871 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

**Chapter 871 of "The World's Greatest Hero's Childhood Friend"** After a storm had swept over, the atmosphere at the division headquarters descended into a chilling calm. It was inevitable for it to be that way. The ground was soaked with so much blood that the metallic scent still lingered. Others were busy clearing away the lifeless bodies with a somber expression. The moon hanging in the sky revealed a slightly hazy backdrop formed by the warriors' exhaled breath. "Imprison those captured and burn the bodies." "Isn't there a need for instructions from the main headquarters?" "It's an order from the Lord himself. He assured that if any issue arises, he would take full responsibility." "Understood." It seemed that the Star Dragon Division had already been informed, as there was no hesitation in their actions. Even with the battle concluded, the reason they appeared so stable was clear. "Their levels are far beyond ours." "...I didn't expect them to be this strong." Those incorporated from the outside mostly possessed extremely high levels. Witnessing it firsthand, their abilities were indeed astonishing. Every single one of them was almost at the level of a division leader. Since many of them had previously served with other prestigious clans or factions for long periods, they seemed unfazed by such events. However, those drawn only from the outside were implicated into this, and most of those originally from the alliance were nowhere to be seen. There was only one reason. "Why...!" "What crime have we committed to deserve this?!" Those being imprisoned not only included the members of the Azure Dragon Division but also those transferred from the alliance to the Star Dragon Division. "Let go...! We're comrades!" Many shouted in indignation, but the warriors, expressionless, only escorted them without a word. The difference in level made proper resistance futile. They weren't putting everyone behind bars, selectively picking and detaining individuals. "...What on earth is happening here?" "Damn it... How did it end up like this?" Unable to comprehend anything, the warriors of the Azure Dragon Division could only swallow their silent frustration. Why their comrades were being labeled as criminals and killed or imprisoned was beyond them. Furthermore, the scenes of the Star Dragon Division's suffering were just as baffling. Nothing made sense. Moreover, "The remaining individuals, due to potential ties with the criminals, will be returned to the main headquarters for interrogation." Even those deemed innocent for the time being were restrained and prepared for questioning. "Damn it... Why is this happening to me..." Despite living a life of righteousness and integrity, to be abruptly treated like this. The warriors of Azure Dragon Division bit their quivering lips repeatedly. The situation was dire, but even more troubling was this: "...Could our Lord truly be involved with the Demon Sect?" "That's nonsense!" The murmurings of a warrior were immediately refuted. "Our Lord... He couldn't be involved in something like that...! It’s clear that the Star King is plotting something." "Indeed... Even if they claim to have evidence, they haven't shown it. It's surely a false accusation." Words spoken with certainty. The Star Dragon Division covertly glanced at them, but they didn’t seem to care too much. Despite their confident declarations, there was a slight tremor in their voices. "Our Lord... Surely, he hasn’t done any dealings with the Demon Sect." "Indeed... Nor with any unorthodox sects." "He must be searching for a way, taking refuge considering the current situation." While they talked of trust, they were working hard to repress their anxiety, ignoring the emotions reflected in their eyes. Just as they were barely managing to hold onto their composure— "They've returned!" There was a loud call from one side, which immediately garnered movement from the warriors present. Sensing something unusual, the warriors of the Azure Dragon Division couldn't help but turn their heads. "...What...!" "This can't be...!!" Everyone stood at the sight before them. Though slightly restrained, they weren’t entirely incapacitated, allowing them to rise. "Lord, the Lord--!!" The members rushed forward, for the one who appeared was Il Cheonggeom. His body was drenched in blood, heavily battered. His once pristine warrior's attire was covered in dust and blood. As for his once well-groomed face, it was so swollen that he was almost unrecognizable. It was questionable whether he was conscious, his gaze appeared unfocused and distant. His appearance was far from okay, causing the members to react with shock and concern. "Lord, are you alright?!" "How dare they...! To our Lord...!" "Stop." CRACK--!!! Those approaching Il Cheonggeom halted their steps as a sudden force came upon them. A line had been deeply etched into the ground as if something had just passed. "Cross this line, and I'll put a hole in your face?" Everyone froze at the cheerful voice. The one who launched the attack was a woman. Covered in blood on her face and body, she seemed as injured as Il Cheonggeom. "If you cross that line now, you'll get a hole in your face." "W-We need to save our Lord...!" "You want a hole?" "...!!" When one of the warriors attempted to approach, the woman grasped her spear, emitting a terrifying aura. It was a formidable energy. Only then did a thought cross their minds – could it be? "Could that woman have really overpowered our Lord?" "...That can't be..." It was unbelievable. Even if the Lord was wounded, the notion that he was defeated by this woman was inconceivable. "Pi, the member." The reaction wasn't different for the Stars Dragon Division, who gazed at her with a somewhat startled expression. "...Did Member Pi do this to the Azure Dragon Division's Lord?" "Hmm? Yes, that's right!" With a bright smile, the woman answered. Seeing her smile amidst the blood was even more terrifying. Despite their reactions, the woman seemed delighted, busy smiling. The members, unable to approach, could only watch over their Lord. "Sir, please stay with us." "How much blood has he lost? We should at least stop the bleeding...!" "Hold your actions." The Star Dragon Division stood before them, drawing their swords to prevent approach. "Even if Member Pi spoke harshly, our intention remains unchanged. Do not approach the criminals lightly." "What?! Criminals?!" A man shouted, his face reddening with anger. "Labeling us as criminals after framing us—it's an affront to heaven!" "What do you know to dare—!" "Ah, it's too noisy. Can I just kill them?" Pi Yeonyeon, who was about to move while picking her ear, was stopped by Seong Yul. "...Calm down." "Why? Why should I calm down?" She genuinely appeared to not understand the reason. The eerie disconnect sent chills down one's spine. "I believe you were told to refrain from unnecessary killing. Exercise self-control." "...No, really. Who are you to stop me?" Pi Yeonyeon frowned, clearly displeased with Seong Yul's interference, and at that moment, her hostility escalated. "..." The sudden rise in tension creased Seong Yul's expression as well. "Miss Pi, is this how it's going to be?" "You, I've disliked you from the start." "Sigh..." Seong Yul's already pale face grew even paler. His grip on his sword tightened, making his stance noticeably sharp. The atmosphere became intense, hinting at potential conflict, leaving everyone around flustered. "Both of you, enough." "..." "...Ah..." Interrupted by a voice, both Seong Yul and Pi Yeonyeon froze. The one ending their standoff was a small, green-haired woman named Tang Sohyeol. "Have you forgotten what you're supposed to be doing?" "..." "No, it's just that..." "Stop making excuses." For once, Pi Yeonyeon appeared cautious, stealing glances. Tang Sohyeol, with her piercing gaze, continued admonishing them. "Focus on the mission. Save your petty squabbles for after. Do you understand?" "...Yes, ma'am." "Understood, ma'am..." Instantly silenced by Tang Sohyeol's commanding presence, they shrank back. Observing this, the members hastily turned away. The Azure Dragon Division members had to swallow their dry gulps. The pressure emanating from her small frame felt almost supernatural. "Tsk..." Tang Sohyeol, clicking her tongue briefly, looked at Pi Yeonyeon and inquired. "Where is Lord?" Her voice had returned to its previous tone, but Pi Yeonyeon was too preoccupied with her earlier actions to respond confidently. "Th-the Lord went off... to verify something he discovered. He asked us to go ahead..." "Discover?" "...Yes, that’s right." Perhaps he followed something he found. Pi Yeonyeon's stammering raised some concern, but Tang Sohyeol decided to let it pass for now. Though worried about Gu Yangcheon’s condition, Tang Sohyeol had her assigned duties to focus on first. "Stop the bleeding and proceed with the binding." She issued these orders, which were promptly executed by the members present. At that moment, "Do not... touch--!!" Il Cheonggeom, who had been still, suddenly glared and shouted. The energy in his voice sent a jolt through the surroundings. Srrng- The atmosphere shifted instantaneously as everyone heightened their guard. Despite being battered and nearly subdued, he was still a formidable warrior just a step away from becoming a top master. Complacency was not an option. "Lord...!" "Are you alright...!?" The Azure Dragon warriors, relieved by his reaction, gleamed with hope as they called to him. But Il Cheonggeom's response was another shout. "Silence, you filth—" "...What?" A stunned silence followed the words that escaped Il Cheonggeom's lips. "Who are you trying to touch with those filthy hands? Stay away." His heavily swollen eyes started to turn a violet hue. "You righteous bastards, deserving nothing less than to be ripped apart.... Soon, the master will come and deal with you all!" Intoxicated with madness, Il Cheonggeom loudly proclaimed. "...Ah... Ah..." In an instant, the expressions of the Azure Dragon Division members turned grim. The moment when suspicion turned into devastating reality.