Side Story: Episode 20-2 - Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint

### Episode 20. The Reader (2) * "Ajusshi! Pull yourself together! Ajusshi!" Shin Yoosung shook the fallen Cheon Inho. Despite her efforts, there was no response from him. [Incarnation 'Cheon Inho' has fallen into 'Madness Level 5'.] His frame appeared to have doubled in size. On Cheon Inho's entire body, with his eyes closed, pronounced black and red veins stood out. Shin Yoosung suppressed her rising breath as she thought. Is he dead? No, he wasn’t dead. His heart was still beating, and he was still breathing. It’s just that he wouldn’t wake up. "He’s still alive. Don't make such a fuss." At Killer King's words, Shin Yoosung narrowed her eyes. Her eyes flickered fiercely with a golden light. "Yoosung." It was Literature Girl 64 who held Shin Yoosung's shoulder. "It's alright. Inho is alive. He’ll be fine." She repeated this several times, as if to reassure Shin Yoosung. As Shin Yoosung's breathing gradually stabilized, Literature Girl 64 gave Killer King a nod. Killer King stepped forward to help Dan-soo, who was slumping to the ground, to his feet. "Are you alright?" Dan-soo staggered as he stood up. Perhaps it was due to the state of madness lifting, his face was more composed. He looked around with a face full of guilt and asked, "What happened to Inho?" "He’s safe. For now." From Cheon Inho, who was trapped in Madness Level 5, an endless stream of pitch-black smoke was flowing out. Though the now-blind Dan-soo couldn’t see this scene, he knew what needed to be done. "We must distribute Inho’s Star Stones quickly. An Incarnation with more than two Star Stones cannot maintain sanity." The words came naturally to Dan-soo, as he had experienced it himself. However, Killer King shook his head. "We don't have time right now. Nor do we have a method." To split the Star Stones, Cheon Inho must awaken. Yet, in his current unconscious state, even if he were awake, it was questionable if they could distribute the Star Stones at this moment. Killer King counted the number of enemies surrounding them. The combined forces included about thirty Incarnations. Among them were Incarnations he was familiar with. Assassination King Hwang Hyunchan. Combat King Kim Baekho. Timid King Yoon Kiyoung. They were either part of or candidates for the powerful 'Seoul's Seven Kings'. While it was his first time seeing the Assassination King’s face, the other two had been registered as 'Seoul's Seven Kings' in the original story. The main difference now was that they seemed to be possessed by other souls. "Bunch of illegal viewers." Despite Killer King's provocation, there was no particular reaction from the combined forces. They were debating among themselves through [Telepathic Voice] regarding Cheon Inho’s condition. ―Why didn’t that guy turn into a monster? ―He must have strong mental fortitude. ―Who is he, anyway? ―The Constellations call him 'Cheon Inho'. ―The Agitator of Geumho Station, Cheon Inho? ―Who is that? Was he someone that strong? The three kings simultaneously turned their eyes to Killer King. ―Our opponent is a 2nd Apostle. Can we eliminate him among ourselves? ―The person he’s possessed is 'Kang Ilhun'. The Incarnation’s inherent talent is poor, but the Chief Ensembles Yophiel is the issue. And that woman next to him, they say she wields [White Azure Gang Qi]. ―There’s a kid who seems like Shin Yoosung there. Could be tough. ―Shall we call the Tyrant? ―It would allow us to hunt without casualties, but there’s no need for that here. Anyway, the summon of 'Execution of the Four Swords' is confirmed. We just have to seize it. Killer King, who had been silent, spoke up. "Boring. Are you done talking now?" Startled by his words, the three kings all turned to face Killer King. With a dark smile, Killer King said, "[Telepathic Voice] is a skill that seals words with magic for delivery. Someone of my caliber can break down condensed magic." Of course, this was a lie. Killer King wasn’t an expert of the martial arts nor did he possess such divine skills. But even without overhearing, Killer King could vaguely infer the conversation. It was the power of his skill, [Reasoning]. "It won’t go as you think. Kim Dokja is strong." "Kim Dokja?" "This guy is Kim Dokja." Killer King pointed at Cheon Inho. The Incarnations’ reactions were varied. Shin Yoosung's pupils flickered gold once more, and Dan-soo tilted his head in confusion. Literature Girl 64 rubbed her forehead as if the nonsense had started again. The kings of the union looked bewildered. "That guy is Kim Dokja? But Kim Dokja shouldn’t have slit eyes." Killer King shook his head as if he was talking nonsense. "It’s a stupid thing to say. Anyone who narrows their eyes becomes slit-eyed." "I’ve never heard he was blonde, either." "You must not know the fact that Kim Dokja once had blonde hair in 'Kaijenikhthes' and ‘Journey to the West'. You’ve likely not read that far." Flustered by Killer King's eloquence, the kings looked at each other. Timid King retorted belatedly. "Regardless of what you say, you’re finished. A human who falls into Madness Level 5 always turns into a monster. The blind one earlier took forever to kill someone to gather stardust, but that guy will be different. He’ll soon slaughter all the surrounding Incarnations, including you." "Kim Dokja is a pacifist. Did you forget?" "Pacifist…?" "And Kim Dokja possesses [The Fourth Wall]. Which means something as trivial as 'Madness' has no effect." Killer King looked at Cheon Inho as if he genuinely believed his own words. "[The Fourth Wall] is invincible. Kim Dokja, who possesses it, is a god, tls123 is actually Han Sooyoung, and Yoo Joonghyuk is the strongest." "What are you babbling about―" "Anyway, this story harbors profound secrets unknown to you." Killer King ceaselessly rambled, exchanging glances with Literature Girl 64. ‘We need to buy time.’ Their numbers totaled five. One of them, Cheon Inho, was incapacitated in battle. On the other side, more than thirty, with three of them being ‘kings’. If they were to engage in a full-on confrontation immediately, even if they won, the damage could be considerable. [Soon, the entire dungeon will be engulfed in flames.] [Search for a 'safe zone'.] **Translation Notes:** - **Telepathic Voice ([전음])**: Translated to "Telepathic Voice" to reflect how communication was occurring through some skill or magical means, allowing for debate without external noise. - **Ajusshi (아저씨)**: Kept as "Ajusshi" with assumed understanding in the English language, referencing a Korean word for an older man or uncle, retaining the cultural nuance. - **Killer King ([킬러킹])**: Translated and retained the original name given in Korean which fits the naming pattern for characters with distinct epithet-like titles; also communicates toughness and specificity. - **Star Stone ([별보석])**: Maintained as "Star Stone" to provide continuity with narrative themes involving references to stars and cosmic elements in the story world. - **Madness Level ([광기 단계])**: Translated to "Madness Level" to clearly establish the staged progression of a character's mental breakdown or transformation. - **Execution of the Four Swords ([사인참사검])**: The title remains as "Execution of the Four Swords," directly reflecting a significant skill or weapon name with presumed importance and resonance with themes of execution and swordsmanship. - **White Azure Gang Qi ([백청강기])**: Translated as "White Azure Gang Qi" to reflect martial arts concepts closely tied to the original term, which suggests specific martial applications involving energy (Qi). - **Major Themes:** In this scene, team dynamics, tension amidst overwhelming odds, the use of cunning over raw power, and deep ongoing mysteries about character backstories and relationships are key driving factors. **Potential Amendments for Future Context:** Given the introduction of magic-related capabilities and key narrative terms such as [Telepathic Voice], a deeper understanding of the role and context of these abilities may warrant further exploration in future translations to aid readers' comprehension. Further context on how these statements cross-reference other works like 'Kaijenikhthes' and 'Journey to the West' could add layers of complexity for readers familiar with parallel narratives in this story's universe. Luckily, time was on their side. Once the 'Safe Zone' is activated, the labyrinth would be engulfed in flames, and its design would be rearranged. The kings, realizing Killer King's tactic too late, had their expressions harden. ―Damn it, it was just a stalling tactic. [The 'Redistribution' will commence in 5 minutes.] Five minutes remained. The kings had to decide whether to risk confronting Killer King's group or to search for the Safe Zone. [The 'Safe Zone' is activating.] Their deliberation was brief as a massive 'Safe Zone' appeared nearby. "Everyone, head into the Safe Zone!" There were two Safe Zones visible. Each was large enough to accommodate either the coalition’s Incarnations or Cheon Inho’s group. Literature Girl 64 and Shin Yoosung assisted Dan-soo in moving into one of the Safe Zones, while Killer King dragged Cheon Inho to the other. While Cheon Inho, having acquired Star Stones, didn't need to enter the Safe Zone, it was a strategic move considering the labyrinth's redistribution. At least by staying together, they could avoid being scattered by the redistribution. Assassination King, who had been glaring at Killer King, asked, "Are you sure that guy is Kim Dokja?" "Yes." "It's hard to believe the words of a lunatic." The Assassination King shook his head in disdain and added, "Whether he’s Kim Dokja or not, you’ll eventually have to give that guy the Star Stones." "What?" "That's the only way you all can survive." Before they could question what he meant, the entire labyrinth was consumed by flames. [The 'Safe Zone' activates.] ['Redistribution' begins.] A blazing fire swallowed everything in its vicinity. When the blazing fire that had flared briefly vanished like an illusion, neither the kings nor the coalition forces could be seen. "They fled." For some reason, the coalition chose to 'exit the dungeon’ instead of pursuing them. It was a puzzling choice. Exiting the dungeon means losing all the 'Star Dust' they had collected. In fact, where they had disappeared, a large amount of Star Dust was scattered. Killer King looked at the fallen Cheon Inho. Cheon Inho hadn’t turned into a monster yet. If Cheon Inho awakes, takes Dansoo's Star Stones, and gathers all the Star Dust from the ground, he’ll collect all seven Star Stones. Killer King and Literature Girl 64 exchanged glances, moving simultaneously toward the Star Dust to prevent any potential catastrophe. [Incarnation 'Kang Ilhun' has acquired 1 additional 'Star Stone'!] Dust floated in the air, and the final 'Star Stone' was born. Finally, they had gathered all seven Star Stones. The problem was how to summon the ‘Execution of the Four Swords’ with them. A foreboding feeling crossed Killer King's mind. ―Whether he’s Kim Dokja or not, you’ll have to give him the Star Stones. Killer King's [Reasoning] activated. The coalition's plan was to gather the 'seven Star Stones' to summon the ‘Execution of the Four Swords.’ However, there was a flaw in their plan. ‘How did they plan to kill the Incarnation who acquired the ‘Execution of the Four Swords’ with the seven Star Stones?’ "Yerina." Since when was it there? Where the Star Dust had been piled up, there was now a red meteorite. "Run." Instinctively, Literature Girl 64 stepped back, gauging her brother's complexion. Killer King, who hadn’t even flinched in a battle against a 6th grade creature, had beads of sweat forming on his neck. "It’s a ‘calamity’." The light pouring from the red meteorite began to engulf the entire labyrinth. * When I came to my senses, I felt as if I was being dragged into the cold depths of the sea. I retraced my last memories. I was facing off with Dan-soo and used [Incitement]. That's as far as my memory went. But why was I suddenly falling into the sea? No, was this even a real 'sea' to begin with? I blankly stared beneath my feet. The unfathomable depth. A gaping abyss loomed beneath. Instinctually, I knew it. 「I mustn’t go there.」 Going there would mean I’d never return. 「Yet, knowing this, Lee Hak Hyun felt a strange curiosity.」 A bizarre urge arose. A thought of wanting to rest. A desire to cast everything aside and dive into it. A vague hope that the truth I sought lay within that abyss. The secret of this world I so longed to know. The conviction that the story's conclusion resided there seized me. The strength in my limbs, which had been churning the water, waned. Maybe it's okay… 「If I go there.」 Haven't I done enough for anyone to acknowledge the effort? So now, I should just— 「What would happen to the other ‘Readers’?」 That thought snapped me back to alertness. Reflexively, I reached out my left hand. Despite knowing there was nothing to grasp, I flailed like someone trying to grab something. And then, I felt something at my fingertips. I knew that sensation. Suddenly, I could breathe. It was the feeling of just having placed one's hand on a keyboard. The sensation of lively letters, thrashing like a newly caught fish. [Exclusive skill, ‘Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint’ is activating!] I gripped the sentence as hard as I could. Then the sentence began speaking. 「Gyeong Se-in thought.」 Gyeong Se-in. The second Reader I met. ID alsdn0905. Completion count 1.8 times. The person who liked Jung Heewon the most among the characters. Amidst the tangled letters, I felt as if I glimpsed Gyeong Se-in’s face. Upon parting at Chungmuro, Gyeong Se-in had followed Lee Hyunsung. 「How’s Inho doing?」 I see. You’re thinking about me right now. A warmth filled my heart, fueled by an odd surge of strength. I couldn’t give up here. Outside, Readers were waiting. There were still stories to tell them. With the sentence gripped tightly, I reached out once more. And this time, I grasped another sentence. It was much rougher than the one before. **Translation Notes:** - **Safe Zone (안전 지역)**: Directly translated as "Safe Zone," implying a place of security within the narrative's labyrinth scenario. - **Star Stone (별보석)**: Consistently referred to as "Star Stone" to align with previous sections and maintain its symbolic meaning. - **Calamity (‘재앙’)**: Translation chosen for its dramatic impact, indicating a disastrous or catastrophic event. - **Gyeong Se-in (경세인)**: Kept the name intact, as it's a significant character relating to the Reader perspective. - **Foreboding (불길한 예감):** Translated as "a foreboding feeling" to capture the ominous intuition felt by the character. - **Execution of the Four Swords (사인참사검)**: Maintained the translation from earlier to emphasize consistency for readers. - **Reasoning (추론):** Used as a direct translation to describe Killer King's deductive skill, emphasizing his strategic thinking. The scenarios described involve strategic decisions, foreshadowing of pending threats, and introspective exploration of a character's subconscious motivations, enhancing the multi-layered storytelling seen in this narrative. ### Episode 20. The Reader (3) --- 「Goo Seonah thought. I don't want to die. I don't want to die. I don't want to die.」 Goo Seonah. A reader I met in the theater dungeon. ID strawberry1137. Completion count: 8. 「Goo Seonah thought. She was bleeding too much. “Damn you, Kim Kyungsik. Why did you have to die there?”」 It seemed Goo Seonah was in a dire situation. I could see her back as she wandered through the labyrinth, leaving a trail of blood. It appeared that Kim Kyungsik, who had been with her, was dead. Another reader had died in a place unknown to me. 「“Those damned Misread Alliance bastards…”」 Her voice was growing weaker. I wanted to help. I wanted to tell her not to die there, to hold on. But my voice wouldn’t come out. 「“I can’t die here.”」 Goo Seonah's breathing slowed. Her vision wobbled with every unstable step she took. 「“Gojangwon must be possessed somewhere, too. I absolutely cannot die until I find him.”」 With those words, Goo Seonah slowly collapsed to the ground. The sound of footsteps rushing from afar. She strained to pull out her iron club for one last stand, but there was no energy left in her to fight. Urgent voices cried out. Fortunately, the ones who had arrived weren’t foes. 「“…Are you?”」 I didn’t know who it was. But strangely, from the faint voices, I felt a peculiar nostalgia. I hurriedly grabbed the next sentence. 「Ye Hyunwoo thought. ‘I can't just watch anymore. I’m entering the dungeon with Uncle Pil-Du.’」 Ye Hyunwoo. Completion count: 50. The 7 Apostles are still intact. 「“Pathetic fool. Pull yourself together. If you were Kim Dokja, you would overcome this.”」 Killer King. Completion count: 100. This guy hasn’t changed. 「“Wake up.”」 Literature Girl 64. Completion count: 12.8… I reached out, again and again, listening to the stories of the readers. I was supposed to be the one telling them stories but it seemed as though they were now narrating to me. There were stories I encountered for the first time among them. 「Dad.」 Chills ran down my spine. I grabbed that sentence with urgency. But it told me nothing. I saw no scenery beyond the sentence. [Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint] hadn't activated, possibly. Until now, the 'readers' I witnessed were ones I had met before. 「Dad.」 But just then, a scene started to come into view faintly. It shouldn’t have been possible. [Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint] activates only concerning 'characters' I know, who are thinking about me. Which meant… 「If, unknown to me, I had met Dan-soo’s daughter, and if she is thinking about me right now.」 It felt impossible. Yet there was one hypothesis under which this impossible thing could become reality. [Exclusive skill, ‘Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint’ activates strongly!] 「Dad.」 Eventually, the owner of the voice appeared. Dim surroundings felt through the sentence. A setting laden with faint darkness. I recognized the place. 「It was a theater.」 A theater where countless little Kim Dokjas sat watching the screen. Kim Dokjas in a daze, Kim Dokjas nodding off, Kim Dokjas babbling. Among those Kim Dokjas was the Kim Dokja I was looking for. 「rlaerhwk37」. Why was this person here? 「Dad.」 Why did this have to happen? As if dismissing my confusion, the little Kim Dokjas stared solely at the screen. As if their existence there was solely for that purpose. 「There was Dan-soo, bleeding from his eyes.」 Lee Dan-soo. ID wldbsdldkQk80. Completion count: 1. The small Kim Dokja, Ji-yoon, reached towards her father, engulfed in flames. 「Please save Dad, Kim Dokja.」 --- **Translation Notes:** - **Goo Seonah (구선아):** Name retained to maintain the original cultural context. - **The Misread Alliance (오독협):** Kept as translated previously, emphasizing a potential group or organization within the narrative. - **Kim Kyungsik (김경식):** Name retained as it seems to be a character within Goo Seonah's storyline. - **Iron Club (철곤):** Maintained a literal translation to describe her weapon, suggesting martial implements used by characters. - **Ye Hyunwoo (예현우):** She is introduced here as a determined participant in the narrative. - **rlaerhwk37:** An ID used within the storyline, potentially representing another reader or character identity. - **Ji-yoon (지윤):** Name retained in Korean, presumably a significant character linked to Dan-soo. - **Kim Dokjas:** Multiple references to Kim Dokja imply a potential symbolic or literal replication. This passage explores thematic elements of life, interconnected stories, and the ripple effects of one's journey through narratives, highlighting the romance of interwoven stories and their characters' fates in a broader narrative cosmos.