838 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Heaven's Mightiest comrade Chapter 838 > Northern Hare - Web Novel Archives As soon as I stepped out from the Dark King's chamber, I sighed, putting some distance between me and the place. "Huuh." Relief washed over me. Thankfully, my approach had worked. 'I managed to slip away well.' How could one extract energy from a demonic stone? This was the question the Dark King intended to ask, but I managed to escape without facing it, utilizing his current circumstances. The problem is, by now, the Dark King might have realized what happened. 'That old man... would he really hold a grudge over something like this?' It seems unlikely that someone of his age would sulk over such matters, but considering past incidents, it's not impossible. "Sss." I reassured myself that there was nothing to worry about. Besides, it should be fine. It had to be fine. 'Honestly, if I'm even handling the business side of things for him, he should overlook this little detail.' Isn't that how social interactions work? Even though he is one of the Four Great Families' heads, I trusted he would have this much flexibility. Otherwise... '...I'll have to tattle.' I'd have no choice but to report to the one he cherishes most. And that individual is— "Come out now." They were already nearby. Upon my call, a figure cautiously emerged from beside the bushes with a slightly sheepish expression. Of course, it was Tang Sohyeol. With a slight drop in her expression, she asked as she looked at me. "...Did you know?" She was asking if I knew she was hiding there. To that, I replied nonchalantly. "No." I didn't. Surprisingly, Tang Sohyeol was quite adept at hiding her presence. Of course, if I had heightened my senses to their maximum, I could have detected her... but— 'I would have had to extend them to the absolute maximum.' Since my Nine Wheels Flame Technique was malfunctioning, I had to rely more on my sensory perception. "You really didn't know?" Tang Sohyeol seemed surprised that I hadn't known. She definitely assumed I would have known. "Yeah, I didn't." "Then... how did you know I was here?" If I hadn't sensed her presence, how did I know? The answer is simple. "It just seemed like something you would do." "...!" If it was Tang Sohyeol, if it was the her that I knew, this was what she would have done. It was my belief and certainty. "And as it turns out, I was right." My certainty was confirmed since Tang Sohyeol was indeed here. That was all there was to it. Hearing my words, Tang Sohyeol widened her already large eyes even more. "Hehehe..." Before long, she chuckled quietly, covering her mouth with her hand. "..." Finding her giggle endearing, I gently placed my hand on top of her head to stroke it. Though she flinched at the sudden touch, she didn't seem to mind, enjoying the gesture quietly. Her light green hair wrapped around my fingers. Its texture was exceptionally smooth. Did she take special care of it, I wondered? 'Probably not.' A martial artist, especially one at her level and still young, would naturally have not only good skin but a generally good appearance. After a moment of stroking her hair, I broached the topic I intended to discuss. "I heard from Lord Tang." At those words, Tang Sohyeol tensed again. I didn't retract my hand, though. "H-how much did you hear?" She asked apprehensively. It was clear, even from her tone. Perhaps she worried I had overheard the part about how she planned to handle her engagement. That seemed to be her concern. "I didn't hear much... just that you left because you were angry over a slip by Lord Tang." I chose not to reveal everything. There was no need to divulge all the details. Given my explanation, Tang Sohyeol visibly relaxed, with a hint of relief in her expression. "I see..." "Why? Should I have heard more?" "I-it's nothing." I teased lightly, and she waved it off, looking quite flustered. Judging by her reaction, it seemed unwise to tease her more. "Alright then." I said, withdrawing my hand, and continued. "Whatever happens, try to resolve it well. I'm sure your father didn't mean any harm." "..." She didn't deny it. Which meant Tang Sohyeol shared my thoughts. Or perhaps, she knew them even better than I did. Yet— "...I'm doing my best." Even with that understanding, it seemed not easy for Tang Sohyeol to let it go. "But it seems like my father doesn't quite get it." "Why?" "If he did, he wouldn't be suggesting I use underhanded means." "..." "For me, this is a fight where I can't resort to such tactics." Her eyes were fierce. I felt a strong resolve not to back down. "...I don't know what kind of fight it is, but is it that important?" "Yes." "Oh, o-okay..." I was taken aback by her unwavering response. Could it really be something worth responding with such conviction? "I won't lose." "Still, if Lord Tang approaches you first to apologize, you should consider forgiving him." "...That..." Tang Sohyeol hesitated briefly, her lips moved slightly, and she averted her gaze before speaking. "I'll think...about it." "Alright." It seemed she was willing to talk if approached first. I guess that's fortunate in some sense, though it's more fortunate for... 'It'd be lucky for the person waiting inside the building.' Thinking of the Dark King anxiously biting his nails, I couldn't help but chuckle. 'Since I've made a move, I might as well help a little.' Having decided to lend a hand due to certain obligations weighing on me, I spoke to Tang Sohyeol. "I'm going to head back first, so you should return about an hour later. Can you come alone?" "What? Why, why? I want to go with you..." "It's an order. No arguing." At the word 'order,' Tang Sohyeol closed her mouth in resignation. It seemed she didn't like it, but there was little she could say. I gently pinched her chubby cheeks. Ah, now that she’s lost some baby fat, it's hard to call them chubby anymore. I felt the same disappointment with Wi Seol-ah in this regard. "Well then, I'll head back first. See you later." After bidding farewell, I started to move away. Having spent enough of the day, it was time for me to return. ****************** Upon returning to the division, I sought the commander immediately. "Lord Azure Dragon." As soon as the branch manager saw me, he bowed politely and welcomed me. "Is everything alright?" "Oh, of course. With the steadfast members protecting me, what could possibly go wrong?" I responded with sweetly flattering words, which made my lips curl up. As always, I didn't particularly enjoy these kinds of formalities. Those who spoke sweet words generally had ulterior motives. "I heard you visited the Tang Clan briefly..." "Yes, I stopped by briefly. There was a matter that required me to see the lord." "Just a few days ago, Lord Tang visited here as well. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to meet due to some engagements." The branch manager was likely busy handling matters with the Dark King at that time, something I had heard about from the Dark King himself. Even though I was aware of this, I playfully feigned ignorance with a smile. "Things like that can happen when one's busy. I’ll make sure to convey your regards to Lord Tang." "Hahaha…. Thank you." “...” “...” After finishing our conversation, there was a brief silence. I took a sip of the tea placed in front of me, swishing it slowly around in my mouth. ‘No poison.’ There was no poison in the tea. They couldn’t have tampered with this, I suppose. If so, it’s genuinely disappointing. ‘Or maybe they’ve realized something?’ Considering the possibility of them having caught on to something, I decided it was time to consider my next move. "Uh, may I ask why you wanted to meet with me?" "Oh." The branch manager's words pulled me out of my thoughts. I quickly recalled the purpose of my visit. "Sorry about that. Just got lost in my thoughts for a moment." "Oh, no worries. It’s perfectly understandable." I didn’t quite know what was supposed to be understandable, but I ignored it. “The reason I wanted to speak with you is because... I was wondering about possibly getting some assistance. How much support would be feasible?” “Support... do you mean in terms of manpower?” The branch manager widened his eyes at my question. “Yes. I think we might need some reinforcement.” “...Ah...Um." The branch manager quickly understood the implications of needing reinforcement. "Did you... discover something?" Acquisition of information. There was no reason to suddenly request support unless we had gathered some intelligence. Moreover— 'Needing more support suggests we’ve also gauged the opponent’s strength to some extent.' These words held numerous implications, and fortunately, the branch manager seemed to grasp the meaning well. As I watched his reaction, I subtly leaned forward, narrowing the distance between us. "It's not certain, but we have uncovered some information." "Such...! The Azure Dragon Division still lacks substantial information.... Oops!" He suddenly covered his mouth midway through his sentence. His words just now implied, "If even Azure Dragon Division couldn’t manage it, how did you?" Realizing his slip, he hurriedly added, “My apologies... I spoke out of turn.” “Oh, it’s alright. It's understandable why you’d think that.” I gestured with my hand, echoing the words the branch manager had used earlier. "It may be hard to believe, but we have indeed found something." "R-really?" "Yes. While we still need to figure out exactly what they’re plotting... we have a rough idea of their forces." I hesitated for a brief moment, adding a thoughtful expression. "With our current level, it could be a bit risky, that's why." “...I see...” “Do you think it’s possible?” “O-of course. It’s for the alliance, after all... It would be an honor.” The branch manager couldn’t show any hesitation and quickly agreed. I responded with relief evident in my voice. “I knew I could count on you, branch manager.” “Hahaha…” “If that’s settled, we’ll align our preparations accordingly.” “...Yes, yes. Understood.” The branch manager nodded with a curious expression, and our conversation came to an end. ****************** On my way to the quarters of the Azure Dragon Division, I surveyed my surroundings carefully. The branch manager agreed to the sudden request for manpower, albeit with a clear hint of surprise. Could I have really uncovered something? While there was a slight hint of unease, it was reassuring to see they had understood well. ‘Will the message get through?’ Whether it reaches Ilcheong Sword or the Dark King. It didn’t matter who, as long as it signaled my intention to act. ‘Preferably, it should be to Ilcheong Sword.’ This part was beyond my control, so I hoped it would flow in the best way possible. '...I need to wrap up this matter soon.' The plan was to resolve it within seven days at the latest. Three days, if done swiftly. I've been gearing up diligently, so barring any major issues, everything should proceed smoothly... The snag lies in— 'The fact that I can't use the Nine Wheels Flame Technique right now.' Since my primary martial art was obstructed, I needed to be extra cautious. 'Even though it's not impossible without it.' It was a reminder to be vigilant. If mishandled, it could jeopardize everything. "Tsk." Most of my plans were devised, assuming I had my full strength. I didn't expect such a problem to arise here. I'm trying not to let it bother me, but, clearly, it poses a significant variable. ‘Is there really no solution?’ Either I needed to resolve the impediment or find a way to handle things seamlessly in this current condition. I needed to come up with a method. Tapping lightly on my folded arms, lost in thought, I was interrupted. Hummm. “Huh?” I sensed a presence ahead. ‘Who could it be?’ Judging by the path, it was evident they were heading toward me. Locking onto the source, a figure soon appeared. It was a man. Dressed in the uniform of the Azure Dragon Division. “...Lord Azure Dragon.” Cautiously approaching, the man greeted me with a fist salute. As I recognized him, I spoke. “Excuse me…. I am Mudo...” “Mun Dohyeok. What brings you here?” “...” I remembered his name clearly. If I recall correctly, he was a first-class martial artist. And more importantly, ‘The ears and mouth of Ilcheong Sword.’ He was the one Ilcheong Sword was utilizing for his schemes. When I called out his name first, he gave me an inscrutable expression. What was with that look? It struck me as a peculiar reaction, so I continued to watch him closely. "...You know my name?" Mun Dohyeok uttered something even more peculiar. "What?" I chuckled at the absurdity of his question and replied. "What kind of nonsense is that? Why wouldn't I know the name of one of my subordinates?" "..." At the very least, if they're under my charge, I should remember their names. Can't he at least expect that? Could it be that he thought I wouldn't even bother remembering his name? No, it doesn't seem like that's the intent here. "Doesn’t seem like you’ve gone mad in this weather. So, what is it?" "Well, it's just that..." 'Oh.' Mun Dohyeok hesitated. Seeing that hesitation, I understood. ‘Ilcheong Sword must have told him something.’ This fellow’s here under orders from Ilcheong Sword to tell me something. I realized it immediately and couldn't help but laugh inwardly. ‘Of course. It’d be disappointing if they didn’t try anything.’ If there were no maneuvers at all, that’d be more worrisome. Knowing they're planning something is actually preferable. It makes things easier to decipher. 'So, what are they trying to do?' What exactly is Ilcheong Sword plotting? My hunch is that they'll start by feeding me false information. Pretending they’ve discovered something to try to gauge my response. That seems the most likely option for now, though I’ve considered other possibilities as well. Given the circumstances, one of them must be true. With that in mind, I watched Mun Dohyeok closely... Until, after a lingering silence, he finally overcame his hesitance and spoke to me. And— "...Lord Azure Dragon." "Yes." "Ilcheong Sword... is targeting you." "...What?" Surprisingly, this was something I hadn't anticipated.