711 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Title: The World's Number One's Childhood Friend Chapter 711 - Northern Rabbit Snap-! A hand clenched around the roster fiercely. With eyes blazing with anger, gazing beyond the martial stage towards a certain pavilion. Probably where the leader and the executives were gathered. Looking at that place, a frown formed on her face. "Those damn bastards." Emotions quivered in my voice. I forced down the aura threatening to spread. It wasn't easy to control. It was a sign that the anger inside was boiling over. Yu Yeon and Wi Seol Ah were put in the same match. Just the sight of it made it feel like thorns were scratching my throat. The old schemes of the alliance. Even with the new leader, nothing had changed, and a hollow laugh almost escaped me. ‘Those sons of bitches.’ The reason for setting it up this way was blatantly obvious. Wi Seol Ah had recently been recognized as the successor of The Sword Saint, her reputation subtly spreading. Due to her distinct appearance. ‘Those who learn the Moon Immortal Sword gain blonde hair and golden eyes.’ It's a characteristic of the unique martial art used by The Sword Saint. And this was officially acknowledged by The Sword Saint. Not only her unbelievable appearance but also the martial prowess she showed at the New Dragon Hall backed this. No matter how quietly she lived, many wouldn't have forgotten the news of The Sword Saint's successor appearing. Just look at Two-Dragon. Known only as one of the Six Dragons and Three Peaks, when it spread that Two-Dragon was the disciple of The Rejected One, the value changed drastically. The value of being a successor to the Three Sages was just that significant. Among them, The Sword Saint was the closest to being the world's best. Former alliance leader from two generations ago, still considered the mountain the current Sword Immortal must overcome. Such a successor of The Sword Saint appeared at the Martial Arts Festival. ‘Couldn't help but exploit that, huh?’ Even just looking at the roster, their vile intentions were too clear. The Holy Light Monk of Shaolin defeats the successor of The Sword Saint. Elevating Shaolin's current status and furthermore. ‘They plan to erase the name The Sword Saint left behind?’ A political move to solidify the current Sword Immortal’s position was evident. Crushing each other's symbols to erase the traces. From a political standpoint, it wasn't a bad strategy. After all, the names of the predecessors are likely burdens to the successors. But. ‘It’s disgusting.’ Wi Seol Ah was placed in that position. That’s what’s infuriating and makes me boil with anger. To the point where I want to rush in and kill them all. A tightly clenched fist trembled. What to do? Calming down wasn’t going well. At that moment. A cold sensation touched the back of my hand. It was Namgoong Bi Ah's hand. "…" Namgoong Bi Ah quietly wrapped her hand around mine. Perhaps because of the touch of her cool skin, I managed to hold back without exploding. Yes, just holding back. I wasn't calming down or settling down; I could only endure it. ‘Please, let it be enough.’ Without any problem. I earnestly hope that nothing I worry about happens. Otherwise. ‘I don’t know what I’ll do.’ I might lose control, exploding and turning everything around me into chaos. I ardently hoped it wouldn't come to that. ****************** The preliminaries commenced. On the martial stage, pairs of warriors began their matches, just like yesterday. Those whose match order was later kept a quiet atmosphere in the waiting area. It was the same for Wi Seol Ah. She sat in place, completely still without moving an inch. The only thing moving was her mouth. Wi Seol Ah was putting something into her cheek and chewing diligently. It was a traditional Korean cookie, yakgwa. A sweet flavor spread in her mouth. She felt that as she quickly chewed the yakgwa, though she appeared to chew slowly. After eating one, she put another one in. Even while snacking, Wi Seol Ah's expression remained unchanged. Unlike the way she gleefully ate in front of Gu Yangcheon. In truth, Wi Seol Ah didn't particularly like snacks. She enjoyed them when young, but as she aged, she grew less fond of sweet things. Over time, she only ate snacks if offered. Amongst all, she still had yakgwa. Not because the taste was particularly appealing… but for the memories associated with it. They became memories due to what he often provided. Eating yakgwa was a way to reminisce about those memories. ‘Sweet.’ Sweet and sugary. He probably still believed she liked snacks. So whenever he returned from somewhere, he'd bring something along. A lot, really. "Hehe." Recalling that brought a fleeting smile to Wi Seol Ah's usually expressionless face. He probably wouldn't know. That the reason she enjoyed having food was that he looked on affectionately, as if she were cute. ‘I hope he never finds out.’ For him to remain oblivious indefinitely would be nice. So she could stay beside him looking like a child for as long as possible. Holding onto a bit of a selfish wish, Wi Seol Ah took another yakgwa. Many gazes were cast her way due to her looks or because of The Sword Saint's connection... But Wi Seol Ah paid them no mind. Having faced so much, she had grown accustomed to it. It merely prompted her to recall something forgotten. ‘I forgot the face mask again.’ The face mask he insisted she always wear. Wi Seol Ah had forgotten it yet again. Would there be a scolding later? As she slightly worried about it, someone approached her. "Miss Wi." At the call, Wi Seol Ah lifted her head to see a refreshingly handsome young man. White martial attire with plum blossom embroidery. And a familiar face. It was Geomryong Yeong Pung. "Is this Miss Wi?" "Ah." Yeong Pung smiled and spoke, and Wi Seol Ah nodded. "Hello." “Oh, nice to see you. It's been a while. I think the last time was the New Dragon Hall. Do you remember me?” “Yes.” She remembered. As someone he spoke highly of, she's aware. Not more, not less than that. “I heard you'd be at the Martial Arts Festival, so I thought I'd come by to greet you.” "Oh… nice to see you." "It's a shame. If Gu Sohyeop were here, I’d greet him too." He genuinely looked regretful. “I heard Gu Sohyeop did something incredible again. Truly an impressive person.” “Right? Gu Gongja is amazing.” Wi Seol Ah smiled, responding to the compliment about Gu Yangcheon. “Yes, he truly is remarkable. If you happen to see Gu Sohyeop... could you let him know that I'm watching over him fondly?” Wi Seol Ah tilted her head slightly at Yeong Pung’s words. “You could just tell him yourself.” If he wanted to see him so much, why didn’t he go to see Gu Yangcheon directly? As she pondered over this, Yeong Pung explained to Wi Seol Ah. “I have decided not to meet Gu Sohyeop until we face each other in this Martial Arts Festival.” Yeong Pung’s expression grew steadfast, reflecting his determination. “So, I carefully ask if you could pass on the message to him.” An emotion Wi Seol Ah struggled to comprehend. But she nodded nonetheless. “Okay.” “Ah! Thank you.” Yeong Pung smiled in response to Wi Seol Ah’s reply and paid his respects to her. “I apologize for interrupting your rest. I wish you great success.” “Yes.” After the brief conversation ended, Yeong Pung left, and Wi Seol Ah redirected her gaze. The refreshing image of Yeong Pung quickly faded from her mind. With an impassive glance, she surveyed her surroundings. When she glanced around, occasionally meeting eyes by chance, it was mostly because they were already observing her. Each person reacted differently every time their eyes met hers. The reactions varied: some quickly looked away, others paused awkwardly, and a handful showed pleasure or lustful interest. A few manifested feelings of hostility or ambiguous emotions. Everyone bore their own unique eyes. How could they be so diverse? Observing these varied responses, Wi Seol Ah had a peculiar thought. 'It's uncomfortable.' Being in the same space as such individuals. Breathing the same air as them. It inexplicably felt uncomfortable and suffocating. Why was she feeling this way? As her breathing grew labored, she brought Gu Yangcheon to mind. With that, she could feel herself gradually calming down. This was far from normal. Her uniqueness might discomfort him. She contemplated and reflected on it repeatedly. ‘I mustn’t let him be aware of this discomfort.’ Otherwise, he would concern himself. He would gaze at her with those worry-filled eyes and try to help somehow. Wi Seol Ah disliked that. Thus, she endured it. Calmly, she quelled her emotions, nonchalantly taking another bite of yakgwa. The yakgwa was almost finished. Observing this, Wi Seol Ah felt a twinge of regret. Could she find more somewhere? As she pondered while gazing around her, “...” “...” She locked eyes with yet another person. The gaze was peculiar. This individual, unlike most, neither averted their eyes nor bore the typical feelings. ‘Who is that?’ She wasn’t sure. The shaved head and clothing hinted at someone from Shaolin. They exchanged silent gazes. Several seconds passed. A bow. The stranger respectfully withdrew their gaze from Wi Seol Ah. Seeing this, Wi Seol Ah slightly nodded her head in return. It was an unusual feeling. But it was quickly forgotten. There was no need to keep it in mind for long. She remained silent for quite some time thereafter. Until her turn arrived, Wi Seol Ah focused, building a wall to keep everyone at bay, eyes closed. Then, as her turn came, she opened her eyes. Ascending the martial stage, she realized the individual she had locked eyes with earlier was her opponent. “I am Yu Yeon from Shaolin. Pleased to meet you.” The person from Shaolin she had seen before. Yu Yeon introduced himself and greeted her once more. “I am Wi Seol Ah.” They exchanged greetings, with the referee standing between them. For some reason, the spectators seemed unusually heated. Though there seemed to be noise coming from them, Wi Seol Ah heard none of it. It was akin to the bark of a dog. She was solely focused on her opponent. The same gaze as before, but closer now, the emotions within were clearer. Thus, she had to ask. “Why so?” “Pardon?” Yu Yeon hesitated in response to Wi Seol Ah’s question. “Why are you looking at me like that?” “...What…?” “What are you so sorry for?” “…!” Wi Seol Ah’s puzzled question shattered Yu Yeon’s composure. She could clearly see it. It was the expression of someone who had been found out. “Why do you harbor such feelings toward me? Do you have a reason?” A question both innocent and cutting. Hearing it, Yu Yeon remained silent. He merely bit his lip and appeared troubled. She couldn’t understand. Why was this person feeling sorry toward her? Wi Seol Ah couldn’t grasp it. Then Yu Yeon slowly began to speak to Wi Seol Ah. “…I heard you are the successor of The Sword Saint.” At those words, a crease formed on Wi Seol Ah's brow. It was the most cumbersome question. “So?” “I am referred to as the Holy Light Monk of Shaolin.” The Holy Light Monk of Shaolin. A name she’d heard before, albeit not in detail. “So, there might be many reasons why you and I stand here today.” What did he mean? Being naive about worldly affairs, Wi Seol Ah couldn’t quite tell. “That’s what I’m concerned about, and I seem to have failed in maintaining proper decorum. I will exercise restraint.” Complex emotions and discomfort were apparent. Even after hearing Yu Yeon’s explanation, Wi Seol Ah still didn’t get it. “What’s the problem with that?” “Pardon?” “I don’t really understand those things. So right now.” With her hand on her sword's hilt, she questioned Yu Yeon. “Does that mean you’re not going to fight me?” “...” “Regardless of the circumstances, if you’re not planning to avoid the fight, focus on the battle.” Holy Light Monk and Shaolin, and all else aside The emotions of her opponent mattered not to Wi Seol Ah. Those weren’t what mattered. “I think that’s where your apology and manners lie right now.” Yu Yeon’s eyes widened at her indifferent tone. Was it her unexpected words? Or was it because of being reprimanded by a peer? Whatever it was, Yu Yeon’s eyes, which had momentarily hardened, began to calm down somewhat. "...I'm sorry." Yu Yeon muttered an apology, markedly different from before, and assumed a stance. Seeing this, Wi Seol Ah drew her sword as well. Sreung— The sharp blade gleamed under the light. The referee, confirming Yu Yeon and Wi Seol Ah were ready, nodded. "...Begin the duel!" With the referee's signal, Yu Yeon steadied his breathing. However, hesitation still lingered. Yu Yeon bit his lip slightly, creasing his brow in frustration. Then. Swish. The sound of something slicing echoed from somewhere. Yu Yeon glanced downward. Something had been cut from his clothing and was fluttering to the ground. A fabric band. Seeing this, Yu Yeon's eyes widened like saucers. The band finally dropped to the floor. "I just mentioned it. Didn't you hear?" A voice came from ahead. Yu Yeon quickly turned towards the young woman. She stood calmly, still holding her sword. "Focus." Her posture remained serene as if she hadn't even swung her sword. "I said, focus." Cold sweat began to form on Yu Yeon's scalp as he felt a chill run down his spine.