Side Story: Episode 18-5 - Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint

Episode 18. Father (5) 「“You're useless.”」 The sentence echoed in my mind. 「“Keeping you around is just dead weight, isn't it?”」 「“Send you to the dungeon. If you survive and come back, let's consider letting you join.”」 Was this a line from ‘Ways of Survival’ or a voice from within Shin Yoosung's mind? I couldn't tell. What was clear, however, was that Shin Yoosung was losing confidence with each passing shout from afar. I yelled once more at the top of my lungs. “Don't listen to what others say!” No matter what I did now, I couldn’t change the history already written for that child. Once a sentence has been read, it cannot be erased. What I could do was write the next sentence that the child would read more vividly and clearly. [The characteristic effect activates!] And when it came to such tasks, I was more confident than anyone. “You can do as you wish! You don't have to kill the monsters! If you believe you can be friends, then believe it so!” This world will not be as forgiving as the sentences I've written. There are monsters that cannot be befriended, and monsters that cannot be tamed. There even exist monsters whose goal is to bring about the destruction of this world, like the ‘Last Dragon of the Apocalypse.’ But. “It’s alright to fail!” What Shin Yoosung was facing now was a ‘Nakagul(螺角).’ Even if the harsh reality of this world existed far away, there was no need to trample the small hope right before our eyes. Nakagul can be tamed. If it’s Shin Yoosung, she can do it. “I’ll keep buying time, so take as many attempts as you need!” [The exclusive skill, ‘Rally Lv.9’ is forcefully activated!] A whole level 9 in [Rally]. Having acquired my first narrative, my [Rally] grew far stronger than before. [The powerful ‘Rally’ temporarily enhances the talents of the subject.] Encouraged by my support, Shin Yoosung attempted [Taming] once again. How much time had passed, I couldn't tell. A thread made of light flowed from Shin Yoosung’s fingertips and soon connected to one of the Nakagul. [Character ‘Shin Yoosung’ has succeeded in taming ‘Nakagul’!] With disbelief etched on her face at what she had achieved, Shin Yoosung widened her eyes. “Well done! Keep going!” Exchanging glances with me, Shin Yoosung, her face now a little more confident, nodded. While warding off the coordinated attacks of the Nakagul, I took cover behind their shells when I found no place to evade. Dududu! Once the attack pattern became familiar, it became easier to dodge. Just as Kim Dokja had said, every scenario had its solution. [Character ‘Shin Yoosung’ has succeeded in taming ‘Nakagul’!] [Character ‘Shin Yoosung’ has succeeded in taming ‘Nakagul’!] Meanwhile, Shin Yoosung steadily continued to tame the Nakagul. This was manageable as long as time dragged on. However, there was one problem. [Class 6 Sea Species, ‘Ancient Nakagul’ shows peculiar movements.] The Ancient Nakagul watched Shin Yoosung repeatedly using [Taming]. “Hide!” At my signal, the startled Shin Yoosung swiftly concealed herself within a Nakagul shell. Right after, the ensemble attack of the ‘Ancient Nakagul’ swept near where Shin Yoosung had hidden. [Class 6 Sea Species, ‘Ancient Nakagul’ becomes enraged!] For the first time, the creature that had been dwelling in the pool moved its massive body. The Nakagul entwined in its long legs rolled across the terrarium floor. Roaring, it crushed the shells of dead Nakagul under its feet. Crack! Its once sturdy shell pierced by the creature's sharp legs. Excluding the 'ensemble', the creature's physical prowess was indeed formidable. Of course, it had to be. A class 6 Sea Species was on par with the ‘Titano’ that Lee Gilyoung tamed. [Constellation ‘Intriguing Schemer’ expresses keen interest.] I flexed my wrist lightly, activating the [White Azure Gang Qi]. [Activating ‘Blade of Conviction’!] With a resonance, a bright blue blade extended from the ‘Broken Conviction.’ My magical power alone couldn't shatter its shell. But what about its legs? I sprinted in a straight line toward it, wielding the ‘Blade of Conviction’ with a swing. [Narrative, ‘Persistent Martial Artist’ hesitantly narrates.] A historical-grade narrative received from Cheon-gya, the ‘Last Ark.’ Subsequently, the [Ark’s Staff Technique] surfaced in my mind, and the familiar movements of the Ark fused into my fingertips through the narrative. Clumsy, awkward movements transformed into those of a first-class master the moment the narrative took root. Slice. Though I didn't sever it completely, its leg was cut halfway. The creature staggered in agony, howling in distress. It was suddenly apparent how remarkable the skills of the Murim were. Humans honed a single technique through relentless practice. Curiosity welled up within me. People, stronger than the Ark—Yoo Joonghyuk, Breaking the Sky Sword Saint, or Kyrgios—what training had they undergone to reach such heights? What view did they witness of the world? 「I want to see and write all those stories.」 Swinging my sword once more, a leg was entirely severed, rolling across the ground. Grrrooo! The deafening howl snapped me back to reality. As the immersion of the narrative faded, I found myself drenched in the viscous blood of the sea species. [Class 6 Sea Species, ‘Ancient Nakagul’ prepares a ‘Single Blast Ensemble’!] Inhaling swiftly, the creature readied to release its sonic wave. Instinctively, I overturned a Nakagul shell and ducked under it. But why? The anticipated ensemble did not echo through the air. Moments later, the sound of something like conchshells being crushed echoed, and a hole opened above the shell. Through the gap, the creature’s feelers wavered mockingly at me. [Class 6 Sea Species, ‘Ancient Nakagul’ initiates a ‘Single Blast Ensemble’!] It was too late to evade. The shell would no longer serve as soundproofing. The creature had been waiting for this exact moment. “Mister!” In the distance, I saw Shin Yoosung shouting toward me. The Nakagul’s horn resounded. 「You will die.」 If I died now... 「Shin Yoosung will die, too.」 That couldn't be allowed. --- **Terms, Names, and Translations:** - ***Nakagul(螺角)***: Translated as "Nakagul", maintaining phonetics. Nakagul relates to a horn, perhaps hinting at the horn-like shells or instruments. - ***Partner***: Established by narrative or description, in this context, suggesting a relationship of significance. - ***Entangle***: Reflecting the confluence of magical elements or personal interaction. - ***Seashell or Conch***: Symbolic representation signifying sound mechanisms like horns or protective shells in the narrative. - **Adjustment to Pre-existing List:** It should now be clear Nakagul may have connections with musical or sound symbolism, possibly influencing the English reader's perception, though speculative without direct textual confirmation. [The exclusive skill, ‘Rally Lv.9’ is activated!] “I am ‘Nakagul’.” Perhaps due to the confusion invoked by my [Rally], the creature's ensemble struck a discordant note. Yet a portion of the sonic wave did pierce through the shell's gap, drilling into my eardrums. With a ringing sensation, the world spun around me. Blood trickled down from my ear, but fortunately, it was an injury I could endure. Bearing the headache that felt as if my head was splitting, I pushed aside the shell and escaped outside. “It’s alright! Keep going!” Seeing me, Shin Yoosung nodded with a relieved expression. [Character ‘Shin Yoosung’ has succeeded in taming ‘Nakagul’!] Due in part to the effect of [Rally], the Ancient Nakagul seemed uncertain whether I was human or Nakagul. However, it soon swung its pincers at me, deciding it mattered not. I rolled across the floor, evading its pincers. Perhaps because it had just unleashed a series of ensemble attacks, its movements appeared sluggish. Seizing the opportunity, I swung my sword once more. Slice. Another leg was severed. This should prevent it from suddenly charging at Shin Yoosung. Instead, its anger seemed solely directed at me now. Groooan. The air around was drawn into the maw of the Ancient Nakagul. Soon, the creature's ensemble would commence again. [‘Broken Conviction’ is dissipating.] [‘Contemplations on Nearly Everything’ refuses to mimic further.] Finally, the time limit for mimicry was up. Although I could regenerate it by using [Rally] again, the issue was maintaining the ‘Blade of Conviction’ was becoming increasingly taxing. I glanced at Shin Yoosung, who was repeatedly using [Taming] from afar. 「Eventually, she will become the calamity of the flood.」 Even if I saved Shin Yoosung here, she would cross over to another timeline and become the ‘calamity of the flood.’ I knew that too. That was the fate of this ‘41st regression’. 「Would it have been better for a world born into tragedy to never have existed?」 Kim Dokja's words rang like a refrain in my mind. I switched ‘Contemplations’ into a ‘Magic Recovery Bracelet’ and wore it on my wrist. [The effect of the ‘Magic Recovery Bracelet’ enhances your magic regeneration ability.] I looked up at the ‘Ancient Nakagul.’ Kim Dokja had promised. That he would watch my story. So I was told to tell the story I wanted to tell. [Class 6 Sea Species, ‘Ancient Nakagul’ is preparing a ‘Wide Blast Ensemble’!] So, I will tell the story I want. Even if the end of this world is destruction, even if destiny says I can’t change it. As the air around me thinned, I clenched my fist as if gripping a pen. [Activating exclusive skill, ‘□□’.] [Due to the constraints of <Star Stream>, the skill cannot be activated.] During the process of obtaining the first narrative, I had lost one skill. I wasn't completely unaware since I had heard the message some time ago. [You cannot activate that skill at your current rank.] For someone who had overcome numerous crises with [□□], it was a bitter truth. Not being able to use the skill felt much like being told I wasn't yet qualified as the ‘author’ of this story. But then. [Part of ‘□□’ functions is converted into a sub-skill.] [Sub-skill, ‘Sentence Augmentation’ activates!] Sentence Augmentation? 「Cheon Inho is □□……□□.」 Seeing the sentence in the quotation marks, I had a sense of what skill this was. [You can input your actions.] [The action you input will be ‘augmented’.] [Current augmentation stage is ‘stage 1’.] [You can increase the augmentation stage by investing additional plausibility.] [Current plausibility in possession: 515] In short, it felt like a simplified version of the □□ skill. I tried drafting a sentence as an experiment. 「Cheon Inho used ‘Rally’.」 Suddenly, it felt as if someone was watching me from behind my head. Vitality surged through my body, and it seemed like I could do anything. More precisely, [The exclusive skill, ‘Rally’ is augmented!] Right now, it seemed I could [Rally] almost anything. [‘Rally’ temporarily enters an awakened state.] [You can ‘Rally’ yourself to imitate any character you desire.] Wasn’t that something I could originally do? [By ‘Rallying’ yourself as another person, you have a chance to imitate that character’s skill or stigma.] [However, if you ‘Rally’ someone of a higher rank than yourself, there's a high chance of failure and penalties will apply.] [The higher your comprehension of the character, the better the odds of successful ‘Rally’.] I was taken aback. Up until now, the [Rally] was essentially a kind of auto-suggestion skill. For instance, even if I [Rallied] myself as ‘Kyrgios,’ it didn't mean I turned into Kyrgios. In states like ‘Narrative Domain,’ it was a bit different, but in reality, mimicking that character’s actions, speech, or personality was about all I could do. Yet with this new skill description, I could actually use the real power of that ‘character’ through [Rally]. Without further hesitation, I activated [Rally]. A character who could effortlessly overcome this crisis. One who could escape this dungeon without killing the Nakagul. I thought while watching Shin Yoosung repeatedly taming from a distance. 「I am the ‘Calamity of the Flood’ Shin Yoosung―」 Crackle. I realized even before completing the thought. This [Rally] was not possible. In other words, the ‘Calamity of the Flood Shin Yoosung’ was far higher ranked than my current self. Though I had obtained two narratives and thought I could perhaps try, it was indeed too much. [Class 6 Sea Species, ‘Ancient Nakagul’ initiates ‘Wide Blast Ensemble’!] Taking a risk here was not an option. Shin Yoosung might end up dead. This time, I would [Rally] myself as a being lower in rank than me to get past the crisis. The Ancient Nakagul finished inhaling and started the ensemble toward me. As I hid within the surrounding Nakagul shells, I pondered. --- **Terms, Names, and Translations:** - ***Rally (선동)***: Maintained as "Rally," a skill implying incitement or boosting abilities, especially under the skill's augmentation. - ***Nakagul(螺角)***: Again, kept as "Nakagul," symbolic of horn sounds or possibly defensive structures. - ***Calamity of the Flood***: Reconfirmed conceptual title with implied narrative impact. - ***Magic Recovery Bracelet***: Simple yet direct, matches the item's purpose of enhancing recovery. - ***Sentence Augmentation (문장 강화)***: Describes the literal function as enhancing existing actions, suits functional understanding. - ***In terms of plot and mechanics, particularly:*** The skill-use and narrative moment amplify the character’s ability and illustrate potential and limits regarding fate, augmented by specific skill lapses and adaptational mechanics. - **Evaluating the List**: The new understanding reaffirms the significance of skill terminology like ‘Rally’ and ‘Calamity of the Flood,’ reinforcing its conceptual play within various perspectives. ‘The Calamity of the Flood Shin Yoosung’ failed. But what about Shin Yoosung from another timeline? For instance, one from a time when her rank was lower than mine. In my mind, the pages of ‘Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint’ began turning rapidly. 「“Mister! Don’t go! Please! Don’t go!”」 Shin Yoosung chasing after Kim Dokja, who had become a god in another world. 「“Someone I liked appeared in this form once as well.”」 Shin Yoosung participated in the grand narrative of the ‘Journey to the West’ under the title of <Emperor>. 「“Uh, um… So, thank you… for this award…”」 Shin Yoosung gave her award acceptance speech to Kim Dokja during her participation in ‘Duet of Good and Evil.’ 「“...Mister?”」 Shin Yoosung, who first recognized Kim Dokja when he had become a giant squid. The emotions accompanying those sentences flooded my mind, almost overwhelming me. I traversed through Shin Yoosung’s history, back and further back. Again and again, I heard Shin Yoosung's voice calling Kim Dokja. Was it due to the ensemble of the Ancient Nakagul? Though I knew the child wasn’t calling for me, strangely, my heart swelled with emotion. I read and reread the story I once wrote. 「“Mister, but… can this only be used on monsters?”」 And finally. 「Shin Yoosung, whose eyes slowly regained their color, was looking at me.」 The shell of the Nakagul crumbled under the front leg of the ‘Ancient Nakagul’, and the sound of the ensemble crashed in. Simultaneously, a sentence I had found began to resonate within me. “I am—” 「As if nothing had happened, she nonchalantly wiped her nosebleed and spoke.」 “‘Shin Yoosung’ who tamed ‘Queen Mirvad’.” 「“Let’s go, Mister.”」 [The effect of ‘Rally’ activates!] --- **Terms and Translations:** - ***Journey to the West (서유기)***: Maintained as "Journey to the West," synonymous with the famous Chinese classic associated with significant narratives and mythological allusion. - ***Duet of Good and Evil (선악의 이중주)***: Literal translation capturing the evocative dichotomy of opposing elements involved in a narrative or competition. - ***Queen Mirvad (퀸 미르바드)***: Preserved as “Queen Mirvad,” being a specific character or title relevant to narrative aspects. - ***Godly Rank (신격)***: Related to divine status or status achieved in transcendent realms. - ***Ensemble Attack (합주)***: Implies coordinated explosive attack/phenomenon likely involving harmonic sound or pattern. - **Background Context**: Shows transitions between timelines and narrative developments that impact character evolution and their relationships across potential divergences, with Kim Dokja playing a pivotal role in Shin Yoosung's past perceptions and aspirations.