Side Story: Episode 20-3 - Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint

Episode 20. The Reader (3) Reality differs from fiction. Following his immersion in 'Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint', the first act Killking undertook was converting ‘images’ into ‘text’. [Incarnation 'Kang Ilhoon' activates 'Observation Lv.4'!] Killking didn't overestimate his knowledge of forthcoming scenarios. He calmly stored observed images in his mind, transforming them into sentences to ‘informationalize’ them. Reading, watching, comparing. In this manner, he constructed his own vast database. [The signs of the fifth main scenario appear.] It was this accumulated ‘database’ that now warned Killking. ‘That is dangerous.’ Instinctively, Killking distanced himself from the meteorite while shielding his younger sister. The crimson meteorite split apart. It was a meteorite mentioned even in the main work of Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint. Whether its color and form perfectly matched what Kim Dokja saw was uncertain. However, by looking at its cracked state and the light spilling out, it was undoubtedly a creature akin to a ‘calamity’. Even in the critical moment, Killking did not neglect his observation. Firstly, the greenish liquid gushing out from the meteorite. The liquid corroded the ground upon contact. ‘Acid?’ The potent acid conjured thick steam. Through the dense vapor, something exceeding the size of the meteorite was rising. Boom, the heavy footsteps resonated, affirming the presence of the entity. Immediately, Killking reached into his pocket and launched a flare into the darkness. Thereupon, two fierce, gleaming eyes lit up from the ceiling of the black labyrinth. The beast was a colossal creature, standing over ten meters tall. [A Rank 5 Poisonous Dragon Species(毒龍種), ‘Lesser Dragon Poisoner’ has appeared!] A giant lizard with its entire body covered in green scales. At a glance, it was a monster on par with the Rank 5 Fire Dragon Species from Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint. ‘Is this the Misread Alliance's strategy?’ Killking bit his lip slightly. The Misread Alliance's strategy was simple. First, gather seven Star Gems for one person to turn them into a monster. Second, unleash a calamity in front of the transformed incarnations to incite mutual destruction. The Assassin King, who was fleeing, said that if the Star Gems weren’t concentrated on Cheon Inho, everyone here would perish. Rooooooar! The howling of the Poisonous Dragon Species caused people to collapse everywhere. There seemed to be some incarnations who hadn't escaped using the ‘safe zone’ previously established. “What the hell is that!” “That’s why I told you to leave earlier!” “But the Star Gems―” They didn't appear to be incarnations from the united side. “Save us! Please save us!” “What is this! There wasn't anything like this in the scenario!” Middle-sized groups neither from the union nor the apostle side. Amidst them were also kings possessing brown or purple flags. Killking’s [Deduction] activated in his mind. ‘Opportunistic folks waiting all along, jumping into the fight as soon as the alliance retreated.’ ‘As they aim for the Star Gems, making an alliance is impossible (不可).’ Having quickly drawn his conclusions, Killking inhaled, scanning his surroundings. The transformed maze had formed an extensive clearing centered around the Lesser Dragon Poisoner. While there were passages at the edges of the clearing, all were blocked by semi-transparent walls. “This side's blocked too! Damn it!” Much like during the first scenario. A ‘closed-type scenario’ controlling a specific area. Killking felt certain. “A hidden scenario will activate.” As though on cue, a dokkaebi appeared in mid-air alongside small sparks. [Oh dear. It's truly troubling. Summoning a calamity already, I see.] Killking instantly recognized the dokkaebi. 「It wasn’t a low-grade dokkaebi like Bihyung. Wearing a tidy suit and a pair of small horns on its head.」 Mid-grade dokkaebi ‘Baoul’. A dokkaebi who had been obstructing Kim Dokja’s scenarios from the beginning but was eventually captured by the administration due to Kim Dokja’s stratagem. [There have been too many disruptive incarnations recently, but to cause such a mess inside a dungeon... what are you thinking, awakening a ‘mini-calamity’ without even clearing the fourth scenario?] The dialogue resembled almost identically to the original work. While the type of calamity had changed, the main flow hadn’t deviated. Baoul surveyed the incarnations. Cheon Inho, Lee Dansoo, Literature Girl64, Shin Yoosung…. Lastly, Baoul locked eyes with Killking, an unreadable smile forming. [If everyone dies, it wouldn’t be fun; thus, I'll slightly alter the scenario content at my discretion.] + <Hidden Scenario - Die Together, Die Alone> Category: Hidden Difficulty: A Clear Conditions: Within the time limit, hunt the mini-calamity ‘Lesser Dragon Poisoner’ or survive its assault. Time Limit: 20 minutes Reward: 3,000 coins Failure: Death * This mission conceals a hidden piece. + Indeed, it was a scenario with content identical to the original work. Killking sighed inwardly in relief. It wasn’t the worst-case scenario yet. The situation could have been improved if it weren’t for the meddlesome incarnations over there. “Attack! If we all strike now, we can kill it!” “Don’t be afraid! Kill it and we’ll share the hidden piece!” [The King's shout boosts the morale of the incarnations!] The incarnations charged with a roar. Among them, one brave incarnation managed to thrust their weapon directly into the Poisonous Dragon Species’ flesh. “Look at this! It’s vulnerable too―” The talking incarnation's upper body was sent flying by a simple tail swipe. Following that, incarnations at the front were toppled, leaving only their lower bodies intact as they fell like breaking twigs. The overwhelming massacre prompted screams from the incarnations at the rear. “Ahhhhhh!” Yet even as anticipated sacrifices were trampled, there was a group forged ahead. It was the group led by a king adorned with a purple flag. “Aim for its weak points! Attack the eyes and nose!” Simultaneously with the shout, the king hurled a magically-infused spear with all his might. A standard attack strategy for monsters with hard shells. If the enemy hadn’t been a Rank 5 creature, even Killking would have applauded their tactics. Sssshhhh! Green venom was sprayed from the Poisonous Dragon's mouth. The spear, infused with magic power, melted in mid-air, shaft and all. --- Terms like "Killking" and "Misread Alliance" (오독협) from the original text remain as they are due to their proper noun nature within the story, maintaining the integrity of titles reflected in the universe. "Star Gems" is a translated term for "별보석," reflecting an in-universe item renowned within both the narrative and for proper nouns relevant to understanding the plot. "Lesser Dragon Poisoner" highlights its rank within the dragon species, enhancing comprehension with the term "독룡종" (toxic dragon species) to accentuate its distinctive nature while staying faithful to its elemental theme. Moreover, the character identifier meanings have been enriched indirectly through narrative revelation of the character's actions and reactions, softening the need for amendment unless prompted by later context to refine understanding. The panicked king retreated, mumbling incoherently. “What the―” As the acid melted the spear, it spread out in a radial pattern, falling upon the incarnations below. “Ahhhh!” The king, drenched in the corrosive liquid, screamed as he struggled. It took less than ten seconds for him to turn into green slime. “Damn it! Run!” The group, now leaderless and disorganized, belatedly began their retreat. What descended upon them was a calamity. An enemy beyond human capability to contend with. [A few constellations chuckle lightly.] At that moment, a few fleeing incarnations spotted Killking's party. “There! What are you doing! Help us quickly!” “Aren’t those guys the ones with the Star Gems?” “Star Gems! Hand over the Star Gems!” Consuming a Star Gem makes one stronger. Becoming stronger increases the survival rate. Perhaps even the 'calamity' could be defeated. A scenario plainly perceptible even without [Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint]. Killking silently raised his bowgun toward them. “No.” He acted with neither mercy nor hesitation. The incarnations struck by Killking's arrows cursed and fled in the opposite direction. Killking spared the fleeing incarnations from further arrows. They served as needed bait to divert the attention of the Poisonous Dragon Species. “S-save us!” Watching as the incarnations were torn apart by the Poisonous Dragon’s claws, Killking repeated to himself. ‘I am Yoo Joonghyuk.’ This cold resolve had protected him and his sister thus far, and would likely continue to do so. [A small number of constellations click their tongues at Incarnation 'Kang Ilhoon’s' cruelty.] [Constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ frowns at Incarnation ‘Kang Ilhoon’.] Though deemed ruthless, there was no helping it. That ‘calamity’ was an opponent not easily vanquished, even with knowledge of upcoming scenarios. Unless, of course, Kim Dokja was present here. ‘Kim Dokja.’ Killking inadvertently looked at the fallen Cheon Inho. A man distinctly different from Kim Dokja, save for his pale skin and slender frame. Yet, why did this person persistently remind him of Kim Dokja? “I can do it.” The dazzlingly swaying brown hair. Shin Yoosung’s eyes began to emit a subtle glow. “Everyone stand back. I’ll handle it.” [Constellation ‘Demon-like Judge of Fire’ watches Incarnation ‘Shin Yoosung’.] [Constellation ‘Prisoner of the Constrictive Headband’ watches Incarnation ‘Shin Yoosung’.] [Constellation ‘Maritime War God’ tilts his head, watching Incarnation ‘Shin Yoosung’.] [Constellation ‘Abyssal Black Flame Dragon’ looks at Incarnation ‘Shin Yoosung’ with suspicion.] [A few constellations doubt the probability of Incarnation ‘Shin Yoosung’.] As the constellations’ attention converged on her, Shin Yoosung’s body began to emit faint sparks. Wincing as if in pain from the sparks, she frowned. Killking narrowed his eyes. “You.” Killking read ORV a hundred times. Not merely at a glance. He devoured every text, tasting and chewing, then digesting them thoroughly. Reading between the lines, grasping the unsaid spaces left by the author. Much like Yoo Joonghyuk, who lived 1,863 times, Killking endeavored through 100 lives alongside Kim Dokja. [Incarnation ‘Kang Ilhoon’ activates ‘Observation Lv.4’!] Thus, Killking could understand. ‘The golden glow in the eyes.’ ‘The growth rate surpassing the third round.’ ‘The free use of [Gate].’ ‘An unnaturally calm demeanor.’ These pieces of information filled the gaps within his mind. Known and unknown information sorted out themselves. All these observations occurred within a blink’s moment, and Killking drew his conclusion. “What I’m about to say now concerns a certain ‘novel’.” Shin Yoosung looked back at Killking. Her eyes flickered with faint wavering. Killking spoke without meeting Shin Yoosung’s gaze. “The protagonist of that novel had companions.” The tail of the roaring Poisonous Dragon Species swung close. Carrying Cheon Inho from the ground, Killking sidestepped. The tail of the Poisonous Dragon Species initiated a spin. The exact pattern as the Fire Dragon Species from the original work. “Among the companions was a regressor.” Sending signals to his group, Killking began running in an anti-clockwise direction to dodge the dragon's tail. “There was a skilled tank and an excellent swordsman. An admiral who ruled the seas and a reincarnated person who read destiny.” Looking back while speaking, Killking took note: His younger sister was aiding the limping Lee Dansoo to follow. “There was a boy adept at handling insects―” Gradually turning, Killking finally locked eyes with Shin Yoosung. “And there was a girl skilled at handling beasts.” Her eyes glimmered faintly. Gazing into her eyes, Killking spoke. “As far as I know, that story has ended.” “......” “Then why hasn’t the girl left the story yet?” Shin Yoosung remained silent. As though such an answer was not granted in this world. The child merely clung to Cheon Inho’s pale hand and repeated the same phrase. “Mister. Wake up. Mister!” Watching them quietly, Killking then turned to face his sister. “Yerin-ah. The analysis.” “It’s just like the original. It’s a deteriorated version of the dragon.” “The weakness?” “Since it’s a poison attribute, earth or fire attribute would be effective. The attacks that dealt damage previously were all aligned with fire.” “Let’s deploy fire attribute.” “Instead of the Blue Ice Pill, we'll need the Red Fire Pill.” “[Fire Resistance] is also required.” “I’ve got the resistance skill. You need to get the Red Fire Pill.” “If we exchange the pre-prepared ‘Blue Ice Pill’, it should work.” “Let’s move past the next phase for now.” Witnessing the rapid exchange between the siblings, Shin Yoosung's eyes widened in surprise. [A Rank 5 Poisonous Dragon Species, ‘Lesser Dragon Poisoner’ prepares ‘Death's Spider Lily’.] As the Lesser Dragon Poisoner retrieved its tail and roared toward the sky, red flower buds started blooming on the ground in the vicinity. In the original work, the attack used by the Fire Dragon Species was ‘Flames of Destruction.’ In contrast, the Poisonous Dragon’s area-wide attack was ‘Death's Spider Lily.’ If the progression mirrored the original work, this phase was a ‘one-hit kill.’ --- **New Translations and Context:** - **Red Fire Pill (적화환)** - Adapted from 적화환, maintaining the essence and phrasing akin to the typical naming within Asian fantasy genres where elements like color and property-specific pills are a commonplace artifact. - **Blue Ice Pill (청빙환)** - Refers to 청빙환, another such elemental pill, rendered consistent with conventional affiliated elemental properties within fantasy contexts. The deliberate choice to maintain concept familiarity through color-attribute indication matches common genre tropes. The names and types of attacks or skills from the original text have been faithfully mirrored to preserve cultural and narrative authenticity. The scene also emphasizes a blending of information gleaned from narrative analysis, reflection, and character interplay vital for conferring strategic depth typical of battles in narrative scenarios, catering to reader engagement through tension and character-based exposition. Yet Killking did not hesitate as he stepped forward. Shin Yoosung grabbed Killking’s wrist, speaking softly. “Wait.” “I know you can kill that thing.” “......” “But once you do, will you be all right?” Even the constellations above dare not intervene in these early scenarios. If Shin Yoosung caused a miracle significant enough to take down such a calamity, not even she could escape the aftermath unscathed. Killking quietly disentangled her hand as he prepared to load his arrow. “The protagonist of that novel.” Shin Yoosung’s voice emerged unexpectedly. A startled Killking turned back to face her. Until now, Shin Yoosung had offered no responses to his inquiries. It was because the probability didn’t allow that answer. “Was always alone. Despite having so many companions, he was always alone.” Sizzling sparks flew. Killking watched Shin Yoosung in silence. He had questioned why this story continued. Shin Yoosung had just answered him in her own way. Her eyes turning red, Shin Yoosung spoke. “Therefore, you can’t do it alone.” Slowly nodding, Killking responded with a broad smile. “Do not worry.” Shin Yoosung knew a man who often made such expressions. A seemingly insignificant human compared to that terrifying Poisonous Dragon Species. A fragile man who looked like he’d blow away with a gentle push. A lonely person who once fought back against the end of a world alone. “The one who knows the end of this story.” Two stood beside that man. “Is not just me.” --- *No new terms were introduced that necessitate additional clarification or translation explanation beyond what has been provided in previous responses.* The passage emphasizes themes of companionship and the ongoing struggle despite the allure and narrative of isolation, illustrating the narrative's return to the motif of shared burdens and collective resolve against formidable odds. It also subtly reinforces core dynamics between characters, adding to depth and emotional resonance.