785 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Translated and Implemented Instructions Title: Chapter 785 of "The World’s Greatest Sword's Childhood Friend" (천하제일인의 소꿉친구) --- "Come up one at a time." He uttered those words. When he first said that, honestly, I thought a storm would ensue. I expected a burst of energy and they would immediately charge at me. However... "Tsk." "Is he really...?!" Surprisingly, the squad leaders merely displayed anger without charging recklessly. It was evident they wanted nothing more than to swing their swords at me. Judging from the murderous intent and energy emanating towards me, they were holding back. 'This is unexpected.' Seeing this, I swallowed my surprise inside. These guys were... '...able to think.' They seemed capable of strategic thought. After being provoked so much, they didn't rashly attack. Under normal circumstances, things should have escalated into a frenzied battle by now. Yet, the reason they were hesitating was clear. 'They can't quite make the judgment.' Even if martial artists are typically seen as brutish, they have eyes and ears to aid instinct. Whether from what they've seen or heard... They must have some knowledge. Perhaps they were recalling, 'the things I've done.' Facing off against formidable beasts and dispatching those who attacked. Not merely those feats. What was important here was, '...the time I defeated the Blade King (도왕) in the martial tournament.' The fact that I left the Blade King in ruins during the tournament must have reached their ears. If their brains functioned at all, they would have tried to assess me from the moment I arrived as a squad leader. Therefore, they were calculating swiftly at this moment. 'Would this battle be beneficial?' If they rushed in without swallowing their pride, would it come at no cost to them? They were weighing this countless times. 'After all, squad leaders are still squad leaders.' Hot-headed individuals would have charged without assessing their opponent's strength or the situation. Yet, social status compelled even such people to think strategically. But, 'I can see them racking their brains.' The Dual Righteous Illusion Sword (쌍의환검) was quickly glancing over me, scrutinizing every detail. With the recent fight where I neutralized their attack, paired with the Blade King's defeat, they seemed to be deeply contemplating my abilities. 'I do wonder.' How do I appear in his eyes? My senses and power have improved compared to just a few days ago; however, 'My realm didn't advance, so they might discern me easily.' With no notable realm advancement, there likely wasn't much of a perceptible difference. As if to confirm this, the Dual Righteous Illusion Sword's hesitation deepened. Watching this, a smirk crept across my face. I see. This man... '...can't see.' He couldn't discern my status or the extent of my realm. Whether I was a suitable opponent for him wasn't apparent. While observing this, I looked to the side. The Hidden Wave Sword (은랑검) was also watching me. However, there was a subtle difference in his gaze. His attention seemed more focused on Mok Yeon (묵연). The Dual Righteous Illusion Sword was busy assessing my realm, while the Hidden Wave Sword was analyzing Mok Yeon's reaction. Observing this, I asked, "What are you doing?" "...!" As I spoke, both men flinched. "Won't you come up? That makes me look quite foolish." Scratching my cheek, I looked at the Dual Righteous Illusion Sword. "I invited you kindly. If you chicken out, what does that make me?" "You–!" After another nudge, the Dual Righteous Illusion Sword moved with a flinch. But, "...tsk." Again, he didn't proceed to a full attack. 'Hmm.' He's holding back. What should I do? This isn’t enough yet. Should I release my might and pressure them? Ah, but that would be somewhat untimely. 'If it leads to that, things might get tangled.' I've got some tactics up my sleeve, so truly fighting, aside from mere pressure, was not desirable. Especially, 'If they cower too much, that’s no good either.' Letting the squad leaders fall apart excessively was troublesome. In other words, I needed to beat them moderately. 'Hmm.' But how to accomplish this? Pondering briefly, '...I don’t know.' A definitive solution doesn’t come to mind. Isn’t that inevitable? 'When have I ever been good at moderation?' My life wasn't gentle enough to embrace the concept of 'moderate.' Reaching this situation alone makes it ambiguous to call it moderate. Well, then. "Is one too much for you?" Might as well just press the statement. "If not, come at me all at once, you weaklings." "!" Boom—! The wave burst, and a flash followed. With my bold words surpassing the limit, the Dual Righteous Illusion Sword and Hidden Wave Sword both lunged simultaneously. The three flashes surged toward me in an instant. At that moment, when I was about to shift my shoulders, Crack!!! Clang—!! "...tsk!?" "Ah!" Suddenly, another flash interceded and blocked their swords. The approaching figures stopped before reaching me, and another figure stood before them. The Azure Dragon Leader, One Azure Sword (일청검). Standing valiantly, he intercepted their blades. The faces of the Dual Righteous Illusion Sword and Hidden Wave Sword soured at One Azure Sword's action. "Azure Dragon Leader?" "What is the meaning of this...!" Their reactions seemed as though they couldn't understand why they were being stopped. As they retrieved their swords slowly, the Azure Dragon Leader replied, "Calm yourselves." "Calm? You’re telling us to calm down?" "Did you not hear the words that young man just flung at us? And you still speak of calming down. What does that even mean...?" "If it's not a word, then?" Swwap—! As One Azure Sword gripped his sword, he gazed at the Dual Righteous Illusion Sword. At once, a savage aura erupted from One Azure Sword's feet, engulfing him. "...ugh?!" Surprised by the sudden vigorous aura, the Dual Righteous Illusion Sword trembled slightly. The aura was unexpectedly fierce and resolute. "If you proceed, it means drawing blood." One Azure Sword's eyes became keen. "Golden Dragon Leader. Have you forgotten whose presence you're before?" In reference to whose presence, this was undoubtedly about Mok Yeon. "...But Azure Dragon Leader...." "There are no other considerations. Strategist Mok (묵연) is acting as a proxy for the leader in this assembly. To act otherwise is to disrespect the leader himself." Translated and Implemented Instructions --- The Dual Righteous Illusion Sword (쌍의환검) gritted his teeth at the words of One Azure Sword (일청검). "How can I just stand by after such disrespect—!!" Unable to hold back, he began to speak, but his words were abruptly cut off. Ssslicc. A trickle. Blood ran down the throat of the Dual Righteous Illusion Sword. One Azure Sword's cherished weapon had touched his neck. The sword moved swiftly, leaving the Dual Righteous Illusion Sword unable to even react. Amidst this perilous situation, One Azure Sword spoke softly but firmly. "Any further action will be considered treason." "…" His eyes were full of sincerity. The gaze promised that even a single further word could lead to complete annihilation. That gaze swept past the Hidden Wave Sword (은랑검) and landed on me. "It applies to the Hidden Wave Sword as well. Star King (성왕), this concerns you too." Pressing down on the tense atmosphere, One Azure Sword growled his words. "Though you haven't yet become an official squad leader, your status is still that of a member of the Alliance. How about ending this unnecessary dispute here? Unless, of course, you truly wish to see bloodshed." He hinted that he himself would step in to prevent further violence. As I watched this, I pondered. 'Is this enough?' I concluded that it was sufficient. So, I raised my hand slightly and spoke to him. "Yes. Your words are quite right. If the seniors will cease, I will also halt here." Speaking as if dusting off my hands, I exhaled a bit of my energy. The energy flowing from my body forced cold sweat at my skin's surface, wiping off a bit of sweat from my forehead with the back of my hand. A deliberate gesture. I noticed One Azure Sword take this in with his eyes. "...With the Star King speaking thus, how do the two of you see this?" "…" "…" One Azure Sword had directly intervened. Despite their rage and lack of resolution, the situation could not be prolonged. Understanding this, the two could only reluctantly grit their teeth and give one answer. "...Understood." There was no option but to retreat. Upon realizing this, the leaders took a step back, and only then could I address the person before me. "It seems the situation has been resolved." "…" Someone near me stood up stealthily. If One Azure Sword stopped the Dual Righteous Illusion Sword and the Hidden Wave Sword, standing in front of me was none other than the Dark Bow (명궁). He too appeared right before the chaos erupted and had taken a stand before me. There was a difference, though. 'One Azure Sword intervened to prevent.' The Dark Bow's stance seemed more protective towards me. For some reason, it felt that way. "Should I be grateful?" I inquired of the Dark Bow. "…No. My intentions weren't so different from One Azure Sword’s," he explained, implying that he intended to prevent rather than protect. Observing him, I nodded slightly. It was peculiar that he seemed to try to protect me, but more importantly, 'He's fast. Extremely so.' The Dark Bow's skill surpassed my expectations. In the very moment chaos was brewing, while One Azure Sword moved, the Dark Bow only trailed slightly behind. Yet, he arrived here first. Even though the distance towards me was greater, he reached here earlier than One Azure Sword, who started first. 'Hmm.' What is it? An unease lingered. I was pondering what this feeling might be and was scrutinizing the Dark Bow more closely when, "…It seems this meeting should conclude here." The sound came from Mok Yeon (묵연). He was standing with a visibly discomforted expression. "Strategist Mok," One Azure Sword approached, appearing concerned. "I apologize for broaching the matter so hastily. The fault is mine.... Next time, I shall prepare more thoroughly before coming to visit. My apologies." As if finding it unbearable to continue, Mok Yeon himself covered his mouth and moved away. No one in the room detained the elderly figure. His exit, marked by visible discomfort, left others with expressions of bewilderment. Oh, naturally. 'Like a sly old man.' To me, it was just a farcical act. The one who orchestrated this scenario was Mok Yeon. The uncomfortable situation was his creation. His aim to pressure the leaders using my presence. The move towards the conditions I stated earlier. All were part of this old man's strategy. 'Hah.' Though I expected it wouldn't be easy, I didn't realize he’d be this cunning. Narrowing my eyes, I watched the door Mok Yeon exited from. Is he challenging me? 'Alright. Let's do this then.' I don't intend to back down, regardless of what he's planned or how he's analyzed matters. I glanced back. The Dual Righteous Illusion Sword was still simmering after Mok Yeon's exit, while Hidden Wave Sword seemed a bit dazed. Once more shifting my gaze to One Azure Sword. One Azure Sword was looking at me. I met his gaze without flinching and returned a faint smile. "Although the result isn't ideal, it appears the discussion is over. Should I take my leave now? Would that be alright?" "…" "I heard I should return tomorrow.... Until then, seniors." With a slight bow of my head, I turned my gaze away. I expected some reaction might follow, but I decided to disregard it. 'I've already cast the bait.' Whether the prey bites is no longer my concern. Now, it's just a matter of waiting for the inevitable bite. Creak—! However, 'Regardless," As I gripped the door to open it, I thought of one thing. 'I doubt it'll take long.' To me, it seemed the bait had already been taken. --- "...Damn…!" Crash—! Boom—! The room, formerly pristine and orderly. Inside, a study collapsed, turning the space chaotic. Clang—! The objects inside shattered one by one. Whether teacups or tables, all became a mess when touched. Bang—!! Someone was unleashing havoc, throwing objects indiscriminately. He raged without stopping for quite some time. Only when nothing was left to grip did he finally cease, albeit barely. "Damn it... damn it." Creak—! As he clenched his fists, a rough sound emerged, followed by a trickle of blood. Translated and Implemented Instructions --- "What should I do about that wretched brat?" A twisted face flashed through the man's mind. The smirk that mocked them all, the face of that despicable youth. -"You weaklings." Bang—! Crack—! Unable to restrain himself, his fist crashed through the wall, creating a web of cracks from the impact. Usually calm, the man could no longer contain his emotions. How could such a thing happen? "Dare he...!" It wasn't enough for an unknown youth to suddenly appear, but he was made a squad leader and assigned to form an external sword unit? And they claim it was orchestrated by the strategist of the Alliance and permitted by the leader? Moreover, 'A squad dedicated to handling the Unorthodox Factions (사파)?' A unit designated to lead the cleansing of the Unorthodox Factions. Such a task... 'It should naturally be mine...!' It was an assignment no one else should have received. Loyalty to the Alliance had been his life. The road to his current position was fraught with countless challenges. He had overcome all that for this post. 'Yet they hand it over to a mere child.' Crack-! His teeth grinded furiously. The man tried to suppress his anger with a face twisted in fury. But it wasn’t easy. The child's existence was infuriating, but there was another issue. The leader had secretly revived a symbol of the Alliance. That too set the man's blood boiling. "...It's said that the Sword Emperor (검제) and the Divine Dragon Leader (신룡대주) are escorting the leader?" Today's agenda included the Sword Immortal (검선). Before departing, he reportedly moved with the Sword Emperor and the Divine Dragon Leader. The Sword Emperor was recognized as the leader's escort. Even the man acknowledged this. The person had long been the Alliance’s protector. That much, he could accept. But. 'What in the world is this Divine Dragon Leader?' Why was the Divine Dragon Leader suddenly accompanying them? An escort role? He had been the leader’s official sword unit and escort thus far. And now they're entrusting it to this newly emerged Divine Dragon Leader. 'Are they trying to exclude me?' None of it made sense. Assigning symbolic duties to the new unit was one thing. But this newcomer, the Divine Dragon Leader, had even taken over his role. Moreover, from the start, 'Why am I not the Divine Dragon Leader?' How could he not be assigned to lead the Divine Dragon Squad? To the man, it felt like a conspiracy to drive him out. Nothing felt right. Despite all he had done for the Martial Alliance, he felt wholly disregarded. Both this so-called Divine Dragon Leader and that infuriating brat who had disregarded him. None of them sat well with him. And so. "And so…." He spoke, turning to look behind him. Beyond the chaos of the room, someone was kneeling halfway on the floor. "You'd better choose your words wisely." The man, face contorted like a demon. One Azure Sword stared murderously at the kneeling figure. "Flying Dragon Leader (비룡대주)." He addressed Flying Dragon Leader Beomdong (섬검 범동). "Is that true?" "...It is the truth." Slowly raising his head, Beomdong met One Azure Sword's gaze. "Star King. That brat is severely injured internally." Upon Beomdong's words, "…" One Azure Sword's eyes began to gleam ominously.