805 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Title: The Greatest Martial Artist's Childhood Friend Chapter 805 > North Rabbit - Web Novel Archive Murmur. In the midst of the tense atmosphere responding to my greeting, a murmur spreads. It was just a simple greeting, so why is everyone reacting this way? Everyone seems to be sweating or even more tense than before. Damn it. "Sigh..." Flinch. Even my sigh draws reactions. Seeing that makes me want to sigh even more. 'I haven't even done anything, yet things already feel messed up.' I'm somewhat used to these kinds of awkward situations. But maybe it feels different this time because it's been a while. 'I thought of trying to handle this decently if possible.' Given what I experienced in a past life, I thought of doing things differently this time. Seeing their reactions, though, it seems that won't be possible. "It's really disheartening to see people reacting so coldly to a mere greeting." I slightly tilt my head and take a step forward. At the same time, I extend my hand. With a slight exertion of energy, a distant chair flies towards me and lands. Thud! I bring the chair before me with my power and sit down heavily. "I'm glad to see you all. It's a lot of work early in the morning, isn't it?" Still, there is no response. However, the atmosphere feels slightly better than before. With my gaze lowered, I survey the group and continue speaking. "I'm Gu Yangcheon, and I'll be managing and training you all in the future." As I speak, distinct reactions arise. On one side, the applicants I selected nod slightly. Beside them, the ten individuals sent from the Meng side show signs of discomfort. 'Let's see.' I examine each of them carefully to assess their impressions. First, to see if there's anyone I recognize, and second, to remember them deliberately. 'Their expressions are quite refreshing.' Given that they've been selected from each unit, dissatisfaction is evident despite their attempts to hide it. Although this is an unguided unit of the Meng due to the creation of the new sword division... 'That can't be.' I'm certain there's no way that could be true. They must have been sent as spies from each unit without exception. However, unlike the way Yangcheon tried to sneak applicants into the group, this is done openly. From my position, the latter is preferable. Catching secret spies is a hassle, but dealing with open ones is much simpler. "You must have heard about... Ah, if anyone has any objections to a young person speaking informally, raise your hand. While I won't change my manner, I'll at least hear you out." Naturally, no one raised their hand. From the time they joined the sword division and entered the Meng, the hierarchy was a given. "Alright, I'll assume there are no objections and proceed." I pulled out a scroll from my robe. It was a scroll given along with the robe, lightly detailing information about the members. "As you've likely already heard from the higher-ups, we are not a sword division focused on demon hunting. We are a unit specifically formed in anticipation of battles against the Sapa, right?" Their eyes sharpen with intensity. It seems they've heard it clearly. "Considering you understand that..." Rustle. Even as I speak, I continue reading each section of the scroll. I focused on the descriptions of those sent from the Meng, excluding those I've already memorized. 'Hmm.' Three faces I recognize. Five I've never heard of with unfamiliar descriptions. Two whose names I'm aware of. Among these... 'Four who need to be removed.' I quickly organized my thoughts. Then, I burned the scroll in my hand. Whoosh!! The sudden burning of the scroll caused some startled reactions from those in front. Noting these reactions mentally, I prepared my next move. "No need for introductions on my part. We’re not here to bond unnecessarily, so let's get straight to the point since we're all gathered." I chuckled as I brushed away the ashes of what was once a scroll. I didn’t let out any energy or try to intimidate. "As you know, given that you've just been integrated into the sword division, aside from the position of sword division member, none of you currently have a rank or title to hold." This applies both to those sent from the Meng as well. Whatever titles they held in their previous units have been nullified upon joining the Sacred Dragon Division. That’s likely why some of them are showing disgruntled expressions. This was something I agreed upon with Muk Yeon. "Shall we determine roles and ranks first, then?" I will be deciding the roles. Normally, leadership designations are up to the major, but this goes beyond that. It means I will disregard even the ranks provided by the Meng and decide everything as I wish. Just as I was about to introduce this topic... Slide. Suddenly, one of them raised their hand. It was one of those sent from the Meng. As I met his gaze, he seemed to have been waiting for this opportunity to speak. "I have a question. Do you mean by your earlier words that...?" "Shut your mouth." "…!" At my curt interruption, the man flinched to a halt. I lowered my eyes and glared at him. "I didn't grant anyone permission to ask questions, did I?" Adding a slight intimidation to my voice, I saw his throat move. It seemed he was swallowing his dry saliva. "...I-I apologize." "Name." "Yes?" "Did you not understand me? Before asking a question, start with your introduction. That’s basic etiquette, isn't it?" "...Triple grade warrior, Jung Seoljin." Triple grade warrior. In terms of hierarchy, it's between first rate and peak level, mainly suited for combat. Not quite a unit leader, but capable of leading a squad. Nodding at his response, I said. "Go ahead. What’s your question?" "...Chief, firstly, I am a triple grade warrior." "Yes, I heard." "But are you saying that the ranking system will be disregarded and determined independently within the division?" The ranking given by the Meng is three. It's quite high, but his question implies that such rankings bear no meaning in the Sacred Dragon Division, correct? "No." I corrected his misunderstanding with a straightforward denial. "Then..." "Saying it will be determined independently is a bit vague." It seemed he didn't grasp the most important point. "I'll decide, and you will just have to comply." Jung Seoljin's eyes widened. Clearly, he didn’t expect me to say it so bluntly. "Whether it's rank two, rank three, or even rank four, I couldn't care less." The rank assigned by the Meng meant nothing to me. "Once you're here, what I decide is the law." "...But... the Sacred Dragon Division is still a part of the Martial Alliance's sword divisions, is it not?" “So, what, are you saying because you're ranked as a three, you should be treated as one?” "...That wasn't my intention..." "Stop spouting nonsense. What do you mean 'it wasn't'?" "...!" The harsh insult instantly quieted the room. "In the end, aren't you just whining for some recognition because of what you've done? Why is your tongue so lengthy?" "..." "You managed to understand all that roundabout talk so well, but you can’t grasp what I'm saying?" I furrowed my brow deeply. "Since I have no intention of accommodating such requests, don't flaunt your rank. Was that so difficult to understand, Member Jung Seoljin?" "..." "You should answer. The division leader has asked." "...N-No..." Despite his denial, his face looked on the verge of breaking. Watching that brought a slight smirk to my face. 'What a spectacle.' It seemed that without proper authority, these trivial matters could quickly spiral out of control. Old habits were bound to resurface if I wasn't careful. I had to restrain myself. Somehow, I needed to hold back, though it wasn't easy. ‘Back then, times were simpler.’ If someone didn’t listen, I just made them listen. If anyone acted superior, I would cut them down, and if their gaze annoyed me, I would simply burn their eyes. There was nothing as straightforward or convenient as suppressing with force. ‘This makes life unnecessarily complicated.’ Trying to live differently from the past presented its own challenges. In the past, I would have easily ripped out a tongue as an example. Not being able to do so was a grievance. "Is there anyone else like Member Jung Seoljin here who finds my methods disagreeable?" Despite my annoyance, another person raised their hand. "Very well, you there." "Hello. I am a triple-grade warrior..." “Was it Member Hyun Woo Cheol?” “…Uh, yes, that’s correct.” His eyes wavered when I mentioned his name before he even introduced himself. “Speak.” "If rank is indeed unimportant, how do you intend to determine things…?" If I was disregarding the rankings set by the Meng, he wanted to know by what method I would determine them. I already had an answer prepared for this. “How should I set it? It's quite simple.” I moved my stiff neck and pointed to one side with my hand. An open space within the division. “There’s a simple solution, isn’t there?” “…You mean…?” Whoosh!! “Huh!?” When flames erupted from my hand unexpectedly, they flinched in surprise. I concentrated my energy into the flames and threw them lightly, fixing them in midair. "The flame should last about an hour. Once that time passes, it'll disappear." It would take roughly that long for the energy to dissipate. "That's your deadline." "What?" "Deadline for what?" Everyone was bewildered, and I explained further. Although, in truth, no explanation was necessary. "You guys decide however you like. Whether you fight it out amongst yourselves, talk it out, or vote on it—my only order is to have it sorted by the time I return." I shifted my gaze from the flames to the assembled members. And I pointed alternately between the two groups. "Pick one person as the sub-leader from each group. Whoever you choose will be placed in that position." “…!” I expected them to decide before the time expired. That was the method I had chosen. "Division leader...?" "To repeat, rank is meaningless. Whoever gets chosen…" I focused my gaze on the dissatisfied Meng warriors, the ones who were particularly displeased having been reassigned to this division. “Whoever it may be, I'll appoint that person to the role, so choose wisely.” Ending this decree, I turned away. Although they might have plenty to say, there were no following questions. I didn’t care whether it was out of disbelief or misunderstanding or for another reason—they simply had to follow the order. They might not obey it. After all, being asked to randomly select a sub-leader without so much as a proper introduction is absurd. But. 'In the end, they're all martial artists.' They are beings filled with desires for recognition and honor. Competitions were the most effective means to handle them, after all. ‘Preventing insubordination by establishing dominance would be tiresome compared to this.’ The quickest way to quell any uprising was simple. Make them turn their blades on each other instead of on me. Let them create their own little political games. Not using it would be foolish. ‘Since I’ve bought some time with that, I should get started on this end, too.’ I stepped forward lightly. ‘Time to begin the next step.' My destination was Muk Yeon's quarters. ****************** After about half a cycle of walking to meet Muk Yeon, reaching my destination wasn’t difficult. After all, I contacted him as soon as I arrived. “…Leader of the Sacred Dragon Division.” Muk Yeon squinted his eyes at me. "Greetings." "Isn't this usually a busy time? What brings you here on your first day, with your subordinates unattended?" "I've left them to their own devices, so it should be fine for now." "...You left them on their own?" His eyebrows furrowed slightly, as if I'd entrusted children to fend for themselves. "They're having some time to get to know one another. Something like that." “...” His expression showed he had a barrage of questions. Watching him, I cleared my throat then spoke to Muk Yeon. "Oh, by the way, how's the Golden Dragon Division leader?" “Judging by his condition, it seems he will regain consciousness today or tomorrow.” “That really is unfortunate.” “…?” "I'm kidding. Isn't it really fortunate?" "..." Though I confessed it was a joke, he clearly didn’t believe me. Come on, I'm not a madman wishing he wouldn’t wake up. ‘I need him to wake up so I can continue tormenting him.’ Indeed, it wasn't enough to wrap things up with just a few defeats. Having crossed me, things couldn’t end that lightly. "I'm sincere. The leader of the Golden Dragon Division is crucial for proving my innocence." "...I see. Understood." His eyes showed that he neither believed me nor understood my reasoning. That old man had a knack for saying one thing while his eyes revealed another. "What brings you to seek me out while you're so busy, leader of the Sacred Dragon Division?" Despite my earnest words, Muk Yeon seemed skeptical, but that wasn't the focus right now, so I decided to let it go. "Oh, it's nothing much." I extracted a prepared scroll from my robe and handed it to Muk Yeon. "I've compiled the list of those individuals I wished to bring in personally, as I mentioned before." "..." It was part of the agreement I had with Muk Yeon. Upon founding the Sacred Dragon Division and assuming the leadership role, I requested the authority to bring in a few individuals apart from any assessments or conscription processes. Initially, I had requested eight people, but Muk Yeon insisted it was too many and reduced the number to three. After numerous negotiations, we settled on five. Today, I intended to hand over those five selected individuals to Muk Yeon. ‘How will he react?’ I was curious to see how Muk Yeon would respond upon reviewing this list. Rustle. As Muk Yeon slowly flipped through the recommendations concerning the five individuals, his expressions varied between frowns and bewilderment. Finally, after he turned to the fourth page and reached the last one… "...Huh?" His eyes widened like lanterns. His old hand gripped the scroll tightly. "This is..." His voice, addressing me, carried a slight tremor. Amidst his astonished glance, I caught a glimpse of the scroll he held. It contained brief information about a woman's life. The content seemed unremarkable, but Muk Yeon's reaction was due to just one detail. "This woman, is she really...?" The final line in the description of the woman from the Piga family. It stated that she was a hidden illegitimate child of Eulryeong Geomhu.