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“Hey ahjussi” Lee Jihye asked one day, “Sometimes I wonder what you really look like… ya know?” This statement puzzled Kim Dokja. “Am I not in front of you right now?” he questioned. Lee Jihye paused at this.
“Yeah I know but your face always looks kinda muddy… or something.” Lee Hyunsung stopped polishing his shield across the room and walked over, nodding.
“It’s true Dokja-nim, I can see your features if I really focus, but other than that…” He squints “It’s hard to define…” Lee Jihye and Lee Hyunsung both raised their hands to their chins as if thinking while Dokja pondered to himself.
(I knew there was a visual censorship over the star stream… but who knew my own comrades couldn’t see my face properly.)
Lee Jihye spoke up “well I have seen your face clearly once, but it’s still hard to recall.” The kids perked up at this
“What? You have? When? What does he look like?” Lee Gilyoung said running up to Jihye, Shin Yoosung was running behind him. Jihye sputtered, “Well not bad but-”
[Many constellations have perked their ears in anticipation]
[The constellation ‘Demon-like judge of fire’ is shaking with excitement!]
[The constellation ‘Abyssal black flame dragon’ scoffs but is staring at constellation ‘Demon king of salvation’ with shining eyes]
Dokja frowned at this. “Well I don't want to disappoint.. But even if I did know how to turn off the censorship, I’m afraid the results won’t be as satisfying as you all are hoping for…” he then smiled “There’s a reason I'm called the ‘ugly king’ after all.”
Yoo Sangah, who was speaking with Han Sooyoung and Yoo Junghyuk, said offhandedly. “I’d say he looks quite attractive. If he put himself out there he would've been very popular at Minosoft.” She said, turning and smiling at Dokja
“You can see his face, unni??” Shin Yoosung’s eyes were twinkling “Hmm.. Pretty much, I guess? It might be because I knew him before...” Sangah’s eyes squinted “At the very least, i recall what he looks like…”
Dokja waved his hand as to dismiss the subject “It’s really not all that big of a-”
[The constellation ‘Demon-like judge of fire’ has suggested a scenario!]
Huh?
—------------------------------------------------------
[A new sub scenario has arrived!]
[Sub scenario: Draw Off, has arrived!
Difficulty: ???
Time Limit: 4 hours or until everyone has finished
Reward: Removal of all censorship for an hour
Penalty for Failure: —---
Details: All incarnations in the room will have a drawing competition! You will draw what you believe the constellation ‘Demon king of salvation’ truly looks like! At the end the constellations will judge your works. (all materials provided)]
As if waiting, a plethora of different art supplies and sketching materials appeared on a nearby table. Everyone in the room turned to look at Kim Dokja.
“Why drawing though..” Han Sooyoung dropped to the floor dramatically.
[The constellation ‘Demon-like judge of fire’ shrugs and says she likes the arts]
[The constellation ‘Secretive Plotter’ nods his head in agreement]
————————————-
Surprisingly the first person to head over to the table was none other than that bastard, Yoo Junghyuk. He immediately sat down and picked up some materials after crossing his legs.
“Kim Dokja” Yoo Junghyuk said “Look this way” He flipped open a sketchbook and placed his sharp eyes directly on Dokja. His gaze seems to pierce through his defenses. Dokja turned away.“Hey wait for me, you bastard” Han Sooyoung stormed over to the table and snatched a fistful of pencils. “I’m winning this competition” she laughed, a smug look on her face.
“You weren't that confident a second ago.”Jihye poked her shoulder
“Shut up.” Han Sooyoung sat down
The others started gravitating towards the art supplies while Kim Dokja didn’t know what to do with himself. He stood there, twiddling his thumbs when he decided to grab a chair to watch the drawing ensue.
—--------------------------------------------
Not even thirty minutes later, a loud slam was heard coming from the table. “DONE” Lee Jihye shouted, holding up her drawing proudly. There was silence for a while as they all gazed at her drawing.
(It’s really…)
“It’s really no better than a third graders.” The corners of Yoo Junghyuk’s mouth curved upwards with his words. Lee Jihye really had no talent… It quite obviously was supposed to be a squid of some sort, but it looks like she had gripped the pencil with a fist and scribbled it with her eyes closed. Lee Jihye turned her paper back towards her and frowned at it. “I thought it was pretty good…”
[Some constellations give incarnation ‘Lee Jihye’ a look of pity]
While Jihye was brooding, another “done” was heard from none other than Jung Heewon, who had been drawing quietly next to Lee Hyunsung. “I don’t really want to show it though… my artistic ability is…” she closed the sketchpad she was working in “not up to par.” she finished.
“That’s ok noona.” Lee Gilyoung had colored pencils scattered about him. “Mine isn’t finished yet, but…” Gilyoung held his drawing up. It was…
Heads turned towards Lee Jihye. Lee Hyunsung gave Jihye a sympathetic look from across the table.“I think your drawing looks fantastic Jihye-ssi.”
Lee Gilyoung’s drawing was better than Lee Jihye’s.
“I can’t believe that kid..” Jihye sniffled
“Rather than yours being bad,(although it is,) I think Gilyoung is just good at drawing..” Dokja said, peering at Gilyoung’s work. It was a simple yet sweet drawing of both Gilyoung and himself holding hands, surrounded by many different sorts of insects. The coloring was quite impressive for someone his age. “I like drawing bugs.” he shrugged
Dokja took a look at the other people sketching around the room. Yoo Junghyuk was absorbed in his craft, glancing up at Dokja every now and then. Their eyes met for a moment, but Junghyuk quickly turned back to his sketchpad. Han Sooyoung was snoring while an avatar worked on her portrait. Dokja could see a rather barbaric drawing with wings and horns on the paper. Shin Yoosung was happily humming away, occasionally stealing colored pencils from Gilyoung next to her, causing some bickering.
Lee Hyunsung and Jung Heewon had finished and were chatting with each other quietly, Yoo Sangah chipped into their conversation every now and then. Dokja wondered why his companions cared so much about his appearance. And why they were putting this much effort into the artworks they were making.
He glanced at Yoo Junhyuk. (come to think of it…) Dokja recalled something from the novel he read so meticulously.
(This bastard is pretty crafty huh…) Kim Dokja thought to himself. Of course, Yoo Junghyuk knew how to cook, and Dokja recalled him being able to sew as well…
“Of course he would know how to draw well,” Dokja muttered to himself, but quickly dismissed the idea and shifted his train of thought.
( The scenario reward says the removal of all censorship for an hour.. I wonder if it means verbal as well… perhaps we can use this to gain new information.) He doubted all censors would be gone, however. Probability did have to be maintained after all.
While he was thinking, the remaining incarnations drawing had all set down their supplies.
[Everyone has completed their artworks!]
[Transfer of artwork will begin]
A giant blue screen appeared and singular pieces of paper began appearing on the surface.
“Oh god I didn’t know they would show everyone…” Jung Heewon covered her face with her hands.
Kim Dokja gazed at the board. There were three works that stuck out, one being Lee Jihye’s (for the wrong reason), and two other impressive artworks. He hadn’t looked at himself recently but one looked fairly accurate. The artistic skill was impressive, the shading had light subtle hues of blue and there was just a tad of blush added to his cheeks and ears.
The other seemed to be slightly less accurate(to his memory, perhaps he should have looked in a mirror), but the techniques used were on a masterful level. It simultaneously looked like a picture while maintaining its own unique style. It had dynamic shading that rivaled the artistic masters of the past. The drawing was masterful, but the face appeared to be a tad more rugged than the real life Kim Dokja. He enjoyed looking at how his companions saw him. A small smile escaped from his lips
——————————————-
[Anonymous voting has begun!]
[The constellations have begun voting!]
The incarnations all sat there in silence, some sharing glances between each other. After what felt like hours…
[Voting is complete!]
“….”
[A winner has been decided!]
[It is a tie between incarnations…]
Dokja was surprised by one of the names on the screen in front of him.
[...Yoo Junghyuk and Jung Heewon!]
Yoo Junghyuk was to be expected, (talented bastard.) but Jung Heewon was a pleasant surprise.“Heewon-ssi i thought you said you couldn’t draw!” Han Sooyoung, who had awoken with the announcement, had a gaping mouth.
[The constellation ‘Demon-like judge of fire’ says that the rankings were based on accuracy as well as artistic skill]
[The constellation ‘One who likes art’ is grinning]
[The constellation ‘One who likes art’ has sponsored 10 coins]
“Ah well I always was drawing throughout highschool, so…” Jung Heewon was quite humble.. Dokja’s gaze trailed back to the board of drawings.
“Which one is yours, noona ?” Lee Gilyoung stood next to Dokja, gazing at the works.
Jung Heewon pointed to the artwork with the colorful shading, the fairly accurate one. “This one” she stated.It really was impressive. Many of the features matched his actual face save a couple of details and placement. Kim Dokja nodded while turning to the other winning drawing. (Wait but that means that person….)
Dokja flipped his head around to look at Yoo Junghyuk.
(That bastard… I almost feel flattered…)
“Master, based on your drawing… Is it a love confession?” Lee Jihye scooted closer to Yoo Junghyuk who was sitting stiffly on a neighboring table, fiddling with his sword.
(Is he avoiding my gaze?) Dokja used this opportunity to move closer. He leaned in infront of Junghyks face and smirked at him. “I'm flattered you see me like that Junghyuk-ssi'' Dokja teased him.
In return he got a blank stare followed by a quick turn of Junghyuk’s head. (Oh, so he is avoiding my gaze.) Dokja chuckled and stepped back from him. At that moment, a system message popped up.
[Censorship will be removed shortly]
Dokja’s eyes widened at the message. He had almost forgotten the reason for this competition. All eyes trained towards him, even Yoo Junghyuk’s eyes, which had just been avoiding him, turned to Kim Dokja once more. Dokja saw a curiosity, a hunger in their eyes. He didn't know whether to be content or nervous regarding his companions caring.
Kim Dokja slowly lifted his arms to cover his face. He wanted to bolt, for a reason even he didn’t know.
“Hey Hyunsung-hyung, you should go hold his arms behind his back.” Lee Gilyoung pointed in Dokja’s direction. His eyes seemed to have stars in them.
“Sometimes I worry about you, Gilyoung” Jung Heewon said, stepping closer to Kim Dokja
[The constellations are ecstatic!]
[The constellation ‘Demon-like judge of fire’ is ready to see if her guess regarding the constellation ‘Demon king of salvation’s appearance is correct]
[Some constellations think that the constellation ‘Demon king of salvation’ is going to be ugly]
Jung Heewon grabbed Dokja’s s arms while he struggled, turning his head away while bringing his arms closer to conceal his face.
system message popped up during the grapple, causing Heewon to pause
[The censorship has been removed!]
“….”
[The constellations are shouting at the constellation ‘Demon king of salvation’ to move his arms]
[Many constellations are paying close attention]
Dokja shifted his arms closer to his face, embarrassed . The muddy feeling around his body had completely disappeared. They could see his body shape clearly for the first time. He was of average height, at most 178 centimeters, and was lean yet toned. His broad shoulders contrasted starkly to his thin waist, accentuated by his tight dress shirt. His skin was pale but looked surprisingly soft. They could see his ears through the holes in his defense, they were red with embarrassment.
Dokja’s comrades heard a mumbling sound coming from him and he moved his arms from his face, avoiding eye contact with everyone present.
no one spoke. All the members of the Kim Dokja company stood silently there staring at their leader.
“It feels like we’re back at the company,” Yoo Sangah smiled. This prompted everyone to move. They all began walking in a small circle around Kim Dokja, inspecting his appearance. Yoo Junghyuk stayed up on his spot on the table and silently scanned Kim Dokja’s features.
[Many constellations are screaming]
[The constellation ‘Secretive plotter’ says he already guessed his appearance]
[The constellation ‘Demon-like judge of fire’ is squealing!]
“Dokja-Hyung looks like an idol” Lee Gilyoung looked nervous, as if this person in front of him was unknown. But he still smiled at Dokja.
Kim Dokja was attractive. Maybe not ten-smacks-in-the-face Yoo Junghyuk attractive, but attractive nonetheless.
The incarnations leaned in, noticing his long lashes and fair skin, slightly pink at the cheeks and ears. His face was rounder than Junghyuk, but well sculpted with a prominent jawline .His dark brown hair was cropped short and soft to the touch, there were small wisps protruding from behind his ears. His lips were full with a natural light peach color to them, although the corners of his mouth were curved down in uncomfort. Dokja’s eyes were round and focused. The coffee brown held both a warmth and a loneliness to them, as if he was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. The dark circles and light, well shaped eyebrows framed his eyes like a painting. Even a prominent beauty mark that wasn’t visible before, sat upon his neck.
Kim Dokja’s beauty drew you in like a deep sea, holding you and keeping you there. Breathless.
He was still avoiding eye contact but continued glancing around uncomfortably. “Is my appearance really that shocking for you to be staring at me?” He murmurs audibly, his shoulders still tense with unease. “Ahjussi I can’t believe I called you ugly… It got me coins but still..” Jihye poked Dokja’s side causing him to flinch. He looked at Jihye with his eyebrows furrowed. “Does that mean I’m not?” He gave a weak smirk, obviously trying to seem calm.
-
“Are you sure you’re almost 30 Dokja-nim? Your skin looks so soft…” Lee Hyunsung was crouched next to the kids, staring at Dokja in awe
“You flatter me…” Kim Dokja’s face was visibly red from all this praise.
“...I would appreciate it if you gave me room to breathe though…”
“…sorry”
At this his comrades apologized and headed back to the table, still staring at him during the duration.
—------------------------------------
Kim Dokja sat comfortably, although his face was still red. His head rested in his palm while he waited for his comrades to be seated. Everyone sat in their seats other than Yoo Junhyuk, who stepped up next to Kim Dokja silently and leaned down next to him. He stayed there for a moment, staring. His eyes really were piercing…
(Emotionally stunted bastard…)
“How long do you plan to keep staring?” Kim Dokja met his gaze. “Am I really such a sight to behold?”
“Hmm….” Yoo Junghyuk’s voice made a deep pondering sound, as if he didn’t know what to think. He finally stood up. “Not what i expected.” he walked away, scratching the back of his head.
(…what’s that supposed to mean..)
[Omniscient readers viewpoint Stage 2 has been activated]
-it’s not what i thought…
Huh guess he was thinking the same thing.
Not that Kim Dokja knew what that meant
-It’s better than i thought he’d look
Well that’s… surprising.
“Did you think I’d really look like such a squid?” He addressed this to all his comrades. He sighed. Han Sooyoung spoke up. “I still think your ugly” she said in a matter of fact voice
[The constellation ‘Abyssal black flame dragon’ tells the constellation ‘Demon king of salvation’ that the incarnation ‘Han Sooyoung’ said he looked like a pop star]
“Hey!”
[The constellation ‘Abyssal black flame dragon’ chuckles at his incarnations dismay]
“That was uncalled for!..”
“So anyway, Dokja-nim…” Laughter was heard as the speech became less audible.
The sounds slowly trailed off to silence as a screen containing text could now be seen.
[The Fable ‘The Bastard that Looked Better Than Expected’ has stopped its storytelling]
Yoo Junghyuk grimaced at the bittersweet memory. He sighed as he smiled sadly to himself.
“I miss you.”
fin.