The last message that was in front of everyone was quite striking; however, the Major Arcana were trying to understand all the previous messages, which seemed like too much information to process.
[The
' That wall must have something to do with this 'Star Stream' thing. But what is the 'Star Stream'? What connection do they have with the Madman? Did the Madman send this Star Stream as a way to ask for help? 'He' might not be able to stay half-awake to send us his answers, and so 'He' sent the Star Stream to do the job? Really, the Madman thought of everything.' The Hanged Man was already creating his theories about the bluish wall, the Star Stream, and their possible involvement with the Madman.
'Constellation... Could this have some connection not with the 'cosmos', but with the deities? Since we are all at least at sequence 4, are we considered gods? This makes sense given that the Star Stream is placing us as a 'Constellation'.' Judgment was focusing on the phrase floating in front of him in the blue box, which he suspected to be a sealed artifact of at least sequence 0, and was creating his own theories.
Estrela had also reached the same conclusion as Madame Julgamento. Now moving on to his theories about what the 'scenarios' could be.
' Would the sets be like theater sets? And to move between sets, would it be like acting as if you were in a play? Hmm... Two people are required to go down to these sets... I could be one of those two people. But who could be the other?' When Leonard considers who might be the best option to go with him, Justice speaks up, breaking the silence with firm words and a determined gaze.
"I will participate in these scenarios!"
Madame Magic was shocked by her friend's words. Then, as a way of showing her concern, she asked with wide eyes about Madame Justice's choice. "Justice, are you sure you intend to participate in the scenarios? These scenarios can be dangerous, and the Spectator's path is not one that specializes in combat."
"I know that very well, but if what's happening has anything to do with Mr. Madman, like 'His' psychiatrist, I have the right to go and take care of my patient. And also, there are two people who can go to the scenarios. I just have to go along with someone who has a background that specializes a bit in combat."
"Exactly! And I will be the one to accompany Madame Justice." Leonard seized the opportunity to state his initial plan, placing his arm around Madame Justice's neck as if they were longtime friends. "After all, after Mr. World, I am the best person with the most expertise and experience in combat. I will protect Madame Justice while also helping Mr. Madman with the initial problem. But, if you have any objections, we can choose someone else to go with Madame Justice."
As if everyone approved of the decision to let Justice go along with Mr. Star, no one objected to his words about entering the sets. Since no one else would say a word, Alger looked seriously at the two members of the tarot club and said after a sigh.
"These scenarios can be really dangerous, so if anything happens, come back to the gray fog and we'll analyze the situation more carefully."
They both nodded in unison before turning their gaze to the floating blue box. Justice moved a little closer to the box and said with a serious expression:
"Justice and the Nebula Star 'Tarot Club' will participate in the scenarios!" ' Is this how I'm supposed to say it? I hope I haven't embarrassed myself.' Before they could worry about the possible mistake, the blue box glowed again in front of them, continuing the process and showing new words.
[The
After the phrase appeared, Audrey and Leonard were engulfed in a blue light that blinded the other Arcane people for a short period of time.
' Be careful, Madam Justice and Mr. Star.'
Fifteen minutes after the disappearance of the Beyonder duo, all the Arcane users received a blue box with new and strange phrases.
[The Dokkaebi channels have been opened.]
[You have permission to enter the Dokkaebi channel.]
'Canal Dokkaebi? ' Fors was unsure what that could be.
∘₊✧──────✧₊∘
Audrey had opened her eyes and realized it was a completely different, technological place, noting that she might actually be in the Madman's dream. This surprised her and Leonard, who was beside her, while she also noticed that the people around her looked quite similar.
' How are we going to find Mr. Madman if they're all almost identical? ' This made Audrey feel that it might be difficult to know what the scenarios could be and how to find Klein.
When Justice was about to ask Lord Star if he knew what place that might be, both felt their Spiritual Intuition activated, alerting them to a familiar spirituality. They were shocked for a moment before turning their faces to a man who seemed to be wearing a top hat, with black hair and dark eyes, elven features, a cold expression, and also wearing a suit, making him stand out from the others. Upon seeing the familiar face, for some reason, seeing that face again warmed their hearts.
"Mr. World..." What is this warmth I feel? Could it be the longing I feel for 'Him'? It must be that.
Using 'Psychological Invisibility', Audrey walks among the people so as not to attract attention, with Leonard close behind her. As she passed by, she noticed a couple of friends chatting about their interests, but she couldn't make out what the conversation was about because of the strange language they were speaking to each other. She slowly approached Klein, because of her dress, the shaking of the train car, and the large crowd of people.
"Lord World!" She tried to shout using Loenense to get 'Him's' attention, failing completely.
"Klein!" This time, it was Leonard who tried to get 'His' attention, momentarily moving 'His' head as if he were hearing a voice calling him. This caused Justice to smile and move closer to him.
When she was finally close to 'Him', the subway lights suddenly went out and a great tremor began, causing people to bump into Audrey, making her fall forward, only to be caught by strong hands. She couldn't see who was holding her, but she knew who her benefactor might be.
"Miss Justice?" The person's voice was cold and gentle, showing their concern for her. When Audrey raised her head, she looked at that familiar face, her eyes reflecting her own, showing slight worry and doubt etched on her face. Just as 'He' could see the joy overflowing from Audrey's expression.
"Good evening, Mr. World. How are you?" Audrey says, flashing a beautiful smile that makes one think for a moment about her title of "stunning jewel of Backlund" and how aptly it was put.
"Heh. Good evening, Madam Justice. I'm really fine. And you look radiant as always."
"Klein!" Leonard was the next to speak up after the sudden tremor in the train car. He hadn't been paying attention to the people because he simply couldn't understand them. When he got close to Klein, he couldn't help but hug his friend after 'He' had helped bring about Justice. "Long time no see, old friend."
The atmosphere between them fell silent, until Gerhman gave a small smile and replied calmly, "It's good to see you again, Mr. Star."
After releasing him from the embrace, Klein noticed Leonard's smile, realizing that even after sleeping for years, 'He' was alright. The joy was short-lived until finally the noise made by the identical people began to disrupt the pleasant atmosphere.
"How did they get here?" This question had been sparked in Klein's mind when he noticed Justice's presence. Now he wanted answers.
"Well... It's a long story. We were above the gray fog having our monthly meeting until out of nowhere—"
"Gentlemen, is it normal for someone to only feel surprise and doubt at a time like this?" Audrey pointed secretly so as not to draw attention. Due to her observation skills, she noticed the feelings of the other people who were suffering the same problem. They all showed fear, worry, discomfort, and anger. And only one person being surprised seemed very strange to Audrey.
When Klein heard this, he looked at Leonard and said with 'His' look that 'we would continue the conversation later' and went to Audrey's side, followed by Leonard with a serious expression.
"How surprised is he?" "Depending on the level of his surprise, he can be quite suspicious." His experience as the Red Glove made Leonard suspicious of even the simplest things coming from a person. And now that he's inside the possible dream world, his level of suspicion has only increased.
' This guy could actually be the Worthy Celestial in disguise. But he could also just be an ordinary person .' Klein was forming his own theories based solely on Audrey and Leonard's question. He remembered that the Worthy Celestial was a great deceiver. This made Klein reflect on this slight difference in reaction. He couldn't trust anyone in this dream world.
"Very surprised. It's as if he couldn't believe everything that was happening. As if everything was somehow familiar to him..."
"Miss Justice, keep an eye on everyone's reactions and report back to us frequently. It might be a trap, and your spectator skills could be useful." At Klein's command, Audrey simply smiled and nodded, showing she understood, and turned her attention back to everyone. At that moment, the two of them, hearing buzzing coming from her and Leonard's ears, noticed something significant. Now it seemed they could understand what the other people were saying.
As if it were a switch, the train driver's voice rang out from somewhere in the carriage, startling Audrey and Leonard at the same time, as they realized it was a voice from beyond.
'Attention all subway passengers. Attention all subway passengers.'
"..."
"..."
"What is that, Mr. World?" Audrey whispered these words so only Klein and Leonard could hear the question, which Leonard also had the same doubt about. Gehrman Sparrow answered calmly.
"It's a transmission from the train." They understood what he meant. "Don't worry, this won't affect anyone." That's what they thought until they heard the voice coming from the intercom again.
'EVERYONE RUN... RUN AWAY...!'
POV Kim Dokja
What?
There was a beeping sound and the transmission was cut off. The inside of the subway was a mess.
"Do-dokja? What is that…"
A bright light appeared in front of the subway. There was a loud banging sound followed by a pop. Something was coming this way in the darkness.
It was just a coincidence that I saw the time at that moment. 7:00 PM. Tick-tock, it felt like the world was stopping.
Then I heard a voice.
[The Free Service for Planetary System 8612 has been discontinued.]
[The main scene has begun.]
It was at that moment that the genre of my life began.
POV Trio from the Hall of Truth
' Planetary system 8612? ' These words were very familiar to Klein, as if he had heard them before at some point. Heard? No. Seen?
' Before waking up in this world, I saw a phrase appear before me with those same words. But what could it mean? Is it some kind of transmigration dream? Did I transmigrate with my own body this time?'
' But it doesn't make sense for Justice and Star to be here. They must be here because of me, due to my connection with Sephirah's Castle. But were they the only two?...'
' No. Leonard said he was at a monthly meeting above the grey mist. It's quite likely that all the members of the Tarot Club are here.'
Klein thought this was the Celestial Lord's plan to try and destabilize the Fool's anchors, using his own anchors in his dream to take control of his body.
Thinking too much about it was making Klein very tense and tired. As if overthinking was causing him to expend his remaining energy. But then, at one point, he felt calmer, and his mind wasn't as turbulent as before. Klein only looked at Audrey after that.
' She must have noticed the change in my emotions and used Appeasement instantly. Truly, the Spectators are quite impressive. ' "Thank you, Madam Justice."
"You're welcome, Mr. World." Audrey was constantly paying attention to everyone's emotions, always noticing the same feelings in everyone, which didn't seem to change, except for Klein's emotions, which suddenly went haywire. So, she decided to use the Appeasement spell to calm 'Her' thoughts and calm the others in the carriage, so they could think more rationally.
After a few seconds, a Dokkaebi appeared and tried to communicate with everyone in a language they didn't understand, but then began speaking in Korean, making it easy to understand what he was saying.
[{Ah. Ah. Is it okay now? Ah, I had a lot of trouble because the Korean package didn't work. Guys, can you understand me?}]
' Korean? What is Korean? Is this the strange language we're understanding now? Wow… ' Leonard and Audrey were shocked, but they didn't give themselves much time to reflect before the man arrived to talk to Dokkaebi.
- "Hey, what are you doing there?"
[{There is?}]
"Are you filming? I have to go, because I have to get to an audition quickly."
' Audition? Is he some kind of actor?' Leonard was looking at the guy doubtfully, thinking he was completely crazy for chatting so casually with an unknown entity.
Klein and Audrey had the same thought, but Klein thought about it a little more deeply. ' Dealing with the unknown calmly is the worst thing you can do. If this guy survives in the end, he can consider himself a lucky man.' True to form, Klein had to satirize in his mind, making a derogatory comment about the Dokkaebi's situation and the strange actor. Well, it didn't take long for him to snap out of his thoughts and return his attention to the Dokkaebi, who had said he would tell him something quite important.
- "What? Get off the train quickly!"
"Someone call the captain!"
"What are they doing without the cooperation of the citizens?"
- "Mom, what is this? A drawing?"
Audrey continued to notice the passengers' crazy mix of emotions. Anger, fear, worry, discomfort, and… When she looked closer, the same stranger from before just seemed unable to believe what he was seeing with his own eyes, and her friend seemed very uncomfortable with the presence of that Dokkaebi.
Without wasting any time, she reported the guy's feelings to Klein and Leonard and then, drawing on her experience as a psychiatrist, approached the two friends, using a "Settle" spell, which somehow caught Kim Dokja's attention.
"Good evening. Sorry to bother you…" While Audrey tried to be merely polite, Dokja was suspicious of the girl's actions, perhaps because he hadn't yet accepted the facts. ' Who is she? What kind of clothes is she wearing? Is she an actress like that other complaining guy? Well, she would be quite striking even without that costume because of her beauty.'
"My name is Audrey Hall, and I've noticed that you two seem quite emotionally confused about each other. As a psychiatrist, I thought you might be experiencing some mental instability, and I came to try and calm you down a bit. If you'll allow me, of course."
"I…" Yoo Sangah tried to answer Audrey, even though she was the most unstable of the group, she still tried to respond with a smile plastered on her face. "N-no need, Miss Audrey. It's nothing to worry about, it's more surprise than fear, I think. By the way, my name is Yoo Sangah and my friend is Kim Dokja."
"It's a pleasure, Miss Yoo Sangah and Mr. Kim Dokja." Audrey uses both hands to grasp the hem of her skirt and bows elegantly before them before continuing in her sweet voice. "It's good to know you're both well. Please know that if you need anything, I'll be here to help you."
Before leaving, Justice bowed once more to the two people in front of him and then addressed Gerhman and Leonard to give a brief report on the situation of Kim Dokja and Yoo Sangah. Without giving them much time to comment on the report, Dokkaebi uttered the following words, drawing everyone's attention once more.
[Haha, you guys are really noisy. I told you to be quiet.]
Dokkaebi's eyes turned red. The beyonders felt their spiritual intuition surge, causing Leonard and Klein to place their hands on Audrey's face, only to hear a loud bang. Thus, when the unknown actor fell to the ground with a hole in his chest, they removed their hands from Audrey's face. Even though Audrey had witnessed many people dying through carelessness or simply because they were weak, it was still horrifying to relive the experience of how that person had died.
The corpse on the floor didn't terrify the trio; it only made them more alert. But the others in the carriage should have started screaming in terror if they weren't already dead. More than half died. Those who survived were so terrified they didn't even dare scream.
[{Your lives have been great so far, haven't they?}]
'I wish it had been so. From the beginning, I've only suffered constant danger and madness.' Klein couldn't help but satirize in his head, further camouflaging his emotions with that cold 'mask'. He began to question why he was having that kind of dream. 'He' must have thought that the best way to defeat his rival is by eliminating him from the game somehow. And for 'Him,' even death should serve in these circumstances.' That was the theory that came to his mind when he was interrupted by Dokkaebi's words.
[{You've lived a long time for free. Isn't that a generous life? You were born and paid no price for breathing, eating, pooping, and procreating! Ha! You really do live in a good world!}]
' For free... Nobody lived for free! People struggled to earn money, to survive hunger, to survive in a world where a meager piece of knowledge can drive them to madness or death! How is that free?! ' Audrey pondered Dokkaebi's words, but decided not to openly challenge him.
[{But now the good days are over. How long can you continue living for free? If you want to enjoy happiness, it's common sense to pay the price. Isn't it?}]
The breathless people were unable to respond. But at that moment, someone carefully raised their hand.
"Do you want money?"
' What?'
The two beyonders were surprised by the man's question, while Klein, pretending not to care, began to satirize in his mind where this could lead. And thanks to his incredible beyonder hearing, Klein couldn't help but overhear Kim Dokja's comment.
'Yoo Sangah. Isn't that Chief Han from the finance team department?'
' Hmm… So he's their boss? Congratulations, you have a boss who's a bit of an idiot, but quite brave.'
[{This only applies to your time and space.}]
"Huh?" The next moment, flames appeared in the air. The bills in the department head's hands turned to ashes. Chief Han screamed. Leonard tried to stifle a laugh, Audrey felt a little sorry for the man, and Klein grieved over the loss of the money, his expression cold.
[{These papers have no value in the microcosmic world. If you do that again, I'll blow your head off.}]
Fear once again spread across people's faces. It was easy to read even if you weren't a spectator like Audrey.
"What the hell is going to happen now?"
For some reason, the beyonders turned their faces towards Kim Dokja and thought the same thing, as if these actions were being written by someone. ' He probably knows what's going to happen…' Perhaps what they thought was instinct or a complete 'coincidence'. These words would make them uncomfortable if they didn't turn their attention back to Dokkaebi.
[PhPOV Kim Dokja
Three ways to survive in an apocalyptic world.
The descriptions that existed only in the novel were now unfolding before my eyes. The Dokkaebi had elongated antennae. Bodies were scattered like trash in the train car. The bloodied office worker trembling. An old woman moaning in her seat. The trio with a striking look for the time… Well, I don't remember them from the novel. I watched every scene attentively. It was like Neo in The Matrix, who suspected reality. Observing, questioning, and finally being convinced… I had to admit it. I didn't know why, but I had no doubt about it.
'Ways to survive' has become a reality. Let me think… How should I survive in this world?
"Come on, everyone! Calm down, start breathing calmly." Someone stepped forward exactly five minutes after the Dokkaebi disappeared. He was a robust man with short hair, a head larger than most people's.
"Haven't you all calmed down yet? Please stop what you're doing and pay attention to me for a moment."
I felt a brief sensation of calm seeping into my body. I didn't know why or how I was feeling it. All I could hear was a whisper of a poem coming from someone's voice.
"My voice is a river, calm and slow,
Where the hustle and bustle can rest.
Let that soothing sound flow,
And your inner sea will calm down."
When I raised my head again, there was a man with messy hair that matched his good looks and intense green eyes that seemed capable of shining in the stillness of the night. Just when the crowd seemed to have calmed down, the handsome young man's voice rang out again. "Everyone, let's all stay calm and listen to what the kind gentleman has to say. In this alarming situation, the best thing is to remain calm." Silence prevailed inside the carriage, making the green-eyed man smile and add, "Please, proceed."
The burly man nodded in gratitude to the green-eyed man and continued speaking when everyone focused on him. "As you know, in the event of a national disaster, small disturbances can cause great loss of life. That is why I will take control of the situation now."
"What? Who are you?"
"A national disaster situation? What are you saying?"
"Everyone seems to be afraid and suspicious of the man's words."
That last sentence was said by a beautiful blonde girl I recognized when I turned my head. Audrey Hall. She seemed to be acting like me in that situation. Just observing everything attentively. I didn't know how long she had been standing close enough to hear her. But I didn't dwell on the matter when I looked back at the young man. People were gathering to see what was written on his cell phone. I was able to read the content without difficulty because I was close to him.
A level 1 national disaster situation has occurred. All troops should assemble quickly.
I could hear people swallowing their own saliva. It was a national disaster. I wasn't surprised because I was expecting it. Actually, I was surprised for something else entirely.
Army Lieutenant Lee Hyunsung… That 'Lee Hyunsung' was that man.
I knew who he was. It was the first time I'd seen his face, but his name was clear in my mind. He was one of the main supporting characters in Ways of Surviving.
Steel Sword, Lee Hyunsung.
A character from the novel appeared. Now I really had to accept the situation.
"Soldier! What's happening?"
"I'm trying to contact my unit, but..."
"The Blue House! What is the Blue House doing? Please contact the president quickly!"
"I'm sorry. I'm just an ordinary soldier and I don't have a direct line to the Blue House."
"So why are you taking control?"
"For the safety of all citizens..."
"You should have a little more patience with the soldier! He's doing his best to ensure our safety."
While Lee Hyunsung calmly answered the absurd questions and the green-eyed boy tried to calm people down, I realized that the descriptions in the novel weren't wrong.
However, did Lee Hyunsung actually appear like that? Did the trio of people in strange clothes appear at some point in the novel? While pondering these complicated questions, I had a strange hunch.
As the only reader of Ways to Survive, I could guarantee that Lee Hyunsung's first appearance wasn't like that, and this trio was never even mentioned at any point in the story. The place where he appeared in the novel was at the end of the first scenario, and the trio could be an anomaly like me and Yoo Sangah.
So what was this situation? My mind was spinning. I would know clearly if I could read Ways to Survive one more time.
"The Prime Minister is giving a speech! It's a level 1 disaster!"
Everyone turned on their cell phones at someone's shout. Yoo Sangah turned her screen toward me. "Dokja, look at this."
POV Trio from the Hall of Truth
"What are these people doing with these shiny boxes, Mr. World?" Audrey looked curiously at Klein, since 'He' held the answers to her questions about this world. They were communicating in Ioanense at that moment.
"The box is called a cell phone. From what it looks like, they're going to watch their minister's speech on the bright screen." Klein calmly answered Audrey's question, giving her the basic information about the device. When he finished answering, 'He' paid attention to the minister's speech.
"Terrorism… That's very serious. But I don't think that's it…" Justice whispered to Klein, who responded with a nod.
"But where is the president? Why is the prime minister giving the speech?"
"The president has already been hit."
"What? Seriously?"
"I'm not sure. A comment on Naver..."
"Damn! So it's fake!"
"Uwaaaaaaack! What?"
People put down their cell phones when they heard gunshots coming from all sides. The sounds were coming from the cell phones.
Chiiik , there was a loud sound, and blood filled the screen. After a moment, people held their breath as they realized what had happened.
"Pri-prime minister?"
The prime minister died. His head exploded in real time. There were several gunshots before the screen went silent. The next thing that appeared on the screen was a Dokkaebi.
Humans, I already said. This is not a joke like 'terrorism'.
People were speechless, their mouths gaping open like stupid goldfish.
[{Don't you understand yet? This isn't a game. Do you still think this is a game?}]
It seemed so sinister because his tone was so relaxed. If Fors were here, he would say, ' He's quite frightening, but not as much as Mr. Mundo.' Subconsciously, Audrey and Leonard clenched their fists with all their might, almost overflowing with the anger they felt towards the Dokkaebi. Klein's expression seemed to have grown colder after the Dokkaebi's words.
[Haha, according to the data, people in this country are very good at games. So why don't I try increasing the difficulty?]
A beeping sound . A huge timer appeared in the air. At the same time, it began to count down rapidly.
[The time limit has been reduced to 10 minutes.]
[10 minutes remaining.]
[If the first death does not occur within the next 5 minutes, all lives in this carriage will be eliminated.]
"What is this? Is this a joke?"