"Heewon-ssi, in the future, please wait before attacking," Kim Dokja pleaded weakly, and the woman laughed sheepishly.
"Sorry, he pissed me off first, though."
Yeah, that was the problem… at the very least, it hadn't ruined everything.
[several constellations debate the validity of the excuse.]
Valid or not, it was the truth. The other prophet had provoked her, but Jung Heewon also needed to be a bit less impulsive in moments like that.
There's another deafening crash as Dokja braces for the shockwave, and he calls out Heewon's name.
In the aftermath of Heewon's devastating attack, Sungkook is on his knees, apologising for the other prophet's actions. The man beside him looks less apologetic, but is sporting a lovely bruise on his face as he looks away.
Fortunately, their fight was abandoned after we intervened. If it had gone on just a little longer, this guy would have died at Jung Heewon's blade.
As Dokja sits imposingly in a chair like a dictator on a throne, Heewon and Hyunsung stand behind him like his bodyguards. While Hyunsung just looks anxious, Heewon is still glaring at the man who provoked her.
As the man apologies with extreme reluctance, and only after being forced to, Dokja tries using [Character Profile] and realizes that the man is also a prophet.
"Jung Heewon. Hadn't I told you not to act thoughtlessly?" Dokja asks in a severe tone. She begins making an excuse but she's cut off by Dokja yelling her name, which prompts her to apologize while name-dropping Dokja as 'Joonghyuk'. As she leaves the tent, her anger is displayed in full force while Hyunsung seems to want to console her.
Kim Dokja cringed a bit as he witnessed just how harsh he had been at the time, even if it was just for a role.
"Wow ahjussi, I know it was for the plan, but Master doesn't act like that," Lee Jihye criticized. She had a very valid point, and Kim Dokja knew it.
Still, he was acting exactly as the prophets expected. At the start, Yoo Joonghyuk had really come across like that—a harsh, heartless protagonist. They couldn't see the truth of who he really was. They didn't get to see him with Yoo Mia, or with Lee Seolhwa. Those prophets who gave up reading far too soon never got to see the real Yoo Joonghyuk hidden behind a prickly, angsty exterior.
[the constellation 'abyssal black flame dragon' laughs at the pitiful impersonation attempt.]
Yeah, yeah, whatever. It had fulfilled its purpose, and that was what really mattered.
Still, he shot an apologetic glance over at Jung Heewon. "Sorry for being so harsh, I didn't mean to piss you off like that."
Contrary to expectations, Jung Heewon just laughed it off. "Nah, it's fine."
At least she was decently easy going at times like this. Kim Dokja really appreciated it.
As the two 'prophets' step out to discuss things, Dokja takes the opportunity to message Bihyung since he wants to buy the [Hearing Enhancement] skill. Dokja then proceeds to ignore Bihyung's subsequent warning about being careful in favour of using his newly acquired skill to spy on the 'prophets'.
"Don't you think it's a bit strange?" the unnamed 'prophet' asks. "How does his face seem handsome? The writer said Yoo Joonghyuk is supposed to be handsome, but that guy's looks are blurry…"
At this comment, Dokja looks incredibly ticked off and mentally curses the man.
"... Different writers must have different tastes. He's definitely Yoo Joonghyuk," Sungkook reasons, specifically citing that 'Joonghyuk's' personality is just as bad as in the novel.
As their conversation continues, the unknown 'prophet' brings up the fact that prophets have a [Memory Enhancement] skill, which allows them to recall scenes they had read. He also mentions that he doesn't know who Heewon is, since she never appeared in the third regression. The two then state that they think they could get 'Joonghyuk' to deal with those who have read past chapter 50.
Dokja, meanwhile, listens from just inside the tent and thinks even less of them for their comments. 'As if. They were the ones who wrote all those nasty comments about Joonghyuk being lame…'
"See? Even they think you're blurry, ugly ahjussi," Yoo Mia pointed out, and Kim Dokja sighed in defeat.
He looked around at everyone nervously. "How bad is it really?"
Yoo Sangah hummed as she looked at his face, and Han Sooyoung raised a brow.
"Dokja-ssi, I think—"
"Your face looks—"
Both women stopped as soon as they realized they had spoken at the same time, and they turned away from each other pointedly. Awkward…
"Um…" Lee Hyunsung muttered, glancing anxiously at the others, "I don't know if it's the same for everyone else, but it's really hard to remember any of your features."
"Yeah, yeah!" Lee Jihye chimed in. "Sorta like you took a selfie of yourself but it's super out of focus."
Ugh, seriously?
Shin Yoosung tilted her head to the side slightly. "I can tell when you have your eyes open, but I'm not completely sure what colour they are."
"But don't worry, you still look good, hyung!" Lee Gilyoung butted in.
[the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' agrees with the incarnation 'lee gilyoung'.]
Yoo Sangah glanced at Han Sooyoung again with a frown and narrowed eyes, and as soon as she saw that the other woman wasn't about to speak, she proceeded with what she was trying to say earlier. "Even though we worked together, Dokja-ssi, I can't quite remember what you looked like back then, either. You definitely weren't blurry at the time, though."
Great, so it had started with the scenarios, in all likelihood. Still, to affect her memories to the point where she couldn't clearly remember him... that was suspicious.
"If you focus hard enough, you can see individual features," Yoo Joonghyuk cut in suddenly, making Kim Dokja whirl around to stare at him with a gobsmacked expression. When had the protagonist even noticed anything like that in the first place? Was it during all that glaring earlier?
A frown crept over Yoo Joonghyuk's perfectly shaped cupid's bow, his lips curving down in displeasure. "Still, it's impossible to put those features together in your mind."
[constellations who like abstract art are curious about the face of the incarnation 'kim dokja'.]
Okay, that description was really fucking weird. His face was more than just a collection of features!
[the constellation 'secretive plotter' is more curious about the comments made by the prophets.]
Oh, right, those. Kim Dokja had to hold back another grimace.
"It's nothing important, just stupid people," he informed the constellation. "Idiots making fun of Yoo Joonghyuk when they're clearly not doing any better in the same situation. Seriously, what kind of audacity do they have to say those kinds of nasty things about him and then beg at his feet for his help?"
[the constellation 'secretive plotter' scoffs at the idiotic incarnations.]
Once both of the men return to the tent, the other 'prophet' finally reveals his name to be Jung Minseob. Dokja catches him off guard by asking what number he is, prompting a short whisper fest to take place between the 'prophets'. After he learns that Sungkook didn't have a choice in revealing the fact that they're renouncers, Minseob identifies himself as the 1,089th renouncer. Dokja also manages to learn that there are currently 48 known 'prophets'
Considering that the first chapter of TWSA has 1,200 views and the tenth chapter had 129 views, I assumed there would be at least a hundred people.
Sungkook then reasons that most 'prophets' likely died due to failing the first scenario. When Dokja asks why they would have died even though they knew the future, Sunkook suggests that they likely didn't realise the 'revelation' was real quickly enough. He even admits that he would have died if it weren't for Minseob.
Well, it was a novel that began serialization more than 10 years ago, after all.
Minseob, still doubtful of 'Joonghyuk's' identity, decides to question Dokja—starting with Heewon's identity, since she clearly isn't Jihye. Dokja answers that question by bringing up the fact that Namwoon was killed by a 'Prophet', which shocks the two men. Dokja then continues to subtly talk himself up, bringing up how this mysterious 'Prophet' knows a lot more than them, but that he also messed up Joonghyuk's plans by monopolising hidden scenarios.
"S-someone who could do that exists…?!" Sungkook calls out, his face pale and horrified at the thought.
Of course. He's right before you.
"Speaking of audacity…" Han Sooyoung muttered with a roll of her eyes. "Pot, meet kettle."
Well, Kim Dokja never claimed otherwise, now did he?
The next look sent his way was, surprisingly, from Yoo Joonghyuk. Even more odd, it looked more exasperated than angry. No, Kim Dokja had to be seeing things; that couldn't be possible.
"At least most of the prophets didn't make it past the first scenario," Yoo Sangah said with barely-hidden venom.
Kim Dokja shrugged. "Remember, that in Korea, the scenarios are only affecting Seoul right now. There are definitely some prophets stuck outside the Seoul Dome, but it's true that there aren't too many around anymore."
Han Sooyoung's expression deepened into a scowl. Ah, right, hadn't Yoo Joonghyuk killed a bunch of them himself? Even if she hadn't been particularly counting on them or anything, she had probably still planned around having them available to her.
[the constellation 'prisoner of the golden headband' is feeling amused.]
Lee Gilyoung, however, looked extremely proud. "They should be bowing down to hyung because he's hyung and because he's awesome; not because they think he's the sooty bastard!"
As much as he appreciated the praise, it would probably be better if Lee Gilyoung didn't try to antagonize Yoo Joonghyuk in the process.
Dokja continues to clown them by straight up telling them that this 'prophet' has recently taken to impersonating Joonghyuk and is likely operating around Chungmuro. As the two prophets quickly get distracted by frantically messaging their group chat, Dokja takes the time to cheekily stick his tongue out at them. At the very least, the 'Secretive Plotter' is impressed by his shameless lies.
Sungkook then says that he might know who Namwoon's killer is, but not before dropping the bomb that not all 'prophets' are on the same side.
Later in the day, Dokja lounges in a tent with his new indigo flag. Heewon and Hyunsung immediately jump into asking questions, both still on guard. Dokja, however, stops them before they can accidentally spill any secrets. He activates the group chat function granted by the indigo flag in order to have more privacy.
We walked around after the meeting with Lee Sungkook and Jung Minseob, and my flag was upgraded to 'indigo' after the Dongdaemun and Cheonggu stations were handed over to me.
A little animatic appears showing the subway map where the captured stations light up in white, starting from Chungmuro. Their current location lights up in red, while Changsin—their target—lights up in blue. This reveals that they currently possess 5 stations.
Changsin is the station right after Dongmyo, so I had naturally assumed it would belong to them, but I was wrong.
[the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is amused by the actions of the incarnation 'kim dokja'.]
Kim Dokja, for his part, was surprised that Yoo Joonghyuk wasn't super angry right now. No, if anything, his raised brow and crossed arms lended themselves more to him feeling amused that Kim Dokja was literally telling the prophets that there was an impersonator, and them not realizing anything. Weird. Kim Dokja figured that he was probably just seeing things that weren't there because of a buildup of stress, or because of a lack of sleep.
Still, looking back at it, it was incredibly funny.
Lee Jihye sighed. "It sucks that they didn't have the station you needed."
Kim Dokja found himself nodding along with her. Yeah, it had sucked, but thankfully everything had worked out in the end.
Yoo Mia looked somewhat proud of herself as she realized just how crucial her contribution had been in the fourth main scenario, even if she probably wasn't thrilled that it had been to help him, and not her brother. Kim Dokja mentally reminded himself to praise her a lot when she finally made her appearance on the screen.
Dokja thinks back to the conversation in the tent where Sungkook had revealed the incredibly cult-like existence of the '12 Apostles'—a subset of 'The Prophets' who believe that they can use their knowledge to change the world, since they were the people who read the furthest. Dokja had mentally confirmed this as he remembered that only 12 people reached the 50th chapter.
Sungkook had explained that they know of 11 Apostles, and he guessed that the mystery man was likely the last one. He had continued to bash the apostles by calling them all self-centered and selfish for only being interested in using the 'Revelation' for world domination. Dokja, meanwhile, had been confused at how there could be 12 Apostles when one of the 12 readers at chapter 50 was himself.
Dokja had proceeded to guiltily agree to an alliance with them, asking for Changsin station in return. Unfortunately, they had informed him that it had been taken over by the Tyrant King.
One of the 'Seven Kings of Seoul', the 'Tyrant King'. One of the few people comparable to Yoo Joonghyuk's status at this point in time.
The scene changes, blood splattering as a goosebump-inducing laugh rings out into the room. Through the blood, a man shrouded in darkness stands amidst the slaughter, a maniacal grin outlined in light.
I thought it was too early for him to be crowned 'King', but it seems his power rose sharply due to some Prophets' mistakes.
Yoo Sangah looked incredibly tense, and Han Sooyoung didn't look much better. Kim Dokja mentally swore as he realized what pieces Yoo Sangah must be putting together right now.
"Sangah-ssi—" he tried to say, but he was cut off by a harsh glare from her.
"You knew this whole time, didn't you?" she asked with barely restrained fury. "If only the apostles have read past chapter 50, and the two of you read the furthest out of anyone… she's one of them."
Kim Dokja cringed. "Technically, they consider me one too, even if I don't consider myself that."
"I'm not talking about you, Dokja-ssi. Don't try to change the subject." Her practically trademarked HR smile was gone, and all that was left was anger. Kim Dokja wasn't sure which version of Yoo Sangah was more terrifying, honestly.
She turned to Han Sooyoung, a snarl on her lips. "Which one were you? I thought all the Apostles in Chungmuro were killed."
Han Sooyoung's returned gaze was equally frosty. "You really want to know?"
Oh shit.
[several constellations are worried about infighting.]
"I do," Yoo Sangah replied stiffly.
A facade of false bravado spread across Han Sooyoung's face, acting as though she didn't care at all. "Honestly, I thought you were smart. You seriously didn't put the pieces together even though the bastard over there wasn't being subtle at all? For fuck's sake, he accused me of being a fucking plagiarist right at the start of this stupid scenario."
What the fuck are you doing, Han Sooyoung? Kim Dokja felt like he was beginning to panic too, watching everything fall to pieces in front of his eyes like a house of cards toppled by the faintest breeze.
[the constellation 'abyssal black flame dragon' is cheering for the incarnation 'han sooyoung'.]
[the constellation 'abandoned lover of the labyrinth' is looking at the constellation 'abyssal black flame dragon' with hostility.]
No no no—this wasn't good. Was there anything Kim Dokja could do to interfere?
"Han Sooyoung!" Not even raising his voice did anything, because the plagiarist completely ignored him.
She narrowed her eyes. "The dragon… his stupid cult comments… none of that ringing a bell?"
"Wait," Jung Heewon snarled as soon as realization dawned on her, "you planned that!?"
"So what if I did? It's not any worse than things other people were doing," Han Sooyoung replied. "I was doing what I had to."
"Yoo Joonghyuk-ssi killed the First Apostle," Yoo Sangah hissed, her hands trembling. "We all watched him do it."
Han Sooyoung crossed her arms and leaned back. "Do you think I'm stupid enough to send my real body to fight the fucking protagonist? Fuck no."
Stop it…
Everything was spiraling out of his control and it was all Kim Dokja could do to hold onto the kids with everything he had. Shin Yoosung didn't know what anyone was angry about, but Lee Gilyoung was squirming in his grasp like he wanted to go over and hit Han Sooyoung himself.
Lee Hyunsung even looked angry, even though he seemed lost for words, and that was never a good sign. Kim Dokja shot a desperate look over at Yoo Joonghyuk, mentally begging the man to do something. To do anything. He was the protagonist—if anyone could get them to stop before they literally tried to kill each other right here and now, it would be him.
After a moment of eye contact, Yoo Joonghyuk's gaze almost seemed to soften slightly (but why???) as he relented and nodded once.
"Stop being foolish," the protagonist commanded. His tone was so firm and harsh that Kim Dokja felt himself unconsciously sit up straighter at his words. Jung Heewon didn't release her sword, but she glanced over at him. Yoo Sangah was still clenching her fists so tightly that Kim Dokja wondered if her nails would break her skin, and Lee Hyunsung had immediately fallen back into his army training and obeyed the command unquestioningly.
Han Sooyoung glanced over with displeasure, but even she knew not to cross Yoo Joonghyuk if she wanted to live.
"Both Kim Dokja and I already knew her identity," he informed the rest of the group. "This is a matter between 'Kings'. We will handle it ourselves."
Kim Dokja let out a breath of relief, thankful for the protagonist's intervention, even if Yoo Sangah was biting her lip harshly to keep herself from protesting further.
[a few constellations are disappointed at the lack of a fight.]
Shut the fuck up.
Back in the present, Dokja mentally berates 'The Prophets' for messing everything up since they don't remember what happened in the novel. Thankfully, due to his explanation, Heewon and Hyunsung now understand Dokja's reasoning for impersonating Joonghyuk. Heewon wonders if they need to gather more intel, but Dokja disagrees.
According to Dokja, the two prophets had seemed eager to speak of a great weapon they got their hands on that could allegedly neutralise both the Tyrant King and the 12 Apostles. Supposedly, the plan would take place at a meeting the next night—aptly named the 'Night of the Prophets'—and Sungkook and Minseob had encouraged 'Joonghyuk' to attend. Dokja, naturally, had been apprehensive of their claim, and he tells Hyunsung and Heewon that he will take action immediately. He knows that if he wants his own plans to succeed, he can't let all these prophets run rampant, especially after what happened with the Tyrant King.
Jung Heewon and Lee Hyunsung stiffened up, shooting Han Sooyoung glares the entire time. Still, neither of them particularly wanted to challenge Yoo Joonghyuk's command and actually say anything about it.
"Ahjussi, why are unnie and oppa so nervous?" Shin Yoosung asked in a not-so-subtle whisper. "Did something bad happen?"
Define 'bad'.
Kim Dokja sighed. "Everything is dangerous, Yoosung-ah. That was just… a bit more dangerous than most."
Jung Heewon turned her extremely disappointed expression on Kim Dokja, then. "That's a fucking understatement."
Okay, yeah, maybe he was downplaying it a bit for the kids' sake. He didn't really want to tell them flat out that the number of survivors could be counted on one hand.
[the constellation 'queen of the darkest spring' expresses concern for the agitated incarnations.]
Kim Dokja held onto the kids a bit tighter. He wasn't sure whose benefit it was for, anymore.
That night, Dokja carefully navigates between sleeping bodies under the cover of an item that resembles an invisibility cloak straight out of a fantasy story about wizards. In the main tent, Donghoon is still typing away on his computer before a hand suddenly reaches out and covers his mouth.
In the middle of the poor boy's struggle, Dokja forces his mouth open and pours a vial of liquid down his throat, then forces the teenager to swallow it all. After a moment, Donghoon stops struggling as clarity returns to his eyes.
He quickly whips around, keeping a good grip on his flag while nervously looking at Dokja, resembling a cornered hamster. Dokja placates him by raising his hands and confirming that he's not after Donghoon's flag.
Keeping a protective stance, now curled slightly around his flag while shaking, Donghoon stutters out the first word of a question. Dokja, guessing his inquiry, states that he wouldn't have released the [Hypnosis] if he had bad intentions. Walking closer to Donghoon and smiling in a way that seems genuine, Dokja announces that he wants to be friends.
"At least you helped him, ugly ahjussi," Yoo Mia stated. "You can be okay sometimes."
"Just okay?" he asked teasingly, not expecting a response from her.
She stared at him for a moment. "Yes. Sometimes."
Wow, that was a massive compliment from her. Maybe he should get it framed and put on a wall somewhere, just to commemorate the moment.
"Hey, Ahjussi is so much better than okay!" Shin Yoosung protested.
Lee Gilyoung nodded vehemently, but when he spoke, he didn't have his usual energy. "Yeah, hyung is awesome."
And he was going to ignore whatever petty argument that started. Kim Dokja didn't have the energy to deal with that right now. Still, something was off with Lee Gilyoung, and Kim Dokja wasn't sure what it was. He'd keep an eye on the kid just in case.
[the constellation 'shadow behind the curtain' thanks the incarnation 'kim dokja'.]
Thankfully, Han Donghoon had been willing to help, so Kim Dokja knew that freeing the other King had been a good idea. With any luck, they'd be able to stay allied going forward into the fifth main scenario and beyond.