Childhood Friend of the Zenith Novel MTL - Chapter 879

Chapter 879

Two days had passed since the event unfolded. The immediate consequences had been managed, and a report detailing the circumstances had been dispatched to the main alliance. With only minor details left to resolve, my return to Hanam was imminent.

“Do you intend to call upon the Tang Clan before our departure?”

At Cheol Ji-seon’s inquiry, I gave a nod.
“A single visit should suffice.”
“Just the one?”
“There is no cause for a prolonged stay. I will verify the status of the commercial rollout, and provided all is in order, a second visit will be unnecessary.”
“Then I shall notify the merchant group.”
“Proceed.”

I offered my reply while sorting through a stack of correspondence, most of which consisted of various reports. As my eyes scanned the pages, a question came to mind, and I turned to Cheol Ji-seon.

“Was a message delivered to him?”
“Ah, yes… it was.”

The mention of “him” caused Cheol Ji-seon’s expression to darken. This was hardly surprising, given his vehement opposition to incorporating that individual into our plans.

‘Well, it will be resolved shortly.’
With the Beggar Sect now involved, matters would naturally align once that man made his move. Naturally, if the Division Leaders of the sect were to act, that would present an entirely different set of complications…

‘I am curious to see how Ubong Chwigye will respond.’
The Master of the Beggar Sect, who was known to have connections to my father. His reaction was the pivotal factor. The entire course of future events hinged upon his actions.

“Understood. Simply manage the communications with the merchant group.”
“As you wish.”

With our discussion concluded, I rose to my feet. The weather outside was fair, and the sunlight seemed exceptionally intense on this particular day.

‘…Or perhaps it isn’t solely the sun.’
Something ahead was catching the light and reflecting it directly into my eyes.

“Division Leader.”
The source of the glare was…
A young man with a impeccably smooth, bald head standing directly in my path.
It was the Divine Dragon.

“…What do you need?”
Ugh, it was far too bright.
I raised a hand to shield my eyes from the shine, which caused the Divine Dragon to frown.
“My apologies, it’s just… remarkably bright.”
I wasn’t attempting to mock him. Well, perhaps there was a slight temptation.

“…It is of no consequence.”
“Why do you perpetually have that with you?”
“…”
The Divine Dragon’s face flushed crimson as he struggled to form a response. Someone was vigorously polishing his gleaming scalp.
Naturally, it was Bong Soon. No one else would even conceive of such an action.

“Hey.”
“Hmm?”
“You are going to wear his skin away. Separate yourself from him.”
“It’s fine. Baldie said it was acceptable.”
“Even the nickname you’ve given him is absurd. Move away. Now.”
I snapped, and Bong Finally retreated with a petulant look. Only then did the Divine Dragon and I have the space to converse properly.

“Now, proceed… Wait, why do you appear disappointed?”
“…! I am not! Not in the slightest!”
“Indeed. You look precisely like someone who is disappointed.”
“That is incorrect.”
“Swear it upon Buddha?”
“…”

He was unable to even form a response.
“…There truly are no ordinary people here.”
I shook my head and released a sigh. A monk, developing feelings for someone like her—it was preposterous.

‘And why, of all people, her?’
Admittedly, Bong Soon was beautiful. This was plain for anyone to see. However, most people came to a realization within half an hour of her company…
‘I must put as much distance as possible between myself and this madwoman.’
Associating with her was a certain path to ruination, in every conceivable manner. Yet, for some reason, this oblivious monk seemed to lack that fundamental instinct.

‘Not that Bong Soon appears to hold any particular interest in him, either.’
She was merely fond of his bald head and clung to him for that reason alone. There was no deeper sentiment behind it.
Truthfully, I hoped she would grow bored and leave him be, but that was likely hoping for too much.

“Do you truly care for her that much?”
“W-what…!”
The Divine Dragon’s face turned a deeper shade of red as he stammered.
“This humble monk is a disciple of Shaolin! I do not succumb to such fleeting emotions!”
“Who suggested otherwise? It was a simple question. Forget I asked if it is untrue.”
“…”

Pressing the matter further would yield nothing, so I let it drop.
‘What was he like in his previous life?’
I found myself suddenly curious about the Divine Dragon’s past existence.
He had betrayed Shaolin to join the Demonic Cult. What manner of person had he been then?

‘I do not recall him being involved with Bong Soon.’
I had no memory of the two being close in his former life. Could this be an anomaly unique to this timeline?
That seemed the most probable explanation, though a lingering suspicion suggested there might be more to it.

“So, what is the purpose of this visit? Why are you here?”
“…”
Why had he sought me out in the full light of day? His flustered demeanor solidified into seriousness the moment I posed the question.

‘Huh?’
His expression grew stern, his clear displeasure evident.
“What is the meaning of that look?”
“…I wish to understand why I was excluded from the operation.”
The words came out in a rushed breath, and I tilted my head in understanding. Ah, so that was the reason.

‘I was wondering what prompted his appearance.’
It all made sense now.
“Is it not pleasant to have a respite? You came here solely to voice a complaint about that?”
I had intentionally omitted the Divine Dragon from the operation. My orders had been for him to remain on standby, regardless of circumstances—and he had obeyed them without deviation.
He had not lifted a finger.
And now, this was the result.

“I do not comprehend.”
“What is there to comprehend?”
“…I am strong.”
“…Oh?”
Such confidence. He was not incorrect, but hearing it from him was irksome.
“How arrogant.”
“…”
I stated it bluntly, and his face flushed brightly. He knew it was a shameful thing to say.

“Yes, well… Certainly, you are strong. No one is disputing that.”
Objectively speaking, he ranked among the most powerful members of the Seongryong Corps. He was currently stronger than Wi Seol-ah.
As for Namgung Bi-ah…
‘She possesses an advantage in compatibility. It would be difficult to say without a direct confrontation.’
Wi Seol-ah did not focus on raw power, while Namgung Bi-ah’s style, though elegant, relied heavily on destructive force.
In that scenario, the Divine Dragon would have a more challenging time against Namgung Bi-ah.

‘He would lose outright to Tang So-yeol.’
If Tang So-yeol was determined to kill him, she would prevail without question. Their levels were not vastly different, but her techniques were far better suited for such a lethal encounter.
Even so…
‘He remains within the top five.’
The Divine Dragon was a Hwagyeong martial artist—one who had entered the realm of intent. Among the elite of the Seongryong Corps, he was undeniably one of the top five.
With such talent, his confidence was not entirely misplaced.
In fact…
‘Had he desired it, he could have become a Division Leader.’
He was not on the level of Ilcheon Sword, but had he pressed for the position, the Martial Alliance would likely have granted it.

«If I were not here…»
It would be impossible now, with my presence, but regardless, the Divine Dragon’s worth was never something to be taken lightly. That was precisely why he could not grasp my reasoning.

“Was I excluded because of my affiliation with Shaolin?”
His eyes held a clear thought—that this decision was an injustice.
Seeing that, I allowed a faint smirk to appear.
“What if it was?”
“…!”
His eyes widened, but no words followed. He had evidently not expected me to confirm it so directly.

‘Just as I thought.’
Observing his reaction, my suspicion was confirmed.
‘Teasing this individual is far too entertaining.’
He was ridiculously naive. Was it even possible for someone to attain such heights in martial arts and still retain this level of innocence?
‘…Then again, why question it?’
-“I love you.”
After all, I was surrounded by plenty of people like him. There was no need to wonder.
With that in mind, I decided to end the teasing.

“I am joking. Well, perhaps half-joking. But that is not the true reason.”
Hearing my added words, the Divine Dragon released a quiet sigh. Was that relief?
If so, I felt a slight pang of sympathy for him.
‘The actual reason is considerably worse.’
If it were merely his Shaolin heritage, it would not be so bad. At worst, I would simply seem petty.
But the reality was…

“Then… why?”
“You.”
This was not an issue of affiliations or loyalties.
“You have never taken a life, have you?”
“…!”
At my words, the Divine Dragon’s golden eyes trembled violently. His typically placid expression fractured, revealing the intensity hidden beneath.

“This mission required absolute discretion and speed. The slightest hesitation would have been intolerable.”
When ordered to kill, one kills. There is no time to ponder their history, their motives, or their circumstances.
“Could you have done that?”
“…I could have.”
“Oh? A Shaolin monk, who holds all life sacred? Is that not contrary to your principles?”
“…”
Naturally, Shaolin monks were not utterly opposed to killing.
Even while adhering to the teachings of Buddha, they were still martial artists. Death in combat was not an uncommon reality.

“But you would have hesitated.”
“…So that is why you left me out of the mission.”
“Precisely. You were of no use for this operation. At worst, you would have been a liability.”
“…”
I drove the point home, sharp and direct. There was no purpose in softening the blow. He needed to understand clearly.

“I…”
“Offer no excuses. Can you honestly say, with certainty, that is not the truth?”
“…”
The Divine Dragon fell silent.
Witnessing this, I smirked inwardly.
‘At least he does not attempt to deny it or let pride dictate his response.’
He likely could not be certain himself. The issue was that his hesitation was so plainly visible on his face.
‘That is not a beneficial trait.’
That kind of transparency would make him an easy target for manipulation.

“Listen, concerning you—”
I was about to elaborate when a voice interjected.
“Division Leader.”
It was Seong Yul.
“The tasks you specified have been completed.”
“Ah, is that so?”
“Shall we depart now?”
“Wait a moment.”
I glanced toward the Divine Dragon.
“Determine your stance. Until you do, do not allow stubbornness to cloud your judgment.”
“…”
I spoke in a tone meant for his ears alone, then turned away.
“Let us go.”
Following Seong Yul’s lead, I began to walk away.

“My stance… I have already decided it.”
The Divine Dragon spoke to my retreating back, but I did not acknowledge it. I merely glanced to the side.
Seong Yul was observing the Divine Dragon with an unusual expression. I noted his gaze and continued onward.

When the Divine Dragon’s presence had faded completely, I spoke up.
“Hey.”
Seong Yul turned to look at me, his golden eyes meeting mine.
“Between you and him, which one is older?”

Seong Yul froze completely.