Chapter Text
Ways of Survival wouldn't have been as popular as it currently is, if not for this one character.
Three Ways to Survive in a Ruined World, or Ways of Survival, is about a man named Yoo Joonghyuk that travels through the apocalypse in search of a way to save the world. When the man does, he gets reminded back in time to the start of the apocalypse.
That was the basic gist of the story's plot, which sounded interesting at first. The end of the world, kickstarted by some guys called constellations who wanted some entertainment? That's unique for the genre of stories tackling the end of the world.
Unfortunately, the execution of the story was...not so great. After Yoo Joonghyuk's third regression, the pacing started to drag. Details started repeating, and things turned boring for the readers. Many had dropped the novel because of it all.
As the regressions continued, more people abandoned the novel. Fewer and fewer people read the story, especially when other better stories in the genre showed up, like the SSSSS-grade Infinite Regressor (that is plagiarizing the Ways of Survival, why isn't anyone noticing this?) with better storytelling skills and a better protagonist...
And then the 15th regression started.
And then an anomaly showed up.
Bright laughter echoed, just as Yoo Joonghyuk had a knife thrown right next to his face--and nailed the poster of a man on a wall right to the image's forehead.
The man's heart pounded in his ears. What's this? Never before has anyone snuck up on him, not since the 6th regression. And yet--
"Ah! Careful there, sir."
The regressor whirled, instantly raising his sword to point at the intruder. Yoo Joonghyuk's voice cut like jagged glass. "Who are you?"
Silence. Footsteps echoed, deliberately slow. In front of Yoo Joonghyuk was a silhouette of another man, getting closer and closer into the light.
"Nice to meet you. You're Joonghyuk-ssi, aren't you?"
An unfamiliar face greeted Yoo Joonghyuk's sight. A lean body, delicately sharp features and face, with onyx fox-like eyes twinkling as if holding the entire galaxy inside those orbs; this intruder looked back, lips quirked up in amusement.
A snowy white coat billowed as the man bowed, not at all bothered with the sword threatening to cut him. Yoo Joonghyuk can even dare to say that this man is confident he'd be able to escape the blow.
This is a man Yoo Joonghyuk, in all of his regression turns, have never seen or even heard of before. This can be dangerous--
"My name is Kim Dokja. Please remember it well", a smooth voice spoke, the man introducing himself. The smile is still there. "I look forward to working with you, Joonghyuk-ssi."
...what?
Kim Dokja, the character, takes the remaining readers of WOS by storm.
Witty, charismatic, and shameless, this prophet was always three steps ahead of both Yoo Joonghyuk and the readers. This character never seemed to possess any fear, too, especially since this guy always took time outside scenarios to cheerfully tease and poke and tap-dance on Yoo Joonghyuk's last nerve. One minute, Kim Dokja is fiercely defending the regressor, and the next he's insulting the guy.
Like Yoo Joonghyuk, no one could tell what the prophet wanted. No one could tell what the character is thinking, or how his mind works.
And that's honestly attractive for the audience of this book. They could forgive the snail-like pacing of this story for now, if they'd just get more of this character.
It's only natural; named characters around Yoo Joonghyuk who are human are either loyal companions, like Lee Jihye and Lee Hyunsung, love interests like Lee Seolhwa, or enemies like Anna Croft.
Dokja didn't fit in any of those roles, not exactly.
His loyalty extends only to how useful Yoo Joonghyuk will be in his current plans and refuses to take any orders from the regressor most of the time despite being (debatably) friends with the guy. If Yoo Joonghyuk interferes, Dokja will quickly turn his blade against the protagonist.
Never enough to seriously injure the regressor, though, oddly enough. Still.
Love interest? Dokja is a person that doesn't even reveal his real feelings. If there's a relationship he has that's going that way, the readers have yet to truly see any hints of it.
This character is just simply interesting. The readers know a lot about him, while at the same time knowing nothing; Dokja's family, his childhood, why he became like this, nothing. And the fact that Dokja only appeared now, in the 15th regression, increases the intrigue.
There are even people who even theorize, trying to speculate the reason for why this character only showed up in that regression when Dokja is this competent.
Didn't help that as the chapters ensued, Yoo Joonghyuk had come to think of Dokja as a companion as well, even when the regressor didn't know where the guy's true loyalty lies and denies their friendship a lot.
Shippers honestly eat all this content up, eager to see their relationship moments even if it's just platonic or romantic. They also like to see Kim Dokja spend time with the others. Especially with Lee Seolhwa, too, since around her, the prophet seems much more...calm, more different.
It's endearing, to see the cunning fox gradually letting his guard down, which is only a plus for the novel's sake.
And so, Ways of Survival became so much more popular--at least for this arc. It can even be called redemption, in a way, since readers started to increase again--only because of one character.
==
Kim Dokja, the reader, hated this new character. At first.
Who did this guy think he was?
Kim Dokja the character was obnoxious, prideful, and arrogant. He acts as if he knows everything, and that people should act accordingly to his whims.
And then it turns out that he does know mostly everything--he knows incredibly useful things no one else knows, much to Yoo Joonghyuk's annoyance--and Kim Dokja is much more irritated.
Dokja is a prophet. Yoo Joonghyuk saw through his Sage's Eye that he is one.
A prophet like Anna Croft, who used to be Yoo Joonghyuk's partner until she betrayed him.
Dokja will betray Yoo Joonghyuk, too, won't he?, Kim Dokja predicted viciously, taking in the words in the latest chapter. Author-nim, Yoo Joonghyuk needs to throw Dokja away before that happens!
Except his beloved protagonist can't really do that.
Dokja is not really a part of Yoo Joonghyuk's group, more like a link between his own group and Yoo Joonghyuk's group. How can you kick out someone who isn't exactly a companion?
But as always, even when forced to work with someone so infuriating, Yoo Joonghyuk is still the best.
[You have accomplished an existence that's never existed before.]
[A new story has been created.]
[The fable, "King of a World Without a King", is born.]
Yoo Joonghyuk felt like laughing. He never thought he'd be able to do this. Not in this round, at least.
The remains of the throne lay next to him. The humans who had tried to force him to sit on the throne that would doom them all, his companions who defended him when he used the Four Yin Demonic Beheading Sword Kim Dokja tossed to him...
Yoo Joonghyuk had to admit. Without Kim Dokja's knowledge, he wouldn't have accomplished this at all.
And that was true. Earlier, while Yoo Joonghyuk was gathering power as a King candidate, Kim Dokja deliberately went off to retrieve this sword that can cut off the power of constellations.
This sword was what allowed him to destroy the throne, and that was a relief. Otherwise--Yoo Joonghyuk would have needed to regress.
At least Dokja's useful.
He's loyal. For now.
Still annoying, though.
Eyes containing endless galaxies looked at the regressor. Despite being as dirtied and bloodied as the rest of them...
Kim Dokja smiled. For once, it was soft. Genuine.
Then the prophet's mouth moved.
"Joonghyuk-ssi~", Kim Dokja purred. Clearly, this fool is gloating. "Don't you have something to say to me?"
So very annoying.
==
One chapter update made Kim Dokja reconsider the character that shared his name.
"Why did you take the arrow out?"
"D-Dokja-Hyung--", Lee Jihye coughed, dryly responding despite the bleeding wound on her side. "When someone gets hit--by an arrow--you normally won't--say hey you shot me--think I'll keep this for a while--"
"Nice to see you're still joking around at a time like this. Did the arrowhead feel like it's burning?"
"Yes, but--Hyung--"
Kim Dokja shoved something into her mouth. "Eat this, it will slow the poison down."
While Lee Jihye shrieks in indignation, he snaps at Yoo Joonghyuk before the regressor can even think of what to say. "Shut up, you emo b*st*rd. You want to save her? Help me take her to Seolhwa-ssi."
Yoo Joonghyuk felt his heart beat violently in his ears. He knows they need to run, but--why is Kim Dokja helping them?
He knows that in this hidden scenario, it would be more beneficial for Kim Dokja to leave them behind. That way, the prophet will be able to get what he wants.
Why go through all this trouble?
In a corner of his school, tucked underneath the small space underneath the staircase next to the cafeteria, Kim Dokja read the update while nursing the new bruises on his gut.
Song Minwoo didn't hold back today. He could hardly even move after that guy and his goons were done with him. He even missed the morning classes, too, unable to crawl back to class.
It wasn't that he was upset he didn't get to attend classes for a time today, though. It's just that his aunt--and he wouldn't be able to eat.
Not that he was even eating anything aside from whatever leftovers he scraped up from the trash or the sink or the few he can buy in the convenience store. Even so.
Anyway, by the time lunch rolled around, the wounds in his body didn't feel like being constantly stabbed by Yoo Joonghyuk's sword anymore. He was able to hide before Song Minwoo came back for more, and...well...
Reading this chapter, seeing the Kim Dokja in the story be frantic in trying to keep Lee Jihye from dying...
The reader was glad, that Lee Jihye won't die because of the prophet's quick action. By saving Lee Jihye, Dokja is sparing Yoo Joonghyuk from being hurt even further--which is the least this guy can do.
But he wished there was someone that was as concerned for Kim Dokja the reader's well-being, just as much as Kim Dokja the character is currently concerned for the teenage girl's well-being now.
Still...Yoo Joonghyuk had a point, Kim Dokja wondered because that was what he also predicted. Why do you want to save her?
He wanted to find out. So, he moved his thumb, and dull grey eyes read over the next parts.
The texts go over the group rushing back to camp, where Lee Seolhwa immediately went to work on making an antidote for the poison in the teenage girl's bloodstream and to keep the girl alive.
Dokja and Yoo Joonghyuk were pushed outside in the meantime. It was then that Yoo Joonghyuk took the opportunity.
"Hey. You fool."
Kim Dokja rolled his eyes. "What. Wanna fight?"
"Kim Dokja", and then. "Why did you save Jihye?"
Silence passed between them. Kim Dokja didn't look at the regressor all the while.
Many students passed by the staircase, failing to notice the lone, battered student. Kim Dokja didn't care for them anyway, so he read on.
"The apocalypse is forcing us all to survive. Living is a luxury, that's all", Kim Dokja answered without really answering anything. "What about you, Yoo Joonghyuk?"
Yoo Joonghyuk wants to hit him. Can't this fool be more clear? A little bit? "...to save the world."
"You very well know the world can't be saved, so don't give me that."[Many constellations are amused by the words of incarnation, "Kim Dokja."]
[1000 coins are sponsored.]
Yoo Joonghyuk scowled, because--there has to be a way. What was the purpose of his regressions otherwise?
But as the regressor was about to snap back, the prophet continued. "But what you can do is save your own world."
...save my own world?"You'd find that...even saving just one person. Especially if it's just yourself", Kim Dokja turns to look at him, speaking as if he's looking at another place; a place that no longer existed. "It's worth it. Because all of what you endured is rewarded by someone...living on to tell the tale. That's a reward in itself. Right?"
It's worth it. Because all of what you endured is rewarded by someone...living on to tell the tale.
The phone shook. Why is it shaking? Why are his eyes stinging right now?
Kim Dokja, who was never told before that his life mattered--
Kim Dokja, who was always treated as a waste of space--
Murderer's son, cursed child, someone who everyone will be overjoyed to find dead--
Even saving just one person. Especially if it's just yourself.
It's worth it.
Kim Dokja, who would someday treat his own life as beneath the lives of the people who love him--
Kim Dokja, who would someday throw away his own life again and again for the people he loves--
Would it be alright? To be saved?
To live?
By saving one person. By saving yourself. That's already a reward, Dokja said.
Not a curse. Not a burden.
A reward, Kim Dokja laughed quietly. His voice sounded hollow. Even if it's just only for myself...
No one found him, even when the rest of the classes went by. No one cared enough to look for him, to even think about the poor child who was abandoned by the world.
But Kim Dokja was there, with his phone and tls123's Ways of Survival for company.
He's alone, but...he's alive to read this story. He's alive to accompany Yoo Joonghyuk, even if it's just through words on a screen.
He lives.
==
Okay. He'll admit that Dokja is wise when he wants to be.
Kim Dokja still wants to hit him anyway.
Yoo Joonghyuk didn't bother trying not to slam the door. The rat should be glad he wasn't going to strangle the guy, anyway. "Kim Dokja, how dare you."
"Joonghyuk-ssi, do you want something? Some tea, maybe?", Kim Dokja said sweetly, several coins richer from scamming the constellations at Yoo Joonghyuk's expense earlier. The audacity! "Tsk, tsk. Too bad I don't make tea. But I do have two fists! Want me to hit you again?"
Maybe Yoo Joonghyuk should kill him. That would make one less annoying prophet in this round.
He does see why the other readers like Yoo Joonghyuk and Dokja together, though. They're honestly so hilarious.
Dokja is one of the people who are unafraid of Yoo Joonghyuk. However, he's the only one on the regressor's side (somewhat) that doesn't actively look up to him. The prophet is independent, someone capable of standing beside the protagonist with skills and achievements made on his own.
When he's with the regressor, he never really relies on Yoo Joonghyuk. Instead, Yoo Joonghyuk tends to be aided by him.
Or just get punched for coins, apparently.
Kim Dokja is going to cheer for Yoo Joonghyuk to finally strangle the prophet in a second; he's going to watch the show for now. It's not every day his favorite protagonist gets teased and bullied like this.
==
"Seolhwa-ssi!", the man in the currently-bloodied white coat cheerfully called out. "I bring the emo b*st*rd back, as promised."
Yoo Joonghyuk would have hit this guy over the head, if he was still able to move his own limbs. The latest fight frankly took a toll on him...
Lee Seolhwa's beautiful snowy white hair was tied up in a bun, lips parted when she looked up. Her crystal black eyes scanned the two men, and then let out a tired sigh.
"You two--and yes, you too, Kim Dokja-ssi", she said, mustering the patience of a doctor used with unreasonable patients. "Just get over here."
Kim Dokja let out the same tired sigh.
He was glad that Yoo Joonghyuk and Lee Seolhwa were getting close again now, but shouldn't they be more careful? The next main scenario is in two days; should they really let themselves get roughed up like this?
Sunfish b*st*rd, owl b*st*rd, the reader thought, and promptly closed the phone. If he runs, maybe he can make it before his uncle throws the leftovers to the new dogs.
==
Things were going so well in the story, that everyone really should have expected this. What with how the tone of the story had already been, before this regression.
Still, Kim Dokja, wished for things to be much, much better.
The character who shared his name should at least get to live, too. Isn't he Yoo Joonghyuk's equal? The one Lee Seolhwa of this round so clearly respects at the same level she respects--maybe even adore--Yoo Joonghyuk?
In hindsight, the man would have lived if it weren't for his own choice.
In the chapter before that, Yoo Joonghyuk and Kim Dokja's group were both preparing for the next fight when this happened.
"...oh no."
Yoo Joonghyuk stopped in his tracks. That was panic in Kim Dokja's voice.
Turning around, he saw the prophet leaning on the wall near the doorway leading outside. Kim Dokja's eyes were blown wide, a shaky hand over his lips.
Yoo Joonghyuk had never seen the man look so afraid.
"I can't see anything", the prophet murmured, voice turning shaky as well. "So close to the next main scenario, and I can't...!"
"Kim Dokja?"
But Kim Dokja already ran out the door.
After that, Yoo Joonghyuk couldn't find the prophet anywhere--until the guy returned with his own shield, the Judge of Evil Jung Heewon... who is another person that wasn't there in the past regressions.
And when Yoo Joonghyuk tried to bring up what happened, Dokja made a joke about anxiety and dragged Jung Heewon off with him.
Reading this, Kim Dokja's eyebrows furrowed. What's going on? Did it have something to do with Dokja's prophetic skill?
In the entirety of the 15th regression, Kim Dokja the character's prophetic skill is left in mystery. Anna Croft was able to see the future through her future self sending back what she experienced to her past self, which was why she was also called a prophet.
Dokja's skill is left a mystery, like everything about him aside from personality. Only hints are there, like how Kim Dokja knew of tools needed to win and how to use it, but was unable to predict Lee Jihye getting hit.
Kim Dokja had a bad feeling about it. And, indeed, when the next chapter rolled around, the reader sitting down at a table in a library at lunchtime...
They were facing the sixth main scenario, with Nirvana Moebius and everything. And--
"I will liberate you--"
"I don't need it."
"Huh?"
Yoo Joonghyuk looked to the side. Kim Dokja looked back, eyebrow raised.
Proudly, Yoo Joonghyuk declared. "I have someone who can do that for me."
Kim Dokja dropped his phone. Fortunately, the table exists.
Silence reigned.
Kim Dokja gave Yoo Joonghyuk an incredulous look, but Yoo Joonghyuk refused to take his words back.
After all...this is true. As infuriating as this know-it-all has been, Kim Dokja is incredibly useful. He wouldn't have made it this far without this prophet.
He has been blessed with having Kim Dokja as his companion in this turn. He'd be a fool not to see Kim Dokja for what he is.
Will Kim Dokja betray him? Well--no evidence yet to suggest he will, except for the whole punching thing.
Yes, the regressor thought. He...
"Don't get this emo b--this person wrong, we have no intention of fighting the Salvation Church", white robes fluttered, Kim Dokja stepping forward in an attempt to smooth over ruffled feathers. "Joonghyuk-ssi would love to work with you. Right?"
Yoo Joonghyuk scowled. He has no intention to lie. "No."
"Aish, you a**--"
"Alright", said through gritted teeth, the Reincarnator before them bellowed. "May judgement be ruthless upon you!"
Yoo Joonghyuk moved, unsheathing his sword, but Kim Dokja pushed him to the side. By the time Yoo Joonghyuk was able to gain composure from that, it was too late.
Nirvana was already upon Kim Dokja, faces inches from each other. A white aura shot the prophet.
[The incarnation "Nirvana Moebius" has used Thought Infection Lv 19.]
Kim Dokja's body turned rigid. Hands reached up to claw his own scalp right after, as if ready to claw his head off.
Kim Dokja dropped his phone again. What is this development!?
Yoo Joonghyuk stood back up. Nirvana Moebius turned to the regressor, smiling uncannily.
Then, he left an order. "Now, respectfully, please die."
Onyx eyes slid shut.
For the first time in a while--Yoo Joonghyuk remembers how to fear. "KIM DOKJA!"
[The incarnation "Yoo Joonghyuk" uses Way of The Wind.]
The Salvation Church Leader's mandala and the regressor's Heaven Shaking Sword collided. Sparks flew, but Yoo Joonghyuk wasn't looking at his opponent.
Kim Dokja was still motionless. He wasn't doing or saying anything.
Yoo Joonghyuk never thought he'd find himself wishing that Kim Dokja should run his mouth again. Why? Why now?
"You will become one with me, Yoo Joonghyuk", Nirvana demanded. "I am the only one who can get you to the--
[The effects of Thought Infection on incarnation "Kim Dokja" was invalidated.]
"Wh-what am I...?", the prophet finally murmured. His eyes opened back up. "No. No, I refuse."
Yes! Kim Dokja found himself cheering, too. Fight it! Come on!
He might not like this prophet very much, but he was someone who Yoo Joonghyuk had come to care for deeply. Kim Dokja loves his protagonist, and so it extends to those his protagonist loves.
Even if it's someone Kim Dokja can't really stand.
And so, Kim Dokja kept reading, kept hoping--
Yoo Joonghyuk felt relief in his chest. "Kim Dokja..."
[The incarnation "Nirvana Moebius" has used the stigma Eternal Nightmare lv 15.]
"NO!"
Other students in the library whirled their heads. Kim Dokja ducked his head down in embarrassment, but the feeling of indignation didn't leave.
The teenager read Yoo Joonghyuk getting trapped in a nightmare again, describing his worst fears and terror.
Kim Dokja hoped his beloved protagonist will break out in time.
[The incarnation "Kim Dokja" has used the stigma Clear Sight lv 3.]
Yoo Joonghyuk snapped his eyes back open. It was to a clear sky.
Behind him, he heard Nirvana mutter in astonishment. "How did you...my spell..."
Red spilled, blooming like a grotesque lotus flower. White was stained by that sickening color, a warm body pressed against the regressor's own.
"Ah, but I suppose it won't matter."
Onyx eyes looked at him. The galaxies within those orbs began to fade.
"Would you--look at that", Kim Dokja grinned weakly despite the blood on his lips. "This is--the reason why, huh?"
Yoo Joonghyuk looked down. Heaven Shaking Sword was embedded in the prophet's chest, staining the sword's blade red as much as the form that collapsed in his arms.
This... "Kim Dokja...!"
"I'm glad--it was me and--not you..."
Kim Dokja exhaled, eyes fluttering shut. He didn't draw another breath.
And Yoo Joonghyuk screamed.
Kim Dokja dropped his phone. The reader was pretty sure the gadget was broken now.
==
The end of Dokja's life caused much uproar among the readers.
AUTHOR-NIM!!! Why did you kill our oracle!!!! That was the general consensus, from both readers that love him and those that feel annoyed by him. Apparently, that's their nickname for this anomaly character they all favor. BRING HIM BACK!!!!
They can't even criticize the writing. This scene was already foreshadowed by the past scenes, so that's the obvious outcome.
It didn't help. People are still angry and sad about the loss of their cheeky prophet. But then one reader brought up, hey! Yoo Joonghyuk can regress! We can see Kim Dokja in the next regression!!
And so they were eagerly waiting for Yoo Joonghyuk to die again so they can have Kim Dokja back. The author did give them that, too, and they didn't have to wait long for the next turn.
Except in the 16th regression, Kim Dokja was absent and never existed. And in the next regression, and the next regression after that.
The comments blew up. AUTHOR-NIM!!!
Honestly, Kim Dokja didn't care about it, though watching them go at it was entertaining. Sure, the teenage reader was surprised to find hinself sad that Dokja died--and probably won't be coming back anytime soon--but Kim Dokja was honestly more concerned for Yoo Joonghyuk.
After Dokja died, Yoo Joonghyuk snapped and ended up killing Nirvana. Then the Salvation Church dove down to kill him, and Jung Heewon swooped in to defend the regressor.
Not like it mattered. They were overrun, and Yoo Joonghyuk slit his own neck to escape.
Then he woke up back on the train in the 16th round, and frantically looked for the prophet only to find that Kim Dokja never existed here...
He stopped at a mirror on the wall. A corpse stared back.
Yoo Joonghyuk closed his eyes.
He was tired. Why does this happen to him?
When things are already starting to look up...
Why. Why am I still--alive...
When everyone died. When all that held his heart was gone along with those pieces of him.
Why?
He's already lost so much for the past turns. Then, when a hint of hope was given to him in the 15th regression, it was cruelly taken away.
Even so.
Even if it might be selfish--Kim Dokja begged his protagonist to keep going.
Take revenge for that owl b*st*rd, at least, the reader pleaded, reading through these texts silently. Kill Nirvana Moebius in this round. Just please--don't give up.
Because if Yoo Joonghyuk gives up, then--then Kim Dokja may not know what to do.
Just keep going, Yoo Joonghyuk.
And surely, eventually--he will be able to save the world. Of that, Kim Dokja was sure.
==
Lee Seolhwa was a blessing.
"Joonghyuk-ssi."
Yoo Joonghyuk paused. The hand that slipped inside his own...feels warm.
"I might not be able to truly understand you...", the white-haired doctor breathed out. "Or know what you went through..."
Fingers interlocked, tugging with minimal strength. Yoo Joonghyuk let this happen, let the woman get close until all he can see is her.
He knows it's dangerous. He knows he'll lose her, like how he lost so many Jihyes, Hyunsungs, Namwoons...
"But I want you to know that I will always be here for you to rely on. Okay?"
Yet Lee Seolhwa smiled, gentle as the morning dew.
And Yoo Joonghyuk recalls how to feel warm again.
Muffling his pleased screech, Kim Dokja's smile was hidden by his pillow, along with half of his face. He didn't want to wake up his relatives, since that might result in decreasing his allowance where it won't even be enough for a drop of water (although he doesn't even have enough for a protein bar, but still).
He's happy, though. Leave it to Lee Seolhwa to make things better for his beloved protagonist.
Aaaugh. They're just so cute!
==
Kim Dokja's luck finally ran out. Song Minwoo and his goons were worse today.
I am Yoo Joonghyuk. I am Yoo Joonghyuk.
His head felt like it was breaking open from the kicks of the other high-schoolers. He was pretty sure his blood vessels exploded in his chest, pretty sure his organs are ground to dust by now.
I am Yoo Joonghyuk, Kim Dokja still chanted internally through bared teeth, ignoring the laughs and jeers above him. I am Yoo Joonghyuk.
Yoo Joonghyuk would have cut off their necks by now, for daring to attack him. He wouldn't have given in until he makes them pay, and so Kim Dokja does the same.
If it was Lee Jihye in his place, her katana would have cut them to pieces, too. Kim Namwoon would have burned them all to dust. Lee Hyunsung would have driven them back, a trusted shield as always.
Lee Seolhwa would have poisoned them all with some concoction, since they're a nuisance she doesn't need.
The character Kim Dokja...
"But what you can do is save your own world."
"Tsk, tsk. Too bad I don't make tea. But I do have two fists! Want me to hit you again?"
"It's worth it. Even saving just one person. Especially if it's just yourself."
Kim Dokja sighed in exasperation despite himself. Dokja will...
Song Minwoo's face turned uglier, not liking the unexpected response. "Ah, bored, are you? Beat him harder!"
The pain was worse now, but Kim Dokja laughed anyway.
If it was Kim Dokja the character in this situation, the guy would have been able to make Song Minwoo and his goons run mental gymnastics with that mouth of his. He'd take advantage of this situation, make the tables turn on them just by using something he knows.
That kind of resourcefulness...
It would have been helpful, Kim Dokja decides. I should try it. Even if I die. What does it matter, anyway?
He's alone.
Therefore, there's no one else who can save him. Or will be willing to try.
The least he can do is to try to save himself.
--at least until that owl b*st*rd is back and Yoo Joonghyuk can feel hope again. That's all.
==
Song Minwoo choked. He slammed the glass to the ground, shattering it to pieces. "WHO DARED PUT SALT IN MY DRINK!"
Underneath the stairs, Kim Dokja grins.
Since he's outside, he won't be under suspicion. Song Minwoo can scream all he wants, but he'd never find out who messed with him. Which is--which is good.
He might get another beating today, but that's fine. It's worth it.
Small steps, and it's worth it.
==
This is honestly fun.
Kim Dokja might just do more of this.
==
The apocalypse is forcing us all to survive, Dokja had said. Living is a luxury, that's all.
Kim Dokja let his head fall on the desk, wondering. But why did you accept Yoo Yoonghyuk killing you?
The owl b*st*rd is clearly a hypocrite, then...
His phone dinged. Kim Dokja immediately abandoned his books and assignment to get to it.
| tls123 has updated Ways of Survival! |
A huge smile broke out on his face.
Immediately, Kim Dokja clicked and started to read. From what he knew, this is supposed to be the 23rd round. Yoo Joonghyuk got pretty far into the 42nd scenario before regressing again.
While the loss was disappointing and heartbreaking...this regression offered something better.
Eyes glimmering with countless galaxies, a smirk carved its way on this person's face. This anomaly even had the audacity to wink at him.
Only one person would dare to do that.
"Kim Dokja, at your service", the man said, and then he lets go of the rope. "Try to keep up."
Yoo Joonghyuk lunged as the man fell. Then, when the regressor reached the windowsill, there was no sign of the man anywhere.
Even so, Yoo Joonghyuk felt a knot in his chest start to loosen.
It was that anomaly prophet. Kim Dokja was in his regression turn again.
Kim Dokja breathed a sigh of relief. Finally.
He closed his phone and put it down next to his textbook. That took a while, but now Dokja is back and Yoo Joonghyuk is happy.
Even if it's not exactly the same Dokja that lived with the regressor and died for him in the 15th regression. Something is better than nothing, he guesses.
...
Kim Dokja broke into giggling. He feels a bit silly, but--
He's the type of reader that comments on every chapter. His comment may be drowned out by the voices constantly pestering the author to bring back Dokja, and now there's a chance his comment may be seen since the readers are dwindling again...
But he still made this comment.
Kim_Dokja
Hi, Mr. Dokja. Nice to see you! Author-nim, thank you for bringing him back!
"Hm...but there's a lot of other good things that happened here, too", Kim Dokja tapped a finger to his chin. "Seolhwa-ssi and Joonghyuk-ssi together were cute, and Jihye..."
His comment was fairly long. Still drowned out by other readers' voices, but still posted proudly with the words filled in genuine love.
Not just for one character, but for everything that belongs in the story.
==
Because Yoo Joonghyuk's actions changed, Dokja changed, too, in a way. He didn't get a personality change, or anything like that.
In this round, he's...somehow both more serious and more playful than before.
Shin Yoosung frowned down at the gutted stuffed animal, mourning. "Ah, it's dead..."
Lee Seolhwa picked the girl up in her arms.
Kim Dokja promptly wailed. "I'm a murderer!"
"It was an accident, you know that", Jung Heewon snorted, and then she kicked Kim Dokja's arm. "Don't be dramatic."
"I'm a prophet. I'm meant to be dramatic!"
Yoo Joonghyuk rolled his eyes at their antics.
If it weren't for Kim Dokja, the others wouldn't have the courage and assurance of safety to even get near Yoo Joonghyuk due to how powerful the man is now.
Yoo Joonghyuk seemed at peace now, too. Kim Dokja and his group is with Yoo Joonghyuk and his companions, and all is right again.
Then when Yoo Joonghyuk decided to tell the prophet the thing that's been bothering him; of Kim Dokja dying for him. The man did say he has this ability to rewind time to give background, and then he did it.
The reaction was this;
There was suddenly a sharp pain on his thigh. Yoo Joonghyuk stared, stunned.
Kim Dokja kicked him.
Kim Dokja kicked him.
Why?
"Kim Dokja--"
"You have no right to be angry, Yoo Joonghyuk!", Kim Dokja snapped. "Heck, I should be the one yelling at you! Who do you think you are!!"
Yoo Joonghyuk bared his teeth. What is this fool going on about now?
"Listen", Kim Dokja said, onyx eyes blazing wuth a fire. "If I died trying to save you, and you killed yourself right after, you do know that is the worst insult you can ever give me, right? You know why?"
"What nonsense--"
"Because you're telling me that my sacrifice means nothing to you."
Yoo Joonghyuk fell silent.
"It means", the prophet's voice cracked. "That I had a choice, and that choice was to save you. But you chose to spit on that choice by offing yourself anyway. Who do you think you are?"
"We were overrun--"
"Then fight! Fight like you actually give a damn about this world! Because as long as you're alive, you can do something about any mess you're in!"
Onyx met gold.
"Value your life, Yoo Joonghyuk", the man said coldly. "Maybe if you do that, you can actually make it to the end. Capiche? Don't make us waste our precious lives just because you're so callous about your own."
Kim Dokja winced when he read this.
What Dokja said was right, but...should this guy really have said it?
Maybe Yoo Joonghyuk needed those words. This might actually make the guy to stick around regressions, even when everyone else is dying already.
Even saving just one person. Especially if it's just yourself.
"Aaah, those words are stuck in my head", the high schooler muttered. Kim Dokja couldn't bring himself to actually mind it, though.
Dokja's...honestly such a cool person, the reader found. He could see why this prophet is a fan favorite.
==
"We're taking it", Kim Dokja declared, peeking out the curtain. "I wasn't lying when I said the outfit fits your boobs. I've never seen you with your boobs so big before. You're gorgeous with those big boobs of yours."
Poor Lee Hyunsung screeched, face red. "Please stop saying boobs, Dokja-ssi!!"
Kim Dokja cackled, running off and leaving a hysterically laughing Jung Heewon behind.
"Shameless", Yoo Junghyuk snapped. "Why are you making a big deal out of clothes, anyway?"
Onyx eyes went wide. Kim Dokja said. "Yoo Joonghyuk, don't you know the effect of fashion!?"
"The effect of fashion?"
"Your confidence gets a big boost depending on what you're wearing. If your feel good in your outfit, you'll feel like you can do anything!"
"Nonsense."
"It's true!"
Kim Dokja thought it as a bunch of beloney.
But...
The reader looks at the wardrobe in his room, where he knows a few of his clothes are. They're nothing special, just a few shirts and pants a lot with his uniform.
It would be great to feel confident, though. Maybe if he follows the advice, he'd be just as awesome as Yoo Joonghyuk! Or as cool as Dokja!
==
A couple of internet searches and making the most of what he owns later, Kim Dokja sneaks in front of a mirror to see him in stylish faded pants and a black shirt worn a certain way.
This time, Kim Dokja was able to hold his head up high.
He's...probably not as pretty as Dokja is, but--he does feel like he can take on the world. Almost.
He may be the murderer's child, but at least he knows he can look good when he can wants to.
==
Do you know about the butterfly effect?
A small change, a small choice, can make a big difference in one's future.
If Kim Dokja the character was never written in WOS, with the guy's effortless shameless behavior, then Kim Dokja would have been alone until the unspeakable happens.
However, since this character was written in, that meant Kim Dokja had the confidence stolen from that prophet character to stick out and sneak around.
Even in simple small ways like buying convenience store food in the morning of a weekend.
It's not like they'll notice, anyway, the teen thought, picking up the cheapest noodle cup he can find. Thankfully, he was able to save up what little he has--and he can eat something considered a full meal, for once. Worth it.
He then got some hot water, and sat on a table in the store while waiting for the food to cook. In the meantime, he opens his phone--and clicks another novel out of curiosity.
Since it seemed similar to Ways of Survival, he thought that it's worth it to check out.
SSSSS-Infinite Regressor, it's name was. And the content--
A man with almond eyes filled with endless galaxies stepped forward. Hands behind his back, white coat billowing--Yoo Joonghyun sees the ethereal beauty the man has, and raises his sword.
Beauty equals to danger. The regression won't be fooled. "Who are you?"
The newcomer spreads his arms. In a gentle voice, the man said. "My name is Kim Donghui, and I would like to be your companion."
Kim Dokja felt like spitting blood. "THIS IS PLAGIARISM!!"
What the hell!? The only thing different is the names, but even that can be traced to Ways of Survival!
The black-wearing regressor? The mysterious charismatic prophet? Seriously!
SLAM!
Grey eyes snapped up.
A beautiful girl with a bob cut and a beauty mark on her cheek glared down at him. Holding a lot of purchased junk foods in a bag on one hand, and a lollipop on the other, she didn't seem like a fearsome person.
But Kim Dokja might have to reconsider just by looking at her glowering expression here.
"Who said", the girl hissed, with the offense of an author having her work slandered. "That novel is plagiarised!?"