[The Constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' felt herself melting at the sight!]

"Aigoo, how cute are these guys," Heewon muttered amusedly.

Wishing there was a camera to capture the moment of the other three men sleeping peacefully.

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! NOTE !

So, I finally got the courage to publish this chapter! (>_<。)
To be honest, this chapter has not been corrected by Tamie (Hanibaram's beta reader), but it will still be corrected by Tamie（；'д｀）

I'm sorry if my writing is too messy to read ╯︿╰ )👉👈

Thank you so MUCH for who always come here and give a sweet comment :"

Hope u guys like this chapter!

[Kim Dokja's POV]

"Ugh-!"

The grayish aura surrounding the protagonist's body caused Kim Dokja to block the view with his right arm. His left hand reflexively moved to bring the Hanibaram behind his body.

All eyes on the last floor could see and conclude that Yoo Jonghyuk was still under control of the Theater Master. It was just that his appearance had become very alarming. A trembling body, several scratches on his arms and legs, and dark bags under his eyes.

[Character 'Yoo Jonghyuk' activates Exclusive Skill 'Force Palm Lv.4'!]

"Everyone, split up!"

Jung Heewon took Dokja's left side, herself in the center and Cale on his right side.

[Character 'Cale Henituse/Hanibaram' activates Personal Attribute 'The Indestructible Shield/Wood Lv.???'!]

A bright white, winged shield the size of an adult man appeared in front of Kim Dokja who was trying to protect his stomach.

[Character 'Jung Heewon' activates Exclusive Skill 'Demon Slaying Lv. 2'!]

And the long black-haired woman immediately attacked as Jonghyuk's focus was momentarily distracted by Cale's shield.

[Character 'Yoo Jonghyuk' has used the Exclusive Skill 'Hundred Steps Godly Fits Lv.4'!]

Dokja could see for himself how the sunfish bastard easily dodged Heewon's attack. Making both of Dokja's companions move closer to his side again. Vaguely, he could feel Cale shivering at his side with his face turning pale.

"Cale? Are you okay?" The red-haired man nodded hesitantly.

"Just worried about Jonghyuk-hyungnim. He seems to have reached his limit," murmured the owner of jeweled reddish-brown eyes in a concerned voice.

Inevitably, Dokja agreed. Forced to be under his control for almost 10 hours and not given any kind of treatment such as rest or mana boosting potions, the Theater Master would only make sure Yoo Jonghyuk didn't dies for his pleasure.

[Constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' bit its nails, worried about the state of 'Yoo Jonghyuk' Incarnation!]

"There's only one way-"

Jonghyuk attacked again. Not giving Dokja a chance to finish his plan. The trio split up, this time circling the protagonist.

[Constellation 'Secretive Plotter' snorted at the Incarnation 'Yoo Jonghyuk'.]

"You guys know yourself, don't you! He's beencontrolled by that bastard!" Dokja shouted to his two comrades as another man with wavy black hair attacked him, again. What was wrong with this bastard?! Why only attack him? Attack Heewon-ssi too!

"Yak! You bastard, Dokja-ssi!" Oh? Looks like Dokja said it too loudly?

"Then, Dokja-hyungnim, Heewon-noonim, I'll prevent the Theater Master!" Suddenly, the two dark-haired heads owners glanced at Cale and simultaneously shook their heads.

"Aish, why not! I have-!"

[Character 'Cale Henituse/Hanibaram' activates Personal Attribute 'The Indestructible Shield/Wood Lv.???'!]

Cale locked Jonghyuk's movement with a wooden root that emerged from the ground. Giving Heewon the opportunity to attack the protagonist's right side.

"You've been using your power all along!" snapped Dokja, feeling very frustrated now.

"I can fight a little longer!" -for the safety of all our powers-! Dokja's eyes widened briefly, as a glimpse of Hanibaram's familiar frustrated roar sounded in his mind. Though the red-haired man was not much different from the rest of the situation. His face was already pale, his body trembling with exhaustion, and his breathing heavy.

[Theater Master 'Simulacrum' grins maniacally.]

['Simulacrum Theater' tries to control the 'Cale Henituse/Hanibaram' Incarnation!]

['Simulacrum Theater' has triggered 'Mental Erosion'!]

Dokja and Heewon watched in silent panic as the invisible but powerful force affecting their minds was directed straight at Cale.

"CALE!" Dokja and Heewon's simultaneous shouts of panic even stopped Yoo Jonghyuk from his attack.

[The Constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' joined in screaming the name of the Incarmation 'Cale Henituse'!]

[CALE-! ANDWAE-!]

[The Constellation 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' clenches its fists with a panicked face.]

[The Constellation 'Abyssal Black Flame Dragon' moves its feet impatiently!]

[The Constellation 'Secretive Plotter' stared concerned and worried at Incarnation 'Cale Henituse'.]

[Several Constellations that were worried about the 'Cale Henituse' Incarnation felt agitated, troubled, and panicked!]

But... silence.

The three adults (with one still under control) waited with vigilance and panic as well as worry for Cale who was covering his face with his arms. Waiting silently for the horribly anticipated attack of the Theater Master. Even the faint glow of the constellations joined in the silence with their innumerable messages.

Almost two minutes had passed. Dokja and Heewon stared silently and flatly at the boss monster who was gaping to himself. Cale himself, who felt that there was no attack, also lowered his arms.

He revealed to the world that his forehead, which bore the item symbol of Galadriel's Headdress, was now glowing. That made Dokja's starry eyes widen. Immediately remembering the great side effect of the item itself.

One of which could block mind, mental and physical attackers!

Coupled with the power of Hanibaram's beautiful shield, it would certainly make a great and deadly combo!

Incredulous, the Theater Master aggressively began to attack and-

"Cale?!" -failed spectacularly as the bright white shield reappeared. This time, the shield's presence was very clear.

Everyone stared at the monsters that were thrown away with stupid looks on their faces. Galadriel's Headress shone brightly as the monsters tried to get up and attack the redhead's mind. It only ended in futility, confusing their opponents, who were staring in disbelief as if Cale Henituse was a creature from another world.

Even Yoo Jonghyuk, who had been slightly released from the restraints of the Theatre Master, widened his eyes in surprise.

The rest of the audience, Dokja and Heewon, immediately joined in the giggles.

"Uh oh, I didn't know it would be that strong...?"

Cale tilted his face in confusion, his forehead still glowing brightly with the symbol of Galadriel's Headress.

This was way too strong!

However, Dokja couldn't resist shouting 'encore' like a fan at his idol's concert.

"Yeah! Push that motherfucker to his death, Cale-ya!"

"Good fucking job, uri donsaeng Cale! You're the best!"

"...."

↾... me... where...? ⇃

Eh? Dokja seems to have forgotten something?

[Character 'Yoo Jonghyuk' activates Exclusive Skill 'Hand to Hand Combat Lv.8'!]

"-ugh-!" Dokja widened his eyes at pains as the protagonist's fist struck his stomach. If he had not deftly protected it with magic power, perhaps his internal organs would have been damaged by now. That bastard did not hesitate to use his highest level!

His eyes then looked at Cale, who was still distracting the Theater Master from them before returning to the faltering Jonghyuk.

"Cale! Keep distracting that monster!" Although it was hard to ask that favors of the already exhausted Hanibaram, this was a life and death choice!

"Yes, Dokja-hyungnim."

"Heewon-ssi, attack the right side!"

"Aye, aye, Captain!"

[You have used Tyrant T-Rex's DNA Ampoule.]

[All stats will increase explosively in 30 minutes!]

[Stamina Lv. 24 ⇨ Stamina Lv. 34]

[Strength Lv. 24 ⇨ Strength Lv. 34]

[Agility Lv. 20 ⇨ Agility Lv. 30]

[Magic Lv. 15 ⇨ Magic Lv. 25]

[The vitality in your body has increased!]

[The potency in your muscles explodes!]

[You can move more nimbly than before!]

[Your heart boils with unknown energy!]

Kim Dokja was now grinning tiredly. His starry eyes sparkled darkly and full of anticipation at the sight of Jonghyuk in front of him. Now, with their gap already filled, it's time to wake up our protagonist's asshole.

"Yeah, let's fight, you son of a bitch."

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[Cale Henituse's POV]

Reddish-brown eyes with jeweled rays narrowed vigilantly as the standing Theater Master gave off a terrifying aura in front of him.

"Is it just because of the third time regression that you-?!"

"-bastard! Don't fall into-"

His eyes stared interestedly for a moment at the monster fight between Yoo Jonghyuk and Kim Dokja.

"What did I come here for if you feel alone?! Even Cale came, dammit!" wait, dude. Why is he also called...?

[The Constellation 'Secretive Plotter' sighed at the careless actions of Incarnation 'Kim Dokja'.]

"Did you go crazy after your son died?!" ...What nonsense are you saying, Dokja-hyungnim?

"-fight against the demon kings-!"

"-all around you! There's Cale who's still trying to save you-!" Again, why was his name mentioned? Hey, hyungnim. Stop, juseyo... I don't want to be marked...

But, it was true that Dokja's words sounded like a bunch of nonsense. However, back to the meaning of 'Prophet', 'Third Regression', 'Demon Kings', and even 'Dead Child'. It couldn't help but make Cale's mind play a quick puzzle game-

The cold aura in front of him again made Cale's mind scattered. Letting out a resigned sigh, Cale took his fighting stance.

.... Actually, Cale was hesitant to fight a monster like this last boss in front of him. Instantly reminding the red-haired man of his life as Kim Rok Soo as well as a few moments fighting against that bastard White Star. Sighing, again, Cale tried to calm himself. The pale-skinned man's eyes were now shinning with determination.

After all, he had been given his trust by Kim Dokja. To also prove that Cale was not some trash that who didn't know his place. At the very least, with this favor, it could help Cale in the investment of his return plan and could completely eliminate anyone's suspicion of him.

Observing calculatingly, the item Cale was wearing now was the thing that distracted the monsters in front of him. Because the item itself strengthened Glutton and prevented the others from mentally attacking Cale.

A grin appeared on the redhead's beautiful face. Making the very Simulacrum Theater Master boil with burning feelings. Instantly feeling slighted by the human in front of him.

['Simulacrum Theater' has triggered 'Simulacra'!]

The crowd of monsters they had faced before appeared around Cale. With his enhanced Agility, he easily dodged a few and his eyes widened as one of his attacks pierced through the monsters' shadows. Ah... is this like a hallucination? Just like the simulation before the real thing started.

[The Constellation 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' smiled cheerfully and proudly.]

[The Contellation 'Abyssal Black Flame Dragon' cheered excitedly and shouted battle!]

Cale's grin widened.

[Personal Attribute 'The Sound of the Wind/Wind Lv.???' is activated!]

-WUSH-!

A strong wind hit the shadow of the simulation monster, just as the Theater Master tried to mentally attack it again.

↾... stop... ⇃

Cale's eyes widened as an unfamiliar voice echoed of his mind.

↾... attack-! ⇃

The symbol on his forehead grew brighter as the voice became clearer.

↾... -our Cale! GET OUT, BITCH ! ⇃

...oh wow... it's rare to hear Glutton so angry and raging. Even to swear...

[Personal Attribute 'Fire of Destruction/Fire Lv. ???' is activated!]

A gentle smile appeared on the Hanibaram's face, raising his right hand, with a warm sense of welcome filling his mind and heart.

Welcome back, The Glutton.

↾ Cale! I missed you-! ⇃

-CTAR!

Rose gold lightning struck with blinding speed. He watched with interest as the other monsters screamed in pain. It made Cale grimace to himself, unable to imagine himself in the center for long. His face gradually turned into confusion as his lightning eroded the Theater Master's existence.

The monster instantly disappeared without a trace.

Leaving Cale staring at his hands and the air back and forth.

... what was going on?

['Simulacra Theater' has been killed for the first time.]

[9,000 Coins are given as compensation!]

[You have met the requirements to clear the Hidden Scenario!]

[4,000 Coins awarded...]

[Item .... ]

-BUMP.

The sound of a falling body distracted Cale from the night ceiling of the upper floor of the hidden scenario. Reddish-brown eyes blinked tiredly and his body wavered as his inner strength left his body of an instant.

"Cale-!"

[The Constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' is extremely worried about the Incarnation 'Cale Henituse'!]

[The Constellation 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' is biting its nails in panic.]

[The Constellation 'Secretive Plotter' asks Incarnation 'Cale Henituse' to rest.]

↾ Huwaaa! Cale! W-are you alright-?! ⇃

The red-haired man's eyes widened slightly at Glutton's voice that was still echoing in his mind, before carving out a smile that was tired but brimming with tenderness and acceptance.

"I'm fine." The greeter of his body, Kim Dokja gave him a concerned look. The physically older man looked just as terrifying. Even so, regardless of his own condition, Dokja came to check on him and worry about him. That... made something in Cale's heart throb with a strange warmth.

"Are you sure?" Leaning against the dark-haired man's shoulder, Cale nodded absentmindedly.

↾ Wha-wait, hiks.. I-I'll makes you better, Cale! ⇃

Thank you, but...

...why are you such like a.. Crybaby?

A familiar warmth beats on his heart. Making Cale unconsciously closed his eyes as a nostalgic feeling invaded him. Although it was strange, Glutton should have strengthened his shield more... but why could it strengthened Crybaby's power too? He wanted to ask, but, right now fatigue was attacking him like a tsunami. Coupled with the caress of a hand playing with the crown of his hair made the atmosphere even more comfortable.

[The barrier blocking the Dungeon Theater has disappeared.]

"Master!" faintly, Cale could hear the voice of another teenage girl. It must be Lee Jihye currently approaching the unconscious Yoo Jonghyuk.

"Fyuuhhh, my waist is cramping-ack!" Heewon tried to straighten her body, only groaning as the bruises on her body acted up.

A real breeze, not the one made by the Dungeon Theater, interrupted Cale's reverie in his memories. Slowly, his eyes opened shakily, looking at the darkening Seoul cityscape. Forcing himself to move from his back, Cale stood up and walked towards the edge of the building, with Dokja on his left side.

The ruined area of the city was dimly lit, revealing a fragment of the life that still existed. Where there were people fighting, dying in the poisonous mist, and many others. Jeweled reddish-brown eyes shaded with unspoken confusion.

He also saw above Seoul's own sky, there was a large dome shape, white and transparent in color. It was as if the city was being isolated.

"Dokja-hyungnim," Cale called out unconsciously. He could feel Dokja turning to look at him.

"...how many days is Main Scenario #3 left?"

"Hm... 2 with today I guess." Cale let out a sigh of relief.

"That means we have some time to rest, right? Before moving on to the next scenario?" the physically younger man asked with a weak smile. Kim Dokja still did not answer, but gave a knowing smile in return.

Aahh... little by little, Cale began to understand Kim Dokja's actions.

He wanted to think about it, really.

But right now, he was exhausted.

He was forced to move for 4 full days in completing this Hidden Scenario.

"Cale?" both Dokja, Heewon, and Jihye, who were still conscious, observed the red-haired man who took out a thick blanket from his spatial bag. The owner of the reddish-brown eyes with a circular stride (with Dokja guarding behind him), walked towards the unconscious Yoo Jonghyuk.

Poor Yoo Jonghyuk. Fainted on the cold tiles.

He spread the blanket over Jonghyuk, making sure the other strong man was comfortable. Cale hoped that Yoo Jonghyuk's rest would restore the man's strength so he could protect them again.

[The Constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' was deeply moved by the kind actions of the Incarnation 'Cale Henituse'!]

[500 coins sponsored!]

[The Constellation 'Secretive Plotter' crossed its arms and questioned the irrational actions of Incarnation 'Cale Henituse'.]

What's irrational? I secured one of my future investments.

After he finished, he took his own blanket, the pillow he had bought at Dokkaebi's shop (after Dokja's teaching, of course), and arranged his bed on Jonghyuk's right side.

"Hyungnim, Noonim. Can we sleep here for a while?" The two women and the older man glanced at each other, before exchanging equally tired smiles.

"Of course," Heewon replied amusedly. Cale, who took pity on one of his plan investments looking so lethargic, gave the woman another blanket. It was a great sale at the Dokkaebi store when Cale bought it yesterday.

"This is for you too, Jihye." The girl accepted with a shaky smile and nodded, taking the floor position above Jonghyuk's head. Heewon immediately took up beside Jihye.

"And this-" another blanket was given to Dokja. Cale smiled at his first savior.

"-for Dokja-hyungnim."

Rest, my savior, invest in my return plans. You must be healthy and strong. That's why sleep is necessary. Normal sleep is important!

Cale's smile widened hopefully.

"Let's sleep together, Dokja-hyungnim."

......

[The Constellation 'Secretive Plotter' taps his forehead in frustration.]

[The Constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' is shouting very excitedly right now!]

[1000 Coins sponsored!]

[1000 Coins sponsored!]

[1000 Coins spons-!]

[The Constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' is very hot! Her face turned bright red!]

[The Constellation 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' clucked its tongue in annoyance at the strange response of the female constellation.]

[The Constellation 'Abyssal Black Flame Dragon' shouted for everyone to be quiet!]

[Some Constellations that love friendship are choking!]

[Several Constellations that favored the 'Cale Henituse' Incarnation cried tears!]

[The Constellation 'Queen of the Darkest Spring' closes her mouth with widened eyes.]

[500 Coins sponsored!]

[The Constellation 'Queen of the Darkest Spring' didn't expect it so soon...]

Cale's sleepy eyes stared blankly at the message.

"Expecting what? A dream?" Cale wondered sullenly. Deciding to shrug indifferently as his brain was in no condition to think right now.

Three coughs were heard, though the worst came from Dokja who now had a deep blush on his cheeks. Making Cale's dazed eyes blink in confusion and his smile fade even further. His head unconsciously tilted with a questioning expression. "What's wrong, Hyungnim?"

"E-eh, n-nothing-!"

"So?" Silence engulfed them, as Cale's face refrained from pouting. Was sleeping next to him that bad-?

"W-well. O-okay..." A sweet smile was given as Dokja sat on Cale's right side. Making the red-haired man centered between the two black-haired men.

Yoo Jonghyuk on the left and Kim Dokja on the right.

[The Constellation of 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' smiles sweetly!]

Cale had never felt safer than this.

Humming happily, the red-haired man soon put his body to sleep. A long, comfortable sigh came out as his head touched the soft pillow. Although the tiles were hard, it was still, true sleep and rest!

"Dokja-hyungnim-?" oh my fucking god, Cale's heart felt like it was about to burst when he turned his head and saw that the other man was indeed looking at him. That was scary.

"Don't forget to tell Sangah-noonim, Hyunsung-hyungnim and Gilyoungie that we're taking a break." Dokja did not reply, remaining silent with his gaze tracing every inch of his face.

A small smile appeared as the other man turned to face him by hand stroked Cale's left cheek and temple. Unconsciously, the action made the red-haired man lean into the touch and mutter a little.

"Of course, Cale-ya. Kajja, get some rest. I'll take care of you."

The feeling of drowsiness overcame his senses quickly, as Cale's eyes began to droop. Faintly, he could hear Glutton's whispered 'good rest' to his mind. Smiling, Cale fell into flower of sleep.

Have a normal sleep, everyone.

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[Kim Dokja's POV]

Let's sleep together, Dokja-hyungnim.

Dokja's dark, starry eyes gazed up at the night sky.

More precisely, at the shadows of Cale's glommy face, Cale's confused face, Cale's smiling face, Cale's frowning face, Cale's pretty face-...

Resisting the frenzy that was about to explode in his soul, Dokja raised his right arm and covered his face.

"Go to sleep, Dokja-ssi. Your thoughts can be heard all the way here," grumbled the umpteenth mood-wrecking voice, Heewon, who was now staring at him flatly.

"Shut up."

"Your thoughts are very clear, ahjussi. Careful, you'll wake Master up-" Dokja turned his head quickly and gave her a razor glare. The two women glanced at each other before smiling an obnoxious -devilish- smile.

Deciding to ignore the two evil women, Dokja now shifted his focus to Hanibaram's sleeping form to his left. His black freckled beady eyes began to take in every inch of the red-haired man's beautiful features. Silently admiring how his sleeping breath sounded so soft and alluring.

A fleeting drowsiness began to attack him as well.

Yawning, Dokja quickly bought some communication items from Dokkaebi's shop (not forgetting to inform Sangah and Hyunsung of the delay), and informed the others.

After completing the task Cale had requested, Dokja quickly assumed a comfortable position to sleep.

His starry black eyes wept but his mind was still running rampant.

There was still one more day before Main Scenario #3 ended. All the novel scenes about the scenario flashed through his mind. Along with thousands of plans, other character encounters, revolutions, level-ups and a lightly trembling Fourth Wall. Trying to push those thoughts away, Dokja closed his eyes. He needed to rest his body.

Just like Cale said, they would rest for a while before those annoying Dokkaebi reopened their hell.

Turning his body toward Cale, his arms moved to half-hug the younger body, making Hanibaram's figure lean more against his left shoulder. With his nose buried in the crown of his red hair, Dokja couldn't help but smile at the small comfort he was feeling.

For now, Dokja would let his guard down. He would rest, right here, with Hanibaram and Yoo Jonghyuk. Two of his favorite characters.

And so he fell asleep.

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[Yoo Jonghyuk's POV]

It's dark.

It's been a long time since Yoo Jonghyuk has been trapped in darkness for this long.

He knew that there was something strange about him now. It was as if his control could not be achieved. He couldn't move. No feeling. One with silence and unconsciousness. It was as if consciousness was just wishful thinking that did not exist on his mind.

It was painful at first.

Everything was painful.

Body.

Mind.

Feelings.

With a foreign force forcing him to drown in the sea of hurt and despair, Yoo Jonghyuk simply fell into it.

This is painful.

How many more times must he regressed?

How many times will he have to start over?

It feels useless. All the colleagues forget about it and the moment will always not feel the same.

What am I?

Maybe... I'm the only person alive in this world...

I am...

Faintly, from behind the thick darkness, he heard the sound of each other's voices.

It was noisy.

What was going on?

↾ ..why would I come ....feel alone?! Even Cale came, dammit! ⇃

Who...?

↾... you go crazy .... your son died?! ⇃

I...

↾ -fight against the demon kings-! ⇃

↾ -all around you! There's Cale who's still trying to save you-! ⇃

You... who are you?

Then, all that followed was silence and blurry images that began to enter his vision.

A man, short black hair with pale skin and a pair of dark eyes... why couldn't he see the face? Even though he could see everything else. Then Jonghyuk saw a woman with long black hair who was shouting something to the others.

"CALE-!"

The call made Yoo Jonghyuk freeze.

Neither his body that could not be controlled nor his mind that was on the verge of consciousness.

A flash of red hair was the last thing Jonghyuk saw.

Ah .. yes ... regression this time .. there are two of them ...

Once again, Yoo Jonghyuk fell into darkness.

But, strangely this darkness felt warm, like a welcoming embrace of rest.

*******

The next time Yoo Jonghyuk opened his eyes, the view of the starry night sky was the first thing he saw.

Dazed, dark eyes without a twinkle stared blankly at the specks of light that spread widely in the sky. There was a strong ironic feeling then attacking him. In a world so devastated, people surviving, killing, murdering, and along with the death of morality and the extinguishing of hearts, the world's sky still looked so beautiful and untouched.

Unconsciously and trembling, Jonghyuk's left hand was raised.

A ridiculous wish came to him that if there would be someone to come and take him away from this sickening regression.

Then, a small movement towards his right side made him widen his eyes. As quickly as his face could turn and send out an air of killing and alarm, he was confronted with the familiar reddish hair and straight black hair. The feeling of apprehension instantly dropped, realizing that lying next to him was Cale Henituse and next to him was Kim Dokja.

The smell of nature like the scent of the ocean on a cold night assaulted his senses of smell.

Feeling more relaxed, Jonghyuk's head moved to lean closer to the crown of the red head. Subconsciously seeking comfort in the calmness emanating from Cale for his unrest.

Flashes of memories of his first, second and third lives swirled.

Tired.

That's all Yoo Jonghyuk could conclude.

He was tired.

To repeat from the beginning.

To search for uncertain answers.

In fact... he didn't even know what his current goal was.

Is it to survive?

Is it to reach the final scenario?

Yoo Mia?

Lee Seolhwa?

The final scenario?

... happy?

It felt like every regression he made had broken his heart into small, shapeless pieces.

Making him lose his identity.

As if realizing the turmoil in the wavy black-haired man's heart, Cale stirred from his sleep. The red-haired man turned his head slowly from the embrace on Kim Dokja's shoulder, looking at Yoo Jonghyuk whose sparkling eyes were dead staring blankly at the air. It was scary and not good for Cale's heart that had just woken up from sleep.

Sleepy, the younger one reached out his left hand to grasp Yoo Jonghyuk's right hand. Then he took Dokja's left hand with his right.

The bright red-haired man then pulled the two black-haired men closer to each side against him. Making the two taller figures leaned over his head with Cale in the middle of the embrace.

"What are you thinking about, hyungnim?" the figure with reddish-brown eyes asked with a sleepy murmur. The head began to rest under the chin of Dokja who was still peacefully sleeping.

"..." there was no response. Yoo Jonghyuk was still blank-eyed, though now his focus was on Cale.

To the other man, the warmth he felt now was unreal.

That Cale's touch on his hands felt like a dream.

"Go to sleep, hyungnim." His reverie was broken when sparkling jeweled reddish-brown eyes looked at him half-eyed with a sleepy smile on his face.

"Don't think about troublesome things. Night time... is for sleeping... hoaamm..." Cale shook the top of his head at Jonghyuk, tilting his face with a small soothing smile.

"Sleep, okay?"

After that, Cale Henituse drifted back to sleep, mumbling a little as Dokja brought his right arm halfway around the younger man. Jonghyuk looked at the other two, his gaze unconsciously softening.

Kim Dokja.

Cale Henituse.

Two strangers who suddenly came into the lives of the four, regressing the three.

The changes presented by these two figures, of course, did not escape Yoo Jonghyuk's vigilance. One of the big changes is Kim Namwoon who was killed, then the Scenario that changed because of Cale. The presence of the two of them hit like a tsunami for Jonghyuk. He was not prepared for the changes produced by the two men in front of him.

Especially for Kim Dokja who claimed to be the 'Prophet'. Black eyes involuntarily narrowed, thinking that the 'revelation' Kim Dokja alluded to, was not the same as Anna Croft. It hadn't been proven yet, but Jonghyuk's hunch that he repeatedly denied, always said so. Maybe... for the time being... he could keep an eye on the dark-haired man. His actions might cause butterflies that even Yoo Jonghyuk himself might not know how to deal with.

Then, Cale Henituse...

Black eyes shaded as he felt the red hair under his chin.

On the same level as Kim Dokja's anomalous existence, Cale Henituse captivated Yoo Jonghyuk with its natural presence. It seemed to always calm Jonghyuk's mind when anxiety struck him. He also subconsciously found himself softening just like that when the reddish-brown eyes with jeweled sparkles saw him. A beautiful face that softens and smiles like moonlight in the dark.

Where did Cale come from?

Why didn't he meet Cale in his first life?

Why did he always feel that he had known Cale for a long time?

How did Dokja survive his third regression?

Why are both of them present in the third regression?

Why-?

The smell of wind with the scent of flowers made Jonghyuk choke up. Closing his eyes, he leaned closer to the redhead.

How warmth.

He wanted to rest in this warmth and softness.

Could he feel a little greedy to embrace this feeling?

"Jonghyuk-hyungnim... why so stubborn..."

"Go to sleep, you bastard. You're disturbing Cale's sleep." A large blanket covered the three of them, making the protagonist widen his eyes, glancing at the other two men that were staring at him. One with annoyance and the other with worry as well as sleepiness.

Just as he was about to reply, Dokja fell asleep again, in the comfortable position of half-hugging Cale. While the redhead himself was still looking at him and sighing.

"Kajja, sleep, Jonghyuk-hyungnim."

Obediently, he tried to close his eyes. Trying not to imagine and feel the feeling of vigilance that always haunted his instincts. And all he found... was emptiness and strange comfort. Vaguely in his drowsiness, he could see Cale smiling in his sleep.

Ahh... Cale helped me...

So... can he rest for a while?

Yoo Jonghyuk fell asleep.

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[Third Person's POV]

Jung Heewon was the first to wake up as the sunlight began to interfere with her vision.

The 27-year-old woman gave a small yawn for a moment, before making a forced movement to sit up from her sleep.

Despite the hard, cold tiles, the extreme fatigue she was experiencing made sleep feel like a luxury to her now.

[The Constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' greets Incarnation 'Jung Heewon' good morning!]

Heewon's grayish eyes narrowed at her sponsor's message and raised an eyebrow. Don't the constellations sleep? ... it's quite creepy to imagine them sleeping peacefully under the watchful eyes of the star flavors.

"Good morning, Constellation-nim." The woman then decided to stand up and stretch her body.

Last night's rest made her feel more refreshed now. The cool morning breeze even made Heewon smile a little.

Jung Heewon was having a normal morning.

Once satisfied, the long black-haired woman then turned her head to look at the other four residents and suppressed an amused smile at the scene in front of her.

There was Lee Jihye who was still deep in sleep.

And the other three men that were asleep in one big blanket.

[The Constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' felt itself melting at the sight!]

"Aigoo, how cute are these guys," Heewon muttered amusedly. Wishing there was a camera to capture the moment of the other three men sleeping peacefully.

Kim Dokja, who was on the right side, slept on his side facing Cale, with his right arm half-embracing Cale, while his left hand was folded into a head pillow. His chin touched the right side of the redhead's temple with a peaceful face. It was like sleeping under the shade of a tree with a cool breeze blowing pamperingly.

Yoo Jonghyuk, who was on the left side, slept half sideways facing Cale. However, his arms were crossed in front of his chest, with his body slightly bent, looking very large compared to Cale. His face, which was usually cold and fierce, softened and calmed down with his cheeks touching the left side of the red head.

And Cale Henituse, sleeping in the middle of the two black-haired men. His head was slightly turned to the right side with a sleeping face that was so alluring and enchanting. His reddish eyelashes brushed his pale cheeks, tingling his milky skin like a baby, which made him even more beautiful. The Galadriel's Headress on the forehead also framed his beautiful reddish hair, making his looks even more angelic.

"... hoaamm... eonnie?" Blushing, Heewon immediately realized from her reverie. Embarrassed for being so carried away and mesmerized by the sight of the three men who were still sound asleep in front of her.

"Where is Maste-"

"-sssshh." A forefinger was raised to her lips. The older woman pointed at Dokja, Cale and Jonghyuk, asking Jihye to keep her voice down. Afraid of disturbing the rest of the three men.

Jihye, who saw the rare sight of her Master sleeping, immediately woke up.

Her grayish eyes widened and she immediately stood up from her slumber.

"Constellation-nim?! Did you capture it?!" the girl asked with a stifled squeal. Her eyes were glazed over with stars at the peace between the three sleeping men.

[The Constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' nodded with a teary smile.]

"Oh my... so adorable..." murmured Jihye refraining from screaming out at the adorable scene in front of her. Heewon chuckled and patted the younger woman on the head.

"Hush, already, calm down, Jihye-na. Let them sleep for a while longer. Let's go look around." Nodding reluctantly, Jihye followed Heewon who began a long talk about meat and breakfast.

********

The blinding sunlight made Kim Dokja squint his eyes.

His right hand unconsciously moved to block out the light, so his eyes blinked repeatedly as his mind became more aware. The sight of the sky was the first thing that greeted his senses. Then the cool breeze of the morning, and the calm breath of the person next to him interrupted Dokja's reverie.

The man turned his head, and smiled when he saw Hanibaram, Cale, still asleep and curled up on his left side.

His right hand came up, lifting the bright red strands of Cale's cheek behind his ears. Admiring how the sunlight made the figure still in the flower of dreams shine even more with angelic visuals.

Having finished the let's-look-at-Cale activity to boost his morning mood, Dokja reluctantly removed himself from the comfort of their makeshift bed. Hands ruffled his hair as he yawned widely.

"Are you awake?" Heewon's voice distracted the 28-year-old. Ignoring the greeting of the constellations in front of him, his starry black eyes glanced at the woman younger than him by a year doing her morning exercises (?), swinging a sword with Jihye beside her.

Dokja did not answer, but simply nodded.

"How did Sangah-ssi responds when we slept here? We need to get back as soon as possible." Dokja absentmindedly glanced at the reply item from Sangah which stated that the situation at Chungmuro Station was safe, with Gong Pildu 'softening'.

"Safe. We can return as soon as possible to prepare for Main Scenario #4." Heewon nodded.

"Then, wake up Cale and Jonghyuk-ssi-"

"There's no need to wake Jonghyuk," Dokja cut in, earning confused looks from the other two women.

"Why, Master would be happy if Cale-Oppa could come along-!"

"Then he'll have to cooperate if he wants to be with Cale. Your Master is usually busy with his own," Dokja snapped with a small mocking grin.

"But-!"

"Stop it, Lee Jihye." All eye glanced at Yoo Jonghyuk who had woken up. Dokja immediately carved out a businesslike smile. Hiding his imagination and intentions of how he could punch the protagonist's asshole in the back.

"I have another plan." Black eyes then looked at Kim Dokja. There was a sharp gaze there, full of calculation and suspicion. But the aura of hostility was not as thick as before. What Dokja realized was that Jonghyuk was currently wary of him.

"Kim Dokja, we need to talk." The protagonist squatted down. Before standing up, the man fixed Cale's sleeping position, the blanket, and even covered Cale's eyes. Blocking the sunlight that could disturb the red-haired youth's sleep.

Heol... that attention was enough to give Dokja goosebumps.

"What did you wants to talk about?" Once he was far enough away from Heewon and Jihye, Dokja asked Jonghyuk.

They were currently at the edge of the building, looking apathetically at the ruined Seoul.

"Since you're the 'Prophet', you must know about Main Scenario #4." Dokja's starry black eyes widened, staring in disbelief at the other man with his mouth slightly agape.

"... yes. King's Road." Jonghyuk's shoulders stiffened. Even this 'Prophet' knew about King's Road. The collection of flags from various Stations for the actual Scenario. Jonghyuk's eyes shone complicatedly.

"For now, you will be Chungmuro's representative." Dokja's face became serious.

"That is indeed my plan."

"I will go opposite Chungmuro. We'll meet on the debate of Kings. You're going to be one of the Kings, aren't you?" Dokja was surprised at the accusation, but did not deny it.

"Cale will stay with you." This time, the protagonist's unexpected words left Dokja confused. Unusually. He had rather expected Yoo Jonghyuk to force Dokja to hand Cale over to him.

"Why?" the Reader asked. Unable to contain his curiosity.

"I'll wait for you there." Not answering, Jonghyuk turned his body around while getting ready himself.

"Hey-!"

"If any part of Cale gets hurt or you kill yourself-" emotionless dark eyes with a deadly aura emanated.

"-I will kill you." These words made Dokja breathe a sigh of relief that the protagonist's true self had returned. Carving out a sweet smile, even arching his eyes, Dokja nodded. Earning a distracted look from the other man.

"Of course, Protagonist-nim~ don't worry~! It's you who should take care of yourself, asshole." When the taller man looked like he was about to reply, Dokja quickly continued.

"If you don't, Cale will be sad~!" and that was it! Our bastard protagonist is as still as a statue! Making the reader smirk.

It seems Dokja has found a new invention that he can use as a hobby as well as a weapon against Yoo Jonghyuk.

His grin widened, making the murderous aura even more intense.

"Don't fight." The two compactly turned their faces, seeing Cale already awake and sitting with his hands supporting his chin. Sleepy reddish-brown eyes observed the two black-haired men in front of him who looked like they had been caught doing something evil or....

↾ Good morning, Cale! ⇃

Cale's small smile widened into a beaming smile. Which Dokja and Jonghyuk misinterpreted to mean that they were planning something evil together and Cale was teasing them with his smile.

Welcome back, Glutton.

↾ Cale! I want to explain everything to you, but, can we eat first? I'm so hungry right now-! ⇃

"Cale? You know we mean no harm, right? Stop smiling like that!" when his reverie was broken, there was already Dokja's worried face in front of him. Jonghyuk was still standing, behind Dokja with furrowed brows. The strange demeanor of the two made Cale confused.

"What's wrong with my smile? Is it ugly?"

"Who said that?" Jonghyuk cut in before Cale could finish his sentence.

"Yes! Why would you think that? Your smile is beautiful!" The other two men immediately looked at Dokja who was blushing bright red now but didn't argue with his words. Jonghyuk was silent for a moment, before nodding firmly with redness in his ears.

↾ Woah... who are they, Cale? They're smart for telling the truth. ⇃ Glutton teased in his mind while giggling strangely. It made Cale's eyebrows twitch with a small embarrassment.

"... thank you," Cale muttered and the three immediately sank into an awkward silence.

"Ah, Jonghyuk-hyungnim?"

"Hm?" Cale bit his lips, it was hard to ask this.

"You're leaving again?" Why don't you stay? You're strong and we can be safe together.... Seeing Cale's sudden sadness caused Jonghyuk to have a small dilemma. Ignoring Dokja's piercing gaze, the man took his place on the other side of Cale and crouched down.

"Yes."

"... alright." The protagonist's hand shot up, bringing a strand of reddish hair behind Cale's ear and patting the red head once.

"We will meet again. This farewell is useful for speeding up the scenario." Cale understood that. Although he did not know what they would experience in Main Scenario #4, the cooperation of forces like Dokja and Jonghyuk was certainly beneficial to many. He could also see that the two men in front of him had already decided on a plan.

"While I'm gone, stay with Kim Dokja." In making this decision, Yoo Jonghyuk had thought about it repeatedly. It was hard to make the decision to keep Cale with Dokja, as his heart wanted the red-haired man by his side.

But, to keep Cale safe, 'Prophet's' knowledge of the future could help ease Jonghyuk's mind. He would prepare everything thoroughly, before finding himself worthy of bringing Cale to his side.

"After this Main Scenario #4 end, we'll be together."

At this declaration, all the listeners including Heewon and Jihye widened their eyes. The difference was that Jihye's were gaping wide with a flushed face. Master is proposing-!

"Everyone will be together, right?" pressed Dokja with a sweet smile. The dark aura around him began to threaten. Jonghyuk gave a disinterested glance and snorted.

"Alright then, Jonghyuk-hyungnim. If it's for the best, I can only hope you stay healthy and well." Cale gave a small smile. Stay healthy, my strong investor. You should grow stronger the next time we meet.

"Hm." Before Jonghyuk stood up from his squat, Cale's hand held him back.

"Before that, hyungnim, can I ask you something?"

"What is it?"

↾ Food! ⇃

"...can I eat your cooking before you leave, Jonghyuk-hyungnim?" That's it! All eyes, Heewon, Jihye and Dokja glanced at Cale with approval and imaginary thumbs up. Nice, Cale! Keep it up! Delicious food, banzai!

"Sure." Having no problem with Cale's request, Jonghyuk nodded briefly.

The morning after a tiring day, let's start with chef Yoo Jonghyuk's delicious meal.

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[Cale Henituse's POV]

"Cale-hyung! Dokja-hyung! Heewon-noona!"

Lee Gilyoung ran very fast as the group arrived at Chungmuro Station. The little boy hugged Kim Dokja first, before moving on to Heewon and finally to Cale, then lingering there.

"Dokja-ssi, Cale-ya, Heewon-ssi." Sangah and Hyunsung approached with teary smiles. Touched that they could meet again after being separated for almost 5 days.

While Dokja and Heewon responded by patting Hyunsung's shoulder and hugging Sangah (on Heewon's side), Cale received a hug instead. Suppressing a frown, the red-haired man could only pat Hyunsung and Sangah's shoulders while thinking about how strange people in this world are.

↾ Cale! Who are they? Where are we right now? Why do they look familiar to you? Cale! I want to discuss something with you, but food! We have to eat first! I'm so hungry right now! ⇃

They're the ones who took care of me in this world. Wait a minute more, Jonghyuk-hyungnim is a good cook. Although it doesn't compare to Beacrox.

↾ Alright, Cale! Food. Food. Food- ⇃

"T-they're back-!"

"I-it's the redhead!"

"Hiiikk! T-that guy has hit us before!"

Not far from their reunion, there was a group of survivors from Main Scenario 3, with a familiar plump man standing and clucking quietly. Cale's reddish-brown eyes narrowed, making the man flinch as he felt stared at.

"What's the situation here, Sangah-ssi? Hyungsung-ssi?" The hug on Cale was released when Dokja asked. Cale breathed a sigh of relief at having his personal space back, immediately taking Jonghyuk's right side.

Knowing that he was temporarily safe by Jonghyuk's side. This black-haired man gave off a hostile and cold aura, so Cale felt that no one could get close to him now.

"Like Dokja-ssi said, we're holding up pretty well. Pildu-ssi has also been able to work together," Sangah replied with a confident smile. Cale could observe that their three companions had grown stronger.

"Yes. The surroundings have also stabilized," Hyunsung replied, standing tall, giving off a powerful aura with his body faintly glowing greenish.

Hmmm... good... good...

"Wait a minute, Cale." Jonghyuk, who noticed the buzzing from Cale immediately remembered his promise.

"Okay, hyungnim." While Dokja was discussing with the others, Cale found himself staring blankly at Jonghyuk who was preparing his breakfast. Maybe he was daydreaming or observing the way Jonghyuk was cooking, but his mind was currently talking to Glutton.

So, where did you all go? I have a guess, but I want to hear from you first.

↾ We're locked in, Cale. ⇃ Glutton's answer made Cale raise one eyebrow. Locked in?

Locked? Hmmm... is it because I'm weak? There was a small chuckle from his mind.

↾ In a way, yes. Because Cale is weak in this 'world'. What I realized is that the way your body works in this world is different from that in our world, Cale! ⇃ Red head tilted in confusion, What do you mean by different? Timidly, Cale traced every inch of his body, trying to imagine that all his organs were still normal, his heartbeat on the left-

↾ I-it's not different like that, Cale! ⇃ There was another amused chuckle, making Cale's eyes flatten and holding a frown on his face.

So?

↾ Hmm... I don't know for sure, it's just that the way your plate works is different here. I can read the info from inside here, it says something like Strength Lv. 15, then Stamina Lv. 12 and so on. ⇃

↾ And your plate resonates with this message. Almost like the way a... what's it called, huh? Anyway that exists on this world! So, if this 'thing' is enhanced, then so is your plate, Cale! ⇃

Right hand lifted up to grasp the chin. Eyes shaded, thinking of all the possibilities of the information told by Glutton. So, in a way, the info in question from Glutton was the same kind of message as this blue hologram. Meaning, each 'Incarnation' itself was already bound to the way the Star Stream system worked.

It's like they are really players, and are growing stronger with the help of this system.

So, what Cale could conclude was that his saucer had already changed, adjusting to the system in this world.

The jeweled reddish-brown eyes widened.

That meant, he could grow stronger in this world with the help of the system?

↾ Yes! I think so, Cale! It's revealed here that your average abilities have all increased! Although the level of magic is not yet known and some exclusive rights, attributes, and stigmas. ⇃

Cale nodded slowly with mixed feelings.

↾ And, I was able to be freed from this 'lock' because of the item you're wearing on your head, Cale! ⇃ A hand moved involuntarily to touch his forehead.

This item strengthened you? So that you could be free? There was a feeling that Glutton nodded.

↾ It's not just your plate that's changed! I guess, we've changed too Cale! I'm no longer just a 'shield' that protects you physically! I can protect you from mental and mind attacks! ⇃

Cale's heart was inexplicably racing after hearing Glutton's words. So, there was a condition to unlock his ancient power. Based on what Glutton said, he himself was freed after Cale used Galadriel's Headress item. However, it doesn't stop there, the freedom of the ancient power also makes them stronger and more evolved.

With a world that had a system to increase in strength without restriction, the ancient power that evolved, the stigma and exclusive rights of unknown value... Cale stared blankly at his palm. Suddenly Glutton's exclamation in his ears fell on deaf ears.

The potential of this world is... terrifying-

"-Cale? Are you okay?! You're so pale! Are you feeling unwell?" Trembling reddish-brown eyes closed, trying to keep negative thoughts out of his mind. Opening slowly, the worried faces of Dokja and Jonghyuk standing behind greeted him.

"I..."

↾ Cale! Try to calm down now-! ⇃ Cale inhaled and exhaled, calmed himself, and gave a small smile. Trying to calm down the other two men.

"I'm fine, hyungnims. Just lost in thought." Dokja looked unconvinced, and Jonghyuk gave him a sharp look.

"Are you sure?" Cale nodded. He didn't want to make a small problem bigger and end up overwhelmed by the others.

"Here." A plate of meat-filled food was handed over.

↾ Uwwwwoooohhhh-!!! Food! Kyaaakkkk! Cale! Hurry up and eat! I'm so hungry! UWWWAAAAHHHH-! ⇃

Both Dokja and Jonghyuk couldn't help but smile when they saw the soft rosy hue return to Cale's originally pale face. Whatever he was thinking earlier, disappeared when he saw the luxurious visual food displayed in front of him. Making the protagonist unable to resist stroking the red head.

"Thank you, Jonghyuk-hyungnim."

"Hm." The other man moved to take his own.

"Where's mine?" Dokja pointed to himself with a smile on his face. Jonghyuk just grunted no reply, taking a seat on Cale's left side. It made the Reader grit his teeth, imagining he could bite the thick-browed bastard's head off right now.

"Dokja-ssi! Here's yours!" Cale just smiled amusedly as the older man accepted the plate from Sangah and gave Jonghyuk a dagger look. The man then took a seat on Cale's right side.

"Cale-ya. Want to see a miracle?" Before Cale could eat, he was interrupted by Dokja. Suppressing a frown, the red-haired man gave a small nod. The sooner he dealt with it, the sooner it would be over.

"Look at this." Dokja's hand was extended, and Cale gaped when he saw two bowls of warm rice appear from the air.

"Tadaa~ Rice~!"

↾ Whoah! What is that, Cale! It looks like a crowd of white stone grains-! Can it be eaten-?! I want to eat! ⇃

"This is for you." Cale accepted the rice as if it was a treasure. As we can see carefully, there are sparkling stars coming out around the jeweled reddish-brown eyes that blink twice, with a small gaping mouth, a cute tilted head, framed with her beautiful red hair, making Cale's cute visuals increase many times over.

[The Constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' refrained from screaming at the cute sight of all her beloved Incarnations!]

[The Constellation 'Secretive Plotter' covered his face.]

[The Constellation 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' endured the heat on her cheeks at the cute sight of Incarnation 'Cale Henituse'.]]

[Some Constellations that favored the 'Cale Henituse' Incarnation felt like fainting!]

"Thank you, Dokja-hyungnim." Amused, Dokja ruffled Cale's soft reddish hair, earning a happy buzz from the others.

Satisfied, Dokja then sent a triumphant look with a mocking grin at Yoo Jonghyuk. Earning a glance full of daggers and a murderous aura reserved for the reader.

Ignoring the two men in front, Cale glanced at the two meals on the tiles with a beaming face. Rice! It had been a long time since he had eaten rice! Three years since he became Cale Henituse? Wheat was all there was in that world, Cale even regretted it when visiting the East side, because there was no rice!

So, with great solemnity and appreciation, he cut the meat, took a spoonful of rice, put the meat on top and-

-nyam.

↾ SO GOOOOODDD!!! WHAT A DEADLY COMBINATION! WHAT IS THIS CALLED?! NYAM NOM NOM NOM-! ⇃

That's right... this is rice... the staple food of Asians... a combination that becomes a deadly weapons indeed... it can be with meat, fish, noodles... ahhh Kim Rok Soo misses this flavor...

"Cale?" Looking up, Jonghyuk and Dokja were already looking back at him. Because Cale had been looking down for so long. But, what they got was Cale's flushed face with his reddish-brown eyes glazed over and body trembling slightly.

"Are you okay?" Cale nodded. Now taking another meal with a calm face.

"Hm. This is delicious and it's been a while since I've had rice." A smug smile then appeared on his face.

"Thank you for the meat, Jonghyuk-hyungnim." Cale turned to Jonghyuk.

"Thank you for the rice, Dokja-hyungnim." Cale turned to Dokja.

"You guys are the best."

Cale went back to eating with a happy heart and Glutton's happy screech in his mind. Not realizing what a mess the redhead had made for the other two dark-haired men.

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[Kim Dokja's POV]

My heart... hold on!

And my brain... why are you still in my mind?!

Focus, Dokja, focus!

Still, Dokja covered his face with both hands. He could not erase Hanibaram's smug smile from his mind, and even his physical -heart- that kept appearing without warning!

Even thoughts of his words filtered for constellations, debates with Bihyung, conversations with Heewon, Jonghyuk, and the others, were not as rare as the interactions with Cale.

[There are 11 hours left before Main Scenario #4 activates.]

That's right. Now was not the time to be fanboying Hanibaram. There was a time for him to be a fanboy, and now is the time to focus on Main Scenario #4!

Folding his arms across his chest, Dokja watched with a flat and slightly annoyed gaze at Jonghyuk who was talking to Cale about something. His starry black eyes could see how the protagonist's dark gaze softened on its own when he saw Cale nodding at his words.

Not forgetting to give a final glare at Dokja, as well as Gong Pildu if the fatty dared to attack Cale, Yoo Jonghyuk left for the next station with Jihye following behind him. And it had been three hours since the man had left.

Actually, when Jonghyuk said that they would work together -temporarily- for this Scenario, it surprised-no, VERY surprised him.

Because Yoo Jonghyuk was a very private person. He was rarely -almost never- the first to make a move to 'ask', let alone when it came to 'cooperation'. Hmmm... Dokja's hand moved to stroke his chin and thought.

Of course, he would gladly accept, it would mean Dokja wouldn't have to go through the trouble of chasing our bastard protagonist, right? With scenarios getting more difficult in the future, working together with Jonghyuk would make things easier. No more misscommunication. No more killing intent.

The two agreed to each reach the black flag and meet at the end of the scenario. They had even divided up which stations could be taken over easily. Dokja smiled blankly, thinking of the smoldering look the mola-mola bastard gave him as the information about the novel smoothly came out of Kim Dokja's mouth.

However, with Cale listening carefully, Jonghyuk's anger, suspicion, and hostility were drastically reduced. It made Dokja suppress a wicked smile as he explained his plan.

"Are you sure Dokja-ssi?" turning his head, he saw Heewon walking toward him.

"Sure of what?" The woman's grayish eyes glanced at Gong Pildu who was currently holding back a shudder from talking to Cale. The glance made Dokja stifle a smile as the red-haired man smoothly made a sweet threat that managed to make Gilyoung laughed by his side.

"About Gong Pildu being the guardian of Chungmuro station?" Heewon nodded.

"It's okay, Heewon-ssi. Didn't you decide to be my friend? That means you have to trust me." The other woman still had a complicated expression.

"Besides, Sangah-ssi herself said that Gong Pildu can already be cooperated with. Sangah-ssi's judgment of a person's character is usually accurate." Dokja said this because that was how he had observed Sangah during his time as a colleague in the office.

"Besides, I still have a contract." Dokja's smile widened into a wicked grin. Unconsciously making Heewon take a step back.

"With this contract, Gong Pildu can't do anything-"

-NGING-!

Everyone gasped as they felt a sharp buzz attack their eardrums. Automatically, all the occupants tried to block out the deafening sound. Even the Fourth Wall trembled with the intense impact on this sudden attack.

Dokja's black eyes widened as he saw the system's blue notification screen surrounded by a massive glitch. Vaguely, he could read-

[-balance-em-lag-ther-]

[-trying-to-exist-ar]

...this... didn't happen in the novel?

"Cale!" In the attack, Dokja looked around, trying to find the redhead's whereabouts and found the man already sitting on his knees clutching his head.

With hobbling steps, he tried to approach the Hanibaram and widened his eyes when he saw the blood coming out of Cale's nose.

This attack... is related to Cale!

Because the others do not have this kind of effect!

"CALE!"

When the attack stopped, everyone breathed a sigh of relief and fell back exhausted. But not Dokja and his group who rushed over to the redhead. Cale looked absolutely horrifying, his face pale, with a bloody nose, the whites of his eyes slightly reddened and his body shaking violently.

Cale's state froze Dokja in place with a variety of negative emotions. However, the most dominating were feelings of helplessness and fear.

Helpless with this strange attack.

And fear because this was not mentioned in the novel.

Then, a blue screen appeared in front of everyone. Although it still had a small glitch around it, there, it said-

[Star Stream is experiencing instability.]

[ ■ore ■■ ■is ■ti ■n has tried ■n ■te ■ Star Stream!]

[Star Stream's authority on Law ■a ■■l ■■■■■■■■■■■■■ is upheld!]

And after that, Dokja felt something coming from his own body. The star's black eyes widened, as did the Fourth Wall that suddenly erased its presence from his mind. The unfamiliar feeling was like there were thousands of CCTVs scanning, looking from every crevice of their body to spot anomalies and destroy them.

"Ugh-!" Dokja's eyes turned frantically to Cale, who was turning pale. The other man's hands were shaking badly, making the older man make a dark face.

This unknown attack, and the inspection of the Star Stream that never happened... everything was hurting Cale!

Hanibaram, his 'home'. was currently in pain!

With Cale in his arms, Dokja looked at the ceiling of the station, at the blue holographic screen, at anyone, to help him. To the stranger, who was watching Cale, PLEASE HELP-!

['Foreign Existence' observed the situation with cold eyes.]

And within a second, Cale's condition was better than before. With the notification saying that the Star Stream was stable and safe, with thousands of messages from the constellations worrying about them, Dokja ignored it.

[The Constellation 'Secretive Plotter' clenches its fist.]

[The Constellation 'Secretive Plotter' watched the 'Foreign Variable' with a sharp gaze.]

The black-haired man hugged the Hanibaram tightly.

Trembling hands stroked the wet red hair at the back of Cale's head, eyes wide with a blank stare, accompanied by all the negative thoughts coming to his mind.

"Dokja-hyungnim... too tight..." Blinking at the sound of Cale's submerged voice, Dokja immediately released the hug. Two hands grasped Cale's shoulders, scrutinizing every inch of the younger man's pale and sweaty face, before bringing their foreheads together.

"Relax, hyungnim... I'm fine," Cale murmured, leaning back against his arms as Dokja took hold of another pale face.

"Thank God... you're still here... you're still safe... you're still here with me..." Dokja hugged Cale again, this time tightly but not suffocatingly. Sinking his senses of the red hair to calm himself. The smell of nature, his fragile body of Dokja's arms, and his two weak hands on Dokja's shoulders, everything about Cale Henituse, the Hanibaram, the home and heart of the world, was still here. In Kim Dokja's arms.

Strange attacks... Star Stream instability... and Foreign Variables... Dark, starry eyes opened with a dead, piercing stare.

Whoever it was, if this 'figure' dared to hurt Cale or try to take Cale away from him, Dokja would finish him.

Even if he had to fight the Star Stream.

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[Russia]

[At the Same Time]

Not far from the eastern part of Russia, more precisely adjacent to the city of Yakutsk that had been destroyed by the monster attack of Main Scenario #3, in the middle of the sea of ice, which was filled with fog and thick snow, there was a crack.

The crack was like a strange anomaly that appeared in empty air, which appeared small and then as it widened, a white figure appeared with several subordinates behind.

"Contact the Dimensional and Interplanetary Division, try to resolve this anomaly-" The crack widened, making the white figure, who was recognized as Chairman Dokkaebi, flinch and gulp nervously.

Whatever anomaly was attacking this planet, it had to be from outside and was now trying to get in by defying the authority of the Star Stream.

"Hurry up, damn it! Otherwise, this planet will be destroyed with its instability!"

Chairman Dokkaebi immediately created a dome around them, summoning all the employees of the Dimensional and Interplanetary divisions, trying to re-stabilize the Star Stream and push the anomaly out of the cracks.

['Foreign Existence' stared intently at the 'Foreign Variable'.]

[A Stigma has been used.]

And in an instant, the crack was stopped and the anomalous figure that tried to enter was pushed away.

It caused Chairman Dokkaebi's eyes to widen and gaze around, trying to sense another presence helping them.

"How is it, Chairman?" Red pupils stared intently at the empty air in front of them, still able to feel the crack was merely closed, sewn shut, waiting to be forced open again.

"Keep an eye on this place. Do not give the Scenario in this vicinity. We must ensure that this bastard anomaly does not try to re-enter."

"Ready to go!"

Just before Chairman Dokkaebi returned, he glanced at the empty air. Couldn't stop think that something big was about to hit the planet.

SEE YOU IN THE NEXT CHAPTER 

So then, my chingudeul, there are some facts that I can summarize for you in these two chapters (include interlude) :

1. There was already an early clue as to what and how Cale went home.
Namely, the Dimensional Cracks.
And some can guess who these Foreign Existences and Foreign Variables are ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

2. Welll, this chapter is the real calm before the storm. What's the storm? Main Scenario #4 and other anomalies targeting Cale!

3. Also, Welcome Back, Glutton!
Eventually, all of Cale's ancient powers will return, but there has to be a 'key' to unlock them. And that key has to be something that can amplify his ancient powers.

4. Cale's power can be unlimited in this world, but, its potential makes Cale afraid. There is a reason for that, it will be explained in the next chapter.

I hope the plot is still not confusing. In the future, there will also be like a glimpse of the TWSA novel (＿🙏＿)

PS. After this chapter... many are in favor of Dokja becoming a Yandere :)

With warm greetings,

Neri 🍓❤✨