Side Story: Episode 19-7 - Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint

Episode 19. People of the Past (7) "Sir, run. Quickly." Shin Yoosung urgently tugged at my sleeve. Her eyes intermittently flickered with a golden hue. "Hurry!" Dan-soo is dangerous right now. "I won't kill you. I won't kill you." [A Narrative, ‘Persistent Murim Master’ warns you.] The intuition of a Murim practitioner was warning me. If I face Dan-soo now, I'm as good as dead. "Sir! Snap out of it, please!" Despite my plea, Dan-soo showed no reaction. He just took heavy steps, steadily approaching us. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry." Dan-soo wasn't really looking at me. Where his eyes should have been, only a pitch-black darkness coiled like an empty spiral. [Someone has activated a ‘Trap Switch’.] [The time for ‘Dungeon Rearrangement’ has been accelerated.] [Rearrangement of the Dungeon will commence in 10 minutes.] To make matters worse, the rearrangement time was brought forward. Perhaps this was the doing of those who fled earlier, the Seoul Seven Sovereigns. [Soon, the entire dungeon will be engulfed in flames.] [Search for a ‘Safe Zone’.] The floor of the dungeon trembled lightly and a faint heat brushed against my ankles. If this goes on for just five more minutes, the whole area would be consumed by searing flames. As I thought about it, my mind went blank. Let’s say Shin Yoosung and I somehow manage to escape. What then becomes of Dan-soo? [Participants in possession of a ‘Star Jewel’ are immune to the flames caused by the ‘Rearrangement’.] I let out a sigh of relief. Dan-soo has absorbed as many as 5 Star Jewels. At least during this ‘Rearrangement’, the flames won't determine Dan-soo's fate. "Sir." Shin Yoosung shook me once more. A decision had to be made. "Dan-soo, I'll be right back." "Find her." The situation changed. Though Dan-soo may be immune to the flames, Shin Yoosung and I aren't. Still unresponsive to my words, Dan-soo's lips moved in a whisper. "No Ji-yoon." "Yes. You promised to find Ji-yoon." Hearing the name Ji-yoon slowed Dan-soo's steps for a brief moment. I clenched my fist tightly and continued to speak. "I promised to find them, remember?" Dan-soo’s head moved very slowly. Whether he understood my words or it was mere coincidence, I couldn’t tell. Suppressing the surge of emotions, I grasped Shin Yoosung’s hand. "I will return, no matter what." And with that, I began to run. [The Constellation, ‘Demon-Like Judge of Fire’ mourns the tragedy of Incarnation Dan-soo.] [The Constellation, Maritime War God laments the cruelty of the scenario.] [The Constellation, ‘Bald Martial Patriarch’ wipes his head, motivated.] I would not let Dan-soo die like this. [The Constellation, ‘Prisoner of the Golden Headband’ cheers for your fight.] Dan-soo did not follow us. [‘Rearrangement’ will commence in 8 minutes.] We immediately began searching for a safe zone. If we were to save Dan-soo, we first needed to survive. As Shin Yoosung and I scouted the corridors, she spoke. "Sir." "Yes." "Was that person someone close to you?" Without thinking, my mouth answered first. "Yes." I was surprised as well. Someone close. I’d thought of Dan-soo as someone close. Moments later, a faint spark flickered across Shin Yoosung’s body. Startled, I looked back to see her avoiding my gaze, her head lowered. "I see…" Shin Yoosung’s eyes flickered briefly in a golden glow. Those golden eyes, what are they really? Did Shin Yoosung in the original story possess such an ability? I couldn’t quite remember. As far as I know, the golden eyes are characteristic of Yoo Joonghyuk, the possessor of [The Eye of the Sage]. Speaking of which, where is Yoo Joonghyuk now? He should have liberated Yu Mia and returned to the Gwanghwamun area by now, but there’s been no word. [‘Rearrangement’ will commence in 7 minutes.] Damn it, this isn’t the time to think about Yoo Joonghyuk. Growing more anxious, I realized that if we stayed like this, we’d be walking to our doom before meeting Yoo Joonghyuk again. Yet, no matter how much I searched, I couldn’t spot a ‘Safe Zone.’ In the ‘Ways of Survival’, it was advised to bring an Incarnation with the [Pathfinder] trait or [Maze Navigation] skill for times like this. However, neither Shin Yoosung nor I possessed such traits or skills. [‘Rearrangement’ will commence in 6 minutes.] I quickly assessed the star dust we had. [Star Dust acquired so far: 314] With a ‘Star Jewel’, we could endure the infernal flames of the ‘Rearrangement’. If we gathered more star dust to create a Star Jewel, at least Shin Yoosung might survive. The problem was that there was only one quick way to acquire more star dust. 「You must kill other Incarnations.」 [‘Rearrangement’ will commence in 5 minutes.] It was then that Shin Yoosung's voice reached me. "Sir. Over there." From a few steps ahead, faint light was emanating from the right-hand corridor. We immediately dashed towards the path from where the light glowed. [You have discovered a ‘Safe Zone’.] Fortunately, there was a remaining safe zone. However, others had occupied the ‘Safe Zone’ before us. “Oh dear, we meet again.” A voice that feigned awkwardness. It was Gute-Seong of the Seoul Seven Sovereigns, whom we had encountered earlier. "Sorry, but there isn't enough room here. You'll have to find another." Gute-Seong, along with two of his subordinates, were occupying the safe zone. The green circle, reminiscent of the ‘Green Zone’ from Chungmuro, measured about a square yard. Above the circle, the currently available capacity was displayed. [Current capacity allowed: 3/4] One spot remained. With five of us present here, it meant someone would have to die. It was at that moment that Gute-Seong's gaze changed. "Wait a second." His eyes were on Shin Yoosung. Reflexively, I shielded Shin Yoosung behind me, and he murmured slowly, as if speaking in a ‘group chat,’ then quickly asked with a lit-up face, “What’s the kid’s name?” --- Translation Notes: 1. **Gute-Seong (구태성)** - His role is indicated as a member of the Seoul Seven Sovereigns. The name could have alternate translations depending on how it's written (butcter alternative forms like 'Gu Tae-seong' isn't used to maintain consistency with existing list). 2. **Seoul Seven Sovereigns (서울 7왕)** - These are likely antagonistic figures in the narrative. 3. **Star Jewels (별보석)** - Likely magical items or resources providing immunity against scenario 'Rearrangement' effects. The term '별보석' literally translates to 'Star Jewel', suggesting a valuable or potent artifact. 4. **Star Dust (별가루)** - This term is another resource or currency in the narrative, translated directly as 'Star Dust', evoking imagery of magical or mystical essence. 5. **Chungmuro's 'Green Zone' (충무로의 ‘그린 존’)** - This refers to a known area or concept within the story, with 'Green Zone' retaining its English term to denote a possibly crucial location, likely meant to be a place of safety. 6. **Eye of the Sage (현자의 눈)** - Refers to a skill associated with Yoo Joonghyuk, proposes foresight or wisdom in a physical form as 'Eye'. New contextual revelations: Shin Yoosung, originally depicted during a scene with unique golden eyes, has received additional backstory elements suggesting potential ties or parallels with Yoo Joonghyuk's traits. --- Any potential updates to character list: Shin Yoosung retains her character distinction without new affiliations needing redress in existing list. Additional familial or group ties can be added when further narrative context is established. No immediate changes are required based on current revealed hanja or narrative reveals. As expected, he recognized Shin Yoosung. "I have no obligation to tell you her name." Gute-Seong chuckled in response. "Hmm. Doesn't seem like now's the time to be acting so tough, don't you think?" [Rearrangement will commence in 4 minutes.] Four minutes remaining. Having seemingly made up his mind, Gute-Seong spoke again. "I'll let the kid in." For a moment, my mind went blank. That line, where had I heard it before? Gute-Seong giggled as he looked back at his subordinates. "Didn't I just sound like Yoo Joonghyuk?" "Yoo Joonghyuk? The Supreme King?" "No, you guys wouldn’t understand." Gute-Seong frowned slightly before turning his gaze back to me, his eyes now completely different than before. "Kill him. Bring the child." As if on cue, his subordinates each drew their swords and spears. I watched them approach threateningly, then asked, "Is it you who did this to Dan-soo?" Hearing my question, the subordinates exchanged glances. "Dan-soo? Who is that?" "Isn't that the guy earlier, the one talking about his daughter?" "Aah, you mean the sacrifice." Sacrifice. "Well, we did feed him Star Jewels. But honestly, it wasn’t our fault. We just gave him what he wanted. Right?" "Yeah. It goes to show what happens when people are too greedy—" The moment I heard their mocking voices, something snapped inside me. [The Blade of Conviction is activated!] "What is that?" A radiant light of conviction cut through the darkness. It seemed Gute-Seong realized what the item was. "No way—" Without hesitation, I swung my sword. His startled subordinates lunged at me with their spears. [A Narrative, ‘Persistent Murim Master’ falters in their tale.] But for someone holding the ‘Way of the Persistent Dragon Seeking Victory’, their attacks were as easy to dodge as a child's toy sword. The blue blade of the White Azure cut through the air. The sound of clean slicing echoed as two men collapsed without a death scream. Yet, thanks to the momentary distraction by his subordinates, Gute-Seong seemed to have completed his preparations for battle. [Incarnation Gute-Seong activates Weapon Sharpening Lv.4.] [Incarnation Gute-Seong activates Advanced Swordsmanship Lv.3!] [Incarnation Gute-Seong activates trait effect!] [The effect of ‘Dignity of a King’ is activated!] Gute-Seong's constellation is ‘Hannam Capital's Pillar’. That means he's the Incarnation of ‘Gyeon Hwon’, the king of Later Baekje. But despite the flood of skill activation messages, my mind remained calm. 「I didn’t feel at all like I would lose.」 "You, how do you have the ‘Broken Conviction’?" "Picked it up." "What?" Without delay, I launched my assault. Using the ‘Broken Conviction’ to execute the Dragon's Victory-Seeking Fist Technique, and with the magic spewed forth by [Circular System], I launched a bombardment of attacks with the White Azure Gang Qi. Gute-Seong, forced to retreat repeatedly, spit out in astonishment. "Who are you? How can you—?" Understandably so. Among the ‘characters’ he knew, none could compare to me. [Incarnation Gute-Seong activates Persevering Tenacity Lv.3!] But indeed, the Seoul Seven Sovereigns were formidable. The longer the fight persisted, the more Gute-Seong began to echo my movements little by little. This was due to his skill [Persevering Tenacity]. Extending the fight would put me at a disadvantage. Ultimately, I too had to gamble. "You were mimicking Yoo Joonghyuk earlier." "What?" [A subordinate skill, Phrase Reinforcement, is activated!] [You can input your actions.] [Your input action is ‘enhanced’.] [Current enhancement level is ‘Stage 1’.] Without hesitation, I entered the phrase. 「Cheon Inho used ‘Agitation’.」 [Personal Skill, ‘Agitation’ is enhanced!] [‘Agitation’ temporarily awakens to an advanced state.] [You can emulate a desired figure through self-agitation.] I recalled ‘Yoo Joonghyuk’ of the third regression whom Kim Dokja had encountered. The fierce and ruthless Supreme King of the third regression. I knew well enough. Even now, I couldn't emulate even a speck of Yoo Joonghyuk. But ‘Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint’ was a tremendously long novel, and among its pages, there existed a Yoo Joonghyuk I could cite. 「Finally, the Sleeping Prince of the Forest awoke from his deep slumber.」 Sensing something ominous, Gute-Seong yelled at the top of his lungs. "Over here! Everyone come here and kill him!" At that moment, about a dozen additional Incarnations appeared from the corridor. They were all Gute-Seong’s subordinates. It seemed the ones he’d called in his earlier group chat were these reinforcements. Thinking he'd gained the upper hand, a smile formed on Gute-Seong's lips once again. Observing this, I spoke up. "I am." Gute-Seong's sword descended upon my head. "The Yoo Joonghyuk of the third regression who slew the Apostle." Gute-Seong's eyes widened in shock as faint sparks flickered across my body. A chill ran down my spine as my perception of time and space slowed. 「An unfamiliar feeling, like wearing clothes that don't fit, with a subtly different sense of height from usual, and displaced five senses.」 It was the sense of Yoo Joonghyuk. Muscles contracted with a hard, groaning sound. Power that surpassed the limits of my body surged within. [‘Agitation’ is activated!] Just the third regression. Even correspondingly, Yoo Joonghyuk’s overall abilities were lower than mine at this point. Yet mimicking him was so arduous. 「“Keep moving, don’t rest.”」 The voice of the Breaking the Sky Sword Saint echoed in my mind. 「“Is the one seeking the Slash of Breaking the Sky faltering after just that?”」 Presumably, these were Yoo Joonghyuk’s memories. 「“If not within ten years, try for fifty. If not fifty, strive as if you will cut for a hundred. Accumulate years. Carve memories into your body and soul that no star can disparage.”」 Naturally, this was expected. Even in just the third regression, Yoo Joonghyuk had lived through overwhelming time incomparable to me. He was already an Incarnation who ascended to the pinnacle of transcendents by the second regression. A being who relentlessly trained for a hundred years in a ‘Time Fracture’ for that peak. --- New Terms and Translation Notes: 1. **Gute-Seong (구태성):** Member of the Seoul Seven Sovereigns, highlighted as notable in the scene. 2. **Way of the Persistent Dragon Seeking Victory (용두방주의 타구봉법):** A Martial Technique indicative of persistence and pursuit of victory. 3. **White Azure Gang Qi (백청강기):** Translated to convey the essence of a powerful martial force, ‘Gang Qi’ being a traditional term for internal energy or force. 4. **Circular System (순환지체):** Presented as a technique or ability, any Korean term used relates to cycles or constant movement in abilities. 5. **Yoo Joonghyuk of the third regression/third iteration (3회차의 유중혁):** His role illustrates progression across iterations, bringing heightened abilities or insight. 6. **Time Fracture (시간 단층):** Suggests temporal training space, allowing intense training over extended years. Each term is maintained for literary resonance, reflecting martial traditions and narrative lore, while keeping context for plot recognition. No notable additions or alterations are needed for previous narrative lists based on current explorations. Further revelations could involve Yoo Joonghyuk's connectivity to skills, hence monitored context can attribute to future updates alongside narrative progression. With a hiss, blood streamed from my nose, feeling as though an entire novel had been crammed onto a single A4 sheet of paper. My brain seemed ready to burst from unbearable pressure. But I endured. I knew it was impossible to truly become that ‘Yoo Joonghyuk’. But. 「At that moment, ‘I’ realized who I was.」 At least, for one brief instant. 「Just as I had done a million times before, I grasped the hilt of the sword. The sensation of my fingers wrapping around the grip felt unfamiliar.」 If I could become the ‘Yoo Joonghyuk who cleaved through Apostles in Chungmuro’, even if just for an instant. 「“I am Yoo Joonghyuk.”」 Murderous intent and anger surged within my mind boiling over. Resentment towards the distant constellations and hatred for the Stars. The remnants of fallen companions clung to my legs. The worlds Yoo Joonghyuk couldn't save ensnared me like chains. This was the curse of the regressor. Yoo Joonghyuk had always lived bearing these burdens. From behind, I felt Shin Yoosung’s gaze. Without looking back, I spoke. ―Get down, Shin Yoosung. The moment Shin Yoosung instinctively ducked was the same moment my sword moved. [The Constellation, ‘Hannam Capital's Pillar’ screams for you to dodge!] There was no way to evade. Because this strike. 「A draw so natural, even beautiful.」 It was the most perfect sword technique that Kim Dokja knew. --- New Explanations and Translations: 1. **Hannam Capital's Pillar (한남군 개국공):** This term was retained for its significance in the context as the constellation avatar of Gute-Seong, historically tied to the figure of Gyeon Hwon, the King of Later Baekje. 2. **Chungmuro (충무로):** It is a geographical or strategic reference point within the narrative, likely a crucial site marked by events or battles. 3. **Draw *(拔刀)* Technique: Introduced as the explicit act of drawing a sword, underscoring a swift, elegant maneuver associated with masters. Additional Context for Characters: - Shin Yoosung: Stays observant and quick to react, showcasing her intuitive bonded relationship with the protagonist. - Yoo Joonghyuk: As portrayed through emulation, the conceptual awareness of his burdens as a regressor highlights his complexity and the burdened grandeur of his character's fight. Further narrative identifiers serve to heighten sympathy for Yoo Joonghyuk and protagonist, spotlighting Wiliness often shared among genre characters, while ensuring that any new abilities revealed for Yoo Joonghyuk or any 'borrowed' skills by the protagonist are clearly aligned within the story's canon.