1092 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

**Chapter 1092: The Northern Rabbit - Web Novel Archives** A distant, ominous hum echoed as a massive, crimson demonic gate materialized before them—an apparition none had witnessed in this era, a foreboding size never encountered before. "What on earth is that?!" "It's red?" Confused by the strange phenomenon, everyone was understandably anxious. After all, such a demonic gate had not been seen in their lifetimes. "If it's red... could it possibly be a Red Rank?" Among those observing, someone muttered to themselves, causing others around to recoil in shock. Red Rank? "That... that's ridiculous. A Red Rank appearing out of nowhere?" "Hasn't it been absent for centuries?!" "Not since the massacre by the Blood Marauder have we seen one..." How could such a monstrous entity appear at this very moment? It was an unexpected calamity for all. And then— A deafening rumble resonated through the air as a deep growl emerged from the gate, sending shivers down everyone's spines. The sound and presence were entirely unfamiliar. Thump—!! Crack—!! A hand reached out from within the gate, its form slowly becoming visible. Those watching frowned at the sight. 'A Crimson Stone Bear.' A red monstrous bear-like creature, named for its rock-hard body. It was just like the one I had recently hunted. Roooar—!!! The creature fully emerged, unleashing a roar that reverberated through the entire forest. "Ugh!" "Aaah!!" The mere presence of the monster overwhelmed everyone—it was not a good sign. 'At best, they are at the pinnacle level.' Most present were at that level. Only two, no, three had reached a mature pinnacle. Dokryong and Geombong. And then… My eyes momentarily landed on someone before refocusing on the monster. 'That creature would be quite the challenge to take down in this situation.' I had yet to surpass the fiery realm, but I had reached a mature pinnacle. Strong for my age, certainly, though... 'Without the experience, it's meaningless.' Without experience in subjugating red monsters and knowing the methods, the current level is futile. There are two methods for subjugating monsters. If you can't crush them with sheer power, you must find their weakness. The protective barrier of the monster constantly rotates, though it's not uniformly strong—there are weak spots that appear in the gaps of its rotation. If you attack at those weak spots, the barrier can be deactivated. This was discovered by U-hyeok in a past life. Such a method allowed excellence-level sword units, established at the mature pinnacle, to subdue red monsters successfully. 'But for now...' It's unfeasible in the current situation. 'Tch.' What should I do? If it's to be handled with ease, it's better that I take it down myself. Unless hundreds of red monsters charge in, it makes little difference at my level. The problem is. 'I can't step up.' There were things I needed to address, so I couldn't risk displaying my power excessively. If anyone realized I had reached transcendence at this age, it would draw unwanted attention from the monsters within the League. 'That would be troublesome.' It would also expose that I had assumed a different identity. At worst— '—I might end up clashing with the Trinity.' There could even arise a situation where I would have to face the Trinity in the near future. Thus, it was best to conceal my strength. Moreover. 'I just need to hold on a little longer.' After all, this is Hanam. Given the roar of such magnitude asserting its presence, reinforcements would arrive shortly. All I had to do was hold out until then. With this in mind, I assessed the situation. "Everyone, prepare for combat!" The one who seemed most senior among the Iron Dragon Squad shouted. Currently, this was an exercise excluding the battalion-level veterans with seniority. Though primarily composed of new recruits, they were not entirely unskilled, being members of the Martial Arts League. As none of them were stragglers, they quickly recovered from the intimidation caused by the monster's presence. Although. Roooar—!!! "Ahhh!!" Even the most skilled warriors had their limits. The might of the red monster was not something that could be contained by ordinary means. Thump—!!! The Crimson Stone Bear began to rampage, utilizing the force contained within its massive frame. Despite its bulky build, its strength was immense, granting it startling speed. The creature had a size akin to a large dwelling. With each swipe of its massive claws, the surroundings began to crumble. "Watch your distance—...! Argh!" The bear's claw hurtled toward them, ready to crush a man to bits. Screech—!! Clang—!! Kazoom!! A flash of light deflected the Crimson Stone Bear's paw. A floral fragrance spread as leaves rustled in the wind. '...Geombong.' So-Yi leapt in and struck the bear's arm. She wasn't alone in her effort. "Thank you." So-Yi turned back with gratitude. The attack was not solely her doing. A dagger flew in, joining the fray. Dokryong. "......" Dokryong nodded silently, acknowledging their combined effort. As they temporarily repelled the bear, So-Yi shook her arm. It seemed the recent attack had strained her wrist. Her expression was pained, but only briefly. "Everyone, we must hold out until reinforcements arrive!" With sword energy radiating from her, So-Yi shouted her instructions. "Dokryong and I will take the front. Please, provide support." Declaring this, So-Yi and Dokryong charged at the Crimson Stone Bear. Although the two were the newest members, they were aware of the fact: their level of mastery was the strongest among them. Thus, they confidently faced the monster head-on. '...Ahaha.' They showed no hesitation. Charging recklessly at an unknown monster. 'They were like this even back then.' Even in their youth, they had the temperament befitting those respected by all the heroines. ‘Dokryong as well.’ While So-Yi took the lead, wielding her sword, Dokryong followed closely behind. **KUUUURRRNG--!!!** With a roar that seemed to reject the notion of being pushed back, the Crimson Stone Bear charged forward with renewed vigor. As it lunged, the martial artists of the League sprang into action, charging to meet it head-on. 'Impressive,' I thought to myself. These warriors embodied the spirit of righteousness. In the past, a few would have turned and fled when So-Yi and Dokryong charged in. It felt nostalgic but also different from what I had known before. Watching them, I narrowed my eyes. I had no intention to directly involve myself, for reasons previously mentioned—I needed to keep my strength a secret. However. 'I can't just let them die.' This abnormality was due to me, and it wouldn't sit right if people who shouldn't die ended up perishing. While I intended to hide my power, I was still willing to help out. Just as I was about to make a move— “What... what should we do…?” Do-Yun, who had been standing beside me for some time, spoke up anxiously. “A red monster...! I’ve never even heard of such a thing…” His eyes trembled with fear, and I responded with a calm expression. “Indeed.” “What should we do...?” “What else is there? We fight. Isn’t that what the sword squad is for?” This was a place where we came to hunt monsters, and fight we must. There was no time to whine. My words carried that implication. “But... a guy like me, what can I do in such a fight?” Do-Yun spoke, his voice laced with unease and dread. I sighed at his words, just as I had been about to move on. “Hey.” “...Huh?” I injected ample irritation into my voice. Such behavior was tolerable—to a point, but truly, this was something I couldn't abide. “Hiding your strength in other circumstances might be fine, but doing so in this situation is pushing it.” Do-Yun flinched, his body tensing. The anxious look in his eyes vanished, replaced by a more curious gaze toward me. “Whether you do or don’t, I don’t really care, but don’t put on that act where I can see it. It’s annoying.” I spoke bluntly and proceeded to step forward, unbothered by his reaction. My reason for speaking to him in such a manner was simple. 'He’s hiding his strength.' Do-Yun was concealing his power. He was stronger than both So-Yi and Dokryong who were currently fighting up front. Reaching the realm of flames, it was only natural. I didn't know why he was hiding his abilities and acting so cowardly, but— 'Not my concern.' I didn’t care much. He didn’t seem inclined to cause trouble, and it felt like there was a reason behind his actions. 'At the very least, he doesn't seem like a bad guy.' For now, I was willing to let it slide. I just didn’t appreciate that kind of behavior in this situation. 'Though it’s not like I should talk.' Casually, I held out my hand. Gathering a small amount of energy into my fingertip— Fwoosh—! Kaboom—!! Kwoorh! With a flick of my finger, I sent a shockwave out. The sudden pressure disrupted the Crimson Stone Bear's attack. During this opening, the warriors either launched their own attacks or evaded danger. I subtly assisted them, using my energy without directly engaging in combat. While it may have seemed like I was merely observing, I had already fought Raion before their eyes and couldn’t stay in the background any longer. Thus, I fought intermittently, appearing to seamlessly blend my actions with theirs. Time passed in this manner. “Whew.” “Hnngh…” Although not much time had passed, many were already breathing heavily. So-Yi and Dokryong were no exception. Kuaaaah---! In contrast, the red monster showed no signs of exhaustion. It was because they hadn't managed to penetrate its protective barrier, leaving their attacks ineffective. Suspicion was beginning to rise among them. ‘They must be wondering why their attacks are having no effect.’ To them, it might seem bizarre how the monster remained unscathed after receiving such intense attacks. 'They can't be helped if they don't know why.’ Without knowledge of the creature's characteristics, there was little they could do. ‘Hmm.’ I furrowed my brow. What should I do in this situation? ‘Should I help a bit more?’ There was little point in continuing as before. I considered offering more substantial assistance. Just as I prepared to muster more strength— A fierce blaze ignited, but it wasn't mine. I looked up. At that moment— Boooosh—!!! A massive conflagration cascaded down from the heavens. Kuwaaaah---!!! The Crimson Stone Bear screamed as it was engulfed in flames. It was overwhelming—the immense heat cascading down resembled a divine retribution. The spectacle left everyone awestruck, momentarily stunned by the brilliant light. “Squad Leader!!!” So-Yi's face lit up, and she shouted towards the sky. As everyone directed their gazes upward— “Oh…” “That’s...!” In the sky, someone was hovering, gazing down at us. The master of the flaring red eyes—fiery and fierce. “The Divine Dragon.” “It’s the Divine Dragon!” “……” Shinryong Gu Cheol-Un. He had arrived.