The 'gap' must exist as a gap. Only then would the rest exist not as gaps. However, the fact that sentences could be found in a place like this, didn't that mean there were still stories they haven't read yet? Han Sooyoung reached out towards the huge letters again. The pitch-black particles stained her hand this time as well. But, they weren't the graphite particles. No, they were very small and really fine black particles made out of ones and zeroes. Han Sooyoung gripped the word even harder than before. If this was the recorded story, then couldn't it be possible to change the records, somehow? [A new Story of Incarnation, 'Han Sooyoung', is waking up!] Tsu-chuchuchuchut! An incredible shower of sparks exploded and began attacking her whole body. It was as if every sentence existing in the world was glaring at her. Yoo Joonghyuk cried out. "You fool… Now isn't the…!" [Story, 'Revision Specialist', has begun its storytelling!] Tsu-chuchuchuchut! "Hey! Wake the hell up!" When she gripped the sentence, the life contained within it was transmitted to her. It was Kim Dokja's life. His life, lived for the purpose of writing this sentence on the [Final Wall].
Han Sooyoung shouted at Kim Dokja currently wrestling against [The Fourth Wall]. "This is your skill! Don't get swallowed up by your own skill!" As if she was trying to revise the recorded sentence, she grabbed onto the entirety of that sentence and shook it, hard. Maybe she was wrong on this one. Kim Dokja might be able to get through this danger all by himself, and her voice might never reach him. Even then, Han Sooyoung still left behind her own sentence on top of the [Wall]. Tsu-chuchuchuchut! Because maybe, just maybe, someone beyond the wall might get to hear her. "Han Sooyoung, the regression is starting again!" "Shut up! Hey, you too! Hurry up and say something!" Han Sooyoung's and Yoo Joonghyuk's figures began scattering away again under the bright rays of light. Before completely disappearing, though, the frowning Yoo Joonghyuk did say something. "Cancel your skill, Kim Dokja." Yoo Sangah blinked her eyes in a daze. Faint rays of light were surrounding her. A monitor in front seemed to sway unsteadily. It currently displayed the personnel records she was browsing just now.
"…Ah." It didn't feel real to her. She blinked again, and felt the sensations picked up by her weak, frail body. This was the body of an Incarnation, unfettered by the 'blessings' of the system that also had lost the powers of skills and Stigmata. These were the sensations of a human being. She really did come back. The things she needed to do popped up in her head one by one. First, confirm the starting point of her regression. Attempt communication with the other companions through the emergency contact lines. And then… She suddenly shot up from her seat, causing many gazes to land on her next. She recalled old, familiar names one by one. Such as, deputy Kim Min-Woo, the section chief Jang Eun-Yeong, and… "Hahah, so what do you think about the HR team? Sangahssi, do you like it here?" The man walking towards her with a bit of an attitude as if to pick a fight with her – that was the executive director Kang Yeong-Hyeon. And the person subserviently following after him… the head of the finance department, Han Myungoh. The latter, cautiously reading the atmosphere until then, smiled sheepishly in her direction. He was not the 'Han Myungoh' she grew to know for the past four years. The one she knew didn't cross over to this regression turn, after all. "Yoo Sangah-ssi, the sale you made this time was truly commen…" Without saying a word, she began running. She brushed past the executive director Kang and rushed into the corridor.
Suddenly, her sense of reality seemed to be blurring. Did she really, truly succeed in regressing? The view of the world that used to be so familiar went past her. She used to come to work here at the fixed time every morning, and went home at the designated hour, too. That was the ruleset of this world, and she diligently stuck to it. "Hey, look here! Yoo Sangah-ssi!" Her employee ID card was exactly the same, too. There was a time in her past life when she struggled so hard to have this around her neck. As if this little thing could act as the proof of her true worth. When she arrived at the QA team's offices, utterly out of breath, several employees began recognising her. "Uh? Yoo Sangah-ssi?" Her smartphone hidden in the pocket continuously cried out – incoming messages criticising her sudden, abrupt departure. And then, loud yells ringing out from behind her. Yoo Sangah approached a certain partition, one step at a time. ⸢The person she remembered, he was there.⸥ A man wearing a headphone and looking up at her. The spare battery always being charged in the corner of the partition.
That was where the 'Kim Dokja' she remembered was. Kim Dokja, before the scenarios went underway. Without realizing it, she reached out and grasped both of his cheeks. "Uht…??" Kim Dokja's eyes were opened really wide. Surrounding people, startled by her sudden actions, began murmuring to themselves. However, the words she was currently listening to didn't come from them. ⸢"Yoo Sangah, why are you so cold-hearted? Just like how this 'Kim Dokja' is Kim Dokja, 'Kim Dokja left behind in that place' is also Kim Dokja, you know. You are…"⸥ Han Sooyoung's words were filling up the inside of her head. Why did she respond so coldly back then? "Dokja-ssi." She now knew, though. Looking at this Kim Dokja's dumbfounded face, how could she not? ⸢"Sooyoung-ah. I too have memories that I treasure."⸥ She was not an 'author' like Han Sooyoung, nor was she the 'protagonist' like Yoo Joonghyuk. No, she was Yoo Sangah. Yoo Sangah, who was Kim Dokja's colleague and also his friend. For no reason whatsoever, tears welled up to obscure her vision, but she still managed to smile brightly.
⸢She returned here in order to protect this Kim Dokja.⸥ Kim Dokja's lips bobbed up and down. His murky eyes began to gain a semblance of light little by little as if he had finally recognised her. And when she witnessed the faint hints of sparks dancing within those eyes, Yoo Sangah opened her mouth. "Let's go and find the story you've forgotten about." Yoo Sangah led Kim Dokja and immediately left the company building. Just to make sure, she didn't forget to shout at other people too, as they dashed through the corridors. "It's not too late now, so please leave the office and try to catch a grasshopper, at the very least!" The duo reached the Gwanghwamun Station, and the very first one to arrive there, Jung Heewon, greeted them. She stood under the undamaged statues of King Sejong and Lee Sun-Shin, and waved her hand. "Yoo Sangah-ssi!" Out of the happiness at this reunion, they energetically hugged each other. It seemed that the only one to reach here so far was Jung Heewon. "What's wrong with Dokja-ssi?" "…The state of his memories doesn't seem to be stable at the moment. He's experiencing confusion at trying to perceive reality."
She could only guess that this state was due to him being an Avatar. "What about Joonghyuk-ssi and Sooyoung-ssi?" Yoo Sangah asked. "I couldn't get a hold of them yet. I don't know about Joonghyuk-ssi, but Sooyoung-ssi is the type to call everyone before doing anything else, so…" It was already several hours since they successfully regressed. Those two might even go as far as to borrow phones to contact the others. So, the fact that they didn't could only mean that something had possibly gone wrong somewhere. "What about the others?" "Gilyoung-ie is currently in the countryside, while Yoosung-ie and Jihye said they might be a little late getting here. As for Hyunsung-ssi…" "Pant! Pant!! Heewon-ssi! Sangah-ssi!" A huge bear was running towards them from the distance while waving both of his hands. The bear also happened to be wearing a military uniform, too. "Ehng? But, didn't you say you can't come out because you were stuck in the base?" "I left without permission, actually." "…Is it okay to do that?" "The world is about to be destroyed, so it won't matter anyway."
"There is still some time left until then to say 'about to', you know." While saying that, Jung Heewon showed everyone her phone's screen displaying the timetable. ⸢D-28 until the start of the scenario.⸥ Lee Hyunsung formed a serious expression. "…Didn't we aim to regress to the day before the beginning of the scenarios?" "This is for the better, I think. We got ourselves more time to prepare, so we might be able to save more people this way. Vrrr… People began showing up in the chat room they agreed to join before disembarking. Jung Heewon used the translation app to read the incoming messages. – China's Fei Hu has arrived safely. Plenty of fine dust, though. – Ranvir Khan of India, I have arrived no problem. Along with the nostalgic smell, too. – This is Asuka Ren from Japan. I see the familiar ceiling. No problem here, so far. (`･ω･´) The past world-line's 100 strongest Incarnations, having successfully regressed, were now gathering in one place. The companions looking at each other nodded their heads simultaneously. "Let's start with the operation."
⸢D-21⸥ – Arrest warrant has been issued for 'Lieutenant Lee', suspected of stealing a large cache of firearms from the military base… – The sudden propagation of 'apocalypse theory' in the internet recently has caused some experts to… ⸢D-14⸥ – The 'apocalypse theory', expected to fizzle out as a passing fad, still shows no signs of abating after two weeks. – The apocalyptist 'Selena Kim' urges people to prepare supplies for the sudden upheaval that will happen in two weeks' time… – Several famous individuals from the world of finance have sympathised with the apocalypse theory, causing the public to criticise… ⸢D-7⸥ – Many ampoules containing microbes earmarked for research have been stolen from a prominent pharmaceutical company… – Recently, the frog egg collection craze has swept across children in their teens… ⸢D-1⸥ – Finally, only one day remains until the 'day of the apocalypse' as prophesied by the apocalyptist 'Selena Kim', and…
⸢D-DAY⸥ Lee Seolhwa looked at the small ampoule gripped in her hand. – Living insects or their eggs have been put inside the ampoules. – To save as many people as possible, we even spread the locations of the hidden emergency ampoules in the internet, too. – And now, time to pray for some good luck. ⸢4 hours before the apocalypse.⸥ – New Delhi, India. Preparations are complete. – Beijing, China. Preparations are complete here, as well. – Washington, USA. We're also ready. ⸢One hour before the apocalypse.⸥ – Seoul, South Korea. Preparations, complete. ⸢Ten minutes before the apocalypse.⸥ – Team Shin Yoosung and Lee Gilyoung. Finished with the deployment to the third subway line's location. Currently at the Apgujeong Station's platform for the third subway line. While listening to the sounds of subway train rumbling in closer, Shin Yoosung suddenly opened her mouth. "It's going to work, right?"
"Of course. How many frog eggs do you have on you?" "102. What about you?" "524." Shin Yoosung furrowed her brows and glared at Lee Gilyoung's PET bottle. "Hey, you! If you hog that many for yourself, what about other people…?!" "Argh, they are all carrying ampoules with them, so it'll be fine. If I'm to become stronger than that sooty bastard, I gotta start really rich this time around! With this, I…!" It was right then, someone snatched the PET bottle off Lee Gilyoung's hands. The boy jumped in shock and quickly looked back to spot a familiar man standing there. "It's you, sooty bastard!" "Joonghyuk ahjussi? When did you arrive?!" "Just now. A problem occurred with the Stigma and that delayed us." Yoo Joonghyuk panted heavily and wiped the sweat off his forehead while tucking the PET bottle inside his jacket. "What about Kim Dokja?" He asked. "Seolhwa eonni is with him because of his poor condition. Maybe because the scenario hasn't started yet, he was fine for a little while but he's unconscious again." "And the preparations for the operation?"
"It's all finished." Rather than starting a lengthy explanation, Shin Yoosung simply handed a spare smartphone to Yoo Joonghyuk, instead. In the meantime, Lee Gilyoung grumbling away pulled out yet another PET bottle. "Hmph. I knew you'd steal mine, so I prepared another one earlier!" ⸢6:55 PM⸥ Another subway was approaching them from the distance. All three of them climbed aboard the train. This subway of the third line smelled exactly the same as before. A peaceful sight of not one person worrying about the impending apocalypse unfolded before their eyes. While looking at the darkness of the tunnel streaming by them, Lee Gilyoung abruptly muttered to himself. "…By the way, will the scenarios really start?" With a slightly unsure expression, he sneaked a glance in Yoo Joonghyuk's direction. During the past 28 days, the boy had been preparing for the apocalypse harder than anyone else. Somewhat ironically, though, he was now worried about the apocalypse not happening at all. Yoo Joonghyuk addressed the fretting boy. "It'll begin. It did so for the past 1864 times, after all." Those were the words coming from the man who waited for the apocalypse for a very long time. He didn't say anything else and quietly peered at his watch. Three minutes. Two minutes. One minute. And finally… ⸢7:00 PM⸥
Along with the loud screech, the subway came to a sudden and immediate stop. The commuters all screamed in panic as a sudden bout of darkness visited them. And within this scene of utter pandemonium, only three people were carrying relieved expressions. As if to illuminate this pitch-black darkness, Yoo Joonghyuk's voice resounded out. "The operation, <Capture the Squid>, will now commence."
Chapter 531: Epilogue 2 - Not found anywhere, VI ⸢Once more, one hour before the apocalypse.⸥ "…Dammit, where the hell am I?" Han Sooyoung held her spinning head and hurriedly scanned her surroundings. The last thing she saw was the figure of Yoo Joonghyuk disappearing within the shower of light. She quickly took a look at her own body. It was a success. Her much thinner arms, and muscles that lost their suppleness. She couldn't sense any of the Stories she had compiled, the skills she trained in, nor even her Stigma.
However, that wasn't a problem. They had already thought up of what to do with such issues, when the scenario got underway again. No, the real issue was… "Crap, I don't have much time left." Her smartphone's battery was almost out of juice, and she couldn't confirm the wellbeings of her companions at the moment. It was a fortune among misfortunes that she somehow managed to download the locations of her companions from the chat room just now. "…These guys, they did pretty well without me." Just a casual browse-through was enough for her to get a bead on where they were currently with their operation. That wasn't too surprising, though, considering that she was the one in charge of the operation in the first place. But then, Han Sooyoung's eyes scanning the map of the deployed locations began trembling. "This idiot…" She raised her head and looked around her. Although it could be tight, there seemed to be enough time left still. ⸢30 minutes before the apocalypse.⸥ Lee Jihye's eyes dazedly staring at the clock was suddenly blocked by a head full of black hair.
"Hey, crybaby. You planning to stay behind for the night classes today?" "N-no. Uh… ng." It had already been 28 days since the regression, but she still hadn't gotten used to that nickname. 'Crybaby'. When was the last time she heard someone call her that? Once upon a time, she had other nicknames like that. And she had truly returned to such a time. "Really? I was just asking, but why so suddenly?" The other girl's eyes arched as if she was smiling. For every single day during the past four years, Lee Jihye had never forgotten those eyes. They belonged to a pale-skinned girl somewhat smaller than her. The blouse of her school uniform was missing a button. Her worn-out name tag, where her name could still be found. ⸢When she opens her eyes, the bloodshot irises would be staring right back her.⸥ Lee Jihye's trembling right hand was clutching onto the pant leg of her gym uniform. ⸢"Jihye-yah, it'll be alright."⸥ Lee Jihye desperately grabbed her trembling hand. ⸢"You must live."⸥ "Lee Jihye?"
Her friend's hand approached from the air. Lee Jihye avoided that hand almost as if she was having a seizure. "…Ah, sorry. Were you saying something?" She hurriedly asked. "Are you feeling okay?" "Yeah, I'm fine." "You want to bounce together around seven?" "We must not!!" Lee Jihye shot up from her seat and shouted out even before she realized it. Her classmates sitting near her all looked in her direction immediately. She sat back down and spoke again. "We'll be high school seniors in a little while, right? So we gotta study hard for that." "…Crybaby, you sure you're not sick somewhere?" ⸢20 minutes before the apocalypse.⸥ The bell denoting the start of the first night class period went off. Lee Jihye pulled something out from her inner pocket, a small box covered in a crinkled wrapper. "Bo-Ri-yah. Here." "What is it?" Her friend saw the box and extended her hand. However, before handing over the item, Lee Jihye told her friend in no uncertain terms first. "You mustn't open it right now. Okay? Only open it when it's ten minutes before seven. Understand?"
"You didn't, like, put insects in this thing, right? You know I've got a weak heart, don't you?" Lee Jihye momentarily froze at those words. "…No, don't worry. I will definitely make sure you won't die." She finished what she wanted to say and stood up abruptly from her seat. Then, she pulled out a longsword stashed behind the classroom locker. Her surprised friend was still looking in her direction. "…Where are you going?" Her friend asked. "Bathroom." Lee Jihye immediately left the classroom. With good timing, the teacher in charge was walking towards her. "Lee Jihye? What are you doing? Go back inside the class! Night classes have begun already! And what are you carrying on your ba-" "Teacher-nim, are you on duty today?" It was the ethics teacher wearing the horn-rimmed glasses, with a slender physique and somewhat haggard eyes. "Teacher-nim, please don't forget to open the no.2 locker in the staff room later!" Lee Jihye slipped past the teacher, but the latter hurriedly reached out to her shoulder. "What? Where are you… Urgh? Why is she so strong… Hey! Lee Jihye!!" Lee Jihye broke into a sprint. She ran down the stairs in an instant, entered the teacher's staff room and stole the keys
to the broadcast studio. She then ran up to the third floor, her heart threatening to explode along the way. ⸢The first scenario of the 'Taepung Girls' High' location began several minutes earlier than other locations.⸥ That was the reason why Lee Jihye had been deployed in this very location. While panting breathlessly, she managed to unlock the door to find the rather familiar sight of the studio. The Taepung Girls' High boasted pretty high-end broadcasting equipment. Not only that, the school was given the authority to make broadcasts to the surrounding regions in case of emergency, as well. While listening to the voice of the teacher still looking for her coming from downstairs, Lee Jihye pulled out the emergency power source prepared earlier. She then calmly set up the broadcasting equipment. As she connected the wiring, some memories in her mind also began to get connected, as well. She used to work here as a crew member, and during the lunch hour, she'd play the music she liked. That was her life. ⸢At least, until the apocalypse came knocking.⸥ She realized it once more while looking at her still-alive friends. The only person to survive in the classroom on that fateful day was her and her alone. "…Lee Jihye." She was startled by the voice and looked back, only to find an unexpected person there.
"Sooyoung eonni?" She must've been waiting for a while. Han Sooyoung raised her body up from the darkness and quietly studied Lee Jihye's face, before speaking up. "You don't look so good." "I'm fine." Lee Jihye stayed silent for a little while, then spoke again. "The scenario. It's going to start, right? Otherwise, I might get suspended later, you know." "It'll start. By the way, you don't really have start yours from here. You should hurry up and go to another location. Let me take care of this place for you." "No. This is where I need to start." Lee Jihye smiled. "Because this is where the 'wounded sword demon' was born, after all." She then slowly sucked in her breath. The setting-up of the equipment was finally finished. ⸢Ten minutes before the apocalypse.⸥ And then, 'it' began. Along with the 'Ku-gugugu' noise, the sensation of the world's 'nature' changing could be felt. Then, the sounds akin to drums being ripped apart came from an unknown location. And what came after that was… [Oh, my. The channel here opened up sooner than scheduled. Ah, ah, can you hear me?] Lee Jihye looked at Han Sooyoung. The moment she saw the latter's face, she knew. Somewhat humorously, they had been living only for this moment.
[There is no need to panic, everyone. Let me say this first of all. This situation, it's not a film shoot. It's not a terror incident, nor are you currently dreaming. No, everyone, you're-] That was the voice of the Dokkaebi she hated the most. Screams resounded out from every classroom. [Main Scenario #1 – Proof of Worth has begun.] That was the signal to commence with their planned operation. – Emergency broadcast will now begin. Lee Jihye's own voice was coming out from the speakers. – Everyone, please listen to me. Those inside the classrooms, please open up the cabinet for the cleaning tools, while those in the staff room, please open the no.2 locker! Hurry! Lee Jihye knew. Her companions must be making the exact same face as hers about now. Everyone should be witnessing this sight through the display panel the Dokkaebi had brought up. – There is no need for you to kill each other. At least this time, there is no need. Lee Jihye thought about her companions. She recalled the promises made to them before coming to this world. ⸢"…At least I want to choose what I kill."⸥ Shin Yoosung wouldn't start by killing a puppy anymore, and…
⸢"I'll save my aunt."⸥ Lee Gilyoung would get to save the person he detested. ⸢"Rather than going to the army again, I'll kill myself first."⸥ Lee Hyunsung would leave the army, and… ⸢"I really want to save that grandma from back then."⸥ Yoo Sangah would get to save the person she didn't. ⸢"The Probability will only allow for one opportunity. Meaning, the 'Group Regression' can't be used twice.⸥ And Yoo Joonghyuk would never regress again. Finally… ⸢"During this turn, I won't become the 'wounded sword demon'."⸥ As the clamour of the school's interior gradually died down, Lee Jihye opened her mouth once more. – Everyone, have you all found one for yourselves? Just like Kim Dokja of the past chucking the grasshoppers to other people… – Everyone, throw those things down to the floor with everything you got! Along with those words, Lee Jihye broke the ampoule held tight in her hand. [You have slaughtered a total of 133 lifeforms.] [Slaughter breakdown: 133 frog eggs]
[Acquired coins will be halved as you have slaughtered lifeforms lacking defensive capability.] [Total of 6650 Coins have been acquired.] … … … [Main Scenario #1 – Proof of Worth has concluded.] ⸢Once more, they shall create a story not found anywhere.⸥ The Dokkaebi in charge belatedly discovered the unfolding situation and appeared before Lee Jihye. [What the… Look here, you! What's the meaning of this? How can you even…!] And right next second, a powerful storm of Probability's aftermath began slamming into the entirety of the scenario. Also, the noises of massive amounts of Coins being sucked out came from an unknown direction, too. Lee Jihye realized what was happening here. Tsu-chuchuchuchut! [Dear Constellation-nims!! This is a misunderstanding! Director… No, wait! This isn't my fau… The Bureau's inventory… Uwaaaah!] Accompanied by the noises of the channel being disbanded, the low-grade Dokkaebi screamed and disappeared. ⸢7:00 PM⸥
And that was the beginning. The night skies of Seoul were reflected on the windows of the studio. She saw the rift opening up on the other side of the sky. ⸢Subway's third line.⸥ "Everyone, please stay calm! Grab one of these, and throw it down! Hurry!" ⸢Gwanghwamun.⸥ "Do not panic, and break the bottles you just received on the floor! Do that and you will survive!" ⸢The hospital.⸥ "Anyone who didn't get an ampoule yet??" Throughout all the locations in Seoul, unexpected events were taking place at the same time. The prearranged scenario was changing. [Unbelievable achievements are occurring simultaneously in every location of the scenario!] [A massive amount of Coins are being taken out from the Bureau!] The whole of <Star Stream> was shivering from the explosion of Coins. [<Star Stream> is stunned by the sudden upheaval of the scenario!]
[Dokkaebis of the Bureau are freaking out at the excessive amount of Coins being taken out, and…!] [Many Constellations observing the Korean Peninsula are…!] The baptism of Coins exploding in the air like fireworks – it was the sight of a world coming to an end. Lee Jihye looked to her side and found Han Sooyoung also looking up at the same skies as her. As if, she was searching for those who should be looking at them from the night sky. "Let's go and save ahjussi." Their operation had just got underway. While gasping out rough, heavy breaths, I regained my consciousness. ⸢It was unknown how much time had passed by.⸥ I slowly tried to move my body. Arms, legs, shoulders… without a doubt, the feedback I got had changed a lot from before. ⸢Kim Dok ja y o u got a lot sm all er⸥ I smiled bitterly and looked down at my shrunken hand. The digits of my fingers had shortened by at least one centimeter compared to the last time I saw them. With a slightly exhausted voice, I asked a question. "…How many regression turns have I seen so far?"
⸢7 8 6th tu rn⸥ I had no idea that reading something with every fibre of your being would be this difficult. Every time Yoo Joonghyuk and his companions lived through one regression turn, I too had to live through it. The second turn, the third, the fourth, and the fifth… ⸢Th at is th e des ti ny of th e Oldest Dream⸥ I read, and then read again, the Stories created by the countless choices, and I watched various world-lines spun off from them over and over again. ⸢Kim Dokja read the world as if he was walking along a distant beach.⸥ Story's waves rolled in and rolled out. And I gradually lost something of mine every time that happened. When I recalled something abruptly and looked back, I saw my own footprints left behind. Those prints were soon washed away by the incoming waves, and after staring at the disappearing traces, I'd resume my walk forward. Whenever I recalled the fact that I was gradually forgetting things within this flood of Stories, I began thinking about the regression turn I lived in. And then, the happiness of the people who should still be living there. If I did… "…Uh?" The tips of my hands were trembling.
I suddenly couldn't remember the regression turn number I lived in. I unknowingly looked behind me, but the only things remaining there were Yoo Joonghyuk's past regression turns. ⸢And what remains at the end, will be the desire to see the 'next story'.⸥ I looked down at my hands, now much smaller. What was waiting for me at the end of this long, long journey? ⸢Kim Dokja recalled the 'Oldest Dream' he saw during the Final Scenario.⸥ Would I eventually become the 'Oldest Dream' I saw back then? Would I lose all of my memories and become a giant mass of unconsciousness that dreamt of an infinite universe? ⸢He didn't want to end up like that.⸥ I needed to think. I needed to remember. When I came to, my hand was clutching onto my smartphone out of an old habit. This small world protected me whenever I became too anxious and too nervous. The black screen, its battery having lost its charge a long time ago, reflected my face. I crafted a simple Story and used it to operate the phone. That prompted a familiar wallpaper to pop up. And that's where the novel that started all of this was. – Three Ways to Survive in a Ruined World (final version).txt Until now, I deliberately avoided reading this final version.
I was scared that, if I read it, something somewhere would become set in stone. I didn't want the future my companions were supposed to live in to be decided by a story written by someone else. ⸢However, shouldn't it be okay now?⸥ The <Kim Dokja's Company>'s story had ended, and my ■■ had been decided, as well. ⸢If I read this, wouldn't I be able to remember all those that I've forgotten?⸥ I still didn't know who tls123 was. And that's why I was curious. What did the author write on this 'final version'? What was the conclusion the author came up with? And this story, where and how was it supposed to end? I slowly sucked in my breaths and extended my shrunken finger towards the text file. Just like that day when I first began reading the 'Ways of Survival'. ⸢And so, that's how Kim Dokja's last reading session began.⸥
Chapter 532: Epilogue 3 - Author's words, I My thumb slowly extended and touched the cold screen. Right at that moment, something like a spark danced just above the display. [A new file has been downloaded.] – Three Ways to Survive in a Ruined World (final revised version).txt In that short time period, the name of the file had changed. … The 'final revised version'? I clicked on the file almost subconsciously. But, why was this? The file had been scrolled almost all the way down to its bottom-most section from the get-go. It felt as if the edits had been finished only a few moments ago. Without thinking too much about it, I scrolled down even further.
Did the 'epilogue' of the 'Ways of Survival' get added at the end, the one I didn't get to read? The file continued on from the point where the original novel came to an end. It was a story that I hadn't seen before. I unconsciously began reading it out loud. Epilogue 3. Author's words Each regression turn would reach their conclusion in their own terms. It was the same story for the 1863rd turn. [You have cleared all the scenarios of <Star Stream>.] She did it. Countless sentences brushed past her head the moment she saw that message. The 'Dokkaebi King' was collapsed on the ground before her eyes, and the companions from the 1863rd turn she had led were all here, too. "Captain! We won!!" Kim Namwoon was sobbing away nonstop. Only after spotting Lee Hyunsung walking in closer to support her did it feel real to her, that she had finally done it. ⸢This was the end of the 1863rd turn.⸥ What a long battle it had been. From when she of the 3rd turn was suddenly summoned to the 1863rd, all the way to greeting the suitable end of this world.
She nearly gave up several times in the middle, though. Even then, the reason why she didn't was because of what 'that idiot' said back then. ⸢"Going to the next scenario is better than sleeping forever."⸥ That idiot, who also came from the same 3rd turn as her. The man who wore the same coat and used the same weapon as her. ⸢"The Apocalypse Dragon being freed doesn't mean everything's over. You know it too, don't you?"⸥ That idiot who ruined her plan, freed the Apocalypse Dragon, and eventually, managed to even eject Yoo Joonghyuk from the scenario, too. Even now, she could vividly recall the scenes from those moments by closing her eyes. The scene of a 'Character' breaking past his story and gaining his freedom… "Captain, we did it. We really did it!" Lee Hyunsung could barely hide his joy. Han Sooyoung killed the lit cigarette in her hand and addressed him. "Support everyone and return to base." "What about you, cap…?" "I'll be right behind you after smoking one more. So, go on ahead." "…We can't do that!" …This slow dude, why was he so quick on the uptake now?
Han Sooyoung glanced at the Archangel standing next to Lee Hyunsung. "Jophiel." The Commander of the Red Cosmos, Jophiel, the Archangel that crossed to this world-line together with that idiot from the 3rd turn. [Let's go, meat shield.] "No, hang on a minute, captain!" While lighting up her very last cigarette, Han Sooyoung watched on as the Archangel took her companions back to Earth. The companions from the 'Ways of Survival' were getting further away. She saw how they kept shedding tears of satisfaction derived from successfully clearing all the scenarios and could only smile wryly. Jophiel, her wings spread out wide, glanced in Han Sooyoung's direction as she grew further away. – Are you planning to go alone? Instead of a reply, Han Sooyoung waved around her cigarette light. And then, after all of her companions had disappeared, she slowly looked behind her. ⸢The Final Wall.⸥ The wall that blocked the end of this world-line, and also, recording everything found within this universe. Han Sooyoung was aware of this wall's existence, and not only that, she knew how to open it, too. She got to take a peek at a few scenes while connected to the 3rd turn's Han Sooyoung, and more importantly, information she got from
Kim Dokja paying a visit to this world-line proved to be the crucial key, as well. [The 'Wall that Decides Samsara' has discovered its intended position.] Han Sooyoung began slotting in the [Walls] she had gathered ahead of time into their spots. [The 'Wall that Divides the Good and Evil' has discovered its intended position.] [The 'Wall of Impossible Communication' has discovered its intended position.] However, she was still short of one fragment. Throughout the entirety of the universe, only one guy possessed this fragment – [The Fourth Wall]. Han Sooyoung silently stared at her own hand, before slowly placing it against the last open spot on the wall. [Story, 'Predictive Plagiarism', has begun its storytelling.] She certainly didn't possess that [Wall]. Even then, shouldn't she be able to craft a fragment similar to that, somehow? [Story, 'Ultimate Lie' has begun its storytelling!] Han Sooyoung began squeezing out every Story she could imagine. She had witnessed the actual form of [The Fourth Wall], just once. She definitely saw a portion of that wall when it blocked her attempt at using the [Eye of Truth].
[Story, 'Predictive Plagiarism', is being pushed to its absolute limit!] Her fingers moved rapidly and began writing a Story – a Story of the wall that she came up with. The one single story that might be the basis of this wall. Tsu-chuchuchuchut…! ⸢"I'm Dokja."⸥ ⸢Kim Dokja(金獨子). My father wanted me to become a strong man even if I was left alone so he gave me such a name.⸥ Right next moment, Han Sooyoung's hand submerged into the wall. Next up was her arm, shoulder, head, and her torso… And eventually, her entire figure sank into the wall. [The 'Final Wall's system' is surprised by your Story information and…] [Temporary error has occurred in the system!] Han Sooyoung fought back against the rising vomit and felt around the ground. She did it. She managed to infiltrate inside this stinking wall unscathed. The first thing she saw after raising her head was a small room. There were quite a few bundles of packed luggage, and several small display panels decorating this place. She was familiar with the Story coming out from those panels.
⸢Constellation, 'Demon King of Salvation', has reached his ■■.⸥ ⸢'Demon King of Salvation's' ■■ is 'Eternity'.⸥ That was the conclusion of the 3rd turn. That idiot had also cleared the scenario of his world-line to its very last, in other words. And at long last, he had decided to become this world's sole reader. ⸢In the world without the scenarios – filled with only the desire to see the next story… A certain child, possessing a truly horrifying power of imagination.⸥ He'd continue to become smaller, and eventually become this world's subconsciousness. And with that, he'd continue on with this neverending story. The 1863rd turn's Han Sooyoung could tell. If you ask her how she knew, well, she just did. 'Even I would've chosen that conclusion, after all'. This world existed for the story. Even Yoo Joonghyuk's story, even Kim Dokja's – in the end, they were all simply 'stories' marching forward towards the one true completion. Han Sooyoung stared at the subway train travelling further and further away inside the screen. For a long while, she wordlessly stared at this universe's god journeying towards the world that no one would ever remember. And then, a few steps in front of her, there was a certain existence staring at the same screen while dabbing away its tears with a handkerchief.
[Hiii-eeek?!] "So, then. You are the true 'Dokkaebi King' aren't you?" […How did you manage to enter this place?] The Dokkaebi King her group definitely killed outside was standing completely fine before her eyes. Han Sooyoung unsheathed the [Black Heavenly Demon Sword] and asked. "I was wondering why you were so weak. Okay, so. Why didn't you fight us seriously? And what exactly have you been doing in here?" [Uh-uh. Hang on a second. The scenarios are already over. I don't have any thoughts of fighting you.] It was true, she couldn't sense any fighting intentions from the Dokkaebi King as it hurriedly waved both of its hands. Its eyes gleamed as it observed the sparks faintly dancing around Han Sooyoung's entire figure. Its irises were fixed on the [Final Wall] suffering from error. [You repaired the 'Final Wall'…? What a shocking talent that is… Just who are you? Your soul is… it's like the amalgamation of various talents.] "What were you planning by using such a puppet? Are you looking down on this world-line?" [Hu-hut, what do you mean, looking down? Every world-line is precious. It's just that… This world-line has lost its meaning now. Its most important Story had come to an end just now, after all.] While saying that, the Dokkaebi King shifted his gaze back to the panels.
Han Sooyoung quietly roused up her Stories, but the King simply snickered back at her. [What are you getting so angry for? Regardless of what, the story of you and your group has concluded safely, didn't it?] "Don't ever mess with this world-line's conclusion." The moment she said that, the scenes from the 1863rd turn popped up on the panels. Lee Hyunsung and Kim Namwoon were supporting each other. The backs of her companions were captured in a widescreen shot. [Ah, of course, I won't. It's not even an important world-line, anyway…] Han Sooyoung saw how the Dokkaebi King shrugged its shoulders in total disinterest, and felt this powerful sense of futility. Was this how the story of this regression turn ends? Was it really okay to end it in this fashion? [And besides… the new 'Oldest Dream' would not wish to see such a thing happen, anyway.] After hearing that, Han Sooyoung looked up at the empty air above without even realizing it. The 'Oldest Dream'. The 'Kim Dokja' she knew had become one such existence. Which meant that the current him might be looking at this spectacle, somehow.
[You think he will reply to you because you looked up like that? Your world has people who believe in their chosen deities. But, did those gods ever respond each and every time their believers called out to them?] "This and that aren't the same." "Well… You can think of it any way you want. Anyways, this one would like to 'abscond' from here, so can I leave now?] "Where are you planning to go?" [Since this world-line's story has ended, I should go to another place, don't you agree? I've been working hard all this time, so… Well, there's this place I really wanted to visit since from a while ago, and…] "Oh, so you wish to run away all the while abandoning the scenario, just like that?" [Why didn't you get born in a world-line with an honest, hardworking Dokkaebi King, then?] Han Sooyoung frowned deeply and emitted waves of energy once more. "Hey. I clawed and fought my way to get here… So, shouldn't you give me some kind of a clear reward or something?" The 'Dokkaebi King' spat out a long sigh. [Well, fine. Granting one wish shouldn't be so hard.] "…I want to meet that idiot." Almost immediately after saying it, Han Sooyoung couldn't believe what she had done. Why did she blurt that out, of all things? ⸢"Because you are also there."⸥
⸢"I believe in 'you' of the 3rd turn."⸥ She wasn't sure what this frustration in her heart meant. Just that, meeting that guy again might help her understand what she felt so frustrated about, or so she thought. The Dokkaebi King tilted his head. [When you say that idiot, you…] Han Sooyoung pointed to the panels with her chin. The Dokkaebi King jumped up in shock and roared out. [Are you freaking blind or something?? That great one is no longer an existence the likes of me can ever meet.] "I don't care if it's a version of him from another world-line. I also don't care even if he's a version who hasn't seen the end yet, too." Kim Dokja couldn't be seen anymore within the panels. "I want to meet that idiot one more time." [There is only one of him in this universe.] Since the Dokkaebi King was being so adamant, it could only mean that her wish was truly impossible. But then, the creature stared at the downhearted Han Sooyoung and opened its mouth with a sly look on its face. […Well, actually. There is a way to make your wish come true.] "What was that?" [Now normally, that world-line is forbidden from entry, but I've memorised its coordinates while the new 'Oldest Dream'
was ascending to his position… However, the 'Oldest Dream' in that place will not recognise you.] Han Sooyoung's expression brightened as she asked. "Where is that place?" [It's the place I wanted to visit originally. I've always longed to go there at least once when this universe's great epic came to its conclusion.] While saying that, the Dokkaebi King raised both of its hands up high in the air. The aloof universe of <Star Stream> was unfolding up there. The Dokkaebi King looked up at that view with a solemn expression and addressed her. [Aren't you curious? Where did this universe start from, who crafted these intricate galaxies of Stories, who created this thing called 'scenario' in this world – just who is responsible for perfecting the world of pure contradictions where the result gives birth to the cause, and the cause becomes the result??] Han Sooyoung finally figured out the Dokkaebi King's true aim. This guy, it was trying to head towards the world-line where this universe actually began. ⸢The world where the 'Three Ways to Survive in a Ruined World' began.⸥ "You…!" ⸢The universe where tls123 was.⸥ [I'm going there to meet my god. If you want, I'll let you tag along on my journey!]
Tsu-chuchuchchut! Along with the deafening roar, the storm of Probability's aftermaths powerfully rampaged between her and the Dokkaebi King. As she got sucked into this wall of pain akin to her soul being ripped into tiny shreds, she briefly caught the Dokkaebi King's grin. [Let's meet again after making through this alive, shall we?] That was the last memory Han Sooyoung could remember of the 1863rd turn. "Heok!" She shot up from her bed; the time was two in the morning. Her entire back was soaked in sweat. The second hand of the clock continued tick by. …Was it all a dream? Han Sooyoung ungainly got up. The sensation of soft, luxurious duvet wrapped around her limbs – for some reason, this bed felt alien to her. She drank the water located on the bedside bureau, entered the adjoining bathroom and switched on the light. The orange lightbulb illuminated the darkness and her figure was reflected on the mirror. Her neatly-trimmed hair that had grown all the way down to her shoulders. The beauty spot that seemed to get even more pronounced when she narrowed her eyes – this was undoubtedly her own face. Indeed, it really was, yet… "…What the hell??"
Suddenly, it felt as if her heart was tightening up. [You have entered the 'First World-line'.] She dashed outside the bathroom. Plastic figurines were displayed on the dressing table alongside the volumes of manga. She also spotted the familiar school bag next to the bed. Eventually, the darkness within this house no longer felt foreign to her. Her trembling hands opened the school bag, only for the textbooks within to tumble out. Neatly-written words could be seen on the cover of one of those books. – Han Sooyoung, student no.2, classroom 2, sixth year. Han Sooyoung had become a 13-year-old girl.
Chapter 533: Epilogue 3 - Author's words, II She had suddenly become a sixth-year elementary school kid. How come? For the remainder of dawn, Han Sooyoung stewed in her stupefaction. Initially, she wondered if she had regressed like Yoo Joonghyuk. [Self-regulated activity period has concluded.] [Next self-regulated activity period is scheduled to take place in around 14 hours.] [The body's control has been rescinded.] However, she got to figure out what happened to her after those messages floated up and she lost control of her own body. [You can exercise the control only when the main body's ego has entered the sleep mode.]
She had taken possession of her own younger self. '…Could this be a new type of scenario?' No matter how long she waited, though, stuff like scenario messages never popped up. She 'watched' her younger self wake up with a dishevelled face, wash up, eat breakfast, and head off to school. She couldn't do anything else besides that. And exactly 14 hours later, the following messages popped up. [The main body's ego has fallen asleep.] [Self-regulated activity will now begin.] [Control of the body has been handed over to you.] She'd stay as a dumb little 13-year-old kid during the daytime, while during the night, her body's control would revert to her like clockwork. And then, she'd start crying out in lamentation like this next. "…What the hell am I supposed to do here?" Her head was in a mess. If this was really the 'First Worldline', her actions of now could influence the rest of the worldlines yet to be born in the future. After sucking in deep breaths, she decided to first check out the situation she was in. Expensive but simple furniture filled this three-bedroom-plusliving-room house. Han Sooyoung was quite familiar with it.
The housekeeper that came to work early every morning, the lazy guard that monitored all visitors, and her parents that came to visit her on the weekends in alternating turns while being driven on new cars every time. Her father was a National Assembly member, while mother was an actress. Han Sooyoung never thought of them as her family, though. The world didn't know of her existence. And her so-called parents, they probably didn't want her existence to be revealed to the world, either. "…It's really the same." Han Sooyoung browsed through the pile of books on top of the desk belonging to her 13-year-old self. Some were books she really liked, while some, she couldn't even recognise. The faint, blurry memories must be held in possession by her other self. In any case, it was crystal clear that she had read them all judging by the hand stains left on the books. ⸢To each and everyone, a life that's only theirs exists.⸥ She saw a line drawn under some throwaway quote and felt a chill creep down her skin. Such unimpressive sentences piled up and would eventually go on to become the human Han Sooyoung. Probably. It was then that he heard a sound of doorbell going off. …At this late hour? She hurriedly pressed the intercom button to confirm. At first, she wondered if it was the guard, but when she took a closer look at the intercom screen, he had been already
knocked out cold. And a middle-aged man wearing a fedora was smiling in her direction and waving his hand. – It's me, Dokkaebi King. "Why do you look like that?" "When I arrived here, I suddenly morphed into a human being. I'm almost fully stripped of my system authority, too… But, why have you become so much younger?" "You made me like this, didn't you?" "I certainly did not. The influence of the great Probability has… Actually, forgive me for this intrusion." Han Sooyoung groaned and guided the Dokkaebi King inside the house. "Do you live alone?" It asked her. "I do." "You seem to have some spare rooms." "…I'm telling you this now, don't expect me to put you up in here." The Dokkaebi King pouted in disappointment from that. Han Sooyoung boiled a simple teabag and brought it out, then asked her guest. "Okay. What is your reason for bringing me to this world-line?"
"We shall go and search for the 'creator' together." "How?" "That's something we should think about from here on." "You came here without any preparations or knowing anything?" "Of course not. I do have my suspicions. For instance, that novel." Han Sooyoung's expression hardened. As expected, it seemed that the Dokkaebi King had been aware of the existence of 'Ways of Survival'. "The author of that novel is probably the 'god' that constructed this universe," said the Dokkaebi King. tls123. The author who wrote 'Three Ways to Survive in a Ruined World'. Han Sooyoung sighed softly, and fetched her notebook PC. "I've already tried to search for it, though." – There are no matching results. "That novel, it hasn't been uploaded yet." "…Hmm. Maybe something had gone wrong somewhere?" "No, it's more like we came here too early. I'm pretty sure that the serialisation will start this year." "How do you know that?"
"If what I heard is right, the first time Kim Dokja read this novel was when he was 15. I'm 13 right now, so he must be 15." She recalled a certain crumpled memo pad Kim Dokja gave to her in the past. He must've been in a rush, but he still managed to write down all sorts of information on that little thing. "That great one is 15 years old, is it… Something's rather cute…" "I'm more curious about something else, though." "Such as?" "What will happen if the 'Ways of Survival' doesn't appear in this world?" "Excuse me?" The Dokkaebi King stumbled a little from her question before speaking up. "Hmm… If that happens, then the great one won't get to read the novel." "Since he won't get to read it, that naturally means the 'Ways of Survival' won't become reality either, right?" "…That might be plausible. At the very least, the 'apocalypse' might not get triggered for the world-lines about to be branched off from here." In that case, if they could prevent Kim Dokja from reading the 'Ways of Survival', then that meant they could potentially stop the apocalypse of this world-line, too. "I think I get the general gist of your idea. Are you trying to stop the serialisation of the 'Ways of Survival'?" The Dokkaebi King asked.
"That's right." Han Sooyoung nodded her head. As long as this tls123 was not a supernatural existence, she might be able to prevent the destruction of this world with her powers alone. But then, the Dokkaebi King tackled her down verbally. "Yours is indeed an intriguing idea. However, you don't even know who the author is…" "Have you ever read that novel before?" "No, I haven't. Have you?" "Yeah." Han Sooyoung pondered something for a little bit before continuing on. "That novel, it's really badly written." "…" "From the very beginning, it's filled with way too much exposition, while the chapter lengths are all over the place, and the work doesn't even try to accommodate its potential readers. Only Kim Dokja alone managed to read it from start to finish." "Hoh. As expected of the great…" "You think such a thing even makes sense?" The Dokkaebi King narrowed its eyes as if to ask, what are you talking about. Han Sooyoung continued on. "An author who doesn't read his own novel? Someone like that doesn't exist. And because of the unique traits of a webnovel platform, you can never perfectly fix anything, so you don't have a choice but to reread your uploaded chapters several times even if to check for typos and stuff. But then… past the 100th chapter, the
view count became just 'one' for the remainder of that novel." Only then did the Dokkaebi King's eyes widened, as if it finally understood what she was saying. "Could it be…?" "It is. The author of the 'Ways of Survival' that I think is none other than that idiot. I don't know why he's denying being the author even after writing it himself, but I'm sure about this." One of her old habits was to leave a blank Korean word processor page displayed on her notebook. While looking at the blinking cursor, she spoke up. "We need to find Kim Dokja. Before he starts that damn 'Ways of Survival'." The problem was with how to find that 'Kim Dokja'. "Do you know where he lives? I no longer have the power of the system, so we need to personally locate him," said the Dokkaebi King. "I'm sure he's somewhere around Seoul." "…Don't you know any other distinguishing traits of his?" "He's probably hiding somewhere, busy reading fantasy novels or something…" "How are we even supposed to find him with such information??" "Argh, I don't know. It's your job to come up with something. I'm only an elementary school kid, you know."