Yoo Joonghyuk opened his eyes.
"Master, you're awake!"
As the regressor sat up, he felt that the back of his head hurt. He tried to remember what had happened before.
'The Theater Dungeon…'
He forced himself to stand up and came down the platform. Lee Jihye followed after him.
"You shouldn't move yet, you only just woke up!"
He ignored her worried voice and advanced.
Thankfully, all the monsters and corpses filling the station had been incinerated and any traces of blood were removed by Van with cleaning magic. Nobody could guess that a bloodbath had taken place here.
However, Yoo Joonghyuk still paused.
Van, Yoo Sangah, Gong Pildu…
His gaze swept over the people present, one by one, before he turned to Lee Jihye.
"What happened here?"
There should have been at least 20 survivors.
「So why was it so empty?」
There were only two options.
Either they left the station, or…
"Where are all the survivors?"
"The survivors are all here. Most people… were killed by monsters."
Was Kim Dokja so incompetent that he couldn't even keep the people here alive?
Lee Jihye pointed toward Yoo Sangah.
"You should ask the noona over there, she was present during the scenario."
With Gehrman, Kim Dokja or Lee Hyunsung nowhere to be seen, Yoo Joonghyuk questioned, "Where is Kim Dokja?"
The high schooler's eyes lit up, remembering the task given to her.
"That ahjussi left with Gehrman and others earlier. He asked me to give you this."
So they didn't die. Lee Hyunsung was still alive.
Lee Jihye handed him the 'love letter'.
As he opened it, Lee Jihye looked at him expectantly.
"But Master, how did you and Ahjussi give birth to a child?"
The strange question made him pause.
'…What?'
[The constellation, 'Demon-like Judge of Fire', is curious about your answer.]
Did he miss something?
He had the feeling that it was Kim Dokja's fault again.
***
Walking in the tunnels, Kim Dokja was thinking.
Due to Gehrman Sparrow and Van's unexpected presence, most situations were solved quickly and his companions hadn't faced situations that could be considered a 'crisis'.
Thus, even now, Lee Hyunsung's attribute hadn't evolved, making him a lot weaker than he was in Ways of Survival.
Jung Heewon's 'Crouching Figure' attribute also seemed promising. If it could evolve, their party's combat power would be even stronger…
At that moment, Lee Hyunsung reacted.
"People are coming."
A group of people were approaching from the Dongdaemun tunnel. The man in the centre of the group spoke first. He had a slim build and wore all types of items on his arms and neck.
"Eh, Kang Ilhun-ssi? Geez, you brought a needless load of crap to me."
Kim Dokja tried to peek at his Status Window, but the other wasn't registered in Character List.
The man looked at them. "Is there going to be a self-introduction? Or…"
The group of men simultaneously pulled out weapons.
Kim Dokja took the lead to reply. "We are from Chungmuro."
"Chungmuro?"
At this moment, sparks popped in the air.
[Someone is using Explore Attribute on you.]
[The exclusive skill Fourth Wall has blocked Explore Attribute!]
The man stumbled like he had been shocked. He hesitated for a moment before turning bewildered eyes towards the reader.
"…I'm sorry, what is your name?"
Kim Dokja glanced at the people behind him once. Then he smiled and said towards the man. He spoke in his coldest and heaviest voice.
"I am Yoo Joonghyuk."
Klein's lips twitched.
Then, as if recognizing the name, the man's eyes widened.
"Don't tell me…?"
He carefully observed Kim Dokja's face.
'They know about Yoo Joonghyuk, but don't know what he looks like.' Klein deduced.
"What is it?"
"Ah, nothing."
His tone became politer.
Opening his Spirit Vision, Gehrman watched their emotions in real time. Kim Dokja seemed to have become sure of something, while the others felt a mix of… uncertainty, doubt, fear, caution, admiration, wariness, greed, excitement…
Indeed, if they were aware of Yoo Joonghyuk's strength, wouldn't they try to take advantage of it? Who wouldn't want to ride a powerhouse's bus in the apocalypse?
The man's eyes urgently returned to Lee Hyunsung behind Kim Dokja. Kim Dokja gave him enough time to look at the former soldier's attribute before stopping him. After all, if he dug further, he would realize that the others weren't Yoo Joonghyuk's companions.
"Impertinent person. You better move your eyes carefully."
"…Heok?"
"Did you think I wouldn't know that you peeked at me with a B-grade skill?"
The man was starting to panic.
The previous 'suspicion' he felt was turning into 'certainty'.
He was now sure that 'Kim Dokja' was 'Yoo Joonghyuk'.
At that moment, the reader felt satisfied when a voice resounded beside him.
"First of all… Shouldn't your real leader step forward?"
Kim Dokja glanced toward him. However, he quickly understood what Gehrman was saying.
The 'representative' in that group was blending with other members.
Gehrman looked toward a serious looking man and addressed.
"Since you're hiding like a coward, do you have any bad intentions?"
"You son of a bitch…!"
One of the men in the group pointed a spear at them. The moment that Jung Heewon and Lee Hyunsung were about to come forward.
Peeok!
The man's head burst and red blood splattered like a fountain. The group immediately screamed. From beyond the blood, Kim Dokja saw the serious looking man.
He slowly walked through the crowd towards 'Yoo Joonghyuk'.
"I'm sorry. Such a distinguished person had to see a horrible sight."
"Who are you?"
The man tried to manage his expression at Kim Dokja's cold tone.
"I will formally introduce myself. My name is Lee Sungkook. I am the deputy in charge of Dongmyo Station."
Then, he inquisitively glanced behind the reader. Particularly toward Kim Dokja.
"And this is…?"
"Mind your own business."
Lee Sungkook had to drop the question for the time being.
At the same time, Kim Dokja's brain was working at full speed. How could he justify Gehrman's presence without people seeing through his act as Yoo Joonghyuk?
Someone who would be Yoo Joonghyuk's companion, and who could act crazily without problem… Thankfully, finding the answer was easy.
Kim Dokja put the matter aside and started the full-fledged Yoo Joonghyuk cosplay.
"Dongmyo Station? I see. Then get out."
"…Huh?"
"This is my station from now on so get out."
Lee Sungkook's mouth dropped open.
"What…"
"You aren't going to listen to me?"
Kim Dokja looked down at the flag holder that had the Dongmyo flag. Lee Sungkook belatedly understood his point.
"T-That is impossible. You can't transfer a station already occupied…"
"Do you think I'm a fool? You are the deputy."
"Yes?"
"If you have the authority of a deputy, the station can be transferred at will. You didn't know?"
"…!"
"If you don't take it out by the time I count to three, I will cut your neck. One."
Lee Sungkook's face stiffened. The men slowly surrounded him, giving off a nasty atmosphere. Jung Heewon and Lee Hyunsung were nervous because they didn't know why Kim Dokja was suddenly doing such a crazy thing. Meanwhile, Gehrman… looked the same as always. Shin Yoosoung also seemed calmer than he had expected her to be, but still confused.
Kim Dokja continued speaking.
"Does it sound like I am joking? Two."
[The exclusive skill 'White Pure Star Energy Lv. 2' has been activated.]
[Blade of Faith is activated!]
Chiiiiiing!
At this moment, Lee Sungkook hurriedly shouted.
"W-Wait a minute! I-I'll give it to you!"
However, Kim Dokja's response went against his expectations.
"No need."
"…Huh?"
"You answered too late."
"Yes?"
"This place isn't enough. Give me Dongdaemun as well."
Jung Heewon made an astonished expression next to him.
After a brief argument—mainly composed of Kim Dokja saying nonsense and threatening Lee Sungkook—they agreed that Kim Dokja would meet their group's representative.
"Just a minute."
"Yes?"
Kim Dokja pointed to the flag holder.
"Give me that."
"…"
Kim Dokja started to understand why guys like Yoo Joonghyuk and Gehrman Sparrow were cold to people. It really made life so much easier.
…Of course, it would be better if that were only an act instead of their real personality. Kim Dokja especially wished that the latter could be less crazy.
[You have received the transfer of Dongdaemun History and Culture Park.]
[Currently Occupied: Chungmuro (Main Base), Myeongdong, Dongdaemun History and Culture Park]
[The achievement points of the red flag are rising.]
"Then let's go."
Kim Dokja watched Lee Sungkook's shaking shoulders and felt strange.
'Wouldn't it be okay to continue living as Yoo Joonghyuk?'
They were then guided by Lee Sungkook towards Dongmyo Station.
Lee Hyunsung hesitated before looking at the reader and opening his mouth.
"Excuse me, Dokj…"
Jung Heewon elbowed him in the stomach.
Although an accident nearly happened, it was good that Jung Heewon was quick-witted.
'Make sure to restrain that guy. Understood?'
Jung Heewon nodded and made a strange gesture. She knelt in front of Kim Dokja and cried out in an exaggerated voice.
"Yes Joonghyuk! I will do as you say!"
The surprised Lee Hyunsung did the same thing.
"I-I will do as you say…!"
Now, the only problem left was Shin Yoosoung and Gehrman Sparrow.
The kid didn't seem like she would spill the beans, but…
Kim Dokja's gaze met the madman's.
He tried to hint at him, "Kim Namwoon, don't cause a fuss."
There was an awkward silence for a moment.
…He'll have to explain the situation separately later.
Gehrman glared at him.
Kim Dokja ignored the goosebumps on his arms as he turned back, feeling the madman's icy stare.