Side Story: Episode 21-8 - Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint

Episode 21. Kim Dokja (8) With a thunderous roar, a thick veil of dust rose from the earth. "Han Sooyoung!" I dashed towards the center of Gwanghwamun where Han Sooyoung had fallen. No matter how many times I called, there was no reply from her. Kugugugu. The 'Absolute Throne' that was at the center of Gwanghwamun was rising into the sky. 【O O O O O O O O】 A faint wailing echoed from a distant place. It was unmistakably a deity from another dimension. Fortunately, the sound was so far away that it didn't make me cough up blood or faint, but the seriousness of the situation was apparent. 「This is something that didn't happen in the previous 'Absolute Throne' scenario.」 「A deity from another dimension has intervened.」 Han Sooyoung was fighting against such a thing. Why? Had she not been trying to destroy this world until now? "Han Sooyoung!" Once again I cried out, but still there was no sight of Han Sooyoung. As the dust cleared, Yoo Joonghyuk could be seen floating in the distant sky, his body limp as if he had fainted. "Yoo Joonghyuk!" Yoo Joonghyuk's entire body was connected with red threads extending from the 'Absolute Throne'. The throne soared while Yoo Joonghyuk descended. Very slowly, the distance between Yoo Joonghyuk and the throne was narrowing. ["The Throne Succession Ceremony" is commencing.] The strings of constellations were being connected. It was the will of the founder of the Absolute Throne, a deity from another dimension. "Look at that!" "It's Yoo Joonghyuk!" Incarnations around, noticing the scene belatedly, exclaimed while choking on the dust. [Oh, things are getting interesting. Then, I'll bring this scenario to a climax.] To make matters worse, the dokkaebi Baul appeared and activated a sub-scenario. [A new 'Sub Scenario' has arrived.] + <Sub Scenario - Throne Usurpation> Category: Sub Difficulty: A Clear Condition: A new king is about to be born in the Korean peninsula. Suppress the Incarnation 'Yoo Joonghyuk' who is attempting to sit on the throne, and seize the 'Absolute Throne'. Time Limit: 30 minutes Reward: 7,000 coins Failure: ― + [Now, everyone. Will you witness the crowning of the king, or will you become the usurper of the throne?] The intermediate dokkaebi laughed as if relishing this entire situation. [Constellation, 'Bald-headed Doomsday Warrior' is earnestly polishing his head.] [Constellation, 'Maritime War God' sighs and gazes at the throne.] [Constellation, 'Creator of Hangeul' looks with a sad face and remains silent.] [Constellation, 'Demon-Like Judge of Fire' glares at the deity from another dimension.] [Constellation, 'Abyssal Black Flame Dragon' mocks if there's no brave soul.] The stars, though fearful of the scene, could not take their eyes off it. Even though the scenario had been announced, none among the incarnations moved easily. It was understandable. The entity about to inherit the throne was the strongest Incarnation, the Supreme King Yoo Joonghyuk. He who had toppled every king single-handedly had no challengers. Except for one person. "Yoo Joonghyuk!" Except for me. "Yoo Joonghyuk! Get a grip! Everything will end if you sit on that!" I shouted towards Yoo Joonghyuk, pushing my way through the crowd towards the throne. I must stop this. I can stop this. It's still not too late if it's now. "Ahjussi." The person who stopped me was— "That's enough." A slender girl holding a long sword. "Lee Jihye." Yoo Joonghyuk's personal guard was blocking the path towards the throne. "This is the line. Cross it, and you're dead. You know?" Delusional Demon Kim Namwoon. And there were those who followed the Supreme King. "Supreme King! Supreme King! Supreme King!" "A new king of the Korean peninsula!" At the center of that group was a woman with disheveled white hair. Uiseon Lee Seolhwa. I realized anew. In the 41st regression, Yoo Joonghyuk had already gathered so many companions. He had been steadily paving the way towards the conclusion of this world, never resting for a single moment. “I told you, you cannot go.” Taking another step, Lee Jihye's sword was half-drawn. It wasn't a mere threat. If I took another step, I would surely be cut. Lightning struck from the heavens, illuminating Yoo Joonghyuk who was drawn even closer to the throne. Han Sooyoung probably fought to prevent that. The last time I met Han Sooyoung, I boasted to her. That I too was a writer of this story. That I would persuade her. That I would complete the story she wrote. So, what was the story I wrote? I looked around Gwanghwamun. Everything was in ruins. The dying incarnations writhed on the ground. The stars in the sky twinkled as if mocking me. I thought I could do it well. I believed I knew all those stories. [Personal Skill, "Three Ways To Survive in a Ruined World" intermittently activates.] Fragments of 'Ways of Survival' came to me sporadically. This skill was likely a memory given to me by Han Sooyoung. I let out a bitter smile at my own patheticness. Without this skill, I would have died long ago. Taking a step more, simultaneously, Lee Jihye's sword brushed against my cheek. “If you move any more, even if you're Ahjussi, I'll have to cut you.” While Yoo Joonghyuk was constructing his narrative, where was I and what was I doing? 「I had many stories I wanted to tell.」 I wanted to talk about the characters who weren't in the spotlight of the main story. The lives of extras. Stories for those who were forgotten, without leaving even a single line. I wanted to save the Yoo Joonghyuk of this 41st regression. 「Have I accomplished any one of these?」 For the first time, I fully realized my lack of talent as a writer. “I am.” 「I couldn't change this story.」 I took another step, directly facing Lee Jihye’s sword. 「If this is the karma for ruining the story.」 Something sparked determination in Lee Jihye’s eyes, filling them with a fierce light. The moment the girl’s sword was about to sweep towards me with the sound of slicing wind. "Jihye-ssi." Someone held onto Lee Jihye’s blade. "Let Inho-ssi go." It was a woman smaller than me. "Inho-ssi has something he must do." Upon hearing her voice, a small warmth nestled deep in my heart. [Narrative Grade, 'Recorder of Things Soon to Vanish' begins her story.] That warmth soon transformed into a sentence. --- **Translation Notes:** - **Gwanghwamun(광화문):** Refers to the main and largest gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, South Korea. It maintains the original name for its cultural significance. - **Byul(별 in hangul):** Translated to "star" considering "Constellation" as more contextual for Constellation's messages, retaining the notion of watchers in the sky. - **Delusional Demon (망상악귀):** Kept as is for continuity with the listed titles. - **Supreme King (패왕):** Explained as relating to Yoo Joonghyuk, maintaining the "conqueror" implication in context. **Character Context Updates:** - **Baul:** A dokkaebi introducing new challenges, reflecting the mischievous and manipulative nature of dokkaebi. - **Lee Jihye:** Yoo Joonghyuk's loyal guard, showcasing her protective nature. - **Lee Seolhwa:** Part of Joonghyuk's followers, indicating her alignment and significance. **Pun/Wordplay Explanation:** - The phrase “cross it, and you're dead” shows Lee Jihye's determination and assertiveness, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and her role as a gatekeeper. 「There stood the reader more timid than anyone else.」 Gyeong Se-in. The second reader I ever met. He adored Jung Heewon the most among the characters. He aspired to be strong like Lee Hyunsung, so he built his body. How much hardship had one endured, that his body was covered in scars. "Se-in-ssi." With a trembling body, Gyeong Se-in turned to look at me. "Inho-ssi." No matter how strong Gyeong Se-in had become, he was facing the main character of this story. Physically, he was no match. Yet, Gyeong Se-in didn't back down. "I don't want to watch this world come to ruin." Hearing those words, Lee Jihye furrowed her brow at me. "Are you planning to fight us?" A cold aura surged from her swordsmanship. Lee Jihye’s sword, imbued with fierce blue sword energy, moved. "You know how strong I am, don't you?" Even someone as resilient as Gyeong Se-in couldn't avoid a fatal wound if struck by that. At the moment when a startled Gyeong Se-in hugged me tightly and crouched, someone deflected Lee Jihye's sword off course. Someone kicked away Lee Jihye's blade. "What the—" Lee Jihye, stepping back while clutching her wrist, witnessed Kim Namwoon sneer with malevolent intent. "Ho, what’s this? Things are getting interesting?" 「There stood the reader who had read more novels than anyone else.」 LiteratureGirl64. Chae Ye-rin activated [Battle Action Mode] and repelled Lee Jihye's sword. "Ye-rin-ah. What's the time limit?" "Three minutes. We must finish within that time." "That's enough." 「There stood the reader who wanted to be Yoo Joonghyuk more than anyone else.」 Chae Seong-woo — Killer King, reached out to me, who had slumped to the ground, and said, "Get up, Kim Dokja." Even in this chaos, he didn’t lose sight of his persona, as I took his hand and stood up. Lee Jihye growled. "Are you serious? Do you all want to die?" "No one wants to die." 「There stood the reader who wanted to witness the world's end without sacrifice.」 Dan-soo, carrying Shin Yoosung on his back, supported my shoulder and said, "We're all gathered here to ensure no one dies." What part of those words was amusing, as the Delusional Demon Kim Namwoon burst into laughter. "Hahaha! Interesting! It’s a scene straight out of the novels!" In an instant, the Delusional Demon stopped laughing and looked at us. The Abyssal Black Flame's energy surged over his entire body. "Teach me some cool lines like that, huh?" When the Delusional Demon reached and punched, Chae Ye-rin's body lifted off the ground. Kim Namwoon laughed, using his forearm to block the arrow shot by the enraged Killer King. "That toy looks fun." From Kim Namwoon’s hand extended [Black Flame] which set Killer King’s crossbow aflame. The siblings in peril were saved by a bullet flying in from somewhere. "Second Apostle! Duck!" 「There stood the reader who was rational and, in truth, more passionate than anyone else.」 With the sound of máy gunfire, smoke from shells enveloped the area. Yehyun Woo, rushing through the dust, assisted the party. Gong Pil-du covered him, while beside them, Max the burrowing cricket dog was barking. "Break through! We mustn't surrender the Absolute Throne!" With Yehyun Woo’s command, the forces of Chungmuro charged forward with a roar. But their opponents were still Lee Jihye and Kim Namwoon. Suga-gak! "Aargh!" People screamed as they lost limbs in a single strike. Chae Ye-rin, Killer King, Lee Dansoo, and Gyeong Se-in joined the fray. But they were already fatigued, having expended a great deal of energy breaking through the scenarios. They couldn't properly counter Lee Jihye and Kim Namwoon. "Inho-ssi. Run!" Exploiting the momentary gap they created, I sprinted. Lee Jihye's roar echoed behind me. As I quickened my pace, pushed forward by the chilling aura of impending doom, even though I bypassed their blockade, many forces still protected Yoo Joonghyuk. All of them were the history Yoo Joonghyuk of the 41st regression had built. "Stop them." At Lee Seolhwa’s calm command, Yoo Joonghyuk’s followers brandished their weapons. "Kill him! He’s attempting regicide!" Even with [Instigation], handling their numbers was challenging. The power needed to crush the ‘Absolute Throne’ might be insufficient to drive back this many followers through [Instigation]. It was then, from the left flank of the army, a disorderly sound was audible. "Argh! What?!" A mass of people barreled through, crushing the followers’ ranks. "Aaargh! Inho-hyung!" Barging forward like a tank, a man clashed with bodies everywhere. Flanking him, a mother-daughter duo swung cleavers. "Bang Cheolsoo!" In response to my shout, Bang Cheolsoo roared, opening a path. "Go!" Thanks to the Unyielding Mother and Daughter’s slashing, the path to the Absolute Throne was cleared. 「There stood the people rescued by Lee Hak Hyun.」 I dashed down the path they opened up for me. 「As if saying his story wasn’t wrong.」 People who lived such an imperfect tale. Those who accepted the awkward prose I penned and existed, now opened a road for me to run. It was then that something landed with a thud at the center of the path. The overwhelming pressure that made it hard to breathe just by looking, like an immense shadow as if Mount Taishan blocked the way. "Inho-ssi. I can no longer allow you past." Yoo Joonghyuk’s most impenetrable shield. Steel-sword Emperor Lee Hyunsung. His giant right hand moved toward my head. It was [Tai Mountain Shatter]. Instinctively, I drew upon my magic energy. If he hit me with that, at the very least, I’d be severely injured. I quickly ducked to evade his right hand. But beneath, his left hand was waiting. [Tai Mountain Push] infused in his shield drove exactly in the direction I dodged. An unavoidable strike. As I opened my mouth to activate [Instigation] at the last moment. A thunderous sound erupted right in front of me. When I looked ahead while rolling on the ground, the first thing I saw was Lee Hyunsung’s face riddled with shock. "How—" The steel shield Lee Hyunsung held was split in two, rolling across the ground. Something had repelled his [Tai Mountain Push] and crushed his shield. I understood his bewilderment too. At present, the only Incarnation with such might was Yoo Joonghyuk. 「And there was the sword that protected him.」 **Translation Notes:** - **Gyeong Se-in (경세인):** An original character, brought forth to reestablish alliances and intentions. His name remained as-is. - **Battle Action Mode ([대전 액션 모드]):** A feature evoking a shift to aggressive and tactical combat techniques. - **Max (맥스):** Name of the burrowing cricket dog retained for its pet-like implication. - **Tai Mountain Shatter ([태산 부수기]) & Tai Mountain Push ([태산 밀기]):** Techniques named after "Mount Taishan," a notable Chinese mountain, reinforcing the grand and impactful nature of the moves. **Contextual Character Updates:** - **Bang Cheolsoo (방철수):** Represents a powerful ally, charged with paving paths for progress, metaphorically and literally. - **Unyielding Mother and Daughter (무정모녀):** Highlights familial bonds that forge paths for the protagonist, illustrating the collective strength. - **Lee Hyunsung as Steel-sword Emperor ([강철검제]):** Substantiates his steadfast and powerful role in terms of a protector, persistently blocking Kim Dokja with his abilities. The ongoing narrative development reflects the weight placed on alliances and using unorthodox methods to counter overwhelming odds. There are no adjustments needed in the provided list; however, these terms further embellish specific relationships and martial prowess. In this 41st regression, however, there was another Incarnation possessing such power. "Look what happened when you left me behind." The only Incarnation in this world who did not fear Yoo Joonghyuk's sword. 「The one and only sword that protected Kim Dokja across all world lines.」 I spoke her name. "Heewon-ssi." "Whatever happened, you'll have a lot to explain later. For now, get up. You've got work to do, right?" Jung Heewon, the Judge of Destruction, helped me to my feet. "You take care of what you have to. I'll deal with that giant." "Stop!" Lee Hyunsung, reaching out in dismay, and Jung Heewon swung her sword at him. The strongest sword clashed against the strongest shield, sending a harsh vibration reverberating through the area. Leaving their battle behind, I looked up into the sky. The 'Absolute Throne' was now soaring high above, and the distance between Yoo Joonghyuk and the throne was now within reach. There was no time to hesitate. "I'll claim the Hidden Scenario reward." [Distributing the pending 'Hidden Scenario' reward.] [You are the first to hunt a 'Calamity' in the scenario!] [You have achieved an unbelievable feat!] [You've obtained 90,000 coins!] …… [The Content Management Bureau bestows a scenario privilege upon you.] [You may choose one item from the rewards below.] + [Black Flame Arm Guard]: Grade SSS [Silphid's Leap Boots]: Grade SSS [Fire Dragon's Egg]: Grade SS…… + A list of special items unfurled in my mind. Without reading through the entire list, I answered. "Silphid's Leap Boots." An item Kim Dokja had not chosen. But right now, it was what I needed more than anything else. [You obtain the 'Silphid's Leap Boots'.] A cool sensation enveloped my feet, and a gentle breeze wrapped around my ankles. [Activating special option 'Leap'.] I pushed off and soared into the sky. Within an instant, Yoo Joonghyuk was right before me. "Yoo Joonghyuk!" I possess the Four Yin Demonic Beheading Sword right now. But I was not yet prepared to destroy the 'Absolute Throne'. I lacked the judgment necessary to borrow the strength of the constellations. So for now, I grabbed onto Yoo Joonghyuk. Separating him from the throne was the priority, I thought. However, the moment I grasped his arm tightly, the space before my eyes rippled. [Activating 'Theatre of the Primordial'.] My vision swirled as though I was being pulled through a wall. When I regained my senses amidst the dizziness, I found myself alongside Yoo Joonghyuk in an unfamiliar place. ―Yoo Joonghyuk! Yoo Joonghyuk! ―Now begins the era of the Supreme King! Cheers from people echoed through an old speaker. Blinking, a massive screen came into view. It displayed the scenery of Gwanghwamun. I gazed mindlessly at the scene and slowly turned my head. The familiar darkness of a theater enfolded me. Hundreds of seats glittered in the darkness. Seated upon them were hundreds of 'readers'. [At last, you have arrived.] The little Kim Dokjas regarded me. Some had flushed faces, others were sad. At the center of them, someone clapped and spoke. [Our forsaken protagonist.] It was someone I knew all too well. The Kim Dokja Representative, standing with a face full of elation, spoke. [Let's warmly welcome the '49% Kim Dokja'.] --- **Translation Notes:** - **Silphid's Leap Boots ([실피드의 도약 부츠]):** A poetic name referencing Silphid (a wind elemental) that enhances the notion of mobility. - **Four Yin Demonic Beheading Sword ([사인참사검]):** A menacing weapon providing a flair of narrative elegance. - **Theatre of the Primordial ([태초의 극장]):** Suggests a mysterious realm linked to time and grandiosity, evoking an ancient, ongoing narrative being revealed. **Character and Context Updates:** - **Jung Heewon as the Judge of Destruction ([멸마의 심판자]):** Reinforces her formidable nature and protective stance, allied to Kim Dokja. - **Lee Hyunsung as Steel-sword Emperor ([강철검제]):** His steadfastness again aimed at harnessing his unyielding might to challenge intrusions. - **Kim Dokja Representative ([김독자대표]):** Oversees the metaphysical gathering of the versions or aspects of Kim Dokja, indicating a collective consciousness with interpretative power of the narrative. This section advances the meta-narrative and self-awareness themes associated with Kim Dokja's storyline, including influential aspects like the convergence of perspectives across world-lines.