Chapter Text
"Mom..."
Cale, who was cleaning his hands with a handkerchief, glanced at Kim Dokja's body.
??
Then with doubt, glanced at Kim Dokja's soul report.
+
[Kim Dokja : This is good, he's already found apostle 1. As expected, that bastard is also captivated, now we just need to enter the stage. And then everything will go according to plan.
Cale: ...
Kim Dokja : Cale?
Cale : ... ]
+
"Mom.."
Cale was still glancing between the soul message and the body.
...this is interesting...
Cale raised his eyebrows comically, seeing how body and soul could have separate thoughts.
Not long after, Kim Dokja's body slowly woke up.
He held his head.
+
[Kim Dokja : The third stage was more tiring than I thought and I couldn't maintain it for long.
Cale : Then, don't use it too often.
Kim Dokja : ... yes.. Apart from that, I found one more thing that I regret.
Cale : ?
Kim Dokja : Using Omniscient Reader's Point of View stage 3 would not necessarily gain skill. It seems to be a reward, which can be obtained by entering the first-person protagonist's point of view. Unfortunately, I don't know the entry requirements.
Cale : Protagonist?
Kim Dokja : ..en
Cale : You got his skills because you possessed his body...?
Kim Dokja : ..for some reason that sentence sounds strange... but yeah. Last time, I got a decent skill, thanks to that skill, I was able to beat Igneel. It would be great if I could get Yoo Jonghyuk's skills every time I fall asleep and use first person perspective....
Cale : Don't be greedy.
Kim Dokja : ..I don't have any personal attack skills other than Bookmark...
Cale : ...sounds sad..
Kim Dokja : ...right...? ]
+
Kim Dokja sadly sat down properly, he raised his head and noticed that Jung Heewon was looking at him.
"?"
"You're talking in your sleep again."
Kim Dokja confusedly looked at Cale, who was still comfortably munching on apple pie, Kim Dokja even thought, how is the kid still light when he eats that much?
Cale noticed Kim Dokja's strange look and answered.
+
[Cale : That's right, it's interesting to see your body delirious by itself...
Kim Dokja : ..impossible...]
+
Kim Dokja felt strange, what was he talking about?
"What did I say?"
"Sounds like... Mom."
"...Mom?"
Kim Dokja was even more confused, why else would he say that?
Kim Dokja looked again at Jung Heewon who was smiling mysteriously. Then hesitantly said.
“Well, I'm not that worried about my mother. Instead, I have a request for Jung Heewon-ssi.”
"What's that?"
"Heewon-ssi, please do not participate in Gwanghwamun battle this time."
"...Why?"
“There are other things you need to do. I can only trust Heewon-ssi with it.”
Jung Heewon licked her lips as if she didn't believe Kim Dokja.
"I'll try. What is it?"
Meanwhile Kim Dokja explained a separate mission to Jung Heewon. Cale glanced at Sayeru beside him.
“Sayeru, follow Jung Heewon.”
Sayeru frowned in distaste while pouring tomato juice. Kim Dokja smelled the smell of tomato juice and stopped talking for a moment, while shifting his ass with a face like a crushed apple pie.
hooo.. I got your weakness, I'll make you drink tomato juice later.
Cale thought with a grin, which Alberu thought was very impolite, which made Kim Dokja suddenly shiver.
"What about you and Barrow"
Cale looked back at Sayeru and answered.
"I have something to discuss with Barrow. Meet at the place I told Doprh and Namwoon before."
"..ah.. about that.. I think it will be difficult to persuade my liege."
"Don't worry, even if I have to wrap him up and send him by force when he's still stubborn. For sure, I'll try."
"Aigoo... just know that we won't come back if my liege doesn't come back, Cale."
"En. Anyway, accompany Heewon and you will see, Barrow problem will be resolved later."
"Well... I'll leave it to you. Don't forget Cale, what Barrow is concerned about is probably you being here alone."
"...I've heard about his past from the god of death. I'll try."
Sayeru nodded and approached Heewon who was clenching her fists.
"Leave it to me Dokja-ssi!"
"Ah... I'm coming with you, Miss Heewon."
"I told you not to call me miss, right?"
"Forgive my rudeness, Heewon. I'll help you, no problem, right?"
"I can do it myself."
"But I can't let a lady be in danger."
"Oh my, I didn't think you had such a sweet mouth Sayeru."
"I'll take it as a compliment."
While the two of them were getting to know themselves, Kim Dokja dragged Cale who was in super duper lazy mode to talk to the others.
He had to decide who would stay in Chungmuro and who would go to Gwanghwamun.
Kim Dokja, who was still holding Cale's hand, who was about to slip away because he was lazy, spoke to everyone.
"Jung Heewon-ssi has a mission and I will decide on the remaining people in Chungmuro."
The other members swallowed hard. They looked like followers who would be chosen by the king.
“First of all, Gong Pildu and Lee Hyunsung will stay.”
"Bah, I'm just your slave."
Gong Pildu sneered as if he had expected it. The problem was Lee Hyunsung. That slightly pale face was troubled, as if he had somehow missed out on promotion.
"He almost looks like Choi Han."
"...who else could he be...?"
"My cute knight, even though he is braver, Hyunsung is a bit pessimistic and cowardly."
"..lower your voice."
"Oh."
Kim Dokja hit Cale's forehead lightly because he was annoyed, he was afraid Hyunsung would hear it. And thankfully he was too busy panicking to hear Cale's words. However, Kim Dokja had to brace himself for the killing aura emitted by Barrow who saw him hit Cale. He swallowed his saliva and looked at Hyunsung.
"Hyunsung-ssi must stay. I need someone to protect this place with Gong Pildu-ssi. Hyunsung-ssi can protect Chungmuro and lead the people as well as Yoo Sangah-ssi."
"...Yes, I understand."
His expression was a bit sad but he had no choice. There was a reason for leaving the Steel Sword behind.
"Hyunsung-ssi already has great skills. The problem is that skill level is too low. While we are away, Hyunsung-ssi should increase his Great Mountain Smash proficiency. Hyunsung-ssi's help will be needed after this scenario ends."
Lee Hyunsung's face brightened slightly.
“Yes! Please leave it to me.”
Soldiers are most efficient when they follow orders and when they have a routine.
"Stick and carrot."
"Something like that."
Kim Dokja said while shrugging his shoulders.
"I remember Rosalyn, Archie and Choi Han also gave sticks and carrots. But they destroyed the palace before their opponents surrendered and after that they distributed profitable agreements."
"..I don't know who else they could be. But isn't that more like a threat..?"
"..really? I don't think so?"
"..."
Kim Dokja breathed in heartache. He got really dizzy every time Cale started telling something or doing something. He felt that whatever Cale did, for some reason it always became a big problem. Well... that must be just his imagination, right?
Of course, if Alberu and Raon heard Kim Dokja's heart. They will tell many cases, where Cale only had to make a hole in a mountain but ended up blowing up the entire mountain instead. It's a good thing those two weren't there, or Kim Dokja would have been horrified.
"Oh, right. I'm not coming with you."
"Huh? Wait... why?!"
"I promised Joonghyuk. I'm not going with him, so don't let me come with you."
"Heh... that crazy bastard..."
Kim Dokja gritted his teeth in annoyance. He didn't expect that bastard would make Cale promise such strange things.
"I'm sure you've had enough with both of them, haven't you?"
"..can't you just come along."
"I will never break a promise."
Cale nodded his head properly, he forgot about the 'promise' not to get hurt, which he always broke the second he promised.
By the way, the ridiculous reason not to join Kim Dokja is true. Besides, Cale had to discuss something important with Barrow, so he just said yes. Come to think of it, previously, Yoo Joonghyuk didn't look like he was going to leave before Cale gave his promise.
This bastard or that bastard, they're both so weird. I miss my family...
After that, Kim Dokja sadly asked Yoo Sangah, Lee Gilyoung and Lee Sungkook to accompany him on his journey to Gwanghwamun.
Kim Dokja repeatedly asked Cale to come along which made Cale kick his butt in annoyance.
The members of Chungmuro's group waved as they watched Kim Dokja's group leave.
“Vice-nim! Come back safely!”
"You'll be safe!"
For several days now, Yoo Sangah's popularity has penetrated the sky. Yoo Sangah had only led the people for a short time but everyone was worried about her.
After making dramatic cheers until they disappeared from sight. Cale turned around and looked at Barrow who was also looking at him.
Cale was about to open his mouth when Barrow spoke first.
"I'll make food first, everyone must be hungry. It's dangerous if we fight while hungry."
Then, as if avoiding Cale, Barrow went up to the second floor to cook. There, Sayeru still had not dismantled the 'portable' kitchen he had installed.
"Haaaaa"
Cale sighed, he knew that Barrow was deliberately delaying.
This will be harder than I thought...
+
[Kim Dokja : We are already in the building forest near Gwanghwamun. I didn't see any humans, but it was clear that the kings who bought my text were hiding nearby.
Cale : ..oh.
Kim Dokja : What are you doing Cale?
Cale : Eat.
Kim Dokja : ...
Cale : Donghoon who is with Igneel is also eating. That dragon seemed to be getting along with that kid. Maybe because he was originally kept by Donghoon...?
Kim Dokja : ..hmm.. maybe...
Cale : Aren't you busy?
Kim Dokja : Of course, busy.
Cale : Then, bye. ]
+
Kim Dokja stared dumbfounded at the message that Cale suddenly stopped on. He sighed sadly and looked down at his member.
– Pay attention to when they start to move. We will also move with them.
Meanwhile, Cale was still looking at Barrow who was still trying to avoid him.
There had been more than 10 times that Cale had tried to start a conversation, but that villain bastard always interrupted and did something else.
Cale was almost running out of patience.
[The main scenario has been updated!]
[Main Scenario #4 – King Qualification has begun.]
+
[Main Scenario #4 – The King's Qualification]
Category: Main
Difficulty: A
Clear Condition: Occupy the 'Absolute Throne' located in Gwanghwamun.
Time Limit: 8 hours.
Compensation: 10,000 coins
Failure: –
*This scenario can only be challenged by those who have completed the hidden scenario 'King's Road.'
* An absolute monarch has absolute command over all other monarchs.
*There are clear additional special conditions for this scenario.
+
Cale noticed the emerging scenario and got up.
"Cale?"
-kyu?
"You guys go near Uncle Pildu. I have something to discuss with Barrow."
"Okay Cale."
-kyuuuu...
Igneel was sadly carried away by Donghoon, who took his dirty dishes and approached Gong Pildu.
only 8 hours left..I have to finish this and go to the meeting place..
So Cale approached Barrow who was again trying to escape.
"Barrow."
"Ah... Cale, I have to-"
"We have to talk."
"Can we do it later? I have something to do-"
"Barrow."
"Later Cal-"
"Barrow."
"..."
Barrow froze as Cale's voice turned cold. He lowered his head.
The silence lasted for more than 10 minutes, when Cale started to frown. Barrow raised his head and looked at Cale.
"Okay. Let's talk in a quiet place."
"Do you remember the movie props?"
Barrow nodded, Cale took the lead and started going upstairs
"Let's go there."
"These items are becoming commonplace..."
"You didn't notice it before?"
"No, I just kept watching that bastard."
"Why are you always making a fuss with him?"
Barrow frowned, he tried to come up with an answer. But he didn't know what a good answer would be.
"..I don't know..but..I have to say..that bastard looks like your black swordsman."
"Hm? Choi Han?"
"Right, I've forgotten his name."
yeah.. maybe because they are both protagonists? So it's villain's instinct to hate protagonist.
Cale nodded and sat down on one of the benches, Barrow also sat down. They stared at each other and Cale opened his mouth after a long time.
"Come back."
Barrow closed his eyes then muttered.
"I refuse."
"You'll die if you don't come back."
"I've been dead since you killed me."
"..."
"Cale, the current situation is already a favorable thing for me. That's enough, very enough."
"..."
"Therefore, even if I were to die, I would still be here."
"That's not what your heart thinks."
"This is my heart, of course I am-"
"You always say that you hope that situation before apocalypse will last forever, you say that you are happy."
"Right, that's why. This is enough-"
"Not enough."
"Cale..."
"Cale Barrow, I want you to live."
"I'm useless, what's the point of me staying alive?"
"You should at least disband the rest of Arm and help us."
"You and your friends have had enough."
"I need you to give me the location of the rest of Arm."
"I can tell you right now."
"..."
"..."
There was another silence, Cale was very annoyed with Barrow's stubbornness. If he think about it, this stubbornness is what made him survive thousands of reincarnations even while enduring a curse.
"Anyway, come back Barrow."
"Then what? You're still here. Are you now saying that I should leave you huh?!"
Barrow raised his voice in annoyance. Barrow wants a family, Cale knows this. However, Cale is not the type to leave someone he considers important, especially after finding out that Barrow is not that bad.
"There's Sayeru and Dorph. Why am I alone?"
Cale said tilting his head innocently.
"Hah! Do you think I don't know what your group's habits are? You are a group of bastards who like to sacrifice themselves, especially you Cale!"
Cale frowned, when did he sacrifice himself? He felt that he was being slandered.
"I-"
"Don't be evasive, you think you're the only one looking for information about us? I also did some investigation about you guys. After me, then what? I know that, you'll return Sayeru and Dorph after me. Then you'll be the only one left later. Heh, You're saying it's not self-sacrifice?"
"What about that? If I go first, who brings you guys home? And what's with that self-sacrifice? When have I ever done that?!"
Cale felt very humiliated because he was accused of doing something he never did.
"Hahahahaha."
Barrow laughed heartily, but not a pleasant laugh. There was a lot of complaints and annoyance in that laughter just now.
"Okay... let's assume you won't make any self-sacrifice."
"I said I never-!!"
"But what about the others?"
"Hm?"
"I am a villain, how many people have I killed, how many parts have I destroyed, and how many lives have been lost. Do you think I deserve to live?"
"Everyone makes mistakes, but that doesn't mean those who made mistakes don't have the right to try to be forgiven. The past cannot be changed, but the future can still be guided. As long as you really stop, it doesn't mean there's no way, Barrow."
"That's a funny statement Cale Henituse."
"You remember the half-dragon?"
"That failed bastard..."
"He is now my family, don't curse him. Just so you know Barrow. He is now our partner, whatever his past, he regrets it and is trying to do good. Even Sheritt took time, but still forgave him."
"That's because he wasn't the one who stole the dragon egg and attacked dragon lord. He was a victim. But I was villian who committed murder, theft and destruction. This is not mistakes, Cale. This was a sin. A very serious sin."
Cale frowned, now he knew what Barrow meant. This bastard knows that one of channels is broadcast in the real world. He deliberately said this to create animosity, so that he would never be accepted back.
he's cunning...
"It's not a sin, Barrow."
"Then wha-"
"You are also being used by the god of despair."
If that's your plan, then let me say it too..
Cale grinned.
"The god of despair took you who had been abandoned by the world, he made you despair and persuaded you to follow that footsteps of the ancient white star. He made you think that in that way, you would be loved and have a family. And after you started to reincarnate, you slowly lost your goals and just being a puppet of the god of despair. You lost your feelings and just wanted to be a god. So tell me now, whose fault is this?"
"..I.."
Barrow became confused with Cale who managed to summarize everything that actually happened. He lost his anger and was left with sadness. He was confused about what to answer.
"In the end, it's like what happens to half-dragons. You're also a victim."
"No.. this isn't true.. this is.."
Barrow was starting to get confused, Cale felt that this was a good time to start persuading Barrow. He licked his lips and used his slippery tongue.
"The god of despair has been sealed, that's right. However, that god also seemed to be a pawn of the hunters. There is another enemy, Barrow."
Cale scratched his head awkwardly, Cale was sure this would cause a lot of commotion in the original world. But can be sure that only a few people know about him entering another world. Or could say, only friends who are fighting can watch this channel. His hyung-nim is always reliable.
My hyung-nim will definitely be able to calm the chaos caused by my words.. hm... that's right, it's nice to have a crown prince as a hyung.
That's what Cale thought, that if Alberu heard it, he would grab Cale and lock him up in his palace without Cale hoping to see the sun. Of course 3 meals a day with meat and lots of entertainment. Only he wasn't allowed to go out and cause any more trouble.
Cale approached Barrow and looked into Barrow's shaken eyes.
"...there are... others behind that god..?"
"That's right. As you said before, you have great sins, sins that are not enough to even make you suffer in hell. However... can't you just live instead of dying like that? If you really regret it, then go back and help us eliminate this crazier enemy."
Cale held Barrow's shoulders and spoke his words clearly.
"Pay for your sins, stay alive and save others."
"..but..but..your family won't forgive me..I.."
"I know, Sheritt will even try to kill you when you come back. But why does that matter? You were wrong, weren't you? Or what? Now you feel that you are no longer sinful and have forgotten your crimes?"
"No! I.. I was guilty.. I... I now understand how it feels to lose someone precious to you.. I.. I would be sad and breathless.. I understand how Sheritt might feel... sad.. but .. is it true that they will-"
Barrow raised his head and Cale interrupted him.
"Of course they won't immediately accept it, therefore, it's your job to show how much you want to change. You know, a broken heart is not easy to heal. You understand that pain better, right?"
Barrow nodded.
"I can assure you that they won't go overboard, but that doesn't mean I can stop them from cursing or scolding you. They have lost valuable people because of you, Barrow."
"..I know."
"But don't worry, from the start, if we are someone who holds grudges. We won't be able to lead the war with a calm heart. Revenge makes you bad, and damages your heart. They'll just take out their anger on you, Barrow."
Cale looked into Barrow's eyes again.
"Now here's a question for you. Are you able to withstand the anger of the crowd?"
Barrow opened and closed his mouth without making a sound. After a long silence, a firm voice began to sound.
"I can, I can endure whatever it is. I will not shy away from my mistakes, as long as I can help you, I will do anything."
Then Cale smiled brightly, even though his head almost hurt from thinking about how to persuade Barrow which almost failed. At least, now it's all over.
Barrow will indeed face quite a bit of anger, especially from Ron and even Sheritt. But they are not fools who go crazy with anger. He believes in his family, his family is not that evil.
And Cale was right, but that didn't mean Barrow wouldn't feel hell. As Cale said, as long as Barrow persisted and Cale family vented their momentary anger. Cale family will gladly welcome anyone who will help their Cale-nim. Well... let's hope Cale's family won't brainwash Barrow too badly, Cale will be in trouble if Barrow becomes an idiot.
"But..."
When Cale was about to go down, Barrow's small voice was heard.
"?"
"Are you sure you're okay? After Sayeru and Dorph are sent along, you will be here alone."
"Don't worry about it."
Cale said while waving his hand dismissively.
"The god of death will never leave me in trouble. I'm also not a weak person who can't adapt without being protected. By the way, if the god of death abandons me, then he must pray that the original world will not be destroyed. It seemed like dragons had discovered a forbidden magic for crossing the divine realm. He would have to move worlds if he dared to do so."
Cale grinned as he remembered the death god's whining. Looking back towards Barrow. Cale chuckled slightly.
"My family is the best, you know? You'll understand when you hang out with them. We're a family that loves each other."
Barrow also chuckled and smiled a little.
He hopes that he can also become part of Cale family.
Hours had passed, Cale scratched his head in annoyance.
Is this what is often said in novels? 'We chatted happily, time passed quickly' ? but come on!! How can it be that hours have passed all of a sudden???
Cale wanted to strangle the death god who reminded him belatedly.
After going downstairs, Cale immediately looked around, before the god of death hurriedly asked him to quickly head near the absolute throne.
It seemed, because Barrow had tried to buy time or silence several times before and or even because he was too busy tasting cookies that Barrow had cooked...
"Haaaaa.."
Cale sighed again.
"Let's go Cale."
"Hm? Ah, you're done."
"Yes."
Cale nodded at Barrow who cooked some additional food before wrapping the 'portable' kitchen back into the spatial bag. He gave that food earlier because he was afraid that the others would starve, after all, it was unknown when they would be able to gather again.
Barrow even cooked a lot of cookies for Cale, afraid that Cale would forget to eat them while he was not around.
What is certain is that they have to move quickly.
-kyu!!!!!
"Ack."
Cale was surprised when Igneel suddenly ran into his arms. Cale looked down and saw how Igneel had a crying face.
-kyuuh...
"Haaaaa... I understand, I will take you..."
-kyuu!!?
"I mean it..."
Cale was once again stunned at how he understood dragon language. After lifting Igneel onto his shoulder, Cale looked at Donghoon.
"How about you?"
"I'll be here, I'm not the fighting type, I'll get in the way."
"Well... okay then."
"Hyungsung hyung, uncle Pildu. I have to go."
“Be careful Cale-nim.”
"Be careful kid, don't do anything stupid again."
"Won't."
Cale said in annoyance, when has he ever done something stupid?
"Barrow-ssi, be careful too."
"Well, goodbye Hyunsung."
"Wrong, see you later. We'll meet later anyway."
Barrow froze for a few seconds then smiled brightly.
"Yeah."
Cale raised his eyebrow.
It seems like Barrow has a good relationship with Hyunsung, doesn't that mean Barrow will have a good relationship with Choi Han later?
Of course the answer is...
N.E.V.E.R
+
[Cale : Where are you?
Kim Dokja : The plagiarist is next to me now, that bastard is disguised again.
Cale: Ok.
Kim Dokja : How about you?
Cale : I'm just going there.
Kim Dokja : ...don't say that you fell asleep again...
Cale : Is there a problem?
Kim Dokja : ..no. Hurry up, it's about to start.
Cale: Yes]
+
Cale took out his favorite transparent robe and gave one to Barrow.
"It's more fun if we don't fight. We have to get there quickly. When the effect stops, immediately activate it again. I can buy a new one when it runs out. I'm rich."
Cale grinned, when Barrow excitedly pulled Cale's fat cheeks, which made Cale's face black.
"Stop treating me as a child."
"Okay."
"Come on."
And Cale headed to the place where the others would gather.