Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint Novel MTL - Chapter 591

Chapter 591

Episode 8: Representative Kim Dokja (1)

My comprehension of Yoo Joonghyuk had deepened. The cause wasn’t difficult to pinpoint.

Perhaps the remarks left by the kkoma Kim Dokjas had exerted some influence on me.

「 Is the 41st round Yoo Joonghyuk truly a villain? 」

Hearing those words felt like a hundred circuits in my mind suddenly flickered to life.

「 «I lost a useful shield.» 」

「 «Naval battles will become somewhat challenging from now on.» 」

Lines I had once written for Yoo Joonghyuk resurfaced in my memory. In those passages, he was portrayed more as an antagonist than a hero.

Moreover, Shin Yooseung from the 41st round had also voiced her profound disillusionment with Yoo Joonghyuk.

But what about the Yoo Joonghyuk I glimpsed in the dream theater?

「 «The outcasts can emerge safely. I will demonstrate how to procure food from this point forward.» 」

And what of the 40th round Yoo Joonghyuk I witnessed through Anna Croft?

「 «If the world were to cycle one more time, would you choose to live a different life?» 」

Could I honestly label Yoo Joonghyuk as a ‘villain’?

Amid the decelerated time of the Snowfield, I came to accept that the words I had read and written were merely fragments of the existence Yoo Joonghyuk had lived. This held especially true for the 41st round Yoo Joonghyuk.

There was only a single sentence I could now write about him.

「 I do not fully comprehend Yoo Joonghyuk.

[Your understanding of the character ‘Yoo Joonghyuk’ has increased slightly.]

[You have gained the ability to write about the character ‘Yoo Joonghyuk’.]

I examined the window before me, like tracing the first footsteps in the Snowfield.

# Protagonist’s Choice

「In that instant, Yoo Joonghyuk ⬜⬜…….」

* At your present skill level, you may write a total of 20 additional characters.

Only twenty characters.

That was the entirety of what I could presently write for ‘Yoo Joonghyuk’.

[Your understanding of the character is insufficient.]

[The number of times you may depict this scene is restricted.]

[You may only describe the scene once.]

I had just one opportunity.

I shut my eyes calmly and reflected on the Yoo Joonghyuk I had witnessed personally.

The version most resembling the current Yoo Joonghyuk was the one I observed in the 40th round within the ‘Phantom Prison’, and the Yoo Joonghyuk who had left two ‘Elaine Forest Essence’ orbs at Geumho Station.

[Your understanding of the character ‘Yoo Joonghyuk’ has increased slightly.]

I pondered.

[Your understanding of the character ‘Yoo Joonghyuk’ has increased slightly.]

I pondered once more.

Twenty characters. Barely sufficient to inscribe a single line depicting a character’s action.

What could I convey about Yoo Joonghyuk within those twenty characters?

I frequently encountered this dilemma while writing Omniscient Reader. Those moments when I struggled to find the appropriate line or action for a character.

「 «Simply write it.» 」

During such times, Ji Eunyoo would advise.

「 «Have faith in the characters who have inhabited the world you fashioned, and simply write it.» 」

Once again, all I could do was place my trust helplessly in her words.

「 Believe in Yoo Joonghyuk, who has lived in this world. 」

I composed a sentence for him.

It was not particularly elaborate.

But that single line encapsulated all I currently understood about him and all I could offer him now.

[This story is plausible.]

[This story’s reproduction success rate is 93%.]

[There is sufficient probability.]

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

rlaehrwk37: Yoo Joonghyuk is Yoo Joonghyuk

I read that feedback silently. The feedback did not reveal whether this ‘reproduction’ would succeed or not.

All I can state now is that I share the same perspective as KimDokja37.

[Successfully recreating the scene.]

[Departing the ‘Snowfield’.]

The colorless time dissipated. The mini-turrets were on the verge of firing.

「 In that moment, Yoo Joonghyuk lowered his spear. 」

The faint glimmer in Yoo Joonghyuk’s right hand was the result of my sentence.

Yet, as he released the spear, his expression was one of bewilderment. He did not comprehend why he had suddenly performed that action.

From this point onward, it was up to Yoo Joonghyuk.

The Yoo Joonghyuk I witnessed. The tragic protagonist who sought to save the world, even if it meant allying with a villain.

「 In truth, Yoo Joonghyuk was aware. He knew he must not kill Gong Pildu at this juncture. 」

「 Because this would be his final cycle. 」

«Die.»

The fully charged mini-turrets erupted with fire. It was a shell even the Steel Sword Lee Hyunsung would struggle to block. Even if Yoo Joonghyuk was a monster who slaughtered a 7th grade species, there was no chance he would emerge unscathed from a direct hit by a full volley from those turrets.

「 Seven turrets in total. A simultaneous impact would place even Yoo Joonghyuk in peril. 」

But Yoo Joonghyuk did not move. He did not even grip his spear.

His face was etched with profound confusion. Perhaps the sentence I wrote had disrupted his judgment.

But that was sufficient; Yoo Joonghyuk had already fulfilled his role.

Then, this time,

[The exclusive skill ‘Incite Lv.4’ is activated!]

It was my turn to answer for my words.

「 Transform into an ‘Old Iron Shield’. 」

Concurrently as I invoked Incite, ‘Thoughts of Almost Everything’ shimmered.

By the time Yoo Joonghyuk glanced up, the shells were already upon him.

Kwaaaaang!

I intercepted the path of the shells, shielding Yoo Joonghyuk by a razor-thin margin. The force of the impact threatened to shatter my shield.

But I held firm.

I managed to hold firm.

Because my strength level now surpassed that of Lee Hyunsung.

«Yoo Joonghyuk. A wise choice. You must not kill Gong Pildu to accomplish your goal.»

When I looked back, Yoo Joonghyuk was staring at me in astonishment.

«Why are you looking at me like that? You stated we would be allies eventually.»

I do not know what trials the 41st round Yoo Joonghyuk will face in the future.

I do not know what tragedies he has endured, what despairs he has suffered, or how he arrived at this resolution.

But I can perceive it in his expression now.

「 This world may not conclude in tragedy. 」

I smirked at Yoo Joonghyuk, concluding the exchange.

«I will demonstrate how I managed to befriend the Ten Evils.»

 

Kwaaaaang!

A distant explosion. Observing Cheon Inho intercept the shells, the woman in the white coat frowned in the shadows.

She bit down on the lemon candy in her mouth and muttered.

«The more I observe him, the more unhinged he appears.»

[The constellation ‘Sneaking Schemer’ chuckles.]

«What was he thinking, charging directly at him? Did he forget he is Cheon Inho?»

[The constellation ‘Sneaking Schemer’ expresses nostalgia.]

The woman pursed her lips for a prolonged moment at those words, then muttered through clenched teeth.

«……I do not miss him in the slightest.»

[The constellation ‘Sneaking Schemer’ states they never claimed to miss anyone.]

«Be silent.»

 

My sudden intervention created a pause in the station.

Fortunately, Yoo Joonghyuk retreated as if to spectate.

In the distance, Lee Jihye and the others were gazing at me with widened eyes.

I’m at my limit, everyone.

Naturally, they were not the only ones taken aback.

«You…… What?»

Gong Pildu inquired, and I responded.

«I am Cheon Inho.»

«Who cares to know your foolish name?»

As the grumbling Gong Pildu displayed indications of recharging his mini-turret, I hastily added.

«If you permit, I would like to converse with the individual behind you.»

«What?»

At my words, the boy concealed behind Gong Pildu’s back peeked out.

I waved to the boy who met my gaze.

«Hello?»

The boy promptly hid again.

An unfamiliar countenance.

Throughout the entirety of Omniscient Reader, no such boy had ever been at Gong Pildu’s side.

[Utilizing ‘Readers’ Comments List’ for this individual.]

[Reviewing the reader’s profile information.]

Merely by looking, I already discerned his nature.

Hmm, so that’s the situation.

While I swiftly perused the reader’s information, Gong Pildu glanced back at the boy and asked.

«Do you know him?»

The boy shook his head.

«Wait. Reconsider.»

That is insufficient.

Luckily, one of my exceptional readers once advised me on handling such a scenario.

«Are we not ‘among friends’?»

«Friends……?»

«Among friends.»

Abruptly, the boy’s expression altered.

Before I realized it, the remainder of my group had assembled beside me.

The boy looked back and forth between me and my companions several times, and his eyes widened upon recognizing Jung Heewon among us.

Gradually, the boy’s petite lips parted.

«9158……?»

 

Shortly thereafter, I was seized by the scruff of my neck by Yoo Joonghyuk and hauled toward the railroad tracks.

I am accustomed to this by now.

In the distance, I could see the boy conversing with my party.

A few paces from him, Gong Pildu was observing us with disapproving eyes.

Yoo Joonghyuk observed Gong Pildu and inquired without even glancing in my direction.

«How did you persuade him?»

«Because a villain understands villains best.»

«Cheon Inho…….»

«I am The One Who Deceived the Stars, and the Evil Sophist.»

Yoo Joonghyuk looked back at me.

«What you require is not the human Cheon Inho, but the ‘Ten Evil’ that plagued you.»

Yoo Joonghyuk suspects I am not Cheon Inho. The most I can do presently is convince him of ‘my’ utility.

«How can I trust you?»

«Were you not the one who trusted me and proposed we become allies?»

«Did you regain the memories of the prior cycle? It seems you managed to encounter Anna Croft.»

Fortunately, he appears capable of communication to some degree.

As anticipated, Kim Dokja was correct. There is no such thing as a bad Yoo Joonghyuk in the world.

«But the circumstances have altered from the previous cycle. Allying with a Ten Evil was an absurd notion after all.»

There might exist a deceitful Yoo Joonghyuk.

I quickly added before Yoo Joonghyuk could seize a spear and impale me.

«Do not overthink it. This is not the moment to be selective with your comrades. Are you contemplating hitting the reset button again?»

«You.»

Regrettably, I am not privy to all that transpired in the 40th cycle. My knowledge is limited to a portion of the dialogue between Yoo Joonghyuk and Cheon Inho.

But for now, it suffices.

«Did you not declare yourself that this was the final possible reset and that the entire universe would be obliterated in this cycle? Was it all a falsehood?»

Yoo Joonghyuk’s eyes trembled violently.

«Frankly, you do not appear particularly desperate at this moment.»

After a period of silence, Yoo Joonghyuk stared into the tunnel’s darkness, as if a formidable enemy lurked beyond.

«I require a moment to contemplate.»

With that, Yoo Joonghyuk commenced tapping the railroad tracks with his spear tip and began to pace.

I left him to his reflections and approached the others.

The boy from Chungmuro was already sharing information with the group, particularly with Kyung Sein, with whom he seemed exceptionally close.

«This is the 41st cycle?»

«Indeed, that is correct.»

«Oh my God. So that explains that Yoo Joonghyuk…… No wonder he was such a scoundrel…….»

I had a general notion of their discussion.

Evidently, the boy was unaware of how many cycles Yoo Joonghyuk had undergone.

The murmuring boy noticed me and sprang to his feet.

Kyung Sein introduced the boy to me.

«Inho-ssi! This is the 7th Apostle from the Seven Apostles!»

The 7th Apostle.

Like Killer King, this boy was also a constituent of the Seven Apostles. As the 7th Apostle, he must be the final member.

I extended my hand, and the boy shook it nervously.

«Oh, greetings.»

«Yes, pleased to meet you.»

«So this is Cheon Inho’s appearance…… He is far more handsome than the descriptions I read.»

I clasped the boy’s small hand and smiled wryly.

It was the first compliment I had received since possessing Cheon Inho.

«Thank you. Shall we commence with introductions? I am Cheon Inho, as you know.»

«I am Ye Hyunwoo.»

«That is your name, correct?»

«Affirmative.»

Ye Hyunwoo.

Hearing the name, I vaguely recalled a character by that name in the Chungmuro setting.

Ye Hyunwoo’s sparkling eyes scrutinized my face closely, and then he asked.

«But how did you discern I was an apostle?»

How did I know.

ID: Princemaker77¹

Platform: Series

Total Comments: 681

Reader Level: 97

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[1] Princemaker77: It is originally in English.

I could not help but know.

Upon checking the platform, it was evident he was not an illicit reader, and more significantly, this boy had over fifty reads.

He is not like Killer King with 99.8 complete reads (nearly 100 reads), but he is certainly akin to 0.5 of him.

Thus I reasoned.

Anyone who has read the novel this extensively is unequivocally a member of ‘that organization’.

«I recently encountered someone who exuded a similar aura.»

«Who?»

«Killer King.»

«The 2nd Apostle? You are claiming I resemble him?»

Ye Hyunwoo flushed as if hearing something unbelievable.

Seeing him thus, he was more agreeable than that Yoo Joonghyuk impersonator.

«He actually mentioned it to me. He mentioned a reader possessing a minor villain. I surmise it was Cheon Inho-ssi. Regardless, that fool always strives to be profound. Cheon Inho…….»

«Killer King has been here?»

Ye Hyunwoo nodded.

«It was some time ago. He even invited me to accompany him, but I am not the adventurous type.»

Certainly, his decision to partner with Gong Pildu evidenced that.

Safety first.

A prudent choice in an apocalypse such as this.

«Incidentally, thank you for intervening earlier. Had I known he was the 41st cycle Yoo Joonghyuk, I would never have engaged him. Damn Killer King, he neglected to inform me of that.»

Killer King is unaware of that as well. Reader-nim.

Speaking of which, this reader is not entirely ordinary either.

Even if he was unaware it was the 41st cycle, I cannot believe someone who has read Omniscient Reader fifty times considered battling Yoo Joonghyuk.

«That aspect is somewhat complex.»

Ye Hyunwoo stated in a feeble voice.

«I am at the third stage of the tech tree² 「Plan to Raise an Invincible Castellan at Home」. According to my projections, I should have been capable of countering Yoo Joonghyuk by now…….»

[2] In strategy games, a technology, tech, or research tree is a hierarchical visual representation of the possible sequences of upgrades a player can unlock (most typically representing the research progress of a given faction). (From Wikipedia)

What…… Plan?

After releasing a profound sigh, Ye Hyunwoo uttered an unexpected name.

«Damn, if Jiyoon were with me, I would not have committed this error.»