904 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

### Chapter 904: The Best in the World’s Childhood Friend The plum blossom petals continue to fall. Looking up, the sky is almost entirely obscured by branches and leaves. Light filters through the tiny gaps between them, spreading across the verdant ground below. It emanates a radiance so magnificent that even someone as indifferent to scenery as me couldn't help but find it breathtaking. In the fragrant scent of plum blossoms borne by the gentle breeze, I followed Noya's footsteps. The distance to our destination wasn't far. I realized we had arrived much sooner than expected, having walked at a brisk pace. 'It's enormous.' Even from afar, it appeared large; up close, it was even more colossal. I've never seen a tree so vast and thick in all my life. Its height reached unimaginable limits—its peak seemed to brush against the clouds due to the terrain dipping below it. "What on earth is this thing?" What kind of plum tree could grow to such colossal size? In disbelief, I turned to Noya and asked. "Well, I’m not exactly sure myself, but I've heard it referred to as the ‘Divine Tree.’" "The Divine Tree?" A divine tree? It sounds absurd, but considering its enormity, it seemed a fitting name. "It shouldn’t be that surprising; you've seen something similar before, haven't you?" "Me?" "Yes." "Where have I seen something like this… Oh." I suddenly recalled what it might be referring to. ‘Mua.’ The forgotten world tree. Once the master of Zhongyuan. And the entity responsible for Yeon Il Cheon’s regression… ‘The one who designated me as the apostle.’ That tree, too, was massive in size. Although it seemed frail and twisted, as if a mere touch would crumble it, its presence was certainly comparable. However, ‘Their presence is greatly different.’ The presence emanating from the two was on entirely different levels. Was the plum tree before me taller? No, that wasn't the case. ‘Mua is far more overwhelming.’ In terms of existence, they were leagues apart. The tree before me could simply be seen as a tree, but Mua was not. It was akin to... ‘Mother or Kurung.’ The sensation one feels in the presence of an incomparable being. Mua had that kind of aura. The tree before me did not. It was just a tree. A large and beautiful one, surely. The sheer size carried an undeniable sense of awe. Finally, we approached the tree known as the Divine Tree. It was then that I looked around my surroundings. Blossoms bloomed where the light poured down, enhancing the beauty. I tried to focus on capturing everything visually while searching for something vital. ‘Where is it supposed to be?’ According to Noya, Kurung was supposed to be somewhere around here, yet I couldn't see him. Given his size, he couldn’t possibly hide. So where on earth was he? Surely, by now, something should have revealed itself, but I saw nothing. Meanwhile, Noya continued approaching the Divine Tree. He finally reached a crevice at its base. About to question him about it— "Noya, where exactly is the creature...?" "Hey there. Are you alright?" Noya addressed the crevice. ‘Hmm…?’ I furrowed my brow upon seeing it. Due to the size of the Divine Tree, the crevice resembled a cave, though not overwhelmingly so. Speaking towards it suggested that perhaps... [Groan.] “…!” A growl resonated from within the crevice at Noya's words. It was low and heavy. Instantly, goosebumps prickled my arms. It was only a growl, yet it made my body instinctively react. I unwittingly assumed a battle stance. My heart thudded in trepidation, preventing me from moving forward. Danger. This sensation felt far more threatening than the form I observed distantly last night. Yes, this is it. ‘…A difference in magnitude.’ Something I dare not even look upon. Its very essence felt unlike anything else, with its mere presence putting me on high alert. I steadied my racing heart, gaining control of my breathing. Then, “If you’re awake, hurry out. It’s broad daylight. Why are you lazily lying around?” Noya chuckled softly as he spoke, causing dust to fall with a soft thud from the crevice. The presence hit me like a wave. Something emerged. Something tremendous emerged from the crevice and began to walk out... [Groan.] “…Huh?” I squinted at the creature emerging from the crevice. Compared to the cavernous gap it emerged from, it was surprisingly small. Contrary to my expectations, it was somewhat... “Adorable?” It was incredibly endearing. Remarkably so. *** Sitting beneath the Divine Tree with Noya, we rested. Someone had set up chairs and a table below. Seeing Noya sit with familiarity suggested they had been there for some time. As I sat there, I silently observed something. [Groan.] “…” [Groooan.] Every time the growl was heard, I flinched involuntarily. The sensation was still heavy and electrifying. "Stop growling already. How long do you intend to keep that up?" [Groan.] At Noya’s remark, the creature cowered, looking dejected. Observing this scene emitted an indescribable feeling. The creature was full of incongruity compared to the formidable presence I had encountered just before. Previously, there was an unapproachable magnitude… ‘What is this?’ Now, it left me nothing but bewilderment. It made sense. [Groan.] The being I was looking at was significantly small. In terms of size, it resembled a large neighborhood stray dog. Its appearance matched too—just like that of a mere dog. Perhaps more wolf-like, yet the distinction seemed petty and insignificant…. It even radiated puppy-like vibes. Adorable. The thought arose naturally from its cute exterior. ‘…So this adorable little creature.’ [Groan.] ‘Is the same formidable being I saw last night?’ Kurung – that's what we called the creature that constantly growled. This was the creature that had relentlessly occupied my body along with Noya, causing a ruckus every time it tried to do something. Whenever it got a bit hungry, it would whine and grumble for a long while. It was endlessly bothersome, and I often wished I could just rid myself of it. And yet… ‘Wasn't this the same creature even the Blood Demon was wary of?’ I recalled how the Blood Demon referred to it as the "Abyssal Creature" and approached it with caution. Before I ended up here, my battle with the Blood Demon was completely one-sided. Even though we both spoke the same language, our levels were worlds apart, and before him, I was utterly powerless. So much so that I was protected by none other than Cheon Ma, the being I ought to have defeated. It was humiliating. I had surpassed my past life’s limits, reaching the upper echelon of the ten masters. I was confident that I could even defeat the Sword Master, whom I deemed the strongest. And yet, even after coming this far, I was helpless before the Blood Demon? It was a shock to me. How much stronger must I become? To what extent must I reach? These flickers of despair were settling in when… ‘Kurung, who the Blood Demon was so vigilant about.’ [Growl.] “….” The creature wagged its tail, lying flat and rolling around in front of me. It truly looked like a puppy. Not dangerous at all. “This... is really that creature?” Noya chuckled at my reaction and asked. “Is it too unimpressive compared to your expectations?” “Yes, it’s remarkably unimpressive.” I replied without hesitation. There was no need to mince words. Indeed, it was excessively unimpressive. This was just a puppy, how…? [Growl.] The creature glared at me, seemingly displeased with my words, but even that seemed cute. “…” Was this truly the grand entity it was said to be? Doubts naturally arose. “Don’t be too harsh. It’s not like it wanted to be in this state. In some ways, it’s partially your fault.” “What?” My fault? And it's not a deliberate form? As I pondered these words, Noya provided further explanation. “It attracted attention by acting somewhat excessively, it seems to have expended too much energy. That's why it ended up like this.” “Attracted attention?” “Yes, had it not, things would have turned disastrous. You should be grateful.” Attracted attention. Thinking over those words. Who did it attract attention from, exactly? “...Perhaps.” “Yes.” Noya nodded. “From your mother.” “...” My suspicions were confirmed. The situation back then made perfect sense. ‘So, when it shielded me with a barrier…’ Enduring while being pummeled by my mother was all for that reason? Then. “…Why?” Why did it bother attracting attention from my mother? “I told you it was dangerous to meet your mother. Had this creature not drawn attention, you might have perished right there.” “I don’t understand. Why would my mother attack me?” “Well….” Noya looked at me with a calm gaze and spoke. “Because you are a dragon.” “…What does that even mean?” “I explained earlier why this place is called Man Gye. Do you remember?” “Yes.” A world abandoned by its master. A sanctuary for those creatures on the brink of extinction, who managed to avoid becoming monsters. “Man Gye is a space that generally accepts all life forms indiscriminately, offering compassion. That’s the meaning and purpose behind Man Gye. However, even such a place has a species it refuses to accept and expels.” “…” I frowned at these words. I could roughly predict what the next statement would be. “That species is dragons.” As expected. Hearing it, it seemed likely, and the answer turned out as predicted. The problem is. “I don’t understand.” I couldn’t help but question that answer. Dragons were expelled? If that were true, there was a more immediate question. “Didn't you say that Man Gye is a place for those abandoned by their masters?” A sanctuary for ones who lost their homes following the disappearance of their world's master. “If dragons were banished from here, what reason do they have to come here at all?” I didn’t know how many dragons there might be, but if there was a world where they gathered… Wouldn’t their world still be intact? Because. ‘Their master must still be alive.’ The world where dragons lived. Their master. Anyone would…. ‘The Blood Demon.’ He was known as the Dragon Emperor, so how could he have been expelled from Man Gye? Noya seemed to understand my skepticism and narrowed his eyes slightly before speaking. “I understand your doubt, young one. However, I, too, do not know much about that part.” “…What?” “There is a lack of information. Moreover, if you think about it, doesn’t it seem strange?” Creak. Noya leaned back deeply into his chair. “If the Blood Demon truly had his own world, there would have been no reason for him to show up in Zhongyuan and attempt to claim the position of master.” “…!” Hearing those words made my eyes widen. …Indeed. ‘...True.’ If the Blood Demon had his own world, there would be no purpose for him to strive to become the master of Zhongyuan. Then, what drove him to cause bloodshed and make his appearance? Furthermore, why does he continue to dwell in Zhongyuan, dreaming of a paradise? Everything seemed full of contradictions. ‘Additionally. Why declare enmity against dragons here?’ It seemed like he had done something to warrant such enmity. If there were other dragons who were expelled besides me, where did they go? And furthermore... “…Noya.” “Yes.” “Originally… If Man Gye rejects dragons, why did that creature save me?” If Man Gye was truly opposed to me or, precisely, dragons, going so far as to attempt their destruction. What was the reason Kurung tried to protect me? “I clearly linked it to my mother. I don't understand why she attacked it either.” “...” “The warning about not meeting my mother. Her reaction. What exactly transpired?” Noya looked at me quietly upon hearing my questions. There was a subtle something in his ever-calm eyes. It was unmistakably a sense of pity. Why is he looking at me like that? Puzzled by his gaze, I pondered for a moment. “The reason this creature saved you, despite ending up in this state, is because it was a request from your mother as well.” “What?” “The reason its spirit resided within your body was likely due to the same request.” “A request from my mother?” I furrowed my brow. It didn’t add up. “If that’s true, then…” This shouldn’t have resulted in such circumstances. I was about to voice this thought. “Are you wondering how your mother could attack both you and this creature under such circumstances?” Noya preempted my question. “…Yes.” If it was protecting me due to my mother’s request, there should be no reason for her to attack Kurung. Furthermore, I couldn’t comprehend why she tried to kill me merely for being a dragon. But. “There’s a simple reason.” Noya’s ensuing words left me speechless. “She is no longer the mother you knew.” Upon hearing this, my eyes widened. “She’s not?” How could that be? It made no sense, even if everything else in this world did. She was my mother. That was something I was almost certain of. “I told you before, didn’t I? If you’re hoping for even a trace of maternal warmth from her, you should abandon that hope.” The sigh was evident in Noya's voice as he addressed me. “The current her possesses no mercy or affection for you whatsoever.” Each word only made my gaze waver more, as if the turbulence in my eyes echoed within my chest. Creak. Noya rose from his chair. “If one fails to fulfill their karma, they are punished. That is the rule of this world. This applied to your mother as well.” “…Punishment…?” “This creature told me as much.” Noya stroked Kurung’s head, the show of affection carrying a firm grip. “For failing to fulfill her destined karma, your mother was punished…. The punishment was.” Plum petals continued to fall gently from the sky. “Oblivion, where she remembers nothing.” The petals, as they landed on the ground, resembled my stirring heart.