Side Story: Episode 20-6 - Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint

Episode 20. The Reader (6) The King of Indestructibility. In the original story, it was a trait only held by Kim Dokja and Selena Kim. 「Dan-soo has become the 'King of Indestructibility.'」 The attribute once possessed by Kim Dokja in the original has now been inherited by Dan-soo. While I was deeply pleased with his survival, a sense of emptiness and solitude lingered. What could Kim Dokja be now? Is he standing on that snowy plain? Or, is he somewhere I cannot fathom, still reading this tale? If he saw this story, what might he say? "Get a grip! It's not over yet!" Killer King’s shout startled Dan-soo awake, eyes opening wide. Killer King charged and embraced him tightly, rolling on the ground together. With a thunderous roar, a fraction of a second later, the sole of the poison dragon nearly crushed the spot where Dan-soo had been. "Inho! Inho, where are you―" Dan-soo searched for me, but I could not respond. [The 'First-Person Side Character Perspective' cannot be activated for this character.] Perhaps due to the earlier shock, I could no longer immerse myself in Dan-soo. From now on, Dan-soo must prevail alone. "Cheon Inho hasn't awakened yet. It's up to us to resolve this." No, he is not alone. There are three of us here who have read Kim Dokja's story until the end. As if reflecting my thoughts, Killer King glanced around at our group and spoke. "We aren't Kim Dokja, but at least we possess one of his attributes each." Killer King glanced at his younger sister and Dan-soo, adding, "Yerin has [White Azure Gang Qi]. You are the [King of Indestructibility]. I possess Kim Dokja’s analytical mind and intelligence." The last part felt somewhat off, but surely, our best hope lay with Killer King. "We can still do this." Our group's condition was dire. Yerin Cha, who had spat blood multiple times, could barely stand, and Dan-soo, recently revived, had yet to fully regain his senses. Yet, they did not give up. "That monster's recovering stamina quickly." Yerin Cha voiced her observation, catching her breath. Could it be the effect of consuming the petals of the Bi Anhua? The Lesser Dragon of Poison, on the brink of death, showed significant recuperation. [In one minute, the platform's location will be regenerated.] Yerin Cha bit her lip in frustration. "We can't do this alone." Dan-soo isn’t a one-hit killer, and Yerin Cha can no longer use [Grand Action Mode]. Killer King is our only chance now. But even he was low on stamina, lacking the strength to deliver a decisive finish. "No, there's still an opportunity." I agreed with Killer King. There was another chance for our group. Thud. The intermittent tremor felt beneath us confirmed it. The Lesser Dragon of Poison, which had been glaring at us, seemed to notice something and looked around cautiously. The vibration resonated once more. Accompanied by sounds like the labyrinth’s edges crumbling, a black bull-like creature emerged. [A sixth-grade guardian species, 'Labyrinth Keeper,' has appeared!] This beast bore the face of a Minotaur, wielding a massive execution axe in one hand. It was the very monster Bang Cheol-su had warned us about before entering the labyrinth. Judging by its aura, it was among the upper echelons of the sixth-grade beasts. Most incarnations would be cleaved in two with just a graze of its axe. Its presence here was clear. 'The Horn of Provocation.' An item used to 'provoke' all kinds of monster species. The horn I had used had even summoned the 'Labyrinth Keeper' from the end of the maze. Gaooo! With a rough roar, the Labyrinth Keeper forced its way through the sealed-off area’s barriers. [A sixth-grade guardian species, 'Labyrinth Keeper,' has identified the disaster!] [A fifth-grade species, 'Lesser Dragon of Poison,' has identified the 'Labyrinth Keeper.'] The eyes of the two creatures locked in midair. One, a lively sixth-grade species. The other, a heavily wounded fifth-grade species. In a fleeting moment of tension, the Labyrinth Keeper charged first. Its colossal execution axe embedded in the wings of the Lesser Dragon, while the long neck of the dragon bit into the guardian’s forearm. Kugugugugu! With thick clouds of dust, the two beasts seized each other, tumbling. [The Constellation, 'Abyssal Black Flame Dragon,' shows interest in the clash of creatures.] [Some Constellations express astonishment at your strategic orchestration of the confrontation.] [Constellations fond of monsters sponsor you with 500 coins.] Killer King spoke with a heavy voice. "We've bought some time, but the disaster will ultimately prevail." Indeed, the tide of the monstrous struggle began shifting rapidly. While the Labyrinth Keeper seemed momentarily advantageous, its body was soon covered in the poison dragon’s claw marks, with green fluid oozing from the wounds shortly after. The poison of the Lesser Dragon was eating away at the guardian's body. "Soon, 'Termination Mode' will activate." Even if the Labyrinth Keeper endures, in a minute, Termination Mode will activate. Thus, the group must ensure they eliminate the disaster in this narrow window. Koooo. The magic gathered in Killer King’s crossbow. The synergy of 'Valkyrie's Blessing' and 'Crimson Blossom' radiated as the arrowhead emitted a red glow. "One shot is all it takes." The trio began advancing during the battle between the two monstrous species. Their target was to end both the exhausted creatures simultaneously. And I, unable to assist, watched from the shadows as everything unfolded. I wanted to see just a little more. Even if I couldn’t help them fight, merely witnessing it from afar, I wished to continue. 「Perhaps Kim Dokja views the world with such feelings.」 But now, my remaining time was scant. [The restriction period of ‘Third-Person Observer Perspective’ is nearing its end.] My body convulsed on the ground. Having consumed six star gems, my body barely kept from monstrosity through restraint. [Once Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint ends, I will be engulfed by [Madness] once more.] Even if the disaster and the keeper perish, the battle is not truly over. --- **Terms and Translations:** 1. **King of Indestructibility (불살의 왕)**: This title, originally unique to Kim Dokja and Selena Kim in the story, is now wielded by Dan-soo, implying immense resilience and survival capability. 2. **White Azure Gang Qi ([백청강기])**: A mystical energy that signifies strength and control, now associated with Yerin. 3. **Lesser Dragon of Poison (독룡종, ‘레서 드래곤 포이즈너’)**: The 5th-grade beast antagonist in the scene. 4. **Labyrinth Keeper (미궁 파수꾼)**: The beast with the face of a Minotaur and wielding an execution axe, appeared using the ‘Horn of Provocation.’ 5. **Horn of Provocation (도발의 뿔피리)**: An item that summons or provokes creatures, here used to call the 'Labyrinth Keeper.' **Context and Explanation:** - The passage explores themes of survival, legacy, and the fight against overwhelming odds, characteristic of high fantasy and serialized web novels. - The philosophical introspection into Kim Dokja’s worldview provides depth, emphasizing solitary battle versus communal reliance. - Somber yet hopeful in tone, reflecting both the struggle and aspiration in the face of inevitable conflict. To truly end this battle, one must collect all 'seven star gems.' "Uncle." I turned around instinctively. Shin Yoosung was speaking to me, almost as if she could see into my soul. "Do you want me to help?" A golden glow streamed from Shin Yoosung's eyes. [Character 'Shin Yoosung' is currently activating 'Multispecies Communion.'] "Say the word, Uncle." Her small hand rested on my chest. Through the faint light, her intent was communicated to me. "If you just say the word, I'll eliminate them all." Now, I understood. Shin Yoosung could truly accomplish it. Because, 「This Shin Yoosung is not from this iteration of the world line.」 Without a doubt. This Shin Yoosung who possessed the 41st regression belonged to the Shin Yoosung of Kim Dokja's Company. But why was that Shin Yoosung trying to help me? 'No.' Shin Yoosung flinched. "Why? Aren’t these people important to you, Uncle?" 'I don't want to see you die here.' I remember every sentence of this story. I know well what the <Star Stream> is like, and the aftershock of causality better than anyone. In the novel, Kim Dokja opposed causality multiple times and endured the aftermath. But the reason Kim Dokja could survive such unbelievable actions was that he was the protagonist. 「If Shin Yoosung uses her power now, she will undoubtedly vanish.」 'Take out the elixir from my pocket.' Shin Yoosung retrieved the golden elixir from my pocket. It was a reward, obtained after defeating the Yongdu Banju at Seoul Station. 'Will you feed it to me?' Shin Yoosung crushed the elixir with her small hands and slipped it into my mouth. As the elixir took effect, a slight vigor returned to my pale face. My body was at its limit. No matter how potent the elixir, it couldn't drastically heal my state. Yet it provided a bit of vitality. Shin Yoosung asked in a trembling voice. "Uncle. You’re not planning to fight, are you? You can't in this state. Your body is already―" Thud, the Labyrinth Keeper fell in the center of the clearing. The monster battle had concluded, a victor emerged. The Lesser Dragon of Poison tore into the Labyrinth Keeper's neck and roared toward the sky. [The fifth-grade Lesser Dragon of Poison prepares the 'Deathly Spider Lily.'] And our group moved. Squeezing out the last of her mana, Yerin Cha used [White Azure Gang Qi] to slice the Poisoner's ankle. Summoning a swarm of cockroaches, Dan-soo disoriented the Lesser Dragon's sight once again. As the unsteady Lesser Dragon stumbled, Killer King took aim with his crossbow. "It's time to end this." Wrapped in the power of 'Crimson Blossom' and [Valkyrie's Blessing], the arrow carried Yophiel's renowned [503rd Brigade] at its tip. The arrow, leaving a crimson trail, flew. Anticipating this, the Lesser Dragon's head twisted at an unnatural angle. Even this, Killer King had foreseen. "Scatter." The arrowhead exploded before the dragon's head, dispersing the 503rd Brigade. Like grenade shrapnel, the 503rd Brigade, imbued with fire energy, bore into the Lesser Dragon's wounds. Pushed back, the dragon erupted, spraying green blood like a fountain. The Lesser Dragon unleashed a tormented cry. Yet, even after such an assault, the Lesser Dragon did not fall. "Was it not enough..." I began to comprehend the magnitude of Kim Dokja's achievement in slaying the Flame Dragon. What our combined efforts could not thwart, Kim Dokja hunted alone. "Everyone, pull back!" Even as the Lesser Dragon exhaled its toxic breath, Killer King coughed blood. The regurgitated 'Crimson Blossom' rolled across the ground. [The fifth-grade Lesser Dragon of Poison activates 'Deathly Spider Lily.'] "Find the platform! Quickly!" Spider lily flowers began to bloom on the ground. Desperation flickered in Killer King's eyes. Even upon surviving this turn, there was no hope left for the group. Dan-soo's trait, Yerin Cha’s [Grand Action Mode], and Killer King's stigmas couldn’t eradicate the disaster. Yet, 「"Hak-hyeon."」 Maybe I could. 「"No matter what, this time, weave a story where you are happy."」 Kim Dokja said it that way. A story where I am happy. What story did I want to tell? 「Spareuspareuspareuspareus」 「"This is Bang Cheol-su, I will now dedicate my life for Inho’s group."」 「"Good job, Heewon."」 Is it a story for the 'extras' overlooked in the main plot? 「"Someone died. Because of this story, people have died."」 Or is it a tale where the most people survive? 「"I will stop this world from perishing."」 Or a narrative where the 41st regression doesn't result in destruction? 「"Are you really Cheon Inho?"」 I do not know. Why am I continuing this story, and for whom? 「"Why did you start writing novels?"」 A voice suddenly surfaced. It wasn't my memory. It felt like a memory flowing from a source older than me. Within that memory, Han Sooyoung spoke. 「"I don't know. Perhaps I'll understand once it's all written."」 I slowly clenched my fist. Noticing my intent, Shin Yoosung grasped my wrist. "Uncle, stop. Now―" With a sizzling sound, the golden light in Shin Yoosung's eyes extinguished. It was the intervention of the <Star Stream>. As expected. Having someone as powerful as Shin Yoosung appear in the form of a 'possession' in the early scenarios was already unusual. To the fallen Shin Yoosung, I whispered inwardly. 'Thank you.' Shin Yoosung had done her part. Now, it was my turn. [Activating the exclusive skill, ‘Rally Lv.9’!] 'Rise, Cheon Inho.' In this state of [Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint], my spiritual form allowed for the use of limited skills. Twitch. The fingers of my slumped body―Cheon Inho―twitched. 'Stand up. Right now.' --- **Terms and Translations:** 1. **Deathly Spider Lily (죽음의 피안화)**: A technique used by the Lesser Dragon, symbolizing danger and death, drawing from the myth of spider lilies associated with passing and transition. 2. **Rally (선동)**: A skill implying incitement and instigation, driving Cheon Inho to action once more. 3. **Crimson Blossom (적화환)**: Possibly a skill or item imbued with fiery or explosive power. 4. **503rd Brigade (503부대)**: Referring to a well-known military unit with expertise that compounds the attack's power. **Context and Explanation:** - The ongoing battle portrays a classic fantasy struggle laden with alternate realities and time loops. - Emotional stakes deepen as characters grapple with personal sacrifice, collective destiny, and the weight of intertwined stories. - The narrative questions the nature of success and happiness, intertwined with the motivation behind storytelling. The skill [Rally] functions by moving the unconscious of the target. Therefore, even without my 'consciousness,' my 'body' might be able to move. [The power of the 'Star Gems' is eroding your body.] ['Monstrosity' is occurring.] ['Madness Level 6' is consuming you.] Since my soul was outside the body, I could move my physical form without being affected by the [Madness]. Cheon Inho's body staggered as it rose, yet refused to move immediately, as if resisting my will. Mere pure power from [Rally] wasn't enough. Thus, I decided to do what I always did. [Activating subordinate skill, 'Enhance Text'!] [You can input your actions.] [Your entered action will be 'enhanced.'] [Current enhancement level is 'Level 1.'] [You can use additional causality to increase the enhancement level.] [Currently held causality: 480] Writing sentences. 「Cheon Inho stood up.」 [Causality 10 consumed.] 「Power equivalent to 'six Star Gems' erupted from Cheon Inho's entire body.」 [Causality 10 consumed.] 「Cheon Inho started moving, though staggering.」 With each added sentence, it felt like my head was splitting apart. I didn't know how long this state of [Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint] would last. Hence, I had to conclude the matter before my consciousness fully recovered or my physical body awakened. 「With the sole goal to kill the Lesser Dragon of Poison.」 As Cheon Inho’s body ran, it started breaking down piece by piece. As signs of monstrosity emerged, muscles ruptured in various places. I heard the sounds of my companions shouting as they spotted me. I ignored the noise and continued moving. 「Cheon Inho risked his life.」 What happens to a soul with no body to return to? Perhaps, like other readers, I might find myself in that 'theater.' Or I might simply cease to exist. It was terrifying, but not as much as before. Perhaps it was because I had glimpsed 'death' alongside Dan-soo. I saw my companions locating the platform in the distance. Dan-soo, clad in a white coat, was shouting at me. He was not Kim Dokja. Nor was Killer King or Yerin Cha. However, if they all combined their strengths, they could achieve what Kim Dokja managed. Even things I couldn’t accomplish. 「They will witness the end of this world.」 Charging straight through the oncoming breath of the Lesser Dragon of Poison, my body pushed forward a punch. With the might equivalent to six Star Gems, the strike burrowed directly into the dragon’s chest. 「Cheon Inho thought.」 Instinctively, I knew. Now, I could only write one more sentence. Any further would be beyond what causality could support. And the words were already determined. 「It's over.」 The causality earned through risking my life. Even the <Star Stream> would be satisfied with such a narrative. [The Constellation, ‘Demon-Like Judge of Fire,’ sighs.] [The Constellation, ‘Prisoner of the Golden Headband,’ widens his eyes!] [The Constellation, ‘Abyssal Black Flame Dragon,’ cannot take his eyes off you.] [The Constellation, ‘Maritime War God,’ turns away.] [Many constellations are genuinely surprised by your choice.] If I returned to the snowy plains, could I tell Kim Dokja? 「It's over」 That this is the end of my story. 「The end」 For a moment, time seemed to halt. The scenery around me faded to grayscale. And then. 「The end is n」 In front of me, the sentence changed. I blinked. 「It's not the en」 Something strange was occurring. Someone, right before my eyes, 「It’s not the end」 was altering my sentence. I stared at the sentence before mindlessly repeating the words. It’s not the end. [Someone has edited your sentence.] [Someone is sharing the burden of your causality.] That’s when it dawned on me what was happening. 「“Well, writer. I understand this is a meta-novel.”」 A piercing headache brought forth a certain memory. 「“Do readers truly want to become Kim Dokja? Isn’t that merely your desire as the 'author'?”」 Within that memory, she was watching the manuscript I had penned. 「“So, from a reader’s perspective, my opinion is this.”」 Perhaps someone who understood the story better than I did. 「“Ultimately, Kim Dokja must come back to life.”」 My editor. 「“As the Kim Dokja we know.”」 [‘Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint’ is deactivated.] With a surge of excruciating pain, my soul was pulled back into Cheon Inho’s body. My heart raced, and under the effects of [Madness], my mind wavered, like a sailboat unsteadily cresting upon blue waves. [The Constellation, ‘Lotus Blooming Beneath the Moonlight,’ gazes upon you.] With a deep breath, the overwhelming pain gradually subsided. Someone was alleviating my agony. Who could it be? I couldn’t see their face. “Writer.” Yet someone, holding me close, was speaking. I heard their voice as my consciousness slowly drifted. “Write again.” I answered with a simple, “Yes.”