910 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Chapter 910 ‘What is this...’ Seolyeong, the first disciple of the Vulcan Faction from the Master of Myriad Worlds and the one responsible for training the third-generation disciples, found herself unable to hide her grimace as she took in the chaotic scene before her. Thud-! “Ugh!” With a loud noise, someone was sent flying. The figure that soared through the air and rolled across the ground was a third-generation disciple. “Ugh...” The disciple, sprawled on the ground, convulsed briefly before losing consciousness completely. He lay there, limp and utterly passed out. “Ah...!” “Again, it’s happening again...!” “How many is that now...?” The other third-generation disciples, witnessing this, shivered in terror. It was hard to say how many had succumbed at this point—at least ten, if not more. Over ten disciples lay unconscious, piled up in a corner like a mountain. “...Ah...” Seolyeong raised a hand to her forehead. “...We're doomed.” How could she possibly handle this? Her mind turned white as she processed the overwhelming sight. How did it get to this point? She pondered for a moment, but the conclusion was simple. ‘…I shouldn't have brought him here.’ She should not have dragged that absurd monster here. At that moment, “Next.” Ignoring Seolyeong's impending headache, the person at the front spoke. It was him—the source of her headache. “N-no... I don’t want to!” The disciple, whose turn had come, tried to escape in fear. “Don’t want to? How is this not an incredible opportunity for you? Hurry up and come over here.” “Ahhh!!! Master!” “...” Seeing the disciple being dragged by the scruff of their neck, Seolyeong remained silent. Running away wasn’t even possible. Flames flared up around the training ground, creating barriers with an intense heat that discouraged escape. He had taken measures to ensure no one could flee. “Pick up your sword.” “P-please...” “What? A swordsman who can’t lift their sword before a fight? Seems your mind is out of it. Want me to help you?” “Eeeeek...!” “Damn.” ‘...Who exactly is he?’ Watching the forced sparring match, Seolyeong was bewildered. She had been shocked when that first disciple was knocked out, but she had tried to be understanding back then. ‘That child was in the wrong, after all...’ She was curious about his skills after hearing he had destroyed Gu Bong. ‘What is this...’ Being in front of him now was entirely different. Despite engaging with more than ten third-generation disciples, he had not moved a single step. From his standing position, he dodged all attacks and finished with a single strike. It was overwhelming. Could she achieve such feats? ‘Probably not.’ Seolyeong was certain of her self-assessment. If Gu Bong, whom the head of the sect highly esteemed, couldn't defeat him, then perhaps there was a sliver of possibility. But even so— ‘Gu Bong lost to him.’ She had never seen the fight personally, but she heard he lost despite being in top condition. When she visited the medical ward later, his condition was indescribable. His tough physique had been smashed to pieces. It was baffling. ‘How exactly did he get hit?’ She had wondered how one could strike someone to such an extent, but now, witnessing it firsthand— Boom-!! “Ugh!” “...” She's beginning to understand. Hitting like that makes it possible. Another disciple went down, and he grabbed the unconscious disciple and threw them into the distance. “Next.” His gesture, brushing off his hands, was terrifying beyond measure. “M-Master...” “Help us...!” With despair in their eyes, the disciples looked at Seolyeong, but— “...” Seolyeong replied by ignoring their desperate gazes. “M-Master...!?” “M-Master!” “Can't you hear? I said next.” “Ahhhh!” Fear and betrayal lined the disciples' eyes. The fear was directed towards him, while the betrayal was towards Seolyeong. ‘I’m sorry, kids.’ Though guilt gripped her heart, Seolyeong continued to ignore them. Was it because she was scared of that mysterious youth? No, that wasn't it. Was it because she wanted to show the disciples new possibilities, as was often said? This was partially true. She indeed wanted to inspire them with new aspirations, but— ‘This isn’t it...’ This isn’t inspiration; this is violence. It was excessively aggressive and— ‘Why does he seem to enjoy it?’ Clearly, he was having fun. It was evident from his face. His expression showed how much he was enjoying tormenting the disciples. ‘…I brought the wrong person.’ She realized she had made a massive mistake. But by now, it was already too late. ‘Ah… was that why?’ Seolyeong suddenly recalled the situation when she had sought the headmaster’s permission. When she asked if she could request a favor from the mysterious youth, the headmaster had flashed a bright smile. She knew from experience that such a smile meant they had something planned, but preoccupied with her students, she had momentarily forgotten. ‘No wonder.’ No wonder he smiled so brightly. It now occurred to her that he probably anticipated this outcome. ‘…Ah…’ What now? Wouldn’t this cause major trouble? Thinking this, she still refrained from intervening. As stated earlier, it wasn’t out of fear. “Put your back into it. Is that the correct angle for swinging a sword? I doubt it. Want me to show you?” He disarmed a disciple with a flick of his hand, resulting in the disciple dropping their weapon and getting knocked out soon after. “Your lower body is shaky. You’re aware, right? Why are you charging in like that? Want me to hit your face? It's your request, then.” The disciple, losing their footing, got struck in the nose and stumbled again. “Your abdomen is exposed. If you’re going to defend, do it properly. And if you can’t block an incoming attack, think about dodging instead. What’s with giving a pound of flesh for a few bones? Tsk tsk. You’ll end up dead.” A disciple hit in the solar plexus vomited before collapsing. This continued in the same manner. Seeing the disciples fall was unfortunate, but— ‘It truly is a lesson in sparring, isn’t it?’ Seolyeong couldn’t help but be impressed despite herself. As he struck them harshly, he also took the time to point out each disciple’s weaknesses and areas for improvement, delivering penetrating critiques that the disciples, despite their situation, couldn't help but internalize. “Strengthen your lower body, for heaven's sake. Are you planning to make up for your lack with sheer will? What do you think you can do with nothing? Fundamentals are key, they really are.” “Urgh!” “...” Of course, because he was so aggressive, the outcome was pitifully devastating. After some time had passed, “Next.” The young man, frowning deeply, called out but was met with silence. Curious, he surveyed the surroundings. “Hm? Ah.” Realization washed over him as he nodded knowingly. “There’s no one left?” There truly were no disciples left. All of them had fainted, leaving no one else to duel with. “Ah... I still had more to... No, more to teach.” He was about to say "beat" instead of "teach," wasn’t he? With a hint of regret, he turned to Seolyeong. “Are there any more disciples?” “...No.” Even if there were, she likely wouldn’t bring them here. “A bit more, and I think it would be enough.” “What...?” “Just a bit more beating... No, teaching might calm my temper.” “...” Oh, so that’s how it is. He’s not even bothering to hide it now. Realizing the extent of her mistake, Seolyeong gave a dry smile. While she was trying to mask her internal frustrations, “If there aren’t any third-generation disciples, perhaps the second-generation? Are there any?” Gu Yangcheon’s words made Seolyeong freeze temporarily. “...Ah. The second-generation disciples... aren’t on the premises at the moment.” “Hm? Why not?” Tilting his head in puzzlement, Seolyeong thought to herself. He’s casually dropping formalities, isn’t he? It seemed like he was trying to keep the casual tone he had set earlier. She thought about pointing it out but decided against it. Saying something might lead to her getting hit. Given how he hadn’t hesitated to strike the disciples, regardless of gender, it seemed more than possible. “They have a mission to attend to outside the Abyss.” “Oh, they have a mission... Wait, what?” “Pardon?” While speaking, Gu Yangcheon narrowed his eyes. “What did you just say?” “What do you mean...?” “Where did you say this was?” “The Vulcan Faction.” “No, not that. The thing you said earlier.” “If you mean earlier... Ah.” Seolyeong was on the verge of understanding, about to say more. But the answer came not from her mouth, but from behind Gu Yangcheon. “You called it the Abyss.” Hearing the voice, Gu Yangcheon quickly turned around. Boom--!! “Aghhh!” A fist slammed straight into his head, making Gu Yangcheon cry out in pain. Reeling from the striking pain, he staggered, and Seolyeong couldn't help but feel a sense of schadenfreude. But only for a moment, as she saw the owner of the fist and straightened herself into a formal greeting. “Master.” The person who appeared was Shin Cheol. With a simple gesture acknowledging Seolyeong, he gazed at the fallen Gu Yangcheon. “You crazy fool.” He started right off with a reprimand. “How many times did I tell you to stay put, and yet you've caused trouble again in the meantime? When are you planning to grow up?” Rubbing his head while glaring, Gu Yangcheon retorted. “Trouble, my ass! I heard you agreed, so I did what you wanted, yet now you're scolding me?” “Scolding? Scoldiiiing?” “Isn’t that exactly what it is?! I’m busy enough as it is, and you wanted me to earn my keep, so I did!” “I didn’t mean just like that. Who told you to beat the students so badly!” “I wasn’t beating them! I was lightly roughing them up because they’re adorable!” “Roughing up? If you rough them up twice like that, they'll die.” “...” Their exchange was nothing short of a loud, colorful argument. Seolyeong was at a loss for words as the scene unfolded—a yelling match full of veins popping in anger. Gu Yangcheon, who had been fiercely intimidating moments ago, was bickering with the master, refusing to back down. However, when the master moved, Gu Yangcheon was quick to dodge. Despite usually being more reserved in speech, the master showed no restraint in firing words at Gu Yangcheon. She had never seen him like this. ‘Ah.’ Seolyeong realized something. ‘Now I understand why Gu Bong didn't get along with him.’ Watching them, she grasped that sentiment. Even though it looked like a quarrel, she, who had known the master for a long time, understood. The master was smiling. ‘I see.’ So that was it. As she nodded in understanding, “Argh! Damn!” Gu Yangcheon cried out as he was struck once more. ************** “…Ah... Hurt like hell.” Rubbing his head as he walked, he felt like a welt was forming after being hit a few times. He barely escaped being beaten more, fleeing just in time. His whole body ached. For some reason, even though he had only been hit a few times, the pain was relentless. ‘The old man has quite the punch.’ He wasn't just strong; it was as though tasting such strength would char any tongue. “Ughhh.” He barely managed to escape, meaning he missed the chance to ask what he wanted to know. ‘Did he say this place is Abyss?’ The source of all creation and a gateway for releasing demonic creatures through the Demonic Gate. A realm where Gureen was said to hold dominion. He mentioned that this was the Abyss. ‘…I hadn’t considered this at all.’ Expecting it to be dark and murky, he found the Abyss to be excessively beautiful instead. ‘Is that why Gureen was here?’ If that’s the case, then it makes sense. ‘But... why are there people living here?’ They not only built a fortress in Abyss, where extinguished beings are said to gather but also founded the Vulcan Faction? He couldn't wrap his mind around the process or the result. He wanted to ask, but the old man wanted to beat him so badly that running had been the wiser option. Eventually escaping, he headed to the hall he had just entered. There were things he needed to confirm. “Hey.” Turning his head as he walked, he called out. Quietly, the Heavenly Demon had been following him. “…?” The Heavenly Demon tilted his head at the call, showing an innocent expression. “When did you say you'd protect me, but you did nothing and just watched?” Previously, he had stood boldly against the Blood Demon, claiming he would protect him. But now, while he was getting beaten, the Heavenly Demon merely watched from the shadows. Exasperated, he voiced his question, but the Heavenly Demon merely showed a puzzled face, looking as if he understood nothing. “Hah….” He let out a sigh, realizing his actions were rather childish. “Forget it... What's the point of talking to you?” Any further discussion would just be a way to vent his frustration. Shaking his head repeatedly, he resumed walking. Why was he feeling so irritable? Was it because he was wasting time like this despite being busy? Yes, that seemed to be it. Might as well find what he's looking for quickly, he thought, as he started to walk again. “Is the jealousy over?” Abruptly, he froze. Turning to face the Heavenly Demon, he asked with a rigid expression. “...What?” “Jealousy.” “What nonsense are you spouting now?” Jealousy? Such an out-of-the-blue statement made his face scrunch in confusion. “Jealousy of what?” “Earlier, you showed jealousy.” “Who am I even supposed to be jealous of?” “Is that not the case?” “Of course not…” He stopped mid-sentence, closing his mouth. “...” Oh, damn. His head felt a dull ache. ‘Could it be...’ Was that what had been eating at him all along? ‘...Was I jealous of the disciples?’ Was he envious of the disciples from the Vulcan Faction that Noya had created? Him? Despite hardly receiving any guidance himself, those disciples seemed to have absorbed so much. Was that the cause of his jealousy? “Bullshit. This is absolute bullshit.” He let out a hollow laugh, shaking his head. He did not want to admit it. There was nothing more humiliating. ‘Don’t be ridiculous.’ At his age, was he still capable of feeling jealousy over something like this? If so, then— ‘No better than Gu Bong.’ He would be no different from that pathetic brat who he used to think was foolish. He could not accept this. He thought resolutely. ‘Damn it.’ Yet deep inside, a creeping feeling acknowledged that this might indeed be the case. “Ah... Damn it.” This was embarrassing. If that truly was the reason, it was utterly mortifying. This thought kindled his irritation further, causing him to turn away. “...Hah.” He sighed deeply, running a hand down his face. Trying to control the redness likely blossoming on his cheeks, he urgently diverted the conversation to Heavenly Demon. “Never mind... Did you notice anything strange when you went out yesterday?” He asked, speaking as if redirecting the topic. The Heavenly Demon paused before finally recalling something. “Oh.” As if remembering something significant, he looked at him and said, “Someone was watching me.” “...That could happen. Was it someone from here?” “No, from outside.” “Outside? You mean outside? You went beyond this realm?” “Yep.” Puzzled at the Heavenly Demon's composed answer, he steered his attention back to him. He had gone outside the Abyss? “And someone was watching you from outside...?” “Yes.” “...Did they seem like someone from inside?” “No.” “...” Someone from here had gone outside, only to find someone was watching the Heavenly Demon? What could this mean? The embarrassment and heat from earlier replaced by a growing coolness creeping into his mind. “What happened afterward?” “They disappeared.” “...” Watched and then vanished. Even hearing just that, he understood. Something peculiar was afoot. But— “…Why are you only telling me this now?” Why hadn't he mentioned it earlier? To this, Heavenly Demon looked at him almost quizzically. “Because you didn’t ask.” “...” Hearing this response, he closed his eyes and pressed his eyelids with his fingers. ‘I want to go back home.’ He genuinely longed for the Middle Kingdom. New Chapter: "Let's Just Change the Groom's Name to Mine" Witnessing her fiancé and her stepsister in a compromising situation, Jaeyi remained unfazed as she calmly raised her phone to capture the crude scene. Intrigued by her composed demeanor, Yoon Hyuk approached her. “Caught your fiancé cheating, and...?” Meanwhile, Jaeyi’s lack of a visible emotional response only fueled Yoon Hyuk's curiosity about her true feelings. As this scene unfolded, other events and conversations amongst the friends and acquaintances added layers of complexity and intrigue to their story, as illustrated through the various requests and mentions for updates and discussions on the characters' new developments in the current chapter of "The World’s Top Friend: Chapter 910." These moments capture the tangled web of relationships and the intricate dynamics between individuals, exploring themes of betrayal, intrigue, and unexpected alliances.