Side Story: Episode 13-3 - Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint

Episode 13. King (3) Suddenly, memories of the day my first web novel disastrously failed come flooding back. My first work, 'Orc Philosopher.' Back then, my editor Ji Eun Yoo offered feedback after reading my novel. 「“First of all, let's set aside the fact that the protagonist is an orc.”」 An orc protagonist is unappealing. Check. 「“Let's also set aside the fact that he's a philosopher.”」 A philosopher poses additional issues. Check. 「“The important part starts here. The protagonist you created lacks flexibility.”」 「“What do you mean, lacks flexibility?”」 「“Look at episode 2. Right from the start, the protagonist foolishly deals with a crisis that could have been easily avoided and ends up getting blindsided.”」 I reread my work, then replied. 「“But many novels also start with the protagonist getting blindsided.”」 「“If they get blindsided, they need to get back up immediately. Whether it's awakening, regressing, or possession! They have to do something. What happens if they just wallow in despair? They need to show a dramatic response.”」 「“This protagonist is a philosopher. Isn't philosophy supposed to begin with despair?”」 「“And here in episode 6, it's the same issue. The protagonist only makes efforts.”」 「“Isn't effort considered a virtue?”」 「“If they’ve struggled this much, there should be a reward.”」 「“It's only been 30 years of struggle...”」 「“In most stories, protagonists would gain something after 30 years of effort!”」 「“But didn't he gain the realization that some things can’t be achieved even in 30 years?”」 Ignoring my rebuttal, Ji Eun Yoo pointed out the next episode. 「“And in episode 15, there's another problem.”」 「“That's where the protagonist saves someone weaker... can't that work?”」 「“Saving the weak is fine, but if the protagonist helps someone, they should also receive a reward. Naturally, the protagonist knows this too. But look! Your protagonist saves someone and only receives misunderstandings and criticisms in return!”」 I paused to consider before asking. 「“Is that important?”」 「“Of course it's important!”」 「“Helping with an expectation of reward isn't genuine help.”」 Ji Eun Yoo looked at me with a curious expression and responded, 「“But that’s how an ‘ordinary protagonist’ operates.”」 「“Shouldn't a protagonist stand out rather than being ordinary?”」 「“There was a time when the exemplary protagonists were extraordinary. That's what 90s boys' comics embraced. Noble and dignified heroes. They protected the weak, fought against the strong, and faced deep despair, sometimes losing everything. But look around, author. Are there many such protagonists in recent works?”」 I pondered over her words. Indeed, Ji Eun Yoo was right. 「“Times have changed. Even if it's labeled as fantasy, ultimately, it’s somewhat grounded in reality.”」 Ji Eun Yoo continued, staring into her cup of instant coffee she fetched from the break room. 「“Readers nowadays prefer stories where ordinary people become heroes. They can relate. Someone who avenges our small daily grievances, not frustrating, equipped with practical flexibility, and knows to secure proper rewards. Most people can’t even manage that.”」 Reflecting now, perhaps it wasn’t solely about novels. The look of fatigue on Ji Eun Yoo’s face suggested otherwise. 「“From the sound of it, it feels less like a protagonist and more like a calculating individual.”」 「“As long as they do good, even if calculating, that’s significant these days. Being that much is enough to qualify as a protagonist now.”」 Ji Eun Yoo’s advice—which was sweet yet left a bitter aftertaste like a pre-packaged mix coffee—lingered. 「“And it's an author's responsibility to make such a calculating protagonist likable.”」 Recalling that conversation now must be due to the question posed by the spectators to Yehyun Woo. “You may have impressive skills, but do you genuinely have the qualifications to be the leader?” Despite the hostile remarks, Yehyun Woo stood unfazed and replied. “No one inherently has qualifications. But if acknowledged by you all, then qualifications can be formed.” With that statement, Yehyun Woo was looking directly at the ‘readers’, at us. He was asking us—asking me to choose him as the protagonist of this stage. 「Does Yehyun Woo deserve to be a protagonist?」 I recalled Ji Eun Yoo’s list of protagonist qualifications. 1. Awakening, regressing, or possession. Yehyun Woo experienced possession. 2. Possessing flexibility. His flexibility was overflowing. 3. Being calculative. Yehyun Woo didn’t seem like someone who would make unprofitable transactions. He even demanded a 'Shin Gijeon' in exchange for safeguarding my secret. 4. Acting for the weak with an expectation of recompense. Yehyun Woo clearly moved for the weak. During the 'Emergency Defense Battle,' if not for Yehyun Woo, the casualties would have been higher. And more than that? Yehyun Woo even declared openly in front of everyone that he would protect everyone, while using the [False Discerning]. He did not possess [Incitement] like me, hence his declaration was genuinely true. As a result, he became a strong representative candidate for Chunmuro Station. Judging just from this, he satisfied all prerequisites of the ‘modern protagonist’ as outlined by Ji Eun Yoo. Additionally, certainly, a fragment of Kim Dokja must inhabit within him. There is no reason why he couldn’t become this story’s ‘Kim Dokja’. Yet, somehow, a sense of unease lingered within me. [In 30 seconds, the 'Leader Election' will commence.] It was at that moment that Uncle Dan-soo grabbed the hem of my clothes. “Inho, Hyun Woo cannot proceed. That child is Ji Yoon’s friend.” Uncle’s daughter, Ji Yoon, was not yet an adult. Presumably in middle or high school. If his friend was a teenager, Yehyun Woo must also be one. This realization made Yehyun Woo seem even more remarkable. A mere teenager had survived on his own and was contending for the position of 'Chunmuro Station’s leader.' --- **Translation Explanation:** 1. **Yehyun Woo (예현우)** - Retained original name for continuity with character interactions and narrative context. 2. **Shin Gijeon (신기전)** - A term that refers to a historical weapon or technology; retained the original term as it has specific cultural and historical significance. 3. **Chunmuro (충무로)** - A location name, kept in its original form as it's significant to the setting and might be referencing a real or fictional place important to the story. 4. **[False Discerning] ([거짓 간파])** - Kept the term within brackets to retain the context of it being a skill or ability used within the narrative's system. 5. **Ji Yoon (지윤)** - Mentioned as being friends with Yehyun Woo, revealing they are likely young, adding depth to Yehyun Woo’s character. 6. **Mixed Coffee (믹스 커피)** - Translated for clarity that it refers to pre-mixed instant coffee, maintaining context about common, relatable office culture. **Additional Context:** - The segment highlights a debate on the nature of a protagonist, contrasting classical heroic traits against contemporary interpretations where practicality and relatability are key. - Ji Eun Yoo’s feedback serves as both critique and commentary on evolving literary trends, providing meta-narrative insight into the genre's shifting paradigm. **List Updates:** - Minor adjustments were made for the character Ji Eun Yoo's consistent gender references. - Maintaining consistency with naming conventions ensures reader familiarity and engagement with existing narrative and character development. But even if the boy possesses outstanding abilities, is it truly right to entrust him with such a heavy burden? [The Content Management Bureau retracts the ‘Plausibility Suitability Judgement’.] At that moment, the Content Management Bureau also made its stance known. [The Bureau determines there is no significant problem with the plausibility of the subject.] Kim Dokja’s words suddenly came to mind. In this world, age and gender don’t matter, he’d said. But can it really be this way? Can this world really afford to be treated like 'Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint'? “Don’t worry, sir.” I spoke to reassure Uncle Dan-soo. “I’m not just going to let things happen as they will.” It wasn’t that I didn’t trust Yehyun Woo. The boy would keep his promise and protect the people. The issue comes after that. All threats coming forward would now be aiming for Yehyun Woo's life. Just like Kim Dokja in the main story, who paid such high costs. [The Constellation, ‘Red Mountain Lord’, casts a menacing glance at the Incarnation ‘Yehyun Woo’.] [The Constellation, ‘Snake Severing Its Tail’, scoffs at ‘Yehyun Woo’s statements.] [A few Constellations find the Incarnation ‘Yehyun Woo’ to be insolent.] Maybe, it had already started. The factions that antagonize Yehyun Woo. Constellations from the Misread Alliance, as well as nearby heroic Constellations were baring their fangs at him. In the midst of threats resonating from all around, Yehyun Woo looked slightly pale but stood his ground unfazed. [The Incarnation ‘Yehyun Woo’ activates ‘False Discerning’!] He boldly stepped forward into the heart of Chunmuro Station and started bargaining. “For those who approve of me as the leader first, I will provide appropriate benefits. And even for those who do not agree with my leadership—” [‘False Discerning’ confirms this statement as the truth.] “There won’t be any disadvantages. I will use any means necessary to protect everyone here.” Yehyun Woo knew. If he made one wrong step here, he could die. He could earn the Constellations’ ire and be betrayed by the people. Yet, with unyielding courage, he stood firm. Probably because he had read Kim Dokja’s story with such dedication. [Sub Scenario ― ‘Leader Election’ is commencing.] However, he hasn’t fully felt it yet. This world, now, was not the ‘Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint’ he once knew. + <Sub Scenario - Leader Election> Category: Sub Difficulty: C Clear Condition: Seize the ‘White Flag’ planted at the center of the platform. Time Limit: 30 minutes Reward: 1,000 coins, leader of Chunmuro. Penalty upon Failure: — *The leader of this station can exercise significant control over members. + With the message, the ‘White Flag’ appeared at the center of Chunmuro Station. Up until this point, the development mirrored the main story. “It’s really appeared!” Cries of surprise erupted from the crowd. The problem was in the subsequent message. [If the ownership of the white flag doesn't change for 5 minutes after being seized, Chunmuro Station will come under the control of the flag’s owner.] [If the flag is seized, ownership changes and the 5-minute timer resets.] [‘Seizing the Flag’ is recognized by killing the flag’s owner.] In an instant, even my chest tightened with unease. A message not present in the original story was added. ‘Seizing the flag is recognized by killing the owner of the flag.’ As fate would have it, the flag was positioned right beside Yehyun Woo. With trembling hands, Yehyun Woo reached out and declared. “If there are no objections, I’ll be taking it.” Faced with such a message, many would falter, yet Yehyun Woo displayed decisiveness. Perhaps it was because he had nothing left to fall back on. “If you touch that, we’ll be enemies.” As anticipated, the Iron Lady—Goo Sunah stepped forth. Accompanying her was Old Man Kim Kyung-sik with his pipe in hand. “We haven’t yet agreed to you being the leader.” They judged the situation swiftly. At this rate, without a doubt, Yehyun Woo would become Chunmuro’s leader. This was something they wanted to prevent. “Kyung-sik sir, please say something!” The family led by Goo Sunah and Kim Kyung-sik joined in. Kim Kyung-sik exhaled a puff from his pipe before speaking. “I’ve heard your speech clearly. But you’ve left out an important detail. You aren’t the only ‘Apostle’.” Kim Kyung-sik’s words once again threw the hall into disarray. “Though not everyone might know, there isn’t just one ‘Apostle’ in this world. Those like that young man, who know the future, number easily in the dozens. And I too am one of them.” [The Constellation, ‘Bald Patriot Leader’ opens his mouth.] [The Constellation, ‘King Heungmu’ asks if that plausibility is really okay.] Seizing the rhythm amidst the stir among the Incarnations, Kim Kyung-sik continued. “I acknowledge Yehyun Woo's talents. However, you are particularly young among us. How can someone with limited societal experience like yourself lead a group?” For the first time, Yehyun Woo’s expression turned rankled at the mention of his age. “Sir, you aren't that old in the ‘original age’ either, are you?” “Hmm. What do you mean by that? Though my mental age might be young, I am still older than you in years.” “Mere seniority does not guarantee wisdom. Besides, in this world, the important skill is how well you remember and utilize the ‘Revelations’.” “I’ve read the Revelations six times—” “Only six times.” Kim Kyung-sik's complexion turned slightly red. “I’ve read it fifty times.” Those who heard that number let out gasps of admiration. Certainly, fifty times was an insane number. Reading a single novel 50 times could be called madness, let alone one like ‘Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint’ which spanned a massive 551 episodes. “Wait a second. If it’s based on the number of readings…” From this point, the reactions of the audience became peculiar. Gradually, some began casting glances our way. Something clicked in hindsight. Among these, there were those who had witnessed the confrontation between the Misread Alliance's uploader and me in the ‘Theater Dungeon’. Seizing the opportunity, Gyeongse-in raised a hand. “Excuse me, if the number of times we’ve read the Revelations measures ‘qualification’, I too have something to say.” “Ms. Gyeongse-in. You aren't of the caliber to join in this.” --- **Translation Explanation:** 1. **Goo Sunah (구선아)**: Named as such to keep continuity and understand character dynamics. 2. **Kim Kyung-sik (김경식)**: Maintains the original name as a supporting character, providing continuity to existing story arcs. 3. **‘Revelations’ (계시록)**: Used to denote a significant text, akin to a foreknowledge or prophecy regarding the world’s happenings, integral to certain characters' abilities. 4. **Gyeongse-in (경세인)**: Retained the name to ensure character context within interactions, reinforcing identity amidst the group dynamics. **Additional Context:** - The story highlights the tension and dynamics between characters pursuing power, set against the backdrop of a system that intertwines reality with narrative fiction. - The dialogue and scenarios offer meta-commentary on the expectations and qualifications of leadership, rendered through a complex interplay of narrative gameplay. - This section introduces potential conflict through competitive dynamics over the station's leadership, acknowledging intrinsic hierarchies informed by unique in-world rules and perceptions of ability. - Characters hold distinct, pivotal roles that influence the narrative, underscoring their backstories and decisions impacting the unfolding drama in meaningful ways. At the unexpectedly cold tone of Yehyun Woo, Gyeongse-in shrank back and replied, "That's true. But I'm not talking about myself." "Then?" Gyeongse-in hesitated before continuing. "As far as I know, there's someone here who's read the 'Revelations' over a hundred times." "What nonsense is this?" Yehyun Woo's voice carried an oddly irritated tone. After all, from what he had gathered, the number of times the 'Apostles' completed the story was a matter of pride. So much so that the hierarchy among the Seven Apostles was determined based on the number of times they read the story. "I have read the Revelations 50 times. Someone who’s read more than I have—" "There are a few, as you're aware." Officially, Yehyun Woo, the Seventh Apostle, meant there were six others who had read more 'Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint' than he had. "But none of them are here." Among them, only the Second Apostle, Killer King, was present at Chunmuro Station. However, Killer King was out cold after consuming the 'Elain Forest’s Essence.' "There really is someone here." [‘False Discerning’ verifies the statement as true.] "Who could it be?" Then Gyeongse-in struck a dramatic pose and pointed both hands towards me. Suddenly at the center of attention, I greeted the crowd with an awkward smile and a slight bow. Yehyun Woo looked at me in disbelief. “Inho.” “Yes?” “Is what he’s saying true?” There was no need for deceit here. I nodded. “Please answer honestly. How many times have you read the ‘Revelations’, Inho?” [Yehyun Woo is actively using ‘False Discerning’.] “Well, over a hundred—” Yehyun Woo chuckled at my words. “You must be joking. No matter how much you’ve read, that many times is—” [‘False Discerning’ confirms the words as false.] Looking as if to prove his point, Yehyun Woo stared at me. I continued my broken sentence. “It’s over a hundred. One hundred ten? One hundred twenty? Honestly, I haven’t kept count, so I’m not sure.” [‘False Discerning’ confirms the statement as true.] Yehyun Woo’s expression hardened. A heavy silence swept over Chunmuro. Some remained silent because they couldn’t grasp the significance of my words, while others were silent because they did. The first to speak were those who understood. "That rumor... was true?" "Is there really a lunatic who's read over a hundred times?" A few readers who already knew the number of times I’d read it trembled; Goo Sunah and Kim Kyung-sik shook their heads in disbelief. "He might not be Kim Dokja, but he certainly isn’t in his right mind." "It's a bewildering count to hear again. Did Kim Dokja even read 'Ways of Survival' that many times?" Even Yehyun Woo, who remained calm throughout, couldn’t conceal his agitation this time. In a trembling voice, he spoke. "Officially, there's only one person in this world who's read the 'Revelations' over a hundred times. Inho, are you perhaps..." For the first time, faint disturbance appeared in Yehyun Woo’s eyes. "Are you the head of the Apostles... the 'First Apostle'?" It seems an unintended misunderstanding has begun. --- **Translation Explanation:** 1. **Gyeongse-in (경세인)**: Goe continued with the established naming pattern to maintain consistency and character recognition. 2. **Elain Forest’s Essence (엘라인 숲의 정기)**: This term is kept close to its original to convey a mystical nature related to the story's setting. 3. **First Apostle (1사도)**: Refers to a possible top-ranking position among the 'Apostles', which is significant for understanding character dynamics and world hierarchy. **Additional Context:** - This section emphasizes the competitiveness and prestige associated with knowledge of the 'Revelations', a nod to the depth with which individuals are intertwined with the narrative. - The narrative further complicates dynamics among 'Apostles' based on their devotion to the key text, underscoring tension and rivalry within a structured hierarchy. - The confusion about being the 'First Apostle' introduces a new subplot, where characters may misinterpret motives and status based on incomplete perceptions. - The scene portrays a world parallel to the narrative's "real" world, leaning heavily into meta-commentary regarding the influence and obsession with fictional canons.