920 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

I looked up at the sky. The sun was setting, and the twilight gradually devoured the sky. I had felt it before, but time seemed to pass very slowly. By now, night should have already descended, yet seeing the twilight lingered affirmed how slowly it seemed to pass. ‘Then, to fully transition into night, it should take about...’ Approximately two shichen? That's what I estimated. It would take that long for night to truly arrive. And so, I took advantage of the time and gathered some information until the moon rose. During this, I uncovered several things. -Volcano? Where is that? -I feel like I've heard of it before…. Does such a place even exist? It became apparent that most people had no idea where this so-called Volcano was. -Oh, isn’t it those people? The mercenaries traveling with swords. -Ah, yes… Those dolts.... -Hey, now! Even those who knew, didn't consider it with much regard. ‘Mercenaries?’ Feeling a strange sense of curiosity, I looked into it further. And a question that had lingered in my mind was answered. -Mercenaries? What do you mean by mercenaries? -Where are you from to be asking such a thing? Those who had eyed me suspiciously earlier now noticed my attire and nodded as if recalling something. -Ah…. Are you from that Volcano too? When I asked how they knew, a man with deer-like ears answered as if it should’ve been obvious. -Only those from the Volcano wear clothes like yours in Yawolgung. I understood that part, but I wasn't sure how it was connected to what they realized. So, I asked about it as well. -It’s because, you know, the place that does the most mercenary work in Yawol is there. Are you a rookie who's just arrived? No? I decided to agree for now. The man pointed somewhere. It was a large, distant building. It had four floors and its architecture was distinctly different from those in the Central Plains. I approached it, examining it without getting too close or entering, concealing my presence. There were multiple signs of people inside. Focusing my senses, especially my hearing, I discerned snippets of conversation. -They're at it again.... -Senior, over to that section.... -Next time, we should inform the master.... I withdrew my sense back. There was no need to listen further. ‘That's the place.’ From the brief snatches of conversation, I could tell those were second-in-command disciples engaged in other tasks. What were they doing? I wanted to investigate further. ‘For now, knowing the location’s enough.’ Content with my examination, I turned away. With a swift leap, I ascended onto a high building. Yawolgung spread out clearly in the bright view before me. “Hmm.” I had gained more than just recognition and information about the Volcano sect. First and foremost. -This place is governed by one of the generals, a schmuck named Liu-Sa. Under the Master of Myriad Worlds, there were four generals. Each had their own domain. And that store-bought named Liu-Sa oversaw Yawolgung. Below him were four noble families. These families were categorized into white, blue, gold, and black. The "white" family was where that fellow I met earlier, Baek U, was from. They managed parts of Yawolgung’s military and some commercial shops. ‘So, the Volcano sect contracts with them to supply food regularly.’ Baek U allegedly manipulated this contract to his advantage. Despite the payment being made per the original agreement, they threatened no delivery unless additional payment was made on the day of delivery. Of course, this was an entirely unacceptable situation and warranted a dispute. ‘But Baek U seemed to be provoking intentionally.’ Challenging them, seeking contract cancellation while offering to pay the penalty. He seemed to be encouraging it, hoping they'd take action. And. ‘Gu Bong also rubbed me the wrong way.’ Referring to them as Heukya was too familiar, implying they knew each other. ‘Could there be a connection between them...?’ But it wasn't crucial enough to delve into deeply. If needed, I could just torture Gu Bong later to extract the details; it wouldn’t be difficult. What mattered now was. ‘Do we really have to procure food from the so-called white family?’ From what I heard, Noya's Volcano hadn't been in good standing. It seemed that the humiliation faced by Baek U couldn’t be rectified immediately for that reason. Luckily, they had managed this contract here. This implied dealings with other places were unthinkable in current circumstances.... ‘Hmm…’ I scratched my head thoughtfully, furrowing my brows. ‘What should I do?’ My initial thought was to manage it half-heartedly. ‘It seems Noya sent me here knowing all this.' He had probably sent me anticipating what would unfold. Moreover. ‘Just assessing isn’t the end.’ While I’m out, he subtly expected me to earn my keep. This intuition was unfounded but held a fifty percent certainty. ‘Shin Noya couldn't enter the other forts. That seemed odd, after all.’ Assuming Noya knew nothing? The thought amused me again when recalling Gu Bong’s words. ‘There's no way he didn’t know.’ Noya must be aware. Or at least anticipated it, hence sending me here. To observe for him. Perhaps wishing for me to resolve it as well. It was an astute request. Considering I’m here taking action despite knowing this, it says enough. ‘Apologies, but….’ I looked over the glinting homes and crowded people under the twilight. ‘Resolving might be out of the question for now?’ Jumping into something consequential immediately wasn't feasible. Not anything significant and wouldn’t the backlash of tearing Baek U apart ripple out? I glanced toward the entrance of the fortress with a smirk. ‘More than just pending. It’s already happening.’ Something unusual was taking place at the entrance we had come through. -Halt! From now on, exit and entry are prohibited! The guards began to stop those who had been passing freely. Perhaps they were trying to prevent the people from taking out provisions from the Volcano sect? That was my reasoning. It could have been another reason, but who knew for sure? I rose to my feet. ‘Well, then.’ What should I do? Should I just leave things as they are and head out? That didn't seem too challenging. Returning to Noya's Volcano and simply reporting what I'd seen wouldn't be a big problem either. ‘After all, I'm somewhat responsible too.’ Even though Gu Bong's words were infuriating, if I’d held back, things wouldn't have escalated. Ignoring it entirely was slightly bothersome. ‘Hmm.’ As I pondered my options, I stood still. -Make way! A voice rang out from the east. -The family's moving! Clear the path! Turning my gaze, I saw a group moving together. There were about six of them. They weren't riding horses or carriages, just walking the path. Their destination, judging by their direction... ‘It seems to be where the Volcano sect is located.’ An old building tucked away in an alley. It was the gathering place for the disciples of the Volcano sect. Fluttering—! I focused on the flag they carried. ‘That emblem.’ The emblem was shaped like fangs, painted white. I suddenly realized it was the same emblem painted on Baek U’s clothing. Recognizing this, I turned my attention to the leader of the group. A massive man with white hair. His rugged muscles and the deer-like ears and tail - just like Baek U had. The difference was... ‘They’re just on a whole different level.’ The presence of this person compared to Baek U felt like the difference between heaven and earth. Even compared to Gu Bong. They were just fundamentally different. ‘One of the most formidable ones I've seen here.’ It might sound amusing. One might ask how I could gauge it after seeing so few.... But that’s how impressive this person was. Also, ‘Is it them?’ Their presence was similar to Baek U but far more substantial. With the aura they exuded and the subtle pressure they emitted. Someone with significant standing within the white family. I speculated they might be the leader of the family. ‘If that person is moving in that direction...’ The intention was clear as day. It was the very situation Gu Bong worried about and the situation I had somehow anticipated. ‘Hmm.’ Watching the situation unfold, I slightly tilted my head. What should I do now? ‘Should I just make an appearance?’ That seemed rather risky. If messing with Baek U brought trouble, dealing with this person might have consequences I hadn't yet considered. No matter how hot-tempered I was, directly confronting them in this situation could prove dangerous. Most importantly, ‘I'm just wearing the clothes of the Volcano sect. I'm not actually a part of them.’ Further interference while pretending to be part of the sect would cause issues. ‘Then…’ After considering momentarily, I opened my eyes wide. ‘What if I'm just not the Volcano sect?’ What if I wasn’t associated with the Volcano sect at all? Furthermore, ‘A completely unknown third party.’ That would work, wouldn’t it? With that thought, I chuckled slightly and slipped my hand into my pocket. It seemed it would be something fun after a long while. ********* “Is this the place?” The leader of the white family. Baek Wol stepped to a halt at the entrance of an alley. A servant behind him nervously nodded. “…Yes, reportedly they’ve been frequently sighted here.” “Hmmm.” Upon hearing this, Baek Wol grinned, revealing sharp teeth. Disgust rose within him as he took in the dark and dirty alley. It was an unkempt place, with crumbling walls harboring peering insects. Filthy and repulsive. It was exactly the kind of place lowlifes would reside. Baek Wol slowly moved forward. In this place resided those lesser beings. Those that were incompetent and despicable in contrast to the ones he served. ‘Disgusting creatures.’ Lacking power and potential, they dared touch his bloodline. Baek Wol found it utterly laughable. Not realizing their insignificance, the lowlifes dared to taint the noble bloodline he possessed. Even his stupid offspring, who were defeated by such lowlives. ‘I need to rethink my stance.’ He had considered gradually handing over his position as the eldest but seeing this made him think otherwise. If a mere existence could defeat them, perhaps another child would be more worthy of the position. For it was imperative not to disturb the spirit of the General. As Baek Wol entertained these thoughts, he extended his hand to the alley wall, merely grazing it with his fingers. Crack—! His fingers effortlessly penetrated the wall. Crumblerumble—!! He continued walking, leaving five long gouges behind him, as if a beast had made a vicious scratch. It was Baek Wol's way of expressing anger. Those behind him trembled in terror at their master’s display. In the past, some group had entirely disappeared after being torn apart when he showed such demeanor. Something would face such a fate again. And it seemed like it would be the inhabitants of the Volcano sect this time. The servants were sure of it when… “…Hmm?” Baek Wol suddenly halted in the middle of the alley. Simultaneously, he withdrew his hand from the wall. “Who’s there.” His blue eyes focused straight ahead. There was a strange darkness that seemed unusually thick and out of place. The space that should have gradually grown darker was abruptly pitch black as if it had been drawn with a line. Light should have reached there, so what was happening? Despite the peculiar scene, Baek Wol merely let out a savage grin. “It’s a foolish prank.” Grrr. Baek Wol's low growl echoed like a beast. “Is it the Volcano sect? Are you the Volcano’s people?” His blue eyes shone as if confident in his speculation. “Do you even know who I am to stand in my way? Show yourself at once.” Clenching his hand with enough force to crush everything, Baek Wol spoke toward the darkness, but— “I am the head of the white family. Baek—.” [Quiet.] “…!” A voice emerged from the darkness, abruptly sealing Baek Wol’s lips. It was beyond his will. Bewildered, Baek Wol touched his closed lips. What was happening? In that moment of confusion, Baek Wol harbored within himself. The guards halted those who had freely come and gone. Perhaps it was to prevent provisions from being taken out of the Volcano sect? That was my assumption. There might be other reasons, but who knew? Step. A figure emerged from the darkness, accompanied by a voice. [I’m in the midst of enjoying the silence. Refrain from chattering away too much.] [I have no interest in who you are.] Baek Wol frowned as he observed the figure. Not someone from the Volcano sect. What they wore wasn't the uniform attire of the sect. It was a deep, shade of black, devoid of any color. His long, dark hair and the black ears and tail on his head signified that this was a member of the Wolya tribe. The only thing visible beyond the cracked mask was shimmering violet eyes. Seeing this, Baek Wol’s previously smiling face turned serious. “…Who are you...?” His earlier nonchalance had vanished. And for a good reason. This person... ‘What is it? There's absolutely nothing I can sense.’ It was surprisingly devoid of any discernable presence. Can one truly be this colorless and odorless? As Baek Wol contemplated this, his expression grew more warped. [I am the darkness born of heaven and the son of Myriad Worlds.] The figure spoke. [I am Tian Mo (천마).] At those words, a fierce intent flickered in Baek Wol's eyes. --- Reader Comments: 단계초다: LOL another Tian Mo cosplay. They always ended up with internal injuries when they did that before. I wonder how it'll go this time. 졸수재기: The main character never seems to have a day where his body isn't in shambles. 건빵은행: Every time you open your mouth, it's a lie. 연우: Oh, Tian Mo appears. --- For further comments, please log in.