807 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

The increasingly turbulent energy and noise grew louder. As these echoes cascaded around, a whirl of thoughts crossed my mind. The size of the vortex created by the bet was indeed immense. “Eek-!” A sudden blade strike emerged from the storm, targeting a warrior. Seeing it, I quickly reached out and pulled the man toward me. Crunch-! In the place the man evaded, a deep sword mark was left. The man, barely saved, gasped for breath. “Tha... thank... thank you.” I didn't respond to his gratitude, focusing instead on releasing the pressure. Whirrr--!! Swoosh-! Accompanied by a vibration, a surge of heat enveloped the surroundings. Others had already tried to block the gust from escaping outside, but it wasn't enough. So, I exerted my power to erect a qi barrier, which at last reduced the vibrations. Yet, only the external vibrations vanished. The internal sensation remained unchanged. Screech-! Crash-!! The ground shattered and energy scattered everywhere, causing destruction. It was a scene too fierce to be called a spar, yet too unclear to be a real battle. There was no murderous intent, but the air was thick with battling spirits. The energy was overwhelming. ‘...Hiss.’ I could feel the diligently erected barrier start to tremble quickly. If I were to hold on, it seemed it wouldn't last even a moment. Ssss-! The qi I used to establish the barrier was rapidly depleting. I hurriedly reinforced it with additional energy and immediately glanced beside me. There was Yeoltujeong Geom, dumbfounded, watching the chaos unfold. I frowned as I turned to him and asked. “What are you doing? Give me an explanation!” “Ah, ah! Th-that is…” Startled by my words, Yeoltujeong Geom began his explanation. Here's how the story unfolds: ****************** As expected, once individuals departed, fissures began to appear. At first, it seemed like the factions were united, but discord soon erupted, as predicted. - “What? Why does the senior get to become the vice lord?” - “Of course, it's right for me. I am from the Blue Dragon Division.” - “Nonsense! You want to take the lead after suggesting unity? And Blue Dragon Division? Hah!” It didn't take long for the argument to escalate. Even though arriving here was displeasing, warriors craving honor, especially the prestige-sensitive warriors of the alliance, wouldn’t tolerate such provocations. - “Why bring up the Blue Dragon Division here? Aren't we randomly assigned to come?” - “What did you just say...? Are you serious—?” - “If you were so great, you would've been promoted already. Instead, you've been just a lifelong member, and now you're trying to become a vice lord? That's ridiculously ambitious.” - “Hah, now even an Iron Dragon Division brat dares to say such things? This is absurd.” - “None of it is untrue, though.” - “Untrue? And you're using informal speech, brat.” - “There's no rank, they say. Should I even consider you a senior?” As the conversation continued, emotions flared. Being conscripted, none were in good spirits, and it was only a matter of time before even a small crack expanded into a larger chasm. - “Fair point. What about the Blue Dragon Division? You think you're great because of the division?” - “I heard that fellow was crushed by a junior when vying for a captain role. Ah, so that’s why you’re here now.” - “Is that true?” - “I heard it clearly from a friend in the Flying Dragon Division.” - “Hah. No wonder this alleged great Blue Dragon Division member is here, having been ousted from a position fight. How can you raise your shoulders so high? You should be ashamed.” - “You bastards--!!” Shing-! The conflict inevitably ended with drawn swords. The tension suggested an imminent bloody showdown. - “Draw your sword? Do you want to see who dies first?” - “Damn, okay. They say there are no ranks or superiors, so go for it? I’ve hated that self-righteous bastard’s smug look from the start.” - “Do you think seniors are a joke?! Want to die screaming?” - “Senior? What nonsense. A guy who consistently fails promotion exams, clinging to the same spot--!!” Their rage seemed to explode as men gritted their teeth, preparing for battle. Clearly, a fight would soon erupt. Meanwhile, others across the way watched, clicking their tongues in disapproval. - “Nothing's happened yet, and already there’s discord. They’re quite something.” - “…They call themselves warriors of the martial alliance, yet it’s so disappointing.” No matter how brief their stay, the sight was a letdown for the warriors. This was supposed to be from the Martial Alliance. Despite being conscripted, they had some expectations, which were utterly crushed. This situation was worrisome. - “...Can a vice lord emerge from among these kinds?” Originally, one vice lord was to be selected from each side: one from here and one from the alliance. This meant one had to come from them, too. - “It’s hard to understand.” The warriors found the decision incomprehensible. Considering their skills or current conduct, could they really serve such individuals as superior officers? - “Do we really have to pick someone from among them...? I struggle to understand the Star King's intent.” The decision raised many questions. It wasn’t just the man who voiced his doubts; everyone gathered there shared the same sentiment. However, they all also shared a common thought. - “Even though we can't grasp it, surely there's a purpose.” - “Indeed, if anyone, it’d be him….” - “…Sigh.” Listening to the surrounding affirmations, the man could only swallow his silent agreement and nod. Yes, while they couldn’t understand it, if it was the Star King who orchestrated this... He who had tried to sacrifice himself in the brutal assault to save others, there must be some intention. - “Originally, geniuses are said to be beyond others’ comprehension. The vice lord is no exception.” - “That's absolutely true.” They seemed to forget that they, too, were once hailed as geniuses in the martial sects where they were born and raised, and instead, indulged in a chuckle. On one side, even killing intent emerged beyond fighting spirits. Around the time I was beginning to think the contrast wasn't necessarily bad— - “Shall we decide on our side, too?” - “For what...? Ah. You mean the vice lord position?” - “Yes. If the lord instructed us to choose, we should decide first.” Regardless of what happens, a vice lord must be established. That's why the others were fighting so fiercely, wasn't it? We, too, had to figure out a way to decide. - “For us, it's already been decided, hasn’t it?” There wasn’t much to worry about. - “Indeed, with that person among us.” Everyone's gaze naturally turned to one woman. A silver-haired woman with a sleepy demeanor, possessing a presence not easily approachable. She was the daughter of the current Sword King, steadily building her reputation in Hanam. Sword Dance Heiress Namgung Bia. She tilted her head slightly as the looks concentrated on her. - “If we have to choose a vice lord... it must be based on skill, wouldn't you agree?” - “Indeed. Especially if that individual managed to overcome the lord, that's significant merit.” - “Huh? She beat the Silver Wolf Sword? Is that true?” - “Ah, Buretan Island. You missed it the next day when you passed.” - “I can’t believe it...! That young lady actually... the Iron Dragon Vice Lord?” The daughter of Namgung who defeated the Silver Wolf Sword. The story from the incident during the test was starting to spread quietly in Hanam. Those who witnessed it directly were all in favor of elevating Namgung Bia to the vice lord position. If one possessed the skill to overcome the lord, what other justification could be needed? With this thought, everyone was about to peacefully conclude with Namgung Bia as vice lord when— - “Why?” A voice suddenly interrupted. Everyone turned their eyes at the sound. Step-step. - “Oh...!” - “Hmm?” The voice's owner received the attention but calmly continued walking forward. With each step, her golden hair shimmered. Already a woman who drew glances her way. Because of the rumors about Namgung Bia, she received relatively less attention, but in terms of beauty, she was unmatched. Amiti of the previous Masters, known as the Island Moon Sword Wi Seol Ah. Tap. Wi Seol Ah stepped forward, stopping before Namgung Bia, and asked those around her. - “Why should my sister be the vice lord?” Why should Namgung Bia be the vice lord? Faced with a question full of doubt, the others found themselves unable to speak. The reasoning was clear. Wasn’t skill enough? If one had to choose, Sword Dance Heiress was the fitting choice. And so on. There were numerous things to say, but their mouths stayed shut. Perhaps it was the chilling tone in Wi Seol Ah's voice. Caught in silence— - “Seol ah.” Namgung Bia suddenly called out to Wi Seol Ah. Upon hearing her name, Wi Seol Ah turned to Namgung Bia. - “Yes, sister.” - “Do you want to?” Do you want to be the vice lord? To such a question, Wi Seol Ah responded. - “Yes.” Her voice was firm. - “If it means I need to do something to achieve it... I’m more than willing to oblige.” Her words led to reactions around them. If she’s willing to follow through on any necessary task, it implies she’s okay with deciding through battle. It was an affirmation of her confidence, implying she believed herself stronger than them. This understanding caused the expressions of those who realized the implication to twist. The atmosphere shifted. Was it possible this spark would ignite discord here as well? In the midst of this worry— - “…It doesn’t matter.” Surprisingly, Namgung Bia seemed indifferent as she spoke to Wi Seol Ah. She stated it didn’t matter who became the vice lord. However— - “…As long as they’re strong, it doesn’t matter.” Namgung Bia’s words carried a meaningful aura. - “As long as it’s someone strong enough to protect... anyone is fine.” Her voice, usually leisurely, had an underlying firmness. Namgung Bia’s tone, lower in pitch than usual for a woman, subtly spread tension. - “That means...?” - “But.” Namgung Bia’s gaze briefly lingered on Wi Seol Ah before continuing. - “It’s not Seol Ah yet.” - ... - “Seol Ah is weaker than me. That’s why I have to do it.” Namgung Bia spoke matter-of-factly. - …. At that moment— Shing-! Wi Seol Ah immediately drew her sword, instigating the conflict. ****************** “…So, that’s how they ended up fighting?” “…Yes.” “Unbelievable.” After hearing the incident's origins, there were only a few reactions I could have. Honestly, I figured there might be fights. The alliance people were set up to strike against each other, and I assumed there would be some conflict on this side too. ‘Who would’ve thought it’d be between those two?’ Of all people, Namgung Bia and Wi Seol Ah fighting was unexpected. And to do it with such earnestness. Crrraack--!!! Clang! Clang! Screech-! Entwined swords of different hues clashed dozens of times within moments. Blades continued to collide, each impact creating waves and gales. It was akin to a raging storm. ‘...What to do now.’ The other warriors, seemingly shocked, were busy witnessing the scene. None expected two young women to create such havoc. Screech-! Wi Seol Ah twisted her waist, swinging her sword. Her rotating blade conjured a massive sword wind. Together, her golden air swords relentlessly pressured Namgung Bia. Seeing it, my eyes slightly widened. ‘The number of air swords has increased?’ Compared to the last time I saw, there were a few more. Had she improved her state in this short period? ‘At this speed….’ In a few years, she might really catch up with the transcendent swordplay I knew in my past life. The sacred sword's count of air swords was immense. The sight of numerous air swords unleashing havoc against demons subtly crossed my mind. And then— Buzz---!!!! As if countering Wi Seol Ah’s air swords, Namgung Bia released a burst of lightning energy from all directions. Thump-! Although it couldn’t destroy the air swords, it diverted their direction to evade the attacks. To the point where steps were disrupted by emitted techniques. Boom-! A loud roar echoed. It resembled the precursor to a lightning strike. The epicenter of the resounding noise was indeed Namgung Bia's sword. The compressed lightning within her sword erupted with a deafening sound. It was evident just how tightly she had concentrated the energy. Namgung Bia launched that fierce bolt at Wi Seol Ah without hesitation. Boom---!!! “Ah!” “Watch out!” A lightning bolt struck, descending with the sword's arc. The lightning she conjured swept across the ground. Wi Seol Ah infused her body with energy as she beheld this. Shrouded in golden light, Wi Seol Ah propelled herself swiftly, dodging the bolt with a burst of speed. However. “…!” Namgung Bia moved alongside the lightning. As her movement drew Wi Seol Ah's attention, Namgung Bia dashed into her proximity. Wi Seol Ah quickly tried to raise her sword. Bang-! “Ugh!” Yet Namgung Bia’s foot struck Wi Seol Ah’s abdomen first. ‘A feint.’ She had seemed to target the upper body with her sword, only to strike with her foot. It was a difference in their situational judgment. Wi Seol Ah was sent flying backward from the attack. On the surface, it seemed as if Namgung Bia's attack was perfectly executed. However. “...” Namgung Bia suddenly frowned and began rubbing her abdomen. In that moment when she kicked Wi Seol Ah, Wi Seol Ah had also launched a counterattack against Namgung Bia. Though the impact was likely small due to the haste, the speed of her response in that brief moment was remarkable. Whoosh—! The offensive pause allowed the stormy pressure to slowly dissipate. Those who had witnessed the brief yet intense whirlwind could only be astonished. “What did we just witness?” “What kind of fierce...?” The onlookers seemed bewildered, struggling to comprehend what they had witnessed. It appeared they recognized that the prowess of both women was on an entirely different level. "Cough." As the dust cleared, Wi Seol Ah let out a cough. She had already regained her stance. Though she had been thrown back, her eyes still brimmed with determination. “…Hoo.” It seemed she intended to continue as she steadied her breath and gripped her sword. Watching her, I had to rub my forehead. ‘Her internal injuries can’t be fully healed yet.’ Even close to full recovery, the pain would still linger. Yet, seeing her fight like this was somewhat astonishing. ‘I made a mistake.’ Yes, this was my mistake. Not predicting that those two might fight was just an excuse. At the very least, I should have been aware. I had just been distracted by other pressing matters. “Hiss.” What should I do now? Wouldn't it be better to stop them? ‘Yeah, this isn't right.’ I should stop them. It was clear that leaving it as it was would lead to trouble. Resolute in this belief, I prepared to intervene. -…Don’t…interfere. -Please don’t stop us. “...” -If you do...I’ll be upset…. Just for today…. -Not forever… but I won’t see you for a few days, Master…. Both Wi Seol Ah and Namgung Bia sent me the same message through voice transmission. It came with a rather subtle threat.