[many constellations anticipate a good show.]
Lee Gilyoung shifted excitedly next to Kim Dokja as he eagerly watched to see what the older man would do. He had missed the early portion of the battle, so this was probably really interesting to him, and Kim Dokja couldn't help but smile.
The screen lights up once more to the scene of an ancient battlefield. Men on horseback wearing historical outfits and with their weapons drawn charge towards each other on an open field. The scene is chaotic as people are cut down without mercy, but despite the chaos, two figures are highlighted.
The Battle of Hwangsanbeol. It refers to the battle in 660 CE fought between the Silla-Tang Alliance forces, led by generals Kim Yushin and So Jeongbang, and the Baekje Army forces, led by General Gyebaek. The Silla forces won after their fighting spirit was kindled by the sacrifice of the young hwarang Gwangchang, and it was also the battle where Gyebaek was killed.
A young man in an army uniform is shown before he slowly transforms into Sungmin, highlighting the connection between him and his sponsor as they begin to recreate the battle.
Sungmin calls out the precepts of the 'Silla' Hwarang as he activates [Five Precepts lvl. 2]. Wangin just laughs as he tells his men to take them down, charging in with [Baekje Swordsmanship lvl. 4].
"Wow, that looks so cool," Lee Jihye breathed excitedly as she shuffled ever-so-slightly closer to the screen.
Yoo Sangah's eyes glimmered a bit as well. "I never expected I'd get to see some of that battle myself."
[the constellation 'King Heungmu the Great' is happy that the young people these days appreciate history.]
Kim Dokja glanced off to the side as soon as Kim Yushin himself made his appearance. Considering what had happened between them, this was going to be so awkward.
The square soon devolves into a chaotic battle between the Silla forces in their period drama wear, and the modern-garbed Baekje forces. While this is a reenactment of an ancient battle, the difference in fashion choices is certainly causing some disconnect. Dokja instructs Jiwon to stop Gwanchang from fighting Gyebaek as Sangah brings him the
At that moment, Wangin manages to slash a deep gash across Sungmin's midsection, worrying the Lady of the Sleeping Brocade. Dokja grits his teeth as he realizes that the 'Stage' will soon be set.
The sky crackles as it becomes pixelated, turning into a blue screen that quickly spreads out in all directions, scaring Sungkook (who is, unfortunately, still pantless).
This is Stage Transformation. When incarnations with high synchronization fight enemies recorded in history, the space-time that the constellations once battled in is summoned there.
Yoo Mia snickered slightly as she watched. "It really looks weird when half of them look like they raided a costume store."
In all honesty, they probably had—or they had raided a film set. Either way, Kim Dokja genuinely had no idea where Min Jiwon had found enough uniforms for her army, or when she had the time to do that. It was a pretty pointless thing to waste time on, especially with the much more severe deadline they had been given.
[the constellation 'prisoner of the golden headband' is excitedly watching the fight.]
Jung Heewon's eyes widened. "Stage Transformation? That looks really interesting."
"It really is," Kim Dokja admitted.
It was one of the many aspects of TWSA that he had found so compelling, after all. With such an interesting concept, especially combined with the weight of Stories and the presence of real-life historical and mythological figures, how could he not get invested?
[several constellations reminisce about the feeling of participating in a stage transformation.]
Wangin laughs gleefully as Hwangsanbeol appears around them, greeting the battlefield as though meeting an old friend. Jiwon trembles in fear as Dokja mentally explains that Stage Transformation is closer to virtual reality, but it won't feel that way for the ones who summoned it. Sungkook remarks that Wangin is extremely powerful, even without being an official 'King', so Dokja explains that this is a 'Stage' set for Gyebaek as Sungkook goes dumb from looking at Jiwon.
Dokja informs Jiwon that there are two ways to win—either they can let Sungmin die, just as Gwanchang did in the past and use his death to motivate Silla's troops to achieve victory, or they can change history. As he speaks, Sungmin kneels and spits up blood due to his wound. Jiwon asks what would happen if she chose the second option, Dokja tells her that it will cause her country to fall, but the choice isn't up to her.
Dokja states that he'll be choosing the second option, annoyed that Queen Jinseong and Jiwon would have chosen the first. As Jiwon demands why he even asked if he never planned on giving them a choice, Dokja says that he was giving her a chance, but that she is not the one Silla needs right now.
A light emerges from the >Ganpyeongui< as Dokja activates the [Echo of the Stars]. The [Echo if the Stars] allows him the chance to call a Historical-Grade constellation, but they have the right to refuse his call. Constellations float in the air above the astrolabe as Dokja explains that this was the real item of value in the museum.
[the constellation 'secretive plotter' is entertained by the current events.]
"It's a stage set just for him?" Shin Yoosung asked curiously. "How does that work if his constellation lost the real fight in the end?"
Kim Dokja honestly wanted to laugh a bit. "Well, it would have meant that he could easily kill Gwanchang's incarnation, since he had done that in history. However, without the other key figures of the battle present in the Stage Transformation, it might end there with his victory. After all, he won that particular fight, even if he lost the battle as a whole."
Of course, Gyebaek couldn't have predicted Kim Dokja summoning Kim Yushin to the battlefield and turning the tide.
Lee Hyunsung frowned in disapproval a moment later. "She was going to just let him die like that?"
Ah, it made sense that Lee Hyunsung was so upset by that statement. After all, he had been in the army far longer than Kim Dokja, and his values had been deeply instilled that way. Abandoning a single comrade was probably an idea that he wasn't comfortable with, if there was a way to win without casualties.
[the constellation 'lady of the sleeping brocade' is feeling appropriately chastised.]
"At least you had a good plan, Dokja-ssi," Yoo Sangah said with a fond smile. He was extremely glad she was around to locate the astrolabe in the first place as well. He couldn't have done it without her.
[several constellations wonder which constellation will be called by the incarnation 'kim dokja'.]
As Dokja states that he'll call a constellation, Wangin notices them and looks prepared to attack. Despite his cowardice and lack of lower protections, Sungkook stands in front of Dokja with his sword drawn, ready to defend him and Jiwon.
"I want to call Silla's Hwarang General, King Heungmu the Great," Dokja states with certainty. Within moments, the sky is lit up by a galaxy of stars. Certain ones glimmer brighter than others, creating a route until one outshines the rest as the named constellation looks down at Dokja.
As Dokja reveals the constellation's identity as General Kim Yushin, a statue of the man astride a horse pointing his sword towards the unseen enemies ahead in certainty is shown on the screen.
Dokja is surprised when the constellation rejects his call, prompting Dokja to panic slightly that his plan isn't working exactly as he thought it would. As he calls out to the constellation, asking him to wait, so does Sangah. Sangah states that she understands his wishes to respect the flow of history, but asks if he has regrets in the knowledge that so many young hwarang died on the battlefield.
As she speaks, the current battle is shown on the screen, where it's apparent that the Silla forces aren't faring well. Many of their combatants are relying on each other just to stay standing as they do their best to fend off attacks.
Sangah continues, stating that history will not change, but if he descends, he can change the present.
"Your battle is long over, but we are still in Hwangsanbeol," Sangah finishes with sincerity.
Kim Dokja grimaced as he watched the general reject his offer the first time, especially considering just how forceful the man had been later. Seriously, he wanted to remain passive and ignore their calls, and then he went nuts trying to back Kim Dokja into a corner? What was up with his priorities?
[the constellation 'demon-like judge of fire' is impressed by the heartfelt plea of the incarnation 'yoo sangah'.]
Yoo Sangah's cheeks flushed slightly as she looked down at her lap, fiddling with her fingers.
"That was well said, or whatever," Han Sooyoung said with a quick glance over at Yoo Sangah before her voice dipped into a murmur.
Yoo Sangah suddenly jolted as she looked at the author with no small degree of surprise. "What?"
"Nothing," Han Sooyoung said defensively, but she wasn't convincing whatsoever.
Honestly, Kim Dokja was surprised too. Was she trying to actively reduce Yoo Sangah's hostility towards her with compliments? She wasn't doing a great job of it or anything, but this was probably their first non-hostile direct interaction since the reveal.
Kim Dokja wasn't sure what to make of it, but Yoo Sangah seemed almost too stunned to speak.
As 'King Heungmu the Great' contemplates her words, Dokja notes that this is why Sangah has been nicknamed 'the Queen of Presentations' at Minosoft. A pillar of light envelops Dokja as the constellation decides to join them, surprising everyone nearby.
Electricity and probability crackle around Dokja as 'King Heungmu the Great' descends into his body. As impressive as it looks, all Dokja feels is heart-wrenching pain as a voice speaks to him.
"This is just the regret of someone who can't forget the past. Do let me borrow your voice for a moment."
Wind whips around Dokja, causing dust to stir as the battlefield completely pauses. Sangah calls out for Dokja as Wangin looks surprised. After a moment, Dokja opens his eyes, and there's a slight blue tint to his irises. His expression is fiercer than normal, and it's clear that Dokja is being enhanced by the constellation's aura.
'King Heungmu the Great' speaks through Dokja, greeting Gyebaek and prompting Sungmin to become overwhelmed by emotion as he notices his general has appeared, even as he's supported by another soldier. 'King Heungmu the Great' questions why they have all gathered once more, even though their story has already been told.
Wangin laughs, his eyes tinting red as the 'Last Hero of Hwangsanbeol' descends into him and possesses his body. The constellation manically states that it was so they could meet once more on the battlefield.
"See, Yoosung-ah?" Kim Dokja said with a grin as he looked down at her. "We just had to bring another general onto the field."
"That's such a cool idea, ahjussi!" she exclaimed, eyes wide with wonder. "Even if the other guy's sponsor did the same thing."
[many constellations are impressed that the incarnation 'kim dokja' was able to stay conscious.]
"Was it that hard having a constellation in your body?" Jung Heewon asked curiously. "I honestly wasn't sure what to expect, but it looks more like he has full control."
He did, and that had been a problem.
"Yeah, it was hard," Kim Dokja admitted truthfully. "It hurt like hell, too."
Mortal bodies weren't built to house even a fraction of the sheer power even the most pitiful of constellations possessed. King Heungmu the Great was only a mere historical-grade, albeit a decently powerful one, but Kim Dokja had no doubt that his organs might have started failing if he had tried calling a fable-grade constellation.
Myth-grades were absolutely out of the question. His body would probably implode before they could even complete the possession. Of course, that wasn't even taking the restrictions into account that would prevent them from incarnating into the scenario in the first place.
[the constellation 'King Heungmu the Great' is looking at the incarnation 'kim dokja'.]
A ghostly figure of Kim Yushin flashes behind Dokja's body as the constellation raises his sword and takes on a terrifying expression. He awakens his [Blue Dragon Sword] as he states he will soothe their souls and correct the course of the events unfolding here.
As he stabs the sword into the ground, he calls for the members of the Yonghwayangdo. With a ghostly howl amidst the crackle of code as the Stage Transformation accommodates his action, skeletons emerge from nothing. These skeletons, still wearing their torn and aged uniforms, shock everyone as the General's stigma invites them to take their places in the battle. With a cold expression, he orders them to attack. The light in the skeletons' eyes brighten as they advance at top speed, clashing with Wangin's group.
Suddenly, the scene changes to what appears to be a palace with a small group of people walking nearby. Minseob is standing around a corner, cloaked by the
Back at the main battlefield, the fight already seems to be over. Wangin coughs up blood, the spears of three skeletons piercing through his abdomen, crossing over each other in different spots. 'King Heungmu the Great' asks why Gyebaek merged with his incarnation, reminding him of the constraints of probability and how his choice will lead to both his and his incarnation's demise.
"That was an efficient choice," Yoo Joonghyuk said suddenly, drawing Kim Dokja's attention.
Efficient at ending the battle quickly, absolutely. What had followed had been decidedly less so.
[the constellation 'King Heungmu the Great' is looking at the incarnation 'kim dokja'.]
Stop it…
The sheer amount of psychological pressure from the constellation constantly looking at him fucking sucked, in Kim Dokja's humble opinion. He knew what the general wanted, but Kim Dokja wasn't going to give it to him!
Thankfully, he was distracted by something a bit more pleasant. As soon as the skeleton warriors began manifesting, the kids let out an excited cheer, finally acting like kids watching a cool movie and not like survivors in an apocalyptic hellscape.
"Get him!"
"Go, skeleton army!"
Even Yoo Mia joined in, to Kim Dokja's surprise. "Cut him down!"
That was surprisingly vicious for a child, but Kim Dokja really shouldn't be shocked. After all, Lee Gilyoung had absolutely done much worse. Still, they deserved to have this little moment of fun, and Kim Dokja couldn't help but smile at all of them fondly as he watched the kids come up with progressively more interesting insults and cheers.
[the constellation 'abyssal black flame dragon' is gleefully watching the carnage.]
[several constellations are frowning at the incarnation 'jung minseob' because they want to get back to the action.]
To be fair, even though that showed just how far-reaching Kim Yushin's stigma was, even Kim Dokja had to admit that it was a bit of a disappointment to just see Jung Minseob hiding behind a corner for no reason.
[some constellations look at the constellation 'last hero of hwangsanbeol' mournfully.]
He had known the risks when he descended, so Kim Dokja didn't feel bad for him at all. Though this wasn't enough to fully kill a constellation, even if their incarnation died, it would still deal a heavy blow to their power.
Dokja mentally agrees with 'King Heungmu the Great', knowing that this would be the end of a once-mighty constellation. Gyebaek speaks in a weak voice, saying that Yushin doesn't realise what this 'world' is. This catches Dokja's attention, but Gyebaek continues, stating he wished he could duel Yushin even just once.
As bodies lie on the ground, their blood slowly flowing out of them, Sangah explains that the two never got a chance to meet on the battlefield, since Gyebaek died while Yushin intentionally avoided having a direct confrontation with him. As Dokja stands with his sword pointed at a now-kneeling Wangin, the narration kicks in once more.
Of course, Kim Yushin might have been cowardly, but his strength came from being afraid of defeat and being able to act without being affected by emotions.
A ghostly Dokja floats beside his body as he quickly reminds the general that he cannot kill Wangin using Dokja's body. Yushin reluctantly promises that he will not, calling forth a skeleton wielding a sword. As the executioner raises his blade, Yushin tells Gyebaek they will meet again as constellations.
The blade falls, separating Wangin's head from his body in a single, efficient slash. As the head rolls to a stop, the Stage Transformation disappears and the messages pile in.
As Sungkook, Sangah, and Gilyoung run over to Dokja, he informs them that they must go north following the vanguard of the Yongwayangdo. The skeletons are already making quick work of their enemies, and Dokja addresses his group seriously.
"From now on, we will collect flags in earnest."
"He really died?" Shin Yoosung asked quietly. "Just like that?"
Yeah. Just like that.
It was a harsh reminder that not even incarnations possessed by constellations were infallible in this world.
"He did," Kim Dokja confirmed emotionlessly.
Lee Jihye sighed as she glanced up at the scene on the screen. "He really thought of himself as his sponsor for that moment, and he never even got his wish to duel his rival? That's sad."
Was it? Sure, it sucked that Gyebaek never truly faced off against Yushin in life or in death, but that's just how the world was. Not everyone could get what they wanted, and people's lives would be cut short at inopportune times. It didn't matter what you wanted, or the things of which you dreamed. In the end, death would come for everyone.
[several constellations of the korean peninsula close their eyes and look away.]
"Can you really not kill anything, even if it's a constellation officially doing the killing?" Lee Hyunsung asked curiously.
At that, Kim Dokja had to shrug. "I don't know for sure, but I'm not taking that chance."
It would be really shitty if he had lost [King of No Killing] less than a day after getting it. He needed that attribute as a failsafe, especially considering just how ruthless some of the future scenarios would be.
"That makes complete sense, Dokja-ssi!" the lieutenant exclaimed. "I hope the flag hunting went well too!"
Lee Hyunsung truly was an angel among men, wasn't he? Genuinely, how could anyone be that nice after so long in the army?
Kim Dokja smiled at him, laughing awkwardly. 'Well' isn't the word he'd use, but everything worked out fine in the end, he supposed. Yoo Sangah looked slightly nervous, but thankfully Lee Gilyoung seemed normal as his shoulders relaxed and he continued watching.
Now, if only he could get rid of this annoyance… Kim Dokja shot a quick glare at the indirect message that popped up in front of him, yet again.
[the constellation 'King Heungmu the Great' is looking at the incarnation 'kim dokja'.]