Her soul wordlessly emitted a soft light. Currently, her new Incarnation Body hadn't woken up yet. – Because… the 'you' I read about in the 'Library' was… [Please, you shouldn't discuss that story yet. There are those who eavesdrop on our conversation.] The moment his words came to an end, the entirety of the temple was rocked by a vicious tremor. Ominous, turbid air was pressing down on the surroundings. Beastly growlings could be heard next; something emerging from the shadows cast by all four corners of the chamber wriggled noticeably. Yoo Sangah's soul trembled in worry after sensing that foreboding aura. As the bubbles inside the cistern increased in numbers, Sakyamuni finally stepped forward. [Oh, the Hounds of Tindalos, it seems that you've arrived for the wrong prey today.] He gently recited a Buddhist prayer, causing the shadows drifting around them to vanish in an instant – as if they were hounds searching for another prey to hunt. Only after those shadows had completely disappeared did Yoo Sangah begin speaking again in some difficulty. – What were those…? [Oh, dear child. The door to the Final Scenario draws near.] Sakyamuni's voice had become graver, weightier. Ku-gugugu…
The Buddhist rosary around his neck emitting heat rose up in the air simultaneously. Already knowing what he was planning to do, Yoo Sangah asked him a new question. – Am I not going to reincarnate? [Why do you think so?] – If this island is finished, then you'd also die. And I won't be able to reincarnate, then. [Dear child, we have already made a deal. A deal where you'll answer my favour, and this body will answer yours. And with that, establish this world's balance.] Sakyamuni smiled benevolently and continued on. [And that is why, my child, you will reincarnate as promised. Although you haven't inherited the Incarnation Body and therefore can't make your mark yet, remember that your role in the 'Final Scenario' will be critical. That is why…] She wanted to ask him what he meant by that. But before she could, her consciousness began dimming. […For the time being, please, get some rest.] After her soul fell into a slumber, Sakyamuni extracted her Incarnation Body and started the procedure to transmit it to a certain place. The temple was rocked once more as the 'Kugugugu' noise reverberated throughout its interior. The display panel changed what it was showing as well. It was a scene of two men possessing the exact same countenance staring at each other, one wearing a black coat while the other, a white one. [Finally, you've also made your move, oh the one who stands at the end of the cycle.] Sakyamuni stood still and watched
this scene for a while, before raising his voice as if he was rueful about something. [In that case, I should start making my preparations as well.] But, how? Yoo Joonghyuk hated that question. It was the most commonly asked question while living as a Regressor. He even knew all the potential changes in the repertoire, too – from "But, how did you know that?" to "But, how did you do that, you bastard??" He got so sick and tired of that question, in fact, that there were times where he simply killed those who might throw that question in his way. But now, he… "…But, how?" He ended up asking that very question himself. Even though he knew his opponent would mock him for it. Tsu-chuchuchuchu… A face he knew intimately well looked back from within the storm of Probability's aftermaths. It was a face that couldn't be here, something that shouldn't even be here. [Chaos Points in the applicable region are rising up rapidly!] [Problem has occurred in the scenario's balance!]
Yoo Joonghyuk staggered unsteadily, but still, he did his absolute best to figure out the current situation. Like the passage of time, delayed by a broken clock, suddenly rushing forward again, countless hypotheses went on a rampage inside his head. … ⸢He should've been Kim Dokja.⸥ ⸢But, he isn't Kim Dokja.⸥ ⸢1863.⸥ ⸢But, how? How could something like this…⸥ [You should know very well that I hate that question.] As if his thoughts had been read, the person before his eyes replied to the earlier question. Yoo Joonghyuk took another look at the face. The white [Infinite Dimension Space Coat] glimmering within the bright explosions of sparks; the eyesockets where a pair of empty darkness should've been were now filled by irises of the exact same size as his. It wasn't just the eyes, though – the nose, lips, jawline, and even the build, too. A figure so exact that it was like he was looking in a mirror. The sole difference being a large scar running across one of this being's cheeks. Yoo Joonghyuk spoke, almost out of disbelief and anger. "You are not me." [Correct. I'm not you.]
The eyes containing pitch-black darkness now looked down on Kim Dokja hanging on his waist. [Constellation, 'Secretive Plotter', is looking at the Constellation, 'Demon King of Salvation'.] The message landed like a final shot to confirm the kill and Yoo Joonghyuk shuddered involuntarily. "The 'Secretive Plotter'…" This being right before him was really none other than that 'Secretive Plotter'?? The one who sent Kim Dokja to the 1863rd regression turn, the one who told him Kim Dokja's secret and caused so much chaos, the one who sent all those countless 'indirect messages' until now… That 'Secretive Plotter' was himself who went past the 1863rd turn?? Yoo Joonghyuk bit his lower lip after hearing a distant explosion. He should think about this at another date. "Let go of Kim Dokja." His opponent was the 'Secretive Plotter', an Outer God born from the Chaos itself. Considering his unpredictable pattern up until now, it was eminently possible that appearance was a fake… [It's a miracle that you managed to survive this far with such a slow head.] "Shut up, and let go of him. Or else…" [Or else what?]
Yoo Joonghyuk felt his head become dizzy from the Status pouring out in front of his nose. He knew that his opponent was powerful. Even then, he didn't expect the gap in strength to be this great. The current him could evenly fight against Indra, an upper-level Narrative-grade Constellation, and not only that, he was able to inflict the god with grievous injuries, too. But, compared to the being right before his eyes… [What exactly can you do to me?] Just what on earth was this? Yoo Joonghyuk breathed heavily while calming his legs shaking almost out of control. He noticed that the clones of the 'Indescribable Distance' surrounding him from all sides began to sneakily retreat ever since the Plotter's entrance. ⸢Something like this cannot happen.⸥ He got angry at the scenario's irrationality, and he grew furious at the <Star Stream> that permitted such a nonsensical Probability. And when his thoughts reached that far, the inside of his head finally cleared up. ⸢If I think about everything the 'Secretive Plotter' has done so far, then him incarnating to this place right now should be impossible.⸥ The 'Secretive Plotter' was different from someone like the Great Sage Heaven's Equal, Uriel, or even the Black Flame Dragon. No, he was an Outer God, and would need an incredible amount of Probability just to make his descent to this world.
Tsu-chuchuchut…! For sure, the Plotter's entire body was getting swept up in the progressively-worsening storm of aftermaths with every passing second. No matter who you were, you could never be free from the Probability's aftermaths. Which meant that the odds of victory weren't zero. ⸢If I was Kim Dokja in this situation…⸥ As if he had become Kim Dokja, Yoo Joonghyuk began speaking in a calm tone of voice. "I don't understand this. You've been staying below the radar until now, so why did you suddenly intervene like this?" [Because now is the right time.] "…Right time, is it?" As soon as that exchange came to an end, a bizarre roar resounded out from the other side of the empty void. It seemed that the battle between the Apocalypse Dragon and the 'Indescribable Distance' had reached its zenith. The surrounding space distorted greatly after an incredible explosion swept by. Yoo Joonghyuk witnessed the view of the cosmos seemingly being crushed whole and it really dawned on him that the <Star Stream> was indeed marching towards its destruction. For sure, it'd not be strange for whatever crazy things to appear now with that type of Probability running amok. And the 'Secretive Plotter' had been waiting for this moment all along. Ku-gugugugu!
The [Great Holes] were opening up far above his head. It'd be his first time seeing that many [Great Holes] appear at the same time. That was the hole of calamity that supposedly could destroy a world even if only one opened up. And through those vast, distant holes, innumerable tentacles began peeking themselves out. [Ohhhhh!] [■■■… ■■■■■■] [Oh, the great Plotter!] [The rise of the vanished islands will now commence…!] … Horrifying cries could be heard coming from everywhere. Those true voices caused the bodies of the listeners to be stained by turbid energy. As if he was reacting to those true voices, the 'Secretive Plotter', still carrying Kim Dokja, began rising up slowly. More specifically, towards one of the [Great Holes]. Yoo Joonghyuk's expression stiffened. "Wait! Stop!" Even though he had no concrete plan, he still stood in the path of the 'Secretive Plotter'. That's all he did, yet blood trickled down from his nostrils. His vision grew dimmer and the hand holding his sword trembled. Even then, he still spoke. "I can't allow you to leave."
The 'Secretive Plotter' looked at Yoo Joonghyuk in such a condition and spoke. [Don't attempt anything foolish. Being able to regress does not guarantee you an intact life in the next turn.] Yoo Joonghyuk accurately figured out what those words implied. One life didn't end with that life; all the previous lives would always remain as a curse during the following turns. He grasped his sword hard enough to break its grip and spoke. "I'm not planning to go to the next turn." […Is that so?] Right afterwards, he felt pain akin to his entire body being crushed. This attack had no sound, no prior warning. Just the movement of the gaze, and Yoo Joonghyuk's entire body was being squeezed tightly as if he was thrown inside a compactor. He vomited out blood before roaring out. "Don't look down on me!" [Giant Story, 'Demon Realm's Spring', has begun its storytelling!] [Giant Story, 'Torch that Swallowed the Myth', has begun its storytelling!] The pressure from the Status suppressing him faltered momentarily when the auras of the Giant Stories enveloped his body. Since Kim Dokja was unconscious, Yoo Joonghyuk was now the holder of the greatest share of the 'Giant Stories' the <Kim Dokja's Company> possessed.
He didn't miss this opening and swung his [Black Heavenly Demon Sword]. He poured all of his remaining magical energy into the weapon, and the waves of Breaking the Sky rode along on its blade. The sword that could shatter the heavens and had already cut down a star. That very sword was now moving in order to cut down none other than himself. It was a surprise attack with no pretence or tricks. However, his sword came to a dead stop after a loud, sharp metallic clang resounded out. Something made out of metal had blocked his attack. Yoo Joonghyuk's eyes grew larger. It was the [Splitting the Sky Sword]. The weapon that broke a long time ago in his 3rd turn life was being held by the 'Secretive Plotter'. [You can't win against me.] The two blades collided again, causing the vicious winds of flaming sparks to dance around. Blood poured out from Yoo Joonghyuk's nose and lips. It felt as if his soul was crashing down to the far side of the cosmos just from the clashing of their blades. Just one collision and his right arm were smashed to bits and his ribs shattered. Yoo Joonghyuk didn't display any hints of the horrifying pain and continued to raise his Status. At the bare minimum, he'd not die. Which meant that it was still doable. "You're also handicapped, just as me."
Indeed, the Plotter's Status was becoming unstable as seconds ticked by. Sparks grew heavier and more vicious, while Stories maintaining the coat and his Incarnation Body had begun scattering away. It was as if Stories that couldn't be fused had been mixed together. ⸢Without a doubt, the bastard is pushing himself. I need to buy more time.⸥ On top of this, 'Secretive Plotter' seemed to be worried about something else for a little while, as well. He didn't show it in his expression, but Yoo Joonghyuk could sense it nevertheless. Indeed, his Status was trying to avoid being noticed by something. Meaning, this bastard wasn't in a situation where he could appear here with complete disregard to everything. [Trying to buy time, huh… it's a plan that doesn't suit you. Did you learn it from Kim Dokja?] Yoo Joonghyuk didn't reply. The fact that his opponent had become chatty could only mean that the Plotter had become anxious as well. [You're only at the 3rd turn. So, your end goal shouldn't have anything to do with Kim Dokja. So, why are you so hung up on him?] "That's what I want to ask you." [In order to reach my objective, I require Kim Dokja's presence.] "Then, that's my answer, too." At that moment, a faint trace of emotions flickered within the Plotter's eyes. As if he knew what Yoo Joonghyuk was
thinking of. [You won't succeed. Because even Kim Dokja wouldn't know what this regression turn's Final Scenario looks like.] "If it was only him, true." [How amusing. The 3rd turn who doesn't even know anything…] "I may only be the 3rd turn, but…" Stories flooded out from Yoo Joonghyuk's entire figure. "At the bare minimum, I've lived the 3rd turn that you don't know anything about." New Stories he earned during this 3rd turn became a part of him and continued to circulate within him. Some texts flowed by in sadness, while some others moved about elegantly and beautifully. Stories that didn't exist in the past lives – and those that he might not get to earn again in the future lives. The 'Secretive Plotter' quietly watched those Stories, before opening his lips to speak. [No, I do know of this life, oh the puppet of the Oldest Dream.]
Chapter 415: Ep. 78 - Twist/轉, VII The puppet of the Oldest Dream. Yoo Joonghyuk frowned deeply, although this wouldn't be his first time hearing that term. "It's that nonsense about a puppet again. What does it even mean?" [You still haven't even figured that out yet, and that's why you're only the 3rd turn.] "Don't speak as if you're so amazing yourself. What do you know about this turn, anyway?" [I know a lot more than you.] A burst of anger took over Yoo Joonghyuk and the golden light suddenly dyed his right eye. [Exclusive skill, 'Sage's Eye Lv.???', is activating!]
The current Yoo Joonghyuk was a Transcendent, repeatedly experiencing the rapid rise of his Status and now strong enough to fight against Narrative-grade Constellations. When considering the fact that the discernment level of the [Sage's Eye] depended on the user's Status, he should be able to read the fragmented information on a Constellation now. Tsu-chuchuchut! Only two people managed to perfectly shut out his [Sage's Eye] until now. One was the Prophet, Anna Croft, while the other, Kim Dokja. However, if his thoughts were correct, then there should be one more being that he couldn't read, as well. [As befitting the 3rd turn, your judgement is also dull.] The right eye of the 'Secretive Plotter' also glowed in the brilliant golden hue, exactly the same as Yoo Joonghyuk. The vision in his right eye was dyed crimson momentarily, and the trickling blood wet Yoo Joonghyuk's cheek. [Exclusive skill, 'Sage's Eye' has been perfectly defended against by another 'Sage's Eye'!] [Constellation, 'Secretive Plotter', is looking at the Incarnation, 'Yoo Joonghyuk'.] "There's no way that a bastard like you are 'Yoo Joonghyuk'." He simply couldn't accept it. "No matter which regression turn 'Yoo Joonghyuk' it is, he'd never use the scenario of the others as his entertainment." He was certain of this.
Even if he existed in other regression turns, regardless of how many lives he'd go through, he was completely certain of never changing his creed. The eyes of the 'Secretive Plotter' quietly gleamed. [You're correct. I'm merely the 'Secretive Plotter' now.] He was merely the 'Secretive Plotter' – something this being continued to mention up until now. He continued on. [The 'Yoo Joonghyuk' from the 3rd turn only existed to destroy <Star Stream>.] "…So, you knew that." The 'Secretive Plotter' glanced at the [Black Heavenly Demon Sword] crying out viciously and vigorously, and formed a faint smile. No, rather than calling that a smile, it'd be more correct to describe that as a 'slightly unsettling movement of lips', instead. [When you destroy <Star Stream>, every Constellation within it will fall. Which means this fool will die as well.] The ends of the Plotter's gaze fell on the slumped figure of Kim Dokja. He wavered as if his breathing would come to an end at any second, causing Yoo Joonghyuk to dash forward. Claaaang! The [Splitting the Sky Sword] and the [Black Heavenly Demon Sword] clashed and blue sparks danced everywhere. Blood trickled down from the corner of Yoo Joonghyuk's lips. [Giant Story, 'Torch That Swallowed the Myth', is roaring out!] He didn't even bother to wipe that off and swung the sword once more. That was an attack borne out of the need to get
rid of all the unnecessary thoughts from his mind. An act of one last-ditch effort, to focus on the target right before eyes by simplifying his thought process. Unfortunately, his opponent knew already what he was trying to do here. The 'Secretive Plotter' evaded the [Black Heavenly Demon Sword] and threw a question as if to make fun of him. [Why are you trying to rescue Kim Dokja? At the end of the day, isn't he just another Constellation you hate so much?] The faintest hint of unrest briefly flickered on the attacking blade. The Giant Story's Status emitted by Yoo Joonghyuk wavered ever so slightly, but the 'Secretive Plotter' didn't miss that opening and took a stride forward. [According to your creed, this fool should've died already. After all, there are no good Constellations in this world, are there?] The Constellations. Beings that coveted the scenarios of <Star Stream>, acted like voyeurs on the incarnations and their lives, and gluttonously devoured everything in this world as the subjects of Stories. Technically speaking, the 'Demon King of Salvation' was nothing more than a Constellation, just like them. And the current Yoo Joonghyuk's goal was to destroy all Constellations. However, he didn't kill Kim Dokja after the latter had become one. ⸢But, why not?⸥ It was a question he couldn't readily answer. That was why, he also had been delaying facing it, too.
⸢Why did Yoo Joonghyuk not kill Kim Dokja?⸥ All those human connections surrounding Kim Dokja briefly flitted in and out of Yoo Joonghyuk's mind. Shin Yoosung and Kim Dokja; Lee Gilyoung and Kim Dokja; Kim Dokja fighting against other Constellations. Kim Dokja, who sacrificed his life for his companions. And Kim Dokja, dying in such a wretched state like this in the end… "Kim Dokja, he…" Fragments of Stories floated around Kim Dokja told his tale as he lived as the 'Demon King of Salvation'. Yoo Joonghyuk knew of those Stories, too. They were the ones he also lived through, as well. [Baat…] Biyoo's voice came from very far away; Yoo Joonghyuk heard that voice, and slowly opened his lips. "He, the 'Demon King of Salvation', might be a Constellation, but…" There were no good Constellations in this world. That belief hadn't changed in Yoo Joonghyuk's mind as he lived through the 0th turn all the way to the current 3rd turn, a total of four lives. The only good star was a fallen one, a good Dokkaebi was a dead one, and there was no such thing as a 'good' scenario. Even then, Yoo Joonghyuk was betraying his own creed right now.
"That 'Kim Dokja'… He isn't a Constellation. No, he's simply a human." Even though he knew that made no sense. Keu-reuk… Something cried from within its hiding place in the darkness. Keu-reuk, keu-reuk, keu-reuk… It almost sounded as if the darkness itself was crying. No, it sounded perhaps more like laughter, instead. Right in the middle of that darkness was the 'Secretive Plotter'. [The puppet of the Oldest Dream. You don't know anything about 'Kim Dokja'.] The [Splitting the Sky Sword] gripped in the Plotter's hand let out a lonesome howl. That was the 'Sword Song', possessed only by a being who had endured a life no one could possibly understand. Yoo Joonghyuk raised his own momentum, not wanting to be pushed back. "Do not speak as if you know something that others don't." Rather than a verbal answer, the 'Secretive Plotter' lightly tapped the unconscious Kim Dokja. That caused Stories to tumble out of him like the tears of a child trying and failing to hold himself back. ⸢"I'm Yoo Joonghyuk."⸥ The young Kim Dokja said those words repeatedly. There he was, leaving the cousin's place to live alone and receiving wages for part-time work that was well below that of the minimum hourly wage.
⸢"I'm Yoo Joonghyuk."⸥ It was a humble and rather common story – poverty seen pretty much everywhere, a down-on-luck tale commonly found everywhere. A story so common that it was not even worthy of a novelisation treatment. And there he was, Kim Dokja, living such a story. ⸢"…I'm Yoo Joonghyuk."⸥ Here was the main character who moved through high school, university, the army, and the company while repeating those words. While reading the web-novel, while empathising with its lead character, while being encouraged by the story, while being moved, enraged, and saddened. ⸢"I am…"⸥ That's how Kim Dokja had lived. While reading Yoo Joonghyuk's 'Story', he survived a common and unremarkable life. In place of his own misfortune, he substituted it for Yoo Joonghyuk's, and rather than his own misfortune, he consumed Yoo Joonghyuk's deaths instead; while writing comments, while meddling in with the story itself. ⸢"Dear author-nim, how about you do this in the next episode…?"⸥ [From his birth, Kim Dokja has been a Constellation.]
The Plotter's figure was getting more and more unstable. As if he was being influenced by the deep darkness, the ends of his white coat were scattering away into black pieces. And just like that coat, Kim Dokja's life was crumbling away as well. [He's a Constellation who consumed another being's life to extend his own.] Yoo Joonghyuk got to peer into such a life of Kim Dokja. He had seen those Stories some time ago – he remembered seeing the fragments of those memories back when Yoo Sangah forcibly sucked him into that place called the 'Library'. […The 3rd turn. You don't remember anyth…] "I do not care how Kim Dokja of the past lived his life." The golden aura flooded out from Yoo Joonghyuk's body, as if the only reason why he kept listening to the Plotter's story was just for this moment. He slowly opened his eyes, his entire body now dyed in the clear-as-day golden light. Abundant Status flooded out from his core after he reached the fifth stage of Transcendence. "What matters now is that we need him to see the end of this world." The Breaking the Sky Energy's flow on the [Black Heavenly Demon Sword] was now going through a transformation. "And if he needs to die, then I shall be the one to perform the deed." Yoo Joonghyuk's [Air Step] crossed the space.
['The Ark' is calling out to the Incarnation 'Yoo Joonghyuk'!] [Constellation, 'Mandala's Guardian', is summoning the Incarnation 'Yoo Joonghyuk'!] There truly wasn't much time left. [Giant Story, 'Demon Realm's Spring', has begun its storytelling!] [Giant Story, 'Torch that Swallowed the Myth', has begun its storytelling!] The two Giant Stories now permeated into his blade. The familiar Statuses of light and darkness were also combined into his attack, too. They were the magical energy from Han Sooyoung and Jung Heewon. [Constellation, 'Demon-like Judge of Fire', has graced the Incarnation 'Yoo Joonghyuk' with her blessing.] [Constellation, 'Abyssal Black Flame Dragon', has graced the Incarnation 'Yoo Joonghyuk' with its blessing.] Right in this moment, Yoo Joonghyuk was not alone. The opposing Statuses permeated into the single blade, causing the [Black Heavenly Demon Sword]'s clear light to spew out a destructive Story. He ran on the path his blade was guiding him. Every situation the <Kim Dokja's Company> had lived through was ingrained in all corners of that path. The Breaking the Sky Thunder Sword. The intense-blue arcs of electricity enveloped and danced around Yoo Joonghyuk's blade. It was the Breaking the Sky
Swordsmanship's profound technique he didn't dare to use even as the Apocalypse Dragon's electrical shockwave rushed in earlier. On top of this, he added the secret technique he had been training with all of his heart and soul until now. The Breaking the Sky Swordsmanship. Secret Technique: Inner Mystery Transmission. Shooting Star Slash. The technique that even managed to thoroughly defeat Indra, one of the lokapalas of that powerful <Vedas>. The blade drew an arrestingly entrancing trajectory of destruction as it moved to cut down yet another star. This one single attack carried everything of the 3rd turn Yoo Joonghyuk. [You can't be reasoned with at all, it seems.] In the following instance, Yoo Joonghyuk saw it. The surrounding space-time distorted and a certain Story began telling its story next. ⸢"I shall definitely kill you all."⸥ That was an intimately familiar voice to him. A voice directed to the heavens above, filled with hatred. ⸢"Over and over again."⸥ From the 0th turn all the way to the 1863rd – a Story created by the total of 1864 lives.
⸢"By reviving over and over again."⸥ That was the Hell of Eternity. ⸢"I will kill every single one of you."⸥ When the two swords collided, Yoo Joonghyuk felt as if his whole existence was being erased. The difference in their Statuses went beyond the realm of overwhelming him and into one of pure respect now. He understood the despair, the regret, the sadness and the hatred engraved into every facet of that Story. And at the same time, he couldn't understand them at all. He couldn't even bring himself to fathom the depths of those vast emotions. That was why, just like the countless Yoo Joonghyuks within that Story, he began despairing. When facing that Story, he was indeed merely the '3rd turn' Yoo Joonghyuk, as pointed out earlier by the 'Secretive Plotter'. Just what did he need to do to understand that incredible vastness of time itself? When he regained his wits, Yoo Joonghyuk was flying backwards in space. The wings Jung Heewon and Han Sooyoung had granted him were torn now; his [Black Heavenly Demon Sword], now broken in two, spun and fell alongside him, just like his life. The seemingly-slow moving [Splitting the Sky Sword] was now closing in on his heart next. [Chaos Points are rising rapidly!]
[Someone is growing wary of the existence of the 'Secretive Plotter'!] ['Hound Chasing After the Abyss' has made its appearance!] It was then that an unexpected event occurred. Strange lifeforms, just as ominous and foreboding as 'Outer Gods' suddenly popped out from the corners of the distorted space. They cried out like perfectly-trained hounds and ignored the laws of space-time to pounce on the 'Secretive Plotter' as if they were stuck in fast-forward. Tsu-chuchuchut…! [Annoying hounds…] The [Splitting the Sky Sword] falling towards Yoo Joonghyuk's chest changed its direction and began smacking away the hounds. However, it still failed to block every single one of them. Only then did Yoo Joonghyuk realize that those hounds were what the 'Secretive Plotter' had been trying to avoid until now. After getting bitten by one of the hounds, the Plotter hurriedly flew towards the distant [Great Hole]. Along with Kim Dokja still clutched in his arm. Yoo Joonghyuk extended his hand without much energy, but by then, the star had grown far too distant to reach. He no longer possessed any strength to go to that star now. The broken pair of wings crumbled like sand, and just like that, he crashed towards the darkness of the ground below.
[We need to disembark now.] "No, you wait! My master and ahjussi haven't come back yet!" The cold sweat drops oozed out from the troubled 'Master of the Ark' as he watched Lee Jihye make an unreasonable demand. [The conclusion of the 89th scenario – 'Final Dragon of the Book of Revelation' is impending.] There were only 30 seconds remaining until the closure of the island; they had to leave this place in the next 20 seconds at the latest. In the end, the Master of the Ark made his decision and was about to start rowing the oar, but then… "There they come!" Something was falling from the sky above. "It's Yoo Joonghyuk!" An unconscious man in a tattered coat, Yoo Joonghyuk, was falling towards the ground. "Master! What happened up there??" Lee Jihye leapt up, caught him, and returned to the Ark. Both Han Sooyoung and Jung Heewon quickly came in closer to shake him around. "Hey, Yoo Joonghyuk! Why are you alone?! Where's Kim Dokja…?!"
"What happened to Dokja-ssi??" Yoo Joonghyuk didn't reply. Realizing what that signified, both women looked up towards the sky, but then, the Ark began moving. "N-no, wait! Hang on for a sec! There's one more person still coming!" "I said, stop! Goddammit!" Unfortunately, the words of the companions were swept away by the shockwave, as well as the fog of darkness belonging to the 'Indescribable Distance', crashing in viciously. [Location for the scenario is shutting down.] [Warp is starting.] Constellations screamed. And under the cascading meteor shower, the closing curtains descended on a world. A smaller apocalypse to prevent an even bigger one. Inside this spectacle, the 'Isle of Reincarnators' was disappearing into the 'forever'. "No! Stop!! I said, stop!!" The Ark was disappearing into the clear, bright streak of light. And some people aboard it were desperately reaching out with their hands. Some plopped down. Some cried out. And some watched all of this happen.
"Kim Dokja-!!" [You have acquired the scenario's calculated reward payment.] [Someone from <Star Stream> has completed his 'Twist/轉'.] [Giant Story, 'Season of Light and Darkness', is born!] And then, only a story nobody wanted to hear remained in that place.
Chapter 416: Ep. 79 - The Secretive Plotter, I Two days passed by since the end of the 'Great War of Saints and Demons'. The nightmare-filled 'Isle of Reincarnators' could no longer be seen; Constellations were gradually leaving the Ark for their rightful spots in the night sky. – This stop is for <Olympus>. Constellations from <Olympus> stood up from their seats after the ship made the announcement. Dionysus, standing as their representative, shifted his gaze over to Jung Heewon and addressed her. [My apologies for leaving first, even though this is a difficult period for you.] "No, we'll be fine, thank you." [Do not be overly worried, however. He's no ordinary Constellation, after all. Without a doubt, he's still alive.]
He lightly tapped her shoulder and soon, disappeared beyond the Dark Dimension while leading other Constellations. She stood there and silently waited until they were gone from her view before climbing down from the bow of the Ark. When she got to the bottom of the stairs, she found a person waiting for her – Han Sooyoung. "Dionysus?" "He left." "Both Cheok Jungyeong and the <Underworld>, too?" "I think they'll be leaving pretty soon." "And Uriel?" Han Sooyoung continued to ask, and Jung Heewon continued to answer. Most of what they chatted about were trivial information, stuff like Hades and Persephone, Uriel, Cheok Jungyeong's abode, etc. Some who would be leaving, some who would be staying, some who would accompany them… A part of the info was about the matters everyone knew already. The thing was, though, it was not really important whether someone knew this or that. "Hayoung-ie is still completely worn out and teacher-nims are helping her out by performing 'Chu-gung-gwa-hyeol¹'." "And Jihye?" "At the back, fixing her battleship." "What about Lee Hyunsung?" One would ask, while the other would answer. They walked on the corridors of the Ark and repeated this process. It was
as if they wouldn't be able to hold back even for a second by not doing it. "What about the kids?" "Well, they…" Before Jung Heewon could finish her sentence, they heard the kids' voices coming out from one of the cabins lining up the corridor. – I knew it. I gotta sign the contract with the darkness right now so I can get my revenge for hyung… – Revenge? What revenge? Ahjussi is definitely alive. I can feel it. – …Well, uh, I also knew that. If it's Dokja hyung, he's definitely…! – You need to wake up already. We need to come up with a sound plan right now. Jung Heewon's and Han Sooyoung's steps came to a halt at the same time as if they had promised to do so. They listened to the kids' conversation. Those two were bawling uncontrollably only the day before. However, the two of them, as they appeared through the cabin's window, were… "…I guess they will be fine, after all," said Jung Heewon. Han Sooyoung waited for a beat before asking her. "What about you, then?" The latter didn't reply. Instead, her gaze slowly faltered. The former stopped looking at her conversation partner, and shifted her own gaze lower, too.
Jung Heewon opened her lips eventually. "He asked me to save him." "…" "He pleaded with me to rescue him." She tightly clenched her fist. They didn't need to stare at each other to feel this emotion resonating between them. It sounded as if dry rain was falling somewhere; Han Sooyoung listened to that noise impassively, before speaking up. "We'll have a lot of things to do when we get back." "…Right. I know." Jung Heewon rubbed her face with her sleeves and smiled weakly. "For the time being, we should go back to Seoul, right?" "We should." "There will definitely be some bastards aiming for Seoul now that Dokja-ssi has disappeared. And we'll have to sort out the law and order back home, too." "Who'll tell Lee Sookyung, though?" "That, well…" The two women stopped talking and stared at the empty space for a while. The first person to break the silence was Han Sooyoung. "I wish we still had Yoo Sangah with us in times like these." "…I miss Sangah-ssi." They had lost far too much getting here.
Their gazes shifted outside the window to see the passing view of the Dark Dimension. They saw the stars on the faraway galaxies sparkle softly. The universe wouldn't be destroyed just because a single star suddenly vanished. There was a countless number of them, and their light would continue to exist afterward, too. But for those living on a certain planet, that particular star would be everything they knew about the light itself. Han Sooyoung did her best not to look at Jung Heewon's reflection on the window. The latter muttered in the meantime. "Just what on earth has happened to Dokja-ssi?" The former didn't reply and began walking again. Not too long afterward, they arrived at the last cabin in the corridor. They quietly opened the door and entered to find Yoo Joonghyuk wrapped from head to toe in bandages lying on a bed. Han Sooyoung spoke as she rummaged through her inner pockets to find a lemon candy. "…We should be able to find out once this idiot wakes up." This happened back when I was still in the middle of reading the 'Ways of Survival'. I was scrolling down the chapter, fully satisfied knowing that I had completed the day's work, only to discover something written on the [Author's words] corner at the bottom. – Dokja-nim, what do you think?
I've already forgotten what that question related to. It might have been about the plot development, or he might be implying something about the novel itself. Now, how did I answer him back then? – Mm. Well, such a simple twist is a bit… – You thought so, too? I was startled anew by this portion of my memories. Did something like this really happen? I remembered so well about the 'Ways of Survival' itself, so why have I completely forgotten about this part of the memories? I couldn't understand it at all. Right, now that I looked back, the author did chat with me every once in a while, didn't he? As for me, I wrote comments to engage the author; most of the time, it was to cheer him on, or to ask questions regarding the next regression turn, but sometimes, I did try to tackle him over the novel, too. I think it was around when Yoo Joonghyuk had just gone past the 600th turn. I just couldn't understand something about the novel no matter how hard I thought about it, so I end up arguing with the author through the comment section. – Author-nim. Was that a typo? How can Joonghyuk-ie smile brightly? 'tls123' replied back. – Anyone would change like that after regressing over 600 times.
I thought that the answer kind of made sense after hearing it. And that must've been the first time that I began thinking earnestly about the number of times Yoo Joonghyuk had regressed. Regressing over 600 times, was it. What did life even mean to a being that had to repeat such a life over and over again? ⸢Kim Dok ja, wa ke up.⸥ Dull pain pulsed inside my head and my consciousness returned gradually. My body felt lethargic, and terrible pain buzzed from all corners of my Incarnation flesh. I barely managed to tear my eyes open, and the faint rays of light pierced into my eyes. And then, a familiar voice came flying in my ear. "Looks like he's finally woken up." Yup, he just couldn't be nice about it, now could he. I smirked a little and shifted my head in the direction of the voice. However, something… seemed off. "So, this fool is that Kim Dokja?" By the time I fully opened my eyes, I discovered myself surrounded by countless Yoo Joonghyuks. I needed another ten minutes or so to regain my consciousness again.
I had blacked out once more, and after waking up, kept my eyes closed and tried really hard to figure out what the heck was going on here. At least, I needed to get a bead on the current situation. Firstly, the 'Great War of Saints and Demons' was over. I was certain of that; messages waiting in the log proved that fact, at least. [You have acquired the Giant Story, 'Season of Light and Darkness'!] [Your third Giant Story has completed its 'Twist/轉'!] [Third condition for the hidden scenario – the 'One Single Story', has been met!] [Final Story is waiting for you.] [The entirety of <Star Stream> is set abuzz over your achievement!] [Majority of <Star Stream>'s Constellations are now paying attention to your Nebula!] [Regarding your Story, the absolute majority of the Constellations are…] I had finally completed the 'One Single Story's Twist/轉. The energy belonging to an unimaginably enormous Story was now roiling powerfully inside me. The Giant Story, the ⸢Season of Light and Darkness.⸥ It was my first time hearing about such a Giant Story. But that made sense – the collision of the Nameless Mist and the Apocalypse Dragon didn't occur in the original story, after
all… With that as the starting point, the entire world-line should begin experiencing sudden and violent change. The march towards the apocalypse had sped up, so it was only obvious that the rate of the entire scenario's progress would speed up as well. Secondly, someone did rescue me. My problem began from this point on. Just who did save me? "It's no use pretending to be unconscious." As an aside, the very last face I saw was that of Yoo Joonghyuk's, coming to save me. So, maybe it was obvious that I'd end up seeing his face now. But, uh, the problem was… "Not just his dumb looks, but it seems that even his head is dumb." "Just like what I've heard." …Why were there so, so many 'Yoo Joonghyuks' in this place?? Not only that… In complete stupefaction, I gazed at the five, six 'kkoma² Yoo Joonghyuks' currently standing around on top of the bed. Without a doubt, they were Yoo Joonghyuks, but all of them were… big-headed chibis with short limbs and about the same size as Kyrgios. …Am I still dreaming??
Right, this had to be a dream. Right, the stress he put me under every single day had piled up and must've caused this horrifying delusion. That had to be it. I hurriedly slapped my cheeks, prompting the kkoma Yoo Joonghyuks to speak one after the other. "He must think this is a dream. Like a fool." "He may need some time to figure out his current situation first." "What an annoying bastard. Do we need to wait for him, then?" I cleanly ignored them and scanned the room I was in. It was a huge circular-shaped room; everything, including the table, the chairs, the other smaller knick-knacks, and even the bed I was sitting on, was circular-shaped. …Where the hell was I? I thought hard and long, but nothing came up. A room with such peculiar furnishing would be more than memorable enough, but I couldn't remember ever reading about it in the 'Ways of Survival'. Wondering if I stumbled into an area for a new scenario accidentally, I summoned the scenario window, only to be smacked in the head with the following message. [Currently, <Star Stream> is in the middle of scenario system maintenance.] Meaning, there was pretty much nothing I could learn in my current situation. "Looks like he's almost done with analysing his situation."
"I shall ask again. Are you the one called Kim Dokja?" The kkoma Yoo Joonghyuk with a hot-tempered facial expression asked me. Now that I took a closer look, there were different numbered cards stuck to the chest of each kkoma Yoo Joonghyuk, and the one who asked me just now had [999] written on his. I decided to answer them for the time being. "Correct. I'm Kim Dokja." The kkoma Yoo Joonghyuks looked at each other and nodded their heads simultaneously. These little guys, even though they were much smaller than the original, they acted exactly the same as Yoo Joonghyuk. "Looks like the correct one has been brought over, then." Even the voice was the same, too… I didn't know what was going on here, but by this time, I had to accept it. I was not stuck in a dream. And thanks to some unknown crazy whims of the Probability, I somehow ended up in a strange, fantastical kingdom where kkoma Yoo Joonghyuks lived. "Who are you guys?" I decided to ask them first. I knew that they wouldn't answer me straightforward if they were anything like the original Yoo Joonghyuk, but still. One of the kkomas began muttering out. "How pathetic. Can't you tell by looking?" Yup, thought as much. If I was to be stuck in a world like this, then I'd have preferred to be surrounded by the kind, gentle kkoma version of Yoo Sangah, instead. I was wondering how should I retort back in order to hear a proper answer from
these guys, but then, the 'Yoo Joonghyuk' with [888] written on his card spoke some rather unexpected words. "With your dull head, you'd never arrive at the correct answer no matter how long you agonise over it. So, I shall tell you. We are a part of the 'great Plotter'." …Great Plotter? Could it be? A chilly sensation flitted in and out of my head just then. The 'Yoo Joonghyuk' with [777] on his chest must've interpreted my silence on his own way and spoke in a mocking tone. "Your pathetic intelligence shouldn't be enough to understand it now." Right, these guys, they were definitely Yoo Joonghyuk. There was absolutely no doubt about that now. "If you're fully awake, then get up. Someone is waiting for you." "Who's waiting for me?" "You'll see when you get there." I got up unsteadily and followed after that kkoma. The round door opened up and a huge corridor appeared before me. The one to take the lead was the kkoma Yoo Joonghyuk number [999]. I followed him. The rest of the kkomas trotted after us, too. I asked one of them. "What is this place?" That prompted one of the Yoo Joonghyuks following me to speak up. "Eun gui ei soup." "What was that?"
"It means, the N'Gai's Forest. You're supposed to be a prophet, yet you can't even tell that?" What the hell. Why did you say that in English, then? The kkoma Yoo Joonghyuk number [666] glared at me as if he was disappointed and turned his head away, obviously unhappy. It was around then I began thinking that maybe, those numbers represented the regression turns each Yoo Joonghyuk had lived through. …What did Yoo Joonghyuk do around the 666th turn? Was that when he partnered up with the Abyssal Black Flame Dragon? I spotted the view of a silver forest outside the windows lining up the corridor. N'Gai's Forest, was it? Sounded familiar, as if I had heard about it somewhere. However, I wasn't sure whether this place ever appeared within the 'Ways of Survival'… It was then when our group encountered another one walking towards from the other side of the corridor. [So, is he the one the Plotter had brought along?] No, could I even describe their movements as 'walking'? Overcome with the sensation of all the hair on my body standing up, I subconsciously gripped the hilt of my Unbroken Faith tighter. Because 'Outer Gods' were walking towards us from the opposite side.
Existences that emitted auras incomparably more unstable and ominous than any Constellations. One of them sported a horse's head, while others were monstrous creatures covered in disgusting-looking tentacles. Those tentacles extending up to the air seemed to tilt their 'heads' for a bit, before shuffling closer to my direction. No matter who looked at that, they wouldn't be able to describe their intentions as friendly at all. Unexpectedly, the one to step in their paths was none other than the kkoma Yoo Joonghyuk number [999]. "He's our guest. Don't even think about harassing him." [But, it should not be a problem just to have a little chat?] "I shan't permit it." The kkoma Yoo Joonghyuk number [999] declared as thus, and unsheathed the miniature version of [Splitting the Sky Sword] from his back. Following that, the kkomas numbers [888], [777], and even the number [666], they all unsheathed their weapons mounted on their backs and hips. …These guys, could they even really fight? I mean, they all kind of looked like action figures, so… Maybe the other party thought the same as me, because they began emitting stubbornly persistent hostile aura towards us. [How dare you… Just because you're the dependents of the 'great Plotter'…] As the stand-off quickly became even more volatile and the tentacles and the kkomas were about to start fighting, a loud
'Thud' resounded out from somewhere. Outer Gods busy wiggling their tentacles about suddenly all knelt down. The only one among them still standing was the horse-head that showed animosity towards me. [■■■…!!] Another 'Thud' resounded out. Finally, even the horse-head had to slam its head on the floor. Those tremors couldn't have been a simple shockwaves of an earthquake. No, someone was intimidating these Outer Gods with incredible Status right now. [Wu, wuwu…] Outer Gods groaned in pain and moved out of the way. At the end of the corridor, there was an entrance leading to a huge hall. It was an open-type, with the massive circular ceiling decorated by the tumbling, roiling branches of trees. I walked into this hall accompanied by the kkoma Yoo Joonghyuks. Thin rays of sunlight permeating in between the branches illuminated an ancient, worn-out throne right in the middle of that great hall. No one needed to tell me, but I knew it right away. The being sitting on that throne, he was the king of this forest. Not only that, I knew who he was already, too. The scar on his face, revealed under the faint rays of the sun, and the exact same white coat as mine. The being I thought I'd not get to meet again was sitting right on that throne.
[It's been a while, Kim Dokja.] [1] Chu-gung-gwa-hyeol is a technique often seen in martial art novels, where one transfers Qi from themselves to an injured/weaker person to heal them/power them up. [2] Kkoma is an informal Korean word denoting a child, or in this case a small and chubby figure.
Chapter 417: Ep. 79 - The Secretive Plotter, II I took my time studying the person before my eyes. My heart rate sped up greatly, and my breathing became ragged, as well. Something touched a box of memories that shouldn't be touched, and words began leaking out from this box buried deep within the recess of the darkness. ⸢"Where is the Arondight? Are you the one hiding it?"⸥ That was the first time I encountered that dude. While firmly holding me by my collars, he asked me that question. ⸢"If you're not planning to answer me, then I shall use force to find out."⸥ The golden [Sage's Eye] gleaming brightly just like back then was right there, waiting. A migraine assaulted me, and my view distorted like that of an abstract painting. The voice from the memories continued
on in the meantime. ⸢"That 'world' you've shown me, does it really exist?"⸥ … … … ⸢Applicable individual isn't a 'Character'.⸥ There existed certain memories that should never be forgotten even if one wanted to, and perhaps the memories of that regression turn were precisely 'that' for me. I failed to save Yoo Joonghyuk of that turn. He left for the next turn, still wearing the white coat. I had never forgotten the sight of his back, surrounded by bright light and leaving me and Han Sooyoung of the 1863rd turn behind in complete freedom. "You are…" For the longest time, I lost myself and stared at the 'Yoo Joonghyuk' sitting on the throne. The scar on his sunken cheeks, those dark, deeply withdrawn eyes – everything belonged to the 1863rd turn Yoo Joonghyuk that I remembered. However, my shock didn't end there. [Constellation, 'Secretive Plotter', is looking at you.] …The Secretive Plotter??
Only then did I finally discover the ominous, evil aura rising up from that Yoo Joonghyuk's entire figure. This 'evil' was different from that of the Demon Kings. No, this was Chaos that the <Star Stream> didn't recognise as either 'Good' or 'Evil'. I was about to say something, but then, something emitted bright light from within my inner pocket. [Exclusive Attribute, 'Scenario Interpreter', is activating!] [Giant Story, 'Season of Light and Darkness', is reacting to your Attribute.] As if it was waiting for this moment, the Story began telling its story. Two Yoo Joonghyuks were in a certain place. ⸢[Go back. You can't save anyone.]⸥ ⸢"…The Secretive Plotter?"⸥ As if they were stuck in fast-forward, scenes sped along in my mind. They were fragmented information, sure, but still, they were also plenty enough for me to figure out the current situation. …So, that's what happened. I began to gradually understand what was going on here. Next up was the sight of Yoo Joonghyuk crashing, Lee Jihye catching him, and finally, the Ark leaving the Isle. It seemed that the <Kim Dokja's Company> had safely escaped from the 'Isle of Reincarnators'. [Giant Story, 'Season of Light and Darkness', has stopped its storytelling.]
I sighed softly under the breath and shifted my gaze over to the existence atop the throne. The 'Secretive Plotter' looked down at me from his spot at the same time. ['The Fourth Wall' is strongly activating!] My heart calmed down and my reasoning returned to me bit by bit. I sucked in a couple of quick but deep breaths and opened my lips to speak. "If you were planning to make me panic using that appearance, then well, congratulations, you succeeded splendidly." [Have you not used polite speech towards me earlier?] "I'm merely treating you the way that fits with your choice to appear as Yoo Joonghyuk." I appeared completely unflustered by his aura, and as if he was amused by it, the Plotter's lips twitched slightly. Not caring whether he did or not, I simply continued on. "The 'Secretive Plotter'. I suggest we do the 'Three Divine Questions and Answers'." [And why would I agree to do that?] "There's no way that you're the 1863rd turn Yoo Joonghyuk. It's impossible, actually." [What makes you think that?] "You wish to know? As an aside, there are three reasons." A faint flash of light flickered in the 'Secretive Plotter's eyes. "So, are you interested or not?" [Although tempting, it's not a fair trade, is it.]
The 'Secretive Plotter' stared at me with a pair of quiet, contemplative eyes. He seemed to be thinking about something, and also, maybe a bit angry, as well. Just how long passed by like this? His left eyebrow quivered rather greatly. I suddenly recalled a certain passage from the 'Ways of Survival' just then. ⸢Whenever Yoo Joonghyuk makes a serious decision, his left eyebrow would quiver.⸥ The Secretive Plotter spoke. [I'll put forth a condition.] "What kind?" [I'm sure you're curious as to why I brought you here.] I nodded my head. Of course I was curious. [However, you can't ask me about that. Because I can't tell you. Some answers can only be resolved by you actively searching for the right question first.] "What kind of a Buddha-like utterance is that??" [I shall agree to the 'Three Divine Questions and Answers' now. You can ask me about three things, but you can't ask me a question related to 'why you've been brought to here'.] "Is that your condition?" [One other thing. When you're done with the Three Questions, you must figure out the 'reason you had to be brought' here.] Now that was something I didn't expect at all and I momentarily panicked. "What if I fail to do that?"
The 'Secretive Plotter' didn't reply. Instead, he raised his lengthy finger and rested it on the armrest of his throne. Just that simple action alone sent a chill down my spine. ⸢Can I defeat him in my current condition?⸥ I began inspecting all the Stories I possessed, from the legendary grade one all the way to the Giant Stories… "It'll be better for you to stop doing something foolish." It was none other than the kkoma Yoo Joonghyuk number [999] standing next to me who said that. I smirked and looked down at him. "Are you worried about me?" "It's annoying to remove a corpse, that's all." "…What are you exactly, anyway?" [Are you using your allotted questions, then? Good.] "No, hang on a minu…" Before I could finish my sentence, though, messages began floating up. – Three Divine Questions and Answers has begun. – Both sides can exchange three questions and three answers. – Both sides can refuse to answer one question each. – Questions and Answers will not end until both sides have asked a question and answered it properly. – You are now using your right to ask the first question.
I caught the kkoma Yoo Joonghyuk number [666] grinning slyly on the side. Sons of bitches. Still, now that things had ended up like this, I figured it'd not be so bad to hear their story now. [They are my dependents.] "I hope you aren't planning to end your answer like that. I'd prefer for you to be a bit more in-depth now that you're planning to tell me things anyway. I'd be eternally grateful if you so graciously explain yourself properly on what your definition of dependents are, whether it's something like [Avatar] or if it's something similar to the dependents Demon Kings have." I spoke as cautiously as possible to make sure that what I said didn't sound like the second question. That prompted the kkoma Yoo Joonghyuk number [777] to sigh in admiration and speak up. "He sure talks a lot, doesn't he." "I wasn't talking to you." [They are beings that have received my memories.] – You have acquired the first answer. "So, it's similar to the [Avatar] skill, then." [It's my turn. Tell me the first reason why I can't be the '1863rd turn Yoo Joonghyuk'.] "If you were really Yoo Joonghyuk from the 1863rd turn, then there's no way you'd be wearing that white coat." […Why not?]