Side Story: Episode 16-2 - Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint

### Episode 16. The Butcher of Madness (2) Having come this far, it was inevitable that one had to meet with the Beggar's Union's Ark. Our goal was to find the cure for Jeong Eun-ho. If this place truly was the Murim's 'Beggar's Union,' even if it had fallen into decline, there should still be a few valuable elixirs available. Jung Heewon spoke up. "Let's go together." "I’ll go alone for now. Please take care of Eun-ho in the meantime." "If anything happens, shout immediately. Understand?" I nodded in agreement. Normally, I would have taken Jung Heewon along with me. However, this time was different. That’s because I am now a ‘disciple of the Baekchung Sect,’ and as a disciple of Kyrgios, I shouldn’t be intimidated by a mere Beggar's Union. In other words, I needed no escort. "I'll just take this one with me." I gestured towards the spotted young boy, who was our hostage. He had resigned to his situation and was now compliant. "Head straight over there." At the instructions of the Beggar's Union member, I began walking towards the waiting area. The spotted young boy, slung across my back, opened his mouth as we moved. "Mister." "Yeah." "Taking me is pointless. Someone like me has no value as a hostage." I halted for a moment, then set the boy down and untied the knots on his hands and feet. The surprised boy looked up at me. "You're setting me free?" I replied with a grin. "You said you're worthless as a hostage, right?" "Am I supposed to run away now?" "Is that what you want?" The spotted boy dropped his head low. He knew, as did I, that in this world, there was nowhere for children to escape to. The scenario was hell everywhere. All this boy, lacking substantial capability, could do was use his youthful appearance to set traps. "So, your dad, he suddenly changed?" The boy flinched in surprise, raising his head. "How exactly did he change? Tell me." "Just... he suddenly became a completely different person." "Did his appearance change?" "His appearance remained the same. The same homeless look he always had." The boy hesitated as he continued to speak. "Though my dad was homeless, he wasn't a bad person. Even after losing his business and declaring bankruptcy, losing everything, he never hurt anyone." As we neared the waiting area, the spotted boy began stuttering more. "It all changed after he touched that strange stone. Everything changed...." A strange stone? Not long after, the vast waiting area of Seoul Station, hidden behind a massive cloth, came into view. It looked as if a relief camp had been set up right at the heart of Seoul Station. Inside there, the Ark of the Beggar's Union awaited. I entered the tent alongside the trembling spotted boy. In the center of the tent, a massive stone stood upright on the floor, with broken tables and chairs from the waiting area scattered below it. The Ark was seated in one of those chairs, sipping tea, seemingly savoring the moment amidst the catastrophe. Without acknowledging my presence in the tent, he continued sipping his tea and commented. "There’s something off about the Dragon Well Tea here." The four beggars guarding by his side solemnly bowed their heads. "The Dragon Well(龍井) I remember doesn't taste like this." "We apologize. It was the best we could find in this place." "Can't be helped." The Ark took another sip of his tea. "The Murim we once knew is gone; naturally, the fragrance of the Dragon Well has changed as well." It felt as if I had walked straight into a scene from a martial arts novel. The place and time were unmistakably different. This wasn’t anything like the Central Plains or the Murim. Yet, the moment he spoke, this place transformed into the Murim. No matter where he was, he had the ability to transform the surrounding landscape with his words. "Don't just stand there. Come over and have a seat. Welcome to the Beggar's Union." This was indeed the 'Beggar's Union.' I felt a newfound conviction. "Excuse me," I said. I calmly took a seat opposite the Ark. Once I was seated, the Ark, having sipped another mouthful of tea, asked. "Why did you bring the boy?" Caught in the gaze, the spotted boy shivered. I lightly patted the boy’s shoulder and replied. "Oh, he’s a hostage." "A hostage?" No matter how I looked, it didn't seem as if he was looking at his own child. I added another remark. "Seems you have a brave son." Only then did the Ark's gaze shift. The Ark, who had been carefully observing the spotted boy, spoke. "All children of the Beggar's Union are brave. Even if they have lost their parents and must beg on the streets for food, they know how to fend for themselves." "……." "I'm not sure what you expected, but I don't intend to treat him any differently just because he's my son. Once they are in the Beggar's Union, the division between children and adults is meaningless. Here, we are simply beggars living under the same sky." With my hand still resting on the boy’s shoulder, I said. "A beggar is still a child and an adult is still an adult." "From the universe’s perspective, there’s barely any difference between the two." It sounded profound. But it was not something you could say from a 'human' perspective. "It might be that way from the perspective of the stars." The spotted boy noted. He said his father had turned into a 'different person.' [Activating personal skill, "Character List"!] + <Character Information> Name: Myung Se-woon Age: 44 Sponsor Constellation: The Last Leader Unique Trait: Homeless (General), Murim Person (Rare) Exclusive Skills: [Camping Lv.3], [Fishing Lv.3], [Begging Lv.3]... Stigmata: [Crane Fan Technique Lv.3]... Overall Stats: [Stamina Lv.25], [Strength Lv.25], [Agility Lv.25], [Magic Lv.25] Overall Evaluation: This individual is acting as a proxy of the distinguished Constellation 'The Last Leader.' + A decent incarnation with notable overall stats. However, the concerning aspect wasn’t the stats, but rather the overall evaluation. "Acting as a proxy for a constellation." Was it a kind of 'possession'? But is that even possible? --- ### Definitions: - **개방 방주**: Translated as "Beggar's Union's Ark." It refers to the leader of the Beggar's Union, a prominent organization in the Murim world. ### Additional Context: - The scene presents a mix of contemporary and fantastical elements, with Seoul Station being depicted as a gathering point for a martial arts union, highlighting the collision of worlds. - The narrative features a satirical undertone, reflecting how even the fantastical martial arts world grapples with modern challenges, suggesting a sense of irony. ### Suggested Changes: - None needed for current information. All translations and explanations align with provided context. From the very start, a being of constellation level couldn’t possibly possess an incarnation early in the scenario. I tentatively broached the topic. "Why is a constellation here? The Ark of Dragons, Heavenly Beggar. This place is not the Murim." The Constellation, ‘The Last Leader.’ If the records of the ‘Ways of Survival’ are correct, after the Beggar's Union was defeated by Kyrgios and the Breaking the Sky Sword Saint in both the <Second Murim> and the <Third Murim>, they were expelled from the Murim. That ‘Last Leader’ must be referring to the final ‘Ark of the Dragon’ of the Beggar’s Union. In other words, the one controlling this incarnation before me is... 「The Leader of the Beggar's Union who has become a Constellation.」 The Ark slowly opened his mouth. "An interesting young man. You've figured that much out already." The moment the Ark set his teacup down, the atmosphere around him transformed. Instinctively, I knew. The pressure emanating from this Ark was at least equivalent to a ‘Level 6 Beast-class Entity.’ Even Jung Heewon would find it hard to match this strength. "Indeed, I am the Ark of Dragons, Heavenly Beggar." Was it an illusion? With his declaration, I almost thought I saw the banner of the Beggar’s Union behind him. That must be his narrative tale. The Beggar’s Union, a prestigious sect of Murim that has withstood a thousand years. I saw the flag fluttering behind him. A purple flag. The flags in the ‘Flag Occupation War’ ranged from white, advancing through red, blue, and brown, to finally end with black. Yet, before my eyes, the Ark had already obtained a ‘purple flag’ soon after the scenario began. I dare say all the representatives around Seoul Station have met their fates at his hands. His growth was terrifying enough to make even Yoo Joonghyuk wary. I was sincerely curious. If this man appeared in the main storyline of ‘Ways of Survival,’ under whose hand did he meet his end? I calmly continued. "I don't understand. Why would a being of such great stature dabble in the trifling tasks of incarnations?" In truth, the very notion of a constellation possessing an avatar in these early scenario stages didn’t make sense. The scenario’s logic shouldn’t permit such an event. "A ‘great’ star, you say. You seem to know a great deal about constellations." Heavenly Beggar laughed. "Could it be that you, too, are one who knows the future?" Instantly, I hesitated. Thinking back, they did say that Jeong Mun-ho had been captured and spoke of many things. "He spoke some rather amusing tales. That this world is truly within a story, and we are all characters within that narrative." Come on, how much did you babble, Dokja? "I found it an intriguing metaphor. I have often thought similar things myself." Thankfully, the venerable Ark of the Beggar's Union seemed to consider the reality as nothing more than metaphor. "If this were truly a tale, how would my ‘Beggar's Union’ be remembered? Has the history of the ‘Beggar's Union’ come to an end? Will it linger as a mere memory of a destitute hideout among the people?" His voice was steeped in profound regret. The faint aroma rising from the half-empty teacup of Dragon Well Tea had faded so much that it was hard to discern what sort of leaves were used. "I merely seized the opportunity. An opportunity to start anew, to ignite a narrative once more and engrave the Beggar’s Union in this <Star Stream> again." An opportunity was given. By whom? Who could possibly endow the coherence for a constellation-grade being to intervene so early in the scenario? I don’t know. The only thing I know is that this lunatic beggar must be stopped. "If that’s the case, you’ve come to the wrong place. You ought to resolve such matters in the Murim. Why come to a lower scenario to cause chaos?" "I, too, have relinquished much in exchange for this. Can you perceive the presence of a constellation’s aura in me now?" Now that he mentioned it, it was odd. Though unquestionably strong, the Ark of Beggar's Union did not exude an aura comparable to that of a constellation. Had he truly been of constellation level, I would have been crippled by the sheer narrative force upon our encounter. "Let’s move to the main topic. I’ve heard you're a disciple of the Baekchung Sect." The Ark's gaze cooled. Instinctively, I knew. This conversation was entering its critical phase. “Can you prove it?” Naturally, I wasn’t a real disciple of the Baekchung Sect, so I lacked any token or sacred artifact to prove it. But. [Activating personal skill, ‘Instigation Lv.5’!] Fortunately, I know a true ‘disciple of the Baekchung Sect.’ 「I am Kim Dokja.」 In that moment, it was as if I truly became a disciple of the Baekchung Sect. Nothing seemed frightening. The smallest can be the greatest. And I wanted to give Yoo Joonghyuk a good whack on the head. Sensing my aura, the beggars behind the Ark's rank shifted uneasily. The final touch was the [White Azure Gang Qi] transferred to me by Literature Girl64. [Activating personal skill, ‘White Azure Gang Qi Lv.1’!] The Ark’s eyes widened upon sensing the bluish magic flowing from my body. “So, you truly are a disciple of the Paradox.” Even the beggars guarding him stirred in disbelief. “To think a genuine disciple would actually appear here… Do you understand its significance?” An ominous tension filled the air. I grinned. “I do. And I’m aware your antics have caused harm to someone I know.” “And so?” Was it right to say this? Yet, my mouth was beyond my control. Because now, I was truly ‘Kim Dokja.’ “Present the Elixir Pellet (小還丹).” [The Prisoner of the Golden Headband is astonished by your audacity.] The living mouthpiece of ORV, Kim Dokja. “Elixir Pellet? Why come to the Beggar’s Union for Shaolin's elixir?” “If you don’t have the Elixir Pellet, then the Small Rejuvenation Pill or whatever you have is fine. Just give me some remedy to heal internal injuries. Surely, the true Beggar’s Union has something like that?” The Ark seemed dumbfounded by my words. “Is that your business?” “No, there’s one more thing.” I wished I could silence myself. Standing before me was a crazy beggar infused with constellational power, and if I kept prattling, my head might burst. Yet my tongue would not be restrained. “Hand over that banner as well.” --- ### Additional Context: - **용두방주(龍頭方舟/용두방주 천개)**: Translated as "Ark of Dragons, Heavenly Beggar." In the Murim world, this title signifies a significant leader of the Beggar's Union, but here implies someone who has achieved an elevated status, akin to a mythical leader or hero. ### Explanation: - **용두(龍頭)**: Literally "Dragon Head," symbolic of someone of foremost leadership within an organization, in this case, the Beggar's Union, hence "Ark of Dragons." - **깃발(旗手)**: The 'flag' mentioned in the context refers to a game or symbol of achievement within the scenario. The different colors represent different achievement levels or statuses. - **소환단/자소단**: Translated as "Elixir Pellet" and "Small Rejuvenation Pill," respectively. These terms refer to healing medicines in the context, similar to the tonic or pills used for recovery in martial arts narratives. ### Suggested Changes: - None currently needed, as they fit seamlessly into the provided context and narrative style. Because I was now the crazy Kim Dokja. "If not, my master will personally pay a visit next time." [The Intriguing Schemer nods in satisfaction.] --- ### Additional Context: - **사부님 (Master)**: Refers to Kim Dokja's Master, who is implied to be very powerful, thus serving as a threat to intimidate the Ark of the Beggar's Union. - **미친 김독자 (Crazy Kim Dokja)**: This phrase signifies Kim Dokja's audacity or boldness, which is often remarked upon in the story. Here, it highlights his fearless approach in dealing with significant figures. ### Explanation: - **음험한 책략가 (Intriguing Schemer)**: This is a constellational title, reflecting a character who appreciates cleverness or intricate strategies. The intrigue implies approval of Kim Dokja's clever threat, which maintains the narrative's thematic tension. ### Suggested Changes: - Based on the narrative context, align 'Crazy Kim Dokja' with his bold character, capturing his unique narrative voice and wit throughout the scenes, consistently adding depth to his interactions with powerful figures.