[Many constellations are excited for more combat.]
Well, that made sense since they were just getting started, but their tune would change pretty quickly when they realized just how long the siege on Gong Pildu's defenses had been.
Exhausted, Pildu stands in the middle of his skill zone, his jacket falling off his shoulder and holding his hat, revealing his balding head. He yells out in anger as the turrets keep on shooting at the flood of monsters. Amidst the chaos, both [Militarized Zone] and [Private Land] level up as he acquires [Protective Wall].
'An hour has passed since the fight started. The sponsor backing Gong Pildu must be rushing to support his growth, but how long will this extraordinary sponsorship last…' Dokja muses. Suddenly, Jihye begins uproariously laughing at Pildu and Dokja sighs. 'Earlier she told me to save them… Truly an attitude befitting of his disciple.'
Behind them, Heewon is happily snoring away and enjoying a moment of rest. Dokja then asks Jihye why Joonghyuk isn't there, and she just says that she wouldn't know, since he's always busy.
Busy huh… of course he's busy. Those who try to do things by themselves are always the busiest.
"When did Joonghyuk enter the dungeon?" Dokja asks. Without thinking, Jihye instinctively answers that he entered at around 9 am before freezing and turning to Dokja in surprise, shocked that he even knew Joonghyuk entered the dungeon. Dokja just checks his phone without answering her question.
It's 8 pm right now. That means it's been 11 hours since Yoo Joonghyuk entered the dungeon. And he's yet to come out…
Yoo Mia froze, glancing nervously between her brother and Kim Dokja. "Was my oppa in danger? Did something bad happen?"
Bad was an understatement in this case, unfortunately. Kim Dokja had no idea how to break it to her, and Yoo Joonghyuk appeared to be having the same struggle.
"Most of it wasn't challenging at all," Yoo Joonghyuk replied carefully, trying to offer her at least some reassurance. It wasn't a lie—clearing most of the movies would have been way too simple for him with his stat totals. Still, it was the boss that gave him the most trouble. He might be powerful, but Yoo Joonghyuk really needed to start prioritizing mental defenses early.
Kim Dokja nodded once. "He did run into a bit of trouble, but don't worry—we got him out."
"Okay," Yoo Mia said quietly. "Oppa, please don't go into dangerous places alone anymore."
Yoo Joonghyuk shot Kim Dokja a dark look for ratting him out, but what was the point? Everything would get shown here sooner or later, even if it made the protagonist look a bit lame.
[The constellation 'Secretive Plotter' frowns sadly.]
Lee Hyunsung and Yoo Sangah looked curious about what he meant by that, since they hadn't gone, but Kim Dokja shook his head in a wordless message that he wouldn't be spilling anything else about it.
'Damn it, I have to go…' Dokja thinks before telling Bihyung to open the Dokkaebi Bag. Bihyung naturally doesn't want to since so many subscriptions are rolling in that the channel is about to expand, but Dokja then threatens that his channel will be ruined if he doesn't and tells him to play an ad for the expansion. Dokja proceeds to buy an upgrade to become a 'Gold Member' in the Dokkaebi Bag.
Noticing some items appearing in Dokja's hands, Sangah asks what they're for. One of the items is the [Behind the Scenes Contract], which frightens Bihyung as he reminds Dokja of their terms. After all, he can't sign on with a sponsor for as long as he's contracted with Bihyung.
As Dokja writes on the glowing contract, Jihye and Sangah watch curiously even though they can't read anything. When Sangah questions Dokja, he explains it in vague terms.
Since the scenario started, an hour and a half has passed. Gong Pildu needs to continue for 6 and a half hours.
"Ugh, that sounds boring as hell," Han Sooyoung muttered with a grimace. "Even laughing at him would get tiring by that point."
Wow, that was certainly something.
[Many constellations are complaining about the length of the scenario.]
[The constellation 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' is hoping for a timeskip.]
Well, to be fair, it wasn't particularly thrilling to watch a balding, middle-aged man sweat and struggle to shoot down a sea of monsters for hours on end. Even if it had some novelty at the beginning, it was just too repetitive for thrill-seeker constellations, and would probably be boring to the others too.
[The constellation 'God of Wine and Ecstasy' wishes he had more wine.]
Below, the monsters are still being barraged with buttlets over a crumbling protective wall. Above, Hyunsung carries jugs of water over to the party and makes sure everyone is hydrated.
Not everybody is rich because they have constellation support. Gong Pildu's channel is targeted towards the 'Thrill-seeker' constellations. Maybe they left the channel for the scenario's development, or they cut off sponsorship. There's a limit to how much one can sponsor. On top of that, constellations are unable to monitor their incarnations' health…
Dokja perks up as a pop-up announces that Gong Pildu's sponsor is asking for help from nearby constellations—the Defense Master is running out of coins. Dokja stands up and calls out, which gains Pildu's attention as he leans on another landlord to stay upright.
"Will you die like this or will you sign a contract with me?" He states, confusing Pildu as Dokja continues to explain that even though he's not a constellation, he can help out from behind the scenes.
Naturally, this confuses Pildu even more, but Dokja continues by saying that he's not talking to him. Bihyung, meanwhile, has an expression that would make for a perfect meme reaction face. Dokja waves towards the stash of [Intermediate Magic Power Recovery Potions] behind him, and offers to give them to the constellation if he signs the contract. Both Defense Master and Bihyung naturally think he's crazy for doing this. When Bihyung confronts Dokja about it, Dokja points out that Defense Master no longer has any coins.
"Wait, you went from scamming a constellation to trying to literally buy one out?" Han Sooyoung blurted out, baffled. "You're actually insane."
"Not insane if it works," Kim Dokja replied casually, and tried not to show just how pleased he was internally when the kids joined in on supporting his opinion.
[Most constellations are astounded by the arrogance of the incarnation 'Kim Dokja'.]
[The constellation 'Defense Master' is embarrassed.]
"Don't be," Kim Dokja said suddenly, glancing at the indirect. "Unlike most constellations, you're one of the few who cares enough about their incarnation to use up all of your coins."
Most constellations would cut their losses long before their coffers got anywhere close to running dry. The entire system might be awful, but Kim Dokja had to respect just how much the Defense Master was willing to do to keep his incarnation alive. He hoped that Gong Pildu appreciated just how good of a sponsor he got.
[The constellation 'Defense Master' thanks the incarnation 'Kim Dokja' for his kind words.]
The constellation Defense Master. A long time ago, his world became a scenario and was completely destroyed. From then on, the Defense Master's myth was no longer discussed. The myth disappeared and the constellation was unable to obtain coins. One day, even his existence will disappear. The fact that Gong Pildu is about to die shows that he has run out of coins. It was obvious, but without coins, getting a new 'Sponsor Contract' is impossible. The myth of the constellation that nobody even remembers is spread through the incarnation…
'Unlike 'Monarch of the Small Fries', the Defense Master is someone who cares about his incarnation,' Dokja thinks as Pildu collapses to his knees. 'It looks like he's dying, which is proof of his sponsor running out of coins. Should he leave it as is, Gong Pildu might die. So what will you do? Defense Master!'
Sangah shows concern for Pildu as Dokja stays determined with the contract in hand. Finally, Defense Master shows interest in the contract, which makes Bihhyung's eyes pop out of his head in shock.
As Dokja smiles at Defense Master's choice, Pildu looks at a new message in front of him while yelling out in anger and confusion.
What? You're being sold.
"I would say this is unbelievable, but we should just start expecting this from you, shouldn't we?" Jung Heewon muttered with a shake of her head.
Yeah, probably. This wasn't anywhere near the craziest thing Kim Dokja had in mind.
[Many constellations are astonished.]
"Wait," Lee Jihye said suddenly, "what did the part about the constellation's myth mean, ahjussi?"
Kim Dokja shot a look at Yoo Joonghyuk to see if he wanted to answer his apprentice's question instead, but the protagonist just stared back at him expectantly. Seriously? Did Kim Dokja have to do all the work here?
Ugh, fine.
"Constellations get their power from their name and story being spread," Kim Dokja explained after a resigned sigh. "The more they're remembered, the more coins they get. Constellations that are praised often tend to have more coins than others, so they try to have their stories spread through their incarnations. Of course, the strength of their stories or fables also matter."
[The constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' agrees with this explanation.]
"Stories?" Lee Gilyoung asked curiously, glancing up at him.
Kim Dokja chuckled and ruffled the boy's hair. "That's a bit too complicated to explain fully right now, but they're tales about specific events or feats that are notable enough to be remembered."
Yoo Sangah looked at Kim Dokja in a way that told him that she was on the verge of figuring something out. "Wait, can incarnations earn those too? And would something like you destroying the throne be enough for something like that?"
[The fable 'King of a kingless world' is humming contentedly.]
"Yes," he replied with a small smile, "I did get a fable for that."
Shin Yoosung and Lee Gilyoung's eyes widened, and even Lee Jihye and Yoo Mia looked suitably impressed. As for Yoo Joonghyuk… Well, his expression didn't change—probably because he already knew the kinds of things that would earn fables. There was no surprising him in that regard, it seemed.
"Still, don't worry about them yet; they're more important in the later scenarios," Kim Dokja reminded them. "For now, just focus on survival."
Defense Master agrees to Dokja's contract, but not without adding a clause that says that Dokja must ensure Pildu lives and grows. Thankfully, that was already Dokja's plan, but he was most excited at the clause where he can command Pildu up to 10 times per day. Naturally, Dokja signs the contract.
As Pildu spits up blood below, Sangah passes down one of the [Intermediate Magic Power Recovery Potions] so he can continue fighting. Pildu takes it and drinks it but not before yelling he won't forgive them even if they help him. "When this is finished…I will end you…"
"Shut up, Gong Pildu," Dokja states, and Pildu's mouth comically seals itself as it follows Dokja's [Command Rights]. Dokja smiles ominously and tells him to keep fighting without thinking of ever laying a finger on Dokja's party members, while said members watch in surprise—except for the still-napping Heewon.
{Excuse me… Dokja-nim?} Bihyung begins, Dokja allowing him to continue.
{You…you've been aiming for Gong Pildu from the beginning haven't you? Scary… Are you even human…? Just who did I sign with?} Bihyung messages, still unable to keep his jaw off the floor. Dokja just shrugs smugly in response.
Dokja's actions are commented on by the constellations as well—Secretive Plotter is intrigued by them, the Prisoner of Golden Headband is shocked, and the Abyssal Black Flame Dragon is annoyed.
Dokja then tells the rest of the group that he needs to leave, and vaguely explains that it's because of Joonghyuk trying to get all the items. As he passes Heewon, she wakes up, rubbing her eyes sleepily as she asks where he's going.
"I'm going to smack the back of his head," Dokja announces before the screen fades to black.
Yoo Mia laughed as soon as the Kim Dokja on screen told Gong Pildu to shut up, and actually smiled. "Good one, ugly ahjussi. He was getting annoying."
Well, she was right, so Kim Dokja just laughed a bit as well.
[The constellation 'Abyssal Black Flame Dragon' laughs at the incarnation 'Gong Pildu'.]
Yoo Sangah just sighed. "I'm glad we had those potions to help him, but it was really hard to watch as he had to struggle for that long…"
Even when taking shifts, it was probably really boring, too.
"Sorry, I had to leave behind people who were responsible while I took a smaller group to the dungeon," Kim Dokja apologized. The situation had been too urgent to explain more at the time.
"Okay, but that's not the important part," Han Sooyoung remarked suddenly, shooting a grin in Yoo Joonghyuk's direction. "Did you actually hit him?"
Well… Kim Dokja had no idea how much the protagonist remembered, but this probably wasn't going to go over too well. He felt himself pale at her question and only subtly nodded once. She let out a loud guffaw, and Kim Dokja didn't want to look back at Yoo Joonghyuk to see his expression.
Suddenly, all they can see on the screen is foggy darkness that slowly clears, revealing Joonghyuk facing away from the camera as his hair and jacket sway thanks to an unknown breeze.
... In the midst of the splitting headache, Yoo Joonghyuk has lost his mind.
「I'll give up this life.」
The scene circles around to show his face, his eyes hollow and empty as a haunted look mars his impeccable features. Uncharacteristically, he has slight eye bags, but they enhance his features in a way that makes him look fragile, rather than overly haggard. He looks like a man who has fallen into a pit of despair without any way of saving himself from it.
「My next life… I'll surely in the next life....」
That was Yoo Joonghyuk's 8th life.
The screen changes to a phone held in Dokja's hands, showing the previous scene in text form.
No way.
'I don't think so. I don't think it's gonna be like this yet,' Dokja thinks, stress apparent on his face as crouches over his phone like a gremlin. 'Damn it, why is this guy who's only in his 3rd regression doing this now!'
"My eighth regression…?" Yoo Joonghyuk whispered with wide eyes, sounding horrified. "I didn't even make it to the fourth main scenario?"
Kim Dokja grit his teeth and looked down, not sure what to say, but it seemed that was enough of an answer anyway. This was an awful thing to find out so suddenly, and in his peripheral vision, he could see Yoo Mia stiffen up and cling to her brother desperately.
"Master, you look so exhausted there," Lee Jihye muttered in horror as she took in his appearance.
The Yoo Joonghyuk of the 8th round had simply given up on life when it had begun to overwhelm him too much once he was controlled by the Theatre Master, and Kim Dokja couldn't help but remember his own despair when he had read it for the first time. He remembered writing a lengthy comment about how it wasn't fair, and how Joonghyuk-ie deserved better.
Jung Heewon clenched her fist. "Damn it, was that how you felt that entire time before we got there?"
Yoo Joonghyuk didn't flinch, but his silence was telling. Jung Heewon swore.
"Listen, I may not like you much," she admitted begrudgingly, "but I am glad that we got you out of there."
Though the protagonist would likely never admit it, Kim Dokja knew that he was probably thankful as well. His regression depression was no joke, and it had driven him to regress on more than one occasion.
[The constellation 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' is showing some concern for the incarnation 'Yoo Joonghyuk'.]
In the middle of Dokja's worry, Heewon asks what he's doing so intensely. Instead of being honest, he lies horribly that he's checking the calendar. Heewon, naturally, doesn't believe him, but she moves on to asking about what 'bad guy' they're going to confront and if it's alright to split the party.
I left Lee Hyunsung and Yoo Sangah to keep an eye on Gong Pildu. He can stop all the monsters, so it should be safer that way.
Dokja had given instructions to Sangah and Hyunsung about the potion distribution, so he isn't worried about them. Right now, Dokja thinks he's more worried about the scenario than Pildu. His thoughts are interrupted when Jihye runs up to them and asks what they're doing. Rather than answering, Dokja tells her to come along.
"Yoo Joonghyuk is in danger," Dokja tells her when she asks where they're going.
In total, Yoo Joonghyuk attacked Chungmuro's 'Hidden Dungeon' a total of eight times. He succeeded six times and failed twice. The rounds in which he failed were the 8th and the 11th, which were the early ones, but now, Yoo Joonghyuk is in his 3rd regression.
Dokja begins questioning Jihye about whether Joonghyuk went to the Hidden Dungeon or not, and if it's been eleven hours since he entered. Both questions are met with failed attempts at evasion by Jihye, which just tells him that his instincts are likely correct.
If my prediction is correct, our damn regressor right now…
The party, now including Jihye, stops in front of exit one.
He would be on the 'Sunfish Route'.
Looking up at the sign, Dokja frowns and prepares himself for what's to come. "Yoo Joonghyuk will die today."
"Don't you dare give up, oppa," Yoo Mia pleaded in a shaky voice. "You can't. Promise me you won't!"
Yoo Joonghyuk looked down, his hand tightly clasped around his sister's. He seemed conflicted, especially since he had gone into the dungeon with confidence. Kim Dokja knew what he must be thinking—that the end of his novel self's 8th regression might have been his fate once again if Kim Dokja and the others hadn't come for him when they did.
Still, everyone knew that Yoo Joonghyuk couldn't make that kind of promise—himself most of all. He had suffered more than anyone else in this world, and would continue to do so for tens of thousands of years and nearly two thousand lifetimes. Yoo Joonghyuk's story was a tragedy in which he persevered and gave up and failed and made progress little by little with every new chapter.
Kim Dokja knew that a character like Yoo Joonghyuk was quite possibly the definition of "doomed by the narrative", but he couldn't help but hold onto the hope that someday the protagonist would succeed.
[The constellation 'Secretive Plotter' is feeling mournful.]
Kim Dokja took a deep breath and decided to speak up. "I'll make sure he doesn't."
[The constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' is squealing.]
[The constellation 'Secretive Plotter' is shocked into silence.]
Yoo Joonghyuk's eyes went wide and he looked at Kim Dokja in utter bewilderment. Kim Dokja returned his stare, trying to convey his conviction with his gaze alone. For a moment, Kim Dokja felt as though the room had vanished and they were the only two beings left in existence, floating in the void of space. Nothing mattered other than Yoo Joonghyuk and the expression of shock that only made him look even more handsome than before.
When Kim Dokja allowed his next words to spill from his lips, he instantly knew that this was something he could never lie about.
"I promise, I'll get everyone to the end of the scenarios, no matter what it takes."