Side Story: Episode 21-4 - Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint

Episode 21. Kim Dokja (4) We immediately departed from the dungeon. With the acquisition of the "Four Yin Decapitating Demon Sword," we had no reason to linger in the "Labyrinth of Stars." [You are escaping from the "Labyrinth of Stars."] Upon emerging, we found ourselves in the midst of a demolished reception area. Perhaps the nearby terrain had shifted due to the battle outside. Without even needing to utilize the "Heavenly Transformation Stealth Robe," it seemed like clearing away a few piles of rubble could reveal an exit path. Time was short, so I set to work straight away, speaking almost in passing. "By the way, Editor." "Yes." "The spell you used earlier, that was 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband,' right?" Ji Eun Yoo, beside me, also clearing stones, responded as if in passing. "It's the power of my Sponsor Constellation." "So, your Sponsor isn't 'Supreme Lord of Ember' then." Ji Eun Yoo had invoked the spell of "Prisoner of the Golden Headband" to suppress my [Madness]. Without her, I wouldn't have been able to even attempt the summoning of the "Four Yin Decapitating Demon Sword." But it was unlikely that a Constellation at the level of 'Supreme Lord of Ember' could perform such a miracle. [Constellation, 'God of Wine and Ecstasy,' looks at Incarnation 'Minjiwon' with interest.] [Constellation, 'Long-nosed Liar,' asks if it isn't 'that Constellation' then.] [Constellation, 'Lazy Dragon,' caresses his chin.] [Some Constellations are shocked by the powers of the 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband!'] [Some Constellations request a plausibility review from the Content Management Bureau!] The Golden Headband is a sacred artifact. [Constellation, 'Prisoner of the Golden Headband,' scratches his ear.] More precisely, it's the sacred artifact of the "Great Sage Heaven's Equal." Could Ji Eun Yoo's Sponsor Constellation be the Great Sage Heaven's Equal? Or the "Buddhist Monk" or "Tripitaka" who cast the Golden Headband on him? If not... "There must be a price, right?" At my question, Ji Eun Yoo's irises briefly wavered. I had guessed it. It wasn't a power that could be manifested as early as the fourth Scenario. This was a feat that could nullify one of the core conditions of an early Scenario. Even if her Sponsor were the Great Sage Heaven's Equal, it wouldn't be easy. Ji Eun Yoo's head moved a fraction late. "I can't participate in this Scenario as a 'King'." As expected. Her Sponsor must have negotiated with the Content Management Bureau under the condition that her Incarnation doesn't acquire the 'Tale of Kings'. After clearing the last remnants of the museum, I could see Gwanghwamun in the distance. Above the jet-black sky, crimson clouds were swirling. It was a sign of the "Great Hall." "Hurry and go." I nodded. Perhaps it was already too late. Yoo Joonghyuk might already have claimed the "Absolute Throne," sealing this world's fate for doom. Even if so, I had to see with my own eyes. At least now, I felt that obligation. "I'll be back." I momentarily glanced at Ji Eun Yoo before sprinting towards the plaza. * Ji Eun Yoo watched as Lee Hak Hyun's figure grew distant. If she could stop him, she wanted to. This wasn't serialization, but reality. If he died there, it would mean real death in this world. But just as she couldn't prevent Lee Hak Hyun's serialization from failing, she couldn't stop him now either. Ji Eun Yoo tried to recall the face of the "Lee Hak Hyun" she knew. For some reason, his face wasn't vividly clear, but she distinctly remembered the kind of person he was. 'A person who loves stories.' Many people love stories. But in her eyes, Lee Hak Hyun was special among them. From the very first time they met, he had been that way. Constantly, anywhere, he was writing sentences. As if he feared every 'blank space' that existed in this world. Blood surged from within. After bending slightly and spitting it out, a message reverberated in her mind. [You used a power beyond your limits.] Indeed, using the "Prisoner of the Golden Headband" so early was taxing. If not for her Sponsor, it wouldn't have been possible to attempt in the first place. [Constellation, 'Lotus Blooming Under Moonlight,' gazes at her with worried eyes.] Ji Eun Yoo could sense the gaze of her Sponsor from the sky. Lotus Blooming Under Moonlight. Her Sponsor was a well-known protagonist in "ORV." The person closest to Kim Dokja, the one who protected him. In some respects, truly understanding the human "Kim Dokja" as none other could. "Moonlight Empress." A slight spark in mid-air was the response from her Sponsor. [Constellation, 'Lotus Blooming Under Moonlight,' says it's not too late even now.] It's not too late. She knew Lee Hak Hyun's "not too late" and her Sponsor's "not too late" had entirely different meanings. "Do you think the author was wrong? Do you still believe this story shouldn’t be changed?" [Constellation, 'Lotus Blooming Under Moonlight,' says right and wrong are unimportant.] Right and wrong aren't important. [Constellation, 'Lotus Blooming Under Moonlight,' says every story just flows towards its conclusion.] "Do all Constellations speak as if they were Constellations themselves when they become one?" Her Sponsor remained silent. Ji Eun Yoo looked up at the sky with a bitter expression and added. "I'm sure the author realizes it too. That you're my Sponsor." Lee Hak Hyun isn't a fool. The moment he witnessed the power of "Prisoner of the Golden Headband," Lee Hak Hyun must have discerned everything. There are exceptionally few beings in "ORV" capable of performing such feats. "What do you want?" [Constellation, 'Lotus Blooming Under Moonlight,' answers 'the conclusion.'] "It's just about regaining 'your Kim Dokja,' isn't it?" [Constellation, 'Lotus Blooming Under Moonlight,' remains silent.] "What happens to this world if your desired conclusion is realized? Does it follow its course to destruction?" [Constellation, 'Lotus Blooming Under Moonlight,' hesitates to respond.] Ji Eun Yoo didn't press further. Perhaps her Sponsor couldn't answer that question. And perhaps, what she truly wanted to know wasn't that after all. "Am I, as well as the author... just one of those 'pieces'?" By now, Lee Hak Hyun's figure had receded far into the distance. She could see the drenched white coat swaying in the rain. --- **Notes on Terms and Translation** 1. **Four Yin Decapitating Demon Sword (사인참사검)** - Literal translation. In the context, it's a significant item acquired in the story. 2. **Heavenly Transformation Stealth Robe (천변만화 잠행복)** - An item that implies a transformation or stealth ability. 3. **Prisoner of the Golden Headband (긴고아의 죄수)** - Literal translation, reflecting an artifact associated with the Great Sage Heaven's Equal. 4. **Supreme Lord of Ember (매금지존)** - The term seems to allude to a fiery or authoritative Constellation, translated combining the roots of "Ember" and "Lord." 5. **Lotus Blooming Under Moonlight (달빛 아래에 핀 연꽃)** - Reflects a vibrant and mystical imagery, indicative of Ji Eun Yoo’s supportive yet enigmatic Sponsor Constellation. 6. **Gwanghwamun (광화문)** - It's a proper noun, translated directly as it's a known location. 7. **Absolute Throne (절대 왕좌)** - Indicates a position of ultimate power within the storyline, translated retaining its definitive and regal implication. The translations consider the poetic nature, retaining the inherent tone and symbolism of the original while providing clarity within the narrative's context. Any changes required to the list above involve specifying the role of "Prisoner of the Golden Headband" as a specific artifact tied to a pivotal mythological protagonist for better character association. Ji Eun Yoo thought that the coat suited him well. Yet, she wished he wouldn’t wear it. Her Sponsor remained silent for a long time. A distant explosion was heard. It seemed the battle had reignited. Once Lee Hak Hyun's figure finally disappeared, her Sponsor spoke. [Constellation, 'Lotus Blooming Under Moonlight,' says that the ending of this story is predetermined, yet no one knows what that conclusion truly is.] It was a peculiar statement. But to Ji Eun Yoo, that strange statement felt oddly familiar. "It sounds like the first line of a novel I know." Probably because she already knew a similar sentence. "There is a way to survive in a ruined world. I have forgotten some methods now." Ji Eun Yoo, pausing for a moment, continued. A sentence she had read repeatedly while editing a particular story for a long time. "But one fact is certain. That you, who are reading this now, will survive." Ji Eun Yoo prayed that the line would be true. * Rain poured down from the skies over Gwanghwamun, mixing with blood to tinge the ground red. In a pool of blood, the face of a man was reflected. Looking at that unfamiliar face, Killer King swallowed a sigh. ‘How did this happen?’ Everything was calculated. The "Last King's Qualification" unfolded as he expected, and so did the Scenario's details. + 3. "Thus, only the one who stands alone without anyone's aid is a king who may challenge the Absolute Throne." —The 'king' who can challenge the Absolute Throne must prove their strength using none other than their own body. + [From now on, all kings will not receive support from their Sponsor Constellations.] [From now on, all item attack and defense powers are restricted.] [From now on, all skills, stigmas, and item special options are sealed.] [From now on, all kings' comprehensive stats are changed to 10/10/10/10/10.] ['Last King's Qualification' continues until there is only one person left.] ‘Last King's Qualification’ was a battle stripped of equipment, skills, or stigmas—a trial of raw combat. A trial where everyone, with identical level 10 composite stats, must defeat all other kings with nothing but their bodies. [Constellation, 'Maritime War God,' sighs while observing the situation.] [Constellation, 'Bald Liberation Colonel,' congratulates the new king of the throne.] [Constellation, 'Abyssal Black Flame Dragon,' questions the absurdity of it all.] [A considerable number of Constellations are astonished by the results of the 'Last Qualification.'] Killer King had been meticulously preparing for this trial since his possession. The key to the 'Last King's Qualification' was to gather as many 'Coins' as possible. In the main story, Kim Dokja used coins on this battlefield to temporarily push his comprehensive stats to their limit and cleverly defeated Yoo Joonghyuk. [Total of 83,000 coins spent.] Thus, Killer King did the same. He collected more coins than the main story’s Kim Dokja, and he spent them lavishly. It didn’t matter that the funds would vanish once the Scenario ended. Stopping Yoo Joonghyuk right in front was more important. The strategy indeed showed effectiveness. Pushing comprehensive stats to the extreme, he punched Yoo Joonghyuk with strength surpassing 100. Up to that point, the strategy was valid. Or so it seemed. "You seem to have gathered coins." That was until Yoo Joonghyuk blocked his punch. "Where did you get this information?" Was it just about high stats? No, it was more than just stats. The Yoo Joonghyuk before him possessed something different. A smooth control of strength. A tremendous energy unfolded from Yoo Joonghyuk’s palm. Not a skill, nor a stigma—a fundamental power, the 'source' of all his strength. A shiver ran down his spine belatedly. ‘There was no restriction against using a narrative.’ But the realization came too late. His vision darkened and his cheek met the floor. He didn’t know what had just happened. As he opened his eyes with a gag reflex, he saw the fallen bodies of the undying king Dan-soo and bald king Gong Pil-Du sprawled out on the floor. The assassination king, who had withdrawn early and hidden among the crowd, was also visible. A belated sigh escaped. [Incarnation ‘Yoo Joonghyuk’ has passed all trials of the ‘Absolute Throne.’] It was over. Killer King blankly raised his head, watching Yoo Joonghyuk’s receding back. They had lost. With each of Yoo Joonghyuk’s steps, the crowd parted like waves. Some were overwhelmed by his presence and knelt down. "Conqueror, the Supreme King……." Someone called out his epithet. "The Supreme King! The winner is the Supreme King!" "The only king of the peninsula!" The murmurs turned into shouts. Some feared him, others envied him. But they all revered him. An overwhelming power that subdued all kings alone. Watching such a Yoo Joonghyuk, Killer King thought. ‘I am not Yoo Joonghyuk.’ He staggered, pushing off the ground as he rose. He acknowledged they couldn’t fight. He realized the immense gap in class. Even if all possessed readers gathered, they couldn’t stop that Yoo Joonghyuk. Nevertheless, Killer King vowed. ‘I am Cha Sungwoo.’ To prevent the world’s destruction. Yoo Joonghyuk’s steps were unimpeded. The distance to the 'Absolute Throne' was now less than thirty paces. "Oppa!" When had she escaped from the dungeon? Having recovered somewhat from internal injuries, Cha Yerin was dashing forward, emitting magical power from her entire body. [Incarnation ‘Lee Saeyeon’ activates ‘Fighter Action Mode!] Fighter Action Mode. Killer King looked at the controller that appeared before him. ‘There's no other way.’ Somehow, Yoo Joonghyuk had to be stopped. And this skill was the siblings' ultimate cooperative technique. An ultimate move capable of inflicting critical damage even on a 'Level 5 Poison Dragon Species'. In theory, it was possible to confront Yoo Joonghyuk with this. But why did he have such a foreboding feeling? "The game, huh." The moment he heard Yoo Joonghyuk's muttering, Killer King felt like cold water was poured over him. Why had he forgotten? "Yerin!" He ran, controller in hand. This was a battle they could never win. --- **Notes on Terms and Translation** 1. **Four Yin Decapitating Demon Sword (사인참사검)** - Literal translation. A significant item in the narrative. 2. **Heavenly Transformation Stealth Robe (천변만화 잠행복)** - Translated to indicate an item offering transformation or stealth capabilities. 3. **Prisoner of the Golden Headband (긴고아의 죄수)** - Refers to an artifact tied to a well-known mythological figure, revealing a deeper connection to Ji Eun Yoo's Sponsor. 4. **Maritime War God (해상전신)** - Conveys a powerful and strategic Combatant Constellation associated with the sea. 5. **Absolute Throne (절대 왕좌)** - Denotes an ultimate position of authority, carrying significant influence within the narrative. 6. **Killer King** - A character name or title within the context, reflecting a tactical or deadly role. 7. **Coins** - In-story currency used for enhancing capabilities. 8. **Fighter Action Mode (대전 액션 모드)** - A combat technique requiring collaboration. The translation maintains the poetic elements while ensuring clarity of the narrative by using familiar but creative English equivalents. The provided context gave emphasis on relationships and struggles between characters and within the narrative framework. The opponent was none other than the 'Supreme King.' And the previous occupation of that Supreme King was— [Incarnation ‘Yoo Joonghyuk’s trait activates!] Boom! With a thunderous roar, Cha Yerin's body crumpled as she executed a command. Killer King barely managed to catch his flying sister, sputtering blood. Wheezing and coughing up blood, his sister’s injuries were evident. A wound had narrowly missed her waist, a result of Yoo Joonghyuk's use of the [Hundred Step Divine Fist]. In the briefest of moments, he had perfectly anticipated the preparation move for their ultimate technique. In that short window, Yoo Joonghyuk had discerned the weakness of [Fighter Action Mode]. "Do you have a death wish?" Killer King slowly took in his surroundings. No one had died yet. That fact both reassured and despaired him. The Supreme King had been taking it easy on them the entire time. They couldn't win. His body was surrendering even before his mind. He had believed he knew Yoo Joonghyuk well. Having read "ORV" a hundred times, he thought he understood him more accurately than even the author of the story. Yet what was this? Facing Yoo Joonghyuk's eyes was like being confronted by a book whose thickness couldn't be guessed. Their lived experiences were worlds apart. No one could stop him. No one could understand him. No one in this world could— "That's enough." A small, grumbling voice broke the silence. "Damn. I never wanted to do this Scenario again." Someone blocked Yoo Joonghyuk’s path. A blue combat suit made of stretchy material. The ‘Blade of Conviction’ radiating a brilliant white light from their right hand. "Aren’t you tired of it too?" The person standing there wasn’t Kim Dokja. But in some respects, they understood this world even better than Kim Dokja himself. To Killer King, to Cha Yerin, to Dan-soo. Everyone present gazed in awe at the same face. It was a face they had never seen before. Yet one they all instinctively recognized. The first person to summon the "Four Yin Decapitating Demon Sword" in the main story. The one who had transcended royalty and proclaimed themselves as the Demon King. "Yoo Joonghyuk." The author of this world. "Can't you just stop writing your story?" Han Sooyoung. --- **Notes on Terms and Translation** 1. **Supreme King (패왕)** - Captures the essence of ultimate authority and power, translating the ambitious stature of the character. 2. **Hundred Step Divine Fist (백보신권)** - A poetic and powerful term for a martial move, reflecting both range and divine precision. 3. **Fighter Action Mode (대전 액션 모드)** - An engaged combat state, emphasizing collaboration and strategic maneuvers. 4. **Blade of Conviction (신념의 칼날)** - A weapon reflecting the wielder's unwavering belief and light-bearing authority. 5. **Killer King** - Title reinforcing a cold and calculated character, signifying a detached or lethal approach. 6. **Four Yin Decapitating Demon Sword (사인참사검)** - An artifact with power and significance noted in the narrative, often associated with Han Sooyoung's capabilities in-story. The translation maintains the metaphorical and thematic elements of the original while ensuring clarity in the dynamic character interactions and conflicts within the narrative. The context portrays an intricate understanding of the story and relationships between characters.