Yoo Joonghyuk watched the screen intently, and Kim Dokja could understand why. After all, all of this had happened while he had been off on his own in the theatre dungeon, so he hadn't witnessed any of the havoc the group wreaked.
Plus, he probably wanted to see just what Kim Dokja had roped Lee Jihye into doing. The guy was paranoid like that.
[The constellation 'Abyssal Black Flame Dragon' is anticipating the destruction.]
As Heewon, Sangah, and Gilyoung climb the stairs towards platform 4 carefully, they take care to follow Dokja's instructions and not attract the attention of the Coalition. When they approach the various Green Zones on the platform, the people in them start to get panicked as the three draw their weapons. Lifting her sword to strike, Heewon apologizes, though her face shows no remorse.
Meanwhile, Dokja and Hyunsung rush up the stairs, and Hyunsung reveals that he feels pressure from everyone relying on him, which causes panic to flash across Dokja's face as he quickly says Hyunsung is dependable. This makes Hyunsung admit that no one has ever said that to him before, even in the military.
'A story that TWSA never had…' Dokja thinks before replying. "One day, when everything is over, I'll listen to your story Hyunsung."
After hearing that, Hyunsung comments that talking to Dokja makes him feel as if Dokja has known him for a long time.
[The character 'Lee Hyunsung' has started to open his heart to you.]
[Your understanding of the character 'Lee Hyunsung' has greatly increased.]
"Really?" Lee Hyunsung asked in surprise. "It didn't say anything about that?"
Kim Dokja shook his head and sighed wistfully. "The fact that you were in the military was important, as well as some of what you learned there, but TWSA never went in-depth with your backstory. Honestly, I think it was this moment that really started forcing me to understand and accept that none of you were just the characters I read anymore."
A small smile crossed Lee Hyunsung's face and he looked down, his cheeks flushed. He seemed pleased, and it probably helped to put his mind at ease. He chuckled slightly, then.
"I guess I was right when I said that Dokja-ssi seems to have known me for a long time," Lee Hyunsung joked. "Well, a version of me, at least."
Maybe… maybe he could be a bit more honest with them now.
[The constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' is pleased to see good friendships.]
"Hey, Hyunsung-ssi?" Kim Dokja said suddenly, his tone slightly distant as he reminisced. "I just wanted you to know that while I was a teenager, I used to wish that I could have a brother like you."
Lee Hyunsung's eyes widened and almost instantly, they shone with the start of tears. "... really? Me?"
All Kim Dokja could do was nod. Lee Hyunsung had been the stalwart protector that he had always wished for, and was kind and level-headed. If he had been real when Kim Dokja was growing up, then Lee Hyunsung would have been the kind of person who he could rely on.
"Yeah," Kim Dokja replied breathily, smiling slightly.
Huh. It actually felt kind of nice to let that secret out. Plus, considering Lee Hyunsung's wide grin, maybe it was a good thing.
Dokja stops and turns towards Hyunsung, expressionless, and Hyunsung is embarrassed as he tries to explain himself. However, they're interrupted by Jincheol calling out to them. He stands along with a few other members of the Coalition, and he's grabbing tightly onto a woman by her hair because she couldn't pay. This greatly angers Hyunsung, who tells them to stop, but the landlords all draw their weapons in response. Hyunsung quickly checks that what he's doing is ok with Dokja.
[The character 'Lee Hyunsung' wants to practice justice of his own will.]
[The character 'Lee Hyunsung' is nearing evolution.]
Now it'll really begin.
Dokja quickly prepares by investing some of his coins into Stamina and Strength. As they're about to confront each other, loud bangs echo throughout the station, which distracts the landlords. Dokja takes this opportunity to cut into Jincheol's arms, blood splattering as he renders them useless, and he proceeds to take off with Hyunsung to put the plan into motion.
The two men rush straight for Pildu's Room, Hyunsung shield bashing the attacking landlords on arrival with [Great Mountain Push lvl. 1] as Dokja runs past them.
Jung Heewon slapped her palm to her forehead. "And there you go, running into danger again. Why are you like this?"
Kim Dokja chuckled slightly, glancing away. "I had to make sure Hyunsung-ssi had the opportunity to evolve…"
"Still, Dokja-ssi, couldn't that have been done without putting yourself in the line of fire?" Yoo Sangah asked hesitantly, glancing between him and the screen.
Unfortunately, the answer was probably not.
[The constellation 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' says that there are no shortcuts to true strength.]
Kim Dokja shot a judging glance at the indirect message. Shouldn't he be the last person trying to spout that kind of wisdom, considering just how much nonsensical plot development was in his story?
Dokja steps into Pildu's [Militarized Zone lvl. 4] and keeps running straight at the unconcerned-looking Pildu as the turrets prepare to shoot. Hyunsung yells out to him and throws his shield, which Dokja catches and uses to block the shots.
Upon seeing this, Pildu finally stands, though he calls Dokja cheeky and jokes that he didn't come here to pay up.
[Some of the trespassers' stats are reduced by the effect of Gong Pildu's 'Private Land'.]
Dokja takes note of the fact that Pildu has increased the level of [Militarized Zone] while stating that they are rebelling. Pildu laughs and prepares to fire [Strengthened Magic Bullets] at Dokja in retaliation.
Hyunsung runs to Dokja while Pildu is thankfully distracted by injured landlords coming in to declare that Jihye has done something. Hyunsung asks if Dokja is alright, but Dokja just tells him that it's time to smash it to pieces.
[The attribute of the character 'Lee Hyunsung' is about to evolve.]
"Go for it, Hyunsung-hyung!" Lee Gilyoung cheered from where he was still lying down. "Beat him up for me!"
Well, he hadn't beat Gong Pildu up directly, but he had done exactly what he needed to do. Honestly, for Gong Pildu, having his land destroyed was probably more painful than getting beat up, so it probably still counted.
Lee Hyunsung smiled widely, proud of his growth. He deserved that, honestly. After all, he had changed a lot since the first scenario, and had been a steady and constant member of their team.
[The constellation 'Master of Steel' is very proud of his incarnation.]
"Also, good job on finishing up so quickly, Jihye," Kim Dokja added, glancing over at the girl with a smile. As expected of Yoo Joonghyuk's disciple, she had been more than enough to handle her share of Green Zones by herself. Even Yoo Joonghyuk looked pleased by her actions, and he nodded approvingly.
Flustered, she rubbed at the back of her head while chuckling, and Kim Dokja was glad to see a slight flush cover her cheeks.
Truly, that plan couldn't have been accomplished without everyone doing a great job.
As Hyunsung stands, fist clenched, a golden aura begins to form around him. His fist glows, and the light seems to almost resemble a spotlight, highlighting his moment. As Dokja's narration begins, two large golden armored hands reach towards Hyunsung from behind. The hands slowly envelop him before fading as the glow from Hyunsung's fist grew brighter.
This was Lee Hyunsung's attribute evolution and the heart of our entire plan. I could see my favourite scene of TWSA appear right before my own eyes. It really is an incredible feeling. There was a reason why he was the strongest supporting character in all of TWSA. it was because–
[Due to the character evolution, a new stigma has been born!]
When it came to 'one blow', Lee Hyunsung was considered one of the strongest in TWSA.
[The character 'Lee Hyunsung' has activated the stigma 'Great Mountain Smash lvl.1']
Hyunsung's glowing fist grows larger, ripping his entire sleeve. With a fierce yell, Hyunsung punches the ground and it instantly erupts in massive glowing cracks that spread across the floor. The shifting rubble destroys the Green Zone and Pildu's [Militarized Zone] along with it.
Lee Hyunsung gasped as he took in how he had looked at the time, wreathed in golden light. He looked as powerful as he must have felt, and it was truly impressive. Shin Yoosung and Lee Gilyoung cheered him on, even starting a small competition to see who could cheer louder until Yoo Sangah gently shushed them so everyone could hear.
Even Yoo Mia looked astonished and she leaned forward to get a better look at him. Kim Dokja couldn't blame her—there was a reason this was one of his all-time favourite scenes.
"Wait, this is your favourite scene?" Han Sooyoung asked out of nowhere, casting an odd glance in Kim Dokja's direction. "No offence to Mr. Lieutenant here, but I would have expected all your favourite scenes to revolve around the protagonist."
"Oh, no, I'm not offended at all!" Lee Hyunsung replied quickly. "Honestly, I was wondering the same thing."
Kim Dokja shot a quick glance over at Yoo Joonghyuk, and couldn't help but frown when he saw the expression on his face. His brow was furrowed just the slightest bit more than usual, and the perpetual frown curved just a bit deeper. For some reason, Yoo Joonghyuk looked almost… offended?
Why would that be?
Shaking his head slightly to rid himself of the confusion, Kim Dokja looked back over at Han Sooyoung and Lee Hyunsung. "Well, I have multiple favourite scenes, honestly. This was just the first scene that became my favourite, and the only one in the third regression. All of my other favourites came from later in the novel."
[The constellation 'Secretive Plotter' is surprised by this information.]
Lee Hyunsung smiled in understanding, but Han Sooyoung just raised a brow as her gaze slipped past him and landed on the protagonist himself. Apparently, whatever she saw was amusing enough for her to struggle to keep a straight face. Kim Dokja didn't dare turn around, but he could hear Yoo Mia whispering to her brother.
"Oppa, why do you look so mad?"
"I'm not mad."
He definitely sounded mad, though.
[The constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' reassures the incarnation 'Yoo Joonghyuk'.]
Reassuring him? What could he need reassurance for?
[The constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' reminds the incarnation 'Yoo Joonghyuk' that jealousy can be a good way to spice up a companionship.]
… What?
Metatron, come get your archangel; she's spouting nonsense.
[The constellation 'Secretive Plotter' is glaring at the constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire'.]
Thank you, Secretive Plotter. Unfortunately, the constellation couldn't do anything about Han Sooyoung's loud cackling or Lee Jihye's intent mumbling, though. Kim Dokja just decided that it would be better for his sanity if he just ignored them.
As Hyunsung kneels, panting, he speaks up. "Dokja. Didn't you say that you would listen to my story, after all this was over? I'd also like to listen to your story because I feel there's a lot about you that I still don't know."
Hyunsung smiles at him, but Dokja just feels very conflicted.
A 'support character' of the novel I read wants to know more about me…
Dokja seems confused in a sad sort of way, so he deflects by saying that his story would be boring. Hyunsung laughs, stating that he'd still listen.
The two are drawn out of their conversation by the sound of groans coming from the new hole in the floor. Reminded of their situation, Dokja says that they need to finish this first before addressing an injured and angry Pildu with a massive grin on his face.
"We should all go back to the days when we didn't have our own lands… right, Gong Pildu?"
Shin Yoosung giggled and rolled over to look up at Kim Dokja with a grin. "Hyunsung-oppa did get to hear your story after all, ahjussi!"
Well, considering their current situation, that is true. Jung Heewon chuckled and glanced over at him. "Well, I don't think your story is boring, so I'm glad we're getting to see this."
Kim Dokja sighed and shook his head despite the small smile on his face. "Most of my life really was boring—the only reason this is exciting is because it's about the apocalypse and we get the chance to learn more useful information."
[Several constellations disagree with the incarnation 'Kim Dokja'.]
[The constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' declares that she likes learning about the incarnation 'Kim Dokja'.]
Seriously? Why care too much about a relative nobody like him when Yoo Joonghyuk is right there? He's so much more cool and interesting!
[The constellation 'Queen of the Darkest Spring' would like to remind the incarnation 'Kim Dokja' that even boring stories have their purposes.]
Yeah. She was right.
After all, wasn't TWSA considered boring by the vast majority of people who had attempted to read it? That 'boring' story had saved his life and kept him moving forward for thirteen years. Kim Dokja couldn't help but wonder if maybe his boring story could be like that for someone else some day.
'… Yeah, right,' he thought with an internal snort, 'that would never happen.'