Side Story: Episode 14-2 - Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint

**Episode 14. The Hunt (2)** Strangely, a premonition lingered in my mind. If these guys were criminals in reality, I had no doubt they’d resort to similar antics here. ― That can't be true. Do you have any idea how rigorous our Bureau's security is...? Bihyung spoke, yet there was a hint of skepticism in his eyes. ― Hold on. I’ll check it out quickly. Even while Bihyung was gone, the provocations from the Misread Alliance Constellations persisted. [Constellation, ‘Rat Summoning Plague’ says that despite your vermin-like struggles, it’s futile.] [Constellation, ‘Tail-Cutting Snake’ says the silver spoon humor is amusing.] [Constellation, ‘Rat Summoning Plague’ says free rides are always best.] The noisy messages irritated Kyongsaein, who furrowed her brows. “Those bastards—” “Don't let it bother you.” Ironically, their cacophony suggested we might be safe, at least for a while. Looking back, ‘Rat Summoning Plague’ was severely weakened after facing Asmodeus, and ‘Tail-Cutting Snake’ expended a significant amount of plausibility granting blessings to a ‘Grade 6 Earth Dragon’ in the Theater Dungeon. In other words, their resources were running thin. “Tail-Cutting Snake.” [Constellation, ‘Tail-Cutting Snake’ glares at you.] “Didn't Killer King send you a greeting? Did you receive it well?” [Constellation, ‘Tail-Cutting Snake’ displays hostility towards you!] A faint spark wrapped around my body. Even as just a Constellation, the indirect menace of their message made chills run down my spine. To think ‘Tail-Cutting Snake’ still had this much plausibility. Just as the overwhelming pressure gradually made it difficult to breathe— [Constellation, ‘Goryeo's First Sword’ says if they don't shut up, they’ll tear their mouth apart.] The message that shattered through the air dispersed the oppressive atmosphere immediately. Indeed, it was Cheok Jungyeong. [Constellation, ‘Tail-Cutting Snake’ is startled.] [Constellation, ‘Tail-Cutting Snake’ warns not to meddle in others’ affairs.] Wait a minute. Are they really opposing Cheok Jungyeong? Is this one mad? [Constellation, ‘Tail-Cutting Snake’ warns to stop acting up with just a hero grade rank.] [Constellation, ‘Goryeo's First Sword’ says to keep talking if they want to die.] Or are they simply unread? [Constellation, ‘Rat Summoning Plague’ laughs at the threat of Goryeo's First Sword.] [Constellation, ‘Tail-Cutting Snake’ sneers asking if old age has blurred his judgement.] [Constellation, ‘Goryeo's First Sword’ warns that one more word will result in a swift strike.] [Constellation, ‘Tail-Cutting Snake’ challenges to see if they can cut them.] [Constellation, ‘Rat Summoning Plague’ taunts asking if they know where they live.] Ah, just like those trolls in reality, they excelled at baiting aggro. [Constellation, ‘Prisoner of the Golden Headband’ grumbles that it’s noisy and pokes his ear.] [Constellation, ‘Abyssal Black Flame Dragon’ warns that instead of talking, they should fight like a man.] As more Constellations on the channel frowned, and finally when Cheok Jungyeong made up his mind— [Constellation, ‘Goryeo's First Sword’ draws his sword.] A faint thunder resonated in the sky as Bihyung, who had disappeared, returned. [Alright, alright, Constellations. Please calm down. We will conduct a brief channel adjustment.] Breathing heavily, he seemed utterly drained. ―How... how did you know? Appearing in a transparent form, Bihyung questioned incredulously. ―These guys bypassed entry using illegal routes created by the bumpkins. I expected nothing else. Just like how a tiger can't change its stripes, they were committing illegal acts even here. ‘I suspected as much. Will there be sanctions?’ ―The Bureau will announce it soon. These guys, they've been watching the channel without paying any fees. Shortly after, a system message echoed from the void. [The Bureau's sanction details have been updated.] [Constellation, ‘Tail-Cutting Snake’s channel access has been temporarily restricted.] [Constellation, ‘Rat Summoning Plague’s channel access has been temporarily restricted.] ……. Apparently, there were others subscribing to the channel illegally. I marveled at the Bureau's swift and efficient action. If only sanctions were this immediate in reality. ―The matter is serious this time, so the Bureau will also launch a tracking request. They’ll hire a problem-solver to collect the due penalties. A problem-solver. ‘Who are you planning to send?’ There was no need to ask. For soon the Bureau’s message followed. [Constellation, ‘Goryeo's First Sword’ accepts the ‘problem-solver’ request from the Bureau.] The Misread Alliance members were in for a tough time ahead. Yoo Joonghyuk spoke up while gazing into the void. “Lee Jihye. Kim Namwoon.” Our protagonist finally seemed to have gathered his thoughts. And with the distractions from the Misread Alliance gone, it was indeed perfect timing. “You head to Myeongdong Station. When you arrive near Myeongdong, you’ll see a large cathedral. Retrieve the sacred relic there.” “Okay, leader. What’s the relic called?” “‘The Smile of the Virgin’. You’ll recognize it as soon as you see it.” The name sparked a memory within me. 「The Smile of the Virgin. A sacred relic found in Myeongdong Cathedral, blessed with ‘The Archangel’s Grace’. If beginning in Jung-gu, be sure to obtain this relic at the start.」 It was peculiar. This wasn’t an item mentioned in ‘ORV’. Did I write such a note before? Yoo Joonghyuk continued. “Lee Hyunsung. Head toward Seoul Tower via the southern road. There’s an open lot at the top. Your task is to retrieve the fallen meteor there.” “Yes. Understood.” The meteor that fell at Seoul Tower. 「鬼鐵(Gwitcheol). A material for 暗天月極(Amcheonwolggeuk). Frequently discovered in rainbow meteorites.」 As expected, a sentence naturally emerged in my mind. Despite the intrigue, there was no time to dwell on it. --- ### Translation Explanation and Additional Context: 1. **Kyongsaein (경세인)**: Identified as a character in the text, the gender was assumed as female for translation purposes. 2. **Killer King (킬러킹)**: Kept in the original for consistency with established terms in the list. 3. **Heavenly Flower (천화)**: Translated literally, even without the hanja, it implies divine beauty. 4. **Smile of the Virgin (성모의 미소)**: A translation directly conveying the sacredness and religious association of the relic as understood within the context of the narrative. 5. **Goryeo’s First Sword (고려제일검)**: Previously included in the list, re-mentioned as it plays a role of authority and power; additional reference to Cheok Jungyeong. 6. **귀철(Gwitcheol) and 암천월극(Amcheonwolggeuk)**: Gwitcheol is a compound term where "귀" means ghost or devil, and "철" means iron, suggesting a magical or cursed metal. Amcheonwolggeuk is a compound referring to extreme aspects of "dark heaven and the moon," suggesting a mystical or eldritch crafting material. Literal translations were preserved due to their thematic richness. The chapter involves a cast of established and new characters engaging in intrigue with shades of mythical and narrative elements specific to a Constellation-based universe. The presence of Constellations and their dramatic confrontations adds layers of tension. This passage primarily reflects themes of justice and order amidst chaos, underscored by the authoritative presence of figures like Cheok Jungyeong. Yoo Joonghyuk turned directly towards us. “Dan-soo.” I was slightly surprised since I didn’t expect him to remember the old man's name. “You follow Lee Jihye and Kim Namwoon.” “Hurry up, Mister. We’ll leave you behind if you’re late.” Dan-soo glanced back at me as if asking if everything would be alright, and I silently nodded. To maximize our growth potential in this early phase of the Scenario, splitting the party like this was the right decision. Especially considering the companions are Lee Jihye and Kim Namwoon, there was nothing more to say. “I’ll leave him in your care, please.” Lee Jihye winked reassuringly, showing not to worry. Then, Yoo Joonghyuk looked at Kyongsaein. “You.” “Yes, sir!” Kyongsaein responded as if he were a soldier, standing at attention. “You move with Lee Hyunsung.” “Understood, sir!” “I’ll depend on you, Se-in.” “Ah, same here! I really want to become like Hyunsung!” “Me? Why?” Kyongsaein grinned widely, staying close to Lee Hyunsung. Even though that fellow’s favorite was definitely Jung Heewon, what happened here? Anyway, Yoo Joonghyuk’s decision to split the group was indeed commendable. Dan-soo had good adaptive skills but lacked experience in real combat with people. Pairing him with those strong in face-to-face battles like Lee Jihye and Kim Namwoon was likely intended for him to learn from them. The same logic applied to Kyongsaein. He had innate physical abilities and a natural sense as a tank, but he wasn't as quick at switching between offense and defense compared to Lee Hyunsung. Deliberately pairing the two showed that Yoo Joonghyuk had a high regard for Kyongsaein’s growth potential. Finally, Yoo Joonghyuk turned to look at me and Jung Heewon. “You two, follow me.” * After Dan-soo and Kyongsaein had left with their groups, Jung Heewon and I followed behind Yoo Joonghyuk. Jung Heewon, having been grumpy since earlier, seemed to dislike the arbitrary splitting and giving of orders. “Do we really have to stick together? I don’t quite like this.” “Please bear with it. He’s not doing this with ill-intention. In fact, it’s a good sign.” For me, Yoo Joonghyuk including us in his group so naturally was a touching gesture in itself. Who was this Yoo Joonghyuk? Not another version, but the one and only ‘41st iteration’ Yoo Joonghyuk. Later, I’d have to tell Kim Dokja about today’s events. “Are you planning to head north?” Yoo Joonghyuk glanced at me suspiciously, to which I simply smiled shamelessly. “Isn’t your sister up north? You’re worried, right?” “You...” “It's a crucial time to rescue her now.” As I spoke, I realized my error. I was Cheon Inho, after all. And the Cheon Inho from the 40th iteration killed all of Yoo Joonghyuk’s acquaintances. Even if Yoo Joonghyuk took out his spear and killed me on the spot, I'd have no justification. After pausing his steps to glare at me, Yoo Joonghyuk turned to Jung Heewon. “Was your name Jung Heewon?” “So what?” “There’s a sniper hidden on the 9th floor of that building ahead. Go and handle it.” Jung Heewon squinted at the building Yoo Joonghyuk pointed at. “There doesn’t seem to be anything there?” “Just go.” With Yoo Joonghyuk’s command, a subtle killing intent emanated from Jung Heewon’s body. I quickly intervened. “Heewon.” “Do you think it’s alright?” Both Jung Heewon and I knew there was no sniper in that building. “It’s fine.” Jung Heewon sighed lightly, finally shaking her hands and moving forward. “Don’t die before I get back.” “I’m not that easy to kill.” “Then why do you feel like you’re going to die….” “Hurry back.” With the sound of the cool wind, Jung Heewon disappeared inside the building. Even after she vanished, Yoo Joonghyuk remained silent for a while. Glancing at Yoo Joonghyuk, he looked into the distant sky with piercing eyes. Fiery red hues from the setting sun reflected in his gaze. “Cheon Inho.” “Yes.” “Are you truly Cheon Inho?” As expected, Yoo Joonghyuk seemed to have figured it out. “That’s a philosophical question. What do you think?” Yoo Joonghyuk stared at me quietly before speaking. “If you play ‘Cheon Inho’s role, then you are still Cheon Inho.” “Then I am Cheon Inho.” Whether he was satisfied with my answer or not, it was unclear. Yoo Joonghyuk simply watched me with his usual deep gaze. The sound of clattering came from the building, no doubt Jung Heewon was smashing everything inside. How much time had passed like that? With a voice spreading ripples across a calm sea, Yoo Joonghyuk began speaking. “Then, let me ask this Cheon Inho.” Yoo Joonghyuk was watching me. No, to be exact, he was gazing into the space between us, as if sensing an unseen wall there. “Who exactly is ‘Kim Dokja’?”