978 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Chapter 978: The First Friend of the World's Strongest The demonic energy had taken root. I had just returned to confirm that myself. 'Heuk Saek has fallen.' The leader of the Heuk Saek family, once called the father of Gu Bong, has succumbed to the allure of demonic energy and descended into madness. When I first introduced the demonic energy, I was uncertain about its effects. But observing him now, it was clear that it had some effect. However... 'It's not complete.' I'm not sure what the difference is, but achieving total subjugation through corruption was a failure. If we look at the results, it's a half-success, perhaps? He did become a demon due to the demonic energy, but... His loyalty towards me doesn't seem particularly high. Perhaps there's not much of a mental shift? Most demons tend to show loyalty to me once they transform. I'm not sure if this is because Heuk Saek is peculiar or if the Moonlit Night influence is at play. 'I'll need to test this on others.' I hadn't really planned on using the demonic energy. To be precise, I didn't think there would be a situation that necessitated its use. Why would I need to use such a thing in another world? But now's not the time to be particular about such things. I have to finish what needs to be done quickly, using everything at my disposal. "It can work?" "Yes, though not completely. It's more akin to placing a leash on them." The demonic energy allowed for the physical enslavement but couldn't bind the mind. "Hmm." Noya, hearing me, made an odd expression. I unconsciously paid attention to the subtle cues. For all his sullenness and ferocity, Noya is, after all, an oracle. Even in the central region, he was known as a hero, so I thought he might disapprove of actions that lead others to corruption—. “Halfway, then... It would have been nice if the mind was bound as well. Tsk, tsk, to think you couldn't even do that properly.” But there was no need for concern, it seemed. "......" "What? Why are you staring like that?" "......It's nothing." I shook my head slightly and cleared my throat. "Anyway... I've managed to restrain them physically. Even if not, Heuk Saek will come around on his own soon." Heuk Saek is a man of ambition. Ambitious individuals are generally the easiest to manipulate. The greater the ambition, the more true this holds. The higher one's ambition, the more they crave ways to achieve it. These people often don't care about the method, as long as they can achieve their goal. All means are justified if it brings them power. Given that... 'I've shown him power.' Showing him unexpected power with the demonic energy will certainly spark a change within his mind. That was my judgment. "So, things are in place on my end. How about on your side, Noya?" Things progressed roughly as expected on my end. The individual was expected to cooperate, and the outcome didn't deviate much from my prediction. But what's crucial now is what happened with Noya's target. 'Yusa.' General Yusa. His situation is of utmost importance right now. Acknowledging this, when I asked Noya, Shin Noya displayed a somewhat hesitant expression. "Hmm." "Why? What's wrong?" "He said he'd discuss it next time." "...Oh." That was pleasant news to hear. It would have been problematic if he outright refused and created a ruckus. The fact that he was willing to talk was promising, so I focused on Noya's response. However, there was something about Noya's demeanor that seemed off, as though he was dissatisfied. Why that expression? Pondering, I asked. “Why are you concerned?” To my question, Noya replied. “There’s something odd.” “What is it?” “It’s about Yusa.” “Yes.” “He has a keen intuition.” “I’m aware of that.” Yusa is known for his sharp intuition. I had some rough knowledge about the pride he took in it. But... “No, it goes beyond just that.” “What do you mean?” “His intuition comes from an ability. Simply calling it sharp does not suffice.” “An ability?” They mentioned something about 'voracity.' The power to consume anything. The more he starves, the more he seeks prey, and to find that prey, his intuition sharpens immensely. Furthermore, the hungrier he is, the stronger and more resilient he becomes, though he must constantly endure extreme hunger to maintain it. What Tam discovered after devouring that ability was this information. Additionally... 'Tam can even consume their abilities.' The four who are known as generals all possess abilities, and Tam can devour even those powers. I used to think it was limited to dragons, but apparently, that wasn't the case. Since consuming Yusa’s power, Tam has informed me of its properties. I had gained fairly comprehensive knowledge about Yusa's ability, but... “So that expression on your face relates to this somehow, Noya?” Though one may understand that intuition derives from an ability, the real issue was another question. Noya explained to me: “Kid.” “Yes.” “Yusa’s intuition is as sharp as it is accurate, and he’s not someone easily fooled.” There was a curious note of concern in Shin Noya's voice. “Didn’t he propose during the banquet that using Jeok Saek next would be advantageous?” “He did.” He was using Heuk Saek to relay this. After hearing that, I went to meet Heuk Saek, and Noya went to meet Yusa. The results are what they are now, yet Noya seemed perturbed by something. “He did suggest using Jeok Saek, and Yusa did hear it. But...” “Yes.” “Wouldn’t he have found it odd that Heuk Saek wasn’t referring to himself?” "......" Listening to Noya’s words, I couldn’t help but frown. Indeed. ‘Didn’t I... tell him to disclose it?’ When I met Heuk Saek in secret to issue directives, I hadn’t specifically instructed him to discuss these particulars. 'If I were him...' If I were in Heuk Saek's position, I would naturally mention myself first and then direct attention to Jeok Saek. But what if Heuk Saek didn't do that? If he didn't, what might have been the reason? '......' Though Heuk Saek doesn’t seem like a fool, one can never be too sure. So, what would happen then? 'What if Yusa found it suspicious? What would he do?' If Yusa found it strange, he might seek out Heuk Saek. It's a possibility. If that happens, it could lead to some complications. ‘Though Heuk Saek is corrupted by the demonic energy, he might be able to break through if he uses his power.' If that power is truly absolute, it might become problematic. I found myself pondering these possibilities. I considered the potential issues that might arise. I thought long and hard, even in the brief time I had. But despite all my pondering... ‘...Hmm.’ The conclusion didn't change much. “It's already spilt milk, isn't it?” The deed was done. There was no picking it up again, nor was it the time to try. “Well, what can you do? You have to face it.” “That’s a rather carefree response.” “How do you see it, Noya? If Yusa senses something unusual, how do you think he'd react?” I tried recalling what I knew about Yusa. I don't know much about him, but if I were to have observed him even for a short while... ‘He wouldn’t immediately report it.' Rather than rushing to inform someone for his own standing... “Wouldn't he first verify it?” “He would first verify it.” “......” “......” Noya and I had the same answer. Noya had a somewhat sheepish look on his face because of it. Seeing that, I couldn't help but chuckle softly. “Yusa has ambition.” He wasn't much different from Heuk Saek. Ambition. He possessed quite a significant amount. Just by looking into his eyes, it's clear. Having survived amongst such ambitious men in the central plains, there was no way I wouldn't recognize that gaze. “Those with ambition look for hope. They're the kind who'd frantically search for opportunities even in a mud hole. They wouldn't just abandon it without checking.” Even a thief knocks on the bridge before crossing it, as they say? That's a phrase often used to describe cautious individuals. Simply put... ‘They won't cross without checking.' Although it's difficult to apply this perfectly to Yusa, I didn't think it was that far off. ‘If he suspects, he will verify.' All I had to do was ensure that suspicion turned into certainty. “So, when exactly did you say the next meeting was supposed to be?” “Half an hour from now.” “Hm.” That's not too far off, indeed. ‘If he said he needed that time...' If what Noya worried about was true, it wouldn't be a stretch to think he's preparing something. A slight tension arose within me. 'Half an hour....' As I contemplated the time, my mind briefly wandered through thoughts. “And, kid.” “Yes.” “For this, you'll have to go alone.” “What?” I squinted slightly at the notion. “Yusa specifically mentioned that you must come alone, and given the state of Mount Hua, it's time for you to check back. Whether you like it or not, it’s inevitable. . . . .” “No, it’s not about that. Why were you planning to come anyway?” “......?” “I'm fine now. I’ll handle it on my own, so just go.” “......” My nonchalant response left Noya with an odd look on his face. “If Noya joins in now, it will become cumbersome.” “......Oh, right. Yes.” Since I was unable to involve him, I was about to send him off. But Noya’s expression was faintly suffused with disappointment. Why, though? I was saying go because he couldn't help. Why that face? “If you’ve said your piece, I’ll be heading off first. Just provide the location and head back.” “......” Noya clicked his tongue, looking embarrassed. He seemed to have much more to say, but Shin Noya ultimately fell silent. Afterward, I received the location from Noya. The place where Yusa wanted to meet was surprisingly not in the Moonlit Night. It was a forest a little distance away from the castle. Noya told me that he wanted me to meet him there, as the Heavenly Demon.