- Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Translated and Implemented Instructions During the time when a prolonged conversation was unfolding, I found myself stepping outside the abode with an utterly perplexed expression. It was only natural. Having been summoned all the way here, I attempted to engage in some dialogue, yet it felt as if I was abruptly interrupted, akin to being cut off mid-sentence. 'What is this?' So, what was the conclusion, after all? Why did the elder known as the First Generation Leader call me here, and why inquire specifically about the Gu family? Why did that old man need to do this out of all possible reasons? All these questions were intriguing, but it seemed impossible to find the answers now. '…Hmm.' Lady Mi abruptly entered, sparking a cold war. As a result, I was not only summoned but also expelled without getting any meaningful answers. This was indeed a vexing situation where I couldn’t even voice my complaints. '…Should I try eavesdropping at least?' Feeling indignant about being cast out, I contemplated using my abilities to eavesdrop on the room. 'Tsk.' But I promptly dismissed the thought. Given that Lady Mi launched a surprise attack during the conversation, it implied she had overheard despite the barrier set up. It was probably due to a special artifact, and conversely, if I attempted to eavesdrop, they must have prepared countermeasures. 'If it’s about eavesdropping, it’s likely the Cheong Eoseok stone.' There were a few artifacts that came to mind, but the most probable was the Cheong Eoseok stone. Its application was limited, but it was handy for concealment, and the clarity was decent if the distance was right. However. 'It's an easily detectable artifact, so it's not used often.' Normally, I would have detected such a device using my Qi sensing. I never thought Lady Mi would hide it in her residence. That's likely why I couldn't detect it. 'Did she predict I wouldn’t find it?' Could it be that she anticipated my failure to detect it and hid it in advance? That might be possible. If it were Lady Mi, she could have made such assumptions. ‘…’ It’s a bit late to be thinking of it now. ‘A barrier was set up anyway.’ I realized that another barrier was erected in the room as soon as I retrieved my Qi. 'The level of the barrier is at the Fusion Realm.' Judging by the density and firmness of the surrounding barrier, it appeared to be at the Fusion Realm. I could penetrate it if I wanted to, but... 'It’s quite a gamble.' In my current state, there was a high likelihood the opponent would notice. Moreover…. ‘The elder's reaction was strange in the first place.’ The First Generation Leader's reaction when he called me. His reaction was so unusual. What did he intend by summoning me? ‘Did he ask if I wanted to become the Family Head?’ Did he inquire whether I knew what the Family Head of the Gu family entailed? Did the elderly really summon me just to ask that? Doubts sprouted regarding that. ‘Something….’ It didn’t seem like it was only that. If that was really the intention, he wouldn’t have used such a setting. This meant, 'He had a different intention from the start.' He intended to do more than just ask me something. While it’s true he wanted to see me once, that wasn’t the main reason. It seemed like he tried to gain something through me. What he wished to gain was probably— ‘Lady Mi.’ Lady Mi barged in when the topic about the Gu family was about to arise. The old man appeared to have anticipated such a situation. 'Hmm.' What could it be? What was the elderly aiming for, and why did Lady Mi react so vehemently? While pondering over this deeply, “Hehehe!” “Oh my, is it fun?” “Yeah!” I turned my head towards a familiar voice. On the veranda outside the abode, Gu Heebi was waving her hands with a bright smile. Even Ddolddol was visible, laughing merrily and seeming to be in high spirits as it hovered in midair. “…What is this?” Judging by how Ddolddol's altitude changed with each motion of her hand, she appeared to be using Void Manipulation. ‘She’s using Void Manipulation to entertain a child?’ While it seemed unlikely any rational martial artist would do such a thing, it was surprisingly Gu Heebi who was doing it. Rather, she was smiling, seeming genuinely pleased, as she earnestly played with Ddolddol. Even Ddolddol was reacting as if it was thoroughly entertained.... ‘Look at that wretch.’ It was an absurd sight for me. ‘It can fly on its own, so what’s so amusing about this?’ Ddolddol, which could fly without Void Manipulation, was pretending to enjoy the game, matching Gu Heebi's rhythm. It was a ludicrous spectacle. “What are you doing?” With a frown, I approached them. “Oh? You’re here.” “…” With furrowed brows, I extended my hand. I grabbed Ddolddol by the scruff of its neck and hauled it down. “What is this?” Holding onto Ddolddol, I questioned Gu Heebi. She spoke to me with an embarrassed face. “Well, the child seemed a bit bored….” “And so you’re using Void Manipulation to play with it? Are you out of your mind, sister?” “If you have the ability, isn’t it okay to use it a little? It doesn’t wear out.” Wear out, my foot. How irrational and inefficacious it was to use Void Manipulation—how unwise it was to maintain a child suspended in midair as entertainment. Aware of this, I gave Gu Heebi a rather pitiful look. “So, what is this?” “…” Gu Heebi's question made my expression stiffen. “Siblings.” “…” What should I say? I pondered for a moment. What should I introduce it as? While I was pondering that— “…Right. Father’s son.” I decided to use the same answer as before. Lady Mi had given her tacit approval last time, so it should suffice, right? “Oh, is that so. Father’s son… uh?” Gu Heebi nodded as if she understood, then her face turned stiff. “…Siblings. What did you just say?” “What’s there to ask? You heard it all.” “No, I’m asking because it doesn’t make sense—” “Then, do you think it’s my son?” “…” Gu Heebi's face scrunched up. It seemed as if she were expressing that the latter might be more correct. Considering how identical we looked, the likelihood would indeed lean more towards that direction…. “…It’s impossible. Do you even know how old I am?” “Then, does it make sense for it to be Father… no, Family Head’s son…?” “There are things like that in life.” “What do you mean things like that. What kind of life have you led to make such a response—” “I’m a concubine’s child, you know.” Translated and Implemented Instructions Gu Heebi's mouth snapped shut. "Why did that come up all of a sudden here...?" She seemed visibly deflated in some way. Though I felt a momentary pang of guilt, there was nothing I could do about it. “Isn’t it possible for that child too... that’s all I’m saying.” “…That’s…” “Alright, enough of that. Where has she gone?” “Hmm?” Confused by my question, Gu Heebi looked puzzled. She didn’t seem to know who I was referring to. “You know, that person.” “Who are you talking abou— oh.” Finally, Gu Heebi reacted, as if realizing the answer. “Are you talking about Yeon?” Yeon. That was what Gu Heebi called the Heavenly Demon. “…Yes, her.” A while ago, she was hugging Ddolddol and acting all dramatic, but she was gone when I stepped outside. My question stemmed from the curiosity about her disappearance. “Yeon went home.” “Went home?” I nodded slightly at Gu Heebi’s answer. She left all of a sudden? “You didn’t stop her...?” “Why would I stop her when she said she was going home? Besides, she left before I had the chance.” “…” She was clutching on and crying, so I thought there might be more to it, but she just disappeared. It was somewhat disheartening. Unexpectedly, a sense of discomfort rose again. Then. “Oh, come to think of it. Brother, I hear you’ve been doing great lately?” Gu Heebi asked about my recent affairs. “I heard you’re doing very well. You must be happy, right?” “…Happy, my foot.” “I always knew my brother would turn out well.” As she subtly reached out to pat my back, I quickly stepped aside. “Has she gone mad?” “Oh? Trying to run away when your sister’s trying to compliment you?” “Give praise from afar. Don’t do it up close.” “No fun at all.” Saying this, Gu Heebi burst into laughter. Watching her, I decided to ask a different question. “Sister.” “Yes?” “This is just out of curiosity.” “What is it?” “Why didn’t you come?” “…” The smile vanished from Gu Heebi’s face upon hearing my question. It was a somewhat abstract query, but Gu Heebi seemed to understand what I was asking. Why didn’t you come? This question pertained to the attack and demon beast incident that occurred in Hanam last time. During that event, an abundance of martial artists appeared. Yet, more than those who showed up, many did not. Gu Heebi was among those absent. Indeed, although she stayed in Hanam, she didn’t appear during the incident. “Honestly, I hoped you wouldn’t come, sister.” Even when the incident unfolded, I wished Gu Heebi wouldn’t come. Yet. “But still, it didn’t seem in your nature not to come.” Gu Heebi was not one to stand idly by when such calamities occurred. Her temper was terrible, but she wasn’t one to ignore a disaster unfolding before her eyes. “Yet you didn’t come. Was there something that happened?” It wasn’t to reproach her for not coming. I was not audacious enough to reproach her for that. As mentioned earlier, it was simply out of curiosity. Gu Heebi fell silent at this, allowing time to pass. I waited since it didn’t appear she wasn’t going to answer. And after some time. “…Well.” Gu Heebi said to me. “Why did I do that?” “…What?” “She told me not to go.” “Who?” “Yeon.” My eyes narrowed instinctively. ‘Did the Heavenly Demon tell her not to go?’ So, during the incident, did the Heavenly Demon stop Gu Heebi? Why on earth? Moreover. ‘Even if stopped, did Gu Heebi really not go?’ No matter if the Heavenly Demon told her so, hearing that Gu Heebi listened was more perplexing. I wanted to ask why, but. “…” I couldn’t bring myself to ask. Gu Heebi’s expression was so unfamiliar. It seemed despondent, perhaps even subtly pleading not to be questioned. Thus, in the end, I refrained from asking. “I see.” It was enough if nothing major happened. Thinking that, I nodded. Amidst the somewhat awkward atmosphere. I transitioned to another question for Gu Heebi. “By the way, sister.” “Yes…?” “About her name.” “Name?” “Yes. Why do you call her Yeon?” “Ah.” Why did she call the Heavenly Demon Yeon? I had been curious since last time but hadn’t asked. Why had such a name been attached to the Heavenly Demon? I asked about it. “It means fate.” She explained to me. “…Fate?” “Yes. In-yeon (因緣). A fate forged suddenly. So she’s Yeon.” “…” “Isn’t it a pretty name? I think I named her well, though she doesn’t like it.” She explained with a smile, asking if it wasn’t indeed a lovely name. Indeed, it was a pretty name. It didn’t seem to suit the Heavenly Demon, yet it was a very beautiful name. Maybe that’s why. “Brother?” “Huh?” “What’s the matter?” “What is?” “Well, your face seems odd. Did you eat something bad?” “…” I touched my face upon hearing that. As she mentioned, indeed, there seemed to be something strange. Of course, it wasn’t because I ate something bad. ‘Something.’ Purely, something felt off. '…Yeon.' In-yeon, meaning fate. Listening to Gu Heebi call the Heavenly Demon that, this sense of incongruity emerged. It was, somehow… As if. ‘Uncomfortable.’ Such a name wasn’t fitting to call by. It was an odd, uneasy discomfort. That’s precisely what I was feeling. ****************** Later, I found myself outside. When I went in, it wasn’t like this. It felt as though I had returned with a head full of worries. Gu Heebi mentioned she had something to discuss with Lady Mi. There was no particular reason to take Ddolddol along, so I left it behind. They seemed to get along well, so I thought they would entertain themselves. Judging that, I stepped outside. “Oh, you’ve come.” “Elder Il?” Elder Il was waiting outside as I emerged. Seeing his presence made me widen my eyes. Thinking back, he had accompanied us, but he hadn’t come inside. Given his massive stature, why was he standing like a statue at the door? “Why didn’t you come inside?” “I felt it would be noisy inside.” “…” What astounding insight. “Moreover, judging by your face, it seems the old man’s choice was right. Hehehe. It looks like you had a tough time inside.” “…It was you who brought me here, Elder Il.” “Hahaha.” Translated and Implemented Instructions Trying to brush it off with laughter, is he? I was genuinely at a loss. Whether it was because of that laugh, my irritation soared. "Who exactly is that elder?" "Who are you referring to?" "I mean the First Generation Leader. What's this talk about the Family Head and the Gu family all about?" "That old man said that to you?" "Yes." As I expressed my emotions in my words, Elder Il suddenly chuckled. "He’s as sly as an old fox." It was more of a scornful laugh. "He said he'd approach matters rationally, yet the tricks he uses are no different from before." "...What do you mean?" "Enough of that. A young man like you shouldn't sulk over a little setback. You need to have a broad mindset!" Whish! I turned my head as his hand tried to ruffle my hair once more. I evaded, knowing Elder Il’s intent to mess up my hair again. "Haha. Look at this fellow?" "Please don't. I'm tired…." Normally, I’d banter along, but right now, I was mentally exhausted. My mind was already tangled, leaving me rather edgy. "If you're feeling tired, it's only due to a lack of training." "Training isn't some panacea…." "Oh, really? In that case, how about sparring with this old man to ease your fatigue for the first time in a while?" "…" Something even more tiresome popped up. I dislike training as is, but now sparring? I’ve always hated sparring, and to do it with Elder Il now was just out of the question. I was mentally drained, and my physical condition felt off. Naturally, I intended to decline, but... “…No, thank you. I’m not confident in controlling my strength—" I suddenly widened my eyes as I spoke. Simultaneously, I clamped my mouth shut with my hand. 'I’m not confident in controlling my strength.' That was an unmistakable slip of the tongue. An attitude that practically belittled the opponent. And I’d uttered it towards Elder Il. Did he happen to miss it? I sneaked a glance at Elder Il. "Haha." '...Oh no.' Apparently, he heard it clearly. Elder Il’s eyes were smiling, but veins bulged on his forehead. It was evident he was quite displeased, evident from the heat radiating off him. Seeing that, I hurriedly added an explanation. "No, Elder, that wasn’t what I meant. I’m just tired and misspoke…." "Yangcheon." "…Yes?" I responded, bowing slightly. Thud! A shockwave burst through the air. It was the aftermath of Elder Il swinging his fist. Had I not dodged, I would've taken it directly to the face. "Elder…?" "I'm sorry, my own busyness has kept me from looking after my dear grandson…." Swoosh!! Grab! "All of this is my failing." "…!" A massive hand reached out and grabbed me by the collar. "So today, let’s have a heart-to-heart, as I shed this weight from my mind." "Elder, no matter how you see it, this isn't a conversation—!" Before I could finish, a gust of wind pressured towards me. The surrounding scenery shifted as pressure constricted. It was because Elder Il, having grabbed my collar, had thrown me with considerable force. Thunk! Propelled by his immense grip, my body shot forth. Clenching my teeth, I mustered my energy. Whoosh! Flames swiftly swirled around, radiating heat. With the resultant rebound, I managed to halt my momentum. Skreech–!!! My soles scraped against the ground, leaving clear marks as I struggled to slow down. Just as I barely managed to decelerate. Hiss—! "…!" The sound of steam boiling emerged from somewhere. On hearing the noise, I immediately pivoted, twisting my body. Boom—!!! With tremendous impact, the ground exploded, sending debris flying. I distanced myself and checked the focal point. The once-untouched surface was now deeply indent and utterly wrecked. From that hollow, a figure began to rise. Sizzle—! Steam erupted from the figure's body. Elder Il, who had pulverized the ground with a single punch, was slowly retracting his fist. "Damn." Watching, I clicked my tongue frustratingly. '...This is troubling.' Judging by his expression, he seemed genuinely upset.