795 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Title: World's Best Martial Artist's Childhood Friend - Chapter 795: Northern Rabbit Another day passed. I watched the morning sun rise after staying up all night, yet actual sleep was elusive. There was no real necessity for sleep anyway. I needed to train during the night. Was I trying to re-experience the insights I'd gained during sparring? That was part of it, but ultimately, I needed to become acquainted with my enhanced senses. "Hmm." I repeatedly clenched and unclenched my hand. Despite undergoing several processes until night passed, the conclusion remained the same. "It can't be done in a day or two." Although both my spirit and abilities improved, adapting to them proved problematic. I've been trying to get used to it, to some extent. 'In this state, it could be a problem in a real battle.' There was so much to sense, and with the increase in output, continued confirmation was essential for proper application in actual combat. 'Fighting those weaker isn't a significant problem.' However, facing someone at my level or higher would present clear issues. Of course, reaching this point, how many stronger individuals would I meet? 'The possibility isn't negligible.' What's important isn't the probability but the existence of that possibility. Just because they're not enemies now, doesn't mean we won't face them as foes in the future. 'Not properly understanding this becomes a dagger.' A dagger not to pierce others, but a dagger poised to strike at me. Every moment, I had to consider such things. Swoosh-!! As I withdrew my energy, I furrowed my brow. "Jegal Hyeok has seven days to arrive in Hanam." Originally, he should have arrived in four days, but Cheol Jiseon mentioned an unexpected turn of events. I wouldn't have called him if I could avoid it, but I needed to ask for his help due to an overflow of matters requiring mental effort. I also had tasks requested by Shin Ui and more. 'I need to call others, too.' The strength of those I stationed with Jegal Hyeok will be necessary as well. "Whew…." There are quite a few matters already underway, I wonder what Jegal Hyeok will say when he sees them. He might not say anything outright, but he'd probably give me a resentful look. Could he stubbornly refuse to do it? There's a slight chance of that. In that case, well. '...I'll have to use Moyong Hee ah.' Since there are convenient excuses, things will work out somehow. 'Seven days.' Time extended from four days to this. Was it disappointing that plans were delayed due to setbacks? Not really. 'I gained some time.' In fact, I gained more time to cause some trouble before he arrives. Thinking of how Jegal Hyeok or Cheol Jiseon might feel, I moved my body. "Shall we go?" Training further seemed unnecessary, and with the morning approaching, movement was required. I turned my head, discarding my sweat-soaked training clothes. "Hey." "Sniff...?" Upon calling out to someone beyond my line of sight, a startled and trembling figure appeared from behind a tree. "Wake up." "Mmm... Cult Leader... is it over...?" "Yes. We have to go now; get up." Bong Sun, the woman wiping the drool from her mouth, stood there. I regarded her with slightly disappointed eyes and spoke again. "Let's go. We'll be late if we delay any more." "...Okay." "..." She looked as though unsure whether she was wiping her face with drool or using it as a wash. I instinctively averted my gaze to avoid an expression of disdain. Her disheveled appearance made traveling with her somewhat awkward. There was no choice. '...starting today.' Bong Sun fitted into a role starting today. A task long prepared. The dagger launched into the Martial Alliance. Despite changes in plans and timing, this pivotal role would remain unchanged. Thanks to it, Bong Sun was to accompany me into the Martial Alliance from today. ****************** After a simple wash, we arrived at the Martial Alliance. "I greet the Star King." "Yes. Nice to meet you." Entering wasn't a challenge, much like last time. Following the guidance, we moved immediately. Unlike last time, where we traversed to a deep conference room, this time we stopped at a more accessible area that common folks could even visit. Upon arriving at the location, I had to stifle my laughter at the sight. 'Just look at these people.' I found myself in a familiar setting. It was the same space where the martial arts competition was held previously. 'Planning to reuse it this way, huh.' They hadn't closed it down but rather maintained it separately, as if planning to use it again. Considering the incident that occurred, I'd assumed they'd dismantled it. 'Perhaps they're looking to repurpose it since it'd be wasteful to demolish.' Indeed, the martial arts competition turned into chaos, and even if I and the Sacred Dragon Division hastily engaged to secure the upper echelon, there would be sponsors who withdrew their support for sure. Due to financial constraints, it seemed they planned to reuse whatever possible. 'Good grief.' While somewhat unpleasant, from my perspective, it wasn't my concern, so I took my seat as directed. My position was at the front of the formerly martial arts stage. With a table and chairs set, a canopy blocked the sunlight overhead. My seat was the primary one among various arranged seats. Taking a light seat, I glanced around and greeted. "Good morning, everyone. Have you all been well?" "..." "..." No responses came back. Seated beside me, the Golden Dragon Division Leader and the Silver Wolf Sword of the Iron Dragon Division. It seems that apart from these two, no other division leaders were present. Neither spared me a glance in response to my greeting. Seeing this, I clicked my tongue briefly. "Tsk. You all are cold to the new member greeting you like this. If a workplace is this dreary, how can it be enjoyable to come here?" Such an extreme display of exclusion. With this, how can someone as sensitive as me feel at ease? Thump. Thinking such thoughts, I propped my legs up on the table. Leisurely reclining in the chair, the expressions of the division leaders on either side grew swiftly sour. "What are you looking at?" Asking bluntly after catching their stares, the Double Sword retorted with evident discomfort. "...Star King. What are you doing?" "What am I doing? Isn't it obvious when you see?" "There are many eyes watching. And yet, behaving like this—" "And so what?" "...What?" Confronted with such boldness, the Double Swords was momentarily lost for words. Certainly, there were many onlookers. Only the two present division leaders, but also other personnel from the Martial Alliance. Individuals who appeared to be at least deputy or squad leader levels. They were representatives of absent division leaders. Not only sword division members but also likely those from Muk Yeon's command, indicating the presence of significant figures. 'But why should I care.' I wasn't concerned in the slightest about how these people viewed me. “You're saying 'and so what'...!” “Exactly. So what?” "…" It seemed my attitude was getting under the skin of the Double Swords, making his brow knit harshly. "Star King, do you not yet realize the significance of this place...? As a member of the Martial Alliance—" "No, what's so significant about this place?" "...This...!" "What could be so prestigious that I need to be wary of everyone else? Besides." I chuckled, barely suppressing laughter, meeting the Double Swords' gaze. "Member of the Martial Alliance? Oh, how grand." I had nothing more to boast about, so should I be proud of this? "In fact, strictly speaking, this is a place where I can do as I please, isn't it? I was told as much by the strategist." I added with a slight nod of my head. “Unlike the Golden Dragon and Iron Dragon leaders, you all are mere spectators here. So let's not waste energy on nonsense. I came here without breakfast and I'm tired.” “What did you say...?! Spectators?” Hearing that, the intensity in the Double Swords' eyes amplified. He looked as if he was moments away from attacking. “Why? You want to fight?” "To think someone with a bit of talent could be so impudent—! Do you think you can attain the position of division leader in the alliance like this?" "Listening to this senior, you keep speaking so absurdly." I stifled the laughter that almost escaped. “That division leader position—who said I wanted it? I was persuaded to take it on. Anyone would think I begged for this spot.” “This—!” “Oh, shut up….” The volume of his shouting was grating at my ears, so I waved a hand to cut him off. “If you don’t like it, leave.” “What the…?” “Didn't you hear me? If you’re unhappy, you can leave through that door.” My finger pointed to the entrance I came through. “And if you don’t want that.” I turned my hand to point towards the stage. “Stop the useless jabbering and let's settle it with a duel.” “...” “What? Are you scared?” “You…!” The Double Swords finally erupted, rising as if to pounce, but— “Golden Dragon Leader.” “…!” “...Please calm down.” It was the Iron Dragon Leader, the Silver Wolf Sword, who halted the Double Swords. “Iron Dragon Leader... But this person—” “As the Golden Dragon Leader mentioned, there are many watching eyes. Additionally.” The Silver Wolf Sword cast a sharp gaze at the Double Swords. “We are not here today to fight, are we?” “...” The softly uttered words acted as a reminder. Hearing it, the Double Swords forcibly contained his anger. As I watched, my eyes narrowed slightly. 'These guys.' There was a subtle unease behind his calming words. Not sound, but energy. Even amidst dialogue, energy exchanges happened between the two of them. 'It's a whisper.' No wonder, as high-ranking martial artists, even while talking, they were exchanging soundless messages. Being situated between them made it all the clearer. 'It seems they have some strategy prepared.' It felt strange for two division leaders to partake in such an event directly. Apparently, they had come with something planned. 'Hmm.’ Upon realizing this, I sank deeper into the chair. ‘Well then, let's see what they have.’ If they had prepared some scheme, they were welcome to execute it. They probably went through much trouble; a taste seemed in order. That was on my mind when— “…Since the Star King has taken his seat, shall we proceed to allow the applicants in?” “Yes, go ahead.” A member of the alliance cautiously queried me, causing me to nod. Simultaneously, “We will commence entry.” Creeeeak—!! A massive door, different from the one I entered through, swung open. From it emerged countless individuals. Whooosh—!! With the door's opening, a gust of wind blew in. The energy flowing from inside was heavy. The wind held traces of internal energy. That indicated many of those inside held internal energy. Indeed, the entrants were all martial artists. Slowly, about a hundred made their way in. A considerable number, indeed. Guided by the alliance, they gathered patiently around the combat stage. While I observed each of them carefully, “We thank you all for coming.” The guide soon explained the reason for their assembly. “From this moment on,” The reason for around a hundred martial artists being gathered here. It was precisely because— “We will commence the Sacred Dragon Division entrance exam.” I needed to select the members for the division I would command.