Side Story: Episode 16-7 - Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint

**Episode 16: The Butcher of Madness (7)** Punishment. A power that the leader of a group can wield over their members. ["Punishment" is influenced by the rank of your flag.] [Your current flag rank is "Purple."] The higher the rank of the flag, the greater the power of Punishment. Perhaps the Ark had foreseen this turn of events and had given me the flag in advance. Right now, the "System" is my sole weapon against them. Zzzt zzzt zzzt! At the moment of Punishment's activation, a brilliant white electric current surged through the entirety of the Ark's body. “What, what, what the...?” The Ark, eyes wide open, trembled in agony. A rasping metallic sound escaped his struggling lips. “Sa! Geol!” Simultaneously, four beggars beside him brandished their cudgels. But I neither flinched nor hesitated. "It seems you misunderstand something." [Using 'Punishment'.] "They're now my 'people' as well." As the electric currents lashed out, the beggars who were rushing toward me collapsed to their knees. Some even dropped their cudgels, writhing from the intense pain. “Argh, ah, ahh.” Yet the Ark, though struggling, did not kneel, glaring at me with defiance. Taking a steady breath, I employed 'Punishment' once more. [Increasing the intensity of 'Punishment'!] As the purple flag absorbed my mana, more powerful electric currents engulfed the Ark's body. Finally, the Ark's knees gave way. [Constellation, 'Maritime War God' is impressed by your wit!] It was only natural. This world was never a favorable place for the "Divine Creatures from Beyond." They were beings forsaken by the "Scenario," and this was the world of scenarios. A world with a set narrative, roles, and protagonists. Like supporting characters no longer needed, this world rejected the "Divine Creatures from Beyond." [Constellation, 'Youngwu the Great' commands you to administer harsher punishment.] [Constellation, 'Bald General of Justice' yells on how dare otherworldly scum behave so arrogantly.] [Constellation, 'Lazy Dragon' says they need a taste of humility.] [Constellation, 'Abyssal Black Flame Dragon' smirks.] Seeing their reactions, I let out a wry smile. When true terrifying "Divine Creatures from the Beyond" descended from realms like the "Abyss," none of them assisted Kim Dokja. Thus, it meant that the "Divine Creature from Beyond" before me was not a higher being like "The Nameless Mist." When an ancient being, a "Dream Eater," descended in 'ORV,' the entire Abyss was almost obliterated. But this creature did not possess such overwhelming presence. Likely a lesser species akin to the "Nameless Ones," possessing a status similar to or lower than a Constellation. Even at that level, it posed a significant threat to me. I addressed the divine being within the Ark. "What are you? What brings you here?" Typically, "Divine Creatures from the Beyond" were entities beyond conversation. Hearing their voice would drive ordinary mortals into madness and terror. However, this one was different. Coexisting within a human body alongside a Constellation's soul allowed vocal communication. The next moment, it spoke. "We are." With a retching sound, vomit erupted from the Ark’s mouth, and black veins protruded across his body. I urgently pressed. "Earlier, you called me ‘Recorder of the World.’ What do you mean by that?” Raising his head, he articulated, albeit strugglingly, word by word. “Re-corder.” The veins now reached his lips, hinting at his difficulty and fatigue. “Recorders of Fear.” A chill ran down my arm. The Recorders of Fear. Indeed, there were such beings mentioned in 'ORV.' 「Recorders of Fear. The first humans to encounter divine entities from beyond, disseminators of their presence.」 However, their precise identity and nature were never described. “They smell similar to them.” “Be more specific. Who exactly are the ‘Recorders of Fear’?” But instead of answering, he simply stared back at me. Somewhere, a small bird seemed to chirp. 「Save us save us save us save us」 「We are innocent we are innocent we are innocent」 「Don’t forget don’t forget don’t forget」 From far beyond the universe, a sound echoed from the "Great Hall." Looking at me with pleading eyes, the Ark spoke again. “O Recorder.” 「Write for us write for us write for us」 “Forgive us.” His tone, as if seeking forgiveness, caught me off guard. With the anguished cries of Narrative Grade entities echoing in my mind, I momentarily softened and lowered the intensity of 'Punishment.' "Ark. Pull yourself together. Are you willing to let these otherworldly entities possess your body?" Had I continued the harsh punishment, the Ark's vessel might not have withstood it. This young boy would lose his father. Perhaps hearing my words, the Ark’s eyes seemed to regain their focus. “Punishment.” Yet the Ark could not continue further. I couldn't discern if he meant to strengthen or weaken the punishment. His pupils were swallowed in darkness, and as he knelt, his hands touched the ground. A chilling sensation crawled up my spine. I shouted as I looked behind. “Everyone, cover your ears!” 【 Martial Arts Martial Arts Martial Arts Martial Arts Martial Arts Martial Arts Martial Arts】 The beggars nearby spewed fountains of blood from their orifices and collapsed. I, too, staggered and fell to my knees. [Exclusive Skill, 'Three Ways To Survive in a Ruined World' activates strongly!] If not for the activation of 'Ways of Survival,' I would have ended up like them as well. --- **Translation Notes:** 1. **Ark (방주)** - Translated literally as "Ark," referring to a person named "Ark" in this world. 2. **Divine Creatures from Beyond (이계의 신격)** - Literal translation is "Divine Coming Creatures," referring to entities from other dimensions or worlds. 3. **Recorders of Fear (공포의 기록자)** - "Recorders of Fear," referring to entities that document fear associated with otherworldly beings. 4. **"Sa! Geol!" (사! 걸!)** - The utterance is left as is due to its fragmented and mysterious nature. 5. **Three Ways To Survive in a Ruined World (멸망한 세계에서 살아남는 세 가지 방법)** - This is the English translation of the in-universe skill. The narrative emphasizes the concept of power hierarchies and the reliance on systems, painting a futuristic scenario of influence and control through ranks and scenarios. It also explores themes of existential dread stemming from encounters with entities beyond mortal comprehension, similar to Lovecraftian horror. The translation captures the tension and atmospheric dread pervasive throughout the passage. **Yoo Joonghyuk knew. That there was only one way to withstand the spiritual shock upon confronting the 'Divine Creatures from Beyond'.** **To believe solely in the narrative one holds.** I had no narrative. **Yoo Joonghyuk contemplated.** Yet, there was the story of the 'Ways of Survival'. **‘I am a Regressor, and my time is infinite. I will grow infinitely strong, and thus, the day when I surpass that creature shall inevitably arrive. A predetermined future is a fact. Therefore, I am already stronger than that creature.'** Listening to Yoo Joonghyuk's peculiar logic was grueling, but thanks to the "Ways of Survival," I managed to maintain my sanity. Fortunately, the mantra of the 'Divine Creature from Beyond' did not persist. Instead, the shadows spread across the ground began to exude an ominous aura. ["Worldview Invasion" is occurring.] Worldview Invasion? [Entities from a different world rise from the darkness.] Bizarre creatures began crawling out from the ground. My heart skipped a beat. **‘If a monster like the 'Nameless Ones' emerges here, we are doomed.’** Luckily, what emerged from the shadows were not the 'Nameless Ones'. The 'Nameless Ones' rampage across the earth doesn't occur until much later, around the nineties scenarios. Currently, Earth is merely in the fourth scenario. Then what are those? Scents of ancient books and the fragrance of greenery and soil from deep mountains permeated the air. A sudden realization dawned upon me. After the fourth scenario, 'Flag Scuffle', the fifth scenario's opening heralds the invasion of the "Worldview of Clonoth." But those creatures clearly weren't from the "Worldview of Clonoth." [Grade-8 Parahuman Species, 'Jiangshi' rise from the darkness.] “Ugh, aaaah!” Beggars screamed and swung their cudgels in distress. Jung Heewon, Jung Munho, and Sergeant Kim also bellowed in defense of their comrades. I saw several Jiangshi turn their gaze toward me. Understanding the situation was difficult. I understood that a "Worldview Invasion" had begun. But why were the Jiangshi emerging? [Grade-7 Parahuman Species, 'Iron Jiangshi' displays hostility towards you!] Avoiding the Iron Jiangshi’s visceral attack, I recalled information regarding 'Worldview Invasion'. **‘The fifth scenario is a battle between worlds. Humanity fights against invading otherworldly realms. While Seoul succumbs to Clonoth’s influence, China faces the 'Third Murim Realm's invasion, with Japan battling the 'Hyakki Yako Realm' (백요계).’** The Third Murim Realm. Suddenly, everything seemed connected. The unexpected appearance of the Murim-based Ark and the Beggar’s Union in South Korea indicated a cohesive plot. **‘The Third Murim Realm is the worldview the Ark and Cheon Ga, along with the beggar clan, fled from.’** Thus, the 'Meteor of the Otherworlds' seen before me was... **‘A meteor that should have crashed in China originally.’** The realization elicited a reluctant sigh. Which damn dokkaebi bungled the job so badly— —Hey, are you still alive? Bihyung's voice. A flustered dokkaebi gasped as he spoke from the void. —Damn, a low-tier dokkaebi botched the setup of the meteor's landing point. Can you manage it? I comprehended the situation remarkably well. 'I have no issues.' —Really? I nodded confidently. Having come this far, it would be a greater issue if the Content Management Bureau suddenly intervened and snatched away the rewards. 'Just ensure the rewards are well-prepared.' In fact, this is an opportunity. Deprived of elixirs from the Ark, dismantling the 'Divinity' might prompt the Bureau to reward me correspondingly. Though one problem remained. “Ga ga ga kak ga ga gaga...” To stop this catastrophe, the deranged Ark would have to die. [Grade-7 Parahuman Species, 'Iron Jiangshi' roars at you!] The Iron Jiangshi’s claws barely grazed my coat. Regrettably, in my current state, I couldn’t defeat multiple Grade-7 entities. Yet, they were Jiangshi, and I had the perfect holy artifact for them. Summoning the ‘Damaged Staff of Monk Samyeong’ through 'Reverie,' I infused it with my mana. [‘Damaged Staff of Monk Samyeong’ demonstrates potent antimal capabilities!] This staff, the peninsula's most formidable 'anti-magic' relic, bore perfect counter attributes against Jiangshi—a type of demonic entity. [Grade-7 Parahuman Species, 'Iron Jiangshi' retreats in fear.] Not missing the opportunity, I pushed past the Jiangshi. [Activating 'Punishment' at maximum efficiency!] Graaaaaah! With the System's power assaulting the “Divine Creature from Beyond,” the encroaching darkness of Worldview Invasion quickly receded. "Just die already, you bastard!" I swung the staff at the creature. Of course, I didn’t intend to kill it. Killing the vessel housing the entity would mean the spotted boy would lose his father too. The critical aspect was making the gesture. At least conveying that I would definitively end this menace. [The entity within the incarnation, ‘Myung Se-woon,’ simultaneously releases its hold!] As expected. Before the staff made contact, the 'Divine Creature from Beyond' transformed into a pale spirit form and escaped the vessel. It circled the ceiling of Seoul Station briefly before lunging toward a new host. **‘Want you want you want you want you want you’** I knew precisely where it was headed. **‘Record it record it record it record it record it’** It was aiming directly at me. Zzzt zzzt zzzt zzzt! As the divine energy struck my crown, the world abruptly plunged into darkness. Though I'd never felt this sensation before, I knew the exact phrase to describe it. **‘It was akin to when Kim Dokja was devoured by the "Dream Eater" in the "Abyss".’** As I began to open my eyes, I found myself in a soul-like state. What lay before me was a pristine snowfield. **【You foolish Recorder】** This was my 'Inner World.' **【Ga ga ga ga ga ga ga】** --- **Translation Notes:** 1. **Myung Se-woon (명세운)** - A male character referenced as an incarnation in the scenario. 2. **Jiangshi (강시)** - Translated as "Jiangshi," referring to the Chinese hopping vampire or zombie-like creature. 3. **Iron Jiangshi (철강시)** - "Iron Jiangshi," a stronger or more resilient form of Jiangshi. 4. **Murim (무림)** - Literal translation as "Martial World," a fictional universe featuring martial arts and related entities. 5. **Hyakki Yako Realm (백요계)** - "Hyakki Yako Realm," referring to a Japanese folklore setting featuring a parade of supernatural creatures and phenomena. 6. **Third Murim Realm (제3 무림계)** - "Third Murim Realm," suggesting a specific martial arts world within the overarching Murim concept. 7. **Clonoth (클로노스)** - A fictional world or universe utilized in the narrative. The translation maintains the tension, action, and otherworldly atmosphere present in the original text. It delves into narrative themes of mistaken identities, collision of worlds, and the challenges of confronting entities beyond comprehension. Turning towards the eerie laughter, I saw the intruder that had penetrated my world. A cephalopod creature, standing about ten meters tall. It appeared to be its true form. Though smaller than the "Dream Eater" that Kim Dokja had faced, it seemed this entity wasn't an ordinary one, having contracted with a Constellation. [Constellation, 'Maritime War God' inquires what on earth is happening.] [Constellation, 'Goryeo's First Sword' remarks that a foreign monstrosity seems to have taken over that incarnation's body.] [Constellation, 'Bald General of Justice' sponsors you with 100 coins, asking if you are alright.] The messages from the stars, unable to peer within me, echoed around. [Constellation, 'Demon-Like Judge of Fire' worries for your safety.] [Constellation, 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband' urges the Bureau to transmit the footage.] It's a pity I can't showcase the scenery here to those stars. Yet perhaps one among them can witness this same view. "Ark." [Constellation, 'The Last Ark' observes your battle.] I assumed as much. Being in a contract with the 'Divine Creature from Beyond,' Yongdu Ark Cheon Ga might indeed be watching this story unfold. "I will now show you the story you desire." This is a tale for an audience of one. [Activating exclusive skill, 'Incite Lv.6'!] In the outside reality, I had used [Incite] to impersonate Kyrgios. However, lacking mana and proficiency in martial arts, what the Ark and Constellations witnessed was merely a flimsy mirage, relying on their own memories. But in this place, things were different. [Penalty for this skill in the current area is temporarily lifted!] Within this realm, physical fatigue and the constraints of narrative causality are nearly nonexistent. [Entering the "Snowfield."] [Describe your actions yourself.] [Consume 5 points of causality.] This space is a pristine blank slate. The sole governing force here is imagination. "The writer Lee Hak Hyun began to weave words." Just like when battling Han Sooyoung. [Constellation, 'The Last Ark' sighs deeply.] With my entire being filled with the power of [White Azure Gang Qi], I blinked slowly, feeling the pervasive energy of [Complete Unity] that brightly lit my surroundings. Infused with mana, my hair turned a sky-blue hue and danced with the breeze. "The White Azure Paradox, Kyrgios Rodgraim was present there." Realizing something was amiss, the 'Divine Creature from Beyond' hesitated before hastily retreating. 【Ga ga gak ga ga gak ga ga gak】 White Azure(白靑). An impeccable word for Kyrgios, it blossomed as a myth within my grasp. Kyrgios's exclusive weapon. "Paradox of White Purity." As I chuckled, the purity chuckled back. "Begone, creature of the other world." Too swift for the eyes to follow. Wave after wave of lightning, born from the tip of the blade, incinerated the fleeing 'Divine Creature from Beyond,' slicing it in two. --- **Translation Notes:** 1. **White Azure Gang Qi [백청강기]** - Translated literally as "White Azure Gang Qi." "White and azure" often symbolically describe something pure and serene, fitting the energy depicted. 2. **Complete Unity [전인화]** - "Complete Unity" denoting a state of achieved harmony and complete transformation, which resonates the depicted overwhelming power. 3. **Snowfield (설원)** - "Snowfield" remains literal, representing an expansive blank canvas that is both literal and metaphorical for the narrative space. This passage emphasizes the imaginative and almost surreal quality of the narrative space, where physical limitations are removed, enabling powerful narrative spells. The contrast between the grounded outside world and the boundless potential within the "Snowfield" is highlighted.