1099 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

The World’s Greatest Fighter’s Childhood Friend - Chapter 1099: Northern Rabbit - Web Novel Archive When it came to the matters of the Sword Unit, their primary focus was, of course, hunting demonic beasts. It's a given. The Sword Unit was established to confront these beasts, meaning they were trained specifically in the methods to combat them. As such, various sects and even merchant groups formed their own Sword Units. In an era where demonic beasts retaliated. Despite the facade of peace, it was a time fraught with hidden dangers, making the presence of Sword Units quite prominent and influential. This was the same for the Murim Alliance. The Sword Unit established by the Murim Alliance held a significant position within the central plains. Perhaps because of this. "Sometimes, we received missions that weren't related to demonic beasts." It had been a while since the missions assigned to the Sword Unit extended beyond just dealing with demonic beasts. Their role wasn't solely for combatting these creatures but encompassed the whole affairs of the Murim Alliance. Literally becoming one with the warriors of the alliance. Thus, receiving a mission from the Murim Alliance wasn't an unusual occurrence, yet— "Chief... what is happening all of a sudden?" Neither I nor So Yi fully understood our current situation. "A mission, you say?" "Indeed. It is a mission." "But..." So Yi questioned, leading the Chief to nonchalantly reply while picking his nose. "Why? Receiving a mission isn't anything unusual." "That's correct. However, it's unusual because of the personnel involved." "Why?" When the Chief inquired again, So Yi bit her lip and answered. "To involve members who haven't even been with the alliance for a month goes against the regulations, does it not?" As she spoke, So Yi pointed to the side. There stood not only me but also Do Yoon, who joined even more recently, not even completed seven weeks in the alliance. "That's true." Nodding affirmatively, the Chief acknowledged So Yi's point. I sensed So Yi's expression brighten slightly from the Chief's response, but— "Then..." "But, you see." The Chief interrupted So Yi and spoke to her. "If the order comes from the Leader, doesn't that make it a bit different from the usual regulations?" "...!" So Yi's eyes widened at his words. "...The Leader's order, you say?" "Correct." "But how..." Why the Leader would issue a mission that breaches the regulations left So Yi visibly shocked. ‘What the... What's going on?’ I shared the same sentiment. It was bizarre enough to be suddenly deployed for a mission, but the fact that the Sword Chief deliberately bent the rules was equally puzzling. Just when I was wondering what was happening— "It wouldn't make sense to entrust a mission to those who haven't even been here for a month." Cheong Yeol Sword Chief lowered the hand that was picking his nose and lifted a scroll. "But you see." He then handed the scroll to So Yi, who reluctantly accepted it with a puzzled expression. "This is only an issue if you actually are inexperienced." The Chief laughed, gazing at us. "You lot aren't inexperienced, are you?" "..." "..." Do Yoon and I both stiffened slightly at his words, although it seemed Do Yoon did so more noticeably. ‘This man.’ It seemed he knew about Do Yoon hiding his strength. At his level, of course, he would be able to discern that. ‘He's strong for a Sword Chief.’ It was my first time encountering Cheong Yeol Sword Chief, but my initial impression was one of slight admiration. While the Sword Chiefs I knew had all reached a high state, ‘This one is stronger.’ Among the Sword Chiefs, Cheong Yeol was exceptionally strong. Whether this was due to the era or his uniqueness, I wasn't certain. Given that, it wouldn't be surprising for him to notice Do Yoon. "Isn't that so?" The Chief posed his question, but Do Yoon didn't respond, and I simply scratched my cheek calmly. With the situation as it was, I had some understanding. ‘So that's what's going on.’ I couldn't help but suspect that we were being paired together to be observed. "Anyhow. The mission departs in two days. Be prepared." "Chief..." "Any further objections won't be entertained. As I said earlier." The Chief stated firmly. "This order comes directly from the Leader." "..." At those words, So Yi sealed her lips. It was an order from none other than the Sword Chief. No one within the Murim Alliance could defy it. * * * After finishing the conversation, we stepped outside. The sky was still bright, but none of us carried pleasant expressions. "Sigh..." So Yi, in particular, displayed an expression of clear frustration and discomfort. Should I say something to break the tension? As I was briefly contemplating that— "See you in two days then." So Yi announced resignedly and walked away, seemingly having given up on further discussion. Her hurried pace and the silent request in her posture not to be bothered were clear, so we just watched her leave. "Hmm." With nothing left to do, I turned to Do Yoon. "Shall we head to our quarters?" "Oh, uh..." Do Yoon seemed surprised by my casual suggestion, perhaps not expecting me to speak to him. The suggestion to head to our quarters was simple enough. Since fully entering the alliance, the Blue Dragon Division had assigned us accommodations. "Where are you staying?" "Left building." "Same as me." There were two buildings, and it seemed I was assigned to the same lodging as Do Yoon. Furthermore— "...We have the same room?" We were placed in the same room. The sounds of fellow newcomers settling into their rooms echoed down the hall. Having completed today's training, many were either resting or engaged in personal cultivation, as instructed. Do Yoon and I began unpacking our things slowly. Honestly, there wasn't much to unpack. ‘At most, some clothes?’ I had only brought the clothes I was wearing, so I thought I might just lie on the bed. Just then— "Hey." "Hmm?" Do Yoon called out to me. "…How did you know?" "Know what?" "That I was hiding my strength." "Ah." He brought it up himself. Shhhh! As he spoke, something settled over the room. It was a barrier—Do Yoon had deployed it effortlessly. ‘Is he not bothering to hide it anymore?’ This barrier wasn’t something any low-level martial artist could create. It seemed he wasn’t trying to hide anymore, and so I answered nonchalantly. "How do you know? I just saw it." "...You saw it?" "If you want to hide it, make sure you do it properly. Even the Chief is probably aware." "…" "From what's happening now, it seems this is all premeditated." From deploying us simultaneously on this mission to assigning us the same room—everything seemed intentional. "So, whatever you’re planning, make sure you hide it well. If you intend to do something, do it properly." "…Aren't you curious about what I'm planning?" "Why should I be?" I frowned. Why wouldn’t I ask? That's exactly what I wanted to ask—why would I? "It just looks bothersome. I don't want to get involved, and it's probably obvious anyway." The reason he joined the alliance while hiding his strength? It’s probably not the same as mine. If not, then what— "Revenge, or maybe infiltration. But it doesn’t seem like infiltration." "Why not?" "If it was infiltration, you would have tried something with me." Knowing there was someone aware, he would have made a move. Do Yoon hadn't. Moreover— "If you had, I would have already dealt with you." "…!" At my chilling words, Do Yoon froze. It was a warning—if that was his intention, not to act recklessly. "Bae Chu… Who exactly are you…" Shocked by the killing intent, Do Yoon stiffened as he spoke. I chuckled at the sight. "I'm not joking, but no need to worry as long as you don't meddle with me." "What if I'm a remnant of the evil factions? Would you still do nothing?" "If that’s the case, the Chief or the Leader will handle it. As I said, as long as it doesn’t affect me, I don’t care." "…Aren't you a decent man?" "Such harsh words." I was incredulous. "Still, I'm formally aligned with the righteous faction. I’m adept at killing demonic faction members on sight." "…" "Are you from the demonic faction?" "No." "Then we're good." I plopped onto the mattress. I didn’t care what his motives were for being here. ‘Though I've already gotten involved due to curiosity.’ Still, it was pointless. I was already noticed. I just had to make sure not to get more involved. ‘He’s someone I don’t even know the name of.’ A late-stage talent hiding his strength. Perhaps even a real secret weapon of the Taoist sect, unlike the rumors about me. I didn’t know such an entity. Honestly— ‘Where even is the Taoist sect?’ I wasn’t aware of any Taoist faction in Shanxi. I didn’t know high-ranking warriors from such sects. This meant— ‘Whatever he planned failed.’ In the end, he was either erased from the records of the central plains or remained unknown. ‘So, there’s no need to interfere.’ As I thought that and was lying down— "You’re right." Do Yoon began speaking. "My goal is revenge. I joined the alliance for that purpose." He began saying what he wanted, even though I didn't respond. ‘As expected.’ Revenge seemed to be the reason. It wasn’t surprising at all. Such people were numerous in this world. ‘More reason not to get involved.’ With that thought, I tried to tell him not to speak anymore. "Let's just—" "Sanseogu family’s Gu Cheol-un. I came to take revenge on him." "…What?" Hearing Do Yoon’s words, I sat up straight. …What kind of craziness was this? I was suddenly wide awake.