Side Story: Episode 13-2 - Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint

### Episode 13. King (2) "Are you Kim Dokja?" I silently echoed Yes Hyunwoo's question in my mind. Well, if it's the quick-witted Yes Hyunwoo, it's not hard to imagine he suspected. Perhaps Yes Hyunwoo thought as follows: "There's a possibility that another Incarnation is impersonating Kim Dokja. In other words, similar to being 'Kim Dokja’s Representative.'" Yes Hyunwoo had marked me as the suspect. "I'm not sure what you mean." I shrugged my shoulders. I had [Incitement] prepared just in case, but unexpectedly Yes Hyunwoo didn't use [Lie Detection]. "Is that so." He simply nodded with a calm expression that was uncharacteristic of Yes Hyunwoo's usual meticulousness. Just then, a creaking sound came from deeper within the restroom. "See, I told you it wasn't me." An aged man with a familiar voice and a long pipe in his mouth appeared. Almost simultaneously, the door of an adjacent stall opened, and a strong iron-framed woman stuck out her head. "Strange. My intuition tells me it's definitely that person." "Seems like your intuition is always wrong." "What are you talking about? I'm the one who figured out the 'Secretive Plotter' was a Yoo Joonghyuk from another world line." "Didn't you initially claim it was Kim Dokja from the future? Do you think I've forgotten you sneakily changed your tune?" The two people engaging in conversation were readers who had cleared the Theater Dungeon with me. The long-piped old man and the iron-framed woman. To my memory, the old man with the pipe had read ORV six times, and the iron-framed woman had read it eight times. Yes Hyunwoo, with a troubled smile, spoke up. "Sorry. These two insisted on meeting with you alone." As if on cue, the old man with the pipe reached out first. "Nice to meet you. I'm Kim Kyung-sik. Do you remember the message I sent earlier?" "I remember. But your way of speaking seems different from before." This old man had sent me a telepathic message in the Theater Dungeon lobby. He had certainly spoken formally at that time. Hearing my words, Kim Kyung-sik scratched the back of his head and added, "Ah, I'm an old man here, so I speak like one." He didn't seem like someone entirely normal. The woman with the iron frame pushed aside Kim Kyung-sik and introduced herself. "I'm Goo Seon-ah. Of course, that's not my real name. It's the name I use here." A simple introduction. She reminded me somewhat of Jung Heewon. "Nice to meet you. I'm Cheon Inho." "Cheon Inho...? Wow, you've become this strong with that 'trash character'?" Trash character, indeed. With a sigh, Goo Seon-ah said, "I should've recruited you back in the theater. You're the only one among us who made it to the rooftop, right?" "I did make it, but I wasn't the one who defeated the boss." "Who took down the boss then? You? The Kim Dokja you mentioned? Or...?" "Well, I fainted pretty quickly, so I didn't see clearly." "Really? Are you not lying?" Sensing her persistence, Yes Hyunwoo intervened at the right moment. "Seon-ah, don't trouble Inho too much. He’s not the type to lie." "Understand him. This one's quite the prankster." Goo Seon-ah frowned. "What? Can't we share information since we're in the same community of Apostles?" Same community of Apostles. It seemed these two were also, like Yes Hyunwoo, members of the 'Seven Apostles' Society.' I suddenly realized I had become part of the Apostle Society. Having given Yes Hyunwoo the Society's secret code, it wouldn't do to claim otherwise now. With a light sigh, Yes Hyunwoo spoke. "Sharing information is fine, but the reason I gathered you all here isn't just for that." After all, we could greet each other anytime when descending to the Chungmuro platform. Gathering in advance must mean there is another purpose. And probably that 'other purpose' is... "Is it for the next scenario?" "Yes, that's correct." As I thought. Yes Hyunwoo looked around at me, Kim Kyung-sik, and Goo Seon-ah, asking, "I'm sure everyone knows the content of the fourth scenario." "Capture the Flag, isn't it?" Unless there was a major upheaval in the main scenario, the next scenario content was predetermined. 'Flag War.' A war over capturing each other's stations and flags, with the subway stations of Seoul as strongholds. It marked the true beginning of group competition, leading to the 'Supreme Throne War.' Yes Hyunwoo spoke again. "Those gathered here are the 'strongest' readers in the Chungmuro vicinity." I evaluated Kim Kyung-sik and Goo Seon-ah once more. Both were concealing their skills, but even at a glance, they seemed superior in comprehensive ability compared to the likes of Dan-soo or Kyung-sae. Goo Seon-ah asked, "There must be stronger Incarnations than us, right? I'm not confident I can win against Gong Pil-Du in a one-on-one. The same goes for Lee Jihye or Jung Heewon." "As you know, in this world, information is also part of combat power." "So you're thinking long-term?" "Exactly." Even if the readers were weaker than the characters initially, they couldn't help but grow stronger by consuming fortuitous opportunities. Moreover, they had survived up to the third scenario, proving their resilience. Among them, those possessing the most potent abilities. "Are we choosing a 'representative' among us?" To Goo Seon-ah's question, Yes Hyunwoo nodded. "Yes. Specifically..." The reason for bringing up this discussion away from the characters' presence. "We’re selecting a 'King.'" Yes Hyunwoo intended to elect a leader among the readers. * To put it bluntly, we didn't reach a satisfactory consensus. There were many reasons, but Goo Seon-ah's response was the most decisive. "You know that if you become the representative, you can enforce authority over other members, right?" "I do." "No matter if it’s the same Apostle Society, giving the leadership to someone else is unsettling. Honestly, we don’t know each other that well, right? We're not enemies, but we’re not at the level where we trust each other with our lives, either." Asking other readers would probably elicit similar responses to Goo Seon-ah's. To summarize, it feels like this: I want to be the representative. "Let's compete fairly? In a way that doesn't harm each other, if someone becomes the representative of the station, we'll accept them." --- **Terms:** - Yes Hyunwoo (예현우): A new character, translated directly. - Dan-soo (단수 아저씨), Kyung-sae (경세인): Characters referenced, likely from the same setting/context; names maintained. - Kyung-sae might need clarification like mentioned for Dan-soo's gender and role for consistency. - Cheon Inho (천인호): Main character of this passage; he is consistently referenced with the correct pronoun. **Translation Notes:** - The passage involves a speculative scenario where a secret society considers electing a leader or 'King' among its members, emphasizing themes of trust and power balance. - The title of 'Trash Character' in the context of Cheon Inho demonstrates affection and familiarity. - The dialogue emphasizes the strategic importance of information and alliance-building in the narrative's competitive setting. - Additional context needed would revolve around the broader group dynamics within the 'Seven Apostles' Society.' Unexpectedly, Yes Hyunwoo readily accepted the suggestion, and we descended to the platform in heavy silence. Such psychological warfare already—a sign that the fourth scenario won't be easy. As we approached the platform, Yes Hyunwoo, walking beside me, spoke in a low voice. "Inho." "Yes." "You said earlier that you're not Kim Dokja." I wondered at his sudden comment as Yes Hyunwoo wore an inexplicable smile. "I hope you never turn out to be Kim Dokja." My heart chilled and settled. As expected, Yes Hyunwoo was almost convinced that I was the 'Kim Dokja' who had appeared on the rooftop. Feigning boldness, I smiled and replied. "Of course. I'm definitely not Kim Dokja." Yes Hyunwoo quietly observed me before remarking, "You sound just like the real Kim Dokja when you say it like that." "Oh, come on, I'm Cheon Inho. I look too much like a villain to be the protagonist." "True. And you must remain that way. Because... it could be a bit problematic for me otherwise." Problematic? I wanted to ask what he meant, but I caught the eyes of LiteratureGirl64, who was moving earthworm meat a few steps away. "Ah." She looked at me with her characteristic calm gaze and asked, "Are you hurt anywhere?" LiteratureGirl64. A reader of my novel, the works of author "Lee Hak Hyun." Watching her with soot smudged across her cheeks as a remnant of a harsh battle, I began to understand why Han Sooyoung was so obsessed with finding Kim Dokja. Because if LiteratureGirl64 were ever in danger, I'd do whatever it took to save her. She was proof of the time I had survived as ‘Lee Hak Hyun.’ "Thanks to you. How is KillerKing doing?" "He seems like he'll wake up soon, mumbling in his sleep. More importantly... you seem a little different." "Pardon?" LiteratureGirl64 studied my face for a long moment, then shook her head and walked past me. "Maybe it’s just a delusion." What could have changed? Have I perhaps become a bit more handsome? I examined my reflection in the subway’s screen door. Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through my head, and a strange memory surfaced. "When I take selfies in the bathroom sometimes, I don’t think I'm all that ugly." ...What? That wasn’t a thought I usually had. I stood dazed, scrutinizing my reflection. Surely, I was still the usual narrow-eyed Cheon Inho. But … did I look slightly more handsome somehow? Was it just my imagination? "The new scenario’s coming soon, right?" I overheard snippets of conversation from passing Incarnations. "What’s the scenario supposed to be?" "They say it’s about choosing the station representative." Rumors about the scenario seemed to be spreading. [20 minutes until the Main Scenario begins.] Immediately upon our return to Chungmuro Station, Yes Hyunwoo gathered people to the center of the platform. The surviving population at Chungmuro Station numbered about a hundred. I checked each one, using [Reader's Comment Review] to assess the number of surviving 'readers.' Only twelve readers remained. The number was significantly reduced from what I had seen in the Theater Dungeon lobby. No need to ask what happened to the readers who weren't here. "Inho." Kyung-sae and Dan-soo seemed to have noticed the same thing, standing with faces full of grief. "Don't worry. It will be alright." What will be alright? Is it that dying here to become the young Kim Dokja, thus being dragged into ‘Kim Dokja’s Representative's’ theater, is acceptable? "No matter what happens, I'll protect you both." Without understanding my words, I gripped both their shoulders. I was determined to protect them at all costs. "We shall now commence an emergency meeting." Yes Hyunwoo proceeded with the discussion. The content was straightforward. You’ve all worked hard facing the scenarios thus far. Going forward, we will embark on a full-scale 'group survival.' For that, first, we need to select a representative for this area. After delivering his eloquent speech, Yes Hyunwoo paused, scanned the surroundings, and suddenly changed his tone. "But before we begin the main discussion, I have a confession to make to you all." I realized who he was addressing. He was speaking to the 'readers'. [Incarnation, Yes Hyunwoo, activates ‘Lie Detection’.] "I am an Apostle." A declaration no one expected, drawing in the breath of several readers. However, most of the other Incarnations had puzzled expressions, not knowing what 'Apostle' meant. "Apostle?" "It means I know the future of this world." [‘Lie Detection’ confirms that this statement is true.] The sudden announcement threw the hall into chaos. "What, what does that mean?" "You know the future?" Yes Hyunwoo responded. "Those who have been with me since the beginning of the scenario should be aware. Of how I’ve accomplished the scenarios." Some Incarnys nodded. They were fellow building owners and Chungmuro Station scenario veterans alongside Yes Hyunwoo. "Indeed, Hyunwoo was peculiar. He even caught insects right when the scenario began." "Right. Without Hyunwoo in the second scenario, we’d all be dead. Isn't that so, Pil-du senior?" At that, Gong Pil-du, standing at the platform’s center stroking Max, said, "Hyunwoo accomplished big things. He genuinely knows future information." When even Gong Pil-du confirmed it, people began muttering among themselves. How does this boy know the future; what exactly is an Apostle; and so forth. The very confusion Yes Hyunwoo intended to induce. As people panicked, Yes Hyunwoo addressed them with a calm voice. "The reason I know the future is simple. I’ve read the ‘Revelation’." "Revelation?" "The Revelation is a book containing the stories of this world." [‘Lie Detection’ confirms that this statement is true.] To dispel the uncertainty, Yes Hyunwoo slowly stepped into the center of the platform. "I’ve been debating whether to share this information. But now, it seems the time has come." I saw through Yes Hyunwoo's scheme. --- **Terms:** - Lee Hak Hyun(이학현): An alias used by the protagonist, referenced as a writer; translated directly. - LiteratureGirl64 (문학소녀64): A new character, named directly in her codename style. - KillerKing: Referenced, likely another character in the narrative. - Revelation (계시록): Referenced as a significant document containing world knowledge. **Translation Notes:** - The scene revolves around strategic plot revelations, personal connections, and trust issues among the characters, emphasized through the nuanced dialogue. - The identity and mystery tropes are central as characters grapple with concealed identities and affiliations, with Yes Hyunwoo revealing strategic insights via an enigmatic "Revelation," positioning himself as someone in the know. - Translator maintained character names to remain faithful to coding style of the narrative (e.g., LiteratureGirl64), reflecting internet or group chat culture. - Altered phrasing for Yes Hyunwoo regarding telling and intent to add strategic intrigue. **Gender Clarification:** - Yes Hyunwoo referred to consistently as 'he' aligning with established context. This world is currently in the 41st round of "Three Ways To Survive in a Ruined World." It was a world entirely different from the "Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint" that we knew. Due to the influence of readers, the world twisted, and as a consequence of this twisting, some scenarios became more challenging than those in the third iteration. This prompted Yes Hyunwoo to make a decision. "I can no longer stand by and watch innocent people die." To replicate the methods used by the villains and prophets in "Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint." "I will share all the information I possess from the 'Revelation' and will save all of you. I will protect you, no matter what." [‘Lie Detection’ confirms that this statement is true.] To reveal the existence of the ‘Apostle’ to the world and disclose the true nature of the 'Revelation.' [The Constellation, ‘Bald General of Volunteer Army,’ is shocked by the existence of the 'Revelation.'] [The Constellation, ‘Two-Timer Expert,’ doubts whether such a record exists.] [The Constellation, ‘Mouse Eating Its Nails,’ makes a grimace.] [The Constellation, ‘Curious King of Martial Arts,’ displays an intriguing expression.] [The Constellation, ‘Last Hero of Hwangsanbeol,’ looks as if the inevitable has arrived.] [The Constellation, ‘Abyssal Black Flame Dragon,’ informs the <Star Stream> about the fact.] …… [The Content Management Bureau begins to discuss the plausibility judgment.] Thus, the Constellations, who had grown disinterested and wandered, would renew their interest in this peninsula's narrative. This would bring the world a little closer to the "Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint" that we know. "Allow me to reintroduce myself. My name is Yes Hyunwoo. I have read the ‘Revelation’ fifty times and remember nearly everything about it." And in this new world of "Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint," Yes Hyunwoo’s desired role was clear. [The 'Representative Selection' will begin in 1 minute.] From afar, Yes Hyunwoo was watching me. 「 "I hope you never turn out to be Kim Dokja."」 I now understood why he had said those words. "I want to become the representative of Chungmuro Station." He now aims to become the ‘Kim Dokja’ of this world. --- **Terms:** - Revelation (계시록): Referred to as a pivotal document, continuously translating as "Revelation." - Bald General of Volunteer Army (대머리 의병장), Two-Timer Expert (양다리 전문가), Mouse Eating Its Nails (손톱을 먹는 쥐), Curious King of Martial Arts (흥무대왕), Last Hero of Hwangsanbeol (황산벌의 마지막 영웅), Abyssal Black Flame Dragon (심연의 흑염룡): New Constellations introduced with their thematic titles. - Content Management Bureau (콘텐츠관리국): Referenced as a controlling force within the story's universe, maintained from original. **Translation Notes:** - The translation reflects strategic maneuvers and world-building elements of the narrative. Yes Hyunwoo reveals his vast knowledge of "Revelation" and intentions to change the course of this world. - The revelation of the Constellations adds depth to the political and cosmic dynamics within the world. - The phrase from Yes Hyunwoo is a layered hint to Cheon Inho's perceived identity and role, aligning with overarching themes of identity and destiny. **Character Clarifications:** - The Constellations are personified entities with specific thematic representations tied to world lore and scenario manipulation.