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Dokja's fate becomes realized, but something/someone won't let him die.
The 10th scenario is complete, Seoul has been freed, but how did Dokja survive? And how much longer will he last?

Notes:

I wrote the notes for this fic in my psychology class lmao
My brain really wanted to turn this into a comic but that would take wayyyyyy too long so I compromised with a few illustrations, enjoy!

Work Text:

Joonghyuk's blade plunged into Dokja's chest with surprising ease. Dokja felt the pain shoot through his body, which only worsened when the blade was removed. He coughed up blood and felt the demon king's powers fading. His wings gave out and he wobbled on his feet before leaning to the side. Joonghyuk caught him with his free arm and called out for him.

“We've had a great run, didn't we?” Dokja wheezed, blood dripping from the wound and his mouth.

Behind him, a red portal appeared and began swallowing up his wings as they flaked into pieces. His coat flowed around him and he smiled a sad smile.

“Survive, Joonghyuk.” He felt his limbs falling apart as his body was floated slowly into the portal.

“Dokja!” The others called, running over.

Joonghyuk grabbed his collar in an attempt to keep him from leaving.

[The Main Scenario Has Ended]

“No- Dokja!” Joonghyuk yelled, feeling the fabric in his hand disintegrating.

The portal had fully consumed the wings and horns when it paused and flickered with a blue light for a split second. Dokja's eyes widened as the sensation of falling apart stopped. He looked at Joonghyuk and was about to say something when the portal collapsed with a loud pop. Everyone flinched at the noise and covered their ears. When they looked back, Dokja was whole again, floating just above the ground. His eyes half lidded and his hands twitched as a white crack appeared on his chest where he had been stabbed. He hovered there for a second before going limp and falling to the floor. Everyone ran over calling his name as Joonghyuk gently cradled him.

“Joonghyuk, is Dokja alive?” Sangah asked, kneeling next to Yoosung, who had grabbed Dokja's limp hand.

Joonghyuk checked for a pulse and breath before nodding. “He's alive, somehow.”

“Didn't the scenario say he was going to die?” Hyunsung checked the message log. “We finished the scenario.”

“Yes, and that he was going to get expelled from the scenario.” Joonghyuk confirmed.

“This was supposed to be his fate, wasn't it?” Jihye frowned. “Has that not been fulfilled now?”

Sangah pondered the question, brow furrowed in worry.

“Death might not have been physical.” Sooyoung remembered. “Dokja and I were theorizing about that when he first received the fate warnings.”

“Then what else could it mean?” Yoosung asked, trying to keep the tears back as she looked Dokja over. “And why is his wound glowing with that white light?”

Before anyone could ask anything else, the demon castle around them began vanishing and they were transported back onto the streets of Seoul. Hyunsung offered to carry Dokja and the others helped him get Dokja onto his back. The system messages announcing the freedom of the Seoul dome flashed past as Joonghyuk watched the castle vanish completely.

“What are you guys still doing here? I'm sure you've all seen the system message.” A dokkaebi appeared in the air above them, smiling. “I see... You're all lament-” He cut himself off when he saw Dokja on Hyunsung's back.

“Dokkaebi, what happened to Dokja?” Joonghyuk demanded, glaring at the floating creature. The dokkaebi looked between him and Dokja in confusion before opening a system window. The screen glitched and he yelped, jumping back a little.

“What?” The dokkaebi looked between the window and Dokja again. “I can't see his info?” He cleared his throat and waved the window away. “A-anyway, you should be focusing on the scenario you're in. You still have not fully escaped from the Seoul Dome just yet.”

A scenario window popped up saying to follow the path to the edge of the dome, with corresponding arrows on the ground pointing the direction to go. The group looked at each other before Jihye shrugged and started following the path.

Before too long they came to the edge to where the rest of the incarnations had gathered. Min Jiwon saw them approach and gave a friendly wave. She caught sight of the unconscious Dokja and let out a small sigh of relief.

Everyone parted way for Joonghyuk to walk to the face of the dome.

One hit, two hits, three hits.

A small portion of the dome shattered when he hit it with his fist. As people filed out of the dome, people on the other side began noticing them and alerting others nearby. There were going to be a lot of questions for them.

The next few days were busy. Everyone wanted to interview them, and they kept asking the same questions over and over again. Heewon groaned as she sat on the bed in her room, trying to block out the noise of everyone outside.

“Heewon! Good morning!” Jihye smiled, walking into the room.

“Hi, Jihye. How's Dokja?”

“Same as he has been for the past week, unconscious.” Jihye shrugged. “We've all been keeping an eye on him, but there's been no changes. He's still colder than he should be, his wound still glows, he doesn't respond to anything.”

“Who's with him right now?”

“Master is. He probably spends the most time in there besides Yoosung. If he's not in there, he's wandering off somewhere muttering 'Dokja Kim, Dokja Kim.' I guess it makes sense, considering he always said he wanted to kill him.”

Heewon nodded and walked over to the front door.

“You're leaving?

“I can't just sit around here forever. We've got to prepare.”

“Then I'm coming with you.”

In another room, Joonghyuk listened as the two women left the building. He was standing across the room from the bed, leaning against the wall as he thought about what the dokkaebi had said. He activated [Eye of the Sage] on Dokja, only to have it blocked, just like the first time he tried to use it on him.

“Not even the dokkaebi can see your information?” He asked the empty room.

Joonghyuk sighed and approached the bed where Dokja lay. He looked peaceful, arms to his sides and chest rising and falling gently. Joonghyuk checked his pulse again, which was fine, and noticed that his skin was still really cold, perhaps even colder than last time he checked.

[Constellation, Demonic Judge of Fire asks how Dokja Kim is.]

Joonghyuk looked down at the message with a frown. “Same as before. Why are you here and not with your incarnation?”

[Constellation, Demonic Judge of Fire says Heewon Jung is safe.]

[Constellation, Demonic Judge of Fire says she is worried about Dokja Kim.]

Joonghyuk looked back at the sleeping man. Why was this constellation keeping such a close eye on the two of them? He had received messages from her a lot for the past week, more than he had ever spoken with her in previous regressions. He had asked the others if they were also getting messages from her about Dokja, but only Heewon said she got the occasional one, but it was usually related to her being the constellation's sponsored incarnation.

“If you're so worried about him, why don't you ask the others?”

There was a long pause before the response popped up.

[Constellation, Demonic Judge of Fire says she likes their bond of companionship.]

Joonghyuk read the message and felt a tinge of... joy? He pushed the feeling away and turned to walk away.

Before he could take another step, he felt a soft tug on the sleeve of his coat. He turned around quickly to see Dokja's eyes flutter open, unfocused.

“Dokja!” Joonghyuk reflexively grabbed Dokja's arm. “Dokja are you awake?”

Footsteps sounded from the hallway and the door burst open as Yoosung, Gilyoung, and Sangah entered.

“He's awake?!” Yoosung exclaimed, rushing to his side. Joonghyuk removed his hand as Yoosung grabbed Dokja's hand in both of hers. Dokja blinked slowly but gave no response.

Yoosung clung tighter before realizing how cold his hand was. “He's freezing!”

“I'll get a blanket-” Sangah started before a message popped up in front of her.

[Constellation, Demonic Judge of Fire says this is a different kind of coldness.]

[Constellation, Demonic Judge of Fire gifts Joonghyuk Yoo <Story Evaluator>.]

“Story evaluator?” Sangah read as the little device fell into his hands.

“Is there something wrong with his story?” Gilyoung asked, trying to peek at the device as Joonghyuk activated it. It beeped a little before a screen popped up.

~~The King of the Kingless World~~ [LOCKED]

~~The One Who Fought Against a Miracle~~ [LOCKED]

~~The One Who Scorned a Storyteller~~ [LOCKED]

~~The One Who Killed an Other World God~~ [LOCKED]

~~The Demon King of Salvation~~ [LOCKED]

Joonghyuk scrolled through the list of all of Dokja's accumulated stories, eyes widening in horror as each one was crossed off and labeled [LOCKED].

“What is it, Joonghyuk?” Sangah asked cautiously.

“All of his stories... are locked.” He said slowly, as if he wasn't sure himself.

“What?” Yoosung looked up at him. “What does that mean?”

“I... I don't know.” Joonghyuk confessed. “I've only heard of skills being locked, not stories.”

[Constellation, Queen of the Darkest Spring joins the conversation.]

[Constellation, Demonic Judge of Fire is flustered at the appearance of Queen of the Darkest Spring.]

“Persephone?” Sangah whispered in surprise.

[Constellation, Queen of the Darkest Spring explains that stories are what humans call their souls.]

“Soul?” Sangah repeated. “Does that mean that, without a story, you're dead?”

[Constellation, Queen of the Darkest Spring nods.]

Gilyoung and Yoosung gasped and turned to Dokja.

“So, if his are locked, that's basically blocking him from... living?” Sooyoung asked, announcing her presence in the doorway, where she was leaning against the frame with her arms crossed.

“But he's still breathing and has a heart beat!” Gilyoung protested.

“Is... is this the death that Fate spoke of?” Yoosung realized.

“Seems like it.” Sooyoung uncrossed her arms and watched as Dokja's unfocused eyes slid shut again. She turned to leave. “I'll get the others.”

Days pass and the group keeps track of when Dokja's eyes open. His heart rate is a little faster when they are open, so they theorize that he is sleeping the rest of the time.

One evening, Yoosung is sitting on the end of the bed and writing in the notebook that she had been using as a medical log for Dokja's condition. There was a light knock at the door as Joonghyuk entered, carrying a plate of food. He handed the food to her and turned to leave.

“Thank you.” She accepted the food and paused. “Joonghyuk?”

Joonghyuk turned back and met her gaze.

“Do you think mister has dreams when he's like this?”

Joonghyuk looked over at Dokja. “I don't know if he even dreams in the first place. He's explained one of his skills to me a little, said it automatically activates when he dies or is unconscious. Then he is able to float around and watch others.”

Yoosung nodded, remembering the underground part of Paradise where she found the chimera. “Then is he like that now?”

“I imagine it takes a lot of mental energy to be able to use that skill.” Joonghyuk crossed his arms. “If the skill is something he had from the beginning, not from a story, then he may be able to use it like this.”

[ ■■■ is listening to your conversation.]

Yoosung jumped as the message popped up in front of her. Joonghyuk looked over at her as she stared at it.

“It says someone is listening to us, but their name is censored.” She explained.

“Censored? How?” Joonghyuk's eyebrow raised slightly.

“It's three boxes.” Yoosung glanced at him.

“So it is not my supporting constellation.” Joonghyuk thought.

“Could it be...?” Yoosung turned to Dokja. “Mister? Was that message from you?”

There was no response.

“Dokja, can you tell us anything about what's going on?”

Again, no response.

Joonghyuk frowned as Yoosung held up the forgotten plate of food. She hopped off the bed, leaving her notebook behind.

“I'll get the others.” She said as she left.

Joonghyuk looked after her before a message popped up in front of him.

[ ■■■ is scared and cold.]

Joonghyuk turned to Dokja before resting his hand on Dokja's cold one. Dokja's eyes fluttered open slightly.

“Dokja, that is you, isn't it?” Joonghyuk asked quietly.

There was no response from the one in the bed but footsteps were heard down the hall and Yoosung returned with Gilyoung and Sangah.

Joonghyuk withdrew his hand as they approached. “I got another message. It said he's scared and cold.”

Gilyoung and Yoosung exchanged a look before they crawled onto the bed on either side of Dokja, whose eyes flutter shut again after a few moments.

“He looks a little healthier now.” Sangah noted with a small smile. “Maybe the physical contact to our stories is keeping him alive?”

“What even is 'alive' for him right now?” Joonghyuk frowned.

Before he could voice the question, another system message showed up to all of them, announcing the start of the next scenario.

“Damn it.”

The next scenario was fairly simple, but it required the group to move from location to location. Usually someone would carry Dokja and stay out of the way as the others fought. They were surprised one day when they attempted to lift Dokja only to see him stand up, eyes partially open. They learned that they could guide him around while he was like that by holding his hand, but he didn't move faster than walking and wouldn't react to anything else. His eyes didn't stay open for more than a few hours, and his friends grew worried when they noticed the period getting shorter each time.

Joonghyuk was resting in a side room with Dokja as the others finished hunting monsters, when Bihyeong approached invisibly. He noticed that Dokja's eyes were slightly open and remembered what the constellations had told him about what that meant.

<Dokja?> Bihyeong spoke through the dokkaebi communication channel he and Dokja had used before.

<I'm sorry I wasn't able to come earlier, management was having a crisis over your situation.> Bihyeong chuckled. <Of course you of all people would do something like this, Dokja.>

[ ■■■ asks who you are.]

Bihyeong jumped back in surprise, accidentally turning off the invisibility. Instantly, Joonghyuk was on his feet, sword drawn and glare pointed at the dokkaebi.

“What the hell are you doing here, dokkaebi?” Joonghyuk growled.

“Wait, Joonghyuk!” Bihyeong held up his hands. “I- I'm trying to help.”

“Help? Why?”

Bihyeong looked down at Dokja. “Dokja Kim is an important incarnation on my channel, and the constellations in support of him are stressed about this situation. I tried talking to him but-”

The dokkaebi was cut off as the rest of the group entered the room, many of them on guard when they saw Joonghyuk pointing his sword at the dokkaebi.

“I tried talking to him, but I got a message that a person with a censored name was asking who I was.” Bihyeong finished.

“Censored with three squares?” Yoosung spoke up.

Bihyeong looked at her and nodded. “I'm sorry I have to- uh-” He stammered before vanishing.

Joonghyuk sighed and returned his sword to his side as the others circled him and Dokja. Yoosung crouched down next to Dokja and held his hand in hers, smiling in relief when she felt that it was almost a normal temperature.

Sooyoung crossed her arms and began pacing as she thought aloud. “If Dokja is the one sending those messages, and he doesn't know who the dokkaebi is that runs the channel he's in, then... what- Has he lost some memories from his stories being locked?”

Sooyoung walked up to Dokja and crouched down, staring at his face.

“Dokja, if you're able to talk right now, how many of us do you remember?”

“Sooyoung?” Heewon rested her hands on her hip.

“Hush. I'm trying to figure something out.” Sooyoung waved her hand in dismissal.

They stood there in silence for a while before Sooyoung let out an annoyed sigh and stood up.

[■■■ remembers Joonghyuk Yoo, Yoosung Shin, Hyunsung Lee, and Jihye Lee.]

Heads turned to Dokja as the message popped up, most of them seeing this kind for the first time.

“Only the original characters, huh?” Sooyoung muttered, earning a look of suspicion from Sangah.

“Original characters? What does that mean?” She asked. Sooyoung looked at her, surprised she heard that.

“I mean- Uh... Shit.” She frowned, thinking. “There was this crappy novel that Dokja and I read years ago, him more than me, that told a story very similar to what has happened since the main scenario started.” She looked at Joonghyuk, who was staring at Dokja intensely. “Joonghyuk is the main character and the other three he named just now were on Joonghyuk's team in the story.”

The others stared at her in varying levels of shock at what she had told them. Joonghyuk's look turned from surprise to suspicion as he processed the information.

“Is he not a prophet? He just read a book that happened to be very similar to what is going on?”

“Wait,” Sangah waved her hand as if clearing away her thoughts. “Does that mean that Dokja's memory has been reset to before the scenarios, if he only remembers the character from the book?”

“Were his memories sealed away when his stories were locked?” Heewon added.

“Then wouldn't he also remember you, Sangah?” Gilyoung spoke up. “He said you two were coworkers before all this started.”

Sangah nodded.

“Dokja? Why didn't you remember Sangah?” Gilyoung turned to Dokja just in time to see his eyes flutter shut.

“Looks like he spent all his mental energy...” Yoosung sighed, brushing Dokja's hair out of his face gently.

Two scenarios later, the group are traversing a forest in search of shelter. The world they found themselves in had a very dense forest where it was raining most of the time, which made the landscape rather hard to navigate. For this reason, it wasn't that much of a surprise when Dokja tripped on a root. Joonghyuk had been walking by him and caught him with one arm, helping him stand up again. He grabbed Dokja's hand with his free one and glanced around to make sure there were still no threats. He was on edge, surely the forest had some sort of hidden threat, right? And with Dokja as vulnerable as he was, there was no-

Joonghyuk was snapped out of his thoughts as the hand in his gently grabbed his back. He looked over to see Dokja following him with the same half lidded expression as always, but he was shaking slightly.

[■■■ thanks Joonghyuk Yoo for always being there, for being his companion since he was young.]

Joonghyuk blinked at the message in confusion before turning back to Dokja.

“Since you were young?” He asked quietly so the others wouldn't hear.

Dokja's hand twitched as he moved closer and rested his head gently against Joonghyuk's shoulder in silence. Joonghyuk felt something inside him flutter at Dokja's sudden display of affection. He glanced ahead at the others, praying that they wouldn't look back and see this. He brought his thoughts back to Dokja's message.

“What did you mean, Dokja? Since you were young? How long...” He trailed off, remembering what Sooyoung had told them before.

[■■■ says he has followed Joonghyuk Yoo for 10 years across hundreds of regressions.]

Joonghyuk had to stop himself from tripping on a root himself with how distracted he was by the message. 10 years? Hundreds of regressions? He suddenly remembered the look that Dokja had given him on the roof when he was dealing with regressors depression after the appearance of Nirvana the Reincarnator. That ominous, knowing look that had unnerved Joonghyuk.

“Is this part of his powers as a prophet? Did he get premonitions of the scenarios 10 years in advance?” Joonghyuk glanced over at Dokja, who was still resting his head on his shoulder. “If he knew this was going to happen, did he do anything to try to stop it? Could he even do anything?Where the premonitions related to the book he read? Were they because of what he read?”

Joonghyuk was so absorbed in his thoughts that he nearly collided with Hyunsung's back. Joonghyuk glared at the other man, but he didn't notice, he was too focused on the monsters that the others were fighting. He looked back at the other two with a small smile.

“You seemed to be occupied so I decided to stay behind with you while the others took care of the monsters.” Hyunsung answered before Joonghyuk even asked. He looked over at Dokja and Joonghyuk followed his gaze to see Dokja's eyes blinking a few times before fluttering shut. His head started drooping, sliding him off of Joonghyuk's shoulder, but Hyunsung gently grabbed him.

“Let me take care of him for now.” He said with another small smile. Joonghyuk nodded in silence before handing Dokja over. He moved to watch as the others killed the last of the monsters and returned, talking about how the rain was so loud they barely heard the monsters approach.

Joonghyuk decided to not tell the others about what Dokja had said.

It wasn't too much longer before they found shelter to rest and dry off from the rain. The scenario was progressing smoothly and they were nearly done with the first completion requirement, so they took a quick break to plan for what was coming next.

Jihye sat beside the couch Dokja lay on, sharpening her sword. She was quietly humming a tune to herself, a song that her friend loved. She felt sad whenever she hummed the song, but it helped her remember her friend as someone other than the person she murdered in the first scenario.

Jihye put her sword to the side and stretched her arms out in front of her.

A sharp cracking noise made her jump in surprise, drawing her sword and looking around the room. Her gaze came to Dokja and she felt her anxiety spike. The glowing white wound in his chest had grown larger, cracks spreading from it. Another sickening cracking noise and the cracks spread as Dokja's form flickered slightly.

“GUYS!? DOKJA NEEDS HELP!” She yelled, unable to contain the panic in her voice.

Everyone rushed into the room from their various places around the small house at the call. Sangah gasped and covered her mouth when she saw the cracks spreading again. Yoosung and Gilyoung cried out and ran to Dokja's side, Seolhwa right behind them. The rest appeared soon after, having been outside at the time.

“Mister!” Yoosung cried, hands hovering above the cracks, unsure if she should touch them or not.

“This isn't something I can heal-” Seolhwa realized, seeing Dokja flinch in pain as the cracks spread.

The area around the wound had begun fading, allowing them to see right through him to the couch below. Everyone was terrified but too unsure of what was happening to do anything about it.

[■■■ is crying out for Joonghyuk Yoo.]

Everyone moved quickly to the side as Joonghyuk slipped through them.

“Dokja, I'm here!” He grabbed Dokja's hands as his form flickered again.

The cracks instantly stopped spreading, although it was clear Dokja was still in pain.

“Dokja, what do you need? Answer me.” Joonghyuk demanded, not wanting to get his hopes up as the cracks did not close. There was no response and Joonghyuk gripped Dokja's hands tighter before a thought came to mind. He let go with one hand and pulled up his own story window. He quickly scrolled to the historical story section and grabbed one at random. Someone gasped as he took it out of his chest and rested it above the glowing wound.

For a tense moment, nothing happened. Then, the story slipped into Dokja's chest, followed by the closing of the cracks. Everyone let out a sigh of relief as Dokja's form returned to normal, apart for the still glowing sword wound. His shaking stopped and his expression softened. Joonghyuk still held onto Dokja's hands as they processed what had happened.

“...W-what was that?” Yoosung broke the silence, voice shaking. Sangah wrapped her arms around the young girl, trying to comfort her.

Sooyoung pulled out the story evaluator she had somehow snagged off Joonghyuk without him noticing. She inputted Dokja's name and a familiar screen popped up. At the top, there was a new story, one that wasn't locked.

“Oh my-” She gasped. “You gave him one of your stories? How did you know that would work, Joonghyuk?”

“I didn't.” Joonghyuk confessed, not taking his eyes off of Dokja.

“His body was breaking because of the lack of stories? I thought contact with ours was helping him?” Jihye asked, moving next to Heewon.

“Are they not enough anymore?” Heewon theorized.

“We should all give him one of our stories.” Sangah offered, stepping forward. She followed the steps that Joonghyuk had done, removing a historical story and resting it above Dokja's wound. Gilyoung and Yoosung follow right behind her, offering two of theirs as well.

They waited, but nothing happened. Sooyoung scratched her head, thinking.

“What, are the other stories not good enough?”

“Should I try a bigger one?” Yoosung began scrolling through her story list again when Hyunsung put a hand on her shoulder.

“Maybe he's good for now?” He looked to Joonghyuk for confirmation, but he was just scrolling through his story list again.

“I think...” He muttered as he selected a larger story. “Since he asked for me specifically...”

Joonghyuk placed the larger story on top of the others and seconds later, it slipped between them and into Dokja's chest.

“Wow. Picky eater, huh?” Sooyoung snorted, earning a look of confusion from a few of the others. She shrugged as Sangah, Gilyoung, and Yoosung reluctantly retrieved their stories.

Dokja stirred a little and his eyes opened. He blinked a few times before his gaze focused on Joonghyuk.

“Dokja!” Yoosung cried in joy, running over again. Dokja's eyes flicked to her for a moment before returning to Joonghyuk. He shifted a little and Joonghyuk realized he was trying to sit up, so he helped.

“Dokja, how do you feel?” Joonghyuk asked. Dokja flexed his fingers and tried to talk, but only a croak escaped before he started coughing.

Jihye grabbed a nearby water bottle and handed it to him. He readily accepted it and took a few gulps before lowering it and looking around the room at the others. He looked unsure of his surroundings, and frowned slightly as he looked between everyone's faces. He seemed to shrink behind Joonghyuk's form as he whispered 'who are they?'

“He's acting like a scared child...” Heewon muttered, brow creased in worry.

“Dokja, It's okay. We're your friends. You are safe.” Sangah smiled kindly. “Do you recognize any of us?”

“Just...” Dokja spoke quietly, voice still not used to being used. “Just Joonghyuk hyung.”

“Just him?” Heewon repeated before noticing the honorific. “Wait. Dokja... how old do you think you are?”

Dokja looked at her but stayed behind Joonghyuk. Joonghyuk looked back at him and met Dokja's gaze, nodding. Dokja visibly relaxed a little before looking at the others again.

“20... I think?” He answered after thinking a lot.

Sangah hummed in thought. “So his mind seems to have gone back 8 years.”

“That's why he used the honorific for Joonghyuk.” Yoosung concluded, earning a nod from Sangah.

Dokja looked between them, confused. “Is that... wrong?”

“You're older than I am, Dokja.” Joonghyuk confirmed. “You said that when we first met on the bridge.”

Joonghyuk tried to use his [Eye of the Sage] skill on Dokja again, but it was still blocked, confirming to him that whatever skill Dokja had that was doing this was something he had from the start. Dokja stared at a message that popped up in front of him and muttered something about a 'fourth wall', but Joonghyuk didn't hear clearly enough.

There was a little zapping noise in the corner of the room and everyone looked over as Bihyeong appeared.

“You're awake!” He smiled in relief. “How did this happen? Neither I or the constellations I was talking with could do anything!”

“Joonghyuk gave him stories.” Jihye said, eyeing the dokkaebi in curiosity.

“Stories... Of course!” Bihyeong nodded enthusiastically. “I've been trying to figure out how to unlock his stories, but there is too much system interference. Whatever skill you have, Dokja, it's making it so that I can't do anything to help.”

Dokja stared at the dokkaebi with a mix of confusion and fascination. It seemed that he was less concerned about what he said than what he was.

“I have the same issue when I try to use [Eye of the Sage] on him.” Joonghyuk nodded. He felt a tug on his coat and glanced over to see Dokja grabbing the fabric as a sort of grounding tool as he processed everything. He could see the frantic way his mind was searching for answers as his gaze flitted around, directed at the ground in front of him. A ping brought Joonghyuk's attention to a system message that had just popped up in front of him.

< Hidden Scenario – Companionship >

Category: Hidden

Difficulty: ???

Clear Condition: A number of constellations want you to restore Dokja's Kim's story.

Time Limit: ???

Reward: 1,000,000 Coins, ???

Penalty for Failure: Collapse of Dokja Kim.

Joonghyuk accepted the scenario the second he finished reading it, and looked at the dokkaebi in the corner, who was reading a version of the message through the logs. Their gazes met and the dokkaebi nodded.

“The constellations want you to help him.” Bihyeong repeated for the others, still looking at Joonghyuk. “You're probably the only one who got the hidden scenario because you are the only one Dokja still remembers and the only person who could give him stories.”

“The one he loves most.” Sangah muttered, recalling the fate message she had read. She looked over at Dokja, who was now holding Joonghyuk's hand, studying it. Joonghyuk was watching him with an expression Sangah could not identify but that she had seen on his face sometimes when he looked at Dokja.

The silence was broken by Dokja, who had begun rubbing Joonghyuk's hand gently, tracing over the faint scars. “Do you ever get phantom pains from injuries from your past regressions?”

Joonghyuk's eyes widen, surprised by the question. “Sometimes...”

Dokja frowned and continued rubbing the scars gently. Joonghyuk glanced at Sangah, who had to suppress a laugh at his face of uncertainty. She gave him a reassuring smile and a nod.

“Oh!” Yoosung clapped once. “Dokja, you're probably hungry?”

Dokja looked at her to answer but was cut off by the loud growling noise from his stomach. His face flushed in embarrassment and he nodded. Heewon chuckled at the sight.

“I guess we should get some?” Hyunsung looked to Joonghyuk, who nodded and stood. Dokja's grip on his hand tightened and he looked back.

“The others will help you get to the main room, I'll be nearby in the kitchen.” He said quietly as Sangah walked over and offered her hand to Dokja, who took it and stood, reluctantly releasing Joonghyuk's.

Yoosung, Gilyoung, Jihye, and Sangah guided Dokja to the main seating area where a couch and chairs had been circled around a small table. Dokja was a little unstable on his feet at first, muttering something about being taller than usual. Before too long, the others had joined them with the food, and everyone took their share. They chatted about various topics while they ate, Dokja chiming in every now and then.

Around the time they had all finished eating, they each noticed that Dokja had fallen asleep on Joonghyuk's shoulder. Some of them began collecting dishes from everyone as Hyunsung stood.

“Should I take him back to the bedroom?” He asked Joonghyuk, assuming the position was uncomfortable for him.

“It's fine.” Joonghyuk shook his head. “The physical contact is probably helping. He's been slowly getting warmer since waking up, closer to a normal temperature.”

Hyunsung nodded as Heewon stood and stretched. “There is still some time before the next part of the scenario since we finished it early, who wants to go monster hunting?”

Various confirmations sounded around the area and most of them went to grab their weapons before heading outside. Yoosung stayed behind, looking at Dokja with a sad expression before returning to her room to update her notebook. Joonghyuk looked around and spotted a book on the small table next to the couch, just within arms reach. The title didn't look particularly interesting, but it was a decent way to pass the time.

An hour or so passed by the time Dokja stirred and woke up. He blinked the tiredness away but stayed leaning on Joonghyuk's shoulder.

After a bit of silence, he spoke. “This isn't a dream, right?”

“No.” Joonghyuk closed the book and set it to the side.

Dokja hummed, a smile forming on his lips. “I'm glad.” Joonghyuk raised an eyebrow and Dokja continued. “I'm glad that you're here with me.”

“Of course,” Joonghyuk looked down at him. “You're my companion.”

Dokja stiffened at the word before tilting his head so he could look up at Joonghyuk.

“...Really?” He laughed softly. “Me, a companion of Joonghyuk Yoo? Me, who is just an ordinary dokja?”

“What is that supposed to mean?” Joonghyuk frowned. “You have many companions yourself, as well as an incarnation you sponsor.”

“It's different... It's different with you.” Dokja said quietly before stopping, eyes widening as he realized he said that aloud. His cheeks flushed and he looked away.

Joonghyuk's mouth fell open a little in shock at the reaction, and he turned away as he felt his own cheeks flush a little. Trying to push the thoughts away, he looked down the hallway where Yoosung had gone.

Dokja shifted a little, sitting up and stretching his back muscles. Joonghyuk realized that the warmth he felt on his shoulder had been from Dokja, and that he had gotten back to a healthy body temperature.

“How do you feel?” Joonghyuk asked, changing the conversation.

“Weak,” Dokja reached out his arms in front of him. “I can tell I have powers but my body still feels weak. And then...” He pulled his hands back and rested them just above the wound, which was still glowing with the white light. “It feels like there is something in me that is fighting to get free.”

“That is probably your stories.” Joonghyuk nodded, looking back to Dokja. “Dokja, I will figure out a way to unlock your stories and get your memories back, I swear it.”

Dokja was surprised at the genuine determination in Joonghyuk's eyes. He mumbled a quick thanks just before the front door opened and the others returned. He looked for someone before he stood up and walked over to Sangah.

“You're... Sangah, right?” He asked nervously. She nodded at him with a sad smile.

“Did you need something, Dokja?”

“Yeah, I was wondering if I could ask you some questions.” He glanced at the others, ignoring that Heewon was watching them with a smirk.

“Ok!” Sangah lead Dokja to a side room and they sat across from each other, Dokja on the bed, Sangah on the chair.

“I...” Dokja started, frowned as he tried to figure out how to say what he wanted to. “I feel like I can trust you. I don't really know why, but something in me tells me that I've known you the longest out of everyone, apart from Joonghyuk. Can you tell me about how we know each other?”

“Of course!” Sangah smiled.

She spoke about when they first joined Mino Soft, about how she always saw him on his own, reading web novels on his phone. She talked about how lonely he seemed, so she tried to make conversation with him and be a friend. She talked about their coworkers, the grueling work hours, and the exhausting business meetings but the fact that he always paid attention to everyone's presentations.

While she spoke, Dokja watched her expression of nostalgia and fondness. He couldn't help but smile himself, as a few vague memories surfacing as she spoke.

Sangah finished recounting their time at Mino Soft and paused.

“Did any of that spark any memories?” She asked.

“A little.” Dokja nodded, receiving a relieved smile from Sangah.

“Do you remember the novel you were reading all the time?”

“Oh yeah! It was the one about Joonghyuk-” Dokja cut himself off before staring into the space in front of him. “Hold on...”

“Dokja?” Sangah tilted her head as she watched the gears turning in Dokja's head.

Dokja sat still for a moment, muttering something under his breath before his eyes flashed blue for a split second. He blinked in surprise and the light was gone.

“Woah.” He gasped. “I uh... found out about another skill of mine.”

“You have a skill related to the story? Is that how you were able to guide us this whole time?” Sangah asked, connecting the dots to what Sooyoung had said.

“Probably?” Dokja nodded. “I remember parts of what Jihye, Hyunsung, and Seolhwa from the story were like too, but not the versions out there.” Dokja motioned at the hall.

There was a little silence before Dokja spoke again, fidgeting with his fingers.

“I have another question. I can tell that some of them look at us in a certain way, especially Heewon. But after hearing about our past I have to ask...” He looked up at Sangah, embarrassed. “We aren't romantically involved... are we?”

Sangah's face flushed but she let out a small laugh. “Oh no, no we aren't.”

Dokja let out a sigh of relief. “Ok, I was about to feel horrible for not remembering a partner.”

Sangah chuckled. “I mean, we did almost kiss once, but-” She cut herself off at the shocked expression on Dokja's face to laugh again. “We were drunk and Dionysus was messing around, don't worry.”

Dokja shut his open mouth and nodded. “Am I romantically involved with anyone out there?”

“Not as far as I know.” Sangah smiled, enjoying seeing Dokja so flustered.

Dokja let out a small laugh. “Makes sense, I mean, I am a dokja after all. I've always been a loner- but now... Joonghyuk said I am his companion.” He trailed off, getting quiet with a small smile on his face.

“He said that?” Sangah asked, surprised.

Dokja nodded. “Earlier, while you all were out.”

“I wouldn't have expected him to confess that after ignoring you saying it for so long.” Sangah rested her chin on her hand in thought. She looked over at Dokja to see his cheeks flushed again. “Dokja, do you like Joonghyuk?”

Dokja's head whipped to her. “I- I mean, he's cool! He's smart and strong and pretty and-” Dokja cut himself off, cheeks flushed even redder. “I... don't know.”

Sangah stayed silent so he could continue, although she wore an intrigued look on her face.

“I had... so many feelings regarding Joonghyuk. I liked him, hated him, resented him, and cheered for him. He annoyed me but also inspired me. He was my companion throughout my young adulthood, even if he doesn't know it.” Dokja trailed off, a fond smile on his face. “I think... I feel like I shouldn't try to figure all of that out when I don't even have all my memories back. I need to know the current him better.”

“That is a good idea.” Sangah nodded. “Do you have any other questions?”

Dokja thought for a little before he nodded. “I do have questions, but they're for Yoosung. Where-?”

“She's probably in the room at the end of the hall.” Sangah stood.

“Thank you, Sangah.” Dokja stood as well, offering her a genuine smile that Sangah had rarely seen. She returned the smile and the two of them left the room before turning opposite ways.

Dokja approached the room at the end of the hall and gave the slightly open door a gentle knock. There was the sound of a book closing and footsteps inside before Yoosung opened the door more and looked up at Dokja.

“Hey, Yoosung.” He gave her a small wave. Her face lit up and she gestured for Dokja to enter before returning to the bed. She patted the bed next to where she sat, so Dokja walked over and joined her.

“Did you need something, Mister?” She caught him glancing towards the notebook on the pillow.

“Yes, I was asking Sangah about our past, but now I want to hear about you.” Dokja looked back to her. “Joonghyuk said you were my incarnation, could you tell me about that? I'm trying to see what jogs my memory.”

Yoosung smiled and nodded enthusiastically. As she went on to recount the events just before she met Dokja, Sangah, and Sooyoung, Dokja was surprised about Sooyoung's reaction to everything, but after he considered it, it made more sense. A few memories regarding the days before they crossed the river surfaced, and Dokja confirmed with Yoosung about the details.

“Oh, another thing!” Dokja spoke up. “I vaguely remember you and Joonghyuk having a conversation while I was asleep about some power that I had that I could use to communicate with you when I was sleeping?”

Yoosung nodded and repeated what he had told her about his skill. Dokja nodded and attempted to activate the skill, but it said his mental state was too stable to go into third person.

“I suppose I really do need to be unconscious in order to use it.” He turned to Yoosung. “You said I just needed to fall asleep?”

“That's what you told me, either that or dead.”

Dokja chuckled. “I'd rather not.”

“Good.” Yoosung poked him. Dokja noticed a frustrated expression flash on her face, like she wanted to ask a question but decided against it.

“Yoosung, do you think you can keep watch over me while I sleep and try to use my skill?”

“Of course, Mister!” Yoosung nodded, hopping off the bed and grabbing her notebook.

“Thanks.” Dokja smiled and tried to get comfortable on the bed.

His skill activated a few moments after he closed his eyes.

Dokja opened his eyes to the same room, just from a higher perspective. He looked down to see his own body laying on the bed and Yoosung writing in her notebook, a small smile on her face. He looked down at himself to see he was just wearing his dark shirt and pants, and that the white wound on his chest was pulsing with light gently, rhythm matching his breathing.

<Now I just need to search for someone who is thinking about me?> Dokja said to himself. He thought about each of the people in their group one by one. There were a few blips of thought, but a strong tug pulled him outside.

Outside, Joonghyuk was in another part of the forest monster hunting. Dokja watched as he beheaded a lizard looking one before impaling another in the chest. He remembered what he was supposed to be doing when three more monsters came out of the shadows.

<Joonghyuk?> He floated closer. When he got no response, he tried poking Joonghyuk's shoulder.

Joonghyuk momentarily turned to look back before blocking an attack.

<Jooooonghyuk?> Dokja drew out his name with a playful tone. Joonghyuk rolled his eyes and killed one of the monsters.

“I see you're testing out your skills, Dokja.”

<Yeah, I figured it would be a good idea. Yoosung helped explain this one a little.>

Joonghyuk nodded and killed off the last two monsters. He looked around for more but only heard the rustling of leaves.

“That's good.” He flicked blood off of his sword before glancing down at it. “This reminds me of the fight with Nirvana.”

<Who?> Dokja floated alongside Joonghyuk as he turned to head back to the hideout.

“A creepy bastard we beat a little while ago. They had strong mind manipulation powers but you have a strong mental barrier... or something, so we made a plan for you to use this skill to... Hmm. How do I word this.” Joonghyuk frowned as he put his sword away. “You possessed me, I guess? Took control of my body and killed Nirvana. I don't know how you killed them exactly, but as long as they were gone I didn't bother to ask. That and you had died in order to possess me.”

Dokja gasped, hand unconsciously covering the glowing wound.

“You had a skill that let you reincarnate, so you came back.” Joonghyuk shook his head. “Got real dramatic about it.”

<Do I still have that skill? Is that why I'm still alive?> Dokja looked down at the wound. <A wound like this should have killed me.>

Joonghyuk stiffened slightly, hands tightening into fists. Dokja noticed a flicker of guilt on his face and decided to not continue the topic.

Joonghyuk nodded and relaxed a little.

Dokja opened up his message log. <My skill says I'm in third person right now, so I probably have to switch to first person to do that?>

Joonghyuk walked up to the front door of the hideout. “Do you want to try?”

Joonghyuk paused before walking inside and down the hallway to the room Yoosung and Dokja's body were.

“I am also curious about that skill of yours...” He opened the door and Yoosung looked up from her notebook. “I'll give it a try, Dokja. Just don't do anything stupid.”

Yoosung gave Joonghyuk a knowing smile and scribbled more in her notebook.

<Ok, let's try...> Dokja trailed off, closing his eyes and trying to focus on his skill.

[Viewpoint Changing to First Person Main Character POV.]

Dokja felt a tug on his soul and when he opened his eyes again, he was standing on solid ground, although a bit higher than before. He looked down at his hands to see Joonghyuk's. He could feel the overwhelming power flowing through him.

“Mister?”

Dokja looked over to Yoosung, who was watching them with fascination.

“This is so cool.” Dokja grinned.

Yoosung laughed. “It's definitely you, Mister. Mister Joonghyuk would never smile like that.”

“She's right, it's weird.” Joonghyuk's voice echoed in Dokja's head, making Dokja chuckle.

Dokja opened his mouth to say something but there was a deafening cracking noise in his head. He groaned and clutched his/Joonghyuk's throbbing head. He could hear Joonghyuk muttering through gritted teeth, something along the lines of 'This didn't happen last time.'

“Mister!” Yoosung leapt up from the chair and made her way over just in time to catch Joonghyuk's body as he passed out.

The throbbing stopped all of a sudden and Dokja opened his eyes to a void all around him. Nearby, Joonghyuk floated, shaking the remnants of the pain out of his head.

“...Joonghyuk?” Dokja willed himself to float closer to the other man. “What is this place?”

Joonghyuk looked around, just as confused as Dokja was. “I don't know. I've never seen this place but... it feels familiar somehow.”

There was the rustling of papers and they watched as pages flowed from the nothingness around them, arranging themselves into what looked like a wall. Dokja and Joonghyuk exchanged a confused glance as letters started appearing on the pages.

[The Fourth Wall greets Dokja Kim warmly.]

“...What?” Dokja gasped. “Wait- 'fourth wall'? You... you're my skill!”

“You skill is self aware?” Joonghyuk looked warily at the wall. He noticed that on many of the pages, locks had been drawn onto them in dark ink. One of the pages, right in front of Dokja, was ripped in half.

Dokja noticed it just after Joonghyuk, and reached for it. As his fingers brushed against the paper, film reels shot out of it and slammed into Dokja's head. He was blown back with a yelp before coming to a stop. He floated there, eyes wide, as the reels slithered into his mind.

“Dokja!” Joonghyuk yelled, frantically trying to get to Dokja. He grabbed his arm and pulled himself next to Dokja, but when he swatted at the reels, he got a nasty shock. He glared at the wall furiously.

“WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO-!”

A screen popped up and Joonghyuk froze as he watched a sped up version of the events leading up to his fight with Nirvana, only this time it was from Dokja's perspective. The video slowed down as it showed Dokja on a roof talking with Sooyoung. She stabbed him and he just laid down.

[Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint LV. 3 has been automatically activated.]

Now Dokja was floating above the dome, and Joonghyuk could see his arm flick into view for a moment. It was blue and a bit see-through. Dokja watched as Nirvana and Joonghyuk of the past fought. Nirvana activated [108 Worries] and Joonghyuk grit his teeth as he watched his past self fall victim to the powerful skill. There was a sudden tug and Dokja's POV flashed into a familiar dark void. Joonghyuk watched as Dokja reminded him to keep living before he closed his eyes.

Joonghyuk watched as Dokja puppeted his body and fought Nirvana. This strange skill of his, this 'fourth wall' completely blocked the skill that Joonghyuk struggled with. He remembered hearing some part of this when he was resting, but actually seeing it was strange. His moves felt unnatural because he wasn't the one making them, Dokja was.

The third and second rankings got announced and Joonghyuk watched as Nirvana's face paled before Dokja hit them again. He revealed Nirvana's whole plan in front of them, only parts of which Joonghyuk knew of prior.

Nirvana taunted by bringing up Dokja's mother and a message popped up announcing that the fourth wall was shaking. Nirvana activated their new skill again and everything went dark. Joonghyuk remembered this part. He was floating in the void as the voices of his friends called out to him. The video however, cut to Dokja's upside down view of Nirvana.

Joonghyuk tensed as Nirvana revealed their true form. Dokja taunted and Nirvana attacked. But... the attack was blocked just before it reached him. Pages flickered into view between them, the very same pages that were showing the video now.

[Personal Skill, The Fourth Wall, has been activated.]

The pages in front of Dokja faded enough that he could see through them and watch as Nirvana's arms were ripped apart. More and more of them unwound as the fourth wall told them their story. They struggled and pleaded, but before too long, their form completely vanished into the wall.

[The Fourth Wall has consumed the character, Nirvana Moebius.]

Joonghyuk felt terror wash over him as the fourth wall revealed Dokja's thoughts, thus revealing how much of a threat it was.

There was a flash of light as Dokja was sent back to reality, where Nirvana's body was crumbling to dust. Dokja stood unsteadily on his feet as the dokkaebi announced the strongest incarnation.

[ Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint Lv.3 will be deactivated due to mental exhaustion.]

[ First Person Main Character POV has been deactivated.]

Everything faded to black.

[You have died.]

The screen froze on that last message for a moment as the reels finished flowing into Dokja's head. The video feed vanished but Joonghyuk kept staring at where it had been in shock. It wasn't until Dokja twitched in his arms that he looked back. Dokja doubled over coughing before taking a deep breath, blinking fast. He shook as he calmed his breathing, but Joonghyuk's hand on his back helped him center himself. He straightened out and looked to Joonghyuk to see him watching him with a look that was a mix of worry and fury. Dokja shakily grabbed Joonghyuk's other arm and used him to steady himself as he looked at the wall, at the many other pages with locks drawn on them. The paper he had touched had vanished completely, leaving behind a blank spot in the wall.

Dokja took a deep breath, trying to put on a look of confidence. “That... that was my memory. My story. All of those locks are... You- you are the one who locked away my stories, aren't you?”

Joonghyuk glared at the wall as a few pages fluttered around to fill the blank spot.

[The Fourth Wall confirms that it has locked Dokja Kim's stories.]

“...Why?”

[The Fourth Wall explains that if it had not locked the stories, Dokja Kim would have died.]

Dokja scoffed. “I nearly died anyways!”

[ The Fourth Wall explains that what had awaited him at the end of the 10 ^th scenario was permanent death.]

Dokja glanced at Joonghyuk, who grimly nodded.

“I... I made the choice that lead to my death again, didn't I? Just like in that memory?”

[The Fourth Wall nods.]

“Then I must have had a plan.” Dokja insisted, willing himself to go closer to the wall. “I must have had some way to survive that fate.”

[The Fourth Wall says it did not want to risk it for a small possibility.]

“But-”

[The Fourth Wall says it will do whatever it can to protect Dokja Kim.]

Dokja's expression softened as he read the message.

“I understand that...” He looked back up at the wall. “But is this really better than taking that risk?”

There was no response, so Dokja continued.

“Is forgetting my friends, my adventures, who I am... better than taking a risk that I had confidence in?”

Joonghyuk looked over at Dokja to see his lip trembling in frustration as tears threatened to fall.

[The Fourth Wall just wanted to protect Dokja Kim.]

“I know.” Dokja wiped his eyes before trying to smile. “Thank you for trying to protect me. But I can't live like this. I need my stories back.”

The fourth wall paused, contemplating the request.

“He can handle his stories.” Joonghyuk spoke up. “Dokja is strong, stronger than I am in some ways.”

Dokja looked back to see Joonghyuk meet his gaze before looking back at the wall.

“I trust in his ability to do so.” Joonghyuk finished.

A few papers flitted about before the next message popped up.

[The Fourth Wall says it cannot give Dokja Kim all of his stories back at once.]

[The Fourth Wall explains that the experience would overwhelm Dokja Kim's mind.]

“One at a time is fine, thank you.” Dokja touched the wall gently, smiling kindly.

The sound of ripping came from their right and Joonghyuk turned to see a large paper with a detailed lock be torn in half. A shock wave shot out, knocking Joonghyuk away from Dokja.

Joonghyuk shot up to find himself sitting on the floor of Yoosung's room. He looked around in panic before noticing Heewon looking at him.

“Are you alright?” She asked, offering him a hand.

Joonghyuk gulped and tried to control his racing heart as she helped him get to his feet.

“What happened to you? Yoosung said Dokja was testing his skill with you and you suddenly passed out.” Heewon looked the taller man up and down. “My supporting constellation was even screaming at me to help. She said she couldn't find you or Dokja, even when I showed her your sleeping bodies in here.”

“I... I'm fine.” Joonghyuk shook his head before looking at Dokja in the bed. His wound was pulsing gently with white light before the light dimmed completely. Joonghyuk rushed to his side and checked his pulse. “He's fine.”

“Really?” Heewon put her hands on her hips. “Because its been about half a day since you passed out. You were out cold and it looked like Dokja was having a nightmare.”

Joonghyuk's eyes widened. It felt like it had only been 10 minutes in that place with the wall.

Dokja groaned as his eyes opened. He blinked a few times before bringing his hand to his head. Joonghyuk helped him sit up as Heewon approached.

“Dokja, what happened? Are you alright?” She asked, leaning over the bed.

“Y-yeah.” Dokja lowered his hand and blinked a few times. “Groggy... but fine. Better actually-” He looked to Joonghyuk and grinned. “I have a story back!”

Joonghyuk breathed a sigh of relief as Heewon gasped in joy. Dokja opened up his story list nodded.

“'[King of the Kingless World]', the story I got after destroying the rulers throne.”

“Does that mean you have more memories?” Heewon tried looking over at the story list.

“Up to the end of scenario 4, yes.” Dokja nodded.

“Awesome!” Heewon patted Dokja on the shoulder, only a little lighter than usual. “We should tell the others.”

Dokja nodded and hopped off the bed, stumbling a little. Joonghyuk helped him steady himself before walking off, leaving Dokja to stare after him. Now that he had a chunk of his memories back, he was even more confused why Joonghyuk was taking care of him like this. Last he remembered, he had knocked Joonghyuk out with a punch, surely he would be mad about that, right?

“Just what happened since then that's made him so... caring towards me?” Dokja contemplated as he followed the others down the hall.

“Dokja!” Yoosung and Gilyoung exclaimed as he entered before running over to hug him around the waist. Dokja smiled and rested a hand on each of their heads.

“Heewon said you got a story back!” Sangah approached, a relieved smile on her face.

“One of them, yes.” Dokja nodded.

“How is your wound?” Yoosung pulled back a little so Dokja could open his shirt a little. He revealed that the wound was now a solid white spot on his chest.

“It looks like marble.” Dokja noted, touching it lightly. “Solid too.”

“Interesting.” Seolhwa muttered from the back of the group.

“Does that mean it's getting better?” Hyunsung peered over Heewon's shoulder.

“I believe so.” Dokja nodded, buttoning up his shirt again. “It might go away as I get more memories and stories back.”

“Oh about that,” Jihye piped up. “How did you get it back?”

Dokja glanced at Joonghyuk.

“It turns out that one of my skills was the one that locked my stories up?” He chuckled nervously, shrugging. “It said it was trying to keep me alive.”

Dokja looked around and had to resist laughing at the variety of confused faces around him.

“What kind of skill...?” Sooyoung muttered.

“Does that mean you can get the rest of your stories back?” Gilyoung frowned, gripping the fabric of Dokja's coat.

“In time.” Dokja nodded. “It's a bit... overwhelming getting them back.” He grimaced slightly at the memory.

Joonghyuk scoffed quietly, crossing his arms. “A bit of an understatement.”

“Did all of this happen because you were immersed in Joonghyuk?” Yoosung asked, earning a laugh badly covered into a cough from Sooyoung.

Sangah's eyes widened and she caught the flash of embarrassment on Dokja's face. She felt a smile tugging at her lips and glanced at Sooyoung, who was still trying to conceal her laugh with a cough.

“That's... one way to put it.” Dokja rubbed the back of his neck. “I've done that before, I remember now, but...” Dokja glanced at Joonghyuk. “...it didn't take Joonghyuk with me before.”

A message popped up in front of Heewon and she joined Sooyoung in badly concealing a laugh.

Joonghyuk raised an eyebrow at her and she tried to compose herself.

“Sorry,” She cleared her throat, still grinning. “My supporting constellation got really excited about that.”

Dokja looked at her curiously. “Who is your supporting constellation? Last I remember, you didn't have one.”

“I have a feeling who it is though.”

[Constellation, Demonic Judge of Fire waves at Dokja Kim with a big smile.]

“Ah, Uriel.” Dokja chuckled. “Of course.”

“How much do you remember now?” Yoosung asked, worry apparent.

“Up to the end of scenario 4, as well as the fight with Nirvana.” Dokja looked down at Yoosung with a sad smile. “I'm sorry, I don't really remember you yet, Yoosung.”

Yoosung shook her head. “If you're getting your stories back in the same order, you'll remember me soon, since we met just before the 5^th scenario.”

“That's the...” Dokja looked up as he thought. “The catastrophe scenario, right?”

Yoosung nodded.

“That makes sense, I would need a good way to fight Yoosung the catastrophe.”

“That's probably why I decided to make her my incarnation, despite not being a constellation.”

“Oh, Dokja-” Sangah remembered a question she had. “I was wondering if you are still able to send us messages? When you were in that limbo state without any stories we got some messages that we think were from you.”

“Oh?” Dokja concentrated on his skills and a moment after, a message popped up in front of each of them.

[Dokja Kim looks at his friends fondly.]

Sangah beamed at the message.

“It's not censored!” Jihye noted.

“Were the previous messages from you too?” Hyunsung asked.

“What messages?” Dokja tilted his head. Everyone looked to Yoosung as she pulled her notebook out and started flipping through it.

“The first one was when Mister Joonghyuk and I were talking about your skill, it said that someone with their name censored as three squares was listening to our conversation.” Yoosung recounted, flipping the page. “Then, Joonghyuk said he got a message saying they were scared and cold, which gave us the idea that contact with our stories was helping you get better. Some time later, Joonghyuk was hanging back with you while the rest of us cleared the path of monsters, and a dokkaebi appeared, saying the censored name person was asking who he was.”

“Bihyeong?” Dokja asked, getting a shrug and an `I don't know` noise from Yoosung.

“Let's see... We were worried you were losing your memories, so Sooyoung asked who you remembered. The message mentioned Mister Joonghyuk, Hyunsung, Jihye, and Miss Seolhwa. Sooyoung said something about main characters and we thought your memory had been reset to before the scenarios, but when we asked if you remembered Sangah, there was no response since you had fallen asleep again.”

Yoosung paused to flip a few pages and Dokja noticed Joonghyuk glance at him like he wanted to say something, but decided not to.

[Omniscient Readers's Viewpoint Lv.2 has been activated.]

“-can't tell them that, it was too personal.” Joonghyuk's thoughts echoed in Dokja's ears. “I still need to ask him about that, ask why he said he had known me for 10 years before I even met him. But not in front of the others. Not until he's remembered more.”

Dokja was curious what Joonghyuk was talking about, but remembered that he didn't want anyone to know he could read their thoughts, so he kept his mouth shut.

“Later, your wound was cracking a lot,” Yoosung glanced at Dokja, who had a hand over his chest and a pained and confused frown on his face. “And we got the message that the censored name person was calling out for Mister Joonghyuk. That's when Mister Joonghyuk gave you some of his stories and you woke up properly.”

Dokja pulled up his story window. “So that's where those two stories came from! Do you want them back, Joonghyuk?”

Joonghyuk met his gaze for a second before turning away. “Keep them for now, at least until you've gotten more of your own stories back.”

Dokja watched as he walked down the hall and into one of the rooms. Once the door was shut, he turned to the others, some of which were reviewing the scenario window and talking about progressing now that Dokja was awake and a little recovered.

Dokja spotted Sooyoung in the back twirling one of her daggers absentmindedly. Dokja walked over to her and she looked to him before flicking the dagger out of sight.

“Sooyoung, I was wondering something, and I figured you would be the best person to ask.”

“Oh?” Sooyoung smirked, eyebrow raised in curiosity.

“Did something happen to Joonghyuk between the fourth scenario and now?” Dokja said quietly so the others wouldn't overhear. “He's been so... gentle since I woke up, but I don't know why. In my memories, he always seemed to hate my guts and kept talking about how he wanted to kill me.”

Sooyoung nodded. “I would like to know why too, but I can't read minds.” She looked at Dokja with a knowing look before shrugging. “My best guess is that you somehow managed to get him to warm up to you.”

“Huh.” Dokja contemplated what she had said, a smile creeping onto his face.

Sooyoung watched as the smile turned from mischievous to fond, cheeks flushing a little, and had to keep her mouth shut tight so it wouldn't drop open in surprise.

“Surely not-”

Dokja glanced back at her and she quickly masked her expression.

“Well, thank you, Sooyoung.” Dokja gave her a small nod and walked off.

Unknown to him, Sooyoung began having a bit of a crisis at the possible revelation she had, unsure whether to laugh or scream.

The group, now with the addition of a conscious Dokja, complete the scenario quickly. It took Dokja a little bit to get used to fighting again, but with his stats being higher than they were in his memory, it wasn't too long before he was fighting like usual. He wiped some blood off of his cheek as he read the scenario complete message when he heard a voice in his ear.

<Dokja?>

Dokja looked over to see Bihyeong floating nearby, barely visible in the way that meant only Dokja could see him.

<Hey, Bihyeong. I was wondering when you were going to show up.>

<Oh, you remember me now! Does that mean you got one of your stories unlocked?>

<That's right. Apparently one of my skills was blocking me from them.>

There was a bit of silence as Bihyeong thought. Dokja looked over to see the others collecting the items needed to make the portal back to their world.

<Were you worried about me, Bihyeong?> Dokja smirked.

<Oh? What was that?> Dokja glanced over at Joonghyuk, who was half listening at Jihye ranted about something.

Dokja propped up one arm with the other as he thought.

<Well, I will be keeping an eye on you!> Bihyeong vanished with a wave.

Yoosung called to Dokja as the others prepared the portal and he walked over with a smile, but he wasn't listening to anything they were saying as they went into the portal. His mind was too occupied by what Bihyeong had told him.

Dokja had noticed that when he woke up, he had two of Joonghyuk's stories, because the fourth wall labeled them as such. He never gave it much thought until now, he was too occupied with remembering anything he could. But with this new information, that Joonghyuk's stories were the only ones that his dying body had accepted, he was even more confused. Two of his friends and even his incarnation tried giving him stories, but his body didn't want them.

[Dokja Kim wondered if The Fourth Wall was only letting some of the stories in.]

“Did you?”

[The Fourth Wall says it had no control over which stories Dokja Kim's physical incarnation accepted.]

“Then why...?”

[The Fourth Wall does not know why.]

[ The Fourth Wall says there was nothing unique about the stories that Joonghyuk Yoo gave Dokja Kim.]

“Nothing unique... other than it was him who gave them to me.”

[Dokja Kim wondered if getting Joonghyuk Yoo's stories resulted in him only remembering Joonghyuk Yoo when he woke up.]

“Yeah, why did I only remember Joonghyuk? Why did I think that I was 20? I vaguely remember the moments just after I woke up, but I do remember the feeling of being nervous being surrounded by strangers, even though they were- they are- my friends.”

Dokja was still thinking as he followed the others to the place they had been staying at after freeing Seoul dome. He told the others that he was going to take a walk around the are to see if anything jogged his memory before heading off towards the dome. The sunset peeked through the buildings, casting a pretty shimmer on the dome.

It was strange, seeing the dome from the outside. Ever since it had appeared at the start of the main scenario, it was a constant in the sky, just as the constellations were. A constant reminder that they were stuck, trapped in the Star Stream's torturous grasp.

Dokja frowned as he approached the dome exterior. He couldn't see through it, but he assumed everything was destroyed. If the first four scenarios were that destructive, he could only imagine what the next 6 were like, at least until he got his memories back. He looked to his right and noticed a fractured part of the wall. The hole was just a little taller than a human's height and it had been broken from the inside.

“Had Joonghyuk been the one to break it?” Dokja thought as he looked at the edges of the hole flickering with a faint blue light. “Probably, he is the main character. Seoul wouldn't have been freed without him.”

Dokja smiled a little as he approached the hole, which had been barricaded off. There were a variety of warnings plastered around the barricade, warning of what might happen if someone entered the dome.

“I wonder what it looks like in there, with everyone gone...”

[The Fourth Wall strongly recommends to not approach or enter the dome fissure.]

“I know, I'm not stupid.” Dokja chuckled lightly, turning around. “I know what goes on in there after the scenario ends.”

Dokja walked along the edge of the wall, watching as it curved gently into the sky away from him. Absentmindedly, he reached out an arm and lightly brushed against the dome. It's texture was a hard one to describe, but Dokja didn't have much time to think about it when there was an ear piercing crack in his head.

“Oh shi-” Dokja wobbled away from the dome. “I... I gotta get... back...”

Dokja's shoulder slammed against a nearby wall of a building and his eyes rolled back as he went limp.

[Story <The One Who Fought Against a Miracle> has been unlocked!]

Dokja blinked as he returned to controlling his body. He heard distant chatter as people began waking up.

“Wait- waking up?”

Dokja sat up quickly, surprising the two people standing over him.

“Dokja!” Min Jiwon yelped from his right. Donghoon Han made a similar noise of surprise, scrambling up from the crouching position he had been in on Dokja's left.

“Wh- Min Jiwon? Donghoon Han?” Dokja looked between the two of them before looked around to see the sun peaking over the tops of the buildings, casting its early morning glow through windows. “I was out all night?” He muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Dokja, are you alright?” Min Jiwon offered him a hand.

“Yeah, I just-” Dokja accepted the hand and stood. “I was feeling a bit lightheaded.”

“You need to take better care of yourself!” Min Jiwon huffed. “Your friends said you were dealing with some sort of injury since the 10^th scenario. I'm glad to see you around again, but still!”

“I'm doing better, I swear!” Dokja raised his hands as a shield as Min Jiwon pointed aggressively at him. “A-anyway, how are you two?”

Min Jiwon sighed and her expression softened. “We've been surviving like usual, a few people have joined Donghoon Han and my group while we progress through the scenarios.”

Dokja nodded before his phone in his pocket buzzed.

Dokja looked from the message to Donghoon Han, who was watching him from behind his phone.

“That's odd...” Dokja tapped through a few options on his phone but nothing was out of the ordinary. “My copy of TWSA is fine, thankfully.”

<I've never seen anything like that, do you know what happened?>

“You would know better than I would.” Dokja laughed, shrugging. He noticed Donghoon Han watching him with suspicion, so he slipped his phone away and turned. “I better get back to my group, see you later.”

Dokja gave a small wave before walking off. The sun was now illuminating most of the streets below, and Dokja closed his eyes, enjoyed letting the rays warm his body.

Dokja opened his eyes to see Bihyeong watching him with a confused smirk.

<Hey, it's nice out today.>

Dokja continued walking and saw Bihyeong float alongside him.

<Egg?> Dokja tilted his head.

<Oh, do you not remember her yet?>

Dokja thought for a bit, searching his memories.

<No... I'm not recalling any eggs. Where is it?>

Dokja nodded before heading off in the direction of that station.

It was about midday when he found the right part of the train. Prying the lid off of a storage spot, he saw a box with an accompanying message.

[I can trust you, right, Dokja? I'm leaving these here as you asked.

Thanks for being an incarnation on my channel.

I hope you survive.]

Dokja glanced up at Bihyeong. “Is this message from you?”

<Yeah.>

Dokja smiled as he knelled down and opened the box. He retrieved a few things, including his sword, [Unbreakable Faith]. “Oh, that's where it went!” He put it to the side and reached for the last thing.

[You have obtained the item, Dokkaebi Egg.]

The egg was larger than he had expected, warmer too. It was quite beautiful, gold light glimmering in the center. Dokja held it in both hands and looked it over. He opened his mouth to ask if this was the egg that Bihyeong was talking about, but was cut off as multiple small cracks and one deafening one sounded in his head.

“GAH!” Dokja curled over, holding the egg close with one arm, other hand on his head trying to contain the pain.

<DOKJA?!?>

“G-get Joong..hyuk...” Dokja gasped before fainting, falling to the side with a thud.

Bihyeong flitted about in panic. He quickly checked to make sure neither Dokja or the egg were injured before quickly opening the system window. He inputted Joonghyuk's name and vanished a second later.

<JOONGHYUK!!>

Joonghyuk winced as the dokkaebi appeared out of nowhere, screaming at him. He shot a death glare at Bihyeong and moved to draw his sword.

<Joonghyuk, its Dokja!>

Joonghyuk's hand froze just above his hilt before he retracted it slowly.

“What about him?” He narrowed his eyes at Bihyeong.

<He- I-> Bihyeong stammered.

“Where.” Joonghyuk walked swiftly to the door.

Joonghyuk sped-walked through the building, earning some confused looks from the others. Yoosung noticed the dokkaebi following him and shot up.

“Mister Joonghyuk?” She followed him to the front door. “Mister Joonghyuk, has something happened to Mister?”

Joonghyuk paused in the doorway before glancing back.

“Bastard has gone off and passed out again.” He grumbled before shutting the door behind him.

It was annoying not having [Way of the Wind], but Joonghyuk was still fast and got to the station quickly. Bihyeong showed him to the right train car and Joonghyuk shoved a piece of debris away before entering. He spotted Dokja on the ground and knelt next to him.

<I- I don't know what- why did he just pass out?!?>

Joonghyuk checked Dokja's pulse to see it was a bit fast and he noticed Dokja was shaking quite a bit, face scrunched in pain. He glanced up at the panicking dokkaebi and made a 'tch' noise.

“Dokja passes out whenever he gets a major story unlocked.” He said sharply.

Joonghyuk glared at Bihyeong. “He just got a story back and you instantly had him get another?!?”

“Get the fuck out of here, you damn dokkaebi.” Joonghyuk growled, hand back on his hilt.

Bihyeong let out a surprised squeak before vanishing.

Joonghyuk waited until he was sure the dokkaebi was gone, then removed his hand from his sword. He looked back down at Dokja, who was half curled up, clutching the dokkaebi egg to his chest. He sat down across from the egg and activated [Eye of the Sage]. He sighed as the information he knew would show up revealed itself.

“You crazy bastard...” Joonghyuk reached out and gently touched the egg. A soft warmth flowed from inside the egg and he heard a fain whisper.

“Captain?”

Joonghyuk removed his hand as Dokja curled up tighter, hugging the egg closer and quietly whimpering in pain. Joonghyuk brushed Dokja's hair out of his eyes as he felt his temperature with the back of his hand. At the physical contact, Dokja visibly relaxed, albeit only a little, so Joonghyuk moved his hand to rest on top of Dokja's head.

An hour or so passed and by the time Dokja had stopped shaking, Joonghyuk decided it would be more comfortable for him to lay on a bed than on the floor of a train, so he gently tucked the dokkaebi egg into one of Dokja's inside pockets of his coat before situating the smaller man on his back.

As he walked back to their place, Joonghyuk felt Dokja snuggle into the nook of his neck. His hair was tickling Joonghyuk's jaw, but he ignored it, more focused on suppressing the butterflies in his stomach. He had carried Dokja before, when he was without his stories, but this feeling had gotten stronger since Dokja woke up. No matter how much he tried to ignore it, the feeling always came back stronger. At this point, he didn't know when he had first noticed the way his heart beat faster when Dokja was around.

When he returned to their base, Yoosung met him at the door. She smiled when she saw Dokja sleeping peacefully on Joonghyuk's back. She let them into Dokja's room and helped Joonghyuk take Dokja's coat off before situating him on the bed.

“Everyone else already got something to eat while you were out, you should get something too, Mister Joonghyuk.” Yoosung draped the coat over a nearby chair. “I'll stay with Mister.”

Joonghyuk nodded before leaving the room.

It was getting late when Joonghyuk returned to Dokja's room to find him still sleeping. He leaned against the bed and watched Dokja before a thought came to his mind. He rummaged through the pockets of the coat on the chair before finding what he was looking for. He pulled out a slim phone that he had seen Dokja look at regularly. Whenever the others asked, he had made some excuse about keeping track of time or the day, but now Joonghyuk was curious. Was the novel that Dokja read on his phone, and that's why he was looking at it so intently sometimes?

Joonghyuk turned it on and noted that not only did Dokja not have a password, but his wallpapers were as basic as they could be. Joonghyuk smirked slightly before scrolling through the few apps on the phone. There were messages from other people, mostly Donghoon Han. The calendar had a few dates noted on it, particularly his friends' birthdays and some people Joonghyuk assumed were old coworkers. He didn't find Dokja's mother on the calendar or his contacts.

When Joonghyuk tapped on the files icon, the screen turned white and was unresponsive. He frowned, wondering if this was The Fourth Wall's doing, that it was protecting Dokja's privacy and possibly the novel. Joonghyuk returned to the main screen before turning the phone off and putting it on top of the coat.

There was a shuffle from the bed and Joonghyuk turned to see that Dokja's brow was furrowed in pain again, and that he was silently mumbling something. Joonghyuk pulled the chair next to the bed and sat on it before resting a hand on Dokja's shoulder. The mumbling stopped and Dokja's head turned to face Joonghyuk. His expression relaxed and Joonghyuk could feel his breath gently on his hand.

Joonghyuk glanced at the door as footsteps passed and people talked quietly as they went to bed. Thankfully, no one tried to come into the room.

“Goodnight, Mister Joonghyuk.” Yoosung's voice came quietly from outside the door before she walked off and the hallway became silent.

Yoosung tugged on the spider thread in her hand, shot around the corner, and jumped into the sky. Below her, Sangah braced herself but was caught with the sun in her eyes, and she lowered her defenses slightly. Yoosung took the opportunity to pounce and attacked, but Sangah quickly recovered and blocked the attack swiftly. She hooked her own blade around Yoosung's before twisting it and sending the dagger flying.

Yoosung yanked on the thread before jumping back and sending the dagger at Sangah with a curving path. Sangah readied to block the blade but was surprised when it suddenly swerved, flying behind her. She caught a glint of light and realized that Yoosung had strung the thread around the scenery, creating a chaotically organized web that the dagger zipped through. The blade shot out behind her and she dodged just fast enough to only get a small cut on her cheek.

Yoosung caught the blade with an excited smile.

“Good job, Yoosung!” Sangah lowered her blade and returned the smile. Yoosung walked over and she patted the girl's head gently, earning a giggle from Yoosung. They heard footsteps and turned to see Jihye running full speed at them. She skid to a stop just in front of them and paused to catch her breath.

“Jihye? Is something wrong?” Sangah's expression turned from worry to confusion as Jihye looked up at her with a big grin.

“Sangah- Yoosung- you've gotta come see this-!”

The three of them made their way back to their base and Jihye lead them over to the door to Dokja's room. She put her hand against the door that was slightly open before turning to the others with a finger to her lips, still grinning. Sangah and Yoosung nodded, unable to contain their curiosity, and Jihye quietly pushed the door open, pointing to the bed.

Opposite the door, Joonghyuk slept on the chair, but he was leaning over so his head rested on his arms that were on the bed next to Dokja's head. His mouth was covered by his coat collar but they noticed how calm his sleeping face was. One of his hands was rested gently on Dokja's hand, who was slightly gripping it in return. Dokja had his head turned towards Joonghyuk and had a soft smile on his face.

Yoosung had to suppress a squeal at the adorable sight and looked to Sangah, whose hands were over her heart and mouth with an adoring smile. Jihye was in the room, sneaking carefully around to Dokja's coat before grabbing his phone and retreating to the doorway. Yoosung giggled quietly as Jihye pulled up the camera to take a photo, still grinning and trying not to have the photo blur from how much she was shaking in silent laughter.

“Blackmail.” Jihye whispered as she snapped the picture. She went to return the phone but accidentally brushed her foot against Joonghyuk's foot, and he stirred in his sleep. She rushed back to the door where Sangah shooed her and Yoosung away before walking into the room herself. She regained her composure before gently resting a hand on Joonghyuk's shoulder. He blinked awake and glanced up at her before becoming aware of what position he was in. He shot to a sitting position, pulling his hand out of Dokja's quickly. It was hard to tell in the dim lighting, but Sangah was pretty sure she saw a little bit of red on the stoic man's cheeks.

“Is it morning?” Joonghyuk cleared his throat, adjusting his coat like nothing had happened.

“Yes, I'm waking everyone up.” Sangah offered a smile before turning and walking back to the door. Joonghyuk glanced back at Dokja before getting up and following her.

Not too long after, Dokja stirred and woke up. He looked at his hand and closed it slowly, savoring the lingering warmth of someone's touch. He heard voices coming from down the hall and could smell meat being cooked. He blinked the tiredness away and sat up, noticing his coat on the chair next to him. His phone sat on top and it looked like it had been quickly dropped, so he grabbed it and turned it on.

The camera app was open and in the corner Dokja saw that someone had recently taken a picture. Curious, he tapped on the icon in the corner and his eyes widened as the picture became readable. He let out a surprised squeak/laugh before slapping a hand over his mouth and glancing to the door. When no one came in, he returned to looking at the picture.

“Oh my- I don't think I've ever seen Joonghyuk that calm when he's sleeping.” Dokja realized.

[Constellation, Demonic Judge of Fire is squealing in joy.]

“Uriel-!” Dokja's face flushed and he shoved the phone into his pocket. He quickly put his coat on before pausing. “Don't tell Heewon, ok?”

[Constellation, Demonic Judge of Fire says she won't tell her incarnation.]

[Constellation, Demonic Judge of Fire points out that just because she won't, that doesn't mean Heewon Jung won't hear from someone else.]

Dokja muttered something and rubbed his neck before composing himself and exiting the room. He walked down the hall and greeted the group, most of which had already started eating.

“Mister!” Yoosung exclaimed when she saw him. She and Gilyoung rushed over to hug him and he chuckled as he patted them on the head.

“What did you get back this time?” Gilyoung asked, looking up at him expectantly. “You were asleep for a while.”

“Up to the 6^th scenario.” Dokja looked down at Yoosung's excited expression and nodded with a smile. She burrowed into his side and hugged harder, making Dokja chuckle.

Dokja and Sooyoung were taking a short inventory break during the next scenario as the others were supply hunting. Dokja was going through his weapons and thinking how he had a lot of swords when one caught his eye.

“This one is... Amano Murakumo No Tsurugi, right?” Dokja muttered to himself. “I would have thought Joonghyuk would have-”

CRACK

“Oh- Sooyoung-” Dokja dropped the sword and stumbled back.

“Hm? Oh shit-” Sooyoung turned and caught him before he fell over. “Another one?”

“Mhm.” Dokja groaned and tried to steady himself against Sooyoung as she lead him to a chair and helped him sit. He leaned back, head hitting the wall gently, breathing heavily with his eyes shut tight in pain.

“You're still conscious this time?” Sooyoung noted.

“Somehow.” Dokja said through gritted teeth. “Kinda wish I wasn't-” He lifted his arm and pinched the bridge of his nose.

“What's it like?” Sooyoung asked, crossing her arms.

“Sucks.” Dokja wheezed. “Like the worst migraine of your life except you're also getting memories shoved into your head.” He groaned and leaned forward.

“Woah-” He blinked as the world spun. He reached out, trying to steady himself, and felt Sooyoung helping him sit upright. His eyes glowed blue for a second as scenes flashed before his eyes.

Sooyoung looked over as she heard footsteps approach. Joonghyuk entered the room and his gaze instantly focused on Dokja.

“He's still awake.” Sooyoung watched as Joonghyuk walked to Dokja's side and Dokja leaned against him. She dismissed herself quietly and left the two alone, trying to hide the perplexed smile on her face. Joonghyuk watched her go before looking down at Dokja, who was still breathing heavily, eyes unfocused.

“Why...?” Dokja wheezed.

“You called for me.” Joonghyuk answered the incomplete question.

“I did?” Dokja's brow furrowed more.

“'[Dokja Kim is looking for Joonghyuk Yoo.]'. Was that not you?”

“Hmm?” Dokja's voice was strained. Joonghyuk looked down at him before holding out his hand.

“You seemed to get better when this happened before when you had physical contact with me. Here.”

Dokja glanced up at Joonghyuk before setting his shaking hand in the steady one. He leaned back again and raised his other arm, resting it over his eyes and forehead.

After a little while, Dokja's breathing returned to normal and he stopped shaking so much. He kept his arm on his face as he took a slow breath.

“Joonghyuk?”

“Mm?”

“Why...” Dokja paused and lowered his arm, looking over at Joonghyuk, even though he couldn't see him clearly through the memories flashing in front of his eyes. “Why are you so... caring towards me now?”

Joonghyuk frowned at the floor, not meeting his gaze.

“I... I may be partially to blame for what happened to you.” He admitted quietly.

[Joonghyuk Yoo is feeling guilty for what he did.]

Dokja blinked as his skill told him what Joonghyuk was feeling. He looked at the ceiling as he pondered what that could mean. He didn't want to ask Joonghyuk for details of why he was feeling guilty, or what he had done, partially because he didn't want Joonghyuk to know he could read his mind, partially because he doubted Joonghyuk would even tell him in the first place. Whatever had happened, it definitely caused him a great amount of emotional distress, even if he didn't show it in front of the others.

“I'll probably remember it soon enough.” He decided, closing his eyes to properly see the memories that were returning.

A few minutes later, Dokja let out a sigh of relief and opened his eyes. He sat up and slipped his hand out of Joonghyuk's, causing him to look over at him.

“It's done.” Dokja nodded. “Heh, I think I'm getting used to this.” He laughed uncomfortably. “Doesn't make it any less exhausting though.”

Joonghyuk shot him a quick glare at the joke. “That was fast. What story was it?”

“The uh... the one I got from defeating the other world god. As well as the memories from the constellation banquet.” Dokja stood and stretched. “So I'm guessing I've regained my constellation status?”

[Constellation, ■■■ is curious what his name is.]

Joonghyuk shook his head at the message that had popped up in front of him. “Your constellation title is censored like your name used to be.”

“Oh?” Dokja tapped his chin in thought.

[Dokja Kim wonders why his constellation title is censored.]

“But your name isn't censored now.” Joonghyuk confirmed for him.

“So I have a title, it's just not something I've recovered yet.” Dokja muttered to himself. “I must have gotten it sometime on the top floor?” Dokja walked over to grab his dropped sword and glanced at Joonghyuk in time to see his body tense.

“Do you know what my title or modifier are, Joonghyuk?” He asked, returning his sword to his side.

“No, I didn't even know you had gotten one.” Joonghyuk stuck his hands in his coat pocket and walked over to the door. Dokja hummed in acknowledgment as he turned and followed Joonghyuk out into the hallway, exiting just as the system message for the next scenario popped up.

Dokja switched spots with Yoosung as she dove towards the monster, slicing it to pieces.

“That's the last of them.” Dokja smiled and ruffled Yoosung's hair. “We should meet up with the others soon.”

Yoosung nodded and flicked the blood off of her dagger before joining Dokja's side as they walked down the destroyed street. Dokja looked around before a thought came to his mind and he glanced down at Yoosung.

“Yoosung, what does it say in your attribute window about your supporting constellation?”

“Oh?” Yoosung opened her attribute window and looked through it for a second before tilting her head. “It's glitching, flickering between your name and a censored name, Mister.”

“Interesting...” Dokja crossed his arms. “So I really must have gotten my constellation title during the 10^th scenario... Yoosung, do you know what my constellation title or modifier are?”

Yoosung shook her head. “I didn't think to check after everything that happened.”

Dokja nodded and paused, contemplating if he should ask the question he had been wondering since he first woke up.

“What...” He glanced down at Yoosung again. “What happened to me, exactly? Did something go wrong during the battle with the 73^rd demon king?”

Yoosung stiffened and looked up at him with sad eyes. “You could say that...” She said quietly.

“Yoosung?” Dokja reached out when he noticed tears welling up in her eyes. She took a shaky breath in before speaking again.

“Mister, you sacrificed yourself for us.” She couldn't hold the tears back anymore. “The constellations killed the demon king so the dokkaebi gave you and Mister Joonghyuk the option to become the new demon king and kill us or we would kill you-”

Dokja's eyes widened as Yoosung rambled on through sobs.

“Mister Joonghyuk took it first but we stopped him- but then you took it and became the demon king and- and- and we had to k- kill you-”

Dokja knelt down and hugged Yoosung tight as she sobbed, clinging to his coat. He could feel tears welling up in his own eyes seeing her in such pain, but he fought them back. Something inside him stirred, a strange power he hadn't felt before.

[Stigma, Will of Sacrifice Lv. 1, has been activated!]

Yoosung gasped as her stigma automatically activated. Dokja pulled back in surprise as a deafening chain of cracks sounded in his head. Pain shot through his entire body and he cried out in pain, curling over.

“Mister!” Yoosung cried, reaching out for him. Dokja took a shaky breath and tried to steady himself, but the pain concentrated on the wound on his chest and he looked down to see blood soaking through his shirt. His form flickered and he cried out in pain again, falling to the ground completely. He faintly heard Yoosung scream his name before everything went dark.

“Dokja!” The others yelled when they spotted him. They flocked around him as Seolhwa rolled him onto his back and ripped his shirt open. His wound was bleeding a lot, not as bad as when it had been first inflicted, but still life threatening.

“Mana!” She yelled. Joonghyuk put his hand on her back and directed his mana to her as she put pressure on the wound, willing her healing power to stop the bleeding. Hyunsung yanked his backpack open and searched through it before pulling out some medical supplies and health ampules.

“What happened?!?” Sangah exclaimed, readying her thread to try to close the wound. “Why did your stigma activate, Yoosung?”

“I- He-” Yoosung sobbed. Gilyoung felt the tears falling down his cheeks and wrapped Yoosung in a tight hug as they both cried. “Mister asked about wh-what happened during the battle and I told h-h-him but my stigma suddenly activated and- and he just-”

“Sangah, your turn.” Seolhwa pulled back to show that the bleeding had stopped. Sangah nodded and skillfully sewed the wound shut with her golden threads. Hyunsung knelt down on the other side and lifted Dokja's head, propping his mouth open before slowly pouring the health ampule in. It flowed in easily, but Dokja was still completely limp and as pale as his coat. As they worked, Sooyoung pulled out the story evaluator and quickly scrolled through it before gasping.

“Oh my god- they're all unlocked! Even the last big one, 'Demon King of Salvation.'” Sooyoung glanced down at Dokja. “What the fuck kinda title is that!?!” She yelled, surprised by the panic in her voice.

“I thought he was supposed to get them back slowly?!” Jihye looked at Joonghyuk, who was showing genuine fear on his face she had never seen before. “That's what he said, right master?” Joonghyuk opened and closed his mouth a few times but no words came out.

“Hyunsung- Heewon-” Sangah pulled back, allowing the other two to carefully but quickly pull Dokja's coat and shirt off before putting pressure on the wound as they wrapped gauze and military grade bandages around his torso. They had just finished when Joonghyuk heard a growl nearby. He turned to see a group of monsters approaching quickly, drawn by the smell of blood.

“Damn it!” He pulled out his sword and rushed at them. The others readied their weapons and stood around Dokja as the monsters circled them. Yoosung and Gilyoung stayed by Dokja's side, directing their tamed creatures in the fight while keeping an eye on Dokja.

The monsters were surprisingly tough, but with Yoosung's stigma still active, it wasn't too long before the group killed them all. They quickly gathered their things and carefully situated Dokja on Hyunsung's back before they ran, looking for shelter. Joonghyuk kept an eye on Dokja the whole time, feeling like if he didn't, Dokja's form would flicker away into nothingness.

[The Fourth Wall is panicking, saying this wasn't supposed to happen.]

Joonghyuk bit back a curse as the message popped up in front of him. “You better not-”

[The Fourth Wall swears it will do its best to keep Dokja Kim alive without sealing his stories away again.]

Joonghyuk glared at the message. “So you can read my thoughts. Fine.”

They stayed in the shelter they had found, keeping an eye on Dokja at all times. The initial panic had calmed down as they saw the color return to his face and his form flickering less and less.

Eventually though, they had to progress with the scenario, so they did what they had done before, although two people stayed with Dokja at all times. The dokkaebi, who Dokja had said was named Bihyeong, paid a short visit and gifted Seolhwa a bunch of mana ampules before popping away. She and Joonghyuk spent a lot of time with Dokja as she healed him.

Dokja stayed unconscious for the entirety of the rest of the scenario, body limp and breath shallow. One day, shortly after the scenario had ended, Joonghyuk and Seolhwa were checking on Dokja's condition and changing his bandages to notice that his wound had hardened into a nasty scar. Joonghyuk reached out and gently touched the scar, feeling the bumps and dips, confirming that it was healed enough to keep his body together. Seolhwa watched him with a curious expression.

“You really care for him, don't you Joonghyuk?” She smiled gently as she met his gaze as he looked over at her. He drew back his hand and studied her for a second before looking back at Dokja.

“I feel responsible for all of this. I was the one who landed the blow that killed him, I'm the reason why his skill felt that it needed to lock his skills away to keep him alive.” Joonghyuk frowned. “It should have been me who took on the role of the demon king, not him. His stupidity and stubbornness... I don't know what to do.”

Seolhwa rested a hand on his shoulder, grateful for this rare genuine conversation. “You trust him, right? Trust that he knew what he was doing. Dokja is strong, he will survive.”

Joonghyuk looked over at her again and she could see the internal conflict in his eyes. “I know he cares for you too, Joonghyuk. Maybe more than you realize. Possibly even the same way you care for him.”

Joonghyuk's eyes widened and he looked away, cheeks flushed slightly. “Is it that obvious?” He asked quietly.

“I'm a pretty good judge of character.” Seolhwa chuckled. “You said we were partners in a previous round, right? So I feel like I know you better than most. I can tell you're scared of having such an intimate relationship again, scared of losing your partner, losing him.”

Joonghyuk glanced back at her and nodded slightly.

“You should tell him, when he wakes up.” Seolhwa gently patted his shoulder as she turned to leave.

Joonghyuk stayed by Dokja's side, stewing in his thoughts. He decided to busy his hands, so he finished removing Dokja's bandages and threw them away.

[Constellation, Demon King of Salvation, is looking for Joonghyuk Yoo.]

Joonghyuk spun around to see Dokja's eyes flutter open. They glow blue for a moment before fading to their regular dark color.

“'Demon King of Salvation'?” Joonghyuk repeated.

“It's cruel, isn't it?” Dokja laughed halfheartedly. He pushed himself up and noticed his shirt was open. He felt his chest and made a surprised noise when he found that the wound had healed into a scar. He moved so that he was sitting on the edge of the bed facing Joonghyuk. He looked over and held out a hand. Joonghyuk didn't meet his gaze.

“Joonghyuk.” Dokja said gently. “Come over here, give me your hand.”

Joonghyuk glanced at him and hesitated before silently approaching and putting his right and into Dokja's outstretched left hand. Dokja could see the conflicted feelings brewing in the storm of guilt in Joonghyuk's eyes.

“You did the right thing.” Dokja gently held Joonghyuk's hand in both of his. “I knew what I was getting into and I had a plan. I was going to be ok.”

Joonghyuk grimaced. “I should have been the one to take on the role. I should have been the one to die, I'm used to it. I shouldn't have- you died... by my hand.”

Dokja shook his head and pulled Joonghyuk's hand closer, placing it gently over the scar on his chest. “You did the right thing. Thank you, Joonghyuk.” He looked up at the taller man, who had finally met his gaze, and smiled a genuine smile of appreciation.

Joonghyuk's eyes widened slightly and Dokja noticed he had a shocked expression and his cheeks were flushed. Dokja realized what he was doing and let go of Joonghyuk's hand and looking away, his own face flushed. Joonghyuk stepped back, hand halfheartedly covering his mouth as a he avoided eye contact. Dokja, also avoiding eye contact, stood from the bed and buttoned up his shirt before putting his coat back on. The silence was deafening until Joonghyuk gathered his nerves and turned to Dokja.

“Dokja.” They met each others gazes. “Do you like me? Because... I think I like you too.”

Dokja's eyes widened and his face became even more flushed. He looked away before glancing back and nodding one solid nod.

“I... I wasn't sure before, but after getting my memories back... yeah. I feel the same.”

Joonghyuk felt the butterflies in his stomach flutter at the confession and stepped forward, closing the distance between them. He stopped just in front of Dokja and glanced at his lips.

“May I?”

Dokja nodded quickly, too flustered to speak.

Joonghyuk gently cradled the side of Dokja's face before closing the gap and kissing him on the lips. He was surprisingly gentle, as if he was scared that Dokja would flake away.

There was a ding noise and they parted to see a system message pop up next to Joonghyuk. Dokja read the title and his stomach dropped as he read the message that announced the hidden scenario that Joonghyuk had gotten was complete. He looked back at Joonghyuk, who was glaring at the message.

“You... are you just doing this for the scenario?” Dokja asked, barely above a whisper.

Joonghyuk glared at the message and muttered something about ruining the moment before closing it and turning back to him.

“As if I would play into a scenario like this.” He scoffed and leaned close again. “I can assure you, Dokja Kim. My feelings are real.”

Joonghyuk kissed him again and this time, Dokja kissed back. Joonghyuk placed his free hand on Dokja's waist and pulled him closer.

When they parted again, Dokja's eyes went wide as he remembered something. “'The one he loves most.'” He whispered.

Joonghyuk nodded with a slight frown. “I was wondering the same thing.”

Dokja let out a little laugh and raised his hand so the tips of his fingers were hovering just above his lips. “That was my first kiss.” He smiled.

Joonghyuk smirked. “You really were living up to your name, weren't you?”

Dokja laughed and poked Joonghyuk's chest in retaliation. “I didn't need anyone, I already had you!”

Dokja paused as he realized what he had just said. “I-I mean- uh-” He stammered, hands flailing.

Joonghyuk gently grabbed Dokja's flailing hands. “I already know.” He confirmed, looking Dokja in the eye. “Did... did you like me the whole time, even back then?”

“Not at the beginning,” Dokja admitted with an embarrassed smile. “But as the years went on I grew attached and the feelings only became stronger when we met in real life.”

“The first time we met, I held you by your neck over the edge of a bridge.” Joonghyuk pointed out, raising an eyebrow. “What, are you a masochist?”

Dokja let out a surprised noise and shook his head. “No, I'm not-” He paused. “...It was hot though.”

Joonghyuk snorted into the back of his hand and sighed. “This silliness is why I fell for you in the first place.” He admitted.

Dokja grinned big. “It's not like you to be this sappy, Joonghyuk.” Joonghyuk rolled his eyes and Dokja chuckled. “I'm kidding. I love you too.”

Dokja leaned in and they kissed again.

“OH MY GOD-!”

They parted quickly, eyes wide, and turned to see Heewon in the doorway, a shocked but ecstatic smile on her face. She grinned before turning and running off down the hall.

“Heewon-!” Dokja called after here, face flushed in embarrassment again. He glanced at Joonghyuk before the two of them ran after her. “Heewon, wait-”

“GUYS!” Heewon yelled as she approached the main meeting area. “DOKJA AND JOONGHYUK WERE KISSING!”

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