Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint Novel MTL - Chapter 722

Chapter 722

Throughout the many regressions within ‘Ways of Survival’, Yoo Jonghyuk had experienced the loss of his memories on numerous occasions.

Near the conclusion of the 800th turn, an encounter with an outer god from the ‘Great Ancient Ones’ had shattered his mind.

Approaching the 1150th regression, he was ensnared in a ‘regressor dissection scheme’ orchestrated by a massive nebula, becoming their subject for experimentation.

There were instances, like when the ‘Mad Soldier Yoo Jonghyuk’ emerged from a flawed infusion of Lee Hyunsung’s military narratives, where not just his memories were lost, but his very personality was fundamentally rewritten.

But had he ever been reduced to such a small, childlike state?

This particular event was not recorded in the ‘Ways of Survival’ that I knew. It was, however, a development that appeared later in ‘Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint’…

Observing Yoo Jonghyuk struggle with his small hands to put on his large combat boots, I was overcome by a profoundly bizarre sensation.

Could that creature truly be recognized as Yoo Jonghyuk?

[The constellation ‘The One Who Won the Rat’ finds the ‘tiny rat’ adorable.]

Was something fundamentally broken in this world?

«You are an exceptionally fast runner.»

The other incarnations, having secured their own prizes, began to gather around me.

«That was a remarkable reaction. I never considered using stories in that manner… It would be beneficial if you worked within our sector at the center.»

«Which district will you pick? Perhaps you should consider joining our group?»

«I am aligned with the ‘pig’ faction. If you join me, I could facilitate an introduction…»

Same sector. It seemed the ‘Recycling Center’ was partitioned into various areas.

[The lower level of the ‘Recycling Center’ constitutes the domain of the nebula ‘Zodiac’.]

Furthermore.

[The top three finishers in the ‘Zodiac Race’ will be granted ‘priority selection of zone’.]

I addressed the gathering of incarnations, asking for their understanding.

«My apologies, but I have not yet decided to align with any specific faction.»

Naturally, securing a connection would be advantageous. However, now was not the moment for such a commitment.

My response elicited looks of disappointment from some, while others scowled and muttered curses.

Bicheonhori, observing from the sidelines, simply nodded. He displayed no anger or displeasure at my decision.

«Acceptable. To choose nothing is itself a choice.»
«Such decisions have become more frequent recently.»
«Indeed.»

Bicheonhori seemed to find my words intriguing, producing a notebook to jot something down.

«Your name is ‘Kim Dokja’, is it not?»
«Correct.»

Now that I thought of it, he was the author of the renowned character compendium, «The 100 Strongest People».

Noticing my gaze, Bicheonhori offered an explanation.
«Ah, well, maintaining records is merely a pastime of mine.»

Was that permissible?

What would it mean if ‘Kim Dokja’ were listed among the ‘Strongest 100 People’? It suggested the future was being altered in a profoundly serious way.

«Hmm. It seems this is the outcome for this turn…»

This turn?

Muttering something that seemed to carry weight, Bicheonhori offered me a slight smile.

«I anticipate we will have another opportunity to speak, young man.»

Had his tone shifted just then?

With that final remark, Bicheonhori selected his ‘zone’ and vanished into the depths of the recycling center.

I felt a faint sense of regret, but it was inconsequential. As we were both destined for the same ‘Recycling Center’, another chance to converse would undoubtedly arise, as he had said.

I examined the ‘zone selection message’ that materialized before me.

[A total of 12 areas are available for selection.]
[Select an entry area.]

As previously stated, the ‘lower level’ belonged to the nebula zodiac.

There were twelve zones corresponding to the attributes of the zodiac signs, and incarnations were free to choose their preferred one.

[Zone 1 – Ja-dong (자 동)]
[Zone 2 – Chuk-dong (축 동)]
[Zone 3 – In-dong (인 동)]
[Zone 4 – Myo-dong (묘 동)]
[Zone 5 – Jin-dong (진 동)]
[Zone 6 – Sa-dong (사 동)]
[Zone 7 – O-dong (오 동)]
[Zone 8 – Mi-dong (미 동)]
[Zone 9 – Shin-dong (신 동)]
[Zone 10 – Yu-dong (유 동)]
[Zone 11 – Sul-dong (술 동)]
[Zone 12 – Hae-dong (해 동)]

From the rat of ‘Ja’ to the pig of ‘Hae’.

Which one would Dansu ahjussi or Sein-ssi have selected, I wondered?

Nearby, the miniature Yoo Jonghyuk was also scrutinizing the options with intense concentration.

«Which one will you pick?»
«That is not your concern.»

Naturally, that would be his response.

[The constellation ‘The One Who Won the Rat’ suggests Zone 2 – ‘Chuk-dong’ to you.]

The One Who Won the Rat.

Judging by the epithet, this constellation represented the ‘ox’ in the zodiac.

Considering my second-place finish and that one of my initial sponsors was the ‘original ox’, selecting ‘Chuk-dong’, the ox’s zone, was not an unreasonable idea.

[The constellation ‘the dog that threw itself into the flames’ is observing your choice.]

Zone 11, Sul-dong, symbolized by the ‘dog’, was also a viable option. ‘The dog that threw itself into the flames’ was the sole constellation that had sided with Kim Dokja even in the main narrative. Perhaps this was the time to forge that connection.

[The constellation ‘Nail-Eating Rat’ is observing your choice.]

Nail-Eating Rat.
You were watching as well?

If I was considering the ‘Zodiac Race’, choosing Zone 1, the domain of the winning ‘Rat’, was also a sound strategy.

However, the ‘rat’ and ‘snake’ factions were associated with constellations from the Five Dogs Association.

To catch a tiger, one must enter its lair. Choosing their stronghold could be one approach…

Tiger.
That reminded me. I had forgotten about the ‘Tiger Who Eats Rice Cake’.

Given my promise to him, Zone 3 ‘In-dong’ was a reasonable choice. The ‘Tiger Who Eats Rice Cake’ had aided me and shown goodwill on occasion.

It was peculiar that no indirect message from the ‘Tiger Who Eats Rice Cake’ was heard at all, though…

Additionally, I could opt for ‘Zone 5 – Jin-dong’ (dragon) or ‘Zone 9- Shin-dong’ (monkey).

[1 minute remains to finalize your selection.]

My deliberation was brief.

Because I am ‘Kim Dokja’. And what Kim Dokja would say when faced with this choice was predetermined.

«I will not select any district.»
«I will not select any district.»

If Ji Eunyu were here, she might have said, «Writer, the dialogue here is duplicated.»

But I did not say it twice.
«You there.»
Those words were simply uttered by the small boy beside me, Yoo Jonghyuk.
«Stop imitating me.»

I merely shrugged in response.

Subsequently, indirect messages flooded in from the void.

[The constellation ‘the dog that threw itself into the flames’ questions your sincerity.]
[The constellation ‘the pig in the brick house’ respects your decision.]
[The constellation ‘nail-eating rat’ pities you.]

Several onlookers who noted my choice also expressed their doubts.

«Are you certain? This guy has lost his mind.»
«Hah, you didn’t pick a zodiac sign? How absurd—»

[This decision is irreversible.]
[Do you confirm this selection?]

I understood the risks involved.

However, selecting a specific zodiac sign would ultimately mean subordinating oneself to its corresponding constellation.

I wished to avoid that outcome. The ‘Demon King of Salvation’ must have thought the same.

[The story ‘Heir to the Eternal Name’ nods in agreement.]

The small Yoo Jonghyuk and I nodded simultaneously. A moment later, a warm halo of light descended from above and enveloped us.

[You have not selected a ‘zodiac sign’.]
[A hidden option has been activated.]
[A new achievement has been attained.]
[Proceeding to Zone 13 – ‘Heo-dong’.]

Zone 13, as expected.

There had indeed been an option to refuse the ‘zodiac sign’.

What greeted my eyes upon translocation was a cityscape ablaze with neon signs. The architecture vaguely recalled a near-future Earth. The distant flicker of lights from a skyscraper.

It was a vista that felt somewhat disconnected from the expected worldview of the ‘Zodiac’.

This is Zone 13?

[Linked scenario activated!]

<Main Scenario #8 – Area 13>
Category: Main
Difficulty:???
Clear conditions: ???
Time limit: —
Compensation: ???
Failure: —

The main scenario’s title had changed. Key details like clear conditions and rewards remained concealed.

We would have to discover them ourselves.

[Linked scenario activated!]
[An ‘event scenario’ will occur every night in this area.]

An event scenario every night.

This felt familiar, like a sense of déjà vu.

[Rewards can be obtained by surviving the event scenario.]

Scanning the street, I noticed incarnations glancing our way. Most were beastly in form.

A giraffe with a mechanized leg. An elephant with shattered tusks. A lion stripped of its fur and missing an eye.

Upon closer inspection, they weren’t all prisoners. Other races with animalistic traits, like orcs and gnomes, were also present, often equipped with mechanical prosthetics.

It evoked a cyberpunk aesthetic.

[Tonight’s event is ‘The Three Little Pigs’.]
[Locate ‘accommodation’ before the event commences and survive.]
[One hour remains until the event starts.]

At least there was a decent beginner’s guide.

One hour was not a lot of time. I needed to move quickly.

I glanced at the small Yoo Jonghyuk and began walking away, leaving him behind. After a few steps, I heard footsteps following me at a distance.

After about twenty paces, I stopped deliberately. The following footsteps ceased. When I resumed walking, the hesitant steps followed again.

I smirked and turned around.
«Why are you following me?»

The little Yoo Jonghyuk, caught off guard, froze.
«Because I find you suspicious.»

Here was the miniature Yoo Jonghyuk, doggedly trailing me while dragging his oversized boots. If the Demon King of Salvation had witnessed this, he would have refused to believe it.

«Tie your bootlaces properly.»
«They are tied.»

The laces were a tangled mess.
«Are you aware those boots have a special feature?»
«Special feature?»
«How much have you forgotten?»

Is this what having a younger sibling felt like?

If I had a sibling, I imagined they would be a good kid, like Yoosoung.

I bent down slightly. The little Yoo Jonghyuk stepped back warily, but my hands were quicker.
«This is how you tie them.»

The ‘Noble Man’s Battle Boots’ activated their special options when the laces were fastened in a specific manner.

[The special option of the item ‘Battle Boots of the Noble One’ has been activated!]

A staple of Yoo Jonghyuk’s gear, these boots offered ‘exceptional durability’ and ‘resistance to various attributes’. Additionally, an auxiliary option provided ‘phenomenal elasticity’, allowing the size to adjust comprehensively, enough to accommodate Yoo Jonghyuk even when using ‘Geoshinhwa’.

[The item’s size adjusts to fit the wearer!]

The little Yoo Jonghyuk looked down at the boots, now snugly fitted to his feet.
«You, how do you know this?»
«Are you surprised I know how to tie laces?»
«…»
«I’m more curious about how you don’t know any of this.»
«Is my name ‘Yoo Jonghyuk’?»

I looked quietly into the eyes of the small Yoo Jonghyuk. My theory was that his memory loss was a side effect of ‘Story Imprint’, likely due to ‘restraint of truth’ or ‘restraint of emotions’. Even in retrospect, it was strange that Yoo Jonghyuk’s combat power as the ‘Black Beast’ showed no probability backlash.

«Correct. You are a dirt eater.»
«I do not eat dirt.»
«Try it sometime; you might change your mind.»
«Do you have a death wish?»
«If you kill me, you will never learn your true identity.»

The little Yoo Jonghyuk pondered for a moment, then frowned.
«What is your name?»
«Kim Dokja.»
«A peculiar name.»
«I get that a lot.»

Even without much conversation, I felt an odd sense of nostalgia.
«What else do you know about me?»
«First, what do you remember?»
«Ten days.»
«Ten days?»
«In ten days, most of my memories will return.»

Ten days. That was sufficient time.
«And that I must recover my stolen equipment.»
«When was it taken?»
«I do not know. It was already gone when I awoke.»

He likely lost it while ascending the ‘Star Ladder’. Given that his boots were here, key items like the ‘Infinite Dimension Subspace Coat’ and ‘Wolgeuk’ were probably in a similar situation. Above all, ‘Wolgeuk’ needed to be retrieved; it was Yoo Jonghyuk’s essential weapon in the 41st regression.

«And…»
«And?»
«I must meet someone named Cheon Inho.»

I paused.
«Why him?»
«I do not know. I only recall that I must find him. When I meet him—»

I quietly scooped up a handful of dirt. If this child remembered anything prematurely, I was prepared to throw it in his mouth and flee.
«I believed I had at least ten days before my memory returned.»

I was momentarily stunned, then looked down at the dirt in my hand. Opening my clenched fist, I let the soil trickle through my fingers. I felt a wave of relief that I was still wearing my mask.

«I will accompany you for roughly ten days. I will ensure you do not die.»
«What is your agenda?»

I stated my condition, extending my dirt-stained right hand.
«There are terms.»
Yoo Jonghyuk nodded, as if he had expected this.
«Name them.»
«You will not kill me after ten days.»

The little Yoo Jonghyuk looked up at me, perplexed by the request, and offered his own clean right hand.
«I do not kill without cause.»
«Yes, of course you don’t.»

Our ‘survival contract’ was sealed.

And one hour later, the little Yoo Jonghyuk spoke again.
«I will definitely kill you, Kim Dokja.»