[“Remember how to deal with a demon king.” The giant Kim Dokja, pulsing with demonic energy, rippling with dark power, reminds his party in a gentle tone.

And from that point in the story begins the coaxing. It's a struggle. The party does not want to come to terms with the reality, but the clock is ticking. They don't have the time to reconcile, argue, or mourn. He cajoles them with his own immortality, promises another miraculous resurrection, meets their shocked and frightened expressions with one that seems to smile all too easily.

But when the party still can't bring themselves to attack him, he turns to the person he most trusts to carry out any plan.

"You are the only one. You have to take charge."

"…You are always like this, Kim Dokja. Do you think I’m an emotionless monster?"

But despite her furious and frightened eyes, Han Suyeong does as she is asked. Taking up the burden of rallying the party into killing Kim Dokja. Either one person would die or they all would die.

"You aren’t willing to sacrifice yourself so don’t be a hypocrite. Instead of dying, say thank you and swing your weapons!"

And the silent, sincerely grateful "Thank you" that forms on Kim Dokja's lips even as Han Suyeong strikes the first blows meant to kill him.]


[Jae, for his part, also watches the story, distant but fascinated. Honestly it's been a while since he read this one. He murmurs to himself a bit.]

I forgot about that...