1234 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

The moment he called me out, all eyes turned toward the Poison Dragon. "Did the Poison Dragon just call out the Mad Dog...?" "The Mad Dog? Not the Fighting Dog?" "I heard it was the Mad Fighting Dog." I hear these ridiculous epithets that aren't even unified yet. Why is it that whenever I get a nickname, it’s always something like this? I didn’t even feel like denying it. “How about Bloodhound?” “…Oh, that fits perfectly.” ...Should I deny it? It seemed like I really had to this time. I glared in their direction with mingled irritation. “Eeek!” "…There's a murderous intent in his eyes...!!" “Seems like… Bloodhound is indeed appropriate. Best not to stare directly. We might get bitten.” I haven't bitten anyone, you bastards. Just as I was about to retort. “Come up here.” Tang Cheongi stood on the martial arts stage and spoke to me. I looked at him with a rather reluctant expression. “I’ve already had one round, why go up again?” I had just finished a bout with Beom Dong. To have another duel in this situation? I thought it might be impossible due to the tournament's nature. “It should be fine.” Soi, who was beside me, said. “…What? Why?” It’s fine? Why? “There's no rule against calling someone who’s already fought.” “What kind of... absurd rule is that? So anyone can be continuously called up?” It was a ridiculous rule. ‘Even if it’s unofficial.’ The only spectators were those within the Murim Alliance. Although no outsiders were allowed, having such a forced rule was simply preposterous. Is this even acceptable? Subtly, I looked at Soi, urging her for more explanation. She frowned at me but fortunately elaborated. “…Normally, they wouldn’t bother calling someone again. It doesn’t serve any purpose and doesn’t benefit anyone’s honor.” Of course. Asking someone who’s just fought to go back up there on the martial stage immediately after finishing a fight. That's not something a person who lives and dies by honor and reputation would do. “But it’s not impossible.” “…” So what she meant was– “This isn’t something usually done, but he’s doing it?” “…That’s right.” Soi seemed just as perplexed. She looked as if she couldn’t comprehend why the Poison Dragon made such a choice. The others were also puzzled. "Is there really any necessity for this?" "…Is it that he wants to face him when he's worn out?" “Well, it's not like he was entirely worn out. The Flying Dragon team couldn’t perform well either... above all.” I barely used any energy. That's the impression left on me. Not that I couldn't use it. If they want to see it that way, it’s convenient for me. “He seems to think your strength is intact.” “Even so, it doesn't look great.” It's not the best choice to duel when one hasn't exerted themselves much. That’s the prevailing perception of these people currently. “Come on up.” The Poison Dragon didn’t seem to care. ‘Tch.’ Why the hell is he pulling this nonsense? I climbed onto the martial arts stage with a sigh. Since the rules said it was okay, I had nothing more to say. Dragging my unwilling legs, I faced the Poison Dragon. “Why are you doing this to me?” Why do you keep bothering me? In response to my question, Tang Cheongi’s expression soured. “Are you asking because you don't know?” “Would I ask if I knew?” “It’s because my sister has become strange because of you.” It was about Poison Phoenix. Hearing that, a surge of frustration boiled within me. “What did I ever do?” What did I do to her to make her strange? All I did was avoid her because I didn’t want to get entangled. “You must have done something. Otherwise, there’s no way she’d turn out like that.” “So what…” “I’ve heard the rumors. That you never leave the women near you alone.” “….” My mouth went dry. I wanted to dismiss it as nonsense, but a few past encounters lingered in my mind. “Looks like you have nothing to say?” “…Well, that’s…” As much as I wanted to deny it, I couldn’t help feeling a pang of guilt. “Rumors are just rumors. I didn’t do anything.” I tried to say belatedly, but a distrustful smile appeared at the corner of the Poison Dragon’s mouth. “A laughable excuse. I even witnessed it myself. Are you cowardly on top of that?” “...Damn it.” I ran a hand through my hair. I couldn’t stand the frustration any longer. At least, for this aspect. “Regardless of the rumors. I’m telling you I did nothing to Poison Phoenix.” “Bullshit.” “What?” I narrowed my eyes at Tang Cheongi’s words. “Then are you saying my sister just ended up like that?” “…Then what should have happened?” “It’s out of the ordinary. What’s so great about you that would lead my sister to be like that?” “…” “I recognize your martial prowess, but you’re not exceptionally handsome, nor is your family notable. What does my sister see in you?” Why is he suddenly nagging about this? He's even making me speechless. Exactly. That’s what I’m saying. “I don’t know either, honestly.” “You must have used some trick. Just like with other women.” “….” He’s not going to believe me. He’s got no intention of believing, does he? So. “So because you don't like me, you want to beat me up.” “You can’t be around my sister. So if you lose this fight." Tang Cheongi suddenly held a dagger in his hand. “Don’t ever come near her again.” “….” I scratched my cheek. “I never intended to be near her in the first place...” What am I supposed to do about this? “I have a bit of a lousy personality and bad luck, so I frequently get misunderstood for things I didn’t do. I’m used to it.” Despite being used to it. “It still pisses me off, though.” I was reaching my true limit. I was willing to let things slide because of our past relationship. Tang Cheongi was one of the few individuals I viewed positively. But. “No, this won’t do.” I couldn’t let this go any further. “You.” My shoulders relaxed as I spoke. “You need a beating.” In this moment, the only answer to Tang Cheongi was a fist. * * * "Let’s settle this with a fight," Baek Yangcheon said, and Tang Cheongi’s heart inexplicably raced. 'What’s happening?' An unsettling chill crept down his spine, and a cold sweat formed. 'No way.' Was he actually feeling fear? Of someone who hadn’t even released his energy? Tang Cheongi bit his lip. 'This makes no sense.' He had heard the rumors about Baek Yangcheon. There was a history of him having beaten the Sword Dragon multiple times. He knew that Baek Yangcheon was strong, but even so. 'Despite that.' He couldn’t back down. He wasn’t like the Sword Dragon, especially not in a fight like this. Swiftly grasping his dagger, he spoke toward Baek Yangcheon. “You’ll regret this.” There was no response. Baek Yangcheon simply stared at him, his gaze peculiar. 'What is this?' What was this feeling? Even just being looked at made his knees weak. It was an atmosphere he had never felt before. ‘…What is it?’ What on earth is this? Nothing seemed different. No aura, no killing intent. He was simply staring, yet it felt as though a stone was placed on his heart. '…This is.' It hit him, this unfamiliar sensation. This was akin to the sensation when his grandfather, known as the Poison Lord, looked down upon him—when the previous head of the Tang family regarded him with authority and scrutiny. 'This is absurd.' Nonsense. Feeling such a sensation from someone who seemed younger than him? No matter how strong, such a feeling shouldn’t be possible. 'It’s probably because of his looks.' A face that looked absurdly fierce. It was incomprehensible how his sister could fall for someone with such looks. That must be where this feeling originated from. Trying to dismiss his unease, Tang Cheongi masked his anxiety. Just then. “If you’re ready, we can begin…” The referee glanced at the two and spoke. “Shall we proceed?” “…Whenever you’re ready.” “Yes, please.” In the midst of a tense atmosphere, Baek Yangcheon lazily waved his hand, dispelling the prevailing tension with an expression that screamed of annoyance. Seeing that, Tang Cheongi gritted his teeth. Everything about him was irritating. Looking at Baek Yangcheon stirred those feelings unfailingly. “Tang Cheongi of the Iron Dragon Squad versus Baek Yangcheon of the Blue Dragon.” His hand shot into the sky. “Match…” And brought it down to the floor. “Begin!” At that instant. Phat-! Tang Cheongi’s figure darted swiftly toward Baek Yangcheon. It was instantaneous. He moved with a supressed presence so as not to be detected by Baek Yangcheon. In just a moment, he was able to reach behind Baek Yangcheon. Having reached his back, Tang Cheongi felt a sense of triumph within. ‘Got him.’ His opponent hadn’t noticed. At this distance, victory was certain. Swoosh-!!! The dagger thrummed with energy. Poisonous Serpent’s Art. A secret technique of the Tang clan manifested in his hands. The green energy morphed like a snake’s fang, shooting toward Baek Yangcheon. Just as it was about to pierce his skin. Baek Yangcheon suddenly moved. Thud-! “…!” The dagger embedded in Baek Yangcheon’s hand. He seemed to have blocked the attack with his bare hand. But– 'Foolish.' Tang Cheongi became even more certain of his victory. The core technique of the Tang clan involved poison. While he hadn’t used a lethal dose fitting a duel, the strike still carried paralyzing energy. If even a beast of mammoth size would seize up from contact, trying to block it with bare hands was sheer stupidity. Just as he thought that. Boom-! “…Uh?” With a loud crash, Tang Cheongi’s vision spun. Thunk. One knee hit the ground. All he could hear in his left ear was a ringing sound. In his dazed mind, Tang Cheongi realized he was kneeling. What just happened? What took place just now? With quivering eyes, he raised his head. In front of him, Baek Yangcheon stood with a fist clenched, looking down at him. “What are you doing?” With an expression that carried the weight of utter disdain.