[the constellation 'abyssal black flame dragon' is reminding the incarnations that a battle royale will be easier and more fun.]
Absolutely not. The logistics of organizing something like that aside, they'd need all their strength and energy to fend off the next wave of monsters. Kim Dokja was just going to ignore the dragon for a while and focus on strategizing for what was to come.
A map is shown with Gangbuk circled on it as Jiwon explains that it's the location of the Salvation Church's heavily guarded stronghold. When she worries about the logistics of sneaking in, Dokja explains that the Salvation Church will come to them instead, confusing Jiwon since she can't find any logical explanation for that happening. Dokja explains that logical thought is exactly the flaw in her thinking.
But Nirvana wasn't someone who was logical.
In front of a statue of Buddha, Nirvana sits in a Burmese meditation pose, the air crackling with probability around them. The scene zooms in abruptly as they open their eyes, determination apparent as sweat beads drip down their brow.
The monsters are coming from the outskirts of Seoul. The gate is probably being created from there, and the grade of the monsters will dramatically increase every four hours. In other words, there's a maximum of eight hours left.
A cinematic shot follows the next wave of monsters, which look about four to five stories tall, back to their source. The view twists between their legs, next to their swinging tail as it destroys a building, and near their faces as they let out bloodcurdling roars. Finally, the shot takes a full aerial view, showing all of Seoul before rapidly descending to where Dokja stands.
"Ugh, that's going to be a trek," Jung Heewon groaned in annoyance. Kim Dokja had to agree.
Knowing himself, he'd likely try to gather as many people as possible into a smaller and more easily defended area, like Gwanghwamun. Unfortunately, to get from Gwanghwamun to Gangbuk, they'd have to walk north for a few hours. Naturally, that wouldn't be ideal whatsoever, so Kim Dokja started formulating what he believed would be the most likely plan that his future self would go with.
[the constellation 'secretive plotter' is wondering how the incarnation 'kim dokja' plans to draw out the incarnation 'nirvana moebius'.]
"I agree that they're not logical, but what the fuck are you even planning to do?" Han Sooyoung wondered, narrowing her eyes suspiciously in Kim Dokja's direction.
Kim Dokja shrugged nonchalantly. "Nirvana doesn't work on our logic, at least, but even they have things that they'll pay attention to. The key is knowing what those things are."
After thinking for a moment, Lee Gilyoung looked up at Kim Dokja eagerly. "Hyung, are you going to scam them?"
All Kim Dokja could do was pat his head. 'Scam' might not be quite the right word, but he was definitely going to make an offer that the reincarnator couldn't refuse. After all, Kim Dokja currently had the thing that Nirvana wanted the most.
[the constellation 'prisoner of the golden headband' is glaring at the incarnation 'nirvana moebius'.]
In a display of slightly uncharacteristic childishness, Yoo Mia scrunched up her nose and then stuck her tongue out at Nirvana. Clearly, she was not impressed by their appearance on the screen at all.
Thankfully, the scene changed pretty quickly, but Yoo Sangah looked nervous when Kim Dokja mentioned that they really only had eight hours left before the monsters got too strong to handle. "Dokja-ssi, do you really think that we'll be able to clear this scenario before then?"
"We'll have to," Kim Dokja replied. "At least, if we want to clear the scenario with the second method, that is."
"You don't mean…" Lee Hyunsung gasped, wide-eyed and horrified.
Shrugging, Kim Dokja stated the obvious. "If the monsters get too strong, they'll end up killing enough people to clear the scenario with the first condition anyway."
"Well, that is true," Lee Hyunsung mused quietly, "but we don't want that to happen, so we have to make sure we defeat Nirvana before then!"
[the constellation 'master of steel' is encouraging his incarnation.]
With a serious expression, Dokja thinks that he must make Nirvana come out and fight Joonghyuk within that time frame. Dokja calls out using dokkaebi communication and gets Youngki, since Bihyung is apparently a bit busy. When Dokja asks about purchasing some random boxes, Youngki seems hesitant to let him buy them—they're expensive, and have terrible chances—and he seems to worry about Dokja's wellbeing as a result. Ignoring the dokkaebi's concern, Dokja catches the boxes as they fall from the air above him.
The New Scenario Special Random Box. It's a loot box that has an extremely low probability of giving SSS-Grade weapons and skills. These pushover-exclusive items were designed by the dokkaebis to scam the simple-minded constellations.
As Gilyoung asks about the boxes, Dokja side-eyes Jihye, who has sauntered over upon seeing them. Holding up a box, Dokja calls out in Joonghyuk's general direction for people to come and grab a box as a morale boost. A few Korean constellations send messages expressing their disappointment in Dokja's actions, and Jiwon's sponsor comments about donating if he has extra coins. Though Jiwon is embarrassed by this, Dokja offers to give her a box too.
[the constellation 'queen of the darkest spring' is expressing her support for the incarnation 'kim dokja'.]
He appreciated it, and at the very least, just mentioning Yoo Joonghyuk would be enough to get Nirvana's attention. Whether they came or not would depend on the rest of the offer.
"Random boxes? Dokja-ssi, are you sure that's a good idea?" Yoo Sangah wondered, likely remembering those same tactics from games at Minosoft. "The dokkaebi even admitted that the chances are bad, so they must be truly awful."
[a few constellations are wondering why the incarnation 'kim dokja' is so eager to waste his coins.]
"It's probably for a morale boost," Kim Dokja admitted. "Isn't it nice to get stuff every once in a while?"
Han Sooyoung sighed. "Damn, I could have made you pay for one for me too, if I was there."
But she wasn't there, so she was out of luck.
Of course, Kim Dokja really didn't expect anyone to get anything particularly good, but hopefully they'd get some minorly useful stuff anyway.
[the constellation 'lady of the sleeping brocade' is flustered by her comments.]
[the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is praising the generosity of the incarnation 'kim dokja'.]
When asked if he's really just giving them away for free, he graciously explains that they may keep any main item that comes out of the box in exchange for giving support consumables to him. Internally, Dokja thinks that he originally intended to sell them, but decided that it would be better to give them to the people he has some connection to since their power increasing would be a good thing.
Jihye immediately looks over the moon at this while Jiwon just looks stunned. Excitedly, Gilyoung asks what he should do if he gets an SSS-Grade item. Like a war torn veteran, Pildu destroys this optimism by bringing up how it's likely less than a 0.00001 percent chance of such an item dropping, seeming quite familiar with these types of gimmicks.
When Joonghyuk grabs a box, it immediately catches Dokja's attention. Joonghyuk asks if his plan is to beat Nirvana with the aid of the consumables, when Dokja confirms as such, he scoffs and calls the plan pathetic. Dokja's eye twitches as he watches the protagonist walk off with the box still in hand. Behind him, Seolhwa gives Dokja a bow in thanks as she also takes a box.
"Ooh are you serious, ahjussi?" Lee Jihye asked eagerly, her eyes shining with excitement. "What if I get some kind of super awesome kickass item, huh?"
"Then it's yours," Kim Dokja replied with a smile. The girl cheered, clearly not realizing that the chance of that was so far beyond miniscule. Well, she'd learn eventually.
[several constellations are scoffing at the incarnation 'kim dokja'.]
"Wow, I knew the chances were bad, but that's just awful," Jung Heewon deadpanned. The chances really were awful, but that's the only way that they could get away with putting items that good into the loot table. The Bureau would go bankrupt if they were passing out SSS-Grade items like candy, after all.
"Pildu-ahjussi sounds like he knows this really well," Shin Yoosung whispered with a slight giggle. Honestly, Kim Dokja had to wonder if the guy had ever gambled before, or if he was secretly addicted to gacha games. It would be a little bit funny if the latter were true.
Kim Dokja's eyebrows raised as the protagonist grabbed a box too, despite his insult.
"Aww, Joonghyuk-ah, you could have just said that you wanted a box," Kim Dokja teased with a good-natured laugh.
The protagonist sighed and rolled his eyes. "Consumables won't do anything."
That was true, but they could still be useful. As his lips stretched into a grin, Kim Dokja looked at him again. "Don't worry, my plan definitely doesn't hinge on stuff like that."
He had a pretty distinct feeling that the protagonist wouldn't be too thrilled by what he'd end up getting dragged into, but whatever. That was future Kim Dokja's problem for now.
"Thank you for a box as well, Dokja-ssi," Lee Seolhwa said with a gentle tone. She just seemed glad to have been included, and it was nice to see her actually interacting more with them.
[the constellation 'lily blooming in aquarius' is wishing the incarnations luck.]
Feeling a gaze from below, he looks down into Yoosung's eager eyes and gives her two boxes due to her being his incarnation. Looking at her sparkling eyes locked on the item boxes, Dokja sadly thinks that this is likely the first 'present' she's ever received and that he should treat her better. Still, Dokja wonders if it was the right choice to take care of her, and worries that she'll be unhappy because of him. Ultimately, Dokja decides that he shouldn't worry about it for now, and reaffirms that he'll do his best to protect her.
After she runs over to join the others with their boxes, Dokja tells everyone to open them. As the boxes open in a flourish, Jihye's face drops at the E quality boots that appear while Pildu looks like he expected his. Beside him, Gilyoung seems to have learned to embrace the zen. Dokja looks around sighing as he notes that most have gotten E grade items. Suddenly, a bright flash appears from one of Yoosung's boxes. From inside, a glowing golden fruit appears, gaining the awe of the others surrounding her except for Gilyoung who is still frozen in shock. From behind Dokja, Joonghyuk even decides to comment on his surprise, saying that she hit the jackpot.
SSS-Grade item,
"Thank you, ahjussi!" Shin Yoosung said happily as she gave him a hug and snuggled in closer to him. "You're the best sponsor ever."
Kim Dokja gently ruffled her hair while smiling down at her. "It's no trouble at all."
Lee Gilyoung, on the other hand, looked upset for a moment before scowling. "It's just another box, what's the big deal?"
"You're just jealous that you didn't get another one," Shin Yoosung huffed in return, looking rather smug about the whole thing.
Lee Gilyoung gasped in offense. "No I'm not!"
Yoo Mia frowned deeply and looked at the ground. "At least you got a stupid box…"
[a constellation who likes children is reminding the incarnation 'kim dokja' to treat the children equally.]
"I'm sure that Dokja-ssi will make sure that everyone gets the same number of boxes if this happens in our future," Yoo Sangah said with a smile, looking at all three of the children. Then, her gaze sharpened and her smile turned a bit more threatening as she looked at Kim Dokja. "Isn't that right?"
No, not the HR smile—
"Yep, that's right," Kim Dokja replied quickly, mentally hoping that she'd put that smile away as soon as possible. Yoo Sangah was scary when she wanted to be. At least she seemed satisfied enough with his response, and gave him a quick approving nod.
Yoo Mia's eyes widened and she looked at Kim Dokja in bewilderment. "I'll get one too?"
"Of course you will," Kim Dokja replied, quickly glancing at her brother to make sure he was okay with it. For some reason, Yoo Joonghyuk looked rather satisfied by the whole thing, but maybe he was just relieved that Yoo Mia was finally interacting with and getting close to others.
[a constellation who likes gambling is eagerly awaiting the result of the random boxes.]
[the constellation 'abyssal black flame dragon' is hoping for some excitement.]
As expected, most people got absolute trash. At least the consumables would be useful, but it was pretty amusing seeing Lee Jihye's jaw drop as she got a pair of boots.
"I don't need those!" she yelped, looking extremely dismayed by that.
Lee Hyunsung, however, looked at her sternly. "You never know when you'll need new boots! Proper footwear is always important, after all!"
Good old Lee Hyunsung, always practical.
Letting out a huff, Lee Jihye rolled her eyes. "Where am I even going to put them? I guess they'll work as backup shoes, but they're so lame."
"So basically, everyone got shit," Han Sooyoung sighed. "Maybe I don't want one of those stupid boxes."
But then, Shin Yoosung opened her box, and the screen was filled with golden light.
[many constellations are shocked by this turn of events.]
[the constellation 'secretive plotter' is flabbergasted.]
"What!?" Lee Gilyoung shrieked, sounding far more panicked than expected. "How did she…? Why!?"
Kim Dokja couldn't even respond to him, too shocked to speak. Shin Yoosung had to have legendary luck somehow, there was no other explanation.
"Well, shit," Han Sooyoung muttered quietly. "Someone actually got something good."
"Congrats!" Jung Heewon exclaimed, shooting a smile at the girl. "I have no clue what that item is, but it looks pretty cool!"
Shin Yoosung's eyes were wide and excited, and she cheered as she saw what she got. "That's good, right?"
All he could do was nod silently, his mouth agape. How the hell did she manage to get the best possible item for her fighting style too!?
As Yoosung watches his expression nervously, Dokja mentally rants about how good her luck was since it's also a perfect item for her. Snapping out of his stupor, he explains how the fruit works and congratulates her.
If she uses this on a monster that can evolve beyond a 1st Grade, this turn's Shin Yoosung might be able to grow past the one in the 41st turn.
Sparkles still present, Yoosung looks between the fruit and Dokja for a moment before speaking up in an innocent tone. "Ahjussi, but this item… can it only be used on monsters?"
As both Dokja and Gilyoung look at her in concern, Dokja replies with a 'probably' before asking why she asked, but she flushes and avoids answering. Breaking the awkwardness, Jihye walks up with her boots held out to ask whether he handed out the boxes to lighten the mood. Dokja says that wasn't his intention, instead asking for all of the consumables to be passed over.
Gilyoung, practically drooling, asks if Yoosung could give the fruit to him in exchange for whichever number his current Titano is. Hearing the offer, Yoosung's face scrunches in disgust as she hugs the fruit closer and declares that she hates insects.
[the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is congratulating the incarnation 'shin yoosung'.]
The young girl only looked more excited as the future Kim Dokja explained how it worked.
"That really is perfect for you," Yoo Sangah remarked, smiling widely at her. Shin Yoosung just beamed back.
"I promise I'll get stronger than the other me!" she declared, looking far more confident than ever before. "Ahjussi, what are the coolest monsters I could tame with it?"
Coolest, huh? There were quite a lot of cool monsters in TWSA…
[a few constellations are wondering about the intentions of the incarnation 'shin yoosung'.]
Huh? What was she even thinking of taming in the future?
Han Sooyoung scoffed. "Don't waste something that valuable on a rat."
What rat? There definitely weren't any rats around.
Well, whatever, it wasn't his problem. He trusted that Shin Yoosung would find something worth using it on eventually.
[a constellation who likes grasshoppers is frowning at the incarnation 'lee gilyoung'.]
The boy scowled at the message. "Don't look at me like that… if I get the fruit, I can get an even better Titano!"
"I'm not giving it to you," Shin Yoosung scoffed. "It's mine."
[the constellation 'queen of the darkest spring' is reminding the children not to fight.]
Soon a collection of multicoloured loudspeakers appear in front of Dokja, with each colour representing a different range. Upon seeing them, Joonghyuk is able to guess part of Dokja's plan but doesn't think it will work and that taunting Nirvana won't be enough to draw them out. With a scammer grin, Dokja declares that it depends on what's said to them.
Nirvana's stigma, [Succession], consumes a considerable amount of plausibility upon usage. Due to that fact, if they don't offer the 'fables' that they accumulated through reincarnations to the constellations and receive plausibility from them, they're unable to use it.
As Dokja narrates, the glowing interior of the temple appears on the screen as Nirvana sweats heavily, their eyes closed. When they open their eyes, they quickly roll back as a large bolt of plausibility hits them and a message declares that they've succeeded a new skill.
[the constellation 'prisoner of the golden headband' is scratching his head in confusion.]
Ah, so that's what he was going to do. Just like his future self, Kim Dokja's grin spread across his lips.
"You seem confident," Yoo Joonghyuk remarked, which was interesting considering how doubtful his future self was.
"Of course I am," Kim Dokja replied with a slight laugh, "I know exactly what to say to get Nirvana to show up."
[the constellation 'abyssal black flame dragon' is hoping that the incarnation 'kim dokja' uses some creative insults.]
[a few constellations are looking forward to an amusing development.]
"That sounds like a steep price for a skill," Lee Seolhwa observed as the screen once again focused on Nirvana, who was in the process of succeeding a skill.
It was, especially considering how valuable fables were in this world. Kim Dokja couldn't imagine sacrificing any of his at the moment; he needed all of them for what he was planning. Maybe far in the future he'd be able to let go of some lesser ones, but he'd have to see what stories he'd manage to accumulate in the meantime.
[the constellation 'secretive plotter' is narrowing his eyes.]
In exhaustion, they collapse slightly, only holding themselves up by thrusting an arm out for support. Clutching their chest, they lament that they've lost too many fables from overexerting themself. Taking a deep breath, they recite a mantra of not dwelling in the past while standing up, pushing their bangs back. Their face is calm and their eyes are devoid of light as they look to the door in the dark, moving towards it and descending a set of stairs.
Reaching the bottom, they state that they've kept someone waiting, the scene rising to show both Sookyung and Sangah sitting at a table. Although Sookyung reacts to their voice, turning to look in their direction, Sangah's head stays drooped forwards.
"Then shall we begin today's session?" Nirvana asks, not bothering to put on any airs. Sookyung doesn't respond, only frowning almost imperceptibly. Across from her, Sangah's eyes are wide, and the bright glow of the lotus on her forehead illuminates her haunted expression.
As Nirvana suffered from the aftermath of succeeding a skill, Kim Dokja narrowed his eyes at the screen. He wasn't sure what kind of skill they had succeeded, but it looked like it was a powerful one, considering their comment about losing too many fables.
"Ahjussi, do you think they tried to get something to counter your skill?" Yoo Mia asked suddenly, and Kim Dokja had to pause and think for a moment. Honestly, that would make sense.
"Probably," he admitted with a shrug. He wouldn't worry too much about it, though—it's not like he'd be Nirvana's opponent anyway.
[the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is reminding the incarnations to be prepared for anything.]
They would do their best. All they could do was prepare for the fight ahead and hope it went according to plan.
"What, do they have a super secret lair in the basement of a temple or something?" Lee Jihye wondered, looking somewhat unimpressed. However, the second the door to the room opened, Kim Dokja felt terror strike him down to his soul.
[the constellation 'lover of the abandoned labyrinth' is enraged.]
[many constellations are displeased by the actions of the incarnation 'nirvana moebius'.]
Yoo Sangah froze, her eyes wide in fear, as she stared at herself on the screen. She wasn't moving or responding to Nirvana entering the room, and Kim Dokja honestly couldn't be sure that she was even okay.
At least she seemed okay—
No, she was good at pretending, even when she wasn't okay. Kim Dokja knew that better than anyone—he had grown up watching that behaviour and learning to emulate it, thinking that was normal. That was just what people did to survive.
She let out a deep breath, but she said nothing, only staring intently at the screen instead.
"Today's session…?" Han Sooyoung spat out, speaking when no one else could find the words. "How many fucking days has this been going on?"
[many constellations are extremely suspicious of the intentions of the incarnation 'nirvana moebius'.]
[the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is extremely worried for the safety of the incarnation 'yoo sangah'.]
Fuck. Fuck.
Kim Dokja didn't even know what Nirvana was trying to do anymore. Yoo Sangah was trapped by [Thought Infection], and she was also being kept in this place for some unknown reason. What was going on, and how long had they been in this situation? Was there even anything he could do to prevent or solve this problem?
He glanced over at Yoo Sangah, who was trembling and looked horrified at the sight. He didn't want to have to fight her too, not after fighting Jung Heewon. Yoo Sangah was the incarnation of an entire nebula, after all, and that meant that she was probably the most versatile member of their group. Countering her would be extremely difficult, and there was the added problem that if she was using her stigmas recklessly while out of her mind, she'd end up paying her lifespan as the price.
Though Kim Dokja hated to admit it, he was genuinely scared.