Chapter Text
CH 1
[Sub Scenario #? –A Reader’s only wish]
Category: Personal
Difficulty: Unknown
Clear Conditions: React to the information shown
Time Limit: --
Compensation: 100000 coins,--
Failure: --
A blue screen floated in front of the incarnations, glowing dimly.
All of Kimcom’s member after seeing the scenario pop up, turned their gazes towards their leader. They looked questioningly at Kim Dokja for an answer.
Kim Dokja simply shrugged and said, “Don’t look at me. This is the first time I have seen such a scenario.”
But it seemed like none of them believed his words. Yu Junghyeok glared at him while Han Suyeung cackled at his misery.
“Junghyeok ah, stop glaring at me like that.” started the reader, “It does not seem harmful in anyway and look at the coins it will reward.” It was a peculiar scenario; he had never seen it in the ways of survival.
Though it was perfect for entertainment for a constellation. But the constellation must be at least myth grade if they were willing to spend this much. But isn't that what constellations do? Everything they do is for their entertainment.
Then again, where did they come from? Why were they doing this?
"Yeah, it is a bit dubious. Why isn't there a time limit mentioned?" Dokja asks no one in particular. Though it was a moving option, he had to consider everything before doing something.
Kim Dokja nodded once and then looked at his companions.
"Well, we have to go since there is no option available." He said, carefully surveying the scenario screen.
Suddenly bright white light enveloped Kim Dokja. He disappeared in thin air as if he was never there.
“Kim Dokja, I’m going to kill you.” gritted out Yu Junghyeok, as he slowly disappeared like Kim Dokja.
The kids followed their father figure excitedly while others went after with a tired sigh and shake of head.
Upon arrival, Kimcom-Kim Dokja awed at the sight they were greeted to. They all (except YJH) stared in amazement at the room: it was a cozy room with cream colored walls and wooden flooring, decorated with few plants and shelves of books, giving it a warm and homely look; it had enough space to accommodate everyone as some couches, beanbags and cushions on a carpet were scattered in the room to make it look messy yet tidy; in front of it all was a projector pointing at an empty wall.
Suddenly, barrages of messages poured in, and to no one’s surprise it were the constellations.
[Several constellations have entered Channel #F142.]
[Several constellations question their location.]
“Wait…You didn’t receive the scenario interface”, Kim Dokja asked, being perceptive and all that.
[The constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ shakes her head.]
[The constellation ‘Prisoner of the Golden Headband’ picks his nose.]
[The constellation ‘Abyssal Black Flame Dragon’ bares his fangs asking the perpetrator to reveal them self.]
[The constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ replies that he had gotten it.]
.
.
.
.
Messages kept pouring in but Kim Dokja’s attention was on the lone message from Secretive Plotter. Why was he the only one who got the scenario? If he was the only one to get it, why did other constellation also teleport here too? Is this connected in some way?
Kim Dokja stood deep in thoughts, when a message from an unknown constellation broke his reverie of thoughts.
[The constellation who has yet to reveal their name requests your patience.]
“We’ll agree to do so if you show yourself”, Kim Dokja calmly stated eyeing the new constellation suspiciously. He’d never seen such a scene in the novel nor did he know of a constellation who’d spend so many coins on such a scenario, so he thought of staying on guard as the best option.
[The constellation who has yet to reveal their name agrees.]
[The constellation who has yet to reveal their name asks you to make yourself comfortable.]
Kim Dokja looks over to the kids and then to the adult members, he agrees though hesitantly and reluctantly. But he didn’t want the others to tire more than they already were. They all took their seats.
Kim Dokja was seated with Han Suyeung on a couch for ‘strategy’ purposes (he didn’t want to sit with YJH), while Lee Gilyoung and Shin Yoosung sat at side of his legs on the carpeted floor huddled in the cushions. Lee Jihye took place on a beanbags along with Yu Mia. Yu Sangah sat alone on a sofa. Jeong Huiwon and Lee Hyeonseong on one of the couches. Lee Seohlwa and Yu Junghyeok sat on a couch near the beanbags so Junghyeok could watch over Mia.
As they all got comfortable, Kim Dokja asked again, “So, are you going to reveal your name or not?”
[The constellation who has yet to reveal their name apologizes for the inconvenience.]
[The constellation who has yet to reveal their name is revealing their name.]
[The constellation ‘The Dream-Laden Archivist of Contradictions’ greets Kim Dokja’s Company.]
“That’s quite a long name.” observed Yu Sangah.
“How are we going to address you?” questioned Jung Huiwon.
[The constellation ‘The Dream-Laden Archivist of Contradictions’ flushes in embarrassment.]
[The constellation ‘The Dream-Laden Archivist of Contradictions’ requests for you to wait for her characters.]
[The constellation ‘The Dream-Laden Archivist of Contradictions’ says until then you can react to some pics for fun until then.]
Lee Jihye and the kids agreed quick in anticipation.
The adults except Yu Junghyeok, who was just glaring at these messages as if they offended him, had varying reactions from tired sighs to sweet (?) smiles.
[The constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ jumps in delight.]
[The constellation ‘Abyssal Black Flame Dragon’ huffs indignantly.]
[The constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ watches silently.]
[The constellation ‘Prisoner of the Golden Headband’ picks his ears.]
[Many constellations are eager to observe the shown images.]
[The constellation ‘The Dream-Laden Archivist of Contradictions’ asks you to use the given device to start the projector.]
The said device was a remote that was kept on a coffee table beside Lee Jihye, which was picked up by her and passed to her esteemed master. Yu Junghyeok started the projector with a grunt and relaxed into the couch, his guard still up. He passed the device to Kim Dokja, who exasperatedly took it.
The projector came to life as it whirred and the entertainment kicked off straight away with a wholesome picture.
An audible gasp arose from Lee Jihye, who at this point was practically buzzing with delight.
“It’s us”, she said elated.
“We can see that”, Jeong Huiwon commented fondly, “And we do look good in this picture.”
“Damn right, and I look sexy as fuck”, Suyeung spoke smugly from where she sat. Her legs perched on Dokja’s.
“I agree with Huiwon-ssi, our appearance is decent considering our situation of the apocalypse”, Sangah verbalizing her thoughts. Lee Seohlwa hummed in agreement, even if she wasn’t in the picture she was still happy for the others. Lee Hyeonseong nodded along.
“Hyung, I look so cool-”
“Ahjussi, I look so cute-“
Both of them started, and stopping only to glare at each other.
Kim Dokja fondly smiled, patting their heads to calm them down. He looked calm on the exterior but many thoughts threaded together only for a very obvious question to pop up—Where did they get this picture?
He kept this all locked away to ask later if he had a chance.
He tried to peek at Yu Junghyeok to gauge his reaction. He was baffled to see a ghost of a smile, it was barely visible but there. His ears turned red as he looked away focusing back on the whitish wall.
[The constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ squeals claiming the picture to be cute.]
[The constellation ‘The Queen of the Darkest Spring’ coos at the image.]
[The constellation ‘Abyssal Black Flame Dragon’ scoffs calling the incarnations weak.]
[The constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ says “you should focus on shutting the ⬛⬛⬛⬛ up”.]
[The constellation ‘Prisoner of the Golden Headband’ says “lol” as he grabs a popcorn bucket.]
[The constellation ‘Abyssal Black Flame Dragon’ bares his teeth and says ‘wanna fight old hag”.]
[The constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ pulling up her sleeves replies “bring it on brat”.]
[The constellation ‘Prisoner of the Golden Headband’ is laughing while pulling his hair.]
[The constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ looking at them mutters “fools”.]
[The constellation ‘Queen of the Darkest Spring’ asks about the ball of fluff floating near incarnation ‘Kim Dokja’/constellation ‘Demon King of Salvation’.]
“Oh my!” Yu Sangah exclaimed, “I just noticed.”
“Ha! The perfect missy missed something”, taunts the writer.
The reader smacked her on the head as a way to reprimand her for her actions. To which Suyeung huffs and grumbles in response.
“Sangah-ssi, I apologize for this brat’s behavior.” Dokja speaks up, emphasizing ‘this brat’s’ pointing toward the short female, who folded her arms indignantly turning her head away so to not face to embarrassment.
“There’s no need to do such, Dokja-ssi.”
“You’re too kind Sangah-ssi”, Dokja smiled as he complimented her. But his mind was thinking something else—did my plan work? Did I fulfill my promise with her? Is she happy like that or am I trapping her again?
He was so lost in his thoughts, he didn’t hear the chatter going ‘round.
“Ugly Ahjussi, Is it your child with master? The one you said at the hidden dungeon.” Jihye suddenly perked up, her loud voice breaking his reverie of thoughts.
“No-what?” Kim Dokja was so baffled and scared that he paid no heed to the ugly, the reason being Yu Junghyeok who was glaring at him menacingly.
“Kim Dokja” the said man grits out, “What is she talking about.”
“I can explain, Junghyeok-ah” the blurred man tried to clarify flailing his arms but before he could explain the mysterious constellation cut him off. He sighed in his mind, secretly thanking this constellation.
[The constellation ‘The Dream-Laden Archivist of Contradictions’ catches up.]
[The constellation ‘The Dream-Laden Archivist of Contradictions’ wants to show the explanation.]
[The constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ watches with interest.]
[The constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ is buzzing to see the confession again.]
[The constellation ‘Prisoner of the Golden Headband’ is pulling their hair in excitement.]
[The constellation ‘Abyssal Black Flame Dragon’ wants bloodshed.]
Article:
"Don't drown because of your feelings! Your Resolve...After our First time, how could you lose that?! I came here because of you! I've always been there with You, Don't lose Hope! THINK OF OUR BABY!"
“Wait wait, is this what they heard?” Kim Dokja looked astonished.
“Ahjussi, why are you acting as if you didn’t know…” The maritime admiral started, the look of confidence slowly turned into one of realization as she screamed out loud, “you didn’t know?”
“No, I said something entirely else” he replied, still flabbergasted.
Yu Junghyeok’s ears turned red. Yu Mia sighs tired as if she is done with her brother’s silent pining.
[The constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ laments in despair.]
[The constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ smiles mockingly at the others.]
[The constellation ‘Prisoner of the Golden Headband’ is pulling their hair in shock.]
[The constellation ‘Queen of the Darkest Spring’ smiles with interest.]
(Hades will barely show up cuz he a silent character, but the mains are sp, uriel, sun wukong, afbd and Persephone)
[The constellation ‘The Dream-Laden Archivist of Contradictions’ wants to know if anyone’s hungry or thirsty.]
[The constellation ‘The Dream-Laden Archivist of Contradictions’ says her characters will serve refreshments.]
Everyone was doubtful, why wouldn’t they be? They knew the cruelty of scenarios and they’ve also seen betrayal which occurs. They knew no one could be trusted in such a world. Thus, the food being tampered or poisoned became a possibility in their minds.
Jihye, who had a zero head to mouth filter, accusingly asked, “Are you trying to poison us, worse kill us?!”
Suyueng visibly face palmed and Sangah tiredly sigh (gurl is done). Seolhwa smiled amused and the sunfish looked ready to increase the training regime.
Kim Dokja tried redeeming her, “Yes, how do we know you aren’t trying to kill us?”
[The constellation ‘The Dream-Laden Archivist of Contradictions’ requests for patience.]
[The constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ eyes dim.]
[The constellation ‘Abyssal Black Flame Dragon’ scoffs.]
[The constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ jumps impatiently.]
[The constellation ‘Queen of the Darkest Spring’ wishes you hurry.]
[The constellation ‘The Dream-Laden Archivist of Contradictions’ requests of all to treat her ‘character’ amicably.]
Everyone agreed, but one couldn’t guess from the look on the regressor’s face.
Just as the noise died down, a door appeared near the wall which held the projection. The door opened and small creatures entered with food and drink filled trays.
“Are those winions?”, Dokja voiced with a star filled gaze.
“What are winions???”, the confused company asked except YJH, HSY and YSH(cuz they know).
“Winions are small, purple, pill-shaped chaos sprites with stubby limbs and fur skin. They babble in a nonsense language that sounds like a blender full of borrowed words, bounce between childish loyalty and accidental mayhem, and operate on pure impulse plus snacks. Harmless at heart, disastrous in practice.”, a voice foreign to them answered.
That voice belonged to the ‘character’ who just entered. The ‘character’ was a female who looked nearly 15-16. She was of average height, slim build and tan skin. With short, messy dark hair and dead, fish-like eyes with long lashes. Wearing an oversized hoodies, loose clothes, headphones hung around her neck and a distant expression. She didn’t look anything eye-catching or grand, just average.
“That was a very…uh…mechanical answer…” Hyeonseong carefully remarked, he didn’t want to hurt her feelings by saying something rude.
The girl’s gaze went dull for a second. When her eye’s light came back her demeanor had changed. It went from disinterested to cheerful in a matter of second.
“Oh! I’m so sorry. Allow me to rephrase. So, winions are little purple guys shaped like capsules who always seem excited about something. They have like very soft fur and are little like cats, they also chatter in a silly made-up language, and bounce around like happy kids.” Her voice was oddly happy unlike the previous distant and robotic one.
Everyone was perplexed and astonished at this sudden change in mannerism. Even the most stoic and unimpressed were left with jaw hanging.
[The constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ jaws drop.]
[The constellation ‘Father of the Richest Night’ eyes widen.]
[The constellation ‘Prisoner of the Golden Headband’ is tearing his hair in shock.]
[The constellation ‘Abyssal Black Flame Dragon’ Rubs his eyes.]
[The constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' is shell-shocked.]
[The constellation ‘Queen of the Darkest Spring’ smiles mystified.]
[Many constellations are startled.]
The girl goes on, “I apologize for the long wait, I am Nyx, one of the constellation’s characters. I’ll be explaining on behalf of The Dream-Laden Archivist of Contradictions. If you have a problem, question or need something please don’t hesitate to tell me.”
“We’ll do that for sure, thank you.”, Sangah replied. She was still surprised but didn’t forget to show gratitude.
“It’s my job. You don’t need to thank me Sangah-ssi. If I may continue, I will be staying here to provide assistance on behalf my constellation, whom you can address as ‘Null’. From this point on, they won’t respond through the messages but through me. And at some point, the constellations will be requested to incarnate or else be forced to do so. The probability of proper forms and star stream interference will be handled by my creator. Any questions?” Nyx continued, voice cracking at the mention of creator.
[Many constellations are offended.]
“Not all, just the old and loyal ones will come”, Nyx noted calmly.
[The constellation ‘Queen of the Darkest Spring’ smiles mysteriously.]
[The constellation ‘Prisoner of the Golden Headband’ huffs his chest proudly.]
[The constellation ‘Abyssal Black Flame Dragon’ says “Be ready to be blessed with my presence”.]
[The constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ mocks and taunts ‘Abyssal Black Flame Dragon.]
[The constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ is impatient to meet all.]
[Many constellations huff angrily.]
.
.
.
“Why would your ‘creator’ stop messaging and how are they able to handle this extreme of probability of multiple constellations.”, Dokja asked doubtful. Junghyeok nodded along while Suyeung raised her eyebrow.
“Please address them as ‘Null’, creator is for their characters only. They would stop messaging to handle the probability and manage other works. If you wish I can call upon them only during moments I’m unable to satisfy to your questions and doubts”, Nyx replied though her hands were shaking a bit.
“Interesting name.”, hummed the platinum haired woman(seolhwa).
“It’s kinda cool”, Jihye remarked.
“Yeah, a bit like a username of a game”, the writer added.
“Any further questions?”-Nyx asked looking around only to receive shaking heads or ‘no’s.
“Then, we are ready to continue the reaction and we’ll also provide rooms and ample rest with breaks and dining.”
“That’s kind of you.”, The timid Hyeonseong spoke.
“Thank you, then let’s start from the story of a lonely reader or would you like to continue with the pictures and memes.”
“Ohh~ I wanna know the story”, Suyueng spoke up. And the kids along with Jihye nodded along.
“It would be fun to watch this story” Sangah said and Seolhwa smiled in agreement.
Kim Dokja looked distraught since he understood what they were talking about but he couldn’t do anything because the others would doubt him. His palms were sweaty and there was terror in his eyes. He didn’t want the others to know about his disgusting past. What would they say? Would they think of him as pathetic? Or pity him with those eyes? Or judge him for being such a weak person? Kim Dokja continued to spiral and the others were unaware of the wreck that was happening.
Suddenly, a message chime broke him from his thoughts.
[The constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ jumps excitedly.]
He calms his heartbeat and acts as if nothing happened, secretly thanking Uriel in his mind.
[The constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ looks knowingly.]
Well, fuck. He averts his eyes, begging Nyx to just start.
“Well then, let the show begin” Nyx bowed.