Childhood Friend of the Zenith

As I muttered something without realizing it, I felt a bit surprised.

"What…?

"Tang So-yeol, hearing my words, seemed about to collapse, so I quickly supported her.

Why did she suddenly faint?

I lifted her lightweight body into my arms; if I hadn’t, she would have fallen to the ground.

Tang So-yeol, her face flushed bright red, had lost consciousness.

So far, it was manageable.

Though someone had fainted, so it wasn't exactly fine… But there was an even bigger problem.

'…What now?

'After supporting her, I felt all eyes on me from every direction.

At the scene, dozens of martial artists were positioned around Tang So-yeol's quarters.

There I stood, with the unconscious Tang So-yeol in my arms, surrounded by them.

"…"It was the perfect moment for a misunderstanding.

I felt their presence sharpening.

A slight bead of sweat trickled down my forehead.

Shing.

The sound of a sword being drawn came from somewhere.

"Hmm.

"Hearing it, I nodded to myself.

It seemed like clearing up this misunderstanding peacefully was no longer an option.

Right after Tang So-yeol had fainted.

Dozens of martial artists released a fierce aura, so I carefully laid down Tang So-yeol, whom I had been holding.

After setting her down, I called over a maid who had been watching with concern and told her to take care of Tang So-yeol.

The maid hesitated for a moment before she finally attended to her.

Meanwhile, I had to figure out what to do as I faced off against the martial artists who looked ready to charge at me.

I had two options.

Get captured quietly and explain the situation.

Or subdue them all and leave.

The ideal choice was the first, but I didn't want to waste time on that.

So, should I go with the second?

'That's a bit bothersome too.

'I hesitated.

Killing them all would be easy.

But subduing them all without hurting anyone was a bit of a hassle.

I’d have to hold back to avoid injuring each one.

'…Fifteen at the First Class level, four at the Peak, and one Master at Peak.

'As expected of a prestigious clan, the martial artists were quite skilled.

It seemed they had deployed an entire sword squad from the Tang Clan to act as her guard.

If they attacked me all at once, it would be troublesome.

What do I do now?

As I clenched and unclenched my fists, observing their positions, someone cautiously approached.

From what I sensed, he was the highest-ranked among the guards here.

As I stared at him, he came closer and offered a respectful fist salute.

"I am Seong Yi-hyeok, head of the guard unit affiliated with the Tang Clan.

I greet a member of the Gu family.

"So, he was the captain.

Judging by his high level, I had thought he might hold a significant position.

As expected, he was indeed the captain of a sword squad.

"I am Gu Yangcheon.

"I introduced myself in turn.

Seong Yi-hyeok also appeared tense as he faced me.

"May I ask for an explanation of the situation?

"Hearing this, I nodded internally.

Fortunately, it seemed he wasn’t going to jump to violence immediately.

"We were talking, and then Miss Tang suddenly fainted.

""Suddenly, you say….

""Yes.

"Even though I was telling the truth, his gaze still held doubt.

Of course, if I were him, I wouldn’t believe it either.

If it were me, I might have started by breaking the other person’s limbs.

Honestly, Seong Yi-hyeok’s calm demeanor was unusual.

"I understand if it’s hard to believe, but that’s the truth.

"Seeing my slightly awkward expression, I continued.

"It’s alright.

I believe you.

"Seong Yi-hyeok's unexpected answer took me by surprise.

He believed me?

I was the one caught off guard by that.

"…Pardon?

""The young lady spoke quite a bit about you.

"Quietly, Seong Yi-hyeok added, "To the point it could get tiresome," though I pretended not to hear it.

Talked about me, huh…"She didn't say anything… negative, did she?

""She mentioned a few things.

""…"I half-expected him to say he was joking.

He didn’t.

I frowned slightly, glancing at Seong Yi-hyeok, who merely chuckled.

"She spoke more good things than bad.

""…I see.

"By then, I already felt a bit hurt.

It seemed too late to smooth it over.

I slightly pouted, to which Seong Yi-hyeok replied,"At the very least, from what I’ve heard from her, I don’t believe you’re someone who would harm her.

"Feeling slightly irked by his words, I replied sharply.

"Are you really basing your judgment on just that?

For a guard, that seems irresponsible.

"If he was truly her guard, he shouldn’t judge so lightly.

Setting aside that things had calmed down, his attitude as Tang So-yeol's guard didn’t sit well with me.

Hearing my words, Seong Yi-hyeok only laughed.

This guy—he's laughing?

"I wasn’t trying to make you laugh.

""Yes, thank you for your concern.

Actually, hearing that makes me even more certain of my judgment.

""What are you talking about…?

""I can tell by the way you look at her.

""…""I believe that, just as we hold her dear, you wouldn’t fall short in doing the same.

"At Seong Yi-hyeok’s words, I clicked my tongue inwardly.

Damn it, all of them keep saying they can tell just by looking, as if they’re mind readers or something.

And yet, I couldn’t meet his gaze directly.

I hated to admit it, but I couldn’t deny it either.

Even though it was an impulsive reaction that I’d normally laugh at.

This time, Seong Yi-hyeok turned his face expressionless again and gave me another respectful fist salute.

"Please, continue to take care of our lady.

""…Yes.

"As I answered, something stirred within me.

How should I put it?

It was an emotion I couldn’t quite describe.

******************After spending a few minutes, I finally left Tang So-yeol’s quarters and continued walking.

"…Phew.

"As I walked, I wiped off the cold sweat that had formed.

It seemed like I managed to handle things smoothly.

Although I was worried about Tang So-yeol suddenly fainting, when I briefly held her and checked her energy, there didn’t appear to be any serious issues.

If it becomes necessary, I might ask the Divine Doctor to examine her.

After all, fainting suddenly is unusual.

[No matter how you look at it, isn't this your fault?

] "What did I do?

" [Forget it.

You’re always like this.

]Why is this old man picking a fight again?

I held back from responding, knowing this wasn’t the time for banter with Shin Noya.

Besides, the Tang Clan was already in enough turmoil.

Looking at the gemstone in my hand, I thought.

‘If Tang So-yeol refuses to accept this…’What should I do?

I’d taken it from Elder Il, but now I had to figure out how to use it.

‘Should I just eat it?

’Maybe it’d be best if I just took it myself.

That would be the most efficient use.

Honestly, just consuming it would be simpler.

The only issue is…‘The conditions don’t match.

’Since I'm not female, there’s a risk the energy might backfire.

But I knew one thing.

If I ate it, I wouldn’t suffer any side effects.

[You seem quite confident.

] “Yes.

”As I sensed the energy, I could tell.

If I consumed this, I’d be able to fully absorb it.

Whether it was because of the influence of my Madoc Tanhubgong technique or the transformations I’d undergone, I somehow instinctively knew.

I could consume it without any problem.

The amount of energy within the gemstone was comparable to that of a White Demon Stone.

For something artificially refined, it contained an impressive amount.

Additionally, it had the added effect of enhancing toxicity.

However…‘Toxicity, huh…’Thanks to my Mandokbulchim* ability, I had a faint trace of toxicity embedded in one corner of my body.

I could use it if necessary, but with my demonic energy, it wasn’t something I particularly needed.

It was difficult to mix with the techniques I was using now.

Connecting it with my flames was also inconvenient.

In short, consuming this gemstone would increase my energy, but it wouldn’t have much other significance.

‘The issue is that now isn’t the right time to increase my energy.

’There was no reason to consume an elixir at this moment.

I still needed to manage the energy I hadn’t fully integrated.

It also took effort to harmonize my body with my energy.

Having too much energy would only be excessive.

‘That’s why it would’ve been best if Tang So-yeol took it.

’If I had a heart full of altruism, I might have shattered it for the sake of those who sacrificed themselves for it.

But that wasn’t me.

I knew the extent of the sacrifices made and the purpose behind its creation.

Even knowing that, it wasn’t something that mattered to me.

‘So what?

’Why should I care?

I didn’t need to feel guilt for others’ messes.

[Disappointing.

This kind of person is my successor?

] ‘Oh, you must be so pleased.

’ [This life is already ruined…]The dead have no place to find life, so what’s he complaining about?

I understood Shin Noya’s dissatisfaction, but this was my way.

I continued examining the gemstone in my hand.

If Tang So-yeol didn’t want it and I wasn’t planning on consuming it…"Hmm.

"Turning my head, I asked,"Then do you want to eat it?

"Flinch.

At my question, someone nearby shivered.

It was Nahi.

Not surprising, since I’d told her to come.

As soon as our eyes met, Nahi knelt down immediately.

Her expression looked different from usual.

"Not interested?

""What do you mean by that?

""This was made by Elder Il.

From the feel of it, I think it might have some connection to you.

""...!

"At my words, Nahi sharply raised her head and stared at the gemstone.

At the same time, she clenched her fists tightly.

I could tell right away—Nahi recognized what this was.

Her expression contorted instantly.

I didn’t know the details of how she had ended up working under Elder Il.

All I knew was that she’d been used as one of the subjects in those experiments.

Despite her youthful appearance, she was actually older than she looked.

Additionally, she was still under Elder Il’s curse.

I didn’t ask about the rest since I wasn’t particularly curious.

‘I already broke the curse, though.

’I had overridden the curse with demonic energy, sealing it with a pact.

She should no longer be bound by Elder Il’s curse.

"Do you need it?

""…"Nahi’s eyes turned red as she glared at me, filled with resentment.

How ridiculous.

"Why are you looking at me like that?

"Why was she staring at me with such wide eyes?

Her dry voice responded,"…How could I…how could I possibly consume that…?

""Why not?

""I remember those who died for this.

But you’re telling me to consume something made from their blood and flesh…!

"Nahi shouted, her voice filled with anguish.

To her, it was a cruel prospect.

Both Tang Deok and Nahi harbored intense feelings of vengeance toward the Tang Clan and those involved in this scheme.

A sense of revenge for those who died?

Something like that, perhaps.

I understood.

I understood the feeling, but…"So what’s your reason for not being able to consume it?

""…You…!

"Clench—"Ghh…!

"At my words, Nahi tried to resist, but the curse activated, clutching at her heart.

The curse prevented her from opposing me.

Watching her, I approached.

At her request, Elder Il was dead.

And the other elders—Third Elder and Fourth Elder—would soon meet similar ends.

‘Not that I was the one who did it.

’I had intended to, but my father appeared and handled it.

Everything turned out well in the end, so it was fine.

The Tang Clan was shaken.

If this incident became known in Zhongyuan, it could create enough upheaval to dethrone the Four Great Sects.

It was that significant.

"Gasp…gasp…"Nahi coughed harshly, and I lifted her chin with my hand.

"Honestly, I was thinking of just consuming it myself, but it felt like a waste.

And there are some things I’d like to confirm.

"With Tang So-yeol refusing it, the only other suitable person around was Nahi.

As I watched her tremble, I thought.

‘Perhaps Elder Il spared Nahi’s life with this in mind.

’He might have left her alive as a future test subject.

One thing that concerned me was…‘There’s a chance she’s over thirty.

’Considering her connection to Tang Deok, it might be possible.

Even if she were over thirty, though…‘It doesn’t matter.

’If any issues arose, it wouldn’t be a big deal.

If she truly ended up dying from it…‘That’s fine too.

’Unlike when I looked at Tang So-yeol, I gazed at Nahi with cold, emotionless eyes.

Perhaps she understood something from my expression, as Nahi bit her lip.

"…Do you really intend to make me consume that?

""Not interested?

If you consume this, you’ll gain immense power.

""Ridiculous!

I’d rather…!

I’d rather die right now!

"Nahi was serious.

Even if it wasn’t the revenge she’d originally sought, in the end, those she wanted dead were dead.

A curse that would cause her heart to burst?

She no longer cared if she died now.

Sensing her resolve, I smiled.

"Why?

Do you feel like you can die now that your revenge is complete?

""If you know that…then just…!

""Who said your revenge is over?

"She froze.

At my words, Nahi’s expression stiffened.

"What…what do you mean by that?

""Elder Il is dead, and it seems that some nameless old men will also die soon.

Does that mean your revenge is complete?

""Stop tormenting me with your words…"Nahi’s gaze wavered.

She spoke as if she were ready to die, yet my words unsettled her.

It was amusing.

"Don’t be mistaken.

Those old men were nothing from the beginning.

""That’s nonsense…!

I saw it with my own eyes…!

""Sure, you saw it.

But what do you think you understand from just that?

"This was a plan that proceeded without the knowledge of the Clan Head.

Regardless of how influential Elder Il and the other elders were in the clan, could they have carried out such a plan alone?

This had been ongoing for decades.

Ever since the Poison Lord’s time until now.

That alone made it clear.

‘Are you telling me the Tang Clan alone could secretly amass all those test subjects?

Nonsense.

’That would be impossible.

Reflecting on this, the connections became apparent.

There had to be more to why Tang Deok had fallen to demonic influence.

"No matter how powerful the Tang Clan is, they couldn’t handle something like this in secrecy.

""…That’s…!

""This would be impossible unless someone was turning a blind eye.

""…"Nahi bit her lip.

Seeing that, I smirked inwardly.

"You already knew, didn’t you?

""…!

"At my firm words, Nahi flinched.

Yes, Nahi had known as well.

Even someone as dull as me could deduce the situation from a few clues.

There’s no way she hadn’t known.

If she claimed her revenge was complete despite knowing that, it meant—"You just gave up because you couldn’t go further.

""That…!

"Nahi was about to retort, but I cut her off.

"Revenge?

You think it’s over just because you removed the ones in front of you?

Pathetic.

If that’s all, you might as well die.

I have no need for you.

"If she wasn’t going to follow through, I didn’t need her.

Anyway, Nahi was just a tool to be used and discarded.

As I was about to stand up and walk away—"Then, what…what should I do…?!

"Nahi shouted.

The curse didn’t activate.

I had adjusted it so it wouldn’t trigger.

"Do you even know who you’re up against, Young Master…!

That place isn’t something you can simply challenge…!

""The Martial Alliance.

""…!!

"At my nonchalant response, Nahi’s eyes widened.

Seeing her reaction, I chuckled.

"Why are you so surprised?

Isn’t it obvious?

"Yes, it was obvious.

The reason the Tang Clan could handle things so covertly and conduct these experiments for so long…Ultimately, it would’ve been impossible without the Martial Alliance’s silent approval.

Isn’t it obvious?

‘Do you think they didn’t investigate the numerous disappearances of test subjects?

’No matter how wealthy the Tang Clan was, their influence had limits.

As a part of the righteous sects, they were naturally under the jurisdiction of the Martial Alliance.

With experiments of this scale, the Martial Alliance would undoubtedly have found clues.

Yet, the experiments had continued smoothly until now.

Which means it was clear.

‘The Martial Alliance is involved in this.

’It wasn’t surprising.

I’d known they were politically corrupt and self-serving.

I just hadn’t imagined they’d go as far as this.

‘So that’s why Tang Deok joined the Demonic Sect.

’The Heavenly Demon’s goal was to overthrow the Martial Alliance and dominate the world.

Seeing that, Tang Deok likely joined the Demonic Sect, hoping to destroy the Tang Clan and take down the Martial Alliance with it.

Though it was just speculation.

‘In that case, it’s not bad.

’Not bad at all.

I addressed Nahi once more.

"In this situation, do you still think your revenge is complete?

"As I chuckled, I heard Nahi grinding her teeth.

"The opponent is the Martial Alliance.

That’s not something you should involve yourself with for my sake…""‘Helping’ is a strange way to put it.

""Then…what are you…?

""I’m saying you should join me, since I have to take them down anyway.

""…Excuse me?

"At my blunt words, Nahi, who had been growling moments earlier, suddenly looked blank.

She looked as if she hadn’t heard me correctly.

Should I repeat it?

Well, I guess I should.

"I intend to destroy the Martial Alliance.

""…!

""So if you’re going to seek revenge, do it right.

"Destroy the Martial Alliance.

When I heard that the Tang Clan was rotten, and that the Martial Alliance was involved in this, I had decided it.

Given the Blood Demon’s connection to the Martial Alliance, it would be absurd to leave it untouched.

So—"Don’t bother with your pitiful pride.

Take what’s given to you and help out.

Don’t be a nuisance.

"I had no intention of engaging in sentimental conversations with Nahi.

I never had; she was never given any other choice.

If I told her to do something, she would do it.

That was the only option left for Nahi as a demon.

____________________TL Notes: Invulnerable to All Poisons (만독불침 / Mandokbulchim)