Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Chapter 696

“How did it go?”

Some time had passed since we returned to the lodging.

It was now fully nighttime, and I was sitting face-to-face with the two who had completed the preliminary rounds.

“Nothing unusual happened, right?”

“Yes.”

Wi Seol-ah nodded in response to my question. She looked slightly amused, as if she had enjoyed herself.

I didn’t ask whether they had passed or not. I assumed they had, and that was indeed the case.

“And you.”

I turned my head to look beside her. Next to Wi Seol-ah stood Seong Yul, his face showing faint exhaustion.

“…Yes. I’m the same.”

“No, you’re not. Judging by that sour face, something definitely happened.”

“…”

It seemed I had hit the mark.

“What happened?”

“…Nothing happened.”

Even though his expression gave him away, Seong Yul seemed determined to pretend otherwise. I tilted my head and spoke casually.

“Alright, then.”

If he didn’t want to talk, that was fine with me.

“…”

But as soon as I dropped the subject, Seong Yul’s face twisted subtly.

Look at this guy. I was being considerate, yet he had the nerve to make that face.

“What? You said you didn’t want to talk.”

“It’s not that I don’t want to talk… Nothing really happened.”

“Sure. As long as nothing happened, that’s all that matters.”

“…”

What was his problem? I couldn’t figure him out.

After stretching my body, still stiff from training, Seong Yul asked me with a puzzled tone.

“But… how did you come back?”

“Hmm?”

What did he mean by that?

“Obviously, I finished and came back.”

“No… Did you perhaps escape?”

“What kind of nonsense is that?”

Escape? Who’s running away?

As his words grew more absurd, I frowned deeply. Seeing this, Seong Yul quickly added more detail.

“But everyone is supposed to wait after completing the round and return together. When exactly did you arrive here?”

“Hmm?”

I looked at him, bewildered.

“What are you talking about?”

Everyone waits together?

“…That’s not true.”

Hearing Seong Yul, I showed a confused expression.

Hadn’t Bimapa told me otherwise? I specifically asked her if I could go home, and she said I could.

That’s why I just came straight back here. What was this nonsense?

“Are you serious?”

Looking at my incredulous expression, not only Seong Yul but even Wi Seol-ah nodded their heads.

‘What?’

If what they were saying was true, then why had Bimapa let me leave?

I had never heard of such a rule.

‘I don’t get it.’

I really didn’t. I wondered if there was some hidden intention behind it.

‘Well, it doesn’t matter.’

Either way, since Bimapa gave me permission, and others saw it too, I had an excuse if anyone brought it up. It would be fine. In fact, it was probably better this way.

“Alright, enough about that. Did you eat yet?”

“We’re about to.”

“Then go eat. I had food set aside for you. And you—are you sure nothing happened?”

I asked Seong Yul one last time.

For a moment, his eyes wavered, but the answer was the same as before.

“…Yes. Nothing happened.”

“Good.”

I wasn’t going to ask again.

“They said we can rest for the next two days, so take it easy.”

The preliminaries would last three days, which meant they would get two days of rest.

‘As for me…’

After going through the trial today, something had come to mind. I needed to talk to Cheol Ji-seon separately.

It seemed like I would have to slightly adjust my plans.

 
   ******************
   

After sending Seong Yul and Wi Seol-ah away, I immediately went to find Cheol Ji-seon.

When we met again, Cheol Ji-seon was already waiting for me in my room, sorting through a massive stack of papers he’d brought from somewhere.

“What’s all that?” I asked.

“Reports.”

“…All of it?”

“Hmm… about thirty percent of it?”

Thirty percent of that pile was reports? I nearly laughed in disbelief.

“And the remaining seventy percent?”

“The strategists are reviewing it.”

“…”

I had to clear my throat at the thought. It meant Jegal Hyuk was currently handling far more paperwork than what was stacked in front of me.

“Why is there so much?”

“Good question. Why is there so much?”

Cheol Ji-seon looked up at me as he said this, his gaze practically dripping with grievance.

“Maybe it’s because someone keeps stirring up trouble everywhere?”

“…Hm.”

“…It’s doubled in the past three months alone. What on earth have you been doing?”

To be fair, there had been a lot to handle this year.

The number of Mains had grown, and with the Divine Dragon Martial Tournament acting as a turning point, I had to set up the framework for many changes.

“I’ve been busy with a few things…”

“Phew…”

Cheol Ji-seon let out a deep sigh of exhaustion, yet he continued to diligently sort through the reports.

Even with the increased workload, he showed no sign of giving up.

‘That’s to be expected.’

Cheol Ji-seon had his reasons to stick around. We both had things to accomplish and gains to achieve from this partnership.

It was the perfect kind of relationship.

He knew it too, which was why he willingly joined me in this.

“So…”

While examining the reports, he asked,

“When do you plan to proceed with the Bong Soon Sojeo matter?”

“That title doesn’t suit her at all.”

Bong Soon Sojeo—it sounded strange and awkward no matter how many times I heard it.

Hearing this, Cheol Ji-seon gave me an incredulous look.

“You’re the one who gave her that name.”

“It’s not the name, it’s the ‘Sojeo’ part that’s the problem.”

“That’s not the issue here.”

We exchanged meaningless banter before Cheol Ji-seon let out another long sigh.

“Enough chit-chat. Seriously, what’s the plan?”

“What do you mean? We’ll stick to the plan.”

Nothing significant had changed, after all.

But Cheol Ji-seon looked skeptical at my response.

“Do you really think that’ll work?”

I smirked at his doubtful tone.

“Why? You don’t think it will?”

“It’s old news. Even if the Alliance was in the wrong, would something that happened in the past really have an impact now?”

He had a point.

Jegal Hyuk had mentioned something similar. Digging up the past might not deliver a strong enough blow.

“The past, you say. Of course, that’s true…”

On the surface, Cheol Ji-seon was right.

Unfortunately, there was one thing they weren’t considering.

“People are far too attached to the past. You’re no exception, are you?”

“…”

At my words, Cheol Ji-seon fell silent.

His goal was to restore the Jegal Clan’s honor.

The Alliance had framed his clan, and he wanted to clear their name and return them to prominence.

That was why he joined hands with me.

He, too, couldn’t let go of the past.

‘Neither can I.’

No one ever truly escapes their past.

The past shapes the present—how could anyone simply forget it?

The same applied to the Martial Alliance.

As long as people remembered, they could never escape their sins.

‘They’ll never escape.’

Even if the Alliance tried to bury the past, those who knew would never forget. That trust would slowly erode, piece by piece.

Especially since we had evidence on our side.

“So don’t worry about it and stick to the plan.”

“…Alright.”

“How’s the situation in Hubei?”

“I set it up as you instructed. If you give the word, Na Sojeo will move immediately. But…”

Cheol Ji-seon’s face clouded slightly with concern.

“It seems the Alliance caught on faster than we expected. I heard the Ilryong Daeju is personally involved.”

The Ilryong Daeju…

‘So they sent the Amgaek leader.’

He was the head of the Alliance’s assassination unit.

Though his name was less prominent due to Amwang’s reputation, he was still a highly skilled assassin.

“That’s fine.”

“…It’s fine?”

“Yeah.”

Even if they sent the Ilryong Daeju, it didn’t matter.

“I expected this.”

“…?”

Cheol Ji-seon’s eyes widened.

“…So that’s why you’re sending Na Sojeo?”

At his words, I broke into a grin.

“That’s a secret. Think whatever you like.”

My casual response made him pale slightly.

“…You’re terrifying. Truly.”

I clicked my tongue and moved on.

“That’s settled. The bigger issue is with Dowang. I’m revising the plan for that.”

“Why? Is it because Dowang’s forces are stronger than expected?”

“Are you insane?”

Where did he even get that idea?

“But you seemed pleased when Dowang joined the tournament.”

“I was. Dowang’s participation is a huge gain for us.”

Having the head of one of the Four Great Families participate gave me plenty of opportunities to exploit.

However—

“It’s not a problem. I just came up with a better way to use this situation. If there’s an opportunity, I might as well make the most of it.”

“What do you mean?”

“There are three scenarios to prepare for. Listen carefully and remember.”

I issued my instructions to Cheol Ji-seon, framing it as a request.

The first scenario: Dowang faces me in the tournament.

The second scenario: Dowang doesn’t face me in the tournament.

And finally—

“The third scenario: Dowang dies before the tournament.”

“…!”

Cheol Ji-seon’s face hardened.

I quickly added an explanation.

“I’m not saying I’ll make that happen. It’s just a precaution.”

The situation needed to be airtight.

We couldn’t afford any gaps.

I instructed Cheol Ji-seon to prepare for all three possibilities in advance.

“And for the second and third scenarios, inform Hwangbo Gaju as well.”

“Hwangbo Gaju?”

“Yes. There’s something that man needs to know ahead of time.”

The Hwangbo patriarch had a lot on his plate.

“We need to start laying the groundwork now.”

That would make things easier later.

“I’ll write up the rest and send it to Hyuk myself. Just handle this part for me.”

“This part? That’s still too much…”

“Then do you want to take care of the rest?”

“I’ll just focus on what I already have, thank you.”

Cheol Ji-seon seemed fully aware that his workload was far lighter than Jegal Hyuk’s.

‘It’s not that Cheol Ji-seon is incompetent—Jegal Hyuk’s just a monster.’

If he wanted to, Cheol Ji-seon could probably handle more. It’s just that he didn’t have the same relentless drive as Jegal Hyuk.

Since I had passed on all the instructions, I stood up to leave.

Seeing the piles of scattered reports on the floor, I turned back and said,

“I’ll get you a room soon. You can’t stay here forever.”

Cheol Ji-seon looked startled at the mention of separating rooms.

“…W-Wait, you mean alone?”

“I’ll assign guards so no one sneaks in and kills you.”

“W-Wait, what?”

His face turned pale at my blunt words, but it was the truth.

This place was dangerous enough that even a minor mishap could end badly.

“Guards, hmm…”

I paused, thinking briefly about who to assign. Then I spoke without much thought.

“It should be safe until the tournament, so I’ll use someone from the Hwangbo family for now… After that, I’ll send Bong Soon.”

“B-Bong Soon Sojeo?”

At the mention of Bong Soon, Cheol Ji-seon flinched, his expression full of disbelief.

I understood. Even I wouldn’t trust her completely.

But what could I do?

“Anyone else?”

“Everyone’s busy.”

“What about Young Lord Seong? He’s strong too!”

“Bong Soon’s stronger.”

At least for now.

“That’s not the point!”

“What else matters? Strength is what counts for a guard. Anyway, I’m leaving it at that.”

“No, wait—!”

Cheol Ji-seon tried to protest further, but by then, I had already closed the door behind me.

Before he could follow, I quickly leapt away, soaring through the air toward my next destination.

   ******************
   

Beneath the moon, I flew for a short while before arriving at my intended location.

I had moved slightly beyond Henan and into a forest.

It was exactly where I needed to be. I gradually lowered my altitude, landing softly in the shadowed woods.

Thud.

It was a forest so dark that even the moonlight didn’t touch it.

It felt darker than the last time I had been here.

‘Hoo…’

I steadied my breathing and scanned my surroundings.

The air was cool, a reminder that summer had passed.

The sound of crickets chirping and the faint scent of grass calmed my mind somewhat. But in contrast, my thoughts were tangled and heavy with every step I took.

‘Tch…’

The reason was simple.

I was on my way to meet Gu Heebi.

Or more specifically—

‘Cheonma.’

I had come to see the Cheonma she was keeping.

Even if I had other goals related to Gu Heebi, my primary reason for being here was Cheonma.

I should have come sooner.

But I hadn’t.

Even now, I could have walked faster, but my feet dragged.

I forced myself to move forward.

I didn’t want to go.

I didn’t want to see.

But I had to.

This filthy contradiction warred within me.

Images from the last time I saw her flashed in my mind—the Cheonma who looked so different from what I remembered, her sorrowful gaze and voice.

The memory unsettled me.

Honestly, I didn’t want to go.

My thoughts were still a mess.

But—

‘I have to go.’

There was no other choice.

If there were no other solutions, the only way left was to face it head-on.

‘My energy…’

I had used over half of it breaking through the trial, but it had mostly recovered by now.

I had prepared my body in case a fight broke out.

What should I ask first?

I would probably start by asking Gu Heebi about my grandfather.

And also—

‘I need to ask about my father.’

My father still hadn’t shown up, even though the martial tournament was already underway.

Madam Mi told me not to worry, but I couldn’t shake the unease.

Perhaps Gu Heebi knew something.

That was the first thing I intended to ask.

And then—

‘I need to ask Cheonma something.’

About the Lord of the Black Night Palace, who had taken her.

About the Taejeolgwi he had. I needed to know where he was.

If she refused to tell me, there would be trouble, but I would deal with that when the time came.

Step by step, I walked through the forest, thoughts swirling in my head.

And then—

“…”

I stopped abruptly.

Something felt wrong.

‘What is it?’

Why—

‘Why can’t I hear anything?’

It was a pitch-black night, lit only by moonlight.

It wasn’t unusual for the forest to be quiet, but this was different.

All the sounds around me had vanished.

The crickets that had been chirping. The wind brushing through the grass.

Everything was gone.

Pure silence.

I took a single step forward.

“…”

My foot touched the ground, yet there was no sound.

The bizarre, chilling sensation made me instinctively gather my energy.

Kiiiing—!

The rings of Nine Flames Firewheel spun, igniting heat within my body.

Fwoosh—!

Blue flames erupted around me.

At the same time, I expanded my senses, spreading my energy across the entire forest.

It took only a moment to cover the area.

And yet, I felt nothing.

“Damn it.”

What the hell was this?

Tension gripped me as I tried to make sense of the situation.

“That’s a beautiful flame.”

“…!”

A voice.

“The color may differ from its meaning, but it’s exquisite in itself. Well cultivated.”

A murky, dark voice.

I didn’t need to turn my head.

The voice came from directly in front of me.

“The quality is superb. I like it.”

Hwaruk.

The embers crackled.

In the silence, something began walking toward me.

Haruruk.

Amid the halted sounds and frozen air—

A flame, shaped like a human, walked toward me.

Gulp.

I swallowed dryly. Sweat trickled down my back.

Kiiiing—!

My heart pounded, and my energy roared in response.

Resonance. My flame was resonating with it.

That meant—

That flame was Nine Flames Firewheel.

“And so, I am curious.”

I wanted to speak, but my lips wouldn’t move.

“You are more than qualified. Overqualified, in fact, and already complete. Why have you not yet inherited the karma?”

The flame reached out, stopping right in front of me.

“And moreover…”

It brushed my cheek, speaking softly.

“Why have you become such a vile creature? My precious bloodline.”