758 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

**Chapter 758: North Rabbit - Web Novel Repository** *Whoosh!* *Bang--!* A series of explosions echoed continuously. The stifling heat saturated the surroundings, making it hard to breathe. *Whoooosh-!!* Azure flames roared and soared upward. I hurled the spear relentlessly, unleashing all my energy. "Hff!" One more shot. *Whoosh--!!* The spear flew and struck its target. I immediately deactivated the mental restraint, causing it to explode. *Fwooosh--!!* A thunderous boom spread shockwaves in all directions. "...Ugh...!" "Argh!" Those with lower abilities couldn't withstand the force and were swept away. The ground where it struck was already in a state of utter devastation, likely due to the power unleashed with all my might. But still... 'Do I need to use two more?' My expression was still far from favorable. Six shots had already been taken. Even having launched them to my limit, it seemed I needed a few more. It was a thought that instinctively crossed my mind. *Gulp.* I recalled and chewed another Dose of the Poison Pill. Though it pained me to use the few I had left, there was no other choice. 'The Poison King will handle it.' Since he almost succeeded in creating more, let's consider this an investment. Otherwise, I might die from the pain first. '...Damn, how much would these sell for?' Probably a bit more expensive than a Millennial Cold Iron. Enough to buy a decent place right at the heart of Hanoi. 'Crap....' The calculations made my stomach churn. I was already annoyed from using one earlier, and now it was the second one. 'Huu....' I squinted my eyes, trying to calm my fiery insides. As much as it stung, I had to think rationally for the moment. After all, what use is money if I'm dead and can't use it? 'I need to survive first.' Bringing the goal back into focus, I circulated my energy. The smoke from the repeated explosions was so thick that it was hard to see ahead. Yet, I knew it. Nothing had achieved what the wind had hoped for. *Fwooosh--!!* I swept away the smoke with gusting pressure. There, under the cleared view, stood the target clearly visible. *Crack, crack.* The white mass I saw at the beginning. Still spewing out threads, the pure white something. It seemed slightly cracked, likely due to the spear's impact, but it wasn't completely destroyed. '...Tsk.' I clicked my tongue briefly at the sight. I had hoped, but it was as expected, after all. 'Despite its appearance, it is indeed a White-Rank creature, isn't it?' A White-Rank monster. Also known as a Dragon. The remnants of something sealed in Hanoi. That must be it. I'm sure of it. 'That's why it's taking such a toll on one's mental state.' I became certain as I saw the cracked parts. It was because the mental energy was mixed in that such damage was inflicted. The problem is. 'Is that all it was?' Even considering the fact that the damage was less than expected was an issue. The cracks were clear, but that was all. It was too ambiguous to consider as a definite impact. 'Though I've put all my strength into it.' Unlike during the martial arts stage, I had unleashed the spear with all my might. And during the Martial Tournament, I'd used it only twice against the Divine Dragon, meaning this was far beyond comparison to those days. Look. "...Is this the power of So Yomla...?" "This is beyond the rumors, truly too much...." The warriors who had appeared around me were astounded by the power of the spear. Judging by their attire, they were from renowned martial sects. 'I see disciples from the Mount Hua sect. Are those from Kunlun, too?' Some of the Orthodox Union and even some monks from Shaolin were present. I caught a glimpse of some from prestigious families. Yet, sect members outnumbered them. Numbers in the dozens. Judging by the sense of battle from them, it seemed they had been stopping the assault until just moments ago. And now, they came here after sensing the aura. 'They've got guts.' Rather than fleeing, they ran right to the center. Their persistence is something to acknowledge. I quickly memorized their faces. If it ever came to kill them in the future, I'd try to spare as many as possible. So, for now. "Listen well." "What?" "...Gasp!" Charging my voice with my energy, it echoed amplified in all directions. I made it as loud as possible so everyone could hear. "From now on, those who cannot wield their mental states, step back." A brief warning thrown out. It elicited quite an intense reaction. "Mental state?" "If it's the mental state...does that mean something like Sword-Spirit-Unification?" For martial sects, it could be elders' levels, or maybe even the sect leaders'—such a rare achievement. Embedding one's mental state into martial arts. It's something only achievable when a lifetime of profound enlightenment and supreme state merge. "To tell those who can't wield it to step back.... Does that mean..." "You're saying you can wield it...?" Could it mean So Yomla can wield it? This caused quite a surprise. Could this possibly be more crucial than why I mentioned my mental state? Martial artists were indeed unpredictable folks. "This isn't what matters right now. If you can't use it, staying will be of little help, so if you can't, step back." To me, addressing the current situation was more important than any such reaction. This is a characteristic identified by the Tyrant. The White-Rank creature cannot be harmed without the power of mental states. Such an absurd and preposterous trait. 'Elders of prestigious families and sects. At least reaching that level meets the condition.' It was excessively ridiculous. No matter how you looked at it, it was a frustrating requirement. 'What choice do I have?' I'd have to comply. Complaining about the situation wouldn't change anything. 'Huff.' I sighed and loosened up my body. At the same time, I glanced sideways and spoke. "You too, get out." "..." "Seriously, why won't you ever listen? What are you doing coming here?" I frowned as I spoke, making Namgung Bia flinch slightly. And why is she wearing my clothes? "I distinctly told you this morning. Just stay quietly. Why won't you listen?" "...." She offered no reply. She just stared at me blankly with her signature expressionless face. The feelings in her eyes conveyed worry and a hint of anger. A few years ago, I wouldn't have recognized these emotions, but now I could see them somewhat. "Did you come here knowing what that is?" "...What's that supposed to be...?" "...Hm?" "...I don't know what it is...." Namgung Bia's eyes shifted slightly. At a glance, it seemed like a frown. "But... why do only you know...?" Most people don't know. Why are you the only one who does? Her question left me momentarily speechless. My eyes twitched. Did she notice? She probably did. "That's because..." "..." Just as I was hesitating, unable to find the words, "...You don't have to say anything.... However..." *Swish.* Namgung Bia had already drawn her sword. "...Don't tell me not to say anything either...." "..." A flawless strategy of mutual silence. ‘Damn.’ When did she become so clever? I hadn't realized she could speak so well. With me left speechless, unable to retort, "Her words ring true. Absolutely right." A voice chuckled from somewhere, revealing a middle-aged man. With striking white hair, he was quite imposing. "...Gwaiseon." Mu-dang Gwaiseon, Namgung Hyung. Woo-hyuk's mentor. As I stared at him, Namgung Hyung gestured quickly. "Let me be clear, I came to stop her. But our niece has quite a stubborn streak. Hahaha." Of course, he failed. A feeble excuse. ‘Couldn't stop him either, huh?’ I didn't expect him to show up. ‘I managed to stop Woo-hyuk, though.’ Woo-hyuk is currently holed up elsewhere. Being of demonic nature, I commanded him to stay, ensuring he remained inside to guard the maiden. In truth, I amplified his perception that staying put was to protect the lady. One by one, I tried to prevent those connected to me from coming to this place. I was sure of it. "But preventing it doesn't mean it will stop." There were more presences felt behind Namgung Bia. "Do you know how cruel you are, sir?" Tang Soyeol, seemingly irritated. And then, "Knowing what's going on here, how could you expect us to stay put? It's not something we can just ignore." Wi Seol-ah, bandaged across her chest. Seeing Wi Seol-ah made me consider several things. "Especially you—this isn't a place you should be." She still lay bedridden from the duel with the Divine Dragon. Her external wounds and internal injuries required repeated rest. I spoke as if angry. "...How could I just lie there?" Wi Seol-ah smiled at me. "I simply couldn't." ‘This is maddening.’ I wanted to tell them all to get lost. Not to interfere and leave. I was tempted to shout and curse, to tell them to leave immediately. *Roooaaar.* "...Damn it." Even the luxury of persuasion was gone. I immediately turned to engage, gathering my strength. *Whirrrr.* "What is that, what is that?" "...Threads...!?" All those nearby widened their eyes. The white mass. Something assumed to be an egg had finally transformed, threads forming its shape. Layer by layer, lines interconnected. What emerged resembled... ‘Butterfly wings...?’ Butterfly wings. That was what it looked like. It wasn't overly large. But relative to the size of the egg, it was sizable enough. I confirmed it and calculated. ‘Was taking it down quickly a failure?’ Judging by its development, it seemed likely. But I wasn't disappointed. ‘I expected it to be like this.’ I hadn't believed it would go smoothly. *Thud.* *Whirl!* The Guyeomhwalyunkong's rings around my heart spun rapidly. Elevating the heat, my body began to activate. ‘I need more time to assess.’ What exactly is that thing? There wasn't enough time to verify. But, 'Learning through battle is the only way.' Now was the time to strike. *Clench-! *Whoosh--!! I enveloped myself in azure flames, preparing to leap. Just before I launched, I looked at the women watching me. What should I say? Should I tell them to just watch because it's dangerous? No. They weren't ones to listen to that. Should I tell them to be careful or not to get hurt? They'd just brush it off. Then should I tell them to run if it gets dangerous? No, they won't listen to that either. So then. "I'm not going to say this twice, so listen well." Only one thing remained. "If you think you can't help, step back. That would be the biggest help you can offer." "...!" "...." "...Gasp." The moment they heard my words, all three wore distressed expressions. I knew it might hurt them. But it was the most effective approach. After my words, *Boom-!! With a forceful stomp on the ground, I increased my speed. 'If I can't do it from afar, I'll do it up close.' The distance closed in an instant. *Swoosh-!* Feeling the momentum, I formed the spear in my hands. Although created for throwing, its raw power was greater this way. Gripping the completed spear with both hands, I thrust with all my might. Just before the spear struck the mass, *Grip-!* "...What the!?" The mass moved, a hand suddenly reached out and grabbed the spear. Yes, a hand. Not quite human, more like the paw of a beast. Such a hand had emerged, stopping the spear. Seeing this, I released my power. My judgment was quick. I let go of the spear and withdrew my body. I detonated the spear on the spot. *Boom---!!! The explosion unleashed a powerful shockwave. ‘What is this?’ I backed away, observing with a puzzled expression. *Crack, crack.* The explosion had hit the hand clutching the spear, breaking it apart and scattering debris. So far, so good. But then. ‘What is that?’ *Hissssss…. My gaze shifted from the hand to the mass itself. *Thud.* *Thud, thud.* Leaving the hand behind, The mass itself began to change. Starting with the arm that had first reached out, both arms formed. Through the torso, then legs and a tail. And finally the head. The creature that took shape staggered on two legs as it rose. What should I even call that? Bipedal like a human, but the limbs and tail suggested otherwise. Moreover, with butterfly wings on its back, its face was... ‘…A goat’s face.’ A goat or a mountain goat. It bore the head of a beast from that lineage. Its size, as mentioned earlier, was just beyond nine feet—a hefty stature for a human, yet diminutive for something called a dragon or monster. ‘It’s different from the dragons I’ve seen.’ Those dragons were as large as moving hills. What could this creature possibly be? I couldn’t discern its nature. However, *Trickle.* I wiped the cold sweat from my forehead as a realization dawned on me. From the instincts tingling through my body, one thing was clear. ‘…It’s dangerous.’ This creature was extremely perilous. I observed it cautiously, filled with an intense sense of warning. [...] The freshly awakened being tilted its head, surveying its surroundings. It looked at its arm and began assessing each individual around it. As it scanned the area, its gaze eventually met mine. “...” [...] Our eye contact was brief. Barely a second, if at all. And that was enough. “All units.” That fleeting moment told me more than enough about the creature's next move. “…Prepare for combat.” As I infused my words with energy, issuing the command, [A.] The creature emitted a short sound. [AAAAAAAAHHHH---!!!!] Then unleashed a deafening roar. A roar imbued with murderous intent. "Aaah….” “My ears…!” Caught off guard, everyone clutched at their ears. The mere sound sent tremors through their internal energy. The others understood as well. This was not a benign creature. It was a foe we would have to face. ‘…Incredible.’ A smile crept across my lips. From its sheer malice alone, it was clear. The odds did not look favorable. It was reminiscent of that time I confronted a mindless White-Rank monster. Attempting to hunt it now seemed nearly impossible, but— As tension mounted, I recalled my objective. ‘It’s alright.’ It would be fine. Hunting it might be dangerous, but— That wasn't my purpose with this creature. ‘I just need to endure.’ If I couldn't capture it quickly, the second plan would do. Holding out against it. Enduring until the very end—that was my second strategy. After all, I was not the one destined to hunt it down.