Ending Salvation [Joongdok]

3. Secretive Plotter

Kim Dokja held himself as he walked around the valley, trying to keep from freezing to death. He shuddered as he walked silently as snowflakes unexpectedly brushed his pale cheek. Kim Dokja finally saw an unusually empty and quiet bridge after a long time of patient wandering. It appears fragile and narrow, as though anyone was stepping on it will fall down. He looked around the bleak and dismal forest, which at night will be eerie and terrifying.

When Kim Dokja noticed a slight shadow on the barren and peaceful bridge, he chuckled. The surrounding environment was foggy, but his keen eyes picked up on the shadow. When Kim Dokja snapped his fingers, the space emptied in a split second.

A scorpion man with the head, torso, and arms of a man and the body of a scorpion stood there. Their brows drooped and drew closer together, and their eyes squinted and lifted in bewildered.

"Hello there, Aqrabuamelu," Kim Dokja said with a pleasant wave of his hands. Kim Dokja's long trek to this forbidden forest caused the scorpion man to quiver slightly and furrow his brow severely.

[What exactly are you looking for and why are you here?]

They venomed out each word rather harshly.

Kim Dokja laughed softly. "I've come to have a serious discussion with you. Obviously." He modestly bowed his head. Aqrabuamelu's eyes gleamed with apathy as they observed every step taken by Kim Dokja.

Despite their mistrust and skepticism regarding Kim Dokja's journey to meet them, they bowed down backward to avoid seeming rude and to return the respect.

[The Demon King demands to speak with Aqrabuamelu.]

As they noticed the blue screen in front of them, their brows furrowed. It was a warning sign.

[You. You're an adversary in this world.]

They had removed their sword's shield. Kim Dokja quickly decided to surrender by raising his hands.

"Do you mean that the antagonist has no rights wherever they go? For your information, I am fated to be an antagonist due to constellations with the exception of my behalf " As his blood emerged to boil, he snarled. He does not really understand the statement 'anatagonist are destined to lose and die.' Well, antagonists always break the rules, and he'll do so on his own.

They drew their hands back slowly, almost as though they realized what was going on.

[And why did you need to meet us?]

"Open the portal," he smirked as Aqrabuamelu flinched markedly. Kim Dokja took a pocket watch out from his coat's pocket.

"I need to meet Hobs and get my pocket watch fixed" his smile grew wider as he was delighted with every expression they make and display. Without so much as a doubt, each move they make is fulfilling.

[This is our final opportunity to assist you.]

They took a deep breath.

Aqrabuamelu swung their sword as black dark energy engulfed the deathly sword. Aqrabuamelu's body exuded a horrendous aura. Kim Dokja's complexion was gradually fading as he had been infected by the energy around him.

His dimmed gaze was grabbed by a dark portal in front of him.

[ Hold on to this blade until they begin to beam brightly. That will be your cue to depart from that realm.]

They entrusted him with the dark-energy-enhanced blade. Kim Dokja firmly clutched it and respectfully bowed down, not wanting to make a negative impression on them.

"I am extremely thankful for your thoughtfulness. I will undoubtedly do you a favor in the future "Kim Dokja beamed at them through his ever-so-soft smile. Despite recognizing his flaws, he appreciates and is touched by their efforts to assist him.