792 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

At the height of an ongoing conversation, I found myself leaving the room, feeling uneasy. Naturally, I was frustrated. I had been summoned here for a discussion only to feel like someone abruptly cut off mid-sentence, leaving an annoying sense of incompleteness. 'What is this?' So, what's the conclusion? Why did the old man, the first leader, call me here? And why, of all things, did he choose to ask about the Gu family? What possible reason could that old man have for doing so? I was curious about all of this, but for the time being, there was no way to find out. ‘...Hmm.’ Mrs. Mi barged in suddenly, disrupting everything and leaving me having been summoned here without even obtaining proper answers. Just kicked out, really. This was indeed a pitiful situation where there was no solace to be found. '...Should I try eavesdropping on them?' Considering the unfairness of being driven out, I contemplated using a skill to eavesdrop on the room. 'Tsk.' I dismissed the thought immediately. Mrs. Mi's abrupt entry during the conversation meant she was listening, despite the presence of barriers. It was likely a treasure's power at work, and if I attempted to listen in, they would have measures in place to detect it. ‘If it involves eavesdropping, could it be the Seonggoseok?’ Among the treasures that come to mind, Seonggoseok seems the most probable. Its utility is limited, but it's suitable for hiding, and, given the right distance, its clarity isn't bad either. However, ‘It's an easily detected treasure, so it's not used often.’ Normally, I would use my senses to detect such treasures first. I didn't expect Mrs. Mi would have hidden it in her quarters. That's why I failed to detect it. 'Did she anticipate and hide it deliberately?’ Did she hide it in anticipation that I wouldn't see through it? Perhaps. Mrs. Mi might have anticipated such a thing. '...' Now, it's a bit late to realize. ‘There’s already a barrier up.’ As soon as I took back my bet, I knew another barrier had been erected around the room. ‘The level of the barrier is at the Flower boundary.’ Judging by the density and firmness, it seemed to be at the level of a Flower boundary. I could break through it if I wanted to, but— ‘That would be close to gambling.’ In my current state, there was a high chance of the opponent detecting me. Moreover... ‘The old man’s reaction was strange in the first place.’ The reaction of the first leader who called me. His reaction was inexplicably strange. What could he possibly want by calling me here? ‘Asking if I ever considered becoming the family head?’ Did he originally ask if I knew what the head of the Gu family was? Did he truly summon me just to ask that? A sense of doubt grew about it. ‘Somehow….’ It doesn't seem to be just that. If that was their intention, they wouldn't have used a place for such kind of meeting. Which means, ‘There was another intention from the start.’ It wasn’t to question me; it was for something else entirely. They did indeed want to see me, but that wasn’t the main reason. Precisely, it felt like they were trying to obtain something from me. What they were trying to obtain was likely, ‘Mrs. Mi?’ Just as they tried to bring up a conversation about the Gu family, Mrs. Mi suddenly burst in through the door. It seemed to me that the situation that the old man was aiming for was exactly that. ‘Hmm.’ What could it be? Why did the old man call me, and why did Mrs. Mi react so intensely? While pondering over this matter deeply, "Hehehe!" "Oh, having fun?" "Yeah!" I turned my head towards the familiar sound. There, outside the residence on the porch, Gu Heebi was waving her hand with a bright smile. Amusingly, Doldol Yi was floating in mid-air, joyfully laughing. "...What are they doing?" Every time Gu Heebi moved her hands, Doldol Yi's height shifted, seemingly using Air Manipulation. ‘Using Air Manipulation to entertain a kid?’ It's bewildering to think any martial artist would do such a thing, yet Gu Heebi was doing exactly that. Even more, she seemed to enjoy it, enthusiastically entertaining Doldol Yi. Doldol Yi seemed amused by being lifted in the air, but... ‘Look at this kid.’ It was a rather bewildering scene for me. ‘What's so fun about being lifted when he can fly himself?’ Doldol Yi, who could fly without using such tricks, pretended to enjoy the act just to match Gu Heebi's actions. It's indeed an absurd spectacle. “What are you doing?” I approached them, frowning at what I saw. "Oh? You're back." "..." With my brows furrowed, I reached my hand out. I grabbed the back of Doldol Yi’s neck and pulled him down. “What’s up with this?” Holding Doldol Yi, I asked Gu Heebi. She looked slightly embarrassed as she replied to my question. “Well, the kid seemed a bit bored…” “And you're using Air Manipulation to entertain him? Are you mad?” “If you have the ability, why not use it some? What’s the harm? It doesn't wear out.” Nonsense. Air Manipulation is notoriously inefficient and not worth the cost. Maybe a brief use, but keeping a child floating in the air is preposterous. Knowing that, I looked at Gu Heebi with slightly disdainful eyes. “So, who is he?” "..." Gu Heebi's question made my expression freeze instantly. "My little brother." "..." How should I respond? I pondered for a moment. Then…. …What should I introduce him as? As I wondered about that, "Oh, right. Father’s son." I decided to go with the response previously used. Mrs. Mi had given implicit approval, so it should be fine, right? "Ah, I see. Father’s son... huh?" Nodding as if she understood, Gu Heebi suddenly froze awkwardly. "…Little brother. What did you just say?" “What are you asking for? You heard everything.” “No, I’m saying this because it doesn’t make sense—” “What, do you think he's my son?” “...” Gu Heebi’s expression scrunched up. It looked like she was thinking that was more plausible. To be fair, he does look just like me, and the possibility might be higher there.... “…That’s impossible. Do you know how old I am?” “Then what, are you saying father... no, the family head having a son makes sense…?” “Well, in life, anything’s possible.” "What do you mean 'anything's possible'? Brother, what kind of life have you led to give that answer—" "I'm an illegitimate child." "…" Gu Heebi fell silent. "But why bring that up all of a sudden…?" Her demeanor became rather scrunched up. I felt a pang of guilt, but there wasn't much I could do. "I'm just saying it's possible for him, too." "…That’s." "Never mind that. Where did he go?" "Huh?" When I asked where 'he' went, Gu Heebi looked puzzled. She seemed unaware of whom I was referring to. "You know, him." "Who do you mean... oh." It seemed Gu Heebi finally understood. "Are you talking about Yeon?" Yeon. The name Gu Heebi called Heavenly Demon. "Yeah, him." He was hugging Doldol Yi earlier, being dramatic, but when I looked around, he had disappeared. That's why I was curious and asked. "Yeon went home." "Went home?" I had to tilt my head in surprise at Gu Heebi's answer. He just left all of a sudden? "You didn’t try to stop him…?" "When someone says they're going home, why stop them? Besides, he left before I could even try." "…" Seeing him cry and cling on earlier, I thought there might be more to it, but he simply vanished. It was like a gust of anti-climax. Yet, suddenly, the uneasy feeling surged again. Around that time, "Oh, come to think of it, brother. You're quite something these days, aren't you?" Gu Heebi asked about how I was doing. "I heard you're doing amazing. Must be happy?" "...Happy, my foot." "See, I knew my brother would do well someday." She playfully tried to pat my rear, making me quickly step back. “What, are you crazy?” “Oh, dear? Your sister just wants to compliment you, and you run away?” “Compliment me from afar. Not up close.” “How boring.” Gu Heebi burst into laughter at my request. Watching her, I posed another question. "Sis." "Hmm?" "This is just unexpected, but let me ask." "What is it?" "Why didn’t you come?" "…" A smile faded from Gu Heebi's face at my question. It was somewhat abstract, but Gu Heebi seemed to understand what I was trying to ask. Why didn’t you come? It was about the assault and monster incident in Hanam last time. Even though there were countless martial artists present, Many were absent in the crowd, and among them was Gu Heebi. Yes, Gu Heebi was in Hanam but did not appear during the incident. "To be honest, I was hoping you wouldn’t come." Even amidst the turmoil, I wished Gu Heebi would stay away. But, "Still, given your personality, I didn’t think you'd stay away." Gu Heebi's character wouldn’t allow her to remain uninvolved in such a calamity. Her temper was abrasive, but she wasn’t someone who'd ignore a disaster unfolding in front of her. "But you didn't come. Was something up?" I wasn’t blaming her for not coming. I wasn't in a position to blame her for that. As I said earlier, it was mere curiosity on my part. Gu Heebi remained silent for a moment. Time passed. She wasn’t refusing to answer, so I waited. And after a while, "…Indeed." Gu Heebi finally spoke. "Why didn’t I?" "…What?" "I was told not to go." "By whom?" "Yeon." Naturally, my eyes narrowed. 'Heavenly Demon told her not to go?' Did Heavenly Demon actually stop Gu Heebi during the incident? Why? Moreover, 'And Gu Heebi listened to that?' Even if Heavenly Demon told her not to go, it was more surprising that Gu Heebi listened. I wanted to ask why she did, but— "…" My lips wouldn’t form the words. Gu Heebi's expression was far too unfamiliar. There was a heaviness, almost like a silent plea not to pry any further. So ultimately, I couldn’t bring myself to ask. "Alright." As long as nothing major happened, that's fine. With that thought, I nodded. In the slightly awkward atmosphere, I posed yet another question to Gu Heebi. "By the way, sis." "Hmm…?" "That name, you know." "Name?" “Yeah, why is he called Yeon?” "Ahh." Why does she refer to Heavenly Demon as Yeon? I had been curious since last time but never got around to asking. Why was Heavenly Demon given such a name? I asked about it. "Because it's a connection." She explained to me. "…A connection?" "Yes. Connection (因緣). A bond formed suddenly. That's why it's Yeon." "…" "Pretty name, right? I think I did a good job naming. Although the kid doesn’t like it much." Isn’t it a lovely name? Gu Heebi explained with a smile. Indeed, it's a beautiful name. Quite unexpectedly fitting for Heavenly Demon, it's a beautiful name indeed. Maybe that's why— "Brother?" "Hmm?" "Why are you like that?" "What’s the matter?" "No, your face seems strange. Did you eat something bad?" "..." I touched my face at her remark. True to Gu Heebi's words, something did feel odd. Obviously, it wasn’t from eating something. ‘Something.’ There was distinctly something off. ‘…Yeon.’ Connection. Hearing Gu Heebi call Heavenly Demon that felt disconcerting. It was, somehow, like— ‘Uncomfortable.’ A name that didn’t seem to fit being used that way. A peculiar, unsettling discomfort. That was precisely the emotion I was experiencing. ****************** I later found myself outside the room. I hadn’t felt this way upon entering, but now it seemed I left wearing the burden of contemplation. Gu Heebi mentioned she had some matters to discuss with Mrs. Mi. I didn’t need to take Doldol Yi with me either, so I left him there. Judging by how well they got along, they would entertain each other just fine. Concluding that, I stepped outside. “Oh, you’ve arrived.” "Elder Il Jang?" There was Elder Il Jang waiting by the door outside. I widened my eyes as I realized I had come with him, yet he hadn't entered. A big guy like him standing there like a dignitary outside? "Why didn’t you come in, sir?" "I figured it might be noisy inside." "…" Truly remarkable insight. "Besides, looking at your face, it seems my choice was right, chuckle-chuckle. Looks like you've had a rough time in there." "...However, it was you who dragged me here, Elder Il Jang." "Hahaha." Was he trying to brush it off with laughter? I was truly dumbfounded. Maybe it was his laughter that got on my nerves, but a surge of irritation rose within me. "So what is that man exactly?" "Who are you talking about?" "I'm talking about the first leader. What is he going on about with the family head and the Gu family?" "He said that to you?" "Yes." As I spoke with some emotion, Elder Il Jang suddenly let out a chuckle. "As cunning an old man as ever." It was more of a derisive laugh. "He always claimed he would act rationally, yet his schemes haven’t changed one bit." "...What on earth—" "Enough. A young man shouldn’t sulk over such trifles. You should carry yourself with a broad spirit!" Whiff—! I ducked as his hand sailed over my head. Elder Il Jang had slyly attempted to ruffle my hair again, so I evaded. "Hoho, look at you?" "Please do not. I'm tired..." I'd usually play along, but right now, I was genuinely mentally exhausted. My mind was already clouded, making me extremely sensitive. "Tired, you say. That’s all due to a lack of training." "Training is not a cure-all..." "Oh? Is that so? Then perhaps a sparring session might relieve your fatigue, hmm?" "..." This was far more troublesome. I didn’t want to train, let alone spar. I disliked sparring on any day, but considering doing it with Elder Il Jang now was purely impossible. With mental fatigue and my body out of sorts, I obviously intended to refuse. "...That's fine. I just don't have confidence in controlling my—." As I spoke, my eyes widened. I covered my mouth with my hand instantly. Saying 'I don't have confidence in controlling my strength' was an obvious slip of the tongue. A statement showing blatant disregard for my opponent. And Elder Il Jang had heard it. I glanced at him nervously, hoping he hadn't. "Hoho." '...Damn.' He seemed to have heard it just fine. Judging by the smile on his face, though there was a vein pulsing ominously on his temple. A sign that he was more than a little perturbed. Seeing this, I hurriedly added, trying to backtrack. "No, Elder, it's not what I meant... I'm just tired, and I misspoke..." "Yangcheon." "...Yes?" I responded and bent my head forward. Bang—! The air surged with force. It was the aftermath of Elder Il Jang swinging his fist. Had I not dodged, my face would have taken the full impact. "Elder...?" "I apologize for not keeping an eye on my grandson recently because of my busy schedule…." Swoosh—! Grab—! "It’s all due to my own failings." "...!" A large hand suddenly reached out, seizing me by the collar. "Therefore, why don’t we sit down and have a sincere conversation to make up for it after so long." "...Elder, no matter how I see it, this doesn’t seem like a conversation—!" Before I could finish, a powerful gust swept over me. Everything around shifted under the immense pressure I felt. Elder Il Jang had grabbed me and hurled me with great force. Whoosh—! My body was flung through the air by his immense strength. Gritting my teeth, I called upon my energy. Fwoosh—! Flames whirled around me, expelling intense heat. Using the recoil, I managed to halt my momentum. Crack—!!! My footsteps scraped against the ground, leaving clear marks behind as I managed to slow down. Just as I regained my footing, Sizzle—! "…!" A hissing sound akin to steam bubbling came from somewhere. Hearing it, I spun and dodged instinctively. Boom—!!! With a tremendous impact, the ground exploded, sending debris flying. I gained some distance and checked my surroundings. Where the ground had been intact moments ago was now a gaping crater. From its center, someone slowly rose. Sizzle—! Steam billowed off the figure. Elder Il Jang, who had shattered the ground with a single punch, was slowly pulling back his fist. "Well, this is troublesome." Clicking my tongue in frustration, I assessed the situation. ‘...This is quite a predicament.’ By the look on his face, it was clear he was genuinely angry.