782 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

The casually uttered words simply flowed with the atmosphere, spreading quickly. It wasn’t like there were few people around. There were subtle glances being cast. It was inevitable. After all, it was the first day the Star King, who was already the subject of many rumors, reported for duty. Yes, duty. Just thinking about it made him feel uneasy and annoyed. If he had to list one of the things he loathed most in his past life, it would easily be among the top ten. And now, he was doing it. The mere thought infuriated him. The fact that he was there for such a reason at this time. Even that alone was enough to feel suffocated to death. “You've managed your subordinates really like crap.” In such infuriating circumstances, words didn't stop flowing. The words, carried by such emotions, instantly sent ripples throughout the surroundings. “…Uh….” “Just now…. Did the Star King just criticize Il Cheong Geom?” “Did I hear wrong?” Even though the words weren't whispered, the surrounding silence meant no one missed them. It was just unbelievable. Who could have imagined, there within the Martial Alliance. That someone would dare to use such language towards Il Cheong Geom, who was once the center of the Eight Guardians. But what was he supposed to do? “Already pissed off. Why act so foolishly on the first day?” He didn’t care about such matters. He had tried with all his might not to care about such things. It was problematic to act like this from the first day. Speaking to him so crudely. “Star King.” The look on Il Cheong Geom’s face as he watched was priceless. It was a look of disbelief, as if he had heard wrong, combined with one of simmering anger from realizing he hadn’t. “…What are you saying?” “Why do you keep asking? Are your ears that bad? What do you mean, what did I say? You heard it clearly. Or do you need me to say it again?” After a slight tilt of the head, he repeated, in the same voice as before. “You really managed your subordinates like a piece of crap, Il Cheong Geom.” He didn't forget to smile as he spoke. “Can you hear me now?” “...” Following his words, even the slightest reactions that had been sporadically heard vanished. All were held in a silent shock, staring at him. He too was the same. After uttering those words, he awaited Il Cheong Geom’s reaction. A moment passed before… “Ha….” A shallow sigh resounded. It was Il Cheong Geom’s breath. And it wasn’t just that. Ssss... “…Gasp!” “Ugh…!” An indescribable aura spread, covering the surroundings. A chilling sensation enveloped the area. Those who sensed it had to hold their breath. Heavy and cold, yet distinctly refined as if showing its mastery. ‘Hmm.’ Perhaps due to his keen senses, he felt it more vividly. The source was Il Cheong Geom’s body. Naturally, he was the owner of this aura. Despite not having a sword in hand, such energy emanated. ‘Strong indeed.’ Not bad. That was his exact impression. Focusing his gaze, he meticulously observed Il Cheong Geom following the trail of energy. In Zhongyuan, there are the Three Respected Ones. Below them, the Ten Great Experts called the Seven Sages and Three Emperors. Then, there were the Hundred Masters below them. In the midst of countless masters, where did Il Cheong Geom stand? If you wanted an example, you could reference what he had heard in his past life. ‘The next era's Ten Great Experts.’ Or, someone on the cusp of joining the ranks of the Ten Great Experts. If he were to evaluate Il Cheong Geom's position, it would precisely be that impression. At the edge of the Hundred Masters, regarded as potentially ascending to the ranks of the Ten Great Experts someday. Even if not yet at the level of the Ten Great Experts, he was said to be close. He couldn’t deny this assessment. Even he found it to be true. Il Cheong Geom was strong. Given the time, he undoubtedly possessed the capacity to rise to the level of the Ten Great Experts. Such an expert exuded such presence, causing the surroundings to lean against the walls and catch their breath. “Star King.” “Yes, senior.” “You seem to have momentarily forgotten where you stand.” Do you not know where you are standing? Il Cheong Geom said so, with a face hardened with severity. “No, I know well.” Seemingly unbothered, he continued. “This is the Martial Alliance, isn’t it?” Was his indifferent response the issue? Il Cheong Geom’s brow continued to furrow constantly. “…And knowing this, you choose to act in this way?” A voice laced with incredulity. On the contrary, that voice entertained him. “Why? Is it a problem? It’s not like I did something I couldn’t.” Though Il Cheong Geom promptly tried to retort. “The one who provoked did so, not me, isn’t it?” “Gah!?” He grabbed a man standing uncertainly beside him and showed him to Il Cheong Geom. A moment ago, it seemed he had been called a Vice Lord. Meaning he was the Vice Lord of the Azure Dragon Division. He appeared to be at a level between a well-trained expert and a master. The man, trapped in his hand by the nape, was lifted easily. Due to Il Cheong Geom’s overwhelming presence, the man was unable to resist. “Ugh…!” The man groaned in disgrace, but he didn’t care. For now, showing him to Il Cheong Geom took precedence. “Originally, if not for you, senior, engaging in such lowly acts, this wouldn’t have happened, right?” Upon hearing this, Il Cheong Geom’s eyebrow twitched. “I have no idea what you mean. What do you claim I did?” His response was evasion. ‘Is he pretending not to know what’s happening?’ Indeed. He had to suppress his laughter that wanted to surface. He must have clearly witnessed this man instigating a battle of aura against him. No, not just witnessed it, but he was likely the one who ordered it too. The probability it was unilateral? Certainly possible. However. ‘No matter how seasoned a Vice Lord might be, it’s not easy to act this way.’ This man's position was Vice Lord. Directly above would be the Lord, and it was by no means a low position. It was, in fact, precisely because of that, every action would be bound by chains. A subordinate could be ignorant of the ways of the world, but someone at this level challenging him in an aura battle knowingly? That was implausible. When a Lord stands behind, a Vice Lord does not proceed with something unilaterally. Even in doing so, there must be permission or… otherwise. ‘Orders.’ Orders from a superior must have been involved. Ah, of course, it's possible that the subordinate acted independently out of sheer admiration for Il Cheong Geom. But that’s alright. It won't change the outcome. “Oh, is that how you're going to play it? Alright then.” He added with a smirk. “Not that it matters much….” With a swift motion, he tossed the man he was holding. “Ugh!” The man landed with a thud and rolled across the floor. Only after witnessing this did a distinct expression appear on Il Cheong Geom’s face. It was a face that seemed as if he were ready to grasp his sword any moment, but he hadn’t yet. Drawing the sword would mean a decisive end. If the Guardian drew his sword here within the Alliance, it signified intent to take things to the limit. And out of everyone, Il Cheong Geom probably understood that meaning all too well. “If we’re going to establish the truth, let’s do it clearly. That's what I'm saying. Or do you not understand this either?” “Grr.” As he forced the mocking words in, reactions began to surface. “Star King, do you truly desire bloodshed?” “Oh dear. Why speak of such frightening things? I'm merely speaking out of concern.” Il Cheong Geom's hand inched higher. It seemed he was intent on grasping his sword. ‘Now.’ As soon as he confirmed it, he spoke further. “I mean, who knows? I could get so fed up with today’s events that I might just quit on the spot.” “…!” “Why would I stick around in a job that starts off this poorly on the first day? Wouldn’t you agree? If you don’t believe me, you can immediately go seek the strategist. I’m sure they're in the Alliance today, so it should be easy.” Perhaps thanks to his cheerful demeanor, Il Cheong Geom ultimately failed to complete his action. His hand, reaching for the sword, halted. His face twisted with emotion revealed his inner storm. ‘Oh.’ It felt great. Despite having come to work in a foul mood, he was feeling considerably uplifted now. ‘See what you got yourself into by trying to provoke me?’ He wondered what Il Cheong Geom was trying to ascertain by challenging him into an aura duel, but there were two things that Il Cheong Geom failed to grasp. One was: ‘The Martial Alliance needs me.’ Just like the contract with Muk Yeon indicated, the Martial Alliance needed him right now. So if he declared his departure over such an affair, the one who would suffer the most would be the instigator. ‘But if this situation arose, then surely…’ It must be related to the second reason. Which was: ‘My nature is unexpectedly a lot more defiant than anticipated.’ A person who would retaliate fiercely if bitten. A person who wouldn't hesitate to stab back if poked. Il Cheong Geom couldn’t have known that. Who could have guessed he’d react so ferociously over an aura battle? People around wore shocked expressions, staring at him. Despite their gazes, he felt serene inside. ‘Ignorance isn’t a crime?’ And so what? ‘You should have known.’ This could happen sometimes. Any sensible person would have restrained themselves from doing something foolish assuming the worst-case scenario. It was their failure not to do so. “...” “...” A silent pause enveloped the conversation. Yet, there was a subtle recognition felt. Sssss—! The oppressive aura that had filled the vicinity slightly receded. Though his expression remained unchanged, an inkling of realization seemed to dawn upon him. ‘That bastard would actually quit if pissed off.’ And also. ‘If this guy quit, my position might be destabilized.’ Il Cheong Geom might be a troublesome character, but he wasn't incompetent. If he were, he never would have held a position like Guardian of the Azure Dragon Division. His mental faculties weren’t slow by any means. Thus, what stance would Il Cheong Geom assume now? As he curiously observed in anticipation. “Grunt.” A small, rough sound escaped his mouth. Swish. The hand near his sword was completely withdrawn. Thereafter. “…Perhaps regarding our Vice Lord…” Seemingly intent on swallowing his pride, he began to speak to him. He might even have been about to offer some form of apology. Just as it seemed that way, he lifted his hand to interrupt. “Hahaha. I’m kidding. Just joking.” “What?” “The atmosphere’s way too tense. Truth is, I don’t actually care much. Would I seriously quit over something like this? I’m not that crazy.” “What are you—!” “Honestly, there was no aura battle. I merely reacted sensitively to a concerned remark made by ‘our’ Azure Dragon Vice Lord.” With those continuous words, the expressions on both Il Cheong Geom and the originally implicated Vice Lord soured. What kind of nonsense is this, they seemed to say. Indeed, it was absurd nonsense. In their ears, it might as well have sounded like barking. But what could they do about it? Tap. As he approached, he placed his arm casually over Il Cheong Geom’s shoulder. “Crazy—!” “What the…!?” A louder gasp erupted than before due to the unexpected action. In their eyes, it looked outrageous that a junior, decades younger, was casually placing his arm over Il Cheong Geom's shoulder. And indeed, it was something unthinkable. “Senpai, don’t you agree?” Speaking close enough that he could see Il Cheong Geom’s face up close, Il Cheong Geom’s expression was vividly apparent. Flushed, it looked ready to burst. Should he poke his cheek to see if it really bursts? As curiosity led him to move his hand, then— “…You really wish to die, don’t you?” The air argued with menace, simultaneously signaling Il Cheong Geom who moved to unsheathe his sword. Or rather, he tried to. Clink—!! “…!?” He tried to draw his sword promptly, but Il Cheong Geom couldn’t succeed. They stood too close. In that proximity, he already had Il Cheong Geom’s wrist clasped firmly. Grip—! Force could be felt. No matter how hard Il Cheong Geom tried to draw his sword, his effort was fruitless. “Senpai.” He whispered softly into his ear as he observed. “Let’s calm down.” Il Cheong Geom’s eyes widened. He hadn’t expected to be unable to draw his sword. His eyes were full of bafflement. “Since I’m not averse to this sort of thing…. If you wish, I can accept. It’s not that difficult. Cleaning up a body or two is simple, isn’t it?” After slightly provoking his pride, he loosened his grip a bit. Creak—! The sword budged slightly in its sheath. Simultaneously, he sensed Il Cheong Geom’s aura beginning to swell from their tightly knit proximity. He seemed intent on unleashing his sword aura to scar me. "But you know, with so many eyes watching, wouldn't it be inconvenient to keep this up? Especially considering that the strategist and the lord might not be too pleased to see this unfold," I said to Il Cheong Geom, who was seething with killing intent. His body froze once more upon hearing this. Watching him, I couldn't help but smile as my eyes gleamed. To endure this much provocation, he certainly possessed a remarkable amount of patience. If it were me, I'd have already taken action. This situation was fascinating in its own way. 'As expected.' It went just as I anticipated. 'Il Cheong Geom hasn’t changed at all.' I had predicted that he would restrain himself even with all this provocation. More precisely, I suspected he would because the words "lord" and "strategist," alongside concerns about status and perception, would make him hold back. This was because... ‘He harbored an intense ambition for advancement.’ Knowing of Il Cheong Geom's "goals" and convictions, one could foresee this to some extent. This incident was simply a confirmation process. A test to see how much he could endure. “Don’t you think so, senior?” Even as the sound of grinding teeth reached my ears, there was no further action. Il Cheong Geom was holding back. He was suppressing his fury, attempting to bury his emotions. This much should be enough. Deciding so, I removed the hand from his shoulder and added more words as I surveyed the surroundings. “I apologize. We’re such good friends that I cracked a little joke. Hahaha.” “...” “...” Of course, no one believed the excuse, but there was no one who could refute it either. The Vice Lord, who might have retaliated, was merely taking cues from Il Cheong Geom, and Il Cheong Geom himself was trembling slightly in silence. So passed a particularly harsh silence, and once again it was Il Cheong Geom who broke it. Swoosh—! Il Cheong Geom, who had been standing still, turned his back on us. His cloak fluttered with his movement. The emblem of the Azure Dragon Division billowed in the air. As the aura that filled the area dissipated, Il Cheong Geom who showed his back spoke to me. “Let’s end this… Let’s go. They’re waiting for us.” He had backed down. The defiance and struggle he suppressed suggested just that. For a martial artist, it is an incredible feat of patience. And now, what should I do here? 'Should I provoke him more?' I could have demanded an apology using the Vice Lord. Or taunted him for fleeing even though the conversation wasn’t over. There were plenty of ways to irritate him… 'Nah.' I shook my head inwardly. There was no need to push things any further right now. “Let’s go.” I began to follow after Il Cheong Geom. And as I walked, I contemplated. The reason for not provoking him further, despite being able to. It was none other than. ‘It'd be a waste.’ It would be a shame to let it escalate here. And also. ‘I’m not quite prepared yet.’ Witnessing the desired spectacle required a bit more preparation. That’s why. While following after him momentarily, I turned my head to glance somewhere. There was a mixed vibe of relief for no battle having broken out, yet one person remained an anomaly amidst it. -You know. Flinch—! Someone hiding by a wall flinched at my telepathic message. Even if they concealed their presence, they weren't hard to find. I addressed him with my gaze. -I know you’re there. As my confident telepathic message reached him, a face peeked out from behind a pillar. It belonged to a man appearing to be beyond forty, known for handling the Martial Alliance’s information department. Biryongdaejoo Bomdong. He was the individual who had been hiding. Bomdong’s eyes widened in disbelief at having been discovered. Facing him with a composed expression, I spoke. -There’s a favor I need to ask. Ah, and of course... -If you refuse, I'll kill your daughter. This favor came under the guise of a threat.