Chapter 22: Ep.

5 – Dark Keeper, III

"Hyung! This…"

Right after Lee Gilyoung discovered the treasure box, I blocked his little mouth. "Shh, wait."

The world of Ways of Survival was relentless. The constellations enjoyed the adversity of
the characters and added obstacles in the scenarios just to fuck with humans. Things saying
'Catch me!' usually contained traps and even system messages couldn't be trusted.

"The treasure trove doesn't just contain treasures."

[The constellation 'Abyssal Black Flame Dragon' is disappointed.]

Abyssal Black Flame Dragon… He wanted me to die for a while.

Anyway, I waited. Shortly afterwards, shadows started to emerge around the treasure
chest.

It was the ground rats. They brought something through the tunnel, threw it and exchanged
information. Once a certain number of ground rats had gathered, the number of lights
illuminating the surroundings increased. It was black fire, flames made with black ether. It
was said that this place was the core of Dark Root, which was why it had so much black
ether to burn. At that time, someone's voice was heard, "It is all because of Yoo Sangah-ssi!"

There was no need to say who he was. It was a voice I would know at once. I gripped the
shoulder of the surprised Lee Gilyoung tightly. It wasn't time yet.

"Because of me, what do you mean by that?"

In the dim light, there were two people captured by the ground rats. They were tied up
tightly by branches that came up from the ground.

"I-If Yoo Sangah hadn't taken the subway, the situation wouldn't be like this!"

"Why does the subway matter now?"

How could she accept all this nonsense? Maybe Yoo Sangah was a saintly person. Or maybe
the sponsor behind her was a saintly person.

"T-That…That, Yoo Sangah-ssi, you ride a bicycle all the time…" Han Myungoh's voice shook
as he wrote gibberish.

Yoo Sangah's tone was cold. "Wait a minute. Were you the one who stole my bike?"

"W-What is this person? I clearly told you that I would drive you in my car! You should
know how to accept favours!"

"Answer me. Did you steal my bike?"

All of a sudden, the situation made sense. This was it. It was why a person who drove a
Mercedes-Benz S-Class took the subway line 3. Well, it wasn't strange. There were quite a
few men who had their eyes on Yoo Sangah, not just at the company but at Geumho Station
as well. In fact, Yoo Sangah was a worthy person. Her atmosphere was warm and she knew
how to flatter people.

[The constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' hates the character 'Han Myungoh'.]

Han Myungoh's face was so red that it could clearly be seen in the dim lighting. It looked
dangerous. "Yes, shit! I did it! So what?"

"Why are you talking like it isn't a big deal? You took someone else's things, it is theft."

"Theft? Shit, don't talk bullshit! You should've just got in my car from the beginning!"

[The constellation 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' hates this trivial argument.]

I didn't mean to do this but there was no other way now. I quietly gripped the thorn.

"I didn't ask you just once. I continuously asked to take you home but you kept fucking
rejecting me…"

I threw the thorn as hard as I could. The thorn scratched the corner of Han Myungoh's
mouth and continued into the darkness.

"Uwaaaaack! What?"

[The constellation 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' is pleased.]

[100 coins have been sponsored.]

"Dokja-ssi!" Yoo Sangah called out to me. However, I wasn't looking at them.

Across the habitat of the ground rats, the darkness was split apart by the thorn. Then that
damned guy came. There was no way it wouldn't be in Dark Root.

['Dark Keeper' has appeared!]

[The sub scenario has been updated!]

[Sub scenario 'Kill the Guard' has begun!]

Like slaves surrendering to a king, the terrified ground rats fell to the ground. A dark figure
appeared in the dim light. A tentacled monster that was like a grim reaper. Lee Gilyoung's
complexion deteriorated sharply.

"Oof, hyung, that…"

"It is okay."

Eventually, Lee Gilyoung fell to the ground and started retching. It wasn't strange. A lot of
pressure was felt just looking at it from afar. The cockroaches scattered around the area
had their stomachs exploded. Lee Gilyoung, who was connected to the cockroaches,
would've suffered considerable mental damage.

"Gilyoung. How many more times can you use Diverse Communication?"

"…I think I can do it one or two more times."

"I understand. Then rest here for a while."

I left Gilyoung leaning against the side and approached Yoo Sangah and Han Myungoh. The
panicked Han Myungoh was struggling.

"O-Ohuk! What is this…?"

I took the Swiss Army knife and cut the branches binding the two of them. I only moved the
knife a few times. Then the part of the branch that it touched abruptly corroded and the
blade melted away. Yes, this was the power of a demonic species.

"Stay back."

I said while raising a weapon made of the spine of a ground rat. The 7th grade demon type
species, dark keeper. Among the many monsters that appeared since the start of the
destruction, the demon species were toxic. In fact, the treasures of the ground rats were
close to 'tributes' to the demon. Even if it was the same grade, the demon species were
different from other monster species.

[The 'Dark Keeper' has received the favour of the demon king it follows.]

"Kamyun. Der. Yitur."

The demon species had their own language, worshipped different demon kings and
inherited some of the power of the demon king through Dark Root.

[The 'Dark Keeper' has emitted 'Fear'.]

[The exclusive skill 'Fourth Wall' has neutralized most of the 'Fear' effect.]

Therefore, killing one demon meant becoming the adversary of their demon king.

"Yitur!"

I didn't know what it was saying but the situation didn't look good. I didn't want to fight if
possible.

"M-Mother?" Yoo Sangah was the one who spoke. She still hadn't left?

"I told you to stay back."

"That monster just said 'Mother'…"

I thought for a moment about what this meant. No, wait a minute.

"Uhh, I think…K-Karud, yemiren? Ah, this is the pronunciation? Aketu?"

For a moment, I thought I was mistaken. But I didn't hear wrong.

"Kallitu!"

Surprisingly, the dark keeper nodded at the end.

[The character 'Yoo Sangah' has activated the 'Interpreter Lv. 3 skill.]

…Oh my god, she wasn't only good at Spanish. Let's see what would happen. I asked, "What
is he saying?"

"That…it keeps saying 'become Mother'…"

…Become mother? The dark keeper cried out again and pointed to Yoo Sangah.

"Kallitu!"
Yoo Sangah had a tearful face. "Uh, Mother? I'm not married yet!"

The dark keeper pointed at Han Myungoh this time. "Kallitu!"

Han Myungoh turned pale as he wiped his lip. "W-Why am I the mother? Father!"

The dark keeper's tentacles rose.

"Ooooof!"

One of the tentacles entered his mouth and Han Myungoh turned black. There was the
sound of something moving down Han Myungoh's throat. That's right. This was what it
meant to become the mother. I belatedly recalled that the demon species conceived their
young in the body of other species.

"Yoo Sangah-ssi, you don't plan to have a child yet, right?"

"Of course!"

Yoo Sangah immediately understood the words and stepped back quickly. I swung the
ground rat spear and tore at the tentacles attached to Han Myungoh.

The dark keeper roared angrily, "Kallituo!"

The tentacles of the demon species were gradually breaking the ground rat spear. Even the
stone hog thorn, which broke through the stomach of an ichthyosaur, would've been
destroyed the moment it was stuck in a demon's body. Before I knew it, Han Myungoh was
far away while Yoo Sangah looked at me.

「 Is there a chance? 」

Her eyes seemed to be asking me. To tell the truth, I didn't have a chance.

Pushu! Pushuu! Teong!

After a few strikes, the ground rat spear was almost destroyed. The hand holding the spear
was in pain. The monster guarding the treasure chest couldn't be caught, just like the
ichthyosaur of Dongho Bridge. That's why the original plan wasn't to deal with this
monster but to obtain the treasure chest after it disappeared. As always, plans existed for
things to go wrong.

"Dokkaebi. Are you watching?"

[U-Uh. You knew?]

The dokkaebi showed up in the darkness. I didn't know his name but he seemed to be a
cousin of Bihyung.
"There should be some mail for me by now. I want you to hand it over quickly."

[Hihit. It isn't my responsibility. I-It is Bihyung's thing.]

"Right now, you are taking Bihyung's place. Don't you see the constellations complaining?"

[The constellation 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband wants to scold the dokkaebi 'Biryu'.]

[The constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' threatens the dokkaebi 'Biryu'.]

The dokkaebi Biryu gulped. […O-Okay. Instead, it is just this once. I think it will be
interesting!]

The dokkaebi muttered something and the summoning began.

[The item has arrived from the exchange.]

[The item 'Broken Faith' has been acquired.]

[The brokerage fee was exempted due to the effect of the contract.]

Broken Faith. The item bartered for the 'ichthyosaur core', which was registered on the
Dokkaebi Bag' exchange, had finally arrived.

"Kik."

The dark keeper saw the item coming out of thin air and laughed. No wonder it was
laughing. All I received was a D-grade item. It was a knife broken in half.

[The item is too old to use. The durability will be poor and it will be difficult to achieve any
performance.]

Even the dokkaebi who gave him the item was giggling. [H-How can you fight with that old
thing? And it can't be used if you don't have a special skill…]

I knew that much. I wouldn't have bought it if I didn't know.

"Sigh…" I sucked in a breath and concentrated my mind.

Kiiing!

The hilt started trembling greatly. Biryu shouted with shock.

[Uh? How?]

It was natural to be surprised. It was because this was a skill I bought from his friend for a
huge 10,000 coins. Blue ether started to settle slowly on the surface of the broken blade.
[White Storm Sword Force]

After killing the ichthyosaur, I bought this skill from Bihyung. There were a few flaws
compared to other superior energy techniques, but they weren't something that could be
obtained for the time being.

[Broken Faith has responded to your star energy!]

[Blade of Faith is activated!]

Shortly afterwards, a brilliant white virtual blade sprang up from the edge of the broken
blade. Broken Faith, its real performance was revealed when star energy was injected into
it.

The number of tentacles increased by dozens and covered my field of view. I wouldn't be
safe from these attacks with my current stamina level. It was scary. But now there was a
chance. It was because the Blade of Faith was the best quality weapon when it came to
demon species.

The tentacles touched by the blade were oxidized and cut off. The dark keeper let out a
terrible scream as its tentacles were destroyed. I felt magic power draining out but I wasn't
in a hurry. I calmly moved the blade. I missed the tentacles many times because I didn't
have the 'Fighting Senses' skill or the 'Swordsmanship Training' skill, so the way I wielded
the blade was terrible. It was natural. I was a reader, not a swordsman. And a reader fought
in the manner of a reader.

[The attribute effect has improved your memories of the pages already read.]

The pages of Ways of Survival flashed in my head.

「…The dark keeper's attack pattern is simple. Unconditionally, the tentacle on the upper
right will first… 」

「 …After the attack, a single tentacle at the bottom… 」

「 …Its tentacles regenerate but it will take a few minutes… 」

I read diligently and used what I had read.

"Kuaaah!" The dark keeper shrieked as its tentacles were cut.

On the other side of my field of view was Lee Gilyoung. The young boy looked at me with
awed eyes. Unfortunately, unlike his wishes, I wasn't the main character in this world. Still,
I was confident of at least one thing.
"Kar. Mien. Der." The dark keeper muttered as it barely managed to pull itself together
from its shock. I didn't ask but Yoo Sangah muttered from behind me in a quivering voice,
"How do you know all my weaknesses…?"

This was what it meant. I gave an answer in a light manner.

"I usually read a lot of books."

I knew more about this world than anyone else.

 Chapter 23: Ep. 5 – Dark Keeper, IV
Maybe we would've fought for a long time.

[The exclusive skill 'Bookmark' can now be activated.]

[The number two bookmark has been activated.]

[The level of the Bookmark skill is low, shortening the activation time.]

[Activation Time: One minute.]

Well, I had this. My bones might be torn out of my body or my blood might be spilt.

[Your understanding of the character is low, so only a part of the character's skill is
activated.]

['Weapons Training Lv.1' has been activated.]

But I didn't. To be exact, I couldn't afford it. I used all the powers I had. I squeezed out all of
my strength and ran through the tentacles. The landscape around me flashed by. The only
thing left was the afterimage of a sharp white light and the sense of cutting something.

[Your understanding of the character 'Lee Hyunsung' has increased.]

[The number two bookmark has been disabled.]

I felt like I had lost strength. I had poured everything out in one blow. Then after a while, I
heard a trembling voice in the air.
[…C-Constellations. Did you all see it? I-I didn't see wrong…?] It was the appearance of
Dokkaebi Biryu, who had forgotten his duties. In fact, it wasn't strange to be surprised.

[A few constellations are doubting their eyes.]

[The constellation 'Abyssal Black Flame Dragon' is flaring fiercely.]

It was a powerful grade 7 demon lying down with damaged tentacles in front of me.

[The constellation 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' pulls his hair as if he is pleased.]

[500 coins have been sponsored.]

The severed tentacles lay on the ground and the surrounding ground rats had long been
killed or fled in the aftermath of the fight. Only the dark keeper lay breathing roughly on
the ground, its lips twitching.

"…Ki. Kii. Ki."

Originally, the 7th grade demon was an enemy that I couldn't cope with. Thus, I was
prepared. I wasn't as strong as Yoo Joonghyuk and I didn't have a good sponsor like Lee
Hyunsung.

[The obsessive-compulsive constellations praise your readiness.]

[200 coins have been sponsored.]

It was just that the 'information' I had was more advantageous than others. Sometimes,
'information' was more powerful than anything in the world. The very result of that
information was the white light sword now in my hand.

[A-An 'ether blade' in the beginning scenarios…C-Constellations. Is this a true story?]

Fortunately, I didn't have to explain it as the dokkaebi was in full swing.

Ether Blade. It was the flagship technique of the incarnations supported by the highest level
sponsor. The technique was often called 'energy blade' in Murim novels.

"To be exact, it isn't a real ether blade. The real one is much stronger than this."

[T-That's right! Strictly speaking, it is Broken Faith that has absorbed the White Storm
Sword Force and made the blade…] Looking at the dokkaebi, he wasn't a complete idiot.
[Amazing… There is this guy in that brat Bihyung's channel…]

As if waiting for this, the Blade of Faith turned off.

[Broken Faith's durability has run out. This item is no longer available.]
It was a pity but it did its part.

"Give me the compensation for finishing the sub-scenario."

[Uhh, that's right. W-Wait!]

Biryu hurriedly entered something in the air and a message soon popped up.

[You have met the conditions to clear the sub scenario!]

[You have earned 500 coins.]

[A handful of constellations admire your scenario.]

The reward was smaller than I thought. It was natural because I haven't killed the dark
keeper.

[By the way, are you not going to kill that guy?] Biryu looked at me with expectant eyes.

I let out an exhausted breath and glanced at the dark keeper on the ground. Then I kindly
said, "I have a non-killing ideology."

[N-Non-killing…?]

"I'm not someone who kills easily."

[The constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' admires it!]

[100 coins have been sponsored.]

Of course, it was a lie.

[The constellation 'Secretive Plotter' is giving you a sly smile.]

[100 coins have been sponsored.]

The bewildered Biryu stammered. [B-But won't the reward be great if you kill this guy? You
will be the first to kill a grade 7 demon and I will give you 7,000 coins! Do you know how
big 7,000 coins is?]

"I won't kill it. I need to open the compensation box so please step aside."

I removed the irritating Biryu from in front of me. The dark keeper wasn't the real reason I
came here. So…

Puok!

[The 7th grade demon, 'Dark Keeper' was killed.]

…What? The dokkaebi who looked like it was so funny he would die and the dark keeper
who died with a knife in his chest. Then.

"Haha, hahahaha! N-Now I can be strong! Kim Dokja, you son of a bitch! You didn't know
this!" Han Myungoh was the one holding the knife. I had a rough idea of what happened.
Then explosive messages were heard in my ears.

[A 7th grade demon has been hunted for the first time!]

[An impossible feat has been accomplished.]

[You have earned 8,000 coins.]

[Contribution: Kim Dokja, Han Myungoh]

Perhaps these messages were also shared with Han Myungoh. I only received a few coins
because I didn't deal the finishing blow but…

I could see Han Myungoh dying with happiness at the messages. "Non-killing ideology?
Stupid guy! What is killing in this burning world? There can't be a person like you! You
know―"

Then Han Myungoh stopped. Now he knew what he had done.

[The 7th grade demon 'Dark Keeper' has been killed and the demon king 'Asmodeus' has
noticed the murderer's presence.]

[The demon king 'Asmodeus' will chase the one who dealt the finishing blow until they are
dead.]

[The demon king 'Asmodeus' has put a terrible curse on the person who dealt the final
blow!]

[Final Blow: Han Myungoh]

"W-What? What is this message?" Han Myungoh cried out fearfully.

[The constellation 'Secretive Plotter' admires your wickedness.]

"Ah…didn't I tell you? I intentionally didn't kill it."

[The constellation 'Secretive Plotter' has recommended your scenario to Star Stream.]

Han Myungoh stared into the air like he had lost his soul. The curse of the demon king
Asmodeus was the most terrible thing for a killer. I didn't know what it was but it was
surely terrible. I looked back and saw Lee Gilyoung and Yoo Sangah looking this way with
bemused expressions. I smiled as if nothing had happened.
"We'll open the rewards together."

After a while, we searched through the treasures and pulled out one each.

"I got this."

"I have this…"

Yoo Sangah and Lee Gilyoung found a small bracelet and old shield respectively.

[Magic Power Recovery Bracelet]

[Old Iron Shield]

They were both D-grade items but it was better than nothing. The Magic Power Recovery
Bracelet was a useful item for everyone and the Old Iron Shield would be good for Lee
Hyunsung. It was difficult to ignore the 'iron' in the name. This iron was much harder than
Earth's iron.

Yoo Sangah spoke with slight disappointment. "It is less than I thought."

Less. Her words weren't wrong. It was too shameful to call this a 'treasure trove'. Yoo
Joonghyuk. The guy who left yesterday had probably gone through this place. He knew he
would be tired fighting the demon so he took a chance and stole the treasures. In the end,
we were robbing a place that was already robbed.

"it is okay because the main thing is still left."

I looked at a black box in the center of the warehouse. We didn't waste any more time and
opened the box. The thing in the box was a stove. It was small enough to fit into a pocket
and it was shameful to call it a stove.

[Magic Power Stove].

As expected, it was still here. This item was in fact the key item in this sub-scenario.

[Magic Power Stove can only be obtained once per person.]

Obviously, Yoo Joonghyuk had taken one so there were two Magic Power Stoves in total.
"…What is that thing?"

"Well, I think I know a bit about its purpose."

I purposely trembled, activated the stove with magic power and raised a dead ground rat's
leg. It was funny since it didn't fit the size of a plate of food, but in five seconds, a
remarkable change happened to the leg of the ground rat.

"Wow! A delicious smell!"

There was a sweet smell and the leg of the ground rat changed to a golden colour.

"Meat!" Lee Gilyoung cried out excitedly. Yoo Sangah asked urgently, "C-Can we eat this?"

"I'll try it first."

I grabbed the greasy hind leg and dug into the flesh. The juices ran from the flesh…I forgot
to chew and closed my eyes. Tasting it was different from reading it in the book.

[A few constellations are drooling.]

[Constellations have sponsored you 100 coins.]

[The constellation 'Abyssal Black Flame Dragon' has swallowed his saliva.]

[The constellation 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' is biting his nails.]

······.

The messages continuously popped up. Indeed, eating broadcasts were the best. Everyone
was united in front of food.

"Eat it. I think it is okay."

The two people rushed towards the meat as soon as I spoke. They hadn't had a proper meal
for three days so they would be quite hungry. Han Myungoh recovered and came over
hesitantly, "D-Dokja-ssi…I-I went crazy for a second…"

"Eat. Don't worry about the other thing."

"T-Thank you!"

"You will become a ghost after eating."

"W-What…?"

Han Myungoh's complexion turned as white as death. I said it like a joke but Han Myungoh
really would die. Asmodeus' pursuit was hard for even Yoo Joonghyuk to overcome.
We each took one leg and started to eat. We were eating meat together because we were
hungry after everything that started. Humans couldn't help it. Everyone ate the meal in
silence. Was it due to the light spreading gently from the Magic Power Stove? I was feeling a
bit sentimental.

Killing something and eating it in order to live. This was the life of a human. It had been like
this so far but I wondered why it felt so fresh. Suddenly, I looked up and met Yoo Sangah's
eyes. Ha, Yoo Sangah came to her senses and suddenly cried out, "I'm pathetic."

"…Huh?"

"Dokja-ssi worked so hard and I am just eating like a pig… I was no help at all…"

"No, Yoo Sangah-ssi. That…"

"By the way, how does Dokja-ssi know all this? You know how to cook a beast and…"

"Ah, that…"

"Indeed! It must be because you read fantasy novels, right? Really, I didn't know the world
was going to be like this. My silly self was just memorizing Spanish."

I felt somewhat strange when I heard Yoo Sangah say this. I opened my mouth to comfort
her. "It is because Yoo Sangah-ssi studied foreign languages that you learned the language
of the demon species."

Of course, it wasn't very helpful.

"I see… Thank you, Dokja-ssi…"

I smiled at Yoo Sangah and got up from where I was sitting. The party was immersed in
eating again. I took a break and headed for the back of the party. In fact, the Magic Power
Stove was important but my real purpose was a separate item. I looked closely at the 'black
box' that contained the Magic Power Stove.

It was this. There was no doubt about it. Yoo Joonghyuk, who took the Magic Power Stove,
probably didn't know about it. The real treasure of the warehouse was this 'black box'. In
the original story, Yoo Joonghyuk only knew about this after the 6th round of regression.

Who was the first to discover this. Was it 'Heavenly Maid Hori?' Well, it was hard to
remember. It wasn't accurate but it was probably something like this:

「 "Over there. There are strange boxes in the early areas. If you put something in there…" 」

At this time, I met Yoo Sangah's eyes and asked, "What is the box for?"
"Huh? Ah, this…" Yoo Sangah said as she looked at the box. There were unknown
characters written on the box.

…Could she read them?

"Random…item box?"

Damn. This was why foreign language proficiency was important.

"Uh…that…um. So that is what it means."

I was a bit embarrassed. Yoo Sangah cried out, "Quickly use it, Dokja-ssi!"

"…Is it okay?"

Nod nod. Lee Gilyoung nodded vigorously.

"You don't need to worry about us. All the items obtained here are yours. That is obvious."

Yes, I was caught so let's do it quickly.

"Then I will use it well."

[A few constellations are nodding at your decision.]

I took the nucleus of the 7th grade demon from my pocket. I had cut it from the dead body
of the dark keeper. In addition, I took out Broken Faith which had run out of durability.
According to the original plot, the use of this box was simple.

「 "Who knew? There would be a limited edition coin item." 」

I placed the demon core and Broken Faith into the box.

「 "Ha, you can't believe my words? Is it real? Put sub items in there and close the box!" 」

In fact, I didn't know what would happen when I put in these two items. But I was certain
that something huge would come out.

「 "A top item will unconditionally come out!" 」

A moment later, a dazzling light burst out from the closed box.
 Chapter 24: Ep. 6 – Judgment Time, I
The limited random items box… According to the setting of Ways of Survival, this was a
coin item which had been sold as a limited edition in a past 'scenario'.

[Ah, no, why is this thing here?] The alarmed Biryu shouted belatedly. [I-I-It was banned
immediately after release!]

According to the original Ways of Survival, the setting of this item was quite complicated.
This coin item had been released long before the 8612 Planetary scenarios began. It was a
product which had been forcefully banned by the Star Stream Administration Bureau.

If sub-items were put in, it would 'unconditionally' spit out a top item. This would have a
tremendous impact on the balance of the scenarios. Additionally, the price of one item box
was a huge one million coins. The constellations had been angered by this ridiculous billing
policy, so the stupid dokkaebi who invented this item got fired from the Administration
Bureau.

[C-Constellations. It is like this… I don't know why it is here… H-Hihihit! Broadcast end!]

[#BI-7623 channel has closed temporarily.]

The delirious sounding Biryu closed the channel, and the voices of the constellations
disappeared. I regretted not being able to see the reactions of the constellations, but it
couldn't be helped. I looked down at the vibrating box. The random draw was about to start
in earnest.

[A sword type item will be awarded for putting in the same type of items!]
[The random draw has started!]

The limited edition random item box randomly spat out items of a higher rank related to
the item you put in. There was a chance for anything from a C-grade to an SSS-grade item to
emerge. In the end, it was all up to chance.

[The offered items are related to a certain constellation!]

[The probability that an item associated with this constellation will appear is greatly
increased.]

'…Eh?'

It was an unexpected message, but it didn't seem to be a disadvantage for me. Both my
hands were sweating. I hadn't been so nervous when I bought a random chance item in an
online game.

'Please let it be an A-rating'.

[A top-rated item has appeared!]

[The number of available random item boxes is 0.]

The box soon stopped trembling, and the faint light subsided. Then I looked around at Yoo
Sangah and Lee Gilyoung, whose eyes were shining.

"Shall we open it?"

"Yes!"

We opened the box.

"W-Wow!" Lee Gilyoung was so surprised that he screamed.

By the way, it really was amazing. With a luxurious silver guard and a white blade… Its
shape was somewhat similar to Broken Faith? I immediately checked the item information.

[Item Information]

Name: Unbroken Faith

Rating: Star Relic

Description: In the past, it was the sword of the hero 'Kaizenix', who led the Grusiad during
the Great Demon Age. The great ether dominance of Kaizenix allowed him to create a 'Blade
of Faith' that contained fire, darkness and divine power respectively.
As an additional option, it increases strength and physique level by 2.

I was speechless. No… was this real? It wasn't a simple alphabet rating but a star relic item?

"D-Dokja-ssi! Doesn't it look like a huge item?"

It really was a huge item.

In the world of Ways of Survival, the 'star relics' were the only items excluded from the
ratings table. It wasn't just because they had a strong performance but because these items
were special.

Every star relic contained the power of a living constellation. The difference in
performance varied depending on whether the constellation was the hero of a certain
world and how much awareness they had. Regardless, they contained the power of a
constellation, so the relics had tremendous value.

Furthermore, it raised the level of my strength and physique by 2. When taking into
account that A-grade items increased the total stats value by 1, this must be at least an S-
grade item. Yoo Joonghyuk had yet to obtain an item like this.

I looked around at Yoo Sangah and Lee Gilyoung. "…Can I really have it?"

"Of course. It naturally belongs to Dokja-ssi," Yoo Sangah responded in advance to his
repeated question. Lee Gilyoung also nodded eagerly. I looked at Han Myungoh, but he was
just eating the leg of a ground rat with a stupid expression while muttering unknown things
to himself. I thought he would insist on having the item… It was strange.

[You have acquired a star relic.]

[The owner of the star relic is curious about you.]

The message showed that the constellation existed somewhere. Later, I would open up
Ways of Survival and look for it.

"Then we should go back. There are plenty of ground rats out there, so we can go back with
just the Magic Power Stove."

"By the way, how do we get back?"

"It won't be a problem to leave with Gilyoung's power. Use Diverse Communication and…"

However, Lee Gilyoung's expression wasn't bright. "Hyung, I…"

"Huh?"
"There aren't any insects nearby."

Come to think of it, the insects around here had burst from the pressure when I was
fighting the dark keeper. It was a problem I hadn't thought about. "There really isn't one?
Some of them should still be alive. If we move for a bit and use the ability…"

There were so many insects in the world that I didn't have any sympathy for the few who
died, but Lee Gilyoung still had a dark expression.

"Well, there is one I can actually call…" Lee Gilyoung closed his eyes and started
concentrating.

"Dokja-ssi, isn't this a bit strange?"

Lee Gilyoung's eyes were gradually losing focus. Then blood flowed down from his nose.

"Gilyoung?"

All of a sudden, there was a loud vibration from above them. Dust started falling down. The
vibration was coming from aboveground…

At this moment, goosebumps appeared on my skin.

"Gilyoung! Lee Gilyoung! Wake up!"

"Yeah… hyung?" Lee Gilyoung's eyes returned to normal.

"Gilyoung, stop the skill! Quickly!"

The surprised Lee Gilyoung stopped the skill, and the vibration subsided. I sighed with
relief.

There were incredibly dangerous monsters running around aboveground. There were
numerous high-rated monsters, including the 7th grade rhinoceros. Among these monsters
was the insect king. It was obviously a type of insect just based on the name.

"You really…" I placed my hand on Lee Gilyoung's head and didn't say anything. Gilyoung
was about to call an insect king from aboveground… Was he Fabre? We almost got buried
here.

"For the time being, seal this skill. Don't use it unless I tell you to. Understood?"

"Yes…" Lee Gilyoung replied in a sad manner. Now there was no choice but to wait.

"We will get lost in the darkness. Let's wait a bit longer and move when small insects
appear in the vicinity."
It was easy to enter but the Edge of Darkness was a very dangerous place. This was a place
where someone could disappear for a day or two if a little mistake was made. Then Yoo
Sangah raised her hand. "If it is just going back, I think I can fill in for Gilyoung."

"…How?" I was going to ask if she would converse with the Edge of Darkness but stopped
because it seemed sarcastic. Yoo Sangah replied in a slightly uncertain tone, "I have a
similar skill."

When I thought about it, I still didn't know Yoo Sangah's attribute and sponsor.

"What is the skill?"

"That, it is a complicated skill to untangle…"

Untangle?

"…Excuse me, can I ask what Yoo Sangah-ssi's attribute is?"

Yoo Sangah wasn't a character in the novel, so I didn't know her attribute. It was like with
Lee Gilyoung and Han Myungoh.

"Uh, that…"

Yoo Sangah made a difficult expression. It wouldn't have been so frustrating if I could use
Character List on Yoo Sangah. I tried to use Character List once again as a test.

[The exclusive skill, Character List is activated.]

[This person isn't registered in 'Character List'.]

Indeed… but there was one more message.

[Currently collecting information about the corresponding figure.]

'…Eh?'

It was a message that never existed before. Come to think of it, I heard a system message
when Yoo Sangah used the 'Interpreter' skill. It wasn't something that was originally heard.
Was it possible for the Character List to be updated after some time? Perhaps…

I organized my thoughts and decided to let Yoo Sangah go. "Forget that I asked. By the way,
nice work. In the future, don't let other people know about your personal attribute."

"That's not it! I trust Dokja-ssi…!" Well, Yoo Sangah's appearance said otherwise.

At the moment, I got an idea. "Can Yoo Sangah tell me about the nature of your sponsor?"

Yoo Sangah bowed her head. "I'm sorry."

The words barely escaped from her trembling lips. Based on this level, it was possible that
she made some type of promise in the contract with her sponsor. Perhaps there was a life
constraint in respect with the spilling of information. I didn't know what sponsor they
were, but it seemed they had decided to raise Yoo Sangah in earnest.

"It is okay. I understand."

"Thank you, really…"

There was no need to thank me. The fact that she couldn't tell me about her sponsor…
made my heart tense. It was the desire of a reader who wanted to fill the space between
empty lines.

"Then try using your skill."

Soon, a faintly shining thread emerged from Yoo Sangah's fingertips and started to stretch
out. "In fact, I tied up a 'thread' when I got kidnapped."

One branch of the thread was connected to me and the other one was connected outside.
Maybe it was bound to Lee Hyunsung or Jung Heewon.

"Let's go."

There was no reason for Yoo Sangah to have such a skill from the beginning. This was
definitely the stigma provided by her sponsor. By the way, it was a 'thread' to escape the
labyrinth. This… Somehow, I thought it was a constellation I knew.

[#BI-7623 channel is open.]

I started hearing messages from the constellations again.

[A number of constellations have put a claim on the channel's transmission system!]

[The constellation 'Abyssal Black Flame Dragon' is curious about what came out of the
random item box.]

Ah, they haven't seen it? What a pity.

[Damn! That bastard messed with my channel… Hahaha! Did you stay well while I was
away?]

The nice… No, a familiar voice was heard.

Bihyung.
[…You did such great things while I was gone?]

'Was it because of me that you couldn't come back?'

[It… Yes, it isn't unrelated. I got a warning from the Administration Bureau because the
advertisement went on for too long.]

Currently, Bihyung's voice was only audible to me. It was the 'dokkaebi communication'
that only the dokkaebi could use. Of course, it was an obvious violation of the rules to allow
me to use it.

[I have decided not to care about small things now. And I can go back and forth to the
Administration Bureau. Rather… how do you know about the 'Random Box'?]

'Just, I found it by chance'.

[Dammit. There are still remnants of the black history left. Why is that box there…]

'Black history?'

[······.]

'…Wait. Surely that absurd coin item wasn't planned by you?'

As a reader of Ways of Survival, I didn't know this.

[Damn! If I wasn't greedy at that time…]

Bihyung's grumbling was cut off by Jung Heewon's cry of admiration, "Wow, it really is
delicious! What a surprise."

10 minutes ago, we safely returned to the rest of the party thanks to Yoo Sangah's
guidance. Fortunately, Jung Heewon and Lee Hyunsung had maintained the boundary until
we came back.

"You will recover a bit after eating."

"Well, I really think that my body is getting better." Jung Heewon seemed much better as
she swung her shoulders in a test. The meat of the underground species actually contained
detoxification components.

"Did you get a lot of things in there? In addition to the Magic Power Stove…"
I looked at Lee Hyunsung and said, "I got a few things."

Lee Hyunsung put on and removed the Old Steel Shield, which he received from me,
repeatedly several times. Now, he was polishing the surface again and again. It was like
someone with a new car.

[The character 'Lee Hyunsung' feels a faint loyalty to you.]

Jung Heewon seemed envious of the scene and asked, "Is there anything I can use?"

"No."

"What is that blade?"

"It is mine."

"…Will you distribute the meat to the people?"

"If they have coins."

"But… you are really stingy. Kim Dokja."

"Let's just say that I have a strong sense of survival."

As we were passing around a piece of cooked ground rat, the tunnel ended. The
surroundings suddenly brightened, and people started to be seen. However, the
atmosphere was weird. What was this urgent and bustling mood?

[There are 20 minutes left until the paid settlement.]

[Prepare the survival fee.]

I belatedly noticed the time. That's right. It was already that time. It was amazing that the
word 'paid' could sound so scary.

"Coins, coins, please!"

"I don't have enough coins! Please, a few coins…"

100 coins wouldn't be a problem if they faithfully participated in the scenario, but such
humans were rare.

"I'll give you one million won—no, ten million won! Who will sell 100 coins?"

The price of the coins was soaring. It was funny. There was a ridiculous premium on money
that had no value until the beginning of the destruction. There were people who smiled as
they watched from afar. These guys already had enough coins. It was Cheon Inho and the
Cheoldoo Group. A few women flocked toward the gang members and cried out, "Y-You
said you would give me 100 coins before!"

"Hrmm, is that so? I don't remember."

"What…?"

"I will think again if you will let me put it in one more time. How about it?"

Jung Heewon pulled out her blade and stared at them. "Those sons of bitches…"

[The attribute of character 'Jung Heewon' is about to blossom.]

The time had come for Jung Heewon. It wasn't bad if her attribute blossomed now… Yet she
needed some patience in order to get the 'attribute' I was thinking about. Then a system
message emerged.

[After a while, the survival settlement will begin.]

"S-Save me! Please, help!"

The expressions of the party changed. Lee Hyunsung bowed his head sadly, and Jung
Heewon bit her lip while holding her blade. Everyone knew what the price of the 'paid
settlement' was. There was no one here who hadn't experienced it. Then Yoo Sangah
looked at me. "…Dokja-ssi."

"Yes."

In this world, coins were power. A person with coins could obtain good items or good stats.
Coins were everything.

[Several constellations with scenario recommendations have been added to the channel.]

[The constellation 'Secretive Plotter' is watching your choice.]

[The constellation 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' is watching your choice.]

[The constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' is watching your choice.]

…And I was currently the person with the highest number of coins in the station.
 Chapter 25: Ep. 6 – Judgment Time, II
Just as I was about to open my mouth to speak, I heard Cheon Inho's voice.

"Oh, Dokja-ssi! You came just in time." Cheon Inho smiled as he found us. I had a foreboding
feeling as Cheon Inho spoke in a loud voice, "Dokja-ssi has a lot of coins! How much? You
are probably the richest one among us, right?"

[The character 'Cheon Inho' has activated the 'Incite Lv. 2' skill.

The crowd looked my way.

"C-Coins?"

"Who has a lot of coins?"

It didn't take long for all eyes to turn to me. Cheon Inho… He was a really great guy.

"A-are you Dokja-ssi?"

"Please save me!"

People panted heavily as they approached and grabbed my legs. The number of people
flocking toward me was estimated to be at least 20. If I gave all these people coins, I would
lose 2,000 coins. Yet if I didn't give them coins, I would become a big villain of Geumho
Station.

[Your understanding of the character 'Cheon Inho' has increased.]

"Haha, Dokja-ssi. I don't have the coins to help all these poor people, but… isn't Dokja-ssi
different? Will you just wait and watch?"

I sighed quietly, having seen this trick once or twice before.

[Constellations of the absolute good system have defined Cheon Inho as 'wicked'.]

I had enough of putting up with him.

"S-Save me!"

"Please save me!"

The people burst into tears with the most pitiful expression in the world.

[Hahaha! This story is becoming fun. For reference, there are 10 minutes left!] Bihyung
spoke in a voice that was full of joy, and the party looked at me with strange expressions.

I let out a short sigh and slowly closed my eyes before opening them again. "I see. You want
coins?"

Then I laughed. "Why should I?"

I looked around at the people. The first scenario was original sin. Thus, none of the people
here were innocent. That made it more disgusting. Those who trampled on someone else to
survive couldn't even bear responsibility for their own lives.

"W-Why?"

"You have a lot of coins! Can't you give us a few?"

In the midst of the confusion, Cheon Inho burst out laughing. "I expected this from Dokja-
ssi."

"…"

"From the very first moment Dokja-ssi showed up here. Didn't you sell food for coins? If
you didn't make them buy food at that time, do you know how many people can survive
now?"

"Yes! He is right!"

"Shit! Give me back my coins!"

Suddenly the atmosphere was flowing against me. Maybe this was what Cheon Inho
wanted.

"Just a minute everyone! Your actions right now…!"

"Dokja-ssi isn't such a person!"

Yoo Sangah and Lee Hyunsung tried to diffuse the crowd, but the people had already lost
their sense of reason. Then Cheon Inho drove in the last wedge. "Dokja-ssi. I will give you
one last chance. Give the coins back to the people."

"What if I don't want to?"

"Then the worst will happen."

The crowd of 20 people started to approach step by step.

"T-This…come! Give me your coins!"

Nevertheless, no one attacked first. Eventually, a member of the Cheoldoo Group came
forward. "You scum! What are you doing? Kill him! Why are you hesitating when you can
snatch the coins after killing him?"

The man who shouted had a very sturdy physique. I triggered Character List and confirmed
his information.

[Character Summary]

Name: Han Minsung

Exclusive Attributes: Bully (General)

Overall Stats: Physique Lv. 8, Strength Lv. 8, Agility Lv. 8, Magic Power Lv. 2.

His abilities made sense for a bully, but the level of his stats was not natural… This guy had
done 'it'. Yes, he acted rashly because he believed in his stats.

"Kill that bastard!"

The metal pipe in his hand moved. It was a steel pipe containing Lv. 8 strength. The former
'Kim Dokja' might be scared by this threat but… For the current me, it was just ridiculous. I
cut off the man's arm, and it rolled across the ground with the iron pipe.

"Kuaaack!"

The blood covered Unbroken Faith emitted a white light as I swept a glance over the quiet
people.
"U-Uh…" Everyone turned pale when they saw a Cheoldoo Group member being
overwhelmed with one blow. Now that I had shown off a bit, it was time to start.

"Pathetic… Do you really believe this situation is because of me?" I looked left and right at
each face in the crowd. On the other side, Cheon Inho was looking confused. "In fact, you
know very well that it isn't me."

Like sick goldfish, the mouths of the crowd dropped open. I spoke like I was disseminating
food to them, "You guys are doing this because you are scared. In fact, even though you
knew what was wrong and are in a crisis, you are trembling in fear because of them."

Cheon Inho laughed, "Haha, look at this, Dokja-ssi! What are you saying…?"

"It is because they are stronger than you! Their overall stats are higher than you and they
have a lot of coins! But everyone, you know what?" I asked as I took a step toward the
crowd. The entire crowd retreated like surprised goldfish. However, they were already in
my fish tank. "Why are they stronger than you?" I took one more step. "More than anything,
why do they have more coins than you? Is it because they are gangsters? Perhaps."

[The characters around you are shaken.]

Even in fear, there were some emotions that could be conveyed with certainty. Questions
passed over their faces.

"C-Cheon Inho-ssi, how many coins do you have…?"

"Haha, don't you know? Well, I have sold a few and―"

"Do you think it is possible to get that many stats with just that? Really?"

Cheon Inho closed his mouth. I turned from left to right, looking at the crowd's faces one by
one.

"When I came to Geumho Station a few days ago, there were 87 people here."

"…"

"How many people are left now? I don't think there is more than 50 people. Do you know
why?"

"T-They went out as scouts and the monsters―"

"Monsters? Do you still believe that?"

"T-Then…"
"You fools. Think about it with your brains. Did those people really die because of the
monsters? Then why haven't any of the Cheoldoo Group bastards died?" The area became
quiet in an instant. "Why is it that they come back stronger?"

[The constellation 'Secretive Plotter' nods at your reasoning.]

"D-Don't tell me―" The people turned to look at Cheon Inho. The Cheoldoo Group members
hesitated. Now it was my turn to drive in the wedge. "They said it before. If you kill me, you
will get coins."

[The constellation 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' pulls his hair in excitement.]

"How do they know that killing a person will give coins?"

"Y-You… Inho-ssi! Don't tell me?"

"Shut up! I'm being framed!" As Cheon Inho moved back, the men of the Cheoldoo Group
pulled out their weapons. The frightened people were weeping.

[Hahaha! There are 7 minutes left!]

I stepped forward toward the people. "If you have any last self-respect left, fight with your
own hands."

The Blade of Faith cried out violently as anger filled the eyes of the people.

"At least get back what was taken from you."

As I waited, the people of the Cheoldoo Group rushed toward me simultaneously. I also ran
toward them.

"Now this world is such a place."

The white light moved, and people screamed. Then someone shouted, "Yes, shit!"

"Sons of a bitches!"

The people started to move. All in all, they were people who had already killed.

"M-Mother!"

"Dayoung, come here! Do this! Just like what you did on the subway with Mother!"

There were children and mothers.

"This fuckin' bastards!"

There was also a middle-aged Indian man.

"These scum!"

Alas, they weren't a match for those in the Cheoldoo Group. There were a lot of people left
in the Cheoldoo Group, and their fighting power was overwhelming due to all the coins
they had obtained through human hunting. Or at least, this would be the case if it wasn't for
me.

The arms and legs of the Cheoldoo Group members, who charged at me, flew off. The eerie
sensation of cutting off a person's limbs filled my hands. The incapacitated Cheoldoo Group
members looked up at me.

"S-Spare me…"

At that moment, someone moved ahead of me and stuck their blade into the fallen
Cheoldoo Group members.

"I said I would kill him."

[All evolution conditions of the attribute 'Crouching Figure' have been met.]

[The attribute of character 'Jung Heewon' is blossoming.]

A dazzling brilliance was rising from her body. I nodded. It was now time.

[The attribute of 'Jung Heewon' has blossomed to 'Judge of Evil(滅惡) (Hero)'.]

A judge to wipe out evil—the best of the three 'judge' attributes woke up from a crouching
figure.

[You have contributed greatly to the attribute of 'Crouching Figure!']

[The character 'Jung Heewon' won't hesitate to be your sword in the future.]

"Rest for now," Jung Heewon said. Her eyes were pale blue as she declared, "These guys are
my share."

[The character 'Jung Heewon' has activated the exclusive skill 'Judgment Time'.]

[The Absolute Good constellations have agreed to the use of this skill.]

['Judgment Time' has been activated.]

Jung Heewon had a bloody aura around her body as her blade painted an eerie trail. It was
a light and precise kendo that moved between the Cheoldoo Group members. Blood
spurted everywhere.

"Kuaaaak!"
It was a scene of a complete massacre. Of course, Jung Heewon wasn't the only one fighting.
Yoo Sangah, Lee Hyunsung, and even Lee Gilyoung were protecting their respective
positions, but no one was as active as Jung Heewon. Like a person who was born for
murder, Jung Heewon killed and killed. If I cut off a man's arm, Jung Heewon stabbed his
heart. If I cut off his leg, Jung Heewon cut his throat. She took care of all those I left behind.
Jung Heewon moved without hesitation, like a person who had been longing for this
moment.

"…"

The area was filled with blood. The only person left from the Cheoldoo Group was Cheon
Inho. However, many parts of his body had been injured by the citizens. Jung Heewon
looked at me, and I nodded.

Cheon Inho laughed as he looked at me. "Hu, huhu… Y-You…"

He never stopped speaking, but Jung Heewon appeared behind Cheon Inho and sliced
through him from top to bottom.

[All constellations in the channel feel intense joy.]

Finally, everyone stopped moving. The fight was over. However, they couldn't feel it. The
times when they ate grilled meat, felt the meaning of life, joked while walking, and enjoyed
moments of peace all seemed like a lie. This damn scenario…

Yoo Sangah was crying. Lee Gilyoung closed his eyes. Lee Hyunsung bit his lips so hard he
was bleeding. Jung Heewon exhausted her physical strength and was sitting in a pool of
blood.

Yes, this was the truth of the world.

[The survival value will be settled.]

There was the sound of popping all around us. Those who had coins survived, while those
who failed to get coins were now dead. No one was able to save each other. I said to the
people, "Wake up, everybody."

Even if I raised my head, the sky couldn't be seen. I stared at the unseen sky for a while,
resisting some great fate. The noisy constellations had no answer this time.

"This scenario has just begun."

While everyone was in deep thought, I was thinking about the next scenario alone. My mind
was calm as the pages flipped one after another. I had obtained everything I needed from
Geumho Station. The next stage was Chungmuro.
 Chapter 26: Ep. 6 – Judgment Time, III
The following morning, there were a few changes to Geumho Station. First of all, Han
Myungoh had disappeared. He hid once the fighting started and disappeared after it ended.
I didn't know if he was hiding somewhere in the station or was moving to the next station.

"Let's not worry about him now. I didn't like him from the beginning. In addition, he isn't
the only one who disappeared." It was as Jung Heewon said. After the fight yesterday, the
number of people remaining in Geumho Station was almost nonexistent. It wasn't that
there were few survivors. Rather, more people survived compared to the original plot.
However, most of those who survived left the station last night. Perhaps they had their own
reasons.

"…Will the remaining people be okay?" Yoo Sangah asked as she looked at the survivors.
Me, Yoo Sangah, Lee Hyunsung, Lee Gilyoung and Jung Heewon. Apart from us five, there
were only five people left in this station.

Jung Heewon spoke first, "Hey everyone. Are you coming with us?"

The casual words caused a stir among the people. The representative was a young woman
holding a child's hand. "…We will go separately. We have some coins left."

I honestly admired that the mother and child survived the bloody fight. If she had that
much strength, they might be able to survive without going with us. Jung Heewon nodded,
"Yes. I wish you luck."

Once Jung Heewon turned around, relief appeared on the people's faces. In fact, this
response wasn't strange. Certainly, yesterday's situation was a bit shocking. It was
understandable. One refused to give out charity while another one brutally killed people,
even if there was a reason. To them, Jung Heewon might not be much different from the
Cheoldoo Group. I touched Lee Hyunsung, who was making a stupefied expression next to
me.

"Lee Hyunsung-ssi?"

"Ah, yes!"

Lee Hyunsung, who was staring at Jung Heewon with a blank expression, looked at me with
surprise. I think I knew what he was thinking. He wondered if she was the woman struck
by madness yesterday and killed all the Cheoldoo Group.

"Are the preparations finished?"

Lee Hyunsung replied, "Yep! It is a bit rough but it is finished. There are plastic bottles to be
used as water containers, goods to protect from the cold and emergency supplies…"

Indeed, a soldier was useful in situations like this.

"…This is all we have. If you need anything else…"

There was nothing else I needed…I wanted to say but I suddenly thought about something.
"Oh, can you find me any portable charger?"

"You are talking about a powerbank? Why…?"

It was natural to wonder. A smartphone was useless because no signal was available. I
replied roughly, "I have a place to use it."

Lee Hyunsung said he would look for it and started to search through the things left behind
by the Cheoldoo Group. Lee Gilyoung and Yoo Sangah also said they would help. Jung
Heewon looked at me and asked, "Are we going now?"

"We're going."

She asked naturally, as if there was no question that we would go together. This was Jung
Heewon. It was welcome from my viewpoint. The 'Judge of Evil' was a talented person who
even Yoo Joonghyuk would pay attention to.

"I have many questions."

"Not now."

"Ah really, you are an iron wall." Jung Heewon lightly punched me and laughed.

[You have received 1,500 coins from the character 'Jung Heewon'.]
"This…?"

"I am dividing it. I feel too sorry to eat it all alone. I will share it with other people."

I understood what she was saying. Yesterday, Jung Heewon alone killed most of the
Cheoldoo Group members. In other words, she obtained most of their coins. By the way… I
was a bit nervous about this.

"You don't need to do this."

Jung Heewon didn't know. In fact, I had a lot more coins.

"I'm not Dokja-ssi, you know?" She punched my arms a few more times before walking
towards the tunnel with her backpack. "Finish this off. I'll go ahead and make some
arrangements."

"Don't go too far ahead. There are sections too dangerous to go alone."

Jung Heewon waved her hands as if not to worry while wandering away.

[The constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' likes your companionship.]

[The constellation 'Abyssal Black Flame Dragon' smiles slyly.]

I watched the messages in the air blankly and said, 'Did you make a lot yesterday? It must
be good'.

There was no answer. I spoke once again, 'Don't keep pretending and tell me. I know you
are watching'.

[Ah, hahaha… you caught me?]

It was Bihyung's voice.

'How much did you earn?'

[…T-That. Um.]

I stared silently.

[Sigh, right. How did you know again…? I just can't get over it. Take this.]

[Dokkaebi 'Bihyung' has given you 4,500 coins.]

I thought so. This damn dokkaebi.

[…The constellations didn't use the sponsorship system but sent it directly to me instead. I
don't know why. I'll give it to you later. Ah, there are these messages as well.]
Messages suddenly popped up.

[The constellation 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' is satisfied with your scenario.]

[The constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' is convinced of your judgment.]

[The constellation 'Secretive Plotter' is satisfied with your plan.]

······.

This was why I didn't get the support messages yesterday. I had been curious because such
a great thing happened and I received less income than I thought.

[Coins Possessed: 23,050 C]

I invested a lot of the coins I obtained last time into stats and now I had a lot of coins again.
It was once again time to improve my stats. Then let's do it moderately. I couldn't open the
attributes window so I had to remember the exact level of my stats.

First…physique was important.

[1,200 coins have been invested in physique.]

[Physique Lv. 12 -> Physique Lv. 15]

[The durability of your body has greatly increased!]

I had no separate passive attack skill so I also raised my strength.

[1,600 coins have been invested in strength.]

[Strength Lv. 11 -> Strength Lv. 15]

[A stronger force will come from your muscles!]

For agility, it was enough to be able to evade.

[400 coins have been invested in agility.]

[Agility Lv. 10 -> Agility Lv. 11]

[Now you can move a bit faster.]

I needed to maintain White Storm Sword Force, so magic power had to be at least level 10.

[1,200 coins have been invested in magic power.]

[Magic Power Lv. 6 -> Magic Power Lv. 10]

[A mysterious energy lives in your soul.]

I could invest more than this but I purposefully didn't. Once I arrived in Chungmuro, there
was another place where I would have to use a lot of coins.

Besides, I had spent 4,400 coins just now. It was both easy and difficult to use. If I had
started with decent stats, I wouldn't have had to spend so many coins. Someone starting
with level 1 physique… in Ways of Survival, even Lee Gilyoung's stamina would be higher
than that.

[By the way, I forgot…two more scenarios are recommended. You are really great. It seems
that I will soon be able to upgrade my channel level.]

'I see'.

I couldn't get the support of a sponsor like other incarnations, so I needed to collect more
coins. The reason why I have yet to see the effect of contracting with Bihyung was because
his channel was small. The 'minor' constellations weren't enough. In order to gather more
coins, it would take more constellations to configure the channel.

Once I went to Chungmuro, the environment would soon be ready.

"If everybody is ready, we will leave. You aren't missing anything?"

My companions gathered together and nodded. Looking at their nervous faces, all of them
seemed to have been enlightened by yesterday. Finally, the journey to Chungmuro began.

We had crossed half the railroad lines when the system message popped up.

[The second main scenario is enabled.]

[Main Scenario #2 – Meeting]

Category: Main

Difficulty: E
Clear Conditions: Cross the tunnel and meet the survivors in the first main base.

Time Limit: None

Compensation: 500 coins

Failure: ???

The message made me realize that it was really starting. Unlike the first main scenario, the
second main scenario had a 'main base'. Jung Heewon asked, "The main base? Where is
that?"

An answer wasn't required. Another message immediately appeared.

[The next main base is 'Chungmuro'.]

"Is it Chungmuro? It is only three more stops…"

It was originally like that. Then ground rats appeared. There were around 30 ground rats.
Jung Heewon stiffened and muttered, "…We have to go three stops through this."

It was Lee Hyunsung who came forward. "I'll take the vanguard."

Thanks to the support of his sponsor, Lee Hyunsung's total stats were now 37. He had
earned less coins than me but he was chasing me…this was the advantage of starting with
high stats. If I knew this, I would've done regular push-ups.

"I'll take the rear, hyung."

Lee Gilyoung's total stats were still low but he was able to use Diverse Communication
more flexibly through steady skill training.

"Please leave it to me."

Yoo Sangah made a thread with magic power to block the movements of the ground rats.
Her attack ability was low but her overall stats were similar to Jung Heewon.

"…Isn't it just a lot of numbers?"

Finally, there was no need to talk about Jung Heewon. Compared to Lee Hyunsung, her total
stats were low but her skills were sufficient. There was the exclusive skill 'Judgment Time'
that belonged to the 'Judge of Evil'. As long as the opponent in front of her was 'wicked'
according to the Absolute Good constellations, Jung Heewon wouldn't lose.

The last ground rat fell down. Lee Hyunsung held the shield by his side and started
sweating.
"Sigh…this seems to be enough."

In fact, this shouldn't have been cleared so easily. No matter how simple the pattern of the
ground rats was, fighting 30 of them was tough. I wouldn't be able to annihilate them
myself without activating Bookmark. The party had become stronger.

We advanced further through the tunnel. Finally, a new platform appeared in front of me.

"Yaksu Station. By the way…there is nobody? No, that's not it."

Yaksu Station was filled with dead bodies and ground rat corpses. Based on the injuries,
some of the people were killed by Yoo Joonghyuk, not the ground rats.

"Keep going. There are two stops left."

We continued to advance. Anyway, the distance from Yaksu to Dongguk University was less
than 1 km in a straight line. Once we arrived at the entrance of Dongguk University Station,
we encountered another group of ground rats and repelled them. We only moved a total of
2 km along a simple path, but the fighting was so tough that the party was exhausted.

"We will take a break here."

"Sigh…there is one stop left. We should just go there and relax…"

"Nobody knows if we can rest or not once we arrive there."

Everyone was silent at my words. Certainly, monsters weren't the only dangers things in
this world. I looked around for a moment and said, "It seems that the people in this station
moved quickly. Some basic necessities might remain."

"Ah right. Then…"

After hearing 'basic necessities,' Yoo Sangah gently raised her hand. Yoo Sangah looked at
Jung Heewon and their eyes met. No words were exchanged but both of them nodded at the
same time. Jung Heewon saw my look and asked me, "What is it? Does Dokja-ssi want to
know?"

Yoo Sangah paled. "…Heewon-ssi?"

"Ahaha, I'm just joking. Of course, I won't tell anyone."

…A secret only between women. It would be strange if I didn't know what they were talking
about. Human physiology didn't stop even in a world like this. Lee Hyunsung also opened
his mouth, "Ah, then I will go to the bathroom."

I was surprised for a moment but there was no reason not to use well-built facilities. This
was why the subway was convenient.
"I'll go with you." It was Lee Gilyoung. The two people walked side by side. I looked at their
rear view and thought they looked like affectionate brothers with a large age difference.

Yoo Sangah asked me, "Will Dokja-ssi be alone?"

"I will go above ground for a bit."

"Huh? There will be poisonous fog if you go out…will it be okay?"

"I'm only going for a bit."

Jung Heewon narrowed her eyes at my words. "…Something is suspicious. Dokja-ssi, are
you going to eat something good alone?"

I looked at Jung Heewon for a moment. "It is a man's secret."

After a while, I stood in front of Exit 6 of Dongdae Station. According to the information I
read beforehand, this place was surely…

[You have been exposed to a poisonous fog.]

The effect of the poisonous rhinos was still visible. This time I didn't buy the Ellain
Monkey's Lungs so I had to work quickly. I jumped up the escalator to the east while
holding my breath. Not long after that, a bronze coloured shining statue appeared.

[A constellation wearing a straw mat is filled with expectations at your actions.]

The statue was based on the appearance of a monk who lived in the mid-Joseon Dynasty. I
felt an unknown nobility coming from the face of the monk holding a bamboo stick. I
confirmed the name written vertically under the statue.

Yujeong Samyeongdang¹

Okay, good. There were no signs of anyone… I stood in front of the statue, holding my
hands together.

[A constellation wearing a straw mat is delighted with your actions.]

[100 coins have been sponsored.]

I didn't hesitate to use White Storm Sword Force to activate the Blade of Faith.

[A constellation wearing a straw mat is puzzled by your actions.]

Then I struck the statue of Samyeongdang.

[A constellation wearing a straw mat is appalled by your actions.]

[1] Yujeong Samyeongdang is a Korean Buddhist monk, sometimes identified by his

pen name, Song-un. A leader of Seosan's army of monks in 1592 – 1598. Wiki.
 Chapter 27: Ep. 6 – Judgment Time, IV
A few minutes later, I once again entered Dongguk University Station and ate a ground rat.
It was in order 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.

'Shut up'.

[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 their 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 a 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.

「 "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. However, 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."

"Great person?"

"Do you know Samyeongdang?"

[A constellation wearing a straw mat has paused at your actions.]

Jung Heewon asked with a blank expression, "…Who is that?"

[A constellation wearing a straw mat wishes to appear before character 'Jung Heewon'.]

"Ah! I know!" Fortunately, someone knew. Needless to say, it was Yoo Sangah. "I remember
seeing it when I was studying Korean history! Isn't he a monk from the Joseon Dynasty?"
"Yes, that's right."

"When the Korean military was struggling to defend against the Japanese invasion…he
fought in the Nowongpyeong battle and Wukwandong battle!"

As expected from Yoo Sangah. I also studied Korean history but I didn't know this.

[A constellation wearing a straw mat is touched by character 'Yoo Sangah'.]

I nodded and said, "Anyway, these items have his strength."

"…Really?"

"Wow, it is real!"

Jung Heewon and Lee Hyunsung were surprised when they confirmed the item
information.

"Still, how did Dokja-ssi know to get this?"

"Just, I put my hands together in front of the Samyeongdang statue and…they fell from the
sky."

"Huh? No way…"

I thought it was ridiculous but there was a reason people said such ridiculous words. I put
on a mock solemn expression as I watched the party. "I think… it was sent by
Samyeongdang for South Korea."

"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."

[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 was the first to be convinced. 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…"

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 convinced. It was only Jung
Heewon who was staring at me like it was nonsense.

[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 an 'Is this okay?' expression before looking dumbfounded.
The power of a constellation was directly linked to their fame. Thus, the constellations
loved it when their stories were spread this way. Where was a constellation that hated
being praised?

"I will give Samyeongdang's Beads to Yoo Sangah since you know him well."

"Really? Can I accept it?"

"I think Samyeongdang will be delighted if Yoo Sangah uses it."

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 Samyeongdang
wasn't a world-recognized figure had an effect. It was still a B class item so it had a
secondary option of boosting magic power to increase magic power recovery.

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."

"Ah…that…that."

"I'm joking, joking. Don't make such an expression."

I spoke to the sulky Jung Heewon, "I also have something for Jung Heewon-ssi."

"For me? Is it that straw mat?"

"Yes."

"It's okay. No matter how urgent, I don't want to wear such a thing."

"…Just try it. You won't regret it."

Jung Heewon hesitated for a moment before throwing on the straw mat. She was trying to
be fashionable but she just looked like a beggar.

[A constellation who likes companionship 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 enhances the justice and willpower of the
wearer. 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."

[The constellation 'Bald General of Justice' is happy at this situation.]

[100 coins have been sponsored.]

I jokingly said, "Then let's put our hands together and pray."

It was a joke but Jung Heewon really went to pray.

Jung Heewon was contaminated by the poisonous fog and spoke while eating a ground rat.
"By the way, who broke it? Surely it wasn't Dokja-ssi?"

"…"

"…Dokja-ssi?"

"Be prepared. We will be at Chungmuro soon."

I looked at the dark tunnel. It had been 20 minutes since Lee Gilyoung used Diverse
Communication, allowing us to safely move forward. Considering the fact that Dongguk
University to Chungmuro was 1 km in a straight line, it was time for 'that' to appear.

[A new sub-scenario has arrived!]

Indeed, as soon as I thought about it.

"Everybody step back."

[Sub Scenario – Phantom Prison]

Category: Sub

Difficulty: D~F

Clear Conditions: Escape from Phantom Prison within the time limit.

Time Limit: 1 hour

Compensation: 300 coins

Failure: ???

[Sub-scenario – Phantom Prison has begun!]

Perhaps Yoo Joonghyuk had suffered quite a bit in this scenario. This scenario was one of
the most painful traps for a regressor. Yoo Sangah asked, "Phantom Prison? What is this?"

She would know without asking.

"It is coming. Everyone, please keep your mind straight."

Before my words were over, a haze overcame me. The fog that instantly occupied the
tunnel blocked my 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.

「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?"

"Dokja-ssi! Dokja-ssi!"

In this distorted vision, the voices of my party members were gradually fading.

[Phantom Prison].

A space that led to madness by touching a person's trauma.

「 Dokja, you didn't see anything. Understood? 」

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.

[The exclusive skill, 'Fourth Wall' is activated!]

[Due to the skill effect, immunity to Phantom Prison has occurred.]

The moment my mind relaxed, the uncomfortable feeling diminished.

[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 Phantom Prison weakened, I felt a sense of alarm.

"Everyone, calm down and take deep breaths."

Those trapped in Phantom Prison would lose their minds and unleash their madness
around them. Thus, the most dangerous thing in Phantom Prison was the companions
around you. Yoo Joonghyuk's solo behaviour might be because he was worried about this
prison.

"S-Soldier Lee Hyunsung. Did you hear wrong?"

"I was wrong. I was wrong, Mother!"

"T-This dog bastard!"

…I was too late. I heard the screams of people filled with madness, but it wasn't everyone.

"…Dokja-ssi?" At this moment, Yoo Sangah's appearance was revealed in Phantom Prison.
Samyeongdang's Beads around her wrist was glowing brightly. Fortunately, it worked. I
approached Yoo Sangah and said, "Cover the surroundings. From now on, I will destroy this
space."

Yoo Sangah nodded with a nervous expression.

[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 'Phantom Prison'.]
Indeed, it was a skill used by Samyeongdang. If I had bought Repel Evil, it would've taken a
minute to release it. As the fog retreated and Phantom Prison disappeared, my companions
started to appear one by one.

"O-Our resolve! We are the South Korean army, loyal to the nation and the people!"

"Uh…Uh…Mother."

The trauma could be seen with one glance. Lee Hyunsung was bowing with his head on the
ground, while Lee Gilyoung had his head on his knees and was shaking. Yoo Sangah came
forward first. "Lee Hyunsung-ssi? Gilyoung! Please wake up!"

At this moment, a blade flew from the rear. Fortunately, the blade wasn't fast and it wasn't
difficult to avoid.

"…I will kill all of you."

Jung Heewon was waving her sword through the air like a madman. My heart ached as I
watched Jung Heewon's eyes became gradually redder. This was dangerous. It was a sign of
'Demon Slaying'. I stunned Jung Heewon by strongly hitting her in the back of the neck.
Luckily, Jung Heewon was unharmed. I thought it wouldn't be like this with
Samyeongdang's Straw Mat but Jung Heewon's mental state was more fragile than I
expected.

"Yoo Sangah, please look after Jung Heewon-ssi."

"…Yes, yes!"

"It isn't over yet."

[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 8th grade specter. It was the specters who made Phantom
Prison. I used White Storm Sword Force to invoke Blade of Faith. Fortunately, the battle
itself wasn't difficult. In the first place, the specters weren't difficult if Phantom Prison was
destroyed. The creepy and weird specters were destroyed.

[Specter's Stone.]

I put the fallen stones into my pocket. This needed to be picked up. Thanks to Yoo Sangah,
the others were recovering quickly.

"A-Are you okay?"

The one who recovered the fastest was Lee Hyunsung. Lee Hyunsung heard the story and
bowed his head with surprise. "…Thank you. I almost got into big trouble. I also want to
thank Dokja-ssi."

"It is nothing."

"I have a headache…" Lee Gilyoung's head was pounding. I stroked Lee Gilyoung's hair. He
pretended to be okay but perhaps the one with the most terrible trauma in this place was
this child. I saw a pale light in the distance.

Yoo Sangah said, "Dokja-ssi, I think it is over."

I worried about it for a short moment. Jung Heewon was stunned and it was difficult for the
others to exercise their power. Would we be okay to enter Chungmuro at this rate? My
concerns were resolved by another person. 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, Lee Jihye. She was one of the reasons why Yoo Joonghyuk 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 could catch them?"

I immediately used a skill.

[The exclusive skill, Character List is activated.]

[Character Summary]

Name: Lee Jihye

Age: 17 years old

Sponsor: Maritime War God

Exclusive Attributes: 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: Physique 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.

[The constellation 'Bald General of Justice' is touched at meeting an old companion.]

[Lee Jihye's sponsor welcomes the 'Bald General of Justice'.]

I felt a faint breeze in the subway tunnel where no trains were running. Looking at Lee
Jihye's hair fluttering in the wind, I realized again.

[Main Scenario #2 – Meeting has ended.]

[The compensation will be settled.]

Yes, we finally arrived. This was Chungmuro.

 Chapter 28: Ep. 7 – Landlord, I
We followed Lee Jihye and entered Chungmuro. Yoo Sangah saw the shattered screen door
of the platform and said, "…It is a chaotic atmosphere."

As we climbed up from the tracks of railway line 3, we saw some people sitting down.

[You have entered Chungmuro.]

[The third scenario is currently in progress.]

[#GIR-8761 channel is active.]

[#BIR-3642 channel is active.]

From Chungmuro onward, the size of the scenario grew and the dokkaebi channels
increased. That naive Bihyung would have a hard time from now on. Some middle-aged
people saw us and waved their hands. "Oh, little samurai. You brought new people?"

"Yes." 'A samurai'. I guess Lee Jihye could be called that if the sponsor behind her wasn't
known. Sooner or later, they would be punished. Lee Jihye frowned at the middle-aged
people. "Are you drunk again?"

"Hahaha! What is there to do other than drink when the world has become like this?"

The middle-aged people seemed relaxed, unlike those who were experiencing a disaster. It
was natural since they were wearing the uniform of soldiers. This was definitely different
from Gumho Station. It was truly beginning now.
"But did your friends come through the tunnel? How great… Won't they have a lot of
coins?"

Then one of the middle-aged men turned to Yoo Sangah. "Young lady over there, what is
your name? Would you like to rent a room for cheap?"

"…Room?"

"Haha, you don't know the system here yet? This place―"

Lee Jihye cut off the middle-aged man's words. "Ahjussis. Don't try to trick the newcomers."

"Uhuh, they must know anyway. This is what everyone is doing to live…"

"If you don't want to be injured, then get lost."

The middle-aged man paled at Lee Jihye's words. "This… young child has already learned
bad things."

"Hey, Kang-ssi. Stop it."

The middle-aged people turned away. They disappeared into transit line 4, and Lee Jihye
put away her sword.

"I brought you here, so take care from now on. I'm not a babysitter," this child spoke so
indifferently.

I looked around. Chungmuro—this was the stage of the third scenario, where completely
different rules were in play.

"S-Shit! I'll kill you if you come close…" A man was in the middle of the platform for subway
line 3, waving a knife around and threatening people. At his feet was a tile that was 1
pyeong (3.306 m2) in size. It emitted a green light that stretched into the air.

Yoo Sangah asked, "…Why is he doing that?"

"I don't know." I could guess but there was no need to scare her just now. There were many
people sitting down with a knife on subway line 3. Unlike the previous middle-aged men,
the faces of the people here were filled with despair. I glanced at them and asked Lee Jihye,
"Is Yoo Joonghyuk here?"

Lee Jihye, who was about to leave, turned her head at 'Yoo Joonghyuk'. There was vigilance
in her eyes. "…Who are you?"

Yoo Joonghyuk had already ruined this child. Well, I could understand. It was difficult to
find a constellation on the level of Maritime War God, even if he searched through all of
South Korea. If I were in Yoo Joonghyuk's position, I wouldn't have found her so soon after
coming to Chungmuro.

"I am a companion of Yoo Joonghyuk who came back alive."

"…Companion? How is that possible?" Lee Jihye stared at me with suspicious eyes.

I shrugged shamelessly. "That guy will understand if you tell him. Where is Yoo Joonghyuk
now?"

"…Master isn't here right now."

"Really? This is difficult. I have something I need to say."

Lee Jihye's expression distorted as she stared at me with something like feelings of
betrayal. Ah, I knew very well what she thought of Yoo Joonghyuk. Moreover, she was
already addressing him as 'Master'… It will be difficult to get her this way. Lee Jihye called
out to a boy squatting in the corner, "Hey, over there!"

"Eh? Yes, yes!"

"Watch over these people right here! I'm going to find Master."

The boy looked at us with puzzled eyes. "…Who are they?"

"I don't know. Master's friends?"

At Lee Jihye's words, the eyes of the people on the platform became bigger. They looked at
us with amazement and awe.

"…Yoo Joonghyuk-ssi's friends?!" The boy ran up to us and exclaimed. It was a boy who
looked roughly around Lee Jihye's age. "Are you really Yoo Joonghyuk-ssi's friends?"

I couldn't lie when I saw the boy's clear eyes. At least, that would be the case if I were an
ordinary person.

"He is a good friend."

Recently, I didn't seem to be an 'ordinary' person. At least, that was the case here.
While taking care of the unconscious Jung Heewon, I heard about Chungmuro from the boy.
Along with Lee Jihye, this boy was one of Yoo Joonghyuk's followers.

"…Thus, we followed Yoo Joonghyuk-ssi. Are you listening to me?"

"Yes."

Of course, I wasn't listening properly. The story of psychopath Yoo Joonghyuk's heroism
wasn't interesting. The short summary was something like this.

"Three days ago, Yoo Joonghyuk appeared and saved some of you, including Lee Jihye, from
the monsters. Isn't that the story?"

The boy frowned at his story being summarized so simply. "Uh, the story isn't that
simple…"

He was surely spellbound by Yoo Joonghyuk. A presence with overwhelming force had
rescued them suddenly. It would be strange if they didn't follow him. Yet the boy didn't
know that he had survived not because Yoo Joonghyuk was a good guy but because he had
been lucky to be with Lee Jihye.

"Now can I ask you a few things I am curious about?" Lee Hyunsung started asking politely
while I was locked in my thoughts.

"Yes. Just ask."

"How is the food supply here?"

"That… It is a bit embarrassing to say… Some people, including me, are dependent on Jihye.
Jihye hunts and asks Yoo Joonghyuk-ssi to cook…"

It was unknown when he made a checklist but Lee Hyunsung took out his notes and started
to write something. He really was a soldier.

"Then how is your drinking water?"

"We give food or coins to the 'Landlord Alliance' upstairs in exchange."

"…Landlord Alliance?" I sat straight up. Now the story was becoming interesting.

The boy hesitantly opened his mouth, "They are the landlords in charge of the Chungmuro
area. They occupy the upper floors, and we call them the Landlord Alliance."

Chungmuro's Landlord Alliance—it was a name that appeared in Ways of Survival.

"What type of people are they?"

"Well, what should I say…" In fact, there was no need for me to ask. Perhaps, according to
my expectations, one of the '10 Evils' was in Chungmuro right now. "They are just
landlords."

This answer was the correct answer in a sense. They were landlords, building owners who
received fixed taxes. At this moment, the quiet Lee Gilyoung opened his mouth, "Excuse me,
hyung."

"Yes?"

"I want to go to the toilet."

"Is it urgent?"

"Yes."

The timing was a bit unexpected. It was even more puzzling because Lee Gilyoung normally
didn't say something like this. Then I noticed that Lee Gilyoung was standing next to a
blushing Yoo Sangah.

"…Excuse me, can I also go with you?"

At the moment, the image of Yoo Sangah and Jung Heewon securing secret necessities at
Yaksu Station came to mind. I thought I knew what was going on, but that kid, Lee Gilyoung,
quickly noticed it first. The boy overheard the conversation and said, "You need to go up to
the second underground floor for the toilet, but it won't be easy to enter."

"…Has something happened?"

"Yes. I think it is better to see directly… I'm going up to, would you like to go with me?'

"Let's go." I was the one who said it. Of course, it wasn't to go to the bathroom. I had to go
up and check a few things. Recently, Yoo Joonghyuk's movements were different from the
'third regression' that I knew. If so, I needed to be clear about the gap. I went up to the third
underground level with my friends while carrying Jung Heewon who was still unconscious.

"Oh, I heard that there were new faces. Have you come to see the rooms?" A middle-aged
man standing near the escalator for line 4 whistled.

The boy shook his head and replied, "Ah, I'm sorry. We are going upstairs…"

"Eh, too bad. Be careful." The middle-aged man waved his hands without hesitation.

Yoo Sangah watched the middle-aged man moving away and asked, "That… By the way…
what exactly is the 'room'? I don't think it is the same as the room that I know."
"It is easy." The boy pointed to a square tile. The tiles were also present on the platform of
line 3. They were green tiles that were 1 pyeong in size. Looking at the details, I saw
something written in the air above the tile.

[Green Zone 0/1]

"The scenario name is 'green zone,' and these tiles are called rooms."

Near the tile, two men were fighting each other over the tile. It was Lee Hyunsung who
asked this time, "What is that? Why are those people fighting over it?"

The boy looked a bit reluctant to answer, as if talking to us would be a threat to his survival.
"You will know once you arrive at the second underground floor."

As we climbed up to the higher floors, there were more fights over rooms. The room
numbers were different. There were small rooms labelled (0/1) and large rooms labelled
(0/7). The latter number was probably the capacity of the room. I looked around carefully
and asked, "The third underground floor to the first underground floor is all the area of the
Landlord Association?"

"…Yes. They are small forces, but the Landlord Association has obtained most of it."

All the infrastructure of Chungmuro was located on the second and first underground
floors, yet a single alliance occupied all of it.

"Yoo Joonghyuk didn't take any action? Didn't he save you?"

"That…" The boy's face became noticeably darker at my question. The boy looked sullen for
a while before barely being able to speak. "He told us to stand on our own…"

I knew it. Of course, Yoo Joonghyuk would say something like this. Perhaps Yoo Joonghyuk
never told them to follow him. Fascinated by the overwhelming force he displayed, they
went on to have hopeful dreams. How pitiful.

Not long after, we arrived at the second underground floor. There was tension on the boy's
face. "We have to be careful from here onward."

There were many more rooms on B2 than the lower levels, and there were no groups of
people fighting. Instead, there were people guarding the green zones with scary eyes.

[Green Zone 7/7]

We passed by the people and headed toward the bathrooms.

"Uh… Why stop here?"

Our pace came to a stop as we approached the last passage to the bathroom. Like a
bottleneck, dozens of people were gathered in the passage.

"Let's go forward," I said while pushing people out of the way.

"Pildu-ssi! Please accept it! I won't do it again! Please, please! Please let me stay one more
day. I'll go into debt to get the coins!" The leader at the head of the line was facing the
agitated people.

"Now now, back off. Back off." On the opposite side, people who seemed to be from the
Landlord Association were gathered there. I could feel it instinctively. One of the 10 Evils
was here. I tried to find the '10 Evils' member through the novel's description, but it wasn't
easy since all of them seemed to fit. Did their impressions become similar after becoming
landlords?

I was shaking my head when someone grabbed my leg. It was Lee Gilyoung. I sensed some
danger and was about to grab his shoulder when someone pushed Lee Gilyoung.

"Ah." Lee Gilyoung lost his balance and fell down.

[The character 'Lee Gilyoung' has invaded private property!]

Suddenly, the atmosphere became cold, and some of the 'Landlord Association' members in
the front looked at Lee Gilyoung.

"What is with this child?"

At almost the same time, the crowd of people screamed and withdrew.

"Crazy!"

"B-Back! Quickly!"

As if they were never there, the crowd of people rushed back like a tide. The people
disappeared, and red lines shone where they used to be standing. One man looked between
the boundary and Lee Gilyoung in turn. "Hrmm. You seem lost. Do you know where this is?"

"The way to the bathroom?"

"The bathroom? Haha, at one time. By the way, that kid… Where are your parents?"

"…Huh?"

"Didn't you learn that you shouldn't intrude on other people's land?"

Other people's land…

Oh, it must be true. The man stroked Lee Gilyoung's head with an unknown look.
"Since you don't know, I will teach you from now on."

[The character 'Gong Pildu' has activated 'Armed Zone Lv. 3!]

There was a whirring sound, and mini turrets resembling gatling guns rose from the
ground.

[The character 'Gong Pildu' demands 500 coins for invading his private land.]

[If you don't follow the recommendations, all nearby turrets will fire immediately.]

The man said, "Give me money."

The loaded turrets were all aiming at the same point. The confused Lee Gilyoung stood up
and moved to my side. The man saw me and laughed. "Ah, so you are his guardian. Then
shouldn't the guardian pay 500 coins instead?"

I smiled at the hand that the man brazenly stretched out.

…How funny, Yoo Joonghyuk. You let these jerks go?

 Chapter 29: Ep. 7 – Landlord, II
The 10 Evils—the list and rankings were often changed according to Yoo Joonghyuk's
regression cycle, but they were the 10 people in charge of being the main villains in this
world of Ways of Survival. Chungmuro's armed fortress master, Gong Pildu, was one of the
10 Evils. Thus, a person wouldn't be aware of Gong Pildu unless they had read to the end of
Ways of Survival (like me).

[Green Zone 56/70]

Indeed, the size of his room was different. It couldn't be measured easily. This whole green
zone was Gong Pildu's area.

'Let's do the standard procedure'.

I hid Lee Gilyoung behind me and opened my mouth, "Why should we pay you coins?
Chungmuro Station is a public place."

"Haha, it was until eight days ago. But not anymore."

For ordinary humans, 500 coins wasn't a small sum. Making people pay 500 coins just for
stepping on his land… What a crook.

"Okay, I'll give it, but I'll give it to the person directly."

"What?"

"You aren't Gong Pildu."

Gong Pildu might be a villain, but right now, the person in front of me was just Extra '1' of
the Landlord Alliance.

'Where are you, Gong Pildu?'

I quickly looked around. Not him, not him… I wondered where Gong Pildu was.

"Haha, you are a funny guy. Hey, you're playing with me now…"

"Gong Pildu-ssi. Where are you? Take the fine."

I ignored them and kept walking.

[You have invaded private property!]

The turrets aimed straight at me but I didn't stop. Honestly, there was no guarantee that I
would be safe if the turrets started shooting. Nonetheless, there was a need to show off my
combat power here. That way Gong Pildu wouldn't underestimate me.

"That's how far you'll get. I will shoot if you come closer." Finally, Gong Pildu moved. There
was a bench covered with various supplies. A middle-aged man was sitting on top of it and
reading a magazine was staring at me. Indeed, this was how he was described in the novel.
His belly was half revealed, and I could see the hair on it. This was Gong Pildu, the
representative of the Landlord Alliance.

"This is a face I've never seen before but you are great."

"Isn't it unfair that I need to pay to see you?"

[The character 'Gong Pildu' is interested in you.]

In any case, I seemed to be the type that was popular with the bad guys. It was the same
with Kim Namwoon.

"You are fairly good at talking. But it isn't good to be too cocky."

Tadak. I heard magic bullets being loaded in the turrets. 'Damn bastard'.

Gong Pildu smiled like an ordinary neighborhood ahjussi, but I knew… Gong Pildu could
never be an ordinary neighborhood ahjussi.

[The exclusive skill, Character List is activated.]

[Character Summary]

Name: Gong Pildu

Age: 48 years old

Sponsor: Defense Master

Exclusive Attributes: Landlord (Rare), Great Landowner (Rare)

Exclusive Skills: Private Property Lv. 3, Patience Lv. 1, Profit Calculation Lv. 2, Leadership
Lv. 2, Incite Lv. 1, Weapons Training Lv. 1.

Stigma: Armed Zone Lv. 3.

Overall Stats: Physique Lv. 9, Strength Lv. 11, Agility Lv. 10, Magic Power Lv. 19.

Overall Evaluation: Gong Pildu, the representative of the Chungmuro Landlord Alliance. His
skill 'Private Property' and stigma 'Armed Zone' has the best effect in a battle against many.
It is advisable not to make him an enemy.

* 'Starter Pack' is currently applied.

* A growth package is currently applied.

There were numerous 'gap' in this world, but few of them were as stable as a landowner or
landlord. However, there were those who boasted both characteristics, and the 'Armed
Fortress Master' Gong Pildu in front of me was one of them. I realized it when I saw this
explanation. His magic power was already at level 19. Indeed, this would be enough for him
to be one of the 10 Evils in the future.

"By the way, what did you come here for? I don't think your goal is paying the fine."

He was also very sensitive. I pondered over it for a while. Should I negotiate here or
overpower Gong Pildu? It might be possible if I used all my power, but it wouldn't be easy
to break through Gong Pildu's Armed Zone. I needed to prepare to receive a big injury if I
wanted to defeat the turrets.

What should I do? There was a separate place where I had to use coins, so it was impossible
to increase my stats.

"I'm warning you that you shouldn't think of anything." Gong Pildu smiled at me. His troops
were surrounding Lee Hyunsung. He really moved quickly.

I laughed and raised both hands. "Please calm down. Isn't it obvious for a tenant to come to
the landlord?"

"Is it for a room?"

"Yes. Please let my companions and I sit in your green zone"

This was a must. In order to clear the third scenario safely, we had to stay in Gong Pildu's
green zone. However, Gong Pildu's answer was as expected. "No. The alliance doesn't
accept outsiders. I'll think about it if every person pays 500 coins a day."

500 coins a day? It was like selling coins. This was more expensive than the Dokkaebi Bag.

"It is a bit tough, so I will give you information instead."

"What information?"

"Information about Yoo Joonghyuk."

'Yoo Joonghyuk'. The complexions of the landlords changed with that one name.

"Yoo Joonghyuk? Yoo Joonghyuk caused such an uproar not long ago…"

"You bastard! What is your relationship with that guy?"

"Pildu-ssi! Isn't this bastard suspicious?"

There was a reaction. I thought that Yoo Joonghyuk would've already caused a problem
with the Landlord Alliance. In fact, I was a bit unsure about this point. According to the
original story, Yoo Joonghyuk of the third regression should be fighting against the
Landlord Alliance by now. What was he doing? Gong Pildu stared at me with suspicious
eyes. "What is your relationship with Yoo Joonghyuk?"

"We are companions who have gone through life and death separately."

"...Not together?"

"Anyway, we're close."

"How can I believe that?"

"Don't believe me. Don't you have nothing to lose?" I threw out the bait.

Perhaps Gong Pildu would have to accept my suggestion. It was because right now, Yoo
Joonghyuk was the only person who could threaten the power balance in Chungmuro.

[The character 'Gong Pildu' has activated 'Profit Calculation Lv. 2!]

"Why won't I receive any loss?"

"…?"
"There is no guarantee that you aren't a scammer. I can't ignore my years of experience. In
my experience, people like you run away to avoid paying the rent at the end of the month."

It was so accurate that I felt wronged. Still, it was difficult to push it here. "If you don't
believe me, it can't be helped. Maybe there will be damages."

Gong Pildu's expression became complicated. I turned around without hesitation. It was
important not to show any regret. That way, he would regret it even more.

"Wait a minute." Indeed. "You have to pay the fine for intruding. Where are you trying to
flee to?"

It was another regret. Dammit. I turned around and smiled awkwardly. "How much? 100
coins?"

"No, you and that kid are 1,000 coins."

The vein on my head bulged. Did this bastard think that 1,000 coins were 1,000 won…?

"That is too much."

The dokkaebi still hadn't given me my cut of the coins, but I couldn't give 1,000 coins to a
jerk like Gong Pildu. Gong Pildu grinned. "Then you are disqualified as tenants. Die."

I instinctively pushed through the men around me and ran to where my party members
were. There was the first sound of firing, and Lee Hyunsung held up a metal shield,
blocking my back. He was really reliable. Lee Hyunsung's strength and physique were level
14, but he spoke very nervously, "…Dokja-ssi."

I could clearly see his trembling arm muscles. Lee Hyunsung had yet to obtain his second
stigma, which meant he couldn't hold on against the turrets. Moreover, there was no Jung
Heewon. If I started a head to head fight, someone in this party would surely die.

"Gong Pildu-ssi, wait a moment. If we fight then you won't escape any damages."

"What?"

"It is better not to fight us now."

"Why?"

The damage had to be shown.

"If we fight now, you will die here."

Gong Pildu's expression hardened. Even if I didn't add anything, Gong Pildu would've
noticed the presence of the guy coming down the escalator from B1. It would be strange if
he didn't know considering the guy was giving off such a huge momentum.

"My best companion is coming."

It was Yoo Joonghyuk. I didn't expect that damn regressor to be happy.

"Master, it's that person. He pretended to be Master's companion," Lee Jihye cried out
shrilly as she pointed at me. The main character, the lone hero of a drama, was walking by
her side. He looked at me with impressively fierce eyes.

[The character 'Yoo Joonghyuk' is greatly disturbed.]

[Exclusive skill, Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint stage 2 has been activated!]

There was a brief moment of dizziness, and I started to hear his thoughts.

「 How… Already? 」

I cheerfully waved at him.

"Hi, Joonghyuk-ah."

「······.」

"How've you been? You look pretty good?"

「······.」

Lee Jihye and Gong Pildu looked at us like they couldn't believe it. They never expected that
I would be a companion of Yoo Joonghyuk. There was a tight tension in the air.

"These people don't believe I am your companion. Can you tell them?"

Nevertheless, I knew Yoo Joonghyuk. This bastard killed easily but he kept his promises.

[A few constellations are paying attention to character Yoo Joonghyuk's answer.]

[The constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' is observing Yoo Joonghyuk's loyalty.]

Moreover, the constellations were paying a lot of attention.

「······.」

Yoo Joonghyuk watched me and slowly opened his mouth. However, my words were faster.
"Ah, right. It would be better if you let me use the bathroom!"
Finally, Yoo Joonghyuk pulled out a blade.

After a while, we safely used the bathroom and came down to the platform of line 3. It was
thanks to this fellow regressor companion. I smiled widely. "It's nice to see you, you rascal."

"…You're alive."

In conclusion, Yoo Joonghyuk didn't call me his companion. He just pointed his blade at
Gong Pildu as his answer. Fortunately, Gong Pildu didn't want to clash with us and let us go.

I asked, "Were you hoping I would be killed?"

"I thought it would be good."

This rotten companion…

I became angrier when I saw that cheeky face. It made me want to run over and strike him
in the jaw, but I couldn't do it.

[The exclusive skill, Character List is activated.]

[There is too much information about this person. Character List is converted to Character
Summary.]

Full version.

[Converting the character information of 'Yoo Joonghyuk' into the 'full version'.]

[Character Summary]

Name: Yoo Joonghyuk.

Age: 28 years old.

Sponsor: ???

Exclusive Attributes: Regressor (3rd turn) (Myth), Pro Gamer (Rare)

Exclusive Skills: Sage's Eye Lv. 8, Hand to Hand Combat Lv. 8, Advanced Weapons Training
Lv. 5, Strong Self-Defense Lv. 5, Mental Barrier Lv. 5, Crowd Control Lv. 5, Reasoning Lv. 5,
Lie Detection Lv. 4…(Omitted)…

Stigma: Regression Lv. 3

Overall Stats: Physique Lv. 24, Strength Lv. 24, Agility Lv. 25, Magic Power Lv. 23.

Comprehensive Evaluation: The comprehensive evaluation of this person is too long to

load.

It hadn't seemed that great in the novel. Yet, having seen it in person now, I knew how
extraordinary it was. We were about to enter the third scenario, and Yoo Joonghyuk's total
physical related stats were around 70.

'This crazy bastard'.

Dammit, this was the main character buff.

"Do you have anything to say?" Yoo Joonghyuk asked.

Yoo Joonghyuk's growth rate was steeper than it had been in the original three regressions.
The fact that his growth was so fast meant he was taking great risks… What the hell was
this person, who had only returned three times, doing? Something was making me uneasy. I
would have to dig it out sooner or later…

"I asked if you had anything to say."

"No, I was just looking."

「 …He is more tenacious than I thought. 」

What tenacity? He had a serious chuuni disease.

「 However, being cheeky isn't good. Should I just kill him now? 」

"I'm joking." I laughed hurriedly. Yoo Joonghyuk turned his head like he wasn't interested.

[The constellation 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' is disappointed in you.]

Anyway, I didn't want to alienate Yoo Joonghyuk right now. In order to clear the multiple
scenarios, Yoo Joonghyuk was a necessary person. Even if we weren't real companions, it
was worth using him thoroughly.

…Why did it sound like I was making excuses?

"It looks like you've obtained companions." Yoo Joonghyuk looked at the people behind me
with emotionless eyes.

[The character 'Yoo Joonghyuk' is a bit disappointed in you.]

'…What? Why?'

The answer was very clear.

[The character 'Yoo Joonghyuk' has used Sage's Eye Lv. 8!]

「 He picked up Lee Hyunsung but was only able to raise him to this level. 」

I was at a loss for a moment because it was true. Certainly, Lee Hyunsung's growth would
be better if he had moved with Yoo Joonghyuk.

'Still… this bastard'.

I was just an ordinary reader who had luckily gotten to know the future.

「 It is below expectations. 」

It seemed worse because I was hearing his words in my mind. At that moment, Yoo
Joonghyuk's eyes stopped as he was looking around. For the first time, confusion could be
seen in his eyes.

「…What is that? 」
 Chapter 30: Ep. 7 – Landlord, III
Yoo Joonghyuk was looking at everyone except for Lee Hyunsung. The three remaining
people were standing together and I couldn't figure out exactly who Yoo Joonghyuk was
looking at.

「…How is this possible? 」

Who was he looking at? I wanted to ask but I was afraid that my skill would be exposed.
Yoo Joonghyuk still didn't know that I knew his thoughts. However, I guessed that he
might've seen the information of Jung Heewon. Jung Heewon saw Yoo Joonghyuk's gaze
and confronted him. "What are you looking at?"

「······.」

Good job, Jung Heewon.

「 Kill… 」

"Yoo Joonghyuk."

I quickly opened my mouth, "I was wondering about one thing." He turned to look at me.
His eyes were questioning. "Why are you leaving Gong Pildu alone?"

"If you are a prophet, you should know."

"I don't know everything."

To be exact, I didn't remember everything.

[The character 'Yoo Joonghyuk' has used the 'Lie Detection' skill.]

[The character Yoo Joonghyuk has confirmed that your words are true.]

He was thorough.

"…Indeed, I see. A prophet whose level of 'future sight' is low."

Think what you want. Yoo Joonghyuk continued speaking, "I need Gong Pildu alive."

"Is it because of a future scenario?"

Yoo Joonghyuk didn't answer. It was like he was trying to gauge the information I knew.

"I know that you need Gong Pildu for future scenarios. But you only need Gong Pildu. You
don't need the entire group that follows him."

「······.」

"Isn't it your style to remove what you don't need? Why are you just leaving them?"

「…How annoying. 」

What?

"I have a lot to do." Yoo Joonghyuk stared at me quietly and said, "You will never
understand."

"Wait! That isn't the problem. If you don't move now, most of the humans in Chungmuro
will…!"

Yoo Joonghyuk's eyes were cold. "It doesn't matter."

I wasn't a humanist. I didn't believe that everyone in this world was worth keeping alive.
The thing that was making me angry right now was Yoo Joonghyuk.

"Yoo Joonghyuk. Can I hit you?"

"If you have confidence."

I angrily formed a fist as I heard a message.

[The character Yoo Joonghyuk has used 'Strong Self-Defense Lv. 5'.]

I dropped my fist. Cowardly bastard.

"Are you finished?" Yoo Joonghyuk asked.

"…"

"Let's go."

Lee Jihye flinched at Yoo Joonghyuk's call. Lee Jihye, who belated following Yoo Joonghyuk,
looked at me with confused eyes.

[The constellation 'Bald General of Justice' is impressed by your chivalrous spirit.]

[100 coins have been sponsored.]

Of course, it was completely misleading.

[There are 1 hour and 30 minutes before the third scenario is activated.]

There wasn't much time left and my mind was complicated.

[The constellation 'Bald General of Justice' is angry that people's lives must be risked.]

[The constellation 'Bald General of Justice' wants an uprising.]

Samyeongdang's message rang loudly in my head but he didn't think of a good way to
resolve it. The third scenario lasted exactly one week. Maybe Yoo Joonghyuk was planning
to gain some other advantage during the third scenario. Of course, I couldn't let it go. I
couldn't let it go…

[The constellation 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' is wondering what you are thinking.]

"That jerk Yoo Joonghyuk."

[The constellation 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' is satisfied.]

[100 coins have been sponsored.]

In fact, the problem in front of me wasn't Yoo Joonghyuk but Gong Pildu. In order to break
through the third scenario, Gong Pildu's help was absolutely necessary. If I couldn't get his
help…

Suddenly, Jung Heewon looked up and smiled, "Who is it?"

"…Huh?"

"You know, that person. The one you were talking to Yoo Joonghyuk about."

I immediately explained about Gong Pildu. Jung Heewon was unconscious so she hadn't
been able to see Gong Pildu. I didn't mean to change the subject. Jung Heewon immediately
reacted. "…What are these scum? Taking the public facilities and making people pay to use
them?"

"Those scum are upstairs."

"I'll go and throw them out." Jung Heewon picked up the ground rat blade. That reminded
me, I should change their weapons. There was a lot to be done.

"Your actions are absurd."

"We can win if we join forces. Don't you remember Gumho Station?" Jung Heewon's
expression was confident. It was natural. Jung Heewon had the Judgment Time skill as a
trump card. She had good senses and was quick to adapt, so she would've already figured
out her attribute and skills.

"Don't dawdle! Let's go and kill them!"

As long as her opponents were 'wicked', her Judgment Time boasted the highest power.

[The character 'Jung Heewon' has activated the exclusive skill 'Judgment Time'.]

[Constellations of the Absolute Good system are silent at Jung Heewon's request.]

[The skill has been cancelled.]

Jung Heewon's face filled with confusion. "No, this…what? Is it broken?" Jung Heewon tried
to activate the skill again. However, the skill wasn't triggered. "No…why isn't it activating?
Aren't they obviously wicked?"

I laughed at Jung Heewon's question. "That is what we humans think."

"…What are you talking about?"

"The constellations might be different. There is no guarantee that the good and evil they
know is like what we know."

"Ah…"

"Justice is always decided by the majority."

Right now, the majority of constellations have decided that they are 'good'. Humans no
longer had the right to decide on justice. Humans were just the puppets of their sponsors.
"That…"

I looked at the party members. Everyone didn't say anything but they thought in a similar
way to Jung Heewon. Lee Hyunsung wiped the iron shield that was scratched by the magic
bullets, while Yoo Sangah and Lee Gilyoung sat next to each other on the ground, looking at
cockroaches.

This sense of despair, I could understand. They thought they understood after getting rid of
the gang at Gumho Station. However, there was an incomparable monster just three
stations away. It was time to start the torture known as hope.

"That doesn't mean there is no way."

"Huh?"

"It might be difficult but there is a way to defeat them."

They simultaneously looked at me. Lee Hyunsung asked, "…Do you really have a way?"

"What is it?"

I looked around and lowered my voice. "Get Gong Pildu out of the Armed Zone."

"What is the Armed Zone?"

"His stigma. It is optimized to defend an area."

Armed Zone. The reason why it was difficult to go against Gong Pildu was this stigma. It
was a fraudulent ability that could build 'turrets' in an area. Right now, it was just Armed
Zone. Once the stigma evolved in the future, it would become 'Armed Fortress' and a siege
needed to be prepared to catch him. However, Gong Pildu had an obvious weakness.

"His Armed Zone will be released as soon as he leaves his designated area. His mini-turrets
will also become useless. Usually, there are many restrictions on such a wide defense skill."

At the same time, Lee Hyunsung and Jung Heewon looked at me with admiration.

"Ah…I see."

"You figured this out after seeing it once? Is this Dokja-ssi's attribute?"

The same thing was repeated but I saw that the people had adapted to me to some extent.
Yoo Sangah asked, "Then how will you make him move?"

"We have to think about that for now."

"Ah, I hate thinking." Jung Heewon complained.

Then everyone was silent for a while. It was Lee Hyunsung who gave his idea first. "Attack
when he goes to the bathroom…"

"Didn't you see the things next to the bench?"

Gong Pildu never moved out of his Armed Zone. His bench had everything he needed. There
were all the basics to eat and sleep: a sleeping bag, blanket, food, water, and even a place to
piss. Of course, the tenants provided him with all of it.

"Crazy. He is a complete shut in. No, is he not moving because he is hiding something good
on the land?"

"It is the biggest 'room' in Chungmuro."

"…Room?"

That reminds me, Jung Heewon still didn't know about the rooms. But there was no need
for me to explain.

[There is 1 hour before the third scenario is activated.]

She would son find out.

"We also need to find a room."

The moment our party got up, the people around us flinched.

"D-D-Don't come closer!"

In particular, the man with a knife who was protecting a single person room on the No. 3
line platform showed high vigilance. However, other people rushed towards him before we
could approach.

"Get out, your fucker!"

They attacked indiscriminately. As soon as the man was pushed out, the mark on the green
zone changed. The owner had changed.

[Green Zone 1/1-> Green Zone 0/1].

The people were engaging in a bloody fight over the room. Someone was stabbed in the
thigh while someone had their nose broken. Jung Heewon frowned. "Shouldn't we stop
that?"

"Even if we intervene, the result will be the same. In the end, somebody will die."

"Why does someone have to die?"

"It isn't possible to avoid in this scenario."

I had just finished speaking when Bihyung emerged in the air.

[Now now, shall we start the third day of the main scenario? New faces have arrived today
so won't it be fun? Hahaha!]

Bihyung glanced my way. There were three dokkaebis in charge of the Chungmuro
scenario. It seemed that Bihyung was temporarily the representative. It was a natural
consequence of being the smallest of the three channels. Then the third scenario arrived in
front of us.

[Main Scenario #3 – Green Zone (Day 3)]

Category: Main

Difficulty: C

Clear Conditions: Occupy the 'green zone' in the station and survive the monsters that
emerge every night at midnight. This scenario will last 7 days.

Duration: 8 hours.

Compensation: 1,000 coins

Failure: ―

Lee Hyunsung's eyes widened.

"T-This…!"

[It is simple. Occupy the green zone before other people. Of course, you can take away the
green zone of others. By the way, you should hurry. If you don't have a green zone after the
scenario starts, you will have a terrible experience. Haha, then everyone should try it!]

People's expressions hardened as they heard Bihyung's words. In the meantime, the
screams of the people continued.

"Die! Die!"

"I-I'm not doing this because I have a grudge! I must survive…"

Maybe this was what everyone realized. The struggle in front of us was no longer a story.
Yoo Sangah asked in a trembling voice, "Surely we don't have to fight like these people?"
"We don't need to fight. Just find a room that can accommodate a large number of people."

"The size of the green zones vary by type. It ranged from fitting only one person to fitting
70 people like Gong Pildu's area."

"Of course, if there are any rooms left."

Jung Heewon opened her mouth at my words. "Dokja-ssi is really talented at making people
uneasy… then let's move right away. Maybe there are some rooms left."

"It might be faster to split up. Divide the team. Hyunsung-ssi will move with Sangah-ssi,
while Heewon-ssi should take Gilyoung."

"Dokja-ssi?"

"I'm fine on my own."

I didn't have to say anything else. Everyone trusted me. Lee Gilyoung spoke first, "Hyung,
that…what if we can't find one?"

"If we can't find a room, then 20 minutes before the scenario starts, we will gather here
again."

"I understand. Then I'm going."

The team scattered in an orderly fashion. Jung Heewon and Lee Gilyoung went to B2 while
Yoo Sangah and Lee Hyunsung went to B3. I watched my companions leave before turning
on my smartphone. As soon as I opened Ways of Survival, a sentence immediately popped
up.

「 There were no rooms left in Chungmuro. 」

This fact was written clearly. It was likely that they wouldn't be able to find any rooms.
Then they could only choose one way. In order to survive, kill someone else and take their
room. But could Lee Hyunsung and Jung Heewon do it? Not everyone here was 'wicked'.
There were some who exploited others, like Gong Pildu. But in fact, most of them bared
their teeth in order to protect themselves.

Could Yoo Sangah and Lee Gilyoung bare their teeth at people like that? I would know the
answer very soon.
 Chapter 31: Ep. 7 – Landlord, IV
After the dokkaebi disappeared, dozens of casualties appeared on the platform of line 3.

Currently, there was only one room on the line 3 platform.

There was no one strong here, so the weak didn't back down and attacked each other.

"Die! Die!"

[There are 30 minutes before the third scenario is activated.]

As pandemonium occurred around me, I was quietly reading Ways of Survival. Perhaps
today's scenario would flow as I thought. In order to survive, I couldn't miss a single word.

[What are you doing now?]

Along with Bihyung's words, I could hear the messages of the constellations.

[The constellation 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' is wondering what you are doing.]

I reflexively turned off my smartphone. There was something I hadn't thought of until now.
Why didn't the constellations respond when I read Ways of Survival?

In the original Ways of Survival, the constellations discovered that Yoo Joonghyuk was a
regressor and raised questions about fairness. It was normal for them to say something
about the text I was reading.
[What are you doing right now with a blank notepad? All the constellations are going crazy
with frustration because of you!]

…Blank notepad?

I turned on the smartphone again. Ways of Survival appeared on the screen.

"Is this what you are referring to?"

[Yes! What are you going to do with that notepad? You will die if you stay still! Ha, I
believed in a guy like this and sighed a contract…]

I got goosebumps.

The dokkaebi couldn't read this 'text'. If even the dokkaebis, which managed the system,
couldn't read it then the constellations were the same.

Then the writer who gave me the text…what type of existence was he?

"Kuaack!"

The last scream rang out. Finally, the owner of the room on platform line 3 was determined.

[Green Zone 1/1]

"…Don't come any closer."

A boy was pointing a knife at me. Surprisingly, the winner was the boy who guided us
earlier. I still didn't know his name.

"Don't worry, I won't take your room."

I spoke in order to reassure the boy. The moment I had this thought.

"Really? You are quite relaxed ahjussi. Do you want to die?"

I didn't need to look back to see who was talking.

"It looks like you are quite free."

"Nobody touches my room. I will send everyone who touches it to hell."

Lee Jihye twirled a deep blue blade round and round. In regards to specs, there was no one
who could match Lee Jihye apart from Yoo Joonghyuk or people from the Landlord Alliance.
Lee Jihye watched me carefully and opened her mouth.

"I don't want ahjussi to die. You were quite impressive against Master earlier."
"Don't worry, I won't die. It won't die even if I don't find a room."

It was true. I wouldn't necessarily die if I couldn't find a room. There was an impossible
man in this station who proved this. It was only three days ago.

Lee Jihye's eyes narrowed.

"Ahjussi, do you know what you are saying right now?"

"Yes."

"Ahjussi, are you strong? As strong as Master?"

Then Yoo Joonghyuk appeared behind Lee Jihye.

"Stop and go back to your room."

"Ah…yup. Master."

Lee Jihye obediently left and Yoo Joonghyuk turned towards me.

"Are you going to fight the monsters?"

I shrugged.

"You will die. Your four companions as well."

"That remains to be seen."

There was an unknown emotion in Yoo Joonghyuk's eyes as he glanced at me and left. I
didn't use Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint. It wasn't always possible to expression
emotions with words.

[There are 20 minutes before the third scenario is activated.]

There was the sound of people coming down the stairs. Lee Hyunsung, Lee Gilyoung and
Yoo Sangah… looking at their dark expressions, the result was as I expected. Yoo Sangah
opened her mouth with a gloomy expression.

"Room…there were non.:

"It is okay. Rather, where is Heewon-ssi?"

"She is trying to negotiate upstairs."

At these words, Jung Heewon jumped down with a terrible scream.

"One night is 2,000 coins? Are they joking right now? I am really going to hit them."
The agitated Jung Heewon snorted and said.

"Dokja-ssi. Do you know what is happening upstairs? No―"

"They suddenly raised the taxes right?"

"Eh…you already know?"

It was predictable. The tenants would die if they couldn't get a room in 20 minutes. It was
no wonder that the owners would take the initiative to raise the taxes.

"Did Dokja-ssi find anything?"

"No, I didn't."

"Ah…"

I examined their faces one by one. In the end, the time to choose had come.

"I have two ways."

The eyes of the party members shone at these words. But my methods would probably
betray their expectations.

"The first way is easy for all of us to live."

Jung Heewon's eyes narrowed.

"Usually it is the second method… what is the other one?"

"The second method is very difficult. It is likely that some of us will die."

"Eh…that can't happen. Then I will choose the first way."

"What do the others think?"

Lee Hyunsung responded first.

"The first method will be good if everyone can live."

Lee Gilyoung nodded. Only Yoo Sangah hesitated.

"…Can I hear what it is?"

I nodded and lead them up the stairs to transit line 4.

"This is the first method."

The party members looked at where I pointed. There was a group of five men and women
shaking.

[Green Zone 5/5]

"They room they occupy has exactly five spaces. But their individual abilities isn't that high.
Honestly, if the five of us…"

"Wait, Dokja-ssi―"

"Yes, kill them and take their room."

Their trembling increased at my calm voice. Jung Heewon made a deeply wounded
expression.

"…Who doesn't know about this method?"

"If hyung says so, I can do it."

Lee Gilyoung spoke first.

"I'm not afraid. I will do it."

"No Gilyoung!"

Yoo Sangah grabbed Lee Gilyoung's shoulder. I deliberately looked uncaring.

"They would've also killed someone to take that room. Honestly, we can't overcome future
scenarios if we can't do this."

"Dokja-ssi." Jung Heewon interrupted. "I killed people at Gumho Station. I killed because I
wanted to and I don't regret it. But."

Jung Heewon had a pained expression on her face.

"Just because I am a murderer doesn't mean I want to keep killing. I don't want to be a
monster.

"…"

"…Dokja-ssi, I would like to know about the second method."

I closed my eyes for a moment at Lee Hyunsung's words.

"I understand your thoughts."

Yes, this was enough.

"Let's go the second way."

The expressions of the party members seemed to brighten. In fact, I was going to use the
second method from the beginning.

Killing was an easy way to survive, but I could never attract the attention of the
constellations if I chose the easy method.

However, the second method required considerable determination. It wasn't just me but
everyone. Thus, I needed to check their determination. I had to know what these people
were really thinking.

Jung Heewon laughed.

"…I thought so. Why are you talking when you were going to go with the second way?"

"I wasn't trying to test you. Whatever choice you made, I would've respected it."

I stroked Lee Gilyoung's head, who was looking up at me with uneasy eyes. Yoo Sangah
sighed and opened her mouth.

"Dokja-ssi is really spiteful."

"I'm sorry I'm not a good person."

"What is the second method?"

"There is no need to kill anybody with this method. But it is very difficult."

At my heavy tone, the expressions of the party members became determined.

"If you choose the second method, please unconditionally follow my instructions. Please
trust me, even if it doesn't make sense. If one person doesn't trust me―"

"…"

"We will all die."

Someone gulped. The party members nodded almost simultaneously. Lee Hyunsung said.

"I believe in Dokja-ssi. I have survived up to here because of Dokja-ssi."

[There are 5 minutes before the third scenario is activated.]

"Then follow me."

I moved with the party members along railway line 3. We passed through the broken
screen door and stood at the entrance of the tunnel leading to Euljiro-3.
Inside the dark tunnel, I saw a glowing 'red zone'. Perhaps the monsters would be created
over there. They would sweep over line 3 and go up each floor towards the ground.

Lee Hyunsung asked nervously.

"…Then are we fighting the monsters here?"

"No, we aren't fighting. If we fight here then we will die."

It wasn't possible to fight against the terrifying monsters and survive until dawn without
the green zone.

This time, Jung Heewon asked.

"…Then will we run towards the Dongdae area?"

"That won't work. Once the scenario is activated, we will automatically die if we leave
Chungmuro."

"Then…"

"This operation needs to be shared. Lee Hyunsung-ssi, Yoo Sangah-ssi and Jung Heewon-
ssi. Once the monsters appear, run straight in the direction they are coming from."

"…Huh?"

"Understood? Just run towards them. Just before you encounter them, be sure to look at the
left wall. Then you will know that I mean."

The people didn't understand my words but there was no time to explain to them.

"Just trust me or you will die. Don't forget to look at the left wall."

"I understand Dokja-ssi." Yoo Sangah seemed to understand what I meant and answered
first.

"I am telling you in person. You must run after the monster appears."

I picked up a stone and threw it towards the tunnel. Then stone sparked as it hit something
and fell. Lee Hyunsung and Jung Heewon nodded as if they understood.

"What about Dokja-ssi?"

"I'll find another way with Gilyoung."

This method couldn't be used unless my party members believed in me. Who would go
against common sense and commit a suicide attack by rushing towards the monsters?
The only thing left was their determination.

[The third main scenario is enabled.]

The barrier that was blocking the tunnel to Euljiro-3 disappeared.

"Run!"

The three people started running the moment I called out.

Grrr!

The monsters started to be created in the red zone. It was mainly the grade 9 ground rats.
Then the middle ranks were filled with the intermediate grade 9 underground species, the
'groll'.

Kuooooh!

A monster with a black mane that was in the shape of a bear. The sharp horns on their
foreheads was threatening.

One was relatively easy to deal with. The problem was the number. The crowded columns
was already not suitable to be called a 'group'. We would die if we hit that wave.

The moment Lee Hyunsung encountered the first groll, I shouted.

"Now!"

Yoo Sangah found it first. Green tiles shimmering on the wall.

"Ah―!"

The enlightenment was instant The moment Yoo Sangah's hand touched the wall, it emitted
a bright light.

[Green Zone 1/3]

The agile Jung Heewon immediately touched the wall behind her.

[Green Zone 2/3]

However, Lee Hyunsung missed the timing. It was because the ground rats clung to Lee
Hyunsung's shield.

"Hyunsung-ssi! Catch it!"

Lee Hyunsung grabbed the 'thread' that Yoo Sangah threw him. Thanks to the strength of
the two women, Lee Hyunsung flew through the air and reached the wall.
[Green Zone 3/3]

Good.

Grrrrrrr!

The monsters stared at them but once they entered the green zones, the monsters couldn't
attack.

"Dokja-ssi!"

Yoo Sangah called out to me but there was no time to look back. I was already running with
Lee Gilyoung on my back.

「 …In the third main scenario, there are several hidden green zones. This is activated on a
specific wall and the green zones on the wall won't appear until after the scenario starts… if
you think about it, humans were the ones who thought of it as the concept of a 'room'. 」

In Ways of Survival, Yoo Joonghyuk went through numerous regressions and found some
secret green zones in Chungmuro.

On the platform of line 3, there were two such green zones.

Kiiiiit!

A few ground rats chasing after me bit me in the thigh. The blow wasn't big because of my
high strength, but these small things could accumulate.

Kwack!

Lee Gilyoung hit a few ground rats with a blunt weapon from his position on my back. But
there were too many of them. In addition, the groll were fast.

A dozen meters away, the boy was looking at me with terrified eyes.

[Green Zone 1/1]

It was cowardly but I was tempted to take the easy road for a second.

[Hahahaha! This situation is fun. Then like yesterday, should there be a penalty?]

A dokkaebi spoke followed by the system messages.

[A scenario penalty has been added!]

[Some existing green zones will be disabled.]

"N-No! Uack, aaaaack!"

Screams rang through Chungmuro Station. The closest scream came from the boy.

Kwajijijik!

"Aaaaack!"

As soon as the green zone disappeared, the boy's small body was shredded by the ground
rats.

Thanks to the boy's body buying time, I was able to run into the passage. However, the
monsters that came from beyond the broken screen door blocked the path.

I hid Lee Gilyoung behind me and pulled out Unbroken Faith. The blade of White Storm
Sword Force quickly pushed back the incoming monsters.

But the numbers didn't go down at all. The person who fought with these monsters until
sunrise, Yoo Joonghyuk was a monster. I wasn't sure it was possible for me, even if I
changed all my coins to stats.

At this moment, Lee Gilyoung spoke.

"Hyung, you know."

"Don't talk now. I'm busy."

"You can just leave me here."

"…What?"

"I really don't understand it. Why are you helping me, Hyunsung hyung and the noonas? If
you are alone… you would be able to survive better."

He could calmly speak such words before his death. Maybe this kid's mind was already
dead.

"Yes, you are right." Another ground rat fell to the ground with its head cut off. "It is
comfortable to live alone, eat alone and survive alone. But…"

Why was I acting this way? If anyone asked me, I couldn't exactly explain. But I could say
one thing with certainty.

"I know one novel that developed in such a way and was ruined."

"Huh?"

I thought it every time but I wasn't a protagonist. I wouldn't be a hero or a savior. But…

Lee Gilyoung's eyes were shaking. I lifted him onto my back again and said.
"Hold on tight."

I wouldn't let Lee Gilyoung die. At least, not today.

 Chapter 32: Ep. 7 – Landlord, V
As I watched the surging wave of monsters, I gave strength to my thighs. The level 15
strength condensed at once and my feet developed a strong propulsion force.

The ground rats ran from all directions and the hard horns of the grolls flew from
unexpected places.

My skin, which was tempered by the level 15 physique, became bruised and bloody from
the grolls' horns.

[The number one bookmark has been activated.]

Bookmark was activated and Kim Namwoon's Blackening wrapped around my body. I
pushed away all the monsters coming from the front.

Fangs burrowed into my body and a few ground rats bit my thighs. However, I didn't stop.
Run and run again.

Over here. Finally, the original wall was visible. I jumped over the ground rats. There was a
green zone for two people shining.

By the way…shit.

[Green Zone 1/2]

There was already someone inside.

"…"
I forgot about the monsters coming from behind and stared at him. There was a guy who
should never be there.

"Hey."

He turned to me.

"Can't you get out? You don't even need to stay in here."

"It is difficult. I am tired today."

I pushed to punch this asshole's face. I didn't understand. This wasn't the 'third regression'
Yoo Joonghyuk that I knew.

In Ways of Survival, it was written that Yoo Joonghyuk only found the first hidden green
zone in the fourth regression… damn, did he know about this place since the second
regression and it just wasn't described? Then why didn't he originally use it in the third
regression?

Grrrr!

There were the cries of the ground rats chasing me from behind. It was too late to blame
the writer. I could feel Lee Gilyoung's breathing. I stared into Yoo Joonghyuk's eyes. We
spoke at almost the same time.

"Take the kid."

"Give me the child."

Still, it was lucky. The constellations would hear my words.

[Green Zone 2/2]

I moved Lee Gilyoung and the mark of the green zone changed. Now Lee Gilyoung was safe.

"Hyung! Wait a minute! Hyung!"

Lee Gilyoung urgently tried to rush towards me but Yoo Joonghyuk's hand restrained him. I
swung my sword towards the ground rats.

[The constellation 'Bald General of Justice' has closed his eyes.]

[The constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' is watching you with uncomfortable eyes.]

At the last minute, Yoo Joonghyuk's eyes seemed to move.

「 I told you that you would die. 」

The waves of monsters headed towards me. Now there were no more green zones
remaining.

"I won't die."

I ignored the monsters and put a hand in my pocket. In fact, I really didn't want to use this. I
couldn't be assured that there would be no aftereffects. Now I had to believe in the Fourth
Wall.

「 That…? 」

Yoo Joonghyuk's eyes shook with surprise. This bastard, did he find out? Well, I wouldn't
have known this method without him.

I looked down at the white stone shining in the palm of my hand.

[Specter's Stone.]

It was an item I gained by hunting specters on the way to Chungmuro.

Hundreds of ground rats started biting at my body.

I was bleeding from minor wounds and the shoulders struck by the grolls' horns were red
with blood. As the durability of my body rapidly diminished, I put the stone into my mouth.

Then something like water vapor started to emerge from my mouth. The water vapor
formed a fog that covered me.

[The Welcome Prison is activated.]

The ground rats and grolls stopped attacking me at once.

Everything around me started to distort. The platform, Yoo Joonghyuk and Lee Gilyoung
calling out to me.

I became a 'ghost'.

「 Dokja. 」

I noticed as soon as I heard my mother's voice. This was a dream.

I tried not to get caught up in it but it wasn't easy this time. The floor sank like a quagmire
and swallowed me.

[Due to excessive immersion, the influence of Fourth Wall has temporarily weakened.]

Scenes started to weave in front of me, no matter what I wanted.

A living room covered with blood. The cold body of a man. The back of a woman looking
down at the body. No. This memory was difficult to remember. I couldn't remember it.

I shook my head furiously and the scene in front of me scattered. This damn trauma…

It was a memory I didn't want to see.

This was why I was reluctant to eat the Specter's Stone. The Specter's Stone temporarily
made the user a 'ghost' and turned them invisible to monsters. But it has a side effect of
causing the user's trauma to peak.

That's why I didn't give it to the other party members. If it had been used by someone other
than myself, they might've turned into a madman.

·····.

I had to endure, even if my head was hurting like crazy.

Certainly, the Fourth Wall was a scam. The skill would even be able to eat away at this
stone. I wouldn't see this effect even with the superior 'Mental Barrier'. Where was it? If my
guess was correct, this skill…

「 Yoo Joonghyuk? Are you Yoo Joonghyuk? 」

I thought a trauma had started again but it wasn't my voice. It wasn't a voice created by my
memories. I looked back and saw a strange woman.

「 …You aren't Yoo Joonghyuk. I think you are Korean but who are you? 」

A dazzling blonde foreigner. She was a little girl with a short height. The girl looked at me
for a long time with an incomprehensible expression.

「 That…I don't understand. I've seen the future a number of times but I've never seen you
before… 」

In the girl's left eye, an ominous red swirl could be seen. The pages flashed in my head. I
knew this person. No, there was absolutely no way I couldn't know her. In this case…

[The exclusive skill, Character List is activated.]

[The character 'Anna Croft' is using 'Mental Barrier Lv. 6'.]

[Character List ignores Mental Barrier Lv. 6.]

[There is too much information about this person. Character List is converted to Character
Summary.]

[Character Summary]

Name: Anna Croft

Exclusive Attributes: Prophet (Legend), Savior (Legend)

Exclusive Skills: Future Sight Lv. 5, Past Sight Lv. 4, Insight Lv. 8, Clairvoyance Lv. 4,
Advanced Magic Training Lv. 4, Mental Barrier Lv. 6, Lie Detection Lv. 7, Great Demon's
Eyes Lv. 1…

A woman who could ignore space constraints and freely enter the consciousness of other
people. A woman who saw the future and tried to design the future of the world. There was
only one 'woman' with such a way of thinking in Ways of Survival.

"Anna Croft."

「 …How do you know me? 」

Her eyes widened and she glared at me.

I replied quietly, "I'm a prophet."

[The character Anna Croft has triggered Lie Detection Lv. 7.]

[Lie Detection has confirmed that your words are false.]

Indeed, I couldn't lie to a true prophet.

「 …Reveal your true identity. Who are you? 」

Her small lips were tightly closed. It looked as though she was protesting.

I anticipated how the situation would roughly occur. The woman noticed my presence,
perhaps because the influence of Fourth Wall temporarily weakened. If Fourth Wall was
really the skill I thought it was…

By the way… it was disappointing.

"Do you really not know who I am?"

「 …Huh? 」

"Didn't I send you the ichthyosaur's core?"

Anna's lips slowly widened.

"You must've implanted the 'great demon's eyes' with the power of the core. Right?"

「 T-Then you? You asked for Broken Faith…? 」

[Great Demon's Eyes.] It was a huge one million coin item that was taken by this woman
with a damn diamond sponsor. I felt envious.

「 You! What is your name? How… 」

[The influence of the exclusive skill 'Fourth Wall' is slowly returning.]

「 Why… why can't I see anything…? 」

Her eyes became blurred. The influence of the Great Demon's Eyes, which could interfere
with the consciousness of others, weakened and her figured gradually faded. I waved my
hands.

"Someday we will meet. Wait across the continent."

[The exclusive skill Fourth Wall has been completely restored.]

Anna completely disappeared.

I sighed with relief. In fact, my spirit had been fluctuating back and forth when talking to
Anna Croft. It wasn't very good.

[Due to the skill effect, immunity to Welcome Prison has occurred.]

…Dammit, the effect took place too late.

I felt my consciousness clear up.

The discomfort still remained but it was much better than before. I took a deep breath and
slowly exhaled. I looked at the distinct facts one by one in order to regain my rationality.

I am Kim Dokja. The world was destroyed. Ways of Survival had become reality. This was…
Welcome Prison. I ate the Specter's Stone and was a ghost for a while. If I was a ghost, I
wouldn't be attacked by the underground species.

Yes, that's right. So… the world looked like this.

In the midst of the landscape that seemed like I had eaten drugs, the flow of time was
hardly noticeable. I became a bit uneasy.

What happened to Yoo Sangah, Lee Hyunsung and Jung Heewon? That Joonghyuk bastard,
did he kill Gilyoung? Was the third scenario still in progress? What if there were still
ground rats around? Were the grolls circling in order to eat me?

If so…

…Hyung.

…Please.

…Dokja-ssi!

Voices flashed through my head.

[The exclusive skill 'Evil Destroying Skill Lv. 1' is activated.]

Yes, it was time to go back.

I breathed out roughly. There was a soft texture touching my cheek.

"Dokja-ssi!"

The fog faded and my vision became clear. The first thing that I saw was Yoo Sangah's face.
Lee Hyunsung and Jung Heewon's worried faces also appeared.

"…The scenario?"

"It ended Dokja-ssi. We did it. We did it!"

…I see. We did it.

I looked at the agitated party members and tried to move my body. I had remained stiff for
a long time and my muscles barely listened to me.

"Don't be…pleased."

"Huh?"
"Only one day has passed. Yesterday was the third day…"

Lee Hyunsung caught me as I tried to get up.

"Dokja-ssi! It isn't possible. You haven't slept at all."

"What time is it now?"

"It is 8:30 a.m. 30 minutes have passed since the scenario ended."

8:30… fortunately, not too much time passed. By the way, there was a face missing.

"Where is Gilyoung?"

"Ah, Gilyoung…"

Before Jung Heewon spoke, I already discovered where Jung Heewon was. Lee Jihye and
Yoo Joonghyuk were looking down at Lee Gilyoung a few steps away.

…No, what was that bastard Yoo Joonghyuk doing?

At this moment, I remembered how Yoo Joonghyuk was surprised when he saw my party.
Don't tell me, when Yoo Joonghyuk used Sage's Eye…?

"When… you have chosen? Obvious never…before."

Due to the aftereffects of using the stone, Yoo Joonghyuk's voice wasn't heard properly.
Then Lee Gilyoung started talking.

"It is okay."

"…You really won't go with me?"

"Yes."

"You can become much stronger with me than with him. You still won't go?"

"Yes. I won't."

"…Stupid kid."

Yoo Joonghyuk frowned and looked my way.

[Exclusive skill, Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint stage 2 has been activated!]

「 …Lucky guy. He will be helpful so let's keep him a little longer. 」

I wanted to say something but I had no energy in my body.

"Dokja hyung!"

Once he discovered that I woke up, Lee Gilyoung rushed towards me with swollen eyes.
Yoo Joonghyuk's thoughts still rang in my head.

「 There is no time to delay. I have to finish the attack today. Otherwise… 」

…Attack? What was he talking about?

I had to think… Damn, I'm too tired. As I relaxed my body, the softness of the thigh I was
lying on touched my cheek again.

"Yoo Sangah-ssi…"

"Y-Yes!"

"Sorry, I'm going to sleep a bit…"

Then I fell sleep. It was a sweet sleep without any dreams.

I woke up two hours later.

[Hey, how long are you going to sleep?]

I opened my eyes at the loud and unpleasant voice. This time, the texture against my cheek
was much thicker and harder than before.

"…Ah, Dokja-ssi woke up."

Smiling lips. Jung Heewon was looking down at me.

"Yoo Sangah-ssi took a break. We didn't sleep well last night."

I turned my head and saw Yoo Sangah sleeping against a wall. Jung Heewon smiled.

"By the way, is Lee Hyunsung's thigh comfortable?"

I turned and saw Lee Hyunsung drooling.

"Today in the morning… the on-call officer will conduct the duties…"
…I thought the height of the pillow wasn't right. It turned out to be Lee Hyunsung's thigh. It
was an army pillow with a bloody smell.

"Dokja hyung…"

I felt a heavy feeling on my stomach and looked down to see Lee Gilyoung leaning against
me and sleeping.

The moment I carefully raised my body, I heard Bihyung's voice.

[Haha, you are awake? Then take this.]

Messages poured into my ears.

[The constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' is sad about your trauma.]

[The constellation 'Abyssal Black Flame Dragon' is interested in your past.]

[The constellation 'Secretive Plotter' is wondering about your mother.]

[Constellations have sponsored you 1,800 coins.]

…Sons of a bitches. They were trying to steal a peek at my past.

This wasn't the end.

[You have endured Chungmuro's night without the green zone.]

[You have accomplished the 'Never-ending Dawn' achievement at Chungmuro Station!]

[You have earned 1,000 coins as an achievement reward.]

[Coins Possessed: 22,650 C]

I had achieved the target amount. I didn't experience a hard night for nothing.

This time Jung Heewon asked. "What should we do today? Like yesterday…"

"No, not today. That only works for one day."

Of course, if we were lucky then we might be able to find the randomly generated green
zone. Unfortunately, there was no detailed description of the location of the green zones on
day four in Ways of Survival.

"Then…"

Jung Heewon's expression became dark. But it was unnecessary worry.

"Today we will completely end the third scenario."

"Huh?"

I carefully laid Lee Gilyoung and got up.

It wasn't originally planned but I couldn't wait after hearing Yoo Joonghyuk's thoughts.
Yesterday, he had no choice but to buy time. However, the story was different today.

"I will drag out the land owners.

"…How?"

Jung Heewon asked and I looked at Lee Hyunsung, who was sleeping deeply.

"I have to use the secret weapon that I saved."

Now it was time to change the owner of Chungmuro.

 Chapter 33: Ep. 8 – Emergency Defense, I
「 Lee Hyunsung was dozing like an officer on duty, 」

Perhaps there would be such a description in Ways of Survival. And maybe there was this
sentence.

「 Maybe Lee Hyunsung didn't know. What would happen to him today. 」

"Hyunsung-ssi?"

"…Ah, hmm, I fell asleep for a moment. Dokja-ssi, are you well rested?"

"Yes, I'm fine. By the way, you were talking. Officer on duty…"

"Eh, really?"

"Something about Second Class Soldier Lee Hyunsung…"

Lee Hyunsung's face turned red.

"T-That… Just a trauma from my days as a soldier."

"Days as a soldier? Isn't Lee Hyunsung an officer?"

"That…I was transferred to the third unit when I was a corporal."

"I heard these cases are rare. You must've been well-suited for the army."
Lee Hyunsung laughed. It was a laugh that I could understand. There were few people well-
suited for the army. The people who remained didn't fit elsewhere.

Then it was time to throw a small stone.

"Still, I'm glad that Lee Hyunsung-ssi is here.

"Huh?"

"I'm relieved when Lee Hyunsung-ssi blocks in front. It feels like someone is protecting
me."

"…Is that so?"

Lee Hyunsung smiled slightly. It was a weak smile, but it was certainly a comforting smile.
After exchanging brief greetings, I separated from Lee Hyunsung.

In the original third round development of Ways of Survival, Lee Hyunsung experienced a
character evolution by protecting the people at Gumho Station from the Cheoldoo Group.
But Jung Heewon took that chance.

Now Yoo Sangah, Jung Heewon and Lee Gilyoung were approaching me. I faced them.

"Did you see the demonstration? Just do what I did."

"Yes. Well…pretty much. But why do we have to do this?"

There was a reason for it.

[The character 'Lee Hyunsung' has started to feel responsible.]

Lee Hyunsung was currently wiping his shield with an innocent expression.

Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint was a scam. At least, as far as 'characters' went.

"I want to help Hyunsung-ssi. He looks a bit down these days. Won't he feel better if you
cheer him up?"

I said this for Lee Hyunsung's sake. The innocent Yoo Sangah nodded her head.

"Is it the saying 'dance like a while at praise?'"

"It is similar."

"I understand. I'll give it a try!"

Unlike Yoo Sangah, Jung Heewon had an uncertain expression.

"Dokja-ssi."

"Yes."

"Dokja-ssi's sponsor isn't something like 'One-Eyed Fortuneteller', right?"

"…What is that?"

"You don't know?"

Well, there was something like this. For a moment, I thought that Jung Heewon might be
the writer of Ways of Survival. For example, Gung Ye was the 'One-Eyed Maitreya'.

"It isn't that. I have a special skill. It is a skill that understands people well."

"…I don't know if I want to ask, so I won't."

"Thank you."

"But have you ever used it on me?"

I almost showed emotions on my face. It was fortunate that Jung Heewon didn't have Lie
Detection. I looked at Lee Gilyoung and said.

"I only use it on men."

"Oh my."

It wasn't a lie. I haven't read Jung Heewon's heart. So far.

"Anyway, I am asking everyone to do this. First is Jung Heewon-ssi, then Yoo Sangah and
Gilyoung is last. Please take it in turns to speak to him."

"'Oh my, I really believe in Hyunsung-ssi!' That type of feeling?"

"Please don't go so far."

"Sigh, I am really going to die."

Still, she needed to do it. In order for this plan to succeed, Lee Hyunsung's 'attribute
evolution' was absolutely necessary. I would've planned a bit sooner if I knew Yoo
Joonghyuk would act like this… but if we tried hard, I should be able to see the result today.

In fact, they seemed to be doing well.

"Hyunsung-ssi is really dependable. You are like a pine tree."

"Haha, thank you Heewon-ssi. My favourite song is Green Pine."

[The character 'Lee Hyunsung' feels proud.]