Side Story: Episode 13-1 - Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint

Episode 13. King (1) Episode 13. King 「Even in a 'world without a king,' a throne is still needed. It's to mark where a king once was.」 —Mass Production Maker * Three full days had passed since the incident known as the 'Theater Dungeon' occurred. In the interim, a name resounded through Chungmuro Station. 「“Kim Dokja!”」 Some people tilted their heads in bewilderment upon hearing his name, while others couldn't contain their delight. 「“Is it true? Is Kim Dokja really here?”」 「“We're saved. We've survived.”」 Of course, not everyone who remembered his name was pleased. 「“Is it the real Kim Dokja? Getting tangled up with him might just be more dangerous.”」 「“What difference does it make that Kim Dokja’s appeared now? To be honest, we already know everything Kim Dokja knows, don't we?”」 There were those who doubted the truth behind the rumors and dismissed them as insignificant. But regardless of their stance, those who remembered 'Kim Dokja' likely thought of him and took a moment to gaze at the sky. 「And for Lee Hak Hyun, that was enough.」 On the theater dungeon's rooftop. With a light sigh, he raised his eyes to the sky, watching as the sun began to set. Until all scenarios were finished, how many times had Kim Dokja gazed upon that sky? [Constellation, 'Demon-Like Judge of Fire,' is gazing upon you.] [Constellation, 'Abyssal Black Flame Dragon,' is gazing upon you.] [Constellation, 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband,' is gazing upon you.] As he watched the stars in the sky diminish, what could have been Kim Dokja's final thoughts? "Inho." As he turned around, Kyung Se-in and Dan-soo were waiting for him. He nodded and asked, "Is the dungeon clean-up finished?" "Yes. It seems there's no one left now." Right after the theater dungeon concluded, they had organized the items they had acquired and transported the wounded from the theater below. Kyung Se-in added, "There aren't any posters left, and the dungeon errors are nearly normalized." Thanks to the 'Causality Backlash' that occurred on the theater rooftop, there were some who, even after the dungeon was cleared, couldn't escape from the films. Fortunately, with the active cooperation of myself, Kyung Se-in, Dan-soo, and several readers, we eventually succeeded in rescuing those trapped within the dungeon after several days of struggle. "What's the state of Apostle-2?" "Killer King is fortunately... asleep after consuming the 'Essence of Eline Forest.'" I let out a soft sigh, recalling Killer King who had fought against the 'Master of Cretaceous.' "Inho, are you okay? You used over ten 'Essence of Eline Forest' this time....” The Essence of Eline Forest is an item worth 500 coins each. It wasn’t a small expense for me either, but there was no regret in spending it to save the readers. After all, such expenditures often return through future sponsorships. "I'm fine. Neither of you were hurt, were you?" "As you can see, I'm perfectly fine." Kyung Se-in flexed her muscles with a grin. Dan-soo asked, "Is your friend alright?" "Well... I didn't really do much." Officially, it was said that I passed out and then regained consciousness in a corner of the rooftop garden. But that was only the official story. Unofficially, it was like this: 「For a moment, I became Kim Dokja.」 I don't know why I did it. But at that moment, it felt impossible not to. Perhaps it would have been the same for anyone. There were people thrown into a perishing world, waiting for someone to appear. And I was the only one who knew the secrets of this world. I had no choice but to lie. Because I hoped they wouldn’t give up on life. I wanted them to endure this hellish scenario alongside me. Let's not say it was for anyone in particular. I needed readers, and I wished for them to continue living. That's all. "Did you find anything on the rooftop? There was supposedly that ‘battle’ here." Currently, it’s known throughout the area of Chungmuro Station that there was a showdown in the 'Theater Dungeon' involving Kim Dokja, Yoo Joonghyuk, Jung Heewon, and the 'Theater Owner.' "Yes, well... nothing special." It was a relief for me. The thought of explaining each encounter with Han Sooyoung and the battles with her was daunting. [Constellation, 'Demon-Like Judge of Fire' is asking what exactly happened.] [Constellation, 'Tiger Eating Rice Cakes' is asking if there's anyone who captured footage.] [Constellation, 'Abyssal Black Flame Dragon' is questioning what the dokkaebi was doing.] Due to the 'Causality Backlash' that stirred up on the rooftop at the time, even the Constellations seemed unable to grasp the situation properly. It was somewhat disappointing that such an epic battle went unwitnessed. Especially since it was against 'Han Sooyoung.' [A Constellation who hasn't revealed their Modifier is smiling faintly.] Who knows? Maybe one of them did see. "Really... Was Kim Dokja truly here? Did you see him too, Inho?" I found my gaze returning to where I had fought Han Sooyoung. It was a thrilling battle, to say the least. I lost to her sword and was pierced through the heart. That part I remember vividly. When I regained consciousness, I found myself lying on the rooftop with my wounds fully healed. The injury that had pierced me through was completely gone. Perhaps it was Han Sooyoung who revived me. But why had she healed me? And where could she have gone? "Inho?" I could feel the gaze of the two people looking at me from behind. Perhaps it wouldn't hurt to be honest with these folks. To be frank that Kim Dokja wasn't here. That what had been here was simply— "Yes, I saw him too." I turned to them with a broad smile. "For sure, Kim Dokja was here." Being honest isn't always the best option. Sometimes we have to endure life with lies. Perhaps that's why we indulge in stories. Suddenly, I felt as though I might understand a bit why Han Sooyoung revived me. "Let's head down." --- New Terms: 1. 박지호(박지호) - Park Jiho translated to Park Ji-ho the name had to be transliterated keeping the original pronunciation in mind. 2. Eline Forest(엘라인 숲) - translated as "Eline Forest," referring to a mystical or unique location, preserving its name due to lack of additional context. Changes Suggested: The list does not include 박지호 (Park Ji-ho). Please add this name for future references. Additional Context: The 'Causality Backlash' seems to imply a significant event or ripple effect stemming from actions or scenarios, suggesting an intricate interplay between cause and effect that disrupts normality or expectations within the narrative. I placed my hands on their shoulders and began walking. I took one last glance at the spot I had been standing. I wished it really had been you standing there. * In the pitch-black depths of the universe, two blue eyes appeared. "They have arrived." Following that, eyes began to emerge from all corners of the universe. Eyes of many hues, adorned with various mythologies, be it red or blue. A sweeping grandeur settled in their gaze, emanating from the void beyond. All of the eyes were fixed on one world. The world-line they had long watched over. The forgotten forty-first world, and the last 'blank space' allowed by the 'Final Wall' to be altered. "Those who have witnessed the Oldest Dream." A sound like thunder rumbled from the far ends of the universe. It was the thunder of thought echoing in a mediumless void. Nameless beings roared in agony, while furious 'Extraterrestrial Deities' intertwined their hateful wrath. The Outer Gods, spokespersons for all forsaken entities, spoke. "Kim Dokja’s Company." A foreboding tremor ran through the universe. The gaze of the Outer Gods directed at Earth resonated with distant mythological lore, as it coiled around galaxies, swallowing them whole. "Please calm yourselves. It is not yet time for you to act." Intercepting their advance, someone intervened. Clad in a pristine white coat, a figure stood defying the weight of the Outer God's presence on behalf of Earth. "Intending to spoil the final chapter?" It was Kim Dokja’s Representative. Upon recognizing his figure, the Outer Gods voiced their opinions unanimously. "You gave your word." "The presence of Kim Dokja's Company is not permitted here." Kim Dokja’s Representative shook his head. "I am the one who summoned Kim Dokja’s Company here." Confused by his statement, another surge of mythological turmoil spread throughout the cosmos. Even amidst the deafening sparks, Kim Dokja’s Representative remained calm and continued. "Their presence is essential for this narrative's completion. Have you forgotten? As long as they exist, the universe you desire will never come to fruition." For the first time, the momentum of the Outer Gods faltered at his eloquence. "They will all perish here, along with the 'Oldest Dream' they cherished." With a sweet smile, Kim Dokja’s Representative assuaged the aged Outer Gods. "So please, just wait a little longer. Soon, a finale for your benefit shall be arranged." The Outer Gods' eyes softened, slowly shuttering their heavy lids one by one. As the tumultuous lore-laden gaze that besieged Earth gradually settled, the last eye closed, and a voice, deep as the ocean floor, reverberated. "An untold tale shall find you." * As soon as I descended to Chungmuro Station, a message appeared before my eyes. [Main Scenario #3 - Emergency Defense Operation has ended.] [You've earned 2,000 coins as a reward!] I had forgotten about the 'Emergency Defense Operation.' The third scenario, which I managed to prematurely conclude with the release of 'Deadly Poison Mist.' [You made a critical contribution to the 'Emergency Defense Operation'!] [You've gained an additional 2,000 coins as a reward!] [Your 'First Mythology' is germinating in relation to this scenario.] First Mythology. Even though I had seen the message before, it still made me tense. The mythology one's story births in this world is of immense importance. Kim Dokja's first mythology was 'King of a World Without a King.' I wondered what mine would be. When I checked the message log, I found it piled high with unread messages. [Due to the 'Causal Backlash', main scenario progress is delayed.] [The fourth main scenario will be announced in 1 hour.] [You have 48 unopened message logs.] From the scenario delay announcement to indirect messages from various Constellations. Considering the substantial impact the Causal Backlash had on the rooftop garden, it wasn't surprising that it delayed even the main scenario's progress. Surely, this must have been a topic of discussion even among the Content Management Bureau, if not beyond... [The Star Cluster <Tamra> is paying attention to you.] I couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly. I wasn’t sure whether to be happy or anxious about receiving this message so soon. "Wow, Inho. Right now..." Kyung Se-in exclaimed in surprise, addressing me. Apparently, the Star Cluster message log was public for all to see. "As expected, Inho, you must've reached the final floor. I couldn't get that far..." "How high did you make it?" "Up to the 7th floor." Honestly, reaching the 7th floor was quite an achievement. That was more or less at the end. Wait a moment. The 7th floor, was it? "Were you able to watch 'that movie' by any chance?" Knowing what I meant, Kyung Se-in eagerly nodded. "Ah, you should've seen it, Inho! The storm raged! Ships were summoned! Load! Fire! Boom! Boom Boom Boom!" Describing the legendary Battle of Myeongnyang in such a way... Leaving aside Kyung Se-in's expressive language skills, I did feel a twinge of envy at having missed it firsthand. "Convincing Lee Jihye couldn’t have been easy." "Oh, that. Uncle Dan-soo and I worked hard to encourage her. You remember what Kim Dokja did, right?" "You did what Kim Dokja did?" As far as I recall, Kim Dokja didn’t exactly 'encourage' Lee Jihye; if anything, he awakened her in a dangerously radical manner, didn’t he? Sensing my skeptical look, Kyung Se-in giggled and glanced sideways. "Actually, it wasn't me. Uncle did it... My words didn't work well." I had a vague idea of what might have happened. Uncle Dan-soo might have seen his daughter Ji-yoon in Lee Jihye’s face. "I didn't say anything special. I just stayed by her side until she regained her courage." "Well, you did say something to her." "That..." As Uncle Dan-soo fumbled with his words, embarrassed, Kyung Se-in cleared her throat and spoke in a dramatic tone. "It's okay to live." Uncle Dan-soo blushed and hurriedly added. --- New Terms: 1. 외신 (Outer Gods) - Translated as "Outer Gods," referring to deities or beings from beyond, aligning with the narrative context of them being ancient celestial entities. 2. 탐라 (Tamra) - Translated as "Tamra," seems to be a unique identifier for a Star Cluster community or entity, maintaining the name due to lack of further context. 3. 맹독 안개 (Deadly Poison Mist) - Translated as "Deadly Poison Mist," as it appears to refer to a tactical or strategic tool employed during scenarios. Additional Context: The narrative intricately weaves cosmic mythos intertwining with the current plot. Kim Dokja's Representative seems to wield significant sway or authority, possibly suggesting a deeper connection or role in orchestrating or averting celestial conflicts. Much of this context hinges on narrative revelations yet to occur, maintaining suspense. Changes Suggested: None based on the current context. All names appear accounted for within their respective roles. "It's something anyone could say!" Words that anyone could express. Yet, there are those who live without ever hearing them. Perhaps Lee Jihye was one of those people. [Constellation, 'Maritime War God,' extends favor to Incarnation 'Dan-soo.'] It seemed as though Dan-soo Uncle's role in this world-line would be quite significant. That was when, accompanied by a light barking from afar, a small peculiar creature came bounding toward us. We instinctively reached for our weapons, but upon realizing its identity, our expressions softened. "Oh, Max." It was Max the mole cricket, whom I had saved during the 'Emergency Defense Operation.' In the three days since, Max appeared to have grown attached to humans, frolicking around us with his tongue lolling out. [Constellation, 'Dog Throwing Itself into Fire,' nods at the mole cricket's loyalty.] As I cautiously patted its head, I noticed a boy waving towards us from the ticket gate. "Everyone has arrived." Apostle-7, Ye Hyeon-woo, was waiting for us. "Is the dungeon clean-up complete?" "Yes, it's finished." "We've just wrapped up here as well. All the injured have been transported downstairs." Ye Hyeon-woo glanced between us and finally spoke up. "Inho, can we talk for a moment...?" I asked the others for a brief moment of understanding and followed Ye Hyeon-woo. The place Ye Hyeon-woo led me to was unexpected. The makeshift signs denoting gender felt oddly alien. The reality of the civilization I once knew being destroyed hit home anew. "I can't believe the restrooms are still usable." "Yeah. There's electricity, and water flows. It feels as though nothing has happened here." 'A Restroom in a Ruined World.' Not feeling any particular need, I stood blankly gazing into the mirror above the sink. The only reflection I saw was Cheon Inho’s face feigning a relaxed expression with narrowed eyes. Strangely enough, looking at this face for too long actually made it seem a bit more bearable. Standing beside me, Ye Hyeon-woo began washing his hands and asked, "Do the Constellations watch restrooms too?" "Who knows." Bathrooms—a place to attend to personal needs, wash hands, or freshen up away from prying eyes. [Constellation, 'Tiger Eating Rice Cakes,' claims to be a Constellation with etiquette.] [Constellation, 'Abyssal Black Flame Dragon,' declares they see no such thing.] [Constellation, 'Demon-Like Judge of Fire,' warns everyone to exit the channel.] I suppose, among humans, such 'privacy' no longer exists. It dawned on me what burdens the characters of this world carry. There is no longer a 'story' for oneself alone. "I heard Kim Dokja appeared." His voice, as natural as turning off the faucet, filled the air. I responded slightly late. "Oh, yes." "I heard he suddenly appeared on the dungeon rooftop and issued orders. Thanks to those instructions, quite a number of readers survived." "Yes, I heard too." "Isn't it fascinating?" "What is?" The moment I peered at the boy’s reflection in the mirror, it felt as unfamiliar as the restroom signs. Suddenly, I questioned how well I knew Ye Hyeon-woo. I didn’t know what kind of person he was originally—his gender, age, what he did before all this. Or perhaps, such information was meaningless. "Among the survivors of the 'Theater Dungeon,' not one saw Kim Dokja ascend to the rooftop." I recalled the tragedies within the 'Theater Dungeon,' considering the readers who had turned their swords on each other and the Misread Alliance members who hadn’t hesitated to kill. Before entering the 'Theater Dungeon,' I had a certain degree of trust in Apostle-7, Ye Hyeon-woo. "If that's how it is now, how about now?" Even now, is Ye Hyeon-woo still someone I can trust? After lightly shaking his hands dry, Ye Hyeon-woo gazed into the mirror and spoke. "More astonishingly, even the Constellations up in the sky don't know exactly what happened on the rooftop." I felt a chill in an instant. How could an ordinary Incarnation like Ye Hyeon-woo already be aware of the Constellations' opinions? "Inho." Through the mirror, Ye Hyeon-woo's eyes fixed on me. I sensed the presence of multiple people from the stalls inside the restroom. Calling 'Thought,' Ye Hyeon-woo suddenly asked me a question. "Are you, by any chance, 'Kim Dokja'?" Author’s Note: Season 2 begins. The publication schedule is Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9 pm. Please continue to support us this time as well!