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How did I end up in this situation?
I ask myself as I hold back Yoo Joonghyuk with every ounce of my strength.
My poor untrained muscles are cursing at me in every language possible.
Good question.
These damned scenarios.
[Personal Scenario — Do it]
Category: personal scenario
Difficulty:A~S
Clearing conditions: Kill yourself for good.
Time limit: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Rewards: 1.000.000 coins
Penalty: Survival
*voices will be heard in your head
*others can see your personal scenario window
*using skills is prohibited
*everything regarding this scenario shall be censored and forgotten by the constellations.
*passing out equals immediate death
I looked at this personal scenario with absolute hatred. I could feel my hands barely holding him back.
This has never happened.
Thank god I was able to throw his sword away. Only the kids were here, the others went on patrolling and various sub-scenarios to raise their stats.
Damn me for sending everyone away. I should've expected something like this.
I cannot hold on for a lot. This sunfish is more powerful than I had remembered
—Bihyung! Open the dokkaebi shop!
Thankfully Bihyung was on point. The kids looked at me, their cute eyes wide in terror.
They had probably never seen Yoo Joonghyuk go full berserk. This scary bastard will have to work hard to get their trust back.
Especially Yoo Mia. What can I do to not make her see this? It's her big brother, no matter how mature she acts, she won't like this sight. It's too much for her…
Finally he broke free from my grip after about 30 seconds. It was enough time for me to buy the item I needed.
[You have purchased ‘Gas-like Galaxy Hatred’ for 500.000 coins]
Expensive ass, he better pay me back.
You might think it's gas but it is actually the 10th strongest material in the galaxy.
Made by the absolute evil constellation's hatred. One might ask how an abstract feeling like ‘hatred’ could become a material.
Well actually hatred is not completely abstract, the evil constellations use “hatred” to reinforce their skills and it becomes like an ‘aura’ and it manifests in a dark eerie magic-like substance.
It would be hard to break free even for Yoo Joonghyuk especially since he cannot use his skills.
I can finally breathe. I look at the kids.
—No worries, he's like this just because of the scenario. He'll be back to normal in a bit.
I patted Lee Gilyoung's and Shin Yoosung's head. Their little shoulders relaxed a bit. I suggested for them to go play in another room and they did so.
But Yoo Mia didn't move an inch. Her eyes blown wide, tears threatening to spill. Her tiny hands shaking.
I cannot help but feel guilt, I shouldn't have let her see him like this.
She pulled my white coat and asked with a wobbly voice.
—U-ugly ahjusshi… w-will oppa be ok…?
It broke my heart to see the usually sassy and sarcastic Yoo Mia like this.
—It’s ok.. He's like this just because of the scenario. I'll keep an eye on him so go rest a bit, alright?
I pat her head gently, trying to comfort her somehow.
—But…
She seemed hesitant, and didn't want to let go. If I let her see anything more that bastard might kill me for real. He treasures his sister more than anything else.
—I promise nothing will happen to him. So go play with the others, ok?
I crouch down to her level and wipe her tears
—Don’t cry, your brother will go nuts if he sees you like this. I need my head to stay attached to my neck yk?
That was the driest joke that had ever left my lips. Even Yoo Mia looked at me unimpressed, suddenly I felt kind of embarrassed, but then she cracked a little chuckle.
I'm glad she's feeling better. Soon enough she also leaves the room.
I sat across from him, reading TWSA to find anything related to this strange scenario.
Who is strong enough to blur an entire scenario from all the other constellations? I can think of no one and nothing.
As always I got a little too immersed in my thoughts.
Fate made the impossible possible.
My heart sank down immediately
After exactly 1 hour Yoo Joonghyuk broke free.
—How..?!
Yoo Joonghyuk broke through with his pure strength.
Shit.
He was headed quickly to the rooftop. I ran after him quicker than I ever did in my entire life.
Maybe I should've went to the gym more often… my legs are killing me
Only 1 hour had passed, 30 minutes still needed to pass. And I don't even have enough coins to spend right now.
I have prepared all those coins for future necessary purchases. Without them, not just Yoo Joonghyuk. We'll all be damned.
I was able to pull him by his wrist. But in less than 20 seconds he was able to break 3 of my fingers.
I felt a pungent pain, I also couldn't look at my distorted fingers or I would surely throw up. This bastard… It hurts so damn much.
In a few minutes my entire hand swells, trying to move it felt like an impossible feat.
Just the air brushing by it felt like a million daggers. My right hand is out.
What do I do?
Suddenly an idea flashes.
Demon King form. I will be greatly penalized but it is necessary.
I am able to reach Yoo Joonghyuk in my demon form. He tries his best to push me away. I realized that letting him do whatever he wanted was way too dangerous.
There are too many openings on the rooftop, he could escape whenever.
I wrap my wings around him so he does not escape. They might look delicate but they are anything but weak.
Yoo Joonghyuk was hitting me everywhere full force. His punches hurt more than I had anticipated.
I'm gonna be full of bruises after this… For god's sake, this sunfish bastard will feel guilty…
This reminds me of when I was younger.
I can't help but chuckle a bit, remembering that, in this situation, it felt pretty comic.
Maybe I should make him pass out right after the scenario finishes.
I'm pretty sure my ribcage is fractured.
Breathing has become extremely painful. Every time I took a breath a sharp pain was felt in my lungs.
I can't help but hiss and shut my eyes whenever I took the smallest of breaths
But suddenly Yoo Joonghyuk stopped.
He stood still, looking at me with empty eyes.
A chill ran through my spine. Full panic etched in my face
—Fuck!!! You bastard open your mouth!
I used full force to open his mouth, if he bit his tongue off I wouldn't forgive myself. I would also have no courage to face Yoo Mia.
So open your damn mouth you little shit.
He opened his mouth just slightly, but it was enough. I put the side of my palm there.
I chose the left hand, if I put the right one I would pass out from the pain.
—Yes! there. Bite all you want you damned bastard…
He bit hard, his teeth went deep in my meat, like a predator capturing its prey. But it was ok. If this is all I have to suffer for him to survive then it isn't much.
I'd rather my body getting destroyed over him trying to kill his dumbass.
I could feel blood in my palm. I cannot help but flinch a bit as his teeth were sharper than I had thought. Is he a tiger or something?
How is it humanly possible to have such sharp teeth???
I might get nerve damage from this… Well whatever, it's my left hand.
He started punching my wings, he probably guessed they were my weakest point— he was in fact right.
They weren't weak, but they weren't strong either. Plus they were very sensitive.
I cannot help but yelp as he suddenly pulls at the feathers, he plucks out fists and fists of feathers.
It felt like he was slowly peeling my skin away. I cannot help but tremble on my feet. Tears formed in my eyes. A deep contrast to his empty, almost possessed ones.
I bit my lip, because I was willing to suffer anything if it meant him surviving.
20 minutes left.
—You asshole… I won't have enough feathers to be called a respectable demon king anymore yk? ugh-!
I talk bitterly. At this point I'm breathing heavily, pained. I get interrupted by a rather cruel pull of my feathers by my beloved protagonist.
I wonder if the feathers will regrow…
The combination of him plucking my feathers out, biting my hand, my broken fingers, my fractured ribcage and the plausibility of the scenario was truly devastating.
It hurt so damn much I wish I could die.
It hurts so damn much I’m reconsidering saving Yoo Joonghyuk.
Jokes on me, I would never let this bastard die, even if it meant killing myself.
But it was hard to resist.
At this point even if he survives… I might not.
Mhm.. what a shame.
I cough violently, a sharp pain going through my chest. I could feel the iron taste of blood on my tongue. Maybe it is worse than a fractured ribcage…
I could feel my conscience slightly fading. But I cannot afford to pass out.
I bite my lips and put strength in my legs.
But the involuntary tremor didn't stop. I was shaking like a leaf.
And the scenario plausibility was finally taking its effect. It didn't hit a lot before because I didn't use any skill or power, but a prolonged presence can also make it worse. I don't have much left in this form.
It felt as if electricity was passing through my entire body. It hurt like hell. I might actually pass out.
10 minutes left…
I can last for about 7 more minutes in this form. How will I stop him in those 3 minutes..?
—You’re surely making it hard to save you.. uh?
I tease, my breathing ragged. My vision is barely there.
I felt extremely light headed, and maybe that is why time was passing slightly faster. Everything slowed down in my vision.
Suddenly a fist reaches my face. It stinged at first, but then all I could feel was numbness
oh.. 5 minutes left..
At this point I should just be grateful if I don't pass out before the scenario finishes.
I hope Yoo Joonghyuk doesn't feel too much regret… It isn’t his fault after all..
But if the kids come I can't let them see me in this disgusting state… I don’t want them to ever see me like this…
What if this becomes a literal trauma to them? What if they develop insomnia because of the nightmares? I wouldn’t forgive myself.
With half lidded eyes I look at Yoo Joonghyuk.
Just as much as I can't stand those little rascals to see me like this…
—I don’t want you to see me in this pathetic state.
Seeing his unfocused eyes I’m pretty sure that he can’t see me properly. Maybe all he sees is black, or maybe his vision is blurred. Either way I’m glad.
The scenario said that the person will hear voices… I wonder what they are saying to him…
I can't help but sigh. I won't pass out. I can’t.
My legs buckled, but I was able to catch myself from falling. My knees are a thread away from giving up. But I can resist. I will, no matter what.
My breathing was getting more and more shallow as the seconds went by.
—I will give you a good smack when this finishes…
I said chuckling. A chuckle that quickly became a cough, a very painful one.
More blood came out, god how much I hate the taste of blood.
My lips were now painted a mesmerizing dark red, a scene like this would’ve gained millions in a drama.
I slightly whined as the 500.000 coins that I spent came to mind. I will make him work to death, I swear to god you will return every single penny.
At this point Yoo Joonghyuk has stopped punching or resisting. It would’ve been really bad if he didn’t stop because I am in really bad shape right now.
My right hand is now completely useless. I can’t even move it. My fingers look straight out of a horror movie.
Didn’t even think it it was possible for my fingers to bend like this,
I have completely lost all feeling in my left one, Yoo Joonghyuk was still biting it but I could tell that he wasn’t putting as much pressure as before.
I can’t help but crack a smile at the sight. He looked like a puppy nibbling at his favourite toy.
Well I would’ve preferred if that toy wasn’t my hand.
It is funny that the first time that this guy is so docile is when he is completely out of it. I wished that this guy was this soft all the time.
But thinking about it thoroughly, that wouldn’t be the actual Yoo Joonghyuk.
2 minutes left.
Maybe I can keep my demon form till the very end, just maybe.
My consciousness was at its limit, I was barely keeping my head up. Breathing seemed like a war I couldn’t win.
I struggle to keep my eyes open.
My body was burning, I felt like hell’s flames had decided to embrace me.
1 minute.
My wings embrace him more tightly. Moving them hurt, but I was afraid that in that last minute I would pass out. I could feel myself slipping away.
…
If he dies I’ll destroy this world. But he won’t. As long as I am alive, he will be the last to die.
Finally he let go of my left hand, nerve damage seems inevitable. I caught a glimpse of Yoo Joonghyuk’s face. His mouth was stained by my hand’s blood. His bottom lip quivered.
—Kim Dokja…?
That usually monotone voice had a hint of panic for the first time. As I was about to hit the ground, strong arms held me up. I didn’t want to lose consciousness now.
His face looked shocked at first, then he clenched his jaw so tight I was afraid he might break his teeth. His eyes were no longer puppet-like, no longer numb and emotionless.
They were clear. I didn’t realize that I was this tense the whole time until I relaxed my shoulders and I sighed in relief which, by the way, hurt.
Still I could see a hint of desperation in his eyes, that didn’t sit well with me. I don’t want him to make that face, but I guess it’s inevitable since I just look quite bad.
—Why are you.. making that face?
I managed to talk with a smile, it was truly funny, almost endearing to see that bastard finally showing worry.
Still that doesn’t mean I wanted to see him like this.
—It’s not as… bad as it-
I cough roughly, blood coating Yoo Joonghyuk’s coat. He won’t hit me for dirtying his coat…right?
—Don’t talk.
He gently laid me down on the floor. I didn’t notice before but the floor was a bloody mess. A mix of blood and feathers. God, so many feathers-
I could feel the tremor in Yoo Joonghyuk’s hands. He was panicking, possibly blaming himself.
He’s truly a sunfish.
—It’s not your fault…
As the words weakly escaped my lips Yoo Joonghyuk froze. His hands trembled even more.
—It is.
What a way to stab my heart. His voice controlled but he couldn’t hide his desperation from me. I’ve read too much about you to not know your habits.
The uneven breathing, the quivering lip, the short sentences… It was Yoo Joonghyuk’s way of crying.
I don’t need an apology. Just the fact that he is alive is enough for me. That’s the only thing I demand from him. Just stay alive.
—Yoo Joonghyuk… I won't forgive you if you blame yourself… It isn’t your fault. I chose to do this…
I could feel his hold slightly tightening around my shoulders, not a lot, perhaps he was too afraid that he might hurt me.
I hoped that my words would somehow bring him comfort.
He gave me some kind of potion, I could finally breathe without hurting. Was it a healing potion of some kind? I can’t help but chuckle.
Yoo Joonghyuk taking care of me like this? If this had happened a few years ago, I would've probably started fangirling like a teen who just hit puberty.
—There’s nothing to laugh about.
He said as he carefully held my head up so I wouldn't choke.
—There absolutely is…Your face looks funny
I managed to move my left hand, even if it was all bloody from his bite, I caressed his face.
Maybe I’m pain-drunk. Because I would’ve never done this.
His eyes widened, I don’t blame him. I would’ve also been surprised.
At this point my sight was way too blurry to see his face
—I’ll… take a quick nap..
Kim Dokja passed out, so he couldn’t see it.
The look of horror in Yoo Joonghyuk’s eyes when he closed his eyes.
His hand, that moments before was sweetly caressing him as if he was the most precious thing in the world, fell limp to the floor. Leaving on his cheek only the blood from the wound he had caused.
He frantically checked his pulse, and even while feeling the faint beat he didn’t relax.
He spent coins on top tier healing potions without even looking at the price. And finally when his beat fully stabilized, he gave himself the privilege of breathing.
—You fool… You should’ve just ran away…
I… don’t deserve all this.
His shoulders shook violently when he thought about the possibility of him killing Kim Dokja once again, but maybe this time once for all.
He would’ve never forgave himself if it ever happened
And even now, he just couldn’t forgive himself. He was a monster. He hurt his companion, his only companion. The only person he decided to fully trust. The only person he could actually rely on.
He hurt him. He— he doesn’t deserve to stay by his side.
A lump formed in his throat, his stomach twisting.
What if a scenario like this one appeared again? What if this time he could use his skills-
wait-
A sudden thought crossed Yoo Joonghyuk’s mind.
During the whole scenario, not once, did Kim Dokja try to hurt him.
Not once did he attack him.
Yoo Joonghyuk felt utterly pathetic.
Yet even if he felt undeserving of Kim Dokja’s presence, he held his hand almost with reverence, as if afraid that if he let go then Kim Dokja would disappear forever.