Chapter Text
“Kneel.”
For a moment, Lee Sungook just stares at Yoo Joonghyuk.
“What?” Doesn't he have [Sage’s Eye], why would he ask me this?
“Kneel before me.”
Sungkook quickly realizes there is no point in defying him, not when he’s facing the Yoo Joonghyuk. (Though, he can deny he’s disappointed that he doesn't look like how the novel described him. He seems less handsome and more… delicate? No that’s not right, more ugly maybe? It’s strange, Lee Sungkook can’t really tell.)
So he kneels.
His knees hit the hard floor as he submits to the will of the protagonist, and Sungkook’s feels like a bruise is going to form on at least one of them. The harsh gaze is freezing against his skin as Yoo Joonghyuk stares down at the prophet, like the man is nothing more than dirt on his boot.
Glancing up just for a moment, Lee Sungkook tries to hold eye contact with him, one last show of strength. But, as he sees how the man is sat on the bed, thin waist accentuated by his combat vest, crossed legged with one thigh sporting a drop leg holster, leaning forward to look down upon him, thin, pale hands that contrast with his black fingerless gloves draped lazily over his knee, Sungkook quickly locks his gaze back onto the floor.
The sight above, despite the protagonist's disappointing face, was a bit…
You idiot, that’s Yoo Joonghyuk, what are you thinking?!
In both fear of the terrifying man above him noticing the small tinge of red on Sungkook’s ears, and an attempt to keep his dignity, he decides it best for both of them if he doesn't look up while he talks.
But, right as Sungkook opens his mouth to share his attribute, the entrance to the tent flies open.
The man's dark coat billows from the breeze made by his harsh entrance, one foot placed upon the back of the “prophet” he knocked out to get in. His handsome face, much more fitting to that of a protagonist, is scrunched into a scowl, eyes glaring at the two of them with a look even more deadly than Joonghyuk’s.
“Kim Do-“ He starts voice loud and stern, but suddenly freezes. His expression flashes to something that seems like confusion, but just as quickly twists back into a deadly glare, though still sporting a hint of uncertainty.
His voice comes out through gritted teeth as he marches forward, completely ignoring the prophet turned makeshift guard he steps over “What are you doing, Ki-”
“We can talk in a second, for now please be quiet.” The protagonist says, cutting him off in a nearly cheery voice, head turned toward the stranger who now looks about five seconds from strangling the man.
“Do not tell me to be quiet, you fool. Tell me what you are doing.” The man stops beside Yoo Joonghyuk, glare still locked onto his smiling face.
Really, with a gaze like that, Lee Sungkook would expect him to be the protagonist, not the scrawny, smiley guy in front of him.
“I’ll tell you in a second, just let him finish telling me his attributes, and I’ll explain everything.” The protagonist then drops the elated tone of voice and returns his cold gaze back to the man below him. “Well, go on,” He leans forward a bit more, voice dripping with command “Tell me.”
Now the mysterious man directs his scowl at Lee Sungkook, somehow with even more disdain.
“This is unnecessary." He says, still glaring at Sungkook, before turning to look back at Joonghyuk, now with something unreadable behind his eyes. (Was that jealousy? No that wouldn't make sense.) “I can just use [Sage-”
“Heyyy! You know what,” Yoo Joonghyuk cuts in “Maybe this can wait. Would you mind coming over here for a moment, dearest companion of mine?” Joonghyuk says to the man, a hit of nervousness showing through his performative smile as he uncrosses his legs and stands up to clasp a hand onto the taller man's shoulder.
The man glares at Yoo Joonghyuk and begrudgingly follows him outside the tent, lifting the fabric for Joonghyuk to walk under. Though, not before turning to give Lee Sungkook one last glare.
“This man must be another one of his subordinates. That Jung Heewon woman also seemed very aggressive toward strangers, maybe it’s the type he likes to keep near him.” Sungkook thinks at the sight of the clearly brash man doing something that felt like the equivalent of holding the door open for someone.
For a moment, after the two exit, Lee Sungkook doesn't move, unsure on whether or not he should move from his position on the floor.
After a bit of consideration, and remembering the deathly glares of the two men who are still right outside, he decides it's safer if he doesn't. Though he does take a look at his knees to check the damage. Luckily, because of his stats, there aren't any bruises, though the left one hurts a bit… Is there a potion for that? Having not read much of the original novel, Sungkook isn’t too knowledgeable on most things outside of the early scenarios and basic world-building.
Suddenly two voices from outside grab his attention. Although they are speaking relatively quietly, the lack of actual walls makes it easy for Sungkook to listen in.
“I said it’s unnecessary, I can just use-“
“Don’t say it out loud! Besides, how was I supposed to know you were going to show up? And it’s not like you would go along with my plan anyway.”
“Don’t interrupt me again.”
“Wait wait wait! I'm sorry, you can put your sword away!”
“Why was he on the floor like that.”
“Jeez even your questions sound like demands, damn prota- sunfish. Anyway, it’s just to get him to listen to me, not everyone has your terrifying aura you know.”
“Tell him to stand up. And you shouldn’t sit down again.”
“Huh? Why?”
“…”
“Is there something wrong with the bed or something? Joo- Bastard, why didn’t you say something earlier?”
“…”
“Don’t ignore me!”
“Sitting down like that…will not… It won’t work, don’t do it.”
“So you're gonna make me stand up while I do this? Asshole…”
The two men walk in to find Sungkook still kneeling on the ground. Yoo Joonghyuk pauses for a moment at the objectively pathetic sight before a smirk tugs at his lips and he glances at the taller man beside him.
“See? I can invoke respect just as much as you can, bastard.” He says with a smug expression. Though the man at his side doesn't look at him, and instead keeps his glare on Lee Sungkook. At the lack of response Yoo Joonghyuk looks back to Sungkook, clearly not affected by being ignored by his companion.
“Good job prophet, you listen well.” The protagonist says in an appeasing tone, approaching with a confident smirk. The tone causes the redness to return to Sungkook’s ears, and seems to only further the stranger's apparent disdain toward the fake prophet as his scowl deepens.
“Ki- Yoo Joonghyuk.” Says the stranger with a tone that almost felt annoyed. “Don’t be unnecessary, get to the point”
“Of course, efficient as always.” Joonghyuk says, eye twitching with what was most definitely annoyance. “Well, prophet? Get on with it, Tell me your skills and attributes.” He says, all hints of the comfortable attitude from his conversation outside the tent gone from his tone.
“Ah y-yes, of course!” Lee Sungkook stutters out, now subject to the threatening look of both men (Though, the one coming from Joonghyuk’s companion is objectively far more terrifying.)
As Sungkook shares all of his skills and attributes, making sure not to leave anything out when he notices Joonghyuk’s companion using [Lie Detection] on everything he says.
Once he finally finishes up after being hounded by both Yoo Joonghyuk and the taller man, they hear a rumble from outside the tent.
Joonghyuk hastily pushes open the tent to be greeted with the sight of Jung Heewon flying through the air toward a “prophet”, sword ready to strike.
“Jung Heewon!”