1178 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Master. The ruler of the world connected to the universe. A great being, source and root of life itself. There was a time when I couldn't fully grasp the meaning behind these words. ‘So, this is what it's like.’ I think I understand now. Nature aids me. Nature reveres me. The world embraces me. The source of energy was the world itself. This pure and sacred energy, though limited in quantity, had an uncanny ability to replenish as I used it. I once wondered how I could manifest martial skills with such a small amount of energy. ‘Is it really okay if I just let go?’ As much as it dwindled, the world compensated. Therefore, it didn't matter. Sooo. Extinguishing the flames I had conjured, I gazed up at the sky. A vast expanse of blue. Reaching out towards it. Whoooosh!!! The sky seemed oddly small, as if I could seize it in my grasp if I desired. So, I tried to clench it. Whoosh!!! The clouds began to move. But. Z3ZuaWdja0dkNXJtU283eC8xWlNuU3dGY0taQS95K0VoNXpCa2pVVU1pa096MDlENjdMTTVMZUdSK216Q3IwLw Zap. “……” A headache flared, and suddenly, all my energy was depleted. Reeling slightly, I realized the mistake. “Whoa…” It felt possible, so I attempted it. In hindsight, perhaps it wasn't wise. Although something indeed moved, attempting it even for a brief moment left me utterly drained. “I nearly vomited.” For a moment, my consciousness almost twisted entirely. It was an involuntary attempt, but it was clear that some things should not be done recklessly. Clench. I clenched my fist. “Hoo.” I exhaled a deep sigh. It felt like the world's energy converged within my body. ‘Is this what it means to be the master?’ That’s how it felt. If I weren’t the master, why would the world bestow its energy upon me? That was my only conclusion. Didn’t my ancestors say the same? That I had blossomed as I interacted with the seed. Thus. Even as a master. ‘It seems I’ve become a calamity.’ That’s what I had heard. However. ‘Even if I’ve become a calamity…’ For now, it didn’t resonate deeply with me. It all felt the same, really. ‘Though there have been many changes.’ The point of energy had shifted to the upper dantian. My abundant energy unified into one. Beyond that, my mental state remained unchanged. ‘Hmm…’ There was no issue with my powers. ‘Perhaps it’s just that the energy has become purer.’ Though there might be various things yet to explore… ‘Not yet.’ As of now, there’s nothing concrete. The crucial point remained. ‘With the seed’s blooming.’ I became a master. Or a calamity. That was now my prime concern. ‘So, moving forward, I must seek it out.’ If I’ve truly become a cursed calamity. ‘A solution…’ I too must find a way to escape this fate. The ancestor had said. ‘Whatever happens, it will guide you in your desired direction.’ My mother's arrangements, in the end, were for my sake, they said. At this point, I could only trust in that. “……” I turned my back. They had said time was running short, so I needed to act swiftly. * * * I descended the mountain, returning to Guga. Tap. As my foot touched the ground of Guga, an unusual sensation swept through me. ‘Heavy.’ The lightness I felt outside vanished, replaced by a weighty sensation pressing into my body. Noticing this strange feeling, I promptly channeled my energy. Sooooo-!!! ‘Hmm…’ As soon as I tried, the energy in my upper dantian began to deplete. Although it was similar to before, back then, the energy had immediately replenished itself. ‘It doesn’t replenish here.’ Within Guga, the energy didn’t replenish. There seemed to be a significant difference. I reduced the energy I was channeling. I couldn’t waste the little energy I had recklessly. ‘What else is concealed within this household?’ Sensing the disparity, I turned my head. Since Pejon had said my grandfather was seeking me, I planned to head there. “Excuse me.” “……!” Someone approached me. It was Chonggwan. When did he arrive? “Are you doing well, young master?” “Young master…?” “Since the head of the family has acknowledged you as a blood relative, I shall address you appropriately from now on.” “……” The title wasn’t unfamiliar. Chonggwan had indeed called me that before. However, given the current circumstances, hearing it was slightly unsettling. “Ah, yes. As you wish. What brings you here?” “The master has ordered me to bring you to him.” “I heard. I was just on my way.” “Ah, I see.” Chonggwan smiled kindly. Seeing that, I shivered slightly. ‘I can feel it.’ From Chonggwan, whose nature was unknown to me until now, a distinct sensation emanated. What is that? ‘A flame.’ Within Chonggwan’s body, I felt an intense heat swirling. A Guga flame? No, it wasn't. While not everything was necessarily of Guga’s origin, still. ‘Something other than Guga’s flame within Guga?’ That it was Chonggwan was immensely puzzling. “Allow me to lead you.” “…Yes.” Chonggwan turned and moved forward. I followed suit. Could it be due to the changes in my body? I was beginning to see things that had previously been invisible to me. * * * “I have brought the young master.” Following Chonggwan, I arrived at the head’s quarters of Guga. “Come in.” With permission granted, I entered immediately. As soon as I stepped inside, I saw Gu Seongyeol with his crimson eyes. “You have blossomed.” That was the first thing he said upon seeing me. “Was there an issue with the seed?” “……” Before I could utter a word, Gu Seongyeol had already discerned everything. Additionally. ‘Wow…’ Perhaps due to my transformation, my perception of him had altered drastically. ‘What is that?’ The feeling emanating from Gu Seongyeol was different. Formerly, it was akin to sensing just a warrior, but now... ‘His energy churns.’ I could perceive the distinction in Gu Seongyeol. An exalted presence continuously whirled within him. That was... ‘The energy of a master…’ Undoubtedly, it was the energy of a master. The energy unique to masters which I now sensed from Gu Seongyeol. “What do you feel?” Sensing my gaze, Gu Seongyeol inquired. At his words, I hesitated momentarily. “What do you sense?” “Well... it's quite difficult to put into words.” While faint, it was unmistakable. I could feel the master's energy swirling rapidly within him. Unsure of how to articulate it, I opted for honesty. Gu Seongyeol gave a brief nod, seemingly indifferent to the matter. “I received reports of an incident at the front lines yesterday. Was that your doing?” “……” Ah, I see. There’s something more important preoccupying his mind. “Uh... Yes…” I didn’t deceive him. Nor did I sugarcoat it. Gu Seongyeol’s eyes narrowed. “They called you Celestial Demon (Cheonma), did they?” “……” I shut my mouth. Had I not been careful, my ears might have turned red. “They say you command creatures and possess power on par with the Triumvirate. A sudden emergence of a supreme master. That’s how you’re described.” “Ahem... hmm…” This isn’t easy. I instinctively wanted to find a hole to crawl into. So embarrassing. Wearing a mask makes it bearable, but without it, it’s truly challenging. “What about the stories of the creatures? And moreover... what are you trying to achieve? What is your goal?” “...Goal, huh…” I scratched my cheek. A goal. I wished I knew it myself. “I’m searching.” “Pardon?” “...I’m busy trying to figure out what exactly I’m supposed to do from here on.” “……” It seemed Gu Seongyeol didn’t understand my words, evident from the displeased expression on his face. Honestly, he looked terrifying. His presence alone was enough to make anyone shrink back. “Is this some kind of joke?” “It’s no joke. I’m the most frustrated about it myself.” “If it’s not a joke, it’s even more troubling.” Creak. Gu Seongyeol straightened his body. Though small in stature, he embodied the peculiar traits of the Guga bloodline. “...With the seed having already bloomed, the problem arises immediately afterward. If you don’t explain thoroughly, I cannot let you be.” A chilling aura filled the room. His words implied... ‘Is he planning to kill me?’ It seemed he intended to erase any trace of me. Unless... the ambiance he set was oddly telling, but it still fueled my suspicion. “Are you really going to do that? I don’t think so.” I didn’t back down or retreat. “What?” Gu Seongyeol’s scowl deepened at my words. His expression, more menacing than before, momentarily startled me. Yet, my response remained unchanged. “If you didn’t want things to turn out this way, you should have stopped me from going to the front line.” I’m sure he was aware. If it was Gu Seongyeol, he must have known I’d head to the front lines. Yet, he didn’t stop me. This means... “You let me go, knowing full well. You must expect something from me now, right?” Gu Seongyeol had a purpose for me, who had changed after interacting with the seed. That was my conclusion. “……” Gu Seongyeol fell silent after my words. It seemed I had hit the nail on the head. “What do you wish for?” I inquired further. What does he expect from me? As a proxy master on a mission, what does the head of Guga intend for me? Just as I posed the question. “...That is.” Gu Seongyeol was about to say something when suddenly, a crackling sound interrupted. “……!” “……!!” Noticing the sudden spark, I snapped my head towards it. Whoosh—!!! Gu Seongyeol immediately cloaked himself in flames. He was preparing for defense and gearing up for battle energy, but then... “You shouldn’t do that.” Whoosh—!!! The flames emanating from Gu Seongyeol extinguished abruptly. “Damn.” As the flames vanished, Gu Seongyeol clenched his teeth, and someone appeared beside him. “My son.” The voice of the new arrival caused my eyes to widen. My son...? Did someone just call Gu Seongyeol their son? As I swallowed nervously, the newcomer turned to look at me. The moment I saw his face, I flinched. “What…?” It was a familiar face. That face... ‘Ancestor?’ It was the same face as the figure I had met in my subconscious space last night. The face identical to the ancestor of Guga.