INFINITY

112

KIM DOKJA'S POINT OF VIEW

Kim Namwoon's last look remained with me but I hadn't come to rescue him in the first place. Besides, why should I save him when he liked Hell? It was Alyona's job, not mine. The legless judge climbed the stairs quietly, like a ghost. Some of the symbolic bodies along the way looked at me with interested eyes. 

Were they constellations who dwelled in Hades' palace? I didn't know. It wasn't all constellations here. The judge seemed aware that I was drifting off and spoke without looking back. "You will lose your way if you don't follow along nicely." It was a scratchy voice that made me feel uncomfortable. Still, it was the correct advice.

I looked at the judge before shifting my gaze to the ceiling and opening my mouth slightly. 'Hey, can you hear me?' It was a small whisper that the judge couldn't hear. 'I know you're listening.'

This wasn't Earth but Hades' Underworld. I was curious. Did the dokkaebi channel work here? Then a faint voice entered my ears.

-...Yes.

There was a reply on the dokkaebi communication. It wasn't Bihyung's voice.

'Are you a new dokkaebi?'

-Yes. I am the low-grade dokkaebi Youngki. I am temporarily serving as an administrator while Bihyung is at the bureau.

Dokkaebi Youngki. Perhaps it was the dokkaebi who dealt with the compensation settlement for the fifth scenario during the day, I got straight to the point.

'Why aren't you doing your work properly?'

-Huh?

'The hidden scenario has been updated but why aren't you letting me know the contents?'

I came to this terrible place and should at least get compensation. 

-Ah, t-that...!

It turned out that this dokkaebi was a beginner. I could see how good Bihyung was at handling things. He just slightly lacked intelligence... The dokkaebi was silent for dozens of seconds before stuttering.

-E-Excuse me...

'What is it now?'

-How do I update the scenario?

I was speechless for a moment.

'Why is a dokkaebi asking a constellation?'

-B-Bihyung told me to ask Kim Dokja-ssi if I'm not sure of anything.

That bastard Bihyung made me an advisor?

-P-Please wait a moment! I'll ask another dokkaebi about it. Ah, and...

'...What else?'

-I'm sorry but would you like to receive the backed-up indirect messages? It was the first time I was in this situation...

I reluctantly nodded. I never expected a day would come when I missed Bihyung. Then messages exploded in my head.

[The constellation 'God of Wine and Ecstasy' rejoices in your plight.]

[The constellation 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' is excited about your adventure.]

[The constellation Secretive Plotter is wondering how you will escape.]

[The constellation 'Demon-like Judge of Fire' prays that you can return safely to your comrades.]

...