1308 - Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Thud. A crimson bead fell from my grip, rolling across the ground. I widened my eyes as I gazed at it. ‘This is...’ It was a treasure of the Gu family. Initially, I received it from Lady Mi, and recently, I acquired it from Grandmother in this fabricated world. Both women had entrusted it to me to use in moments of peril. Its effect was— ‘…A summoning of the family head?’ No, to be more precise— ‘A person linked to the energy of this bead.’ I referred to it as the family head because that was the most likely connection. In truth, the bead's energy was tied to someone of utmost importance. If I were to use it— ‘Would Grandfather appear?’ Just as father emerged in the North Sea, perhaps using this bead would summon his Grandfather. I felt sure of it. ‘...I’m not certain if Grandmother knew this when she handed it to me.’ After all, using it would summon the current head of the Gu family. ‘…Would that be of any help?’ It was uncertain whether that man would aid me. Moreover— ‘Could he even arrive in this world?’ This place was within the demonic realm where Muah was trapped. Using the treasure, it was uncertain if someone else could manifest here. Tsk. Clicking my tongue lightly, I picked up the bead and placed it back into his pocket. It was a gamble. Not knowing what might happen, I decided to observe the situation for now. “Sigh.” I exhaled deeply, raising myself to my feet. Cheolhyun Buseon reacted upon seeing this. “Once again, your backbone is commendable, Hyogun. Isn’t it so?” “…” Sword Sovereign did not respond to Cheolhyun Buseon's words. The indifferent reaction made Cheolhyun Buseon shake his head. “Indeed, juniors these days are all so brazen.” “I don't require the senior’s help.” Sword Sovereign ignored Cheolhyun Buseon's remarks and moved forward. At this, Cheolhyun Buseon shrugged his shoulders. “Thinking like that after almost collapsing, yet your words are as collected as ever.” “…” “It’s not my intention to steal your fun. But, what can you do?” Flap. Cheolhyun Buseon took out a fan from his pocket and opened it. “I told you before, if I say you should do it, you should.” “Ha.” Did he find it amusing? The Sword Sovereign chuckled hollowly. “Who in this world could command a senior like you?” The greatest in the world. That was the evaluation of Cheolhyun Buseon right now. While to my eyes, the Sword Sovereign seemed stronger, nonetheless, the greatest in the world was Cheolhyun Buseon. Implying this, Sword Sovereign spoke, and Cheolhyun Buseon smirked. “Thanks for thinking so highly of me, but…” Whooosh-!!! Wind arose from Cheolhyun Buseon’s body. As the slowly growing gust began to swirl— Crackle—!!! Lightning burst forth, revealing Namgung Bi-ah covered in dust. “…” “Oh.” Cheolhyun Buseon’s eyes widened upon confirming Namgung Bi-ah. “That familiar lightning energy... So, you were here.” “…” Crack. Gripping the lightning thread, Namgung Bi-ah steadied her breath. ‘Where is Namgung Jin?’ I turned around. Namgung Jin had collapsed, seemingly unconscious. ‘Useless human.’ It wasn’t simply that he got beaten and fainted. It was likely the recoil from using the lightning energy, an ability he could not control. ‘If he was going to help, he could have lasted a bit longer.’ I hadn’t expected him to be knocked out in one strike. ‘Tsk.’ Well, what did I expect? I shouldn’t have had any expectations from the start. “…Hey.” At my words, Namgung Bi-ah looked at him. “Are you alright?” “…” Namgung Bi-ah nodded, indicating she was determined to persevere, even if she wasn’t really okay. “How long can you last?” After contemplating my question for a moment, Namgung Bi-ah signaled with her hand. ‘...Not long.’ Given her subjective assessment, it was likely going to end much quicker than she indicated. ‘So what now?’ Leaving things as they were posed no chance of victory. If they could, they needed to escape. ‘But that’s unlikely.’ It didn’t seem like they’d be allowed to do so. Rising fully to his feet— “Smirk.” —Cheolhyun Buseon stepped back slightly. What was he planning by doing that, staring at me— “Ah, don’t mind me, just do what you need to do.” “…What?” “I mean, I should do it if I say to do it, but... The situation just looks too interesting.” Swish. The open fan closed with a snap. “I’ll get scolded a bit, but it looks amusing, so let’s see some performance.” “…A performance?” With a scrunched face, I spoke. Cheolhyun Buseon addressed Sword Sovereign as he continued. “If you manage to beat this sharp old man, I’ll let you leave.” “Huh?” Gazing at Cheolhyun Buseon, he questioned this sudden offer. “How can I trust you?” “Oh.” The response widened Cheolhyun Buseon’s eyes. “A fascinating reaction.” “What’s so amusing—?” “You think you can win through teamwork. That’s why you’re more focused on the situation after the fight rather than the battle itself.” “…” “Hahaha.” Laughing, Cheolhyun Buseon addressed Sword Sovereign. “You've really fallen off, haven’t you? These youngsters are treating you this way.” “…” Sword Sovereign wasn’t shaken by such words. He merely held up his sword, looking at me. “What do you say? Want help?” “Do you think it’s necessary?” “No.” With a slight laugh, Cheolhyun Buseon ascended to the sky. “I hope you show the mettle you displayed last time.” “…” Listening to his parting words as he ascended, doubts sprang up, but before those could take root, I looked at Namgung Bi-ah. Their eyes met briefly. A matter of mere seconds. But it was enough. Crackle. The lightning cracked. Namgung Bi-ah charged even before Cheolhyun Buseon ascended fully, unleashing a thunderous strike. The cold thunderbird flashed a streak of light, aiming to cut down Sword Sovereign. Clang-! Two flying swords blocked her assault. Blue lightning and golden energy clashed erratically. A moment of intense friction. At that instant, his body darted behind Sword Sovereign. Flame Orb. He sent the orb he'd prepared toward Sword Sovereign, but— Swiish—! It was cut in half before it could reach him. Had he been a moment later, his hand would have been severed. He had thrown it and quickly retracted his arm. The Flame Orb was never meant for direct attack. Boom—!!! It exploded, obscuring the field of vision. Sword Sovereign’s sight was enveloped by flames. His golden eyes glinted as he sliced through the fire. A burst of light. Sword Sovereign’s presence engulfed by the brilliance of the Heavenly Platinum Sword’s power. Even his defensive aura shone with a golden hue? Screeeeeech—!!! Lightning erupted. Namgung Bi-ah and I charged from opposite sides. There was no need to coordinate our attacks; we had always had an oddly smooth synergy. Namgung Bi-ah targeted the lower half. I aimed for the upper half. We launched attacks at angles almost impossible to avoid. Swish—!!! “Damn it.” A spiritual blade emerged. I swiftly retreated. As always, his reflexes were insanely quick. ‘His awareness is insanely high.’ Isn't this absurd? Even handling a single flying sword was challenging, but dealing with dozens while facing his spiritual blade was making it impossible to approach. Namgung Bi-ah and I exchanged a glance. We didn’t need words; her understanding was clear as she created some distance. Sizzle—!! Lightning split into multiple directions, pouring down. The lightning targeted the flying swords, running rampant. Namgung Bi-ah had chosen to restrain from a distance. She was even invoking the Emperor's Sword Form, likely to hinder Sword Sovereign's movement. ‘If she’s going to restrain him from afar.’ My advantage lay in close combat. ‘On the flip side.’ Reversing roles made delivering a decisive blow harder. That’s why I left the restraining role to Namgung Bi-ah. Boom—!! I expelled my energy. Most of my internal energy was devoted to speed. ‘Here I go.’ The muscles in my calves expanded. Breaking the ground, my body surged towards Sword Sovereign, tearing through the air. ‘Again.’ The halo behind me spun wildly. The Gu Family’s secret technique, Guyeom Guktessan (Nine Flame Extreme Form), began to manifest. ‘I’ve got to go for it.’ It was still a technique in training. I wasn’t sure if I should use it yet, but I had no choice. ‘Hesitating now—’ Would lead to nothing. I gritted my teeth, infusing flames into the attack. Guyeom Guktessan. Secret Art. ‘Crimson Lotus Orb.’ Or the true Flame Orb. A crimson sphere imbued with mysterious energy charged at Sword Sovereign. Surely, he couldn’t have missed the threat. Glancing at me sideways, he moved his hand. His hand. He targeted my hand again. He saw through it. I clenched my teeth. Slash—!!! Blood sprayed. “...!” Pain pierced through me. Surprisingly, it wasn’t my hand. ‘My chest?’ Sword Sovereign had cut my chest. Blood spurted, scattering into the air. ‘This crazy guy.’ Did he predict that my armor would protect my hand and choose to slice my chest instead? And did he calculate all this in such a brief moment? ‘Unbelievable.’ He was truly a monster. Yet— ‘He didn’t cut it completely.’ The Crimson Lotus Orb continued its path towards Sword Sovereign. Just as the crimson flame was about to explode— “Pity.” Sword Sovereign murmured. Slash. Something was cut. “Huh?” The Crimson Lotus Orb was severed. When did that happen? Thud—!! “Ugh!” Before I even understood, Sword Sovereign's kick drilled into my abdomen. The impact, laden with force, propelled my body backward. Crash—!! “Cough!” Rolling along the ground, I spat blood. “Using an incomplete technique was a poor choice in this situation.” Sword Sovereign’s words reached me belatedly. An incomplete move. He was absolutely right. “Phew…” Even so, he couldn’t have missed seeing it being cut. ‘There’s something.’ It wasn't just his speed. There was something about Sword Sovereign. You could tell just by seeing how he sliced through my Flame Orb. He was hiding something. ‘What is it?’ The pain in my chest throbbed. I bit my lip as my energy began aiding in the regeneration process. It wasn’t a fatal wound. ‘Damn it.’ I glanced at Namgung Bi-ah. She began moving again, surrounded by lightning. Sword Sovereign responded by wielding his sword. I needed to intervene again. But how? I didn’t have the luxury of time to deliberate. ‘Damn it.’ Clenching my teeth, frustration twisted my face when— Thud. ‘Hm?’ Something fell from my slashed chest. ‘This is…’ It was the bead I had tucked away earlier. It— ‘...Has been severed?’ It had been sliced in half. Was the treasure ruined? As I widened my eyes, reaching for the bead— Whoosh. From nowhere, a familiar flame sparked. It wasn’t mine. It belonged to someone else I knew well.