796 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Translated and Implemented Instructions --- Chapter 796: The Childhood Friend of the Zenith The Star Dragon Squad (성룡대, Seongryongdae) is recruiting members. This information came along with the news that the Star King (성왕, Seongwang) had become the Grand Leader of the Murim Alliance. A special unit under the command of the Star King focusing on combat against humans, unlike most other squads created mainly to counter demonic beasts. Ever since the appearance of demonic beasts, squads dedicated to human combat had officially disappeared. However, the Murim Alliance announced the creation of such a unit with the Star King as the figurehead, hinting at preparations for possible conflict with the Unorthodox Factions (사파, Sapa). The era of peace was shattered after the appearance of high-tier demonic creatures. Though it was possible to conceal matters to some extent, recent events made that impossible. The emergence of Hundred-Class Demons (백급 마물, Baekgeup Mamu). Moreover, a self-proclaimed new group calling themselves the Demonic Cult was causing inexplicable events, heightening people's anxiety to its peak. Creating a unit to counter the Unorthodox Factions in such circumstances was thus received rather positively. No, perhaps even favorably so. Ah, of course.... ‘That's largely due to my influence.’ Perhaps due to working on the ground extensively, my standing had significantly risen recently. As a result, having the Star King initiate something was seen in a favorable light by some. The hope of the era, as they say. A burdensome title even just to hear. Now, it seemed, my face was well-known, making it difficult to walk around Hanam openly. In truth, it would be easy to wear a veil or alter my appearance, but... ‘I don't particularly want to go that far.’ Since I never liked going out much, I thought it best simply not to go out at all. At such a time, my standing had grown considerably. Exaggerating a bit, it's like even if I commit a blunder, it’s seen in a positive light. Whatever I do, it's assumed I have some reason, and people look at me with bright eyes just for passing by. ‘...Perhaps the Divine Sword (Shingeom, 신검) was like this in my past life?’ Certainly not to that extent, but it felt somewhat similar. In a past life, just appearing was seen as a disaster, or as something terrifying. In this life, am I being treated as a hero? Even while clearly feeling such differences... ‘...Tsk.’ I neither enjoyed nor viewed it positively. I never set up this game board with the intention of seeking enjoyment. I only felt a sense of alienation. Anyway. The specialized unit created by the Star King. Dubbed the Star Dragon Squad (성룡대), it announced its formation, and just yesterday, the Murim Alliance made a bold announcement. The news that they would recruit Star Dragon Squad members not just from within but also from outside. Traditionally, squads related to the Alliance were exclusively tasked to those belonging to the Murim Alliance's martial artists. Surprisingly, the Star Dragon Squad declared they would enlist external martial artists. Of course, not everyone would be external. It was stated that Alliance members would also be included. ‘Bringing in external members is indeed an unbelievable move.’ It's an unprecedented choice for the Murim Alliance. The Alliance is a group that holds tradition in high regard. Considered the center and key of the Orthodox Factions (정파), it maintains this by enforcing a rule to create any group with internal Alliance members. Not just the Murim Alliance, this is a basic practice observed by other groups as well. For a group like the Alliance, which has adhered to such practices, it was highly unusual that they would bring in not just the squad members but even the Grand Leader from outside. Because of such an unusual event, coupled with the new squad's purpose, more individuals gathered than I anticipated. Sarak-. I look over the letter before me, checking the contents. It held information about the participants. The total number was one hundred and three. Quite a number for just a day's gathering. ‘I heard that most of the clans and sects gathered in Hanam had almost withdrawn.’ The renowned families and sects that came for the Martial Arts Tournament mostly left after the mourning ceremonies. Only a few remained in Hanam. ‘Six families and five sects are left in Hanam.’ Despite most having left, such a number is gathered. It's a curious sight. Do they see the value of the Star Dragon Squad that highly? If that's the case, it's something I can't quite understand. At that moment. “As explained before starting the assessment, we will be selecting ten individuals.” An Alliance martial artist began explaining to those gathered. Listening to this, I rested my chin on my hand. Ten from outside. The rest will be from inside the Alliance, making the total number of the Star Dragon Squad twenty-five. Although I announced it as twenty, the additional five are a part I worked out separately with Mookyeon (묵연), making it twenty-five in total. It might seem like many at a glance, but compared to other squads, it's a compact elite force. For example, the internal intelligence unit Flying Dragon Squad (비룡대) has over eighty members. Even the relatively smaller Red Dragon Squad (적룡대) exceeds forty members. But twenty-five, that's quite a small number. Tap. Tap-tap-tap. The sound of knocking on the table caused those nearby, such as the Dual Righteous Illusion Sword (쌍의환검), to glance over. ‘Hmm.’ Though aware of those looks, my eyes focused solely on the letter. Everything is fine. The fewer the number, the better. So up until now, this has been within expectations. But. ‘...What's this?’ There was a slight issue. ‘Why are these names here?’ I saw some familiar names that shouldn't have been present. Names that shouldn't be there. Some of those names were visible. ‘This shouldn't be happening.’ I went through all that trouble to avoid seeing these names here. I shouldn't be seeing these names here. ‘Ha.’ What could be the reason behind this? Just as doubt filled my mind. “…Hero (협, Hyeop).” ‘How on earth did they find out….’ “Grand Hero (대협, Dae-hyeop)!” “…!” Hearing the loud voice from the front, I raised my head. It was the martial artist who had been explaining all along. It seemed he had been calling me repeatedly. “I apologize. It seemed you weren’t listening…. Are you alright?” “Ah, yes…. I was just daydreaming for a moment. What is it?” Turning around, I saw that indeed all eyes of the martial artists were on me. Translated and Implemented Instructions --- "I heard that you personally prepared the details of the examination…" "Ah, yes, that's right." I cleared my throat a few times. As the martial artist mentioned, the examination is entirely my responsibility. I had already told Mookyeon (묵연) that I would take care of this part on my own. In other words. I had declared that I would pick as I pleased and oversee the examination accordingly. ‘Sigh….’ Although the situation was a bit troublesome, I had to proceed. I surveyed the gathered individuals and spoke. "Thank you for gathering here. Let's skip introductions to save time." My words caused muttering among the crowd. They seemed surprised I wasn't going to bother with introductions or explanations. At the same time, a sense of tension arose, as they appeared to expect something significant from the exam. ‘It’s not that kind of thing, though.’ Seeing that even a competition stage had been prepared, both the applicants and the Murim Alliance likely assumed there would be duels. This would be the norm since such exams typically involve sparring or showcasing strength. However, I had no intention of doing that at all. Shuffling through a few letters, I paused at a familiar name. ‘Perfect.’ I had found just the right person. "You there." Immediately, I pointed to someone. The person pointed to looked around and then pointed to himself. "…Me, you mean?" "Yes, you. Would you please come up to the stage?" "..." Though the request was sudden, the man stepped forward quietly. He wasn't overly tall, and his wiry muscles indicated he was a swordsman. "It’s been a while. How's your body holding up?" Additionally, he was someone I knew. Recognizing him, his eyes widened. "You remember me…." "It wasn't a brief encounter. Of course, I remember. How’s your body doing?" "Yes, no problems at all." "Good to hear." He nodded calmly. I couldn't quite recall his name, but his moniker might have been— ‘Was it the Fiery Battle Sword?’ He wasn’t a particularly famous figure. A martial artist involved in a past fight with a Hundred-Class Demon. Thus emerged Fiery Battle Sword from the random summoning. He seemed bewildered by the situation, eyes darting around. I chuckled slightly and addressed him. "I'm sorry for calling you abruptly. I have a favor to ask." "N-no problem. A favor, you say. What kind...?" "Until the end. Please just stand there for a moment." "Pardon?" "I needed a clear benchmark. You happen to fit perfectly." A benchmark. The vague choice of word only deepened the uncertainty. His facial expression showed he still didn't understand, so I added. "Oh. Just so you know, you’ve already passed." "Huh? Excuse me...? Suddenly, what's..." "The examination begins now. Please step up one at a time from the left of the front row." Leaving the stunned Fiery Battle Sword behind, I began calling individuals to the stage, one by one, having them stand beside him. And then. "Fail, fail, fail. Hmm… pass. Oh, the three behind, you’re out. No need to come up." I swiftly determined who passed or failed at a bewildering speed. Barely a few seconds passed after they got up on the stage. Everyone who experienced this absurd examination looked stunned. Reasonably so. Even I admit it made no sense. But it didn't matter. After all, this had been discussed with Mookyeon beforehand. After eliminating ten people in this manner. "Yes, fail…. Next…." I halted my words as I watched the next individual slowly step onto the stage. ‘Oh dear.’ The moment had come at last. One of the questionable names I had seen earlier had arrived. Tap, tap. Gentle footsteps. With the sound, the murmur ceased around us. The woman ascended the stage. Her presence commanded silence. With every movement, her clothes swayed, and as her hair was tousled by the breeze, she tucked it behind her ear with a sweep of her hand. Her blue eyes sparkled with intensity. “…Wow….” “…Gasp….” Soft sighs of admiration. An involuntary reaction that broke the silence. It took merely ten steps to climb the stage. But those ten steps seemed to stretch time, as if moving slowly. Her strides were ordinary, yet those around were busy staring at the radiance she exuded. My brows furrowed at the scene. ‘I wish she would wear a veil if she's going to wander around.’ Already, my head ached. I couldn't understand why she grew more beautiful by the day. Finally, she arrived on stage. The Fiery Battle Sword stood beside her, perspiring slightly. Not from exhaustion, I supposed. Clearly because of the woman next to him. Tending my sore neck, I glanced at the silver-haired woman among the crowd. Namgung Bi-ah (남궁비아). “…" "…" Our eyes met. The characteristic blue eyes of Namgung Bi-ah quietly observed me. Watching her gaze, I noticed the reactions around. Even those who had gritted their teeth after being disqualified for doing nothing and those who were tense about the upcoming test were busy watching Namgung Bi-ah. Watching it made me feel utterly vexed. “Hah.” I couldn't gouge out all their eyes. I felt more frustrated because even though I wanted to, I couldn't. ‘Tsk.’ Clicking my tongue inwardly, I glanced back at Namgung Bi-ah. Her eyes were beautiful yet impassive. At a glance, they seemed devoid of emotion, but after so long, I could discern at times like these. There was something she desired. She looked at me, expecting something. I knew what she wanted. Her intention was clear from the beginning when she arrived without saying a word to me. But. ‘No.’ I had no intention of granting her that wish. What would make me crazy enough to do so? As I steeled my resolve to speak. “...Dis-.” Boom–!! Suddenly, there was a loud noise from beside me. It came from someone pounding the table. Turning towards the sound, I saw the Dual Righteous Illusion Sword (쌍의환검, Ssang-ui Hwangeom), his face flushed red. “What is this...” I looked at him, puzzled by his actions. "What on earth do you think you're doing?!" Translated and Implemented Instructions --- The man, filled with rage, ground his teeth noisily and shouted at the top of his lungs. And who is this guy supposed to be...?