8
They vomited after landing in that world. Sensing the hard ground with their hands.
[You have entered the new scenario area!]
[The dokkaebis of the bureau have doubts about your existence.]
[The Star Stream has recognized your modifier.]
[Your position in the night sky will be refreshed!]
[The bureau is wary of your presence.]
[You have been assigned a hidden scenario!]
Healing himself and undoing the demon king transformation, Kim Dokja looked around the ruined building before he ran forward to impart his curiosity.
When he saw the ruin statue and many more he recognised, he finally knew where he had landed.
"...Seoul?"
His arm was being pulled harshly to hide amongst the ruins before he heard an explosion.
"Da*n it! Stop running around in a dangerous area, will you?!"
He finally realised he was not alone.
"Haemin."
"What? What is it? If you want to be mad at me again, do it next time."
He saw the frown on the woman's face before he let out a sigh. He opened his mouth to say something but she was the one who placed her hand over his mouth first.
"Something is coming."
The constellations in an incarnations' body.
The feet of an elephant descended from the air and the incarnation bodies burst like worms.
Cha Haemin let go of Kim Dokja after the elephant disappeared, leaving behind the dead body of the incarnation. Both of them stepped out to look at it.
[The 95th main scenario is in progress.]
[The Outer World Covenant has replaced your lacking probability.]
[You aren't a formal participant of the scenario.]
[The Star Stream doubts your eligibility.]
Kim Dokja began to collect the items from the incarnations' body.
Kim Dokja thought this must be the future, he was thinking about his party members and how they are doing right now.
He took a deep breath to calm down. He felt overwhelmed by this situation but then he felt a hand grab his own.
"Ah."
He forgot again. He was not alone anymore.
"Are you calm now?"
"...Yes. Thank you, Haemin."
She looked at him with a complicated gaze. He didn't know yet that this is not the round he knew about, telling him was not the right thing at this moment. He'd know eventually.
Time will play its role.
Constellations' scream and a loud sound of powerful strike making them agitated.
"We need to hide."
Kim Dokja's eyes widened when he saw the black coat in his view. The man he recognised before was slightly different now.
"Tsk!"
He heard the clicking tongue of Cha Haemin but he was too late to realise what happened next. She pushed him aside. He widened his eyes when he saw she had been stabbed before he felt the suffocation of being gripped by the neck.
He tried to talk to Yoo Joonghyuk in his mind but nothing worked.
"Where is Arondight? Do you have it?"
Kim Dokja felt the cool sensation on his neck.
"I will kill you if you don't answer within five seconds."
Kim Dokja was trying to read Yoo Joonghyuk's information through the Character List.
"Put the sword down."
Yoo Joonghyuk glanced at the woman behind him from the corner of his eyes and to the sword on his neck.
"Four."
Cha Haemin frowned and pushed the sword further into his skin but this man who was clad in black was not wavered.
"Three."
'He knew I won't kill him.'
"Two."
'He has got it wrong.'
"It looks like you aren't going to answer. Then die."
Kim Dokja widened his eyes when he finally knew who was Yoo Joonghyuk in front of him. It is the Yoo Joonghyuk of the 1863rd round, the last round he read in Ways of Survival.
At the same time, Cha Haemin swung her sword towards Yoo Joonghyuk while Kim Dokja activated Miniaturization skill.
Kim Dokja activated the Electrification skill afterwards.
"Son of a bit*h! You have to let me talk to you!"
Her sword collided with Yoo Joonghyuk's and she was sent back to the ground. She groaned and touched her bleeding stab wound.
'He is much stronger in this round.'
Yoo Joonghyuk was about to stab his sword towards Kim Dokja but the man activated Way of the Wind. Unfortunately, Yoo Joonghyuk was much faster.
Before Yoo Joonghyuk managed to hurt Kim Dokja, Cha Haemin emerged in front of him to deflect the attack.
Yoo Joonghyuk frowned.
[Skill 'Fated Eyes' Lv. 12 (+2) has been activated!]
Their swords collided and sending spark everywhere. The constellations were stunned and sponsored coins after one another.
"Tsk, persistent pest."
"If you don't want to listen, I'll make you listen."
Yoo Joonghyuk's eyes shone in a gold colour, his eyes widened after reading this woman's information.
"How are you still alive?"
"Huh?"
Amidst the confusion, Yoo Joonghyuk kicked her stabbed wound fast enough even before she managed to dodge although by using her skill. She coughed out blood and rolled on the ground, writhing in pain.
"Haemin!"
"How are you two knowing each other? Ruler of Niflheim should've been dead by now."
He walked towards Cha Haemin. She stood up wobbly.
"Who are you?"
Without answering him, she charged towards Yoo Joonghyuk. She managed to inflict some scratches on his body but that was all and it was not even fatal. The pain of the wound was slowly killing her until her skill was inactive and she got another stab wound on the same spot.
Kim Dokja used his skill to defend her but he was easily defeated by Yoo Joonghyuk.
Yoo Joonghyuk asked about Arondight again after he was sure that Cha Haemin wouldn't attack him anymore. Kim Dokja gritted his teeth when he saw her bleeding form. He knew if he makes a move right now, Yoo Joonghyuk won't be hesitate to strike him.
Just what he did to Cha Haemin, Yoo Joonghyuk used his Sage's Eyes on Kim Dokja but Fourth Wall prevented it. Their mental skills battle was felt by Kim Dokja until he saw typed letters covered Yoo Joonghyuk's body like insects.
His memories that were recorded on Fourth Wall was played.
"What are you…?"
The loud explosion occured, two demons emerged to kill Yoo Joonghyuk. Amidst the chaos, Kim Dokja grabbed Cha Haemin to run away from Yoo Joonghyuk by using Ways of the Wind.
"Ugh, stop."
"Haemin, are you okay?"
"Go back, he will ugh–"
Kim Dokja spit out a curse. He bought Ellain's Forest Vital Force and gave it to Cha Haemin. Seeing the wound close made him sigh in relief. She began to doze off because of the effect of the item.
He focused back on Yoo Joonghyuk who used a tremendous strength to fight the two demons until he saw that man's eyes turned blank.
Yoo Joonghyuk was in his Regression Depression state.
"Dok'a, go."
The slurred words from Cha Haemin makes him purse his lips.
The demons managed to inflict wounds on him. Kim Dokja was contemplating and he made a decision to help him. Putting Cha Haemin down on somewhere close and safe, he dashed towards the demons.
He called for the two archangels, Jophiel and Gabriel that were hiding in his coat's pocket to help him and finally the demons were killed by one of them.
The archangel Jophiel wanted to kill Yoo Joonghyuk but Kim Dokja prevented it. After making sure that Yoo Joonghyuk fell deeper into his regression depression state and won't be killing him after he woke up again, Kim Dokja received the condition of the sub scenario he needed to do in this world.
+
[Sub Scenario (Secretive Plotter) – End of the Regressor]
Clear Conditions: Yoo Joonghyuk's death.
+
Seeing Yoo Joonghyuk blankly staring at Kim Dokja was something she was not ready to see. This Yoo Joonghyuk who was in his regression depression has completed devoured his ego.
"Eat the soil, Yoo Joonghyuk."
Cha Haemin was alarmed when she heard this, remembering now the stupid thing Kim Dokja do.
Yoo Joonghyuk started to take the soil and brought it towards his mouth. But before he managed to do that, Cha Haemin slapped his hand, dropping the dirt back to its rightful place.
"No, don't eat it. Bad, Joonghyuk. Don't listen to him."
She caught his hand and wiped away the dirt from there. Yoo Joonghyuk stared at her blankly.
"And you, stop commanding him something stupid."
"...I just want to test if he'd follow my every orders."
"Don't listen to him, Joonghyuk. Kim Dokja gives bad idea. Don't eat dirt, not healthy."
"Don't you suppose to say because it's dirty?"
"I've something to eat. Here, I just have a chocolate bar here."
However, Yoo Joonghyuk do nothing but stare.
"Where do you get the chocolate bar?"
"I keep it in my dimensional pocket. You want one? Then, ask him to eat this first."
Kim Dokja squinted his eyes.
"Why are you treating him so kind but talking so cold to me?"
"I'm not."
"Yes, you are. He even stabbed you two times."
"I'm not and I already forgive him."
"Yoo Joonghyuk, lie down there and get some rest."
Yoo Joonghyuk began to trudge towards the ruined building.
"Hey, I'm about to feed him here, Kim Dokja-nim."
"Yoo Joonghyuk, come back here."
Yoo Joonghyuk stopped on his track and trudge back towards them.
"Eat that."
Yoo Joonghyuk took the chocolate bar from Cha Haemin and slowly chewed on the food. Cha Haemin was surpassing her urge to pinch those cheeks.
'He will kill me if I do that to our Yoo Joonghyuk but now....'
She raised her hand and patted his head, gently running her fingers through his hair which surprisingly soft.
'This much is a bless to me.'
Without she noticed, her mouth formed into a shit-eating grin. Kim Dokja was bewildered and felt annoyed.
"Done eating? Go lie down there and sleep."
Just what he was told, Yoo Joonghyuk did those. She watched the protagonist lie down and fell asleep.
"Cha Haemin."
"What is it?"
"Look at me."
Once she looked at him, she almost stumbled back when she saw his face right in front of her.
"W..what are you doing?"
She pushed him away. He didn't budge.
"Let's talk, okay? You must have received the same scenario as me. Also, about our previous conversation at the demon realm and your action at First Murim."
She pursed her lips by the serious look on his face.
"Okay. Let's talk."
"I'm mad at you."
Her mouth turned into a frown but she knew she was at fault.
"I am really mad at you, Haemin. The thing at First Murim and the way you discarded me at the industrial complex. I'm hurt."
Her eyes shook.
"Am I not trustful enough? I thought we're close but I thought wrong. It was just a one-sided feeling."
Her eyes widened. Wait, what? One-sided? Is this man for real?
"I know there is some secret that we can't share with each other but the way you act around me confused me. I don't know how should I treat you and how much I should trust you."
He looked at her straight in the eyes.
"Cha Haemin, am I really your—"
She slapped her hand on his mouth, refusing to hear any more words from him.
"Godda*n it, Kim Dokja."
She let down her hand.
"Do you want to know how I survive the First Scenario?"
He didn't answer.
"I killed three people I hate the most in this world."
This time, Kim Dokja's eyes widened.
"Do you want to know who is it?"
She clenched her jaw. He might hates her after this.
"Do Woojin."
He didn't expect the name.
"My mother."
He swallowed his saliva.
"My father."
"Hae—"
"I shoot them. After that, when the Second Scenario started, I met with my ex-professor in a subway. He used me by using his skill. For days I killed monsters and humans without managing to control my own body. After I managed to be free from him, I killed everyone in the subway station."
He took a step back.
"I roamed around killing monsters and doing hidden scenario after that and I end up at First Murim after my chest was gauge open."
She opened two buttons of her shirt and showed the scar. She continued, telling him her training under Namgung Minyoung and the fight she had with Nyx.
"Thus, I'm afriad, Kim Dokja. Even this secret would make you fear me and hate me. The other secrets would make you leave me."
"Haemin."
"I know I'm at fault for degrading your concern over me. I know the stupid things you will do when I look at you. I don't think making you carry the burden is the right decision. So please, until I get the courage to tell you everything, let me be by your side. Let me fight alongside you and protect you."
She took a deep breath and gave him a shaky smile.
"That is my only wish."
Kim Dokja thought, 'Your only wish?'
"Haemin, thank you for telling me."
She blinked.
"You should know that I'd never scare of you nor hate you."
He let out a sigh, he was shocked but that's it. Everyone he met has blood on their hands. No one innocence in this world anymore. Not just she, he also has killed someone. He also would kill the person he hated the most when he was given the chance.
He just felt disappointed that he was not there with her through her journey. He hoped they could meet sooner.
"I'll wait. Like what I said before, I'll wait until you're ready."
Her eyes lightened a bit with his smile.
"Take your time as long as you want. Even after tens of years, I'll wait for you."
She chuckled. Somehow a sense of deja vu washed over her after hearing that.
"It'd not taking that long."
"Well, I'll still wait. Is that really your only wish?"
"Huh?"
The somber atmosphere died down with that just one question. She tilted her head in confusion.
"I thought you have another wish."
He opened his palm, she furrowed her eyebrows when she saw it.
"Oh, you wanted the chocolate bar? Here."
He shook his head before he took her hand.
"Remember that time at the room with everyone? Before you jumping out the window?"
Her mind clicked to that moment. What the hell? Why is he mentioning that thing now? She thought he already forget about it.
"W..what about it? It was just a joke anyway. Don't take too seriously, haha."
"I'm disappointed. Aren't my exertion obvious enough?"
He thought, if he didn't make a move, nothing will change. He tempted her to tell him the truth just now and he got his answers even though not full. He could try again to gauge her other secrets later.
Rather than waiting and sulking over her getting intimate with someone else, let's just make it more obvious because surely she'd not.
In the past, she was the one who make a move first because he was hesitant. But now, he will do it first when she was hesitate.
If she can't remember their past memories together, he will create a new one where she will remember forever.
"'I want Dokja to only kiss me!' is what I heard at that time."
Her face turned red.
"You should forget about it. It was.. just a barren statement."
"So you don't want to kiss me? Is that it?"
He brought his face closer to her, she was planted on her feet without managing to give instructions for her body to move.
"Haemin, I want to kiss you."
Cha Haemin's eyes dilated. Kim Dokja was beginning to lean forward.
"W...wait, wait—"
Suddenly, they felt a cold feeling down their spine. Kim Dokja stopped his attempt.
'Oh, sh*t.'
[The constellation 'Lily Blooming in Aquarius' is warning you!]
"You've been hiding here, Yoo Joonghyuk."
The sense of deja vu washed over him by hearing that voice.
"What are you? Are you Yoo Joonghyuk's companion?"
Kim Dokja turned his head slowly to see a familiar face.
"Well, there is no need to know. I'll kill him anyway."
Admiral Lee Jihye pointed her sword at them before magic power exploded from the sword.
'I forget this will happen. My memory has been deteriorating.'
After so long not reading ORV, her memories can't serve as a solid information for her anymore. She just remembered the major events and not the detailed one, just like now.
She took out her sword quickly.
[Skill 'Fated Eyes' Lv. 12(+2) has been activated!]
[Skill 'Breaking the Sky Swordsmanship' Lv. 5 has been activated!]
Cha Haemin deflected the attack from Kim Dokja.
"Wah, you're strong. But, try harder."
Lee Jihye was having fun for a moment. She moved her sword with precise speed and power towards Cha Haemin. She saw it but was not fast enough to dodge.
'Master will be disappointed again!'
"Yoo Joonghyuk!"
The sword collided with sword. Cha Haemin stumbled back when she saw the black coat in front of her.
"Oh, I thought I'll die again."
Incarnations in 95th scenario surely on different level. She needed to unlock her constellation's power by strengthening her body after this. Using full power right now might destroy her body.
'And here I thought, I am overpowered but it was just a title.'
She was still growing. Though, having a great power at early scenarios would do no good anyway.
The fight between Yoo Joonghyuk and Lee Jihye were stopped by Kim Dokja when he saw that the man was about to kill the girl. He can't let that happen.
"Stop it, you brat! We have no intention of fighting!"
Kim Dokja resorted to using the stigma that was the same as Lee Jihye that was gifted for him from the Duke of Loyalty and Warfare. The girl was shocked and fortunately Kim Dokja gained the verse that was beneficial in this situation, sending a powerful attack towards Lee Jihye.
"Who are you? How are you using my sponsor's stigma?"
"Let's have a conversation."
"I will cut off your limbs and then you will answer straight."
"F*** it! Can't you just listen to your elder?!"
Cha Haemin dashed towards Lee Jihye, catching her off guard for a moment before their sword collided.
[Skill 'Poison Mist' Lv. 8 has activated.]
[Skill 'Holographic Vision' Lv. 6 has activated.]
"Huh?"
The strange noise came out from Lee Jihye when her vision was clouded with gray mist. She tried to create a big wind to put out the mist but the mist was not leaving her.
"What the f***?!"
She screamed when she felt her skin begin to burn. She felt presence all around her. She tried to run but the mist was following along her. Her lungs were burning when she took a deep breath until she realised the mist is a poisonous mist.
Lee Jihye fell to her knee. The mist subsided after that.
[The constellation 'Maritime War God' is angry at you!]
Cha Haemin pointed her sword at Lee Jihye.
"If you have calmed down, I'll give you an antidote and we'll talk like a civil person."
The spark of illusions of Ghost Fleet started to appear one by one. Cha Haemin's eyes narrowed.
"Haemin, stop."
Kim Dokja grabbed her shoulder.
"Duke of Loyalty and Warfare. Please stop."
Then, a voice of a man was heard behind Lee Jihye.
[The constellation 'Maritime War God' is furious!]
[The constellation 'Master of Steel' is sending out a cold gaze!]
The illusions of Ghost Fleet subsided. A man emerged from behind Lee Jihye.
"...You are here as well."
Kim Dokja was sounded melancholy.
"What are you doing, Hyunsung ahjussi? They are on Yoo Joonghyuk's side!"
"That hasn't been figured out yet."
Cha Haemin retrieved her sword and tossed a small glass bottle at Lee Hyunsung. The man caught it.
"The antidote. She'll be fine after a minute drinking it."
"That must be a lie!"
"How should we trust you?"
Talking with Lee Hyunsung was much better. Cha Haemin was not angry at Lee Jihye, it was just sometimes her temper get ahead of her when she is overwhelmed.
"Then, I'll drink half of it to confirm the suspicion. She doesn't need all the liquid anyway."
Lee Hyunsung watched her for a moment before he passed the bottle to Lee Jihye. Lee Jihye refused however, she got no choice when her skin was burning and it was hard to breath. When she gulped down the antidote, she kept glaring at Cha Haemin.
True to words, after one minute pass, the purplish spot on her skin subsided and she managed to breath like normal.
"I am Lee Hyunsung. Can I ask for you guys name?"
"…I am Kim Dokja. She is Cha Haemin."
"Dokja-ssi. We have no intention of being hostile to you. We just need Yoo Joonghyuk over there."
Lee Hyunsung told them Yoo Joonghyuk was the key to clearing the scenario.
'I know the end of what happened in this world but I don't know the reason and how it happened.'
She hoped she has photographic memory or something akin so that she'd know the detail of the events here.
"If you want Yoo Joonghyuk, please guide us to your leader."
Lee Hyunsung said it was a bit difficult because they can't trust Yoo Joonghyuk. Then, Kim Dokja showed them that Yoo Joonghyuk wouldn't kill anyone and would listen to his words. After convinced, Lee Hyunsung guide them to their hideout which was not far from here.
'Ah, I also remember who he meets here and her identity.'
Things would be more complicated with her interference in this world.
Tbc~
9
"This is the place."
They arrived at the place. However they were met with someone with a white coat that was designed slightly differently than Kim Dokja.
Cha Haemin frowned.
'I don't think he is the leader.'
The man called out to Lee Jihye. The man has bandages around one of his hands and white hair. Wait, she knew who he was but she couldn't remember the name.
"Do you know him?"
She whispered to Kim Dokja.
"Kim Namwoon."
Ah, finally her brain clicked. The chunnibyo, the original incarnation sponsored by the black dragon.
"I don't think he is the leader."
"Me too."
When Lee Jihye talked to Kim Namwoon, they finally knew. This guy had stolen their master's coat. Lee Jihye entered the building.
Kim Namwoon saw Kim Dokja and started to pick a fight with him. But his target changed after he saw Yoo Joonghyuk.
"Let's go."
Kim Dokja motioned for her to get inside the building and ignoring Kim Namwoon. She just followed him along with Yoo Joonghyuk to enter the building.
Suddenly a bed carrying a patient gets rushed in from the large door next to them. Kim Dokja was mistaken as the doctor because of his white coat.
Kim Dokja saw another familiar face, it was Lee Seolhwa.
"I don't know what exactly happened in this round."
Kim Dokja voiced his thoughts.
"We'll know sooner or later."
Kim Dokja nodded but then he frowned when he noticed something.
"Why are you still holding his hand?"
"Huh?"
She looked below and saw her own hand holding onto Yoo Joonghyuk's.
"Because I don't want to lose him. Gotta keep him by my side."
"He won't run away, Haemin."
"Well, precaution."
He wanted to slap away those joint hands but he grabbed her other free hand instead.
"Hey Ahjussi, Ahjumma, what are you doing? Come along quickly! Bring Yoo Joonghyuk with you!"
Lee Jihye emerged from the stairs.
An irk mark appeared on her forehead with the way Lee Jihye called her. She was self conscious that she could've been in her 40s almost 50 now if she added her previous age but it still hurts her pride.
Kim Dokja, Cha Haemin and Yoo Joonghyuk followed her up the stairs while holding hands.
'What is this situation?'
How did they end up holding hands like this? Let's just ignore this absurdity.
While climbing the stairs, they watched over the situation outside. The destruction of Seoul was inevitable in the 95th scenario however there are more amazing things that happened in this scenario that he nor she ever read about in Ways of Survival.
People who should've died were alive. Kim Dokja can't comprehend this situation.
A light squeeze of his hand brought him back from his throbbing head.
'Did she know something or her information just as much as mine?'
He thought, if she wanted, she'd tell him.
"Why do you hate Yoo Joonghyuk?"
He asked Lee Jihye.
"It is because he is a bad guy."
"Why is he a bad guy?"
"Are you really asking because you don't know?"
"I don't know."
"That person won't hesitate to kill for his own goals."
"Is that all?"
"Do you need another reason?"
However, these people don't know the truth and he can't blame them for that.
"Who is the Master you are talking about?"
"Go to the top floor of the building. Take the elevator over there."
Nevertheless, Yoo Joonghyuk can't go along.
"If that's the case, I'll wait with him here."
Cha Haemin declared, getting a concerned look from Kim Dokja. At least she could do that, Kim Dokja needed alone time with that woman.
"Master wants to meet you too."
"Is that so? We can meet later, though. She'd understand my reasoning later."
Kim Dokja was reluctant but then he gave an instruction to Yoo Joonghyuk that if someone tries to harm any one of them, he is told to remember memories of his most unfortunate days.
"Also, follow what Cha Haemin told you."
Lee Jihye was fuming and Kim Dokja left to meet her master. Lee Jihye eyed her suspiciously.
"I don't understand."
"Understand what?"
"How you befriended Yoo Joonghyuk."
Friend with Yoo Joonghyuk? Hm, when she thought about it again. They were not friends. She called Yoo Joonghyuk her sunbae but is there another meaning behind it? She also didn't know what Yoo Joonghyuk thought about her.
"You could say that.. he is important to someone that's important to me."
Lee Jihye was dazed for a moment before she blinked.
The other people came towards them when they found out that Yoo Joonghyuk is here.
Kim Namwoon, Lee Hyunsung, Lee Seolhwa and Han Donghoon were intrigued by his demeanor who was still standing.
"Joonghyuk, take a seat."
Without much thought, she guided him to see somewhere soft and he just followed.
"Hey, who are you? Why did Yoo Joonghyuk follow your words?"
"I'm quite surprised to see Yoo Joonghyuk in front of me other than on the screen."
"He really won't do anything?"
"Kim Namwoon, stay away from them."
Lee Jihye slapped Kim Namwoon's hand away from poking Yoo Joonghyuk.
"The guy who climbed up set a strange trigger. If the worst happens, he will start a massacre so better not do anything funny."
"What trigger? Hey, pretty noona, why are you following this guy? Don't you know he is a bad guy?"
Her eyes sparkled.
"Aww, now, you are my favourite person here, Kim Namwoon."
"Huh? Is that so? Hahaha I know that I'm the best boy here!"
[The constellation 'Abyssal Black Flame Dragon' says you are the best boy because you have me.]
"I'm curious, Heamin-ssi. How are you doing out there? I never saw you before with Yoo Joonghyuk."
Lee Hyunsung asked.
"It's complicated to say. Kim Dokja and I are on our journey together and stumbled upon Yoo Joonghyuk. There is nothing much happening after that."
She didn't go into detail, well it was still early for them to know she and Kim Dokja were not in this world line.
"Pretty noona, let's take a picture!"
Kim Namwoon was persistent in taking pictures. He even took a picture of Yoo Joonghyuk and put his hand on his shoulders. Some asked her questions and she just answered them with a twist of answers that harbor lies between truths.
"Pretty noona, you should ditch your man and join us! Master will like you too. Are you strong?"
"She is good at handling swords. You are quite strong, Haemin-ssi, you even beat Lee Jihye."
"Hyunsung ahjussi, why are you mentioning that?!"
Lee Hyunsung just smiled innocently while Lee Jihye sulked.
"Woah! Really? Lee Jihye, pretty noona beats you? Hey, fight me! I want to see who is stronger!"
"If we have time, I'll gladly do it. But be prepared to lose."
"Hah! You'll be amazed by my skill!"
She smiled at that. Gosh, if they ever met in their world line, Kim Namwoon would surely be treated as her other younger brother.
She gazed over at Yoo Joonghyuk when Kim Namwoon was busy taking more pictures with Lee Jihye scolding him and Lee Hyunsung along with Lee Seolhwa trying to ease the situation.
She saw Yoo Joonghyuk's eyes softened before she patted his head, getting a blank stare from the man.
"Joonghyuk, your companion will be there for you. You'll be happy with them again. I'll make sure of it, sunbae."
Yes, she will make sure not just Kim Dokja but Yoo Joonghyuk too would get his happy ending.
-Warning! Warning! The archangel of flames is approaching!
A warning rang in the air and the people attached to Yoo Joonghyuk were amazed. The first one who screamed was Kim Namwoon.
"What? F***! Why is that crazy bit*h here?"
"This is bad. Be prepared. Hyunsung, go up and let Master know!"
People scattered around.
"Joonghyuk, stand up."
She forgot about this situation. The archangel of flames, she knew who she was. But how does this situation get handled originally?
"We need to wait for Kim Dokja."
The two archangels, Jophiel and Gabriel surely could handle this situation. Yoo Joonghyuk also could do it.
"...Uriel."
She was amazed after she heard him utter that name.
"You remembered it a little, huh?"
"Haemin!"
There, Kim Dokja emerged from the elevator along with a familiar woman.
"Cha Haemin, I suppose? Never seen you before."
"I met Han Sooyoung once before."
Han Sooyoung smirked before she went outside.
Seeing Uriel in this state is concerning and saddening. The older Shin Yoosung was fighting with Uriel but then she got defeated. Kim Dokja rushed towards her side and healed her.
Nonetheless, the two archangels in Kim Dokja's pocket were in franzy. They wanted to know why this happened moreover when they heard about the destruction of Eden and Uriel is the only remaining archangel.
With no choice in hand, Kim Dokja commanded Yoo Joonghyuk to fight with Uriel.
The other incoming monsters were handled by Han Sooyoung and her avatars. She created hundreds of her avatars to kill the monsters.
This is the method that she uses to succeed in this apocalypse world. She is a writer who knew the secret of a story, the repetition and the cliché of a story has engraved in her mind. She used it as her advantage.
By that, Han Sooyoung didn't need Yoo Joonghyuk in this world now.
She also knew how to kill that guy.
She kicked the door open, sending a shock for the people in the room.
"Sooyoung-ssi, please open the door by using your hand."
Jung Heewon sighed when she got a grunt by the short-haired woman.
Han Sooyoung sat down on an empty chair while taking out candy from her pocket before she sucked on it.
"Everything has been cleared in this scenario, we just need to wait for the next one."
"Casualties have been increasing. How we want to defend the industrial complex if many fights between incarnations always occur."
Jung Heewon and Lee Hyunsung expressed their concern. It has been their job after they went back here in Seoul. The scenario proceeds as usual.
It has been a devastating time for these couple of months. The loss was unbearable but they believed that the man would come back. They have hope because of just a simple letter.
"What is there to worry about? Just beat their ass and make them bow down to us. They'll learn their lesson."
Han Sooyoung crossed her legs after saying that, getting disapproving looks from the kids.
"They're just a bunch of oppressors who wanted to lead. There's no need to use too much violence."
Han Sooyoung rolled her eyes with the statement by Yoo Sangah. Always the soft one.
"If hyung is here, he'll know what to do."
"Ahjussi will come back! We need to trust him and Haemin unnie!"
Lee Gilyoung and Shin Yoosung glared at each other.
"Don't fight now, kids. It has been months already! Get over it!"
Lee Jihye banged on the table, irritation surged through her body every time those two kids kept mentioning the two missing people.
"The letter—"
"Why should we believe someone we just met? How should we trust her without any evidence?"
Shin Yoosung pursed her lips and looked down on her lap.
"You guys may have known her for just a few days but I've known her longer than you guys. I'm sure she is not someone who'll joke around about these things."
Yoo Sangah was trying to break down the sullen atmosphere.
"Well, I believe her too but there is no certainty over her words, Sangah-ssi. You also have only met her again after the apocalypse, we didn't know what had happened to her those times in the early scenarios."
Jung Heewon propped her face on her palm. Her words have the truth. However, Yoo Sangah believed that Cha Haemin wouldn't even bother to give her the letter if that is the case.
If Cha Haemin didn't care, that woman can just leave them hanging without any hope for their return someday.
"You guys are wasting your time talking about this."
A masculine voice was heard. The man clad in black strolled inside the room. His black coat flipped behind him.
"Master, do you believe her?"
Yoo Joonghyuk grabbed something before he strolled back towards the door, stopping for a moment to ponder his answer.
"She is my hubae."
He walked out of the room and closed the door.
"What is that supposed to mean?"
Lee Jihye pouted. Han Sooyoung's eyes narrowed while looking at the door before she also walked out from the room to follow the protagonist.
"Yoo Joonghyuk."
Even when he sensed her following him, he didn't stop walking. This action annoyed Han Sooyoung and made her fasten her steps.
"Oi, Yoo Joonghyuk. I'm calling you!"
"What do you want?"
Finally stopping on his track, he waited for Han Sooyoung to stop in front of him. The short woman crossed her arms over her chest.
"You get a letter from her too, right?"
Han Sooyoung is sure of it. Not just her who got a personal letter from Cha Haemin, Yoo Joonghyuk also got one. What she wanted to know is what is written on it to make this protagonist show such trust in someone she herself just met once.
She had been filled by what had happened in the demon realm. The departure of the people from other worlds, the destruction of the 73rd demon realm and the aftermath.
"That's none of your concern."
"Three years."
Yoo Joonghyuk didn't react.
"Back in three years. That is what she wrote for me."
The letters addressed to everyone else did not specify the time but the letter specified to her was written with the specific time of their return.
Three years. Cha Haemin and Kim Dokja will be back in three years.
When she received the letter from Yoo Sangah, Han Sooyoung was weirded out when she heard Cha Haemin's name uttered by the brunette. With that, she knew that Kim Dokja's party already met her.
「 Back in three years. Can't wait for our next meeting, writer.」
She didn't know why she was even given this letter. To reassure their return? To make her believe that Kim Dokja will return? Bleh, she didn't care about that man at all.
"I won't tell you."
Yoo Joonghyuk walked past Han Sooyoung, making the shorter woman yell in annoyance.
"Basta*d!"
Han Sooyoung sucked on her unfinished lemon flavoured candy before she bit it into pieces.
"Tsk, this is my last one."
Yoo Joonghyuk strolled out from the building with his hands in his coat's pocket. His left hand crumples the piece of paper in his pocket which he didn't take out after he read it for the first time.
"Tsk."
Recalling back the time when he tried to find their modifiers in Star Stream but got disappointed instead, Yoo Joonghyuk's face turned into a scowl by those two recklessness.
"I'll kill them after they come back."
「 Waiting is hard but I hope you will, sunbae. Everything that I'd do from this point is my selfishness. Don't kill us when we meet again. Getting stabs hurt, you know? 」
'What would happen next?'
Cha Haemin has been asking herself this question because she didn't remember the tiny details after so long. She just hoped nothing drastic would happen just because of her appearance in this world.
Changing this worldline will make everything turn worse.
That is why she has been quiet and observing since the fight with Yoo Joonghyuk and Uriel finished.
More likely, Kim Dokja who has put Uriel into sleep for a week. It ended up with no more casualties so she didn't need to do anything.
Uriel has turned into a doll. She was caught by the Confinement of Good and Evil which is Jophiel's skill and couldn't use her strength for the next seven days.
Cha Haemin watched Kim Dokja open the story about the destruction of Eden to Jophiel and Gabriel from afar, leaning onto the wall with Yoo Joonghyuk beside her.
A pair of boots stopped at her other side, making her turned her attention to the newcomer. Cha Haemin was greeted by a woman with a beauty mark on her face.
"I should know the arrival of you two are something I didn't expect. However, your existence is much more peculiar than Kim Dokja."
Han Sooyoung lit up a cigarette before taking a long drag and letting out a puff of smoke. Cha Haemin scrunched her nose distastefully.
"Ah sorry."
"It's fine."
Cha Haemin dismissed her concern, both of them set their eyes in the same direction.
"I'm sure he is the only one that needs to come here so why are you here too? Even using my skill, I can't see what you'd do. Who are you really?"
Cha Haemin looked up to the sky.
"Who am I?"
She closed her eyes.
"I am asking myself that question every day."
"Ah, I see."
Letting the remaining cigarette fall on the ground, Han Sooyoung steps on it.
"Why would you associate yourself with Yoo Joonghyuk? What is your goal, Cha Haemin?"
Cha Haemin pondered for a moment. That question has been asked by many and her answer would still be the same.
Giving Kim Dokja and his company their own happy ending.
She had the way but she didn't know if it would work. However, there is nothing that can stop her except her own death.
"Changing the gear of fate. The fate that has been trying to pull me outside its circle. What do you think would happen if an enigma had no place in the world changing something that has been written?"
Han Sooyoung eyed Cha Haemin warily. Something clicked in her mind.
"Who knows. There'll be many roads and possibilities that could happen. The journey is what makes the ending. There'll be no ending without the beginning and the middle that connected both of them."
"Right. That's what makes it interesting. The sacrifice, the ups and downs, the development and most importantly, the connection. Striving for a happy ending was not easy and could be a mere dream."
"Are you trying to say a happy ending would just exist in a dream?"
"I wouldn't literally say that. People have their own interpretation of happy endings, so do I. Han Sooyoung, what is your happy ending?"
Han Sooyoung tilted her head to her party members.
"Who knows."
She looked back at Cha Haemin before her lips formed into a smirk.
"However, do you even believe in a happy ending?"
Cha Haemin chuckled.
"No."
A firm tone from the woman. Han Sooyoung was not surprised. Seeing the interaction between Cha Haemin and Kim Dokja is already enough. Cha Haemin didn't believe in her happy ending but believed in everyone else's happy ending.
Han Sooyoung could say, it was foolish and pathetic of the woman. Cha Haemin didn't believe she deserved a happy ending for whatever reasons Han Sooyoung didn't know.
"Do you need something from me then?"
Han Sooyoung turned to look at her. She did the same before she smiled.
"There is one but I'll tell you when it's time."
Cha Haemin took out something from her pocket before she handed it to Han Sooyoung. Han Sooyoung raised an eyebrow.
"Better candy than cigarettes. It's lemon flavour."
Han Sooyoung eyed the five sticks of lollipop in her hands.
"Just take all of them, I have many of them. Where'd you find candy at this time anyway?"
Putting the candies on Han Sooyoung's hand before Cha Haemin walked towards Kim Dokja, she stopped for a moment and turned around.
"No, it's not that I don't believe in a happy ending. I am sure that a happy ending is not the end. Ending in a happy state is something superficial without someone else's sacrifice, don't you think so, dear writer?"
Cha Haemin continued her walk, leaving Han Sooyoung to think back about the statements from Cha Haemin.
Han Sooyoung pulled out the candy wrapper before putting the candy in her mouth, the lemon flavour melted onto her tongue.
"Not bad."
'Sacrifice is necessary for that ending.'
~
"Woah, you are really strong. I thought you lied about you defeating Jihye before!"
"Shut up and keep attacking, Kim Namwoon."
Clang!
Slash!
"You are strong too, Jihye. I'm sure you'll become stronger after this!"
Cha Haemin grinned while looking at the two teenagers. Also, exchanging a blow with these two in sword training.
It was just two days after the fight with Uriel and she has been sparring with Han Sooyoung's party members. Most of the time, it was Lee Jihye because that girl wanted to prove that she is stronger.
Repeatedly sparring, maybe she could say that the two of them have become quite close. Cha Haemin would give tips about sword and fighting with Lee Jihye and Kim Namwoon.
But when it comes to hand-to-hand combat, she preferred to train with Lee Hyunsung. That guy is a great opponent.
Now, she has been sparring for two hours with these two teenagers after they came back from hunting.
"Like I said before, don't get distracted."
Clang!
Swish!
Buk!
Lee Jihye and Kim Namwoon's swords were thrown on the ground. The tip of the sword was pointed at them.
"Da*n it! I lost again!"
"Hah, can't you give another tip as to how to be good like you?"
Cha Haemin shrugged at the question.
"We could try sparring by using our skills after this. However, what I can say is you need to read your opponent's move."
"Ha? I don't know if we need to read while fighting."
Buk!
"Aww, Lee Jihye!"
"That's not what she means, idiot. Reading your opponent's move is the same as predicting your opponent's move. We need to be ready for the next attack regardless of the situation, Master has told us about this."
"Correct. Also, don't make your move obvious. You guys have been using the same flows every time we sparring, that's why I managed to make a counterattack."
She kept her sword back.
"Maybe you could become more attentive if you heightened your senses. Try to improve your hand-to-hand combat also. Who knows when your sword will get thrown from your hands."
She strolled back into the building, leaving the two teenagers to continue sparring with each other and wanting to get rid of these sweat soaked shirts.
"Haemin, we need to talk."
Her wrist was caught by a large hand. Kim Dokja's face looked desperate.
"Uh sure?"
She followed him outside the building and towards a place with no people.
"Are you okay?"
Kim Dokja stopped and pursed his lips. His other hand was holding onto his phone tightly. His eyes were forming eyebags.
"Are you even resting properly?"
"... I'm fine."
She frowned. He must have been stressing over this scenario completion. They need to kill Yoo Joonghyuk to go back and he knows how it is possible to happen after he sees the sword.
The apocalypse dragon. To complete this 95th scenario, the people needed to release the calamity that was sealed in the sphere that was coming this way. Tomorrow, it'd be the time after they put the five swords.
Kim Dokja knew Han Sooyoung's plan as to how to kill Yoo Joonghyuk and he couldn't sit still after finding out about this. He has been reading Ways of Survival on his phone for who knows how many after they came back from hunting hours ago.
"Kim Dokja."
"Haemin, I—"
He actually didn't know what he wanted to say. Why did he think Haemin could give him an alternate answer to lessen his distress? Why did he think Haemin knew another way to complete this scenario without killing Yoo Joonghyuk?
"Do you want to go back?"
His black eyes met her gray ones.
"Do you want to see this end or do you want to go back?"
"...I don't know."
He wanted to see this novel ending. It has been his desire. However, he also wants to go back to his party members.
"It's fine. Take your time. Whatever your choices are, I'll be there."
He has been contemplating. He was not coming into this world alone, Cha Haemin was here with him. He can't just leave her.
"...Do you know something?"
Cha Haemin opened her mouth before she closed it again. She knew what would happen, of course.
She could just say that their world is not the round he expected it to be. She could just say that Yoo Joonghyuk's 'death' is necessary in this round. Han Sooyoung's goal is clear as ever when she remembered the Ways of Survival she has read.
That novel is much easier for her to recall than Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint.
Han Sooyoung wanted to put this round into eternal sleep.
"I know." Even though it was not complete.
"You wouldn't tell me, do you?"
"... I'm not."
She raised her hand when she looked at his sunken gaze. Her palm makes contact with his cheek.
"Do what you think is the best. Do whatever you think will make you satisfied because, your choice here is.. something I can't interfere with."
He didn't understand. At one time, she was easy to read but at another time, she was just like someone else.
Just like this time, he didn't know 'this' Cha Haemin. He always knew the Cha Haemin who will do anything to fulfill her own goal.
"....Okay, thank you."
[Your modifier has been spoken.]
She subconsciously stepped back.
What?
[Constellation 'Horizon Theatre Misery' is looking at you.]
A chill ran down her spine.
"Haemin?"
[A spark of probability hit you!]
Her body was engulfed in probability. It was hard to breathe. She bit her lips when her head began to pound like crazy.
"Haemin!"
[Your status is forcefully released!]
She curled forward when the intensity of the probability continued to rise. Even Kim Dokja can't get near her due to her status and the probability.
[Who are you?]
A thunderous sound in the sky. She has become the attention of the stars in this world. Even Han Sooyoung's party members were aware of the sudden change in atmosphere.
[Constellation 'Horizon Theatre Misery' shows hostility towards you.]
Darkness overtook her.
Tbc~
10
[Open your eyes, human.]
She abruptly opened her eyes to be met with darkness. She touched her face to see if her eyes were covered but there was nothing.
She could feel her scar on her left eye and she extended her hand forward in the darkness.
[Stop.]
She flinched when she heard the voice that she was somehow familiar with, but this time it was cold.
She didn't see anything but she could feel a presence in front of her. She also didn't know if she was standing or lying right now. Is she floating in the darkness?
'Wait, am I dead?'
[You aren't dead yet.]
Did she say it out loud? But what did he mean by yet?!
She calmed down herself before she made any irrelevant action nor uttered some stupid declaration.
"Erebus."
[Puny human, who are you?]
It was dark, she didn't know where to see but Erebus makes himself known in front of her.
[How did you get her power when she was supposed to be gone long ago?]
'He must talking about Nyx.'
She recalled back at that time when fighting with Yoo Joonghyuk. That man said the ruler of Niflheim supposed to be dead by now.
What exactly happened in this round to Nyx?
"Would you believe me if I said I'm not from here?"
[Elaborate.]
A demanding tone. However, she complied because she could feel that this Erebus would not hesitate to kill her if she lied.
"I come from an alternate universe. In my world, it has yet to reach the 95th scenario. Also, I inherited this title by killing Nyx and became her successor not too long ago."
She explained as short as possible. There is a long silence after she finished.
[...You said Nyx?]
His curious voice didn't go unnoticed by her, Cha Haemin tilted her head.
"...Yes?"
[So you are the last ruler. Ah, now I remember.]
Cha Haemin furrowed her eyebrows when she heard that.
"What do you mean by the last ruler?"
The cold sensation died down and she finally could see the silhouette she once met. However, this time, Erebus looked slightly different with short hair along with armour. He also has three horns.
Erebus didn't smile, his eyes voided of emotion.
[You are the successor but you don't know that the limit of ruler of Niflheim that can be passed down is three. You are the third.]
Wait, she didn't know that.
[I think this is what she said.]
Erebus whispered to himself before he eyed Cha Haemin with a cold gaze. Recalling back as to that moment when he met the third successor in this world.
He didn't doubt that Cha Haemin was telling the truth, he would know in an instant if she lied. That is why believing Cha Haemin from another universe is something he didn't question anymore.
He also has been told over this situation by her.
[I see. So this is my last job here.]
"What happened to Niflheim here? How does Nyx get killed?"
Erebus didn't answer her, just eyeing her movement since then. Cha Haemin started to fidget with her fingers under the cold stare.
[Nyx didn't get killed.]
Cha Haemin was confused.
[Nyx died on her own. Niflheim was under no ruler since her death and self destruct after years.]
What? Is that what will happen? Ah, right. Nyx didn't choose any successor in any round. Thus, Niflheim would eventually be destroyed by itself when there is no ruler.
Remembering the faces of those ice gnomes and giants, Cha Haemin started to frown.
'Those residences can't live without their ruler.'
[The third successor came after that.]
What?
"Impossible."
[Hm? Why would you say that? Do you even know everything about Niflheim? Stop talking like you know everything in this world, human.]
She felt goosebumps. Ah, she got a reality check there. She is not omnipotent. Her knowledge is still lacking and here she was acting cocky.
"No, I don't know anything. Tell me then."
[I've got nothing to tell you. You need to find out on your own.]
Then why would he bring her here?
Erebus extended his hand to touch his screen. After a moment, something emerged in his palm.
It was a cube with the colour of white. The contrast with the surroundings makes the cube stand out.
[Take it.]
She didn't. Skeptical as to why she was even given this. What even that thing?
[It will help you learn about what you want to know.]
"How the hell do you know what I want to know?"
[I don't. She is the one who told me.]
She? The third successor in this world?
But why? Who?
She slowly took the cube that was the size of half of her palm.
"What should I do with this?"
Erebus shrugged.
[Nothing. She said you'll get the answer at the right time. For now, just keep this cube close to you every time.]
She just nodded even though she has many questions to ask regarding this cube. It was not hard to keep this tiny cube in her pocket every time however, she can't help it but feel frustrated over the unknown period when she'll learn what she wants.
Can't she get the answer now? Who is Nyx? How does Nyx know about her? Why was she sent into this world? Now she wanted to know who is this third successor and why would she give her this cube?
[Okay, that's all.]
Cha Haemin dumbfounded. Oh, just that?
[I need to bear the probability just to meet you. If it was not a request from her, I wouldn't do this at all.]
Erebus shook his hand in a dismissive manner like someone who doesn't want to deal with anything anymore. He just did this because he was told to, also he gained something after he agreed. So, it was not much of a loss from him.
He is not the one who bears the probability actually.
He also learned something after meeting with this human. Now, he knew the identity of the third successor who he just met once after the destruction of Niflheim.
'What a complicated cycle.'
"Who is she?"
[An angel.]
'A broken angel.'
Erebus flicked his fingers and slowly Cha Haemin could feel she was disappearing.
[Ah, not to forget, she wanted me to say this to you.]
It was not a heartwarming meeting. It was also not an introductory meeting between them. They just have some business and that's it. Both of them didn't intend to know each other much more than needed.
['I am not alone.']
Cha Haemin blinked her eyes in confusion. What is that supposed to mean?
Right after Cha Haemin vanished from his sight, Erebus let out a sigh.
[Third sucessor. She looks just like Nyx and Hel but with different hair colour.]
Blending in the shadow and returning to him realm, Erebus recalling the meeting with the third successor in this world.
He didn't see the face, the veil covering her face prevented it. What he knew is the third successor knew everything about him and what he wanted.
He was told someone who will trigger his memory about Niflheim would come in the 95th scenario. He also was told to give the cube to that someone with exchange that his questions got answered and to give him an eternal rest afterwards.
The third successor vanished afterwards even though he has been searching for her for years with a familiar sound of metal echoed in his ears.
He has fulfilled the role as the messenger and got the answers to his questions. Now, he can rest.
[Sly human, you know I'll help her after I see her.]
Moreover, the successor's spot can't be filled with two different people. When it was written, the successor's name would remain as that forever.
[Your future is hard, third successor.]
~
"Da*n it. What happened now? What she hasn't wake up?"
Kim Dokja bit his lower lips in frustration.
After the sudden probability attack on Cha Haemin and after the woman collapsed, it has been hours. Lee Seolhwa has checked on her but there is no injury nor any problem with her body.
Why did this happen suddenly? What has gone wrong?
"You look like a worried husband. Calm down, she'll wake up soon."
Han Sooyoung crossed her arms over her chest at the frenzy Kim Dokja. That man has been standing, walking around and sitting restlessly.
"She could be in danger. Sh*t, I should've known something was not right and prevented this at that time."
But it was too fast. The probability struck her too suddenly. He knew it was a constellation's doing and he knew who. He didn't know that that constellation would act like this.
He was not aware that Erebus and ruler of Niflheim has some special bonds in this round.
A light shone slightly, managing to make Kim Dokja stop walking in a circle to go to the unconscious Cha Haemin. At her hand, there is a small white cube.
He furrowed his eyebrows, trying to touch the cube to inspect it but before he could touch it, her hand grabbed the cube and hid it in her palm.
"Ugh."
He diverted his attention to the gray-eyed woman.
"Haemin!"
She blinked her eyes repeatedly due to the light. She has been in darkness for who knows how long and suddenly opens her eyes to see a bright light. She lightly touched her head before sat up on the bed.
"Dokja?"
"Yes. Are you okay? Did you feel sick or something? Do you want me to fetch you something?"
"...Ah, no, no. I'm totally fine."
She felt the cube in her palm before she slowly hid it. However, two pairs of eyes managed to see her movement.
"What happened?"
Cha Haemin looked at Kim Dokja for a moment, worried evidence on his face. Should she tell him?
"Erebus. He just wants to know something."
She thought of saying half of it.
"Is that so? He didn't do anything else, right?"
Skepticism in his tone, moreover when he remembered the time at Gourmet Association.
"Yes, nothing to worry about. He didn't hurt me."
Kim Dokja frowned before he let out a sigh.
'She still didn't want to tell me anything.'
He thought, when he had guilt trip her at that time to tell her story, she would open up to him after that. However, Cha Haemin is more persistent than ever.
She has been hiding more and more. He didn't know what he should do to make her lean on him and get him to support her.
Or is she even trusting him?
Kim Dokja shook his head to brush away the thought.
'I shouldn't doubt anything. She just needs time, Kim Dokja. Don't push her.'
"Okay, I'm glad. You worried me."
"I'm sorry. I also don't know that this will happen."
There is nothing to worry about her. They just need to go back to their world safely.
"Han Sooyoung."
Han Sooyoung pulled out the lollipop from her mouth and cocked her head.
"We need to talk after everything is over."
It has arrived.
The day Yoo Joonghyuk needs to die.
Cha Haemin has been watching. After she left to refresh herself somewhere and came back, she saw Kim Dokja who was reading onto the novel nonstop and eventually fell asleep.
She also saw Yoo Joonghyuk who was about to attack the sleeping Kim Dokja. She wanted to interfere but then letters emerged from Kim Dokja. She thought, it must be the Fourth Wall.
She has been watching since then. Watching Yoo Joonghyuk read Kim Dokja's story through the Fourth Wall until the sun is rising.
And here she was, standing with 200 elite incarnations while watching the apocalypse dragon that was sealed in the sphere. Kim Dokja stood beside her.
"Back me up if anything happens."
Cha Haemin nodded at the whisper.
Started with a motivational speech from Han Sooyoung to release the apocalypse dragon from the seal and liberate it. There are two sides currently.
One who opposed the idea mostly consisted of the nebulae and one who supported the idea. A fight emerged between these two sides.
Nevertheless, now, Kim Dokja revealed Han Sooyoung's real intention after he knew Han Sooyoung's condition to clear the Outer World Covenant is to kill Yoo Joonghyuk.
It was not to release the seal or move to the next scenario, but seal the earth along with the apocalypse dragon and remain fixed in the 95th scenario.
They'll need five swords that have the dragon slayer attribute to release the seal, however, Han Sooyoung would use one sword that has none of the attributes. It will cause the earth to be sealed forever in this place without the need to move onto the next scenario.
This is how she'd kill Yoo Joonghyuk. Giving the protagonist his eternal slumber along with the earth, didn't need to move forward again.
This idea was opposed by Kim Dokja because this is not the end he wanted to see.
"Give me the sword, Kim Dokja. This is the best way for everyone. Yoo Joonghyuk wanted it."
Han Sooyoung demanded Kim Dokja to give her the Arondight. Han Sooyoung moved after Kim Dokja revealed that he didn't want to kill Yoo Joonghyuk.
"Yoo Joonghyuk, block it!"
By using the Four Yin Demonic Beheading Sword, Kim Dokja wanted to break the connection between Yoo Joonghyuk and his sponsor even for a moment.
Cha Haemin knew it was not that easy because Yoo Joonghyuk's sponsor is...
The sword broke after many attempts.
[The sponsor of incarnation 'Yoo Joonghyuk' is looking at you.]
She felt a chill run down her spine even though she knew the real identity of this constellation.
When Kim Dokja heard from Han Sooyoung that Yoo Joonghyuk wanted this, he was standing still while looking into the protagonist's mind.
Han Sooyoung began to collect the five swords and trudged towards the seal to insert the swords.
"Han Sooyoung."
Cha Haemin didn't know, she didn't remember. Is this what happened in the original? What would happen next? Shouldn't Yoo Joonghyuk die or something but not trap in this round?
Wait, this shouldn't happen. Han Sooyoung shouldn't put the sword in the seal.
This is not the 'death' that needs to happen.
What she knew is, she can't let Han Sooyoung succeed in her plan.
"What? You want to argue with me too?"
"Yes. This is not right. There must be another way."
Before, she may be a reader who read Kim Dokja's story.
Now, she is a reader who reads Yoo Joonghyuk's story.
She is more familiar with the second one because it was not long ago that she read about it. Her memory is fresh. She also has a selfish request just like Kim Dokja.
She didn't like this round. She didn't want this round to end like this.
Even for a little while, she wanted to do something for her sunbae.
"Haha, I've become just like him."
After all, both of them are readers who were suckers for this novel's ending.
~
A fight broke out.
Kim Dokja gave another sword he received from Peace Land to be inserted into the seal instead. He commanded Yoo Joonghyuk to put those into the seal to release the apocalypse dragon.
Han Sooyoung was enraged.
"Everyone, stop Yoo Joonghyuk!"
"Haemin, protect him!"
"Right away."
While Kim Dokja and Han Sooyoung got into a fight, Cha Haemin was standing behind Yoo Joonghyuk to prevent the others from attacking him.
"Da*n, I knew you were going to betray…!"
Kim Namwoon, Lee Jihye and Lee Hyunsung went towards Yoo Joonghyuk.
'This will be hard.'
She pulled out her sword, the blade with the colour of a coal with a silver line in the middle.
[Zealous Blackhole.]
The sword she acquired from Nyx's inventory. She was told this sword was older than Hel. A sword that was not used by Nyx nor Hel due to the amount of magic consumption is big.
This sword can cut through anything, even the space and time.
Besides, both of them never really got into a big fight thus there's no need for them to use any sword.
Cha Haemin took it as her possession, indeed this is hers now. When holding onto this sword, she could feel their connection.
Just like she is the true owner of the sword.
"Don't hate me, pretty noona. You choose to side with these guys so you are an enemy now!"
"Haemin-ssi, I don't know what happened but better you listen to us for now."
"Quit talking, you two! Just do what Master told us to do!"
Three people came to her at the same time. It was hard. Defending against three strongest incarnations in this 95th scenario. Moreover when the trio used their skills on her.
She frowned when she received several cuts and began to bleed.
"Haemin, dodge!"
A black flame was thrown at her but Kim Dokja managed to stand in front of her and took the hit instead. Her eyes widened.
"Go, Yoo Joonghyuk!"
With the final push, Yoo Joonghyuk leaped and inserted the five swords into the seal.
[The five keys have been inserted in the sealing sphere.]
"No!!"
Han Sooyoung shouted in desperation.
[Someone has released the 'Seal of the Apocalypse Dragon.']
[The scenario clear conditions have been met.]
The sleeping dragon's power was awakening. The entire sky flickered like a giant light bulb. The sky was half divided into night and day.
In the midst of chaos, Kim Dokja was astonished after he received an unexpected question.
「 Does the world where you live really exist? 」
The Fourth Wall had done something and is laughing at him.
Han Sooyoung protested as to why Yoo Joonghyuk changed their promise. Yoo Joonghyuk stated that he wanted to die.
But Kim Dokja knew better.
「 I want to live. 」
Han Sooyoung leaped towards Yoo Joonghyuk but stopped her attempt to kill him. She can't kill Yoo Joonghyuk, this man would regress and that is something she didn't want to happen.
"Give up, Han Sooyoung."
"Shut up!"
Yoo Joonghyuk's body shook. It was shaking violently from two different egos clashing. The pain seemed to be getting worse as Yoo Joonghyuk grabbed his head and slowly sank down. The surprised Han Sooyoung stepped back as a powerful shock wave burst from Yoo Joonghyuk's body.
Han Sooyoung's body flew towards Kim Dokja and they rolled across the ground.
Stories were flowing from Yoo Joonghyuk's body. The memories of the 1863rd Yoo Joonghyuk revolved in the air, floating past them.
"Ah."
Cha Haemin who was on the ground can't help it but burst into tears.
The stories in this round.
Yoo Joonghyuk lost his sister.
Yoo Joonghyuk lost his master.
Yoo Joonghyuk was hated and became the antagonist.
Kim Dokja has been reading Yoo Joonghyuk's mind by using his skill until now.
That man just wanted to believe that there is a round where everyone is safe. A round where he could be happy.
Yoo Joonghyuk turned towards Cha Haemin from Kim Dokja. She was slowly walking towards him.
'No, this can't be happen. I remember and I don't like this.'
Kang Rael remembered what would happen. It was necessary but she couldn't help it but rejected the method.
"Joonghyuk—"
It was devastating after she saw his stories. She wanted to be with him and comfort him. But, if she let it happen, what would happen to the future?
She can't save every world.
Yoo Joonghyuk raised his hand, Cha Haemin stopped in her tracks. Their distance is close enough to reach each other.
Taking her hand into his, he put something in her palm before he distanced himself.
[The character 'Yoo Joonghyuk' has reached the moment of attribute evolution!]
[The character 'Yoo Joonghyuk' has received a new attribute!]
Yoo Joonghyuk split into two.
It happened so fast. Yoo Joonghyuk with a black coat and Yoo Joonghyuk with a white coat were facing each other.
"Stop, Yoo Joonghyuk! I said stop!"
The devastating shout from Kim Dokja. Both Yoo Joonghyuk activated the Breaking the Sky Swordsmanship, sending her flying back due to the intensity.
The black coat was pierced with the Heavenly Shaking Supreme Sword, the one who chose to die.
[The incarnation 'Yoo Joonghyuk' has died.]
The white coat was also stabbed. The Heaven Shaking Supreme Sword pierced his belly, the one who killed himself by his own hand.
[The sponsor of incarnation 'Yoo Joonghyuk' is looking at his incarnation.]
[The stigma 'Regression Lv. ???' has been activated!]
[Incarnation 'Yoo Joonghyuk' has accepted the intention of his sponsor.]
Yoo Joonghyuk's figure started to scatter.
[You have cleared the criteria of the Outer World Covenant.]
It's fine. This is what is supposed to happen.
This reality shouldn't be altered.
They will meet again.
Their Yoo Joonghyuk is still alive.
It's fine. It's totally fine.
So why...
Why can't she stop crying?
Tbc~