Every Dokkaebi dreamed of becoming the ‘Great Dokkaebi’. That was the peak of one’s tale that a <Star Stream>’s Dokkaebi could reach.
Yet, those that did reach the top continued to dream.
Bihyung stared at the [Final Wall] utterly filling up the view out from the front of the Ark. Even though so many stories existed, most of the wall was still empty.
[….Is there a reason to go this far??]
Bihyung’s anger caused the Great Dokkaebis’ communication line to go silent. He then continued to observe the <Kim Dok-Ja Company>’s companions from the skies of the Final Scenario. And at the figure of Kim Dok-Ja as the Outer God.
Starting from the subway that day, all the way up to the Final Scenario; while Kim Dok-Ja became the Demon King of Salvation, then became the ‘Watcher of Light and Darkness’, Bihyung also became a higher class Dokkaebi, before eventually ending up as a Great Dokkaebi himself.
⸢The biggest mistake a storyteller can make is excessively interfering in a scenario.⸥
Dokkaebis’ mission was to attract as much attention of the Constellations and create stories that would be recorded on the ‘Final Wall’.
That was why Dokkaebis should never be dragged around by the scenarios themselves. They must never be seduced by the Fables blooming from within the scenarios, and especially should not empathise with the Incarnations’ pain.
But, Bihyung made that very blunder.
While looking at their Fable, several of the feelings he had forgotten in the past woke back up again – that flutter of one’s heart when one scenario ended and the next one came around; that sense of fulfilment after seeing the Constellations rejoice or wallow from the scenario he had cooked up.
Bihyung learned about ‘scenario’ from Kim Dok-Ja.
[They are not carrying out the scenario incorrectly. From the beginning, ‘scenario’ flows in a reversible, malleable way. Meaning, it flows in the direction that many stars wish to see. Other Constellations of <Star Stream> are….]
[Looks like you care greatly about this Fable since you helped to foster it, but listen well. There is something called the flow of the bigger story.]
Bihyung was about to raise his voice only to hold himself back. He had to, as every other Great Dokkaebi was now focusing on him. Although vexing, he had no choice as the youngest in this group.
Great Dokkaebi ‘Garang’ finally broke the silence it had been maintaining until now. [A young Great Dokkaebi such as yourself probably finds such Conclusions quite fresh. However, I’ve witnessed Fables like that many times before. Do you honestly think that, in its immense history, there had been no one else who resented <Star Stream> and tried to destroy it?]
The Great Dokkaebi Garang, one of the oldest Dokkaebis in existence, and also the closest aid to the ‘Dokkaebi King’, too.
[There have been countless destructions before.]
Bihyung simply couldn’t unpack the remorse faintly discernible from that tone of voice.
[Not all destruction is the same,] replied Bihyung.
A few Great Dokkaebis glared at him as a warning. However, he tried his best not to shrink back and held Garang’s gaze. The latter stared at the former with mysterious, profound eyes and only after a lengthy amount of time, opened its mouth. [Indeed, the ■■ they dream of is slightly different from other Fables.]
Perhaps that statement got on its nerves, the Great Dokkaebi Onsae stopped observing and tried to intervene. Garang raised its hand first and stopped its colleague while continuing on with its words.
[But, that difference is the threat itself. Not every Fable will become a foundation for the next one.]
[What do you mean by that?]
[There are certain Fables that will completely break the scenario.]
Gah-aaaaaaah!!
The screams from the ‘Nameless Ones’.
Once upon a time, they too were beings that participated in different scenarios. They cried out in despair and attacked the Constellations. And in their centre was the Outer God King Kim Dok-Ja leading these godly beings from the other worlds.
⸢The Enemy of the Story.⸥
To Bihyung’s knowledge, no other calamity was given that title. He hadn’t even heard of the plan to give that title in the first place.
Garang continued on while watching Kim Dok-Ja’s resistance.
[At the beginning of every scenario, the protagonists will always experience the deviation from the normal world. They will fight against the enemies appearing before them, experience dilemmas, and sacrifice something in order to emerge victorious before returning to their original world to receive their deserved rewards.]
Bihyung knew of that theory. The first thing the lower-ranked Dokkaebis would hear about was that ancient rule of the scenario.
[Although outdated, that is still the focal point of the scenario. This cycle has to be protected so that the next scenario can be created, and the next world-line can open up. Conflicts will be mended, wounds will be healed; the world must remain in one piece as if nothing had happened to it.]
The distant foot of a mountain range collapsed before exploding spectacularly. The number of Constellations gathering was constantly increasing.
Bihyung knew the truth. This very ‘Final Scenario’ had been planned from the get-go.
⸢The end of the world will come, and then, it’ll be defeated.⸥
That imaginary enemy called the ‘Outer God King’ only existed for that sole purpose. Stars that once used to be at odds with each other would unite against the advent of a powerful enemy and fight together; some may die and some may survive, but they would still get to resolve all the old conflicts. The world would regain its peace. The gossipers would sing about this history and pass it down through the generations.
⸢And nothing will change. <Star Stream> will continue on.⸥
And that was the truth of the ‘scenario’ that the Dokkaebis pursued.
The scenario must cycle back and repeat itself.
[The absolute majority of Constellations are excited by the ‘Final Scenario’!]
To ensure that no one realised what the <Star Stream> actually was, and why the scenario had to be repeated, brand new stories had to be supplied to the Constellations. However, there were a few that resisted against this.
[Great Fable, ‘Demon World’s Spring’, is continuing with its storytelling!]
[Great Fable, ‘Torch that Swallowed the Myth’, is rejecting the predetermined development.]
Those that resisted against the scenarios predetermined for them, and they wished to bring down the existence of the <Star Stream> itself.
[Incarnation ‘Han Su-Yeong’s’ ■■ is ‘Neverending Story’!]
The ⸢Neverending Story⸥.
The contradicting ■■ that didn’t acknowledge the end as an end, was glowing brightly over yonder. That was the conclusion an author, not a storyteller of the universe, had decided on.
They were existences that rejected the <Star Stream>’s cycle and chose to fight on forever.
Kwa-aaaaaaah!
As the explosion roared on, the Great Dokkaebi Garang finally made its declaration. [Let us close the lid on this world-line here.]
The Great Dokkaebis keeping silent, and those that were observing the responses of their peers until then, all nodded their heads in unison.
Even before Bihyung could say something, Baram next to him spoke up first. [Bihyung, I’m sorry, but things have come down to this. It seems that you’ll have to overlook it this time.]
The moment Bihyung saw Baram’s expression, he realised the truth. Every single Great Dokkaebi gathered here was the universe’s best storytellers. They were the rulers that lorded over the scenarios and manipulated the stars while controlling this world-line.
Even then, for the first time ever, they had grown fearful of the ‘story’ they had created.
[We will use up the remaining Probability in order to forcibly execute the main scenario.]
‘Forcibly executing’ the scenario was the last trump card up their sleeve that the Dokkaebis could resort to. It was kind of a ‘deus ex machina’ that could forcefully restrict the flow of <Star Stream> at the cost of the truly nonsensical amount of Probability.
Especially so when trying to use it during the Final Scenario – the amount required simply defied one’s imaginations.
Tsu-chuchuchuchu!
When the Bureau’s Probability began moving, the skies over the whole of <Star Stream> was blanketed by blinding explosion of sparks. There didn’t seem to be any spot left for darkness to hide within this world-line.
[They must end as ‘evil’.]
As if to agree with the will of the Great Dokkaebis, Great Fables began supporting them.
[Great Fable, ‘Temple of the Destroyed Myth’, is complying with the Bureau’s will!]
[Great Fable, ‘Advent of the New Dawn’, is agreeing with the flow!]
[Great Fable, ‘Eternal Olympus’, respects the Bureau’s will!]
Bihyung watched the final pages being written by the Great Dokkaebis from a step away.
[Other Great Dokkaebis are strongly urging you to make your decision!]
He was yet to agree with this conclusion.
[Bihyung!]
Even though Baram called out to him, he didn’t reply.
[<Star Stream> is resisting against the Great Dokkaebis’ interference!]
The sparks in the skies soon reached the Great Dokkaebis. An incredible storm of aftermaths was rushing in. Even if they were Great Dokkaebis, trying to intervene in a scenario still required this much price to pay.
[I, ‘Great Dokkaebi Garang’, declare my intention to officially participate in the scenario!]
Garam’s declaration prompted other Great Dokkaebis to make theirs as well.
[I, ‘Great Dokkaebi Noksu’, declare my intention to….]
[I, ‘Great Dokkaebi Haram’, declare…..]
Over ten Great Dokkaebis were hardening their resolve. The meaning of officially participating in the scenario meant they were giving up on the positions of neutral bystanders.
A short while later, a message could be heard in the empty air.
[<Star Stream>’s Probability is experiencing a massive and sudden change!]
[<Star Stream> permits the meta-like intervention.]
[From here onwards, ‘storytellers’ will no longer be the scenario’s bystanders.]
[Many Constellations are greatly stunned by the Great Dokkaebis’ decision!]
[A portion of Constellations are denouncing the Great Dokkaebis’ act of brutality….!]
Bihyung stared at those Great Dokkaebis. He stared at their desire to end this world, even going as far as to ignore the Constellations and their messages of opposition.
It could be that they had been writing the ‘scenario’ for far too long.
There was another gaze from afar staring at these Great Dokkaebis. Bihyung met this gaze.
It was from Kim Dok-Ja, who had become an Outer God and then, the ⸢Enemy of the Story⸥. After he became an existence outside of the scenario, not even Bihyung could understand him now.
Even then, why? Bihyung thought that, in that very moment, Kim Dok-Ja seemed to be smiling. It could very well be that these Great Dokkaebis still didn’t understand anything about that guy. Still failing to understand what kind of a person Kim Dok-Ja was.
Failing to realise what it meant to officially participate in the scenario, and to become its characters.
Bihyung silently received that gaze, and took a step forward.
[Your ■■ is calling out to you.]
And so, it was now Bihyung’s turn to choose his ■■.
*
The intervention from the Great Dokkaebis caused the scenario’s balance to tilt the other way.
[The target you wish to protect is the ⸢Enemy of the Story⸥.]
[Your actions are restricted by the ⸢Bureau⸥’s Probability!]
Not just Han Su-Yeong, but the rest of the companions were being sucked into the storm of the Probability’s aftermaths as well. Pale-blue sparks tightly wrapped around their bodies like binding ropes.
“Su-Yeong-ssi, this!”
“Those sons of bitches… They are planning to end the scenario in this way.”
[Great Fable, ‘Season of Light and Darkness’, is quietly seething in anger.]
[Great Fable, ‘Liberator of the Forgotten Ones’, has begun its storytelling!]
The <Kim Dok-Ja Company>’s Great Fables did absolutely everything in order to resist the Bureau. However, it wasn’t enough. Their enemy this time was the strongest ‘Great Fable’ in this world.
[Now! Attack its head!!]
Constellations managed to pry open the gap among the Nameless Ones and advanced forward, before finally firing their weapons at Kim Dok-Ja.
“Kim Dok-Ja!”
Han Su-Yeong cried out, but her voice couldn’t reach him.
[You can’t protect the target.]
[Target you wish to protect is an existence you don’t know.]
“…..Screw you, don’t give me that crap.”
She recalled what the Great Dokkaebis said as if it was some kind of a curse.
A human couldn’t understand another even after devoting one’s lifetime.
⸢However, they weren’t just one person.⸥
Han Su-Yeong looked around her. Yi Hyeon-Seong, Jeong, Hui-Won, Yi Ji-Hye, and then, Shin Yu-Seung and Yi Gil-Yeong; finally, her comrades riding on the battleship were looking back at her.
Perhaps, there was none among them who weren’t ‘Kim Dok-Ja’. Everyone here, they held at least one handful of share in Kim Dok-Ja’s life.
However, there was one person missing from this picture.
‘Where did that guy disappear to??’
Han Su-Yeong bit her lip. Unfortunately, she couldn’t wait any longer.
“Aaaaaah!”
Jeong Hui-Won screamed as if her body was being torn apart while moving forward. The storm of aftermath was shattering her muscles and blowing up her blood vessels. Still, she forged ahead even as her tattered, bloodied body tottered unsteadily. She took one step at a time towards Kim Dok-Ja while gripping the [Judge’s Sword] tightly. It wasn’t to cut him down, though.
Claaaaang!
Jeong Hui-Won deflected a blade of a Constellation flying in only to vomit out a mouthful of blood. Yi Hyeon-Seong was right behind her.
Ku-dudududu!
The Outer God-ified Kim Dok-Ja was fighting against the Constellations from within the storm of aftermath. And his comrades were protecting him even as they were left in tatters by the exploding sparks.
“….There are this many people here, yet we can’t protect Kim Dok-Ja?”
[Fable, ‘Predictive Plagiarism’, has begun its storytelling!]
[Fable, ‘Saviour of the Star’, is searching for the ‘Demon King of Salvation’.]
[Fable, ‘Insect King’, is searching for the ‘Demon King of Salvation’.]
[Fable, ‘Judge of the Apocalypse’, is searching for the ‘Demon King of Salvation’.]
Every Fable they owned was searching for Kim Dok-Ja. They were crying out towards the man they used to know.
[Fable, ‘Predictive Plagiarism’, is continuing with its storytelling!]
If they couldn’t fight together because they couldn’t understand him, and if that’s why they couldn’t protect him, then…
[Many Constellations are sighing in lamentation at the <Kim Dok-Ja Company>’s tragedy.]
[A Portion of Constellations are lodging a protest at the Bureau’s treachery and….!]
Blood trickled down Han Su-Yeong’s lips. Dizziness assaulted her overheating head and her consciousness was wavering. It was also right then that someone grasped her shoulder.
She thought that curly blonde locks were dancing past her eyes, only for something to start protecting her and the companions. It felt like a transparent wall was enveloping them.
[‘Wall of Impossible Communication’ is protecting <Kim Dok-Ja Company>!]
Jang Ha-Yeong materialised her wall, and while supporting Han Su-Yeong, began walking towards Kim Dok-Ja.
“Is there anyone here who likes the ‘Demon King of Salvation’ more than me?”
Tsu-chuchuchut!
⸢Dok-Ja-ssi, I’ll stop telling you about that story of the lost things. It feels like you’re fed up….⸥
⸢Hyung, I’m right here. I have something I want to tell you.⸥
⸢Don’t worry. I won’t go anywhere without you, ahjussi.⸥
Sentences were scattering away.
Fables that <Kim Dok-Ja Company> had compiled so far were now intertwining into one theme.
[A fragment of the ‘Final Wall’ has been revealed to the world!]
[Great Dokkaebis are greatly astonished!]
[‘Wall of Impossible Communication’ is placing its fragment into its place.]
While being supported by Jang Ha-Yeong, Han Su-Yeong reached out to the ‘Outer God King’ Kim Dok-Ja. She felt the sensation of touching a wall. A cold and uncaring wall.
[Nebula, <Kim Dok-Ja Company>’s first ‘theme’ has been publicly unveiled!]
This wall existed in order to let others know that someone was beyond it. To let them know there was a person requiring a wall in this world.
To let them know one could converse with another without hurting each other.
Han Su-Yeong wrote her very first words on that impossible wall.
⸢You idiot.⸥
She couldn’t believe that she wrote something that stupid. However, she didn’t have any energy left to write a follow-up.
It was then that the wall began shaking.
Accompanied by a light knocking noise, a new sentence she didn’t write appeared above the wall.
⸢■■■….. Han Su-Yeong.⸥
<Episode 93. Omniscient Author’s Viewpoint (4)> Fin.
