[the constellation 'maritime war god' is hoping that this will change the tide of battle.]
Considering that the SSS-grade item would essentially guarantee Shin Yoosung success in taming this dragon, it absolutely would. There was no way Reinheit was genuinely expecting to fight against both Yoo Joonghyuk and a dragon at the same time, let alone that anyone would ever be capable of controlling it in the first place.
Lee Gilyoung looked a bit glum, though, and Kim Dokja wasn't sure what to think. Just as Kim Dokja was wondering why the boy wasn't excited by the idea of a dragon, he muttered, "I wish I had Titano…"
Ah, right. Titano. His sacrifice had been unfortunate, but necessary.
Above ground, the earth shakes violently, causing Reinheit to let out an exclamation of shock as he pulls back some withered roots from underground. He spits up green blood before turning to look at the dragon forcing its way out of the earth, tearing and ripping all the vines that had been trapping it with its claws and teeth.
As Reinheit screams in pain, the dragon opens its wings and launches itself into the air, drawing the attention of everyone in the area. The dragon is a strange mix of creatures—a dragon's body, the wings of a demon, and the eyes of an insect—and doesn't even have a grade because it had never been revealed to the world before. As Joonghyuk names it a Chimera Dragon, a cinematic shot of the dragon's hulking form illuminated by the sunlight through the dust clouds appears on-screen. As the dragon hovers over Reinheit, the scene then zooms in to show the two kids riding atop its back.
"Yeah, not so confident now, are you?" Lee Jihye jeered as Reinheit seemed stunned by the sudden damage to his roots. The dragon must be finally fighting back, which was so different from its passivity until that point.
Sure enough, the dragon was tearing through roots at an unforeseen pace and was essentially crippling the demon. He hadn't been able to defend against something he hadn't seen coming, and Kim Dokja was just glad that the plan had worked as expected. Of course, Shin Yoosung was grinning brightly as she realized that she truly had succeeded, and Kim Dokja couldn't help but affectionately ruffle her hair.
[the constellation 'abyssal black flame dragon' is saying that he looks cooler than that dragon.]
Was that so? Well, to be fair, this dragon didn't exactly look like a normal dragon for the most part. As it broke free from the confines of the earth and took to the skies, everyone finally got to see its true monstrous appearance. It was an odd combination of several different monsters, perhaps purposefully combined to bring out certain traits.
"That looks so freaky," Yoo Mia muttered with a grimace.
Lee Gilyoung, on the other hand, who hadn't been all that invested before, was suddenly paying far more attention than anticipated. His eyes were practically sparkling as he took in the dragon's multiple insectoid eyes, even if he didn't seem particularly interested in the rest of it.
"Is that how Gilyoung-ie was able to help tame it?" Yoo Sangah wondered, glancing over at him curiously.
Kim Dokja shook his head. "Both of the kids have the same communication skill, but they're specialized in their own ways. The fact that it has some insect aspects means that his skill would be more effective, but he would still have been able to help regardless."
Lee Seolhwa's eyes widened slightly. "Oh, like in Peace Land when she was able to communicate somewhat with his bugs."
It was exactly like that.
[the constellation 'prisoner of the golden headband' is tearing out his hair in excitement.]
[many constellations are impressed by the 'chimera dragon'.]
Well, Kim Dokja did have to give it to Yoo Joonghyuk, that name did fit. He couldn't remember if the protagonist had named it in one of his previous regressions since he clearly remembered that it was down there, but it was also possible that he had never truly seen its entire body before.
Upon seeing that the kids were safe and sound on its back, Lee Hyunsung relaxed dramatically. "Oh thank goodness, they're safe."
Kim Dokja had to agree, and it was good that the two kids also relaxed their grips on him at the sight. Instead, they took to excitedly cheering as they watched themselves literally flying around on a dragon. That definitely wasn't something that anyone on the surface would have anticipated.
[the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is overjoyed to see that the children are alright.]
[the constellation 'god of wine and ecstasy' is greatly entertained by this turn of events.]
Looking way less composed than before, Reinheit lets out a screech of anger while sending his vines after the dragon in a last-ditch attempt to attack it. This, however, is a grave miscalculation as he let his gaze leave the protagonist. Deftly leaping into the demon's blind spot, Joonghyuk lets loose another series of immaculate slashes fuelled by transcendence, severing the demon's torso from his vines and piercing his heart.
Everything slows as Reinheit turns his head to look at Joonghyuk in surprise before time returns to normal when he crashes to the ground. High above, the dragon lets out a mighty roar, scaring away all the remaining monsters in the city.
As Joonghyuk approaches the fallen demon, Reinheit speaks. "All of that… was nothing more… than entertainment for the greater beings…"
Before either of them can talk further, Heewon approaches, followed by an angry mob of Paradise's former residents who call for Reinheit's death in deafening chants. Despite their anger, they don't move to attack him because Joonghyuk is blocking their path. As blood drips from his eyes like tears, Reinheit tries to speak, saying that he just wanted to create a good world even if no one believes him, but his words begin to falter and slur. In a tone that leaves no doubt, Joonghyuk states that he knows, making the dying demon smile slightly.
"That was a mistake," Kim Dokja huffed as his lips curled into a smile. Even though the dragon was a clear threat, Reinheit should have known better than to turn his back on the protagonist.
Han Sooyoung sighed. "Yeah, he's fucking dead."
[many constellations are praising the incarnation 'yoo joonghyuk' for taking advantage of an opportunity.]
Kim Dokja watched, enthralled, as Yoo Joonghyuk effortlessly slashed through the vines and Reinheit's torso, effectively separating him from Perpetual Motion. He wouldn't be much of a threat anymore, and everyone could relax upon seeing that. Yoo Mia was thrilled, giggling and hugging her brother in her excitement, and the corner of Yoo Joonghyuk's lips twitched up fondly as he returned her embrace.
Jung Heewon let out a sigh of relief. "I'm glad that's over, but man… we lucked out that he got distracted by the kids."
That was true. If he hadn't been so shocked by the chimera dragon's appearance on the battlefield, it was unlikely that Reinheit would have let down his guard that much.
[the constellation 'lily blooming in aquarius' is pleased to see the other demons running away.]
"We scared them away too!" Shin Yoosung exclaimed excitedly. "We did it!"
They really had, and Kim Dokja ruffled her hair as he smiled fondly down at her. "You did well."
After a moment, almost like an afterthought, he reached over and patted Lee Gilyoung's head as well. "You did well too, Gilyoung-ah."
Lee Gilyoung said nothing for a moment, staring eerily at Kim Dokja before he smiled softly. "Yeah."
Glancing back up at the screen, Kim Dokja frowned as the protagonist approached Reinheit's fallen body and the demon began to speak to him about how everything is just for entertaining the constellations.
"So?" Han Sooyoung scoffed. "Tell us something we don't know. The apocalypse didn't start yesterday—we're all aware of that shit."
[the constellation 'queen of the darkest spring' is giggling in amusement.]
[several constellations are discussing how entertaining the fight was.]
"Yeah," Jung Heewon declared, with a shrug, "what makes this specific fight different? They've all been watching the whole time anyway."
Kim Dokja wasn't certain about what Reinheit meant by that, but maybe he had just been trying to remind Yoo Joonghyuk that no matter how strong they were, they were ultimately all just pawns in the end. At that, Kim Dokja almost scoffed. If that was truly what Reinheit meant, then it was even more redundant—no one understood that better than the regressor.
[the constellation 'bald leader of the peasant's army' is calling for a people's revolution.]
[the constellation 'secretive plotter' is watching the demon 'reinheit von djerba' impassively.]
"All those people… I can't blame them for being angry," Lee Seolhwa said in a pity-filled tone. "Heewon-ssi especially."
Jung Heewon looked at the screen for a moment before turning to glance over at Yoo Joonghyuk. "Hey, think I could get the last blow on this guy?"
The protagonist looked back at her in silence for a few seconds. "Do whatever you want after I am done with him."
"Sounds good!" Jung Heewon replied with a large grin. Kim Dokja honestly agreed that she deserved to get back at him for what he had done, and it wasn't like Yoo Joonghyuk really needed that last blow reward when he had contributed so heavily already.
[a few constellations are looking at the demon 'reinheit von djerba' with pity.]
Kim Dokja couldn't agree. Even though his intentions had been good, he had still caused very real harm. So what if he wanted to make a good world? It didn't mean shit if it was only sustained by people's suffering. Looking down at his lap, Kim Dokja did his best to avoid clenching his hands. He knew how being the victim felt most of all, but he didn't want to think too much about it.
As Yoo Joonghyuk told Reinheit that he knew what he meant, Yoo Sangah smiled sadly. "You're much less harsh in moments like this than you usually seem, Joonghyuk-ssi. You don't have to comfort him in his final moments, and yet you are."
Yoo Joonghyuk looked at the screen for a moment and it was hard to tell what he was thinking. Unusually, he opened his mouth to speak. "I also wanted a world like that, once. It was a good dream, even if it was ultimately impossible."
[the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is looking at the incarnation 'yoo joonghyuk'.]
As his voice fails, Reinheit's thoughts play over the chants of the people.
Why does it feel like this man truly understands me when I only met him for the first time today?
Mustering his strength, Reinheit tells them that they won't find what they're looking for on the next floor and how this castle is just a playground for the constellations. Just as he's wishing them luck and seeming to try to give them a bit more information about what's there, a bolt of probability strikes him, decimating the demon.
[Ahem, spoilers are forbidden,] One of the dokkaebi states as the other giggles, neither looking the least bit remorseful for the tragedy. With a snap of his fingers, the rewards for beating Reinheit appear, along with the legendary fable [Paradise of Despair]. Finally, the clue to the next scenario, '73rd Demon King', appears before them.
Looking over it all, Joonghyuk realizes that he succeeded in his goals even though it wasn't the way he planned. However, he frowns and glances at his hands.
But what is this complicated feeling?
Kim Dokja wanted to sigh. It was specifically because Yoo Joonghyuk understood him that this was even possible. If he hadn't worked with Reinheit in his first round, then he never would have known exactly how to beat him in his later rounds. Once again, the regressor had advantages in the form of memories that no one else had; he could know someone at the deepest level despite seemingly only having met them once.
[the constellation 'prisoner of the golden headband' is wondering what's on the next floor.]
Unfortunately for Reinheit, Kim Dokja knew that they'd be able to clear the next scenario just fine. In fact, this scenario had become so inconsequential in some of the later regressions that tls123 had started skipping ahead to later scenarios, essentially glossing over how the earlier ones had gone by saying "Yoo Joonghyuk used the method of the 17th round" or "Yoo Joonghyuk slaughtered every demon in Dark Castle and moved on".
"Ooh more information?" Han Sooyoung perked up eagerly. "Don't draw it out, give it to us quick—oh fuck!"
She yelped when the bolt of probability struck the demon dead, and she stared at the screen for a moment, slack-jawed.
"Well fuck you too! Not only do we get cheated out of that information, but now the people can't even kill him," Han Sooyoung grumbled in irritation.
[the constellation 'god of wine and ecstasy' is glaring at the dokkaebis for ruining the fun with their interference.]
Hadn't they said that they wouldn't interfere earlier? Hypocrites.
Lee Hyunsung frowned. "Respectfully, I don't think anyone cares about spoilers right now."
[the constellation 'secretive plotter' dislikes spoilers.]
Right. He did hate spoilers, for whatever reason. Also, Kim Dokja wanted to shake his head. Hyunsung-ssi, it was always morally correct to be as disrespectful as possible to a dokkaebi.
"At least you have the clue for the next scenario," Lee Seolhwa reminded everyone. "With that, you can all work on clearing it and escaping this place as soon as possible."
Though others looked a bit more invigorated at the reminder, Jung Heewon stared at the screen with a frown. "[Paradise of Despair]… an appropriate name."
It was, but Kim Dokja couldn't focus on that when Yoo Joonghyuk was musing about his own plans and some strange feeling. He couldn't be certain about what the protagonist was thinking, but Kim Dokja had to wonder whether Yoo Joonghyuk was just annoyed that he had been played. He didn't like being manipulated, even if all his plans succeeded nonetheless.
A wavering voice from the crowd of people calls him their savior, prompting his gaze to fall on the group, which soon joins in thanking him. Joonghyuk just looks at them for a moment before gazing down at his blood covered hands once more, finally realizing what that feeling is.
The thought of saving these people didn't even cross my mind. If Reinheit considered them as sacrifices for Paradise, I considered them as sacrifices for the 'scenario'.
His gaze falls back on the crowd, which now looks warped in colour and their eyes are all covered by splashes of blood.
I have been willingly sacrificing others for the greater good. I wanted to clear the scenarios and save the world. That was the goal I had been fighting for.
[many constellations are surprised by the claims of the citizens.]
[the constellation 'secretive plotter' is scoffing and rolling his eyes.]
Their saviour, huh? As much as Kim Dokja wished that Jung Heewon and the others were getting recognized too, he completely understood why Yoo Joonghyuk was getting singled out. He had gone up against Reinheit practically on his own, and in the eyes of the people, he had appeared out of literal nowhere, defeated the monstrous version of their Lord, and had even shown him the slightest bit of compassion at the end.
Yes, in the eyes of the people of Paradise, Yoo Joonghyuk truly was a saviour.
"Y'know what, I'm not even mad," Jung Heewon laughed, shooting him a smile. "We wouldn't have outlasted all those monsters without you either, so I think it's fair."
"Yes, exactly!" Lee Hyunsung confirmed as Lee Jihye nodded vehemently.
Lee Gilyoung huffed. "I guess the sooty bastard did stuff."
… he definitely did more than just 'stuff', but Kim Dokja figured that was as much as the kid was willing to admit.
[the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is very pleased by the actions of the incarnation 'yoo joonghyuk'.]
As he looked down at his blood-spattered hands, Yoo Joonghyuk's thoughts echoed throughout the room. Kim Dokja understood what he meant—even though he ultimately wanted to save the world, the actual number of people that Yoo Joonghyuk genuinely cared for on a personal level was very small. In the end, so long as most of them were alive, Kim Dokja knew that Yoo Joonghyuk would consider the world saved.
Though he wanted a world where all of them could live—displayed especially by the 999th turn—he knew that realistically, it would be impossible to save everybody. Even in this round, one that Kim Dokja was trying to make as perfect as possible, it would never have everyone that Yoo Joonghyuk valued. After all, Kim Namwoon was already dead.
Yoo Mia hugged her brother and sighed. "You can do it, oppa. You've always been able to do everything you put your mind to."
Yoo Joonghyuk looked at her for a while, almost as though trying to memorize her facial features, before he spoke. "I'll try."
[the constellation 'queen of the darkest spring' is smiling at the incarnation 'yoo mia.]
The group looks happy among the crowd thanking them as Sangah puts Mia down, both of them looking up to the dragon in the sky. Joonghyuk knows that there's no meaning in saving the world if everyone is dead, and yet he had stood by and watched people die, taking their sacrifice for granted. However, after seeing Reinheit's death, Joonghyuk starts to rethink his goal for the first time.
So why is it that I suddenly find it so hard to picture the world after the scenarios have ended?
As he stands there, the scene seems to glitch between Joonghyuk and a black and white sketched version of him, whose face is scratched out many times over. Joonghyuk closes his hand into a fist and snaps back into reality when a man enthusiastically asks for his name.
In the Star Stream, one's fame is directly related to the strength of a story. Joonghyuk knows that by telling this man his name, he'll be able to get new achievements. After a moment of thought, he turns to look at the man and says, "Kim Dokja."
The screen is then gloriously filled with Dokja's extremely awkward and baffled expression as he processes the protagonist's words. The moment he does, his jaw drops open as he gazes at Joonghyuk with a disbelieving expression, his entire ghostly body oddly lax. "...What?"
"People will always die, Joonghyuk-ssi," Lee Seolhwa reminded him. "You can't hold yourself to unrealistic standards."
Kim Dokja knew that if Yoo Joonghyuk let those thoughts fester, they would surely consume him. There would always be sacrifices over the course of a story—intentional or not.
[several constellations are contemplating the thoughts of the incarnation 'yoo joonghyuk'.]
"Joonghyuk-ah…" Kim Dokja muttered before cutting himself off. He wasn't sure what he could even say. Sure, he had an ending that he wanted to see—one that he had as planned out as possible—but even then it was still so far off. There was also always the chance that Yoo Joonghyuk wouldn't want the ending that he was imagining either.
Yoo Joonghyuk stared at him for a moment, as though waiting for him to continue, but he sighed and looked away when Kim Dokja stayed silent.
Yoo Mia, however, tugged on her brother's sleeve to get his attention. "It's okay even if you can't imagine it, oppa. My imagination is big enough for both of us."
[constellations who like children are endeared by the incarnation 'yoo mia'.]
"I can help too, Master!" Lee Jihye chimed in excitedly. "I'll have you know that I'm great at planning vacations."
Kim Dokja shot her a doubtful look. "Have you ever even planned one before?"
"Well, no, but it doesn't seem that hard," she retorted, and Kim Dokja wanted to roll his eyes.
Though the protagonist looked a bit stunned, Kim Dokja was just glad that this discussion distracted all the kids long enough for them to miss the odd scratchy image of Yoo Joonghyuk on the screen. Kim Dokja knew that it wasn't even specifically the ending he wanted that he wasn't capable of picturing. Instead, Yoo Joonghyuk was struggling to imagine who he would be once he finally managed to succeed.
Deep down, Yoo Joonghyuk knew that there was always the chance he would lose himself in the process and become someone unrecognizable.
However, when someone asked for his name, Han Sooyoung let out a snort. "This feels like such a cliché, ugh."
"Still, isn't it a good thing for us that Joonghyuk-ssi will get stronger because of his accomplishments?" Yoo Sangah wondered and Kim Dokja nodded in agreement. Having him on their side would be a real game-changer in future scenarios.
[the constellation 'abyssal black flame dragon' is declaring that the incarnation 'yoo joonghyuk' needs to say his name in a cool tone.]
The eager kid in Kim Dokja definitely wanted to hear the protagonist say, "I am Yoo Joonghyuk" in his own voice. It would be like a dream come true, really.
Unfortunately, instead of that, Kim Dokja choked on air when the protagonist said his name instead.
[the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is shrieking in excitement.]
Huh? What? He had to have heard wrong. Yoo Joonghyuk couldn't have actually just said his name…
"You can't steal ahjussi's identity just because he's better than you!" Shin Yoosung protested in a horrified tone as Lee Gilyoung looked almost murderous again. Kim Dokja was still blinking at the screen in complete and utter bafflement.
"Well shit, I didn't expect him to pull that," Han Sooyoung muttered as her expression contorted into an annoyed grimace.
Lee Jihye clasped her hands together as her eyes gleamed. "Master, that's amazing! You really care so much for ahjussi, giving him the credit like that!"
No, that definitely wasn't what was going on, right?
Even Yoo Joonghyuk looked a bit shocked for a moment before his expression went back to his normal resting bitch face. Was he just completely unfazed? Was he trying to frame something or other on Kim Dokja as revenge for the [Death Scream] thing…?
[many constellations are flabbergasted by the actions of the incarnation 'yoo joonghyuk'.]
[the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is passionately declaring that this is a true display of companionship.]
That couldn't actually be it. There was no way that Uriel was right; it wouldn't make any sense. There had to be some ulterior motive here because Kim Dokja wouldn't know what to do if there wasn't.