1086 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

### Chapter 1086: Northern Rabbit - The Web Novel Archive The second day dawned bright. It was still a time when accommodations hadn’t been arranged. Having already hunted down monsters, there was no monetary concern, so I returned immediately after the banquet to rest. Well, resting was more of a formality. Truth be told, I had spent more time exploring because I didn’t need sleep. During the night, I roamed around a bit to gather information. I needed to understand what was currently happening in this era and assess the state of affairs, so I had to explore further. Thanks to these wanderings, I managed to ascertain quite a bit. ‘There’s so little here.’ At this point in time, there really was nothing significant happening. There was nothing particularly problematic, and only the green and blue monsters were appearing, leaving nothing else of note. It was an era of peace, a transitional period just before the generation of meteors. From a historical point of view, this was a period with nothing noteworthy to record. ‘What exactly am I supposed to do here?’ What was my purpose in this place? What intentions did my mother have in sending me here? It was all a mystery. The information and circumstances were all too vague to be considered a calculated arrangement. ‘I’m guessing it’s related to Father, though.’ It was evident that my mother’s scheme involved my father. The circumstances were such, and my intuition told me as much. Thus, I tried to stay close to Father by whatever means necessary. ‘…Hmmm.’ While I succeeded in that, I was clueless about what my next step should be. That remained uncertain. “Baek Yangcheon. Your entry pass has been verified. You may proceed.” “Thank you for your effort.” I stepped through the gates. As soon as morning broke, I headed to the Murim Alliance, having been summoned early in the morning to join. Without having slept a wink, I made my way to the Azure Dragon Division where I had been yesterday. I could feel lingering gazes here and there, but I ignored them with ease. It was evidently the aftermath of the confrontation with the Unbeatable. “Yesterday, the Unbeatable attended the banquet at the Azure Dragon Division…” Wherever the rumor originated, the news of the Unbeatable’s participation in the Azure Dragon Division’s banquet had spread everywhere. Apparently, it was known that I was the reason. ‘Rumors surely do travel obscenely fast.’ As with all rumors, they spread exceedingly quickly, it seemed. I sighed and continued walking. Before long, I had entered the quarters of the Azure Dragon Division. By the time I got there, the personnel from yesterday had already gathered. I thought I had arrived early myself, but they had gotten there much sooner. “Hey! Over here!” Do-yoon waved, welcoming me. Naturally, I walked over and stood by his side. “Why did everyone come so early?” “What are you talking about? You’re the one who’s late.” “…Hmm?” But wasn’t I here earlier than the gathering time? Looking at him quizzically, Do-yoon spoke as if he couldn’t understand. “Isn’t it a given to arrive at least half a unit of time early?” “…?” I frowned. When a meeting time is set, why on earth should one arrive early? I truly couldn’t understand. Seeing my expression, Do-yoon rubbed his cheek. “Hmm… Oh, never mind. It’s understandable.” ‘…This guy?’ From his reaction, I could tell immediately. He had given up on explaining it to me. “Anyway. Let’s focus. The seniors will arrive soon.” Perhaps because of yesterday’s events, everyone was on edge. It seemed Soy’s anger had left a strong impression. Watching this, I focused my senses, preparing for what seemed to be the imminent arrival of someone. “Yes!” A bold voice and sharp presence pierced the air. The Swordmaster of Azure Flame emerged and strode confidently to the open area. And then. ‘Father is here too.’ My father, who hadn’t attended yesterday’s banquet, accompanied the Swordmaster of Azure Flame and stepped onto the platform alongside him. Following the Swordmaster of Azure Flame, members who appeared to belong to the Azure Dragon Division took their seats. “Greetings. Did everyone sleep well?” Yes--! “…Yes.” At the Swordmaster’s inquiry, everyone shouted energetically. Everyone except me, that is. The Swordmaster grinned widely in response to their enthusiasm. “It’s good to see such energy. I apologize for gathering you so early, but since we will be comrades from now on, there are a few things to verify.” Verify things? I wondered what exactly needed verification as I watched the Swordmaster of Azure Flame. “There is a longstanding tradition in the Azure Dragon Division.” Outlining the tradition, the Swordmaster playfully wiggled his fingers. Swish-!!! His sword unsheathed and cut through the air in an instant. “Ah…!” “The Sword of Harmony…!?” The display shocked everyone; such a technique was said to be usable only by those who’d reached an exceptional state. ‘…What an unnecessary display.’ It didn’t seem to hold any significant power. It was merely a demonstrative action. His sword danced in the air, eventually drawing a large circle around the gathered crowd before returning swiftly to the Swordmaster’s side. “Simply put, whenever newcomers join, we take some time to assess their skills. We call it the Azure Dragon Match.” Assess their skills. In other words. “To put it simply, from now on, the seniors will single out one of you. Then you’ll have to impressively showcase your skills. Simple enough, right?” ‘…In other words.’ In simpler terms. ‘They want us to face a senior in a head-to-head.’ Seniors assessing juniors’ skills. Considering they’d soon have to fight side by side, it was a solid pretext for ensuring members could collaborate effectively. But there was a secondary motive. ‘They want to establish authority firmly from the start.’ Ensuring juniors don’t get too bold by putting them in their place at the outset. In the martial arts world, nothing is more persuasive than skill. This was an easy way to assert their dominance. ‘In that sense, it’s a simple and straightforward method.’ From my standpoint, it was completely understandable. Among the rookies, the tension rose dramatically upon hearing this information. While observing this unfold, suddenly... "Understood? Shall we begin? Let's start with our former youngest." Upon being called by the Swordmaster of Azure Flame, the beautiful woman sitting at the end - Soy - stood up abruptly. "Our former youngest, who would you like to spar with?" "I…" Soy looked down as she spoke. Her gaze swept over her peers, who all averted their eyes, likely not wanting to face her fearsome demeanor from yesterday. Amidst this, as all avoided her gaze, Soy's eyes landed on me. 'Hmm?' Could it be? 'Is it me?' As I narrowed my eyes, thinking she might be selecting me, she began to speak. "I choose Baek-." "Swordmaster-!" Among those seated, someone abruptly stood up. It was Namgoong Jin. The Swordmaster turned to him, perturbed by the sudden interruption. "What is it?" "I would like to go first." "Oh?" The Swordmaster, who was about to frown at Namgoong Jin's interference, seemed intrigued. "I like your spirit. Fine. Who do you wish to face?" At the Swordmaster’s question, Namgoong Jin's gaze shifted. Ah, damn it. As much as I wished it weren't so, the situation was quite clear. "I'd like to see the skills of junior Baek Yangcheon." The guy smirked, pointing at me. Damn it. ‘So this is how it’s going to be.’ I had a feeling something was going to happen after all. "Baek Yangcheon, hmm…?" The Swordmaster looked at me, then alternated his gaze between Namgoong Jin and myself. "Very well. Proceed." Perhaps finding the prospect entertaining, the Swordmaster grinned as he gave his approval. As soon as permission was granted, Namgoong Jin descended from his seat. The others smoothly vacated the circle like ghosts. Namgoong Jin approached me with his signature half-moon smile and glistening blue eyes. "Junior Baek." "…Yes." "I'm quite pleased to see you so soon. Aren't you as well?" "…Would you believe me if I said no?" "Well, I'm delighted anyway." Why bother asking if you've already made up your mind? "Yesterday, I noticed you didn't want to kneel on your own in front of everyone, so I thought I'd assist you." "Ah…." Trying to make me kneel by his own hands? "Hmm… is that so?" "What do you think? Am I not a considerate senior?" "Yes, you could say that. Ha." I ruffled my hair, deep in thought. “Don’t worry too much. I won’t kill you.” "…Hmmm." "You're just at a level where I can simply deliver a lesson. Although you might not be able to walk for a while." "…" "You should have kneeled when I advised you." I stopped scratching my head midway through his words. "Good enough." I think that's about right. "Three times. That should do it." "Hmm? What?" "Nothing. I just finished deliberating on something." "…Ha, contemplating something in front of me?" "Of course. I had to." I replied with a grin. “If not, you might truly wind up dead.” "What…?" At the moment Namgoong Jin's face twisted at my words. "Begin!" The Swordmaster gave the signal. Namgoong Jin’s hand moved to his sword. Yet. “Let's see your—” Click. "Huh?" The sword wouldn’t unsheathe. Why isn't it coming out? Puzzled, Namgoong Jin stared at the sword. "Huh?" It wouldn’t come out, for I was pressing my palm against the pommel, preventing it from moving. Realizing this, Namgoong Jin attempted to react quickly. “Wh-.” Bang-! “Ugh!” My fist buried into Namgoong Jin's stomach. Thud-! He fell to his knees in shock. “Blergh!” And promptly vomited onto the ground. "Tsk." Watching him, I remarked tersely, "Pathetically weak, aren't you? Acting all tough as if you'd forgotten your place." I then kicked him squarely in the face.