1230 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

That man. The man said to be the Deputy Leader of the Divine Dragon Unit. Recalling his name. The name was surely... "Tae Hoan, perhaps?" Not entirely certain, but that's how I remember it. That cross-shaped scar on his cheek... I felt the same when I saw it. "I seem to recall he was one of the Tae Magicians." Early era demons. Personally chosen by the Heavenly Demon to be bestowed with demonic powers. They were the ones who possessed powers and martial prowess surpassing other demons. That man was one of such Tae Magicians. His alias was probably... "The Demonic Fist." Yes, that was likely his title. I remember now. A demon of that level was unforgettable. But then... "From the Divine Dragon Unit, you say?" Was he really from the Divine Dragon Unit? I didn't even know he was with the orthodox sects, let alone that he was from such a prestigious unit. Moreover, as a Deputy Leader. He was a much bigger deal than I had thought. I was watching him with fascinated eyes when... "This time, even members of the Divine Dragon Unit will be participating in the martial arts competition." The Sword Supreme continued speaking. "I hope it will be a valuable experience for all." With the participation of the Divine Dragon Unit. His presence confirmed the news, leaving everyone who had been watching in silence. With that, the Sword Supreme turned his back. As he disappeared, the Iron Blood Sword Master got to his feet. "Have fun and enjoy. I'll be watching." He said, waving his large hand, and turned away. I'm not sure if it was my imagination, but it seemed like at that moment he was looking at me. It probably wasn't a misconception. "……Tsk." Paejon clicked his tongue and rose, while the Sword Queen followed them with a slight smile. After those individuals of the highest order left, the remaining people exchanged looks. At that moment. "Hmm." The Deputy Leader of the Divine Dragon Unit turned his head to look at us. "Lots of faces I haven't seen in a long time." As he smiled warmly, others flinched. An aura overwhelmingly exuded from him. It was an imposing presence. "Especially..." His gaze moved and fixated somewhere. Precisely where my father stood. "I didn't expect to see you in a place like this. Isn't that right? It should be Vice-Captain of the Blue Dragon Unit now, shouldn't it?" "……." A hint of regret flashed in Tae Hoan's eyes as he looked at my father. "What a pity. That you didn't join our side even after receiving that alias." "Greetings to the Divine Dragon Deputy Leader." My father simply nodded slightly to Tae Hoan, offering no further words. "Still as reticent as ever." Watching my father, Tae Hoan patted his shoulder. "Do your best. Opportunities like this aren't common, after all. Ah, and..." This time, Tae Hoan's gaze turned to me. "Is it you?" "Pardon?" "Are you the disciple of Paejon?" "Ah, yes." "Hmm." He looked me up and down. I've been feeling such scrutinizing gazes quite often lately. "You seem a bit different from the rumors, don't you?" "Right? I'm better in person." "……Hah." He reacted as if he couldn't believe it. I just shrugged lightly and let it go. "A fascinating fellow. Or maybe a bit conceited?" "Who knows." "Whatever." Tae Hoan quickly averted his gaze and turned away. "Whatever it may be, I'll see for myself." With those words, he took a step, and his silhouette disappeared, reappearing among his division members. "As the Leader said, it's been a long time since such a festival, so let's all enjoy it. I hope there'll be different outcomes this time. Until then, see you later." With a grin, Tae Hoan vanished. Once he disappeared, the Divine Dragon Unit members vanished collectively as well. Now that the Divine Dragon Unit was completely gone, everyone let out the sighs they had been holding. "Phew…" "……Such presence…" "As expected of the Divine Dragon Unit…" Everyone seemed exhausted, having been overwhelmed by his aura. "What does it mean if the Divine Dragon Unit participates?" Someone from the Flying Dragon Unit shrugged. "I wanted at least to leave an impression on the Iron Blood Sword Master, but this makes it all seem pointless." "No doubt Tae Hoan will win." "It's shocking enough that the Divine Dragon Unit is participating, but even the Deputy Leader is here… It feels like they're asking us to be humiliated." Most reactions were of giving up. Does that mean the gap between them and Tae Hoan is truly that vast? "It seems he was more impressive than expected." Who knew he was from the Divine Dragon Unit? Judging by the reactions, he must be a formidable warrior. Without even sparring, to get such reactions... At that moment. "But isn't there a difference?" Someone among the responses asked gruffly. "No matter how renowned the Divine Dragon Unit is, we have the great Blue Dragon here. The youngest Vice-Captain to have declined an invitation to the Divine Dragon Unit." "……." All eyes turned to my father. Meanwhile, I focused on the remark about turning down the Divine Dragon Unit. "Well… even if the Blue Dragon is exceptional. This is different, isn't it?" "Probably so." The responses weren't particularly encouraging. While they acknowledged the Blue Dragon's capability, they implied this was a different matter. Despite these opinions, my father seemed utterly unfazed. He maintained his characteristic stoic expression. "Prepare yourself." As he walked ahead, he said to us. The voices could still be heard, yet he walked on, seemingly unconcerned. "Hmm." Following my father's back, the Blue Dragon Unit moved. Amidst them, I thought. "How should I rip them apart?" How should I tear apart those who uttered nonsense? I contemplated that calmly and carefully. * * * The preparation for the martial arts competition was straightforward. The participants were already within the Martial Alliance, and the arena was prepared, so it was just a matter of starting it. That must be why we had to gather early in the morning. If it were me, I would have explained things and suggested starting the next day. I didn't expect them to proceed this hastily. The competition was set to begin immediately following the explanations. The number of participants wasn’t particularly large either... “Let’s get this over with quickly.” The Iron Blood Sword Master had been pressuring them. Most likely, it was his incessant urging that occupied most of the preparation time. ‘...Why is he in such a relentless hurry?’ What could possibly be so urgent for him to act like this? Though perplexing, I found it rather convenient. ‘The quicker, the better.’ If it had been leisurely, I might have needed to prepare. But such measures weren't necessary. Soon, the participants gathered around the martial stage. There was no audience. Just a space filled exclusively with martial artists. Well, not entirely devoid, as those within the alliance had the liberty to observe. Thus, I saw several familiar faces. Lady Mi and Hyun Soyeon were visible. And the veiled presence beside them—could that possibly be Mother? No way, would they bring her so visibly? At the moment I attempted to dismiss the thought... Whoosh, whoosh! The veiled figure waved frantically in this direction. “……” It seemed I was right. I opted to ignore it. Bringing her here so conspicuously? That's absurd. Weren't they supposed to keep it secret? I suppressed a sigh. Sneakily, I checked Father. His gaze was also notably unsettled. Looks like he confirmed Mother’s presence. "Ugh." I shook my head. It was at this moment when... "Step forward when your name is called." A voice announced the start of the competition. There was no grand opening—just a hasty assembly. And yet... “Baek Yangcheon of the Blue Dragon Unit.” “Eh?” I was called right from the start. For what reason? Coincidence? I looked around questioningly. “We always start with the youngest.” Soi, standing beside me, explained. Oh, because I enlisted the latest...? Accepting this explanation, I ascended the martial stage. Expressing my reluctance, I climbed up as the person I assumed to be a judge looked at me. “Do you know what to do?” “No.” “Seems like you haven't been briefed.” “No, not really. This is my first time…” “Hmm.” The man nodded, then continued explaining to me. “It’s a simple process. You name your opponent, and face them in combat.” “Just call them out and fight?” “Yes. Seeing you’re the youngest, you get the first pick.” “...Ah.” The opportunity to choose a seemingly weaker opponent. I nodded in understanding; it was a decent method, all things considered. ‘I was wondering why no match list was drawn.’ I wondered what they had planned, and apparently, it was this. “Calling out, huh.” Who should I challenge? I scanned my surroundings, noticing the eager eyes fixed on me. Pick me, you young brat. That was the intensity behind those eyes. Their sudden affection for the youngest, despite never acknowledging me before. Not amused, I was investigating my options when... “Hmm?” I noticed someone amidst the crowd. Everyone stared at me, except one who acted oblivious. “Oh.” Recognizing him, a grin stretched across my face. Such a familiar and delightfully welcome sight. “I’ve made my choice.” With my words, I pointed at someone. The person, who had been avoiding my gaze, froze as he confirmed my focus and hand gesture. His amusing reaction made me chuckle. The young man quivering under my scrutiny. It was none other than the Beom Dong of the Flying Dragon Unit.