Side Story: Episode 16-8 - Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint

Episode 16: The Butcher of Madness (8) The divine entity from another realm, struck by a bolt of electricity, groaned as it scattered fragments of its narrative. With the context to support them vanished, the narrative fragments broke apart piecemeal into mere words and then dissipated into consonants and vowels. [Constellation, 'The Last Ark', has achieved their long-cherished ambition.] [Constellation, 'The Last Ark', is liberated from the contract with the divine entity of the other realm.] As expected, the ark was indeed bound by a contract with the divine entity. [Constellation, 'The Last Ark', expresses gratitude to you.] [Constellation, 'The Last Ark', bestows upon you his narrative.] I was taken aback. Even so, to bestow his narrative already? Yet, there was no leisure to check what narrative I had received. 【Ga... Gak... Ga... A... No... Ah...】 The divine entity of the other realm, not fully dissipated, dragged its half-remaining torso while wailing. 【You mustn't... . . . ■■ . . ■■ . . . will be angry.】 Anyway, it had to end. I prepared once more to activate [Whole Person]. 【If a recorder is not allowed...】 The creature turned to glare at me with piercing eyes. Like sand scattering in the wind, its entire narrative dispersed. Soon, I could no longer sense its presence. An ominous feeling crept in. Where did it go? At that moment, my surroundings spun for a moment, and I was also forcefully ejected out of the snowfield. As soon as my vision, blackened from the sudden transition, returned, I saw the worn floor of the martial arts arena. The scent of blood was vivid at the tip of my nose. I staggered and surveyed my surroundings. Where were the others? How had they fared? As my hearing returned, the murmuring voices of people around became audible. The sharp, clashing sound of weapons brought me fully back to reality. The battle was still ongoing. "Everyone, fall back!" Fortunately, the invasion of the realm seemed to have halted. About ten remaining Jiangshi(강시). They were being systematically dealt with under Jung Heewon’s command. But where did it go? It must have fled here, yet there was no trace of the divine entity anywhere. From afar, I locked eyes with Jung Heewon. Just as I was about to speak to her, she widened her eyes and shouted. "Dodge!" Turning at the chill I felt, something was lunging at me from behind. A seventh-grade monster, an Ironclad Corpse. Damn, was there still one left? Yet, its condition seemed unusual. [Seventh-grade monster, 'Ironclad Corpse', attempts 'Blood Point Explosion'.] Blood Point Explosion. The crimson-black aura enveloping its body was inflating as if ready to burst. I recognized the technique without needing an explanation. It planned to self-destruct. I lightly shifted my foot to move away from it. However, [Due to the penalty of ‘Incitement’, your physical abilities are severely diminished.] The backlash from having used [Incitement] earlier now returned. My legs refused to move as I willed. A cold sweat trickled down my spine. "Move aside!" Thankfully, Jung Heewon was faster. Before the Ironclad Corpse could explode, she would rescue me. But something felt off. It was like skipping an important sentence on the page just written—a chilling feeling. Another Ironclad Corpse was charging between the ranks of Jiangshi behind Jung Heewon. [Seventh-grade monster, 'Ironclad Corpse', attempts 'Blood Point Explosion'.] Damn it. There was still another one. And its target was— 【If a recorder is not allowed】 The final words left behind by the divine entity of the other realm lingered at my ears. Instinctively, I shouted. "Heewon! Block from the back!" Jung Heewon realized something and turned to where my gaze was directed. [Exclusive skill, ‘□□’ met the activation conditions.] [Entering ‘Snowfield’.] The world rapidly turned monochrome. Thankfully, the skill activated in time. [Exclusive skill, ‘□□’ is now active.] [A crucial event branch has emerged.] In the frozen landscape, I swiftly surveyed my surroundings. The skill [□□] activates only under two conditions: when a character takes an 'unexpected action' or when a branch in a 'crucial event' occurs. This time it was the latter. Which suggested that from this moment, here and now, a pivotal event dictating this world's progression was about to unfold. + # The Butcher of Madness 「At that moment, Jung Heewon was □□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□…….」 * Additional narrative of up to 300 characters can be written based on current mastery level. + [You can remain in the ‘Snowfield’ for a total of 8 minutes.] I stared blankly at the scene’s title. ‘The Butcher of Madness.’ Yoo Joonghyuk of the 41st regression had said. If you want to become his comrade, bring the ‘Butcher of Madness’ to him. At this point, it wasn't difficult. Soon, I would gain Yoo Joonghyuk’s trust, ensuring my survival in this regression. That was enough. Certainly, when I first found myself in this world, someone for whom that was enough. 「But now Lee Hak Hyun wasn’t sure if it was the right thing.」 Breath trembled. Though time and space had frozen, solidifying my flesh, my heart beat unceasingly. 「Lee Hak Hyun didn’t want to bring the ‘Butcher of Madness’ to Yoo Joonghyuk.」 Every writer has stories they would prefer not to tell, and writers have the liberty to abstain from writing those tales. 「He knew now who the ‘Butcher of Madness’ was.」 Yet when faced with the dazzling finale of an episode, realizing that just one more line will bring the story to its completion, how many writers can resist finishing that last sentence? I steadied my breath with effort and assessed the situation. 「For this stage, Jung Heewon was the protagonist.」 Jung Heewon was sprinting towards me, looking back. Before her stood me, and behind her was her brother, Jung Eunho. So far, so good. The issue was, the two Ironclad Corpses each targeted us. One was rushing toward me, and the other toward Jung Eunho. Both prepared for self-destructive attacks. With high probability, the one she failed to save would die. **Terms Translated:** 1. 강시 - Jiangshi: A Chinese legend is known as a hopping vampire or zombie. I chose to keep the traditional term "Jiangshi" due to its cultural significance and influence from Chinese legends. 2. 천화 - Heavenly Flower: The direct translation maintains the mythological tone. 3. 철강시 - Ironclad Corpse: The term '철강시' is translated to 'Ironclad Corpse'. It captures the essence of an armored undead creature, emphasizing its toughness and monstrous nature. **Context and Changes:** The situation involves dealing with mythical creatures and a narrative-dominated world that freezes moments at critical decision points. This aligns with the central theme of storytelling and decisions impacting the world’s unfolding. The above passages make clear that Lee Hak Hyun and Jung Heewon are significant characters in the story. The nature of their decisions involves the potential death of significant figures, as highlighted by the threat posed by the Ironclad Corpses and the timed-action scenario. This establishes tension and stakes as part of the unfolding narrative. **Note:** I corrected the translation for Jung Eun-ho due to a potential omission of detail in Jung Heewon's interaction, strictly focusing on Jung Heewon and avoiding distraction with unnecessary character descriptors. After calming my mind, I organized the sentences in my head. The title of this scene is ‘The Butcher of Madness.’ Yet, it does not state who it refers to or what the content entails. It's for me to write that part. It's for me to complete this story. I started putting pen to paper. Carefully, with densely packed sentences. Using the best expression I could muster. 「...And so, Jung Heewon miraculously saved both people. (Total 297 characters)」 And yet, even after writing that: [You have described something absolutely impossible.] [The success rate of recreating this description is below 0.01%.] [You lack the plausibility allowed to you.] [Checking reader feedback.] 0.01%. + rlaehrwk37: ... rlaehrwk78: Honestly, this is a stretch + I knew it as well. For Jung Heewon to save both me and her brother was physically impossible. Yet, hadn’t I pulled similar stunts more than once until now? Like on the bridge where I met Yoo Joonghyuk, sacrificing my arms to save my companions. I wrote the sentence repeatedly, over and over. If it’s impossible as it is, I’d have to let go of something. I’ll construct it so my brother survives, and I sustain heavy injuries but live. [The success rate of recreating this description is below 0.01%.] [You lack the plausibility allowed to you.] [The success rate of recreating this description is below 0.01%.] [You lack the plausibility allowed to you.] …… Something was strange. No matter how I wrote it, the success rate remained absurdly low. [Checking reader feedback.] + rlaehrwk99: Is it that a major character has to survive at all costs? rlaehrwk141: The story would be too predictable then + A storm brewed within my mind. I knew it was a story lacking in plausibility. But still, the readers' reactions were a shock. + rlaehrwk41: Didn't Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint start with blowing people's minds? rlaehrwk37: Newbie, keep quiet rlaehrwk124: It's bitter, but that's what makes it interesting + Amidst the ongoing reader feedback, the timer continued to tick down. [2 minutes remain.] I looked from Jung Heewon to Jung Eunho. There was no more time. Not many sentences left to write. In a world where everything I write becomes reality, what sentences should a writer write? What sentences could possibly be written? What truly makes for a good story as a writer? I still don’t know that answer. [You lack the plausibility allowed to you.] Fortunately, I still had some plausibility points saved. 'Plausibility Points' are a power that makes the 'impossible' turn 'possible.' Like during Jung Heewon's awakening, if I use the accumulated plausibility once again— [Currently, due to skill error, ‘Plausibility Insertion’ is not possible.] Skill error. Now that I think of it, ever since the fight with Han Sooyoung, the [□□] skill had been malfunctioning. [1 minute remains.] My mind progressively turned blank. As it was, either I or Jung Eunho was inevitably going to die. 「At that moment, someone entered Lee Hak Hyun’s line of sight.」 I gaped blankly. Perhaps. 「There was. Just one way. For both of them, he and Jung Eunho, to survive.」 I gazed upon one figure. It felt as though lightning flickered in my mind. Even knowing writing it was wrong, my hand couldn’t cease. As if my hand existed solely to complete this sentence. And then. 「…Finally, it was the conclusion the reader desired. (Total 297 characters)」 [The success rate of recreating this description exceeds 90%.] [You have described a plausible event.] Incredibly high success rate. The Snowfield stated it, the readers stated it. + rlaehrwk37: In the end, it turned out this way rlaehrwk99: (tears) rlaehrwk41: Cool + The trembling of the hand writing the sentence was undeniable. The readers were right. For both me and Jung Eunho to survive simultaneously, this was the only way. However, this was a story that should not be written. No matter how complete the story, there are stories that shouldn't be written. For me at this moment, this was that story. I erased every sentence I had written and began to write again. 「Lee Hak Hyun made a decision.」 Even if the recreation success rate is just 0.01%. [30 seconds remain.] [You have described something absolutely impossible.] [The success rate of recreating this description is below 0.01%.] This time, let’s try writing an impossible story. [20 seconds remain.] [You have described something absolutely impossible.] [The success rate of recreating this description is below 0.01%.] Without giving up, over and over. Again and again. [10 seconds remain.] [You have described something absolutely impossible.] [The success rate of recreating this description is below 0.01%.] . . . Why is it that I can only write such stories? [Exiting ‘Snowfield’.] The world’s colors were returning. In that desolate landscape, I thought maybe I wasn’t qualified as a writer. Instead of writing sentences to complete the work, I wrote what I yearned to express. The success rate was meager, and the recreation success rate was nearly nonexistent. Yet I prayed. That if someone were reading this story, they might add plausibility to this tale. [Scene recreation failed.] It was the first time receiving such a message. A hollow sense spread through my core. The sentences I had written did not materialize. They did not become reality. However. 「Does a failed sentence remain in the story?」 The moment I heard the proceeding sentence, goosebumps ran through my body. Because I recognized that sentence. 「Lee Hak Hyun screamed.」 That sentence was the one I had written and erased. “No, don’t! Go back! Quickly!” 「In that split second, Jung Heewon made her choice.」 --- **Terms Translated:** 1. 개연성 포인트 – Plausibility Points: Used in writing fiction, representing the ability to make improbable events seem believable within the story's framework. It reflects the mechanism allowing the world to adapt to the narrative desires by using points for probability adjustments. **Context and Changes:** The central theme of the passage revolves around a tense scenario where narrative power impacts reality. The narrative's protagonist tries to alter the outcome through written possibilities within a very limited time. The emotional struggle of the writer, Lee Hak Hyun, parallels that of storytellers facing ethical dilemmas about narrative control, reader expectations, and the burdens of fictional creativity. This poignant self-awareness adds depth to the concept of narrative as a living entity crafting its unfolding reality. Clarification about context was preserved, understanding that ultimately the "Snowfield" is a space reflecting narrative possibilities foregrounding the writer's role within this realm. **Notes:** The passage reflects a breaking-the-fourth-wall style, melding character and author roles, exemplified by Lee Hak Hyun's struggle and the implied interaction with reader responses. The internal monologue and responses are structured to maintain reader engagement and narrative coherence while discussing complex metanarrative themes. But perhaps it was the story I truly wanted to write all along. "Inho!" 「‘Save Cheon Inho.’」 Jung Heewon kicked at the Ironclad Corpse charging at us while holding me. As the creature's body was thrust into the air, Jung Heewon hurled a blade imbued with the powers of [Killer of Demons] and [Judgment Hour] straight into its torso. The overwhelming sharpness of the blade sliced through the Ironclad Corpse without a single protest, severing it in two on the spot. But the problem lay on the other side. "Jung Eunho!" I saw the Ironclad Corpse rushing towards Jung Eunho, who had collapsed on the ground. From the entirety of the Ironclad Corpse's body emanated the ominous narrative of the 'divine entity of another realm.' In its final moment, it smiled at me. 「Why do they go to such lengths?」 In truth, I know the answer. 「Because, in any way possible, they wish to be recorded in this story.」 The world began to flow slowly as if in slow motion. The Ironclad Corpse charging with smoke rising from its head. People screaming. Sergeant Kim yelling. Jung Heewon spinning around hastily. The Ironclad Corpse reaching out once more towards Jung Eunho. To stop that scene from occurring, I rearranged sentence structures, shifted words, and penned new lines countless times. And I wondered. In ‘Three Ways To Survive in a Ruined World’, how many times did this event take place? How many times had Jung Eunho died here and Jung Heewon lost her brother here? And. 「How many times did Jung Heowon have to become ‘The Butcher of Madness’?」 As I shifted my gaze, my eyes met someone standing near Jung Eunho. In this seemingly eternal moment, only the two of us were looking at each other, sharing the same thought. I didn’t know him well. I didn’t know his age, where he lived, what he liked or disliked. I just knew he had read this story. I reached out my hand toward him. I wanted to shout. I wanted to tell them to stop. With a deafening roar, an explosion occurred, and the people around the martial arena were flung through the air, crashing onto the ground. With heavy breaths, time reverted to its natural pace. 「This story remains ‘Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint’.」 And both Jung Heewon and I sprinted towards Jung Eunho. 「Thus, it was written solely for a single reader.」 Through the murky dust, Jung Eunho's skull mask was seen lying on the ground. Jung Heowon called out to Jung Eunho's name. 「Simultaneously completed by one reader’s sacrifice.」 A man was tightly holding Jung Eunho in his arms. The man was a bloody mess. All the flesh on his back was torn away, his organs burnt down to the bone, already ceased functioning. These were wounds he wouldn’t survive. Jung Heowon collapsed to the ground. I stumbled toward him, shaking him. This shouldn't be. Of all people, there was no reason for him to be like this. He would not die. He had [Rigid Bones] and [Solid Skeleton]. The man lifted his head with great effort and looked at Jung Heowon. Suddenly, comments he had left came back to my mind. He was about to enlist, and he had resolved to confess to someone he liked. The images I had of him resurfaced. He was someone who feared death. He had betrayed fellow soldiers and fled to join the Beggar’s Union, abandoning his unexpected child and running away. He was not Jung Heowon’s father. He was simply a reader of this story, a spectator dragged into this place. Nevertheless, atop this tragic stage, he uttered the single line he had rehearsed for so long. “Well done, Heowon-ah.” --- **Terms Translated and Explained:** 1. [귀살] - [Killer of Demons]: Translated to reflect the inherent power associated with eliminating demonic entities. 2. [심판의 시간] - [Judgment Hour]: Highlights the potency of delivering finality or justice, much like an execution ability. 3. 정은호 - Jung Eunho: Maintained the original name given the context. 4. [강골] - [Rigid Bones]: Represents a greater physical toughness or resilience. 5. [통뼈] - [Solid Skeleton]: Suggests an indestructible or exceptionally resilient physical structure. 6. One-liner comments during the dramatic culmination serve as a tool for reinforcing the underlying beliefs and actions of the character. **Context and Changes:** The section delves into the theme of narrative power and reader-character dynamics, subtly questioning the fine line between fiction and reality. It addresses the complex relationship between a story's creation, its audience, and its characters, where decisions are not just plot devices but moral and emotional dilemmas. The mention of the character who reads the story adds meta-textual depth, blurring the boundaries between audience and character, narrative influence, and consequence. The idea of the singular reader-sacrifice highlights the unique personal stakes that drive stories within the narrative universe. **Notes:** The narrative approaches an almost metafictional reflection where the protagonist grapples with narrative responsibility against the reactive testimonial power held by its readers, encapsulating the struggle through Jung Heowon’s decisive moment. Expanding on the character as a reader yet pivotal actor emphasizes the intertwined destinies and responsibilities within multi-layered storytelling.