Chapter 755

755 Episode 32 Monkey King (2)
Within the <Star Stream>, there exist four distinct entities known as ‘Sun Wukong’.

These ‘Sun Wukong’ figures are categorized into four types based on the titles they hold.

The first was ‘Meihouwang’, the Monkey King who ruled over Mt. Hwagwa.

The second is ‘Bimawen’, who was tasked with tending the heavenly stables.

The third is the ‘Great Sage Heaven’s Equal’, the one we are most familiar with (and the owner of the golden headband).

The fourth is ‘Douzhanshengfo’, who achieved enlightenment at the end of his pilgrimage and became a Buddha.

Considering it this way, I felt he bore a certain resemblance to Kim Dokja. Because Kim Dokja’s own existence was fragmented according to his various modifiers.

[I asked, are you Kim Dokja?]

«First of all, I am Kim Dokja.»

I continued while studying the monkey before me closely.

「 Brilliant, shimmering golden fur. Worn-out leggings made from tiger skin. Even his characteristic eyes that seemed perpetually half-asleep. 」

It was unmistakable. The monkey in front of me was—

«Are you Meihouwang?»

[Well now. I’m impressed you recognized me.]

Meihouwang let out a snort, placed his hands on his hips, and looked exceedingly pleased with himself.

In any case, Meihouwang is a Narrative-grade Constellation who embodies the origin story of ‘Sun Wukong’. According to Kim Dokja, he was the Constellation equivalent of the ‘Demon King of Salvation’.

However… What was this?

The presence I felt from Meihouwang wasn’t as overwhelming as I’d expected. My first thought was that I had simply grown stronger, but I quickly dismissed that idea.

Was he concealing his true power?

That was possible. All the Sun Wukongs are masters at controlling the density of their stories.

But even so, could a Narrative-grade Constellation like Meihouwang manifest here in an incarnation’s body?

I couldn’t be sure.

Since recent events seemed to completely disregard all notions of probability, I now questioned if such a thing even existed in this world.

[Is that what you see?]

I must have been staring too intently.

King Meihouwang spoke while running a hand through his golden fur.

[Is this one also captivated by my magnificent coat? Well, even the Great Sage fellow is envious of my fur. You have a good eye.]

When he mentioned the Great Sage, he was undoubtedly referring to the Great Sage Heaven’s Equal.

Meihouwang chuckled, a deep light flashing within his eyes.

[You can likely deduce my purpose for coming.]

«I have an idea.»

Just a few hours earlier, I had received an invitation to join the faction known as ‘Monkey’.

And the Meihouwang standing before my eyes was the renowned ‘Monkey King’ himself.

[The faction ‘Monkey God’ invites you.]

In other words, Meihouwang is the leader of the ‘Monkey God’ faction.

It wasn’t just any monkey, but Meihouwang… The scale of the ‘Zodiac Ball’ might be far grander than I had anticipated.

[Hmm. Even though I have come personally, this is the extent of your reaction?]

Seeing Meihouwang’s dissatisfied expression, I felt a twinge of regret. I should have asked for a photo together.

[Insolent mortal, you will join my faction.]

Like the Sun Wukong of legend, Meihouwang didn’t wait for my answer and simply issued a command.

[I found your story appealing. I grant you the honor of becoming my incarnation.]

To be honest, it was somewhat tempting.

To be the incarnation of Meihouwang.

If I weren’t already the incarnation of the ‘Demon King of Salvation’, the offer might have held significant appeal.

If I could persuade Meihouwang, succeed in the ‘4-stage union of Sun Wukong’, and evolve him into ‘The Ancient Liberator’, I would gain the most powerful Mythical Constellation in history as my sponsor.

Of course, this was a flawed assumption from the start.

«I apologize, but I already have a Constellation—»

[Hmph, I am well aware your foolish sponsor is absent. Are you dismissing me?]

«Even while absent, a commitment once made remains. You don’t switch allegiances.»

The words weren’t truly my own, but it’s what Kim Dokja would have said. As expected, Meihouwang’s reaction was not unfavorable.

[This one is more loyal than I anticipated. I approve.]

«Thank you for understanding.»

[In that case, I shall directly command a ‘cancellation of the Constellation Contract’.]

«Excuse me?»

I belatedly realized my error. Meihouwang is the Sun Wukong known for the most eccentric personality among his brethren. He was a ‘King of Monkeys’ who acted entirely on his own whims.

Just as I was pondering what incredible excuse I could use to escape this situation—

A shimmering strand of golden thread flew in from an unknown origin.

The thread coiled perfectly around Meihouwang’s head. The sound of an incantation followed. Meihouwang, clutching his head, let out a most undignified shriek.

[Ngegegegegegegegye—]

[The story ‘Monkey Seal’ has begun its storytelling.]

It was a story designed to subdue ‘Meihouwang’.

[Fine! I get it!]

With a *pop*, Meihouwang shrank into a tiny monkey. Glaring at me with clear annoyance, he did a backwards somersault, leaped away sharply, and climbed onto a woman’s shoulder.

The woman offered a wry smile to Meihouwang, who was chattering «Ukkkkkkk».

«I warned you not to do that, didn’t I?»

A uniquely clear and calming voice.

I had often thought,

If Yoo Sangah existed in reality, she might have been like this person.

Another person in this world who refers to me as ‘author’.

«Have you been writing any side stories lately, author?»

Editor Ji Eunyu was there.

Ji Eunyu and I had parted ways during the intense conflict at the Washington Dome. Back then, there was neither the time nor the presence of mind for proper farewells.

On one side, the Demon King of Salvation was perishing, and on the other, Yoo Jonghyuk, transformed into a black beast, was running amok.

[The Constellation ‘Meihouwang’ is looking at you with a displeased expression.]

Fortunately, now there was only one monkey causing trouble, and even he had settled down in Ji Eunyu’s embrace.

Perhaps because she had subdued Meihouwang, a faint halo seemed to glow behind Ji Eunyu’s back.

«Your aura has turned white.»

«Author, it seems you’ve been struggling.»

«Is it that obvious even with the mask on?»

«Yes, it is.»

We exchanged light greetings and shared a smile.

A unique sense of relief washes over me when I’m with Ji Eunyu. It feels acceptable to make mistakes.

My editor doesn’t just find spelling and formatting errors; she finds the sentences I forgot to write.

She could discern my confidence in a piece just by reading a few lines of the manuscript.

«It’s noticeable.»

That was her response when I’d asked how she knew.

«Editor. I have many questions. Especially about…»

Ji Eunyu noticed my glance toward Meihouwang and gave a slight cough.

«Have you forgotten who my sponsor is?»

A stream of information belatedly came to mind.

As I recalled, the Constellation that Ji Eunyu had contracted with was ‘Lotus Flower Blooming Under the Moonlight’—’Yoo Sangah, the Emperor of the Moonlight’, a member of <Kim Dokja Company>.

«I chose the ‘Monkey’ zodiac sign. I thought it would be the simplest to manage.»

In the story, Yoo Sangah traverses the ‘Island of the Reincarnated’ and is reborn through the incarnation of Tang Sanzang(?).

In fact, most of the ‘Yeonhwadae’ and related skills Yoo Sangah employs are borrowed from Sanzang’s narrative.

It was a calculated judgment.

«If I join the ‘Monkey’ faction, I can utilize my sponsor’s story.»

I was quietly impressed.

«But the monkey faction might not have had a Sun Wukong.»

«This is the ‘Recycling Center’. I was certain a Sun Wukong would be here. Admittedly, it’s the less celebrated one.»

Truly, the deductive power to find even the unwritten sentences.

[The Constellation ‘Meihouwang’ is complaining about being ignored again!]

Ji Eunyu gently scratched Meihouwang’s chin and continued.

«And when I reached the monkey area, there was this enormous cave. I knew immediately.»

«Huagua Mountain Convergence Cave.»

«Correct. And this person was inside.»

Who could have guessed that the ‘Monkey Area’ of the Chinese zodiac was the birthplace of Meihouwang?

It was undoubtedly a prime location for ‘Recycling’.

«Author, you haven’t chosen a faction yet, have you?»

«Right.»

«I knew you wouldn’t. You always pick the most difficult path.»

«It was genuinely challenging this time.»

«Even so, you seem different than before. You stand a bit straighter.»

«Do I?»

I glanced down at my body. Now that she mentioned it, I felt slightly more robust.

«I see you’ve been busy having adventures instead of writing your assignments.»

Although it sounded like a scolding, meeting Ji Eunyu here was a fortunate turn of events.

From the look of things, Meihouwang didn’t appear hostile toward us.

[Level 2 of the exclusive skill ‘Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint’ is activated.]

It was then that I suddenly heard the skill activation message.

[The Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint has never activated like this before; perhaps it’s an effect of the ‘Constellation Act’.]

I could hear someone’s internal monologue in my head.

「 Who is this. 」

I instantly recognized the owner of those thoughts. This person doesn’t use question marks even in their mind.

「 She called him author. 」

«By the way, I should introduce you. Editor, this is Cha Yerin. Yerin, this is my editor.»

But then, I heard the other side’s thoughts.

「 Author, is it alright to say that? 」

There were a few too many ‘internal voices’.

「 He revealed he’s the author? 」

「 That might complicate things. 」

Yes. Therefore.

「 If it’s someone he trusts, it should be fine. 」

「 But Kim Dokja kept his identity secret for much longer. 」

Let me explain.

「 What if this person betrays us? 」

「 We need to formulate a contingency plan. 」

「 As a preliminary measure— 」

I quickly interjected before Ji Eunyu’s plan could develop further.

«Editor, this person is my reader. You can be at ease.»

«Ah.»

«I told her my secret. She is my sole reader.»

«Your sole… reader?»

I had phrased it that way in the moment, but it wasn’t incorrect.

Cha Yerin was likely the only person who had read and remembered my debut novel.

「 Then what am I? 」

Huh?

«Pleased to meet you. I’m Ji Eunyu. I’m the one who reads and edits the author’s writing before anyone else.»

It was only then that I suddenly understood.

Now that I thought about it, Cha Yerin wasn’t the only one. While she may not have read my first novel, Ji Eunyu was a reader who read my stories before anyone else, and she read more of them.

«I’m Cha Yerin. I’ve read every one of his novels.»

Ji Eunyu’s expression transformed completely upon hearing Cha Yerin’s introduction.

«You’ve read all of the Author’s works?»

«Yes.»

«Even the Genesis trilogy?»

«Yes.»

«You’re a true Kim Dokja.»

«Kim Dokja…»

Cha Yerin looked down at her feet awkwardly.

Now I understood. That was an expression of embarrassment.

«Which format did you read?»

«I read the paperback first, but I bought them all later. The serialized version, the copies, and—»

«Incredible! Thank you so much! What are you doing, author? You need to thank her properly.»

«Thank you.»

I offered my thanks abruptly.

«Louder! She’s the one who nearly saved our company from bankruptcy!»

«Thank you!»

«If you’d like a signed copy, just say the word! I don’t have one on me right now, but—»

Thinking about it, this was Ji Eunyu’s true nature. My worry had been unnecessary.

[The Constellation ‘Meihouwang’ yawns, expressing boredom with your conversation.]

[The Constellation ‘Meihouwang’ urges you to proceed with the scenario quickly.]

«Look at that. Come to think of it, we’re wasting time.»

«Right. Let’s save the rest of our greetings for later.»

«Do you know where this is?»

In response to Ji Eunyu’s question, I examined our surroundings.

«Yes. I know.»

A vista blanketed in clouds in every direction.

「 This is where Kim Dokja waited for the carriage during the ‘Constellation Banquet’. 」

This place is called the ‘Cloud Road’.

A tributary and station that connects the scenarios of the <Star Stream>. Which meant,

«The carriage will be here soon.»

As if confirming my thoughts, a small dot appeared in the distant sky, growing larger as it approached. As expected, it took the form of a carriage.

Cha Yerin spoke with awe.

«A carriage like that came during the Constellation Banquet.»

Back then, it was Apollo’s golden chariot.

The carriage approaching now was also a lavish golden conveyance.

The difference was that this time it was being pulled by small rats.

[The Constellation ‘Meihouwang’ is complaining that the organizers have misspent their coins again.]

A golden carriage at the ‘Recycling Center’. In which scenario had it been used before?

[A new sub-scenario has arrived!]

<Sub Scenario – Orient Express Wagon>
Category: Sub
Difficulty: S++
Clear conditions: Board the carriage. Arrive at your destination safely.
Time limit: 2 hours
Reward: ‘Zodiac Ball’ admission ticket.
Failure: Death.

On the surface, it seemed a peaceful scenario, making one wonder if it even qualified as one. But.

«Is this it?» Ji Eunyu asked.

«This is it,» I replied.

As any aspiring Killer King would know, the carriage Kim Dokja rode in during the ‘Constellations’ Banquet’ was attacked by Constellations and destroyed.

The mere fact that ‘boarding a carriage’ was a scenario condition meant this carriage was destined to suffer the same fate.

The telling phrase ‘arrive at your destination safely’ confirmed it.

I offered a wry smile and spoke.

«There’s no easy way through this.»

«Who’s fault is that?»

«Pardon?»

«I told you during the serialization. Sometimes you need a simpler scenario to let the readers catch their breath.»

I hadn’t expected those words to come back to me like this.

«I was mistaken.»

Even the sub-scenario’s difficulty was S++.

At this point, I suspected the ‘Recycling Center’s Director’ might be a Possessed Soul as well.

A carriage eerily similar to Apollo’s golden chariot finally halted before us. The squeaking rats bowed their heads in greeting.

The moment I placed my hand on the carriage door handle to enter, a message appeared.

[Only designated incarnations may board this carriage.]

[Story fragment ‘Facial Recognition’ is activated.]

A carriage with a ‘facial recognition’ feature.

Could it have been manufactured in <Emperor>?

Ji Eunyu and Cha Yerin, having completed their facial recognition, boarded one after the other. It was then my turn.

[Facial recognition failed.]

I thought it was malfunctioning, but then I remembered I was still wearing the mask. The carriage wasn’t a metaphorical entity; it wouldn’t recognize me with a mask on.

Now that the Zone 13 scenario was over, there was no longer any need to insist on wearing it.

[Release the ‘mask’.]

As I removed the mask for the first time in a while, the stifling sensation vanished, replaced by cool air against my skin.

I relaxed my neck and rolled my shoulders slightly, but my face felt unusually warm.

When I looked up, Ji Eunyu and Cha Yerin were staring at me with astonished expressions.

[The Constellation Meihouwang is gazing at you blankly.]

The same was true for Meihouwang, perched on Ji Eunyu’s head.

What followed was Meihouwang’s voice in my ears.

[This one. How intriguing.]

My reflection appeared in the slowly opening carriage window.

I stared at this face for a long moment, even forgetting I needed to board.

The person I possessed was undoubtedly Cheon Inho. And yet,

[The story ‘Heir of the Eternal Name’ smiles with satisfaction as it looks upon you.]

Reflected in the window, I wore the face of Kim Dokja.