Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint - Chapter 61

WE TRIED TRANSLATIONS x FLAME COMICS

Translator: ZERO_SUGAR

◈ Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint ◈

Chapter 61: Episode 13 - War of Kings (2)

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My consciousness rose in silence, and my senses slowly returned to reality.

[The Exclusive Skill Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint Stage 3 is ending.]

Stage 3 was more exhausting than I'd expected, so I couldn't keep it up for long. On top of that, I'd learned one disappointing fact. Just because I used [Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint] Stage 3 didn't mean I would automatically obtain skill rewards. It seemed to be a reward I could only gain by entering the [First-Person Protagonist Viewpoint] state, but unfortunately, I still hadn't figured out the conditions for entering it.

If only I could pull Yu Junghyeok's skills over through [First-Person Protagonist Viewpoint] every time I fell asleep, nothing could be better.

When I opened my eyes and sat up groggily, Huiwon was looking at me.

"You were talking in your sleep again."

Talking in my sleep? No way.

"What did I say?"

"It sounded like... you were saying 'Mom.'"

"...Mom?"

Why would I mutter something like that? It was awkward, since I had no way of knowing whether it was true or not. Huiwon only looked at me with an unreadable smile. I brushed it aside.

"Well, I do worry about my mother. More importantly, Huiwon-ssi, I have a favor to ask."

"What is it?"

"I'd prefer that you not take part in this battle at Gwanghwamun."

"Why?"

"There's something else I need you to do. And you're the only person I trust to do it."

At the word trust, Huiwon stuck out her lower lip as if she couldn't help herself.

"What is it?"

* * *

After I finished speaking with Huiwon, the first thing I did was decide who would remain in Chungmuro and who would head to Gwanghwamun.

"Huiwon-ssi is excluded because she has a mission, and first we'll decide who will stay in Chungmuro."

A few of the companions swallowed. They looked like retainers awaiting a king's selection.

"First, the ones staying behind will be Pildu Gong and Lee Hyeongseong."

"Hmph, so you're planning to work me like a slave."

Pildu Gong snorted as if he'd expected as much. The problem was Hyeongseong. His face turned slightly pale, like someone who had just been passed over for promotion.

"Hyeongseong-ssi needs to stay. I need someone to protect this place together with Pildu-ssi. If Chungmuro is attacked, Hyeongseong-ssi will be able to lead the people just as well as Yu Sangah-ssi."

"Yes, understood."

He still looked a little disappointed, but it couldn't be helped. There was a reason I was leaving that dependable Steel Sword Emperor behind.

"Hyeongseong-ssi already has more than enough good skills. The problem is that the levels of those skills are too low. While we're away, please raise your proficiency with [Great Mountain Crush]. Once this scenario ends, we'll need Hyeongseong-ssi's help in earnest."

Only then did Hyeongseong's complexion brighten a little.

"Yes! Leave it to me."

As expected, soldiers were most efficient when there was a manual and a clearly assigned task.

That was how we set out on our journey to Gwanghwamun.

Excluding the uncontrollable Yu Junghyeok and Lee Jihye, the core members were four people: me, Yu Sangah, Lee Gilyeong, and Lee Seongguk. As we moved farther away, the group members in Chungmuro waved at us.

"Vice-Representative! Have a safe trip!"

"Please come back safely!"

It had only been a few days, yet Yu Sangah's popularity was already soaring. A lot of people had clearly grown attached to her in that short time, and all of them looked worried.

But the expression on Yu Sangah's face as she left looked anxious.

"Dokja-ssi, will I really be any help?"

At times like this, I had to be clear.

"Sangah-ssi. Have you ever seen me take someone along for no reason?"

"I know that, but... I don't know if I'll be as helpful as Hyeongseong-ssi or Huiwon-ssi."

"There are things those two can't do that Yu Sangah-ssi can. I absolutely need Yu Sangah-ssi for this plan."

After I repeated it with emphasis, Yu Sangah's expression loosened slightly. She really was a remarkable person.

"You said before that you had a Korean history certification, right?"

"Oh, yes."

Maybe it was because the topic had turned to her past, but Yu Sangah's face brightened immediately. It only lasted for a moment. She quickly looked down again.

"But it isn't useful now...."

"It is useful. That's exactly why I brought Yu Sangah-ssi with me."

Originally, I hadn't intended to give Yu Sangah this role. If we'd gone down toward Gwangjin-gu, there was someone even better suited to it. But there wasn't time to go looking for that person, and Yu Sangah would be more than enough.

The Yu Sangah I knew was smart enough to memorize entire textbooks just to get a Level 1 Korean history certification.

"You remember the Samyeong Daesa statue from last time, right?"

"Yes."

"There should be several things like that on the way to Gwanghwamun. The National Museum is over there, and there are quite a few statues too."

As expected, Yu Sangah understood at once and let out a cry.

"Ah! I see. Come to think of it, other relics and ruins might also hold the power of constellations."

"Yes. Yu Sangah-ssi's mission this time is to find those relics or ruins."

"Understood! I'll put my brain to work."

"The more obscure they are, despite having been left by famous historical figures, the better."

Even among Historical-grade constellations, their power varied wildly according to fame.

You could tell just by looking at the difference between Samyeong Daesa and Admiral Yi Sun-sin. The items left behind by Samyeong Daesa were B-grade, but in Chungmugong's case, even something like the Twin Dragon Swords, which wasn't a weapon for actual combat, could boast quality that brushed up against S-grade.

"We need to gather as many items as possible on the way to Gwanghwamun. There are relatively few people on our side."

The Tyrant King had probably brought along hundreds of incarnations. That plagiarist writer would have a faction of their own as well. We also had to be careful of the kings coming up from Yeongdeungpo, Yongsan, and Seongdong-gu.

The latter half of the fourth scenario was practically a proxy war among Historical-grade constellations. That was because the ending of this scenario concealed an event coveted by the Historical-grade constellations.

Unlike before, incarnations with high synchronization rates with their constellations would start to appear, and the danger level would increase accordingly. Since Historical-grade constellations had affinities shaped by the histories they had lived through, Yu Sangah, who knew history well, would be useful in many ways during this scenario.

Yu Sangah suddenly clapped her hands.

"Oh, now that I think about it, there is a place that comes to mind."

"Yes?"

"I'm not sure if my memory is right, but... I think there's a Guanseongmyo shrine around here."

"Guanseongmyo?"

"Yes. Since the power of a numinous historical figure might linger there, wouldn't it be good to stop by on the way? It isn't a Korean historical figure, but...."

Not a Korean historical figure?

Guanseongmyo. Even as an avid reader of TWSA, I'd never heard of a place like that. In any case, we decided to move aboveground according to Yu Sangah's suggestion. After walking for a while, the first one to shout was Lee Seongguk.

"Uh, isn't that it?"

There really was a shabby old shrine nearby. A shrine like this in the middle of the city? The explanation written beside it startled me even more.

Huh, no way?

It was the shrine of a figure I had never expected. Who would've thought there would be a shrine in a place like this dedicated to one of China's greatest war gods?

Yu Sangah asked with a tense expression,

"What should we do now...?"

I looked around. There was no idol in sight.

"Let's show our respect first."

This wasn't like with Samyeong Daesa. Just kicking up a fuss without thinking didn't always lead to a good reward. After drawing water from nearby and setting it out, we quietly clasped our hands together. After some time passed, a system message sounded.

[This shrine has been neglected for a long time.]

[A constellation who likes using a crescent blade is pleased by your visit.]

[A constellation who likes using a crescent blade reveals its modifier.]

[The constellation Lord of the Beautiful Beard, Marquis Zhuangmou bestows a blessing upon you.]

Lord of the Beautiful Beard, Marquis Zhuangmou.

He was a Chinese war god, but also a historical figure known by virtually everyone in Korea. That was because this constellation was none other than Guan Yu, courtesy name Yunchang, from Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

[Through the constellation's blessing, your Strength and Constitution have each increased by 5 for the next 24 hours.]

Lee Seongguk beamed.

"Representative, isn't this incredible?"

"It's a decent start."

I didn't know why there was a shrine to Guan Yu in Seoul, but maybe it wasn't that strange. Japan also had shrines honoring Admiral Yi Sun-sin. Judging by worldwide fame, Guan Yu easily stood above Admiral Yi, so a buff of this level was only natural. Still,

"It looks like getting an item here would be impossible."

"That's a shame. It would've been nice if we could get the Green Dragon Crescent Blade...."

In truth, even if there had been an idol here, since he was a Chinese historical figure, there was no way a good item would come out in Korea.

Who had been the incarnation who got Guan Yu in China again.... He couldn't compare to Great Sage, Equal of Heaven or Uriel, but with Guan Yu's level, even in China he would be able to contend for control of a region.

Lee Gilyeong tugged on my sleeve.

"Hyung."

The cockroach's antennae were moving violently. I had a bad feeling, and then I saw a crowd marching toward us in formation from the distance.

There were roughly fifty of them.

What [Cold Observation] caught was an average Constitution, Strength, and Agility of around 40. That was woefully lacking compared to the apostles, but more than enough to be called a respectable elite force.

A warlord commanding fifty elites.

"That outfit looks familiar somehow...."

Lee Seongguk murmured. Men dressed in period-drama clothing reminiscent of the Hwarang. Their faces were all covered in makeup, and every one of them was strikingly handsome. This time, Lee Seongguk lowered his voice and asked me,

"That man in the front row, isn't he Hwang Seungmin? They look like actors."

Anyone looking on might have thought it was a historical drama shoot, but the aura pouring from them was unmistakably murderous intent. The man who stepped forward leveled his spear at me and asked,

"Who dares stand in the way of the King's Path?"

"And who are you people?"

I had a rough guess, but I asked anyway. I had thought I would run into them a little later, but the timing had come earlier than expected. Then a woman's voice rang out from within the Hwarang group.

"That brown flag... could it be that you are a 'King' as well?"

"I am."

"I never imagined there would be a 'King' in Jung-gu as well. How surprising."

It was a voice like flower petals scattering in the spring breeze. More precisely, it was probably a carefully produced voice. I replied,

"It's a world where kings have become common by now."

"Just because it's a world where kings are common doesn't mean just anyone can become one. Everyone, fall back!"

The Hwarang formation scattered with perfect order, and at the center of it appeared a woman dressed in royal attire. Her hair was tied up with elegant neatness, the long strands sleek and lustrous. She was beautiful enough that anyone would believe she was the heroine of some historical drama.

"Th-that person, isn't that Min Jiwon?"

Lee Seongguk stammered. The woman smiled.

"...So there is someone who knows me?"

"I was a fan!"

Lee Seongguk, dazed as if bewitched, took a step forward. What an idiot. How could a so-called hypnotist be the first one to get charmed?

[The Exclusive Skill Dispel Evil Lv.2 has activated!]

Lee Seongguk's unfocused pupils snapped back into place.

"Hah, s-sorry."

A strange gleam passed through the woman's eyes. This was interesting. If Lee Seongguk recognized her, that meant this woman called Min Jiwon was a person who had actually existed.

...One of the Seven Kings of Seoul, the King of Beauty, was a real person?

Something about this felt strange. That was because the real name of the King of Beauty in TWSA was also Min Jiwon.

Was it just a coincidence? Well, I'd find out soon enough.

[The Exclusive Skill Character Profile has activated!]

Fortunately, the skill activated safely.

Name: Min Jiwon

Age: 26

Patron constellation: Lady of the Sleeping Brocade

Exclusive attributes: Actor (Rare), King of Beauty (Heroic)

Exclusive skills: [Weapons Proficiency Lv.5], [military command Lv.2], [Peach Blossom Killing Aura Lv.4], [skin correction Lv.1], [thousand faces Lv.3], [acting Lv.2].......

Stigma: [Divine Charm Lv.4], [Extraordinary Heroic Woman Lv.3]

Overall stats: [Constitution Lv.18], [Strength Lv.18], [Agility Lv.21], [Mana Lv.23]

Overall evaluation: A remarkable patron constellation has met a remarkable incarnation. Her outstanding beauty will shine all the brighter under the blessing of her patron constellation. So long as that beauty does not fade, her army will remain loyal only to her.

As expected, this woman was that King of Beauty from the original TWSA. Seeing [Character Profile] activate right away, she didn't seem to be a real person.... Then how had Lee Seongguk recognized her?

Could it have something to do with Lee Seongguk being registered in the character list?

For now, I bowed my head and said,

"Min Jiwon-ssi, it's an honor to meet you."

"Are you a fan as well, Your Majesty?"

A fan.... She was certainly very beautiful, but she wasn't my type. Objectively speaking, Yu Sangah-ssi was no less beautiful.

Lee Seongguk had most likely been charmed because of the particular skills that woman possessed.

I deliberately spoke like I was in a period drama.

"I'm not a fan. Even so, how could I fail to know the King of Seongdong-gu?"

At that, Min Jiwon's expression stiffened.

"You are...?"

Lady of the Sleeping Brocade.

In all of TWSA, there was only one constellation with that modifier.

"Judging by it, your synchronization with your patron constellation must be extremely high, so please pass this on to your patron constellation. That it is a tremendous honor to meet the last queen of Silla in person."

Lady of the Sleeping Brocade was the modifier of Queen Jinseong, the last queen of Silla.

[The patron constellation of character Min Jiwon is greatly agitated.]

"There's no need to be flustered. You came here to fulfill Silla's long-cherished wish, didn't you?"

Cases like this appeared in TWSA from time to time. The synchronization between a patron constellation and its incarnation would become excessive, and the patron constellation would force the dream it had failed to achieve in life onto its own incarnation.

It was a common mistake among resentful Historical-grade constellations.

Without even knowing they would later get hammered by a Plausibility backlash and vanish.

Min Jiwon narrowed her eyes.

"You...."

If things were unfolding the way they had in TWSA, then three districts of Seoul right now, Seongdong-gu, Yongsan-gu, and Yeongdeungpo-gu, were each waging fierce wars for control along their borders.

Just like the Later Three Kingdoms period of the Korean Peninsula long ago.

That was when an unexpected message arrived.

[A Bounty Scenario has arrived!]

Huh? A bounty?

Category: Bounty

Difficulty: ???

Clear Conditions: The Historical-grade constellations from Silla, including Lady of the Sleeping Brocade, wish to raise incarnation Min Jiwon as the king of the three regions. Help incarnation Min Jiwon and slay the 'Kings' whose patron constellations come from Later Baekje and Taebong. If you succeed in this scenario, you will gain the favor of the constellation Lady of the Sleeping Brocade.

Time limit: 38 hours

Rewards: 2,000 coins

Failure: ―

I stared blankly at the scenario window, and then I saw Min Jiwon smiling in a peculiar way.

"It seems my patron constellation wishes to see your sincerity. You'll accept, of course. I won't waste words. Come under me."

It was the tone of someone saying, Who do you think you are, turning up your nose at 2,000 coins? A laugh almost escaped me. I'd shown them respect because they were constellations, and now these bastards were taking me for a complete idiot?

[The constellation Prisoner of the Golden Headband dislikes incarnation Min Jiwon's patron constellation.]

[The constellation Secretive Plotter mocks the wealth of the Historical-grade constellations.]

[You have received a sponsorship of 2,000 coins.]

[Volume 5 of Revelation Chronicle - SSSSS-grade Infinite Regressor has been sold in the auction house.]

[You have obtained an additional 5,000 coins.]

I was very curious what sort of expression she'd make if she heard the messages I was getting right now. You give me a measly 2,000 coins and think you can ask something of me?

Footnotes:

1. Guan Yu, courtesy name Yunchang, was a Chinese military general who served the warlord Liu Bei during the late Eastern Han dynasty.

2. The Hwarang, often translated as Flowering Knights, were an elite group of noble youth in ancient Silla.

3. Queen Jinseong of Silla (865-898) was the fifty-first ruler of Silla and its last reigning queen.

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