841 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

The Return of the World's Best Friend - Chapter 841: Northern Rabbit - Web Novel Archive Of course, I still couldn't understand why Moo Do Hyeok came to my side. To be honest, I find it hard to believe. ‘Il Cheonggeom might have made an unnecessary move.’ A sophisticated ploy, perhaps using their agent to destabilize us. A double agent, possibly. Or in Moo Do Hyeok's case, a triple agent...? ‘Anyway…’ The more I couldn't understand Moo Do Hyeok's choice, the more I found it impossible to trust him. As I said before, it's impossible to trust someone who has a record of betrayal. Perhaps sensing this suspicion, Moo Do Hyeok concealed his trembling hands and spoke to me. "If you wish, I will seal my body with an oath... Please, accept me." He offered to engrave a prohibition on himself. It wasn't something to be said carelessly. ‘Though saying so, I still wouldn't believe it.’ Words alone don't equate to trust. Even so, I have no intention of trusting him. However. ‘What needs to be assessed isn't this guy's character.’ Moo Do Hyeok's sincerity or desperation. Or his anguish. Those are beside the point from the start. What needs to be assessed here is just one thing. ‘His value.’ In what way and where can he be useful? And is there any utility in him at all? The only thing I should consider is that, and from what I see in Moo Do Hyeok. ‘Not bad.’ He was a decent card. Right now was the perfect time to use him as a discard. ‘Hmm.’ What to do. I ponder briefly. If this is a ploy by Il Cheonggeom.... ‘There are... at most two approaches.’ Not devoid of options, but just enough. On the contrary, if Moo Do Hyeok is truly betraying Il Cheonggeom. ‘It's awkward to use him as a dagger.’ A powerful blow is impossible. Since there is already a plan in place, it's not the right time to need it. If anything, it could be used to slightly vex them. ‘Hmm.’ Thus, I was pondering. Not about whether he's a spy or not. ‘To kill or to spare.’ Whether to clear him out of sight. That was my dilemma. There would be no issue if I killed him now. His end wouldn't change anything, and no traces would remain. Even considering the variables, it was logical to simply clear him out. ‘So, should I kill him?’ Startled-! Moo Do Hyeok trembled as he looked at me. He seemed to sense a faint killing intent. “D-Division Leader….” While only good for vexing Il Cheonggeom, it seemed genuinely more advantageous to just eliminate him…. “Hmm.” After pondering, I nodded. I had arrived at a conclusion. Swish. “Gasp…!” As I rose, Moo Do Hyeok recoiled in shock, clambering backward. He looked quite pathetic. Hence, I looked at him with an expression of scorn and asked. "What are you doing?" “Th-that is… Please, spare me….” "What are you talking about? Who said they'd kill you?" “…Eh, what?” “You asked me to accept you.” “Gasp! Then…!” “Stop acting the fool and get up. We need to head out.” Despite the risk, I'll accept him for the sole purpose of giving Il Cheonggeom a hard time. It seemed worth it for now. If it gets troublesome. ‘I can just kill them all.’ I had a sure method to resolve it, after all. ******************** I went outside. Lanterns were already illuminating the entire division. The warriors were preparing for night duty in turn. Though as the Division Leader I didn't need to stand watch, I often did rounds during night training. “Chung.” “Oh. Good work.” As I passed, the subordinates I confirmed quickly saluted. I'd like to tell them there's no need for formalities, but since we have a rank structure, such protocols should be upheld. Otherwise, sometimes they start acting up. ‘It's tiresome to discipline each one.’ It's easy to trample on them when they climb, but moving just for that is a hassle. While I patrolled the division, checking here and there on the subordinates, at some point. “Um, uh... Division Leader.” “Why?” Moo Do Hyeok, nervously following behind, asked me in an anxious tone. “Where exactly are we headed now?” My not disclosing a destination seemed to make him uneasy. Smirking, I replied. “Where do you think I'm going now?” “Yes.” “Well, I'm looking for a place to bury you.” “…!!” Moo Do Hyeok halted, trembling, fear instantly filling his eyes. Watching him, I smirked and said. “Just kidding.” “Oh…! Haha…. It's a joke.” “Yeah, right now I’m off to meet the Azure Dragon Division Leader.” “Oh, ah, the Azure Dragon Division Leader... Huh?” Moo Do Hyeok's eyes widened at my subsequent words. “What... do you mean by that?” “What else would I mean? I'm going to see Il Cheonggeom.” “…Ah... No.” “Don't worry. I just have a few questions to ask.” “But... why am I...?” If there’s anything to ask Il Cheonggeom, why am I bringing him along? Moo Do Hyeok asked as if he didn’t understand. “Well, you see.” Calmly, I answered his question. “I have things to ask about you, so having you there makes it convenient, right?” “Pardon...? What do you...!” “Oh, stop prying. Want me to pierce your lips with a skewer so you can't talk? Neatly? There's a use for you, so just shut up and come along.” "..." I spoke with an edge of irritation, and only then did Moo Do Hyeok reluctantly hold his tongue. Finally quiet, I let out a sigh. Sensing his hesitation, I turned around and added. “Just so you know. There’s no escaping now. If you’re going to attach yourself, do it properly. If you seem like you're evaluating your options again, I won't just let you be. Got it?” “Un-understood….” At the warning laced with killing intent, Moo Do Hyeok's complexion turned ashen. This was genuine. If he caused further headaches, I would eliminate him. Having completed my rounds, I approached the final subordinate to inquire. “Where is the Deputy?” Not Tang Sohyeol, the other one was missing. The subordinate, standing at attention, answered. “The Deputy is currently at the western quarters.” “The west? If it’s the west….” After confirming the location, I tilted my head. “That’s near the Azure Dragon Division’s area. Why would they be there?” I hadn't been informed of any particular reason for them to go. As I expressed my confusion, the subordinate wore a peculiar expression and continued. “It's just that... there was an issue with information gathering concerning the Azure Dragon Division….” “Hmm?” What was this now? They say an issue arose? “So, you're telling me they were summoned without even reporting it to me?” “Yes. The Deputy mentioned that since you were out, they would handle it themselves for now….” “Alright, but they should have arranged for me to be informed as soon as I returned. Why am I only learning about this now by asking you? It's too late, don't you think?” “…I-I apologize.” “With apologies, huh? Are we going to handle matters in this sloppy manner?” Not only this one, but the others as well. Oh, this is infuriating. “…It won't happen again. My apologies.” “You… Never mind. Inform all the members to gather in front of my quarters. If even one is missing, they'll be dead. Got it?” “…Ch-chung…!” As I spoke with irritation, the subordinate answered pale-faced. No matter how recently established we are, our reporting system can't be this messed up. ‘I was planning to take it easy on them.’ However, letting it slide when we're being blatantly disregarded was not something I could overlook. ‘So they got summoned to the Azure Dragon Division? Perfect timing.’ While I’m at it, I should catch up with them and hear what's going on. With that thought, I dragged Moo Do Hyeok along to the quarters where the Azure Dragon Division resided. As I appeared, I noticed the Azure Dragon Division members present were surprised. Though they quickly saluted, faint dissatisfaction was visible on their faces. It wasn't a rare occurrence, and usually, I wouldn't care about such a minor thing, but. “You, there.” This time, I had business, so I pointed out one of them specifically. “…Are you referring to me?” The pointed-out member asked back as if incredulous that it was him being called. “Yeah, you. Come here.” "…" A reluctant expression settled on his face. Already irritated, seeing his face only further fueled my anger. “You won’t drop that expression? Do I need to fix it manually?” Suppressing my annoyance, I spoke, prompting the member to swallow and force his expression to relax. “I came to see the Azure Dragon Division Leader. I heard our Deputy was here too. Where are they?” Hearing my words, the member's eyes narrowed slightly. He spoke as if aware of something. “…They are inside at the moment, having a discussion with our Division Leader….” “Got it.” “Ah, w-wait…!” The fellow hurriedly tried to stop me, but I had already stepped through the door. Entering the Azure Dragon Division’s quarters. -…How…. -…Discipline this…. -…Dare to insult the Division Leader…. Voices echoed in my ears. The location seemed to be the center of the quarters? Judging by the tone, it wasn’t a peaceful conversation. The speakers seemed to be…. ‘Like our Deputy.’ One seemed to be our Deputy. Who was the other then? As I moved closer to find out, the voices grew clearer. -To think you cannot even negotiate. How do you intend to manage with such inflexibility? It was a mocking tone I hadn’t heard before. -…What does this have to do with flexibility…! The Deputy, seemingly angered by the remark, raised their voice. -The Azure Dragon Division is not a subordinate unit to the Sacred Dragon Division. You are here as support, so choose your words carefully. -Ha. Trying to teach me? Me? This was interesting. Hearing the conversation, something seemed off. Intrigued, I quickened my pace and pricked up my ears. -It was insignificant even when in the Red Dragon Division, and now having donned a rank, you think we’re on the same level? Delusions have limits. -Deputy Jin…! What nonsense are you spouting? The title is officially recognized by the Alliance. -Titles don’t mean equality. Isn’t that so? Being from different battalions, how can you claim we’re the same? As my feet touched the ground, what came into sight first was the grand quarters. Several figures stood beneath it. There was no need to search long for the voice’s owner. The one with the unpleasant expression, standing in front of a Deputy flushed with anger. It was surely that person. “To daringly equate this patch of dunces with our division is an affront to us….” “Hey.” “Hmm?” Upon calling, he turned around. “Oh…?” Seeing my face, the fellow's eyes widened. BAM-! “Guh!” And my punch shattered the jaw of the obnoxious fool.