Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

When I came back to my senses, I was standing inside a train.

That's unusual, Juyoung usually doesn't take over during the day. 

I have Dissociative Identity Disorder. Juyoung is my alter. I was around 13 when it formed. It took me a month to notice I couldn’t recall anything from the evenings over the past few weeks. That’s when her parents started to bring her to a child psychiatrist. It took several doctors before she met Hana seonsaeng-nim. The psychiatrist was in her 50s when she first met Sooyoung. 

She watches Sooyoung grow into the woman she is today. During one of our session, Juyoung makes it clear that her being the host in the evening is non-negotiable. She promises not to interfere in my life as she acknowledges that I am the main host. I learned that the hard way.

Few people besides seonsaeng-nim have met Juyoung, mostly her fubus in college. It was funny. They thought she had gotten bored of them. That's why she would leave in the middle of it without saying a word. She would have to explain her condition to make things make sense. Since then, she strictly scheduled her hook-ups in the afternoon.

Despite coexisting for nearly a decade, Juyoung remains a mystery to Sooyoung.

She looks at her phone to check the time. It is 6:55 pm. Not being able to see what Seoul is like in the evening for so long despite growing up here. This feels surreal. She had to accept that she would never see the moon again or enjoy the night because of her condition.

She has to ask Hana seonsaeng-nim what’s going on during their next session. She looks at the train display, it says ‘Hapjeong station’. She has always wanted to experience the nightlife in Itaewon.

Suddenly the subway lights turned off, and then there was darkness. People were getting anxious until we heard the engineer's announcement.

"Everyone stay calm, everything will be back to normal in a few minutes" the engineer said. His words comforted the passengers.

The broadcast stop and the silence was palpable. Then we heard a voice.

[The free service of planetary system 8612 has been terminated.]

[The main scenario has started.]

All hell break loose.  

"What the fuck is this?" The people on the train were questioning what they heard.  

- Sooyoung-ah, can you see this?

How? A private chat? then can I reply?
- How is this possible?

- It’s possible after all I am part of your benefit after finishing the apocalypse.

Suddenly, it all makes sense. All the dreams she had growing up that inspired her to make her novel came from ‘her’. Her novel was becoming real.

- Except it was not really me who finished it, it was Juyoung.

- You are correct.

- How many tries did she take to finish it?

- It took her 1 time to reach the end.

- Damn, Juyoung beats Joonhyun’s ass.

- So what do you want me to do?

- Just as expected of you, you are quick to understand. I want you to convince a girl to live. She’s one of Juyoung’s biggest regret, perhaps in this timeline we can change that.

So it was that girl, the first sacrifice. The bestfriend of Lee Hyeji, Na Bora.

- I Understand. You want to save Bora so that Hyeji won’t kill her.

- Yes,however their name is Na Bori.and Lee Jihye.

Na Bori and Lee Jihye?

Then the creature appeared.

[Hello everyone. Can you understand me?] The creature asks.

There was clamor in the sudden appearance of the creature. In her novel she calls it an imp, the star streamers. Shit! She realizes she has to act quickly.

“Hey! What the hell- ““Everyone shut up. If you value your life, don’t speak because that creature will kill you!!” I shouted.

Everyone looked at me with terror while the dokkaebi looked at me in surprise.

[How amusing, do you know what’s about to happen? Puny human?]

“You shut up, imp! Give us the scenario already”

[Hahahaha, I’m not an imp! My kind called dokkaebi]

[Good thing, you are entertaining so I won’t kill you yet]

A screen appeared in front of us.

-

[#BI-7619 channel is open.]

[Constellations have entered.]

[The main scenario has arrived!]

-

[Main Scenario #1 – Proof of Value]

Category: Main

Difficulty: F

Clear Conditions: Kill one or more creatures.

Time Limit: 30 minutes

Compensation: 300 coins

Failure: Death

-

[Let’s see if you can keep up that attitude!]

[I hope rest of you can be as interesting as this human!] That fucking imp, no, a dokkaebi points at me before disappearing.

She feels the resentment towards her. Tch, how predictable.

Things are not the same as her novel, what has changed?

“You!! It's because of you that we're in this position!!” an office worker shouted at me.

“Look, if I hadn’t intervened earlier, most of you would be dead” she explained.

This enraged the man even more. He was about to hit me when someone blocked his attack. It was an old man in his 50s who helped me.

“If you don’t want to believe me, then look at your phone on what’s currently happening in the country” she said.

Everyone turned on their smartphones. There was no need to enter a search term. It was because the first result on all portal sites was 'Prime Minister's Speech'.

–To all my fellow citizens, unidentified terrorists are currently active in an unspecified number of areas, including Seoul.

“So, this is real?!!”

“Do we have to kill someone?”

People dropped their phones as gunshots were heard from all over. The prime minister head had exploded, then a different dokkaebi appeared on the screen.

[Everyone, I've told you already. This isn't a game like 'terrorism'.] Everyone tensed as the dokkaebi spoke.

[Do you still not understand? This won't do. Do you still feel like this is a game?]

[Haha, according to the data, the people of this country are very good at games. So, why don't I try raising the difficulty?]

*Beeep* A huge timer appeared in the air. It started decreasing rapidly.

[The remaining time has been decreased by 10 minutes.]

[There are 10 minutes remaining.]

The people screamed in terror.

“Miss, do you have more information about the situation” the old man asks.

“Yes” I answered.

“Everyone, listen. I am former Sergeant major, Jung Moonho. I believe this lady here can explain more about our current situation”

“As crazy as it sounds, you need to kill someone in order to survive. This is the new reality we live in”

I used the fountain pen in pocket to stab the nearest person to me. It was the office worker I killed him.

[You have achieved the 'First Kill' achievement!]

[100 coins have been earned as additional compensation.]

The people screamed louder as they watched me kill someone.

“If you want to live, then you must kill. Don’t waste their death, carry the weight of ending someone’s life by staying alive!”

“This crazy bitch!” A man was charging at me.

Before anything could happen to me, the sergeant protected me again.

“Ahjussi, it’s okay. Focus on accomplishing the scenario than protecting me. I can handle myself”

Let’s see if that works the same.

“As of now, you can open an ‘Attribute Window’. You can say it or through your mind. With this, you can see your skills and attributes. This will help you clear this scenario. The rest is up to you”

-

<Attribute Window>

Name: Han Sooyoung

Age: 26

Sponsor: None (Two constellations are currently showing interest in you.)

Exclusive Attributes: Author (Unknown),

Exclusive Skills: Avatar Lv. 3, Eye of Truth Lv. 1

Overall Stats: [Physique Lv. 1], [Strength Lv. 1], [Agility Lv. 4], [Magic Power Lv. 9]

Overall Evaluation: An author who knows more than she lets on.

-

- Sooyoung, please don’t give too much memory to your avatar.

I heed the words of my mysterious messenger.

[Exclusive skill, Avatar has been activated.]

I walk towards a young girl and give my pen to her, then she looks at the other passengers.

“Take charge of your fate!”

What I’ve said must give them the courage, but I couldn’t focus on them. I still have more important things to do.

- Do I still have time to save, Na Bori?

- Yes, quickly.

- Na Bori, listen, you must kill someone.

Bori was scared to death. Nobody in her class was moving. It was like someone heard her prayer. A screen appeared in front of her.

- If you don’t do it. Lee Jihye will be forced to kill you in order to survive. Making her the sole survivor of your class. Or you could live and carry that burden with her.

- I don’t want to die! I want to live!

- Don’t hesitate! Do what you must do to live.

Picking up her courage, the girl stands up and chokes her classmate.

“I’m sorry, but I’m going to live!”

A giant screen appeared in the subway. The place that appeared on the screen was a classroom. Girls in their navy blue school uniforms were shaking.

*Beep beep beep beep―* An ominous beeping sound was heard. Then the high school girls started to scream.

[The given time has run out.]

[Paid settlement will begin.]

Then, a girl stands up and strangles her classmate. Another girl followed her action.

[#Bay23515 channel. Daepong Girls' High School, Year 2 Class B

survivors: Na Bori and Lee Jihye.]

This has never happened in the novel. If this possible, then I can do that. The man looking at the screen was filled with newfound determination.

- Na Bori lives. Thank you.

Sooyoung sighs with relief. There were more people alive than she’s expecting. Nobody attacked her as the two clones she formed were still intact. She looks at her phone. It’s 7:05 pm, 5 minutes left.

The moment she looked up, her and the sergeant's eyes met. “Please help my son!” he shouted at her. She looks around.

There’s a boy surrounded by adults, but he’s still alive. She quickly orders her clone to push the adults and grabs the boy. She searches for the girl she helped earlier.

“Hey, give him the pen!” She shouted. The girl runs towards them and gives the pen to the boy. Her clones were holding down one attacker. The boy didn’t waste time and stabbed the man while crying. 

It causes the remaining people to stop fighting, a grim look in their faces and resignation of what’s about to come.    

[The given time has run out.]

[Paid settlement will begin.]

The people's heads started to explode. Some survivors looked away from the scene, while the others started to cry. 

[You have killed 1 living thing.]

[200 coins have been acquired!]

She should get the attention of the angels to sponsor the kids, knowing they will not actively put them in danger. So, she sign the cross and pray.

“Raphael, archangel of protection. Please protect everyone who survives in this calamity and guide us, the passengers of this train, to their loved ones and fill our hearts with hope. May the souls of the dead find peace. Amen” The survivors followed her also prayed to their gods. 

The train started to move again. It made the remaining people cheer. However, it was short-lived. Outside the window, what we saw was not the Seoul that they knew. It was a war-zone of dead soldiers and monsters. 

[Main Scenario #1 – Proof of Value has ended.]

[300 coins have been acquired as a basic clearance reward.]

[Additional compensation settlement will begin.]

She looks at the sky and thinks.

If Juyoung faced this ordeal and finished it, then so can she.

The girl tugs her sleeves for her attention. The remaining people was looking at her. 

“The peaceful days are over, let’s survive”

Chapter Text

The train stopped in the middle of Dangsan Bridge.

There were leviathan monsters outside eating the dead bodies of the soldiers.

Those monsters appear in her novels. Giant serpents if she recalls.

[Compensation settlement will begin.]

[Due to your prayer, two constellations show a faint affinity towards you.]

[Constellation have sponsored you 300 coins.]

Seems like she got the angels’ goodwill like she hopes.

‘Constellation’ does it mean 'star contractors'? Is it truly her novel that became real? A lot of the tiny details are different from what she has written.

[A handful of constellations admire your scenario.]

[Constellations have sponsored you 500 coins.]

“Unnie…”

I look down at the girl still holding the sleeves of her jacket.

“Yes?”

“Thank you for saving me"

“It’s nothing, here," I grab one of my lollipops and gave it to her. “For doing a great job”

The girl smiles at her and starts to unwrap her lollipop. She then notices the boy looking enviously, so she gives him some as well.

[A few constellations admire your bond.]

[Constellations have sponsored you 100 coins.]

[How touching.]

The dokkaebi appeared in the air.

[Looks like you’re still alive.] The dokkaebi looks at me. [Wow, 30 constellations are connect to my channel.]

[Heh, would you look at that. How did so many of you survive that? How amusing!]

A list of survivors appears.

[[Survivors from the 3404 Train to Wangsimni, Carriage 3803: Han Sooyoung, Jung Moonho, Jung Eunho, Yoo Mia, Kim Yura, Lee Taehyun, Go Minju, Hwang Jaemin, Hwang Yujin, Park Yohan, Kim Sejin, Kwon Hosu, Lee Jihoon and Park Wooyoung. A total of fourteen survivors.]

She looks at the kids next to her. “Kids, what are your names?”

“I’m Yoo Mia" "Jung Eunho”

“Would you like to join me?” The kids nodded their heads. She also looked at the sergeant for his approval. He also nodded his head.

“Hey, is it over? We did what you wanted," an office worker in his 30s asks.

[As a reward for finishing the first scenario, you earn the sponsorship of the ‘constellations’.

Just like in her novel, the ‘star contract’ is about to begin. Then that means…

[There are some great people who pity you and would like to sponsor you. It would be best if you chose your sponsor wisely. They will help you overcome the upcoming scenarios.]

“Upcoming scenarios… that means there are more?!” the office worker shouts.

"That's right, there are more ‘scenarios’ that will happen in the future. It will be wise to choose a sponsor or not, it’s up to you to decide," she explains.

The survivors look surprised by my confirmation. Everyone then started to read the options in front of them.

[Sponsor Selection]

- Please select your sponsor.

- Your chosen sponsor will be your strong supporter.

1. Constellation who likes to change gender
2. Lily Blooming in Aquarius
3. Queen of the Darkest Spring

If you manage to guess the identity of the interested sponsor correctly. I will give you all the benefits Juyoung has accumulated.

- You have a deal.

The Queen of the darkest Spring is easy. It’s Persephone. The Greek goddess and the wife of Hades, the king of the underworld.

If it wasn’t for Sh■n Meg■mi T■nsei, she wouldn’t know about Norse mythology. The mother of Sleipnir and at the same time the father of Fenrir, Hel and Jormungandr. Constellation who likes to change gender is Loki.

She was Catholic and most of the time the archangel Gabriel is usually depicted with a lily flower. She’s not that sure about this one, but she will take her chances.

- It's Gabriel, Persephone, and Loki.

[There is one minute left to complete the Sponsor Selection.]

- Are you sure?

- I am sure.

[Sponsor selection has ended.]

- You’re not choosing a sponsor?

- It seems unwise to choose at the beginning. So, what’s the verdict?

- You are correct. I will transfer the carryover later.

- Ok.

[Some constellations are significantly influenced by your choice.]

[The constellation 'Queen of the Darkest Spring' is interested in your choice.]

[200 coins have been sponsored.]

[The constellation ‘Constellation Who Likes to Change Gender' is interested in your choice.]

[200 coins have been sponsored.]

[The constellation ‘Lily Blooming in Aquarius’ is interested in your choice.]

[You haven't selected a sponsor.]

[If you didn’t get to pick a sponsor. Don’t worry there will be another chance. The next scenario is being prepared. You have 10 minutes to rest.]

The dokkaebi left us then a window appeared.

[Carryover transfer will begin.]

I sit in the passenger seat.

- What should I call you?

- I don’t have a name. How about you give me one.

- Are you a man or a woman?

- I am an old man.

- Hyun ahjussi, how is that?

- It’s a fine name.

Before Sooyoung can reply to Hyun, someone interrupts her. She looks up and is faced with an angry-looking office lady.

“Aren’t you too lax?”

“What about it?” she responds.

“You know more than we do, so tell us what's going to happen next"

“I would suggest mastering the use of coins. Invest with physique and agility because we will be running for our lives"

“How do you know all about these?”

“I will tell you if you survive the next scenario” The lady nodded. “If you don’t have enough coins, go ask your sponsor. Now that I have answered your question. Don’t bother me, I have to gather my thoughts”

The people in the train did what she asked for, so she closed her eyes. Something was bothering her. If Juyoung did finish the apocalypse, how come it's not ‘her’ memories she sees in her dreams? But the memories of her protagonist's regression. And then there are the differences in terminology in her novel and what’s happening in reality. She feels like she’s not seeing the whole picture.

- Does Juyoung’s memories transfer to me?

- Unfortunately no, there's a character you have to face to awaken 'her.' Don’t worry, you have your novel to help you, and I believe in you.

- That’s just embarrassing, ahjussi.

[Carryover transfer is completed.]

Not having Juyoung’s memories is disappointing, but no matter. She is the author of this apocalypse, and she will see the end of it.

“When you said we’re going to run. Are we gonna run at the bridge?” the office lady asks.

“Yes, towards the Hapjeong Station"

“Fuck resting, we have to go now!”

The survivors search for doors that they can open.

“Over here!”

“I’ve got this" The office lady punches the door with her stigma.

“You know how to use your stigma”

“Of course, you explained it earlier," she put a hand out. “I’m Hwang Yeonjin”

“Han Sooyoung," she shook her hand.

[How entertaining. I told you to rest, but since this is what you wanted, I’ll give it to you.

[The second scenario has arrived.]

-

[Second Scenario – Escape]

Category: Sub

Difficulty: E

Clear Conditions: Cross the broken bridge and enter Hapjeong Station.

Time Limit: 20 minutes.

Compensation: 200 coins.

Failure: ???

-

“I will carry Mia on my back," Sooyoung said.

[Coins Possessed: 3,759,800 c]

She uses the coins to make her agility level 10.

“Then I’ll carry the boy.” I look at the man, who is likely a nurse. “I’m Kim Sejin”

“Everyone, let’s go!” Yeonjin shouts

“Quickly!”

Not everyone was running at a decent pace. Some were lagging behind. This is not good.

[How boring! Entertain us.]

[The scenario difficulty has been adjusted.]

[The scenario difficulty: E -> D]

[The evil thoughts of the dead have returned.]

[The surrounding earth is filled with black ether.]

[The demonic people have woken up!]

“Fuck, is that zombies?!!”

“Everyone, keep running!!"

Sooyoung and Sejin with the kids were the first ones to cross the bridge and arrive at the safety zone. Followed by Moonho and two college boys.

The bridge was collapsed by the giant serpents dividing it into two. There were people left on the other side of the bridge. Eventually, they got mauled by the zombies. Some jumped at the river. The other remaining people managed to go to the safety zone.

[Main Scenario #2 – Escape has ended.]

[You have obtained 400 coins as compensation.]

She wasn’t finished with her novel. She wonders how long these scenarios will take.