Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint Novel MTL - Chapter 595

Chapter 595

Episode 595: Words That Can’t Be Said (1)
This happened around the time I was writing the chapter titled ‘Disaster of Floods’.

After Kim Dokja was brutally beaten and his stomach torn open by the 41st turn Shin Yooseung, Ji Eunyoo made a comment to me.

「 «Author-nim. Isn’t it a bit unrealistic for him to still be sane with a hole in his abdomen?» 」

I can’t recall my exact response from that time.

I believe it was something along these lines.

In a fantasy setting, you can lose limbs and have a gaping wound, yet still be able to speak.

And then I added.

「 «Kim Dokja possesses the [Fourth Wall].» 」

But even without the [Fourth Wall], the most crucial element is mental fortitude.

Back then, I was convinced that willpower could conquer anything. I believed that if you failed to overcome something, it was because your mental strength was insufficient.

If I could travel back to that moment, I would give my past self a hard smack on the head.

I’m sorry, Kim Dokja-ssi.

I was mistaken.

The pain is unbearable.

I pleaded and begged and begged again to Kim Dokja, agony threatening to split my body in two. I begged countless times before a response finally came.

「 …… …… …… 」

It was an extremely faint voice. Though the words were indistinct, their tone was unmistakably filled with profound compassion and warmth.

The pain lessened slightly.

Through my hazy vision, I saw threads gently coiled around my stomach. I reached out to touch the warm strands.

Beyond the softly swaying threads, brown hair fluttered like falling flower petals.

「 …… …… 」

I wanted to ask.

Who are you? Where am I?

Why did you rescue me?

「 …… …… 」

My awareness kept fading, the words escaping me.

I felt someone take my hand, and something deep within me stirred and surged upward. It felt similar to [Incite], as if a heavy burden was being lifted from my shoulders.

I wanted to say it.

I cannot do this by myself.

I am incapable of changing the world, of protecting everyone.

I wanted to plead, please help me, save these people.

Then, the person connected by the thread spoke.

「 I cannot. 」

 

«Inho-ssi! Inho-ssi!»

My eyes opened to see Kyung Sein and Jung Heewon kneeling before me.

«He’s awake! Inho-ssi is awake too!»

Chungmuro.

It appeared I had successfully returned to where my physical body was.

I instinctively glanced down at my stomach, which was perfectly intact.

«What on earth happened? Everyone collapsed all of a sudden, and Inho-ssi wouldn’t wake up…….»

Jung Heewon let out a heavy sigh, her grip on my shoulder tightening.

Judging by the way Kyung Sein avoided my gaze, Jung Heewon had not been told about our experience. It was likely a deliberate choice.

«Inho-ssi. Are you alright? Did you hit your head?»

«No. I’m fine, thank you.»

Jung Heewon placed a hand on my forehead before standing.

«Stay here for a bit, I’ll fetch you something to drink.»

Once Jung Heewon had left, Kyung Sein and Dansoo ahjussi quickly moved to sit beside me.

«Inho-ssi, you were there the whole time too, correct?»

«Yes…… But hold on a moment.»

I shut my eyes briefly, sorting through the events that had transpired in the ‘theater’.

I had gleaned four key pieces of information.

First, in the theater, the ‘kkoma Kim Dokjas’ are observing us.

Second, ‘RepresentativeKimDokja’ holds a deep resentment toward Kim Dokja.

Third, ‘RepresentativeKimDokja’ is a ‘character’.

Fourth, an unknown party rescued me from ‘RepresentativeKimDokja’.

Each revelation was staggering and difficult to process.

The only certainty was that ‘RepresentativeKimDokja’ is scheming something, and we are being used as pawns in his plan.

And……

「 …… Company! 」

After hearing that final word, I lost consciousness, my memory of subsequent events becoming a blur.

I had a faint recollection of someone guiding me out of that space.

A few theories flashed through my mind, only to vanish just as quickly.

「 It can’t be. 」

When I opened my eyes, Kyung Sein spoke up as if she had been waiting.

«Inho-ssi, he was the one who took us there, wasn’t he? RepresentativeKimDokja.»

«Yes. It seems so.»

«I never imagined him to be like that; it’s truly disheartening. I read the ‘Encyclopedia of Omniscient Reader’ he authored so many times—»

I nearly said that this RepresentativeKimDokja must be a different person from the one she knew, but I stopped myself.

It was irrelevant now.

«But he promised that if we managed to prevent the destruction, he would send us home…….»

Would ‘RepresentativeKimDokja’ honor his word?

I couldn’t be sure.

If I were to speculate, as an ‘outer god’ bound by an ‘outer world covenant’, his vow should hold power.

That is, provided we actually found a way to avert the scenario’s destruction.

«I was worried about you, Inho-ssi, since you woke up last. Did something occur?»

I gave a brief account, omitting the specifics. With many people nearby, it didn’t feel like the appropriate moment for details.

«I’m not sure if it was a glitch, but I was left alone there for a while after everyone else had vanished.»

«Inho mate, perhaps.»

At my words, Dansoo ahjussi squeezed my hand. I gave his hand a light, reassuring squeeze and shook my head.

«I’m sorry, I couldn’t find Jiyoon.»

«Oh.»

Dansoo ahjussi’s expression immediately fell.

«It’s not time to lose hope yet. I saw many children around Jiyoon’s age that I didn’t get a chance to speak with.»

«Really?»

Truthfully, there hadn’t been that many children her age, but stating that now would serve no purpose.

Kyung Sein chimed in to support.

«He’s right. Ahjussi. Besides, this is the world of ‘Omniscient Reader’. Even in the worst-case scenario, there’s always a solution.»

«You’re correct, Sein-ssi.»

This world is from Omniscient Reader.

Death here does not equate to permanent oblivion.

This world contains constellations governing the afterlife, where all departed souls are destined to go.

But I questioned whether my readers and I could access the underworld.

Perhaps, like the 41st turn Shin Yooseung, we would simply fade away, lost to the void.

The thought suddenly filled me with dread.

「 Where have all the readers who have already died gone? 」

As I gazed absently at the staircase leading upward, I noticed the 7th Apostle Ye Hyunwoo coming down with several others.

«Inho-ssi, you’re awake?»

I gave a slight bow as he hurried over.

After a quick glance around, Ye Hyunwoo lowered his voice to a whisper.

«Inho-ssi, you were ‘there’ as well, correct?»

«Yes.»

«What a shame. If I had recognized you, I would have said hello.»

Ye Hyunwoo must have been in the theater too. I didn’t know which attendee he was, though some readers probably would.

«There will be other opportunities. What’s happening?»

There was a commotion as more people descended from upstairs. Urgent shouts echoed, and I saw them hurriedly moving supplies.

«Ah, that.»

The grim expression on Ye Hyunwoo’s face indicated that something significant had occurred while I was unconscious.

«Inho-ssi!»

Jung Heewon ran back with water from a distance, her expression serious.

I rose to my feet, anxious to know what was happening.

[All ‘green zones’ in this region have been destroyed. The main scenario has collapsed.]

An unexpected message arrived.

[The difficulty will be automatically adjusted based on the scenario’s remaining schedule.]

This can’t be.

Starting already?

[The scenario content has been updated!]

<Main Scenario #3 — Emergency Defense Battle>

Category: Main

Difficulty: B-

Clear Conditions: All ‘green zones’ in the region have been destroyed. The monsters scheduled to appear over the remaining days have gone berserk simultaneously. Survive the monster onslaught for the allotted time.

Time Limit: 8 hours

Reward: 2,000 coins

Failure: —

I remembered the description of the ‘Emergency Defense Battle’ from Omniscient Reader.

「 Once the ‘Green Zone’ scenario is accelerated, all monsters meant to spawn during the remaining time emerge at once. 」

The timing was earlier than when Kim Dokja faced his ‘Emergency Defense Battle’.

This meant we would be confronting a far greater number of monsters than he did in the original story.

A thoughtful Kyung Sein looked at me and murmured.

«I-Inho-ssi. What do we do?»

In the original Omniscient Reader, Kim Dokja’s party destroyed all the ‘green zones’, triggering the ‘emergency defense battle’.

But now, Kim Dokja is not in Chungmuro.

So why had the scenario begun?

[The ‘green zones’ were destroyed too rapidly.]

[The difficulty of the ‘Emergency Defense Battle’ will be adjusted.]

[Entry to the station is now prohibited.]

[‘Emergency Defense Battle’ will commence in five minutes!]

Fortunately, we were granted a brief preparation period.

I quickly turned to my companions and spoke.

«It’s alright. Everyone, stay calm.»

Even if the scenario was more challenging than the original, the core of the ‘Emergency Defense Battle’ remained fending off hordes of 9th grade underground species ‘ground rats’ and 8th grade underground species ‘grolls’.

In that regard, the situation wasn’t entirely dire.

Thanks to Ye Hyunwoo’s efforts, we had Gong Pildu’s support, and most importantly, we possessed…….

«We have our ultimate card, don’t we?»

Ye Hyunwoo asked with a slight smile.

«Do you have a secret strategy?»

«I’m referring to Yoo Joonghyuk.»

The 41st turn Yoo Joonghyuk.

If that monster, capable of defeating a poisonous rhinoceros from the outset, joined forces with Gong Pildu, an ‘Emergency Defense Battle’ should be manageable.

Of course, whether Yoo Joonghyuk would actually assist us was another matter, but judging by the recent atmosphere…….

«Everyone, get up! This is no time to idle! Damn it. This is exactly why I warned…….»

Gong Pildu’s shout reverberated through the station.

People who had procured artillery from somewhere were swiftly constructing a barricade on the platform.

But…… Where was Yoo Joonghyuk?

«Inho-ssi.»

Ye Hyunwoo turned to me, his expression somber.

«I didn’t get to tell you earlier. The reason I fought Yoo Joonghyuk.»

Our conversation had been interrupted when RepresentativeKimDokja summoned us.

«I didn’t engage him by choice. As a reader who knows the entire story, I would never willingly pick a fight with that monster.»

«Then…….»

«That bastard attempted to destroy every single ‘green zone’ in Chungmuro.»

A chill ran down my spine.

By the 41st turn, Yoo Joonghyuk should have been fully aware that destroying all of Chungmuro’s ‘green zones’ would trigger the ‘Emergency Defense Battle’.

«Where is Yoo Joonghyuk now?»

«He went upstairs. While we were unconscious, he shattered all the remaining green zones.»

Ye Hyunwoo spoke through clenched teeth.

At that moment, someone tapped my shoulder.

«Uh, ahjussi. You’re awake?»

It was Lee Jihye.

«Master told me to give you a message. Hmmmm.»

Clearing her throat, Lee Jihye placed her hands on her hips, imitating Yoo Joonghyuk’s mannerisms.

«If you are truly Cheon Inho, you can handle this alone.»

The meaning was clear; no further explanation was needed.

[‘Emergency Defense Battle’ has begun!]

Lee Jihye added with a smirk.

«Well then, I’ll be watching from over there.»

With those words, Lee Jihye leaped up to the top of the stairwell.

I would have preferred her assistance, but there was no time to negotiate now.

Gong Pildu bellowed loudly.

«Here they come. Everyone, gather round!»

His presence was a reassurance.

Standing beside me, Ye Hyunwoo spoke in a low voice.

«Don’t worry too much. I’ve been preparing diligently for a situation like this since the first day. We’re just a little ahead of schedule…….»

Ye Hyunwoo climbed onto the barricade, standing tall like a seasoned commander, and began issuing orders.

«Assume your positions! We’ll proceed as we drilled this morning!»

They had apparently rehearsed the formation, as everyone moved without panic, taking cover behind the fortifications.

I was impressed once more.

The atmosphere was entirely different from when I had left Geumho Station.

People moved with order and discipline, resembling a well-drilled army.

I wondered what had forged such unity among them.

«Who protects our land?»

«We protect it!»

Then I remembered.

Of course. That was Chungmuro.

A fortress of the ‘Landlord Alliance’, ruled by the landlord Gong Pildu.

And now, Ye Hyunwoo was the one commanding this fortress.

«Based on my calculations, this is approximately the fourth stage of the Invincible Castellan tech tree. With the synergy from the Invincible Siege Formation, we should manage the Emergency Defense Battle. We’re still at the third stage, but we’re nearly thereᅳ»

I couldn’t comprehend why this man was still only the 7th Apostle.

Killer King ought to immediately relinquish his 2nd place rank to Ye Hyunwoo.

«We’ll help as well.»

Kyung Sein and Dansoo ahjussi exchanged looks as they gripped their respective weapons.

«Inho-ssi.»

And Jung Heewon, standing protectively in front of me.

«Don’t push yourself. Focus on recovering and stay hidden behind me.»

Kyung Sein stepped forward with her shield raised, and Dansoo ahjussi began gathering bugs with his bamboo stick.

As I watched Ye Hyunwoo coordinating the formation alongside Gong Pildu, I suddenly recalled the words of RepresentativeKimDokja.

「 «All he cares about is the survival of <Kim Dokja’s Company>.» 」

His words hadn’t been entirely clear. Ultimately, the only people Kim Dokja could save were <Kim Dokja’s Company>, and even that, he couldn’t fully accomplish.

But his story was recorded and passed on. And there were readers who immersed themselves in that narrative.

People who remembered, better than anyone, how they fought and how they lived.

「 And so, the story continues. 」

In the distance, the screeching of ground rats grew audible, followed by a sinister rumbling emanating from the station tunnels.

Ye Hyunwoo shouted.

«Everyone, defend your land steadfastly! Gong Pildu ahjussi and I will handle the rest!»

Within the darkness, I could see the ground rats swarming forward like a tide of insects.

After finalizing the setup of [Private Property] and [Armed Zone], Ye Hyunwoo gave the signal.

«Fire!»

The Emergency Defense Battle had begun.

 

From the level below, the sound of mini-turrets firing echoed upwards.

The woman bit down on the candy in her mouth with a sharp crack.

She brushed off her clothes and stood up.

«It’s started. We should move.»

[The constellation ‘Sneaking Schemer’ inquires if you truly intend not to assist them.]

«Why would we help them? Our objective isn’t to aid them, have you already forgotten?»

[The constellation ‘Sneaking Schemer’ gives a hesitant nod.]

«We lack the time to help them in the first place. You saw where that sunfish bastard went.»

The woman in the white coat glared up the stairs leading to the upper floors.

[The constellation ‘Sneaking Schemer’ states that the sneaky bastard is problematic.]

The woman pulled out a new piece of lemon-flavored candy and bit into it.

«He’s progressing faster than anticipated. If he grows stronger here, he could become difficult to manage.»

[The constellation ‘Sneaking Schemer’ falls into deep thought.]

«Our only window of opportunity is now. If he heads ‘there’, he will undoubtedly reveal an opening.»

The woman took one last look down the stairwell.

Cheon Inho and the people of Chungmuro were engaged in a fierce, bloody battle.

The woman stared at the scene for a moment, as if committing it to memory, before turning away and stating.

«This concludes the 41st turn.»