630 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

**Chapter 630: The Northern Rabbit** **Nine. And Three.** Smoke rises amid the explosion. The acrid scent of burning assaults my nose. Thick smoke obstructs my vision. *Whirr-!* I circulate energy through my eyes, clearing my sight. The ground appears before me. In an instant, I gather flames to create a fire orb. I hurl it toward the ground again. *BOOOM---!!* Another deafening explosion reverberates, sending debris scattering. I repeat this relentlessly. I feel my reserve of energy depleting. Given that the fire orb is inherently energy-draining, this isn't surprising. I vividly sense my energy being consumed. Even so. I don't stop. *Bang-! Boom-! Bang-!* I reveal the ground and smash it apart, disregarding the drain on my energy, continuing to wield the fire orb. Watching as debris bursts continuously, I reflect. ‘There was a time when using it once was overwhelming.’ There was a period when the backlash from a single use incapacitated me for days. I think it was around the time I joined the Shinryong Pavilion. Back then, I used to forcefully employ a technique only achievable at the pinnacle state. Using techniques mismatched to one’s level remains the same today, but— ‘I have improved.’ At least the era of becoming half-crippled after just one use is gone. However. ‘Still, using it recklessly like this isn’t wise.’ Objectively speaking. I can manage to use it roughly ten times, maybe a bit more. This assumes the utmost efficiency in compression and rotation and effective use of my energy. Using it indiscriminately, like now, decreases the count even further. There’s no time to find an intact path. This isn't the time to conserve energy either. *Roaaaaaar-!!* Swirling flames, I unleashed the fire orb several more times. Counting accurately, it was the fifth time when— *Thud-!* A strange sensation halted the energy I was channeling. Instead of the chaotic terrain I had been seeing, a properly structured underground appeared. An obviously man-made structure. With a gentle landing, I sensed the surrounding energy. ‘This is it.’ I immediately realized. This was the place I had been searching for. A chilling coldness and a subtly uncomfortable silence pervaded. I casually flicked my fingers. *Fwoosh-!* The unlit lamp ignited, shedding more light on the surroundings. Although, not that it was any different from the endless corridor before. With the lamp lit, I proceeded through the corridor. I broadened my senses, yet strangely no presence followed me. I assumed Mang or Meng would soon catch up, yet nothing did. After a bit of walking, I discovered a massive door. I frowned at the sight of it. ‘This.’ A door I’ve seen somewhere before. It had the same size and shape as the door at the Palace Lord's hideout. I recognized it immediately, grasping the handle. I expected it to open on its own like last time, but— *Crackle---!!!* “…!” Contrary to my expectations, resistance was palpable. An unfamiliar force pushed me away along with the pain. As if to prevent me from opening the door. Seeing this, I scoffed. “You think this will stop me?” Pathetic. It’s just a door, yet it’s this obstinate. A surge of inexplicable annoyance compelled me to grab the handle again. Then. *Cracklecracklecrackle----!!!* Once more, a force pushed against me. It was excruciating, but— ‘I’m somewhat accustomed to this.’ Pain and injury were so familiar they were almost tiresome. Ignoring it, I tightened my grip. *Tear.* As I withstood the force, my skin began to tear. Despite a light aura protecting me. Of course, I didn’t let go. *Grrrr-!* I clutched the door and pulled with all my might. Resistance was abundant, but I countered with my own energy. A terribly brutish method. If there’s a ward or anything, it’d be prudent to dismantle it first. But disregarding all that and trying to force the door open instead. Even I thought it was nothing but brute strength. However— ‘Since when did I strategize anyway?’ Ultimately, I figured this as the best approach for me. Even as my skin tore, pain flared, and force was met— I pushed on, uncaring. *Rumble.* Eventually, time yielded to effort, and the door began to open. Ah, although— ‘More like I’m tearing it off.’ What difference does it make? I tightened my grip. *Crack-! Bang-!* Finally, the iron door was torn off. The door that had sealed the Ice Palace for centuries was wrenched away. I glanced at the door in hand and remarked. “You should’ve just opened quietly. Why resist?” *Whip.* *Thud-!* I tossed the iron door carelessly down the corridor and walked through the entrance. Thankfully, there was no backlash when entering, unlike when opening the door. The cold felt a lot harsher, though. Moreover, I turned my gaze to inspect my arm. ‘Hmm.’ A cold sweat prickled between the slightly raised scales. ‘What now?’ Upon entering the space, a shiver ran through my body. Alongside discomfort, it was a nauseating sensation. Feelings always stirred when encountering traces of a dragon or a half-dragon, but this time it was particularly intense. It felt as if— ‘Like when I confronted the Blood Demon.’ The Blood Demon wearing Jang Seon-yeon’s guise. The hostile intent was raging, reminiscent of that encounter. I suppressed my emotions and took a look around. ‘It looks similar.’ The space where I saw the Ice Crystal in the hideout. The appearance was nearly identical. ‘That means.’ I turned my gaze to where the energy felt particularly potent. Sure enough, the Ice Crystal was there. ‘This is the place.’ The Palace Lord mentioned it. There is an Ice Crystal beneath the Ice Palace that repels harsh cold. Apparently, this is the place. The space and the shape of the Ice Crystal are just alike as before. It's just curious to me. ‘Repel harsh cold, they say.’ The surrounding chill seems unchanged, nothing looks particularly different— It absorbs harsh cold only to emit it elsewhere, supposedly. I could not discern any noticeable differences. Hence, I couldn't figure out the principles behind its operation. ‘Though it doesn't really matter.’ It doesn't really matter how such a thing is possible now. What’s crucial is understanding why this was happening in the first place. I stepped forward, eyeing the Ice Crystal. *Fwoosh.* Simultaneously, I imbued energy into my hand. I hadn't formulated a long-thought-out plan or considerable strategy. Simply put, if it became a nuisance, I’d break it. With that sole thought, I advanced toward the Ice Crystal. I was about to strike it, matters of its shattering aside, but— “…?” As I examined the Ice Crystal closely, my motion halted and the energy dissipated from my hand. “Damn it.” A curse slipped out unconsciously. It was inevitable. There was something inside the Ice Crystal. The cold had obscured it earlier, but now it became visible. Inside it was— “What the hell is he doing in there?” Woohyuk was inside. “What?” My eyes widened immediately. The original purpose of finding the Ice Palace. Remembering my intention to find and retrieve Woohyuk, I stared at the Ice Crystal. What the hell? Why is he in there? I was dumbfounded. Among recent events, this was the most perplexing situation. Why, out of nowhere, is Woohyuk inside the Ice Crystal? I furrowed my brows at the Ice Crystal. ‘This is crazy.’ The confusion could only last seconds. Regardless of why such a ludicrous situation occurred— It only gave me more reason to destroy the Ice Crystal. *Clench.* Turning my waist, I clenched my fist imbued with energy. Just as I was about to strike the Ice Crystal— [Damn it.] With a strident curse— *BOOOOM-!* Suddenly, sharp ice shafts jutted out from the Ice Crystal. Should I just take the hit and strike? I contemplated briefly, but— *Whoosh-!* Instinctively, my body twisted to create distance. ‘Tsk.’ The attack wasn’t worth the injuries it could cause. With every strike aimed at vital spots, even dodging was a challenge without risking harm. After dodging and gaining a few steps of distance— “Ha, this damn.” I swore and glared ahead. “What’s this bastard doing now?” [...] A brief silence lingered after my words before— [Honestly, this is absurd.] A familiar voice followed from the Ice Crystal. Mang’s voice. [Whether you are clever or foolish, to act so recklessly…] A slight tremor in his voice mirrored his fury. [Just a little more time was needed, barely a moment. Yet you dared reject my hand and obstruct this?] “Obstruction, my ass.” I replied with sarcasm to Mang’s accusation. “As if I ever intended to join forces, you piece of crap.” Does he take me for an idiot? “You think I’d stand by and watch?” From our conversations, it was clear Mang never intended to truly ally with me. Without a solid foundation, the dialogue was filled with ambiguous hints, omitting crucial details, coaxing words meant to entice me—clear as day. “Why should I entertain your stalling tactics?” [Ha.] A hollow laugh echoed in response to my words. [You’re sharper than I thought.] He had been biding time with me. Even revealing himself in Yuseon’s body for that sole purpose. But why? What necessitated such actions? Again, I didn’t dwell on it long. If Mang had reasons to act so sneakily toward me— The core of those reasons lay within the Ice Crystal. Predicting so, I sought the Ice Crystal and, unsurprisingly, found myself in this ridiculous situation. “What exactly is this?” Grinding my teeth, I questioned him. [I should be the one asking that.] Mang replied, countering my question. [Ninth one. What are you doing, truly?] “What?” [Why on earth do you insist on hindering me?] Mang spoke as if he genuinely couldn't fathom my actions. [At least I never lied in our conversations. We share common foes. I was sincere about my willingness to cooperate. So why make such a choice?] His words, tinged with slight grievance. I retorted back at him. “Do you not have ears?” [What...?] He couldn't possibly act this way if he had ears. “I explicitly said I don’t want to work with a damn lunatic. Are you slow?” [...] “I despise double-dealing bastards the most.” If one strikes head-on, you can deal with it straightforwardly. But a sneaky bastard requires constant vigilance because you never know what they'll try. The utter disdain stemmed from the fact that he had drained the Northern Sea’s bloodline for centuries just for his revival. [...For such a trivial reason?] No matter how generously I explained— Mang still couldn't wrap his head around it. [Simply for utilizing a few of these wretched creatures for my resurrection, you refuse to cooperate?] “Your tone reeks of arrogance.” [These insignificant beings should consider it a blessing to be used for my revival.] “Now you’re just spouting nonsense.” [Even in death, it is something to be grateful for, but you, one of their own, get angry over it?] Internally, I clicked my tongue in disapproval. Just the thought of continuing the conversation raised my ire. “Don’t delude yourself.” I infused energy into my body once more. “Whether the Northern Sea suffered or not, I don’t care.” That much doesn’t concern me. It's not as if there’s a profound connection driving that anger. What truly matters to me is— Not the sacrificed bloodlines of the Northern Sea. “It's the fact that you can do such things without a care that makes me sick, you bastard.” This time channeling even more energy into my fist, I charged forward. *Tear*-! Once again, ice spikes erupted, but— Prioritizing evasion, avoiding them wasn’t as demanding this time. Although my garment was somewhat punctured with my intense movements; The damage wasn’t alarming enough to worry about. *Snap-!* Pivoting with my toes, I reevaluated the situation. Ultimately, I pierced through Mang’s barrage and arrived in front of the Ice Crystal. Without hesitation, I drove my fist into the Ice Crystal. *Crackkkkk---!!!* My fist sunk deep into the Ice Crystal. Seeing this, I swallowed my faint surprise. It was much easier to penetrate than I expected. I anticipated some resistance. But it was like breaking through ordinary rock. ‘Fascinating as it is.’ I added more force, pushing my fist deeper into the Ice Crystal. And then— *Craaaack---!!!* The cracks spread rapidly from where my fist pierced, engulfing the entire Ice Crystal. Soon after. *Crush.* It took only a few seconds for the Ice Crystal to shatter and collapse. *Thud, thud.* The fragments of the Ice Crystal slowly crumbled away. As I watched the falling debris, I found myself frowning. The reason wasn't because the Ice Crystal had collapsed. Rather— “…Ha… This is really frustrating.” Someone had grabbed my outstretched fist.