"Hyung, you looked so cool up there," Lee Gilyoung said excitedly, tugging on Kim Dokja's sleeve as he did.
He grinned in return, messing up the kid's hair a bit. "Thanks, Gilyoung-ah."
Shin Yoosung shot a glare at the other boy before looking up at Kim Dokja with wide and pleading eyes. "Ahjussi, we're almost at the present, and that means we'll get to leave, right?"
"Well, I don't see why not," Kim Dokja replied with a shrug. "It's not like there's anything else to show after that point."
Considering they were all stuck here, the absolute worst case scenario was it looping and suddenly making them watch their own humiliating arguments and responses. Actually, Kim Dokja desperately hoped that he hadn't just imagined that into existence. That would be awful.
Dokja calls upon the 'Stars of the Big Dipper'—the Wolf of Greed, The Great Gate, The Blessing, The Literate Turn, The Clean and Pure, and The Military Turn. As he names each Star, they light up in the sky and a line connects them.
[What were you thinking? You called for us all at once. Your soul will be reduced to shreds. Why did you call us? I wonder why you didn't choose the easy way. Do you have what it takes to tread a path of thorns?] The Stars reply to Dokja's call, and each sentence is spoken in a different voice.
Dokja chokes out a pained gasp as blood spurts from his mouth and nose, the toll of calling upon so many constellations beginning to take effect. Dokja staggers and struggles to stay standing, but he manages to stabilize himself as he wipes the blood from his face.
"Reduced to shreds!?" Lee Jihye yelped, looking at Kim Dokja anxiously. "Ahjussi, why would you take a risk like that!?"
Kim Dokja smiled cryptically. "I had a plan, don't worry."
Jung Heewon glared at him somewhat and Kim Dokja pretended that he didn't just shiver. "Sorry if we don't consider that very reassuring."
Okay, fair. He couldn't blame her for trusting him a bit less after the dragon incident.
[many constellations are surprised by the fortitude of the incarnation 'kim dokja'.]
Yoo Joonghyuk's expression darkened as he watched Kim Dokja struggle on the screen.
"You fool," he muttered under his breath, but Kim Dokja wasn't sure what the protagonist actually meant by that. This was the only way to succeed, after all.
The kids grasped onto him tightly and he decided to shake his head and focus on them instead of on Yoo Joonghyuk for the moment. He could figure out what the protagonist was thinking later.
Though his hands tremble, Dokja looks down at the exhausted
The jar gleams gold as the ring vanishes, and Dokja pays little mind to the chaotic fight happening below the throne. Instead, he stands and stares at the sky. With the newly regenerated item, Dokja calls for the last star—the Broken Army. The line joins the final star as it brightens, displaying the entire constellation in Seoul's night sky.
[What do you want from us?] The seven voices ask in unison.
"I want to cut off the 'link' between the throne and its owner," Dokja requests. "Please lend me your sword."
As he kneels before the stars gleaming from high above, Dokja confirms that he knows what this request entails.
A reward at the very end of the Fourth Scenario, the 'Absolute Throne'. An item that borrows power from a deity that roams the dark dimension—an 'Outer God'.
[the constellation 'prisoner of the golden headband' is tearing out his hair in shock.]
"Dokja-ssi, what would you have done if you didn't have the
With a sigh, he grimaced and looked back at her. "If I wasn't able to find any other high-level artifacts to sacrifice before getting to the throne, then my only other option would have been to sacrifice
[a constellation who likes swords is appalled.]
Yeah, so was he. After all the work and trouble he had gone through to get the damn thing in the first place, it was a last-ditch plan if he had literally no other options. At the very least, he could guarantee that he would have something with a high enough level to recharge the
Of course, if he hadn't had to use it to recreate the battle of Hwangsanbeol, then he would have had the perfect amount of uses in the first place. What wouldn't he give for a plan to not go sideways in some way for once?
[many constellations are speechless at the idea of cutting a constellation link.]
"You can do that?" Lee Hyunsung asked in shock, and Kim Dokja could only nod at him.
"Does that work with the link between sponsor and incarnation too?" Yoo Mia asked suddenly, a serious expression on her face. What could she be… oh. Oh.
Kim Dokja narrowed his eyes as he looked down at the little girl. "Are you asking if I can use the sword to break your brother's link with his sponsor?"
"If that's broken, then he won't have to regress anymore, right?"
Yoo Joonghyuk's eyes widened and he looked at his sister in shock, clearly never having expected her to suggest such a thing. To be fair, Kim Dokja hadn't even thought of it either, but it was a potential solution.
[the constellation 'secretive plotter' is shaking his head.]
Kim Dokja eyed the indirect message for a moment. "You don't think it will work?"
[the constellation 'secretive plotter' does not believe that the incarnation 'kim dokja' has sufficient probability to even attempt such a thing.]
Well, that was true. If the link truly was with an entire nebula or an extremely powerful constellation, it would require exponentially more power than he possessed to even be able to attempt it. Of course, there was a chance that he could recruit some of the constellations who were fond of Yoo Joonghyuk to donate some of their probability, but now was definitely not the time to try that.
Yoo Mia's shoulders slumped. "Oh…"
Kim Dokja took a chance and put a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Hey, just because it's not something we can try now doesn't mean that we can't come back to the idea later. It's actually a really good one."
Yoo Joonghyuk nodded at him once, as though acknowledging Kim Dokja's efforts to comfort his sister. Maybe that was approval from him, in a way. Still, Yoo Mia looked like she was tearing up for a moment before she took a deep breath, wiped any potential tears away, and looked up at Kim Dokja with confidence.
"Well, we wouldn't want the ugly ahjussi to explode, so later is fine."
He could tell that she was trying to stay strong, so Kim Dokja would let that go for now.
Han Sooyoung narrowed her eyes. "An 'Outer God'?"
"Think eldritch horrors and you're most of the way there," Kim Dokja replied. They were so varied that it was difficult to explain the concept, and even he wasn't entirely certain of their origins. They had always remained more of a mystery than anything else in TWSA, after all.
[many constellations feel hostility towards the 'outer gods'.]
Dokja mentally explains that while it would be easier in the short term to use the 'Absolute Throne' to neutralize enemies and even control the regressor, it would lead to the world's destruction. There is always a price to be paid for power, and the throne is no exception.
The stars state that most constellations are reluctant to face the creator of the throne, questioning if Dokja truly wishes to confront them. Dokja states that he simply wants to sever the link between the item and the owner, and that he doesn't want to start a fight.
As Dokja wipes more blood off his face, bent over in exhaustion, the stars tell him one more thing: [You cannot handle the probability. You will die because of it.]
"That's my decision to make," Dokja states weakly as he carefully gets to his feet. One by one, the designs of the constellations engraved upon the blade begin gleaming as the
[We respect your decision. Although you may perish here, we will remember you,] the stars state with finality. Astonished by this sight, the fighting below ceases as the incarnations look at Dokja in awe and surprise.
"Just how powerful is that Outer God?" Han Sooyoung muttered under her breath.
Kim Dokja wasn't sure which one it was specifically, but considering the constellations were reluctant to face it, it had to be a higher-ranked one. "It's hard to say, but from what I remember, some Outer Gods were so powerful that they could single handedly destroy an entire world."
He clearly remembered the feeling of Yoo Joonghyuk's desperation that bled through the pages as he desperately tried to save his teacher before her world was consumed by an Outer God. The sheer horror and grief the protagonist had felt when he had failed had devastated Kim Dokja, and he had mourned her alongside her disciple.
"Ahjussi didn't die," Shin Yoosung muttered to herself as she curled up closer to his body. "Ahjussi is still alive."
At the very least, that was a reassurance that they could have. He had survived this, after all.
[the constellation 'maritime war god' is admiring the willpower of the incarnation 'kim dokja'.]
[the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is very impressed by the flaming blade.]
Yoo Joonghyuk looked at Kim Dokja intently. "You took a large risk."
"I did," Kim Dokja confirmed, "but who if not me? I knew what I was getting into."
Was the protagonist worried? He was alive and well, as everyone could see. They stared at each other for a moment before Yoo Joonghyuk muttered something under his breath—probably 'fool' or some other insult—and turned back to the screen.
The
Dokja turns the blade downwards with a determined expression on his face, using his entire body weight to help him thrust it into the throne itself.
Many people must think that becoming 'King' by using 'Absolute Throne' would make it easier to complete the remaining scenario...
More people try to break through the line of defense as Dokja's attack on the throne continues in a rushed attempt to stop him. They yell and curse as Heewon and the others do their best to fend them off. Knowing they can't hold everyone back forever, Heewon yells at him to hurry.
But such a naive way of thinking will never lead to the right ending.
Dokja slices at the 'Throne' over and over before switching to stabbing it once more. With every strike, the flames from the impact grow larger and the noise of clanging metal grows ever-louder.
I don't care what others think. The 'story' I want to tell is…
"Go ahjussi!" Lee Jihye cheered, rallying the other kids to cheer with her. Surprisingly, Yoo Mia even joined, and Kim Dokja felt his heart warm at seeing all four of them team up like that. He smiled down at them like a proud parent, and even allowed himself to bask in that feeling for a moment before shaking it off.
Even if Lee Gilyoung and Shin Yoosung maybe thought of him that way, Lee Jihye had only said something like that as a joke, and Yoo Mia was out of the question. They weren't his kids, and he was completely unfit to be a parent anyway.
[the constellation 'abyssal black flame dragon' admits that the incarnation 'kim dokja' can be cool sometimes.]
"I didn't have the time to appreciate it in the moment, but that really does look cool," Jung Heewon admitted. It made sense, considering she had been busy fighting at the time. Lee Hyunsung nodded along with her, eager to agree. Of course, he hadn't even been there, but Lee Hyunsung was also extremely easily impressed.
Still, that helped Kim Dokja feel a bit better about the impending storm.
A small crack forms at the center of the back of the throne, slowly growing and spreading until it runs the entire length of the throne. With an impressive flash of light, the 'Absolute Throne' finally splits fully in two, destroyed and powerless. As Dokja lowers the blade, the flames dissipate and the constellation designs cease glowing.
[The protection cast on the constellation artifact 'The Absolute Throne' has been removed.]
As Dokja looks down upon the wreck of the 'Throne', now completely devoid of its original regal appearance and mesmerizing golden glow. Without the constellation's protection, and without all the extra showmanship, the former throne is revealed to be made of mere wood.
[The sub scenario has ended.]
All the incarnations stare at the wreckage in shock, now left without a goal for their fight. People wonder whether everything is over as the dokkaebi floats above them wordlessly.
[An 'Unknown God' has taken notice of this world's revolution.]
Yoo Sangah smiled widely. "Dokja-ssi, it's just as impressive seeing it again."
Flustered, Kim Dokja glanced down with a smile on his face. He wasn't used to getting this much recognition for… well, anything, really.
"Thanks, Sangah-ssi. I really appreciate everyone's help along the way too."
[the constellation 'secretive plotter' is applauding the incarnation 'kim dokja' for a job well done.]
Han Sooyoung scoffed. "It was made of wood the whole time instead of gold? What showy bullshit."
Wasn't that just the truth of everything in this world? It was made to look impressive when it wasn't all that underneath, and nothing was ever as good as it appeared to be. Neither were people, for that matter.
[several constellations are wary of the 'unknown god'.]
After watching for a moment in stunned silence, the dokkaebi throws away all pretences of politeness and begins screaming at Dokja. "Damn it! You insignificant worm!"
The stars, paying no mind to the raging 2-year-old of a dokkaebi, remind Dokja to brace for the incoming probability storm. He coughs and wipes more blood from his lips as he stumbles back, clutching at his chest.
'I'll be fine,' Dokja thinks. 'For something to be probable, things have to seem plausible. I've done everything I could to make things look probable.'
Despite that, however, Dokja jolts with an audible grunt as the probability storm hits. He falls to his knees, screaming in pain so intense that he feels like he's being torn apart. A dark aura and sparks of probability surround him as the world extracts its toll from his exhausted body.
[You didn't think you'd get out of this unscathed, did you?] the dokkaebi asks smugly, lording over Dokja as he adjusts his pretentious glasses.
With another strangled scream, Dokja violently coughs up more blood as Heewon and Sangah yell at him in worry.
"That dokkaebi is still acting like a toddler," Yoo Mia scoffed with a scowl.
Lee Gilyoung nodded rapidly. "Hyung, is there a way we can beat up a dokkaebi?"
Well… technically yes, but that wasn't a way that was accessible to anyone here at this point.
He didn't want to lie to the kid, but he also didn't want to get their hopes up. "Not right now."
All three kids drooped a bit, but at least they seemed reassured to know that it might be possible someday.
As soon as the probability storm hit, though, everyone tensed up.
Jung Heewon shuddered, and didn't brush off Lee Hyunsung's hand when he placed it on her shoulder to help comfort her. "Seeing that again… god that must have hurt."
It had. It had been one of the most painful things Kim Dokja had ever experienced, beat out only by the dragon. In certain ways though, this was worse. At the very least, he hadn't died, but the agony was prolonged.
[the constellation 'queen of the darkest spring' is looking at the incarnation 'kim dokja' with pity.]
The story I wanted to tell was…
Suddenly, other stars begin to light up in the sky as multiple Korean constellations turn to look at Dokja. The Maritime War God, the Bald Leader of the Peasant's Army, the Lady of the Sleeping Brocade, and a few others lend him some probability to help Dokja bear the price of the storm. The pain in his body begins to subside, and he can finally breathe again. Soon, the stars of the Big Dipper join them as well, further reducing the pain Dokja feels.
The dokkaebi looks furious, wondering why the constellations would help a mere incarnation they weren't even sponsoring.
[Is this the story you wanted to tell?] The Big Dipper asks. [We will watch over you, 'King of a Kingless World'.]
[The fourth main scenario has ended abruptly.]
"Thank goodness for the constellations," Yoo Sangah sighed in relief. Honestly, Kim Dokja agreed wholeheartedly.
Yoo Joonghyuk glanced over at Kim Dokja and looked him over, almost as though checking to make sure he was really okay. That was a bit weird and out of character, but the regressor was probably one of the only other people here who truly knew the danger of a large probability storm, so it made some sense.
[the constellations of the korean peninsula are smiling at the incarnation 'kim dokja'.]
They had been a massive help, and he felt obligated to send a small smile up at the ceiling.
"Thank you."
[the constellation 'bald leader of the peasant's army' is happily waving his stick.]
[the constellation 'maritime war god' is feeling proud of his allies.]
[the constellation 'lady of the sleeping brocade' is looking away with a flustered expression.]
[the constellation 'king heungmu the great' is looking at the incarnation 'kim dokja'.]
Dokja looks up with wide eyes and bloodstains on his face as the rain begins to fall once more.
[You have obtained an achievement that has never existed.]
[Your new 'Fable' has been created.]
[The Fable 'King of a Kingless World' has been born.]
Though Dokja is still kneeling on the dais and the rewards for the scenario will be delayed, he still feels victorious. The wet robe clings to his body as the raindrops trickle down his skin and wash away the blood on his face. He's exhausted and recovering from the probability storm, and though he looks nothing like a King in this state, Dokja's resolve is as strong as that of any monarch.
There is no 'next regression' for me. I will reach the end of the story in this world.
"King of a Kingless World," Lee Hyunsung muttered reverently. "That's so cool, Dokja-ssi!"
[The fable 'King of a kingless world' wishes to tell its story.]
Kim Dokja couldn't help the grin that spread across his face as his fable thrummed within him. This was only the first step of many, but he had done exactly what he wanted. Those constellations wouldn't have a clue what was coming their way.
"So, your Majesty, what now?" Jung Heewon asked teasingly, and Kim Dokja immediately jolted out of his thoughts to sigh.
"Seriously, Heewon-ssi? Please don't," Kim Dokja whined. "I can't handle that."
Suddenly, Lee Jihye piped up. "You know what I can't handle, ahjussi?"
Kim Dokja had a really bad feeling about this.
"That wet robe really clings, doesn't it?"
Shit.
[the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is nodding vehemently.]
[the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' believes that the incarnation 'yoo joonghyuk' should offer his coat.]
They were completely dry here! No coats needed! Besides, Yoo Joonghyuk's coat wasn't just any coat—it was an
[the constellation 'secretive plotter' scoffs at the idea of the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire'.]
[the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is warning the constellation 'secretive plotter' to stop interfering with the companionship.]
As Kim Dokja watched in exasperation as the two constellations lowered themselves to bickering through indirect messages for some reason (apparently Uriel thought that Secretive Plotter was trying to swoop in to do… something—she wasn't particularly clear on that part—which was utterly ridiculous), he completely missed the pensive look on Yoo Joonghyuk's face.
[the constellation 'abyssal black flame dragon' is getting irritated by this nonsense.]
"You and me both," Han Sooyoung, who very much did not miss that, muttered with a groan and a roll of her eyes.