Chapter 752

After the departure of ‘Tiger Eating Rice Cake’, a new message was announced.

[Due to a direct modification of the scenario, the commencement of the ‘Zodiac Ball’ has been rescheduled.]

[The ‘Zodiac Ball’ will commence in 12 hours.]

[You currently hold the support of 71% of the prisoners in Zone 13.]

[An additional 9% of support is required for your participation in the ‘Zodiac Ball’.]

Our approval rating had actually increased during the conflict with ‘Tiger Eating Rice Cake’, even though a significant number of prisoners had perished.

«To think an incarnation could stand against a <Zodiac>…»

Some held hope for us.

«Zone 13 is gaining attention because of you.»

Some voiced their criticism.

«Perhaps it would be wise to abandon Zone 13 now.»

Some counseled us to withdraw from Zone 13.

He was the crane owner from 「The Fox and the Crane」.

«Any zodiac would be fortunate to have you. I have never encountered an incarnation of such caliber here in Zone 13 of the ‘Recycling Center’.»

According to the system, the tale of how we eliminated the ‘Tiger Eating Rice Cake’ had been broadcast across the <Star Stream> by the center director.

[Your new narrative is spreading widely throughout the <Star Stream>.]

[Your story has deeply moved several Constellations.]

[You have received a donation of 18,000 coins from the ‘Recycling Center’.]

As proof, messages continued to arrive in real time.

[Several Nebulae extend invitations to you.]

[The Nebula <Hongik> seeks your membership.]

[The Nebula <Tamra> invites you to join.]

[The Nebula <Samyo> offers you a place.]

…

Small and mid-sized Nebulae, overshadowed by the Giant Nebulae, sent overtures to form an alliance.

Among them were even <Hongik> and <Tamna>, Nebulae from the Korean Peninsula.

I was intrigued by Nebulae that had little presence in the main narrative, but I had no interest in selecting any here.

We remained confined within the ‘Recycling Center’, and the scenario involving the <Zodiac> was still unfolding.

[The ‘Monkey God’ faction invites you to the ‘Zodiac Ball’.]

[The ‘Dragon God’ faction invites you to the ‘Zodiac Ball’.]

Factions within the Zodiac also sent invitations, likely having heard I had refused the tiger’s offer.

«I have no desire to join the <Zodiac>.»

But I hadn’t come all this way just to become part of that animal collective.

«I will attend the ‘Zodiac Ball’ without a sponsor.»

I needed the backing of eighty percent of the prisoners.

That was why I was now meeting with the crane owner.

«Many prisoners, myself included, already support you.»

The crane owner, already aware of my situation, let out a soft sigh and went on.

«But no representative has ever achieved an approval rating over 80% in Zone 13.»

«Just because it hasn’t been done doesn’t mean it can’t be.»

«Now, only the bears and a few other beastmen remain. But winning their support will be challenging.»

The nearby prisoners all supported me. The exceptions were the bears loyal to the Tiger and their subordinate factions.

Yet, no matter what I attempted, I couldn’t sway them.

«Because they no longer possess any stories that you can restore.»

The prisoners we managed to persuade all had ‘forgotten stories’.

We brought those stories back through 「Staging」 and disseminated them via the <Star Stream>.

In return, the prisoners gave us their support. But for the bear beastmen, this was not possible.

«Is there no alternative?»

«Truthfully, there isn’t. Unless you were a Constellation like the ‘Master of Fables’? It’s not feasible to give individual stories to each of them.»

«By the owner of fables, you mean the Constellation behind ‘Aesop’s Fables’.»

«Correct. We are short on time.»

«They are not the type to be swayed by threats of force. Specifically, the ‘Bear That Will Spare You If You Pretend To Be Dead’ is a Constellation of considerable pride.»

He glanced down at Yoo Joonghyuk, who was deep in sleep on the bed, and added:

«Perhaps there is a single ‘story’ powerful enough to win them all over. Can you assist me with this?»

I assisted the crane owner in rousing Yoo Joonghyuk to feed him some soup. It was a special broth containing the story of 「The Fox and the Crane」.

He’s the type who refuses food from others, so his current unconscious state was fortunate.

After some soup, Yoo Joonghyuk’s pallid complexion improved slightly.

The crane owner sighed softly and said.

«Anyway, he’s shrunk again, but it was truly terrifying when he cut down the

«It’s for the best that he’s smaller.»

«Regardless, look after him. I will return.»

With those final words, the crane owner departed.

I sampled some of the leftover soup and observed the sleeping Yoo Joonghyuk.

Since the incident three days prior, Yoo Joonghyuk had not woken.

Likely a side effect of [Story Engraving], Yoo Joonghyuk had reverted to a younger form once more.

He wasn’t as small as the version I encountered on the snowfield, but he would probably remain like this for some time.

The 41st Round was Yoo Joonghyuk’s final Round.

He transferred his experiences to his past self via Shin Yoosoung and departed from the records of ‘Ways of Survival’.

I reiterate, no one knows what became of him after he left.

Did he find a way to halt his regressions, or did he vanish entirely from his records in some unknown manner?

If he erased himself from his records, did he finally fulfill his desire?

«Don’t concern yourself too much.»

I murmured as I tucked the blanket around the slumbering boy, Yoo Joonghyuk.

«This Round will not be easily lost.»

The one who initiates a story bears the responsibility to see it through.

I made a vow to Yoo Joonghyuk.

[The story ‘Recorder of Things That Will Disappear’ resonates with your oath.]

This story may not be 『Three Ways to Survive in a Ruined World』 or 『Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint』, but it will undoubtedly reach a proper conclusion.

Now was the time to witness the end of this Round for that very resolution.

An hour later, I assembled the Bear Beastmen and the other Beastmen who had yet to pledge their support.

They appeared startled and confused by my sudden summons.

Some reacted with outright hostility.

[Why have you gathered us?]

Their representative was the Constellation who had invaded this place—’Bear That Will Spare You If You Pretend To Be Dead’.

[If this is about gaining our support, you should abandon the idea.]

«Why?»

[We have no intention of supporting you.]

«And why is that?»

[We owe you no explanation.]

«Of course you do.»

I crouched in my seat and released a deep breath. Then I looked up at them.

«But are you certain you wish to continue like this?»

Anything I said would fail to persuade them.

The reason was clear.

They had no need for my assistance.

What can be done for those who have lost their stories?

Perhaps I had been pondering this question for a long time.

Some side characters rediscovered their stories on their own. Like Bang Cheolsoo from Geumho Station. Like the mother and daughter. Like the crane owner.

But not everyone could emulate them.

Some find their narratives, while others live and die without ever knowing what their story was.

Such as the bears before me now.

«Honestly, whether you support me or not is irrelevant. I will find a way to reach the top.»

[Then why summon us?]

«To extend one final opportunity.»

I understand that not everyone can wholeheartedly support me.

Kim Dokja knew this as well.

Regardless of his actions, certain Constellations despised Kim Dokja’s story.

Kim Dokja carved out his existence by resisting that judgment, and in time, it too became part of his narrative.

But I found it difficult to accept.

Perhaps it is because I am a ‘writer’.

I aspired to craft a perfect story, one Kim Dokja had never read nor known.

[The story ‘Recorder of Things That Will Disappear’ resonates with your emotions.]

But it was an impossibility.

I came to this realization after experiencing Geumho Station, Chungmuro, the Theater Dungeon, Gwanghwamun, Washington Dome, and the Recycling Center.

There exists no story that is beloved by every Constellation in the world.

This is especially true for the story of the ‘Forgotten Round’.

So I accepted.

It is acceptable if not every prisoner supports me. It is safe to assume some will despise the stories I intend to write.

«This is genuinely your last chance. Your opportunity to choose me of your own volition.»

But I simply write stories.

[What are you implying?]

«I see no need to elaborate.»

[The Constellation ‘Bear That Spares One’s Life if One Pretends To Be Dead’ is furious!]

Even a Constellation who has lost all status retains its pride.

[How dare a mere incarnation presume to command beastmen—!]

But he was mistaken.

«I am not merely an incarnation.»

I grinned and stared at him.

Until recently, his power was intimidating. I believed he would be a formidable foe without employing 『Staging』.

However.

«Has your eyesight failed you? Have you forgotten how to read stories?»

His status no longer seemed imposing to me.

I rose slowly.

[You are currently manifesting as the ‘Demon King of Salvation’.]

[The full status of the Constellation ‘Demon King of Salvation’ is upon you.]

As my body emanated the majestic energy of stories, a brilliant light began to radiate from my incarnation form.

Some prisoners, recognizing this, trembled and lowered their heads.

«A Constellation… is standing there!»

Even the ‘Bear That Spares One’s Life if One Pretends To Be Dead’ gazed at me with stunned eyes.

As I lightly rested my hand on his shoulder, his knees began to buckle slowly.

He cried out as if fighting back.

[Whatever you attempt is futile. We will never do your bidding—]

«Oh, did that sound like a request?»

A method to persuade those who have lost their stories, their memories, and ultimately, their ability to read.

«I will repeat myself. You have only one choice.»

The crane owner had said it. Those who have lost their stories are merely carried along by other ‘stories’ like a flood.

Thus, the sole way to persuade them is through ‘stories’.

[The story ‘Incite’ begins.]

Therefore, the method I selected was decided.

[Support me.]

It becomes the story of ‘I will overwhelm them all’.

[I know it must be frightening to re-enter the scenarios. That is why I am telling you this.]

I watched as the bewildered beastmen looked up at me one by one. A faint glimmer of emotion flickered in their lifeless eyes.

[As long as you support me, I will be your ‘story’. I will fight for you and become the Constellations’ object of ridicule on your behalf.]

My persuasion was not persuasion.

My words will not reach their ears. They are simply crushed by my story and overwhelmed by the status of the ‘Demon King of Salvation’.

Thus, their choice now is,

[Simply support me. Then, at the very least, you will witness the end of this world through me.]

in truth, not a choice at all.

[Your approval rating begins to climb.]

[Your approval rating has reached a specific threshold.]

[You now have the support of 83% of the prisoners in Zone 13.]

It was a straightforward and clear ending.

[The Constellation ‘Abyssal Black Flame Dragon’ scolds you for not taking this action sooner.]

[The Constellation ‘Reclining Dragon’ remarks that sometimes a decision akin to that of an ‘Adventurer Who Laid An Egg’ is necessary.]

[The Constellation ‘The One Who Brought Ten Lambs’ gazes at you with sorrow.]

And as always, a clear, satisfying resolution,

[The Constellation ‘Bear That Spares One’s Life if One Pretends To Be Dead’ resists your incitement.]

[The Constellation ‘Bear That Spares One’s Life if One Pretends To Be Dead’ relinquishes his story and chooses to vanish.]

left a bitter aftertaste.

[You have been granted permission to attend the ‘Zodiac Ball’.]