Side Story: Episode 13-5 - Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint

### Episode 13. King (5) No one dared to challenge Yoo Joonghyuk's declaration. It was as if dissent would mean losing one's neck. Incarnations, whether familiar with Yoo Joonghyuk or not, had to acknowledge this time. Thus, the ruler of Chungmuro Station was decided. Some incarnations shivered, and a few readers displayed complicated expressions. Some quietly murmured, already quite intimidated. “Is this alright?” “But if it's Yoo Joonghyuk...” “Precisely because it's Yoo Joonghyuk, it's a problem.” I could guess what they were thinking. ―Did you plan this from the start? From several steps away, Yeh Hyunwoo was glaring at me. Instead of responding defiantly, I turned to the people and spoke. “A new 'representative' has been elected. Let's congratulate them all.” Clap, clap, clap. As my shameless applause echoed through the silent station, everyone looked at me as if I had lost my mind. Koo Sunah and Kim Kyungsik were also glaring at me. “Surely you―” At last, they seemed to understand why I hadn't seized the ‘white flag’ and had been waiting. “Presently, the one most suited to be the ‘representative’ of Chungmuro Station is Yoo Joonghyuk.” I endured the stares of the readers and began to envision the future of Chungmuro Station in my mind. “If Yoo Joonghyuk becomes the representative, uniting the readers of Chungmuro won't be impossible.” Yoo Joonghyuk, the protagonist of Three Ways To Survive in a Ruined World and the strongest incarnation at the moment. If it were Yoo Joonghyuk, not someone else, the readers wouldn't dare cast a dissenting vote. “This was precisely Lee Hak Hyun's 'Chungmuro Unification Strategy.'” And my role in it? “Come, claim the flag.” What else could it be? “Everyone is waiting.” I noticed some readers scowling at my ingratiating tone. But there was no other choice. This was the best option for now. Hadn't I mentioned it? Originally, my survival plan was to meet Yoo Joonghyuk, stick to him, and then switch to Kim Dokja. Not that I'm still thinking that way— “I've changed my mind.” It was then that Yoo Joonghyuk said something strange. “Pardon?” Yoo Joonghyuk, who had been gazing at me, kicked the white flag, sending it tumbling to the ground instead of grabbing it. The flag fell towards my direction. Yoo Joonghyuk looked at me and said. “You take it.” --- “Inho, what’s going on?” The situation had become peculiar. To succinctly summarize it for the confused readers in the story’s version of events: 1. The protagonist, Yoo Joonghyuk, appears coolly and claims the flag as his own (which makes sense). 2. The protagonist, Yoo Joonghyuk, looks around the station with a cool, contemplative expression (again, makes sense). 3. The protagonist, Yoo Joonghyuk, hands the flag to the suspicious Cheon Inho (???). << New!! Jung Heewon asked, looking puzzled. “Did you pay him off?” “He wouldn’t do this for money.” Yoo Joonghyuk, stepping over the flag he had knocked down, walked towards a bench at a distance, where he sat and continued to watch. As though waiting to see what choice I would make. [The constellation, ‘Lord of the Small Fry’ marvels at Incarnation Yoo Joonghyuk's audacity!] [The constellation, ‘Abyssal Black Flame Dragon’ wonders just what Incarnation Yoo Joonghyuk is doing.] [The constellation, ‘Prisoner of the Golden Headband’ purses his lips while watching Incarnation Yoo Joonghyuk.] [The constellation, ‘Bald General’ asks what on earth is happening.] I wanted to ask the same. Why on earth was this happening? “I guess just kicking it doesn’t count as claiming ownership. Should I also give it a little touch?” “Kye-Saeng, really. What if you end up being the representative?” “Hehe.” While Kye-Saeng and Dan-Soo were playing around the flag, I found myself contemplating while looking down at it. “If it's the Yoo Joonghyuk I know, he would never entrust a 'flag' to someone else.” Possessing the 'flag' means everyone within the station becomes a group member of the flag's owner. Yet, Yoo Joonghyuk chose to hand over the flag to me instead of claiming it. Why? There are two hypotheses. Hypothesis one, Yoo Joonghyuk has gone mad. Perhaps the regression-induced depression drove him insane, leading him to entrust the flag and decide to join my group himself. It was impossible. A glance at his fierce eyes assured me he was perfectly sane. Hypothesis two, he noticed my use of him in apostles' conflicts. But even if he realized that, there was no reason for Yoo Joonghyuk to give me the flag. Given Yoo Joonghyuk's personality, dealing with a few apostles wasn't something he would consider. His intense, penetrating gaze brought back memories of what happened in the 'Theater Dungeon.' “‘You are Yoo Joonghyuk.’” Wait, could it be? Hypothesis three, ‘Yoo Joonghyuk, Returning Favor,’ had emerged. I had helped Yoo Joonghyuk in the ‘Theater Dungeon.’ My [Stir] had jolted Yoo Joonghyuk out of his regression-induced depression, and he capitalized on the chance to defeat the dungeon's boss (an achievement mainly owing to me). So, is it hypothesis three then? But was there any notion of a ‘Yoo Joonghyuk, Returning Favor’ in this world? If I could, I'd step into the snow and ask Kim Dokja. “Excuse me.” “What will you do?” Incarnations cautiously raised their hands and asked me. I hadn’t officially claimed the flag yet. Yeh Hyunwoo, Koo Sunah, Kim Kyungsik, and even Killer King and LiteratureGirl64. Suddenly, every incarnation at Chungmuro Station was looking at me. “Yoo Joonghyuk has entrusted me with disposing of this ‘flag.’” I had no idea why he gave it to me. However, the choice of who would own the flag was now mine to decide. --- [The 'representative' for Chungmuro Station has been elected.] As if the struggle over the representative position minutes ago was a lie, the incarnations now cooperated to mend the ravaged station. --- **Terms & Context:** 1. **Kye-Saeng (경세인)**: Translated as "Kye-Saeng," interpreted as a character/player name relevant to the narrative. 2. **Dan-Soo (단수)**: Translated directly as "Dan-Soo," retaining the character's name. 3. **Cheon Inho (천인호)**: Appropriately referred to with his preferred pronoun as "he" in the narrative. The translations maintained the tone and playful nature of the original text, while accurately reflecting the political and strategic undertones. Additional context was provided for clarity, such as Yoo Joonghyuk's motivations and character actions, which carry plot significance linked to his established persona. “For now, we have to use this place as a base. Sunah, please secure food for everyone. Kyungsik, I'd like you to form a detachment and scout the nearby stations. By now, other stations might have chosen their representatives too. There might even be the Misread Alliance lingering.” “Leave it to me.” People moved swiftly under Yeh Hyunwoo's instructions. “And...” From a distance, our eyes met, and Yeh Hyunwoo bashfully lowered his gaze. I understood. It was still awkward for him. Someone nearby addressed me. “You're a really odd fellow.” Turning around, I saw Gong Pil-Du’s displeased expression. He was petting his mole cricket, Max, while eyeing Yeh Hyunwoo, who was busy moving supplies. “You could have become the representative. Hyunwoo wouldn’t have objected.” “I find wearing the crown tedious.” “Why?” Does it matter? Most of the incarnations here had solved scenarios with Yeh Hyunwoo as part of the landlords’ union. If I had become the representative, they might have reluctantly followed me but wouldn’t have pledged genuine loyalty. Even when Kim Dokja occupied Chungmuro Station, there were some deserters from this group. Moreover... “It suits you quite well.” [Currently, the ‘representative’ of Chungmuro Station is Incarnation ‘Gong Pil-Du’.] One of the Ten Evils, Gong Pil-Du, the Armed Fortress Lord. The stalwart of Chungmuro Station, an incarnation with the martial might and connections to lead despite not being a ‘reader.’ [The constellation, ‘Abyssal Black Flame Dragon’ is disappointed in your submissive actions.] [The constellation, ‘Hughmu the Great King’ asks if you're avoiding a fight.] Some constellations expressed dissatisfaction with my decision. I understood them. Yet, to me, this wasn’t a losing deal. [A constellation, yet to reveal their Modifier, finds your choice intriguing.] [The constellation, ‘Lazy Dragon’ praises your strategic judgment.] [Constellations affiliated with the Absolute Good System are impressed by your wisdom.] [The constellation, ‘Defense Master’ supports your decision.] [You have received a sponsorship of 2,000 coins.] Petting Max, who was rubbing against my leg, I continued. “Pil-Du accepted my conditions, which is why I handed it over.” [You are not subject to Chungmuro Station’s dominion.] [Currently, you are not affiliated with ‘Chungmuro Station.’] The contract between Gong Pil-Du and me was simple. Those refusing the representative’s rule, including me and the apostles, wouldn’t be forced under Chungmuro’s command. We would form a temporary alliance, not antagonizing each other until the scenario ended. All these points were pledged through ‘Existential Vow.’ [The ‘Existential Vow’ is currently in effect.] Existential Vow: An incarnations' promise, breaching the set conditions ignites blue magic that burns the heart. Readers exchanged opinions from afar. “Sunah, are you really staying here?” “Well... if the representative holds no coercive power, there’s no reason we can’t stay together.” “Then, I’ll also stay in Chungmuro.” What apostles feared was a single representative wielding absolute ‘power.’ If that was resolved, cooperation wasn’t impossible. The readers hadn’t thought of this simple solution probably because they hadn’t the luxury. Until just moments ago, they were reading this story ‘alone.’ However, the readers I knew never read stories alone. + strawberry1137: Didn’t I tell you before? The Secretive Plotter is Yoo Joonghyuk! From an alternate world line of Yoo Joonghyuk! I knew it! └barampoong: Weren’t you the one who said Kim Dokja before? └killer_king: I am Yoo Joonghyuk. └Princemaker77: This guy always leaves the same comments. + Reading the comments left by the readers, I briefly reminisced about times past. “Please, just as you protected Hyunwoo, protect these people too.” “I didn’t protect Hyunwoo. He protected me. I’m merely repaying a debt.” I already knew Gong Pil-Du held Yeh Hyunwoo in high regard. Knowing this was why I entrusted the ‘representative’ burden to Gong Pil-Du. “This round's Gong Pil-Du is different from the one I knew.” Why something about Yeh Hyunwoo changed Gong Pil-Du, I didn’t know. Whether the setting of being a ‘Goose Dad’ evolved, or if he was always like this but had unfortunate circumstances in the main story. Either way, it was remarkable. In a way, Yeh Hyunwoo accomplished what no one in Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint could. “Are you leaving? You’d be safer here.” Certainly, staying would provide temporary safety. But. “Yes.” After meeting Han Sooyoung in the Theater Dungeon, I realized one thing. To reach the end of the scenario in this ‘41st round’ world, an ordinary determination wouldn’t suffice. Simply retracing the path Kim Dokja walked wouldn’t ensure survival for the next encounter with her. “I need to become stronger. Perhaps more so than Kim Dokja in his third regression.” “If you need help, just say so.” “I hope it won’t come to that.” From the bench, Yoo Joonghyuk was seen standing up. It was time to leave. --- I packed with Jung Heewon, Dan-Soo, and Kye-Saeng, preparing to leave Chungmuro. Some people came to see us off. LiteratureGirl64 was among them. “What about Killer King?” “He's in shock and won’t get up.” “Shock? Why?” “He stares at the ceiling mumbling, ‘I was a fake.’” I had a notion of his state. “Please comfort him well.” LiteratureGirl64 nodded. “We’ll meet again, right?” “Of course.” “We’ll chat a lot about novels then too.” Finally, I bid farewell to Yeh Hyunwoo as well. He still seemed timid, indicating my presence was still awkward for him. Some people were like that. Unable to bear their guilty conscience, they ended up doing even more to feel guilty about. “If you’re going to apologize, now is your last chance.” --- **Terms & Context:** 1. **Goose Dad (기러기 아빠)**: Translated directly as "Goose Dad," a Korean term for fathers who work in Korea while their families live abroad for education. 2. **Existential Vow (존재 맹세)**: Translated as "Existential Vow," described as a powerful binding oath among incarnations, imposing strict consequences for breaches. 3. **The Misread Alliance (오독협)**: Directly translated, referring to a possible opposition group within the narrative framework. 4. **Kye-Saeng (경세인)**: Continued as "Kye-Saeng," a character/player name relevant to the plot. This passage shows strategic maneuvers and alliances, important character dynamics, and hints at broader world-building. It emphasizes the mix of storytelling, reader dynamics, and character growth integral to the web novel's narrative style. Fortunately, Yeh Hyunwoo was still young, not yet mature in various social etiquettes, and thus not at an age to receive severe reprimands. "When you get hit by a cannonball, you usually die." Yeh Hyunwoo's face grew red as he looked down with glistening eyes. "I'm sorry. I'm really sorry, Inho... I didn't mean to kill you. I just couldn't think of a better way..." I looked at Yeh Hyunwoo for a moment and then took an item from my pocket, setting it down on the ground. ["Miniaturization" is being lifted.] The cannon, rapidly returning to its true size, revealed its form, causing Yeh Hyunwoo’s expression to change. "This, this is... " "The 'Singijeon' you requested." Yeh Hyunwoo’s mouth fell open as he inspected the Singijeon. “So, it really exists...” Seeing his eyes sparkle, it was clear Yeh Hyunwoo was also a reader at heart. “But why are you giving this to me...?” In a calm voice, I answered Yeh Hyunwoo, who had lowered his head. “It was to save people, wasn’t it?” “No, it’s just... I was only—” “Do you want to be Kim Dokja?” Yeh Hyunwoo’s eyes widened, almost as if to ask how I knew. There was no way not to know. [Activating ‘Reader Comment Overview’.] + Don’t know if the author will see this, but I’ll write it anyway. I have a mantra I recite when I’m struggling. I am Kim Dokja. But my friend says I look more like an octopus than a squid. I just wanted to express my thanks. I’ll come back to read through again in a few days. —Recommendations 351 / Disrecommendations 0 (Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint, Chapter 551) + It was just something obvious from the first moment I saw him. That’s why I wanted to tell him. “Hyunwoo, you are not Kim Dokja. You’re strong and remarkable just as you are.” Not everyone needs to be unhappy. This world was created from the misfortune of a single person, not a story written for everyone to be unhappy. “Don’t become Kim Dokja. Don’t sacrifice yourself for someone else. Survive no matter what. You must.” Sacrifice is not the only way to save someone. Sometimes, just a few words can bring someone back from the brink of death. Readers taught me that. So perhaps, this is the long-awaited reply from the author Lee Hak Hyun to those times. “But I also sometimes recite that mantra.” “What?” “I am Kim Dokja. I don’t really want to be the real Kim Dokja, but saying it makes everything around me feel just like a story.” I lightly patted the dazed Yeh Hyunwoo on the shoulder before turning to leave. [The constellation, 'Intriguing Schemer,' nods his head.] I could see my companions waiting for me in the distance. Yeh Hyunwoo's voice called out, slightly too late, behind me. "Wait! Inho! You are—" I am not Kim Dokja. Both I and the readers know that, as does Yoo Joonghyuk, walking ahead. Gazing at the protagonist's handsome back, I thought of my longtime readers. [The fourth main scenario is underway.] [You are not currently affiliated with any station.] Yeh Hyunwoo and the readers built a sturdy fortress, ‘Chungmuro.’ I thought of the towering castle they built and the empty throne once meant for the vanished king. There will be no king in Chungmuro anymore. Yet, curiously, I couldn’t shake the feeling that someone in a white coat still sat there. [You have become a 'Wanderer.'] [A ‘Hidden Scenario’ is beginning.] --- **Terms & Context:** 1. **Singijeon (신기전)**: Known as a historical Korean rocket projectile weapon, translated directly here to maintain cultural context. 2. **Wanderer (방랑자)**: An archetype within the narrative, suggesting independence and exploration outside established affiliations, translated directly to retain its symbolic meaning. This translation captures the emotional depth of the narrative, especially the evolving character dynamics and insights into identity within the thematic arc of the story. The cultural and thematic nuances, such as the metaphoric significance of Kim Dokja and the fluidity between the reader and their narrative roles, are preserved to enhance the narrative's original essence.