As Kim Dokja waited to find out what Olympus wanted in exchange for offering a powerful fable like that, especially one that was completely disconnected from resurrection, he noticed that Yoo Sangah looked extremely apprehensive. She was a lot more knowledgeable about Greek myth than he was, probably helped by her connections with the nebula, and he had to wonder what was making her look like that.
[the constellation 'maritime war god' is hoping that the negotiations will stay amicable.]
Though he had no intentions of becoming Olympus' ally, Kim Dokja also knew that he wasn't anywhere near ready to stand against them either. He'd have to try and play things safe in the grey area for a while longer, but he wasn't sure how possible that'd be at this rate. It was worrying, especially since the constellations were seeing the same future that he was, and there was always the chance that they'd decide that he wasn't worth the risk of being kept alive. If the constellations decided they wanted him dead, it would be very hard to avoid that—even with his admittedly annoying attributes that allowed him to come back from the dead.
Oedipus explains that they're offering a completely different fable compared to the resurrection ones, making Dokja ask why they're offering it. The images change to show the night sky as lines form to create Oedipus' face before spiraling into a thread that passes through three hands as he states that he and the three goddesses of Fate have glimpsed Dokja's Fate.
… My Fate?
Oedipus gives no real explanation, only saying that Dokja will soon become eligible to succeed Zeus' story before joking about his own story, [The Blind Prophet] not being needed because Dokja is already known as a prophet. When Dokja stands, attempting to learn more about this 'Fate', Oedipus says, [The decision is yours. However, you will definitely come to need 'Olympus' one day.]
On that bewildering note, he leaves the room, letting Dokja soak in the endless questions he's gained from that interaction.
Though I don't exactly know what 'Fate' Oedipus was talking about, if the three goddesses of Fate are involved, then what they saw will surely happen to me in the future.
"All the others are offering a resurrection one because it'll get stronger after you resurrect, right?" Jung Heewon confirmed, glancing over at Kim Dokja with a frown on her face. "It makes no sense that they're trying to get you to accept this one, unless they don't have a resurrection story…?"
Olympus had many, in fact, though the resurrections in those cases were usually blessings from the divine. Maybe they were trying to stand out by offering something that Kim Dokja wouldn't expect?
However, as King Oedipus mentioned the Fates, Kim Dokja found himself narrowing his eyes. Why would they get themselves involved in this? They weren't the kind to take action very often, and rarely appeared in TWSA as a result.
[the constellation 'secretive plotter' is displeased with the actions of the nebula 'olympus'.]
Lee Jihye looked around awkwardly. "Is that sort of like fortune telling? Bori-ga and I used to go to saju cafes to get our fortunes read sometimes."
[the constellations of the nebula 'olympus' are scoffing at the insulting comparison of the incarnation 'lee jihye'.]
"It's nothing like that," Yoo Joonghyuk replied curtly. "Fate in the Star Stream is something inevitable."
"That doesn't sound pleasant," Lee Seolhwa remarked, and Yoo Joonghyuk nodded. Fate rarely was.
It was somewhat worrying though, especially when the King followed it up by saying that Kim Dokja would soon be eligible to succeed Zeus' story. That was never a good sign, considering all the things that he got up to in his myths. Frowning, Kim Dokja wracked his brain as he tried to recall just what the contents and conditions of [Carnival of Lightning] were.
He hoped it wasn't one of the sexual ones, but that didn't seem overly likely in the first place, thankfully. Suddenly, Kim Dokja's eyes widened. [Carnival of Lightning]... could that be the story of Zeus' ascension to King of the Greek gods? If it was, then the condition…
Kim Dokja's gaze darted over to her for a moment, and he got a sinking feeling in his stomach. That couldn't be right, but if it had been Fated, then he wouldn't have a choice.
[the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is huffing in irritation at the implication that the incarnation 'kim dokja' will need the nebula 'olympus'.]
At least Uriel's message helped to get his mind off of things, and Kim Dokja let out a sigh.
"Hyung, don't worry!" Lee Gilyoung exclaimed with a determined look on his face. "I'm gonna make sure you don't have to listen to any of those constellations!"
Kim Dokja laughed under his breath and smiled fondly as he ruffled the kid's hair. "Thanks, Gilyoung-ah."
It was a nice sentiment, but if his Fate had been read already, then his hand would absolutely be forced no matter what the outcome would be.
Shin Yoosung looked a bit irritated by Lee Gilyoung getting the attention, and leaned in closer to Kim Dokja. "At least that guy is leaving, right ahjussi?"
She was so cute, wasn't she? Kim Dokja ruffled her hair too, earning him a brilliant smile from the girl. "That's right. I'm probably going to have to sit through at least a few more, though."
The question was who would approach next.
[the constellation 'lily blooming in aquarius' is concerned about the 'fate' of the incarnation 'kim dokja'.]
As Dokja stands by the desk, feeling both nervous and slightly exasperated by the idea of Olympus' fables and the 'Fate' that will make him eligible to inherit some of them, he recalls what most of their fables involve. However, before he can get too distracted by that, a bubbly voice calls out a greeting.
Snapping out of it, he looks towards the slightly open door as white feathers drift in. Peeking around the door, a shy face with trembling green eyes slowly comes into view. Seeing who it is, Dokja smiles and tells Uriel that he expected the 'Master of the Ark' to come, and that he's a bit surprised that she came herself.
The constellation who had been with me from the moment the scenarios started. 'Demon-Like Judge of Fire', Uriel…!
Closing the door carefully, Uriel hesitantly asks if he's disappointed to see her, shifting nervously as she waits for his answer. Dokja, holding back his emotions at her adorableness, says that it's nice to see her.
Lee Hyunsung thought hard about things before he seemingly recalled Kim Dokja's conversation with Dionysus about what was and wasn't acceptable in Olympus, judging by the way that his face rapidly went pale. "Dokja-ssi… um… about the eligibility…"
"I don't think it's what you're guessing," Kim Dokja hurried to reassure him, because there was no way in hell he wanted anyone to guess for a second that he'd go and sleep with people because of a Fate. Sure, there were plenty of cautionary tales about trying to avoid Fate and bringing it on, but Kim Dokja would rather kill himself than experience some of Olympus' fables.
[the constellation 'abyssal black flame dragon' is confused but also doesn't care unless it involves bloodshed.]
[the constellation 'queen of the darkest spring' is reassuring the incarnation 'kim dokja' that 'carnival of lightning' is not that kind of story.]
At least there was that, but he couldn't think too much about it when the next constellation entered his room. It wasn't a voice that he recognized, but he didn't need to—not when her identity became blatantly clear only a second later. After dealing with King Oedipus—and Olympus, by extension—Uriel was someone that he could relax around, and Kim Dokja let out a sigh of relief.
"It's nice to see that I get to properly meet you in the future, Uriel," Kim Dokja said, sending a smile at the ceiling.
[the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is thrilled by this turn of events.]
[the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is cheerfully greeting the incarnation 'kim dokja'.]
"You're so cute," Jung Heewon laughed, clearly just as endeared by the archangel's apparent and uncharacteristic shyness. How was she so bold through indirect messages when she acted like this in person? Was it the same type of situation as what might have been happening with Sun Wukong?
[the constellation 'lily blooming in aquarius' is baffled by the behaviour of the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire'.]
Or maybe it was just because she was worried that Kim Dokja was disappointed to see her. He absolutely wasn't, especially because she had always supported him. Though he had no doubts that she'd try to sway him to Eden's side—an offer he'd inevitably have to refuse—she'd probably take rejection far better than anyone else.
Yoo Sangah smiled fondly. "She really is sweet…"
Kim Dokja nodded, and Yoo Joonghyuk looked oddly irritated for absolutely no reason. What was that guy's problem, huh? Was he upset that his little sister seemed to be looking almost eagerly at Uriel's wings?
"I want to touch them," Yoo Mia said quietly, and Shin Yoosung nodded seriously like she had said something absolutely groundbreaking. Kim Dokja couldn't blame them for it, either. It wasn't every day that you got to see someone with wings, after all, let alone an angel.
[the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is flustered by the compliments.]
As if receiving the greatest of compliments, the woman lights up immediately and her wings spread wide as she speeds across the room to tackle him into a hug while announcing that she wanted to see him. As she rubs her face on his chest like a fan who's gotten their favourite character as a plushie, he looks surprised before letting an easy smile cross his face as he replies in kind. He doesn't hug her back, though, because he realizes that she's wearing an open-back dress and doesn't feel like there's anywhere he can politely put his hands.
He then guesses that she's here to convince him to choose [Messiah's Path]. Seeming to just now remember the assigned reason she came, Uriel scrambles to stand straight—blushing as she holds her face in her hands—and states that she got distracted because of his good looks. Dokja seems amused and remarks that she's being quite persuasive with that compliment.
With gusto, she asks if he'll accept Eden's story, only for Dokja to say that he needs to think about it. Confused by his deflection, Uriel wonders why as she says that their story is the best. Dokja agrees, thinking that it's one of the best resurrection-type fables, but there's one problem…
"If I choose that fable, then I'm going to lose something precious."
Apparently, it took very little to cheer Uriel up, and Kim Dokja watched in bafflement as his future self got tackled into a hug by a very enthusiastic angel. That was not what he had expected her to do at all, and it was a bit awkward, if he was being honest.
[the constellation 'secretive plotter' is frowning at the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire'.]
Han Sooyoung snickered loudly, clearly amused by his baffled and somewhat uncomfortable expression, but Kim Dokja didn't understand what was so funny about it. Sure, he might be alright with the kids hugging him, even if he was still a bit stiff and awkward with them, but that didn't mean that he was in any way prepared for anyone else to do so. Genuinely, Kim Dokja couldn't remember the last time he had received a hug from someone before the kids had decided that they would attach themselves to him like koalas.
"Uriel, um, I'm happy that you're excited to see me, but I think you probably have more important things to do…?" Kim Dokja said weakly, hoping that it would help somewhat.
[the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is hiding her face in her hands.]
When Kim Dokja couldn't hug her back because he was trying to be polite, Lee Hyunsung looked at him with an expression of understanding and nodded solemnly. Clearly, that was also something that he'd do.
"Dokja-ssi is very considerate," Yoo Sangah said with a small laugh, which made his face redden as Jung Heewon shot him a teasing look as well.
[the constellation 'scribe of heaven' approves of the decorum of the incarnation 'kim dokja'.]
Thankfully for him, Uriel retreated as soon as she was reminded of why she was actually there, and Kim Dokja let out a breath of relief. [The Fourth Wall] was probably pulling its weight for his future self because he genuinely wasn't sure how he'd handle a sudden hug like that. It was impressive that his future self avoided flinching, really.
"Seriously, they're offering you a story like that?" Han Sooyoung scoffed. "Your shitty ego doesn't need to get any bigger. 'Messiah', my ass."
She did realize that the title didn't apply to him, right? If she kept that up, Han Sooyoung would end up on Eden's bad side for badmouthing their stories. Well, she was the one cursed by a Demon King, not him. That was her problem.
Yoo Joonghyuk still didn't seem very pleased, and his expression only darkened further as Uriel complimented Kim Dokja's face. Honestly, Kim Dokja was equally confused. Was his face a bit less blurry in person, or did Uriel also just have very questionable tastes?
[a few constellations are wondering if a blurry face can be handsome.]
As much as Kim Dokja hated to admit it, it made no sense unless she was lying to make him feel better. Clearly, until that probability storm had hit earlier, she had never seen his actual face before. Either that or she was just trying to butter him up and make him more amenable to accepting Eden's offer.
"Dokja-ssi, you aren't planning on accepting anything, right?" Lee Seolhwa asked curiously, and Kim Dokja nodded. He didn't want to end up owing any constellations anything, if he could help it.
[the constellation 'god of wine and ecstasy' is disappointed.]
[the constellation 'abyssal black flame dragon' is hoping that this means the stupid banquet will be over soon.]
When Kim Dokja said that he'd have to think about it, though, Jung Heewon's brow raised. "Are you actually considering it or something? Is it really that good of a story?"
[the constellations of the nebula 'eden' are feeling very proud of their fable.]
He absolutely wasn't considering it. Kim Dokja shook his head. "I guess I'm trying to let her down easy. Don't get me wrong, it's a very good fable, but uh…"
How should he even word this…?
Thankfully, his future self did it for him. Dionysus had mentioned the stipulation about eternal virginity before, so he figured that the adults could put the pieces together themselves. Naturally, Lee Seolhwa looked rather concerned, and Han Sooyoung collapsed into laughter yet again.
[the constellation 'god of wine and ecstasy' is appalled by the requirements.]
Seeming to have a great realization, Uriel lets out an "Ah" while tapping a balled fist against her palm as she states that he's right. Pulling a thinking pose, Uriel seems quite distressed as she mutters that Dokja will turn into a eunuch if he chooses their story, and that wouldn't be good. The unsuspecting Dokja is surprised by how serious she is about this, causing him to wonder why this fact alone is enough to convince her. Judging by how the angel is shaking with agitation, Dokja has to wonder why Uriel would think that him becoming a eunuch is such a big problem.
Looking around and fidgeting, Uriel seems really nervous about this since Metatron will revoke her internet access for a month if she doesn't succeed in bringing Dokja over to their side, but on the other hand, Dokja will become an eunuch if he accepts.
[many constellations are surprised by the reaction of the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire'.]
[the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is shrieking in horror.]
Had she seriously forgotten what her own nebula's story entailed…? Kim Dokja had been joking before when he had wondered about that, but he couldn't think of any other reason that would explain her behaviour. Why was she so shocked that he wouldn't be thrilled about this concept?
And, as her response only got more and more baffling, why was she so panicked over it?
"A eunuch," Han Sooyoung wheezed between her laughs, "you'd be a eunuch—"
He heard her the first time. Still, it really didn't explain why Uriel cared at all. Normally, it would make sense for an archangel to try to word it in a way that made that restriction seem like a positive thing. However, Uriel seemed to be getting more and more frantic, which was just weird.
[the constellation 'prisoner of the golden headband' is pulling out his hair in excitement.]
As soon as the angel muttered about her internet getting taken away, Yoo Mia snickered. "Ahjussi isn't gonna take it, so you're gonna get grounded."
Grounded, huh? That was a pretty accurate way of looking at it. Still, by 'internet access', was Uriel referring to her ability to watch the channels of the Star Stream…? It was strange to think about her using the internet any other way, but how were those two things in any way equivalent?
"This is ridiculous," Yoo Joonghyuk scoffed, clearly not impressed with the situation one bit. Kim Dokja was one hundred percent on his side on this. Really, why was this even a question?
"Ah wait. Even if he becomes a eunuch, what if his position changes a bit…?" She mutters to herself, seeming to have a eureka moment once more. Her words make Dokja really scared to ask what 'position' she could be referring to. This is only made more questionable when she gleefully declares that she'll solve it and that he shouldn't worry about being a eunuch.
Doing his best to keep his shit together despite the conversation, his face goes blank as he states that he doesn't want to be a eunuch. As Uriel continues to enthusiastically ramble that she'll make 'it' work out even if he's a eunuch, Dokja just kicks her out mid-sentence.
As Uriel barrelled on without a care in the world—nor for Kim Dokja's own opinions, for that matter—he found himself baffled by her words. "What is that even supposed to mean?"
Was she talking about a position in a hierarchy or something? Was there some variation on [Messiah's Path] that wouldn't require chastity that she was considering offering instead in an attempt to appeal to him? He had no idea what she could be talking about otherwise.
[The constellation 'lily blooming in aquarius' is looking at the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' with a baffled expression.]
[The constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is extremely flustered.]
Han Sooyoung, however, stared straight at Kim Dokja with a half-deadpan, half-disgusted expression on her face. "You can't actually be that— actually no, you're an imbecile, I forgot."
Wow.
"I'm only gonna say this once, so listen up, asshole," Han Sooyoung said with a loud sigh. "Oh, and cover the brats' ears while you're at it."
Though the kids protested, Kim Dokja got Yoo Sangah's help to cover Shin Yoosung's ears while he covered Lee Gilyoung's. Yoo Joonghyuk, of course, stared furiously at Han Sooyoung while covering his sister's ears.
Lee Jihye, on the other hand, was a lost cause. She even got up and darted out of everyone's reach, clearly doing everything she could to protect her right to listen to whatever nonsense Han Sooyoung was about to spew.
"I'm seventeen, okay?" Lee Jihye argued. "Plus, Heewon-unnie, you covered Hyunsung-oppa's eyes earlier, so why aren't you covering his ears instead, huh? If he gets to listen, then so do I!"
"I… what… huh?" Jung Heewon's jaw dropped and she sputtered for a moment as the teenager grinned victoriously. She had won this round, and everyone knew it.
[The constellation 'god of wine and ecstasy' is urging the incarnation 'han sooyoung' to get on with it.]
Han Sooyoung rolled her eyes again. "Ugh, she can listen or whatever, I don't give a fuck. She's probably seen worse on the internet anyway."
Unfortunately, that was probably true, considering that humiliating discussion about book genres from earlier. Lee Jihye had been a teenager with uncontrolled internet access, and there were probably very few things she hadn't stumbled across—intentionally or not.
"She's saying that even if you succeed Eden's story, it's okay because you can still bottom," Han Sooyoung declared, looking completely dead inside, as she stared directly at Kim Dokja.
[The constellation 'scribe of heaven' is pinning the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' under a furious gaze.]
[The constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is tearfully and passionately declaring that it's also a true display of companionship.]
[The constellation 'god of wine and ecstasy' is defending the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' and congratulating her for not being a prude.]
Kim Dokja, for his part, felt his mind go blank. Huh??? Han Sooyoung couldn't be implying that Uriel actually wanted him to… with…
Without even meaning to, Kim Dokja found that his gaze drifted over to the protagonist. The man looked just as stunned as he did, but he didn't look completely and utterly pissed off either. He was probably still in shock, because there was no way in hell that Yoo Joonghyuk would stand for something like that, right?
For some reason, and maybe because of being reminded of the earlier conversation, Kim Dokja found himself remembering that omegaverse novel.
(Okay, so maybe he was the kind of person who couldn't just drop a book in the middle of the story, and he had been compelled to go back and finish it—but that didn't mean that he had liked it, or anything! It had taken him weeks to finish it because that strange feeling in his gut was more and more overwhelming the further in the novel he had gotten. Yeah, he definitely hadn't liked it.)
(He had read it three times.)
There had been many smut scenes, but there was one large thing that was pretty consistent between that novel and any other more mature ones that he had read. That was unrealistic, right? There was no way all protagonists would have…
Kim Dokja's gaze dropped for only a second before he forced himself to look up at Yoo Joonghyuk's face (which wasn't any better for that weird feeling that was suddenly coming back out of nowhere). Suddenly, he felt a firm stare, and he realized that the feeling was absolutely, undeniably discomfort. Fuck, they were having this humiliating discussion in front of his mother.
"Dokja-ssi…?"
[many constellations are wondering what the incarnation 'kim dokja' is thinking about.]
[The constellation 'bald leader of the peasant's army' is grinning widely.]
What? Oh, that was Yoo Sangah calling him to make sure that he was alright.
"I'm fine, but that's crazy," Kim Dokja said just a bit too fast, already knowing that his cheeks were probably dusted with red. "There's no way I would… I mean, it's ridiculous, right? I'm a man, so I'd totally be, uh, on 'top'."
Nailed it.
[The constellation 'Secretive Plotter' is extremely doubtful of that statement.]
Huh? What the fuck was that supposed to mean!?
Yoo Sangah and Jung Heewon looked at him with pity, and Lee Seolhwa smiled weakly. Han Sooyoung looked like she was completely and utterly done with life.
Lee Jihye just sighed and shook her head. "Give it up, ahjussi. Everyone already knows the truth."
What? Kim Dokja looked around frantically, and not a single person came to his defense. Well, to be fair, Lee Hyunsung was so beet red that he probably couldn't even if he wanted to.
Yoo Joonghyuk was probably thinking that this whole thing was ridiculous, and he was likely offended that he was being subtly implicated in all of this in the first place. His staring was getting far too intense and the look in his eyes was so baffling that Kim Dokja couldn't even begin to understand it. It made no sense—why did Yoo Joonghyuk look doubtful too!? God, Kim Dokja would be lucky if he didn't end up getting stabbed because of this later. Yoo Joonghyuk dealt with embarrassment and anger in basically the same way—which was to say, with violence.
[The constellation 'god of wine and ecstasy' is greatly entertained by the current events.]
[a constellation who likes to change genders is looking curiously at the incarnation 'kim dokja'.]
[many constellations are thinking deeply about the implications of the current events.]
Kim Dokja felt his soul leave his body as the kids struggled to pull the hands off their ears. They didn't know what had been said, but they glared at Han Sooyoung nonetheless.
"Ahjumma, what did you say to hyung?" Lee Gilyoung demanded harshly, which only made her bark out a dry laugh in return.
"I told him the fucking truth, that's what."
She scoffed, out of the blue. "This is nonsense, and it's certainly not something that any of you should be concerning yourselves with."
As much as it killed him inside to admit it, Kim Dokja agreed for once. What he didn't agree with was her intense glare in the protagonist's direction, though. Clearly she had been listening to Uriel and Lee Jihye's nonsense too much because there was no way that Yoo Joonghyuk would ever stoop low enough to think of Kim Dokja in that way. It was impossible.
[several constellations are pitying the incarnation 'kim dokja'.]
[The constellation 'queen of the darkest spring' is smiling as she makes note of this revelation.]
Yep, he was so dead.
Afterwards, many more nebulae came to visit me.
The scene then speeds through scenes of other constellations coming by, including a comical hooded constellation who tries to appeal to Dokja by making a heart with their arms. It then shows symbolic forms, both ones of recognizable constellations from the Korean peninsula and those that aren't, giving heartfelt one liners.
In particular, the historical-grade constellations of the Korean Peninsula came to give me their encouragement, but it seemed that they didn't want me to join any particular nebula.
The stage reappears as the dokkaebi announces that the results of the story succession will begin with Selena—something that reminds Dokja of a home shopping host on TV. As she smiles serenely, the dokkaebi states that she's succeeding [Indomitable Aegis] from the constellation 'Last Conscience'.
Off to the side, Dokja is unsurprised that she chose Olympus as he remembers Persephone's words once more.
Kim Dokja couldn't even care about all the other constellations and nebulae looking to appeal to him right now. At least the kids, including Yoo Mia, were amused by the variety of constellations who decided to approach him.
[The constellation 'king heungmu the great' is agreeing with his own advice.]
"Well, um, it's nice to see that some constellations are just coming to offer Dokja-ssi some advice instead of trying to convince him of stuff," Lee Hyunsung said weakly, clearly still recovering from his earlier flustered state.
It was curious that none of the Korean constellations wanted Kim Dokja to link himself to a nebula, but that wasn't something that they had to worry about either.
[The constellation 'prisoner of the golden headband' is eager to see the results.]
Finally, they were ready to move on to the final—and most nerve-wracking—part of this banquet. Kim Dokja remembered what was supposed to happen here vividly, and he was certain that his future self had factored it into his plans. The only question was what he'd do in the meantime.
Everyone watched eagerly as Selena Kim ascended to the podium and declared her choice of story. It was a good story, and one that fit her well, so it made sense to Kim Dokja that she had chosen it. Ultimately, though, what stories she, Iris, or any other incarnations chose were none of his concern.
Persephone's words were probably meant to tell me to make a choice that encompasses all reincarnation stories. Since I have more than one life, there will be others who want me to succeed their reincarnation stories in my next resurrections. But Eden and Vedas will never give up on their stories being the 'First Resurrection', and if I were to directly succeed their fables, then I would end up becoming their subordinate.
As Dokja thinks, he sighs as he recalls that the relationship between incarnations and constellations isn't fair to begin with, but then his eyes widen as he suddenly seems to understand something. His gaze shoots over to where Joonghyuk stands at the podium, about to announce his choice, and many narrative-grade constellations in the audience look either eager or fearful as they watch him. Without wasting a second, Dokja leaps from his seat and rushes towards the protagonist.
"Interesting," Lee Seolhwa mused. "I suppose that you could get multiple, in theory, but I can't see the constellations being too pleased with that."
Oh, they absolutely wouldn't be—especially not Eden and Vedas. The matter of whether they'd even allow him to touch the fables of the rival nebula aside, his future self brought up the real issue here.
"I'm not going to become their lackeys," Kim Dokja stated bluntly. There was no way in hell that he'd give any nebula that much power over him.
[several constellations are scoffing at the words of the incarnation 'kim dokja'.]
[The constellation 'secretive plotter' is approving of the caution of the incarnation 'kim dokja'.]
"Oh, it's oppa's turn!" Yoo Mia exclaimed eagerly before she paused and scrunched up her nose. "Wait, oppa, you're not gonna choose a story either, right? You hate the constellations."
Yoo Joonghyuk nodded subtly, but he didn't explain further. It's not like he could succeed a story in the first place, with the restrictions in place from his own sponsor, but he'd probably avoid choosing any of them regardless even without that restriction. Yoo Joonghyuk was extremely aware of the imbalance in the constellation-incarnation relationship, and he'd never subject himself to that more than necessary.
[The constellation 'abyssal black flame dragon' is snickering at the fearful constellations in the crowd.]
Good, they were afraid as they should be. Clearly, they had all realized that if Yoo Joonghyuk picked a story to succeed, this dangerous anomaly would become an asset of a specific constellation or nebula, which had the potential to overturn some of the tenuous rankings of the constellations.
However, as Kim Dokja rushed forward, Yoo Joonghyuk looked baffled. "What are you doing, you fool. Don't draw attention to yourself more than you already have."
Joonghyuk-ah… it was far too late for that one.
Dionysus told me not to trust anyone, but that only applies to constellations. In this place, I had one person I could trust.
A wine glass briefly appears on the screen as Dionysus' words replay while everything turns to slow motion as Dokja watches the protagonist's lips slowly open, ready to make his announcement. In a split second, everything returns to normal speed as Dokja grasps Joonghyuk's hand and lifts it high into the air, leaving the protagonist confused. Before anyone can say anything, Dokja declares that he has something to say to everyone.
The reason why the succession is never fair is because it takes the form of a one-sided 'sponsorship'. These things happened because the relationship between the constellation and incarnation are never equal.
As the dokkaebi watch him in fear, and the incarnations all look overcome by surprise and confusion, the constellations all watch on with interest. The only outlier is a certain angel, who looks like she's seconds away from fainting as she squeals happily, covering her mouth with her hands while repeating 'oh my gosh' like a broken record.
"Ahjussi, that's just so beautiful," Lee Jihye sniffled as she wiped a tear from her eye, for some reason.
[several constellations are feeling touched by the display of companionship.]
Yoo Joonghyuk's eyes widened in surprise for a moment before his gaze settled into something almost soft. He looked satisfied and pleased by Kim Dokja's declaration of trust—almost smug, really—and admittedly it was hard to not feel emotional over it. All Kim Dokja could hope was that the protagonist would trust him in return.
Han Sooyoung groaned loudly as the video slowed down to focus on Yoo Joonghyuk's lips—a sight she was very clearly not thrilled by. Kim Dokja just found himself paying attention to all the slight details that he had never noticed before (and would likely never get close enough to notice again).
The shape of his lips could put models to shame with how perfect it was, and they moved slowly as he formed every syllable with purpose. Even when talking, he never wasted a single movement. However, despite his godly good looks, Yoo Joonghyuk was still just a man, proved by a single imperfection. His lips were somewhat chapped, making Kim Dokja frown. Did he not moisturize or use lip balm?
Before Kim Dokja could scrutinize the moment further, it ended as he watched his future self grab onto the protagonist's hand and make a declaration.
[many constellations are baffled by this turn of events.]
[The constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is watching intently.]
[The constellation 'scribe of heaven' is narrowing his eyes at the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire'.]
[The constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is squealing quieter than before.]
Lee Jihye nodded along with Uriel's excited messages and reaction on the screen, and Kim Dokja just felt extremely exasperated. It only got worse when both of the kids shot vicious glares at Yoo Joonghyuk, despite having absolutely no context of what happened earlier. Apparently, they had just decided that he was at fault for some reason.
All Kim Dokja could do was sigh.
"We have decided not to succeed your stories," Dokja declares, feeling the pressure of the audience's disbelief projected on both him and Joonghyuk. Despite not looking at the man, Dokja continues holding onto his hand as he realizes that Joonghyuk is staring at him. "We will buy your stories instead."
The reason the fable-grades looked down on the historical-grades was because of their difference in status, and the nebulae looked down on independent constellations because they were affiliated with a group. In order to make an unfair game fair, then I'd first need to get on the same level as them.
Grinning at Joonghyuk before turning back to the constellations, Dokja makes one final declaration: "If you want to sell your story to Yoo Joonghyuk and I, make a deal with our nebula."
[many constellations are flabbergasted by the declaration of the incarnation 'kim dokja'.]
Had they not been listening? He had straight up said that earlier, even though it hadn't included the protagonist at that point.
[the constellation 'secretive plotter' is smiling in satisfaction at the decision of the incarnation 'kim dokja'.]
Yoo Sangah looked amused as she glanced at Kim Dokja. "Dokja-ssi… do you think your future self is planning on letting go of Joonghyuk-ssi's hand anytime soon?"
Huh? His hand?
"Oh, that," Kim Dokja remarked without thinking, "my future self is probably worried that Joonghyuk-ie might stab me if I let go of him now, so it's safer that he has one less hand available to attack me with."
Han Sooyoung stared at him with a disgusted expression on her face, and there was an aura of quiet fury coming from where the protagonist was sitting, which was only proving his point.
[the constellation 'god of wine and ecstasy' is wondering if he has something stronger than wine.]
[the constellation 'lady of the sleeping brocade' is shaking her head in exasperation.]
At the very least, everyone forgot about the hand holding thing the moment that Kim Dokja declared that the constellations would have to go through their nebula.
[many constellations are flabbergasted.]
[several constellations can't believe their ears.]
Yeah, this was going to be a hassle to explain and—as he busied himself with closing as many baffled and angry indirect messages as he could—Kim Dokja just hoped that he'd survive long enough for his future self to do it for him.