–If the Great Death finds out about this, terrible things will happen to you as well. This inspection is to find the impure intruder. It isn't a formal one so don't be nervous. Everyone stand in place. Dammit, the progress was faster than I expected. In this case… Kim Namwoon's complaints could be heard. "This is really stupid. Even if a living person came here, why would they hide in Tartarus? When someone comes in, they can't go out. Right?" "…" "Ahjussi?" "Uh, yes." I replied one beat late. Kim Namwoon watched me and muttered in a dumbfounded voice. "I just want to ask you. Perhaps they are talking about ahjussi…" "Right." "Shit." Kim Namwoon threw the hammer and laughed. "Wow, it is amazing that you are a living person. I have been talking to someone alive?" It was an expression where he didn't know to be angry or amused. I sighed and asked, "Is there anywhere to hide here?" "Shit, you want to hide in a prison? If you can't find anywhere then hide in the gundam over there!" I looked at the Giant Soldier. I really could hide in there. The problem was that it was already close to a 'living creature'. I
was likely to be digested if I went inside. "Has that been completed?" "Not yet. There is something wrong with the core. Are you really going to hide in there?" "No." "Good thinking. Ahjussi will disappear if you go inside there." "…I thought you were grateful?" "I'm only good to people who are also dead. I'm sorry that we met when you are a living person. Ahjussi, you should die soon and come back again." Kim Namwoon spoke like I was in a terrible position. As we were talking, the administrator had neared this area. If the Giant Soldier had been completed then I could've beaten the cerberus and gone straight to Hades' palace. Now that was impossible. [Due to the effect of your exclusive attribute, memories from the books you have read will become stronger.] I desperately searched through the contents of Ways of Survival. Yoo Joonghyuk had visited the Underworld in the mid to late regressions. What had he done at the time? 「 "Tell this to the king. I will take the Great Soldier." 」 「 "If you don't want to die then tell everyone to get lost." 」 …Dammit. He was a crazy bastard. I liked it when I read it but it didn't help my situation at all.
Facing Hades' judges head on. This thing was possible for the regressor Yoo Joonghyuk. He had that type of power and opportunity. Yet I… No, wait a minute. Why couldn't I do it like him? The direction of my thoughts suddenly changed. Of course, I couldn't really act like Yoo Joonghyuk. However, there were many courageous ways I could resolve this. Why couldn't I be caught by the judges? Would I fail the hidden scenario and become a resident of the Underworld? No, perhaps the judges would see Hades' behaviour and try to destroy me? I was a fool. There was no need to worry if I solved one issue. The administrator finally came to our workshop. I faced him. Then the administrator asked, "Who are you?" "The one you are looking for." At this moment, a light shone in the administrator's eyes. The sharp sound of metal was heard from somewhere. I felt my body gradually freeze and my back was cold. If I looked back now then Hades' judges would grab me by the neck. I resisted the freezing cold and opened my mouth. "You should think carefully before killing me." I didn't have Yoo Joonghyuk's strength but I had something he didn't. "If you kill me now, you will surely be defeated during Gigantomachia." The administrator's eyes shook and the chill subsided for a moment. I didn't miss this moment and looked up at the Giant Soldier.
"Tell the Father of the Rich Night. I know how to finish the Giant Soldier." A fearsome silence descended. The area around my neck was slowly freezing but I didn't resist. This was a test. The ice came down from my neck to my shoulders and chest. I didn't panic. A little bit more. Just a bit more. Finally, the cold reached the edges of my heart. Suddenly, it stopped like magic. Then a message appeared in my head. [The hidden scenario has been updated.] . . After a while, I was guided by the judge towards Hades' palace. I looked back as I moved away and saw Kim Namwoon behind the cerberus. I waved my hand towards Kim Namwoon, who stared blankly at me. Stay well in hell, Namwoon.
Chapter 114: Ep. 22 - Three Promises, VI Kim Namwoon's last look remained with me but I hadn't come to rescue him in the first place. Besides, why should I save him when he liked Hell? The legless judge climbed the stairs quietly, like a ghost. Some of the symbolic bodies along the way looked at me with interested eyes. Were they constellations who dwelled in Hades' palace? I didn't know. It wasn't all constellations here. The judge seemed aware that I was drifting off and spoke without looking back. [You will lose your way if you don't follow along well.] It was a scratchy voice that made me feel uncomfortable. Still, it was the correct advice.
I looked at the judge before shifting my gaze to the ceiling and opening my mouth slightly. 'Hey, can you hear me?' It was a small whisper that the judge couldn't hear. 'I know you're listening'. This wasn't Earth but Hades' Underworld. I was curious. Did the dokkaebi channel work here? Then a faint voice entered my ears. –…Yes. There was a reply on the dokkaebi communication. It wasn't Bihyung's voice. 'Are you a new dokkaebi?' –Yes. I am the low-grade dokkaebi Youngki. I am temporarily serving as an administrator while Bihyung is at the bureau. Dokkaebi Youngki. Perhaps it was the dokkaebi who dealt with the compensation settlement for the fifth scenario during the day. I got straight to the point. 'Why aren't you doing your work properly?' –Huh? 'The hidden scenario has updated but why aren't you letting me know the contents?' I came to this terrible place and should at least get compensation. –Ah, t-that…!
It turned out that this dokkaebi was a beginner. I could see how good Bihyung was at handling things. He just slightly lacked intelligence… The dokkaebi went silent for a long moment before stuttering. –E-Excuse me… 'What is it now?' –How do I update the scenario? I was speechless for a moment. 'Why is a dokkaebi asking a constellation?' –B-Bihyung told me to ask Kim Dokja-ssi if I'm not sure of anything. That bastard Bihyung made me an advisor? –P-Please wait a moment! I'll ask another dokkaebi about it. Ah, and… '…What else?' –I'm sorry but would you like to receive the backed up indirect messages? It was the first time I was in this situation… I reluctantly nodded. I never expected a day would come when I missed Bihyung. Then messages exploded in my head. [The constellation 'God of Wine and Ecstasy' rejoices in your plight.] [The constellation 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' is excited about your adventure.]
[The constellation 'Secretive Plotter' is wondering how you will escape.] [The constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' prays that you can return safely to your companions.] … As expected, the constellations were enamored with watching me. On the other hand, some were admiring the scenery. [The constellation 'One-eyed Maitreya' admires the Underworld.] [The constellation 'Bald General of Justice' is greatly shocked by the appearance of the Underworld.] [The constellation 'Bald General of Justice' begins to doubt his religion.] … This was a spectacle for some constellations. Not all constellations could come to Hades' castle. [12,000 coins have been sponsored.] I got 12,000 coins just from showing Hades' palace. It was a huge profit. This was like illegally filming private land. Some time passed. The silently walking judge finally opened his mouth. [We've arrived.] The door opened and a huge banquet hall appeared. The interior wasn't visible because it was dark. The judge
disappeared and the door closed. A small light appeared in the middle of the dark hall. An oval antique table was waiting for me. There was a splendid statue that could be seen as a statue of the king. The table contained many dishes that stimulated the salivary glands. There was a woman looking at me at the end of the table. [How interesting. A living soul has come to this castle. Furthermore, you also brought unpleasant observers… Today is a really special day.] I immediately recognized who she was. In Hades' palace, there was only one existence who could occupy the seat of the hostess. I bowed and opened my mouth. "It is an honour, Queen of the Darkest Spring." Queen of the Darkest Spring. She was Persephone, Hades' wife and the famous queen of the Underworld. [You know my modifier. You are a polite incarnation.] "You're overpraising me." [The even more interesting thing is that your soul didn't shake when you heard my true voice.] Come to think of it, I didn't feel much when I heard the truth voice of the constellations. Persephone was a constellation that was at least narrativegrade. Due to the difference between us, my soul should've been damaged or destroyed the moment I heard her true words.
Moreover, I previously heard the words of Kim Yooshin, a historical-grade constellation… [The exclusive skill, 'Fourth Wall' is strongly activated.] It was the first time that 'strongly' was attached to the skill message. Perhaps my unconscious mind saw this situation as 'unrealistic' due to the person I was meeting. [Sit down, Incarnation Kim Dokja.] I thanked her for the hospitality and sat across from her. Honestly, it was an unexpected favour. The aroma of sweet delicacies tickled my nose. I looked around but only Persephone was sitting at the table. "The king…?" [The king is uncomfortable with your sudden visit. That's why I thought it would be better for me to talk to you.] It ended up like this. I had expected it. There hadn't been a single incarnation who had met the three heads of Olympus. Besides, I didn't play the lyre well like Orpheus. "Do you mind if I ask you a question?" [You can ask.] "Is this your true body?" [Of course it is a symbolic body. My true body isn't something that a human like you can withstand.] I quietly gazed at Persephone's symbolic body. She looked like an old woman.
…It was a terrible hobby. Honestly, I had to think like this. Persephone smiled softly. [You don't like older women like this?] "That isn't the problem." It didn't matter if she looked like a grandmother or grandfather. The problem was that she looked exactly like the 'grandmother' on the subway in the first scenario. [If you feel uncomfortable then I can change to someone else.] Persephone's appearance slowly changed into Yoo Sangah's image. It wasn't the usual Yoo Sangah. This Yoo Sangah wore a black Chinese dress and a garter belt, with seductive eye makeup… I turned red just staring at her face. Dammit, did she peep at my dreams? "Just be the grandmother." Of course, Persephone didn't listen to me. [There isn't much time so get to the point.] "You don't know?" [I heard a bit from my child but it has more meaning to hear it directly from you.] Her child must mean Dionysus. I nodded and took a deep breath before explaining. "I'm looking for a woman's soul. I don't know if you've heard but I'm ready to make a trade." [Soul… it is an outdated idea.]
Her eyelids lowered as she seemed to think of something. Before long, Persephone's long fingers moved and she started to slice the steak on her plate. I patiently waited. It proceeded slowly. The fork firmly held the meat as the knife moved slowly back and forth, slicing the meat with care. The red juices flowed out as a clean section was cut. The fork carefully moved the meat that it had pierced. Persephone made a face like she was worrying about whether to eat it or not. She seemed to have forgotten about me. I was about to open my mouth when she opened her mouth first. Of course, it was to eat the steak. [There is no such thing as a 'soul' in this world.] Souls didn't exist. It was a matter that all modern physicists would agree on but the problem was the person saying it was a god. It was a god of Olympus, who had long defended the logic of the souls. I said sarcastically, "Plato and Aristotle would rise from the grave." [They are constellations right now so they wouldn't be in their graves.] "I didn't come here to play around." [I'm not playing around. Incarnation Kim Dokja. The soul doesn't exist. It is just an illusion created by humans who want the continuity of themselves.] "Then what about the people in the Underworld? Aren't they souls?"
She pointed to the steak she just cut. [They are like this.] The steak slowly entered Persephone's mouth. She took her time chewing the meat, like she was relishing it. Her red lips glistened enchantingly. [Well, it is very special. Why don't you try it once?] The same steak that she ate appeared in front of me. I looked down at it and said after a moment. "I don't want to." [Are you going to be rude?] "Yes. I'm really sorry but I have to be rude." It would surely be tasty if I ate it. There were at least 12 pages in Ways of Survival describing the taste. However, at the end of a long description, the following sentence was written: 「 It wasn't until the end of the regression that Yoo Joonghyuk regretted eating the food. 」 Those who ate the food of the Underworld couldn't return to Earth. Persephone seemed to read my mind and laughed. [The people of the Underworld aren't as terrible as you think. Most of the known theories are false. You can go out of the Underworld at any time as long as you have the permission of the king. It is a similar concept to a 'career soldier' in your world.] "The military life was the most terrible memory in my life." [Is that so? Don't the males in your country say that they should stay in the army? That's why I thought it wasn't a big deal. I guess it was a misunderstanding.]
I didn't know why the goddess of another country knew so much about Korean mean. Persephone continued speaking. [Incarnation Kim Dokja. You will be treated better than you imagined.] "The person who advised me to be a professional sergeant told me something similar." [Did he recommend a steak like me? For example, the steak currently in front of you. Do you know what will happen if you eat it?] "I can taste the juices of a cow." [You can become a 'sword master' right now.] I thought I heard wrong for a moment. Sword master. It was a higher realm that only returnees who left this world could reach after hard work. [The pasta next to it. You can become a 'great magician' if you eat it.] …This pasta? [The soup? It can make you an SSS-grade hunter.] This… it was a wonderland instead of a hell? I couldn't help gulping. I could get power to overcome the current Yoo Joonghyuk if I just ate this meat. [You still won't eat?] I slowly moved my fork and picked up a piece of the steak. The moment my fork pierced the meat, strange scenes
flashed in front of my eyes. It was the memory of a man training alone with a sword. 「 I can't be weak. I have to learn the sword. 」 「 I will strive to become stronger. 」 「I-I finally did it! I did it! 」 There were only a few scenes. I was surprised and put down the fork. This wasn't a dead cow that I was poking. "This is…?" Persephone nodded. [Yes. This small piece of meat. It is the soul that humans believe in.] She once again ate the meat. I belatedly understood why Persephone said I could become a sword master if I ate this. I stated, "…It contains the memories of the sword master." [Memories? No. To be more precise…] She paused for a moment to pick her words. [It is a story.] The sight of her licking her lips gave me goose bumps. [It is the story that is the favourite food of all constellations.]
Chapter 115: Ep. 22 - Three Promises, VII I got goose bumps as I heard the words that came out of the constellation's mouth. Those who were crazy about stories ate the stories. This was the nature of constellations. [Death is the end of the story. Just as a cow that has become a steak can't revive, the dead can't revive. Their story is finished.] "I know there are exceptions." [They are false folklore. There are no exceptions.] It was a lie. There was a saying for this in Greek mythology. "Can you swear on the Styx River?" She naturally couldn't swear. For the first time, anger filled Persephone's expression. […The soul you believe in is just a crude lump of a story.]
"I want that crude lump of a story." [A person who looks backwards in the Underworld will feel regret. You need to understand that the time has passed.] If she was taking such a hard line then I had to use the trump card I had saved. "Queen-nim. Time isn't necessarily about 'going forward'. I thought you knew that." At this moment, the world turned grey. A vast killing intent filled the whole hall. For a moment, I felt that I had seen Persephone's essence. My mouth didn't open but I wanted to scream. Souls didn't exist? Wasn't it my soul that was feeling creeped out right now? Sweat dripped down my back as the killing intent disappeared. Persephone smiled like nothing had happened. [Huhu… how interesting. As expected from the child that Olympus calls a singularity.] Her smile was subtly different from before. I could feel it without speaking. From now on, I could get to my goal. "I know it isn't just that. I have seen the Giant Soldier in development in Tartarus. If you make a deal with me, you can shorten the time it takes to use it…" [That is the story. Gigantomachia is an important issue but the Giant Soldier can be completed on time without your help.] I was speechless for a moment. She was a truly formidable goddess. It was Persephone's turn.
[However, I might consider this deal if you tell me how you know the information…] "It is difficult. To be honest, I don't know how to explain it." I felt sorry for Shin Yoosung but this wasn't possible. My plans for the future were finished if I revealed this. Persephone gazed into my eyes to gauge the truth of my answer. Then she muttered in a strange voice. [Indeed, ■■■ ■■■…] …What? The next second, the messages of the constellations exploded in my ears. [The constellation 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' is doubting his ears.] [The constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire''s eyes have widened.] [The constellation Scribe of Heaven points out the Queen's rashness.] [The constellation 'Secretive Plotter' is immersed.] Persephone frowned. [The uninvited guests should stay quiet.] I asked with a shocked expression, "What did you say just now?" [Ah, it isn't a big deal.] I was really confused.
…■■■? I couldn't pronounce it properly but her words sounded like filtered information. It generally happened with information not made public yet in the scenario. However, the filtering wasn't triggered if a person already knew the information. It didn't make sense. There was information I didn't know despite reading all of Ways of Survival? No, maybe… [I'm sorry but I'll end the entertainment here. I have no reason to make the deal with you. I can use other methods to find out your information.] The light reflected in a creepy manner off the knife. I didn't feel like knowing why. [I keep thinking this but… you look delicious.] Persephone suddenly approached and grabbed my chin. I refrained from pushing back my chair and smiled. "Will you be able to handle the storm that will occur if you harm an incarnation in the middle of the scenario?" [Hrmm. You are disrespectful. Do you think I can't afford this probability?] "The constellations watching me also won't tolerate it." Persephone laughed. [Do you think the king will be afraid of such trivial constellations?] Of course, Hades deserved to be this arrogant. Still, the word 'trivial' shouldn't be used in such a way. [The constellation 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' swings his rod as if he has been provoked.]
[The constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' pulls out her sword with cold eyes.] [The constellation 'Secretive Plotter' is excited and encouraging the situation.] Persephone also pulled out her power. [I see. Do you want to try it now?] The ceiling of the hall started to fill with dark clouds. Red and blue sparks occurred like a thunderstorm and white flames spread throughout the banquet hall. This was the battle between constellations. A huge aura rose from Persephone's symbolic body. I would explode if this continued. I calmly opened my mouth. "You said you liked stories." The atmosphere of the constellations softened for a moment at my words. "Then how about a different deal?" [The constellation 'Secretive Plotter' is listening to your words.] Persephone stared at me. "If you help me, I will show you the most interesting story in the world. A story that is incomparable to the steak you just ate." [Does that mean I can eat it?] "If you like gourmet meals, I think no more meals are needed. This story will be enough."
Persephone noticed what I was trying to say and laughed. […Are you planning to take the money without letting me eat?] "I will let you have a taste. However, if you eat me now, you will regret it for the rest of your life." [Why?] "You would think it would've been more delicious if you hadn't eaten it." Persephone looked intrigued. […How can you be so sure?] "I can stand against time-defying beings without a sponsor." Persephone's eyes shook lightly. "I have destroyed a returnee and prevented disasters without the help of the god of this world. And so far, only five scenarios have passed." Persephone's bit her lower lip in a tantalizing manner. "As a living soul, I entered the Underworld and encountered you like this. Aren't you curious about what I will do in the future?" [You speak very well. But…] Persephone lowered her gaze and continued. [It doesn't seem to be a deal?] "You can call it a courtship."
[…Huh?] I smiled. "I'm serious. I'll show you stories you have never seen before and stories that you can't endure wondering about." Maybe it was wrong to think about making deals with constellations. They were those bound by eternity. They couldn't make serious deals with trivial incarnations. If so, it was better to say ridiculous and far-fetched things. At the very least, it would make an impression. Like all myths, the gods were more moved by a handful of sincere words than a hundred words of deceit. In fact, Persephone's expression wasn't bad at all. [Hrmm, it is difficult. This is why males are…] "Of course, it isn't courting you but courting the Father of the Rich Night." Persephone's eyes widened at my words and she burst out laughing. She stepped away from me and slowly crossed her legs to sit on the table. Her coy eyes swept over my body. [How interesting.] It was frightening that she was posing like this with Yoo Sangah's body. Persephone stared into the dark air and slowly closed her eyes. It was only a moment but it felt like hours of heavy silence. I was about to choke on the weight of the silence when she spoke. [I'll give you a task.] It finally came.
[You want to show me an interesting story? If you succeed, I will let you find the soul you want.] Then a system message popped up. [A new hidden scenario has been activated.] There were a few myths that came to mind when I heard her words. That reminded me, Heracles performed something called the '12 Tasks'. Persephone's eyes shone. [I want to see it once. The children of Olympus often do it but I haven't been able to watch it since meeting my king.] "What task is it?" [Your task is to cut off the head of the snake.] "…Snake? Do you mean the snake with multiple heads?" I asked in a slightly timid voice. It was because 'that snake' was a 2nd grade monster. Persephone shook her head. [I'm not talking about the hydra. Only Heracles can kill it. The snake you have to kill is somewhere else.] "However, I can't go far because of the scenario." [Don't worry. The snake will be wherever you go.] Persephone lightly flicked her fingers and a screen popped up in the empty air. There was the message that the channel was connected and I realized what this screen was. …Was this how the constellations watched us? A vast green forest filled the entire screen. It wasn't long before I figured out what this place was. It was the stage for the sixth
scenario that was about to start. Wait a minute. What was this? 「 Ahjussi, pull out some of the wood over there and make a place to rest. Aren't you good at that? 」 「 I'm not good at clearing land. Dumb female. 」 I stared at the screen. The two people were the missing Gong Pildu and Han Sooyoung. How was this possible? The sixth scenario hadn't started yet? I could feel Persephone staring at me. [How about it? Do you want to try it? It might be hard but it is a worthy task.] I recovered my spirit. I could sense the 'snake' that Persephone wanted me to kill. I slowly nodded. The incarnation left and darkness came to the hall. Persephone remained alone, staring at the rest of the feast before opening her mouth. [Clear it away. It doesn't taste good.] Hands appeared in the darkness and quickly took away the plates. Persephone watched as the food went straight into the garbage can. Sword master, SSS-grade hunter, 10th circle magician… She was already tired of these delicious tastes. Then a voice came from the darkness.
–Persephone. Why did you do that? It was like the space itself was talking. [Oh, my shy husband is finally talking.] –I asked you why. [Hades, you wanted this.] –I never said that. Persephone stared into the darkness. [You rarely like incarnations. I think you particularly like that child. Am I mistaken?] –Why do you think so? [It was because you didn't kill him when he entered the Underworld.] The darkness was silent for a moment. [You always felt envious that Zeus had Heracles. This time, I read a bit of your mind.] Persephone looked down at her hands for a moment before making a fist. [Honestly, it was amazing. There were some constellations I couldn't afford to go against. They are all chasing after one incarnation…] A screen appeared in the darkness. However, the channel's signal was unstable and the video didn't appear immediately. The darkness gazed at the screen and opened its mouth.
–There will soon be signs of the later days. The later days. Persephone listened to these words and opened her mouth with a mixture of distrust, doubt and anxiety. […Will the later days really come?] –Perhaps. [You will still be with me at that time right?] Hades didn't answer. The warm darkness just carefully wrapped around her symbolic body. Persephone felt the darkness and said. [I am very excited to see what story that kid will show me.] Her eyes watched as Kim Dokja moved through the darkness to leave the Underworld. Kim Dokja moved forward without looking back. Persephone laughed lightly, as if he was cute.
Chapter 116: Ep. 23 - Abandoned World, I I was guided by the judge towards the exit of the Underworld. The exact location wasn't known because my eyes were covered with a blindfold. We seemed to go up and then down. After a long walk, the judge took off the blindfold. [Follow along this path.] I opened my eyes and saw a dark and narrow road. Perhaps this was the exit that didn't require going through Charon, the ferryman. [You should look in 'front'.] "What does that mean?" I looked around but the judge had already disappeared. I had no choice but to start walking along this path. The light faded and darkness settled around me. I was using the walls to orienting myself initially, but the walls soon disappeared.
My only frame of reference was gone and I felt like a ship floating on the ocean without any buoys. The myth of Orpheus suddenly popped into my head. What would happen if I looked back? Then a faint light appeared in the darkness. [You are afraid of what is behind you. That's why you are a pitiful child.] It was a message from Persephone. [Keep this in mind. In order to find the 'front', you must know where the 'back' is. It is because the front can only exist when there is a rear.] Speaking of which, the judge had said something similar. However, just because the words made sense didn't mean I suddenly gained enlightenment and could make enormous changes. [It looks like you need some motivation…] The stream of light in the air stretched out like it was hesitating. [Okay. I can't bring you to the beginning of the world labyrinth but this much should be possible.] I suddenly felt something. The string of light disappeared and a small firefly appeared in front of me. It was a distant light. It was a very fragile and shimmering light. Nobody told me anything but I knew what this light was. –You… It was Shin Yoosung of the 41st regression.
–Ah, ahh… I could tell how long she had been waiting just from her voice. If she was already at the beginning of the world labyrinth then the concept of time would be different. It wasn't long by my standards but it might've already been a few years for Shin Yoosung. The small light shivered a few times before speaking in a hesitant voice. –Ahjussi. Perhaps she was influenced by the memories of the young Shin Yoosung. –…C-Can I call you that? No…? The way she called me was a bond. It was a wish to be tied somewhere. Perhaps 'ahjussi' was the last lingering attachment of the 41st regression Shin Yoosung. I smiled softly. "You are currently older than me. Is it still okay?" The soft light once again trembled. The light gently touched my face. There was warmth in that gesture… My heart felt pained. She must've been waiting for a long time. Even so, this child had to wait longer. "I'm sorry but I can't save you now." The light moved up and down like she understood. –Don't overdo it. My story now…
"It isn't over yet." I spoke without giving her time to finish. "You have suffered for so long and it can't end like this." –Why… "I will never let that happen." The light stared at me. She trembled in a confused and pathetic manner. –I got to know ahjussi through the memories of this world. But ahjussi… why are you so good to me? Does ahjussi know me? I didn't answer. We got to know each other through different means. Just as the 41st regression Shin Yoosung knew me through the memories of her younger self, I knew her through Ways of Survival. Nevertheless, I couldn't explain this. –I feel strange. I definitely don't know ahjussi but when I'm with you, I feel like I understand everything about you. As if you are a 'god'… If I was really a god, then I was the most incompetent god in the world. The most helpless god in the world who knew everything but couldn't explain anything. Shin Yoosung's light was rapidly fading away. I couldn't see her but I seemed to know what she looked like. –Please save me, please… "I will." The tail of the light shaking in the air became smaller and I reached out towards the light. I felt like my heart had been
imprisoned. I could feel Shin Yoosung's despair. The long wait… My heart ached with an indescribable grief. Little by little, Persephone's words made sense. There must be something behind in order to go ahead. This was my 'back' and at the same time, the 'front' that I had to face. Maybe this was how Yoo Joonghyuk felt. He constantly returned to the past but was only able to move forward. The moment I was certain of my direction, the environment stabilized. A string of light appeared in the scattered darkness. [I held her for a while with my power but you don't have much time left if you want to save her.] I remembered the faint warmth of Shin Yoosung. Persephone continued speaking. [Please keep this in mind. Humans are 'stories'. By the time you get her back, no one knows how much of her story will remain.] After that, I was pulled towards somewhere. The cries of ghosts receded and the sensations of my body returned one by one. I could feel the warm sunlight on my eyelids. I felt a dampness and opened my eyes to see a familiar face. "…Ahjussi?" The young Shin Yoosung was watching me. The child's clear eyes reassured me. Her wild heartbeat gradually slowed down. I had returned. I breathed slowly and the muscles of my body regained their function. [The hidden scenario - Queen of the Underworld has ended.]
[You have earned 15,000 coins as an achievement reward.] The compensation for the updated scenario was also received. The dokkaebi had done his job properly. [The constellation 'God of Wine and Ecstasy' congratulates you on your safe return.] I saw the indirect message and my anger belatedly soared. This bastard Dionysus, I wouldn't have to go through all this trouble if he hadn't placed me in Tartarus. I was stuck in Tartarus with Kim Namwoon and almost had to spend the rest of my life making the gundam. [The constellation 'God of Wine and Ecstasy' is asking you for reconciliation.] [7,942 coins have been sponsored.] 7,942? What was this pig-like apology? Well, I'll let it go since he still gave me coins. [There is one new hidden scenario.] I immediately confirmed the newly arrived hidden scenario. [Hidden Scenario - Snake Hunt] Category: Hidden Difficulty: SClear Conditions: Hunt the target in the sixth main scenario area. Time Limit: Until the end of the main scenario.
Compensation: 80,000 coins, the trust of the Queen of the Darkest Spring. Failure: No access to the Underworld. As expected, Persephone's task was presented in the form of a hidden scenario. [Once the target gets close, the scenario alarm will be automatically triggered.] A snake hunt. The target wasn't specified, but I could guess it was the 'snake' from the next scenario. I slowly raised my upper body and Shin Yoosung asked anxiously, "Ahjussi, are you okay?" "Yes. I'm fine." "Sangah unni asked me to watch you…" It reminded me of what I told Yoo Sangah before I collapsed. "Yoo Sangah-ssi?" It wasn't difficult to find Yoo Sangah. Yoo Sangah was curled up on the ground and fast asleep. I looked at her sleeping face and recalled Persephone's image. Then my face became hot. … By the way, the Chinese dress and garter belt… it was really great. "Unni fell asleep just before you woke up."
"Ah." "She told me to tell the others if you didn't wake up." The series of words ignited guilt inside me. I could see dark circles under Yoo Sangah's eyes. She must have a hangover as well… Chinese dress? Garter belt? Shit, I was garbage. "Are you awake now?" Jung Heewon and Lee Hyunsung approached me. They were covered in sweat and seemed to have come back from a morning spar. Jung Heewon told me. "Dokja-ssi is awake so we are ready to go." "Ready?" "The other people have already started." Come to think of it, there weren't as many people around as there were yesterday. I asked, "What happened overnight?" "The sixth scenario has been announced." …Already? I didn't have a chance to ask when a huge string of words appeared in the sky. [Survivors are advised to gather in Yongsan Station.] We packed up and left. We were already in Yongsan so it wasn't hard to go to the station. I carried Yoo Sangah while Jung Heewon and Lee Hyunsung were responsible for the remaining luggage.
Lee Gilyoung and Shin Yoosung followed us while staying far apart from each other. I didn't know where Yoo Joonghyuk's party had gone. We soon arrived near the station which was already crowded with survivors. I couldn't believe there were still so many people who survived in Seoul. Everyone was watching the huge screen floating in the air. "Ah?" "This place?" The party members and I looked up at the screen together. It was the same screen I had seen in the Underworld. Monsters were running around in the lush forest. They were clearly fantastical monsters, but they looked like they were part of a giant ecosystem. There were already some incarnations on the screen. Some of the people who had started hunting laughed as they cut off the head of a monster. These dokkaebis. They edited it well like it was a tourist destination. Someone spoke. "Eh? Aren't they Japanese?" If I remembered correctly, the sixth scenario was an event scenario with another dome. The man who appeared on the screen was Izumi, a famous incarnation of Japan. The Tokyo Dome was faster than us so they would've reached the sixth scenario earlier. In many ways, it could be said that South Korea had a relatively unfavourable start. [A new main scenario has arrived.]