Childhood Friend of the Zenith

The time that had been night had turned into day.

It meant a whole day had passed.

The journey back to the hideout hadn’t taken long.

With my body fully healed, my pace was much faster than before.

But there was something odd.

"This so-called hideout is way too easy to find.

"Finding the cave entrance had been far too simple.

Yuri had mentioned that some sort of spell was in place to make it difficult to locate, yet…When we escaped last time and when I perceived the residual effects of the formation, it was clear.

Something about me had changed.

"Stop there…!!

"The guards stationed at the entrance shouted and moved into a defensive stance upon seeing me.

Fortunately, with Yuri accompanying me, we were able to enter without much trouble.

"You…!

"Upon returning to the hideout, the White Lotus Sword appeared hastily, her eyes scanning me.

She opened her mouth as if to say something but froze when her gaze fell on Namgung Bi-ah in my arms.

"…Ah…"Her eyes revealed a swirl of emotions.

I knew it.

Seeing Namgung Bi-ah would make White Lotus Sword uncomfortable.

She wasn’t a heartless person, and the fact that Namgung Bi-ah had willingly acted as bait was likely stirring conflicting feelings within her.

"Take her and check her condition, please.

And…"Now wasn’t the time to dwell on such matters.

I handed Namgung Bi-ah over to her abruptly and said seriously,"I’ll go speak with the Palace Lord first.

"There were things I needed to ask him.

**************At the Iron DoorsThe massive iron doors where I presumed the Palace Lord resided stood before me.

"Turn back," said the figure blocking my way.

The Black Lion.

One of the North Sea’s generals, he stood tall and imposing, glaring at me with suspicion.

"You are not permitted to meet the Palace Lord.

"His blade’s tip trembled with caution.

I understood the reason.

"I caused a scene when I left.

"After creating chaos and threatening the Palace Lord himself, it was only natural for this man to be on high alert.

In short, it was my own fault.

I raised my hands with my most amiable expression.

"Earlier, I may have—""Judging by your expression, it’s clear you’re planning something against the Palace Lord.

You will not pass.

"This bastard…It seemed my attempt at polite diplomacy wasn’t working.

"Sigh…"I lowered my hands and let out a deep breath.

Of course, this reaction was expected.

The Palace Lord’s condition had worsened, and he was in hiding for recovery.

But after I’d threatened him in such a state, it was no wonder his guard would act this way.

If words wouldn’t work, there was no helping it.

"Step aside.

"I dropped the pretense and spoke directly to the Black Lion.

"I’m just going to ask him a few questions and leave.

""Do you really think that’s possible?

""Of course not.

I know it’s not.

"I gauged the distance between us, wiggling my fingers.

"But right now, I don’t have the luxury of waiting.

"The situation had changed.

I needed answers, and the Palace Lord was the one person who might have them.

No matter what, I had to meet him.

The Black Lion’s grip on his weapon tightened as he met my gaze.

"You’ve only made it this far because you were treated as an esteemed guest.

However—"Whoosh!

Energy surged around his blade.

It was qi—strong, tangible qi.

The air around us seemed to twist and compress under its weight.

This man was powerful—clearly beyond the Hwagyeong level, an accomplished martial artist.

"Given your prior threat to the Palace Lord, not only can I not let you pass, but he is currently resting.

""Ha.

"I laughed at his words.

"In a situation like this, he’s sound asleep?

Amazing.

""Watch your tongue!

"Boom!

The blade vibrated violently, its presence an overwhelming threat.

"If you speak ill of the Palace Lord again, I will cut you down where you stand.

""My, how intimidating.

"The promise to kill was chillingly direct.

"Under normal circumstances, I’d wait and come back another time.

But I’m in a hurry.

Just wake him up and let me speak with him.

He can sleep later.

""You truly intend to shed blood.

""No, I just—"Whoosh—!

The Black Lion’s blade shifted aggressively.

Clicking my tongue in frustration, I muttered,"Guijeong.

"Shwick—Thud!

"…!

"The spectral chains of Guijeong extended from my left arm, wrapping around his blade and binding its movements.

Creak—Groan—!

A battle of strength ensued as the Black Lion attempted to free his weapon, his muscles straining.

Boom—Crash!

The clash of our forces created tremors, shaking the space around us.

Dust fell from the ceiling as the ground beneath us quaked.

"You bastard…!

""Do you really want me to break through by force?

It won’t end well for anyone.

""As the Palace Lord’s protector, I cannot let a threat like you pass.

""Fair enough.

"His resolve as a guard was admirable.

But that left me with only one option.

"Then I’ll just have to knock you out.

"Whoosh—!

Drawing upon my energy, I activated Guyeomhwaryungong (Nine Flames Firewheel), spinning its fiery rings to heat my body.

The flames combined with my qi, gathering into a searing orb in my palm.

The Black Lion, seeing my stance, fortified his blade with his own qi, enveloping himself in a defensive aura.

The situation was on the verge of exploding into a full-scale battle.

And then—[Stop.

]"…!

"The voice from beyond the iron doors made the Black Lion immediately withdraw his qi.

It was the Palace Lord.

[Black Lion, open the door.

]"But, Palace Lord…!

"[That is an order.

]"…"A flicker of dissatisfaction crossed the Black Lion’s face, but he said no more.

He sheathed his blade and gripped the door handle.

"…As you command.

"Creak—!

The door groaned open.

Seeing this, I withdrew my energy as well.

A familiar wave of cold air swept over me.

[Enter.

]At the Palace Lord’s words, I stepped forward without hesitation.

"Please, at least show proper respect to the Palace Lord this time," the Black Lion muttered, his farewell laced with venom.

Ignoring him, I entered the frigid, unwelcoming chamber.

The space was unchanged.

The Palace Lord sat in the center, surrounded by ice.

What was different now was my perception of him.

[It’s good to see you again so soon.

]"Indeed.

I didn’t expect to be back so quickly.

"I stopped before him and spoke.

His appearance was the same—half his body encased in ice, with frost radiating outwards, enveloping the room.

And—"That energy.

"The aura was eerily similar to the one I had felt from Yuseon.

Though far less unpleasant and hostile, the resemblance was undeniable.

[So, what business made you disturb my rest?

]"Were you really sleeping?

"[Quite soundly, yes.

]The Palace Lord chuckled, but I didn’t believe him for a second.

[Tell me, what brings you here?

You even went so far as to stage that little performance.

]“Hmm.

”I couldn’t help but let a faint smile creep onto my face at the Palace Lord’s response.

It seemed he had seen through me.

The confrontation with the Black Lion—acting intentionally aggressive to draw the Palace Lord out—had worked.

And it appeared the Palace Lord knew exactly what I was doing.

It didn’t matter.

My goal had been achieved.

Looking directly at him, I spoke.

"I just returned from meeting someone who, if I’m not mistaken, is either your son or daughter.

"[...

]"They went by the name ‘Yuseon.

’ From what I can tell, they’re likely the culprit.

"The name might be an alias.

Yuri had claimed it was her sister’s name, yet what I saw was unmistakably a man.

Of course, it was also possible that the gender itself was false.

The Palace Lord’s vertically-slit pupils regarded me as I dropped this information.

[Yuseon…?

]The name escaped his lips in a low murmur.

[So it’s them.

]Though he had just learned the identity of the child responsible for the rebellion, the Palace Lord’s reaction remained unshaken.

[It was that child.

]"...

Is that all you have to say?

"[If you came here just to tell me this, I thank you.

I seem to have made you take unnecessary steps.

]His bizarrely indifferent response made me frown, but I had my own reasons for coming here.

"No, I’m here to ask you something.

"[Speak.

I will listen carefully.

]"...

Palace Lord.

"I took a deep breath before asking.

"Do you know about dragons?

"[Hmm.

]The Palace Lord fell silent for a moment before replying.

[I do.

]Surprisingly, his response was affirmative.

I had expected him to feign ignorance.

"...

You do?

"[Yes.

In fact…]His slit pupils locked onto me.

[There’s one standing right before me.

]"…!

"I widened my eyes in shock.

This man…"Did he already know?

"It seemed the Palace Lord was aware of my true nature from the beginning.

But how?

That question didn’t linger for long.

If the Shadow King had recognized it, and Yuseon had recognized it, it stood to reason the Palace Lord could as well.

But still…"You knew, and you let me in?

"[Why wouldn’t I?

You are a distinguished guest who came to visit.

]I mulled over his words, pondering how far I could push this line of questioning.

How much did he know?

And how much could I learn from him?

The thoughts swirled in my mind but didn’t last long.

"Your child is a dragon as well.

"Even this revelation failed to surprise him.

[So, the Ice Essence ultimately chose that child.

]Instead, he simply closed his eyes, as if realizing something.

I pressed on.

"And they called me a pureblood.

"As soon as I said that—[What…?

]The Palace Lord’s reaction was markedly different this time.

"I’ve come to ask you about your child.

And about why they called me a pureblood.

"[...

]The Palace Lord’s eyes widened dramatically at my words.

He had shown little reaction when I mentioned his child, but now he seemed unable to contain his astonishment.

Why was that?

What made this so different?

[Pureblood?

You’re saying they called you a pureblood?

]"Yes.

"They had even torn off my arm and tried to kill me, though I didn’t bother mentioning that detail.

"What does it mean, exactly?

"[Ha….

]The Palace Lord let out a dry chuckle.

[So, it’s finally time.

]He muttered something cryptic before—Crack!

"…!

"The ice encasing the Palace Lord’s body began to crack.

Lines spread across the frozen surface, and soon, the ice shattered into pieces.

Swish.

The Palace Lord stepped free from the shards, slowly rising to his feet.

I couldn’t hide my shock as I watched.

He was huge.

Far larger than I had expected.

"…Almost as tall as my father," I thought.

Seated, his size had been deceptive.

Standing, his build was towering.

Rustle.

The Palace Lord brushed off the ice fragments clinging to his body and turned to me.

"Would you follow me for a moment?

"His voice, once echoing and ethereal, now sounded steady and ordinary, yet still carried a weighty resonance.

"Suddenly?

We haven’t finished our conversation.

""I’ll provide the answers you seek.

But first, please follow me.

""…""I’m asking you as a favor.

"I frowned, studying his serious expression.

Where could he possibly want to go in the middle of this conversation?

Annoyance bubbled up at the abrupt request, but since he promised answers, I let out a resigned sigh.

"Where are we going?

""Thank you for understanding.

"The Palace Lord smiled faintly before turning and walking away.

I followed him.

We didn’t walk far.

We remained within the same chamber, merely heading to the opposite side from where I had entered.

When we approached the far wall, I noticed something embedded in it.

"A door?

"Yes, a door.

It wasn’t particularly large—certainly smaller than the Palace Lord himself.

It seemed almost proportioned for someone of my height.

"What’s this…?

""Open it," he said, cutting off my question.

Why wasn’t he opening it himself?

"Is there a trap?

"The thought crossed my mind.

"If you’re suspicious, I’ll place a binding restriction on myself," the Palace Lord offered.

"…"He must have noticed my hesitation to make such a statement.

Under normal circumstances, I might have taken him up on it.

But something about this door compelled me to act.

The moment I saw it, I felt an instinctual pull.

My hand reached out on its own.

When my fingers brushed the frozen handle—Crack—!

The door splintered outward in massive fractures, radiating from the point of contact.

Caught off guard by the sudden event, I froze.

Whoosh—!

The white frost clinging to the door dissipated.

Creeeak…The door began to open on its own, even though I hadn’t touched it.

"What the hell is this?

"I stared at the scene beyond the door in disbelief.

"…So, it’s true," the Palace Lord said, his voice steady yet weighted with meaning.

"What do you mean?

" I asked, still unsure of what I was seeing.

"This door can only be opened by purebloods.

""Excuse me?

""It was decreed long ago.

Only now has it been proven true.

"I turned back to the door, skeptical.

I hadn’t seen the Palace Lord attempt to open it, so I couldn’t confirm if his claim was genuine.

But this was apparently a place only purebloods could access?

"Who could have set such a condition?

"The question burned in my mind.

Who could have created something like this in the North Sea?

I was about to ask the Palace Lord when—Step.

He bowed his head slightly and stepped through the doorway.

Was he telling me to follow?

Without a word, I followed him.

This place felt entirely different from the icy chamber we’d just left.

The corridor was short, only requiring about ten paces to traverse.

As we exited—"…What?

"I couldn’t help but gasp at the sight before me.

A vast space blanketed in chilling frost, with a massive, perfectly spherical object hovering mid-air at its center.

At first glance, it resembled ice.

But it was too flawlessly round, far too intricate to be natural.

No human could have crafted such a thing—certainly not at that scale.

"What is that?

"Just looking at it made my heart pound uncontrollably.

Thump.

Thump.

Thump.

I struggled to steady my breathing, but my gaze was locked.

"What is it?

" "Why is it affecting me this way?

"Step.

My legs moved on their own, dragging me closer to the object as if compelled by some unseen force.

At that moment—"That is what we call the Ice Essence," the Palace Lord’s voice rang out, breaking my trance.

"The Ice Essence?

That thing is the Ice Essence?

""Half of it resides beneath the Ice Palace, but yes, this too is the Ice Essence.

""…There’s another one like this?

""The one beneath the palace is the heirloom of the bloodline, passed down through generations.

But…"The Palace Lord’s gaze shifted to the massive orb before us.

"This one, I believe, is the original.

"The original?

Was he saying that this was the true Ice Essence?

Then—"Why are you showing this to me?

"Why was he revealing such an artifact to me, an outsider?

Just from its appearance, it was obvious this was not something meant for others to see.

Unless…Was he planning to kill me here?

The thought crossed my mind briefly, but—"As I said, only purebloods can come here.

That is the rule.

"The Palace Lord’s calm words dispelled my suspicion, replacing it with curiosity.

"So, you brought me here because you think I’m a pureblood?

""Exactly.

""And that’s it?

That’s your only reason?

""Do you consider that a simple matter?

It is not," he said, his gaze fixed on the Ice Essence.

"For centuries, the bloodline of the Ice Palace has endured its curse, rooted in the North Sea.

Today, that curse is finally being confronted.

"The Palace Lord’s eyes turned to me, his expression heavy with significance.

"Long ago, it was decreed: when a pureblood appears in the North Sea, they must be brought here to face this place.

"Hum.

The Ice Essence emitted a faint vibration.

"Preserving and protecting the Ice Essence until that day—that was the bloodline’s burden.

"For centuries, they had guarded this place, waiting for the arrival of someone prophesied to come.

That was their curse.

The Palace Lord’s explanation made me frown.

"…That’s ridiculous.

Waiting for someone who may never come?

Living like that?

How is that even possible?

""That is why we call it a curse," the Palace Lord replied with a bitter smile.

"Cruel, isn’t it?

"He chuckled, but there was a profound bitterness behind his laughter.

"And yet, I never imagined someone like Gu Gongja would appear.

""How can you be so certain I’m the one?

I might not be—""That does not matter," the Palace Lord cut me off.

"If you weren’t, the door wouldn’t have opened.

""…"The door…Had his earlier suggestion to open it been a test?

"For what purpose?

What do you want from me?

"Why had they waited for a pureblood to appear?

What were they hoping to accomplish here, in front of the Ice Essence?

Unable to suppress my confusion, I voiced my frustration.

"History refers to that as an ‘egg,’" the Palace Lord said, motioning toward the Ice Essence.

I looked at the orb.

An egg?

"That massive thing is an egg?

"It was far too large and cold to seem like any kind of egg.

If it truly was, what could possibly emerge from something so enormous?

The mere thought sent a shiver down my spine.

"That is how it’s been described, but…"The Palace Lord stepped closer to me, his voice calm and measured as he said,"It’s also been called by another name.

"Standing beside me, he spoke softly,"The Heart of the Dragon Emperor.

""…!

"I whipped my head toward him, stunned.

"The Ice Essence… is the heart of the Dragon Emperor.

"