Kim Dokja narrowed his eyes as he looked at the screen, remembering what was coming next. This was going to be rough to see again, especially without the adrenaline coursing through their veins.
[Many constellations are anticipating the bloodshed.]
Jung Heewon's expression became more tense, but Lee Hyunsung leaned closer to her to ask if she was alright in a whisper. Kim Dokja watched them fondly, glad that they had someone as genuinely kind as Lee Hyunsung on their team. He may not be the brightest all the time, but he was certainly reliable and someone who wanted to help others.
As Jung Heewon smiled slightly at the lieutenant, despite the tinge of bitterness in her expression, Kim Dokja couldn't help but think of how glad he was that the two of them could lean on each other.
As the now forearm-less man continues to scream in agony, Dokja activates [Character Profile].
[Name: Han Minsung
Personal attribute: Gangster (Common)
Overall stats: Stamina lvl. 8, Strength lvl. 8, Agility lvl. 8, Mana lvl. 2]
'Just as expected… His stats are pretty high for an ordinary gangster. They must have done 'It',' Dokja thinks before turning to look over the manipulated crowd.
"You know very well that what's happening right now has nothing to do with me. You're just doing this because you're scared of them. You know exactly what's wrong, and that your lives are at stake, but they're stronger than you. You're afraid of them because they have more coins and higher stats than you," Dokja says as he points towards the Major group.
"Haha. Look now, Kim Dokja. What are you trying to say—?" Inho starts to ask, but he's cut off by Dokja's next words, which make him falter.
"But why is it that they have more coins than you and higher stats?" Dokja asks the crowd, making them think to try and reach the answer. People start to murmur among themselves, clearly now wondering about this fact.
[The incarnations around you are starting to get agitated.]
"Did they forget that you get coins for killing?" Yoo Mia huffed with a frown, clearly unimpressed by how much people had forgotten since the first scenario.
Yoo Joonghyuk glanced down at her and he frowned slightly. "Sometimes, people don't even want to think of things like that, so they forget on purpose and delude themselves into believing that it can't be true."
For some reason, Kim Dokja found himself shuddering slightly at Yoo Joonghyuk's firm tone. He sounded disappointed, maybe even frustrated, and it added the slight tinge of a rasp to his deep voice. The protagonist was right—people would believe anything other than the truth if it benefited them somehow. Still, even if it was frustrating, the truth would always come out at some point.
False memories, carefully constructed to hide things that were too difficult to face… those were things for people who couldn't handle reality, Kim Dokja thought bitterly. He had never been as lucky as to completely forget, even if some things could be temporarily repressed. It didn't matter. They would always slam into him in full force eventually.
He had to remember every moment in visceral detail, to the point where he wanted to actively push it away. He remembered the eyes trained on his back, the whispers, the screams. He remembered the smell of alcohol and the cold rush of horror that filled his body as he watched his mother raise her voice and raise her arm and rush forward with a glint of metal and—
Kim Dokja inhaled sharply and did his best to focus on the here and now. The kids, clinging to him like he was the only source of comfort. Han Sooyoung's slightly nasally voice as she made a witty comment. Lee Jihye's resulting laugh that some people might consider unattractive, but Kim Dokja just thought that she sounded exactly like he had imagined her to be.
The memories were better left in the past, where they belonged. There were more important things to dwell on.
[The constellation 'Abyssal Black Flame Dragon' thinks that some people are pathetic.]
At the very least, that was something on which they could agree.
Some of the people even start to ask Inho questions, but he tries to to defend himself by claiming it was merely the profits from selling things.
However, Dokja cuts in once more. "When I arrived in Geumho a few days ago, there were 87 people here. But, right now, there are only 50 people at most."
People try to justify this by claiming that monsters got them on patrol, but Dokja cuts them off and tells them to think about why no one in the Cheoldu gang has died yet, and why they only seem to return stronger each time. As he says this, he points right at Inho's shocked face.
[The constellation 'Secretive Plotter' nods in agreement with your reasoning.]
"They said it earlier—you will receive coins when you kill me. How did they know that you receive coins when you kill someone?" The people of Geumho turn towards Inho—expressions aghast—as Bihyung watches on from the overhead screens, posing as if he's ready to be drawn like a french girl.
[The constellation 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' is pulling his hair out from excitement.]
Flashbacks appear, showing the moment Cheoldu gang discovered that they could gain coins from killing. As soon as they had realized this, their expressions morphed into wicked grins.
Inho tries to claim it's a lie when people start to question him; however, he is interrupted by Bihyung's sing-song voice stating there are only seven minutes left. Feeling cornered, the Cheoldu gang turns their weapons towards the crowd as they watch in disbelief.
"If you even have an ounce of pride left inside you, fight them yourselves!" Dokja yells in encouragement. "Take back what was taken from you…using your own hands!"
[The constellations of the absolute good alignment have deemed Cheon Inho to be 'Evil'.]
[The constellation 'Bald Leader of the Peasant's Army' rejoices in this scene of revolution.]
"I think anyone could have told us that he was evil," Han Sooyoung drawled, unimpressed. "The guy was an asshole."
Lee Jihye snorted and couldn't hold back some giggles. It seemed to be infectious, and Shin Yoosung and Lee Gilyoung joined in with their own laughter.
Yoo Joonghyuk shot Kim Dokja an odd glance. "Why did you not kill him yourself instead of wasting time inciting the crowd?"
Well, it made sense that Yoo Joonghyuk would question that. After all, did he have any other solution to the majority of his problems than cutting down whatever was in his way?
Still, the protagonist continued in his critique of Kim Dokja's actions. "It was inefficient."
And it also would have disqualified him from getting the [King of No Killing], and that would have thrown a wrench into all of his plans.
"I did what I had to," Kim Dokja replied cryptically, trying not to enjoy the way Yoo Joonghyuk's handsome face twisted into a scowl. "Funny enough, not everyone can get what they want through force alone."
He had almost forgotten just how fun antagonizing the other man really was, but Kim Dokja knew he would have to be careful with it. Yoo Joonghyuk's refusal to murder him wouldn't necessarily last forever, especially if all of his TWSA knowledge was shared here. If everyone learned what he knew, and what all of his plans were, then what use would Kim Dokja have other than providing witty commentary?
And, knowing Yoo Joonghyuk, a perfectly-timed quip would not save Kim Dokja from dying at his hands.
"This is just how it is in this world," Dokja finishes, pointing his sword towards the Cheoldu gang.
This admission finally spurs the Minor Group into action, and they start grabbing any weapon they can find around them to attack the people who once oppressed them. Dokja's group is naturally caught in the chaos, doing their best to cover each other as Dokja effortlessly cuts down those who attack him. Still, he makes sure that he injures them without killing them.
Heewon spots the man who she remembers assaulted her, and she beelines for him. In an instant, her sword is shoved directly into his mouth, skewering him in a macabre mockery of an innuendo. It's more dignity than such an awful man deserves, but she doesn't tear him to shreds in a surprising display of restraint.
"I told you I was going to get you, didn't I?" she says coldly, addressing the corpse.
[The requirements for the evolution of the attribute 'Crouching Figure' have been met.]
As Heewon pulls her sword out, she is surrounded by a blooming reddish aura.
[The character 'Jung Heewon's attribute is blossoming.]
Within the growing flame of the aura, Heewon opens crimson eyes aflame with astonishing power. For a brief instant, her hair looks white as snow.
[The character 'Jung Heewon's' attribute has blossomed into 'Judge of Evil (Heroic)'.]
'[Judge of Evil]...? That's the most powerful out of the three judges!' Dokja thinks in awe as Heewon tells him to step back.
"Yes!" Han Sooyoung cheered as soon as Jung Heewon killed the man. "Serves him right!"
Jung Heewon's faint smile didn't quite reach her eyes as she watched herself murder the man who had very nearly assaulted her. At the time, it had probably been extremely cathartic—but now?
Now, Kim Dokja wasn't sure how she was feeling. He knew that she didn't enjoy killing—very few people would—and even though it had been for a good reason, it had still been incredibly brutal. She had been driven by her emotions, and no one could know now if she would have simply beheaded him if her head had been clearer.
At the very least, Jung Heewon's eyes widened as she witnessed her own attribute blossom. "The… the most powerful?"
[The constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' is cheering for the incarnation 'Jung Heewon'.]
Kim Dokja smiled at her. "Your attribute and skill are amazing, Heewon-ssi."
Lee Jihye nodded excitedly. "Unnie, we really have to practice together after this!"
A smile broke out on Jung Heewon's face, and she grinned at Lee Jihye. "That sounds like a wonderful idea."
"Maybe Master will even help us out! His swordsmanship is so much better than mine," Lee Jihye exclaimed as her eyes glimmered in excitement. That girl really was loyal to Yoo Joonghyuk, wasn't she? Yoo Joonghyuk, naturally, only barely acknowledged the request with a slight incline of his head.
Huh, was that an acceptance?
[A constellation who likes swords looks forward to the display of impressive swordplay.]
[You have greatly contributed to the blossoming of the attribute, 'Crouching Figure'!]
"They're mine," she states with finality to Dokja as she stands in front of him, sword drawn.
[The character 'Jung Heewon' will not hesitate to fight for you!]
[The character 'Jung Heewon' has activated the exclusive skill 'Time of Judgement'.]
As the window says this, a large set of intricate scales appears in the air behind her, red like her aura. Slowly, it begins to tilt to one side as her prey is judged in the eyes of the divine.
[The constellations of absolute good have agreed to the use of this skill.]
[Activating 'Time of Judgement'.]
She springs forward without hesitation, and goes for the throat.
'Damn it. Why is it that they have the upper hand?' Inho thinks as he blocks an attack with his arm before countering with a kick. 'Where is everyone…?'
He glances around frantically only to hear the sound of a body collapsing to the ground and a scream ring out in the air. Inho's eyes widen in fear as he witnesses Heewon's massacre. She looks like an avenging angel—or perhaps even a crazed murderer—as she attacks without hesitation. Bodies, limbs, and blood fly with every slash of her sword, and she effortlessly blocks and counters with swift movements.
It doesn't matter how many people come at her; she cuts through flesh and bone like it's nothing, fuelled by the power of absolute judgement. The majority of people, including all the other members of Dokja's group, watch on in awe as they tend to the injured on the sidelines. Even if they joined in on the fight, they'd just be in her way.
Finally, Heewon comes to a stop in front of Inho and points her sword at his face. He's all alone, and his comrades have fallen around him. He has no one to call for help, and no one to incite who will listen. Heewon looks at Dokja, as if requesting his permission to give her final judgement, and he nods once as his answer.
Inho turns towards Dokja, speaking anxiously. "H-hehe… How did you..?"
His sentence, like his life, is cut short by a swift slash of Heewon's blade as she silences him for good. Her sword cuts the crazed smile on his face in half as it passes through his skull like a hot knife through butter.
[Constellations who like justice are feeling satisfied.]
[Many constellations are in awe of the skill of the incarnation 'Jung Heewon'.]
[The constellation 'Abyssal Black Flame Dragon' is very pleased by the scene of bloodshed.]
"Even seeing it again, it's hard to believe just how incredible you are, Heewon-ssi," Lee Hyunsung said with sparkling eyes. Kim Dokja honestly couldn't blame him; Jung Heewon's fighting skills were mesmerizing. She flushed slightly and bowed her head at the praise, flustered and not wanting to show it too much.
Han Sooyoung whistled. "Goddamn. That's really impressive."
She really was, wasn't she? No wonder Jung Heewon had become a powerhouse front-line fighter in their group. She truly had the skill and the power to back up that kind of role.
"Thank you for taking care of him for me, Heewon-ssi," Kim Dokja told her honestly, and Jung Heewon merely inclined her head in acknowledgement. That night had been a mess of adrenaline and righteous fury, and Kim Dokja understood that she hadn't necessarily been in full control of herself at the time.
The kids cheered at the bloody scene, celebrating the death of the man who had been irritating them over the past few segments. Kim Dokja wanted to scold them for it, and he knew he should, but he couldn't bring himself to actually do it. For now, they could be relieved that one of their enemies was gone, even if he'd definitely have to make sure they wouldn't be bloodthirsty by the time they (hopefully) ended the scenarios and could return to a (somewhat) normal life.
Even Yoo Joonghyuk fixed Jung Heewon with a pensive stare, and Kim Dokja shot him a suspicious one in return. Was trying to recruit Lee Gilyoung not enough for him? Was he going to try and snag Jung Heewon too, now?
It's almost hard to believe…
Time seems to slow, prolonging the moment of Inho's death and the arc of his blood splattering through the air that follows Heewon's sword until he finally hits the ground with a muted thud.
[The constellations of the channel are experiencing intense ecstasy.]
…that we were sharing food and joking around just moments ago.
[Survival Fees will now be collected.]
At this message, Sangah turns with tears running down her face as the survivors of the battle who didn't manage to collect enough coins die in the same gruesome head explosion as the people in the first scenario. Hyunsung grits his teeth and Gilyoung closes his eyes, tensing up at the sound. Heewon finally falls to the ground on her knees, drained and exhausted. Even though she has made it through the night, it looks as though her soul itself has died after her righteous fury ran out.
"Get up," Dokja says, reaching a supportive hand out to her. Tears start forming in her eyes that she tries to hold in as he continues. "The scenario has only just begun."
Without a moment of hesitation, Heewon takes his outstretched hand.
Jung Heewon turned to Kim Dokja with a small smile on her face. "Dokja-ssi, even if you sometimes cause me to worry a bit too much, I won't regret taking your hand there. It was a new beginning for me, and I'm glad that I can support you."
That was awfully sweet of her.
"I look forward to working with you in the fifth scenario and beyond," Kim Dokja replied eagerly. "It's just going to keep getting harder from here, but I believe that we'll make it through."
She nodded eagerly. "Of course."
[The constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' is extremely happy to see such a display of friendship.]
There was still so much that was uncertain, but at the very least, Kim Dokja felt that their bond as a group had repaired itself somewhat in some cases and was stronger than before. However… he glanced over at Yoo Sangah, who watched the screen with a frown as the segment ended. Some other bonds were significantly more strained, and that could be a problem in the long run.