Han Su-Yeong continued to experience this weird feeling every single day for the last three months. It all started rather innocuously, though.

Yu Jung-Hyeok, did you know?

Know what?

That guy, he enjoys his tomatoes now.

At first, she dismissed it as just a trivial little change. Scenarios were over now, so the dude must be changing bit by bit too, or so she thought.

Hey, Kim Dok-Ja. Why are you so absent-minded lately?

Uh? Uhm..

By the way, are you sure that the scenarios are really over? Why isnt the system gone? You can still use your skills, right?

Mm It might take a little while longer for everything to go away.

The scenarios were over, but the world didnt immediately revert back to normal. As if, there was a story that hadnt ended yet. The proof of that was how people still could use their skills or Stigmata.

To be more specific, you cant say that everything is over until we find the original author of that novel first.

Han Su-Yeong agreed with Yu Jung-Hyeoks opinion. It was possible that this world existed because the Most Ancient Dream read the Ways of Survival in the first place.

Before all that, though, was the author who penned the novel in question. Meaning, this story would end only after they found that creature first.

Just who is tls123? We came up with a few guesses so far, but they were all wrong, right? The most plausible candidate, Most Ancient Dream, didnt look like the author either, and. hey, Kim Dok-Ja. What do you think?

The one with the highest likelihood of solving this quandary was Kim Dok-Ja, the reader that managed to read through all 3149 chapters of Ways of Survival.

However, his reply was this.

Uh I wonder. Well, I kinda wonder if thats really important, now that weve come this far.

Other people could say that, fine. However, he was none other than Kim Dok-Ja, the sole reader who read the entirety of Ways of Survival till its end.

He was Kim Dok-Ja, the greatest reader Han Su-Yeong ever knew.

Speak. Who the hell are you?

Thats why Han Su-Yeong began wondering.

If Kim Dok-Ja before my eyes is a fake, then

Su-Yeong-ssi! What are you!

Just as the voice of Yi Hyeon-Seong rushing in reached here, Shin Yu-Seung grabbed onto Han Su-Yeongs wrist.

What do you think youre doing??

Noona!

It was the same for Yi Gil-Yeong, as well. The boy awkwardly blocked her front and looked up at her with nervous eyes. The atmosphere of the companions changed drastically once they discovered her sharp dagger.

Eonni, can you explain yourself?

Yi Ji-Hye had put down the kitchen knife and before anyone noticed it, was standing next to Han Su-Yeong while gripping her Twin Dragon Sword.

Yi Seol-Hwa was completely taken aback, while Jeong Hui-Wons eyes were narrowed to slits. And Yu Sang-Ah, calmly observing the unfolding situation unlike the others, was seen next.

Han Su-Yeong thought about something for a little while, then let go of Kim Dok-Jas collars while spitting out a long sigh. He plopped down powerlessly and looked up at her like a guilty man.

This guy isnt Kim Dok-Ja. Im not talking about anyone else but Kim Dok-Ja here. No way he cant remember that thing.

What are you talking about?

The Ways of Survival.

After hearing that, the companions all simultaneously looked at Kim Dok-Jas face at Kim Dok-Ja, who used to talk non-stop about the Ways of Survival every day.

As if she was a lecturer trying to explain a migraine-inducing problem, Han Su-Yeong held her head and began laying out her case in a calm, logical manner. And even decided to add this at the end, too.

What I said just now wasnt from the Ways of Survival, but something from my own novel. There arent any scenes of the companions enjoying their meal by the Han River in the Ways of Survival, you see.

How do you know that, eonni? Did you actually read that novel, too?

Just the early parts. At least, I know for sure that no such scenes appear during the third regression turn.

That prompted Jeong Hui-Won to retort. Isnt it possible to be mistaken about something like that? From the get-go, remembering every event happening in such a huge novel is.

It is possible if its Kim Dok-Ja. Did you all forget how we managed to wrangle our way through the scenarios? And you really think that Kim Dok-Ja cant remember? Han Su-Yeong turned towards Kim Dok-Ja and growled menacingly. Hey, you. Tell me how many times Yu Jung-Hyeok killed Asmodeus.

Her question simply caused Kim Dok-Ja to dazedly look up at her face. She scowled deeply, but just before she could go on another tirade, his lips opened first.

Han Su-Yeong.

His voice sounded flat, monotonous. For a moment there, a certain expectation of maybe flashed past by Han Su-Yeongs eyes. And then

My bad, but I really cant remember. I havent been reading the Ways of Survival lately, so.

Look, look! This punk, hes not Kim Dok-Ja!

Ahjussi.

The one to step in front of the dagger-brandishing Han Su-Yeong was Shin Yu-Seung. As if she was trying to mould a clay pot, she held Kim Dok-Jas hand with both of hers and asked him. Do you remember what I wanted to eat by the Han River?

The hands of Yu Jung-Hyeok standing not too far away and silently preparing the food came to a halt; the food wasnt finished yet.

Kim Dok-Ja replied immediately. Its pizza and Cola.

Hyung! Me! What about me?

Gil-Yeong-ee? You wanted to eat chicken by the sea. My bad. Well definitely go to the seaside next time, okay?

Yi Gil-Yeongs and Shin Yu-Seungs tearful eyes were now glaring at Han Su-Yeong.

She frowned deeply. Hold up. Your questions are too easy. With only that, you cant.

That prompted Jeong Hui-Won to step forward this time. Dok-Ja-ssi. Whats the name of my sword?

The Judges Sword. I struggled so hard to get all the materials for it, too.

Dok-Ja-ssi, do you remember the very first item you gave me?

It was an aged iron shield, wasnt it?

The companions then began their barrage of questions as if it was a competition. Even Gong Pil-Du got in on the act, too.

Oii, do you remember the penalty fee you paid me during the Chungmuro scenario?

But, I didnt pay anything?

You son of a bitch. You better cough up or!

Ahjussi, you told me this before, right? Ji-Hye-ya~, to be honest, I think youre the prettiest among all the Kim-Com members.

I never said that.

Yi Ji-Hye muttered Dang it, under her breath.

.Hes Dok-Ja ahjussi, alright.

There was this vague sense of relief blooming on the expressions of the group.

Kim Dok-Ja observing this situation spoke up. I dont know whats suddenly gotten into you, but Im definitely Kim Dok-Ja. And Han Su-Yeong, why are you.

Hey, do you even remember how many regression turns there are in the Ways of Survival?

Su-Yeong-ah. Jeong Hui-Won couldnt let this go on any longer and stepped forward. I dont know why youre acting like this, but were on a rare outing together, so please do it in moderation.

Thats right, Su-Yeong-ssi. There mustve been some kind of a misunderstanding.

..Misunderstanding?? Han Su-Yeongs hand gripping the dagger trembled ever so slightly. Hey, Yu Jung-Hyeok!! Dont you have anything to say?!

Yu Jung-Hyeok chopping up veggies in silence heard her call and shifted his disinterested eyes towards Han Su-Yeong. Then, he shifted his gaze over to Kim Dok-Ja, before glancing at the rest of the companions. Finally, he turned his attention back to the cutting board.

After observing that chain of events, Han Su-Yeongs shoulders began trembling non-stop. Y-you, really..

Her head dropped, and thats how she spotted a can of beer rolling on the floor. She picked it up and popped the lid open, then drank it all in one go. She wiped her lips in anger and spoke up.

Screw it. Fine, sure. Im the lone weirdo among you, is that how it is?

Maybe that one can wasnt enough, she proceeded to pop the lid on another one.

Fine. I know its been difficult for everyone, trying to break past the scenarios. I know full well that youre too tired to think, and now you just wanna kick back and relax. You think I dont wanna do that, too? I also wanna take it easy.

Along with the Puh-shushuk! noise, beer foams bubbled up vigorously.

But then, you idiots, you really think this Kim Dok-Ja is the real deal?

Han Su-Yeong.

Shut up. Dont call me by my name.

Her cheeks were getting somewhat flushed now. Meanwhile, the Fable of [Predictive Plagiarism] was creaking into gear inside her head.

Its possible that the companions are right. Shes wrong, and its totally possible that this Kim Dok-Ja is the real thing.

Han Su-Yeong knew just because he failed to remember a couple of scenes from the Ways of Survival, could she really use that to argue this Kim Dok-Ja wasnt really Kim Dok-Ja?

The current her acted too hastily. She failed to be logical.

Even then, Han Su-Yeong couldnt stop her emotions. Even as she herself failed to understand the reason behind her own strong reaction, she continued to mutter on.

The Kim Dok-Ja I remember is.

.He was a man who could patiently read a boring novel filled with a ton of exposition that lasted well over three thousand chapters.

In the future when all the scenarios have ended, I may want to get back to writing novels again. When that happens, read my novel, okay?

A man who loved stories more than anyone in this whole world.

Fine, fine. Ill definitely read it.

But, it might be over three thousand chapters?

Thats probably right up my alley, then.

It might be boring, too.

Its you writing it, so thats not possible, you know.

Such Kim Dok-Ja might forget about other things, but no way hed forget about the Ways of Survival.

Was this the fault of the alcohol? It felt as if the heat was gradually spreading even more inside her head.

If this Kim Dok-Ja is a fake, what does that signify?

A trickery of the original author tls123? Or

Han Su-Yeong, why dont we stop there, and.

A certain hypothesis popped up in her head as she looked at the expressions of her companions.

If what the Dokkaebi King said was the truth, then this world was nothing more than the delusion of the Most Ancient Dream. Meaning, this world existed because he continued to dream. But now, the Most Ancient Dream was no more; he disappeared along with the Secretive Plotter, as well as the characters from the 999th turn.

In that case, how can this world continue to exist?

This was a truly horrifying hunch. One that should never become reality. And perhaps, a hunch that had already become their reality.

The beer can in her hand fell and rolled around on the ground. Half-consumed liquor spilt out among the other similar-styled cans also rolling around on the floor. She stared at her can, now almost empty, and muttered out in a trance-like state.

What if this Kim Dok-Ja is an Avatar.

Su-Yeong-ssi! Whats suddenly gotten into you, saying stuff like..!

You think Im doing this for fun?!

Her serious voice caused the expressions on several companions to change. Those that turned back all carried similar kind of looks on their faces now.

Han Su-Yeong.

The only Incarnation among the group that possessed both the [Predictive Plagiarism] as well as [Avatar] skills. It was her who took on the role of the Nebulas brain whenever Kim Dok-Ja wasnt around.

And her judgement was rarely, if ever, wrong.

Yi Hyeon-Seong slowly turned his head to stare at Kim Dok-Ja. Next up was Jeong Hui-Won, followed by Yi Ji-Hye. One by one, all the gazes were focusing on him now.

What if Han Su-Yeongs words are correct.

A faint crack was spreading within their minds, an opening created by a very minute suspicion.

It was enough of an opening for Han Su-Yeong, though. Whether hes really an Avatar or not, there is a simple way to find out.

By the time Jeong Hui-Won felt the ominous foreboding, Han Su-Yeong was already gone from her spot.

Han Su-Yeong!

Yi Ji-Hye unsheathed her sword as fast as a bolt of lightning and rushed forward, but by then, Han Su-Yeong was already only a few steps away from Kim Dok-Ja. As the incredulous torrent of winds stormed in, Shin Yu-Seung let out an explosion of Dragon Howling; Yi Gil-Yeongs insects were wrapping around Han Su-Yeongs ankles like chains, while Yi Hyeon-Seong dashed in to cover Kim Dok-Jas figure.

Even then, Han Su-Yeong didnt stop.

The dude wholl get to read my novel.

Strings flying out from Yu Sang-Ahs hand restrained Han Su-Yeongs waist, and Jeong Hui-Won belatedly making her move managed to grab hold of her targets back. But, even as all these events were going down simultaneously, Han Su-Yeongs dagger had already left her hand.

.isnt you.

Splat!

The sound of something splitting up resounded out next.

<Epilogue 1. The world of zero (4)> Fin.