here can last for three to nine days over there, when Cale is ‘asleep’ and over the Earth 8612. But when he’s ‘awake’ on this side, the time matches. As in, one minute here is one minute over there.

Convenient. Seriously. Convenient as fuck.

“Did anyone come?”

“No. but the Emperor give you a call. Supposedly you were invited to something.”

Cale groaned.

This, is one of many reasons he prefers to be on Earth 8612. He doesn’t have to entertain nobles on parties and their attempts to suck up on him. If he’s unlucky, it was International Party and the sheer amount of headache he has to deal with would multiply. Courtesy of one Clopeh Sekka.

Not that Roan-only noble party would save him from that lunatic if he’s determined to join.

“Nee, Human! Human!” Raon poked his cheek. “Tell us! What happens on that world? Did something happen?”

“Oh something happen, alright.” Cale sighed. “Remember the Apocalypse I told you? It already happens.” And he proceeds to tell the kids and Eruhaben of what is happening at the Earth 8612. About scenario and how the Apocalypse run on different course than one the Sealed God made him went through.

He can tell them because they are one of a select few who know the deal Cale accepts from the Oldest Dream, who in his loneliness, accidentally crashes on Cale’s dream. The other who knows are Lord Sherrit, Bud, Fredo, and to some extent, Taylor and Cage.

The reason?

One, they were here when Oldest Dream crash onto Cale’s Dream and feel it, and were quickly silenced by the Entity before they could warn others. Two, they were, successfully, persuaded to let Cale help to fulfill the Entity’s wish, with only Lee Soo Hyuk and Choi Jung Soo as his back up.

“So you had to do all these things?” Hong asked.

“No.” Cale snorted. “I’m constellation. Meaning I watch and give support. Not frontline battle. At least for now.”

“For now?” Eruhaben narrowed his eyes.

“At later Scenarios, Constellation can, and in some case, must join as participants. One Scenario in the nineties is practically War between Constellations.”

It was clear they are displeased with the news.

“You will be fine, right?” On pressed. “You won’t sacrifice yourself, right? Nya?”

“Fuck no.” Cale shudders. “Let Kim Dokja and his company handle the worst. I’ll be in the rear line.”

They knew it would be a lie. But they are willing to ignore it… for now.

Truth to be told they want to join. They are worried because Cale has a terrible track of keeping himself safe.

World Tree Dagger to the Heart scarred them.

Taylor is more willing to take a step back, because he knows he has no say in it. He’s just here as a secret keeper. Cage is incessant, and tries to curse the Oldest Dream… only for them to slide off like water on a duck’s back. Sherrit, Duke Fredo, and Bud naturally want to complain, but they respect Cale as an adult who can make his own decisions.

The rest of them was harder to placate. They tried to butt in, forced themselves to join. Citing that Cale needs more protection because he is ‘Weak’.

But Lee Soo Hyuk shut their attempt down. Citing their insistence is basically disrespecting Cale’s wishes and boundaries. That they don’t have faith in Cale. While the Reincarnated Individual understands where they come from, he commented that their protectiveness is more of coddling. By calling Cale weak, and protecting him, they never let him grow, keeping him forever weak. In fact, Lee Soo Hyuk stated aloud that they are akin to chained Cale to them and that. Just. Not. A. Good. Idea. Ever.

He uses comparison to shut their protest down when they tried.

To Raon, he compares it to when Venion locked him up. With Cale in Raon’s place and Raon in Venion. Except this time, no one would come to Cale’s defense because all the ‘good guys’ are on Raon’s side. That they would keep Cale locked, treat him as fragile glass to be adored and bothered when they want, and ignore his wishes when it was not convenient to them.

Naturally, Raon has a freakout and crisis due to the comparison, and others don’t fare well either.

Cale was upset with Lee Soo Hyuk for that, which is why he nabbed Choi Jung Soo first as revenge. He doesn’t like seeing his kids upset.

Except Lee Soo Hyuk is adamant that he is right and he only did what’s necessary: making others see that their protection would only harm Cale in the long run and they need to BACK OFF and let the redhead breathes without them hovering on his shoulders all the time.

And he is right.

Painfully right.

“We really can’t tell Cookie Prince, Choi Han, Good Rosalyn and others.” Raon sulked.

“No. We can’t.” Cale shook his head. “They will do something. And they will spread the news. And it won’t be long before it reaches Clopeh Sekka and then ALL the nations. East and West continents alike. And then I won’t ever get peace.” He shudders. “They mean well, but they are prone to overreaction to the point they cannot keep secret when it come to me.”

He loves them, gods he does, but Privacy?!

Lee Soo Hyuk is correct.

They’re coddling him to an unhealthy degree. Better to back off and draw his line while gathering allies who would support him in case the line is crossed.

“Choi Han cannot be trusted?”

“No, Raon. He is a terrible liar, remember?”

Choi Han cannot lie even if his life depends on it.

And unlike Raon, and other kids, Choi Han’s backstory is different. He had never been held hostage against his will with his captor tormenting him, be it physical or emotional. His Isolation in the Forest of the Death for tens of years… left him very affection starved. The Harris Village Incident by the Arm doesn’t help his mentality.

No.

Choi Han cannot know. Ever.

Which is why time dilation is a blessing. It can serve as Alibi while others direct the attention elsewhere until Cale ‘wakes up’.

“Well. Let’s go to Roan.” The sooner he’s done with political hullabaloo the happier he will become. And the sooner he let others check up on him, the sooner they let him be away… again. Really, what can get past his ‘guard’?

Chapter Text

“Welcome back.” Yoo Sangah greeted. “How was it?”

“We even win the Target Station so we’re clear.” Kim Dokja laughed weakly while palming the Yaksu Station Flag he forcibly took.

When he took over the Flag and became New Ruler of Yaksu Station, he was given task to continue its Scenario: to successfully win its Target Station. Aside from that, he also take over the Stations under Yaksu control: Dongguk University, Geumho (oh isn’t that one nostalgic?), Beotigogae, and Hangangjin. Its Target Station is Ichon, and from it, Sinyongsan. Total of Seven Stations. He need three more to complete the King’s Path.

“You don’t look happy.” Lee Hyunsung commented.

Kim Dokja twitched.

The Leader of Ichon Station is a TOTAL SLOTH. And an idiot. Like, hon, just because you work in Garbage Disposal and got skill related to it, doesn’t mean you can turn a Station into one giant trashcan!

And when there’s trash, there’s insects.

There are a LOT of insects over there.

And Gilyoung… well…

He was in his element.

“Gods above, I’m so fucking glad he is in our sides!” Kim Dokja bemoaned while covering his face with both palms. “Imagine facing a Biblical Plague, except this one is not solely built of locusts, but also consists of mosquitos, gnats, cicadas, dragonflies, cockroaches, centipedes…” He shivered.

Ichon Station doesn’t stand a fucking chance.

Both Heewon and Hyunsung froze and robotically turned their head to look at Gilyoung, who was happily talking with Sangah.

“Remind me to never piss him off.” Heewon shivered.

Hyunsung tried to smile. “A-at least… your new post is protected?” he refers to Yaksu station.

Oh yeah. It was protected with enough Insects to make someone have entomophobia on sight.

Plus, it was not like they had time for it. After all, Kim Dokja is about to enter the main part of the plan: Dangling a “prize” that was more salivating than a mere Station.

“Oi.” Repressing the memory of terror that was Biblical Plague: Gilyoung Edition, Kim Dokja approached the (former) Prophet. “How was it? Give me a look.” He said with the same tone as your teacher when they demanded you to hand over your homework.

He took over the laptop from Jung Minseob and read the Fake “revelation”. Clicking his tongue, he scolds while typing, “You don’t have to try it novel-style. Reduce the irrelevant dialogues. We’re emphasizing on Item and Information, therefore unnecessary scenes that don’t serve as anything important should not be put in. And take breaks between information. Do not do infodump in one paragraph or the information we want to highlight will be skipped over and our goal won’t be met.”

“…you’re thorough.” Lee Seongguk commented.

“I’m working in the Quality Assurance section before this apocalypse happens.” Kim Dokja replied before adding a finishing touch. “And done. Now all we have to do is spread the information.”

He feels bad making use of Han Donghoon. Clearly, the Prophet worked that kid to the bones. Kim Dokja reassures himself that he only asks Han Donghoon to spread the information just this once, and then he doesn’t have to do anything except catch up on his sleep.

As for the Stations with no Internet Connection… well…

Kang Ilhun is useful that way.

Once he put the Information on the Auction, he contacted Joonghyuk-ah.

He bought Midday Tryist before they split paths. This Item is Expensive and would have wiped all of Kim Dokja coins, and he did earn coins from killing the Apostles (except that thrice-damned Plagiator who, of course, has Avatar Skill and use it! Who would risk their neck when they can send doll in their place just fine?!).

Except it doesn’t wipe Kim Dokja’s coins.

Not with others chipped in their coins to cover the cost and Secretive Plotter suddenly became very generous in covering half of the cost.

Thanks, he guess?

Anyway. Time to contact Joonghyuk-ah. Maybe he should use a Private Chat between the two of them instead of the Group Chat.

KDJ: I have spread the information and put the Info on the Auction. The main phase is about to start soon. Where are you now?

YJH: Sindap Station. Just finished taking it over.

KDJ: So you finally got 10 stations? Sweet Congratulations! Which King Attribute you choose?

YJH: 12. I already took Jegi-dong and Yongdu.

YJH: I choose Supreme King.

KDJ: eh wait, isn’t that…

YJH: I know

YJH: but I need the power it granted. I need all the power I can get, even if only for this Scenario.

KDJ: I’m sorry.

YJH: Then stay out of danger. Please .

KDJ: I’ll try.

KDJ: Oh also I’m the Leader of Yaksu station now and three Stations away from King’s Path.

KDJ: Can I borrow your name to hide from other Kings I’ll cross paths with?

YJH: Anything to keep you safe.

Kim Dokja got a notification that the Item he put on Auction had been sold. Oh sweet. Coins!

KDJ: Okay. I just got notifs. Information sold. The Kings will soon mobilize. Get ready to plant your flag and race towards Gwanghwamun.

YJH: Are you sure you will be okay? You said Tyrant King is one of the most powerful kings in Seoul and he’s pretty in sync with his Constellation.

Kim Dokja smiled at how Joonghyuk-ah fretted about his safety.

KDJ: Don’t worry. I’m not going alone.

KDJ: I may not have a Constellation Sponsor, but I have absolute trust in the Skills I have.

KDJ: Plus I planned to raid the Museum first to get useful Items.

YJH: …Alright.

YJH: I’ll put my faith in you.

YJH: but please be safe.

YJH: and pick King’s Attribute that can help you. Is there any that can protect you from harm?

KDJ: King of No Killing can revive me once per 100 people I save. But the catch is I can never kill the same being as me AKA fellow human. And since I did kill, it was out of the question.

KDJ: King’s Shield probably grants defensive skill, but based on the name it was more of protecting others. Imagine Hyunsung’s skill, but jacked up.

YJH: Damn.

KDJ: Don’t worry. Those are ‘Canon’ King attributes. Maybe there’s one tailored for me. I just have to find out.

YJH: I hope so.

KDJ: See you later at Gwanghwamun, love.

YJH: Love you too.

Deactivating Midday Tryist, Kim Dokja takes a deep breath.

“Alright everyone. Time for phase two."

Chapter Text

“Big talk from Incarnation of Lower-Ranked Constellation.” 180 hissed when the King of Beauty offered to buy out Kim Dokja and his group… at the price of a measly 2,000 coins.

Seriously? Is that all coins that poor Constellation can scrounge up? Ha! Pitiful! Even the children under Kim Dokja’s care have more coins than she does!

“I don’t know who your supporting Constellation is, but smaller groups in the area will be taken out. The only way you’ll be able to survive is to—”

“No.”

Secretive Plotter let out an amused smile at Kim Dokja’s flat refusal, complete with a disgusted expression, especially when he ushered his group to vacate the area and ignore the nonsense.

Only for that hussy to throw a tantrum befitting of a spoiled child.

“A shallow Constellation and a shallow Incarnation.” 300 snarled. “What a match.”

22 looks thoughtful. “How much of it was that Incarnation and how much it was that broke-ass Constellation?” He asked. “Because some Constellation and Incarnation are in Synch, they force their ambitions on poor Incarnation.”

666 made a face. “Ugh. Now you make me feel glad our stupid Sponsor let us run rampant as we pleased.” He grumbled.

Yes. The Oldest Dream looks benevolent in comparison to other Constellations. Sure, the Stigma is the Key that Unleash Hell, but at least he never forces his [Will] on them.

“Excuse me, Your Highness.” Yoo Sangah raised her hand. “To my knowledge, Silla was the least powerful of the Three Kingdoms. Historically speaking, don’t you think you’re at a disadvantage?”

“Oooh, burn!” someone cackled.

“W-WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT HISTORY?!” The King of Beauty demanded, flustered.

“Well, I have First Grade Certification in Korean History.”

Now they understand why Kim Dokja picked her as his companion this time. Knowledge is Power and she got proof she knows what she was talking about.

“Let’s go, Sangah. She doesn’t seem to know about her own history very well.”

“BUUUURRRNNN!” The Kkoma laughed.

“That’s what you get you low-grade Constellation!” taunted 111.

And yet despite being humiliated, she still demanded that Kim Dokja join her. Upping her offer to… 3,000 coins. And while she’s still upping, she only raises the bid by 100 coins each time.

Secretive Plotter stared at her pathetic attempt and scoffed. All while gifting his Fiancé 7,000 coins. Showing that he doesn’t have to heed her pathetic attempt.

Really, if Kim Dokja needs coins, Secretive Plotter is more than happy to give him some! He has millions, maybe even billions, of coins just lying around. The accumulated wealth of 1863 lives that finally he can access after becoming an Outer God.

And Secretive Plotter is VERY PROUD when Kim Dokja turns the table and attempts to buy her army for 20,000 coins. An action that stuns her for good

“How dare you!” One of King of Beauty’s generals shouted in anger. “Are you from Baekje?!”

“I,” Kim Dokja looked back with a cold expression. “Don’t know who this Baekje is. But I assure you,” his smile is chilling, “Making an enemy out of the Supreme King would be your undoing. You better watch out for your actions before they put you in the grave.”

And with that, Kim Dokja continues walking toward his initial goal.

“Dokja-ssi. I don’t remember you get King Attribute.” Yoo Sangah asked once they were away.

“I don’t.” Kim Dokja admits. “It was Joonghyuk-ah’s. I ask him if I can borrow his name to keep annoyance off of our back long enough for me to gain a King’s Attribute on my own. He doesn’t mind.”

“I see.”

“Also, King of Beauty may sound like a good nickname, but it’s shallow! Skin-deep only! Supreme King, on the other hand, held so much power! Just by hearing the name alone you know whoever holds that title is not someone to mess with! It contains the word Supreme , for goodness’ sake!”

3 mumbled something unintelligible, with his ears turned red.

He wasn’t the only one.

Secretive Plotter feels his cheek heated up. He… knows Supreme King is a Strong Attribute. The best of selection he was presented with. It had served him well back when he was an Incarnation. Striking fear and awe to enemies and allies. But to hear Kim Dokja openly praise it with stars in his eyes…

It made his stomach feel funny. Like butterflies are tickling him from the inside.

“I… have no regret picking that Attribute.” 3 finally said. “Absolutely. No. Regret.”

“We know.” Whispered 81.

Soon enough, Kim Dokja and his selected team arrived at the National Palace Museum of Korea.

“Is he aiming for Four Yin Demon Decapitator?” 3 wondered. Remembering he had used the sword during his regression.

“Shouldm’t we get it before others?” Gilyoung asked as they crouched behind bushes.

“Nah. No. Not right now.”

“Oh, maybe they tried to bait others?” 111 theorized. “Let them fight among themselves. Let my enemy kill my other enemy for me, kind of thing?”

“Should be it.” Secretive Plotter nodded as he read a “fake revelation” Kim Dokja sold. It was surprisingly accurate… if overly embellished. He really pointed out the pros of Items… but forgot to includes tiny detail that was the weakness or manuals on how to use them.

Wonder how did he knew.

Maybe That Yoo Joonghyuk told him in private via Midday Tryist? Or maybe it was related to the Fake prophets? They seem to know about the Regressions somehow… and that thing with Asmodeus… but the how eludes him.

Stupid censorship.

The good mood turned sour as that Audacious Bitch of Dokkaebi shows up. Not Bihyung, but that bitch who cut down the Timer. It moved forward the plot of the Fourth Scenario into the King’s Qualification.

“666. Write another review, and this time, make it even more scathing.” Secretive Plotter gritted out.

“On it.”

As soon as it begin, an all-out battle broke out at streets of Gwanghwamun.

“Where is Yoo Joonghyuk?!”

“Decimates the nearby station around Changshin and still waiting for the command from Kim Dokja!” 999 replied as he watched over their counterpart in that world. “I think they’re communicating with Midday Tryist—ah.”

“What now?!”

“They’re making a move to Changsin. I think they’re planning to have Mia store the Flagpole before making their way to Gwanghwamun! They also planning to clear out anyone who was in their path to lessen the burden on Kim Dokja’s end.”

Good idea, but not enough!

“What should we look for here?” Sangah asked as they were right in front of the museum.

“We need to find something called a Ganpyeongui.”

It was not the sword, but it will come in handy.

Arrow imbued with mana suddenly rained on Kim Dokja.

“WHAT?! WHO DARES?!”

Secretive Plotter looked at the area and found someone commanding it. After a little digging, he found which constellation that bastard belongs to.

The Last Hero of Hwangsanbeol.

Fuck this shit!

And to make matters even more complicated, the King of Beauty butt in.

And they have a history.

“Someone run the History for me. Because I forgot.” 11 Ask helplessly.

“Silla and Baekje.” 81 explained. “To sum it up, the general who shouted at Kim Dokja? He’s Gwanchang. And the rude guy just now? Gyebaek, who beheaded Gwanchang. And considering Stories worth more than your weight in Coins, they give power and weakness based on the Constellation’s records. Especially on Historical ones.”

“In other words,” 666 looked up from his assignment, “a case of ‘I want to help but man turned out I was the one needing help’?”

“Yep.”

There’s collective facepalm.

“Bloody useless…” Cursed 3. “They could… Don’t butt in if you’re just gonna ended up as collateral! Dokja can just retread into the Museum for shelter! There are many floors and areas and it was not like that idiot knew they were not aiming at the sword! But noooo! That bitch had to play hero and now look where she got them!”

999 side-eyeing the regression.

Secretive Plotter clenched his fist as Kim Dokja uttered his plan, once Sangah returned with the Item he wanted.

Since the situation is like this, they have no other choice but to reenact the history.

The Battle of Hwangsanbeol: Star Stream Sponsored Edition, is starting.

Chapter Text

Later, Kim Dokja would look back and think about what made him do what he did.

That’s a lie.

He knows perfectly what he did and why.

Gwanchang’s Incarnation. Kim Dokja doesn’t know who his name is. He doesn’t have time to see it through Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint. And since he wasn’t terribly important to TWSA, Kim Dokja didn’t pay much detail.

But he has eyes and he can see that man’s affection towards Min Jiwon. Not towards The King of Beauty, and certainly not towards her Incarnation. But to her. As a person, not as a ruler. Kim Dokja can see it the way he defends her.

And Kim Dokja, at his core, is a big softie who loves happy ending.

He’s A Fool indeed.

So, rather than letting History play by itself, Kim Dokja decides to go Big by altering history course.

Hence he use Ganpyeongui’s ability, [Echo of the Stars] to call upon a Constellation. Specifically, Kim Yushin.

That old man initially refused and willing to let History reenacted… until Sangah’s speech.

“History can’t be changed, I know that! But if you were to help us now, you can still make a difference for those are still here!” Sangah shouted to the sky.

[Constellation The Great King Heungmu is Listening to Incarnation Yoo Sangah]

“Hwangsanbeol may be over for you, but it isn’t for us.”

Those who are standing here is still alive. And since we’re alive, we can make our history.

The Present is Here and Now, after all, and with it, an uncountable number of futures. Each decision, each hesitation, carries its own possibilities. A crossroad that leads to multiple branches of the future.

Who lives, who dies, who tells our story.

Man, Kim Dokja is reminded that there’s a reason why Sangah is famous for her presentation. She makes great speeches.

[Constellation The Great King of Heungmu Accept Your Request]

[You Have Received The Great King of Heungmu’s Protection]

Kim Dokja wants to scream as foreign feeling fill his being. Akin to being bloated but also not. Heart beating so fast it almost hurts. It was as if he was being sucked inside and held prisoner in his own body.

He saw himself but also not.

It was akin to sitting in a black room with only one screen showing him of what is happening.

“Please lend me your voice for a while, so that I may unwind my anguish.”

Possession.

Kim Dokja cursed his naivete. Ugh. What he was hoping for? For Constellation to directly incarnates? Hah. As if. Unless it takes place in their realm, they won’t. the current stage is not that dire. Maybe in scenario 50 above…

“How absurd. The past is long behind us, but why you all gathered here?”

The Scenario setting is almost perfect, sir.

“AHAHAHAHAHA!” Gyebaek’s Incarnation laughed. “DON’T YOU GET IT?!”

[Constellation The Last Hero of Hwansangbeol Has Possesses His Incarnation]

“IT IS SO THAT WE CAN MEET AGAIN!”

Kim Dokja can only (mentally, internally) facepalmed.

“Gyebaek’s regret…” He mused out loud. “During battle of Hwangsangbeol, Gyebaek and Yushin never once meet head-on. Both are general, but while Gyebaek rally his troops at frontline with his speech and battle, repelling Silla’s army several time and even behead Gwanchang… Yushin play his part as Commander and not Soldier. Ordering the Army to keep fighting the dwindling Baekje’s army before finally crushing them with full frontal attack that claims Baekje.”

That part of History is immortalized in Kim Yushin’s Stigma. [Calling All Hwarang].

“Could it be that Gyebaek feels utmost regret that he never fought his fellow General in ‘honorable’ one versus one duel?”

[Your Attribute is…]

[The Fourth Wall is Suppressing the Attribute!]

Looking at how Gyebaek, in his Incarnation’s body, desperately fighting through thearmy of zombies (ugh, Zombie again???), perhaps the answer is yes.

“I wonder,” Kim Dokja mused, ignoring the noise of the battle and the notification of Constellations who looking into the reenactment. “What exactly would happen…”

[Your Attribute is…]

[The Fourth Wall is Suppressing the Attribute!]

“…if Gyebaek and Kim Yushin fought, even if only just once? One battle to respect each other as fellow General, and to fulfill the wish.”

[The Fourth Wall is Shaking]

[Your Attribute is Partially Activates]

“What are you doing?”

Kim Dokja blinked.

Is… Is Kim Yushin talking to him?

“What do you mean?”

“Don’t fool me boy.” Come the reply. “You did something.”

The screen shows that, instead of just letting his Stigma do the job, Kim Yushin in Kim Dokja’s body moves forward and engages Gyebaek personally. Combining his skill while he lived with Kim Dokja’s physical prowess.

Wait.

Did Kim Dokja push him to do it?

“I… I am not sure.” He spoke aloud. Eyes glued to the screen, his only source of light and information about what is happening. He doesn’t know why but…

“It was the battle of Hwangsanbeol, between Silla and Baekje. A battle that Koreans remember as part of their history. Silla’s army was led by General Kim Yushin and Baekje’s army was led by General Gyebaek. In history, both generals have never faced each other directly on stage.”

Unbidden, his mouth moves. Narrating what is happening.

“…and yet, by some miracle, the History repeats. Silla against Baekje. Kim Yushin against Gyebaek. Except this time, General Kim Yushin unsheathed his sword and clashed directly against General Baekje.”

He watched how Kim Yushin made use of his superior temporary Incarnation Body. Superior stamina, superior strength, and superior fighting experience born of training for years. The flexibility and ease in wielding the sword and executing movements.

“Gyebaek.” He heard Kim Yushin talk. “Why have you possessed your Incarnation? Have you forgotten the Rule of Probability?”

“…worth it.” Gyebaek replied. “The Probability… since I could fight you just this once… then this fake stage… the punishment I shall receive… is worth it…”

“…very well. Let us meet again at the Far end of the Galaxy.”

“…and a Hwarang executed the General. When one looks into the severed head, the expression General Gyebaek had is not one of bitterness of defeat, nor hatred against his killer. It was a smile of satisfaction. For he did have his wish, the long-awaited duel, granted.” Kim Dokja noticed that he was no longer trapped in his own body, as he could feel the stares. Yet for some reason he was compelled to continue the narration. Even if it was just a little longer.

It was almost over.

“And with a certain Hwarang manage to avoid his fateful death, Silla manages to win the war.”

And thus, born another end to this story.

“Dokja-ssi?”

“It’s fine.” Kim Dokja gives a weak smile to Sangah. “Let’s move to the north. We are on a time crunch here.”

Ignoring the burning stares, Kim Dokja picked up the flags one by one like you would do pebbles. Watching as his flag turned from red, to navy, to brown. A little more and it would be purple.

He got the notification.

Right. King’s Path.

“[You are a Strange One. You manage to retain your Sanity even after hearing my voice.]”

“Sanity is overrated.” Kim Dokja replied dryly. He means, who the fuck is sane enough to keep doing sword art practice despite working at Salaryman and all the exhaustion it gives? Granted he was held on swordpoint but…!

Oh. Also THAT Incident in his childhood pretty much fracturing his psyche.

“[Remember This, You owe me one. I had to break the Law of Probability to Help you.]”

“And I am grateful of that. I will never forget your kindness, General.”

“[Quite Impatient, aren’t you?]”

“Time crunch, time crunch.”

“[You don’t seems to have a Constellation Sponsor.]”

Ah crap.

“[I’ve grown quite fond of you. If it’s alright with you, I’d like to be your Sponsor and roam this world with you.]”

“Ah wait—”

[Constellation Secretive Plotter Snarl in Anger!]

Kim Dokja watched with wide eyes as storm of Probability hit the visage of Kim Yushin and forcibly ejected him.

[Constellation the Great King Huengmu is Befuddled]

[Constellation Secretive Plotter Threatens Constellation the Great King of Huengmu to Stay Away from Incarnation Kim Dokja]

[Constellation the Great King Huengmu States that Constellation Secretive Plotter Has No Right]

“Ugh, guys guys calm down we’re—“

[A Story is Born]

[Fable ‘The Long-Desired Duel’ is Bowing to Audience]

[…]

[The Constellations are in Uproar]

[Constellation Prisoner of Golden Headband Dropped his Staff in Surprise]

[Constellation Secretive Plotter Widens His Eyes]

[Constellation Lady of Sleeping Brocade is Bewildered]

[Constellation the Great Hwarang is Perplexed]

[Constellation of Silla Kingdom is Congratulated the Related Constellations for the New Fable]

[Constellation of Baekje Kingdom Express their Joy and Envy]

[Constellation The Last Hero of Hwangsanbeol Laughed Upcariously and States It’s All Worth It]

[Constellation the Great King of Huengmu is Intrigued]