The battlefield of the Tongtian River, once a slurry of discarded ink and liquid fables, suddenly fractured under the weight of a new, radiant logic. A rift opened in the bruising violet sky, but it was not the cold vacuum of the Oldest Dream.
Hajin's eyes widened as he looked up in the sky.
Dozens upon dozens of [Great Holes] had opened up in the sky and the Outer Gods crossing over had all transformed into Yogoes to battle the Constellations. And in the centre of it all....
"…A Unicorn?" Derrick Berg gasped, his Glory Crown shimmering as he squinted at the horizon.
Instead, a creature of pure, crystalline myth galloped through the air, leaving trails of starlight in its wake.
"E-Evandel?!" Hajin's eyes almost fell out of shock.
It was Evandel.
She sat atop the beast, her eyes glowing with the fierce authority of the Beast Queen. Behind her, a woman in an airy, elegant Buddhist robe walked upon the air as if it were solid jade.
"Yoo Sangah?!... –Ssi?!" Derrick added the honorifics awkwardly, his voice cracking.
The young girl on the unicorn reached out toward a new-born star flickering in the center of the carnage. Evandel unleashed her grand army of miraculous beasts—chimeras, griffins, and glowing spectral lions—their dominion descending upon the Tongtian River like a tidal wave of living hope.
[Constellation 'Tang Sanzang' has recited the 'Constrictive Sutra'!]
The golden headband on Kim Hajin's forehead pulsed with a killing light, but he merely stood there, his black bow held steady. The "Order" of the sutra slid off his consciousness like rain on glass.
The Star Stream's viewers were in a frenzy, their indirect messages costing thousands of coins.
[Audience members are paying the cost to reveal their Modifiers.]
[■■ 'The Last Witness of the Unwritten End' ...]
[Constellation 'Bald General of Justice' is...]
[Outer Deity 'Mother Goddess of Depravity'...]
Hajin did not look at the monsters or the kings.
He looked directly into the highest reaches of the sky.
For the first time since he became a Constellation, he sent a message.
[Constellation 'The Novel's Extra' looks at 'Most Ancient Liberator'.]
A heartbeat passed.
[Judge, 'Most Ancient Liberator', has heard your story.]
Warmth, ancient and scorching, flooded into Hajin's hand. A blinding torrent of golden rays erupted from his headband, and the "Restricted Edit" command shattered.
A raging storm of Probability's sparks incinerated the surrounding enemy incarnations.
[C-could it be?? But that doesn't make sense...!], the
From several points in the firmament, lightning-bolt-like rays gathered toward Hajin.
And in that moment.
[Judge, 'Bimawen', has heard your story.]
Something that had never happened before in the history of 'Journey to the West' finally happened.
[Judge, 'Meihouwang', has heard your story.]
The Extras have finally become main characters.
[Judge, 'Douzhanshengfo', wishes to hear your next story.]
"You seem to forget who was a Yogoe too," Hajin's voice echoed, no longer just a man's voice, but a narrative broadcast.
Incarnations of Emperor prepared to fire the cannons, while Historical-grade Constellations were in charge of the command.
Djinns and servants of Demon Kings hissed with evil energy.
Beyonders of different Pathways gathered around the granite island ready to unleash all their power.
But everything stopped, sensing who had come to the stage.
Hajin turned to see four figures standing in the mist.
One had platinum-blonde hair gently danced in the air, and his eyes were emitting a soft glow.
"....Great Sage."
Indeed, it was the Great Sage Heaven's Equal, a mischievous smile etched on his lips. However, he wasn't alone.
After he was freed from a restricting headband not only did his Modifier change, but also Sun Wukong's Status and powers rose significantly. There were probably only three of four Constellation in the whole of Star Stream that could match him.
[Judge 'Shakyamuni's Successor' has joined 666th Fable chamber.]
[Judge 'Shakyamuni' is happy to see his Incarnation.]
[200 additional points have been awarded.]
"We meet again, Fenrir... Or better to say Black Lotus... Or 'The Novel's Extra'?" Yoo Sangah smiled ominously.
Hajin's face went red of embarassment.
[Hmm.... What an interesting visualised world this is.]
Next to Great Sage there was a handsome monkey in a cowboy get-up; another had a languid expression, his hand stuck under a tiger-striped thong; the third was short, black-haired, and kitted in an elegant Buddhist robe.
"There're so many Sun Wukongs here," Yoo Sangah remarked, landing elegantly.
[Constellation 'Handsome Monkey King' has unleashed his Status!]
The ripples from the Probability vanished instantly under the pressure.
Meihouwang looked at Hajin.
The one who said that was not the Great Sage, Meihouwang, nor was it Bimawen.
[Black Lotus... no, 'The Novel's Extra'. We came to ask you a question.], Douzhanshengfo stepped forward, his face expressionless.
[I've been watching your story from the beginning.]
"M-my story?" Hajin blushed.
[It was a Fable with a meaning. Even out of all those numerous times when the 'Journey to the West' repeated itself, even in this world of Convergence with Beyonders and Djinns, there never had been a Fable that focused itself on the pain of the dying Yogoes.]
Meihouwang, listening to him talk on the side muttered, "Here comes the sermon-loving idiot". Completely disregarding him, Douzhangshengfo continued on.
[However, their pain is their preordained destiny. Not everyone can become protagonists, after all.]
Hajin scratched his head, looking at the Yogoes—the "discarded files" of the world—standing behind him.
"Why do you think so?"
[You speak as if all Yogoes are victims, but not all of them are wrongly thrust into their positions. Some among them had never worked hard once in their lives, while some carry evil intentions and can be even worse than Djinns and Devils of your Universe. Therefore, it is quite obvious that they will never become the main characters.]
Hajin paused for a second.
He remembered Chameleon Troupe.
Mere extras from his novel that were villains. Did they choose to be villains?
No.
If they had a choice themselves would they...
"You're correct. However, just like what you've implied, some of them are not guilty of anything. No, make that quite a lot of them. That's Scenario's fault, not theirs."
In this world, with Hajin, Chameleon Troupe saved people. They helped Earth overcome challenges. Protect what values. Well, they weren't entirely good, but still... He was sure that they won't do something...
'Nah, Jain definitely will,' Hajin's thoughts were interrupted by a familiar face.
"Boss." Hajin whisperred.
He looked at her tired expression. Her dark hair was disheveled.
He had already done it once.
What can stop him now?
[And that is why countless Fables exist in this world. Giant Stories aren't the only good Fables. Those who are nothing more than small, insignificant beings inside a Story can still become the main character of a different Fable.]
He was right. Indeed, as right as it can be. However....
"....That is only applicable when they are allowed to participate in Fables."
There were some creatures in this world that were excluded from entering even those Stories. Beings that were simply spent as expendables in various Fables while not even receiving a single percent of shares.
[AhAhAhAhAhAh]
[ComeComeComeComeComeCome]
"Stories should be permitted to even those who have failed."
The ones that had forgotten about themselves weren't even allowed to enjoy the opportunities of the scenarios.
In the past, Hajin created such characters. And gagged them, making sure that their words would never be heard by others. Just for the main character to grow. Just for a trampoline.
[….Is that what you truly believe?] Douzhanshengfo asked, his unreadable eyes still locked on the group. No, more correctly, he was looking at the powers rising out from Hajin's body.
[And you wish to sacrifice your whole being for them?]
"They are just like me," Hajin replied softly. "I wish to protect them because the Author said they didn't matter. But I'm the one holding the pen now."
The Sun Wukongs exchanged glances.
The Great Sage was yawning with a bored face during Hajin's answer and once he was done, spoke his opinion.
[Are you done with your confirmation? I told you, didn't I? This guy's really like that.]
[...Indeed.] Meihouwang chuckled.
[Seriously, man. Convincing the Buddha is the hardest thing ever.] Bimawen nodded.
No one had a clue what these guys were talking about.
But the group screamed like 'I'm Sorry to interrupt but we need some help'.
"Hajin! Look out!" Boss screamed, her shadow-mana clashing with a legion of stars.
Four Sun Wukongs glanced at the group, while yapping among themselves.
[Okay, so. Who's going to do it, then?]
[I shall do it. I had lost most of my memories after I was granted the Buddhahood, after all.]
[….Well, I guess you being a fakey monk can be helpful in situations like this one.]
Right in the next moment, bright light rose up all around him. And as the Probability's sparks exploded, Hajin's body glowed brightly too, as if I was being electrocuted.
[Someone is dealing with the penalty of 'Probability' in your stead!]
[The penalty of 'Awakening of Original Creator' is being suppressed!]
Hajin felt the madness of the potions and the voice of Kim Chundong go silent.
[I can feel madness from him. That guy is crazy!]
[Ha-ha, that brings back some old memories!]
Four Sun Wukongs seemed to be having fun.
A blinding white light swallowed him.
[Constellation 'Victorious Fighting Buddha' is unleashing the power of Chaos!]
[Constellation 'Most Ancient Liberator' is laughing at your resolve!]
[The Novel's Extra, you're wrong about one thing.] said Douzhanshengfo, as he unleashed the power of Chaos.
[If you was in the same situation as them, this will not help you in understanding Yogoes better. You simply do not have the qualifications to represent them.]
He was right once more.
Hajin couldn't possibly have known anything about the 'Outer Gods' suffering pain and agony as the Yogoes from the 'Journey to the West'.
Because, Hajin was just another actor playing Sun Wukong.
He was just a simple human. An Author of average novel he was lucky enough to transmigrate into as the Extra.
Meihouwang sniggered and remarked sarcastically.
[You should know your place.]
Bimawen quickly added something else.
[Your 'main topic' is not in this place.] The last person to speak up was the Great Sage.
[Leave the matters of Yogoes to other Yogoes. And you, you should live your own Story.]
Only then did Hajin finally figure out what was going on here.
[Great Fable, 'Journey to the West', has begun its storytelling for you.]
But, why? Why were they doing this for Hajin? The Great Sage smirked and replied.
[Because we want to help you. That's all.]
Hajin thought:
'I can hear the loud roars of the upper-rank Outer Gods coming from afar. At the same time, I sensed the power of the Outer Gods strengthening gradually. The percent of shares rose significantly just with the coming of Sun Wukongs.'
Four Sun Wukongs stood all around him.
[So, who'll be the main this time?]
[Of course, it'll be me, the Great Sage.]
[And thus the dumbass Sun Wukong is born.]
[Hey, you. Don't flip your finger like that. You think this is a fusion fantasy?]
In the following moment, Sun Wukongs around Hajin grasped each other's hands.
[Oh, Star Stream! We will be accepting the 'The Novel's Extra' as our fifth self!]
[The Sun Wukongs have accepted 'The Novel's Extra' as their fifth self!]
"Hajin!" Evandel screamed, lunging to embrace the glowing form.
A storm of blinding light exploded.
When it faded, Hajin was gone. In his place stood a giant—a man with platinum-blonde hair, iron-forged muscles, and Fiery Golden Eyes burning in a crimson hue.
[Constellation 'Heavenly Emperor' is baring his Status!]
[T-this can't be...!]
The new Sun Wukong—the Unified Extra—looked down at Evandel.
[Hajin is safe,] the giant whispered, his voice a resonance of five different lives. [So, you're his daughter?]
'Hey! She's not!'
He lowered himself to her eye level, his gaze filled with a lonesome, ancient longing.
[Giant Story, 'The Novel's Extra', is continuing with its storytelling.]
'I told you she's not my daughter... Well technically...'
[Maknae you're too loud!]
Five voices were now debating inside one head.
[It's been so long since we unified. Was it always so loud? He-he], entertained Bimawen clapped his fingers.
'I feel like I'm a Power Ranger,' Hajin sighed.
[Oh, so that's her?] Meihouwang laughed while looking at Boss.
'Hey, why are you..!' Hajin tried to hide his memories from invading.
Emperor's Constellations freaked out.
The Outer Gods were also shocked by the emission of the stupendous level of Status from him. Currently possessing the bodies of the Yogoes, these Outer Gods expressed their fluster at the stunning Status of Chaos rising from this tall man.
[WhoWhoWhoWhoWho]
[HajinHajinHajinHajin?]
The Heavenly Emperor's voice boomed through the incarnation of Fei Hu.
[Why have you stepped forward? We had an agreement!]
The man grinned brightly.
[I didn't break the deal,] the Fifth Sage replied, his eyes igniting. [He's my brother now. And I'm also a Yogoe, you see.]
[Shares of 'Outer God' in the applicable scenario: 40.999%!]
[Star Stream has acknowledged the Probability of the 95th Main Scenario.]
[Main theme of the ⸢Journey to the West⸥ is changing drastically!]
[Main Theme of the 'Journey to the West' has been rewritten!]
===
...
Goal: Reach 100% Outer God Shares
...
===
The
[Nebula, Emperor's, Constellations are descending to the scenario!]
The number flooding in was in another realm altogether compared to Emperor's forces that had entered so far. The remaining Dragon Kings of the Four Seas, and after that, a countless number of immortals and wargods from the Taoist pantheon were incarnating into the scenario.
[Constellation, 'Master of the Immortal Peach Garden', is incarnating into the scenario!]
[Constellation, 'Heaven's Wise Man', is incarnating into the scenario!]
[A great number of Constellations hiding their Modifiers are incarnating into the scenario!]
That wasn't all. Spirits that ruled the plains, the mountains, and the rivers, and even the great cosmic army that guarded the heavenly palaces – an army consisting of over 100 thousand in total blanketed the scenario's sky.
[Great Buddha! Help us!] the enemy Constellations cried out, looking toward Shakyamuni.
The most powerful judge looked at the stage, then at the platinum-blonde giant who had finally found his place in the story.
[Judge 'Shakyamuni' has exited the Scenario.]
The Fifth Sage let out a hysterical laugh that turned into tears.
[HAHHAHHAHAHHH! LMAO!]
Hajin awkwardly lowered his head.
That was hilarious.
[The Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King Li Jing, Prince Nezha, and Erlang Shen. Now that is a nostalgic combination. And not only that, the heavenly palace's lazy-arsed geezers are here too....]
[Great Sage, what's the meaning of this?] Prince Nezha, the very one who tried to suppress Boss earlier, was now brimming full with the power of a Fable incomparably mightier than before. That was because he was no longer playing a role from the Fable chamber, but making an appearance as himself.
Jade Emperor, the only Myth-grade Constellation of Emperor on the stage, stepped forward.
[Sun Wukong. Do you understand? You are starting the 'Great War against the Heavenly Worlds'!]
The giant grinned, his two extra arms manifesting to grip the Extra's Bow and Desert Eagle that transformed into Shotgun form.
[What do you mean, what? I'm here to end this scenario. Not to start a new one.]
The Great Sage's curt reply prompted an immediate opposition from Emperor's Constellations to rise up.
[You can't arbitrarily decide on the conclusion like this!]
[Silence!] Emperor Of Heavens shushed all of the Constellations with his Status. [Then let it be it. The Story will repeat itself.]
[Everyone who will help us defeat the Yogoes and enemies of the Scenario will receive the support of
Hajin felt calm for some reason.
He wasn't worried about anything.(Except for the fact that there were five men inside him ;3)
He felt like he could make the mountains move.
[Maknae, should we begin?]
'I don't like cliches, but...'
[Let's clear that fucking Scenario!]