There are three ways to survive in a ruined world.

[There are three ways to survive in a ruined world. Now, I have

forgotten a few, but one thing is certain. The fact that you who are reading

this now will survive.

-Three ways to survive in a ruined world]

A web novel platform filled the screen of my old smartphone. I scrolled

down and then up again. How many times have I been doing this?

“Really? This is the end?”

I looked again, and the ‘complete’ was unmistakable.

The story was over.

+

[Three Ways to Survive in a Ruined World]

Author: tls123

3,149 chapters.

+

‘Three Ways to Survive in a Ruined World’ was a feature-length fantasy

novel with 3,149 chapters. It’s shortened name was ‘Ways of Survival.’

I have been steadily reading this novel since the third year of middle

school.

During the time when I was bullied by iljins, when I ruined my entrance

examinations and had to enter a local university, when the damned random draw

went wrong and I was placed in the military unit at the forefront, when I

repeatedly switched jobs and am now working as a contractor for an affiliate of

a large company... Damn, let’s stop talking about this.

Anyway...

「Author’s words: Thank you so much for reading ‘Ways of Survival’ up to

here. I will come back to you with an epilogue!]

“Ah... The epilogue still remains. Then the next chapter is really the

last one.”

From the end of childhood to adulthood, it had been done over a huge

period of 10 years. There was a mixture of despondency that a world was coming

to an end along with a sense of satisfaction.

I opened the comment box of the last message and rewrote the sentence

several times.

-Kim Dokja: Writer, thank you for everything in the meantime. I am

looking forward to the epilogue.

They were sincere sentences. Ways of Survival was my life’s novel. It

wasn’t the most popular, but it was the best novel for me.

There were many words I wanted to say but I couldn’t write them. I was

afraid that my careless words would hurt the writer.

-An average of 1.9 hits per chapter.

-An average of 1.08 comments.

This was the average popularity index of ‘Ways of Survival.’

The number of views for the first chapter was 1,2000, but it fell to 120

for the 10th chapter, and then 12 for the 50th chapter. By the time it was the

100th chapter, it was only 1.

Hits= 1.

I was overwhelmed by the feeling I got when I saw the numerous ‘1’ that

appeared next to the list of chapters. In some cases, there was a ‘2’, but it

was likely someone pressing the wrong button.

‘Thank you.’

The author published a novel with more than 3,000 chapters with just 1

hit per chapter over a period of 10 years. It was truly a story just for me.

I pressed on the ‘Recommendation Board’ and immediately started tapping

on the keyboard, -I am recommending a honey jam novel.

The author wrote me a free completed novel, so I should give him a

recommendation. I clicked on the completed button, and comments quickly

appeared.

–It looks like a new anti. I searched for this person’s ID, and they

recommended the same novel several times.

–Isn’t his recommendation banned? The author shouldn’t do this here.

It occurred to me that I had written a recommendation several months

ago. In an instant, there were dozens of comments for investigation by ‘spectators.

My face flushed with embarrassment.

I was sure that the author would read this. So, I hurriedly tried to

delete the message, but it was already reported that the message couldn’t be

removed.

“This...”

It was upsetting to think that the recommendation written with all my

sincerity turned out like this.

If they even looked a little bit, why didn’t anyone try reading the

interesting novel? I wanted to give a donation to the writer, but I couldn’t

afford it because I was a salary worker barely able to make a living.

Then I received a notification that a ‘message has arrived.’

-tls123: Thank you.

A message flew in from out of nowhere. It took me a while to grasp the

situation.

-Kim Dokja: The author?

tls123—it was the author of ‘Ways of Survival.’

-tls123: I was able to complete it to the end thanks to you. I also won

the competition.

I couldn’t believe it.

Ways of Survival won a competition?

-Kim Dokja: Congratulations! What is the competition?

-tls123: You won’t know it because it is an unknown competition.

I wondered if he lied because he was ashamed, but I wanted it to be

true. Perhaps I really didn’t know. It might be a bit hit on other platforms. I

was a little sad, but it was good to have an excellent story spreading.

-tls123: I would like to send a special gift to you as a thank you.

-Kim Dokja: Gift?

-tls123: It is thanks to my dear reader that this story has come into

the world.

I gave the writer my email address as he asked.

-tls123: Ah, right. I got the monetization schedule.

-Kim Dokja: Wow, really? When will it start? This masterpiece should’ve

been paid from the beginning...

It was a lie. The Ways of Survival was a daily series, so I would’ve had

to spend 3,000 won a month. 3,000 won was one convenience-store lunch for me.

-tls123: The monetization starts tomorrow.

-Kim Dokja: Then the epilogue coming tomorrow will be paid?

-tls123: Yes, I’m afraid you need to pay for it.

-Kim Dokja: Of course, I have to pay! I will buy the last one!

There was no reply from the author afterward. I logged out of the site.

Then I felt the pessimism sink in later.

The author left without a reply after he succeeded...? My admiration

turned into petty jealousy. What was I so excited for? In any case, it wasn’t

my novel.

“Will he give a gift certificate? It would be good if it’s for 50,000

won.”

At that time, I was thinking naively. I didn’t know anything about what

would happen to the world the next day.

“I’m Dokja.” (Dokja= can mean only son or reader).

I usually introduced myself to people like this, then the following

misunderstanding would occur.

“Oh, are you an only child?”

“I am, but that isn’t what I mean.”

“Huh? Then?”

“My name is Dokja. Kim Dokja.”

Kim Dokja (Kim Highly Respected Only Son)—my father gave me that name to

be a strong man by myself. However, thanks to the name my father gave me, I

turned out to be just a normal single and lonely man.

In short, it was like this. I was Kim Dokja, 28 years old, and single.

My hobby was reading web novels on the subway.

“Then I’ll go on my smartphone.”

In a noisy subway, I raised my head reflexively. A pair of curious eyes

were staring straight at me. They belonged to an employee from the human

resources team, Yoo Sangah.

“Ah, hello.”

“Are you going home from work?”

“Yes. What about Yoo Sangah-ssi?”

“I was lucky. The manager went on a business trip today.” Yoo Sangah sat

down soon as the seat next to me became vacant. A subtle scent came from her

shoulders, making me nervous.

“Do you normally take the subway?”

“That...” Yoo Sangah made a dark expression.

Come to think of it, this was the first time I’d met Yoo Sangah on a

subway train.

Starting with Personnel Manager Kang to Finance Manager Han... There

were rumours that Yoo Sangah had men from the company driving her home every

workday.

Yet unexpected words came from Yoo Sangah’s mouth, “Someone stole my

bicycle.”

Bicycle.

“You commute by bike?”

“Yes! I have a lot of overtime these days and seem to be lacking

exercise. It is a bit annoying, but it is worth doing.”

“Aha, I see.”

Yoo Sangah smiled. Looking closer at her, I could understand the

feelings men held toward her. However, it was none of my business.

Every person had a genre of life, and Yoo Sangah was someone who lived a

genre different from myself.

After the awkward conversation, we looked at our phones. I opened up the

novel app I was reading on before while Yoo Sangah... What was this?

“Por favour dinero.”

“Huh?”

“Spanish.”

“...I see. What does it mean?”

“Please give me some money,” Yoo Sangah replied proudly.

Studying on the subway while going home... She truly had a genre

different from me. However, what was the use of memorizing words?

“You’re working hard.”

“By the way, what is Dokja-ssi looking at?”

“Ah, I...”

Yoo Sangah’s gaze was fixed on the LCD screen of my smartphone. “Is it a

novel?”

“Yes, well... I am studying Korean.”

“Wow, I also like novels. I haven’t been able to read lately because I

don’t have time...”

It was surprising. Yoo Sangah liked reading novels...?

“Murakami Haruki, Raymond Carver, Han Kang...”

I thought so.

“Dokja-ssi, what writers do you like?”

“You won’t know even if I say their names.”

“I’ve read a lot of novels. Who are the authors?”

At this time, it was really hard to say that I read web novels as a

hobby. I glanced at the title of the novel in the app.

[The World after the Fall]

Author: Sing Shong (TL: The author uses the name of his previous novel

and his author’s name, but with slight changes. I decided to go with the actual

novel translation name)

I couldn’t say that I was reading ‘The World after the Fall by Sing

Shong.’

“It is just a fantasy novel. That... Well, like the Lord of the

Rings...”

Yoo Sangah’s eyes widened. “Aha. Lord of the Rings. I’ve seen the

movie.”

“The movie is good.”

The silence continued for a moment. Yoo Sangah was looking at me like

she was waiting for me to say something.

Our conversation was becoming strained. So, I decided to change the

topic. “It has been a year since I joined the company. This is my last year.

Time moves really fast.”

“Yes. At that time, we both knew nothing, right?”

“That’s right. It seems like just yesterday, but the contract period is

already over.” I realized that I’d said something wrong when I saw Yoo Sangah’s

expression.

“Ah, I...” I had forgotten.

Yoo Sangah received credit for a foreign buyer last month and was

already promoted to a full-time employee.

“Ah, right. My congratulations are late. I’m sorry. Ha-ha, I should’ve

worked hard to study a foreign language.”

“Ah, no Dokja-ssi! There is still the performance review and...”

I hated to admit it, but the sight of Yoo Sangah talking was wonderful.

It was like the world’s spotlight was shining down on only one person. If this

world was a novel, the protagonist would be such a person.

In fact, it was the inevitable result. I hadn’t tried, but Yoo Sangah

made an effort. I just read novels on the Internet, while Yoo Sangah studied

hard. It was natural that Yoo Sangah would become a full-time employee, and

that my contract would be terminated.

“That... Dokja-ssi.”

“Yes.”

“If you don’t mind..., Would you like to know the app I use?” Yoo

Sangah’s voice momentarily became distant.

It felt like the world was far away. I braced my mind and stared

straight ahead.

A boy was sitting in the seat opposite me on the train. He was 10 years

old or so. The boy held an insect collecting net as he sat next to his mother,

laughing happily.

“...Dokja-ssi?”

What if I had a different life from now? I mean, what if my life genre

was different?

“Kim Dok...”

If the genre of my life wasn’t ‘realism’ but ‘fantasy’... Could I be the

protagonist? I didn’t know. It would probably be unknown forever. However,

there was one thing I knew.

“It is okay, Yoo Sangah-ssi.”

“Huh?”

“It won’t work even if you tell me the app.”

The genre of my life was obviously ‘realism.’

“Dokja has a solo life.”

“Huh? What...”

“I am just someone like that.”

In this genre, I wasn’t a protagonist but a ‘solo’ person.

“The life of a solo...” Yoo Sangah had a serious expression on her face

However, I waved my hands to show it was really okay.

I didn’t know why, but this person was really worried about me. Maybe

because she was part of the personnel department... I was already aware of my

performance though.

“Dokja-ssi is really good.”

“Yes?”

“Then I will live an ivory life.” (Sangah=ivory)

Yoo Sangah seemed to have decided something as she turned back to

studying Spanish. I gazed at her for a while before returning to the novel.

Everything had returned to normal, but strangely, my scrolling of the

novel didn’t go well. Maybe it was because I realized the weight of reality

that I couldn’t scroll down.

At that time, a notification appeared at the top of my smartphone. [You

have one new mail.]

It was from the author of ‘Ways of Survival.’ I opened the mail.

-Reader-nim, my novel will become paid from 7 p.m. This will be helpful.

Good luck.

[1 attachment.]

The author said he would give me a gift. What was the gift?

...Like my name, I was also a reader by nature. So, I was excited to

receive the mail.

Yes, it wasn’t bad living as a reader.

I checked the time. It was 6:55 p.m. I had exactly five minutes before

the novel became monetized at 7 p.m.

Then I opened up my list of preferred novels in the app. Since I was the

only reader, I should leave a congratulatory comment and give strength to the

author.

However...

-The work doesn’t exist.

I tried typing ‘ruined’ several times in the search box, but the result

was the same.

The bulletin board for ‘Ways of Survival’ had disappeared without a

trace. It was strange. Had there ever been a case of a novel being deleted

without notification when it was going to be monetized?

At that moment, the subway lights turned off, and the inside of the

train became dark.

Kiiiiiiiik-! The subway train shook loudly and let out a metallic sound.

It caused Yoo Sangah to scream and grab my arm. Then I heard the sound

of other people getting stirred up. Yoo Sangah gripped my arm so tightly that I

paid more attention to the pain in my left arm than the sudden stop. It took a

dozen seconds for the train to stop fully.

Then I heard confused voices coming from everywhere.

“Uh, what?”

“W-What is this?”

In the dark, one or two smartphone lights turned on. Yoo Sangah still

held my left arm tightly as she asked, “W-What is going on?”

I pretended to be unconcerned. “Don’t worry. It isn’t a big deal.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes, it is probably a disturbance from a suicide. The engineer will

soon make an announcement.”

As I finished speaking, I heard the engineer’s announcement, –Telling

all passengers on the train.

The loud surroundings became calm.

I sighed and opened my mouth, “See, it isn’t a big deal. Now an apology

will air, and the power will come back on...”

–E-Everyone run away...Run...!

‘What?’

There was a beeping sound, and the broadcast turned off. The inside of

the train became a mess.

“D-Dokja-ssi? What is this...?”

A bright light flashed from the front of the subway train. There was a

loud drumming sound followed by a pop.

Something was heading this way in the darkness. It was just a

coincidence that I saw the clock at this moment—7:00 p.m.

Tick, it felt like the world was stopping.

Then I heard a voice:

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

[The main scenario has started.]

This was the moment the genre of my life changed.

Starting the Paid Service (2)

「 Dokkaebi. The first time he appeared, someone said so. 」(Korean

goblin. Check out the link for more information.)

I didn’t know why but that sentence suddenly popped up in my head.

The stopped subway train, the dark room... These details gave me a sense

of Deja vu.

The subway had stopped before, but it was rare. Even so, why? I

remembered the familiar words from a novel... but it was ridiculous. Wasn’t it

impossible?

At this moment, the door of car 3807 opened wide, and the electricity

returned.

Yoo Sangah muttered by my side, “...Dokkaebi?”

My head was ringing. I trembled uneasily as the novel I knew and the

reality before me overlapped.

「With two small horns and wearing a small straw mat, the strange and

fluffy creature was floating in the air. 」

「 It was too strange to call it a fairy, too evil to call it an angel,

and too tranquil to call it a demon. 」

「Thus, it was called a ‘dokkaebi. 」

And I already knew the first thing the dokkaebi would say.

「&아#@! &아#@! ......」

[&아#@! &아#@!.......]

Fiction and reality overlapped precisely.

“What is this?”

“Augmented reality?”

Amidst the chattering people, I was thrown into another world alone.

This was unmistakably a dokkaebi—the very dokkaebi that opened the door to

tragedy for thousands of lives in Ways of Survival.

...It was Yoo Sangah’s voice that broke me out of my thoughts. “It

sounds vaguely like Spanish. Should I talk to it?”

I was a bit taken aback and asked, “...Do you know what that is? Will

you ask it for money?”

“No but...”

It was at this time that I heard the correct pronunciation of Korean.

[Ah. Ah. Does this sound good? Ah, I had a hard time because the Korean patch

didn’t work. Everyone, can you hear my words?]

As a familiar language was being spoken, I could see people’s

expressions relax. Then the first one to step up was a big man in a suit. “Hey,

what are you doing right now?”

[...Huh?]

“Are you filming? I have to go because I have to quickly get to an

audition.”

He seemed to be an obscure actor since his face was unfamiliar. If I

were a casting director, I would’ve picked him out for his brimming ambition.

Unfortunately, the presence before him right now wasn’t a director.

[Ah, auditions. That’s right. This is also an audition. Ha-ha, there was

a shortage of data. I just entered when it was monetized at 7 p.m.]

“What? What are you talking about?”

[Now, now. All of you, relax in your seats and listen to me. From now

on, I will tell you something very important!]

My chest was becoming stuffy.

“What? Quickly get off the train!”

“Somebody call the captain!”

“What are they doing without the cooperation of the citizens?”

“Mother, what is that? A cartoon?”

There was no doubt about it. This was the development I knew. I didn’t

want to be mixed up in this...but there was no way. The people present wouldn’t

listen to the small and cute-looking CG creature. The only thing I could do was

stop Yoo Sangah who was trying to get up from her seat.

“Yoo Sangah-ssi, it is dangerous, so stay here.”

“Huh?” Yoo Sangah’s eyes widened.

I spoke during a moment of bewilderment, but there was no way to explain

what I understood. To be exact, I didn’t have to explain.

[Ha-ha, you are really loud.]

There was a presence with a stronger persuasive power than anyone else

right now.

[I told you to be quiet.]

I closed my eyes slowly as the dokkaebi’s eyes turned red. Something

burst, and the subway became silent.

“Uh, uh. Uh...” There was a big hole in the forehead of the unknown

actor who had to go to the audition. The man who had spoken several times

collapsed on the spot.

[This isn’t a movie shoot.]

There was a cracking sound once again. This time, it was the person

talking about the captain.

[It isn’t a dream. It isn’t a novel either.]

One, two... Blood sprayed into the air as the heads of some people

started to burst.

They were all the people who had protested against the dokkaebi, as well

as the ones who screamed or went wild. Those who caused the slightest fuss had

a hole in their heads. Suddenly, the subway became a bloodbath.

[This isn’t the ‘reality’ that you know. Do you understand? So, everyone

shut up and listen to me.]

More than half the people present here died. Blood and body pieces

filled the subway. Now, the people didn’t scream. Like primitive apes in front

of a powerful predator, everyone just watched the dokkaebi with terror.

I was surprised and held tightly onto the shoulder of Yoo Sangah who was

hiccupping.

This was real. The strange message which entered my ears, the dokkaebi

had appeared in front of me, and the train car that had become a bloodbath...

[Everyone, your lives have been nice so far. Isn’t that, right?]

By the special needs seating, an elderly grandmother met the eyes of the

dokkaebi.

[You have been living too long for free. Isn’t life too generous? You

were born and paid no price for breathing, eating, pooping and breeding! Ha!

You really live in a good world!]

Free? No one in the subway lived for free. The people strived to make

money in order to survive, and they rode the subway on the way home from work.

Yet at this moment, no one disputed the dokkaebi’s words.

[But now the good days are over. How long can you continue living for

free? If you want to enjoy happiness, it is common sense to pay a price. Isn’t

that right?]

The gasping people couldn’t answer. Then at that time, someone carefully

raised their hand. “D-Do you want money?”

I wondered what type of person could speak in the middle of this

situation, but surprisingly, I knew his face.

“Yoo Sangah-ssi. Isn’t that Department Head Han of the finance team?”

“...Right.”

There was no doubt. He was a typical parachute in the company and the

number one person newcomers avoided. (Parachute: a person who relies on their

connections) It was Han Myungoh, department head of the finance team. Why was

that man riding the subway?

“I will give you money. Take it. Please note that I am a person like

this.”

Department Head Han pulled out his business card as people cheered him

on. It was the atmosphere of a saviour fighting against terrorists.

“How much do you want? A big one? Or two?”

He was offering a sum that was overly large for a department head of a

subsidiary company.

There was a rumour that Han Myungoh was the youngest son of the leader

of the affiliate company and now I thought it might be true. I couldn’t carry

that many cheques in my wallet.

[Hmmm, you are giving me money?]

“T-That’s right! The cash I have right now isn’t much but... I can give

you anything if you let me out of here.”

[Money, good. A plant fibre that many humans mutually agree on.]

The department head’s expression brightened. It was an ‘Indeed, money is

everything’ expression. How pitiful.

“Now, this is all I have―”

[It only applies in your time and space.]

“Huh?”

At the next moment, flames appeared in the air, and the cheques in the

department head’s hands burned up. Department Head Han let out a scream.

[That paper has no value in the macrocosm world. If you do this one more

time, I will blow away your head.]

“U-Uhhh...” Fear once again spread on the faces of the people present.

It was easy to read what they were thinking because it was just like the novel.

「 What the hell will happen now? 」

Only I knew what was going to happen in the future.

[Phew, the debt is piling up during the time when you are noisy. Well,

yes. Rather than explain it a hundred times, isn’t it quicker for you to make

money yourself?]

The dokkaebi’s horns rose like they were antennas, and its body floated

to the ceiling of the train.

A moment later, a message rang out.

[#BI-7623 channel is open.]

[The constellations have entered.]

A small window emerged in front of everyone’s blank eyes.

[The main scenario has arrived!]

+

[Main Scenario #1 – Proof of Value]

Category: Main

Difficulty: F

Clear Conditions: Kill one or more living things.

Time Limit: 30 minutes

Compensation: 300 coins

Failure: Death

+

The dokkaebi smiled faintly as it became transparent and disappeared

into the next space.

[Then, good luck everyone. Please show me an interesting story.]

Starting the Paid Service (3)

People reacted differently after the dokkaebi disappeared. Some people

tried to get out of the train while others called the police.

Yoo Sangah belonged to the latter group. “Police, the police aren’t

answering! What, what should I...”

“Calm down, Yoo Sangah-ssi,” I said, staring straight into Yoo Sangah’s

unfocused eyes. “Yoo Sangah-ssi. Have you ever played the game that the

development team made? A game where the world is destroyed and only a few

people survive.”

“Huh? What are you say...”

“Think about it. We are in a game right now.”

Yoo Sangah silently licked her lips. “Game...”

“It is simple. Don’t hesitate to do as I tell you. Understood?”

“U-Understood. What should I do?”

“Stay still.”

Finally, I slowly controlled my breathing. I too needed time to properly

accept all of this.

[Three Ways to Survive in a Ruined World]

The descriptions that existed only in the novel were now unfolding right

before my eyes.

「The dokkaebi stretched out its antenna. 」

「 The bodies scattered like trash in the carriage. 」

「 The bloodied office worker shaking. 」

「An old lady groaning in her seat. 」

I watched every scene intently. It was like Neo in the Matrix, who

suspected reality. Observing, questioning, and then eventually being

convinced... I had to admit it. I didn’t know the reason why, but there were no

doubts about it.

‘Ways of Survival’ had become a reality.

Let me think... How should I survive in this new world?

“Come on, everybody! Everybody, calm down. Start breathing calmly.”

Someone stepped forward exactly five minutes after the dokkaebi disappeared.

He was a sturdy man with short cut hair, one head taller than the

average height.

“Are you calm yet? Please stop your actions and pay attention to me for

a moment.”

The people sobbing or making calls stopped. Once everyone’s eyes were

gathered on him, the big man opened his mouth again, “As you know, in the event

of a national disaster, small disturbances can cause large human casualties.

That’s why I will now control the situation.”

“What, who are you?”

“A national disaster situation? What are you saying?”

Some people belatedly recovered and strongly resisted the world

‘control.’ Then the young man pulled a government official card out of his

wallet. “I am currently an army lieutenant serving in the 6502 unit.”

Some people’s faces became relieved. “A soldier, he is a soldier.”

However, it was too early to be relieved.

“I just received a message from my unit.”

People gathered in front of the soldier’s smartphone. I was able to read

the contents without difficulty because I was near it.

–A level 1 national disaster situation has occurred. All troops gather

quickly.

I could hear gulps all around me. It was a national disaster situation.

I wasn’t surprised because I had already expected this. In fact, I was

surprised because of something else.

Army lieutenant Lee Hyun sung... That ‘Lee Hy unsung’ was this man.

I knew who he was. It was the first time actually seeing his face, but

his name was clear in my head. He was one of the main supporting actors of Ways

of Survival.

「 Steel Sword Lee Hyun sung. 」

A character from the novel had appeared. Now I really had to acknowledge

the situation.

“Soldier-nim! What is happening?”

“I have been trying to contact my unit, but...”

“The Blue House! What is the Blue House doing? Please contact the

president quickly!”

“I’m sorry. I am just an ordinary soldier and don’t have a hotline to

the Blue House.”

“Then why are you taking control?”

“For the sake of the safety of all citizens...”

As Lee Hyun sung calmly responded to the absurd questions, I realized

that the descriptions in the novel weren’t wrong.

However, did Lee Hyun sung originally appear like this? While thinking

about these complicated questions, I had a strange hunch.

As the only reader of Ways of Survival, I could assure you that Lee Hyun

Sung’s first appearance wasn’t like this. The point at which he appeared in the

novel was at the end of the first scenario.

...Then what was this situation? My mind became confused. I would know

more clearly if I could read Ways of Survival once again.

“The prime minister is making a speech! It is really a level one

disaster!”

Everyone turned on their smartphones at someone’s cry. Yoo Sangah turned

her screen toward me. “...Dokja-ssi, look at this.”

There was no need to enter a search term. It was because the first result

for all portal sites was ‘Prime Minister’s Speech.’ Of course, I already knew

the content of the video.

–To all my fellow citizens, unidentified terrorists are currently active

in an unspecified number of areas, including Seoul.

The contents of the speech were simple. The current government would

mobilize all means and methods to fight the terrorists, and there would never

be any negotiations. Thus, everyone should confidently continue with their

lives...

I hadn’t thought much of it when I read the novel, but now I was a bit

shocked when hearing those words. Terrorism... Yes, that would be more

comfortable.

“But where is the president? Why is the prime minister making the

speech?”

“The president has already been hit.”

“What? Really?”

“I’m not sure. A Naver comment―”

“Shit, then it is fake!”

Of course, I knew it wasn’t a fake comment.

“Uwaaaaack! What?”

People dropped their phones as gunshots were heard from all over. It

originated from their smartphones.

Chiiiik, there was a loud sound, and blood filled the screen. After a

moment, people held their breaths as they realized what had happened.

“P-Prime Minister...”

The prime minister had died. His head had exploded in real-time. There

were several more sounds like gunfire before the screen became silent. The next

thing that appeared on the screen was a dokkaebi.

[Everyone, I’ve told you already. This isn’t a game like ‘terrorism.’]

People were at a loss for words as their mouths gaped open like dumb

goldfish.

[Do you still not understand? This won’t do. Do you still feel like this

is a game?]

It felt so ominous because his tone was so relaxed. Subconsciously, I

made a fist using all my strength.

[Ha-ha, according to the data, the people of this country are very good

at games. So, why don’t I try raising the difficulty?]

Beweep. A huge timer appeared in the air. At the same time, it started

decreasing rapidly.

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

[There are 10 minutes remaining.]

[If the first killing doesn’t occur within the next five minutes, all

lives in that carriage will be wiped out.]

“W-What is this? Is it a joke?”

“Didn’t you hear the message just now? Hey, didn’t you hear it?”

“Soldier-nim! What do we do now? Why aren’t the police coming?”

“Everyone, calm down and listen to me―”

The words of the dokkaebi caused the situation in the carriage to become

so severe that Lee Hyun sung couldn’t fix it. I could feel Yoo Sangah gripping

my collar tightly.

Still, I couldn’t shake off the incongruity of this situation. Lee Hyun

sung, a supporting character, had already appeared. So, why hadn’t ‘he’

emerged? According to what I knew, I should’ve seen him by now.

“T-There is a murder back there!”

A scene from the 3907-train car could be seen through the aisle window.

The complexion of the killer in that carriage was white.

“We have to keep them out! Don’t let anyone in!”

People held tightly to the iron door, but it wasn’t necessary. The enemy

wasn’t there in the first place.

[All types of access to the carriage will be restricted until the

scenario is complete.]

Along with this message, people were thrown back from the iron door like

they had hit a transparent barrier.

“W-What is this?”

Once again, the voice of the dokkaebi rang out, [Ha-ha, there are some

places that are quite fun while other places haven’t started yet. Okay, this is

a special service. I will show you what will happen if nothing occurs in the

next five minutes.]

A giant screen appeared in the subway. The place that appeared on the

screen was a classroom. Girls in their navy-blue school uniform were shaking.

A boy bit his fingernails and muttered, “...Is that the school uniform

of Dae pong?”

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.]

Once the announcement ended, the heads of the high school girls sitting

in the front row exploded.

One by one, one by one again... More and more heads exploded. The high

school girls screamed and ran toward the classroom doors or windows.

“Ahh, uh, how―”

Cleaning tools broke and nails were torn out, but the doors didn’t open.

No one could get out.

Peong, peeong. The heads of the high school girls continued to burst.

Then a high school girl strangled her friend, who died with a groan. After a

while, the only thing that remained on the screen was the last schoolgirl

looking around.

[#Bay23515 channel. Dae pong Girls’ High School, Year 2 Class B

survivor: Lee Jihye.]

The figure of the girl on the screen disappeared. Then the dokkaebi

asked, [How is it? Interesting?]

The dokkaebi spoke with a smile, but people weren’t looking at the

screen anymore. The people who made eye contact were gradually moving away from

each other.

“Shit! What is this?”

Even Yoo Sangah released her hold on me. However, she didn’t move away

from me. Both my hands were freed, and I turned on my smartphone.

Why was ‘that guy’ still not showing up? There was a mixture of

information that I knew from the novel and information that I didn’t know.

The only way to break through this situation was to read Laws of

Survival again. However, where else could I find the novel? The novel wasn’t

popular enough to be shared illegally... No, wait a minute.

[1 attachment.]

I was stunned for a moment as I saw the notification on my smartphone.

Perhaps... No? I was confused the moment I opened the mail attachment.

The name of the attachment sent by the author was:

[Three Ways to Survive in a Ruined World.TXT]

Starting the Paid Service (4)

Laughter emerged. I had to clear my eyes and look again to see if it was

a lie. The file extension was TXT. Then this person... The gift he sent me was

a copy of his novel?

[You have obtained an exclusive attribute.]

[The exclusive skill slot has been activated.]

I heard a message in my ear after running the file. It wasn’t surprising

if the world had changed into ‘Ways of Survival.’ All survivors of Ways of

Survival had exclusive attribute and skills.

I quietly said ‘Attribute Window’ in my mind. I needed to know the

attribute that I received.

[You can’t activate the Attribute Window.]

What? I once again tried to call out ‘Attribute Window’ but the result

was the same.

It was absurd. There was something like this? If I couldn’t use the

Attributes Window, I couldn’t know what attributes or skills I have.

Knowing oneself and one’s enemy meant being invincible. But this was a

situation where I didn’t even know myself, let alone the enemy.

After staring into space for a while, I gave up and decided to read the

text that the author gave me.

[Your reading speed has increased due to the effect of the exclusive

attribute.]

I didn’t know what the attribute as, but it took me less than a minute

to read the first act of Ways of Survival thanks to the attribute effect.

I found it. The place where my finger stopped was the beginning of the

work, where the main character was doing some ‘action’ in the train scene.

「He saw people gathered at the back door of the 3707 carriage. The wheel

of the tightly held lighter was cold.

In this life, he absolutely couldn’t make a mistake. He would use any

means for his purpose.

The expression of fear on the people’s faces. He didn’t feel any guilt.

Everything was fleeting.

He looked at the people with merciless eyes. After a while, his

fingertips moved and fire rose. Then it all started. 」

A chill went down my spine and I had to read the passage again and

again. The reason for my discomfort was soon revealed.

“...3707.”

I reflexively checked the number of the carriage I was riding.

[3807].

The carriage I was on right now was behind the carriage that the

protagonist was riding. My hands faintly shook.

...Wait a minute. How many people originally survived this carriage?

「 He looked through the blurred window at the 3807 carriage. It was

already too late. It was inevitable. Anyway, only two people survived in that

carriage. 」

Only two survived. It meant that everyone died except for two people.

And I already knew who those two people were.

I raised my head and looked blankly at Yoo Sangah. Maybe this woman

would die. Me as well.

“Dokja-ssi, shouldn’t we stop this?”

Something was starting in the place where Yoo Sangah pointed. It was

groaning. A young man was crouching down in front of the elderly woman.

“Shit, I’m in a bad mood and this old lady keeps whining and groaning!

Won’t you shut up?”

The young man was a male student who had been leaning against the

entrance.

He was thin and had dyed white hair. His name was written on the badge

attached to his uniform.

Kim Namwoon. It was a name that I knew.

「 Only Lee Hyun sung and Kim Namwoon survived in that carriage. It

doesn’t matter. They are the only two I need anyway. 」

“Didn’t I tell you to shut up?”

The agitated Kim Namwoon grabbed the grandmother’s collar. The

grandmother’s powerless legs staggered. Kim Namwoon’s palm moved through the

air.

Slap. Slap.

In normal times, somebody would run to stop this. But now nobody was

moving. It wasn’t long before the slaps changed to punches.

“S-Save me. Save me...!”

I could hear the sound of a hard fist hitting flesh. Some of the men

around Kim Namwoon hesitated but none of them wanted to go forward.

Surprisingly, the first person to act was Han Myungoh.

“Young me, treating an elder like this...!”

However, all he got in reply was a voice mixed with scorn.

“Mister, do you want to die?”

“...What?”

“You still don’t understand the situation?”

“What bullshit is this brat saying?”

Kim Namwoon only laughed at the cursing Han Myungoh. He pointed to the

ceiling of the subway carriage with his finger.

“Can’t you see that?”

On the ceiling, a holographic screen was playing.

[S-Spare me!]

[Aaaack!]

[Die! Die!]

It wasn’t just train carriages or Dae pong High School. It was a live

video of people dying all over the country. Kim Namwoon continued speaking.

“You still don’t understand? The army isn’t coming to rescue us. And

somebody must die.”

“W-What are you saying...?”

“We have to choose a person to die.”

Han Myungoh wasn’t able to answer. The hairs of his exposed wrist were

standing up.

“Of course, I know what you are thinking. You have to kill your fellow

countrymen to live. It is something only sons of bitches will do. But you know,

it is a force beyond our control. Beyond our control. We will die if we don’t

kill. Who will blame us? Are you going to die in the end because of your

morals?”

“T-That...”

“Think carefully. The world you have known so far has just ended.”

Han Myungoh’s shoulders trembled. It wasn’t only Han Myungoh. Cracks

were showing in people’s eyes. It was a scene where the vague morality was

collapsing. Kim Namwoon put a wedge in that crack.

“A new world requires new laws.”

Kim Namwoon. A young man who adapted to the world of Ways of Survival

the fastest.

Kim Namwoon turned around and resumed punching the grandmother. This

time, nobody stopped him. Han Myungoh, the other men... Even Lee Hyunsung.

The soldier’s fists were trembling as he stared into the air with a lost

expression. Maybe he had also made a decision.

“Sigh... It is hard to kill. Are you doing to just watch? Do you want to

fall behind?”

People trembled at Kim Namwoon’s words. Their facial expressions were as

easy to read as the sentences in a cheap novel.

「If there is no killing in five minutes, everyone in this carriage will

die. 」

People’s eyes were changing.

「If the grandmother doesn’t die, we will die in five minutes... 」

The most primitive eyes that a living creature could have.

“Yes... This bastard is right. If we don’t do this, everyone will die.”

The first man rushed towards Kim Namwoon. He kicked at the old lady who

had collapsed and was curled up.

“Have you forgotten? Someone must die! So, we can live!”

“Ah ****... I don’t know.”

The second and third.

The people standing aloof from the grandmother. The cowardly men who had

been lingering. The university student filming this with their phone. The

mother of the child and Han Myungoh.

They all lynched the grandmother, aiming for her death.

“Die! Die quickly!”

They were like guards cooperating for the death penalty. Like the guards

pulling the lever at the same time so they couldn’t tell who killed the

prisoner, these people passively kicked and punched the grandmother.

And I was watching all of this. I was standing by, like someone watching

what happened in another world.

The grandmother whose name I didn’t know was someone who wasn’t meant to

live. In the original scenario, the grandmother died. So, it wasn’t a sin to

observe that death.

At that moment, Yoo Sangah got up.

“You will be killed.” I reflexively grabbed her. “I told you not to

move.”

The arm I was holding was shaking. Yoo Sangah made tight fists in an

attempt to hide her trembling.

“I know, I know...!”

“Yoo Sangah-ssi will die if you go now.”

Yoo Sangah’s eyes were shaking with fear. Even so...

I realized it. Despite the genre of the story changing, some people

still shone brightly.

“Yoo Sangah-ssi. Sit down.”

However, the person who could change this story wasn’t Yoo Sangah. Yoo

Sangah wasn’t the protagonist of this world.

“Huh? But―”

“Do as I say, just this once. I won’t interfere after that.”

After forcibly putting Yoo Sangah back in her seat, I took a deep breath

and turned around. I straightened my back and shook as I breathed out. I slowly

loosened my ankles and wrist.

In fact, it was a little early to come forward. This wasn’t my plan

originally.

“...Dokja-ssi?”

I didn’t answer her call as I looked at the people. The people intent on

assaulting the grandmother.

I wasn’t still because I was afraid or Kim Namwoon and the people, nor

did I consent to their inhumanity.

I was just waiting. It was for the moment I had to move. Thus...

Kwaang!

Right now.

“Ack! What?”

An explosion filled my ears and the train shook. People cried out. Smoke

rose from the front right corner of this carriage. It had started. ‘He’ had

moved.

I kicked off from the ground as hard as I could with my right foot. I

passed by the people screaming and sitting down towards the grandmother.

“What? Eeeeok!”

Kim Namwoon collided with me and fell to the ground with a scream. At

first glance, it seemed like I was saving the grandmother, but that wasn’t what

I was aiming for.

Where was it? I looked around quickly.

Somebody had fallen towards the grandmother due to the explosion. It was

a kid crying in the middle of this hell. The kid who was holding the insect

collecting net before.

“Excuse me a moment.”

I took the net from the child.

Once I put my hand into the net, the chitin of a grasshopper reached my

fingertips. I took one out and placed it in the kid’s hands. Then I turned

towards the people.

“Everybody stop. You can’t live if you kill the grandmother.”

My voice was surprisingly clear due to the temporary silence after the explosion.

One by one, people started looking at me.

“Let’s say you kill the grandmother. What next?”

Their surprised faces looked good. Let me tell you a bit more.

“The grandmother’s death will be recognized for what the dokkaebi calls

the ‘first murder’ and sometime will be bought. Then what next?”

“Ah...”

“If what the dokkaebi says is true, you each have to kill one thing. So,

who will you kill after the grandmother? Will you kill the person next to you?”

The people who thought about something retreated from each other. Horror

was in their eyes. In fact, everyone knew. The grandmother was just the

beginning.

Kim Namwoon noticed the shaky atmosphere.

“Ha-ha, what are you all worried about? Then kill him next! Cowards.

Don’t worry about your turn in advance! The odds are equal!”

I figured that Kim Namwoon would say something like this. I cut him off

with a slight wave of my hand.

“There is no need to gamble like that. There is a way for you to

survive, even if you don’t become a killer.”

“What?”

“W-What is it?”

The people became greatly agitated. Kim Namwoon’s expression distorted.

“Have you forgotten? The scenario clear condition wasn’t to ‘kill a

person.’”

Most people were still puzzled but a few people noticed something.

[Kill one or more living things.]

That’s right. From the beginning, the word ‘person’ was never specified

in the contents of the scenario.

Kill one or more living things. In other words, any life was possible. A

quick-witted person shouted at the collection net in my hand.

“Insect! Insects!”

The grasshoppers were jumping in the collection net. People’s eyes were

shining. I nodded.

“That’s right, the insects.”

I put my hand into the net and took out a grasshopper. It was a chubby

one that I saw earlier.

“G-Give that to me! Quickly!”

“One only! I just need one!”

I stepped back slowly as I looked at the approaching people. I was now

facing the explosive madness that tried to kill the grandmother. Yet a smile

emerged. Why? Even in this breath-taking tension, why was my heart beating with

joy?

“Would you like it?”

I waved the net like a trainer provoking an animal. Several impatient

people leapt towards me.

“Then catch them!”

I smashed the grasshopper in my hand.

[You have achieved the ‘First Kill’ achievement!]

[100 coins have been earned as additional compensation.]

At the same time, I threw the net in my other hand as hard as possible.

It was towards the opposite side of the area where the grandmother and the

crowd were gathered.

“This is crazy!”

The insects were released and jumped as hard as they could for freedom.

Starting the Paid Service (5)

People panicked as they saw the insects running around the carriage.

“H-Hey! Why would you do such a thi―”

While some people were staring blankly, the quick-witted pushed toward

me.

“You son of a *****.”

“...You better find them soon. There are only three minutes left.”

These words were a signal as people started to look everywhere among the

subway seats like beasts who had lost their minds.

“I got it! Aaack!”

The joy of those fortunate enough to obtain an insect, as well as the

malicious attacks on them, caused the carriage to become chaotic.

“Hey, why did you do that? Couldn’t you have just given them the

insects?”

Looking back, I saw Kim Namwoon raising his body. I responded cautiously

to Kim Namwoon, who was stretching his neck, “There are 12 people remaining.”

“...Huh?”

“There were three insects left in the collecting net.”

Kim Namwoon frowned for a moment before smiling broadly. “12 to 3?

Hahahahaha! Yes. Not all of them can survive anyway? So, you threw that thing?”

“Yes.”

“Don’t make me laugh.”

“...?”

“A person with common sense wouldn’t do such a thing for that reason.”

Kim Namwoon’s smile widened. “Tell me honestly. You just wanted to see this scene,

didn’t you?”

I recalled the Kim Namwoon that I knew from Ways of Survival.

At this moment, I heard a message in my ears, [Exclusive skill,

‘Character List’ is activated.]

Next, a window opened in front of my eyes. I still didn’t know exactly

what my attribute was, but I looked at the window in front of me.

[Character Information]

[Name: Kim Namwoon.

Age: 19.

Constellation Support: None (Two constellations are currently showing

interest in this person).

Private Attribute: Chuunibyou (General)

Exclusive Skills: Unusual Adaptability Lv. 3, Knife Fighting Lv. 1,

Blackening Lv. 1

Overall Stats: Stamina Lv. 3, Strength Lv. 4, Agility Lv. 6, Magic Power

Lv. 4

Overall Rating: A chuunibyou who was blackened by a special occasion. It

is recommended that you don’t get involved with him.]

Most of the chuunibyou that appeared in Ways of Survival committed

suicide because they couldn’t endure the nightmare that had become real.

However, the chuunibyou before me, Kim Namwoon, was different.

He was the Delusion Demon, Kim Namwoon. The young man, who later became

known by this nickname, wasn’t an ordinary chuuni.

This young man had been waiting for the destruction of the world for a

long time and adapted to this world at an ‘unusual speed.’

“Team up with me. How about it?” That young man was now making an offer

to me.

[The character ‘Kim Namwoon’ has a favourable impression of you.]

[Your understanding of the character ‘Kim Namwoon’ has increased.]

My immediate survival was guaranteed if I held hands with Kim Namwoon.

If I hadn’t read Ways of Survival, my choice might’ve been a little different.

“I’m sorry but I like to be alone.”

“Really? Hmm, it is regrettable.” Kim Namwoon licked his lips lightly

and stood close to me. “Then can you step aside? I have something to do with

that old lady behind you.”

Hearing his words, I looked back to see that the bleeding and collapsed

grandmother was barely breathing.

“What do you want?”

“Do you have to ask?”

“You aren’t catching the insects?”

“Insects? Why would I catch that?” Kim Namwoon laughed. “I already have

a caught insect in front of me.”

I could feel Kim Namwoon’s murderous spirit. The character that had only

existed in the novel was facing me with vivid madness. Therefore, I felt a

little bit in awe.

Kim Namwoon was really the person I had imagined.

[The character ‘Kim Namwoon’ has a slight decrease in favourability.]

“What are you looking at? Aren’t you going to move aside quickly?”

“It is tough.”

“What?”

“I won’t move aside.”

“Ha-ha, are you now going to imitate the apostle of justice? Do you have

multiple personalities?”

I didn’t answer.

A dark shadow slowly crept onto Kim Namwoon’s face, and his shining eyes

were becoming cold. “No, wait a minute. Did you throw the net over there to do

this from the beginning? Really?”

“...”

“You want to save the grandmother? Hahaha! Amazing! Really amazing! No?

Yes?”

I still didn’t answer. As I looked closely at this guy, old memories

resurfaced.

“Ah, it turns out that you are the type of person I hate the most. All

old bastards are the same.”

They were memories of all the times I had been frustrated by this brat

during Ways of Survival.

[The character ‘Kim Namwoon’ despises you.]

“What did you say?”

I considered the timing and lowered my head, avoiding the fist that flew

before the words were even over.

“Oh, not bad?”

Despite knowing it was coming, I felt a sense of heat from above my

head. It wasn’t an ordinary punch.

[Blackening Lv.1]

A dark aura rose from Kim Namwoon’s whole body. This was the exclusive

skill of the ‘chuunibyou’ attribute.

It was rare to release a skill before the end of the first scenario, but

Kim Namwoon was already showing a skill. There was a reason why the main

character had recruited him, despite his psychopath nature.

Peeok!

After he hit it, my right shoulder spasmed. There was no way to win if I

kept fighting this way.

...Should I use ‘that’ now? I was calculating the time when I heard a

message.

[Your understanding of the character ‘Kim Namwoon’ has increased.]

[You are close to the conditions of use for the exclusive skill

‘Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint Lv. 1.]

Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint? What was this?

[The conditions of use for the exclusive skill ‘Omniscient Reader’s

Viewpoint’ Lv. 1 have been reached!]

Kim Namwoon’s fist missed me and struck the ground.

“Ha-ha, what? Haven’t I become stronger?

A faint fist mark was left on the ground. Kim Namwoon was realizing his

current strength little by little.

Kwang!Kwang!Kwang!

The fist that could break a bone with a single blow kept hitting the

ground. Kim Namwoon was frustrated and couldn’t control his temper. “Ah, why

can’t I hit you?”

Of course, he couldn’t hit me. It was all thanks to my second skill.

[Exclusive skill, Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint Lv. 1 has been

activated!]

As soon as this skill was activated, I was able to observe Kim Namwoon’s

attack direction like I was reading his inner thoughts. For example, like

this...

「 Right side. 」

I quickly moved away from the direction of the attack.

「Right eye. 」

Then I quickly bent down and avoided the flying fist.

“You really are good at not being hit!”

It was unreasonable to counterattack because I was poor at sports, but I

could at least avoid most of the attacks.

「 Left thigh. 」

This was enough to endure it. The important thing was to buy time. I

avoided Kim Namwoon’s first and pointed at the clock in the air. “There are two

minutes left, Kid.”

The distressed Kim Namwoon alternated looking between me and the

grandmother. “Dammit!”

At the moment of choice, Kim Namwoon’s gaze was fixed on the

grandmother’s side.

I was forced to grab the grandmother and roll away. If the grandmother

died, Kim Namwoon would clear the scenario. No matter what, I absolutely

couldn’t send this guy onto the next scenario.

“Ha-ha, I knew you would move like that.” As Kim Namwoon took something

out of his bag, I had an ominous feeling.

A blade shone in the fluorescent light. It was a portable MacGyver

Knife. I had forgotten. This person was a diehard military otaku.

Swiiik-

There was a link between the technical skill ‘Knife Fighting’ and the

strengthening skill ‘Blackening’. The direction that the blade was pointing was

obvious.

「Heart. 」

It was an attack that couldn’t be avoided even if I knew the direction.

So, I made a quick judgment. If I couldn’t avoid the attack, it was better to

be hit somewhere with minimal damage, if possible.

Chiiiik! The blade narrowly missed my heart and made a deep cut on my

shoulder.

It hurt. It really hurt. There was a searing pain in my skin. My vision

shook, and it felt like death was approaching.

“Ha-ha, now die!”

The time remaining to the end of the scenario was 1 minute and 30

seconds. I glanced toward the grandmother. I was sorry for the grandmother, but

now I really had to use ‘that.’

“Chungil High School, 2nd year, Kim Namwoon. I have one question for

you.”

“...What?”

“Do you think an insect egg is a living thing?”

I took out the body of the grasshopper I had killed earlier from my

pocket. The plump egg-sac was clearly abundant. There was the sound of

something popping, and something fluid spilled out. The disgusting feeling

spread over my hand as I heard a message.

.......

[You have killed a living thing.]

[100 coins have been earned as additional compensation.]

[You have killed a living thing.]

[100 coins have been earned as additional compensation.]

.......

Multiple messages bombarded my ears.

Kim Namwoon frowned. “Insect egg? What are you suddenly saying? Are you

trying to waste time?”

“I guess so.”

“How would I know something like that? I was always sleeping in Biology

class.” Kim Namwoon looked at my bloody shoulder and laughed happily. “But

there is one thing I know for sure. Do you know what it is?”

“What is it?”

“You will die right now!” Kim Namwoon moved his Swiss knife before I

could answer. It was an attack that was hard to avoid.

[A large number of coins has been acquired! Do you want to check the

coin usage tips?]

I omitted the explanation that entered my ears. There was no need to

listen when I already knew the contents.

“No, it is you who will die,” I spat out while inwardly muttering

something else.

[2,700 coins have been invested into ‘stamina’.]

[Stamina Lv. 1 -> Stamina Lv. 10]

[Your stamina level has increased dramatically!]

[The durability of your body has greatly increased!]

Kim Namwoon’s knife penetrated toward my heart. To be exact, it looked

like it was penetrating.

My skin was like solid rock, and the only thing that remained on it was

a scratch.

Kim Namwoon’s eyes showed that he was astonished. “How?”

“I’ll tell you the correct answer to my question. The answer is: an egg

is a living thing.”

“W-What?”

“And in spawning season, grasshoppers lay more than 100 eggs at a time.”

Egg, living thing, 100...

Unfortunately, the time left to understand the meaning of the

information was too short for the schoolboy with a bad brain.

“What are you saying?”

“It doesn’t matter if you don’t understand. There is one minute left.”

Now fear appeared on Kim Namwoon’s face. “Aaaah! Die! Die!”

The knife moved toward my neck. I didn’t even bother defending against

the attack.

Kakakang!

Was it because the area was more vulnerable than the chest? The wound

was a little deeper than before, but it still didn’t hurt much.

“Kim Namwoon.”

Behind Kim Namwoon, there were people who were still crawling and looking

for insects, as well as those who were willing to hurt each other for their own

survival.

“You are right. I am the same type of human as you.”

Maybe I could’ve saved some of those people.

“Shit! Why won’t you die! Why won’t you just die!”

55 seconds... 50 seconds... 45 seconds...

The knife kept leaving only scratches. Blood flowed but the blade

couldn’t reach under the skin. There were 30 seconds left when Kim Namwoon

opened his mouth. He dropped the knife and knelt before me.

“S-Save me.”

25 seconds.

“Save me! Please! Help me!”

“Why should I?”

20 seconds.

“P-People’s lives are important! That’s obvious!”

“That is the rule of the old world. It is just as you said. A new world

requires new laws.”

10 seconds.

“I don’t want to; I don’t want to! I don’t want to die! Aaaaaaack!”

5 seconds.

Kim Namwoon ran at me with a loud scream and aimed for my eye. The

moment that the knife tried to dig at my retina...

[The given time has run out.]

There was a loud sound, and Kim Namwoon’s head exploded.

[Paid settlement will begin.]

Beginning with Kim Namwoon, people’s heads started exploding everywhere.

One, two, three, four...

The bursting heads were like fireworks announcing a new era. I watched

the scene with a bit of joy, a bit of guilt, and a mysterious feeling.

Why? Why was I so calm at the sight in front of me? It was like I was

looking at a novel.

[You have killed 124 living things.]

[Kill History: One grasshopper, 123 grasshopper eggs.]

[You have killed non-resistance living things, so the number of coins

you have acquired is reduced by half.]

[6,200 coins have been acquired!]

[The number of coins used for the stats level up is automatically

subtracted.]

[You have a total of 3,500 coins.]

[The ‘Mass Murderer’ achievement has been gained through excessive

killing.]

My face could be seen on the darkened window of the carriage.

It was a face I had never seen before, despite looking into the mirror

countless times in my life. I wiped at the blood on my cheeks. The blood wasn’t

erased. It turned out to be blood on the window.

Kkiiik.

There was a lurching feeling, and the train started to move again. It

made the familiar train noise.

Soon, light flooded in, and darkness was lifted from the windows. We had

arrived at the surface ground section of Line 3 between Apgujeong and Oksu.

Outside the window, the Han River and Seoul were revealed.

Ahh. Someone let out a ****. It was a **** which contained deep relief

that they survived.

However, it didn’t take long for the meaning of that **** to change. Ah,

ah...

The landscape outside the window was no longer the Seoul that they knew.

Smoke and dust rose from the ruined city.

The Han River bridges had collapsed. The Han River itself was red with

the bodies of soldiers, while among the fallen buildings, a monster was

trampling on a K1 tank like it was a toy.

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

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

[100 coins have been reduced for the channel usage fee.]

[Additional compensation settlement will begin.]

One world was destroyed, and a new world was born.

...And I was the only reader who knew the ending of this world.