Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

"My name is Han Yoojin."

"Cale."

"Lee Kiyoung. Just call me Kiyoung."

"I'm Dokja."

"You're an only child?" Han Yoojin asked.

"Uh, yeah.. my name is Kim Dokja."

"Ah.."

"..." (Awkward silence)

***

"I am Alver Crossman. I am a crown prince, and the future king of the Roan Kingdom in my world." He said with his iconic scammy smile.

"I am Sung Hyunjae. I own the strongest guild and, it may sound like bragging, but I'm the strongest S-Class in my world." He said with a bright smile.

"... I am Han Sooyoung. I'm a writer. I hope we get along." She said with a forced smile.

'I'm stuck with these handsome yet scary blondes! Help!'

"I'm J-Jung Hayan.. a mage.."

'Oh well, Jung Hayan is here. She's not crazy.' 

***

Meanwhile..

"My name is Kim Hyunsung. Let's get along and cooperate together."

"..." <Yoo Joonghyuk who likes to do things alone.

"..." <Han Yoohyun who does not get along.

"..." <Choi Han who doesn't listen to strangers.

"... Is that too much to ask?" <Kim Hyunsung, the only sane(?) person among the group.

Chapter Text

It was unpredictable. No one would have thought about anything happening. 

It was a flash of light. Others anticipated something bad was going to happen, while the others were totally shocked by the unpredicted event. Until they closed their eyes to embrace the unexpected moment.

They fall flat in the ground. One is standing—already used to unexpected anomalies—and the other three fell to the ground with their butt first. 

Sounds of groans echoed in the space. Then later on, they look at each other with wary and observing gaze while crawling away.

"Hm..?"

"Huh..?"

"Who..?"

"...."

All of them have the same confusion in their eyes. But because they are smart, they understood that they experienced the same thing just a moment ago. A Korean guy in white coat opened his mouth to speak.

"Uh.. who are you all..?" 

He's the wariest of the group. He's standing tall while the other three are still sitting on the floor six meters away from him. Not only does he looks intimidating—with a scabbard in his waist—he looks like he will not hesitate to pull out his sword to each of them.

Their eyes pointed at him, then silence resumed. They're looking specifically at the scabbard in his waist.

"P-Perhaps.. all of you also see the flash of light..?"

The guy in a black jacket with a choker in his neck spoke. He's Korean, the man thought. The attention transferred to him. The guy felt a little anxious about the stare he's receiving from the three strangers.

The two guys remained silent, and for some reason, they are the only guys who's slightly different. The Korean guy looks like a villain in a cloak and suit, while the other looks like a foreigner with crimson hair that reaches his shoulder, dressed in simple yet fancy looking clothes. 

They specifically stare at the red haired guy. He looks so slender for a boy that they almost thought he's either sick or a woman. Especially his face that looks small and pale. He has this stoic gaze that can be misunderstood as rude and arrogant. What is it called? Ah, he has a resting bitch face.

The guy mentioned felt the stares uncomfortable that it made him frown and spoke his thoughts.

"What?"

'Why are you looking at me like that?'

His tone is firm. They looked away. The red haired guy noticed it and sighs while brushing up his bangs—trying to ignore them.

'Where the hell am I?'

To be truthful, that's what the four guys thought at the same time. They diverted their gaze to each other while looking around to get a clue. Both of them did not want to be rude by staring for a second.

But one guy stared at the three men in front of him continuously. He's the guy who looks like a villain. He looked at the man with a choker, the guy in a white coat and the red haired foreigner. He gulped his saliva before finally speaking.

"Are any of you.. the one who did this?"

"Absolutely not."

"That's what I was about to ask."

The red haired man remained silent as he stared at the three Korean civilians. The three also look at him, which makes him forced to speak the truth. Why are they even suspecting him?

"No." He said almost expressionless, with a hint of disbelief.

"Then who..?"

As if to answer the questions in everyone's mind, a holographic screen appeared in front of them separately. The three Koreans are already used to seeing it, while the red head stares at the sight in front of him with an obvious surprised expression.

[Welcome, players!]

[Please introduce yourselves in the given time to become familiar with each other.]

[Remaining time – 4:59]

"Players..?" The villain looking guy murmured in disbelief, a little anxious about what is to happen.

"Is this some hidden scenario.." The man in white coat whispered to himself.

"What is this.. Is this their doing..?" The guy in a choker said to himself.

"What the fu..." The red haired guy slapped his forehead—he almost cursed—before thinking of his life decisions. He was the most clueless one among the strangers. He stood up and dust off his clothes. The others do the same thing as they look at the screen in front of them.

"Do you guys have any idea what this is?"

"Of course, none of us knew about this. Isn't it obvious?" The villain looking guy looked at the guy with a choker with disbelief coated with fake laughter. The latter looked at him with suppressed annoyed expression.

'They just met each other, goodness.'

The guy in white coat saw the rising tension between the two guys. And before it worsened, he stepped up and tried to set up a mood.

"Now, now, we don't have time to argue. We should cooperate and help each other." The guy in white coat looked at the faces of three unique individuals.

"So, let's introduce ourselves shall we?"

Silence erupted. Then one person broke it.

"My name is Han Yoojin."

The guy in a choker said as he pointed to himself. The guy in a white coat smiled and nodded.

"Korean?"

"Obviously." Han Yoojin scoffed. He extended his hand towards the guy in white coat which the latter gladly accepted.

The red haired guy looked at the two before speaking his name.

"Cale."

The red haired man, who appears to be rude and arrogant with his expressionless face, was named Cale. Though he didn't reveal his full name—or his actual name—it made the guy in white coat smile and extended his hand to thank him for going along.

"Nice to meet you Cale-ssi." The guy in white coat smiles gently. Cale looked at him with uncertainty, but still shook his hand before stopping for like four seconds.

The guy in white coat noticed it but didn't say anything. A drop of sweat trailed his face.

'He doesn't look normal. Is he some sort of noble or something?'

"Lee Kiyoung."

The guy that looks like a villain finally spoke. He's looking at him only. He has noticed it, but it looks like he will be the one leading them based on the situation.

'I bet if I didn't say anything, they wouldn't budge.'

"Nice to meet you, Lee Kiyoung-ssi." He also extended his hand to him.

"Just call me Kiyoung." The man smiled faintly as he shook his hand. "How about you? You asked for our names yet you didn't tell yours."

Eyes fell towards the guy in white coat. The tallest Man among the group finally introduced himself.

"I'm Dokja."

And the expected reaction happened.

"You're an only child?" Han Yoojin asked.

"Uh, yeah.. my name is Kim Dokja."

"Ah.."

Awkward silence emerged. Kim Dokja is at fault for only saying his name, but he brushes it off and puts on a friendly smile.

"Sorry.." Han Yoojin scratches his neck in embarrassment.

"I heard that a lot, don't worry."

[The given time runs out.]

[The main scenario has arrived!]

[Main Scenario #1 - Proof of Trust]

Level: Tutorial

Task: Hunt the 5th grade species, Lizard Titan together. 

Time Limit: None

Penalty: Death

[Trust is the foundation of friendship! Cooperate and trust each other to hunt down the monster.]

[If the following players didn't cooperate and trust each other, it wouldn't affect the scenarios. But it is advisable to create companions rather than to double the enemies.]

The four looked at each other. Kim Dokja looked especially at Han Yoojin and Lee Kiyoung. He tapped both of their shoulders and smiled.

"Just like what was said, we are not the enemies. But that thing."

He looked at the magic circle in front of them. A large and buffed lizard monster crawled up from where it came from. Kim Dokja released his grip and walked forward and pulled out his sword.

"We can do it."

"You sound confident." Lee Kiyoung commented. Kim Dokja just smiled.

"Well."

Kim Dokja looked back at the lizard monster again.

"I've hunted even worse creatures than that lizard."

Han Yoojin looked at Kim Dokja's back.

'He's so cool.'

He was relieved that there was a guy like Kim Dokja in the group.

Lee Kiyoung looked at Kim Dokja's back. His gaze is firm but calm. The corner of his lips twisted a little.

'Sounds comforting.'

He's probably the weakest among the group. He looked at the other guys other than Kim Dokja. He specifically looked at Han Yoojin first.

'He looks stupid.'

He sighed and look at the other direction, towards the red haired guy. No matter how he looks at him, he looks fragile and useless. But something is telling him from the back of his mind.

The way he stood and the way he studied the monster with those unbothered gaze. That gaze soon went towards him and he became the target of his subject.

Lee Kiyoung scoffed inwardly.

'Looks like I'm not the only useless bastard here.'

Cale is uncomfortable with the situation, but calmed down and accepts it with no further ado. For the first time, he regretted that he didn't train himself and be confident like Kim Dokja.

'Oh well.'

Cale looks at Kim Dokja's back. He looked at the sword that he was holding firmly. He was remembered by a certain vicious swordmaster. He frowned and looked away.

He accidentally looked at the guy named Lee Kiyoung. His frown deepened a little as he caught a glimpse of his smirk.

'What is he looking at? Tsk.'

Chapter Text

"Damnit. They call this tutorial?!"

Han Yoojin spat out as he dodge the oncoming fist of the lizard monster. Thanks to his equipment, he can move very agilely enough to dodge the attacks.

"Oh shi—!"

Lee Kiyoung screamed as he almost got knocked by the monster. He cursed, as he grabbed a fistful of sand and threw it on the monster's eyes, blinding them for a second before stealing its spear and penetrating it on its heart.

"Tsk!"

Cale flew up in the air and formed a fist. A light came off around him followed by a pair of wings. The light turned into a formless round shield as he jumped towards the monsters, crushing and pushing away the monsters.

He coughed up blood, of course.

Kim Dokja, watching this all happen while he slash the monsters with his sword, almost sighed loudly. While the other three pay attention to Kim Dokja, Kim Dokja also pays attention to them.

'It's pitiful.'

The team's performance is.. poor. Kim Dokja didn't mean to secretly think like this, but he hoped that they are pretty useful.

Swing—

He took his time slaying the monsters that were coming to him. He was about to just save himself out of this mess but..

'Damnit.'

He swiftly turned around and slashed the monster that was about to kill Lee Kiyoung. He can feel Lee Kiyoung's gaze at him, but he didn't look back.

"Are you proficient with spears?"

Kim Dokja coldly asked him before beheading the monster that rushed to him. He almost sounds like the protagonist that he knows back in Earth.

Lee Kiyoung looked annoyed when Kim Dokja asked him that, but the latter didn't notice it.

"... No."

"..."

Kim Dokja slashed the remaining monster before going towards Han Yoojin's side who's barely outrunning the monsters. He killed them before running towards Cale's side.

"Hmm?"

Cale is bleeding from his nose as he crushed and pushed the lizard monsters with his shield. Kim Dokja watched him in daze before helping him.

'Hmm...'

Kim Dokja hesitated once he was about to kill the running monster in Cale's back. Cale happened to notice the monster and..

… the cold look on Kim Dokja's face.

"..."

Cale's eyes widened. For some reason, he failed to move away from the ax coming to slice his head.

"Cale!"

But thanks to Han Yoojin, the ax just grazed on Han Yoojin's back. The two rolled on the ground together with their frail bodies. Kim Dokja stood there, frozen on his feet.

My goodness.

Kim Dokja immediately killed the last lizard monster. The blood splashed on the ground before the headless lizard kneeled and slowly fell on the ground. Silence resumed once the last monster dropped dead.

It was an uncomfortable silence. Lee Kiyoung standing in the far distance with the bloodied spear on his hands. He has seen it. Kim Dokja.. that guy..

'He's out of my expectations.'

He thought that Kim Dokja is a kind and cool guy. But what he has seen on Kim Dokja's gaze is far from that description.

'And here I thought I was the only one who is a piece of shit here.'

He has come to realize something. No. Everyone has come into realization.

"Well, this is awkward."

Lee Kiyoung took a step and went in their direction. He swayed the spear on his hands and stared at them. Kim Dokja is side-eyeing him, while the two are still on the ground.

Lee Kiyoung looked at Kim Dokja. "Isn't it?"

Kim Dokja didn't answer. Lee Kiyoung smiled. Currently, both Kim Dokja and Lee Kiyoung have their own weapons, while Han Yoojin and Cale have none on their hands.

"Cale, are you okay? You're bleeding.."

Han Yoojin's voice made the other two look at Cale who's coughing up blood. Han Yoojin patted Cale's back while he was coughing.

Cale didn't answer. He didn't look at anyone.

"Dokja-ssi. Thanks to you, I've come to realize a life lesson."

Lee Kiyoung continued talking with Kim Dokja. Kim Dokja looked at him again. Lee Kiyoung smiled.

"You see, ever since I opened my eyes to my world, I've been using people as my meat shield and sword to defend myself."

Lee Kiyoung's smile dropped as he reminisced about the past. Kim Dokja continued to listen.

"Thanks to you, I realized I'm weak."

Lee Kiyoung smiled faintly. Kim Dokja's eyes slightly widened.

"I'm an alchemist by the way. Don't you think it's strange that I use a spear?"

"I don't know."

"It's because I have a swordmaster, a talented mage, and a good meat shield."

Kim Dokja looked at Lee Kiyoung intently. He wasn't surprised because in his perspective, Lee Kiyoung looks like a villain who uses people for their own benefits.

But it feels strange for him. Why is he talking too much?

"I'm sorry if I thought that you'll become the sword so I can survive."

Cale, as well as Han Yoojin, looked up at Lee Kiyoung. For some reason, his statement doesn't only mean Lee Kiyoung was apologizing for Kim Dokja. It's as if..

Lee Kiyoung looked back at Han Yoojin and Cale. It was an obvious thought. He believes that Han Yoojin, as well as Cale thought about the same. Lee Kiyoung then looked at Kim Dokja.

Kim Dokja is slowly smiling.

"I see."

'He's not an idiot.'

Lee Kiyoung also smiled and closed his eyes. It wasn't like him to do these embarrassing things but, he has to do it.

'So that no matter what happens, Kim Dokja will understand and take pity on us. It's a win-win for us three useless pigs.'

"... I'm sorry, too."

Han Yoojin looked down. Cale, who's sitting beside him, looked at Lee Kiyoung.

Lee Kiyoung winked at him. Cale's expression turned sour.

It's unknown if Kim Dokja knows that they are trying to manipulate him once again. Kim Dokja looked at the two before handing out his hand.

"Let's get up. There's still a monster we have to hunt."

Kim Dokja looks like an angel in Han Yoojin and Cale's eyes.

Han Yoojin was the first one to take Kim Dokja's hand, next, the two tried to help Cale stand up. Lee Kiyoung, who's said to be an alchemist, brought a potion from his sleeves and distributed it to the group. Kim Dokja watched the scene for a moment before sighing. It's as if it's a scene from a novel, where characters are starting to form companionship even if they are strangers.

He has made a decision.

"I'll take the lead."

Kim Dokja caught their attention. 

"That means, you'll have to be in my command."

'What will Yoo Joonghyuk do in this situation?'

"I'm fine becoming the sword of this group. All I want is that all of you will cooperate with me."

Kim Dokja looked at everyone's eyes. So far, he managed to see their abilities, but what is still a question mark to him is Han Yoojin's abilities, so he asked him.

"Perfect Caregiver?"

Han Yoojin nodded. "I can give buffs to someone who is under my influence. But I can't just cast it to someone whenever I like."

"Why?"

"I have to use a keyword. And if they accept my keyword, they will be under my influence."

"Keyword?"

"For example." Han Yoojin placed his hand on top of Cale's shoulder. Cale flinched slightly before raising his one eyebrow at Han Yoojin. Han Yoojin took a deep breath before uttering the magic keyword.

"I love you."

"It's big."

Kim Dokja stared at the monster in front of them. He questioned the fairness of the scenario, but he can't complain because there is no dokkaebi nor star stream here. His status as a constellation is useless in this world.

'I can't also use [Character Profile].'

He was disappointed. He wants to know if they are hiding their strength or not. But he had no choice but to trust them blindly.

He looked back at the three companions that he had to get along with. He sighed before putting trust on them.

The title of the scenario is 'Proof of Trust' anyway. And Kim Dokja can't let everyone just die because he believes that he will need them to escape to this place.

He gazes at Cale and Han Yoojin. He chuckled inwardly as Cale gave Han Yoojin a cold shoulder after Yoojin demonstrated his keyword on him. 

For now, they accepted Yoojin's 'love' for them. That's why Han Yoojin is awkwardly standing beside Lee Kiyoung who's in between him and Cale.

"We can't just rely on one person from now on."

Kim Dokja sheathed his sword and smiled at his comrades.

"We have to overcome it together, hm?"

The large titan lizard growled at their presence. Everyone has a resolved gazes as they clench their fists. They are properly organized and will fight together this time. Of course, Kim Dokja will almost do everything.

"Let's prove our trust to each other."

The lizard titan gazed upon them. Kim Dokja pointed his sword.

"Now!"

Before they went to hunt the lizard titan, they formed a circle and shared about their own abilities. Kim Dokja went first, Lee Kiyoung next, Han Yoojin, and Cale.

They are very cooperative this time. They learned that Kim Dokja is a powerful constellation in their world, Lee Kiyoung as a vice guild master and a cardinal, Han Yoojin as a F rank but has overpowered skills, and Cale..

Cale stares at them. For some reason, he was the last one to say something about himself. So far, everyone is very truthful to themselves. 

"I.."

[Personal Task: Hide your identity and powers to your group.]

"I am just a noble that have a defensive ancient power that is not very strong."

[Failure: Death]

Chapter Text

[The 1st main scenario has been cleared.]

Kim Dokja sighed in relief as he unsheathed his sword back to his scabbard. He looked around and stared at the conditions of his new companions.

Han Yoojin is splattered on the ground while panting heavily. Lee Kiyoung is resting on a rock with the spear on his arms. Cale is leaning on the tree while wiping his own sweat.

Kim Dokja felt guilty. The 5th grade monster is something that he can kill on his own, but in order to make the three cooperate together, he needs to hold back his strength.

“Well done, everyone.”

Kim Dokja approached them with a smile. He's the only person who sweat a little. He then looked at Han Yoojin again.

“You okay?”

“H-Haha.. I'm fine.”

‘Han Yoojin is very useful.’

With the mysterious power that can mentally link them and be aware of each other's actions is a very useful skill. Kim Dokja noted Han Yoojin in his mind.

‘For the other two..’

Kim Dokja looked towards Cale and Kiyoung's direction. He's still doubting the two of them but he can't deny the sincerity on their eyes when they are fighting together. In the end, with alchemy and Cale's shield, they managed to catch up with him.

[Rewards has been distributed based on contribution.]

[The rank of contribution has been updated!]

King of the Kingless World

The Perfect Caregiver 

Honorary Bishop of the Holy Empire

Young Master Silver Shield 

Kim Dokja looked at the system. Earlier, they were told to create nicknames for their selves. Instead of his constellation name as ‘Demon King of Salvation’, he picked the ‘King of the Kingless World’ so he won't appear too much intimidating to them. 

‘Perfect Caregiver is Yoojin, the bishop is Lee Kiyoung and the last is Cale.’

He looked at Cale's direction. He hasn't talked that much and shared just a little information about himself. If only he can use [Lie Detection] here..

[1,000 coins has been rewarded.]

[You have been successfully blow an attack first, you'll be given bonus coins for the achievement.]

[500 coins has been awarded.]

He decided to pass it off and just focused on the rewarding process. Then another window popped in front of them.

[Someone has completed their personal task!]

Personal task. It's something that only one individual can solve in each rounds. It was not known who it is among the four received that task, but it was definitely not Kim Dokja.

‘The person who got the personal task can disclose the contents of the task, whether he like it or not..’

He looked around him, and looks like he's not the only one who's trying to look if one of them are the one who got a personal task. When no one said anything for half a minute, Kim Dokja concluded that no one will disclose it.

Moment later, four portal appeared in the distance. It's the passageway towards the second round.

“Should we go?”

Kim Dokja looked at the three behind him. They are also looking at the portal with nervous expression.

“Sure.”

“Yes..”

“...”

Kim Dokja nodded and took a step. They entered the next scenario with their hearts steeled to what will come.

“We're in a forest again, but it looks like it was a different location.”

Han Yoojin looked around, trying to look if there's a monster nearby. There are no monsters, but they can hear something from afar.

“But the second scenario hasn't been announced. Surely, they will announce the contents first right?”

Lee Kiyoung grasped on his spear as he look around. Han Yoojin nodded at his remarks. Kim Dokja looked at the two of them before speaking.

“I think they'll give us time to rest first.”

“You think so?” Yoojin asked back. Kim Dokja nodded.

“This system things are similar to my world.” Kim Dokja nodded calmly. “But I'm not sure if it will be generous to us or not.”

“Why? In your world I mean, is it hard?”

“Sometimes, but since I have information.. we managed to clear them up.” 

“Information? Do you know the future or something?” Lee Kiyoung asked him with interest.

“Well, something like that.”

“Are you a regressor?” Han Yoojin asked. Kim Dokja was surprised hearing a familiar word.

“I'm not. But I have a companion that is a regressor.” Kim Dokja said while remembering a certain man.

“You do?” Lee Kiyoung looked at him with more interest. “I have a regressor friend too.”

Kim Dokja tilted his head a little with amusement. Han Yoojin looked between them before raising his hand. “I'm a regressor too.”

Lee Kiyoung and Kim Dokja looked at him in unison. “You do??” 

Even Cale is looking at his direction. Han Yoojin scratched his cheek a little, embarrassed by the sudden attention on him. “I do.” 

“That's amazing.” Kim Dokja stared at him in amusement. “So you know the future in your world?”

“Yes. I tried to change my way of living and save my younger brother.” Han Yoojin smiled while remembering the events on his world. “That's why I asked on curiosity, since I thought you're also a regressor.”

“Nah.” Kim Dokja shook his head. “I read a novel and it suddenly became a reality. The MC is a regressor that I managed to turn as a companion.” 

Kim Dokja realized that he unknowingly shared his story with them. But it was too late to regret since the three listeners are invested on his story.

“That's awesome.” Lee Kiyoung's eyes beamed. “Hyunsung, I mean our regressor sometimes act like a main character too. Or maybe he does, but I don't know. I'm not fond of reading novels.” 

“What if he's actually a main character of a fantasy novel?” Han Yoojin asked him. Lee Kiyoung shook his head.

“Dunno. But I won't be surprised.”

.

.

.

“How about you?”

The black haired trio looked at the red haired one. Cale looked back at them. Somehow, they became comfortable in a foreign world and shared each other stories. 

Cale felt uneasy and sighed. He doesn't want to ruin the harmonious mood.

“I am a reader, too.”

“You do?” Han Yoojin asked. “Like Kim Dokja?”

Cale just nodded. “... Yeah.”

“You reincarnated into a character?” Lee Kiyoung asked excitingly. Cale nodded.

“Are you the main character?”

“No.” Cale said immediately.

“Side character, then?” Cale nodded on Kim Dokja.

“Did you also meet the main character? What's the genre of the novel you read? Are you friends with the main character?” Lee Kiyoung continuously fired questions so Cale will answer longer.

And Cale doesn't have a choice but to answer those questions.

“We did, but I tried to chase him away so we won't cross paths anymore. It's fantasy.”

“So, are you close with the main character?” Lee Kiyoung didn't let him left unanswered his three questions.

Cale tilted his head a little. Is Choi Han and him close?

“I guess.?” Cale frowned, he didn't want to answer no or yes. He doesn't know himself, but it definitely not a no. Lee Kiyoung, Kim Dokja and Han Yoojin nodded. 

“It's amazing how some of us have similar things in life.” Han Yoojin looked at Cale and Kim Dokja.

“Kim Dokja, is your mc kind?” Lee Kiyoung asked. Kim Dokja laughed.

“Oh no, definitely a psycho.” Kim Dokja shook his head. “Maybe it's because he regressed many times, he acts recklessly and cold.”

“I see.” Lee Kiyoung nodded and looked at Cale. “How about you?”

“He's.. fine.” Cale tried his best to answer. “Even with hardhips in life, he managed to fight with justice on his mind. He's a good guy.”

“Man, sounds like he's so nice.” Han Yoojin said.

“Sometimes.”

“Ha?” 

Cale crossed his legs and arms. “When he's with an enemy, he is a different guy.”

“So when he's with you, he's kind and caring?”

“Ha..?”

“Oh..” Han Yoojin nodded. He can relate, somehow. “My brother is an S-Class and he definitely act like a cute brother, but he also looks different when he's alone.”

“Wow. I'm jealous.” Kim Dokja snickered. “Mine's a total jerk.” He chuckled.

“But you said that he's your companion, so doesn't it mean he trust you?” Yoojin said.

“He does.. but I just want to hit his head sometimes.” 

“Haha. You two should swap.”

“No thanks.” 

Cale answered immediately. Even though Choi Han’s existence is already troublesome, a main character with a worse personality than Choi Han is a big NO for him. Just hearing Kim Dokja’s narrative at the regressor protagonist makes him thankful that he went to TBOAH world among the novel he have read.

“I think my brother and Cale's mc will get along.” Han Yoojin chuckled. Cale just faked a cough.

“I think my Hyunsung will be friends with Dokja's mc too. They're both regressors, after all.” Lee Kiyoung said playfully. Kim Dokja choked on his own saliva.

‘As if.’

Kim Dokja and Cale thought on their minds.

[Main Scenario #2 - Companion In Arms]

Level: Tutorial 

Task: Form a group of two and clear the two way dungeon.

Time Limit: None

Reward: 2,000 coins

Penalty: ???

[Two players will go inside in each passageway. One is the way to the boss room and another is a trap room. Rely on each other's backs and fight!]

The second scenario was announced after. Kim Dokja stared at the group and made a decision. Of course, he let them decide the final judgment.

And in the end, Kim Dokja is with Cale.

Kim Dokja took the lead with a fire torch in his hand while Cale is on the back. It was quiet and quite awkward for Kim Dokja. He remembered how he almost let him die in the first scenario. But he decided to push it away from his mind and focused.

He was about to initiate a talk with Cale when a window appeared in front of him.

[You have been chosen to clear a personal task for the second round!]

“Huh..”

Kim Dokja gulped. This is it. He is now the one who will clear the personal task for this scenario. But..

‘Damnit. What the hell?’

[Personal Task: Don't fight.]

Chapter Text

Lee Kiyoung and Han Yoojin paved the left passageway with silence, their footsteps the only thing that made a sound on their journey to the dark and creepy dungeon.

The torch in Han Yoojin’s hand illuminated the blade of the spear and Kiyoung's eyes. He looked at the back of Han Yoojin’s head and sighed silently.

‘Of all people, why him?’

He can't help but sigh in disappointment. It's true that his abilities are great and that, but he can't help him in many ways.

First of all, he can get buffs from Yoojin, but Yoojin himself won't help in the fight and it would be his end if Han Yoojin was unable to supply him support. 

‘It would've been better if I was with Cale or Kim Dokja. Tsk.’

Kim Dokja is the most reliable on the group. Cale at least can wield shields and he thought that he had some more powers on him. 

“Are you not satisfied?”

Han Yoojin said in the moment Lee Kiyoung is trash talking him inside his head. Lee Kiyoung smiled.

“What do you mean?”

“You keep sighing.”

Han Yoojin looked back at Lee Kiyoung. Lee Kiyoung held a laugh and smiled brightly.

“I mean, who wouldn't?” Lee Kiyoung clenched on the spear and looked around. He didn't try to lie. “It would've been better if Kim Dokja was our partner, am I right?”

“You must've disliked me.”

“Haha! Who said that?”

Han Yoojin stopped moving and looked at him. “I don't like you either.”

Lee Kiyoung's smile turned a little grim. His eyes are not smiling anymore. His smile turns a little.. devilish.

“Is that so?” Lee Kiyoung chuckled. “Well, I don't like you too, to be honest.”

Han Yoojin turned around again and started walking. Lee Kiyoung followed.

Cale stopped walking when Kim Dokja stopped on his tracks. He thought that they were going to face monsters or some traps but nothing happened.

‘Why did he stop?’

Cale took a peek but he's staring into empty darkness. He didn't see it, but he realized that he might be looking at the window that is only visible to him.

‘Did he get a personal task or what?’

Possibly. Cale relaxed a little and just waited for him. He inserted his hands inside his pocket so it won't be noticeable that he's shivering from the cold.

Finally, Kim Dokja started walking again. But Cale noticed something weird.

Kim Dokja keeps giving him a short glance with an uneasy expression. If he actually was the one who got the personal task, based on his own experience, it must've been something that will affect the flow of the scenario.

‘Did he get something like hiding or not showing his strength?’

If the personal task is the latter, then they are doomed. Currently, they rely on Kim Dokja's swordsmanship. What will happen to them if Kim Dokja is prohibited from fighting?

‘I hope it's not the case.’

But it's really bothering him.

“... I got a personal task.”

Kim Dokja walked at the same pace as him. Cale felt uneasy all of the sudden.

‘Please.’

“... It said that I can't fight until the end of the second scenario.”

‘F*ck.’

Cale couldn't contain the expression on his face. Cale remained silent and silently cursed inside his head. Kim Dokja looked at him with nervousness too. 

Cale sighed and didn't have a choice but to accept it.

“Is that the only condition?”

“H-Huh? Ah, yes. It just said ‘Don’t fight until the end of the scenario.’”

“What's the penalty?”

Kim Dokja looked at him in surprise. He thought that Cale is the one who received a personal task from the first scenario.

“Death.”

“Ha.”

Cale scoffed. It's just like what happened to him in the first scenario.

Unexpected variable came up even after they found out if the dungeon they entered was a trap room or a boss room. He's having a headache from this situation.

Kim Dokja felt ashamed for some reason. He can't even create a proper conversation because he's slightly intimidated by Cale. It's thanks to the [Fourth Wall] that he managed to gather strength to talk. He still feels awkward around Cale because of what happened in the first scenario. 

Cale stared at him in the eyes. Kim Dokja gulped slightly but didn't look away.

No words are spoken, but Cale snatched the fire torch in Kim Dokja's hand and led the way. Kim Dokja stared at him for a moment before following from behind.

“It said that you can't fight.”

“H-Ha?”

Kim Dokja felt a little stupid today. He thought that Cale wouldn't talk to him anymore.

“It doesn't mean you can't defend, right?”

Kim Dokja realized that and slowly nodded. Cale looked at him with a calm expression. Somehow, Kim Dokja felt calm too. He's starting to get what Cale is trying to say.

“Defend me, and I'll kill them for you.”

Cale looks so cool in Kim Dokja's eyes.

“... Are you sure you didn't reincarnate as a protagonist?”

“...”

Kim Dokja smiled and followed him.

‘You’ll be a popular character if you become the protagonist of a story.’

Kim Dokja expected it somehow.

Ssshhkkk—

That Cale is hiding his other powers from them.

“...”

Kim Dokja looked at remnants of lightning on the goblins body. It was hard to just block the goblins' attack, but thanks to Cale's ability, it was somehow easy for them.

‘I think fire ability suits him more.’

Cale looks like that secret op character that rarely shows his ability because it felt troublesome. Kim Dokja supported Cale immediately when he slightly tripped on a rock.

He held his waist and looked at him with a worried expression. 

“You okay?”

“Hmm.”

Cale gulped the blood on his throat. The taste of iron makes him uncomfortable, but he didn't show it. It just looks like he is uncomfortable in Kim Dokja's arms.

Kim Dokja immediately took his hands off Cale. 

Grrrrr…

They looked around and they saw a pack of hybrid wolves in front of them. Cale clicked his tongue and have no choice but to step up again.

The wolves jumped into him, but before they could reach him, the pebbles and rocks around him turned into spears and pierced through the monster's bodies. Kim Dokja felt amazed instead of betrayal.

“You.. is your personal task on the first scenario to hide your abilities?”

“... Yeah.”

With just a sway of a hand, the harmless pebbles would turn into a weapon and slay down the enemies. He's sweating as he maintain his power. Kim Dokja blocked the wolves’ fangs and push them off whenever there are some who managed to dodge Cale's powers.

‘It’s not mana.’

He doesn't feel mana at all. Kim Dokja can't help but think..

‘Is he a God or what?’

He knows it's pointless assumptions, but since he became a constellation because he read the novel, Cale possibly became a God or something powerful because he have the knowledge of the future thanks to the novel.

And the way Cale stand even though he's sweating. He is radiating elegance and calmness with a little bit of dominance that makes him bigger than the rest. Even though he looks weak and frail, Kim Dokja learned that you cannot judge anyone just because of their appearance.

Kim Dokja noted not to turn into his bad side.

So far, he learned that he can make shield, manipulate fire and earth. He remembered that he can fly, and think that he can control wind.

He assumed he can control water, too.

Kim Dokja can't help but feel a little useless right now. But thanks to this personal task, he can get to know the capability of the player, ‘Cale’.

“You're a noble, right?”

Kim Dokja is holding the fire torch again so he can block the attacks immediately. 

“What's your last name?”

“It's rude to ask a noble a noble when you're just a mere commoner.”

Kim Dokja flinched. Kim Dokja looked at him if he's serious. Cale looked at him without any emotion.

‘Is he serious?’

Cale's expression tells, ‘Am I joking?’ Kim Dokja laughed awkwardly.

“Henituse.”

Cale answered and looked away. Kim Dokja blinked slightly.

“Cale Henituse?”

“That's my name now.”

“What's your real name?”

“... Why do you wanna know?”

“Can't I know?”

“... You don't have to?”

“But I want to know?”

“...” 

Cale sighed and looked away from him. He looks tired with a small conversation. They won't meet again anyway after they survived here.

“Kim Rok Soo.”

“Oh?”

“What?”

“Nothing. We have the same last name.”

“So?”

“Haha. Are you naturally like this?”

“So what?”

“...”

“Tsk.”

Cale looked annoyed for some reason. He realized he talked too much. He crossed his arms and didn't looked at him again. Kim Dokja understood the signs and didn't talk again.

They went on again and fought together. Kim Dokja watched Cale use every different powers that he was hiding and he can't help but feel comfortable now. He didn't have to carry the whole group in his arms alone. 

Though he's still not sure about Lee Kiyoung.. 

But he can figure it out.

Not that he think about it, there's still Lee Kiyoung and Han Yoojin. He hop

e that they won't be in danger.

“SHIIIIIIIIIIIIIT!!”

Speaking of the devil.

They turn around and went pale.

Lee Kiyoung and Han Yoojin is running towards them. Not only that..

Grruuuuuuooooooooo…!

A bunch of different monsters are running after them.

Kim Dokja held the hilt of his sword. Then reality struck him once again.

[Personal Task: Don't fight until the end of second scenario.]

[Penalty: Death]

'Damn it.'

Chapter Text

Somehow, it ended well.

Kim Dokja activated the [Beast King Sensitivity] in time and covered the whole group, while Han Yoojin supported Cale and created a massive lightning bolt to annihilate the monsters. It happened so fast that they almost couldn't believe what's happening.

“W-What was that..?”

Lee Kiyoung looked at Cale with a shocked expression—in a good way. He knew that he was hiding something but to think he was right all along..

Then he looked at Han Yoojin. He gritted his teeth but he couldn't help but be scared. Yoojin is not looking at him but..

‘He definitely.. pushed me.’

If it weren't for Cale grabbing him back and pushing him from the back, he would've died.

He almost died. Because of that bastard.

But why's he not mad? Moreover, he's smiling as if he accomplished something.

Cale staggered and almost fell on the rocky ground if it weren't for Kim Dokja supporting his back. 

“Are you okay?”

He inspected Cale's condition. Blood is pouring from his nose and lips. He was concerned and tried to wipe it off. 

“Hey.. Cale?”

“I'm fine.”

Cale has a surprised expression as he shoves Kim Dokja's hands away from him. He then looked at Han Yoojin afterwards. 

He has felt it. The ridiculous immense power once Han Yoojin hugged him from behind. It is the same thing he experienced back when he's in Xiaolen. It's as if he just used fifty percent of his power and it doubled. Even the Fire of Destruction is so amazed right now.

—Cale! Cale! Oh my goodness!

— ... You won't faint this time, won't you? Choi Han and Raon aren't here..

—HAHAHAHAHA! That's so satisfying! Burn them all! KAHAHAHA!

He scratched his ear for a moment before holding something to support his body. It just happened that Kim Dokja is near him.

“How's the others?”

Cale then looked at Lee Kiyoung. Lee Kiyoung is sitting on the ground while glaring at Han Yoojin. 

He saw it, but he remained silent. They're not making a fuss over it, so they must be silently hating each other now. He can only just pity Kim Dokja, who's partially the leader of the group now.

“Now, now, everyone. Let's rest for a while since it looks like this path is the way to the boss room.”

Kim Dokja announced. No one has said anything after that. Only the remnants of the burning body of the monsters are left on the ground. Kim Dokja, Cale, Han Yoojin and Lee Kiyoung sat on the ground without speaking.

But someone is curious.

“Just.. what happened back there?”

Kim Dokja looked at Han Yoojin and Lee Kiyoung. It's about time to tell that he has a personal task anyways.

Yoojin and Kiyoung didn't say anything. Lee Kiyoung looked at Yoojin before speaking first.

“Yoojin activated the trap.” Lee Kiyoung said with a tired expression. Yoojin's gaze went to him. “It was accidental, of course. But Han Yoojin seemed to be in a hurry, and he must've stepped on the trap without him knowing.”

He simply means that he's dumb enough to step on the trap.

“Well, if it weren't for Lee Kiyoung’s spear that almost hit me, I could've not stepped on the trap.”

“Hit you? I protected you from the arrow that almost hit your cute head.”

“Is that so? Then why's that the blade of your spear looks more threatening than the arrows?”

“Is that what it looks like? Then why did you insist on going forward when I already told you that it is a trap? Is it because of your hate towards me that you didn't trust my predictions?”

“Are you accusing me?”

“Are you guilty?”

“Stop it.” Kim Dokja butted in. He massaged his head for a moment before looking at the both of them. Cale was just silently sitting beside Kim Dokja, and it looks like he has no plans on interfering with them.

“You guys just met, yet you're fighting as if you know each other.”

The two remained silent after that. Kim Dokja's calm voice made the tension disappear. Kim Dokja sighed before speaking.

“I can't fight now. So if you two continue to fight..” Kim Dokja looked at Cale. Lee Kiyoung and Han Yoojin looked at him in confusion.

“What?”

“My personal task.” Kim Dokja sighed. “I can't fight, but I'll help in defense.”

“What the..”

“Damn.”

“Then.. who's going to deal the damage..”

They looked at Cale. Cale frowned and looked back at them. He felt uneasy with their gaze.

“... What.”

“You're hiding your powers all along?”

“Can't help it. It's a personal task.”

“You have one too?”

“... No, in the first scenario.”

“Ah..”

Han Yoojin and Lee Kiyoung nodded. “So that's why.” Yoojin and Kiyoung grimaced at each other.

Cale just looked away.

‘I feel uneasy.’

So this is why he's feeling uncomfortable.

Cale is standing in front of the door together with Kim Dokja, Lee Kiyoung and Han Yoojin are behind them. Cale already wanted to retreat at this moment.

‘Is there no other way?’

Cale had never thought that there'll be a day where he has to fully fight with his power. He looked at the window and started investigating his coins to his stat. The sound of the system ringing in his ears made him unaware of his surroundings for a moment.

“Let's go.”

Kim Dokja pushed the large door. He just hoped that everything would be fine.

Everything is.. fine.

No monsters, just the system announcing that they have successfully finished the second scenario?

“Didn't it say that this is a boss room?”

Han Yoojin stated the question they have been thinking about. Kim Dokja nodded suspiciously. Lee Kiyoung looked around with a wary gaze. Cale crossed his arms to hide his cold hands.

[2,000 coins has been rewarded for all players.]

[Rewards has been distributed based on contribution.]

[The rank of contribution has been updated!]

1. Young Master Silver Shield 

2. King of the Kingless World

3. Honorary Bishop of the Holy Empire

4. The Perfect Caregiver

[500 coins has been awarded to the player who contributed the most.]

[Someone has completed their personal task!]

Cale looked at Kim Dokja. Kim Dokja had a smile of relief and looked back at him. Cale just nodded slightly before looking away.

“I feel uneasy.”

Lee Kiyoung caressed his shoulder in an uncomfortable expression. They all have the same expression on their faces. And to answer their uneasiness..

[The boss has been slain.]

“What? How come?” Han Yoojin asked.

“Don't tell me, it was killed along with the monsters earlier..” Lee Kiyoung's eyes widened in realization. “Then..!”

[This is the reward room.]

“But you said that there are only boss and a trap room!”

[System made a typo. ^_^]

“What?!”

They sighed in disbelief. They can't trust the system anymore. But they also sighed in relief because it wasn't a trap room. 

Cale blinked multiple times. Did he accidentally kill the boss, then? 

[New features have been unlocked.]

[Do you ever wonder how your friends do in another system?]

“What does that mean—”

Two system windows appeared in front of their eyes. Upon realization, their eyes widened in surprise.

‘Yoo Joonghyuk? Han Sooyoung?’

‘Choi Han! Even the crown prince..!’

‘My brother! Huh? Sung Hyunjae?’

‘Hyunsung and Hayan? But why..’

Their eyes are on the first window. Lee Kiyoung and Kim Dokja gulped.

[“Why can't you just cooperate? Is it hard to at least listen to me?”]

[“Who are you to tell what I should do?”]

Yoo Joonghyuk and Lee Hyunsung. The two regressors are standing against each other. Han Yoohyun is in the back of Yoo Joonghyuk while Choi Han is in Kim Hyunsung’s side.

“...”

No one spoke after that.

Chapter Text

Once upon a time, there's a young master of a Count that was known to be a genius. Nonsense, there's no way a human can be this perfect. But every time someone says that, no one will side with him.

A prodigy! He became a commander in his 20’s. He backed down from the position after winning 3 executive wars. He's just lucky—who said that? No one. A hero! A Saint in disguise.

He doesn't wield a sword just like his trusted ally, nor does he use magic. He doesn't use divine powers, nor black magic. He is not strong, or as strong as an average human. He is.. weak.

Yet strong. He gives off an aura of a wise ruler. A cruel gaze with a warm heart. A true noble. The chosen one. A Saint. 

People respect him. Was given a title, but refused to do so. Why? Well, he doesn't need one. Even without the title, people still looked at him and admired him. 

People have so much faith in him. Obsessed. They worship him like a God. Why? He's the chosen one! He wasn't..! He's just a human..

Why can't a human distinguish a human?

They're crazy. 

Humans are crazy.

He just did everything just to save his homeland. So he, his family, friends, can live. He's selfish, and selfless. He's not perfect. He's not as kind as he looks. 

By the time he died, he became a God.

A powerless God.

Once he became a corpse, humans started forgetting about him. Why did they stop worshiping him? He was just doing everything to live. He didn't wish to become like this. They turned him to a God. They always wanted him to be. They always thought he was a God.

No one remembers his existence anymore.

Kale. My friend.

I'm the only one who believes in you.

And I would do everything.. to avenge you.

Even if I became an existence that will destroy this world you saved.

By the time a human reads this letter.

Everything will perish, just like you.

“What kind of crap is this?”

The man threw the paper on the ground. His face is crumpled in disbelief towards the bowing priest in front of him. 

“Who wrote this load of crap?”

“W-We deciphered it from an ancient scroll that we found in an excavation, Bishop-nim.”

“Hah!”

The Bishop brushed his hair up and started laughing. Everything will perish? Just like the God who's his friend? What a load of bullshit. Ancient people are really crazy.

“Do you actually believe in that shit?” He smirked. Can a Bishop look like an evil person when he's smiling? He is. “I bet that the person who wrote that crap probably tried to act like a villain and ended up losing his head. Pfft.”

He stood up and picked up the scroll again. He read the last part again and again.

“Pfft. The person who wrote this shit probably think he's cool a fuck.”

The priest flinched. The man looked at them once again. He laughed.

“But since this made my day today, I will not punish the both of you.” He waved the scroll in his hand and leaned on the table.

“Leave—”

Knock! Knock! Knock!

A harsh knock halted his words, then the door opened. “Your Holiness! W-We have something to report!”

“Can't you see I'm busy—”

“D-Demons!” 

The priest shouted in fear and anger. The Bishop froze for a moment. “Demons have been spotted in the North, in Duke Filmore’s territory!”

The Bishop frowned. Demons? How could they enter the human realm? Unless..

“Did the Duke summoned them?”

“The report stated that half of the Duke's territory is annihilated by demons, so we believe that it wasn't the case.”

The Bishop's face turned sour. Demons have perished a long time ago. The Bishop sighed in annoyance. Sometimes, he regrets that he became a Bishop of this damn Empire.

As he looked down, the scroll in his hand caught his attention again. Then he remembered a certain line, once again.

By the time a human reads this letter.

Everything will perish, just like you.

He threw the scroll away from him. The scroll landed on the priest's foot. The scared priest didn't take the scroll in fear of the Bishop.

“Bishop-nim?”

“No way.”

‘It can't be. No way.’

He glared at the scroll. 

“Bishop Kiyoung Lee.”

An old man's voice wakes him up from his thoughts. He immediately put his hand on his chest and paid respect. Everyone was stunned but did the same thing.

“Cardinal. What brings you here?”

“I've heard the news.” The old Cardinal dismissed the other priests, leaving the two of them in the office. 

“I will task you to..”

[You obtained a clue.]

[The system will now bring your memories back!]

[Welcome back, player Kiyoung!]

“... take care of this problem.”

‘Damnit.’

Lee Kiyoung cursed in his head. 

[The real second main scenario is ongoing.]

[Main Scenario #2 - ??? ]

Level: ??? 

Task: Gain your memories and change the story!

Time Limit: ???

Reward: ???

Penalty: Death

[You're the first one to regain your memories.]

[Find the other players and bring back their memories before it's too late!]

In the land of ice and harsh cold wind, a child is sitting on a cold floor with a corpse in front of him. It's been three days since the territory of Duke Filmore was ambushed by demons. That time, the child was inside a cage full of children just like him. They were going to be sold off to a noble who has a sick desire for kids. 

One or three kids died in the cage because of the cold and hunger, but not once did the children care to tell the driver. They're all afraid that they will be the next cold corpse that will be fed to wild animals.

Then suddenly, a scary growl was heard before a splash of blood. Everyone panicked. The kid who planned to escape from the beginning managed to open the rusty door and step outside. But before he could even step again, he was eaten by a wolf with demonic eyes.

“Demons! Kyaaaak!”

Everyone panicked. The old man who shouted demon died right after. The other childrens are killed and the others manage to run away before getting killed again.

While everyone is getting killed, he manages to run away faster than the others. He found an old cabin and hid there. Traces of blood and dead bodies of the owner were there, but he was used to it. 

He hid there. Not caring about his hungry stomach. He thought of eating the corpse in front of him, but he does have the guts to do so. Besides, the corpse is already rotting. 

Whenever a demon visits the old cabin, he will smear his body with blood and lay down beside the corpse. His long red hair looks like it was blood. He's pale and looks like he was dead. Luckily, the demons don't eat dead corpses again.

Sometimes, he will envy those dead bodies. He wished that he was just like them. He wished that someday, every pain he's feeling will vanish.

Tap.

His eyes opened in shock. He tried to close his eyes again and act dead, but he realized it was the sound of a footstep.

‘Human..?’

Fear rises on his little heart. Either humans or demons scared him. Even if he survived from the demon's attack, yet in the end he'll be living like a slave again, he would rather die right now.

So he didn’t lay back. He waited, until the door opened and he saw a pair of shoes in front of him. He didn't look up, even if it was a human. He doesn't care anymore. 

“... Oh.”

He just froze there, his eyes on the floor. His little face has no emotions. His long red hair is covering his face. 

He heard slight ruffle noises. He realized that the human, a guy, kneeled and held his shoulder. Human voices can be heard outside the cabin. He was scared. Very scared. Is he going to return him to the dungeon? 

“Kid? Are you okay?”

The guy put his gloved hand on the chin of the child and lifted it up. They finally met each other's gaze. His reddish brown eyes met the older guy's black eyes. The man smiled gently.

“I finally found you.”

Lee Kiyoung smiled.

Chapter Text

“What should I do?”

Lee Kiyoung sighed and put his face in his palm. He's sitting on the edge of the bed and he's been continuously sighing whenever he looks at the child beside him.

“Just what is your damn clue..”

He looked at the child's face. It's Cale, no matter how he looked at any angle. The difference is that he turned into a child.

He was lucky that he found him, but he doesn't know what to do. Kiyoung could only just stare at little Cale's face with a troubled expression. 

He did everything. He tried to show various objects and talked until his throat dried. The emotionless child was just staring at him as if he's looking at a clown. How can he even succeed, when he knows nothing about this dude?

He stood up and stretched his arms. He went outside the room and went to his office. Normally, he should be cuddling with his pillow right now, but he was feeling restless today.

“F*ck this.”

He slammed the door and went to his table. He slumped on the chair and looked at the messy paperworks in front of him. Just a moment ago, he's living like a normal (slightly corrupt) Bishop of the temple. Now that he regained his memories, more problems came to him. And now he has to find the other players so they won't stray to the original.

Before they entered the real second main scenario, they were introduced to [Celeste], the name of this world. Celeste is in peace, not until a Demon King decided to take over the world and drive it to its ruin. They were tasked to change this world's ending.

The problem is, they have to live in this world. Become a new person, and lose their past memories until they get the ‘clue’ to trigger their memories. Lee Kiyoung's memories came back because of the letter of the demon king.

‘I wonder why. Is it because I'm corrupt? Tsk.’

Lee Kiyoung lived well as an Honorary Bishop, and a candidate for the Cardinal position. The old Kiyoung who's trying to act elegant is no more. He learned etiquettes something like that while he's growing, so his actions are more impactful to others. His trait as a ‘Liar’s Temptation’ became more powerful, but he can handle it since no one can carelessly touch an Honorary Bishop.

Lee Kiyoung looked at the dirty scroll in his desk. From his memories, he believed he became the corrupted Bishop that ignored the letter's contents and dropped dead when the war between the humankind and demons started. He almost turned to that idiot if it weren't his clue.

“Kale.”

It's the name of the powerless God that is a former human. A God that became a God against his will. There's not much description about him, and records about the hero ‘Kale’ was nowhere to be found too. It's as if he suddenly disappeared from the history.

It's as if it was intentionally done so.

He has still many suspicions, but he went to another key figures in this world.

“Kaym.”

The Demon King who drove the world into chaos and war. Later, he was introduced as Kaym. The trusted subordinate and friend of Kale. No more information was added after that.

Lee Kiyoung put his chin on his palm. 

Kale and Cale.

He suspected at first that Cale is the ‘Kale’, but seeing that he was human, he crossed out the idea. Unless, there is a plot twist where Kale reincarnated into a human again, and that was Cale.

Kaym. The Demon King. He wonder if one of Kim Dokja or a Han Yoojin reincarnated as him, but he wishes that's not the case. Besides, the demon king’s mind is full of revenge. There's no way he can talk peacefully and persuade him like; “Hey, stop! We'll build a shrine for your fallen friend, so stop crying! K?” and “Ok!” as the response.

Unless, a miracle happened. 

The demon is willing to sacrifice the world for his friend. For revenge.

Lee Kiyoung is touched, but it will be the death of him if it continues.

He was busy thinking of the clue word when a letter caught his eye. It has the seal of the royal family. He took it and ripped the envelope.

It's a royal banquet. Lee Kiyoung isn't interested, but now that he regained his memories, he needs to attend it and maybe, just maybe, he can find the others.

'I just hope that no one possessed the Demon King. I don't want to sacrifice myself..'

He just hope to return back to his world.

“Greetings, Your Excellency.”

Lee Kiyoung just gave the most fake smile he ever wore to an unexpected person.

“Greetings, Your Highness.. prince Han Yoojin.”

It all started when they woke up from different surroundings. A bright sky, green grassy land, and four humans wary of each other. It's like predators meeting other predators.

[Welcome, players!]

[Please introduce yourselves in the given time to become familiar with each other.]

[Remaining time – 4:59]

No one talked even after understanding the message. They're just looking at each other's body, scabbard, then back to their faces.

The first one looked the meanest of them all. Wearing a black coat with all black combat clothes. A cold beauty with a dangerous gaze. He keeps staring at their faces and their sword.

The second one who looks like his child, the one in a brown coat and formal clothes. He has the same gaze with the former, but more tense. He can tell that all of them are very strong.

The third one is comparable to the first one’s beauty, but his gaze is firm and calm. His ocean eyes carefully examine the others. He's wearing his uniform back in Lindel. One can tell that he holds a high position, and strong.

The last one looks like the third one's younger brother with an emotionless expression. He has a calm but a little complicated gaze as he stares at the three Korean men in front of him. 

“Uh..”

The third guy looked around him. All gazes went to him.

"My name is Kim Hyunsung.” The man smiled, trying to look harmless. “I know we don't know each other, but let's get along and cooperate together."

The silence is making him deaf. Hyunsung just awkwardly smiled.

‘Is it too much to ask?’

“We experienced the same time, am I right?” Hyunsung felt like he'll dry his throat from just trying talking with them. “Uhm?”

No one said anything.

Kim Hyunsung felt awkward. He sighed and looked up. He can see the time running out. He just hoped that this was just a dream.

Just like that, the time runs out. The floating window vanished in the air and was replaced with another.

[The given time runs out.]

[The main scenario has arrived!]

[Main Scenario #1 - Proof of Trust]

Level: Difficult 

Task: Hunt the 3rd grade specie, Dragon Lich.

Time Limit: None

Penalty: Death

The guy on the black coat started walking away after reading the message. He doesn't look bothered at all, as if it was just a daily routine for him to see such weird things.

“Where are you going?”

Kim Hyunsung tried to get his attention. 

“We should gather and plan for the attack. Don't act alone.”

“Tsk.”

The man rudely clicked his tongue before looking at him. His serene eyes glared at Kim Hyunsung.

“I can handle myself alone.”

“What?”

KUOOOOOONG….

A loud, eerie noise interrupted their conversation. Everyone stopped just to cover their ears. A strong wind made their clothes flutter in the air, but their body remains still like a wall. 

The man in black coat gazes upward. His brows twitched a little before he looked around him. His gaze went to the guy in the same coat as him. He doesn't know the others, but he felt like just choosing someone who has the same modern outfit as him.

“You. Follow me.”

“Why would I?”

The man has the same gaze as him. Arrogant and strong. Though he appears younger than him, he is not intimidated by his presence. Besides, he's near him. 

“Let's check the monster and kill it.”

“Wait, we should do it together.”

Kim Hyunsung interrupted him again. The man sighed and looked at him with an annoyed expression. For some reason, he doesn't like him even though they just met.

‘There’s no time to waste. Should I just act alone?’

He doesn't see any familiar faces, and he feels really uncomfortable because he knows nothing about the situation. He feels nervous and itchy to do something. Or should he just.. regress once again?

“Are you that strong to think that you two can do it alone?”

Kim Hyunsung spoke between his thoughts. For some reason, his calm face turned sour. It didn't help Yoo Joonghyuk to try to be polite.

“Why can't you just cooperate? Is it hard to at least listen to me?”

“Who are you to tell me what I should do?”

After that, the man in black coat disappeared. And, for some reason, the guy in the brown coat went together with him.

“...”

Kim Hyunsung sighed and brushed his hair up. He doesn't know why his blood boiled when he looked at the man in black coat. The way his gaze looks at him like he's the strongest of all irks him a lot. He didn't mean to lose his patience and just blow up everything.

Caw. Caw. Caw.

Kim Hyunsung looked at the birds flying in the horizon with a worried expression. He felt complicated and extremely stressed about the situation that he doesn't know. He wonders where and when it all goes wrong.

“Are you just going to stare and do nothing?”

His eyes widened a little and he looked at the owner of the voice. The man in all black looks at him with no emotions. Somehow, it makes him back to reality once again and awkwardly smiles.

“I'm sorry, it's just the guy earlier..”

“...”

Kim Hyunsung observed the guy in front of him. He looks 17-18 years old yet his gaze looks like he's been through a lot of things. Kim Hyunsung can tell that this guy is someone that couldn't be mistaken as weak just because of his clothing and appearance.

“Can I know your name?” Kim Hyunsung offered his hand. “My name is Kim Hyunsung.”

“Korean..”

“Hm?”

The guy didn't repeat what he said. He just stared at Hyunsung's face before sighing and accepting his handshake.

“... Choi Han.”

“I'm thankful that you didn't go with him.” Kim Hyunsung looked at their hands. Even though both of them have gloves, they can feel each other's strong grip. “Somehow, I feel like I can trust you.”

“How can you say so?”

“Just the fact that you stay with me, I felt assured.”

Kim Hyunsung smiled like he just gained a friend. Choi Han looked away from the handsome glowing face. 

“I just don't like arrogant guys.”

“Do I not look arrogant, then?”

“Should I leave?”

“No. Please don't.”

After that, Kim Hyunsung didn't know that he just won a lottery card for the first scenario.

Chapter Text

It was the second time he followed a stranger.

The first one is a special case. The man who approached him is someone who knows the future and knew him from a book he read. He approached him to make use of him (in a good way) and along the road, they became good companions.

“It's this way, right?”

The second is Kim Hyunsung. He is a complete stranger. 

Choi Han looked at the scene in front of him. The back of his neck went cold when he saw a large bone dragon from afar. There are also several dragon bones that are surrounding the bigger one. Choi Han somehow felt familiar with the bone dragon, and couldn't help but think of a necromancer who can move such a thing.

But this case is different. It is a Lich. The dragon turned into a Lich.

“It's them.”

Choi Han heard Kim Hyunsung talking. When he looked, he saw the other two standing and gazing at the monster they're going to take down. They weren't even looking in their direction and was busy talking themselves.

“Such a pain. I'm tired of playing nice.”

Kim Hyunsung sighs and looks at Choi Han. Choi Han looked back at him.

Hyunsung scratched his cheek slightly. “Don't misunderstand. I'm actually nice, but sometimes when dealing with someone like them..”

Kim Hyunsung just sighed again and looked at the dragon lich. His sweat dropped and can't help but gulp at the sight of the eerie bone dragon monster.

“How are we going to take that down.. unless we can cut its wings..”

“Dragon bones are not easy to break—no, it's almost impossible.”

Choi Han interrupted, Hyunsung nodded at his statement. He looked at the bone dragon and shook his head. He remembered the dragon bone he rode back to the war in Henituse territory. The largest wyvern didn't even scratch the bone dragon the necromancer he knows are controlling.

The tables have turned. This must've been felt by the Paerun warriors when they saw a large bone dragon in the Henituse territory.

“That, too.” Kim Hyunsung looked at the two figures away from them. “I can tell they're also not acting up because they also won't stand a chance.”

Choi Han looked at what Kim Hyunsung was looking at. The two guys are also strategizing for the future battles.

“This is not a contest, right?”

Kim Hyunsung sighed. He felt so helpless, but he shouldn't feel like that. He has a teammate, Choi Han. He would've preferred if they teamed up but they started in the wrong root and made bad impression towards each other. 

Nah, it's just Hyunsung and the other guy. Choi Han and the other one who went with the guy didn't even bat an eye with each other. Kim Hyunsung looked at the man's direction, can't help but looked at his whole appearance. He can tell he's a strong individual.

The man felt a gaze and looked where it came from. His sharp serene eyes squinted and make a face before turning around. Kim Hyunsung rolled his eyes back to Choi Han.

The latter was still gazing at the big bone dragon from afar. Its gaze alone feels like they are in front of the death door. But for some reason, Choi Han is affected just a little.

Maybe it's because he have seen something familiar. Or was it because of his ability? Choi Han is confused himself. It would be better if the person he knew is here, so he knows better what to do in this situation.

“Well, I guess we have to strike the small dragon bone first. It will be a nuisance when fighting the large bone dragon.”

‘It's actually a wyvern.’ Choi Han wasn't able to correct Kim Hyunsung when he had a faint realization.

“Hmm? I think I saw something shining inside the dragon bone's chest part. Could it be—”

“That's it.”

“Hmm?”

Choi Han blurted out when Kim Hyunsung was still talking. He looked at Choi Han and saw him with widened eyes as if he just came into realization.

“Did you come up with an idea?”

“... I think so.”

Choi Han looked around. His heart was beating fast.

[5:39:01]

He saw the timer. It has five hours left before the bone dragon will start attacking. Choi Han looked at Kim Hyunsung.

“You okay?”

Choi Han felt a strange excitement. “Let's look for wyverns.”

“Wyverns?”

“There's no time to explain, let's go.”

Choi Han started running from the direction of the forest they came from. Kim Hyunsung is confused but starts running after Choi Han. The two figures afar from them looked at their running backs. They just stared briefly before looking at the ominous bone dragon.

While running, Choi Han is looking around. Kim Hyunsung is running beside him with no sweat. 

“So what are we actually looking for?”

“A flying creature that looks similar to a dragon.”

They ran through waters and dirt while looking around. Their speed is above level what an average running champion can do. 

“Why are we looking for them?”

“We need them for aerial battle.”

Choi Han saw the end of the forest. They jumped from a large fallen tree and hid in bushes.

“You must have an ability to communicate with those?”

Just like Choi Han's expectations, he saw three wyverns eating some wild monster on the ground. They are large enough for a normal wyvern. Choi Han stood up. Kim Hyunsung was alarmed by his reckless action.

“Hey..!”

But before he could say more, the wyverns already looked at them. Choi Han didn't falter and walked towards the monster's direction.

He stretched his hand in the air and looked at the wyvern’s eyes. An unknown power moved inside the huge monster's head that compelled to listen to Choi Han. 

Choi Han touched its nose with a sigh of relief. Looks like the ability to control wyverns also works in this world.

“We can eliminate the dead wyvern with the live one.”

Choi Han looked at Kim Hyunsung. Kim Hyunsung just watched Choi Han as he climbed up to the back of the flying monster.

“What are you looking at me like that, Hyunsung-ssi? Climb up.”

Kim Hyunsung’s lips curled upwards. He caught a gist of Choi Han's plans and nodded.

“You...”

“Are you saying something?”

“No. Nothing.”

Kim Hyunsung went to the wyvern next to Choi Han's. It obediently lay down to make it easy for Kim Hyunsung to climb up. 

“If you have nothing more to say, we're going to find the rest.”

“Yes, yes.”

Choi Han looked at Kim Hyunsung who's smiling ear to ear like an idiot. Choi Han felt chills in his neck before commanding the wyverns to fly towards the sky.

“So you're that jerk prince.”

Lee Kiyoung said with a disrespectful tone as he gazed at the man who's much fancier than him. It has been a long time since he saw this guy.

“So you're that corrupt Bishop who's going to die in a month.”

Same with the latter, he has a gaze that is rude to be called. He drank from his wine glass and glared at Lee Kiyoung.

‘This guy has a higher rank than me? A prince? Tsk.’

Lee Kiyoung crossed his arms and stared at Han Yoojin. Unfortunately, just by calling Yoojin's name made the latter remember his memories. 

“Have you found the others?”

Yoojin sipped on his wine glass elegantly. They are currently inside a balcony. They can hear the joyous gathering outside the door. 

“Kim Dokja is still missing.”

“And Cale?”

“Hm. He's in my custody. He hasn't yet recovered his memories.”

“What?”

Lee Kiyoung shrugged his shoulders. Even he doesn't know why that's the case.

“You tried calling his name?”

“I did. Do you think I'm dumb?”

“I think you are.”

Han Yoojin sighed. Whenever he's with Lee Kiyoung, he can't help but feel irritated and uneasy. Lee Kiyoung just smirked before speaking again.

“I think it's fine to leave Cale like that for now. We have to look for Kim Dokja first.”

A moment of silence emerged between them after that. They are not in terms to tell each other's stories and be friendly. They are those type of strangers who suddenly get mad with each other and has low chance to get along.

They can get along, sometimes.

“I want to visit Cale.”

”Do you want to visit Cale?”

Lee Kiyoung looked at Han Yoojin in surprise before sighing. Han Yoojin looked at his wine glass before putting it on the balustrade. 

“I'll visit tomorrow.”

“Are you gonna visit as the prince?”

Han Yoojin raised his brow to him. When he understood what he meant, he crossed his arms. The royalty and the temple doesn't have a close relationship, and it would be controversial if Yoojin suddenly visited the temple. Lee Kiyoung smirked and turned around, walking away.

“I'll make sure to open my windows tomorrow, prince.”

That night, Lee Kiyoung laid his back on the headboard while looking at the sleeping small child beside him. The child Cale is peacefully sleeping hugging a black dragon plushie. He can't help but reach at the child's long hair and raise it up and watch it fall on the pillow.

“Cale, your protagonist is so cool right now. Hm, Choi Han, was it? Would that trigger your memories?”

He sighed and closed his mouth. He looked at the another window where he can see a girl in a pink cloak talking to a handsome blonde man in an elegant royalty suit. He is discussing something to the woman that he knows.

[“Miss Hayan, would that be okay?”]

[“Yes..”]

[“Good. Thank you, Miss Hayan. I owe you one this time.”]

In the other side, there is another platinum blonde haired guy in formal suit. Compared to the latter, he's taller and older. He's talking to a short woman with short black hair and combat suit. Based on the content of their conversation, they're also planning for attack.

“Did they formed into two again? Tsk..”

‘Well, I'm glad Hayan is with that guy. I can't trust that devilishly handsome man.’

“Same with my Hyunsung too. I'm relieved that he got Choi Han—”

“Mmn..”

Lee Kiyoung looked at the child beside him. He became worried when he saw that Cale is sweating profusely and breathing heavily. He immediately touched his small shoulder and tried waking him up.

“Cale—hey, wake up!”

“Gasp!”

The small Cale opened his eyes as if he just woke up from a nightmare. His eyes are tearing up and shaking as he stare back at Lee Kiyoung.

“Are you okay? H-Hey..”

Cale is just tearing up while looking blankly. He touched his face with his small hands and looked confused.

“Mm.. why am I crying? I'm not sad..”

The child wiped his tears with a solemn look. Lee felt shocked and immediately wiped his tears too.

“Ca—hey, did you have a nightmare?”

“No.. it's a weird dream.”

“Dream?”

“Yes..”

“Can you tell me what happened to your dream?” Kiyoung brushed his hair that is covering his eyes. Cale is starting to calm down.

“It's weird.. I don't like it.”

“Hm? Tell me.”

Cale shook his head. He caressed his throat and coughed a little to clear his throat.

“They called me hero.”

“Hero?” Lee Kiyoung frowned.

“Mm. They also called me young master.”

“Huh—”

“And.. a guy is nagging me, saying I should stop sacrificing myself.”

To be continued.

Chapter Text

“That's what he said.”

Lee Kiyoung crossed his arms and sighed. Han Yoojin blinked for a moment before speaking.

“Did he regain his memories after?”

“No.”

They fell into deep silence, both of them having something in their mind. Lee Kiyoung sighed deeply again and brushed his face with his palm.

It was a private meeting between the Honorary Bishop and the first Prince. Han Yoojin is tad in black to hide his identity. Lee Kiyoung received him inside his room because no one can come in and out of his chambers except a few people. 

“Where's Cale?”

“Dining room.”

“Alone? Why did you—”

Knock. Knock. Knock.

“Bishop-nim? It's me, Viel.”

“Come in.”

Han Yoojin turned his hoodie up when a servant came in. Kiyoung stood up, which made Yoojin look at him. He frowned when he saw Lee Kiyoung look like an excited father as he went to greet the small child beside the servant.

“Did you eat well?”

“Yes.”

Lee Kiyoung cupped the child's face and kissed the top of his head. Yoojin was dumbfounded as he watched Lee Kiyoung look different when he's with Cale.

The servant left and Kiyoung lifted up the child into his arms. He went closer to the couch and sat the child in his lap. Yoojin put down the hoodie and stared at the small child in Kiyoung's lap.

The child is looking back at him with no emotions. Yup. It was definitely Cale.

“Who is he?” The small Cale said as he pointed at Yoojin.

“My servant.” Lee Kiyoung patted Cale's head. Yoojin frowned at him.

“My name is Han Yoojin, and I'm not his servant.”

Yoojin's face softened when he look at Cale, but hardened when he looked at Lee Kiyoung. Kiyoung just smirked at him.

“I'll go to the West tomorrow.”

Lee Kiyoung said in a serious tone. Yoojin immediately knew what he meant.

“The Demon King is probably alive there somewhere. Do you want to die?”

“Then do you want to live here forever? This is just a scenario, Yoojin. We need to go to the next scenario.”

“What I mean is that you're going to war without any preparations.”

“How can you be sure about that? I'm always prepared.”

Lee Kiyoung looked at Yoojin's eyes with a serious expression. Yoojin felt an ominous feeling while staring at his villain like eyes.

“Good luck, then. I'll take care of Cale—”

“What? No, I'll take him with me.”

“Are you serious?! Cale might get hurt—”

“If Cale is the forgotten God, then he will be the answer to the Demon King problems.”

Han Yoojin stood up and raised his voice.

“Don't sacr—”

“Why the hell are you shouting? Do you think I'll get him hurt in the process?”

“It's dangerous!”

“I said stop shouting!”

Lee Kiyoung felt so annoyed right now, same with Han Yoojin. Lee Kiyoung covered Cale's ears as he glared at Yoojin.

Yoojin's fist clenched tightly. 

“I will go with you.”

“Of course you will. Do you really think I'll just go alone without company?”

“I swear, if Cale get hurt—”

“Stop spouting nonsense. Why do you always put your ass in every decision I do? This is why we can never get along.”

“Because your reckless decisions are an ass just like your face.”

“This fucker—”

Lee Kiyoung cleared his throat when he saw Cale's cute small face looking at him innocently. He's still pissed so he glared at Han Yoojin.

“I have a plan that I follow. You're ruining it every single time you can get it.”

“I don't like your way of planning. You're too reckless and probably the worst. Remember when you tried to use me? Or use everyone to cover you? It's pitiful to see how you're trying to hide on everyone's back.”

“Excuse me?”

Han Yoojin stopped talking. He looked away and acted as if nothing happened. He never meant to say harsh things like that. He felt a slight guilt in his chest. 

How can he say such thing when he also was the same from the past?

Lee Kiyoung has a sour expression as he gazes at Yoojin. His teeth are gritting and his jaw is clenched. He's so frustrated and angry.

“You.. don't know anything about me.”

“What?”

Lee Kiyoung looked down and sighed. He almost completely lost his composure and ruin everything. He is completely aware of his behavior and weak nature. He has no skills and swordsmanship like Kim Dokja or Cale's ability to control fire or shield. 

He's aware he's a scum and uses people for his own advantage. He wasn't gifted with such an ability like Yoojin that can buff and help everyone. He's just an alchemist. 

He has always envied people who have actual strong powers. Lee Kiyoung never had been gifted and was special to everyone's eyes.

“...”

Lee Kiyoung fixed his facial expression. He shouldn't be dramatic over such an argument. He's used to it. He admitted he's a scum or whatever before they could even pointed it out. He has Juliana, in case he's trapped in avoidable circumstances. So far, he hasn't summoned her because he plans to reveal it someday. 

“You should leave. A Prince like you shouldn't stay here longer.”

Lee Kiyoung said without any sarcasm or grudge. He just doesn't want to look at Yoojin right now.

“Hey—”

“Cale, do you want to eat desserts? Or do you want to play?”

Lee Kiyoung ignored Han Yoojin. Han Yoojin just shook his head before putting on his robe and disappeared.

Lee Kiyoung just looked to see where Yoojin disappeared. He stood up and closed the windows and leaned his back. He stared at the window in front of him.

[Personal Task #1]

“Make a player hate you until the end of the scenarios.”

[Personal Task #2]

“Become the weakest of the players.”

[Personal Task #3]

“Become the troublemaker.”

[Personal Task #4]

“Don't show off too much ability.”

[Personal Task #5]

[Personal Task #6]

[Personal Task #7]

••••

[If you succeed at personal tasks in every scenario, every scenario's chance of survival will increase.]

“Yeah. No one will understand.” Lee Kiyoung smiled bitterly.

It was just a normal life in a ruined apocalyptic world. She has to engage in several fights with her companions and bicker with the man she wanted to choke the most. She is that typical strong side character that the protagonist trusted the most.

She believes a character like her deserves so much rest, so she disappeared for a moment and went to a place to take a short nap—only to wake up in a completely different world.

She thought that she transmigrated to one of her novels—which is bad because all of her creations are not suitable for transmigration. Then she realized that wasn't the case after meeting these three people.

Alver Crossman who's said to be the crown prince of their world. Sung Hyunjae who's said to be the strongest S-Class in the world. Jung Hayan, a mage.

“Do you have fire attributes?”

Han Sooyoung looked at the man beside her. Looking back at his appearance, he's so tall that she has to look up—which is irritating. This man reeks out so much villainy vibes, the type of villain that she likes to write. Secretive, eerie, with a foxy smile and handsome appearance.

She decided to open up her phone to take down notes.

“Sort of.”

He asked because for their first scenario, they have to kill the 5th grade ice dragon. Sooyoung slipped the phone on her pocket again before looking at the other two from afar.

Alver Crossman and Jung Hayan. It's not like they are grouping into two, it's just Jung Hayan is hiding behind Alver. 

She analyzed Alver's appearance. She thinks that he's a side character that barely steps into the spotlight because he's a shadow mastermind and has someone to do the role. He didn't reek out the strong vibe, but he's definitely not weak either.

Alver looked at her direction after feeling a gaze. Han Sooyoung smoothly looked away and sighs.

“What’s your attribute?”

She didn't look at Hyunjae, but he definitely knew she was talking to him.

“Just some lightning.”

Han Sooyoung made a face. He didn't even elaborate his powers and just said ‘some lightning’. She doesn't want to get involved with this guy.

She moved towards Alver's direction, but Hyunjae tugged her arm and smiled. Han Sooyoung got goosebumps.

“Don't leave me here. He already has the mage.”

“What?” Han Sooyoung felt confused. Sung Hyunjae smiled.

“Perhaps, are you scared of me? Are you gonna hide at Alver's back too?”

“What are you talking about? I'm scared?” Han Sooyoung pointed to herself. She's not scared, just vigilant.

“I know you're not that type of woman.” Hyunjae looked down at her. “Stay here, hm? You're more suitable to me than him.”

“What the fu—”

The ice dragon roared in the air. She wielded her dagger and prepared for attacks. There's a lesser grade ice monster heading in their direction. She scattered her avatars and prepared for battle.

Sung Hyunjae whistled as he witnessed her avatars fighting on the front. He looked at Alver who formed a sword out of sudden and jumped in the battle. Seeing how he moves his sword, he's a skilled swordsman. Jung Hayan from his back gripping on her staff with a firm gaze, she's starting to chant some spells for battle.

So far, Hyunjae likes the group he was in. For an S-Class and the guild master of his own organization, if he was given the chance, he would recruit the three of them and put them on a special force. 

“Why are you not fighting you son of a bitch?!”

Han Sooyoung glared at him. Some of her avatars are dying and her mana is depleting so fast. She slashed the monster in front of her, the monster's blood grazing her face.

“Hm? Well, I'll take care of the boss monster myself. Don't worry.”

Hyunjae waved his hand while smiling. The three groaned in frustration before focusing on the battle.

Well, at least everyone's cooperating.

Alver is doing well on the South with the help of Han Sooyoung's avatars. Jung Hayan is slaughtering every monsters with her magic—brutally. She's chanting something with 'oppa' in her words but it definitely makes the situation better. Han Sooyoung is also doing well at the other side. It's just Sung Hyunjae on the middle with his crossed legs.

When there's just a few scrap monsters left, the ice dragon monster roared in the air. Sung Hyunjae smiled and performed some light stretches. He gazed at the three who's looking at him in disbelief. Sung Hyunjae chuckled and stood firmly with confidence.

“Let's see if you're actually that strong.”

Han Sooyoung crossed her arms. Hyunjae chuckled.

“Don't worry. I'm the strongest.”

Chapter Text

Yoo Joonghyuk turned his head when he felt chills running on his neck. Upon his look, the crows from the sky started flying to the North. He doesn't know why, but he felt uncomfortable.

He then looked back at the timer on the left. They only have 5 minutes left.

His gaze then went to the large bone monster from far away. Dozens of small bone dragons are flying around the monster. His jaws clenched as he tried to count those flies.

He knew to himself that it would be troublesome to take them all down.

Yoo Joonghyuk then looked beside him. Five steps away from him is another Korean he just met earlier. He looks around 19-20 years old, but he can feel that this guy is strong.

“Did they escape?”

The guy looked at the forest with disbelief. Yoo Joonghyuk also looked in that direction. 

It's been 5 minutes since another two Koreans entered the forest in a hurry. They both wear strange clothing, both swordsman and strong. Yoo Joonghyuk looked away and pulled out his sword.

“Don't mind them.”

The other guy just sighed. He doesn't like this situation. He also took out his sword out of his scabbard.

The timer is running out. It began counting into 10.

9.

8.

The smaller bone dragons started flying away from the circle, creating shriek sounds.

7.

6.

The large bone dragon let out a howl. The other bone dragons started rampaging and went to their direction.

5.

“It's just bones.” Yoo Joonghyuk tried to reassure himself.

4.

“But there are many.”

“Are you not confident?”

3.

Yoo Joonghyuk gripped the handle of his sword tightly. The opponents are flying, and it will be harder to fight in the air without anything to step on. Even though he has the skill for that, it's going to be troublesome if he runs out of energy to use it.

2.

“I'm an S-Class. I'm fucking strong.”

Yoo Joonghyuk let out a snort. 

1.

The smaller bone dragons started flying towards their direction. Yoo Joonghyuk step back slightly and was preparing for a strike when..

A small dragon flew fast and pushed the bone dragon out of the way. 

Not only that. Countless small dragons arose in the air and started flying towards the bone dragon's direction. Soon, they saw a slightly bigger dragon and a human riding it.

“Yo.”

Kim Hyunsung looked down at Yoo Joonghyuk with a slight smirk. Yoo Joonghyuk’s eyebrows twitched and glared at his direction. 

Kim Hyunsung then guided the dragon down and looked at Yoo Joonghyuk and the guy beside him.

“Choi Han will take care of the smaller ones. Hop in.”

Another two dragons flew towards their direction and lowered their heads. Yoo Joonghyuk looked upwards and saw a figure standing on the larger dragon. The figure seemed to feel his gaze and also looked at his direction.

Yoo Joonghyuk felt uncomfortable, but the situation is definitely on his advantage. He can take down the large bone dragon on his own—

“We'll cooperate and take down the monster together.”

Kim Hyunsung led the dragon and flew up in the sky. Yoo Joonghyuk clicked his tongue before hopping in the dragon.

He looked in the direction of the man called Choi Han. The man stood still with a sword in his hand as a bone dragon flew in his direction.

In a swift movement, the man clad in black swung his sword, black light following in his blade. The bone dragon was cut diagonally and the broken pieces fell like bread crumbs.

Yoo Joonghyuk held the reins and led the dragon upwards. The other guy and Kim Hyunsung are already evading some bone dragons and are already heading towards the boss monster.

Yoo Joonghyuk's neck felt cold again. He felt uncomfortable as he drove the dragon.

It's a silent, dark and eerie dungeon. The man thread the path that he wasn't sure of while holding a child in his arms. Next to him is another man who's holding a light stone to illuminate their path.

“So this is the place where they found the scroll?”

“Hmm.”

Lee Kiyoung tightened his grip on the child in his arms. He looked at the kid's face. “Are you scared?”

“No?”

The little red haired child, Cale tilted his head. “I'm used to dark.”

“Is it because you've been living in the dark?”

“Mm-mm. It's worse than this.”

“If only I found you sooner.”

Lee Kiyoung felt emotional as he hugged Cale. Han Yoojin sighed and shook his head. 

“What if we encountered the Demon King?”

“Then we'll exit immediately.”

“What if he blocked our way?”

“Then we'll find another exit.”

Han Yoojin looked at him with a frown. Lee Kiyoung smirked at him.

“I hope that the Demon King curse you.”

“Hey! Don't say something like tha—”

“Look.”

Cale pointed in front of them. The two stopped and halted from walking. Their expressions stiffened as they faced a large door in front of them. 

“Damnit. I know if we went there, we'll be doomed.”

Lee Kiyoung clicked his tongue. It's like those doomed novels that he has read before. Judging by the look of it, he might not be left alive once he went there.

“Are you scared?”

Han Yoojin snickered. Lee Kiyoung is fucking scared right now. But what can he do? He glared at Yoojin before handing him Cale.

“No matter what happened to me, run away okay?”

“Huh? Wait—”

Lee Kiyoung, for once, didn't back out and pushed the door.

**

“Let's get out of here.”

Han Yoojin grabbed Lee Kiyoung’s arm before the latter could even take a step. Now it's Lee Kiyoung's turn to snicker.

“Are you scared?”

“You—”

Before Yoojin could even pull Kiyoung again, a sudden strong wind pushed them inside the door. And as expected, the large door closed shut. Lee started chanting some curses.

“Shit! Shit! Shit!”

“I told you, you son of a bitch!”

Dudududung…..

Both of them went closer as they looked for the source of the noise. They caught their breaths as they nervously looked around.

Silence.

The more they don't hear anything, the more they get nervous.

“This is how people die in movies.”

“Shut up!” Lee Kiyoung is already wincing in nervousness.

They both looked at the small Cale. The small Cale is under Han Yoojin’s cloak. The latter pulled his cloak and revealed Cale who's silently sleeping.

“What the.. how can he sleep in this situation—”

“What the hell is that?”

Han Yoojin pointed at the top of the altar. There are numerous stairs leading upwards but the end cannot be seen. Lee Kiyoung took a step and went to the altar. Han Yoojin looked at him in shock.

“Hey! Get back here!”

“Ssshh!”

Lee Kiyoung went to the end of the altar. It took 20 steps for him to reach the flat floor. Han Yoojin sighed and followed suit, holding Cale tight in his arms.

Han Yoojin was about to nag Lee Kiyoung when he saw what's in front of them. 

On the floor, they saw numerous sigils carved in red. And in the middle of it is a coffin. 

It's slightly open.

Kiyoung cursed and turned to look at Han Yoojin, but he froze upon seeing what's behind them.

Han Yoojin saw Lee Kiyoung’s expression and froze too. Bullets of sweat went down to his forehead as he watched Lee Kiyoung's eyes tremble in shock and fear.

“I-It’s behind me.. isn't it?”

Lee Kiyoung's mouth then opened.

“Kim..! Kim Dokja!”

Han Yoojin frowned and turned to look behind him. There they saw the floating man covered with black cloth, and a pair of black wings behind him and horns above his head.

At first, they both looked at the man in surprise. Then they were both covered in fear.

Kim Dokja is the Demon King.

Kim Dokja doesn't have his old memories.

Kim Dokja’s eyes opened, his eyes dark and eerie.

They are doomed.

Chapter Text

It is a dilemma.

Not only are they trapped inside the dungeon. They are trapped with a Demon King that happened to be Kim Dokja.

The three of them are tied upside down like fresh meat in a market. Lee Kiyoung cursed at their situation. Han Yoojin on the other hand is watching the latter.

“I told you we shouldn't have entered.”

Han Yoojin felt dizzy. They've been hanging for an hour. He can feel his blood running down to his head. His breathing slightly ragged from running.

Lee Kiyoung glared at Han Yoojin. But before that, he saw the system in front of him.

[Task: Endanger the whole group. (3/3)]

Lee Kiyoung looked away. He felt guilty since little Cale who doesn't remember anything was caught up on the plan. He finally stopped the panicking act and took a look at the direction of the demon king.

The demon king is just silently sitting on the coffin, like a robot. He frowned and clicked his tongue when dizziness kicked in. He then slowly reached for his side and caught a small knife. He slowly moved the knife while looking in the demon king’s direction.

Han Yoojin frowned. He also looked at the demon king.

The demon king is not even paying attention(?). He frowned.

“Is he okay?”

“Don't jinx it.”

Lee Kiyoung slumped on the ground after he successfully slit the rope. He started untying Cale first before going to Han Yoojin.

“You.. how do you know there's a trap here?”

The rope wasn't the demon king's doing, but a booby trap on the ceiling. Somehow, he just knew that it was just one of Lee Kiyoung’s plans.

And as expected, Lee Kiyoung smirked faintly.

“Just trust me.”

Han Yoojin landed on the ground. They both stared at the demon king. They both waited for his reaction.

“...”

“Is he okay?”

“Sshh!”

Lee Kiyoung slapped Yoojin's shoulder. Lee Kiyoung stepped up and went to the altar again. Han Yoojin sighed and picked up the little Cale. He muttered, “Kiyoung is not afraid of death, it seems.”

Lee Kiyoung peeked at the demon king Kim Dokja. Kim Dokja's eyes dropped as if it lost its meaning of life. Now that Lee Kiyoung looked closely, Kim Dokja sure is quite a looker. Kiyoung looked back at Yoojin.

“What do you think is the keyword?”

“Mm..”

Yoojin is still wary. How come Kim Dokja is not moving? Is it one of Lee Kiyoung's tricks? He looked at Lee Kiyoung with suspicion.

Lee Kiyoung didn't meet his gaze. He stared at the system in front of him.

[You have completed your task without delay. ‘Interference’ is activated.]

[You can only use ‘Interference’ once every scenario.]

[The player's level is too low. The skill is adjusted according to the player's level.]

[You only have a 30 minute duration.]

Lee Kiyoung sighed. It still felt weird to have such privilege. He knew he deserved it since he has multiple personal tasks than the others. He ignored Yoojin's prying gaze and stared at Kim Dokja.

He flinched and stepped back after seeing Kim Dokja’s red eyes move in his direction. There's only a few minutes left.

‘How lucky it will be if I can see the keyword.’

He can only freeze the demon king. And now it's glaring at him.

Lee Kiyoung looked at Han Yoojin again and motioned his hand. “Come here.”

Han Yoojin frowned before walking towards his direction. He can't believe the existence of ‘Lee Kiyoung’. He looked at him from head to toe.

Lee Kiyoung was fed up with his staring and sighed. “Fine. I can't explain it to you, but we only have more than 20 minutes left to guess Kim Dokja’s keyword.”

“Just.. who are you?”

“Huh? I'm Lee Kiyoung..?”

Han Yoojin looked at him with a deadpan expression. Lee Kiyoung just shrugged his shoulders.

“Let's think of the keywords, please?”

--

“Courageous.”

“Strong.”

“Gregarious.”

“Uh.. reliable?”

“Jovial..”

“Is that even a word?”

Young Cale looked at the two with confusion. They are sitting in the ground across each other, dropping some words like they are playing some games.

He's been watching the two grumble for about 10 minutes. He's been awake for some time, and he's getting chills from the back of his head.

He looked at the owner of that cold gaze. Above them is a man sitting on a coffin, with sharp pair of horns above his head and a pair of intimidating black wings behind him that shows his aura of a demon.

Somehow he's calm. He has faced countless near death situations. He slowly stood up and climbed up until he's facing the demon king.

“...”

The demon's gaze is sending chills in his spine.

“Oh shit—Cale!”

Han Yoojin’s shout echoed inside the hall. They stared at horror as they realized Cale was in front of the demon king Kim Dokja.

Then it happened. The 30 minutes has run out. Demon king Kim Dokja’s hand reached for the Young Cale. 

But the step Young Cale's stepping in suddenly broke, his body fall backwards. Han Yoojin climbed up and reached up at the falling Cale.

Then Lee Kiyoung grabbed Han Yoojin’s cloak and they both rolled on the steps until they reached the ground. Han Yoojin groaned while ensuring Young Cale is safe in his arms.

“Stand up! Yoojin!”

Lee Kiyoung, admist pain, tried to stood up while dragging Yoojin up. The demon king Kim Dokja has risen up and flapped his wings open, the lights flickering and the ground shook upon his movements. 

Lee Kiyoung doesn't know what to do anymore. He can't use interference, and now all of his prepared plans have failed.

“Damnit, Lee Kiyoung! What's your plan?!”

“I don't know!”

“Damn you!”

They managed to roll again to avoid demon king Kim Dokja's attack. Han Yoojin glared at Lee Kiyoung.

Lee Kiyoung stared back.

“What?!”

“You piece of shit! Do something!”

“What do you think I can do?!”

“Use anything you planned!” 

They stumbled again when the ground cracked when the demon king Kim Dokja punched the ground. Han Yoojin shielded Young Cale's head to prevent him getting hurt.

Young Cale stared at them. He gulped and tried to speak.

“I—”

“KIYOUNG!!”

“DAMNIT! WAIT!”

Lee Kiyoung is trying to make a plan while trying to dodge the debris falling from them. They don't have any weapons to fight, no, can they even fight a demon king?

Young Cale tries to speak to get their attention, but Han Yoojin is moving and pressing him tightly against his body. He's unable to speak loud enough for them to hear.

“I—”

Demon king Kim Dokja flew into the air again, spreading his wings wide. He plunged like a meteorite in their direction. Lee Kiyoung cursed loudly while Han Yoojin gripped into the frozen Lee Kiyoung and tried to dodge the attack.

But it was still not enough.

“LEE KIYOUUUNGGG!!”

“DAMNIT!! WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO?! SACRIFICE MYSELF?!”

It's too late. Their hearts stopped as Demon king Kim Dokja hit them in the ground.

--

“..?”

“Han Yoojin? Lee Kiyoung?”

Kim Dokja looked at them. The two are hugging each other while Young Cale is in the middle. Their arms loosened and sighed in relief as they stared at the ceiling, exhausted.

“So the keyword is..”

The last thing they saw is Kim Dokja helping Young Cale to stand before they passed out.

Kim Dokja stared at the fainted Lee Kiyoung and Han Yoojin before looking at the small Cale.

"Cale? You're small.."

"I don't know. I woke up like this."

The small Cale fixed his shirt before staring at Kim Dokja. Cale felt his heart beating fast as he stared at him. He then spoke a foreign language, even though he never learned them.

Kim Dokja's eyes widened, as if realization strikes him. His knees fell and looked at the child in front of him with 

"Kaym."

".. Kale."

[The 'hero' and his fallen knight finally crossed paths again.]

[The main scenario has been updated!]

Chapter Text

Alver’s jaw slightly dropped as he saw the sight unfold in front of him. His exhaustion tolled his body as he sat on the large rock.

“That man is crazy.”

The crazy man, Sung Hyunjae, is toying with the dragon ice monster. The lightning came down like shackles from the sky, he's like doing a heavenly judgment towards the monster.

He felt speechless. The other blonde man is smiling as if he's having fun. Alver looked at the lightning.

‘Cale should meet this guy.’

He started to think of how the others were doing. He sighed and stood up. 

His movement caught the two lady's attention. The one with black short hair spoke.

“Where are you going?”

Alver looked at him briefly before pointing at the ice monster.

“We should kill it.”

“What? Nah, let him do it. Since he insisted.”

Alver got her point, but he stared at the blue screen again before looking back at Han Sooyoung.

“The contribution points.”

“Ah! Right!”

Han Sooyoung grumbled and motioned at the mage behind Alver. “Let's go, Hayan. We can't let that dude get all the points!”

Jung Hayan nodded and followed her. Alver just sighed and went to battle again.

He would rather be buried with work than be here.

- -

“So you're Kaym.. and you're Kale from the myth?”

Lee Kiyoung pointed at Kim Dokja and little Cale beside him. He then pointed at himself. 

“I'm the idiot Bishop that received the message, but I ignored it because it sounds stupid.”

He then pointed at Han Yoojin.

“And he's the stupid prince that has actually the power to kill the Demon King, which is Kim Dokja?”

He connected the dots. He felt bitter because he's the only idiot in their role. He fell into a deep thought of hatred towards the system.

“So Kale reincarnated as a child again, it wasn't in the story though?”

Han Yoojin spoke up since Lee Kiyoung is frowning in the corner, unable to accept he got a shitty role. Young Cale nodded.

“Kim Dokja and I have been here for.. a thousand decades.”

There's a visible exhaustion in the child's eyes. “Plus the years I have spent alone in God's realm.. hm.. I've been here for 98,765,467 years, 5 months and 8 days.”

They all looked at Cale as if he's a math question. Their jaws dropped. Cale tilted his head slightly, still reminiscing.

“I'm not sure, since I only based it on the clock that is with me in the Divine Confinement.”

“You're locked up there?” Kim Dokja asked in bewilderment. Cale just shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly.

“Mhm. Since no one believes and worship me.”

Kim Dokja tightened his grip on his fist. Kim Dokja sighed. “I told you, we should have changed the flow of the story back then. You wouldn't have suffered like that..!”

“Then it will change the future. Lee Kiyoung won't remember who he is, and he won't meet Han Yoojin.”

“Still..!” Han Yoojin interrupted. “How about you? You spent almost an eternity.. locked up.. and..”

There is a brief silence. Cale just stared at them. It's true he almost lost his mind after being locked up for almost an eternity. If it weren't from the ancient powers in his head to keep him sane.. he wouldn't be calm as he is now.

‘Maybe I shouldn't have said how long did I got locked up..’

“It's fine. What's more important is the reality, right now.”

He doesn't want to worsen their faces. But it exactly do the opposite. They looked at him as if they want to hug him. 

“Alright. The main scenario is still going. I will play the demon king..”

“No way. Are you going to sacrifice yourself?” Yoojin spoke up. Kim Dokja shrugged his shoulders.

“I am the demon king right now..”

“Hey. Everyone, no more sacrifices.”

Han Yoojin started clicking his fingers. “We should change the ending into a happy ending.”

“There's no happy ending in life.”

Lee Kiyoung, still mulling over his bad guy role intervened. “Even you die in the end. Is that happy?”

Han Yoojin just raised his brow. He tried to be patient. “Well, at least make the good ending. Where no one has to die?”

He looked at Kim Dokja. “I have an idea.”

--

[The 2nd main scenario has been cleared.]

[Congratulations! The players did an incredible feat!]

[Special rewards will be given.]

Kim Dokja's horns and wings suddenly disappeared. Cale has grown back again, Han Yoojin and Lee Kiyoung smiled in satisfaction.

“Told you, it's good to have a good ending.”

Han Yoojin hit Lee Kiyoung in the back of his head, earning a curse from the latter. Kim Dokja smiled faintly at the two before sighing. It's too early to celebrate.

[Ding!]

They looked up in the sky after hearing a bell sound from the system. Han Yoojin sighed. “Here we go again..”

[The system will rewards you shortly after the new announcement.]

[A special announcement! The players from System #101 have become sponsors!]

[Due to the System #101 player's recent feat, the system decided to gave you this opportunity to help other players from other systems!]

[Sponsors have the ability to communicate, share skills, give coins to the selected player. The higher the affinity with the player, the higher the benefits coming back to sponsors!]

[N ote that you cannot sponsor your own companions.]

They both looked at the screen with surprise. They frown due to the last comment though. They cannot help their own companions.

They looked at each other. They all have the same thing in mind.

‘Who should I entrust *names* to these guys?’

Even if they get along recently, they can't help but still have an ounce of hesitation. 

[First, players will get random names to hide you real identity!]

[Generating random names.]

They looked at the system with furrowed brows, not knowing what to expect.

[Player ‘Kim Dokja' — “The Ugly Squid”]

[Player ‘Han Yoojin — “The Care Bear”]

[Player ‘Cale Henituse' — “The Scheming Fox’]

[Player ‘Lee Kiyoung' — “The Shrewd Rat”]

Their gaze was deadpanned on the names. Kim Dokja just ignored it. Han Yoojin's face is grimacing at the name. Cale raised his brow. Lee Kiyoung glared at the system.

“There is a clear discrimination here.”

But the system ignored him.

[The Player Selection will begin!]

Finally, they defeated the Bone Dragon.

Yoo Joonghyuk sheathed his sword as he watched the bones started crumbling into pieces after piercing its heart. He felt accomplishment after dealing the last blow. 

“Ah, it's over.”

Kim Hyunsung fell swiftly beside Yoo Joonghyuk. Yoo Joonghyuk stepped forward, not wanting to be beside him. 

He looked forward again. In front of him are the other two who looked younger than them. They both looked unfazed by the bone dragon. Yoo Joonghyuk noted something in his head before turning around.

“Wait!”

Kim Hyunsung grabbed Yoo Joonghyuk’s shoulder. Yoo Joonghyuk glared at the hand in his coat before looking at the owner of it.

“Everyone, gather up for a moment.”

Kim Hyunsung motioned to the other two. Choi Han followed, and the other one hesitated for a bit before walking towards them.

Kim Hyunsung sighed in relief. He's been waiting for a moment for them to warm up slightly, now that they got to fight alongside each other. He won't waste this chance.

“Now, should we introduce ourselves?”

Yoo Joonghyuk attempted to walk away again, but Kim Hyunsung’s hand tightened in his shoulder. Really tight.

“Kim Hyunsung. Isn't it easy?”

Kim Hyunsung forced a smile. 

Choi Han, sensing Kim Hyunsung's struggle, decided to cooperate.

“Choi Han.” He raised his hand. Kim Hyunsung smiled in gratitude. Choi Han looked at Han Yoohyun. Han Yoohyun sighed, finding it troublesome.

“Han Yoohyun.” He spoke, nonetheless. 

Now they all looked at Yoo Joonghyuk. Yoo Joonghyuk doesn't like the gaze in his direction. He looked away and clicked his tongue in irritation.

“Yoo Joonghyuk.”

Kim Hyunsung smiled, this time, a bit happy. Yoo Joonghyuk frowned heavily before shoving his hand away from his shoulder.

[The 1st main scenario has been cleared.]

[Rewards has been distributed based on contribution.]

“Will it reveal the rankings?” Kim Hyunsung mumbled to himself, but the system answered.

[The rankings will not be shown. Due to the current trust you have as a team, it won't be available.]

“Ah.”

Kim Hyunsung scoffed slightly. Right. As if this team will actually trust each other. First, there's a stingy guy. Second, the first guy’s son (not literally). Third—well, Choi Han is good guy so he doesn't need to include him on the list. 

Kim Hyunsung looked at Yoo Joonghyuk. Yoo Joonghyuk is glaring/staring at his direction. He had the urge to scowl and roll his eyes, but it will only worsen their situation. He just smiled brightly, but it seems to annoy the guy more.

[Before moving to the next scenario, there will be a ‘Sponsor Selection’.]

[Sponsor Selection is needed so you can call help whenever you're in trouble.]

[The sponsor will help you by donating coins and sharing their skills. The cooldown will be 36:00:00]

[If the affinity between the sponsor and player is high, there will be special benefits.]

[However, if the sponsor and player do not get along, the sponsor has the right to stop sponsoring the player.]

They listened carefully while the system explained. Yoo Joonghyuk already knows what it means to choose a sponsor, but he fell in deep thought.

Kim Hyunsung tilted his head slightly before nodding, somehow getting what was said.

Han Yoohyun crossed his arms, analyzing what was said. But his thoughts drifted to his beloved brother again, wondering where he went.

Choi Han blinked softly as he looked at the system like it's an alien. He then hit his fist on his palm. There are arrows and words connected in his head.

“Sponsor. Player. Coins. Help. Hmm.. okay.”

Choi Han then looked at the system.

[The ‘Sponsor Selection' has started.]

The sky suddenly glitched, as if everything was just fake. They became alerted, then suddenly everything was just black. They are trapped in a void, then suddenly a light comes from above. It dramatically light upon Choi Han, creating a spotlight.

[The Sponsors are now starting to pick their player.]

“Huh? I thought we're the one who will pick?” Kim Hyunsung blurted, but the system didn't respond.

Choi Han stood awkwardly, his gaze just above him as if he could see the sponsors that were looking at him. Then suddenly, four white dots appeared above him. It shines like a star from a dark sky.

Then a bell rings out of nowhere.

[Ding!]

[The sponsor, “The Ugly Squid” has chosen the player, “Choi Han”.]

[Congratulations!]

“Ehh??”

Choi Han felt dumbfounded. Ugly what..?

Chapter Text

“Choi Han.”

The man woke up from his daydreaming. After being alone in the Forest of Darkness for tens of years, he was still not used to someone calling for him. Usually, it's a mimic monster that uses human voices. But this is real.

Choi Han looked up. It's the elderly woman that took care of him after he left the forest. She took care of him despite not knowing him. He felt the gratefulness in his heart thumping again. He breathed softly and let out a smile.

“Yes?”

“You've been staring at the soil for an hour. Are you gonna wait until the beans sprouted from the soil? Fufu.”

The elderly woman patted his back. He's been helping to the garden to repay her kindness for taking him in despite the obvious poverty. He wiped the sweat on his forehead and smiled.

He's still learning this world's language but he can already understand them. Before he could even speak, the elderly woman spoke again.

“Do you miss your family?”

Choi Han’s lips closed. His eyelids fluttered, trying to remember how his family looked. He just smiled again.

“Yes..”

The elderly woman just stared at him. He felt awkward and just started picking up his gardening tools. 

“Let's go inside, grandma. It's hot outside.”

“That's what I was about to say to you. Tsk, I keep forgetting. I'm getting old..!”

“It's fine. I'm used to it.”

Choi Han looked back at the forest. The wind breezed back to him, as if trying to make him remember where he came from.

But this time, he looked away. He's determined not to go back to that forest again. He will live inside this village.

–

But fate is cruel. 

The elderly woman fell sick. He doesn't have a choice but to go to the forest again to get some medicinal herbs. Her grandson told him that he will take care of her while he's away.

Despite his hatred for the forest, he seeks for the medicinal herbs that the elderly woman needed. He set aside his feelings because of his determination to cure the elderly woman that saved him to become a human again.

It was getting dark when he came back. On the way, he smelled the smoke. He frowned since it felt stronger than usual. Then, he felt suspicious.

He started running. He climbed up on the tall walls and fell swiftly, but his knees gave up when he saw the scene in front of him.

The village is on fire.

–

His mind went blank. He kept running without stopping. He wants to escape. He's tired, but he kept going. He needs to report what happened to the village to get a sense of the piece of relief. He wanted the villagers to get a proper burial.

His heart is once again shattered into confusion. He started questioning his sanity. He started questioning if he deserved to be happy. He started questioning why he deserved to be unhappy.

It was morning when he came into the walls of Henituse territory. When the guards stopped him, he just got the urge to pull his sword since he felt discouraged to maintain his humanity. But he just left, thinking about what would happen if he shed another blood again.

That's the only thing that keeps him going. To go to the Count to help the dead villagers to get a proper burial, and to seek revenge on the organization that killed them. But the latter seems impossible, since he only knows what the organization’s symbol looks like. The red small stars around a big white star.

He kept it engraved in his mind. 

He waited until night to climb the walls of the territory. It's not a big deal, since the walls of the forest are larger than the Henituse walls. But upon his fall, he spotted two kittens below him. He ended up twisting his feet when he tried to change his direction.

He sighed. Once again, he felt hopeless. With an injured foot, he will have a hard time getting away if some knights come his way. He didn't have the time to blame it on the kittens. Instead, he blamed it to himself why this keeps happening.

Then he felt someone going in his direction. He didn't move since it was not a knight. He lifted his head slightly. From the looks of it, he's not a commoner. He has red hair and good physique, but not strong.

The man is holding a bag. When he opened it, it was a whole chicken. He crouched and started petting the cats, even talking to them.

“You look like you are hungry.”

He watched as the man slowly recognized that the kittens can't eat the whole chicken. He started ripping the meat for them.

“You poor things. Go ahead and eat it.”

Choi Han just watched the man do kindness towards the poor animals. He felt an unknown sense of relief to see someone do kindness towards the poor.

“Do you have somewhere to go?”

Choi Han's ears perked.

‘Is he still talking to the kittens?’

He felt confused. Choi Han felt like he was talking to him. Choi Han didn't say anything. No, he felt tired to do so.

“Or a place to stay?”

Choi Han felt it. He felt unsure. Choi Han tilted his head to look at the man, who's facing the kittens but was definitely.. talking to him.

“Are you hungry?”

Choi Han gulped. Of course he does. He went there without anything. But Choi Han is confused, why is he asking a suspicious stranger?

He felt the same feeling before, when the elderly woman helped him without any reason. This time, it's a man who's obviously living in a rich world. Why?

“Are you not going to say anything?”

“…Why are you talking to me?”

Choi Han doesn't mean to sound rude. He remembered the elderly woman again. He hates this feeling. He felt the same hope again. He looks like a noble, maybe a relative of the Count. He can get help from him.

The man stood up and walked towards Choi Han. Choi Han looked up to see the man's face. He's a handsome man when he looks up close. 

“Follow me. I’ll feed you.”

After meeting a certain man, Choi Han’s life turned better.

–

[You gained understanding from the player, ‘Choi Han.]

[Would you like to view <World1>?]

Kim Dokja is floating in the [Void of Past and Future], where he is sent after choosing Choi Han. He felt his thoughts gathering again after the [Fourth Wall] returned.

‘Is that man Cale before? He looks different.’

He put his hand beneath his chin. He can guess that Cale has changed Choi Han's life after reading the novel. Kim Dokja thinks that Cale is a softer person than he thought.

He then remembered his own life. How he manages to survive every scenario because he knows the future of the world. He basically saved Yoo Joonghyuk from the trouble of regressing. 

He then looked at the system again.

[Would you like to view <World1>?]

He can guess that it's about when Cale didn't transmigrate. Somehow, Kim Dokja can feel that it's gonna be a lot messier for Choi Han. 

“Yes.”

And he's not wrong.

After watching, he felt his stomach twisting. From someone who just recently escaped the forest after living there for tens of years, to becoming a hero of the kingdom that he barely knows, to fighting a war while slowly losing his companions, to just being alone again. But the thing is, the first world Choi Han is stronger than the current Choi Han.

‘It’s like having a quick novel to read.’

His mind went blank. It's like this when he finished a novel. 

[You gained understanding from the player, ‘Choi Han.]

[The system will return you in 5 seconds.]

Kim Dokja just looked at the system. What's the purpose of this? Why does he have to be here with them? Why does he have to see the past and future of someone he doesn't know?

[The system is looking at you.]

Kim Dokja looked back. He wanted to speak, but he felt drowsy until he completely closed his eyes.

He opened his eyes and he's back to the white room again. He's collapsed on the floor, staring at the white ceiling. Then someone hovered on top of him. It's Cale.

“You okay?”

Kim Dokja looked at him. He remembered the future he saw and smiled.

Cale frowned before looking away. He felt uncomfortable, as if Kim Dokja saw something that he shouldn't have. 

[The sponsor, “The Ugly Squid” has chosen the player, “Choi Han”.]

[Next up is player ‘Yoo Joonghyuk’.]

On the screen, the spotlight went to Yoo Joonghyuk. Yoo Joonghyuk glared at them. Kim Dokja just chuckled. He thinks that Yoo Joonghyuk is still the same.

‘I think I like Choi Han now.’

Choi Han is a good protagonist. He didn't say that Yoo Joonghyuk is not. They are good in other ways. He thought that he will take a break from a scary protagonist like Yoo Joonghyuk. Kim Dokja thought that it would be nice to have someone protecting you openly, unlike the latter who might actually kill him.

‘I hope Cale will take Yoo Joonghyuk.’

Kim Dokja looked at Cale. From Choi Han's memories, Cale really seems to be a reliable man. In his point of view, Cale seems to be a worthy person to protect. And besides, it's normal to hope that his companion will be in a good hand. Kim Dokja laid comfortably on the floor, just reminiscing he saw in the [Void of Past and Future].

Besides, Kim Dokja picked his Choi Han. Surely, he might do the same..?

Meanwhile, Lee Kiyoung, Han Yoojin and Cale is looking at the screen where a handsome man is glaring at them. 

Cale stared briefly and looked away. “Pass.”

Kim Dokja sat up immediately. “Ehh??”

Cale looked at Kim Dokja with a raised brow, but he didn't say anything. Cale just knows that it will be troublesome to deal with Yoo Joonghyuk. Kim Dokja just sighed and mumbled to himself.

“Can you rethink again? You two are both Supreme..”

“What?”

“Nevermind.”

On the other side, Yoo Joonghyuk glared at the four blinking light above him. The other light slightly dimmed, indicating one has already chosen a player. The spotlight went to him next. He doesn't like the idea of being auctioned off to this so-called sponsors. He crossed his arms.

[The sponsor ??? said pass.]

[The sponsor ??? and ??? can't decide.]

He raised a brow. It took 2 minutes for Choi Han to be chosen. Somehow, he felt like they didn't want him.

“Tss.”

Yoo Joonghyuk clicked his tongue. The system went silent.

.

.

.

[The sponsor, “The Shrewd Rat” has chosen the player, “Yoo Joonghyuk”.]

In another system, Han Sooyoung grumbled in annoyance.

Sung Hyunjae smirked. Even when he didn't help fighting the small fries, he got the highest contribution points just by toying/fighting with the ice monster. 

“That's so unfair.” Han Sooyoung bit her nails while staring at the system. She got third place, after Jung Hayan. She looked at the mage beside her.

‘What did she even do? I didn't notice earlier..’

She then looked at Alver who's silent on the corner. She smirked and spoke.

“You got fourth. You okay?”

Alver looked at her briefly. “This is not my expertise, of course I won't excel here.”

“Heh. So cool.” Han Sooyoung just snickered before putting an arm around Jung Hayan. “You got second. What did you do?”

“H-Huh?” Jung Hayan looked at Sooyoung, stuttering. She felt shy. 

“I-I helped Sung Hyunjae-ssi.”

“What? When?”

Sung Hyunjae smirked, but before he could even say something, the system started rewarding them based on their contributions.

Han Sooyoung is still bugging Jung Hayan. Hyunjae stared at Alver. Alver noticed his gaze and looked up. Sung Hyunjae smirked, and Alver didn't seem to like it.

[Before moving to the next scenario, there will be a ‘Sponsor Selection’.]

Han Sooyoung looked up with surprise. Jung Hayan looked up with confusion. Sung Hyunjae raised a brow and Alver sighed in exhaustion.

‘Please get me out of here.’

[Sponsor Selection is needed so you can call help whenever you're in trouble.]

[The sponsor will help you by donating coins and sharing their skills. The cooldown will be 36:00:00]

[If the affinity between the sponsor and player is high, there will be special benefits.]

[However, if the sponsor and player do not get along, the sponsor has the right to stop sponsoring the player.]

“Interesting.” Sung Hyunjae put his finger under his chin. “Though I may not need it..”

“Don't be too arrogant.” Han Sooyoung felt irked at Hyunjae’s arrogance. Sung Hyunjae just shrugged his shoulders.

Then system appeared in front of them.

[The ‘Sponsor Selection' has started.]

[Please select your sponsor on the following list.]

[Your chosen sponsor will be your strong supporter.]

[“The Ugly Squid”]

[“The Care Bear”]

[“The Scheming Fox’]

[“The Shrewd Rat”]

Chapter Text

.

.

.

Again.

Once again, Yoo Joonghyuk opened his eyes in the same carriage, at the same seat. The next thing he did was breathe in the air of this world that will soon be damned.

[You have regressed.]

Yoo Joonghyuk’s eyes dropped down to the floor. It's his third regression. He failed not only to save his comrades, but also the person he loved.

His eyes closed for a moment, it's a deep silence. The rattle sound of the train and taps of fingers on the phone beside him and the yawn of a small child on the right. It's the same scenario that reminds him that he is back from the start.

He didn't do anything. He sat there, pondering where all went wrong. He tried his best—with all he could do, but he still chose to regress.

It's tiring.

It still affects him. It haunts him. The memories of his companions that will only become a memory for him alone. He's still not used to it. 

Especially.. that one person.

In a quick thought, he decided to bury some useless memories and prepared for new plans, the lists of people he would kill out of spite, items that he should obtain before anyone else, gather his companions, and..

Brace new changes in this round. Only if.

When he opened his eyes, his mind wandered to the person beside him, to be precise, his phone. As if it's a cue, the time went exactly 7:00 p.m.

The third round has begun.

-

Something's wrong.

After killing everyone in the carriage 3707, he went to the other carriage after the first main scenario ended. His fist is full of blood that is not his as he struck the iron for the last time, the broken door flung open.

And he saw a complete bloodbath.

Understandable. The penalty of the first main scenario is death. He walked to the terrain of corpses and stopped in the middle, his gaze falling to the guy beneath his feet.

His brows furrowed in surprise.

He then looked at the opened carriage door at the corner. He recognized the hand marks on the edges of the door. He quickly recognized what happened.

Kim Namwoon’s dead.

Somehow, Lee Hyunsung escaped.

And..

[The second scenario has arrived!]

[Second Scenario – Escape]

Category: Sub

Difficulty: E

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

Time Limit: 20 minutes.

Compensation: 200 coins.

Failure: ???

There's an unknown variable that changes this turn of events.

-

He's right.

The zombies will fall with his every steps like dominoes.

He cleared the zombie wave, something that hadn't happened before. He didn't go this way last round. He's supposed to head to stations already, but something is bugging him to thread this new path.

His gaze went to the figure in front of him. He scanned his overall appearance.

"You, who are you?”

He felt something different.

He grabbed the man's neck, afraid it would run away. He lifted him up with his strength.

"You, how the hell are you alive?”

He felt uncertain. His mind clouded with thoughts. The man is silent, he doesn't look surprised because of his appearance, but to something else.

"Name." Yoo Joonghyuk demanded.

"What?"

"What is your name?”

He needed to know. He has never seen this man in the previous round. 

"Kim Dokja.”

‘Kim Dokja.'

His brain searched through his memories, but there's no ‘Kim Dokja’ in it.

It's strange.

"A strange name."

"I've heard that a lot.”

Yoo Joonghyuk made a fist and punched the man's gut.

The name kept ringing in his ears while he tried to interrogate this suspicious man.

"…You cleared the scenario by killing insects?"

"We were lucky."

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

The future has completely changed. 

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

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

Killing Intent filled Yoo Joonghyuk's eyes. He came up with the possibility that this man is a regressor like himself. If so, he needed to kill him..!

"An explosion."

"Explosion?"

Yoo Joonghyuk paid attention.

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

Yoo Joonghyuk's body stopped at these words. 

"Explain it in a simpler manner."

-

He continues to interrogate the suspicious man. Everything he said made perfect sense to the point of suspicion. Yoo Joonghyuk felt uneasy.

‘I must kill him here.’

Even his [Sage’s Eye] didn't read his status window. If Yoo Joonghyuk lets him live, he'll ruin this round.

Kill..!

“Yoo Joonghyuk.”

Yoo Joonghyuk’s eyes widened slightly. He didn't mention his name.

"You need a reliable companion."

"…What do you mean?" Yoo Joonghyuk remained calm and heard the man.

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

Yoo Joonghyuk's eyes narrowed. "How do you know this? Perhaps you―"

"It doesn't matter how I know or who I am." 

The man, or, Kim Dokja looked at him as if he knew Yoo Joonghyuk. That's why Yoo Joonghyuk felt uneasy.

“The important thing is that I can help you.”

Kim Dokja’s gaze made Yoo Joonghyuk feel weird.

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

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

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

Yoo Joonghyuk's eyes slowly widened. "…How?"

"How else?”

Yoo Joonghyuk felt even more uncomfortable. This man wants to be his companion because he knows the future? He thought that the man had some nerve to use him for his own survival.

"You knew I would come here."

"Yes.”

Yoo Joonghyuk felt the scale in his mind weighing down. Kim Dokja continued his persuasion.

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

"But that knowledge is never perfect." Kim Dokja's gaze is full of certainty. "Make me your companion. I can fill in the parts you are missing.”

-

Companion.

It's been awhile since he heard those words.

Normally, it would be those small fries who tried to convert him and use his name to secure their survival by saying he's their companion. If he's going to choose a companion, it would be only because they are helpful into the future scenarios.

"I will ask you one last thing.”

“What?”

The people in his mind to get as ‘companion’ has already been decided. 

He tightened his grip into Kim Dokja’s collar, his hand raised him up a little bit. Underneath him was completely empty. The smell of blood mixed in with the smell of Han River as the ichthyosaurs jumped towards their prey with open mouths.

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

He doesn't want a companion that relies on him too much.

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

He wanted a companion that is strong enough to save themselves, even when he's gone.

There's silence. Yoo Joonghyuk's gaze remained on the man named Kim Dokja. Since the first scenario only ended, it will be hard to survive inside an ichthyosaur that's a 7th grade monster. Even Yoo Joonghyuk would struggle since it's still early.

"Yoo Joonghyuk.”

Yoo Joonghyuk's senses came back and stared at him.

"I will tell you two things first."

"…What?"

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

Yoo Joonghyuk is perplexed.

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

Yoo Joonghyuk looked at Kim Dokja with interest and nodded. "Well, what is your answer?"

Kim Dokja replied with a smile, "Release your hand and get lost, you damn son of a bitch.”

Yoo Joonghyuk didn't hesitate. Kim Dokja seems to know him well. Yoo Joonghyuk was smiling brightly like something made him happy.

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

After that, Yoo Joonghyuk experienced a new path of salvation, and it's all because of that man.

-

[You gained understanding from the player, ‘Yoo Joonghyuk’.]

Lee Kiyoung woke up feeling like he woke up from a dream. His eyes are stuffy as if he's crying.

“W-What the hell..”

He let out a sigh and breathed. There's too much memory in his mind that wasn't his. He felt like he's throwing up. His stomach keep churning as he curled up on the floor.

“Are you okay?”

Kim Dokja's face obstructed his view. Kim Dokja is looking at him as if he knows what he has seen.

“Damn, Kim Dokja.”

“.. What?”

Lee Kiyoung slowly rose from the floor and sighed. Lee Kiyoung patted Kim Dokja’s shoulder as if he's consoling him.

“You went through a lot.”

“Uh.. yeah.”

Kim Dokja suddenly felt embarrassed and exposed. Surely, he has seen what he has done in the past just like how Kim Dokja saw Cale's action from Choi Han’s point of view.

But he couldn't help but get jealous, since Lee Kiyoung had experienced being in Yoo Joonghyuk's place and point of view. 

Yoo Joonghyuk is his protagonist after all. Even though he hates that jerk.

Kim Dokja just brushed off those thoughts and looked at Yoo Joonghyuk’s reflection on the screen, his handsome face distorted as he read Lee Kiyoung’s sponsor name. 

[The sponsor, “The Shrewd Rat” has chosen the player, “Yoo Joonghyuk”.]

[Next up is player ‘Kim Hyunsung’.]

Before the spotlight went to Kim Hyunsung, two hands raised at the same speed.

Cale and Han Yoojin looked at each other. They both raised their hands at the same time. 

There's silence among the four of them. Kim Dokja looked at Cale, thinking that he preferred the other regressor than Yoo Joonghyuk.

He couldn't blame him though.

-

[Two sponsors raised their hands at player ‘Kim Hyunsung’!]

Kim Hyunsung’s eyes widened slightly. He can't help but let out a chuckle and stared at Yoo Joonghyuk with a smirk. The latter raised his brow with his crossed arms.

[However, due to an unfortunate condition, ‘The Care Bear’ won player ‘Kim Hyunsung'.]

‘The Care Bear'?

He felt like he had heard that name on Earth. 

“Well, it's better than a rat.”

Kim Hyunsung snickered to himself.

[The sponsor, ‘The Shrewd Rat’ is offended.]

[The sponsor, ‘The Scheming Fox’ has been automatically designated as sponsor of player ‘Han Yoohyun’.]

The spotlight went to Han Yoohyun who's been silent the whole time. Among the three sponsors, Han Yoohyun got a better sponsor name. 

Han Yoohyun stared at the blinking light at the sky. His brows twitched as he looked away. His mind is still clouded with the same sentence.

‘Hyung.. where are you..’

‘Hyung.. my fragile hyung..’

If someone hears his thoughts, they would think his hyung is his lover or something.

-

Author's Note

I have to say something I think I need to say. It will be just few words, don't worry.

(⁠´⁠-⁠﹏⁠-⁠`⁠；⁠) Sorry, but expect that the updates will be slower because it's not easy to make a crossover story of four different novels. I don't want to rush this one because I also enjoyed creating this story. There's still so many to write and understand, so I hope that you all will be patient with me.

Another short update, but I serve you some fan arts that I made in my free time (not really, I made it even if I'm busy). I hope I can draw the other characters soon.

Well, that's all. Thank you for bearing to read this story. (I'm not leaving.) 

Chapter Text

“Sponsor Selection..”

Han Sooyoung scoffed. 

“What's with this? The names are a bit..”

‘Hm?’

The third and second sponsors caught her attention. Among the other four so-called sponsors, there's a bear and a fox. Han Sooyoung thought that the strength of each sponsor varies from the animal it was acquainted with. So far, the bear and the fox are better than a rat and a squid.

‘But it's just an assumption..’

She was about to press a sponsor when the system rang up.

[The sponsor, ‘The Scheming Fox’ has been selected. The sponsor will be removed from the selection.]

[There is only three sponsors left.]

“Hmm. I think this one suits me better, right?”

Sung Hyunjae put a finger on his lips, an attempt to hide his smirk. Han Sooyoung grumbled and was about to pick her second option when..

[The sponsor, ‘The Care Bear’ has been selected. The sponsor will be removed from the selection.]

[There's only two sponsors left.]

“I hope it's a good bear.”

Alver looked at the system with a troubled expression. Han Sooyoung felt like she lost the game. 

‘Squid..!’

“I-I don't like rats..”

Jung Hayan tapped the system with a cute fearful expression. Han Sooyoung’s complexion turned pale, feeling defeated.

[The sponsor, ‘The Ugly Squid' has been selected. The sponsor will be removed from the selection.]

[There's only one sponsor left.]

Sung Hyunjae, Alver and Jung Hayan are looking at her. Jung Hayan went beside her and looked at her with a worried expression.

“Uhm.. Sooyoung-ssi? Are you okay?”

Han Sooyoung snapped back and sighed. She rubbed the back of her neck, feeling some chills in her neck.

“Do you hate rats?”

Sung Hyunjae covered his smirk with his fingers, Alver just looked at her with sympathy, and Jung Hayan was looking cute while trying to comfort her. Han Sooyoung thought Jung Hayan was her only ally.

[The sponsor, ‘The Shrewd Rat’ has been chosen.]

[The Sponsor Selection has ended.]

[Moving to the next scenario in 10 minutes.]

She ignored the boys and looked at Jung Hayan, her stress ball. She carefully pinch her cheek.

“I'm fine. Thank you for caring, Hayan-ssi.”

Hyunjae just scoffed before turning his back. Alver just glanced at Sung Hyunjae for a bit before looking back at the two women almost hugging. But a hand grabbed his shoulder and dragged him.

“What—”

“We need some moments too, you know?”

Sung Hyunjae’s grip on Alver's collar is tight. He has a playful smirk as he looks at the blonde man.

“Wha—”

“What do you think? Should I also pinch your cheek?”

“...”

Alver's glare is not joking. Sung Hyunjae poked his cheek instead.

While the chaos are happening on the other side, Han Sooyoung got distracted by the sudden show up of the system.

[You have obtained a special privilege by having ‘The Shrewd Rat' as your sponsor.]

A red system appeared. Han Sooyoung felt ominous as he stared at the system.

[<Personal Task> are only limited to players under ‘The Shrewd Rat’s’ sponsoring.]

[Would you like to view your tasks?]

Han Sooyoung clicked the personal task, and she immediately knew where the ominous feeling was coming from.

[Failure: Death]

Lee Kiyoung watched as the woman's complexion dimmed upon seeing the personal tasks she received. Lee Kiyoung felt pity for a brief moment.

‘Anyway, that's not my problem anymore.’

He came from seeing player Yoo Joonghyuk earlier, but the latter doesn't show much expression except from frowning and glaring at the system. Lee Kiyoung didn't feel bad by sharing his personal tasks to the people he's gonna watch from now on. He considered it as payment, since he will be supporting them soon.

[You have shared your <Personal Tasks> to your players.]

Earlier, the system asked if he is gonna share the burden of <Personal Tasks> to the two players he's supporting. He didn't hesitate to press the ‘Yes’ button.

‘I'm sorry, Kim Dokja.’

He glanced at Kim Dokja who's silently sitting on the corner, watching the other players in the system. The others are doing the same. Cale is crossed legged on the floor while Han Yoojin is massaging his temples, also watching the system.

They will have to wait for 10 minutes to go to another scenario. Lee Kiyoung is already sure that his regressor and mage is gonna do well, so he's just slacking.

“..”

It was silent. After going to the [Void of Past and Future], they are being awkward with each other. Cale is originally silent, but Han Yoojin is definitely distancing himself to Lee Kiyoung. But unlike the second Sponsor Selection, they didn't receive the player's memories.

Lee Kiyoung recalled his past. Kim Hyunsung never saw Lee Kiyoung’s bad side—the most trashy things he did. He only showed a few crazy things, but unlike Jung Hayan and few people who know the true him. In conclusion, Han Yoojin must've known that..

“...”

Lee Kiyoung sighed. Han Yoojin raised a brow. He's been staring at him for a long time. Lee Kiyoung finally turned to look at him.

“You keep staring at me.”

“...”

Lee Kiyoung felt irritated. “What do you want to say?”

Han Yoojin looked at him like a tired father. “You're so.. resourceful.”

Lee Kiyoung felt offended. Sure, he's surrounded with women, but all of them are just his tools he is specially taking care of. It's not like he's a pervert..

“I felt bad for Jung Hayan.”

“Shut up.”

Lee Kiyoung regretted paying attention to Han Yoojin. Lee Kiyoung felt embarrassed when he saw Kim Dokja and Cale looking in their direction. He looked at Kim Dokja with a change of expression. He smiled at him.

“Kim Dokja-ssi, you're amazing.”

Kim Dokja flinched. He rubbed the back of his neck and looked away. Kim Dokja happened to meet Cale’s gaze and smiled. Cale raised a brow.

“Cale, y-you're amazing too.”

Cale sighed. Just a moment ago, the conversation was between Han Yoojin and Lee Kiyoung. Cale still feels nauseated from receiving Han Yoohyun’s memories.

He slowly gazed at Han Yoojin. Han Yoojin smiled awkwardly, but there's an anticipating gaze since Cale is his younger brother's sponsor.

“Am I amazing from my brother's memories?”

Cale held back from saying something different. Cale just nodded slowly, not wanting to spoil the mood.

“... Yeah, I guess.”

‘I feel like throwing up.’

Cale closed his eyes and intertwined his fingers to support his head. He can still vividly remember everything of Han Yoohyun’s memories to the point that he just wishes that he never had the ability to think.

‘What kind of brother thinks like that..’

Cale just looked down without energy while the other three began talking to each other again. 

Lee Kiyoung and Han Yoojin started bickering, while Kim Dokja just listened to them and would chuckle occasionally. Kim Dokja felt a bit of ease, but there's still concern about the people he left behind. Meanwhile, Cale has already closed his eyes and keeps refreshing his mind like a computer.

.

.

.

[Ten minutes have passed. The system will announce the arrival of the new main scenario.]

The four stopped talking and looked up at the system. They all rose from the floor and hardened their will and expression. It's time to face another scenario.

As light blinded all of them, they had to close their eyes and accept the new challenge.

– –

Kim Dokja gained consciousness. Pain courses in his head as he tries to sit up. His head felt like he's being hammered repeatedly, and he couldn't help but groan and hold his head.

He felt intense hunger. He never felt extremely hungry and thirsty. It's as if he went back to Earth.

Kim Dokja immediately opened his eyes. But to his dismay, it's not the familiar scenario he's been wishing for. He's surrounded by prison bars and..

“Keuk.”

Kim Dokja covered his nose with his hand. He heard a rattling sound of metal, and when he looked down, his foot was chained. But what makes him frown is the sight of bodies everywhere.

There are piles of human ribs and bones on the corner. There are also rotting bodies and other people sleeping on the floor. Kim Dokja can tell what he is in this scenario.

“One slave is awake.”

A voice can be heard from outside the bars. When he turns, he can see a well dressed, fat nobleman and a knight opening the prison cell. Kim Dokja felt weak and hungry, but thanks to the [Fourth Wall], he felt less nervous and less disturbed by the sight.

“Tsk. They're all rotting except that thing. Let's go to another cell. We’ll discard the rotting slaves later.”

The cell opened and the knight trampled the weak bodies of the other slaves. Kim Dokja pretended to be weak and just let the knight harshly handle him.

Kim Dokja doesn't have time to become a hero. Once the knight helped him out of the cell, he immediately tackled the knight down and snatched his sword.

“What the—!”

Kim Dokja poured all of his remaining strength to fight back and run away.

.

.

.

Kim Dokja felt so weak and tired.

The immense hunger weakened his limbs, and the coldness of the night made his thirst worse. He managed to escape, but he never thought that outside the black market was a snowy place. 

He slumped on the ground and leaned on the city wall. He tried to stand up, but even [Fourth Wall] can't make him stand for himself. He felt extremely spent. 

Snow is everywhere. Kim Dokja felt cold, the clothes he's wearing are thin and full of holes. He has scratches on his knees and arms from fighting. He felt like he's reaching his end.

He heard a slow galloping noise. Chill ran down in his spine. It's over. It's either he will die, or he will be dragged back to the black market and get beaten up again and again. He cannot open the system for help. 

The slow galloping noise halted. Kim Dokja is laying down already. Kim Dokja thought that it was one of the knights in the black market, checking if he's still alive or not. Kim Dokja held his breath, but his limbs and shoulders kept trembling.

Dead body doesn't tremble if it's already dead.

Clack.

Kim Dokja felt a presence behind him. Kim Dokja felt hatred for the system. Of all roles to be transmigrated with, why a helpless slave in a cold winter land? 

Is this how it will end?

Then suddenly, he felt a bit warm. When he slightly opened his eyes, a black coat was draped around his cold body. He then heard another galloping noise and more people talking. He can't hear it properly due to exhaustion.

He then felt his body being carried up by strong hands and entering a warm compartment. He can vividly see a luxurious pattern of the carriage, and feel the soft plush of the seat he's laying down.

He tried to stay awake. It felt warmer, but he doesn't know why and who. The soft cushion tried to lull him to sleep, but he wanted to..

He can hear the door opening and closing. There are voices outside of the carriage, but what caught his attention is the light sound of a man sitting across him and the person's soft sigh. His eyes were battling to stay open by then when he heard a voice.

“Sleep, Kim Dokja.”

He can feel gloved fingers gently closing his eyes. He immediately felt reassured. A small smile curved on his lips, a bit relieved.

That cold voice like the winter night. It sounded cold, but it wasn't emotionless. He can feel the slight ruffle on his hair before he loses consciousness. 

To be continued

Bonus Scene 

[There is an additional skill rewarded to the sponsors.]

[<Thoughts>]

[You can now read your player's thoughts in 10 minutes! The cooldown is 12:00:00]

Kim Dokja

“Oh.”

Kim Dokja looked at the system with amusement. Originally, he had the ability to read someone's thoughts, but he cannot do it to the other three people with him. He wondered why the system seems to favor them so much.

Kim Dokja looked at the first system window, where player Choi Han is at. Choi Han is cleaning his sword with a piece of cloth. He looked serious as he stared at the blade, making him curious what he's thinking.

[You have used <Thoughts> at player Choi Han.]

Kim Dokja tilted his head slightly. It's like he's hearing whispers inside his head. It was a calm and a bit tired voice.

「 I wonder how Cale-nim is doing.. 」

「 I hope that the others are safe.. 」

Kim Dokja felt touched. The young swordsman’s thoughts are full of worry and emotion. If he knew the novel Choi Han is the protagonist, he would've loved to read it.

Lee Kiyoung 

Upon receiving the system, he immediately turned on the skill. He stared at the handsome man in the system. His arms are crossed and he's far from other players. He has those natural frowning brows and emotionless face.

[You have used <Thoughts> at player Yoo Joonghyuk.]

「 Personal Tasks.. they are full of rubbish. 」

「 How long do I have to remain here? 」

The man's brows are growing deeper as he thinks.

「 Should I just regress? But.. 」

Lee Kiyoung felt like he knew why he's hesitating to kill himself to regress. Yoo Joonghyuk has refused once, and it's all because of Kim Dokja.

Lee Kiyoung looked at Kim Dokja who's sitting and watching Choi Han in the system. Wait, what's with that expression?

“If only Yoo Joonghyuk is a bit cuter like Choi Han..”

Lee Kiyoung heard his mumbling. He then looked at Yoo Joonghyuk in the system.

「 That guy.. where did he go.. 」

“That bastard.. I hope he's not thinking of regressing..”

Lee Kiyoung blinked multiple times as he looked at Kim Dokja looking at Yoo Joonghyuk's figure, and Yoo Joonghyuk looking from far away as if lost in thoughts. Lee Kiyoung felt like he's watching an interesting drama.

Han Yoojin

“I can read a player's thoughts?”

Lee Kiyoung stared at the two windows. He got Kim Hyunsung and Jung Hayan, who are Lee Kiyoung’s friends. 

‘They looked like good people, unlike Lee Kiyoung.’

Han Yoojin then pressed the skill.

[You have used <Thoughts> at player Kim Hyunsung.]

His voice came in like a whisper to his mind.

「 … I wonder if Lee Kiyoung is fine. 」

It felt like he's saying something in his mind before he opened his thoughts. Kim Hyunsung is handsome and calm. Kim Hyunsung's thoughts ended in a silence as he stared down. Then his gaze went up to look at the other people beside him.

「 What's his name again? Ah, It's Han Yoohyun, I think? He rarely talks, but he's strong. 」

Han Yoojin nodded. He's thankful that Kim Hyunsung have a good view to his brother—

「 I think he's mentally ill. He kept murmuring, like a patient from a mental hospital. 」

Han Yoojin face palmed. He looked at the system again and he saw Kim Hyunsung looking at Yoo Joonghyuk’s back.

「 Yoo Joonghyuk.. well, he's strong like me. 」

Han Yoojin tilted his head slightly. He thought that he's in bad terms with Yoo Joonghyuk—

「 Tsk.. why do I have to be together with these mentally unstable people? 」

Han Yoojin covered his lips in shock. Kim Hyunsung sighed and looked down at Yoo Joonghyuk and Han Yoohyun. He then looked at Choi Han the last.

Han Yoojin waited for his comment at Choi Han.

「 … 」

Choi Han felt a gaze and looked up. Choi Han doesn't show emotions, but his gaze are firm. Kim Hyunsung's gaze softened and he walked towards Choi Han's direction.

“Can I borrow your rag?”

Kim Hyunsung smiled. Han Yoojin waited for his feedback on Choi Han in his mind.

「 He's a bit occupied sometimes, but he's better than those two. I'll continue to talk with him so he can rely on me too. 」

Han Yoojin shook his head. Looks like Kim Hyunsung got a spot for Choi Han.

'My brother is good. Please, just try to communicate with him.'

Cale Henituse 

Cale didn't open the skill. He can still vividly remember Han Yoohyun's voice etched in his head.

He doesn't need to look through Sung Hyunjae’s thoughts. He's still traumatized from Han Yoohyun.