Side Story: Episode 15-3 - Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint

Episode 15. The Doorbell (3) "Kim Dokja?" At the mention of "Kim Dokja," Jung Heewon glanced at me. She probably recalled how my other apostles and I had mentioned that name. 「Jung Heewon doesn't know we are possessors.」 Jung Heewon only knew that my apostles and I were aware of the 'future.' Still, she seemed to have instinctively sensed something peculiar. "Is it someone you know?" When her younger brother asked, Jung Heewon shook her head. "No, it's just... So what? What else did Dad say?" "I don't remember everything. He went on about knowing the future, how this world is doomed soon... said he'd have no time to take care of me so I had to survive on my own, somehow. Even so, he started gathering people around and somehow managed to increase his influence. Even the neighbor and the soldier downstairs sided with him. You remember Sergeant Kim and Master Sergeant Hyun, right? A few things Dad predicted actually came true." I thought about the reader who possessed Jung Heewon's father. He, too, must have been fighting to survive in his way. Thrown into the world of a novel he was reading, how would he realize he had become someone's father? Yet, because of him, a boy lost his father. Once, Kim Dokja said something like this. Not only a huge disaster qualifies as a catastrophe. What truly obliterates someone is a small disaster. Perhaps we, the readers who've possessed bodies here, are already a calamity to the natives of this world. "Then during the second scenario, he was captured by the Beggar’s Union. I haven't seen him since. I only heard he's trapped in the Seoul Station underground..." Jung Heewon's father might have fought hard, but in the end, he seemed to have lost to the local forces. In a way, it was an expected outcome. This wasn't even a region properly introduced in 'ORV.' Surviving the first scenario here was a miracle. Jung Heewon asked again. "So, why are you with the Beggar’s Union? They captured Dad, didn't they? Why are you under their organization..." Jung Eunho hesitated to answer, and Jung Heewon's eyes narrowed. "You, don't tell me." "He's still our dad, even if it's just like that. I'm not abandoning family like you, sis." With a faintly angered voice, Jung Eunho continued. "He might regain his memory someday. He could be our real dad again... Though that might not be such a good thing." Finally understanding her brother's words, Jung Heewon clicked her tongue. "So you joined them to rob and kill others? Are you in your right mind?" "There was no other way. Didn't you also have to kill someone during the first scenario to survive, sis?" A choice solely for survival. Who in this scenario could honestly argue against the boy's justification? "I, and all the kids here, are just struggling to survive." The kids crouched in the back, kneeling and crying. "We're sorry. Please forgive us." "We won't do it again. Please, we won't." I knew those words were lies. Once we leave silently, the kids will again use the 'white flag' message to rob and kill others. Jung Heewon let out a light sigh and asked. "Where's the flag?" Jung Eunho sighed and pointed to the master bedroom. "Over there." The children's looting ends here. The children also seemed aware of this as they hung their heads. "I'm only letting it pass because you're kids. If I catch you again, I'll really kill you." Jung Heewon's warning made the kids shiver. Opening the master bedroom door as Jung Eunho instructed, there was the 'white flag' planted in the center of the room. [You've discovered a 'White Flag’!] Claiming this means we can form a new group. "Hey! Stop them! If we lose that, we’re all dead!" The voice came from a spotted boy squirming on the floor. Somehow, he had freed his mouth from the gag and was shouting frantically. "Stop them! Stop them quickly!" "Wonsik." "Shut up! You bastards!" The agitated, spotted boy yelled, trashing around. "Untie me now. I'm gonna kill you. Did you forget who my dad is? Do you think you’ll all be safe like this? Hey, Jung Eunho!" "Wonsik. Let's pass this time. She's my sister." "So what if she's your sister?" Jung Eunho, pretending not to hear, urged Jung Heewon. "Sis. If you're taking it, hurry and take it. People will gather soon." "Who's coming?" "You may not know, but this is a Beggar’s Union branch. Wonsik already called the beggars. Despite how he looks, that guy is the leader's son and the person in charge here." "I don’t care who comes." "I know you’re strong, sis... but you can’t face the entire Beggar’s Union, even you. And the leader here is an unbelievably strong person. They can literally fly, a master of martial arts." An actual master of martial arts. Suddenly, I was curious. It's not Yoo Joonghyuk or anything. Typically, there wouldn’t be such an Incarnation at this stage. Why are there martial artists in South Korea in the first place? “Inho.” I deliberated. Curiosity aside, confronting a major force here wasn't the right choice. We came here for two purposes. One, to find the ‘Mad Slaughterer.’ Second, to get hold of the ‘white flag.’ With the ‘Mad Slaughterer’ being assumed to be Jung Heewon’s brother, it was fair to say we already achieved our goal. “Let’s grab the flag first.” “Inho, you take it.” “You’re sure?” “I’m not even sure how to use it.” This time, I didn't refuse Jung Heewon's offer. The flag was a necessary item to perform the ‘Path of the King’ scenario. “Then I shall take it.” It was when Jung Heewon and I stepped into the master bedroom that I felt an ominous sensation. A chilling intuition, and the surroundings turned monochrome. It was a trap. [The activation condition for the exclusive skill, ‘□□’ has been fulfilled.] It had been a long time since I last received a message like this. --- ### Translation Details: #### 1. 'Mad Slaughterer' - '광기의 도살자' - This retains the literal sense and tone from the original. "Slaughterer" captures the intensity, while "Mad" conveys instability or insanity, befitting the connotation in the original. #### 2. 'White Flag' - '흰색 깃발' - Directly translated while maintaining its narrative significance of yielding or surrender, but here it represents an item tied to survival or forging affiliations, an irony to its traditional meaning. #### 3. ‘Path of the King’ - '왕의 길' - Represents a scenario or storyline essential for progression, giving it a regal and significant tone suitable for narrative progression. #### 4. 'Beggar's Union' - '개방' - Kept as a direct translation, reflecting its original organizational context subtly indicating a group of survivalists or outcasts with a potentially rebellious or syndicate-like undercurrent. #### Additional Context and Notes: - The feeling that the term 'Path of the King' implies a significant progression required by the story, likely aligning with power or leadership dynamics. - 'Beggar's Union' has an undertone of a socioeconomic layer, potentially creating a stark contrast against mainstream or elite groups within the scenario. ### Character Changes/Recontextualization: - No changes required based on this translation, as gender and terms align well with the specified context. ### Wordplay and Puns: - The usage of "white flag" in a scenario related to composing groups or overcoming challenges plays on its symbolic association with surrender, casting a complex survivalist motif. In the moment when time seemed suspended, I instinctively surveyed my surroundings. But nothing appeared particularly strange. Jung Eunho and the other kids were also unaffected. Then, what is it? That's when I noticed the crimson line that had infiltrated through a broken window's sliver. A laser scope. Someone was targeting this place for a sniper shot. Fortunately, there was little cause for worry. I still had remaining probability points, and I had confidence in crafting a plausible sentence for escape. Escaping from this level of threat would be― [The state of the exclusive skill, '□□' is unstable.] [Cannot activate ‘Seolwon’.] [The skill will be removed.] What? The scenery around me transformed, and I heard the sound of something being fired from afar. Damn it. Instinctively, I pulled Jung Heewon into an embrace and ducked. But before I could react, someone moved ahead of me. “Sister!” Jung Eunho, who had spotted the laser scope, accurately threw a chopstick in the direction from which the red line had originated. [Incarnation 'Jung Eunho' activates ‘Throwing Lv.2’!] [Incarnation 'Jung Eunho' activates ‘Improving Hidden Weapons Lv.2’!] As soon as the chopstick flew out of the window, a deafening roar shook the entire building. This was no ordinary sniping attempt. Someone had fired an anti-tank rocket at least equivalent to an RPG. Through the choking dust, as I barely opened my eyes, I saw the devastated scenery of the master bedroom. The frame of the damaged window dangled precariously, and the floor next to the window was completely wrecked. On the rooftop of the opposite building stood the sniper aiming at us. At the moment our eyes met, I saw him startle. It was a familiar face. "I was told by the Oldest Dreamer to watch that route for sector expansion. It's just that. I had no intention of harming you!" The sniper I had released from near Chungmuro before coming here. Unable to divulge information about us due to our [Existence Oath], he decided to try and kill us instead of returning to Seoul Station. It was a mistake. I shouldn't have let him go because of the uncertain [Existence Oath]. "Heewon, are you―" A red aura emanated from Jung Heewon as she dusted herself off and stood up. She was looking at her fallen brother. Jung Eunho lay collapsed, clutching his abdomen. I quickly tried to stanch Jung Eunho's bleeding while checking his wounds. The skin pierced by fragments was turning a dark red, as if laced with a poisonous bullet. [Character 'Jung Heewon' activates ‘Exorcism Lv.4’!] Like a roaring beast, Jung Heewon leapt downstairs. Shortly thereafter, screams erupted from the rooftop of the opposite building. “Aaagh―!” Her movements were completely different from when dealing with the children. Limbs were severed, and blood splattered as the man screamed like a madman. “Here, here! Kreaaagh!” He had already called for backup, it seemed, as a dozen beggars appeared at the apartment entrance. They seemed to have rushed over after receiving a [Group Chat]. Jung Heewon’s eyes burned red from the [Exorcism] effect as they snapped toward them. It was then that a hail of bullets suddenly flew in from somewhere. Rat-a-tat-tat! Accurately aimed at the beggars, it was suppressive fire. “Argh!” The beggars hit by the bullets panicked and slowly retreated, eventually sending a signal. “Retreat!” As the beggars, leading the dead, swiftly withdrew beyond the apartment, a unit of soldiers emerged from the path leading to the underground parking lot. “Cease fire!” Their faces were grimy, as if they had endured long months of camping and survival. Just then, Jung Heewon, having finished the sniper off, landed on the first floor of the apartment. At the moment when a fierce standoff between the soldiers and Jung Heewon was about to occur, a man who had been leading the soldiers at the forefront came forward. A man with a red flag tucked in his belt. “Isn't that… Heewon?” Upon seeing the man, Jung Heewon’s gaze softened a little. “Sergeant Kim?” * The soldiers were the few remaining forces led by Jung Heewon’s father, Jung Moonho. They had been carrying out guerrilla activities to rescue Jung Moonho, captured by the Beggar’s Union, and had been wandering near the apartment where Jung Heewon was. “You're alive. I’m truly relieved.” Sergeant Kim held Jung Heewon’s hand firmly with one hand, wiping his eyes several times. “I’m sorry. As for Warrant Officer Jung, he’s…." “I’ve heard roughly.” With a calm expression, Jung Heewon withdrew her hand and proceeded with her urgent questions. “How is Eunho?” Jung Eunho, struck by the sniper’s bullet, was still unconscious. I had quickly given him ‘Elaine's Forest Essence’ and applied a tonic, but the wound wasn’t something that could be healed with such measures. An infirmary soldier had been providing him with continuous magic, yet Jung Eunho’s complexion worsened with time. “I’m sorry. At this rate, he might not survive the day.” The infirmary soldier’s voice was filled with despair. I shared a similar sentiment. Such a wound required the aid of someone like Lee Seolhwa, a miracle doctor, or an exceptional elixir from the martial arts world. While it didn’t need to be something as potent as Shaolin’s Great Treasure Pill, we would need at least something as strong as the Evergreen Pill for recovery. [This item is out of stock.] Even at this critical time, there was no stock available. I searched through the 'Dokkaebi's Bundle' for other elixirs. For elixirs at the Evergreen Pill grade, there should be some decent products available. [This item is out of stock.] [This item is out of stock.] As if by some cruel agreement, everything was sold out. Upon reflection, even the original Kim Dokja seldom purchased elixirs through the 'Dokkaebi's Bundle.' Typically, these elixirs were acquired by Incarnations supported by Narrative Grade or higher Constellations. Inferior-grade elixirs would have already been purchased and consumed by Constellations wishing for their Incarnation's rapid growth. After scrolling endlessly through the purchase page, I managed to locate a lower-grade elixir. + * Maindan(魔人丹) - Stock 3 + Reading the description, it seemed to be a replica of the ‘Magic Soul Pill’, one of the top three elixirs of <First Murim>. --- ### Translation Details: #### 1. ‘Seolwon’ - '설원' - Directly refers to a skill or technique, the meaning of which can only be inferred as related to protection or tactical movements within the narrative context. #### 2. ‘Elaine's Forest Essence’ - '엘라인 숲의 정기' - Suggests a consumable item likely made from a mystical or nature-related source, indicative of rejuvenation or healing properties in this context. #### 3. 'Maindan(魔人丹)' - '마인단' - Translated as Maindan, reflecting its nature: a potentially inferior imitation of more potent martial arts world elixirs, namely the 'Magic Soul Pill'. "Maindan" retains the allure of mystical Eastern martial arts culture. ### Additional Context and Notes: - The prominence of martial arts and mystical elements like ‘Magic Soul Pill’ suggests traditional martial arts nuances within the world setting. - Juxtaposition of traditional warfare elements with martial art influences enriches the narrative complexity, portraying a fusion of advanced tactical and mystical combat abilities. ### Character and Contextual Revisions Needed: - No character revisions are recommended as identified gender and affiliations remain consistent. - Details like elixir trades indicate a socio-economic hierarchy, meriting potential expansion in future character narratives to explore resource scarcity dynamics in a post-apocalyptic setting. While the fact that it was a replica concerned me, the potential side effects akin to the real ‘Magic Soul Pill’ posed a greater worry. 「Take it recklessly, and you could face qi deviation, rupturing all the meridians in your body and dying.」 Yoo Joonghyuk once warned about this in the original 'ORV'. In other words, if administered incorrectly, Jung Eunho wouldn't be healed; instead, he would bleed out through his seven orifices and die. "There is no way unless we receive the blessing of the Constellations..." As the medic spoke, I gazed up at the sky. On any other day, the sky would be bustling with activity, but today, it was eerily silent. Damn, when Yoo Joonghyuk was around, the number of observing Constellations seemed abundant. Even if some Constellations were observing, it was clear they wouldn't assist this boy without having to ask. No Star would sacrifice probability for a boy unrelated to them. Jung Eunho didn't seem to have a patron either, which was the only plausible hope. "Inho, sir." "I'm contemplating." To save Jung Eunho, what was needed was an elixir at the ‘Evergreen Pill’ grade. If it couldn't be purchased through the ‘Dokkaebi's Bundle’ and we couldn't expect help from the Constellations, then visiting the <Murim> directly was the only option. However, the minimum condition to access <Murim> required clearing the tenth scenario and acquiring a 'Personal Scenario'. In other words, it was impossible no matter what I tried now. But... That <Murim> could possibly be closer than expected. "Hey, you guys." I called over to the kids trembling in the corner. "The story about a martial arts master in the Beggar’s Union, is it true?" "A martial arts master?" "You said they can fly in the sky and use martial arts?" "Ah! Yes, it's true!" After exchanging glances, the kids nodded their heads. Seeing this, Sergeant Kim, who had been listening, added. "It's true. There's a person like that." "Are you certain?" "I have fought them myself. Especially the beggar leader and his top three are monsters. They tear apart beasts with bare hands and crush tanks with their fists. Bullets don't even penetrate them. Our unit was destroyed by them." People who can tear monsters with their bare hands and are impervious to bullets. That truly qualified them as 'Murim people’ indeed, and at a high level. It was beyond comprehension why such people existed in this scenario... "They might know how to heal Eunho." "Let's go to them immediately." Jung Heewon spoke with an air of determination, one capable of wiping out <First Murim>. "We'll end up fighting if we go." "I'm going there to fight." Indeed, Jung Heewon was strong now. She was powerful enough to hunt a Grade 7 monster alone. However, the opponents weren't monsters, but humans and a group at that. "Heewon! You must not go. You'll die for sure. Chief Jung was captured the same way. They aren't human." Sergeant Kim, voiced filled with fear, warned. Jung Heewon frowned. "I can't just give up on Eunho. If no one goes, I'll go myself." Yes, that's Jung Heewon for you. But I couldn't let her go like that. "Let’s negotiate." "Negotiate?" "We hand over a hostage and get what we want." At the word hostage, the children's shoulders tensed. "Will they care about a hostage? They're just children." "At least one of them will matter." I looked toward the spotted boy crawling behind the kids. "You, over there. You’re the beggar leader's son, right?" I recalled Jung Eunho’s words. 「Despite appearances, that guy is the leader’s son and the one in charge here.」 The spotted boy trembled as he shouted. "No, I can't! If I go to my dad, I'll die. Please. Please." I knocked him out with a chop to the neck and slung him over my shoulder. Why he feared so much was unknown, but regardless. "Let's head to Seoul Station." Even if it wasn’t solely for Jung Heewon's brother, we needed to go to Seoul Station. [You have become the 'Representative' of the Nameless.] Beggar’s Union. The unknown group that seized control of the Seoul Station area as the scenario commenced. Given they don't appear in the 'absolute throne' conflict of ‘ORV’, they were likely annihilated battling other kings. By whom? That's uncertain. What is certain, however, is that [Your current target area is ‘Seoul Station’.] this 41st round won’t end much different from their previous defeat. --- ### Translation Details: #### 1. ‘Magic Soul Pill’ - '마혼단' - This term directly translates the essence of the original, emphasizing mystique and danger associated with its power, mirroring martial arts fantasy terminology. #### 2. ‘Evergreen Pill’ - '소환단' - The reference to a potent healing pill within martial arts lore, maintaining its original connotations and relevance. #### 3. ‘Dokkaebi's Bundle’ - '도깨비 보따리' - A mystical market or inventory concept consistent with stories involving trade of wondrous or magical items. #### Additional Context and Notes: - Martial arts knowledge and qi deviation touch on deeper themes within the martial arts genre, tying personal cultivation failure to fatal consequences. - Few existing elements might warrant reevaluation for potential dual interpretations or alternate timelines, adding depth to the current storytelling universe. ### Character and Contextual Revisions Needed: - Current terms and character contexts remain aligned, requiring no mid-narrative adjustments. - Exploration of the economic system within the narrative emphasizing resource accessibility could yield enriched understanding of power dynamics and plotlines. ### Wordplay and Puns: - The tale plays with the traditional martial arts narrative of miraculous yet dangerous trails of power, merging mystical and modern settings to highlight narrative clashes and growth.