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Chapter Text

(Dokja’s POV)

Golden lighting flies around the sky as a ball of energy forms out of nowhere. “Hold on! I’m sorry, but I have an emergency announcement!”

I spot the owner of the voice forming above me, hovering in the air. People behind me start to whisper. “What?” “A Dokkaebi?” 

“I almost forgot to tell you,” The Dokkaebi flying in the air continues. “But the initial number of people allowed in from the Soul Dome will be eight, and not ten.”

“What is he saying?!” Someone shouts as people start to voice their dissatisfaction. “Well,” The Dokkaebi tries to calm the people down.

“But we already have our starting members sorted out!” My mind races. “Damn it. That Dokkaebi’s name was Yeonggi, wasn’t it.”

“There was a dimensional rift during the fifth scenario, which caused some contestants to enter the sixth scenario prematurely.”

Something clicks in my mind. “There are people in there already?” I ask. 

“Yes.” Yeonggi answers. “Two people from the Soul Dome are already in the scenario.” 

I listen to Yeonggi’s words. “Wait, come to think of it, Sooyoung and Pildu were already in the scenario on the screen Persephone showed me in the Underworld!”

“Although they were let in due to an error in the scenario,” Yeonggi continues to yell through the crowd. “We can’t help but reduce the number of participants to keep things fair!”

The people behind me grow restless. “What! That’s nonsense!” A man behind me yells. Others begin to talk amongst themselves. “What do we do, Dokja-ssi?” Huiwon asks behind me.

“I’ll sit this one out.” I turn to the voice to find Sangah raising her hand. I stare at her, surprise on my face. “Me too,” Huiwon also volunteers. “You said there’s a second part anyway, right? You seem a little out of it, so I’m a little worried, but I’m sure you’ll do fine.”

“Out of It.” I think in my mind but I quickly go back to listening to Huiwon. “And that scary man also seems to be on our side this time.”

“I won’t have anything to worry about leaving Huiwon and Sangah behind. Even when they hold the contest again to see who will enter the scenario, those two will have no problem making it in. Who I need to take right now is this old lady.”

Quickly, I walk over to Sangah, ignoring the smirk Huiwon currently has on her face.”I forgot to tell you before,” I whisper to Sangah. “But please tell the King of Wanderers to watch out for Jeon Ildo. She may already know though.”

Sangha looks at me. “Don’t die.” I nod. “How about you get going now?!” Huiwon shouts at me. “You’re driving me crazy over here!” I stare blankly at her.

I walk up to the Warp Crystal and insert the Protection Symbols of the Imyunta, Parasites, and Invargo. My mother and Yoo Junghyeok place the Protections Symbols they got from the Catastrophes of Ice and Water. Once all Symbols were put in place, a window screen opened above us.

[You Have Proven Your Worth]

[The Warp Crystal Had Been Activated]

[The Main Scenario Had Been Updated]

A portal opens below the warp crystal.

[Main Scenario - Abandoned World - Has Begun]

I take Yuseung’s hand in mine as we begin to walk toward the portal. All of a sudden, another window screen opens.

[An Error Has Been Detected In The Star Stream]

I stare at the screen in shock. Looking around, almost everyone has gotten it. “What now!?”

[All Scenarios In The Star Stream Have Been Frozen]

The portal in front of us disappears. 

[A New Scenario Has Been Activated]

[The Main Scenario Had Been Updated]

[Main Scenario - The Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint - Has Begun]

I stare at the window in shock. “Isn’t that Dokja hyung’s skill?” I hear Gilyeong ask. Before I have any time to process this, a scenario window pops up.

~~~

[Main Scenario - The Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint]

Category: Main

Difficulty: ???

Clear Conditions: ?????????????????? All of those chosen will have to participate in the scenario. All those who were not chosen will remain in the real world, frozen in time until the scenario is complete.

Time Limit: ???

Reward: Knowledge Of The ???? And ??????

Failure: Death

~~~

I stare at the scenario window in shock. “What kind of scenario is this!? This never appeared in TWSA!” I read over the new information. “The Clear Conditions seem easy. All chosen individuals will be forced to participate. But we don't know what we will have to do. I take it back, this isn't easy. Hopefully nothing bad. But how would those not in the scenario be frozen? Then there’s the reward. It looked like the reward was a type of information.”

“What the fuck is going on?” The people behind me start to get angry again. 

“Did the Dokkaebi pull some shit again?!”

“What are you planning?” The angry mob of people starts to point their voices to the sky.

“Let us start the sixth scenario!”

Several Dokkaebi appear in the sky, Yeonggi is among them. One of the Dokkaebi starts to speak. “The Bureau is currently doing everything in its power to fix this inconvenience. Everything will be fine.”

“You can’t just tell us that and expect us to be fine you fucking Dokkaebi!” A man in the crowd curses. “Tell us what’s really going on.” My mind races. I am tempted to pull out my phone to see if maybe I had missed a scenario like this. But I am pretty sure nothing like this ever occurred in the novel. Another bright ball of light appears in the sky. A Dokkaebi wearing a full suit hovers over the crowd.

“There has been a new development in the Star Stream.” The Dokkaebi says, causing all those in the crowd to become silent. “Somehow this ‘new’ main scenario, ‘The Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint’ has been triggered by the Star Stream. We don’t know how or when or even how it became a scenario in the first place.”

I grit my teeth. Something that didn’t happen in the novel is happening right now, and I don’t have any way to prepare for it. I look at Yoo Junghyeok who is currently glaring at the Dokkaebi in the air. The Dokkaebi continues speaking.

“All we know is everything the Star Stream Windows have shown so far.” A murmur from the crowd starts to turn into an uproar. “This is the new main scenario and, until it is complete, every scenario that has been triggered up until this point has been frozen. We urge you all to complete this new scenario. That is all we have for now. Good luck incarnations.” With that, all the Dokkaebi in the air disappear.

I feel a small tug on the sleeve of my arm. It was Yuseung. “Ajusshi, what do we do?” I open my mouth to answer her, but before I could, another scenario window appears in front of us.

[You Have Been Chosen To Participate In The Main Scenario]

I stare at the window. “This day keeps getting weirder and weirder.” I sigh. “Ajusshi,” Yuseung pulls on my sleeve again. “It says I got chosen to participate.” I activate Midday Tryst.

• Yuseung and I got selected.
• I got selected as well. (Sangah)
• So did I. (Huiwon)
• I was also given the notification. (Hyeonsung) 
• Jihye noona and I were also chosen to participate. (Gilyeong)

“It seems that everyone in the group was chosen to participate. What in the world?”

[Many Constellations are flustered]

[Constellation Demon-like Judge of Fire is asking Constellation Prisoner of the Golden Headband if he received the same window.]

[Constellation Prisoner of the Golden Headband nods]

[Constellation Secretive Plotter is asking why several constellations have to participate]

[A few Constellations are envious of those who get to participate]

[A few Constellations do not wish to join]

[Several Constellations are worried about their incarnations seeing that many powerful Constellations have been chosen]

[Many Constellations are doubting the probability of this scenario]

“What in the world?”  I stare at my indirect notifications. “Even some of the constellations have to participate.”

• Everyone, please be careful when we enter. Constellations will be joining and we do not know what the scenario is yet.
• Hyung, my sponsor just told me that they would be participating. (Gilyeong)
• Dokja-ssi, my sponsor will also be joining. (Hyeonsung)

Sangah sends me a private message.

• Dokja-ssi, it seems that my sponsors have been selected to participate. (Sangah)

“Ah shit.” I pinch the bridge of my nose. “So entire nebulas are going.” A scenario window opens in front of me.

[You Have Been Chosen To Participate In The Main Scenario. Please Enter The Sub Space.]

Wordlessly, I press the enter button. The world around me starts to fade to black as my vision starts to blur. All light disappears and a heavy wind starts to blow. A strong wave of nausea crashes into my body as I lurch forward. I vomit whatever I had onto whatever I was standing on. I grasp my head in pain as I feel a pounding headache appear.

[The skill ‘Fourth Wall’ is nullifying your pain and nausea]

The feelings start to subside as I am again reminded how lucky I am to have this skill. That having been said, I hope my companions are okay. They don’t have a skill like mine to reduce the pain. I stand in the black void, the wind beginning to pick up speed. I look around, maybe I could find something here.

I squint my eyes as I see a blurry figure in the darkness. It’s small, but, it looks familiar. “Wait!” I start to run to the figure. “Yuseung!” I shout. Yuseung was crouched over, vomiting onto the ground with both hands on her head. “Yuseung!” I shout once more. “Danmit, even if I am running in her direction, it only seems to be making me go farther.” Yuseung turns her head to look at me. “Ajusshi!” I see her mouth as she fades into nothingness. 

The darkness around me begins to shift once more. I stop running and look around at my surroundings. The wind starts to fade and light begins to seep through the void. Suddenly, my feet hit the floor hard, causing me to crash to my knees. I look around and try to find something but all I can see is a bright light shining from all directions. Thankfully, my eyesight returns, and I spot Yuseung.

I immediately run over to her. She’s still crouching on the ground, holding her head. “Yuseung.” I say quietly, gently putting my hand on her back. “Are you alright?” I hear her gag as she tries to hold her nausea. “That… was not… fun.” She answers weakly as she releases another wave of vomit. I look around the room we have appeared in. All around us were people, also hunched over from the recent experience. The only this was, some of those people were constellations. A scenario window appears in front of me. 

[Please make your way to table one]

After helping Yuseung to her feet, which does not end well as she falls so I decide to carry her, and sitting down at the table, I take a better look around. The room we arrived in was huge. It was like a large rectangular dining room with ten tables, all of varying sizes. On one of the longer walls, a huge screen was shown. Table one, which is the table I was assigned to, was in the middle of the room, right in front of the screen. Tables two and three were to our right while tables four and five were to our left. Table six was directly behind table one and tables seven through nine were scattered around the room. Table ten is tucked away in a corner. 

All around us, I could see people dizzily walking to their assigned tables. At table three a recognized a woman with long blonde hair. Even if her wings were shrunken down to a more appropriate size, I knew she was one of the four constellations that had been with me since the start.

She was the Demon-Like Judge of Fire, I know her as Uriel. She was leaning on the table, her head on both of her hands. Guess she also experienced the nausea. Maybe she felt me staring because Uriel turned her head in my direction. I gave a small wave. Uriel’s eyes lit up immediately after we had made eye contact. I could tell she was going to walk over to say ‘hi’, but quickly stopped and brought a hand up to the mouth. Guess she was still nauseous.

Sun Wukong, the Prisoner of the Golden Headband, placed his hand on her back and tried to comfort her. He was also sitting at table three. Looking at their table I recognized a few constellations. The Abyssal Black Flame Dragon was also there, sitting on the other side of Uriel. He looked like a 15-year-old. A guy with a veil that looked to by made of stars covering his whole body was sitting next to him. I guess that was the Secretive Plotter. He turned to look at me. I waved and gave a little smile. I don’t quite know why, but I saw how my action had caused the Plotter to flinch before turning away.

Next to the Plotter were four other constellations that I didn’t recognize. All of them looked extremely nervous: That’s when I saw why. Next to the fourth constellation was the Myth-Grade constellation Father of the Rich Night. He was the wife of Persephone, Hades. Speaking of his wife, the Queen of the Darkest Spring was sitting in between him and Sun Wukong.

Next to them was table two. It held Min Jiwon, Cha Sangkyung, and the constellations Yi Sun Shin the Maritime War God, Heo Jun the Guam Divine Docter, Queen Jinseong the Sleeping Lady of Brocade, and Gwanchang the Hwarang Knows No Retreat.

I looked to my left at table four. My eyes nearly popped out of my head when I saw who it held. Sitting around that table were the Olympians of the Nebula Olympus. One other constellation was there but I didn’t recognize them. However, they must be a part of that nebula seeing how it was filled with the Olympians.

Table five had a mix of constellations from three different Nebulas. I turned around and glanced at table six, nearly laughing at the sight I saw. Two groups and segregated at that table. On one side of the table was a group of five, they were from the Nebula Eden. On the other side were two Demon Kings. Both sides were currently glaring at each other. I laughed at the irony. Whoever placed them together was asking for another War of Demons and Saints.

Tables seven through nine were filled with random incarnations. How did I know they were incarnations? All of them were nervous and constantly kept clanging at the tables that held constellations. Then there was table ten. I looked at the table, sitting in the corner of the room. There were eleven seats and all of them were filled but for some reason, I couldn’t make out their faces. 

I looked back at my table. All of us had made it to the table. All of them still feeling the headache and nausea. Yuseung and Gilyeong were sitting on either side of me. Next to Gilyeong were Jihye, Huiwon, and Hyeonsung. Sangah, Sooyoung, Gong Pildu, and Lee Seolhwa sat next to Yuseung. Sangah being the closet and Seolhwa being the farther. Next to Lee Seolhwa and in between Junghyeok was Yoo Mia. I had no idea she was selected to participate in this scenario. Next to Junghyeok was Han Myeongoh. Next to Han Myeongoh was… I felt nauseous again. Next to Han Myeongoh was a person I hoped to not see when I entered this scenario. It was Lee Sookyung, my mother. Why was she even at this table?

Looking at all of us, I could tell most of them were still nauseous. Yuseung and Gilyeong were both holding onto my arms. I could hear them trying to be quiet, but I could also here to small groans escaping their lips. Yoo Mia was also in a similar condition. She had her face buried into Junghyeok’s coat. Lee Seolhwa was trying her best to help her, but I could tell that she was also fighting her own headache. Junghyeok was casting a few side glances every now and then at his sister. I could see him also trying to fight off whatever it was that we had all experienced in that black void. 

“I am going to kill whoever made this scenario,” Sooyoung grumbled. She was leaning on the table, her hands clawing at her hair. “You might have to kill a lot of people then.” I teased. All I got in return was a threat and a full-faced glare. “Don’t tempt me to add you to that list.” She snarled. 

“You seem to be fine Dokja-ssi.” Sangha said as she help onto her own head. I nodded. “I have a skill that helps with these kinds of things.” 

“You wouldn’t mind sharing that skill,” Jihye spoke. “Wouldn’t you ajusshi?! Ugh, my brain hurts.”

I was about to tell her not to call me ajusshi but a voice speaks throughout the entire room.

“Thank you all for coming, not that you had a choice. I hope you all arrived well.” The voice spoke. I looked toward it along with everyone else. The voice came from a girl floating above the floor in front of the giant screen. She looked to be no more than Jihye’s age. She had pale skin, brown hair, and deep green eyes. 

“For those of you that are still dizzy, just take the drink in front of you.” As the words leave her mouth, a glass appears on the table, one for each of us. “Don’t worry, it won’t kill you. I apologize for the uncomfortable trip. This scenario requires enormous amounts of probability so my master had to find some ways to save just a little.” The girl says. I don’t trust her, but I still take the drink. The Fourth Wall has been working none stop since we got here. After I finish the last drop, I feel the pain, nausea, and headache start to recede.

“Does it work Dokja-ssi?” Huiwon asks me. I answer her. “It seems to be safe and is working so far.” 

“Oh thank god.” Sooyoung sighed before downing the drink in front of her. Everyone in the room does the same. Once we all finished the drink, the glass disappears. In its place, a silver plate, knife, spoon, fork, and glass appear. 

“I sense that once the effects of the cure take place, some of you will be quite hungry.” The girl says. “Just think of the food and drink you want to eat and it will appear. There is no limit so please help yourselves. And for my Constellations, we do not serve stories here so regular food will have to suffice.” A loud groan makes its way through the room. 

I think of a dish that Junghyeok made during his 81st regression. It immediately appeared on the plate and I quickly stuffed some in my mouth. I try to keep myself from smiling, but I can’t help it. It tastes so good. Seeing my reaction, the rest of my companions don’t hesitate to think of their own meal.

“At least there’s food,” Jihye says between bites. Everyone is eating. Everyone except Junghyeok. Damn this stupid sunfish

“Yah Yoo Junghyeok-ah!” He glares at me. I frown. “Just think of something you would cook.” Junghyeok stares at me and the plate. Finally, he sighs and thinks of something. That something turned out to be BBQ. From the looks of it, it smelled as good as it looked at those sitting next to him began to stare.

“Master, what is that?” Jihye asks. “What did you think about?”

“Think about your own food.” Junghyeok answers before putting a piece in his mouth. He looks at me, glaring. Then I realize that I had been staring at him. I jerk my head in another direction. Dammit.

“Before we start, let’s go over five simple rules.” A scenario window appeared on the screen. 

~~~

[Rules]

Number 1. No killing in the subspace. If a death occurs, the one who caused it will be killed as well. 

Number 2. Constellations, please refrain from using your powers and true voice. My master has already weakened the effect but please do not try to break through the restrictions. I’m looking at all of you Myth-Grade constellations.

Number 3. You are free to walk around the room and visit other tables, except table ten, but you can only sit on your own. No one bothers table ten or you die.

Number 4. Under no circumstances are you allowed to tell those not in the scenario the information you learned. You will die if you do so. All information you learn in this scenario is true. Use it however you like. 

Number 5. Do not try to escape, or break anything, or any other idea you might have. Anyone who breaks this rule will be killed.

~~~

“See, the rules are simple.” The girl says with a smile on her face. “You can call me Rymera. I apologize for the fact that my master isn’t here. She really wanted to meet you all.”

“And who is your master? Is she the one who put us here?!” A voice from table 5 yells toward the front.

“Indeed Constellation Who Likes To Change Genders. My master thought it well to treat you all with this scenario.” Rymera smiles. People around my table start to get agitated. “As for her name, I don’t know. She has many modifiers like ‘The Reader of Heartbreak and Happiness’, ‘The One Who Does Not Sleep’, or ‘The One Who Lives For Fiction’. But she had never told me her name. I guess you can call her… The Queen of Eternal Stories.”

“Rip off me.” I hear Persephone mutter under her breath at table three. “It’s okay dear,” Hades says to her. “We can hunt her down after the end of this scenario.”

I think about the modifiers. "All of them seem to be pointing to a constellation that likes stories. ‘The Reader of Heartbreak and Happiness’, ‘The One Who Does Not Sleep’, and 'The One Who Lives For Fiction’ modifiers all point to her just being a regular, but powerful constellation. Then there's the modifier ‘The Queen of Eternal Stories' ’. That is the only one that stands out. I have my suspicions but... the chances of this constellation being them are... never mind."

“Anyways,” Rymera’s smile grows even wider. “I hope you all have a good time in this scenario.” The scenario widow appears in front of everyone. I stare at it.

~~~

[ Main Scenario - The Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint]

Category: Main

Difficulty: F – S

Clear Conditions: React to the given information. All of those chosen will have to participate in the scenario. All those who were not chosen will remain in the real world, frozen in time until the scenario is complete.

Time Limit: None

Reward: Knowledge Of The Past And Future

Failure: Death

~~~

Chapter Text

(Dokja’s POV)

“Please sign your name or modifier and the table you are sitting at.” Rymera said as another window appeared in front of me. “We are doing this to take note of who is here.”  Quickly, I write down my name and the table. A list of notifications starts showing up on the screen.

[Table One - Kim Dokja]

[Table One - Yoo Junghyeok]

[Table Three - Queen of the Darkest Spring]

[Table Three - Father of the Rich Night]

[Table One - Han Sooyoung]

[Table Three - Demon-Like Judge of Fire]

[Table Three - Abyssal Black Flame Dragon]

[Table Three - Prisoner of the Golden Headband]

[Table Three - Secretive Potter]

[Table Four - The Spear that Parts the Boundaries of the Sea]

[Table Four - God of Wine and Ecstasy]

[Table Four - Atrocious War God]

[Table Five - Midday Sun]

[Table Five - Supreme God of Light]

[Table Five - Thursday's Thunder]

[Table Five - One-eyed Father]

[Table Five - Lame Trickster]

[Table Six - Lily Blooming in Aquarius]

[Table Six - Commander of the Red Cosmos]

[Table Six - Scribe of Heaven]

[Table Six - Demon King of Lust and Fury]

[Table Six -  Ruler of the East Hell]

[Constellation Scribe of Heaven is glaring at Constellation Ruler of the East Hell]

I look at the list of names, laughing at the most recent indirect notification, as the rest of the constellations finish signing. Whoever placed absolute good and absolute evil on the same table was either a genius or someone asking for death. The rest of my companions sign their names as well as the rest of tables two through nine. Tables seven through nine were filled with random incarnations. The only one I recognized was Anna Croft from table nine. 

After a few moments, everyone was looking towards table ten. The only table that no one from has not signed yet. I guess no one could see who they were, as everyone was squinting their eyes to get a better look. I stared at the nearest person I could see. Although I couldn’t make out their face. They were dressed in full white. Two more people, one in white and the other in black, sat on either side of them.

[The ‘Fourth Wall’ is shaking]

“What?”

[The ‘Fourth Wall’ is shaking]

[The ‘Fourth Wall’ is shaking]

[The ‘Fourth Wall’ urges you to look away]

A sharp pain erupts from my head as I turn to look away. At the same time, the people sitting at table ten start to sign in.

[Table Ten - Demon King of Salvation]

“What?” I stare at the modifier. “Was there ever a demon king with that modifier in the novel?”

[Table Ten - Director of the False Last Act]

[Table Ten - ◼️◼️◼️  King]

[Table Ten - Emperor of ◼️◼️◼️]

[Table Ten -  Judge of Apocalypse]  

[Table Ten - Moonlight Empress]

[Table Ten - ◼️◼️◼️  Admiral]

[Table Ten - Insect King]  

[Table Ten - ◼️◼️◼️  Lord]

[Table Ten - ◼️◼️◼️  Doctor]

[Table Ten - ◼️◼️◼️  ◼️◼️◼️  Master]

I stare at the list of modifiers. I didn’t recognize any of the modifiers. Even so, a good portion of them were censored. A groan of complaint arose from all the tables. I looked over at Olympus. It looked like even to gods of a nebula that powerful couldn’t see those sitting around table ten. I looked at Anna Croft from table nine. She too had a look of confusion on her face. Just who were the people at table nine and how powerful were they?

“Okay everyone,” Rymera said. “As much as everyone wants to keep staring at table ten, we must really get the show on the road. You won’t be able to see anything if you tried. My master made sure of that. You wouldn’t believe the amount of probability she spent on that one table anyways.” The scenario window appears in front of everyone again.

~~~

[Main Scenario - The Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint]

Category: Main

Difficulty: F – S

Clear Conditions: React to the given information. All of those chosen will have to participate in the scenario. All those who were not chosen will remain in the real world, frozen in time until the scenario is complete.

Time Limit: None

Reward: Knowledge Of The Past And Future

Failure: Death

~~~

“Now for those of you who simply can’t comprehend such simple instructions.” Rymera sighed. “I will give a brief explanation. You will be watching a certain person from the start of the scenarios up until the end. After we finish, you may leave with the reward.” 

“Who is the person we will be watching?” A random incarnation yelled out. 

Rymera smiled. This smile wasn’t like her past others. This smile was filled with mischief and a sense of darkness. “You will find out soon.” She smirked. “In fact, that person is in this very room, participating in this scenario.”

People around the room gasp as I think about who the person could be. At our table, Han Sooyoung speaks. “Yah Yoo Junghyeok-ah, what would you do if you were the person we would be reacting to?”

Yoo Junghyeok glares at Han Sooyoung. “I would kill everyone in this room before they even get the chance.” 

“Now that I think about it, Yoo Junghyeok would be the most likely person.” I think to myself. “The reward also fits him as he is a regressor. The only problem is, he would probably kill everyone in this room. The constellation's powers are restricted and even if he were to die, he could just regress. However, it would be nice to learn about the 0th, 1st, and 2nd turn. But would it be worth dying? ” The lights around the room dim as the giant screen on the wall start to glow. 

A phone screen appears on the screen with several words on top of it.

‘There are three ways to survive the apocalypse. Everything is fading and becoming unclear right now. But one thing is certain. If you’re reading this, you will survive.’

 - The End - 

[Three Ways To Survive The Apocalypse - Final Episode]

TLS123

I don’t think the drink I took got rid of all of my nausea, cause I felt like throwing up again. I clench my hands into fits as I stared at the screen. Time seems to slow. I stare at Han Sooyoung, her face also twisted into some version of fear. This is what we are both thinking, ‘I am going to die here today’ . Why? Because the person we are reacting to… the one whose life will be shown in its entirety…

 Is me.

Meaning that everyone in this room would become aware of the novel I had read from start to finish, ‘Three Ways To Survive The Apocalypse’. “God dammit!” I inwardly panic. “Yoo Junghyeok is going to kill me! He’ll think I used him!” I mentally start preparing for my death as I stare at the clock on the screen. It reads ‘6:50 pm’. This is the day the apocalypse started.

[Constellation Demon King of Salvation looks at the screen nostalgically]

[Transcendent ◼️◼️◼️  King is glaring at Constellation Demon King of Salvation]

[Constellation Director of the False Last Act is laughing, saying that a certain incarnation will die today] 

I look over at table ten, most of them giving a wave. I look for as long as I can before the fourth wall starts to produce another headache. “Great, so the people at table ten seem to know about this. Wait, how are non-constellations sending indirect messages? Nevermind…” I look back at the screen.

“Huh?” The person holding the phone says. The person tries swiping the screen of their phone. “Really, is that it?” The person stares at the ‘End’ word. The camera zooms out, showing a man wearing a suit. He seemed to be sitting in a subway car.

I feel a person staring at me. I turn to find Gilyeong looking at me with an indescribable look on his face. He sends me a message through Midday Tryst.

• Is that you Hyung? Those are the clothes you wore during the first scenario.”
• You will find out.

I lean onto the table and hide my face in my arms. “I’m ready to die.”

The camera shows the face of the person reading on his phone. 

I feel the stares of everyone on in the room who knows me landing on my back. “Ajusshi,” Yuseung says. “We are reacting to you?” I give a nod before turning to look at Yoo Junghyeok. He’s glaring at me, but this time it’s not filled with entire anger. This time, there is a small glint of confusion. “Just look at the screen.” I say to my companions before putting my head back down, just wanting to listen to my voice as it begins to fully expose me.

“I’m Dokja.”

And the jig was up. I notice Uriel waving at me from table three. I guess we were going to watch myself while my future self was narrating. This is definitely not confusing.

“This is how I introduce myself to others. And nine times out of ten, people misunderstand me.” Dokja is trying to introduce himself. “Oh, so you’re an only child?” The person says. “Well yes, but that’s not what I meant.”

“Oh… then what did you mean?”

“It’s my name, Kim Dokja.” Dokja says, giving them his Identification Card.

“Oh, the wonders of the Korean language.” An incarnation says followed by a bunch of laughter. I already want to die from embarrassment, but I know it will only get worse.

“My father gave me that name because he wanted me to grow up to be a strong and independent person. But perhaps my name is a curse… Because I’ve been lonely and single my entire life.”

“Oh, I see,” The person holding Dokja’s card says. 

“This is who I am in a nutshell.”

A screen of Dokja’s information appears on the screen. I stare at it, annoyed that other people are seeing this. Perhaps this is how Junghyeok will feel when he finds out. Who am I kidding, he will be worse.  

[ Kim Dokja (28) ]

• Graduated from a third-rate colleague and currently employed as a contractor at a subsidiary of a large corporation.

“Volia my constellations,” Rymera said with a smile on her face. “This is the person we will be watching. Try not to harm their current form in this room.”

“Isn’t that the King of a Kingless World?” A person asked.

“I think it is.” Another person answered in awe.

“Are we really going to have to watch this freak?” Both Gilyeong and Yuseung started to glare daggers at whoever had said that last comment.

My hobby is reading serialized web novels on the subway on my home from work.”  Dokja is shown sitting on a seat in a subway car, his face glued to the phone in his hands. “But today’s subway ride was unlike any other.

“Oh my, at this rate you might get sucked into your phone.” A voice says above Dokja. He looks up at the woman speaking to him. “Yoo Sangah from HR?!” He thought as a Sangah appeared on the screen.

“Unnie is there too?!” Yuseung smiled.

“I was,” Sangah laughed. Her smile hid the pain as she remembered what happened that day.

“So you guys were together from the start.” Jung Huiwon said. “No wonder she and Dokja-ssi have already kissed.”

[Several Constellations are beginning to realize when this was]

[Incarnation Moonlight Empress is looking a the screen longingly]

“H- Hello.” Dokja says, clearly nervous. 

“Are you heading home?” Sangha asks. 

“Yes, you too?”

“Yes, I got lucky. My team manager is away on a business trip.” Sangha said as she sat down beside Dokja. Dokja visibly flinched at her action, staring at her face.

“I can’t believe I ran into Sangah, the most popular girl at work. Her shampoo smell nice.”

Sinkers of laughter started to make their way across the room after that last line. Dokja buried his red face in his hands. The heat of embarrassment started to crawl up his neck. “Why did they have to include that line?”

“You really are a perve Dokja-ssi.” Huiwon said, laughing to herself. “ ‘Her shampoo smells nice’ . What were you doing smelling her hair!?” Huiwon started to laugh out loud, bringing more unwanted attention to me.

“It- it's not like that!” I yell, red-faced like a tomato, trying to defend whatever would be left of my dignity after this scenario.

[Incarnation Judge of Apocalypse says that you are in denial]

Uriel starts laughing at her table. “It’s okay Dokja-yah.” Sun Wukong says, but the smile on his face says that he is enjoying this. “Please just go to the next scene!” I yell at Rymera.

“Do you usually take the subway home?” Dokja asks Sangah. “From the HR assistant manager to the finance team manager, I bet there’s a line of men waiting to drive her home.

[Constellation Pure Moonlight's Hunter despises those kinds of men]

[Constellation Goddess of Love and Beauty disagrees and says that the attention is nice]

“Ha…” Sangha sighed. “Actually, someone stole my bicycle.”

“You commute to work on a bike?” Dokja asks, almost shocked.

“Yes,” Sangah explains. “I’ve been working a lot of overtime lately, so I thought I could use the exercise. And I have some personal reasons too…”

Sangah smiles at Dokja, he gives a little laugh. “Seeing her up close, I get all the guys are head over heels for her.”

“I’m not that special,” Sangah says after the little revelation.

[Constellation Director of the False Last Act says not to be silly and that she is]

[Incarnation Moonlight Empress coos at Constellation Director of the False Last Act]

[Constellation Director of the False Last Act glares at Incarnation Moonlight Empress]

“And they’re at it again.” Dokja thinks about table ten, thankful that some of the information being given isn’t all about him. “Now that I think about it, everyone else in the room has spoken without the indirect messages except for table ten.” He looks back at the screen.

“Well, none of that concerns me. She and I Iive completely different lives.”

“That’s not true Dokja-ssi.” Sangah says to me.” I give her a small smile.

“Puede prestarme dinero?” Sangah asks.

“Pardon?” Dokja says back confused.

“It’s Spanish. It means ‘please lend me some money’ “. Sangah says, holding a phone in her hands. Dokja stares at her. “Studying on the subway…” Dokja thinks. “She’s a different bread altogether. Where would she even use that phrase?

Sangah blushes at Dokja’s comment. The red heat of embarrassment doesn’t leave Dokja alone either. Jihye holds a hand over her mouth to stop laughing out loud. Several people, constellations and Incarnations alike, are gawking at the cheesiness. Uriel's voice can be heard at their table. She is trying to explain to others that she knows who Kim Dokja likes. Raphael, Uriel’s brother, is telling people to ignore his sister because she is an idiot. 

“You’re studying hard,” Dokja says. “What about you Dokja-ssi? What are you reading?” Sangah asks, leaning into Dokja’s phone. Dokja yanks his phone away, laughing nervously. 

“Oh, I’m…” The phone screen shows Dokja reading the first chapter of ‘Ways or Survival’. “Is it a novel?” Sangah asks excitedly. “Yeah… I guess you could say that I’m studying Korean, haha…”

Several people around the room snicker at the lie. 

“Wow! I love novels!” Sangah explains, her eyes shining like stars, completely oblivious to the mental breakdown going on inside Dokja’s head. “My favorite authors are Haruki Murakami, Raymond Carver, and…”

“Of course!” Dokja panics in his mind. Holding onto his phone as if it was his life. “Who’s your favorite author Dokja-ssi?” 

“You probably wouldn’t know even if I told you. Haha…” Dokja laughs nervously. “I can never tell her what I’m really reading…”

All around him, people are laughing at my misfortune. I keep my head buried in my arms as I hear the conversation of my voice and Sangah’s echoing around the room. It was like watching an anime filled with things you didn’t want people to see.

I feel a hand tapping my arm. I look up to see Sangah tapping me. I wave and smile, trying to rid myself of the embarrassment. “Yes, Sangah-ssi.” I sigh.

“You don’t have to be embarrassed Dokja-ssi.” She smiled. “I wouldn’t have cared if I found out.”

I wave her goodbye as I try to ignore the laughter escaping the mouths of all of my companions. “Why did it have to be me?”

“That’s right. My hobby is reading serialized web novels on the subway on my way home from work. Although I am not proud of my hobby, the reason today is unlike any other is because Three Ways to Survive the Apocalypse, or TSWA for short, which I have been reading for the past ten years, is ending today.”

“You have been reading that one novel for the past ten years?” Gilyeong looked up at me. I nodded.

“The dedication.” Lee Hyeonsung said in awe. “You must have been a person of serious loyalty and patience.”

“Or,” Yoo mia said from her brother's arms. “He was a lonely, depressed person with no friends and only had the courage to read a single book.” Junghyeok gave a soft smile at his sister’s comment. “ Ouch”

“People might wonder why I’m making such a fuss over the ending of a web novel, but this story in particular is very special to me.”

I stared at the screen while my voice talked throughout the room. “I wonder if they’re going to show it.”

The screen showed the comments and views of the web novel. The number one was visible for all of them. “I’ve been reading this series since I was in eighth grade.”

“Ah,” I inwardly sighed. “It seems they will show it.”

“I read it when I was bullied at school…” An image of a bruised and beaten Kim Dokja was shown sitting on the ground with a phone in his hands.

The laughter around the room stopped. “Hyung,” Gilyeong spoke. “You were bullied in school?” I gave a small nod, remembering what I had to go through. “Ah,” Gilyeong sighed. “If I met you back then, I wouldn’t have bullied you. I would have become your friend.” I smiled at Gilyeong’s remark and looked back to the screen, my on-screen voice continuing to talk. 

“When I failed my entrance exams and ended up at a third-rate colleague, when bad luck got me stationed at the front line during my military service, and even now, as an unstable contract worker getting transferred from company to company.”

“Damn it. What’s the point?” Kim Dokja thought as he held the phone to his face. “I don’t have a single happy memory.”

“Anyway… It’s bittersweet that this fictitious world I’ve been following for so many years is coming to an end. Today is the day the epilogue of TWSA will be uploaded. A grand serial consisting of 3,149 episodes. A ten-year-long epic journey that began in my late teens and ended in my adulthood.”

[Transcendent ◼️◼️◼️  King glares at the number 49]

[Those at table ten join Transcendent ◼️◼️◼️  King in glaring number 49]

I look at the indirect messages. “What could be so bad about that number?” I ask myself, wondering what that number had done to hurt them.

“I can’t believe the series went on for so long with just an average view count of 1. The first chapter had around 1,200 views. But around chapter ten, there were only about 20 views. Then the view count dropped to 12 by chapter 50. And now I’m the only one reading.”

“It was a story written for me and only me. I wanted to support the author with a donation but it was hard enough for me to even makes ends meet. So I just thanked the author by writing a comment.”

“I tried recommending the series to others, but they just criticized me. People would either claim I was the author or call me an attention-seeker. It’s a great series if you can bear through it. People can be so cruel.”

“Dokja-ssi?” Yoo Sangah asked. Dokja looks over at Sangah and she looks at him. Their eyes lock. “Oh!” Dokja jumped, pausing his inner monologue. “I forgot she was here. I should change the topic.” 

“Come to think of it,” Dokja spoke. “It’s already been a year since we started working together at the company. We started around this time last year. Time sure flies by doesn’t it?” Dokja manages to get out.

“Yeah,” Sangah answers. “We had no idea what we were getting into back then… haha”

“Yeah… it seems like it was only yesterday. I can’t believe our contracts are ending so soon. Haha.” 

Dokja pauses. “Oh, I forgot. Sangah was promoted to ‘full-time employee’ last month due to her diligence.”

[Constellation Demon King of Salvation is embarrassed by your ignorance]

[Constellation Director of the False Last Act is laughing at Kim Dokja]

[Constellation Demon King of Salvation pities Kim Dokja]

[Many members of table ten are laughing at Kim Dokja’s foolishness]

[Constellation Demon King of Salvation says to not tease Kim Dokja]

[Transcendent ◼️◼️◼️  King smiles at Kim Dokja’s suffering]

[All the members of table ten are shocked at Transcendent ◼️◼️◼️  King’s smile, not thinking he was capable of such a thing]

[Transcendent ◼️◼️◼️  King glares at all of the members]

I stare at the messages. “What on earth of going on over at that table?”

“Oh, I,” Sangah spoke, surprised.

“Ah, that’s right. Sorry for the late congratulations. Haha.” Kim Dokja says, trying to recover. “I guess I should’ve learned a foreign language too.”

“No, it’s fine Dokja-ssi,” Sangah answers. “I haven’t completed my performance assessment yet, and-”

“I don’t want to admit it, but Sangah-ssi is so cool.”

Sangah blushes at that last line while I nearly spit out the drink I had in my mouth. The people around our table start whispering. “Simp.” One person says, gaining a small wave of laughter from those in the room.

“If we were characters in a novel, she would definitely be the heroine.”

Sangah blushes again, the light shade of pink on her face growing even darker. 

“It was obvious. I didn’t try, but Sangah-ssi gave it her all. I read web novels while Sangah-ssi studied. So it was obvious that Sangah-ssi would become a full-time employee and I wouldn’t.”

At the end of this horrible internal dialogue the me on screen was having, both Sangah and I were blushing furiously. A deep shade of red covered both of our faces. But somehow, the me on screen wasn’t done. He kept talking.

“Um, Dokja-ssi.” Sangah said.

“Yes.

“If you want, I could tell you the name of the app I use.

“If I were in a different genre…” A grasshopper was shown on screen. “If the genre of my life wasn’t non-fiction…” Gilyeong was shown sitting down in the same subway car as me. He had a case with several grasshoppers inside and a net in his hands. “... but fantasy…”

“...Could I have been the protagonist?”

Han Sooyoung laughed out loud at that thought.

“Dokja-ssi?” Sangah asked again.

“It’s okay, Sangah-ssi.” I reply. “I don’t know.”

“Huh?” Sangah asks, confused.

“If one thing was certain…”

“It wouldn’t matter if you told me the name of the app or not.” Dokja said.

“... it’s that the genre of my life was non-fiction. And in this genre, I’m no protagonist. I’m merely a ‘Reader’.”

“I have to live my own life.” Dokja said to Sangah.

Sangah looked a little shocked. “Your own life… You’re so inspiring Dokja-ssi.”

Both Sangah and I blushed again, wanting this to be over. “Why did it have to show this to everyone?”

“Sorry?” Dokja asked, his tiny ass brain not getting what Sangah meant with such simple words.

“I should also live my own life!” Sangah said triumphantly as if reaching a great conclusion.

“Huh?” Dokja still didn’t get what was going on.

“Like you, I’ll strive to live my life to the fullest,” Sangas said, hyping herself up. “Let’s do this.”

Sangah slammed her face down onto the table after watching her past self. Guess she was also feeling second-hand embarrassment. 

“Well… at least that got her to stop talking.” Kim Dokja thought.

Sangah lifted her head from the table and gave me a hurt expression before putting it back down.

Kim Dokja felt the phone vibrate in his hand. He looked at the screen. “A message?”

“Back then, I had no idea…”

“Thank you,” TSL123 said in a comment.

“TLS123? huh?” Kim Dokja stared at the phone in his hands. Suddenly his eyes widened. “Is this the author of TWSA?!”

“...What would happen to me next…”

“Are you the author of TWSA?” Kim Dokja typed the question to the mysterious person. TSL123 replied almost immediately. “Thanks to you, I was able to finish my story. I even was a prize in a contest.”

“What? TWSA was in a context?” Kim Dokja thought in shock, one hand over his mouth. “It really is him.”

[Constellation Director of the False Last Act asks how you are so sure that the author is male]

[Constellation Demon King of Salvation tells Constellation Director of the False Last Act to be quiet]

“Congratulations!” Dokja said. “But what kind of contest?”

“It’s not a big contest, so you wouldn’t have heard of it.” TSL123 answers.

[Constellation Director of the False Last Act stares at the screen]

“Oh, and the series will become paid content soon. Starting with the epilogue today, TWSA will become paid content.” 

[Constellation Director of the False Last Act scoffs at those words]

[Constellation Director of the False Last Act gazes at the screen longingly]

“As a token of my gratitude,” TSL123 continues. “I would like to send you a special present. Could you tell me your email address?”

Two golden horns on top of a white-haired head appeared on the screen

“... what was about to happen to this world.”

“A present?” Dokja texted back to the author.

“After all, I was able to publish my story thanks to you.”

“Wow. TWSA won a contest?” Dokja thinks as he raises his phone. “An unknown contest? I guess he doesn’t want to tell me because he’s embarrassed.”

[Constellation Director of the False Last Act says you’re an idiot]

“A present? Is it a gift card?” Kim Dokja thinks. “It would be great if it was a 6,000-won gift card.”

[Constellation Director of the False Last Act is laughing at your wishful thinking]

“Why is this incarnation from table ten so mean to me?” I complain, quickly glancing in table ten’s direction to no avail. I still couldn’t see them.

Kim Dokja’s phone vibrated again. ‘ You have one new message.’ Dokja opened his email box and clicked on the message. “It came! The present!” The message read.

• Starting at 7 pm today, TWSA will become paid content. This will help you. I wish you all the best.

“Starting at 7 pm.” Kim Dokja thought, staring at the time. “It’s 6:55 right now, so that means I have five minutes. I’ll go into my favorites and… huh?” Kim Dokja stares at his phone. The screen was blank, meaning that TWSA had disappeared from his favorites. “That’s weird. Do they remove serials without prior notice when they become paid content?”

‘Click’ , The lights on the subway shut down, leaving everyone in the dark. Both Dokja and Sangah look up, wondering what was happening. “Hmm? What…” Sangha managed to get out before the brakes of the train activated.

I straightened in my chair, watching the screen. I knew what was happening. I also know that Sangah, Gilyeong, Lee Hyeonsung, Han Myeongoh, and Yoo Junghyeok knew what was happening as well.

Every Constellation and Incarnation in the room stared at the screen. Some constellations and incarnations that experienced the event on the train immediately knew what was happening. Others caught on quickly, realizing that this was the start of the apocalypse. The start of all the scenarios. And they would be watching me during the first one.

I take a look at my companions, all of them giving the screen their fullest attention.

Sparks flew into the air and the train wheels froze, grinding into the tracks. Sangha screamed as she grabbed onto Dokja’s arm. 

“What’s happening?!”

“Is it a terrorist attack!?”

People's screams can be heard all around as the train shakes, throwing people around and slowly coming to a stop. The mouth of a white ‘monster’ was being shown on the screen, saliva dripping from exhilaration. The train finally comes to a stop with a loud ‘hiss’ , sparks still flying in the air.

“Ah…” A person groans, holding their head.

“What’s happening?” Another asks, holding onto the rails above their head.

“Sangah-ssi!” Dokja asks gently. 

“Y- Yes.” Sangha answers, her voice breaking as she uses both hands to hold onto Dokja’s arm. “What do you think is happening?”

“Don’t worry. It’s probably nothing.” Dokja says, trying his best to stay calm.

“This is the first scenario, isn’t it?” Yuseung asks, shaking. “How did you and unnie survive?”

I take hold of Yuseung’s shoulders, trying to calm her down. “Don’t worry, everything will be fine.” I look at every one. Most of them keep looking at the screen. I turn to look as well.

The clock hits 7 pm. “It was by sheer coincidence that I checked the time at that exact moment.”

“It’s 7 pm,” Dokja thought. “So the pain content…”

“LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE!” A voice rang out from the speakers.

“P- PLEASE EVACUATE… EVACUATE!!”

“Dokja!” Sangha yelled in concern. “What is going on!” Dokja himself didn’t know as he looked around. A light flashed in front of him and he shielded his eyes. A ball of red lighting appeared at the end of the subway car. 

The crackle of lightning roared through the car. The shock and fear on the people’s faces littered the screen. In the center, both Dokja and Sangah stood, looking upon the ball of energy.

“THE FREE SERVICE OF THE 8612th PLANETARY SYSTEM HAS COME TO AN END!! THE MAIN SCENARIO WILL BEGIN NOW!!”

“It was at that moment the genre of my life changed.”

The screen went black and the lights came back on in the room. People groan as Rymera stepped in front of the screen with a smile on her face. “I hope you all understand what we will be watching.” She twirled around, dancing on unsteady feet. “We will be watching the scenarios, from beginning to end, from Kim Dokja's point of view. Our Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint!”

Chapter Text

(Dokja’s POV)

“Before we continue,” Rymera spoke. “A few more guests will be joining us.” She snaps her finger and two balls of light appear in the air. “More people?” I think to myself. “Who else could it be that they are joining us later than the rest?”

The balls of light slowly form into beings hovering in the air. My eyes widen as I recognize one of them. What formed from one of the balls of light was a small creature of white fur, with two gold horns on its head. It was a Dokkaebi, it was Bihyung. He stared at the crowd in the room, finally landing his eyes on me.  

The other ball of light was also a Dokkaebi, but none that I remember being in the novel. This Dokkaebi was quite big. They were a fully-round fluff ball with one small horn on their head. “Ba-aaht.” The Dokkaebi let out a small sound.

“I know some of you might be wondering why the new guests are Dokkaebi,” Rymera says. “But don’t worry, everything will be explained in time.” She looks at the two still floating in the air. “Please sign your name and assigned table. A window appears in front of both of them.

[Table One - Dokkaebi Bihyung]

“So Bihyung will be joining us.” I think. “Great, everyone will find out about the contract we have.”

[Table Ten - Dokkaebi ◼️◼️◼️  Biyoo]

Biyoo flies over to table ten, into the arms of the one wearing white. “I think she is the only one of table ten that I can see clearly,” I say to myself as Bihyung flies over to us. All the chairs were taken and we didn’t have any extra. No one wanted to share with a Dokkaebi so I let Bihyung sit on my lap.

“With that,” Rymera shouted happily. “Let us move on to the next chapter of our omniscient reader's viewpoint!” The lights dimmed in the room as the screen turned on again.

‘ “It’s a Dokkaebi!” Someone explained as the creature flew into view. ’ Kim Dokja and Sangah stood in the center of the subway car. “I don’t know why that sentence popped into my head at the moment.” Kim Dokja’s maybe future self narrated as his on-screen stared at the ruined subway, smoke and sparks still flying in the air. “The subway came to a halt and the entire cabin grew dark.”

[Some constellations are wondering how you already knew about the Dokkaebi]

“No way. Subways stop all the time.” Kim Dokja thought as his narrator self continued speaking. “The opening lines of a very familiar story kept crossing my mind. But it doesn’t make any sense. There’s no way.”

“...A Dokkaebi?” Sangah mouthed, her voice barely above a whisper. Kim Dokja looked at her. “Sorry?” A bright ball of red light started, to shine through the cabin.

“Realistically speaking,” The narrator continued. “There was no way this could be true. It was completely impossible… but…”

Kim Dokja turned to look at the light while a phone screen appeared onscreen. It read;

Two small horns. A downy creature wearing a small garment was floating in the air. It was too peculiar to be called a fairy, too malicious to be called an angel, and too innocent looking to be called a devil.

So it was…

The source of the red light was a ball of lighting that had formed at the end of the cabin. Words began to appear on the screen as people starts to talk. “Look.” “What is that?”

“N- No way…” Dokja thought as his eyes widened. “This is…”

So we called it…

A Dokkaebi…

After the last line was read, Bihyung was shown hovering in the air.

I could feel every eye in the room looking at me. “What were the words on the screen?” One incarnation asked. “There were words on Dokja-nim’s phone as well.” Another said. I felt the glare of a certain protagonist landing on me. It wouldn’t take long before everyone soon found out about Ways of Survival.

[Several constellations are asking you if you know what the words are]

[Several constellations are suspicious about your past]

I stay silent, ignoring the messages as I look back at the screen.

“At that moment, fiction and reality overlapped.”

“Ahem.” Biyhung cleared his throat. “&아#@!&아#!&아#@!&아#@!”

“What is that thing saying?” A girl asked her group of friends. 

“Is this augmented reality or something?” A boy asked eagerly filming the event on his phone, blissfully unaware of the disaster about to befall him. “Ew, it’s so ugly.” The girl next to him commented.

“No one knew what was going on except me. That thing is definitely a Dokkaebi. It was the Dokkaebi that appeared in the opening paragraph of TWSA. This creature heralded the tragedy that carried on for thousands of chapters throughout Three Was To Survive The Apocalypse.”

“Impossible. How can this be?” Dokja thought, his hand shaking as he gripped his phone. “That very same Dokkaebi was now right in front of me.”

I felt a hand tapping my shoulder. “Hyung.” Gilyeong “Do you remember, back at the time we were in the Ground Rat Tunnels? I asked you if you knew something about this world.” I nodded, fearing what he was about to ask next. “Is this book that you’ve read, ‘Three Ways To Survive The Apocalypse’, is it the reason you seem to always have more information than the rest?” “Damn he’s sharp. I keep forgetting how smart he is.”

[Every Constellation and Incarnation in the room is awaiting your answer]

I stay silent, not having an answer. Well… I do have an answer, but I don’t know how to say it. 

【"Ｗｈａｔ　ａｒｅ　ｙｏｕ　ｇｏｉｎｇ　ｔｏ　ｄｏ，　Ｋｉｍ　Ｄｏｋｊａ？"】

“ What?” I pause. “Am I the only one who heard that?”

【"Ａｒｅ　ｙｏｕ　ｇｏｉｎｇ　ｔｏ　ｌｉｅ　ｔｏ　ｔｈｅｍ, ｌｏｓｉｎｇ　ｔｈｅｍ　ｉｎ　ｔｈｅ　ｐｒｏｃｅｓｓ？"】

“Who are you?”

【"Ｏｒ　ａｒｅ　ｙｏｕ　ｗｉｌｌｉｎｇ　ｔｏ　ｍａｋｅ　ａ　ｓａｃｒｉｆｉｃｅ，　ｄｒｉｖｉｎｇ　ｅｖｅｒｙｏｎｅ　ａｗａｙ　ｗｉｔｈ　ｔｈｅ　ｔｒｕｔｈ？"】

“-ja!”

【"Ｗｈａｔ　ａｒｅ　ｙｏｕ　ｇｏｉｎｇ　ｔｏ　ｄｏ，　Ｋｉｍ　Ｄｏｋｊａ？"】

“Dokja!”

【"Ｗｈａｔ　ａｒｅ　ｙｏｕ　ｇｏｉｎｇ　ｔｏ　ｄｏ？"】

“Dokja!”

I snap back to reality to hear my name being screamed by Jung Huiwon. She stares at me, everyone is, all of them wondering who I am, if I am the Omniscient Reader that knew the truth of this world. I smile. “Driving away was better than losing away. Losing away meant no coming back. Driving away still had a chance.”

I open my mouth to speak.

[Incarnation Yoo Junghyeok has activated lie detection]

I frown, but it was expected. “Three Ways To Survive The Apocalypse, the novel I had been reading for 10 years, contained information about the future.”

[Skill lie detection has confirmed that you are telling an incomplete truth]

“There is more!” Junghyeok growled. “Answer it!”

I sigh, looking down. “It’s okay Dokja-ssi,” Sangah says. “We won’t see you any differently.”

“But you will.”

[Skill lie detection has confirmed that you are telling the truth]

“You all will,” I said, looking at all of my companions. Everyone in the room is silent, all of them feeling like they are intruding on a very personal matter, well, maybe not the constellations.

[Skill lie detection has confirmed that you are telling the truth]

Everyone at the table looked saddened at my words. Still, I chose to make a sacrifice, and drive everyone away. “TWSA is a novel that tells the story of a man struggling to survive the apocalypse. It tells of the scenarios, the people he meets, those he saves, and those he kills.”

[Skill lie detection has confirmed that you are telling the truth]

“The reason I know of the future is because this world was once a novel. I read that novel. That is how I know of the events to come.”

[Skill lie detection has confirmed that you are telling the truth]

“What are you saying?” Jihye asks. “That this world… that I… that everything… that we were all made up in a book!” I stare a Lee Jihye, at everyone. “Dokja-ssi,” Jihye says once more. “Was I… was I a character in this novel!?”

“Yes.”

Jihye stood up from her seat and left the table. She walked past the other tables, filled with people watching. She walked to the end of the room and sat down against the wall.

“Dokja-ssi,” It was now Hyeonsung who asked. “Was I also-”

“Yes.”Hyeonsung crossed his arms and looked down. 

“Ajusshi,” Yuseung turned to me, her voice breaking. “Am I also a character?” I look at her before answering. “Yes.” Yuseung let out a small cry before burying her face into my arm.

“Hyung,” Gilyeong looked at me, tightly holding onto my arm. “I’m guessing I’m also a character.”

“Well,” I pause. “Not exactly.” Gilyeong stared at me, along with everyone else. “What do you mean?”

“Well… there are some people that originally didn’t appear in the novel.”

“Who?”

“First starters, you and I. If I hadn’t read that novel, we would have died in the first scenario. Only two people were supposed to survive. They were Lee Hyeonsung and Kim Namwoon.”

“Does that mean I wasn’t in the novel either?” Asked Sangah.

“Yes,” I answered. “Other than Hyeonsung-ssi and Yoo Junghyeok-ssi, the rest of us were never supposed to survive that first scenario.” I saw Junghyeok stiffen at the mention of his name. Before he could open his mouth to speak, a felt another tap on my shoulder. One of them was Uriel and the other was a constellation I didn’t recognize. She was wearing a black veil on her head that reached the floor as well as a simple white dress. It didn’t look to be of the modern age but more of roman and greek times. “Wait a minute.”

“Uriel?” I ask, shocked that a constellation had come over.

“Dokja-ssi,” She said, grabbing my shoulders and shaking me around. “Does your novel have information on the constellations?”

Once she stopped shaking me, I answered. “Yes, the novel does.”

“So I’m a character.” She stated, a clear pout on her face.

“Well,” A laugh quietly. “How would the constellations take it if I told them they were also characters? Nope, I don’t want to die just yet.”

The other constellation spoke. “So that's how you realized that we were sponsoring Sangah.” I looked at her, realizing who she was. 

“Ariadne?” I asked in shock. “A constellation of Olympus is here! Shit!” I took a deep breath in. “Well, the fact that she used your web and another stigma from the Master of Skywalk made it quite obvious.”

“Tch,” The Abandoned Lover of the Labyrinth scoffed. “You are a very dangerous incarnation Kim Dokja.” Ariadne walked away and sat back down at table four, beginning to tell the rest of the Olympians what I had said. Uriel also went back to her table.

“Is there anyone else in the group that didn’t appear in the novel?” Pildu asked grumpily. He was probably hoping I didn’t say his name.

“The others are Huiwon-ssi and Han Sooyoung.”

“So when we were in the Theater Dungeon, this is what you meant when you said I wasn’t in the future you knew about?” I nodded as Huiwon sighed.

“So you knew?” Asked Jihye as she seated herself back in her chair. “What about you unnie?” She asked, looking at Sooyoung. “Did you know about him as well?” 

“Of course I did,” Sooyoung answered with a grumble. “I am the first disciple. Other than Dokja over here, I know the most about this world.”

“Got get it Sooyoung-ssi!” A cry shot up from table three. It was the Dragon, who was currently waving his hand in the air. The Secretive Plotter was trying to get him to stop and Uriel was hiding her face in shame. We all chose to ignore him, except for his incarnation. “Shut up Chunni!” Sooyoung yelled. We all stared at her in shock. Did she want to die? “YAH!” The Abyssal Back Flame Dragon stood from his chair. “Don’t disrespect me! I could kill you!” He shouted, Sun Wukong had now walked over and was forcing him to sit back down.

“Okay then,” It was Rymera, very much bored. “If you an done, let us continue.” For once, I was happy that she was here. I looked around at the rest of my companions, all of them avoiding eye contact, all of them except a certain protagonist. If looks could kill, I would die by the glare Junghyeok was currently giving me. Well, I’m sure he already wanted to kill me right now. He wouldn’t have to wait long. Once he found out that he was the main character, he would kill me.

“I think it’s speaking Spanish,” Sangah said as Dokja looked at her. “Should I try talking to it?

[A few Constellation scoff at your wishful thinking]

“You don’t even know what that thing is,” Dokja answered. “Are you going to ask it to lend you money? ‘Puede’ or whatever it is won’t help us right now!”

“W- Well,” Sangah stuttered. “No, but…”

“At least I wanted to try something,” Sangah said softly. 

[Incarnation Moonlight Empress says it’s alright to try, you just didn’t know enough back then]

Sangah looked back at table ten and mouthed a small thank you. “Why does she get a nice person to talk to from that table?” I mourn. “The only ones that talk to me are mean.”

“TESTING. TESTING. CAN EVERYONE HEAR ME?”

Bihyung paid his on-screen self his fullest attention. 

“GOSH, THE LANGUAGE PATCH WAS MALFUNCTIONING FOR A BIT,” Bihyung yelled into the crowd. “CAN EVERYONE HEAR ME NOW?!”

“Hey!” A random person yelled back. “What do you think you’re doing?!”

“Pardon?!” Bihyung asked, looking down at a person clearly annoyed. “Are you filming a movie?” They asked. “I have to go to my audition.”

“Damm that person got some balls to be talking to a Dokkaebi.” An incarnation said.

“Well,” Another spoke up. “They didn’t know anything back them so…”

“And so they die.”

“OH, An audition at this hour huh? HAHA!” Bihyung laughed. “I guess I should have done more research. They told me I would have the most customers if we put up the paywall at around 7 pm.”

“What?” The person asked again. “What on Earth are you talking about?”

“Ok everyone, please calm down. Why don’t you take a seat and listen? I have something very important to tell you all!” Bihyung began again but those on the train weren’t having it.

“What is it?! Just start the train already!”

“You can’t do this without our consent!”

“How are you going to compensate for this?!”

More and more people started yelling, well except for that one girl. I stared at the screen. It wouldn’t be long before the walls and floor of that cabin were painted red with blood.

“I am certain.” More and more people began to yell as my voice started to talk once more. “I know exactly how this story goes. I have to stop them. But how?”

“Sangah-ssi, don’t more.”Dokja says as he holds onto Sangah’s shoulder. “Sorry?” She said. Bihyung started to laugh once more, but this time with rage hiding behind.

“Haha. It sure is noisy here, isn’t it?” Bihyung said, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I… told you… TO BE QUIET!!!” A look of rage crossed over his face. The boy who had been talking to him earlier swayed, crimson blood shooting from his head as it exploded. People around him stared, not believing their eyes.

Several incarnations in the room started to vomit.” Damm it, I shouldn’t have eaten.”

“Me too, I forgot how bloody the first scenario was.”

I felt Bihung tense, still staring at the screen. Wordlessly, I bring both my arms around him into a hug. He flinches but soon relaxes. “Thank you.” He whispers.

“WE’RE NOT FILMING A MOVIE. THIS ISN’T A DREAM…” More and more heads begin to explode as screams fill the air. The walls and windows slowly shone a deep red. “... OR A NOVEL, AND IT CERTAINLY ISN’T THE REALITY THAT YOU ARE ALL FAMILIAR WITH! DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!!” Sangah held both hands to her mouth as Dokja pulled her back.

Bihyung felt all the eyes on him. Not just from our table but from those in the room as well. The only ones who didn’t seem to care were the constellations, but of course, they wouldn’t, we were just stories to them.

[Constellation Demon King of Salvation is looking as Dokkaebi Bihyung]

[Constellation Demon King of Salvation says it is alright]

I stare at the indirect messages. “Just who is this guy?”

“I hated to admit it, but this was real. My doubt and disbelief slowly faded away as I watched to floor quickly become painted in blood.”

I moved around in my seat nervously. I felt people's eyes on me, all of them thinking back to the fact that I knew of this world, that for me, it was just a novel.

“ALL OF YOU HAVE HAD QUITE A CUSHY LIFE UNTIL NOW, HAVEN’T YOU!” Bihyung yelled, people staring at him with the greatest look of fear a person could have. “YOU WERE ABLE TO BREATHE, EAT, EXCRETE, AND REPRODUCE WITHOUT PAYING THE COSTS!! HA!!” Bihyung was on a high, his eyes glowing with anticipation, joy, and maybe a bit of sadistic glee. “YOU’VE ALL BEEN ENJOYING PRIVILEGED LIVES!! BUT IT’S ALL OVER NOW!! NOTHING IN LIFE IS FREE, ISN’T THAT RIGHT!!!” People looked at him from all around the room.

“Is it money you want?” A very bold person asked Bihyung. The man who had asked was seen wearing a suit and glasses. “Sangah-ssi, isn’t that the Department Head Han of the finance team?” Dokja asked. “He was employed because of his connections.” Both Dokja and Sangah looked over. “Yes.” Sangah. Han Myeongoh kept talking.

“If it’s money you’re after, I’ll give you as much as you want. And just so you know, this is what I do.” Han Myeongoh said, talking to Bihyung with as much non-existent courage as he could muster.

Myeongoh stared at himself and wondered, how on earth he managed to survive the first scenario.

“How much do you need?” Myeongoh continued to ask. “A million? Or two million perhaps?” Bihyung stared at him. “Hmm, so you’re offering me your money.” Myeongoh started to rummage through his bag. “I’ll give you as much as want if you let me out of here.”

“Money is good. It is an objective that signifies an intersubjective agreement between humans.” Bihyung answered as Myeongoh smiled, thinking he got away with it. “Yes!” He thought. “Money solves everything!”

[Several constellations are laughing at incarnation Han Myeongoh]

[Several constellations say that he should have died in the first scenario]

Bihyung snapped his fingers and lit the money on fire. Myeongoh stared in shock as two million won turned into ashes in his hands. “But it’s only valid within the confines of your space-time. That paper has no value in the macroscopic dimension. This is a warning. If you ever pull a stunt like this again, I’ll blow your head up.” Bihyung answered as Myeongoh knelt on the ground, groaning at the loss of money.

“Ha…” Bihyung sighed. “There’s no time for chit-chat. Your dept is piling up as we speak. I won’t bother explaining it to you. It will be faster for you to try and earn the money yourselves.” Bihyung snapped his fingers once more, making his horns grow from his head, both of them glowing gold.

[Channel #BI-7623 has opened]

[The constellations are now making an entrance]

The Constellations glued their eyes to the screen, realizing that some of them would be shown soon.

Screens flashed in front of everyone's terrified faces. Both Lee Hyeonsung and Kim Namwoon were shown. Hyeonsung with a look of fear and Namwoon with a sadistic grin on his face. A window appeared in front of Dokja.

[The Main Scenario Has Arrived]

~~~

[Main Scenario - Prove Your Value]

Category: Main

Difficulty: f

Clear Conditions: Kill one or more living organisms

Time Limit: 30 minutes

Reward: 300 coins

Failure: Death

~~~

“Well, good luck everyone.” Bihyung said, his horns still glowing. “I expect to see an interesting story.” In a flash of light, Bihyung was gone.

Wordlessly, the next episode played. Everyone in the room was quiet, all wanting to see this even though most still remembered it clearly.

Chapter Text

(Dokja’s POV)

Sangah bit her nail nervously, holding a phone to her ear. “The police…” She said shakily to Dokja. “The police aren't picking up! What do we do?” 

“Sangah-ssi, stay calm.” Dokja tried to reassure her. “Sangah-ssi, you’ve played the game the development team is currently working on, right? You know, the one where only a handful of people survive the apocalypse.”

“Huh, what’s that got to do with anything?”

“Think of it this way,” Dokja said, holding her shoulders. “We’re part of that game now.”

“A game…” Sangah answered unsurely, looking at the scenario window. “It’s simple,” Dokja continued. “Every game has rules. We just need to follow them.”

“Rules? What are you-?” Sangah still didn’t understand, so Dokja had to help her once more. “We just have to figure out what those rules are,” Dokja said as he turned from Sangah.

‘A Dokkaebi with antennae.”

‘A litter of dead bodies in the subway cabin.’

‘Trembling office workers covered in blood.’

‘An old lady praying fervently in her seat.’

“Are those words from your stupid novel Kim Dokja!?” Yoo Junghyeok asked, venom in his voice. I nodded. “Why wasn’t he doing anything?”

“I still couldn’t believe this was really happening. But I couldn’t deny it any longer. No…” Sangah was shown holding onto Dokja’s arm, both of them watching the sight in front of them. “I have no choice but to admit it now.” People started to scream, bagging on doors, wanting to escape. “ I don’t know why, but it was clear that TWSA, which I’ve been reading for over ten years, was coming to life before my eye.”

“Think…” Dokja closed his eyes and took a breath. “ What do I need to do… to survive?”

“Ok everyone! Calm down!”

Everyone at table one tensed after hearing that voice. They knew who that voice belonged to. The owner was sitting at their table right now. The voice continued speaking.

“Take a deep breath, and stop what your doing.” 

The owner of the voice was shown on the screen. 

“Have you all calmed down? May I have your attention for a moment?” 

It was Lee Hyeonsung. Lee Hyeonsung stared at his on-screen self.

“As you all know, in a national emergency such as this one, even a small commotion can lead to heavy casualties. So, from now on, I will take charge of the situation.”

“What!” A person screamed. “Who the hell are you?!”

“A National emergency?” Another man yelled. “What are you talking about?”

“I’m…” The man pulled out an official government card. “An army lieutenant currently serving in unit 6502.” Dokja stared at the man, people around him whispered. “A soldier, he’s a soldier. “He’s from the military.”

[Constellation Master of Steel is looking at incarnation Lee Hyeonsung]

[Incarnation Emperor of ◼️◼️◼️ is looking at Constellation Master of Steel]

[Constellation Master of Steel is confused and asks why Incarnation Emperor of ◼️◼️◼️ is looking at him]

[ Constellation Demon King of Salvation is telling Incarnation Emperor of ◼️◼️◼️ to look back at the screen]

[ Constellation Director of the False Last Act scolds Incarnation Emperor of ◼️◼️◼️]

I stared at table ten’s indirect messages again. I looked at the incarnations modifier. “Does he know the Master of Steel? I wonder if…”  

“I just received a message from my unit.” Hyeonsung said, holding his phone up for people to see. “Oh my god!” “A national emergency!”

“I already knew it would be a national emergency.” Dokja thought.

People looked at me again. “You knew?” Lee Hyeonsung asked, sucking in a breath. “I did.” He tensed. “Dokja-ssi, the lives of those in the cabin, you-” 

“I know Hyeonsung-ssi!” I raise my voice. “I know.” I clench my fists. “Why did I do that? Why did I yell at him?”

“Soldier-nim, what is happening?” Someone asked.

“I’m trying my best to contact the army base but…”

“What about the Blue House?!” A desperate man yelled at him. “Please contact the president quickly!”

“They really thought a random soldier could just call the president.” An incarnation said.

“I’m sorry sir, but I’m just a soldier. I don’t have the clearance to contact the Blue House directly.”

“Then how on earth are you going to control this situation!!”

“I already knew this was going to turn into a national emergency, so I wasn’t surprised. It was something else that took me by surprise.”

“Lieutenant Lee Hyeonsung…” Kim Dokja thought. “I know him. I’ve never seen him in person, but I knew him by name. ” An information card flashed on the screen.

[ Steal Blade Lee Hyeonsung ]

• Army lieutenant of the Republic of Korea

“He was one of the supporting characters in TWSA.”

Back in real life, I could feel everyone at table ten looking between me and the screen. Also, he may not have thought that I saw it, but I noticed how Hyeonsung flinched when I called him a character. “I’m sorry Lee Hyeonsung.”

“It’s hard to believe that character from TWSA actually appeared. He talks and acts just like he does in TWSA.” Kim Dokja scratched his head.

Hyeonsung flinched again.

“But.” He stopped scratching his head. “Was this how Lee Hyeonsung was introduced in the original story?” Kim Dokja thought as he stared at him. “No. I was absolutely certain that was not how Lee Hyeonsung first appeared in the story. He originally appeared after the first scenario. Then… what is going on? If I could just read it again, I would know exactly what’s happening…”

“What do you mean this is not how Hyeonsung first appeared?” Huiwon asked. “You were seeing him right in front of you,” I answered Huiwon. “That is because TWSA follows the main character's point of view. The protagonist doesn’t meet with Hyeonsung until after he himself completes the first scenario.”

A person in the cabin yells, holding up his phone. “The prime minister is making a speech! It really is a level-one national emergency.” Sangah held her phone up for Dokja to see. “Dokja-ssi, look.”

“To my fellow citizens of Korea. There have been reports of unidentified terrorist attacks in Soul as well as many other areas of the country. The government will combat these attacks using all means necessary…”

“That was also in the story.” Kim Dokja thought. “ Yes, it would be easier to believe that we were under a terrorist attack. But now that I’m actually hearing it, it sounds ridiculous.” People around me begin to talk, some asking why the prime minister was the one speaking and not the president. Others said it was because the president was already dead. Some couldn’t believe it and said it was a rumor. “It was not a rumor… and soon…”

People screamed as loud bangs were heard in the room the prime minister was making the speech. He was dead, his blood painting the wall behind him as his body slouched into the podium, his head in pieces.

Incarnations around the room twisted in their seats at the sight. A few constellations were starting to laugh, seemly forgetting that they had already seen this scenario. Those that were watching another part of the world looked on with greed, smiling at the death of those below them.

“I ALREADY TOLD YOU!!” A voice yelled from the other side of the screen. Bihyung hovered into view. “THIS IS NOT JUST SOME JOKE!!”

“I guess you still don’t get it, do you? No… this won’t do.” Both Dokja and Sangah stared at her phone, a look of abulote horror thickly painted across her face. “Do you think we’re playing a game right now?” Bihyung laughed. “Fine. According to my research, people from this country are good at games.

At this moment, I couldn’t help but think about Junghyeok. He was a streamer before all of this started, so I guess Bihyung’s research was somewhat knowledgeable.

“Then… let’s,” Kim Dokja squeezed his phone. “Raise the difficulty shall we?” Bihyung said ecstatically. The 30-minute timer began to tik down and an impossible speed, stopping at ten minutes.

[The remaining time has been reduced]

[You now have ten minutes left]

[As an added penalty, if the first death doesn’t occur within the next five minutes, every living organism in this cabin will be terminated]

Whatever control Lieutenant Lee Hyeonsung had over this situation was immediately destroyed. Everywhere, people began to panic.

“I wish I could have done more to help.” Hyeonsung sighed, looking down. Huiwon punched him in the arm. “Huiwon-ssi!” Hyeonsung yelped. “What was that for?” He asked her, rubbing the place he was hit. “I want you to know that you did everything you could.” Huiwon said before looking at me, a glare that held a clear message. “You knew of the future, yet you did nothing.”

“What kind of sick joke is this!?”

“Did you hear what that thing said!?”

“Soldier-nim, what do we do now?! Where are the police!?”

“Everyone, please calm down and listen to me…”

Sangah pulled herself closer to Dokja. “Yes. Everything is going exactly as I remember it. The events are unfolding exactly the same as the beginning of TWSA… but I can’t help but feel that something isn’t right. Lee Hyeonsung, one of the major supporting characters…”

Hyeonsung flinched and looked down. I wanted to go over to him, but I had three people on me would he listen? 

“…has already appeared…” The screen turned black as a few embers were seen blowing in the wind. “But why hasn’t ‘he’ appeared yet?” A figure was shown on screen. It was a man, tall in stature, and wearing all black. 

“If I remember correctly, he should be making an appearance any minute now.”

Although his face was darkened and not being shown, everyone in the room knew who it was. The sound of a chair falling to the ground was heard as Yoo Junghyeok stood up and started walking towards me, a look of murder on his face and a hand on the hilt of his sword. I mentally prepared myself to die but then something unexpected happened.

He stopped…

A hand was revealed to hand grabbed his arm, keeping him from walking to me. He growled. “If you don’t want to die, remove your hand!” 

“I’m afraid I can’t do that.” The person holding onto him stood from where they were sitting. “I have spent 20 years away from him… I won’t let you take him away again.” The person gripping Yoo Junghyeok's wrist was none other than my mother, Lee Sookyung.

“I don’t know what you think you can do to make me stop,” Junghyeok said, his voice low, filled with rage. “But if you don’t want to join him, let go of my-” Lee Sookyung raised her free hand and slapped him across his face. “Don’t touch my son!”

“What the heck!” My mind raced at the atrocity I was watching. Yes, I hate her, but I didn’t want my mother to die. Why did she have to hit Yoo Junghyeok!!! Everyone around the table was in shock. The fact that my mother had the guts to hit him, even though she knew as much about him as I did. I stood up from my chair. “Yoo Junghyeok! Don-”

“Be quiet.” He snarled. “You’re time will come.” Junghyeok unsheathed his sword and held it to my mother's neck, barely touching her skin. “So you’re his mother.” He said with a sadistic tone. “I’m guessing he gets his stupidity from you.” He says as he jerks his arm out of her grip. “I’m going to kill you.” My mother smirked. “Stop provoking him!”  I wanted to yell out.

“You won’t kill me.” She answered. 

“And why is that?” Junghyeok asked innocently as he started to push the side of the blade into her neck, a small crimson line starting to form. “I could end your life in an instant,” I yelled. “Yoo Junghyeok stop!!”

“It is true, you could kill me.” She said, her voice calm even with a line slowly being carved in her throat. “But if you killed me, you wouldn’t be able to kill him.” She said, glancing at me. The constellation around us stared, invested in the event taking place before them. “I might just..” He said. With a smile, Lee Sookyung raised her voice. “Rymera!”

“Yes!” The girl looked up from a screen she was holding. “What do you want?”

“I want you to slow time for everyone here and place me in a room with him.” 

Rymera looked up with a bored face. “ I already paused the episode for you.” She stated. “Why?”

“If Yoo Junghyeok is going to kill me, at least let it not be here.”

“Wait… what?” My mind froze as I felt my heartbeat increase. “No!”

Rymera sighed. “Fine. Just take comfort in the fact that he will die with you.” She snapped her fingers and bright light engulfed both of them. “No!!”   I ran over to them. “Mom!!” She disappeared along with Yoo Junghyeok. “Shit!” I fell to my knees and gripped my hair. “Damm it!”

I felt a hand land on my shoulder. I turned around and looked at the person holding my shoulder. It was Secretive Plotter. The stary veil still covered his entire body. I couldn’t see his face. “What is a constellation like him doing here?”

“Pull yourself together.” He spoke, his voice foggy, not completely registering in my mind. But I know that I have heard that voice before. I just couldn’t remember when. “She will be fine.” He grabbed my hand and dragged me back to my chair before leaving for his table. “What the hell was that?”

[Constellation Demon King of Salvation worries for incarnation Lee Sookyung]

[Incarnation ◼️◼️◼️  King tells him not to worry]

(Sookyung’s POV)

The bright light faded. I looked around to find that the room we were placed in was nothing but an endless white void. I stared into the eyes of the man my son had spent years talking about, his sword still cutting into my throat. “You are either incredibly brave or incredibly stupid to do this.” Yoo Junghyeok said before lowering his sword. “Why did you bring us here?”

“My reasoning stays the same,” I say to him. “Stay away from my son.” He scoffs. “You don’t have to power to stop me. Once this scenario is over, I will kill him.”

“May I ask as to why?”

“Why?” Junghyeok laughed.”First of all, why should I tell you.”

“This man is dangerous, I have to think of the right words.” I open my mouth. “I am his mother. If you plan to kill my son, then at least tell his mother the reasoning behind the fact that she would be soon mourning over his body.”

Yoo Junghyeok turned around.“Because he used me! I wanted to kill the constellation that put me here but now I thank them.” He seethed. “She has revealed to me his true motivation for approaching me on that damn bridge. He read about my life, my sufferings, as his entertainment! He-”

I slapped him across the face once more, earning another glare. “You saved him Yoo Junghyeok!” I yelled, his hand slowly taking the sword back out. “Your life… your suffering… those trials that you hate gave him a reason to live!”

“You wouldn’t know how it feels to have someone you trusted betray you.” Junghyeok snarled, but the hand on his sword didn’t move. “You wouldn’t know how it feels for someone you love to have read your life!”

I pause, my mouth not moving. Yoo Junghyeok also seemed to realize what he had said. “You…” I risk my fate and decide to ask. “You love him?”

“He enrages me to the point that I don’t know.” He places the sword back in its scabbard. “But that doesn’t change the fact that he is my companion.”

“Then why kill him.”

“I already told you.”

“Will nothing I say convince you otherwise?” I ask.

Yoo Junghyeok looked at me. “Nothing…”

“Alright them, at least let me tell you this.” I look him in the eyes. “I may not know what it feels to have someone I care about read my life, but my son knows that feeling well.” Junghyeok listened silently. “We didn’t have to best life, his father was abusive. One night, it got so bad that I took a knife and killed him. I went to prison for it but, before I was taken, I wrote a novel about his tragic life. He resented me for it for the rest of his life.”

“What are you trying to say?”

“Once I published that novel, the bullying he already had to endure at school worsened. I don’t know the full story, but what I do know is that he tried to kill himself, wanting to escape the suffering of this world.”

“Why are you telling me this?”

“The day after his suicide attempt he somehow found that novel. Ever since that day, he had been reading it to survive.”

“You’re lying.”

“But I am not Yoo Junghyeok,” I say to him. “You have a lie detection skill. Use it.”

[Incarnation Yoo Junghyeok has activated lie detection]

[Skill lie detection has confirmed that you are telling the truth]

Yoo Junghyeok opened his mouth. “How do you know these things about me.”

“When I was in prison, Dokja would visit. He would tell me about this story, about you, the man he strove to be like.”

[Skill lie detection has confirmed that you are telling the truth]

Junghyeok flinched. 

“He saw you as strong for being able to survive, for being to continue living even through such a horrible world. You were everything to him. It was because of you, that he lived.”

[Skill lie detection has confirmed that you are telling the truth]

“So tell me, Yoo Junghyeok,” I say, praying I had done enough. “Tell me you still want to kill him. Tell me you still want to end the life of my son.”

Junghyeok paused. “We will see.”

I had enough. “Rymera, bring us back.” A light flashed once more and we left the room.

(Dokja’s POV)

I fidgeted around my seat. They had been gone for nearly half a minute. What if he did kill her? But surely he wouldn’t have taken this long. If he gave her a painful death I swear-

A light shown once more, both Yoo Junghyeok and my mothers appear. She returned back to her seat.  Yoo Junghyeok also made his way back to his seat, glaring at me the entire time. But that was okay, they were both alive.

“Ok then,” Rymera said. “Let us begin again.” She snapped her fingers and the episode began to play once more. I looked at my mom. She had somehow managed to convince him. 

• That was the first time you’ve called me mom. (Sookyung)

“So she has Midday Tryst, oh well.” I chose to ignore her and turn back to watching the screen.

“EEK!” A person screamed. “SOMEONE HAS BEEN MURDERED IN THE CABIN !” The window in the door to the other cabin was covered in thick, red, blood.

“AHHH!”

“DON’T LET THEM IN!!”

“DON’T LET ANYONE THROUGH!!”

“WE HAVE TO BLOCK THE-” A hand touched the invisible golden barrier. “AH!!”

“What’s wrong with this?”

“There’s some kind of invisible wall in front of the door!”

[No one may enter or leave the cabin until the scenario is over]

“HAHA!” Bihyung laughed. “It’s getting interesting for some cabins, while others haven’t even started yet. Fine, I’ll give you a little jolt to get the ball rolling. How about showing you what will happen if you don’t do anything in the next five minutes.” Bihyung snapped his fingers. A screen appears in the front.

“That’s the Taepung Girls’ High School.” A man said.

Lee Jihye doubled over in her chair as if someone had punched her. Lee Seolhwa ran over to her. “Are you okay Jihye!” All she got in return was a scream. “N- No! NOT AGAIN!” Jihye wailed, her voice breaking. “P- PLEASE NO, NOT THAT! I- I CAN’T!” 

Seolhwa looked at the screen and back at the girl in front of her. Jihye had her face against the table, hands covering her ears. Immediately, Seolhwa knew what was happening. This a trauma. The screams of those on the screen soon covered Jihye’s.

[Constellation Maritime War God stares sadly at his incarnation]

[Constellation Maritime War God says it’s okay]

Constellation Maritime War God says it will be over soon]

[You have exceeded the time limit]

[Proceeding with checkout]

Kim Dokja shut his eyes as the sounds of heads exploding rang through the cabin. Girls began to scream.

“AHHHH!!!”

“H- HELP! LET ME OUT!”

“LET ME OUT!! LET ME– NO… AHH!!”

Their screams of desperation soon end with the sound of every scull in the classroom exploding. The sound of skulls breaking and blood hitting the floor was all that could be heard.

“Oh my gosh, how could they…?!” People watching the scream could only ask, absolutely horrified. 

“Huh…”

Lee Jihye screamed again. “NO PLEASE!” She screamed into her arms. Gilyeong and Lee Seolhwa, who were both beside her, tried to comfort her as she was forced to relive this nightmare. Lee Jihye was shown on screen, hands wrapped around the throat of the person she would soon kill, hands wrapped around the throat of her best friend. “No-” Jihye cried, her voice hoarse from the screaming. “No… Bori…” She held her mouth. 

Thankfully Seolhwa gave her a bucket. Lee Jihye leaned into the bucket and vomited everything she had eaten. Still, she mumbled. “Bori-ssi… I’m sorry… I’m sorry…” Seolhwa cleaned her face as she continued to cry softly. The hard part was over.

[The survivor of channel #BAY23515 is…]

[...Lee Jihye…]

[... a second-year student from class B at Taepung Girls’ High School]

“Hehehe.” Bihyung cackled. “What do you think? Fun, right?”

“I HATE YOU!!” Jihye screamed as she got up from her chair to try and attack the Dokkaebi sitting in my arms. Seolhwa pulled her back. “Jihye, you can’t kill a Dokkaebi.” She said softly, holding onto Jihye’s arm. “And even if you did, you would only get in trouble. Killing him won’t bring your friend back. Lee Jihye sank into her chair and cried. 

Kim Dokja grit his teeth. A person swayed, threatening to faint. People around the cabin looked around in shock, all of them silent, until…

“FUCK!! What is this?!! What the fuck is going on!!”

Chapter Text

(Dokja’s POV)

Sangah flinched, taking her hand off Dokja’s arm. Dokja turned his head to the cabin door. “That’s strange, why hasn’t he appeared yet.”

“The events I’m familiar with…” Dokja brought the phone back to his face. “... and the those I didn’t know were even part of the story were all happening at once. If I could just read TWSA again, I could know what to do, but…” Dokja looked at his phone but know results showed.

“You really are nothing without that damn novel of yours, aren’t you?” Yoo Junghyeok said to me, a look of rage still plastered on his face. “Damm it, he’s sooo going to kill me when he finds out he’s the main character.”

“That’s not true,” Gilyeong argued. I can’t believe he had the courage to try and correct this manic of a protagonist. “Hyung is special. It doesn’t matter if he read that book.” I smile at him. “Thank you Gilyeong.”

“Damn it. I guess it was removed. But why? This series isn’t even popular, so I doubt someone would’ve tried to illegally share it.” Dokja’s eyes widened as he began scrolling through his messages, stopping at the message sent by TSL123. “Wait a minute.” He clicked on the attached file. “No… it can’t be…”  

Dokja stared at the name of the file in disbelief. The file that TSL123 had sent him was ‘Three Ways To Survive The Apocalypse. His jaw fell as he rubbed his eyes in shock. The file was still there.

“You seem to be having a hard time realizing that the author sent you their book.” Jihye teased. “Dumb ajusshi.” On the other side of the table, Han Sooyoung groaned. “Just why though would the author of that novel give you a file of their story?” She grumbled. “They must be as dumb as you are.

[Many constellations at table ten are laughing at the irony]

[Constellation Director of the False Last Act tells everyone to shut up]

[Constellation Demon King of Salvation laughs and can't wait for the ◼️◼️◼️]

“What did I say!” Sooyoung half yells at table ten, getting angrier with every passing moment. Meanwhile, on-screen Dokja continues to panic.

“Did he send me his novel as a present?! Isn’t sharing illegal?!” Dokja continues to stare at his phone. “Or does it not matter since he’s the author?”

[Constellation Director of the False Last Act asks again how you know the author is male]

[Constellation Demon King of Salvation glares at Constellation Director of the False Last Act]

[Constellation Director of the False Last Act shuts her mouth]

[You have received an exclusive attribute]

[A skill slot has been unlocked]

Everyone in the room pays closer attention to the screen. Everyone wants to know the skills of someone who has caused so much trouble. My voice begins to narrate again.

“Each of the TWSA survivors receives a special attribute and a skill linked to that attribute. It’s just like a game.” Kim Dokja stares at the windows. “Attribute Window.” He closes his eyes. “Then I’ll need to figure out my attribute.” Dokja opens his eyes as an error occurs. 

[Attributes Window could not be opened]

“What!” Kim Dokja tries again and again to open his window. Every time, the same screen appears. “What the hell is going on?! If I can’t open my Attribute Window, I won’t be able to find out what my attribute and skills are.”

I hear the commotion of people around me. “What in the world?” All my companions look at me, everyone but Han Sooyoung. I mean she already knew sooo… I nod my head before any of them can ask the question on everyone’s minds. “Dokja-yah!” Sun Wukong called from his table. “Is this true?!” I look over at their table and nod.

“Can you see your Attribute Window now?” Huiwon asks. I answer her. “No. I have tried again every once in a while but so far, nothing.” At the Olympus table, Ariadne was busy thinking about how an incarnation that couldn’t see their Attribute Window was so powerful.

Dokja looks at his phone. “Oh well. I’ll just read the attached file first.” A window appears in front of him.

[Your attribute has been activated. You are now able to read at a faster speed]

Dokja grabs his head as he stumbles back, his eyes glowing blue as words flash in front of him. “W- What? That was my Attribute? It took me less than a minute to read the opening chapter of TWSA… but thanks to that…” More and more words flash in his eyes. “Bingo!”

On a page full of sentences, the number ‘3707’ shone brightly. Dokja looked up at the number of the cabin he was in. It read ‘3807’. “It was cabin number 3707.” He stared. “With that, I realized why I had felt so uneasy. The reason the events unfolding around me were different from what I remembered was that the protagonist of TWSA’s prologue was actually in the subway cabin behind this one.”

I felt Yoo Junghyeok's eyes on me again. “Please don’t figure it out…” I plead, not wanting to die before I learn more information. “Please, not yet…”

“Wait, then… what happened to the people in 3807 in the story?” Beside him, Sangah was visibly shaking. “Dokja-ssi, shouldn’t we try to stop them?” Dokja turned to look at the commotion behind him, sentences from the novel spilling into his head.

‘He took a peek at the chaos and confusion that was unfolding in subway cabin 3807.’

‘It’s probably too late for them. After all… only two people will survive in that cabin.’

Yoo Junghyeok glared at me once more. At this point, I was sure he knew that he was the protagonist. The question was why he wasn’t doing anything yet. All around me, people began to mutter, wondering how in the world this novel exists. Constellations and Incarnations alike wishing they had access to this book.

“Fuck. Where the hell do you think you’re going?” A voice laced with rage asked. The owner of the voice had a hand on the shirt of an elderly woman. “Please… L- Let me go…” The old woman weakly begged, pain clearly evident.

“Shut your mouth!” The voice was revealed to be a boy with white hair, the name Kim Namwoon shown on his chest. He brought his hand down on the old woman's face, scarlet blood flying everywhere.

“I knew who those two people were.”

The face of the attacker was shown. “Didn’t I tell you to shut up?!” Kim Namwoon snarled, continuing to barrage the poor woman with continuous and painful punches to her head. Every hit brought fresh blood streaming down her face. 

“I know him!” The Abyssal Black Flame Dragon yelled from his table. “He was the incarnation I initially wanted to sponsor! Dokja killed him!” A groan arouse from the crowd. “Don’t spoil!” Secretive brought his hand down on the head of the small dragon. I rolled my eyes, a smirk on my face.

“Sangah will probably die…” Dokja thought. “Except for those two… everyone in this cabin will die… including me.”

‘Only Lee Hyeonsung and Kim Namwoon will survive in that cabin.’  

More and more constellations began to grow agitated. I turned off my messages because the number of bribes I was receiving was making my brain hurt. More and more people wanted to get their hands on this book. I mean, who wouldn’t? TWSA literally told of the future, or more accurately, 1863 possible futures. “I need to make sure no one gets their hands on this novel once we get out of here.”

The sound of flesh colliding with flesh rang throughout the cabin. The soft squelches of blood hitting the walls and floor echoed through our blank minds.

“What do you think you’re doing?!” Han Myeongoh yelled as he grabbed onto Kim Namwoon’s wrist, stopping him from landing another hit on the lady. “You little brat!” He yelled. “Didn’t they teach you to respect your elders?!

“Mr. Han?” Dokja stared at the scene, surprised that he was the first person to help.

“Huh?” Kim Namwoon looked back at the man holding his wrist. “Sir, do you want to die?” He yanked his hand from Han Myeongoh’s grip. “What?” He asked, confused. “Can’t you see what's going on here?” Kim Namwoon spoke again.

“I see why you wanted to sponsor this man little dragon.” Hades spoke. “While he has a tendency to murder, he adapts quickly and knows what needs to be done.” Chuuni opened his mouth. “I am not a little-” He tries to shout if not for the hand of the Secretive Plotter. The glare he had while looking at the dragon gave a full message. “You are not going to insult a myth-grade constellation.”

“What bullshit are you saying you brat!?” Myeongoh yelled again, still not getting that the life he once knew was gone. Namwoon pointed to the screen behind him. “There,” He said. “Don’t you see that?” 

[H- Help me… Please!]

[AHHH!]

[Die! Die]

Sounds of bodies breaking and cries of pain filled the cabin. It wasn’t just Taepung Girls’ High School. It was a video of mass death being shown on the screen. Kim Namwoon continued speaking.

“Don’t you get it? The army isn’t going to save us. Someone has to die.”

“W- What are you saying?” Myeongoh asked, his voice shaking, afraid of the answer they all knew was true.

“We…” Kim Namwoon held the broken body of the grandmother. Her face purple and bruised as tears streamed down her face. His face was stone cold, eye’s blazing with the need to kill. “... Have to choose the ones who die.”

“Sheesh, that guy is getting on my nerves,” Huiwon stated as Kim Namwoon continued to say a speech about the rules of this new world. Every word he said made Huiwon visibly flinch.“Yes, what he said was true, but couldn’t he have any humanity left?” Han Sooyoung shook her head. “That man was described in the novel as a demon. So I don’t think he had any humanity left.”

Beside me, Gilyeong pulled my hand. “Sooyoung noona said he was a demon.” He whispered. “Demons are powerful but are also willing to sacrifice anything to get the ending they want. Is that why you killed him on the train? Because he was willing to do anything?”

I looked at him, his eyes bright and filled with innocence. I didn’t want to take that away just yet, even if the world we knew had already gone to shit. “It is true. In the novel, Kim Namwoon was a very powerful incarnation in the beginning scenarios. So much so that the protagonist chooses to recruit him.” I answer, Yoo Junghyeok once again staring at me, but not with a glare this time.

“If he was so powerful to the point of the main character recruiting him, why didn’t you?” Gilyeong asked. “In the novel…” I start. “Only Hyeonsung-ssi and Kim Namwoon survived because Kim Namwoon killed almost everyone in the cabin. I killed him so I could live.”

People around me scoffed. “He is so selfish.” He shouldn’t have that book.” “We could have saved more people if he shared the information he had.” More and more began to scrutinize me, but I turned my attention back to Gilyeong and ignored them.

“If I saved myself, I could save you and Sangah-ssi in the process.” I stared at him. “I know that what I did seems selfish, and in reality it is, but I did all of this because I have a certain epilogue I wanted to see.”

“That doesn’t make any sense Hyung,” Gilyeong said, staring back at the screen. “But I trust you.”

“Kim Namwoon…” The narrator/ Dokja’s voice spoke. “He was one of the earliest people to adapt and accept the world of TWSA.” Kim Namwoon continued to brutally punch the elderly woman as people around him watched. This time, no one stopped him “It was Kim Namwoon who drove a wedge into the crack and destroyed the sense of morality that had been binding society together.”

“Fuck… to hell with this.” A person said as they charged. Soon, more and more people ran over to where Kim Namwoon was standing. Together, they began to hunt their prey with the intent to kill. The sounds of flesh colliding with flesh and the crack on cone breaking filled the cabin like music in a music hall. Lee Hyeonsung was shown standing still, frozen to the ground he was standing as he looked away from the mob of frantic people.

In real life, Hyeonsung sighed. “I wish I could have saved her.” He muttered. No one in the room heard his words. On the companions at this table did.

‘If no one dies within the next five minutes, everyone in here will die.’

“I suddenly recalled a line I had read a long time ago.” Dokja thought. People gathered around the old woman. Everyone kicked her with all their might. Her hands shook as the people around her sought to take her life away.

‘Executioners pull the lever of the electric chair at the same time.’

Sounds of flesh and bone breaking rang throughout the cabin.

‘They do so in order to conceal who really killed the prisoner.’

Gilyeong stared at the scene unfolding in front of him in shock. Dokja had a look of regret and guilt on his face. “It was as if I was reading that part of the novel. They were in a different world, and I was just a spectator.” Dokja and Sangah were standing away in front of the group, a red glowing line the only thing separating them. “All I could do was just stand by and watch.”

“You are not a constellation Dokja-ssi.” Han Sooyoung remarked. “Be careful about the things you say. Others might interpret them differently.”

[Constellation Director of the False Last Act says that Incarnation Hann Sooyoung is correct]

[Constellation Demon King of Salvation stares at Constellation Director of the False Last Act]

[Constellation Director of the False Last Act says ‘touche’]

“That nameless elderly woman became the first victim. If I carelessly meddle with the course of the story, there may be less of the original plot left for me to work with.”

Lee Hyeonsung shot out of his chair. “Dokja-ssi!” He yelled, bringing all of the attention in the room back to this table. “I tried to understand why you would withhold such important information. I thought that maybe you didn’t want to spread panic but this! This…” Hyeonsung took a deep breath out companions watched.

“Please tell me Dokja… Tell me that you had a reason for not telling us. Tell me you had a reason to just stand there and watch as the woman was being beaten when you already knew of this.” Hyeonsung raised his voice. “Or did you just stand there and let her die just to protect this story of yours!?”

I take a deep breath, remembering what was going through my mind at the time. “Look at the screen Lee Hyeonsung-ssi. My reasoning will probably be shown in time. We both looked back at the screen.

“But is it fair to stand by and watch her die… Just so I can live?”  

Hyeonsung paled and rushed his words. “Dokja-ssi, I’m sorry, I didn’t-” I smiled at him. “It’s fine Lee Hyeongsung-ssi. You have a right to be mad. And I am sure that I will be doing more things that seem quite questionable.

Dokja squeezed the hi phone, his mind racing. “They’re going to kill her!” Sangah yelled as she ran past him. Dokja instinctively grabbed his arm. “Don’t be so reckless! It’s dangerous!”

“I know but-”

“If you go, they’ll kill you too.”

Sangah looked back at him, shaking with fear. Even though, she still wanted to protect those that needed her help. “Sangah…” Dokja thought. “I guess some people were just destined to shine regardless of the genre they are in.”

Both Sangah and I felt the heat of embarrassment rise up our necks as the incarnations and constellations began to coo. “Do not be fooled by this information!” Uriel yelled into the room. “Kim Dokja does not have feelings for Incarnation Yoo Sangah! He likes-” Uriel ley out a muffled scream and Sun Wukong held his hand to her mouth. I looked at him and gave a small prayer of thanks. Hopefully, my on-screen self would just shut up.

“But Sangah cannot change the course of the story… because she isn’t the protagonist of this world.”

“Sangah, stay here,” Dokja said as he let Sangah sit down. “What? But..” Even in such a dangerous situation, Sangah still wanted to help. “Please, do as I say just this once. I won’t interfere after that.” Sangah listen and stayed seated as Dokja let out a long exhale.

“It’s too early for me to interfere.” Dokja thought as he tried to calm his breathing and lower his heart rate. The latter might be impossible for the moment. “This wasn’t part of my plan?”

“Dokja-ssi!” Sangah called me. I didn’t answer her and stared straight ahead. “The reason I didn’t interfere sooner wasn’t because I was afraid of Kim Namwoon and the others…” He took another breath. “... or because I condone their savage ways. I was just waiting for the right moment. And that moment is…”

An explosion rang through our ears as orange light, heat, and wind shot through the cabin from 3707. People hunched over for cover as smoke began to seep through the doors. Dokja jumped forward. “Now!!”

The screen when black as the episode ended. Immediately, the next episode began.

Dokja charged at Kim Namwoon. Using his full body, Dokja tackled Namwoon to the ground, throwing him toward the door.

“Fuck! What is your problem!?” Kim Namwoon yelled, visibly ticked off.

“At first glance, it seemed like I was saving the old woman, but that wasn’t the only thing I had been aiming for.”

“Where is it!?” Dokja thought as he frantically turned his head to look around. “It must be around here somewhere.” His eye’s widened as they landed on the boy he saw earlier, a box of bugs hanging around his neck. “Found it!” Dokja ran over to him.

“Look,” Gilyeong said. “It’s me.” He pointed to the screen. I nodded. “Dokja-ssi,” Hyeonsung spoke up. “I want to apologize for yelling at you earlier. I was too rash and emotion clouded my judgment. I should have waited instead of lashing out at you.”

I smiled at Lee Hyeonsung. “It’s okay Hyeonsung-ssi. Besides, I am sure that you and many others will find things have done selfish.”

Dokja placed his hand on the boy's shoulder. “Excuse me,” He said, taking the box off of the boy's neck. He reached his hand inside and took out a grasshopper, giving it to the boy before taking one for himself. Dokja turned to the crowd still beating the woman and yelled. 

“Please stop what you’re doing! Killing that woman doesn’t mean you’re going to live!”

Everyone turned to him. “What?”

“Good.” Dokja inhaled. “Now I have their attention.” He yelled. “Let’s say we kill her, what next?! Yes, if that woman dies, we will be able to buy some time because we killed something within the given time limit! But what will happen next?! If what the Dokkaebi said is true, it means we all have to kill one person each. So who will you kill next? Will you kill the person beside you?” The people in the train froze, all of them staring at the person next to them. All of them wondered who they could kill and who could kill them.

“You truly have a way with words Dokja-ssi.” Jung Huiwon said, a small smile on her face. “Even if you have read that damned book, you still deserve to live.”

“It truly is a wonder how you use your words Kim Dokja.” Han Sooyoung stated. “You somehow manage to get whatever you want, even if you are a shitty bastard.”

“Can we not swear in front of the kids please.” Sangah asked. “I fear we might start to rub off on them.”

“HA!” Kim Namwoon laughed as he hunched over. “Isn’t it obvious?” He said, still laughing. “We’ll kill losers like you next! No need to worry about your turn beforehand. The chances are fifty-fifty anyways!”

“Oh my god!” Jung Huiwon yelled in exasperation. “Dokja!” She turned to me. “Please kill him already!” 

“What do you expect me to do?” I answer her. “I don’t have the power to go through a screen or go back in time.”

“Ajusshi, that man is very annoying.” Shin Yuseung looked up at me. “Why would the protagonist want someone so irritating.”

“Kim Namwoon…” Dokja thought, a smile forming on his lips. “I knew you would say that.” Dokja went back to addressing the crowd. “Why gamble with our lives when there’s a way to survive this without becoming a murderer.”

“What?” “How?” People around him asked.

In real life, people were asking the same thing. How on earth was it possible to finish the first scenario without killing someone? “Now that I think about it, how did you survive the first scenario?” Han Sooyoung asked. “Without killing a person too, damn it, I killed a coworker.” 

[Constellation Demon-like Judge of Fire is smiling proudly at incarnation Kim Dokja]

[Constellation Prisoner of the Golden Headband thinks back to the first scenario and remembers fondly]

[Constellation Demon Black Flame Dragon says that Incarnation Kim Namwoon’s death was worth it as Incarnation Kim Dokja lived]

[Many constellations are wishing they had watched Low-grade Dokkaebi Bihyung’s channel sooner]

I smiled before answering. “You’ll see.” We went back to listen to my on-screen self.

“Have you forgotten? The scenario didn’t say we have to kill a human being. It said we have to kill one or more living organisms. Dokja held the grasshopper in one hand and the cage in the other.

“We didn’t have to kill anyone in the first scenario.” A voice yelled as shocked incarnations began to cry out.

“I had to kill a kid to survive.”

“My mom told me to live!” One voice yelled with pain. “I had to kill her!”

“Insects?!” A person yelled.

“Of course!” Another screamed. “If we kill one of those…” 

“The madness that had driven them to kill the old woman now came hurtling toward me.” Kim Dokja thought as he held onto the box. The crowd of people charging at him. “But why… Why is my heart beating with joy in this precarious situation? Why and I smiling? Was I always this kind of person?”

“You are a creep,” Lee Jihye stated. “You know that, right Ajusshi?” I smile at her. “It’s like looking in a mirror, isn’t that right Jihye?” She looked offended. “I look nothing like you, you ugly Ajusshi.”

Dokja crushed the bug in his hand and threw the cage with the other.

[You have achieved the ‘First Kill’ achievement]

[100 coins have been earned as a bonus]

“Find it!”

“You son of a bitch! Just you wait!”

Dokja looked at the timer. “There are three minutes left.”

“Hey you, why did you do that?” Kim Namwoon asked. “You could’ve just handed over the bugs.”

“There were only three insects left in the box,” Dokja responded.

Silence filled the room as people stared at me. “Wow, Dokja-ssi.” Han Sooyoung laughed. “You keep making me switch between thinking either that you are a decent man or an absolute shithead.” On-screen, Kim Namwoon started laughing.

“Hahahaha!” Kim Namwoon leaned back, shoulders shaking with laughter. “So you threw them since not all of us can live.”

“Yes.” Dokja answered coldly.

The constellations in table six were in a deep argument. The constellations of good were saying that Dokja was despicable for tricking the innocent while the constellations of absolute evil were saying he did everything right when wanting to survive.

“Don’t be ridiculous.” Kim Namwoon said, still laughing. “No one in their right mind would pull a stunt like this for that kind of stupid reason. Be honest.” He smirked, eyes glowing red. “You just wanted to watch them fight for their lives, didn’t you?”

“Yes. Kim Namwoon is that kind of guy.” Dokja thought. “He’s cruel and rampant and enjoys situations like this.”

[Personal Skill ‘Character Profile’ Activated]

[Character Profile]

Name: Kim Namwoon

Age: 19

Supporting Constellation: None (Two Constellations Are Currently Interested In This Individual)

Personal Attribute: Edgelord (Generic)

Personal Skills: [Exceptional Adaptability Lv.3] [Knife Fighting Lv. 1] [Grimdark Awakening Lv. 1]

Overall Stats: [Stamina Lv. 3] [Strength Lv. 4] [Agility Lv. 6] [ Mana Lv. 4] 

General Elevation: [A teenage edgelord whose dark side has awakened due to an extraneous event. It’s best not to get involved with him.]

“Character profile?” Dokja thought.

Back in the room, people were freaking out over the revelation of this ‘Character Profile’ skill. Yoo Junghyeok and Anna Croft stared at me. Both people have tried to see my stats and both failed. So finding out that I was able to see theirs was quite concerning.

“You have a skill that lets you look at people’s stats?!” Lee Jihye exclaimed in disbelief. “Have you been using that skill on us?!”

“I mean…” I stammered. “With the events we are currently living in of course I-”

“Did you recruit us based on our usefulness because you could see our stats?!”  Huiwon asked, her voice rising another octave. Before I could answer, Lee Gilyeong spoke for me. “Don’t get mad at Hyung. You all saw how he chose to save me before he could even use that skill.”

“That is true…” Jihye cut in. “But that doesn’t change the fact that he-”

“Yes, it does.” Shin Yuseung interrupted her. “If he read this novel and had this skill, tell me why he chose to save me when he knew I would become a catastrophe?” The table stayed silent after Yuseung’s comment. Yoo Junghyeok stared at the screen in interest. Because Fourth Wall blocked his Eye of Sage, Junghyeok has never seen my stats. So finding out in formation here would greatly benefit him once we got out.

“What I dislike is the fact that your skill is called ‘Character’ Profile.” Jihye said. “I know that most people in your group come from that novel, but I don’t like being called a character.”

“I see… think I know what my attributes are. Kim Dokja thought, looking at Kim Namwoon’s character profile. “Yeah… he is a bit like edgelord.”

“Most teen edgelord in TWSA couldn’t handle the nightmare that became reality and commit suicide. But Kim Namwoon was diferent.”

A card about Kim Namwoon was shown on the screen. Even if there wasn’t that much information, everything looked on with interest.

[Delusional Demon Kim Namwoon]

• Edgelord

“This boy, who would later be bestowed with that fitting nickname, was no ordinary edgelord. He had been waiting for the apocalypse for a long time. He adapted to this world at an unusual speed. And right now… that delusional demon…”

“Team up with me.” Kim Namwoon spoke, his eyes filled with greed. “What do you say?”

[Character Kim Namwoon has expressed interest in you]

[Your understanding of the character Kim Namwoon has increased]

“... wants to join forces with me.”

The screen went black as the episode ended. As the lights went back on, a timer appeared on the screen. I began counting down from 30 minutes. Rymer spoke, “Every five episodes there will be a thirty-minute break.” She explained. “While none of you will get sleepy or tired in this room as time does not affect us here, you might want to walk around. Most of you will start feeling a little sore after sitting down for a while. And besides, I know most of you want to discuss a few things.” She smiled before disappearing. Each break is the only time you are welcome to sit at other tables. So feel free to move around.” She smiled.

Once she finished speaking, almost everyone in the room flocked to our table. Uriel, Sun Wukong, Secretive Plotter, Abyssal Black Flame Dragon, Hades, Persephone, and even the constellations of the Korean peninsular paid a visit. The constellations of tables 4 and 5 didn’t come but we did get Gabriel, Jophiel, and Raphael from table six. Michael and Metatron as well as the two demons stayed behind. 

People began to bombard me with questions. After not being able to hear a single one because of how many people were speaking, Hades finally decided to put a stop to it. “Everyone be quiet!” He yelled. While he was using his true voice, the restrictions placed on the constellations seemed to be able to lessen the effect. Still, many weaker incarnations coveted their ear and heads in pain.

“Let him speak.” He said, this time not in his true voice as Rymera was glaring at him. I can’t believe she had the guts to glare at a myth grade. 

“Everyone,” Persephone spoke, her voice gentle and calm. “Please ask questions one at a time.” Even with her voice like this, people still feared her. “Thanks,” I said to them, letting out a small laugh. “One thing I will say, I will only be taking questions from those at this table along with the constellations here. I would become too hectic if I had to answer all of you. And besides, I’m sure you all want to know that same thing.”

“Are we nothing but characters to you?” Yoo Junhyeok asked straight away. “In all of your skills, the word ‘character’ keeps appearing. So don’t even think of lying.” He threatened, his voice filled with venom.

I thought to myself. I was talking to Yoo Junghyeok. While this Junghyeok was my companion, this Yoo Junghyeok also found out he was a character in TWSA. I have to answer this carefully.

“Yes, I did see most of you as characters,” I answered.

[Skill lie detection has confirmed that you are telling the truth]

Just before all hell broke loose, I managed to finish my statement. “I thought of you all as characters when I was reading that novel, back when I had no idea and not a single thought that it could be real. But now that I am here, I can tell that everyone is their own person. As to why this novel existed in the first place… well… I have to find the author and ask.”

[Skill lie detection has confirmed that you are telling the truth]

“Did you use the information you had to manipulate the scenarios into getting what you want?” This time, it was Lee Seolhwa who spoke.

“Yes,” I answered quickly. “There is a certain ending that I want to see. As you all saw, I wasn’t able to read the epilogue of the novel TWSA. That is why I want to create a certain ending.”

[Skill lie detection has confirmed that you are telling the truth]

“And what would your perfect ending be Kim Dokja?” Persephone asked. This question brought the attention of everyone in the room. I could feel the constellations of Olympus, Veda, Papyrus, and Asgard looking at me.

“Because of the kind of people in this room and those that might disagree with me, I cannot say,” I said. 

[Skill lie detection has confirmed that you are telling the truth]

Many people in the room sighed in disappointment. “But…” 

“The epilogue I want to create is an ending where all my companions can be happy.” 

[Skill lie detection has confirmed that you are telling the truth]

With that, the small question and answer came to a close, mainly because of Uriel. She was the one shooing people away, saying that all their questions would eventually be answered. While all the incarnations left, she and the rest of the constellations from earlier stayed behind.

“Ahhhh!” Uriel squealed. “I can’t believe I can finally see you in person.” She was sitting next to me earning a glare from both Gilyeong and Yuseung. Uriel noticed this. “Dokja, your children are scary. Teach them better manners.”

“They are not my child-” An elbow landed on my ribs, nearly causing me to cough. It was Hades. He sat on my other side.

“They are your children my s-” Persephone elbowed him, glaring. Hades got the hint and stayed quiet.

Sun Wukook sat beside Uriel as the Chuuni(I am going to start calling that Abyssal Black Flame Dragon, Chuuni now as I hate writing his modifier every time. - Dihna) sat beside Sooyoung. Secretive Plotter was standing behind me. I looked at all of my companions. All of them had become deathly silent as the powerful constellations joined our table. Next thing I knew, another figure appears behind me.

I turned around to find a blurry human figure. They were dressed in full black and I’m guessing they were from table ten as I couldn’t make them out. 

[Transcendent ◼️◼️◼️ King tells Constellation Specretive Plotter to move and find a chair]

My mouth dropped as we all stared at this person in shock. Who was this person that they could try to command a constellation while not being a constellation themselves? A hand grabbed the transcendent's arm.

[Constellation Demon King of Salvation tells Constellation Secretive Plotter not to mind Transcendent ◼️◼️◼️ King]

[Constellation Demon King of Salvation says that Transcendent ◼️◼️◼️ King is just jelaouse]

I felt my heart flutter. Who was he and why was he jealous of me? I stood up from my chair. “You don’t have to be jealous,” I say, putting a hand on the transcendent’s shoulder, causing him to flinch. “I’m sure there’s enough of me to share.” I laugh, closing my eyes. My laughter stops the force of something pushes me back as I feel my hand being ruffly removed. I open my eyes and find the Demon King of Salvation standing in front of the Transcendent. The Transcendent laughs.

[Look who’s jealous now. Transcendent ◼️◼️◼️ King says to Constellation Demon King of Salvation]

I could tell that Demon King was going to say something else but Lee Jihye spoke first. “Why are you guys blurred out? And Why do you only speak in the system messages.” Several members of table ten had now made their way over to our table. One of them speaks.

[Incarnation Judge of Apocalypse says that it was part of the restrictions set on them by this scenario]

[ Judge of Apocalypse waves as Constellation Demon-like Judge of Fire]

Uriel raises an eyebrow. “Do I know you?”

[Incarnation Judge of Apocalypse smiles]

[Incarnation Judge of Apocalypse says that she will}

This time, Han Sooyoung opens her mouth. “From what you all have said and done, I’m guessing that you aren’t from this time,” She says, all of the figures from table ten looking at me. “You are from the future, aren’t you?”

[Constellation Director of the False Last Act says that they are]

[ Constellation Director of the False Last Act also says that they should be prepared for severe attachment issues]

“Even if you are from the future,” I say. “Why are some of your modifiers censored?”

[Constellation Demon King of Salvation looks at Incartaion Kim Dokja fondly]

[Constellation Demon King of Salvation says everything will be revealed in time]

The Constellations of table ten walk away and back to their table as the timer nears zero. Lights dim and after a few more seconds, episode six plays.

Chapter Text

(Dokja’s POV)

The episode plays, but instead of showing Kim Dokja and Kim Namwoon, the episode starts inside subway cabin 3707. Han Sooyung and I lock eyes with Yoo Junghyeok. We all know where this is going. 

Dead, burning bodies littered the ground as smoke and embers filled the air. cabin 3707 was filled with flames. A black shoe hit the ground. A figure in black stepped through the smoke and into the frame towards the door. He stared through the door and looked into cabin 3807.

Even though his face wasn’t shown, everyone knew who this person was. Yoo Junghyeok was staring at the screen intently, watching his past self. After a few more seconds, the screen but back to my conversation with Kim Namwoon.

“Sorry, I work alone.” Kim Dokja responded to Kim Namwoon’s invitation. Both of them stared at each other. Dokja stone-faced and Namwoon with a look of shock. “Well, that’s a bummer.” Kim Namwoon replied, grabbing the back of his neck.

“If I team up with Kim Namwoon now, my survival would be guaranteed for now. If I hadn’t read TWSA, I probably would have made a different choice. But I am a reader who knows about him and his future. And seeing him in person—”

“Then get out of my way,” Namwoon said, pushing Dokja to the side. “I have some unfinished business with that granny. I can’t let the bug I caught…” He smiled with glee as he watched the shoulders of the bloodied woman shake. “...escape from my grasp.”

“This Kim Namwoon guy is giving me the creeps.” Jung Huiwon shuddered. “I might thank you for reading that damn novel if it meant you killing that guy. If you teamed up with him… I might have killed you.”

I roll my eyes at her remark. “Thanks for the comment Huiwon-ssi.”

“That was not a comment.” She snarled. “Go back to watching yourself.”

Namwoon raised his hand to strike the lady once more. Dokja grabbed his wrist before he could harm her anymore. Kim Namwoon turned back to glare at Dokja. “What?” He growled, his eyes red. “Are you trying to act like a hero now? Or do you have a split personality? Jee, you know-it-alls are all the same.”

The camera revealed Dokja’s face. He had a look of total annoyance about to turn into a violent rage. “—I realized how much I hated his character TWSA… You think you’ll be a teenager forever, right?”

“Ugh…” Lee Jihye sighed. “Could you please stop calling us characters?” The rest of my companions around the table nodded in agreement. 

“I wish I could say sorry,” I speak. “But saying sorry means you won’t do it again.”

“I hate to bring the topic back up, but we really are just characters to you.” Jihye spoke in annoyance. I opened my mouth to speak but Sangah spoke first.

“I understand that many of us are confused and currently have many conflicting feelings about this,” Sangah began. “But all Dokja-ssi did was read a book. He didn’t know the implications of reading that novel so please don’t blame him for something that wasn’t his entire fault.”

“But that doesn’t change the fact that he used the information he had on us.” Jihye started to argue. “You can’t say that he didn’t use the information to save us based on whether or not we were useful to him.”

“Lee Jihye…” Lee Seolhwa was the one who spoke this time. “If you had that kind of information… wouldn’t you also use it the same way he did?”

“I mean..” Jihye stuttered. “I would… but I would tell my companions first.”

“Do you think they would believe you, Jihye?” Han Sooyoung asked. “Wouldn’t you fear their reactions and possible rejection?”

This time Lee Jihye stayed quiet. “I feel ganged up on… but fine.” She looked at me. “I will give you another chance.” I smiled at her. I looked at those who had defended me and gave a smile of thanks.

“People like you make me sick.” Namwoon snarled as he yanked his hand out of Kim Dokja’s grip.

[Character ‘Kim Namwoon’ despises you]

[Your affinity towards the character ‘Kim Namwoon’ has slightly decreased]

“I said…” Kim Namwoon spoke, venom in his voice. “MOVE!” His eye glowed purple as a violet aura engulfed his body. He threw a punch toward Dokja’s head. Dokja dodged, barely missing the punch. “Look at you,” Namwoon said. “You’re not half bad.”

Now Dokja was annoyed, sweat dripping down his face. “I knew you would make that move… This guy is exactly how I imagined he would be.” Dokja’s thoughts stopped as Kim Namwoon sent another punch his way. Dokja blocked with his arm.

Back in real-time, I felt Yuseung getting nervous beside me. I placed a hand on her shoulder. “Remember Yuseung…” I said, keeping my voice calm as she and I locked eyes. “All of that is in the past. I am right here.” She looked back to the screen, squeezing herself closer to me. “Thank you…” She whispered.

“T- That’s…!” Dokja grit his teeth as he was pushed back. “The skill of the edgelord attribute!” He thought as the violet aura surrounding Kim Namwoon strengthened.

[Skill ‘Grimdark Awakening’ Lv.1]

“He already activated his skill!” Dokja thought frantically as he dove to the side, avoiding the punch Kim Namwoon had sent to the ground. “What’s this? I’m so fucking strong.” He smiled as he looked at the purple flame-like smoke emanating from his hand. “This is probably why the protagonist still recruited him although he’s a psychopath.” Kim Dokja thought.

“Who is this main character that you read about for ten years?!” Lee Jihye exclaimed excitingly before her voice went low. “And why is he so dumb to recruit a man like him?”

Both Han Sooyoung and I had to cover our mouths at the facial expression Yoo Junghyeok was currently making. “Oh god…” I laughed. “Lee Jihye is going to die when she finds out…”

[Your understanding of the character ‘Kim Namwoon’ was increased]

“Should I use that now?” Dokja thought, gripping his shoulder. Suddenly, a notification appeared in his head.

[You have unlocked level 1 of your personal skill ‘Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint’]

In real life, eyes landed on me once again. “Kim Dokja…” Yoo Junghyeok said threateningly. “Do you have something to do with this scenario? Tell me why this scenario is named after your skill.”

I quickly raised my hands. “Look, I truly don’t have anything to do with this scenario. As to why it is named after my skill, I’m sure it’s because of what my skill is.”

“And what if your skill?” He snarled.

“I- I’m sure it’ll show us in a minute. Hehe…” I tried to relax in my chair. “He didn’t use ‘Lie Detection’ this time.”

Kim Dokja stared at the screen. “Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint? What exactly is that?” Kim Namwoon sent another hit Dokja’s way. His aura was a violent purple as he continued to barrage Dokja with hits. But… now of those hits found their mark.

“AHHH! FUCK!” Kim Namwoon yelled, extremely pissed off as Dokja managed to avoid another hit. “Why aren’t you getting hit!?” Kim Namwoon yelled, his eyes glowing. “Try all you want…” Dokja thought, panting hard. “But you won’t be able to hit me.”

[Level 1 of ‘Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint’ activated]

[Right Shoulder]

Dokja glanced at the window and jumped to the left, avoiding another hit

[Face]

Dokja leaned back, watching as Kim Namwoon’s hand flew past his eyes by just an inch. “As soon as my second skill ‘Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint’ was activated… I knew what he was going to do. It was like I could read his mind.”

“So the scenario that shows us the future is named after your skill which lets you predict the future.” Jung Huiwon exclaimed. “That is a powerful skill Dokja-ssi.”

“I still doesn’t explain why the scenario is named the way it is.” I look over at Rymera. “Why is this scenario named after my skill?”

“I don’t know. All I know is that my master named it that way.” She said as I sigh. “But…” I look back at her. “My master told me that this scenario isn’t named your skill… but after a book she read when she was a child.”

“Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint is a book?” I ask in shock. “How many books like this are out there? First TWSA now this…”

“OH, FUCKING HELL! YOU SLIMY LITTLE JERK!” Kim Namwoon yelled in rage. “All I can do is dodge his attacks. Retaliating isn’t possible.” Dokja thought, laying on the ground as Kim Namwoon approached him. “I just need to hold on a little longer.”

Kim Namwoon walked closer to Kim Dokja. Dokja looked at him. “Two minutes left kid.” Namwoon stared at the old woman just behind Dokja. “If that old lady dies, Kim Namwoon will clear the scenario.” Dokja ran to the woman behind him to try and shelter her. “Whatever happens, I can’t let someone like him move on to the next scenario!”  

Dokja beat Namwoon to the woman. Kim Namwoon smirked, taking a knife out of his pocket. “Haha… I knew you would make that move.” 

[Heart]

Shin Yuseung shot from her chair and screamed at the screen. “Ajusshi!” I grabbed onto her hands. “I am here Yuseung…” She leans into my chest. I let her cry. “I won’t leave you.” Bihyung leaves my arms and takes Yuseung’s chair. I place Yuseung in my lap as I look back at the screen. 

She looks at me with teary eyes. “Do you promise?” I wrap her in my arms. “I promise.” (Liar - Dihna)

“Damn it, I can’t avoid that…” Dokja thought frantically as he leaned to the side, the grandmother in his arms. “Just a little more space.” While he managed to avoid a strike to the heart, the blade still sliced into his shoulder.

“Argh!! It hurts!!” Dokja grit his teeth, eyes shut in pain. Dark purple smoke flowed from the wound. “It feels like my skin is burning!”

I felt Yuseung give me another squeeze as she watched the screen. Beside her, Gilyeong was rubbing circles on her back. “At least they stopped fighting over me…”

Namwoon looked at the knife that he had just driven into the metal floor. Dokja groaned as he took the lady in his arms and tried to walk away. “Death is just around the corner. If I lose to Kim Namwoon, am I going to die here too?” Dokja thought, breathing hard. “This is a world that is based on survival of the fittest…

“No… the world has always been like this.”

“According to the law of the jungle, the strong prey on the weak. Nothing has really changed. Rather, that rule has just become clearer.”

I grimaced as images of my past flashed on the screen. Of my being bullied in school… Of me being yelled at a work. I felt the eyes of my companions on me. Thankfully, they stayed silent.

“I must also adhere to that rule if I want to survive.”

“Come on Mr. Smarty-Pants. You don’t even have the strength to run anymore.” Kim Namwoon smiled, slowly approaching Dokja with a knife in hand. “Do me a favor and let’s just get this over with. We’re running out of time.”

Dokja opened his eyes. “If I hesitate—”

“Kim Namwoon… second-year student at Cheongil High School. Is an insect egg also an organism?” Kim Namwoon froze. “What? What the hell are you suddenly talking about? Dokja spoke again. “That answer is…”

“—I will die.”

“...Yes.” Dokja crushed the Grasshopper Egg Sac.

[You have killed a living organism.]

[You have earned 100 coins as additional compensation.]

[You have killed a living organism.]

[You have earned 100 coins as additional compensation.]

“You are really smart Dokja-ssi…” Sangah smiled as we watched the following scene of notification after notification. “If only people were as smart as you. Then maybe more people could have been saved during the first scenario.” 

“How am I…” Kim Namwoon asked with a confused face before striking Kim Dokja with the knife. “...supposed to know that!!”

[You have obtained coins. Would you like a tutorial on coin usage?]

Dokja stared at the coming attack. “Skip!! I will invest  2,700 coins in my stamina.”

[Investing 2,700 coins in ‘stamina’]

[Stamina Lv. 1 → Stamina Lv. 10]

[Investing 2,700 coins in ‘stamina’]

[Stamina level has been increased dramatically!]

[Your physical durability has greatly increased!]

“Damm…” Jung Huiwon stared at the screen. “It would have been nice to know how to use coins that quickly. It took me weeks to finally get the hang of things.”

“Same,” Sangah sighed. “I wish I had been with Dokja-ssi so he could have taught me how to use them. I had to learn by myself.”

“Lol, can’t relate…” Yoo Sangah and Jung Huiwon proceeded to glare at Han Sooyoung. She ignored them.

Kim Namwoon stabbed the blade at Dokja’s chest. The blade pressed into his skin but didn’t cut. Namwoon stared at the knife in his hands as it refused to draw blood. He stumbled back. “W-What? How?”

“Grasshoppers lay more than 100 eggs at a time during mating season,” Dokja explained. Kim Namwoon stared at him. “W- What are you saying?”

“I’m not the one who’s going to die…” Dokja said, face cold with glowing eyes. “...You are.” Less than one minute was shown on the timer. “Hah…” Kim Namwoon went ballistic, continuously stabbing Dokja to no avail. “Fuck! Die! Die you asshole!” He screamed. “Why won’t you die!?”

“As much as I don’t like him,” Shin Yuseung spoke. “I can’t help but feel sorry for him.”

“That’s your opinion. As for mine, that bastard deserved to die.” Jihye stated.

55 seconds… 50 seconds… 45 seconds…

No matter how hard he tried, the knife was only leaving scratches. Once there were only 30 seconds left, Kim Namwoon dropped the knife and fell to his knees before Dokja, fear plastered on his face. “S- Save me.” He barely managed to get out.

25 seconds…

“Please! Help me! I’m begging you!” He screamed. Dokja opened his mouth and answered him with another question. “Why should I?”

20 seconds…

“People’s lives are important!” Kim Namwoon shrieked. “So It’s only right that you save me!”

“What a fake!” Lee Jihye complained. “Saying that ‘people’s lives matter’ when he was absolutely fine with massacring them.”

“That's how things were in the old world,” Dokja spoke as Kim Namwoons face paled. “You said so yourself, a new world needs new rules.”

10 seconds…

“N- No! I don’t want to die! Please!” Kim Namwoon grabbed onto Dokja’s vest, pleading for mercy that wouldn’t be given. “Help me! AHHH!” In a desperate attempt to save his life, Namwoon ran at Dokja, knife in hand, and aimed for his eye. Just before the knife touched my retina…

[Your time has run out, proceeding with checkout]

Kim Namwoon’s head exploded, sending blood flying everywhere. In the next few moments, only the crunch of skulls exploding could be heard. People screamed in terror as their lives were immediately ended. Blood painted the walls red.

[Main Scenario - Prove Your Value - Has Ended]

[Number of survivors in cabin number 3807 of train number 3434 to Bulgwang: 5]

The screen went black as the episode ended. Lights went back on as the next one started to load in. Jihye slumped back in her chair. “Man… that was one intense episode.” She sighed. Sangah nodded after her words. “Even though we’ve already experienced these things and know the outcomes, I can’t help but still feel stressed.”

“I agree…” Lee Hyeonsung stated. “It’s as if my brain doesn’t remember the outcomes till right before it happens. “Well…” Huiwon spoke. “At least we get good reactions.” I think about Huiwon’s words. “Reactions… the bridge sub scenario is getting closer and closer. If I remember my thoughts correctly… Yoo Junghyeok’s reaction isn’t going to be good.” The lights went dark as the next episode played.

“Now this is fascinating. What in the world happened in here? The Dokkaebi said as he appeared in the cabin. “I was only gone for a minute but look at this mess.” The camera showed the survivors of the cabin. Lee Hyeonsung, Yoo Sangah, Lee Gilyeong, Han Myeongoh, and Kim Dokja… all of them standing in the blood of those who had been killed. Headless bodies littered the cabin. 

Kim Dokja thought back to Kim Namwoon’s words and thoughts. “You were right. I am just like you. I could’ve saved those people. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel guilty. But it’s strange… how am I able to remain so calm? It feels like I’m reading the novel instead of actually partaking in it.”

“You’re a scary person, Dokja-ssi.” Huiwon commented. “You just watched the people around you die and you have no reaction at all.”

“He might be in a state of shock.” Lee Seolhwa suggested. Lee Jihye shook her head with excitement. “Or… he might be just like my master. Both of them can witness blood and not care. How are you able to do it Master?” Jihye looked at Yoo Junghyeok.

“My attribute lets me adapt to things at a faster rate than others,” Junghyeok answered, staring at the screen as it reshowed Kim Namwoon’s death. “He’s not lying.” I thought. “But while ‘Pro Gamer’ does let him adapt quickly, the reason he doesn’t care when people die is because of experience. The man regressed 3 times already after all.” My inner thoughts were cut short as I saw my companions staring at me. I guess I have to answer.

“Oh…” I put a hand to my neck. “I have a skill that nullifies emotions that might affect my decision-making. It weakens my fear, shock, and other emotions that might be caused by the apocalypse.” I said. Satisfied, everyone looked back at the screen.

[You have killed 124 living organisms]

[Kill History: 1 Grasshopper, 123 Grasshopper Eggs]

[You have killed non-resistant organisms. The number of coins you obtained has been halved.]

[You have obtained 6,200 coins.]

[The coins you used to level up your stats will be reduced.]

[You have obtained 3,500.]

Dokja felt the train shake as it started to move once again. He looked around at the mess of bodies. The metal tires began to creak as sparks flew into the train. Slowly, the train began to move over the track.

[You have unlocked the achievement ‘Mass Murderer’ due to excessive slaughter]

Sunlight poured into the train as it left the tunnel. The people still alive inside held onto the polls as the train lurched forward. 

“Damn…” So that was the first scenario huh.” Jung Huiwon sighed. “How long do you think we have to wait before we get to the 6th scenario? Everything after that point would be the future for us.” My companions nodded their heads. Lee Seolhwa sighed. “I forgot that the reward for the scenario was Knowledge of the Past and ‘Future’ .”

“That’s right… once we get to the 6th scenario, we would be learning of the future.” I place a hand on my chin. “I wonder what the future could entail.”

Once the train left the station, the Han river and the city of Seoul were shown through the windows. The group stared at the destruction of the city as flames, embers, and smoke billowed from the building. The Han river was red with the blood of fallen soldiers. Giant serpent-like creatures roared into the sky as the remaining jets of the Air Force tried futilely to kill them.

“W- What in the world…?” Han Myeongoh asked himself as he stared out the window of what was once a great city. Its destruction was clearly inevitable. “My god…”

“One world was destroyed, and a new world was born. And I…”

[You have gained 300 coins from the ‘regular cleared scenario’ reward.]

[100 coins have been deducted for the channel usage fee.]

[Additional rewards are being calculated.]

“...am the only reader who knows how this world will end.”

“That is a bold claim Kim Dokja.” Yoo Junghyeok said with a snarl. On the other side of the table, Han Sooyoung scoffed. “It isn’t really a bold claim if it’s true.” She earned herself a glare from the protagonist.

The train came to a stop in the middle of a bridge. A giant Sea Serpent was shown towering over the train. Han Myeongoh flinched as he saw it slowly approach. “Why are we stopping again?!! AHHHH!! It’s coming for us!!” He stopped screaming once he saw it passing by. “Oh… it isn’t.”

“That snake-like monster is called an Ichthyosaur. Also known as a Sea Serpent. Later on, it will be classified as a grade 7 monster in TWSA.” Hyeonsung looked at the monster. “W- What on Earth is that?”

“The world of TWSA prioritizes scenarios over everything else. So we won’t be attacked by any creatures unless they are part of the scenario.” Kim Dokja thought. “We are safe for now.”

“Damn Dokja-ssi!” Huiwon said excitedly. “People would kill for the kind of information you have. I know I would.” People around the room hummed in agreement.

Dokja looked at the stars above the Dokkaebi’s head. He counted 21 stars. “No wonder he’s so happy.” Dokja thought. “The number of stars signifies the number of constellations that are logged into the channel.”

A card of information about constellations flashes on the screen. Many of the ‘said’ constellations shift uncomfortably in their seats as the information is read.

Constellations:

• They are the most mysterious beings in TWSA and the masterminds behind the tragedy who livestream the scenarios from across the universe.

Many constellations nod their head, agreeing with the short description.

“In other words, they are the ones who watch the Dokkaebis’ channel. This channel has 21 viewers, which is a lot for a newbie Dokkaebi. He’s just dying of happiness.” Dokja kneeled down to the corpse of Kim Namwoon. He picked up the knife lying on the floor. “In the original story, Kim Namwoon killed almost everyone in this cabin.”

[Due to the death of character ‘Kim Namwoon’, two constellations feel slightly hostile to you.]

Dokja stared at the window. “Some constellations must be furious about the outcome.” Another window popped up.

[Due to an unexpected scenario inspection, your payment is being delayed. Please wait a moment.]

“And this error probably happened because even though it was because of my actions that Kim Namwoon died, I didn’t kill him directly.” Kim Dokja continued his thought process. “Judging from how the constellations’ preferences are popping up, I guess this is officially the beginning of the story. It’s just unbelievable.”

“I was in their position just yesterday.” Dokja was shown reading on a train back from work. “But now they are the ones watching me. Of course, if there are constellations who hate me, there are also constellations who support me.” Two more windows pop up.

[A few constellations are impressed with your scenario]

[You have been gifted 500 coins]

“I hope you all enjoy the show. Because sooner or later… you’ll end up paying the admission fee with your lives.”

Many constellations around the room scoff, not thinking it possible. At my table, Han Sooyoung stared at me. “What?” I ask her. “You have the worst and longest thought process I have ever heard.” I raise an eyebrow as she kept speaking. “You just went on and on and didn’t stop. At some point, your tiny brain will explode from the overload of information.”

“Dokja-ssi? Are you okay?” Kim Dokja looked up at the owner of the voice. It was Yoo Sangah. She was holding a hand out. Dokja took it and pulled himself to his feet. “I’m sorry I couldn’t save to elderly woman.” Sangah looked at Dokja. “Dokja-ssi,” She asked. “How you are so…?” 

“Pardon?” Dokja asked. “I- It’s nothing. Thanks for earlier.” Dokja stared at her, visibly confused. “You threw the cage towards me…” Sangah spoke. “Oh…” Dokja sighed. “That’s just a coincidence. It won’t happen again.” Dokja’s long thought process began again. “I don’t know what she’s thinking, but she was smart enough to survive this chaos. She probably understood what I said. Because of my choice, some lived while some died. I don’t deserve the gratitude of those who survived.”

“Wow!” The Dokkaebi said excitedly. “So did all of you survive the scenario? I see so many survivors. Oh my! Thank you for the sponsorship dear constellations!”

“There are five survivors. That’s more than I thought there would be.” Kim Dokja thought. “I expected Lee Hyeonsung to survive since he’s strong and athletic.”

Back in real life, I could tell Hyeonsung was having a hard time reacting to my words. One, it was a compliment. Two, while it was a compliment, the way it was worded made me sound less than considerate.

Kim Dokja looked at Lee Gilyeong, remembering how he had stood by the side as the mob of people tried to kill the older woman. And how he had placed the grasshopper in his hands. “Hey, kid…” Dokja said as he placed a hand on his shoulder. “Do you want to live?” He asked as his thought process started once again. “This isn’t sympathy. If I had to use a word to describe this… ” Dokja thought as he asked Gilyeong to team up with him. “It would be hypocrisy.”

[A few constellations are impressed with your good deed]

[You have been gifted 200 coins]

“Even though it seems shameless, it can’t be helped. Because I, too, want to live. Considering the events that will follow, I have to get the attention of the constellations.” Dokja squeezed the back of Gilyeong's head in a comforting act.

I felt Lee Gilyeong tense beside me. He was now realizing that my actions back in the first scenario all had a hidden motivation. He was now seeing that while I saved him… I did it for money… I did it to survive. “Hyung,” He spoke, his voice quiet. “While it hurts to have things reviled like this…” He paused as I feared the worst. Would I lose him? “I understand why you did these things. I don’t care if your intentions weren’t as clear as I thought, because you still saved me in the end.” “I love you, Lee Gilyeong.”

“A lot of interesting things happened today.” The Dokkaebi said. “The guy in the next cabin was also a total nutcase.” Han Myeongoh yelled from the other end of the cabin. “T- Then are you going to let us go now?”

“And lastly…” Dokja thought as he stared at him. “Mr. Han Myeongoh. He’s one lucky guy.”

“So when you saw me on that train…” Han Myeongoh spoke. “You didn’t think I would-” 

“No…” I answered coldly. I knew I had to start locking my emotions. More and more of my mindset would be released and once that happened, my companions would turn on me.

“We did everything you asked for!” Meongoh yelled at the Dokkaebi hovering above them. “Please let us go!”

“Hmm… Let you go? Haven’t you seen what’s going on outside?” Bihyung smirked slightly. “Are you sure you want me to let you go? Outside the window, a giant Sea Serpent bared its teeth and roared. Han Meongoh immediately paled. “Anyways…” The Dokkaebi began, “I am impressed. I didn't have high expectations for this cabin, but you all survived the first scenario. You have proven that even bugs deserve to live.”

“Damn it, we’re nothing but Grasshoppers to them.” Dokja thought as Bihyung kept talking. “Of course, every hardship deserves a reward. The reward for the first scenario is that you are now qualified to be sponsored by constellations. Exciting right?” Bihyung asked all of them, getting no response. “What’s this? None of you seem excited at all. This is a pretty big deal you know.

“Of course they don’t know.” Dokja thought to himself. “I’m the only person who knows what a constellation or sponsor is.”

“I feel you completely forgot about the guy in the next cabin.” Han Sooyoung stated. “How could you forget about the main— AH!” Sooyoung was quickly silenced by a silver knife that flew past her head. Yoo Junghyeok glared at her.

“Dokja-ssi…” Sangah asked. “Since we are watched from your perspective, will we be able to see your thoughts on the constellations?”

“Oh… Damn.” I sigh. “Well,” I struggle to come up with a good answer. “Shit, I hope my thoughts were at least non-aggravating. I know that information will show but other than that… I don’t remember what else I thought about.” I look at her. “I’m sure the episode will tell us.” I laugh. “I don’t quite seem to remember right now.” “Please don’t let my thoughts be the end of me.”

“Let me break this down for you. All of you are so terribly weak right now.” Bihyung said. “If you were to move onto the next scenario in this state, you would be killed by a weak ground rat, let alone a kruk. But there are great being in this world who pity you and wish to sponsor you. Do you understand?”

In fact, no one seemed to understand. “What is that supposed to mean? Who’s sponsoring who?” Lee Hyeonsung asked. “Gosh…” Bihyung commented. “You really are hopeless. There’s no point in explaining it all over again. Why don’t you just experience it yourselves?” The Dokkaebi snapped his fingers, making small windows appear in front of all of them.

The screen went dark as the next episode started to load. “Ahhhhh!” Uriel shrieked at her table. “I’m going to be making an appearance soon! I can’t wait!” She screamed happily as Sun Wukong watched her. “We all are. I barely remember what we did back then.” Uriel looked at me, a gave a small wave. “Speaking of what we did…” Her smile disappeared and a frown appeared. “YOU BETTER NOT HAVE THOUGHT ANYTHING BAD ABOUT ME DOKJA OR ELSE!” She screamed so loud that I’m pretty sure the people frozen outside of this scenario could hear her.

I hung my head low as my companions laughed. “You might really die here Kim Dokja-ssi” Han Sooyoung giggled. “Incarnation ‘Kim Dokja’ was killed for thinking.” She started laughing harder. Thankfully, the light dimmed as episode 8 played on the screen. The first thing we saw was the ‘Sponsor Selection’ window.

~~~

[Sponser Selection]

• Select a Constellation

• The selected Constellation will be your reliable sponsor

• Abyssal Black Flame Dragon

• Demon-Like Judge of Fire

• Prisoner of the Golden Headband

• Secretive Plotter

~~~

“EEEEEEH!” Uriel squealed and pointed at the screen. “That’s me! I’m there!” A hand pulled her back to her seat. “Okay, we get it.” It was Chuuni. “NOW SIT DOWN!” He yelled. The angel was about to slap him across the face. Sun Wukong and Secretive Plotter managed to separate them.

“ Hmm… four sponsors?” Kim Dokja thought. In front of him, Yoo Sangah spoke. “Dokja-ssi? Two strange options suddenly popped up.”

“I don’t know anything either,” Dokja answered abruptly. “Just think of it as taking an aptitude test.” “Sangah-ssi was offered two sponsorships? I guess she’s lucky too.” He thought. “The ones who help us throughout the scenarios are the constellations. And now, <Sponser Selcetion>, one of the main events of TWSA  has started.”

“So you had thin information that could decide how strong a person is and if they would survive the scenarios but you decided the keep that to yourself.” Han Sooyoung looked at him. “Not that I’m judging. I would have done the exact same thing. But why didn’t you tell Sangah-ssi.”

“I’m sure Dokja-ssi had a good reason not to tell me.” Sangah laughed nervously. “Don’t defend me Yoo Sangah.” Dokja said, staring straight at the screen. “Back then, all I wanted was to survive and reach the end. The thought of creating a new ending hadn’t come yet.” On-screen, Dokja’s voice began to narrate more information.

“The Sponsor Selection is a system in which the constellations who watch us through the Dokkaebis’ channels choose a human they like as their incarnation and sponsor them.” 

A streaming window was shown on the screen with Dokja in the camera frame. Four hands, each holding a coin, presented their offers in an attempt to sponsor him.

“Now wait a minute… Oh god, I said something cringy… anyways.” Uriel spoke as she looked at the screen, my voice still narrating. “Now I don’t know him personally, but I’m sure the Plotter’s hands don’t look like that.” She said as people zoomed into his hand. The Plotter groaned. 

“How would you know what his hands look like?” Chuuni asked before gasping. “Demon-Like Judge of Fire!” He screamed as he shot from his chair. “Uriel!! Do you have a hand fetish!!?” Uriel grabbed him by the hair and shoved his face into the table, bright red. “Keep your mouth shut Dragon!”

“I don’t mind if you find my hands nice.” Secretive Plotter said as Uriel glared at him. “That’s not the point you secretive, wedding veil, freak!” She screamed in embarrassment. The laughter around the room was slowly rising so I couldn’t help but feel sorry for her. “What I mean is that you defiantly have a humanoid form like me! If what we are shown is true, what do you have those hands?!” She pointed to the screen. They were fully black with sharper nails. One thing was sure, it wasn’t human.

“How should I know?” He spoke, his voice ruff and low, but… Why do I get the feeling that I’ve heard it before? “I’m not the one who made the scenario.” Uriel still wasn’t pleased. “Rymera!” She yelled, earning a groan from those who just wanted to continue watching. “What do his hands look like that?”

“Lemme check…” Rymera said, a bright window opening in front of her. “Here it is. Basically, his hands look like that because the person who wrote about these events wasn’t to confuse new people who read this. His hands look like that so people wouldn’t know if he was human or something else, and so that we wouldn’t be able to see a few things.”

The Plotter groaned. “Can we please stop bringing attention to my hands?” He begged.

“Considering the protagonist of TWSA initially had five options, four isn’t a small number at all.” He looked at the four names staring back at him. “Using hints in their modifiers like Abyssal, Demon, and Golden, we must deduce try to deduce their identities ourselves as Constellations never reveal their true names.”

“Did you manage to figure them out?” Lee Jihye asked. “It took me a while to figure out mine.” Over at table three, the four constellations smiled. “Bring it on Dokja!” Chuuni yelled as he stared at the screen. “Some of our names are hard to figure out.”

“Was it hard for you Dokja-ssi?” Huiwon asked. I smiled at her and pointed at the screen. “Wait for it…”

“Well, it’s a piece of cake for a reader of TWSA like me. Let’s see… first…”  

The smile of the constellations fell. “Aw come no man!” Chuunie yelled, flipping me off. “You can’t cheat like that!” His modifier flashed on the screen and he went quiet, now interested in seeing what information I knew about him. I laughed at his reactions.

“The Abyssal Black Flame Dragon.”

People in the room gasped in awe as a picture of a black dragon with glowing purple eyes was shown. A violet smoke circled around him. “Let’s see what you know about me Dokja-ssi!”

“He’s a powerful being that leads the constellations group Black Cloud. From what I recall, his true name was really long.”

People looked at Chuuni as he nodded, showing people that the information was correct. “To be fair, my name is very long. That’s why most people call me Chuuni.” He looked at me. “And thanks for the compliment Dokja!” I give a weak smile. “I wouldn’t thank me just yet considering the next few things I say about you.”

“The incarnations of this sponsor receive an additional boost to their power level. Considering that stamina and strength are vital in the early scenarios, it would be smart to select him as my sponsor.”

“I have never felt prouder of a man who refused to let me sponsor him.” The little dragon fanned himself with his hands. Next to him, Uriel yelled at me. “You better say nice stuff about me!” Chuuni laughed, but the smile on his face quickly faded as he listen to the next few lines.

“Unfortunately, the benefits end there.” Images of people flashed on the screen, all of them having the violet influence of the Abyssal Black Flame Dragon. Screams of pain, fear, and pleasure rang through the room as several indications were shown. Among them was Kim Namwoon as others were shown laughing with a knife in hand or screaming into their hands.

“You didn’t have to out me like that Dokja-ssi.” Chuuni wine before he shouted. “It’s not my fault that the system deemed me too powerful and added a nerf!” Sun Wukong laughed at him. “So you did lie when you told us that you were all powerful.” Chuuni glared at him. “Shut up you dumb monkey!”

“The more you use this constellation's power, the more you lose yourself. Eventually, you’ll end up as a psychotic killer. Usually, he supports edgelord attributes.”

The little dragon sank further into his chair as Han Sooyoung threw a knife at my face. I managed to grab it before it touched my cheek. “You couldn’t have told me that before I chose him as my supporting constellation!” Chuuni yelled at her while I just laughed. “Don’t leave me Sooyoung-ssi!” I teased her. “I thought you said you read TWSA.”

“I’m pretty sure he was the constellation who supported Kim Namwoon in the novel so why did he choose me? I don’t know about him. I’ll just put him on hold for now. My second option is…” The second option seemed to surprise Dokja as he stared at the window, his heart pounding from the emotion he was feeling. “I’m amazed to see her on my list.”

Uriel screamed. “It’s my turn!” She shot from her table before Sun Wukong managed to pull her down. “Let me hear your knowledge Dokja-ssi!” I felt the heat rise as I blushed from the angel's attention.

“Demon-Like Judge of Fire.”

The smile that shone on Uriel’s face turned into a frown as a picture of an ugly, red, demon was shown on the screen. People’s gasps of surprise turned into laughter at the sight of such an ugly creature. Beside her, Sun Wukong and Chuuni tried to hide their growing smiles. She turned to me, a look of betrayed rage covering her face. Before she could cry I yelled desperately. “Just watch the screen!”

“Judging from the name, one could assume this constellation is evil. But ironically, ‘demon-like’ means this constellation isn’t a demon. The words ‘fire’ and ‘judge’ indicate that constellation judges others through fire. That means she’s actually…”

People gasped around the room as Uriel’s true form was shown on the screen. She stood in front of a golden sun, light shining upon her. Clothed in a simple white and red dress, her long golden hair fell from her head as she held a sword in one hand and a balance scale in her other. Her pure white wings were so big, they didn’t fit on the screen. 

“Now that’s more like it!” An incarnation yelled as others hummed in agreement, all of them staring at the beauty of the archangel. I looked at Uriel who nodded at me, busy staring at my visualization of her. Of course, some things were off. For example, in my head, she had straight hair rather than the gentle curls that fell from her head. But she didn’t seem to mind.

“Archangel Uriel. I remember someone chose this constellation as their sponsor in the novel. Uriel isn’t a bad choice, but I’ll explore my other options first. Constellations of Absolute Good are powerful, but they impose strict restrictions on the ones they sponsor.”

In real life, Uriel shrugged. “It is true. While we are powerful, we do have strict restrictions.” She looked at me. “It’s kinda scary how accurate that book of use is, not many know of this information Dokja-ssi.” I nodded my head as Huiwon asked me a question through Midday Tryst.

• What kinds of restrictions do they have?” (Huiwon)
• In order for you to use your skill ‘Hour of Judgement’, you need to get their permission. If your opponent doesn't seem evil in their eyes, you won’t be able to activate your skill. You might end up dying as a result.
• Oh

“The third option is Secretive Plotter.”

Chuuni grabbed Potter’s arm and began shaking him. “Look, you are on the screen!” Under the huge veil, you could still see him frown. “I know, now stop shaking me.” Everyone expected Dokja to begin another five-minute rant about the constellation but all they got was silence. 

Chuuni burst into laughter as Kim Dokja’s face was shown, an obvious frown on his face. “Oh my god look at his face!” The Dragon yelled into the room, encouraging others to lose their composure. Several snickers rang through the room. “I don’t think he knows you!” Chuuni started to cough after laughing so hard.

“I’m an avid reader of TWSA but I’ve never seen this option before. If I read it more thoroughly, I could probably figure it out.” Dokja looked at the name in front of him, clearly not impressed. “He could be one of the constellations that weren’t mentioned. He’s not a powerful being. Let’s just move on.”

Back in real life, the laughter in the room had grown. I could feel the Plotter’s eyes on me. “It’s not my fault…” I silently begged. “Please don’t kill me.”  

“He doesn’t know you!!” Uriel shrieked as she held her stomach. “Oh gods this is amazing!” Sun Wukong eyed the Plotter with a small smile. “Sorry man, I’m sure it will get better.”

“He’s not a powerful being. Let’s just move on.”

The noise in the room skyrocketed as the Plotter hung his head low. “Oh my god Kim Dokja!” Huiwon and Sooyoung were nearly out of their chairs. “You are so going to die!” “Bro is dissing a constellation, no way he lives this.” I drop my head onto the table. 

“ ‘He’s not powerful!’ ” Uriel banged her fists onto the table. “ ‘Let’s just move on’! ” “It’s okay.” Sun Wukong said, patting the Plotter’s back, trying to console him. “I’m sure Dokja-ssi didn’t mean anything bad.” But even he was having a hard time keeping his laughter quiet.

“ ‘Secretive Plotter’... it’s too simple for a constellation. There wasn’t one proper noun. Even the adjective sounds so feeble.”

‘Loud’ wouldn’t be able to describe the amount of noise in the room. Even the people of table ten could be heard, their laughter managing to breach the restrictions.

[ Transcendent ◼️◼️◼️  King smiles at Constellation Secretive Potter’s misfortune]

[Constellation Director of the False Last Act is laughing at Incarnation Kim Dokja]

[ Constellation Demon King of Salvation pitties Incarnation Kim Dokja and says ‘if only you knew’]

“Will you all be quiet!” The Plotter yelled into the room as the noise quickly subsided. “Thank you.”

“Finally… the third one is…Are my eyes failing me? I can’t believe it, it is him.” Dokja brought at hand to his chest to try and calm his beating heart. “I can’t believe this constellation made an offer already.”

“Seems you knew who I am Kim Dokja.” Sun Wukong said proudly as he stared at me. Several iron bars were shown on the screen.

“Prisoner of the Golden Headband. ‘Prisoner’... this constellation may sound negative at first, but you have to pay attention to the proper noun. ‘Golden Headband’... the smallest prison in the world. The owner of Mount Huaguo who lives with the pain of the binding head shackle. The handsome monkey king with the golden gaze and fury eyes.”

“The Great Sage of Heaven’s Equal Sun Wukong.”

“You really know your stuff Dokja-ssi.” Sun Wukong said as he stared at the picture of himself on the screen. “Now that’s a warrior. Sorry that Dokja doesn’t seem to know you that well.” He looked at the Plotter. People stared at the screen in awe as the form of Sun Wukong was seen fighting, debris and lighting flying all around him.

‘He has the power to crush hundreds of incarnations with a single swing of his staff and eradicate thousands of monsters with a single lighting bolt.’

“I still remember that passage very clearly since the author emphasized it so strongly.” Kim Dokja stared at the screen in earnest. “Why has such a powerful constellation shown interest in me? If I choose the Great Sage of Heaven’s Equal as my sponsor…” Dokja looked at the train door in front of him. “...will I be able to beat him?”

Yoo Junghyeok scoffed. Thankfully, people were too invested to notice.

[The Sponsor Selection Has Ended]

Dokja took a deep breath as many messages began to come through. He read all of them.

[Some constellations are greatly affected by your choice.]

[Constellation Abyssal Black Flame Dragon is greatly displeased at your choice.]

[The constellations belonging to the Black Cloud are shaken by the anger of the Abyssal Black Flame Dragon. You won’t be sponsored by any of the Black Cloud constellations for a while]

“Well the was expected.”

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

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

“When it comes to Uriel, it’s just disappointment. Constellations of Abulosute Good would only hate someone unless they commit a great injustice.”

[Constellation Secretive Plotter is interested in your choice.]

[You have been gifted 200 coins.]

“Now this is unexpected. Given the characteristics of his name, maybe he valued my caution.”

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

“Did I make the right choice, with what I did to him? Did I just lose the tremendous opportunity in front of me?”

[You haven’t selected a sponsor]

In real life, my companions stared at me in shock.”You didn’t choose a sponsor?!!” Jung Huiwon asked. “So the whole time you didn’t have a sponsor, the reason was because you didn’t choose one!!”

“Yes.” I answer calmly as people around the room started to gossip. Lee Gilyeong tugged at my sleeve. “Why did you do that Hyung?” I look at him. “I’m sure it will be revealed soon.” We went back to staring at the screen.

“Choosing a constellation sponsor meant that you would be limited to the powers of that constellation. And besides, the sponsor contract was never a fair deal.”

I saw Yoo Sangah flinch at my words.

“If I chose a sponsor, I would survive… I would survive as nothing more than their plaything. But I could still live. I know there is a way to become strong without a sponsor.”

“You made a good choice in not trusting the constellations Kim Dokja.” Yoo Junghyeok stated. My mind went blank. “Did he just compliment me?” My bewilderment must have shown on my face as Junghyeok then snapped. “Stop your idiotic thinking and focus on the screen!” I jerked my head back at the screen.

(Rymera’s POV)

I smiled as I watched their interaction. I could see the small shade of pink creeping onto their faces. I spoke to my master through our telepathic link. “You were right my master. They do make a good pair. Thank you for giving me this mission.”

【"Ｏｆ　ｃｏｕｒｓｅ，　Ｉ＇ｍ　ａｌｗａｙｓ　ｒｉｇｈｔ．"】

“But how did you know? You couldn’t have guessed it by yourself.”

【"Ｉ　ｄｉｄｎ＇ｔ．　Ｉ＇ｍ　ｎｏｔ　ｔｈｅ　ｏｎｌｙ　ｏｎｅ　ｗｈｏ＇ｓ　ｒｅａｄ　ｔｈｅｉｒ　ｓｔｏｒｙ．"】

“Oh? Do tell…”

【"Ａｍｏｎｇ　ｔｈｏｓｅ　ｏｆ　ｕｓ　ｗｈｏ　ｈａｖｅ　ｒｅａｄ　ａｂｏｕｔ　ｔｈｅｍ，　ａ　ｇｏｏｄ　ｐｏｒｔｉｏｎ　ａｇｒｅｅ　ｔｈａｔ　ｔｈｅｙ　ｗｏｕｌｄ　ｍａｋｅ　ａ　ｇｏｏｄ　ｃｏｕｐｌｅ．"】

“They seem more like enemies about to kill each other than a couple.” I scoff at the thought. Yoo Junghyeok hated Kim Dokja. How could they go from swords pointed at each other’s necks to holding hands? I guess my master could read my thoughts because she responded.

【"Ｗａｉｔ　ａｎｄ　ｓｅｅ　ｍｙ　ｄｅａｒ．　Ｉｎ　ｔｈｅ　ｅｎｄ，　ｙｏｕ　ｗｉｌｌ　ｋｎｏｗ　ｔｈｅ　ａｎｓｗｅｒ　ｔｏ　ｍｙ　ｒｅａｓｏｎｉｎｇ．"】

“Alright master, I trust you. Your reasoning is never wrong.”

【"Ｉ　ｔｈａｎｋ　ｙｏｕ　ｆｏｒ　ｙｏｕｒ　ｔｒｕｓｔ，　ｂｕｔ　ｈｅｅｄ　ｔｈｉｓ　ｗａｒｎｉｎｇ．　Ｔｒｙ　ｎｏｔ　ｔｏ　ｇｅｔ　ｔｏ　ａｔｔａｃｈｅｄ　ｔｏ　ｔｈｅｍ　ａｓ　Ｉ　ｄｉｄ．　Ｔｈｅｙ　ｗｉｌｌ　ｄｏ　ｎｏｔｈｉｎｇ　ｂｕｔ　ｂｒｅａｋ　ｙｏｕｒ　ｈｅａｒｔ．"】

“Yes master…”

(Dokja’s POV)

“Okay everyone, are you done?” Bihyung appeared in the cabin. “Huh? Haha wow… Someone has made a very interesting choice. Well, there will be more opportunities to come. Since everyone is done selecting their sponsors, let’s take a short break. I have to go prepare for the next scenario.” The Dokkabie said as light engulfed him as he disappeared. “I’ll see you in ten minutes.”

Kim Dokja watched as the Dokkaebi left. “Everyone, please gather around,” Dokja said as Hyeonsung introduced himself. “Hello, I’m Lee Hyeonsung.” “Kim Dokja.” They shook hands. “I’m not sure if it’s the right time to say this, but it’s nice meeting you. As I said, I am a soldier… well, I should say I was a soldier.”

“I’m assuming you can’t get in touch with your unit?” 

“Yes.”

As they held hands, Dokja noticed how strong his grip was. “I shouldn’t be surprised. After all, he’s the tanker in the early stages of TWSA. I must recruit him. ”

Hyeonsung looked at me and sighed as our onscreen selves continued talking. “I want to keep faith in you Dokja-ssi, but you are making it very hard.” I look him in the eyes. “You have every right to think the things in your mind, but-” “It’s alright Dokja-ssi.”Hyeonsung cut me off. “I understand that in your knowledge, I was a powerful ‘character’.” I was about to cut him off and scold him for calling himself a character but he kept going. “Yes, I can’t help but think you befriended me just because I would become strong, but I also know you have good intentions. You told us all that your end goal was an ending that all of us could be happy. Even if you did protect me because I was strong, I know you did it so I could protect others.” He smiled at me, I bowed my head in thanks.

“Haha, you did it, rookie!” Han Myeongoh brought his hand down on Dokja’s shoulder. “Dokja-ssi, you know who I am right?” He asked with a smirk on his face.

“Yes, I know you Myeongoh-ssi.” Dokja said as he yanked his arm out of Hyeongoh’s grip. Myeongoh looked shocked. “Excuse me, ‘Hyeongoh-ssi’! You should be calling me Department Head.”

“Is he really still believing that his job hierarchy would give him power during this situation?” Random incarnations began to belittle Han Myeongoh.

“We’re not at the company right now.” Dokja answered back only to bring out more of Myeongoh’s rage, if it could even be called rage. “You little brat! Are you planning not to come to work anymore!? Where did you learn such mad manners.” Dokja didn’t seem to care about Myeongoh’s words but the former didn’t seem to notice and continued to speak.

“And to be honest, I was pretty offended by your little stunt back there. If there were bugs, you should have told me. How dare you just throw them-”

“Shut up Han Myeongoh.”

Cheers of thanks arose from the people in the room as they heard my comment. “Finally, took you long enough to shut him up.” “This dude didn’t deserve to survive the first scenario. He should have died.” “Dokja-ssi did say he was lucky.”

Myeongoh turned pale as Dokja continued speaking. “Don’t you see what's going on here? Should I have let that punk hit you to come to your sense? Microsoft? Do you think that company even exists after everything that’s happened?” Two Sea Serpents were shown in the river below. Ash fell from the sky as smoke from the many fires in the city billowed into the air. Threw as truly nothing left but bloodshed.

“And he’s not the only one who needs a wake-up call. Everyone here needs to come to their senses. As the Dokkaebi said, this isn’t a joke. I'm sure all of you realize what’s going on by now. A game-lie interface, attribute windows, and skills. Is there anyone who still doesn’t get what’s going on?”

Dokja’s question when unanswered as it seemed that everyone already knew the horrible nightmare their reality had become. “It’s the kind of thing I read in novels while covering night shifts.” Lee Hyeongsung spokee. “I can’t believe it’s real. This isn’t a dream right?” “Unfortunately, this is now our reality.”

“I’m glad that you were able to adapt this quickly. It doesn’t make you useless.” Yoo Junghyeok commented before glaring at Han Myeongoh. “Most of you.”

“From my memory, you adapted quite quickly as well Yoo Junghyeok.” I said, hoping he wouldn’t catch onto the ‘from my memory reading about you’ part. Thankfully he didn’t as he nodded in acknowledgment.

[ Constellation Director of the False Last Act is repeatedly slamming her fist against the table]  

“It’s a good thing that at least one person is certain about what’s going on.” Lee Hyeonsung commented. “So what now? Do you have any ideas Dokja-ssi?”

[Character Lee Hyeonsung has started to trust you.]

[Your understanding of character Lee Hyeonsung has increased.] 

“Huh…” I hear Hyeonsun sigh. I opened my mouth to apologize. “Don’t…” Hyeonsung said. “I will get used to it.”

“We have to get out of here.” Doja was met with a wall of silence, then the waterfall of disagreeing opinions flooded his mind. Just then, something hit the door to cabin 3707. Smoke and embers began to leak into their cabin.

“What? Are we moving onto the next scenario already?” Dokja thought as he watched more fire seep through the door. “No, the Dokkaebi hasn’t come back yet. That means—” Dokja’s voice began to narrate.

“The person on the other side of that door is the sole survivor of subway cabin 3707.” A black boot was shown kicking at the door. “It was quite obvious who that was.”

“—He’s coming…” Dokja thought as he stared at the door getting ready to give way. “The true protagonist of this story.”

People in the room gasped at the revelation. At this point, everyone knew that Yoo Junghyeok was the sole survivor in that cabin. But not everyone knew that he was the protagonist. Lee Jihye turned pale. She looked at her master who was glaring at her. “A- About wha- what I s- said earlier.” Yoo Junghyeok raised his hand. Jihye shut her mouth. “When we get out of here…” He snarled. “You are going to train under the curriculum I give you.”

Jihye looked as if she was going to die on the spot. “Master is the protagonist of Kim Dokja-ssi self insert fanfiction…” She said weakly with a small laugh. “Who would have known?”

“That’s so cool!” Jung Huiwon exclaimed. “No wonder you’re so powerful. Main characters are always the most powerful.” He glared at her. “I am not a character is his story!” Huiwon went quiet. I activated Midday Tryst.

• Yoo Junghyeok?

He didn’t answer so I tried again, probably signing my death certificate in the process.

• Yoo Junghyeok.
• I am going to kill you. (Junghyeok)

“We have to get out of here.” Dokja said. “If we don’t leave right now, we’re all going to die before the next scenario.” More and more smoke gushed through the cracks of the door as another hit started to bend the metal frame.

“Dokja-ssi,” Hyeonsung tried to reason with him. “We can’t be sure that whatever is on the other side of that door is our enemy.” “He’s the survivor who killed all those people in his cabin,” Dokja answered immediately. “Do you still want to meet him?” That seemed to do the trick as everyone began to look for a way out.

“The invisible force field disappeared after the scenario ended.” Dokja thought. “We just need to find a working door. Shit, this one’s broken too. Among the eight doors in the cabin, we haven’t checked three of them. Damn it, there has to be one door that works.” Another gust of ember-filled smoke was sent through the cabin as another bang was heard on the other end of the door. 

The screen went black as the episode ended. The next one began to play immediately.

Chapter Text

(Dokja’s POV)

I saw my companions straighten in their seats as they stared intently at the screen. “Soon.”  Thought. “Soon we would see this world’s protagonist.”

Kim Dokja and the rest of the group stared at the door at the end of the cabin. Another hit to the door spilled more smoke and embers through the cracks. The looked to be on its last few lives as the iron continued to bend.

“Dokja-ssi!” Sangah yelled. “Over here!” The entire group ran over to the door she was kneeling in front of. Hyeonsung pulled the manual lever to get the door open. It opened about a fifth before stopping. “This one’s broken too,” Hyeonsung said defeated.

“But it’s still the only one we have a chance at opening,” Dokja stated as he glanced at the coins in his possession. 

[Coins Possessed: 4,700]

“I could use my coins again to increase my strength and stamina… but who knows what will happen? Using my coins so recklessly this early in the scenario could be dangerous.”

“You are being greedy, ugly ajusshi.” Lee Jihye sighed. I didn’t want to answer because, in reality, I was being greedy. However, a voice I didn’t expect to hear came to my aid. “While you might think his actions have evil intent, he made the right choice in not spending his coins so early on.” Yoo Junghyeok commented. “Besides, he’s not the only one who can get them out of there.”

Dokja turned to the soldier beside him. “Hyeonsung-ssi, use your skill.” Hyeonsung looked confused. “What? What do you mean by ‘skill’ ?” Dokja activated ‘Character Profile’.

Hyeonsung looked closer at the screen, everyone in the room did. 

[Character Profile]

Name: Lee Hyeonsung

Age: 28

Supporting Constellation: Master of Steel

Personal Attribute: Soldier Who Turned a Blind Eye To Injustice (General)

Personal Skills: [Bayonet Lv.2] [Camouflage Lv.2] [Patience Lv.2]

Stigma: [Great Mountain Push Lv.1]

Overall Stats: [Stamina Lv. 8] [Strength Lv. 8] [Agility Lv. 7] [ Mana Lv. 5] 

General Elevation: [Lee Hyeonsung has very good overall stats. Despite turning away from injustice, he received a choice of a constellation. This is another opportunity for him.]

‘Soldier who turned a blind eye to injustice.’ I looked at his profile. While it wasn’t my first time seeing it, I was now able to look at things I wasn’t able to before. I turned to look at the soldier, he had his face to the ground, not making any eye contact. “Hyeonsung-ssi…” I call him. “Remember that nothing in that first scenario was your fault.” “You didn’t know any better, I’m the one at fault.”

“Thank you Dokja-ssi, but I still can’t help but think about that from time to time.”

“Thankfully, his supporting constellation and attribute are the same as the novel.” “You probably checked your skills when you opened your attribute window earlier.” Kim Dokja said. “You’re in the army, so there must be a skill you can use right now.”

“Well…” Hyeonsung hesitated. “I do have one, but I don’t know how to use it.”

“Just imagine yourself using it,” Dokja answered plainly.

“That’s all it takes?”

Several people in the room jumped, not expecting the loud scream that left Hyeonsung’s mouth. A small bush crept up our Hyeonsung’s face as he watched his past self opening the door.

Dokja watched as Hyeonsung’s swelled as he began to push the two doors apart. “This is the appearance of ‘Great Mountian Push’.” He thought. “In reality, ‘Great Mountian Push’ want a skill but a stigma. When you choose a supporting constellation, you will receive a power that belonged to them, also known as a stigma. I just used the word skill to avoid suspicion.”

Lee Hyeonsung looked back at Kim Dokja with the brightest smile on his face. Dokja read his thoughts. “It worked! It really worked!”

“You are such a child.” Huiwon laughed with the rest of the room. “Look at that smile.” Hyeonsung brought a hand to the back of his neck and started laughing with them. “I couldn’t help it,” He smiled. A smile that soon disappeared with the next image on the screen.

[Chracter ‘Lee Hyeonsung’ has begun to trust you]

[Your understanding of character ‘Lee Hyeonsung’ has increased]

“Whatever skill you have is absolute crap!” Han Sooyoung yelled. “First it lets you read our minds, see are stats, but now you get information about our emotions.”

“Technically, the skill that lets me see your stats is different than the skill that lets me see your emotions.”

“Shut up Kim Dokja! You are still ugly!”

“That has nothing to do with the-”

“Both of you be quiet!” With the command from the protagonist, Hann Sooyoung and I close our mouths, not wanting to quicken an already imminent death.

“Run!” Dokja yelled as he and the others left the cabin. “Th steel door connected to subway cabin 3707 will break soon. But if my memory serves me right, the steel door isn’t the problem.”

“Gosh, I knew this would happen.” A voice spoke from above them. A small figure hovered in the sky, their red eyes glowing upon them. “I told you earlier to stay put.” Bihyung sighed. “Damn it! I’m not done preparing the next scenario. Huh, well I guess I have no choice.” The Dokkaebi snapped his fingers. “You are very lucky human beings.”

[The Second Scenario Has Arrived]

Scenario Windows appeared in front of all of them.

~~~

[Sub Scenario - Escape]

Category: Sub

Difficulty: E

Clear Conditions: Get across the broken bridge and enter Oksu Station.

Time Limit: 20 minutes

Reward: 200 coins

Failure: ???

~~~

“Dokja-ssi, something doesn’t feel right.” Sangah voiced her concern. “It says ‘broken bridge’, but the bridge isn’t—”

“Don’t worry about it and just run! Hurry!” Dokja yelled as he broke into a full sprint. “Sangah-ssi is right. The bridge is still intact because we got off the train too early. In other words, the bridge will definitely collapse. It might seem cowardly, but it's impossible to clear this scenario without going around the rules.”

“So that’s why you left the train early.” Bihyung lamented. “Man, when we get out of here, people will be coming after you.”

Dokja stared at the people around him. Hyeonsung, who had been carrying Giyeong, was in the front. He, Sangah, and Myeongoh were in the back. “We’re cutting it close, but I think we’ll make it.”

“Ah! What the hell is that!” Han Myeongoh’s scream caught everyones attention. A giant Ichthyosaur emerged from the water below. The Han River looked like a tsunami as the monster moved. “That Ichthyosaur is twice as big as the one I saw earlier. That is not a sea serpent, but a sea commander.” The serpent began to charge toward us.

“I- It’s coming! The bridge is going to collapse!”

“Run! We can make it across if we run!” “We only have about 200 meters left! At this speed, we’ll be able to cross the bridge before it breaks!”

“Damn this is intense,” Jihye stated. “I couldn’t imagine ever being in the situation you are in now!” 

“I know you survived,” Han Sooyoung pointed at me. “For obvious reasons, but damn I can’t help the adrenaline.”

While those of us who had participated and constellations who had watched the scene back then watched in nostalgia, those that hadn’t seen these things looked on with excitement. I watched as Yoo Junghyeok stared at the screen intently. He must have felt my staring because he immediately glared at me. I turned back to the screen. “Does he was eyes in the back of his head or something?”

“It’s no fun if the game is too easy, is it?” Bihyung cackled. “What’s the fun in you getting away safely? Let’s shake things up a bit!” He snapped his fingers.

[The Scenario Difficulty Has Been Adjusted]

[Scenario Difficulty: E → D]

[The Evil Thoughts Of The Dead Have Returned]

[Black Ether Is Rising From The Surrounding Earth]

[Demonic Beings Have Been Resurrected]

The sound of things chasing them began to get louder. Sangah turned to look back. “Z- Zombies?” Within minutes, the dead beings had three of us surrounded. “Dokja-ssi!” Hyeonsung yelled, holding Gilyeong at his side. Both of them managed to make it to Oksu Station.

The shadow of the giant sea commander towered over everyone on the bridge. “Damn it, it’s too late.” “Everyone get down!” The Ichthyosaur bit at the section of the bride in front of us. It broke instantly. 

The episode ended as the next one played immediately. I noticed that the waiting time between episodes got shorter if the previous episode was more intense. Yuseung gripped my sleeve. I gave her a small pat on the back. “I am here Yuseung.” The screen lit up. “I am here.”

The impact of the Ichthyosaur sent a huge gust of wind across the bride. Bodies of the demonic dead lay everywhere. Blood and water rained from the sky as the Ichthyosaur went back into the Han river. Kim Dokja struggled to raise himself to his feet. Someone called his name.

“Dokja-ssi!” It was Yoo Sangah. She was supporting Han Myeongoh who had a broken leg. “Are you okay?”

“What should I do!” Dokja looked around frantically. “I had made a plan in case of the bridge broke but I didn’t account for the fact that Yoo Sangah and Han Myeongoh would be with me.”

[Someone has received the blessing of a constellation]

[The constellation’s blessing has activated ‘Deus Ex Machina’ in this scenario]

A bridge of light appeared giving a way for them to cross.

I looked at the table which held Sangah-ssi’s sponsor. Most of the Olympians looked squeamish, everyone but Zeus and Poseidon. I looked at Sangah, I could tell she was also nervous. Just what kind of deal did she make with Olympus? “Sangah-ssi.” She looked at me. “I’m sure it will be fine.”

[Deus Ex Machina - Bridge of Even Numbers]

A bridge of light created by the blessing of a constellation. It can only be crossed by an even number of people. The bridge will collapse if an odd number of people attempt to cross it.

Dokja stared at the window. “Deus Ex Machina?” “Dokja!” Sangah yelled out to him. “In my head… this thing… uh, suddenly…”

[ Deus Ex Machina ]

A power that lets a constellation directly intervene in the scenario at a great cost.

“Did Sangah’s supporting constellation intervene in order to save her? This kind of intervention was rare even in TWSA. Why did this happen to Yoo Sangah, a person who should have died in the fist scenario.” Kim Dokja thought. “What kind of constellation could be supporting her? Activate ‘Character Profile’.”

Both Sangah and her supporting constellations tensed in their seats, not wanting this kind fo information to be released. 

[This person’s profile cannot be read in ‘Character Profile’]

[This person does not have a registered character profile]

Sangah breathed a sigh of relief.

“Why can’t a browse her profile with my skill?”  Dokja turned his head to face her. “Does she have a special constellation supporting her? Or maybe she has a mental barrier skill? But there is no way she could already have that skill at this time.”

“Dokja!” Sangah’s scream ripped him from his thoughts. “Behind you!” A fist barreled toward Dokja’s head. He managed to kick the body away before the hit landed. “I guess this isn’t the time to be lost in thought.”

“Tier 9 humanoid demon; a mutant species infected by the black ether. Once normal humans, humanoid demons are no different from zombies. But they can be quite dangerous if their host happens to be someone who was powerful. And of all people—”

The dead and possed zombi form of Kim Namwoon stood just a few meters away from where Dokja was. “—It just had to be him.”

“Aw man!” Jihye complained. “I thought we were done with that bastard.” Huiwon hit Jihye on the head. “Do not curse in front of the children!”

“Oh come on! They will be hearing much worse than the word ‘bastard’!”

“Lee Jihye you-” Sooyoung cut Huiwon off. “Who cares about swearing? We are in the middle of the god damn apocalypse. Time for round two Dokja-ssi!”

[Personal skill ‘Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint’ activated]

[The character does not possess a conscious. ‘Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint’ deactivated]

“Damn it! I had a feeling it wouldn’t work!” Dokja leaned back in order to doge but Kim Namwoon managed to slice a long cut down Dokja’s arm. “We have to get across the bridge of even numbers somehow. But there are three of us. One of us has to stay behind and die!” Dokja looked behind him. “Sangah-ssi, get-”

Dokja’s voice stopped as he stared at the scene in front of him. Han Myeongoh had picked Sangah up and held her over his shoulder. “Let go of me! Let go!” Sangah yelled as Myeongoh started to run across the bridge. “Dokja-ssi! Dokja-ssi!” 

Kim Dokja stared in shock at the absurdness playing out in front of him. “He’s leaving me behind?! Han Myeongoh, that bastard!”

“See! Dokja swore too!!”

[The constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ is impressed by your foolishness]

[The constellation ‘Demon-Like Judge of Fire’ is touched by your selfishness]

[You have been gifted 100 coins]

“Character Profile!” Dokja thought. 

[This person’s profile cannot be read in Character Profile]

“If I’m not mistaken, that stigma, [One-Legged Swift Foot], belongs to the constellation ‘Limping Trickster’. That constellation doesn't have any stigmas in the mental barrier system. And since there’s no way Myeongoh could have that kind of skill, the reason why Character Profile doesn’t work on Yoo Sangah and Han Hyeongoh is because—”

“Oh, how stupid of me…” Dokja laughed, staring at the window in front of him. “—they’re not characters that appear in TWSA. It’s obvious when you think about it.”

“So your overpowered skill does have some flaws,” Huiwon stated. “In order for you to use ‘Character Profile’, the person of interest needs to have been in the novel you read.” I nod at her words. But I can’t help but think back to the time at Geumho Station.

“Yes…” Yooyoung said excitedly. “We have a chance!” I raise an eyebrow at her. “What are you talking about?” She looked at me with a mischievous look on her face. “You can’t see the stats of people who weren’t in the novel correct? So that means if we ever have to right you, we know who to send out. Like me and Sangah for example. Maybe even Gilyeong”

“But I would never fight him.” Yoo Sangah tried to defend herself. “I would rather die.” Gilyeong also spoke. “Sangah noona is right. I would never fight hyung.”

[ Constellation Director of the False Last Act looks upon this scene sadly]

[Incarnation ◼️◼️◼️  Lord cries out in sorrow]

[ Incarnation Judge of Apocalypse apologizes for not being strong enough]

[ Transcendent ◼️◼️◼️  King says it should have been him]

[ Transcendent ◼️◼️◼️  King blames himself]

[ Constellation Demon King of Salvation says to Transcendent ◼️◼️◼️  King it wasn’t his fault]

[ Constellation Demon King of Salvation says to Transcendent ◼️◼️◼️  King that it was his choice]

“Keep it down table ten!” Rymera yelled from the front of the room. “Go back to watching the episode!” While Rymera’s voice was hard and cold, it couldn’t do anything to remove the single tear falling from her face. She sighed. Her master warned her not to get attached, yet she did not listen.

Kim Namwoon road over the hoard of zombies slowly approaching Kim Dokja. “Damn it! Come on, think! I can’t cross the bridge alone.” Dokja elbowed an incoming zombie in the face and threw it back into the crowd. Knife in hand, he stared at the incoming onslaught. “What if I grab a demon to cross the bridge with me? No, it’s probably not going to work. Only fifteen minutes until the scenario ends.”

I knew most of my companions were watching the screen intently. Besides Yoo Junghyeok, the rest of them didn’t see what happened.

“Wow, you’re doing pretty well,” Bihyung commented as he watched the fighting below. “Okay! Is there any constellation who wishes to bless this poor incarnation?” Dokja leaned back, still getting a cut across his cheek. “Oh my, nobody?” Dokja elbowed a zombie behind him in the face. “Tsk tsk, how unfortunate.”

“My body can’t handle much more of this.”  Kim Dokja panted as he was driven to the edge of the broken bridge. Cement from the bridge broke off and fell into the river behind him while the hoard of zombies approached from the front. “I might actually die this time. Damn it, if only I had just one combat skill… it wouldn’t be this hard.”

As the thought left my mind, a glowing transparent book appeared above my head. People in the room gasped in awe as the pages began to flutter.

[Personal Skill ‘Bookmark’ activated]

“Huh, bookmark?” Dokja turned to look at the giant book behind him, its pages fluttering in the wind.

[Activating Character Bookmark]

[Available Bookmark Slots: 3]

[Loading The List Of Bookmarks that can be activated]

[List Of Bookmarked Characters]

• Delusional Demon Kim Namwoon (Understanding 25)

• Steel Sword Lee Hyeonsung (Understanding 35)

• Empty Slot

“I have read over 3,000 episodes of TWSA but I’ve never read about this skill anywhere. But I still instinctively understood how it worked.” “Activate bookmark number one.” Pages began to flutter as images of Kim Namwoon flashed. 

[Activating Bookmark Number One]

[The Activation Time Has Been Shorted Due To The Low Level Of The Bookmark Skill]

[Activation Time One Minute]

[Your Understanding Of The Character Is Low, So Only Part Of The Character’s Skill Is Activated]

[Activating Grimdark Awakening Lv. 1]

Kim Namwoon charaged at Kim Dokja. A violet energy covered his body. With the knife in hand, Dokja cut a clean slice across the body’s chest. Kim Namwoon’s body fell to the ground as Dokja watched. Beside him, a glowing violet figure of Kim Namwoon smiled at the carnage. 

[Your understanding of character ‘Kim Namwoon’ has increased]

[Bookmark number one deactivated]

[Time remaining: 10 minutes 11 seconds]

“You can copy another person’s power!?” Han Sooyoung yelled at me. Huiwon laughed. “What was that about having a chance if you fought him?” Sooyoung ignored her. “What kind of overpowered bullshit is that!?”

“Well there is a catch,” I say, trying to appease her. “I can only use the power of someone who I have a deep understanding of.” Han Sooyoung looked violent. “That is not a catch dumbass!”

I waved her off. “Just go back to watching Sooyoung-ssi”

Kim Dokja was breathing hard. It seems that several more minutes had passed. “Wow, T’m so exhausted. Seriously. He’s late, but he should be showing up any moment now.” A giant boom was heard on the other end of the bridge. Zombies turned their heads to face the cause of the commotion. 

A man dressed in all black walked through the hoard of zombies. Kim Dokja smirked at the sight, sweat dripping from his face. “There he is.”

The screen went black as Rymera’s voice rang through the room. “Okay everyone, it’s been five episodes. We will be back after a half-hour break.”

“Aw man!” Jihye complained. “We were about to see my master.”

“Ready for your grand entrance Yoo Junghyeokkie” Han Sooyoung teased. Where she got the confidence to call the protagonist that, was beyond me. Junghyeok glared at her. “Call me that again and I will kill you!”

“Don’t be such a downer Yoo Junghyeok.” The voice of a certain blonde spoke from behind the regressor. Two arms slid down his shoulders. “You know you would like it if a certain someone called you that.” I watched in shock along with the rest of my companions.

Junghyeok glared at the perpetrator. “Just because you are a constellation doesn’t mean I won’t hesitate to kill you.” He snarled. “So get your hands off of me Archangel Uriel.” The angel sighed as she withdrew her arms. “You really are no fun.”

A smile crept upon her face. “But I wasn’t lying when I said you would like that pet name.” In a flurry of movements, I was staring at Yoo Junghyeok's face, just centimeters from mine. Uriel was holding the back of his neck while she held both of his hands behind his back. He struggled to get free from her grasp. “You may be powerful Yoo Junghyeok, but it’s only the 6th scenario. Even with my powers restrained, you could never win against a constellation like me.”

He turned his neck to face her. “I... will... kill... you...” She turned his face back to mine. God, he was so close. A felt his breath on my face. I avoided his eyes and looked around. The only people staring were those at this table, Uriel’s table, and most likely table ten as well. 

Bihyung had ended up in Gilyeong's arms. The rest of my companions were trying hard not to laugh. “Yah, Uriel!” Sun Wukong called. “Don’t tease him!” She rolled her eyes, pushing Yoo Junghyeok ever so closer. “Be quiet.” She said and went back to whatever she was doing. I could feel him breathing down my neck. The sensations brought shivers down my spine. I didn’t dare look at his face.

“I know he drives you crazy Yoo Junghyeok… but…” Uriel spoke, pushing the regressor's face closer. I leaned back in my chair, trying to ignore the fact that Yoo Junghyeok was barely a centimeter away from my face. “Does he drive you crazy in a bad way?” She yanked his face back, allowing me to get a better look. But I didn’t dare. “Or does he drive you crazy like you like him?” You could hear the smile in her voice.

I took a sharp breath at her words. My mind blanked, I made the mistake of making eye contact. But I wasn’t greeted with a glare filled with death. Instead, a light dusting of pink covered his face. I opened my mouth and spoke softly. “Yoo Junghyeok?”

Chapter Text

(Dokja’s POV)

He wasn’t looking at me, which I was grateful for. I didn’t know what either of us would do if we made eye contact… especially like this. I stared at him, I don’t know why, but I just couldn’t turn my head. I saw every detail, every strand of hair, his sharp jaw, his gray eyes. Realizing my thoughts, I shut my eyes. “What am I going?”  

“Are you scared or is this something else?” Uriel asked, her voice teasing. “Open your eyes Dokja-ssi.” I took a deep breath, and slowly, I opened my eyes only to be greeted by the eyes of the protagonist staring back at mine. I began to notice the small blush starting to grow. “Are you okay?” I asked hesitantly. Instead, the regressor grit his teeth and threw his head back, hitting Uriel who had been leaning closer. “Ugh.” letting go of the protagonist, Uriel brought her hands to her nose. “You’re lucky that I like you too much otherwise I would kill you.” She noticed the red glistening on her fingers. “You made my nose bleed!” She yelled as she made her way back to her table. 

Yoo Junghyeok glared at the angel as she made her way back. “I would have made a lot more bleed if I had the choice.” He muttered under his breath as he made his way back to my chair. He sat down and glared at me. I gave him a look. “What the hell did I do!?” He seemed to get the message as a text soon appeared in Midday Tryst.

• Don’t look at me like that. (Junghyeok)
• Look at you like what!! (Dokja)

I was getting annoyed.

• You look like a tomato. (Junghyeok)
• You were a tomato first! (Dokja)
• Stop flirting in the group chat! Use a private one! (Huiwon)

I paused and looked at my companions, all of them struggling to not laugh. 

• Kim Dokja I am going to kill you. (Junghyeok)
• You- (Dokja)
• You were the one- (Dokja)
• Just move to a private chat already. (Sooyoung)
• I told you hyung liked a guy. (Gilyeong)
• I don’t think this is enough proof yet. (Yuseung)
• I think this is what my sponsor meant when she said “there’s a couple in your party”. (Huiwon)
• I don’t mind your choice Dokja-ssi. As well as Yoo Junghyeok. (Hyeonsung)
• I’ll support you both. (Sangah)

I closed the chat and glanced at Yoo Junghyeok. It seemed he closed the chat a while ago. I sighed. Thankfully, the chatter in the chat began to calm as the lights dimmed. “Please give me a break episode and don’t make this already bad situation.” I pleaded. 

“Okay…” Rymera spoke. “So I decided to start the next episode ten minutes earlier considering most of you were starting to get restless. You can thank me later.” The screen went black as the next episode began to play. The sound of flesh and bone breaking rang throughout the room. Two black combat boots were shown on the screen. A few seconds later, a black coat was shown hanging off the shoulders of a certain protagonist.

Yoo Junghyeok brought his hands together on the table and set his head down on them, watching himself intently. Most of us were calm, then there was Lee Jihye who was having a fangirl moment. “Oh, my gawhd!!!” She squealed. “It’s my master!!” 

Finally, the entirety of the protagonist was shown. Every footstep rang throughout the room as he walked, his face dark. His hands were covered in the blood of the undead he had just killed. A light golden haze hung over his eyes.

“You look so cool, master.” Jihye sighed. Junghyeok didn’t acknowledge her comment, too busy staring into his eyes. While everyone else thought he looked awesome, only three people in the room knew what was hiding behind the mask. Those were the eyes of a person doomed to live his life of suffering over and over and over again.

“Who the hell are you?” He asked, his voice deathly calm. Meanwhile, Dokja was completely panicking. “I’m supposed to go against this guy!? I don’t stand a chance against him!! ‘Character Profile’!”

I saw Yoo Junghyeok stiffen before turning and glaring at me. “Did you expect me not to use my skills on you?” I ask, making sure to keep the tone of my voice level. It didn’t matter. “Kim Dokja I will really kill you!”

[Personal Skill ‘Character Profile’ Activated]

[There is too much information about this character. Converting ‘Character Profile’ to Character Summary’]

“Say goodbye to the privacy of your stats protagonist.” Han Sooyoung teased before receiving another one of Yoo Junghyeok’s death glares. Around us, I noticed the constellation watching the screen, giving it their full attention. Yoo Junghyeok knew what they were doing, and he hated what they were about to see. But I mean come one, everyone would want to know everything about the most powerful man in the scenarios.

[Character Summary]

Name: Yoo Junghyeok

Personal Attribute: The Regressor <3rd Round> (Mythical), Pro Gamer (Rare)

Personal Skills: [Eye of Sage Lv. 8] [Hand-to-Hand Combat Lv. 8] [Weapons Proficiency Lv. 8] [Metal Barrier Lv. 5] [Crowd Control Lv. 5] [Reasoning Lv. 5] [Lie Detection Lv. 4]

Everyone who wanted information stared at the screen. This was an opportunity they didn’t know would appear again so they had to make the most of it. While most of the incarnations in the room didn’t know the significance of what they were seeing, many of the constellations gasped in awe. “Personal attribute the regressor? A mythical grade? Has anyone ever heard of that attribute?” A voice called from the table holding Olympus?”

“It does sound a little familiar, but for some reason, not even I can see it’s origin.” Odin spoke from table five. Several incarnations shook at the voice of the One-eyed Father. “Perhaps you might know something of this attribute, Demon King of Salvation.” The episode paused as a loud silence rang throughout the room. “While not even a constellation like me can see you, I have noticed you fidgeting ever since the summary was shown.”

[Constellation Demon King of Salvation has no idea what you are talking about]

[Several people around the room have activated ‘Lie Detection’]

[Constellaiton Demon King of Salvation as activated ‘Poker Face’]

Many people sighed as Lie Detection was canceled by Poker Face. Rymera began to laugh. “I do remember that one of the rules shown at the beginning of the scenario mentioned not bothering table ten with a penalty of death. But of course, I don’t think anyone is currently bothering table ten.” Everyone went back to staring at the screen.

A hand shot towards the camera and wrapped around Dokja’s throat. People gasped at the sudden change of pace as Yoo Junghyeok was revealed to be holding Dokja over the edge of the bridge. The poor man began to cough at the regressor held him by the neck. “Now that’s uncalled for master.”

“How are you still alive?” Junghyeok spoke as Dokja gripped his wrist, struggling to breathe. “The first way to survive the apocalypse. This man who is strangling me is living proof of the first method. ‘Yoo Junghyeok the Regressor.’ This is the man who began the tragedy of this world.”

People turned to stare at Yoo Junghyeok. Whispers began to ring through the room. “What does Kim Dokja mean?” “Is Yoo Junghyeok the reason we are living in this mess?” “Did he do something to start the scenarios?” “Why would he do something like this?” “Does he know how many have died because of him?” “He’s a cold-blooded killer so he probably doesn’t care about how blood he gets on his hands.” “He’s so selfish.” “What the hell is wrong with him?” “I wish he dies in the next scenario.”

With every word being directed toward Yoo Junghyeok, I felt a rage begin to spark within me. “What do they know of his sufferings? They don’t have a right to be saying any of this. They weren’t there for his 1863 regressions. Only I was.” I stared at the regressor who seemed unaffected by their words, or so I thought.                

• You seem to know more about myself than I. So tell me the truth. (Junghyeok)
• Where are you going with this? (Dokja)
• I am truly the reason the world is like this? (Junghyeok)
• I do not know. (Dokja)
• Why are you lying? Your past self clearly knew what he was talking about. (Junghyeok)
• I think I meant that you were the one who began the story of TWSA. (Dokja)
• You are still lying. (Junghyeok)
• He is not lying Yoo Junghyeok. (Demon King of Salvation)
• Why are you here? (Dokja)
• How do you have access to this chat? (Junghyeok)
• I am from the future. I can do many things. (Demon King of Salvation)
• This is a private chat so don’t care how you got in here, just get out. (Junghyeok)
• Listen to me, Kim Dokja isn’t lying. And you aren't the one who began this tragedy. (Demon King of Salvation)
• Why should we believe you? (Junghyeok)
• Because I am the reason such scenarios exist. I am the reason you both have suffered. And I am the reason you will continue to suffer until you reach the end. (Demon King of Salvation)
• Why are you telling us this? (Dokja)

The chat closed as I gasped in pain, blue sparks of probability flew around me. “Ajusshi!” “Oppa!” Two very concerned voices cried out as both I and Yoo Junghyeok felt a wave of probability coursing through us. I looked at table ten. It seemed that the Demon King was also feeling the wave. He stood from his chair, still fighting the pain, and spoke. “Yoo Junghyeok isn’t the reason such scenarios exist. They exist because of me.” 

The words barely left his mouth as he fell to the ground in pain, those at his table surrounding him. A storm of probability was beginning to form. “He must be very strong to be able to speak even with the restriction set on them.” Sooyoung said gravely as she watched to constellation writhing in pain. “Why did you have to do that?” Rymera complained. She snapped her fingers and the constellation disappeared. This action sent everyone at table ten into a frenzy. ”What did you do to him!?” A man dressed in black yelled as another storm of probability began to form. Another snap and another figure disappeared. “I suggest the rest of you keep your mouths shut and not break the restrictions unless you want to join them!”

[Constellation Director of the False Last Act glares at Rymera]

[ Constellation Director of the False Last Act demands to know what you have done to them]

“Relax! I just sent them someplace that will cancel the probability storm. They are fine.” She sighed. “Great! Now I need to explain to my master why she needs to spend more probability. I will deal with them in a moment. The rest of you!” She yelled. “Watch the episode!” With that, the girl disappeared as the episode resumed. Reluctantly, the rest of us had no choice but to continue watching. 

Rymera’s kind actions seemed to make people forget that she was working for someone who had brought the all here. And that someone was very powerful. “I hope they are alright,” Sangah said softly. I stared at the screen. I didn’t really want to watch anything after the spectacle we had just witnessed but what choice did I have.

“Name.” Yoo Junghyeok said, his voice low. “What?” Dokja asked, not understanding a simple command. The regressor spoke again. “What is your name?” Dokja stared at him. “He’s so full of himself. He’s definitely acting the part of the protagonist.”

Junghyeok looked at me. “Most protagonists are powerful people yet you seem to show no respect for this one.” I hung my head. “I didn’t know that people would someday see my thoughts…”

“Kim Dokja,” He finally answered. “What a strange name.” “I get that a lot.” Yoo Junghyeok proceeds to punch Kim Dokja in the stomach.

People gasped around the room as I placed a hand on my stomach, remembering how much that punch hurt. “That was really uncalled for master.”

Dokja groaned in pain. “You have a strong body. I see you have already figured out how to use the coins.” “Yeah… I’m assuming you also-” Yoo Junghyeok hit him again.

“Master!” Lee Jihye. “I love it when you beat people up but… he’s your… what about the child?” Yoo Junghyeok eyed her warily. “Whatever you heard, don’t say a single word of it to me.” He went back to watching his past self beat me up.

‘Damn it… How is he so strong when we’ve only cleared one main scenario and we’re just now clearing a sub-scenario? What a monster.” Dokja gleaned up, meeting the gaze of the protagonist. “Don’t waste your breath. Just answer the questions I ask you, got it?”

“This is the worst. I was hoping this wouldn’t happen. In the early chapters, Yoo Junghyeok is the most dangerous character in the world of TWSA. He’s lost his humanity after having regressed three times already. The Yoo Junghyeok now won’t hesitate to do whatever it takes to get what he wants.”

I expected to get another death glare from Yoo Junghyeok since I called him a character in my thoughts. But surprisingly, I didn’t get anything. He didn’t even look at me. All he did was look harder at the screen. 

“Well?” The regressor growled. “Fine.” He raised his hand to punch Dokja again. “Use honorifics. “Why should I?” This time, Kim Dokja managed to place both his hands between himself and the incoming punch. “I’m sorry, but you are younger than me, pro gamer Yoo Junghyeok-ssi. You should be the one using honorifics.”

[Character ‘Yoo Junghyeok’ has become cautious of you]

“Do you know who I am?” The regressor asked, keeping his guard up. “Of course, I work for a game company,” Dokja answered. “That’s a lie. Yoo Junghyeok was but a fictional character to me existing in TWSA. That is, until now.”

“Wow, straight up lying to the most powerful protagonist in all history.” Han Sooyoung stated, a smirk on her face. “You know you would have done the exact same thing if you met someone like him in a place like that.” I pointed to the screen. Sooyoung sighed. “Not true, I say the bullshit currently coming out of your mouth and mind.”

“You’re pretty famous.” Kim Dokja continued. “I used to be a fan of yours.” “His fame was just a setting in the novel… but I’m not lying when I say that I used to be a fan of his. I liked you, hated you, resented you, and cheered for you. I was with you throughout your three-thousand-episode journey.”

At table three, a certain archangel squealed. “This is what I’m talking about.! I told you all Kim Dokja didn’t have feelings for Yoo Sangah! He likes a different Yoo! Ahhh! This is what I’m talking about! They’re so cute!” “I told you hyung likes a man.” Lee Gilyeon turned to Shin Yuseung. “I guess this is enough proof.” She said as Lee Jihye scoffed. “I mean they did have a child together. Dokja-ssi even wrote Yoo Junghyeok a love letter.”

I dropped my face onto the table in an attempt to hide the red slowly growing on my face. I tried to mumble. “Guys… this is all a big misunder-” “What about you oppa?” Mia turned to her older brother who currently was holding his face in his hands, seemingly extremely annoyed. No one noticed the light pink dusting his face. “Do you return the feelings of love Dokja ajusshi has for you?” If it were anyone else asking this question, Yoo Junghyeok would have snapped their neck in half. Thankfully, the person asking was his sister. “I’m not.  Into.  men.” The protagonist said, forcing the words to leave his mouth. 

“Yeah guys,” Han Sooyoung yelled. “He’s not into men to leave the man alone.” I was about to thank her but then I saw the smirk on her face. It was obvious she had something else planned. “Listen to Sooyoung-ssi.” Huiwon joined the other woman. “Yoo Junghyeok isn’t into men,” Then she added in a small whisper. “He’s into Kim Dokja.” Sooyoung and Huiwon had to duck under the table as Yoo Junghyeok threw a knife at them. “Watch the screen.” He growled, his voice low and dripping with venom. They were laughing hysterically. “Bet you Dokja-ssi would willingly strip if he said ‘fuck me’ with that voice.”

In this moment, all I wanted, was to die. 

“A fan… I haven’t heard that in a while.” Yoo Jungyheok had a look of nostalgia in his eyes, like he was thrown into the memories of a past life he once lived before. That look lasted only for a moment. “I’ll forgive you for your impudence. But that won’t change a thing.”

“I can see that.” Kim Dokja remarked as he dangled over the edge of the bridge, Yoo Junghyeok still holding his neck. The regressor spoke again. “I have only one question for you. How did you survive the subway?” “I knew he would ask me this.”

“If I tell you, will you let me live?” Dokja tried to reason. “That depends on your answer.” “Liar. I can tell just by looking at his face. I’m not the only reader of TWSA for nothing. What can I say to make this damn regressor let me live?”

I felt Yoo Junghyeok looking at me. I didn’t do anything and just watched the screen.

[Your understanding of the character ‘Yoo Junghyeok’ has increased]

[You already of a high understanding of this character]

Dokja turned his head to look at the notifications popping up beside him.

[You have unlocked level 2 of your personal skill ‘Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint]

[Do you want to activate this skill?]

“Oh shit!” I paused. “Is it going to show-” In the next moment, all of Yoo Junghyeok's thoughts were brought to the screen, there for everyone to read. On-screen, my past self was seen giving a small smile. “Holy shit! First, you went from reading movements to emotions, and now you can read our thoughts!” Han Sooyoung screamed from the floor she and Huiwon were sitting on, not wanting to return to their seats after the comments they made. “You are seriously overpowered when it comes to skills.” I saw Junghyeok opening his mouth to talk to me but thankfully the episode had more interesting content.

“You cleared the scenario by killing insects?” A surprised look appeared on the regressor’s face. Dokja answered him calmly. “I was lucky, I was able to spot the kid with insects because he fell due to the explosion in the cabin in front of us.”

{The future has completely changed.}

“It will come as a shock to him. He’s so supposed that he forgot his mouth was open. There was supposed to be a battle to the death in subway car 3807. Only Kim Namwoon and Lee Hyeonsung should have survived.”

{Did I cause this? Was it because I started out by killing them with an explosion, unlike in my previous runs?}

Junghyeok looked at the face of the man he held in his hand. 

{Still, something’s not right. He’s way too calm for a newbie. The world has turned upside down and he’s taking it just fine. Abnormally so. He must be the one who killed Kim Namwoon. He’s much more than just useful… he’s dangerous.}

“And just like that… you are dead.” Sooyoung said, still on the ground. I decided to tease her. “Not as dead as you when you and Huiwon decide to return to your seats.” She glared at me. “Hey.” I laughed, “You reap what you sow.”

“Um, if you’re done with your questions, can you let me go? Let’s move on to Oksu station together. We’re running out of time.” Yoo Junghyeok squeezed his throat. “Not so fast. Everything fits too perfectly.” A bright golden light began to shine from the regressor’s right eye.

Kim Dokja immediately panicked. “It’s Yoo Junghyeok’s SS-Grade skill. ‘The Eye of Sage’. ‘The Eye of Sage’ not only allows you to see someone’s attribute window, but also someone’s hidden information. It’s the highest-grade detection skill. I’ve been wondering why he wasn’t using it.” Yoo Junghyeok lifted Kim Dokja higher and closer to his face. “No. maybe this is for the best. I don’t know what my attributes are or what skills I have. Even if Yoo Junghyeok finds out what they are, if I could know as well…”

“I’m guessing this is where everything went to shit.” Lee Jihye laughed as Sangah shook her head. “Please don’t swear Jihye.” I sigh. “Well she isn’t wrong though, everything does go to shit.”

[Personal skill ‘The Fourth Wall’ has been activated]

[‘The Fourth Wall’ has detected the detection skill ‘The Eye of Sage’]

Yoo Junghyeok groaned and staggered as sparks flew in the air. He grabbed at his right eye in pain. 

{What?}

[Personal skill ‘The Fourth Wall’ has blocked ‘The Eye of Sage’]

“You…” Yoo Junghyeok glared at the man. “Who are you?”

The episode ended and the next one started to load in. Both Han Sooyoung and Huiwon slowly rose from the ground, hands in the air. “Truce Junghyeokkie…” He scoffed at the pet name but didn’t threaten her any more. “Fine, but next time… I will kill you.” The both of them made their way back to their chairs. Hand Sooyoung sighed as she sat down. “Anyways, back on topic,” She looked at me. “Since when did you have a skill that could block The Eye of Sage!?”

I laughed quietly. “Truthfully, I didn’t know until that moment.” The next episode played.

“No way… I had a skill that could block ‘The Eye of Sage’?” Kim Dokja stared in shock. “First, it’s ‘Bookmark’ and now ‘The Fourth Wall’?” Yoo Junghyeok looked at him with dark eyes, a nerve clearly visible. 

{I have to kill him here and now}

“Yoo Junghyeok wait!” Dokja screamed. “Damn it. I’ve complicated things. There’s no way he’d believe me now. I have to change my plan.” He started to speak once more. “You need a trustworthy ally! You can’t clear scenario 46 on your own. You know that right?”

On-screen, Yoo Junghyeok and I continued to talk as many of the constellations in the room turned to this table, looking at either me or Yoo Junghyeok. Bihyung, who was now sitting in a chair given to him by Rymera, began to laugh. “You never cease to surprise me Kim Dokja. I already knew that there was something weird when you relieved my name and the Star Stream but to have knowledge of the future scenarios… is something else.” 

At table nine, I saw how Anna Croft was looking at me. She knew that I had information that no one else had. Information about her, and of the future. I thought she would deem me as a threat but instead…

• Kim Dokja, what must I give to read TWSA. (Anna)

I nearly laugh at her words, I would never give her TWSA. She was the reason Yoo Junghyeok lived his second regression as a slave until he died at the hands of Asmodeus. She was the reason Yoo Junghyeok would always hesitate to trust a person prophet like me. In his second regression, Yoo Junghyeok was betrayed by his companion Anna Croft in the 46th scenario, Proof of the Stars.

• I will never give you that book. Don’t bother me again. (Dokja)

{He is not a regressor. If he was, I would know him. Then could he be…}

“Yoo Junghyeok, I know the future you don’t know,” Dokja said, still dangling from the regressor's hand. The hand around his neck squeezed as Yoo Junghyeok activated ‘Lie Detection’.

[Character ‘Yoo Junghyeok’ has used the ‘Lie Detection’ skill]

[‘Lie Detection’ has confirmed that you are telling the truth]

Yoo Junghyeok looked shocked. {This can’t be… could there be another prophet other than Anna Croft in Korea?}

Anna and the constellations associated with Asgard visibly flinched at the next screen. 

[Prophet]

• The only attribute in TWSA that allows a character to see into the future, and the only attribute to passively neutralize detection skills.

“By chance, are you able to use ‘Future Sight’?” The regressor asked, smoke and fires still billowing from the building surrounding the red Han River. “... Something like that.” “So you knew I would be here.” “Yes.”

“Yoo Junghyeok. I know you have a special power. You also know what is going to happen in the future, right? But you also know that the knowledge you have of the future is incomplete.” Kim Dokja spoke, hoping the win the regressor’s mind. “Regressors know the future because they have repeated their lives several times over, but the future will change if they change the present with that information. All regressors will eventually reach a future they don’t know unless they repeat everything they did in their past run.”

“Master,” Jihye spoke softly, as if trying not to wake a murderous beast. “Have you been forced to live this shitty world over and over again…” Yoo Junghyeok stiffened at her words, but no one noticed. No one but me. “...all alone?” He gave a small nod. No one said anything afterward. Yoo Junghyeok didn’t want our pity. He only wanted to reach the end.

The sun was setting over the blood-red, Han River. Embers slowly drifted in the wind. This is the beginning of the End. Kim Dokja looked at Yoo Junghyeok, his eyes serious but heartfelt. Dokja spoke, “Make me your companion and I can fill in the parts you are missing.” Yoo Junghyeok bowed his head and began to think. 

“You guys are so cheezy I’m going to vomit.” Huiwon gagged, a smirk on her face. “I thought you and Sangah-ssi were together but damn, you two are on a whole other level.” I raise an eyebrow. “What are you talking about?” Sooyoung gave me a flat look. “God, you are oblivious. ‘Make me your companion and I can fill in the parts you are missing’. You are literally asking to be…” Instead of saying it out loud, Sooyoung proceeds to mouth the word. I turn a bright red.

“Please don’t do that in front of the kids unnie,” Jihye smiled. “You will ruin Hyeonsung ajusshi’s innocence.” The teenager started to laugh as Huiwon whispered her comment to her before saying it out loud. “But Han Sooyoung does have a point. I’m surprised you two haven’t slept together.” Sangah gasped, holding the heads of the two youngest. “You guys, please mind your words.”

“We’re not the innocent Unnie.” The sister of the protagonist decided to join the fun. She turned to her brother. “Will there be a marriage? If so, can I come?” Yoo Junghyeok didn’t look at her, nor did he answer. He just sat there and stared at the screen. I looked down. “When we get out of here, I am going to die.”

“I’ve made up my mind. I will make you my companion.” He threw the other man back onto the bridge. Walking forward, he began to drag Kim Dokja across by the neck. The man being dragged began to cough. “W- Wait! Can you let…”

Yoo Junghyeok stepped onto the bridge of light, dragging the other man behind him. The undead on the other side didn’t dare to follow. Kim Dokja looked at the windows that popped up beside him. 

[You have become fatigued due to excessive use]

[Personal skill ‘Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint’ has been deactivated]

“I’m a little anxious that my skill is being deactivated…” Dokja watched as the windows began to disappear. “...But I’ve done everything I could.” As he continued to think to himself, Kim Dokja didn’t notice how the regressor slowed. Suddenly, he was jerked to a stop. “Ugh…” Yoo Junghyeok looked at him. “One last question.”

Sangah thought to herself before speaking out loud. “Now that I recall, you didn’t walk through the wall with Junghyeok-ssi. I’m guessing this will have the reason as to why.” I nod, remembering how I was thrown off the bridge.

“If you really are a prophet, you’d be able to tell your own future, right?” Dokja looked the man in the eyes and realized that his test wasn’t over. “Ugh..” HE groan as he was once again held over the edge. “I have a bad feeling about this.” An Ichthyosaur jumped out of the water, mouth wide open, and waiting for its prey.

Shin Yuseung jumped from her chair and screamed at the screen. “Ajusshi!” She turned and glared at the protagonist before storming over. I tried to grab her hand but I wasn’t quick enough. Soon, the young Beast Lord was face to face with the person who turned her into a catastrophe. I watched in shock as her tiny hand grabbed at the protagonist’s collar. “Why did you do that to Ajusshi!?” She screamed. I could tell that Gilyeong had half the thought the join her so I held him tight. “Let me go!”

Yuseung continued ‘shaking” the regressor. “Answer me! Why did you do that?!” Another hand grabbed hers. “Let go of my brother!” It was Mia. They looked eyes and glared at each other. A pair of hands pulled the young angry girl away from the Beast Lord. “It’s okay yeodongsaeng.” Yoo Junghyeok’s voice manages to calm her down. “You would do the same thing if I was put in the same situation.” 

Yoo Mia huffed. “I wouldn’t actually.” She made her way back to her chair. “You are the strongest person I know. If you were in the same position as that ugly ajusshi, I would be laughing my head off.” While still angry, Shin Yuseung let go of the protagonist’s collar. She gave a small bow. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have harmed ajusshi’s lover. Yuseng turned her back, leaving a completely speechless protagonist. Sooyoung, Huiwon, and Jihye were struggling to keep quiet after hearing Yuseung’s conclusion. I mentally sigh. “What is what with this set of episodes? It’s like the universe hates me right now.”

“Prophesy,” Yoo Junghyeok said coldly. “Will I be letting go or not?” Dokja grit his teeth, the mouth of the Ichthyosaur just below him. “Damn this psychopath!” He closed his eyes. “I know him better than anyone. If this bastard is the same Junghyeok that I’ve read of…” He came to a conclusion.

My past self began listing several things. I turned my eyes to the regressor across the table. He was shaking. No one else saw, no one else noticed. Only I did. “Yoo Junghyeok, did I start our companionship with the wrong intent?”

“I see. So your answer.” Yoo Junghyeok held the man in the air. Dokja looked at him and smiled. “Just let go already and get lost, you damn son of a bitch.” The regressor released his hand and let the man drop. Yoo Junghyeok smiled as he watched Kim Dokja fall. “I believe you. You really are a prophet.”  

Dokja watched the smile on his face and laughed. “That bastard.” The mouth of the Ichthyosaur closed around him.

[You have failed to clear the scenario]

“…Damn, I have to use that method after all…”

The episode ended as the screen went black. Rymera appeared in front of the dark screen. “Phew, I thought I would be late. Kinda hard to come back at the right moment when the time in this place is different than the subspace.” A noise was heard from table ten. A chair fell.

[ Constellation Director of the False Last Act demands to know the fate of her friends]

Rymera rolled her eyes. “They are fine, just dealing with the consequences of breaking their restrictions. They will be back when my master is satisfied.”

[ Constellation Director of the False Last Act yells that your answer isn’t enough]

Rymera took a deep breath. “Be quiet!” Her voice echoed through the room. “All you need to know is that they are vital and are needed for a different task. Moving on, the next episode should be-”

“Wait.” The voice of a certain protagonist called. “Put me in a subspace with him.” He looked at me, venom in his eyes. “Shit.” I placed my hand on my sword, not knowing what the regressor was up to. Rymera sighed, “So normally, I won't do this again. It takes up to much probability.” She looked at the protagonist, ignoring the dark glare across his face. “You’re lucky my master and I like you.” The green-eyed girl snapped her fingers. A bright light engulfed me as I was taken from my chair. The last thing I saw was the frantic face of my incarnation crying my name.

~~~ Several Minutes Earlier ~~~

(Demon King of Salvation’s POV)

Fighting against the enormous amount of pain I was already feeling, I opened my mouth and didn't think. The words just left my mouth. “Yoo Junghyeok isn’t the reason such scenarios exist. They exist because of me.” Then pain, the worst pain I have ever felt since the beginning of the scenarios. My knees hit the floor as I fell forward, gripping my head. “Damn it, I wish the restrictions set on Myth-Grade constellations weren’t so strong. Fourth Wall isn’t able to keep up.” A bright light flashed in my eyes and the pain began to recede. I gasped, sucking in a deep breath as I was finally able to begin breathing normally. Suddenly, I felt two hands holding my shoulders. I looked up, my vision foggy. I couldn’t see straight and I couldn’t hear anything, but I looked at their eyes. How could I ever forget those eyes.

“Dokja…” He spoke gently as he placed a hand on my cheek. I tried to get my breathing under control. “Dokja-ssi, talk to me. Tell me you are alright.” I take another deep breath, forcing myself to answer. “I’m fine Yoo Junghyeok-ssi, just in a little pain.” I could tell my comment didn’t help the person kneeling before me. He pulled me into a small embrace before letting go. “I think that was the worse probability storm you have ever experienced.” I let out a small laugh. “It’s even worse with my skills restricted. For the first time, being a Myth-Grade constellation has a downside.”

“That probability storm was well deserved.” In a moment, I found myself behind the former regressor. He glared at the owner of the voice. “What do you want Rymera.” He growled, itching to unsheathe his sword. The girl let out an annoyed sigh. “Nothing!” A window appeared in front of her. “Just trying to find a way to fix this and send you back in one piece. Breaking that ‘no talking’ rule set off a huge probability storm. It would have killed you if I didn’t bring you here.” She rolled her eyes and began to complain once more. “Why couldn’t you just have stayed quiet.” She glared at me. “You are from the future, you know the rules. Why did you tell them that information in the chat? And not even that, the both of you had to break one tiny rule and use your voice.”

I grit my teeth. “I have to watch my words. There is no telling how powerful she, or her master, is.” I took a deep breath. “Did you just expect us to stand by and watch?” Rymera rolled her emerald eyes once more. “That was kinda the point of the scenario.” Seeing that she had no intention to harm us, Yoo Junghyeok finally relaxed, pulling me to my feet. “How long are we going to be here?” He asked. I looked around. We were in a completely white space. You couldn’t tell what was the floor, roof, or wall. It was just a white void. Still looking at the screen, Rymera opened her mouth. “You will leave once you have accomplished my master’s task.”

“And what might that be?” I ask her. “I don’t know.” She answered flatly. “And even if I did know, I don’t think my master would let me tell you.” The man beside me pinched the bridge of his nose. “How do you expect us to complete a task not even you know?” She looked at him. “I can’t tell you what your task is but I can give a hint. ‘There were two birds. Once they were friends now they are enemies. One tries to kill the second but the second was saved by the help of the invisible wind.’ There, that is your hint.” She gave the look that meant she expected us to know what she just said. “Now if you’ll excuse me, time works differently here.” She looked at the watch on her wrist. “For them, the episode should be coming to a close right now so I have to leave. Good luck.” A bright light flashed and just like that, she was gone. 

Beside me, Yoo Junghyeok scoffed. “How are we meant to finish her master’s task with a stupid hint like that?” Just then, another bright light flashed through the space. Both of us turned to look at who could have joined us. My jaw dropped as I spotted two very familiar figures enter the space. Only a few feet from them, I realized that they couldn’t see us. “There were two birds. Once they were friends now they are enemies. One tries to kill the second but the second was saved by the help of the invisible wind.” I shake my head. “Yah, Junghyeok-ah, I think I know what are task is.” The former regressor sighed as he watched the scene unfold in front of him. “God I want to punch my past self.”

~~~ Present Time ~~~

(Dokja’s POV)

Once the light faded, I found myself in a completely white room. I didn’t get much time, however, because a sword was swung directly at my face. I managed to jump back in time, just barely avoiding the blade. Jumping to my feet, a felt a small trickle of blood coming down from a cut on my cheek. Never mind, guess I didn’t avoid it after all. I unsheathed Unbreakable Faith, managing to block an attack from the protagonist. I tried to access any of my skills to help me but to no avail. All of them were blocked. The only skills that were left open were mental skills like ‘Fourth Wall’ and ‘Lie Detection’. While it did mean that all of Yoo Junghyeok’s combat skills were also closed, he was still stronger in terms of experience.

“Yoo Junghyeok stop!” My voice came out shaky as I removed myself from the blade lock. As I jumped back, the regressor jumped forward, swinging at me once more. I parried the blade away but he sent it forward once more. “Yoo Junghyeok let’s talk about this!” His glare darkened. “What is there to talk about?” His voice was low, calm, and filled with silent venom-like rage. I hadn’t heard him use this tone before. “You used me.” I froze. His tone was dark, but it didn’t hold any rage, it held betrayal. I grit my teeth. “I’m sorry, you were my everything. I never meant to hurt you.”

(Junghyeok’s POV)

“Whywhywhywhywhywhywhy!”  My mind was black as I swung my sword. I didn’t register what I was doing… I couldn’t. I heard his voice, then I heard mine, but that didn’t matter. I was Yoo Junghyeo the regressor. A failure. A powerful warrior and a force to be reckoned with. A person too weak to save those he cared for. I thought I found a person to trust. I did. I was wrong. I was right. He betrayed me, I hate him. I hate myself.

“Yoo Junghyeok listen to me!” I shut his voice out. “I’m done listening to you! You used me!” In the end, I brought my sword down.

(Dokja’s POV)

I panted as Yoo Junghyeok's attacks gained speed. “Damn it! He can’t hear a word I’m saying! I can’t reach him!” He landed a kick to my chest. I felt the air leave my lungs as I was thrown to the ground, my sword falling out of my hand. I stared as he raised his sword over my head. “I can’t avoid that. I don’t have anything.” I closed my eyes and felt the wind of the sword cut across my chest. Then there was nothing. I opened one eye and spotted a blurry figure kneeling in front of me, keeping the sword from cutting me down. My eyes widened as I recognized who it was. It was the one wearing black from table ten.

I watched in awe as he managed to throw the protagonist off of me. I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned my head to see the other man from table ten, the one wearing white. He held my sword in his hand. “Are you alright?” He asked. I couldn’t respond as I processed his voice. “His voice, why does sound exactly like-”

“Get off of me!” We both turned out heads to Yoo Junghyeok. The man in black had managed to wrestle the sword out of his hands. He was now holding both of the regressor's hands behind his back. “Let go of me!” The man beside me rose to his feet and walked forward. “You should listen to what your companion has to say.” 

“That traitor isn’t my companion! He used me!” My heart clenched as I listened to his words. But what could I do, he was right. The man in white asked him, “Is that what you truly believe.” “It’s what I believed.” The man in black spoke as he finally let go of the regressor's arms. “Or what I chose to. I was just jealous you chose that outer god freak over me.” Yoo Junghyeok picked his sword off the ground and charged at me. “You don’t know what I believe!” The figure in black jumped between me and the incoming regressor. Grabbing his arms, the man held him in place. “Then what do you believe?” The protagonist growled. “Shut up.” The man in black sighed. “Look at me and answer my question, what do you believe Yoo Junghyeok?”

“Ah!” Letting out a defeated sigh, the regressor stepped back and turned around, not waiting to face me and the other two in the room. “I don’t have to tell you anything.” The man in white walked to Yoo Junghyeok and stood in front of him. He placed a hand on his cheek. “You believe the man you chose as your companion betrayed you. You believe the man you trusted used you.” Yoo Junghyeok bowed his head onto the shoulder of the man in front of him, surrendering himself. “How do you know of such things?” The man let out a small laugh. “I know because that is what you told me after I betrayed you.” The protagonist pulled away from the man as both of us stared at him. The blur around him began to fade. My jaw dropped as I stared at his face. It was like looking in a mirror. The Demon King of Salvation was me. Yoo Junghyeok walked behind him, but not my Yoo Junghyeok. I finally realized his modifier. It was Yoo Junghyeok the Supreme King.

Chapter Text

(Dokja’s POV)

“How are you both feeling?” My other self asked. Neither of us answered so the Supreme King took it upon himself. He pointed to me. “He’s in a state of shock and can’t process anything right now.” He looked at his other self. “While I on the other hand am a stubborn bitch who still believes he was betrayed.” Yoo Junghyeok glared at him. “I was betrayed you fucking bastard!” The regressor snarled through his teeth, putting emphasis on the word ‘was’. The other man just raised an eyebrow and looked back at other me. “The fool just insulted himself.”

The man in white sighed as he walked over to me. “Are you okay? You’re kinda quiet right now.” I give a small laugh. “Well… who wouldn’t. That was quite a lot of information to process.” My other self smiled, turning back to his companion. “It was, wasn’t it? I’m sorry you have to learn about it like this.” 

“So, the both of you are future versions of us,” I spoke, testing the waters. The King and the Demon exchanged glances. The former opened his mouth. “You are correct.” My mind was racing. This was the chance I needed to get information. I had to gather my thoughts. “Did we reach the end?” The protagonist scoffed. “The Company reached the end just fine. Its leader on the other hand needed more than a little convincing.”

“Bullshit!” The other, angry, protagonist growled. “Who are you and what do you want?” The two companions stared. “Is this what you had to deal with?” The former regressor asked his reader. “Was my third turn this dense?” I stayed silent as my other self sighed. “Unfortunately.” He turned to look at me. “I hope you got your answer.” I didn’t answer, just lost in thought. “If you can call that an answer. Who, or what, even is the Company?” I opened my mouth to ask another question. “Earlier in the room, when people were accusing Yoo Junghyeok, you said that you, that I, that we were the cause of the scenarios. What did we do?” The other man sighed. “I knew you would ask that eventually. Currently, I don’t know how much I can say. All you need to know is that everything will turn out alright.” I groan, “That is not comforting whatsoever.”   I look at my other self, it really was like looking in a mirror. “Please tell me,” The Demon King turned his back. I don’t stop pushing. “Please… I need to know.” With his back still turned, he said, “I’m sorry.” I sighed and bowed my head. 

~~~

As Dokja bowed his head, he missed the tears forming in the eyes of the Demon King. He missed how the Supreme King walked to the other and pulled him into a small embrace. He missed as the other protagonist in the room watched this outward display of affection in confusion. Dokja missed how the former regressor made his way over to him after a small show of affection. Slowly, the future protagonist placed his hand on the shoulder of his younger reader.

~~~

I felt a hand being placed on my arm. I looked up and met the eyes of this future Yoo Junghyeok. “I just want you to know that you are worthy of the friendships you’ve made.” Such a simple sentence, but one I didn’t expect to come out of the mouth of ‘Yoo Junghyeok’. After all, I’ve read about this man’s life for ten years, and never have I seen him show such emotion. I opened my mouth hesitantly. Perhaps, something changed in Yoo Junghyeok, something only gained at the end. “Are- are you alright?” The older king let out a small laugh. He pointed to the very distraught protagonist across the room. “I think you should be asking him that.” He took my hand and pulled me to my feet, giving a small push in the direction of the other man. “Try to talk to him.”

Suddenly, both he and my other self began to fade. “Would you look at that?” The former regressor spoke softly, looking at both of his arms as he faded. He turned to my other self. “I think we completed the task.” A smile appeared on the man in white’s face. “See you on the other side.” The smile that would have formed on the former regressor's face vanished. “Don’t say that again.” He turned to me. “Good luck.” Both of them disappeared from the room, leaving me with a very emotionally unstable protagonist. I turned to him, our eyes met. “Yoo- “ The protagonist scoffed and started walking away. “Okay, you damn sunfish.” I ran after him. “Yoo Junghyeok wait!” I hear him curse before he broke into a full sprint. “This fucking!- “ I chased after him. “I need to talk to you!” I barely had time to slide left before a sword was sent toward my face. I grit my teeth, the sword leaving a small cut across my cheek. “Well… at least he doesn’t have his sword anymore.” I unsheathed mine and ran. “Yoo Junghyeok please!” I screamed. “Let me talk to you!” 

“I have nothing to say to you!” The regressor yelled. “You traitor!” I statement hurt, but he wasn’t wrong. I felt my heart clench and my throat close but I couldn’t give up. I forced the words the leave my mouth. “You don’t have to say anything! Just listen to me!” I panted, damn him and his protagonist stamina. “I don’t have to listen to you!” Junghyeok cursed as he continued running. I couldn’t keep chasing after him. Pausing for just a moment, I gathered as much strength as I could and threw the sword forward, managing to catch the regressor's black coat and leaving him stuck to the ground. He turned and glared at me.

I jumped and kicked him in the chest, causing him to fall into the crowd. I grabbed the sword out of the ground and sent it down through the side of his coat. Quickly, I dove on top of him and held him down, pinning his hands just above his head. “WILL YOU FUCKING LISTEN TO ME!!” I yelled. Junghyeok stayed quiet, a scowl etched on his face. “Junghyeok I-” “Nothing you could ever say will make a difference. I hate you.” A sound played in my head. I had heard it enough times to know that it meant that one of my skills have be activated. “That’s strange, I didn’t- “  

[Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint Level 2]

{Nothing you could ever say will make a difference. I still love you… you fool.}

Chapter Text

(Third Person POV)

Yoo Junghyeok stared into the eyes of the man holding him down. He knew he was speaking to him, but he couldn’t hear a word. All he felt was the weight holding him down, the pressure keeping his hands above his head, and the cold steel of the blade that had been driven through the upper part of his shirt. He remembered fighting, fighting a person he thought he could trust. But I can trust him … Then two more people showed up. He knew he had said a few things during this time, but he just couldn’t remember. All he knew was that this man couldn’t be trusted. He had hurt him. But he didn’t hurt me. I hurt him. This is all a misunderstanding. He knew his mind was a battleground of conflicting thoughts. All of them screaming different things about this man. It was so loud. All he knew was that he needed to get away. So once the two strangers disappeared, he took the chance and ran. And the man ran after him.

Now you see how Yoo Junghyeok managed to get himself into this position.  Being held down by a man he could easily flip over. But he couldn’t, the conflict in his mind wouldn’t let him. It was too loud, there was too much noise. Then he heard his voice. “WILL YOU FUCKING LISTEN TO ME!!” Yoo Junghyeok knew it came from the man above him. The call sounded so faint, so far away compared to the war going on in his head. Still, it was enough for him to hear his voice. “Junghyeok I-”  He heard himself answer, he just couldn’t hear his voice. Trapped in his mind, he thought of his own response. “Nothing you could ever say will make a difference. I still love you… you fool.”

(Dokja’s POV)

{Nothing you could ever say will make a difference. I still love you… you fool.}

“What?” My mind froze. “Did I hear that correctly?” I pushed the thought out of my mind. There was no way in the universe Yoo Junghyeok would say that. So I must have-

{I really am a worthless human being, aren’t I? If I could still be considered that.}

I blanked. “Yoo Junghyeok!” I screamed. I realized what this was. He was in his Regression Depression. But because of the scenarios we are in, he can’t regress because ‘Regression’ doesn’t count as a mental skill. However, while all physical skills have been reduced, that doesn’t mean they can’t be activated. “Hey! Listen to my voice! You have to fight this!” The protagonist sent a death glare my way and yelled. “Shut up you piece of shit! I don’t need you!” 

{I can’t do this anymore. I can’t do this alone. Someone, please help me.}

“It’s as if there are two versions of him.” I think to myself. The physical one, the one that everyone sees. It keeps up the cold persona of a powerful regressor. Then there is the mental one, the one that only wishes to be free of his burden, the one only I can see. I open my mouth. “It’s okay Yoo Junghyeok. Let me help you.” And so the regressor screamed in my face. “I don’t need your help! You used me! I hate you.” Quietly, I listen to hear his inner thoughts.

{No… I need you. You showed me that I didn’t have to do this alone. Please don’t leave.}

That was all the confirmation I needed. “You are strong Yoo Junghyeok. But even the strong need help sometimes. Just know that I am here for you.” He laughed. “Future you said that he was the reason I am like this. I know that you are here for me. YOU DID THIS TO ME!” My mouth couldn’t open. I mean… what could I say? I didn’t know what future me did.

{Did you- did you really- are you the reason- did you do this to me?}

“Shit.” Even his inner thoughts began to spiral. “I don’t know Yoo Junghyeok.” I had nothing to say but the truth. “I wish I could say that he was lying, but he’s me. And I know I wouldn’t lie about something like that.” The regressor laughed again. “You really think you can help me? When you are the reason for all my suffering.” I waited, but the quiet voice stayed silent. “I don’t know that full story. Not even my future self would tell me.”

“You useless fool. You say you want to help me, but what do you know?” Laughter ripped from his throat. “What could you do? You did this to me.” My grip on his hands loosened as I stood. I sighed. “Perhaps I was mistaken.” 

[Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint Level 2 Deactivated]

~~~

And so Dokja turned his back to the quiet regressor, the silence so loud that he couldn't hear how labored and forced the breaths of the protagonist were. So loud was the silence that he could not hear the weak whimpers and cries that left the man's mouth. So loud was the silence that he couldn't even hear the soft hurried steps that chased after him. So loud was the silence that Yoo Junghyeok finally had to lower his guard and take the first step.

~~~

(Junghyeok’s POV)

“It’s okay Yoo Junghyeok. Let me help you.”

The storm in my head began to still as the man's words filled my mind. The darkness and fog slowly rose from my eyes.

“You are strong Yoo Junghyeok. But even the strong need help sometimes. Just know that I am here for you.”

The pitch void broke and gave way the white light. Finally, the raging war in my head began to vanish, giving way to silence. Then I heard my voice.

“Future you said that he was the reason I am like this. I know that you are here for me. YOU DID THIS TO ME!”

I couldn’t believe my own words. “Did you- did you really- are you the reason- did you do this to me?”

“I don’t know Yoo Junghyeok. I wish I could say that he was lying, but he’s me. And I know I wouldn’t lie about something like that.” “You really think you can help me? When you are the reason for all my suffering.” “I don’t know that full story. Not even my future self would tell me.” “ You useless fool. You say you want to help me, but what do you know? What could you do? You did this to me.” 

“Perhaps I was mistaken.”  

Sight returned to my eyes and I saw white… white was the color of the coat he wore… and now he was walking away. I inhaled a sharp breath of air. “No-  please-” The words left my throat. I tried to call but my voice failed. “I can’t let him leave. Not when he tried so hard. Not when I know he is the only person who can help me. Save me. ” I forced myself to take a step forward, nearly falling. I couldn’t stop now, pushing myself, I walked. Taking a few more steps, I crumbled to the ground, managing to grab onto the sleeve of his coat. I fell to my knees. Realizing my actions, I laughed. I was Yoo Junghyeok the Regressor, and now I was acting like this. 

“Look at me you fool, I’m fucking pathetic… 

…A pathetic traitor.”

Chapter Text

(Dokja’s POV)

I felt a hand grip the sleeve of my coat, the hand keeping me from walking and further. I sighed and turned my head. “What do you wa- “ My voice froze as the figure in front of me fell to the ground, kneeling in front of me. I dropped to my knees. Grabbing his shoulders, I called to him. “Yoo Junghyeok!” He started laughing. The sound of one of my skills activating rang through my ears. I immediately knew what it was.

[Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint Level 2]

{Look at me you fool, I’m fucking pathetic…}

{…A pathetic traitor.”}

My grip on his shoulders immediately hardened. I opened my mouth to speak, making sure to keep my voice gentle. “Junghyeok-ah, listen to me. You are not pathetic.” I thought I saw his eyes waver, but he didn’t respond. Or at least not with his voice.

{“You can hear me… can’t you?”}

I nod my head in response. The protagonist scoffed. He lifted his head, his eyes locking with mine. To most, they would look cold and empty. But to me… all I saw was pain and suffering. And a longing to learn the truth. “You don’t have to talk to me Junghyeok-ah. We can just stay like this if you want?”

{“I forgot you had a skill like this?”}

I let out a small laugh. “It’s okay to forget about things. No one can remember everything.” The light left his eyes. I immediately regretted saying that the second after the words left my mouth. From what I remember reading about, Yoo Junghyeok only had the information he knew because he had t live his life over and over and over again. Whenever he forgot something, it would either lead to his death or the death of someone he cared for. And he hated himself for it. “Junghyeok wait.”

{“Don’t lie to me. I am pathetic.”}

I slapped him across the face. He gave me a look of utmost betrayal. He bowed his head once more. “Stop saying that about yourself Yoo Junghyeok, you are human, you can’t be perfect. You will make mistakes, and you can’t do anything to stop it..” His thoughts stayed silent. I hope I didn’t say anything too far. “I’m sorry.” It clicked in my mind that he spoke using his real voice. Then the regressor looked me in the eyes, small streams of water flowing from his own. “Yoo Junghyeok?” A nearly whispered. This man who I have read about for over ten years, this man who would readily die for those he cared for, this man who saved me… this man was crying… and Yoo Junghyeok never cries. 

His head drops once more. Before I knew it, my hand had already risen up to hold his cheek. I cringed internally at the action, but I didn’t pull back. “Hey,” I ask softly. “It’s okay.” I crouched in front of him so I could hold him up. “It’s okay to make mistakes, everyone does. But making them doesn’t mean you are pathetic.” His eyes drop. “You know me as Yoo Jugnhyeok the Regressor. A powerful man who lives his life over and over and over again. That is what the universe knows me by as well. But what kind of regressor am I if I can’t save my companions? What-” Yoo Junghyeok paused, his voice breaking before he finally answered. “What kind of companion am I when I push those who try to help me away?”

I open my mouth. “A human companion. A companion no different from the others. And there is nothing wrong with that.” He dropped his head onto my chest. Hesitantly, I bring my free hand to his back. “Let’s go back Junghyeok-ah.” He slaps my hand from his cheek and stands, trying to dry the tears from his eyes. He gives me one of his infamous death glares. “Tell anyone about what happening in here, and I will kill you.” He snarls as I laugh. “Looks likes everything will be alright from now on.” Then something comes into my mind. “What did you and my mother talk about.” The glare hardened on his face. “Tch… It was nothing important. She just convinced me to let you live for the time being.” I stare at him. “So it concerns me. What did she say?” The next words that leave his mouth are cold but stern. “Ask your mother. But she was quite adamant about the sufferings of your childhood. Something about a book and your father.”

My hand flew to my head as pain and an image of my mother holding a bloody knife popped into my mind. The scene of her standing above my father’s body plays in my head. I noticed a hand coming my way, but that’s all I saw before the world went black.

~~~

(Junghyeok’s POV)

I was already scorning myself with the fact that I had broken down in front of this man. Maybe this anger was misplaced as I couldn’t help the following sentence that left my mouth. “Ask your mother. But she was quite adamant about the sufferings of your childhood. Something about a book and your father.” I saw his eyes and body language shift as my phrase began to integrate into his mind. “Kim Dokja…” I called his name, but I could tell he couldn’t hear me. His body began to sway. I reached out to him just before he stumbled back. “Ya… Kim Dokja!” Then he fell… and I fell with him. His breathing began to quicken as both of his hands grasped at his face. This idiot, this fucking idiot. I had been through enough episodes of my own to know what a panic attack was… and… goddamit… I knew how to help him. “Bastard, don’t you have a skill for this?” I grit my teeth as I bring and an arm around his back. “Listen to my voice. Whatever you are seeing, it’s not real. Just focus on my voice.” I heard him grunt as he tried to calm his breathing. “Just listen to my voice.”

I don’t know how long we stayed there like that, just crouched on the ground. But then again, I don’t care. Once I saw the shift in his eyes once more, I stood up. “Are you back yet?” He gave a slight nod. I let out a curt laugh. “Oh, how the tables have turned.” I took his hand and pulled him to his feet. “I thought you had a skill to protect your mentality?” Dokja sighed. “I thought I did too. I don’t know why it didn’t activate.” Just then, I felt a slight shift in the room. Grabbing his white coat and dragging him behind me, I tense, trying to find out what was wrong. Then we hear the voice. “You couldn’t use ‘Fourth Wall’ cause of me.” I jerked my head at her voice. My eyes landed on the damned form of the witch named Rymera. “I had kept it frozen for the last few minutes. “I didn’t know you could do that.” My companion spoke behind me.

“What do you want with us?” I grit my teeth. The emerald-eyed girl sighed. “You people have to stop being so distrusting of me. What must one do to gain a few brownie points around here?” Both of us kept quiet, pulling a scoff from her mouth. “Wow…” She looked at me. “At least thank me for doing you a favor.” 

“You are the one who put us here!” I snarl.

“And you are the one who asked!” Rymera sighed again before speaking. “Don’t you notice anything different about your companion?”

“I’m not his companion.” Never had I ever wanted to punch this fool so bad, even Rymera rolled her eyes at that comment. She spoke, “Are you playing dumb or are you seriously this oblivious? Just look at him?” Then she pointed to me. I’m going to have a long list of people to hunt down once we are released from this scenario. Our eyes met, he must be waiting for my answer. However, this brief look into his eyes made one thing very clear. I could see his face. Before I could even think, one of my hands was already making it’s way to his face. I managed to stop myself. Thankfully, I don’t think he noticed. “I can see your face.” I breathed. It’s not like I couldn’t before. I could always see his face but whenever I tried to think back on what he looked like, everything about him was blurred. “I can see you.” Dokja backed away and looked over to Rymera once he heard my words. “Did you do this?”

“Let me tell you about a little secret Incarnation Kim Dokja. While you do find out about it later on, it won’t hurt to tell you now. The skill you have, ‘Fourth Wall’, it not only protects you mentally and physically, it literally acts like a fourth wall. It separates you from the people, or characters, you meet. Since the first scenario, The Fourth Wall has been hiding your appearance from all living beings. While they see your face in the moment if they try to think back on the memory, the only thing they will find is a blur. And speaking of Fourth Wall, I should probably turn it back on.” With one snap of his fingers, I could no longer see the details of his face… however, I could somehow still see his figure from the brief moment we shared just a few seconds before. “Take us back, Rymera.” 

“That’s all!” I glare at her. “Fine.” Several screens appear and she begins the process of bringing us back. “Yoo Junghyeok…” A soft voice called my name. “Are you- are you not mad at me?” I sigh. “How could I be mad at you when I do the exact same thing? I guess it’s just a tased of my own medicine.” There was a brief pause. “Oh… and did you mean what she said? Do you truly see me as a companion?” I glare at him, I’ve been glaring at a lot more people lately. “Do you need me to spell it out for you? Yes, I see you as a companion. Don’t make me regret it or I will kill you.” Across from us, Rymera whispered. “Dream couple.” 

“I will kill you.”

“Sheesh, anyways, I managed to adjust the time difference when I removed the other two. You guys will appear a few seconds after them. Good luck and have fun watching.” And with another bright flash of light, the floor disappeared and we reappeared back in the room.

Chapter Text

(Dokja’s POV)

Finally, after what had felt like an eternity, I was back in the main room. And what I saw… was a war ground. Even the cold protagonist stood frozen behind me.

Han Sooyoung held a trembling incarnation in her hands, holding him high enough that his feed wasn’t touching the ground. Then she yelled in his face. “What do you think now, huh?! You fucking punk!” She shook the poor man before raising his hand to his face. Sangah-ssi managed to stop her. “I know you are mad,” Her voice held greatly restrained anger. “As am I, but I’m sure we can settle this in a more civil manner. Please calm down.” Han Sooyoung stared at Yoo Sangah with a dumbfounded look. “Oh please, all things civil disappeared once the scenarios started.” Then she screamed. “And don’t tell me to calm down! If a constellation can punch incarnations in here, so can I!” Sooyoung gripped the face of the incarnation and forced it straight into the ground. My eyes widened as called out. “Han Sooyoung! We can’t kill people in here!” She didn’t hear me.

A gust of wind shot past both me and the regressor. In the blur of colors, I managed to catch a black dress, blonde hair, and most importantly, a pair of small angel wings. “Uriel!” Her screams soon silenced my thoughts. “Not so strong now, are you!?” That is when I noticed the wrists she gripped in her hands and the incarnation pinned to the ground by her foot pressing on his back. “I will make you live to regret what you said!” Then my head was pulled to the sound of Hades and Persephone scolding a group of incarnations. If glares could kill, those incarnations would be dead before their feet. And it wasn’t just them; Hyeonseon, Huiwon, Jihye, and even the kids were all fighting someone. Hell, even the people and constellations of tables 3 and 10 had someone in their grasp. “What the fuck is going on?” Two familiar figures walked over to me. 

“What happened when we left?” Yoo Junghyeok asked about the future versions of ourselves. The former regressor was the first to answer. “We got back a few moments ago, but we were able to get some information out of a bystander.” My future self scoffed. “More like you threatened the information out of them.” 

…

“It gets the job down faster.”

“So what happened?” I asked. “So apparently…” The protagonist paused. “Someone said something derogatory about you and Yoo Junghyeok. Thus all of your allies and companions are seen attacking the violating incarnations. They have been like this for nearly half an hour.” I turned from the man in black and stared at the carnage currently taking place in the room. “They haven’t seen us?” Yoo Junghyeok shrugged. “Rymera might be working on getting everyone to see us considering our current state.” I raised a brow. “What’s our current state?” A small laugh came out of both of their mouths. I stared at them and noticed a small glitch or blur surrounding all four of us. Then I saw it. Next to me stood three different things. A really small child with my white coat, Yoo Junghyeok in an astronaut suit, and a giant sunfish. I finally got why the other two were laughing. “Oh god, what did I look like?” I turn to my companion. “Yoo Junghyeok-ssi…” I swallow the lump forming in my throat. “How do I look?” He gave me a strange look but answered right away. “You look normal.” I inhale, trying to calm myself. “Look harder.” Yoo Junghyeok rolled his eyes but continued to stare. There was a shift in his eyes. I could tell he noticed something.

“I can see your face. Strange, even with the Fourth Wall activated, I can see you. Rymera must have done something.” “Oh…” I pause, “Interesting, but not the information I need right now.” I speak again. “Are you sure I don’t look different? You truly don’t see a change in my appearance?” Yoo Junghyeok looked me up and down, a frown crossing his face. “What game are you playing.” I resist the urge to slap him across the face. I walk a few steps back and wave my arms. “See anything now?” Junghyeok continued to stare. “Look, if you want a mushy compliment, I’m not given you one.” Now I really want to slap him across the face. “I don’t want a compliment!” I shout, not realizing how much quieter it had gotten in the room. “I just want you to tell me what is different.” The protagonist sighs. “Fine… Since I can see your face… I’ll say this.” He looked me in the eyes as I felt a sense of either dread, panic, or confusion take over. 

“Kim Dokja, you are very pretty.” It was so quiet in the room that one could hear a pin drop. Then people spoke.

“No way.” “Did we really have to fight? We missed them flirting.” “When did they get back anyway?” I felt a warm heat begin to rise up my neck. “This fucking bastard!” Huiwon and Sooyoung walked up to us while a particular angel was having a nosebleed in a corner. “Just one couple fight, and you guys are flirting already?” Huiwon teased while Sooyoung smirked. The smirk disappeared as she squinted her eyes and looked me up and down. “I know this is you, Dokja-ssi. But why do you look like a squid? Such an ugly one at that.”

I grit my teeth. “So that’s what I look like… I really want to hit something…” I inhale. “Rymera!” A flash of light and then a burst of shrill laughter rang through the room. “You called Mr. Reader.” I glare at her. “Fix this.” I make a motion to myself and the three standing next to me. The girl rolled her emerald green eyes. “Fine… but thank me for altering the restriction covering you.” She snapped her fingers again. A second later, a felt two bodies colliding with mine. “Ajusshi/Hyung!” Both Yuseung and Gilyeong cried out, burying their faces in my coat and wrapping their arms around my waste. I knelt down and returned the hug. “Hello.” They tightened their grip on me. “I promise I’m fine.” 

Instantly, both of them looked up. “Please don’t do that again.” Shin Yuseung cried. “Please don’t ever leave.” I let out a heavy sigh. What would I ever do without my lovely children? “I won’t go anywhere.” I studied Yuseung’s face. Her eyes were red and puffy. “Did you cry for my Yuseung-ah?” She hit me gently before yelling. “I didn’t cry!” Gilyeong rolled his eyes beside her. “She broke down the minute you were taken.” Yuseung glared at him. “I did not!” “She would have flooded the entire room if it weren’t for a stupid incarnation.” “Liar!” “But don’t worry hyung, I didn’t cry. I fought the guy for you.” “Why you!!” I guess everything is fine.

Then a hand gripped the back of my collar and pulled me up. “You ugly squid!” Ahh… Han Sooyoung-ssi. She spun me around before raising a hand to slap my face. Huiwon stopped her. “Don’t you dare.” She rolled her eyes before turning to me. “You made us wait here for a whole half hour.” “It wasn’t my fault that you guys had to wait all that time.” I looked at the protagonist standing just a few feet away. He began to walk back to his chair. Huiwon scoffed at the action, pulling me back to our table. “So did you guys make out or?” “Huiwon-ssi!”

“What the hell!” Who are they?!” “Why am I seeing double?!” “Are my eyes deceiving me?!” The sudden commotion of voices pulled all to table ten. There, Rymera was standing in front of the future protagonist and my future self. This time, there was no blur. “Okay guys! I have an announcement!” Rhymera called throughout the room. “I know many of you have been wondering about the identities of those at table ten. Well, originally, none of you were ever going to find out. So make sure to give the Demon King of Salvation your gratitude and thanks. As time goes on, more of them will be revealed, so please until that time, be respectful. And remember, don’t kill anyone, and don’t overthink it.” Rymera proceeded to disappear into the air. All that was left was silence, everyone staring at the two at table ten.

Future Yoo Junghyeok let out a groan and future me tried to move on. “Now I know everyone wants some answers and I promise you that you will get them in time. For now, let us move on to the next episode.” Gilyeong spoke next to me. “Hyung… you’re a constellation?” I was then bombarded with questions. I let out a sigh. “Why me?” Future me tried to diffuse the conversation. “Now, now, I’m sure you all know that he doesn’t know anything. Please stop bothering him.” Nothing helped. I watched him talking with his table. I couldn’t hear much of it over the shouts and screams of the incarnations and constellations around me, but I did get two words. ‘Voice… probability.’ Imediealty, I knew what he was going to do. I yelled at my companions. “Cover your ears!” Quickly, albeit confused, they followed, and not a second too soon.

[Please be quiet everyone.]

All around me, incarnations who weren’t strong enough to resist a constellation’s true voice screamed in pain, coughing up several streams of blood in the process. 

[The ‘Fourth Wall’ has been activated]

[The ‘Fourth Wall’ is shaking]

[The skill ‘Fourth Wall’ is nullifying your pain]

I grit my teeth, the feeling of a constellation’s true voice was never meant to be felt by incarnations. Constellations are so powerful that their voice alone can cause extreme pain to a regular incarnation. Currently, the only incarnations still standing in the room were Yoo Junghyeok and me. At that moment, I remembered one of the rules set by Rymera. 

“ Constellations, please refrain from using your powers and true voice. My master has already weakened the effect, but please do not try to break through the restrictions. I’m looking at all of you Myth-Grade constellations.”

Most constellations shouldn’t be able to use their true voice. If the Demon King of Salvation is able to use his, then that means he... that I... that we are a Myth-Grade constellation. “But how? Even if I become a Myth-Grade, using my true voice shouldn’t cause this much destruction.” Another storm of probability was begging to form from the use of a true voice. But instead of the familiar glowing sparks, it was fragments of a story.

[...Constellation ‘Demon King of Salvation’ has reached his…]

[…You have become…]

[…Your ⬛ ⬛️ is Eternity…]

Rymera popped back into the room. “What the hell!” She screamed, fanning at the story fragments, trying to get rid of them while completely ignoring the groans coming out of the Demon King’s mouth. “These are major spoilers!” She turned to glare at me… or other me. “You just got back here, and yet you choose to break another rule! Stop making me spend probability and watch the screen! The readers are way overdue on a plot reaction.”

[The ‘Fourth Wall’ is laughing at Rymera’s fourth wall joke]

But as she was about to turn the screen back on, someone yelled across the room. “I thought you said that constellations wouldn’t be able to use their true voice!” It was Anna Croft. She was one of the few who knew about a ‘true voice’ at this point in time. Her question caused others to wonder what she meant. “I did!” Rymera yelled back. “Historical and Narrative-Grade Constellations shouldn’t be able to in this room. If the Myth-Grades dare push it, they will be able to, but the probability will be a force to be reckoned with.” Anna looked like she was about to implode. “So you're saying that his guy is a Myth-Grade constellation!” She pointed at me. “Yes.” Rymera pointed at future me. “I’m saying that this guy is a Myth-Grade constellation. And a powerful one at that.  SO please… let's get back to watching the screen. You guys have had a whole half-hour break.”

I felt many eyes land on my back. Some of those included the people at my table. “Ajusshi, you’re a constellation?” Yuseung gave a small tug on my coat sleeve. “I am not a constellation. But that guy is.” I pointed to him, knowing fully that he and I would be the same given a little time.

[Someone has activated ‘Lie Detection’]

[‘Lie Detection’] has confirmed that your words that the truth]

I hear the groans of people around me at the confirmation. I don’t think anyone of them realize that table ten holds the future, but I can tell some of the constellations are already on the right track to figuring things out. I sighed as Han Sooyoung eyed me warily. The only incarnations that know are those at my table, everyone besides the children. The lights dim, and we finally return to watching the episodes. 

Several bubbles began to fly past the screen as hundreds more followed. Soon the muted sound of me being underwater was heard. The screen lit up, showing me being dragged by a current inside the Ichthyosaur. It’s a miracle nothing hit me. The camera zoomed in on my face.

“I’m struggling to keep holding my breath. But I have to hold on. I can’t pass out…”

Suddenly, the screen showed a waterfall of debris falling from the roof of the creature's stomach. Broken chunks of cement, cars, and all sorts of things were being thrown around. 

Kim Dokja began to gasp for air as he broke through the surface of the water. He placed his hand on the fleshy wall and tried to catch his breath. “It seems I’ve made it to its stomach without getting ripped apart and digested.” Dokja thought as he rummaged for his phone which apparently still worked. 

“Thank my stamina for that,” I said softly. If I hadn’t raised my stamina to level ten in my fight with Kim Namwoon. I don’t think I would have survived the multiple impacts with debris. My on-screen self shined his phone’s flashlight out in front of him. Revealing a sight that caused several incarnations in the room to vomit.

“Wow, what a sigh.” Kim Dokja thought as he stared at the blood-red water. Broken cars, chunks of cement, and mangled headless bodies littered the area. “Damn it,” Dokja said as he hurridly swam towards a floating platform. “Ugh. What a psychopath. Companion my ass.” Dokja began to mutter more things as he pulled himself onto the platform. Sitting down, he thought back to the look on Yoo Junghyeok's face. “If I wanted to be his companion, I had to survive.”

Back in reality, I told my table to prepare themselves for the inevitable mental dialogue I was about to give. “So do you guys want to place any bets?” Han Sooyoung asked around. It was Huiwon who spoke up. “On how long it will be or on what information we will learn.” “Can I join?” Both heads turned to face a certain green-eyed girl floating in the room. “Do you want to join Yoo Junghyeok? It’s most definitely going to be about you.” I stared at the three. “I don’t care.” Then went back to staring at the screen.

“Is this some kind of test? Does he want me to prove my worth to him as a companion?”

“Was it a test?” I asked Yoo Junghyeok. The regressor stared at the screen. “It was. I waited around the area for you for three days but you didn’t come up so I left. Then you showed up at the train station. I guess I underestimated you.” I listened to his words carefully. It was a normal response. But then why was my heart beginning to beat faster?

“However, I do understand why he’s doing this. ‘Companion’. That word held an incredible weight on Yoo Junghyeok.” An image of Yoo Junghyeok flashed on the screen. His back faced the camera as his coat blew in the wind. “He’s never made a true companion since he failed his first round.”

Yoo Junghyeok stiffened. He knew that this information was going to be about him. But he didn’t realize that it would tell about his past.

“Being a regressor, he was powerful, and people revered him as their savior. Because of this, he naturally became a lone wolf. To him, all humans are either his subordinates or his enemies.”

• Spot on. (Junghyeok)

I read his message on Midday Tryst and quickly replied.

• I’m sorry that others are seeing this. I didn’t realize how much my memories would reveal. (Dokja)

He didn’t reply, but I heard him mutter under his breath. “...it’s fine… not your fault...” I don’t think he realized that I heard him. It was only a fraction of a sentence, but I knew the message. (Kim Dokja is feeling bad about this. Wait till the cinema tower lol. - Dihna)

“So, this is most likely a test. He wants me to prove myself if I want to be treated as his equal.” Dokja closed his eyes and inhaled. “Open message log.” He played the message log. After listening to it, Dokja deduced that the additional messages came from his conversation with Yoo Junghyeok. If I had picked one of them to be my sponsor, perhaps I wouldn’t be down here. But after encountering Yoo Junghyeok, I do not regret my choice. I needed more than just a sponsorship if I wanted to confront him. And I would gain it here.

Yoo Junghyeok stared at me. I met his gaze. He seemed to be trying to figure out what happened. “You will find out soon enough. And when you do… please don’t kill me.”

The walls of the stomach growled, and small waves rose inside the being. “Looks like this thing is starting to move.” According to ‘Ways of Survival’, the stomachs of the Ichthyosaur start secreting acid around three minutes after they ingest their prey. In other words, I don’t have a lot of time left.

“Haha… I’m a bit disappointed. It was starting to get interesting.” The sound of a Dokkaebi’s voice rang through the room. Dokja turned to face the creature forming behind him. “Dokkaebi?” Dokja asked.

Yoo Junghyeok looked at me with a raised eyebrow but didn’t say anything. Han Sooyoung, on the other hand, couldn’t wait to start a possibly deadly conversation. “Were you really waiting for him Dokja-ssi?” I sigh. “I’m sure you will learn if you just watch the screen.”

“Yes. it’s me. But you don’t seem panicked at all.”

“That’s because I knew you would come.” 

“This really isn’t fair…” Huiwon whined. “If I had the information you had early in the scenarios. I might not have let myself be used by those bastard men at Geumho.” I shrug. “Sorry Huiwon, I didn’t realize that reading a book for ten years would come in handy at some point in time.”

“Just you wait Yoo Junghyeok. Not only will I get out of here in one piece… but I will also obtain the power to stand as your equal.” The camera showed the figure of Yoo Junghyeok staring at the Commander. “You will have no choice but to accept me as your companion.” And as the creature swam farther up the Han River, Yoo Junghyeok walked out of the frame.

“I don’t know why, but watching this scene with the sound of the wind blowing in the background is kind of nice.” Lee Jihye commented, resting he arms on the table and placing her head on top of them. “It is a little shift compared to what we normally go through,” Yuseung added as Gilyeong gave a small nod. As the kids continued talking amongst themselves, I couldn’t help but stare at the look on Yoo Junghyeok’s face. I knew the rest of the group was doing the same. Most people would think he was just staring at the water, but with the knowledge we had now, the look Yoo Junghyeok had on his face was one of blooming hope. The scene shifted back to Dokja inside the Ichthyosaur.

“You’ve been waiting for me?” Bihyung asked unbelievingly. “Yes,” Dokja answered. “You have coins to collect from me.” The dokkaebi gave a short pause. “Coins?” 

“You have to take my coins as a penalty since I’ve failed the scenario.”  A small smile started to form across Bihyung’s face. “Coins? And not your life?” He asked curtly. The screen showed a flashback to the scenario window. Kim Dokja continued with his reasoning. “If you were going to take my life, the penalty for failure would have said death, not three question marks. Doesn’t that mean there’s room to negotiate?”

I felt something hit my hand. I looked down at the spoon and then at the person who had thrown it. “What?” I ask the culprit. She starts laughing. “There is no way you are about to do what I think you are about to do,” Sooyoung smirked. “And what do you think that is?” She doesn’t answer, staring at the screen while holding keeping her hand pressed down on her mouth. 

“HAHAHA!!” Bihyung laughed. “Interesting.” Dokja stared at the creature in the air coldly. “Am I wrong?” He asked. The Dokkaebi hesitated for a moment before continuing. “As you’ve said, you can buy your way out of failed sub-scenario penalties by using coins. I’m impressed you’ve managed to come to such a conclusion from that tiny clue. No wonder all the constellation have their eyes on you.”

Incarnations around the room were all processing the new information. I sighed once more, feeling like I will be exhaling for the majority of this scenario. “The more you watch the more you learn.” Huiwon shrugged. I felt her start from where she sat but I didn’t bother to address her. Instead, my eye wandered over the protagonist across the table. So far, he doesn’t seem like he is about to murder me. This new information would come as a shock to him as well since he doesn’t learn about it till his 8th regression. 

“How much?” Dokja asked. The Dokkaebi grinned. “The price will be 5100 coins. Pay it, then I will let you live.” Dokja looked at his inventory and scowled. “5100 coins?! He has to got to be kidding me.”

“Welp, rest in peace Dokja. May the underworld have mercy on his soul.” I stare a Jihye. “I’m sitting right here you know.” I don’t think she cared.

“That’s too expensive.” Kim Dokja gawped. “You shameless sob .” Bihyung smiled and leaned back into air. “Then you can go ahead and die. If you don’t pay up, you can just call it quits here and now. In fact, I’m doing you a favor by killing you.”

“Oh, how could I have been so naive?” The current Bihyung had his face down on the table. Lee Hyeonsung, who was sitting next to him, looked like he wanted to comfort him but didn’t quite no how. So he proceeded to just pat the top of his head. I wanted to take a picture.

Kim Dokja smiled.

“Oh shit!” Huiwon yelled, not caring that Sangah was telling her off for swearing with children near bye. “I know that smile! Dokja-ssi always looks like that when he has an idea that could get him killed.” 

“Then just kill me.” The smile disappeared from Bihyung’s face. “What?” 

Yoo Junghyeok leaned forward from his chair as he watched the screen. He knew what I was doing at this point but he didn’t know my end goal. I just hope that when he figured it out that he would spare my life.

“I said kill me,” Dokja said with a clear grin on his face. “You can’t, can you?” Bihyung remained frozen in the air. “Right now, the constellations are having a blast because of what I’ve done. Because of that, he won’t lay a finger on me because I'm drawing in quite a crowd. And if he was going to kill me, he wouldn’t have come all the way here to see me.”

I felt Uriel squeeze my cheeks as she squealed from behind me. “My Dokja is so smart.” I didn’t even notice her walk to me. I tried to pry her hands off my face, but all that did was strengthen her grip.

Bihyung’s eyes began to glow a bright red. “Haha. You’re starting to piss me off. Hey, just what are you trying to pull?”

The next few words that came out of my on-screen mouth rang loud and clear across the room. I sighed as I placed my head down in my arms. 

“Low-grade Dokkaebi, Bihyung.” Bihyung froze. “How’s your career as a streamer going?” 

I could feel the stares and hear the murmurs coming from all the tables holding constellations. Most excessively the one holding members of Olympus. I sigh. Great, just great.

The Dokkaebi’s horns began to shake. “W-What! How do you know my name?!” He pointed at Dokja who just smiled and answered back. “Not well, I assume. The constellations have been rather stingy as of late, haven’t they?” Bihyung yelled at him. “W-Who the hell are you?! How can a mere human know about the Star Stream.”

[A few constellations have become suspicious of your identity.]

[The eyes of the constellation, Secretive Plotter, sparkle at your plan.]

Dokja proceed to mouth the following sentence to the shocked Dokkaebi. “Why don’t you shut the channel off for a minute so we can talk?” The screen cackled for a minute with several sparks of electricity before turning off.

In reality, the room exploded. “That is not fair!” “Why was he getting special treatment!” “That incarnation should be punished for this!” “If it weren’t for this, I bet you Kim Dok-fucking-ja wouldn’t be alive!” “Someone kill him when we get out of here!” “He doesn’t deserve to live!” I sat at my table, quietly absorbing all the insults… if they could even be called insults. But then again, I had learned to tune them out a long time ago. 

I stared at the sight unfolding, all of my companions and allies at other tables had begun fighting back. I could tell it was loud, but I couldn’t hear anything. I guess all those “son of a murderer” and “go kill yourself” insults I got in high school were actually handy when it came to blurring out all the noise. I could tell that someone was talking to me but here’s the problem with tuning out noise, you can’t choose what to filter through. I’m pretty sure I just stared at the wall behind them for a good half minute. It was only until they grasped my shoulders that I was bought back.

I locked eyes with the one grabbing my shoulders and raised an eyebrow. I was met with his dark, cold eyes and grim expression. “Yoo Junghyeok?” I barely whispered. Once he saw me back, he got up and walked back to his seat. Strange, why didn’t Fourth Wall keep me from dissociating? “ WILL YOU ALL BE QUIET!!!” A very angry voice belonging to a certain green-eyed girl exploded through the toom. “None of you cowards have the right to be blaming anyone when you know all of would be doing the same thing!!” The rage in her voice was so clear that even the constellations in the room stilled in their seats. “Okay, I will allow emotions but any physical gesture will not be tolerated. Please get back to watching the screen.”

“So…” Bihyung spoke with quiet rage, his eyes livid. “Let’s hear what you have to say. How do you know about the star stream when you’re only human?”

A card flashed across the screen as Dokja narrated the words.

The Star Stream System

• Also known as the Star Stream, the Star Stream System is the means by which footage is broadcasted over the entire galaxy. The subscribers are the constellations that reside in galaxies far, far away. The actors are humans like myself. And the Dokkaebi are the streamers. They are the storytellers that bridge the two worlds.

In the corner of my eye, I saw the constellations of tables 4 and 5 begin to talk with each other. This is a little concerning as those tables hold the constellations belonging to Olympus, Vedas, Papyrus, and Asgard. “They are probably trying to figure out how to get rid of me considering how much of a threat I am with the knowledge I know and possess. If I could guess when It would probably be around the time we enter the Black Castle. That’s not good. It’s only a few scenarios away. I might need to start preparing for that inevitable event.”

“That’s not important right now,” Dokja answered flatly. Bihyung looked shocked. “What?” “Bihyung, don’t you want to be King of the Dokkaebis?” The expression on the floating creature's face quickly morphed into one of fluster. He opened his mouth. “What are you–” Dokja cut him off. “Don’t you want to surpass the likes of Dokgak or Gildal and become the best streamer there ever was?”

“Dokkaebi Bihyung.” Kim Dokja lifted his hand to reach out. “Sign a contract with me, and I will make you the Dokkaebi King.” The look on Bihyung’s face no longer showed any rage, but one of wonder and possibility. 

The screen went black, but before more fighting could break loose, Rymera entered the room. “Okay, I have an announcement. Before we continue on to the next episode, I have decided to relieve several of you of your watch party status and returned to the currently ‘frozen in time’ world of scenarios. This is due to the fact that my master's is having a hard time keeping up with the probability demand. (aka, the writer is getting tired of putting in random people and constellations.) Tables 4 through 9 with be removed and their memories whipped.”

All hell broke loose.

“That’s not fair!” “You can’t remove the knowledge we know now!” “This is our reward for being forced to come here!” Rymera just smiled and laughed. “I guess that’s what happened when someone powerful has enough probability to spend. Come now, a little room rearrangement is in order.” She snapped her fingers and a bright flash of light erupted through the room, the 5 tables disappeared. Table 2 was also gone but two of the constellations there had been spared.

Looking around the room, I realize the remaining tables had also been moved, and when I say moved I mean moved out of the room. The rest of us found ourselves on our feet. The room had also gotten considerably smaller. Instead of tables, pillows, blankets, and giant bean bag chairs littered the room. There also several couches and chairs.“I thought that since most of the unnecessary crowd was gone, I might make things a bit more comfy.” Rymera smiled. She pointed to the two shorter sides of the rectangular room. Both of which had a door. “Since you will all be here for a while, you will need a place to stay.” She walked over to one door and opened it, revealing a hallway filled with more doors. “You will all find a door with your name or modifier on it.” 

Rymera pointed at the double door of the longer wall, directly opposite the giant screen. “That door will lead somewhere after my master has finished deciding where. For now, please don’t open it or you and everyone in this room will be sucked into the void.” Uriel raised her hand. “Are we able to sit where ever we like now?” 

“Of course, but once again, please leave the original members of table ten alone. Thank you.” And with a flash of light, Rymera was gone. Both Gilyeong and Yuseung sprinted to one of the giant bean bags and collapsed onto it. They then proceed to fight over who was there first. I smiled and made my way to their area. I took a quick peek at the registration list to see who was still here.

1. Abyssal Black Flame Dragon
2. ◼️◼️◼️  ◼️◼️◼️  Master
3. ◼️◼️◼️  Lord
4. Defense Master
5. Demon King of Salvation
6. Demon-Like Judge of Fire
7. Director of the False Last Act
8. Emperor of ◼️◼️◼️
9. Father of the Rich Night
10. Gong Pildu
11. Guam Divine Docter
12. Han Myeongoh
13. Han Sooyoung
14. ◼️◼️◼️ Doctor
15. Insect King
16. Judge of Apocalypse
17. Jung Huiwon
18. Kim Dokja
19. Lee Gilyeong
20. Lee Hyeonsung
21. Lee Jihye
22. Lee Seolhwa
23. Lee Sookyung
24. ◼️◼️◼️ Admiral
25. Maritime War God
26. Mass Production Maker
27. Master of Steel
28. Moonlight Empress
29. Prisoner of the Golden Headband
30. Queen of the Darkest Spring
31. Ruler of the Deepest Pit
32. Secretive Potter
33. Shin Yuseung
34. ◼️◼️◼️ King
35. Yoo Junghyeok
36. Yoo Mia
37. Yoo Sangah

“So 37 of us remain.” I sat down on the couch closest to my kids. I wanted to keep thinking but I got interrupted by Han Sooyoung, who crashed down next to me. “Now this is more like it.” She sighed and leaned back into the pillow. All of my companions had made their way to this side of the room. A few constellations like Uriel, Sun Wukong, Chuuni, Persephone, and Hades also decided to join us. The rest of the constellations remained in the middle of the room while those from table ten were left at the other side. “You ready to watch more about yourself you stupid squid?” Sooyoung grinned. 

I opened my mouth to answer but I was interrupted. “Move.” Yoo Junghyeok’s voice growled. Surprised, I guess I took to long absorbing what he had said before I was roughly shoved aside. He sat down next to me and stared forward, ignoring the nosebleed a certain angel was getting. “Play the video.” He spoke. I followed his eyesight and saw a small remote in the center of a small table. “Oh…” I reached over to grab it and pressed the play button. The lights dimmed as the next episode began to play.

Chapter Text

(Dokja’s POV)

The episode started with Bihyung’s chaotic laughter ringing throughout the entire room. With the screen still black and room lights dimmed, the effect was pretty dramatic.

“HAHAHAHAHAHA!! YOU’RE CRAZY!!” Bihyung roared. “You must be out of your mind! I should have known it when you rejected all the offers from the constellations.”

“To be honest, Dokja-yah,” Sooyoung said softly. “Even if you’ve finished that damn book, you should know how much more helpful it would have been to have a sponsor.”

I smiled. “True, but like you’ve said. I’ve finished that damn book, so I knew a few extra things.”

“Now don’t you sound cocky?”

“Says you.”

“I don’t know how you know about the Star Stream, but I can’t accept your offer. I’m a dokkaebi, not a constellation, so I can’t be your supporting constellation.”

“I think you’ve misunderstood,” Dokja said. “I never asked you to sponsor me.”

“Huh?”

“You’re lucky I waited to hear this part out, Kim Dokja.” Yoo Junghyeok growled, his voice low. “If you read so much about me, then you know about my hatred for the system that trapped me.” I looked forward at the screen. “It’s true that I knew about your hate, but I also knew how powerful you were. And If I wanted to see the ending I wanted, I needed to have a few cheats.” 

“What do you mean? You said that you weren’t-” “Please let my other self finish Junghyeok-ah, and I’m sorry if what I do next will upset you.”

“It’s not your power I’m after, but your channel.” Dokja continued explaining his prompt to the floating dokkaebi. “My channel?” Biyhung asked, confused. “Let me break it down for you. I want to enter into an exclusive contract with your channel.”

“Wait, are you saying that you want to enter into a [Stream Contract} with me?”

“Yes.”

A card flashed on the screen, letting everyone in the room not familiar with the concept learn exactly what it is. The whole time, I felt Yoo Junghyeok’s glare on my back. “If I make you this angry, why choose to sit next to me?” I sighed internally.

“So it’s basically like splitting the stream profit?” Sangah asked. I nodded. “Yah Dokja-ssi,” Huiwon smirked. “Just how much money have you made off of it by now.” I ignored her. “I’m sure if we watch long enough, your question will be answered.”

“Usually, incarnations have no say regarding this contract. Although they are ‘sponsored,’ the truth is that the constellations view incarnations as slaves.”

Everyone incarnation in the room who had a sponsor there turned to look at them. “Uriel…” Huiwon looked at the angle sitting behind her. She held a saddened look on her face. “As a constellation,” Uriel spoke. “We have grown used to being seen as powerful beings. We’ve grown used to having incarnations as entertainment that many of us have forgotten that we were once people too. Take the constellations of Olympus, for example.” She stared at Sangah. “Most of them are powerful beings that have been excited for so long that they have completely forgotten that before they were constellations, they were just regular people living in a world unknowingly gaining stories for the constellations that came before them.”

“But do you see us as slaves?” Huiwon asked. “To be completely honest, I don’t know. IU definitely don’t see you as slaves… but I’ve seen so many incarnations just come and go, live and die, that we have grown used to just watching them. Like how you guys watched actors on a screen, we watch incarnations putting on a performance. Seeing you as slaves is a no, but seeing you as something other than…”

The word entertainment was left out, but everyone knew the angle stopped before she could say the word. “It’s not their fault. Most constellations would have a hard time relating to normal people. So it’s expected for them to be confused. They are able to get attached to an incarnation, but they get attached in a character-watcher way… not a relatable-being way.”

“You’ve got quite a sense of humor, don’t you?” Bihyung cackled as he held the bridge of his nose. “I don’t know where you heard about it, BUT HOW DARE A MERE HUMAN MENTION THE [STREAM CONTRACT] !!” Bihyung’s eyes glowed an angry red. “Especially when you don’t have a supporting constellation.”

“That’s why you should accept my offer,” Dokja answered calmly.

“What?”

“Why do you think the constellations join Star Stream channels in the first place?”

“What are you getting at Dokja-yah?” Huiwon questioned as she pointed a finger over to me. “Just watch and see. I’m sure it’ll show it eventually.” “I’m getting tired of saying ‘watch and see’ over and over again.”

“The subscribers of the Star Stream can be divided into two groups. The first are the thrill seekers who hop through the channels looking for entertainment. The second are the incarnation seekers who are in search of an incarnation to sponsor. If you want your channel to flourish, you have to satisfy at least one of the two groups. Either make your stream as entertaining as possible or try to find an incarnation that interests your subscribers.”

“Rather impressive for a human. But how does that concern you?” Bihyung asked, still not getting it.

“How thick are you? No wonder your subscriber count is only in the three digits.”

“Shut up and get to the point.”

“Here’s your answer, Huiwon-ssi.” I say.

“What if there was a channel that both entertains its subscribers and showcases interesting incarnations?”

“There’s no way that’s possible.” 

“Constellations that are looking for incarnations to sponsor eventually leave the channel as soon as the [Sponser Selection] is over. But what if there is an incarnation who refuses to take on a supporting constellation?”

Bihyung finally seemed to be getting the point of Dokja’s ten-minute protagonist speech.

“And what if that incarnation outperforms all other incarnations despite not having a supporting constellation?”

“Aka you…” Sooyoung said, unsurprised. “Now that I know, I don’t care.”

“But isn’t it better for your survival chances if you get a supporting constellation?” Sangah asked. “That’s true if you were a normal person going into the apocalypse.” I smiled. “Let me guess…” Huiwon spoke. “You’re not an ordinary person.” 

“Well, after reading through an entire book that told of the future for the past ten years, I wouldn’t think myself to be.”

“I- Is that why you didn’t choose a supporting constellation?”

“Yes, that’s right… I’m sure the constellations are in an uproar right now, asking you to open the channel.” Dokja said out of nowhere, causing the Dokkaebi to go into a panic and begin checking stream notifications. “They’re all probably dying to know… ‘can he foresee the future?’ ‘Why did he get eaten by the Ichthyosaur?’ ... who it was that dared stand up against the regressor.”

“S- Stop! What are you- You’re full of yourself! Mere humans don’t stand a chance against incarnations with supporting constellations! That’s just how it is!” Bihyung was in a frenzy, trying to go through as many notifications as possible.

Sooyoung started laughing. “Even the streamer thinks you’re cocky, you ugly bastard.” She kept on laughing as Sangah and Huiwon decided to undergo a very detailed conversation. I only managed to catch a few words, but from what I could tell, they were talking about how much of a con artist and scammer I was… I think I heard some words about extortion as well.

“That’s exactly what I plan on proving to you from this moment on.” Kim Dokja grinned. “All you have to do is shut your mouth and do what I say. I’m telling you, I’ll make you the Dokkaebi King.”

At this point, everyone was looking at the Dokkaebi currently hiding in my arms. “Did you agree to the contract!!!?” Both Gilyeong and Yuseung were currently shouting over each other. Sooyoung was laughing next to me. “People call you the ugly king for your looks, but I’m so sure that’ll change to ugly blackmail and extortion.”

“I closed my eyes and held a coming smile on my face. “When it comes to life or death, there is no such thing as extortion and blackmail.”

“I’m guessing you managed to survive this far because the Dokkaebi agreed with you,” Junghyeok muttered quietly so only I could hear. “Why would you do that.”

“I’ve already told you, to see the ending I want.” “And to repay you for saving me all those years ago.”

Bihyung was shown thinking long and hard on the screen while Kim Dokja smirked up at him on the bed he was floating on.

“L- Let’s start with the checkout since you’ve failed the scenario.” Bihyung began. “If you pay me 5,100 coins-”

“What are you talking about?” Dokja interrupted him; an unimpressed look coveted his face. “I didn’t fail.”

“Heh?”

“I must’ve fulfilled the condition…” Dokja stood from the mat. “...right about now.” The water around him began to move as debris, and the mat he was on was thrown gently around. “Open the channel.” Dokja commenced the Dokkaebi, a smile on his face. “It’s going to start soon.”

A scenario notification drang around the room as Bihyung’s shocked face was shown as he was greeted with a hidden scenario notification.

~~~

[Hidden Scenario - Commander Slayer]

Category: Hidden

Difficulty: A+

Clear Conditions: Slay the Sea Commander Ichthyosaur and escape.

Time Limit: 10 days

Reward: 9,000 coins.

Failure: Death

~~~

“Didn’t I tell you to be prepared?” Dokja smirked. “There were three types of scenarios in TWSA. The “Main Scenario” was in charge of progressing the main story. “Sub Scenarios” were responsible for minor events. And the “Hidden Scenarios” were only opened through special conditions.”

“What?” Bihyung mouthed, utterly shocked. “How on earth…?”

“Unlike the main scenarios and sub scenarios that the Dokkaebi were in charge of, hidden scenarios were only activated after a certain set of conditions were met.”

“You didn’t even know?” Kim Dokja taunted. “Even a Low-Grade Dokkaebi like yourself?”

“Dokja-ssi…” Sooyoung said in a sweet voice. “Now that the unnecessary people aren’t here, do you mind giving those of us left a little sneak peek of what’s inside that little novel of yours?”

“I don’t know if I can do that, Sooyoung-ssi.”

“What do you mean?” She began reaching over for my phone. “Just hand that little thing over, and we can-” Junghyeok’s hand grabbed her wrist, stopping her from reaching forward. “Damn protagonist simp…” Sooyoung muttered. I opened my mouth to thank Yoo Junghyeok… then he snatched the phone out of my hand.

“Hey!” I tried reaching for it. “Give that back.”

“Unlock it.” He glowed.

“NO!”

His eyes darkened. “Kim Dokja…”

"…"

“Fine.” I reach over and began to type in the password before another hand grabbed the phone. “And that’s enough of this thing,” Rymera said as she held the phone in her hand, hovering over all of us. “As much as I can relate to you all with the feeling of getting information ahead of time, I mustn’t let that happen here. After all, spoilers aren’t a good thing.”

With that, the green-eyed girl disappeared from the room once more, leaving with my phone in her hand. “I hate you guys,” I muttered, turning back to face the screen. “We love you too.” I jerked my head to face Junghyeok as he purposefully avoided my eye contact.

“EW grow!” Sooyoung squirmed. “Say what you want about yourself, you protagonist simp but leave me out of this.”

“You…” Bihyung growled. “What on earth-”

“Anyway, if I can clear this,” Dokja interrupted. “I will prove that I have the ability for the contract, right?” Bihyung watched the scenario screen with gloomy eyes before he turned to Dokja with a careful gaze and asked, “This scenario has a difficulty of A+. Do you really believe you can clear it?”

“Yes.” Kim Dokja answered.

Bihyung was silent for a moment before opening his mouth, “...Okay. If you succeed in clearing this scenario, then I will accept the contract.”

“The terms of the contract will be negotiated after the scenario is cleared.” Kim Dokja said. “So arrogant…” Bihyung sighed. “Then I will open the channel again. Good luck.”

“Wait a minute.” Dokja sputtered. “You have something left to do.”

“What is it now?” Bihyungs mocked, clearly annoying Dokja.

“Fix a system error for me.”

“You’re going to have him fix your attribute window problem, aren’t you?” Yuseung deduced. “That’s right,” I answer her. She asks, “Does he fix it?” I pointed for her to watch the screen.

“System error?” Bihyung looked at Dokja in disbelief. Dokja spoke. “My attributes window isn't opening.”

“No way. The system cant have an error. The scenario system is perfect.” The Dokkaebi said, still not believing Kim Dokja’s words. “Take a look yourself.” He said. Bihyung looked at him with suspicious eyes and started to mutter something.

[The dokkaebi Bihyung has used System Interference on you.]

[The exclusive skill, ‘Fourth Wall,’ is activated!]

In the next moment, sparks flew in the air and struck Bihyung.

“Seriously?” Sooyoung groaned. “Not even a Dokkaebi can see what your stats are. Forth Wall is too op man, and seriously unfair.” She groaned out. “Why do you have to have some of the most overpowering skills?”

“With how much you’ve read in the book, you shouldn’t really think of my skills that highly when you think of people like Kyrgios Rodgraim, Anna Croft, Nirvana, or even the guy next to me.” Yoo Junghyeok sighed. “You know about all those people. I grinned. “Of course.” His next expression looked as if he wanted to kill me.

The next few moments on the screen showed Bihyung trying and failing to fix the problem with my attribute window. 

Dokja looked at the watch on his wrist. “It has been an hour since the ichthyosaur ate. There is no time to waste.” “The Dokkaebi Bag.” He said out of nowhere.

Bihyung stopped his useless action of digging in the air. “What?”

“Open the Dokkaebi Bag.” Kim Dokja asked again.

“...How do you know about that?”

“What’s a Dokkaebi Bag Hyung?” Gilyeong asked. “To put it simply,” I answered. “It’s the like a giant online store that sells way color things then what we have on Earth.”

“Are you going to open it?” Dokja asked. Bihyung tried to reason with him.” Only an incarnation with a sponsor can use the Dokkaebi Bag.” So Dokja reasoned back. “It is true that all incarnations that use the Dokkaebi Bag have a sponsor, but there is no rule that an incarnation without a sponsor can’t use the Dokkaebi Bag.”

“Wait a minute.” Bihyung pulled out a manual and to confirmed it. “At this point, I don't know if I am a Dokkaebi or you are. Are you actually a dokkaebi?” Dokja didn’t answer him. Bihyung raised both hands. “Okay, there is no problem if you use it. However, the Dokkaebi Bag can only be used when the channel is open for streaming purposes. Is that okay?”

“It's fine,” Dokja answered hurriedly.

[#BI-7623 channel is open.]

[The constellations have entered.]

An electric current appeared in the air, and a transparent screen appeared in front of him.

[Welcome to the coin shop, the Dokkaebi Bag.]

“What would you even want from the Bag?” Huiwon asked out of curiosity, the sound of Bihyung trying to calm the Constellations on the screen played in the background. “I mean, I wouldn’t even know what to look for.”

“There are a multitude of things a person can buy from the Dokkaebi Bag. You just have to know where to look.”

“Let's see…” Dokja muttered. He looked at the catalog before glancing over at Bihyung. “Are these the only items I can buy right now? Is there a search function?” Bihyung didn’t notice as he was still trying to please the angry Constellations.

“Dear Constellations… Please calm yourselves. The stream was shut down because of an error in the server. I swear I didn’t turn it off on purpose. Preferential treatment? I’m only a Dokkaebi. I’d be exterminated if I did something like that. You all in that a streamer’s vow isn’t something to be treated lightly.”

“Are you fully gonna leave him to fend off the constellations by himself?” Sangha asked with a smile. “What can I say?” I shrugged. “I just wanted to survive.”

“Look at him!” Sooyoung pointed at the screen and laughed. “He’s full-on crying.” I looked at the screen, and indeed Bihyung was full-on crying. But I knew better than to believe those tears.

 “Dear Constellations-”

“Hey, how bout a little help,” Dokja called. 

“The search button is on the bottom-right corner,” Bihyung answered as said tears immediately stopped. “Thanks.” He called. “I just need two items… but that can wait.” “Let’s see… search item, ‘Ancient Dragon’.”

Bihyung immediately freaked out. “Holy Crap! How do you know about the Ancient Dragon?”

It wasn’t just on-screen Bihyung who freaked out. Every constellation in the room who wasn’t part of the future group nearly sent a spit-take. “You knew about that since the beginning!!!?” A certain dragon yelled from his side of the room. I shrugged. “It’s a given if you think about how I read the book for ten years.”

“I’m surprised how nonchalant you are about searching for an item like that if you know how valuable it is.” Huiwon teased.

“I just said a cool name that came to mind,” Dokja said. “Such names are very common in games.”

Bihyung looked at him with a look that read, ‘I think he’s lying’ all over it.

Dokja shrugged. “According to TWSA, the owner of the heart is in Italy. He’s one lucky guy. His sponsor is filthy rich and bought this for him. At times like these, I regret not choosing a supporting constellation.”

“Search item, ‘Arch-demon Eyes’, search item, ‘White Star Weapon Aura’.” Dokja called out. Bihyung’s jaw dropped above him. “How does he know all this stuff?!!”

“What are the things you just called out, Dokja-ssi?” Sangha asked, so I answered her. “The Arch-Demon Eyes will allow in incarnation to grow extremely quickly, making them extremely powerful in the early scenarios. The White Star Weapon Aura is an item that can be attached to a weapon, making it more powerful.”

Dokja proceeded to buy the items he needed. “So you bought four bags of mucus and four thorns?” Bihyung commented on his spending. “What are you going to do with those miscellaneous items?”

“That’s for you to find out.” He answered as he removed his top and secured the items to his clothes. Bihyung frowned. “I can’t give you a refund if you regret it now. Do you understand?”

“I know,” Dokja answered.

Back in the room, Uriel was fanning herself as she stared at me… or me on the screen. “I simply can’t get over how much I loved watching you during this part.” I felt the heat rise onto my face as I heard the muffled laughter of my companions around the room. “It’s not my fault the acid dissolved my clothing faster than I thought it would.”

Sooyoung stared at the man sitting beside her, visibly embarrassed. She looked past the man in white and focused on the man sitting next to him. A man who was looking everywhere else but the screen. She smirked.

“Good luck, I guess,” Bihyung said as he snapped his fingers. “May the story bless you.” With a flash of light, he disappeared from view.” Dokja pulled out his phone and read the time. “ ‘9:41’, There isn’t much time until the stomach acid is secreted.”

“We finally get to see how you survived, Hyung!” Gilyeong said with a smile. He was practically vibrating off of the bean bag he was sitting on, visibly annoying the Yuseung who was sitting next to him.

Everyone around the room who didn’t know what happened in the Ichthyosaur’s stomach watched on with curiosity. The only constellation who had already seen it and was still watching was Uriel. I think was all know what she specifically wants to watch.”

Using a piece of board he found, Dokja used it to paddle toward the wall of the stomach. He rubbed some of the mucus onto his hands and the thorns. Suddenly, he turned his head to listen to a certain rumbling. “Here it comes.”

Acid began to fall from the top of the stomach. “I will…” Dokja thought as he gripped the thorn. “...make it out of here alive!” He thrust the thorn into the stomach lining.

With that, the screen went black., and they wordlessly moved on to the next episode.

Chapter Text

(Dokja's POV)

Dokja thrust the thorn into the skin lining the stomach. It bounced off like a twig trying to poke through an elastic rubber wall.

The room was silent as everyone watched my futile attempt. “Well, that’s anticlimactic.” Huiwon miffed. Sooyoung proceeded to roll her eyes. “With the build-up that was the last episode, most things seem to be pointing in an entertaining direction, I guess I shouldn’t have expected much, considering it was you.” 

“It’s not my fault.” I tried reasoning with them. “It was the beginning of the scenarios.”

“My current strength isn’t  enough to tear the stomach of an Ichthyosaur.” Dokja thought to himself as he warily looked at the acid pouring from the roof of the stomach.

“Fool,” The regressor scoffed beside me. “You said yourself that you know everything about this world, yet you fail at preparing for something as feeble as this.” I glare at him, receiving a death glare back. “It’s not my fault someone dropped me off a bridge,” I mumbled.

One of the demonic people floating on something in the stomach started shrieking as their skin began to burn from the acid. The Ichthyosaur's digestive juices quickly mixed into the river water and started to melt away the concrete and other floating products. 

“There’s no time.” Dokja thought as he jumped from his floating platform and grabbed onto a bump protruding from the wall of the stomach. He proceeded to climb up as if he was on a rock wall. “However, everything is going as planned.”

“How is everything going as planned?” Huiwon asked curiously. “You failed at stabbing through the stomach lining, and you’ve just been forced to climb a wall with no ensured stability.”

“Don’t worry, Huiwon.” I smile. “You’ll know everything in time.”

“I hate it when you give these answers.”

“I know.”

“I’ll kill you.”

Dokja spotted one of the acid emission holes and raised a thorn toward it. Placing the thorn inside, he used as much strength as he had to push it in. Acid leaked from the opening and landed on his arm, dissolving the skin it touched.

Dokja grit his teeth at the immense pain, small cries escaping his lips but he didn’t stop, pushing the thorn in till the acid stopped.

The kids squirmed a little as they watched the acid dissolving my skin and even more as they heard the sound of my pain. “You have strong determination, Dokja-ssi,” Hyeonsung commented, his hands curled into fists. Being a solder, he knew pain. 

I felt someone’s hands on my sleeve. Looking up, I flinched at the sight of my mother. I immediately tried jerking my arms out of her hands, but her grip prevailed. She rolled up the sleeve and began inspecting my arm. “It scarred.” She said, her voice cold, just like her touch… just like her. I manned to free my arm from her hands.

“With the world, we live in now, there are worse things to experience.” I glare at her, but her face remained unbothered. “I’m just checking on my son.” 

I grit my teeth, feeling a sudden burst of anger. “I don’t care. You’ve never treated me like your son when you sold out lives for fame. So stop trying to act like a mother now.” The rest of the room had gone quiet, all feeling as if they were an intrusion on a very personal moment.

(Demon King of Salvation’s POV)

“I hate this…” I spoke through closed teeth as I watched my past self. Thanks to a few upgrades given to us by Rymera, we were now able to talk with each other, those from table ten, if we were close enough.

“He will learn in time.” Yoo Junghyeok spoke beside me, his voice gentle as he sensed how angry I was. “Just as you did.”

“And it will break him.” I looked down. “Just as it did me.”

“It’s not your fault Dokja-ssi.” Sooyoung said as she also stared at the ongoing confrontation. “You didn’t know, and you had no way of knowing. She kept that secret as her last act of protecting you.”

“I judged her too quickly. My anger and rage for her blinded me from seeing that she did everything for love.” My hands clenched into fists, my nails cutting into my palms. “I was a fool.”

Junghyeok placed his hand on mine. “You’re my fool.”

“You two are so…” Sooyoung sighed.

(Dokja’s POV)

“Sit down so we can continue to watch,” I spoke, trying to quell my fear and anger. Mother bowed her head and walked back to her seat.

Once he noticed that the thorn had successfully stopped the acid, Dokja allowed himself to breathe a sigh of relief. He repeated this process until all that was left were two bags of mucus and one thorn. 

Dokja took the two bags and poured them over his skin and clothes, leaving a small portion that went down his throat. His face contorted in disgust as the fishy taste filled his mouth. After five minutes, the walls of the stomach began to shake. “It has started.”

“First of all… ew.” Yuseung honest reaction caused several of us to laugh. “Second of all… what has started.”

“The beginning of my plan and the beginning of my test.” I answer, staring at the screen as a loud roar was heard.

The Ichthyosaur let out a painful scream. The thorns were expanding into the blood vessels visible on the wall of the stomach. 

“Hey, book reader!” Huiwon called from where she sat next to Uriel. “What’s happening to the thorns? If I saw that in front of me in real life, I might just vomit.”

I knew that she would see why sooner or later, but I decided to answer anyway. “Since I coate the thorns in mucus, they won’t be dissolved by the acid. They will be able to absorb the surrounding fluids and start to take root in the body of the Ichthyosaur. They won’t stop expanding till the creature is completely dead.”

“Could they be used on humans, 'cause that would be concerning?” Sooyoung asked next. Sangah also voiced her opinion. “I would hate to do that to any person, no matter how evil. A death like that must be incredibly slow and painful.”

“The thorns can be used on humans, but it would be incredibly ineffective.” The man next to me spoke. “The thorns are designed to respond to the body fluids of seawater species, not t humans. So while you could try sticking them into a human, it would only leave a wound similar to that of a stab wound.”

Dokja watched the liquid swirl under his feet. He grabbed a thorn tightly. “I have done everything I can. From now on, it’s a mental fight. Either I will die, or this guy will die. Only one of us would survive.”

“And we all know who did.” Huiwon smiled knowingly in my direction. “I’ve been trying to place this scenario in my head as if we were just watching a movie. But I can’t ever feel worried for its protagonist whenever they are in a life-threatening situation when there’s a walking spoiler in this very room.”

The screen showed a few scenes from the outside. The last remaining fighter jets of Korea were shown flying above the Ichthyosaur as it roared into the night. The camera zoomed back into the stomach, showing us a very fatigued looking, nearly naked me. A felt a heat flush up my neck as several audible gasps were heard throughout the room.

I lowered my head in shame, looking over in the direction of the kids. Thankfully Huiwon was covering their eyes. ‘I would never let them see you like this’ her eyes seemed to say as she, to wasn’t looking at the screen. 

Most of the women in the room had averted their gaze out of respect. All except for a certain angel sitting on a bean bag. She was currently having a nosebleed. I noticed how Yoo Junghyeok’s hands were clenched into fists on his lap. He was also shaking. I felt the urge to check on him just the make sure he was okay, but the shame I was feeling removed the courage I needed to do so.

***

If Dokja still had the courage to look at his companion, he might have noticed a slight discoloring in the tint of his face. It turned slightly more pink.

Dokja had his teeth clenched together as he gripped the thorn with one hand and the wall with his other. He had noticeable bags under his eyes, and his skin was considerably pale. He looked faint. “How long has it been?” He thought, gasping for breath.

“Did I overestimate myself? I’m just an ordinary reader. I’m not the protagonist of this story.”  Dokja paused in his thoughts for a moment. “I wonder if Mother is fine… She should be since it’s ‘mother’ of all people…”

“This’ can’t be a dream, can it? Still, I wish that it was… The world before wasn’t all that great either, but… at least I didn’t have to risk my life in the stomach of a giant fish.”

As my thoughts echoed around the room, I felt like shrinking in on myself. I didn’t like this feeling, having myself be available to everyone, especially when I mentioned Mother, but then again, this is exactly how Yoo Junghyeok felt. Perhaps it’s karma for reading about the life of someone I would meet. Finally, the acid stopped, and Bihyung reapeared in the stomach.

“Wow.” Dokja turned to his voice. “I have to hand it to you. I had no idea you would use the thorns like that. That was unexpected…”

[Several constellations are impressed by your survival skills]

[The constellations have gifted you 100 coins]

Words flashed across the screen as it showed the tired form of Kim Dokja. ‘The 4th day of the hidden scenario’ His eyes rolled back in his head as his grip faltered, falling from the wall and onto the floor of the stomach. Bihyung stared at him in shock

“You were in there for four days?” Sangah asked in shock as she read the words on the screen. Her wonder turned into concern as my other self fell. “Hyung,” Gilyeong spoke softly. I looked over to where both my children sat. Both of them had worried expressions on their faces.

“Don’t worry over him, kids.” Sooyoung said with a smirk. “He could have passed out at any moment after the first day and held on till the end.” Her comment didn’t help in their relief. “I’ll be fine. There’s no need to worry.”

[The hidden scenario has ended.]

[You have received 9,000 coins as compensation.]

[You are the first to successfully hunt a tier 7 sea monster.]

[You have earned 1,000 coins as an achievement reward.]

A picture of a now-dead Ichthyosaur was shown.

“9,000 coins plus an additional 1,000 coins. It is a very huge income.” Dokja thought to himself.  

[Coins Possessed: 14,800 C]

“If I added the 500 donated coins from filming my survival, the total income is 10,500 coins.” A smile made its way onto the exhausted face of Kim Dokja. “I’m alive.”

“Alive and filthy rich!!” Huiwon yelled as she stared in shock at the amount of coins in my possession. “And to think this was only a few days after the scenarios had started.” Her voice quieted as she stared in shock. She made eye contact with me. “And how much money do you have now?!” She half yelled. I looked away and smiled knowingly. “Quite a bit.”

“Stone Hogs usually live on the coastline and prey on small sea creatures. They use their special thorns to pierce and then dry their prey to death. But to think to use one in this manner…” Bihyuned seemed to be processing what Dokja had just done.

[A few constellations smile knowingly]

[Several constellations now understand your decision]

[The constellations complain, asking you to say what you’ll do out loud so they are made aware of your actions beforehand]

“And even I didn’t know that the mucus of the Hammer Seahorse could be used as protection against the stomach acid of an Ichthyosaur.” Dokja thought back to his experience, noting that after he had done everything, it was a test of sheer willpower.

“And the amount of willpower though to go four days without sleep, almost no food, and in such an uncomfortable position,” Huiwon commented. “Most people hate standing, but having to hold a form of like you were climbing sounds like torture.” 

Hyeonsung nodded his head from where he stood. “You are incredible, Dokja-ssi. The act you’ve just accomplished is truly inhuman. I don’t know many soldiers in my division who could have pulled that off.”

“That’s what happens when the person doing this task has read the cheat sheet of god.” Jihye whispered. Her words causing Sooyoung to burst out laughing.

Dokja began explaining what he had just accomplished to the Dokkaebi. “Um… I’m the one who’s supposed to explain that…” “I’m just helping you out because you seem to be struggling,” Dokja answered. Bihyung countered with this. “You jerk…”

“Anyways…” He called out to the sky. “That was an amazing survival drama, don’t you think so too, dear constellations?”

“Just open the damn Dokkaebi shop,” Dokja said as he pushed himself off the ground.

“What are you going to do now, Dokja-ssi?” Sangah asked. I smiled. “You’ll see.” We watched as my past self took one of the thorns and thrust it into the hardened skin of the creature. It cracked and gave way to a small chamber holding a glowing blue orb.

[Item]

• You have found the Ichthyosaur’s core

Dokja took the core and held it in his hands. “I’m going to sell this. Put it up for trade on the Dokkaebi auction house.” “I can’t believe this…” Bihyung whispered, completely speechless. “How do you even know all that?” Dokja continued. “And I won’t trade this with anything else but Broken Faith.”

“Broken Faith?” Jihye muttered, eyeing my sword. “Isn’t that?” I nodded, taking my sword out. I was glad that I didn't have to use it yet to take someone’s life. “So that’s how you got that cool sword.” Gilyeong smiled. I held it out, making the smile on Gilyeong’s glow even wider. He ran back to where he was sitting with Yuseung, and they both began to examine it, Huiwon and Jihye both discreetly peering at it as well.

“It’s not safe to hand out your sword like that.” Yoo Junghyeok scolded. “What if there were an attack?” I smile, still looking at the two. “You’d be able to protect us.” As he stared at the group of four excitedly playing with a weapon they really shouldn't be playing with, he missed how his companion lowered his head till his hair covered his eyes.

He missed how everyone on the other side of the room had gone quiet. How Urield was holding a napkin to her nose, how Sooyoung was holding a hand to her mouth to keep from vomiting, and most importantly, the Demon and the King watching them from their group, a fond look in both their eyes.

“I wonder if anyone even has that?” Bihyung questioned. “And I want to buy-” “WAIT!! Before that…” Bihyung flew toward the screen. “Dear constellations… we’ll be right back after these advertisements.”

A contract appeared on the screen. Taking the remote in my hand, I paused it and asked. “Does anyone really want to read this?” I got a few nods, so I let them read. The contract was simple for any other person, but only several people in the room knew what it was missing.

“That’s a pretty good contract Hyung…” Gilyeong said as he glued his eyes to the screen, reading every word. Sangah agreed. “It’s almost perfect.” And while she agreed, Sooyoung narrowed her eyes at the screen. “Almost too perfect.”

“It’s a decent contract… but it’s missing one of the most important things,” Junghyeok stated as he glared at the small Dokkaebi in the room. Bihyung proceeded to move behind a giant bean bag pillow.

“I wasn’t sure at first…” Bihyung began. “But watching you clear the hidden scenario helped me make up my mind.” Dokja made sure to read the entire thing. “A full written contract?”

“I thought humans liked this kind of thing?” Bihyung asked normally. “Although I personally really don’t get it.”

“You better not fall for this.” Yoo Junghyeok said to me, his voice low. I whispered back. “Of course now, have a little faith, why don’t you.”

Let’s do this.” He turned to Dokja, who had an unimpressed look on his face. “Well, this is surprising. I’m getting a better deal than I expected… Excepted for one clause.”

“See…” I said to the man next to me.

“The contract is missing the most important part.” He turned to Bihyung, who answered innocently. “Do you mean a seal? We can just agree on it verbally. A stream contract is a soul-bound contract, after all-”

“The Ratio.” Dokja cut the create off, his face dead serious. “How dare you try to fool me?”

“O- Oh… Hahahaha… right… How about fifty-fifty? And I won’t charge you for channel usage to boot. We’ll split all the coins you are gifted in half. For example, if you get 100 coins, we’ll both take 50 coins each.”

“Do you think I’m an idiot?”

“Now, while I do think that,” Huiwon joked. “I think the Dokkaebi it the one in this situation.”

“Nah!” Sooyoung cut in. “Dokja is still an idiot. After all, you can still be highly intelligent and still be an ugly idiot.

“This had nothing to do with my intellect, does it?” I ask as my past self began to explain how the whole system worked.

“I don’t have a supporting constellation. And when the constellations gift coins to an incarnation who doesn’t have a supporting constellation, they have to pay a hefty commission fee to the Dokkaebi. I’m sure you’ve already made quite a profit thanks to me.” Dokja’s little speech had caused Bihyung to flinch, slowly moving back.

“I’ll take all the coins.”

“Pfft!” Huiwon couldn’t contain her laughter at this moment. “There is no way you’re about the scam your way out of this.”

I smiled knowingly, turning to look at the Bihyung in the room. I opened my arms, which caused the small creature to fly over and land on my lap. “I hate you…” I cured, a smile evident in his voice. “And I make you rich.”

“WHAT!!” Bihyung’s eyes flashed red. “You’ll be fine with just commission. I’m not giving you a single coin. “THAT’S PREPSTEROUSE!! How about you take 70 percent?”

“Either I take all, or I’ll move on to another channel. I hear Gildal’s been doing well for himself these days.”

“80 percent!! That’s the most I can give you!!”

“It’s all or nothing!!”

By the time Bihyung’s face was shown, the expression on his face only caused an already loud room of laughter to skyrocket. “You’re blackmailing him too!!” Huiwon was holding her stomach as she crawled in on herself. She looked over at the Dokkaebi in my arms. “You have so just gotten scammed.” “You don’t think I know that?”

“YOU!” A panicked and slightly enraged look covered Bihyun’s face. “The advertisements will be over soon,” Dokja spoke. “Can’t you see that the constellations are complaining?” One look at the notifications sent to poor Dokkaebi pulling at his head.

“Damn, Dokja…” Chuuni said as he watched from where the constellations were sitting. “No shame at all in giving the Dokkaebi a decision like with a time limit too.”

I shrugged. “What can I say? I needed to get to the ending I wanted to see most.”

“Shit, I understand…” Bihyung shook as he seemed to be forcing the words out of his mouth. “So you’ll sign the contract?” “He surrendered easier than I thought he would. In fact, I was going to give up at 9:1.”

“WHAT!!” The Dokkaebi flew from my hands as Bihyung turned around to face me, a betrayed expression on his face. “Why?” At this point, everyone was laughing at him; even Junghyeok was holding a hand to his face, so I felt a little bad.

I pulled the creature in for a slight hug, doing my best to wrap my hands around him. “Don’t be mad Bihyung-ssi.” He slightly shook at he familiarity. “I still got us both a lot of coins in the end.” He pressed into my chest. “I really hate you.”

“I couldn’t have survived this long without you.”

(Demon King of Salvation’s POV)

I tried to keep the tears from falling as I stared at the ground, my head hanging low. Biyoo was above me, trying to comfort me as everyone else in our group stared. “I’m sorry, Bihyung. I couldn’t have made it to my ending without you. I’m sorry I failed.”

“Oh, and one more thing…” Dokja just couldn’t seem to stop. “What?! What now?”

“I get a contract fee too.” Dokja gave out a seemingly innocent smile as he held out his hand. “Give me 5,000 coins.”

Everyone around the room was filled with laughter, while only those from former table ten weren’t. We were the only ones who knew his fate. I fate I gave him.

(Dokja’s POV)

After what Kim Dokja had just gone through, he was exhausted. Finally, in a somewhat safe place, he used 500 coins to buy the Ellain Forests Vital Force to help him sleep. 

“The Ellain Forests Vital Force quickly relieves fatigue and heals wounds in exchange for two hours of sleep. In other words, it was an expensive item.” He let his exhaustion overcome him as his eyes closed for the first time in four days.

As my former self closed his eyes, the scene changed and showed the world outside. I furrowed my eyebrows as normally; the scene wouldn’t change if it somehow didn’t involve me. The night sky showed a meteor shower as a new voice began to narrate, a female voice. 

“ A meteor shower was pouring down in the starry sky. It was a sight that anyone would admire, but not Yoo Junghyeok. ”

A hand grabbed the remote from mine and paused the screen. It was the Secretive Plotter. Insticely, Yoo Junghyeok shot up from where he sat and placed himself between the two of us. Sooyoung did the same. “Rymera!!!” Plotter yelled, causing her to appear in the room. “Normally, we’d have this incarnation narrate.” He pointed to me. “Then who is this.”

Rymera sighed. “When the scene happens without Kim Dokja close by, a different person will come to narrate.” The Plotter stiffened. “With the way she spoke, this new voice also knows about the novel. Tell me who they are.”

Rymera didn’t seem bothered by the constellation's aggressive tone. “I can’t really tell you that as I don’t know the answer myself. All my master told me is that she would use the voice belonging to the author of TWSA.”

Everyone in the room froze. “That’s the voice of the person who wrote TWSA!! They sound so young.” I voice my thoughts as the Plotter moved back to his chair. “I don’t care if she’s young. I will hunt her down, and she will tell me how and why she would write about me!” His voice was low with venom while his clenched hands shook with rage.

“I can’t believe it?” I thought to myself. “The author doesn't sound to be much older than Yuseung. Perhaps they are able to use a different form.” I reached forward to play the episode as everyone managed to calm down. Well on the outside at least.

“It is starting.”  The camera moved back to show a man dressed in full black staring into the Han River below a starlit sky.

Everyone knew who that figure belonged to, so everyone turned to one man in the room. “Yoo Junghyeok?” He stared at the screen. “It seems these episodes will follow more than just you.” He looked at me. “I hope you don’t mind having to share the spotlight.”

I looked forward and smiled. “I never had the spotlight.” I thought back on the book I had read for the past ten years. “As far as I knew, it was always about you.”

“ The meteor shower was the precursor to the start of the third main scenario. Now Seoul would be destroyed part by part according to the scenario. ” 

Yoo Jonghyuk looked up at the sky before he lowered his head and looked at the Han River. The landscape around Dongho Bridge was quite desolate since the large group of Ichthyosaurs had recently moved downstream.

“It was too much.” He thought to himself.

“So it was a test…” I sighed. Yoo Junghyeok looked at me. “I already told you that.” I shook my head. “You told the me here, but you didn’t tell the me there.” I pointed at the screen.

“ It had already been three days since Kim Dokja entered the Han River. It might've been too much to demand that he catch the Ichthyosaur just after the first scenario. ”

“Indeed, it would be hard for me to catch an ichthyosaur in three days.”

“ However, it would only be possible to take him if he could do this much. If he couldn't even do this much, he would only hinder Yoo Jonghyuk. ”

Junghyeok clenched his hands once more, his fists shaking. When Yuseung spoke, her voice was barely above a whisper. “I don’t like how the author is talking ajusshi. It’s as if they are doing nothing but reading off of a book.”

“To them, it must be nothing but a book,” I answer, also trying to see it from the author’s position. The powers they must have to be able to do such things. “But we aren’t characters you find in the pages of books.” Yuseung continued. “We’re real people with real lives. Right? Ajusshi?”

I gave a small nod, not knowing how I could answer a question like then when I had just spent the last ten years of my life acting like a constellation. And speaking constellations, most of them were extremely quiet as she listened to this conversation.

“A prophet isn't a big deal.”

“ Yoo Jonghyuk closed his eyes with disappointment. He would go on his own again without any companions. It wasn't a big deal—he had been alone all this time. ”

Junghyeok fists shook even harder. “Master I-” Jihye tried to speak, but Yoo Junghyeok cut her off. “When we get out of here- if I ever find out who wrote that fucking book- if it is ever shown here-” 

“I keep forgetting that this isn’t the first time you had a go at the scenarios and that you-” It was Jihye’s turn to cut in. She was able to speak a few words before Junghyoeok took over once more. “I do not need your pity Lee Jihye! I-”

“I’m not giving you pity!” She yelled. “I’m giving you my congrats. You are so strong to have survived this long and so strong to have survived even longer. But let me say this once. In this turn, you are not alone.” And the regressor stayed quiet after that.

“This time, I will definitely change it.”

“ Yoo Jonghyuk turned around—but maybe he had turned away too soon. ”

~~~

“Wait!!” Dokja’s eyes shot open as he yelled.

I felt everyone looking at me. “You saw that?” The man next to me asked. I nod. “How?” I shrug. “I still don’t know, actually.” An idea comes to mind, and I grin. “Maybe it’s because I am a prophet.” Sooyoung slaps me across the head.

“W- What?” A very confused Bihyung asks. Dokja stared at him, surprised at his presence. “I- I had a dream.”

“Oh, are you trying to raise curiosity? It isn't bad?” Biyung immediately said. “I didn't mean to do such a thing, but I didn't mind the misunderstanding.” Dokja sat there for a moment before saying. “I really want to go out.”

“Hold on!!” Huiwon half-yelled. “Can we go back to the part where we discuss the fact that you had a dream about Yoo Junghyeok?” I cringed at her wording as a certain angel nearly fainted.

“I would say it looked to be more like a vision.” I try to dodge the subject.

“The dream I just had was still clear. Maybe it wasn't a dream.” Dokja thought to himself as he stretched.

Huiwon smirked. “See…” I rolled my eyes. “Even your past self says it was a dream.”

“I think you’re missing the line where I say, ‘Maybe it wasn’t a dream’.”

Dokja looked at the thorn in his hand for only a moment before he swung the thorn as hard as he could at the stomach wall. Water poured out, and Dokja plunged into the Han River. Swimming upward, he gasped for breath as his head broke the surface. After 30 minutes of swimming, he finally reached land.

“It’s my first time breathing fresh air in four days.” Dokja thought to himself as he looked around. “I thought it’d only take me two days. Still… four days isn't bad considering it took Yoo Junghyeok four days in his fourth round.”

“Of course, that’s how you knew what to do?” Sooyoung sighed as I smiled innocently. “Cheat.” “What was I supposed to do, not use that information?”

“I have a question for you, Kim Dokja.” The use of my entire name made me flinch, but Junghyeok’s voice didn’t hold any aggression. “If you ever find yourself in a situation that wasn’t covered in the book, what will you do?”

“I’ll have to use any similar information to build an answer,” I say. “Having read the book doesn’t mean you’re set for life. You have to be able to improvise a feasible plan in any situation, whether or not you have read the book. In fact, I’ve already found myself in situations that haven’t appeared in the novel.”

“I should look for some clothes to change into.” Dokja thought as the camera panned back to reveal his entire form.

I sighed, feeling the warm heat once more as people turned their heads again. Since that other shot, previous shots of me only should my chest at most. But this…

Dokja walked forward and passed through a scenario divider wall.

[You have entered the area of the second main scenario]

[The scenario area is highly contaminated. Hold your breath and get underground quickly.]

“Ugh!” Dokja grit his teeth. “It’s here.”

[You have been exposed to the poisonous fog]

[The constellation ‘Abysal Black Flame Dragon’ smiles insidiously.]

“The real game begins now!!”

“Hey, look!” Chuuni yelled as he pointed to his modifier. “It’s me.” The screen went black just as he spoke. “Bruh.”

A bright light flashed through the room as Rymra appeared once more. “Okay, everyone.” We all stared at her. “I know I brought you all here, and I know I said you would all be safe here, but I’m afraid there’s only so much I can do.”

“What are you talking about?”

“What I’m saying is that while none of you will age here, your bodies still need adequate food and rest.” She pointed to the door on either side of the rectangular room she had shown us earlier, both of which were now open. 

“Please hear to your respective room. If you don’t know where you will find your name or modifier. Constellations and Table Ten will be on the left side, while everyone else will be on the right. Please make sure to sleep well. Food will be provided when you wake up.”

It only took a few moments for everyone to find their respective rooms. Once I found mine, I couldn’t help but realize that I was right in between both Sooyoung and Junghyeok. Opening the door, I was greeted with a simple bed, desk, and closet. Looking at the clothes provided, it seemed that everything would fit. 

I took a pair out and moved to the bathroom. After a few minutes, I found myself feeling the effect of what Rymera told us about. While time didn’t pass here. We were still human, and we still had our basic needs. Wordlessly, I found myself drifting off into sleep.

Chapter Text

(Junghyeok’s POV) Just in case y’all don’t see this

It is strange trying to fall asleep in the middle of a scenario without any idea of what might come next. Especially in a scenario like this… without anyone to keep watch. With my past two regressions, I’ve always learned the hard way what happens to those who leave their guard down; you’ll be betrayed, stabbed in the back, and killed. So it makes sense why I’m unable to fall asleep at a time like this. I think I’ve been lying here in the pitch dark and staring at the ceiling for the past hour.

I know Rymera said that death wasn’t possible here unless you were killed by another person. And in the end, that person would join you in death. I turned to lie on my side. “But the last time I trusted a person, a person who said they would be my companion, they ended up lying, and I died at his hands as a result.” I thought about Dokja, the anomaly in this round. “I still don’t know if I can't trust him entirely, but he has done things that should prove his loyalty. He saved me. He did everything for good of his perfect ending, and ending where I survive, where we all survive.” Then I thought about Rymera.

With her face flashing through my mind and the memories of Anna, I decided that it wasn't worth it to be trusting, not this soon. Removing the blanket, I stood from my bed and walked out the door. “There’s no way she would kill any one of us, right?” I thought as I stood in front of his door, Kim Dokja’s door... my companion’s door. “What game could she be playing, placing me beside him?” I reach out to the doorknob, hesitating even to touch it. I frown, “I just need to be sure.” And I open the door.

Unlike my room, which was completely dark, his room had a small light source in the form of a dimly lit candle on the desk. Where he got that, I had no idea. “He’s safe… so why am I still here? I should go.” I stare at the face of the man sleeping so calmly on the bed; a face I was now able to see clearly thanks to a meddling, green-eyed, floating menace. “Perhaps I should thank her for that.” I knew I should leave. It’s not nice to be in another person's room without their permission after all, especially if they are sleeping.

So why I didn’t move? I have no answer. I think I just stood there, staring for around ten minutes. Once I got tired of standing, I moved to the wall and sat down, leaning against it. “Why am I still here?” I didn’t get to answer that as the door to his room opened once more. Then another thing happened. Normally, I would have shot up to my feet in an instant, yet, in this man’s presence, I continued to sit here.

Two figures walked through the doorframe, revealing a half-asleep Lee Gilyeong and Shin Yuseung. Him in his insect sleepwear and her in her dog and cat. “Oh,” Yuseung mouthed at the sight of me. She looked at the boy beside her. He spoke instead. “Are you planning to sleep here also?” He asked. This time I took notice of the pillows and blankets they both brought.

I pushed myself from my knees. “No, I was just leaving.” “Ok,” Gilyeong said with a nod. I took one last glance at the man sleeping on the bed, defenseless. The dim light of the candlelit his face enough to reveal the soft features one normally wouldn’t be able to see in a harsher light. “I wonder how he would look under moonlight?” I thought to myself as I walked out the door, immediately berating myself for it. “What is wrong with me?” I asked as I lay down on my bed once more. “I’m losing myself in this place.”

(Dokja’s POV) 

It is strange trying to fall asleep in the middle of a scenario without any idea of what might come next. Especially in a scenario like this… without anyone to keep watch. But found it quite nice not having to constantly think about what we would have to do next. I mean, I would have to think about what my friends would see next on the screen. 

Opening my eyes, I found myself considerably warm. I sighed; it made sense that I was warm, considering there were two extra blankets on top of me, with the most obvious reason being the fact that I was currently sandwiched between two still-sleeping children. “Yuseung… Gilyeong…” The children beside me began to stir. “My arms have fallen asleep.”

“Come on, you two…” Huiwon called. “We can’t kill his arms now; we still need them.” She gently shook the two awake until they sat up, allowing me to do the same. “Thank’s Huiwon-ssi I- wait a minute!?” I stared at her, realizing that she was in this room. “What are you doing in here? It makes sense for the kids, but you?”

“Oh, so you’re favoring the kids?” She smiled. “I’m not the only adult who slept over.” My eyes widened as I looked past her and at the sight before me. I spotted Sangah sitting with Jihye while Sooyoung was currently having a conversation with Hyeonsung, the floor of my room now covered in pillows and blankets. How everyone fit in my tiny new room, I have no idea.

“Did everyone choose to sleep over?” I asked, gently moving Yuseung out of the way so I place my legs over the edge of the bed. “Everyone but Master…” Jihye interjected. “He might have slept in Seolhwa-unnie’s room.” She began picking up her pillow and blanket to get out of the room.

I looked back up at Huiwon. “So everyone chose to sleep here?” She smiled and sat on the bed next to me, Yuseung and Gilyeong watching from my other side. “Most of us didn’t feel comfortable sleeping alone since, well, because of the scenarios. We all met in Sangah’s room but decided to go to yours, considering you were already asleep and couldn’t join us, and the fact that both Gilyeong and Yuseung were already here and sleeping. We also didn’t want to wake you.”

“So I was the last one awake?” She nodded. “You rarely sleep, but when you do, you sleep like a rock.” She watched as the other adults left my room and stood up to do the same. “Hopefully, you won’t be the last one to get food. I heard Rymera was going to provide it.” With that, Huiwon walked out of the room, leaving me with my two children at my side.

I turn to them, placing a hand on each head. “You guys should go get ready too. Even though time doesn’t pass here, this meal could act as breakfast, and breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” They both smile, running to the door. Yuseung walked out first, and while Gilyeong was about to follow, he stopped at the door. “You should know hyung,” He said. “Yuseung and I weren’t the first people here. It was Junghyeok hyung.”

“Jihye said that he slept in Lee Seolhwa’s room,” I answered, not sure why Gilyeong was telling me this. “It makes sense since she was his wife in his previous turn.” Gilyeong shook his head. “I’m not lying. When Yuseung and I went in here, he was sitting against the wall, staring at you.” For some reason, I felt a heat start rising up my neck with that comment. “He only left once we got there, but he didn’t go to Seolhwa-noona’s room; he went to his.”

“Why are you telling me this, Gilyeong-ah?” He shrugged. “I just thought you should know.” He answered softly, quickly leaving my room. I sigh. “I swear this scenario will only end up feeding them with delusions.”  

“But it’s not a delusion.” The female voice of Rymera rang through the room as she appeared, following a bright flash of light. I jumped up to face her. “What are you doing in here?” She smiled. “Same as everyone else, checking on you.” I sat back down on my bed, sensing I wouldn’t be able to leave this room for the next few minutes. “I want to ask a question, if you don’t mind.” She nodded. “And you will answer it truthfully.” The floating girl scoffed. “Depends on if your question is something I can answer.”

“Oh, it will be.” I pause for a moment. “Are you doing something to us? Besides showing us the future, are you doing something for us?” She raised an eyebrow. “Are you maybe influencing us with thoughts and feelings we normally wouldn’t have? Maybe some form of hypnotics? I’m sure that’s something you are very capable of.” Then she started laughing.

“Whatever do you mean?” She cried, holding her stomach as she shook in the air. “I’m not doing anything. In fact, I’m just as surprised all of you are thinking these things this early. I surely thought it would take a few dozen chapters.” I sigh. “But you do realize something. That we are falling under some effect.”

It was Rymera’s turn to sigh. “My dear poor reader, these feelings are just human emotion and deduction.” My expression showed that I didn’t believe her, but she didn’t stop. “Come now, go outside and join your companions for food. We have several episodes to react to, after all.” I stand and walk out the door. “Fine.”

Walking down the hallway, I found that Rymera was following quite closely. Upon entering the main room, I didn’t see anyone and was about to question what Rymera had done with them before she cut in herself. “Just go through the double doors.” I looked at the door directly opposite the screen. “You mean the same doors you told us not to go through because you told us that we would be ‘sucked into the void’?”

“I said not to go through them until my master figured out what to do with whatever she wanted to be inside. For now, it has been turned into a dining room, so please walk through.” She gestured to the doors, so I conceded. Walking through, I was greeted by everyone, most of whom were still dressed in their sleepwear. “Look who finally showed up!!” Sooyoung called from where she sat.

The room looked identical to the first room we had all been brought to react; this one was just smaller with fewer tables. “Come sit with us.” I walked over to Sooyoung and joined her at the table. Those from our original group who sat here beside me and Sooyoung were Huiwon, Sangah, Hyeonsung, and Yoo Junghyeok. The kids were sitting together, along with Jihye, Seolhwa, Gong Pildu, Han Myeongoh, and mother.

“When Rymera said she would provide food…” Sooyoung began, “What she really meant was that she would be giving us these silvers plates that gave us whatever we wanted.” I sighed, smiling as I thought of an everyday breakfast dish I used to eat before the scenarios began. “Why so basic?” Huiwon questioned. “Basic because I haven’t been able to eat this kind of food since.”

Once I started eating, they began talking with everyone else at the table. The only one who wasn’t was the man who had supposedly visited me first last night. An idea came to mind, and while it seemed kind of idiotic to address it now, I thought, “Why not.” So I activated Midday Tryst.

• You seem oddly quiet. (Dokja)

The regressor looked up from his meal to stare at me, giving me a condescending look. 

• I’m always quiet when I eat. (Junghyeok)

I paused for a moment before asking my question.

• I have something to ask you, Yoo Junghyeok. (Dokja)
• And will you still ask even if I say no? (Junghyeok)
• Did you pop by my room last night? (Dokja)

The man suppressed a slight flinch as he gave me a questioning look.

• And you came up with this question how? (Junghyeok)
• The kids told me. (Dokja)
• And do you believe them? (Junghyeok)

I paused again, trying to think of an appropriate answer that would not anger the man or put myself or anyone else in danger.

• It doesn’t exactly sound like something you would do since you dislike me so much. (Dokja)

With that, the man sighed. Picking up his plate, he got up from the table to sit with some other group. Everyone stared at his action. Huiwon sent me a glance. “Why does it feel like we just got dumped?” I didn’t answer and just stared at Yoo Junghyeok walking away. “Did I say something wrong?

~~~

Meanwhile, Rymera was literally punching air. “He literally said he loved you!!!!!” She screamed, pulling at her hair as she watched the scene unfolding in front of her. “How could  you forget!!?”

【"Ｈｅ　ｉｓ　ｋｎｏｗｎ　ｔｏ　ｂｅ　ｑｕｉｔｅ　ｏｂｌｉｖｉｏｕｓ　ｔｏ　ａｎｙ　ａｔｔｅｍｐｔ　ｍａｄｅ　ｂｙ　ｔｈｅ　ｏｔｈｅｒ　ｍａｎ．"】

“I hate this.”

【"Ｙｏｕ　ａｒｅｎ＇ｔ　ａｌｏｎｅ　ｉｎ　ｔｈａｔ　ｔｈｏｕｇｈｔ．　Ｗｅ　ａｌｌ　ｄｉｄ．"】

“How long does this go on for?”

【"Ｙｏｕ　ｋｎｏｗ　Ｉ　ｃａｎ＇ｔ　ｓａｙ　ｔｈａｔ．　Ａｎｄ　ｄｏｎ＇ｔ　ｙｏｕ　ｈａｖｅ　ａ　ｓｔｏｒｙ　ｔｏ　ｒｅａｃｔ　ｔｏ？"】

“Yes, Master.”

~~~

With bright flashing light and a few sparks, Rymera appeared back in the room. “Okay, everyone. If you aren’t finished eating, you can bring your food with you, just please be careful. Everyone back in the main room, please; we have a story to watch after all.”

I wasn’t exactly finished with my meal, but I had eaten most of it. Instead of taking my plate out with me, I brought it to a sink in the back. I was about to wash it before Rymera stopped me. “You don’t have to do that; they’re magical. They clean themselves.” I hesitate, putting the plate on the counter instead. “Sorry, force of habit.”

Quickly, I walk out of the room to join the others. “I think this is the first time I’ve seen you without your white coat.” Lee Seolhwa said to me, her presence causing me to falter. “First time in a while, at least.” I stare at the woman who was Yoo Junghyeok’s lover in the past round. Most of the time, I’m not able to look at her for long, considering there’s always a fight in the near vicinity. 

Her dark eyes, white hair, and red lips. “It’s no wonder Yoo Junghyeok fell for her. She is beautiful.” I smile, walking back to my seat on the couch. “But perhaps if I met the punisher.” I reached out for the remote the pressed the play button.

Empty desolate buildings were shown, a violet fog surrounding everything. This fog was a byproduct of the Great Poisonous Rhino. This monster was busy fighting an Insect King species. “The struggle in this new world wasn't just for humans. The monsters were also fighting for their homes.” Dokja thought as he watched, holding his breath while he moved around the area.

“Titano…” Gilyeong said, his eyes wide with shock as he watched in awe at the power his future friend had. He smiled before saying to Yuseung, “I was able to tame him.” He said proudly with a smirk on his face. Yuseung rolled her eyes. “So… I tamed Queen Mirabad.” “I tamed Antitus. I tamed a guide!” “Why you-”

[You have been exposed to the poisonous fog]

Any of Kim Dokja’s skin that was exposed to open air immediately turned black when it came in contact with the fog.

While the scene wasn’t that pleasant to watch, it did get both children to calm quiet down. “Hyung.” “Ajusshi?” I waved in their direction, mouthing the words, ‘I’m fine.’ They both turned to look at the screen.

“They were 7th-grade monsters like the Ichthyosaur, but I can’t deal with them right now.” Dokja thought as he pulled something out of his inventory.

[You have used the ‘Ellain Monkey’s Lungs’]

“The Monkey's Lungs was an item I bought in advance that could be used as a substitute for an air purifier for 20 minutes.” He stared at his messages. Sure enough, the constellations couldn’t keep quiet.

[A few constellations admire your readiness]

“Isn’t that the thing you had in your mouth when you met me?” Huiwon asked, getting the attention of most of those in this room. “Thinking back, I’m pretty sure I ran into you a few minutes after this.” I look at Huiwon and nod. “So that means I must be coming up pretty soon.” She sighed, a sharp smile on her face.

While others congratulated her and were excited to finally see her, the smile on her face said otherwise. And I couldn’t blame her; after all, I found her in a somewhat unpleasant situation. I also tried to ignore the fact that everyone was watching me with the clothes I had in the Ichthyosaur if you could call whatever was left clothes.

Dokja moved quickly while avoiding the small species that were eating the corpses. “I only have 20 minutes, so I need to move as quickly as possible while securing supplies.”

“The first thing I need are clothes.” Dokja stared at his outerwear, which was melted by the Ichthyosaur’s fluids. “Of course, while there were many of them around, I felt uncomfortable.”

“YOU think YOUR UNCOMFORTABLE?!” Sooyoung half shouted. “What about the rest of us, having to deal with seeing your nearly naked ass hanging everywhere.” I grimaced as Sangah began shouting at Sooyoung for using such language with children in the vicinity. Speaking of the children, Yuseung and Gilyeung were trying their hardest not to laugh, but Yoo Mia was letting everything out.

“It can’t be helped.” Dokja thought as he searched some bodies and grabbed clothes that roughly fit. He headed to a nearby convenience store and grabbed a few plastic bags, sweeping food in randomly. “Food would be a valuable trading item after going underground.”

“Pftt!! Definitely a trading item.” Huiwon barked before whispering. “Then he proceeded to sell everything.

He filled three or four bags like this. “The color of the monkey's lungs is becoming increasingly darker. There isn’t much time left.” “H- Help…” Dokja flinched at the call of another person. He turned to the sound. “Help… help me…”  

“Everyone!! Say hello to me.” Huiwon said as her figure was shown on the screen. The shouts of excitement and curiosity to see one of the most powerful members of Dokja’s team turned into still quiet at the sight of her shaking, frail form. Uriel took her incarnation’s hand in hers. “To think someone as powerful as you came from such humble beginnings.”

“I would say traumatic beginnings,” Huiwon said as she stared at herself on the screen.

“Help… Me…” The woman barely managed to mouth underneath her white mask. Her skin was black all over from exposure to the poisonous fog, and her shirt was drenched in sweat. Her jacket was half removed, and a bit of her skirt was torn. 

“Huiwon-ssi…” Sangah said shakily, her hands slowly moving to her mouth. “What happened?” Huiwon sighed, a sad look in her eyes. “The evil of the human race happened.” The room was silent. Any cheer for the Judge of Destruction soon disappeared into silence and worry

“So this is how you found one of your most powerful companions.” Yoo Junghyeok stated a blank look on his face. “She doesn’t look like she could survive the day.” Huiwon gave Junghyeok a betrayed look. “Hey!” I answered him.

“It doesn’t matter if they look weak or were weak in the beginning. Anyone can be strong. You, of all people, should know that.” Huiwon stared at the both of us, looking back and forth. “Don’t talk about me like I’m not here.”

“Are you okay? Can you stand?” Dokja asked the woman. He was only met with a groan in response. Quickly, he picked the woman up and put her on his shoulders. “Oksu station was destroyed because it was above ground.” Dokaj thought as he ran. “The closest underground station from here is Geumho station.”

The atmosphere in the room was tense for those in my group. Yes, Huiwon was currently alive and well, but none of them had seen this, and with how realistic it was, it was easy to forget that this had already happened. Yuseung and Gilyeung stared at the screen with anxious eyes. Yoo Mia, who had recently joined them on the bean bag, was also watching.

Dokja came to a screeching halt right in front of the gate, but it was shut. “Damn it. It’s closed off.” He quickly began searching for something else. “How about the other side?” “F- Four…” The woman managed to say. “Exit four.” Dokja ran to exit four just as the fire shutter began to close. He placed a thorn in the gap, causing it to stop. “Shit. W- What the fuck?” Someone on the other side said in surprise.

Several people breathed a sigh of relief as Huiwon, and I found the safe zone shelter. Huiwon, on the other hand, turned her head away from the screen. Even though she wasn’t awake to see this, the pain given to her by those behind this door made her refuse to look. Uriel took her incarnations head and gently let her lean onto her shoulder, rubbing her hair and back. She glared at the screen, muttering a few curses I couldn’t understand.

“Open up.” Dokja spoke. The people on the other side tried to send him away. “N- No you can’t come here! Get lost!” “I have an injured woman with me.” “This place is already overcrowded! There’s no room for more people!” “That’s none of my concern.” The conversation went back and forth before Dokja thought, “That’s strange. It’s overcrowded? Did that ever happen in TWSA?”

Sooyoung scoffed. As another reader of Ways of Survival, she knew there was no such thing as overcrowded. “Please tell me you kill them.” She groaned. I keep my face neutral, answering her statement. “They get what they deserve.” “Good,” She muttered. “Because I know the kind of people they are.”

Dokja grabbed the thorn lodged in between the ground and the shutter, pushing it up with one hand. The men on the other side ran away as he walked inside the safe zone, pulling the woman with him. He placed the bags of food on the floor, gently laying the woman against the ground and wall.

“Hold this in your mouth.” Dokja said, holding out the Monkey’s Lung. “You won’t fully recover, but it’ll at least neutralize the poison.” He stared at the breathless form of the woman in front of him. “Was there a character like this in TWSA? Chances are she probably never made it far in the novel. Should I take a look at her character profile-”

“Invasion of privacy!!” Huiwon shouted, raising her head to the sound of my voice wondering if I should look up her profile. She groaned once more before falling back on Uriel’s shoulder. “I want a skill like that.” 

“You can’t call it ‘invasion of privacy’ if you want a skill similar to it,” Huiwon said, a blank look on her face. “Also, it would be incredibly useful to have a skill like it. Right, Kim Dokja-ssi?” I sighed. “Why are you always targeting me? You know Yoo Junghyeok has a skill like it.” Junghyeok frowned. “Don’t bring me into your mess.”

“Over there! That’s him.” A voice yelled from a group of men approaching the two. “Who the hell are you.” A man in the center of the group asked, another man shining a flashlight at them. Dokja stared at the man with a dumbstruck look on his face. “If you ask…”

“Kim Dokja…”

While the current episode had a dark shadow looming over it, whatever was left of the ominous atmosphere disappeared as my voice rang through the room. My voice, which was so obviously trying to mimic Yoo Junghyeok. “Pfft!!” Sooyoung nearly spat out the drink she had in her mouth. “You love-sick bastard!!” She managed to say before breaking out in laughter.

“I’m getting a sense of deja vu.” Hyeonsung gave a weak smile as I felt the heat of shame crawling up my neck. “So that wasn’t the first time you tried to act like Junghyeok-ssi.” Huiwon coughed, leaving a very confused protagonist sitting next to me. He growled. “What do they mean this wasn’t the first time.” At this moment, I welcomed death.

(Supreme King’s POV)

I pinched the bridge of my nose. “God… and it will only get worse.” I said, thinking about all that happened in the demon realm.” The man in white beside me had turned a bright red. “I forgot I did that.” He let out. I rolled my eyes. “To be fair…” He started, trying to defend himself. “You also pretended to be me once.” “I only did that because of you!”

 “Kim Dokja?” The man asked. “That’s your name?” “Yes.”

(Dokja’s POV)

I hung my head low, trying to avoid any eye contact with any of the people in this room. “Please, can we just move on?” I asked softly, trying to get the attention off of me. “Nope,” Huiwon said, absolutely adamant. “With how somber and dark the episode is currently, it might be best to let everyone laugh for a bit, just to relieve some tension,” Sangah said as she looked over at me. “You can say that again.” Jihye laughed beside her. I sighed. “At my expense.”

“Okay, everyone, please come down to a more professional state so we will be able to get through today's set of episodes.” Surprisingly, it was my mother who took the initiative to calm everyone down, seeing as we weren’t able to watch anything for the past five minutes. 

The man paused before yelling. “I wasn’t asking for your name! Who the fuck are you?!” 

“You literally just asked, asshole…” Sooyoung muttered beside me as she began chewing on a nail, the rest of the room steadily growing quiet.

Another man behind the one in the middle spoke up, spotting the person Dokja was with. “L- Look! Isn’t she…?”

“It’s that woman from the minor group. Wasn’t she supposed to have come back with you guys?” The man in the middle asked the one who had pointed her out. “Well, about that…”

Huiwon shrunk in on herself as her normally threatening and confident aura disappeared into one of just emptiness. Behind her, Uriel rolled her eyes, muttering curses that those without a translation skill wouldn’t be able to understand. But I don’t think anyone needed one during this moment. After all, almost everyone understood what was going on.

“Oh…” He smirked as he stared at the man behind him. The man in question moved his flashlight in a harassing way near the woman’s waist. “So that’s what happened… you asshole. How dare you do that without my permission?”

“I don’t understand,” Yuseung spoke up, a confused and blank look on her face as she stared at the screen. “What are they talking about?” Gilyeong, on the other hand, looked sickly pale. He turned his head to look me in the eyes. I gave a small nod. He brought his hands up to his mouth, trying to keep the food he had recently eaten in.

No one had answered Yuesung’s questions; she looked around. “Anyone?” But I mean, how could you? She was only 11, and what kind of person would want to tell the full truth about what had just happened to an 11-year-old girl? I watched as Sangah slowly stood before walking up to her. “It’s not my story to tell right now,” Sangah said gently, trying to explain the story without hurting the victim.

No, not victim, survivor. “It’s just that… humans can be incredibly cruel when push comes to shove. And those men,” Sangah looked at the screen. “Those men did something terrible to Huiwon.” Yuesung looked over at Huiwon, who gave a weak smile back, before looking back at Sangah. “But unnie’s okay now, right?”

Sangah smiled. “Some things take a very long time to heal but don’t worry, Huiwon unnie is very strong. And as long as she’s with the people she cares about, we will all survive this cruel word together.” The rest of the room watched this conversation quietly as Sangah began the delicate process of breaking the truth of a once innocent child. 

The apocalypse had already taken so much and put them through so much. They had already seen things that they shouldn’t have, and if there were some way that we could keep that childlike nativity for a second longer, we all would.

“H- Hehe… I’m sorry, Cheolsu. You should have gone first…” “Cheolsu? The name doesn’t ring any bells.” Dokja thought. “I don’t remember him, so I guess he isn’t anyone I should be worried about.”

“Hand that woman over to us… huh? What’s that?” The group shown the flashlight at the bags on the ground. “It looks like food, Cheolsu!” “Hey…” Cheolsu said with a dark look on his face. “You can leave that here, too. I’ll let you live, so scram.”

“I hate these guys so much.” Sooyoung snarled as she glared at the screen. “If I could jump in, I would give these bastards the beating they deserve.” Several people gave a nod of agreement around the room. “I would pay millions to see the look on their faces of I jumped in there right now.” Huiwon cracked her knuckles. “Just to see them realizing that the weak woman they thought I once was now had the power to burn them to death would be amazing.” 

[The constellation, ‘Prisoner of the Golden Headband,’ is angered by the appearance of grunts.]

[The constellation, ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire,’ is furious about the injustice.]

[A Bounty Hunter Scenario has been granted at the request of the constellations.]

[The constellation, ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire,’ looks forward to a righteous judgment.]

~~~

[Bounty Hunt - Eliminate the Interfearance]

Category: Sub

Difficulty: F

Clear Conditions: A group of grunts are interfering with the pacing of the story. Eliminate them within the given time limit.

Time Limit: 5 minutes

Reward: ???

Failure: ???

~~~

“Finally! Something worth giving my time and attention.” Chuuni smiled, and he placed his hands behind his head and kicked his feet up a pillow. “Some actually entertainment.” He looked over at the angel sitting next to her incarnation. “Thank Uriel, we finally get to watch something interesting because of you.” Uriel rolled ehr eyes while Sun Wukong began protesting, saying that he was also there.”

“I often thought about it.” Dokja thought to himself as he stared the group of men down. He gripped the thorn in his hand as he stood from the floor.  “Why did so many predictable villains appear in post-apocalyptic stories? It must be the laziness of the authors to think that crimes such as rape or theft would occur indiscriminately in such a situation. If the real destruction came, wouldn't humans act more rationally than they thought?”

“Now that I think about it, a lot of books that cover the end of the modern world do cover topics like this,” Sooyoung stated. “But I don’t think it’s laziness. I think authors do it because they subconsciously know that it’s the truth. Example A…” Sooyoung pointed to the men on the screen.

“It looks like he won't give it. Hey, go ahead and kill him!” They shouted. “The answer is now right in front of me.”   Dokje observed the men coming towards him, as well as Cheolsu watching from the rear. “The human imagination wasn’t cliche. Real humans were more cliche than that.”

“True, real humans are even worse,” Huiwon muttered under her breath, her eyes sending a glare that could light the screen on fire. However, her glare was nothing to the death covering Uriel’s face. 

“It’s really sad that instead of banning together to try and save more people, humans just do whatever they want.” Sangah sighed. “They think that just because the world is different, it’s okay just to do things that were previously illegal.” I glanced at Yoo Junghyeok. While he never used his abilities to torture thoughts weaker than him, he would disagree with what Sangah had just said. After all, since he was a regressor, a person was either an ally, an enemy, or a hindrance to him.

One of the men with a pipe in his hand landed a hit. The iron pipe moved through the air in a weird way. “This isn’t a strike with the intent to kill.” He thought. “In fact, it doesn’t hurt that much.”

“I-If you don't run away, then you really will die.” The man who hit Dokja stammered.  Get lost!” Four men surrounded him. The one who spoke was trembling, but the others looked more relaxed than before. “What are these fools doing?” Along with the shout, one man rushed forward. Dokja drove forward with the thorn, stabbing him in the thigh.

“Thank you, Dokja…” Huiwon spoke softly. I raised an eyebrow. “What for?” “Thank you for giving these bastards what they deserve.” I paused for a moment before adding something to her statement. “Don’t think I’m deserving of your praise Huiwon because, like every human in this world, I do what I can to save everyone, but I also do everything I can to get more coins.”

“AHHHHHH! My leg! My leg!” The man screamed. “You bastard!” “Hit him together!” Another yelled.

The agitated men rushed simultaneously. Dokja stood there, taking hit after hit. After enduring the attacks, he silently stabbed the thorn. The men had their thighs successively pierced and fell to their knees with a scream. “Nevertheless, I didn't kill them. It’s because the scenario's clear condition was to neutralize them.”

“Example 1, I’m just putting on a show for the constellations.” I look at Huiwon. “Not everyone in this world is kind, Huiwon, and I know I am the least of them.” Sooyoung slapped me across the face. “Okay, you wanna be angst reader. Don’t try to get everyone to feel pity for you.” “But I’m not.” “Just shut up and watch the episode.”

[The constellations of the absolute good system nod at your judgment.]

[A few constellations laugh at your humanity. ]

[The constellations have sponsored you 100 coins. ]

“If I become a murderer, I might be able to attract the attention of the constellations, but it won’t last long. Instantly raising the threshold of stimulation isn’t good in the long run.”

“I told you.” Sooyoung rolls her eyes as I stare at her. “Fine… whatever you say you ugly squid.”

[There are three minutes to the end of the scenario.]

“W- Who the hell is this bastard? Why won't he die?” At this time, their leader, who was watching the situation from the back, came forward. “You are a fairly tough guy.” Cheolsu scoffed. “Everyone back off. I will deal with him.”

“Ayyy! The boss has stepped up.” Chuuni smirked. “Didn’t you already watch this?” Sun Wukong asked the dragon sitting next to him. Chuuni shook his head. “I slept in today and wasn’t able to watch this specific fight.” “I think that’s your fault.” Sun Wukong scoffed before bringing a hand down on the 15-year-old’s head. The little dragon swat his hand away.

“Cheolsu! This guy seems to have a pretty strong sponsor!” “Good. It looks like he has a lot of coins.” Dokja eyed the brass knuckles on Cheolsu’s hands. It shined with a black gloss. “Those aren’t ordinary knuckles.” Dokja thought to himself. “Did he get them from a sponsor?”

“Good eye,” Junghyeok said softly, eyes boring into the screen. “Thanks?” I didn’t mean for my answer to sound like a question, but any compliment coming from the regressor didn’t sound real. “Do you not believe me?” He must have heard it as a distrustful remark. “Of course I trust you. It’s just that, you’re you, and I’m me, and we have had a lovely history of trying to kill each other.” “I’d like to think that was all your fault.” “Whatever helps you sleep at night.”

Crunch. There was the relaxed sound of bones cracking from his knuckled hands. 

[The character Cheolsoo has used ‘Threaten.’]

Everyone held their breath at the use of skill, even one as petty as this.

[The gap in stats is too great. ‘Threaten’ has been nullified.]

Air returned to everyone’s lungs.

“Hoh, aren’t you quite good? You aren't getting scared at all.” The man's fist moved before he finished talking. Cheolsu aimed at Dokja’s jaw, but he quickly stepped back. That guy smiled. “Aren't you quite good? Do you exercise?”

“He doesn’t exercise, and you just suck!” Yuseung yelled as my past self began to cover the reasons why I was so strong. Something about a lot of levels in my agility. “And to think you are so much weaker than Yoo Junghyeok during this time.” Sooyoung shook her head while Jihye cheered. “Of course, he’s weaker. No one is weaker than master. He is the strongest incarnation here.”

[Personal Skill ‘Character Profile’ Activated]

[Character Profile]

Name: Bang Cheolsu

Age: 34

Supporting Constellation: Monarch of the Small Fries

Personal Attribute: Assault Captain (Common)

Personal Skills: [Dogfight Lv.2] [Bluff Lv. 2] 

Stigma: [Threaten Lv. 1]

Overall Stats: [Stamina Lv. 6] [Strength Lv. 7] [Agility Lv. 6] [ Mana Lv. 2] 

General Elevation: [A common small-fry who was lucky enough to find a supporting constellation. He tends to overestimate his abilities in combat.]

“What kind of constellations is that?” Yoo Mia said as she pointed to the modifier on the screen. “Monarch of the Small Fries…” Huiwon paused. “Sounds dumb and absolutely deserving of this bastard.” She looked at Uriel for further explanation.”

“The Monarch of the Small Fries is basically a constellation that takes pleasure in the pain and suffering of their incarnation. That is why they choose the dumbest person they could find as their incarnation, not even bothering to make them strong, before sending them to the slaughter against other incarnations while they laugh at their misery.” 

The room paused with a slight silence as we took in those words. “The dude sounds pretty sadistic and fucked up,” Chuuni commented, sucking on his lollipop given to him by Han Sooyoung. “But I swear I’ve never heard of a constellation like him.” 

“He’s pretty famous for the way he treats his incarnations, so even though he’s only a Historical Grade, he’s pretty well known. It’s just your fault for not caring.” Sun Wukong explained. Chunni took the lolly out of his mouth. “You’re right. I don’t.” He said before rolling his eyes.

“Ah… right,” Dokja said to himself as he stared at the screen. “Now I remember.” “Bang Cheolsu of the Cheoldu Group,” Dokja stated as he stared at the man. The man in question asked. “What? Do you know me?”

“Took you long enough.” Sooyoung sighed as my realization was played across the screen. “You say you’re the only reader of TWSA, yet you didn’t recognize him. I, on the other hand, knew who he was immediately.” 

“That just goes to show how big the difference is in how much I have read and in how much you have read.” I try to defend myself, only earning a glare in response. I smirk, knowing the conversation was over. 

“Let’s see.” Dokja thought. “Bang Cheolsu, the dumbest member of the Cheoldu Group. According to the novel, these guys should’ve been killed by Junghyeok. So why are they still alive?”

“Why didn’t you kill them, Junghyeokkie?” Sooyoung used the nickname bravely. Surprisingly, Yoo Junghyeok chose to answer. “I wanted to get as strong as possible and only saw them as unnecessary trouble, so I chose to leave… And Hand Sooyoung… don’t call me that again.”

“A, I see.” Cheolsu sighed. “You’re that type of guy. Looks like it’s obvious you’ve killed quite a few people. I can tell that you and I are not all that different.”

[The character ‘Bang Cheolsu’ has used ‘Bluff’]

I shuttered, remembering exactly what I saw when he used this skill on me. Even though I had Fourth Wall, I was still given a few seconds' worth of memories. And I will never forget what he made me see.

The camera zoomed in on Kim Dokja’s eyes. They were black and grey. “Maybe…” Dokja thought as images of the events on the train flashed through his head. “I could’ve saved them…” Kim Namwoon appeared in his head. ‘Be honest. You just wanted to watch them fight for their lives, didn’t you?’

“Hyung is not a murderer.” Gilyeong tried to defend my name as the blurred-out word of murderer flashed across the screen. “When he fights, he rarely kills and will only kill if he has to. In fact, I don’t think I‘ve ever seen him kill a human.” Yuseung nodded beside him. “I agree with the bug boy. Ahjussi is not a murderer.”

“The only reason I don’t kill people is that I have the title of ‘King of no Killing’.” I say. “If I kill someone, I will lose that title. Besides, no one can survive in the apocalypse without killing someone, so when the time comes, I too, will have to take a life.”

“If the life isn’t himself, he means,” Sooyoung mutters. I resist the strong urge to hit the remote across her head. “It’s okay, Dokja-ssi…” Sangah smiled gently. “When the time comes for you to kill, I’m sure you will do it justly.” I nod in thanks.

In the corner of my eye, I see my mother's head drop. I notice her shaking and the face that her hands are clenched into fists. “Why am I feeling worried? She has done nothing but hurt me. She abandoned me the moment she sold out lives for fame and money.” I look away and back at the screen.

[Fourth Wall has blocked character ‘Bang Cheolsu’s ‘Bluff’]

[The confidence of the character ‘Bang Cheolsu’ is rapidly falling]

“Are you ignoring me? You really want to die.” Bang Cheolsu took a threatening Greco-Roman wrestling posture and rushed toward Dokja, but it was only a bluff. Cheolsu didn't have the wrestling skill. “Stop beating around the bush, and come on,” Dokja spoke unbothered.

“Son of a bitch.” Cheolsu said through grit teeth. “Die!”

“This is going so horribly that I almost feel bad for them.” Sangah sighed before Huiwon gave her a look. “I said almost.”

The agility difference was so high that almost every attack Cheolsu sent missed Kim Dokja. He looked at Cheolsu with a bit of sympathy. “Not all constellations had a desire to raise their incarnations as the protagonist of the scenario. For example, his constellation, ‘Monarch of the Small Fries,’ was famous for not valuing his incarnations. He was a masochist who enjoyed using idiots as his incarnation while watching them be crushed by other incarnations. That was the Monarch of the Small Fries.”

[The constellation ‘Monarch of the Small Fries’ is amused.]

[The constellation ‘Monarch of the Small Fries’ has sponsored you 100 coins.]

“I’m glad I didn’t choose that man as my sponsor,” Hyeonsung commented. “I'm glad he wasn’t even able to watch the scenarios on the train.” I look at the soldier standing tall. He was a person who would never abandon or use someone under his care, so this specific constellation would be aggravating for him.

Despite his incarnation being smashed, the constellation was supporting the enemy. “Originally,” Dokja thought. “I was gonna finish him off quickly, but this changes everything.”

“Wow… doing everything for the coins,” Sooyoung smirked. I shrugged with a smile on my face. “You gotta do what you gotta do in order to survive.”

[There are two minutes until the sub-scenario ends]

“I should make the most of the remaining time.”

“You rat bastard!” Cheolsu groaned before landing a lucky strike. “Haha! I hit you!” Dokja looked at where he was hit. There was no mark with only a small sting. Cheolsu stared at the man in shock. “How?”

“Your physique os Lv. 12. His strength is only Lv. 7.” Yoo Junghyeok stated as he watched the screen.  “The disparity in the overall stats creates a huge combat power gap, so no matter how hard that man would have hit you, you would have been fine.”

“I think you should have said “hit on you” instead,” Sooyoung smirked, and Huiwon burst into laughter on the other side of the couch. Junghyeok glared at her. “Watch your words, woman.”

Dokja smirked. “Is it my turn now?” He gently placed his hand on the dumbfounded cheek of Bang Cheolsu before punching him as hard as he could. A few teeth flew out as Cheolsoo screamed. Then Dokja pierced his arm with the thorn. “Aaaagh!”

“You guys said you wanted to see if the thorns could be used on humans; well there you go.” I pointed to the screen as those around me cringed. All three kids in the room looked away while those who had asked the previous question grimaced at the sight.

He pinned one of his arms to the wall with the thorn and started the indiscriminate assault; landing hits on his back, thighs, and sides.

“You seem to know what you are doing, Dokja-ssi.” Sangah said, a frown on her face. I could tell she didn’t like what I was doing, but she couldn’t say it, considering this is the world we live in. “I chose the areas that were the most painful without knocking him out”

[The constellation ‘Monarch of the Small Fries’ is delighted.]

[The constellation ‘Monarch of the Small Fries’ has requested an extension of the sub-scenario time.]

[The sub-scenario is extended by one minute.]

“Wait…” Yuseung spoke up. “Can we do that? Is that allowed? Are constellations able to change the time limits of scenarios?” Bihyung flew to face her. “If most of the constellations are in favor, then any rule or characteristics in the scenarios can be changed. You saw firsthand what they did you the Catastrophe of Flood.”

Shin Yuseung’s face darkened. “Don’t ever bring that up again.” She grit her teeth. “I swear to hunt down every constellation who killed her that day.” “You aren’t strong enough to face them.” Gilyeong said, but he was equally as angry.  “They would just kill you. Make sure not to die in vain.”

Dokja also paid attention to the parts where the woman had been injured. Blood and flesh were scattered. Broken teeth fell to the ground, and the broken bones twisted abnormally. However, Dojka didn't stop kicking.

“S-Stop!” Some of the men begged. “Please! Let him go!”

“Don’t you dare stop,” Huiwon scoffed as she thought back to how she was previously treated. “They didn’t stop when they were hurting me.”

The men standing to the side exclaimed with panic. He looked over at them once in a while. “Humans are weak.” Then He looked at the half-naked and half-unconscious woman lying on the ground. “How can humans who are so weak be so cold-blooded and cruel?” Memories of the train popped up in Dokja’s mind. “The apocalypse is just an excuse to them.” Then he thought about the men here. “They kill, rape, and steal from others.”

“That’s just how humans work.” Sooyoung pointed out. “We are a fucked up species, so maybe it was best for the scenarios to happen. Yes, there is so much death that comes out of it, but some would think that we were deserving and only brought upon our own doom.

“Is it because of their instincts?” “Why did you do it?” Dokja asked the man bleeding in front of him, his face dark. A black look crossed over Cheolsu’s face. “Fuck… just kill me already, you son of a bitch. Screw this fucked-up world…” He said defeatedly. 

“Ah… I see…” He stared at the man in his hands. “It’s not because of his instinct of nature. There’s a despair in his eyes that was there even before the world had ended. Just like me.”  

I flinched as an image of a broken me was shown on the screen. I felt everyone looking at me. “Dokja…” Sangah began, but I wasn’t having it. “What ha-” Let’s just move on, shall we?” No one spoke, so I’m guessing we're not leaving this till they get the full story out of me. 

“Hyung… What happened to you?” Gilyeung asked, his voice shaky. “Ahh…” I sigh. “It’s nothing to worry about. It happened a long time ago.” “But it’s clear you weren’t able to heal.” Huiwon pointed out. “You have so many bruises and scars. And so many badges that they could be considered clothes.”

“You all saw how my school life was in the earlier episodes. You all know my experience and what happened to me.” “That true…” Sangah said softly. “But it wasn’t this bad.” She said as she examined the me on screen. Part of me wished that we would just drop it and move on, but I knew that wouldn’t’ happen. 

“Dokja, I don’t have to use Lie Detection to know that you aren’t lying…” Sooyoung said, her voice filled with a caring tone. So much so that I don’t think I’ve heard her sound like that. “We will move on if you do something in return.” Yoo Junghyeok spoke. I avoided his eyes. “Sure, anything.” He took the remote before pressing play, much to the dismay of the others. “You will tell me.”

“What?” I shot my head up to look at him. “There’s no ne-” The next thing I saw wasn’t a look of judgment like I had thought. Instead, it was one of concern. So I just sat there and watched the episode continue.

“Maybe.” Dokja thought as he stood. “We really aren’t all the different.”

[There are 10 seconds remaining before the sub-scenario ends]

He didn't delay any further and gave a strong kick to the man’s neck. The breath was knocked out of him, and Bang Cheolsoo finally slipped unconscious.

[You have met the conditions to clear the sub-scenario.]

[You have earned 300 coins. ]

[The constellation ‘Monarch of the Small Fries’ is satisfied and has sponsored you 100 coins.]

“It’s finally over…” I sighed. I could tell the episode was drawing to a close, but I was not excited for the talk I was going to have with Yoo Junghyeok.

The other men crawled and approached him one by one. “H-How cruel…” They looked at Bang Cheolsoo, who had been turned into a rag, and then up at Dokja with fear. Like they were dogs waiting to be disposed of at a slaughterhouse. He gently placed the unconscious woman on his shoulders and grabbed the food bags. “In any case, the world has been destroyed, and I had to live a new life.”

“Take me to the others,” Dokja said coldly.

The screen went black as Junghyeok grabbed my wrist and dragged the both of us out of the room.

Chapter Text

(Dokja’s POV)

I stared at his hand, the one holding onto my wrist. He dragged us to my room, pushing me inside before closing the door behind us. After he shut the door, he walked forward, his back facing me. I didn’t know whether to stare forward at his coat, so I reverted to glancing around at random things in my room. I’m pretty sure we just stood there silently for a few minutes, staring off into some corner of my room.

I heard Junghyeok's feet shift. Looking down, I realized that he had turned to face me. Taking a deep breath, I slowly raised my eyes to meet his. I didn’t like this feeling. It was cowardice. Once I met his eyes, I realized just how tired the regressor looked. His eyes were blank and empty, just a grey void of null emotion. It was intimidating. My eyes dropped to the floor without a second longer of eye contact. 

“Look at me.” His words were stern; it was definitely an order. But his voice was gentle as if the softest thing in the room. Junghyeok paused, waiting for my acknowledgment. I didn’t. “I moved the conversation along, so uphold your end of the deal.” I sigh, moving to sit on my bed as Junghyeok leaned on the wall across from me. “Technically, I didn’t know what you were planning and didn’t agree to anything, so in reality, there is no deal.”

There was another pause. “Why are you trying so hard to avoid it?” “Why are you being so nosey?!” My response came out a bit harsher than I intended. Hesitantly, I lifted my face… and met his. “Why do you want to know?” Junghyeok looked away, letting out a small sigh. “You know everything about me. My victories… my sufferings. You know everything, but I know nothing about you.”

“Why does it have to be this?” The regressor pushed off the wall and walked a few steps toward the door. “Why can’t it? You’ve read my life. It only seems fair that you tell me yours.” I place my head on my arms, giving a small nod. “Fine… I’ll tell you.” Junghyeok walked back to his spot against the wall. “Why were you so hesitant?” I scoff. “I suppose it might have been a bit weird for me. After all, the reason as to why I was bullied so badly in school is the same reason I read about you.”

He raised an eyebrow, waiting patiently for an explanation. “Guess it’s time to tell you my whole life story.” I inhale, taking a deep breath as I prepare myself to expose my most guarded secret. “Growing up, my childhood was a dysfunctional one, to say the least. My father was a drunkard. So, every day I came home from school, I would run to my room to hide in my closet; as I sat curled in upon myself, I would plug my ears as I tried my hardest to mute the sounds of my mother's cries.” I took a quick glance at the regressor. So far, his face showed no emotion, so I continued.

“As I got older, my father began to drink even more, and the beating got worse. There was rarely a day I went to school without a bruise on my face. Then, one day, I walked in on him, hitting my mom. She was bloodied and nearly unconscious, but he wouldn’t stop beating her. I tried to stop him, and while I did get him to stop hurting my mom, he turned his attention to me. He wouldn’t have killed me if it weren’t for… if it weren’t…” I couldn’t bring myself to say the words, so Junghyeok had to finish. “Your mother killed him.”

My head shot up as I locked eyes with him. “How do you know?” He sighed and sat down beside me. His next words were something I knew I would never forget. “Your mother told me.” Memories of when he and my mother were brought to a different room flashed through my mind. “How much did she tell him? How much does he know?” Destructive thoughts began to flood my mind, sending me into an all-familiar spiral. A spiral I knew how to stop but couldn’t find it in me to try. “He must see me as a coward! God, I’m a fucking traitor!”  

“-ja!” 

“My pain is nothing compared to his!”

“Dokja!”

“Some fucking companion I am! I should have just di-”

A quick flash of pain spread across my face. It felt like fire. Thankfully, it stopped most of the thoughts from spawning “Dokja breathe.” Junghyeok spoke. His voice sounded foggy, distant. “You’re fine, you’re safe.” I wanted to say, ‘I know I’m safe, bastard.’ but I found myself heaving just to get enough air to stay upright.

Junghyeok was kneeling in front of me, his hands on my shoulders. I realized that he must have hit me. I took another breath, trying to calm my frantic heart. “God… I must have had another panic attack… truly pathetic.” The man in front of me must have read my thoughts as he tried to change the subject. “You know, you should really check up on Forth Wall. That’s the second time it didn’t protect your mentality.”

“Sorry… where was I? Oh, about my mother.” 

“You don’t have to talk about it now. You just had a panic attack. You might trigger yourself again.”

I breathe a sigh of relief, hoping I might not have to continue this conversation. I look down at Junghyeok, his eyes boring into mine. The man sighed, recognizing my inner conflict. “Dokja, I may not know you as well as you know me, but I will never see you differently.”

(Junghyeok’s  POV)

I saw his chest shake, but I continued to speak. “I know the symptoms of someone who degrades themselves to the point of dissociating. Whatever past shame or trauma you don’t want anyone to find, I don’t care about any of it. It won’t change what you are to me.”

“And what am I to you?” He asked, his voice hesitant. So quiet that it was barely above a whisper. “Kim Dokja, if fate allows, you are my companion.” He looked at me, his face numb and eyes empty. He didn’t believe me, so I placed my hand on the side of his face where I had struck him. “I thought we’ve already had this conversation before? Dokja-ssi, you read about my life ten times over; you know I wouldn’t lie about this. Do you believe me?”

He gave a small nod. I observed how he carried himself. The minute he began speaking about his past, his aura changed. He went from the strong, confident man I knew as my companion to nothing more than a child. A boy who may not have physical scars to prove his pain but the scars of something that hurts even worse. I didn’t see the man who provoked me into throwing him off the bridge. But a child who’s suffered through something no one should at a young age. With my hand still placed against his cheek, I tried to get him to look at me. He avoided it at all costs. “Kim Dokja, what happened to you?”

“I’m sorry I tried to force this upon you,” I said, to his surprise. “When I found out there was a book that told of my sufferings, I loathed the idea of anyone having the knowledge of events not even I would want to remember. I’m not going to force you into the same situation.” I got up and turned to leave.

I felt a firm grip on my hand. “Like you said,” Dokje spoke softly. “I’ve read your life. It only seems fair that I tell you mine.” I didn’t know whether to sit back down on the bed or lean on the wall, so I just stood beside him as he sat on the bed.

“After my mother killed my father, she was arrested and spent time in prison. Now, I could stand being the son of a murderer, but having that story sold off for money was a different story.” He paused, trying to find the words. I tried to speak. “Dokja, what are y-”

“Have you ever heard of a book called ‘Underground Killer’?”

I shook my head. I tried to think back on if I ever heard of a book like that, but all I could think of were the times I spent in the scenarios. The only things I remembered from before… were… blurred. Dokja continued.

“The book was written by a woman in prison for killing her husband. It told of the trials and suffering she went through. It told of my life up until that point.”

I felt a simmering of rage beginning to form for the woman who was brought here with the rest of us. I had sworn to find and kill the person who had written about my life. I might as well add her to the list for what she had done to him. “You’re mother wrote that book.”

“That's right,” Dokja said, a sad smile written across his face. “I still remember how our house was flooded by reporters, all of them asking if her book was based on a true story. I remember everything my classmates did and said when they found out about that book's existence. Even my relatives abandoned me, asking how I let my mother show herself to the public like this. You all asked why I was shown like that: weak, pathetic, and bruised. The reason and origin start and die with that book.”

“Dokja, how old were you when… all of this happened?”

“I was in high school. Once the book got out, the bullying began. I was already the weird kid who got thrown around at home, so it only added fuel to the fire when the book got out.”

“I’m sorry you had to go through that.”

He scoffed, nearly rolling his eyes. “Oh please, spare me the sympathy.” He breathed. “My suffering was nothing compared to yours.” His hands curled into fists. “Frankly, that’s why I don’t really want to have this conversation.”

“You thought everyone… that I would look at you differently.”

He shrugged. “It was a pathetic excuse for suffering. I mean, look at the world now.” He took a few moments to regain his bearings before continuing on with his story. “Anyways, after a few years, the bullying from my peers and rejection from my relatives became a little too much. The next thing I knew, I found myself leaning out a second-floor school window.”

Feeling my breathing slow, my eyes widened at the realization of what he was implying. “You know, everyone in the group thinks that I’m a powerful person who can save everyone. Someone who can lead us through the carnage of the scenarios. If only they say where my life began.”

I decided now was a good time to sit back down on the bed. The man beside me took the risk to lay his head on my shoulder. The next thing I knew, I did the same. “What’s happening to me?”

“I was 15 years old when I finally tried to take my life. I found myself in the hospital a few days later, waking up to the voices of the relatives who scolded me for being so weak. Once I was discharged, my life for the next few years was miserable. My relatives told me they wouldn't try to save me if I tried to kill myself again. One day, I turned to the computer on my desk and typed the following words into the search bar. ‘Ways to survive’. You won’t believe what showed up next.”

“Next thing I knew, I found myself episodes deep into one of the greatest stories I had ever read. I know how much you hate the constellations and what they do, but your story was amazing, Yoo Junghyeok. And I know how much you hate the author for writing about you, but if your life was never written, I wouldn’t be here.”

I let out a laugh, causing him to stare. “You really are something else.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” He gave an unsure smile.

“After hearing about your story, I think I can piece together why you don’t want it brought up.” 

I stared at him, his bright doe eyes staring back. “You’re afraid of what they’ll think of you. I’m pretty sure you don’t have to worry about that. After all I’ve already said, I don’t think of you differently. Just tell them when you’re ready.”

(Dokja’s  POV)

“Just tell them when you’re ready.” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “You’re fine… with that? You don’t care about my story?”

Junghyeok gave a small smile. “Of course, I care about your story. But I would never judge you on it.”

I leaned away from him. “Who are you, and what have you done to Yoo Junghyeok? Where’s the cold regressor?”

Junghyeok frowned before crashing down on my bed, pulling me down with him. “I didn’t do anything to him, I’m still me. Maybe a bit out of character, but I don’t really care.” He was warm, too warm. After so long of associating the man with cold, perhaps there was a chance his heart was still warm. Strongly resisting the urge to lean in closer, I managed to ask a question. “What am I going to say when we go back? We still have god knows how many episodes to watch. I can’t avoid them forever.”

“I don’t care what you do. Just take your time.”

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. I found myself thrown to the ground because of how fast Yoo Junghyeok got up. Pulling myself to my feet, I walked over to open the door and was greeted by the familiar faces of our future selves. “Everyone is getting kinda worried. You two have taken your time.” The demon king spoke with a smile. The former regressor stood behind him. “They think I killed you.”

“I may say it a lot, but I would never kill that man.” Yoo Junghyeok said behind me. “The farthest I would go is unconsciousness.” 

While I was somewhat happy with Junghyeok's remark, the two in front of me didn’t have the same reaction. The king clenched his hands into fists that shook with an emotion that wasn’t rage. Looking at his face, the emotion seemed to be one of guilt, maybe even regret. As for the demon, he gave a sad smile. I felt my heart drop. Junghyeok couldn’t see them, so he didn’t get the information that I had just received. The two in front seemed to realize that I now understood.

“Yoo Junghyeok,” My future self spoke to him. “Do you mind leaving for a moment? My companion and I would like to speak with him.” I glared at the two, not trusting them, but conceded and walked out the door before mumbling to me, “If you don’t come out, I will kill them.”

The demon and the king walked inside as I closed the door behind them. “When does it happen?” I ask immediately. The man in white sighed. “You know I can’t tell you that.”

“Then what can you tell me?!” I nearly shout, frustrated over the new reality coursing through my mind. “I can tell you that, through time, the both of you will grow to care for each other, even greater than now.”

“Then what happened.”

“Fate…” The king said through grit teeth. “It wasn’t a willing choice.” The venom and rage that came along with his words were great. I tried to break it. “How long do I have?”

“Well,” The demon spoke tiredly. “Before you were taken to this scenario, less than a month.” I turned to look at the man currently seething with rage, anger… and guilt. “You said there wasn’t a choice. How does it happen?” He looked at me, eyes brimming with sorrow. “There was a choice, but neither outcome was acceptable.” I look back at the demon. “Can we stop it?”

“In order for you to reach the ending you desire, you cannot change your fate.” He paused before gesturing to himself. “How do you think I became a constellation?”

“During the Demon King Selection?” He smiled. “Partly right, and partly wrong. Let’s change the subject, shall we? But before we do, you have to promise not to tell anyone anything.”

Hesitantly, I shake my head in agreement. “You said we grew close… how? I thought he hated me?” The current Yoo Junghyeok in the room hit the top of my head. I flinched and rubbed at the spot, trying to ignore the pain. “Sorry,” He said without any remorse. “Just wondering how incredibly thick your skull is!” His voice rose to a yell towards the end.

“Give him time.” My future self said. “He will learn, just as I did.” He takes me by the arm and leads me to the door. “Come on, we have so much left to see.” Once out the door, he’s really pushed aside by my Yoo Junghyeok. The other Yoo Junghyeok seethed, placing a protective hand on my other self’s shoulder. 

Once they walked out of earshot, Yoo Junghyeok spoke up. “What did you guys talk about?” I felt sick, but I knew I had to do this. “Oh, it was nothing important. Just making sure we didn’t get into another physical fight.” He stared me down, probably wondering if he could believe my words. In the end, he walked away. 

I wanted to throw up. I knew that any progress we would have made in our companionship would be instantly broken if he found out what I had just kept from him. But if I told him, it would break him. Just looking back at the reaction of his future self, something must have gone wrong. Something that would end with my death at his hands.

I gripped my hair and prepared for an incoming headache. But how can I stop this if my death is necessary for the progression of the story? I make my way back to the main room, where everybody was waiting. I swear to find a way to reach the end without having to force him into the position. Into making that choice. After all, he saved my life; I can’t save his if it means forcing him to live with that guilt.

Chapter Text

 (Dokja’s POV)

Finally, sitting down on the couch, I could tell everyone around me had questions, I could see it in their eyes, but I chose to ignore them. Junghyeok sat down beside me, staring. He probably wanted to know what I would do. But at that point, I didn’t care. I had been pulled back with too many problems and excuses to stop again. I needed to learn what the scenario brought us here for; the future.

Quickly, I grabbed the remote from Han Sooyoung’s hands and pressed play. She eyed my actions, sucking on a lollipop, which I had no idea where she got. 

A map of the subways flashed on the screen, the camera slowly moving in on Geumho Station. Several people were shown, some of them pacing around or talking to each other. A man was shown before turning around, his eyes landing in front of him. “Huh?” His reaction led to a flurry of others. “It’s the Cheoldu Group! Someone’s hurt!” “Can someone give us a hand?”

People made their way over to the injured members. Dokja watched this as he slowly walked down the staircase, helping an injured Huiwon make her way down. “Dokja?” A voice called from behind the camera.”

Lee Hyeonsung smiled.  “I know that voice.” Huiwon gave a small nod beside him before looking straight at Yoo Sangah. “Seems like we’ll be seeing a lot more of certain people

The screen flipped around, zooming in on a certain trio. “My god… Kim Dokja! Dokja-ssi!” Yoo Sangah screamed in relief. Gilyeong sprinted towards him, giving Dokja a tight hug. He was quickly followed by the others. “Dokja! You’re okay!” Sangah said as she walked over, Hyeonsung swiftly behind her heels. “Oh, thank god! Thank god you’re okay!” 

Everyone around felt a smile creeping up their faces. Yuseung punched Gilyeong on the arm resulting in a laugh escaping from Lee Jihye.

“Dokja, I’m so sorry about what happened.” Hyeonsung began apologizing. “I left you behind.” “It’s okay,” Dokja answered. “You had no choice.”

“Phew…” Sangah sighed. “Thank god Yoo Junghyeok was right.”

“Yoo Junghyeok?” Dokja questioned as he gave Gilyeong some food.

“This should be interesting?” Junghyeok scoffed. “It’s always nice to hear how someone talking about a person behind their back.” I roll my eyes. “I think you already know how I talk about you, even if we haven’t been watching these for that long.” I pointed to the screen. “Evidence of that.”

“Well, He said you were probably still alive.”

“Where is Yoo Junghyeok?”

“Well, he’s not here right now. Yoo Junghyeok left the station yesterday.” The figure of the regressor was showing walking into the darkness. 

Jihye smoothly pulled out her phone before snapping a quick picture. No one noticed except for the man on the screen. I held back a laugh. I would probably force her into deleting it later. But I would ask her for a copy first.

“Ah… I get it now.” Dokja thought. “The Cheoldu Group members should have died at the hands of Yoo Junghyeok. But it seems they’re still alive because he left the station in a hurry. Yoo Junghyeok’s a regressor who relives his life over and over again. He’s in his third round right now and has been reborn as a monster who monopolizes everything.

Junghyeok bowed his head as he listened to how I described him. It was one thing for my actions and words to be revealed to everyone, but my thoughts were a whole other issue. Guess this is considered karma. “I’m sorry for calling you that.” He shook his head.  “It’s fine. After all, I am a monster.” 

“Yoo Junghyeok-” His hand grabbed my wrist and began to squeeze. I shut my mouth to avoid letting out any sounds of pain. “Got the message.” I breathed, signaling him to stop. I sighed and looked at him. I could tell he knew but he looked forwards.

“He must’ve left without a backward glance to achieve his goal.” “But he’s still someone who’d tie up any loose ends.” Dokja mistakenly spoke the rest of the thought out loud. “What?” “Just talking to myself. It’s a force of habit.”

[The constellation, Secretive Plotter, is pleased that you are talking out loud.]

“Hey look! It’s you!” Chunni pointed out. Plotter hit him across the top of his head. “I know. You don’t have to make a scene out of it.” 

“It’s been so long since we’ve seen any of us comment that I’ve kinda forgotten about the fact that we’ve already seen this.” Sun Wukong sighed as Uriel bounced in her seat with excitement. “I wonder how much of ourselves that we’ll see?”

“Come to think of it, there’s one person who’s missing.” “Oh, Mr. Han-” Sangah started but was cut off. 

“EVERYONE OUT OF THE WAY!!” Several dozens of people ran up to surround the group, all of them holding some form of a weapon. In the midst of them was Mr. Han Myeongoh pointing Kim Dokja out. “Y-You…!” There was a flashback to what happened on the bridge.

Han Myeongoh curled in on himself at the reminder as everyone began looking at him again. 

“Get him out of here!” Myeongoh yelled, shouting at Dokja. “He’s the worst of the worst! Downright evil, in fact! He shouldn’t be here!” The four members of the group stared at him with a stupefied expression.

Everyone in the room shared the same look as our on-screen counterparts. All except Myeongoh who looked as if he might implode from the glares and embarrassment he was currently feeling. 

“Haha, come on.” The owner on.” the voice placed their hand on Han Myeongoh’s shoulder. “You should play nice. We’re all survivors, after all.” The camera panned back, revealing a hazel-haired man with a back turtlenecked shirt. “Pleased to meet you. You must be the new guy. Mind telling me your name.”

“I’m Cheon In-ho.” He said with a grin plastered on his face.

“I hate that guy…” Junghyeok muttered. “I know…” I whispered, causing him to look at me. He spoke. “He tried to use and manipulate me.” I nod. “He tried to do the same thing to me.”

“Did you let him?”

“I don’t think I did.”

“Cheon Inho?” Dokja thought as he shook the man's hand. “Kim Dokja.” “I’ve heard that name before.”

“Good… you should know what to do with him.” I keep myself from making a face. “I recognized the name, but I didn’t remember his exact character till later.”

“He has a supporting constellation and is probably the leader of this group. It seems that the Cheoldu Group works under him as well. He’s probably going to make me pay for beating them half to death.”  

In-ho spoke. “The others who came with you told me…” He squeezed the thorn in his hand. “That you fought the monsters and saved my men.” Dokja froze. “What?”

“I don’t like him,” Sooyoung commented. She was one of the few people who either wasn’t there or wasn’t watching when this even happened. “I agree, I’ve seen his character type many times during my work and it’s not the nicest experience.” Lee Seolhwa sighed, shaking her head. “He seems like a person needing a good beating.” Jihye cracked her knuckles.

“Everyone, gather around!” In-ho yelled. “This brave new member here has gathered food for us!” People began surrounding them, staring open-mouthed at the bags of food. Cheon In-ho smirked. “Welcome to Geumho Station, Kim Dokja.”

The man in question gave an annoyed smile. “So this is how it’s going to be.”

“Gosh… I forgot how much I truly loathed him!” Huiwon snarled as she stood up from her bean bag, quickly running into the kitchen to grab a snack. “Don’t mind me.” She said. “I just need to find something I can chew on to try and rid myself of the nostalgic memories that popped up because of that man.”

The screen flashed forward in time, showing the group a few hours later. “There’s a total of 86 people in Geumho Station. 87, including you.” Lee Hyeonsung explained.

“That’s fewer than I thought.”

Yoo Sangah sighed. “Goes to show just how many people we lost in the first few days alone. How many more will we have to lose.” “Tch…” Sooyoung scoffed. “Listen, I know you and I aren’t on bestie terms but, you have to realize at some point that not everyone you want to live will survive. That’s the reality of the world we live in. And it’s lovely isn’t it?”

“Only the ones who were in the cabin and who were near the station survived. Nobody talks about it, but since everyone cleared the first scenario…” 

“Everyone here survived by killing others. Everyone here is a murderer.”

Gasps of surprise and sighs of acceptance were heard across the room at the sight of a child talking with their mother. Now I know of children who had survived the first scenario clean of the act of murder. The only two were both in this room. “Do you think she even knows what she did?” Jihye asked quietly. “Was killing the only way to survive for the rest of us?”

“If you got lucky, you would have killed an organism by accident,” I said, thinking about the man who stepped on an ant. “That or you had stayed calm, used your mind, and found a loophole.”

“Right now, Geumho Statin is divided into the Major and Minor Groups.”

“Even when a hundred murderers gather, they divide themselves into the strong and weak. That’s what humans are like. Did everyone think there was no other way?”

“The odds of finding someone who still has their mind and morals intact after surviving in a world like this are incredibly low,” Junghyeok commented. “After my first round… after my first death… I tried to lead. I got strong, but all that gets you are people envious of your strength. And they will always end up using you for their own gain.”

“That’s what happened with Anna, right?” Sooyoung stared at the man beside me. I couldn’t believe she would risk saying her name in front of him, especially with this topic.” She received the infamous regressor death glare. “Don’t talk about her.” She shrugged.

“The distribution of food is decided by the Major Group. But since we’re running low, we’ve been assigning people to go scavenge for food. Huiwon’s a part of our group, but she was assigned to get food.”

“Who’s Huiwon?” Dokja asked, so Sangah answered him. “The woman you saved. Her name is Huiwon.” The injured woman was sitting against a pillar next to Sangah. Her skin was pale and sick from the poison.

“And thus I have been introduced in ‘A Story of My Life’ starring Kim Dokja.” Huiwon smiled as she stood in the door frame. She took a sip from the bottle she was holding in her hand. I raised an eyebrow, but she just laughed. “I found something to chew on.”

“Ooooooh, gimme.” Sooyoung couldn’t jump off of the couch fast enough in order to get to Huiwon. “Where did you get it,” Huiwon smirked. “Rymera placed a fridge in the back that gives the person what they want at that very moment. Back wall, left side.” With that, Sooyoung was gone.

“How long till they get drunk?” Jihye asked, writing down a number of coins on a piece of paper and handing it to Sangah. She took the paper and passed it on to Hyeonsung, who immediately gave it to me. I sighed before putting down a number and my name. Much to Sangah’s disappointment and Jihye’s entertainment. “I give them less than an hour.”

Hyeonsung continued. “To be exact, there were a few others who went too, but those from the Minor Group never returned.”

“This is exactly why I want to get drunk within the hour.” Huiwon motioned to the moment on the screen with her bottle.

“I see you didn’t join the Major Group, Hyeonsung,” Dokja commented. “I’m sure they would’ve wanted you as a member of their group.” 

“Oh, that…” The soldier looks down, unsure. “I just thought I should be in the Minor Group. I don’t know much about ethics or morality, but something didn’t feel right about the Major Group. But I guess I’m a hypocrite for worrying about right and wrong after everything that’s already happened…”

Dokja gave a gentle tap on the man’s chest. “It’s better to worry about right and wrong as a hypocrite than not at all. Don’t ever forget that.” He said with a smile as Hyeonsung's face lit up with stars. “Dokja-”

“I forgot how much of a teddy bear you were, oppa.” Yuseung smiled before she pounced on the soldier. I laughed before lightly throwing her off of him and onto where Gilyeong and Bihyung were sitting. “With you being so strong and all.” She laughed as the other boy and Dokkaebi gently started jumping on him. The wholesome mood was instantly ruined by the ringing of a certain voice emanating from the screen.

“Kim Dokja.” Cheon In-ho approached the group with a smile. “Might I have a word with you?” The group stared at the interaction as In-ho spoke with their friend. “I’m going to get straight to the point. Join our group.”

“Did you join them?” Junghyeok asked into my ear. I didn’t answer as he would lean in a moment. But I couldn’t help it and thought, “Like hell, I would.”

Kim Dokja just stared and made no action of acknowledgment.

“I can offer you a high position. I hope you will lead this group with me.”

“And if I refuse?”

Sooyoung finally came back with a few bottles in hand. Junghyeok got up from his side of the couch to grab one. He took a small sip, drinking it slowly. Even though we were in a place where no one could hurt us, he was still in scenario mode. Not letting himself fully go under.

In-ho’s eye twitched. “Haha, refuse? Now that’s funny.” His face darkened as he stared Dokja in the eyes. “The thought hadn’t even crossed my mind. You’re a hero who saved people from the monsters. With your power, aren’t you obligated to lead these people?”

Instead, Dokja just thought, “I see. So you’re going to use me like that?”

“They tried to do the same thing to me once they found out how strong I was,” Junghyeok said out loud, causing everyone to stare. “It’s why I killed them in my second round. Kinda disappointed I didn’t do it again this time around.”

“You really would’ve saved me a whole lot of trouble if you had.” I sighed. “I would’ve been able to remove a few life-threatening instances from my list.” Junhyeok looked at me and said, “On second thought, perhaps I should have given them a few weapons instead.”

This caused a not-so-friendly reaction from both Huiwon and Sangah, as when Yoo Junghyeok left and I wasn’t there left, they were left to fend for themselves while the Major Group was trying their hardest to get Lee Hyeonsung to join.

“I’m not talking about something grandiose. I’m asking you to cooperate for everyone’s survival. Can’t you see those poor people suffering?” In-ho pointed to a child clinging to their mother’s arms, crying for food. But Kim Dokja’s face remained blank as a canvas. “I’m sorry. I don’t want to be responsible for anyone. I won’t join your group.”

“Come find me if you have a change of heart.”

Sooyoung glared at the screen as she began playing with the throwing knife Rymera had just given her. Both of my kids stuck their tongue out. Mia watched the acting for a few seconds before joining.

“That will never happen.”

“Haha, we’ll see about that.” In-ho laughed, his face dark as he and his men walked away.

“God…” Huiwon said through gritted teeth. “I really forgot how much I hated that man.”

“Should you have refused like that?” Hyeonsung asked as he looked around. “Did you want me to accept the offer?” “No, of course not… it’s just I can’t stop thinking about what In-ho last said to you.”

“Looking back,” Hyeonsung paused. “It did matter what In-ho said to you. The best decision was not to join him. We just couldn’t see it at the time.”

“It’s as he said. We’ll see what happens.” Dokja opened the bag of food on his lap. “Anyways, it’s dinnertime. Aren’t you all hungry? Here, take one.”

“And the gates of hell will be opened once again.” Huiwon gave a curt laugh as she took another swig of her bottle. “Please be careful, Huiwon.” Sangah said, slowly standing up to her. “I know how you feel, but it really wouldn’t do you any good to get drunk.”

She placed a hand on the bottle, but all Huiwon did was tighten her grip. “I have a feeling I’ll be needing it for the next couple of episodes.”

“HEY!” A voice yelled as the others started to reach for some food. A group of angry people stood before them. “Is it true that you’re monopolizing the food?” Someone shouted. “You’re just going to monopolize the food for yourselves when you should be sharing with others?” Another girl cried out.

“Why did almost all the spoiled, naive, ignorant people have to survive the first scenario?” Han Sooyoung sighed. “No offense to you guys. You’re all way more than that but still. Why do they have to be so… irritating?”

“That’s because they’re human.” Bihyung offered his opinion. “For most of them, their true nature will show during times of trouble. And it so just happens that for most people, ‘spoiled, naive, and ignorant’ seems to be the default setting.

“I heard other people went with you to get the food!”

“Yeah! Why would you take it for yourselves?”

“Let In-ho be in charge of the food. And you get your share like everyone else!”

Sooyoung gave the Dokkaebi a huge side-eye. “I know you’re not talking, you oversized floating plushy.” Bihyung looked like he wanted to say something in retaliation but held it inside.

The mob of people surrounding them grew steadily. “The most dangerous type of person in an apocalyptic world isn’t someone driven by despair like Bang Cheolse.” The crying voices and arguing began to get louder.

“Yes. I remember now. Cheon In-ho from Geumho Station. The truly dangerous type is the person that uses the despair of others as a fertilizer for power.” Dokja stared at Cheon In-ho through the crowd. “Choose…” He mouthed with a smile as his earlier words played in Dokja’s mind. “Will you become a hero after sharing your food, or will you become a villain after monopolizing it?”

Huiwon smashed her bottle against the wall, startling everyone in the room. “Huiwon-ssi!” Sangah yelled as she stared at the blood dripping from her friend's hand. Seolhwa got up from where she sat and took the woman’s hand in hers. “I really hate that man,” Huiwon mumbled, her words slurred from how drunk she was.

I got up from the couch, took all the bottles with me, and placed them in the room next to us. “Rymera, please keep everyone out of the kitchen until these couple of episodes are finished.” She nodded.

I picked up a shard of glass from the floor. “Drunk within the hour.” I then stared at Lee Jihye. “I won.” Sangan and Hyeonsung sighed. “Really, guys?” She said. I looked at both of them. “It helps to lighten the mood.” The looks on their faces showed that they didn’t believe me. “Look, if I remember correctly, we are in for a few couple of especially rough episodes.”

I thought about everything that happened during my time at the Station. And I worry about how those who weren’t there will perceive it.

A dark threatening silhouette of In-ho flashed on the screen, a grin clear on his face. Dokja grit his teeth and glared at the man. “Cheon In-ho!”

The screen flashed black, signaling that the episode was over. I grabbed the remote and pressed the play button for the next one.

“Now, Kim Dokja. It’s time for you to choose.” In-Ho thought, smiling at the carnage. “Influencing these people is a breeze for me. Now, do you see that you must do as I say to survive here?”

“Pikachu, I choose you!” Yoo Mia yelled while pointing at the screen. Gilyeong and Yuseung followed suit, with Gilyeong choosing Beedrill and Yuseung choosing Nidoran. The three of them then proceeded to have a heated discussion about which Pokemon in the original region was the best.

“Everyone, please calm down. There must’ve been a misunderstanding.” In-ho spoke, trying to appease the crowd. “Dokja-ssi has already agreed to join our group. We’ll collect and redistribute the food as we always have.” He stared at the man sitting against the pillar. “He’ll have no choice but to play along.” “He has also promised to work alongside us to”

“Stop.” Kim Dokja’s voice echoed around the station. “Of course, I’ll share the food.” He said. In-ho smiled. “There we go.”

“Oh, you poor soul…” Han Sooyoung sighed. “Do you kill him in the end, Dokja-ssi?” I shrug my shoulders, knowing fully well how Cheon In-ho met his end.

“But not for free.”

The crowd froze as Dokja just stared at them. “What do you mean… ‘not for free’?” “Are you going to sell us the food?”

“And thus was the beginning of the story of the Great Scammer.” The voice originated from the corner of the room where our future selves were from. I think the Constellation said it had the modifier of “Director of the False Last Act.” I know the plans I have for myself, and I have also seen my future self along with Yoo Junghyeok’s. But I still can’t figure out who the second constellation could be.

I look over at Han Sooyoung. She has the greatest potential of attaining to title, but there is no way she could be able to with the little amount she has read.

[The eyes of a few constellations sparkle with excitement.]

[The constellation, Secretive Plotter, scoffs.]

Chunni gave a testing look over at the Plotter, immediately being removed from any idea of fun by the look he was getting. Sun Wukong laughed as Uriel tried comforting the young dragon. She failed miserably, so Persephone had to take over.

“That’s right.” Dokja said, looking straight at the displeased face of Cheon In-ho, “I’m no charity worker. And I don’t trust those people.”

“T-Then for how much?” “Is money okay?”

“No… I’ll only be accepting coins.” The screen flashed to show the group several minutes later.

“Since I am a healer, I don’t agree with your actions.” Lee Seolhwa spoke up from where she sat. “No matter how much you hate or distrust someone, in times of trial, life goes above all else.”

“What you say might have been true in the world we used to live in.” My mother scoffed. “But you can’t possibly think that any of those morals will work in an apocalypse.” Junghyeok inhaled before saying, “And what right do you have saying that?”

Lee Sookyung raised an eyebrow and looked at me, looking past the glare she was receiving from Junghyeok. He was still angry about what I had told him. And I’m sure my mother could tell he knew. “Junghyeok-ah, it’s fine.” I tried placing my hand on his wrist, but he just glared at me.

“Wait… Dokja-ssi. Is this really a good idea?” “Isn’t 50 coins per food item too expensive?” Both Sangah and Hyeonsung spoke their thoughts as people around them talked with each other. “I’ll be charging you 10 coins per food item from now on as well.” He said to them.

“Bro really said I’m gonna get rich today,” Jihye stated, invested in the screen.

[A few constellations are relieved that you are not an idiot.]

[A few constellations have gifted you 100 coins.]

“It’s only right,” Huiwon said as she leaned over to Dokja. “I’ll start paying immediately. I don’t need free food.” She was shown on screen, her hair raven black, a contrast to her still sickly pale skin. But she was recovering. “My name is Jung Huiwon. Thank you for helping me earlier.”  She shook Dokja’s hand. “It was nothing.”

“There’s a reason why I chose you as my incarnation!” Uriel squealed as she hugged Huiwon from the back. Huiwon, albeit still somewhat drunk, managed to smile, hugging back. “Love you to Uriel.”

She turned to the other two adults in their group. “And Sangah-ssi and Hyeonsung-ssi. Get a hold of yourselves. This is no time to be sulking.” Huiwon explained. “He risked his own life to retrieve these foods. Don’t tell me you were planning just to leech off him like the rest?”

“Looking back at our past actions, it’s hard to understand why we would think that was okay.” Sangah sighed. “We were in denial. We couldn’t understand that the world we used to live in was gone.” Hyeonsung looked longingly at his past self on the screen. “We still thought that we would be able to get out of everything, that we could still go back to how things used to be.”

Her words seemed to talk some sense back into the other two as they agreed and paid for their food. Gilyeong placed his hand on Kim Dokja’s waist.

[Character ‘Lee Gilyeong’ has paid you 20 coins.]

“Huh?” Dokja stared at the boy. “You gave me ten more.” He raised his hand to return to money, but Gilyeong refused and said, “That’s for the chocolate from this morning.” Huiwon smirked. “I guess Gilyeong is better than those shameless bastards.”

Gilyeong smiled sheepishly at the praise while Sangah lectured Huiwon on her language in front of minors.

[A few constellations show an interest in the incarnation ‘Lee Gilyeong’.]

The boy looked over at the constellations in the room. Before they came here, his constellations told him that he had been chosen to go as well. Now Gilyeong wondered is his constellations were any of those who remained in the room.

From behind the rest of the constellations, Abaddon stared at his incarnation. It was because of that boy that he was brought back after tens of thousands of years. After all, there was a read, he chose him as his incarnation. But it wasn’t just the fact that he woke him up. There was way more.

“It’s actually the Major Group that’s monopolizing all the food here.” Huiwon continued. “Everyone else is being fed, bred, and then dragged off to scavenge for food like cattle for the slaughter… Just like how I was this morning.”

“I have a quick question.” Lee Jihye spoke up. “When you are ‘assigned’ to scavenge for food, do you have a say on if you want to go or not?” Huiwon shook her head. “If you say you don’t want to, you get guilt-tripped and gaslighted in front of everyone. They say that you aren’t pulling your weight and leaching off os those who have died and struggled. So at that point, you have no choice but to go out.”

“Everyone does seem to have no problem with what the Major Group is doing,” Dokja stated as Hyeonsung opened his mouth to speak. “I agree. That’s why your declaration is very meaningful, Dokja-ssi.”

“But don’t you think you should sell them the food for ten coins like you did to us?” The soldier continued. “I know you gave us a special discount but… I don’t think anyone’s looking to buy with those prices.”

“Honestly speaking, 50 coins were way better than the bullshit prices they tried to use later on.” “Well,” I added. “To be fair, they didn’t know about later.”

“Well…” Dokja thought about his remark. “We’ll have to wait and see.” Soon everyone had fallen asleep. “Why don’t you get some shut-eye Dokja-ssi?” Hyeonsung offered. “I’ll keep watch.” The forms and figures of a group walking up to them were shown. “No. I have some stuff to take care of.” Dokja answered. “Stuff to take care of?”

“Excuse me…” A voice belonging to the group walking up to them called out. Both Dokja and Hyeonsung looked at them. Then the screen went black.

“Wait,” Jihye blurted out. “What happened? Who was that.” I smiled. “Let’s just say several people came to their senses and bought some food.” She scoffed. “Wow, what in the two-faced bastards.” Huiwon nearly spit her drink out. “That’s what I said.

Hours later, Huiwon held an empty bag in her hands. “Wow. You’ve sold out? What a joke, those two-faced bastards…” “She’s not as frail as I thought she was…” Dokja thought as she watched her shaking the bag. “But it wasn’t just the Minor Group who had brought some food overnight.”

“Of course…Those bastards just couldn't help themselves.” Han Sooyoung scoffed. She turned to look at Seolhwa. “Yah… Lee Seolhwa… it this what you meant when you said that in times of trial, life goes above all else’.” 

Seolhwa glared at her. “You know what I meant.”

In-ho stepping through a curtain. “May I have everyone’s attention, please?” He yelled. “We will be limiting the distribution of food from today to three biscuits per person.” This threw the crowd of survivors into an outrage.

“What? Three biscuits?!”
“How are we supposed to survive off of that?”
“But the search party gets more food than that!”
“Did you think we wouldn’t know?!”

“I kinda feel bad that we’re all eating like kings with the food Rymera has here when everyone there is starving,” Yuseung mumbled as she stared at the plate in her hands. “I wish we could give these to them.” She looked up at Rymera. “If you and your master have so much power, and you definitely have favorites, why couldn’t you help us then?”

Rymera sighed before floating down beside Yuseung. “It’s true that my master is powerful, and yes, we do have favorites. And if I were given the choice, I would have helped you guys out.” She stared at all of us. 

“But truthfully, I didn’t know any of you excited when your stories were being made. And as for my master, she cannot interfere until the majority of the story has been cemented. That way, she cannot change what the original creator has made.”

At this point, I spoke up. “You’re saying that the author of TWSA is stronger than your master.” She laughed. “Of course not, the story I’m referring to isn’t TWSA, but a different novel entirely.” She could tell we all had questions from the looks on our faces. “You’ll find out in time.”

“That’s correct.” In-ho countered. “You’re always welcome to join the search party if you want more food.” Dokja and those behind him watched the scene unfold. Huiwon, especially, was glaring.

“But hardly anyone makes it back when they join the search party!”
“Only the Cheoldu Gang members make it back alive!”
“You’re practically asking us to go out and die!”

“I don’t understand why these people can’t see what the Major Group is trying,” Sooyoung mumbled in annoyance. “I mean, if you guys could see it, why couldn’t they?”

“Well…” In-ho paused, a grim smile still shining on his face. “How about you go out and scavenge for food yourselves then?” The crowd went quiet. “ Well. there’s still a way for you to get more food even if you don’t join the search part. I really didn’t want to do this…”

A twisted smile crossed In-ho’s lips. “But Dokja-ssi over there taught me a valuable lesson yesterday.” Dokja gave a dumb look. “Oh really.”

“And of course, he pins it on you…” She shook her head. “No one can do that but me.” Sooyoung grinned at me, but I chose the ignore her teasing.

“ It was the Major Group who bought over half of the food Kim Dokja Scavenged. ”

“ Though they did pay for it in full. ”

The atmosphere of the room froze at the sound of her voice. We all knew who this narrator was. But it wasn't an easy pill to swallow. Most of us still hated her. I wanted to ask them questions, but I think almost everyone else wanted to kill them.  

“I still can’t get over how young they sound,” Sangah murmured. “They can’t be older than 18.” The dragon shrugged his shoulders. “To be fair, I look and sound 15, but everyone knows I’m way older than that.” He was hit on the top of his head by Sun Wukong.

“Are constellations able to choose the age they appear to us?” Yuseng asked curiously. Persephone placed a hand on her head. “If they have enough power, any constellations can manipulate how they look. But if the narrator is using their true form, then they must have become a constellation at a young age.” She pointed Yuseung’s line of sight to Chunni.”

“Take, for example, the Abyssal Black Flame Dragon.” Chunni waved a them. “He became a constellation at the age of 15, so while he likes to show himself in his dragon form, the age equivalent of his dragon would be a 15-year-old.”

“Just because they look like a child doesn’t mean I won’t kill them.” The Plotter snarled as he thought about all the sufferings he was put through because of that damn book. “You will not stop me.” He growled at me. “I didn’t even say anything.”

The screen showed a flash of what happened during the night. Cheon In-ho spoke to Dokja as he walked away. “You’ve just dug your own grave, Kim Dokja. You’ll regret it.” The screen showed present-say In-ho.

“The amount of times Dokja’s literally dug his own grave is unfathomable.” The Judge of Apocalypse said from where she resided with the future group. “He really needs someone to place a leash on him.”

“Dokja-ssi was right everyone. How can anything be free in his world? You must prove your worth if you want to eat. We will exchange the food with anything that we deem useful.” In-ho gave a bright twisted smile. “This is how the world works, after all.”

[The character ‘Cheon In-ho’ has activated the skill, ‘Incite Lv.2’.]

“So that’s why everyone’s so dumb.” Sooyoung announced. “Tough luck to encounter someone with that skill this early on.” “Tough luck to anyone who encounters master this early on.” Sooyoung stared at Jihye, who was trying not to laugh.

“So this is how it’s going to be.” Dokja thought as In-ho yelled over to him. “Thank you for teaching us a valuable lesson, Kim Dokja.” The heads of every angry, irritated soul turned and landed on the incarnation of Kim Dokja. The episode depicted the people as red deformed humanoids, eyes wide and staring. They all thought, “It’s all because of him…”

“That is horrifying,” Sangah said. “Did you see them like that, Dokja-ssi?” I shake my head. “I saw them as normal people; not really sure what Rymera’s doing though.” She pops up above us to explain herself. “My master thought it could use a bit more dramatization. You know, to help with the separation factor.”

“I was wondering why these people were acting like such idiots,” Dokja thought to himself. “In-ho had the Incite Skill.”

Huiwon walked over to him. “Well, the Major Group’s monopolizing the food again. Weren’t you trying to promote transactions between people to weaken the power of the Major Group?” “Her insight is impressive,” Dokja answered her. “That’s right. I wanted them to stand up for themselves.”

“Look who’s being smart.” Jihye congratulated Huiwon as she gave a little happy dance, still holding her bottle. “Didn’t take you for the type with brains unnie.” “Hey!!” Sooyoung laughed. “What, it’s the truth. Especially with the fact that you are still drunk.”

I sigh. “Seolhwa-ssi, do you think you could-” She shook her head. “I already did when I was fixing her hand. Her body just needs to let it.” I nod my head in thanks.

“Then you shouldn’t have sold the food to the Major Group!” Huiwon yelled. “Nothing’s changed!” “But it did change,” Dokja explained. “I have more coins.” “What.” “1,450 coins, to be exact.”

“In the early game, coins were the most valuable items,” I explained. “I’m sure you all know that by now, so you can understand why I was so fixated on jumping on any chance I could to get some extra.”

“What…?! Just what are you planning Dokja-ssi?” Huiwon turned to Sangah in distress. “Sangah-ssi, can we really trust him?” “I trust him.” She answered without hesitation.” She turned back to Dokja. “You left some food for yourself, though, right?”

“You were really distrustful, unnie…”

Kim Dokja stared at them with the most unbothered look. “Nope, I’ve sold all of it.”

“Now you know why I was distrustful, Lee Jihye.” Huiwon rolled her eyes. “And what makes you one to talk? If I remember correctly, you had to-” “OKAY!! We stop there.”

“What!!” Huiwon pointed to Dokja as she tried to reason with Sangah. “A-Are you sure we can trust him…?” Gilyoung proceeded to gently poke Dokja in the cheek, offering him a pocky. “For me?” He asked as the boy nodded. “I’m fine. You have it.”

I smiled at the memory on the screen, looking down at the boy. He must have realized that I was staring because he turned to look at me. He was able to smile back for a few seconds before Yuseung tackled him.

“Oh,” Dokja turned to the rest of the group. “And while we’re on the topic, you know the foods you caught yesterday? Eat them all now. I strongly recommend that you finish them by the end of today.”

“Another hint given by your readings?” My mother asked. I really didn’t want to talk to her, but she would never drop it if I ignored her. “Not exactly. Just thinking about what normally happens in TWSA.”

Later that day, Dokja decided to venture on the platform and onto the tracks. As he stared into the darkness, Huiwon crouched down by him. “Everyone who went that way died. Bastards or not.” Dokja turned to her. “You’re not thinking of going, are you?”

“When did you guys find the time to go there?” Sangah asked. Since both she and Hyeonsung weren’t aware of what happened at this time, they couldn’t help but ask. “I thought we needed to find a different kind of food source.”

“But if I remember correctly,” Hyeonsong remarked. “Everyone who went down that way died. No one came back, and it didn’t matter if they were in the Major or Minor Groups. There was only death.”

“I said something similar,” Huiwon confirmed as Hyeonsung finished. Then she looked at me. “But you had no intention of us stopping you, huh?” I laughed, a slight smile on my face.

There was a short pause before Huiwon asked, “Did I thank you for saving my life yesterday?” “I think you did.” “Well, let me thank you again, just in case.” She gave him a short bow as he pushed himself back onto the platform. Then she pointed to a man in a dusty maroon shirt. 

Huiwon immediately frowned at the screen. “I wish I could say I ever forgot about that man.” Sangah placed a loving hand on her shoulder. “Oh, Huiwon-ssi. It’s over now, and you’re strong enough to have it never happen again.”

“I just wish you told some of us.” Hyeonsung ranted, the anger clear as day. Huiwon gave a soft smile. “Sometimes I wish I did. But I didn’t know you guys that well back then. And after spending do much time with me, do you really think I am the type to do that?”

“That man who walks with an injured leg. He’s the one who tried to rape me. Don’t lay a finger on him.” Dokja nodded as he noticed the cold glare Huiwon was giving the man. “He’s mine.” She hissed grimly.

“I wish I could’ve given that man a piece of my mind.” Uriel seethed. 

“Her killing intent is impressive. She’s also the type constellations would be interested in.”

[Personal Skill ‘Character Profile’ Activated]

Sooyoung and Jihye bother transferred some coins to Huiwon. Sangah stared at them. “What,” Huiwon challenged playfully. “We made a bet on how long it would take Dokja-ssi to use his skills on me.” 

“She would have ended up dead if it wasn’t for me. I wonder if she has a character profile?”

[Character Profile]

Name: Jung Huiwon

Age: 27

Supporting Constellation: None

(Three constellations are currently interested in this incarnation.)

Personal Attribute: Crouching Figure (Common)

Personal Skills: [Demon Slaying Lv.1] [Kendo Lv. 1] 

Stigma: None

Overall Stats: [Stamina Lv. 4] [Strength Lv. 4] [Agility Lv. 7] [ Mana Lv. 4] 

General Elevation: [As a Crouching Figure, she has limitless potential. Information about her attribute cannot be viewed as it has not yet awakened.]

“Not bad for a few days in.” Lee Jihye commented as she analyzed Huiwon’s profile. “With an agility of 7 too. Not bad at all.” Huiwon read her own stats. “There constellations were interested in me back then?” Uriel frowned. “Don’t bother thinking about them. I’m the only one that matters after all.”

Junghyeok’s eyes widened as he saw something on the screen. “Crouching Figure.” He spoke with a hushed tone as he stared at me. “You are quite lucky that she’s your companion.” “Oh shush, you can’t talk like that.”

Huiwon’s eyes widened. “What?” Dokja asked as Huiwon ran forward. “Did you see that? They’ve taken the women and the elderly.” The screen showed two men escorting the pair through the curtain. “What Huiwon-ssi!” Dokja yelled. “What are you going to do?”

“Stop them! If they join the search party, there’s no way they’ll make it back alive!”

“But they’ll starve to death if they stay here.” Dokja words cause Huiwon to freeze. She turned back to face him in disbelief. “Her personal attribute is Crouching Figure?!!”

“If you don’t mind me asking,” Huiwon questioned. “What’s so special about Crouching Figure. Junghyeok-ssi knowing about it makes it kinda interesting.”

“It’s a rare super-evolutionary attribute in TWSA,” I say calmly. No one else took it calmly. Well, minus a few others. “Unnie had a super rare attribute!!” Yuseung exclaimed in elated shock. “That’s so cool.” “No wonder you’re so strong.”

“Then am I just supposed to watch?!” She yelled. “Yes, for now, at least.” Huiwon’s glare was cold, her eyes lightly shaded red. “What’s that supposed to mean?” 

“Crouching Figure is a common attribute, but it has the potential to evolve into a rare or even legendary attribute based on the incarnation’s experience. The Berserk Butcher, who was one of the top 100 incarnations of TWSA, started off with the Crouching Figure attribute.”

“There’s your explanation,” I say. “Wow,” Jihye grinned. “Does that mean unnie could be part of the top 100 later in the future?” I thought about it before answering. “More like top 50,” I say, much to Huiwon’s enjoyment. Hyeonsung then gave his comment. “She’s incredibly strong right now, so with more training, it would be very possible.” 

Rymera then popped in. “My master’s going to kill me for saying this but try top 10.” Many mouths dropped open. “I’m not sure if it’s top 10 for the whole world but definitely top 10 for Seoul.” Huiwon could hardly believe it. “There’s no way I got that strong that quickly.”

Sooyoung laughed. “Have you met Dokja-ssi and Yoo Junghyeok. And speaking about Seoul Rankings, what am I?” Rymera just stared. “That’s for me to know and you to find out.” Sooyoung didn’t take that well. “Oh, come on! You gave hints to Huiwon but not to me.” Out of nowhere, Jihye proclaimed. “My master’s definitely number 1.”

Dokja tried explaining his thought process. “What I’m saying is that stopping them won’t change a thing. Even if we stop them now, the same thing will happen over and over again because of the food shortage.” “I thought she was just a background character, but I should think about having her as a companion.”

The happy mood just plummeted. “Wow…” Someone let out. “Ouch,” Huiwon explained. “Thanks and no thanks.” 

“Sorry, Huiwon, I-” 

“Save it… I already know your reasoning, so it’s fine. It’s just a bit of a sting.”

“One thing that bothers me is that she has the Demon Slaying skill along with the Crouching Figure attribute. She could end up becoming an indiscriminate murderer.”

“I would never…” I cringed at her tone. It sounded hurt, and while she had every right to be, it didn’t sit right. “Don’t say never in the world we live in.” Junghyeok surprisingly argued. “It only takes one bad day for someone to lose their mind completely.”

“Thanks.”

“I wasn’t doing it for you.”

“Huiwon,” Dokja stated her name calmly. “The root of the problem here is food, isn’t it?” “I guess it is.” She responded. “Then what if we were to get rid of the root of the problem?” 

“It sounds so much easier than what it actually was.” Sangah sighed as Myeongoh cringed from the reminder of the memory.

“What? What do you…” Dokja took his phone out and looked at the time. “He should be here any minute now.” In the corner of his eyes, a bright flash of yellow lighting appeared. People screamed at the appearance of a Dokkaebi. “H-Hello. H-How have you all been doing?” The creature asked. “Dying of boredom?”

“Y-You see, the Dokkaebi who was in charge of this channel is currently being disciplined.”

“Did you do something bad?” Yuseung asked Bihyung. “I didn’t do anything bad by my standards, but the constellations that day were especially bratty.” “Hey.” The constellations in the room all felt mildly offended. 

“Disciplined?” Dokja thought as he stared up into the ball of light. “S- So I will be in charge of the current scenario.” The light finally died down, revealing a Dokkaebi, but…” “It’s not Bihyung!”

“God… they sent that stuttering mindless shit to run my channel!!” Bihyung yelled in irritation, but I couldn’t help but tease him. “You were the one who did something wrong.” He glared at me. “In case you don’t remember, it was because of you I was called into the office. You and your stupid cheat sheet.”

“B-But, everyone. How is it that you all look so peaceful?” The Dokkaebi spoke nervously. “Damn it, Bihyung. What has he done with the scenario?” The creature snapped his fingers.

“I made them interesting!!” The Dokkaebi’s eyes were red now.

[An additional penalty has been added to the scenario.]

[Foods may no longer be stockpiled.]

[All foods will be removed.]

Every single food item in the area was lifted into the air and disintegrated. “H-Hehe… Y-You should have worked harder to complete the scenario. S-Stuffing your face isn’t going to get you anywhere, right? Y-You worthless earthling… SCUM!!”

“Don’t yell at the people in my channel!! Only I get to do that.”

The nervous look on the new Dokkaebi’s face was instantly replaced by a mischievous grin. “N-Now, everyone. Let’s get the party started.” Several windows appeared in front of everyone.

Dokja smirked as he read the new windows. “Now, this is more like TWSA.”

“Someone looks happy.” I didn’t react to the comment made about me. “What can I say? It gave me the excuse to explore the nearby areas.”

“You could look less happy about it.”

“I wasn’t happy. I was just expecting.”

[An additional penalty has been added to the scenario.]

[The category, Survival Fee, has been added.]

[100 coins will be withdrawn daily at midnight as a survival fee. You will die if you have insufficient funds to pay.]

[The Survival Fee will be collected until the second main scenario is cleared.]

Quickly, we moved on to the next episode.

Chapter Text

(Dokja’s POV)

“Gather around everyone. I have an emergency announcement to make.” Cheon In-ho shouted to the crowd. “Given our current situation, it looks like we’ll need more people for the search party. From this point on, we won’t be sharing any food with people who refuse to join the search party.”

“Great,” Jihye’s hands shot up. “Let’s just starve.” 

“The sad thing is…” Hyeonsung mentioned. “That’s what most people were already doing.” Huiwon nodded. “And those who wanted to live… weren’t going to continue with their sufferings.”

‘Damn it. I didn’t expect there to be an additional penalty.’ In-ho glared at the man across the room. ‘Could he have known that this would happen?’ “My biscuit.” The woman next to him complained. “That’s why I told you to eat them.”

“No matter how powerful you are, Cheon In-ho is still a dangerous man,” Junghyeok warned. “He has grown suspicious of you and will continue to do so after this.”

“Don’t worry,” I smirked. “Everything has been taken care of.”

‘No, that’s not possible.’ Dokja’s eyes met In-ho’s. “That’s probably what In-ho’s thinking right now.”

“Imagine having read so much that you are able to read someone’s mind because you’ve read about the trope so much.” Han Sooyoung complained. Huiwon snarled at her. “You aren’t one to talk.”

“Still, having a talent like that with it not even being a skill is quite impressive.” I smiled at Hyeonsung’s compliment.

[You have successfully read the mind of the character ‘Cheon In-ho’.]

[Your understanding of the character ‘Cheon In-ho’ has increased.]

Jihye frowned. “There goes the character thing again.” I was about to speak, but she got there first. “Don’t worry, I’m over it. Just teasing.”

“He may be suspicious of me, but he can’t be certain that I knew about the food penalty beforehand.” “Did you know this would happen, Dokja-ssi?” Huiwon questioned the man beside her. “I had a suspicion that it would happen. I just thought of what the Dokkaebi would do to make us suffer the most.”

“I call bullshit!” Jihye yelled, quickly getting hit by Sangah and glared at by Junghyeok. Even if both of them are polar opposites, one thing they can agree on is a disdainment of swearing minors.

“But I didn’t expect them to add a survival penalty.”  Dokja thought as he looked at the new windows. “TWSA would definitely pull something like this, but this wasn’t in the original novel. Did the contract I signed with Bihyung affect the story?”

“Now, what did you say about bullshit?” I laughed, immediately shrinking under Junghyeok’s glare. “Sorry.” I mustered up some courage to answer back to him. “Wait a minute, you can’t say that.” Another glare removed any courage I thought I had.

“Dokja-ssi!” Hyeonsung called for him. “What do we do now? Should we join the search party too?” Dokja shook his head. “No, we won’t go above ground. That place is a death trap.”

“The only thing I had to worry about during the second scenario was finishing my training,” Jihye stated. “Master did all the hunting and cooking until he thought I was ready to hold my own.”

“I wish our group had the ability to relax during this scenario.” Gilyeong sighed, looking enviously at Jihye. “Most of the time, we were starving.”

“You survived,” Junghyeok spoke up. “You got stronger, and in the end, that’s all that matters.”

“But we need to go there for food-” Hyeonsung tried explaining, but Dokja gave him his answer. “We’ll need to find a new food source since the world around us has changed.” “Sorry?” Dokja looked past him, and everyone followed his line of sight, landing on the tracks of the subway tunnel.

“Wait, Dokja-ssi. Don’t tell me-” “That’s right.” Dokja stared at the opening. “We’re going monster hunting.” The screen flashed to a later scene. 

“Honestly, “Huiwon commented. “Especially at the time, dumbest idea ever.” I scoffed, a slight smile on my face. “But it worked.” She glared at me. “You almost died.”

“You’re going to follow the rails?” In-ho asked as he stared at the group below him. “I guess we need a team who will work on completing the scenario. Good luck then.”

“I thought he’d lash out at us for not joining the search party. But I guess he feels reassured that I’m staying away from his group.”

“I think I would’ve preferred the lashing out,” Myeongoh mumbled. “You’re one to talk.” Sangah objected. Normally, Yoo Sangah was a very forgiving person. But this is the apocalypse, and everyone changes in the apocalypse.

[Your understanding of the character ‘Cheon In-ho’ has increased.]

[Your understanding of the character ‘Cheon In-ho’ has passed a threshold level.]

“Now that I think about it… every time I make a favorable impression on a character, earn their trust, or guess what they’re thinking… the levels of understanding seem to increase. I’ve probably done the latter. Thanks to that, I can now read his mind and know his feelings with this level of understanding.”

“Cool…” Yuseung smiled before looking at me. “Do you think, if you leveled it up enough, you could share that skill with others?”

“If you’re talking about transferring the skill, I don’t think so. But I think I’m able to affect other people, so hopefully that counts.”

[Incarnation Cheon In-ho is suspicious of your intentions.]

In-ho gave a twisted grin. “Could you perhaps let a member of our group join your party?” “Of course, there’s no way he would have let us off that easy.” In-ho continued. “We’d also like to know how the scenario can be cleared.”

“YEEK!!” Han Myeongoh screamed. “C-Corpses!!” He had been the chosen one in the end. “S-Sangah! It’s dangerous here! Hold my hand!” “You look more scared than I am.” “N-No, I’m fine!” The rest of the group was just watching the interaction happen.

“Of course, they gave you guys that bastard.” Sooyoung glared at Han Myeongoh, who glared back. “You look like the ‘piece of shit’ type of person.”

“Excuse me, who are you?” Myeongoh challenged. Sooyoung rolled her eyes, taking the lollipop out of her mouth. “Someone who’s decently important to the plot, unlike some extra like you.” “And you are you to say that I’m just some random extra?” “Your personality said enough.”

Hyeonsung turned to Dokja. “Are you sure about this?” “He’s no threat to us, so it should be fine.” He looked at the girl walking beside him. “What about you, Huiwon-ssi?” Taking notice of the markings still lingering on her skin. “You haven’t even fully recovered yet.”

“You should be worried about Gilyeong, not me.” She responded. “The road ahead is dangerous. We’re not just going to charge ahead, are we?” Hyeonsung took the pause as his time to respond. “I’ve been worried about that as well. It might be a good idea to send Gilyeong and Huiwon-ssi back-”

“Listen, Lee Hyeonsung. I may not be as good as you are, but I still know how to fight. I used to practice Kendo.” “But-” Dokja decided that now was a good time to interrupt their arguing and stopped. “You two must be forgetting something.” 

“Finally…” Junghyeok exhaled exasperatedly. Both Hyeongsung and Huiwon seemed to shink under the eyes of the regressor. “You’re scaring them…” In said, but he didn’t seem to care. 

“Good, after all, they should be. If they aren’t, then someone needs to give them a lesson.” I shake my head. “Junghyeok-ah, they might have been a bit naive in the very beginning, but they’re your companions. They will help you when the time comes.”

“Correction, they are your companions, not mine.” I didn’t push the topic further.

“A few days ago, the world we lived in completely changed.” He spoke. “Saying Women and Children are physically weak is prejudice. Anyone can become strong when they increase their stats.” He turned back to the boy walking behind them. “Show them Gilyeong.”

Gilyeong nodded before crouching down. The moment his hands touched the ground, a glowing green string of light appeared, leading to a cockroach. “My attribute is called Bug Collector. I can have simple conversations with insects.”

[The character ‘Lee Gilyeon’ has activated the interspecies communication skill.]

“Nice job Gilyeong-ssi…” Yuseung laughed, resulting in a somewhat flustered Lee Gilyeong. “It’s nothing.” He answered, his voice soft. I smiled; at least they were getting some time to bond here.

“It says there’s nothing up ahead. We’ll be safe for at least another hundred steps.” He then turned to Huiwon. “Thank you for your concern, but I didn’t come all the way here to be a bourbon to you all.” Huiwon paused. “Oh… sure”

“Sorry about that kid…” Huiwon smiled sheepishly. “I guess we still didn’t understand what had happened to the whole world. Hyeonsung also bowed his head. Gilyeong was quick to bring his hands up. “There’s nothing to apologize for. I mean, before everything, children would normally be considered a burden. You guys just wanted to protect me.”

Sangah held the flashlight up, finding something. “The road up ahead looks pitch black as if there’s a wall blocking the way.” Hyeonsung approached the wall, hesitantly placing his finger against it. It disintegrated, sending scenarios windows in front of everyone.

Those of us who weren’t there held their breath as they anticipated the upcoming trial. Yuseung especially was getting more and more worried. I motioned for her to come over, which didn’t go unnoticed by GIlyeong, who chose to follow.

“Ajusshi?” She asked softly as she squeezed herself between me and Junghyeok while Gilyeong did the same with Han Sooyoung. I looked at her wide, worrying eyes. “It’s fine, Shin Yuseung… I’m fine.” I guess this is where they’ll be spending the episode.

[A new sub-scenario has arrived.]

~~~

[Sub Scenario - Hunting For Food]

Category: Sub

Difficulty: E

Clear Conditions: Hunt and cook a monster that you can consume as food.

Time Limit: None

Reward: 500 coins

Penalty for Failure: ???

~~~

“The scenario doesn’t look that hard.” Han Sooyoung commented. “It shouldn’t be too much of a problem.” Sangah shook her head in disappointment. “You’re forgetting that we were still quite new to all this.”

“But you’re here now, so that means you did just fine.” Sooyoung smiled as Sangah glared at her.

“YIKES!! A- A monster!” Han Myeongoh yelped as a mass of dead rotting rats was revealed. “Who could have done this?” Huiwon asked as Dokja kneeled down in front of a corpse.

“Who else but Yoo Junghyeok?” Dokja thought to himself. “ A tier 9 subterranean Ground Rat. Ground Rats live underground, are pack hunters, and are known to be extremely persistent in hunting their prey. It won’t be easy to move about the tunnels that connect the different stations since they are full of monsters.”

“Did you kill all of them?” Yoo Mia asked in amazement as she awed at her brother’s strength. He gave a gentle smile and motioned for her to sit on his lap. “Of course I did…” Yuseung eyed the girl next to her warily but didn’t say anything. “You’re so strong oppa.” Even if the regressor's heart was cold, his sister was one of the very few people who could cause it to melt. 

Sooyoung groaned. “Let’s just invite the whole party to the couch while we’re on it.” With the addition of three more bodies, regardless if they were children, she was getting squished. But I could also tell that his complaint was more of a joke as the smile on her face didn’t seem like an annoyed one.

“Won’t these be enough for us to clear the scenario?” Hyeong asked behind Dokja, interrupting his thought process. “The clear condition said that we had to hunt, so probably not.” “I guess you’re right. How are we supposed to cook them? Over a fire?”

Dokja looked up at Huiwon. “Huiwon-ssi. You said you were good at kendo, right?” The woman brought a hand behind her head. “Well, I’m not ‘Good’ to be exact…”

“Don’t be modest, unnie…” Jihye hit Huiwon across the shoulder. “I know for sure that all of here have seen you fight.” Jung Huiwon laughed. “I think I owe most of my triumphs to my levels.”

Dokja stabbed the body of the ground rat and started to cut it with a knife. After somehow getting rid of the tough skin, he managed to remove the spine bones. “Why are you taking that?” Huiwon asked, so he answered. “You need a weapon for kendo.”

After cutting the cartilage leading to the leg and shaping it, the bone actually took the shape of a knife. Dokja gave it to Huiwon. “Thank you.” She took the weapon and examined it. “Suddenly, I feel like I'm back in the Paleolithic age.”

During the entire process, I could tell people were incredibly interested in my actions. “That novel proves to be more and more useful the longer we go on. It would be nice to share some notes with the group.” Junghyeok tensed beside me; I could tell Pildu didn’t know the implications of what he was asking. I gave a nervous chuckle. 

“Sorry, I think enough people have learned of the novel's existence.” Pildu didn’t back down. “Oh, come on, I’ll even pay you.” Yoo Junghyeok was getting increasingly angry. The only thing keeping him from lashing out was the fact his sister was sitting on him. “If you spread it, it would help save more lives.”

“I don’t think you understand what you’re asking.” Han Sooyoung stated. Her voice was cold. She must have realized that Gong Pildu didn’t understand what selling that story really meant to a lot of people in this room. “It could very well save lives, but it would also destroy many more in exchange.”

But Pildu still didn’t break. “If that book is as overpowered as you all make it seem. Then everyone should be fine. Just name your price, and I’ll have it done.” The anger radiating from the incarnations originally from the novel rose. Hyeonsung, Yuseung, and Lee Jihye were ready to start throwing hands.

And while Lee Seolhwa was also growing agitated, her worry for her friend was even stronger. His hands were curled into shaking fists as his jaw locked in pure rage. I thanked every star that he had previously called his sister to sit with him, but I activated Midday Tryst just in case.

• He doesn’t know. (Dokja)
• That’s why it gives him no right. (Junghyeok)
• I would never sell your story. I know how it feels, and I would never place someone else in that position. (Dokja)
• I will kill him. (Junghyeok)
• We still need him. (Dokja)
• You need him, but for all I care, he could have a sword through his heart. (Junghyeok)

“What’s your final thought Kim Dokja?” Pildu asked, unaware his life was very much on the line. Junghyeok nearly removed his sister from him, but I grabbed his arm.

• I’ll take care of it. (Dokja)

“Rymera?” At my call, she appeared in the room. “Do contracts still work in this place?”  She thought about it for a moment before answering. “I think so.” I sighed in relief before saying. “Gong Pildu, this is my final answer. I will never sell that novel, so never talk about this again.” With that, his mouth was shut tight.

“It needs to be sharper, so try sharpening them on a rock lying nearby.”

“Heh, understood, captain” Jung Huiwon started to grind the blade with a slightly excited voice. Dokja looked up and saw Lee Hyeonsung watching the scene with a bit of envy. “Do you want one?” “You would make me one?”

“He was so jealous.” Huiwon laughed. “I was watching him the whole time.” Hyeonsung let out a weak laugh, but otherwise, her attempt to lighten the mood went unacknowledged. 

“All of you come closer,” Dokja called. “It’s better if you learn how to do it yourselves, so let’s make it together.”

“In fact, this was also my first time trying it. I wouldn't have been able to do it if the details hadn't been included in Ways of Survival. Why wasn't Ways of Survival popular? It was simple. The author wrote too much of the setting.”

Gong Pildu opened his mouth to say something regarding the novel again, but his mouth was immediately closed because of our contract. “Why won’t he just let it go.” I snuck a short glance at Yoo Junghyeok. The rage had subsided, and his sister was definitely helping.

“Dokja-ssi, you are a beginner, but you are good at it.”

They sat down and made weapons together. This time it was a spear, not a sword. Hyeonsung didn't have the Kendo skill, so Dokja decided it was more stable to make a long spear. Hyeonsung's spear was made with the spine of the largest ground rat, while Yoo Sangah and Han Myeongoh’s weapons were made with the spine of average-sized ground rats. Finally, Gilyoung’s weapon was made with the head bone of a young ground rat.

“Even if they were only bone, they looked so good.” Hyeonsung smiled. “‘It definitely felt good to hold some form of weapon back then. Even if they were as primitive as they could get.”

[You have successfully obtained weapons using your intellect.]

[A few constellations are interested in the primitiveness of humans.]

[The constellations have gifted you 100 coins.]

“You were so lucky…” Huiwon said softly. “Getting coins for making bone weapons.”

Dokja turned to face the group. “All of you have some coins left, right? Invest all the coins you have into strength, stamina, and agility. Only leave enough for the survival fee tonight. This may sound cruel, but I don’t expect all of you to live.” A rustling sound coming from the darkness took the attention of the group.

“But still… try to survive…” A green mist emanated from the giant rats charging at the group. “…please…”

“Indeed cruel… but completely necessary.” Junghyeok was one of the few people who could understand the feeling of losing someone. The pain so intimately felt that he had learned to drown every other emotion out. “It really was a wake-up call,” Huiwon said sadly. “But it was also one hell of a warning.”

“At that time, I knew I wasn’t strong enough to save myself and save another if they got themselves in trouble,” I noted. “Even if I wanted to help you all, there was no way I could.” I felt someone tapping me on the shoulder. Looking up, I was surprised to see my future self. “Might I have a word with you?” I gently removed myself from in between Yuseung and Gilyeong. “Okay…”

I followed him to the kitchen, where he turned to me. “I would like to think that you have been planning on how to tell Yoo Junghyeok about the Warden of the Dark.” I froze. “I have been thinking about it, but I can’t get over how soon it is.” He pulled me closer. “There is something I must tell you.” I nod.

“Do you know what happens to a person when they kill an underling of Asmodeus?”

“I know they receive a curse in which they are hunted down by the demon and killed.”

“There is more to that.” He said softly. “Before Han Myeongoh killed the Warden, he was attacked by the monster. You remember.” I thought back to how the warden shoved an appendage down his throat and shuttered. My other self got the idea and continued. “The curse you receive causes you to get hunted. Normally, Asmodeus would kill the incarnation, but he instead spared Han Myeongoh because he was carrying a child.”

“What?”

“When Asmodeus found out, he used the child as one of his appearances.” 

“Why are you telling me this?”

“So you can warm Yoo Junghyeok at the end of this episode, and as for the other information, just to clear some things up and to give you information for future use.” He opened the kitchen door and pushed us through. “Go back and sit down.”

“Wait!” I called to him, but he only ignored me. I sighed and sat back down. “How can I go back to reacting when I have information like this.” I looked over at Han Myeongoh and tried to picture him carrying a child. “How on earth was any of that relevant to warning Yoo Junghyeok?”

[Sub Scenario - Hunting For Food has begun.]

Hyeonsung thrust his spear upward into the chest of a Ground Rat while two others ran at Huiwon. Using her speed, she managed to kill one, but the other ran past. “Damn it! I lost one!” Sangah and Gilyeong worked together to bring another one down. After cutting one in half, “They’re not…” Dokja looked behind him. “...doing so bad.”

Hyeonsung and Huiwon gave each other a high five as Sangah gazed at the screen longingly, at her younger, slightly more naive, self. “I’m pretty sure we all managed to take at least one down.” Huiwon laughed before frowning. “All of us except him.” She pointed to Myeongoh, who just avoided her eye contact.

Huiwon ran towards him. “Are you all right?” She stopped and looked at Dokja’s carnage. “My gosh… How many did you kill?” “Four.”

“Darn it. I only got two.” Huiwon sighed as Hyeonsung grinned. “I killed three of them.” “Three?” Dokja thought in shock. “I didn’t use my full power, but that’s only one less than me! And I’ve invested a fortune into my stats!”

“Slightly competitive are we now Dokja-ssi?” Hyeonsung grinned as I tried to explain myself. “I was just shocked that someone in the very beginning who didn’t know that much about this world had a natural talent like that,” I said, trying to get my mind off of what my future self told me.

“Mhmm…” Huiwon sounded like she didn’t believe me. “I think you just didn’t want to share the spotlight. You were jealous in that kind of way.” I tried defending myself while Hyeonsung laughed in the background. “I was not. I was just surprised.”

“You’ve read the eternity of the novel, yet you say you were surprised.” She pointed to the screen.” Look at yourself, you’re even looking up his profile.”

[Personal Skill ‘Character Profile’ Activated]

[Character Profile]

Name: Jung Huiwon

Age: 28

Supporting Constellation: Master of Steel

Personal Attribute: Soldier Who Turned A Blind Eye To Injustice (Common)

Personal Skills: [Bayonet Lv.2] [Camouflage Lv. 1] [Patience Lv. 1] [Sense of Justice Lv.1] [Weapons Proficiency Lv. 2]

Stigma: [Great Mountain Push Lv. 1]

Overall Stats: [Stamina Lv. 12] [Strength Lv. 9] [Agility Lv. 9] [ Mana Lv. 6] 

General Elevation: [Lee Hyeonsung’s attribute will soon evolve. The character trusts and regards you highly. This character’s supporting constellation is cautious of you.]

*Starter Pack is currently being used.

“Sheesh, look at those levels.” Uriel completed Hyeonsung, who looked down flustered. “Dokja-ssi wasn’t kidding when he said you were a tank in the earlier scenarios, physique included.” Now the solder was a bright red, but Huiwon and Uriel couldn’t help but continue to tease him.

“Oppa, What’s a Starter Pack?” Mia asked her brother. He said, “A Starter Pack is a premium package incarnations can use when the average of their overall stats is below level ten. It increases the level of each stat by one and grants the incarnation the skill [Weapons Proficiency], which is very useful when they’re staring out.” She seemed not to understand him. “In simpler terms, it makes people very powerful in the beginning.”

I wish I had a starter pack.” Jihye wined.

“Starter Pack!! I envy him.” Dokja thought as he stared at Hyeonsung. “No wonder he’s so strong! It looks like the Master of Steel has taken quite a liking to Hyeonsung.”

“What did you say about not being jealous, Kim Dokja?” Huiwon teased. I shook my head. “Just be quiet.”

Sangah bent down to examine one of the monsters. “So, How are we supposed to cook these?” She asked. “I don’t think we can eat them raw,” Dokja answered her immediately. “We can’t eat them now, but I’m sure we’ll find a way.” They all looked at him. “Hmm. I think I might have answered too calmly.”