Once Kim Dokja confirmed everyone had gathered, he immediately began briefing us on the operation.
"This journey won't be easy. If we don't seize Changsin Station within the next 40 hours, our group will be annihilated."
"Well, when has it ever been easy?" I remarked.
"But this will be the most difficult challenge yet. Our opponent is the Tyrant King. He’s one of the Seven Kings of Seoul and holds the largest territory in the northern region."
The Tyrant King, huh.
"To handle this, we need to split our forces into those staying at Chungmuro and those heading to Gwanghwamun. Gong Pildu-ssi and Lee Hyunsung-ssi will remain here to guard the station."
"Hmph. You’re treating us like straight-up slaves now," Gong Pildu snorted, though he clearly expected it.
Lee Hyunsung, however, looked a bit pale, wearing an expression like a soldier who’d just been passed over for a promotion.
"Hey, Hyunsung-ssi. Why the long face? You saw what happened last time. Guarding the home base is a vital role."
"He's right. This is something only you can do, Hyunsung-ssi," Dokja added.
"Yes... I understand, sir."
He still looked a bit dejected, so Kim Dokja added a few more words.
"Hyunsung-ssi, you already have excellent skills. The problem is their levels are too low. While we’re away, please focus on increasing your proficiency with 'Great Mountain Smash.' Once this scenario ends, I’m going to need your help more than ever."
Hearing that he was truly needed made Hyunsung’s face brighten instantly. Maybe he just likes having a manual and a set routine. Regardless, his mood had clearly improved.
"Then, we’ll be leaving immediately."
And so, we began our trek toward Gwanghwamun. Excluding the uncontrollable Yoo Joonghyuk and Lee Jihye, our core team consisted of five people: Kim Dokja, myself, Yoo Sangah, Lee Gilyoung, and Lee Seongkook.
As we walked away, the Chungmuro group members waved goodbye.
"Vice-representative! Have a safe trip!"
"Please come back safe!"
"Whew, look at that popularity," I whistled.
It hadn't been long since Kim Dokja left Yoo Sangah in charge of Chungmuro, but her popularity was already through the roof. Seeing the genuine concern in their eyes, it was clear she’d won them over in record time.
"Do you think I'll be of any help...?"
"Eyy, have you ever seen Kim Dokja take someone along for no reason?"
"I mean, that’s true, but..." Yoo Sangah glanced at me. "I wonder if I can be as helpful as Heewon-ssi or Hyunsung-ssi, let alone you, Gang-hoon-ssi."
"Hey, don't use me as a benchmark. Besides, you can do things those two can't, right? Isn't that right, Dokja?"
"Exactly. Sangah-ssi, you have a Korean History certification. That’s going to be a huge asset this time."
"...?"
Yoo Sangah looked at us, utterly confused. She probably didn't see how a history cert could be useful in an apocalypse. But Kim Dokja wasn't interested in the piece of paper—he was interested in the massive amount of historical knowledge she’d memorized to get it.
"Do you remember the statue of Samyeongdaesa from last time?"
"Yes."
"On the way to Gwanghwamun, there will be many things like that. There’s the National Museum nearby, and plenty of holy statues."
"Ah...!"
Yoo Sangah caught on instantly, her eyes widening.
"I see! Other relics and historical sites must also harbor the power of Constellations!"
"Bingo. Your mission this time, Sangah-ssi, is to locate those relics and artifacts."
"I've got it! Let me put my thinking cap on."
"The more obscure the artifact is—as long as it belonged to a famous figure—the better," Dokja suggested.
relic hunting. If my memory served me right, there would be quite a few useful things along the way. Though I doubted any of them would have a connection to me.
"We need to grab as many items as possible on the way to Gwanghwamun," Dokja noted.
"Since we’re low on numbers," I added, and Dokja nodded.
The Tyrant King likely commanded hundreds of incarnations, and the leader... that 'Plagiarist.' I remembered him having a significant following as well. And he wasn't the only 'King' in the area.
"Oh, I just thought of a place!"
"Already?"
"Yes. Gwanseongmyo should be nearby."
"Gwanseongmyo?"
"It might hold the power of a powerful figure. It would be a good stop on our way. Although... he isn't exactly a Korean figure."
Kim Dokja looked skeptical at first, but since he’d already tasked her with this, he trusted her lead and adjusted our route.
After reaching the surface following Yoo Sangah’s directions and walking for a while, Lee Seongkook pointed ahead.
"Isn't that it?"
Sure enough, an old shrine stood nearby. Gwanseongmyo South Shrine.
Kim Dokja seemed genuinely impressed after reading the description next to the shrine.
"To think you remembered a place like this. Impressive."
"It really is..."
Yoo Sangah smiled at the blatant praise and approached the shrine.
"So... what should we do now?"
"Well, let's show some respect first."
Unlike the time with Samyeongdaesa, Kim Dokja didn't start smashing things. He brought some water from nearby and quietly offered a prayer with his hands joined. The rest of us followed suit, and after a few moments, system messages began to ring out.
[This shrine has been neglected for a long time.]
[A Constellation who enjoys using a Green Dragon Crescent Blade is pleased by your visit.]
[A Constellation who enjoys using a Green Dragon Crescent Blade reveals his modifier.]
[The Constellation 'Duke of the Beautiful Beard' bestows a blessing upon you.]
The Crescent Blade and the Duke of the Beautiful Beard. Even though he’s a Chinese god of war, there isn't a soul in Korea who doesn't know who he is.
That’s right. This Constellation was Guan Yu from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.
[Due to the Constellation's blessing, your Strength and Stamina will increase by 5 for the next 24 hours.]
As the message popped up, Lee Seongkook's face lit up.
"Holy crap, boss! This is huge, isn't it?"
"It's a good start," Dokja replied.
To be honest, I wasn't sure why there was a shrine for Guan Yu in the middle of Seoul. Then again, I heard there are shrines for Admiral Yi Sun-sin in Japan, so maybe it's not that weird.
"But it looks like getting an actual item here might be asking too much."
"That’s a shame. It would’ve been great to get something like the Green Dragon Crescent Blade."
Man, if we got that, we could’ve coasted through the early stages. I smirked and looked straight ahead.
"Dokja-ya. We’ve got company up front."
"So it seems."
There were about fifty of them. Their outfits were reminiscent of the past—the look of the Hwarang.
"Wait, is that guy in the front row Hwang Seung-min? They look like celebrities."
To anyone else, it might have looked like a film set, but the intent radiating from them was pure, unadulterated bloodlust. A man stepped forward, leveled his spear at us, and barked a question.
"Who dares block the King's path!"
"And who might you guys be?"
Kim Dokja asked back, his face showing zero genuine curiosity.
Then, a woman’s voice rang out from the center of the Hwarang group, and she stepped forward.
"That brown flag... are you a King as well?"
"I am."
"I didn't expect to find a King in Jung-gu. How surprising."
"Kings are a dime a dozen these days."
"Just because the world is full of Kings doesn't mean just anyone can be one. Everyone, fall back!"
At her command, the Hwarang ranks dispersed with practiced precision.
"W-wait, isn't that Min Jiwon?"
As Lee Seongkook stammered, the woman smiled and nodded.
"I see someone recognizes me."
"I was a huge fan!"
As Lee Seongkook took a step forward, Kim Dokja activated Dharma and smacked him on the back of the head. For a guy who calls himself a Hypnotist, he sure gets charmed easily. It was hilarious.
Lee Seongkook’s dilated pupils snapped back to focus as he regained his senses.
"Ack! S-sorry, boss!"
A spark of interest flickered in the woman's eyes.
"Min Jiwon-ssi, it’s an honor to meet you."
"Is the King a fan of mine as well?"
Kim Dokja gave a polite nod but then looked at her with a face of total indifference.
"I wouldn't say I'm a fan. But how could I not know the King of Seongdong-gu?"
He was already using his knowledge to establish that he knew exactly who she was.
"And you are...?"
"Your synchronization with your Sponsor seems quite high. Please tell your Sponsor that it is a great honor to meet the last Queen of Silla in person."
Once he starts talking, Kim Dokja really goes on a tear. I watched from behind, stifling a laugh.
"No need to be flustered. Didn't you come here to fulfill Silla's long-cherished wish?"
"You..."
Kim Dokja stared at Min Jiwon, then shifted his gaze to the air, likely seeing a notification. Did a Bounty Scenario just pop up?
"My Sponsor wishes to see your sincerity. Surely you’ll accept? I won’t make this long. Come under my command."
"How much is the reward?" I asked.
"2,000 Coins."
"...That’s it?"
Min Jiwon’s eyebrows furrowed at my "That's it." But I was right. It was "just" that much. Especially considering:
[The Constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' says there is no need to be misled by such words.]
[You have been sponsored 2,000 Coins.]
Right now, several Constellations, led by Uriel, were throwing Coins at me and Dokja. Plus, as far as I knew, Dokja was making a killing on the Exchange thanks to his 'Revelations.'
"As I thought. I'll pass."
Yeah. That’s the only logical answer.
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