Chapter 486: 519. The world of zero (3)

[Currently, the applicable regression turn is under the ‘Overwrite restriction’.]

[Currently, the applicable world-line’s copyright holder is absent.]

[As the owner of the ‘Final Wall’, you can act as the substitute copyright holder.]

[Will you activate ‘Overwrite’ to interfere with the worldview?]

The warning messages floated up one after the other in the empty air. Almost at the same time, [The 4th Wall]’s voice entered my ears.

⸢Kim Dok Ja⸥

‘….I know already, so stop trying to scare me.’

I could already tell what [The 4th Wall] was going to say. Probably, it’d be something along the line of there’s no meaning in changing the predetermined past.

⸢…..⸥

I sensed a certain glare squarely locking onto me from the empty air, but I tried my best to ignore that.

Although I had no clue how the original 0th turn unfolded, if the paragraph I read in passing inside [The 4th Wall]’s library was true, then… The 0th turn’s Yu Jung-Hyeok shouldn’t select his backer until much later.

He would lose Yi Seol-Hwa and Yi Ji-Hye during this turn.

He’d lose the ones precious to him, those he barely managed to meet, and then…

….And then, he’d desperately think about this one thing as his death approached him.

⸢’If only I had a sponsor, what could it have been like?’⸥

I stared at Yu Jung-Hyeok as he read the system messages with quaking eyes.

Through this turn, his cycle of regression would begin. He’d get to repeat countless regressions and thereby walk on the ‘Hellscape of Eternity’.

⸢Ev en if y ou cha nge thi s turn….⸥

‘The past that the Secretive Plotter lived through won’t disappear. I know that.’

Even if I changed this world-line, the predetermined tragedies would still happen. The Yu Jung-Hyeok I know would live through the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and eventually, all the way to 1863rd regression turns. He’d become the ‘Secretive Plotter’, and start hating me.

However, even if that was the case…

‘I can’t pick up any traces of the ‘Most Ancient Dream’ that isn’t me in this regression turn.’

It was quite likely that the cause of this event was the younger me not knowing anything about Yu Jung-Hyeok’s 0th turn. Whatever the case might have been, one thing’s for certain; at the very least, I could take on that role during this world-line.

I could become Yu Jung-Hyeok’s sponsor during this world-line.

⸢Wi ll y ou ma ke him re gre ss?⸥

[The 4th Wall] asked as if it was intrigued. I shook my head.

‘No. I’ll make sure he doesn’t.’

⸢Ev en if he’s cha nged, the fu ture won’t….⸥

‘I know. That’s why I feel even more relieved.’

The past I changed wouldn’t deny the Yu Jung-Hyeok I know of.

⸢If Yu Jung-Hyeok got to experience a regression turn that wasn’t tragic, even if it’s just once…⸥

I slowly extended my hand towards the air.

[‘Overwrite’ has commenced!]

[Interfering with the applicable worldview has begun!]

[As your mastery over the dream is insufficient, currently it’s impossible to interfere too aggressively.]

As the sparks exploded with a loud ‘Tsu-chuchuchut!’, messages popped up one after the other.

[The ‘Demon King of Salvation’ is registering his temporary Constellation name.]

[You’re currently participating in the ‘sponsor selection’ as a Constellation.]

[<Star Stream>’s system is suspicious of your eligibility.]

[Low-grade Dokkaebi ‘Bihyung’ finds your Modifier unfamiliar.]

[Small number of Constellations are flustered by your sudden entrance!]

I bit down on my lip while observing Yu Jung-Hyeok’s pale expression.

This might prove to be a bad decision. Yu Jung-Hyeok might end up even more miserable because I changed this world-line.

However, if it was the me of right now…

[Ho-oh-ra, the ‘Demon King of Salvation’? Well now, a new Constellation-nim has decided to enter the stage!]

If it was Kim Dok-Ja the ‘Most Ancient Dream’ who had witnessed the end of one world and had the knowledge of the scenario’s epilogues, then wouldn’t it be possible to change the predetermined destiny?

[Looks like we might need to extend the time since the candidates have increased.]

Bihyung updated the message floating in mid-air.

[Sponsor selection time period has been extended by 5 minutes.]

The survivors in the near vicinity, having somehow lived through that ordeal, began opening their mouths one by one.

“….Just what is all this?”

“Sponsor selection, is it…..”

I didn’t find it weird since I had read the ‘Ways of Survival’ before, but still, I could guess how confused they must feel after facing a situation like this for the first time ever.

[Incarnation ‘Yu Jung-Hyeok’ is activating his attribute!]

In the midst of all this, only Yu Jung-Hyeok was regaining his cool. His calm eyes were proof of that.

….Well, I’m getting curious about what he’s thinking here, so.

[Exclusive skill, ‘Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint Lv.???’, is activating!]

Although I felt a bit sorry about taking a peek inside the feeble 0th turn’s head, I simply had to look this time. What if, in a one-in-a-million chance, he chose a different backer, then…..

[You are the ‘Most Ancient Dream’.]

[You can utilise 100 percent of your skill’s abilities regardless of your understanding on the target!]

The inside of Yu Jung-Hyeok’s head spread out like an anatomy chart.

⸢What about Mi-Ah? What happened to her?⸥

⸢I must rescue Mi-Ah.⸥

⸢In order to do that, I must get through this selection thing before my eyes first⸥

⸢Backer selection. Sounds like I must pick my sponsor.⸥

I grew slightly tense.

During the original 0th turn, this guy apparently didn’t choose anyone as his backer this early on, but that’d always be nothing more than a story from the original. No one could tell what might happen this time.

Unexpectedly though, it wasn’t Yu Jung-Hyeok displaying his interest in me, but other Constellations.

[Constellation, ‘God of Wine and Ecstasy’, is greeting you.]

[Constellation, ‘God of Wine and Ecstasy’, thinks your Modifier is a cool one.]

It seemed that Dionysus’s outgoing personality was the same regardless of the regression turns. If he didn’t yield to us back in the Final Ark, the ensuing battle would’ve been so much harder.

Just as I was about to greet him back, someone else butted in.

[Constellation, ‘Abyssal Black Flame Dragon’ is keeping his eyes on you.]

….Now that I thought about it, this dude was also here, wasn’t he? Hey, you, aren’t you supposed to be eyeing Kim Nam-Woon in the next subway car? Just how many bridges are you planning to straddle here?

[Constellation, ‘Abyssal Black Flame Dragon’, thinks you are copying from his Modifier.]

I was about to ask just which part sounded the same to him, but in the end, held back. Only three minutes remained; no need to waste my energy on something completely unnecessary.

I shifted my head to discover that Yu Jung-Hyeok had begun considering his choices earnestly.

I swallowed back my nervous saliva.

+

1. God of Wine and Ecstasy

+

Yu Jung-Hyeok stared at that Modifier for a little while before shifting his gaze away.

⸢Something feels messy about that name.⸥

Soon after, his eyes landed on the second candidate.

+

2. Mouse that Eats Fingernails

+

I grew nervous when he stared at that Modifier for quite a long time.

Wake up, Yu Jung-Hyeok. You’d be better off choosing the Abyssal Black Flame Dragon instead of this.

⸢Sounds weak.⸥

I barely managed to breathe a sigh of relief.

Damn it, man. Stop making people nervous.

Yu Jung-Hyeok then stared at the third candidate afterwards.

+

3. Abyssal Black Flame Dragon

+

Although obvious, Yu Jung-Hyeok would never choose the third option. He might seem drunk on his awesomeness outwardly, but in truth, he wasn’t a fan of such flashy and grand-sounding words. That’s why…

⸢That’s a fairly strong-sounding name.⸥

….Wha? H-hang on a…

⸢Maybe, it might be an unexpectedly powerful sponsor.⸥

It’s true that he’s powerful, but… That guy, he makes his Incarnations recite weird summoning spells, you know?

Hey, Jung-Hyeok-ah, please open your eyes properly and take a closer look. The only ones that can handle this guy are Kim Nam-Woon or Han Su-Yeong, that’s it.

[Constellation, ‘Abyssal Black Flame Dragon’, is boasting in your direction.]

[One minute remaining until the conclusion of the sponsor selection.]

And finally, Yu Jung-Hyeok’s eyes landed on the fourth candidate.

+

4. Demon King of Salvation

+

I barely managed to calm my mind and along with Yu Jung-Hyeok, looked at the backer selection list from behind him.

The God of Wine and Ecstasy, Mouse that Eats Fingernails, Abyssal Black Flame Dragon, and the Demon King of Salvation…

‘[The 4th Wall], what do you think?’

As if it didn’t get the intention behind the question, [The 4th Wall] took its time answering back.

‘What I’m asking you is, who sounds strongest to you?’

⸢Th at is….⸥

‘Not including the actual combat prowess, just judging from the Modifiers alone.’

I thought that a reply should be forthcoming pretty quickly, but it seemed that [The 4th Wall] was actually in a dilemma here.

I didn’t wait and spoke up first. ‘Not saying this because I’m the ⸢Demon King of Salvation⸥, but in truth, and also, objectively speaking….’

Hang on, no need to look at it objectively, either. Just think about it logically.

The God of Wine and Ecstasy? He simply sounded like a drunkard.

The Mouse that Eats Fingernails? You weren’t looking for a nail clipper substitute, so what would you even need this guy for?

The Abyssal Black Flame Dragon? Just one look, and you should know not to choose this guy.

Even if the 0th turn’s Yu Jung-Hyeok was an idiot, he should not be making such mistakes.

The only normal-sounding Modifier was mine. And for sure, he raised his finger and pointed at the fourth option as if he was impressed by my Modifier. Then, he began thinking.

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⸢What an arrogant-sounding name.⸥

‘…..’

⸢Weaklings often use names like this.⸥

Even before I could shout something out, Yu Jung-Hyeok shot up from his spot and spoke. “I’ve made up my mind. I will….”

As he formed a triumphant grin, his lips slowly parted.

I silently stared at the subway’s ceiling. Accompanied by the ‘Tsu-chuchuchut!’ noise, vicious heat burned on my hand.

[You’re interfering in the world-line.]

[‘Overwrite’ has commenced.]

[Excessive interference might cause the world-line to strongly resist….]

I used all of my strength to smack the back of Yu Jung-Hyeok’s head.

*

“Keo-heok!”

Kim Dok-Ja woke up from the powerful impact on the back of his head.

“How long are you planning to sleep? Wake up already!”

He opened his eyes and found Han Su-Yeong lightly dusting her hands. He then wiped away the drool marks on the couch and gingerly sat back up.

What’s this? Why am I here? Okay, so…

“What are you doing? Hurry up and get ready already! Did you forget where we’re supposed to go today?”

Yu Jung-Hyeok standing in his trademark pose was standing next to Han Su-Yeong, his eyes still blazing non-stop.

“You’re making us wait for no reason,” he said.

It wasn’t just him, though; Jeong Hui-Won’s head peeked out from behind Yu Jung-Hyeok, and the figure of Yi Hyeon-Seong carrying an armful of something could be seen behind her.

“Is that pizza?”

“It’s fried chicken, you dummy.”

Shin Yu-Seung and Yi Gil-Yeong were swallowing their saliva as they continued to stare at Yi Hyeon-Seong’s plastic bags. And finally, Yi Ji-Hye standing next to these two children, too.

“Hurry up and let’s go! I’m starving!”

Kim Dok-Ja saw this spectacle and finally remembered what today was.

⸢This world’s scenario had ended.⸥

When he turned his head, he saw warm rays of sunlight seeping through the [Industrial Complex]’s windows.

⸢And today was <Kim Dok-Ja Company>’s first field trip.⸥

*

As they made their ways towards their destination, Han Su-Yeong continued to grumble away.

“Hey, Kim Dok-Ja.”

“What now?”

“You didn’t really forget what day is today, right?”

“What day is it?”

“It’s December 25th. What day do you think it was?”

Kim Dok-Ja pondered for a little bit before replying to her. “The day Mitra was born?”

“Is that supposed to be <Vedas> style humour?”‘

They continued walking while exchanging banter like that. Every so often, Yu Jung-Hyeok let out a pained groan as if they were getting on his nerves.

It was around then that a red sports car came to a stop on the side of the road while making a loud noise.

“Sang-Ah-ssi!”

Jeong Hui-Won was first to recognise Yu Sang-Ah and quickly raised her hand. The latter, kitted out in a white long-padded coat and a pair of jeans, took off her sunglasses and replied back.

“I’m so sorry, the filming took longer than I thought.”

Perhaps finding the current Yu Sang-Ah not to her liking, Han Su-Yeong verbally tackled her down right away.

“Oh, my? You sure are a full-fledged celeb nowadays, aren’t you?”

“Do we really need to eat by the Han River when it’s so cold outside?”

“Is there anyone here without cold resistance? I mean, you should still have that sort of a skill remaining, right?”

“We could’ve just eaten back in the Complex, though. As it’s Christmas, there should be quite a few people by the river, too.”

“We made a promise with the kids.”

While watching the two of them bickering away, Kim Dok-Ja felt a certain corner of his heart ache for some reason.

Why did this sight feel so nostalgic to him?

It had already been three months since the scenarios came to an end, so….

“What about Seol-Hwa-ssi and Pil-Du-ssi? I can’t see the department head Han, either.”

“They’ll be here. Ah, there they are! Oiii! Yi Seol-Hwa!”

Right in front of the Yeouinaru Station, Yi Seol-Hwa, wearing a white fur coat, was waving both of her hands with a bright smile. And next to her was Gong Pil-Du, staring in another direction with a cantankerous expression.

“You didn’t want to show up for so long that we thought you forgot about us again.”

Perhaps she felt guilty after hearing that, Jeong Hui-Won quickly replied. “Eiii, there’s no way that’s true, though?”

“….But, you did abandon us and returned to the [Industrial Complex] first, didn’t you?”

“Hmm, hmm. W-we did go back to find you later, didn’t we?”

“What do you mean, find us?! We only were able to come back because the librarians let us leave! Seriously, if I look back to that time, I still….”

“What about Han Myeong-Oh?”

“Myeong-Oh-ssi didn’t come, saying that he must spend Christmas with his family….”

“What family does that ahjussi even have? ….Ah.”

The companions continued to walk forward under the noisy, festive atmosphere.

Yi Gil-Yeong and Shin Yu-Seung clung onto each of Kim Dok-Ja’s arms and growled towards one another.

“Hey, you. Stop pulling him to your side.”

“You too.”

“By the way ahjussi, you think Santa Claus is a Constellation, too?”

The group eventually reached the Han River public park. Maybe the cold weather was to blame, as there weren’t all that many people visible here. What was visible, though, were the collapsed bridges of the river, as well as the pitch-black night sky. Only an extremely few stars remained as proof of <Star Stream> existing up there once before.

⸢Without a doubt, everything did come to an end.⸥

The group laid a mat on the ground, and installed a portable stove next to the children. Yu Jung-Hyeok then placed a picnic table next to the stove and proceeded to make something with Yi Ji-Hye.

Kim Dok-Ja asked. “….What’s this, we’re going to make them here?”

“Of course. There are no fried chicken takeaways or pizzeria remaining, so obviously we have to make our own, right?”

He thought about it and realised that’s true. It’d been only three months since the end of the scenarios, so pizzerias or takeaways couldn’t have been revived already.

Han Su-Yeong carried on. “Be grateful that we have someone who can make them for us.”

Chicken drumsticks dismantled in an instant flew in the air, and Yu Jung-Hyeok’s special sauces danced enticingly just above them. Rolled dough spun vigorously at the end of the scabbard, too. It was uncertain whether he was making a pizza or fried chicken, but without a doubt, something amazing was being created right now.

“In the end, a day like today did come,” said Yu Sang-Ah as she sat on the mat with her knees pulled up close. Her eyes were staring at the Han River, as if she was submerged in reminiscence.

Kim Dok-Ja addressed her. “You must be really busy nowadays.”

“It’s just… Yes, I am. There are lots of things to take care of, so…”

It had only been three months since the scenarios ended. The society at large hadn’t regained its stability yet.

The system’s influence hadn’t completely disappeared yet, and the criminals retaining their skills or Stigmata continued with their crime sprees even now. Yu Sang-Ah was this world’s hero that defeated them and protected ordinary citizens.

“They look so good together.”

In a spot far away, Jeong Hui-Won and Yi Hyeon-Seong were standing together to look at the Han River.

Han Su-Yeong pouted and spat out her words. “I bet 100 Coins that they won’t last a year.”

It was right then, they heard something exploding in the distance. The startled companions instinctively reached towards their individual weapons.

But when they took a closer look, the explosion noise came from the fireworks fired from a distant building.

“….Someone’s using stuff like that already?”

Han Su-Yeong muttered out in disbelief.

Kim Dok-Ja stared at that spectacle with renewed interest. Fireworks, was it? He never expected to see them again in his life. Bit by bit, the aroma of their food getting ready wafted in.

“Kim Dok-Ja.”

“Ng?”

“You know, you haven’t been reading that thing recently.”

“What do you mean?” Kim Dok-Ja thought about it for a second before making his reply. “Ah, that’s right. I should be reading it, though.”

He hurriedly switched his smartphone on. However, its battery was flat and the device refused to power on. Han Su-Yeong’s figure was reflected on the dark screen; it was still impossible to get a bead on her inner thoughts through the look in her eyes. She wordlessly observed Kim Dok-Ja and muttered something to herself, before plopping down next to him with an ‘Oopsie.’

“Maybe I shouldn’t have bothered to come. All these useless thoughts are making my head hurt, instead.”

“Ng?”

“Nah, just talking to myself. Never mind that, though – there was a part like this back in the ‘Ways of Survival’, wasn’t it? You remember that?”

….The ‘Ways of Survival’.

“You know, the third turn’s Yu Jung-Hyeok…. everyone together, next to the Han River, chewing on the ground rat’s legs…..”

Kim Dok-Ja’s expression as he listened to her words distorted in a strange, vague manner. She reached out to him as he began to wobble a little.

“Hey, what’s the matter? You alright? You feeling sick somewhere?”

“It’s just that my head hurts without warning….”

“Did I smack you a little too hard back then? How about resting for a bit….?”

“No, it’s fine. Besides all that…. you’re right.”

“About what?”

“About the ‘Ways of Survival’. I really like that scene, too. It’s the scene I like the most from the third regression turn.”

Han Su-Yeong deeply stared into Kim Dok-Ja’s face, before forming a refreshing grin.

“Really now, you ‘Ways of Survival’ otaku freak.”

Another round of fireworks went off in the distance, much larger in scale this time. The children let out a loud cheer as they witnessed the beautiful flames engraving the night sky. Kim Dok-Ja began thinking; maybe this was the sight he’d been yearning to see for the longest time. For the longest…

Longest.

Han Su-Yeong opened her lips again. “By the way, Kim Dok-Ja?”

“Ng?”

Since from when was this? Her face was pushed real close to his. Her pristine, perfectly-set facial features, her pale-white cheeks, and a beauty spot just below her sparkling eyes.

Kim Dok-Ja became flustered by the faint hint of lemony scent reaching his nose. Just before he could say something, though, Han Su-Yeong approached him even closer. She brought her lips to his ear and slowly whispered in a clear voice.

“Such a scene doesn’t appear in the third turn of ‘Ways of Survival.’”

Along with the fireworks scattering in the sky, it felt as if a powerful shower of sparks were raining down from somewhere. Kim Dok-Ja thought that his vision was flipped around for some reason, only to realise that he was currently thrown onto the ground unceremoniously.

“Hey, you.”

Han Su-Yeong’s icy-cold venomous eyes were right before him now.

⸢Everything was definitely over, yet…⸥

⸢Why did it feel like nothing was over somehow?⸥

Jeong Hui-Won and Yi Hyeon-Seong running over here from the distance could be seen. Then, the expressionless face of Yu Jung-Hyeok; and finally, even the world where all the stories had concluded, too. Under the fireworks brightly dyeing the night sky, Han Su-Yeong’s chilly, sharp dagger gleamed dangerously.

“You, just who the hell are you?”

<Epilogue 1. The world of zero (3)> Fin.

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