Side Story: Episode 20-1 - Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint

Episode 20. Reader (1) Episode 20. Reader * From the start, using [Incitement] was not part of the plan. I thought that if there was any sanity left in Uncle Dan-soo, I could somehow stop him using [Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint]. “I won’t kill! I won’t kill!” Uncle Dan-soo shouted the same words repeatedly, his voice echoing loudly in the distance. Despite knowing it was futile, I shouted once more. “Uncle! Please come to your senses!” With [Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint], I barely managed to locate Uncle Dan-soo, but that was it. My [Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint] allowed me to see through his eyes and read his memories, but I couldn’t empathize with him. 「Is it because my understanding of him is lacking?」 A man who lived his whole life for his daughter. A man who lost his wife and was also stricken by illness. Only now did I understand why Uncle Dan-soo was wearing patient clothes in the last 'banquet'. Presumably, that was the last image of Uncle Dan-soo just before his possession. “Uncle Dan-soo! It's Cheon Inho!” Somehow, I had to stop Uncle Dan-soo. But he was already in a state of madness, having absorbed five star relics and reached the fifth stage. Kwaaaaang! A simple strike from his fist caused the labyrinth to shake violently. Observing the chaos, Killer King commented. “Impressive physical prowess. Approaching carelessly would pulverize you to your bones.” Incarnations that were grazed by Uncle's punches were sent flying, spinning and scattering blood, as if they were mere tops. “Still going for it?” “I have to.” But the path to Uncle was fraught with peril. The 'Horn of Provocation' I had used not only attracted Uncle Dan-soo but others as well. All around the labyrinth, jackals lurked, intent on targeting him. Most of them were incarnations from the 'Alliance'. “The Misread Alliance.” I doubt every alliance is part of the ‘Misread Alliance’. “Kill the Misread Alliance.” Just as I was about to ask if they had some kind of radar for the Misread Alliance, a small bow apparatus emerged from Killer King's arm. A bow gun that gleamed with a black luster. Clearly, an S-class item at first glance. Shu shu shu shuk! With each arrow released, an incarnation rushing down the corridor toppled over. Given the high rate of fire and accuracy, the item must possess [Enhanced Firing Rate] and [Enhanced Accuracy]. The incarnations struck by the rapid-fire arrows groaned and shouted. “It’s the 2nd Apostle!” Already a famous figure on that side, Killer King’s name was being called out from various locations. [A few Constellations are taking note of Incarnation 'Kang Il-hoon'.] Who would have expected that extra, Kang Il-hoon, to become so strong? Maybe the gaze of the stars has something to do with it, as his expression seemed oddly excited. “I'll take care of the small fry.” “Capture the 2nd Apostle!” Viewed as a significant threat, the Alliance's incarnations began charging towards us. Killer King, unfazed, activated their stigma. The crimson mist surged from their entire body. I immediately recognized what that stigma was. ‘503rd Unit’ from Archangel Yophiel. As Killer King drew back the bowstring, the crimson mist coiled around the arrowhead as if alive. “Die, all of you.” The arrow, shooting through the air, ignited a particulate explosion upon contact with the target. Like a grenade explosion, the elite of the ‘503rd Unit’ were pierced with formidable velocity, turning half a dozen nearby incarnations into sieves. “Ugh, aaaaaaaah!” Some terrified associates of the Alliance retreated from Uncle. It was an incredible spectacle, no matter how much one didn't want to admit it. A demeanor like Kim Namwoon, yet skills that would surprise even Yoo Joonghyuk. Reading my eyes, Killer King nodded with an inscrutable smile. “Go, Kim Dokja.” “Huh?” “I trust you.” I wasn’t sure what he meant, but the opportunity seemed to be now or never. As I launched myself forward, Moonlight Girl64 synchronized with my pace. “It’s a game my brother often plays.” “I get a rough idea.” Just as the original Yoo Joonghyuk and Kim Dokja formed a team, our intention was to fight together, I presumed. “So, what role are you playing?” “It changes every time.” Moonlight Girl64, with a graceful kick, dispatched an approaching incarnation and added. “For now, maybe Han Sooyoung.” Kim Dokja, Yoo Joonghyuk, and Han Sooyoung. If only the real ones were actually here, perhaps they would have figured out a way to save Uncle Dan-soo. “Miss Yerin.” At my words, Moonlight Girl64 nodded. Near Uncle Dan-soo, I spotted an incarnation exuding a powerful aura. A distinctly radiant dustman, unlike the others. “A king.” “I’ll handle this.” [Incarnation, ‘Lee Saeyeon’ activates ‘Battle Action Mode’!] Executing a combo through command input, Moonlight Girl64’s specialty unfolded. Yet, the king moved faster. “Clear the way! Feast now!” This had to be stopped, somehow. But the path was once again blocked by the Alliance forces rushing in from the side corridors. Even though Killer King’s supporting fire occasionally came through, there was gradually a delay. Long-range forces had appeared on their side. “Fire!” The arrow unit, equipped with short bows, lined up across the corridor. I instinctively swung my sword as I poured magic into the 'Broken Conviction'. [Activating ‘Blade of Conviction’!] Barely managing to deflect the first barrage of arrows, each arrow's destructive power was substantial. Powerful Magic Bows(强魔矢). It seemed like there was an incarnation with expertise in archery skills. Could it be penetrated? Using [Incitement] might not render it impossible. If I borrowed the power of Kyrgios, much like when confronting the Ark of the Beggar’s Union, I could break through that hail of arrows and reach Uncle Dan-soo in a flash. The problem was afterward. With my strength drained by [Sentence Enhancement], would I have the capacity to stop Uncle Dan-soo? ―Uncle, duck. I reflexively grabbed Moonlight Girl64’s shoulder and ducked down. *Terms Translated:* - 재회(再會, Reunion) -> ‘banquet’(연회): Used contextually for a gathering or meeting, implying a gathering with significant impact on the story. - 별보석(Star Relics) -> Literal translation maintaining the mythical and valuable nature they imply in the original. - 연합(Alliances) -> 유동적 동맹체: Translated as 'Alliances,' implying various factions coming together. - 오독협(Misread Alliance) -> 'The Misread Alliance': A specific faction, potentially implying they misunderstand or misinterpret crucial information leading to grief. - 문학소녀(Literature Girl) -> Moonlight Girl64: Suggestive name retained for poetic and thematic continuity with the text. The narrative keeps a tone of urgency and thrill combined with the detailed fantasy setting. The translation maintains the essence of an intense scene while introducing the unique fantasy elements. Upon turning around, Shin Yoosung was seen pressing her palm against the ground. Simultaneously, a portal shimmered at the ceiling of the labyrinth. [Monster Gate]. I was taken aback. Could Shin Yoosung open a gate at this moment? Beyond the gate, a dozen or so nakjaks that Shin Yoosung had tamed were crawling through. "What... what's going on? Where did they come from?" The incarnations shot arrows at the nakjaks dropping from the air. In retaliation, the nakjaks opened their mouths wide and began their symphony. [Choral Nakjak]. The sonic bombardment scattered even those powerful magic arrows, causing them to miss their mark and strike elsewhere. While the astonished incarnations were in disarray, Shin Yoosung's voice rang out. ―Go, Mister. Sparks flickered across Shin Yoosung's body as she controlled the nakjaks. ―You said you were close to him, right? Golden flickering in Shin Yoosung’s eyes. Though looking at me, her gaze seemed detached, as if seeing someone else. ―Make sure you don't die. I infused [White Azure Gang Qi] into the 'Broken Conviction' and ran forward. Slicing through the limbs of the charging incarnations with the 'Blade of Conviction', I charged towards Uncle. "Okay, throw it! Feed him another one!" But they were faster than me. The star relic flying through the air accurately reached Uncle Dan-soo’s dustman. With a crunching sound, Uncle's entire body began to expand once again. [Incarnation ‘Lee Dan-soo’ has acquired an additional 'Star Relic'!] [A total of 6 'Star Relics' have been acquired.] [Incarnation 'Lee Dan-soo' enters 'Madness Stage 6'.] "Miss Yerin!" Just as the king turned his glaring eyes my way, Moonlight Girl64 kicked him square in the face. I took advantage of the distraction and reached Uncle Dan-soo. Uncle, now even larger, groaned painfully. Blood tears continuously streamed from Uncle’s eyes. Madness Stage 6. Even just approaching Uncle made my body shiver with fear. An alarm rang in my head. Was it similar to the feeling when I first confronted Yoo Joonghyuk in the 41st iteration? Standing before a being with otherworldly physical prowess felt overwhelmingly intimidating. [Incarnation ‘Lee Dan-soo’s’ overall abilities have exceeded the scenario’s limit.] [Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint] won't work. Defeating him in a straightforward battle is impossible. 「There's only one option left.」 I was reluctant to use this method. “I won’t kill you. I won’t kill you.” Uncle reached out towards me. His motion was slow enough that I could have dodged it. But I didn't dodge. To put it simply, “I will kill you.” It was my small act of atonement towards Uncle. With a sickening crunch, my left arm was crushed. [Activating exclusive skill, ‘Incitement Lv.9’!] 「I am Yoo Joonghyuk.」 As the sensation of steel-like Yoo Joonghyuk seeped into my mind, I managed to remain conscious through the overwhelming pain. “Uncle. I don’t want to do this either. But.” As if actually listening, Uncle looked at me. “I’ll deceive you just this once.” I inhaled deeply to suppress the pain and spoke. “I am.” This was a lie I should never tell. Yet, to save Uncle Dan-soo, it seemed the only way. “Roh Jiyun.” [Activating exclusive skill, ‘Incitement Lv.9’!] With that, Uncle's movements ceased. Uncle’s tear-stained face, eyes streaming with black blood, remained fixed on me. Though unable to see anything, at this moment, Uncle Dan-soo was witnessing a specific sight. A vista only he and I could perceive in this world. 「A girl was there. A small frame with a round face. Eyebrows slightly lighter than others. Chubby cheeks yet to lose their baby fat.」 Uncle Dan-soo’s facial muscles twitched, and his lips curled slightly. A faint tremor of emotion. Within that, I discerned Uncle’s heart. “Hand over the Star Relic to me.” In this ‘Star Labyrinth’, there are two ways to snatch someone else’s stardust. One is by becoming part of the same group and integrating the dustman. The other is by killing someone to steal their stardust from the dustman. But if my assumption is correct, those aren’t the only methods. If that were all, other 'kings' wouldn’t have been able to toss star relics to Uncle Dan-soo. This is my hypothesis. 「As long as ‘stardust’ can be made into ‘Star Relics’, the ‘Star Relics’ become tradable.」 Brrrr. Uncle Dan-soo’s dustman trembled painfully in the void before retching and expelling something. A shining, multicolored shard. A Star Relic. Uncle handed me the Star Relic as if giving a birthday gift to his daughter. “Ji, Yun, ah.” [You have obtained 1 ‘Star Relic’.] [You enter ‘Madness Stage 1’.] The dustman circling above me devoured the Star Relic, as if awaiting its feast. The operation was a success. The incarnations of the alliance, sensing the shift, murmured in response. If they decided to risk their lives and charge now, both Uncle and I would be in danger. However, as I anticipated, they would not move. “He's stealing the Star Relic!” “It's fine. Leave him be.” “A fool trapped by his own greed.” As expected. Their goal was the ‘Four Yin Demonic Beheading Sword’. It didn’t matter to them who gathered the 7 Star Relics. + 8. Each time a ‘Star Relic’ is obtained, the ‘Madness’ level increases. + They had accurately grasped the 8th rule of the star labyrinth. Due to the ‘Madness Penalty’, no one in this labyrinth could collect 7 Star Relics while retaining their sanity. Thus, letting a hapless pawn gather 7 Star Relics and then taking only the summoned Four Yin Demonic Beheading Sword was their plan. “Hahaha! Eat plenty!” They realized the scheme early on. At this rate, I too would succumb to madness like Uncle. [Entering ‘Madness Stage 2’.] With each Star Relic acquired, I felt my body undergoing transformation. *Terms Translated:* - 나각(Nakjak): Translated as 'nakjaks,' a short, suggestive term for a specific type of monster. - 나각 합주(Choral Nakjak): Direct translation maintaining the symbolic resonance with music, implying unity in attack. - 별가루(Stardust): Retained literal meaning for its symbolic value related to the cosmic theme. - 사인참사검(Four Yin Demonic Beheading Sword): A mythical weapon conveying significant power and threat. The narrative highlights intense moments of sacrifice and desperate strategies, maintaining the speculative and mysterious elements of the original text. Comprehensive stats exploded upward, and my body swelled in real-time. The capillaries in my body snapped audibly. [Entering 'Madness Stage 3'.] It felt as though my brain was expanding beyond what my skull could handle. But I held my lips tightly and endured. I can do this. I had equipment with powerful anti-madness capabilities, and more than anything, I had [Incitement]. Thus, I had confidence. Even if I fell into madness, I could withstand it. I'd gather seven Star Relics without losing my mind, summon the Four Yin Demonic Beheading Sword, and shatter the Absolute Throne. 「There is no Kim Dokja in this world.」 Therefore, I must act. Only I can prevent the destruction of this world. In the distance, Killer King and Shin Yoosung shouted towards me. I smiled as a sign that I was okay. [You have obtained 5 'Star Relics'.] [Entering 'Madness Stage 5'.] It was steadily becoming dangerous. My eyes felt like they were about to burst, and my sight was drenched in red. The grip of reason within my mind was gradually slackening. Now, Uncle Dan-soo's comprehensive stats were significantly reduced compared to before. After canceling 'Roh Jiyun'’s [Incitement], I exerted my last bit of concentration. What I needed now was a person capable of withstanding this terrible madness. There were candidates that came to mind. Yoo Joonghyuk, Jung Heewon, Han Sooyoung, Lee Hyunsung… But none of them, I feared, could bear this madness easily. What I needed now was someone with an impenetrable "mental strength," someone like a wall. And no matter how much I thought about it, there was only one such person. A man who loved a single story for over ten years. A protagonist who, even after many deaths, never gave up the ending he desired. “I am Kim Dokja.” This was something only Kim Dokja could accomplish. An unknown sentence appeared before me then. 「At that moment, Lee Hak Hyun did not know.」 A sentence appeared without giving me time to react. It was a sentence I had seen somewhere before. 「That he could never return to how things once were.」 Sensing something was amiss, I hurried to cancel the skill. [Activating exclusive skill, ‘Incitement Lv.9’!] Inside me, something akin to a shattering sound reverberated. *Terms Translated:* - 절대왕좌(Absolute Throne): Retained for its grand implications within the context of total control or dominion. - 벽처럼 단단한 ‘정신력’(an impenetrable "mental strength" like a wall): Directly translated to emphasize the unyielding mental capacity required. - 노지윤(Roh Jiyun) reference: Used contextually as the deceptive identity involving an emotional reconciliation strategy with Uncle Dan-soo. This passage maintains the original narrative's sense of urgency and emotional tension, highlighting themes of determination, identity, and inner conflict. The protagonist navigates through critical mental strain using a skill with unforeseen consequences, offering dramatic development within the storyline.