"...Ahjussi?" Dokja's eyes snap open as he frantically gasps in air, seeing the two children looking over him. He's back at their camp, surrounded by empty bottles of alcohol. Sitting up and calming his breathing, Dokja gets the messages telling him that he completed the Hidden Scenario, and he internally commends the dokkaebi for getting it right.
[The constellation 'God of Wine and Ecstasy' congratulates you on your safe return.]
Dokja stills with a judgemental look on his face, barely holding back his anger when the constellation sends him 7,942 coins—a pager code apology to state it's 'nothing serious, we're friends'. Dokja mentally grumbles that it would have been so much easier if he hadn't been dumped into Tartarus, lamenting that he almost ended up having to build Gund█ms for all eternity with Namwoon.
Oh thank goodness, he was back safely. Kim Dokja let out a sigh of relief as he looked up at the screen, finally taking in what was going on. Being woken up by two children in his face wasn't the worst way to wake up from a stressful situation, but it certainly wasn't the best one either.
"You're okay!" Shin Yoosung cheered, looking up at him with a bright smile. Even though his future self was struggling and gasping for air, Kim Dokja couldn't help but be relieved that the kids were doing alright. He patted her head, and ruffled Lee Gilyoung's hair, hoping that would be enough.
[many constellations are grateful for the safe return of the incarnation 'kim dokja'.]
Han Sooyoung snorted. "So the dokkaebi finally figured out how to update the scenario on time, huh?"
Seemed like it. Not that Kim Dokja was overly impressed, considering that he really shouldn't have had to ask for advice on how to do something so simple, let alone from an incarnation. As much as he hated to admit it, Paul was an absolute asshole and a scumbag, but at least he knew how to update a scenario without a guide.
"Wow," Jung Heewon drawled as Dionysus sent Kim Dokja an oddly specific number of coins, "is he serious?"
Apparently so, and Kim Dokja was not impressed. Though he appreciated getting coins, using them to send a lame apology like that was just tacky.
[the constellation 'god of wine and ecstasy' is apologizing for sending the incarnation 'kim dokja' to tartarus.]
[the constellation 'god of wine and ecstasy' is certain that was not his intention.]
So why the fuck did he end up there, then?
Ugh, whatever. Kim Dokja rolled his eyes and sighed.
"Yeah, that sounds like an awful time," Lee Jihye muttered with a disgusted look on her face. "I can't imagine spending an eternity with that guy, ew."
Somewhere, somehow, Kim Dokja hoped that Kim Namwoon was absolutely devastated and didn't know why.
Suddenly, a new hidden scenario window appears which Dokja realises is the labour assigned by Persephone. The reward for hunting his target before the end of the sixth scenario is 80,000 coins and Persephone's trust, while failure will mean that Dokja will be banned from entering the Underworld.
Serpent Hunting…
The image of the snake appears once more as Dokja narrows his eyes, roughly guessing who it's referring to. Thankfully, he gets a notification telling him that he'll be notified when his target is nearby.
Yoosung asks if he's alright, mentioning that Sangah had asked them to watch over him. Dokja looks over, noticing the sleeping woman nearby. For a brief moment, Sangah's image is switched with that of Persephone, her eyes gleaming as she looks ready to devour Dokja's story. Dokja snaps out of this once more when Yoosung says that the woman fell asleep not long before Dokja woke up, and that they would need to warn the rest of the group if he didn't wake up soon.
"E-eighty thousand coins!?" Lee Hyunsung gasped, his eyes wide, as he stared at the hidden scenario window. "With a reward like that… it has to be dangerous, right?"
Kim Dokja nodded grimly. "It's not going to be easy, but I'll have some help, won't I?"
[the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is boasting about her incarnation.]
That's right—Jung Heewon had already pledged herself, and everyone else by extension, to that cause. Thankfully, he'd get a notification when his target was nearby because Kim Dokja was well aware that there was a decent amount of ground they'd have to cover in the next scenario.
[several constellations are wondering what the serpent is.]
[a few constellations who like snakes are narrowing their eyes at the constellation 'queen of the darkest spring'.]
"Thank you for making sure that someone was looking after me, Sangah-ssi," Kim Dokja told her gratefully, and she looked away with a slightly flustered expression.
"Of course, Dokja-ssi," she said quietly, and Kim Dokja could tell that she still felt awkward after everything with both Dionysus and Persephone.
The fact that his future self had a small flashback to her expression certainly didn't help matters either, and Kim Dokja grimaced. Honestly, he felt awful about all of that, and hoped that it wouldn't make the rest of this hidden scenario too much more awkward. At the very least, everyone seemed to be carefully avoiding the fact that he was cringing at himself, likely wanting to just move past it.
Thank goodness for that, because he really didn't want to talk about it right now either.
Jung Heewon glanced over at Yoo Sangah in shock. "You really stayed up all night even after drinking that much? Wow, that takes some serious willpower."
Yoo Sangah smiled shyly in response, but the compliment seemed to have raised her mood somewhat, which was good.
Considering that Kim Dokja could have been gone for hours by that point, and that they had sat down to drink right after a truly exhausting fight, the fact that Yoo Sangah hadn't fallen asleep sooner was baffling.
[the constellation 'guam divine doctor' is reminding the incarnations to get enough sleep.]
This makes Dokja remember that he asked the woman for a favor before completely passing out, feeling bad that she had to stay up despite her hangover and labeling himself as scum for being reminded of what Persephone did. He's brought out of his misery by Heewon and Hyunsung who walk over, and judging from the sweat and energized air around them, they have clearly been exercising and don't appear to have suffered from hangovers.
Heewon says they should get ready to leave, revealing that all of the others have already left since the notification for the sixth main scenario came in overnight. Dokja looks surprised that it's already started, and the group heads for Yongsan Station where a crowd of incarnations have been asked to gather.
Dokja piggybacks Sangah through the groups of people, since she's still passed out, as Heewon looks around and is surprised that there are still so many people alive in Seoul. Above them, a screen hovers in the air and displays some monsters in a forest.
"It's okay, Dokja-ssi," Yoo Sangah said, looking at him with a worried expression. "You weren't expecting to pass out so suddenly either, and I know my own limits as well. After all, I did make sure that the children were awake before I went to sleep, right?"
But still…
[the constellation 'queen of the darkest spring' is looking apologetically at the incarnations 'kim dokja' and 'yoo sangah'.]
At least there was an apology. Regardless, it wasn't right that he had been reminded of that moment just because of seeing Yoo Sangah. It felt gross, and Kim Dokja had to agree with his future self there—he was scum for even thinking of his friend at that moment when she had nothing to do with what had occurred.
Although Yoo Sangah looked like she wanted to protest his thoughts, Kim Dokja clenched his jaw and shook his head. No matter how much she probably wanted him to think something else, no one could police his thoughts—especially not when they were true.
[the constellation 'secretive plotter' is blaming the constellation 'god of wine and ecstasy' for the awkward atmosphere.]
[the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is vehemently agreeing with the constellation 'secretive plotter'.]
Well, that wasn't untrue either, even if it was still weird seeing those two constellations actually getting along.
"Oh, Heewon-ssi and Hyunsung-ssi are awake," Lee Seolhwa remarked, looking relieved to know that they were doing alright as well. "I'm surprised you don't have a hangover after how much you drank, Heewon-ssi."
Jung Heewon laughed. "Funny enough, I've never gotten a hangover in my life. I don't know why that is, but I always wake up fine after a really good night of sleep."
Han Sooyoung gasped, looking almost offended. "Holy shit, that's so unfair. I always end up stumbling around my apartment like a fucking zombie whenever I get hangovers."
Jung Heewon just shrugged, causing the author to curse under her breath. Well, that sucked for her, but at least one of their main fighters wouldn't be affected at all.
"Yongsan Station?" Yoo Mia wondered with a frown. "There are still so many people…"
There were a lot more people than Kim Dokja had expected, to be honest, especially after everything that had happened so far. At the very least, they were ready to get more information on the next scenario. Still, Yoo Sangah looked a bit flustered at the fact that she had to be carried, but she just bit her lip and looked away awkwardly instead of saying anything.
Kim Dokja really just hoped that what had happened with Persephone—and Dionysus—wouldn't have permanent effects on their friendship.
[the constellation 'abyssal black flame dragon' is wondering what would happen if a giant monster dropped onto the crowd.]
Yeah, Kim Dokja really shouldn't have expected anything else from that chuuni constellation.
The view zooms into the screen before losing the blue tinge, showing a long haired man in a red and black jacket using a naginata to take down the humanoid monsters. Picking up the head of the slain beast by its hair, he turns and smiles in victory. The incarnations in the square immediately notice that the person is Japanese
That man is probably the famous Japanese Incarnation, Izumi.
Dokja recalls that the progression of the Tokyo Dome is faster than theirs, leading to the Japanese incarnations having a head start in the sixth scenario. This leaves the Korean incarnations at a disadvantage, since they'll be starting later. However, he still takes the time to gripe about how the dokkaebi have edited the footage to resemble a tourism advertisement for a vacation spot.
A scenario window appears, but every field is filled with question marks, causing the people in the plaza to speak out in confusion, trying to figure out how they can complete the scenario without knowing the clear conditions.
"A guy from Japan?" Lee Gilyoung wondered with narrowed eyes. "Why are we watching him?"
Kim Dokja smiled slightly. "He's Japan's King of the Absolute Throne, and he's going to be important to know for the next scenario."
[constellations who enjoy watching the Tokyo Dome streams are excited.]
Lee Jihye scrunched up her face in displeasure. "What? Their scenarios were faster? That's not fair!"
"All of their Guides awoke at the same time near the throne," Yoo Joonghyuk told her firmly. "As the King, he was also able to control who fought which disaster to maximize efficiency."
Yeah, and they had… not done that. Obviously.
Yoo Mia tugged on her brother's sleeve to get his attention. "Is that why you tried to get the throne, oppa? So you could be efficient with killing the disasters?"
Yoo Joonghyuk nodded while his gaze softened. "It's useful in the short-term, but will doom everyone in the long-term. Still, it's efficient, and would prevent other factions from forming."
His sister seemed to be satisfied with that answer and nodded once, looking back up at the screen.
"Wait, we're going to be doing the scenario with the Japanese incarnations, then?" Lee Hyunsung wondered as Kim Dokja revealed that the Korean group would be at a disadvantage because of starting later. "Will we be working together as comrades?"
Oh, he seemed so excited about that concept, likely wanting nothing more than to put history behind them and focus on surviving together. Kim Dokja bit the inside of his cheek as he thought about how he should word this.
"Well, I figure that we'll end up working with some Japanese incarnations, but I wouldn't expect most of them to be particularly friendly."
Lee Hyunsung wilted slightly, and Kim Dokja felt bad about bursting his bubble. It was for the best though, especially with the hidden scenario taken into account. Kim Dokja, at the very least, would end up making a serious enemy out of some of them by the end of the scenario, and the others would probably get dragged in by association.
[the constellation 'prisoner of the golden headband' is curious about taking a vacation in the next scenario.]
"A scenario with no information…?" Lee Seolhwa wondered, looking extremely concerned. "How are we supposed to clear that?"
Well, it was pretty simple, actually, even if it didn't seem like it at first. The first problem would be figuring out who the first batch going into the scenario would be.
"It seems like only a select few people can take part in this scenario," a calm voice states from somewhere behind Dokja, causing him to turn around. The 'Neutral King' Ildo walks forward, greeting Dokja with a handshake and commending him for his performance during the battle for the Throne. He brings up how his sponsor has been praising him to high heavens, leading Dokja to check [Character List], which turns into a quick summary, to remember which constellation that is.
[Name: Jeon Ildo
Constellation Sponsor: Non-Commitment Expert
Personal Attributes: Faux Intellectual (ordinary), Neutral King (Heroic)]
The modifier 'Non-Commitment Expert' might seem like a reference to older times and complex relations involving several lovers at first, but this constellation was actually 'Prince Gwanghae'—once the king of Joseon, famous for his neutral diplomacy tactics.
An image of a man sitting casually while wearing similar robes to Ildo appears behind the man in question. After the constellation shows favorability to him, Dokja asks Ildo what he means by only a 'select few' being able to take part.
"Oh it's that ahjussi," Lee Jihye muttered. "He gives me weird vibes."
Honestly, Kim Dokja had to praise her instincts. Jeon Ildo was not someone Kim Dokja was particularly keen on interacting with more than necessary. Still, it was nice to hear that his sponsor was impressed.
[some constellations are curious about the incarnation 'Jeon Ildo'.]
"'Non-Commitment Expert'," Han Sooyoung wheezed, looking far too amused by a constellation's modifier. "That evaluation— ahahaha!"
Well, Kim Dokja did have to admit that it sounded kind of suspicious when put that way. Jung Heewon also found that funny and started snickering too, and Lee Jihye looked like she was trying way too hard not to laugh.
[the constellation 'non-commitment expert' is unimpressed by the incarnation 'han sooyoung'.]
Ildo goes on to explain the situation, stating that this scenario will be challenged by a small group of volunteers, and that there aren't any penalties for not going—a scenario which Dokja notes is no different than in the novel. Looking up at the large screen once more, people ask if that is the location before many murmur about not being forced to go.
During a scenario like this, incarnations can be roughly sorted into three categories. The first category consists of people who furtively read the mood for the right chance to dump hard work onto others. Most of them are people with no affiliations and think that they can survive by carrying out scenarios only when absolutely necessary.
The group of people looking relieved at the fact that they don't have to go are focused on for a moment before the colours invert and the people are splattered with 'blood'.
They will eventually meet a horrible end as the price for not participating in the scenarios.
The screen switches to focusing on a group of somewhat anxious looking people, who seem to have gathered some equipment and weapons.
The second category has those who adapted to the scenarios' harshness to some extent. They tend to glance at their screens to steel themselves, and check their gear in advance. They will be able to survive for now. And lastly, the third category…
Yoo Joonghyuk narrowed his eyes, looking pensive. Kim Dokja had no doubt that the protagonist was already trying to figure out the most efficient team compositions, considering his experience in the previous two regressions. Still, Kim Dokja was confident that everything would work out fine.
After all, they had so many powerful incarnations in this room alone, and those who were 'characters' were likely far stronger at this point in time than they were in the novel's sixth scenario in the 3rd regression. All the people wavering on whether they'd want to participate wouldn't have to concern themselves with it at all. Yoo Joonghyuk and his companions—over the course of many, many regressions—had almost always managed to clear the scenario one way or another before the third batch had the chance to get selected. He was an overachiever like that.
[many constellations mock the incarnations who wish to slack off.]
Yoo Mia stiffened up when Kim Dokja revealed that the people who avoided the scenarios would meet a horrible end, and she grabbed onto Yoo Joonghyuk's coat with trembling hands.
"Oppa?" she asked, sounding much smaller and far more anxious than she had before. "I'm not one of them, right?"
Yoo Joonghyuk's eyes widened and he grabbed her hand to try and keep her steady. "No, you're not. Mia-yah, I keep you away from the fights because I want you safe; you are not like those people at all."
Kim Dokja nodded along with his words, and though he knew he rightfully had no place to speak here, he had to say something. "You're doing everything you can to survive, too."
Then, he glanced over at Yoo Joonghyuk, who was already looking right back at him. "Joonghyuk-ah, you'd better at least start training her after we get out of here. For her sake."
Looking at Yoo Mia, he saw his own horrific self-esteem issues staring right back at him—yes, he was self-aware enough to acknowledge that they existed. If Yoo Joonghyuk didn't prove to his sister that she was worthy of the effort, then she would internalize it and blame herself for not being strong enough to 'earn' the right to defend herself. The little girl didn't deserve that; she hadn't done anything wrong.
She was different from Kim Dokja, and she deserved better.
[the constellation 'secretive plotter' is looking at the incarnations 'yoo joonghyuk' and 'kim dokja'.]
[several constellations believe that the incarnation 'yoo mia' should learn to fight.]
[the constellation 'prisoner of the golden headband' is excited for a training montage.]
Though Yoo Joonghyuk still seemed hesitant, Lee Jihye looked absolutely thrilled by the idea. "C'mon, Master! You already have to fix ahjussi's horrible fighting skills, and she can't be any worse than him. You can train them together!"
Ow. Kim Dokja might suck, but he was better than an untrained 11-year-old, right?
"... Fine," Yoo Joonghyuk relented, and Yoo Mia burrowed herself further into his embrace. Kim Dokja just let out a long sigh before shooting Lee Jihye a very unimpressed look, but he didn't want to say anything in case he fucked up and accidentally made Yoo Mia feel worse.
Someone calls out for Ildo from somewhere else in the crowd, causing him to glance over and remark that it's time already. Dokja excuses him to go, but he replies by saying that there would be no point in going alone, since he came to meet Dokja and bring him along. When Dokja seems confused, Ildo decides to explain further.
"This is a kingless world. The Kings who remain, who you abandoned by creating such an unfortunate world, have been eagerly waiting for your arrival."
The screen focuses on Ildo, bathing him in an eerie mix of light and shadow as he holds a hand out towards Dokja, as though beckoning him to take it. His eyes seem emotionless and calculating, making Dokja instantly realize that Ildo falls into the third category.
The third category has those who manipulate others in order to survive.
"He came specifically to meet Dokja-ssi?" Yoo Sangah asked in confusion, looking a bit worried. It seemed that she had also picked up on the man's overall odd demeanor.
Ah, that made far more sense. A meeting of the Kings… that meant that Yoo Joonghyuk was likely already there, if they were just waiting on him. Kim Dokja internally grimaced, knowing just how much Yoo Joonghyuk hated people who were late.
Though the Yoo Joonghyuk sitting next to him knew why he wasn't there already, Kim Dokja already knew that the protagonist in the future would not accept an excuse like having a hangover. Naturally, he definitely wouldn't accept anything as ridiculous as what had actually happened, either.
In other words, Kim Dokja was fucked.
[the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is thrilled by the current events.]
"Oh, shit, yeah. He's creepy as fuck," Han Sooyoung muttered with narrowed eyes. "Well, if he thinks he's going to be able to out-manipulate our master scammer, then he's got another thing coming."
"Yeah, ahjussi is going to figure out his evil plan, if he has one," Shin Yoosung declared confidently.
Kim Dokja, on the other hand, genuinely wasn't sure that there was any kind of 'evil plan' afoot at all. Well, that didn't matter—Kim Dokja already knew that he would be on guard against anything the other King might try to do.
[the constellation 'secretive plotter' is smiling coldly at the incarnation 'jeon ildo'.]