Side Story: Episode 16-6 - Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint

Episode 16. The Butcher of Madness (6) The eyes of the Dokkaebi Lord were filled with confusion. The lingering echoes of the landscape that once enveloped him were still present. As he slowly blinked, a fragment of that echo brushed the tip of his nose. 「In the days when Murim was still thriving, Baekchung Sect Leader Kyrgios and the Dokkaebi Lord, Heavenly Beggar, met.」 Heavenly Beggar was defeated, swore revenge with clenched teeth but ultimately never met Kyrgios again. All he wanted was to fight Kyrgios once more in the Murim. However, Kyrgios transcended, vanishing into the distant sky, and he chose the path of a Constellation, abandoning most of his human emotions along the way. The 'story' I crafted was for that very reason. To resolve the unachievable wish of a star. To let him meet Kyrgios once more, in a place and form of his choosing. The Dokkaebi Lord slowly approached, aiming a broken bat at me. “Tell me, why did you show me this scene?” If he were to bring down that bat now, I wouldn't be able to dodge it. Jung Heewon, outside the duel arena, was seen reaching for her sword hilt. I discouraged her with a glance and then spoke to the Dokkaebi Lord. “You already know, don't you?” “Know what?” The Dokkaebi Lord looked at me blankly. “There was a story, and now it is over. That's all I have to say.” The bat pointing at me trembled faintly. [A Constellation, ‘The Last Hero of Hwangsanbeol’, is in deep thought.] [A Constellation, 'King Heungmu', lets out a faint sigh.] [A Constellation, ‘The Bald General’, quietly wipes his forehead.] His lips slowly parted. “I am……” [A Constellation, ‘Goryeo's First Sword’, desires the 'Last Ark' to show the dignity of a star.] The indirect message from the sky made the Dokkaebi Lord abruptly raise his head. His eyes, gazing at the sky, were full of deep resentment. “Dignity? Dignity, you say?” A voice filled with lamentation. Watching the Dokkaebi Lord, I recalled why he decided to descend to this earth. 「Why did the Last Ark, Heavenly Beggar, return to the lower scenario?」 Was it really just to revive his Beggar’s Union that he descended to the earth? Perhaps it might be. This naive star might have genuinely believed that by starting the scenario 'from the beginning', he could become stronger. Perhaps he's hoping to gain enough strength to challenge Kyrgios and the Breaking the Sky Sword Saint once more, by participating in this trial. 「“Paradox of White Purity and Breaking the Sky Sword Saint. One day, I will meet them again and surely gain their recognition.”」 But his story held contradictions. [A Constellation, ‘Maritime War God’, suggests being honest now.] [A Constellation, ‘Demon-Like Judge of Fire’, gently shakes their head.] Why did he try to start everything anew? If his purpose was just to meet Kyrgios and the Breaking the Sky Sword Saint for revenge, it could have been done while maintaining the dignity of a Constellation. “What do you know to spout such words? I am different from you. I am truly here, unlike you who watch from beyond the sky―” His roaming gaze stopped. Following his line of sight, I spotted a speckled boy near the duel arena. 「The ‘Ark’ before us is the vessel for the speckled boy’s father.」 [A Constellation, 'King Heungmu', argues that choosing a 'vessel' from the start was the mistake if one wanted to be honest.] [A minority of Constellations point out the contradictions of the Ark.] This time, the stars' words were right. If the Dokkaebi Lord truly had integrity, he should have been reborn as an ordinary Incarnation. In essence, he didn't 'truly' stake everything he had. The sparks jumping into the air now were proof of that. Tsutsutstut. He had briefly descended to earth but remained a spectator of this story. Just a passerby temporarily on stage for a brief incident. That spectator opened his mouth towards other spectators. “Fine, you’re right.” A soft rumble of thunder echoed across the far sky, and rain poured through the gaping hole in Seoul Station’s ceiling. As the tent started to wet, the canvas-covered massive stone beside the duel arena was unveiled. I immediately recognized what that stone was. 「Meteorite.」 That meteorite was likely responsible for creating the hole in Seoul Station's ceiling. The Dokkaebi Lord glanced at the meteorite briefly. That meteorite, which had suddenly dropped from the sky, resembled himself. The rain-soaked Dokkaebi Lord slowly lowered his head. “I simply ran away.” He knew it, I knew it, and the Constellations knew this one fact. He hadn’t come here for a noble cause or for grand revenge. He had merely fled from the narrative context of the constellations. He was a fallen star, despairing at the lofty heights of the sky he should have ascended. And yet, leaving one rope for himself to climb back to the sky. “I am…… just.” “You just wanted to witness the story like any other Constellation, didn't you?” The Dokkaebi Lord turned to look at me. “Merely a little closer.” He could have been scorned as cowardly. Criticized as pathetic, miserable, only running away from reality. Yet everyone dreams of vicarious satisfaction and catharsis. Just like Kim Dokja reading 'Ways of Survival' with Yoo Joonghyuk in it, and stars watching the constellations broadcast. Just like Great Sage Heaven's Equal, Uriel, and Abyssal Black Flame Dragon were inevitably drawn to Kim Dokja's story. Existence becomes someone else through stories time and again. For, one cannot survive this mad world otherwise. “Do you see the story clearly now?” Even those who wish to flee may lack the courage to do so. The reason some Constellations envied Heavenly Beggar was perhaps because, at least, he possessed the courage to run away. The Dokkaebi Lord, clutching his head as if dizzy, asked me. “Who exactly are you? What do you seek, doing this to me?” “What I want is.” What I want, I've already stated. The elixir at the summoning level and the purple flag he possesses. However, that’s not the answer he wishes to hear right now. [A Constellation, 'The Bald General', is waiting for your answer.] [A minority of Constellations are listening to your words.] The Constellations were watching me. Everyone is waiting for the punctuation mark of this story. I opened my mouth. “Chivalry(俠義).” [A Constellation, ‘Goryeo's First Sword’, sighs.] The Dokkaebi Lord’s eyes slowly widened. “I desire the chivalry of the Beggar’s Union, once part of the Nine Great Sects.” The noble chivalry(俠) paired with righteousness(義). A long-standing banner of the ancient Murim, a word no longer uttered by anyone. The Dokkaebi Lord’s lips twisted slightly. Was it ridiculous for me to speak such words drenched in rain? Or was it his own miserable state upon hearing them? The Dokkaebi Lord laughed low towards the empty air, then turned to me with sharp eyes. Yet the voice that followed seemed to lack its earlier vigor, as if resignation had washed over it. “Student of the Baekchung Sect.” Deep down, a tingling sensation lightly brushed near my heart. It was a feeling I hadn’t experienced in ages. 「Nobody here died, and we’ve come this far.」 The sensation was similar to writing an episode late into the night and finally seeing its end just ahead. The Dokkaebi Lord lightly sighed and spoke. “You said you wanted the elixir.” The beggars around us buzzed with excitement at his sudden declaration. The Dokkaebi Lord motioned them to silence and continued speaking. “And the flag as well.” I nodded. “Don’t you think it’s a bit excessive?” “This is a path where one cannot advance without desire.” “Arrogant brat. Remember this: your luck today was exceptionally good.” Mumbling thus, he moved to the edge of the duel arena, clutching the purple flag set there, and approached me. “Are you confident? Receiving this flag means taking responsibility for the ‘Beggar’s Union’ I established.” “……” “There are three hundred beggars here who follow me.” Following his gaze, I looked around slowly. The beggars surrounding the duel arena were watching us with eyes filled with fear and dread. Three hundred. More than the combined Incarnations that were at Chungmuro Station. “Are you ready to accept them as your dependents?” Honestly, I wasn’t confident. Even as a child, I had never been the class leader, not even once. But in order to become a 'king', one must inevitably have a group and grow a power base. I understand this is ultimately an assignment for me. “What I can do is merely imitate you to my fullest ability.” The Dokkaebi Lord cast a sharp gaze at me. “That won’t suffice.” “I am a disciple of the Baekchung Sect. Expect nothing more.” “How long will you―” The Dokkaebi Lord, who had been quietly observing me, sighed lightly and added. “If you truly were Kyrgios’ disciple, you would’ve perished a hundred times over by now.” Indeed. Claiming to be a disciple of the Baekchung Sect was a gamble from the start. But there was something I wanted to clarify at this point. “When you say to take in the ‘Beggar’s Union,’ do you mean including yourself?” It would be unparalleled strength if he joined my ranks. Even if he was a vessel of a great human-level Constellation, he was still possessing a ‘Constellation’ body. Earlier was a battle with no internal energy involved; somehow, I managed to endure. A true fight, however, would’ve left me down in less than thirty seconds. 「But is that fitting as the end of this 'episode'?」 I knew I shouldn’t say it. Nonetheless, I couldn’t keep silent. “I hope you return to your rightful place.” “……” “There still remains your spot up in the sky, doesn't it? You came here through possession, not reincarnation.” Ultimately, every story exists to return the reader to their original world. “I―” Just as he had read my story, I had also read the narratives of his. Not only those who lived grand narratives like Kyrgios or the Breaking the Sky Sword Saint, or even Yoo Joonghyuk, could claim to have lived 'the best life.' Even being kicked around, living a difficult narrative, the Dokkaebi Lord before me was a star of the sky. “You reached that height through your own efforts. Even if you lost the Beggar’s Union, Murim, and even your desire for revenge, the story you built to reach that place doesn’t become meaningless.” “Arrogant Incarnation brat. How dare you teach a Constellation?” Had I overstepped? Yet, the Dokkaebi Lord didn’t seem too furious. He observed me once before looking up at the sky again. [A Constellation, 'The Bald General', nods.] Then he spoke with a weary voice. “Take the flag already. And the elixir―” That’s when the air began sparking. Initially, I thought it was just a side effect of using the narrative plausibility of the vessel excessively. “Elixir.” The expression of the Dokkaebi Lord was strange. Instinctively, I stood up abruptly. 「Something’s wrong.」 Amid the pounding rain in my ears, an ominous presence opened its mouth. Reflexively raising my head, I saw a black portal swirling above Seoul Station. ‘Great Hole.’ But the fifth scenario hadn’t started yet, and only lower-grade monsters should be able to come through that ‘hole’. Therefore― 「I got it wrong. There was one more type that could come over.」 I reflexively looked at the meteorite dropped in the center of Seoul Station. A dreadful premonition pulsed in my mind. 「Where did the ‘Last Ark’ borrow the narrative plausibility of the vessel?」 If that meteorite— 「Who dares lend plausibility to a ‘Constellation’ like him?」 If that meteorite came from the ‘Otherworld’— Tsutsutsutsu! The dark crimson magic flowed out from the meteorite, entwining with the Dokkaebi Lord and the vessel. New Terms and Explanations: 1. 용두방주 (Dokkaebi Lord): Translated as "Dokkaebi Lord", refers to a major character who seems to be involved in the mystical or martial worlds. The term '방주' (Lord) implies a leader or chief among the Dokkaebi or spectral entities. 2. 구파일방 (Nine Great Sects): "Nine Great Sects" is a direct translation used to reference a major faction within the world, speaking to the heavy influence or historical significance of this grouping. 3. 영약 (Elixir): Translated directly to "Elixir," often considered a potion or medicinal remedy with mystical properties. 4. 성좌 (Constellation): In this narrative context, 'Constellation' refers to powerful celestial beings or entities that influence the realm or characters. 5. 개방 (Beggar’s Union): Translated as "Beggar’s Union," suggesting an organized group or guild within the narrative, likely with a focus on skills related to the Beggars. In this translation, understanding the hierarchy of the terms was crucial, especially distinguishing between the roles of human and less-than-human players in this celestial game. The Dokkaebi Lord, hovering a span above the ground, was speaking to me. “Do not meddle with the predetermined narrative.” Just the sound of that voice sent a chill down my spine. Whatever dwelt within was no longer the Dokkaebi Lord. His eyes, swallowed by darkness, revealed the presence of something else. “O, foolish Recorder of Worlds.” It wasn’t an incantation, yet just hearing that voice churned my stomach as if ready to flip it. I realized who was speaking at that moment. 'A deity from the Otherworld.' In retrospect, it was obvious. No matter how much one lowered their own dignity, for a ‘Constellation’ to possess a vessel in an early scenario was a grave matter. I anticipated something like this might occur. Turning around, I saw Jung Heewon running towards me. Behind her was Jeong Munho, carrying his younger brother Jeong Eunho on his back. 「What was the original fate of this ‘story’?」 From the Dokkaebi Lord’s body, a pitch-black narrative seemed to seep out, threatening to engulf the entire duel arena. “Such a story.” The darkened ground beneath simmered as if it would consume me whole. “We do not permit.” [A Constellation, ‘Maritime War God’, warns you of danger!] [A Constellation, ‘Goryeo's First Sword’, shouts!] [A Constellation, ‘The Bald General’ ...] …… [A Constellation, ‘The Last Ark’, conveys regret towards you.] Ignoring the Constellations’ messages, I dashed forward. Danger or not, now was the only chance. If my fortune was truly to die, the snowfall should have already activated its effect. [Activating exclusive skill ‘Incite Lv.6’!] Casting Incite twice in succession felt like my muscles were tearing apart from the strain. My eyes were bloodshot, and a squeezing pain emanated from my heart. Still, I did not falter. [‘Contemplation of Almost Everything’ mimics ‘Broken Faith(Large-scale Assembly Ver.)’!] ‘Contemplation’ changed into ‘Broken Faith’. [Activating exclusive skill, ‘White Azure Gang Qi Lv.1’!] The [White Azure Gang Qi] learned from Young Literature Girl64 triggered the special option of ‘Broken Faith’. [‘Blade of Conviction’ activates!] The strongest anti-personnel weapon I could wield at the moment. 「The force controlling the Dokkaebi Lord’s body now emanates from that ‘meteorite’.」 If I eliminate the meteorite, the Dokkaebi Lord will no longer have power. “It is useless.” The reformed body of the Dokkaebi Lord blocked my path as if it had been waiting. Without hesitation, I swung my sword. Boom! My greatest attack was abruptly stopped by the Dokkaebi Lord’s gesture. I had expected this. Even with the combination of [White Azure Gang Qi] and ‘Broken Faith’, the current enemy was a deranged monster with the soul of a Constellation intertwined with the divine protection of an Otherworldly deity. Tsutsutsutsu! As long as it could withstand that narrative power, fighting it would be challenging, even for Yoo Joonghyuk. But I smiled. “It may be useless, but.” Because my mission was already accomplished. [You have acquired the ‘Seoul Station Group’s flag’.] From the beginning, my objective wasn’t to eliminate the meteorite. [Your ‘White Flag’ absorbs the cumulative achievements of the ‘Purple Flag’.] [Your ‘White Flag’ evolves into the ‘Purple Flag’.] My real goal was picking up the ‘flag’ that had fallen to the ground. [You gain control over the Seoul Station Group thanks to the Purple Flag's effect.] I had always been curious. Would a deity from the ‘Otherworld’ surpass the strength, or would the narrative plausibility of this world’s ‘system’ prove stronger? The Dokkaebi Lord’s eyes widened as they gazed at me. With a broad grin plastered on my face, I addressed the creature. “Submit, damn it.” [Using ‘Punishment’.] New Terms and Explanations: 1. 이계의 신격 (Otherworldly Deity): Translated to "deity from the Otherworld," this represents a powerful being from a realm outside the narrative's world, posing a significant threat or influence. 2. 정문호 원사 (Jeong Munho and Jeong Eunho): Names do not need translation, but indicate that Jeong Munho is an older sibling taking care of Jeong Eunho. 3. 흰색 깃발 (White Flag) and 보라색 깃발 (Purple Flag): These terms referred to items or statuses influencing control and allegiance, evolving as the narrative progresses. 4. 용두방주 (Dokkaebi Lord): Further context implies their position or role involves deep mystical or supernatural ties, often linked to narrative disruptions. 5. 선동 (Incite): Refers to a skill that boosts courage or mass influence, used as a combat or strategic maneuver. In this portion, narrative twists highlight the significance of power, symbolism, and the evolving control dynamic demonstrated through flag acquisition. Understanding the philosophical undercurrent emphasized the conflict between divine power and narrative rule.