696 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith
# Chapter 696: Northern Rabbit "How was it?" Some time had passed since returning to the inn. It was now completely night. I was facing the two who had just returned from the gate ceremony. "Nothing unusual happened, right?" "Yes." She nodded in response to my question. She seemed slightly amused; perhaps she found it enjoyable. I didn’t ask if they passed the test. I assumed they would have, and as expected, they did. "And you?" I turned my head to the side. Standing beside Wi Seol-Ah was Seong Yul, with a rather tired expression. "...Yes. It was the same for me...." "Doesn't look like it. Your face says something happened." "..." I must have hit the mark. "Did something happen?" "...Nothing happened." Even though his face clearly betrayed it, Seong Yul seemed intent on pretending nothing was wrong. I nodded and spoke, watching him. "Alright then." If he doesn’t want to talk, that’s fine. "..." Having withdrawn my interest out of respect, Seong Yul frowned delicately. Ungrateful child, advised me not to pry, yet look at his expression. "What? You said you didn't want to talk." "It's not that I don't want to talk... Really, nothing happened." "Alright. As long as nothing happened, that’s what matters." "..." What could be bothering him? I can't fathom. As I was stretching my sore body just after training, Seong Yul asked me a question in a curious tone. "But... how did you get out?" "Hmm?" What does he mean, get out? "Of course, I left because it was over." "No, I mean... did you perhaps flee?" "What kind of absurd talk is that?" Who ran away? His baseless assumptions started to annoy me, causing me to frown deeply. Seeing my reaction, Seong Yul hastily added more. "But when the gate ceremony finishes, everyone should wait and then return together... When did you even arrive here?" "Hmm?" I had a baffled expression when I heard his words. "What do you mean?" Should we have gathered and left together? "...No?" I must have looked bewildered at Seong Yul’s words. When I asked the lady at the gate if I could go home, she told me it was okay to leave. So I just returned here based on that. What is he talking about? "Is that really true?" As if it was hard to believe, Seong Yul, and even Wi Seol-Ah beside him, nodded their heads. 'What is this?' If what they say is true, why did she just let me go without explaining properly? I had never heard of such a rule before. 'I have no idea.' Truly baffling. Could there have been some other intention behind it? ‘Well, I guess it doesn't matter.’ After all, since the lady from the gate let me go, others would have seen it too, so I have an excuse if needed. It shouldn't be an issue. Actually, it might be better. "Anyway, enough of that. Have you eaten?" "I was just about to." "Then go eat what's been prepared. And you truly had nothing happen, right?" I asked one more time. Seong Yul's eyes wavered for a moment, yet his answer remained the same as earlier. "…Yes. Nothing happened." "Alright." I wouldn’t ask anymore. "They said we could rest for two days, so have a good rest." With the preliminary rounds lasting three days, we could rest for two days. 'Then with the remaining time...' Having some thoughts during today's gate ceremony, I decided it was time to have a separate chat with Cheol Ji-Seon. It seemed like some plans needed to be adjusted. --- After sending off Seong Yul and Wi Seol-Ah, I immediately went to find Cheol Ji-Seon. When I met him again, he was already waiting in my room, sifting through a substantial pile of scrolls he had somehow procured. Seeing that, I asked. "What are those?" "Reports." "...All of them?" "Hmm.... About thirty percent...?" Only thirty percent of that bulk is reports? Even though it seemed excessive, I avoided laughing out loud. "The remaining seventy percent is probably with the strategist." "..." That implication required me to clear my throat. Meaning Je-Gal Hyeok had an even larger stack to review. "Why are there so many?" "Exactly. Why are there so many?" Cheol Ji-Seon’s gaze settled on me, full of grievance. "Maybe it's because someone keeps causing incidents everywhere, accumulating all these reports?" "...Ahem." "...In just three months, they've doubled. What on earth have you been up to?" There were many tasks heading into this year. The number of members had expanded, and ever since the Dragon Martial Arts Tournament, numerous changes had to be implemented requiring a structured approach. "There were just various things to be done..." "Hmm..." Despite sighing from exhaustion, Cheol Ji-Seon continued to diligently review the scrolls. Even though the volume was substantial and complex, it seemed he had no intention of quitting. 'As expected.' He has his own battles to fight as well. A partnership where both have something to gain. It's a balanced relationship. Recognizing this, Cheol Ji-Seon likely chose to involve himself. "So then..." As he looked over the scrolls, he asked. "When do you plan to proceed with the matter regarding Bongsoon Sojeo?" "I’ve thought since the beginning that title doesn't really suit." The title "Bongsoon Sojeo" felt exceptionally awkward. Hearing this, Cheol Ji-Seon, with an incredulous expression, replied. "You’re the one who gave her that name." "It’s not the name, but the 'Sojeo' title that's the issue." "That doesn’t seem like the problem here." After some trivial debate, Cheol Ji-Seon exhaled a deep sigh. "Jokes aside... what are you planning to do?" "What do you mean, do what? We proceed as planned." Nothing much different from the original plan. That’s what I intended. However, this reaction seemed to elicit a skeptical response from Cheol Ji-Seon. "Will that really work?" At the dubious remark, I couldn't help but smirk. "Why? Don’t think it will?" "It's a matter already passed. No matter the fault in the past, will it really strike a blow?" It was a valid point. Drawing from the past could likely result in a dismissive reaction. Cheol Ji-Seon and Je-Gal Hyeok had similar concerns. They both thought it might not inflict a significant blow. "It's about the past. Of course, it is..." While Cheol Ji-Seon's point was practically sound, there was one crucial aspect they both overlooked. "But, there are many people bound to their pasts, aren't there? You're one of them." "..." At my remark, Cheol Ji-Seon clamped his mouth shut. His ambition was to revive the Je-Gal family, to clear the fabricated charges the alliance had laid against them, and reclaim their prestigious status. That's why he had allied himself with me. He, too, was unable to break away from his past. 'It's the same for me.' People can't escape their past. The past shapes the present; how could one simply leave it behind? This was true for the alliance as well. As long as people remembered the alliance, shedding its flaws would be a formidable task. 'They'll never manage to escape.' Even if the alliance forgets, those who have learned the truth will not, and trust will erode from the ground up. Especially with the evidence standing clear. "So don't worry about this part. Just continue as you were." "...Understood." "How are things on the Hubei side?" "I've set it up as you instructed. Once you give the command, Na Sojeo will move immediately. But..." Cheol Ji-Seon spoke with a hint of apprehension. "It seems the alliance caught wind of us earlier than we anticipated. Rumor has it Il-ryong Daejoo moved personally." Il-ryong Daejoo, huh... 'That would be someone from the Dark Guests.' He was the leader of the assassination team managed by the alliance. His fame might be lesser compared to the King of Assassins, but he was a skilled operator. "That doesn't matter." "It doesn’t?" "Yeah." Regardless, it didn’t matter. "I anticipated this would happen." "..." Cheol Ji-Seon’s eyes widened as he looked at me. "...Was that why you planned to send Na Sojeo?" I burst into laughter at his query. "That's a secret. Think of it whatever you want." Cheol Ji-Seon masked his unease at my playful words. "...That's terrifying. Truly." His genuinely fearful expression prompted me to click my tongue and add another point. "We're done with that. What's important is the issue regarding Do Wang. I'm thinking of changing the plan there." "Why? Because Do Wang’s forces are stronger than you thought?" "Are you insane?" What would I do with that scoundrel? "But didn't you celebrate when he joined the Martial Arts Tournament?" “True, Do Wang's participation was quite beneficial.” With the head of the Four Great Families joining, there were plenty of ways to leverage this. However, "The issue isn’t about problems. It's simply that I thought of a better way. Since we’ve got something to use, let’s make the most of it." "What...?" "There are three scenarios we have to consider. Listen carefully and remember." I gave Cheol Ji-Seon a directive that sounded like a request. The first was the contingency for if Do Wang faced me in the tournament. The second was if Do Wang didn’t face me in the tournament. And lastly, “If Do Wang died before the tournament began.” "...!" Cheol Ji-Seon's face stiffened at what I said. Observing his reaction, I immediately explained further. "It doesn't mean I plan to do that. It's just for unforeseen circumstances." The situation needed to be unconditionally airtight. There should be no room for any mistakes. I prepared responses for whatever scenario might unfold. "In addition, relay both the second and third responses to Hwangbo Gaju." "To Hwangbo Gaju?" "Yes. There's something he needs to know in advance." That man had a lot on his plate. "I'll need to start laying the groundwork." It would make things easier later on. "As for the rest, I’ll jot down and send it to Hyeok personally. You handle just this much." "This much... is still a lot to handle." "Want to switch, and you take over the rest?" "I’ll stick to working hard on what I was given." He seemed aware that his workload was significantly lighter than Je-Gal Hyeok’s. ‘Though Hyeok is a monster, Cheol Ji-Seon isn’t incompetent either.’ He could handle it if needed. It’s merely that Cheol Ji-Seon wasn’t as ambitious about work as Je-Gal Hyeok. With the messages delivered, I rose from my seat. Then I looked at the scrolls scattered around and addressed Cheol Ji-Seon. "I’ll arrange for you to have a room of your own soon. You can't stay here forever." At the mention of moving to his own room, Cheol Ji-Seon seemed flustered. “…A, Alone?” “If you’re alone, someone could come and kill you, so I’ll assign a guard.” “O, Okay.” Cheol Ji-Seon's face turned pale at my grim words. But it was the reality. This place was ruthless. It would be catastrophic if anything went wrong. "Regarding your guard... hmm." Who should be assigned? I pondered briefly and spoke casually. "It’ll be safe until the tournament, so we’ll use someone from the Hwangbo family for now. After that, I'll assign Bongsoon..." “Do you mean Bongsoon Sojeo?” At the mention of Bongsoon, Cheol Ji-Seon flinched and replied. His expression showed he couldn’t trust her. I understood. Even I found it hard to trust. But what can we do? "Anyone else?" "Everyone's busy." "You have Seong Gongja by your side! He looks strong too..." "Bongsoon is still stronger than him." For now, anyway. "That’s not the point!" "The strength of the guard matters, what’s more important than that? Anyway, consider it settled. I’m off." "Wait-!" Cheol Ji-Seon tried to add something, but I was already out and had closed the door. In case he followed and nagged, I quickly leapt away. With that, I headed towards my next destination. --- After leaving the residence and flying under the moonlight for a while, I soon found myself in a forest, having left Hanam slightly behind. The destination I sought was finally in sight. I gradually lowered my altitude and landed softly in the forest. Thud. Once grounded, I found myself in a forest untouched by moonlight. It's dark. Having been here before, it felt even darker than I remembered. 'Hoo.' I steadied my breathing and surveyed the surroundings. A cool breeze hinted at summer's end. The constant chorus of crickets filled the air, and following the sound, I started walking slowly through the forest. Chrrrp. The sound of insects and the scent of grass carried by the wind soothed me, yet contrary to that, each step I took felt more tangled and sticky. ‘Tch...’ There was no particular reason for my hesitation. I was on my way to meet Gu Hee Bi. To be precise, it wasn't really Gu Hee Bi I was going to meet but rather... ‘Cheonma.’ I was going to see the Cheonma she was hosting. Regardless of my objectives with Gu Hee Bi, the more significant purpose lay with Cheonma. I should have gone sooner. But I didn't. Even now, my steps dragged slower than they might have otherwise. Despite my reluctance, I forced myself to press onward. I didn't want to go. I didn't want to see. Yet, I had to go. This messy contradiction was clashing within my heart. At the same time, the encounter from last time flashed through my mind. The Cheonma was vastly different from what I knew—the forlorn gaze and voice she had as she looked at me. The memory of that scene unsettled my insides. Honestly, I didn’t want to go. My thoughts remained unorganized. Yet still— ‘I have to go.’ There was no other way. No matter how much I searched, the only option left was a direct approach. ‘Am I prepared…?’ I had already replenished most of the energy spent breaking through the barrier. I prepared my body for any possible conflict that might arise. First, I needed to know what questions to ask. I had to inquire about my grandfather with Gu Hee Bi firsthand. And also, ‘I need to ask about my father.’ He hadn’t shown up even after the Martial Arts Tournament began. Lady Mi had urged not to worry, yet I couldn't put my mind at ease. Perhaps Gu Hee Bi knew why. I planned to ask her about that first. Afterward, ‘I have questions for Cheonma.’ The Lady of the Dark Night, who had taken her away. I needed to know the whereabouts of Taejeolgwi, who she might have taken with her. If she refused to disclose the information, then there was no other choice but to handle the issues as they arose. As I continued walking at a lengthened pace amidst my pool of questions— Suddenly, I halted. "..." Something felt odd. ‘What is it?’ Why... ‘Why is there no sound?’ The night was shadowed, illuminated solely by the moon. While silence might not be unusual, this level of quiet was unnatural. Every sound that was persistently in my surroundings disappeared. The crickets chirping a moment ago, the rustling of the leaves by the wind—all gone. Total silence. I put one foot forward. “...” Though my step touched the ground, there was no sound. A chilling sensation crept over me, and instinctively, I drew upon my power. Zzzzziiiing! The rings of the Nine Flames Circle technique ignited, kindling my body’s warmth. Fwoosh! Blue flames enshrouded me completely. Simultaneously, I expanded my senses throughout the area. Even though I covered the entire forest in a flash, I sensed nothing. "Damned...." What kind of dreadful situation is this? As I held onto my tension, unknown circumstances unfolded. “A fine flame.” “…!” A voice resonated. “Though its hue diverges from the intent, it is magnificent by itself. Well cultivated.” The voice was deep and ominous. I didn’t need to move my gaze. The voice originated directly in front of me. “It possesses quality. I find it appealing.” Fwoosh. The flame flickers. Someone approached, cloaked in flames, from straight ahead. Fwoosh. In the stilled silence, a figure in the shape of a human flame approached. Gulp. I swallowed nervously, a cold sweat running down my back. Zzzzziiiing! My heart raced, and energy surged within. Resonance. My flame resonated with that presence. Which meant— Was that flame also from the Nine Flames Circle technique? “That’s why it piques my curiosity.” I wanted to say something, but my lips wouldn’t move. "It's more than qualified. Overflows, even completed long ago." A fiery hand extended towards me. “Why have you not inherited the karma?” I felt a sudden weight on my chest at those words. “And beyond that…” Touching my cheek, the flame added, “Why have you become something monstrous and inhuman, my cherished descendant?”