625 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

## Chapter 625: Authority “What was I doing?” This thought came to mind the moment I opened my eyes. What had I been doing up until now? “Certainly...” I needed to delve into my heart and rid myself of any hesitation. How much time had passed while I kept my eyes closed, thinking that? My mind felt blank, and I simply turned my eyes away. The surroundings had hardly changed from when I had closed my eyes. The ice crystal was still visible. “Gung Ju.” As I looked around, I noticed Gung Ju watching me. But— “What is it?” Why is he wearing such an expression? Surprise and confusion. Gung Ju, who normally exuded an ice-cold demeanor. His expression was remarkably varied right now. Why was he making that face? As I pondered over it, he spoke up. “Why are you crying?” At his words, I tilted my head in confusion. Crying? I lifted my hand to touch my eyes. “What?” Upon checking, I found tears were indeed streaming down my face. What is happening? “What is this?” I was perplexed by the unexpected tears and struggled to comprehend the situation. Putting aside how long it’s been since I last cried, I needed to understand why. After all, nothing particularly substantial had occurred... “Hmm?” I tried to recall the previous events. Yet, oddly, nothing came to mind. “Certainly...” After entering my mind space and attempting to kill my younger self. After that. What came next was... “What was it?” I couldn’t remember. There seemed to be something, but it felt as if my memories were entirely coated with ink, preventing me from recalling them. “A nuisance.” And it was disconcerting. I furrowed my brow deeply and tried hard to retrieve them. With difficulty, a faint image of someone holding a child appeared in my mind's eye. That was the limit of what I could remember. “I don’t know.” What had I seen? What had I experienced to cause such unease? “Gu Yangcheon, are you alright?” “Ah...” First, I wiped away the tears at his words. "…How much time has passed?" “Only a few seconds.” “…Hmm.” Just seconds? It’s only been that short amount of time. “In such a brief moment...” I thought to myself, clenching my fist. "Have I advanced to this extent?" With astonished eyes, I observed my bodily state. It was brimming over. My energy was overflowing, filling me to the brim. And the vessel containing it had grown even larger. “This is...” If my previous state was far below my former life, then now— “I’ve surpassed even half.” Though I couldn't say I'd fully reached it, I was very close. I could certainly say that much had changed. “…Ha.” A laugh escaped involuntarily. To think discarding hesitation could make such a difference. In other words— “It’s something I originally had. Rather than something newly gained.” This wasn’t newfound power. It was energy that had been within me from the start, but had been confined due to the instability of my mind. I had a vague idea all along. “I just didn’t realize it was this much.” I wanted to verify the current state I was in, but— “For now.” I turned my head to examine the ice crystal. “This first.” Gung Ju had mentioned that when I made my choice, I would surely realize. “Hmm…” Reflecting on that, I gazed at the ice crystal. I discovered that Gung Ju’s words were half right and half wrong. The reason I had come here. That remained a mystery, yet at least— “I know what this is.” The true nature of the ice crystal before me. That much I seemed to understand. I reached out. Sss. When my palm touched the surface of the ice crystal— Woooong—!!! The crystal vibrated madly. “…!” Seeing this, Gung Ju, who was standing behind me, was taken aback but I ignored him. Focusing, it became clear. What had previously seemed like just a round block of ice— Now appeared different. I concentrated on the myriad of sensations felt at my fingertips. After momentarily touching the ice crystal all around— “Hmm.” I wiped the cold sweat from my forehead with the back of my hand. Sweat from the heat? That couldn’t be. Considering how frigid this place was. The sweat was merely a result of the aura emanating from within the ice crystal. What had been invisible became visible. What had been unfelt was now tangible. Just as Gung Ju said, I could see and feel much more than before. “An egg, you said.” This revelation confirmed Gung Ju’s assertion. The ice crystal was an egg. An egg containing something terribly terrifying. “Even if I don’t know if it’s a heart.” I seemed to understand that something immense resided within it. Furthermore, It wouldn’t be long before this entity hatched. The fact that the Northern Sea had possessed such an insane object thus far was a mind-boggling truth. “...” Contemplating the ice crystal, I wondered if I should apply some force to it. Exerting force— What does it mean? Despite being a sudden thought, my body already knew. Right after I opened my eyes, My state had undergone a drastic change, altering both my physical condition and energy. This was indeed an absurd transformation; however, there was an even greater change. I could instinctively sense it. I’d acquired a power I didn’t have before. “Specifically.” It was a forgotten power, but setting that aside— Only upon realizing it did I understand the words of the King of Darkness. The power one gains upon becoming a dragon. Unlike martial arts, which steadily grow stronger through training, A power that one inherently possesses. An Authority. How it was to be used. Whether it truly held power, or what its principle was. Such explanations were redundant. My body already knew the correct answer. It was astounding how I hadn’t noticed it until now. It felt as natural as if I had always possessed it. “As if I’ve always had it.” Therefore, I considered using it on the ice crystal momentarily. After a moment of back-and-forth hesitation, Sss. I withdrew my hand that had been touching the ice crystal. There was only one reason. “It’s out of order.” “It wasn’t time for ‘this’ yet.” I examined the palm that had been touching the ice crystal. Despite having held the ice for quite some time, not a single trace of moisture remained on my hand. “Gung Ju,” I said, turning to face him. “What was the reason you regarded this as a heart?” Referring back to our previous conversation, I pondered continuing the discussion on what had been troubling me. “Ah.” I stopped mid-sentence as a realization struck me. “This too is out of order.” “…What do you mean?” “I’ll hear about it after I return. That should come first.” “Gu Yangcheon? What do you mean all of a sudden—” Gung Ju tried to stop me, seemingly confused by my abrupt change of subject. But I turned and began walking towards the exit. There was no need to touch the doorknob. The door moved on its own as I approached it, just like before. “…Where are you going now?” Seeing this, Gung Ju asked, causing me to slightly turn my head and respond. “Nothing much. I just remembered something I’ve learned.” Yes, something learned. A lesson learned clearly and recently. -You know, right? -We never let go of what is ours. A voice echoed in my mind. I wondered why these words resurfaced now. ‘It’s different; it’s not that it’s only coming to mind now.’ It was something I should have recalled from the beginning, yet had forgotten. Hence, it was natural to think of it now. ‘That’s right.’ Never letting go of what is rightfully yours. It’s an arrogant yet powerful statement, reflecting a fierce sense of ownership. And truly, it was correct. ‘I mustn’t let it be taken.’ If something is considered mine, I mustn’t allow it to be taken away. That sentiment echoed throughout my being. This wasn’t an action the old me would have taken. I would have hesitated, repeatedly pondering over plans and justifications. But now, I decided not to do so. There was only one thought coming to mind. If it has been taken— “I must reclaim it.” It was simply a matter of principle. Though Gung Ju furrowed his brow, clearly puzzled by my words, I merely turned my gaze away. “It won’t take long.” “Sol—” Before Gung Ju could finish speaking, I had already gripped the door I had entered and opened it. Creeeeak—! Exiting the door, I was met with someone who had been waiting outside. It was Heuksaja. Heuksaja scrunched up his face as he saw me emerge on my own. I spoke as I observed him. “I’ve finished my business.” As I casually waved my hand, Heuksaja addressed me. “You haven’t committed another discourtesy to the Ice Palace Lord, have you?” Perhaps because of our earlier friction, Heuksaja seemed even more on edge. I replied to him. “I don’t think I did anything in particular. Did I?” Memory was hazy, that was the reason for my response. Crunch. Heuksaja, thinking I was teasing him, exuded hostility. “…If you keep this up, we shall see blood.” Whether I had touched a nerve or he was at the end of his patience, Heuksaja blocked my path as if truly angry. Seeing this, I spoke, smiling. “It wasn’t my intention to tease. I genuinely don’t remember. If I’ve upset you, I apologize.” After apologizing with a smile, I attempted to step aside and proceed. “If you think to toy with me again—!” As Heuksaja reached to grab my shoulder— “Touch me,” I said, erasing my smile, “and you die.” Startled—! At my words, Heuksaja stopped in his tracks. My eyes were fixed on the petrified Heuksaja. His quivering eyes were visible to me. No more words were exchanged. As we stared silently at one another, Swaash. Heuksaja was the first to withdraw his hand. And then, “…Something has changed,” he spoke with a hint of tremor in his voice. Changed? I tipped my head slightly at his words. It seemed it wasn’t just about my state of being, though it hadn’t registered with me yet. Even though I had discarded some things, I was still myself. However, “Perhaps.” I couldn’t be sure just yet. I offered a slight smile as a response. “Let’s meet again soon. I’ve got something to take care of right now.” Leaving the stern Heuksaja behind, I set my steps forward with determination. What would I have done previously in this scenario? Would I have headed back to the group? Perhaps. But there was something else that now took priority. At least it was so for me at this moment. I shifted my gaze. I had already stepped outside the hideout. Just as it had been, leaving the cave wasn’t particularly difficult this time either. I looked up to the sky. Swoosh— It was still snowing outside. Gazing at the falling snow, I reflected. “Hmm.” This was still an unpleasant land. The ground beneath my feet, the air that wrapped around me— Even the falling snow— Everything left a sour taste. I hadn’t realized it at first, but I figured it out now. The reason this land felt so unpleasant wasn’t just because there were other dragons on it. It was because, ‘This was land under someone else’s dominion.’ It wasn’t simply because a dragon was on it. It was unpleasant because this land was ruled by that alguém. That was why it felt so dirty. The vague sense I had from the beginning had become clear. ‘That’s why it bothered me.’ Because it wasn’t my land. Such a trivial reason, yet it disturbed me so. How arrogant and greedy could one be? Or perhaps, ‘Perhaps I am simply more covetous than most.’ I pondered, letting a chuckle escape. Perhaps it was true. “Is that why?” I said, recalling the supposed power that had manifested. Because of my greed and arrogance— I wondered if that’s why I held ‘this kind’ of Authority. Crack. I unclenched my hands. “Whatever, it doesn’t matter.” Keep it simple. It's better than hesitating. ‘For now, at least.’ Retrieve what has been taken. That would be my immediate priority. Turning my gaze from the snow, I looked ahead. Though not visible, What had been unseen was now perceptible. Fwoosh. I cloaked myself in flames. Then, I took one step forward. And with that, Swoooosh—!!! The light exploded, leading to— Rustle… crackle—! The snow falling from the sky turned into rain. --- ## Northern Ice Palace The Northern Ice Palace, once a grand fortress and a central symbol of power where the bloodline of the Ice Palace resided, now stood in relative disrepair. The aftermath of the rebellion had left the buildings crumbling in places. The ruins had been left untouched, making the entire place appear even more chaotic. In the inner zone of this once-great castle. A man on patrol near the entrance to the main palace opened his mouth to speak. “I can’t understand what Bi-Oe Gun is thinking.” His companion, also on patrol with him, was startled and responded. “Be careful with your words. What if someone hears you?” “Isn’t it true though?” The man continued with an expression full of dissatisfaction. “Word is, the Palace Lord knows exactly where he’s hiding, so why are we still idly waiting?” The location of the fugitive Palace Lord and his followers had long been uncovered. The battle could have ended any time they wished, having already taken control of the palace. And yet, there was no further action taken. This puzzled the man greatly. “There must be a reason. We just need to follow orders, don't we?” “I’m just saying, if we fail, we will all die for nothing.” “The war is already as good as won, do you actually think we could fail here?” The Palace Lord who had once ruled as the absolute sovereign of the Northern Sea had been defeated and driven away. The Ice Palace Lord, who hadn’t budged even when five generals combined forces against them, was now in retreat, defeated by Bi-Oe Gun’s blade—a fact witnessed by all warriors. “Moreover, even the blood relatives have sided with us. This is already as good as a victory.” “…Hmm...” Despite hearing all this, it didn’t erase his doubts. “Do you really believe the Palace Lord used sorcery, sacrificing people for his own gain?” That was the stated cause of the war. Reports of the Palace Lord killing people to fulfill his own desires. His companion sighed at the man’s words. “Evidence has already been found.” Traces discovered in the Palace Lord’s room and the underground chambers of the palace. With such evidence, how could one refuse to believe it? “The Palace Lord has fallen. He is no longer the man we once knew.” The bloodline of the Ice Palace had sacrificed for the Northern Sea until now. Thanks to them, even humans managed to survive in these harsh lands. And yet, the burden turned the Palace Lord towards corruption. “…It was fortunate the Princess sided with us after seeing the evidence. Otherwise, initiating this war would have been difficult.” “...” The man could only make a troubled face. Just days ago, one of Bi-Oe Gun’s supporters from among the captured blood relatives was revealed. It wasn’t any young lord but the eldest young lady. It was confirmed the blood relatives were supporting Bi-Oe Gun, yet it was still hard to digest. ‘Really.’ Really. Could it truly be so? With all the evidence laid bare and the successful rebellion, there seemed little left to question. Yet still, it felt unbelievable. The man looked up at the sky. It continued snowing from the sky above. The unrelenting severe cold. Land spoken of as cursed and frigid. Apparently, it was the blood relatives, particularly the Palace Lord, who protected them from being engulfed by the cold. The reasons and connections behind their protection lay beyond the knowledge of a mere soldier like himself. The claim that the Palace Lord did it for eternal life was tough to believe. ‘Not for his own immortality, but rather.’ To erase this everlasting cold. If framed that way, perhaps he might have believed it. As he contemplated and gazed up at the sky, “...Huh?” The man softly exclaimed as he looked at the sky. “Hm? What is it?” “This...” The man turned his hand palm-up towards the sky and reached out. “This isn’t snow…” His companion tilted his head in confusion. Wasn’t it always snowing up here? He also extended his hand. At that moment— “…Isn't this rain instead of snow?” “What?” At his words, he hurriedly glanced up at the sky as well. It was then— Drip-! A droplet of water fell onto the man's cheek. “What is this…?” He was overwhelmed by the cold sensation. Drip-! Drip-! Raindrops began to fall sporadically amidst the snowflakes. Pat pat pat—! Rapidly gaining intensity, the rain started pouring down swiftly. It was rain. This was unmistakably rain. In the Northern Sea, where the never-ending cold meant only snow ever fell, to have rain now fall? This was not something trivial or straightforward. “What in the world is happening—!” He was about to shout in surprise when— Flame-! A short burst of flame erupted beside him. Sensing something inexplicable, the man turned his gaze to see someone standing where the flames had appeared. Their black robes fluttered in the wind. Swoosh— For some reason, the pouring rain seemed to instinctively avoid drenching this figure. It was an extraordinary sight. That was why— Rather than taking a defensive stance, they remained entranced, silently observing him. As the two men stood there, dumbfounded, the newcomer lifted his head and met their gaze. A young man. He appeared just barely past twenty. But he was far from ordinary. His slitted blue irises felt almost inhuman. His impassive expression made the man feel himself involuntarily shiver. And then, the figure addressed them. “Since I've come across you, might I ask you to pass on a message for me?” A slight smile accompanied his words. “I have come to reclaim what was taken.”