755 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

### Friend of the World's Best, Chapter 755 > North Rabbit - Web Novel Archive “Goodness…” In a secluded area, far removed from the bustling city. A lake adorned with autumn-touched maple leaves and graceful-scaled carp. Beneath a lavishly priced mansion, an old man let out a sigh. An ethereal energy hovered in the air. Melodies being crafted to connect those wisps. Others couldn't see it, but the old man could clearly discern the disturbing scene. ‘...Gaju, just what are you up to?’ It was undoubtedly the power of a curse. A realm that was systematically and meticulously prepared over an extended time. Imagining what might have been used as sacrifices for such a purpose was simply unfathomable. It was chilling. What kind of intentions could create such malevolence? ‘...’ Wiping the cold sweat from his brow, the old man, Shinui, furrowed his brow. Should he proceed to the city now, even at this moment? Shinui's physical form was that of an ordinary person. Thus, while the sounds were inaudible due to the distance, his intuition could sense them. He could feel the pain and screams. Someone was likely crying out in agony, and their suffering was his suffering too. He needed to go. With his aging body, what could he realistically achieve? These hesitations were luxuries. Hadn't he known ever since he abandoned his family name? ‘I am a physician.’ Life was bitter enough to run from always. But Shinui never forgot that conviction. He might continue to carry on with his elderly body, but not at the expense of abandoning his duty. With that resolve, his steps almost headed toward the city, except— "Sir, please don't forget." “...” Halted. The words he heard at dawn tied Shinui's feet. "No matter what transpires today, please close your eyes and ears. Just stay here for a brief moment." Those words were from the wretched fellow who had put him through rigorous sessions under the guise of instruction. "What exactly do you mean?" "I'm sure, somehow, you'll try to intervene, sir. I'm asking you to hold back." "You're speaking like a lunatic. Speak plainly so this old man can understand." "…" The rascal seemed to ponder for a moment. That worried expression was intimidating in its own right. Sadly, Shinui had no talent for cosmetic restoration, leaving him helpless in that regard. Nevertheless. After pondering for a while, the fellow began to speak as if trying to persuade him. "Just trust me and stay put. If that doesn’t work, I'll resort to threats, so could you please trust me?" "...?" He honestly thought the fellow had lost it. Threatening if he didn’t comply—what kind of mindset could lead someone to say such a thing? Incomprehensible, yet the scary part was the certainty that he would indeed threaten him. An audacious, mad fellow indeed. "...I've never met anyone quite like you in my life." "Yes, it's my first encountering someone like me too." "Ditch the poor jokes. So, what exactly do you want me to do?" Oddly enough, despite his infuriating words, Shinui found himself inclined to listen to the fellow. What he said often sounded absurd, but he never broke a promise. Even when it incurred personal loss, he didn't distress others. The problem, indeed, was that all outcomes led to his downfall, remedying other issues instead. A form of sacrifice. A guy who offered himself as a shield for others. Calling him a saint felt absurd, yet that word momentarily crossed his mind. Shinui wondered if he too might be somewhat insane. "...It's simple. Just don't leave here today, no matter what unfolds." "What on earth do you mean?" "That's all you need to know. Just don't leave." In a tone that demanded promise, Shinui chose not to respond. If he insisted so forcefully, it indicated that something abnormal was about to occur. "This is one peculiar fellow." Shinui chuckled dryly. "If something significant happens, I should just pack and flee. You telling me to stay put is the same as asking this old man to die…." "I'm saying so knowing that you wouldn’t run." "..." The fellow's gaze was resolute. "With your frail body, you’ll undoubtedly try to intervene. If that happens, it'll only trouble me. So please, stay here." "Damn...! This young fellow is indeed something." Just as Shinui was about to show discomfort at the rather out-of-line words,— "Please." The fellow continued, looking into his eyes. "Nothing is going to happen. I'll make sure of it, no matter what it takes." "…" A sense of earnestness resonated. Though faint, it was undeniably sincere. Perhaps that was why. Despite his lack of understanding on one side. Shinui's eventual response was a positive acknowledgment to remain. It wasn't anything else. Nothing will happen. I'll ensure it. Putting aside the urgency reflected in his eyes and the atmosphere he created— He trusted the words the young man uttered. That was all. Yet. “This isn't right.” This wasn't as it should be. Dark clouds loomed ominously, and a nearly completed curse formation lay before him. The ominous sight alone was enough to horrify. What was the medium used to craft such an extensive curse, and what would materialize upon its culmination? He could hardly imagine, but it would surely be something he wished not to envision. Shinui dared to predict it would be so. Certainly, if this were true— “…What is he thinking?” What on earth could that young man be contemplating? Can he truly manage this situation despite what's unfolding? It defied common sense to believe. Yet, unbelievably, that singular, tenuous assurance kept Shinui's feet bound. “...” It was suffocating. His chest tightened. His breath quickened. He had to go. This wasn't merely a favor; he needed to go. As Shinui came to this conclusion and finally prepared to move forward— "Stay." “...!” Someone halted Shinui in his tracks. Turning his head swiftly, he saw a woman with an air of weariness standing behind him. “How did you come to be here?” Her pale skin and silvery-white hair. With keen eyes akin to her lineage, though weariness overshadowed, mellowing her sharpness somewhat. An enchanting presence. A woman with features as though crafted with the essence of flowers. The woman clutched a garment of unknown fabrics in her hands. It was the clothes of the rascal Shinui referred to as "that damned fellow." Upon seeing her, Shinui's expression immediately turned into a grimace. "I told patients not to wander freely. Yet none of you heed this old man's words." "…" Despite Shinui's scolding, the woman remained expressionless. She was always like that. Unmoved by anyone's words—except for one person. Step. Ignoring the reprimand, she emerged and brought the clothes she was holding to her nose, sniffing a few times. What on earth was she doing? For a moment, Shinui was bewildered, but after sniffing for a bit, she donned the outer garment. "What on earth are you doing…?" "I was going to sleep…" Swoosh. As she continued, the woman abruptly drew a sword. "…" Seeing that, the old man fell silent. The once listless woman transformed the moment she held the sword. Even Shinui, who had witnessed all sorts of spectacles in his day, was struck speechless. "The smell is too strong…. I can't… fall asleep." "…What…." "So… I'm going out…. Please stay here." "No, where are you going? I too…." "Stay." “…!” Her eyes turned toward Shinui. At those eyes, Shinui's body momentarily trembled. The sleepy gaze vanished, replaced by a cold visage. Startled by her gaze, he hesitated. It was then— The woman moved fluidly. Alarmed, Shinui tried to grab her, but his hand swiped through empty air. She was already gone. Pop! A brief flash of light, and there was nothing left in her place. "Hah!" Taken aback by the absurdity, Shinui laughed helplessly. Then, thud! A hand gently laid upon his shoulder. What now? "I tried to keep her here with all my might. But it seems, given her lineage, she takes after me quite a bit." The one with the hand on his shoulder was a middle-aged man with the same silver-white hair as the woman who had just left. He stood out by having only one arm. Yet again, it was a face Shinui recognized. "…It's you?" "My apologies. The fault is mine for improperly educating my niece as my student." That annoying chuckle on his face was infuriating. If anyone misused their handsome features, it was undoubtedly him. "So, I'll count my punishment to be as a companion while I fetch her back. Sir, please wait a moment." Hmm? "…What? Hang on!" Swoosh-! Scarcely had he uttered those words when this man vanished before his eyes. In the blink of an eye, two of his patients had staged an escape. "…" Watching the two runaways, the old man frowned deeply. "…Those damned Namgung brats." His quiet murmur was laden with numerous implications. ****************** After soaring through the air for a while. His feet finally touched the ground. -Thud! -Cling! Clang! Sharp sounds resonated from everywhere, yet— In a relatively desolate place. Upon arriving there, the young man. Gu Yangcheon turned to glance back. “Huff.” There was an old man, continuously clearing his throat. It was Pil-du-ma. “Hah… Huff.” Noticing him, Gu Yangcheon spoke. [You look terrible.] "…" His sweat-drenched appearance was quite pitiable. Realizing this, the old man gave a slightly awkward expression. "…I've shown an unsightly side to the Gyoju." [Indeed, it was rather unsightly. Yet, it was amusing in its way.] "…I did not expect Hwangbo Gaju to appear suddenly." His appearance wasn’t all; the strength he wielded was beyond expectations. His power far surpassed anticipated limits. [Hmm.] There was a hint of dissatisfaction. Seeing this, the old man hurried to elaborate. "Ha, however. There is no issue with the plan." Given the significance of the plan, his concern was that there were no hitches. It was a statement made with that intent. It was something Gu Yangcheon acknowledged as well. [Indeed. As long as that’s ensured.] Swoosh. His masked face turned to the horizon. The dark clouds had turned much darker than initially, and the line connecting was nearly complete. [Is that what you mentioned?] "Yes." The old man nodded. "It is a formula activated using six mediums." Even as he spoke, he watched his counterpart cautiously. There was no reaction. It was a signal to continue his explanation. "Once all lines are connected… The calamity I previously described will be unleashed." [I see. Oh, right. Cheonra Daeju.] "Yes, Gyoju." [I have something to ask.] "Please, go ahead." [The formula—can it be activated without you?] "That is… what…?" [Answer.] Though momentarily taken aback by the subtle inquiry, the old man continued his response. "As it is already activated, unless the mediums are found and destroyed, it will not cease." [You hid the mediums well, didn’t you?] "Yes. No matter if Fenglong Daeju intervenes…. It can't be found and neutralized within today." [Excellent.] He chuckled upon hearing the explanation. Fenglong Daeju entering would merely speed things up. Otherwise, it would take several days, so there should be no issue. In addition. The purple gaze behind the mask focused on Pil-du-ma. [What a relief.] "Gyoju…?" What kind of gaze was it? Somehow, it sent shivers down Pil-du-ma's spine. In his curious and uneasy state, he intended to pose a question. Thud. He sensed a presence. Turning, Pil-du-ma saw someone approaching him. A figure cloaked in yellow garments and a covered face. "Damn!" An enemy, perhaps? Hastily, Pil-du-ma seized a blunt weapon, rising to face the threat. He hadn't noticed the approach. It meant the opponent was formidable. Startled as he was, thankfully, he had no concern. For by his side was the supreme among the three sovereigns—the Pachon. Guawk-! “…Cough…!?” He spewed blood, his eyes wide. Looking down, he saw something. His chest. A hand had pierced through his chest. With a creak, he turned his head. He looked upon the one who had ambushed him. "…Gyo…ju…?" Drip. His gaze was filled with bewilderment. Then, a hand slowly reached for the mask. Clunk. The mask held in his hand slowly came off. The cracked mask was soon completely removed, revealing the face behind it to Pil-du-ma. “…What…?” Surprise was evident on the elderly man’s face. The radiant violet eyes remained unchanged, but the face was much younger than expected. No, his youth was not the issue. What mattered was— "…You… are…." The one he thought was the Heavenly Demon was, in fact, a person Pil-du-ma knew. "So... Yeom..." "I'm sorry." Squelch! "…Ugh…" With a thud, Pil-du-ma fell powerlessly as the hand withdrew from his chest. Something rolled next to him. It was Pil-du-ma's heart, extracted from his chest. Even though it still pulsated, indicating life remained. "…Ugh…" Desperately, Pil-du-ma tried to grasp it. Crunch! A foot came down, crushing the heart. “I was going to use you a bit longer.” The apathetic voice wrapped around Pil-du-ma’s ears. “Unfortunately, you’re no longer needed.” That would be the last voice Pil-du-ma ever heard. The elderly man who dreamt of restoring the Jegal Clan drew his last breath without resistance. As his body grew cold, Gu Yangcheon walked forward. Grind--!! With each step, his form made a coarse sound and began to change. The massive body gradually shrank. "…" His deliberate steps came to an end before a figure from the Hwangbo family who had appeared just before. That person now knelt to greet Gu Yangcheon. “How are things?” Gu Yangcheon asked nonchalantly upon seeing him in this state. Then, “As per your command, we’re focusing on civilian rescues and minimizing fatalities.” Slide. The figure spoke and removed his mask. It was Na Hee. Na Hee was operating under the guise of the Hwangbo family. “Ensure the center area is free of people.” “I will make sure of it.” Gu Yangcheon took off the garb he was wearing and handed it to Na Hee. Na Hee adeptly accepted it, then glanced at Pil-du-ma's corpse. “What should be done with this?” He asked if the already lifeless body should be disposed of discreetly. “I’ve already informed Hwangbo Gaju, he will handle it. Have some people toss it at the designated location.” “Understood.” Pil-du-ma would be found dead in some remote mountain area. Or, rather, he needed to be discovered there. Hwangbo Gaju would come to his senses, set out to find the guy, and the narrative would be that he died in the midst of a struggle shortly after being found. Afterward, he expanded his senses to grasp the situation. Everywhere, the impact of the skirmishes could be felt. ‘More than expected.’ Those opposing the attack weren’t only from Hwangbo’s side. ‘There are people from the Mount Hua Sect and some martial artists as well.’ He anticipated they would crumble pathetically, yet there proved to be more benevolent souls than anticipated. Was this pleasing or irritating? He wasn’t quite sure how to feel about it. After assessing the situation, he gave Na Hee instructions. “Reinforce the personnel.” “Contacting the troops.” The Iron Night Assassination Squad, which was on standby, also needed to mobilize. “Move.” Swoosh-! At Gu Yangcheon’s words, Na Hee vanished from sight. Time was of the essence. Looking up at the sky, a thought emerged. “…” What’s the next step? He pondered briefly. It wasn’t that he didn’t know what to do. It was a matter of whether the task he had to undertake was the right one. So he deliberated briefly but— “...I have to do it, regardless.” It was a resolved problem with a set answer. “Let’s go.” He tucked the mask away within his garment. At this point, enough recognition had been achieved, even fleetingly. He’d shown a sufficient glimpse that evil which could create this turmoil existed. He showed it to the alliance. It wasn’t entirely enough, but it was satisfactory. This was a time of chaos. Though it was fabricated chaos, it was still tumult. A harbinger of chaos. Something burdened with screams and despair. He had revealed the potential regarding that. Now, leaving that as it was, it was time to focus on other matters. -Screaaam…. -Please save me… Please save me…. -Dad…! Where’s Dad…!! Daaaaad! When chaos arises, heroes tend to follow suit. Once an evildoer has instigated chaos. Now was the time for a hero to rise above that chaos. “…” He suppressed the nausea welling up, swallowed it, and sprang into action. “Life truly is…” He had just played the villain. “Damn it.” Now, it was his turn to become the hero.