Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

[A/N this story is mainly told from Fourth Wall POV, to keep neutrality.]

A searing hot, unfalliable pain ripped through Kim Dokja’s body. This was what true pain felt like, wasn’t it?

Unfilitered, completely raw.

The world was almost completely blurred from the Demon King transformation. Kim Dokja only wished to cry, tears of ash and fury of demon king’s past filing through him.

Kim Dokja looked down as the sword pierced his body. Yoo Joonghyuk was crying. He brought his hand down, wiping the tears from his face. He cut him, fingers no longer straight, but pointed and black-tipped.

He had to hope he plan would work, that he would be able to return to the one he loved so much. He wanted to. He wanted to return to all of his companions, lead them safely to the end of the scenarios, to save them indefinetly.

He wanted to tell him he was sorry, but all he could manage were garbled words that made no sense. He was so sorry, Yoo Joonghyuk.

His body fell further and further away, and he saw all his companions crying, watching, and he could do naught to save them.

A whisper of a blink away, and Kim Dokja was gone.

Yoo Joonghyuk fell to his knees, overcome with despair. Nothing had ever hurt this bad. This strong. There was only one way out.

It was his turn to be sorry.

His companions, Kim Dokja’s companions lurched forward, trying to stop Yoo Joonghyuk from what he was going to do next. They couldn’t stop him. Not even Yoo Mia could.

“Kim Dokja…” Yoo Joonghyuk muttered, and he drove his sword through his own body.

~~~

[Your Exclusive Story ‘Life and Death Companions’ has been fed!]

[Restarting…]

~~~

Kim Dokja blinked.

Once.

Twice.

Thrice.

What the fuck?

His body swayed gently with the small motion of the subway car. Kim Dokja was looking down at his phone. An email, one he recognized well. The words, “Thank you, dear reader” were practically engrained into his brain.

He looked up, across from him. Lee Gilyoung? He turned to the side. Yoo Sangah. Was this death?

“Well, what do you say, Dokja-ssi?” Yoo Sangah asked. He remembered her asking this once, a long long time ago. He remembered what he said. His answer had never changed.

“No thank, Sangah. I will live my own life.” He told her, and she looked the same shock she had back then, written all over her face.

She smiled thereafter, lighting up her face.

“Then I will also live my own life!” She said excitedly, just as she had the first time. It was nice, to Kim Dokja to see his companion who had become so sad being so animated again.

Kim Dokja smiled, and turned back to his phone. He saw the email come in, and he already knew what it was. Was this where the dream ended?

The lights in the subway car flickered off.

A loud screeching noise filled the cabin, and Yoo Sangah grabbed Kim Dokja’s arm quickly, holding on to it like a lifeline. How odd. Why was he reliving this? He would think that he would only relive the good part before the apocalapyse.

The people started talking quickly, and Dokja remembered telling them before it was likely just a suicide disturbance. How wrong he was. He let them be this time around.

The engineers of the train made the same announcement Kim Dokja remembered, and the loud surrondings became calm once more.

A beeping sound cut through the announcement. It turned off. The inside of the train became a mess.

“D-Dokja-ssi? What is this…?” Yoo Sangah said once more from his side.

A bright light flashed from the front of the subway train. A loud drumming noise accompanied the pop that sounded.

Something was heading their way, and Kim Dokja knew it all too well. He looked down at his phone, a coincidence he had checked his phone that time, for the second time.

7:00 Pm. 19:00.

Tick, it felt like the world was stopping for Kim Dokja. Were these his memories?

Tick. A voice.

A blue box popped up.

[The free service of planetary system 8612 has been terminated.]

[The main scenario has started.]

Another blue box popped up in Kim Dokja’s face.

Then another.

Then another.

[You have achieved the status ‘Regressor’]

[Calculating your rewards…]

[The System is taking a while to return your belongings from your first round, we apologize for the delay!]

What? This couldn’t possibly be right. Kim Dokja paled.

What would happen to Yoo Joonghyuk? Would he have to build a relationship with him all over again?

Kim Dokja began to expierence Regressor’s Depression for the first time, a momentary silence and sadness for the unknown of his fate.

Kim Dokja regained himself. No use thinking like that. Life in the present, and let the future come to be.

He should have regressed with all of his skills intact, placing him at a much higher level than he should be.

[Your Modifier has been decided!]

[You have achieved Mid-Grade Fabled Constellation!] It told him, one after another.

[Welcome to the Star Stream, Constellation ‘Demon King of Salvation’!]

Kim Dokja was in shock, despite the shortage of time. He had guessed a low-ranking historical, but a Fabled? And a mid-grade one at that? He had no clue how he had managed that.

He shook his head, regaining his sense of self to return to the scenario. He had failed before. No chance to try again.

Bihyung as Kim Dokja knew him well, floated in the air once more, looking down at the people below.

Electricity returned to the car.

Yoo Sangah muttered to herself in that moment.

“…Dokkaebi?” She spoke, and nobody replied.

Kim Dokja’s head was ringing. He had to stay focused. He would do better this round. He could save more people.

{With two small horns, and wearing a small straw tunic, the strange creature was floating in the air.

It was too strange to call it a fairy, too evil to call it an angel, and too tranquil to call it a demon.

Thus the Dokkaebi got it’s name.}

Kim Dokja already knew the first thing the dokkaebi would say.

“(#@$&)(@#&@(#&)(“ Bihyung struggled with his translator once more. “#(*$&(*&@)(#” He tried again.

Kim Dokja heard the people about to be killed mutter about augmented reality, in confusion and anger.

Amidst the chattering people, Kim Dokja was thrown into another world for the third time. Kim Dokja turned to Yoo Sangah as she began to speak.

“It sounds like spanish slightly. Should I try talking to it?” She asked him once more.

He put a hand on her shoulder and said very calmly,

“No. Stay still. Don’t say anything. Just comply.” Kim Dokja instructed her. He wanted Yoo Sangah to survive this time as well. He knew that Han Sooyoung would be upset without her.

Bihyung spoke again, this time in Korean.

“Ah, Does this sound good? Ah, I had a hard time because the translator patch wasn’t working.” He told them.

As a familiar language was spoken, Kim Dokja could see and interpret people relaxing around them. The first one to step up was some normal kid in a hoodie. Kim Dokja recognized him from the first time in the subway.

“Hey what are you doing right now? Are you filming? I have to go because I have to quickly get to an audition.” He told Bihyung, and Kim Dokja almost felt guilty about what was going to happen next to the kid.

Bihyung crossed his hands, seeming shy and unharmful all the same.

“Ah, auditions. That’s right. This is also an audition. I was told we’d get the most people when we started the monetization at 7pm.” Bihyung spoke softly.

“What? What are you talking about?” The boy asked again.

“Now now, all of you, relax in your seats and listen to me. From now on, I will tell you something super important!” Bihyung declared.

Kim Dokja’s chest tightened, and he felt the fourth wall nullify the shock he would have received without it.

The chatter Kim Dokja remembered picked up quickly, talking swiftly and harshly, and Kim Dokja braced. Protect his companions. That would be all that would happen.

Yoo Sangah tried to stand up from her seat, to join them, but Kim Dokja reached out swiftly, pulling her back down.

“Ah, Sangah-Ssi. It’s dangerous to get up, so sit here with me.” He told her, and she nodded, although bewildered.

He had spoken during a moment of chaos, but there was no way to explain what he understood. To be exact, he didn’t even really have to explain.

“Wow, You guys are really loud.” Bihyung said, arms still crossed. Kim Dokja sat eerily still.

Bihyung’s presence grew and grew, with a persuasive power that Kim Dokja could only match with how far he had gotten in the last round.

“I said to be quiet!” He snapped, eyes glowing red and something bursting. Kim Dokja did not close his eyes this time. The subway went quiet.

The boy with the audition had a large hole in his forehead. The man who had spoken several times collapsed.

“This isn’t a movie shoot!” Bihyung screamed angrily. There was a cracking sound once again, this time, it was the person that had been speaking about the subway director.

“This isn’t a dream. It’s not a novel either!” Bihyung said, and Kim Dokja almost laughed at the unknown lie.

One, two, three, blood sprayed into the air as the heads of some of the people in the cart started to burst. They were all the people who had protested against Bihyung, as well as those who had screamed or caused chaos.

Those who had held the slightest fuss or fight had a hole in their heads. The subway had become a bloodbath akin to the hunger games.

“This isn’t the life you know. Do you filthy humans understand? So everyone shut up and listen to me.” Bihyung made his final command.

More than half the people in the car had died again. Blood and Body pieces filled the subway. Now, the people did not scream. Like fish in front of a shark, everyone just watched, terror and dread filling their eyes.

Yoo Sangah was crying, hiccuping silently next to Kim Dokja. The man did not allow himself to feel anything.

“Everyone, your lives have been nice so far. Isn’t that right?” He spoke out, like he was giving a speech. He made eye contact with the grandma who would die. “You have been living a long time for free. Isn’t life generous? You were born, and paid no price for breathing, eating, pooping and reproducing! Ha! You really live in a good world!” Bihyung said his speech once more.

Kim Dokja scoffed internally. Free? Nobody, pre or post apocolapyse, lived for free. People strived to make money in order to survive, and these men and women rode the subway home from work because they didn’t own a car.

But Kim Dokja, for the second time, did not disrupt Bihyung’s words.

“But now the good days are over. How can you continue living for free? If you want to enjoy happiness, it is common sense to pay a price, right?” Bihyung asked the retorical question, knowing well that nobody would dare to answer.

One.

Two.

Myeongoh Han stepped up, right as Dokja counted to three.

“D-do you want money?” He asked, offered out his won to Bihyung.

“Dokja-ssi.” Yoo Sangah whispered into Kim Dokja’s ear. “Isn’t that Department Head Han of the finance team?” She asked, and Kim Dokja nodded.

He was supposed to speak those words, not her.

“I’ll give you money. Take it.” He spoke, pulling out his business card to offer his wealth to Bihyung. “How much do you want? A million? Two?” He asked, hoping desperately that the dokkaebi would take it.

People cheered him on, silently, for taking on a ‘terrorist’.

He was still offering a sum that was overly large for a department head of a subsidiary company. It had turned out that he was the son of someone rich in my last time, making it true this time too.

Bihyung studied him carefully.

“Hrmm, you are giving me money?” He asked, observing Myeongoh Han.

“T-that’s right! The cash on me right now isn’t a lot, but I’ve got more if you let me out of here.” He offered.

Bihyung considered, cogs turning like he was reading something, weighing it.

“Money, good. A plant based material that many humans agree on.” He read like it was out of a dictionary.

Myeongoh Han’s expression brightened, as though he would win a losing battle.

“Now, this is all I have-”

“It only applies in this time and space.” Bihyung decided, smirking cruelly.

“Huh?” Han said, watching his money burn as flames appeared in the air and his hands almost burned.

“That paper has no value in the Macro world. If you try this again, I’ll kill you.” Bihyung told him.

Fear once again spread on the passengers of the subway car 2807. It was easy to read what they were thinking, already knowing because it had happened before.

There were only three beings on planet earth who knew the future. And one currently knew three times more than the others.

“Phew, the debt is piling up during the time we spoke because you’re all so noisy. Well, yes. Rather than explain it a thousand times, isn’t it quicker for you to make money yourself?” Bihyung rambled.

His horns rose like antennas, and his body floated to the ceiling of the train.

The scenario box appeared.

[#BI-7623 channel is open.]

[The constellations have entered.]

A small window emerged in front of everyone’s blank eyes.

[The Main Scenario has arrived!]

[Main Scenario #1-Worth of Living]

Category : Main

Difficulty : F

Clear Conditions : Kill one or more organisms.

Time Limit : 30 minutes.

Compensation : 300 Coins.

Failure: Death.

Bihyung smiled once more, faintly, as it became transparent and disappeared into the next dimension.

“Good Luck! Please show us an interesting story.”

People reacted in all sorts of ways after Bihyung had disappeared. Some people tried to get out of the subway car, some tried and failed to call the police.

Yoo Sangah was one of such people.

“Police, the police won’t answer! What, what should I…” She trailed off, holding her phone and biting her thumb as she paced.

“Calm down, Yoo Sangah-ssi.” Kim Dokja told her, staring straight into her unfocused eyes. “Have you ever played the game that the developement team made? The game where the world is destroyed and only a few people survive.” Kim Dokja explained calmly, recalling all of his past words perfectly, partially due to his skill.

“Huh? What are you sayin…” She tried again.

“Think about it, Sangah-ssi. We are in that game right now.” Kim Dokja placed his hands on her shoulders.

Yoo Sangah silently licked her lips, contemplating, thinking as she mumbed ‘game’ under her breath multiple times.

“It’s simple. Don’t hesitate to do what I say, okay?” He double checked.

Sangah nodded.

“Okay. What should I do?” She asked, waiting for his orders.

“Stay still.” Kim Dokja repeated.

He took a breath. He needed time to accept his regression, though, much like Yoo Joonghyuk, he had no time to.

He had read every scene with intent. He had lived every scenario with renewed purpose. He could do this. Observing, questioning, convincing, and not ever knowing why.

Kim Dokja waited.

He smiled.

“Come on, everybody! Everybody calm down. Start breathing.” Lee Hyunsung stepped up, still exactly 5 minutes after Bihyung’s exit.

He was still the sturdy man Kim Dokja knew well, one head taller than he was meant to be.

“Is everyone calm yet? Please pay me some attention for a second.” He asked, and people turned to him, a beacon of light, a sliver of hope.

The people making calls or crying stopped. Once everyone’s eyes were gathered on him, Lee Hyunsung opened his mouth.

“As you know, in the event of national disaster, small events can cause large casulaties. That’s why I’ll guide you from here.” He told the civilians.

“Wait, who are you?” Someone asked.

As per capita, some people still resisted his control. Lee Hyunsung pulled a government official card out of his wallet.

“I am currently an army lieutenant serving the 6502 unit.” Lee Hyungsung told them.

Some people gasped with hope, muttering ‘a soldier, a soldier’ to themselves. Lee Hyunsung would not be able to save them.

“I just recieved a message from my unit.” Lee Hyungsung read, proceeding to speak out the message.

“A level 1 national disaster has occured. All troops gather quickly.”

Same.

The Same.

It was all the same.

Kim Dokja could hear gulps around him of fear. He wasn’t surprised because he had already expected this.

Steel Sword never lets down. Kim Dokja thought, smiling to himself.

The people panicked, asking Lee Hyungsung what was happening, and to contact the president in fear.

“I’m sorry. I’m just an ordinary soldier and don’t have a hotline to the Blue House.” He told them.

“Then why are you taking control?” Someone hissed back at him.

“For the safety and the sake of all civilians in here.” He told them, again and again.

Lee Hyungsung replied to the absurd questions, someone making a shout from somewhere else in the car.

“The prime minister is making a speech! It reall is a level one disaster!” They cried, and everyone pulled out their phones.

Yoo Sangah turned her phone towards Kim Dokja, and he watched although he knew what would happen. Pretend now, fix later.

“To all my fellow citizens, unidentified terrorists are currently active in an unspecified number of areas, including Seoul.” He fizzed in and out, and Kim Dokja regretted turning to watch his prime ministers death once more.

“But where is the president? Why is it the prime minsiter telling us this?” Someone asked.

Because the president is dead. Kim Dokja replied in his own mind.

Someone supplied that answer for him, and people started calling it fake.

A gunshot.

People dropped their phones as gunshots were heard from all over. It originated from the phones, of course.

There was a loud sound, and blood filled the screen. Everyone except Kim Dokja held their breaths as they realized what had happened.

The prime minister had died. His head had exploded in real-time. There were several more sounds of gunshots before the screen went silent. A dokkaebi appeared on the screen in a short amount of time after that.

“Everyone, I’ve told you already. This isn’t something trivial like terrorism.” Bihyung told them.

People were gaping at him, and Kim Dokja silently compared them to dumb goldfish.

“Do you still not understand what you’re meant to do? This won’t do. Do you still feel like this is a game?” He asked.

It was never a game. Kim Dokja began to doubt if it had even been a book from the start.

“Hah. According to the data, the people of this country are very good at games. So why don’t I raise the difficulty for you?” He asked, and everyone paled. Everyone except Kim Dokja, who didn’t give a fuck.

A large beep sounded. A huge timer appeared in the air. At the same time, it started going down exponentially.

[The remaining time has been lowered to 10 minutes.]

[There are ten minutes remaining.]

[If the first kill does not occur within the next five minutes, all organisms in that area will be killed.]

“W-what? Is this a cruel joke?”

Wow.

People really were dumb goldfish.

Lee Hyungsung continued to try and control the masses, but Kim Dokja focused on what he knew would happen. Lee Hyungsung would survive. If he let the timeline continue, so would Lee Gilyoung, Myeongoh Han, and Yoo Sangah. But there was one more person Kim Dokja wished to save.

He turned to Kim Namwoon, who was beating up the old woman at the back of the cart.

“Someone’s being killed back there!” They shouted.

Yoo Joonghyuk, you fool. It seemed he was destined to have the third round Yoo Joonghyuk forever, from the explosion.

Kim Dokja turned his back as people were thrown away from the invisible barrier separating them from his murderous companion.

Once more, the voice of Bihyung rang out.

“Haha, there are some places who are having fun, while other places haven’t even started yet. Here’s a spoiler! I’ll show you what happens if nothing occurs in the next five minutes.” He told them.

The blue screen appeared again.

Lee Jihye stood on the screen again, stangling a girl while others were shot. She was the only survivor. Kim Dokja felt pain for the young girl.

[#BAY-23515 Channel. Daepong Girls’ High School, Year 2 Class B Sole Survivor : Lee Jihye.]

The screen disappeared.

“Interesting, right?” Bihyung announced, happy to see scared looks on people’s faces.

He spoke with a smile on his face, but nobody was looking at the screen anymore. They were moving away from each other.

Kim Dokja needed to check something.

‘Attribute Window.’

No such luck.

‘Coin Bank.’

He did have luck there.

Apparantly, his coins were the first thing to come back. His balance currently displayed a little over 700,000.

He would have to fight Kim Namwoon again most likely, so he invested 3,000 in stamina again, a bit more than the first time.

[Stamina Lvl. 1 → Lvl. 13.]

Good.

“Dokja-ssi, shouldn’t we stop this?” Yoo Sangah tugged on Kim Dokja’s arm, pointing at Kim Namwoon and the others hurting the old lady.

He was yelling at the old woman who begged him to stop, and telling her to shut up.

How rude.

Kim Dokja could hear the sound of hard fists hitting flesh. Kim Dokja couldn’t move.

Was the fourth wall not working? Why couldn’t he move?

[You cannot interfere in a certained situation!] It told him.

A certained situation? What was that? Was it like a canon event, from that one show? It must be.

Han Myeongoh stepped forward.

Kim Namwoon argued with him, awakening the people to the fact that they needed to murder.

“A new world requires new laws.” Kim Namwoon recited his infamous line, and Kim Dokja forced himself to move.

People started surging forward to hurt the old lady.

Yoo Sangah made a move to stand up, and Kim Dokja pulled her down.

“You’ll be killed. I told you not to move.” He told her.

“I know, I know!” She told him, tearing up.

“Sit down. Trust me.” I told her, hoping she would.

Kim Dokja forced Yoo Sangah to sit down, moving back to the moment I knew would happen with certainty.

Kim Dokja paused.

He wasn’t still because he was afraid of Kim Namwoon or anyone else, and Kim Dokja never consented to their inhumanity.

He was waiting.

Waiting.

An explosion.

He shot off, using the explosion to boost him forward as he kicked Kim Namwoon square in the Jaw.

Kim Dokja collided with the student, falling to the ground with a scream. At first glance it seemed like he was saving the grandmother, but Kim Dokja couldn’t do that. She’d die later anyway.

Kim Dokja looked, knowing exactly where the carrier would be.

He saw Lee Gilyoung and smiled.

“Excuse me for a moment.” He said, taking the carrier from him and handing him a bug.

He looked confused, before Kim Dokja mouthed ‘Crush it.’ He saw the blue ‘first kill’ box pop up in front of Lee Gilyoung, and turned back to the crowd.

“Everybody stop! You can’t live if you kill the grandmother.” He announced.

His voice was clear after the temprorary silence created by the explosion. One by one, people started looking at him.

“Let’s say you kill her. What next?” Their surprised faces reappeared. “The grandmmother’s death with be recognized as the first kill, and some time will be bought. Then what next?” He spoke, praying they didn’t realize Gilyoung already had the first kill.

“Ah…” The people mumbled.

“If what the dokkaebi says is right, you each have to kill one organism. So who’s next? Who will you kill after?” Kim Dokja knew he had them hooked like fish on bait.

The people who thought about it retreated from each other. Fear plagued them. Everyone knew. The old lady was just the beginning.

Kim Namwoon noticed.

“Haha, what are you all worried about? Then kill him next! Cowards. Don’t worry about your turns. Odds are equal!” He shouted, trying to save himself.

Kim Dokja cut him off with a wave of his hand and an impressive amount of impassiveness.

“There is no need to gamble like that. There’s a way for you to survive, even if you don’t kill someone.” He told them.

People’s hushed whispers of shock ran throught the crowd.

They became agitated.

“The contents never specified humans.” Kim Dokja told them, waving the container at them.

The grasshoppers were jumping in the container, and people’s eyes shone at the chance. Kim Dokja put his hand into the net, taking out a grasshopper.

“Give it to me!” People shouted, but Kim Dokja only took a step back as he was facing the explosiveness that almost killed the old woman.

“You want it?” Kim Dokja asked.

They nodded rapidly, like dogs in heat.

“Fetch.” He said, throwing the container.

Kim Dokja crushed the grasshopper in his hand.

The insects ran free and jumped as hard as they could for freedom. People panicked as they saw the insects running around, trying to grab them.

The subway car quickly became chaotic and disruptive, so Kim Dokja turned his attentions elsewhere.

“Hey, why’d you do that? Couldn’t you have just given them the insects?” Kim Namwoon asked.

“There are twelve people in here.” He said.

Kim Namwoon stood up, and Kim Dokja put his guard up.

“Huh?” He asked, scratching his head.

“There were only three insects.”

Kim Namwoon frowned, then smiled deeply.

“12 to 3? Those are terrible odds! So you just threw it?” He said.

Kim Dokja knew what would come next.

“Yes.” He replied.

“Don’t make me laugh.”

Ah, new life, same old Kim Namwoon.

“A person with common sense wouldn’t do that without a reason. You just wanted to see them fight, didn’t you?” He smirked cruelly, and Kim Dokja was going to doubt saving him.

Kim Dokja assumed that he would have gotten the “This character is interested in you!” and “Your understanding of Incarnation Kim Namwoon has increased!” notifications if he hadn’t already known those things.

Kim Namwoon didn’t offer to team up with Kim Dokja this time.

Something had changed.

The 19 year old turned back the old lady before Kim Dokja called his name out.

“Kim Namwoon!” He shouted, and the boy turned his head.

“Eh? What do you want.” He asked, upset about being dragged away from his kill.

“Chungil High School, 2nd year, Kim Namwoon. I have one question for you.” Kim Dokja recited.

“..What is it?” Kim Namwoon narrowed his eyes.

“Do you think an insect egg is a living thing?”

Kim Dokja took out the body of the grasshopper he had killed ealier from his pocket. The plump egg-sac was full.

I dropped it in front of Kim Namwoon. His eyes widened and he lunged for it.

“Don’t make me regret that.” Kim Dokja told him, as the boy killed the eggs.

Kim Dokja felt happy that he did not have to fight Kim Namwoon that day. He couldn’t promise it in the future, but that didn’t matter.

He stood there, watching people fuss about as the clocked ticked down.

10 seconds.

“I don’t want to, I don’t want to! I don’t wanna die!” Someone screamed out.

5 seconds.

Some tried to lunge at Kim Dokja was a knife. He sidestepped.

[The given time has run out.]

There was a loud sound, and people’s heads exploded all around him.

[Compensation sorting will now begin.]

[You have killed 13 things.]

A much lower number than before.

[Kill History : One Grasshopper, 12 Grasshopper eggs.]

[You have killed things that cannot resist, so number of coins has been halved.]

[1200 coins acquired.]

Kim Dokja ignored the rest of the notifications.

His face could be seen on the window of the subway car. Dark.

It was one he knew well, despite hardly ever looking into a mirror. He wiped the blood off his cheeks. It wasn’t erased. It was on the window.

There was a lurch, and the subway started moving again. Light flooded in, and darkness was lifted from the windows. We had arrived at the surface area of line 3 between Apgujeong and Oksu.

Outside the window, the fimilar Han river and Seoul were revealed.

Someone let out a moan, relieved that they had survived, though it soon changed into a moan of fear.

The landscape outside the window was no longer the Seoul that they had known. Smoke and dust and fire rose from the ruined city.

The Han river bridges had collapsed. The river itself was almost red with the blood of soldeirs, while among the buildings, a leviathan chewed on a K1 tank like a toy.

Kim Dokja took in the sight, knowing it would be rebuilt and destroyed multiple times. He took in the swaying branches of burning trees, understanding everything that the highest beings did not.

He missed Yoo Joonghyuk. He could still faintly feel the sword piercing his abdomen, his fingers wiping away his tears. But it hadn’t helped. Kim Dokja had still died.

He turned away, refusing to linger on it any longer.

[Main Scenario #1 - Worth of Living has ended.]

[300 coins have been acquired as a basic clearance reward.]

[100 coins have been reduced for channel usage fee.]

[Additional compensation settlement will begin.]

Two worlds destroyed, a third story begun.

And Kim Dokja remained the only person who knew the ending of the world.

Chapter Text

The subway car stopped around halfway past Donho bridge.

The suvivors of my cart stood up, taking a long look around the scene taking place outside. The ruined Seoul and the collapse buildings. The Ichthyosaurs eating the military equipment that had crashed.

Kim Dokja heard Myungoh Han mutter a small ‘What the hell’ under his breath. Kim Dokja felt Kim Namwoon’s curious eyes on him, and he ignored them.

“AHH! It’s coming!” Manager Han screamed all the same, filled with fright at what he believed would happen. Kim Dokja remained completely impassive at the sight of the approaching Ichthysoaur. They were no threat to him, regardless of how strong he was.

The Ichthyosaur circled around the bottom of Dongho bridge and vanished into an air bubble, causing no harm at all.

[Compensation settlement is delayed due to an unexpected star stream presence.]

[Please wait.]

Kim Dokja read the messages quickly, wondering if they were about him, before dismissing it. Same thing had happened last time, just for a different reason. He was sure it was nothing.

[Due to the mercy you have shown Incarnation ‘Kim Namwoon’ two constellations feel generosity towards you.]

It proposed another issue for Kim Dokja. He needed to make sure that Han Sooyoung kept The Abyssal Black Flame dragon as her Supporting Constellation, but he couldn’t do that if Kim Namwoon already had him.

A simple fix.

Kim Dokja turned around, to whisper to the young boy.

“Kim Namwoon.” He said, walking over. The boy looked at Dokja with something in his eyes he didn’t quite recognize.

“Don’t choose the Black Flame Dragon.” He told him. He had to hope that Kim Namwoon would trust him, because it would also protect the white-haired teen from going insane later on.

[A few constellations admire your scenario.]

[The constellations have sponsored you 500 coins.]

Same life, Same amount. Kim Dokja laughed. 500 had gone from being such a big number to such a little one in a short period of time.

Kim Dokja looked down, picking up the knife abandoned by the person who had tried to hurt him.

“…Dokja-ssi? Are you alright?” Yoo Sangah approached Kim Dokja warily. Her shoulders sagged with guilt, and blood covered her white blouse. This wasn’t the Yoo Sangah that Kim Dokja knew, not yet, but she would become his friend, so he decided to comfort her all the same.

“I apologize. I couldn’t save the grandmother.” He told her, looking down at the body, missing it’s head. He still had never learned her name.

Yoo Sangah looked at him with a complicated gaze, a look in her eyes that Kim Dokja had never learned, throughout all of the scenarios.

“How are you so…” She spoke, trailing off.

“Yes?” Kim Dokja asked back.

“It’s nothing. Thank you.”She decided to not tell him.

The first time, it had been by luck Yoo Sangah survived. This time, Kim Dokja had meant to throw it near her.

“You’re welcome. I can’t guarantee your safety in the future Sangah-ssi, so don’t rely on me.” He told her, replacing the part where he told her that it wouldn’t happen again.

It would. Yoo Sangah was a companion. She would survive, if Kim Dokja had anything to say about it.

She wouldn’t know the truth, the whole truth, but she was smart. She knew what Kim Dokja meant. Someone lived because of his choice, and others died. No matter who survived, Kim Dokja retained the belief that he didn’t deserve a thank you.

“That was spectacular!” Bihyung spoke, reappearing in the cabin. There was a mixture of delight and surprise on his face, the stars representing the constellations appearing over his head.

Kim Dokja counted quickly. 21 constellations, the same as the first time.

“For 21 Constellations to be connected to my channel.. hah! Isn’t this great? Gosh, thank you for sponsoring, Constellations! Ha, Everyone! Did you show off your value today?” He smirked.

His red eyes roamed over the cabin. 6 survivors. 1 woman. 4 men. 1 boy.

“So many of you survived! The guy in the next carriage was crazy… It seems things are quite interesting today.” Bihyung contemplated. Kim Dokja’s heart sped up at mention of Yoo Joonghyuk.

He wouldn’t remember him.

It would be hell on earth. But hell had already arrived, and Kim Dokja almost survived through it.

Bihyung manipulated something in the air, and a list of survivors popped up.

[Survivors from the 3434 Train to Bulgwang, Car 3807 : Kim Dokja, Lee Hyungsung, Yoo Sangah, Han Myungoh, Lee Gilyoung and Kim Namwoon. A total of 6 survivors.]

Kim Dokja roamed over the faces of the 5 meant to become his companions. Kim Namwoon had ended up in hell last time, and Kim Dokja never knew what had become of Han Myungoh.

Lee Gilyoung stared at the body of his fallen mother, who had lost her head. She had once again abandoned Gilyoung to team up on the grandmother. Kim Dokja wanted to pick him up, but Gilyoung wouldn’t know him that well.

He bent down, approaching Lee Gilyoung.

“Kid.” He said, although he already know Gilyoung’s name. The boy turned his head and in his eyes, Kim Dokja could see the fear of death that he had encoutered for the first time of many.

The inevitable instincts of man. This boy wasn’t grieving his mother’s death. He was just afraid of his own.

“You want to live, right?” Kim Dokja asked him.

Lee Gilyoung’s eyes shook anxiously, his body trembling with a force he couldn’t resist. Then, slowly, he nodded.

“Then team up with me. I’ll protect you.” He told Lee Gilyoung, and stood up as the boy approached him to stand next to him.

Yoo Sangah was watching Kim Dokja, perhaps misunderstanding his actions, but Kim Dokja did not care.

[A few constellations are impressed with your act of unselfish-ness.]

[200 coins have been sponsored.]

Kim Dokja did not know whether or not to feel disgusted. He had done this in the first round for the coins, but he now genuinely cared for Lee Gilyoung like a father. To take advantage of him like that, Kim Dokja felt disgust for his past self.

It had been a low move, but he wanted to live, he supposed.

Kim Dokja was a constellation now, so he could not pick another Constellation as his supporting sponsor, but he had to keep up pretenses until he revealed it. An Ace up his sleeve.

“W-will you release us now? Didn’t you get what you wanted?” Han Myungoh, in a torn short, shouted from half a dozen steps away. A lucky human. In everything he did, he retained so much luck that Kim Dokja was almost jealous.

“Be released? Haven’t you seen outside? Do you really want to go out there?” Bihyung mocked him, and Han Myungoh flinched back like the grasshopper Kim Dokja had thrown at him.

“Now Now, There should be a reward for making it this far, shouldn’t there be? As a reward for the first scenario, you are entitled to the first Sponsor Selection! How about it? Are you looking forward to it?” Bihyung asked, parading about with his speech. We all remained passive to him. He frowned “You’re all unethiusiastic. This is a really big deal.”

Their reaction was completely natural. Kim Dokja was the only person in that Subway car who knew what a Constellation or a Sponsor was.

“Hm, everyone has confused expressions. Fine, I’ll tell you. Right now, you’re all incredibly weak. If you continue with the scenario’s that take place, you will be killed when you meet a ground rat, let alone what is to come later. But there are some kind people in the universe who pity you and want to help! Do you understand?” Bihyung told them.

Kim Dokja watched Lee Hyungsung get more and more agitated before he couldn’t resist anymore.

“What do you mean? Who’s sponsoring who?” He asked Bihyung, bravery flooding his voice.

“My words seem to be going in one ear and out the other, don’t they? Isn’t there an old saying in South Korea… It’s better to see it once than listen a hundred times. So expierence it! Well, the less fortunate ones might not get the chance… HAHHAH!” Bihyung cackled and disappeared.

Yoo Sangah turned to Kim Dokja, confusion written all over her face.

“Dokja-ssi? Two choices just appeared in front of me…” She said.

“I don’t know, even if you ask me.” Kim Dokja lied. He already knew who Yoo Sangah would pick. “Think of it like an aptitude test.” He said.

“Aptitude test…” She muttered.

“Nobody knows what this situation is anyway. Why not just try your best?” He said, another lie. He, Anna Croft, and Yoo Joonghyuk all knew exactly what this situation was.

“Ah… I understand.” Yoo Sangah told Kim Dokja, closing her mouth and staring away, thinking.

Kim Dokja turned back to his own screen, already knowing what would be there. Surprisingly enough, he still had Abyssal Black Flame Dragon on his list.

He looked over. Kim Namwoon had no choices. That wasn’t supposed to happen, to Kim Dokja’s knowledge.

He dismissed it, looking back to his list to see if anything else had changed.

[Sponsor Selection]

-Please choose your supporting constellation.

Abyssal Black Flame Dragon

Demon-like Judge of Fire

Secretive Plotter

Prisoner of the Golden Headband

Eyes waiting for Tuesday Nights.

Kim Dokja glanced over the options. Eyes waiting for Tuesday Nights was the only unknown option, but he hadn’t even heard of them in the original novel, so they must have been very insignificant.

He paraded shock at Sun Wukong and Uriel, though he still had no idea who Secretive Plotter was.

Kim Dokja thought. He would be rejected if he tried to pick any of the options, but he wanted to consider it anyway.

He looked forward to the door connecting them to the car in front. Beyond that door, Yoo Joonghyuk waited. He was looking at the same screen he was.

[There is one minute to complete Sponsor Selection] The screen flashed, letting the Incarnations know.

Kim Dokja waited.

[Sponsor Selection has ended.]

Kim Dokja took a deep breath, preparing himself for what would come next.

[Some Constellations are deeply shocked by your choice!]

It would be starting now.

[The constellation ‘Abyssal Black Flame Dragon’ is greatly displeased by your choice.]

[The Constellations belonging to Black Cloud are shaken by the anger of ‘Abyssal Black Flame Dragon’. You will not be in favour with any constellations of the Black Cloud for a while.]

Kim Dokja was wholly unsurprised.

It was odd that this time it had made every member of his group be angry with Kim Dokja, but he wasn’t entirely surprised regardless. This dragon had been both Kim Namwoon and Han Sooyoung’s constellation.

[The Constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ is disappointed.]

Sorry, Uriel, Kim Dokja thought. She was a good girl. He liked her, and besides, she would be Jung Heewon’s sponsor.

[The constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ is interested in your choice.]

[200 coins have been sponsored.]

Ever Elusive. Kim Dokja dismissed him.

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

Same reactions. Same people.

[The Constellation ‘Eyes waiting for Tuesday Nights’ is crying but saying they’ll follow you anyway.]

This just creeped Kim Dokja out. Weird.

[You have not selected a constellation.] The blue box beeped at Kim Dokja. He ignored it.

“Hahah… is this real? What an interesting decision. Well, I suppose there will be another chance.” Bihyung reappeared with a pop, saying the same words.

The Dokkaebi’s crescent eyes stayed on Kim Dokja for a moment.

“Now, now, everyone has finished the selection. Stay here. I have to go prepare the next scenario. I’ll be back!” Bihyung said, disappearing.

Kim Dokja wasted no time.

“Everyone, come here.” He told them. They gathered around him.

Lee Hyungsung stuck his hand out first.

“Hello, I am Lee Hyunsung.”

Kim Dokja took his hand, shaking it resiliently.

“Kim Dokja.” He introduced himself.

“Nice to meet you… although I don’t think those fit this situation. I am… well, was, a soldier.”

“You cannot contact your unit?” Kim Dokja asked, knowing.

“…Yes.”

His grip on Kim Dokja’s hand was stronger than he remembered, but the man he had left behind was incredibly strong, so it was almost refreshing.

“Ah, Kim Dokja-ssi.” Lee Hyungsung said again.

“Yes?”

“I want to thank you. If not for you, we would all be dead.” He told Kim Dokja.

“No, that’s not the case I’m afraid.” Kim Dokja tried to correct him.

“Even if I had survived, I wouldn’t have remained human. Thank you so much.” Lee Hyungsung bowed deeply. It was complicated for Kim Dokja to see that.

Someone grabbed Kim Dokja’s shoulder.

“Haha, our contractor did a huge thing. Kim Dokja-ssi, do you know my name?” Han Myungoh said, and Kim Dokja knew who it was without even turning around.

“I know, Han Myungoh-ssi.” He brushed his hand off his shoulder.

“Eh? Han Myungoh-ssi? Shouldn’t you call me Department Head?”

Kim Dokja almost laughed. It was so new to hear that line again. He was still trying to use his position when the world had ended twice.

“This is not Minosoft.” Kim Dokja remarked.

“Hah, look at this. Are you not planning to go to work now? Where did you learn your manners?” He asked, and Kim Dokja was doing his best. He really was.

Han Myungoh looked very angry.

“No matter how I think about it, your actions were unacceptable. Yes, if you had the insects then you should have given them to me. Why would you throw them like that?” Han Myungoh questions.

“..”

“Dokja-ssi, you need to be good to me. How much time do you even have left of your contract.”

Kim Dokja smiled brightly, placing a hand on Han Myungoh’s shoulder.

“Han Myungoh-ssi.” He spoke.

“Eh?”

“Shut up.” He told him, clenching his fist. He was strong right now, even if his basic skills had reset. Han Myungoh flinched.

“W-what?” He asked, shaking.

“You don’t understand the situation, do you? Weren’t you almost killed by that Dokkaebi earlier? Minosoft? What bullshit is that? Do you think the company still exists in this world?” Kim Dokja told him, frightening him best he could.

Han Myungoh’s face was white and stricken.

Kim Dokja turned around to face the other 4.

“Han Myungoh-ssi isn’t the only problem. Everyone, you need to wake up. As the Dokkkaebi said, this is no joke.”

“…” The group remained silent.

“I think you should’ve gotten a rough expierence with what’s going on. Exclusive skills in the attributes window. A game-like interface. Has anyone still not caught on?”

Nobody raised their hand.

Kim Dokja smirked, knowing he had won.

Lee Hyungsung sighed.

“This feels like a novel I read during the night shifts, but I can’t understand it. This really isn’t a dream?” He asked.

“No. This is reality.” Kim Dokja reality-checked him. He reality-checked them all. Had it been this bad the first time?

Maybe not so much, because he was like them.

His stern answer caused Lee Hyungsung, as well as others to let the look in their eyes change. Fear, to determination. No messups. No mistakes. No takebacks.

[The incarnation ‘Lee Hyunsung’ feels a faint amount of trust in you.]

[Your understanding of Incarnation ‘Lee Hyunsung is already very high!]

Lee Hyunsung nodded at Kim Dokja’s words.

“I’m glad you’re certain. What do we do now then? Dokja-ssi, do you have an opinion?” Lee Hyunsung asked.

It seemed he and Kim Dokja were the only ones really actively participating in the conversation, the others standing around listening. Lee Gilyoung and Kim Namwoon seemed to be watching Dokja with child-like fascination, which he supposed was normal as they were both just kids.

Yoo Sangah may have still been in shock, and Kim Dokja didn’t like Han Myungoh either way, so he didn’t care.

“We need to leave.” Kim Dokja said, completely certain and sure of himself.

“L-leave? Out there? Are you insane?” Han Myungoh said, still shaking in his spot. Kim Dokja was getting done with him.

“Dokja-ssi, I don’t think…”

This time, Yoo Sangah spoke too. It seemed everyone still hadn’t woken up and faced reality.

“Then how long do you think we should stay here?” Kim Dokja proposed, crossing his arms and doing his best to intimidate the people he was locked in arguement with.

He never had had much muscle to begin with, and even throughout the scenarios most of his presence came from his overwhelming power. He had heard Lee Jihye compare him to something called a “Twink” once, with his body shape.

Kim Dokja had taken it as an insult.

Kim Dokja’s arguement never had made much sense for this. Outside was a haven of Monsters. But he knew. He already knew where the faulty door was, which meant he might be able to get over the bridge properly this time.

Kim Dokja sighed.

“Have you thought about your parents? Do you think they’re safe in this mess?” Kim Dokja tried.

“The line has been dead for some time. No Messages in or out.” Yoo Sangah cried out desperately.

Familial ties were strong, especially in Korea. Even Lee Hyunsung and Han Myungoh’s eyes darkened at the mention of their family.

Kim Dokja bent down, picking up Lee Gilyoung, who had his head bowed. The first person to get up was Yoo Sangah.

“I’ll leave too.” She decided.

Lee Gilyoung clutched to Dokja like a lifeline, and Kim Dokja had perhaps forgotten how young he was. He touched him gently, offering some solace in a terrible situation.

“N-No! Didn’t you hear what that thing said? Take a break, stay here! If we move and leave, then our heads might explode!” Han Myungoh rambled like a crazy man, and technically he was logical, but that was a terrible option. Yoo Joonghyuk would kill them, except Kim Namwoon and Lee Hyunsung on sight.

“Let’s take a vote then.” Kim Dokja proposed.

Yoo Sangah raised her hand first, and Kim Dokja used his free hand to as well, and Lee Gilyoung and Kim Namwoon followed.

Lee Hyungsung seemed hesitant, and Han Myungoh was strictly against it.

“…I have to get to my unit but it seems wrong to leave now. There was the warning we were given.” Lee Hyunsung explained his reasoning.

“Shit! You all leave yourselves! I’m not going! I won’t!” Han Myungoh said, throwing a deep fit.

Kim Dokja didn’t care. Lee Hyunsung had a similar reaction the first time around, but he had decided to change later, so Kim Dokja hoped this would remain the same.

The door separating the subway car that held Kim Dokja and Yoo Joonghyuk apart bent with a large noise, causing the inhabitants to flinch. It was slightly distorted now.

“W-what?” Han Myungoh spouted, though he ended up ignored as the iron door made a deafening sound.

Kim Dokja smiled bittersweetly. The man he loved would be here soon, even if it wasn’t his Yoo Joonghyuk.

Han Myungoh shouted to stop it, but it was no use.

“You cannot stop it.” Kim Dokja told the group.

“Huh?” Han Myungoh asked, pale as the moon at night.

“We need to leave. Now.” He spoke, looking at the metal door with heavy eyes.

“Huh? But…”

“If we don’t go now-” Kim Dokja started again, cut off by another loud bang. “We will all die before the next scenario arrives.” He said ominously.

Kim Dokja smiled innocently as he stared deep into Han Myungoh and Lee Hyunsung’s eyes as he said his next words.

“Do you want to die from the guy beyond that door or do you want to try your luck outside the train? It’s time to pick.” Kim Dokja offered them, feeling an awful lot like the greek god Janus.

“U-uh…” Han Myungoh muttered. Kim Dokja was really tired of this guy. The fourth wall was too.

“Dokja-ssi, is there any guarantee that the person behind that door is an enemy?” Yoo Sangah asked.

Kim Dokja gave his same answer.

“Since they are coming from another carraige, He’s a survivor. If we meet…” Kim Dokja purposely trailed off, letting his eyes trail around the blood in the room to scare them.

He felt slightly bad for Kim Namwoon and Lee Gilyoung.

Lee Hyunsung followed his gaze, before coming to his decision and sighing.

“I was being too careful. Let’s find a way out.” He spoke, and Kim Dokja nodded, setting Lee Gilyoung down.

“There’s a weak door over here.” Kim Dokja immeadiately pointed to the slightly ajar door.

He had a bit more time as he had preexisting knowledge.

Lee Hyunsung rushed over to the switchgear, trying it, but it didn’t work. Kim Dokja knew this. He felt like a god. He technically was, but he felt all knowing. Maybe he really was the main character.

Kim Dokja thought to the fourth wall ‘Shut up’.

The Fourth Wall did not.

“It’s broken here, Kim Dokja-ssi.” Lee Hyunsung said.

He thought of simply using coins to enhance his strength, but it would prevent Lee Hyunsung from progressing further.

“That’s okay. Lee Hyungsung-ssi. Use your skill.” Kim Dokja asked him.

“Huh? Skill…” He mumbled, thinking.

Kim Dokja double checked his list.

[The exclusive skill, Character List is activated.]

[Character information]

Name : Lee Hyunsung

Age : 27 years old.

Supporting Constellation : Master of Steel

Attribute : Soldier who turned a blind eye to injustice (Common)

Exclusive Skills : Bayonet Skills Lvl. 2, Camouflage Lvl. 2, Patience lvl. 2

Stigma : Great Mountain Push Lvl. 1

Overall Stats: Stamina Lvl. 8, Strength Lvl. 8, Agility lvl. 7, Mana Lvl. 5.

Kim Dokja skipped over the evaluation, finding no reason behind reading it again. Everything remained the same.

“You should’ve seen it when you opened the attributes window. You’re a soldier, so you probably have a skill to use.” Kim Dokja shrugged, playing innocent.

“Well.. I have one but how do I use it?” Lee Hyunsung asked.

“Just think about it, I guess.”

“Will that work?”

“It will. I did it earlier.” Kim Dokja lied. He didn’t have to use his skill this time around, though he did use it on Lee Hyunsung a moment ago.

Lee Hyunsung didn’t say anything else as he took in a deep breath.

“HAAAA” He grunted, taking hold of the door and forcing it apart. The use of Great Mountain Push worked fine.

There was a sound like a huge spring, and the door started to move. Kim Dokja’s future companions cheered.

[The incarnation ‘Lee Hyunsung’ has started to trust you.]

Kim Dokja smiled. He had almost begun to miss his Steel Sword.

The door swung opened, and everyone sighed in relief as the door between Kim Dokja and Yoo Joonghyuk started to bend and break further.

Kim Dokja felt relieved too. He handed Lee Gilyoung to Lee Hyunsung.

“Carry him on your back.” He instructed. He knew that they would make it.

The group took off, across Dongho bridge. Kim Namwoon and Lee Gilyoung were in the front, extremely fast. There. Bihyung would appear.

“Ah… this is really. I knew this would happen. Didn’t I tell you earlier? I said not to leave. This scenario isn’t ready yet!” Bihyung said angrily.

“Waah! I knew this would happen! I said we shouldn’t leave!” Han Myungoh wrapped his hands around his head, afraid it would explode, but they were lucky.

“I guess it can’t be helped. You really are lucky humans.” Bihyung sighed, snapping his fingers.

[The Second Scenario has arrived!]

+

[Second Scenario - Escape]

Category : Sub

Difficulty : E

Clear Conditions : Cross the broken bridge and enter Oksu station.

Time Limit: 20 minutes.

Compensation : 200 coins

Failure : ???

+

“Dokja-ssi! It says broken bridge but the bridge isn’t broke-”

“Don’t worry about it and run!” Kim Dokja screamed at Yoo Sangah.

“Understood!” She called back.

Kim Dokja hoped he would make it, as he darted across the about to be broken bridge, but something told him he wouldn’t.

He smirked, knowing he would have another hurdle to fix.

At that moment, a giant whirlpool gave way to the Sea Commander Icthyosaur.

Kim Namwoon as well as Lee Hyunsung and Lee Gilyoung were already halfway across the bridge and would make it, but Kim Dokja and the others were lagging too far behind.

“Stop!” Kim Dokja yelled. Yoo Sangah slid to a stop, pulling Han Myungoh as well as he didn’t listen to the office worker.

The Han river surged like there was a tsunami and the icthyosaur moved. It went right through the bridge.

[The Scenarios difficulty has been adjusted.]

[Scenario Difficulty E → D]

Kim Dokja looked up at a smirking but silent Bihyung, staring straight at him. The constellations around him twinkled.

“Is there any fun if you just run away? Let’s try again!” He shouted.

[The evil thoughts of the dead have returned.]

[The surronding earth is filled with black ether.]

[The fallen have woken up!]

Ah, yes the Zombies. Kim Dokja had almost forgotten. But Kim Namwoon was alive, so he had no reason to worry.

He waited, using his new knife to cut down a few zombies.

[Someone has gained the favour of a constellation.]

[The constellation’s scenario ‘Deus Ex Machina’ has been activated.]

The bridge of light was created along the remnants of the broken Dongho bridge. Almost there.

[Deus Ex Machina - Even Odd Bridge.]

Description : A bridge of light made by a constellation. Only an even number of people can cross the bridge. The bride will fall if an odd number of people attempt.

Kim Dokja knew what had to happen next.

He turned away, pretending to struggle with a stray zombie to give Han Myungoh the window he needed.

Kim Dokja could have probably just taken Yoo Sangah and run, but some part of him wanted to see his protagonist.

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

Kim Dokja smiled as Han Myungoh grabbed the girl and ran.

[A few constellations are confused by your smile!]

[The constellation ‘Secretive plotter’ admires how easy you are to fool.]

[The constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of fire’ is impressed with your sacrifice.]

[100 coins have been sponsored.]

Kim Dokja watched them take off the bridge with a shrug. Inevitable, he supposed.

Kim Dokja turned back to the Zombies, taking them out one at a time with ease and skill.

[A few constellations are rejoicing in your adversity!]

[The constellations have sponsored you 200 coins.]

Kim Dokja ignored the notifications.

“Wow, you’re quite good at surviving! Will any constellations help this poor human?” Bihyung asked, trying to milk the constellations out of their money.

“Geez, is there actually no one?” Bihyung said, almost mocking Kim Dokja.

Kim Dokja didn’t give a fuck. He could wipe out all of these zombies if he was actually trying. No, he just needed Yoo Joonghyuk to arrive.

He could hear Bihyung saying something about how he should have chosen a supporting constellation, but Kim Dokja ignored him.

It was a little late, Kim Dokja thought. He should be here by now.

A crushing sound rang out, over and over again, and Kim Dokja almost winced. There he was.

The headless demonic people had only realized something was wrong far too late.

Yoo Joonghyuk destroyed all the zombies and appeared in front of Kim Dokja almost in a second. Still an overwhelming and beautiful force.

Kim Dokja prepared himself for his questions, but Yoo Joonghyuk just stared dead into Kim Dokja’s eyes. The office worker was a bit confused.

Then Yoo Joonghyuk clicked.

“Who are you?” He asked.

Kim Dokja did not reply. Yoo Joonghyuk grabbed his neck, almost strangling him.

“How the hell are you alive?” Yoo Joonghyuk questioned, but he didn’t answer again.

He was dangling off the bridge again, almost overcome by nostalgia.

“Name.” Yoo Joonghyuk demanded.

Kim Dokja played along.

“What?”

“What is your name?” He asked.

He was still terrible at speaking.

“Kim Dokja.”

“…Strange name.”

“I get that a lot.”

Yoo Joonghyuk hit Kim Dokja in the stomach, and Kim Dokja winced. It still hurt. Powerful bastard.

“You have a solid body. You know how to use coins?” He told the older.

“I could ask you the same.” Kim Dokja replied back snarkily.

Yoo Joonghyuk hit him again. Kim Dokja barely managed to hold back a groan.

“Don’t say unnecessary things. Only answer what I ask. Got it?”

Kim Dokja ignored him.

Yoo Joonghyuk waited.

“Your answer?” He asked.

Kim Dokja would have sighed, if he could.

“I will. Fine.”

“Use honorifics.” Yoo Joonghyuk demanded.

“What if I don’t want to?”

This time, Kim Dokja knew the attack was coming fully, and blocked it.

[Incarnation ‘Yoo Joonghyuk’ is wary of you.]

“Sorry, but you’re younger than me, Pro-Gamer Yoo Joonghyuk. You should be the one using honorfics.”

Yoo Joonghyuk looked surprised.

“You know me?” He asked.

“I do. I work for a game company.”

It was a lie. This man was his companion. He always would be.

“You’re famous. I was a fan.” Kim Dokja tried his best to shrug.

“Fan… okay.” Kim Dokja frowned. He wasn’t supposed to say that.

“I’ll forgive you this one time. But you better not try it a second.”

“I can see that.” Kim Dokja said jokingly.

His legs swayed over the han river. He was getting over being choked (like this) by the protagonist.

“I only have one question.” Yoo Joonghyuk said.

“Then Ask.” Kim Dokja replied.

“How did you survive?”

“Will you spare me if I answer?”

“I’ll see.”

Kim Dokja knew he was lying. He was always lying.

Kim Dokja did not activate his second level of his skill. He already knew what the younger was thinking.

So Kim Dokja just paraphrased his story again.

“You cleared the scenario by killing insects?” The younger asked.

“We got lucky.”

Yoo Joonghyuk just stared.

Killing intent filled Yoo Joonghyuk’s eyes as they spoke.

“You have keen eyes. How did you know there were bugs?”

“An Explosion.”

“An explosion?” Yoo Joonghyuk repeated.

“I noticed them because of an explosion from a car in the front.”

Yoo Joonghyuk didn’t question it any further. That wasn’t supposed to happen. Kim Dokja was using his exact answers. What else had changed?

“Are your questions over?” Kim Dokja skipped ahead.

“…yes.”

“Then can you let me go? Let’s go to Oksu together. There isn’t a lot of time left.”

“That’s difficult.”

Yoo Joonghyuk’s eyes narrowed.

“You make too much sense.”

Yoo Joonghyuk activated Tiger’s eye. Kim Dokja’s fourth wall fought it off.

Yoo Joonghyuk staggered backward, recovering quicker.

“You… who are you?”

“Yoo Joonghyuk.” Kim Dokja said. “You need a reliable companion. You can’t finish the 46th scenario alone. I can help.” Kim Dokja paraphrased.

Yoo Joonghyuk’s eyes narrowed.

“How do you know that?”

“It doesn’t matter.”

Kim Dokja looked dead into Yoo Joonghyuk’s eyes.

“Yoo Joonghyuk. I know the future you don’t.”

[Incarnation ‘Yoo Joonghyuk has used the ‘Lie Detection’ skill.]

[Lie detection has confirmed that Kim Dokja is telling the truth.]

Yoo Joonghyuk’s eyes widened.

“..How?”

“How else?”

Kim Dokja didn’t say anything else, watching Yoo Joonghyuk bit his lips. It was a bad habit.

“Can you use future sight?”

“Something similar.”

“You knew I would be here.”

“Yes. The Yoo Joonghyuk I know has powers. You also know about the future. Isn’t that right?”

“…”

“But it’s not always correct.”

The only weakness, the only chink in his armour, and Kim Dokja had hit it.

“Make me your companion.” Kim Dokja demanded.

Yoo Joonghyuk bowed his head to think.

Then, he raised it.

“I have decided. You can be my companion.” Kim Dokja breathed a mental sigh of relief.

Yoo Joonghyuk dragged Kim Dokja across the bridge, only stopping right in front.

Kim Dokja was not looking forward to redoing this.

“I will ask you one last thing.”

“What?”

“If you really are a prophet, then you know your own future, yes?” Yoo joonghyuk asked.

Yoo Joonghyuk smiled, beautifully.

“Will I let go of you, or will I not?”

Kim Dokja sighed.

“Two things first.”

“What?” Yoo Joonghyuk frowned.

“One, I’m no subordinate. Treat me with respect. Two, I will cooperate with you only if you do the same.”

Yoo Joonghyuk looked at him with interest and nodded.

“Well, what’s your answer then?” Yoo Joonghyuk asked again.

Kim Dokja smirked.

“Drop me get and get lost, you bastard.”

Yoo Joonghyuk smiled, but he didn’t drop Kim Dokja. He walked back, letting the man go only once he was on solid ground, turning to look at him again, but something was wrong.

Kim Dokja turned to say something, but lost his footing.

Oh.

It had to happen.

Yoo Joonghyuk lunged to catch him, but Kim Dokja was already gone.

Down, down and down, into the Ichthyosaur.

Chapter Text

The impact from Kim Dokja’s body with the Han River was hard and cold, water consuming him from every angle all at once.

He closed his eyes from the shock of the impact as well as the freezing temperatures, sucking in a breath as a warm, enormous and familiar darkness swallowed him up.

[You have failed to clear the scenario.] The notification box blinked in front of him.

Kim Dokja felt the water entering his lungs quickly, as he was sucked into the Ichthyosaur with perfect timing. He didn’t have to struggle this time to stay conscious, knowing exactly what would happen.

He curled up, holding his breath delicately.

10 seconds.

20 seconds.

30 seconds.

Now.

Kim Dokja pushed off the bottom of the Ichthyosaur, forcing himself up and grabbing onto the concrete platform.

He coughed up river water several times, struggling to breathe. Apparantely not even being the Star Stream Equivalent of a god could prevent you from drowning.

Kim Dokja assumed his skills were still mostly intact, but he had never even had a moment to try them out, so he did now.

[?Incarnation? ?Constellation? ‘Kim Dokja’ has activated skill ‘Night Vision.]

It seemed the star stream still hadn’t figured out what was going on with him after all.

“You’re still a pyschopath, Yoo Joonghyuk.” Kim Dokja said, looking around as he stood. Sure, the guy was hot and Kim Dokja would 100% hit, but he also felt the recurring urge to strangle him.

It was mutual.

Was, mutual.

Kim Dokja sat down, legs tired, taking a breath.

Message Log, he thought, watching as the messages appeared before him.

[You have failed to clear the scenario.]

[Paid settlement will begin.]

[100 coins have been taken away for channel usage fee.]

[The Constellation ‘Prisoner of the Golden Headband’ has nodded at your exciting remarks and adventure.]

[100 coins have been sponsored.]

[The Constellation ‘Demonic Judge of Fire’ approves of your choice.]

[100 coins have been sponsored.]

[The constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ is disappointed in your rash remarks.]

There were a lot of messages. More from the eyes waiting for tuesday nights, some from some constellation ‘Fallen Prince of Paradise’ and a few… thirsty ones from ‘Man who Resides Hidden in the Night’.

Kim Dokja winced. He didn’t want to read that.

Kim Dokja’s body rocked, the Sea Commander on the move. Small waves rose against the other bodily fluids of the monster.

Kim Dokja pulled his phone out, double checking the time. 2 and a half hours left, roughly.

Bihyung would be there soon.

“Haha, it’s sad things turned out like this. It was very interesting.” A pop of light and Kim Dokja’s dokkaebi best friend showed up.

Kim Dokja thinks ‘The Fourth wall’ doesn’t know what it is saying. The fourth wall is never wrong, however.

“Ah, Dokkaebi?” Kim Dokja said, voice rough from the water.

Bihyung frowned, in shock.

“Yes. Why aren’t you shocked right now?”

Kim Dokja only shrugged. His things should be arriving soon. He missed his unbroken faith and his jacket.

“I’ve been waiting.” Kim Dokja said in response.

Bihyung flicked some sort of Star Stream light on, similar to his first round, and Kim Dokja took note of his interested face.

“How much do I owe you?”

“Owe me?”

“Coins. For failing the scenario.”

“Not your life?”

Kim Dokja just stared at him plainly. He didn’t have the time to do this. Faster he could get in and out, the better.

“If the punishment for failure was death, it would have said that. Instead, it just had question marks. How much?” Kim Dokja said.

He had no need to negiotiate this time. Whatever price Bihyung named, he could double it.

“…Hahahahah. How interesting.” Bihyung laughed.

Kim Dokja raised an eyebrow.

“Am I wrong?”

“You’re right. Amazing. How you figured that out… you’re sure to bring me plenty of viewers.” Bihyung said greedily, and Kim Dokja almost smiled. Glad to see that he was just as sinful as ever.

“How much?” Kim Dokja repeated.

“7000.” Bihyung named. He must have glanced only briefly at Kim Dokja’s current coins possessed.

“Okay.”

“Oh, I can just kill you if you refu- what?” Bihyung started rambling, probably expecting Kim Dokja’s answer to be no, shocked when it wasn’t.

“I said Okay. I’ll send them to you now.” Kim Dokja told him, transferring the coins silently.

“You- You can’t do that!” Bihyung stuttered, looking at Kim Dokja with a slack jaw in complete and utter shock.

“You named a price and I paid it. Are you going to go back on your word now, with everyone watching?” Kim Dokja bargained.

“There’s no way a measly incarnation could afford that!” Bihyung yelled, looking to check Kim Dokja’s balance.

[Coins Possessed : 693,400]

“W-what?” Bihyung said, stuttering, looking back and forth from the Constellation the balance.

“Low-Grade Dokkaebi Bihyung. I believe there’s something in the mail for me.” Kim Dokja smiled perfectly.

“H-how do you know my name? There’s no way…” Bihyung rambled, checking his mail, mouth dropping further when Kim Dokja’s items appeared.

He held his hand out.

“My stuff, please.” He asked.

“W-who the hell are you? How does a human…” Bihyung stuttered, not grasping anything.

[A few constellations have doubts about who you are!]

[The Constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’s eyes are shining at you.]

“Bihyung. My stuff?” Kim Dokja asked again, but Bihyung had already summoned the Infinite Cloak and Unbreakable Faith hiding them away from Kim Dokja.

Kim Dokja dropped the smile, thinking.

“Fine. How about we speak with a closed channel?” He said under his breath so only Bihyung would hear.

[#BI-7623 channel is closed.]

Once it was shut off, Bihyung changed.

“Who… No, What are you?” Bihyung asked, eyes narrowing.

Kim Dokja just smiled.

[The Constellation ‘Demon King of Salvation’ smiles at Low-Grade Dokkaebi Bihyung.]

Bihyung stared in shock.

“My stuff?” Kim Dokja asked, and Bihyung just limply dropped his stuff in his hands. Kim Dokja switched his shirts and clothes, placing his jacket on top and strapping his sword on his waist.

“How has the Star Stream been treating you lately, Bihyung?”

“Are you a regressor?”

Bihyung avoided the question, asking another in place. Kim Dokja grimaced.

“I’d prefer not to answer that.” Kim Dokja replied. “Bihyung, do you want to be the king of Dokkeabis?” Kim Dokja asked again.

“What?” Bihyung asked.

“I can help you surpass Dokgak and Gildal.” Kim Dokja used the same tone had normally used with Yoo Joonghyuk, hoping for mild effects.

Bihyung was taking Kim Dokja into account in all forms and ways, and didn’t even really acknowledge the man himself.

“Bihyung. Sign a contract with me. I will make you the king of Dokkaebis.” Kim Dokja made his offer.

Bihyung regained himself.

“Ha, HahahAHHAHAH! You’re crazy! A crazy Constellation! I should’ve figured that out when you refused a contract.” Bihyung laughed.

“I refused a contract because I’m bound to myself.” Kim Dokja shrugged. Bihyung ignored him.

He laughed for a while before speaking again.

“Let me be brief Bihyung. I want to use your channel. Right now, you are weak. I want to sign an exclusive contract with your channel. Not you.” Kim Dokja told him.

Bihyung went blank before belatedly regaining his spirit.

“Wait. You want to make a stream contract with me?” He asked, eyebrow raised.

“Yes.”

A stream contract was meant for Dokkaebi and Constellations. In his first round, Kim Dokja hadn’t met the cut. This time, it would be completely fine.

“Well, I’m fine. You seem to be powerful enough, a constellation and a regressor.”

“I’m a prophet too.”

Kim Dokja let the words slip out without really thinking.

Bihyung stared at him like he had just said that Yoo Joonghyuk was the ugliest man in Korea.

“Bihyung. Even being a constellation, I can still be sponsored. Which means that because I don’t have a sponsor, they have to pay a hefty fee to you.” Kim Dokja mumbled, remembering his words from the first round, despite Bihyung having already agreed.

“Bihyung. Open the channel. It will start soon.” Kim Dokja told him.

“Start? What will-” Bihyung was cut off.

[The Hidden Scenario has started!]

[Hidden Scenario - Commander Slayer]

Category : Hidden

Difficulty : A+

Clear Conditions : Kill the ichthyosaur ‘sea commander’ and escape from its stomach.

Time Limit : 10 days

Compensation : 9,000 coins

Failure : Death

Kim Dokja smiled.

[#BI-7623 channel is open.]

“Open the dokkaebi bag.” Kim Dokja told Bihyung. Bihyung just sighed and shook his head.

Kim Dokja tried pulling his sword out to just kill the ichthyosaur, but the moment his hand even touched his sword, the message telling him,

[You are much stronger than the current scenario! 45 limits have been placed on you.] It was a lot more limits than even the Disaster of Questions had had.

Kim Dokja shrugged, buying Hammer Sea Horse Mucus and Pointed Thorns.

[Many constellations are confused by your appearance change!]

[Many constellations are suspicious of you!]

Kim Dokja wasn’t sure if he could just ride it off as being lucky, so he simply ignored them.

[The Constellation ‘Demon King of Salvation’ shrugs at the other constellations.]

[Many constellations are in shock!]

Kim Dokja turned his indirect messages off.

[800 coins have been used.]

Kim Dokja’s items fell down into his hands. He had wasted more time this time.

He threw the thorn against the rubber like wall of the stomach of the sea commander.

The holes that poured out the secretion liquid of the sea commander opened up almost immeadiately, and Kim Dokja threw again.

The zombies in the stomach acid started shrieking. Kim Dokja jumped from his location on the concrete platform, using the thorns to stab the holes.

He wished he had thought of a better plan. Kim Dokja used his free hand to dump the Mucus all over himself, trying to ignore the feeling it gave him, and onto the tip at the end of the thorn as well.

[A few constellations admire your calmness.]

[The constellations have sponsored you 200 coins.]

Kim Dokja repeated. Three more opening points, three more holes, now blocked by thorns.

Then he waited.

It started about five minutes after he had finished, the screaming. This ichthyosaur did not like being killed from the inside, in either regression.

The blood vessels that ran through the sides of the stomach walls were squrming, moving and expanding in response to the body fluids of the hammer sea horse.

Same old, same old, for Kim Dokja.

Either he died, or the ichthyosaur would. But Kim Dokja was no closer to death than ever.

…

Kim Dokja despised not being able to tell the time. His muscles were sore, likely from the fact that although his mind was worked out, his body was no longer.

[A few constellations admire your will to survive!]

[The constellations have sponsored you 100 coins.]

They were menial amounts, but Kim Dokja was a greedy man, so he took them anyway. Constellation or Incarnation, the more coins the better.

He had found out quickly that a few of the things he had placed inside of his coat remained there, basic emergency supplies and food that Kim Dokja ate and drank greedily. He hadn’t drank the mucus this time, and he hated the taste of the fluid that he had drank last time anyway.

Kim Dokja knew he was almost there.

[The Constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ admires you!]

[The constellation has sponsored you 100 coins.]

More time passed.

And more.

and more.

Finally, the digestion process stopped. The warmth of the viscera suddenly cooled and the elastic lining of the somach solidified. Twice a killer of an Icthyosaur.

“hah… as expected of a Constellation.” Bihyung’s voice rang out. Kim Dokja looked up. He felt haggard as he fell from his hanging position on the wall.

There was a bright light in the darkness, and Bihyung’s light figure floated there.

“I’ve never even thought about it that way. I’m sure the other constellations felt the same way.” Bihyung said, still trying to market.

He started on his explanation of why what Kim Dokja had done worked, and Kim Dokja did not listen.

Bihyung’s shining eyes weren’t for him. The words weren’t an explanation for him either.

[A few constellations are smiling as if they already know.]

[The constellations have sponsored you 100 coins.]

Normally he would have been scolded for not telling the constellations what he was doing, but they all seemed to retreat in fear from him now.

[The Constellation ‘Demon King of Salvation’ smiles up at the constellations and thanks them for their coins.]

“Normally I should have been burnt alive by the digestive juices. The Hammer Sea Horse evolved this mucus to prevent them from being burnt.” Kim Dokja explained, stopping Bihyung’s nonsense.

[A few constellations admire your knowledge!]

Bihyung looked betrayed for some reason.

“Hey! I should be the one explaining…”

“I did it because you didn’t know. Are you done now?” Kim Dokja deadpanned.

“…Yes.”

“Then give me my reward.”

“Cheeky Bastard.” Bihyung mumbled under his breath.

A blue box appeared in front of Kim Dokja.

[The Hidden Scenario has ended.]

[You have obtained 9,000 coins in compensation.]

[You are the first to have successfully hunted a grade 7 species.]

[You have earned 1000 coins as an achievement reward.]

Kim Dokja looked down to check his current coin balance.

[Coins Possessed: 705,200]

It wasn’t as much as Kim Dokja would have liked, but considering he was likely the only person in Seoul Dome to have this many coins, he would take it.

“Haha, Constellations! Did you like that? Well, let’s watch a few ads before going to the next scenario!” Bihyung told them, and Kim Dokja was one singular step closer to getting out of this gross cavern.

The moment the ads started playing, Bihyung turned to Kim Dokja, speaking as if they were friends.

“You did this before?” Bihyung asked immeadiately.

“Yes. How much time has passed?”

“Four days. I was left in suspense the whole time. Did you not know the time?”

“I’m powerful, not all knowing.” Kim Dokja quipped.

“How funny.” Bihyung remarked.

Bihyung started saying something about how Kim Dokja was the most insane constellation Bihyung had ever seen, and that he was so excited to have him on the channel, and Kim Dokja was ticked off.

“Shut up and open the Dokkaebi Bag.” Kim Dokja told him.

“Why? What else do you need to buy?”

“I’m not. I have something to sell.” Kim Dokja told him resolutely.

Bihyung muttered and grumbled under his breath, and Kim Dokja drew Unbroken Faith from his side.

He walked over to the wall, slashing down and watching as cracks spread all throughout the stomach.

The core of the Icthyosaur that was glowing blue was revealed quickly. Kim Dokja debated whether or not he should eat it to raise his Mana level, but he didn’t really want to risk anyone else having the same sword as him, so he made the same decision as last time.

Bihyung watched him in shock.

“You’re too smart. You’ll destroy the star stream.” Bihyung remarked.

Kim Dokja smiled, not saying anything in response. That was his goal, but he couldn’t very well just say that.

“I’ll sell this.” Kim Dokja offered the Core out.

Bihyung accepted it like he was tired of asking Kim Dokja anything.

“…Do what you want. How much do you want?”

“Not coins. I want to put it up for trade.”

Bihyung grumbled while uploading the item to Dokkaebi auctions. His desires were pretty simple, and Kim Dokja was glad that it wasn’t an exponentional change.

“The only item I want to trade for it ‘Broken Faith’.”

“Broken Faith? Ah… alright. It’s up there.” Bihyung told him.

“Alright. I also want to buy ‘White Pure Star Energy.’” Kim Dokja told him. He wasn’t sure if that would still exist in him, so he decided that it would be a good idea to buy it anyway.

“Ah. Whatever. Can I talk to you for a moment?”

Bihyung spoke, the sound of the Ads going on in the background increasing.

“Do you have the contract ready?” Kim Dokja asked.

“Yes. It took me a while to prepare.” Bihyung told him. “Take a look.”

The Dokkaebi pulled out an extravagant and an over the top contract that he had prepared quickly, and Kim Dokja read it as one of his familiar blue boxes.

—

[Stream Contract Agreement]

Constellation ‘Demon King of Salvation’ (employee) will sign an exclusive contract with Dokkaebi Bihyung (employer) until all scenarios are completed or his death.

—

“Why am I the Employee?” Kim Dokja asked, eyebrow raised.

“Haha, don’t humans like this? It doesn’t mean anything. Keep reading.”

—

Constellation ‘Demon King of Salvation’ will never choose a sponsor until all scenarios have ended or his death.

—

“This clause is stupid. I can’t choose a sponsor anyway.” Kim Dokja said.

“I checked the rule books. You can, actually. It’s just a terrible decision. Especially if you form a nebula.” Bihyung said.

That was new information.

—

Constellation ‘Demon King of Salvation’ should only be active on the channel of Dokkaebi Bihyung. Constellation ‘Demon King of Salvation’ and Dokkaebi Bihyung will destribute the revenue from stream contracts through a ratio based on mutual agreement.

Constellation ‘Demon King of Salvation’ and Dokkaebi will be subject to punishment in accordance to the laws of the Star Stream if they break this contract.

—

Kim Dokja was satisfied with the terms, all except for the same thing.

“You’re missing the most important part.”

“What do you mean? Just agree. The stream contract is a soul pledge.”

“I’m talking about the pay ratio.” Kim Dokja looked Bihyung dead in the eyes as the Dokkaebi flinched back at his words.

“A-ahh. Haha. Right.”

Kim Dokja was tired of this little bastard pretending like he was dumb.

“How about 50:50?” Bihyung suggested.

“No. 100:0.” Kim Dokja said.

He had already mentioned the commission fee, so there was no need to repeat that.

“What?! That’s ridiculous.. How about 70:30?”

“100:0.”

“What’s this bullshit? This is ridiculous rate, even for a constellation! You’re already rich!”

Kim Dokja just stared.

“Y’know I hear that Gildal is doing well these days. I should ask him…” Kim Dokja was most definetly manipulating Bihyung right now.

“80:20. I can’t give anymore.”

“100:0”

“…”

Bihyung’s expression changed to a threatening one, like he wished to kill Kim Dokja. But he couldn’t. He was both a constellation, and his best bet at fame.

Kim Dokja waited.

“The Ad is ending.” He pointed out.

Bihyung gave up.

“Fine. You’ll sign it then?”

“Yes. One more thing.”

“What is it? What now?”

“I want a down payment. 5,000 coins.”

Bihyung’s expression tightened.

“Y-you really…”

Kim Dokja laughed. Bihyung didn’t seriously think that Kim Dokja would just gloss over the fact that he was the employee, not the employer.

[The Stream Contract is concluded.]

[You have recieved 5,000 coins as down payment.]

The ad ended, Kim Dokja’s inbox flooding with upset messages. He pat the dokkaebi on the shoulder.

It was time for the fun to start.

Kim Dokja bought a small sleeping potion, laying down on the disgusting floor of the ichthyosaur.

He should have remembered to pack a sleeping bag in his coat next time.

His eyes blinked as it kicked into effect, feeling the drowsiness come over.

…

Kim Dokja was tearing up. He didn’t remember why, or what had happened, but as he blinked the tears away.

He saw the grey-ish red ceiling. He was still inside the Sea Commander.

Bihyung was still there, creepily staring at Kim Dokja. Kim Dokja was weirded out.

[A few constellations want you to move to a new place quickly.]

Kim Dokja sighed, and opened the Dokkaebi Bag. He was going to need two Ellain Monkey Lungs, one for him, and one for Jung Heewon. He had to be careful. If he waited too long, she might get too hurt.

He heard the sound of an electric current scattering, and Bihyung disappeared without a word further. He probably went to go do his job.

Kim Dokja unsheathed his sword, moving over to the wall of the Ichthyosaur. He swung. Something collapsed, and water poured out, cold and fast.

He plunged into the Han River.

There were no other sea dwellers around, so he didn’t have to worry about it. He swam quickly, and fast towards the nearest shore.

[A few constellations are nervous for you!]

Kim Dokja didn’t like the sound of that, but he already knew what was coming.

He walked and jumped up the small distances to the barrier that separated him from the main scenario.

He pushed forward.

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

[The air in this area is deeply polluted.]

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

Kim Dokja looked down, curious. Last time, his skin had partially turned a violent purple-ish black. This time, it seemed only his hands and face were affected, his jacket protecting him.

[You have been exposed to a poisonous fog.]

The system alerted him.

Kim Dokja sighed, pulling out the Monkey Lungs from his pocket.

[You have used Ellain Monkey’s lungs.]

He now had 20 minutes, give or take with his status, to find Jung Heewon, an adequate amount of food, and get back out.

[A few constellations admire your readiness!]

Oksu station had already been destroyed. The nearest station was Gumho. He moved quickly, avoiding the monsters, not wanting to waste time by fighting them.

Kim Dokja searched, and his eyes clicked in recognition at the store. He ran in, pushing the door open.

“Help… Help me.” There. Jung Heewon lay on the back of the floor, as helpless as the first time.

Kim Dokja immeadiately removed the other pair of lungs, placing them on her. The mask helped, but it should be enough to purify what she had already ingested.

He still needed to grab supplies, so he grabbed as many bags as he could, filling them with everything.

He placed 2 of the 6 in his jacket for later, and carried the other four on his arms. He knew what Cheon Inho would want.

Kim Dokja bent down, next to Jung Heewon again.

“Are you alright? Can you stand?” He asked, knowing she couldn’t.

“Uhhhh..” She mumbled.

He picked her up, out the door, down the street. He turned, and a side street appeared. 100 metres, and Gumho lay bare.

Exit 3 was closed. He ran to the other side as Jung Heewon muttered against his back.

The fire shutter was already rolling down, but Kim Dokja used his sword to prop it open.

“Shit, what’s this?”

“Open up.”

“N-no, You can’t come in! Leave!”

“There’s a wounded person.” Kim Dokja said blankly. Should he just kill them?

“We’re full! We can’t have more!” They told him.

Kim Dokja’s resolve not to kill them was wavering.

[The Fourth Wall is shaking.]

“I don’t think I asked.” Kim Dokja said, pulling his sword up as hard as he could, sending the fire shutter recoiling further.

The door shuddered as it hit the top, then falling back down due to gravity. The people that stayed on the other side were nervous.

“R-run away!” They shouted, though Kim Dokja knew they would be back.

He set Jung Heewon down, taking and discarding his Monkey Lungs, black with fog.

[You have entered a safe zone!]

Jung Heewon groaned on the ground. Kim Dokja mourned seeing his companion like this.

Kim Dokja turned to make sure she was alright, a bright flash illuminating him from the other side. They were back quickly.

The Constellation’s eyes narrowed as the men holding metal pipes approached, fear ridden in their eyes.

[The Constellation ‘Prisoner of the Golden Headband.’ frowns at the appearance of the unwelcome visitors.]

The big man in the middle began to speak, and Kim Dokja’s ears almost bled.

“Who are you?” He asked.

“Kim Dokja.” Kim Dokja shrugged.

“That’s your name?”

“Yes.”

“U-uh! That woman…” One of the men towards the back stuttered, and someone shone a light on Jung Heewon.

“What, isn’t that woman from the smaller group? Why didn’t she return with you?”

“That’s…”

Kim Dokja wanted to kill them there and then. Ah, Yoo Joonghyuk had rubbed off on him too much. If he had been with the bastard, he would have told him to stop being so murderous. It had consequences on Kim Dokja.

The man’s flashlight moved in a harassing manner near Jung Heewon’s waist.

“Ah… so it was like that. How funny. Did you try that without Hyung-nim’s permission?”

“Haha, I’m sorry.”

“No, of course Cheolsoo Hyung-nim should be first. I was going to do that.”

Kim Dokja disliked these men beyond all possibility of belief. His blood was boiling, fresh hot rage curling through his veins at every word out of their mouths.

“Hey, you. Give us that woman.” They commanded. “Huh? What’s that?”

The flashlight shone on the convience store bags on the floor.

“Leave those as well. Then we’ll let you live.”

[The constellation ‘Prisoner of the Golden Headband’ is annoyed.]

[The Constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ is angry with the injustice occuring.]

[A bounty scenario has started!]

+

[Bounty Scenario - Remove the Interference.]

Category: Sub

Difficulty : F

Clear Conditions : The constellations feel great anger at the disruptors who are obstructing your path. Neutralize them within the time limit.

Time limit : 5 Minutes.

Compensation : ???

Failure : ???

+

Kim Dokja shrugged.

“Well, if the constellations request it.” He smiled. The men frowned.

[The Constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ expects a fair judgement.]

“Hey, it looks like he’s not gonna give it up. Kill him!” Someone shouted out.

Kim Dokja drew his sword. He observed the men moving forward. Could he maim them? Killing would be bad for later plans, but maiming was fine. The man watching from the rear just stood there.

One attacked with his iron pipe, swinging it down directly at Kim Dokja, but it was terrible. Had people always been this bad?

Kim Dokja sidestepped.

The four men surronded him. One was trembling, but the others looked relaxed due to the numbers in advantage.

One man rushed forward. Kim Dokja ducked, swinging quickly at his leg. A large gash, deep enough to cut bone appeared quickly.

“AAACK! My leg! My leg!”

“You bastard!”

“Attack him together!”

The agitated men rushed forward, but Kim Dokja was much less than afraid.

The men had their thighs and arms cut deeply, which served them right. He wouldn’t kill them now.

[The constellations of the absolute good alignment agree with you.]

[The constellations have sponsored you 100 coins.]

Kim Dokja got the notification that there were only three minutes left in the scenario, so he had to finish up fast.

“W-what the hell is this bastard? Why won’t you die?” They asked, attacking again and again despite being on the brink of death.

The leader, who had been watching from the back stepped up now.

“You’re fairly tough, aren’t you? Everyone back off. I’ll take care of him.” He said.

“Cheolsoo Hyung-Nim! This guy seems to have a pretty strong sponsor!” One shouted. Kim Dokja laughed, silently.

“Good. He looks like he has a lot of coins.”

Knuckles shining with a black gloss were on his hands. Kim Dokja remembered him briefly.

Bang Cheolsoo. Average guy. Sadisitic. Incel. Had a constellation that enjoyed his Incarnations getting beat up.

[The Incarnation ‘Bang Cheolsoo’ has used threaten.]

[The skill does not work due to your modifier.]

“Heh, aren’t you good? You’re not scared at all.”

The man’s fist moved before he finished talking, aimed at Kim Dokja’s jaw. He stepped back.

“You’re good. Do you exercise?”

Kim Dokja shrugged, and smiled. He remembered this guy completly now.

“Bang Cheolsoo of the Cheoldoo Group.”

He paused.

“What, you know me?”

Kim Dokja didn’t reply. His memory was fuzzy, but he remembered Bang Cheolsoo. Stupidest guy in the group at Gumho Station.

The old man continued spewing, and Kim Dokja just dodges his attacks, thinking intently.

“Are you ignoring me? You must really want to die.” The man took on a threatening Greco-Roman position mainly used for wrestling, and rushed towards Kim Dokja.

Kim Dokja continued to ignore him.

[The constellation ‘Monarch of the Small Fries’ is delighted.]

[The constellation ‘Monarch of the Small Fries’ has sponsored you 100 coins.]

Kim Dokja paused. He didn’t want this bastards coins.

“No.” He spoke up.

[Constellation ‘Demon King of Salvation’ has sent the coins back.]

[The constellation ‘Monarch of the Small Fries’ is flustered!]

A small stinging sensation. Kim Dokja looked down.

“Haha! I hit you!”

It was luck, really. Kim Dokja looked down to see the smallest red pinprick on his hand. He sighed, picking up his sword from where he had dropped it briefly.

“It’s my turn now.”

The man paled as Kim Dokja stared at him. He wasn’t using any of his skills, really, just diluting the Fourth Wall a bit and letting the parts of his Constellation Modifier out.

Kim Dokja touched the cheek of the stupefied Bang Cheolsoo before hitting it as hard as he possibly could. A few teeth flew out as he screamed. There was no hesitation between when Kim Dokja deciding to fix one of his arms to the wall of the station with Unbroken Faith.

Once he was properly restrained, Kim Dokja started his indiscriminate assault, choosing the areas that were most painful without knocking him out, like the back, thigh, femur and side.

His supporting constellation was quiet, not speaking, but Kim Dokja suspected he was greatly enjoying this.

Blood and flesh were scattered. Broken teeth fell to the ground and broken bones twisted abnormally. But Kim Dokja felt no need to stop.

“S-stop! Please! Let us go!”

The men standing to the side exclaimed, panic written all over their faces. Humans were so weak. How could they do such cruel things? They used the pale excuse of the destruction of the world to kill, rape and steal.

Kim Dokja looked down at Bang Cheolsoo with cruel, unnerving eyes.

“Fuck… just kill me, you son of a bitch.”

Kim Dokja spared him some mercy, ending it with a kick to his neck that let him pass out.

[You have met the conditions to clear the sub scenario.]

[You have earned 300 coins.]

The other men crawled to Kim Dokja, one by one.

“H-how cruel..”

They looked at Bang Cheolsoo, who had been turned into what he truly was. A rag, used and disposed by society, eventually soaking up the worst bits and making himself out of them. Then, they looked up at Kim Dokja wither fear, like dogs waiting to be killed at a slaughter house.

He ignored them, picking up Jung Heewon and the Convience store bags.

“Take me to your group.” He demanded.

They obliged.

Chapter Text

Gumho station. A place Kim Dokja had never missed.

Kim Dokja, led by men written with fear etched into their bones, descended the stairs. He could see the faint emission of light below, the sound of people buzzing about.

“Cheoldoo Group! We have survivors who are hurt!” Someone from Kim Dokja’s leaders shouted.

Some people rushed over to support Bang Cheolsoo’s group. The system had been established here, Kim Dokja saw.

In the meantime, he turned his way to familiar faces.

“Oh my god. Dokja-ssi! Dokja-ssi!”

Kim Dokja smiled. Nothing else had happened with him changing the scenarios about, so he was glad to see his companions unhurt.

“Yoo Sangah-ssi.” Kim Dokja greeted the woman.

“I’m so happy, I’m so happy you’re here!” She exclaimed, and Kim Dokja smiled still.

Yoo Sangah stood in front of Kim Dokja the same way she had the first round, happy.

He moved in further, placing Jung Heewon down on a seat carefully.

Kim Dokja heard a sound and felt a presence wrap around his leg. Lee Gilyoung.

“You’re alive.” He said, muffled into Kim Dokja’s pant.

Kim Dokja bent down, picking the boy up, who immeadiately clutched to Kim Dokja.

“Have you been well?”

Lee Gilyoung nodded. He must have been hungry since his cheeks were terribly thin. Kim Dokja pulled out a chocolate bar and placed it in his hand.

“I’m, ah, glad you’re alive too.” Kim Dokja heard a voice say, and he turned around to see who it was. Kim Namwoon stood there, head up, like he wasn’t just admitting that.

Prideful brat.

“You just want chocolate, don’t you?” Kim Dokja teased at him.

Kim Namwoon’s ears turned pink.

“What? No! You-” He said, turning angry quickly, but Kim Dokja tossed him a chocolate bar and he caught it.

Pyschopathic maniac or not, he was still a kid.

“I knew you were alive, Dokja-ssi. Hah…” He grumbled under his breath.

Finally, the 28 year old turned to Lee Hyunsung. The muscles of his upper half seemed to have gotten bigger, perhaps protecting the three, although he was sure Kim Namwoon would do fine on his own.

“I’m really sorry. At that time, I had left you…” Lee Hyunsung said, ashamed.

“It was an unavoidable situation.” Kim Dokja shrugged it off.

“Regardless, I’m glad that Yoo Joonghyuk-ssi was right.”

Kim Dokja smiled at the mention of his companion.

“Ah, was he here?” Kim Dokja said.

“Yes. Not anymore though.” Lee Hyunsung told him.

Kim Dokja had figured that, although he had hoped that something would change. Was it because he saved Kim Namwoon that he didn’t drop him off the side of the bridge? Or was it just Kim Dokja’s fault in the end?

It didn’t matter. He could determine many things from a small event, but they were all consequential in the end.

A group of men burst into his coversation. He supposed he’d have to wait until another time to explain.

“Everyone, out of my way!”

He didn’t have to hear the words to see what was going on. Four armed men surronded Kim Dokja quickly, Myungoh Han at the front of them.

“Y-you..!” He shouted.

He looked like he had seen a ghost. He had joined the Major group once again, which didn’t surprise Kim Dokja.

“K-kill that guy! He’s a terrible person! He shouldn’t be here!” Han Myungoh yelled, pointing and shaming Kim Dokja. He just smiled.

The men didn’t listen to Han Myungoh. They just kind of stared at Kim Dokja, like they had higher orders than him.

“Hahah, Myungoh-ssi. Everyone should get along, so why don’t you stop that?”

Ah. He was here. Kim Dokja was just beginning to wonder when he would show up.

“You’re new here, aren’t you?” The voice, belonging to Cheon Inho said outloud.

The men split apart and a path was formed. A slim man appeared among them, and Kim Dokja recognized the familiar figure of Cheon Inho striding through.

“Nice to meet you. Can I ask your name?”

He said, passing a hand out.

“Kim Dokja.”

Kim Dokja took it.

“Dokja-ssi. I see. I’m Cheon Inho.” He introduced himself.

He pressed his palm in firmly, only getting the smallest reaction out of the siren-eyed man.

“I heard the story from those you came along with. You fought a monster and saved my group members.” He said.

Kim Dokja didn’t want to play along this time.

“Ah, you must be mistaken.” Kim Dokja clarified. Cheon Inho’s eyebrows furrowed.

“..What?”

Kim Dokja was sure that Cheon Inho already knew that there was no monster, so he decided to just distribute the truth.

“There was no monster. I didn’t fight anything worthy of fighting on my journey here.” Kim Dokja smiled, making deliberate eye contact with the other men, insulting them.

“Ah…” Cheon Inho said. He didn’t ask any further, but Kim Dokja’s job was done. Whispers sperad like small waves throughout the crowd, asking what he meant there was no monster, whether or not Cheon Inho was lying, and why they had come back like that if not.

He regained himself quickly, smiling.

“Everyone, gather around! We have a new group member!” He shouted, using his skill.

At his words, people turned, looking at him. They spotted the food, and Kim Dokja realized that was his play. It was like a game of chess.

“It’s food!” Someone shouted as their eyes landed on the convience store bags and Cheon Inho continued his ploy.

“He’s brought it to us. He’s a spectacular guy.” Cheon Inho told them, and a vein popped in Kim Dokja’s head.

His words made everyone look at Kim Dokja like he was a savior. A mother holding a child, and an elderly man looked at him earnestly.

[The Constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ is excited.]

In this ruined world people who despaired were not the monsters. The dangerous ones were the ones who used their power to feed off those others.

“Welcome to Gumho Station, Kim Dokja-ssi.”

Cheon Inho laughed deeply while looking at Kim Dokja. He would never have realized that his fate had been decided in this exact moment.

Yet, despite his interference, nobody asked for him to be dealt with. Kim Dokja was glad. He’d be good for Jung Heewon later.

For the rest of the day, Kim Dokja focused on seeing if anything had changed from his previous knowledge, but so far, nothing had.

“Currently, there are 87 people in Gumho Station. Well, I guess it’s 88 with Dokja-ssi.”

It was one more than last time, although that was expected with Kim Namwoon’s survival.

Kim Dokja looked around. Everyone here was a killer, except those from his subway car. Well, and him he supposed.

“Currently, we’re divided into two groups.” Hyunsung explained.

Lee Hyunsung looked at the Majour group with disdain written all over his face. Kim Dokja felt the same way.

They were armed with iron pipes or other instruments, and it was clear who had all the power. Kim Dokja personally would have thought that Kim Namwoon would have joined the Major group, but he remained resigned in the corner with Lee Gilyoung. It was a weird pairing, but they seemed happy enough and so Kim Dokja left them.

He watched the people speak resiliently about how the government would come to rescue them, that it wasn’t that easy to collapse them, and Kim Dokja felt pity.

Nobody was coming.

Nobody would ever come.

These people would die.

The Majority. The Minority.

Lee Hyunsung and Kim Dokja watched the Major group before Lee Hyunsung spoke again.

“Food’s decided by the Major group. Convience stores and Resturants in this area have already been robbed. Almost everything is gone already.” He explained.

Kim Dokja nodded.

Lee Hyunsung started speaking about Jung Heewon, and Kim Dokja turned.

[The Fourth Wall is shaking!]

How weird. Why was it shaking? Kim Dokja wasn’t scared… oh.

He was percieving the world as fiction again. He had lived through this before. It was all the same. He was thinking of it the same. Therefore, to him it wasn’t real.

But it was real.

Violently real.

The world’s corners were not blurred, Kim Dokja could get up when he fell, he could see the time, He could feel the blood weighing down on his hands, unable to tell whether it was his or the world’s.

“..im Dokja! Kim Dokja!”

Kim Dokja startled. Yoo Sangah was in front of him, and he seemed to be lying on his back. Lee Hyunsung stood to her left, Kim Namwoon and Lee Gilyoung to her right.

“Dokja-ssi. Are you alright?” She asked, voice shaking only slightly.

Kim Dokja smiled.

“Yes, perfectly well, thank you.”

He must have passed out. He stood up, brushing himself off, taking in the area around himself.

Jung Heewon lay still asleep on the subway bench. Under the bright light, her beauty could be seen. Her raised cheeks and gentle features were familiar. She seemed to be recovering quickly.

“Is Heewon-ssi the only one who didn’t come back?” Kim Dokja asked, feeling the words choke in his throat as he spoke without meaning to.

“No. More people went out, but only those from the Minor Group didn’t return.”

The feeling from that morning returned, branding Kim Dokja with the anger of a thousand betrayed souls.

“Hm.” Kim Dokja thought.

Lee Hyunsung’s expression became sad again. He knew what was happening.

Kim Dokja grabbed Lee Hyunsung’s shoulder, giving him the most minor amount of reassurance.

Kim Dokja didn’t ask about why he didn’t join the Major Group. It was clear.

“Lee Hyunsung.”

The man looked flustered as the shorter looked at him.

“Yes?” He asked.

“Never forget where your morals lie.” Kim Dokja smiled, closer to a true smile than he had come to in a very very long time.

Kim Dokja heard a sound from somewhere and looked back, seeing Yoo Sangah, Kim Namwoon and Lee Gilyoung looking at him. Their faces were like baby birds, waiting for their mother, which made him laugh.

“Ah, it’s evening already. Aren’t you hungry? Take some.” Kim Dokja told them, and his companions strode up to take some of the food from the convience store.

“Ah. Really? Can I? Yoo Sangah asked.

“It’s free now. Next time, you should pay.” Kim Dokja told them. He had no intent to keep their money forever, but he needed to make them an example for the rest of the Cheoldoo group.

“Eh? How much?” She asked again, but Lee Gilyoung and Kim Namwoon looked completely unfazed.

“10 coins.” Kim Dokja said.

Confusion filled the faces of Yoo Sangah and Lee Hyunsung. They looked like they hadn’t expected this.

“Of course. I’ll pay now. I don’t need any more freebies.” Jung Heewon’s familiar voice said, and Kim Dokja turned around. She had regained consciousness again.

She held her hand out as the grabbed a box from the bag.

“I am Jung Heewon. Thank you for your help this morning.”

Kim Dokja took it.

“It’s nothing.”

“Yoo Sangah-ssi, Lee Hyunsung-ssi. Wake up. It isn’t time to be making that type of look. He got this by risking his life. Did you want it for free?” Jung Heewon was perhaps the most rational person Kim Dokja knew.

“Ah..” Yoo Sangah turned red. “I was being too sure of myself, sorry. Of course we should pay.” She said, holding out her finger.

Kim Dokja completed the transfer.

“I also agree with Yoo Sangah-ssi. I will pay too.” Lee Hyunsung said.

Kim Namwoon gave him another 10, and Lee Gilyoung gave him 20.

“Did you pay for the food earlier?” Kim Dokja asked.

Lee Gilyoung nodded. The white haired teen that stood next to this took note, grumbling under his breath about something Kim Dokja couldn’t quite hear, before transferring another 10 coins.

“You two are better than most adults here.” Kim Dokja laughed, and Lee Gilyoung just shrugged.

Kim Dokja turned around, taking a thing of Kimbap, sitting a bit further away from his group to eat it.

“Kim Dokja-ssi.” A voice said, and Kim Dokja turned his head to see Yoo Sangah sitting down next to him.

“Ah, Sangah-ssi. What’s wrong?” He asked, concerned.

“Dokja-ssi… what happened while you were gone?” Yoo Sangah asked, something unrecognizable in her eyes.

In an instant, Kim Dokja knew what she was asking.

‘How did you survive? Where did you get that stuff?’

Truth come to light, Kim Dokja trusted Yoo Sangah. She had been the first to know everything in his past round. His mother, the man he loved, his plans, she all saw right through them.

Kim Dokja sighed.

“You ask a difficult question, Sangah-ssi.” He said, tips of his lips turning up ever slightly. It was a difficult decision, but he made it.

The constellations already knew after all.

Yoo Sangah made a motion to apologize for her question, but Kim Dokja stopped her.

“This is my second time living this through.” He said simply, and Yoo Sangah just stared at her.

“What?” She asked, blundered by Kim Dokja.

[The Constellation ‘Demon King of Salvation’ stares at Incarnation ‘Yoo Sangah’ fondly.]

Kim Dokja had no idea how she would react, but as she read the box in front of her, all she did was lunge forward.

She hugged Kim Dokja tightly, and it was his turn to be confused.

“I’m sorry.” She said, muffled into his shoulder.

He had run through a list of possible reactions, but this hadn’t been one. It felt nice.

If Han Sooyoung had been here, she would have gone ballistic at the way Yoo Sangah was clutching him.

Kim Dokja told the fourth wall to shut up.

The Fourth Wall asks Kim Dokja if he even really aprecciates them. Kim Dokja says no.

…

…

…

…

…

…

…

…

Kim Dokja says sorry.

Kim Dokja patted Yoo Sangah’s back, reassuring her, and she eventually sat up, eyes only slightly red-rimmed and with a newfound determination on her face.

“Don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone.” She said with a resolve that Kim Dokja had only expected to come much later in the scenarios. He smiled.

“Thank you, Yoo Sangah.” He said, and she smiled back, standing up to go do something.

Kim Dokja finished his Kimbap, standing up and making his way back to the group.

“Dokja-ssi.” Kim Dokja heard. He turned around knowing that it was not Lee Hyunsung who had called out to him. Cheon Inho from the Major Group was back.

He smiled, and Kim Dokja wanted to rip it off his face.

“Can I talk with you for a while?” Cheon Inho asked, and Kim Dokja smiled back.

“Okay, Let’s talk.” Kim Dokja readily agreed with a nod as a satisfied expression spread on Cheon Inho’s face.

“Ah, can the rest of you leave for a moment? I want to talk to Dokja-ssi alone.” Cheon Inho said, and Kim Dokja’s grin grew.

“No, you don’t have to. You can listen in.” Kim Dokja told his companions. Cheon Inho’s eyes twitched slightly at the Constellation’s words, angry.

Lee Hyunsung and Kim Namwoon stopped as they were about to leave.

“Hmm, is that so? Well… I don’t care.” Cheon Inho lied straight through his teeth.

He acted like they were actually free to listen. Cheon Inho wiped down an abandoned banch and sat down. Men from the Major Group appeared on both sides of him and handed him a cigarette and lighter.

Kim Dokja almost burst out laughing. This man had seen way too many movies.

“You’re a rational man, Dokja-ssi. I’ll get straight to the point.” Cheon Inho said.

Kim Dokja shrugged.

“Yes.” He supposed that was a fair answer for his personality. The Fourth Wall disagreed. Kim Dokja was not rational. Kim Dokja was batshit crazy.

Kim Dokja says he hates the Fourth Wall.

The Fourth Wall reminds Kim Dokja there’s only one reason he’s alive.

“Join our group.” Cheon Inho’s voice cut through the silence of Kim Dokja and the Fourth Wall.

Kim Dokja feigned surprise. He looked stupid.

“I can offer you a high position in the group. I want to lead the group with you.”

“Why me?” Kim Dokja said, like he didn’t already know.

“You know why.” Cheon Inho told him with a glance towards the injured Cheoldoo members. “You saved them from Monsters. A hero needs a place.” Cheon Inho tried to bait him.

“Hah. Haven’t I already told you there were no monsters?” Kim Dokja told him, watching Cheon Inho get upset. “Besides, what if I refuse?” Kim Dokja played this foolish man like a fiddle, watching his strings break.

“Refuse? How interesting. I never thought about that.” Cheon Inho blew out cigarette smoke towards Kim Dokja. Kim Dokja used a lot of self control to stop himself from gagging. “This isn’t a favour. You have a duty here. Can you not see these struggling people?”

The ‘Struggling’ people looked their way with scruffy faces. There were crying children, elderly people, and Kim Dokja’s chest tightened in guilt.

He felt nothing for these people. He couldn’t save them. It just wasn’t possible. He felt no guilt for not being able to save them. Was this what Yoo Joonghyuk felt like?

“It isn’t a large story to be seen. I want to work together for survival. You’re strong, Kim Dokja-ssi.”

“What exactly do you want me to do?”

“I need someone to be a scavenger.” Cheon Inho was blunt.

How odd.

“Until a few days ago, there was someone else doing this for us. He procured food alone and hunted in the tunnels.” Cheon Inho told him, and Kim Dokja smiled fondly at the thought of his not-lover.

Kim Dokja tells the fourth wall to fuck off.

Yoo Joonghyuk seemed to be following everything he had done last time, which donfused Kim Dokja. Why had he not dropped him off that bridge?

Did it change because he saved Kim Namwoon?

“He left yesterday, suddenly with no notice.”

“So you want me to replace him?”

“I think you’ve already proven yourself capable.”

Lee Hyunsung and Kim Namwoon’s eyes widened. At some point, Jung Heewon had joined them, and she followed suit. They had figured it all out.

“It’s not a bad deal for you. You’re a hero, and will lead the group. Everyone will revere you.”

“Hard no from me, thanks.” Kim Dokja said, completely lax and unregarding of anyone else.

Cheon Inho startled back.

“Ah… is that so?” He said, voice too calm for someone who had no reaction. Cheon Inho was currently seething.

“Really, the way you run the group icks me.” Kim Dokja told him, acting like he was above Cheon Inho, because he was.

Kim Dokja looked around at the members of the Cheoldoo group and the sickly looking members of the Minor group that they simply disregarded. Kim Dokja saw out of the corner of his eye that Jung Heewon was regarding Cheon Inho with a level of disgust and hatred that could only possibly be created by someone with the character and moral capacity of an untrained dog.

“Is that so?” Cheon Inho really seemed to like this line. Kim Dokja looked at him with the same power that Constellations got from looking at those lower than them. Cheon Inho flinched and continued. “It’s fine. But if you change your mind, just let me know.” He said, still smiling, the tobacco leaking down his mouth.

“Thanks, but no thanks.” Kim Dokja said, intentionally provoking the rabid dog.

“We’ll see.” Cheon Inho said, and Kim Dokja knew he had succeeded.

They retreated, tail torso in a stroke, ears behind their head as they formed the plan Kim Dokja knew would come to pass, watching, waiting, existing in a game of chess that only he knew was being played, the game of chess that only he knew how to play.

They approached. The members of the Minor group stalked up like they had been waiting. They grabbed and snatched, raising their voices angrily.

“Hey, is the rumour true?”

“Are you really monopolizing the food?”

“Are you going to eat it all when there’s enough for everyone?”

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

“Leave the food to Inho-ssi. He will distribute it fairly!” They all chimed one after another, and Kim Dokja felt their souls grabbing at his, desperate, hungry, desperate, desperate, yearning.

Kim Dokja smiled. He could see the smiling face of Cheon Inho in the back of the area, smiling, lips moving.

‘Choose.’

He chimed, and all Kim Dokja saw was a tail wagging as though it had won.

Give the food and become a hero, or be a villain and monopolize it? Kim Dokja never fit either of those roles. He was not a hero. He was never a villain. He was never particularily justified in what he did, and he never had a particular resentment to be.

Kim Dokja has not once ever claimed to good. to be right. to be a hero. Kim Dokja has simply never cared. He seeks no approval, no forgiveness, no love from anyone.

Kim Dokja was nobodies Protangonist.

Kim Dokja was nobodies Antagonist.

Kim Dokja was The Reader.

[The eyes of a few constellations are shining.]

[The Constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ has snorted.]

As the people became more angry, Cheon Inho pushed his way forward.

“Ah, everyone, please calm yourself. There seems to be a misunderstanding. Kim Dokja-ssi wouldn’t do such a thing.” He said, and Kim Dokja saw the glint in the corner of his eyes.

Kim Dokja just smirked while Cheon Inho’s back was turned.

“Kim Dokja-ssi has decided to work with us. The food he brought today will be left to the Major group and will be shared fairly. He also promised to continue to work with us-” Cheon Inho spoke.

“No.” Kim Dokja said, cutting him off.

“Of course, I’ll give you food.” He said, watching Cheon Inho’s lips curve upwards. “But not for free.” Kim Dokja said.

People were puzzled, not understanding what the Constellation had meant.

“W-wait a minute! It isn’t free?” Someone spoke, fear crawling up their voice.

“Yes. I have no intent to monopolize the food. But I’m not giving it away for free, and not to Cheon Inho’s group. I’m not UNICEF and I’d rather trust a felon.”

Kim Dokja smiled at Cheon Inho.

“I’ll say. Ill sell the food at a fair price.”

They all mumbled, saying things quietly, asking why, and things like;

“Uh, how much.. money?” Someone asked.

In the distance, Kim Dokja saw Cheon Inho’s face stiffening. Kim Dokja laughed.

“No, I will only accept coins.” He said, smile wide on his face.

…

After a while, only the people who had a relationship with Kim Dokja returned to him, still slightly confused.

“That… Dokja-ssi. Is this a good choice?” Lee Hyunsung said, quiet in concern.

“Sheesh, is there ever anything free in life? Kim Dokja, you did good.” Jung Heewon told Kim Dokja, dismissing Lee Hyunsung’s concern.

A lot of the people from the minor group had turned away from him. Disappointed, perhaps, but Kim Dokja paid them no mind.

“I agree with Heewon-ssi. These bastards are too tame to this oppressive power.” Kim Namwoon said, looking bloodthirsty. He’d probably do very good in a few days.

“That’s right. Those sons of bitches… Gumho Station is currently in the palms of their hands. People are treated like cattle, sometimes taken to be killed. Like myself this morning.” Jung Heewon spoke, body trembling with rage.

Yoo Sangah comforted her newfound friend, and Lee Hyunsung looked towards the food.

“Not even one was sold, Dokja-ssi. 50 coins is steep. Why don’t you make it 10 coins, like with us?” Lee Hyunsung said. He really was the pinnacle of kindness.

Kim Dokja just smiled.

“Just wait a bit, Lee Hyunsung-ssi.”

Night came quickly.

The sound of huge monsters was heard intermittently from the ground and people had nightmares often. Kim Namwoon and Lee Gilyoung fell asleep next to each other, covered by Kim Dokja’s jacket, while Yoo Sangah fell asleep a few feet away. Jung Heewon was dozing off at the same moment.

“Dokja-ssi, you should sleep now. I’ll guard you.” Lee Hyunsung said with vigor.

“Nope, that’s alright. Lee Hyunsung-ssi can sleep first.” Kim Dokja reassured him.

He looked sadly at Kim Dokja.

“You’ll be tired.” He told the older.

“I have work to do.” Kim Dokja told him.

“Work to do?” Lee Hyunsung’s eyes furrowed.

Kim Dokja pointed behind the buff man, and there were many shadows, just as Kim Dokja knew.

~~~

The next morning, Kim Dokja was out of food.

Jung Heewon stared at the bags like she couldn’t believe her eyes.

“Oh my god, you’re already sold out?”

“Yes.”

“Ha, so funny. Everyone was just watching and now…” She said, laughing quietly.

“Nope, it wasn’t the minor group, entirely.” Kim Dokja clarified.

“Kim Dokja-ssi, that was a terrible choice.” She told him, and he just shugged. If Cheon Inho wanted to pay him an egregious amount, why would Kim Dokja say no?

Kim Dokja explained it to her, and she flew into a rage.

“They’re just going to monopolize it!”

“Something like that.” Kim Dokja said, completely nonchalant.

“No, why would you do that? Weren’t you going to weaken their power by promoting transactions between the people?” She said, voice filled with anger.

“That was the intent at the beginning.” Kim Dokja wasn’t technically lying. It was the intent at the beginning of this situation of this round.

“Why’d you sell it to them then? The situation won’t change!”

“It has though. I got coins.”

“Eh?”

1450 wasn’t as large of a number this time, but Kim Dokja would find a good use for them later.

“No… what are you thinking? Sangah-ssi, can we really trust this man?” She said, pointing angrily at the black clad figure of Dokja, feeling naked without his coat.

Yoo Sangah regarded Kim Dokja with something different in her eyes. Trust.

“I believe in him.”

It was burdensome, but not to a man such as Kim Dokja.

“Did you at least leave enough food for yourself?” She asked.

“Nope!” Kim Dokja said, in english, trying to roll the word like he had seen the english do. It came out weird.

Jung Heewon’s mouth fell open as if she was completely dumfounded by Kim Dokja.

Someone pulled on his pant leg, and Kim Dokja looked down to find Lee Gilyoung holding out a pocky for him.

“Huh? You want me to have it?” Kim Dokja asked him.

He nodded his head slowly. Kim Dokja smiled, taking the pocky and placing it in Lee Gilyoung’s mouth.

“I’m okay. You eat it. Ah… everyone do you still have the food I sold you yesterday?”

A chorus of Affirmations rang out.

“Eat it now.” Kim Dokja said, completely resolute.

“Huh?”

“Eat it all before today. You need to do it.” Kim Dokja repeatedly stressed. “You’ll regret it.”

“Why… no, wait a minute there. Sangah-ssi, what is this fool doing? Why are you listening to him?” Jung Heewon did not seem to have a very high opinion of Kim Dokja at the moment.

“There’s always a reason for what Dokja-ssi says.”

She smiled sweetly, and opened a bag of biscuits. Lee Hyunsung was confused, but he ate too. Lee Gilyoung had eaten the moment Kim Dokja spoke, and Kim Namwoon had followed suit.

“Ah, well I’ll leave one thing.” Jung Heewon decided resiliently.

Kim Dokja shrugged. Not his choice to make.

At lunch, there was an announcement from the Major Group. Cheon Inho stood up on a platform, announcing to the group.

“We will limit the food ration from today. The allocation is three biscuits per person…” Kim Dokja drowned him out with his thoughts, and maybe only slightly wondering if he could just kill the man and be done with it.

People would get angry. They would turn on him. Then the food would be taken away. That seemed accurate.

[Personal Skill ‘Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint Lvl. 1’ has been activated!]

..What?

[ ‘What? Three Biscuits? How can we live on that?’ One person shouted.

‘That’s right! Don’t the scouts get more food? Do you think we don’t know?’ Another practically screamed.

Despite being cursed at, Cheon Inho just laughed calmly.

‘Your words are good. Yes, the scouts recieve more rations. If you want food, please apply to be a scout.’]

His words flipped through my head, and Kim Dokja recalled the moment perfectly. But this skill should only be for TWSA. How could he do this with his own life?

Kim Dokja startled up from pondering, seeing the angry stares he was receiving from many people. Uh oh.

“…terday, Kim Dokja-ssi told me something nice. That’s right everyone. Is there anything free in the world? If you want food, you have to prove your worth. This is the way that it is. Haha, thanks for the quote, Kim Dokja-ssi.” Cheon Inho had used incite while Kim Dokja wasn’t paying attention.

But something was different this time.

Something was off.

Everyone was staring at Cheon Inho, and Kim Dokja could feel their rage, but they didn’t turn to him.

Cheon Inho didn’t seem to notice at all, and Kim Dokja bluntly, almost pointedly wondered if things were set to happen, but they could happen differently.

If you have to drop a paper on the ground, does it have to remain perfect? Or can you crumple it up, smash it to bits and still drop it and have the event be fulfilled.

Well, Kim Dokja thought, what a wonderful opportunity to try this.

How far could he push these people? How far until it breaks? How far until they fall?

How far until he falls?

The people turned to Kim Dokja, and the man smiled. Their eyes were filled with resentment, but the only thing Kim Dokja felt was pure, unbridled, excitement. He was going to have so, so much fun with this.

Yoo Joonghyuk would be proud.

Chapter Text

Kim Dokja felt stares boring their way through them, trying to find his core, to hurt him.

People muttered under their breaths about what a bastard Kim Dokja was, how could he do this to them?

The people here wished to be stupid, it seemed. Cheon Inho was already extremely good at this incite skill, from what Kim Dokja could see.

Kim Dokja looked back at Cheon Inho. The dog was at a cute level, compared to the God that Kim Dokja was nearing to be. Compared to the regressor in Gumho and the man in Chungmuro, he was an ant to be stepped on against the weight of an outer world god.

The people gathered in the front of the station, already beginning to try and bargain.

“I’ll buy them with coins. How much do you want?” They said.

“200 coins.”

“Huh? But I don’t have that many coins.”

“Then go away.” They were told.

200 coins for a single piece of food was insane. There was only one person in the station that could afford that. Kim Dokja doubted that even Cheon Inho could even afford that himself, having spent many coins last night with Dokja.

One of the member’s of the Cheoldoo Group that was selling food saw Kim Dokja’s look and trembled at the sight. He had bandages around his thighs, seeming to be one of the foolish men Kim Dokja had beat up yesterday.

“Did I ever tell you thanks for what you did?” Kim Dokja turned, recognizing the voice of Jung Heewon before he saw her.

He wished to say something, but Jung Heewon wasn’t really paying much attention to him, eyes fixed on the injured member.

“The one with the injured leg. He was the one who tried to rape me yesterday.” She said, and even just at the word, the sense of disgust Kim Dokja felt flooded through him.

“..I see.” Kim Dokja said, trying to regain himself.

“I’ll kill him myself. Don’t touch him. Got it?” She turned to Kim Dokja then, and Kim Dokja nodded.

“You’re very calm.” Jung Heewon notes about his demeanor, perhaps slightly confused by it.

It might seem like Kim Dokja was calm, but his head was spinning, thinking, debating, planning.

“I’m familiar with these scenarios.” Kim Dokja said, descending from the platfrom into the abandoned railway tracks.

“Huh? That doesn’t make sense… wait a minute. Where are you going?”

Jung Heewon jumped down, following Kim Dokja down the platform to the dark ground.

They walked along the railway tracks and watched the tunnel to Yaksu station. It was filled with a thick kind of darkness, and there wasn’t much of anything visible at the moment, but the smell was as terrible as Kim Dokja had remembered.

Bloody.

“You’re not going further, are you?” Jung Heewon asked, slightly concerned. “Everyone who went that way is dead. The thugs are anyone else. You’re no exception.”

Her words were incorrect. Not everyone died. Last round, Kim Dokja’s entire group had made it. This round, Yoo Joonghyuk had made it at least.

Kim Dokja stood there for a minute or two, debating. Then he turned and walked back. Jung Heewon followed him still.

He jumped onto the platform. They had been gone for a little while, but the food line was still egregiously long.

It would be starting soon.

Some of the people who had protested against the Major group had been beaten up, and the other’s who hadn’t paid too high of a price for food.

A group of young women snuck behind a curtain, and Jung Heewon became furious.

“How dare they? Did you see that?” She asked, voice laced with fury.

“I saw it.” Kim Dokja said calmly.

Cheon had said it himself. Anything could be traded for food, and even this round, people were willing to sell themselves in order to survive.

Jung Heewon sprang to her feet.

“I can’t just watch this.”

“What will you do?”

“Stop them. I have to tell them not to do it, no matter how desperate they are!”

“Then those women will starve, Jung Heewon-ssi.”

“Are you just going to watch?” Jung Heewon practically yelled.

“Yes. Sit down, Jung Heewon.”

“What on earth do you mean by that?” Jung Heewon looked at Kim Dokja with contempt, the man silent.

“Jung Heewon-ssi. Stopping those women won’t solve the problem. Even if you stop them now, something similar will occur tonight.”

“Then I will stop them again and again.” Jung Heewon replied.

“What about the food? Among those who just went with the men, a woman with a child is there. If that child starves to death, will you take responsibility for it?”

She looked shocked at Kim Dokja’s words, perhaps even slightly upset at the impartial look of his face to the misdoings that were ocurring in front of him.

She bowed her head, perhaps scared to let anyone see her expression.

“Then what can I do? The alternative…” She trembled, voice trailing off.

Kim Dokja wanted nothing more than to rip those people limb from limb, and let others feast on the sight of their organs, but he needed his King of No Killing, and Jung Heewon needed to become Uriel’s incarnation. She wouldn’t be chosen if she was an indiscriminate murderer.

“Jung Heewon-ssi, the key to the problem is food. Right?” Kim Dokja asked.

“..Yes.”

“Then we need to remove the cause of the problem.” Kim Dokja explained.

“Huh?” Jung Heewon asked, but Kim Dokja didn’t answer, looking at his watch instead.

A loud popping noise. Kim Dokja smiled. The air split, and the figure of a dokkaebi was revealed quickly.

The people in Gumho station panicked quickly once he showed up. It never had been good for them when he was around. Even Jung Heewon, so active and ready to partake in battle flinched slightly.

It wasn’t Bihyung this time either. He should have been responsible for all the channels in this general area, but it was the Dokkaebi with jet black fur instead of the pure white that Bihyung had.

“M-my friend who was originally in charge of this channel is undergoing disciplinary action… s-so, I am responsible for this scenario.” He spoke, voice shaking. Kim Dokja remembered thinking it had been very memorable to see a scared Dokkaebi, and Kim Dokja agreed with his past self.

Kim Dokja tells the fourth wall to shut up, but the Fourth Wall didn’t even do anything this time.

“T-then everyone. D-don’t you look very peaceful? T-that Bihyung, he pretended to be so high and mighty only to set the level of difficulty this low…”

“W-what are you saying? Tell us what you want!” One of the men that Kim Dokja had beat up shouted.

“H-hik. Don’t be angry, everyone. A-anyway, I came for you guys..” He stuttered off.

“For us?” Someone else asked.

“Then give us food!” Someone from the minor group yelled.

“F-food? Aha… if you want food…”

As he trailed off, he waved his hand.

[A scenario penalty has been added.]

[From now on, food stockpiling is limited.]

[All existing stockpiled food has been removed.]

People screamed. Whether it was from the Major Group, or the Minor, all the food or anything that could be considered food floated in the air.

Kim Dokja smirked. He was smart to have put some food in his jacke-

“H-hah? What’s this? Did you think you could squeeze out of this by cheating?” The Dokkaebi asked, and Kim Dokja suddenly became very aware that he was very close to him.

Kim Dokja decided to play dumb. Maybe he didn’t need to play.

“What do you mean?” He asked, smiling.

The Dokkaebi flinched, then scowled.

“H-hand it over, or I’ll get management to take your jacket away.” He said, trying to regain control over the scenario.

Every single pair of eyes in the station was on the pair. Kim Dokja could act ashamed and turn it in, or be brazen about it. It was a clear choice to the man.

Kim Dokja shrugged, placing his hands in his pockets, pulling out the bags of food he had stuffed in there before. He should be reminded that the Star Stream would have seen him place them in there.

They disappeared as Kim Dokja held them out, and people gasped, some in shock, some in anger, but surprised all the same.

The Dokkaebi smiled again. Kim Dokja did too. The Dokkaebi hadn’t even realized that he had slipped a few things out of the bags.

“He, Hehe. Then everyone, you can’t remain like this forever. Y-you have to think about how to survive the scenario.” He spoke again.

Canned food, biscuits, calorie bars, anything that qualified was taken away except for water, it seemed. Everyone looked grim, and surprised.

“Y-you want to eat? Foolish. In any case, Earth Scum…”

His tone changed, and Kim Dokja knew how cruel this Dokkaebi could be. In the original novel, he was the worst. Even in the last round, he was no good.

In the distance, Cheon Inho looked at Kim Dokja with a mix of confusion and disdain on his face.

“Everyone, let’s have some fun from here on out.” He said, and Kim Dokja’s most peaceful scenario appeared.

[A scenario penalty has been added.]

[The ‘survival cost’ clause has been added.]

[From now on, 100 coins will be deducted every night for your ‘survival cost.’ if you can’t pay the cost, you will die.]

[The ‘Survival Cost’ penalty will be maintained until the second main scenario is cleared.]

Kim Dokja laughed as he read the messages. His memory had been foggy, but this was starting to feel much more like the Seoul he remembered and knew.

The boxes appeared, and Biryu was already gone.

Both of the penalties were no surprise, although Kim Dokja was sour at how his secret stash had been stolen. He was going to be questioned about it later, thanks to his lovely companions.

Jung Heewon looked down, checking her pockets for the food she had tried to save, confirming that it was gone.

“Dokja-ssi, did you perhaps know something like this would happen?”

“Yes.” Was all that Kim Dokja said in reply.

“…Wha..?” She muttered to herself in complete confusion as Kim Dokja walked away.

Kim Dokja walked over to Kim Namwoon and Lee Gilyoung, the older in shock, the younger uncaring apparantly. He called over the rest of his group, Lee Hyunsung coming running first.

The people of the minor group cried out in anger, upset at the misdoings that had been caused to them.

Cheon Inho and the rest of the major group were also completely angry at the dokkaebi, taking away their chances at major wins.

Kim Dokja’s eyes met Cheon Inho’s, who was biting his lip. He wasn’t really Kim Dokja’s type, mainly the fact he was a complete asshole.

Kim Dokja thinks that the Fourth Wall should be grateful it’s not real, or Kim Dokja would have killed it by now.

Cheon Inho looked stressed, meeting Kim Dokja’s eyes tentatively.

[Was he aware of this? That’s not possible.]

[He’s a fool. A strong one, but a fool. He couldn’t have known.]

A vein in Kim Dokja’s forehead twitched. He really wanted to kill this guy.

[You have accurately read the thoughts of Incarnation ‘Cheon Inho’.]

[Your understanding of Incarnation ‘Cheon Inho’ has increased.]

[Your understanding of this Incarnation is already very high!]

Kim Dokja ignored the boxes. He had no need to understand the miserable fool. He’d likely be dead by the time he could be any use to Kim Dokja.

While Kim Dokja gathered his companions, Cheon Inho gathered his minions. It would be clear what he would say.

Yes, the situation is much worse. Yes, they need more scouts. No, there is not a lot of time. Blah Blah Blah.

“We can’t afford to give out food to people who are not scouts.” Cheon Inho’s voice echoed from across the room.

The harsh declaration of the situation was this, nothing more or less, and so there was no backlash from the civilians. They couldn’t not now. It was a terrible decision, with the impending doom they faced.

Cheon Inho’s face was filled with what looked like hope to the people, although it was just glory in the fact that he would have even more power with the situation.

Lee Hyunsung realized this quickly, smart fellow he was, and became anxious at the mere prospect.

“Dokja-ssi, what now?” He asked, greatly concerned.

“We go hunting.” Dokja said, bright smile on his face as if he hadn’t readily suggested suicide to them.

Of course, it wasn’t actually suicide. They just thought it was.

The expressions on Kim Dokja’s companions faces were incredulous, looking at him like he had suggested invading Russia during the winter.

“Then we have to be scouts like them? I’m not sure how much food remains at the surface, Kim Dokja-ssi.” Jung Heewon pointed out helpfully.

“Nope, not at the surface. You’ll all die.” Kim Dokja said cheerfully.

Nothing could stop that fog. It was coming for them, no matter what. Kim Dokja generally preferred his companions alive.

“How else are we meant to get food?” Kim Namwoon asked this time, and he stared at Kim Dokja with trust, but still like he was crazy.

Kim Dokja looked at the tunnel to Yaksu Station.

“Wait a minute… Dokja-ssi, don’t tell me…?” Jung Heewon said, following his line of sight.

“Correct! How good are you 5 at hunting monsters?” Kim Dokja smiled brightly, sword on his shoulder.

Kim Dokja wandered away gently, looking at the tunnel to Yaksu station.

After a while, he was joined at the side by the dog he had come to know as Cheon Inho.

“Are you going down there?” The man asked. Kim Dokja decided to mock him.

“No, I just enjoy staring at railway tracks.” Kim Dokja said sarcastically. Cheon Inho looked pissed.

“You seem to have a sense of humour.” The dog said dryly. “Eh, whatever. Besides, looking at it in the long run, I’m glad to have someone out there. Come back safely, Kim Dokja-ssi.”

What a funny dog. Funny looking too. He was acting like he was the ruler, but he would die soon. Kim Dokja would maybe miss his annoying presence, if he didn’t have a thousand other problems.

[The Incarnation ‘Cheon Inho’ has grown wary of you.]

Yap yap. Kim Dokja dismissed the box, deciding he couldn’t be bothered to read all of that.

“Ah, can one of my members join? I’d like to get some battle information.” He smiled. Kim Dokja needed Han Myungoh to take the fall from what was to come anyway, so he shrugged.

“Sure.” He decided.

Han Myungoh shivered behind Cheon Inho, holding a rusty sword and looking frightened like a scared cat. Even cats were cuter than that man, however.

“I-I have to go with them?” He asked, scared to his boots.

“Eh? Why else are you here, Han-Hyung? Didn’t you say you should reconcile with Kim Dokja-ssi last night?” Cheon Inho said brightly.

“T-that…” He mumbled. Kim Dokja didn’t give a fuck. “D-Dokja-ssi, If you don’t mind, I’ll go with you…” He stuttered. It was kind of annoying, truth be told.

Lee Hyunsung looked worried, but Kim Dokja smiled and mouthed it would be fine, and he looked more reassured with this.

In any case, now the survivors from our carraige were reformed, including Jung Heewon too.

Kim Dokja’s party now consisted of, Kim Dokja, Lee Gilyoung, Kim Namwoon, Yoo Sangah, Jung Heewon, Lee Hyunsung, and Han Myungoh.

Kim Dokja jumped down from the platform, smiling brightly as he motioned for his group members to come alone as well.

[A new sub scenario has arrived!]

+

[Second Scenario - Food Acquisition]

Category : Sub

Difficulty : E

Clear Conditions : Directly Hunt and Kill the monsters that can be eaten and cook them.

Time Limit : None

Compensation : 500 coins

Failure : ???

+

As soon as they took steps forward it showed up. Kim Dokja knew what it said “Like a pro”, and dismissed it.

Kim Dokja tells the Fourth Wall to touch itself. The fourth wall reminds Kim Dokja it is metaphorical. Kim Dokja tells the fourth wall to jump.

Simple scenario. Get food. Cook it. Eat it. Easy.

[A few constellations are anticipating your performance!]

The darkness of the tunnel became apparent as they traveled less than even 10 steps, surronding them completely.

Kim Dokja used a flashlight to light up the surronding area, but it didn’t help. There was a curtain around the scenario.

“Dokja-ssi, this could be dangerous. Wait a minute.” Jung Heewon said, stopping as she walked up next to Kim Dokja.

“Are we really going to do this? We have two children with us.” She pointed out.

“I’ve been concerned since the beginning. It’s too late now though, right? And we have women…”

Kim Dokja had almost forgotten Lee Hyunsung’s slightly sexist comment from before. Huh.

Jung Heewon chided him about it, and that was that.

“Jung Heewon is both right and Wrong. Just as women are not weak, neither are children. Gilyoung?” Kim Dokja asked, smiling. The small boy nodded.

He looked around for a while before crouching down on the ground and reaching out his hand.

“Oh my god, what is that?” She asked, eyes wide.

“S-shit! Cockroaches!” Han Myungoh yelled in fear.

Kim Dokja didn’t feel the need to explain what was happening.

“My attribute is Insect Collector.” Lee Gilyoung told the group.

“No fair. And I got the boring one.” Kim Namwoon muttered, upset at watching Lee Gilyoung show off.

“There’s nothing for a good while ahead.” Lee Gilyoung said.

The entire group, except for Kim Namwoon and Kim Dokja looked shocked. Both of those two had helped Lee Gilyoung practice after all.

“I didn’t come here to let you guys take care of me.” He said, commanding.

“Ah, yes. Sorry.” Jung Heewon said with a sour expression.

Kim Dokja moved forward, past the curtain.

[You have entered a dangerous area!]

The system notification flashed quickly at him.

Jung Heewon said something to Yoo Sangah about holding her hand, but Kim Dokja wasn’t listening.

The air inside the curtain was sticky from humidity.

“Reduce the light output.” Kim Dokja called back, and Yoo Sangah immeadiately covered her flashlight.

Jung Heewon felt nauseous when she looked down, all the torn bodies near her feet. So many people, dead.

Yoo Sangah closed her eyes tightly, Han Myungoh shook, and even the strong Lee Hyunsung started to sweat a bit. The only people unaffected were the immature ones. Not including Gilyoung, who was perhaps the most mature of them all.

“These mostly aren’t human.” Lee Gilyoung pointed out. He was right. Most of the bodies looked like fully grown wolfs, with minor changes.

It was a ground rat, obviously.

Jung Heewon sighed.

“Who the hell did this?”

Kim Dokja smiled.

Yoo Sangah looked at him oddly, like she remembered something about that smile, she just wasn’t sure what.

“We can’t use this for food.” Kim Dokja answered the question before they asked. “We have to hunt it ourselves.”

Kim Dokja bent down, stabbing a ground rat with unbroken faith to make weapons again. Simple.

He was waiting for Jung Heewon to ask what he was doing, but the question never came. He furrowed his brows and turned around, right as a high pitched scream rang out in the curtain.

Yoo Sangah stood with her mouth over her hands, emitting the scream.

Kim Dokja froze in panic.

[The Fourth Wall is Strongly Activated!]

Kim Namwoon stood in the middle of the tunnel, body pierced directly by a ground rat. Blood dripped from his mouth, and he looked at Kim Dokja as he fell forward.

Kim Dokja rushed forward to grab him, but it was too late.

Kim Namwoon was dead.

Chapter Text

Kim Dokja lunged forward, body bending oddly, only to catch Kim Namwoon right before he hit the ground.

He was already dead. Kim Dokja could feel it on him. His body was still warm, and his blood soaked Kim Dokja’s white coat, the man’s pale arms wrapping around a limp body.

[Fourth Wall has been temporarily turned off due to excession immersion!]

[Your Modifier has been temporarily activated!]

[Activating Stigma ‘Demon King’s Solidarity’!]

Kim Dokja felt the cruel pain of searing black wings on his back, unable to tear through his coat. Horns grew from his forehead, but he paid them no mind.

Kim Namwoon wasn’t supposed to die here. He was insane, but Kim Dokja had enjoyed his company. Lee Gilyoung looked up to him. He wasn’t supposed to die.

Did he have to die? Was it necessary?

Kim Dokja looked up at the blue boxes flooding his face, noticing a stigma he didn’t have before.

[Please Select One Person to Revive!]

[-Kim Namwoon]

Quite a few other options popped up, but Kim Dokja didn’t recognize them, except for Lee Youngmi. She must have been Lee Gilyoung’s mother. Kim Dokja ignored her.

“Kim Namwoon.” Kim Dokja said, angrily, pain searing through his body, though this time it was due to grief at losing a companion.

He knew the pain well, recognizing it from when he empathized with Yoo Joonghyuk.

[Processing…]

[Stigma failed! You do not have enough Probability to complete this action!]

The Blue Boxes screamed at him, and Kim Dokja’s vision was blurry. He could feel the feared stares of his companions on him, but he read the box, and let go of Kim Namwoon’s body.

He stood up slowly, knowing he looked a mess in that moment.

Hair drawn apart from horns, wings only barely hidden behind a blood stained jacket, eyes shivering.

The fourth wall was turned off. His face wasn’t protected in that moment. Kim Dokja knew they could see him.

“Help me.” He said to the sky. Bihyung was likely watching, but he couldn’t help right now.

There were no answers from the constellations.

“Help me! I swear to you know, Constellations of the Star Stream, if you do not help me here I will personally rip your throats out!” Kim Dokja screamed, anger the only thing felt in his body.

[The Constellation ‘Demon King of Salvation’ is glaring at the other Constellations!]

[Many Constellations are shivering, afraid of ‘Demon King of Salvation’!]

Kim Dokja waited, not caring if he used up all his coins to send indirect messages like this.

[The Constellation ‘???’ has lent the Constellation ‘Demon King of Salvation’ Probability!]

…Yoo Joonghyuk’s sponsor? Kim Dokja was confused, although grateful.

[The Constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ has lent the Constellation ‘Demon King of Salvation’ Probability!]

[The Constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ has lent the Constellation ‘Demon King of Salvation’ Probability!]

[The Constellation ‘Prisoner of the Golden Headband’ has lent the Constellation ‘Demon King of Salvation’ Probability!]

[The Constellation ‘Fallen Prince of Paradise’ has lent the Constellation ‘Demon King of Salvation’ Probability!]

[The Constellation ‘Man who Resides Hidden in the Night’ has lent the Constellation ‘Demon King of Salvation’ Probability!]

[The Constellation ‘Last Ranger of Sand and Snow’ has lent the Constellation ‘Demon King of Salvation’ Probability!]

[The Constellation ‘Rose Amongst the Crystals’ has lent the Constellation ‘Demon King of Salvation….

The messages flooded in and in, more and more constellations following suit after Yoo Joonghyuk’s sponsor and Secretive Plotter.

Kim Dokja almost cried.

[Activating Stigma ‘Demon King’s Solidarity’!]

It chimed once again. Kim Dokja swirled around.

[The Fourth Wall has been reactivated!]

[Disabling your modifier!]

It was excellent timing, and Kim Dokja felt his Demon King transformation being hidden away as he turned to the 19 year old laying on the ground.

He had no idea how it would work, whenever Kim Dokja had died he had just come back to life, body intact, but there was a large hole in Kim Namwoon’s stomach.

Kim Dokja fell to the ground again, and watched as the gaping wound gently mended itself, stretching and filling itself in.

It was gruesome, and disgusting.

Eventually, Kim Namwoon was whole again, no pun intended. He was missing most of his shirt from his upper torso, but Kim Dokja could deal with that later.

It was ‘Pin Drop’ silent in the curtain. Not a word spoken, not a word let go. Kim Dokja could feel the breaths of every single member in that room, in that area, go in and out. They were scared, adrenaline the only reasonable response.

Even the unexpressionate Lee Gilyoung had wide eyes.

Kim Dokja lay there, watching as Kim Namwoon’s chest startled back to life, eyes fluttering open.

“…Eh? What the fuck?” Kim Namwoon asked, trying to sit up the first thing he did.

Kim Dokja almost collapsed from relief.

He looked up and nodded, thanking the constellations.

[The Constellation ‘Demon King of Salvation’ quietly thanks the Constellations who helped him.]

Yoo Sangah visibly shook as she darted forward, wrapping her arms around the boy trying to stand up. He looked confused.

Jung Heewon followed pace, Lee Hyunsung and Lee Gilyoung wrapping around him.

Kim Dokja never had been much of a hugger.

He turned away from the scene, knowing they’d all likely be afraid of him.

The startled face of Han Myungoh met him, and as Kim Dokja took a step, then man flinched back like he was Kim Dokja’s next victim.

Kim Dokja dutifully ignored the man.

He took another step, and another, moving to the corpse to get the weapons once again, before a body attached itself to him.

He looked down, watching Lee Gilyoung grab him. Then there was another taller presence. Yoo Sangah, who was crying again.

“…What?” Kim Dokja muttered, completely confused.

“Thank you, Kim Dokja-ya.” Yoo Sangah said, and Lee Gilyoung did the same.

“Move away, bas- fools.” A grumbled voice said, changing his words once he remembered Lee Gilyoung.

Kim Namwoon hugged Kim Dokja, though it wasn’t a very tender hug.

“Thank you, I guess.” He said, perhaps placing together what happened.

Kim Dokja’s mind blue screened.

“Isn’t this where you yell at me in confusion and fear?” Kim Dokja asked, knowing full well that was what was supposed to happen, if this were an ordinary book and an ordinary group.

But these weren’t ordinary people, and this wasn’t a book.

“Oh, I’m still going to do that. But- you did also save the kid. So free pass on the fear thing.” Jung Heewon remarked, and there was still adrenaline coursing through her veins, but there was no fear in her eyes.

[Perhaps this is why he was always so sure of everything.]

[You have correctly read the thoughts of incarnation ‘Jung Heewon’]

[Your understanding of this character has increased!]

Surprisingly, the notification he already knew her well did not pop up. Perhaps it was because she was so different from the Jung Heewon he knew.

Kim Dokja looked at her oddly, before shaking his head gently and bending back down after Kim Namwoon had let go of him.

“Heewon-ssi, you said you were good at kendo?” Kim Dokja felt himself speak, without even realizing.

“…Yes.” She did not ask what he was doing, simply leaving him as is.

[Incarnation ‘Jung Heewon’’s faith in you has gone up.]

Kim Dokja used Unbroken Faith to pull and remove pieces of bone that he would need.

He was much better at shaping the weapons this time around, espiescally after having practiced during his first round.

He finished the sword, handing it to Jung Heewon as a weapon that she lacked.

“Thank you. I feel like we’re in the paleolithic age.” She said, and Kim Dokja caught onto the look of Lee Hyunsung staring wistfully at Jung Heewon’s sword.

“Lee Hyunsung-ssi, come here.” The buff man startled a bit, before moving forward towards Kim Dokja.

“I’m going to teach you how to make these, okay? Might be helpful.” Kim Dokja said to him.

His body buzzed with the feeling of what had just happened, but Kim Dokja dismissed it. It was not important right now.

Lee Hyunsung was a very stable and good tank figure, so a spear would still fit him. Kim Dokja would rifle in his pockets for a shield for him later.

He seemed happy with it, and so Kim Dokja moved onto Lee Gilyoung, who got a hammer, Kim Namwoon who recieved a double sided dagger, and Han Myungoh who received a smaller and sad sword.

[You have succeeded in acquiring weapons by yourself.]

[A small number of constellations are interested in your skills.]

[The constellations have sponsored you 300 coins.]

Kim Dokja dismissed these messages, not caring whatsoever. Everyone else in the group got them too, however, which was good.

“Eh? We got coins for this type of thing?” Jung Heewon asked.

“You’ll get coins for anything if you attract the right constellations.” Kim Dokja replied, wiping down his sword with his jacket, which was already clearing itself of the blood.

[A few constellations laugh at your joke!]

“Regardless, you all should have enough for tonight’s fee, yes?” Kim Dokja double checked.

He needed to think on this new stigma of his, but he doubted he could revive someone again, at least this soon.

“Yes, we all do.” Yoo Sangah said, looking around at all her friends and double checking that they were nodding.

“Good. Leave 100 coins right now, and invest whatever else you have into Strength, Stamina, and Agility. You’ll die if not.” Kim Dokja told them, and it took them a second, but they nodded.

Kim Dokja cleared himself off of any debris from the ground rats, before double checking that Kim Namwoon was next to him and starting to move forward.

They walked forward, and Kim Dokja saw all 13 of the same ground rats crawl out of the ground.

He didn’t tell them he didn’t expect them to survive. They would. Kim Dokja would make sure of it.

Han Myungoh was the only scared one in the party. Kim Namwoon looked vengeful, Lee Gilyoung remained impassive, and Yoo Sangah, Jung Heewon, and Lee Hyunsung looked prepared.

Kim Dokja turned and nodded, and then took a direct step across the line.

The notifications that barriers had been placed on him reappeared.

[You are much stronger than the current scenario! 35 limits have been placed on you.]

It had gone down by 10, at least.

His party had already started fighting, and they fought well. Kim Dokja drew his sword, and annihilated every single ground rat in the area with ease.

Did he really even have barriers placed on him? Kim Dokja wondered what it would feel like if he didn’t have any barriers at all.

In the end, Kim Namwoon had killed one, Jung Heewon the same, and Lee Hyunsung two. Kim Dokja killed the rest, putting him at the front of a non-existent leaderboard with nine.

Two more appeared. The group wasn’t apparantly strong, but they worked well enough together at the moment and the ground rats were weak.

The hammer in Lee Gilyoung’s hands struck the head of a ground rat. The impact was lacking because he was young, but Kim Namwoon dug his dagger down it’s back, killing it gruesomely.

Kim Dokja was very glad he was not an enemy.

The fourth wall says that Kim Dokja might be less ugly if he was split down the middle.

Kim Dokja says he’ll kill the Fourth Wall.

Yoo Sangah’s spear pierced the body of the ground rat. It twisted and turned, and she looked confused, but she didn’t pull back. The ground rat lost it’s energy and died in pain.

Han Myungoh stood in the rear of the other 6, shaking in fear. He wasn’t even really hiding, just shaking and bleeding from the shins.

Kim Dokja sheathed his sword and looked around at everyone. Except for Han Myungoh and Kim Namwoon, there were no injuries. Kim Namwoon was fine now too, so really just Han Myungoh.

It was good to Kim Dokja, considering the last round. Yoo Sangah had suffered a minor cut that time.

Yoo Sangah and Lee Gilyoung relaxed quickly, sitting down, while Lee Hyunsung wiped his forehead of sweat. Jung Heewon lameneted in her sad victory as she counted.

“Dokja-ssi, how many did you take care of?” She asked.

“Nine of them.”

“I only got one.” She said dejectedly.

“Eheh, I got two, one with Lee Gilyoung-ah’s help.” Kim Namwoon spoke proudly, as if he hadn’t just been killed by an animal of the same species.

“I got two.” Lee Hyunsung inputted.

“I got one.” Yoo Sangah said, perhaps happy that she did not have to kill so much.

Han Myungoh got zero.

Lee Hyunsung seemed to be doing a bit less good as the first time around, losing a kill to Kim Dokja. Though the man suspected it simply may be due to a difference he just couldn’t breach at the moment.

“Dokja-ya, you don’t look so good… are you okay?” Kim Dokja was asked by the kind Yoo Sangah.

It was the second time she had called him Dokja-ya instead of Dokja-ssi, starting only briefly after Kim Dokja saved Kim Namwoon. The man didn’t mind much, so he didn’t say anything about it.

“Ah, I’m alright. I was just thinking for a second.” He reassured her.

“Let’s gather the ground rats. We should cook them soon.” Kim Dokja instructed, and Lee Hyunsung and Yoo Sangah moved to grab them, and Kim Namwoon was skeptical.

“Aiyah, Ahjussi. How are we supposed to cook it? You’re stupid if you think i’m eating it raw.” Kim Namwoon said directedly at Kim Dokja. He seemed to be using honorifics with Kim Dokja too now, which Kim Dokja supposed was suitable.

“I know a way. It won’t be raw.” Kim Dokja assured him.

Kim Dokja would likely have been met with the same silence in his first round, although this time it was because they could relax now.

“Ah, I’ll go first. Kim Dokja-ssi… what are you?” Jung Heewon said dismissively.

Kim Dokja processed her question, before his lip started to tremble in a gentle laugh. It took him a few seconds to calm down, lungs hurting from lack of air.

“Ah, sorry, sorry.” He stumbled out, trying to regain his breath. He could feel his companion’s odd stares on him, and he simply acknoledged them in the most Kim Dokja way.

“It’s an odd thing. I don’t quite know myself.” Kim Dokja started, pondering on it. “I think the best answer for your question would be a Constellation.” He decided, nodding.

“Like one of the people watching us? How did you do that now?” Jung Heewon pressed.

Kim Dokja smiled bleakly.

“I’ve lived this life before, Jung Heewon-ah.” Kim Dokja did not plan to continue to call her Heewon-ah all the time, but it would be helpful to get his point across.

“Then- you…” She started, but Kim Dokja knew she would be cut off.

“A-Aaaack!” Han Myungoh’s tangled scream came.

“There’s one more!” Kim Namwoon yelled, and he grabbed Lee Gilyoung and backed away with Lee Hyunsung. Smart kid.

“S-save me!” Han Myungoh yelled, dragged away by the large ground rat by one of his legs. Yoo Sangah, heroic as ever, tried to help, but Han Myungoh grabbed onto her and she was dragged away into the ground.

Kim Dokja did not move to help.

[The constellation ‘Prisoner of the Golden Headband’ is upset he did not get to hear more about you.]

Kim Dokja thinks that Sun Wukong should shove his staff up his ass.

“I’m sorry. I couldn’t help.” Lee Hyunsung dejectedly, sad though he had not been able to help Yoo Sangah and Han Myungoh.

“It’s alright. It had to happen.” Kim Dokja reassured him with a tap to the shoulder to let him know it was okay.

“Should we chase after them?” Jung Heewon asked quietly.

Kim Dokja looked at his phone. No signal. He didn’t know why he kept looking. It wasn’t like anyone would be able to text him even if he had signal. 5% left regardless.

He would need to look to remember this part. It was so long ago.

[Your reading speed has increased due to the effect of the exclusive attribute.]

The passage appeared like a fresh memory in Kim Dokja’s mind, and he spoke aloud to the group.

“The Edge of Darkness is the habitat of the ground rats.” He said, pocketing his phone again.

“So?” Kim Namwoon was restless, eternally.

Kim Dokja smiled and nodded.

“We’ll go inside.” He told the group. “But it’s dangerous to enter with a lot of people. Lee Hyunsung-ssi, Jung Heewon-ssi and Kim Namwoon-ssi will stay here. If something happens, I’ll send a signal.”

This startled the other three. Lee Gilyoung did not care.

“You don’t mean to go alone with Gilyoung, do you?” She asked.

“His ability will be helpful.” Kim Dokja said simply.

“You’re the stupidest Ahjussi i’ve ever met. I’m going too.” Kim Namwoon said, pulling out his dagger slowly, in a way that was meant to intimidate someone. It didn’t work, but Kim Dokja commended his effort.

“No.” He said back.

Kim Namwoon pondered Kim Dokja’s refusal for a second.

“You let me come or I stab the woman.” He turned immeadiately and put his knife to Jung Heewon’s gut, who only looked slightly scared, and more offended.

“I have a name-” She started, but Kim Dokja was sure that Kim Namwoon would actually stab her, so he gave in.

“Fine.”

“Wait- really?” He asked, surprised.

Kim Dokja looked at him like he was crazy.

“Lee Hyunsung-ssi. Jung Heewon-ssi isn’t in a perfectly healthy condition, so please take care of her.” Kim Dokja called out right before Jung Heewon would move to object.

Lee Hyunsung seemed to realize something in that moment.

“I understand.” He said, like he was speaking to an army superior.

“Wait a minute! I’m fine!” She shouted, but Kim Dokja could still feel the remanant effects of the poisonous fog on her.

Kim Dokja left the pair to fight, Lee Hyunsung trying to defuse her, and Jung Heewon’s breathing getting more uneven.

He motioned to Kim Namwoon and Lee Gilyoung, entering the hole. The moment he dropped down, he could stand up despite being on a vertical slope. Funny thing, gravity. Didn’t always apply.

“This way.” Kim Dokja led them.

The darkness was deep and all consuming, and none of the three could see a single thing. Black ether had the property of consuming all light, so no light sourced would be helpful.

“Excuse me, Hyung.” Lee Gilyoung tugged on Kim Dokja’s coat.

“Yeah?”

“Did you do it on purpose?” He asked. “When that rat grabbed Noona and Han Myungoh, you didn’t move to help at all.” He said.

There was a moment of hesitation. In the darkness, Kim Dokja’s hand was grabbed by Lee Gilyoung’s hand.

“You knew me, before, didn’t you?” He spoke again.

“I did.”

Lee Gilyoung did not say anything again.

“What about me?” Kim Namwoon asked, voice quieter than it normally was. HE seemed curious, and though he was worried it was bad to be.

“No. You died in the subway car.” Kim Dokja told him the truth.

Kim Namwoon took in a breath. It felt weird to Kim Dokja, to see him as a person. He hadn’t known this boy the first time around, and Kim Dokja seemed to have forged an idea that was not the boy in his head.

Kim Dokja kept forgetting what type of character Kim Namwoon was.

He was an 18 year old boy, who had been abandoned by his parents early in his life.

Kim Dokja, in all the novels he had read, loved TWSA the most. But outside of TWSA, he read other novels. Perhaps one of his biggest traits would be the fact that he never overly disliked the villain.

Was there a reason they were like that? Few characters ever became purely evil for the fun of it. Kim Namwoon was a pyschopath with a bad trait to start out with, but it wasn’t particularily his fault he was like that.

Unlike the men from the Subway Station, he did not choose to become the rag. He was hurt, and was hurting, and was taught the only way to prove he was worthy enough to be hurt was to be strong.

Perhaps the villains in this world were not the Dokkaebi or the Constellations. They were the people like Cheon Inho, and Han Sooyoung and Kim Namwoon’s parents. Who never quite loved them enough to care, letting them become someone they truly weren’t.

“Did you mean to let them go? I was looking at your face in that moment.” Lee Gilyoung spoke again, a voice amidst the silence.

“…I did.” Kim Dokja answered reluctantly.

The answer was bad, and perhaps Kim Dokja should have added that he did not mean for them to get hurt because he would save them, but it was too late because the boxes from the constellations had started popping up already.

[The Constellations of Absolute Good frown at your cruelty.]

[The Constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ is considering you with shining eyes.]

“Why?”

“Because of their habitat.” Kim Dokja answered again. “The ground rats have a habit of keeping their catches in the same place as their treasure. It isn’t just food. Many things that seem rare are gathered there. Like items. But the paths are so complicated that it can’t be found… unless like this.” The man explained.

Both boys were silent for a moment. Kim Dokja continued speaking.

“I knew they would take both of them.”

“Are you going to save them? Or just take the items?” Kim Namwoon asked.

“I will save Yoo Sangah definetly. What will happen to Han Myungoh… is up to fate. Are you disappointed?” Kim Dokja told them.

“Nope.”

“No.”

Lee Gilyoung’s small hand gripped Kim Dokja’s tightly, and Kim Namwoon stuck to Kim Dokja’s side like a cat.

“Hyung shouldn’t lie.” Lee Gilyoung told him.

Kim Dokja had no answer for that.

“If Ahjussi was such a person, you wouldn’t have saved us on the subway. You suck, but we believe in you.”

“Hyung doesn’t suck.”

“Yes he does.”

Kim Namwoon leaned over to argue with Lee Gilyoung, though it was more banter, and Kim Dokja used his hand to push Kim Namwoon’s face out of his line of sight.

Lee Gilyoung did not act like a child, and though he was immature, neither did Kim Namwoon. The two didn’t know. To be mature and to be an adult were different things entirely.

[Some constellations are touched to tears.]

[400 coins have been sponsored.]

In this foolish world, there were people out there who would take control and advantage of this maturity. Kim Dokja would kill them where they stood.

The hole was longer than Kim Dokja remembered, continuing downwards for what seemed like forever.

“Hyung.”

“Yes?”

“Hyung, are you a god?” Lee Gilyoung asked.

“Eh?”

Hadn’t they cleared this up earlier.

“You said Constellation. Like the stars?” He asked. Perhaps Lee Gilyoung didn’t have a good grasp of the Constellations yet.

“I am, in a way.” Kim Dokja answered truthfully.

“You know something about this world then?”

“That’s right.”

“Then I will ask you one thing.”

“I will answer if I can.”

“Once we clear all these scenarios, can we make a wish?” Lee Gilyoung asked.

Kim Dokja remembered this question.

“There’s a reward at the end of these stories. At the end of this story, is there something like that here?”

Lee Gilyoung was trembling in the darkness. His breathing was uneven. Kim Dokja paused, aware of Kim Namwoon’s eyes on them.

“Yes, there is.”

The office worker bent down, eye level with the 8 year old, picking him up on his hip. The boy felt scared in his arms, and Kim Namwoon reached a hesitant hand out to pat his back.

Kim Dokja looked at Kim Namwoon as Lee Gilyoung clung to him.

“It’s okay for you to be scared too, you realize?” He mouthed.

“I’m never scared.” Kim Namwoon whispered back, but the lie was apparant.

Lee Gilyoung looked up from Kim Dokja’s shoulder as they moved forward.

“We are almost there, Hyung.” He said.

The surronding black ether was disappearing quickly, proving his words true. Kim Dokja did not draw his sword yet, but he did set Lee Gilyoung down.

He turned to Kim Namwoon.

“When it comes out of the walls, no matter what I do, don’t kill it.” He warned the boy. Kim Dokja could not save Kim Namwoon if he decided to go against his orders.

[A few constellations are holding their breaths.]

The sound of ground rats got steadily closer, the sense of space also rapidly expanded. There was a distant light in the darkness, almost reached.

They had made it.

[The sub scenario has been updated.]

[You have entered the ‘Ground Rat’s treasure trove.’]

“Hyung! This…” Gilyoung started to speak right after entering, but Kim Dokja immeadiately moved to cover his mouth.

He raised a finger to his lips, before moving foward.

“The treasure trove doesn’t just contain treasures.” Kim Dokja informed the two, ducking and hiding behind a rock.

[The constellation ‘Abyssal Black Flame Dragon’ is disappointed.]

Ahh, the fool. He kept wanting Kim Dokja to die, annoyed by the man.

Regardless, the three waited. Shadows started to emerge from around the treasure chests.

Ground rats, again. They brought something through their tunnel, threw it and exchanged information between them.

Once a certain number of them had gathered, the number of lights illuminating the surrondings increased with black fire, made of the ether.

Han Myungoh started shouting at the same moment.

“This is all because of Yoo Sangah-ssi!”

Kim Namwoon started up, but Kim Dokja grabbed his shoulder to push him back down.

“Because of me, what do you mean by that?” Yoo Sangah said, anger leaking into her voice.

“I-if Yoo Sangah hadn’t taken the subway, we wouldn’t be like this right now!” Han Myungoh yelled, way too loud.

Kim Dokja remembered this bit. Han Myungoh liked Yoo Sangah, so he stole her bike so she would go home with him, but she chose the subway instead.

“Why does the subway matter now?”

Yoo Sangah really was a saint, especially compared to her future lover.

“T-that… That, Yoo Sangah-ssi, you ride a bicycle all the time…” Han Myungoh’s voice shook as he spoke pure gibberish.

Yoo Sangah’s voice turned cold, anger filling out more than before.

“Wait a minute. Were you the one who stole my bike?”

“W-what is this? I clearly told you that I would drive you in my car! You should know how to accept favours!”

“Answer me. Did you steal my bike?”

Yeah, Kim Dokja did not feel bad for what was going to happen to Han Myungoh. Loser never even had a chance.

Kim Dokja agrees with the Fourth Wall’s narration.

[The Constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ hates the Incarnation ‘Han Myungoh’]

Han Myungoh’s face was so red it could be seen clearly in the dim lighting. It looked extremely dangerous. Kim Dokja almost laughed.

“Fuck! Yes! I did! So what?”

“Why are you talking like it’s not a big deal? You took someone else’s items, that’s theft!”

“Theft? Don’t talk bullshit! You should’ve just gone with me in my car from the beginning!”

[The constellation ‘Prisoner of the Golden Headband’ hates this trivial arguement.]

Yeah, Kim Dokja was done listening to whatever bullshit Han Myungoh was shouting now too. He pulled a saved Hog Thorn out from his pocket, and threw it as hard as he could.

The thorn scratched the corner of Han Myungoh’s mouth and continued into the darkness.

“Uwaaaak! What?!” Han Myungoh screamed. Scaredy cat.

[The constellation ‘Prisoner of the Golden Headband’ is pleased.]

[100 coins have been sponsored.]

“Dokja-ssi!”

Yoo Sangah called out to the man, but he was not paying attention. It was going to start now.

The darkness began to split apart, caused by the thorn. Then, Han Myungoh’s new favourite person appeared.

[The ‘Dark Keeper’ has arrived!]

[The Sub Scenario has been updated!]

[Sub Scenario ‘Kill the Dark Keeper’ has begun!]

Kim Dokja wondered if there was a limit to how many scenarios he could participate in at once.

Like slaves surrendering to a kind, the ground rats all fell to the ground. A dark figure appeared in the dim light. A tentacled monster reminsicent of something akin to death.

Lee Gilyoung’s complexion went pale almost immeadiately, and the boy reached for Kim Namwoon.

“It’s okay, Gilyoung. Rest now.” Kim Dokja reassured him.

All the bugs would have died, meaning Gilyoung would have been hurt too.

Kim Namwoon helped him to the ground where he threw up.

Kim Dokja left the pair leaning against the side. He had no use for Kim Namwoon other than to care for Lee Gilyoung, so it was okay to leave him.

The man approached Yoo Sangah and Han Myungoh quickly and quietly. The panicked Han Myungoh kept struggling.

“Eh? What is this..?” He said, confused at Kim Dokja.

Kim Dokja used a pocket knife stolen off a body to cut the branches binding them, deeming unbroken faith to be too risky with a blade that long.

The fool had forgotten what happened to normal blades. He sighed as the metal melted, pulling out his blade and changing the affix to holy.

“Stay back. And still.” He told them as he raised Unbroken Faith.

[The Dark Keeper has received the favour of the demon king it follows.]

Ah, hello, Asmodeus.

“Kamyun. Der. Yitur.”

The demon species had their own language, worshipped different demon kings and inherited some of the power the demon king gave through the dark root, Kim Dokja recalled.

[The Dark Keeper has emitted ‘Fear’.]

[The exclusive skill Fourth Wall has neutralized most of the ‘Fear’ effect.]

“Yitur!”

Hadn’t that meant mother? Kim Dokja did not want to become a mother.

“M-mother?” Yoo Sangah’s palid voice rang out, reminding Kim Dokja that she hadn’t left.

“Stay back, Sangah-ssi.”

“That Monster just said ‘Mother’…”

“I know.”

Kim Dokja didn’t have the interpreter skill, but he did have a skill that was letting him remember her words from before.

“Uhhh, I think… Karud, yemiren? Ah, is this the pronunciation? Aketu?” She struggled. Kim Dokja smiled.

“Kallitu!” The Dark Keeper yelled back out, nodding at the end of it’s sentence.

[The Incarnation ‘Yoo Sangah’ has activated the ‘Interpreter Lvl. 3’ skill!]

“Dokja-ssi… it keeps saying ‘Become Mother’…” Yoo Sangah said, fearfully.

The Dark Keeper cried out again and pointed to Yoo Sangah.

“Kallitu!”

The poor woman looked as though she might cry.

“Mother? I don’t even like men!” She yelped, and Kim Dokja thought of how Han Sooyoung might have reacted if she was here.

He missed his best friend.

The dark keeper pointed at Han Myungoh next.

“Kallitu!”

Han Myungoh turned pale.

“W-why am I the mother? Father!”

The Dark Keeper’s tentacles rose.

One of the tentacles entered his mouth and Han Myungoh turned black. There was the sound of something moving down his throat, and Kim Dokja remembered how gruesome this had been the first time.

“You don’t want a child, yeah, Yoo Sangah-ssi?” Kim Dokja smiled at her.

She realized his intentions and nodded before stepping back.

Kim Dokja stepped back in a lunge before attacking the tentacles attached to Han Myungoh with Unbroken Faith.

The Dark Keeper was angry now.

“Kallituo!”

The tentacles of the Demon Species were destroyed instantly.

The moment that Kim Dokja looked up next, Han Myungoh had gotten far away.

The number of tentacles had increased by dozens when Kim Dokja looked up.

The affix on the blade was still changed as Holy, so the tentacles touched by the blade were oxidized and cut off. The dark keeper let out a terrible scream as it’s tentacles were destroyed.

Kim Dokja moved his blade with the calmness of a gentle stream.

The dark keeper shrieked as its tentacles were cut.

On the other side of Kim Dokja’s field of view were Lee Gilyoung and Kim Namwoon, looking at him with awed eyes.

It was funny to him, remembering how difficult it was to fight this guy the first time.

“Kar. Mien. Der.”

The dark keeper muttered as it barely managed to pull itself together from shock. Kim Dokja did not need Yoo Sangah to translate this time.

‘How do you know all my weaknesses…?’

Kim Dokja smiled.

“I read.”

Kim Dokja said this and cut down the rest of the monster in a single blow.

“…C-Constellations. Did everyone see that?” Dokkaebi Biryu, who had apparently appeared spoke.

[A few constellations are shocked.]

[A few constellations supposed this would happen.]

[The constellation ‘Abyssal Black Flame Dragon’ is glaring at you.]

[The constellation ‘Prisoner of the Golden Headband’ is happy.]

[500 coins have been sponsored.]

The severed tentacles lay on the ground and the surrounding ground rats had long been killed or fled. Only the dark keeper lay breathing roughly on the ground.

“Amazing… this guy is in that brat Bihyung’s channel…” Biryu muttered.

“Give me the compensation for finishing the sub scenario.” Kim Dokja demanded.

“Oh, that’s right. Wait here.” He said, hurriedly typing something into the air as a message popped up.

[You have met the conditions to clear the sub scenario!]

[You have earned 500 coins.]

A small reward.

“Are you not going to kill him?” Biryu asked, looking innocent.

Kim Dokja sighed.

“No.” Was all he offered in response.

“N-no?” Biryu stuttered.

“I don’t want to.”

“I don’t like killing.” Kim Dokja said, which was partially the truth.

[The constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ is proud!]

[100 coins have been sponsored.]

[The constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ is smiling slyly at you.]

[100 coins have been sponsored.]

Biryu was bewildered.

“The reward will be great if you kill him! You will be the first to kill a grade 7 demon and you’ll get 7,000 coins! That’s a lot!” Biryu tried.

“Nope.” Kim Dokja said.

The man turned around, done with the dokkaebi, only to be met with a terrible sight.

Lee Gilyoung had his hammer raised above the head of the Dark Keeper.

He brought it down.

Chapter Text

Kim Dokja froze. His mind blanked, unsure of what to do in the current situation, and he couldn’t move a single muscle in his body.

Yet, there on the other side, a white haired teenager could move. And so he did.

Kim Namwoon, Delusional Demon famous, dove at the 8 year old boy, just about tackling to the ground.

The boy’s pale hand wrapped around Lee Gilyoungs head as they rolled to a skid on the floor.

It took Kim Dokja 5 seconds to process what had happened.

“Holy shit.” Kim Dokja muttered under his breath, dropping unbroken faith and sinking to his knees to make sure both were alright.

Lee Gilyoung looked incredibly shaken up, and Kim Namwoon only showed it in his eyes. His lips were upturned in a sort of smile that a child proud of their actions wore.

“You said not to kill it.” He spoke, still holding a wriggling Lee Gilyoung. The Hammer was discarded on the floor, and Kim Dokja released a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding.

“Thank you.” Kim Dokja spoke, placing his hand on Kim Namwoon’s head and ruffling up his hair.

[Many Constellation are pleased with Incarnation ‘Kim Namwoon’’s actions.]

He couldn’t exactly scold Lee Gilyoung for doing what he did, as the boy hadn’t known any better.

Kim Dokja was having one fucking hell of a day.

The sound of screeching and a clang echoed throughout the cavern, and the notification box popped up.

[The Grade 7 Demon ‘Dark Keeper’ was killed.]

Kim Dokja, in all fairness, hadn’t expected Han Myungoh to still kill it. After the chain of events that changed, he might have seen Kim Namwoon stop Lee Gilyoung, so Kim Dokja expected him to not.

Of course, Han Myungoh wasn’t very smart.

“HAHAHHAHA! N-now I can be strong! Kim Dokja, you son of a bitch! You didn’t even know this!” Han Myungoh yelled, standing atop of the dead body.

Kim Dokja gave him a small smile. Maybe he would miss the idiot after all.

[A grade 7 demon has been hunted for the first time!]

[An impossible feat has been accomplished.]

[You have earned 8,000 coins.]

[Main Contributors : Kim Dokja, Han Myungoh]

The messages also popped up in front of Han Myungoh, who was incredibly excited to be rich. Kim Dokja perhaps only receieved such a small sum because he didn’t kill the Dark Keeper.

“You don’t kill? In this world? And you stopped the kid too! There can’t possibly be a person like you-”

Han Myungoh stopped in the middle of the sentence, realizing what he had done.

[The Grade 7 Demon ‘Dark Keeper’ has been killed and the Demon King ‘Asmodeus’ has noticed the killers presence.]

[The Demon King ‘Asmodeus’ will chase the one who dealt the finishing blow until they are dead.]

[The Demon King ‘Asmodeus’ has put a terrible curse on the person who dealt the final blow!]

“W-what? What’s this??” Han Myungoh cried out, voice ridden with fear.

[The Constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ admires your wickedness.]

“Ah… I didn’t say? I intentionally didn’t kill it.”

[The Constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ has reccomended your scenario to the star stream.]

Han Myungoh stared into the air like he had his soul ripped from his body.

The curse of the Demon King ‘Asmodeus’ was the worst thing that could happen to a killer. Kim Dokja was not quite sure of the details, but he never did see Han Myungoh again after this point.

Yoo Sangah sat with Lee Gilyoung who seemed to be recovering slowly, looking at Han Myungoh with fear in his eyes. Kim Namwoon stood by Kim Dokja faithfully.

Kim Dokja ignored Han Myungoh and the withering body, moving to the chest. He motioned for Kim Namwoon to follow him, letting Lee Gilyoung and Yoo Sangah rest behind.

Kim Namwoon moved forward, pulling a small bracelet and an old shield in the chest.

[Magic Power Recovery Bracelet]

[Old Iron Shield]

They were terrible items compared to what Kim Dokja was used to. The Bracelet would be good for anyone, but the shield would definetly be good for Lee Hyunsung if Kim Dokja couldn’t get a better one.

“There’s so little..” Kim Namwoon spoke, disappointment in his voice.

“That’s alright. This is what we’re really here for.” Kim Dokja told him.

The Magic Powered stove was still left in the middle.

“What is that thing?”

“It’s like a stove.” Kim Dokja in reply of explanation.

He put the magic stove down, activating the stove with mana and placing a dead ground rat’s leg on top of it.

It didn’t fit the size of even a plate, but magic worked in weird ways, and within seconds the ground rat’s leg turned golden brown.

“Meat!” Lee Gilyoung cried out, running over, Yoo Sangah only a bit behind him.

Yoo Sangah looked concerned, though her eyes betrayed her hunger.

“Can we eat this?” She asked, worried.

“Yes.” Kim Dokja said. He grabbed the greasy hind leg and dug into the flesh. The juices ran from the flesh, feeling the juices drip down his hands, lacking anything to clean it up.

It was delicious.

[A few constellations are drooling.]

[The constellations have sponsored you 200 coins.]

[The Constellation ‘Abyssal Black Flame Dragon’ has swallowed his saliva.]

[The Constellation ‘Prisoner of the Golden Headband’ is biting his nails.]

The messages continously popped up, lusting after the food Kim Dokja was eating.

“Eat some.” Kim Dokja gestured to the food. Kim Namwoon waited no more time before placing the meat over the flame and devouring it in seconds, abandoning all manners.

None of these three had had a proper meal in days, so the meat was delicious to them.

Han Myungoh stumbled his way over, hesitant. He started to speak but Kim Dokja simply waved him over. He didn’t like the guy, but there was no need to deny him food.

“T-Thank you!”

He’d die after eating anyway.

Kim Dokja took two legs, as did Kim Namwoon, and everyone else took one. They ate together, a ragtag group in the apocalypse. It felt like a camping trip, if Kim Dokja prentended it was.

Maybe after this was all over they could go on one.

It was quiet, and perhaps it was because of the dim light and the atmosphere, but Kim Dokja was feeling sentimental.

Kim Dokaj smiled and looked up. His eyes met Yoo Sangah’s. She sighed, before speaking.

“I’m so pathetic.”

“Eh?” Kim Dokja forgot about this.

“Dokja-ya worked so hard, and I’m just eating. I was no help at all.” She said. “Even Kim Namwoon and Lee Gilyoung partially helped.”

“It’s alright. Besides, someone almost got hurt.” Kim Dokja reassured her, giving a dull but pointed look at Gilyoung.

“Would… would that have happened to me if Namwoon-hyung hadn’t saved me?” Gilyoung asked, adjusting his eyes to be looking at Han Myungoh, but looking down at the same time. It was a tricky skill to have.

Han Myungoh looked down when he was confronted with what had happened to him.

“There’s no way to know. But you’re safe.” Kim Dokja said. He knew that it would serve no purpose to comfort Han Myungoh, but he reaped what he had sown. Kim Dokja did not exist to comfort anyone.

The party went back to being immersed in eating. Kim Dokja smiled, and stood up.

“Biryu.” He said, quietly while everyone else ate.

No response.

“Biryu.” He said again.

The Black-furred Dokkaebi appeared this time, looking slightly afraid of being called by Dokja.

“W-what do you need?”

“An item for me should have arrived. I want it.” Kim Dokja said, holding his hand out.

Biryu wasn’t sure if he should give it to him or not, from the looks of it.

“Give it to me or I will report you to the star stream for failing your job as Bihyung’s stand in.”

It was a valid tactic, threatening.

“F-fine.” Biryu muttered, dropping the Broken Faith in Kim Dokja’s hand.

Kim Dokja nodded, and shooed him away. The Dokkaebi made an annoyed face, but disappeared anyway.

He moved over to the Random item box, grabbing the Nucleus of the Dark Keeper on the way. He wasn’t sure what would happen with Two unbroken Faith’s existing, but he didn’t really care.

“What are you doing, Dokja-ya?” Yoo Sangah asked, the rest of the party turning to look at Kim Dokja.

“Testing something.” Kim Dokja replied, placing the Nucleus and the Broken Sword in there.

[A few constellations are nodding at your decision.]

Kim Dokja shut the lid, closing his eyes after the dazzling bright white light came out.

“Ah! Why is this here!” Biryu said, completely alarmed at Kim Dokja’s actions.

“It should have been banned!” Biryu repeated. He was right, technically. Yet this was the second time Kim Dokja had used the box without get reprimands.

“C-Constellations. I don’t know why this is here… I’m sorry! Broadcast end!” Biryu yelled, shutting off the channel.

[#BI-7623 channel has been temporarily closed.]

The channel was off, and the sound of notifications ringing out in Kim Dokja’s ears being nullified was beautiful.

Kim Dokja waited.

[A sword type item will be awarded for putting in the same type of item!]

[A Random Draw has Started!]

[The offered items are related to a certain constellation!]

[The probability that an item associated with this constellation will appear is greatly increased!]

Yeah, sounds pretty right.

[A top item has appeared!]

[The number of avaliable random item boxes is 0.]

Kim Dokja smiled, looking back at Kim Namwoon, Yoo Sangah and Lee Gilyoung, whose eyes were shining.

“Should we open it?”

“Yes!” Lee Gilyoung and Kim Namwoon shouted at the same time, Yoo Sangah nodding quickly.

“Wow!” Lee Gilyoung peered into the box.

The boy was so surprised he yelled. It was amazing. Two luxurious silver guards and two white blades… two?

What?

Kim Dokja reached inside.

There were two, now.

They were shorter, looking extremely similar to his broken his faither, despite the curve of the blade, looking more like a switch blade.

Kim Dokja checked the items information.

+

[Item Information]

Name : Split Faith

Rating : Star Relic

Description : In the past, the great hero ‘Kaizenix’ who led the great crusade during the Great Demon Ware. Kaizenix created a Blade of Faith, which eventually became so damaged it had to be split into two, becoming the twin Split Faiths, forged with fire, darkness, and divine power.

Additional Benefits : Increases Strength and Stamina by 2.

+

Kim Dokja was surprised. He hadn’t been sure of what he would do with two swords, but this solved his problem. He also hadn’t expected the chance of a different item to appear.

“Eh? Ahjussi, isn’t this item way too good?” Kim Namwoon commented, red eyes reflected in the silver blades.

It was a really good item. Kim Dokja couldn’t use it, but to have two Star Relics was practically impossible.

“Kim Namwoon.” Kim Dokja said, picking up the blades, flipping them a bit, getting a feel.

“Ah?” The boy asked, confused?

“If you misuse them even once, I’ll take them away without second thought.” Kim Dokja told the boy, who’s eyes lit up with all the stars in the sky as Kim Dokja handed him the blades.

“Hyung, what about me?” Lee Gilyoung asked, pointing to himself.

Kim Dokja bent down, ruffling Gilyoung’s hair.

“I’ll get you something super special too, I promise.” Kim Dokja told him. He looked up at Sangah. “Same goes for you.” He said.

“Oh, that’s okay, I don’t need anything.” Yoo Sangah stumbled out.

Kim Dokja shrugged.

The man looked around, glancing at Han Myungoh who was still eating the leg of the ground rat, muttering random things to himself. It seemed that the insanity had already started to get to him.

Kim Dokja watched Kim Namwoon attached the blades to his slightly ruined school uniform, the boxes about the Constellation being curious about him appeaaring as he did so.

“We should go back now. I’m sure Heewon-ssi and Hyunsung-ssi are hungry right now.” Kim Dokja told the group, turning off and pocketing the stove.

“But how do we get back?” Yoo Sangah asked.

Kim Dokja looked down at Lee Gilyoung with an inquisitive expression, and the boy looked ashamed, nodding his head slightly.

“I thought that might be the case.” Kim Dokja nodded, thinking. “For the time being, don’t use the skill. There won’t be any bugs nearby to use.” He told the young boy.

“Alright…” Lee Gilyoung replied sadly.

“Yoo Sangah, could you try using your skill?” Kim Dokja asked, looking at her like he knew she could do it, but was trying to support her anyway.

She looked shocked for a moment, before nodding. A small, faintly shimmering thread emerged from Yoo Sangah’s fingertips and started to stretch and reach out, searching.

“I tied a thread when I was pulled down here, in case of something like this.” She explained.

“Let’s go.”

It was interesting that Yoo Sangah hadn’t advanced super quickly with the sponsor she had, but Kim Dokja could work on that later.

[#BI-7623 Channel is open.]

Kim Dokja’s head filled with an obnoxious buzz once more.

[A large amount of constellations have put a message on the channel’s transmission system!]

[The constellation ‘Man who Resides Hiding in the Night’ is curious about waht came out of the random item box.]

Ah, had they not seen it? What a pity for them.

“Damn! That bastard messed with my channel… hahahhaha! Did you guys do good while I was gone?” Bihyung’s familiar voice rang out among the dim glow of Sangah’s thread.

Kim Dokja sighed.

~~~

Kim Dokja leaned against the tunnel’s wall, far away from his companions, speaking to Bihyung through dokkaebi communication, pretending to be scrolling at his dead phone.

“..You did such great things while I was gone?” He asked. Kim Dokja ignored him.

“Why were you gone so long?”

“The ads were too long and I got a long scolding about it.” Bihyung waved it off. “It’s whatever… Rather, how did you know about that box? It surely wasn’t there last time.”

“It was. I didn’t expect that item though.” Kim Dokja replied.

“So ungrateful… and I placed it there…”

Bihyung’s grumbling was cut off by Jung Heewon’s large cry of admiration, biting into the ground rat meat for the first time.

They had encountered the rest of their party around 10 or so minutes ago, thanks to Sangah’s thread. Jung Heewon and Lee Hyunsung had kept everything safe in their absence.

“You’ll feel better after eating more.” Kim Dokja told her, walking over and sitting down beside the woman.

“I can already feel myself getting healthy.” She said, moaning at how good it tasted.

She did look much better, swinging back and forth in a test to see how good she felt. Ground rat meat being good against poisons was good.

“Did you get a lot of things in there? In addition to the Magic Powered Stove…” She said, looking at the other members.

“I got a few things.” Kim Dokja told her, eyes looking at Lee Hyunsung.

The man was remarkably happy with the shield, polishing and placing the shield on multiple times. Kim Dokja wished he had kept other shields so he could have given him a better one.

[The Incarnation ‘Lee Hyunsung’ feels a faint loyalty to you.]

Jung Heewon felt envious.

“Is there anything I can have?” She asked, eyeing Kim Dokja expectantly. The man shied away.

“No.” He told her.

“What about that blade?” She asked, pointing at Unbroken Faith.

“It’s mine.”

She sighed, looking exhasperated, and although she seemed upset, she looked like she was joking around more.

“Are you going to distribute this meat to the people?” Jung Heewon asked, pointing to her leg of meat.

“If they’ve got coins.” Kim Dokja said simply.

“You’re so stingy. I’m sure you’re plenty rich too.” She said, eyeing him up and down again. It made Kim Dokja slightly uncomfortable.

“I know how to survive.” Was the only reply she recieved.

Kim Dokja stood up and started ushering his companions to follow him quickly. They did.

Kim Namwoon passed Lee Hyunsung a piece of cooked ground rat, and they walked back through the curtain. The surrondings brightened and people started to appear quickly.

It was a frightening scene, to any onlooker. People were stressed left right and center, rushing and hustling about with intent.

[There are 20 minutes left until the paid settlement.]

[Prepare the survival fee.]

Kim Dokja looked down at his watch. Ah, so that’s what they were afraid for.

He turned to his companions.

“You all have enough coins for tonight, yes?” Kim Dokja asked. All except one of his companions nodded.

Kim Dokja turned to Kim Namwoon, who was looking at the ground, ashamed.

“I used them to up my agility earlier.” He said, staring down.

Kim Dokja sighed. He was crazy, but at least he had his prioritys right. Kim Dokja stuck out his finger. Kim Namwoon touched it.

[500 coins have been transferred to Incarnation ‘Kim Namwoon’]

“For emergencys like that only.” Was the instructions he provided him with, but the look on Kim Namwoon’s face told him that he was not going to be listening to them.

Kim Dokja left the smirking boy, climbing back up onto the platform.

“Coins, Coins please!”

“I don’t have enough coins! Please, a few coins…”

It wouldn’t have been a problem for them if they had actually participated in the scenario, but those humans were standing behind Kim Dokja, or up with Cheon Inho.

Kim Dokja looked at the men of the Major Group, stood to the side. A few women flocked towards the gang members, crying out.

“Y-you said you would give me 100 coins before!” One said.

“Hmmm, is that so? I don’t remember.” He mocked her.

“What…?” She said, going pale.

“I will think again if you let me put it in one more time? How about it?” He offered, a cruel smirk on his face.

Kim Dokja was disgusted.

Jung Heewon pulled out her blade and stared at them.

“Those sons of bitches…” She muttered. Kim Dokja studied her, before drawing Unbroken Faith and putting it into her hand.

“I’m only letting you borrow this. No keeping.” He told her, a stern look on his face. She looked shocked for a moment, before nodding.

[The attribute of character ‘Jung Heewon’ is about to blossom.]

He was sure she would do even better this time with a better sword.

[The Survival Settlement will begin soon.]

“S-save me! Save me!” People cried out.

Only Kim Dokja and Kim Namwoon didn’t look away as people became more desperate, killing for what they needed, the hand of Yoo Sangah covering Lee Gilyoung’s face.

Everyone knew exactly what was happening. They had seen the notifications themselves

“..Dokja-ya.” Yoo Sangah looked at the office worker.

“Yes.” Kim Dokja replied.

In this world, first or second, Coins remained everything. They weren’t Kim Dokja’s everything, but he needed them to survive. As did everyone else.

[Several constellations have joined the channel.]

[The Constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ is watching your choice.]

[The Constellation ‘Prisoner of the Golden Headband’ is watching your choice.]

[The Constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire is watching your choice.]

[The Constellation ‘Fallen Prince of Paradise’ is watching your choice.]

[Coins Possessed : 701,500]

Kim Dokja had the most coins in Gumho station. He had no need to speak, decision made for him.

“Oh, Dokja-ssi! You came just in time” Cheon Inho’s voice rang out. The man smiled, but there was nothing welcoming about it.

“Dokja-ssi has a lot of coins! How many? You’re probably the richest one among us, right?” Cheon Inho said, and Kim Dokja watched as the box informing him the Incite skill had been used popped up.

The crowd of Gumho station looked towards Kim Dokja quickly.

“C-coins?”

“Who has a lot of coins?”

Every single pair of eyes in the station was on him. What a great dog, this Cheon Inho. Maybe in another life he’d be trained.

“Y-you’re Dokja-ssi?”

“Please save me!” People begged, fighting each other for a chance to speak with Kim Dokja.

The people looked desperate as they approached. There were at least 20 or so of them. If Kim Dokja gave everyone coins, that was a loss of 2,000. If he didn’t, he’d be a villain.

“Haha, Dokja-ssi. I don’t have the coins to help all these poor people but… isn’t Dokja-ssi different? Will you just sit and watch them?” He said, using the skill again.

Kim Dokja had encountered this trick too many times for his short and sad life.

[The Constellations of the Absolute Good Alignment have defined Incarnation Cheon Inho as ‘Evil’]

Kim Dokja was bored. He didn’t really feel like putting up with this anymore.

People burst into tears with the most pitiful expression in the world as they faced him.

“HAHAHAH! This story is becoming fun. For reference, there’s 10 minutes left everyone.” Bihyung spoke in a voice full of joy and everyone looked at him with a strange expression, before turning that expression to Kim Dokja.

Kim Dokja stretched, cracking his back slightly.

“I see. You want coins?” He asked.

He laughed, opening his dark blue eyes.

“Why should I?” He asked, regarding the people with a ‘Kim Namwoon-like’ demeanor.

Everyone here was guilty. Some less guilty than others, yet guilty all the same. These people took a life to save themselves first, yet now they couldn’t bear responsibility at this point.

“W-why?” Someone repeated.

“You have a lot of coins! Can’t you give us a few?” Someone asked.

In the midst of the confusion and anger, Cheon Inho burst out laughing.

“I expected this, you realize.” He told Kim Dokja.

“…” Kim Dokja narrowed his eyes, simply regarding the man.

“From the first moment you showed up here, you sold food for coins. If you didn’t make them buy food at that time, how many people could survive now?” Cheon Inho countered.

The game of chess resumed.

“He’s right!”

“Shit, give me back my coins!”

Once again, the table was set against Kim Dokja.

Yoo Sangah and Lee Hyunsung immeadiately tried to dissuade the crowd, but these people had already lost their sense of reason. Cheon Inho moved his queen, trying to back Kim Dokja into giving up his king.

“Kim Dokja-ssi. I will give you one last chance. Give the coins back to these people.” Cheon Inho announced.

“Eh, I’m good I think.” Kim Dokja said.

“Prepare for the worst, Kim Dokja.”

The crowd of 20 started to approach him, step by step. Nevertheless, no one attacked first. Eventually, one of Cheon Inho’s lackeys stepped forward.

“You scum! What are you doing? Kill him! Why are you hesitating when you can snatch the coins after killing him?”

Kim Dokja hadn’t given his sword to Jung Heewon carelessly. He was seen as powerful in this moment, and without a weapon, he would see less so. It would also prevent Kim Dokja from accidentally killing anyone.

“Kill that bastard!” Someone yelled, moving forward, a steel pipe in his hand. Kim Dokja held no fear in his heart.

A slashing sound.

The man’s arm was cut off and rolled across the ground gruesomely.

The pocket knife Kim Dokja had stolen was held in his hands, the man twisting it around like it was a pencil between his fingers.

Blood dripped to the ground in a trickle.

A drop.

two.

three.

Every single person in the crowd turned pale at seeing a Major member overwhelmed with one blow, and with a pocket knife at that.

“How pathetic. Do you really think this situation is because of me?” He said, looking left and right at each face in the crowd. In the back, Cheon Inho looked confused, and slightly scared. “In fact, I think you know very well it isn’t me.”

Like a sick goldfish, the crowd’s mouths dropped open. Kim Dokja spoke to them like they were children, too stupid to understand real words.

“You’re doing this because you’re scared. You’re afraid. You know what is wrong here, and you’re in a crisis but all you do is tremble in fear because of them.”

“Haha, look at this, Dokja-ssi! What are you saying…” Cheon Inho said, trying to regain control of the crowd.

“It’s because they are stronger than you, right? Their overall stats are higher and they have a lot of coins… but you realize it now?” Kim Dokja spoke, addressing the crowd as a whole, convincing them slowly, even if they didn’t realize it.

With a step towards them, everyone moved back.

“Why are they stronger than you?”

Kim Dokja took another step.

“More than anything, why have they got more coins? Is it because they’re from the majour group? Maybe.”

[The Incarnations around you are shaken!]

Even in the most certain fear, there were things you could say to convince people with certainty. Questions passed over their faces. Check and mate, Cheon Inho.

Kim Dokja smiled.

“C-Cheon Inho-ssi, how many coins do you have…?” Someone muttered, the only voice in the quiet room as every turned to face Cheon Inho and his group.

“Hahah… don’t you know? I’ve given away some-”

“It’s not possible to get that good of stats with that, I assure you, Cheon Inho.” Kim Dokja leaked a tone of hatred into his voice, looking down at the man with pure rage in his eyes, despise filling his body.

Cheon Inho closed his mouth, not saying a word. Kim Dokja surveyed the crowd. This was way easier the second time.

“When I arrived here a few days ago, there were 88 people here.” He said, seeing people’s ears twitch up at the sound of his voice. “How many people are there now? 45? Why?” Kim Dokja pressed.

“T-They went out as scouts and the monsters—” Cheon Inho tried.

Kim Dokja recalled a line from one of his favourite works of fiction that didn’t happen to be TWSA.

“Ahhhh, Cheon Inho-ssi, haven’t I told you? There are no monsters there.” He paused, thinking for a second. “Are you all familiar with the saying ‘Hell is empty and all the Devils are here’?” Kim Dokja turned his back to the crowd, letting them see his laidback demeanour. “I think it would fit an awful lot here. ‘Seoul is empty for all the Monsters are here’ has a nice ring to it, don’t you think, Cheon Inho-ssi?”

The man trembled in rage.

[The Constellation ‘Genderfluid Dreaming Storyteller’ laughs at Constellation ‘Demon King of Salvation’’s words!]

“You’re all fools. Think about it. Nobody died because of monsters. If that’s true, why did no Majour group members die, huh?” Kim Dokja tried.

Every single person was silent.

“Why did they come back stronger, too?”

[The Constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ nods along with you.]

The people turned to look at Cheon Inho, betrayal in their eyes. Now it was Kim Dokja’s turn to move his queen.

“They said it themselves, even. If you kill me, you get coins.”

[The Constellation ‘Prisoner of the Golden Headband’ pulls his hair in excitement.]

No more words were needed.

Whispers broke out like wildfires, one person saying something to the next, the next, the next, until every person in that room was ready to use the daggers they were glaring to stab Cheon Inho in the back 20 times over.

Cheon Inho moved back, and the men of the Major group pulled out their weapons. The frightened people were weeping.

“HahahahHAHA! There are 7 minutes left!” Bihyung yelled over the silence.

Kim Dokja took a step forward, onto the podium Cheon Inho had once used.

“If you have any self-respect left, fight with your own hands.” Kim Dokja incited them to do. “Take back what was stolen from you.”

Anger filled the eyes of the people.

Kim Dokja waited. Jung Heewon would move now, and so Kim Dokja should leave most of it up to her.

The members of the Major Group moved towards Kim Dokja, and he took a small step back. He hurt one, but not enough to kill him. This wasn’t his battle, by someone else’s request.

Despite all the fighting happening, these people were no match.

The number of the people left in the Major group was high and their fighting power was overwhleming due to all the coins they obtained through murder.

This should be the case, of course.

Kim Dokja let his guard down for one second, and a member flew at him. He had almost made a mistake.

The arms and legs of a Majour group member flew off, the eerie sensation of cutting off a person’s limbs filled Kim Dokja’s hand. The incapacitated members looked up at him.

“S-Spare me… please.” One spoke, but the moment the words were out of his mouth, a sword was driven down his back.

“I said I would kill him.” Jung Heewon said, pointedly at Kim Dokja.

[All evolution conditions of the attribute ‘Crouching Figure’ have been met.]

[The attribute of incarnation ‘Jung Heewon’ is blossoming.]

Right on time.

[The attribute of ‘Jung Heewon’ has blossomed to ‘Judge of Evil’]

The Judge of all evil. It was fitting, in every lifetime. Kim Dokja smiled.

[You have contributed greatly to the attribute of ‘Crouching Figure’]

[The Incarnation ‘Jung Heewon’ won’t hesitate to protect you in the future.]

“You can rest from here.” Jung Heewon declared, eyes a pale blue despite the river styx, filled with fury and lament running through them. “These guys are my job.”

[The Incarnation ‘Jung Heewon’ has activated the exclusive skill ‘Time of Judgement.’]

[The Constellations of the Absolute Good alignment have agreed to the use of this skill.]

[‘Time of Judgement’ has been activated.]

Jung Heewon’s body had a bloody aura about it as the borrowed blade painted an eerie trail. It was a holy affix and a precise use of Kendo that moved between Majour members. Blood was everywhere.

The scene was a complete massacre. Other than Jung Heewon, Yoo Sangah, Lee Hyunsung and Lee Gilyoung were protecting their respective spots. Kim Namwoon looked like he was having a hell of a time.

The student moved through the crowd, hair painted the same colour as his eyes as he ripped members of the Majour group apart with his twin blades. He looked purely evil, the complete opposite of what Jung Heewon was doing.

Kim Dokja was sure he wasn’t just killing the Majour members, perhaps throwing others in there as well, but Kim Dokja knew most of those people were going to die anyway. It would be no mercy to prolong their deaths.

Kim Dokja turned a blind eye, looking back at Jung Heewon. Like a person born for murder, Jung Heewon killed and killed and killed. If Kim Dokja or Kim Namwoon had cut off a man’s arm, Jung Heewon stabbed his heart. If Yoo Sangah or Lee Hyunsung cut off his leg, Jung Heewon cut his throat.

She took care of everything and everyone Kim Dokja had left behind. She moved with no hesitation, like she had been waiting for this moment.

She had.

The area was filled with blood.

The only person left from the Majour group was Cheon Inho. However, many parts of his body were injured by the Minor group members. Jung Heewon looked at Kim Dokja, and the man nodded.

Cheon Inho laughed as he took in the scene.

“Hu, huhu.. y-you…”

He never did stop speaking. Jung Heewon appeared behind Cheon Inho and cut him from top to bottom. Kim Dokja felt something abnormal tug at his chest, and he ignored it. The man deserved it.

[All the Constellations in the channel feel intense joy.]

At once, as quickly as it had begun, it was over.

Nobody could tell. Everything seemed fake. The grilled meat, the jokes exchanged, the moments of peace exchanged all felt like a lie.

Fucking scenarios.

Yoo Sangah was crying. Lee Gilyoung closed his eyes, walking over near Kim Namwoon, the boy, who even he, looked slightly remorseful. Lee Hyunsung bit his lips so hard he was bleeding.

Jung Heewon collapsed, sitting in a pool of blood.

[The survival value will be settled.]

Popping noises all around Kim Dokja and his friends. Those who had coins survived. Those who failed to obtain coins died. Nobody saved each other.

Kim Dokja looked around to the people, eyes tilted slightly down. He felt remorse this time, for the first time since he had regressed. Maybe he should have been better. Maybe.

It felt like regressor’s depression, almost. Kim Dokja wished he could try again, but he wouldn’t. These people could not be saved by Kim Dokja. And Kim Dokja, in any life, would not be one to save them.

“Wake up, everybody.”

Kim Dokja looked up.

For that moment, he was reminded of a poem he had read once.

‘And the rain falls down my face but I look up,

and it is not rain, simply water.

the clouds are replaced by a dull ceiling,

and i am no more trapped than one ever is,

but they are everywhere,

and i have yet to break free,

to feel the rain on my skin.’

The sky could not be seen now. But Kim Dokja looked up anyway, staring at the unseen sky, resisting a fate he would have to face.

None of the constellations had an answer this time. Not even Kim Dokja himself.

Kim Dokja sat down next to Jung Heewon, resting for a moment. After a while, Kim Namwoon sat down next to him, then Lee Gilyoung, then Yoo Sangah, then Lee Hyunsung.

A brief pause.

There was crying in the background. Everyone in that station was covered in blood.

“…Dokja-ya.” Yoo Sangah said after a while.

“Mhm?” Kim Dokja said.

“Where are we going now?” She asked.

Kim Dokja smiled slightly.

“I believe there’s someone I need to meet at Chungmuro.”

Chapter Text

By the following morning, a lot of things had changed at Gumho station. Han Myungoh was gone. Kim Dokja had never found his body amongst all of the others, so he assumed that he had just dissappeared, like the last time.

The remaining number of people in Gumho station was practically non-existent. After the massacre, many of the survivors had left in the night. Apart from Kim Dokja’s group of 6, there were only 5 others.

“Will the remaining people be okay?” Yoo Sangah asked, looking around.

Jung Heewon shrugged.

“Hey, everyone. Are you coming with us?” She announced, asking to the other five.

The only person to speak was a woman who held a young child’s hand.

“We’ll go separately. We still have some coins left.” She told Jung Heewon and Kim Dokja.

Kim Dokja smiled, and gave them a nod. He admired their strength and perserverance. He thought he remembered seeing them in the Dark Castle scenario, but he couldn’t be sure.

Jung Heewon nodded as well.

“Alright. I wish you luck.” She told them. Once Jung Heewon had turned around, relief appeared on the people’s faces. It wasn’t that shocking, compared to what had happened yesterday.

Out of the six people in Kim Dokja’s group, One had refused to give out help, and Two had brutally killed people, even if there was a reason for one of them. To them, Kim Dokja’s company might seem like the villains.

Kim Dokja turned, walking up to Lee Hyunsung.

“Lee Hyunsung-ssi?” Kim Dokja asked, speaking to the taller man. He looked like he was zoned out.

“Ah, yes!” The army soldier replied.

The man had been staring at Jung Heewon with a blank expression ridden on his face, though he was now turned to Kim Dokja with surprise all over his face.

It was odd, to look at Lee Hyunsung and Jung Heewon like this, talking as though they were strangers, because they technically were. It left an odd taste in Kim Dokja’s mouth. Not necessasirly a bad one, just a new one.

“Are the preparations done?” Kim Dokja asked.

“Yeah! It’s a bit rough but we’re all done. Plastic bottles to fill with water, goods to protect us from the cold and emergency supplies…” Lee Hyunsung rambled, listing off everything that they had prepared. “…It’s up to you from here. If you need anything else…” Lee Hyunsung pondered.

“Could you see if you have any portable batteries?”

“Yeah… why?” Lee Hyunsung, though his words felt unusual for him.

“I need to use it for something.” Kim Dokja smiled, letting Lee Hyunsung know that it would be all good.

Lee Hyunsung said he would look for it and started to search through the things that Cheon Inho’s group had left behind. Lee Gilyoung, Kim Namwoon and Yoo Sangah also went to help him.

Jung Heewon stayed behind a bit to talk to Kim Dokja.

“Are we leaving soon?” She asked.

“Yes.” Kim Dokja replied.

“I have many questions.”

“I couldn’t tell you even if I tried.” Kim Dokja replied.

Jung Heewon looked beyond confused.

“What do you mean?”

Kim Dokja thought for a second. He probably could answer a few of Jung Heewon’s questions, but he didn’t want the constellations to hear.

“◼️◼️◼️◼️.” Kim Dokja said.

Jung Heewon looked shocked, before nodding and accepting it.

“Ah, speaking to you is like talking to a wall.” She said, lightly punching Kim Dokja and laughing.

[You have received 1,500 coins from Incarnation ‘Jung Heewon’.]

Kim Dokja processed it for a moment, before tapping Jung Heewon again.

[You have returned 1,500 coins to Incarnation ‘Jung Heewon’.]

“Keep them. I don’t care how bad you feel, you’ll need them more than I will.”

“Ah, there’s no winning against you, is there? Whatever.” Jung Heewon said. She acted like she knew, but she really didn’t. No matter how rich Jung Heewon thought Kim Dokja was, he was a lot richer than that. It was a funny thing to consider.

She picked up a backpack from the floor, before walking towards the tunnel.

“Finish this up. I’ll go ahead and clear everything.” She told Kim Dokja.

“Be careful.” Kim Dokja told her, and the only response he recieved was a wave of the hands as if to tell him not to worry.

[The Constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ likes your comradeship.]

[The Constellation ‘Abyssal Black Flame Dragon’ smiles slyly.]

Kim Dokja liked Uriel. Kim Dokja did not like ABFD. He looked up at the messages in the air blankly and said;

“I must have made you a lot of coins yesterday, considering how happy you are.”

Kim Dokja was not speaking to the constellations, in fact, they couldn’t even hear him speak.

“Don’t keep pretending you can’t hear me. I know you’re watching.” Kim Dokja spoke to Bihyung.

“Ah, hahah… you caught me?” Bihyung tried.

“How much did you earn?”

“…T-that. Um.”

Kim Dokja kept a neutral expression on his face.

“Ah, alright. I just can’t beat you. Take it.”

[Dokkaebi ‘Bihyung’ has given you 4,500 coins.]

It was such a small sum compared to what Kim Dokja had been expecting.

“The Constellations haven’t been using the sponsorship system and instead just sent it directly to me. I don’t know why. I’ll give the rest to you later. Ah, these are the messages as well.” Bihyung told Kim Dokja, and a flurry of messages suddenly appeared in his face.

[The Constellation ‘Prisoner of the Golden Headband’ is satisified with your scenario.]

[The Constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ is convinced of your judgement.]

[The Constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ is satisified with your plan.]

[The Constellation ‘Fallen Prince of Paradise’ finds justice in your actions.]

[You have been sponsored 17,000 coins.]

Kim Dokja was surprised. 17,000 was a lot more than he had made the first time.

“Bihyung. How many constellations were watching last night?”

“Eh? Oh, we lost most of them… but around 2,000. What a great number, right? There’s about 100 or so now.”

Kim Dokjas eyes widened. There hadn’t been that many the first time around at all.

[Coins Possessed : 723,000]

The number had gone up quite a bit from yesterday, and Kim Dokja was only a little surprised.

Kim Dokja figured he should probably invest some coins into himself.

[12000 coins have been invested in Stamina]

[Stamina Lvl. 15 → Stamina lvl. 35]

[The durability of your body has greatly increased!]

[16000 coins have been invested in Strength]

[Strength Lvl. 11 → Strength lvl. 41]

[A stronger force will come from your muscles!]

Kim Dokja wasn’t sure if Yoo Joonghyuk would attack him, so it was probably better to be strong at this point.

Agility wasn’t a majour concern, so Kim Dokja only upped it a little bit.

[4000 coins have been invested in Agility]

[Agility Lvl.10 → Agility Lvl. 20]

[You can move much faster now!]

Kim Dokja needed to still be able to use White Pure Star Energy, so he needed up up his Mana.

[12000 coins have been invested in mana.]

[Mana Lvl. 6 → Mana Lvl. 46]

[A mysterious energy lives in your soul.]

[The Constellation ‘Man who Resides Hidden in the Night’ is shocked at how many coins you are spending!]

Kim Dokja was a frivilous spender at the moment. Kim Dokja tells the fourth wall to shut up. The fourth wall tells Kim Dokja he just spent over 44,000 coins.

“You really are great, Kim Dokja. With how many Constellations you bring in, I’ll be able to upgrade soon.” Bihyung told Kim Dokja. Kim Dokja didn’t really care as long as he made up for the losses.

“Alright.” Kim Dokja acknoledged him.

He turned to look at his companions, and smiled.

“If everyone is ready, we should leave now. Nobody’s missing anything?”

Everyone gathered and nodded their heads. Looking at their nervous faces, Kim Dokja realized how much of yesterday must have taken a toll on them.

“Let’s go.” Kim Dokja said.

He jumped down from the platform, friends following close behind, watching as Lee Hyunsung and Yoo Sangah waved goodbye.

They had only half crossed the railroad lines when the system message arrived.

[The Second Main Scenario is enabled.]

+

[Main Scenario #2 - Meeting]

Category: Main

Difficulty : E

Clear Conditions : Cross the tunnel and meet the survivors in the first main base.

Time Limit : None.

Compensation : 500 coins.

Failure : ???

+

Kim Dokja was almost giddy with excitement, hands shaking.

“Main Base? Where’s that?” Jung Heewon answered.

“Eh? Didn’t you listen last night? He said we were going to Chungmuro.” Kim Namwoon said, like he was a parent scolding their child. It was ironic, considering Jung Heewon was 9 years older than him.

Jung Heewon hit him on the back of the head, in a way that looked like it hurt.

“Chungmuro is only three more stops from here, so we should get there rather quickly.” Yoo Sangah commented, looking at an abandoned subway map.

A rumbling emerged from the ground, and 30 or so ground rats appeared. Everyone moved to draw their weapons. Kim Dokja held a hand up.

“I’ll take care of it.” He paused. “Kim Namwoon-nam. If any slip through, you’re in charge of killing them.” Kim Dokja instructed. The boy looked shocked for a moment, before a cruel smile grew on his face and he drew his weapons.

“Eh? Why him?” Jung Heewon said, looking hurt.

Kim Dokja drew unbroken faith, slashing down a ground rat while speaking.

“You’re both good at combat, but he has a better weapon. No hard feelings.” Kim Dokja smiled. He also needed to make sure any bloodlust Kim Namwoon had by the time they got to Chungmuro was gone.

Kim Dokja annihilated 26 of them quickly, and with effiency. Blade swung down and across, leaving a shhng sound and the swish of metal in the air.

He let four or so past him intentionally, letting Kim Namwoon demolish them.

He turned back around, looking at the boy wiping blood off his face and sheathing his weapons. The corners of his lips were upturned, and his outfit was still incredibly bloody.

Kim Dokja would need to find him better clothes soon.

He turned back around, motioning for the party to follow him while also picking up one or two legs to cook up later.

They emerged at Yaksu station, looking at the platform.

“There’s nobody here…” Lee Hyunsung commented, looking at the dead bodies and the ground rats. It looked like Yoo Joonghyuk had demolished everything and everyone in here too.

“That bastard…” Kim Dokja muttered under his breath.

“Who, hyung?” Lee Gilyoung said, standing next to Kim Dokja.

“Ah, nobody. Don’t worry about it for right now.” Kim Dokja told him, picking up the boy and jumping off the platform after checking there was nothing of use there.

“Let’s keep going. There are two stops left.” He told the group, and they all kept moving.

Kim Dokja carried Lee Gilyoung, who seemed to be a bit drowsy. It had been a while since any of them had gotten peaceful rest, last night not helping a bit.

They walked and walked. The distance from Yaksu to Dongdae was less than a kilometer, but it still felt like forever.

Once at Dongdae station. There was another group of ground rats, but Kim Dokja let Lee Hyunsung, Jung Heewon and Yoo Sangah handle them. It would be beneficial for their strength and other levels.

“We will take a break here.” Kim Dokja said, placing Lee Gilyoung down gently. The boy was asleep, and Kim Dokja took off his coat to cover him.

“There’s only one stop left. We should just go there and relax…” Jung Heewon said, exhausted partially as well.

“I don’t think we’ll be able to rest once we arrive.” Kim Dokja said, making sure the tone of his voice was good enough to let them know he implied that they wouldn’t be able to at all.

Everyone was silent.

Kim Namwoon sat down next to Lee Gilyoung, yawning as well. Kim Dokja couldn’t tell if the boy was actually tired, or just lazy. Either way, he let him be.

“A lot of the people in this station left in a rush. See if anything was left behind.” Kim Dokja told them, and his group nodded.

Yoo Sangah and Jung Heewon left to search for something, and Lee Hyunsung left to look for a restroom.

Yoo Sangah turned around after a moment, looking at Kim Dokja’s black clad figure.

“Will Dokja-ya be okay being alone for a bit?” She asked.

Kim Dokja smiled.

“I’m going to go above ground for a moment. Make sure nothing happens to the kids, alright?” He asked.

She nodded, but looked shocked.

“There’s still fog… will it be alright?”

“Yes, I’ll be fine for a bit.” Kim Dokja said, moving to leave.

Jung Heewon narrowed her eyes at him, but Kim Dokja was already on his way to leave.

~~~

Kim Dokja’s boots hit the ground quickly, and he made his was outside of the exit 6 to Dongdae station.

[You have been exposed to poisonous fog.]

[Your modifier is helping resist the effects of the poison.]

Kim Dokja walked at a lax, but still quick pace to to the bronze statue.

[A constellation wearing a straw mat is wondering what you are doing.]

Sorry, Yujeong Samyeongdang.

Kim Dokja bent down, praying quickly.

[A constellation wearing a straw mat is delighted with your actions.]

[100 coins have been sponsored.]

Kim Dokja drew his sword.

[A constellation wearing a straw mat is confused with your actions.]

He brought the sword down as the jumped, cleaving the statue in half.

[A constellation wearing a straw mat is appalled by your actions.]

Whoops.

The items dropped to the ground, and Kim Dokja tucked them under his arm. That was one task done.

He turned his toned torso around, locking eyes onto an apparel store. It was western-looking, but he supposed it would do.

He walked over quickly, pushing his way inside.

He racked the shelves, which were pretty much full, for multiple items. There wasn’t anything in Lee Gilyoung or Lee Hyunsung’s size, but he grabbed some things that it looked like Yoo Sangah and Jung Heewon would wear, and a new outfit for Kim Namwoon.

He stole a shopping basket to carry them, arms heavy.

The glass doors pushed open quickly, and Kim Dokja made his way back to the entrance of Dongdae station.

He couldn’t see Lee Hyunsung, Yoo Sangah or Jung Heewon, so he placed himself near Kim Namwoon and Lee Gilyoung, taking out the Magic Stove and placing the leg of a ground rat above it, eating quickly.

His modifier only partially blocked the effects of the poisonous fog, and Kim Dokja was perfectly well with having no poison running throughout his body.

“…Hey! Are you crazy? What did you do just now?” Bihyung’s voice rang out, furiously berating him.

“Shut up.” Kim Dokja sent back.

“No, this isn’t an issue you can dismiss. You destroyed a constellation’s idol! Do you want to see my channel fail? Once the ‘Bald General of Justice begins to talk…”

“What do you want me to do? I can threaten him to keep his mouth shut.” Kim Dokja offered, and he could look up a bit to see Bihyung’s shock.

“No, no, don’t do that.” He said.

[A constellation wearing a straw mat is furious at your atrocious actions.]

[The Constellation ‘Prisoner of the Golden Headband’ is laughing.]

[The Constellation ‘Rain Shimmering like Emeralds’ cannot stop laughing.]

Kim Dokja wouldn’t have done this the second time around, but he still needed the skill of Samyeongdang.

The best way to get the skill was to destroy the idol. He could always just buy it, but Kim Dokja didn’t really feel like doing that.

“Eh? What’s all this?” Kim Dokja looked up from his food. The three had returned, Jung Heewon being the one who had spoken.

“I got these. Sorry, Lee Hyunsung, I couldn’t find anything for you.” He said. It was mostly just a non-torn or destroyed variation of the outfits they were already wearing, perhaps including a belt or an accessory.

Kim Dokja also pulled out the items he had gained from destroying the idol.

[Samyeongdang’s beads.]

[Samyeongdang’s Straw Mat.]

“There are also these for you.” He said, pointing to the rags and beads.

“They’re good items, because they’re souvenirs of a great person.” Kim Dokja told them, like a true salesman.

“Great person?” Yoo Sangah asked.

“Do you know Samyeongdang?”

[A constellation wearing a straw mat has paused at your actions.]

Jung Heewon did not know, but Yoo Sangah did. Lee Hyunsung probably knew a bit.

“…Who is that?”

“Ah! I know!” Yoo Sangah said, excitement written all over her face.

It was extremely in character for her.

“I remember seeing him when I was studying Korean history! Isn’t he a monk from the Joseon Dynasty?”

“Yes, you’re right.”

“When the Korean military was struggling to defend against the Japanese invasion… he fought in the Nowongpyeong battle and the Wukwandong battle!”

Kim Dokja thought he was smart, but next to Yoo Sangah, he didn’t seem like it at all.

Kim Dokja tells the Fourth Wall to die.

[A constellation wearing a straw mat is touched by incarnation ‘Yoo Sangah!’]

Kim Dokja nodded.

“Anyway, these items have his strength.”

“…Really?” Jung Heewon said, skeptical.

Does it count as plagarism if Kim Dokja was repeating the same thing he had said before?

“Wow, it’s real!”

All three were surprised when they confirmed the item information.

“Where did you get these?” Yoo Sangah said, eyes shining up at Kim Dokja.

“Ah… I just put my hands together in front of the Samyeongdang statue and… they fell from the sky.”

Kim Dokja lied easily. He was too good at it. Practice makes perfect, they say. Kim Dokja tells the Fourth Wall to go fuck itself.

“Huh? No way…” Jung Heewon said.

It was ridiculous, but they didn’t really have a choice but to accept it.

Kim Dokja did his best to look like he was devout and very grateful. It looked like he needed to use a restroom.

“I think… it was sent by Samyeongdang for the Incarnations of South Korea.” He tried.

They all ooh and ah’d at Kim Dokja, and the Constellation was really just hoping he wouldn’t be smited from the sky.

“He must’ve left his belongins to save the country, just like during the Japanese invasion of South Korea. Anyway, it’s similar to this.”

[A constellation wearing a straw mat is moved by your words.]

In times of turmoil, scammers always gained power. That’s what Kim Dokja was.

Kim Dokja says that if the Fourth Wall ever manifests, Kim Dokja will ◼️◼️◼️◼️ and ◼️◼️◼️◼️ them.

[Th e Fo urth Wa ll sm irks.]

“In a world like this, it’s not that weird I guess. Maybe Samyeongdang is one of those constellations.” Jung Heewon thought out loud, and Lee Hyunsung agreed immeadiately. Yoo Sangah pondered for a moment, and then agreed too.

A muttering sound was heard, and Kim Dokja turned around to see Kim Namwoon sat up, staring at Kim Dokja like he was insane.

[A constellation wearing a straw mat likes your words.]

[The Constellation ‘Bald General of Justice’ forgives your sins.]

“What’s all this?” The boy asked, pushing Kim Dokja’s coat off him and back onto Lee Gilyoung .

“Ah, I got you these. Your outfit is ruined.” Kim Dokja pulled out the clothes, handing them over to the boy, who took them in observance, before a small sparkle appearing in his eyes.

He jumped up, rushing over to the subway restrooms without further question.

Kim Dokja looked over to see that Bihyung was still looking at him confused, and the Dokkaebi was just looking up at the sky like ‘Is this okay?’. Kim Dokja didn’t give a fuck.

Kim Dokja turned back to his friends.

“I’ll give Samyeongdang’s beads to Yoo Sangah, since you know him so well.” It was also because she was going to be needing a lot of Mana soon, but she didn’t need to know that he knew that.

“Really? Can I accept it?” She asked, eyes shining.

“I think Samyeongdang will be delighted if you use it.”

The performance wasn’t that good compared to what it would be if she was his incarnation, but it would do.

Jung Heewon watched Yoo Sangah, envy filling her eyes.

Kim Dokja spoke to the sulking Jung Heewon quickly.

“I also have something for Jung Heewon-ssi.”

“For me? Is it the straw mat?” She asked, pointing at herself.

“Yes.”

“It’s okay. No matter how urgent, I don’t want to wear such a thing.” She said. Kim Dokja almost laughed.

“…Just try it on. It not that bad, I promise.”

She hesitated only for a moment more before throwing it on. She was trying to look fashionable, but she looked more like a beggar in Kim Dokja’s eyes.

[Demon King ‘Red-Maned Gourmet’ likes friendship and praises your actions.]

Jung Heewon saw her reflection on the screen door of the subway and made a slightly complicated expression.

“It’s hard to explain… I feel like I can harness the power of justice with this.” She said. Lee Hyunsung stared at her like she was pretty anyway. Moreover, he stared at her like she was the prettiest thing he had ever seen. Kim Dokja smiled, and turned away.

“You said Samyeongdang? I feel sorry for some reason. I should study harder.” Jung Heewon remarked.

[The constellation ‘Bald General of Justice’ is happy at this siutation.]

[100 coins have been sponsored.]

“We should pray, then.” Kim Dokja joked. The Fourth Wall didn’t even know if the man realized he had said that the first time around too.

It was a joke, but Jung Heewon really did walk away to pray. Kim Dokja wasn’t that stressed about it, so he let her be.

Yoo Sangah laid down to sleep, as did Lee Hyunsung. Lee Gilyoung woke up at some point, before looking around and lying back down.

Kim Namwoon emerged from the restroom, looking much more… like someone from an apocalyptic situation.

Kim Dokja hadn’t really looked at what he grabbed, but taking it into closer account, it did look good on him. Baggy white shirt over a black and red cargo jacket with matching pants and black combat boots similar to Kim Dokja’s.

He looked like he would kill someone without a second thought.

“Eh? What the hell are you looking at, Ahjussi?” He said, pulling his hair back. Kim Dokja smiled slightly and put his hands up.

“You don’t smell like blood anymore.” He commented, and Kim Namwoon picked up his jacket to smell it.

“I can fix that.” He joked, but Kim Dokja wasn’t really sure if it was actually a joke. Kim Dokja also didn’t care.

Kim Namwoon sat down near Kim Dokja, yanking the Magic Stove over and cooked a ground rat leg.

Jung Heewon came back over, sitting down and taking a leg from the pile that had been gathered. It probably wasn’t sanitary, but nobody cared anyway.

“Rest up here, I don’t know how much sleep you’ll get at Chungmuro.” Kim Dokja told Jung Heewon. Kim Namwoon had already taken a nap, but he wasn’t sure if the boy wanted to lay down again.

Jung Heewon nodded as she finished eating, laying down a few feet away from everyone else.

Kim Namwoon didn’t move.

“Aiyah, Ahjussi, aren’t you going to sleep? I can stand guard.” Kim Namwoon said proudly, touching his daggers.

“I know you could. I just… don’t like sleep.” Kim Dokja said. It was a lie, of course. But he couldn’t exactly tell anyone that he didn’t want to sleep near here because he knew it would evoke memories of his childhood.

They’d come across the Mind Specters soon, and Kim Dokja was sure he could use the fourth wall to turn it off, but he didn’t want to relive it in a situation where it would take a while to wake up.

Kim Namwoon studied him carefully.

“What… are you? Don’t give me one of those bullshit answers like you gave the others. I know you’re one of the gods or whatever, and that you’ve lived before. I don’t give a damn about those. You know something we don’t. What is it?” Kim Namwoon spoke, leaning back against a pillar.

It was spoken crudely, but the way he said it.. made Kim Dokja feel just a little bit seen. The 28 year old smiled.

“I don’t know, really. The best answer might be ‘The Person who knows the end of the world’ but I dislike that anyway.” Kim Dokja replied.

Kim Namwoon narrowed his eyes.

“Tell me about yourself.” He said, like he was interrogating Kim Dokja. Kim Dokja’s eyes widened briefly, before laughing a small amount.

“What, for free? I think we know my policy on thinks like that.” Kim Dokja countered.

“Fine. A trade. I’ll tell you something, you tell me.” Kim Namwoon offered.

“Alright. What do you want to know?” Kim Dokja asked.

“I don’t know. You got a lover, or someshit like that? Everything here is so boring. It makes me miss school gossip. I hate gossip.” Kim Namwoon tch’ed, like it sucked.

Kim Dokja took the boy into account. He was the delusional demon, alright. But he was different from TWSA’s delusional demon, with Kim Dokja. He felt like a kid, more of. He was still insane, but he was vulnerable.

“Something like that, I guess. I wouldn’t really call them a ‘lover’ though. They might rip my throat out if I said that.” Kim Dokja said fondly.

Kim Namwoon stared at him like he was out of his mind.

“Hell of a type, you got. My turn?” He asked, after commenting on Kim Dokja.

“Yeah.”

“It’s no fun if you don’t ask me any questions. Fine. I don’t know. My hair is dyed?” Kim Namwoon thought, trying to think of a fun fact.

The time passed trivially like this, passing secrets back and forth with each other. Kim Dokja told him he read a lot, Kim Namwoon said he was responsible for his school’s gossip page, and Kim Dokja got the feeling that the boy actually did like gossip, and just lied about it.

Eventually, Kim Namwoon yawned again, and fell asleep gently.

Kim Dokja was left alone with his thoughts.

It wasn’t a bad thing, really.

He just wasn’t a fan.

He thought about Yoo Joonghyuk. It was going to be difficult to forge a relationship with him all over again, but Kim Dokja supposed he could pass through it. Maybe he’d get to see him smile this time around.

Kim Dokja missed his companion.

~~~

“…ja.”

“Dokja-ssi!”

Kim Dokja startled up. Jung Heewon was in his face, snapping to get his attention. He must have fallen asleep.

He hadn’t dreamt about anything, surprisingly.

“Ah, sorry.” He said, standing up.

“We should get moving now.” He told his friends, and they all nodded. Everyone was awake.

Lee Gilyoung offered Kim Dokja his coat back, and he placed it back on, shoving anything else they might need into his pockets.

They made their way down the platform and the tracks.

“Be prepared. We will arrive at Chungmuro soon.”

Kim Dokja looked down the dark tunnel. They were almost at ‘that’ part. Kim Dokja was not looking forward to it.

Considering that Dongdae to Chungmuro was a kilometer in a straightline, they really should have shown up by now.

[A new sub scenario has arrived!]

Of course, as soon as he thought about it, it started.

“Everyone, step back.” Kim Dokja instructed.

+

[Sub Scenario - Welcome Prison]

Category : Sub

Difficulty : D-F

Clear Conditions : Escape from the Welcome Prison within the time limit.

Time limit : 1 hour

Compensation : 300 coins

Failure : ???

+

“Welcome Prison? What’s this?” Yoo Sangah asked carefully.

“Everyone, remember it’s all fake.” Kim Dokja instruced, calm as ever.

Before he had even finished speaking, a haze came over him. The fog instantly occupied the tunnel and blocked his field of view. None of his companions could be seen.

Jung Heewon screamed from somewhere.

“Dokja.”

A voice that Kim Dokja knew well, said.

Kim Dokja could hear his companions calling for him, but they would need to wait for him for a bit.

The landscape disappeared and the face of a person popped up. Kim Dokja smiled bitterly as he stared straight forward. He wanted to deny this reality from ever happening.

[The exclusive Skill ‘Fourth Wall’ is activated!]

[Due to the skill effect, immunity to ‘Welcome Prison’ has occured.]

The moment it activated, the scene cleared.

[The Constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ admires your spirit.]

[100 coins have been sponsored.]

[The curious constellations are sad they can’t see your memories.]

They could all leave him be.

Kim Dokja took in the sight of his companions around him, looking and making sure everyone was there.

“S-soldier Lee Hyunsung. Did you hear wrong?”

“I was wrong. I was wrong. Mother!”

“T-this dog bastard!”

“No, fuck you! Don’t fucking touch me, you bastard!”

…Kim Dokja had gotten out late again.

“…Dokja-ya?” Yoo Sangah called out, and Kim Dokja whirled around at the sound of her voice. It had worked again. Samyeongdang’s beads glowed around her wrist.

“Make sure nobody gets hurt. I’m going to destroy this.” Kim Dokja instructed her.

She nodded, a nervous expression written all over her face.

[The exclusive skill ‘Destroy Evil lvl. 3’ is activated.]

[The exclusive skill ‘Destroy Evil lvl. 3’ has turned off ‘Welcome Prison’.]

The fog retreated quickly, and the prison disappeared, and Kim Dokja’s friends gradually came back to their senses.

“O-Our resolve! We are the South Korean army, loyal to the nation and the people!”

“Uh…Uh…Mother..”

“I’ll- I’ll do better next time! I’m sorry!”

Kim Namwoon had his hands up like he was going to be hit, Lee Hyunsung was bowing with his head on the ground, and Lee Gilyoung was on his knees and shaking.

Yoo Sangah came forward quickly.

“Lee Hyunsung-ssi? Gilyoung? Namwoon-ssi? Please wake up!” She said, trying to help the three friends.

Kim Dokja needed to help Jung Heewon.

A blade came through from behind him, and Kim Dokja dodged easily.

“…I will kill all of you.” She said, waving her sword as though she were completely mad.

This was bad. Kim Dokja could see the red fade into her eyes, a sign of ‘Demon Slaying.’

He walked up to her quickly, hitting the back of her neck to knock her out. It was expected this time.

Yoo Sangah rushed over, having woken up their other friends.

“Please watch her for a second.” Kim Dokja asked, placing Jung Heewon on the ground carefully.

It wasn’t quite done, not yet.

[You have met the conditions to clear the scenario.]

[You have earned 300 coins.]

Specters started appearing quickly, and Dokja unsheathed, destroying them in a single breath.

The creepy and extremely weird masses of ectoplasm were destroyed fast.

[Specter’s stone.]

Kim Dokja put the stones into his pockets fast. Thanks to Yoo Sangah, when he turned around, everyone was recovering quickly.

Yoo Sangah didn’t say anything to Kim Dokja as he returned, holding Jung Heewon in her lap.

Kim Dokja made his way over to Lee Gilyoung picking up the boy.

“I have a headache…” He said, burying himself into Dokja’s shoulder as Kim Dokja held the boy.

Kim Namwoon came and stood by Kim Dokja’s side.

“..How much did you see?” He mumbled under his breath.

“…You don’t need to be so angry all the time, Kim Namwoon. It wasn’t your fault.” Kim Dokja told him.

He had taken it out of a book, but they were comforting words nonetheless. The boy looked to the ground, eyes slightly redrimmed.

They both pretended to be okay, but perhaps the most traumatized ones were these two.

There was a pale light in the distance.

“Dokja-ya, I think it’s over.” Yoo Sangah commented.

Kim Dokja took into account everyone. It should be fine from here.

A blade loomed in the darkness, pointed directly at Kim Dokja’s neck.

“Who are you? Don’t you know that this area is our hunting ground?” Lee Jihye said, holding a long sword.

“Ah, you are…!” Yoo Sangah said in surprise. Kim Dokja figured most of the people here should recognize her from the broadcast.

“…Did you guys beat the specters?”

“Dokja-ssi did.” Lee Hyunsung asked, motioning gently to the man she had her sword pointed at.

“How did you… only Master could?” She muttered.

“An exclusive skill I got. Can you take us to Chungmuro?” Kim Dokja said, a smile on his face.

He wasn’t really all that threatening with a child on his hip and another at his side, so Lee Jihye let them in.

They followed her and entered Chungmuro quickly.

As they climbed from the tracks of railway line 3, a lot of people were sat down.

[You have entered Chungmuro.]

[The third scenario is currently in progress.]

[#GIR-8761 channel is active.]

[#BIR-3642 channel is active.]

Some middle aged people saw Lee Jihye leading us, and waved us over. Kim Dokja set Lee Gilyoung down as they progressed.

“Oh, little samurai. You brought new people?”

“Yes.”

What a terrible name to have, especially with a supporting constellation like hers.

“Are you drunk again?” She asked.

“Hahah! What is there to do other than drink when the world’s like this?”

The atmosphere was terribly different from Gumho station here.

They rambled about how they must have come from the tunnels and having a lot of coins.

“Young lady over there, what’s your name? Want to rent a room for cheap?” He said, hiccuping between words while pointing at Yoo Sangah.

“…Room?”

“Haha, you don’t know the system here yet? This place-”

Lee Jihye cut off the men’s words.

“Don’t try and trick the newcomers. If you don’t want to get injured, then get lost.”

The middle aged men paled at Lee Jihye’s words.

They disappeared to transit line 4, and Lee Jihye put away her sword then. She turned back to Kim Dokja’s group.

“I brought you here so take care from now on. I’m not a babysitter.” She said, indifferent to the group.

Kim Dokja looked around. This was no longer chess. It was a game of checkers here.

“S-shit! I’ll kill you if you come close…” A man in the middle of the platform for line 3 was waving a knife around and threatening quickly.

The green light for the room beneath him shone up.

“…Why is he doing that?” Yoo Sangah asked.

Kim Dokja did not answer.

He didn’t need to scare her now. There were going to be many people like him, and they would all definetly hurt her. Kim Dokja only spared them a glance, before turning to Lee Jihye.

“Is Yoo Joonghyuk here?” Kim Dokja asked. Lee Jihye had been about to leave, but she turned her head at the sound of his name.

Her eyes narrowed.

“Who are you?”

“I’m a companion of his.” Kim Dokja said with a smile on his face.

She stared at Kim Dokja with suspicious eyes. Kim Dokja shrugged, shameless.

“He’ll understand if you tell him. Where is he right now?”

“…Master isn’t here right now.”

“Aw, dang it. I had somehting I needed to say.”

Lee Jihye’s expression contorted with something akin to betrayal on it. She called out to the boy in a corner, telling them to watch over Kim Dokja.

The boy looked at them with puzzled eyes.

“Who are they?”

“I don’t know. Master’s friends?”

The moment the words left her mouth, the boys eyes widened in shock and happiness.

“Are you really Yoo Joonghyuk-ssi’s friends?” The boy asked with excitemnet.

“Yes.”

Kim Dokja was in for a long moment.

~~~

This boy talked too much.

He had made a survey of all around Chungmuro, for the most part, while the boy recounted Yoo Joonghyuk’s heroics. It was like a ballad, almost.

He continued, but in a moment, a presence with an overwhelming force rescued them.

It intruded quickly, and a crowd gathered around at the feeling of Yoo Joonghyuk appearing.

“Master, it’s that guy over there. He pretended to be your companion.”

Lee Jihye’s voice rang out.

Kim Dokja turned around, face to face with Yoo Joonghyuk at last.

He looked at the man, and smiled with a little wave. Yoo Joonghyuk was white as a sheet. His mouth was slightly agape, and he looked nothing like what Kim Dokja had rememebered.

Plus, hadn’t he shown up when Kim Dokja had to talk to Gong Pildu?

“Kim Dokja.” Yoo Joonghyuk said, voice low and starched for breath.

It was odd. Why was this so out of place.

“Kim Dokja.” Yoo Joonghyuk repeated.

“Ah, yes?” Kim Dokja said, realizing he hadn’t replied.

“I- Kim Dokja. You… You said that we would meet again.

Kim Dokja froze.

Chapter Text

Every single vein in Kim Dokja’s body ran cold. Not a single muscle moved. Yoo Joonghyuk had not said that. He had not been here.

It wasn’t possible. It just- It couldn’t be.

Kim Dokja’s mouth opened, then closed, then opened again in denial. Those were his words. And Yoo Joonghyuk had just stolen them.

Lee Jihye was looking back and forth between the pair, shock and confusion everywhere on her face.

Yoo Joonghyuk looked at Kim Dokja with sharp eyes, but they looked hurt.. and hopeful, the smallest bits of despair like shards of glass.

[The ‘Fourth Wall’ is shaking!]

[The ‘Fourth Wall’ has nullified some of your shock!]

Kim Dokja read the messages quickly, before pulling himself together. He could fall apart at a later time.

The man smiled.

“Didn’t I say we should meet again?” Kim Dokja said, his voice shaking despite him trying his best to hide it.

Yoo Joonghyuk lunged forward the moment the words left his mouth, and Kim Dokja was pretty worried he was going to be stabbed.

A strong presence wrapped around him. Yoo Joonghyuk gripped Kim Dokja like a lifeline, and despite being quite a bit taller than Kim Dokja, he rested his head on his shoulder.

Kim Dokja didn’t know how to feel.

[Exclusive Skill ‘Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint Lvl. 2’ has been activated!]

‘He remembers. He remembers. He remembers. He remembers. He remembers. He remembers. He remembers.’

It was the only thing Yoo Joonghyuk was thinking, over and over and over again. It felt all consuming, over and over, and over.

Then, four more words.

“I’m not alone anymore.”

It felt like a bucket of ice water had been dumped on Kim Dokja. The man in white wrapped his arms around Yoo Joonghyuk, who flinched a bit, and then relaxed.

Both the boy and Lee Jihye looked completely shocked.

Yoo Joonghyuk stood up as quickly as he had hugged Kim Dokja, grabbing the man’s wrist.

“You. Watch them.” Yoo Joonghyuk said, addressing Lee Jihye and pointing to Kim Dokja’s equally shocked group.

Kim Namwoon had an eyebrow raised, and Kim Dokja had the feeling he was making an inferrence. Lee Gilyoung looked pissed, Jung Heewon and Lee Hyunsung confused, and Yoo Sangah just smiled.

Kim Dokja was practically dragged away as he waved bye to his companions. Many of the people of the Chungmuro stared at the two men with oddity on their faces, but they went back to whatever they had been doing with a simple glare from the man in black.

Yoo Joonghyuk went down a passage that had once been used for railway workers, but was now ransacked and abandoned.

He kicked a door open with an unneeded amount of force, and let go of Kim Dokja. Kim Dokja walked in after the man, rubbing his wrist.

“You could have used less force, you know? I’m gonna bruise.” Kim Dokja remarked.

Everything in his mind was whirring a thousand miles an hour, and the only way to cope was to joke. It was going to end terribly.

“You are Kim Dokja. Yes or No?”

[The Incarnation ‘Yoo Joonghyuk’ is using the skill ‘Lie Detection Lvl. 1’]

This bastard.

“Yes.”

[Lie Detection has confirmed that your words are true.]

“You are my Kim Dokja?” Yoo Joonghyuk asked.

Kim Dokja felt his ears flush pink.

“I wouldn’t- whatever. Yes.”

[Lie Detection has confirmed your words are true.]

“How are you here?”

“I don’t know.”

[Lie Detection has confirmed your words are true.]

Yoo Joonghyuk stared at him, before collapsing on an old couch, head in his hands.

“Are… you okay?” Kim Dokja asked, tentatively.

“Yes.” Yoo Joonghyuk grumbled.

[Lie Detection has confirmed Incarnation ‘Yoo Joonghyuk’’s words to be false.]

Kim Dokja read the message, and giggled only a bit under his breath. He walked over and sat down on the ground next to the couch. Yoo Joonghyuk didn’t pick up his head to look at him.

“It’s funny to think about the bridge situation now.” Kim Dokja remarked, legs crossed as he spoke to a silent Yoo Joonghyuk.

“…You still fell off.” Yoo Joonghyuk grumbled.

“At least you didn’t drop me this time.” Kim Dokja said, laughing. The man hadn’t even stoppped to wonder why that had changed, so preoccupied with everything else.

“…. You saved different people this time.”

“Ah, you mean Namwoon? I felt bad for him. He’s not that bad of a kid, when he’s not murdering others without a second thought.” Kim Dokja spoke fondly of the boy.

“You must exist to spite me, Kim Dokja.”

Kim Dokja was puzzled.

“Eh?”

Kim Dokja was confused.

Yoo Joonghyuk’s head rose, pale grey eyes looking directly at Kim Dokja. His tanned and scarred hand reached out quickly, shaking with the slightest tremor, and Kim Dokja was sure he was going to be strangled there, but he was yanked forward.

“You fool.” Yoo Joonghyuk said, before yanking Kim Dokja’s lips to his. Yoo Joonghyuk didn’t taste anything like what Kim Dokja had imagined.

[The Fourth Wall is shaking greatly!]

[Your exclusive story ‘Life and Death Companions’ has been fed!]

[Incarnation ‘Yoo Joonghyuk’ has gained partial immunity to your exclusive skill ‘Fourth Wall’!]

Kim Dokja’s mind was reeling. His head was blank, face more red than a tomatoe, and the only thing he could feel was the tang of blood on Yoo Joonghyuk’s lips. He wasn’t sure where it came from, but he was falling backwards, and scarred arms were there to catch him.

Kim Dokja wrapped his hand into Yoo Joonghyuk’s slightly curled hair, touching him lightly.

Yoo Joonghyuk broke away. Kim Dokja’s eyes were full of stars, and he struggled to regain any semblance of control over himself.

It was everything Kim Dokja had ever wanted, but it was gone and Kim Dokja was a greedy, greedy man.

Kim Dokja was on his knees and Yoo Joonhyuk was bent over at the waist, and Kim Dokja doubted his ears would ever lose their tint of pink. Yoo Joonghyuk placed a hand on Kim Dokja’s cheek, tracing his thumb over his face.

“I can see your face?”

“Ah, well, it’s always been there.” Kim Dokja said, falling to the ground, legs twisted oddly, as he tried to figure out what had just happened.

Yoo Joonghyuk had kissed him. Kim Dokja had kissed back. Yoo Joonghyuk was looking at Kim Dokja with something that Kim Dokja could only call love. That wasn’t possible. Nope. No sir. Not here.

Kim Dokja must be dreaming.

Yoo Joonghyuk stood up, grabbing the back of Kim Dokja’s coat, and pulling him to his feet like he was a cat.

“Never do that again.” Yoo Joonghyuk said, acting like his lips weren’t slightly swollen and he hadn’t just made out with Kim Dokja.

“Do what?” Kim Dokja said, wiping his mouth on his coat. He would never hear the end of it from Kim Namwoon and Jung Heewon.

“Don’t ever make me kill you again.” Yoo Joonghyuk said, and there were a thousand unspoken words runing through his body like blood. His eyes and his mind and his heart all said ‘I never want to touch you with anything but fondness. I never want to be the one to hurt you.’ but that was a reality neither of the men could accept.

Kim Dokja wondered what the feeling in his heart was. He was sure he loved Yoo Joonghyuk, he had since he was a boy, reading his story, but this was different.

Kim Dokja didn’t know, but the Fourth Wall knew.

The thing that Kim Dokja was feeling was Limerence. He loved Yoo Joonghyuk so deeply to the point of dying for him. He felt his fondness for the regressor the same way any person feels any emotion.

The words that crackled like electricity in the air went unspoken, because the men didn’t even know to recognize to say them.

‘I love you more than every life I’ve ever lived.’

‘I would die a thousand times just to see you live the life you’ve always wanted to live.’

They walked back down the hall, speaking to each other casually. Well, Kim Dokja was speaking casually. Yoo Joonghyuk spoke like he didn’t know the other at all.

“Kim Dokja.”

“Yeah?”

“What’s the plan?” Yoo Joonghyuk asked.

“There isn’t one.” Kim Dokja shrugged. Yoo Joonghyuk glared at him. Their feet hit the ground at the same time, but as they arrived at their destination, Kim Dokja’s companions were gone.

Yoo Joonghyuk glared at the spot so hard he might burn holes into the ground. Kim Dokja’s mind rang through, trying to think of where they might be.

[Omnsicent Reader’s Viewpoint Lvl. 1 has been activated!]

‘ The boy overheard the conversation that we were having and spoke truthfully. “You will need to go up to the second floor to use the restroom, but it won’t be easy to enter. ’

The words echoed in his mind like they were words from a novel, and it was helpful regardless.

“Come on.” Kim Dokja said, hiking his knees up as he scaled the stairs, and Yoo Joonghyuk followed him silently.

The second underground floor wasn’t far, and Kim Dokja took note of how anyone that would want to speak to him was scared off once they saw the man behind him, glowering.

The amount of green zones on this floor was bigger than Kim Dokja remembered. People guarding their zones regarded Kim Dokja and Yoo Joonghyuk with scared eyes, backing away if they got too close.

Kim Dokja pushed his way forward through the bottleneck of the crowd, and the people parted for Yoo Joonghyuk like the red sea did for moses. Kim Dokja was annoyed.

Kim Dokja made his way to the front, and saw Lee Gilyoung on his knees, Kim Namwoon in front of him.

[You have invaded private property!]

The boxes screamed at him as he made his way onto the property.

“Are you these boys parent?” A man, the one pretending to be Gong Pildu, said.

“Yes.” Kim Dokja said. He had his hands buried in his pockets, and he could feel eyes lasored in on him.

“Didn’t you teach them not to invade other people’s land?” The man said.

[The Incarnation ‘Gong Pildu’ has activated ‘Armed Zone lvl. 3’!]

The whirring sound started and mini turrets, closely resembling gatling guns or machine guns rose from the ground.

[If you don’t follow the reccommendations, all nearby turrets will fire immeadiately.]

The man spoke.

“Give me money.”

The turrets all pointed at Kim Dokja, and the man was completely unfazed. Kim Dokja took in the men, looking around, and at Kim Namwoon’s determined face, and Lee Gilyoung’s only slightly scared one.

He turned to his companion.

“Aiyah, Yoo Joonghyuk-ah. You just let these people go?” He asked, staring at the taller with a contemplative look on his face.

Yoo Joonghyuk grumbled, making his way onto the property and standing next to Kim Dokja.

[Incarnation ‘Yoo Joonghyuk’ has invaded on Private Property!]

[Incarnation ‘Yoo Joonghyuk’ has activated ‘Midday Tryst’!]

…That was still working?

YJH ; Stop making me fight your battles.

KDJ; They don’t know who I am. They’re not scared of me.

YJH ; Tch.

The skill window popped up, exchanging thoughts as messages.

“Eh? Why is that guy here?” The fake Gong Pildu said, startling back a minor amount at Yoo Joonghyuk’s presence.

Even the real Gong Pildu, looked surprised at his appearance. It was like they had never even expected that this stoic and emotionally constipated man could ever have friends, let alone a companion.

“He is my companion.” Kim Dokja said, smiling complacently.

[A few constellations are curious about what Incarnation ‘Yoo Joonghyuk’ will say.]

[The Constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ is watching what Yoo Joonghyuk will say after what you did!]

Ah, right.

They must have seen that too.

Kim Dokja’s face burned a bright red.

“He is correct.” Yoo Joonghyuk said, drawing his blade and pointing it directly at the group.

~~~

After a moment of time, everyone in Kim Dokja’s group used the restroom safely and came down to the platform of line 3.

Kim Dokja took a seat on one of the subway benches, vacated by people who saw Lee Jihye and Yoo Joonghyuk. Yoo Joonghyuk sat next to him, like a cat following it’s owner.

Yoo Joonghyuk didn’t say anything, just leaned against the tiled wall and shut his eyes. It looked like he felt at ease here.

“Your companions have grown more than they did last round.” Yoo Joonghyuk remarked, under his breath. Lee Jihye was glaring at Kim Dokja from across the subway.

“I found better items this time, and I figured out cheats, I guess.”

“New weapons?”

“The Random Item Box you missed gave me an item that Namwoon is using well.”

Yoo Joonghyuk’s eyes opened at the mention of a random item box.

“A random item box?” He said, confusion on his unexpressive face. “Those were all destroyed.”

“There was one in the ground rat hideout. You missed it. Twice.” Kim Dokja laughed at him, and the shock and grief on missing out on something so great caused Yoo Joonghyuk to look completely out of character.

Yoo Joonghyuk’s face shifted into discomfort, maybe anger. Kim Dokja still had a hard time reading him.

“What did you get?” He asked, arms crossed as he spoke with Kim Dokja.

“The first time? I got Unbroken Faith. This time I got ‘Split Faith’ which are daggers, apparently.” Kim Dokja said, gesturing both to his sword and the weapons that currently rested on Kim Namwoon’s hips.

“Those are Star Relic items.” Yoo Joonghyuk said.

“Really? I didn’t even know!” Kim Dokja said, only slightly mocking him.

“I will kill you, Kim Dokja.” Yoo Joonghyuk glared, and Kim Dokja stood up, backing up slightly.

“Is this a bad time to make a ‘You already did’ joke?” Kim Dokja asked, and it might be Kim Dokja’s imagination, but Yoo Joonghyuk was glaring at him with such intensity he might actually burn lasers.

Lee Jihye approached the scene, and Kim Dokja cowardly hid behind her. Kim Dokja was sure Yoo Joonghyuk would decimate her to get to Dokja, but he was funny so he did it anyway.

“Sorry! Sorry~” Kim Dokja said, watching Lee Jihye watch the scene.

“I have to go now.” Yoo Joonghyuk said, looking down at his watch. He glanced up at Lee Jihye who nodded.

Yoo Joonghyuk walked away, not looking back.

[Midday Tryst]

YJH ; Stay here. I’ll be back for you in a minute.

KDJ ; Don’t die, Sunfish Bastard.

YJH ; Ironic.

Kim Dokja closed the box, acknoledging the messages with a smile.

[The Constellation ‘Bald General of Justice’ is impressed by your chivalrous spirit.]

[The Constellation ‘Fallen Prince of Nirvana’ finds your relationship with incarnation ‘Yoo Joonghyuk’ endearing.]

[600 coins have been sponsored.]

Kim Dokja turned back to his companions, a bit of a distance away. Kim Namwoon, not with the group, stood closer.

“What’s with you and that other Ahjussi?” He asked, looking skeptical.

“I mentioned him ot you last night, I think.” Kim Dokja implied. It was a fair enough comparison, since Kim Dokja wasn’t quite sure what he was to Yoo Joonghyuk.

“I’ve never even seen you two interact. Were you friends before?” Kim Namwoon interrogated, completely suspicious.

“He’s a regressor too.” Kim Dokja said, and watched as the boy’s red eyes widened.

“How many of you are there?”

“Only the two of us.”

“Oh-ho?” Kim Namwoon said, whistling slightly as they walked. Kim Dokja felt the very sudden urge to hit him. “What do you like in that bastard anyway? He looks evil.” Kim Namwoon remarked.

“It’s not that he’s evil, persay. He just lacks empathy and goes into a disassociative state and commits atrocities.” Kim Dokja said, explaining Yoo Joonghyuk quite well. “I also like his face.” He finished off.

Other than his insufferable personality, Kim Dokja found it relaxing to talk to Kim Namwoon. It wasn’t as if he dislike his other friends, but the Kim Namwoon spoke so casually put Kim Dokja at ease.

Kim Dokja was curious.

‘Bihyung.’

‘What do you want? I’m busy.’

‘How many incarnations can a constellation have?’

‘I don’t think there’s a limit. Why?’

‘No reason.’

Kim Dokja disabled the Dokkaebi communication. It would be good to have incarnations. Last time, he had Shin Yoosung, but he wasn’t officially a constellation until the end.

Was there a reason he couldn’t take more incarnations this time?

He thought about it, which Kim Dokja rarely ever did, and decided that it was a good idea. He’d also get a portion of the coins, wouldn’t he?

Kim Dokja turned to Kim Namwoon. He’d talk to Lee Gilyoung later.

“Namwoon-ssi. You don’t have a supporting constellation right now, right?” Kim Dokja asked.

“No. Why?” Kim Namwoon said, eyes narrowing at the blurry face Ahjussi.

“I’ll sponsor you.” Kim Dokja offered, smile on his face like he had simply suggested they go out for lunch.

Kim Namwoon looked at Kim Dokja for a moment, cogs whirring in his head.

“Do I get coins?” He asked, curious.

“Yes.” Kim Dokja replied.

“Deal.”

Kim Dokja smiled widely.

He opened the dokkaebi bag quickly, buying two ‘Premium Star Stream Incarnation Contract’ and pocketing one. He dug in the same pocket for an old pen.

It wasn’t working quite right, and he drew over his arm a bit before the ink started flowing.

He signed his name and modifier in the places where it said to do so, and then handed the scroll over to Kim Namwoon.

The boy read it over quickly, before signing as well, no second thoughts in his mind.

The moment both names were written onto the paper, it went up into flames and Kim Dokja didn’t noticeably feel anything different.

Kim Namwon shrugged, walking off. The kid was so nonchalant, even in situations like this.

[There is 1 hour and 30 minutes remaining before the third scenario is activated. ]

There wasn’t as much time as Kim Dokja would have liked, but he could work well enough with this.

[The constellation ‘Bald General of Justice’ is angry that people’s lives must be risked.]

[The constellation ‘Bald General of Justice’ wants an uprising.]

How noisy. None of the constellations would shut up, and give Kim Dokja some much needed peace.

[The Constellation ‘Prisoner of the Golden Headband’ is wondering what you are thinking]

“Yoo Joonghyuk.” Kim Dokja answered simply. It wasn’t a truth, but it wasn’t a lie. Some part of his mind was always thinking about the man. Not always in an honest way, but always thinking.

[The Constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ asks for more detail!]

[500 coins have been sponsored.]

[The Constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ tells Constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ to shut up.]

[1000 coins have been sponsored.]

[The Constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ says it’s not Constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’’s business.]

[2000 coins have been sponsored.]

[The Constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ says that ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ shouldn’t interfere in something that’s not his business.]

[4000 coins have been sponsored.]

[The Constellation-

“Shut up, won’t you both? It’s neither of your’s business.” Kim Dokja snapped.

[The Constellation ‘Demon King of Salvation’ glares at ‘Secretive Plotter’ and ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’]

The coins were helpdul, and Kim Dokja was going to proceed to spend them.

He opened the Dokkaebi bag, buying a starter pack for 1500 coins. Then he bought the second version. And the third.

The total came to somewhere around 8,000 coins, and Kim Dokja bought them.

The option popped up quickly.

[Which of your current Incarnations would you like to sponsor?]

- Kim Namwoon

The list ended there, no other incarnation to sponsor appearing. Kim Dokja selected the name, and clicked all the boxes for the Starter Packs.

The notifications alerted him that they had been applied, and Kim Dokja continued on.

Kim Dokja made his way towards his friends, or three of them, and sat down near them.

“You done with your chat with the scary guy? Yoo Joonhyun?” Jung Heewon asked as he sat down.

“Yoo Joonghyuk.” He clarified, and she smiled.

“What is it?” Kim Dokja asked.

“Who were you talking about earlier?”

“..Huh?”

“You know, that person. The one upstairs earlier. You spoke about him briefly.”

Kim Dokja explained Gong Pildu. Jung Heewon had regained conciousness earlier this time, so she had seen part of what had happened, but didn’t fully understand.

“Those bastards… Taking the public facilites and making people pay to use them.” She hissed. “I’ll go and throw them out.”

She picked up her ground rat blade, and Kim Dokja reminded himself to get better weapons soon.

Jung Heewon’s expression was confident, and Kim Dokja felt bad. It was natural, her reaction. She had time of Judgement as a trump card, and good senses as well as the ability to adapt quickly, so she would be confident of herself.

“What are you doing? Get up! Let’s go and kill them!”

“Who are we killing?” Kim Namwoon poked his head around the corner, returning to the group.

“The people upstairs that are charging people for the restrooms.” Jung Heewon told him.

Lee Hyunsung and Yoo Sangah looked concerned at the scene, and Kim Namwoon’s face turned dark.

“I’ll slice them from head to toe.” He said, and Kim Dokja didn’t doubt that he meant it.

[The Incarnation ‘Jung Heewon’ has activated the exclusive skill ‘Time of Judgement!’]

[The Constellations of Absolute Good Alignment remain silent at Jung Heewon’s request.]

[The skill has been canceled.]

Jung Heewon’s face filled with confusion.

“What is this? Is it broken?” She muttered, confused. Kim Namwoon wasn’t really paying attention, more looking murderous and zoned out.

She tried again.

The skill canceled.

“They’re evil. Why won’t it turn on?”

Kim Dokja hummed leaning his back against a pole.

“Are you sure about that? What defines evil? Is it something that can be seen and defined? Cheon Inho was surely evil, but what makes Gong Pildu a terrible person?”

Kim Dokja didn’t agree with his own reasoning, but he needed to say this for this scenario.

“Ah…”

“Fair is foul, and Fowl is fair, Jung Heewon-ssi.” Kim Dokja said.

“So we’re not killing them?” Kim Namwoon clarified.

“Not now.” Kim Dokja told him with sincerity.

Kim Dokja turned to his party members. They had stopped paying attention a bit ago, figuring they trusted Kim Dokja enough to do what he needed to.

He was sure they were listening, and agreeing with Jung Heewon to a point. Lee Hyunsung wiped his iron shield that was slightly scratched, and Yoo Sangah and Lee Gilyoung sat next to each other on the ground, telling stories.

Kim Dokja should perhaps stop torturing what little hope these people had.

[There is 1 hour before the third scenario is activated.]

“We need to find a room.” Kim Dokja remarked.

“…Room?” Jung Heewon asked, confused.

“No time.” Kim Dokja said, meaning to explain it to her later.

Kim Dokja stood up, and he motioned for his party to get up as well. The moment they stood up, the people around them flinched.

“D-D-Don’t come closer!” A man with a knife was protecting a single person room, and although Kim Dokja wouldn’t have attacked him, many others did.

“Get out, you fucker!” One person yelled.

They attacked indiscriminately. As soon as the man was pushed out, the mark changed, as did the owner.

People were engaged in a bloody fight over the room. Someone was stabbed in the thigh while someone else had their nose broken.

Jung Heewon frowned.

“Shouldn’t we stop that?” She asked, and Yoo Sangah and Lee Hyunsung nodded along fervently.

“Are you familiar with the phrase ‘Not my circus, not my monkeys?’” Kim Dokja quotes. Jung Heewon scowled.

Kim Dokja finished speaking right as Bihyung arrived.

“Now Now, shall we start the fourth day of the main scenario? New faces have arrived today, so won’t it be fun? Hahahah!”

Bihyung glanced towards Kim Dokja.

There were three Dokkaebis in charge of Chungmuro’s scenario, and Bihyung was the current spokesperson.

The third scenario arrived.

+

[Main Scenario #3 - Green Zone (Day 4)]

Category : 3

Difficulty : C

Clear Conditions : Occupy the ‘Green Zones’ in the station and survive the monsters every night at midnight. This scenario will last 7 days.

Duration : 8 hours

Compensation : 1,000 coins

Failure : Death

+

Lee Hyunsung’s eyes widened.

“This…!” He said, surprised.

“It’s simple! Occupy a room before others do. Of course, you can also just take rooms of others. You should hurry! If you don’t have a room after the scenario starts, you won’t have a good night!” Bihyung laughed.

Everyone’s expressions hardened as they took in the dokkaebi’s words. In the meantime, Kim Dokja could still hear the screams of people in the background.

“Surely we don’t have to fight like these people?” She asked, a tremor in her voice.

“We don’t need to fight. Just find a room that can accomodate a large number of people.” Kim Dokja paused. “It’s time to search.”

He told them, about to continue, when a familiar clack of boots appeared behind him.

“There aren’t any rooms out here left.” Yoo Joonghyuk said, looking around at Kim Dokja’s crowd.

“Well.. that makes things difficult.” Kim Dokja remarked, pondering for a second.

“Are you going to try what you did last round?” Yoo Joonghyuk asked.

“I don’t see a different option.” Kim Dokja said, shrugging. He ignored the eyes of his companions flicking back and forth between the two regressors.

“You missed it.” Yoo Joonghyuk remarked, hands in pockets, closer to Kim Dokja than friends would stand.

“..eh?” Kim Dokja remarked.

“This is the fourth day.” Yoo Joonghyuk told him. Kim Dokja wracked his brain.

Fourth day? What did he mean- oh. They had arrived on the third day the last time.

What a peculiar issue.

Kim Dokja bent down, pondering in an odd position.

“The best solution is this is to not die, Kim Dokja.” Yoo Joonghyuk remarked. It sounded like a joke. Was Yoo Joonghyuk capable of making jokes?

“So mean to me~” Kim Dokja said back, thinking.

“Hey- what’s that meant to mean?” Jung Heewon questioned, confused.

“I wouldn’t even ask. I’ve never ever seen Master this… happy. He only acts like this when that ugly squid Ahjussi is around.” Lee Jihye said, glaring at Kim Dokja.

“Ugly Squid Ahjussi?” Kim Namwoon overheard, and started laughing. Lee Gilyoung was confused. His hyung wasn’t that ugly.

Kim Dokja stood up.

“Well, that leaves only one option, really.” He decided.

“What is it, Dokja-ya?” Yoo Sangah asked, as happy as ever.

“We kill people and take their room.” Kim Dokja shrugged. Both Kim Namwoon and Lee Gilyoung immeadiately reached for their weapons.

“No need. I have a room.” Yoo Joonghyuk said, short and to the point.

Kim Dokja stared at him for a second.

“New plan. We kill this guy.” He said, pointing to Yoo Joonghyuk. Lee Gilyoung advanced, and Kim Dokja moved forward and picked him up. “I’m just joking. He can stay.”

Yoo Joonghyuk regarded Kim Dokja and Lee Gilyoung with something Kim Dokja didn’t see, turning back to his other companions.

Lee Gilyoung stuck his tongue out at Yoo Joonghyuk.

Yoo Joonghyuk stared at Lee Gilyoung with mixed envy and bloodlust.

Kim Dokja turned back to the pair, smiling as bright as ever. If Yoo Joonghyuk wasn’t already deep enough in the hole that said ‘Love for Kim Dokja’ he had just dug even further down.

“Where’s the room?” Kim Dokja asked, and Yoo Joonghyuk nodded, before making his way up a floor and into a locked door near the room Kim Dokja and he had been in earlier.

Lee Jihye pushed her way forward, using a keychain on her sword to unlock the door.

It swung in, and a glowing green room appeared.

[0/20]

It read, glowing and bright. Kim Dokja set Lee Gilyoung down, and his companions moved forward into the square.

[6/20]

Yoo Joonghyuk moved forward slightly, before noticing Kim Dokja hadn’t moved, and turned around.

“What are you doing?” He asked.

“I’m low on coins.” Kim Dokja smiled, knowing full well his intent.

Yoo Joonghyuk stared at him, grey eyes wide.

“Stupid fool.” He said, before making his way back to Kim Dokja’s side.

“Are you not coming in, Dokja-ssi?” Lee Hyunsung asked, confused.

“I’m going to get something done. Can I leave you in charge?” Kim Dokja said, entrusting the power balance to his friend.

Lee Hyunsung lit up, and he didn’t really think about what Kim Dokja was going to do, before nodding aggressively.

“Great! Thank you, Hyunsung-ssi.”

Kim Dokja said, making his way out the door and Yoo Joonghyuk following behind him.

“Hey- Master wait a second!” Lee Jihye called out, but Kim Dokja waved bye with a hand with the key he had swiped off her and locked them in the room.

Kim Dokja kicked a loose pebble as he made his way back down to Platform Line 3.

“Do you have any limits on you right now?” Kim Dokja asked, talking to Yoo Joonghyuk.

“No. Do you?” He grumbled.

Kim Dokja touched his sword.

[You are much stronger than the current scenario! 25 limits have been placed on you.]

“25. It’s gone down quite a bit.” Kim Dokja told him.

Yoo Joonghyuk grumbled under his breath as he stared at Kim Dokja with envy.

[Many Constellations are curious to what you are doing!]

Kim Dokja made his way down to the platform from earlier that night.

The only person in the green zone there was the boy that had guided us earlier. He pointed the knife threateningly, despite Yoo Joonghyuk being behind him. Kim Dokja put his hands up.

“Don’t worry, we won’t take your room.”

Kim Dokja reassured the boy. Yoo Joonghyuk said nothing.

“You better not die.” Yoo Joonghyuk said, anger masking fear covering his voice.

“I could say the same for you.” Kim Dokja replied.

[The third main scenario is enabled!]

[Your exclusive story ‘Life and Death Companions’ has been fed!]

Chapter Text

The barrier that was blocking the tunnel to Euljiro-3 disappeared quickly. Kim Dokja drew his sword, Yoo Joonghyuk doing the same on the other side of him.

The monsters started to be created in the red zone, mostly grade 9 ground rats. Then the middle ranks were filled with the grolls.

A monster with a black mane that was in the shape of a bear with sharp and pointed horns on their foreheads appeared soon after, and Kim Dokja decimated them in a single blow.

He could feel the blasts from Yoo Joonghyuk doing the same on the opposite side of him, and he covered his back.

It was less of a ‘Covering his back’ situation, as they were both doing it. It was working in a sort of harmony. Kim Dokja took the left, Yoo Joonghyuk took the right.

“Hahahah! This situation is fun. Should there be a penalty today?” Bihyung said, thinking to himself.

Kim Dokja wasn’t sure if the boy in that square would survive this time. It wasn’t his place to save him.

[A scenario penalty has been added!]

[Some existing green zones will be disabled.]

Screams rang through Chungmuro station. Kim Dokja continued taking out dozens of monsters with a single blow, but he was only on one line. The people over here were safe. Over there they weren’t.

Kim Dokja remembered thinking once that for Yoo Joonghyuk to survive like this- for fighting all 8 hours, he must be a monster.

Was that what Kim Dokja was now? A monster? He felt like it, at times. But at least if he was featured in story books, he wouldn’t be the bad guy. He saved people. Right?

Kim Dokja trailed off in his thoughts.

“Kim Dokja!” Yoo Joonghyuk’s angry voice called, and Kim Dokja was almost attacked by a groll, the slimy thing attaching itself to him. He sliced through it in a strike, regaining himself.

As he continued fighting the surging waves of monsters, Kim Dokja gave strength to his thighs and biceps, pushing himself forward as he swung with precision only learned from watching others.

The ground rats ran from all directions and the hard horns of the grolls flew from unexpected places.

The fight hurt in all sorts of ways, and more difficult monsters started to appear. Without the use of coins, Kim Dokja doubted his body would actually be able to keep up.

It was alright for now though, especially with Yoo Joonghyuk on his other side.

The time passed quickly, a simple and consistent effiecent amount of time.

Swing down, kill a monster. Swing up, kill a monster.

At some point, the barrier went back up, and Kim Dokja relaxed. He heard the running of footsteps down the stairs as he sat down on the ledge of the platform, laying on his back.

Yoo Joonghyuk walked over and sat next to him, sitting up instead of laying down like his companion.

“…Hyung!”

“…Dokja-ssi!”

“Ahjussi!”

Kim Dokja could hear the voices calling out his name, but he closed his eyes and laid there.

“Is he alive? Master, did you kill him?” Lee Jihye asked, talking to Yoo Joonghyuk.

“He’s fine. Just dramatic.” The regressor replied.

“Not everyone is inhuman like you, Joonghyuk-ah.” Kim Dokja commented, opening his eyes and sitting up.

“Dokja-ssi! You need to sleep.” Lee Hyunsung said. Kim Dokja thought about it, wondering when the last time he had slept was. It must have been at the station before this.

“What time is it?” Kim Dokja asked, resting himself on his elbows.

“8:15. Only 15 minutes have passed since the scenario ended.”

“Hmm. How did you guys get out?” Kim Dokja said, curious.

“Kim Namwoon-ssi picked the lock.” Yoo Sangah inputted.

Kim Dokja nodded in acknoledgement, standing up, legs only shaking slightly. Yoo Joonghyuk stood up with him. Kim Dokja yawned, covering his mouth with his hand, a habit he had never bothered to break.

He remembered the couch from yesterday faintly, and figured that would be a decent enough place to sleep.

“I’m going to get some sleep. None of you get in any trouble while I’m gone, okay?” Kim Dokja said, putting a smile on his face despite the growing feeling of fatigue in his body.

“Ah, Alright.” Yoo Sangah nodded, though she just trailer off instead of finishing her sentence.

“What is it?” He asked, confused.

“Ah, it’s nothing.” She said, waving her hands. It wasn’t just her, with an odd expression on her face, but Lee Hyunsung and Jung Heewon too. “It’s just… Dokja-ya, why is that man going with you?” She asked, looking away.

Kim Dokja turned slightly, seeing Yoo Joonghyuk glaring daggers at her. The man didn’t really have an answer, so he just shrugged.

“Ah, it’s just Yoo Joonghyuk-ah. Don’t worry too much about it.” He brushed it off, despite his companions concerned faces.

He made his way up the stairs, only getting a bit lost before Yoo Joonghyuk pointed to the right direction.

Ignoring the broken down door across from the room, (Kim Dokja was sure Kim Namwoon had less picked the lock, and just destroyed the door), he made his way inside the room.

The moment the door was shut and the small blind was drawn, Kim Dokja felt a pressure on his shoulder, looking over out of his peripherals to see Yoo Joonghyuk resting his head there gently, more tired than he looked.

Kim Dokja reached over and pet his head gently, before moving forward to the couch.

[The Constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ is glaring at Incarnation ‘Yoo Joonghyuk’.]

Kim Dokja had no idea how Secretive Plotter had sent that message, Kim Dokja having disabled his inbox, but he couldn’t really bother to care.

He kicked his boots off, lying down on the couch, moving a slightly torn decorative pillow to cradle his neck.

He closed his eyes, and within seconds there was another pressure on top of him. It was heavy, but in a sort of comforting way.

Hands wrapped around Kim Dokja’s waist. The tired man opened his eyes blearily, to see Yoo Joonghyuk practically laid on top of him, not bothering to move.

Kim Dokja didn’t mind all that much, despite the small flush gracing his cheeks as Yoo Joonghyuk rested his head on Dokja’s chest, and Kim Dokja placed his arm on Yoo Joonghyuk’s gently rising back.

Was the man already asleep? His breath was evened out. Kim Dokja wanted to laugh, but there was no energy left in him to do so, he yawned again, and closed his eyes.

Kim Dokja’s mind went hazy, and he fell asleep gently.

~~~

[Due to excessive exhaustion, the influence of ‘The Fourth Wall’ has temporarily weakened.]

Scenes started to weave in front of Kim Dokja, and he realized what was happening before it started.

A certained situation. It must have had to happen.

Kim Dokja turned away before the scene of the living room covered with blood appeared, his mother standing over his father.

Kim Dokja didn’t think he could face this now, knowing that he was the one who killed his father.

Kim Dokja’s head throbbed.

He shook his head furiously, and the scene disappeared, returning to a white endless void.

She should appear here.

“Yoo Joonghyuk? Are you Yoo Joonghyuk?” Anna Croft’s voice appeared.

Kim Dokja turned around to see the blasted woman.

“Joonghyuk-ah isn’t here right now, but I can take a message.” He said, smiling like a salesman.

“…You’re not Yoo Joonghyuk. I think you’re Korean, but who are you?” She asked, confused.

Could she not see his past?

Ah, whatever. It hurt too much to think about it deeply.

In Anna Croft’s left eye, the red swirled.

“I don’t understand… I’ve never seen you before. Who are you?” She hissed, distrusting of the Korean man.

“Hello, Anna Croft.”

Her eyes narrowed.

“…How do you know me?”

Kim Dokja shrugged, smile gracing his lips.

“I’m a Prophet, a Regressor, and a Constellation. Pick your poison.” He said simply.

[The Incarnation ‘Anna Croft’ has activated ‘Lie Detection Lvl. 7’]

[Lie Detection has confirmed your words are false.]

“You’re lying.” She hissed.

“Only partially.”

[Lie Detection has confirmed your words are true.]

“Now, which part did I lie about?” He said, smirking. “Besides, I’m a little hurt. Don’t you remember me? I sent you the ichthyosaur’s core.” He joked, more mocking.

Anna’s lips slowly widened.

“You must have implanted the demon’s eyes with the power of the core, yeah?” Kim Dokja said, then stopped. “No need to answer. I already know.” He added on.

“T-then you? You asked for Broken Faith…?” She said, and Kim Dokja reached down to pat his sword, only to find it wasn’t there. Oh, well. It was a dream after all.

“You! What is your name? How…”

[The influence of the exclusive skill ‘Fourth Wall’ is slowly returning.]

Her eyes became blurred as she muttered about not being able to see anything about Kim Dokja, and he waved good-bye.

“Bye-bye, Anna Croft.”

[The exclusive skill ‘Fourth Wall’ has been completely restored.]

Anna disappeared.

And so did Kim Dokja.

~~~

Kim Dokja blinked groggily, as he tried to sit up, but was pushed back down by a heavy weight on his chest.

He rubbed his eyes, pushing his hair out of his face as he saw Yoo Joonghyuk sleeping peacefully on his chest, looking as ever the perfect protagonist.

The younger man was clutching Kim Dokja’s chest like if he let go, he was going to disappear.

Kim Dokja checked his watch.

12:33.

They had slept longer than they were supposed to. He shook Joonghyuk. He didn’t wake. He shook him again. No response. How deep of a sleeper was this guy?

…He hadn’t died in his sleep, right?

Kim Dokja wrestled his body into a sitting position, leaning down to whisper in Yoo Joonghyuk ear.

“Joonghyuk-ah.” He said, breathing lowly.

Yoo Joonghyuk startled to life, lurching backwards and away from Kim Dokja, face completely red and embarrased.

“You’re awake!” Kim Dokja said happily, moving to stand up.

“You…!” Yoo Joonghyuk growled, glaring at Kim Dokja but still having a face more red than mars.

Kim Dokja brushed it off, yet as he stood up, his legs went numb and fell flat on his face.

He pushed himself off the ground with a wounded sense of pride, a bruise on his chin, a face as red as Yoo Joonghyuk’s and tingling legs.

His legs wobbled as he stood, and he grabbed onto a seperate desk for help. His eyes turned to Yoo Joonghyuk, ready to scold him for… whatever, but his eyes caught on the expression on his face.

Yoo Joonghyuk wasn’t readily laughing, but it looks similar. His lips were upturned, and his eyes looked more like a person laughing than he had ever seen. He looked downright beautiful.

This version of Yoo Joonghyuk could slap any other version of Yoo Joonghyuk 20 times over, and it still wouldn’t compare to how pretty he was in Kim Dokja’s eyes.

Kim Dokja was not a possessive man by far, but if he had to share this version of Joonghyuk with anyone else, he may just steal him away.

Kim Dokja smiled.

Yoo Joonghyuk cleared his throat as his eyes met Kim Dokja’s, looking away, the smile gone.

“Let’s get going.” He said, as down to earth as ever, but his voice had that slight twinge of sleep resting in it’s vocal chords and it was unbearably adorable for a man who held the weight of the world on his back.

Kim Dokja pushed the door open, and walked down the hall with all the hustle and bustle of Chungmuro surronding him. He both felt and heard the click-clacking of Yoo Joonghyuk’s boots behind him, and he ignored them dutifully.

He made his way back to line three, seeing his companions waiting, Lee Jihye with them.

“Ah, Dokja-ssi is awake!” Jung Heewon said, looking up at Kim Dokja, who was descending the stairs.

Most of his companions were sleeping. Yoo Sangah was up against a wall, and Lee Hyunsung was drooling. Lee Gilyoung was laid in Kim Namwoon’s lap, and both were asleep on a bench. Lee Jihye was a few feet away, looking on guard, even in her sleep.

“They’re taking a break. Nobody but me really slept that well last night.” Jung Heewon explained.

Kim Dokja nodded in acknoledgment, waiting for the messages to ping in.

‘Ah, you’re awake? You can have these.’ Bihyung’s message popped up through the dokkaebi communication.

Messages poured in.

[The Constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ is happy to see you so comfortable with your lover!]

[The Constellation ‘Abyssal Black Flame Dragon’ is interested in your past.]

[The Constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ is harboring murderous intent.]

[The Constellation ‘Fallen Prince of Paradise’ is glad you feel safe.]

[The Constellations have sponsored you 18,000 coins.]

Kim Dokja ignored the messages from ABFD and Secretive Plotter, smiling at Uriel and the Prince. He didn’t know the latter, but they popped up a lot, and he was grateful.

Uriel… was Uriel. His biggest fan. He was constantly spamming whenever he and Yoo Joonghyuk were together. Kim Dokja was beginning to think she had been shipping them together.

Kim Dokja moved past it.

[You have endured Chungmuro’s night without a green zone.]

[You have accomplished the ‘Never-ending Dawn’ achievement at Chungmuro Station!]

[You have earned 1,000 coins as an achievement reward!]

[Coins Possessed : 733,100 C]

Kim Dokja sat down, next to Jung Heewon. Yoo Joonghyuk was sat on the steps, a bit of a ways away.

That bastard… didn’t he need to go finish the Cinema Dungeon? Was he planning on hanging out around Kim Dokja all the time?

Jung Heewon started to speak, but Kim Dokja paused for a second, making her stop speaking.

“Ah, one second Heewon-ssi.” He said, moving up and going over to Yoo Joonghyuk. “What are you doing?” He hissed, confused.

Yoo Joonghyuk did not answer, just staring at him with a slight annoyance in his eyes.

“You need to go finish the dungeon. I’ll be up to help you in a bit.” Kim Dokja told him, like a mother scolding her child or husband.

Yoo Joonghyuk didn’t reply.

[Exclusive Skill ‘Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint Lvl. 2’ has been activated!]

He hadn’t meant to turn it on, really.

‘If I leave him alone, he will get hurt. The Dungeon isn’t that important.’

What a fool Kim Dokja had aligned himself with.

“I will be fine in a trivial situation like this. You can come back later. Please?” Kim Dokja asked, practically begging him at this point.

Yoo Joonghyuk’s eyes met his.

‘Does he mean it? It is only the third scenario…’ Yoo Joonghyuk’s thoughts trailed on and on, pondering.

In the end, he said nothing, simply standing up and making his way up the stairs with a resigned expression on his face.

Kim Dokja turned back to his friend.

“Sorry about that. What were you saying?” He said, smiling.

Jung Heewon looked at him oddly.

“What is he to you?”

“Come again?” Kim Dokja said, taken aback by the question.

“Yoo Joonghyuk. Who is he to you?” She asked, completely serious.

Kim Dokja paused, thinking. He wouldn’t call them lovers, it was only one kiss after all, and it was probably a fluke. Yoo Joonghyuk still loved Lee Seolwha, after all.

“We are companions separated by life and death.” He decided on finally. ‘And we always seem to find our way back to each other’ was what he didn’t say.

Jung Heewon looked at him with a complicated expression, as if to say ‘What a weird way to say you love each other’ but Kim Dokja wouldn’t pick up on it, because he was an oblivious fool, and he cannot pick up on anything, when it comes to Yoo Joonghyuk.

This time, when Jung Heewon spoke, it was a different question.

“What will you do today? Surely you won’t try that again.” She said.

“No, not today. I’m exhausted, and you guys can’t fight these monsters are your current level.”

“Then…” She said, a dark expression on her face that was completely unneeded.

“Today we will end the third scenario.” Kim Dokja said, and maybe he was batshit crazy.

Not really a maybe, the Fourth Wall thought.

Kim Dokja was batshit crazy.

Yoo Joonghyuk was going to fight the Cinema Dungeon now, meaning Kim Dokja had a limited amount of time to work with.

“You wanted revenge on Gong Pildu, yeah?” Kim Dokja asked, standing up as he smiled brightly. She nodded fervently. “Today I plan to drag out the land owners.”

“…How?” She asked. Kim Dokja was sure she understood the gist of it, but not completely. It didn’t really matter to him, as long as the planned worked.

Kim Dokja smiled, and looked at Lee Hyunsung, who was sleeping deeply.

“I have a secret weapon to use today.” He said, sure of himself.

He bent down, poking Lee Hyunsung in the cheek.

“Hyunsung-ssi~” Kim Dokja teased, while Jung Heewon giggled.

The Fourth Wall thinks that Yoo Joonghyuk would go ballistic if he saw this.

Lee Hyunsung groaned in his sleep, waking up drearily.

“Ah… hmm? I fell asleep for a moment. Ah- Dokja-ssi!” He said, seeing Jung Heewon before he saw Kim Dokja.

“Morning, Lee Hyunsung-ssi. Did you sleep well? You were talking in your sleep.”

“Eh, really?” He said.

“Something about Second Class Soldier Lee Hyunsung…” Kim Dokja said, which was only partially true. Lee Hyunsung’s confidence wasn’t very high right now, which meant Kim Dokja needed to boost it.

Lee Hyunsung burned a bright red.

“T-that…. Just a trauma from my days as a soldier.” He explained himself.

“Soldier? Aren’t you an officer, Lee Hyunsung-ssi?”

“That… I was transferred to the third unit when I was a corporal.” He said, rubbing the back of his neck in embarassment.

“I heard those cases are rare. You must’ve been well-suited for the army.” Kim Dokja complimented him.

Lee Hyunsung laughed. It was a laugh that Kim Dokja could understand, similar to how he could understand Yoo Joonghyuk’s laugh, despite the two being so different.

‘Reading a book doesn’t mean you will understand people, Kim Dokja.’

The words echoed through his head like a knife slicing through the air. It had perhaps stabbed him, when he first heard them, but this time he took a small step back, evading the blow.

Perhaps it doesn’t mean you will. You could read all your life and fail to see what is happening what is around you, yet Kim Dokja was no longer just reading. He had lead Kim Dokja’s life twice, and he would perhaps lead it more.

But it was his life. And these were his friends, regardless of whether they were real or fictional. As long as he could call it his, he could understand perhaps anything.

“Still, I’m glad Lee Hyunsung-ssi is here.” Kim Dokja said.

“Huh?”

“I’m relieved when Lee Hyunsung-ssi protects me. I feel safe.” Kim Dokja said. It wasn’t entirely true. He was more so worried that Hyunsung might get hurt, but Kim Dokja didn’t think that would help him.

“Ah.. but Dokja-ssi is already so strong. You barely need me.” Lee Hyunsung deflated slightly.

“Maybe. Have you ever played a RPG* game, Lee Hyunsung-ssi?”

Lee Hyunsung nodded.

“Yes, I would play small ones like Afk Journey on the night shift computers.”

“Do you remember how there were class divides? Think of it like this. I am a warrior, and you are a tank. Of course, Jung Heewon-ssi and the others would fit into other classes, so we work well together. But when we’re on our own, it’s harder to get things done.” Kim Dokja said, using a metaphor the man would likely understand.

“Ah, I understand now. Thank you, Dokja-ssi.” He said, smiling slightly, and Kim Dokja was glad that Hyunsung understood what he meant.

Even if Kim Dokja was undoubtedly strong, he wasn’t very good on his own.

Lee Hyunsung’s smile was weak, but comforting. After exchanging brief greetings with him, Kim Dokja stood up and left.

In Kim Dokja’s first round, Lee Hyunsung had felt the same way, and needed Kim Dokja to boost his spirits.

He made his way over to where Kim Namwoon, Yoo Sangah, Jung Heewon and Lee Gilyoung lay in wait.

“Did you see how I did that? Just try and copy me.”

Kim Namwoon and Yoo Sangah nodded, Lee Gilyoung just stared at Lee Hyunsung, and Jung Heewon looked a bit confused.

[The Incarnation ‘Lee Hyunsung’ has started to feel responsible.]

He was such a pure guy. It was odd he had chosen to stick with Yoo Joonghyuk in the other regressions of TWSA.

“I want to help Hyunsung-ssi. He looks a bit down these days.” Kim Dokja said, trying to help his companion.

“I understand. I’ll try my best.” Kim Namwoon said, and without waiting for anyone else, he moved forward.

What an odd kid. He was completely different than how he had been with Yoo Joonghyuk. He was outgoing, and despite his homicidal tendencies, he seemed to care for Kim Dokja’s group with a tenderness Kim Dokja rarely saw in anyone.

Lee Gilyoung and Kim Dokja in particular. Kim Dokja seemed to understand that Lee Gilyoung saw him as a father figure, and now that Kim Namwoon would too, but it seemed impossible for Kim Dokja to realize it was like a family, to him.

Kim Namwoon sat down.

He couldn’t entirely hear their conversation, but whatever Kim Namwoon said first, Lee Hyunsung recoiled. Jung Heewon moved forward to stop him, but Kim Dokja put his hand out, waiting.

He gave it a moment, and Lee Hyunsung’s eyes sparkled. Whatever he had said worked well. Kim Dokja smiled. It was a good choice to save this kid.

[The Incarnation ‘Lee Hyunsung’ feels proud.]

Kim Dokja smiled.

“I will leave it to you then, Jung Heewon-ssi. Yoo Sangah, you go after her, then Lee Gilyoung.” He instructed.

“Where are you going?” Jung Heewon asked.

Kim Dokja just smiled as he walked off.

He turned a corner to another platform, line abandoned. It hadn’t been protected very well, and many people had died.

Kim Dokja sat down on a bench, pulling out his phone.

He was acutely aware of the presence approaching him, but he knew it well. The person had practically been engraved into his soul, so he didn’t mind.

“What are you doing here?” Kim Dokja asked, not looking up from where he was reading.

There came no reply.

Yoo Joonghyuk pressed his forehead down onto Kim Dokja’s shoulder, saying nothing at all. Kim Dokja continued to scroll. Yoo Joonghyuk’s grey eyes were stormy, full of a fear he barely acknoldged.

He looked at Kim Dokja, turning his head slightly to see the man. The man’s blue eyes were lit up by the shine of the screen, and Yoo Joonghyuk wanted them on him.

It was an uncomfortable position, and Yoo Joonghyuk did his best to move closer.

Kim Dokja brought the screen down, turning his head to look at Yoo Joonghyuk, only to be met with his lips connecting to Yoo Joonghyuk’s.

It was a surprise.

Kim Dokja kissed him back lightly. It wasn’t a hungry, burning kiss, like yesterdays, but a gentle, lulling one.

Yoo Joonghyuk was the one who broke away again.

Kim Dokja touched his lips with the tips of his fingers. This was the second time Yoo Joonghyuk had kissed him with no warning, but he turned to look at the man again, and he was already gone.

Kim Dokja was torn between shock and anger.

Sunfish Bastard. He could have at least said something before leaving.

A notification popped up in front of Kim Dokja.

[The Incarnation ‘Lee Hyunsung’ is waiting for a chance to evolve his attribute.]

Kim Dokja wasn’t entirely sure why he was sat there. He could have looked for this passage over where his friends were, yet he traveled all the way over here for seemingly no reason.

How odd.

Kim Dokja smiled. It wasn’t the quiet, happy smile he normally wore. It was a pleased, content smile.

The Fourth wall was glad he got to see him with this sort of smile.

Yoo Joonghyuk watched him too, quietly, from a distance away, before turning on his heel, walking away. He was smiling too, but nobody except the Fourth Wall would see it.

[The Constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ is screaming.]

Chapter Text

[The incarnation ‘Lee Hyunsung’ self-esteem has increased!]

Kim Dokja smiled as he made his way back to his companions, smudging his lips with his coat to make sure there was no evidence on his face, except Uriel, who was appropriately freaking out.

Maybe ‘Appropriately’ would be a bad word to use. Kim Dokja thought that the constellation was properly insane.

It was fortunate that Lee Hyunsung remained close to the same in most universes. Small words worked to raise him to the highest pedestal.

[The incarnation ‘Lee Hyunsung’ is waiting for a chance for his attribute to evolve.]

Kim Dokja retraced his steps quickly, returning to where he found Yoo Sangah waiting for him. She lit up when she saw him, asking him something quickly.

“I think Hyunsung-ssi is burdened…” She said, lighthearted and worried for her friend. Even in this situation, she cared. Kim Dokja didn’t have that ability. A small flicker of envy rose in his chest.

The fourth wall thinks Kim Dokja is stupid.

“Maybe. But aren’t we all? Especially in a world like this.” Kim Dokja said, smiling with no warmth in his eyes.

Kim Dokja turned to Kim Namwoon and Lee Gilyoung, seeing them playing with some bugs. It looked like Gilyoung was manipulating them, which was slightly sadistic, but boys will be boys, he supposed.

It wasn’t a human, and even it was, Kim Dokja didn’t care. They were entertained and happy, which was his first priority.

Unless it was one of his other companions at their mercy, Kim Dokja gave them free reign.

“I’m going to head to B1. Make sure nobody gets into trouble, please.” Kim Dokja said, smiling again at his coworker.

She nodded, and Kim Dokja was satisified.

It was time to upset the balance. It was something Kim Dokja was unfairly good at.

Kim Dokja walked up the stairs alone. The people of the landlord alliance all shied away from him as he moved, acting like he was Yoo Joonghyuk himself.

He could hear their whispers, wondering how he had survived all of last night without a room, how Yoo Joonghyuk had helped him and conversed lightly with him, which he never did.

Man, that bastard really made a name for himself here, didn’t he? A vein in Kim Dokja’s forehead ticked.

There were 12 green zones, Kim Dokja counted. After the ones removed last night, the ones he could see, and the hidden one in the room Kim Dokja had locked his companions in last night.

A member of the landlord alliance approached him. He had some guts. He looked confident, like Kim Dokja was only strong with Yoo Joonghyuk.

“Hey, you. Isn’t it hard to live with Yoo Joonghyuk? Enter our alliance. Pildu-ssi said he would let you.”

Kim Dokja raised an eyebrow.

“Of course, under the condition that you bring both women.” He said, smirking and licking his lips like a creep. He was one, no large surprise there.

Kim Dokja looked back to the figure lurking in the shadows.

“You hear what these men said, Heewon-ssi? Would you like the honour of ripping out their tongues, or should I?” Kim Dokja said, tone playful, like he wasn’t talking about a felony in the old Korea.

Jung Heewon stalked forward, eyes shining almost red with fury. Kim Dokja reachced into his pocket and pulled out his pocket knife.

She took it, looking angry.

“Don’t activate ‘Time of Judgement’ it’s too much of a hassle to clean up.” Kim Dokja told her, watching as the man startled back.

“Y-You bluffers! You’re not even strong at all without that bastard Yoo Joonghyuk at your side!” The man said, flinching backwards as Jung Heewon stalked forward.

“Really? News to me.” Kim Dokja said, laughing delicately, a hand over his mouth.

[The Constellation ‘Demon King of Salvation’ is laughing at the incarnations of the ‘Landlord Alliance’]

Kim Dokja turned his back to them.

“Don’t kill them. I need them for later.” He said as a passing remark, regarding the shing of Jung Heewon’s knife being opened.

The men visibly paled and one passed out in shock. Kim Dokja smiled cruelly, making his way to the broken escalator.

He only made it up a few steps before a sword was at his neck.

“What was that?” Lee Jihye said, confusion and anger flooding her voice. “What are you?” A tremor laced her voice.

Kim Dokja smiled, amusement on his face.

“Did Joonghyuk-ah not tell you?” He asked. What a gatekeeper, regardless of how hot the man was.

“How dare you call Master that leisurely!” She said, anger.

“He told me to call him that. Calm down, Lee Jihye-ssi.” He said, pushing her sword down.

[The Constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ is having a nosebleed!]

[The Constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ grips his screen in anger.]

Kim Dokja ignored the foolish constellations.

[The Constellation ‘Man who resides Hidden in the Night’ says he doesn’t even need the entertainment from the channel, with how funny Secretive Plotter and Demon-like Judge of Fire are.]

Kim Dokja agreed with that.

“Put away the sword. Let’s talk.” Kim Dokja said, speaking leisurely.

She looked at him with contempt and suspiscion on her face, but she put her sword away.

“What are you to Master?” She asked immeadiately, regarding him with something unidentified in her face.

Kim Dokja blinked, then sighed.

“I suggest you ask him that yourself, and get back to me.”

Lee Jihye paused.

“You came to find me on purpose.”

“I did.” Kim Dokja confirmed.

She turned, saying nothing, and just walked up to the ticket barrier at the entrance, stopping there.

“What did you want?” She demanded. Kim Dokja had forgotten how much she disliked him at this time.

“Hmm. Is Yoo Joonghyuk-ah inside there?” Kim Dokja asked, making sure the bastard had already gone inside instead of wandering around like he had been before.

Lee Jihye’s eyes narrowed.

“I was told to defend this place. You can’t follow him.” She said, and Kim Dokja put his hands up in defeat.

“I’m not here to follow him. I already know where he should be. Regardless.” Kim Dokja said, relaxing with confirmation the fool had done his job. “I need your help.” He told her.

“My help?”

“I want to destroy Gong Pildu’s group.” Kim Dokja told her, confident looks showing on his face.

“…Are you serious?” She looked at Kim Dokja like she was trying to peer into his soul. How completely odd.

[Your understanding of Incarnation ‘Lee Jihye’ has increased.]

[Your understanding of this Incarnation is already very high!]

Kim Dokja smiled.

“You seem completely strong enough. Why do you want my help?” She said, looking him up and down, sizing him up maybe.

“I can’t be everywhere. It won’t work without you, Lee Jihye-ssi.” Kim Dokja persuaded.

“…Master told me to stay here.” She said defiantly.

“Joonghyuk-ah will find it fine if you go with me. People will die if you don’t.” Kim Dokja resorted to using his name to get what he wanted once again.

“People will die anyway.”

“Has that sunfish bastard been telling you that? He’s wrong. People will die, but you can save them.” Kim Dokja wondered what would be the best way to get to her, and it clicked. “Lee Jihye-ssi.” He said.

“Eh? What.” She said, anger creeping into her voice.

“Do you remember Namwoon? Tall boy, white hair, two daggers?” Kim Dokja said, miming out what Kim Namwoon looked like. Lee Jihye stared at him like he was crazy.

“That delusional boy? Of course I remember the idiot.” She said, and Kim Dokja got the feeling she didn’t really like him all that much.

“Kim Namwoon should be dead right now.” He said, dead serious. He was met with a pin-drop silence.

“…What?” She asked, confused. Kim Dokja’s assumptions were correct. She didn’t particularily like Kim Namwoon, but he was the only person around her age here, and they got along with a decent amount of tendency.

“I’ve lived this life before, Lee Jihye. I know the future nobody dares to speak. Kim Namwoon should not have lived this far.” He said.

It wasn’t necessarily true, but nothing Kim Dokja ever said was ever necessarily true. Kim Namwoon lived in the regression where Kim Dokja did not.

It felt like she understood now.

“Do you understand? People will die regardless. But you can still save them, if they deserve it.” Kim Dokja muttered the last part under his breath, barely audible.

“That…” She said, eyes shaking gently with the prospect Kim Dokja was offering ot her.

Kim Dokja felt bad about lying so blatantly. He wasn’t that much from Yoo Joonghyuk now, he noticed. He saved those he deemed useful enough to be saved. But wasn’t that the point of humanity? You become friends with someone because they’re nice, or they have something for you. Kim Dokja was no more a hypocrite than anyone else here.

But hypocrites could still speak plausible words.

“We saw the video of your scenario when we were on the subway.”

Lee Jihye’s body started with a small tremor, running through her bones like an electric current.

“…Stop.” She said, perhaps on the verge of tears.

“I can’t comfort you now. Maybe not ever. But I know you didn’t want to do that.” Kim Dokja said. He never had been good with kids. He had never even been good with himself.

[The Incarnation ‘Lee Jihye’ is greatly disturbed!]

“What do you know?” She hissed.

“I don’t. But I’ve seen the look in the eyes of someone who is forced to do that. Yoo Joonghyuk…” He trailed off, muttering his ‘not-lovers’ name.

“What? Ugly Ahjussi, what’s that supposed to mean?” She asked, body still trembling, thoughts running a meter a minute.

“Hm.” Kim Dokja hummed. “Incarnation ‘Kim Dokja’ will b◼️ ◼️◼️◼️l◼️d ◼️◼️ ◼️h◼️ ◼️e◼️◼️o◼️e ◼️ ◼️◼️v◼️◼️ ◼️h◼️ ◼️◼️s◼️.” He spoke, words almost completely blurred.

Lee Jihye looked at him like he was crazy.

[Many Constellations are confused!]

[The Constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ smiles down at you.]

Kim Dokja was beginning to think Secretive Plotter was a creep.

“What?” She said, shaking almost completely gone. Maybe sharing stories is the best way to comfort someone after all.

Kim Dokja shrugged, unsure of what to say next.

“Regardless, I should probably tell you. If you turn away, if you turn a blind eye, you’ll regret it for the rest of your life.” He placed a hand on her shoulder.

She looked down.

[The Incarnation ‘Lee Jihye’ has fallen into deep agony.]

“Did- Did I do this before? Did I help you?” She asked.

“Yes.”

She looked up, a fiery resilience in her eyes burning into Kim Dokja’s. He smiled.

“What should I do?” She asked.

Kim Dokja told her the plan. She needed to destroy the smaller green zones, helping Kim Namwoon with this. She stared at him blankly with an open mouth, before closing it and nodding.

“You’re mentally deranged, Ahjussi. Putting Namwoon-ssi to shame.” She muttered, turning away.

Kim Dokja knew that she would need to think about it, but the words he had said and her previous actions would drive her to work.

[The Constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ likes your impudence.]

[The Constellation ‘Demon King of Salvation’ says that if ‘Secretive Plotter’ likes him he should learn how to not be a creep.]

He hadn’t necessarily meant to send that message, but it had sent anyway. He could feel Lee Jihye’s bemused stare on the back of his neck.

His face went red.

[500 coins have been sponsored.]

[The Constellation ‘God of Naval Warfare’ likes you.]

[500 coins have been sponsored.]

[The Constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ says she will help gut ‘Secretive Plotter’ if you need her to!]

Kim Dokja laughed.

He was running out of time soon, dilly-dallying his time away. The clack of his light footsteps graced the hall as he made his way downstairs, to the platform with the rest of his companions.

Everyone was checking their weapons, Kim Namwoon and Lee Hyunsung admiring them. Kim Dokja wondered if after this was over they’d be the type of person to collect them for fun.

Kim Dokja hadn’t found anything in his pockets that belonged to any of them specifically, most likely due to the fact he hadn’t had his coat at the point in time where anyone would have disposed of something useful.

“This won’t be easy. Are you all still in?” He asked, confirming that they wanted to help out.

Everyone nodded, agreeing.

“Then we should start now.” He said, making his way out, friends following behind them.

Jung Heewon, Yoo Sangah and Lee Gilyoung and all made their way to their respective floors, any noticeable members of the landlord alliance shying their way away from her, afraid.

Kim Namwoon went off in search of Lee Jihye, instructions clear, and Lee Hyunsung went with Kim Dokja.

The Constellation probably did not need him this time, but he needed his attribute to blossom, and this was the best way he could think to do it.

“Dokja-ssi, I’m unsure about this.” He spoke, and Kim Dokja knew he was being truthful.

“It’ll be fine. I promise.” Kim Dokja said, trying to make himself sound strong so that nothing went wrong in Lee Hyunsung’s eyes. He still looked like he was scared.

“Do you trust me, Kim Dokja-ssi?” He asked.

“I do. In both of my lives you have been dependable, Lee Hyunsung-ssi.” Kim Dokja said. He seemed to notice a recurring theme with his companions. They trusted him more if he told them more about themselves in his first time. What an odd thing.

“Thank you. This is my only time being trusted like this. In the army…” He trailed off, unsure of himself.

“Once this is over, I think I’d like to hear your story.” Kim Dokja said, a content tone in his voice.

“Don’t you already know?”

“Hm. Sometimes stories are better the second time you read them.” Kim Dokja said.

What an odd feeling, this feeling of life. He was in an impossible predicament, in a scenario he had already lived, with friends that knew him much less than he knew them, and yet it still blossomed inside his chest.

It wasn’t quite happiness, but it was that sort of pleasant feeling you know when you’re doing something right, even when you’re doing nothing at all. Kim Dokja liked this feeling, and he thinks very well he could spend his days bathed in it, covered in that pleasantness.

But Kim Dokja had always been lonely. He didn’t want to be lonely anymore. So maybe he could take his companions with him. A sort of Paradise at the end of the road.

[The Incarnation ‘Lee Hyunsung’ has begun to open his heart to you.]

[Your understanding of the Incarnation ‘Lee Hyunsung’ has greatly increased!]

[Your understanding of this Incarnation is already very high!]

“It’s strange when I talk to Dokja-ssi.”

“Huh? Why?” Kim Dokja asked.

“Sometimes I remember things. I guess remembering wouldn’t quite be the right word… but I feel like I know you more than I do. Like that familiar understanding is etched inside me, even though I can’t see it.” Lee Hyunsung scratched his head, thinking.

Kim Dokja wasn’t sure what to do with that information. Nobody in all of TWSA had ever said anything like that to Yoo Joonghyuk, was it even possible for someone to remember?

Kim Dokja smiled.

“Ah… it’s nothing. Sorry for rambling, you can disregard it.” Lee Hyunsung said, waving his hands about.

“No, I’m glad to hear it. Thank you for telling me, Lee Hyunsung-ssi.” He spoke, happy to the depths of his core.

“Can I hear Dokja-ssi’s story too? Not the past lifetime. I want to know who Dokja-ssi was before he was Dokja-ssi.”

“It’s not a very interesting story.”

“I’d like to hear it anyway.”

“Alright.” Kim Dokja conceded.

They made their way up to the area in which Chungmuro’s Landlord Alliance resided. A number of middle aged men shied backwards when Kim Dokja and Lee Hyunsung walked forward.

“Y-you!” One of them shouted, and Kim Dokja took in the pitiful sight.

A middle aged man held a woman by her hair. Kim Dokja recognized her as part of one of the groups that had been in a green zone yesterday. The man holding her shied away from Kim Dokja’s gaze.

“This matter doesn’t concern you, Friend of Yoo Joonghyuk.” A man of a more brave caliber said. He addressed Kim Dokja like his name was just ‘Yoo Joonghyuk’s friend.’

“Kim Dokja.”

“What?” He said, confused.

“My name. It’s Kim Dokja. I’d appreciate it if I was regarded in a higher aspect than Yoo Joonghyuk’s friend.” He said, smiling, a malicious glint in his eyes.

“S-Save me! Help me!” The woman who was being held yelled, and Kim Dokja made no move to help her. The woman was gazing at him pitifully. Kim Dokja could feel the constellations who yearned for justice ringing in his inbox, and he ignored them.

“Let her go.” Lee Hyunsung said, anger in his vocal chords.

“Eh? Who are you?” One of them asked, raising an eyebrow at Lee Hyunsung. Lee Hyunsung turned back to Kim Dokja as if to ask for permission.

Kim Dokja nodded, as though he was giving him permission.

[The Incarnation ‘Lee Hyunsung’ wants to practice the justice he holds in his heart.]

[The Incarnation ‘Lee Hyunsung’ is about to evolve his attribute.]

The allied members of the alliance pulled out any weapon they had, afraid of the pair. Kim Dokja looked at his watch. They were just about on time.

Small blasts sounded all across the underground subway. A big and small uproar followed.

“Hyunsung-ssi.” Kim Dokja commanded, drawing unbroken faith.

Lee Hyunsung nodded, and they ran forward towards the men in the front row. The confused alliance members shouted.

“You fucking bastards!” One of them shouted.

[The exclusive skill ‘White Pure Star Energy’ has been activated.]

Kim Dokja let his instincts guide him, the will of justice flowing through his body. The arm of the middle-aged man holding the woman’s head flew away. The others screamed at the blood and the pure wrath of a constellation. Lee Hyunsung and Kim Dokja ignored them and kept going.

Nobody chased after them, afraid to their boots.

[You have invaded private property!]

The notification screamed at the running man, promptly disregarded with nothing more than a brief glance.

A few members, who had been lying in wait in the front discovered the pair. A lot were missing, so it was much less, especially considering the time before. Kim Dokja wanted to kill them, but he couldn’t do that quite yet.

He slashed down. There were only about 12 or so, so he cut deep enough to leave a scarring wound on most of their legs, the few unlucky ones in the front losing their limbs entirely.

Lee Hyunsung moved forward, steel shield raised up defensively.

[The Incarnation ‘Lee Hyunsung’ has used the stigma ‘Great Mountain Push Lvl. 1]

They fell like dominoes, but it may be unfair to say as 4 of the men were missing their legs.

[The incarnation ‘Gong Pildu’ has activated ‘Armed Zone Lvl. 4’!]

Turrets rose from the ground. They were everywhere, and charged with red magic bullets and all of them were prepared to fire.

Lee Hyunsung raised his shield as Kim Dokja had instructed him, and the moment he did Kim Dokja felt a small sting hit him. The magic power was strong, but Kim Dokja was much much stronger, and therefore practically invincible.

It was not a great way of thinking, yet this was Kim Dokja.

“It seems a cheeky tenant is here.” Gong Pildu’s gruff voice echoed out. “I’d ask how you’re able to resist my bullets, but we got the answer to that when you sent your rabid lackey to kill some of my men earlier.”

Kim Dokja shrugged. Did Jung Heewon actually kill them? That might be slightly problematic, but he could deal. What’s done is done.

A vein in Gong Pildu’s head ticked at Kim Dokja’s laidback actions.

“I don’t think you came here to pay your rent, or apologize for the deaths of my men. What do you want?”

Kim Dokja smirked.

“I want to quit being a tenant.”

“How interesting. Do you want my land?”He said, getting angrier by the second.

“Not exactly.”

[Some of the trespassers’ stats are reduced by the effect of Gong Pildu’s private land.]

Kim Dokja turned to Lee Hyunsung. The shield should be rapidly detiorating, and while Kim Dokja would be fine, he would not.

Red mana started condensing on the turrets.

[The Incarnation ‘Gong Pildu’ is preparing ‘strengthened magic bullets’]

Really, at this point in time, very few people would be able to deal with Gong Pildu.

“Die.”

The moment the enhanced magic bullets were about to be launched, screams of people further away were heard. Landlord Alliance members who had been wounded ran to Gong Pildu’s side.

“P-Pildu-ssi! The green zone..!” It looked like they had been cut in all sorts of places. It seemed that Kim Namwoon had been successful in finding and helping Lee Jihye.

Kim Dokja turned to Lee Hyunsung.

“Hyunsung-ssi. Now.”

His eyes were shaking, but he raised his fists up high. He looked uneasy and irritated, but the resolve of a strengthened soldier was in his eyes, and a firm determination to not retreat.

[The Incarnation ‘Lee Hyunsung’s attribute has evolved.]

There was a blinding light and silver aura started to appear around his body, wrapping him in it.

Kim Dokja smiled, a melancholy happiness at the sight. Even now, Lee Hyunsung’s ‘character evolution’ was one of the scenes he had loved the most in TWSA.

[Due to the Incarnation Evolution, a new stigma has been opened.]

Steel Sword Lee Hyunsung, one of Kim Dokja’s strongest companions had arrived.

[The Incarnation ‘Lee Hyunsung’ has used the stigma ‘Great Mountain Smash. Lvl. 1’]

Pale mana gathered around Lee Hyunsung’s fist and within seconds Lee Hyunsung’s arms became bigger than common sense would allow them to be.

They slammed on the ground.

There was a loud sound and the fragments of broken floor scattered in the air. The alliance members screamed.

“W-what?!”

Dangerous cracks spread across the ground and the positions of the turrets started to twist. The magic bullets fired at the wrong place. An explosion sounded and dust clouds rose, and after a while there was a great vibration and the ground of B2 started to collapse.

[The green zone has been destroyed.]

[The incarnation ‘Gong Pildu’s land has been destroyed.]

Kim Dokja looked at the collapsed ground and grinned towards Gong Pildu.

“Didn’t your mother ever teach you Sharing is Caring?”

People fell down to the third underground floor and groaned in pain. It had worked once again.

The greenzones were all completely destroyed. Gong Pildu was beyond angry, but he was covered in dirt and debris and unable to speak.

Bihyung started freaking out.

‘What are you doing?!’

‘Be quiet.’

‘Crazy Bastard! The Dokkaebis of Chungmuro are freaking out because of you!’

Kim Dokja’s head was starting to throb.

[The Constellation ‘Prisoner of the Golden Headband’ likes your recklessness.]

[The Constellation ‘Bald General of Justice’ likes your revolution.]

[The Constellation ‘Abyssal Black Flame Dragon’ likes the destruction and chaos.]

[The Constellation ‘Fallen Prince of Paradise’ giggles at the fall of the arrogant.]

[The Constellation ‘Man who Resides Hidden in the Night’ says they had it coming.]

[The Constellation ‘Keeper of the Abyssal Veil’ thinks that the actions were justified.]

[5000 coins have been sponsored.]

“Y-You bastard!” They shouted, but nobody moved to hurt them, afraid of the look in Kim Dokja’s eyes.

Kim Dokja turned, making his escape with Lee Hyunsung.

“How many more times do you think you can do that?” Kim Dokja asked.

“Once, twice if we’re lucky.” He said, unsure.

He was gasping for breath and clearly worn out, which was normal. Great mountain smash used a lot of energy and mana. It was a spectacular skill, however.

The group of people who had become scattered after Kim Dokja’s actions seemed to be all over the place as Kim Dokja regrouped with his friends.

A message came in.

[Incarnation ‘Yoo Joonghyuk’ has opened ‘Midday Tryst’!]

YJH; I’m almost done.

YJH; You are not hurt.

The bastard didn’t even bother to phrase it like a question, like he was sure, or afraid.

KDJ; All good down here.

KDJ; Are you going to come help out?

A pause, a minute or two before the next message.

YJH; Wait for me.

The skill closed.

Kim Dokja felt like strangling his companion in that particular moment.

Yoo Sangah approached Kim Dokja, and he looked up at her.

“Was there any issues?” He asked, and she shook her head. Jung Heewon appeared too, and Lee Gilyoung attached himself to Kim Dokja’s leg quickly.

‘Hey! Can’t you hear me? What are you going to do now?’

Bihyung was still yelling at Kim Dokja through Dokkaebi Communication, and he was being dutifully ignored.

‘Worrywart.’

Kim Dokja thought back, hurling an insult as the only response.

‘Stupid Bastard. Have you forgotten? I’m not the only channel in Chungmuro. I keep trying to trust you, then you pull something like this!’

Kim Dokja shrugged. It appeared he had adapted his own version of Yoo Joonghyuk’s laid back attitude and ‘I don’t give a fuck’ personality. It was infuriating.

He reached a pale hand into his pocket, grabbing an apple that had been preserved, and gave it to Lee Hyunsung, who stared at the fruit like a rare delicacy.

“Hey! What about us?” Jung Heewon said, eyes full of jealousy.

“You get an apple when you do something extremely difficult, like Lee Hyunsung-ssi.” He chided.

He headed down the stairs to transfer corridor of line 4 and found Kim Namwoon and Lee Jihye bickering like small children.

Kim Dokja picked up Kim Namwoon by the hood like a cat, and moved him away.

“Stop this. Did you break all of them?”

“Yeah. It wasn’t difficult at all. Give me a bigger task next time, Hyung.” He said, pouting for some odd reason. What a weird kid.

“You’re not calling me Ahjussi anymore.”

“Yeah. So what? Got a problem with it?” He said, ears pink in embarassment, though his face looked murderous.

Kim Dokja raised his hands up in a mock defeat and surrender, and smiled. What an annoying kid. Kim Dokja pat his head, and he flinched slightly, but there were no complaints.

Now, there were no more green zones left in Chungmuro.

“Now what are you going to do? Those bastards will come after you.” Lee Jihye said, pointing to the aforementioned bastards as they approached. “I’m not going to help you this time.” She said.

“That’s alright. You did good too, Jihye.” He said, turning his back as she scowled and retreated.

Jung Heewon scowled as she watched Lee Jihye leave.

“What’s with her?”

“She hates Dokja-hyung because he likes Yo-” Kim Namwoon said, a big mouth living up to his name, and Kim Dokja stuck his hand directly in his face.

Jung Heewon looked confused, but there was no time to ponder on it.

A faint giggle was heard, as well as a muttering of Bihyung’s voice, but Kim Dokja was paying more attention to the bounty scenario that was about to start.

[A bounty scenario has occured.]

+

[Bounty Scenario - Assassination Comission.]

Category : Sub

Difficulty: C

Clear Conditions : The Constellations of Channel #BIR-3642 have requested to kill the members of Constellation ‘Demon King of Salvation’s group, acknoldeging he is too strong with them.

Time Limit : 10 minutes.

Compensation : 2,000 coins.

Failure : None

+

Hey, wait a second. What?

This wasn’t supposed to happen. It was supposed to be Kim Dokja that was the target of all their ire.

Kim Dokja swiveled back to his companions, drawing his blade. Kim Namwoon smirked, and Lee Gilyoung stuck to his side, but the other three looked faintly afraid.

Kim Dokja drew unbroken faith, turning to meet the eyes of almost every single person in Chungmuro station.

Fuck.

Chapter Text

Kim Dokja wasn’t entirely sure what to do. This had not been the game he was playing, he didn’t have the right cards to play it either. He didn’t have time to do anything but get it together either. So that’s what he did.

“You’re going to need to trust me.” He said, back to his companions, a determined resolve in his blood.

“Maybe I’ve been too trusting, considering this situation.” Jung Heewon joked.

[Incarnation ‘Kim Dokja’ has opened ‘Midday Tryst’!]

KDJ; I need your help.

KDJ; I fucked up.

KDJ; please.

YJH; Fool.

YJH; I’m on my way.

Kim Dokja sighed as his companion would be there to help soon.

“Namwoon, Heewon. Stand on either side of me.” He instructed, and both stepped up. He pulled out unbroken faith, and traded it with Jung Heewon’s paleolithic type sword.

He was completely sure that he could deal with everyone, but it put his companions at risk. It would be no use if he killed them all, his companions included in the ‘All’ category.

The people of Chungmuro began showing hostility, preparing to attack quickly. Kim Dokja flicked his wrist to get a grasp on the weight of the weapon, different from Unbroken Faith.

A person lunged forward, heading for Jung Heewon, who sidestepped quickly, avoiding the blow when the person was met with the harsh bone of Kim Dokja’s new ground rat sword.

He hadn’t been paying too much attention, and a blade stuck itself into Kim Dokja’s arm. He pulled it out, and Kim Namwoon killed the man quickly. It hurt like tartarus.

He didn’t want to have to attack these people more, but if faced with a choice, it was simple which he’d pick. Angry Landowners and tenants were blinded by the bounty scenario. Kim Namwoon looked excited, and Jung Heewon was determined.

Checking his companions behind him, he found that Lee Gilyoung had a look similar to Kim Namwoon’s. He seemed to be picking up habits like that simply from hanging around the boy. It was slightly funny, if Kim Dokja was entirely honest.

“Don’t be nervous. The only thing you have to do is protect yourself.” He comforted them.

Kim Dokja turned back to the crowd.

[All the green zones in this region have been destroyed.]

[The main scenario has collapsed.]

[The difficulty is automatically adjusted according to the remaining time schedule.]

[The scenario content has been updated!]

+

[Main Scenario #3 - Emergency Defense]

Category : Main

Difficulty : B-

Clear Conditions : All the green zones in the region are destroyed and the monsters that were going to be created in the remaining days have been released. Survive the flood of monsters for the remaining period of time.

Duration : Until end.

Compensation : 1,000 coins.

Failure : —-

+

[The emergency defense has begun!]

Kim Dokja had only been worried about everyone else up until the point this started.

“Heewon. Namwoon. You two are the strongest among our current group. Protect them.” He said, nodding to everyone else. Nobody took offense to it, the facts pointed and obvious.

The people approaching started screaming. The cries of monsters were heard from outside, and the feast of monsters moved like a tsunami.

The platform of line 3 quickly became a mess. The faces of people became scared as they watched monsters emerge from all sides. The bounty scenario was completely forgotten about.

“Ahh, Hyung. Your plans are going to kill us one day.” Kim Namwoon whistled, quickly catching onto what his plan had been all along.

A curve ball, but still a home run. Kim Dokja was proud of himself.

Grolls emerged, eating people alive and simply removing the limbs of others. Kim Dokja’s chance appeared.

“Namwoon, flank Left, Heewon, Right! Head to the transfer route!” He shouted, leading his party.

He started up the transit stairs with his friends. By the time they reached the upper level, people were blocking the way.

“Get out of the way.” Kim Dokja said, threateningly, but the people were scared, and perhaps they had remembered the scenario as one lunged at Jung Heewon.

A shnng sound of metal being drawn, and the man fell away, cleaved in two different parts. Yoo Joonghyuk looked absolutely murderous, angry beyond belief.

“Kim Dokja.” He growled, eyes furrowed in such a deep glare he may be glowing. Unique talent.

“Glad to see you arrived. Help out.” Kim Dokja said, patting him on the shoulder. Lee Jihye stood a small amount behind him, still slightly shocked.

Something whizzed past Kim Dokja’s head, decimated in a moment due to quick reflexes. He turned to see another group of people watching.

“Have you not grasped the situation yet?” He said, his companions backing up behind him, Yoo Joonghyuk moving to his side.

“W-what?” A woman said, the person who had thrown the rock stuttered.

“Even if I let you up here, you won’t survive.”

There was a sense of despair in the depressed faces of the people. There were no more rooms. No more safe spots. No salvation. Ironic.

“What do we do then?”

“Don’t be foolish. What do you think? You fight.” Kim Dokja said, voice leaking some of the confidence Cheon Inho had in his words.

“Don’t act insane! This is all your fault! If you hand’t broken our rooms…!” Someone shouted, and Kim Dokja could practically feel the anger in Yoo Joonghyuk’s blood come to a boil.

The younger man drew his sword, the blade dripping blood from the man earlier, cold with the tang of steel. Kim Dokja placed his hand out. He was sure that Yoo Joonghyuk had meant to use it for threatening them, but at his confused look at Kim Dokja from the side of his eye, Kim Dokja snatched it out of his hands.

He pushed it into the ground, triggering ‘White Star Aura’ quickly. The centre of the staircase fell with a large sound, along with the people who had tried to advance.

Kim Dokja handed Yoo Joonghyuk’s sword back to him, and he could practically see the wheels turning in his head, figuring out what had just happened. It clicked, and he exploded. Kim Dokja ran.

He grabbed Lee Hyunsung, who rememebered what Kim Dokja had said earlier. They ran to the other staircase as the people rememebred there was another staircase as well.

Lee Jihye ran with them too.

The cries of the people trapped on the platform of line 3 were heard. Lee Jihye approached Kim Dokja.

“This isn’t what you told me. If you do this…”

Kim Dokja smiled sadly, but there was no melancholy burning in his heart of stone. He didn’t have any room for regret. It was cruel, but that was what this world was. A new world needs new rules.

“There is an ending I want to see. But they put everyone I care about at risk.” He said.

Kim Dokja looked at the lower floor that was becoming pandemonium. If he left it like this, they would all be killed. Whether from the monsters or the sacrifical nature of the cruel humans that resided on earth. Using the others bodies as stepping stones to survive.

Kim Dokja could maybe try.

[The exclusive skill ‘Bookmark’ can now be activated.]

[Character Bookmarks is activated.]

[The third bookmark has been activated.]

[Activation Time : 10 minutes.]

[Incite Lvl. 4 has been activated.]

Kim Dokja relished in the quick power that washed over him, the words being pulled out of him before he even really thought of them. Kim Dokja looked downstairs, like a god among mortals.

“Hey, Gong Pildu. How long are you going to stand there?”

Gong Pildu glared at him. Kim Dokja heard the swift boots of his angry companion approach, and he ignored him.

Everyone there turned on him, noticing that he had the power to save them, yet he wasn’t doing so.

His expression darkened, distorting itself quickly. It felt good. Maybe this is what had caused Cheon Inho’s ultimate downfall.

“The third scenario isn’t as difficult as you’ve made it out to be. Once everyone gives up on the rooms and participates in defending, there are enough people to handle the monsters.” Kim Dokja narrated, only half true. If Chungmuro hadn’t been so isolated, so fearing for themselves and themselves only, there would be a thousand less victims. “If Gong Pildu fights with the people, you can survive.” He incited.

[The Constellation that backs incarnation ‘Lee Jihye’ agrees with you.]

[The Constellation ‘God of Naval Warfare’ nods his head.]

The alliance members gathered around Gong Pildu quickly. If he ran away here alone, Gong Pildu’s landlord alliance would collapse. In the end, he was forced with a decision.

“Dammit… Everyone come here!” He shouted. The people did as he said. “I need time to install a new armed zone. Just hang on until I can.”

Blood spattered everywhere and people screamed as their limbs were torn off. The only people that deviated from the formation were the tenants, not the landowners.

“Yoo Sangah-ssi?” Kim Dokja said.

“Yes. Please leave it to me.” She said, and her binding thread reached out quickly, grabbing those who had lost the ability to fight. The tenants that hung from the thread were pulled upstairs. They were shaking as they were moved to the area for the injured.

Some people with weapons eyed Yoo Sangah and Kim Namwoon carefully. Kim Dokja smiled at them and said with a smile only a pyschopath could wear;

“Oh, do you want the bounty?” He said, and he could see Kim Namwoon looking at him out of the corner of his eye with an odd expression on his face. This boy really needed better role model.

[The time limit for the bounty scenario has expired.]

[The bounty hanging on Incarnations ‘Lee Jihye, Kim Namwoon, Yoo Sangah, Lee Gilyoung, Lee Hyunsung, Jung Heewon’ has been destroyed.]

“Eh? Why was I in there?” Lee Jihye said, confused.

Yoo Joonghyuk put a hand on her head, pushing her down slightly. This man was terrible with children. Was he trying to shut her up, or praise her? Kim Dokja looked at him oddly.

He turned back to the shaking men, intimidated by Kim Dokja’s unnerving smile, and the deathly glare of Yoo Joonghyuk.

They seemed ashamed as they put away their weapons, and Kim Dokja could still feel Yoo Joonghyuk’s death glare at him. He really hoped he wasn’t going to be killed in the next few seconds.

Gong Pildu’s voice rang from the bottom, an angry cry.

[The incarnation ‘Gong Pildu’ has used Armed Zone Lvl.4!]

[The incarnation ‘Gong Pildu’ has activated Armed Zone Lvl.4!]

There was a slight mechanical sound as five turrets rose form the ground. Red magic bullets condensed in them in an increasingly short period of time and started firing.

The ground rats screamed as they were hit by the bombardement of magic bullets while the grolls came to a halt. People from everyone cried out.

They cheered him on with happiness written across their faces, excited to be saved.

The man himself seemed to randomly fire at will, but Kim Dokja could see the strength and intent behind his shots. He wasn’t one of the 10 evils for nothing, he supposed.

“It’s such a good stigma. Will he be okay when the mana consumption cost is so large?” Lee Hyunsung asked, voice filled with slight admiration.

“He’ll be fine for a while.” Kim Dokja answered.

“Should we help..?” Yoo Sangah chimed in. They really were such a pair of good qualities, those two.

“Gong Pildu alone is sufficient. If we go down he might become distracted and cause harm instead of help.”

Kim Namwoon approached, closer to Kim Dokja.

“Is it almost time for my help?” He asked, pointing to himself with a curious glint in his eyes. To an onlooker, he looked like he was simply happy to help, yet Kim Dokja noticed the small sadism that pulled out.

“Yes. You remember everything I told you down to the last bit?” Kim Dokja asked, becoming clear with him.

“Of course I do. I’m not fool, Dokja-hyung.” He said, completely proud of himself. Kim Dokja laughed faintly, patting the boys head.

“Then I’ll leave it to you.” He said turning away and to his companion. “Should we get going, Yoo Joonghyuk-ssi?” He asked, smiling.

Yoo Joonghyuk scowled, a deep frown etched on his face as he looked at Kim Dokja. The shorter man started walking, and he could feel Yoo Joonghyuk’s gaze on his back, following him closely.

At that point, once they were firmly out of the eyes of their companions, Kim Dokja swiveled around, the exhaustion setting in. He just wanted to get this over and done with.

“What is it?” He asked, eyeing Yoo Joonghyuk with suspicion.

He didn’t reply.

“Spit it out, you stupid Bastard. It’s not like we’ve got a lot of time to waste.” Kim Dokja said, jabbing at his uneccessarily large pecs. They were soft to the touch, and Kim Dokja felt the muscle bend as he pushed it in.

Kim Dokja wanted to touch them more, truth be told, but Yoo Joonghyuk grabbed his wrist, pulling him forward and pointing at his cut.

“Who did this?” He asked, voice seething with rage. He didn’t even seem angry that Kim Dokja had almost groped him.

Kim Dokja’s dark blue eyes roamed over the cut he had forgotten was there, taking it in with a hint of amusement.

“Aiyah, this is what you were all worked up about? They’re dead anyway.” He said brushing it off. Yoo Joonghyuk continued to glare. “Calm down, it’ll heal soon. It’s not like you can raise them from the dead to stab them again.” He joked, but when he looked at Yoo Joonghyuk’s face, he had an inkling that the man might do just that.

[Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint Lvl.2 activated!]

Kim Dokja hadn’t meant to activate his skill. Really, it was an accident. Nobody believed him though.

‘He got hurt when I wasn’t there.’

‘I failed him.’

Yoo Joonghyuk’s thoughts echoed throughout the small corridor of Kim Dokja’s mind. He felt sad, knowing this is what the younger felt like. Did he really care for Kim Dokja that much?

Kim Dokja didn’t know how to handle this situation. So he did what he always did.

He spoke.

“If you feel that bad about it, why don’t you kiss it better?” He joked, completely rhetorical with his words, but at once Yoo Joonghyuk’s pale grey eyes widened, and he leaned in.

Yoo Joonghyuk’s slightly chapped lips met the bloodied skin of Kim Dokja, tracing a gentle pattern with delicate kisses.

Kim Dokja went a bright, bright red, hitting the back of the regressor. The skill had been deactivated, too preoccupied with freaking out over Yoo Joonghyuk taking him seriously.

“I was joking! A joke!” He exclaimed, swatting the hard muscle of the back of Yoo Joonghyuk, who didn’t stop. The original regressor’s eyes tilted up to meet Kim Dokja’s shaking ones, and he looked too calm for this situation.

Yoo Joonghyuk licked a long stripe up Kim Dokja’s wound, before letting go of him. Kim Dokja turned away immeadiately, embarrased beyond belief, the saliva still coating his arm.

He fanned his face to cool down, and a hand wrapped around his jaw from behind, and he thought he was going to die before the taste of his own blood met his lips.

Yoo Joonghyuk was kissing him. Kim Dokja subconsciously leaned into the kiss, despite being disgusted. Seriously, what was with this guy? Yoo Joonghyuk’s tongue forced it’s way into Kim Dokja’s mouth, exploring with Kim Dokja’s hands carded through Yoo Joonghyuk’s wavy hair.

[The Fourth Wall is shaking!]

Kim Dokja came to his senses, pulling away and turning at once.

“W-We should get going. Yeah…” He said, a hand covering his muffled voice. He took a few steps in stride, blushing beyond belief.

[The Constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ is having a nosebleed!]

[The Constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ wants to rip out incarnation ‘Yoo Joonghyuk’s heart!]

[The Constellation ‘Abyssal Black Flame Dragon’ likes the blood play!]

[11000 coins have been sponsored.]

They could all shut up and find a pole to shove up their asses. Except Secretive Plotter. He could just die. Weirdo.

Yoo Joonghyuk hesitated only a few moments behind Kim Dokja before following loyally, like a guard dog.

Kim Dokja could hear Bihyung flipping out in the Dokkaebi communication. Kim Namwoon must have been doing his job of making ‘Defense Master’ into one of Kim Dokja’s incarnations of the sort well. He smirked, briefly forgetting about the previous scene.

“Why are you smirking.” Yoo Joonghyuk said, a lilt that only 2 people would know as jealousy coating his voice.

“Kim Namwoon seems to be doing the job I gave him well.” He said, not meeting Yoo Joonghyuk’s eyes.

Yoo Joonghyuk made a grunting sound, albeit taking note of how Kim Dokja wasn’t meeting his gaze, and continued on with his long strides.

[A Contract has been completed.]

[You have become a ‘co-sponsor’ of incarnation ‘Gong Pildu’ due to the contract.]

[Due to the contract, you have been given the right to command incarnation ‘Gong Pildu.’]

[The duration of the contract is 10 years and won’t be automatically renewed.]

[Co-sponsors; Kim Namwoon, Kim Dokja]

That little twerp, did he double the time that Gong Pildu and Defense Master was supposed to be indebted to them? He was a much more cunning salesman than Kim Dokja had ever been.

More messages from the constellations came in, and Kim Dokja paid them no mind. He turned back, feeling a stare coming from his right side. Yoo Joonghyuk was looking at him from the corner of his eyes, shifting whenever Kim Dokja went to meet his gaze.

Their positions had been reversed, it looked like.

They stepped on the escalators, climbing. Kim Dokja wondered then, what it would have been like if the world hadn’t ended. Would he still have met Yoo Joonghyuk? Would he have been able to save Kim Namwoon from his household? Or would he have just woken up in the morning, heading to his same desk at Minosoft, the end of TWSA on his back, with one less thing to look forward too?

Kim Dokja would never get to know.

He didn’t really want to know. Sure, this life that he lead was devastating, a trailblazing path of death and destruction, but that was okay. He was happy here. He had his protagonist, his plagarist, his lovely children, and his friends. What a lovely life he lead.

They made their way to the cinema in silence, thoughts running a wild pace through Kim Dokja’s head. He hadn’t entirely noticed that they had made it there, until a scarred hand ran through his hair, messing it up.

“Here.” Came the garbled voice of Yoo Joonghyuk. He had his hand on Kim Dokja’s head, pushing him down slightly. Bastard.

“Did you send Lee Jihye ahead while I was busy?” He asked, double checking.

“I sent Jung Heewon with her. They should take care of the Triassic Park and The Battle.” He murmured out, and Kim Dokja nodded.

A scenario box appeared.

+

[Hidden Scenario - Theatre Dungeon]

Category: Hidden

Difficulty : A-

Clear Conditions : Defeat the master of the Theatre Dungeon.

Time Limit : None

Compensation : 4,000 coins

Failure : —-

+

Kim Dokja closed out the box without really reading the details, knowing all the information already. Yoo Joonghyuk did the same.

“That only leaves one movie.” Kim Dokja noticed, remembering that he had originally had to do three.

Yoo Joonghyuk grunted out a noise that was meant to be his response of a ‘Yes’ but really just sounded like a primal animals sound.

A familar multiplex complex enveloped Kim Dokja’s senses as he stepped inside.

[You have entered the Theatre Dungeon]

He made his way up the floors, posters having all been destroyed. Kim Dokja cringed at some of the posters… he must really have been a monster to complete all of those.

There was only a system message when they entered the fourth floor.

[You have entered the fourth floor.]

The spotlight poured down on the pair without giving him time to look at the posters, although he already knew what movie it would be.

Titanic.

[The Screening has started!]

The background changed and when we opened our eyes, a sea breeze blew on the brow of a ship. Salty air filled Kim Dokja’s mouth as he breathed, an open horizon spread out before him.

He was enraptured by the scenery of the sea. In all his time spent, it had been so long since he had seen the sea. Kim Dokja, the fool, didn’t even realize that his role had changed. Kim Dokja was wearing a full length English dress.

A violin sound was heard, though thoroughly overpowered by a hacking noise from Yoo Joonghyuk, who was red at the ears and neck and sporting the clothes Kim Dokja recognized to be Jack Dawson’s.

Kim Dokja looked down, trying to figure out why he was suddenly coughing. Did he perhaps get seasick- …oh. Kim Dokja turned red. Almost moving to cover himself before realizing he was just wearing a dress.

It was near the end of the movie, Kim Dokja recognized. The ship was sinking at a rapid pace.

“How does this movie end?” Yoo Joonghyuk asked, face tinged with a pink blush slightly, looking away from his companion.

“You don’t know?” Kim Dokja said, surprised.

“I’ve never seen it. That’s why I skipped it.” He said. Kim Dokja was utterly shocked.

“I’m making you watch this when we get a break.” He grumbled under his breath, wondering how he should deal with this. Rose’s fiancee was nowhere in sight, and the only other option was for one of them to die, which would not go down well with Yoo Joonghyuk.

It wasn’t like Kim Dokja wanted to watch him die anyway.

The boat paused.

[The Scenario Fulfillments have changed!]

[The Theatre Master wants you to recreate a scene!]

[Scene Options]

~ Car Scene

~ Door Scene

+

This stupid fucking pervert. Why were these the only two options? Kim Dokja turned a bright red. Either he had to watch Yoo Joonghyuk die or he had to fuck him.

“Kim Dokja.” Yoo Joonghyuk said. Kim Dokja flinched.

“Yes?” He replied, trying to look normal.

“What are these scenes.” He asked, staring at Kim Dokja’s soul with his infinite grey eyes.

“Ah… about that.” He said, trailing off as he brought a finger up his lip.

“Spit it out.” Yoo Joonghyuk demanded, losing his patience.

“Well, the Car scene is where- ah… RoseandJackhavesexinthebackofacar.” Kim Dokja mumbled, and he wasn’t sure if Yoo Joonghyuk had heard him, but the man turned a bit pink again, and grunted, which Kim Dokja took as an affirmative.

“And the other? We should do that one.” Yoo Joonghyuk said, face covered by a gloved hand.

“I fear you might like that one even less. It’s at the end of the movie. Jack puts Rose on a door to be saved and it doesn’t come quick enough…” He trails off, looking at Yoo Joonghyuk’s wide and fearful eyes. It didn’t suit him, to look so scared.

He turned away, when Kim Dokja met his gaze. Kim Dokja looked back at a ping in his ears.

[An option has been chosen!]

[Incarnation ‘Yoo Joonghyuk’ has chosen ‘Car Scene’!]

It screamed at him. Kim Dokja’s eyes went wide, a blush coming over his face quickly as the scene faded to one of a backseat.

“Wha-!” He exclaimed, dress changed into a different one, laying on his back. Yoo Joonghyuk cut him off quickly, placing his mouth atop the olders.

“I can’t watch you die.” Yoo Joonghyuk said, breaking away, a thin string of saliva connecting the two. Stupid Sunfish, did he think the positions were reversed? He’d be the one to die, and now they were stuck her-

Kim Dokja let out a yelp as Yoo Joonghyuk flipped him over, kissing his neck, leaving hickeys he knew wouldnt last. The dress fell down, meant for someone with a bust that Kim Dokja did not have, and Yoo Joonghyuk’s idle hands found their way to Kim Dokja’s nipples.

Kim Dokja groaned as Yoo Joonghyuk played with his sensitive areas, feeling everything the man was doing to him.

His hands went up on the back of the glass, steamed with the ship, and they left imprints as they were dragged down, Yoo Joonghyuk pressing Kim Dokja’s body with his.

[Scene fulfilled!]

Huh?

[The Theatre Master is satisified with the scene recreation!]

[An end credit has been reached!]

[Actors: Yoo Joonghyuk, Kim Dokja]

[You have obtained 500 coins as compensation.]

Everything went white. Kim Dokja groaned as he fell back on the cold tile of the theatre floor. He should have expected that. The movie never explicitly stated that Jack and Rose had sex, too raunchy for their young watchers.

Kim Dokja wouldn’t admit it, but he felt a bit disappointed. Kim Dokja wants to stab the fourth wall.

[The Constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ is screaming!]

Kim Dokja turned his inbox off.

Yoo Joonghyuk was stood away from him.

“I’ll be right back.” He said, leaving quickly. He left Kim Dokja like that, a panting mess on the floor of the theatre. A tight coil of something he ignored slowly dissipated in the pit of his stomach.

He would never speak about this ever again. He feared that he might meet the end of Yoo Joonghyuk’s sword if he did, and not the one he wanted.

Kim Dokja flushes red, trying to disable the Fourth Wall.

[Your Exclusive skill ‘The Fourth Wall’ has been disabled.]

~~

I bent over in pain the moment I had turned the Fourth wall off. I could feel the concerned gaze of Yoo Joonghyuk raze over me as I keened, but I couldn’t restore the skill.

I could feel his hands at my waist and stomach, trying to help me as he muttered words I couldn’t hear but I shook.

On! On! I thought, trying desperately.

~~

[Your Exclusive skill ‘The Fourth Wall’ has been reactivated.]

The Fourth Wall hopes Kim Dokja learned his lesson. The fourth wall feels slightly sorry, but it was a lesson he needed to learn.

Yoo Joonghyuk looked a mess as he helped Kim Dokja stand up, grip on his waist tight beyond belief. It wasn’t as though he was holding Kim Dokja like he was a fragile thing, bound to break at any moment, he held Kim Dokja like if he let go of him he might become a fragile flower bound to break.

Kim Dokja was truly a fool to not see how much this man cared.

“I’m fine.” He said, coughing a bit and regaining his stance. Yoo Joonghyuk’s grip didn’t loosen. “I’m alright. I made a mistake, and I fixed it. I’m okay, Joonghyuk-ah.”

He smiled, and he did mean it this time, and Yoo Joonghyuk lessened his grip slightly.

“Your companions will be worried if you do that.” He spoke, voice trembling too much for his efforts to keep it stable.

Kim Dokja translated his words.

‘Don’t ever do that in front of me again, you squid idiot.’ He laughed a bit, before making his way to the treasure room.

[You have entered the fifth floor, the rewards room!]

Once he climbed the escalator, the treasures finally appeared.

Kim Dokja immeadiately approached the items, picking up a few.

Mikazuki Munechika had already been taken by Jung Heewon, and so he moved past the empty stand.

He grabbed Hercules’ Shield and an only slightly resentful Mjolnir, storing them away in his pockets quickly as he moved on.

Yoo Joonghyuk had chosen something he wouldn’t let Kim Dokja see, so he let him be. He moved to grab something for Yoo Sangah, and the older nodded appreciatively.

Kim Dokja and Yoo Joonghyuk made their way up the stairs quickly, side by side. They reached the top floor, only stopping to look at each other.

Kim Dokja didn’t need his skills to know what Yoo Joonghyuk was thinking.

‘Save me.’ The storm called.

‘Always.’ The sea replied.

It was time for a decent battle.

Chapter Text

Kim Dokja waited. The plan was simple in theory. He would sit here for a few moments, waiting for Yoo Joonghyuk to be consumed by the Theatre Master’s mind control, and Kim Dokja would enter, save him, and they’d be done in enough time to catch a quick nap.

And so he waited. His chest felt like sparks ignited inside it. What if he was stronger? Kim Dokja would surely be able to beat him if he tried, but what if he got hurt? These emotions were new to Kim Dokja. He was no stranger to worry, to fear, but to fear himself against another person was something else entirely.

He gave up, pushing the door into the rooftop. Yoo Joonghyuk was turned away, a grey-white aura flowing from Yoo Joonghyuk’s body. It was ominous, and the hairs on the back of Kim Dokja’s head and neck stood at attention.

[The ‘Theatre Master’s Simulation’ has been revealed.]

Kim Dokja did his best to look shocked at the situation, as if they hadn’t carefully planned this. The Theatre Master smiled, a creepy and perverted smile as Yoo Joonghyuk’s body turned to face Kim Dokja.

[The ‘Theatre Master’s Simulation’ has controlled the incarnation ‘Yoo Joonghyuk’.]

Goosebumps flooded Kim Dokja’s body, a slight tremor in his veins as he reached for his sword.

Yoo Joonghyuk didn’t move. He turned, staring at him, but he didn’t move. The smile on the Theatre Master’s face quickly disappeared, frowning deeply as Yoo Joonghyuk failed to do his bidding.

Why wasn’t he moving? He needed to move. Kim Dokja was sure that Yoo Joonghyuk was at least partially conscious, watching what was happening. Kim Dokja looked at his companion oddly, hand still wrapped around the hilt of his sword, ready to draw at any possible moment.

Yoo Joonghyuk’s body trembled with the smallest tremor. Was he resisting? He needed to stop.

‘Stop.’ Kim Dokja mouthed silently at him. The film that seemed to cloud over Yoo Joonghyuk’s gaze seemed to dissipate if only for a moment, pupils blown wide in shock.

His body untensed as the fog reappeared, yet he still didn’t move. Kim Dokja couldn’t see him trying to resist, so he wasn’t sure what to do.

The Theatre Master scowled in anger as his minion failed to complete his simple task.

His mouth opened, sounds that didn’t make sense falling out. What a stupid bastard, trying to force the scenario.

[The Theatre Master has changed the qualifications for the controlled incarnation ‘Yoo Joonghyuk’.]

Once the notifications arrived, a line of worry slipping through Kim Dokja’s mind, Yoo Joonghyuk lunged. It wasn’t a blunt force attack, his sword not trying to hurt Kim Dokja at all.

It looked like he was trying to get Kim Dokja to hurt him. Kim Dokja blocked the attacks. He had no feeling or need to hurt Yoo Joonghyuk, just snap him out of the comatose state he may be in.

He was pushed back, heeled boots leaving skid marks on the floor of the roof as he was pushed back against the immense strength of Yoo Joonghyuk. He noticed Jung Heewon and Lee Jihye appear quickly, perhaps attracted by the noise of the commotion.

They made eye contact with Kim Dokja, and Jung Heewon moved to draw her sword, and Kim Dokja shook his head valiantly. He couldn’t let her interfere. He could deal with this.

She looked concerned, but adhered to his wishes and kept Lee Jihye back as well. Yoo Joonghyuk continued his blows, and Kim Dokja slipped past his side, boosting his step to put some distance between them.

Yoo Joonghyuk immeadiately closed the distance, attacking him again. Sparks flew from both of the men’s blades, creating a large crack of metal hitting metal in the air. Kim Dokja pushed back with valiant force despite Yoo Joonghyuk’s attacks never once grazing his skin- even lightly.

Kim Dokja pushed everything into the force of his sword, and Yoo Joonghyuk stumbled back.

“You stupid Sunfish.” He gritted out, waiting for Yoo Joonghyuk to recover. “Yoo Joonghyuk, snap out of it!” Kim Dokja shouted, Yoo Joonghyuk’s eyes still clouded over, the whitish and disturbing aura still covering him.

It wasn’t that Kim Dokja actually needed to say these words, but that the chances of the Theatre Master taking pity on them because of it increased.

“I don’t want to live in this world alone, Yoo Joonghyuk.” He said, voice snapping with the telltale signs of a man who was about to cry. Kim Dokja would be a very good actor.

Yoo Joonghyuk’s sword slipped from the tang of Kim Dokja’s and it fell, cutting his leg deeply. Blood flowed and flesh was torn and the moment Yoo Joonghyuk laid his eyes on it, the fog disappeared.

“Kim Dokja.” He said, and his voice was shaking more than he had ever seen. He dropped to a knee, leaving his sword forgotten, as shaking hands approached Kim Dokja’s wound.

“I’m fine.” Kim Dokja said, biting down on his tongue hard enough to feel the sweetly metallic taste flood his mouth. He was not fine. It hurt. A lot. But he would be able to deal with it.

[The Theatre Master is greatly aggravated!]

[The Theatre Master has strengethened his control on the incarnation ‘Yoo Joonghyuk’!]

Yoo Joonghyuk’s eyes clouded back over, any semblance of control gone once again, but he didn’t move to hurt Kim Dokja.

[The Theatre Master is enforcing the story he has chosen for incarnation ‘Yoo Joonghyuk’]

What did that mean? What story?

[Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint Lvl.2 has been activated!]

‘Kim Dokja.’

‘Can you hear me?’

‘I know you can.’

Yoo Joonghyuk’s thoughts echoed in his mind as his body writhed slightly, the control effects regaining their grip on him, and he grabbed his sword.

“I can hear you.” Kim Dokja told him, his voice a bare whisper on the back of the wind.

‘Good.’

‘It’s changed, Kim Dokja.’

‘You read.’

‘You should know how to save me.’

His thoughts were broken up, in small fragments like he was breathing heavily between words. Kim Dokja’s brow furrowed as he saw the hand of Yoo Joonghyuk go limp, the sword clatter to the ground.

‘I trust you, Kim Dokja.’

Yoo Joonghyuk’s hand reached out, pricking his scarred and sunkissed finger on the tip of Kim Dokja’s blade, the drop of blood falling out slowly, before he collapsed on the ground, eyes fluttering shut.

Kim Dokja’s heart pounded in his chest. This wasn’t supposed to happen. He was supposed to be fine. He was supposed to be fine. He was supposed to be fine.

[Part of your modifier has been revealed!]

[The Constellation ‘Demon King of Salvation’ is angry!]

The notifications went on and on, and Kim Dokja could feel like black feathered wings spread out from his back, doubling his size. His eyes burned a bright red compared to their normal pale blue, and he drew unbroken faith.

[Blade of Faith is activated!]

[The special property of Unbroken Faith has been activated!]

[The Ether property is converted to ‘Fire’.]

Kim Dokja approached, all senses and ability to control himself overwhelmed by fear.

[The Theatre Master is extremely aware of your presence!]

He tried to trigger the Delirium skill, to trap Kim Dokja too, but it didn’t even slightly take effect on the man this time, bouncing off like a marble against a statue.

Kim Dokja brought his sword up as he lunged forward, and dug the blade into his neck.

Numerous texts emanated a faint light and floated in the darkness. The Fourth Wall smiles.

[I wa s hun gr y.]

[Th an k yo u.]

[The exclusive skill, ‘Fourth Wall’ is activated!]

Kim Dokja had never seen the manifestation of the Fourth Wall before, outside of the wall of pages. Time seemed to slow as it approached, and he couldn’t percieve it. It was not quite a person, not quite multiple people, not quite pages, not quite comments, not quite words spoken between people.

The Fourth Wall’s manifestation took the form of everything. It engulfed the Theatre Master in one fell swoop, and time returned to it’s normal pace.

Kim Dokja fell to his knees, overwhelmed.

[Your Modifier has been deactivated!]

[The ‘Theatre Master’ has been killed for the first time.]

[You have obtained 9,000 coins as compensation.]

[You have met the condititions to clear the hidden scenario!]

[You have obtained 4,000 coins as compensation.]

Kim Dokja stood on shaky legs, and he felt Jung Heewon running towards him, concerned.

“Dokja-ssi!” She shouted, and Kim Dokja didn’t have the strength to respond to her.

[Part of the Theatre Master’s story is still active.]

[The Barrier around the Theater Dungeon will not disappear until it has been destroyed.]

The notifications rose, and Kim Dokja looked confused. He turned back to Yoo Joonghyuk, and Jung Heewon picked up one of his arms, wrapping it around her neck to help him stand.

Lee Jihye held Yoo Joonghyuk’s head in her lap, tears pricking at her eyes as Yoo Joonghyuk failed to wake up.

“What happened, Ahjussi? Why isn’t he waking up?” She said, and Kim Dokja stumbled his way over towards her, trying to let Jung Heewon know he needed to reach them.

‘You read.’ He had said.

Kim Dokja. The sole reader. What did he mean? The story had changed. Yoo Joonghyuk was in a different story.

He had pricked his finger. He had fallen asleep. The reality hit Kim Dokja like a pile of bricks, something unconcieveable.

Of course Yoo Joonghyuk would be a sleeping beauty. Even as he lay there, a delicate drop, drop, drop of blood from his finger, he looked ethereal.

“We can’t.” Kim Dokja said, realizing. They had no way to wake him. True loves kiss would surely do it, but Lee Seolwha wasn’t with them. He didn’t even know where she was.

[Yo u ar e an i dio t.]

The Fourth Wall wished it could beat Kim Dokja up. The man shook his head at the wall’s words, disregarding it.

“What do you mean we can’t? Surely there’s a way.” Jung Heewon chimed in, letting Kim Dokja slip down to the ground, nearing Yoo Joonghyuk’s sleeping body.

“True loves kiss would save him. But she’s not here right now.” Kim Dokja shook his head, twisting a tired finger around one of Yoo Joonghyuk’s loose curls.

“Are you serious?”

“You’re joking.”

Both Lee Jihye and Jung Heewon chimed in at the same moment. Kim Dokja just shook his head again.

[The Constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ is screaming.]

[The Constellation ‘Abyssal Black Flame Dragon’ thinks that you are a complete fuc-]

[Message Censored.]

[The Constellation ‘She who dreams’ thinks that Kim Dokja needs to have some sense hit into him.]

All of the constellations chimed in, all saying the same thing, and calling Kim Dokja an idiot.

[The Constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ says he doesn’t like this, but supposes he can adhere this one time.]

[The Constellation ‘???’ begs you to save their incarnation!]

Yoo Joonghyuk’s sponsor? What was he doing here? Kim Dokja made a confused face, looking up at Jung Heewon to see if she understood.

“You really don’t get it, do you?” She asked, making sure.

Kim Dokja looked even more confused, and she just shook her head.

“Turn around and look at him, Kim Dokja.” She said, and Kim Dokja did as she said, wondering what he missed, but Jung Heewon pressed his face down, and his lips briefly met Yoo Joonghyuk’s, enough force to qualify as a kiss.

Kim Dokja snapped up, confused and upset that Jung Heewon would do that to him.

“Eh?! Heewon-ssi!” He said, shooting up, confused and a bit angry.

She slapped him upside the head.

“You’re the most stupid squid I’ve ever met.” She said, and when Kim Dokja went to retort, he startled at the sound of Lee Jihye’s intake of breath and a groaning noise.

[The Fourth Wall is shaking!]

[The Fourth Wall needs to recover!]

[Time until Recovery: 1 minute.]

Kim Dokja swiveled around, ignoring the messages aside from a brief glance. Yoo Joonghyuk sat up, hand on his likely throbbing head and a glare on his face.

What? How? No, this wasn’t right. Lee Seolwha was his true love. That was how it was written.

[Time until Recovery: 30 seconds.]

Yoo Joonghyuk made eye contact with Kim Dokja, and his gaze softened slightly, the smallest curve of his lips upturning at the realization that Kim Dokja had managed to figure it out.

He hadn’t.

Kim Dokja was currently losing it.

“Yoo Joonghyu-” He began, before he felt his body go limp and fall forward. His eyes shut and he could hear the muffled voice of his companions lunge forward to grab him.

The background behind the black of his eyelids changed, and he could feel a warm red glow on him. The barrier must have dissipated. That was good. Kim Dokja was tired.

It was warm where he lay. Maybe a nap wouldn’t hurt…

~~

[Time until Restoration: 4 hours.]

~~

When Kim Dokja woke up, it was to a faint red sky, a warm pillow, and a jacket covering him. The pillow was soft, and it moved up and down in time with the thumping of his heart as he struggled to recall what had happened.

Kim Dokja remembered killing the theatre master, Yoo Joonghyuk falling asleep, being forced to kiss him… and the messages about how he had worn out the fourth wall.

Oh.

Well, it seemed to be fine for right now. He snuggled in closer to the pillow, the jacket providing warmth like a blanket around him. He let out a light moan of delight as he felt safe.

“Kim Dokja.” A deep voice called out, and Kim Dokja felt the rumble of vocal chords echo through his pillow. It took him about 5 seconds to put two and two together. He turned a dark red.

How could he have not realized this wasn’t a pillow? The warm chest of Yoo Joonghyuk expanded and decreased under him, the muscles of his pecs swelling around the pressure of Kim Dokja’s head.

“I know you’re awake, Kim Dokja.” Yoo Joonghyuk said, and Kim Dokja stayed very, very, still.

Yoo Joonghyuk said nothing else.

“Fine. Be like that.”

Kim Dokja didn’t move. He was still trying to process the kiss. He had kissed Yoo Joonghyuk. This wasn’t new information. In the last few days, he had kissed Yoo Joonghyuk more than he had ever kissed anyone, and so that wasn’t the issue.

The issue was the fact that the kiss had woken Yoo Joonghyuk up.

It had woken up sleeping beauty. Only true love was supposed to do that. Kim Dokja wasn’t his true love. It was Lee Seolwha. Right?

Kim Dokja didn’t know. He didn’t want to acknoledge the fact that he wanted to be Yoo Joonghyuk’s true love. He couldn’t want that. He didn’t deserve it.

“You think too much.” Yoo Joonghyuk said, his arm that had laid across Kim Dokja’s shoulder unknowingly, reached up and let the strands of Kim Dokja’s straight hair fall through his fingers.

Yoo Joonghyuk didn’t have any mind reading skills, so how had he known? Kim Dokja blinked his eyes awake. The red haze of the sky filled his line of sight, meteors still falling. Shouldn’t that have stopped by now?

He felt every intake of breath Yoo Joonghyuk made, and Kim Dokja readjusted, and his ear made contact with the thumping sound of his heart. What an odd sound. It was quick, and fast paced, like he was scared.

“We’re falling behind.” Kim Dokja said, voice rough from sleep.

“…You have time.” Yoo Joonghyuk said. He phrased it like Kim Dokja was the only one who had time, which was entirely too ominous for Kim Dokja’s taste, but he disregarded it.

“What did you wish for?” Kim Dokja asked, flipping from his cheek pressed against Yoo Joonghyuk’s chest to having the back of his head against it. Yoo Joonghyuk’s hand was pulled away as he turned, and Kim Dokja grabbed his hand to replace it.

It tingled, still asleep after having been in the same position for so long. It was a nice burn. He no longer felt the pain from the wound inflicted on his leg, and when he glanced down, it was almost completely gone.

“Wish.” Yoo Joonghyuk repeated, as though he had never even heard the word. He sat up, pushing a sprawled out Kim Dokja forward, and he snapped to attention the moment he realized Kim Dokja had folded in on himself, but he still seemed stuck on the word.

“A wish.” He said again, pronouncing the syllables in english, as though Korean was not enough for him.

“Wish upon a shooting star. Like the stories?” Kim Dokja clarified, straightening himself out and standing up on shaking legs. A hand wrapped around his waist, as though there to stabilize him all the time, as though it was made for that purpose, solely to be there for Kim Dokja.

Yoo Joonghyuk stared at him blankly, face unreadable of any emotion.

“Ah.. like, ‘When you wish upon a star it makes no difference who you are-’” Kim Dokja sang, voice off pitch and his english cracking. Yoo Joonghyuk placed a hand over his mouth as if to say ‘I get it.’

Kim Dokja was pissed off. This bastard thought he was better than Kim Dokja just because Kim Dokja wasn’t that good at singing? Kim Dokja had an idea, which never really bode well for anyone even remotely related to the man.

Kim Dokja grabbed Yoo Joonghyuk’s wrist, and licked the palm of his hand with what he hoped was a sultry expression. His only guide to romance was Yoo Joonghyuk, bad Bls and Manwhas with unrealistic relationships, and smutty fanfictions.

It really wasn’t going well in his favour.

Yoo Joonghyuk grabbed his hand back quickly, wrestling it out of Kim Dokja’s grip as his face turned red.

Kim Dokja smirked, his actions a sort of revenge for the healing cut that Yoo Joonghyuk had kissed and licked earlier.

He made his way to the edge of the lawn, looking out over the city. The sun was far from risen, and the sky tinted red. Kim Dokja was reminded of another scene from a show he liked.

He turned around.

They really did look like them, didn’t they? Kim Dokja would eventually have to make same decisions that Ivan had made, choosing to follow Yoo Joonghyuk although it would only make things harder for him.

But he would choose him anyway.

“I think I know what I want my wish to be.” Kim Dokja said, smiling.

Yoo Joonghyuk’s gaze drifted over him, taking everything in. His gaze lingered on certain places, but Kim Dokja dismissed it like an idiot.

They smiled at each other, although Yoo Joonghyuk didn’t really smile, and Kim Dokja didn’t really mean it.

“I want to wish too.” Yoo Joonghyuk said, like the idea was foreign to him.

“What will you wish for?” Kim Dokja asked.

“Hmph. There’s… some-” He spoke, though his words were cut off by the swinging of a door, Jung Heewon and Lee Gilyoung standing there. They were talking, and only looked up briefly to notice that the pair had woken up.

“Ah, you’re awake now?” Heewon asked, and Lee Gilyoung broke free from her hand to run and cling to Kim Dokja’s leg.

“Soundly asleep.” Kim Dokja retorted, clearly awake.

“Don’t get hurt again, Hyung.” Lee Gilyoung said, fisting Kim Dokja’s pant leg as the man picked him up and settled him on his hip like a mother would hold their child. Perhaps Kim Dokja should be considered a mother after all.

Kim Dokja tells the Fourth Wall to die horribly.

Kim Dokja made his way towards his other companion, who beckoned him. He only made it to the exit when Jung Heewon passed through, and he turned around to find Yoo Joonghyuk waiting.

“We’re already late. Hurry up.” He told the older man, who’s eyebrow went up in a slight state of shock Kim Dokja recognized to be confusion. These two, two peas in a pod when it came to being oblivious.

The dungeon was gone, just as Kim Dokja remembered. It was an ordinary theater once more. The items in the rewards room were reverted back into stage props. It felt as though everything had been a dream.

Kim Dokja’s mind flashed back to the back of the car, the feeling of silk sliding down his back, Yoo Joonghyuk’s wet mouth leaving bite marks down his back, as though he were an animal prone to claiming what was his.

Kim Dokja’s body throbbed in a few places, as though the marks were still there.

As they made their way downstairs, notifications started popping back up.

[Main Scenario #3 - Emergency Defense has ended.]

[You have obtained 1,000 coins as compensation.]

It must have been delayed, for whatever reason. Was Bihyung perhaps protecting him? He would have to thank the little creature later. It would have been bothersome if Kim Dokja had to interput himself in the middle of an already started scenario once again.

[The Fourth Main Scenario is about to begin!]

Kim Dokja made his way down the escalator, Lee Gilyoung against his shoulder, Jung Heewon at his front, and Yoo Joonghyuk at his back.

[A few constellations are confused with your relationship with incarnation ‘Yoo Joonghyuk’]

[A few constellations are angry at your relationship with incarnation ‘Yoo Joonghyuk’.]

Homophobic bastards, weren’t they? Kim Dokja might have to pay a few of them a visit during the next banquet.

[The Constellation ‘Demon King of Salvation’ says they might like it up the ass considering the pole they have stuck there.]

A snort came from behind him. Had Yoo Joonghyuk seen that too? Kim Dokja’s nape flushed.

His feet practically thrummed in his body at the urge, the need, to go faster. He didn’t know why, he just did. He disregarded it, a reaction to his embarrasing moment earlier.

Once they had made it back downstairs, Kim Namwoon excitedly came to greet him, holding out his hands to hold Lee Gilyoung. Kim Dokja handed him over, the young had fallen asleep on the short trip down.

“I did it perfectly, did you see?” He asked, looking proud of himself, and like he was expecting validation from Kim Dokja.

Kim Dokja smiled, and ruffled his hair.

“Yes, you did very good Namwoon. Thank you.” He smiled brightly, before walking away to shine in his glory.

He was such a different boy than the one that had accompanied Yoo Joonghyuk in TWSA. Kim Dokja couldn’t quite name why, but it was peaceful to have him around. If Kim Dokja acknoldged the fact that he was practically a parent to those two boys by now, he never said it, only thinking to himself;

‘I’ll be a better parent than either of my parents were.’

Jung Heewon stared at him oddly from the corner, and Yoo Joonghyuk disappeared for a brief moment. Her face looked drooped with worry, and Kim Dokja wondered why.

“What are you worried about?” He asked, and she sighed and looked away briefly, arms folded across her chest.

“It’s just… ah, this is odd for me. I don’t usually have trouble trying to speak.” She attempted, seemingly unable to find the words.

She was right. Jung Heewon knew what was right and what was wrong and she never hesitated to tell anyone that.

“What is your relationship with that guy?” She asked, and Kim Dokja flinched back a small bit.

“Eh?” He asked, confused.

“You’re both clearly in love with each other, but neither of you want to admit it for whatever reason. He seems to see it more than you do, Dokja-ssi.” She spoke. Kim Dokja’s brain blue-screened.

“No… It’s not like that.” He sighed, regaining his composure after processing her words. She raised an eyebrow. “I like him, sure, but he loves someone else.”

There was that look again, similar to the one she had given him before she made him kiss Yoo Joonghyuk to wake him up.

“Dokja-ssi. You are the most infuriatingly oblivious person I’ve ever had the misfortune to meet.” She said, before muttering something under her breath and walking away.

What did she mean by that? Kim Dokja wasn’t oblivious, Kim Dokja thought. The Fourth Wall agrees with Jung Heewon.

Kim Dokja leaned against a wall, sliding his back down it, thinking seriously. After this scenario, the second sponsor selection would begin. He needed a way to bring more coins into his channel, more constellations.

It would be an issue, now that he was a constellation, to do that. Maybe he could make a different offer?

Yoo Joonghyuk sat down next to him, not saying anything, just sat there. Kim Dokja barely even noticed his presence, too engrossed in his mind. The older man pulled out his phone and scrolled through the chapters of TWSA that would be relevant in the coming days, and Yoo Joonghyuk looked over his shoulder, only met with a black screen that Kim Dokja was staring very intensly at.

A small bubble of jealousy popped in his mind, followed by another and another. What was so important on a black screen that Kim Dokja hadn’t even noticed him.

He swiped the phone out of Kim Dokja’s hands, taking it away. Pay attention to him. Him, not this stupid chunk of metal. Kim Dokja’s eyes went wide as the phone was removed from his hands, not even noticing that there was an upset Yoo Joonghyuk next to him.

“Hey- Joonghyuk-ah?” He said, beginning to get angry until he saw his companion, who’s lips were turned down in a frown. It wasn’t quite a scowl like he usually wore, more of a sad look on his face than an angry one.

It only took Kim Dokja about three seconds to put two and two together, realizing why Yoo Joonghyuk had done that.

“Aiyah, you stupid sunfish. Don’t tell me you were jealous?” He teased, and Yoo Joonghyuk perhaps hadn’t even realized that those were the feelings that were running through him.

Yoo Joonghyuk’s ears went red at the thought, and he looked away, avoiding eye contact.

“You totally were~. If you wanted my attention, you could have just said it.” He prodded at Yoo Joonghyuk, pulling at his cheek, trying to force a reaction out of him.

“…kja.” Yoo Joonghyuk grumbled as Kim Dokja continued to poke him.

“Huh?” Kim Dokja said, pausing briefly.

“Stop that, Kim Dokja.” He commanded, standing up, still not facing Kim Dokja. The Constellation’s phone lay forgotten on the ground as he also stood up, trying to see his face.

The squid had no sense of self-preservation.

“What? You don’t want my attention now?” He messed with Yoo Joonghyuk, and something inside the taller snapped, and so he swiveled around, forcing Kim Dokja’s lips to his, kissing him roughly.

It wasn’t tender, or loving, like any of their previous kisses, but a rough, needy kiss. Something desperate, a point of desperation from Yoo Joonghyuk. Kim Dokja groaned at the sudden contact, kissing him back with as much force.

Yoo Joonghyuk split off, a smudge of lip gloss that Kim Dokja wore but wouldn’t admit to wearing on his mouth. He wiped it off with a final glance at Kim Dokja’s red face and shaking figure, before turning on his heel and leaving.

Maybe Kim Dokja had really died back then, and this was all an insane fever dream. His knees gave out, and he had to force his hands out to prevent from collapsing on the ground.

He grabbed his phone, flicking on the camera. He looked every bit a mess, lips slightly swollen and red, gloss on his skin, hair ruffled. He did his best to fix it, which didn’t help an meter or a mile.

A loud noise sounded from downstairs.

Kim Dokja stood up, pocketing his phone and fussing with his hair to see The Landlord Alliance putting pressure on a small group.

“Where did that bastard Kim Dokja and his son go? Tell me quickly.” Gong Pildu shouted, harassing Lee Hyunsung and Yoo Sangah.

He walked towards them quickly, making a point to draw attention to himself.

“Yoo Sangah-ssi, Lee Hyunsung-ssi.” He said, smiling with his hands in his pockets.

“You!” An Alliance member cried out as soon as he came down to the platform of Line 4.

If it was even possible, Gong Pildu looked even worse than he had when this had happened in his first round. The evidence of a fierce battle wore on his face, and at first glance, you could see that his stats had greatly risen.

“Gong Pildu.” He said, sending him a nod of appreciation.

The man used Armed Zone quickly, and eight turrets rose from the ground. The alliance members centered around Gong Pildu looked at Kim Dokja, glares in their eyes. They looked like newborn kittens with their glares, Kim Dokja thought, comparing it to Yoo Joonghyuk’s tiger-like stare.

“This bastard…!” He shouted, trying to lunge forward to get to Kim Dokja. The moment he tried to say something, an electric current ran through the air, messing up Kim Dokja’s hair again.

[The fourth main scenario will start in 5 minutes!]

Along with the system message, Bihyung arrived.

“Hahahha, everyone, hello! Have you been well?” He asked, a glare falling upon the people he believed to be lesser than him.

Everyone’s expressions shifted at his appearance, fear filling their faces.

“You all seem so restless!” He shouted, taking pleasure in their pain.

“W-what is it now?” One brave soul asked.

“Of course, I’m here for the fourth scenario’s announcement.”

People grumbled angrily at this.

“Now, now. Don’t act like that. DOn’t you know I kill the first person who complains? The fourth main scenario has to do with other stations. I’m sure you’ll be satisified!” Bihyung cackled, people’s complexions darkening at the mention of the other stations.

Chungmuro along was terrible. It was completely obvious how bad it would be if there were other places involved. Bihyung laughed some more.

“By the way, in order to proceed with this scenario, you have to perform another task first. Wouldn’t it be a mess, if a lot of people suddenly appeared? Therefore, you need a presence to lead you. In other words, there must be a station representative!” He said, and Kim Dokja smirked.

“From now on, this is a melee. It could be called a ‘warm up’. The rules…. well, you’ll see!” Bihyung said, finally dissappearing.

[The sub scenario has arrived!]

+

[Sub Scenario - Elect a representative]

Category : Sub

Difficulty: C

Clear Conditions : Take the flag installed in the center of the platform.

Time limit : 30 minutes.

Compensations : 1,000 coins. Chungmuro’s representative

Failure : —

*The representative of the station can excersize control over the members.

+

Before the message had even fully popped up, Gong Pildu had started running. He pushed people out of the way, desperate to get to the flag.

“Gong Pildu, down!” Kim Namwoon shouted, appearing.

[Under the terms of the contract ‘Command Rights’ is activated!]

Gong Pildu fell on his face.

Kim Dokja stepped on his back, picking up the white flag.

[You have pulled the white flag from the flagpole]

[You have become the representative of Chungmuro.]

[You are qualified to walk the King’s path.]

“Hey, Yoo Joonghyuk, aren’t you going to stop him?” Someone yelled, and Kim Dokja turned to Yoo Joonghyuk, who was leaning against a pillar in the corner.

He didn’t say anything, eyes just roaming Kim Dokja’s figure.

Kim Dokja smiled. He would become the king once more.

Chapter Text

Kim Dokja didn’t really doubt why Yoo Joonghyuk had let him grab the flag. They hadn’t ever explicitly agreed on letting him do this, and Kim Dokja had always just assumed that Yoo Joonghyuk would leave and get his own flag, but it was fine to him no matter what he did- as long as he could captain Chungmuro.

As soon as his hand wrapped around the flag, he felt a strong energy rise in his body, like a current.

[‘Kim Dokja’ has occupied the white flag.]

[If the white flag doesn’t change owners in the next minutes, Chungmuro will be under their control.]

[If control changes within the next five minutes, the timer will reset.]

A timer appeared above Kim Dokja’s head.

Gong Pildu moved to point at him, but the arrogant smile on Kim Dokja’s face made him falter. Yoo Joonghyuk pushed himself off the wall, making his way to stand in front of Kim Dokja.

Lee Gilyoung who had awoken, followed suit, which caused Kim Namwoon to follow. Yoo Sangah, worried about the children and Dokja, Lee Hyunsung who was worried for all, and an exhasperated Jung Heewon too.

It was like he had an army protecting him. Kim Dokja was smug, with good reason to be.

A thought popped in Kim Dokja’s mind. He shoved the flag into his belt, holding it there, before reaching into his pockets. He grabbed out Hercules Shield for Lee Hyunsung, handing it to the man.

“T-this?” He asked, shocked and happy at the gift.

“I picked it out for you. Your old one is broken.” He explained, before rifling through his pockets for Mjolnir, and a stray pipe came at his head.

He dodged, and Yoo Joonghyuk cleaved it in two before moving down the pedestal like a man on a hunt, sword drawn to cut up the person that had thrown it. Kim Dokja ignored him chasing the man down, pulling out the heavy hammer for Gilyoung.

Lee Jihye, who stood to the side and didn’t jump in to help, gaped. Kim Dokja assumed she had likely tried to pick it up as well, failing spectacularily. Lee Gilyoung held it in his hands, eyes shining as he swung it in a test strike.

Kim Namwoon smiled and pet the younger boy’s head until he accidentally swung too hard and it hit his shin. There was a snapping sound and a large groan as Kim Namwoon collapsed.

Kim Dokja resisted the urge to laugh, bending down and fishing a recovery potion out of his coat pocket. Kim Namwoon was groaning on the ground, gripping his obviously broken shin and rolling back and forth as Kim Dokja pried his jaw open and stuffed his mouth with the potion.

It took him only a few seconds to drink all of it and go back to groaning in pain.

“Hyunsung-ssi. Can you take Namwoon and move him out of the way temporarily?” Kim Dokja asked, at which the teens red eyes snapped open, and Lee Hyunsung smiled, happy to be of help, and picked up the teen on his back.

“Hey! I can still- ow- help! Dokja-hyunggg” He cried out as he was forcibly removed from the area to recover. Kim Dokja nodded at Lee Jihye, tilting his head towards where Kim Namwoon was sat, and she sighed, but reluctantly moved to protect him as Lee Hyunsung returned upon seeing Lee Jihye taking over.

In the time this had happened, Gong Pildu’s armed zone had risen consideably, and there was already a smaller one under his feet.

Kim Dokja smiled.

“I don’t think we told you to get up yet, Gong Pildu.” Gong Pildu’s head once again slammed into the ground as he fell flat on his face.

[Under the terms of the contract ‘Command Rights’ is activated!]

“Stay on the ground until you’re told to get up.” Kim Dokja commanded. The fat man shouted at his other landlord friends to come help him up, yet no how much they struggled to yank him up, he didn’t move.

[The Constellation ‘The Man who Resides Hidden in the Night’ is giggling wildly.]

“It’s also annoying, so turn off the turrets.” He thought, pretending to contemplate it.

[The Incarnation ‘Gong Pildu’ has released ‘Armed Zone’ Lvl.6!]

“T-this bastard!” He shouted.

Yoo Joonghyuk returned, stalking his way through the halls, blade bloody and the head of a man in his hands. Gong Pildu went to say something, but he saw the dripping, decapitated head, and he froze.

“Quiet.” Yoo Joonghyuk hissed, voice a low growl and stare a dark glare.

Yoo Joonghyuk didn’t technically have any power over Gong Pildu, but the aura that practically emanated from the man was enough to shock anyone into silence. He dropped the head near the people who shied away in fear, and he returned to Kim Dokja’s side like an obdient puppy.

The alliance members became completley panic stricken as the counter went down in time, and Kim Dokja was still utterly protected from every direction. Kim Dokja smiled as he stepped down the platform, his companions parting their way for him.

The only person that followed him was Yoo Joonghyuk, stepping down behind Kim Dokja, always directly at his shoulder, as though Kim Dokja would tell him to jump and his response would be ‘How High?’

He imitated Cheon Inho in those following moments, despite not using the skill ‘Incite’. He spoke with a smile.

“Now that everyone seems to have figured out the situation I’d like to say a few words…”

People visibily withdrew as Kim Dokja approached. There were roughly 33 people left. 20 members from the landlord alliance and 13 extra people, including Kim Dokja and his party. The number wasn’t extremely high, but it was 4 more than there were last time, and a decent number.

Kim Dokja held out his hand, two fingers held up.

“Right now, you have two choices.” He told them.

It was time for a choice to be made.

“The first is to leave Chungmuro, and find another station, or to stay here with me as representative.”

“W-what are you saying so suddenly…?” Someone quivered.

“Just answer me. Will you remain here or will you go elsewhere? You better decide before the main scenario starts, because in that case, I can’t save you.” He spoke with a lilt of humour on his tongue, as if this was a situation to joke about.

The eyes of the people present started to quickly move, debating their choices. Someone looked at Kim Dokja, someone else looked at Gong Pildu, and another person looked at the tunnels between stations. Kim Dokja could practically read their minds.

“I won’t stop anyone who wants to leave. But if anyone stays, it was their choice.” Kim Dokja warned, telling them that they would reap their actions if they chose to stay, and it wasn’t his fault.

A handfull of people watching Kim Dokja moved to stand behind him, picking his side, trusting in his strength. Kim Dokja recognized one as the boy from his first round, the one that had been massacred. He must have survived this time.

He never learned his name. The others had been treated harshly by the landowner assosciation and thought it was better to stick with him, rather than face the people they openly disliked. It was a good decision.

“You’re going to be a tyrant!” Someone shouted, a landowner that was faithfully loyal to Gong Pildu.

Kim Dokja quirked an eyebrow , raising it in laughter at the brave man.

“So what if I am? Are you going to be the one to remove me from that position? If I’m going to be a tyrant, wouldn’t it be better to become one of my people now, so you’ll be protected?” He laughed, a maniacal glint in his eyes.

If Kim Namwoon really was his son, it would be clear what genes he had inherited.

“I’ll give you one minute. You have until then to decide.” He told them, waggling a finger in their face.

Yoo Joonghyuk liked the view he got when Kim Dokja bent over slightly like that.

There was no need for Kim Dokja to give them a minute, people having already made up their minds. Some of the alliance members made their way over to Kim Dokja with determined expressions. Yoo Joonghyuk moved to draw his sword, and they flinched back, and Kim Dokja put his hand on his wrist, shaking his head.

The men and women bowed, nodding their heads gratefully. All of them were young, some younger than Kim Dokja and Yoo Joonghyuk.

“Thank you in advance. I was wrong in the past. Thank you for your generous forgiveness.” A woman said, and Kim Dokja recognized her as one of the people that had restricted access to the restrooms with Gong Pildu. He didn’t really like her, but he couldn’t spill blood now.

Kim Dokja just nodded, before turning back.

[Some members within the group feel a sense of trust towards you.]

Several others made the other choice. They tried to raise Gong Pildu, who still wouldn’t come up.

Kim Dokja watched them skeptically, and Kim Namwoon limped over, leg almost completely healed now.

“Leave that guy. He’s mine.” He hissed, eyes a murderous shade of red. The pressure on his leg was lesser, Kim Dokja could see that he was trying to place most of his weight on his left leg.

Kim Dokja sighed, walking over and wrapping his arm around the boy, supporting him.

Yoo Joonghyuk glared, and Kim Dokja shot a glare back.

“Not a word out of you.” He told him, and Yoo Joonghyuk looked away, like a dog with it’s ears back, being told off by it’s owner.

He heard the members debating on whether or not they should actually leave, so Kim Dokja turned his head, sending them a glare. They stumbled back, leaving. After that, there were no more defectors.

The five men cursed a few times before heading for the tunnel towards Myeongdong. They wanted to gain land elsewhere and become landlords. Their plan would fail, of course. In this scenario, the people who became wanderers were like rabbits among wolves, prey to feed on.

[The sub scenario has ended.]

[You have earned 1,000 coins as compensation.]

[The white flag will show its true effects to the Chungmuro representative.]

[Current Group : 28 people.]

[Your repuatation is still too weak to gain the title of king.]

Kim Dokja smirked, and silently sent a prayer to Uriel and his loyal constellations that he wouldn’t become the ‘Ugly King’ again.

[You have gained control of the Chungmuro Group through the effect of the white flag.]

[You can now punish a group member who retaliates.]

[5 people have currently defected.]

Kim Dokja clapped his hands together, excited to get started.

He smiled. Lee Hyunsung looked at him with respect, while Yoo Sangah and Jung Heewon nodded. The rest of them were looking at Kim Dokja with similar expressions of awe and admiration.

Soon, Bihyung appeared.

[The Fourth Main Scenario has started!]

+

[Main Scenario #4 - Struggle for the Flag]

Category : Main

Difficulty : C

Clear Conditions : (Hidden due to large amounts of content.)

Time Limit : 12 days

Compensation : 2,000 coins.

Failure : ???

+

Kim Dokja had no need to check the clear conditions, already forming a plan in his head. There were many different variables this time around. He thought of a few simple ideas, but he needed to check on someone first.

He turned on his heel, still supporting Kim Namwoon, who walked along with him. He suprisingly didn’t really complain, just testing out his leg as the potion mended the rest of his bones.

He slipped out of Kim Dokja’s grasp when Kim Dokja stopped in front of the boy that should have died.

“What’s your name?” Kim Dokja asked, curious.

“C-Choi Hyunwoo, Sir.”

Kim Dokja grimaced at that.

“Don’t call me that. My name is Kim Dokja. Call me Ahjussi, or something.” He said, waving off the title of ‘Sir.’ It weirded him out.

Lee Jihye walked over, slinging her arm over Choi Hyunwoo’s shoulder.

“You can call him Ugly Ahjussi, like I do. It serves to say a lot.” She laughed. Kim Dokja just sighed.

Kim Dokja looked at the young boy out of the corner of his eyes. He had light grey eyes, like Yoo Joonghyuk’s, but much lighter, and with less of a weighing presence on them. His black hair shone brown in the light, and only at the top of his head could you see that it was dyed, faint blue strands falling out, likely part of an activity he had to do before the scenarios started.

Kim Dokja activated Character List.

[The exclusive skill, Character List is activated.]

[Character Information]

Name : Choi Hyunwoo

Age : 18

Supporting Constellation : The Man Who Wields the Snake with Pride.

Private Attribute : Hands meant to Heal (Fabled)

Exclusive Skills : Restoration Lvl.2, Recovery Lvl. 2, Transfer Lvl. 2.

Stigma : Serpent Bearer’s Touch Lvl. 1

Overall Stats : Stamina Lvl. 6, Strength Lvl. 2, Agility Lvl. 10, Mana Lvl. 15

Overall Evaluation: Strength stat is very poor, and he would not last very long in combat. His Attribute and Supporting Constellation are increasingly overpowered for this scenario.

Kim Dokja startled back in his mind, shocked at the stats of Choi Hyunwoo. He hadn’t expected him to be good at combat, or really at all, but he wasn’t even a fighter. It made sense considering his untimely death in the first round, getting lucky with the green zone.

This boy had Ophiuchus as his sponsor. The constellation ‘The Man Who Wields the Snake with Pride’ had rarely appeared in TWSA, only showing up once or twice in a character Yoo Joonghyuk had dismissed.

Kim Dokja gathered all the thoughts and memories he could of Ophiuchus, which really wasn’t much. He had been loyal to his incarnations, much like Defense Master. There had been a scene in hte 78th round where his incarnation died and he had mourned him, but that was almost all he could gather.

From his stigma and his attribute, Ophiuchus was likely Fabled or Myth grade.

How had Yoo Joonghyuk missed the gold mine that was this boy?

…

He probably hadn’t. Stupid Bastard probably didn’t even think a healer would be necessary, with his skills. You’d think he’d be smarter having been a pro gamer.

Kim Namwoon sized up the boy, as if he was going to steal Kim Dokja, or something of the sort.

“Relax, Namwoon. You can’t fight him.” Kim Dokja said to the boy, placing a hand on his shoulder. Kim Namwoon unclenched his hands, perhaps deciding to listen to what Kim Dokja said.

“Why not?” He asked, a drip of curiousity filtering into his voice.

“It’s not his attribute type.” Kim Dokja explained with a shrug, and the boy looked confused.

“What’s an attribute?” He said, and then flinched away at his curiosity as if it was bad to ask.

Kim Dokja looked slightly shocked, wondering how he hadn’t figured it out yet. It made sense, if he thought about it. Yoo Joonghyuk had all but ignored him, and Lee Jihye only kept him around because they had gone to the same school.

“S-sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.” He said. Kim Dokja regarded Choi Hyunwoo, seeing a small portion of his younger self in the kid.

“No, it’s fine. I’m just surprised nobody’s told you yet.” Kim Dokja said. “An attribute is the general skill you have. One of mine is the ability to see what yours are. Kim Namwoon’s is one that directly correlates to being really good at fighting.” Kim Dokja spoke, gesturing to himself and the white haired teen.

It looked like something clicked in his head, and he smiled. It was a lopsided smile, and he only had one dimple. Both Kim Namwoon and Lee Jihye stared at him oddly.

“Oh! My supporting constellation said something similar!” He said, smiling brightly, before realizing his actions and shutting off his emotions like a faucet. He didn’t act like he had been abused in particular, or at least not physically.

If anyone had social anxiety, it was Choi Hyunwoo.

“Good. You can heal people, right?” Kim Dokja confirmed, looking at him. He nodded his head timidly.

“Mhm.” He muttered, looking away, as if ashamed of this fact.

“Good to know.” Kim Dokja said.

He had the full intention of keeping Hyunwoo around, but he had never been one to ask someone entirely directly. He turned to leave, only taking a few steps before a hand shot out.

“W-wait!” Choi Hyunwoo said, and Kim Dokja smirked in his head.

“Yeah?” He asked, playing dumb.

Choi Hyunwoo’s eyes shook with fear, scared that Kim Dokja might leave him. This boy was afraid of death. Of course he was.

“I- uh, C-can I join you? We don’t need to be com… companions, but like a deal? You protect me and I heal you?” He offered, struggling to find the words. He didn’t entirely look Korean, perhaps mixed.

Kim Dokja pretended to contemplate it, as if he was unsure.

“Can you prove your skills are good?” He asked, and Choi Hyunwoo looked a bit confused, before nodding his head excitedly.

“I can.” He said, and he did sound sure of himself.

Kim Dokja pulled out a knife he had kept from his pocket, smiled and drove it through his hand once. It hurt a bit like hell, and Choi Hyunwoo, Kim Namwoon, and Lee Jihye all stepped back in shock, confused at Kim Dokja’s actions.

Kim Dokja withdrew the blade, letting the hole in his palm fester as he held it out. He could see Yoo Joonghyuk stalking his way over towards them once he heard the sound of a blade being drawn, and Kim Dokja’s blood being spilt.

[Incarnation ‘Choi Hyunwoo’ has activated the stigma ‘Serpent Bearer’s Touch Lvl. 1’]

A warm white light engulfed Kim Dokja’s hand as it emitted from the boy, and Yoo Joonghyuk paused in his quick footsteps at the action.

It dulled, and Kim Dokja’s hand felt no hurt at all.

He withdrew his hand from the grasp, taking a look at it. It seemed that he hadn’t only healed the wound, but the roughness of Kim Dokja’s non dominant hand. There was a very thin scar line down the middle, in the slightly horizontal shape he had stuck the blade in, but it was the only trace that that he had ever even been hurt.

He smiled brightly, and Choi Hyunwoo looked a bit shocked.

“I left a small scar… sorry.” He said, feeling bad about it.

“I don’t mind. I’m not hurt anymore, which means you did good.” He said, trying his best to give Choi Hyunwoo the same smile he gave Kim Namwoon and Lee Gilyoung.

“Am… Am I allowed to join you now?” He asked, concerned he hadn’t made the cut Kim Dokja hadn’t created.

“Of course. Though, I don’t like making deals like that. I’d be glad to have a companion like you, Choi Hyunwoo.” Kim Dokja said, and his face lit up in happiness at this. “Kim Namwoon, could you acquaint him with everyone, please?” Kim Dokja asked, and Kim Namwoon nodded fervently, although a bit upset at another person joining.

Perhaps his awe for the boy outweighed his jealousy.

He turned away, leaving the three be, as Lee Jihye sulked and Kim Namwoon lead Choi Hyunwoo away.

The moment he flipped the direction he was facing, he was met with the hard chest of Yoo Joonghyuk.

He almost fell back, before said man’s strong arm reached out to grab his arm.

“Ah! Joonghyuk-ah. Sorry, I didn’t see you there.” Kim Dokja said, but Yoo Joonghyuk’s gaze was firmly on the scar on Kim Dokja’s left hand.

“You hurt yourself.” Yoo Joonghyuk scowled and glared.

“It was part of a plan. I’m okay now, see?” Kim Dokja said, pointing to the faint scar, as if trying to comfort him.

Yoo Joonghyuk scowled even deeper, if that was physically possible.

“It’s always part of one of your plans.” He grumbled, before letting Kim Dokja’s hand go and stalking away.

Some part of Kim Dokja’s brain wondered why Yoo Joonghyuk hadn’t tried to kiss it better again. Kim Dokja shut that part off.

He pondered for a moment, before making his way over to the pedestal and sitting down. The target was Changsin station again. Would it be better to change his attack plan from last time, and attack directly? Or send his companions to get Yoo Mia, to get the base again and bring it right before the battle?

Kim Dokja always thought too much.

Jung Heewon made her way over.

“That boy. Is he coming with us?” She asked, nodding her head in Choi Hyunwoo’s direction.

Kim Dokja nodded.

“He’s an excellent healer. He’ll be helpful later on.” Kim Dokja explained.

“Are you just keeping him around because he’ll be useful?” Jung Heewon asked, raising an eyebrow at Kim Dokja, questioning his morals.

“Would it lower your view of me if I said it was true?” He countered, and she looked away.

Yoo Sangah appeared, placing a hand on Jung Heewon’s shoulder.

“Don’t be so hard on Dokja-ya. He’s saving the boy, isn’t he?” She offered with a smile, and Jung Heewon nodded in contemplation, before coming to a conclusion.

“You’re right. I’m sorry Dokja-ssi. I was too hasty to judge you.” She apologized.

“All is well that ends well.” Kim Dokja quoted.

“Ah, Dokja-ya. The premise of this scenario is like capture the flag, right?” Yoo Sangah asked for clarification.

“That is how I understood it. We must take over Changsin station.” Lee Hyunsung cut in, appearing as well.

“That’s right. You’ve all understood well.” Kim Dokja told them, proud of his companions.

“It’s not possible to clear this without anyone dying, is it, Dokja-ssi?” Lee Hyunsung said, a sad look on his face.

“It’s possible… but it’s not a likely outcome. I am sorry.” Kim Dokja told them, and Yoo Sangah’s face fell.

“I understand. In this world… casualties like that are normal.” Hyunsung finished.

Kim Dokja was glad his companions had less of their saintly logic in this round. He appreciated how warm-hearted and welcoming they were, but it only ever served to hurt them. Kim Dokja admired their resilience albeit in an apocalpyse like this.

“What line is Changsin station? I think we should know that first.” Jung Heewon said, starting to form a plan in her head.

“Line 6. However, we won’t be able to go there first. There’s something I must accomplish.” Kim Dokja told her.

“Is this a plan of something that happened before?” She asked, looking for confirmation.

“Yes.” He nodded his head.

“Then I will once again make the decision to trust Dokja-ssi.” She decided.

“I agree.” Yoo Sangah said, and Lee Hyunsung nodded fervently.

“What are we agreeing on?” Kim Namwoon said, Lee Gilyoung on his hip, and Choi Hyunwoo behind him slightly.

“A game plan for this scenario. I’m going to need your help, Namwoon. You too, Hyunwoo.” He told them.

Lee Gilyoung frowned.

“What about me, Hyung?” He asked, a sad look on his face after being left out.

“I’m going to ask you to sit this one out for a while. It’s not because I don’t trust you, but I don’t know how well I can protect you.” Kim Dokja explained. He stood up and pet the boys head, trying to comfort him with actions.

Lee Gilyoung interpreted this slowly.

“Ok. I will grow stronger then, so I can be the one to protect Dokja-hyung.” He said, a fierce determination in his eyes.

Kim Dokja laughed. He could see Hyunwoo regarding them with a sort of look in his eyes. Warm laughter and small talk engaged briefly, a heartwarming scene in a place like this.

It didn’t last for very long, perhaps only a moment, before it was interupted by the notifications.

[The activation of the scenario will turn off Chungmuro Station’s safety borders.]

[You may now leave and enter Chungmuro freely, moving to other stations.]

They would be here soon.

“Everyone, follow as I say when they arrive.” Kim Dokja instructed to his companions. He turned to Gong Pildu thereafter. “Gong Pildu you can speak now.” He announced.

The command was turned off, but Gong Pildu couldn’t easily open his mouth.

“I know that you don’t like me. But you’re going to need to adapt. The days when you were a landlord are over now.” He bent down, still a bit above Gong Pildu’s laying figure.

“…”

“I know why you’re so obsessed with land. But do it moderately. You want to survive, Gong Pildu. You can do what you need to soon.”

Gong Pildu’s eyes were shaking. Kim Dokja continued speaking.

“While I am gone, you will be partially responsible for protecting this place.”

He would be very useful this time around, even if he would have more people helping him. Chungmuro would be safe unless someone better than Yoo Joonghyuk arrived. Currently, there was only one person stronger than said man, and it was Kim Dokja himself.

“Why should I? I don’t have any responsibilty to you…” He muttered, anger in his face.

“You don’t. And I’m not holding anything to you either, not even a command. If you follow my request, I’ll reward you greatly.”

“…”

“Think carefully. This will benefit your family too.”

Gong Pildu’s eyes became bigger at Kim Dokja’s words, but he didn’t say anything, just shook with anger and shock.

At that moment, a noise sounded from the tunnel. They were almost here.

“When they arrive, I will take three people to go with me. I’ll tell you who they are now.” Kim Dokja announced, holding his hand up.

“The first is Kim Namwoon.” He put a finger up, signaling one.

“The second is Choi Hyunwoo.” He put another up.

Everyone waited with anticipated breaths for Kim Dokja’s last finger to go up. People not in his party hoped it wouldn’t be them, and people in his party hoped it would be them. Yoo Joonghyuk watched smugly from the corner, waiting for his name to be called out.

Kim Dokja’s eyes flicked over to the regressor, before the quickly drifted to Lee Hyunsung.

“The third is Lee Hyunsung.” He announced.

Yoo Joonghyuk’s smug expression was wiped off his face, eyes shot open, back no longer against the wall in shock. It wasn’t him? No way. Kim Dokja would pick him. He was the strongest. He was the Yoo Joonghyuk.

He started forward, not believing it.

“What about me?” He growled, not really angry, but a pang in his chest told him that he felt hurt.

Kim Dokja looked confused.

“What about you?” He said, looking at him with his head tilted, like a cat.

“You’re taking me. You wouldn’t leave me behind.” Yoo Joonghyuk sounded so sure of himself, so sure of this fact, it wasn’t even a possibility in his mind for it to be false.

“You’re too pretty. I have a plan, and they’ll recognize you if you show up.”

That was his reason? That Yoo Joonghyuk was too pretty?

“No. I’m going.” He said, too angry to be complimented by Kim Dokja’s words.

“No.” Kim Dokja bit back.

“Figure out a way to make me less pretty then, or I will kill all of your companions until you have to take me.” Yoo Joonghyuk glared. He was tempted to use Tiger God’s aura, but he didn’t.

Kim Dokja thought we would. Yoo Joonghyuk wouldn’t, but he didn’t need to know that.

Kim Dokja thought of an idea.

“Fine. Let me try something.” He conceded, and Yoo Joonghyuk did a happy dance in his head, but he wouldn’t ever admit it, so let’s not say that I told everyone that.

[Constellation ‘Demon King of Salvation’ is applying the effects of ‘Fourth Wall’ onto incarnation ‘Yoo Joonghyuk’.]

Yoo Joonghyuk’s face quickly became blurry. He was still unfairly handsome, but it was less easy to tell how pretty he was.

“There.”

“I don’t feel any different.” Yoo Joonghyuk complained.

“I know. You look different though.” Kim Dokja told him, and so he turned his face to look at Lee Jihye, who looked at him with a look of curiosity and shock.

“You look kind of like Ugly Ahjussi now, Master.” She told him.

At least Kim Dokja would take him now.

“Hyunsung-ssi. I’m sorry to ask, but can you stay back for now? I’m going to take Yoo Joonghyuk-ah with me.” Kim Dokja asked, and Lee Hyunsung looked a bit sullen, but he agreed to stay back.

Kim Dokja’s plan wasn’t entirely clear at the moment, but none of his plans ever were, and so he figured it would be fine for now.

“I’m going to take everyone with me at first, and then I will send all but the three back soon. You will see. Please trust me.” He announced to his group. He thought about his plan with Yoo Sangah’s string, and he knew it would work again.

It was only a matter of time until his ‘Friends’ showed up.

There was a bang that sounded, and Kim Dokja looked up.

Another loud horn sound, and headlights shone on the railway of Line 4. There was a bike engine sound and an exhaust sound too. It was almost too much for Kim Dokja’s sensitive ears. They were coming towards Chungmuro.

They were almost here.

Chapter Text

It was an odd thing, not being able to see Yoo Joonghyuk’s face. Kim Dokja wondered if this was what it looked like when the fourth wall blurred his face, if it was currently doing that right now.

He had tried to make it more extreme on his not-lover-lover, because he was sure that Yoo Joonghyuk would still be much more handsome than him if Kim Dokja didn’t try too hard.

Welcome to the world, fake Kim Dokja. It was time to gaslight some losers into making them believe he was Yoo Joonghyuk. The fourth wall giggles.

[The Constellation ‘Fallen Prince of Paradise’ is curious what you are up to!]

[The Demon King ‘Bloody Maned Gourmet’ hopes it will be entertaining.]

Kim Dokja smiled as the headlights turned off, and the sound of people talking was heard.

“Ah, we finally made it to Chungmuro.” A man said.

“Really, it took them a long time to end the scenario.” Another chimed in.

Kim Dokja had his companions and anyone that chose to follow him behind him, placing him in the front.

“Hey, be quiet. They’ll hear you. Don’t you know that the scenarios are different between stations anyway?”

Kim Dokja watched as the people came closer with weapons. Nobody moved, as per his orders. It would be fine, they thought, with Kim Dokja in the front. The most important thing in a battle was to take the lead first.

Kim Dokja went forward, followed by Yoo Joonghyuk and Yoo Sangah and Jung Heewon. He left the others in the rear, Lee Hyunsung standing in front of the younger children, much to the older 3 of the 4’s displeasure.

How many seconds had passed? Four men and one woman walked forwards on the platform. Kim Dokja began to speak.

“Stop there.” He threatened. He had a part to play now.

“Eh? Well well.”

The people stopped in their tracks when they saw the blade that Kim Dokja wielded. There were motorbikes besides them, behind their figures. Blades were drawn, but a familiar voice was faster.

With the recent scenario, it was almost welcoming to see Kang Ilhun.

“Wait a minute. Calm Down. We don’t want to fight.” He said, negiotiating peace between the two groups.

“Put down your weapons and slowly come this way.” Kim Dokja commanded, tempted to use the ‘Incite’ skill.

Kang Ilhun put down his weapon quickly, approaching with both of his hands raised above his head. Once he entered the light more clearly, Kim Dokja took in his appearance. He had never particularily liked Kang Ilhun, but it had seemed a shame when he died. He would be useful to Kim Dokja.

“Don’t be wary, please.”

“Why are you here?” Jung Heewon spoke next, taking control. Kim Dokja hadn’t told her to do so, but she looked defensive against the man and so he did not tell her off.

“Let’s start with the introductions. I’m Kang Ilhun, and I help manage the Dongdaemun Group.”

Kim Dokja regarded him. He seemed to be sizing Kim Dokja up, thinking to himself, ‘I could beat this guy if I tried.’ It worked in Kim Dokja’s favour whenever his opponents underestimated him.

“Your name is…?” He asked, looking to Kim Dokja with the fakest smile Kim Dokja had ever seen, and even when the 28 year old looked in a mirror.

“Yoo Joonghyuk.” He said, acting arrogant. Not that he wasn’t already, but he had to elevate it to even begin to impersonate the man behind him.

Kang Ilhun looked slightly shocked, but he nodded quickly. If any shock appeared on his companions faces, they removed it quickly.

“Ah, Yoo Joonghyuk-ssi…? Its nice to meet you. Since you have a flag, you must be this station’s representative?” He questioned.

“That’s right.”

He looked closely at the colour of the flag and then the people around him. Kim Dokja could not see the reactions of his companions, but Kim Namwoon glared angrily, Jung Heewon agreeing with Namwoon’s non-voiced sentiments to cleave the man in half.

The lackeys flinched back at the looks on Kim Dokja’s companions. The moment they made eye contact with Yoo Joonghyuk, their blood ran cold, the hairs on their neck standing straight up.

Yoo Joonghyuk’s face wasn’t even completely revealed, they couldn’t see his face by any means, but the aura stemming from him was enough to kill an Ichthyosaur just by looking at it.

One man fell straight on his ass, and started crying slightly. Kim Dokja ignored him, and the urge to laugh, assuming that his Yoo Joonghyuk-ah was the cause.

Kang Ilhun might have thought he would have been able to beat Kim Dokja in a fight, and while this was untrue, Kang Ilhun, under no circumstances, wished to take on ‘Yoo Joonghyuk’s’ companions.

“If you’ve seen enough, why don’t you skip to what you want?” Kim Dokja said, closing his eyes partially, tilting his head and offering a crooked smile, as though to appear intimidating.

It worked, just based off the look in the 31 year old’s eyes. He didn’t visibly react, but it was funny to Kim Dokja, to watch all the emotions run through the mans head.

“Hahah, I’ll have to beg your pardon, Yoo Joonghyuk-ssi. We also need to be concerned about our safety.” Kang Ilhun said, no panic visible in his voice. “Once again, we didn’t come to fight. What if we came with a good offer?”

Kim Dokja knew none of them had a flag on them.

“How should I be made to believe that?” He spoke, already knowing the answers to everything the man would say.

“Didn’t you check the rules? If we came, would’ve come with the representative. Only the representative can occupy the flagpole.”

Kim Dokja widened his eyes.

“What’s your offer?”

“We want an alliance.”

At these words, the people who were not part of Kim Dokja’s group started murmuring, talking to themselves about what was happening.

Kim Dokja nodded, pretending to seriously contemplate it.

“I must urge you to accept, Yoo Joonghyuk-ssi. We’ll need your help, and you’ll need our help.” Kang Ilhun offered.

“Alright. Let’s clear the scenario by helping each other, since I’m sure our targets are different.” Kim Dokja said, voice raised a pitch higher than it should have been perhaps, and a bright smile on his face.

Kang Ilhun smiled at Kim Dokja’s acceptance of his offer. It was silent for a moment, and Yoo Sangah began to speak.

“I have a question.” She said.

Kang Ilhun grinned at Yoo Sangah, who had stepped out. Jung Heewon wordlessly moved to protect her.

“Yes, what is it, pretty girl?” He spoke. Creep.

“Why did you come to Chungmuro? If you came from Dongdaemun, you could have made an alliance with other stations instead of us.”

It was an extremely sharp point. Kang Ilhun looked slightly confused.

“Ah… they- they’ve… already made alliances. But now we get you!” Kang Ilhun laughed, not playing it off very well at all. Yoo Sangah looked to Kim Dokja, who smiled, a message hidden in that smile.

It was the one he had always worn to his superiors at Minosoft, when they assigned him a task he shouldn’t have had to do. Yoo Sangah would undoubtedly recognize it, and realize what was going.

She nodded, and stepped back.

“I will send a message to my superiors letting them know the alliance is formed.” Kang Ilhun said, stepping back and returning to the confines of his small group.

Kim Dokja turned to his.

Yoo Joonghyuk spoke softly.

“Is that what you think I act like?” He asked, a bit offended at Kim Dokja’s act.

“No. But this man has no idea who you are, so I can act however I want.” Kim Dokja offered in explanation.

Yoo Joonghyuk muttered something under his breath, perhaps still upset.

“Dokja-ya. Do you have a plan?” Yoo Sangah asked, confused about his actions. “These people are shady.” She finished, not trusting in them one bit.

“They are shady. And It’s good to not trust them, considering they’ll betray us soon. Here is the plan.” He explained how they would get on the bikes, Yoo Sangah would put up her string, and they would attack.

They all nodded in the plan, despite how horribly crazy it was. Choi Hyunwoo looked at the rest of the group like they were insane, perhaps for going along with Kim Dokja’s plan, perhaps for thinking it was safe.

“Is this alright? Isn’t it unsafe?” He asked, playing with something in his hands. He looked extremely concerned, like it wasn’t sane to do this. It wasn’t. He would get used to Kim Dokja’s plans soon.

Kim Namwoon slung his arm over his shoulder.

“Dokja-hyung is crazy. But I’ve only died once, and so I trust him.” He said, narrating happily. Choi Hyunwoo paled.

“You’ve died?” He said, eyes wide with fear.

“By my own mistake, not Hyungs. Don’t worry, Hyunwoo-ssi. I will protect you.” He said, confident of himself, that narcisstic type smile. Choi Hyunwoo didn’t seem completely comforted by it, but he had firsthand seen Kim Namwoon fight, so he knew that they wouldn’t go down in a second.

[You have accurately read incarnation ‘Choi Hyunwoo’’s thoughts!]

[Your understanding of Incarnation ‘Choi Hyunwoo’ has increased!]

Kim Dokja smiled, and left the small huddle of people, turning back to their ‘friends’ from Dongdaemun.

“Now that we’ve agreed upon this, I’d like to meet your representative to discuss the details. Is that possible?” Kim Dokja offered, beckoning the people from the other station out into his calls.

“Ah… Of course!” Kang Ilhun said, flipping away from his phone to face Chungmuro.

“Where is your representative?” Kim Dokja asked, pretending to be naive, and much of a fool that he was not.

“At Dongdaemun. If you don’t mind, we can take you there.”

“Yes, that would be wonderful.”

Kim Dokja beckoned only his group members to sit on the back seats of bikes as they came on. Kim Namwoon sat with Lee Gilyoung, Lee Hyunsung with Jung Heewon, Lee Jihye with Choi Hyunwoo, and Yoo Joonghyuk with Kim Dokja.Yoo Sangah sat alone, arms around the 5th bike belonging to the sole woman of the group.

Kim Dokja ignored the tight grip at his waist that could quite possibly bruise as he held onto Kang Ilhun, so as to not fall off.

There was the sound of bikes turning on and they started moving. They descended into the darkness of the tunnel, where you could quite possibly not see much.

Kim Dokja spoke.

“By the way, Kang Ilhun-ssi.”

“Yes?”

“Those people, your superiors, did they say anything else about Chungmuro?”

“Huh? What does tha…”

Kim Dokja cut him off.

“Y’know, they really should have warned you about me.” He smirked, as he flicked up in a movement that made a cracking sound, Yoo Sangah’s signal. Kim Namwoon gripped Lee Gilyoung as he pushed off the back of the bike first, followed by his other companions. The white haired teen currently held the 11 year old by the shoulders like a sad cat.

The golden string appeared in the air to catch everyone, and Kim Dokja was painfully aware of how close he was to Yoo Joonghyuk right then, the man’s hands never even leaving their hug-like grip on his waist.

The thread expanded to tie the five bikes together, a large crash and roar as they collided with each other. The Dongdaemun members screamed.

Kim Dokja watched Kang Ilhun shouted up at them, covered in dust, and lying on the ground.

“W-What are you doing?” He asked, shocked.

“What am I doing? That is what I want to ask.” Kim Dokja narrated, looking at the dark tunnel. “If you want to execute an ambush, you should raise the level of your stealth by quite a bit.”

Yoo Sangah loosened her thread, and Kim Dokja descended gracefully. It was time to drop the act he had previously worn. Kang Ilhun stared in fear as Kim Dokja approached with Yoo Joonghyuk at his back, screaming out orders.

“Yeobo~.” Kim Dokja purred, turning to a Yoo Joonghyuk who looked utterly confused at the situation and even more at Kim Dokja’s actions. “Won’t you take care of them for me?” He asked, his voice a sultry and deep tone, and Kang Ilhun paled as Yoo Joonghyuk drew his sword, advancing forward.

It was odd, to Kim Dokja, how Yoo Joonghyuk had moved forward without any more questions. He wasn’t about to throw a fit however. It was working in his favour.

“You-! A-And th-that man?” Kang Ilhun stuttered, pale faced and shocked as people emerged from the tunnel, aiming for Dokja’s flag as Yoo Joonghyuk sliced them down before they could even try.

Kim Dokja bent down to his knees, resting on the ball of his foot.

“What about us, Kang Ilhun?” He said, making a point to drag his left hand across his mouth, bearing a ring that Yoo Joonghyuk did not share the match to. Kang Ilhun didn’t know that however.

Kang Ilhun stuttered, and and Kim Namwoon and Lee Hyunsung stalked over. Lee Hyunsung picked him up the back of his shirt, glaring angrily. Hyunsung-ssi was a kind and motivated person, so it made sense to Kim Dokja that he would feel so offended by Kang Ilhun’s actions.

The sounds of Yoo Joonghyuk’s massacre ended, and bootsteps and metal being sheathed return to Kim Dokja’s side.

“Can we kill him, Hyung?” Kim Namwoon asked, placing his hands over Lee Gilyoung’s ears as if to prevent the younger hearing his brother speak about killing so easily.

“No. We’ll need him.” Kim Dokja said, picking up one of the bikes. “Lee Hyunsung-ssi, can you carry him briefly? We need to hurry back to our friends.” He spoke, climbing onto a bike. His companions followed suit as he took off on the bike, pressing on the accelaration as if he knew how to ride this thing. Kim Dokja did not.

It wasn’t that he wished to leave them behind, but he wanted to make sure there were no casulaties on his side. His companions were not that far behind him, regardless.

Kim Dokja stopped the bike, and jumped off as he nearly caused a crash, completley lacking any skills needed to turn it off.

There was already a melee happening on the platform when Kim Dokja made his way up there. Yoo Joonghyuk appeared quickly, Jung Heewon and a Lee Hyunsung carrying Kang Ilhun’s now unconscious form.

Kim Dokja gave a brief glance at Yoo Joonghyuk, who seemed to be awaiting his commands, which was odd and out of character for the Yoo Joonghyuk he knew.

Once he gave the nod, Yoo Joonghyuk’s already bloody sword was crashing into people, attacking.

The man with the red bandana on his head was commanding orders again, trying to take over. Kim Dokja smirked. They must not have realized who was at this station after all.

“Kim Dokja-ssi. Why do you keep letting him do that?” Jung Heewon asked as the final persons of his group climbed up on the platform.

“I’m trying to spread rumours. There’s a man in the corner there, who will watch me give Yoo Joonghyuk commands and have him obey them, which will make things easier for me later.” He explained his thought process. Jung Heewon thought for a moment, taking Kim Dokja’s words in, before agreeing.

Kim Dokja turned to the place where Lee Hyunsung had dropped Kang Ilhun, and he turned to Choi Hyunwoo.

“Hyunwoo. Can you come here?” He asked, and the boy nodded, approaching and bending down next to Kim Dokja. “Do you know if you can remove curses?”

Hyunwoo shook his head, and he looked up, as if questioning Ophiuchus.

“He doesn’t like talking to people.” Choi Hyunwoo filled in. “He seems to like you, however.”

Kim Dokja smiled.

[The Constellation ‘Demon King of Salvation’ smiles and greets the Constellation ‘The Man Who Wields the Snake with Pride’.]

There came no reply.

“Ah, well, regardless. Could you try, possibly?” Kim Dokja asked. If they could remove the curse preventing Ilhun from speaking, everything would be much easier.

“I’ll do my best.” Hyunwoo said, and he held his hands out, just inches away from the chest of Kang Ilhun.

A white light engulfed the man, and Hyunwoo did his best to remove anything plaguing the man. Sweat began to drip down his forehead as he concentrated, but the boy couldn’t do it.

Kim Dokja put a hand on his shoulder, pushing him back slightly.

“That’s enough, Hyunwoo. You did good.” He comforted, and the boy nodded, looking away and disappointed that he couldn’t finish the task.

Kim Dokja had assumed that he likely wouldn’t be able to do it, but it was good to try anyway.

The man was still unconscious, but the small wounds he had walked in with were gone, healed intermittedly.

Kim Dokja stood up. Lee Jihye, Kim Namwoon, and Lee Gilyoung were comforting Hyunwoo. It seemed that he had been accepted into their small circle of Kim Dokja’s group, despite Lee Jihye saying she was only loyal to Yoo Joonghyuk.

He turned around. The body of Kim Hyuntae, the representative of Myeongdang, laid strewn on the ground, dead.

Yoo Joonghyuk stood above him, peeling the flag off his bleeding forehead. After a quick glance around, it seemed that Gong Pildu had done his part in protecting Chungmuro too.

He made his way over to the Pildu, who was exhausted. His mana must be almost out.

Kim Dokja gave him a grateful nod of his head. Gong Pildu scowled.

[The Constellation ‘Demon King of Salvation’ has sponsored 1000 coins to Incarnation ‘Gong Pildu’.]

Gong Pildu’s eyes went wide at the coins, and there was a tap at Kim Dokja’s shoulder. He turned around to see Yoo Joonghyuk, holding the flag, holding it out to him. Kim Dokja smiled and took it.

[Incarnation ‘Yoo Joonghyuk’ has activated ‘Midday Tryst’!]

YJH : I want an explanation for this.

YJH : …

KDJ : Ok.

YJH : I want a reward too.

KDJ : A reward?

KDJ : Do you want coins?

YJH : No.

Midday tryst went silent as Yoo Joonghyuk didn’t say anything else. Kim Dokja stared at him oddly, and he looked down the man’s neck, seeing the red flush covering it.

Kim Dokja smirked.

He tsked under his breath, despite a flutter pounding in his chest. He pressed himself up on his tippy-toes, and he pressed a kiss to Yoo Joonghyuk’s cheek. He could feel a few people whispering, people he didn’t know very well, but he ignored them.

“Better?” He asked, disabling midday tryst.

Yoo Joonghyuk nodded, cheeks the lightest shade of red Kim Dokja had ever seen. Kim Dokja took the red flag, and the moment it was in his hands, the notifications started appearing once more.

[You have won the flag of the ‘Myeongdong Group.’]

[Your white flag has absorbed the cumulative achievements of the red flag.]

[Your white flag has evolved into a red flag.]

Kim Dokja’s body felt stronger, like a feeling of strength swirled inside him.

[You are one step closer to the King’s Road.]

Kim Dokja smiled as he realized that if this went according to plan, everything would be much easier than previously.

[The remaining members of the Myeondong Group are awaiting your command.]

Kim Dokja looked at the few men who had survived Gong Pildu’s attacks, the ones that had not been attacked or killed by Yoo Joonghyuk.

“Punish them.” Kim Dokja spoke, voice a tone too low than how it was normally, and it was not in the same sultry way he had spoken to Yoo Joonghyuk earlier that day.

The members writhed on the group, their open wounds spilling blood as electric currents coursed through their bodies. Kim Dokja never gave the command for it to stop, and every last member died.

[The Constellation ‘Prisoner of the Golden Headband’ finds your actions cruel.]

[The Constellation ‘Abyssal Black Flame Dragon’ likes the blood being spilt.]

[The Constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ loves your relationship with Incarnation ‘Yoo Joonghyuk’!]

It was odd that Sun Wukong would be saying that, considering the man’s actions. He disregarded it. If that was what he wanted to do, he could do that. If Kim Dokja wanted to be a tyrant, he would be a tyrant.

If the sky was going to fall, why should Kim Dokja catch it?

Gong Pildu looked at Kim Dokja.

“Why did you do that? Shouldn’t you have acted more moderately?” He questioned the cruel actions of the Constellation, and Kim Dokja shrugged.

“Why should I show mercy to those running wild?” He retorted, disregarding the bodies and blood across the floor as if they were not even worth his attention.

There was a muffled sound, and Kim Dokja’s name was called out. He turned to see Lee Jihye beckoning him over and he made his way.

Lee Gilyoung, who had previously been held by Kim Namwoon, wriggled out and ran over to Kim Dokja. The boy ran much faster than he should have, despite his small size. He grabbed Kim Dokja’s hand.

“Was everything planned like this?” He asked, not at all afraid of the bodies on the ground. Kim Dokja felt bad about the way he was raising Gilyoung. He was more brave than some of the adults he knew, and he knew it would only get worse as he got older.

“Yes. I knew this would happen.” Kim Dokja told him. The one thing he could do to this boy, the one thing to perhaps help him, was tell him the truth. He would of course lie about some things, like Santa Clause and being able to make a wish at the end of the scenarios, but Gilyoung had already expierenced these things first hand.

“You’re a good kid, Gilyoung. Can you do your best to get strong while I’m gone for a bit?” He stopped walking, and bent down the boy’s short height.

Lee Gilyoung looked excited at the task he was given.

“I can. Am I your favourite child, Hyung?” He asked, completely serious. It took Kim Dokja about four seconds to process the words, before he laughed. It wasn’t one of the laughs he placed in his voice for show, but a genuine, heartfelt laugh. It echoed in his chest, and ran through every vein in his body as he smiled, his eyes crinkling in the way only Kim Dokja could pull off.

He reached into his coat pockets, searching for something. He found it, pulling out Lee Gilyoung’s old baseball hat. When he placed it on Lee Gilyoung’s head, he flicked the bill down slightly, and stood up.

“I don’t have any favourites. I love everyone close to me equally. You’re the only family I’ve ever had.” He laughed, despite the sadness of the situation.

Lee Jihye and her master frowned, and Yoo Sangah was tempted to cry. It even pulled on Gong Pildu’s heartstrings. If there was one thing that mattered more to that guy than land, it would be his family.

Kim Dokja hurried back over to where Kang Ilhun was. The man had awoken, being taunted by Jung Heewon and Kim Namwoon. Lee Hyunsung and Choi Hyunwoo stood behind the pair, making concerned faces at their actions.

Kim Dokja let go of Lee Gilyoung’s hand then, as it was time to interrogate a man. Kang Ilhun tried to writhe his way out of Yoo Sangah’s thread, failing miserably.

A pale hand reached out, pulling the thread down, and he calmed down a bit at that.

“…What will you do with me now?” He asked, glaring at Kim Dokja, dead in the eyes.

Remembering Kang Ilhun’s reaction when Kim Dokja had earlier pretended he and Yoo Joonghyuk were married, he thought of a fun way to mess with the guy.

“I don’t know. You’re a bit old for my taste, but having you around as eye candy…” Kim Dokja mocked, trailing off. Kim Namwoon laughed, falling back on his butt and rolling around at the joke.

Everyone else just looked concerned. Except for Yoo Joonghyuk, who had driven a hole into the wall with his fist. Kim Dokja would regret saying that later.

[The Constellation ‘Vladychitsa of the White Nights’ giggles at Kim Dokja’s antics.]

Kim Dokja smiled, ear to ear, reaching out and grabbing Kang Ilhun’s shoulder, gripping it much tighter than was safe for the bone and muscle under it.

“Relax, I was only joking.” He said, but the look in his eyes told every nerve in Kang Ilhun’s body not to relax. The smiles that Kim Dokja wore were horrifying.

Kim Namwoon studied Kim Dokja like a specimen, and Choi Hyunwoo studied Kim Namwoon’s reaction to Kim Dokja’s action.

“Anyway, I need some information from you, Kang Ilhun.” Kim Dokja told him, taking a seat across from him on the ground.

“I don’t have any good information. I’m just a middle man.” He retorted back.

“Oh, that’s fine. Yeobo? Kill him please.” Kim Dokja called to Yoo Joonghyuk, who understood what Kim Dokja was doing, and put his hand on his sword.

“Wait! Wait! Yoo Joonghyuk- We can talk this out!” He shouted, still addressing Kim Dokja with a false name and a trembling body.

Kim Dokja smiled.

“We can talk this out by you giving me information.” He offered. Kang Ilhun looked between Kim Dokja and Yoo Joonghyuk’s sword, before deciding that it was better to just give whatever information he had.

“Dongmyo! Dongmyo station. They’re the people who told us to do this.” Kang Ilhun spat out, giving the information quickly.

His eyes started to roll back up into his head, and as he tried to speak more, the curse affected him.

“Sangah!” Kim Dokja turned, and she tightened the thread.

Kim Dokja sighed as Kang Ilhun passed out.

There wasn’t any more to do until he woke up, and Kim Dokja didn’t feel like trying to make his way over there with no guide, so he dismissed everyone.

“Get some sleep. We’ll have to leave when he wakes up. If down here is too bloody, go up to the theater.” He called out, not just to his companions, but to anyone that was listening.

They all nodded in agreeance, and they dispersed. Kim Dokja was falling behind schedule.

~~

Bonus

~~

Kim Namwoon’s guide to getting your ideal man!

~

Yoo Joonghyuk did not like the Kim Namwoon of this round. It wasn’t because of his personality, or anything that had to do with the boy himself, but simply that he was taking up too much of Kim Dokja’s attention.

When the man had first seen him on the bridge, he had thought, only briefly, that there might have been a chance that something changed. He hadn’t expected Kim Dokja to be the variable again, but he had thought, maybe.

And so he waited, and waited, and waited, those 3 days, for Kim Dokja to resurface. He didn’t.

So he made his way to Dongmo, in which he found the boy lovingly caring for Lee Gilyoung like a brother. It wasn’t something the Kim Namwoon of his rounds would have ever done. It wasn’t something the Kim Namwoon of his rounds would have ever considered doing.

When he had left the station, nobody had said goodbye to him. He went to find Lee Jihye, who was with some boy named Hyunwoo, promptly disregarded by Yoo Joonghyuk. He didn’t need a healer.

He saved him anyway, because that’s what Kim Dokja would have done.

When Kim Dokja had reappeared at Chungmuro, when it was his Kim Dokja, when it was HIS Kim Dokja, Yoo Joonghyuk had almost cried.

Only then did Kim Namwoon look at him. Yoo Joonghyuk scowled. The boy stared at him with an odd sort of expression, like he knew something the rest of his companions didn’t.

Yoo Joonghyuk didn’t like it one bit. So, as much as he could, he tried to keep Kim Dokja to himself. It was a faulty plan, and the man kept slipping out of his grasp.

Then, one day, Kim Namwoon approached Yoo Joonghyuk. The older turned to leave, when Kim Namwoon’s words called him out of his steps, causing him to pause.

He turned around.

Kim Namwoon smirked, much like the Kim Namwoon he knew.

“I know how to get Dokja-hyung to fall in love with you.” He had said. Of course, Kim Namwoon already knew that his father was in love with this man, but both of them seemed utterly stupid.

Kim Namwoon wasn’t entirely fond of Yoo Joonghyuk, but if he made Kim Dokja happy, he’d agree to him. If Kim Dokja made Kim Namwoon happy, Kim Namwoon would do his best to repay the favour.

Yoo Joonghyuk seemed suspicious, but he listened anyway.

“I have a plan.” He had said. “I call it ‘Kim Namwoon’s guide to getting your ideal man.’” He narrated, like a salesman trying to scam someone.

Yoo Joonghyuk scowled.

“Has this plan ever worked on anyone?” He questioned.

“Well, no, but I made it like, 6 hours ago, so.” Kim Namwoon reasoned.

Yoo Joonghyuk was starting to warm up to this new version of Kim Namwoon. Yoo Joonghyuk wouldn’t be caught dead saying that.

“Tell me or I’m leaving.”

“Okay, Okay, Calm down. You have to move slowly, or he won’t accept your feelings.” Kim Namwoon told him. “The first step is to make him notice you. If he’s paying attention to something else, do your best to grab it.”

Yoo Joonghyuk grunted in way of reply.

“Once you have it, you need to do something that he’s going to remember. You can be forward or subtle, but you want it to weigh on his mind, leaving him speechless.” He listed off.

Yoo Joonghyuk grunted again.

“The next step is to-” He continued, but Yoo Joonghyuk cut him off.

“I’ve heard enough. This is stupid.” Why was he listening to this kid anyway?

Kim Namwoon shrugged.

“Alright. But you should know you have an ideal opportunity right there.” Kim Namwoon had said, before walking off.

Yoo Joonghyuk turned his head to see Kim Dokja looking at something on his phone, invested and alone.

Yoo Joonghyuk wasn’t going to use the stupid plan. He wasn’t. It wouldn’t work.

His feet moved forward anyway.

Chapter Text

Kim Dokja did not sleep. Neither did Yoo Joonghyuk. He did sit down against a pole, and shut his eyes briefly, but the lull of sleep, or even rest, never came to him.

After a period of time, a pressure was applied on his lap, and he wasn’t surprised to see Yoo Joonghyuk laid there. The man looked the same as he had when he had been briefly cursed, black waves falling onto Kim Dokja’s thighs, and eyelashes longer than normal. His cheeks were pink, though not in a flushed way, but in the sign of a healthy skin tone.

Kim Dokja wasn’t entirely paying attention when he reached down and started tracing lines on Yoo Joonghyuk’s tanned face, threading his fingers through his hair. There wasn’t any sound on the line of Platform 5. He was across from anyone that was awake, the only other people on this platform being the sound asleep figures of Kim Namwoon, Lee Jihye, Lee Gilyoung and Choi Hyunwoo.

Lee Gilyoung clutched Kim Namwoon’s stomach as the boy snored lightly, Lee Jihye and Choi Hyunwoo on either side of him. They were all asleep, but Choi Hyunwoo slept the closest to the wall, as though Lee Jihye and Kim Namwoon had told him to stay there that way they could protect him in case of an emergency.

Yoo Joonghyuk couldn’t have been entirely asleep, his body twitching slightly when Kim Dokja ran his fingers over certain spots. If anyone would have thought the Yoo Joonghyuk to be ticklish, it would have been entirely true. Kim Dokja smiled down at him.

Yoo Joonghyuk peeked an eye open at him, grabbing Kim Dokja’s wrist and relocating it to his hair when Kim Dokja touched his ears. They were red at that moment, and although Kim Dokja didn’t know why, The Fourth Wall did.

When Yoo Joonghyuk opened his eyes, when he opened his eyes every time to the sight of Kim Dokja, something pounded in his chest. He had lived twice with Lee Seolwha, having a child with her even, but he knew, every time, that if he had met Kim Dokja in those rounds, he would have never even considered Lee Seolwha.

Kim Dokja was his everything. His Salvation. His Savior. His light. Kim Dokja was Yoo Joonghyuk’s reason to live. If there was a life without him, Yoo Joonghyuk didn’t want to live it.

So, it made sense, in the eyes of the constellations, why Yoo Joonghyuk’s heart pounded when he saw the infinite expanse of the ocean looking down at him, lips turned up in a smile, strands of unkempt hair falling over the small beauty mark adorning his pale skin.

[Your exclusive story ‘Life and Death Companions’ has been fed!]

Kim Dokja read the notification with an odd face, still stroking Yoo Joonghyuk like a cat, and when he looked down again, Yoo Joonghyuk had shut his eyes again.

He felt warm, and Yoo Joonghyuk was a decent weighted blanket, despite only feeling his head, and not the rest of him. The wall was starting to hurt his back and putting pressure on the back of his head, so he moved Yoo Joonghyuk off him briefly.

The man startled up at being pushed off, looking entirely too devastated, like Kim Dokja had just told him he wanted a divorce. Kim Dokja ignored the pouting face, pulling off his jacket, and placing it under his head.

He pat the spot next to him, and Yoo Joonghyuk’s expression melted, softened into his version of a content smile, which was no expression at all, and he settled in to the warmth of Kim Dokja, laying his head in the crook of the older’s neck.

Kim Dokja could feel Yoo Joonghyuk’s slow intakes of breath, and Yoo Joonghyuk could feel Kim Dokja’s pulse as he practically wrapped himself around the man.

A perfect balance.

~~

When Kim Dokja woke up, it was to the sound of his name being muttered and the life being squeezed out of him.

Yoo Joonghyuk clutched him like a lifeline as he laid there, repeating the same name- Kim Dokja’s name- over and over again.

Kim Dokja’s drowsy eyes couldn’t completely process what was going on, but he did see someone’s eyes on them, and he needed to wake Yoo Joonghyuk up from his nap. He could feel wet droplets being stained onto his black shirt, and he shook Yoo Joonghyuk gently.

“Joonghyuk.” He spoke once. He didn’t stir. “Joonghyuk-ah.” He said again, shaking more agressively this time. Yoo Joonghyuk startled, strong arms still wrapped around Kim Dokja, his grey eyes tired, his long lashes still holding tears that had not quite fallen.

He looked at Kim Dokja, processing the man before him, before sitting up and promptly burying himself in Kim Dokja once more. He was conscious now, but his grip was even tighter, nails digging into Kim Dokja’s back.

“Hey, it’s okay.” Kim Dokja tried his best to comfort him, but he had never really had any experience in comforting anyone.

“I’m fine.” Yoo Joonghyuk said, voice muffled by fabric and body, but it was untrue, and he seemed to be saying it to himself more than Kim Dokja or anyone else.

“Sure. It’s okay to not be fine, Hyuk-ah.”

The Fourth Wall wished Kim Dokja would take his own advice, knowing the plans that Kim Dokja had set for himself.

Yoo Joonghyuk gradually loosened his grip, letting go of Kim Dokja and sitting up. His eyes were red rimmed, and Kim Dokja placed the pad of his thumb against one.

“If anyone asks I’ll tell them you dropped your face in poison.” He said, laughing.

“They can’t see my face.” Yoo Joonghyuk deadpanned.

Kim Dokja froze.

He pushed Yoo Joonghyuk’s cheek in, the man grunting in reply. He brought his other hand up, stressing him like a toy, thinking.

“I can see your face. Did the skill turn off?” He wondered, moving to try and apply it again.