"It's impossible to fully know someone," Yoo Sangah remarked quietly with a sigh. "However, I do understand Dokja-ssi's confusion."
Lee Hyunsung nodded a bit sheepishly in agreement. "The Joonghyuk-ssi from the first scenario definitely wouldn't have done something like this."
[many constellations are nodding sagely.]
"People change," Lee Seolhwa said as her lips curved into a small smile.
Even Kim Dokja had to admit that Yoo Joonghyuk had changed far more than anyone could have anticipated. Despite the fact that he appreciated being able to work with Yoo Joonghyuk as his companion, Kim Dokja had to wonder if it would have been better if that had never happened. Was this his fault?
Speaking after a moment, Dokja states that while he does understand what Joonghyuk is trying to do, Dokja is the one who has 'resurrection' which therefore makes him more suitable to be the Demon King. Joonghyuk immediately points out the fault in that logic, asking if it'll work in this case due to the failure penalty of being expelled from the scenarios that will make resurrection useless. As Dokja panics about the fact that Joonghyuk is going down the regression route, the protagonist grasps his sword while telling Dokja to move.
As Dokja desperately and futilely tries to think of ways to convince Joonghyuk to stop, [Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint] level 2 activates and he reads the protagonist's thoughts.
「There is no being that can survive being expelled from the scenario. If that's the case, Kim Dokja's resurrection ability becomes meaningless. Perhaps this is the death that his 'Fate' was pointing to.」
"Ahjussi, you can't just do that! We don't want you to die either," Shin Yoosung said, sounding rather stressed, as her hands clenched tighter into the fabric of the robe.
Kim Dokja wanted to reassure her, but would that even be possible, given the circumstances? His future self was clearly already set on his course of action, and he would have to be forced to give up on it. Right now, he was the only one who had a shot of getting through this and surviving.
[the constellation 'prisoner of the golden headband' is scratching his head in confusion.]
"You really are an idiot," Han Sooyoung scoffed, her lips curving into a frown. "What's the point in being able to come back to life if you're going to get expelled anyway?"
"It's better than the world collapsing because Yoo Joonghyuk regressed," Kim Dokja retorted immediately. Pursing her lips, Han Sooyoung looked away, unable to deny that fact. They both knew that Yoo Joonghyuk dying here would be a death sentence for all of them, regardless of his intentions.
Jung Heewon grimaced. "Right, there was that…"
The protagonist's story couldn't end this way. It wasn't the story that Kim Dokja wanted to read, and he would do anything he could to ensure that they could make it to the next page. Even if he had to play dirty, Kim Dokja would either stop him from regressing, or he would die trying.
[the constellation 'abyssal black flame dragon' is grumbling petulantly.]
[the constellation 'abyssal black flame dragon' is saying that even though the world ending sounds cool, it would probably be bad.]
"Probably?" Han Sooyoung deadpanned, staring at the indirect message. "That's a fucking understatement."
Honestly, Kim Dokja would take it as a win that the chuuni dragon was even admitting that at all. Either way, he stiffened up as his skill activated on its own, and he felt dread settle into his soul as the protagonist's thoughts flowed into his mind.
"Joonghyuk-ah, you…"
He didn't know what he could even say. It wasn't impossible to survive such a thing, but it definitely wasn't easy either, and Kim Dokja knew that saying that wouldn't do anything to change Yoo Joonghyuk's mind. Why did he have to be so stubborn…?
Lee Jihye sniffed dramatically as she teared up. "Master…"
[the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is extremely touched by the dedication of the incarnation 'yoo joonghyuk'.]
[the constellation 'bald leader of the peasant's army' is feeling the strong companionship of the incarnation 'yoo joonghyuk'.]
Then, Yoo Joonghyuk looked up at him. "Kim Dokja, I said it before. I will find you in the next regression, and you will be able to help me there, too."
Yes, Yoo Joonghyuk had said that, but that didn't mean that Kim Dokja wanted to face what that would mean. That person wouldn't be him. He wouldn't be the same Kim Dokja.
Though his voice caught in his throat, Kim Dokja tried to protest. "But, the world…"
Yoo Joonghyuk shook his head. "I may not know of that, but my future self believes that this is what must be done."
He had truly made up his mind, hadn't he? It would take a miracle to change it, at this rate, and Kim Dokja hung his head. Why had things turned out like this?
Dokja's eyes widen as Joonghyuk's thoughts reveal that he believes that Dokja will definitely die here if he becomes the Demon King. As a result, Joonghyuk had arrived at the logical conclusion—he must be the person who has to sacrifice themself here instead.
This idiot… is he really thinking of sacrificing himself…?
Dokja grits his teeth, his heart filled with unknown heavy emotions, before yelling at Joonghyuk and asking what will become of his goals if he dies here. Joonghyuk straightforwardly answers that his goals will still be accomplished even if he dies, declaring that Dokja might actually be the person who can save the world, not him.
The dichotomy of Dokja standing with the group—the background well-lit—as Joonghyuk stands all alone—backlit by the red window behind the throne—is apparent. With deep regret in his gaze, Joonghyuk looks at the group gathered before him and thinks about how he's never had so many companions alive by this point before, a feat which may never repeat itself.
As Joonghyuk begins to advance calmly, telling Dokja to move because they don't have much time, Dokja yells desperately for him to stop. The party is frozen, possibly because of the terrifying aura Joonghyuk is emitting, and with every step he gets closer to Sangah and the jade. Pushing past his paralysis, Dokja activates his
"Hey, sooty bastard, are you sure that hyung will die if he becomes the Demon King?" Lee Gilyoung asked, shooting a weak glare in Yoo Joonghyuk's direction.
Though the protagonist looked conflicted for a moment, his left eyebrow twitching ever-so-slightly as his lips curved into a frown, he stared straight at the screen and answered nonetheless. "If Kim Dokja becomes the Demon King, then I will be forced to fight and kill him."
Kim Dokja knew that. He did. He understood that everyone believed—no, maybe they all knew—just who would be the one to end his life, and he had realized that this was Yoo Joonghyuk's desperate attempt to prevent it in the only way he knew how.
[the constellation 'secretive plotter' is looking at the incarnation 'kim dokja'.]
Lee Gilyoung bit his lip and looked down, staring pensively at the floor, and Kim Dokja didn't know what to do. The kid didn't like Yoo Joonghyuk much, even if he seemed to have occasional respect for the man, but maybe it was sinking in that they were possibly about to watch him die.
Either way, Kim Dokja couldn't focus on that much, not when Yoo Joonghyuk declared that maybe he wouldn't be the one to save the world. Though he knew his jaw dropped, Kim Dokja just stared blankly at the screen in shock, unable to do anything else.
"Joonghyuk-ssi… I'm sure Dokja-ssi could accomplish your goals, but he also wants you to live, so he'll never accept that," Lee Hyunsung reminded him, but Yoo Joonghyuk let out a slightly uncharacteristic sigh before turning his attention towards Kim Dokja once again.
"Kim Dokja, you said that I regressed 1863 times," he said in a relatively even tone, and Kim Dokja nodded in confirmation because it was the truth—Yoo Joonghyuk had regressed that many times in the novel. "Has it never crossed your mind that I was the common factor in all those failures?"
[the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is gasping in horror.]
[the constellation 'god of wine and ecstasy' is raising a brow and whistling in surprise.]
[the constellation 'secretive plotter' is looking intensely at the incarnation 'yoo joonghyuk'.]
Even though Kim Dokja felt like he could barely breathe, Yoo Joonghyuk's next words made him feel like time had stopped entirely.
"Maybe the end can't be reached so long as I am here."
No. No.
That couldn't happen. Kim Dokja's hands shook as he viscerally rejected the idea with every bit of his soul.
No, he couldn't even think of it. Kim Dokja didn't even know if reaching the end would be possible without Yoo Joonghyuk in the first place. He had gotten so far on his own in the novel, and this time, he had a companion to help pave his way with knowledge of every single one of his past failures.
Yoo Joonghyuk had to reach the end because if he didn't…
If he didn't, would the end even have any meaning anymore?
"Don't say things like that," Kim Dokja snapped as his vision began to blur. "Don't you dare, Yoo Joonghyuk."
[the constellation 'maritime war god' is advising the incarnation 'yoo joonghyuk' not to give up yet.]
"Dokja-ssi is right, in my opinion," Yoo Sangah said emphatically. "It may be true that more people have survived until now, but isn't that a reason to try and continue in this round for as long as possible?"
However, Jung Heewon said what they all knew. "But someone still has to become the Demon King."
The worst part was that Kim Dokja knew that Yoo Joonghyuk wouldn't back down from the idea unless he was forced to. In this state, would anyone be able to stand up against him in the first place? Shin Yoosung whimpered nervously as the protagonist approached their group, clearly heading for Yoo Sangah and the jade.
"Ahjussi, please stop my oppa," Yoo Mia pleaded weakly, and Kim Dokja understood that she was probably exhausted from her earlier crying.
"I'll try." He couldn't promise anything, not when merely clashing once was enough for him to struggle. Goddamn sunfish bastard… how was he completely unfazed, even now?
[some constellations are thrilled by the current events.]
[the constellation 'goryeo's first sword' is frowning.]
The moment that Dokja activates [Bookmark] and prepares to attack, he's caught off guard when Joonghyuk suddenly asks if he's worried about what will happen to the world after he regresses. Dokja freezes, barely managing to say even a single word as Joonghyuk continues, remarking that Dokja must be afraid that the world might disappear. As Dokja wonders how Joonghyuk knows this, the protagonist watches Sangah, who is trying to run off behind Dokja. Before Dokja can process anything, Joonghyuk runs past him in pursuit of Sangah, stating that he already asked his sponsor about that very question.
…What?
Tripping Sangah with such speed that everything but him appears to be in slow motion, Joonghyuk declares that the world won't disappear even if he regresses. As he catches the falling jade, he tells Dokja once more that he must save the world. Then, as though the jade wants him in return, demonic energy emerges and wraps around Joonghyuk's fingers. In an instant, his entire figure is engulfed in shadows as the pressure from the demonic jade fully releases once more.
With an expression that Dokja has never seen before, Joonghyuk looks directly at him. "Survive, Kim Dokja. It's now up to you to save this world."
[the constellation 'lily blooming in aquarius' is clasping her hands in prayer.]
The moment that Yoo Joonghyuk spoke, Kim Dokja froze again. What had he just said…?
Lee Seolhwa's eyes widened and she glanced over at Yoo Joonghyuk curiously. "You don't know what happens after you regress, correct?"
Yoo Joonghyuk nodded. "How would I know?"
But the way he was asking that question in the future implied that he did know, somehow. How had he…
[the constellation 'scribe of heaven' is thinking deeply.]
Wait, no. Suddenly, Kim Dokja's mind flashed back to a scene that had been oddly cut off earlier, and he didn't know what he was feeling. There was only one being in the entire Star Stream who would know the answer to that question, after all.
"Holy shit," Han Sooyoung muttered in disbelief, "it was weird that your sponsor actually answered in the first place, but that was your question? You really planned this whole thing out."
That was it, then. Yoo Joonghyuk had always known that this was a possibility, and Kim Dokja just had to live with that knowledge. What had he felt, walking up those stairs, knowing that he could be walking to his death?
[the constellation 'secretive plotter' is holding his head in his hands.]
[the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is shaking her head vehemently.]
Yoo Sangah stiffened up as the protagonist reached her, and Han Sooyoung swore under her breath again. Through the fog clouding his head, Kim Dokja was just glad that Yoo Joonghyuk had only tripped her instead of trying something more drastic. However, that didn't mean he was at all pleased by this situation.
This was horrifying on so many levels, and he could feel his palms getting sweaty the second that the protagonist got his hands on the jade once more. Was there anything that could be done to stop him…?
"This is getting really bad," Jung Heewon muttered, though her tone sounded defeated. This situation felt so hopeless that Kim Dokja didn't know what to do or think.
[the constellation 'abyssal black flame dragon' is thinking that the incarnation 'yoo joonghyuk' looks cooler like this.]
"Shut up!" Shin Yoosung snapped as Yoo Mia trembled violently, and Kim Dokja felt a flicker of pride for her cut through the overwhelming despair that was threatening to crush him.
The future Yoo Joonghyuk looked at him and Kim Dokja wanted to collapse into a pile of nothingness. He didn't know what that expression was, but he hated it. It wasn't something that belonged on Yoo Joonghyuk's face.
As the protagonist commanded him to survive, Kim Dokja's shoulders trembled and his head hung lower. He choked out a sob, feeling his eyes water as he gasped for air. Kim Dokja didn't care if he was the one who could save the world, in Yoo Joonghyuk's eyes. What would even be worth saving anymore?
[the constellation 'queen of the darkest spring' is wishing to comfort the incarnation 'kim dokja'.]
[many constellations are excited to see how this plot develops.]
Yoo Joonghyuk had no idea what he was doing. If he… if he died here, then those words would be a collar around Kim Dokja's neck, shackling him to life in a world that he couldn't love. It would be a pointless existence—a constant reminder of his failure.
Maybe Yoo Joonghyuk thought this was a mercy, but to Kim Dokja, it would be no better than a living death.
In the observation room, many dokkaebi watch the scene that they know will be the best story since the start of the Seoul Dome scenarios, listening to Dokja's desperate pleas and occasional censored phrases as he tries to get Joonghyuk to stop. Many constellations are sending frantic messages as well, with Uriel expressing her despair, Sun Wukong tearing out his hair, the Abyssal Black Flame Dragon's worry, and Secretive Plotter watching in silence.
In front of the screen, Bihyung looks particularly angered and worried, only snapping out of it when he clenches his fist hard enough for it to hurt as he wonders why he's getting so immersed. After all, no matter how tragic, a story is still a story—the story of Kim Dokja and Yoo Joonghyuk is still just one of the many stories in the Star Stream. Scowling once more, he begs for Dokja to come up with a new plot twist to screw everyone over as he always seems to do.
Beside him, Baram states that the story is headed in such a tragic direction. Bihyung remarks that this is too harsh for someone who isn't even a full constellation yet, but Baram states that the nebulae must have judged that Dokja's death is worth all this trouble. He states that the constellations are sensitive to anything related to the 'end of everything' and greatly value Dokja's potential.
"Goddammit, why the hell is the scene switching now!?" Han Sooyoung asked in disbelief as they were suddenly forced to watch the dokkaebi watch the scenario instead of seeing it themselves.
[the constellation 'prisoner of the golden headband' dislikes complicated things.]
For Kim Dokja, hearing his own pleading like that made him feel extra pathetic. It would be one thing if they had stayed in that throne room, fully immersed in the moment. Maybe then, Kim Dokja would have been able to ignore that his desperation was being livestreamed to tens of thousands of constellations—some of whom wanted him to suffer and die.
It was disgusting, even though he did appreciate the sympathies of the constellations who had been with them all along.
Jung Heewon glanced up at the ceiling after seeing the messages. "Uriel, are you doing okay?"
[the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is touched by the thoughtfulness of her incarnation.]
[the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is thinking that she will feel better after witnessing a touching display of companionship.]
That was par for the course with her, but honestly, Kim Dokja would probably do whatever she wanted if it meant that Yoo Joonghyuk would certainly survive here. Of course, there would have to be limits and he probably wouldn't trust anything suggested by Han Sooyoung, Lee Jihye, or Jung Heewon, but he'd do anything that wasn't on the list of things that Yoo Joonghyuk would murder him for—a list that Kim Dokja suspected was much shorter these days.
"Even Bihyung is getting worried," Shin Yoosung muttered, sounding like she could barely believe her eyes. It was weird, admittedly. He had seen so many stories, and it was true that theirs was only one of many. Still, 'the story of Kim Dokja and Yoo Joonghyuk'... hearing that made Kim Dokja's heart skip a beat.
Lee Gilyoung, however, glared weakly and pouted. "Stupid dokkaebi… it's not just hyung and the sooty bastard there…"
That was true, but it was also clear to even the most inexperienced of dokkaebi who the stars of today's show were. In the end, this was an elaborate dance to the death between the two of them—a danse macabre filled with countless twists, lies, and deceptions.
[the constellation 'maritime war god' is hoping that the incarnation 'kim dokja' has a plan.]
[the constellation 'abyssal black flame dragon' is calling for more action.]
"I have to admit, I'm also curious to know why the nebulae are so focused on Dokja-ssi. It makes sense that their pride is hurt and that they're petty, but there has to be more to it," Lee Seolhwa sighed.
Yoo Sangah looked down at the floor, likely feeling extremely awkward considering the fact that her sponsors were involved in his Fate. Honestly, Kim Dokja really didn't care to know their reasons right now. If they were afraid that he'd reach the 'end', then maybe they were right to be.
The only saving grace was that if they were offended by Yoo Sangah's actions, they wouldn't be able to retaliate against her anytime soon in the future because of using up so much of their probability already.
"If they value his potential so much, then why aren't they trying to work with him?" Lee Hyunsung questioned, and Kim Dokja wanted to sigh and shake his head. He was so optimistic, but those prideful constellations would never consider working with an incarnation like that. No, they would want an incarnation trapped under their thumbs, or they would want a constellation they could control.
[the constellation 'bald leader of the peasant's army' is displeased by the tyranny of the large nebulae.]
"... Then the situation has become unfortunate," Bihyung states, catching Baram's interest. With absolute certainty, Bihyung continues talking despite not understanding why he's so adamant. "Because Kim Dokja won't die. Even if that transcendent becomes the Demon King, he won't kill Kim Dokja."
Looking back at the screen and watching Joonghyuk yell at Dokja to not get in his way, Bihyung wonders if the nebulae's plan had always been to have Joonghyuk become the Demon King and kill Dokja. However, he can't help but think that the nebulae are arrogant and don't understand Joonghyuk's personality. Though he feels off, Bihyung is certain that Joonghyuk will die here so Dokja can live, therefore allowing Dokja to escape his Fate.
Baram lets out a laugh, calling Bihyung naive in the ways of 'Fate', informing him that he's underestimating the weight of Dokja's destiny because the nebulae certainly would have known that fact about the two incarnations' personalities. He gestures back to the screen as it displays that Dokja's status is about to be revealed. "With that, 'Fate' is about to be realized."
Though Yoo Mia sniffled and wiped her eyes, she looked up at the screen in confusion. "What does he mean?"
The situation was unfortunate… but for who?
As Bihyung kept talking, Kim Dokja found his eyes going wide in shock for more than one reason. His investment in the story aside, it was baffling that the dokkaebi was so adamant in a declaration like that. To most people—including people who worked with them in the future like Han Sooyoung—it should be obvious that Yoo Joonghyuk would turn on everyone. And yet… Bihyung thought the opposite.
Why?
[the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is sobbing over the companionship.]
[the constellation 'secretive plotter' is wondering how the dokkaebi 'bihyung' is so certain.]
"That dokkaebi is telling the truth."
Kim Dokja sucked in a sharp breath and turned to stare at Yoo Joonghyuk in surprise, not having expected such a sudden interjection. How could he be so confident in something like that while looking so serious?
"But… Master, if you become the Demon King, won't you be forced to at least try to kill ahjussi? The nebulae had to have planned for that, right?" Lee Jihye wondered nervously as her lips twisted into a frown.
"Not directly," Yoo Joonghyuk replied tensely. "When under control of the Star Stream, my body would follow the attack patterns that Kim Dokja knows."
Yoo Sangah nodded thoughtfully. "I see, but that doesn't mean that Dokja-ssi will be unable to die."
"That idiot won't stay back and let the others do the work, you know that," Han Sooyoung scoffed, and Kim Dokja hated that she—and the dokkaebi—was right about their personalities. Yoo Joonghyuk would try to sacrifice himself, and Kim Dokja would try to stop him. It was inevitable.
[the constellation 'goryeo's first sword' is nodding in agreement.]
Yoo Joonghyuk stared directly into Kim Dokja's eyes as he spoke once more. "Not even the Star Stream can force me to use items that are stored in my coat."
Suddenly, Kim Dokja froze, a terrible premonition creeping over him. "Joonghyuk-ah, you can't mean—"
"The Heavenly Sword of Gathering Clouds," Yoo Joonghyuk told him bluntly, and anything Kim Dokja could have said was stolen from him in the face of his shock.
[the eyes of the constellation 'secretive plotter' are widening in realization.]
As the protagonist's words completely registered in his mind, Kim Dokja hated to realize just how well-thought-out this plan really was. Even though it was likely bound to fail—if the dokkaebi's comments about Fate being set in motion were true—Yoo Joonghyuk had been as thorough as he could under the circumstances. Maybe this was character growth for him because even if he did end up regressing here, this death wouldn't be sunfishy in the least.
No, this felt more like something Kim Dokja would do.
Dokja stands frozen amidst the chaotic fight, an expression of dazed disbelief pasted over his face. When Heewon calls out to him to snap out of it, it sounds as if it's been put through a filter as he gets lost in his own thoughts despite his gaze following Joonghyuk through the battle.
Even if Joonghyuk regresses, this world won't disappear…?
Dokja continues staring in disbelief, despite one of Sooyoung's avatars flying past him, as he thinks about how Joonghyuk's sponsor never once responded to him in TWSA. His expression twists into one of anger as he gets upset and wonders why they chose to answer now, under these circumstances. Ahead of him, Joonghyuk continues beating the crap out of the rest of the party while barely breaking a sweat.
I don't get it. If what Yoo Joonghyuk says is true, then I don't have to worry about him regressing any longer.
When Joonghyuk kicks Heewon away with a roundhouse which nabs her in the neck, Dokja activates [Bookmark] and [Electrification]. In a crackle of electricity, he darts forwards towards Joonghyuk. The protagonist growls out his name as he swings his sword, and Dokja meets it with his own, creating a shockwave as the two powerful energies collide.
[the constellation 'lily blooming in aquarius' is urging the incarnation 'kim dokja' to pay attention to the fight.]
Kim Dokja couldn't fault his future self for being shocked whatsoever, now that they had returned to the fight. Even though the revelations that they were grappling with were completely different—because fuck, his past self was still processing the fact that the world wouldn't self destruct, wasn't he—he felt much the same right now.
"Hey, stop wasting time spacing out," Han Sooyoung scolded, making Kim Dokja flinch.
It was true that he was probably in shock, barely registering anything other than his own thoughts and the protagonist's actions, but his friends were getting hurt and he was doing nothing.
"I have to agree with Dokja-ssi," Yoo Sangah admitted, "it is a bit suspicious that Joonghyuk-ssi's sponsor is suddenly answering now, of all times."
Despite that, Yoo Sangah had also winced as Han Sooyoung's avatar had gone flying. Or maybe it was her actual body, it was impossible to tell.
Jung Heewon, however, just turned a frustrated look towards Yoo Joonghyuk. "I know you're desperate to keep Dokja-ssi from doing something stupid, but do you seriously have to beat us up so much? How do you expect us to be able to kill you after you become the Demon King if we're all already half dead?"
[the constellation 'prisoner of the golden headband' is doubting the planning skills of the incarnation 'yoo joonghyuk'.]
Yoo Joonghyuk said nothing, which probably meant that he had forgotten about everyone else's very human limits. That bastard… just because he could kick ass while halfway to unconsciousness and still look amazing while doing it didn't mean that it was a normal experience!
Regardless, Kim Dokja could hear the disbelief permeating his own thoughts. Though it could sound like he was considering it as a solution for even a second, now that he was aware that the world wouldn't implode without its protagonist, Kim Dokja knew that could never be the case.
Though Lee Hyunsung let out another noise of surprise as Jung Heewon was kicked away, Kim Dokja couldn't pay attention to that.
"Get him, ahjussi!" Shin Yoosung whispered pleadingly as Kim Dokja rushed forward in a crackle of blue lightning, finally stepping back into the fight properly. Though he ruffled her hair with his trembling hands, he tried to calm himself.
If this moment was the catalyst that would fulfill his Fate, then he would walk towards it with his head held high. No matter what he had to do, his protagonist wouldn't die here. If Yoo Joonghyuk still refused to do what needed to be done and continued being stubborn about keeping the
After all, if it came down to it, Kim Dokja knew that there were two swords that could kill him for good.