1238 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

The mention of being pushed forward as a successor sparked a swift reaction among those present. “A successor…? So you’re saying…” “…They want to push him as the leader of the Divine Dragon Unit?” “Ha! Such nonsense!” The room was filled with disbelief. “How can you offer such a position to that youngling?” “He hasn’t even been here for a year…” “No matter if he is the disciple of the Martial Master…!” “Silence.” With Tae Hoan's word, all mouths shut. It was evident he released some kind of energy. “Being the disciple of the Martial Master means nothing. Valuing someone based solely on such a title is too superficial.” “Then…” “But putting that aside, from what I’ve seen, Baek Yangcheon is someone worthy of reaching this position.” “…” It was an incredibly gratifying assessment. “If he’s going to reach this position eventually, wouldn’t it be more fitting to call him up early? What do you think?” “That’s quite the flattering evaluation.” “Why do you look so calm? As if you expected this.” It wasn’t particularly surprising; hence the lack of expression. 'I have no particular interest in the Divine Dragon Unit anyway.' It might be a notable sword unit now, but I’m not a person of this world, nor is there anything in the future to tether me to the Divine Dragon Unit. "They’re pushing you to become the Head of the Unit… Does that mean the current head will become the overall leader?” “That’s what I’m aiming for. But even if it doesn’t happen, I have to step down as head anyway. It’ll be three years soon, after all.” “Hmm.” So the position of head only lasts three years. “Then, does that mean I can take the position of head?” “That’s right. If you wish to.” “What about the dissent from other unit members?” The Divine Dragon Unit isn’t made up of just one person, dissent is sure to exist. Look at them now. “It seems like they aren’t too pleased.” The expressions of the Divine Dragon Unit members didn’t look good; they were clearly discontented, bubbling with defiance. “Oh, those guys?” He grinned broadly. “Don’t mind them. Isn’t that something you wouldn’t care about?” “Wow, pretty carefree, aren’t you?” “Of course. This world is survival of the fittest.” “…Follow the words of the strong?” “If they’re dissatisfied, they should step up. If they can’t accept it, they must overcome it themselves.” “Hm.” Those words sound splendid. But in the end, it’s basically… ‘If you hate it, prove it in battle.’ If you don’t like it, challenge them and win. A very simplistic view. That basically means… ‘I’ll likely have to fight even after joining there.’ I held back a sigh. Naturally, I thought of declining. Just then… “Head.” I called out to my father. My father, still exuding a warm aura, looked my way. “Why did you reject it?” “What?” “You were offered to join the Divine Dragon Unit, weren’t you? I’m curious why you declined.” “…” The reason for specifically choosing the Blue Dragon Unit over it. That was what I was curious about. He closed his mouth for a moment at my question, then opened it again. “Why are you curious about that?” “I thought it might help with my decision.” “That’s irrelevant.” “Come on. It could be relevant to me.” “…” My father narrowed his eyes. His sharp gaze made me pause for a moment. “Are you leaving your choice to me?” “…Well.” In any case. He’s always sharp with his words. I clicked my tongue, looking away. I then spoke to Tae Hoan directly. “I don’t think I can go.” “Why?” “Well, I just don’t want to.” “Would you regret it?” “Regret…? The Divine Dragon Unit isn’t worth that much to me.” “Ha.” Upon hearing this, Tae Hoan shrugged his shoulders. In that moment, he released some fighting energy. “…I’m not sure if it’s a trait of people from the Blue Dragon Unit, but you’re quite arrogant, aren’t you?” “I’ll take that as a compliment.” “Right, if that’s how you feel, I wouldn’t want to push it further.” He quickly retracted the energy he had released and turned his back. I watched the golden patterns of his robe sway. He walked off without hesitation, clearly not intending to ask twice. Only then did the glances that had been stealing looks at us disappear. “…He actually turned it down?” “By all means-” The rejection became the focus of attention. But that was all. As I watched Tae Hoan walk away. “Why did you reject it?” “Excuse me?” My father posed a question. “Why, you ask? Like I said, just because.” “It could have been a good opportunity.” “What is this? I thought you were holding me back?” “That’s wrong.” “Then what?” “That was just to mediate because Tae Hoan overstepped his boundaries, not to block your choice.” “Hmm… I see?” So he wasn’t holding me back at all. He just didn’t like Tae Hoan? I wasn’t particularly disappointed. “I didn’t really intend to go anyway. There’s nothing for me to gain there. I was just curious.” “About what?” “Father… No, I was curious why the Head chose to remain in the Blue Dragon Unit. Surely it wasn’t just because of the position.” “…” “I don’t mind if you don’t explain. It wouldn’t change my decision anyway.” Even if you don’t say anything, it’s fine. I had no inherent interest in the Divine Dragon Unit. As I turned my head, lost in thought. “Hold on a second.” I noticed something and stood up. “I’ll be back shortly. It won’t take long.” There was a gaze peeking from a distance. Seeing it, I started walking towards it. * * * In a place situated between the audience seating and the stage—a place rarely frequented by people, where eyes hardly linger. Someone stood there. More accurately, they were half-hidden against the wall… Were they hiding? Not sure, I decided to approach. “Excuse me.” “Ah!” They flinched at my call, as if startled. What is this? “How did you notice me?” “….” Rubbing my forehead at their reaction. Were they really hiding there? My head spun. The reaction reminded me of someone. "...What are you doing here?" It was my mother hiding there. I had approached her after noticing her sneaking glances at me. Besides, there was something I needed to ask. “I wasn’t doing anything.” “Yeah, it certainly seems that way... But that’s not what’s important right now.” Never mind the hiding; that wasn’t the critical part. “Was it you just now? The thing that happened earlier?” “Hmm? What thing?” She responded with a surprised expression, as if she didn’t know what I was talking about. Her large eyes sparkled like jewels. “I’m talking about when my energy returned.” “Oh—” With my words, she finally seemed to understand and responded cheerfully. “It didn’t return.” “...It didn’t return, you say?” “Yep!” “Then why...?” “I just lent it to you because you seemed to need it.” “...You lent it?” I narrowed my eyes. So, she lent it to me? Then does that mean it was my mother’s energy? But how could it blend so seamlessly with mine? I furrowed my brows. “How did you lend it...?” “I simply lent it to you. Didn’t you need it?” “No, I did need it. It was necessary, but...” I was just bewildered that something like that could be exchanged so freely. 'How?' Exactly how is it possible? I delved deep into thought. '...Now that I think about it.' Thinking it over, several possibilities came to mind. The origins of my presence as a master could have come from somewhere. 'I’ve absorbed multiple energies from divine trees. All of which were arrangements left by my mother.' The state referred to as 'mastery' was something prepared by her. Given that I inherited her physical body and imbibed energy from her, perhaps— “Would you be able to share energy...?” “Do you need it?” “A little.” As soon as the words left my mouth. Whoooosh---!!! “...!” Warmth surged as the energy swelled within me. Something tender and gentle enveloped the emptiness. “Wow.” It was indeed energy. It replenished what was lost. And yet, it felt almost identical to my own, despite being received. “How...?” How could it be so similar? I was puzzling over it when— "Is that enough?" she asked, looking at me. “...Can you give me more?” “If you need it, I’ll give you more!” “Then more—” Just as I was about to ask for more energy— Flick-! “Ah.” The energy within me vanished. As the swollen sensation disappeared, I was left feeling suddenly vacant. Why did she retract it? “It doesn’t last long! You have to use it right away.” “...Oh.” So it wasn’t sustainable. That was a bit disappointing. In that case— “Can you maintain the energy...?” “If I keep giving it to you?” So, I would need to constantly give and receive energy to maintain it. Wow. 'What should I do?' I thought I had found a way to regain energy, but if it’s short-lived, that changes things. “...Phew.” I ran a hand through my hair. Then I asked her once more, the same question I had asked before. “...Is there really no way to restore my energy?” Is there anything besides receiving it from her? At this rate, nothing would work out. Frustrated, I asked, hoping for guidance. “Hmm...” After a moment of contemplation, she seemed to have an idea. “Ah.” She reacted as if something had dawned on her. “There is a way.” “Hmm? Really?” There is? My eyes widened as she spoke. “Eat a snake!” “...Pardon?” She blurted out something bizarre. ...What am I supposed to eat?