(a/n: scenes from orv will be present in this chapter, bear with me. i just can't skip it bcs it's one of the scenes where kdj's personality shines a lot and they create a good plot point. to make this more interesting, i'll make the chapter longer lol.)

———

There was one thing Cale loved about Kim Dokja as a character.

He was someone who planned ahead. He was a main character who always seemed to know what he was doing. Whether it was devising strategies to overcome obstacles, predicting the actions of others, or scamming people in order to turn the situation in his favor, Kim Dokja's ability to stay several steps ahead was something Cale greatly admired.

But as a real person, Cale found himself drawn to an entirely different aspect of him.

Kim Dokja, who acted cold and ruthless at the beginning of the scenario. Kim Dokja, who became polite and put-together as the story progressed. Kim Dokja, who seemed distant and detached from the world in another pair of eyes that wasn't his.

He, who was once a mere game company employee, spending his time reading just to keep living.

The powerless reader, a loving man who devotes his life to his companions.

So he wondered how detached Kim Dokja must feel to the point that he could possibly stand in front of thousands, rejecting something that people had died for.

"I will never sit on this Absolute Throne."

A terrible silence swept through Gwanghwamun.

...

[The constellation, Sovereign of Eternal Rest is quietly eating his popcorn.]

Cale scrunched up his brows, muttering softly, "Where do you keep getting those snacks...?"

[The constellation, Sovereign of Eternal Rest asks you why.]

[The constellation, Sovereign of Eternal Rest asks you if you want some.]

The man decided to ignore the god as he kept his gaze glued towards the reader who was busy conversing with Paul, an intermediate dokkaebi who (in the novel) was admittedly a pain in the ass.

He narrowed his eyes slightly.

'Would it be possible to straight up kill a dokkaebi?' Either way, he wanted it gone.

There was the sound of thunder in the sky and it started to rain. Light rose from the Absolute Throne to touch the sky. Thick rain clouds swirled around this light. It was a sign of the fifth scenario, the Great Hall.

The scene was going exactly like the novel, with Kim Dokja refusing to sit on the throne, and Paul who persistently tried to make him sit.

[I don't know why you're doing such a thing. Don't you think it will benefit you to gain more coins at this time? Didn't you just use a lot of coins? You should be rewarded. If you don't have the power of the Absolute Throne, the Seoul Dome will never survive the fifth scenario.]

Kim Dokja looked at the Absolute Throne. As the dokkaebi said, the fifth scenario would be difficult to clear without it.

However, he knew what the dokkaebi wasn't saying. If he used this 'Absolute Throne' once, he would never be able to reach the end of the scenarios. In the original work, Yoo Joonghyuk noticed this only at the 41st regression.

The 'Absolute Throne' was such an item.

"Why aren't you becoming king already?!" An agitated person appeared among the crowd. The man breathed out and spat at Kim Dokja like he had insulted him and his whole lineage.

Dokja turned towards the man. "That's what I want to ask. Why do you want me to become king?"

"What?"

"What will you do if I kill you after I become king?"

The lips of the man stiffened for a moment. Kim Dokja continued watching the people around them. "All of you are the same. Have you already forgotten? We originally didn't live in a kingdom. Why are you acting like citizens of a kingdom?"

Why didn't he want to be king? It was simple.

"I don't want to be the king of ugly humans like you." He looked up at the sky while speaking. "In addition, I don't want ugly constellations like you to be my sponsor."

Cale smirked upon hearing those words as Kim Dokja looked at the throne.

"Thus, I will never sit on the Absolute Throne. But." Dokja pulled out his blade. "I won't allow other people to sit on the throne either."

The intermediate dokkaebi's cold eyes flashed.

[You should be careful. I'm not that patient...]

Kim Dokja continued to speak as he stared at the dokkaebi, "How long will you continue to be drawn helplessly into the dokkaebi's scenarios? Does anyone know what it means to sit on the Absolute Throne?"

He knew how much the people who were once 'obedient' would pay to leave this obedience.

After all, capitalism and hierarchy systems were things he was extremely familiar with.

"The constellations of the Korean peninsula. It's the same for you. I know that not all constellations are the same. Some constellations are low and some are high."

There was an invisible rank among constellations.

Just as some constellations watched the incarnations, other constellations watched the constellations. To be precise, the low constellations were the ones being watched.

"But is it enough? How long will you turn this land into a playground for unhappy guests?"

[The constellation, 'One-eyed Maitreya' is immersed.]

"Working up to build up history to become a constellation and then building up narratives to become narrative-grade constellations... then what? The higher the sky, the brighter the star? How long will you continue using the descendants of this land for your own sake?"

[The constellation, 'Lady of the Brocade Sleep' is silent.]

At this moment, the intermediate dokkaebi acted.

[I can't stand it any longer.]

A system message arrived at the same time.

[A new sub-scenario has arrived!]

+

[Sub Scenario – Forced Succession]

Category: Sub

Difficulty: B

Clear Conditions: Suppress the incarnation 'Kim Dokja', who doesn't want to sit on the throne, and place him on the throne.

Time Limit: 30 minutes

Compensation: 6,000 coins

Failure: ―

+

Yes, Kim Dokja had anticipated this.

The people who had been shaken by his words were now approaching.

In the end, it was just like the dokkaebi said. The people present and him as well. No matter what he said, they would sell their conscience for a few coins.

Of course, this didn't apply to everyone.

Still, that didn't make it any less surprising when a woman whom he least expected appeared in front of him.

"Pass me if you can."

People faltered at her growled-out words. It was Jung Heewon.

"No matter what the world is like, there is something you shouldn't forget." Yoo Sangah suddenly approached. Lee Gilyoung was standing behind me with a hammer like he had been waiting.

"Yeah! There will be others who will always defend the ugly people!" Lee Jihye joined in, holding up her sword. Lee Hyunsung came up alongside her with his shield.

"I don't think that's it, Jihye-ya," Na Bori said with a shake of her head, pulling out the staff attached to her belt before it expanded with a golden glow. "But I don't like seeing anyone go up against stupid ahjussi either."

Kim Namwoon went up to them with a yawn before pulling out his dagger. "I honestly just want to fight."

There were also surprising people.

"Just this once, I will help you."

"Your words are convincing."

They were King of Beauty Min Jiwon and Maitreya King Cha Sangkyung. Kim Dokja didn't know which of his words had moved their hearts. However, it was clear that something had changed. Even so, it was only a handful.

[You are playing well... what are all of you doing? Pull him down now!]

Just as Paul had spoken, there was suddenly a white glow, almost like a holy light that surrounded Kim Dokja. It expanded and acted as a giant barrier that shielded him along with the Absolute Throne.

Everyone halted, seemingly mesmerized upon seeing the sight of a silver shield with wings.

Some people murmured.

"What is-?"

"Shield?"

"... Angel wings...?"

Kim Dokja spotted the dim light that seemed to connect the shield with something behind him, and he looked back to see Cale with his hand raised. The light had come from his fingertips.

He, and everyone else in the group, stared at the man in stunned silence, their mouths slightly agape.

"... What?" Cale asked flatly, his brows twitching in annoyance. "Kim Dokja, what are you doing? Destroy the damn throne already."

That snapped Kim Dokja out of his trance and he pulled out a sword, causing someone to cry out.

"The Four Yin Demonic Beheading Sword!"

The S+ grade Four Yin Demonic Beheading Sword. It was an item that could be changed into a star relic if certain conditions were satisfied. It was because the Four Yin Demonic Beheading Sword was an item made with the soul of a constellation.

[Ganpyeongui's special option 'Echo of the Stars' has been activated.]

['Echo of the Stars' allows you to ask for the help of a constellation.]

"I'll call a constellation."

[The great constellations hear your voice flowing through the stars.]

Kim Dokja called out to the constellations like he had memorized a spell.

"I want the first star of the Big Dipper."

The Greedy Wolf star (Dubhe).

"I want the second star of the Big Dipper."

The Great Gate star (Merak).

"I want the third star of the Big Dipper."

The Blessing star (Phecda).

"I want the fourth star of the Big Dipper."

The Literate Turn star (Megrez).

"I want the fifth star of the Big Dipper."

The Clean and Pure Star (Alioth).

"I want the sixth star of the Big Dipper."

The Military Turn star (Mizar).

[The star navigation has begun.]

[The six constellations are looking at you.]

The thousands of constellations disappeared and his mind became heavy like a crowded subway. He felt dizzy while blood flowed from his nose and ears. It was hard to even think. His brain became overloaded the moment he contacted six constellations at the same time.

The Great Bear stars started talking.

[What are you thinking?]

[You called all of us.]

[Your mind will be completely destroyed.]

[Why call us?]

[Why don't you go the easy path...]

[Instead of the thorny path?]

However, Dokja didn't stop.

"I want the seventh star of the Big Dipper."

The Broken Army Star (Alkaid).

Seven stars filled the air. The seven stars that made up the Big Dipper were all gathered. At the same time, the seven stars spoke to him.

[What do you want from us?]

"I want to cut off the signs of the constellations. Lend me your sword."

[...Do you know what this means?]

"I know."

Kim Dokja did this despite being well aware of the risk.

The final reward of the fourth scenario was the Absolute Throne.

The throne was an item that borrowed the power of a 'god of the world.' It would be very convenient if he got the throne. He would be able to put restrictions on Yoo Joonghyuk and the enemies threatening him would disappear.

But Seoul would surely be eliminated. It would be a complete destruction without any salvation or miracles.

It was the price to be paid for borrowing the power of the throne. In order to obtain the ending he wanted, no one could take this throne.

[Even the heavenly constellations are afraid of the founder of the throne.]

[But you, a human, want to challenge the owner of this thing?]

"I can do it with your help. And I'm not fighting against the owner. I just want to cut the connection between the owner and this thing."

[It is likely that you can't afford it.]

[You will die.]

"It's something that I've decided. Then I'll start now."

The seven stars were silent. Some time passed. The Big Dipper shone brightly and their signs were engraved onto the sword.

[I shall respect your will.]

[Even if you die here.]

[We will remember you.]

A dazzling light wrapped around the Four Yin Demonic Beheading Sword and it started to burn with bright flames.

[The S+ grade Four Yin Demonic Beheading Sword has evolved into the star relic 'Four Yin Demonic Beheading Sword.']

The star relic Four Yin Demonic Beheading Sword was originally a ceremonial sword. It was a sword to cut off evil energy and prevent disasters.

He swung the sword towards the Absolute Throne. There was a loud sound and fire flared.

The Four Yin Demonic Beheading Sword was one of the few items that could break the link that a constellation had to a star relic.

There was a tearing sound in the air.

As if it started to notice something, an ominous black light floated above the Absolute Throne. Kim Dokja swung it a few more times and the Four Yin Demonic Beheading Sword started to collapse. Now he had to believe in the Big Dipper stars.

Meanwhile, the sound of battle filled Cale's ears.

Thankfully, he didn't have to do anything. He just had to endure and hold up the shield while the rest fought the incoming people.

At first, he thought of just doing what Kim Dokja was supposed to do. The stupid main character would only hurt himself, but he shook off that thought. Every one of them had their own role that they had to play. This is something that Dokja must do to gain the attention of many constellations, which would be good for his survival in the future.

And also, frankly, Cale didn't like stepping out of his zone and doing things unnecessarily.

Yoo Sangah cried out, "Dokja-ssi! Quickly!"

Kim Dokja wielded the sword like a madman. He ignored the breaking blade and continued to hit the throne. Sparks flashed and the blade broke.

Then finally.

[The constellation linked to the star relic 'Absolute Throne' has disappeared.]

[The 'Unknown God' has noticed a change in this world.]

The Absolute Throne became an ordinary chair and lost its light. The intermediate dokkaebi's angry voice was heard.

[You lowlifes can't grasp who you are dealing with...!]

[The sub-scenario has ended.]

People stopped moving. The scenario was over so they didn't have to continue. The Big Dipper stars said to Kim Dokja.

[Incarnation, prepare for the flooding of possibilities.]

As soon as he heard the voice, blood poured from his mouth.

It felt like something was pulling at his presence. An enormous power that seemed to tear at his flesh surrounded me. He struggled to regain his mind as he staggered.

But just as he swayed, Kim Dokja could feel an arm holding him steady.

"Don't fall."

Cale's indifferent and stoic voice filled his ears, but it was oddly calming.

Kim Dokja couldn't help but snicker. Right. It was going to be okay.

The 'possibility' would become 'plausibility'. He tried his best to make everything plausible. And he wasn't standing alone. Thus, he could overcome this.

Kim Dokja barely held onto consciousness. Then a star in the distant night sky shone quietly.

[The constellation 'Maritime War God' is looking at you.]

It was a calm, lonely but gentle gaze.

[The constellation 'Bald General of Justice' is looking at you.]

Then two.

[The constellation 'Last Hero of Hwangsanbeol' is looking at you.]

Three.

[The constellation 'Lady of the Brocade Sleep' is looking at you.]

·····

The intermediate dokkaebi called out when he saw the messages from the constellations.

[Why...?]

Every time a star was added, Kim Dokja's pain diminished a little bit. He realized that the constellations were sharing the 'probabilities' that he had to bear. The 'story that isn't plausible' became a 'plausible story' with the consent of many stars. Numerous stars were wrapping him in their light. The Big Dippers also lent me their strength.

[Is this the story that you wanted to show?]

Kim Dokja wanted to answer but he didn't have the power.

[We will watch you, king of the world without kings.]

The chaotic Seoul night sky. He looked at the stars that sent him light.

[The constellation 'King Heungmu the Great' is looking at you.]

[The constellation 'One-eyed Maitreya' is looking at you.]

·····

All the upper-grade constellations of Seoul were shining towards him. There were many stars. Still, it wasn't enough to overturn the dark, night sky.

He looked up at the turbulent clouds that filled the Great Hall.

[The fourth scenario is forcibly ended.]

[There was an unscheduled incident so it will take time to settle the scenario.]

He wiped the blood pouring from his nose and the intermediate dokkaebi approached.

[You have made the worst choice. You will regret what you did today for the rest of your life. I will make sure of it.]

Kim Dokja laughed as his vision blurred. The dokkaebi's words meant that he won the game.

[You have accomplished a non-existent achievement.]

[Your new narrative is created.]

[The narrative 'King of a Kingless World' has been born.]

[You have obtained the possibility of a stigma.]

He didn't have a next 'regression.' Kim Dokja would reach the end of the story in this world.

• • •

There was one thing Jung Heewon knew.

She hated Kim Dokja.

Well, perhaps "hate" wasn't the right word to describe it, but she felt a sense of anger and discontentment every time she looked at his face. Kim Dokja seemed to have noticed it as well, with him having to ask her if he had done anything wrong.

Even Heewon knew that it was unreasonable.

This man had never done anything to her.

No, if anything, Kim Dokja was the one who decided on their path of survival, and so far, in a new world like this, following his words was the right choice.

Yet...

Why is it that every time she looks at him, she can't help but feel this unpleasant dread in her stomach? She hated this feeling.

So, she settled on the conclusion that she didn't like Kim Dokja.

She didn't have to have any specific reason anyway. She wasn't fond of men in general.

However, the moment people showed hostility towards this same man that she disliked, Heewon's body moved on instinct, and she spoke words that she never thought she would say.

[ "Pass me if you can." ]

That's right. Why did she do that-?

"Damn it, I fucking hate NPCS!" She could hear Namwoon shouting profanities as he fought off the people who tried to approach the white, transparent shield.

"Only you would think of people as NPCS," Na Bori scoffed after hearing his loud remark.

Unexpectedly, Lee Jihye chimed in, "He's got a point though."

For a moment, Kim Namwoon seemed stricken by the agreement, mind blanking and movements pausing. "Woah, really?"

Na Bori exhaled, "Ha." This guy... He's so obvious.

"Heewon-ssi."

The said woman heard her name being called by none other than Lee Hyunsung.

Jung Heewon swung her sword at an upcoming person who charged closer. Before Heewon could respond to the call, Hyunsung already said his question.

"Did you know of Cale-ssi's... defensive ability?"

Ah.

The shield.

"I didn't."

Jung Heewon glanced at the holy-looking shield.

Aside from Kim Namwoon, Heewon assumed that she was the third person to first be in an amicable relationship with Cale and know him to a certain extent. Any man who managed to hold up himself and others even in an apocalyptic world was worthy of admiration, so she admired him, even so that he practically saved her and Na Bori's life.

But she knew little to nothing about Cale, including his abilities. It was difficult to understand him. For some reason, she felt that Cale was very distant from anyone except for the three teens.

That was when Kim Dokja swept in and invited her to his party.

Jung Heewon had no reason to refuse. Much like Cale, Dokja was someone with great leadership and somehow knew how to drive the team forward.

But...

If Cale was hard to understand, Kim Dokja was even harder.

At least Cale was clear with his actions - he stayed and slept in his tent often in the station while admitting he didn't want to do troublesome things, he took care of the well-being of people by openly telling them to not miss meals, he assisted people if there's something to gain...

Even if he seemed emotionless and cold, his intentions were blatant and open.

While Kim Dokja...

There wasn't a way of knowing why he does what he does.

He was very sincere with Lee Gilyoung though, so she didn't have to doubt his intentions much. Cale and Dokja are very similar in the parental aspect.

The sound of something breaking pulled her out of her thoughts, and everyone abruptly looked back to see the throne seat crumbling.

The first narrative was built. With this, the main goal of the fourth scenario was achieved.

"What the hell is going to happen now?"

"No, why did you break the throne...?"

There were people who were bewildered by the situation while others were scared about what the angry dokkaebi would do.

From the perspective of the people present, Kim Dokja was a sinner who made the fifth scenario difficult. Some people cried out to the dokkaebi.

"Make the Absolute Throne again! I'll join the scenario again!"

"This time I will be the master of the throne!"

[The scenarios that have already ended can't be changed by anyone. Anything that happens to you from now on is the fault of that human.]

The intermediate dokkaebi's answer was cold.

The dokkaebi pointed towards Dokja while the wet shoulders of the gathered people shook.

[A world with no kings? Okay. Let's try it. I'll see how well you can survive without a focal point.]

The intermediate dokkaebi flicked his finger. Then the people in Gwanghwamun started to disappear like smoke. People screamed and ran away.

"What? What is this all of a sudden?!"

...This was an unscheduled development.

Kim Dokja looked back and saw the others calling out to him.

"Dokja-ssi!"

The next moment, Yoo Sangah was gone. Then Lee Gilyoung and Jung Heewon. Lee Jihye and Na Bori disappeared after, followed by Han Donghoon. Next were Lee Hyunsung and Kim Namwoon. It was one after another.

Even after everyone disappeared, Kim Dokja remained in Gwanghwamun. The intermediate dokkaebi looked at him with an eerie smile.

[Please keep this in mind. If this world is destroyed, it's all because of you.]

The moment he wanted to speak, there was a ringing sound.

His body shook and he was moved elsewhere. It was accompanied by severe nausea and a headache. Kim Dokja lost consciousness because he had consumed a great deal of energy.

[10,000 coins have been earned as settlement for the fourth scenario.]

• • •

Everything was dark.

There was a groan as Lee Jihye stirred awake. The girl fluttered her eyes open, finding her best friend groggily sitting in front of her.

"Bori-ya!" Jihye called, scrambling to help her friend up despite her own headache.

"... Urgh... Where are we...?" Bori asked, looking around with dazed eyes.

They both instantly recognized the place.

"Our school's rooftop...?" The other girl mumbled in confusion. "How did we get here...?"

Bori scratched the back of her head as both of them stood up slowly. "Maybe this has something to do with that throne thing?"

Jihye shrugged. "Probably? Let's look around," she said, pulling onto her friend's hand as they rushed away from the rooftop.

They ran downstairs but the moment they reached the hallway, they slowed down and stayed cautious. Jihye peeked her head from behind the wall, looking around in case there were any unwelcome guests.

Unfortunately, there were monsters roaming through the corridors.

Bori smirked. "All I'm seeing is a coin farm."

Jihye frowned. "That weird Chuuni guy has totally corrupted you."

Lee Jihye and Na Bori readied their weapons.

• • •

Kim Namwoon looked around, and his face immediately scrunched up.

"Great," he muttered sarcastically.

Out of all places, it had to be the train tracks, the same place he would go whenever he had an argument with his parents.

The mere sight easily threw him back.

"Kim Namwoon! Your teacher reported to me that you've been missing classes again. When will you learn?"

"I heard that you've been teasing your classmates. I don't want to hear any excuses, I expect better behavior from you."

"Namwoon, your report card came in, and I am extremely disappointed. Your grades keep dropping and we already had this talk last month. What am I supposed to do with you?"

"I don't get why you're being so ungrateful. We've done everything we can for you."

"If you keep disappointing us like this, we might as well disown you! I don't need a problem child."

"Tch..." Namwoon clicked his tongue, scratching the back of his head as he let out a deep exhale. "What a headache," he mumbled. They really didn't have the best relationship.

Gazing downwards, he couldn't help but think, '... I wonder if the old man and old hag are still alive.'

• • •

"Urgh..." Han Donghoon groaned. He blinked, trying to clear his vision. His brows scrunched up into a frown when he realized that he was in a familiar place.

"... A... PC Bang...?" he mumbled in confusion, standing up.

He was indeed in an internet cafe, rows of computers and chairs could be seen.

This was a place Donghoon would usually visit after school to play games. In a way, it was his comfort place. He can play games and do his stuff without anyone criticizing him, and escape from his school problems and reality.

But why is he here?

His thoughts were interrupted when he realized his shoulders felt empty and he frantically looked to the side to see that Igneel wasn't there with him. "... Shit," he muttered.

Then Donghoon walked carefully, only his footsteps filled the empty room as he slowly approached the computers. He attempted to turn on one of them.

"Dead," he mumbled.

[The constellation, 'Shadow Behind The Curtain' is looking at you.]

Donghoon looked at the blue window for a moment before activating his skill.

[Exclusive skill, 'Wide-area Internet Lv.5' is activated!]

Suddenly, each one of the computers in the area turned on, and Donghoon smiled.

[The constellation, 'Shadow Behind The Curtain' asks you what you're trying to do.]

Han Donghoon walked over to one of the gaming chairs, the way he plopped down caused him to spin once before he faced the computer, stretched his arms, and typed away. "While I'm here, it's good to gain more info." He planned to hack into the Dokkaebi channels, but he won't say that out loud. "There must be some kind of administrative system behind them where I can oversee any information..."

As the screen showed the loading screen, Donghoon scooted to the side along with the chair, typing on another computer. "I'll also keep track of the others' location. It's obvious that we're scattered all over the place. I'm assuming we've landed somewhere that means something to us." Then there appeared a red dot on the screen. "Look, Heewon Noona is at a bar. Dokja Hyung is at a company's building. And Cale Hyung-"

He frowned.

"Why is Cale Hyung still at Gwanghwamun?"

• • •

"Why are you still here?"

Paul asked, frowning down upon Cale's figure.

The young man was standing there with Igneel around his neck, looking up at the dokkaebi with a stoic expression. "I don't know, you tell me."

'Of course, it's because I don't have a place that's meaningful to me in this world.'

He wasn't from this world in the first place.

He could hear Igneel hissing on his shoulder but he ignored it.

Paul narrowed his eyes. Unlike Kim Dokja, he could not treat Cale carelessly.

Because Cale was an important incarnation in his colleague's channel, Saga. And like him, Saga is an intermediate dokkaebi with the same status and authority.

Paul scoffed. "Why did that guy choose to stay as a lowly streamer..." he muttered to himself. Then he looked back at Cale again and said, "I still have to teleport you." Instead of a meaningful place, Paul planned to teleport him somewhere that at least had some sort of connection to the man.

'Will it even work?' Cale wondered.

The dokkaebi snapped his finger again.

Cale's question was answered as his body gradually turned into smoke, along with Igneel.

His eyes were shut closed as he felt a wave of dizziness and nausea hitting him. But when he opened his eyes, Cale could've sworn his heart stopped.

The familiarity of the room made his head spin.

Why wouldn't it?

Cale was someone who remembered, but even though this place existed way before he received his Record ability, it was a place he could never forget.

How could he?

It was where his uncle had beaten him as a child. A place where he needed to curl in fear underneath his blanket, work or beg for food, and hold his pee because he was not allowed to leave the room.

The same place where he became certain that he never wanted to be the "main character" of a story because he simply did not have the strength to fight against the world.

Cale didn't notice the cold sweat that dripped down his forehead or the slight trembling of his hands.

"Kyu?"

Igneel's voice pulled him out of his trance, and he looked over to see the dragon staring at him in concern.

He swallowed. "... I'm fine." Even he was surprised by the way his voice was shaking.

His gaze darted over the room, observing the messy place and layout. Cale grew more certain of it. This was... his uncle's place.

"Ha," he scoffed in disbelief.

Cale couldn't believe that the dokkaebi transported him into this place. But more importantly...

"... He existed in this world?"

He didn't dare voice out whether his uncle had died through the scenario or whatnot. He didn't care about the man either way.

As he was stuck in his thoughts again, Igneel had flown off somewhere in the room, and it suddenly called out, "Kyang!"

Cale turned to the source, only to see that the dragon was struggling to lift a box.

His pupils shook.

Don't tell me...

He almost stumbled as he walked towards the box that Igneel had placed on the table.

"Kyu!" The little dragon said again as it lifted his snout towards Cale. He found the box because of the scent.

This time, Cale could clearly see that his hands were trembling as he reached out to open the box. Like his other rare moments, he hated that his predictions were right.

Letters.

He inhaled deeply as he took one of the papers and began to read it.

"I don't want to be here anymore."

A child's writing.

His handwriting.

"Ha," Cale scoffed once again.

———

a/n: finally!! if there are any mistakes, i'm sorry, i haven't beta-read this yet. but this story fr almost got discontinued bcs of my breakdown last night 😭 

also, the plot thickens woahh