Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

[Star Stream is shaking in shock!]

"Phew. We survived..."

Getting that robe was much more of a hassle than any of the group could have imagined. Why was kidnapping someone while running away from one of the most overpowered people in that universe so hard?

"A-ah, ah..."

The shocked designer was currently being held bridal style by Violet because of the chaos that happened in the 'Who Made Me a Princess' and being chased down by the one and only, Lucas.

"What, am I too hot to handle?"

Violet teased, jokingly winking at the taller designer in her arms. Her grip on the designer became tighter. Though, unlike in a romance novel, he paled even more and struggled in her grip after processing everything.

'They're crazy... They're all crazy!'

The designer felt tears brimming from his eyes after Violet let him plop to the floor.

"Awe, he's on the verge of crying."

Yuna said in a coaxing manner that had the opposite effect, making most look away from this vicious smile on Yuna's face.

"Axar, please take him to the pocket dimension with... this note. The party squad can deal with him for now."

Alis said, scribbling down something on a sticky note quickly.

Axar, who was gulping after hearing Yuna's words, put his hood down and nodded with a bit of a smile.

"Excuse me, mister, please don't struggle."

Axar says apologetically to the shaking designer, soon enough knocking him unconscious after grabbing his head and slamming it on the concrete, causing a bit of blood to spurt out of his head and become unconscious.

'Vicious... They're all vicious.'

Violet sweatdropped and saw Axar pick up the designer on his back, waving goodbye and teleporting away.

"So what world are we in no-"

Smack.

Everyone turned to the sound.

"Huh?"

Then they became dumbfounded.

"... Isn't that Tati-unnie?"

Alis said with hesitation.

The reliable God of Knowledge didn't answer at first, too busy smacking her book one more time on the head of now unconscious Yoo Jonghyuk.

Tati stood up, bending her knees and kicking Yoo Jonghyuk roughly with a click on her tongue.

"Hello, Alis. You guys are already here?"

Alis gulped and didn't answer. Even Yuna was feeling chills, so it couldn't be helped.

'...Is this really the quiet and I-don't-like-violence unnie we know?'

They were starting to doubt the meaning of life at this point.

Yuna decided to sacrifice herself and opened her mouth.

"... Unnie, why are you here?"

Tati, who was carefully cleaning her book with a handkerchief, raised her head and nonchalantly answered.

"I came to buy some supplies for the party."

Yuna tried to not look at the unconscious Yoo Jonghyuk and Kim Dokja on the ground, nor the members of Kim Dokja's company that were still imprisoned inside a very strong barrier, and asked another question with a lot of hesitation.

"...Then...Why are they unconscious?"

Again, a nonchalant answer was heard.

"Oh. They got on my nerves."

'...Scary.'

Every single one of them thought.

Well, Tati was telling the truth. At least, they now knew that they were in the 'The Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint' dimension.

•••

A few hours ago, Interstellar city.

Kim Dokja and his party members were touring the city while Kim Dokja told his party members about what happened in the 1863rd round.

Of course, as always, he didn't tell them everything and only picked the points he could explain. And just as he expected, the party members noticed and were startled.

"Really? I survived to the 95th scenario?"

"...I can't believe it. That subway boy survived."

The excited Lee Jihye and Lee Hyunsung faced each other. Yoo Jonghyuk listened silently to the story while Lee Gilyoung and Jung Heewon seemed a bit sullen. It was natural for the people who didn't exist in that round to feel so. It was Han Sooyoung who reacted the most.

"I was in that world?"

"Yes, you were. You were the leader."

"No, why..."

Something seemed to come to her and Han Sooyoung promptly sent Kim Dokja a message with Midday Tryst.

-Do you mean the Avatar I talked about before...

Kim Dokja nodded and Han Sooyoung made an expression of amazement. It would be absurd for Han Sooyoung. The avatar split from her and found a different world line.

Jung Heewon looked closely at Kim Dokja and asked, "By the way, Dokja-ssi's coat has changed a bit... Did you take it from the 95th scenario?"

Kim Dokja nodded.

"Correct."

The only thing Kim Dokja took from the 1863rd scenario was that coat.

Han Sooyoung, who was staring at him carefully, put her hands into his coat's pockets.

'Come to think of it, Han Sooyoung of the 1863rd round was like this.' Kim Dokja thought.

"Crazy... what did you bring back? Doesn't this violate probability?" Han Sooyoung checked the items and her mouth dropped open. "...Hey. Can you give me a few of these?"

"You're looking at it."

There were many different items that the 1863rd round Han Sooyoung packed in the coat. Most of the items weren't needed yet in this round but some items were useful enough.

By the way, there was an unexpected item.

"What is this smartphone?"

It wasn't Kim Dokja's smartphone. He turned on the smartphone and a photo with a strange phase appeared on the main screen.

– Namwoon ♡ Jihye.

It was a photo of the smiling Kim Namwoon and frowning Lee Jihye. Kim Dokja realized who the owner of this smartphone was.

'That reminds me, Kim Namwoon once stole this coat and wore it.' Kim Dokja thought, amused.

Lee Jihye asked him with the same expression as herself on the screen. "Ahjussi, what is this photo?"

"Uh, this... it was used by a child of that world. I must've brought it here by mistake."

"Were we dating in that world?"

"No, he one-sidedly liked you."

"Phew, I see." Lee Jihye took the smartphone from Kim Dokja's hand and opened the gallery. "Wow, this photo is pretty good?"

'...Photo?'

This time, Kim Dokja was surprised and looked at the smartphone with the party members.

"Look, Seolhwa unni and I... uh? There is also Han Donghoon? Isn't he in the Ulsan Alliance?"

"Here is Hyunsung-ssi. However, it is cut off at his neck."

It was a group photo of the 1863rd round people smiling brightly. Lee Seolhwa, Kim Namwoon, Lee Jihye, Han Donghoon, Lee Hyunsung... and the emotionless man in the center.

Lee Ji-hye asked Kim Dokja, "This is Master in that world? His face is injured? Isn't he cooler than the one here?"

Everyone in the photo was smiling apart from the 1863rd Yoo Jonghyuk. Yoo Jonghyuk was already looking over.

[The 'Fourth Wall' is shimmering faintly.]

Kim Dokja was too caught up in his thoughts to notice the message.

'No one here knew the life that Yoo Jonghyuk of that world had lived.'

He strangely noticed the new message, though.

[The constellation 'Secretive Plotter' is looking at you.]

'...No, there is one person.'

Kim Dokja looked up at the place where the Secretive Plotter would be watching among the stars of the Star Stream.

He still didn't know why the Secretive Plotter made such an Outer World Covenant. He didn't know why he reacted like that to Kim Dokja's choice. He guessed a few things but everything was just a hypothesis.

Kim Dokja was distracted by the new messages.

[The constellation 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' is looking at you.]

[The constellation 'Abyssal Black Flame Dragon' is looking at you.]

The interstellar city 'Context of the Constellations' was a transit station that led to the worlds of other constellations.

Kim Dokja felt that his physical distance from the constellations was gradually getting closer.

[The constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' is welcoming you.]

The punishment seemed to finally be released and Uriel also sent him an indirect message. In the midst of a brilliant light, their bodies entered the city.

[You have entered the interstellar city 'Context of the Constellations.']

[A new main scenario is waiting.]

The place they landed was a huge city square. Some incarnations glanced their way but none of them paid attention to them. That city's scale was different from where they had stayed so far. It was natural.

Kim Dokja spoke to the people, "Everyone knows why we came here?"

'From now on, the enemies we will be dealing with are thousands of years old.' Kim Dokja thought.

Jung Heewon nodded and wondered, "We came to play with Olympus right?"

"Do you have a separate plan? Perhaps a full-scale war..."

Kim Dokja answered Lee Hyunsung's question. "I'm not thinking of a full-scale war. Olympus is one of the biggest nebulas in the entire Star Stream."

The odds of Kim Dokja's Company winning in a head-on confrontation against Olympus were almost zero.

"I want to visit Olympus. They have to take responsibility for making Yoo Sangah that way. There will definitely be a way to save her."

Currently, Yoo Sangah was stuck in the flow of consciousness. After three months, all the stories would disappear from Yoo Sangah's body and her empty soul would disappear into the void. Before that, they had to find a way to save Yoo Sangah. Perhaps Olympus had one of those methods.

Then Yoo Jonghyuk opened his mouth. "Not everyone needs to go. Lee Seolhwa and I will stay here."

"Where are you going?"

"I have no obligation to report to you."

In fact, the place where Yoo Jonghyuk wanted to go was obvious. The Context of the Constellations was an interstellar city where all nebulae converged. In other words, they weren't the only incarnations who would come here.

However, before Kim Dokja could advise him, right in the space between the two of them something strange happened.

Out of thin air, words and sentences in different and mostly unrecognizable languages appeared and gathered together to form a body.

"What is that?"

[The Star Stream is shocked!]

Everyone, even the passersby stared at the strange phenomenon.

Kim Dokja, Yoo Jonghyuk, and other members of their group took a defensive stance. Yoo Jonghyuk in particular looked like he was ready to attack at any moment.

Then, the words shone brightly before disappearing. In their place stood a girl. Her mostly black hair had strands of pastel pink in it and her pastel pink eyes were curiously observing her surroundings.

"Hmm, did I do it correctly?"

She said softly before casually turning on her smartphone to check something. The moment she looked at her phone, her pink eyes started to glow.

Kim Dokja was speechless.

'Oh my God... what is up with her appearance? She can just step on Yoo Jonghyuk while playing with her phone!'

Then, suddenly a message lit up.

[Star Stream welcomes the constellation 'Seeker of Retirement'.]

The girl glanced at the message before opening her mouth.

"Oh. Hi, I guess."

To Kim Dokja and everyone else's utter disbelief, Star Stream greeted her back.

[Star Stream greets the constellation 'Seeker of Retirement'.]

"You do not need to worry. I will not intervene in anything. I am just here to buy a couple of things for my unnie's birthday party."

'What kind of nonsense- No, why the hell would Star Stream even care for someone's-'

Kim Dokja couldn't complete his thoughts.

It was because several other messages lit up and made him dumbfounded.

[Star Stream thanks the constellation 'Seeker of Retirement'.]

[Star Stream wishes a happy birthday to the constellation 'Seeker of Retirement's' esteemed sibling.]

'Holy shit. Who the hell is this girl?'

Kim Dokja wasn't the only one whose mind was in chaos.

"Who the hell are you?"

Yes. The other person whose mind had gone blank was the famous sunfish.

He unsheathed his sword and pointed it at the girl.

'Is he out of his mind?'

Kim Dokja was sure that the sunfish bastard was out of his mind. What else could explain this bastard's current behavior?

'If she is someone that Star Stream treats like that, she should be one of the strongest constellations! Why is that sunfish acting like that?'

Kim Dokja wanted to beat some sense into that bastard's head.

And he wasn't the only one who felt that way.

'Is that sunfish bastard threatening me?'

Tati, the girl that had entered the Star Stream moments ago, had immediately recognized the people around her and was annoyed.

She was already under a lot of stress because of her work and study, she didn't even want to think about all the paperwork that was waiting for her in her office.

It was also her first-dimensional travel and she was even more stressed. Not to mention the stress of possibly being late to prepare everything for the birthday party.

'Hah. It's hilarious.'

She thought it was hilarious. It had a simple reason.

'This irritating sunfish is getting on my nerves.'

Because of her position as the God of Knowledge, Tati had read a lot of records of different worlds. She had read a part of records about this universe, too.

'I always wanted to beat him when I read the records anyway.'

She always wanted to beat some sense into this bastard.

"Yoo Jonghyuk, what do you think you're doing?"

She turned to the one that said that.

'Kim Dokja.'

She certainly knew this bastard too.

'Ah, don't tell me it's at that point of time...!'

She suddenly felt even more annoyed after she remembered what would happen today.

'This annoying son of a bitch-'

Tati had not completely read the records of this world, but her dongsaengs had given her a lot of spoilers about its 'ending'.

The air around Tati changed as she smiled brightly before slowly opening her mouth.

"I take back what I just said. I am going to intervene a bit."

'Yes. Let's release some stress.'

[Star Stream is shaking!]

Tati snapped her fingers, a barrier appeared immediately and imprisoned everyone in Kim Dokja's company except for Kim Dokja and Yoo Jonghyuk.

"Dokja-ssi!"

"Hyung!"

"Ahjussi!"

"Master!"

"Hey! You squid and sunfish bastards!"

Yoo Jonghyuk immediately attacked her. She easily dodged and slowly raised her hand that was holding a book.

Smack!

The book smacked the back of Yoo Jonghyuk's head.

She then disappeared.

'Wait, wha-'

Kim Dokja didn't have the time to think anymore.

Smack!

This time, she smacked the back of Kim Dokja's head.

"Oh, now I understand why Cale is that obsessed with smacking the back of someone's head. It's quite refreshing."

Tati declared in a refreshed voice.

"Haha, I always wanted to beat some sense in the two of you, you bastards."

She dodged another incoming attack from Yoo Jonghyuk and smacked him in the head again.

"You frustrating bastards. Do you know how frustrating it was reading your damn records?"

'What is she talking about...?'

Kim Dokja thought while trying to attack- scratch that, defend himself.

But it was no use.

Tati shifted her body and smacked Kim Dokja again.

"I was already stressed because of that old geezer dumping his works on me and I had to read you son of a bitches going around fucking getting yourselves killed!"

"W-Wait!"

She ignored Kim Dokja and just smacked his head harder, causing him to fall unconscious. She ignored the screams of Kim Dokja's company's members and coldly commented.

"You're lucky that Star-unnie likes you, you squid bastard. Or else, I would have smacked you even more."

She then turned to Yoo Jonghyuk. Her expression seemed quite vicious. Without giving time for Yoo Jonghyuk to act, she appeared behind him and smacked his head again.

"I guess I have no choice but to release my stress by beating you up, you sunfish bastard."

She then raised her book again.

Smack!

The sounds of smacking continued for a long time.

•••

"...Ai-chan, you didn't kill them, right?"

Violet asked Tati with hesitation. Tati's eyes shone for a brief moment before answering her.

"Of course not. They will wake up in a few minutes."

"Hmm, I want to slap that sunfish too..."

Alis said while her eyes were glued to the unconscious Yoo Jonghyuk.

'... Vicious.'

Violet couldn't help but think all of the people around her were vicious.

Via, who was staring at the members of Km Dokja's company said, "... Can't you release them now, unnie?"

Tati just snapped her fingers and the barrier disappeared.

The screams of Kim Dokja's company members soon turned into worried shouts as they didn't hesitate to rush towards the two unconscious victims lying on the cold ground.

They knew they could get punished, more so, be beaten until all of them were unconscious. The constellation of 'Seeker of Retirement' was strong enough to take on both their strongest members so it wouldn't be much of a surprise if all of them were knocked out as well.

"Dokja-ssi!!"

"Master!!"

"Hyung!"

They rushed by the two's side as they tried to wake them up. The surrounding was filled with their cries to wake the two up, which started to agitate a few group members.

"Tch. Shut up!"

Annoyed, Tati clicked her tongue wanting some peace as her stress wasn't fully relieved. The cries were agitating her mood, causing the temperature to drop. Yet Kim Dokja's company seemed to have ignored her warning.

"Tch, I guess I should just-"

Agitated due to her stress level that increased as she had overworked herself, she positioned herself to beat the remaining. However, in the midst of the situation, she cut her words off, frozen, as the group heard familiar voices.

"Over here, Shian!"

"You want to play here? Out of all the places?"

The familiar voices caused the group to freeze as their eyes slowly started to widen.

"Come on Shian! It'll be fun!"

"Just what did I agree to?"

The group knew exactly who those voices belonged to.

While Kim Dokja's company was yelling and trying to wake the two unconscious people up, An unknown panic washes over Tati and the gift squad, leading the group to take part in the yelling.

"What are they doing here?"

"Why are they here?"

"What are we going to do?"

"What if we get found out?!"

The heightened state of panic didn't help the other calm down. One yelled loudly causing the other to yell louder, and repeat.

"Calm down."

Yuna stood in front of the panic that took place, sighing at what she had to deal with every day. Yet again, she was ignored as the group continued to yell.

"OMG, the plan will get ruined!"

"What are we going to do?"

"I said calm do-"

"What if she hears us?"

"No, what if they see us?!"

Annoyed and stressed at the same time, Yuna decided that this was it.

"Can you all shut the fuck up!"

"But-"

"Shut up"

"Bu-"

"No."

The area felt silent as Yuna massaged her temples sighing a little. Everybody flinched at the action as Yuna sent a glare toward them.

"We'll get caught if you guys keep jumping around like headless chickens."

Yuna took a deep breath as she slowly tried to calm herself. She looked at the team in front of her, then looked at Kim Dokja's group.

"You guys." She pointed towards Kim Dokja's company who flinched a little as they looked at her.

"Pick those two up and follow us, we don't have much time."

"Why should we-"

Lee Jihye wanted to refuse on behalf of the whole company, however, she cut her own words off as a glare was sent toward her yet again.

[A new Sub Scenario has occurred at the request of a constellation!]

+

[Sub Scenario - Hide and seek]

Category: Sub (Personal)

Difficulty: D

Clear condition: Run and hide from the new intruders.

Time limit: 20 minutes

Compensation: ???

Failure: war.

+

Kim Dokja's group's eyes widened as they looked at the failure category, while the rest looked at Yuna's sly smirk. The failure she presented was a scam, there was no war.

However, if they were to be found out, she doesn't know where the frustration would be taken out, which could lead to destruction in this said world.

[The Star Stream is panicking and asks the incarnations to accept the Sub Scenario immediately!]

Kim Dokja's company were shocked. At this point, they knew that they couldn't do anything other than accept the scenario.

They couldn't go against some crazy lunatic that even Start Stream seemed to be afraid of.

"Now shut up," Yuna smiled brightly as she looked at the group, "And run with us if you don't want to face many consequences."

Lee Hyunsung quickly picked up Yoo Jonghyuk, while Han Sooyung carried Kim Dokja.

"Is everybody ready?"

Via asked sweetly with a smile. She had calmed herself down a while ago, forcing herself to put her head into the situation.

"Star, are you sure it's okay to be here?"

The voices were getting closer to the group as everybody looked at each other.

"Ready?" Vio whispered as everybody nodded their head running towards the opposite side from where the voice came from.

The group started to run through the market.

"Huh? Where is everybody? Shian, come on! let's run! We might miss them!"

"Miss who?"

"Don't question it let's just run"

"I'm too lazy to run"

"Shian, come on!!"

The eyes widened as the group started to pack as well.

"We gotta go!"

"I know."

The speed of the group started to increase as slowly the two unconscious life and death companions slowly started to gain consciousness.

"Where the hell-"

"Huh?"

However, as the group was in a state of panic, and Kim Dokja's company didn't want to deal with another drama while they were on the run, they quickly smacked the back of the head of the two companions causing them to fall unconscious again.

The two, Lee Jihye and Lee Gilyoung, who initiated the attack, widened their eyes as they had smacked their Hyung and Master in a state of panic.

"Master is going to kill me."

"I smacked Hyung..."

The two ran in disbelief, scolding themselves and not realizing they were headed towards the pole.

Bang.

Bang.

Two members have been knocked out yet again. However, as there was no time, the one running behind the two quickly picked them up as they headed towards the mall, finding cover in a shop.

They let out a breath of relief as they slowly put the unconscious ones on the ground.

"What are we doing here?"

"We are just looking for somebody."

"Who?"

"Don't question it."

The group's eyes widened again as they looked around for a proper place to hide.

Thankfully they were in a store filled with mannequins and costumes. They put on a family custom on the unconscious ones while they took one for themselves as they settled down on a pose.

The group flinched as the door slowly started to open as four people walked inside. Many held their breath as Star started to roam around the room trying to find somebody.

As if the group was in a horror movie, they held their breath as Star walked inside their row.

"Star, what are you trying to do? We've been doing this in 'The S-Classes that I raised' and 'Who made me a Princess' dimension too."

Asteria asked with a questioning gaze as Star only gave out a sly smile.

"Nothing! Just playing around."

"Really?

"Mhm~"

Not finding anybody inside the store, the four walked outside the store. Making sure the area was clear, the group let out a breath of relief as they slowly started to walk outside.

"Did I hear that correctly?"

Belle asked with an astonished face as she looked towards the door.

"It seems that the distraction squad has been following us."

Alis replied, trying to calm her heart down as she slowly sat down on a chair she found on the side.

"What is Star-unnie trying to do?"

Tati sighed, shaking her head as she looked towards Kim Dokja's company.

Groan.

The unconscious group started to get up.

Yoo Jonghyuk rubbed his neck as he slowly started to stand up.

"You-"

He pointed towards Tati with his sword, as if he was ready to fight once more.

"Ha, should have just kept him knocked out."

Tati mumbled as she sent a glare toward the male as if she was ready to beat him up once more.

However, Yoo Jonghyuk was stopped by Kim Dokja who reacted quickly.

'We can't mess with them.' Kim Dokja was sure of it.

"I apologize for his behavior. Is there any way we can make it up to you?"

Kim Dokja gave out a smile as he looked at the other powerful entities near Tati.

Since the group was favored by the star stream, he had to make sure they were on the good side of these constellations. Just in case they decide it was better to kill them off.

Tati let out a sly smile as she thought of something as her eyes lingered around the store.

"A way to apologize, huh?"

She smiled brightly as she nodded her head.

"Of course, there is a way."

She quickly snapped her figures as a blue screen appeared in front of Kim Dokja's company.

[A new Sub Scenario has occurred due to the request of constellation 'Seeker of Retirement'!]

+

[Sub Scenario - Role play Company Ceo and a coffee waiter.]

Category: Sub (Personal)

Difficulty: B

Clear conditions: Roleplay a romance scene between a Company Ceo and a coffee shop waiter. The main leads have to be Yoo Jonghyuk and Kim Dokja, they will decide who will be the Ceo and who will be the Waiter. To complete the scenario, both of them will have to confess to each other in the most romantic way, the other character would be their helper, hence the side character.

Time limit: 1 hour

Compensation: ???

Failure: ???

+

The group's eyes widened as they looked towards Tati who was smiling widely while pointing towards the cosplay costume of a waiter and CEO.

"Come on, let's begin."

She clapped her hands in joy as the group behind her snickered. As the two were a top ship in their world, seeing them confessing in front of them is going to be fun.

"Yes, let's do it!"

Via spoke as she motioned Axar to grab the two as they prepared the set.

Soon, before Kim Dokja's company could react, they were pulled by different constellations.

The set and actors were prepared in a matter of a few seconds.

As if they were in the movie studio, the constellations had prepared a movie set. There were cameras, lights, as well as dokkaebis who were acting as staff with water bottles, chairs, and towels ready to snap the film.

The constellations sat on the side, as their eyes twinkled. Yoo Jonghyuk as decided to become the CEO, while Kim Dokja was the coffee shop waiter.

Though few wanted to change the position, as coffee stop waiter Yoo Jonghyuk would have looked hot- they decided against it as a dashing Yoo Jonghyuk walked out in his suit while closing his sleeve button.

"Is everybody ready?"

Tati smiled as she received a sharp glare from Yoo Jonghyuk.

The group had to persuade Yoo Jonghyuk for a long period of time, and here they were.

"Okay everybody, take your position! let's start!"

Vio exclaimed as everybody took their position.

The door's bell rang and Yoo Jonghyuk walked inside, slowly putting on his watch.

"Ahjussi, please look after the next customer."

Lee Jihye spoke as she walked towards the bakery items, putting some donuts for Lee Gilyoung. She was still a bit confused. As soon as they got up, they were forced to do some kind of roleplay.

"Huh? Yeah, of course."

Kim Dokja nodded his head as he quickly stumbled towards the counter. He was using the fourth wall to dismiss the discomfort and stress he was feeling right now as he tried his hardest to play his role properly.

"Where is my coffee?"

Yoo Jonghyuk asked nonchalantly.

'As expected of the protagonist. He is good at roleplaying.'

Kim Dokja suddenly felt competitive and decided that he will play his role with all of his heart, so just as they agreed before, he started acting confused and in a daze.

"Huh?"

"I ordered coffee online, saying I'll pick it up in a while."

"Huh?"

"Coffee?"

"Ah! Coffee-" Kim Dokja nodded his head as he stumbled a little rushing towards the coffee mug. He slowly halted his movement as he tried not to slip and cause the coffee to drop.

"I ~ never believe ~ in love ~"

Han Sooyoung stood on the edge of the table where Kim Dokja and Yoo Jonghyuk stood on opposite sides.

"I was deceived by love~"

Han Sooyung kept singing as Kim Dokja placed the coffee mug on the table and put a tissue around it. Slowly, Yoo Jonghyuk's hand touched the mug and their hands met.

As if a sparkle lit when they touched their hands, they looked at each other. Their eyes stared deeply at each other as neither one of them blinked.

"I never~ had much luck with ~ with lovers before ~"

Slowly yet subtly, their faces started to move closer and soon there was just a little gap between them.

"And I couldn't compete
I seem~ just a part of the street ~
To be walked ~ on by everyone but then..."

Their faces were so close that their noses touched. Slowly, as if it was happening naturally. Yoo Jonghyuks's eyes lingered on Kim Dokja's eyes for a few seconds before slowly traveling towards his smooth lips.

It continued to go up and down for a while.

"Then I ~ found a very special love ~ in you~"

As if the world around them disappeared, Yoo Jonghyuk's one hand touched Kim Dokja's cheeks.

"Who are you?"

He whispered, causing Kim Dokja to realize what was happening.

'...Why is he this close?' Kim Dokja suddenly panicked. He tried to suppress his panic and act his part.

"I- I Ah! Kim Dokja applying for Life and Death Companion!" Kim Dokja yelled out in panic as the two's heads bumped, causing their lips to meet.

Their eyes widened in shock and they pulled away, both looking at each other as their faces began to heat up.

The people around them whistled and gasped as they turned around.

"You're hired."

Yoo Jonghyuk coughed said as he turned away rushing out the cafe's door.

"Ah! Your coffee-"

Kim Dokja, who realized the coffee was still left in his hands, yelled, but the door to the store had closed.

"Cut!"

Belle squealed and yelled as she looked straight at the scene with shiny eyes. She just saw Kim Dokja and Yoo Junghyuk kiss with her own eyes, even though it was due to an accident.

"Did you record that?"

Vio asked patting Yuna on the side as her eyes were too focused on the scene in front of her.

"We have it on camera right?"

Axar asked as he looked in front of him.

The gift squad was in chaos as they started to squeal even louder. They just wanted to see a bit of romance, but they got a whole buffet.

Kim Dokja, who was still inside the room, started to turn even more red. What was wrong with these constellations?

"Is it done now?"

Kim Dokja asked, trying to change the topic as well as forget the scene that just took place.

His companions had frozen when he and Jonghyuk had kissed.

"Hm? Oh right." Tati nodded her head as her face lit up in mischief. She liked to mess with this group a little too much.

"Oh! she has that look on her face!"

Alia whispered as the rest nodded their heads. It only meant one thing which caused them all to smile.

"I have three rewards for you all."

Tati exclaimed as she waited for Yoo Junghyuk to enter through the door.

"Here is your first reward."

A stack full of tomatoes appeared around the group. There were also varieties of tomato products.

The group looked toward Tati with a weird gaze.

"This is supposed to be a reward?"

Han Sooyoung asked as Tati nodded her head in joy.

"And here is the second reward."

[Congratulations you have opened a new Sub Scenario!]

"Huh?"

+

[Sub Scenario - Privilege to help the party members]

Category: Sub (Personal)

Difficulty: B

Clear condition: Help the gift squad find gifts for their friend.

Reward:???

Failure: ???

+

"Another scenario?" Han Sooyoung scoffed as she looked at the screen. "Why do you think we'd even agree to it?"

"Oh? You're not going to agree?"

Yuna asked as she smiled so gently, almost sending shivers to everybody in the room.

"Ho, are you sure?"

Tati replied as well as she smirked brightly while looking at the group.

"Your third reward~"

Just then Kim Dokja groaned as he slowly fell to his knees.

"Kim Dokja!"

"Hyung!"

"Ahjussi!"

The group yelled as Kim Dokja soon landed on the floor as the group started to panic.

Kim Dokja had stopped breathing, causing them to freeze.

"So you're still not going to do the bounty?"

Tati smiled mischievously as she crossed her arms. She watched the furious expression on Yoo Jonghyuk's face.

'Ah, relieving stress by messing with these guys is the best!' Tai couldn't help but think that way.

"We'll bring him back if you do."

Tati challenged. Kim Dokja's company held a complicated look on their faces, yet they nodded their heads.

"Fine. However, Only two of us will go."

Yoo Jonghyuk spoke, causing Tati to smile brightly as she brought Kim Dokja back alive.

"Then we should introduce ourselves." Tati smiled, causing the group to fall silent.

"I am the constellation [Seeker of Retirement]. A pleasure to meet you all."

Tati started and the others began to join.

"I'm the constellation [Knowing Things], it's an honor!" Belle smiled.

"Be careful, I bite~," Alis teased a little while laughing. "Just kidding~, I'm the constellation [Dark Fox]."

"I'm a constellation, however, I have yet to get a modifier," Via spoke calmly as she watched the group in front of her.

"I'm the constellation [Red Grim Reaper]," Yuna spoke as she smiled widely, causing many to feel a shiver down their spine.

"I'm the constellation [The One Who Watches All]." Vio spoke smiling.

"I'm the constellation [Opulent Boundaries]," Axer spoke with a huge smile on his face.

"So who would be going with us?"

Tati asked as the group looked at each other with a complicated expression.

"I'll go." Yoo Jonghyuk spoke

"I'll tag along too." Lee Seolhwa spoke as Tati nodded her head.

"Let's get moving then. Please get ready." Tati smiled as the group nodded their heads.

Kim Dokja knew he shouldn't trust these constellations as one of them beat him and Yoo Jonghyuk and even killed him for a few seconds, but...

'Why do I feel like they won't actually hurt us?'

He was confused. This should not be possible, but those constellations looked as if they cared about them a lot.

'...She healed us.'

Tati had healed them before they started roleplaying.

'And when she was beating us, she looked like she was controlling her strength.'

Honestly speaking, it looked like a child throwing a tantrum because of excessive stress.

'...And I didn't feel any pain when she, um, killed me.'

He didn't feel any pain, and even felt refreshed. He also felt like his mind had become clearer after that experience.

'I will observe them for now.'

Kim Dokja pushed his thoughts aside with this. There was now something more important.

'That sunfish, he will definitely try to find her.'

Kim Dokja was sure that Yoo Jonghyuk would look for Anna Croft.

'I just hope he won't create too much of a mess and get himself into trouble.'

Even though Yoo Jonghyuk wasn't going alone and some very powerful entities were accompanying him, Kim Dokja advised him, "Watch out. As you know well, that woman isn't easy."

"I will take care of it."

Yoo Jonghyuk turned around and started walking somewhere. Lee Seolhwa smiled softly at Kim Dokja and followed behind Yoo Jonghyuk. The seven strangers follow behind them, too.

Kim Dokja thought that Lee Seolhwa in this round was more 'good' than any other round. It was unreasonable for anyone to have complete control over Yoo Jonghyuk but she would be able to reduce some unnecessary conflict.

'Then again, they looked like they would help him too.'

Kim Dokja couldn't help but think that the strange group who called themselves the 'gift squad' would help Yoo Jonghyuk if anything happens.

'...I just hope that he won't get on Miss Tati's nerves again.'

Kim Dokja barely stopped himself from shivering when he remembered how he and Yoo Jonghyuk were effortlessly beaten with a book.

He sighed and watched Yoo Jonghyuk disappear into the alley. Then he moved with the party members towards the portal in the center of the square. The center of the square contained a 'portal' that connected to almost all the world.

It was a portal that allowed him to visit past scenario areas as well as the residence of other nebulae. Kim Dokja planned to make a formal visit to Olympus using the portal. He entered the destination for the portal.

"Mount Olympus."

Olympus is a huge nebula with all types of legends and adventures. It was Mount Olympus where the 12 main gods of Olympus resided. Finally, the time had come to check their home.

The portal swirled at Kim Dokja's feet and faint mythological scenes came to mind. The next moment, an unexpected message came back.

[Olympus is currently refusing all visitors.]

•••

It was a bustling street reminiscent of a battlefield. On the way to the auction house, countless merchants were selling all types of items.

Yoo Jonghyuk spoke behind him. "Go quickly."

'Hehe, he is such a tsundere~'

The gift squad and Tati thought collectively. It was because they could see how Yoo Jonghyuk was behaving.

Despite his harsh words, Yoo Jonghyuk was constantly concerned with Lee Seolhwa's movements. He blocked the front of her like he was worried she would be hurt by the passing incarnations and constellations. Some of the incarnations cursed him but Yoo Jonghyuk didn't care.

"You should be avoiding us..."

"Pedestrians first."

Yoo Jonghyuk's shamelessness was so high that Lee Seolhwa and the group of strangers following them laughed. Yoo Jonghyuk asked, "...Why are you laughing?"

Everyone in the gift squad shrugged while trying to hide their smirk and Tati just ignored him. Lee Seolhwa was the one who answered him.

"Jonghyuk-ssi said that you are a regressor."

"That's right."

"Then did you meet me in your previous life?"

'Yep. You two even got married and had children.'

Alis thought, amused.

Yoo Jonghyuk had no answer for a moment. "No."

"Pfft-"

Yoo Jonghyuk and Lee Seolhwa turned to their heads and were greeted with a barely-stopped-themselves-from-laughing group. Their shoulders were shaking violently.

The only silent one was Tati, who was glaring at the screen of her phone.

Lee Seolhwa tried to avert Yoo Jonghyuk's attention from the group, mostly because she didn't want to witness another round of Yoo Jonghyuk getting beaten up.

"...I see."

The group somehow stopped themselves and an awkward atmosphere formed between them and the other two. Lee Seolhwa glanced sideways at Yoo Jonghyuk. He was someone who seemed to be walking in the far distance, despite being by her side.

Lee Seolhwa smiled bitterly. "Slow down a little bit. There might be items or skill books that you want to buy."

Via chimed in, "That's right, we should take a look around here too. Just in case."

"There's no time for that."

"Do you think you're the only one who's busy?"

Tati said chillingly, without taking her eyes off the screen of her phone.

"...Tati-san, calm down." Belle tried to stop her from possibly beating Yoo Jonghyuk again.

"Ahem."

Lee Seolhwa coughed and tried to avert everyone's attention, again.

"I already bought one?"

Lee Seolhwa smiled and waved the skill book in her hand.

[Skill — Preserve Humidity].

Yoo Jonghyuk confirmed the skill book and narrowed his eyes.

"You bought a useless skill."

"Oh, it's a useful skill."

Yoo Jonghyuk and Yuna said at the same time. Yuna smiled gently at him, who seemed a bit irritated.

Lee Seolhwa glanced at Yoo Jonghyuk's face and said, "Jonghyuk-ssi, don't you need it? The back of your hand and your lips are dry. This city's temperature is low overall so your skin becomes dry quickly."

"He certainly needs it!" Axar said with excitement.
"That's right, how can you neglect your handsome face?" Belle agreed.

'Right, right. Kim Dokja always simps your face, you should take care of it.'

The gift squad thought collectively. They then heard Yoo Jonghyuk's voice.

"You don't need skills that aren't for combat."

"But Dokja-ssi has this skill as well?"

Yoo Jonghyuk's eyebrows twitched. "Kim Dokja has this skill?"

"Yes, he said this is required if you want to be popular with constellations..."

"That guy wants to be an idol." Yoo Jonghyuk gritted his teeth and kept moving.

"Our baby is already a star."

Alis said proudly.

Lee Seolhwa looked at Yoo Jonghyuk like he was funny. She didn't know why but this cold-hearted man became angry whenever he heard Kim Dokja's name.

"Tsk."

Everyone flinched when they heard Tati click her tongue.

"...Is there something wrong, Ai-chan?" Violet asked hesitatingly.

"I'll lose my control again if I stay longer. I don't want to see that annoying overconfident bitch."

"Oh."

The gift squad instantly understood that she was talking about Anna Croft.

"...Then are you going to act separately?"

Tati nodded at Axar's question.

"The things I need to buy are over there anyway. I'll be off."

She then disappeared instantly.

"...will she be fine?"

Lee Seolhwa asked hesitatingly. Via waved her hand and answered her nonchalantly.

"Even if it's her first time traveling to another dimension, Tati-unnie is the Go-Mm... She is someone with a lot of knowledge."

Via was relieved that she had stopped herself on time and had not blown up their cover.

Lee Seolhwa nodded and turned to look at Yoo Jonghyuk.

Yoo Jonghyuk's eyes were shifted towards a stand.

-50% discount on skill books.

Lee Seolhwa couldn't help laughing. "Do you want to buy one?"

Yoo Jonghyuk's steps stopped. Lee Seolhwa wondered if he liked an item but something was wrong. His fists were trembling. Anger overflowed from Yoo Jonghyuk's eyes and dominated his expression.

"...Yoo Jonghyuk-ssi?"

"Oh."

She then heard the gift squad gasping.

The entrance to the auction house could be seen in the distance. A group of incarnations was entering it. A girl with blonde hair. Lee Seolhwa felt her heart sink. Yoo Jonghyuk couldn't control his killing intent as his hand moved towards the Black Demon Sword.

Asgard's prophet. She remembered the story. Yoo Jonghyuk of the last round died after being betrayed by her.

"Jonghyuk-ssi, wait!" Lee Seolhwa instinctively grabbed Yoo Jonghyuk's arm. She knew the identity of the blonde girl.

She then noticed that the gift squad had a similar expression to Yoo Jonghyuk, too.

"It's that blonde bitch." Yuna murmured menacingly.

Lee Seolhwa started to panic.

"No. This place... the other members...!"

Her heart was in a hurry. No matter how strong Yoo Jonghyuk was, this place was the auction house of constellations. It was a place where low-grade and great-grade constellations gathered. Moreover, Yoo Jonghyuk's enemy wasn't alone.

She wasn't sure about the strangers, but if Yoo Jonghyuk rushed over now...

"I thought it would be like this." There was a sarcastic voice and Han Sooyoung was standing there. "Have you forgotten? Kim Dokja told you not to get into trouble."

The murderous auras around the gift squad died down.

'Phew. That's right, we cannot intervene. It's good that we didn't lose our cool... Thank goodness Tati-unnie left early.' Everyone in the gift squad thought.
Han Sooyoung didn't particularly care about strangers. She clicked her tongue like Yoo Jonghyuk was pathetic and flicked a coin around her fingers. Yoo Jonghyuk replied in a cold voice, "This is none of your business."

"None of my business? Aren't we companions?"

"Companions?" Yoo Jonghyuk's expression is distorted. "You aren't."

'That's right. Kim Dokja is his one and only companion in life and death!'

The six members of the gift squad nodded as they agreed with Yoo Jonghyuk.

"This is the bottom line... hey, you might be the protagonist but...!"

"Sooyoung-ssi."

The words of the latecomers caused Han Sooyoung to touch her forehead and mutter. "Sigh... I can't live because of Kim Dokja and Yoo Jonghyuk..."

"Anna Croft should be removed here."

"Well, Kim Dokja doesn't want that."

"It has nothing to do with Kim Dokja."

"Unfortunately, you can't get rid of her right now. She is still needed."

Yuna said in an irritated voice. Alis nodded and added, "That's right. She is not fated to die here."

The others nodded too. Yoo Jonghyuk, Han Sooyoung, and Lee Seolhwa stared at them for a few seconds, before Han Sooyoung sighed and started speaking.

"You just want to deal a blow to her?"

Yoo Jonghyuk paused and glanced at Han Sooyoung. Han Sooyoung stared back at Yoo Jonghyuk for a moment before turning her gaze to the entrance of the auction house.

"What if I have a good idea?" There was an item in Han Sooyoung's hand.

Yoo Jonghyuk's eyes shook. "That...?"

"I sneaked it out from Kim Dokja's coat." A wicked smile formed on Han Sooyoung's face. "Let's test it once, the prophecy ability of the prophet."

The gift squad had a similar wicked smile on their faces, too.

'It's time to watch a fun show~' They couldn't help but think it was going to be fun.

•••

"Thanks for your purchase!"

Tati nodded and grabbed the bag containing the supplies she bought.

'I guess I'm done here. I should leave quickly.'

She knew that Shian and the distraction squad would be somewhere in the market and didn't want to run to them at all.

The moment she put the bag in her dimensional space, her body turned to millions of sentences and faded away.

"Huh?"

She never would have known that she was almost caught.

"Tati?"

Star, Asteria, and Royal froze in place after hearing Shian's confused voice.

'What the heck??'

They were shocked too.

They had just finished their hide-and-seek in the market that they had started at Star's request when suddenly this happened.

'The gift squad wasn't enough, now even the party squad is going around causing chaos? And Tati at that? The same Tati that didn't even have the time to read her favorite records because of how busy she is??'

Asteria felt like she was going crazy.

She wanted to grab Tati from her collar and ask for an explanation.

She could see that Royal was on the verge of following Tati too, but was holding back.

It was because of Star. Royal had sensed Star's emotions getting out of control and was holding her hand to calm her down.

Asteria gulped.

'I need to do something.'

She needed to avert Shian's attention somehow.

"Hmm? What are you talking about, Shian?"

Shian turned to Asteria and stared at her. Asteria knew that Shian was observing her, so she kept her calm facade on.

As if finally giving up on figuring her out, Shian sighed and answered her.

"...I thought I saw Tati over there."

"Huh? Tati? That's not possible though? She is too busy to even get out of her office."

"That's why I am confused..."

Shian sighed again before continuing.

"...Earlier in the first dimension, I thought I saw Axar for a moment too..."

'Damn it, are we exposed?'

Asteria was panicking inside.

Royal grabbed Star's hand a bit harder to tell her it was fine and calmly started to speak, saving Asteria.

"Maybe it's because you're tired."

"...Maybe."

Star started speaking at that moment.

"Let's just tour the market a bit more before going to the next dimension then."

Shian barely stopped herself from frowning.

"... Can't we just go back?"

"Absolutely not!"

Asteria answered her, her mind already on the verge of breaking down.

'We cannot go back yet! The party wouldn't be ready just yet!!!'

Before Shian could suspect anything, Royal saved the day again.

"There is only one dimension left. We will go back after visiting that one too."

"But..."

"It's your favorite dimension."

Shian went silent. Asteria and Star heaved a sigh of relief internally.

'We need to make sure she won't run to the party squad.'

The three of them thought.

•••

'Oh, this is fun~'

The gift squad was having fun watching Yoo Jonghyuk and Han Sooyoung play with Anna Croft.

They have been watching the auction in boredom since earlier until the much-awaited scene of Anna Croft getting scammed started.

"1,280,000 coins."

[Incarnation Anna Croft has bid1,280,000 coins!]

Yoo Jonghyuk was silent at Anna Croft's bid. It was as expected.

[Now, if there are no further bids...]

Anna Croft smiled. 1,280,000 coins was a huge amount but it was hard to see it as a loss. The Old to New Toad was a worthy item and if she obtained it...

"2 million coins!"

"Pfft– it's really hilarious!" Via couldn't stop laughing.

"Haha, I know right?" Her sister, Alis, was laughing too.

Axar and Belle were already grabbing their stomachs that had started to hurt from how much they tried to stop their laughter.

"Ah~ seeing this in person is more refreshing~," Yuna said cheerfully. She was truly enjoying the show.

'... Vicious. All of them are vicious.'

Violet shook her head while thinking all of her companions were vicious, not noticing the smile on her face.

They watched as Anna Croft stared at Han Sooyoung with wide eyes. The Black Flames Demon Ruler of the Korean Peninsula. It was a name Anna Croft knew well.

"What trick is this, Black Flames Demon Ruler?"

'She's obviously looting you.' Violet thought.

"I just want that toad."

'Yes, yes. I totally believe you.' Alis couldn't stop her sarcastic thoughts.

'Oh, she's using Future Sight.' Yuna's eyes sparked while observing Anna Croft.

Anna Croft wiped the nosebleed that occurred from her overloaded body before opening her mouth.

"...I bid 3 million coins."

"Anna!" The startled Selena Kim shouted.

However, Anna Croft was adamant. "I must buy it."

Via covered her lips with her fist to stop herself from laughing loudly.

They all know that Anna Croft's Future Sight had shown that Han Sooyoung's amount of money was 2,999,999 coins.

[3 million coins have come out!]

The dokkaebi was dancing with joy. Large cheers filled the venue.

[As expected of the prophet!]

[I heard she was shrewd and cunning but she was a big person!]

"Shrewd and cunning? Yeah sure. She is nothing compared to our baby Dokja, not to mention our Dear Cale~" Yuna cheerfully said, only loud enough for her five companies to hear, who all in turn nodded in agreement.

Han Sooyoung raised both hands as a sign she lost.

"This... I can't afford it. We lost. Completely and 100% lost."

"..."

Anna Croft had an iffy feeling, but Han Sooyoung didn't care and continued to proudly declare their defeat.

"This is why the world is unfair. We can't win against a golden incarnation."

Kim Dokja's company looked like they were enjoying it. There was also a group of weird people with colorful hair and eyes that looked like constellations and seemed to be enjoying watching a show.

It was almost like they were waiting for something to happen.

[Those who have won the items, please come down to the stage.]

Anna Croft turned to the stage at the dokkaebi's call. The feeling of discomfort still hadn't disappeared. She viewed the faces of Han Sooyoung and the expressionless Yoo Jonghyuk. She wanted to use Future Sight but she had already reached the limit for today.

'Wait, don't tell me?'

Anna Croft stood in front of the auctioneer and reflexively asked, "This product, who is the contributor?"

[That... Kim Dokja's Company.]

"I won't buy it."

[Huh?]

The dokkaebi looked surprised.

[We can't refund products that have already been sold. If you do not pay the amount―]

"This is obviously a scam. Thus, I won't buy it."

[A scam?]

Anna Croft pointed at Kim Dokja's group. "They induced an artificial price competition. They had no intention of buying this item in the first place."

Han Sooyoung clicked her tongue at Anna Croft's claim. "What are you saying? I really wanted to buy it."

"She is technically right~" Belle chimed in.

Anna Croft just ignored their words and continued talking.

"Even if you wanted to buy it, this auction is invalid. They are the contributors of this product. Isn't it forbidden for contributors to participate in the auction?"

In the end, Han Sooyoung and Yoo Jonghyuk glanced at each other. The senior dokkaebi spoke.

[That... It is correct. It is certainly forbidden for contributors to participate in the auctions of their own products.]

Anna Croft nodded like she knew it. "Please check the contributor. The contributor will surely be one of them."

[Okay. Please wait a moment.]

The members of Kim Dokja's Company were making troubled expressions. On the other hand, Anna Croft's expression was filled with relief and triumph.

"Pfft-"

Via suddenly started laughing, causing both Anna Croft and Kim Dokja's company to turn to look at her.

'Hmm?'

They then became confused when they noticed the weird expressions on the faces of all six members of the group.

Even Han Sooyoung was confused, she was pretty sure that that group didn't know their exact plan.

Even more weird was the fact that all of them had suddenly brought out their phones and were positioning their camera at the door of the auction house.

Then they suddenly heard the voice of the dokkaebi.

[Strange. None of them is the contributor.]

"Huh?"

Han Sooyoung laughed. "Didn't I tell you? Ah~ I really wanted that toad..."

"Then the contributor is..."

One of the members of the strange group cut her off.

"Oh! It's here!"

"Start recording! We cannot miss this scene!"

'What the hell is wrong with them??'

At this moment, the door of the auction house opened wide. A dazzling light entered from outside the auction house and the white coat was blown by the wind.

The man in the white coat walked past Han Sooyoung and Yoo Jonghyuk. The man who came up to the stage was someone Anna Croft knew well. The man smiled and held out his hand like he was asking for a handshake.

"3 million coins."

It was Kim Dokja.

•••

The gift squad watched and recorded everything with excitement.

'...Why do I suddenly feel like Clopeh?' Axar shook his head to get rid of that horrible thought. 'Even if I am a simp for Cale, I am different than that lunatic.'

He just ignored the fact that if he was at the temple of sealed God when Cale was performing the sacred ceremony of Calebab, he would do the same as Clopeh and record it.

Axar came back to himself and focused on the event in front of him.

It was Kim Dokja and Anna Croft's first meeting after the Gourmet Association. Selena Kim stood next to Anna Croft and nodded slightly to Kim Dokja. Anna Croft furrowed her brow and asked, "Demon King of Salvation, you are the contributor of this product?"

"That's right."

"No... you shouldn't be able to acquire this level of item. It is an item that can only be obtained in the late scenarios."

'Hohoho~ she is still denying reality~ our baby can do anything he wants~' Yuna thought proudly.

Kim Dokja glanced at the dokkaebi instead of answering. The dokkaebi spoke,

[The contributor is Constellation Demon King of Salvation, who belongs to Kim Dokja's Company. The confirmation result is correct.]

Anna Croft became paler once the dokkaebi testified to the fact.

"Oh my, what is wrong? Are you telling me she participated in the auction without having enough money?"

Yuna covered her lips with her hand and gasped dramatically. She looked almost genuinely shocked. Keyword, Almost.

Anna Croft became even more pale and hurriedly denied it.

"That's not true. I can pay for it, I just don't want to buy it anymore."

Yuna simply scoffed.

Anna Croft's fist trembled. She glanced at Selena Kim before turning back to Kim Dokja. "I'm sorry but I can't give you the winning bid."

Anna Croft's expression gradually returned to normal. "Rather than receiving the item, I will pay the penalty."

Kim Dokja nodded and said, "Well, do as you please."

Han Sooyoung glared at him, but...

"Oh~"

"As expected of my smart baby~"

"Yep, he knows exactly what's best for them~"

"Hehe, baby Dokja is so smart~"

'...Baby Dokja?'

Several voices came from the gift squad, causing Kim Dokja to turn to them in confusion.

Then, he nearly flinched.

'...What the hell are they doing?'

The group of strange constellations were aiming the camera of their phones at him and... recording him with shining eyes while nodding in agreement with Kim Dokja's decision.

Kim Dokja immediately turned back and tried to ignore them. It was too much for his mental health.

The senior dokkaebi spoke, [The penalty is 500,000 coins, which is the initial bid.]

Anna Croft thought of something for a moment before slowly pulling out the coins. However, she took out one million coins, not 500,000 coins.

"Demon King of Salvation, do you want to make a bet with me?"

"Tsk. That bi-"

"Shh! Let's watch it first!"

Kim Dokja ignored the voices from behind him again and answered the prophet.

"A bet? I don't want to."

"...I heard that you like to bet. It is disappointing to hear you refuse so easily."

Kim Dokja laughed at the childish provocation. The gift squad accompanied him in laughing, too.

'This is suddenly funny.' Kim Dokja thought.

Anna Croft continued speaking, "If you win the bet, I'll give you one million coins, which is double the amount."

"One million... then if you win?"

"This story never happened and we will each go our own way. You won't lose any money."

"Ho~ this coming from the 'Prophet of Las Vegas' isn't appealing at all~," Yuna said, making Anna Croft's eyebrows twitch.

Kim Dokja opened his mouth. "Why should I if I don't lose anything? I will get 500,000 coins even if I do nothing. Why should I agree to a strange gamble?"

"You must be afraid to lose. Well, you will get a 'Losing Story' if you lose to me."

'...Look at this.'Kim Dokja started to feel annoyed.

He then received a lot of messages.

[The constellation 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' is paying attention to your choice.]

[The constellation Secretive Plotter is focused on your choice.]

[The constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' wants you to refuse the bet.]

Anna Croft's smile widened like she heard the indirect messages in the channel. "Demon King of Salvation. Your constellations are watching."

[Many constellations are curious about your choice.]

[Some constellations are condemning your cowardice.]

Three voices answered her one by one.

"Hey, brat. Do you really think this sacrificial bastard who has literally died a lot will be scared of something like that?" Via said, annoyed.

"Tsk. Overconfident b*tch." Alis added.

Kim Dokja grinned and opened his mouth. "I'm not afraid. I just don't like the betting conditions."

Anna Croft's eyes widened.

[The constellation 'Dragon Lying Down' is interested in the constellation 'Demon King of Salvation's words.]

"Conditions. Do you want to add more to the bet?"

"The coins are only that much. I would like to add one more condition."

"I don't agree," Violet said, making everyone turn to her.

"Me neither." Yuna said and continued with a benign smile on her face, "Prophet. If you want to make a bet with our baby, you should offer at least half of the price of that toad."

Anna Croft frowned.

"This is between me and the Demon King of Salvation. You cannot intervene."

The temperature dropped.

"Hah." Yuna let out a chuckle.

[The constellation 'Red Grim Reaper' is looking at the incarnation 'Anna Croft'.]

Following Yuna, everyone in the gift squad revealed their modifiers.

[The constellation 'The One Who Watches All' is looking at the incarnation 'Anna Croft'.]

Violet stared at Anna Croft with solemn, cold eyes. Her beautiful white eyelashes made her golden eyes seem even colder.

[The constellation 'Dark Fox' is looking at the incarnation 'Anna Croft'.]

Alis smiled innocently while her violet eyes coldly glared at her.

[The constellation 'Opulent Boundaries' is looking at the incarnation 'Anna Croft'.]

Axar looked coldly at Anna Croft and said, "Such a silly plague."

[The constellation 'Knowing Things' is looking at the incarnation 'Anna Croft'.]

Belle sneered at her with an annoyed expression and commented coldly, "Foolish mortal."

[The constellation who doesn't have a name yet is looking at the incarnation 'Anna Croft'.]

Via, like her sister, glared viciously at her.

[The Star Stream is shaking and asking the esteemed beings to calm down!]

Anna Croft felt chills. She didn't know these modifiers and that was strange itself, but she was sure of one thing.

'...They should be really strong if Star Stream is acting like this...'

And

'They won't hesitate to kill me if I don't listen to them...!'

She didn't need Future Sight to know this. She also had a feeling that even Olympus won't be able to protect her against these constellations.

Kim Dokja was surprised too. He didn't even know these people that much, but they have been going around calling him 'our baby' and now were trying to help him in scamming Anna Croft.

Anna Croft gulped and opened her mouth.

"...Is one and a half million okay?"

Yuna continued to smile benignly.

"Nope. You should pay for wasting our time too~"

Alis smiled innocently and gave her the final price.

"Two million. And it will increase more if you waste our time again~"

Anna Croft was about to cough out blood from anger. She bit her lips and answered them.

"... Okay."

She then turned to Kim Dokja.

"Then, is that all?"

Kim Dokja shook his head. He was extremely grateful for the gift squad's help, but he felt like he wanted to mess with her even more.

"As I said before, I want to add one more condition."

"One more condition...?"

"If I win, release the Lord and Vassal Pledge hanging on Selena Kim."

[The constellation 'Friend of Justice and Harmony' is shocked by your words.]

[The constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' is nodding at your words.]

Selena Kim's eyes shook. Kim Dokja thought that Perhaps Selena Kim had been bound during the Proof of the Stars before coming to the Context of the Constellations. He knew there was no way Anna Croft would have someone beside her that she couldn't control.

Anna Croft looked confused. "Demon King of Salvation! That..."

"Can't you free Selena Kim if you borrow the probability of Asgard?"

Kim Dokja knew that it would be a significant burden on Anna Croft to liberate the lord and vassal relationship formed during Proof of the Stars. The fact that she made the lord and vassal relationship in the first place was evidence that she didn't fully trust Selena Kim. Anna Croft struggled for a while before replying, "...Okay."

Selena Kim stared at Kim Dokja with surprised eyes. Then Biyoo's voice was heard from the air.

[Baat!]

[A number of constellations are requesting the 'bet' scenario.]

[The request of the constellations has been accepted.]

[A new sub scenario has arrived!]

+

[Sub Scenario ― Entertainment of Ruin]

Category: Sub

Difficulty: ???

Clear Conditions: Anna Croft and the Demon King of Salvation have made a bet. The subscribers and incarnations can make a bet on who will win.

Time Limit: ―

Compensation: Dividends will be distributed based on your percentage of the winning bet.

Failure: ―

+

[The constellation 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' has bet 50,000 coins!]

[The constellation 'Abyssal Black Flame Dragon' has bet 50,000 coins!]

[The constellation 'Bald General of Justice' has bet 1,000 coins!]

[The constellation 'Red Grim Reaper' has bet 500,000 coins.]

[The constellation 'The One Who Watches All' has bet 500,000 coins.]

[The constellation 'Dark Fox' has bet 500,000 coins.]

[The constellation 'Opulent Boundaries' has bet 1,000,000 coins.]

[The constellation 'Knowing Things' has bet 500,000 coins.]

[The constellation who doesn't have a name yet has bet 500,000 coins.]

[Many constellations are shocked.]

[Many constellations are saying what the hell!]

[Many constellations are questioning this ridiculous amount of money that some certain constellations bet like nothing!]

[The Star Stream begs the esteemed beings to not make a mess in the universe!]

Everyone was speechless.

'Who the hell are these constellations??'

The amount of the coins they bet was well over the bet itself.

Anna Croft bit her lower lip harder.

Kim Dokja tried to stop himself from thinking too much about those six people and spoke to Anna Croft. "Tell me about the bet."

Anna Croft came back to herself and started speaking.

"It's simple."

Anna Croft threw the coin that read 'one million' into the air. The coin rose to over 30 meters in the sky and stayed there. "You just need to grab the coin with your hand."

Most of the constellations were shocked when they heard the contents of the bet.

[The constellation 'Abyssal Black Flame Dragon' is surprised.]

[The constellation 'Abyssal Black Flame Dragon' is asking for his coins to be returned!]

Han Sooyoung frowned.

[The constellation 'Abyssal Black Flame Dragon' is avoiding the gaze of Incarnation 'Han Sooyoung.']

Via clicked her tongue, "Shut up and watch quietly."

The coin had a floating skill and hovered in place. At first glance, it was a simple and easy bet. Kim Dokja just had to jump using his skills and grab the coin. However, the simplicity of the bet meant there was a pitfall.

Kim Dokja knew it was a trap already. He knew Anna Croft would never make a losing bet.

"Do you agree with the contents of the bet?"

"Okay."

[The formation of the bet has been completed!]

Kim Dokja looked at the floating coin and activated his skill.

[The exclusive skill 'Bookmark' is activated!]

[The exclusive skill 'Way of the Wind Lv. 11 (+1) is activated!]

30 meters was quite high and it was almost impossible to grab that coin with my bare hands if Kim Dokja was an ordinary constellation. However, since the scenario started, he wasn't an ordinary person.

"Oh, oh! It's finally here!"

Axar said with excitement while making sure to capture everything with the camera of his phone.

"Everyone, focus!" Belle said quietly and followed suit.

All six of them were staring at Kim Dokja with sparkling eyes.

Kim Dokja used Way of the Wind and jumped lightly, his body springing towards the sky. The remaining distance to the coin was 10 meters.

At that moment, someone interrupted him and Kim Dokja received a notification.

[The probability of the nebula 'Olympus' is responding to you!]

It wasn't one person. A powerful status came from all over the audience. The incarnation bodies of some constellations stood before him.

[Demon King of Salvation! Cancel your skill right away.]

Kim Dokja felt their status from the true voice. The ones standing in his way were from Olympus. There were three great-grade constellations and one narrative-grade constellation.

He spoke in a cold voice, "What are you doing?"

[It is forbidden to use combat skills here. Don't you know?]

A doll popped out from among the constellations. It was a constellation with meteorites swirling overhead. Kim Dokja knew this person's modifier. It was because this doll was a constellation of Olympus.

'Wandering Terror.'

Someone in the audience shouted, [Wandering Terror, Phobos! It is Ares' son!]

The son of one of the 12 main gods of Olympus, Atrocious War God. The god of terror created by war. This was Phobos who was called Wandering Terror.

Kim Dokja looked down at Anna Croft. It seemed this guy was the backer that Anna Croft believed in.

•••

"Ugh, I wanna kill these bastards..." Via said while glaring at the constellations that were threatening Kim Dokja.

"You should control yourself, sister. We cannot intervene in this." Alis said through gritted teeth.

"It's okay guys~ We will make them pay soon~," Yuna said and smiled sweetly.

The gift squad was watching Anna Croft and Olympus bully their cute baby, barely stopping themselves from creating a bloodbath for the sake of their baby's plan.

They saw Kim Dokja reassuringly wave his hand to Han Sooyoung and look back at Phobos. "Then I'll take the coin as scheduled."

[What?]

'Yes! Go, baby!'

The members of the gift squad cheered for him.

At the same time, Kim Dokja used a skill.

[The giant story 'Demon World's Spring' has begun!]

He suddenly opened the giant story and the complexion of most constellations turned white. Phobos didn't know Kim Dokja would open this and was startled. He then shouted.

[Demon King of Salvation. I don't know what you're thinking but you're making a mistake.]

"A mistake? What mistake?"

[This is the 'legal zone' of my nebula. Don't you know that when you start a riot, you will be bound by probability?]

Kim Dokja took a breath and immediately replied with my true voice. [So? What do you want to say?]

"Our baby's voice is so good~," Belle said while staring at Kim Dokja and others nodded.

The other constellations around them who heard it were dumbfounded.

Kim Dokja activated Electrification through Bookmarks.

[Don't you know how much I've been holding back in the meantime? It has been from the time you messed with my fate.]

'Ah. We should make them pay for that too~' Yuna thought and her smile became sweeter.

Phobos was the son of Ares. They knew that this guy might have helped in making Kim Dokja's nasty fate.

[What...?]

[Try to stop me, if you have the ability.]

The story of the Demon Realm added to the magic power of Electrification. The white magic power and black magic power spread like a gradient.

'Beautiful!' The gift squad's eyes were sparkling. They all looked proud.

Phobos was still unable to grasp the situation and shouted. [You! You dare to be hostile to Olympus!]

[Tell this to the 12 gods.]

Kim Dokja swung his fist as hard as he could towards Phobos, who was raising his status.

[Kim Dokja's Company, I'm going to aggressively grow the company.]

There was an explosion in the center of the auction house and Phobos' bloody body flew through the air. There was a bombardment of Electrification and Phobos' incarnation body screamed terribly as he was buried deep into the ground.

'So handsome!' The gift squad were now madly taking pictures of the scene in addition to recording it.

Kim Dokja just watched the messages he was receiving.

[Many constellations are astonished by your actions!]

[The nebula 'Olympus' has noticed your actions!]

He then looked down at the groaning Phobos. Wandering Terror was still a narrative-grade constellation. He wasn't an easy opponent to hit. However, he was careless because Kim Dokja was a constellation in a small nebula and this was the result of his neglect.

[Where is the legal zone you were talking about?]

The dejected constellations of Olympus stared at him and stepped back.

[You have committed a criminal act in Olympus's legal zone!]

'Tsk. Too bad we can't intervene.' Axar clicked his tongue.

The probability restraint didn't act immediately. Kim Dokja activated Way of the Wind and jumped into the air, snatching the coin.

[2,000,000 coins have been acquired as a scenario reward.]

At the same time, system messages poured out.

[The sub scenario ― Entertainment of Ruin has ended.]

[The constellation 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' is cheering!]

[Some constellations are applauding your courage!]

[The constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' is concerned about your safety!]

[The winners of the bets have sponsored you 3,600,000 coins!]

Kim Dokja blinked at the number of coins he was sponsored.

'...I guess 3,500,000 is the amount those rich constellations sponsored me.'

He didn't know why they gave him that many coins, but he gained 5.5 million coins with one blow. It was a very profitable business.

[Grab that bastard! Do it now!]

'Ah, this son of a bitch-' Via couldn't help but curse at Phobos and made up her mind to teach him manners later.

Some of the constellations shouted but none of the Olympus constellations came forward. It was due to the power of the giant story that Kim Dokja showed.

Anna Croft was watching him from the ground.

"Your body is light compared to the power you have, Demon King of Salvation." She lost two million coins but she wasn't disappointed. It was because she knew what would happen next.

'Tsk.' Violet internally clicked her tongue.

"Now you'll be trapped in Olympus' prison." The constellations who disturbed the legal zone were imprisoned in Olympus. "It also means you won't be eligible to participate in Gigantomachia."

Kim Dokja laughed as he watched Anna Croft.

[I know that much.]

Maybe Anna Croft didn't know, but the gift squad knew. Kim Dokja was aiming for this from the beginning. That was why they were controlling themselves and hadn't blown up this whole place already.

Kim Dokja just watched the messages he was receiving.

[The probability of the nebula 'Olympus' is binding you.]

[Your incarnation will be transferred to the court of justice in Olympus.]

Bright light poured out and someone started to swallow him. Han Sooyoung shouted, "Kim Dokja! Where are you going again? You crazy bastard!"

The probability of the legal zone finally started to work. All the troubles that occurred in this auction house would be handled according to the will of the local jurisdiction.

Kim Dokja smiled at Han Sooyoung and sent her a message through Midday Tryst.

-I'll be back!

"You deliberately...!"

-I'll see you in a week. Remember what I said? Prepare well.

Kim Dokja could hear Han Sooyoung shouting something.

Everyone watched as Yoo Jonghyuk grabbed Kim Dokja's shoulder before both of them disappeared in the light.

"Dokja hyung... Dokja hyung again..."

"I should've locked him up at that time..."

The trembling voices of Kim Dokja's company filled the auction house.

Alis turned to the children and smiled gently at them.

"You don't need to worry at all! The two of them just went on a date, that's all!"

Han Sooyoung choked on her curses and blankly stared at Alis. Even constellations of Olympus were blankly staring at her.

They then heard the discussion between Violet and Via.

"Ah, I really wanted to watch them on their date in the underworld~," Via said regretfully.

Violet sighed, "I know right?" She then imitated Kim Dokja's voice."...Why did you come?"

Via dramatically turned to Violet, put her hand on her shoulder, and imitated Yoo Jonghyuk's voice, "I can't just watch you do your crazy plans again."

Violet made an offended expression and continued her acting, "Those crazy plans have saved you so far."

Via stared straight at her and said exactly what she knew Yoo Jonghyuk was saying to Kim Dokja right now in the underworld.

"Where do you plan to die alone?"

'...'

The other four members of their group were watching them with sparkling eyes. The people around them were just done with them.

"Ahem."

They then woke up from their daze after hearing Yuna's voice.

"Axar, I'll leave those guys in your care."

Yuna said while pointing to members of Kim Dokja's company.

Axar nodded, "Yes, don't worry."

Yuna turned to someone else, "Belle, isolation."

Belle snapped her fingers, "It's done."

Yuna turned to the constellations of Olympus. Her beautiful bluish-white hair swayed in the air as she did that.

She smiled sweetly before opening her mouth.

[Then, shall we have a chat?]

Her true voice filled the auction house, making everyone other than Kim Dokja's company and her companions stagger from pressure.

[The constellation 'Red Grim Reaper' has unleashed part of her status!]

[The Star Stream is panicking!]

Yuna smiled more sweetly. Her bluish-white eyes started to glow dangerously.

[You guys didn't think you could get away with it after messing with our baby Dokja, right?]

Every single one of them felt chills.

•••

Boom!

Bang!

[Ugh...]

Phobos couldn't help but groan in pain as he lay there on the ground of the auction house. Yuna just landed a punch to his gut. He wasn't even able to defend himself, she was so fast that even he, a Constellation, wasn't able to see her movements.

There was also a black-haired woman that was preventing him from escaping, much less sending a signal back to Olympus. Even the constellations watching them couldn't leave. Basically, everyone there was isolated.

'What the hell? Where did these lunatics come from?'

The most confusing thing for him was that he hasn't heard of any of them. He, as a narrative-grade constellation from Olympus, was quite knowledgeable of the powerful constellations across the Star Stream. And yet, he didn't know these people.

[The Star Stream is begging the esteemed beings to calm down!]

[Ara~? You don't have to worry~ Fufu, I won't kill anyone~]

[The Star Stream thanks the esteemed being-]

[Heh~? You shouldn't be relieved yet~ I haven't said I wouldn't harm them~]

Yuna said mischievously as she eyed the constellations of Olympus coldly.

[The Star Stream-]

[Don't test my patience now~, fufufu]

Yuna then turned and asked the gift squad.

"Now then, who would like to have a 'talk' with him~?"

"Can I, unnie?" Via raised her hand as she spoke.

"Sure~. Make sure he learns his lessons well alright dear~?"

Via nodded at her as she made her way towards Phobos.

"Hmmm, Ma'am can I have a 'talk' with Miss Prophet over there?"

"Why do you still call me that? Never mind, go on then."

Violet smiled sheepishly at her before she went in the direction of Anna Croft. Yuna then looked at Alis who was looking in Via's direction with amusement in her eyes. She called her out to catch her attention.

"Alis, sister, do you remember our discussion before~?"

"Hmm? The one at Alaia-unnie's place? Why do you ask?"

"Shall we continue our lessons then~? We have fine specimens to demonstrate from~"

"Oho~? Sure, sister~!"

The two smiled innocently as they went to the trembling group of constellations.

-...What have we seen...?

Han Sooyoung blankly stared at them as she tried to stop her body from trembling.

-I...I don't know... and I'd rather not know...

Jung Heewon shakingly replied to her through the Midday Tryst.

"Hmm, I suggest you close your eyes or look away. If you want to save your sanity that is." Axar said while looking at them in pity. He had been kind enough to put the kids to sleep.

They followed the constellation's advice and looked away. They couldn't believe what they saw.

Two of the constellations were having a 'talk' with Phobos and Anna Croft. The groans of pain could be heard through the barrier the handsome dark elf erected for them. And that wasn't the scariest part.

No, their actions looked cute in comparison with the other two who were having a class. One taught enthusiastically and cheerfully while the other was listening and asking occasional questions with a serious and determined face.

Really, what Miss Tati did to Yoo Joonghyuk and Kim Dokja pales in comparison to them.

•••

"Did you enjoy watching our class, guys~?"

That is what Yuna asked Kim Dokja's company as soon as her class with Alis was finished. The members were too traumatized to even look at them both.

"Hmm~? You didn't~? That's too bad, fufu. If you want, I can also give you guys classes~ I wouldn't charge you~"

Yuna asked them with an innocent smile plastered on her face.

"W-we are fine, Yuna-nim. Thank you for giving us your offer."

Han Sooyoung, as the temporary leader of the group, took it upon herself to answer the smiling constellation.

"Aww, what a pity. It would have been fun teaching you guys." Yuna looked at them with a sad expression which was only answered with a shaky smile from the group.

[A lot of constellations are shaking in fear.]

[A small group of constellations looks at the constellation 'Red Grim Reaper' with shining eyes.]

"Let them be now, Yuna. They must be very scared after they witnessed what you have done." Axar admonished her which Yuna only shrugged.

"Anyways, we must get what we came here for. We have wasted so much time with such trash. We must hurry to follow our schedule."

"I'll call them!" Alis said before walking toward her little sister and Violet.

"Well then, shall we send you off now?" Axar turned towards Kim Dokja's Company. Once he saw them nod, he looked back at Alis who was coming back with Via and Violet.

"You're sending them off now?"

"Mhm. Say your goodbyes before I send them back."

"Oh then, I hope to see you in the future!"

"Stay healthy and take care of yourselves! See you!"

"I wish you good luck on your journey. Till we meet again,"

"Take care of our baby Dokja for us, alright~?"

"Don't lock him up alright? Fufu."

The gift squad said their farewells.

"Yes, we shall heed your advice. Thank you for everything and goodbye."

Han Sooyoung smiled at them. They heard Axar's words before they completely disappeared from the auction house.

"Feed him tomatoes every time he dies. He might stop dying. Take care then."

Kim Dokja's company smiled at his words before disappearing from the auction house.

The gift squad stared at the place where Kim Dokja's company disappeared for a while before Yuna snapped them from their daze.

"Now then, shall we begin?"

The gift squad smiled wickedly at her words before a bright light enveloped the whole auction house.

When the light faded, the constellations watching looked shocked as the auction house was empty. The broken furniture was back and fixed at their places and the blood splattered across the floor was nowhere to be seen. It was as if nothing happened. The occupants of the room were not there either.

If they didn't experience the scene together they would have thought they were dreaming.

A few hours later, the missing constellations and some incarnations were found unconscious at the dump back alley of the interstellar city.

Olympus, seeing their states, searched high and low for the gift squad. The search only stopped when they found out that their treasury was looted dry and their skills and items were gone.

The Star Stream never revealed those mysterious constellations' identity.