Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint Novel MTL - Chapter 567

Chapter 567

567 Episode 3. Protagonist(?) (4)

There exists an unshakable rule known to those in the know.

「 A man with narrow eyes possesses greater strength when his eyes are open. 」

I tightened both of my eyes. Gradually, my eyelids lifted.

「 I am Yoo Joonghyuk. 」

[‘Incite’ is taking effect.]

Bit by bit, peculiar notions started to form in my mind.

What if I truly am Yoo Joonghyuk?

[‘Incite’ is reaching its peak effectiveness.]

Abruptly, I felt doubtful about every action I was preparing to take. For a reason unknown, I also felt a powerful urge to locate and eliminate Kim Dokja.

「 No, it’s impossible for you to be that Yoo Joonghyuk. 」

[The effect of ‘Incite’ is being moderated.]

I (somewhat) became Yoo Joonghyuk.

Bang Cheolsoo’s eyes went wide as they met my gaze.

«Did you genuinely believe that Bluff would be effective?»

It was my own voice, yet it now carried a formidable tone.

So this is what it feels like to be Yoo Joonghyuk.

Bang Cheolsoo’s [Bluff] was utterly insignificant to him.

[The constellation ‘Monarch of the Small Fries’ experiences a peculiar dread from you.]

[The constellation ‘Sneaking Schemer’ observes you with a sense of indignation.]

[A constellation who hasn’t revealed their modifier is gazing at you with curiosity.]

It appeared to have worked, given that even the constellations were taken aback.

Bang Cheolsoo was visibly shaken when his [Bluff] failed, and he clenched his fists until his knuckles turned white.

[The character ‘Bang Cheolsoo’ has used ‘Threaten’.]

[For an unexplained reason, ‘Threaten’ is ineffective against you.]

Finally, a single drop of sweat trailed down his temple.

«You are an exceptionally powerful individual.»

Even without employing the [Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint], I could see right through him.

「 If I am captured here, it’s over. 」

Should I finish this now?

It would be simple to eliminate every one of them.

A quick assessment confirmed there were no other possessed individuals present.

Yet, for some reason, the idea was unappealing.

No one takes pleasure in killing.

I decided to speak.

«Lee Cheoldoo mentioned he didn’t want you to throw your life away meaninglessly.»

«How are you aware of that?»

«He told me many things about you.»

Upon hearing my words, Dansoo ahjussi stared at me in astonishment.

Bang Cheolsoo looked bewildered.

«You…….»

«I traveled with him to Geumho Station. He said he would introduce me to you.»

«I… I never received any report of that nature from Cheoldoo hyung-nim.»

«Since when did he need to inform you of every single detail?»

«Cheoldoo hyung-nim…… Where is he now?»

Bang Cheolsoo’s speech suddenly became formal. It was a clear sign he was losing his composure.

Instead of answering directly, I cast a dramatic glance to my left, where Lee Cheoldoo’s headless corpse was lying.

«My condolences.»

Bang Cheolsoo stumbled unsteadily toward Lee Cheoldoo’s remains.

«It was an end worthy of him. He fell in combat.»

«Against whom—»

«Revenge.»

I directed my gaze toward the lifeless body of the Life Leader.

[The constellation ‘Monarch of the Small Fries’ is observing your story with growing interest.]

[The constellation ‘Monarch of the Small Fries’ appreciates the sudden noir atmosphere.]

Bang Cheolsoo stared at me vacantly before biting down hard on his lip.

«How can I trust that?»

«Believing it is your own decision to make.»

«If you’re the one who caused Cheoldoo hyung-nim’s…!»

«If you intend to act, then seek your vengeance on me here and now.»

Bang Cheolsoo rose to his feet, glowering at me with bloodshot eyes.

However, it didn’t seem like the action of someone truly prepared to fight.

[The character ‘Bang Cheolsoo’ is observing you.]

[The character ‘Bang Cheolsoo’ is contemplating an unforeseen action.]

[The activation requirement for the exclusive skill ‘□□’ has been satisfied.]

I understand.

I believe I’m starting to grasp the conditions for this skill’s activation.

[The exclusive skill ‘□□’ has been activated.]

My surroundings drained of color, and the people around me began to freeze.

Looking at the floating text, I knew it was time to create once more.

[The character ‘Bang Cheolsoo’s attribute is preparing to blossom.]

[You may influence the blossoming of character ‘Bang Cheolsoo’s attribute.]

[Because of the character’s limited potential, the attribute cannot blossom through a single modification.]

Bang Cheolsoo is no Kim Cheolyang.

After all, Life Leader Kim Cheolyang was originally one of the Ten Evils and possessed the attribute of the Crouching Figure.

Bang Cheolsoo, in contrast, is merely a common thug.

But the way the system phrased it made me ponder.

Perhaps it’s the author’s conceit.

Within <Star Stream>, how much can a typical minor villain truly transform?

[You have entered the ‘Snowfield’.]

[Describe the next action of ‘Bang Cheolsoo’.]

# Bang Cheolsoo’s Change of Heart

「Bang Cheolsoo, Assault Force Leader of the Cheoldoo Group, □□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□□」

* At your current skill level, you are permitted to write a total of 160 additional characters.

160 characters.

I could use ten more characters than the previous occasion.

[You may remain in the ‘Snowfield’ for a total of 3 minutes.]

This was undoubtedly an improvement.

Because I now have a slightly better understanding of this skill.

First, this skill cannot manifest ‘absurd’ alterations in reality.

For instance, a character cannot suddenly recall a past life as a grandmaster and pledge undying loyalty to you.

You have a higher chance of success by depicting an action that aligns with the character’s own hidden wishes.

From the earlier message, it seems I can implement further changes as I gather more probability.

[Current Accumulated Probability: 10]

[You can raise the reproduction success rate by acquiring more probability.]

I doubted I could achieve much with this current amount.

I began to write for the time being.

I meticulously filled the space with a sentence of approximately 160 characters.

[This story’s reproduction success rate is 88%.]

[There is sufficient probability.]

[Do you wish to view the reader’s feedback?]

I recalled this function now.

A user like KimDokja37 replies.

I wondered if it was the real Kim Dokja?

What does the number 37 signify?

‘Yes.’

rlaehrwk37: I can hear the sound of Bang Cheolsoo’s washing machine operating.

rlaehrwk61: Well, he hasn’t truly begun his villainous path yet.

There was another Kim Dokja?

Regardless, based on the reactions, this plot development didn’t appear to risk any major issues.

[Successfully recreating the scene.]

[Exiting the ‘Snowfield’.]

The letters vanished into the air, and the narrative resumed.

I drew a breath and spoke the words.

«Life is so tedious……. Don’t you agree?»

「 Bang Cheolsoo listened to the words in a stupor. 」

«…….»

「 Bang Cheolsoo, the Assault Force Captain of the Cheoldoo Group. He had always felt hopeless about this world. Long before the scenarios started, his world was already ruined. 」

Even extras have their own stories. No matter how insignificant or ordinary.

«How long do you plan to remain the Assault Force Captain of the Cheoldoo Group?»

«What? What could you possibly understand—»

«The world is different now. It’s not the one you’ve always hated, and it’s time for someone like you to reconcile with your history.»

«…….»

«You have an option. You can choose to follow me, or you can persist in your pitiful, narrow existence.»

Bang Cheolsoo’s eyes trembled slightly.

1,863 regressions.

Throughout all of Yoo Joonghyuk’s cycles in Ways of Survival, Bang Cheolsoo was forever the Assault Force Captain of the Cheoldoo Group.

He lived as the Captain and died as the Captain.

He was never afforded a moment to ponder the meaning or worth of his life.

He was never meant to be redeemed. He was not meant for rehabilitation; he existed to be a stepping stone, a trophy for the protagonist to overcome.

Hence, the sentence I composed.

「 Do I still have a choice? 」

It was a possibility offered to a fabricated antagonist.

「 Could he be my purpose? 」

Bang Cheolsoo, his decision made, stood and spoke.

«Prove it to me.»

Bang Cheolsoo lunged at me, fists swinging. It was a desperate, all-or-nothing attack.

But his heart wasn’t in it.

He had chosen.

Peoeog!

I landed a light punch on the charging man’s face.

Bang Cheolsoo cried out dramatically and collapsed.

I hadn’t struck him hard, but he was shrewd.

«H-hyung-nim!»

As the alarmed Cheoldoo Group members raised their pipes toward me in anger, Bang Cheolsoo lifted a hand to stem his nosebleed.

«Stop.»

He looked at me for a prolonged moment, then spoke as if the punch had sealed his fate.

«Now that Cheoldoo hyung-nim is gone, I am the acting leader of the Cheoldoo Group. The decision on who we follow is mine. Does anyone object?»

«W-we have no objections.»

「 For the first time, Bang Cheolsoo felt less like an ‘extra’ and more like a ‘supporting character’. 」

Until this moment, he was merely an extra who existed for a few lines. If the writer willed it, he died; if the writer willed it, he lived.

But today, he used his imagination to contemplate what might come next.

[The character ‘Bang Cheolsoo’ feels a faint sense of trust toward you.]

[The character ‘Bang Cheolsoo’ is displaying signs of a minor evolution.]

Bang Cheolsoo extended his hand toward me and asked.

«What is your name?»

I replied, helping Bang Cheolsoo to his feet.

«Cheon Inho.»

[The constellation ‘Prisoner of the Golden Headband’ finds your management of the situation amusing.]

[The constellation ‘Monarch of the Small Fries’ is admiring the intense noir you displayed.]

That Monarch of the Small Fries, he was always like that in the story; who knows what goes through his mind. The incarnation he sponsored was taken from him, and he’s still making comments.

[The constellation ‘Monarch of the Small Fries’ is sulking because his incarnation wasn’t severely wounded.]

I glanced at Bang Cheolsoo, who was leading the way, and struck the back of his head.

«Why, why would you do that?»

«There was an insect.»

[The constellation ‘Monarch of the Small Fries’ has sponsored you 100 coins.]

Bang Cheolsoo shot me a look with trembling eyes, then moved to lead two steps ahead.

«There should be a group of people over in that area.»

[There are currently eleven people at Geumho Station who support you.]

I’ve secured the allegiance of the 10 Cheoldoo Group members.

This pace was acceptable.

It was then that Dansoo ahjussi, walking beside me, cautiously inquired.

«You aren’t actually Cheon Inho, are you?»

I smiled and answered.

«For the time being, I am.»

Dansoo ahjussi let out a soft sigh at my jest.

He observed the Cheoldoo Group members ahead and spoke in a hushed tone.

«Will this be alright? You know what these men are capable of.»

«Earlier, you asked me if I would let everyone perish.»

«But those individuals are…….»

I understood his meaning.

I am fully aware of the Cheoldoo Group’s nature. They are destined to commit some of the most terrible acts.

My reason for sparing them is straightforward.

「 If you plan to use them in the same manner, there’s no purpose in using them at all. 」

«I am merely utilizing them. We must gather forces quickly to minimize disruptions at Geumho Station. If they are to be adversaries, it’s more efficient to manage them directly than to engage in conflict.»

«I see…….»

Watching Dansoo ahjussi nod in comprehension, I was reminded of a reader’s comment.

—So he was beaten to death at Geumho Station every time Yoo Joonghyuk regressed?

I observed the somewhat somber back of Bang Cheolsoo’s head and dismissed the thought.

Not now. This is not the moment for such complex reflections.

If Kim Dokja and the other main characters survived the first scenario, they will be coming to Geumho Station.

If Kim Dokja was consumed by the ichthyosaur as in Omniscient Reader, then Yoo Joonghyuk and his group would be the first to arrive here.

To create a favorable impression, we need to transform these Cheoldoo Group thugs into the guardians of Geumho Station.

Bang Cheolsoo halted.

«We have arrived.»

The survivors of the first scenario were gathered in the stairwell.

I took a deep breath and studied their faces, one after another.

This is where my ‘rehabilitation project’ truly begins.

Even though Cheon Inho was a despicable, rabble-rousing villain in the original Omniscient Reader, he must be reformed into a decent person here.

Alright, it’s decided. First, we seize control of Geumho Station.

Next, we become subordinates of Yoo Joonghyuk.

And then, when Yoo Joonghyuk inevitably reverts to his sunfish ways, we will join Kim Dokja’s side.

«Do you understand, unni? Be very cautious of that man.»

A voice came from nearby, and I instinctively turned to see a very familiar face.

It was her.

She was here at Geumho Station.

But I hadn’t anticipated she would be the first member of <Kim Dokja’s Company> I would meet.

I moved toward her with eager steps.

She is the first sword of the Demon King of Salvation, Kim Dokja, and the guardian of <Kim Dokja’s Company>.

Under the protection of the archangel Uriel, she is among the most powerful characters in Omniscient Reader.

Jung Heewon, the Judge of Destruction.

Noticing my gaze, Jung Heewon looked back at me from a distance. I greeted her first.

«Hello!»

«Oh, yes…… Hello.»

Jung Heewon acknowledged my greeting with a slight smile.

She must possess incredible fortitude to manage a smile like that after just completing the first scenario.

«Which section are you from?»

«Oh, we were in 3-4.»

«Did you also…… experience something similar over there?»

«Yes.»

Noticing my blood-stained apron, Jung Heewon grew slightly more cautious.

Just then, Dansoo ahjussi approached.

«My friend and I didn’t kill people; we eliminated other creatures.»

«Oh, truly? Actually, I also…….»

Jung Heewon stopped mid-sentence, glancing around her.

But I sensed something was amiss.

「 Jung Heewon didn’t kill anyone? 」

That couldn’t be right. In the main story, she must have cleared the scenario through the standard means.

How on earth did she manage it—?

«Pardon me, what’s your name? I’m Jung Heewon.»

«I’m Cheon Inho.»

The instant she heard my name, her expression turned to ice.

As she stared at me with those cold eyes, I suddenly remembered a crucial detail.

In the main narrative of Omniscient Reader, Jung Heewon kills Cheon Inho by driving a blade through his skull at Geumho Station.

I felt a chill and unconsciously touched the top of my head. Jung Heewon, who had taken a few steps back, spoke to someone beside her.

«He appeared, just like you predicted.»

«Already? Where is he?»

«That man over there. But is he the one you meant?»

«Wow, he certainly looks the part. Isn’t it obvious?»

«Umm, I’m not entirely sure.»

Looking closer, a girl significantly shorter than Jung Heewon was clinging to her side.

«Stay focused, unni, you mustn’t trust him. What did I tell you about him earlier? Repeat it.»

Jung Heewon nodded and recited.

«A bad person. The one who should be torn apart. Someone to be incinerated with Hellfire.»

……Where have I heard that before?