Everyone got back to their seats with Dokja in the middle of the kids. Bihyung is on his lap now that their contract has been fully exposed with Joonghyuk behind him. Sangah and Seolhwa on his right while Hyunsung and Jihye on his left. Heewon is behind them with Sooyoung.

They are all still confused as to the information they had gotten from the episode like the fact that they are characters from a novel as well as Dokja being the only reader to this novel. Still, more answers would be answered if they keep watching so they all sit down patiently for the next episode to start.

Junghwa fidgets the computer before it starts the next episode.

A meteor shower was pouring down in the starry sky. It was a sight that anyone would admire, but not Yoo Jonghyuk.

「 It is starting. 」

The meteor shower was the precursor to the third main scenario starting. Now Seoul would be destroyed one by one according to the scenario. Yoo Jonghyuk looked up at the sky before bowing his head and looking at the Han River.

The landscape around Dongho Bridge was quite desolate since the large group of ichthyosaurs had recently moved downstream.

「 It was too much. 」

It had already been three days since Kim Dokja entered the Han River. It might've been too much to demand that he catch the ichthyosaur at the first level.

「Indeed, it would be hard for me to catch an ichthyosaur in three days. 」

But it would be impossible to take him if he couldn't do this much. If he couldn't even do this much, it would only hinder Yoo Jonghyuk.

「 A prophet isn't a big deal. 」

Yoo Jonghyuk closed his eyes with disappointment. He would go on his own again. Without any companions.

It wasn't a big deal. He had been alone all this time.

「 This time I will definitely change it. 」

Yoo Jonghyuk turned around.

But maybe he had turned away too soon.

Dokja looked at Joonghyuk in surprise, "You waited for me?" Dokja asks curiously, his expression in shock to learn of this information as Joonghyuk nods.

"Yes, I did. Perhaps I turned away too soon seeing as how you are alive now," he speaks as he keeps watching himself on the screen.

Huh, so it was a test. Dokja suddenly feels giddy in his heart because Joonghyuk had trusted him to wait 3 days before leaving.

Damn, he feels like he disappointed him in some way. Then again, it did take Dokja 4 days to escape from the stomach.

"Wait…!"

[W-What?]

Dokja blinked several times but could only see a grey-white ceiling. He was still inside the ichthyosaur. I turned my head and saw the surprised Bihyung.

"…I had a dream."

"Was that what you dreamt of, Dokja-ssi?" Seolhwa asks curiously as Dokja frowns. He doesn't remember that particular dream when he was passed out in the stomach of the ichthyosaur for some reason.

"I can't recall, perhaps because I was so tired I forgot about it?"

[Ohu, are you trying to raise curiosity? It isn't bad?]

He didn't mean to do such a thing but he didn't mind the misunderstanding.

[A few constellations want you to move to a new place quickly.]

"Yes, move quickly please, we need to see what the future holds!" Alyssa Black Flame Dragon says as Wukong humans.

"As much as I am interested, seeing it from his perspective is interesting. We get to see his thought process after all."

Uriel nods, agreeing with what the monkey king had said.

Dokja used 500 coins to buy the Ellain Forest's Vital Force to help him sleep. He thought it was too dangerous to move while exhausted.

The Ellain Forest's Vital Force quickly recovered fatigue and wounds in exchange for two hours of sleep. In other words, it was an expensive item.

"…I really want to go out."

He talked to himself while stretching his body. The dream I just had was still clear. Maybe it wasn't a dream. He heard the sound of an electric current scattering and Bihyung disappeared without a word. Maybe he went to do his job. He sighed with relief.

The stream contract with the dokkaebi. It was a gamble that he never would've attempted if he hadn't known about Bihyung from Ways of Survival. But Dokja did it with a surprisingly calm exterior. He never succeeded in any contracts in 'real life.'

Bihyung glares at Dokja who just smiles at him, "What?" he asks happily.

The dokkaebi just groans, looking at the screen silently and grumbling, "I was so naive…" while several incarnations laughs at their relationship.

"Just because you're ahjussi's friend doesn't mean you're ours, dokkaebi," Jihye spits out, still holding a grudge against him as Bihyung sticks his tongue out.

"I'm being forced into this contract!"

"Says you in here!" Heewon snaps. Bihyung opens his mouth to say something before closing it. She had a point.

Junghwa had said that the theatre consists only of people who are allies to Kim Dokja. Which means in the future, he will be betraying the Dokkaebi Bureau. He still wonders why Junghwa looks at him with such an emotion that it makes Bihyung feel guilty just by looking at them.

[The exclusive skill, 'Fourth Wall' is in use.]

…This was real. Dokja inserted strength to his right hand holding the thorn. He really thought this world was reality.

[A few constellations want you to act.]

Well, there was no time to worry about it. Dokja swung the thorn as hard as he could at the stomach wall that lost its elasticity. At the same time, there was the sound of something collapsing and water pouring out. Dokja lunged into Han River.

Fortunately, he didn't see any other ichthyosaurs. Small seawater species approached with curiosity but no hostility was felt. Not all creatures would attack humans.

Dongho Bridge was over there. He used a piece of the ichthyosaur corpse as a floatation device and made his way towards dry land.

Dokja's skin was cold from the cold water but he couldn't worry about it. After 30 minutes of swimming, his hand reached land.

"How can you swim for 30 minutes without being tired hyung?" Gilyoung asks as Dokja answers him.

"Coins helped my stamina, especially since my build is small and scrawny like the one on the screen."

Yoosung pouts, "If I was there, I would've helped you…"

Dokja says nothing and pats her head softly while Gilyoung glares at her.

[A few constellations are nervous looking at you.]

Normally, danger would immediately come after this message popped up.

[The constellation 'Abyssal Black Flame Dragon' is making an insidious smile.]

It was a pity for the constellations but something bad wouldn't happen to him. It was because he already knew the dangers.

Wukong laughs at the dragon who glares at him, "What!?" Abyssal Black Flame Dragon demands as the monkey king waves his hands off as if it was nothing.

Oh, the dragon was actually quite naive now that Sooyoung is looking at him closely. And a chuuni emo teenager? Damnit… to think it's just a kid.

[You have entered the region of the second main scenario.]

[The land in the scenario area is deeply polluted.]

[Be careful about your breathing and move underground as quickly as possible.]

The message said this but in fact, I shouldn't be on the ground from the moment this scenario started.

Why? Look at his skin now.

[You have been exposed to poisonous fog.]

The skin touched by the violet fog turned black.

Once Dokja followed the source of the fog with my eyes, he saw a monster making terrible cries. It was a massive monster over 30 metres big. This fog was the fart of the grade 7 monster, 'great poisonous rhinoceros.' The rhino snorted and confronted a monster in the fog, which seemed to be an insect king species based on the shadow.

The struggle in this new world wasn't just for humans. The monsters were also fighting for their homes. He moved while holding his breath as much as possible. They were grade 7 monsters like the ichthyosaur but he couldn't do with them right now. In the first place, he could kill the sea commander because he was prepared.

[You have used the Ellain Monkey's Lungs.]

"You know, Dokja-ssi, Joonghyuk-ssi," Heewon begins as she look at the two people who knows of the scenarios better than anyone else, "Maybe you should start telling us what the fuck are we supposed to do and what items are good or not," she says.

"I second this!" Uriel cheerfully says as Dokja paled at the thought.

"Well… I guess we can, what do you think, Joonghyuk-ah?" he glances back to the scary man behind him who just hums.

The monkey's lungs was an item I bought in advance that could be used as a substitute for an air purifier for 20 minutes.

[A few constellations admire your readiness!]

The aboveground station, Oksu Station, had already been destroyed. The nearest underground station from here was 'Gumho Station.' Maybe the others had moved there. Dokja moved quickly while avoiding the small species that were eating the corpses. He only had 20 minutes, so he needed to move as quickly as possible while securing supplies.

The first thing he needed was clothes. His outerwear was melted by the ichthyosaur's fluids so it was necessary. Of course, there were many of them all around but… he felt uncomfortable.

Without warning, Yoosung's, Gilyoung's and Bihyung's eyes are covered as they watch Dokja strip naked in the screen. Dokja blushes as he screams at Junghwa, "JUNGHWA WHY SHOW THIS PART!?"

Sooyoung, Jihye and Heewon laughs loudly while Seolhwa coughs, looking away from the screen. Hyunsung and Sangah has covered the children's eyes while Joonghyuk just keeps a straight face, looking at the screen still.

Hades has covered his wife's eyes as well as she whines while Uriel blushes. Abyssal Black Flame Dragon is staring at his black dragon while Wukong laughs with the female incarnations. The Secretive Plotter coughs and looks away in respect.

Junghwa scratches his head, "This was not in the Manhwa…" they mutter quietly.

"Is it me or is he quite hung down there…" the dragon comments as all the males suddenly look down at his dick,

"Damn, and I thought I was big, it's probably close to mine…" Wukong says as Secretive Plotter coughs.

It was close to the males who has an above average dick.

"WAIT WHY ARE WE TALKING ABOUT MY DICK COME ON THERE'S KIDS HERE!!!" Dokja was panicking as his face is completely red from embarrassment.

Junghwa blinks, not remembering this scene from the manhwa as they blink before pressing on the play button once again.

…It couldn't be helped. Dokja searched some bodies and grabbed clothes that roughly fit. Then he headed to a nearby convenience store.

He grabbed a few plastic bags and swept in food randomly. Food would be a valuable trading item after going underground.

He filled three or four bags like this. It seemed that the colour of the monkey's lungs was becoming increasingly darker. There wasn't much time left. Then he heard someone's voice.

"Help…help me."

Heewon stops laughing when she recognises her voice. It seems like this is how Junghwa introduces her into the scene.

She grips her hands tightly. Sooyoung notices since she is closest to her and asks, "Are you ok?"

Heewon just bites the inside of her cheeks, not saying anything.

But Jihye seems to have noticed as well, just by the way she becomes quiet all of the sudden.

There was someone still alive? A young woman was lying down in a corner. The poisoning was progressing on the surface of the skin, but the toxic condition wasn't severe due to the mask she was wearing. Her jacket was half removed and a bit of her skirt was torn.

"Are you okay? Can you stand?"

"Uhhhh…"

Was there such a person in Ways of Survival? He wanted to take a closer look but he didn't have enough time. He picked up the woman and ran to Gumho Station.

'Dokja didn't use Character List on me…' Heewon thinks as she watches the screen. Perhaps she was too hot-headed for her own good when she accused Dokja of recruiting them based on their skills and such.

He turned and a side street appeared. Now the distance to Gumho Station was 100 metres in a straight line. He breathed in and started to run with all his strength. He could see the Exit 3 sign in the distance. Closed. Then on the other side?

"What happened to Heewon-ssi back then…?" Hyunsung asks as Herwon stays quiet, not wanting to talk about it as Sangah also looks at her, feeling something is wrong.

There was a fire shutter down at every exit due to the disaster situation. He could break the shutter with his thorn but if he did it wrong, the people inside might be damaged.

"E-Exit 4…"

Unexpectedly, the woman he was carrying was helpful. He ran towards Exit 4. Then he found a fire shutter that was rolling down. He placed the thorn in the gap of the shutter that was trying to close. Somebody yelled out.

"Dokja-ssi, you should've killed them when you met them…" Heewon growls out as Dokja closes his eyes at the thought.

"Heewon-ssi, it's alright. I know you have bad blood with them, but I didn't know that time either."

Sangah and Jihye wonder just what the hell happened to Heewon for her to act with such violence…

"Shit, what is this?"

"Open the door."

"N-No! You can't come in! Go away!"

"There is a wounded person."

"We are already in a full state! We don't need any more people!"

It was full of people? Strange. Was there such a development?

"I don't care about that."

Dokja used the thorn as a lever and lifted the shutter as hard as possible. Since he used the coins to increase his strength to level 10, he now had the strength of half a dozen adult males.

There was a loud sound and the people on the other side of the shutter became nervous.

"R-Run away!"

"Cowards," Hades responds as Persephone nods.

Joonghyuk had to agree with the constellations.

The scared men escaped into the darkness of the underground passage. He entered the station safely, lowered the shutter and put the girl down on the floor.

[You have entered the safety zone.]

The poisonous fog didn't come down to the underground area. There was no possible scientific explanation. It was just because of the 'scenario.'

"Put this in your mouth."

He took off the woman's mask and handed over the monkey's lungs. It wouldn't completely cure her but it would have a neutralising effect.

"Mmm…"

A faint groan emerged from the mouth of the woman. The woman who was abandoned.

Even without him using Character List, he still recruited her. Perhaps she was too rash and quick on her decision… Well, she is still angry at him for hiding such a fact but would she believe him? Not really…

He suddenly wondered about her information. This woman, it was likely that she had died in the original development. A voice was heard as I was about to use Character List.

"There he is!"

Heewon grips her hands tightly as she glares at the screen, recognizing the people that almost raped her. She only barely survived being a victim herself because she had kicked her rapist in the dick.

Light from a flashlight approached in the darkness. His eyes narrowed as he saw men holding metal pipes.

[The constellation 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' frowns at the appearance of the uninvited people.]

"Even now, I still hate them," Wukong responds.

Heewon scoffs, "You and me both."

A big man in the middle opened his mouth. His body was well balanced so he must be a strong person.

"Who are you?"

At this moment, he was strangely struck dumb. What should he say when this happened? He thought for a moment before speaking like Yoo Jonghyuk.

"Damn, Ahjussi you're obsessed with master huh?" Jihye asks, snorting at the thought while Joonghyuk frowns, looking at Dokja who is red in the face.

"It's obvious you like him, huh?" Sooyoung teases as Dokja glares at her.

"Shut up!"

"Kim Dokja."

"…Kim Dokja? That is your name?"

"Yes."

"Who asked that? What is this bastard?"

It was a more difficult question.

"U-Uh! That woman…"

One of the men found the woman beside me and shone the flashlight on her.'

"What, isn't that woman from the marginalized group? Didn't you come back with her?"

"T-That is…"

The man's flashlight moved in a harassing manner near the woman's waist.

"…Ha, so it was like that. Cute guys. Why did you do that without Hyung-nim's permission?"

The women immediately knew what the evil men were talking about as they gasps in unison, Seolhwa looks at Heewon with her eyes wide, "Heewon-ssi… these men–"

"Almost," the woman said, "They almost got to me. I kicked one of them in the dick in retaliation. Then they just left me there to rot."

Jihye is not having a field day with it, "These bastards… I'll kill them!"

"Hehe. I'm sorry."

"No, of course Cheolsoo hyung-nim should be first…hehe, I was going to do that."

Cheolsoo? Cheolsoo. Was there a character by that name? Dokja couldn't remember. He must be nothing, as opposed to how he looked.

"Again, Kim Dokja is nothing without his novel," Yoo Joonghyuk cruelly speaks as Dokja just hugs Bihyung tightly.

The white fluff all, taking pity on his contractor, frowns and looks at Joonghyuk, "Hey now, he may be pathetic but at least he knows something you don't know."

Ouch, touché.

"Hey, hand that woman over to us…huh? What is that?"

The flashlight shone on the convenience store bags on the floor. It was okay to escape the crisis but the flow was turning out bad.

"Leave that as well. Then you can live."

To be exact, it wasn't good for these guys, not me.

[The constellation 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' is annoyed at these people.]

[The constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' is angry with the injustice occurring.]

[A bounty scenario has occurred at the request of the constellations!]

[Bounty Scenario – Remove the Interference]

Category: Sub

Difficulty: F

Clear Conditions: The constellations feel great anger at the disruptors who are obstructing your rapid movements. Neutralize them within the time limit.

Time Limit: 5 minutes.

Compensation: ???

Failure: ???

"KICK THEIR ASSES DOKJA!" Uriel suddenly yells at the screen while Wukong joins her.

"Yeah! What she said!"

Before the Secretive Plotter had to pull them both down from using the chairs as stepping stones and made them sit down gently.

He thought it would be like this. Poor bastards. Dokja got up while holding the thorn.

There weren't any minors in the constellations, right? He hoped so. It was because it was now the adult broadcasting time. Or often thought about it.

Why did so many 'predictable villains' appear in post-apocalyptic stories. It must be the laziness of the authors to think that crimes such as rape or theft would occur indiscriminately in such a situation. If the real 'destruction' came, wouldn't humans act more rationally than they thought?

"It looks like he won't give it. Hey, go ahead and kill him!"

"These guys are too weak," Abyssal Black Flame Dragon yawns as he watches the screen. Even if they are weak, they still dared to attack someone stronger than them. Boring.

Yeah, he was the minor in that stream.

The answer was now right in front of him. He observed the men coming towards him, as well as the man watching from the rear.

[The constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' expects a fair judgement.]

The trajectory of the iron pipe moved in a funny manner through the air. It wasn't a strike with the intent to kill. In fact, it didn't hurt that much.

"I-If you don't run away then you really will die. Get lost!"

The four men surrounded him. One was trembling but the others looked more relaxed than before. It was probably due to the advantage in numbers.

"What are these brats doing?"

Along with the shout, one man rushed forward. It was clearly a defenceless posture. He moved the thorn.

"Aaaaack! My leg! My leg!"

"BEAT THEIR ASSES AHJUSSI!" Jihye roars out as she glares at the screen while Sangah is trying to calm her down.

"You bastard!"

"Hit him together!"

The agitated men rushed simultaneously but he wasn't afraid. Their strength level was just above 5. I endured the incoming attacks and silently stabbed the thorn.

The men had their thighs successively pierced and fell to their knees with a scream. But Dokja didn't kill them. It was because the scenario's clear condition was to 'neutralize' them.

"Why did you spare them?" Dokja asks as he looks at Joonghyuk.

"What do you mean?" he glances at the reader who narrows his eyes at him.

"You were supposed to kill them and move to Chungmuro, or rather that's what was supposed to happen," he begins.

Yoo Joonghyuk hums as he thinks about it. The main reason why was because he was in a hurry to find Jihye and start the third scenario earlier. But of course, that failed.

"I'm a man with limited time, you should know the reason if you know me so well," He responds as Dokja pouts.

"Meanie."

"But why didn't you kill them, squid?" Sooyoung asks as Dokja looks at the screen.

"It's gonna be answered anyway. Just watch it."

[The constellations of the absolute good system nod at your judgment.]

[A few constellations laugh at your humanity.]

[The constellations have sponsored you 100 coins.]

If he became a murderer, he might be able to attract the attention of the constellations for a while. However, it was only a while. Instantly raising the threshold of stimulation wasn't good in the long run.

[There are three minutes to the end of the scenario.]

Two minutes had passed. Time calculation was important in time attack scenarios.

"W-What the hell is this bastard? Why won't you die?"

At this time, their leader who was watching the situation from the back came forward.

"You are a fairly tough guy. Everyone back off. I will deal with him."

"Cheolsoo hyung-nim! This guy seems to have a pretty strong sponsor!"

Jihye snorts as she shakes her head. Nope, the man doesn't even HAVE a sponsor to begin with! He was just omniscient, "These sons of bitches are getting on my nerves just by looking at them."

Heewon nods her head, "I agree and I know these motherfuckers well enough that I wanna kill them…"

"Good. It looks like he has a lot of coins."

Knuckles shining with a black gloss. They weren't ordinary iron knuckles. Did he receive it from his sponsor?

There was the relaxed sound of bones cracking from the knuckled hands.

[The character 'Cheolsoo' has used Threaten.]

[Threaten doesn't work because the overall capabilities gap is too big.]

Heewon snorts, oh they were so gonna die… If even Dokja was stronger than those punks then they can say sayonara, fuckers!

"Hoh, aren't you quite good? You aren't getting scared at all."

The man's fist moved before he finished talking. The attack was aimed exactly at his jaw. Dokja quickly stepped back. That guy smiled.

"Aren't you quite good? Do you exercise?"

Even if he didn't have a footwork skill, anyone could do this if their agility exceeded level 10. Since he previously invested most of my remaining coins after buying items, the total sum of his body stats now reached 33.

Should he look at this guy?

[The exclusive skill, Character List is activated.]

Everyone winces at the name character once again, causing Dokja to apologise yet again, but surprisingly it was Joonghyuk who speaks, "We'll get used to it. But afterwards, I'm so gonna kill you once we get out of here…"

Junghwa snorts, 'Yeah fat chance if you see World of Zero. Ah, I really want them to react to it but they wouldn't understand a thing if I show them now…'

[Character Information]

Name: Bang Cheolsoo.

Age: 34 years old.

Constellation Sponsor: Monarch of the Small Fries.

Private Attribute: Assault Force Captain (General)

Exclusive skills: Dogfight Lv. 2, Bluff Lv. 2.

Stigmata: [Threaten Lv.1]

Overall Stats: Stamina Lv. 6, Strength Lv. 7, Agility Lv. 6, Magic Power Lv. 2.

Overall Evaluation: A common small fry who was lucky to obtain a sponsor. He has a tendency to overstate his abilities compared to his actual combat strength.

"Hah! Look at this weakling!" Abyssal Black Flame Dragon yells as he points at the screen.

Ah…right. Now he remembered.

"Bang Cheolsoo of the Cheoldoo Group."

"What, you know me?"

"You can say that."

Dokja's memory was dim because he disappeared like the wind at the beginning of the work, but he fuzzily recalled there was a character called Bang Cheolsoo. He was the stupidest guy in the group at Gumho Station.

"Wow, no wonder ahjussi doesn't care about him," Jihye says, looking at the screen.

As far as he knew, these guys should've been killed by Yoo Jonghyuk. Why were they still alive?

Jihye immediately looks at her master as she frowns. Why didn't he?

"Oho, perhaps you are of 'that' category? You must've killed people. Isn't that right? Yes, I feel that we are somewhat alike."

[The character 'Bang Cheolsoo' has used Bluff.]

Bluff. It was a skill that anyone who was a thug possessed. It was a good debuff that could weaken the opponent's attack power, but this case was different.

[Fourth Wall has blocked the bluff of the character Bang Cheolsoo.]

[The confidence of the character Bang Cheolsoo is rapidly falling.]

Sooyoung frowns. Just how strong is this Fourth Wall skill that Kim Dokja has anyway!? First it helps him stay calm, then it blocks Sages Eyes, and then also blocks other skills?

"Are you ignoring me? You really want to die."

Bang Cheolsoo took a threatening Greco-Roman wrestling posture and rushed towards him. But that was only a bluff. It was because he didn't have the 'wrestling' skill.

"Stop beating around the bush and come on."

"Son of a bitch!"

The key skill that Cheolsoo had was Dogfight Lv. 2. His combat power was insignificant unless he got into a melee.

"Die!"

The agility difference was so high that his attacks rarely hit me. I looked at him with a bit of sympathy.

Not all constellations had a desire to raise their incarnations as the 'protagonist' of the scenario.

For example, his constellation 'Monarch of the Small Fries' was famous for being thrifty with his incarnations. A masochist who enjoyed using idiots as his incarnation, enjoying watching them be crushed by other incarnations.

That was the 'Monarch of the Small Fries.'

Heewon winces, so that's the constellation huh? Damn that would mean their incarnations are gonna get beat up by other people and they would SPONSOR COINS to the opponent, "Damn, I thought people being masochists are bad but Constellations? Ew."

[The constellation 'Monarch of the Small Fries' is delighted.]

[The constellation 'Monarch of the Small Fries' has sponsored you 100 coins.]

Despite his incarnation being smashed, he was supporting the enemy. Originally, he was thinking about ending the time attack in one blow but now the story was a bit different.

[There are two minutes to the end of the sub-scenario.]

Then he should make the most of the remaining time.

"You rat bastard!"

All of his lines were in the style of the Monarch of the Small Fries. How pitiful.

"Haha! I hit you!"

His attack luckily hit but there was little damage. The spot where he was hit just stung a bit.

"How?"

How? His stamina was Lv. 12. His strength was only Lv. 7. The difference in the overall stats gap created a huge combat power gap.

"Is it my turn now?"

He touched the cheek of the stupefied Bang Cheolsoo before hitting it as hard as he could. A few teeth flew out as Bang Cheolsoo screamed. Dokja didn't hesitate and pierced his arm precisely with the thorn.

"Aaaagh!"

He fixed one of his arms to the wall with the thorn and started the indiscriminate assault. He chose the areas that were the most painful without knocking him out, such as the back, thigh, femur and side.

[The constellation 'Monarch of the Small Fries' is delighted.]

[The constellation 'Monarch of the Small Fries' has requested an extension of the sub scenario time.]

[The sub scenario is extended by one minute.]

"Ahjussi, I don't like this constellation…" Yoosung says as Dokja softly pats her head. Yeah, he doesn't either. They were a masochist through and through just by the way they wanted to extend the scenario time.

He also paid attention to the parts where the woman had been injured. Blood and flesh were scattered. Broken teeth fell to the ground and the broken bones twisted abnormally. However, he didn't stop kicking.

"S-Stop! Please! Let Hyung-nim go!"

The men standing to the side exclaimed with panic. He looked over at them once in a while. Then he looked at the half naked woman lying on the ground.

Humans were weak. How could such weak humans do such cruel things? They used the excuse of the world being destroyed. They killed, raped women and stole from others. Was it because of instincts?

He was suddenly curious as he saw Bang Cheolsoo's eyes stained with fear in front of a stronger violence?

"Why did you do it?"

It was a question out of nowhere. In fact, he didn't expect an answer to this question. But the moment he was about to kick him again, Bang Cheolsoo opened his eyes.

"Fuck…just kill me you son of a bitch."

The moment he saw his eyes, Dokja knew he had answered his question in his own way. A look that didn't show any lingering attachment to life. Yes. It wasn't because of instincts.

Bang Cheolsoo talked in a voice that was subsiding.

"Dog, this dog-like world…"

This guy was a human who had been despairing long before this world was destroyed. Just like him.

"Dokja-ssi?" Everyone looks at Dokja when they see a glimpse of young Dokja reading in a corner, injured and small.

Dokja looks at the screen solemnly, "Well, it did say I was bullied, so why are you all surprised to see it?" he asks curiously, looking at everyone who held some sort of sympathy in him.

"Were you reading the novel?" Joonghyuk asks as Dokja widens his eyes at him. He blinks as he nods his head.

"That's right, I was reading your story."

Joonghyuk doesn't say anything as he switches his attention towards the screen once again. Sooyoung frowns as she wonders, just how important is this novel to him? He doesn't know at all, but she wanted Junghwa to comment on something, and yet the person is not saying anything at all.

"Dokja-ssi, is the novel important to you?" Dokja glances over to Uriel who looks at him with such eyes. Dokja nods his head.

The novel saved his life, and he will forever be indebted to it. He was, and still is indebted to Yoo Joonghyuk even if he doesn't know it. He will make sure to return the favor. He had a feeling the episodes will expose how important he is to Dokja's life, but it doesn't matter anymore. Everyone already knew that they were from a novel, and that Dokja is the sole reader.

[There are 10 seconds left until the end of the sub scenario.]

He didn't delay any further and gave a strong kick to his neck.

The breath was knocked out of him and Bang Cheolsoo finally fainted.

[You have met the conditions to clear the sub scenario.]

[You have earned 300 coins.]

Dokja hopes all of you are happy.

[The constellation 'Monarch of the Small Fries' is satisfied and has sponsored you 100 coins.]

The other men crawled and approached me one by one.

"H-How cruel…"

They looked at Bang Cheolsoo, who had been turned into a rag, and then up at him with fear. It was like they were dogs waiting to be disposed of at a slaughterhouse.

He picked up the collapsed woman and the convenience store bags. In any case, the world had been destroyed and he had to live a new life.

"Take me to where the group is."

"Damn ahjussi… you were brutal, but I would've killed them if I were you. Doing that to a woman… just the thought of it makes my blood boil!" Jihye comments as Yoosung nods.

Heewon grips her hands tightly as she watches the fight. He should've killed them when he had a chance, at least for her sake but dammit…

Gumho Station was originally a place that would grow into the region's base after it was organized by Yoo Jonghyuk. In his first regression, Yoo Jonghyuk broke through the second main scenario with the Gumho Station group, allowing the people of the group to occupy a place in the new era.

But that was the first story. By the third round of regression, Yoo Jonghyuk was different. The 3rd turn Yoo Jonghyuk was a monster who monopolised everything.

Jihye glances at her master. The man who had lived through 3 lives of hell in the scenarios. Just how long has he been alive to suffer such a fate? And why? Why must he have this ability to regress and live through his life over and over again? Be alone in the world with only his memories intact while the rest forgets?

"…Even so, he was someone who would do the basic clean up."

"Huh?"

The man guiding him was surprised.

"I'm just talking to myself. It is a habit."

[The constellation Secretive Plotter likes your monologues.]

"Why do you like monologues?" Dokja asks the Secretive Plotter as he looks at him with his doe-like eyes.

The Secretive Plotter hums and says, "I wonder why indeed…"

"Yes…anyway, this way."

The men of the Cheoldoo Group, who were supporting each other, stopped moving. They descended to the bottom of the dark platform and found a place where there was still light.

He heard the buzzing sound of people as they went down the stairs.

"The Cheolsoo Group! People are hurt!"

Some people rushed over to support Bang Cheolsoo's group. There was more of a system then he thought since people were moving in an orderly fashion. In the meantime, he saw familiar faces run over.

"Oh my god. Dokja-ssi! Dokja-ssi!"

Fortunately, it looks like nothing happened.

Jihye smiles at the screen, "Ayeeeee it seems the group is finally together again!"

Sangah breathes a sigh of relief, even if it was the last, she can't help but feel worried as well.

"Yoo Sangah-ssi."

"I'm glad. Really, I'm so glad!"

Yoo Sangah stood in front of him with a happy expression. He was startled and asked for an awkward handshake. There were a lot of scrapes on the back of Yoo Sangah's hand, showing she had suffered quite a hard time in the past four days.

Heewon looks at Dokja awkwardly, "Really? A handshake of all things?" she asks as Dokja chuckles awkwardly.

He heard a sound and something became attached to his leg.

"You're alive."

It was Lee Gilyoung. He stroked the boy's head.

"Awww, Gilyoungie is so cute," Uriel coos at the child who looks embarrassed by the comment.

"Have you been well?"

Gilyoung nodded. He must be hungry since his cheeks were really thin. Dokja pulled out a chocolate bar from the bag and placed it in Gilyoung's hand.

"I knew you were alive, Dokja-ssi. Hah…"

Finally, he looked at Hyunsung. The muscles of his upper half seemed to have become more solid. Maybe Lee Hyunsung had protected these two.

"I'm really sorry. At that time, I left Dojka-ssi…"

"It was an unavoidable situation."

"Phew, I'm glad that Yoo Jonghyuk-ssi was right."

…Yoo Jonghyuk? Why was that name heard here?

Hyunsung noticed after a moment and said. "Yoo Jonghyuk-ssi said that Dokja-ssi was probably alive…"

"…Where is Yoo Jonghyuk now?"

"He isn't here now."

Not here?

"Jonghyuk-ssi left the station yesterday. So…"

He could determine many things before Hyunsung finished speaking. It was truly like that. He was a person in a rush.

"See?" Joonghyuk says to Dokja, "You were able to deduct what I was doing and why I left earlier."

Dokja pouts at him, yeah but he isn't THAT omniscient thank you very much.

"That reminds me, there is one more person."

"Ah, the department head."

Sangah didn't finish speaking because a group of men suddenly intruded. But it was a good thing.

"Everybody, out of the way!"

He didn't have to hear the explanation to see what happened straight away. Three or four men armed with a hammer or pipe started to surround him. There was a familiar face among them.

"Y-You…!"

"Ah, that guy appears again!" Wukong points to Myungoh who suddenly appears out of nowhere.

Myungoh abandoned Dokja on the Even Bridge and now he looked like he had seen a ghost. Myungoh must've joined this group.

"G-Get rid of that guy! He is a very bad person! He shouldn't be here!"

A thief was always the one who felt pins and needles. Han Myungoh started exclaiming wildly.

However, he noticed that the other men looked at each other and didn't easily move. There was something weird. Han Myungoh was placed in the centre yet they didn't listen to him?

"Haha, Han hyung. Everyone should get along so why don't you stop?"

"Ah, t-that…"

"You are a new person."

Yoo Joonghyuk narrows his eyes at the person. Yes, he remembers the guy. He could've killed him but he didn't because he needed to go to Chungmuro as fast as possible. Jihye looks at the guy and frowns, "I don't like the vibes he's giving off…"

Heewon can only nod at her comment, knowing just how cruel Inho was even if he seemed kind and considerate in the exterior of his shell.

The men split apart to the sides and a path was formed. A slim man appeared among them. He could tell just by looking in his eyes. This guy had a sponsor.

"Nice to meet you. Can I ask what your name is?"

"Kim Dokja."

"Dokja-ssi. I see. I am Cheon Inho."

Cheon Inho? It felt like a name he should remember. He inserted strength to the hand holding the thorn. It looked like this guy was the leader of the Cheoldoo Group. He lost half of his men to Dokja so he came here to make trouble.

"I heard the story from those you came with. You fought a monster and saved my group members."

"What the- that's typical evil man pretends to be nice goodie two shoes!" Sooyoung says as she narrows her eyes at the man. Somehow, that guy feels somewhat familiar for some reason…

Junghwa looks at Sooyoung and chuckles, 'Lee Hakhyun, but not in this world. Maybe in a future world, ehe.'

…What?

"Everyone, please gather! We have a brave new group member!"

After Cheon Inho's words, people started to turn this way one by one. It was at this time that he knew. It was impossible for the charisma of Han Myungoh to gather this much power. Cheon Inho was the real leader of this bunch.

"Wah! It is food!"

Hungry eyes fell on the convenience store bags. Then Cheon Inho spoke as if he had been waiting.

"He delivered it exactly to us. He is a rare good person."

The words made all the eyes look at me like he was a saviour. The mother holding the child and the elderly man who hurt his leg were looking at him earnestly.

Cheon Inho… He seemed to have started to remember. Yes, there was this guy in the Gumho station group.

[The constellation 'Secretive Plotter' is excited.]

"It seems this Secretive Plotter guy is easily excited huh?"

Secretive Plotter… just who is this cloaked constellation that's sitting right in the room with them? Joonghyuk wonders who they are because he had never appeared in his previous rounds.

In this ruined world, the real danger wasn't people like Bang Cheolsoo. Humans moving while feeling despair weren't the least bit dangerous to me. The really dangerous people were those who used the despair of others as a fertilizer for power. Just like this guy.

"Welcome to Gumho Station, Kim Dokja-ssi."

Inho were laughing deeply while gazing at me. He inwardly laughed while shaking my hand.

Inho would never know. At this moment, his future had been decided. Despite the interference of Cheon Inho, the constellations didn't ask for a bounty scenario. In other words, it wasn't the best time to deal with him.

For around half a day, he focused on grasping the situation of Gumho Station. It was Hyunsung who mainly gave the information.

"Hyunsung-ssi, you're too stiff, " Heewon comments as Hyunsung just blushes and scratches his not so it's head.

"Ah, forgive me… I'm uh, raised like that…" he apologises. He can't help himself ok? He was just like that.

"Currently, there are 86 people in Gumho Station. Ah, I guess it is 87 people now with Dokja-ssi."

"It is less than I thought."

"Yes. When the scenario broke out, only those near the station and those on the train survived. Everyone didn't say it but perhaps in the first scenario…"

Dokja didn't need to be told the next words. He could see it from the expressions of the people. Those who survived had trampled on someone's life. All the humans here were murderers.

"Currently, Gumho Station is divided into two groups. Strictly speaking, it is one group and the rest."

It is obvious who the top dog is even without Hyunsung explaining it, causing many of the incarnations to be enraged at the thought. Joonghyuk simply keeps a straight face as he watches what happened when he was away. He is curious as to what Dokja had been doing while he was away.

Hyunsung looked at the people with a dark expression. There were men armed with iron pipes or other instruments. It was clear which was the faction in power.

Uriel frowns at the familiar sight, "Look at this bitch preaching…" she speaks as she looks at the screen. It is a familiar scene of Han Myungoh and the group he's in.

The dragon clicked his tongue, "Aren't angels supposed to not swear?" He asks curiously as Uriel just waves him off.

"Oh no one's hearing me here anyway. It's fine!"

"Believe in me! The group president is working hard and everyone will soon be rescued."

The youngest son of Hankyung Group, Han Myungoh.

"Hyung-nim is right, everyone. Don't lose hope. We will be able to be saved."

The one who embraced Myungoh and practically led the group was Cheon Inho. They were the 'mainstream group.'

"Mom, I'm bored…can't I play a game on the phone?"

"Hold on for a moment. The rescue team will come soon."

"The government will act. It isn't that easy to collapse a country."

'Even after the first scenario, do they really think the government will save them? Fools, ' Abyssal Black Flame Dragon scoffs in his head as he rolls his eyes at humans.

And the people who were protected by the mainstream group and wanted to get on with their lives were the 'marginalized group.' Their will was too weak to be killers. Even if 100 murderers were gathered together, they would be divided between the weak and the strong. Maybe they were thinking that they weren't murderers. They all believed it was unavoidable.

Hyunsung watched the mainstream group inciting the people and said. "Food distribution is determined by the mainstream group. Convenience stores and restaurants in the region have already been robbed…the foods that can be eaten right now are almost gone."

"I see."

"It is the reason why some people from the mainstream group were sent above ground for food exploration. Heewon-ssi, who you brought in, went with them"

"Heewon-ssi…?"

"Ah, it is the name of the woman who Dokja-ssi saved."

Dokja looked at the woman who lay on the subway bench. Under the bright light, her beauty could be seen. Her raised cheeks and gentle features meant she must've often heard she was attractive. Thanks to the monkey's lungs, her colour was much brighter than it was this morning.

"Awww, thank you, Dokja-ssi~," Heewon teases as dokja just blushes and looks away from her.

Uriel pouts as she screams, "I DONT LIKE THIS COMRADESHIP! HE BELONGS TO SOMEONE ELSE!" Causing Dokja to almost spit his tea and looks at her with wide eyes.

"I DON'T BELONG TO SOMEONE ELSE!" He yells at her but Junghwa decides to add fuel to the fore by changing the window of the screen to a picture of Yoo Joonghyuk holding Kim Dokja tenderly and kissing him gently.

"THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT!" Uriel shrieks as the dragon gags. Many incarnation laughs as they shield the children's eyes from the screen while the Secretive Plotter looks away in embarrassment.

Joonghyuk ticks a vein on his forehead as he glares at Junghwa who playfully plays the episode.

"Where do you even get these arts!?" Dokja asks as Junghwa just did a peace sign.

Junghwa smirked 'arts, huh ' "kekekeke… "

"Is Heewon-ssi the only one who didn't come back?"

"No. In fact, a few more people went out this morning but only those from the marginalized group didn't return."

"They didn't come back?"

"Yes."

Hyunsung's expression became sad again. He thought he roughly knew what happened.

"I can't explain it but I thought I shouldn't accept. I don't know much about morals or ethics but…"

Lee Hyunsung scratched his head like he was embarrassed. "I felt that something wasn't right."

Not right… It wasn't an answer but I felt it was true. Indeed, Lee Hyunsung was Lee Hyunsung.

"Don't forget this heart."

That way, Dokja could continue to believe in him.

Hyunsung looks at Dokja as the man avoids looking at him, probably still feeling guilty at being called a character and all. But Hyunsung has to get used to it, because this is from Dokja's perspective. And in order for them to escape this loop Junghwa is saying, and possibly the scenarios, he must watch the episodes alongside everyone else.

Dokja heard a cute sound from somewhere and looked back, seeing Sangah and Gilyoung looking up at him. Their faces were like baby birds waiting for the mother bird, making him laugh.

"Awww look at them," Heewon coos as Sangah and Gilyoung blushes, hiding their faces beind their food. They really look like baby birds looking up to their mother, which is Dokja.

"That reminds me, it is already evening. Aren't you hungry? Take this one by one."

He handed over the food from the convenience store one by one.

"Ah. Really? Can I?"

"This time is free. But next time, you should pay for it."

"Huh? H-How much…?"

"Don't you all have coins? It is 10 coins for one."

"T-That…"

Confusion filled the faces of Yoo Sangah and Lee Hyunsung. They looked like they hadn't expected my words.

"Of course. I will pay right now. I don't need freebies."

Surprisingly, the one who spoke was the woman who had been lying on the bench. She had regained consciousness.

"I am Jung Heewon. Thank you for your help this morning."

"It is nothing."

He thought it was just a cute mask but he could see that it was a prejudice.

"Yoo Sangah-ssi, Lee Hyunsung-ssi. Everyone, please wake up. It isn't the time to be making this look. This food, he obtained it by risking his life. Do you expect to get it for free?"

There was almost no expression on the face that spoke without hesitation.

Yoo Joonghyuk nods at the action and words of what Jung Heewon says. He agrees with her logic.

"Ah…" Yoo Sangah turned red like she had woken up. "I was too short-sighted, I'm sorry. Of course we should pay…it is right. I don't like freebies either. I hate depending on other people."

"I also agree with Yoo Sangah-ssi. I will pay coins from now on."

Dokja was a little surprised by the unexpected reaction. Indeed, just because it was an apocalypse didn't mean there was only one type of person.

"If you insist…I understand. Does everyone know how to exchange coins?"

"Yes. I learned a few days ago. Touch each other's index finger, um, and…"

"Just state how many coins you want to exchange."

Starting from Jung Heewon, Yoo Sangah and Lee Hyunsung paid 10 coins in exchange for food. It was fortunate that their resistance wasn't bigger than what he thought.

He didn't do this in order to get a few coins. At first, this judgment might seem harsh but people would soon realise this choice was right.

['Lee Gilyoung' has paid you 20 coins.]

"Huh? You gave me more than 10 coins?"

"It is the price for the chocolate bar during the day."

Did a child understand better than the adults in the entire station? Yes, yes he did.

Hades watches the child closely. Lee Gilyoung is smarter than any child he had encountered as an incarnation. He wonders just how mature the child is.

Lee Gilyoung's expression while speaking was quite good. Maybe the fastest to adapt to a new world wasn't an adult but a child. It was easier for children to break common sense.

"Will Dokja-ssi keep staying with us?"

"Ah, that…"

"Dokja-ssi."

It wasn't Lee Hyunsung who called out to me. He looked back and saw Cheon Inho from the mainstream group. Yes, he thought he would be back soon.

"Can I talk with you for a while?"

Jihye glares at the man in front of them as she starts stress eating her popcorn, "This guy is getting on my nerves!" she comments out.

Bang Cheolsoo was missing some teeth and glaring at him from behind Cheon Inho. He stared at him before turning his head away. A foolish fellow.

"Okay, let's talk."

He nodded and Cheon Inho spoke with a satisfied expression.

"Then can the rest of you vacate this place for a moment? I want to talk to Dokja-ssi alone."

"Ah, that…"

"No, you don't have to go. You can listen."

Cheon Inho's eyes twitched at his words. Lee Hyunsung stopped as he was about to retreat.

"Hmmm, is that so? Well…I don't care."

He acted like they were free to listen. Cheon Inho wiped the bench and sat down. Men from the Cheoldoo Group appeared on both sides of him and handed him a cigarette and lighter. He had seen too many movies.

"You seem to have a nature that dislikes cumbersome things, so I will get to the point."

"Yes."

"Join our group."

It was an expected offer.

Jihye growls at the thought, "You had better say no, ahjussi!" she glares at the old reader who nods his head.

"Of course, you think I'd say yes to a bastard like Cheon Inho?"

"I can offer Dokja-ssi a high position in our group. I want to lead the group together with you."

"Why me?"

"Shouldn't you know why?"

Cheon Inho glanced towards the injured Cheoldoo Group members.

"Dokja-ssi is a hero who saved people from monsters. A hero needs such a place."

It was an interesting way of thinking. He would take advantage of my presence.

"And if I refuse?"

"Refuse? How interesting. I never thought about that." Cheon Inho blew out cigarette smoke towards me. "Dokja-ssi, this isn't a favour. You have a duty to do this. Can't you see the poor people here?"

People were looking this way with scruffy faces. There were crying children and tired elderly people.

"It isn't a big story. I am asking you to work together for survival. Dokja-ssi, don't you have the strength?"

"What exactly do you want?"

"I need someone to be a hitman."

Hitman?

"Until a few days ago, there was someone else doing the job. He procured food alone and hunted in the tunnels. To be exact, we took it one-sidedly."

Heewon and Jihye glances towards Joonghyuk who doesnt say anything even though he was the supposed hitman before.

This was the story of Yoo Jonghyuk.

"But he suddenly left last night."

"So you need someone to replace him?"

"I think your strength is proven with Cheolsoo-ssi."

Lee Hyunsung and Jung Heewon's eyes widened. Now they noticed what was going on.

"It isn't bad for Dokja-ssi. You are the hero of the people and will be the leader of the group with us. Everyone will like you and also…"

"I'm sorry but I can't be responsible for anyone. I don't want to join your group."

Uriel nods at the sight, good riddance, she doesn't like Inho at all while Junghwa just chuckles. That man is gonna be Lee Hakhyun and ironically, he's gonna be even more handsome even though their faces are the same because he's possessing his body.

"Hmm. Is that so?"

"Above all, the way you run the group doesn't fit me."

He looked at the health members of the Cheoldoo Group and the sickly-looking members of the marginalised group. In particular, Jung Heewon was looking at the Cheon Inho as if he was her mortal enemy.

"Is that so? It is fine. But if you change your mind, come back anytime."

"That will not happen."

"Haha, it remains to be seen."

It didn't take long to find out what Cheon Inho's words meant.

As the members of the Cheoldoo Group retreated, the other group members approached as if they had been waiting. It was the people of the marginalised group. They grabbed him and raised their voices.

"Hey, is the rumour true?"

"Are you really monopolising the food?"

"Are you going to eat it all when there is enough to share with everyone?"

"We are all starving here! Why are you the only one to have it?"

"Leave the food to Inho-ssi! He will distribute it fairly!"

"That son of a bitch-," Sooyoung comments as Uriel nods.

"Even though it happened already, rewatching it makes my blood boil!"

Dokja knew what was going on. I could see the smiling face of Cheon Inho in the rear of the people. His lips were moving.

'Choose.'

Would I give food and become the hero? Or would I be the villain and monopolize it alone?

If he chose to be the hero, he would fall into Cheon Inho's game. After the food was distributed, he would have to hunt for food with the group members and would someday get stabbed in the back. On the other hand, he would be isolated in a group in a moment if he monopolized the food alone.

[The eyes of a few constellations are shining.]

[The constellation 'Secretive Plotter' has snorted.]

As the people became heated up, Cheon Inho came forward.

"Ahh, everyone. Calm down. There seems to be a misunderstanding. Kim Dokja-ssi isn't such a person."

What was this? A decoy?

"Kim Dokja-ssi decided to work with us. The food he brought today will be left to the mainstream group and will be shared fairly. He also promised to continue to work with us―"

Of course, he believed he would choose him. It was hard to listen anymore.

"Stop."

He worried about it for a short moment. What would Yoo Jonghyuk do? Ah, that's it. The answer was that he wasn't here right now.

Again with the "What would Yoo Joonghyuk do?" question. Dokja really valued Joonghyuk if he even thinks of him in any kind of danger. Sooyoung wonders just how a shitty novel someone created left such a big impact on him.

And yet she has an odd feeling in her stomach. She catches Junghwa staring at her as if she knows the answers to all of their problems, not them. She frowns. Just what do they know?

If the piece of information shje receives os just a fraction of what they know of then… Just what kind of information is there in the world?

But he wasn't Yoo Jonghyuk.

"Of course I will give out food." I saw Cheon Inho's lips curve upwards. But people should listen to the end. "However, it isn't for free."

Unlike Yoo Jonghyuk, he wouldn't throw everything away to move forward. But he wouldn't be responsible for everyone. Food was given but it wouldn't be for free.

People were puzzled as if they didn't understand the words.

"W-Wait a minute! It isn't free?"

"I'll tell you. I don't intend to monopolize the food. But I won't give food to Cheon Inho's group. I'm not UNICEF and I don't trust them."

Dokja smiled at Cheon Inho.

"I will make a deal with you. I will sell you the food for a fair price."

"S-Sell?"

"What…?"

"Uh, how much…money?"

In the distance, Dokjacould see Cheon Inho's face stiffening. he laugh as he faced him.

"No, I only accept coins."

"Smart move," Joonghyuk nods as he crosses his legs over each other as Dokja just blushes, "I do have a question though… Why do you always think of me whenever a tough situation occurs?"

Everyone stares at Dokja with anticipation.

"It's because Ahjussi and Master are married!" Jihye suddenly cuts off as everyone chokes on their drink or food.

"WHAT!?" Uriel demands as she looks at Jihye who nods her head enthusiastically.

"They even have a child together so it's obvious why!" Jihye says before Joonghyuk massages his forehead.

"Jihye, I was nothing but a fictional character for him, how the hell are we married and have a child-?"

Jihye pauses before looking at Dokja, "Self insert fanfiction?" she asks as Junghwa laughs.

"OH GOD THE FUCKING IRONY I CANT BREATH!!!"

"What do you mean by irony!??" Heewon asks as Junghwa begins explaining even if they are still laughing.

"Well you see-," Junghwa snorts, "There are many universes out there and uh… The majority are them dating-,"

"WHAT!?" Everyone demands, hell even Joonghyuk yells, his face is completely red like a certain reader.

"CONTINUE WATCHING PEEPS-!"

"HOW THE HELL ARE WE SUPPOSE TO WATCH WHEN THESE GUYS ARE BEING GAY IN OTHER WORLDS!?" Uriel asks while a certain dragon is gagging. Actually, was the Secretive Plotter blushing too?

"BELIEVE ME THEY ARE AS MUCH GAY IN THIS WORLD AS THEY ARE IN OTHER WORLDS!" Junghwa explains before pressing the play button.

After a while, only the people in the marginalized group with a relationship with me returned.

"That…D-Dokja-ssi. Is this a good choice?"

"Sheesh, is there anything free in life? Dokja-ssi, you said it well. I feel refreshed."

Heewon dismissed Lee Hyunsung's concern. After he made the 'trade' declaration, many citizens turned away from him. Maybe they were disappointed.

"I agree with Heewon-ssi. The people here are too tame to the mainstream group."

"That's right. The sons of bitches…Gumho Station is currently in their palms. People are treated as cattle and are sometimes taken to a slaughterhouse. Just like myself this morning."

Heewon's body trembled.

In fact, it wasn't him but the mainstream group monopolizing the food. They monopolized the food on the pretext of 'fair distribution' and fed it to the tamed people.

Humans were the weakest when they believed someone protected them. Once authority was established in a one-sided relationship, people started to depend on them.

"I agree. That's why I believe that Dokja-ssi's declaration today was very meaningful. People need to have the will to do something on their own. However…"

Hyunsung looked towards the food.

"Not even one was sold. 50 coins for one, isn't this price too expensive? Why don't you make it 10 coins like you did with us…?"

It wasn't unreasonable to think so. People only paid attention to the mainstream group and showed no signs of looking this way. People still needed time.

Dokja responded calmly.

"Let's wait a little longer."

Joonghyuk hums as he watches the episode, "Are you waiting for something?" he asks Dokja who nods his head.

"Yeah, I was gathering coins and waiting for the scenario window to pop up. It's weird since Bihyung isn't there trying to screw us over."

Bihyung in his arms yells at him, "Hey! Because of you, I got yelled at you know!"

Then night came.

The sound of huge monsters was heard intermittently from the ground and people often had nightmares. Lee Gilyoung and Yoo Sangah fell asleep first while Jung Heewon was dozing off.

"Dokja-ssi should sleep as well. I will stand vigil."

"Nope. It is okay. Lee Hyunsung-ssi can sleep first."

"But you will be tired."

"I have work to do."

"Work to do?"

I pointed behind Lee Hyunsung. Surprisingly, there were the shadows of people. It wasn't just one.

"That…are you still trading the food?"

Finally, the people started to move.

"Isn't this when you sold everything to the people there?" Wukong asks as Dokja nods his head.

"That's right, I tried to make people stop being dependent on Inho but well, it got worst…"

The next morning, he was almost out of supplies. Jung Heewon stared at the convenience store bags as if she couldn't believe it.

"Oh my god, it is sold out?"

"Yes."

"Ha, really funny. Everyone was just watching and now…"

"Nope, it isn't just the marginalized group."

The guests who came in the middle of the night weren't just members of the marginalized group.

"Kim Dokja-ssi, you are making the worst choice."

Among them was Cheon Inho.

"You will regret it."

"You were the one who regretted it more though," Abyssal Black Flame Dragon comments as he chews on his popcorn.

More than half the food he had was taken by the mainstream group. Of course, they paid the exact amount.

Heewon was in a rage after hearing the story.

"Wait a minute. Then the mainstream group will just monopolize the food again?"

"Something like that."

"No, what is this? Weren't you going to weaken the power of the mainstream group by promoting transactions among the people?"

It was unexpected insight. He responded with a bit of admiration.

"That's correct. That was the intent. I wanted people to move voluntarily."

"Then why did you sell food to the mainstream group? The situation won't change!"

"It has changed. I have obtained coins."

"Huh?"

It was 1,450 coins. It was a huge income for one night.

"No…what is Dokja-ssi thinking? Sangah-ssi, can we really trust this man?"

Sangah flinched as attention suddenly turned to her but then she smiled brightly.

"I believe in him."

It was burdensome.

"Dokja-ssi, did you leave enough food for yourself?"

"Nope, I sold it."

"I've always wondered why Dokja-ssi is always so calm and collected in these kinds of scenarios. But i never thought it was because of a novel you read…" Heewon begins as Dokja nods his head.

Everyone is still somewhat distant because of the novel reveal but they continue watching alongside him because they decide to give him a chance. Rather, a chance to redeem himself for hiding this information from them.

Heewon's mouth fell open as if she was dumbfounded. At that time, someone poked his cheek. He turned my head and found a biscuit.

"Huh? You want me to eat it?"

The head nodded cutely. He smiled, took the biscuit and put it in Gilyoung's mouth.

"I'm okay. You eat it. Ah, I should tell you something… everyone, do you still have the food you ate yesterday?"

"Yes, I have it."

"I have a bit left."

"Why? Do you want to buy it back? I will sell it." Jung Heewon waved the biscuit in a playful manner.

"No, you should eat it now."

"Huh?"

"Eat it all before today. You should do it." I repeatedly stressed. "Or you will regret it."

"Why…no, wait a minute. Sangah-ssi, what are you doing now? Why are you listening to him?"

"There is a reason why Dokja-ssi would say this."

Sangah smiled sweetly and opened a bag of biscuits. Hyunsung was confused but ate the food. Meanwhile, Lee Gilyoung had eaten it the moment he spoke. He was a good listener.

Dokja pats Gilyoung's head softly as he smiles. Gilyoung had always been a good listener. Meanwhile Yoosung just glares at the bug boy who sticks his tongue at her. But Dokja caught onto their shenanigans and pats both their heads softly.

"Ah well…I will leave one back."

"I won't stop you."

Dokja shrugged at Heewon's words. It was up to her to regret it. At lunch time, there was a major announcement from the mainstream group. Cheon Inho stood on a platform surrounded by people and said.

"We will limit the food ration from today. The allocation is three biscuits per person. And―"

People became irritated before the speech was over.

"What? Three biscuits? How can we live on that?"

"That's right! Don't the scouts get more food? Do you think we don't know?"

Despite being cursed at, Cheon Inho just laughed calmly.

"Your words are good. Yes. The scouts receive more rations. If you want food, please apply to be a scout."

"Very few people have come back after applying to be a scout! The Cheoldoo Group members are the ones who always come back!"

"Do you want us to die now?"

Cheon Inho was nonchalant despite the violence reactions of the citizens.

As everyone continues to watch, the Secretive Plotter contemplates himself. His whole entire being is a novel, eh? No wonder it seems like his battle is never ending. Still, he can't help but pity's Dokja. He had the eyes of someone who has given up on the world just like he does, and the only thing that was worth surviving for is that novel of his.

Somehow… He needs to take Dokja under his wing, the man is the only one who knew of his suffering more. And now that Joonghyuyk knows the truth of how many times he will regress, he has been critical over the reader.

Which makes him even more pitiful and pathetic than he was before. Still, he wonders… If he could end his endless life as well. Perhaps the episodes will tell.

"Those people were just unlucky. You know that it is terribly dangerous outside. Why don't you obtain food yourself if you are dissatisfied?"

"T-That…"

The people closed their mouths dumbly. If they went out now, they would die. Everyone knew this.

Cheon Inho wasn't finished.

"Ah, there is a way to get food without being a scout."

"What is it?"

"A deal. We will be happy to exchange food for anything we determine to be of value. Every person can give something different. Isn't that right?"

Cheon Inho's cold gaze caused the people to tremble. It was mostly the people who came to me yesterday and bought food.

[The character 'Cheon Inho' has activated the 'Incite Lv. 2' skill.]

"Originally, I wasn't going to do this. But yesterday, Kim Dokja-ssi told me something nice. That's right everyone. Is there anything free in the world? If you want food, you have to prove your worth. This is the way it is. Haha, thank you for telling me something good. Kim Dokja-ssi."

…Look at this?

At this moment, everyone's attention was focused on him. Their eyes were mostly filled with resentment.

"Because of that bastard…"

People wanted to be stupid and Cheon Inho had the 'Incite' skill. It was a skill that most good group leaders would have. But this way, the hostility would turn towards Dokja again…

He looked at the back of Cheon Inho. It was cute. At least compared to the people at Chungmuro and Seoul Station. The people gathered in front of the podium were already trying to bargain.

"I-I will buy it with coins. How much do you want?"

"200 coins."

"Huh? But I don't have that many coins."

"Then go away."

200 coins for one piece of food. Even the dokkaebi was likely to pass out.

One of the Cheoldoo Group selling food saw his look and trembled. He had a bandage around his thigh and seemed to be one of the guys he beat up yesterday.

"Did I ever say thank you for yesterday?"

Dokja suddenly turned his head and saw Heewon standing nearby.

"I think I heard it."

"Still, I want to thank you again."

I wanted to say something but Jung Heewon's eyes were fixed on the injured Cheoldoo member.

"The one with the injured leg, he was the one who tried to rape me yesterday."

"…I see."

"Don't touch him because I will kill him myself. Understood?"

Her killing intent was impressive. Was she chosen by a sponsor or was it a late blooming attribute?

[The exclusive skill, Character List is activated.]

He was a little worried about using this skill. This woman would've died if he hadn't saved her. Would she be registered as a character?

[Character Information]

Name: Jung Heewon

Age: 27 years old.

Constellation Sponsor: None (Three constellations are currently showing interest in this person).

Private Attribute: Crouching Figure (General)

Exclusive skills: Demon Slayer Lv. 1, Kendo Lv. 1.

Stigmata: None

Overall Stats: Stamina Lv. 4, Strength Lv. 4, Agility Lv. 7, Magic Power Lv. 4.

Overall Evaluation: She was a 'crouching figure' with enormous potential. The attribute information wasn't verified yet because the attribute hadn't blossomed.

Fortunately, her information appeared. It was different from Sangah, Gilyoung and Myungoh. Was she originally not abandoned? By the way, it was a very interesting exclusive attribute.

'Crouching figure.'

"Couching figure, I've always wondered what that means," Heewon says as she looks at her stats on the screen as Dokja begins to explain.

"It didn't seem big based on the name, but it was one of the few 'super evolutionary' attributes in Ways of Survival. 'Crouching Figure' was a general rated attribute, but it could reach a rare or legendary rating depending on the occasion," He begins, "One of the 100 strongest people in Ways of Survival, the Crazy Butcher evolved from 'Crouching Figure.'"

Heewon widens her eyes at the information before looking at the screen once again.

Dokja thought she was just a passing person but he might have to consider taking her as a teammate.

It would take a while to grow her 'Demon Slaying' skill but this woman could become a powerful hitman if she was raised well.

"By the way, Dokja-ssi is very calm."

Calm… It might seem like that.

"I am familiar with situations like this in the novel."

"That was a whole ass lore drop,why didn't I get it!?" Heewon sighs out as she looks at herself in the screen, disappointed in herself to not even notice that.

"Huh? Does that make sense… Wait a minute. Where are you going?"

Dokja didn't answer and descended from the platform. Heewon wanted to come with him and he reached out a hand to stop her.

"It's okay."

Heewon landed lightly below the platform. Dokja walked along the railway tracks and watched the tunnel road to Yaksu Station. It was filled with thick darkness and the inside wasn't visible, but it smelt terrible. It was a bloody smell.

"You aren't going inside are you?" Heewon asked. "Everyone who went that way has died. The thugs or anyone else. Everyone who goes inside will unconditionally die."

Her words were wrong. Not everyone died. At least one person had already gone down this road and moved onto the next station. They climbed onto the platform again. They had been gone for quite a time but the line of people to trade food was still long.

"The person Dokja-ssi says, is it Joonghyuk-ssi?" Hyunsung asks as Dokja nods his head.

"That's correct, he's stronger than the supposed novel Joonghyuk in this round. Actually, everyone is way stronger than the supposed third round."

Everyone winces at the word novel once again, it seems like everyone is still not used to being called characters and learning the fact that they're from a novel.

Joonghyuk frowns deeper, "And here you are acting like you're so omniscient just because you read a few pages."

Dokja looks away from Joonghyuk as the Secretive Plotter sighs.

"Do you really think he could've known that fiction and reality would merge together?" He asks, "I would have acted the same way if I were him."

Dokja looks at the Secretive Plotter who defended him, his eyes widening in shock.

Uriel also joins in the fight, "I agree! It's not his fault! He's just a reader! We should look for the author, not gang up on him!"

Everyone looks at the angel who glares at them. Joonghyuk in particular before he sighs, "Do whatever the fuck you want, it's not like you're the protagonist of the goddamned novel he reads."

They all don't notice the Secretive Plotter flinches as Yoo Joonghyuk said that.

Some people who protested against the mainstream group were beaten up and others paid unusual prices for the food.

Shortly afterwards, Heewon saw a few young women from the marginalized group sneak into the back of a tarp and she became furious.

"Ah, really annoying. Did you see that?"

"I saw it."

Cheon Inho had said it. 'Anything' could be exchanged for food. But the girls who just entered weren't carrying anything.

Seolhwa closes her mouth in shock as Heewon grips her hands. Seriously, prostitution? Just for food!? Even Sangah is shocked as she looks away from the screen, to think people would stoop so low just for food… Dokja closes his eyes as Hyunsung notices that he is also gripping his hands into a fist. Dokja may be omniscient. But everyone, including Hyunsung himself fails to realise that Dokja is not omnipotent. Except for the Secretive Plotter.

Because it feels like the Secretive Plotter understands why he was doing such things. It's because he is weak, he may have the knowledge but he is weak. What can he do? Another reason to pity Kim Dokja. He notices he is feeling awkward around everyone once again. Seeing that nobody is next to him, he speaks to Dokja.

"Kim Dokja, would you accompany me here?" he asks as Dokja blinks in surprise.

Is the Constellation trying to console him? He looks down at Bihyung who just mouthed go for it since he too is feeling awkward sitting with the rest of the incarnations as Dokja stands up and sits next to the Secretive Plotter.

"Thank you…" he tells the constellation who simply hums in acknowledgement. Perhaps he should sit with the constellation since… Since his companions keep getting angry at him…

Kim Dokja doesn't know why his heart feels like it's being shredded everytime they speak hurtful words to him... It's not like he wanted to hurt them... Except maybe Dokja just doesn't deserve to be trusted.

Meanwhile Uriel widens her eyes at the love triangle that's happening as she scratches her eyes before looking at them. Wukong had to close her gaping mouth since she's drooling.

"Uriel? Are you ok dear?" Persephone asks as Uriel just salivates.

"I'm guessing no, dear."

Heewon sprang to her feet.

"I can't just watch this."

"What will you do?"

"Stop it. I have to tell them not to do it, no matter the circumstances!"

"Then those women will starve."

"Are you just going to watch?"

"Yes, I think you should just watch this time."

"What do you mean by that?"

Dokja silently received Jung Heewon's contemptuous gaze.

"Jung Heewon-ssi, stopping those women won't solve the current problem. Even if you stop them now, something similar will occur late at night."

"…Then I will stop them again. I will stop it and stop it."

"Then what about their food? Among those who just entered the tarp, there is a mother with a child. If that child starves to death, will Heewon-ssi be responsible for the child's death?"

Jung Heewon's eyes shook. She bowed her head as if to hide her expression.

"…Then what can I do? The alternative…"

Dokja looked up at Jung Heewon.

With this, Heewon wouldn't do anything unexpected. She was a 'Crouching Figure' with 'Demon Slaying.' Depending on how she acted, Jung Heewon might evolve into an indiscriminate murderer.

The constellations nod their heads in agreement. Uriel has been keeping an eye out for Heewon to be her incarnation. She has a high sense of justice, which she likes. She will probably want to make her her incarnation soon since a second sponsor selection event is coming soon.

"Jung Heewon-ssi, the key to this problem is food. Isn't that right?"

"…That's right."

"Then we need to remove the cause of the problem."

"Huh…?"

Dokja looked at his watch instead of answering. It was time.

Yes, he showed up. The air split apart and a familiar figure was revealed. Screams came from everywhere. The nightmare of humanity that opened up this tragedy.

"Biryu's here huh?" Bihyung comments as Dokja nods his head.

"I honestly prefer you over any dokkaebi," he comments as Bihyung just coughs and looks away.

"It's because we're in a contract you fool!"

[H-How are you all doing? Haven't you been free for a while?]

The dokkaebi.

"A-Aaaagh!"

The people panicked at the appearance of the dokkaebi. It was never a good thing when this guy showed up. Even Heewon, who was full of energy, flinched momentarily.

By the way, it wasn't Bihyung. Originally, Bihyung was the dokkaebi responsible for all nearby channels. But this guy was different. Unlike the pure white fur of Bihyung, this dokkaebi had black fur.

[M-My friend who was originally in charge of this channel is undergoing disciplinary action… S-So, I am responsible for this scenario.]

The dokkaebi's timid tone was very memorable.

[T-Then everyone. D-Don't you look very peaceful? T-That Bihyung, he pretended to be pretentious only to set this level of scenario difficulty…]

"W-What are you saying? Tell us what you want!"

[H-Hik. Don't be angry. Everyone. A-Anyway, I came for you guys…]

"What would you do if you met up with Biryu instead of me?" Bihyung asks as Dokja hums.

"I'm not sure myself, the main protagonist has you as the streamer while the other dokkaebis are more enemies to him than anyone else. Either that or they are just passerby dokkaebis."

Bihyung hums as he thinks about it, so that means Dokja would be at a disadvantage because he knows Bihyung the most due to him being the main streamer of the channel huh?

"For us?"

"T-Then give us food!"

[F-Food? Aha…if you want food…]

After his words ended, the dokkaebi moved his hand.

[A scenario penalty has been added.]

[From now on, food stockpiling is limited.]

[All existing stockpiled food has disappeared.]

"U-Uhh! What?"

The people with emergency food screamed. Whether it was from the mainstream group or marginalized group, everything that was called 'food' floated in the air.

[He, hehe. Then everyone. You can't. Y-You have to think about how to break the scenario.]

The canned food, biscuits, calorie bars, etc. The emergency food gathered by the people were destroyed with one gesture from the dokkaebi. The people's expressions became grim when they saw the food disappearing.

[Y-You want to eat? In any case, Earth trash…]

His tone suddenly changed. Dokja seemed to remember his name. According to the original setting, there was one dokkaebi like this. His tone was timid but he was crueler than any dokkaebi.

In the distance, Cheon Inho was watching him with confused eyes.

[Everyone, let's have fun from now on. Hehe…]

It was followed by system messages.

[A scenario penalty has been added.]

[The 'survival cost' clause has been added.]

[From now on, 100 coins will be deducted every night for the 'survival cost'. If you can't pay the 'survival cost', you will die.]

[The 'survival cost' penalty will be maintained until the second main scenario is cleared.]

Dokja laughed as he read the rising messages. Yes, now it was like Ways of Survival.

Dokja looks away from where the incarnations are located, just by their gaze, Dokja knew that they had seen him differently from before. Because they think he's treating life just like a novel… Especially Joonghyuk who outright just glares at him. He felt a hand with sharp, long hails on his own, squeezing tightly as Dokja looks at the Secretive Plotter who has his eyes watching their screen, or rather that's what it looks like since he is wearing a cloak. Dokja looks at the hand as he blushes, holding it tightly while the other hand is hugging Bihyung.

Uriel keeps watching the two as she feels like she should change ships. Joonghyuk is downright mean to Dokja and she doesnt like it at all, looking at how tender the Secretive Plotter is to him, Uriel can't help but start a new ship as she smiles at the both of them. Toxicity is only fun fictionally after all.

[T-Then I will let everyone take care of it! Yihihihit!]

The dokkaebi said these words and disappeared.

A food penalty and survival penalty. He already knew about the former penalty. However, the latter wasn't in the original Ways of Survival. Maybe his contract with Bihyung caused this development.

Jung Heewon confirmed that the biscuit in her pocket had disappeared and asked in a soft voice.

"Dokja-ssi, did you perhaps know something like this would hap―"

"I did expect it. I thought about what the dokkaebis would do first to harass humans."

"…Aren't you really good at making predictions?"

Dokja called Hyunsung and the others over. The situation was created and now it was time to move.

"Give back our food!"

"How, how did this happen?"

The people of the marginalized group were crying. Cheon Inho and the mainstream group were also devastated by the sudden food shortage. My eyes met Cheon Inho's, who bit his lip.

[Perhaps…were you aware of it? No, that is impossible.]

"Yeah, he is so aware of it…" Jihye comments as Dokja winces.

"No need to pay attention to them," The Secretive Plotter begins as Dokja hums, trying to not let it bother them, but its hard since they are his favourite people from the novel.

He's been growing up with them, through thick and thin and now they're isolating themselves away from Dokja…

It hurts.

And to think a constellation is the one comforting him instead.

If he could read his thoughts then that's what he would be thinking.

[You have accurately read the thoughts of character 'Cheon Inho.']

[Your understanding of the character 'Cheon Inho' has increased.]

His understanding rose from this sort of thing?

Dokja looked at other people's expressions and tried to guess what they were thinking. But the previous messages didn't pop up.

Meanwhile, Cheon Inho quickly gathered the people together in order to organize the chaos.

"Everyone, gather together. I will give you an emergency notice."

The contents of the notice were simple:The situation had become worse so more 'scouts' from the marginalized group was needed. They had to hurry. Now there was no food underground.

"We won't distribute food to people who don't participate as scouts."

Despite the hardline declaration, there was no backlash from the citizens. No, they couldn't. It was an inevitable result in this situation. The people noticed it and volunteered to be scouts one by one.

Despite the disappearance of the food, hope remained on Cheon Inho's face. As the situation became worse, more control was passed onto the mainstream group.

Hyunsung became anxious when he saw this and opened his mouth.

"Dokja-ssi, what now?"

"Of course, we have to go and get food."

The expressions of the party members became tense at these words. Obtain food. This meant only one thing.

"Then we have to be scouts? There is still food remaining aboveground."

"Nope, we won't go above ground. If we go there, we will unconditionally die."

Dokja looked at a gas mask on the floor. This tattered gas mask couldn't stop the poisonous fog.

"But we need to obtain food aboveground…"

"Lee Hyunsung-ssi. The world has changed. Then the food needs to change."

Dokja looked at the tunnel to Yaksu Station.

"Wait a minute. Dokja-ssi…don't tell me?"

"That's right."

In this world, humans were no longer the top predators. Even if they weren't predators, they didn't necessarily have to be prey.

"We will hunt monsters."

"Finally, more action!" Abyssal Black Flame Dragon whines out as the constellations nod. It seems they are bored by the talking even though they have watched this particular moment. It made Junghwa wonders if they should skip to the future events sooner or should they just continue watching the past like they are supposed to.

Besides, the tension between Dokja and the rest of the incarnations are… thick. Junghwa needs to do something, but what can they show? Junghwa looks at Dokja who is now with Bihyung and the Secretive Plotter, it seems lie the Secretive Plotter at least have a mind of his own compared to them.

"Remember, everyone,"Junghwa finally speaks as they all pay close attention to Junghwa's words, ""Dokja may be omniscient, but he is not omnipotent."

The incarnations look confused at first, but it seems Gilyoung and Yoosung first caught them as they both nod their heads. Junghwa presses the episode, disappointed in them. Especially Yoo Joonghyuk.

Sooyoung understands it immediately since everyone seems to be against Kim Dokja even though they are foirgetting Sooyoung have also read the nove, but then again they dont know it. It's gonna be revealed soon anyway so why bother telling them. Still, she cant help but feel sorry for the squid who is sitting next to the Secretive Plotter, which reminds her… he somewhat looks familiar for some reason…

After a while, several people from the marginalized group, including myself, were standing in front of the tunnel towards Yaksu Station.

"I see. Are you going to enter the railway track?"

Dokja thought Cheon Inho would challenge him when they refused to join the scouting group, but he seemed relieved that he was out of the group. He might think D was a threat to his own power.

"Well, looking at it in the long run, a team dedicated to attacking the scenario is required. Come back safely."

He was a funny guy. He spoke like he was the captain. But the time for him to be finished wasn't far off.

[Your understanding of the character 'Cheon Inho' has increased.]

[Your understanding of the character 'Cheon Inho' has reached a certain level.]

There were two major cases of character 'understanding' rising. One was when Dokja got the liking or trust of the character. The second was when he accurately guessed what the character was thinking. Maybe now was the latter case.

[The character 'Cheon Inho' is suspicious of you.]

According to the accumulated understanding value, a vague idea of the person's emotions could be obtained.

"Oh, can one of my group members join? I'd like to get some information on the attack."

Indeed, Cheon Inho wouldn't let us go so easily. Dokja stared at the man behind him. It was the person who would go with us and an unlucky fellow.

Wukong groans, "This guy again?" he asks as Dokja simply nods.

"Yep, you guessed it…"

The dragon teenager hums as hewatches the screen longer, feeling something off. He may be old and had taken th form of the 15 year old teenager, he is actually wise. So why did his gut have a feeling something strange is gonna happen soon?

"I-I have to go with them?"

"Eh, why else are you here, Han hyung? Didn't you want to reconcile with Dokja-ssi last night?"

"T-That…"

Cheon Inho's party member who joined us was Department Head Han Myungoh.

"D-Dokja-ssi. If you don't mind, I will go…"

"I understand. Let's go together."

Myungoh was surprised when Dokja responded readily. He thought he would refuse. Hyunsung had a worried face but he had an idea. In any case, the survivors party of five people from Carriage 3807, consisting of Kim Dokja, Lee Hyunsung, Lee Gilyoung, Yoo Sangah and Han Myungoh was reformed.

"Can I come as well?"

"…Is it okay even if your body isn't fully healed?"

"This much is fine."

There was one more. Including Jung Heewon, there was a total of six people in the party. It was a lot for a small number.

Of course, the number of people wasn't much in front of the upcoming crisis.

[A new sub scenario has arrived!]

[Second Scenario – Food Acquisition]

Category: Sub

Difficulty: E

Clear Conditions: Directly hunt the monsters that can be used as food and cook them.

Time Limit: None

Compensation: 500 coins

Failure: ???

As soon as they stepped foot in the tunnel, a sub scenario flew in. Food acquisition. It was a sub scenario they had to go through before entering the second main scenario.

[A few constellations are anticipating your performance.]

"The irony that we're watching this as well even though its all in the past now," Sooyoung comments as she crosses her legs together. She had wondered how Dokja tackled the scenarios before, so this will help her figure out why he is Yoo Joonghyuk's sponsor.

Kim Dokja is Yoo Joonghyuk's sponsor… how on earth did that happen? Sooyoung is still finding it hard for her to believe what Junghwa had said is true even after the skill had confirmed it to be thr truth. Perhaps she can ask something else that's related in their break?

The darkness of the tunnel became apparent before they even moved 10 steps. He lit up the tunnel with a flashlight but the outline of the surrounding area wasn't visible at all. It was proof of a curtain that was blocking the light. The real thing would be beyond this curtain.

"Dokja-ssi, wait a minute. It is really dangerous from here on." Heewon, who walked beside him, stopped first.

"Are we really going this way? No matter how I look, it seems like suicide. There is also Gilyoung."

"In fact, I was concerned from the beginning. It isn't too late so how about we leave Gilyoung behind? And if possible, the women…"

"Hyunsung-ssi, I'm not as good as you but I know how to fight. I took some kendo lessons."

"But…"

An unnecessary controversy was about to heat up the atmosphere so Dokja interrupted.

" Hyunsung-ssi. I told you before. The world has changed. It is biased that a woman is physically weak. Right now, everyone can become stronger by raising their stats. But Jung Heewon-ssi, there is also a problem with your words."

"…What is it?"

"Just as a woman isn't weak, a child also isn't weak. Gilyoung, show them."

Gilyoung perks up when he sees himself in action on the screen. Heewon whistles and says, "I shouldn't have underestimated you huh?"

Gilyoung hums before looking over top where Dokja is, sitting awkwardly with a constellation.

Gilyoung came forward. He looked around for a while before sitting on the tunnel floor and reaching out his hand. Jung Heewon's eyes widened.

"Oh my god, what is that?"

"S-Shit! Cockroaches!"

Myungoh cried out with fear.

The cockroach that appeared in the distance was connected to Gilyoung's fingertips with a faint solid line. The cockroach listened to Gilyoung's words like a well-behaved dog and disappeared into the darkness.

"My attribute is Insect Collector."

Insect Collector. Lee Gilyoung possessed the rare ability to communicate simply with insects through his 'Diverse Communication' skill.

The samne goes for Yoosung who has the Beast Tamer attribute. It makes her wonder did Dokja saved her because she was strong or was she just another disaster. She shakes her head, no. Why did Dokja save her and made her his incarnation if she's a disaster? ' No, ahjussi is different. He saved me, even if… Even if I'm from a novel, he still saved me. He knows I'm a disaster and yet he saves me…'

"This is nothing in front of us. It is safe for 100 steps forward."

Gilyoung showed an overwhelming scouting power and the other people made a stunned expression. Gilyoung spoke to them with a bold expression.

"Thank you for your concern. But I didn't follow all of you for you to take care of me."

"Ah, yes."

Heewon nodded with a sour expression. Gilyoung came to his side and Dokja stroked his hair.

Lee Gilyoung's attribute hadn't been seen in the original Ways of Survival. It wasn't a wrong choice to save Lee Gilyoung in the beginning. They passed a clear barrier and entered the full-fledged darkness.

[You have entered a dangerous area.]

"Y-Yoo Sangah-ssi. It is dangerous to hold my hand while walking."

"…Aren't you more afraid than I am?"

Snickers are heard in the theatre at Myungoh's cowardness.

"N-No!"

The air inside the curtain was sticky from the humidity.

"Reduce the light."

Sangah immediate covered the flashlight. Since this model didn't have a light control function, she had to adjust the light with her hand.

"Ouch. Don't shine it downwards."

Heewon felt nauseous when she checked the ground. There were torn bodies. The bodies of those who tried to move through here were arranged at their feet.

Sangah closed her eyes tightly, Myungoh shook and even Hyunsung started sweating. Gilyoung was surprisingly calm, with not the slightest bit of fear on his face. He felt a bit worried. This guy, did he think it was all a game?

"Not really I just saw my moms head explodes and dead bodies all around me in the train, not to mention those aren't humans. They're animals," reason out the young lad. Still, it made everyone worry to see such a child get used to such a scenario so quickly compared to them.

"There is something that isn't human."

As Gilyoung said, it wasn't only the bodies of humans on the ground. There was something the size of a fully-grown wolf. The bodies of the mole-like creatures were scattered all over the place.

The 9th grade underground species, the ground rat. It was a name reminiscent of bugs on Earth, but a name was just a name. They were underground piranhas. The ground rats were persistent hunters who burrowed through the ground in groups and aimed at their prey. However, the ground rats collapsed like they had received a bombardment. Heewon sighed.

"…Who the hell did this?"

Obviously, there was only one human who could turn the ground rats into this. Yoo Jonghyuk. He proceeded to the next station through this path alone. But he couldn't help wondering. Originally, it was supposed to be tonight or tomorrow when the third turn Yoo Jonghyuk moved to the next station.

Yoo Joonghyuk frowns, again with him as if knowing everything. He's sick of it, sick of listening to it and yet he's forced to watch it. Well its good that they get a break from the scenarios but the fact that Joonghyuk had to sit down and watch this pathetic so called poet control his life? Uh huh, no way in hell bitch.

Dokja notices the glare once more as he tightened his hold on Bihyungs small body, causing thr dokkaebi to look up to his contractor and cant help but feel slightly guilty at the face he is sporting. The secretive Plotter also notices and squeezes his hand in return, as if telling him it's ok.

Why was he so hasty? Did he become impatient? What was the reason?

"Dokja-ssi, can we use this for food?"

"The scenario said that we have to 'hunt' it ourselves so maybe it isn't possible."

"…Well, it is kind of uncomfortable. What about cooking? Do you want to bake it on a fire?"

It could be baked. The problem was that it must be a special fire.

"Heewon-ssi, you said you were good at kendo?"

"Uh, it is a bit much to say I am good…but what are you doing now?"

Dokja stabbed the body of the ground rat and started to cut it with a knife. He didn't know when I read it in the novel but it didn't go as well as he thought. After somehow getting rid of the tough skin, he managed to remove the spine bones. This was the first time so he left many scratches, but it was usable.

"Why are you taking that?"

"You need a weapon for kendo."

The stone hog's thorn wasn't enough but the spine of the ground rat consisted of a single bone, making it a pretty good weapon at the beginning of the scenario.

After cutting the cartilage leading to the leg and shaping it, the bone actually took the shape of a knife. He gave it to Heewon.

"Thank you. Suddenly I feel like I'm back to the Paleolithic age."

"You need to grind it a bit more for it to be useful. There are rocks around so grind the blade."

"Huhu, understood. Captain."

Heewon started to grind the blade with a slightly excited voice. He ooked up and saw Hyunsung watching the scene with a bit of envy.

"Do you want one?"

"Eh, you will make me one?"

Heewon cant help but snort at the scene because he looks like a kicked puppy while Hyunsung seems embarrassed as fuck.

"All of you come closer. It is better if you learn how to do it. Let's make it together."

In fact, this was also his first time trying it. He wouldn't have been able to do it if the details hadn't been included in Ways of Survival.

"…Dokja-ssi, you are a beginner but you are good at it."

They sat down and made weapons together. This time it was a spear, not a sword. They didn't have the Kendo skill so he decided it was more stable to make a long spear.

Hyunsung's spear was made with the spine of the largest ground rat while Sangah and Myungoh's weapons were made with the spine of average sized ground rats. Finally, Gilyoung's weapon was made with the head bone of a young ground rat.

[You have succeeded in acquiring weapons by yourself.]

[A very small number of constellations are interested in the primitive nature of humanity.]

[The constellations have sponsored you 100 coins.]

Everyone received these messages.

"We receive coins even for this type of thing."

"Constellations are fickle beings, my dear," Hades comments as Persephone nods her head.

"Indeed we are, we only want one thing, after all."

Jihye decides to challenge them, "And what is this one thing?"

"You'll probably see it in the episodes too, dear."

"I don't want you to die. You have your own coins?"

"Yes, we do."

"Whenever possible, leave enough coins for the survival cost and invest the rest in your strength, stamina and agility. Otherwise, you won't survive."

"Ah, I'll keep that in mind."

They finished the preparations and started to move forward again. The 100 steps that Lee Gilyoung mentioned was right in front of us now.

[The sub scenario – Food Acquisition has begun!]

The ground rats crawled out from the ground. He quickly counted the numbers. One, two, three…there were exactly 13. It was more than he thought.

The group of land rats drew a line and started threatening th3m. The moment we crossed the line, the fight would begin.

"There is no plan. We are beginners. It might sound cruel but honestly, I don't expect you to survive."

"T-That…"

"Still, all of you survive. Please."

Everyone pauses at the words spoke by the Dokja on the screen and contemplated themselves. Sangha looks at Dokja whop is awkwardly sitting next to the constellation and cant help but feel sorry for him. But she reqalises was the fasct that Junghwa was right. Dokja was omniscient, not omnipotent.

Slowly but surely Hyunsung is also believing those words as well, because what else could Dokja do to survive? The novel is what made him survive, it saved him multiple times again and again. He was just a reader. Why are they blaming the reader when they can blame the author?

Han Myungoh was the only upset one in the party. Everyone else was nervous but looked determined. In particular, Heewon's eyes were very impressive.

"Okay, let's try it. Everybody, please live!"

Just as Yoo Jonghyuk tested me, he also had expectations for them. No matter how good a mentor, a person who wasn't determined couldn't survive in this world.

In the end, it was up to a person to save themselves. Everyone should use this opportunity to realise it clearly.

"Then let's go."

He also knew who he must take among these people.

As they took one more step, the ground rats moved. The battle began.

The party fought well. It was actually a little bit surprising. In particular, Hyunsung and Heewon who stepped forward with him were very influential.

The battle composition naturally became the three of them in front with the other three in the rear. Less than a minute after the battle began, a few ground rats were stuck on the ground with their necks pierced. Hyunsung overpowered another ground rat, wiped the sweat on his forehead and said.

"…I think I can live."

Once they raised their overall stats, the human race wasn't that weak.

Even so, Hyunsung's mentality was very special in this world. A normal human couldn't be so nonchalant when encountering monsters.

There was a reason why he got the name of Steel Sword in the future. However, the more amazing person was Heewon.

"Steel Sword?" Hyunsung comments, looking somewhat embarrassed by the fact that he got such a fancy name.

"The pattern is simpler than I thought?"

Maybe it was due to the Kendo skill but every time her sword stretched out, the ground rat was cut somewhere on their legs or tail.

"Hap!"

It was a case where Heewon invested most of her coins into strength. Her endurance declined due to it but the power of one blow was better than he thought. Her sword moved in a terrifying manner through the air.

"Damn, I lost one! Please!"

Heewon curses at her inability, maybe she should have invested in stamina more instead of just strength. She had speed but not strength, and because of her lack of knowledge, she invested them all in strength… Again, she looks over to Dokja who is omniscient over all the scenarios and frowns.

Her voice trembled as she spoke. Her only weakness was that her stamina was low so her endurance fell.

The ground rats who moved between the party members were moderately smart. After succeeding in scattering the ranks, they ran towards the opponent who seemed the weakest using a hunter's instincts.

"Leave it to me."

However, the ground rats didn't know that they had picked the wrong opponent.

A blunt instrument thrown by Gilyoung's hands struck the head of a ground rat. The impact was lacking because he was a child but it was enough. The others could help him finish it.

Sangah's spear pierced the body of the ground rat. The ground rat twisted several times. Sangah made a confused expression but she didn't remove her hand from the spear.

The ground rat lost its energy and fell down.

He honestly thought it would be difficult for Sangah to adapt but he was really surprised. Usually, it was normal to panic like Myungoh standing over here.

"U-Uhhhh…"

As the people were struggling, one person was hiding in the rear. He couldn't even hide properly and was bleeding near the shins. Dokja pierced the last ground rat with the thorn and the surroundings became quiet.

" Only one person didnt do anything, he doesnt deserve any coins at all hmph!" Uriel comments as she looks away from the screen in anger while Abyssal Black Flame Dragon is silent, staring at the man. His guts is saying something odd…

He shook the blood off the thorn and looked at everyone. Everyone suffered from minor abrasions except for Myungoh, but there were no major injuries. It was a great first victory.

Sangah and Gilyoung relaxed and sat down, while Hyunsung stabbed his spear into the ground and wiped at the sweat on his forehead. Heewon lamented as she countered the number of ground rats in the vicinity.

"…Dokja-ssi, how many did you take care of?"

"Four of them."

"Che, I killed two."

"I got three."

His pride was somehow hurt when he heard Lee Hyunsung's proud declaration. There was only one difference despite my stats. He used a skill and looked at Hyunsung's attributes window.

[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. 1, Patience Lv. 1, Sense of Justice Lv. 1, Weapons Training Lv. 2.

Stigma: Great Mountain Push Lv. 1

Overall Stats: Stamina Lv. 12, Strength Lv. 9, Agility Lv. 9, Magic Power Lv. 6.

Overall Evaluation: The moment of the attribute evolution is gradually approaching. The person's trust in you is considerable. The sponsor behind him is wary towards you.

'Starter Pack' is currently applied.

"Ah," Dokja begins as he looks at the overall evaluation. His sponsor is wary of him, just as everyone else is wary of him, understandable… Bihyung pats his thighs since he can't really do anything since his powers are sealed.

Hah, the starter pack. This was why he was strong. The Master of Steel seemed to quite like Lee Hyunsung. The Starter Pack was a coin package that could be used when the average overall stats of the incarnation was less than level 10.

It was a good item that allowed you to learn Weapons Training, a useful skill in the beginning, while raising the level of the overall stats by one. Considering the fact that most incarnations were being exploited for nothing, Lee Hyunsung was lucky to receive the Starter Pack.

"Dokja-ssi, your complexion doesn't look good…"

"Ah, no. I was just thinking for a moment."

"Let's gather up the ground rats. We need to prepare today's food."

"Ummm…by the way, how will we cook it? We can't eat it like this."

"We can't eat it now but there will be a way."

He guessed he answered too calmly. There was silence among my party members. Hyunsung was the first one to open his mouth.

"Excuse me, I would like to ask you one thing."

"Yes?"

"Dokja-ssi, perhaps…do you know something about this situation?"

Whoops, he made a mistake.

"We should've interrogated him more…" Heewon curses out as Jihye nods.

"I agree, what didn't you guys do that anyway?" she asks curiously as Heewon just points to Myungoh.

"You'll see in a bit."

"That…"

Suddenly, he remembered the regressors in the novel he read, followed by Yoo Jonghyuk's words.

It was like this. The feeling of a regressor. Usually, these types of things happened to a regressor. Some replies came to mind. He could shamelessly say that it was a hunch or he could lie like Yoo Jonghyuk.

"Then again," Jihye starts looking at the image of her master in the screen, "Master is somewhat the same as ahjussi…"

[The constellation Secretive Plotter is anticipating your choice.]

[A few constellations are anticipating your answer.]

But from a reader's point of view, the best answer was…

"A-Aaaack!"

It was to create a situation where he didn't need to say anything.

[The constellation 'Secretive Plotter' nods at your choice.]

"You even expected Myungoh so get kidnapped by the rats, Dokja-ssi?" Uriel asks as Dokja nods.

"Somewhat, since he's the weakest link, the rats will try and get him to their nest. But I didn't anticipate Sangah-ssi to follow him as well…"

"There is still one left!"

Heewon shouted and Hyunsung ran. However, the action of the hidden ground rats was faster than anyone else. It was much bigger than the other creatures.

"S-Save me…!"

It dragged Myungoh into a tunnel by one of his legs. The nearest Sangah swung her spear but the situation got worse because Han Myungoh held onto her.

"Grab this!"

Hyunsung stretched out the handle of his spear but it only hit the ground. The ground rat and the two people had already disappeared into the ground.

[The constellation 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' resents this frustrating person.]

"Oh," Jihye begins, "So that's what happens…"

Heewon burst out.

."Ah…I knew I was going to get cancer because of that ahjussi."

"…I'm sorry. I was too late."

Hyunsung spoke in a sad voice. Dokja tapped his shoulder to show it was okay.

"No one could've done anything."

"Should we chase after them?"

Dokja looked at the hole where they had disappeared. It wasn't an ordinary hole. There was a touch of energy around it. The darkness gave off a gloomy feeling.

He retreated to the back and turned on his smartphone. There was only 5% battery remaining. At dawn, he exchanged one battery charge for food with a person from the marginalized group.

Joonghyuk grips his hands into a fist, "You really are nothing without your novel, aren't you, Kim Dokja," he really doesn't understand it. Why? Why must he learn it this way? The way his life is nothing but mere entertainment because of this one pathetic "prophet" he got fooled by.

Junghwa has had enough of Joonghyuk as they slam their hand down the table and glares at them.

"Hands off of Kim Dokja, Yoo Joonghyuk! I'm sick and had it of you belittling him all over the place when YOU ARE THE ONE WHO CHOOSE THIS PATH!" Junghwa yells at him as everyone winces at their tone of voice. Yep, Junghwa seems much more angry than before.

"I know you regressed a couple of times already but that aint no excuse buddy! Look at the 999th round!? He's kind and a gentleman unlike you, you freaking tsundere bitch, not to mention your memory's all fucked up! Why do you think I brought you here in the first place huh!? It's because Kim Dokja LOVES YOU!!! YOU FOOL!" Junghwa pants as they glare at Joonghyuk who just stares at Junghwa with wide eyes. He did not get yelled at in such a long time.

But what he did catch on is that… Kim Dokja loves him?

Meanwhile Dokja just blushes as he tried to hide behind Bihyung as the Secretive Plotter looks at Dokja with an unknown expression beneath his cloak while everyone else stays quiet, trying to make sense on what Junghwa had said.

Junghwa glares at everyone before resuming the episode, they'll have questions soon enough but only after the episode ends.

[Your reading speed has increased due to the effect of the exclusive attribute.]

Shortly afterwards, he was able to find the desired passage.

「 …The 'Edge of Darkness' is the habitat of the ground rats and is a type of subspace emitted from the 'Dark Root.' The ground rats that breath in black ether instead of oxygen don't grow naturally unless they are near the 'Edge of Darkness'… 」

It was a fact that he knew roughly but it was meaningful to review it. That's right. This was the entrance to the Edge of Darkness. He read about it and put the smartphone in his pocket.

"Dokja-ssi?"

Hyunsung was looking at me with a frustrated expression.

He nodded.

"We will enter."

"Ah, then…"

"But it very dangerous to enter with a lot of people. Hyunsung-ssi and Heewon-ssi will wait here at the boundary. If something happens, I will give you a signal."

The startled Heewon asked.

"Surely…you don't intend to go with only Gilyoung?"

"Gilyoung's ability will be helpful in pursuing them."

The moment she tried to strongly resist, he raised a hand and called to Hyunsung.

"Hyunsung-ssi. Heewon-ssi isn't in a good condition so please take care of her."

Lee Hyunsung seemed to realize something.

"I understand."

"Wait a minute. I am fine!"

" Heewon, confidence is good but don't be reckless."

"…"

Heewon notices how she looked as she frowns, looking away from the screen as she sighs. Perhaps she should at least say sorry to Dokja since he still feels awkward with them due to having his thoughts and well… All of this was exposed to everyone. But when is a good time?

Heewon's breathing was uneven. She wasn't completely healed from the poisonous fog.

Dokja left the two people and entered the hole with Gilyoung. It was obviously a hole that was dug down a vertical slope. But as soon as they entered, they could stand as if gravity was in effect.

It was due to the magic power emitted by the Edge of Darkness.

"This way."

The darkness was so deep that he couldn't see anything, so he could only move forward with Gilyoung. Black ether had the property of absorbing light, making a flashlight meaningless. If Gilyoung's ability Diverse Communication wasn't available, he might have to use coins again.

"Ahjussi is quite greedy huh?" Jihye comments, "Not only you know the future, but also greedy? Ahjussi, did you do something while we played rock paper scissors before?" Dokja doesnt say anything as he watches the screen.

"Jihye," Junghwa says, "There's a reason for everything he does. Don't push him away,"

Jihye opens her mouth before Joonghyuk hushes her, noticing the change in attitude with Junghwa being overprotective of Dokja.

"Excuse me Hyung." Gilyoung called out to him.

"Did you do it on purpose?"

"…What?"

"When that rat grabbed Noona and Ahjussi, you let it go."

He had a moment of hesitation. In the darkness, Gilyoung's fingertips were strange. Before he could ask how he knew, Gilyoung spoke.

"At that time, I was looking at Hyung's face."

He was watching him. even in those short moments. A very scary kid. It was no good hiding from a person who was so quick.

"Yes, that's right."

The answer was terrible and a message bomb was set off in his head. Indeed, this was a spectacle for the constellations.

[The constellations of absolute good frown at your cruelty.]

[The constellation Secretive Plotter is pressing you with shining eyes.]

"Why did you do that?"

"Because of the habit of the ground rats."

He decided to answer honestly.

"The ground rats have a habit of keeping their catches in the same place as their treasure. It isn't just food. Many things that seem rare are gathered. For example, an item. However, the paths are so complicated that it can't be found unless I follow their path directly."

Lee Gilyoung was silent for a moment. He continued speaking.

"I expected them to take Myungoh. I didn't expect him to grab onto Sangah."

"Then your purpose isn't to save Noona or Ahjussi, it is the items?"

"Yes. Are you disappointed?"

"Nope."

Gilyoung's small hand gripped my finger tightly.

"Hyung shouldn't lie."

"…"

"If Hyung was such a person, you wouldn't have saved me on the subway. I believe in you."

Gilyoung didn't act like a child but he was still a child. Gilyoung didn't know. To be mature and to be an adult were completely different things.

Everyone looks at Gilyoung with such an expression that they forget he's a kid. But he was right, Dokja hid the secret from them because he knows exactly how many are watching him right now. He knows how dangerous the dokkaebis are, how many incarnations abuse him for information… Everyone soon realises that it was a mistake to be angry at Dokja for such a thing when the man himself doesn't even know the apocalypse will come.

Sooyoung on the other hand notices everyone's more calm demeanour towards Dokja as she sighs. She is also one of the readers but not until the end of the entire novel.

[Some constellations are touched to tears.]

[200 coins have been sponsored.]

In this world, there were mean adults who would take advantage of such maturity. The hole was longer than I thought and they had to go downwards for quite a long time.

"Hyung."

"Yes."

"Hyung, are you a god?"

"…What?"

"Or the main character?"

Children sometimes asked sharp questions. It was because they lived in a world where stories and reality weren't clearly distinguished. Gilyoung didn't know exactly what his question meant.

"I'm not a main character. Rather, I always envy the main character."

Junghwa shakes their head and looks at Dokja pitifully, 'But you are to me, you fool…' they say in their head, coughing slightly.

The Secretive Plotter catches them looking at Dokja pitifully as he frowns. Something was not right.

"But you still know something about this world?"

He thought for a moment before replying.

"That's right."

"Then I'll ask you one thing."

"I will answer it if I can."

"Once we clear all these scenarios…can we make a wish?"

"Wish?"

He was a bit confused.

"Usually there is a reward at the end of these stories. At the end of this story, is there something like that?"

In the darkness, Gilyoung's breathing was trembling. Gilyoung's expression when he saw his dead mother suddenly came to mind.

Those who adapted to this world suffered from it in different ways. Some were crazy, some were fanatics and some had irrational optimism.

Everyone pities Gilyoung who can be seen shaking on the screen as they look at the child with empathy.

"Yes, there is."

He was grateful that this place was dark. It was because Gilyoung couldn't see his face right now.

"We are almost there Hyung."

The surrounding black ether was shrinking rapidly. It was evidence that Dark Root was nearby. He tensed up and gripped the thorn.

[A few constellations are holding their breaths.]

He heard the sound of the ground rats somewhere in the ground. As the sound got closer, the sense of space expanded rapidly. He saw a light in the darkness, as if someone had lit a fire.

Then he saw a tattered box beyond that light. The moment he was convinced that he had come to the right place, messages rang in his ears.

[The sub scenario has been updated.]

[You have entered the 'Ground Rat's Treasure Trove.']

The incarnations relax on their chairs as Joonghyuk looks at Junghwa who still seems mad at him, "Episode done, you have 1 minute to ask whatever you want," Junghwa begins.

The Secretive Plotter moves, "You said before that Kim Dokja loves Yoo Joonghyuk. Why is that?" he asks.

Junghwa looks at the Secretive Plotter and sighs, "That is for Kim Dokja to answer, not me."

The Secretive Plotter looks at Dokja before looking at Junghwa again, sighing and sits back down on his chair.

"Anything else?"

Yoo Joonghyuk steps forward, "What do you mean the 999th regression?" he asks. Joonghyuk wanted information eh? No wonder he moves with such impatience.

"The nearly perfect round where no one dies, and you were so close to the end of the scenarios, but died protecting Kim Namwoon."

Every else seem silent as Junghwa scans their faces before looking at Dokja and sighs. Junghwa slams both their hands together on the table, "Aight, I see some of you are still sceptical of Kim Dokja and why he's doing what he does. I'm honestly tempted for you to see the future myself so you have a choice," they begin as they raise one hand into the air.

"Option A, see the past and the reason why Yoo Joonghyuk regresses," Both Yoo Joonghyuk and the Secretive Plotter widens their eyes at the option, "Option B, continue watching the episodes chronologically," everyone looks at each other wondering if they wanted the same thing, "Option C, skip to the part where you will see the future or Option D, watch the moment where you find out you yourselves will learn of this truth in the future. It is your choice."

But Junghwa is not done at all, they are still angry at everyone except for their beloved reader, "I'm doing this because Kim Dokja is obviously hurt by your thoughts of him thinking he's some sort of scammer, hiding such information away from you. I don't want to see Kim Dokja hurt any longer by your words. Now choose wisely." Their voice getting colder as they speak.

But Dokja is not having it, "Junghwa, why… Why do you care so much about me?" He asks curiously, wanting to know why since he was never cared for before. So he was confused.

Junghwa glances over to the Incarnations before looking back at Kim Dokja.

Junghwa looks at Dokja and smiles softly, they look at Kim Dokja with an unreadable look, " Why else, Kim Dokja? You should know more than anyone else how you feel about Yoo Joonghyuk, and just like how Yoo Joonghyuk is to you, that is how you are to me."

"You… You are precious to me, at least… If they don't appreciate you the way they should."

"Know this, Kim Dokja... You may not be the protagonist of Ways of Survival, but you are the protagonist of your own story. It was the story that I love the most."

Kim Dokja widens his eyes.