Kim Dokja exhaled deeply, taking a moment to collect himself before forcing a bright smile onto his face and clapping his hands together to get everyone's attention. "Come on, why's everyone looking so down, hm?"
"You cannot be fucking serious," Han Sooyoung retorted. "You're not going to acknowledge that? Like, not at all?"
[the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is demanding an explanation.]
[the constellation 'secretive plotter' is looking at the incarnation 'kim dokja' with a complicated expression.]
"What's there to acknowledge?" Kim Dokja asked with a shrug. "You're not taking something like that so seriously, are you?"
Why was everyone looking at him so doubtfully? They couldn't really understand—not when they were most likely taking it at face value—and that was something he could use. It didn't matter how, but he had to plant some kind of doubt in their minds. If he could succeed in convincing them that it was nothing, then maybe he could also convince himself of the same thing.
"Why shouldn't we?" Jung Heewon asked suspiciously, narrowing her eyes at him.
Kim Dokja's expression dropped a bit as he sighed. "Speculation is still speculation, even if the person speculating is my… mother. It's been over ten years since she actually knew me."
Yoo Sangah bit her lip, looking around somewhat nervously. "Still, Dokja-ssi…"
How could he get them to drop this?
"I won't take that chance," Yoo Joonghyuk said firmly, and when Kim Dokja turned to look over at him, he looked oddly determined. For an instant, he glanced at her before shifting his gaze to stare into Kim Dokja's eyes. "Kim Dokja, stay behind. I will clear the next scenario."
… What? Kim Dokja felt like his soul had turned to ice, and the sham of a smile dropped off his face completely to reveal his shock and horror. Why would he…?
[the constellation 'prisoner of the golden headband' is flabbergasted.]
"But if I'm a ranker…" Kim Dokja protested weakly, trying to find any reason he could to not be left behind and abandoned. He needed to be there, for his own sake as well as theirs. He needed to.
"Then we'll just have to prevent that from happening," Yoo Joonghyuk scoffed, turning to look back at the screen. Kim Dokja didn't know what to think or feel, as though all that existed was the hollowness inside his soul.
Yoo Mia shook her head and sighed. "Ahjussi, use your head a little. My oppa doesn't want to kill you."
That… that couldn't—
Laughing dryly, Kim Dokja glanced around and hated the way that the others seemed to be looking at him with almost pitying expressions. "No, that's not possible, I—"
"Mia is telling the truth," Yoo Joonghyuk stated in a tone that left no room for arguments, and in a single instant, any protests had been banished by the sheer shock that Kim Dokja was feeling. It was all he could do to try and squash that stupid little idea trying to make itself known in the back of his mind. It couldn't be true. There was no way.
Lee Jihye and Uriel's bullshit was just slowly attacking his mental defenses until the stupid idea got implanted and wouldn't leave. It wasn't like he actually believed it—no, he couldn't, for his own sanity. If he let himself believe for even an instant, then his Fate would be set in stone.
[the constellation 'queen of the darkest spring' is smiling mysteriously.]
In the dokkaebi's observation room, many dokkaebi look on with their gazes bouncing between the fight on Sookyung and Joonghyuk's front and Dokja's heavily filtered conversation with Sooyoung. Bihyung, however, is just annoyed at Dokja's usage of filtered words. Beside him, Baram starts to discuss the popularity of Bihyung's channel, especially with regard to Dokja. Bihyung offhandedly mentions that lots of people curse him out too, but Baram just tells him that he's extremely respected by the low-grade dokkaebi these days.
Trying to get to the point, Bihyung asks why he's been called to this place, especially with the ninth scenario entering its final phase. Looking nervously at the screens, it's obvious that strong incarnations are fighting and raising synchronization recklessly, and there are signs of a probability storm starting all over the place. Unless something is done, the Outer Gods will gain the right to interfere, and Bihyung knows that Dokja's safety can't be guaranteed if that happens.
Baram then states that that's exactly why he was called—the constellations don't want Bihyung's intervention because there have been complaints from the nebulae because of Dokja. Naturally, this confuses Bihyung as he states that a single incarnation can't influence the scenario on his own, something that Baram doubts as he points out Dokja's constellation status and declares that he will become a monster before bringing up an unnamed incident that he hopes will never be replicated.
[several constellations are irritated by the filtering.]
Kim Dokja looked down at the ground awkwardly, trying not to feel too affected by everything. However, it was hard not to when he could feel multiple pairs of eyes staring at him. Was she feeling vindicated to know that even Yoo Joonghyuk had technically agreed with her plan? Irritated, perhaps, at the conclusion she had come to?
He didn't know, but it was hard seeing them fight on the screen, especially in contrast with the scene of him and Han Sooyoung stuck in the cave. If the plan was so heavily filtered, then it would probably work. At the very least, Kim Dokja had enough faith in that.
Shin Yoosung's thin arms wrapped around his waist suddenly as she hugged him. "Don't worry, ahjussi. Everything is gonna be okay."
Ah… he was being comforted by a child now? He couldn't guarantee that it would be alright in the end, but he felt compelled to reassure her in return. Ruffling her hair, Kim Dokja smiled softly. "Yeah. I'm sure it will."
[the constellation 'abyssal black flame dragon' is snickering at the misfortune of the dokkaebi 'bihyung'.]
Honestly, Bihyung deserved to get cursed out every once in a while too. It would do him some good.
However, Kim Dokja did have to agree—why was Bihyung being called back in the middle of this scenario in particular? There was so much going on that it would probably be better for him to be available to deal with any issues with the scenario. Instead, he was stuck there where he'd be kept busy.
Lee Seolhwa frowned and looked somewhat nervous as she hummed in thought. "Maybe I'm just overthinking things, but since some other dokkaebi have become aware of Bihyung assisting Dokja-ssi with some situations, do you think that he was called back to the management centre specifically to prevent him from interfering with what will happen?"
[several constellations are discussing the hypothesis of the incarnation 'lee seolhwa'.]
Yoo Sangah's eyes widened. "You mean with regard to Dokja-ssi's Fate?"
Lee Seolhwa nodded, and the frown didn't leave her face. "Well, yes, but also in his current situation. The Star Stream can clearly see Dokja-ssi and Sooyoung-ssi, even inside the seal, but it's possible that he would only be able to access the dokkaebi bag with Bihyung's assistance due to the restrictions."
Ah, the dokkaebi bag. His future self hadn't even tried that, had he?
Of course, Kim Dokja couldn't focus on that for long when Bihyung nervously began noticing the warning signs of a massive probability storm. Shit.
"Hyung, that means a big monster is going to show up again, right?" Lee Gilyoung asked, clinging to him as though what had happened earlier had been completely swept under the rug. It was a bit unnerving, if Kim Dokja was being honest, but all he could do was nod in response.
[many constellations are expressing their hatred for the 'outer gods'.]
As Bihyung continued to worry—which was extremely weird in Kim Dokja's opinion—Lee Hyunsung gasped. "Right, you could both be affected by the Outer God's presence even inside the seal!"
Han Sooyoung grimaced. "And without any of our stats or abilities, we'd be fucked. Shit, is his stupid wall even working in there in the first place? Because that's what let him survive it before."
Kim Dokja genuinely didn't know, and he wasn't exactly keen on finding out. Unfortunately, only a moment later, Lee Seolhwa's guess was proven correct. The nebulae had interfered again to prevent Bihyung from helping in any way, and Kim Dokja was astounded once again by how utterly petty they were.
"It's true that Dokja-ssi became a constellation, but how would that make too much of a difference? He might be slightly stronger, but he's still participating in the scenarios with us," Yoo Sangah reasoned, looking rather bothered by the whole thing. "He's no monster."
While it was true that he could grow much stronger because of being a constellation this early, Reinheit had even said it before—Yoo Joonghyuk was the real monster there. Still, even though the protagonist would shatter the Star Stream's rules by sheer brute force, maybe it was for the best that Kim Dokja was distracting them for now. If he shone brightly enough to attract all the attention, then they'd be less likely to notice Yoo Joonghyuk quietly amassing power in his shadow.
[a few constellations are recalling the mentioned incident.]
[the constellation 'goryeo's first sword' is laughing jovially.]
In the past, there was an incident where the strongest historical-grade constellation appeared in the Korean Peninsula. Because of his innate talent that didn't fit the balance of the scenario, there were many complaints about him. When he was finally removed from the scenarios despite the probability aftermath, he instead returned alive from another dimension and became a 'constellation' himself.
An image of Jungyeong, backlit by flames, appears on the screen, cementing that it was him that had caused the very incident the dokkaebi are discussing. Weakly, Bihyung protests that although Dokja became a constellation faster than Jungyeong did, he doesn't have as much potential to start. In particular, Bihyung brings up Joonghyuk's potential as a comparison, citing that the regressor has already reached the state of transcendence.
Baram sighs and retorts that he knows, and that Joonghyuk is actually the one who's the most similar to 'Goryeo's First Sword', but that is exactly why Dokja is more dangerous. With those words, the scene transitions back to the cave where Dokja is wracked with pain from the probability as he summons the constellation in question.
Lee Hyunsung's eyes widened and he looked rather interested in the whole situation that was being described. "That sounds very impressive! I wonder what kind of training he did…"
Kim Dokja honestly didn't want to know. While he was aware that innate talent was a big factor, that didn't mean that hard work wasn't.
[the constellation 'goryeo's first sword' is grinning.]
"Ahjussi, it's that constellation, right?" Shin Yoosung wondered, pointing at the indirect message in front of her. Ruffling her hair again, Kim Dokja nodded. While he wasn't exactly being subtle or anything, it was still good to know that she was paying enough attention to have deduced it herself.
Only a moment later, the screen confirmed her thoughts by showing Cheok Jungyeong. He looked quite cool there, but Kim Dokja couldn't help but think that the scene would be cooler if it was about the true protagonist instead. Not that he wanted to think about that sunfish bastard or anything right now; that would be ridiculous.
Thankfully, he was able to distract himself only a moment later when Bihyung insulted him. "Hey! Becoming a constellation this early wasn't easy, you know."
Lee Jihye snickered behind her hand, doing her best to hide her grin. "But ahjussi, you're not denying that you don't have talent."
[the constellation 'abyssal black flame dragon' is cackling gleefully.]
He knew that, dammit! So what if he had no talent? As much as he hated to admit it, it was a very good reason for the constellations to not find him as threatening as they could. Though, how effective that actually was was debatable. At this point, maybe it would have been better if he was talented like Yoo Joonghyuk because at least then he could devote his time to learning super cool skills to beat the constellations faster.
Right on cue, though, Bihyung brought up the protagonist as an example of someone much more talented, and Kim Dokja tried to pretend that his smile wasn't getting strained. He wasn't offended. Not at all.
"My oppa is the best, after all!" Yoo Mia declared with all the confidence she had in her small body, and no one could deny it. Well, unless you count his personality, but Kim Dokja was starting to have slight doubts on that front too. Ever since this scenario started, Yoo Joonghyuk had been… weird. Nicer.
Kim Dokja really didn't want to think too hard about what that could mean. He couldn't afford to.
[several constellations are impressed by the incarnation 'yoo joonghyuk'.]
"Of course hyung is better!" Lee Gilyoung exclaimed once Baram declared that Kim Dokja was more dangerous. Kim Dokja wanted to sigh. It didn't mean that he was stronger—all it meant was that he was dangerous simply for being able to accomplish this despite not having talent. It would be less suspicious if he had a protagonist halo and was overflowing with potential, but he wasn't, and that meant that his actions were even more alarming.
Lee Seolhwa sighed, looking at him sadly as he writhed in pain in the cave. "I hope that goes away soon…"
Ah, was she remembering how bad all the other probability storms had been…? Well, it wasn't like they were ever pleasant, but that one looked far more bearable than the others. At the very least, this time he wasn't coughing up blood or passing out, so it was a better situation overall.
[the constellation 'goryeo's first sword' is encouraging the incarnation 'kim dokja'.]
Back in the observation room, Bihyung defends Dokja by explaining that many constellations likely complained due to Dokja not joining them, and that they've already taken action with this unprecedented Fate declaration before the 10th scenario. When Baram calls out his defense, Bihyung tries to explain it away as unfair treatment of the scenario, but the elder states that Bihyung is in no position to talk.
Baram then asks Bihyung to think about the strangeness of it all—how the constellations have already proceeded with the Fate instead of just peeking into the future through prophets to anticipate how Dokja will act and react accordingly. Bihyung's eyes widen in realization as Baram nods solemnly. "It means that no one in the Star Stream can see the future of constellation Kim Dokja."
As the screens show Dokja finally settling, stating that it took four hours for the probability sparks to go away, the fight on the other front continues. Looking confused as he watches this, Bihyung asks how that could be possible, and Baram states that many constellations fear that Dokja might reach the ◼◼. Hearing that it's still filtered, Baram looks at the room full of shocked dokkaebi. "So what I'm talking about is that… it's the 'end' of all this."
[the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is annoyed with many constellations for their actions.]
Kim Dokja was annoyed too. They were all so prideful that they took not being chosen personally, which is why he was stuck with that damn Fate. Why did they have to be sore losers?
"Yep, it's shit," Han Sooyoung declared oh-so-eloquently with a scowl.
Yoo Sangah sighed and fidgeted with her fingers nervously. "I also agree that this situation seems incredibly unfair, but at the same time, they have to pay a massive amount of probability to make this happen. So… wouldn't they be weakened after the fact?"
"That's great!" Jung Heewon exclaimed. "That means they can't do anything for a while."
That was true, but unfortunately, none of them were strong enough to take them out just yet. Dammit, why couldn't they have waited until Yoo Joonghyuk was stronger? Kim Dokja wouldn't even mind the Fate all that much if it meant that the protagonist would be able to murder entire nebulae while they were weak.
[many constellations are scoffing at the audacity of the incarnations.]
[the constellation 'prisoner of the golden headband' is picking his nose.]
A moment later, though, Kim Dokja narrowed his eyes in confusion. Baram brought up a good point—the constellations had prophets who would be far more accurate than trying to guess what he'd do. They were more powerful than Anna Croft as well, so they'd be able to see far more and better influence things to their advantage.
"Wait, no one can see Dokja-ssi's future…?" Lee Hyunsung wondered in a worried tone, glancing over at Kim Dokja with barely concealed panic. "Does that mean that he's…"
"No." Yoo Joonghyuk narrowed his eyes at the screen, deep in thought. "If Kim Dokja was dead, they would see his death."
So, that had to mean…
[the constellation 'secretive plotter' is suspicious of this turn of events.]
[the constellation 'scribe of heaven' is incredibly pensive.]
Could it be because of the same thing preventing him from seeing his attributes window? Currently, his skill was the top suspect, but it was hard to prove that it absolutely was the culprit. Still, even though it could repel constellations trying to possess him, was [The Fourth Wall] really powerful enough to prevent even true prophets from seeing his future…?
It was a bit scary to think about, if he was being honest. The idea of something beyond his control—a sentient skill, no less—being able to do something like that was unsettling at best.
"Once again, it's hard to know if this is related to Dokja-ssi not being 'from' this world," Lee Seolhwa pointed out. "Since he wasn't originally a character in the novel, could it be that his 'future' was simply never written?"
Ah… that was also possible. It made sense that they wouldn't be able to find it, and those Outer Gods earlier had said something about him not being recorded by the wheel of time. Were those two things connected?
[the constellation 'maritime war god' is looking at the incarnation 'kim dokja' with concern.]
As their conversation continued, Kim Dokja's eyes narrowed. There was that censored word again…
To his surprise, though, Baram clarified what he meant. Kim Dokja stared at the screen in shock. "... the end?"
Did the dokkaebi know what the end of this world was? Did Dionysus? No—he had sounded like he and the other constellations were searching for the end rather than already knowing what it was. In that case, why were they so afraid that someone might reach the end? Wasn't that everyone's goal anyway?
"So lemme get this straight," Han Sooyoung drawled, "this idiot is actually competent when it comes to progressing through the scenarios and the constellations are worried that he'll succeed before they do? Fucking stupid."
"Yeah! Don't they want the apocalypse to be over?" Lee Jihye asked, scowling at the screen and crossing her arms.
Did they, though? Maybe some of them were searching for the end to unlock its secrets, or simply to win and get there first. However, constellations loved stories—that was a fact. If the Star Stream was taken down, then they'd be deprived of those stories in the easy-to-access format that they were accustomed to.
No, it was almost certain that there would be a large number of greedy constellations who would try to keep it going just to consume more stories.
[many constellations are looking warily at the incarnation 'kim dokja'.]
[some constellations are gossipping amongst themselves.]
[the constellation 'queen of the darkest spring' is looking forward to the story that the incarnation 'kim dokja' will create.]
With a much more serious expression, Bihyung looks back at the screens—which include Sooyoung nonchalantly chewing on mugwort with an annoyed expression as she lounges on the cave floor—when Baram states that there's something he needs Bihyung to do, stating that he'll nominate Bihyung to become an advanced dokkaebi if he does it right.
Back in the cave, the atmosphere is still pretty awkward, and Dokja figures that Sooyoung keeps trying to start arguments because that would be less awkward than before. Notably, her sponsor seems pleased by it while Uriel is expressing her hatred of this atmosphere. However, now that he has finally harnessed the power of the constellation's story, Dokja muses that Joonghyuk has probably encountered his mother by now.
Between chews of mugwort, Sooyoung offers her opinion on Sookyung and how she seemed to really be trying to take care of Dokja. Ignoring Dokja's dismissiveness of it all, Sooyoung declares that many parents in the world have no interest in their children—a statement said in such a dark tone that it draws Dokja's attention.
"Ahjumma, you have a dumb look on your face," Yoo Mia stated bluntly, causing the woman to scoff and look away in irritation.
To be fair, she did look dumb like that. Why was she posing anyway? Was she just trying to get whatever donations she could, or something?
[the constellation 'maritime war god' is surprised by the proposition of the dokkaebi 'baram'.]
"A promotion?" Jung Heewon muttered with a confused expression. "Didn't he just get promoted to being an intermediate dokkaebi?"
"You're right, Heewon-ssi," Lee Seolhwa confirmed. "I can't be certain, of course, but it seems quite suspicious that he's going out of his way to do this."
Lee Seolhwa was right to be suspicious—dokkaebi never did anything 'just because'. There always had to be a degree of give and take, or some profit to be made. Baram certainly wouldn't be offering something like a recommendation if he wouldn't be getting a truly interesting story in return.
Baram, huh? Kim Dokja would be sure to keep an eye on that dokkaebi if he appeared again later.
[the constellation 'abyssal black flame dragon' is pleased to return to the incarnation 'han sooyoung'.]
Kim Dokja shifted awkwardly, finding that atmosphere just as off as before. At least everyone had been distracted by everything else going on that they had hopefully forgotten about that extremely humiliating discussion from earlier.
"Sooyoung-ssi, might I suggest trying to have a non-hostile discussion with Dokja-ssi instead?" Yoo Sangah sighed as they watched her keep trying to start arguments. "I know you seem to enjoy bickering more than most people, but given the circumstances, it makes sense that Dokja-ssi isn't overly pleased by it."
Han Sooyoung looked at Yoo Sangah for a moment with a strange expression. "Yeah, fine, whatever."
Kim Dokja had to blink in surprise. She had just… conceded? Without teasing or a scoffed rebuttal? Who was this woman and what had she done with Han Sooyoung?
[the constellation 'lily blooming in aquarius' is agreeing with the point of the incarnation 'yoo sangah'.]
[the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is frowning.]
"You are so right Uriel-unnie," Lee Jihye said enthusiastically. "It's especially bad because ahjussi and ahjumma don't want to be stuck together either."
Very accurate. Neither of them wanted to be stuck period, let alone with only each other. Kim Dokja of the future seemed to get along with her to an extent, but it was nothing like the way he got along with any of the companions who had been with him since the beginning.
At the very least, Kim Dokja had faith that they'd be breaking out soon enough. Unfortunately, it definitely hadn't been enough to prevent the protagonist from running into her, but there was nothing he could do about it now.
[the constellation 'prisoner of the golden headband' is hoping to return to the entertaining fight.]
Instead of swapping back to the fight like Kim Dokja half-expected it to do, he grimaced as Han Sooyoung decided to talk about her all of a sudden. She could believe whatever she wanted, but that future version of her didn't know shit about what had happened. Han Sooyoung had only seen tiny snippets of their conversations—only a sliver of the tangled web of complicated lies and problems that kept Kim Dokja imprisoned.
Even if she was trying to be a mother now—for her own benefit over his, no less—that didn't mean that Kim Dokja wanted it. However, it was Han Sooyoung's next statement that made him pause, but not for the reasons that he expected. Yes, he had experienced that very same neglect she spoke of (a ticking clock and the screech of a chair on the linoleum floor as he got up to leave a room that might as well have been empty—), but that wasn't why.
No, Kim Dokja paused because he felt Lee Gilyoung's entire body suddenly freeze up and start shaking, and he didn't know what to do other than stare at the boy with eyes wide in horror. He didn't know what kind of life Lee Gilyoung had lived before the scenarios, but maybe it said something about it that he was thriving more in this hell than ever before.
"Hyung…" Lee Gilyoung muttered, and Kim Dokja stamped down any and all feelings to carefully hold the kid tighter to offer what little comfort he was able to. He didn't know how to do this—he didn't know what affection or reassurance were supposed to look like. However, as Lee Gilyoung hugged him back, Kim Dokja just hoped that it was working even a little.
[several constellations are saddened by the words of the incarnation 'han sooyoung'.]
[constellations who like children are disappointed in the state of the world.]
Glancing up, Kim Dokja saw that Han Sooyoung was looking away with a forlorn expression, and she wasn't the only one. For the first time, Kim Dokja noticed just how many members of the group looked uncomfortable.
Yoo Mia's face was downcast as she held onto her brother's sleeve, her lip wobbling. Yoo Joonghyuk's expression was stony, but there was something about his very aura that told Kim Dokja that he was conflicted. A bit lost, even. Now that he thought about it, other than his career and his sister, Yoo Joonghyuk's life from before the scenarios—who his parents were and what his childhood was like—was never included in TWSA.
Lee Hyunsung looked a bit awkward but okay, as did Lee Jihye, but Jung Heewon sighed with a frown on her face. She clearly cared for her family, but there was some kind of tension there nonetheless. Shin Yoosung seemed a bit nervous, but nowhere near afraid like Lee Gilyoung. Lee Seolhwa appeared a bit saddened, but Kim Dokja could tell that it was out of empathy rather than anything else.
To his surprise, though, it was Yoo Sangah's expression that stunned him the most. All this time, he had assumed that her life before the apocalypse had been happy. She was always so cheerful and optimistic—almost naive, even—and yet, she was gazing at Han Sooyoung with what almost looked like understanding in her eyes.
Back then, had Kim Dokja made assumptions about her too? Was her home life not as pleasant as he had expected it to be?
[the constellation 'queen of the darkest spring' is feeling forlorn.]
Trying to ease the tension a bit, Dokja brings up how his mom thought they were dating, making Sooyoung declare that his mom clearly has good taste, but her attitude does a 180 when Dokja explains that his mom preferred Sangah, even going so far as to ask when they're going to kill Sookyung. After a moment, the two begin to giggle and Sooyoung explains that it feels like they're characters too.
Han Sooyoung didn't realize it herself, but she will actually become a 'character' someday, just like Lee Sungkook and Jung Minseob did before her.
An image of the three standing before a phone screen with the title of TWSA appears. Although only their torsos are shown, Sungkook must surely lack pants. A moment later, the screen becomes quickly spattered with red before it fades back to Dokja wondering if this is a good or bad thing.
I liked both 'characters' and 'non-characters', but why did I not wish for her to become a 'character'?
Kim Dokja wanted to die a bit inside as his future self decided to try and break the tension with the worst topic ever, especially when Han Sooyoung gagged.
"Ew, no," she said, suddenly back to her normal irritating self with no sign of the previous conflict on her face. "I'm not lowering my standards that much."
Wow, thanks.
[the constellation 'abyssal black flame dragon' is pleased by the words of the incarnation 'han sooyoung'.]
Wow, thanks.
Yoo Sangah giggled a bit as Kim Dokja brought her up, and she looked rather amused by the whole thing. "Well, I can't say this is unexpected… I do seem to get along better with your mother in the future, but I have no interest in Dokja-ssi past being friends."
Thank goodness for that, too. Kim Dokja really didn't want to deal with a mess right now.
However, she scoffed as Han Sooyoung asked about killing her. "As if you could kill me."
"So? Doesn't mean we can't fucking try," Han Sooyoung retorted. Surprisingly, Yoo Joonghyuk snorted, but by the time Kim Dokja looked over with a baffled expression, he was staring straight ahead at the screen, looking completely unfazed. Yoo Joonghyuk looked as perfect as ever, and there was no sign that he had reacted at all. Had Kim Dokja just imagined that?
Whatever the case, he couldn't pay attention for long when his future self started bringing up the fact that Han Sooyoung would inevitably turn into a character too.
[a few constellations are wondering when that will happen.]
"Sooyoung-ssi, I'm sure it will be okay," Lee Hyunsung said. "After all, I don't think being a 'character' is so bad…"
She glanced over at him before sighing heavily. "Yeah, I get that, but my memories are fucked enough as it is. I don't like the idea that some of them will just up and vanish, y'know?"
Okay, that was a valid concern. However, when it came to their actual status… Kim Dokja looked up pensively. Were there really any differences to speak of? In this world, at least, it didn't matter if you were a character or not—you'd still breathe, bleed, and die either way.
Lee Seolhwa nodded. "That makes sense. Still, if it's only people who have read the novel who can 'become' characters, then it does mean that there's a chance that people who never did—like Sangah-ssi—may never become characters."
[the constellation 'secretive plotter' is thinking about the words of the incarnation 'lee seolhwa'.]
After a moment of hesitation, Yoo Sangah smiled gently and reached out to hold Han Sooyoung's hand. "Sooyoung-ssi, in the end, we won't be able to change it if that's what happens. However, if you're worried about memories, then there are other ways to keep them."
Huh? What was she talking about? Han Sooyoung seemed equally baffled, and her gaze kept dropping to their hands for some reason, but she was probably just a bit weirded out that Yoo Sangah was being so physical in a situation that wasn't overly distressing.
"What are you saying?" Han Sooyoung grumbled, only for Yoo Sangah to laugh a bit.
"Sooyoung-ssi, there are other people who can remember for you," she reasoned, her expression softening slightly. "We're already going to be sharing stories about people only we remember, so why not share some of those memories too? I have a good memory, you know; if you forget, then I'll just remind you."
[many constellations are incredibly touched by the words of the incarnation 'yoo sangah'.]
[the constellation 'scribe of heaven' is approving of the good intentions of the incarnation 'yoo sangah'.]
Han Sooyoung looked completely baffled, but Kim Dokja could only feel relieved. Yoo Sangah truly still was the genuinely kind woman she had always been, and though they had started out hating each other, Kim Dokja had faith that if even Yoo Sangah couldn't make it past Han Sooyoung's prickly exterior, then no one could.
After another moment of silence, Han Sooyoung looked away. "Do whatever you want."
See? It was working already.
Still, why did Lee Jihye and Jung Heewon have such strange smiles on their faces…?
Looking at the borrowed story which has now stabilized, he tells Sooyoung to get ready for their escape. Pulling his sword from his coat, Dokja swings it hard as narration plays over the slow motion capture. As he swings, he sweats heavily from the effort as a notification makes it clear that this is a status he can't bear.
Three Sword Style. It was the name of Cheok Jungyeong's technique because he never swung a sword more than three times towards the same target in his entire life.
'Cut a thousand men on the first sword.'
'Cleave through a great mountain on the second sword.'
'Separate the sea on the third sword.'
The screen almost looks as though it had been sliced in half by the sheer power of the swing. This imperfect seal made by just the
[the constellation 'prisoner of the golden headband' is tearing out his hair in anticipation.]
Oh, finally! Kim Dokja really hadn't wanted to stay stuck in that cave for any longer than necessary.
"That looks intense, Dokja-ssi," Jung Heewon remarked, grimacing as the system message popped up as he was informed that his body couldn't handle it properly. Unfortunately, stuck without his stats and status as a constellation, this would be devastating. Clearly, just judging by the pained expression on Lee Seolhwa's face, this was going to suck.
[the constellation 'goryeo's first sword' is grinning wickedly.]
"It's a good sword style," Yoo Joonghyuk acknowledged as he examined it. For once, he didn't comment on Kim Dokja's form, and Kim Dokja wasn't sure if that was because he had done it correctly or if it was because of his complete lack of stats at the moment.
The kids cheered—Lee Jihye loudest of all—as the swing cleaved through the wall of the cave, carving a hole even through the Eight Gates Formation and creating an exit. Kim Dokja felt almost giddy at the sight, overcome by relief that his gamble had paid off. As thrilling as it was, he could also tell that the adults felt somewhat conflicted.
However, he didn't care about that. They could desire to leave him behind as much as they wanted to, but that didn't mean that Kim Dokja would listen. He wasn't about to let himself simply get forgotten, dammit.
[the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is eager to see a reunion between companions.]
[many constellations are excited for the next scenario.]