833 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith
When I heard Noya's words, I had to pause for a moment in disbelief. ‘Did he say... daughter?’ Noya clearly said that Yarang is the daughter of my mother. “…What on earth…” I tried to say something, but my mouth wouldn’t move, almost as if it had broken. Was it that much of a shock? Could it be that my mother had another child? If I were to be shocked by merely that, I’d consider it childish. It was likely just simple surprise. As I stood there wide-eyed and speechless, Noya, who had been trimming the grass, continued his explanation. “That's what your mother says. I don't know the specifics of how it happened.” Noya laid down the sickle he was holding. “The important thing is that this Yarang possesses your mother's eyes and ears.” “…Her eyes and ears?” “Exactly.” Noya casually tossed the sickle somewhere and began to put on the robes that were carelessly draped over a nearby rock. “There is nothing in this world that Yarang cannot see or hear. That is the ability he holds.” “That’s rather... an unbelievable power.” To see and hear everything—it wasn’t just about expanding one’s energy senses. “Of course, that’s not entirely true either. After all, that too is within the realm of ability.” Noya pointed to a blossoming plum tree nearby. “Where the ‘Divine Tree’ exists, abilities cannot be used, so they can't see.” “…Is that so?” This was something I hadn't known. Then again, it’s only natural since no one had told me before. ‘Abilities can’t be used where the Divine Tree is…’ So such a thing exists. “Thus, typically abilities cannot be used within the Moon Palace or other such places.” Hearing this, I frowned a little. It was somewhat difficult to understand. “Noya.” “Yes?” “Just now, you mentioned that one couldn't use powers near the Divine Tree, correct?” “That I did.” “But when you say you can't use them in other places too... does that mean there are Divine Trees in those places as well?” Is there a Divine Tree in the Moon Palace and other places too? I asked with genuine curiosity. “It seems so.” “…You’re telling me there’s a massive tree planted there?” I didn't notice any such trees when I visited the Moon Palace. The interior was extensive, but something like that should have been noticeable. Noya gave me a disdainful look and said, “Did you think the Divine Tree is always that large?” “…Isn’t it?” It's not like I've seen many, so how would I know? Someone should’ve explained this to me. “Not all Divine Trees are huge. Some might be small and not visible; others might be hidden entirely.” So not all Divine Trees are large, and some are hidden. Well, if every Divine Tree were as massive as that one, I certainly wouldn't have missed it. “So there are more Divine Trees in this world?” “There might be if you look for them. Aside from that one, there might be exactly three more.” “Three more?” “Yes. There are a total of four Divine Trees, equal to the number of Generals.” Equal to the number of Generals. That captured my attention. “So, you're telling me there’s a Divine Tree for each General?” “Technically, there are regions around each General where they exist, but one place might not have one.” “Why is that?” “Why, indeed.” Just as before, Noya pointed to the plum Divine Tree with his fingers. “Because we stole it and planted it there.” "..." After hearing this, I found myself rubbing my face in disbelief. What? What is he saying so nonchalantly? I'd heard before—he had mentioned that they had stolen the seeds of the Divine Tree and that they had faced many challenges because of it. “So probably, you can't see anything inside here, but outside it might be different.” Noya began gathering the harvested crops into his arms. Watching him, I asked, “…But why on earth did you steal it?” What was the point of stealing the Divine Tree? Unable to comprehend, I asked, and Noya replied indifferently. “It was necessary.” “The Divine Tree?” “Yes. But since there wasn’t any other way to obtain it, what else could we do?” “So you stole it?” “That’s right.” It was such a blatantly bold declaration, almost absurd. “Which might be why Yarang is trying to find it.” “Why would Yarang do that?” “Because that Divine Tree originally belonged to Yarang.” That plum Divine Tree? I cast a curious glance at the tree. “When you say it belonged to Yarang…” “A Divine Tree is something a General uses when establishing their own realm. Yarang obtained that one when they became a General.” “And then Noya stole it?” “Ah, yes. It was no easy feat.” There was a proud expression on his face as if he had achieved something remarkable. So ultimately... “…The Divine Tree belonged to Yarang, and it was stolen and planted here?” “That’s correct.” “So now you're saying they might be looking for it?” “Possibly.” “…Why aren’t you certain?” What’s with the ambiguity? I questioned, and Noya answered with a somewhat awkward expression. “Well, it might not be the case.” Truly? Considering Yarang's initial visit and recent developments, it all seemed interconnected. Even though the Heavenly Demon said he was here to see me, it felt peculiar for a General to come just for that. I remembered the previous conflict, where an attempt was made to capture a dragon. If they really intended that, a battle should have broken out immediately. ‘Perhaps they possess a more cautious nature than expected?’ If that’s why they haven’t made a move, it might be plausible. But I didn’t quite think so. ‘Could it be that Yarang is strong enough to harm the Heavenly Demon?’ The Heavenly Demon stood tall even after facing three prominent figures alone. Although his past and present selves might differ greatly, it was still hard to believe. I recalled the sight of the Heavenly Demon bleeding from his chest. ‘Does that mean those at the level of a General truly differ?’ He had mentioned Yarang, said to be my mother’s daughter. For some reason, a sense of displeasure surged within me. Was it because there was a child I didn't know about? Or was it because of the idea that the Heavenly Demon had come here injured? I wasn't entirely sure, but what was clear was that... ‘Although I didn’t get a clear view.’ The Generals seemed stronger than I had initially thought. ‘Especially that leader.’ Their level seemed unfathomable, which was unsettling. ‘It means it's tricky to make any hasty moves.’ To end this as swiftly as possible, I needed to learn more with certainty. Attempting contact with their Generals was necessary as well. ‘Sigh.’ Although the path wasn't entirely blocked, it felt slightly overwhelming. I felt stifled and somewhat stuck—thoughts that began to nag at the edges of my mind. “Naya.” Noya spoke to me. Upon hearing him, I shifted my gaze over. He had already changed into his clothes completely. “Since we’re all done here, shall we go?” “What? Where to?” Where did he mean to go all of a sudden? I asked in confusion at his abrupt statement, and Noya grinned at me. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen you. Don’t you think we should take a look at how much you have grown?” “…What?” “Come along.” With those words, Noya leaped. Petals scattered and vanished. I blankly watched before regaining my senses. Noya left a trail of petals lingering in the air as if revealing the path. “...” I stared at it, utterly incredulous. What on earth was this? Yet, despite everything… “...” I braced myself, grounding my feet firmly. I probably wore a smile on my face too, absurdly enough. ******* Following the petals led me to a clearing, not too far away. It resembled the area where I had pummeled Goo Bong. By the time I got there, Noya was already standing alone at the center of the field with his arms crossed behind his back. He had closed his eyes and seemed to be savoring the breeze in utter serenity. As I watched, I couldn’t help but click my tongue. ‘I hate to admit it.’ But he looked impressive. Standing tall and silent, he looked like a dignified elder, exuding an air of elegance. I approached cautiously. Noya remained with his eyes closed. “Why exactly did you come all the way out here?” At my words, Noya barely lifted the corners of his lips into a smile. “Didn’t I tell you earlier?” His robes billowed slightly with the breeze. “I said I wanted to see how much you’ve grown.” I exhaled in disbelief. “Is there really a need to do this now?” In the midst of our conversation, amidst farmwork, to suddenly do this? It was quite a baffling situation. What are we even doing? “Do you not want to? You seemed quite stifled, so I brought you here.” “It’s not about want or not, it’s just too sudden.” “Yet, despite claiming so…” Srrrrr. Noya uncrossed his arms. “You seemed like you wanted to let out what’s been bottled up. Was I mistaken?” “...” I didn't reply. Because his words weren’t wrong. That was precisely it. Lately, both mentally and physically, I had indeed felt a certain suppression. “So come, I can tolerate a bit of your antics.” “Antics? It feels a bit rough to be called antics, doesn’t it?” “Haha.” Noya laughed heartily as if he found my comment amusing. “Young one, you esteem yourself too highly.” With those words, Noya opened his eyes. At that moment. Whhhooooooo----!!! “…!!” Every hair on my body stood on end. My body tightened with tension, and my hands trembled unwittingly. My instincts roared violently. The moment I met eyes with Noya’s blazing reddish gaze, I involuntarily stepped backward. “No matter what you do, to me it’ll be just antics.” “...” “So do your very best.” The whole world seemed to distort. “That way, I might enjoy it a little.” Noya’s voice thundered in my ears. His voice wasn’t loud at all. It was the energy intertwined within it that made my ears ring. As I felt it, I understood clearly. ‘He truly had gone easy on me back then.’ When I faced Noya in Yeong Pung’s realm, I had never felt such an unyielding sensation. The feeling of prey standing before a predator. I trembled uncontrollably. Yet, unwittingly, a smile crept onto my lips. I thought myself insane for smiling while feeling such overwhelming dread. Clench. I tightly balled my fists. Thump. As my heart pounded forcefully, a wave of heat surged through my body. Creeeak--!! The rings of the Nine Wheels Flame Technique. Now, fully formed with ten rings, they whirled with ferocity. “Ho.” Noya responded with apparent interest as he observed it. “Hooo….” Even my breath carried heat. I compressed the power, ready to explode at any moment, channeling it carefully throughout my body. “Noya.” “Yes.” I addressed him. “Aren’t you picking up your sword?” “Sword?” Noya chuckled. The disdain was unmistakable. “We’ll see. I might consider it if it’s worth it.” “…Ah.” For him to face me without even drawing his sword. He didn’t just trample my pride, he demolished it entirely. Under usual circumstances, I might have lashed out in rage. “Well, then.” But now, I wasn’t angry. I accepted that Noya had every right and reason to say as much. Hunching forward, I bore down with my full weight. At once, I exerted my strength into my feet. Ddddddddk--!!! With the pressure, the ground sunk underfoot. Fwhooo--! Simultaneously, my entire body became engulfed in azure flames. “I’ll show you some tricks then.” Boom-! I charged forward with everything I had. Kwoooooo---!!! Flames surged towards Noya like a crimson sea. hwawol72 2024.10.22 15:18 신고 If this continues with power inflation... The only ones who might help in a fight against the Blood Demon seem to be Gu Cheolwoon and maybe the Heavenly Demon. What about the wives though? 0 Yeon Woo 2024.10.29 06:10 신고 Will he at least graze his clothes? 0 Only logged-in members can post comments. 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