Kim Dokja looked around at everyone in bafflement as they all kept staring at him. Not even she was exempt, but she had this aura of cold fury radiating from her body. For some reason, Kim Dokja got the feeling that it wasn't directed at him. Instead, she seemed to be glaring at Yoo Joonghyuk, but her irrational hatred of the protagonist wasn't Kim Dokja's problem right now.
[the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is begging the incarnation 'kim dokja' to think harder.]
But he really didn't have anyone he loved like that? Why did no one seem to believe him?
"Kim Dokja, be serious," Yoo Joonghyuk commanded, unintentionally forcing Kim Dokja to look at him. He took in the protagonist's scowl, his narrowed eyes, and the barely restrained panic dancing within them. It was odd. Why would Yoo Joonghyuk look panicked over something like this?
Kim Dokja had to be mistaken. He just had to be.
Steeling his will, he looked back at Yoo Joonghyuk. "I am being serious, Joonghyuk-ah. There's no one like that."
He wasn't sure what he expected Yoo Joonghyuk's response to that to be—probably impassivity, irritation, or a mix of the two. Kim Dokja wasn't expecting Yoo Joonghyuk's eyes to widen in shock, and it was more of a reaction than he'd have even if he had been slapped in the face.
His gaze darted around Kim Dokja's face searchingly for a moment before he stopped and his expression closed itself off completely.
"I see."
When he looked away, Kim Dokja couldn't understand why it felt like his world was crumbling from the inside out. He had told the truth, he had reassured Yoo Joonghyuk that he wasn't aware of how this fate would end, so why…?
[the constellation 'queen of the darkest spring' is sighing and shaking her head.]
[the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is experiencing great distress.]
[the constellation 'secretive plotter' is scoffing at the current events.]
As they rush to meet the horde of monsters, Hyunsung turns his body into steel and catches a beast's paw with difficulty. When the demon goes to swipe at him with its free hand, Jihye jumps into the air and decisively slices its head off while it's distracted. Not being given any time to rest, Jihye has to immediately dodge the lunge of another monster. Looking around at the monsters advancing towards them, the girl very quickly realizes that there are way too many of them.
Just then, a bright light emerges from the distance. As it speeds forwards, the white hot flames quickly engulf the monsters, leaving only their charred corpses behind. Everyone gasps and stares in awe, in disbelief that all the monsters were defeated in an instant. Surprised, Dokja's eyes widen as he recognizes who the attack came from.
Without a doubt, that stigma is….
Yoo Sangah glanced over at Kim Dokja awkwardly, clearly unsure about what she should say. Kim Dokja didn't know what to say either. After a moment, she forced a smile onto her face and turned to look at Lee Hyunsung.
"Hyunsung-ssi, that was very good coordination with Jihye-ga," she said, sounding genuine but extremely awkward.
Well, it made sense. It would be difficult for anyone to feel normal after getting a prophecy like that. The others were probably anxious, but Kim Dokja was mostly confused. He was sure that his future self would figure out some way to cheat the rules, even if the prophecy was fulfilled, so that wasn't the problem—no, it was the contents itself that were baffling.
Still, he couldn't busy himself worrying about it for now. He had to make sure that the fight was going well. Thankfully, Yoo Sangah's conversation starter had worked, and Lee Hyunsung was slightly flustered as he tried to cheer Lee Jihye on as well.
[the constellation 'abyssal black flame dragon' is thrilled by the cool action.]
"That was really cool," Shin Yoosung said, still sounding hesitant as she glanced up at Kim Dokja. He tried to reassure her by patting her head, but it didn't seem to work for once. He didn't know what he should do—it had never failed before.
Lee Seolhwa frowned. "There really are a lot of monsters, and you're all exhausted. Please be careful."
"We'll do our best," Lee Hyunsung confirmed, trying to raise the mood. Of course, it was hard since they were watching themselves slowly get overwhelmed. They wouldn't be able to save all the other unknown incarnations in the first place, and Kim Dokja just hoped that they'd be able to save themselves.
Suddenly, there was a flash of light in the distance, and Kim Dokja instantly tensed up. Shit, was that another enemy—
[the constellation 'maritime war god' is surprised by this turn of events.]
[the constellation 'prisoner of the golden headband' is tearing out his hair in excitement.]
"Wait, isn't that…?" Lee Jihye gasped, her eyes going wide. "Oh my god, that fire has to be Heewon-unnie, right!?"
There was no doubt—that was Uriel's stigma.
"Me!?" Jung Heewon exclaimed, pointing at herself in confusion. "I know you expected me to make it there before you, but what are the chances that I'd end up nearby just in time?"
That was a good question, but knowing her, Kim Dokja wouldn't be surprised if she hung around close to where the new incarnations would arrive specifically to wait for someone she recognized.
[the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is cheering up.]
In the distance, from atop a demonic horse, Heewon looks down on the battlefield. No mercy can be seen in her gaze as she looks at the remains of her foes. Her eyes only lighten up when Jihye cheerfully calls her name while waving happily. Of course, when Heewon notices Dokja's half-hearted wave, she shows a brief look of anger, surprise, and annoyance rolled into one before giving a solemn nod, though it carries traces of discomfort.
Seeing this, Dokja has a strange feeling about her as she urges the horse to jump down to them.
Furthermore, that's a Black Unicorn. How did she tame that monster?
When Heewon dismounts, Jihye rushes over to the older woman to ask questions, but Heewon apologizes and says to save the questions for later. As her colleagues—also riding on Black Unicorns—swiftly defeat the other monsters, Heewon calls for everyone to follow her so she can guide them to safety. Behind her, Jihye looks teary eyed as she looks at the woman with mild betrayal.
Hearing Heewon mention a safe place, Dokja's eyes widen before his gaze darkens and he looks down. He thinks that Heewon seems used to leading people like this, even as Jihye mopes and wanders back to Dokja's side in a grouchy manner. After walking for about an hour across the Abyss Plains, the group finally arrives at a forest where their destination lies. Deep within the forest, a high wall emerges from behind the trees—one that no demon species can surpass.
Contrary to Kim Dokja's expectations, Jung Heewon didn't come up to them with excitement and relief. No, instead, she arrived astride a Black Unicorn, looking regal and dignified. She looked completely in her element while also looking so far removed from the jokey and fun-loving Jung Heewon that they all knew.
Just what had happened to her…?
[a constellation who likes powerful women is very impressed by the incarnation 'jung heewon'.]
"Wow…"
Kim Dokja glanced over to see Lee Hyunsung staring at the screen in awe, a touch of pink dusting his cheeks. He seemed enthralled, completely drawn into the woman's orbit.
Jung Heewon stared at him for a moment before her face also went red. "Oh, stop that! It's embarrassing!"
It took a few seconds for Lee Hyunsung to snap out of it, but his blush bloomed immediately. "Um, Heewon-ssi… I just… uh… you look very cool there!"
Ah… he really was pathetic, wasn't he?
As the two of them began whispering, Kim Dokja turned his attention to the others, wondering how they were handling the current situation.
"You do look cool, unnie," Yoo Mia confirmed, looking eagerly at the unicorn. She didn't want one of her own, did she?
[the constellation 'lily blooming in aquarius' is congratulating the incarnation 'jung heewon' for her timely assistance.]
Of course, her serious aura completely transformed into one of utter bafflement as she finally noticed that Kim Dokja was standing there, and admittedly, he felt a bit bad about that. She probably thought he was dead for good, even if Yoo Joonghyuk had managed to pass on the news that he'd be revived soon.
Lee Gilyoung looked at the screen curiously. "I wonder where noona got those clothes."
Oh, true. Her clothes were new, and Kim Dokja had a very bad feeling about that. In the Abyss Plains, there was only one place where she could have gotten them. Fuck, had she been drawn in by those lies? He really hoped not, but his gut instinct told him that she had at least believed them on the surface level.
Thankfully, Jung Heewon had colleagues around her who were able to go and dispatch the rest of the monsters as she approached and began speaking with the rest of the group.
"I want one," Shin Yoosung said suddenly, eyeing the unicorn as well, before turning to look at Yoo Mia. "Wanna share?"
Yoo Mia hummed in thought for a moment before nodding her head once. After that, she glanced up at her brother's serious expression, but Kim Dokja couldn't tell what she was trying to find. Maybe she thought that he would veto it?
When he didn't, she grinned widely. "It's settled! We're getting a unicorn."
First Cerberus, and now a unicorn…?
[several constellations are thinking that would be a cute scene.]
[the constellation 'bald leader of the peasant's army' is wondering where the incarnation 'jung heewon' is taking everyone.]
"Welcome everyone. It was difficult getting here, wasn't it? You've done well. You're all safe now," an eerily comforting voice calls out as they reach the gates in the city walls, and the incarnations begin to murmur amongst themselves. Heewon glances over at Dokja with a complicated expression, but he doesn't notice. Instead, Dokja's eyes narrow as he realizes just where they are.
"You no longer have to complete the scenario," the voice continues, drawing everyone's attention to the speaker with a powerful aura standing atop the barricade. Seeing the serenely smiling horned demon, garbed completely in white and gold, Dokja grits his teeth as his eyes narrow as his thoughts are confirmed.
This is the fortress of 'that bastard'.
As they pass inside the walls, an idyllic scene seems to play out. All around, shopkeepers hawk their wares and both humans and demons alike walk the streets, chatting happily. Even children are seen acting their age, running about and playing.
In this environment, their injured and grimy group stands out from the happy life all around. A man approaches from the clinic of Paradise, calling for all injured people to come and be treated for free. While others look at the place inside the walls with awe, Dokja's gaze only holds disgust and anger.
Though Yoo Joonghyuk didn't say anything, Kim Dokja could clearly see the way that his shoulders tensed up upon hearing the familiar voice.
[the constellation 'secretive plotter' is narrowing his eyes suspiciously.]
Kim Dokja couldn't understand why Jung Heewon looked at him like that, but maybe she was finding his suspicion odd. Just as he had suspected, she had likely gotten wrapped up in the promises that were the basis of this paradise in the middle of the scenarios. Maybe she had some doubts deep down, but Kim Dokja wouldn't be able to blame her for being tired and taking advantage of what respite she could find.
"I call bullshit," Han Sooyoung scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest. "This is such a classic fucking trope, ugh."
Yoo Sangah glanced at her curiously for a moment. "You suspect that this man is tricking everyone?"
Rolling her eyes, Han Sooyoung gestured at the screen. "Just look at him—it's too fucking suspicious. He's a classic twist villain, and I'd bet a year of my former earnings on it."
She was right, of course, but Kim Dokja wasn't going to say anything. It was better that they saw it for themselves. Still, just how much money was that? She couldn't earn that much off her shitty maybe-not-a-ripoff novel, right?
[the constellation 'lily blooming in aquarius' is adamantly declaring that demons are never trustworthy.]
Yoo Sangah glanced over at Kim Dokja after seeing his expression on the screen and hummed. "Well, you might be right, Sooyoung-ssi. Dokja-ssi doesn't seem to trust him, and I'm sure that's for a reason."
It absolutely was, but he could understand their confusion as everyone walked through the gates to see a peaceful city. There was no carnage, no obvious grime, and no prejudice. It was clearly unnerving for everyone to see such a sight, especially after having escaped the first floor of Dark Castle, but several of them also looked conflicted.
"If hyung doesn't trust this place, then I won't either," Lee Gilyoung declared confidently, clutching onto Kim Dokja's sleeve as he did.
Jung Heewon, however, looked rather troubled. She had clearly realized that she had fallen for whatever the demon had offered, and it was bothering her. Maybe she was worried that she was letting Uriel down, or that this would end up causing more trouble for everyone.
[the constellation 'scribe of heaven' is displeased by the current events.]
Though Lee Seolhwa frowned, she sighed and relented. "Even though we can't be certain that this place is truly safe, it would be in your best interests to get any injuries treated."
She was completely correct, and Kim Dokja could at least be confident that nothing bad would come of that. Despite the sinister secrets hidden beneath the veneer of tranquility, it really was the safest place in the scenario for now.
The scene shows a quick flashback of the demon at the gate explaining that Paradise is a place where they don't need to fight since the Dark Castle scenario has no time limit, meaning they can live out their days as though the 'fall' never happened. Though many of the incarnations are doubtful of his words, as the demon continues to plead his case, their willpower begins to falter.
However, some people declare that they have somewhere to go back to, and the demon looks surprised as he asks if they will return to their perished planet. When people protest that it's not destroyed yet, the demon signs and explains that every planet with scenarios is only heading towards destruction, and that it's inevitable—after all, his own planet has long been destroyed by the scenarios.
The crowd falls silent, realizing that he's speaking from experience. Gently, he says that he's confident that this Paradise is the safest place in the entirety of the Star Stream.
"So, if this scenario has no time limit, then isn't it impossible to fail it?" Lee Jihye wondered, looking confused. It made sense, especially considering the fact that all of their scenarios so far had some kind of time limit—explicitly said or otherwise. Even the fifth scenario, which technically didn't have an official time limit, had the threat of the terraforming slowly consuming the Seoul Dome.
[the constellation 'abyssal black flame dragon' is declaring that peace is boring.]
[the constellation 'prisoner of the golden headband' is wondering what the demon uses for his hair.]
Kim Dokja nearly scoffed at his words. Had he never considered that some people's lives had been shit before the apocalypse began? Not everyone would want to return to such a life, even if they had the option.
Shin Yoosung looked nervous as the demon began explaining that they would no longer have anywhere to return. "Ahjussi, is the world actually going to get destroyed?"
That was a hard question to answer. Objectively, it was true. Nothing would be the same after the apocalypse had begun, and some places would end up changed forever. Knowing what he did about the later scenarios, Kim Dokja was aware of the sheer amount of destruction that was possible. However, there wasn't a guarantee that everything would be so wrecked that it would be impossible to fix.
"I don't know," Kim Dokja said. "We're going to try to stop anything like that from happening, right?"
She smiled shakily and nodded her head, and thankfully, this time she brightened up when he ruffled her hair.
[the constellation 'god of wine and ecstasy' is impressed by the bold claim of the demon.]
The flashback ends when some people notice that demons are also casually walking and playing around the area, and some of the incarnations habitually draw their weapons. However, the guards block them, telling them that such discriminatory language is forbidden because the demon is a resident of Paradise. The grotesque looking demon tears up and hesitantly says, "I am a demon, but I won't hurt you. The prejudice that demons would naturally eat humans makes me deeply sad."
Dokja looks at Hyunsung and Jihye who seem unsure of what to make of this place, feeling shaken and agitated by the atmosphere. It's too peaceful, and Dokja thinks that it's only natural to want to gravitate to that kind of atmosphere. Ordinary people don't change at their core just because they're forced to carry a knife.
Knowing this, Dokja looks down as he remembers the moment the demon introduced himself with a smile—though in his memories, rather than a peaceful and serene atmosphere, the scene is shadowed and the demon's eyes seem to ominously glow gold through the darkness. "My name is Reinheit Von Djerba. I am someone who came to this land 800 years earlier than you… And I welcome you all to my fortress—Paradise."
"I don't get why I'm so comfortable around all these demons," Jung Heewon muttered as she grimaced. "This is weird."
Kim Dokja didn't know why she was either, but maybe she had realized that being labelled a demon didn't necessarily automatically make someone 'Evil'. Though Eden and the constellations of absolute good might disagree most of the time, there was always more nuance than they would accept.
[several constellations are curious about 'paradise'.]
Han Sooyoung huffed again. "Okay, sure, that one demon might not have been shitty, but for fuck's sake, we all just got out of a scenario where demons were trying to fucking murder us. No shit that we'd be jumpy as fuck."
That was true, but at the same time, the demon was probably terrified. It hadn't done anything wrong, but it was being threatened. This is why this scenario was so complicated, even though it was far more relaxed than any others that had come beforehand.
"Yeah, I agree with ahjumma," Lee Jihye admitted, "this is really weird."
Yoo Sangah sighed as Kim Dokja remarked that it would be natural for people to gravitate to a place like this. "That may be true, Dokja-ssi, but I don't believe that is always the case either."
Kim Dokja had to disagree. Even the regressor Yoo Joonghyuk had had a flashback of the 1st regression, in which he had also been drawn in and tried to work together with Reinheit. It had ultimately failed, and Paradise had fallen, but that didn't change the fact that Yoo Joonghyuk had still wanted to believe that a lasting peace was possible.
[the constellation 'maritime war god' is lamenting the loss of innocence for the incarnations.]
As soon as Kim Dokja remembered Reinheit introducing himself, however, Yoo Mia let out a sigh. "He's definitely evil, and he isn't even hiding it that well. Ahjussi might be stupid, but he's good at recognizing bad guys."
Kim Dokja was going to take that one as a compliment.
[the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is glaring at the demon 'reinheit von djerba'.]
[the constellation 'secretive plotter' is wondering what the incarnation 'kim dokja' will do.]