War of the Kings (2)
My consciousness quietly rose, and my senses slowly returned to reality.
[Exclusive Skill, 'Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint,' Level 3 has been deactivated.]
Level 3 was more exhausting than I'd expected, making it impossible to maintain for long.
On top of that, I realized one rather disappointing fact.
Simply using Level 3 of [Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint] didn't automatically grant skill rewards. Those rewards probably required entering the [First-Person Protagonist Perspective] state—but unfortunately, I still hadn't figured out the conditions for entering it.
If only I could siphon off Yoo Joonghyuk's skills every time I fell asleep through the [First-Person Protagonist Perspective], that would be perfect.
When I opened my eyes and sat up groggily, Jeong Hee-won was looking straight at me.
"You were talking in your sleep again."
Talking in my sleep? That couldn't be right.
"What did I say?"
"Something like… 'Mom,' I think."
"…Mom?"
Why would I mutter something like that?
Since there was no way to confirm whether it was true or not, it was an awkward situation.
Jeong Hee-won merely looked at me with a smile that seemed to know something but reveal nothing.
I brushed it off.
"Well, I guess I do worry about my mother. More importantly, Jeong Hee-won, I have a favor to ask."
"What is it?"
"I don't want you participating in the Gwanghwamun battle."
"...Why?"
"There's something else I need you to do. And you're the only one I can trust with it."
At the words "someone I trust," Jeong Hee-won jutted out her lips in reluctant acceptance.
"Fine. I'll hear you out. What is it?"
After finishing my conversation with Jeong Hee-won, the first thing I did was decide who would stay behind in Chungmuro and who would head to Gwanghwamun.
"Since Jeong Hee-won has a separate mission, she's excluded. First, I'll choose who will remain in Chungmuro."
Several members swallowed nervously.
They looked like courtiers awaiting the king's selection.
"First, the ones staying behind will be Gong Pil-du and Lee Hyunsung."
"Hmph. You're really going to work us like slaves."
Gong Pil-doo snorted as if he'd expected nothing less. The problem was Lee Hyunsung. His face went pale, looking strangely like someone who'd just been passed over for promotion.
"Hyunsung, you need to stay. I need someone to guard this place with Gong Pil-doo. If Chungmuro is attacked, I think you'll be able to lead people just as well as Yoo Sang-ah."
"…Yes, sir. Understood."
He looked a little disappointed, but there was no helping it. There was a reason I was leaving behind that dependable Steel Sword Emperor.
"Hyunsung, you already have plenty of good skills. The problem is that their levels are too low. While we're gone, focus on raising your proficiency in 'Breaking Mount Tai.' Once this scenario ends, I'll really need your help."
Only then did Lee Hyunsung's expression brighten slightly.
"Yes, sir! Leave it to me."
As expected, soldiers perform best when they're given clear instructions and a defined routine.
With that settled, we set out on our journey toward Gwanghwamun.
Excluding Yoo Joonghyuk and Lee Jihye, who were moving separately, the core members were just four of us: Yoo Sang-ah, Lee Gilyoung, Lee Seong-guk, and myself.
The Chungmuro group waved as we moved farther away.
"Vice President! Have a safe trip!"
"Please come back safely!"
It hadn't even been that long, yet Yoo Sang-ah's popularity was already through the roof.
It seemed many people had grown attached to her in a short time, judging by their worried looks. Yet the one leaving—Yoo Sang-ah herself—looked anxious.
"Dokja… will I be helpful?"
Looks like it was time for another round of self-deprecation.
At times like this, even if it stings a little, it's better to be clear.
"Yoo Sang-ah. If you keep acting like that, you'll just be a burden."
"…Yes."
"You're more than capable, Yoo Sang-ah. Have you ever seen me bring someone along for no reason?"
"Of course I trust you, Dokja, but I don't know if I'll be as useful as Hyunsung or Hee-won…"
"There are things you can do that those two can't. This plan absolutely requires you."
After I emphasized it again, Yoo Sang-ah's expression relaxed slightly. She really was talented—she just lacked confidence.
"You mentioned before that you have a Korean history certification, right?"
"Oh—yes."
Maybe because it brought up the past, her expression brightened for a moment. But it quickly dimmed again.
"…But it's useless now."
"It's useful. That's why I brought you along."
Originally, I hadn't planned to assign this role to Yoo Sang-ah.
If we went down toward Gwangjin-gu, there was someone even more suitable.
But we didn't have time to look for him, and Yoo Sang-ah was more than good enough.
The Yoo Sang-ah I knew was smart enough to memorize the entirety of Korean history just to earn a Level 1 certification.
"Do you remember the statue of Monk Samyeong from last time?"
"Yes."
"On the way to Gwanghwamun, there'll be several similar things. There's also the National Museum in that area, and quite a few statues."
Yoo Sang-ah immediately caught on and exclaimed,
"Ah! I see. Then other relics and historical artifacts must also contain the power of Constellations."
"Exactly. Your mission this time is to find those kinds of relics and artifacts."
"Got it! I'll put my brain to work."
"The more obscure the item left behind by a famous figure, the better."
Even among Constellations of the same 'great hero' class, their power varied drastically depending on their fame.
Just look at the difference between Monk Samyeong and Admiral Yi Sun-sin.
Artifacts left by Samyeong were B-rank, but something like Admiral Yi's Twin Dragon Swords—despite not even being meant for real combat—had quality bordering on S-rank.
"We need to gather as many items as possible on the way to Gwanghwamun. Our group is relatively small."
The Tyrant King had probably brought hundreds of incarnations with him.
The plagiarist author likely had his own forces as well.
And we also had to be wary of the kings moving in from Yeongdeungpo, Yongsan, and Seongdong-gu.
I could roughly guess what kind of people they were—but thanks to the butterfly effect, history might have changed.
At that moment, Yoo Sang-ah clapped her hands.
"Oh, now that I think about it, there's a place that comes to mind."
"Huh?"
"I'm not sure if my memory's correct, but… I think there's a Gwanseongmyo somewhere around here."
"Gwanseongmyo?"
"Yes. Since it might contain the power of a revered hero, wouldn't it be worth stopping by on the way? It's not a Korean hero, but…"
Not a Korean hero?
Gwanseongmyo… even as an avid reader of Ways of Survival, I'd never heard of such a place.
In any case, we decided to follow Yoo Sang-ah's suggestion and move aboveground.
And after walking for a while—
The first to shout was Lee Seong-guk.
"Hey—! Isn't that it?"
Sure enough, there was an old shrine nearby.
Gwanseongmyo Nammyo.
There was a shrine like this right in the middle of the city?
When I read the explanation written beside it, I was even more shocked.
No way… don't tell me?
It was a shrine dedicated to someone I'd never expected.
To think there would be a shrine here honoring one of China's greatest martial gods.
Yoo Sang-ah asked nervously,
"What should we do now…?"
I looked around. There was no visible idol statue.
"Let's at least show our respects."
This wasn't like the time with Monk Samyeong. Just barging in and causing chaos didn't always guarantee a good reward.
After placing water we'd brought from nearby, we quietly clasped our hands in prayer. After some time passed, a system message rang out.
[This shrine has been neglected for a long time.]
[A Constellation who favors the guandao is pleased by your visit.]
[A Constellation who favors the guandao reveals his modifier.]
[Constellation, 'Beautiful-Bearded Lord, Marquis of Zhuangmu,' bestows his blessing upon you.]
The Beautiful-Bearded Lord, Marquis of Zhuangmu.
Though a martial god of China, he was a figure everyone in Korea recognized.
Because this Constellation was none other than Guan Yu , courtesy name Yunchang , from Romance of the Three Kingdoms.
[By the blessing of the Constellation, Strength and Stamina increase by 5 for the next 24 hours.]
Lee Seong-guk's face lit up.
"This is insane… President, isn't this a total jackpot?"
"It's a decent start."
I didn't know why there was a shrine to Guan Yu in Seoul, but considering there were shrines to Admiral Yi Sun-sin even in Japan, maybe it wasn't that strange.
Given Guan Yu's global fame—arguably even greater than Admiral Yi's—this level of buff was only natural. Still—
"It looks like getting an item here would be difficult."
"That's a shame. It would've been nice to get something like the Green Dragon Crescent Blade…"
Even if there had been an idol, it was a Chinese hero—there was no way we'd get a good item in Korea.
Who was it that obtained Guan Yu in China again…?
He wasn't on the level of the Monkey King or Uriel, but having Guan Yu would still be more than enough to dominate an entire region.
Lee Gilyoung tugged on my collar.
"Hyung."
The antennae of his cockroaches twitched violently.
I had a bad feeling—and sure enough, a formation of people marching in step appeared in the distance.
Their number was roughly fifty.
According to [Cold-Blooded Observation], their average Physical Constitution was around 40. Far inferior to the Apostles, but more than enough to be called a well-trained elite unit.
A warlord leading fifty elites…
Lee Seong-guk muttered,
"That outfit… I've seen it somewhere before…"
Men dressed in historical-drama-style clothing, reminiscent of the Hwarang.
Their faces were powdered, and every one of them was undeniably handsome. No matter how tyrannical the Tyrant King was, these guys would never end up as slaves.
Lee Seong-guk whispered,
"Isn't that guy in the front row Hwang Seung-min? They look like celebrities."
Anyone else might've mistaken it for a historical drama shoot, but the killing intent radiating from them was unmistakable. The man who stepped forward leveled his spear at me and asked,
"Who dares block the path of the king?"
"And who are you supposed to be?"
I had a rough idea, but I asked anyway.
I'd expected to run into them a bit later—this was earlier than anticipated.
From within the group of Hwarang, a woman's voice rang out.
"That brown flag… don't tell me you're also a 'king'?"
"…That's right."
"I never expected there to be a 'king' in Jung-gu as well. How surprising."
Her voice was like flower petals brushing past on a spring breeze.
Strictly speaking, it was a carefully crafted voice—but still.
I replied,
"In times like these, kings are practically everywhere."
"Just because kings are common doesn't mean just anyone can become one. Everyone, fall back into formation!"
The ranks of the Hwarang scattered in perfect unison, and from the center of the formation emerged a woman dressed in royal attire. Her hair was neatly twisted up, long locks cascading down like tiers of silk. She was beautiful enough that you'd believe she was the heroine of any historical drama.
"Th-that person… isn't she Min Ji-won?"
Lee Seong-guk stammered. The woman smiled.
"So, someone recognizes me?"
"I—I was a fan!"
Looking utterly bewitched, Lee Seong-guk took a step forward.
Idiot.
You're supposed to be a [Hypnotist], and you're the one getting hypnotized first?
[Exclusive Skill, 'Perm Lv. 2,' has been activated!]
In an instant, Lee Seong-guk's unfocused pupils cleared.
"Hah—s-sorry about that."
A flicker of interest passed through the woman's eyes.
Still, this is interesting.
The fact that Lee Seong-guk recognized her meant that this 'Min Ji-won' was a real person who had existed before.
…One of the Seven Kings of Seoul, the 'Beauty Play King ,' was a real person?
That felt strange.
Because in Ways of Survival, the Beauty Play King's real name was also Min Ji-won.
Was it just a coincidence?
Well, I'd find out soon enough.
[Exclusive Skill, 'Character List,' has been activated!]
Fortunately, the skill activated without issue.
Name: Min Ji-won Age: 26 Supporting Constellation: Venerable Lord of Dreamed Brocade
Exclusive Traits : Actor (Rare), Queen of Tragedy (Hero)
Exclusive Skills:[Weapon Mastery Lv.5], [Army Command Lv.2], [Peach Blossom Fate Lv.4],[Skin Correction Lv.1], [Thousand Faces Lv.3], [Acting Lv.2]…
Stigmas:[Heavenly Allure Lv.4], [Extraordinary Heroine Lv.3]
Overall Stats:[Stamina Lv.18], [Strength Lv.18], [Agility Lv.21], [Magic Power Lv.23]
Overall Evaluation : An outstanding incarnation has met an outstanding supporting constellation. Her exceptional beauty will shine even more brightly under her constellation's protection. As long as her beauty does not fade, her army will remain loyal to her alone.
As expected, this woman was indeed the Beauty Play King from the original Ways of Survival.
Judging by how [Character List] activated immediately, she didn't seem to be a real historical person… then how did Lee Seong-guk recognize her?
Could it be related to Lee Seong-guk being registered in the character database?
For now, I bowed my head slightly and spoke.
"Ms. Min Ji-won, it's an honor to meet you."
"Hehe, are you a fan as well, King?"
A fan…
She was undeniably beautiful, but not my type. Objectively speaking, Yoo Sang-ah was just as beautiful as her. Lee Seong-guk must have been ensnared by her unique skills.
I deliberately spoke in a historical-drama tone.
"I'm not a fan. Still, how could I not recognize you? O King of Seongdong-gu."
At those words, Min Ji-won's expression stiffened.
"You are…?"
This woman is extremely useful in the 'War of Kings.'
The Venerable Lord of Dreamed Brocade.
Throughout Ways of Survival, there was only one figure who bore that epithet.
"From the look of it, your synchronization with your supporting constellation seems remarkably high. Please pass along my words to your constellation. It is a great honor to meet the last queen of Silla in person."
The Venerable Lord of Dreamed Brocade.
That was the modifier of Queen Jinseong , the last queen of Silla.
[The supporting constellation of character 'Min Ji-won' is greatly shaken.]
"There's no need to be flustered. You didn't come here to fulfill Silla's long-held wish?"
Sometimes, this happened—when the synchronization between a constellation and its incarnation became excessive, the constellation would force upon its incarnation a dream it had failed to achieve in life.
It was a common mistake among grudge-bearing, hero-grade constellations.
Unaware that they'd later be crushed by the backlash of narrative plausibility and vanish.
Min Ji-won narrowed her eyes.
"You…"
According to the progression of Ways of Survival, three regions of Seoul—Seongdong-gu, Yongsan-gu, and Yeongdeungpo-gu—were currently engaged in fierce power struggles within their respective territories.
Just like the Later Three Kingdoms period of the Korean Peninsula long ago.
That was when an unexpected message arrived.
[A Bounty Scenario has arrived!]
Huh? A bounty?
Type: Bounty Difficulty: ???
Clear Conditions : Hero-grade constellations of Silla origin, led by the Venerable Lord of Dreamed Brocade, wish to enthrone incarnation 'Min Ji-won' as the king of all three regions. Assist incarnation 'Min Ji-won' and defeat the kings backed by constellations from Later Baekje and Taebong. Upon success, you will gain the favor of the constellation Venerable Lord of Dreamed Brocade.
Time Limit: 38 hours
Reward: 2,000 coins
Failure: —
I stared blankly at the scenario window when I saw Min Ji-won smiling seductively.
"My supporting constellation wishes to see your sincerity. You'll accept, of course? I won't waste words—come under my command."
It was the tone of someone saying, I'm offering you 2,000 coins—what reason could you possibly have to refuse?
A hollow laugh escaped me.
So I showed them a bit of respect because they were constellations, and now they think I'm a complete sucker?
[Constellation, 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband,' dislikes the supporting constellation of incarnation 'Min Ji-won.']
[Constellation, 'The Secretive Plotter,' scoffs at the wealth of the hero-grade constellations.]
[You have received a sponsorship of 2,000 coins.]
['Revelation—SSSSS-Rank Infinite Regressor, Volume 5' has been sold on the Exchange.]
[You have additionally obtained 5,000 coins.]
Listening to the messages flooding in right now, I was suddenly very curious what kind of expression that woman would be wearing.
You think you can order me around for a measly 2,000 coins?