404 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Heaven's Number One Childhood Friend - Chapter 405 > Northern Rabbit - Web Novel Archive The field of view was still shrouded in darkness, and the five senses remained dulled, refusing to return. How long had it been? With my senses compromised, perceiving the passage of time was nearly impossible. However, what I did know was this: Thunk-! “Gah!” This was the ninth time. Exactly nine times. The number of times I had been killed. Reeling from the dizziness that overwhelmed me, I stumbled and collapsed to the ground. Blood began to pour from my pierced neck, and as the sensation of faintness took hold, I knew I had to lose consciousness. For several seconds, like that. “Haaah…!" I regained my senses and jumped to my feet. What had happened just before? It felt as if my neck had been stabbed. When I carefully touched my neck with my hand, there was no pain, nor any sign of injury. '...Damn it.' This was the ninth time I'd experienced this kind of sensation. That is, being killed by the Dark King. Furrowing my brow, I scanned my surroundings. I was still in the plain where I had been with Paejon moments ago, not having moved an inch. ‘What on earth is this?’ I wondered if it might be an illusion, but the sensations of my neck being slashed and my heart pierced were too vivid, too real. Even the feeling of a sharp object piercing my neck just now confirmed it. I was undoubtedly killed nine times. The issue is: ‘Then how am I still alive?’ How on earth was I still alive? ‘Shit.’ The curse slipped out involuntarily. No matter how hard I thought about it, I couldn’t comprehend what was going on. Paejon, that wretched old man... What did he expect me to do, throwing me into this situation? After he vanished with only the command to endure, I continually faced death at the hands of the Dark King. The sensation is utterly infuriating in many ways. Magic circles, hallucinations, whatever. It’s maddening to be subjected to such nonsense in the middle of the night. “I just want to give it all up.” Should I quit being a martial arts master or whatever, throw it all away and hide away in the mountains? It seemed a tempting thought, to be honest. Clenching my teeth. I knew full well that wasn’t an option, hence, it was just a fleeting thought. I steadied my breath and shifted my focus. Even as my vision remained dim, a tension hung in the air. Before addressing the situation, there was something more immediate I needed to do. ‘Where am I?’ I gathered my senses. Whether it was lingering reverberations or something blocking my perception, my senses wouldn't extend properly, but doing something was better than nothing. ‘Where is he?’ I expanded my awareness as widely as possible, concentrating my senses. Paejon had said this was also a part of training. And to end this training, I simply had to capture the Dark King at least once. ‘I have no idea what this training is supposed to achieve.’ Even if I didn’t understand, I was in no position to refuse. I simply had to grit my teeth and push through. “Hooo…” I exhaled a heated breath. The Dark King continued to attack me, and I attempted to seize that moment to capture him. But it wasn’t easy. Crack- “…!” I turned my head in the direction of the sound. In an instinctual move, I reached out with my hand. Nothing was there. A trick of the mind… Thud-! “Gah!?” I let out an involuntary scream as something sharp drove into my thigh. Where did it strike from? Shouldn’t it be the opposite direction since I had sensed something in front? Was that presence merely bait meant to distract? While it was only my thigh that was pierced, the pain felt disproportionately intense. Was this also a technique used by the Dark King? Despite having trained in the art of suppressing pain through the Tuapa Fighting Arts, it was at a level that forced even me to scream. ‘Where is he?’ Despite the pain, my priority was to locate the Dark King rather than be consumed by the immediate suffering. Ignoring the agony in my leg, I sought to turn around and find him, but then— Thud-! “…!” Before I could react, I felt the Dark King’s blade dig into my abdomen. Blood surged up my throat. The pain boring into my bones tightened every muscle. The dimness obscured the Dark King who should have been right before me. Nonetheless. I reached out. Escape was not an option. Even if by mere chance, my outstretched hand might touch something. Yet, before I could make contact, I saw something approach me first— the blade’s end. As I recognized it and tried to move my head— Halt. Before the tip of his dagger pierced my forehead, it suddenly stopped just shy of doing so. It stopped right at the last moment. Why? As questions filled my head: “It’s over.” The Dark King withdrew his dagger and stepped back. I intended to ask what he meant by “over,” but— Ssshhhhhhh—! The darkness around me brightened all of a sudden, as if it was answering instead. What had been pitch black just moments ago swiftly brightened, revealing the sun rising in the distance. Viewing this, a thought crossed my mind. …The day has dawned? ‘Then what was all that just now?’ The space had been so dark that I couldn’t see an inch ahead of me, and now, in a flash, it was this bright…. It was utterly bewildering. ‘No way….’ Only then could I realize that not only the deaths I’d experienced but also the darkness that had enveloped the area was all due to the Dark King's power. Realizing this sent shivers down my spine. ‘A madman indeed.’ They said no one could defeat the Dark King at night, but this man went beyond that, capable of creating night itself. Assassins, they wait for the right time and environment to execute their kills. Creating a favorable time and environment for oneself—that seemed excessive. ‘…Besides.’ The thigh that had been stabbed earlier was now unblemished. Like all the previous deaths, this phenomenon was absurd to the point of being outrageous. ‘Is this even martial arts?’ It seemed more akin to the power of a magic circle than martial arts. Simple hallucinations couldn't account for the vividness of the pain. Could such a process even be considered training? It was more akin to torture than training. 'Though it's too clean to be called torture.' The method of killing was so precise that it didn’t quite fit the term "torture." I swallowed, glancing at the Dark King. "That's enough for today." With those words, the Dark King dispersed into nothingness, like mist, retreating from sight. It was clear that no further conversation was necessary. Only then could I release an exhausted breath. “…Is it really over?” I had heard that this training would only take place at night. And as soon as dawn arrived, the Dark King vanished—perhaps that was the reason. Which meant… “So, I have to endure this every night?” Do I have to die at the hands of the Dark King like this every night until morning comes? "..." Thinking about it, I pondered. ‘Should I really just quit everything and run away?’ I was seriously considering it. ****************** While Guyangcheon was contemplating a serious escape, The Dark King had arrived somewhere deep within the forest with his light steps. By the time he revealed himself, reaching his destination, "You've arrived." Paejon was sitting on a rock, drinking alone. Noticing two cups, it seemed he already anticipated the Dark King's arrival. Paejon flung a liquor cup toward the approaching Dark King. The cup, which flew through the air, suddenly changed course and gently landed in the Dark King’s palm. Paejon gave a wry smile and remarked to the Dark King, "You could’ve just caught it ordinarily. Why exert effort?" "This is more convenient." "Such strange preferences…" The Dark King took the cup and casually sat beside Paejon. As he poured wine into the Dark King's empty cup, Paejon asked, "What do you think?" There was no need to ask what about. The conversation that needed having was already understood. Paejon was inquiring about the time shared between Guyangcheon and the Dark King. After swallowing a sip of wine, the Dark King answered Paejon’s query. "He’s an unusual one." "Oh?" Paejon’s eyes widened at the answer. It wasn't typical for the Dark King, who usually gave straightforward appraisals of good or bad, to say something like this. "What do you mean by unusual?" "Strangely serene." The Dark King recalled what he thought of Guyangcheon. Paejon might not know, but to the Dark King, Guyangcheon was already a figure of interest. Someone with remarkable talent worth recording in history? Such matters didn't particularly captivate the Dark King’s attention. The reason he was interested in Guyangcheon was because, though similar to himself, he possessed something different and perhaps held clues to unraveling the curse entwined with his fate. Moreover, 'Taecheon is intrigued by him.' The Dark King had strong suspicions that the one he relentlessly pursued was interested in Guyangcheon. It wasn’t just about that. The reason the Dark King referred to Guyangcheon as an unusual person was something else entirely. 'He doesn't change.' By the third time he died at his hands. Incredibly, Guyangcheon attempted to capture the Dark King then and there. Up to that point, it made sense. He’d been told the training would end upon capturing the Dark King, so it was expected. But, 'He persisted to the end.' Guyangcheon relentlessly tried to seize the Dark King until the sun rose, marking the end of training. If you ask what the issue is with that, Despite nearing ten deaths, From beginning to end, Guyangcheon showed no fear of death. The Dark King could sense it clearly. Guyangcheon was trying to detect the Dark King with all his might. While he kept attempting to capture him, there were no signs of fear or exhaustion. Ordinarily, in such a situation, one would be terrified or plead for their life. Even if you survive death after death, such an attitude from Guyangcheon was rare. Even for the king of assassins, like the Dark King. It was peculiar. While martial artists have high endurance limits, Guyangcheon felt different. His reactions to death and pain were disturbingly composed. Abnormally so. ‘And.’ As the Dark King contemplated Guyangcheon, his gaze shifted to Paejon. "You knew already, didn’t you?" "Hmm?" Paejon looked at him as if asking what he meant. But the Dark King was already sure. Paejon must already know about Guyangcheon's peculiarities. ‘Did he task me with this training knowing already?’ If Paejon was aware of his disciple’s condition, he might have decided that this rigorous training with the Dark King was worthwhile from the start. If so. ‘You’re still as tricky as ever.’ When it comes to mastering martial arts, Paejon also wasn’t within the normal bounds. A master who entrusts his disciple to such brutal training under the Dark King from the start, And a disciple who doesn’t complain but calmly endures, seeking a breakthrough— To the Dark King, both seemed to be peculiar individuals. Turning away from Paejon, the Dark King looked at his cup. ‘It doesn’t matter.’ No matter their circumstances, it was irrelevant to the Dark King. Just as they had their own objectives, the Dark King simply needed to achieve his. This was merely an act prompted by a request. Recalling this, the Dark King spoke to Paejon, "Just don’t forget about my request." “Don’t worry, I won’t forget,” Paejon replied, seemingly weary of the reminder and stood up. Having little drink left and after observing the situation all night, it was time for his own training. "Oh, by the way," Just before leaving, Paejon posed a question to the Dark King. "How long do you think it’ll take? Until that kid succeeds." "…" At that question, the Dark King regarded Paejon with a peculiar look. How long would it take for Guyangcheon to touch the Dark King? Pondering for a moment, the Dark King then answered decisively. "In his current state, it's impossible." His voice was firm. "So blunt." "It would be faster to find another way." It might be too soon to judge just after a day, but... With Guyangcheon's current approach, even resurrected, he wouldn't be able to reach the Dark King. While unclear of Paejon’s intentions in arranging this kind of training, at least from the Dark King's perspective, it seemed futile. Still, despite the Dark King's firm negation, Paejon merely smiled. The Dark King disliked Paejon’s grin. It was rare for the Dark King, usually the epitome of a poker face, to even slightly furrow his eyebrows. Typically, when Paejon wore that smile, it meant unexpected trouble would arise. "Let's leave it at that for now. I'll be counting on you in the future." "..." Ignoring Paejon’s words, the Dark King vanished. Seeing this, Paejon also started moving. As he walked, he pondered. 'Impossible, huh.' While the Dark King claimed it was unreasonable for Guyangcheon to reach him, Paejon thought differently. ‘Something tells me it won't be just that.’ Despite having not spent much time observing him, Guyangcheon always surpassed his expectations. Would this time be any different? Paejon held such expectations. ****************** As morning approached noon, Just before the caravan was to set out again, amidst a hastily concluded breakfast and ongoing training. Despite the exhaustion from the previous night's trials, there was no room to skip training. Thud. In such moments, news from Paewucheol arrived, prompting me to take a brief rest. I set down the large boulder I was holding and turned to Paewucheol. "Who did you say came?" "They said someone from the Moyong family has arrived." "Ah, they finally made it." I nodded at this information. It seemed someone from Moyong Heea had arrived. I was under the impression they would join us in a few days, but they arrived in merely a day. Since it had been a while, I thought I should go see them first. “Uh…” Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Cheol Jiseon lying on the ground, panting heavily. Paewucheol gave me a peculiar look and asked, “Uh, what happened to Jiseon hyung?” “He seemed too frail, so I thought to put him through some training, and well, there you have it. Tch, such a flimsy excuse for a man.” “Ah, yes….” “If you want to train, stay here and do it. You could even practice with him.” With my words, Paewucheol shifted his gaze elsewhere. Over there— Huff-! Huff! Was Woo Hyuk, tirelessly moving a stone slightly smaller than the one I had been holding. Even though he was sweating profusely, he showed no signs of stopping. Maybe it was the handsome face that made even such an image seem impressive. Meanwhile, I looked like a drowned rat. The world really isn't fair. He trained diligently too, and if it weren't for his insatiable appetite for meat and that frustrating personality of his, he’d be free of faults. Ah, but those two things are significant flaws, aren't they? Then again, he mentioned having a fiancée, so perhaps it doesn't matter. Even when trying to find faults, his appearance likely shielded him. It was incredibly irritating. "Damn it." "Sorry?" "Not you. So, can I go now?" “Ah, yes… But, um…” Paewucheol seemed to have more to say, judging by his uncertain expression. "Besides Miss Moyong, it seems someone else has arrived." "Someone else? Who?" I tilted my head at Paewucheol's words. Other than Moyong Heea, who else could have come? Judging by Paewucheol's tone, it wasn't a servant, so could it be Baek Cheongeomjoo? 'No, regardless of how impulsive that man can be, he wouldn’t come all the way here…' I judged it unlikely that the head of a famed family like the Moyong would follow his daughter here. Though, with that man's personality, one couldn’t be entirely sure. As I cast a slightly worried look at Paewucheol, he clarified the identity of the companion. Thankfully, it wasn't Baek Cheongeomjoo. Instead, it was someone even more unexpected. “Baekryeongeom senior has arrived.” “...Huh?” At the unexpected name from Paewucheol's lips, my face went blank. …Why would that woman's alias come up here?