Schooling his gaze, Dokja walks forwards cautiously as his thoughts analyze the meaning of Joonghyuk's minute quirk. Because of knowing his character so well, Dokja knows that he does this when making a serious decision, and that regression via death almost always follows close behind. For a moment, he wants to use his skill to read Joonghyuk's mind. Unfortunately, before he can even breach the subject, Heewon returns with the others and the two bickering children immediately launch themselves at Dokja, distracting him.
Looking at them, Joonghyuk calmly announces both his and Dokja's teams for the upcoming scenario. Joonghyuk's team is composed of himself, Hyunsung, Jihye, Seolhwa, and Pildu. Dokja's team is composed of Dokja, Yoosung, Gilyoung, Heewon, and Sangah. Once that's done, Joonghyuk proceeds to declare that they will have a three-day training period before they challenge the next scenario—despite Heewon's protests that he shouldn't get to decide something like that on his own—and proceeds to leave without another word.
[the constellation 'queen of the darkest spring' is curious to see how this scenario will play out.]
Yoo Joonghyuk's eyes narrowed as he stared at the screen, and once again, Kim Dokja was left wondering how the man was allowed to look that handsome while also looking that baffled and somewhat constipated. It just wasn't fair, dammit.
After a moment of listening to Kim Dokja mentally explain what his habit meant, Yoo Joonghyuk pursed his lips and looked over in his direction. When he spoke, he sounded somewhat confused and uncertain, but mostly flat and emotionless. "... I do that?"
Without thinking, Kim Dokja nodded. "Yes."
It didn't matter that Han Sooyoung was letting out an agonized groan or that Jung Heewon was full-on laughing. Those were things that he was able to ignore, especially because he was so concerned about what this meant going forward.
The protagonist had done it enough times in the novel that it stuck in his head, and it stressed the hell out of him whenever tls123 had written that Yoo Joonghyuk's left eyebrow was twitching. Every single time, Kim Dokja had immediately begun overthinking, trying to figure out what he could be planning and whether he would actually pick the sunfish route again.
[the constellation 'secretive plotter' is flabbergasted by the things that the incarnation 'kim dokja' chooses to pay attention to.]
[the constellation 'abyssal black flame dragon' is thinking that the incarnation 'kim dokja' needs better hobbies.]
"No!" Lee Jihye despaired, looking like she was nearly in tears as Jung Heewon reappeared with the rest of the group in tow. "Unnie, you should have taken five more minutes to get everyone! You told me to leave them alone earlier, so now I get to tell you the same thing!"
Jung Heewon looked away and laughed awkwardly. "Yeah, my bad."
Admittedly, Kim Dokja really wanted to know what was going on in that sunfish's mind too. Still, it was good that everyone was now aware that he was alive again. Thankfully, since there was no time limit for the current scenario, they could take their time preparing so they could challenge the 10th main scenario once they were confident in their strength.
Of course, that meant that Yoo Joonghyuk had to suddenly decide that they were departing in 3 days. That guy…
[the constellation 'prisoner of the golden headband' is pleased by the quick progression of this scenario.]
[constellations who like training arcs are disappointed by this development.]
"Stupid sooty bastard," Lee Gilyoung muttered in a way that made Kim Dokja feel that the boy would be petulantly kicking rocks around if he wasn't stuck in this scenario.
Shin Yoosung nodded. "Who said you get to choose the teams?"
Yoo Joonghyuk didn't bother replying, but if he had, Kim Dokja could definitely see him saying that he had decided it on his own. That would be just like the man, after all. He didn't need anyone's permission to do anything, for better or for worse.
At first, Lee Hyunsung looked excited, all bright smiles and posture eager like a golden retriever. "I hope I'll be on your team, Dokja-ssi!"
Naturally, as soon as Yoo Joonghyuk announced the teams, he wilted and looked rather pathetic as Jung Heewon patted his shoulder in consolation. Han Sooyoung, however, blinked in surprise. "Huh. I'm really not participating in this one."
[the constellation 'abyssal black flame dragon' is extremely disappointed by this turn of events.]
"You aren't even there," Kim Dokja reminded her. While her abilities would certainly be useful, and even though Kim Dokja was well aware that there were hidden pieces that would allow her to participate anyway, that wouldn't matter if they couldn't track her down.
Then, a wide smile stretched across Han Sooyoung's face as she had a realization. "Oh hell yeah! I can finally escape being forced to witness whatever the fuck you two bastards have going on!"
Wow. Just wow. Kim Dokja couldn't even fault Yoo Sangah for giggling because Han Sooyoung's words were truly ridiculous.
[several constellations are nodding in solidarity with the incarnation 'han sooyoung'.]
[the constellation 'god of wine and ecstasy' is admitting that he wants to see more drama.]
Well, that made one of them. Either way, Kim Dokja just had to sigh in exasperation as Yoo Joongyuk finished his announcement and walked away without another word. It was too damn cool and protagonist-like, but at the same time, god was it infuriating.
Dokja mutters that he should have mentioned that earlier while they were talking anyway, but admits that there is a higher chance of survival if they listen to him. At that, Heewon looks at him judgmentally and asks whose side he's on, but Dokja just glances over at Joonghyuk in the distance, shrugs, and smiles without answering.
Inside, Dokja wonders if Joonghyuk is being considerate of him, or if he just chose the people he's most comfortable with for his own team and left the rest for Dokja. Taking Joonghyuk's personality into account, Dokja thinks this is more likely than being considerate.
After learning that he's been assigned to Joonghyuk's team, Hyunsung sulks like an abandoned puppy but is placated by Dokja patting his arm and stating that they'll be all going together anyways. A moment later, he recovers enough to congratulate Dokja on his resurrection and remarks that he's getting used to it, which isn't what Dokja wants to hear.
Lee Seolhwa looked rather entertained. "Well, Joonghyuk-ssi might have mentioned it if you hadn't been interrupted, but it did seem like he had other priorities."
Like reconfirming that Kim Dokja actually did want to reach the end, for some reason. Had he given off a sign that he didn't? Or was Yoo Joonghyuk just worried about him dying one too many times?
Either way, Yoo Joonghyuk had lived through this scenario at least once before, so if he had assessed everyone's skills and determined that three days of training would be enough, then Kim Dokja would trust him. He was a good leader most of the time, after all, and an excellent judge of strength.
[the constellation 'maritime war god' is confident in the abilities of the incarnations.]
A moment later, after hearing Jung Heewon's remark, Yoo Mia huffed. "Ahjussi is on my oppa's side, of course."
Well, she wasn't wrong. Honestly, Kim Dokja was just as pleasantly surprised as his future self to see how the teams were divided, even if Lee Hyunsung wasn't thrilled. The poor guy would get over it sooner or later, though. Still, he had to agree that Yoo Joonghyuk likely picked the people he was able to predict the best and left the rest to Kim Dokja. He honestly figured that the protagonist had left him Shin Yoosung instead of Gong Pildu because it would be more trouble than it's worth to try and separate her from her sponsor, and also since that fact made her less predictable than the Shin Yoosung he had known previously.
Yoo Sangah smiled mysteriously. "I think both can be true here, Dokja-ssi."
Well, maybe that was the case, but he couldn't read the future Yoo Joonghyuk's mind to be absolutely sure or anything.
[the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is nodding intensely.]
[the constellation 'master of steel' is consoling his incarnation.]
"Ah…" Lee Hyunsung muttered upon seeing his future self's reaction. "Um, well, at least I get to have Joonghyuk-ssi's help with the training…"
He sounded so thrilled by that idea, clearly. Even though he was enthusiastic about improving, that didn't mean that he was mentally prepared for such a thing in the future. At the very least, he did brighten up a bit as Kim Dokja reassured him that they would all be working together either way.
Lee Jihye snickered as soon as Kim Dokja's resurrection was brought up again, though. "Do we need to start having parties to celebrate ahjussi's resurrection every time? It would make it more fun."
"Please don't," Kim Dokja muttered. That might actually be worse than being put in a coffin.
Regardless, Dokja glances over and notices Sangah next, though it's a bit hard to meet her eyes. Immediately, Heewon begins teasing him about the dress, to his dismay. As she remarks that they've called it the 'Kim Dokja Garter Belt Incident', she also informs him that she wouldn't wear it even if she died. In response, Dokja bluntly says that he doesn't want her to wear it.
Always a shit-stirrer, Jihye offers to wear it and put on a SSS-grade performance, but Dokja just snaps at her to stop playing around. Hyunsung, on the other hand, muses that he would wear it if it has good stats because soldiers don't care about the equipment if it works. Just as Dokja is judging him, Uriel pipes up to inform him that the constellation who made the outfit is a man, and Persephone mentions that she'll invite him to the channel sometime. The only thing on Dokja's mind is that he'll have to argue with her over this whole situation if he ever goes back to the Underworld.
Yoo Sangah looked away awkwardly. "Ah, right… we haven't had a proper conversation with Dokja-ssi since…"
Since that humiliating thing with the affection reader. Kim Dokja vividly remembered that, unfortunately.
[a few constellations are feeling sympathy for the incarnation 'yoo sangah'.]
[many constellations are remembering the scene and gossipping.]
Jung Heewon winced the second that she began her teasing too. "Ah, shit, um… damn this is awkward."
Yep. That about summed it up.
Han Sooyoung, on the other hand, didn't have those scruples as she didn't even bother to try muffling her laughter. "Pfffft, that's a good name. The 'Kim Dokja Garter Belt Incident'.... hahahaha!"
"Can you not?" Kim Dokja groaned. This was humiliating enough the first time, thanks.
"Don't worry," Han Sooyoung snickered, completely ignoring him, "we know you wouldn't want any of us to wear the dress anyway."
Kim Dokja inhaled sharply and grabbed onto the kids' hands, mostly just to keep himself from going over there and taking a page out of Yoo Joonghyuk's book to make her shut up. At the very least, Jung Heewon was doing her very best to avoid commenting again. Did they have any idea how hard he had been trying to keep the thought of what black silk and lace might feel like out of his mind, huh?
[a constellation who likes to change gender is smiling at the incarnation 'kim dokja'.]
Then, only making things worse, Lee Jihye piped up and made a joke about wearing the dress too.
"Okay, but I would look pretty good in that," Lee Jihye muttered. "The badass girl who fights in a dress is a good movie trope too…"
Sure it was, but that didn't mean that she had to do it, or that the dress had to be that one! Kim Dokja honestly didn't even want to know what kind of performance her future self was thinking about because it would probably give him a headache. Hopefully, that would be the end of that nonsense. Everyone else was too sensible and—
[the constellation 'queen of the darkest spring' is laughing joyously.]
[the constellation 'god of wine and ecstasy' is grinning as he pours another glass.]
"Hyunsung-ssi!?" Kim Dokja nearly shrieked, turning to stare at the man whose cheeks were going slightly red. What the hell was he saying!? Good stats or not, why was he even thinking about wearing that dress!?
Lee Hyunsung just laughed, scratching his cheek somewhat as he glanced off to the side. "Well, they're just clothes…"
With a snicker, Han Sooyoung smirked at Kim Dokja again. "If he's down to try it on, what're you so scared of, huh?"
What!? Kim Dokja wasn't… he wasn't scared of a dress! What slander was she even spouting?
Shin Yoosung looked up at Kim Dokja with pleading eyes. "Ahjussi, you would look really pretty in it."
Shit, what could he even say to that? He really didn't want to picture that image, and his gut was flipping nervously as he pasted a shaky smile on his face. "Thank you, Yoosung-ah, but that's not really…"
He couldn't help but trail off. Why were Shin Yoosung's puppy dog eyes so damn powerful?
[the constellation 'secretive plotter' is agreeing with the words of the incarnation 'shin yoosung'.]
All of a sudden, Lee Hyunsung froze and his eyes went wide as he turned to look at Kim Dokja. The gears turning in his head were almost visible as he made some kind of resolution in his mind. His expression became determined, and Kim Dokja was certain that Lee Hyunsung would be holding onto his hands if he could reach right now.
"Dokja-ssi," Lee Hyunsung began with a serious tone, "wanting to wear something like the chinese dress is nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, I will support you wholeheartedly!"
"What?" Kim Dokja deadpanned, completely and utterly baffled. "Huh?"
What was even going on here?
Taking a deep breath, Lee Hyunsung ignored him and just kept talking. "You probably feel singled out because of your hidden desires, Dokja-ssi, so you have my word that I will wear one with you! You will not have to face this on your own!"
No, really, what the hell was going on?
[the constellation 'abyssal black flame dragon' is flabbergasted.]
[the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is gasping in surprise.]
[several constellations are interested in this turn of events.]
Han Sooyoung laughed so hard that she collapsed to the ground, and Lee Jihye was wheezing with tears in her eyes. The kids just looked confused—that was for the best, really—and Yoo Sangah was doing her best to hide a smile behind her hand. Lee Seolhwa sighed and shook her head, Yoo Joonghyuk looked like he was getting more irritated by the second, and Yoo Mia was groaning.
Jung Heewon, however, was staring straight ahead with no reaction. Was she… was she okay? It was almost certainly a shock for her to hear her maybe soon-to-be boyfriend saying something like that, after all…
After a few seconds, she blinked a few times, then leaned back and slowly looked Lee Hyunsung up and down once or twice. Her expression was rather contemplative, and there was a strange intensity in her eyes.
"You know what," Jung Heewon remarked after a moment, a sly smile growing on her face, "that might not be so bad, actually. I think I understand Dokja-ssi a bit better now."
[many constellations are pleasantly surprised by this development.]
[the constellation 'master of steel' is shaking his head in fond exasperation.]
[the constellation 'queen of the darkest spring' is wiping tears from her eyes while laughing.]
Kim Dokja just blinked in confusion. "Um, no, I don't—"
"I'll do it too!" Lee Jihye exclaimed between her wheezes, giggling as she did. "I'll match with Hyunsung-oppa and ahjussi!"
Please don't…
Kim Dokja couldn't even care about Uriel's comment about who had made the dress in the first place (why did she even know that anyway?) because he was too busy internally cursing out Persephone. That woman was just like the rest of Olympus, causing drama for their own amusement everywhere they went.
"Enough of this nonsense," Yoo Joongyhuk said firmly, immediately shutting everything down as he looked over the group with a stern glare. Thank goodness for Yoo Joonghyuk, he was the only one with sense. It was a bit strange that he was looking that irritated when he wasn't involved in the conversation at all though, and he was gripping the fabric of his pants so tightly that Kim Dokja was genuinely worried that they'd end up ripping. They were already straining around his thigh muscles, and now they had to withstand the protagonist's rage…
Needing to change the subject, Dokja then turns to the rest of them, asking what their ranks are since they need to be in the top 10. Heewon states that she got her fourth ranked spot from granny Boksoon while Gilyoung pipes up that he's in eighth place, one above Yoosung. Hyunsung then explains he's in fifth while Pildu and Sooyoung have gone elsewhere to raise their own ranks.
Sangah then asks if Sooyoung won't be coming since she wasn't part of the announced teams, but Dokja says that she'll come since she's helpful. Inwardly, he admits that he completely forgot about Sooyoung until Sangah brought her up. This results in a less than pleased response from Sangah, which Dokja understands considering the whole 'Apostle' situation.
Heewon then asks about how Sooyoung can come considering the ten-person limit, which Dokja explains can be solved through a hidden piece that allows non-members to also participate in the next scenario. With an annoyed sigh, Heewon asks if there's anything else he has to say, pointing out that both Dokja and Joonghyuk constantly make arbitrary decisions without consulting anyone, going so far as to mutter that they're always 'whispering together' and that they're more alike than expected. Naturally, Uriel is very pleased by this, even though Dokja remarks that he's offended that he's being compared to Joonghyuk. In response, Heewon tells him to prove her wrong by sharing information.
Thankfully, even though Lee Jihye was still trying to reign in her laughter, everyone seemed to be content to leave… whatever that was… behind. Kim Dokja didn't even think he could look at Lee Hyunsung right now—or Jung Heewon, for good measure.
[the constellation 'maritime war god' is congratulating the incarnations on their ranks.]
Lee Gilyoung's eyes sparkled as he gasped gleefully. "Did you hear that, hyung!? I'm ranked higher than her!"
Though Shin Yoosung didn't look overly pleased by that, she just mumbled and rolled her eyes. She clearly still remembered how both the affection reader and the Seoul rankings had gone, and Kim Dokja hoped that she was being as supportive as her pride would let her for the moment. He looked back at Lee Gilyoung with a smile and ruffled the boy's hair, feeling pride well up inside of him.
"Good job, Gilyoung-ah."
Lee Gilyoung froze at that, his eyes beginning to water as he sniffled and looked away. "I'm gonna be so helpful, okay?"
"I don't doubt it," Kim Dokja told him honestly. "But don't overwork yourself either."
[the constellation 'lily blooming in aquarius' is feeling endeared by the current events.]
"Oh, is Sooyoung-ssi coming along after all?" Yoo Sangah wondered, and Kim Dokja had to admit that the difference between the two Yoo Sangahs was quite interesting. While this one looked pleased—a small genuine smile on her face and cheeks lightly dusted pink in a healthy glow, the future Yoo Sangah looked unsettled and upset. To think that their relationship had improved so much over the course of this scenario…
As Kim Dokja mentally admitted that he had completely forgotten about Han Sooyoung, the woman balked and stared at him in disgust. Yoo Mia, on the other hand, snickered. "It's your fault for missing ahjussi's funeral this time. Maybe he'd remember you if you were actually here."
"Actually, he should have kept forgetting me," Han Sooyoung grumbled. "There goes my peace…"
[the constellation 'abyssal black flame dragon' is excited to see his incarnation fight a demon king.]
Lee Seolhwa chuckled slightly. "Well, I suppose we should have expected that this would be possible due to some kind of hidden piece. Still, I have to agree with the future Heewon-ssi—you both take charge in your own way."
Really? Were they actually that similar? Kim Dokja wasn't so certain about that one, but it wasn't that unpleasant to hear either.
There was one part of what she said that definitely couldn't be right, though. Kim Dokja looked at her in confusion as he said, "What do you mean by 'whispering together'? We don't do that."
"You were literally doing that before we showed up," Jung Heewon pointed out flatly. "And on the rooftop during the eighth scenario, and in front of Nirvana, and in Peace Land, and—"
[the constellation 'bald leader of the peasant's army' is nodding his head sagely.]
[the constellation 'prisoner of the golden headband' is laughing at the incarnation 'kim dokja'.]
"Okay, that's enough," Kim Dokja pleaded, hoping he sounded less desperate than he felt. Still, why the hell wasn't Yoo Joonghyuk putting a stop to this one too?
When he looked over, the protagonist just glanced back impassively, raising a single perfect brow. What, was he completely unbothered by this or something? It was baffling. With a huff under his breath, Yoo Joonghyuk looked back at the screen, and Kim Dokja was left confused as the screen continued onto the next scene.
"... By any chance, have you ever heard of a being called a Demon King?" Dokja asks, inwardly musing that he's not a storyteller. As he does so, the absolutely metal black and white image of the demon king appears once more before the screen pans over a drawing of a bunch of demonic creatures, including one that looks similar to the warden of the dark.
Seventy-two beings are acknowledged by the Star Stream as the 'Demon Kings'. They possess modifiers just like constellations, and each of them governs their own Demon Realm. Though it's not equivalent to a nebula, they still lead forces.
While Heewon sounds a little skeptical, Gilyoung happily adds that they appear all the time in anime. Nodding and saying it's similar to the ones Gilyoung knows, Dokja explains that in the next scenario they must fight a 'Demon King'. Jihye seems a bit nervous, considering how strong a marquis was, and asks how strong a Demon King is in comparison. To her horror, Dokja tells them that a Demon King is at the level of a constellation, and she begins to worry about how they'll be able to kill it—going so far as to ask if Dokja and Joonghyuk will kill it. Dokja says that they can do it if they all work together, and that defeating the Outer God was pure luck.
[many constellations of the absolute good alignment are expressing hostility towards the 'demon kings'.]
"At least we've heard about them before," Lee Seolhwa remarked, clearly recalling the previous times that the Demon Kings had been mentioned. Those explanations hadn't been in-depth at all, but thankfully he was explaining everything this time. Even if he was only doing it to prove that he wasn't like Yoo Joonghyuk.
Yoo Sangah shuddered slightly as the screen focused on a demon that looked like the Warden of the Dark, and Kim Dokja couldn't blame her. Though they had seen far more than that in this scenario, it hadn't been all that long ago that Han Myungoh had… well… had an unpleasant encounter with it. Maybe it would be kinder if that guy had died somewhere in the future, because at least he wouldn't be suffering with the memories of that incident.
"Only seventy-two?" Shin Yoosung wondered, cocking her head to the side. "Why are there only that many?"
Kim Dokja drew a blank for a second. Maybe it was because of tls123 running out of inspiration…? He vaguely recalled that the demon kings' names were based off of something, so maybe the number 72 was important there.
In the end, he settled on a simple answer. "Nobody else was qualified."
[several constellations are scoffing at the 'demon kings'.]
[the constellation 'prisoner of the golden headband' is sticking his finger in his nose.]
The moment that Kim Dokja explained that they had to fight a Demon King, however, Lee Gilyoung's eyes went wide. "We get to be the anime protagonists this time?"
Eh, close enough.
"That's right," Kim Dokja told him, and the kid let out a small cheer.
Lee Hyunsung, on the other hand, seemed a bit worried. "I have to admit that I'm also a bit nervous. What if it's too strong for us?"
Right, it made sense that Lee Jihye and Lee Hyunsung would be so concerned, considering how their fights against Tentacio and Noslocke had gone. They had struggled so much, and even though their future selves had clearly been training, it would be really intimidating to go up against someone even stronger this soon.
[the constellation 'master of steel' is encouraging his incarnation.]
[the constellation 'maritime war god' is reassuring his incarnation that they will succeed.]
"We seriously can't just leave this one to you and Master, ahjussi?" Lee Jihye wondered, sounding a bit down. "You guys did fine with that Outer God…"
Kim Dokja shook his head. "Jihye-yah, we wouldn't have stood a chance if it was any other Outer God. Even the two of us working together wouldn't be enough to beat a Demon King right now."
Her shoulders hunched up a bit. "But…"
"The Demon King is only one enemy," Yoo Joonghyuk stated bluntly. "No matter how powerful the foe, it won't be able to easily manage ten or more enemies."
Yoo Joonghyuk was absolutely right. So long as they trained hard and prepared for what was to come, they'd get through this scenario as unfazed as humanly possible.
Instead of showing the conversation between Dokja and the others, the screen swaps to Dokja's narration that explains the situation in much more detail than what he's telling the group.
This is how TWSA describes Demon Kings: constellations who refused ascension. The Demon Kings were 'constellations' who chose to remain behind in the mortal realm in the literal sense. They mock the constellations who obsessed over the glory of the stars and remained in the lands that even the dokkaebis abandoned, which is probably why they don't get along too well with the constellations.
The screen pans over the valley, showing the winding river snaking down the centre. After turning to the sky, a sepia filter appears over it and angels are seen descending to attack the demons who fight back.
In particular, the Demon Kings and the constellations of the Absolute Good alignment were archenemies, and this 'Dark Castle' scenario was created as a reflection of the hatred harboured by those constellations. In other words, it's a scenario that was created to satisfy the constellations because they can watch the incarnations fight and kill the Demon King.
"Okay, I have to admit, this is way cooler than watching Dokja-ssi explain it to us," Jung Heewon admitted with a grin.
She was absolutely right, and this explanation was definitely keeping in some points that would likely be omitted when talking in person. After all, some of it would either be filtered or make him look even more suspicious in the eyes of the constellations than he already was.
[several constellations are sneering at the idea of passing up on being a constellation.]
Yoo Sangah glanced over at Kim Dokja as his explanation described how the Demon Kings refused ascension. "Dokja-ssi, you deciding to continue challenging the scenarios with us doesn't make you a Demon King, does it?"
Ah, that was a reasonable worry. Kim Dokja shook his head with a smile. "Don't worry, Sangah-ssi. Constellations still challenge their own scenarios, and I haven't refused ascension in that way. I'm still going to become a normal constellation."
She let out a relieved sigh, her expression brightening up slightly. Clearly, she had been fairly worried about it, and it made sense. Without the added context and reassurance that he had as the novel's only reader, it was hard to understand some of these concepts. Of course, Kim Dokja thought that both the constellations and Demon Kings were right and wrong on specific points of view, so he couldn't firmly agree with either.
Lee Hyunsung gasped in awe as soon as the drawing of an epic battle between good and evil appeared on the screen. "Oh, wow…"
[the constellations of the nebula 'eden' are reminiscing about their triumphs over the 'absolute evil' alignment.]
[the constellation 'abyssal black flame dragon' is scoffing at the puny angels.]
[the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is resisting the urge to flick the forehead of the constellation 'abyssal black flame dragon'.]
Yoo Mia looked at the screen, completely unimpressed. "So basically this scenario is just so they can watch a weak version of their enemy get beaten up?"
That was pretty much it, yep.
The second that Kim Dokja nodded, the girl's expression twisted into one of mild disgust. "That's stupid."
It was stupid, but that was the scenario they were stuck with, unfortunately.
After a three-day timeskip, the scene returns to the serene field before Sooyoung's piercing cries break the silence. As she insists on not wanting to go, Dokja mercilessly pulls her along with the
There are only 72 Demon Kings who were given the title officially by the Star Stream. However, the title of this scenario is the '73rd Demon King', which means that the one upstairs isn't an official Demon King.
Looking at the struggling author over his shoulder, Dokja tells her that even though it will be tough, the 'Demon King' won't be as strong as fable-grade constellations. Sooyoung, however, tosses out the compelling argument that the difficulty could have changed as it has done multiple times before and that everyone will end up dying if they keep clearing scenarios.
[many constellations are protesting the timeskip.]
[the constellation 'prisoner of the golden headband' is laughing while rolling on the floor.]
"What the fuck!?" Han Sooyoung blurted out the second she saw herself getting dragged across the field while tied up. "What did I ever do to you to deserve that!?"
Kim Dokja turned to her with a deadpan expression. She didn't seriously just ask that, did she?
Upon seeing his face, Han Sooyoung paused for a moment before glancing away awkwardly. "Nevermind, don't answer that question."
Yeah, that's what he thought.
Yoo Sangah, however, had a smile that looked a bit strained. "Dokja-ssi… I understand that the item is likely made like that, but you shouldn't use a hangman's knot in a situation like this. They tighten extremely easily, but they're very hard to loosen, which could be dangerous for Sooyoung-ssi since you're dragging her."
[several constellations are impressed by the knowledge of the incarnation 'yoo sangah'.]
Lee Hyunsung's eyes widened, and he looked at Yoo Sangah almost in awe. "Sangah-ssi, which kind of knot would you suggest instead?"
"Well…" Yoo Sangah glanced off to the side in thought, "I don't think it's worth tying Sooyoung-ssi around the waist like that, for one—it makes having her walk on her own far more difficult. If it were me, I would probably use a lark's head or prusik head double column around her wrists so she could still keep her balance."
She was using some kind of fancy name for the knots, and Kim Dokja had to admit that he really had no idea what she was talking about, but nodded along anyway. He had sort of learned some back in the military, but he had forgotten pretty much all of it. A knot was a knot, what did it matter if it worked? Though, considering how Lee Hyunsung looked a bit lost too, maybe these weren't knots that he had learned either…?
Han Sooyoung, on the other hand, was staring at Yoo Sangah with wide eyes and a slight tinge of red on her cheeks. It was probably because of the fury and embarrassment she was feeling upon seeing herself get dragged around like that, or maybe she was just impressed by Yoo Sangah's knowledge. Jung Heewon clearly thought this sight was funny, because she was snickering to herself as well.
[the constellation 'god of wine and ecstasy' is extremely entertained by the current events.]
[some constellations with specific tastes are approving of the idea of the incarnation 'yoo sangah'.]
Lee Seolhwa chuckled slightly as the future Han Sooyoung kept complaining. "Well, I suppose if anyone was going to buy a skill meant for tracking people down, it would be Dokja-ssi."
Of course. If he needed Han Sooyoung's skills for the next scenario, then she wouldn't get to just hide out until it was cleared. Though the woman grumbled, her cheeks still somewhat pink, she looked more petulant than genuinely upset.
"Wait, hyung, what do you mean?" Lee Gilyoung wondered as soon as Kim Dokja revealed that their next opponent wasn't even a real Demon King.
Kim Dokja grinned wryly. "Well, fighting a real Demon King in the 10th scenario would be way too hard, so they have a fake one instead. There is a 73rd demon realm, but it doesn't have an official ruler, so the title is just being borrowed right now."
"Just because it's not a real Demon King doesn't mean it will be an easy fight," Yoo Joonghyuk reminded everyone, though he looked at Lee Jihye specifically because his disciple was getting a bit too relaxed and overconfident.
[the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is cheering on the incarnations.]
Suddenly, as the future Han Sooyoung continued talking, Kim Dokja found himself surprised when his mother decided to speak up as well. "Dokja-yah, don't get overconfident. That woman is right."
Kim Dokja bit his lip. It was true that there was a chance that the scenario would change, but he was still confident that he'd be able to figure out a way to clear it no matter what happened. If he couldn't, then no one could.
"I won't let everyone die," Kim Dokja replied, still not feeling comfortable enough to look back at her. "It doesn't matter if the scenario changes, I still won't let it happen."
The Star Stream could do its worst, and Kim Dokja would do his best to thwart it anyway.
Ignoring the other incarnation's stares, the two walk through the camp as they discuss the added dangers of the nebulae targeting him, and Dokja acknowledges the risk while telling her that he's prepared for it. Just as she questions how the hell he's 'prepared', Dokja stops at the training grounds, causing Sooyoung's eyes to widen as she realizes that the group is training based on the attack patterns Dokja analyzed through his countless read-throughs of the fight. Ignoring her comment of him being crazy, Dokja asks if she still thinks it will be hard.
Not waiting for her answer, Dokja walks forwards while asking about everyone's ranks, learning they've all made it into the top ten. When Sooyoung hears that Pildu and Jihye only made it in through automatic promotion—something that only happens when a ranker dies suddenly—she looks around nervously and declares that she's really not going to go because something is fishy.
When Joonghyuk speaks up, addressing Dokja and asking if he's going to take 'that woman' along as well, Dokja sighs in agreement as Sooyoung hides herself behind him with a shriek of fear at Joonghyuk's appearance. After a moment of staring at her, Joonghyuk uses the
"Ahjussi, the nebulae are still out to get you," Shin Yoosung said quietly, looking rather nervous. "Are you sure it'll be okay?"
Kim Dokja patted her head with a small, hopefully reassuring, smile. "Yoosung-ah, between me and Joonghyuk-ie, we'll make sure everyone is fully prepared to fight the Demon King."
Right on cue, his future self arrived at the training ground, where everyone was in the middle of practicing. They were clearly working together like a well-oiled machine, and Kim Dokja felt his heart swell with pride at the sight. This was something that had never existed in the novel alone, and it was a sight that nearly brought a tear to his eye.
[the constellation 'goryeo's first sword' is pleased by the training scene.]
[the constellation 'maritime war god' is nodding in approval.]
Quiet murmurs broke out as they discussed their now-raised ranks, and though Lee Jihye cheered to hear that she had improved, Yoo Joonghyuk was frowning.
"Someone died for those two to qualify," he said bluntly, and Kim Dokja had to agree that it was suspicious. For one, rankers in the top 10 didn't just die with no warning, especially this close to the next scenario, so that meant that either they had made a stupid mistake and died on their own, or someone was still going around and targeting rankers.
Admittedly, Kim Dokja couldn't blame Han Sooyoung for being suspicious because of that, but they couldn't avoid going to the next scenario just because something was suspicious. This was the Star Stream, everything was at least somewhat suspicious.
[the constellation 'lily blooming in aquarius' is looking somewhat troubled.]
[the constellation 'secretive plotter' is narrowing his eyes at this turn of events.]
Naturally, the future Yoo Joonghyuk didn't look thrilled that Han Sooyoung would be coming along, and she seemed to agree. It was rather awkward.
"Ahjussi, why do you look so confused?" Lee Jihye asked, looking far too entertained by this. "Ahjumma is scared because Master almost killed her last time, remember?"
Oh. Right. Kim Dokja had almost forgotten that the protagonist had been extremely offended by the fact that Han Sooyoung had his things, for some reason. Looking at how Yoo Joonghyuk was eyeing her in the future, Kim Dokja really hoped that he wasn't going to try and stab her now for no reason other than spite. Why was he staying silent for so long?
[the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is claiming that the incarnation 'yoo joonghyuk' is jealous.]
That couldn't be it. Yoo Joonghyuk was a petty bastard of a sunfish sometimes, but he wasn't the sort to get jealous or anything. He was the protagonist who was blessed with basically everything except for good luck, what was there to even get jealous of in the first place? No, he probably just didn't trust Han Sooyoung and would try to keep his distance from her. Even the man sitting not too far away from him looked irritated, after all!
And then Yoo Joonghyuk proved him wrong by assigning Han Sooyoung to his team instead of leaving her to Kim Dokja's, and Kim Dokja found himself baffled. What was that guy thinking?
"Oh my god, this is amazing," Jung Heewon wheezed, turning to hide her wide grin in Lee Hyunsung's shoulder.
Lee Jihye was practically bouncing in her seat, looking far too gleeful for her own good, while Han Sooyoung looked more like she wasn't sure whether she should be offended or cracking up.
[the constellation 'bald leader of the peasant's army' is wishing that the incarnation 'yoo joonghyuk' would use his words.]
[the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is swooning.]
Yeah, this was a lost cause.
After an unknown amount of time–long enough for Sooyoung to chill–the two teams stand mostly ready. When Heewon notices Dokja looking at them, she questions why he's staring at them like that, only to receive a smile and an 'it's nothing' in return.
This scene with an unusual mixture of characters from the original novel and the people from reality is something that only a reader of TWSA can truly appreciate.
From the side, Dokja watches as Heewon goes over to give the teary Hyunsung some moral support, and his gaze passes over Pildu, Seolhwa, Sangah, the two fighting kids, and the sulking Sooyoung before landing on Joonghyuk and Jihye who are looking in the other direction. In that moment, Dokja feels pained and wonders if his heart has grown since talking with his skill. Still, there's one thing he has to admit to himself.
I am now afraid of losing them.
"I'm glad that you've calmed down somewhat, Sooyoung-ssi," Yoo Sangah said in a gentle tone, though she looked very amused by the whole situation. Han Sooyoung just rolled her eyes in return, but she didn't look as irritated as she could have been. Maybe she was chilling out a bit overall here too.
[many constellations are excited for the next scenario.]
It was a bit nervewracking to know that they would be departing soon, but at least Kim Dokja could be reassured that they were fully prepared. Yoo Joonghyuk had said three days, but knowing how much of a perfectionist he was, Kim Dokja knew that he would have delayed their departure if the team wasn't up to his standards.
As Kim Dokja smiled at the group, musing about the sight, he had to admit that he agreed. This wasn't something that could be understood by just anyone.
Lee Seolhwa smiled. "And now, all of us can appreciate it too. You're not alone anymore, Dokja-ssi."
Ah, that was true, wasn't it? Though they might not have quite the same level of appreciation as he did, everyone in this room had witnessed the apocalypse through his eyes. Maybe there were finally others who would understand.
[the constellation 'secretive plotter' is looking at the screen with an inscrutable expression.]
[the constellation 'prisoner of the golden headband' is urging the incarnations to hurry up.]
[the constellation 'queen of the darkest spring' is pleased to see interesting bonds.]
The moment that his thought was spoken into the world, Kim Dokja had to admit that it was true. He thought back to all those times when he had been genuinely terrified that someone here was going to die—in Peace Land, the 8th scenario, and Dark Castle—and realized that he felt the same. Though he hadn't lived through all those events yet, he had still spent time with everyone here.
Whether they were the characters who had helped him endure his childhood, people he had known beforehand, or people he had met only after the beginning of the apocalypse, Kim Dokja couldn't deny that they had all grown to understand each other a lot more.
The kids hugged him, and Yoo Joonghyuk looked over at him with some kind of deep emotion flickering in his obsidian eyes. It was strange, it was passionate, and Kim Dokja had a sinking feeling in his stomach as he felt it flutter. Though he already knew about the sword of damocles hanging over his head, a tiny part of him wanted to acknowledge what it was that he was seeing there in the protagonist's eyes.
Before he could think about it, Han Sooyoung turned to him with an extremely judgmental expression. "Are you an idiot?"
[several constellations are confused by the sudden words of the incarnation 'han sooyoung'.]
[the constellation 'abyssal black flame dragon' is agreeing with his incarnation.]
"Because I'm being sentimental for once?" Kim Dokja asked, just as baffled as everyone else.
"No, you dumbass," Han Sooyoung huffed, narrowing her eyes. "Has your brain stopped working, huh? Saying that you're afraid of losing people is a massive death flag, just like a side character having a pregnant wife and child waiting for him, or someone who's retiring tomorrow. Haven't you read enough novels to know those tropes?"
Oh, um, well, they were common tropes… and as much as Kim Dokja wanted to slap a fake smile on his face and reassure everyone that everything would be fine, he had the feeling that it wouldn't work.
Still, he had to try. "Han Sooyoung, my future self wouldn't challenge this scenario without being confident in my plan. We're going to succeed."
Despite that, Yoo Joonghyuk's jaw clenched, and Kim Dokja knew that the prophecy was still at the forefront of his mind too. It was hard to escape it, but if he let it overtake his priority list, then Kim Dokja knew that he would be trapping himself in this scenario instead of moving forward. If he wanted to get one step closer to taking down the Star Stream, then he couldn't let himself get caught up in stuff like that.
[the constellations of the nebula 'olympus' are looking forward to an interesting scenario.]