006

Episode 2 – Protagonist

The subway stopped around halfway past Dongho Bridge.

"Oh my god…"

Several survivors stood up and looked at the scene taking place outside. The ruined Seoul and collapsed buildings. Monsters reminiscent of a giant snake were eating the wreckage of a fighter jet that had crashed into the Han River.

"W-What the hell…!"

I recognized their identity at once. An ichthyosaur. A monster that was commonly called a sea serpent. It would later be classified as a Grade 7 monster in the world of Ways of Survival.

One of the ichthyosaurs looked in this direction.

"U-Uwaaah! It is coming!"

People screamed with fright. But I just looked apathetically at the approaching ichthyosaur. These guys couldn't be a threat.

Kurururung!

The ichthyosaur circled around the bottom of Dongho Bridge and vanished into an air bubble.

In the world of Ways of Survival, 'scenarios' took precedence over anything else. As long as we were protected by the scenario, we wouldn't have to deal with such monsters straight away. At least for now.

[Compensation settlement is delayed due to an unexpected scenario check. Please wait.]

The compensation settlement should've started right now but only an error message floated in the air.

It was probably due to me. I looked down at Kim Namwoon's body, which only had the torso remaining.

According to the original Ways of Survival, Kim Namwoon killed most of the people in this carriage and moved onto the next scenario. But I stopped it.

If my thoughts were right, those who would be angry at Kim Namwoon's death would appear. Here? Not here. They were in the sky above.

[Due to the death of character 'Kim Namwoon', two constellations show a faint hostility to you.

Constellations. They were mysterious beings in Ways of Survival. They sat watching from the distant nebulas and were the masterminds of this tragedy.

Once the constellation's preferences sign appeared, I realized that it was now starting in earnest.

It was funny. A day ago, our positions were opposite. Now they were the ones watching me.

[A handful of constellations admire your scenario.]

[The constellations have sponsored you 500 coins.]

If there were some constellations who disliked me, there would also be some who liked me. Either way, it was an uncomfortable situation. However, I couldn't do anything about them right now. It was my turn to be a clown.

I picked up Kim Namwoon's Swiss knife on the ground and thought.

'Feel free to watch. You will end up paying the admission fee with your lives.'

"…Dokja-ssi? Are you okay?"

I looked up and saw Yoo Sangah's face. Her shoulders were sagging. Blood covered her white blouse and there was a run in her stockings. There was no more of the Yoo Sangah I knew. I held Yoo Sangah's hand and said.

"I'm sorry. I couldn't save the grandmother."

I looked down at the body of the grandmother, missing its head. I didn't know the name of the grandmother. In the future, many people would die in this manner.

Yoo Sangah looked at me with a complicated gaze.

"How is Dokja-ssi so…"

"Yes?"

"Ah, it is nothing. Rather… Thank you."

"What do you mean?"

"That, I…"

I belatedly thought back to the previous scene. I had thrown the net in Yoo Sangah's direction. I knew what she was thinking.

"It was just a coincidence. It won't happen twice."

"Ah…"

Yoo Sangah nodded silently. She didn't know the truth but she was smart. She knew what I meant. Someone lived because of my choice and someone else died. No matter who survived, I didn't deserve a thank you.

[Wow, amazing.]

The dokkaebi appeared in the air.

[What on earth happened here? I was just watching the other carriages…]

There was a mixture of delight and surprise on the dokkaebi's face. Twinkling stars floated over the dokkaebi's head.

I counted the number of stars. One, two, three… Twenty, twenty one. Twenty one in total. He would be happy.

[For 21 people to be connected to my channel… Haha, isn't this quite good? Gosh, thank you for your sponsorship. Constellations. Haha, everyone! Did you properly show off your value?]

The number of stars meant the number of constellations connected to the channel.

21 wasn't a lot, but it was a strange number for a beginner dokkaebi.

[The number of survivors is quite high? The fellow in the next carriage was a nutter as well… It seems that things are quite interesting today.]

The dokkaebi manipulated something in the air. A moment later, a list of survivors came up.

[Survivors from the 3434 Train to Bulgwang, Carriage 3807: Kim Dokja, Lee Hyunsung, Yoo Sangah, Han Myungoh and Lee Gilyoung. A total of five survivors.]

Five people. More people than I thought survived. I looked at the faces of the survivors one by one.

Lee Hyunsung had a good physique and excellent motor skills, so it was expected that he would survive. I even expected Yoo Sangah to a certain extent.

In addition, Lee Gilyoung. If my guess was right, 'Lee Gilyoung' was the name of the boy standing next to me. The fluids from the crushed grasshopper was still on the boy's hands. It was the grasshopper I had squeezed.

The boy was looking at his mother, who lost her head. The boy's mother had abandoned him to join in on killing the grandmother. The boy had just watched the whole thing from beginning to end.

I hesitated for a moment before touching the boy's shoulder. It wasn't foolish sympathy. To put it simple, this was…

That's right. Hypocrisy.

"Kid."

The boy slowly turned his head and in his eyes, I could see the fear of death that he encountered for the first time in his life.

Unavoidable instincts. This boy wasn't grieving his mother's death. He was just afraid of his own death. It was natural. He was human.

"Do you want to live?"

The boy's eyes shook anxiously. His body trembled with a force that couldn't be resisted. Then little by little, the boy's head moved.

"Then let's go together."

Lee Gilyoung moved slowly and came close to my legs. Yoo Sangah was watching me with an impressed expression. I unintentionally caused another misunderstanding. In fact, it was meant to be seen. But the target wasn't Yoo Sangah.

[A few constellations are impressed with your good deed.]

[The constellations have sponsored you 200 coins.]

I couldn't help thinking that it was a low move. But I also wanted to live.

Given the upcoming major events, it was essential to draw the attention of the constellations right now.

"W-Will you release us now? Didn't you get what you wanted?"

Han Myungoh in a torn shirt shouted from half a dozen steps away. Department Head Han Myungoh. He was a lucky human.

But I couldn't help wondering. Why was Han Myungoh riding the subway when he had so much money? This was the man who had shown off a new S class Mercedes-Benz not long ago.

[Hrmm, released? Haven't you seen outside? Do you really want to go out there?]

The dokkaebi chuckled.

[It is somehow admirable. In fact, I didn't expect much from this carriage but you managed to pass the first scenario. This proves that bugs deserve to survive.]

His words made us realize our position. Maybe we were like grasshoppers in his eyes.

[Now now, shouldn't there be a reward for overcoming the hardships? As a reward for the first scenario, you are entitled to the sponsorship of the 'constellations.' Waahhh! How about it? Aren't you looking forward to it? Hmm, you are all unenthusiastic. This is really a big deal.]

The reaction was natural. I was the only one here who knew what 'constellation' or 'sponsorship' was.

The sponsorship of the constellations. The meaning was obvious. One of the key events of Ways of Survival, 'Sponsor Selection' was about to begin.

[Hmm, everybody has confused expressions. I can easily tell you. Right now, you are incredibly weak. If you are thrown into the scenarios that will take place, you will be killed when you meet a weak ground rat, let alone a 'kruk.' But kindly, there are some great people in the universe who pity you and would like to sponsor you. Do you understand what I am saying?]

Lee Hyunsung finally couldn't stand it anymore and opened his mouth.

"What are you saying? Who is sponsoring whom…"

[Hmm, my words are just entering dirty ears. Isn't there an old saying in South Korea? It is better to see it once than listen a hundred times. So experience it directly. Well, the less fortunate ones might not get the chance. Hahahat!]

I was tense. From now on. A good choice here would make my survival in the future easier.

"Dokja-ssi? Two strange choices suddenly appeared in front of me…"

"I don't know even if you ask me."

This was naturally a lie to avoid suspicions. By the way, there were two choices. Yoo Sangah was quite lucky.

"Do it comfortably. Think of it as an aptitude test."

"Aptitude test…"

"Nobody knows what the situation is anyway. Why not do it comfortably?"

"Ah… I understand."

Yoo Sangah closed her mouth and started staring into space. It was a profound expression, as if she had encountered something curious.

The others suddenly became silent. Everyone was reading the options in front of them. I also had my own choices to look at.

[Sponsor Selection]

-Please select your sponsor

-Your chosen sponsor will be your strong supporter.

There were four choices like a riddle. It meant there were four constellations that wanted to turn me into their incarnation.

Four choices wasn't small considering that the protagonist of Ways of Survival received five options the first time.

The constellations never revealed their true name. Therefore, all contractors must infer the identity of the constellations by words such as 'abyssal', 'demonic' and 'garden'.

Of course, this puzzle was nothing to me, the sole reader of Ways of Survival.

Let's see.

First, the 'Abyssal Black Flame Dragon.'

According to my memory, this constellation was a powerful entity that led the group of constellations called the Black Cloud. I forgot his real name but I remember it was a very long name.

The advantage of this constellation was that the contractor could receive a very strong attack power. In the early days when stamina and strength were in urgent need, there was no constellation as strong as the Abyssal Dark Flame Dragon.

Of course, that was limited to the beginning. As the power of this constellation was more frequently used, the mind became corrupted and the contractor would become a mad murderer.

This constellation usually sponsored the people with the 'chuuni' attribute… I didn't know why the constellation picked me. I felt uncomfortable and excluded this guy.

The second one, the Demon-like Judge of Fire.

I can't believe I was actually seeing this option. Somehow, the strong emotions I felt were enormous.

At first glance, the name was overflowing with evil. But this was actually a trap for the wicked. The 'Demon-like' actually meant 'not a demon.' Then the words 'fire' and 'judge' were added.

A being who wasn't a demon and who made judgments through fire. Paradoxically, the master of this constellation was an angel.

If I recalled corrected, it was Archangel Uriel… In fact, I remembered this because someone in the novel picked this constellation as a sponsor.

It was a pretty decent choice. This was pending. The constellations of 'absolute good' imposed ridiculous constraints if you wanted to use their enormous power.

The third, Secretive Plotter. It was the first time that I, the sole reader of Ways of Survival, had seen this choice.

This name might've been mentioned in passing but… I didn't know it right now. If I could read Ways of Survival more thoroughly then I might get a feel of the constellation.

But I was certain that the owner of this constellation wasn't a very strong entity. Apart from the obvious modifier, there wasn't one 'proper noun.'

Secretive Plotter, it was too simple for a constellation. This one was also pending.

Finally, there was Prisoner of the Golden Headband.

My heart jumped the moment I saw the fourth option. I didn't expect this constellation so early. I doubted my eyes several times. But it was unmistakably 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband.'

At first glance, this name gave off a negative image due to the word 'prisoner'. But you had to pay attention to 'Golden Headband.'

Golden Headband. The smallest prison in the world.

It was a hint that anyone would recognize if they enjoyed reading Journey to the West as a child. There was only one prisoner who was held captive by the golden headband in the journey from east to west.

The master of the Mountain of Flowers and Fruit, who lived in suffering due to the shackle on his head. The Handsome Monkey King with the 'golden-gaze, fiery-eyes.'

The Great Sage the Equal of Heaven, Sun Wukong.

Among the characters that appeared in the novel, there was one supported by Sun Wukong.

A wondrous power that could sweep through hundreds of incarnations and to kill thoughts with one lightning strike.

The author had described this part with a lot of energy so my memory of it was clear.

I didn't know why such a powerful constellation was showing me interest but if I became the incarnation of the Great Sage the Equal of Heaven, I would be able to survive in this new world more easily than anyone else.

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But…

I quickly looked at the door connected to the carriage in front. Beyond that door, 'he' was looking at the selection screen like me.

If I chose The Great Sage the Equal of Heaven… Could I win against him?

[There is one minute left to complete the Sponsor Selection.]

Time was running out. I breathed lightly and looked through my options. My worries didn't last long.

007

Episode 2 – Protagonist (2)

[Sponsor Selection has ended.]

I took a deep breath as I watched the messages floating in the air.

[Some constellations are greatly affected by your choice.]

Yes, it was starting now.

[The constellation 'Abyssal Black Flame Dragon' is greatly displeased at your choice.]

[The constellations belonging to Black Cloud are shaken by the anger of the Abyssal Black Flame Dragon. You won't be sponsored by any of the Black Cloud constellations for a while.]

I wasn't surprised because it was an expected message.

To make every member of his group turn away because he was rejected…it seemed that this guy was Kim Namwoon's sponsor in the original work. As expected of the incarnation of this constellation.

[The constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' is disappointed in you.]

[She will persistently monitor your justice in the future.]

In the case of Archangel Uriel, it was just disappointment. In the first place, the constellations of absolute good would rarely hate someone unless they committed a great injustice.

[The constellation 'Secretive Plotter' is interested in your choice.]

[200 coins have been sponsored.]

The Secretive Plotter's case was unexpected. Given the characteristics of the name, maybe he valued my caution.

[The constellation 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' is interested in your choice.]

And the Great Sage the Equal of Heaven…

I was concerned. Did I make the right choice? I didn't know. Maybe I had lost the tremendous opportunity right in front of me.

[You haven't selected a sponsor.]

But choosing a certain constellation meant being limited by that possibility. The sponsor contract was never a fair deal.

I would survive. But I wouldn't survive by being their toys. And if my expectations were right, there was a way to become strong without a constellation. Maybe it was a way to become stronger than the incarnation of the strongest sponsor.

[Haha, is this true…isn't there one interesting choice? Well, yes. There will be another chance.]

The dokkaebi's crescent moon eyes stayed on me for a moment.

[Now now, everyone has finished the selection. Rest here for a while. I have to go prepare the next scenario. I'll see you in 10 minutes!]

After the Sponsor Selection finished, the dokkaebi disappeared. He told us to rest, but these 10 minutes were really crucial.

In 10 minutes, I needed to sort out this situation and prepare for the following scenarios. I tried to recall my abilities in my head.

[Character List] and [Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint].

I didn't know the precise use yet but I had a general sense of these skills. This will work somehow.

"Let's all gather together."

The survivors gathered at my words. The first one to reach out a hand was Lee Hyunsung.

"Hello, I am Lee Hyunsung."

"Kim Dokja."

"Nice to meet you…although I don't know if these words suit the situation. As I said earlier, I am a soldier…well, I should say that I was a soldier."

"You can't contact your unit?"

"…Yes."

The grip around my hand was considerable. As expected from the tanker that appeared in the early stages of Ways of Survival.

I must take Lee Hyunsung with me. He might not look like much now but Lee Hyunsung was an increasingly important figure in the latter parts of Ways of Survival.

"Ah, Dokja-ssi."

"Yes?"

"I wanted to thank you. If it wasn't for Dokja-ssi, we would all be dead."

"No, that isn't the case."

"Even if I had lived, I would've have been able to live as a person. Thank you very much. And…I am ashamed."

Lee Hyunsung bowed deeply. My mind was a bit complicated. In fact, Lee Hyunsung would've survived even if I didn't do anything.

Then somebody grabbed my shoulder.

"Haha, our contractor did one big thing. Dokja-ssi, do you know my name?"

I could tell who it was without looking back. I took the hand off my shoulder and said.

"I know, Han Myungoh-ssi."

"Huh, Han Myungoh-ssi? Shouldn't you call me Department Head?"

Han Myungoh was still trying to use his position in this situation. He really was the king of authoritarianism in Minosoft.

"This isn't the company."

"Hah, look at this. Are you planning to not go work now? Where did you learn your basic etiquette?"

Once I saw Han Myungoh's angry face, I once again realized that the world I knew was over.

The man in front of me was a 'predator' of the world before the scenario began. And I was merely a prey to the predator. It was certainly like that.

"No matter how I think about it, your actions were too much. Yes? If you had the insects then you should've tipped me off. Why would you throw them like that?"

"…"

"Dokja-ssi, you have to be good to me. How much time do you have left on your contract?"

All of a sudden, it became ridiculous. In the world I had lived in, I was too weak.

"Han Myungoh-ssi."

"Eh?"

"Shut up."

"W-What?"

"You still don't understand the situation? Weren't you hit by that bastard earlier? Minosoft? Do you think the company still exists when the end has come?"

Han Myungoh's face was white and stricken.

I turned my eyes towards the other people. Since I was already saying it, I should make it stick.

"Han Myungoh-ssi isn't the only problem. Everyone, you need to wake up. As the dokkaebi said, this isn't a joke."

"…"

"I think you should've all roughly noticed the situation. Exclusive skills in the attributes window. A game-like interface. Is there anyone who still hasn't caught onto facts?"

Indeed, no one raised their hand. South Korea was easy. Due to the high penetration rate of smartphones, there wasn't one person who hadn't played a RPG game.

Even if they didn't play a game, they would've read a fantasy novel at least once.

Lee Hyunsung sighed.

This is like a novel I was reading while standing on duty, but I still can't feel it. This really isn't a dream?"

"This is reality."

My stern answer caused Lee Hyunsung's eyes to slightly change.

[The character 'Lee Hyunsung' feels a faint trust in you.

[Your understanding of the character 'Lee Hyunsung' has increased.]

Lee Hyunsung nodded.

"It is good that you are certain. Then what do we do now? Dokja-ssi, do you have an opinion?"

"We have to go."

I answered without hesitation.

"G-Go? Are you insane?"

"Dokja-ssi, I don't think…"

This time, Yoo Sangah joined it. It seemed everyone still hadn't woken up.

"Then how long we will stay here?"

In fact, my argument didn't make much sense. Outside was a heaven of monsters. But I knew. Right now, we have to get out of here.

"Have you thought about your parents? Do you think your parents are safe in this mess?"

"T-The line has been dead for some time. No Kakaotalk…"

Yoo Sangah cried out desperately.

Indeed, Confucianism was still strong in South Korea. Even Lee Hyunsung and Han Myungoh's expressions darkened at the word 'parents.'

I grasped Lee Gilyoung's shoulder, whose head was bowed. The first person to get up was Yoo Sangah.

"Go. I will go out."

"N-No! Didn't you hear what that thing said? Take a break here! If we move then our heads might explode!"

"Let's take a majority vote."

Yoo Sangah raised her hand first, followed by me and Lee Gilyoung. But it was up to there.

"…I have to go to my base but it seems dangerous to move in this situation. There was also the warning."

"Shit, you all go by yourselves! I'm not going! I'm not going outside!"

I didn't care about Han Myungoh but the problem was Lee Hyunsung. I had to take Lee Hyunsung with me no matter what…

Kuuong!

The thick iron plate made a loud sound. The iron door to carriage 3707 was slightly distorted.

"W-What?"

Han Myungoh's cry was ignored as the iron door made a deafening sound again.

Kuuong!

Someone was trying to break the door from beyond it. This was an unexpected situation so I had to think.

Was it the next scenario? No. The dokkaebi hadn't come back yet. Then…

My brain moved quickly. Small hairs stood up and a short shiver struck my body. That guy.

"W-What? Everybody stop it!"

Han Myungoh shouted and moved towards the door. Lee Hyunsung moved towards it as well but I stopped him.

"You can't stop it."

"Huh?"

"We have to go."

I looked at the iron door with heavy eyes.

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"Huh? But…"

"If we don't go now―"

The only survivor of carriage 3707. I was well aware of who was beyond the iron door.

"We will all die before the next scenario arrives."

Yes, that guy was finally coming. The 'real' protagonist of this story.

008

Episode 2 – Protagonist (3)

I stared straight into Lee Hyunsung and Han Myungoh's eyes and said.

"Do you want to die from that guy beyond the iron door or do you want to try your luck outside the train? Which one will you choose?"

"U-Uh…"

"Dokja-ssi, is there any guarantee that the person beyond the iron door is an enemy?"

The Steel Sword appeared at the crucial moment. There was a reason why Lee Hyunsung couldn't be leader of a party.

"Since they are coming from another carriage, it is likely to be a survivor. If we meet…"

I looked at the bloody room instead of continuing. Lee Hyunsung followed my gaze and quietly spoke.

"…I was too careless. Let's find a way out."

"G-Go! Go quickly!"

At this moment, both people were aware. The other survivors of the carriages would've gone through the same thing as them. They wouldn't have the good luck of finding 'insects.'

"This is broken!"

"Damn, we can't go this way!"

While listening to Lee Hyunsung and Han Myungoh's cries, I also checked the doors. There were no more barriers so the doors could now be touched.

Apart from the doors connecting the passageways, there were a total of eight access doors on the subway. There were three exits that hadn't been confirmed yet.

Kung!

The iron door seemed like it could barely hold on for one minute.

Despite being the main character, I didn't think he would have such high strength in the beginning. I was honestly surprised that he could break such a thick iron door.

"Dokja-ssi! Here―"

I found a working manual switchgear.

"No!"

The opening and closing device worked smoothly but the door didn't open at once. They door opened around one fifth before stopping like it was jammed.

"…It seems to be broken here as well."

"How about other places?"

"This seems to be the only place where we can escape."

It was unknown for a child. But the gap was too narrow for men and women to escape. Han Myungoh and Lee Hyunsung tried to pull the doors open but they didn't move a bit.

[Coins Possessed: 4700 C]

One of the uses of the coins was to raise overall stats. I had already used 2,700 coins to make my stamina level 10.

This problem could be resolved if I used the remaining coins to enhance my strength. But it wasn't wise to use the coins when the situation was unknown.

In the end, there was only one way.

"Lee Hyunsung-ssi. Use a skill."

"Huh? "Skill…"

I quietly activated Character List.

[The exclusive skill, Character List is activated.]

[Character Information]

Name: Lee Hyunsung

Age: 28 years old.

Constellation Sponsor: Master of Steel.

Private Attribute: Soldier who Turned a Blind Eye to Injustice (General)

Exclusive Skills: Bayonet Skills Lv. 2, Camouflage Lv. 2, Patience Lv. 2.

Stigma: Great Mountain Push Lv. 1

Overall Stats: Stamina Lv. 8, Strength Lv. 8, Agility Lv. 7, Magic Power Lv. 5.

Overall Evaluation: The overall stats are very good. Despite turning away from injustice, he received the choice of a constellation. This is another opportunity for him.

Lee Hyunsung's information came to my mind without any restrictions. Fortunately, the sponsor was the same as what I read in Ways of Survival.

"You should've checked it when you opened the attributes window. Lee Hyunsung is a soldier so there must be a skill you can use in this situation."

"Well…I have one but how do I use it―"

"Just think about using the skill."

"…Will that work?"

"It will. I did it earlier."

Lee Hyunsung didn't say anything else as he took a deep breath of determination.

"Haaap!"

Lee Hyunsung's biceps swelled as he grabbed the door. It was the appearance of Great Mountain Push.

In fact, Great Mountain Push wasn't a skill but a 'stigma.' And a stigma was a power from the constellation. I used the word 'skill' in order to avoid suspicions.

Dudududu.

There was a sound like a huge spring turning and the door started to move.

"What? This guy has real strength!"

"That's it! It is really great!"

[The character 'Lee Hyunsung' has started to trust you.]

[Your understanding of the character 'Lee Hyunsung' has increased.]

Rather than doubts, my reliability had risen. Lee Hyunsung was a simpler person than I thought.

"Come on, get off!"

But I felt relieved. I handed Lee Gilyoung to Lee Hyunsung.

"Lee Hyunsung-ssi. Carry the child on your back."

"I understand."

Now the iron door was almost broken. But if my prediction was right, the problem right now wasn't that iron door.

[…Ah, this is really. I knew this would happen. Didn't I saw it earlier? I told you not to go anywhere, Damn! The scenario isn't ready yet-]

The dokkaebi seemed to be angry as it floated over Dongho Bridge.

"Wahh! I knew this would happen! I told you not to come out!"

Han Myungoh wrapped a hand around his head, like he thought it would explode. But there was no need to worry.

[Sigh…it can't be helped. You are really lucky humans.]

It was because the second scenario started the moment the train door was opened.

[The second scenario has arrived!]

[Second Scenario – Escape]

Category: Sub

Difficulty: E

Clear Conditions: Cross the broken bridge and enter Oksu Station.

Time Limit: 20 minutes.

Compensation: 200 coins.

Failure: ?

"Dokja-ssi, something is strange. It says the 'broken bridge' but the bridge is still…"

"Don't worry and just run! Quickly!"

"U-Understood!"

In fact, Yoo Sangah was right. The bridge hadn't been broken yet. In other words, the 'bridge was going to be broken.'

"Dokja-ssi, come quickly!"

"I'm coming."

It hadn't been broken yet because we got off the train 'too soon.' The dokkaebi said the preparation time was 10 minutes. But we escaped three minutes earlier.

Some people might call it cowardly but this scenario couldn't be cleared without such a shortcut. Especially if I was stuck with burdens such as Yoo Sangah and Lee Gilyoung.

"Pant, pant. Indeed, Lee Hyunsung-ssi is a soldier and has high stamina."

"Don't open your mouth. You will lose strength."

Lee Hyunsung was running first with the kid. He was a natural monster who didn't invest any coins in his stats, yet the sum of his strength, stamina and agility exceeded 23.

The next one was Han Myungoh and then Yoo Sangah with me in the rear. It would be close but I thought we could make it in time.

"Ah, what is that?"

At this time, Han Myungoh's scream was heard. There was a huge whirlpool in the centre of Han River, letting out splashes of water.

And a giant monster was at the centre of the splashes. An ichthyosaur. The problem was that the ichthyosaur seemed to be twice the size of the one I saw through the window.

This wasn't a sea serpent…it was a sea commander.

A general sea serpent was only a grade 7 monster. Given that a grade 9 monstrous land rate was difficult for normal humans to cope with, an average human would be torn apart by a grade 7 monster.

In other words, the guy coming now wasn't a monster that could be caught in the early stages. Of course, there was no need to catch it. It wasn't created to be caught.

Ku ku ku ku!

The Han River surged like there was a tsunami and the ichthyosaur moved. It was chewing on the legs of the bridge.

"The bridge is breaking!"

"Run! If we run then we can cross it!"

The remaining distance was around 200 metres. If my calculations were correct, we could cross before the bridge collapsed at our current speed.

[There is no fun if the game is too easy.]

Of course, this was a story for when there were no variables.

[The scenario difficulty has been adjusted.]

[Scenario difficulty: E - D]

The sound of the dokkaebi's laughter was heard.

[Is there any fun if you just run away? Let's create a bit of atmosphere!]

[The evil thoughts of the dead have returned.]

[The surrounding earth is filled with black ether.]

[The demonic people have woken up!]

There was the sound of something chasing us from behind. Yoo Sangah muttered to herself.

"Z-Zombies?"

Zombie-like bodies were coming in huge waves. Some of them were people from the same carriage as us.

"We just need to go a little further! Quickly!"

The distance to the ichthyosaur was now less than a hundred metres. Fortunately, Lee Hyunsung carried Lee Gilyoung and had crossed the safety line. The problem was the rest of us, including me. Han Myungoh shrieked.

"Y-You bastards!"

There were too many demonic people. If there were only corpses from the subway, we might've gotten away. The problem was…

"Kuweeeoooh!"

The drivers who died on the bridge became demonic people. The path that Lee Hyunsung broke through was covered with demonic people. I looked between the demonic people on the road and the approaching ichthyosaur.

"…Everybody get down."

It was too late.

Kwaaaaang!

The legs of the bridge shook tremendously as the ichthyosaur's huge mouth bit it.

The scales of the ichthyosaur shone through the dust that poured down onto Han River like rain. A fishy smell of blood and water filled the area.

I staggered and raised my body.

Once the dust went away, the scenery around me was clear. Piles of shattered concrete and cut steel. The carcasses of the demonic people which the ichthyosaur had cleanly bitten through.

The broken leg of the bridge.

"…Dok…sii…kay?"

Yoo Sangah and Han Myungoh raised their bodies from a little further away.

One of Han Myungoh's legs seemed injured and uncomfortable from the previous quake.

Lee Hyunsung and Lee Gilyoung cried out from across the bridge but their voices seemed blocked by the safety zone.

What should I do? I made plans on the basis of the bridge breaking. But I hadn't expected Han Myungoh and Yoo Sangah to be with me.

At that moment, a voice was heard in the air.

[Someone has received the favour of a constellation.]

[The constellation's scenario 'Deus Ex Machina' has been activated.]

Along with the voice, a brilliant bridge made of light was created among the remnants of the broken Dongho Bridge. Then a message floated in front of me.

[Deus Ex Machina – Even Bridge]

Description: A bridge of light made by a constellation. Only an 'even' number of people can cross the bridge. The bridge will disappear as soon as an 'odd' number of people tries to cross it.

"Dokja-ssi. This, in my head, suddenly―"

I met the eyes of Yoo Sangah, who was talking nonsense. I could roughly guess the situation.

Deus Ex Machina. Constellations risked a huge loss by intervening in scenarios.

"…It is Yoo Sangah-ssi's sponsor."

I didn't know what constellation it was but somebody had chosen Yoo Sangah as their incarnation and wanted her to live.

Deus Ex Machine was a rare phenomenon in Ways of Survival. And Yoo Sangah was a person who should've already died.

I had a moment of doubt. What type of constellation was behind Yoo Sangah?

[The information of this person can't be read in 'Character List.']

[This person isn't registered in 'Character List.']

I was a bit surprised.

I couldn't see her with my skill? Why? Did she have a special background? Or did she have a mental barrier? But if she had something like that from the beginning…no, wait a minute. Perhaps this was…

"Dokja-ssi, what do we do now?"

I heard Yoo Sangah's bewildered voice. I didn't have much time to think.

Ku ku ku ku!

The Han River was swirling. The ichthyosaur had eaten one bridge leg and was turning its huge body around on the other side of Han River. I bit my lips and once again read the explanation of the bridge.

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Only an 'even' number of people could cross the bridge.

In the end, 'Deus Ex Machina' was a toy made by the damn constellations who loved tragedies.

There was no way for everyone to survive.

Han Myungoh's body was shaking as his eyes met mine.

In the end, somebody must die.

009

Episode 2 – Protagonist (4)

At this moment, Yoo Sangah shouted.

"Dokja-ssi! Behind you!"

I reflexively leaned forward as a bloody fist came flying through the air. It was a familiar fist covered with energy.

I felt something falling towards me and instinctively kicked out. I didn't need to look back to know what was behind me.

A grade 9 human type, demonic person. Human mutants infected with black ether.

That's why demonic people were classified as a high-risk species, despite being grade 9. Demonic people made from a normal human base were no different from zombies, but it was particularly dangerous if their hosts were different.

I saw the badge of the school student with a damaged head.

"…Kim Namwoon."

The guy whose head burst a few minutes ago was now aiming for me as a demonic person.

Kim Namwoon's vocal cords that burst out were in a bizarre shape.

"Kuweeeoooh."

[Exclusive skill, Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint Lv. 1 has been activated!]

[This person doesn't have any consciousness. The skill Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint will be cancelled.]

Damn, it was as expected.

Chwaack!

My thigh was scratched by Kim Namwoon's overgrown black fingernails.

A pain that felt like a burn spread through my leg. The skin which hadn't been cut by a knife was now torn by fingernails.

This was the main reason why demonic people were dangerous. The demonic people became several times stronger than when they were human.

"Yoo Sangah-ssi, immediately―"

I felt something as I spoke. Without looking back, I could see what was going on.

"Let me go! Let go! Dokja-ssi! Dokja-ssi!"

Han Myungoh, who had just been limping, was carrying Yoo Sangah over one shoulder and moving across the bridge at an astonishing rate.

[The constellation 'Secretive Plotter' admires how easy you are to fool.]

[The constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' is impressed with your sacrifice.]

[100 coins have been sponsored.]

…Indeed. Planning to leave me?

By the way, the way he was running was a little strange. Despite being on one leg, he was running as fast as an Olympic athlete.

This couldn't be the exclusive skill of Han Myungoh, who had a big belly. Therefore, it must be the stigma of his sponsor.

[The One-legged Swift Horse]

And I already knew the constellation who provided that stigma. I used Character List on the distant Han Myungoh.

[The information of this person can't be read in 'Character List.']

Once again, Character List didn't work properly.

If I remembered correctly, the stigma of 'One-legged Swift Horse' came from the constellation Lame Trickster.

Lame Trickster didn't give any stigmas in the mental barrier system. In addition, Han Myungoh couldn't possess such a skill from the beginning. In other words, my skill failed not because of Han Myungoh's ability.

…I was stupid.

I looked at the message window floating in front of me and laughed.

[This person isn't registered in 'Character List.']

I was thinking too hard when it meant literally that. Character List literally read the information of characters.

Yoo Sangah and Han Myungoh were characters who didn't originally appear in Ways of Destruction. They were people who would've died if I hadn't saved them. It was natural that I couldn't confirm their information with Character List.

"Gruk! Gruk! Gruk!"

On one side, the incoming Kim Namwoon and demonic people were jabbering nonsense at me. On the other side, Han Myungoh had already halfway crossed the bridge. Lee Hyunsung and Lee Gilyoung had already entered the safety zone across the bridge so I couldn't ask for help from them.

This was truly a predicament. I couldn't cross the bridge alone.

My brain moved quickly.

Should I capture one of the demonic people and cross the bridge? It was worth trying, but the success rate was too low. Unlike the name, the demonic people were categorized as non-human, meaning they didn't count as a person.

"Kuaaaack!"

Several demonic people lost their balance and fell down the bridge.

Kwajijijik!

The fallen demonic people became the food of the ichthyosaurs. Like piranhas, the ichthyosaurs broke the demonic people into dozens of pieces in an instant.

Distant fear came flooding back in. If the number of people on the bridge became 'odd' for even a moment, I would be like them. It was impossible to cross alone.

Then?

"…Let's take it slow."

I muttered as I attempted to control myself. Right now, I needed to remain calm. There were still a few usable methods, but the important thing was to handle matters in front of me. I controlled my breathing and walked to the demonic people.

"Kuweeok?"

Fortunately, it wasn't difficult to make the fall down the bridge using inertia.

Kyaaaack – kwajijik!

I reduced the numbers by making them fall steadily. The dokkaebi's stopwatch floating in the air was blinking.

The time remaining before the scenario ended was 15 minutes.

"Sigh…"

Nails flew from a blind spot and pierced my shoulder bone. No matter how calm my mind, no matter how much information I knew, I couldn't help my untrained body.

"Kuwoooook!"

The wild Kim Namwoon's attacks were becoming increasingly faster.

Left shoulder.

The right thigh.

The top of the head.

I had to break the flow. I barely avoided the flying fingernails and kicked his legs.

"Kyah?"

But this person lost all senses and wasn't hurt at all. I stepped back, hitting a broken steel frame. I could hear the raging sound of the ichthyosaurs at the bottom of the pillars.

[A few constellations are rejoicing in your adversity.]

[The constellations have sponsored you 200 coins.]

It was a steady accumulation of coins. Now I held 5,000 coins. It was a significant number of coins for the beginning.

[Wow, you are quite good at surviving. Now now! Will any constellations help this poor friend?]

It was the dokkaebi's merchant-like voice. I wanted to tear it apart.

[Geez, there is really nobody?]

Of course.

It would be strange for a constellation to support me after what happened during the Sponsor Selection.

[What did I say? You should've chosen well when you had the change. How pitiful.]

Kim Namwoon attacked me again and again, resulting in damage to my waist.

Of course, I also injured Kim Namwoon's left side with the knife. Thanks to that, his stomach was hanging out like a skipping rope.

In order to kill a demonic person, I had to completely destroy the heart. But the skin of a demonic person was hardest near the heart. The Swiss knife wasn't able to pierce it with sharpness alone.

Dammit, it wouldn't be so hard if I had just one combat skill.

[The exclusive skill 'Bookmark' is activated.]

…Bookmark?

['Character Bookmarks' is activated.]

[Available Bookmark Slots: 3]

[Bringing up the list of available bookmarks.]

[People Listed in the Bookmark Slots]

Bookmark. I've read over 3,000 chapters of Ways of Survival and I never saw this skill name before. But I intuitively knew how to use it.

"Activate bookmark number one."

There was the feelings of pages turning in my head. It was the scenes of Kim Namwoon in Ways of Destruction.

「Hahahahat! I'm full of strength! 」

「Die! Die! Die! Die!」

「A new world requires new laws.」

Kim Namwoon's memories crowded in and all of my muscle nerves started to tense up. The power of another person was spiking within me.

[The number one bookmark has been activated.]

[The level of the Bookmark skill is low, shortening the activation time.]

[Activation Time: One minute.]

One minute. That was enough.

[Your understanding of the character is low, so only a part of the character's skill is activated.]

[Blackening Lv.1 has been activated.]

Kim Namwoon was breathing roughly as he rushed towards me. His body was covered with a black energy that was threatening me.

I firmly placed strength on the heels of my feet and rushed towards Kim Namwoon. If we had the same skill, I absolutely wouldn't lose.

At this moment, I really was Kim Namwoon. I was the crazy killer who ruled the world of 'Ways of Survival' with the protagonist.

In a situation where Blackening was properly played, the Delusion Demon of the battlefield couldn't be easily beaten.

"Kyaaack!"

The Swiss knife cut through uncomfortable sensations. It tore through muscles and flesh.

From the upper left arm to the heart. There was the sound of a whole human being cut up as Kim Namwoon staggered. If he still had eyes, he would be glaring at me right now.

"Kuoh, kill. Ohhh. D.i.e"

The young man who felt pessimistic towards the world and dreamt of breaking away from it. If Ways of Survival hadn't started, he might've gone to university after sitting his CSAT and enjoyed campus life.

"…Don't, want…to…die"

I watched Kim Namwoon falling down the bridge without saying farewell. Despite him being a hated figure, I couldn't help feeling strange emotions.

[Your understanding of the character 'Kim Namwoon' has increased.]

[The number one bookmark has been disabled.]

A surge of fatigue overcame me as the power went away.

It was hard. Really.

"Kuwoooook!"

There was 10 minutes remaining. There were still many demonic people moving about.

It was unreasonable to take on so many even with Lv. 10 stamina. But from the beginning, I had no intention of taking care of them alone.

It was a little late. He should appear around now.

Kwajik! Kwajijijik!

There was a crackling sound like he had been waiting. I knew it. I thought he would do reckless things in order to gain achievements and donations.

Kwajijik! Crunch.

It was obviously the sound of a person's flesh colliding with another body, but it sounded more like a mace crushing flesh.

In fact, I had collected this much coins and thought it would be worth challenging the protagonist.

But now I realized how mistaken I was.

From the stationary train, the demonic people were thrown away in a straight line, as if a tank had rushed through. Was this really a scene caused by a 'human'?

"Kyaack?"

The headless demonic people realized that something was strange and started turning around. However, it was too late.

Kwajijik!

The man destroyed all the demonic people threatening me and appeared in front of me. An overwhelming force without any weapons. He beat the demonic people with only two fists.

I had prepared my mind in advance but sweat still flowed down my back.

Dealing with this guy? It was absolutely impossible. I couldn't win even if my overall stats rose by more than double what they were now.

"You, who are you?"

The man's cool gaze turned to me. I reflexively turned on Character List in order to overcome the fear.

[The exclusive skill, Character List is activated.]

[There is too much information about this person. Character List is converted to Summary List.]

[Character Summary]

Name: Yoo Jonghyuk.

Attribute: Regressor (3rd turn) (Myth), Pro Gamer (Rare)

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Exclusive Skills: Sage's Eyes Lv. 8, Hand to Hand Combat Lv. 8, Weapons Training Lv. 8, Mental Barrier Lv. 5, Crowd Control Lv. 5, Reasoning Lv. 5, Lie Detection Lv. 4…

The list of exclusive skills continued endlessly. Before I could get to the end of the list, a rugged hand appeared and grabbed my neck.

"You, how the hell are you alive?"

The 'first way' to survive in a ruined world. The one who proved that method was right in front of me.

Regressor Yoo Jonghyuk. The grand tragedy of this world began with this person.

010

Episode 2 – Protagonist (5)

It would be quite a ludicrous sight if anyone else saw it. A large adult man was being grabbed by the neck and hanging like a monkey.

I could see Lee Hyunsung looking this way from across the bridge. His expression was anxious but he couldn't actually see what was going on here. It was due to the safety ward. I could see over there but they couldn't see here.

"Name."

"What?"

"What is your name?"

Look at this indifferent way of talking, just like a main character. But it wasn't good to provoke him here.

"Kim Dokja."

"A strange name."

"I've heard that a lot."

At this moment, my stomach sank in and felt turned inside out as Yoo Jonghyuk's fist hit it.

"…Ugh."

Despite having skin that a knife bounced off, the attack was very painful.

"You have a solid body. Have you already mastered the use of coins?"

"It is the same with you…"

Bam. There was a hit to my stomach again. I barely managed to swallow back a groan.

This guy, the level of his strength was at least 15. It was at this scale despite only one main and one sub scenario occurring. Indeed, natural born monsters were different.

"Stop the unnecessary answer. Only answer what I ask from now on. Understood?"

I didn't answer. I thought maybe this might happen. However, this was the worst situation that I desperately hoped would never happen.

In the beginning, Yoo Jonghyuk was more intimidating than any other figure.

His personality had worn out after going through regression three times. His principles were cut away in order to maintain his sense of self. The current Yoo Jonghyuk would never hesitate for the sake of his purpose.

"Your answer?"

"…I will."

"Use honorifics."

"What if I don't want to?"

This time, I raised both hands to block the fist. The pain felt like my bones had broken but the shock was dissipated. Yoo Jonghyuk's eyes widened like he was a bit surprised.

[The character 'Yoo Jonghyuk' is on guard against you.]

Then it didn't matter. I wasn't going to be a punching bag just because he was the main character.

"I'm sorry but you are younger than me, pro gamer Yoo Jonghyuk-ssi. Therefore, you should be the one using honorifics."

"…You know me?"

"I know. I am the employee of a game company."

It was a lie. Even if I worked for a game company, it was impossible to memorize the names of all professional gamers. In addition, until recently, 'Yoo Jonghyuk' was just a character in a novel.

"You are famous. At one time, I was a fan."

Being famous was just a setting of the plot. However, it wasn't a lie that I was a 'fan.'

I liked, hated, grumbled and cheered Yoo Jonghyuk on. That's why I stuck with Yoo Jonghyuk for over 3,000 chapters.

"Fan. I haven't heard that in a long time."

Yoo Jonghyuk had a look of nostalgia in his eyes, like he was locked in his memories. However, it was only for a moment.

"I'll forgive your impudence this time. But your situation hasn't changed."

"I can see that."

I looked down at my two legs swaying over a blank space.

"I have only one thing I want to ask."

"Ask."

"How did you survive on the subway?"

It was the question I expected.

"Will you spare me if I answer?"

"I'll see."

It was a lie. I could tell just by looking at his face. I was the only reader of Ways of Survival. Numerous possible repertoires were simulated in my head. What could I say to convince this damn regressor?

[Your understanding of the character 'Yoo Jonghyuk' is increasing.]

[Your understanding of this person is already very high.]

…Huh?

[The conditions of use for the exclusive skill 'Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint' stage 2 has been reached!]

[Do you want to activate the exclusive skill?]

Then after a moment, I was able to read someone's thoughts like a waterfall in my head.

「 Only Lee Hyunsung and Kim Namwoon should've survived in that carriage. 」

「 Yet Kim Namwoon died and the others survived. 」

「 How did you survive? 」

「 Who the hell is this guy? 」

「 Dig up information. Then if I find any disturbing elements… Kill. 」

A dense flicker of thoughts.

It was obviously a crisis situation but I couldn't prevent the corners of my mouth from going up.

The time remaining until the scenario ended was 5 minutes.

I started the story. I told the story using as much concise, short and accurate vocabulary as possible.

It was from the first moment the 'dokkaebi' appeared in the subway to the end of the first scenario. Of course, I excluded the skills I got and any important issues.

"…You cleared the scenario by killing insects?"

"We were lucky."

Yoo Jonghyuk was so surprised he seemed to have forgotten that his mouth was open.

「 The future has completely changed. 」

He was shocked. Originally, the people in carriage 3807 would kill each other in a battle royale, with only Lee Hyunsung and Kim Namwoon surviving.

"You have keen eyes. How did you know there were insects in the carriage?"

Killing Intent filled Yoo Jonghyuk's eyes as thoughts brushed through my head.

「 Is this guy also a regressor? 」

「If so, I have to kill him right now. 」

A person who commits a fault thinks that everyone speaks of it.

I wasn't surprised that he misunderstood me. I quickly opened my mouth.

"An explosion."

"Explosion?"

"I was able to find an insect due to an explosion from the carriage in front."

Yoo Jonghyuk's body stopped at these words.

"Explain it in a simpler manner."

"When the explosion occurred, a kid fell and dropped his insect collecting net. I picked it up by chance."

"…It is a suspicious coincidence."

"Coincidences are always suspicious. If you don't believe me, ask the people beyond the ward. The boy standing there dropped the net."

Beyond the safety barrier on the way to Oksu Station, people were looking over at this side. The scenario wasn't over yet so they couldn't approach or talk to us.

Yoo Jonghyuk looked over but showed no signs of moving. His eyes changed and memories that seemed to belong to Yoo Jonghyuk crossed my mind.

「 I see. 」

「 Explosion. 」

「This guy isn't a regressor. 」

「He isn't the one who changed the future. Rather, the future changed…」

「 Because of me. 」

I saw people dying painfully in a powerful explosion and Yoo Jonghyuk blankly watching it.

「 It is because I started killing them, unlike the other turns. 」

Due to the impact of Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint, I could feel Yoo Jonghyuk's mental pain and suffering.

"Are your questions over?"

"…Yes."

"Then can you let me go? And let's go to Oksu together. There isn't much time remaining to clear the scenario."

'It is difficult."

However, a protagonist was a protagonist for a reason.

"Everything you said makes perfect sense."

I have never seen a protagonist as careful as Yoo Jonghyuk.

「 A beginner can't be so calm. 」

「He is abnormally well-adjusted to this changed world. 」

「He probably killed Kim Namwoon. 」

「 He has gone beyond being useful to being dangerous. 」

Yoo Jonghyuk's right eye started shining with a gold colour. I quickly realized what he was doing. In fact, it would be weird if this guy didn't use 'that.'

Sage's Eyes. Yoo Jonghyuk's strongest detection skill. Sage's Eyes was the SS-grade skill that showed the target's attributes window as well as hidden information.

As long as he used it, I couldn't avoid revealing my identity. On the other hand, I thought it was a good thing.

I still didn't know my 'attribute' and 'skills'. If Yoo Jonghyuk discovered my information, I would also be able to know about myself. Then hopefully, I would be able to use the information I learned to escape this situation.

[The exclusive skill, 'Fourth Wall' is activated!]

[Fourth Wall has detected the use of the detection skill Sage's Eyes!]

Sparks flew in the air and Yoo Jonghyuk's body staggered.

「…Kuk, what? 」

Yoo Jonghyuk covered his right eye and watched me with confusion.

"You…what is your identity?"

I'm sorry but I was wondering the same thing.

[The exclusive skill Fourth Wall has blocked Sage's Eyes!]

I didn't know that I had a skill that would defend against Sage's Eyes. After Bookmark, it was Fourth Wall.

This complicated things. Yoo Jonghyuk wouldn't believe me now.

「 I must kill him here. 」

He was a person who didn't trust what he didn't know.

"Yoo Jonghyuk."

Then I also need to change plans.

"You need a reliable companion."

"…What do you mean?"

"You can't break through the 46th scenario alone. Shouldn't you be well aware of it?"

Yoo Jonghyuk's eyes narrowed.

"How do you know this? Perhaps you―"

"It doesn't matter how I am."

I stared straight into Yoo Jonghyuk's eyes and said.

"The important thing is that I can help you."

「 He isn't a regressor. If he was a regressor, I wouldn't be unware of him. 」

「 Then who is this person? 」

「 …Perhaps? 」

If I couldn't hide my hand and if I didn't possess the best hand, then there was only one way out. It was to show a hand that would make the other person misunderstand.

"Yoo Jonghyuk, I know the future that you don't know."

[The character 'Yoo Jonghyuk' has used the 'Lie Detection' skill.

[Lie Detection has confirmed that your words are the truth.]

Yoo Jonghyuk's eyes slowly widened.

"…How?"

"How else?"

「 No way. There was a prophet other than Anna Croft? It is also in South Korea? 」

Prophet. In Ways of Survival, it was the only attribute that could see the future and had the passive of 'nullifying all detection skills.' In fact, only one person had the attribute of 'prophet' in the world of Ways of Survival.

「 Only a prophet can defend against my Sage's Eyes. 」

I didn't answer and Yoo Jonghyuk bit his lips.

"Can you perhaps use 'Future Sight'?"

"It is something similar."

"You knew I would come here."

"Yes."

「 I see. If this man is a prophet, all his actions are convincing. 」

The flow was changing. Yoo Jonghyuk's fluctuation was conveyed straight away. This was the only chance.

"I know that Yoo Jonghyuk has special powers. You also know things about the future. Isn't that right?"

"…"

"But that knowledge is never perfect."

The only weakness of a regressor.

It meant that the future changed when they used their information of the future. In other words, all those who regressed would eventually live in a 'world they don't know.'

"Make me your companion. I can fill in the parts you are missing."

There was no companion as good as a 'prophet' to the present Yoo Jonghyuk. In fact, my present self could play a role similar to a prophet. It was because I was the only reader of this story.

[There is one minute to the end of the scenario.]

Yoo Jonghyuk bowed his head and started to think.

「 A prophet will certainly be helpful. 」

[There are 50 seconds left to complete the scenario.]

「Not just the 46th scenario, but later when fighting the 'chalatustra.' But… can I really believe him? 」

[There are 40 seconds left to the end of the scenario.]

「 Companion. 」

Finally, Yoo Jonghyuk raised his head as I stared at the clock with an irritated heart.

"I have decided. I will make you my companion."

[Excessive immersion has severely worn out your mental strength.]

[Exclusive skill, Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint has been turned off.]

I wasn't sure if it was due to fatigue or relief but the exclusive skill was released. Now Yoo Jonghyuk's face was as difficult as a philosophy book with no commentary written.

Yoo Jonghyuk started to take me across the 'Even Bridge.' Of course, I was still held by the collar but…I thought things would be all right now. I persuaded this damn regressor and was in a good position.

We had almost crossed the Even Bridge and were right in front of the safe area when Yoo Jonghyuk suddenly stopped.

"I will ask you one last thing."

"What?"

"If you are really a prophet, you should know your future. Isn't that right?"

The moment I saw Yoo Jonghyuk's serene eyes, goosebumps broke out. His test wasn't over yet. The grip holding my collar tightened.

"Keok."

His hand raised me up a little bit and a gentle wind passed by my feet. Underneath me was completely empty.

The smell of blood mixed in with the smell of Han River as the ichthyosaurs jumped towards their prey with open mouths.

"Will I let go of this hand or won't I?"

For the first time, I started sweating. Let me think. Even without his thoughts, I knew this guy more than anyone else. I closed my eyes and thought about Yoo Jonghyuk.

[There are 20 seconds left to the end of the scenario.]

Then I came to a conclusion.

"Yoo Jonghyuk."

I was certain about what he would do. No matter how I thought about it, there was no other ending when it came to Yoo Jonghyuk.

I talked as I watched a sea commander approaching in the water.

"I will tell you two things first."

"…What?"

"One, I'm not your subordinate. So I hope you will treat me fairly from now on."

"…"

"Two, I will cooperate with you but you also have to promise to cooperate with me."

Yoo Jonghyuk looked at me with interest and nodded.

"Well, what is your answer?"

I replied with a smile.

"Get your hand off me and get lost, you damn jerk."

Then the power holding me disappeared. I was grabbed by the force of gravity. I saw Yoo Jonghyuk's face as I was falling. Yoo Jonghyuk was smiling brightly like something made him happy.

Son of a bitch.

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"I believe you. You are definitely a prophet."

Waiting for me at my crash point was the mouth of the giant sea commander.

I closed my eyes from the shock of the impact along with the cold water of Han River. As I sucked in a breath, a warm and enormous darkness swallowed me up.

[You have failed to clear the scenario.]

…Damn, I have to use that method after all.