1251 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

A Massive Wall. The wall was so conspicuous that the word "hideout" felt almost ironic. The massive wall was so tall and clear that it was visible from afar. "……Is that supposed to be the hideout?" No matter how much I looked at it, I couldn't comprehend it. Could that really be called a hideout? At least to me, it didn't seem like one. I turned to Poison Phoenix, seeking clarification. "I guess they knew we were coming." She spoke with a puzzled expression. "Knew, you say?" "Yes. Normally, it shouldn't be visible." "……Hmm." I nodded after hearing that. 'Indeed.' I did sense eyes on us as we approached. I didn't bother to use my aura, nor did I have any hostility, so I just ignored it. 'Is that why?' The fact that the massive wall was visible now. And also. 'The fact that it wasn't visible before.' It meant that there was something that could conceal its true nature. 'It's likely an array at play.' I was curious as to how they were utilizing an array that could conceal something so vast. "……Let's head in." Poison Phoenix suggested, her expression tense. It wasn't just her; the expressions of our companions were similarly uneasy. Why was that? I began to wonder about the circumstances that led to this. "Poison Phoenix." As we approached the building, someone came up to us. "Welcome." "……It's been a while." Poison Phoenix accepted the man's greeting. Upon closer inspection, his face seemed familiar. 'Who is this?' I wasn't sure. I squinted, trying to make out the man's face when— 'Ah.' It hit me. 'He's a warrior from the Iron Dragon Unit.' A warrior affiliated with the Iron Dragon Unit. I couldn't remember his name; clearly, he wasn't memorable enough. "……I heard you were coming. The Deputy Leader is looking for you. The others should come in, too." With that, everyone began entering the wall. As I was about to follow suit— "Wait." The man halted me. "You're not in the information. Who are you?" He asked cautiously. At his query, Poison Phoenix stepped forward. "He's someone we've recently brought in. This is Young Master Baek Yangcheon." "……Baek Yangcheon? Just a moment." He looked at me upon hearing my name. "Could it be." "That's right. He's the disciple of Elder Paejeon." "Ha. You're still alive?" His eyes seemed to ask where I'd been for a year. "I guarantee his identity. Is that alright?" "That's not possible. The Deputy Leader instructed us to verify any new individuals coming in. Otherwise……." He trailed off. But it was clear his words implied that I should leave. "Apologies, but without verification, it's not possible. Moreover, if there's a reason you cannot be verified, even more so." "……." Poison Phoenix frowned. Her expression told me this wasn't the time to push it. It was then that I interjected. "Then, we just go through the verification process, right? What do we have to do?" If it's not allowed, shouldn't I just get verified? Poison Phoenix hesitated at my suggestion. "You have a point. Then, I'll first check if you're a cult follower." With that, the man abruptly drew his sword. Srrrng. Just as I was wondering why he drew his sword. "Make a wound. We need to see your blood." "Blood?" I was puzzled as to why they suddenly needed to see my blood. -Cultists don’t bleed. "……Ah." Poison Phoenix explained. Cultists don't bleed? '……Was it Chu Yeongyeon?' Come to think of it, he didn't seem to bleed when his arm was torn or when attacked. How fascinating. -......Young Master. In this situation, perhaps leaving is- Poison Phoenix sounded worried, but— Swish. Without hesitation, I sliced the back of my hand against the sword. Drip. Blood flowed. Bright red blood dripped onto the ground. "Oh?" Tang Cheongi, watching, exclaimed involuntarily and then covered his mouth with his hand. It seemed like a reaction beyond his control. The man didn't seem particularly surprised. He didn't assume cultist or demonic ties in the first place. "The first step is done. Then…." He retrieved something from his pocket, seemingly for a second step. That thing. 'Handcuffs?' They were handcuffs. The same ones Tang Cheongi had used on me earlier. I paused at the sight of them. These—I shouldn't accept. It might cause another ruckus. 'But.' If I don't accept them now, it'll be the same anyway, right? Oh, indeed. 'Damn it.' Realizing the situation, I swallowed dryly. Why is that cursed item so commonplace? As the handcuffs approached slowly, at that exact moment— "Moon Daewon." Someone appeared from behind, calling out to the man. He seemed to be another warrior. "What is it?" "The Deputy Leader has ordered to let him proceed directly." "……Directly?" Moon Daewon frowned. He seemed puzzled by the command to let me proceed before the verification process was complete. "Are you sure the Leader gave these instructions?" "They did. Just let him through." "……Huh. This is strange." Though he seemed unable to comprehend, Moon Daewon gestured. "……Proceed." At his words, Poison Phoenix let out a small sigh of relief beside me. Seeing that, I also released the energy I had been holding onto. It was something I had prepared just in case. Luckily, it seemed I wouldn't need to use it. "Please, follow me." With that, I was guided inside. * * * Upon stepping inside the wall, I understood. 'A small village.' Unlike the feel of the hideout where Poison Phoenix had been, this was structured like a proper village. One might even call it a city. In Hanam terms, it felt like being on the outskirts of a county. 'This……' Could this really be done in just a year? It was hard to believe. Moreover, the number of people wasn't small. 'So many people.' What was this crowd? '……Are there really this many who have transferred?' There were quite a few to constitute a village. Could this many people really be transferred? Not only those around the martial arts stage but even those in the audience seemed to have been transferred here. ‘That seems likely.’ By that calculation, there must be hundreds at the very least. After all, the number of people within the Martial Alliance was quite large. At that moment— Whhoooooo---!!! ‘What is that?’ A vibration sounded as something appeared around the wall. The space warped, and a barrier-like thing installed itself. ‘It’s an array.’ So that’s it. ‘That’s how they concealed this entire area.’ The barrier that could conceal a hideout this size the array must be responsible. As I continued walking while observing the unfolding array. “We’ve arrived.” The person guiding us turned to speak. “Go on inside. The Deputy Leader is waiting for you.” He pulled open the iron door with those words. Creak-! As the door opened, I could see inside. Overgrown weeds covered the unadorned ground. The paths didn’t seem properly maintained—perhaps due to neglect or a lack of resources. ‘I’d say it’s the latter.’ If I were to gauge the owner’s priorities in this place, it made sense. I slowly walked down the deteriorated path. Walking a bit further— “Stop right there.” A sharp voice halted our steps. “No further approach is permitted.” At the warning, I looked up. I recognized the owner of the voice. This man was— ‘The Iron Dragon Vice Leader.’ The Iron Dragon Unit’s Vice Leader—the person in charge during the martial arts contest. “……Vice Leader.” “So, you’ve returned.” At Tang Cheongi’s greeting, the Iron Dragon Vice Leader acknowledged him. “I didn’t expect to see you again. But here you are.” “It’s been a while.” Poison Phoenix also greeted him. The Vice Leader briefly shifted his focus to Poison Phoenix, then glanced at me. “……Baek Yangcheon.” “Hello.” It seemed he remembered me. “I thought you were dead. You survived, I see.” “Yes, by some miracle.” “……Hmm.” The Iron Dragon Vice Leader eyed me appraisingly. His gaze carried a hint of disdain. “Where have you been all this time?” “Uhm…….” I scratched my cheek at his question. “Is that something I have to answer?” “What?” “I mean, shouldn’t I tell the person in charge?” The Vice Leader isn’t the one in charge. When I pointed that out, his brows furrowed. However. “You’re right.” He nodded nonchalantly afterward. “Indeed, you should explain to the one in charge.” The Iron Dragon Vice Leader stepped aside slightly. Then— Footsteps could be heard from within. A familiar presence and a mesmerizing scent of flowers reached my senses. Emerging from the shadows of the chamber appeared a woman. With features as cold as ice and unkempt hair, though unadorned, her distinct temperament was palpable. Mi Hyoran. It was her. She gracefully seated herself on a chair before us and then said, “Nice to see you.” With a slight nod, she greeted us. “……Deputy Leader.” Poison Phoenix glanced at her with a grimace. “Poison Phoenix. I was sure you swore never to return… and yet, here we are again. What happened?” Crack. At Mi Hyoran’s words, I noticed Poison Phoenix clenching her fists tightly, a hint of frustration evident on her face. “A cultist attacked us….” “An attack, you say? By whom?” “Chu Yeongyeon.” “Hmm.” At the mention of Chu Yeongyeon’s attack, Mi Hyoran’s eyes narrowed. “And how did you survive?” It felt like she was leaving unsaid, “You couldn’t have survived on your own.” Poison Phoenix didn’t deny it and instead glanced at me. “Thanks to Young Master Baek here.” “Young Master Baek, huh.” Mi Hyoran’s gaze shifted to me. I noticed a momentary pause in her. ‘Her eyes.’ They were cold. I felt no emotion from them. She had always seemed that way, but for some reason, it felt even stronger now. “So, it’s him.” Absolutely detached. She looked at me as if there were no recollections associated with me at all. Why does she feel like this? Before Mi Hyoran could speak further— “I have one question.” I interrupted her words. Because there was something I was curious about. “What is it?” “Where is our Vice Leader?” My father. I thought he would be with Mi Hyoran. And my mother too, probably. Otherwise, I thought Mi Hyoran might know their whereabouts. That was my intention in asking. “Young Master Baek….” Both Poison Phoenix and others paused. Was this an inappropriate question? In my moment of confusion— “Are you asking about him?” Mi Hyoran spoke. “He’s dead.” “……What?” I froze at her response. “Dead?” My father is dead? At those words— “Haha.” With a laugh— “Enough of the nonsense.” Whoooaahhh--!!! I couldn’t help but emit a killing intent.