Chapter 58

1 The last test for the king. Extreme hardship to overcome with only your physical strength. There were craters throughout Gwanghwamun. The kings were fighting around the Absolute Throne in the midst of it all. The King of Beauty, Jiwon Min. The Maitreya King, Sanggyeong Cha. The Supreme King, Junghyeok Yu. And that middle-aged man must be… I see. He was probably the Neutral King. He put his hands up after making eye contact with me. [The Neutral King, Ildo Jeon, has forfeited.] As his title suggested, Ildo had no desire for the throne. Only the other three coveted the throne. Normally, Junghyeok would’ve crushed everyone else in less than a minute since he was among the three kings. That was, if this was in the original story. “Die, devil!” As Maitreya King, Sanggyeong Cha waved his magic staff, Junghyeok kicked him in the stomach. “Argh!” Because everyone’s stats were ten, Sanggyeong didn’t receive much damage. Since all skills were sealed as well, physical strength was the only key to winning this battle. That was why Junghyeok couldn’t subdue the other kings that easily. Jiwon, who was observing them in the background, noticed me. “We meet again.” “…Yes, we do. I was hoping I wouldn’t have to fight you.” Since Jiwon was here, that meant she had cleared all the king’s qualifications, which was amazing. To be honest, I didn’t think Jiwon would make it all the way to the end. “If you don’t forfeit now, I’m going to attack.” “Go ahead. It won’t be as easy as you think.” A fight with no skills, no stigmas, and average stats of ten. A pathetic battle for the king who destroyed a whole city not too long ago. At that moment, Sanggyeong screamed alongside the sound of flesh bursting open. “Argh! Wh-what…?!” Sanggyeong was rolling around on the ground in pain after being punched by Junghyeok. The fight was quiet even for Junghyeok and Sanggyeong until a few minutes ago, but things had changed. Despite not having any skills or stigmas, Junghyeok’s attacks were getting faster and fiercer. And it wasn’t just because he had excellent fighting instincts. Jiwon seemed surprised as well. “How…?” If I remember correctly, this is the regression where Junghyeok realizes the loophole in the final phase. Messages are probably popping up in his head right now. [You have invested 400 coins on stamina.] [You have invested 400 coins on agility.] [You have invested 400 coins on strength.] The funny thing was that everything was restricted in this battle, but one thing was left untouched: the coins everyone owned. [Constellation Lady of the Sleeping Brocade questions the fairness of the scenario.] The mid-level goblin laughed. Ha-ha, what’s the problem? Everyone has the right to use their hard-earned money. The incarnations have collected coins diligently, so they should have an opportunity to spend them. Junghyeok was increasing his stats now with the coins he had. Naturally, any stat that’s increased with coins here will be reset once the scenario is complete. So spend them wisely! After all, you’re practically throwing away your coins! Ha-ha-ha! Following the goblin’s explanation, Jiwon and Sanggyeong’s faces went white. I doubt they had very many coins to spare. Which was expected. I mean, how could they? Waging war is expensive. However, that wasn’t the case for Junghyeok. Junghyeok always left a sizable reserve for contingencies. He had around thirty thousand coins at this point in his original third loop, but he probably has closer to forty thousand since he’s doing better. Wha-bam! With that sound, Sanggyeong’s ragged body flew through the air. [The Maitreya King Sanggyeong Cha has been knocked out of the fight.] Junghyeok looked at Jiwon nearby. She shuddered and quickly stepped back as she raised her hands. “…I forfeit.” [The King of Beauty Jiwon Min has forfeited.] Finally, Junghyeok looked at me. His angry eyes calmed. I understood. He was probably thinking of getting his sister back from me as long as he took the Absolute Throne, which would give him control of every king. But would that happen? “Hey, Junghyeok.” We pointed our swords at each other. All I had to rely on were my meager stats and my own combat sense. Whoosh! I was able to follow the movement of Junghyeok’s sword for the first time. It was probably a fake-out. I bet he’s trying to gauge my stat levels and how many coins I have. He’s nothing if not cautious. He wants to win using the least amount of coins possible. However, your cockiness will be your downfall this time. Because no kings in Seoul have more coins than I do at this point. [Coins Owned: 80,850] Who would think to save over eighty thousand coins in the early scenarios? I smiled at Junghyeok as he ran at me. “I’ll go easy on you, so try not to die.” It’s time to go all-in and cash out. As if to make up for all the times I had to be thrifty, I splurged coins on my strength stat. [You have invested 4,000 coins on strength.] [Strength Lv.10 —> Strength Lv.20] [You have invested 5,000 coins on strength.] [Strength Lv.20 —> Strength Lv.30] [You have invested 6,000 coins on strength.] [Strength Lv.30 —> Strength Lv.40] … [You have invested 11,000 coins on strength.] [Strength Lv.80 —> Strength Lv.90] [You have invested 12,000 coins on strength.] [Strength Lv.90 —> Strength Lv.100] [You have spent a total of 72,000 coins.] [Your strength has increased beyond human capability.] [An incredible accomplishment! You are the first to reach three digits in the strength stat.] [You have received 30,000 coins as a reward.] I controlled the power contained in my fist. It would be no good if Junghyeok died accidentally. A strike with a strength level of 100 was incredible. It felt like the very space around my fist became distorted. According to TWSA, when a stat reached three digits, it would have destructive power on a different level. How did I feel? Of course, it felt fantastic. It felt like I was holding a fistful of million-dollar checks. I could see that Junghyeok was shocked and hastily tried to use his coins. But it was too late. A sonic boom like the sound of a bag of money ripping open. And Junghyeok was flying through the air like a baseball hit by a bat. Unfortunately, a home run was impossible in this stadium. Junghyeok smashed into one side of the barrier and bounced back to the other side. This repeated about a half dozen times until he hit the ground. …He’s not dead, is he? I panicked a little and ran to Junghyeok. Crap, why did I do that? I should’ve released more of my power. I carefully pulled Junghyeok out of a hole in the ground. But… Ah, this is why he is the main character, isn’t he? Junghyeok was glaring at me with his eyes wide open. He’s still conscious after taking a one-hundred-strength punch? “H-hey, Junghyeok?” “…” “Junghyeok?” “…” Junghyeok’s pupils weren’t moving. Oh, he’s passed out with his eyes open? Had I hit him too hard? No, that was probably my only chance to hit him. “This is what you get for being a jerk and always threatening to kill me…” I slapped his face a few times like I’d been dying to. His pupils seemed to be following me, which was slightly concerning… But Junghyeok was still breathing, although every bone in his body was broken and he was bleeding from every hole in his face… He couldn’t use the “Resurrection” skill here, so he might be in danger. I needed to hurry up and finish this. [The Supreme King Junghyeok Yu has been knocked out of the fight.] [Congratulations! You have passed all of the tests for the Absolute Throne.] The barrier slowly lifted into the air. [Your temporary stat increases have been reset.] [All the restrictions on the kings have been removed.] [Constellation Prisoner of the Golden Headband’s fur is standing up from too much excitement.] [Constellation Secretive Plotter applauds your HODL strategy.] [Constellation Demonic Judge of Fire is amazed by your patience.] [You have received 4,500 coins as a donation.] Soon, messages from historical-grade constellations arrived as well. [Constellation Lady of the Sleeping Brocade is frustrated.] [Constellation One-Eyed Maitreya throws his eye patch in anger.] [Constellation Lord of Hannam blames you.] I knew it, all the kings from the Later Three Kingdoms resented me. They were probably disappointed because they missed one of the few chances to become fable-grade constellations. …Oh? We have an unexpected winner. The mid-level goblin seemed unhappy somehow. It probably didn’t expect me to win, either. But I did. Very well. It is what it is. Attention, all incarnations of Seoul — As of this moment, we have the new master of the Absolute Throne! I stopped the mid-level goblin. “Hold up.” …What is it? The mid-level goblin’s eyebrows twitched. “You’re rushing it. I haven’t even sat on the throne yet, but you’re already announcing it? Shouldn’t you ask me first?” What does it matter? You’re about to sit on it. I walked to the Absolute Throne. I sensed every constellation watching the Seoul Dome paying attention to me in this moment. The Absolute Throne slowly came down from midair, gold and shiny, descending toward me as if on cue. “What can I do with this?” I asked the mid-level goblin. It was a short but sharp question. The name “Absolute Throne” says it all. As long as you are seated on the throne, you hold absolute authority as the ruler. No subject can go against you in this land, and everyone will lower their head before you. People looked at me with envy after the goblin’s explanation. Which was understandable, considering everyone had been working hard to seize the throne. [Constellation Lady of the Sleeping Brocade smacks her lips.] Even to constellations…this was disappointing and unfortunate. I couldn’t believe constellations still envied me, although they knew the truth behind this item. That’s why I really didn’t like them. “Is that all?” …Pardon? “I mean that sounds too good to be true. I can have absolute power in the land I rule?” Well, you deserve a reward for all that you’ve been through, right? You risked your life countless times to reach the throne, so— “So you’re saying this throne can do all that with no regard for the restriction of plausibility?” What…? “You’re a good liar. Is it because you’re a goblin? Does management allow this kind of fraud?” The mid-level goblin couldn’t hide his facial expressions. It looked stunned. As he floated in the air, Bihyeong had a grim look on his face. He was probably thinking that I had gone mad. Enough with this tiring banter. It’s time to end the scenario. Now sit on the throne already. If you keep up with this nonsense, I might destroy the Absolute Throne. “Oh, about that… Go right ahead.” What? I looked at the goblin, then turned to some people who were speechless. “I will not sit on the Absolute Throne,” I said. All of Gwanghwamun fell silent. Then came a clap of thunder before rain fell from above. The light coming from the Absolute Throne reached the sky. Thick rain clouds swirled around the light. That was a sign of the fifth scenario, Great Hall. The mid-level goblin opened its mouth as it got wet from the rain. What…did you just say? “I said, I won’t sit on the throne.” I don’t know why you are acting out. I suggest you accept your reward. Without the power of the Absolute Throne, Seoul will not survive the fifth scenario. The goblin’s comments frightened the people who had gathered in Gwanghwamun, and they started yelling at me. “Huh? What the hell is he thinking?” “Stop talking and just sit on it already!” “Damn it, if you don’t want it, then give it to me!” The goblin continued as if things were going its way. This throne can give you more than you think. Merely taking the throne will grant you your own “fable,” and your sponsoring constellation will ascend to a whole new level of stature. I guess you don’t know what that means, do you? Actually, constellations had been reaching out to me for a while. [Constellation The Adventurer Who Makes Eggs Stand Up wants to be your sponsor.] [Constellation Great Calligrapher wants to be your sponsor.] … [You have received 500 coins as a donation.] The mid-level goblin continued in a cold tone. I’m warning you, I’m not like the low-level goblins. Your little tricks won’t work on me. I looked at the Absolute Throne. It’s as the goblin said. Without the Absolute Throne, it’ll become much harder to clear the fifth scenario. But I also know something the goblin left out. If I use the Absolute Throne even once, I’ll never be able to reach the end of the scenario. It took Junghyeok forty regressions before he realized this. This Absolute Throne was built like that from the start. “Why the hell would you refuse to be king?” An angry person stepped out of the crowd. He was pointing at me while breathing heavily, as if I had insulted his wife. “Let me ask you. What about me makes you think I should be your king?” I asked him. “Huh?” “How do you know I won’t kill you once I hold absolute power?” His open mouth froze. I continued while looking at other people around him. “The same goes for everyone else. Have you forgotten already? We didn’t live in a kingdom. So why are you acting like you’re subjects of a despotic society?” The reason I didn’t want to be a king? It was simple. “I don’t want to be the king who represents such a contemptible group of people.” I kept talking while looking up at the sky. “Nor do I want any of those hypocritical constellations to be my sponsor.” Then I looked at the throne. “That’s why I won’t sit on the Absolute Throne. That said…” I pulled out my sword. “…I won’t allow anyone else to sit on the throne, either.” Having someone sitting on the throne meant no one else would be able to sit on it. It felt like cold fire was coming out of the mid-level goblin’s eyes. You better stop right there. I’m not a patient goblin… I kept speaking while looking straight at the goblin. “How long are you going to let the goblins and their scenarios control you? Having one person sit on the throne and hold absolute power…don’t you understand what that means?” I knew if people got used to being obedient, the price to pay to escape that obedience would be much higher. “And this goes for all the constellations of Korea, too. I know very well that not every one of your kind is the same. Some of you are higher in rank than others.” An invisible hierarchy existed among constellations. Some constellations watched other constellations just like constellations watched incarnations. To be precise, the ones being watched were low-level constellations. “But isn’t this enough? Are you going to allow this land to be the battleground for tragic heroes?” [Constellation One-Eyed Maitreya is deep in thought.] “You struggled all your life to accrue historic deeds to become historical-grade constellations and build up fabled deeds to rise to fable-grade. And then what? What comes after you’ve become shining stars in the sky? How long must you impose your greed on the descendants of this land until you’re satisfied?” [Constellation Lady of the Sleeping Brocade is silent.] That was when the silent mid-level goblin spoke. I’ve had enough of this nonsense. With that came a notification. [A new sub scenario has arrived.] <Sub Scenario – Take the Throne> Category: Sub Difficulty: B Mission: Take down incarnation Dokja Kim, who is refusing to claim the Throne, and seize it for yourself. Time Limit: 30 minutes Reward: 6,000 coins Penalty for failure: — I knew this would happen. People who had been swayed after listening to me were now approaching. Their eyes were filled with greed. In the end, the goblin was right. No matter how you cut it, these people, myself included, were like leeches who sold their consciences for a few coins. Of course, not everyone was like that. “You’ll have to get by me first! A woman stepped in front of me. Her angry voice made people keep their distance. It was Huiwon. “The world may have changed, but there are things we should never forget. I believe those values still exist.” Sangah was here as well. Gilyeong and his hammer guarded me from behind. Minseob and Seongguk were farther from us, but made their way closer as well. “…Sometimes I feel like you’re more like the main character than Junghyeok Yu.” “Even he doesn’t do crazy stuff like this…” But there were too many enemies to stop with just this group. Just then, some people unexpectedly stepped forward. “I’ll help you just this once.” “My inner eye tells me you make a fine point.” The King of Beauty and the Maitreya King. I didn’t know what made them change their minds, but something definitely moved them even to chance it, even if it was a long shot in this world. You lowly insects… What are you waiting for? Take him down! People ran toward the throne. Huiwon was pushing away people on either side of me. “Dokja, you have some kinda plan, right?” “Yes.” “What do you need us to do?” “Buy some time for me while I destroy this throne.” The throne was the key that unlocked the new scenario. I drew a sword from my chest. Someone from the crowd yelled. “It’s the Four Tigers Evil Slayer!” The Four Tigers Evil Slayer was an S+ item, but it could be changed to a constellation artifact when specific conditions were met. Because this sword was an item containing the souls of historical-grade constellations. [Ganpyeongui’s special ability “Echo of the Stars” has been activated.] [You may call upon a historical-grade constellation through “Echo of the Stars.”] “I will call upon a constellation.” [Historical-grade constellations are listening to you in the flow of stars.] I called on constellations’ epithets as if casting a spell. “I want the first star of the Big Dipper.” Tamlang. “I want the second star of the Big Dipper.” Geomun. “I want the third star of the Big Dipper.” Nokjon. “I want the fourth star of the Big Dipper.” Mungok. “I want the fifth star of the Big Dipper.” Yeomjeong. “I want the sixth star of the Big Dipper.” Mugok. [The stars begin their voyage.] [The six constellations gaze at you.] When all the stars from the Sky Disc had disappeared, I felt suffocated, like being on a full subway. I stumbled from dizziness, and blood came out from both my nose and ears at the same time. It was even hard to think. My brain was overwhelmed because the six constellations communicated with me at the same time. The constellations of the Big Dipper spoke. [What are you thinking?] [If you call on all of us…] […your mind will be completely destroyed.] [For what reason do you call on us?] [Why do you forsake the easy path…] […and insist on walking the thorny road?] But I didn’t stop. Not yet. In order to use the Four Tigers sword, I needed to call on one more constellation, but there wasn’t a constellation left in the Sky Disc. [You have exhausted all the uses for Ganpyeongui.] I took out the Dragon Jar, which I got from the Tyrant King. The reward from the seven-man dungeon. And I put two items in that jar. “By sacrificing the S-grade item Three-Wheeled Ring, I can restore the number of uses of the S-grade item Ganpyeongui.” [The Dragon Jar emits a mystical power of restoration.] [S-grade item Three-Wheeled Ring has been offered.] [S-grade item Ganpyeongui’s number of uses has been restored.] I used Ganpyeongui again. And I called up the last constellation. “I call on the seventh star of the Big Dipper.” Pagun. Seven stars in the sky. Finally, all the stars of the Big Dipper were gathered in the same place. The seven stars spoke to me at the same time. [What do you desire from us?] “Seven stars of the Big Dipper, I wish to sever the link between the throne and its master. Please lend me your blade.” […Do you know what that means?] “I do.” I took all these risks because I knew very well. The Absolute Throne was an item that allowed you to borrow the power of an outer god that resided in the dark dimension. Sure, it’d be smooth sailing for a while if I had it. I’d be able to control Junghyeok Yu and eliminate all of my enemies. But ultimately, Seoul…no, this world itself would fall. Complete destruction with no salvation or miracle. Such was the price of borrowing absolute power. In order to reach the end I had planned, no one could have that throne. [Even the constellations in the sky are wary of the creator of the throne.] [Yet a mere human seeks to challenge its dark master?] “I can do it if you aid me. I’m not trying to fight it, I just want to cut the ties between the throne and its master.” [That is not a magnitude of plausibility you can handle.] [You will certainly die.] “That’s for me to decide. Let’s get started.” The seven constellations fell silent, I don’t know for how long. The Big Dipper shone brightly in the sky, and the constellation engraved on the scabbard was shining bright as well. [We respect your will.] [Even if you perish here…] […we shall remember you.] Dazzling lights swirled around the Four Tigers Evil Slayer, and its white blade began to burn with a brilliant flame. [The S+-grade item, the Four Tigers Evil Slayer, has evolved into a constellation artifact.] The constellation artifact, the Four Tigers Evil Slayer, was a ceremonial sword originally created for ancestral rituals. It was a sword that severed evil energy and blocked disasters. It was one of the very few items that could cut off the link between a constellation artifact and its master. I pointed the sword at the Absolute Throne. Sparks flew with an explosive sound. Crack. I heard something rip through the air. An ominous black flame covered the Absolute Throne as if in response. When I struck the Absolute Throne a few more times, pieces of the Four Tigers Evil Slayer’s blade began to break off. I had no choice but to trust the constellations of the Big Dipper. “Dokja! Hurry!” Sangah yelled. I swung the sword like a madman. Ignoring the breaking blade, I continued to strike the throne. More sparks. Blade breaking. Until finally… [The blessing connected to the constellation artifact, the Absolute Throne, has disappeared.] [An outer god has detected the sudden shift in this world.] The Absolute Throne lost its light and became a normal chair. A devastated mid-level goblin screamed angrily. You lowly insect…! [The sub scenario has ended abruptly.] People stood still. They didn’t have to act, since the scenario was over. The constellations of the Big Dipper spoke. [Incarnation, brace yourself for the inevitable surge of plausibility.] As soon as I heard that voice, blood gushed out of my mouth and I felt nauseous and dizzy. It felt like someone was continuously stretching and then crumpling me. The feeling of an enormous power surrounding me, tearing my body apart. I tried to hold onto my sanity. Rrrumble. I’ll be fine. Plausibility is a measure of how naturally the story flows. Everything I’ve done was to build up this moment as the natural outcome. I can overcome this. I kept repeating this to keep from losing my mind. It was at that moment that a star quietly twinkled in the distant dark sky. [Constellation God of Naval Warfare gazes at you.] One silent, lone, but very warm gaze. [Constellation Bald Leader of the Peasants’ Army gazes at you.] Then two. [Constellation Last Hero of Hwangsanbeol gazes at you.] Three. [Constellation Lady of the Sleeping Brocade gazes at you.] … The mid-level goblin screamed at the onrush of messages. Why? Each time a star joined, my pain lessened. I realized the constellations were sharing the burden of plausibility I was bearing. The improbable story was changing to a plausible one, courtesy of the agreement among so many constellations. So many stars embraced it with their lights. The constellations of the Big Dipper were among them. [Is this the story you wanted to tell?] I wanted to answer, but had no energy. [We will be watching you, “King of a Kingless World.”] Chaos in the sky over Seoul. I looked up at the stars sending me their light. [Constellation Great King Heungmu gazes at you.] [Constellation One-Eyed Maitreya gazes at you.] … Every historical-grade constellation in Seoul was emitting light in my direction. Yet it wasn’t good enough to brighten the dark sky over Seoul. I quietly looked up at the Great Hall, which was swirling within dark clouds. [The fourth scenario has ended abruptly.] [Calculation of rewards is being delayed due to an unexpected outcome.] As I wiped off the blood coming from my nose, the mid-level goblin approached. You’ve really made the worst decision. You will woefully regret today’s decision for the rest of your life. I will make it so with all my power. I couldn’t stop smiling even as I lost consciousness. Because the goblin had said that I won. [You have accomplished an achievement that did not exist before.] [Your new fable has been created.] [Fable “King of a Kingless World” has been created.] [You have obtained the possibility of a stigma.] There was no such thing as the next regression for me. I would reach the end of the story in this world. Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint will continue in Volume 4.