Jonghyuk being smitten already, Dokja sulking over being separated from his Hanibaram, and Cale... being Cale hmmm ಠ_ಠ

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Don't forget to FOLLOW, VOTE, and COMMENTS, guys~♡

[Kim Dokja's POV]

Two hours had passed since they had entered the tunnel. And as useless as Han Myungoh had turned out to be, Dokja found himself not really objecting.

These monsters could still be dealt with as long as a proper strategy was used.

"I feel strange... you seem to have known something like this would happen, right? Kim Dokja-ssi." Having been holding back this question since Dokja's strange behavior, Heewon finally had the courage to ask.

[The Constellation 'Secretive Plotter' awaits the answer of the Incarnation 'Kim Dokja'.]

[Several Constellations await your answer!]

"Uh, that's-"

"Hyung!" Gilyoung's shout broke up the tense conversation. Kim Dokja's focus immediately returned to the monsters.

[Some Constellations are disappointed with the sudden cut!]

Dokja gave a fake apologetic smile at the blue screens in front of him. Thankfully he did not have to answer Heewon's question directly.

[The Constellation 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' came to bring new information to the Incarnation 'Kim Dokja'.]

"Well, what information, Constellation-nim?" Dokja asked politely, trying to brush dust off his clothes.

[The Constellation 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' exclaims that the Incarnation 'Cale Henituse' has been seriously injured just now!]

Dokja's hand stopped what it was doing. His black eyes trembled slightly for a moment and his face paled. He should... should not have left Cale alone with Hyunsung! That bastard Cheon Inho was clearly after the redhead, and Kim Dokja had been stupid enough to leave Cale alone with him!

[The Constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' is crying because the Incarnation 'Cale Henituse' is injured and is coughing up blood endlessly!]

[The Constellation 'Secretive Plotter' asks Incarnation 'Kim Dokja' to calm down.]

[The Constellation 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' informs that currently, the Incarnation 'Lee Hyunsung' is treating the Incarnation 'Cale Henituse' above the surface.]

[The Constellation 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' conveys the message from the Incarnation 'Lee Hyunsung', stating that the two would be waiting for the Incarnation 'Kim Dokja' and others at Chungmuro Station.]

Nodding his head slowly, the black-haired man did not forget to say his thanks, since such great Constellations like them were willing to worry about and deliver a message to a lowly incarnation like him.

"How is it, Dokja-ssi?" Yoo Sangah, approached the others with an equally worried look on her face. She had only known Cale for less than a day, but the younger man had already entered her heart and she almost considered him as her own brother.

"Should we head back?" Heewon asked again, concerned at Dokja's pale distressed expression. She knew full well that the dark-haired man was very protective of Cale.

"Cale-hyung will be fine. Hyunsung-hyung is looking after him," Gilyoung replied with a face full of trust.

That was true, too. Dokja had trusted Hyunsung to take care of Cale, and the constellation had also stated that right now, the former military officer was treating Cale above ground and heading towards Chungmuro Station.

"We will continue the hunt." Dokja cut off, his hands clenched tightly. He was already halfway there, Cale would probably not be happy with his actions if they met now. Also, the plan he had devised would fall apart. Dokja would not be strong enough to protect Hanibaram at this rate!

"We'll finish this Sub Scenario quickly, then we'll move on to the next Station." No one argued with Dokja's order. Everyone seemed equally determined to fight.

They continued walking.

However, a terrible possibility crossed Dokja's mind.

The protagonist, Yoo Jonghyuk, couldn't be at Chungmuro Station, right? From what Dokja had read in the novel, the man with the stern eyebrows and piercing eyes had only come to control the situation in preparation for Main Scenario #2 before leaving. That man wouldn't stay at the station for long.

.... they wouldn't meet...

... right?

Dokja's face once again fell into a frown.

Even if they did meet, Dokja wouldn't let Hanibaram go with Yoo Jonghyuk!

As much as Dokja wanted to be Jonghyuk's partner, he didn't want Hanibaram to suffer at the hands of the protagonist! Dokja would act as a wall for Hanibaram!

'Cale-ya. Wait for me. Your Dokja-hyungnim will come and protect you!'

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[Yoo Jonghyuk's POV]

Actually, Yoo Jonghyuk had not had any intention of going above ground again. He had not gone to the surface again, during his other two regressions as well. But, this time was different. There was a call inside his heart that he had to head up today. To calm his inner self, inevitably, Jonghyuk decidely grabbed his sword and got ready.

"Where are you going, Master?" Glancing briefly at Lee Jihye, Jonghyuk gave a small huff.

"To the top. Don't follow me and wait here." Without waiting for a reply, the tall man was already gone.

Perhaps, he could raise his level by fighting the monsters of the Main Scenario #2 region. After making up his mind he did not hesitate to cut down all monsters that stood in his way. After things had calmed down for a moment, Jonghyuk's grim eyes shifted to stare at the dead city. He mused at how the civilization, that had been painstakingly built by humans, was instantly destroyed by the attack of the various monsters and Star Stream.

Then, his thoughts fell on one particular 'Prophet', whom he had never met in his previous regression. Black eyes stared silently at the cloudy sky for a moment.

Maybe the 'Prophet' was already dead? Hmm it didn't matter. There had been no significant changes in his third regression. Apart from Kim Namwoon being dead and Lee Hyungsung refusing to go with him.

"GGGRRRRHHHH...." The sound of a monster growling stopped his reverie. Ending his unpleasant thoughts, Yoo Jonghyuk took out his sword, preparing to eradicate the 5-meter monster.

With a crushing blow he flug the monster away and watched as it inexplicably bounced to the left side of his sight. However, at this moment something else entered his vision.

His black eyes narrowed in alarm.

There was someone, besides himself, on the surface.

With the smoke still billowing, and his sword thrust forward from the attack, Jonghyuk stepped towards the two figures standing not far from him.

"Who..." both heads turned towards him. How surprised he was when he saw one of them was Lee Hyunsung himself.

"...-who are you?" His sword was still sturdily extended forward. Although Lee Hyunsung was here, his motives, that Jonghyuk didn't know in this regression, were worth being wary of. His eyes then looked at the other figure being carried in the arms of his former Tamer.

The unknown stranger had long red hair that trailed over thin shoulders, pale skin. The man looked to be very weak and frail, his trembling hands trying to wipe away the blood on the corner of his lips while leaning on the side of Hyunsung's head.

But, what attracted Yoo Jonghyuk to the other most was the strong scent emanating from the frail man.

"You... ? Who are you?" Gradually, Jonghyuk lowered his sword. His vigilance decreased inexplicably and his mind started to calm down.

The tall, well-built man closed his eyes, inhaling the unique scent that he had long forgotten fervently. There was the smell of nature, of fresh green grass that had just grown, of the sky after the rain, the forest in the morning, fireflies at night, the beach during the day, of a campfire with warm boisterous laughter, as well as a cool breeze, all of which was being emitted from the man with jeweled reddish brown eyes.

Something was strange.

Was it this person that had disturbed his inner self enough to come to the surface?

A part of his heart whispered that he had already known the man with the that jeweled eyes for a long time.

And then there was this feeling that it was 'right' for him to know another man.

"You..." He gazed at the red-haired man who looked back at him with soft, calm eyes. There was no judgment, only a strange waiting and acceptance.

"-come with me." After hearing these words, the other man's eyes widened slightly. Lee Hyunsung, on the other hand was more alert than ever, not relaxing his grip on the red-haired man ome bit, making Yoo Jonghyuk cluck his tongue in displeasure at the sight.

"What are you waiting for? Come with me-" Glancing at the weak and injured body of the pale man being carried, Jonghyuk huffed.

"-I can heal him." Now, it was Hyunsung's turn to let out a small gasp. His eyes glanced at the younger man for a moment, communicating silently.

"...we're going to Chungmuro Station," The former military officer muttered grimly, earning himself a flat stare from the other powerful figure.

"I've already been there. I know a safe route." it was a very tempting offer. Jonghyuk could see that his former partner was starting to waver.

"It's okay, Hyunsung-hyungnim. We can follow him." A masculine voice wrapped in a gentle elegant tone sounded in the air. Yoo Jonghyuk paid close attention to the voice, increasingly having to resist the urge of pulling the red-haired man straight into his arms.

"Our destination is Chungmuro Station anyway, right? We have to hurry, Dokja-hyungnim could arrive first." At the mention of the Prophet's name, Jonghyuk's eyes widened.

"Dokja... Kim Dokja is still alive?" Jonghyuk asked, now walking closer. Fortunately, Hyunsung didn't back away like before, already having calmed down after hearing the red-haired mans words in his arms.

"Of course Dokja-hyungnim is still alive," replied the redhead with a very unaccepting expression. It was as if Jonghyuk had said something bery rude.

Just as he was about to reply, the faint sound of a monster getting closer worsened the atmosphere.

"There's no more time, come with me." Forced by the circumstances, in a situation where they could not fight either (at least Hyunsung's side), they followed Jonghyuk.

"I'm Yoo Jonghyuk. You?" Taking a quick glance at the redhead, Hyunsung was torn between wanting to prevent this acquaintance and just letting the redhead retaliate.

"Nice to meet you, Yoo Jonghyuk-ssi. My name is Cale Henituse. Just call me Cale." The reddish-brown-eyed figure bowed politely with grace, receiving a nod back of his own from Jonghyuk.

"Where are you hurt?" A pair of black eyes scanned the redhead quickly, rewarded with a frown from Hyunsung who tried to cover Cale's body with his own, However, at this question, both Hyunsung and Cale looked wary.

"... my heart has a stab wound. And some of my internal organs are weakened. I'm very weak and still very hungry. That's all." Stunned at Cale's straight-forward answer, even Hyunsung had to gape a little.

"That's worse than expected." Jonghyuk muttered with a complicated look. The scent of power that Cale possessed was very strong. With a weak body like this, that meant that the use of his power would possibly have a bad effect?

Surprisingly Jonghyuk wasn't upset. Cale's weakness didn't even bother him. Instead, it made Jonghyuk want to be near him even more.

Strange.

It was strange how Cale could make him feel like this.

"Master!" An hour into their fast journey, Lee Jihye, who had been waiting near the subway station stairs, greeted them with a smile.

"How was your hunt-hm? Newcomers, Master?" The young girl's eyes glanced at Hyunsung for a moment, giving a small whistle at the Tamer's burly body.

When her grayish eyes caught sight of the redhead however, the 17-year-old girl could only gape. Then her face reddened dramatically, earning a puzzled look from the owner of those beautiful jeweled eyes.

"Omo! You're so pretty-oops!" Closing her unfiltered mouth, Jihye once again gazed at the other youth's visuals with an admiration that could not be hidden.

Her master was indeed handsome, well-built and strong! Jihye liked to let exclaim her pride at having been accepted as Yoo Jonghyuk's disciple. She could even feel the envious gazes of other at being noticed by such a strong and handsome person.

But, this newcomer truly had an incredible beauty! His long red hair looked soft under the dim lights of the station, contrasting harshly with his pale skin, combined with his blush and elegant rosy lips. But what caught Jihye's eye the most were a pair of reddish-brown eyes with a jeweled luster, lined with lustrous lashes. And of course the strong scent that emanated from the man. It reminded Jihye of the smell of summer during her visits to her family's home.

... the smell of 'home'...

Grayish eyes widened, then looked at her Master. Perhaps, that man had brought the beauty for the same reason?!

"Satisfied looking at him?" Jonghyuk's voice made the girl chuckle in embarrassment.

"I'm sorry, umm-"

"Cale Henituse. You can call me Cale."

"Hyunsung. Lee Hyunsung."

"-Sorry for being rude, Cale-ssi, Hyunsung-ssi." Softening to the young girl, the two shook their heads no objection.

"That's enough. Come with me. I'll treat you." Not waiting for an answer, Jonghyuk entered the station. Hyunsung and Cale glanced at each other for a moment before following the other man, with Jihye behind them.

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[Cale Henituse's POV]

Reddish-brown eyes stared blankly at the pile of high-quality herbs in front of him. Then the warm blanket on his shoulders, the new clothes on the right side, and the cooked and seasoned meat on the left side, which gave off a fragrant smell.

Okay... he was... flattered?... by this kind hospitality? But, the same question as he jad asked himself for Kim Dokja before appeared in his mind again. Weren't they still too unfamiliar to be given this kind of attention? Cale certainly did not mind free stuff. He was shameless sometimes, but he also knew his limits.

The red-haired beauty's face had a complicated expression, not knowing how to respond to the goodwill of their savior, Yoo Jonghyuk.

"What are you waiting for? Eat." Despite the cold and commanding voice, Cale did not find himself afraid. It was even more strange how attentive the taller man was.

Glancing at Hyunsung, who was watching him attentively, Cale finally made the first move to eat the grilled meat. He was honestly really hungry. A piece of apple pie was not enough to fill him up.

His eyes widened at the flavor bursting in his mouth and Cale looked up to stare at Jonghyuk then at the food in front of him. Was that scary man secretly a chef? Although not as good as Beacrox's cooking, it was still very good!

Yoo Jonghyuk on the other hand tried to refrain from rubbing the redhead's head, feel like smiling at the expression full of genuine pleasure emitted from the young man.

"Hyunsung-hyungnim. Taste it too, it's very good," Offered the youngest man with his eyes faintly twinkling brightly, looking happily at the food that was finally worth eating in this stupid apocalyptic world.

Ignoring the host's irritated gaze, Hyunsung took a bite as well. His eyes also widened in surprise at the delicious taste of the grilled meat.

"Uh whoah, t-this... is so good, Jonghyuk-ssi!" The two newcomers both turned to look at Jonghyuk with admiring gazes. Jihye, on the other hand smiled proudly. This was her master~

"Heh, there's nothing to praise. It's just ordinary cooking," The man with wavy black hair said while clasping his hands together.

"Still, it's very good... thank you, Jonghyuk-ssi," Cale said with a small, sincere smile, once again making Jihye flabbergasted at his beauty before blushing a little. Jonghyuk on the other hand just stared blankly, before clearing his throat and turning his face away.

"Eat it all and rest. Don't forget to drink the potion and change your clothes." With that, Jonghyuk stood up from his seat, followed by Jihye.

"Where are you going, Master? Are you going to the next station?" At Jihye's question, the thick-browed man glanced at Cale for a moment before answering.

"Once Cale feels better, we'll leave." The man left, with Jihye in tow, leaving Cale blinking in confusion at Jonghyuk's last statement.

"Did you hear that, Hyunsung-hyungnim?" Swallowing another bite, Hyunsung nodded seriously.

"We can't just leave. Especially with our promise to Dokja-ssi to meet here." Cale nodded calmly. If Jonghyuk dragged him by force, he would just make himself sicker while waiting for Dokja.

"Hey... I can read your plan, Cale-ya. Don't mess with me." The older man flipped his fingers against the redhead's forehead, to which Cale replied with a small 'oww'. There was a small frown on the former war commander's face before he replied to Hyunsung's mouthful.

"...arasso." Smiling sweetly, Hyunsung then made sure that Cale finished his meal, before helping the other drink the potion, change his clothes and rearrange the thick blanket (which Jonghyuk had given him) into a bedding.

"Rest, Cale-ya. I'll take care of you." Cale yawned in reply and nodded absentmindedly. Rubbing his eyes with clenched hands, he looked for a comfortable position to lie down. The moment his head touched the artificial pillow, the red-haired man immediately fell into sleep.

An hour had passed when Hyunsung suddenly heard the faint sounds of fighting on the other side of the station tunnel. His body tensed for a moment, thinking of the possibility of another disturbance while Cale was helpless.

Then, Lee Jihye's laughter rang out. This somehow made the former military officer breathe a sigh of relief. Surely the brawl originated from Jonghyuk, who Hyunsung knew would not hurt Cale.

His eyes looked at the red-haired beauty who was sleeping with a pensive face.

Indeed, some mysterious aura from Cale made everyone unable to resist his charm. Was it his face? His sweet submissive demeanor? His calm gaze? Or his calming smile? Even Jonghyuk, who was a scary and cold man (according to Dokja's speculation), was mellow when facing Cale.

Hyunsung was no exception.

He even considered Cale as his younger brother. He did not hesitate to move to protect the owner of the reddish-brown eyes.

Ah... yes, there was also more to his eyes, which sometimes made Hyunsung wonder if Cale was really human like them? Because these eyes were just too beautiful and had a jewel-like sparkle. It amazed him every time he saw them.

"How is he?" His reverie was broken when Jonghyuk's voice came to his ears. The burly man looked up, watching the other man walk toward them.

"Umm I'm sure Cale will be better if he gets plenty of rest." Humming softly, Jonghyuk nodded.

"Does he often experience things like this?" Asked the man again.

"Every time his skill is used, Cale will vomit blood. Then Cale would be starving and fall asleep." Hyunsung answered honestly. Why lie to Cale's savior?

"... His body is so weak," Jonghyuk murmured, looking at Cale's pale face critically.

"But his skills are amazing." Hyunsung said with a resigned face.

"Hm. Keep an eye on him. I have to take care of the trash." Without waiting for Hyungsuk's reply, the man went back to the side where the sounds of fighting had been coming from.

Leaving Hyunsung alone as he stroked Cale's soft red hair with a soft smile on his face.

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[Kim Dokja's POV]

Kim Dokja stared apathetically as one of the monsters' tentacles entered Han Myungoh's mouth. Eyes flickered momentarily, remembering briefly that this demon species conceived their offspring in the bodies of other species.

After obtaining the Broken Faith item, Dokja quickly coated the broken sword with bright blue ether, which responded to stellar energy. Not having to wait long, as he was also in a hurry, Dokja finished off the monster mercilessly.

And Han Myungoh foolishly took the final blow, leaving him marked by the Demon King Asmodeus.

Snorting at Han Myungoh's endless stupidity, Dokja approached his party. He even ignored the blue screen message in front of him and the coins he had earned. Kim Dokja's mind was currently full of Hanibaram who was miles away from him.

"Calm down, Dokja-ssi. Hyunsung-ssi is with Cale," Heewon said, unable to help but feel concerned at the dark-haired man's flat face.

"Yes, Dokja-ssi. Cale will be fine." Sangah replied with a comforting smile.

"We'll see Hyunsung-hyung and Cale-hyung soon." Even with his pale face, Gilyoung tried to encourage Dokja. Making the older man pat the little boy on the head.

"Then let's see what items we got?"

*****

Arriving at the Station was pure chaos. There was some time left, before the payoff of survival took place. Kim Dokja stared complexly at the group of people begging for help.

"Ah! Kim Dokja, our savior!" as if activating a predator button, all of the eyes of Kim Dokja's party glanced at the young man with a battered face who came in with a sly smile.

[The Constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' says to mercilessly smite the vermin who dare to harass dear Incarnation 'Cale Henituse'!]

"Ah... you...," Dokja muttered with a vicious smile gradually etched on his face. He drew his Unbroken Faith sword, making everyone instantly alert. Still remembering the Tamer's rampage as well as the explosion of golden-rose lightning.

[The Attributes of Incarnation 'Jung Heewon' are evolving!]

On the other side of Dokja, a woman with long black hair and gray eyes stalked like a wolf. There was a silver aura emanating from her body.

"Hey," Dokja took a step forward, the smile fading from his face as he arrived in front of Cheon Inho.

"You know that the world has changed, right? Didn't you say so yourself?" Cheon Inho, like a disgusting rat, began to nod frantically, craving a salvation that was no longer possible.

"If you know, why are you still hoping to touch my Hanibaram?" muttered the reader with unconcealed anger. Because of this bastard, he had to leave Cale alone with Hyunsung. Then because of him, Cale is seriously injured, forcing the redhead to be separated from Dokja and if they meet the protagonist...

"Should I just make you my punching bag? Alive, to keep and use when I'm upset?" With Jung Heewon beginning to move beside him, Dokja didn't care as the area around them began to fill with blood. Which now left only Cheon Inho trembling in the midst of the carnage.

"How was it?" Smiling sweetly, Dokja began to inflict several wounds on Cheon Inho's body, letting the man bleed to death on his own.

[All the Constellations in the channel are satisfied with the ending.]

[All the Constellations that wanted revenge for the Incarnation 'Cale Henituse' smiled contentedly.]

On the other hand, Dokja glanced at Yoo Sangah who was trying to wipe away her tears, Lee Gilyoung who was staring blankly at the scene ahead, and Jung Heewon who was wiping the blood off her cheeks.

[Survival Score will be finalized.]

"Wake up everyone." Discarding Cheon Inho's disgusting blood from his sword, Dokja said in a serious voice.

"This Scenario is just about to begin." A small smile gradually formed as his eyes began to see the shadows of Hanibaram's red hair flash by.

"And we have a partner to pick up."

SEE YOU IN THE NEXT CHAPTER

Someone summarizes this chapter ( ︾▽︾) :

- Oblivious Cale aka Mr. "Everyone is being way too nice to me and I dont trust them one bit but hey, free stuff"

- Jonghyuk aka Mr. "i've only known Cale for 5 minutes but if something happens to him I will kill everyone in this room and then myself"

- and our dear Dokja aka Mr. "Talk shit, get hit, where is my baby Cale? You have 5 seconds to answer, bastard."