760 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

**Cheonhajeil’s Best Friend, Chapter 760: The Northern Hare - Web Novel Archive** *Rumble---!!!* The ground trembles wildly with the vibrations. I steadied myself and looked up at the sky. Countless dimensions, ripped apart as if eyes had opened in the void. Numerous demonic gates materialized above me. “Crazy bastard.” It was impossible not to curse at the sight. The sheer number of demonic gates was staggering, but that wasn’t all. They all glowed with a crimson light. This meant every single one of these gates was a red demonic gate, from which red-level monsters were about to emerge. Each one requiring a seasoned master to hunt down. Creatures capable of reducing entire regions to ruins merely by showing up. Of course, they weren't much of a threat to me anymore. ‘I could handle a couple of them easily.’ Objectively, I could take down five to six of them single-handedly. But still. ‘This number’s overkill.’ It was simply too many. A rough count suggested there were over thirty. Thirty red-ranked monsters? ‘That’s more than enough to obliterate Hanam.’ Even in my past life, I’d never seen such numbers. This was unexpected. The difficulty of facing them rose with their numbers, that was only natural. And this wasn’t a situation where I could flee or hunt them down while running away—I couldn’t leave the place. ‘There’s too much to protect.’ I surveyed the area. There were more than fifty people left. Unsurprisingly, their faces were filled with shock and horror. “Damn, so many red demonic gates.” “Damn it, what do we do now?” “How on earth do we stop that...?” Their voices, carrying a tone of desolation, echoed in my ears. How do we stop this? Despite being overwhelmed by fear, their words reverberated. ‘Tsk.’ Instead of fleeing, they were considering how to confront it. They knew. The moment they retreated, what these creatures would do to this place. And what would happen to the people who had sought refuge. They knew it instinctively. And so, even in a desperate situation, they were unable to flee. ‘...Ha.’ What a situation. ‘Typical of the orthodox sects, I suppose.’ They weren’t necessarily stupid people. Sure, with that kind of attitude, they were bound to die early. Would you like to know why the war in my past life was such a disaster? Because people like them died right at the onset. ‘Foolish beyond measure.’ They knew they had no chance of victory, yet they chose to confront rather than flee. And as expected, cruel reality offered no miracles. Just like that, they closed their eyes and were buried under pools of blood. That’s the harsh truth. “Damn it.” My lips went dry. If I didn’t handle this right, it would end up like last time. The issue was. ‘It’s all because of me.’ This wasn't due to the Heavenly Demon or the Blood Fiend. It was a situation I brought upon myself. ‘What a mess.’ I swallowed my wretched feelings. Before blame, I needed to assess the situation. Understanding it was more important than self-reproach right now. ‘Find a solution.’ So, I searched for a way. I forced my sluggish mind into rapid action. [Aaaaa---!] The beast still let out its ear-splitting roar. With its body riddled with fractures, it seemed to be in its death throes. I shifted my focus from it to the demonic gates. Then. ‘…Wait, what is that?’ My eyes narrowed instantly. Within the demonic gates, I noticed something strange. ‘There are lines inside.’ I could see unknown lines connected within the opened demonic gate. What could they be? As the question arose, the answer followed. ‘It matches the pattern in the sky.’ Before that creature appeared, there was a crimson pattern in the void. The lines inside the demonic gate mirrored the shape that completed that pattern. I concentrated on that as I recalled. ‘The monsters haven't emerged, even though the demonic gate has appeared.’ Could there be a reason for this? If there was a reason. ‘Could it be those lines?’ Could it be that once those lines are fully connected, the monsters would emerge? The thought passed through my mind. Of course, it wasn’t certain. There wasn’t enough information. But. ‘Now’s not the time to deliberate.’ Even if it was just a theory, I couldn’t afford to hesitate. Boom-!! I stomped the ground, enveloping myself in azure flames. “Listen up.” Before I unleashed myself, I wanted to say one thing. Kill that creature if you don’t want to die. That’s what I was going to say, but I paused. What could be more effective than such words? Ah. I thought of something. It wasn’t typical for me to say, but there was something useful I could repeat. “Now is the time. Kill it now, and you can save these people.” “…!” “There won't be another chance after this.” As soon as I spoke, the atmosphere shifted. Whether they were gripped by fear or drowning in despair, their eyes all shared a similar unity. If I don’t, someone else will die. I don’t understand why they cared, but. For these foolish ones, this was more important than their own lives. These people were such. Probably. “So.” Except for me, of course. “We must kill this creature at all costs.” With that, I launched myself forward. [Aaaaa---!!] The beast continued its relentless roar. I reached it in a flash. The azure flames enveloping my body transferred to my hands. *Guyeom Taearang.* The concentrated flames clung to my fist, exploding at the end of my punch. A strike with my full power. As it was about to land. [Kyaa-aa-!!] The roaring beast moved, dodging my technique. *Thoom--!!* The flames burst, creating a massive blaze behind. I retracted my fist and instantly twisted my body. Crunch-! Claws sank into the earth. This creature was disturbingly fast. I caught a glimpse of my robe being slashed. Although I hadn’t confirmed, I undoubtedly took a hit on my upper body. Still, such minor wounds didn’t concern me. I looked up. ‘The lines.’ I checked the lines connecting on the demonic gates. ‘Hmm.’ The connection remained ongoing. It seemed movement alone wouldn’t stop it. That was unfortunate, but at least a bit of solace remained. ‘It's slowing down.’ The lines connecting the demonic gates were noticeably slowing. It seemed moving it had some effect after all. This indicated something. ‘The demonic gate and the creature's mind or power are connected. It's not simply a ritual you can perform effortlessly.’ *Swish-!* I dodged its claws once more, analyzing the situation continuously. ‘Could this be the creature’s power?’ I swung my leg. *Bang-!!* [Keeek-!] The creature's outer shield cracked on impact. Without the flames, my strike lacked power, making the impact weak. But it didn’t matter. *Whoosh-!!* I sensed numerous presences approaching from behind. “Yaaah-ho!!” With a cheerful shout, a staff whistled through the air. *Crack-!* [Kuuieek-!!] A heavy strike pierced through the broken shield. Its upper body took a direct hit, sending shards flying. I frowned at the sight of the splinters. ‘Its skin feels... alien.’ I assessed every detail amidst the battle. My head ached from the effort. “Hyaah!” As if one strike wasn’t enough, Bongsooni, with an excited expression, prepared another attack. Though the shield had regenerated, she didn't stop. Did she believe her attack would work? No. It wasn’t faith in her own attack. *Whoosh--!!!* It was faith in what followed next. *Crack-!!* A golden flash tore through and shattered the shield once more. A small opening. One Bongsooni did not overlook. “Hi-yap!” *Crack-!!* [Kiaa--!!] The beast flailed in pain from the successive hits. As it tried to counter, I quickly pulled Bongsooni back to safety. A single swing. Its claws slashed through the air. “Hoo!” “I’ll join in!” Several individuals appeared, charging at the beast. Each wore different attire, their auras varying—a mix of martial artists. Their level ranged from the peak of perfection to well-experienced masters. If their years and skill were proportionate, it would be commendable. But stepping into this battle was overestimating themselves. They should’ve known this. ‘Why are they joining?’ I couldn’t understand. Even a blind person could see they had little chance and could easily get killed. ‘Is it some chivalrous notion?’ Was it remnants of a decayed martial world that drove them to pursue such meaningless valor? It was honestly quite absurd. *Clang-! Boom-!!* “Ugh!” “Be careful...!!” Their strikes landed, creating tremors within the monster's broken shield. [Kiaa--!!] The beast roared from the onslaught, though its cries were weaker than before. Rage filling its eyes, it swung its arms rapidly. Danger loomed. If left as is, they would all die. However, intervening carried its risks. There wasn't a safe way to save them. Some injuries would be inevitable. Choosing to abandon them would likely be smarter, but. “Damn it.” My body was already moving, despite my logic. I maximized my speed with an explosive burst of energy. *Fwoosh-!* Flames erupted as I shot forward. I quickly reached and extended my hand to the martial artists. There were too many to grab directly, so I used spatial manipulation to pull them out. “Gah!” With a tense creak, they were pulled free, and my fingertips brushed the ground. Now, the creature's attention turned to me. An attack followed instantly. ‘Damn.’ The rebound from my speed blitz was strong. Dodging the attack in time seemed impossible. Its claws were about to rip into my shoulder when— *Pewshuk-!* *Thwang-!!* [Kiririk!?] “Huh?” Something intercepted, striking the creature's claw to deflect it. I scrutinized it, realizing it was an arrow. An arrow, in this situation? Startled at the unexpected item, my surprise was brief. “...Duck.” A voice instructed me to duck instinctively. As I lowered my head, a sword sliced past where it had been. *Crackle---!!!! [Kiaaaa--!!] A flash of light erupted. The owner of the electrical energy, Namgung Bia, had begun confronting the monster directly. And it wasn’t just Namgung Bia. “I’ll take care of the right side.” “…Okay.” Her voice mingled with the sharp electric currents, followed by golden arcs of light. Namgung Bia’s and Wiseora’s swords danced in unison. *Swish! Whoosh-!* Different colors of sword aura flowed gracefully above. Their paths perilously close yet never colliding. Each sword swing avoided hindering the other’s line. No strength was lost. *Slash-!* Wiseora’s sword severed the shield. She also wielded spiritual blades capable of slicing through the barrier. The moment a gap emerged, the electric energy pierced through. *Crackle---!!!* [Kiaaa!!] The beast flailed as the lightning struck, swinging its arms desperately. A staff flew to meet it. *Thunk-!!* Bongsooni blocked the attack, while daggers flew to cover any gaps. Deflecting the assault, spiritual blades led the onslaught. [Kyaaa---!!!] *Slash-! Slash-! Boom-!* The coordination between the four was near perfect. No gaps allowed for others to intervene, even other martial artists. “…Uh…” I was no exception. Watching, my mouth hung slightly open. Why were they so adept...? It was almost absurd. I knew those three well enough, but what about Bongsooni? “Hyaa-ha-ha-ha--!!!” She laughed joyously, swinging her staff with abandon. Her light demeanor contrasted the weight of her strikes. Despite not reaching the level of their spiritual blades, she managed to fend off the creature’s attacks. Her formidable strength was undeniable. Thanks to her, the beast lost its edge, unable to mount any effective counter. [Kiya…Kiyaaaak…!] It was pathetic, really. Watching, I tilted my head up. I checked the demonic gate once again. At that moment. ‘…Tsk.’ The lines continued to connect. Even if it had slowed, time was running out. I needed to wrap this up somehow. Though the beast was losing ground now, failing to stop the demonic gate would lead to ruin. *Squeeze-!!* I focused my strength on my heart. I quickly rotated my core, gathering energy throughout my body. I intended to forge a spear of light. A much larger and more powerful strike than usual. For that, I compressed a substantial amount of my internal energy. ‘I’ll have Wiseora shatter the barrier, then...’ It would be wasteful to use a powerful attack on breaking barriers. I would rely on Wiseora to open a gap, then deliver a decisive blow with the spear of light. I was reaching this decision when. [Kiiii…!!] *Whoom-!* "Huh?" Suddenly, a reaction stirred from within my heart. The creature, having taken a relentless beating, emitted a sensation that I couldn’t ignore. This is... No way. "Get back-!" "...!!!" At my urgent shout, everyone immediately launched themselves away from the creature and towards me. At that instant. [Kyaaa---!!!] It let out an ear-piercing shriek, its mouth wide open. But that wasn’t all. *Whooooom--!!* Light began gathering in its ragged maw. *Kwaaa---!!!!* An immense energy erupted forth. Seeing it, I propelled my body into action. As the light surged, it engulfed me completely.