Childhood Friend of the Zenith Novel MTL - Chapter 843

Chapter 843

The urge to kill is, at its core, a feeling.
Fundamentally, it is the desire to extinguish another’s existence. When channeled through a martial artist’s inner power, it becomes tangible as killing intent.
The more profound the feeling, the more potent the energy. Yet, since it is merely energy, it can ultimately be mastered.
Thankfully.
If individuals went about radiating killing intent whenever the mood to kill struck, it would create endless complications.
Killing intent is the most unique and identifiable energy a martial artist can emit. The greater their strength, the more vital it becomes to conceal it.
Releasing it without caution would make it trivial for others to detect.
Therefore, the more accomplished the martial artist, the more adept they are at managing their killing intent. They deploy it only when absolutely needed and keep it restrained at all other times.
This means that killing intent, though born from emotion, can be controlled by will.
At least, that is what I had always accepted as truth.
«This is absolute nonsense.»
I frowned, taking stock of my current state.
I pressed a hand against my chest, over my heart, and clicked my tongue in frustration. Something within me felt profoundly unbalanced.

Thrum-thrum-thrum-thrum!

“Urgh…”
A deep, rhythmic pulsation shook me from the inside.
From the very core of my heart, an immense killing intent was raging upward. It was so powerful I had to focus all my energy just to contain it.
«Damn it, this is insane.»
Barely preventing it from bursting out of my body, I had no clue how long I could maintain this suppression. Allowing it to erupt was not an option.
«There’s simply too much of it.»
The sheer quantity of energy fused with the killing intent was staggering.
It wasn’t merely enough to fill this immediate area—it could effortlessly consume the entire branch headquarters.
Vast and overpowering.
If I lost my grip and it exploded, it would obliterate most of the people nearby. Given its incredible density and ferocity, the devastation would be catastrophic.
My initial plan was only to cause a minor disturbance, but if it escalated to that level, it would become a serious issue.
At the very least, not now. This was not the moment for such a thing.

“Hoooo…”
I strained to endure, clamping down on the energy again and again.

“Star Dragon Captain.”
Then, as if drawn by destiny, the most inconvenient person possible arrived.
“What is the meaning of this?”
The man confronting me held his sword directed at my throat.
Ilcheon Sword, the commander of the Azure Dragon Division, stood before me, radiating clear hostility.
“Explain yourself.”
“…Hah.”
This was terrible.
The sight of his face alone was enough to irritate me profoundly, but to have his blade aimed at me on top of that?
«Could his timing be any worse?»
I was already struggling, sweating from the effort of containing my killing intent. Why did he have to appear now?
I drew a slow breath and glowered at him. Ignoring his demand wasn’t feasible, so I mustered my focus to hold back the surging energy and spoke.
“…Can’t you figure it out just by looking?”
Ilcheon Sword’s eyes scanned our surroundings. His subordinate, the deputy captain of the Azure Dragon Division, was lying battered and unconscious on the ground. The Azure Dragon soldiers encircling us were watching my every move with palpable fear.
Then there was the barrier of energy I had constructed around us. None of this presented a positive image.
Ilcheon Sword pressed his lips together and spoke.
“…I can see that much. Which is precisely why I am asking. You, for all your insolence, have never struck me as a person who acts without some form of reasoning.”
“Well, I’m flattered by the compliment. Truly.”
I offered a strained smile.
Fortunately, the killing intent churning inside me was gradually, if agonizingly, receding. The rate was unbearably slow, but any improvement was welcome.
“In that case, since you appear so perceptive, do you also understand why this situation has unfolded as it has?”
“I do not. So I would like you to explain.”
*Schiiing.*
Ilcheon Sword’s blade quivered. Simultaneously, I sensed energy gathering along its sharp edge.
“If you refuse, I may not be able to show restraint on this occasion.”
“Haha…”
Under ordinary circumstances, I would have scoffed, “And what exactly do you think you can do?” But presently, even that felt beyond me.
To be more precise, I lacked the capacity for it. If I provoked him, the energy I was painstakingly suppressing might break free again.
So instead of challenging his statement, I judged it wiser to deal with the matter head-on.
“If you insist, I will provide an explanation.”
I paused, allowing a moment of silence to emphasize my point. Then, I pointed a finger toward the man whose jaw I had broken earlier.
“That fool—specifically, the Azure Dragon deputy captain—asserted that he had some matter to discuss with our division.”
“…Business?”
Ilcheon Sword’s brow furrowed. His expression showed he failed to see the issue.
But.
“I have no idea what this ‘business’ entailed. He simply stated there was something.”
“And why would that present a problem—?”
“Then why in the world didn’t he come to us directly, instead of commanding us to attend him??”
“…!”
Ilcheon Sword’s eyes widened. He appeared to finally comprehend the problem.
“If he had business with us, the proper course was for him to approach us. Why would he summon us as if he were a noble issuing decrees? And we are captains of equal rank, are we not? It’s ludicrous.”
I began walking toward him as I continued speaking.
“To any observer, it would seem as though we are a mere subsidiary of the Azure Dragon Division. Would you not agree?”
“…”
His frown persisted, but a distinct change came over his expression.
This was a matter of justification.
Do you know the primary distinction between the righteous and the unorthodox factions? Many reasons could be cited, but to me, the most crucial is how they conduct themselves.
The righteous faction does not indiscriminately flaunt its power based on emotion, while the unorthodox faction pays no heed to such restraints. In essence, it is a question of justification.
And.
“The Azure Dragon Division is here as reinforcements, correct? So how should I interpret this ridiculous display of arrogance?”
At this moment, I was driving the point of justification home to Ilcheon Sword.
He frowned deeply, and I smiled as I posed my question.
“Am I mistaken?”
We hold equal rank. We are not low-ranking soldiers, but captains. Second in command only to the leaders of our respective divisions.
And yet this deputy captain of the Azure Dragon Division had the audacity to behave in such a manner? It was illogical.
«Particularly when considering…»
I had caught fragments of their exchange. The condescension was breathtaking.
I could not comprehend it.
«Does he possess no intelligence whatsoever?»
Currently, the Alliance’s attention is heavily fixed on the Star Dragon Division. Even if largely for show, that much is evident.
Yet he openly displayed such contempt?
«One would have to be utterly deranged.»
However I examined it, the pieces did not fit. For someone who had risen to the rank of deputy captain after years within the Alliance to act this way?
There had to be an underlying motive.
«Unless there is information I lack, this could not have occurred without cause.»
Whether it was on Ilcheon Sword’s orders, a deliberate attempt to provoke us, or some personal vendetta, there must be more to it.
And Ilcheon Sword undoubtedly was aware of this as well.
However.
“Even if that is the cause, do you believe it justifies not only savagely beating a fellow ally but also threatening me in this manner?”
Ilcheon Sword was not without his own justification. His argument rested on the idea that my response had been disproportionate to the offense.
«You are correct.»
Given the circumstances, it did not appear necessary to go to such extremes. Had I simply used my authority as the Star Dragon Captain to assert pressure on the deputy captain, the matter could have been settled without violence.
«Furthermore, we are operating in foreign territory. Our priority should be cooperation to advance our goals, not engaging in this kind of folly.»
As Ilcheon Sword spoke, murmurs spread through the crowd, especially among the Azure Dragon troops. Their reactions were clear—Had I gone too far?
From a logical perspective, his argument held water.
But.
«Then perhaps they should have refrained from behaving like fools.»
I did not care.
«…What?»
Ilcheon Sword’s eyes widened at my reply. He had clearly not anticipated it.
«If they wished to avoid this outcome, they should not have initiated this nonsense to begin with.»
«Star Dragon Captain, what kind of absurdity are you spouting?»
«Absurdity? You must be joking,» I retorted, my voice edged, my energy flaring.
As I spoke, I felt the killing intent within me threaten to break loose, and I forcefully pushed it down.
«You speak of logic and reason, but frankly, it is tedious. I have no patience to debate every single point you make.»
Truthfully, I could counter each of his arguments, one by one. I could even maneuver the situation to my advantage if I so desired.
But.
«I simply beat them because I felt like it. So what is the issue?»
I chose to discard all that and say exactly what I wished.
«…What? Are you hearing your own words?»
«Of course. Is this not a perfectly reasonable response, senior?» I answered with a faint, cold smile.
«Do you even comprehend what the title of captain signifies?» I asked, my tone cutting.
Being a division captain. Did Ilcheon Sword understand what that role truly meant? Perhaps, but almost certainly not in the way I perceived it.
«To lead a group—it is not merely a title. From my perspective, it means this.»
I fixed my gaze on him, continuing to suppress the energy within.
«If someone provokes your subordinates, you intervene and destroy them. That is what being a captain means.»
If you accept the position, you accept the responsibility. No matter what it involves.
That is why I detest titles—they saddle you with so much meaningless obligation.
But what choice do I have? I am already in the seat, so I must act accordingly.
«And my subordinate was openly insulted right before my eyes. What other course of action remained?»
I had to respond.
«So, you are claiming you assaulted him—the Azure Dragon deputy—for that reason?»
«You catch on quickly,» I replied.
«Hah…» Ilcheon Sword released a disbelieving laugh. His aggravation was evident in the narrowing of his eyes.
«For all your inexperience… you truly have no grasp of the severity of your actions, do you?»
His previously elevated gaze turned icy.
«What exactly do I not understand?» I asked, tilting my head.
«Do you not recognize how improper it is to act without a complete understanding of the situation?»
«Improper? Hahaha.» I could not help but laugh at the word.
«What does ‘proper’ even mean for someone like me?»
«Are you being serious?»
«Yes, I am serious.»
In both my past life and this one, I have never concerned myself with notions of propriety.
«You are a captain of the Martial Alliance and a martial artist crowned with a king’s title. That alone obligates you to conduct yourself in a manner befitting your station.»
«Ah, I see… behavior befitting my station,» I said, as though contemplating the idea.
«Then you understand—»
«But you see, senior, I have no use for that kind of station.»
«…What?»
Ilcheon Sword blinked, bewildered by my response. He began to speak, but I interrupted him.
«Consider it. What value does propriety hold for someone who cannot even protect their own subordinates? Save your lectures. If that is what propriety means, I want no part of it. You are welcome to it.»
«Star King—!» Ilcheon Sword roared, his voice vibrating with amplified energy. His fury was palpable, causing the air to tremble.
«Why are you shouting? You are hurting my ears,» I said, wincing at the volume.
The sound of his teeth grinding was audible. He was visibly restraining himself.
«As I stated earlier, you acted without knowing the full story. Do you have any conception of the punishment that awaits you once this is reported to the main Alliance?»
He was not incorrect. If this incident were reported, I would face disciplinary measures. I had reacted without a complete assessment, and my retaliation had been extreme. Upon returning to the Alliance, consequences would be unavoidable.
And even if that were not the case…
«Even outside the main Alliance’s jurisdiction, I have no intention of letting this matter rest.»
Ilcheon Sword raised his sword. He clearly was not planning to allow me to walk away easily.
Of course not. If he let this slide, his own standing would be compromised.
How would it appear if he retreated after his deputy was so thoroughly humiliated? For the sake of his own authority, he could not afford to back down.
«Star King, unless you offer a proper apology for this, I will be left with no alternative but to draw my blade.»
«Hmm… is that so?»
So, he was resolved to see this through. I understand.
His determination was clear. I took a step forward.
«…!»
Ilcheon Sword’s eyes narrowed, his stance shifting into a guarded position. The energy wreathing his sword intensified.
«If you do not intend to let this go, then what will you do? Engage me in combat?»
«If necessary, then yes.»
«Good. That is bold. But if you are going to be so bold—»
*Step.* The distance between us diminished further, and his killing intent grew denser.
Any closer, and he would undoubtedly attack.
«—then you should not have relied on poison from the very beginning.»
Ilcheon Sword froze. His eyes flickered with uncertainty, and even the energy around his sword wavered.
His reaction was revealing. I could not suppress a smirk.
«Or… perhaps, at the very least,» I said, erasing the grin from my face, «you should not have been conspiring with the Celestial Stream Sect. Would you not agree?»
The instant those words were spoken, the area was plunged into a profound, heavy silence.