781 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Title: The Best in the World's Childhood Friend, Chapter 781: Northern Hare - Web Novel Archive Whoosh--!! A blazing inferno fills the sky. The sizzling energy radiates such heat, making it uncomfortable to even look. The night once graced by the moon has suddenly transformed into day. Whoosh. Watching the flickering flames, he waved his hand. Boom--!!! The sound resembled the roar of a beast. The dense flames responded to his slightest gesture, and before long. Crash---!! A tremendous wave began to recede back into him. Cheong Yeom returns to his body. The energy poured into his heart, accumulating to about half of the inner strength he possessed. “…Phew….” Upon gathering all the flames, he let out a soft sigh. He created a gust as if sweeping away the pervasive heat. Whoosh--!! After dispersing the heat a few more times, he turned his gaze to survey his surroundings. A moment later, he let out a chuckle. 'This is a mess.' The aftermath of the flames left everything in chaos. Burned trees and char marks were scattered everywhere. It's only natural for this to happen when one unleashes such flames, yet still... 'It's been a while since I've failed to control it this much.' He was taken aback by himself. Once proficient in pyrotechnics, one can direct damage precisely where desired. In a previous life, he wouldn't have bothered with such precision, but in this life, he couldn't afford not to. He thought he had mastered flame control. 'It's become notoriously difficult.' Last night, he experienced a change, making it hard to control the flames. Each burst was unexpectedly stronger than anticipated. They were not only powerful but also uncontrollable enough that he nearly set a mountain ablaze. Had he not retrieved them quickly, he might have indeed set an entire mountain on fire. Afterwards, he tried shooting the flames into the sky for better regulation... 'But couldn't resolve it all.' He stayed up all night experimenting, but the conclusion was clear. 'This isn't something achievable in a day or two.' Resolving this would take more time. 'The power has increased significantly.' What did he say last night? He hoped the firepower would increase by thirty percent. 'Not thirty percent.' It wasn't just a thirty percent increase. It was double the original firepower. 'The original flames' power has doubled.' Moreover, not just the firepower but the strength gained by using inner energy also increased. Thus, he found it challenging to control his strength. An increase in firepower means the capacity to unleash at once has grown. If originally the maximum burst was ten, now it's over twenty. Though this means increased destructive power, making him stronger in a way... 'Here's the problem...' He couldn’t control the suddenly increased strength. While the firepower vastly increased, his inner energy remained the same. His original capacity was higher, ensuring strong firepower. But with doubled firepower and unchanged energy? It's not merely a cause for celebration. 'It means there's a greater need for energy.' Even at this level, he wouldn't easily be outmatched in terms of energy capacity. By his knowledge, only a handful surpass him in inner energy volume. Surely that would be the case... 'Yet, it's insufficient to handle this firepower.' Reflecting on the flames from last night, he frowned. The strength had genuinely increased. It was a power that even surprised him. But he lacked the energy to sustain it. 'Is this something to celebrate?' Nevertheless, the increase in strength is indeed a fortuitous event. Given the urgency pressing with each passing day, it's better than lacking any advancement. 'Securing just the energy is already a significant advantage.' If he could harness enough energy to manage the firepower... 'Could I rival the Three Honored Ones?' Regardless of execution or mastery, in terms of sheer firepower, he might surpass them. No, he had to. The destination he aimed for was higher than theirs, no matter the cost, he must find a way. 'At the very least, I have to surpass Cheon An.' In terms of raw firepower, the strongest among the Three Honored Ones is him. This was made evident in the battle with the beast. 'I lose in firepower.' The dark cloud filling the sky. Lightning bursting from within. So fierce and terrifying to be called a natural disaster. Personally, he considered Cheon An the weakest among the Three Honored Ones... 'But they are still the Three Honored Ones.' Seeing the true form of Cheon An forced a change in perspective. A human disaster. Mortals who've reached the heavens. He needed to reach them. 'With this newfound fortune, how far have I reached?' Originally, he might have been in the mid-tier of the top ten masters. Now... 'I should be among the upper ranks.' Though it can't compare directly to the Plum Blossom Swordsman or the Sword Emperor, he wouldn’t easily lose to anyone below them. If he aligns the circumstances, it'd be possible to contend with them both. Driving the initial victory with sheer firepower might work. Of course. 'In a prolonged battle, it would be tough.' If his energy depletes first, he’d likely meet his end. Such was the objective evaluation. However. 'That's the story when fighting as a martial artist.' When judged as something beyond human, the situation changes. Because he had more than just martial arts. 'If I utilize everything, I won’t lose.' Though unsure if he'd win, he felt confident about not losing. “…Hmm.” Calming his gathered energy, he gazed at a point. Everything he possessed. Not just the martial arts accumulated until now, but also what was obtained upon becoming a dragon. The spells he kept refining and more. To be more precise. 'Authority.' The authority gained upon becoming a dragon. Previously, using dragon speak and exploration. In addition, the wind secured by grasping the net. In reality, they weren't particularly beneficial in actual combat. However, in the previous battle with the white-level beast, I was able to acquire another power. The newly obtained power was... ‘A formidable strength.’ Even I admitted it was an extraordinary power. It finally seemed I'd gained something truly useful for battle. ‘I should test it out properly.’ I should've tested it sooner, but the entire night was spent assessing my altered state. "Hmm...." Should I try it now? With that thought, I flicked my hand. Honestly, I was eager to try it. However, "Tsk…." Regrettably, I had to hold back. ‘It's too risky here.’ Even in a remote area, using such a newfound power recklessly was ill-advised. I wasn't even sure if I had fully grasped it. ‘It's almost time to move.’ There were scheduled plans to follow soon. I couldn’t afford any more delay. I should've left earlier, but I got caught up testing my firepower for too long. “I'll test it another time, then.” Reluctantly, I decided to hold off, clicking my tongue and turning my head. It was time to start descending. ‘By the way, did that guy make it safely?’ I recalled Doldol Yi, who had been nearby until recently. Realizing I’d be up all night, he said he’d find his own way down. Did he know the way? A brief worry crossed my mind, but then... 'He'll manage on his own.' He’s not a child, and he seemed to get around well enough on his own before. Honestly, I felt uneasy, but I had too many other things demanding my attention. ‘Let's get going.’ Staying longer would only make me late. With that in mind, I set off. My destination was the Martial Arts Alliance. ****************** After flying for what felt like a half-hour, I arrived at the Martial Arts Alliance. I should have arrived sooner… Running slightly late wasn’t my intention. ‘Seriously… the slightest push, and I shoot forward. It's hard to control.’ Even a gentle force on my feet increased my speed. Had I not been careful, I’d have crashed into a building. Thus, I finally reached the Martial Arts Alliance. As soon as I arrived at the entrance, someone approached, recognizing me. “…Greetings, Star King.” “Pleasure to meet you.” Perhaps he’d been waiting; the member of the alliance greeted me with courtesy. I wore a somewhat disgruntled expression. ‘Still not used to that bothersome title.’ The term "Star King" is something of a thorn in my side. “…They are expecting you. Shall I show you in?” “If I'm not okay, can I not go in?” “Pardon…?” “Just kidding. Lead the way.” “...” Trying to lighten the mood was pointless, judging by the immediate souring of the guard’s expression. I quickly dismissed the attempt. Following the escort, I entered the alliance. Having been a regular visitor lately, the surroundings had become familiar. As I was observing everything, the escort spoke. “The Grandmaster has been waiting for you for a while.” I turned my gaze toward him upon hearing this. “Oh, really?” “Yes, expecting you'd arrive earlier, preparations were made ahead of time.” “Wouldn't he be busy? Why go out of the way?” “It's a matter of basic courtesy.” The tone struck me as cumbersome. I glanced at the man out of the corner of my eye. Though he walked ahead, his expression wasn’t visible. Perhaps it was just a misunderstanding. Initially, I decided to let it go. “…I see.” However, “After all, the Grandmaster is your senior. Waiting might be a bit inconvenient for him.” “...” “If he seems uncomfortable, I hope you, the junior, the Star King, can understand.” The continuous remarks confirmed it was no misunderstanding. 'Already being a nuisance.' I scratched my cheek with a finger. ‘Is this a power struggle from the start?’ It wasn't just about my tardiness. The mention of seniority and thinly veiled jabs were amusing. Though I was later than expected, I wasn't exactly late. It wasn't as if I’d missed the appointment. ‘But this guy keeps griping about being late.’ I tilted my head slightly, studying the escort. By the emblem on his back and the armband on his arm, I quickly guessed his affiliation. Taking a mental note, I addressed the escort. “And so?” “Pardon?” The man hesitated and turned around, clearly thrown off by what I said. He certainly heard me correctly. “Who told him to wait?” “What do you mean….” “Anyone would think I'm begging for him to wait for me.” The escort looked at me incredulously. Perhaps sensing my displeasure, his composed demeanor briefly faltered. “If I were actually late, I’d keep my mouth shut. But I'm on time, so why keep pestering?” “Pester? I’d never do that to the Star King….” “If this isn’t pestering, then what? Is this supposed to be polite conversation? I don't think so.” I smirked and watched as cracks formed in the escort’s expression. “They said today would be convenient. I’m accommodating this, so why all the fuss about seniority?” Scheduling was aligned for convenience, and I had no issues complying. Didn’t he know? He obviously did. And yet, he chose this path. Moreover, “Hey, mister.” “M-Mister?” “Mister, don't you know who I am?” “…You are the Star King.” “No, not just the Star King.” I patted the man’s shoulder warmly and spoke with a grin. “I'm here to become the Grandmaster. I outrank you, don’t I?” “...” “I must. By any measure…” I blatantly looked him up and down. “You certainly don't outrank me, do you?” “...” I delivered this with an air of disdain. “…Grit.” The man ground his teeth audibly. Clearly, his pride was wounded, but I continued nonchalantly. “I’m saying this for your own good. Whoever put you up to it, don't provoke unnecessary power struggles with me.” As I spoke, I neither unleashed my energy nor exerted force. Normally, I would have. However, in my current state, it would be reckless. The lack of control might result in unintended harm. “My temper isn’t exactly saintly. If things go awry, you might find yourself incapacitated. It's best to keep yourself safe.” It was sincere advice. How many people who crossed paths with me in such a manner are still breathing? I've left a trail of bodies; the specifics are fuzzy now. So essentially, it was a caution against unnecessary bravado. “Y-You…!” Rather than acknowledging my advice, the man seemed to be burning with rage. This wasn't good. The schedule hadn’t even begun properly, and it seemed I might have to deal with a corpse right away. Then again. ‘Not that it bothers me much.’ Personally, it was of little consequence. The man slowly reached to grasp his sword. I watched intently. ‘Grip it.’ Grasp your sword. ‘Draw it.’ Unsheathe it. If we were going to kick off with chaos from day one, that would be ample justification. I waited, my gaze fixed on the man, anticipating the scene. Clink. Finally, the man clutched his sword. Just as I was about to let a smile creep onto my lips… “Deputy Leader.” “…!” ‘Tsk.’ Unfortunately, the sight I anticipated did not unfold. An interloper interrupted us. 'Or rather, not an interloper but someone who rushed over.' He was probably observing the entire time, stepping in to prevent a crisis. The newcomer wore a tense expression as he looked between us. “L-Lord.” “What are you doing here?” “W-Well…” “Why ask when you’ve clearly been watching?” I interjected while the man stammered. The newcomer turned his gaze to me. “Ah, sorry. That was me thinking out loud. Sometimes my thoughts just slip out.” I attempted an awkward apology, knowing it wouldn’t soften his expression. “Star King.” He addressed me, to which I responded with a broad smile. “It's been a while. Nice to see you again, Ilcheonggeom.” The newcomer was none other than the Azure Dragon Division Leader, Ilcheonggeom. He was the one I was supposed to meet today for the agenda. At the same time, “Seems your subordinate training needs work, huh?” He was also one of the 'four' I intended to eliminate within the Martial Arts Alliance.