Side Story: Episode 18-6 - Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint

Episode 18. Father (6) In the <Star Stream>, everything exists as a narrative. The skill [Incitation] was, in essence, an imitation of the shell of such narratives. It mimicked the speech, actions, and expressions of others, deceiving Incarnations and even the <Star Stream> itself. However, this skill couldn't ultimately replicate the essence of a narrative. [The skill interacts with your memory.] Yet, the awakened [Incitation] made the impossible somewhat possible. The skill I was using now was evidence of that. [Activating exclusive skill, ‘Taming Lv.9’!] 「Following the path of aura reaching Queen Mirbad, Shin Yoosung slowly approached the Queen’s body.」 By reading someone’s lived narrative and internalizing it, I was [Incitating] myself into becoming that 'character.' Ssssshh. It was akin to [staging] something against the backdrop of my own body. As the sentences Shin Yoosung withstood flowed through my mind in real-time, I was reliving that scene once more. 「The Queen looked at Shin Yoosung, and Shin Yoosung looked at the Queen.」 The only difference now was that the story being recreated was between ‘me’ and the ‘ancient Nagak’, not ‘Shin Yoosung’ and ‘Queen Mirbad’. With a sudden gush, blood flowed from my nose. This was the sensation of connecting with a beast. The familiar feeling Shin Yoosung frequently repeated with [Taming]. Kuuooooo. The ancient Nagak resisted, flailing its pincers wildly, and I dodged the attacks while maintaining the thread of communion. [Activating exclusive skill, ‘Advanced Multi-Communication Lv.3’!] 「Stopstopstopstopstopstopstop」 It felt like a single mind dividing into two bodies. In that moment, I was the ancient Nagak and the ancient Nagak was me. Coexisting were my will to tame the ancient Nagak and the ancient Nagak’s fear of me. Like the time I heard the language of the mole crickets, countless sentences flooded into my mind. 「Aaaaaaa」 Words closer to screams. 「Scared of dokkaebi, scared of dokkaebi, scared of dokkaebi」 At last, I was able to see the expression I couldn’t read before. Until now, I thought it was mocking or threatening me. 「Don’t come」 But it feared me. Not me, exactly, but this scenario. [The Constellation, ‘Prisoner of the Constrictive Headband’ wonders about the taste of ‘Nagak meat.’] For the Incarnations in the early stages, a 6th-grade beast species is a terrifying existence. Yet, from the perspective of the Constellations, both the Incarnations and the 6th-grade beast species are mere insects. [The Constellation, ‘Bald General of Volunteers’ says, in their time, handling a hundred Nagaks was a breeze.] [The Constellation, ‘Maritime War God’ retorts, saying there wasn’t a ‘Nagak’s Leader’ back then.] [The Constellation, ‘Abyssal Black Flame Dragon’ mocks the conversation of the young stars.] Constellations will always be Constellations. They exist here to see the story. Both I and the ancient Nagak had to outlive each other for them to live. We were the same. We are the same. 「Don’t come, don’t come, don’t come, don’t come」 Finally, it seemed like I understood it. [Activating exclusive skill, ‘Taming Lv.9’!] Blood gushed forth from my nose again. The overwhelming fear the beast felt made my head feel like it was splitting, and my breathing became increasingly laborious. Shin Yoosung continued [Taming] in such a forced empathy hell every time. Listening to, understanding, and ultimately becoming those different from herself to tame them. 「Beast Lord, Shin Yoosung.」 Only another beast can understand a beast. Though she was a child, Shin Yoosung understood the inhuman better than anyone else. It was perhaps inevitable that she was the first to recognize Kim Dokja, who had become a disaster. “Don’t worry.” Mimicking Shin Yoosung, I spoke to the ancient Nagak. “I won’t hurt you.” Even if I [Incitated] myself as Shin Yoosung, who tamed Queen Mirbad, I didn’t expect I could tame the ancient Nagak right now. [Character ‘Shin Yoosung’ has successfully tamed the ‘Nagak’!] [Character ‘Shin Yoosung’ has successfully tamed the ‘Nagak’!] All I wanted was to buy a little more time for Shin Yoosung to tame one hundred Nagaks. So we could escape this dungeon together. [‘Taming’ has failed.] [Maintaining ‘Advanced Multi-Communication’.] It didn’t submit to me easily, and I didn’t tame it either. We simply faced each other, not as friends, not as foes. [6th-grade marine beast species ‘Ancient Nagak’ glares at you.] This impasse was the only way we could endure this moment without harming each other. How many minutes did we stare at one another like that? [6th-grade marine beast species ‘Ancient Nagak’ no longer shows hostility toward you.] For the first time, a change occurred in our tense relationship. [6th-grade marine beast species ‘Ancient Nagak’ is curious about you.] Perhaps it sensed reassurance from my demeanor. Its flailing pincers lost vigor, resting on the ground. I felt the collective air releasing from its body, as if preparing for a symphony. A flicker of hope arose. Could it be possible? [Your magical power is nearly depleted.] However, my magical power was nearly exhausted. Consuming a magic recovery potion would have helped, but it wasn’t feasible under the circumstances. Even maintaining this [Incitation] state was already challenging. 「I wonder what Uncle Dokja is doing right now.」 At a certain point, the sentences swirling in my mind changed. 「Does he ever think about us?」 Shin Yoosung’s height, weight, likes, desires, disliked foods. Hobbies or specialties. Favorite manga. Favorite novel. Thoughts while watching that person... As [Incitation] continued, I felt like I was gradually being consumed by that informational value. Ssss... As my magical power eventually faded, both [Taming] and [Advanced Multi-Communication] were simultaneously deactivated. Yet, [Incitation] still refused to release. Terms & Translations: 1. 신유승 (Shin Yoosung) - She: Based on the text, it reaffirms Shin Yoosung's gender as female. 2. 고대 나각 (Ancient Nagak): The term "고대 나각" refers to a 6th-grade marine beast species. "Nagak" seems to be a unique entity or species in this universe. "Ancient" denotes its age or status, adding a sense of reverence or threat. 3. 선동 (Incitation): Translated as "Incitation," this term represents a skill that mimes the outward aspects of narratives, though not capturing their essence. 4. 길들이기 (Taming): Referring to the skill used to domesticate or control beasts or entities, maintaining its concept within the given universe. 5. 상급 다종 교감 (Advanced Multi-Communication): This skill enables communication with multiple entities, suggesting a complex telepathic connector. 6. 도깨비 (Dokkaebi): Korean mythical creatures, often mischievous or tricky; translated directly as "Dokkaebi." Any required changes or additional context: - Further information about 'Nagak' and its significance or lore would help in understanding its full impact on the story. - Clarification of the hanja/Chinese characters for skills and titles could enhance understanding and maintain consistency with translations. - It's beneficial to note that [Incitation] works by referencing not just outward mimicry but invasive empathetic understanding, creating a narrative link between the user and the subject. 「Ahjussi.」 Even as I tried to think of something else, I couldn’t stop. This [Incitation] was a skill beyond my capability to handle. In front of me, the communion with the ancient Nagak was being undone, and it was drawing near. 「You know.」 Was this the inside of Shin Yoosung? 「I really want to see you.」 Or was it an unwritten story? 「But you see.」 What happened to Shin Yoosung? Was [Taming] accomplished? Could we escape? We. 「I really hate you.」 Shin Yoosung. 「I hate you so, so much.」 Me. [The 6th-grade marine beast species ‘Ancient Nagak’ is preparing for ‘Wide-area Ensemble’!] I thought I should stop it, but no words came out. My body wouldn’t listen. My thoughts couldn’t follow logically. My body, failing to overcome the [Incitation], was crumbling. Someone approached my side, and then I heard a voice. “Ahjussi, I did it. I tamed them all.” Turning towards the direction of the voice, I asked. “Who…….” Standing there was a child with a white smile. “Me? Shin Yoosung!” “Shin Yoosung is…… that’s me?” The child tilted her head. [The side effects of the excessive ‘Incitation’ have occurred!] “……Ahjussi?” The child looked at me for a while, then faintly laughed. [The 6th-grade marine beast species ‘Ancient Nagak’ starts the ‘Wide-area Ensemble.’] “Oh, you were trying to tame that.” The child said with a nasal tone, interlocking her fingers with mine as she reached out towards the ancient Nagak. “But that’s not how you do it.” From the child’s fingertips, a faint thread of light extended, soon connecting with the ‘Ancient Nagak.’ I stared at the scene dumbfounded. I couldn’t understand what was happening. [Character ‘Shin Yoosung’ has tamed the ‘Ancient Nagak’!] [There are no remaining marine beast species in ‘Nagak’s Realm.’] [The dungeon will forcibly close shortly.] [All personnel will be expelled to the lobby shortly.] How did she manage it? I couldn’t believe it. She accomplished what I couldn’t, so effortlessly. Just a moment ago, she struggled to tame even one 'Nagak.' My lips moved on their own. “Shin…..Yoosung…..” The child nodded joyfully. “Yes! That’s me.” “I am….. Shin Yoosung.” “You, Ahjussi?” Shin Yoosung tilted her head once more, then gave a small chuckle. Holding my cheeks with her hands, she then began to smack them lightly from both sides. “No! I’m Shin Yoosung! Snap out of it!” [The influence of ‘Incitation’ gradually weakens.] Dumbfounded, I looked down at the child and asked. “Then… who am I?” Who was I again? Surely, I must have been something, too. Why can’t I remember? I am. “Who do you think you are, Ahjussi?” The child squeezed my cheeks firmly, her eyes glowing gold. Bringing her lips close to my ear, she whispered in an unsettling voice. “You are Kim Dokja.” [The ‘Incitation’ has been lifted.] And just like that, I lost consciousness. * “What’s unchanged is that you faint all the time, Ahjussi.” After laying the unconscious Cheon Inho neatly on the floor, Shin Yoosung brushed aside his disheveled hair lightly. “But why did it have to be Cheon Inho?” Examining Cheon Inho’s face with curiosity, Shin Yoosung pouted her lips. “Did Ahjussi possess him? He seems a bit more handsome.” [The Constellation, ‘Intriguing Schemer’ glares at you.] [The Constellation, ‘Intriguing Schemer’ demands to know when the possession happened!] “Sounds like a bug buzzing somewhere.” [The Constellation, ‘Intriguing Schemer’ is outraged!] [The Constellation, ‘Intriguing Schemer’ complains that it’s unfair!] With a smirk, Shin Yoosung mouthed. ―Why don’t you try being a character, then. [The Constellation, ‘Intriguing Schemer’ replies that they have no character to possess, and thus cannot.] “So noisy. Don’t the dokkaebi manage the channels here?” Lightly glancing up at the air, a faint spark surprisingly appeared in that space. [The Constellation, ‘Maritime War God’ grumbles about the broadcast cut-off earlier.] [The Constellation, ‘Bald General of Volunteers’ thought it was broken only for them.] [The Constellation, ‘Abyssal Black Flame Dragon’ threatens to request a refund if this keeps happening.] [The Content Management Bureau is inspecting channels in the area.] Amidst the loud messages popping up everywhere, Shin Yoosung quietly observed the unconscious Cheon Inho. Cheon Inho’s face looked deeply exhausted. Perhaps plagued by a nightmare, he was even talking in his sleep. After hesitating a moment, Shin Yoosung leaned closer to listen. Then she heard it. “Save me, Joonghyuk-nim.” Shin Yoosung’s expression turned blank. “Is Joonghyuk-ssi a bit violent here?” [The Constellation, ‘Secretive Plotter’ comments that black-hearted folks are violent anywhere.] Gazing down at the sleep-talking Cheon Inho, Shin Yoosung gave a bitter smile. “A lot must have happened.” More events, far more momentous than anything that filled their shared narratives, might occupy his future. Shin Yoosung disliked herself for thinking that. “Ahjussi.” There were many things she wished to ask. But she also knew there'd be no answers. [The Constellation, ‘Intriguing Schemer’ says this Ahjussi isn’t the Dokja-hyung we know.] Shin Yoosung nodded. “I know. But still.” She bit her lip in thought, imagining the star that always watched over her sky, conceiving the dreams he dreamt. “This person is Ahjussi, too.” For a long while, the two children looked at the fallen Cheon Inho. Then, something shimmering flowed from the tamed ‘Ancient Nagak’ towards Cheon Inho’s body. [A new ‘Narrative’ is being recorded.] It was faint, insignificant even, but still, it shimmered subtly. Shin Yoosung realized what it was. “A narrative?” Indeed, it was a narrative. With wide eyes, Shin Yoosung looked at Cheon Inho. “The reason Ahjussi came to this world is……” Terms & Translations: 1. 광역 합주 (Wide-area Ensemble): This term refers to a collective or group action initiated by the beast species. I've translated it as "Wide-area Ensemble" to convey its scale and nature. 2. 나각의 장 (Nagak’s Realm): This seems to be a domain or region under the control or influence of the Nagaks. "Realm" reflects its sovereign connotation. 3. 육체 (Body): Generally used to refer to the physical form, but contextually it implies the mind-body conflict due to [Incitation]. Contextual notes: - The narrative suggests deep emotional and psychological ties between Shin Yoosung and Kim Dokja. This resonance is crucial in understanding her actions and determination. - Shin Yoosung seems to have an innate affinity with the non-human, which aids in her ability to tame and communicate. - The skirmishes with various Constellations reveal the hierarchical and often capricious nature of these beings. - Cheon Inho is depicted in a transformative narrative, suggesting the interplay between identities, which might indicate psychological or emotional significance in the broader plot. - Note how character names might change contexts or affiliations based on their interactions or narrative significance. [A ‘Lost Narrative’ is recorded on the ‘Final Wall.’] Shin Yoosung's expression froze. Something was watching them. The sacred and distant wall, which recorded everything in this world, was gazing down upon them. [The Constellation, ‘Intriguing Schemer’ growls.] To protect her, Lee Gilyoung stepped forward. The overwhelming gaze was bearing down upon them. The world spoke to them. 「This place is not the ground allotted to you.」 As the dungeon collapsed, everything was engulfed in light. Terms & Translations: 1. 최후의 벽 (Final Wall): The "Final Wall" is conceptualized as a cosmic or narrative boundary recording all within the world. The term emphasizes both the boundary's importance (finality) and its functional significance (a wall). 2. 소실 (Lost Narrative): This term denotes a "Lost Narrative," implying a significant yet potentially forgotten storyline, underscoring its importance within the narrative framework. Contextual notes: - The "Final Wall" recording suggests an omniscient perspective within the narrative universe, highlighting how actions and stories are perceived on a cosmic scale. - The Instinctive response of both Shin Yoosung and Lee Gilyoung showcases a relationship dynamic, underscoring themes of protection and alliance against otherwise indifferent or hostile cosmic forces.