KIM DOKJA'S POINT OF VIEW
A few minutes later, I once again entered Dongdae Station and ate a ground rat. It was to heal the skin contaminated by the poisonous fog. It took a little time but the contamination could be recovered by eating the meat of an underground species.
[...Hey! Are you crazy? What did you do just now?]
I was eating when I heard Bihyung's voice furiously berating me. Goodness, he's annoying!
'Shut up.' I just continue eating the ground rat's leg ignoring the Dokkaebi in the process.
[No, this isn't an issue you can dismiss. You destroyed a constellation's idol! Do you want to see my channel fail? Once the 'Bald General of Justice' begins to talk...]
The idol of a constellation. Every world had its own constellations, South Korea as well. By the way, Bihyung said it was the 'Bald General of Justice.' He was a great person in South Korea but... Actually, I wasn't the type of person to say that.
[A constellation wearing a straw mat is furious at your atrocious actions.]
[The constellation 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' is laughing.]
There was a difference in the degree of all idols, but they had the power of a constellation sealed in them. If I released the seal of the idol in the right way, I could gain a certain amount of power, such as an item or skill that the constellation used in their lifetime.
However, 'unlocking the seal' took a long time and I wasn't sure if I could get the skill I wanted. I looked at Ways of Survival on my smartphone, hopefully, it still has enough battery energy to operate.
「 "But if it is sealed in the bronze statue of Samyeongdang, how did you get the skill?"
"There is a saying that if you meet Buddha, kill Buddha."
"What? Don't tell me..."
"Haha, I was just trying it out... but it is true. All the statues aren't just for worship."
"Hey! This jerk, you should watch your mouth. You might be cursed by the constellation." 」
At the last gateway to enter Chungmuro, the 'skill' of Samyeongdang was essential. And the most surefire way to get the skill was to destroy the idol. Of course, I could buy something similar from the Dokkaebi Bag but... the more coins I saved, the better.
"Then did you resolve the 'man's secret' well?" I quickly turned off my smartphone screen. My companions, including Jung Heewon, had gathered. "Yes. And I have something for you." I pulled out the items I gained from the idol. As luck would have it, the Samyeongdang idol contained items and skills.
[Samyeongdang's Beads]
[Samyeongdang's Straw Mat]
Rags and old beads. There were questions in the eyes of everyone present. I knew what they were thinking. But I also knew this. In this world, 'old' was more likely to be 'good.' "They seem like good items. Because they are souvenirs of a great person." I said with a fake smile.
"Great person?" Heewon asked with scrunched eyebrows "Do you know Samyeongdang?" I asked starting my scheme, Alyona shook her head stifling a laugh. "...Who is that?" Jung Heewon asked with a stupid expression.
[A constellation wearing a straw mat has paused at your actions.]
[A constellation wearing a straw mat wishes to appear before the character 'Jung Heewon'.]
"Ah! I know!" Fortunately, someone knew. "I remember seeing it when I was studying Korean history! Isn't he a monk from the Joseon Dynasty?" Needless to say, it was Yoo Sangah. "Yes, that's right."
"When the Korean military was struggling to defend against the Japanese invasion...he fought in the Nowongpyeong battle and Wukwandong battel!" s expected from Yoo Sangah. I also studied Korean history but I didn't know this.
[A constellation wearing a straw mat is touched by the character 'Yoo Sangah'.]
"Anyway, these items have his strength." I nodded after I spoke those words. "...Really?" I smiled at them ignoring Alyona's figure shaking with laughter. "Wow, it is real!" Jung Heewon and Lee Hyunsung were surprised when they confirmed the item information.
"But how did Dokja-ssi know to get this?" They all looked at me with gleaming eyes of admiration. "Just, I put my hands together in front of the Samyeongdang statue, and...they fell from the sky." Alyona burst out laughing at this. "just like what Alyona said then?" Heewon looks skeptical as the other party members are.
"Huh? No way..."I thought it was ridiculous but there was a reason people said such ridiculous words. "I think... it was sent by Samyeongdang for South Korea." I put on a mock solemn expression as I watched the party."Ah..." Their 'ah' were filled with many meanings. I ignored them and kept talking. It wasn't like I was asking for them to listen.
"He might've left his belongings to save the country, just like during the Japanese invasion of South Korea. Anyway, now South Korea is a country undergoing turmoil." I added and look at Alyona covering her face.
[A constellation wearing a straw mat is moved by your words.]
In times of turmoil, scammers always gained power. "...In this strange world, it isn't weird if something like this happens. Maybe Samyeongdang is one of the 'constellations.' Isn't that right?" Surprisingly, Yoo Sangah seemed convinced at first. Maybe she didn't want me to be embarrassed. The funny thing was that once Yoo Sangah agreed, Lee Hyunsung was immediately convinced.
"Indeed, Samyeongdang..." Alyona approach us with a stupid grin on her pretty face. "mentor! teach me your ways" then she started laughing once more. Lee Hyunsung grew up with patriotism for a long time and looked like he was reminiscing on the principle of military service. Lee Gilyoung also seemed curious.
It was only Jung Heewon who was watching me like it was nonsense. Then she looks at Alyona's laughing figure. "don't you think this is utter bullshit? Alyona-ssi?" Alyona nodded and slapped the pillar beside her, leaving a huge dent.
[A constellation wearing a straw mat likes your revealing words.]
[The constellation 'Bald General of Justice' forgives your sins.]
Bihyung looked at the sky with a 'Is this okay?' expression before looking dumbfounded. The power of a constellation was directly linked to its fame. Thus, the constellations loved it when their stories were spread this way. There was a constellation that hated being praised?
"I will give Samyeongdang's Beads to Yoo Sangah since you know him well." I stopped my movements seeing an A grade evil repelled bracelet on her already, What I was holding is incomparable to what she is wearing right now. "Really? Can I accept it?" She looks at my hands reaching out to her.
"I think Samyeongdang will be delighted if Yoo Sangah uses it. Although you already obtained a good bracelet" She reddened and cupped her wrist. "just a small gift from Alyona-ssi" I look at Alyona's way to see her laughing with Heewon over something.
In fact, the performance of Samyeongdang's Beads wasn't good compared to what the sponsor used it for. It wasn't a sponsor's star relic so maybe the fact that the Samyeongdang wasn't a world-recognized figure had an effect. But, How can Alyona already obtain something like that and just give it away?!
It was still a B-class item so it had a secondary option of boosting magic power to increase magic power recovery. It's just what I said before It's no match for the A grade she already has. Jung Heewon watched Yoo Sangah like she was envious and said.
"Yoo Sangah knows a lot of things. I didn't know about Samyeongdang because I didn't do very well at school. I only know Kendo, I wish I was knowledgable like Alyona-ssi and Sangah-ssi" Alyona stopped her ministrations and faced her. "I never get to study at a school"/ "Ah...that...that." Yoo Sangah and Alyona's answers overlapped with each other.
"I'm joking, joking. Don't make such an expression." Heewon shook her head. I spoke to the sulky Jung Heewon. "I also have something for Jung Heewon-ssi. But I'm sure Alyona-ssi already has something good" I stared at the newly bought sword on her waist. Gold encrusted and a shiny blade that gleamed at the sun showcased how beautiful it looks.
"For me? Is it that straw mat?" She asked sarcastically "Yes." I answered "It's okay. No matter how urgent, I don't want to wear such a thing." Alyona neared me and grabbed the garment. "oh, this is a nice grade B item it has its use" Alyona passed it to Heewon "...Just try it. You won't regret it." I said to her.
Jung Heewon hesitated for a moment before throwing it on the straw mat. She was trying to be fashionable but she just looked like a beggar. Alyona cackled "Oh I'm sorry we don't give out donations here..." Heewon glared her way and Alyona just laugh loudly.
[A constellation who likes comradeship condemns your actions.]
[A constellation who praises friendship likes your actions.]
It would be different if the star relic 'Samyeongdang's Bamboo Stick and Straw Sandals' came out, but the other two items weren't necessary for me right now. Jung Heewon saw her reflection on the screen door of the subway and made a slightly complicated expression.
"It is hard to explain but...I suddenly feel like I can harness the power of justice." Samyeongdang's Straw Mat was an item that enhanced the justice and willpower of the incarnation the demon-slaying sword was a good match too. I didn't need it but it was a pretty good item for Jung Heewon.
"You said Samyeongdang? I feel sorry for some reason. I should study harder." She looked down and sighed deeply, Alyona on her side patting her back with a cute expression. I jokingly said. "Then let's put our hands together and pray." It was a joke but Jung Heewon really went to pray.
[The constellation 'Bald General of Justice' is happy at this situation.]
[100 coins have been sponsored.]
* * *
"...But who broke it? Surely it wasn't Dokja-ssi?" Jung Heewon was contaminated by the poisonous fog and spoke while eating a ground rat. "..." I was silent at this and just continued walking "...Dokja-ssi?" I ignored her and stared at the dark tunnel "Be prepared. We will be at Chungmuro soon."
It had been 20 minutes since Lee Gilyoung used Diverse Communication, allowing them to safely move forward. Because Dongdae to Chungmuro was 1km in a straight line, it was time for 'that' to appear.
Indeed, as soon as I thought about it.
"Everybody step back."
[A new sub scenario has arrived!]
+
[Sub Scenario – Welcome Prison]
Category: Sub
Difficulty: D~F
Clear Conditions: Escape from Welcome Prison within the time limit.
Time Limit: 1 hour
Compensation: 300 coins
Failure: ???
+
[Sub scenario – Welcome Prison has begun!]
Perhaps Yoo Jonghyuk had suffered quite a bit in this scenario. Or not since Alyona was there too. This scenario was one of the most painful traps for a regressor, if not for Alyona aiding them he might've got a hard time accomplishing that scenario.
Yoo Sangah asked. "Welcome Prison? What is this?" She would know without asking. "It is coming. Everyone, please keep your mind straight and stay close behind my back!" Alyona shouted to us and stand in front glowing a bedazzling color of yellow.
But before any of us could do that, a haze overcame me. The fog that instantly occupied the tunnel blocked their field of view. The party members in the immediate vicinity couldn't be seen. When I looked around, I could only see a distorted scenery, as if I was on drugs.
"Uwah...I feel bad!" Jung Heewon screamed. Maybe Jung Heewon was seeing something different from what I saw now. Then her screaming subsided, Is it because Alyona was there?
「Dokja.」
The voice I didn't want to hear. That forgotten voice was heard in a drug-like landscape. If I was this way, my other party members would be worse. "...Something feels strange. Dokja-ssi! Are you there?" Yoo Sangah exclaimed "Dokja-ssi! Dokja-ssi!" In this distorted vision, the voices of my party members were gradually fading.
[Welcome Prison].
A space that led to madness by touching a person's trauma. The landscape disappeared and the face of a person popped up. I smiled bitterly as I stared into the air. I wanted to deny reality.
「 Dokja, you didn't see anything. Understood? 」
[The exclusive skill, 'Fourth Wall' is activated!]
[Due to the skill effect, immunity to Welcome Prison has occurred.]
The moment my mind relaxed, the uncomfortable feeling diminished. I look around my party members and saw Alyona aiding them. I just sighed and was thankful that Alyona came here with us. It might've been hard if it weren't for her.
[The constellation 'Secretive Plotter' admires your spirit.]
[100 coins have been sponsored.]
[The curious constellations are sorry that they can't peek at your memories.]
As the power of Welcome Prison weakened, I felt a sense of alarm. "Everyone, calm down and take deep breaths." Alyona gave everyone a sort of potion which I don't know what those are. Those trapped in Welcome Prison would lose their minds and unleash their madness around them.
Thus, the most dangerous thing in Welcome Prison was the companions around you. Yoo Jonghyuk's solo behavior might be because he was worried about this prison. "Lee Hyunsung-ssi. can you stand up?" Alyona's caring nature soon surfaced.
"Noona, It was scary for a moment... Please don't leave our side..." Gilyoung cried out and hug her waist, I just panted and look at Alyona aiding everyone by connecting them to her mental abilities.
"This is the scariest out of all the fighting I had done so far..." Heewon was standing up her breathing ragged and her new sword clutched to her side, emitting a faint glow of red from the hilt. Alyona gave the same concocted potion to her.
"...Dokja-ssi?" At this moment, Yoo Sangah's appearance was revealed in Welcome Prison. Samyeongdang's Beads and the evil repeller glowed around her wrist brightly, It was the perfect combination so that she wouldn't be affected. Fortunately, Alyona came prepared. I'm thankful for that.
I approached Yoo Sangah and Alyona and said. "Cover the surroundings. From now on, I will destroy this space. Alyona-ssi I will let you handle everyone" I watched Alyona as she nodded and carried Gilyoung in her arms, rocking her back and forth to calm him down.
Yoo Sangah nodded with a nervous expression. Alyona passed some potion at me, "you need it." I just sighed and take it from her, drink it in one go and face the specters. A surge of relief and calmness swept over my mind, A feeling of tranquility covers my whole body.
[The exclusive skill 'Destroy Evil Lv. 1' is activated.]
Destroy Evil. It was one level higher than the Repel Evil skill that could be bought with coins. It was a skill that I obtained after breaking the bronze statue of Samyeongdang.
[The exclusive skill 'Destroy Evil Lv. 1' has turned off 'Welcome Prison'.]
Indeed, it was a skill used by Samyeongdang. If I had bought Repel Evil along with the sword and bracelet, it would've taken a minute to release it and it cost so many coins. As the fog retreated and Welcome Prison disappeared, my companions started to appear one by one.
Sururuk.
"Alyona-ssi, Thank you I owe you a big debt..." Hyunsung bowed down at Alyona "Uh...uh...Noona. Is it done? Is Dokja Hyung okay?" The trauma could be seen with one glance. Lee Hyunsung was still bowing in front of Alyona, while Lee Gilyoung had his head buried in Alyona's chest.
Yoo Sangah came forward first. "Everyone are you all okay?" Yoo Sangah, Alyona, and I are the only ones who didn't get affected by the welcome prison. Heewon was still sitting there in a daze, A yellow light covering her whole body.
Peak!
"Yoo Sangah, please look after Jung Heewon-ssi while I take care of the others" Alyona ordered to Yoo Sangah "...Yes, yes!" She rushed towards the dazed Heewon and giver her more potions. "It isn't over yet." Alyona nodded at me in agreement with my statement.
[You have met the conditions to clear the sub scenario!]
[You have earned 300 coins.]
Monsters appeared as soon as the clear message showed up. They were a mass of liquid, reminiscent of ectoplasm. The 8 grade Specter. It was the specters who made Welcome Prison. I used White Pure Star Energy to invoke Blade of Faith.
Sukakak!
Fortunately, the battle itself wasn't difficult. In the first place, the specters weren't difficult if Welcome Prison was destroyed. The creepy and weird specters were destroyed. Alyona looked my way and smiled subtly at me. I just nodded my head in her direction.
[Specter's Stone.]
I put the fallen stones into my pocket. This needed to be picked up. Thanks to Yoo Sangah and Alyona, the others were recovering quickly. Just a momentum of shock. Then out of nowhere, Heewon fainted.
"A-Are you okay?" The one who recovered the fastest was Lee Hyunsung. Lee Hyunsung was by Alyona's side so he would recover quickly from her mental abilities. "...Thank you. I almost got into big trouble. I also want to thank Dokja-ssi for destroying it for us." He bowed down to me too. "It is nothing. I wouldn't be able to do this without Alyona-ssi and Yoo Sangah-ssi's help too"
"I have a headache... Noona, please help me" Lee Gilyoung hug Alyona tighter. I stroked Lee Gilyoung's hair. He was protected by Alyona the moment we entered the welcome prison, I smiled at the kid on Alyona's arm whose busy coddling her breast. This might be hard for us if Alyona didn't come to help us.
I saw a pale light in the distance. Yoo Sangah asked, "Dokja-ssi, Is it over yet?" I worried about it for a short moment. Jung Heewon fainted and it was difficult for others to exercise their power. Would it be okay to enter Chungmuro at this rate? Oh, of course, Alyona and I are here so it's okay.
A blade loomed in the darkness. But it was a pure threat, without the intent to harm. "Who are you? Don't you know that this area is our hunting ground?" In the faint light of the entrance, a girl holding a long sword stood. She looked to be 17 and was wearing a school uniform.
She was wearing a hood like she was trying to hide her name tag, but her appearance was noticeable. "Ah, this girl...!" Yoo Sangah had keen eyes and recognized her first. I also knew her. It was because she was one of the main characters of Ways of Survival. The only survivor of Daepong Girls High School is Lee Jihye.
She was one of the reasons why Yoo Jonghyuk went straight to Chungmuro in the shortest time. "...Did you guys beat the specters?" Lee Jihye discovered the stone in my hand and was surprised. "How did you...only Master and Alyona-eonnie can catch them!?" I immediately used a skill.
[The exclusive skill, Character List is activated.]
[Character Information]
Name: Lee Jihye
Age: 17 years old
Constellation Sponsor: Maritime War God
Private Attribute: Scarred Sword Demon (Rare)
Exclusive Skills: Sword Training Lv. 3, Demon Slaying Lv. 1, Absolute Sense Lv. 2, Ghost Walk Lv. 1.
Stigma: Sea Battle Lv. 1, Large Army Command Lv. 1.
Overall Stats: Stamina Lv. 13, Strength Lv. 12, Agility Lv. 13, Magic Power Lv. 9.
Overall Evaluation: A person who evolved into a 'scarred sword demon' after killing her closest friend. The sponsor behind her has an affinity for you and your colleagues.
* 'Starter Pack' is currently applied.
+
There was nothing unusual. Maritime War God. As scheduled, it was the sponsor behind Lee Jihye. She was a must in future maritime wars. "Alyona-eonnie!" Lee Jihye screamed as soon as she saw Alyona on our side. Alyona waved at her with a faint smile on her face.
[The constellation 'Bald General of Justice' is touched at meeting an old comrade.]
[Lee Jihye's sponsor welcomes the 'Bald General of Justice.']
I felt a faint breeze in the subway tunnel where no trains were running. Looked at Lee Jihye's hair fluttering in the wind as she dashed our way to hug Alyona but she halt the moment she saw Alyona was carrying a kid. "you had a kid eonnie?" Alyona shook her head and sighed. "no, sadly... I wish I was" She patted the petrified Gilyoung on her arms. "is Namwoon practicing Jihye-ssi?" She asked, Yoo Sangah just stand at their side.
[Main Scenario #2 – Meeting has ended.]
[The compensation will be settled.]
I realized again. Yes, we finally arrived. This was Chungmuro. Alyona lead our way alongside Lee Jihye as they talked about various things they've been doing at the Chungmuro station before she went and look for us. "Master was worried when you didn't return, Namwoon also tried to look for you but Master doesn't let him go through" Lee Jihye was looking at Alyona with gleaming eyes.
"Hmm, It seems as though you all have been worried about me... Well, I'm sure Namwoon could hold up, and for that damn emo man..." She looked my way and shook her head. "never mind forget about it..." I walked behind them as they continue conversing with each other.