The eyes of one of the guards instantly widened as he heard the name. He carefully looked over the man who had spoken, as well as the people behind him.
"Don't tell me…?" The man muttered under his breath.
[Someone is using Explore Attribute on you.]
[The exclusive skill Fourth Wall has blocked Explore Attribute!]
What is it?" Dokja prodded as he tried to activate Character List.
[The exclusive skill, Character List is activated.]
[The information of this person can't be read in 'Character List'.]
[This person isn't registered in 'Character List'.]
Would you look at that? Dokja confirmed his thoughts between the recognition and the non-character element. This man clearly read Ways of Survival.
The man who spoke moved his gaze from Dokja to his companions in the back, clearly trying to dig for information with his Explore Attribute.
Dokja gave him a moment to observe before speaking. "Impertinent person. You'd better move your eyes carefully."
"...Heok?"
If this person read Ways of Survival, he would know that Yoo Joonghyuk would have Sage's Eye, which would allow for universal detection and protection against detection skills.
"Did you think I wouldn't know that you peeked at me with a B-grade skill?" Dokja bluffed to convince the man that he had Sage's Eye.
"You son of a bitch…!" Another guard shouted who clearly didn't know anything about the situation unfolding at the moment.
As Kim Namwoon was about to lunge forward and retort, the man's head suddenly burst, and red blood splattered like a fountain. Stepping forward from beyond the blood, a serious-looking man approached.
"I'm sorry. Such a distinguished person had to see a horrible sight." The man spoke.
"Who are you?"
"I will formally introduce myself. My name is Lee Sungkook. I am the deputy in charge of Dongmyo Station."
The man spoke in a cold and composed tone, but for Dokja and Zhou, it was obvious he was nervous.
Time to put on a show. Dokja adjusted his mentality to that of the protagonist and spoke as he would.
"Dongmyo Station?" Dokja said in a cold voice. "I see. So you are the ones who sent Myeongdong and Dongdaemun Stations after us."
"...What?"
"Are you really underestimating me right now? Did you not think I wouldn't get the information out of those people?"
Lee Sungkook began to show his nervousness as he stuttered.
"Wai-no, hold on. I can expla-"
"Hand over this station." Dokja cut him off in a straightforward manner.
"...Huh?"
"I've already claimed Myeongdong and Dongdaemun Stations. Yours is next in line, so hand it over."
"Hold on. You aren't going to listen to me?"
"Hand over your flag and take me to your flag holder. If you don't by the time I count to three, I will cut your neck. One."
Lee Sungkook's face stiffened. The guards slowly surrounded Dokja and his group, giving off a hostile atmosphere. Jung Heewon and Lee Hyunsung were nervous at the sudden shift in environment, while Kim Namwoon simply grinned as he fell into a readied stance. Zhou continued to watch from the back, sitting in yet another chair he pulled out from nowhere.
"Does it sound like I am joking?" Dokja pressed. "Two."
[The exclusive skill 'Purest Sword Force Lv. 2' has been activated.]
[Blade of Faith is activated!]
Lee Sungkook paled as the burning white blade was drawn.
"W-Wait a minute! Let me…I'll take you to our representative! Please! I swear on the King's Honour that I won't harm Yoo Joonghyuk-nim!"
[Dongmyo Station's deputy, Lee Sungkook has sworn on the King's Honour.]
[If he breaks this vow, Lee Sungkook can be punished by you.]
A safe bet. But this guy clearly doesn't understand how Yoo Joonghyuk works. Dokja pointed the blade towards Lee Sungkook's neck as he spoke, "Hurt me? You guys? You wouldn't be able to touch me. "
"Of course," Lee Sungkook backed away with his hands in the air. "None of us can lay a finger on Yoo Joonghyuk-nim. Ha, haha. Then… should I take you to our representative now?"
"Let's go. Don't waste my time."
"Yes Yoo Joonghyuk-nim!" Lee Soongkook nodded as he parted the guards and led the way to the representative.
A few guards who clearly didn't understand what was happening looked slightly confused at the events that just played out, but they went along with it regardless.
Traversing through the station, they could see that Dongmyo was a pretty powerful group, seeing as many people were on the platform. Some were armed like Lee Sungkook's group, but most of them didn't have any. Most likely wanderers from other stations who lost their groups.
Some were slaughtering the ground rats or disassembling the corpses of the monsters to make equipment while being supervised by the Dongmyo members.
"This isn't a real kingdom…" Jung Heewon frowned.
Dokja continued to look ahead as he responded, "Don't be disgusted. Wait here and look at the situation."
"Yes, Yoo Joonghyuk." Jung Heewon responded with the name as Dokja notted the reaction from Lee Sungkook.
Dokja turned to the rest of his group. "You all wait here."
Lee Hyunsung and Jung Heewon nodded while Kim Namwoon tried to stay in character and not shout at Dokja for telling him what to do. Zhou stood in the back, but he was using a spirit worm up in Sefirah Castle to observe his surroundings, including Dokja who continued to walk behind Lee Sungkook.
He clearly read Ways of Survival and is now convinced I really am Yoo Joonghyuk. Now there are only two things to confirm. Does Lee Sungkook have his own text version, and how many prophets are there? Dokja continued to walk along in thought as he followed Lee Sungkook.
As they were walking along, Dokja noticed Lee Sungkook looking at his smartphone.
[5,000 coins have been invested in agility.]
[Agility Lv. 20 -> Agility Lv. 30]
[An amazing agility lies in your body.]
"What are you looking at so hard?" Dokja suddenly appeared over the shoulder of Lee Sungkook and peered at the phone.
"H-Huh? It is nothing!"
Lee Sungkook hurriedly hid his smartphone. But not before Dokja caught a glimpse of the screen. It was a yellow background and familiar speech bubbles.
A chat room? They have Internet? Dokja instantly thought over how it was possible, until he remembered this was Dongmyo Station. Ah, him. Maybe it is possible?
"Excuse me, Yoo Joonghyuk-nim?" Lee Sungkook interrupted his thoughts.
"What?"
"We've arrived. The representative is waiting inside."
There was a medium-sized tent roughly set up in the middle of the platform. Lee Sungkook bowed his head and guided Dokja into the inside of the tent, which was quite luxurious.
There was a red carpet and a bed that seemed to have been stolen from a luxury hotel. There was a round table for a meeting and a small desk with a computer.
The most interesting thing was the boy concentrated on surfing the Internet. The face seemed only a few years older than Gilyoung. The boy had dark circles and sat on the chair in his pajamas. There was a navy blue flag held tightly in his arms, indicating he had already passed the halfway mark of the King's Road.
[The exclusive skill, Character List is activated.]
[Character Summary]
Name: Han Donghoon
Age: 17 years old
Sponsor: Shadow behind the Curtain
Exclusive Attributes: Noble Invalid Hermit (Hero)
Exclusive skills: Wide-area Internet Lv. 5, Comments Manipulation Lv. 3, Keyboard Attack Lv. 3, Small Eater Lv. 6, Sound Wave Blocking Lv. 2…
Stigma: Lack of Presence Lv. 2
Overall Stats: Physique Lv. 10, Strength Lv. 10, Agility Lv. 19, Magic Power Lv. 26.
Overall Evaluation: A person who is the peak of the Noble Invalid Hermit type. His Wide-area Internet skill installs a virtual LAN cable to specific devices through the dokkaebi channels. He has an amazing ability to incite public opinion but has weak mental defenses. The sponsor is very dissatisfied with the circumstances of his present incarnation.
* Currently under a powerful hypnosis.
The Hermit King of Shadows. Dokja instantly recognized the name from the book. He took a moment to glance at the screen.
-Is it true that Seoul is now isolated?
-Gangnam land prices will fall ~ Are the rich people crying??
-Isn't there a plan to recapture Seoul? Didn't it start yesterday?
-But now all the people inside have awakened powers!
-It isn't a crazy fantasy.
- It became a fantasy the moment the Monsters appeared.
That's right. Outside the dome, there are still many people who don't know the truth. The scenarios haven't affected everyone yet. Dokja watched for a little longer as Han Donghoon used Comments Manipulation to spread the word of the Prophets online. I see, so that's what they are using him for.
"Representative Han Donghoon?" Lee Sungkook tapped the boy's shoulder. "A guest has come. Greet him."
Han Donghoon turned to Dokja with sunken eyes. "H,He,H,Hell…o."
This boy, who was called the 'Seventh King of Seoul' in Ways of Survival now looked so haggard. Originally, he avoided humans due to his nature but it wasn't this much. Dokja stared at Han Donghoon as he staggered up and sat on a chair at the round table, biting at his nails.
Lee Sungkook smiled as if he was satisfied. "Now Yoo Joonghyuk-nim. Let's start the talk with the representative in earnest."
Dokja gazed at Han Donghoon and laughed. "Talk? What talk?"
"Huh?" Lee Sungkook put on a confused face.
"Are you joking with me right now?" Dokja put his hand on the hilt of his blade. "I thought I told you not to waste my time."
Lee Sungkook pulled out his smartphone and sighed. "...Yoo Joonghyuk-nim, I'm not usually like this. Please forgive me."
"You are the real power of this station. Isn't that right?"
"Yes."
"How many other people know?"
"Only a few top executives."
This scarecrow strategy was common on Ways of Survival, but it's certainly strange to witness in person. Dokja didn't remove his hand from the hilt as he continued. "If you are the real power, why did you bring me here?"
"It was to avoid the attention of the other people. I don't know if you have realized, but there is a Sound Wave Blocking skill around the tent."
"It must be really important." Dokja did in fact notice that it was one of Han Donghoon's abilities.
"That's correct Yoo Joonghyuk-nim, it is important for you and for all of us."
"All of you?"
Lee Sungkook took a deep breath and opened his mouth. "I'm a Prohpoet. To be precise, I am one of them."
Finally. Dokja waited in silence for Lee Sungkook's next words.
"Yoo Joonghyuk-nim, you will never know the enormous joy we are feeling right now. My colleagues and I have been waiting for this day of great victory for Yoo Joonghyuk-nim." Lee Sungkook continued on. "We know about Yoo Joonghyuk-nim's special ability. A miracle that allows you to go back to the past after dying. In this world, only Yoo Joonghyuk-nim received such special power!"
Surely this is all censored for the constellations, right? Dokja kept a straight face as he continued to listen.
"Maybe Yoo Joonghyuk-nim has already repeated a few lives. You have fought against terrible enemies and struggled against the beings of this world to save people. Enduring alone, lonely memories… We respect your sublime spirit. But Yoo Joonghyuk-nim should've realized it from your past regressions. Even if you have an outstanding miracle, you alone can't fight against the disasters that will come."
He certainly has a way with words. Yoo Joonghyuk would be moved to tears if he heard this.
"Yoo Joonghyuk-nim, this time will be different. It is because we are here. We Prophets have received a special blessing and have been sent to help you." Lee Songkook smiled faintly. "You must be wondering. Why did these guys who didn't appear last time suddenly show up now? It is very confusing but I hope you can trust us. It is because we have already received a revelation for this day 10 years ago."
"...Revelation?" Dokja finally decided to speak.
"Yes. In our world, there is a 'revelation' that is secretly shared among the Prophets. Yoo Joonghyuk exists in it and is a living myth. It is a single revelation that records all of the past and future."
Is he calling Ways of Survival a 'revelation'? Dokja narrowed his eyes.
"You don't believe me yet. We already knew that Yoo Joonghyuk-nim would gather Lee Hyunsung and Delusion Demon Kim Namwoon. She didn't come with you, but you probably already have Maritime Admiral Lee Jihye. But that isn't enough. At the very least, according to the revelation…"
Dokja hid his nervousness as he asked. "Where is the revelation?"
"Unfortunately, it has been damaged and we can't find the original. Don't worry. We each remember a fragment of the revelation. Through these fragments, we are prepared to walk the right path with you."
I see. So that's how it is.
"If you live again the way you have always done, Yoo Joonghyuk-nim… will die again. But it will be different with us."
"I see," Dokja spoke up, causing Lee Sungkook to shut up. "...It is surprising. You are called Sungkook?"
"Yes, Yoo Joonghyuk-nim."
"Don't go around in circles. Get straight to the point. You have received the revelation of the future. Then what exactly are you going to do?"
Lee Sungkook quickly replied. "We would like to form an alliance with Yoo Joonghyuk-nim. I-It is an alliance in name but it actually means going under you…"
Really? Here I thought there was a grand scheme, but he just wants to ride the bus til the very end? Dokja nodded. "I see. An alliance. You want this."
"Yes."
"It is an interesting suggestion."
"This means…" Lee Sungkook seemed to arrive at the wrong conclusion. Dokja tapped his fingers against the table and spoke to correct him.
"But the order is wrong."
"Huh?"
"How can I form an alliance with people whose identities I don't know? If you want to ally with me, isn't this the first thing you should start with?"
"M-My identity…I already…"
Dokja stood up from the chair and sat on the plush bed in the room. He crossed his legs and declared, "Kneel down."
"Huh?"
"Kneel."
Lee Sungkook was embarrassed for a moment before getting down from his chair while hiding his expression. As his knees slowly reached the floor, Dokja spoke again.
"Tell me your attribute."
Lee Sungkook looked up with complicated eyes. His mind was working hard as he struggled to think of an excuse.
"My attribute is…Hypnotist."
As expected. Just like what I saw from Han Donghoon. Dokja nodded. "I see."
Lee Sungkook looked a bit brighter at the nod, thinking he passed the test. Dokja interrupted his triumph as he spoke again.
"Is that all?"
"...Huh?" Lee Sungkook's eyes shook. "...O-One more."
Dokja simply nodded. Tell me."
"T-The 9th…"
"The 9th?"Lee Sungkook slowly lowered his head like he was ashamed.
"The 9th person… to get off"
I see. This brat, the 9th…No, wait. Then how many people were there? Dokja spoke with a hint of curiosity. "The 9th person to get off… it is the first time I've heard of this attribute."
"Oh, you probably wouldn't have. This is the first time us Prophets have seen it."
Dokja decided to tease him a little since he was giving excuses.
"But it is strange. If you really received the revelation, why aren't you a 'revelator' instead of 'someone who got off'? What is with this name?"
"T-That… the revelation… no, the book of revelation…" Lee Sungkook stuttered. It was delightful watching him try to avoid Lie Detection. I wondered how honest he could be. Lee Sungkook finally closed his eyes.
"When I read the book of revelation… I stopped!"
"You stopped reading it? Why didn't you read it?"
"The contents of the Book of Revelations are very difficult, vast and profound…"
"Then you were the 9th person to get off?"
"Yes…"
"I don't think that will be of much help to me."
"N-No! I can definitely help you!"
The confused Lee Sungkook continued to speak gibberish while uneasily turning his smartphone off and on.
"Why do you keep touching that smartphone?"
"I-I-I'm sorry. I am a smartphone addict…"
He's probably trying to get the other Prophets to give him advice. Dokja interrupted him. "Are you going on the Internet?"
"Y-Yes, that's right. It is the ability of the hermit…"
Dokja glanced towards Han Donghoon, who was hypnotized and tearing at his fingernails with empty eyes. If the Prophets became involved in the story in this way, the original novel was ruined and the plans I set up would be wasted. I had to stop these guys before everything went wrong.
"Do the other prophets also have the attribute of 'getting off'?"
"…Yes."
"How many are there in total?"
"That…" Lee Sungkook hesitated for a moment before opening his mouth.
"As far as I know, there are 48 people."
48? Smaller than I thought. Chapter 10 had 120 hits, I thought there would at least be 100. Lee Sungkook interrupted Dokja's thoughts as he added.
"I know there were more prophets originally but I expect most of them didn't pass the first scenario."
Ah, that makes sense. Dokja probed further. "They are dead despite knowing the future?"
"That… we have received the revelation but we only recently realized that it was a 'true' revelation. I fortunately survived the carriage. If it hadn't been for another prophet nearby, I would've died."
Another prophet in the same place as him? Just as Dokja was about to ask further, the ground shook slightly as the vibration was transmitted despite the Sound Wave Blocking.
Dokja and Lee Sungkook ran out of the tent and were met with an interesting sight.
Jung Heewon was facing a man who was currently on the ground and in a headlock from Kim Namwoon, who was wearing a wide grin.
"Thanks for starting shit! I was getting bored." Kim Namwoon looked up to Jung Heewon and chuckled. "Should I kill him, or do you wanna?"
Jung Heewon scowled at the man in the headlock as she drew her sword. "You can't just try and touch me like that, you bastard!"
A couple of people watching the scene unfold began stepping forward when weapons were drawn. Lee Hyunsung watched nervously off to the side as he stepped up beside Jung Heewon to try and calm her down. Zhou was simply watching from the side, sitting in his chair next to the tent that Dokja had just come out of.
"Jung Heewon!" Dokja shouted.
She looked over to see 'Yoo Joonghyuk' staring at her. She slowly lowered her blade but didn't sheath it.
Lee Sungkook was startled at the scene as he cried out, "Jung Minseob! What are you doing now?"
Ah, wait a minute. Dokja realized something as he activated Character List.
[The information of this person can't be read in 'Character List'.]
[This person isn't registered in 'Character List'.]
The second prophet. Dokja smiled as Lee Sungkook quickly tried to de-escalate the situation. A moment later, Dokja found a second prophet kneeling before him.
"I'm sorry, my friend didn't know anything… Hey, apologize quickly!" Lee Sungkook stampered.
The man bowed as he quietly spoke, "…I'm sorry."
Unlike Lee Sungkook. He was a very prideful person and couldn't completely remove the anger from his face.
Dokja looked up at Jung Heewon. He knew that Jung Heewon wasn't the type to raise a sword to someone for no reason. This Prophet deserved what was coming to him. Perhaps these people aren't worth the trouble. With the three foreigners, I have all the help I could need. It would be better to eliminate the problem before it becomes a headache.
Dokja let out a sigh. "As interesting as this all sounds, I've done just fine on my own up until now. And you all seem like more trouble than you're worth."
"Huh? W-Wait! Hold on…!" Lee Sungkook quickly tried to rectify the situation as he pointed towards his friend. "Jung Minseob is just like me! But he went much further! He's the 1089th person to get off, he will have a lot of valuable information on the future!"
Dokja nodded to the information, but he didn't really care anymore. Instead, he used the benefits he gained from absorbing the previous stations.
[You have used the benefits of the navy flag.]
[From now on, you can use the 'group chat' with the group members.]
-Zhou, that boy inside has a skill granting them access to the internet. Can you shut it down?
-Already done.
The second Dokja had asked, he simply used the Door authority to Seal it off.
Dokja turned his attention back to the two Prophets. With their communication cut off, they won't be able to call for help.
"None of that matters. You see, the information you hold is of no use to me. And you guys will only cause more problems if I leave you be."
"Wha-wait! We hold information about the future! More than you know! We can help you get to the en-" Lee Sungkook was quickly cut off by Dokja.
"That's where you are wrong," Dokja reached to his face as he pulled off the silver mask. His visage shimmered slightly as it returned to Dokja. "Even if I were Yoo Joonghyuk, you couldn't possibly have any information that would be beneficial to him."
The two prophets were speechless at what they were seeing. Dokja sent one last message to the group chat.
-These people are of no use to us. Take the station by any means, but keep these two alive for now.
Dokja smiled as the two prophets stood up and backed away. "Because he already has me."
"Kill him!" Lee Sungkook screamed as he drew his weapon and pointed it towards Dokja. The entire station grew hostile as all attention was turned towards Dokja and his companions.
Kim Namwoon was the first to act, grinning wildly as he activated his flames and threw himself into the brawl.
Jung Heewon stared daggers at Jung Minseob but turned her attention elsewhere as she and Lee Hyunsung joined the fight.
Dokja was about to step forward as well when he felt a tap on his shoulder. Turning around, he saw Zhou holding out a navy blue flag.
Jung Minseob's eyes widened when he saw the flag as he patted down his body, only to find that the flag that was tucked away under his armor had magically appeared in Zhou's hand. Zhou had used Theft.
How…? You know what, never mind. Dokja nodded as he took the flag and added it to his own. "Thank you."
[You have won the flag of the 'Dongmyo Group'.]
[Your navy flag has absorbed the cumulative achievements of the navy flag.]
[Your navy flag has evolved into a brown flag.]
[Currently Occupied: Chungmuro (Main Base), Myeongdong, Dongdaemun History and Culture Park, Dongdaemun, Dongmyo, Sindang Station, Cheonggu Station, Yaksu Station, Sinseol-dong Station, Changsin Station.]
[You have occupied 10 stations!]
[The hidden scenario – 'King's Road' has been achieved.]
[Depending on the path you walk, you will receive a new 'king' attribute].
King of Arrogance and Hypocrisy
King of Solitude and Taste
King of No Killing
Perfect. Dokja smiled as he spoke. "King of No Killing."
[The new attribute, King of No Killing has been obtained!]
Next, Dokja raised his voice and announced to the whole station.
"Stop."
Under the influence of the flag's leadership, all members of Dongmyo were forced to listen to the new leader of their station.
Jung Heewon and Lee Hyunsung also stopped, but Kim Namwoon threw in a few more punches for good measure.
Jung Minseob stampered. "How-how did…How did you get the flag?"
Zhou simply smiled and gave his usual response. "A magician never reveals his secrets."
Dokja commanded Jung Minseob and Lee Sungkook to approach. Lee Hyunsung, Jung Heewon, and Kim Namwoon also gathered around. The rest of the crowd at the station was forced to watch, unable to do anything against the king's command. Zhou pulled his chair out once again and sat down behind Dokja.
"So," Dokja spoke up once the two prophets came close. "Here is the new arrangement. You tell me everything that you know about the Prophets, and I will let you live."
Lee Sungkook spoke, "Anguk Station! Tomorrow at Anguk Station, there will be a meeting between all the Prophets, besides the 12 Apostles. There is going to be a weapon there, we wanted to show you! That's why we did all these things to get your attention!"
A weapon? Hm… Dokja pressed, "What are the 12 Apostles?"
"They call themselves that, they believe they are the only ones who have read the real revelation and that they can change this world. They have read more of the revelation than any of us."
12? Now that I think about it, there were 12 people who read up to chapter 50. Dokja pressed again, "And what is this weapon?"
"We're not sure," Jung Minseob spoke this time. "All we know is that it's powerful and something that we wanted to show you. We can take you there if you would like!"
Dokja thought for a moment. Regardless of the situation, it's a chance to meet other Prophets and clear most of them out at once. All that would be left are the 12.
"Okay," Dokja nodded as Jung Minseob and Lee Sungkook breathed a sigh of relief. But Dokja looked up at Jung Heewon and stared into her eyes for a moment, noticing her gaze towards Jung Minseob. He nodded slightly and turned his attention back to the two prophets.
"But I only need one guide. And it seems that one of you has caused us some issues already."
Jung Minseob's eyes widened as he realized what was implied as he knelt down and begged.
"Wait, hold on. It wasn't like that!" He turned to face Jung Heewon as he pleaded. "I'm sorry! Please! I didn-"
A sword was forced down his throat mid-sentence, and Jung Heewon stared silently at Jung Minseob as the life drained from his eyes.
Dokja ignored Lee Sungkook's look of distress as he turned towards the rest of the station.
"I don't really care about any of you. Do whatever the hell you want, just don't get in our way."
Whispers spread through the station as some people turned and ran, some remained frozen in fear, and others tried to go back to what they were doing before, ignoring Dokja and his group.
Dokja then turned to Lee Sungkook as he spoke.
"You don't do anything without my approval. You will wait here for us tomorrow and show us this weapon. Also, I will be going as Yoo Joonghyuk, so you will play along when we get there."
[You have exercised the right of the representative.]
[Group member Lee Sungkook has restrictions on their behaviour.]
Lee Sungkook just nodded, still in shock at the death of the other prophet right next to him.
"Wait here for us tomorrow. We have some business to attend to first." Dokja addressed Lee Sungkook before turning towards the rest of his group. "We can regroup back and Chungmuro Station first and pick him up before we head to Anguk Station."
"You're really just going to leave these guys here?" Lee Hyunsung asked.
"I don't have any use for them. As long as they don't cause me any problems, I couldn't care less about what they do." Dokja answered truthfully.
It was a good thing Zhou took the flag early on. If that fight had dragged on for longer than it did, most of the station would already be dead.
"Hold up, that reminds me." Dokja turned to Lee Sungkook and commanded. "Drop the Hypnotism on Han Donghoon."
Lee Sungkook nodded as Dokja entered the tent once again.
Han Donghoon seemed to be disoriented, but once Dokja came into the tent, he quickly retreated away as his sponsor intervened.
[The sponsor behind character 'Han Donghoon' has revealed himself.]
[The constellation 'Shadow behind the Curtain' has thanked you.]
[500 coins have been sponsored.]
Han Donghoon stepped back while holding the flag in his hands as he deliberately stepped away.
"Don't worry. I'm not here to snatch the flag."
"Uh-Uwah, ah…"
"You're smart so you should understand right away. If I wanted to harm you, I wouldn't have released Hypnosis."
"T-T-Then."
"I want to be friends."
Han Donghoon's eyes shook as Dokja waited a moment for him to calm down. Unfortunately, he still wasn't able to speak.
"Is it hard to speak directly? If you don't mind, I'd like to talk through this."
Han Donghoon looked at the smartphone held in his hands and started muttering something.
[The character 'Han Donghoon' used 'Wide-area Internet Lv. 5' on your smartphone.]
[You can use the Internet anywhere in 'Seoul Dome' unless the consciousness of 'Han Donghoon' is interrupted.]
After a while, Han Donghoon's name appeared in the smartphone messenger.
–Who are you?
–I've been looking for you.
–Lee Sungkook also said that.
–I suppose so.
–I…
The boy's trembling fingers couldn't produce any more sentences. Dokja instinctively realized. It was impossible to persuade this boy right now. For more than 10 days, the boy's wounds had festered to the point where it couldn't be easily restored.
-Don't worry about anything for now. I will be getting rid of the Prophets, so they won't be bothering you anymore.
-Why are you doing this? You will just end up using my abilities anyway.
-No, I have no need for your abilities. You don't have to do anything.
-...
-There aren't that many people left in this station. You can choose to stay here, or you can join me and my friends and come back to our station. we have some food and supplies you could have, and people to help you as well.
-... I don't want to stay here.
Dokja smiled and nodded as he walked him out to Zhou and the others.
"Ready to go?" Zhou asked when he saw Dokja and the child emerge from the tent.
Dokja gave a nod as their group gathered around and Zhou once again tapped his cane against the floor as they disappeared in a flash of starlight. Lee Sungkook watched, dumbfounded.
…
After arriving back at Chungmuro Station, Dokja handed off Han Donghoon to Yoo Sangah to be taken care of. The others dispersed, and Zhou went to find Amanises and Huang to fill them in on the information about the Prophets.
"So there are others like Dokja, but they haven't read through the full book? Hah! That's gotta suck." Huang was getting a good laugh out of the position the Prophets were in.
Amanises shook her head. "Either way, they pose a problem. Wiping them out tomorrow seems to be the best play in order to prevent any other mishaps from occurring."
"Agreed," Zhou leaned back and leisurely played with a coin between his fingers as he spoke, "but something will most likely go wrong tomorrow. Unfortunately my Spiritual Intuition is limited, so I can't get the full picture. I already told Dokja to keep an eye out tomorrow, and this could be an opportunity for me to push further on the bounds of this Probability."
Amanises looked curiously at Zhou. "You want one of us to come with you?"
"No, watch over the station. If something does go wrong and we get held up. You being here means I won't have to worry about paying attention to both fields."
Zhou let out a tired sigh as he continued.
"Man, it's so inconvenient not having any marionettes. But I can't exactly split off a part of myself and make a second me without needing to explain it all. The best I can do is leave a worm up in the castle."
"Hah! At least you have useful abilities!" Huang laughed self-deprecatingly. "Try being an Artisan in a world without Beyonder Characteristics. This entire time while you've been off being helpful and all, I've been sitting on my ass staring at fucking a box!"
Amanisies smiled as she added, "Oh, please. I've seen how enraptured you are with that box. Don't pretend you would rather be doing anything else."
"Not my fault this place has such a fascinating power. Between what I've learned from the box and what Dokja has said about Probability, you can achieve quite the feat of craftsmanship if you use it correctly. You could probably get up to sequence 5, maybe 4 of a sealed artifact, without any of the side effects."
"How much longer before you think you could pull it off? I'd feel better leaving these guys for longer if they have the weapons to defend themselves." Zhou questioned.
"Well I've already figured out how to reuse the box, but I haven't found any good items to use it on, so I've been holding onto it. As for creating my own items, I could probably make a few low-grade items, but I think I'd need the status of a constellation to make any Star Relics, and those are really the only ones that matter."
"Hm. Well, Dokja said that constellations get their status from stories created by their great feats. It's a shame all your great feats were plagiarized. Maybe then you wouldn't have such problems," Zhou said with a cheeky grin. Earning a slight chuckle from Amanises and a glare from Huang.
"Fuck you. If it wasn't for me, you wouldn't have had a toilet to pretend to go to every time you snuck away to visit Sefirah Castle."
"Of course your 'inventions' were very useful. But it doesn't change the fact that it was plagiarized. All the praise I've heard for the Sun of Steam, and you didn't even try to make something original once."
"Well I'd like to see you come up with something new!"
"Alright, that's enough you two," Amanises stepped in while Zhou and Huang were bickering.
"Tsk, Zhou started it." Huang retorted.
"Oh jeez, I didn't realize I was dealing with a child," Amanises said sarcastically with a slight grin.
"You-!" Huang suddenly stopped before letting out a defeated sigh. "Never mind."
…
Dokja was getting ready to retire for the night. He was warned earlier to keep his guard up the next day, seemingly expecting something to go wrong during their trip.
I still don't know anything about Zhou's abilities, but his foresight is impeccable. Something is bound to happen tomorrow if that's what he said. The question is, what? What sort of special weapon would the Prophets know about that appears in the earlier chapters? Dokja racked his brain for answers as he read through Ways of Survival on his phone.
"What are you looking at Dokja-ssi?"Dokja startled at the sudden voice as he looked up from the bench he was sitting on and saw Jung Heewon approaching.
"Oh, uh. The kid we brought back earlier has access to the internet with a skill. I was just looking at what could potentially be useful if he decides to use it."
"I see," Jung Heewon said as she sat down on the bench beside Dokja.
Dokja could tell there was something Jung Heewon had on her mind, so he decided to just ask. "You seem worried. Are you okay?"
Jung Heewon looked up in surprise, seemingly unaware of how easily it was to read her thoughts.
"Huh? Ah. No, just…" She hesitated for a moment before sighing. "Hah… okay. It isn't in my nature to keep it in."
Indeed. Dokja nodded for Jung Heewon to continue.
"What is Dokja-ssi's identity?"
Ah, it seems she connected the dots. Dokja smiled as he asked. "...Did you hear something earlier?"
"A little bit. I'm honestly not quite sure what any of it means, but I trust you, so I figured the best option would be to ask you myself."
"Well, what do you want to know?"
"Are you…Are you from the future?"
"What makes you think that?" Dokja was genuinely curious what exactly Jung Heewon used to arrive at that conclusion. I did leave quite a bit for people to pick up on. I need to start being more subtle about how I act around others.
"Well…Dokja always acts strangely calm during the scenarios, and you always seem to know what's coming. Then you put on that little act as Yoo Joonghyuk. I went along no questions asked, but the way you explained it didn't make any sense. Then the Prophets said something about knowing information about the future, and you said that Yoo Joonghyuk didn't need their information because he already has you."
Jung Heewon looked into Dokja's eyes as she continued.
"It's like this isn't your first time experiencing all this. You are calm and knowledgeable, more so than anyone should be."
Dokja listened to her explanation and waited a moment before speaking again.
"Well sorry to say, but I am not from the future," Dokja looked at Jung Heewon's slightly confused yet relieved expression before he continued. "But I do know part of the future."
"Really?" Jung Heewon seemed to tense up slightly.
"Yes."
Jung Heewon seemed to think about something for a while, probably deciding if she could believe what was being said. Eventually, she seemed to decide as she bit her lips.
"Does anyone else know?"
"The foreigners found out some time before."
"I see. That makes sense. You've been rolling with them for a while now."
Jung Heewon turned silent for a while after she said that, clearly looking a bit disappointed by something. Dokja decided to take a guess as he spoke up.
"Don't worry, you all are still part of the group too."
"I know… It's just…those three are so strong. They seem more useful to someone like you than anyone else."
"That may be the case now, but it won't stay that way forever," Dokja spoke with a smile. "Everyone has the opportunity to grow strong in this world. And I would hope that you all stay with me from now on."
"...What do you mean?"
"It means to be my companion."
Jung Heewon wore a look of surprise at that statement as she asked, "Dokja-ssi didn't consider me a companion before?"
"It is actually the opposite. I'm not the one who doesn't think of you as a companion."
Jung Heewon's eyes shook as Dokja deliberately shifted himself towards the opposite end of the bench away from her.
"If you don't want to be companions, think of it as a deal. I need Heewon's strength and my information will be helpful to Heewon-ssi. It is give and take. The important thing is that our relationship won't change in the future."
Jung Heewon seemed slightly taken aback by the whole ordeal.
"It is a bit abrupt… Do I have to answer now?"
"No."
Dokja looked at her expression for any clues to how she was feeling. Luckily, it didn't seem like anything bad. For a person like Jung Heewon, a leisurely approach is better than a hasty and emotional one.
[The character 'Jung Heewon' is relieved at your honesty.]
[The character 'Jung Heewon' is seriously thinking about your proposal.]
Jung Heewon took a moment to think before speaking again.
"Then can I ask you something?"
"Yes." Dokja seemed curious as to what she was about to say.
"Do you know what I am doing in the future?"
"I also don't know."
"…Huh?"
"There is no Jung Heewon in the future that I know."
"What…"
"That's why this deal is really necessary for Heewon-ssi."
Dokja watched as her eyes widened. She wasn't in the original book. She is a variable I raised directly with an attribute and sponsor good enough to play a key role in future scenarios.
"I see," Jung Heewon took a moment to respond before standing up. "Thank you for being honest with me. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone about this."
Dokja smiled. "I can fill you in on a few more details about tomorrow's mission later before we head out."
Jung Heewon nodded and bowed to Dokja. "Sounds good, we can discuss it in the morning. Good night, Dokja-ssi."
"Good night," Dokja responded and waited a minute for Jung Heewon to walk away before he pulled out his phone again to read.
Still no indication of any sort of weapon that the Prophets could know about. Dokja spent a few more minutes reading through the earlier chapters before he eventually put his phone down and let out a sigh of defeat. It doesn't matter. Tomorrow, we clear the board of anyone who could cause a butterfly effect. In order to see the ending I want to see, I must be the only one to change this story.
Notes:
Hello!