663 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

**The World's Greatest Martial Artist's Childhood Friend - Chapter 663: Northern Rabbit** The initial feeling I had upon hearing Pildooma's words was disappointment. 'What is this?' I thought he was up to something grand. But what did he say he'd do? 'Revive a Hundred-level Demon?' It was an unexpected turn of events. And not entirely in a good way. No, under different circumstances, I might have been slightly surprised…. 'Right now, nothing much fazes me.' Having recently witnessed all sorts of oddities, it felt as though I'd heard something extraordinary. Yet, it barely stirred any excitement. 'It is quite an impressive tale, though.' A demon is sealed beneath the land of Hanam, and Pildooma seeks to resurrect it. Just hearing about it suggested a tremendous situation. 'This is absolutely insane.' They hide in the strangest places. Why seal them evenly across regions if it's like this? My head started to ache on its own. 'If what he says is true.' Why is it buried, how did they learn of it, and how do they plan to revive and use it? All of these are questions that need to be asked. Even if that weren't the case. 'I need to remember that this didn't happen in my past life.' Initially, Pildooma was a survivor of the Jegal family. Their preparations in Hanam around this time were also unforeseen. 'In my past life, Pildooma was just one of the demonic martial artists.' A reclusive figure who was gradually gaining some renown. Upon his appearance, he showcased his strength by assassinating two of the alliance's main leaders. Later, he served under the Heavenly Demon and ruled the Cheonra Black Network. 'In hindsight, it is odd.' Back then, nobody knew he was plotting revenge against the alliance and the resurrection of the Jegal family in Hanam. If there were such intentions, they failed to come to light. 'Failure,' it meant. It was proof that Pildooma did not succeed in achieving his goals. 'So, is what he plans now destined to fail as well?' I didn't know. So many events had unfolded differently from my past life, and what Pildooma was attempting could be due to the changes I'd set in motion. I couldn't be certain of anything. 'This isn't easy.' I handled things well enough, but the task at hand seemed somewhat vague. Given that I possessed abilities like sorcery, it crossed my mind that he might leverage them to accomplish his goals. 'To think he planned to use a demon.' If it's truly a Hundred-level Demon, as he claims, it could indeed cause significant ripples. 'The situation in the Northern Sea probably hasn't reached them.' The ongoing war in the Northern Sea and the deteriorated health of their greatest warrior, the Palace Lord, were still secrets. Once that becomes known, it's uncertain how the alliance will react. Thus, the emergence of a Hundred-level Demon in the Northern Sea likely remained unheard of. 'The central plains are already troubled by red demons.' It's been three years since the scarlet demon gates, which hadn't appeared for centuries, emerged. The alliance was barely maintaining a facade of peace amid the chaos. Then, if a Hundred-level Demon also emerged? It would inevitably turn into complete chaos. 'Dare I say, could this be the intent?' Given the current situation, is the resurrection of the Hundred-level Demon the purpose? By doing so, they could disrupt the forced peace the alliance is striving to maintain. 'Then, why didn't they do this in my past life…?' The premature emergence of the scarlet demons. These were events meant to unfold alongside the rise of the Heavenly Demon, erupting now and shaking the alliance's foundational role. Could Pildooma have seized this moment? 'So, does this mean, indirectly, I'm involved in this too?' I looked at the elderly man behind the mask. He seemed tense, oddly more than expected. Why? I hadn't done anything special today. Could his expression be due to the dismantling of their barrier or whatever it was? I could understand if that were the case, but… '…Who would've thought it could be torn down so easily?' Who would have expected it to be dismantled that effortlessly? If anything, isn't it the fault of those on their side for not constructing it well? Yes, that must be it. 'In any case.' Ultimately, it's undeniable that I'm partially to blame for the current circumstances. 'Well, when was it ever not my fault?' I didn't feel guilty about it. Rather, I tried not to let it bother me. […A dragon, something like that beneath Hanam?] "Indeed." [How does the lord know of this?] "…It's part of the information left by my ancestors." 'Ancestors?' The term refers to the information left by the annihilated Jegal family. Given their renowned expertise in strategic formations, the claim holds some credibility. 'Verifying its truth is another matter, though.' Right now, there were more pressing matters to focus on. 'Hundred-level Demon.' Assuming Pildooma's words were true, the fallout of the demon's descent… And what could be gained from it. 'Benefits.' He thought of the ease it would bring if these demons were utilized correctly. 'Pildooma is no simple old man.' The Hanam region, under the alliance's protection, boasts excellent security. Especially with the martial arts competition drawing near, many masters were already gathering. From prestigious families to deeply rooted schools, they were convening. 'Does summoning a demon there hold any real value?' He knew because he'd faced a Hundred-level Demon. It was undoubtedly strong. A league above the red demons. However. 'It's not insurmountable.' Though he only won because his father was present, numerous masters together could defeat it. 'There would be casualties, but toppling the alliance would be another matter.' Unless he wielded exceptional power to sway the outcome, Pildooma couldn't do it alone. Does Pildooma not realize this? He most likely does. He isn't incompetent, not as far as I've known. 'If he's attempting it knowing this, there must be something I'm missing.' If he intends to release it and still has the means to push forward… [Hmm.] Feigning contemplation, I rested my chin on my hand. Even as I did so, the wrinkles on Pildooma's face seemed to quiver. His excessive tension still appeared strange. But then I thought. 'It doesn't matter. It's actually favorable.' If the opponent perceives me as a threat, that works to my advantage. 'If Pildooma's plan succeeds and a demon truly appears over Hanam…' Tap, tap, tap. I drummed my fingers on the table where my drink rested. Besides that sound, the surroundings were quiet as if time had stopped. Time flowed, about a minute passed. Tap. The drumming of my fingers finally ceased. The calculations were complete. [So.] I spoke directly to Pildooma. [What do you expect of me?] The end of this plan wasn't detrimental to me. No, it was far more than just acceptable. 'This could actually be useful.' Using this opportunity, I could advance my plans even more swiftly. ****************** When I emerged from the cave, it was still night. Not much time had passed. It seemed the brevity of the conversation was to thank for that. Thud. Walking across the grass, I scanned my surroundings. The earlier sounds of crickets were absent. Likely due to the energy I disturbed earlier. 'Not just the sound.' It was evident the terrain had subtly shifted. Or more accurately, it had returned to its original state. 'Did they overlay an illusion even on the visuals?' Had they cloaked the location by overlaying illusions on the terrain? That bizarre method naturally brought back memories. 'Much like what I saw in Sichuan.' Around a year into my regression, I'd witnessed a phenomenon in Sichuan called the Vision of the Soul. What I'd seen there was similar to this. They had disguised a cliff, and beyond it, a tree shedding pure white leaves stood. '...' Recalling this, I felt the ring on my heart. 'If this is sorcery, does that mean what I saw in the Vision at Sichuan was also sorcery?' I had thought it was too alien to be a true formation, yet could it have been sorcery? 'Sorcery said to have been introduced by dragons, but how did the Vision conceal itself with sorcery?' The Vision was shielded by draconic power. Its descendants were cursed, becoming half-dragons. How did it end up like that? As I frowned at the peculiar connections. "Master." Nahi, who had followed me out, addressed me. I turned my back and simultaneously removed the mask I had been wearing. Crunch. Bones and muscles spasmed as the energy retracted, returning my body to its original form. Thanks to my increased cultivation level, I could now sustain and refine the Transformation Technique longer. While relaxing my restored body, I spoke to Nahi. "What is it?" "…Are you really going to do as he says?" "Mm?" Unexpected words, especially coming from Nahi. I narrowed my eyes upon hearing them. "What do you mean?" "He doesn't seem trustworthy to me…" At her words, I nodded. It meant she should continue. "The atmosphere felt off. There were many suspicious elements." "And what's your basis?" "…The main reason is that he was withholding information, twisting it." I nodded at her assessment. She was right. Pildooma had scarcely disclosed full information to me. Though he appeared to show fear and willingness to align with me, he subtly held back, plotting something behind the scenes. While Nahi voiced her concerns about this, finding fault. "I am aware." I already knew. "That he's withholding information. That he might try some antics. I realized that long ago." "Then…" "Still, it doesn't matter. I plan to use him and discard him eventually." "…!" Nahi's eyes widened at the casually thrown remark. Is this surprising? "Why?" "Because…" "Did you really think I'd keep that old man around forever?" "..." A disappointed thought if she did. "Aha. No way." I had no intention of doing so. Pildooma was an old dog. An old dog with ambition. Trusting him would be foolish. I'd been deceived enough to know better. I had no plans to trust Pildooma at all. He was simply useful for the moment, so I intended to utilize him. Moreover. 'Once it's over, I'll deal with him as well.' Before the end of the plan, he would be taken out and disposed of. Though the Heavenly Demon absorbed and utilized him... 'I have no taste for indulging in things already rotten.' I differed from the Heavenly Demon. "So, while I appreciate your concern, Nahi…" I addressed Nahi. "You overstepped this time." "…!" With my words, Nahi quickly kneeled. Watching her, I continued. "Since when did you intrude with advice on matters not asked for? Is it an order now?" "…Forgive me…" Without saying much, Nahi trembled. Watching her brought an involuntary sigh. "Stand up." Upon my command, Nahi quickly rose. I thought of pressing further but restrained myself. The relation with Nahi was forged through magic. I did not entirely trust her either. I trusted no one. Those under my command were merely disposable cards. Thus, interactions like these held little appeal. Even less so if Nahi proved her loyalty, unlikely as that seemed. Ignoring my discomfort, I fetched a letter from my pocket and handed it to Nahi. "Send this to Hyuk. Tell Jiseon to come to Hanam if he's free." "…Understood." "Oh, and." As Nahi prepared to disappear, I stopped her. "Tell the Spearmaster to come here." "…!" Mentioning someone, surprise crossed Nahi's face. "Do I relay it immediately?" "Yes, tell him by the end of next month at the latest." "I will." With that, Nahi disappeared into mist after offering a bow. After confirming she had vanished, I scratched my cheek. Because of the 'Spearmaster' that escaped my lips. 'Honestly, I'm not too keen on summoning him.' Over the past few years, I've created several demons and cultivated them into my subordinates. The Spearmaster was one of them. However, 'He's a troublesome one to handle.' Among the demons—those destined to eventually go mad or become consumed by bloodlust—he was particularly deranged. So much so that he reminded me of the Sword Demon from my past life. Whether he was worse or just as daunting, the feeling was similar. 'That's why I've avoided calling him unless absolutely necessary…' Yet, for the task I had in mind, he seemed to be the perfect fit. 'Aside from that, I suppose I'll need to call all of them soon.' The demons scattered across regions—it's time to gather them. As the moment for the plans I've laid out approaches, it's necessary to bring them together. 'Will it be alright?' They're all madmen, so even I hesitate somewhat. 'There's no other way.' There was no other option; it had to be done. I had to succeed in my plans, no matter what. *Swoosh.* 'Plans…' Just thinking about it brought a knot to my stomach. I turned around. In front of me stood Sungyul, who had been waiting outside. Looking into his cloudy amber eyes, I spoke. "Let's go." "Yes." As I continued walking, Sungyul followed at a leisurely pace. Raising my head, I noticed the crescent moon rising in the sky above. With that view, I continued my pace. The first night back in Hanam was gradually slipping by. Less than a month remained until the martial arts competition. '…Once that time passes.' I would become a villain feared by the world. And at the same time, I intended to become a hero shining brighter than anyone else.