Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Creeeak!

!

Screech—!

The rumbling noise and turbulent energy grew more intense.

As I listened, countless thoughts raced through my mind.

The vortex created by the clash was massive.

“Whoosh—!

” A sword aura burst out of the storm, hurtling toward a martial artist.

Without hesitation, I reached out and yanked the man away.

Whoosh!

A deep sword mark was left in the spot where he had barely dodged.

The man, now safe, panted heavily.

“T-Thank you...

Thank you so much.

” I didn’t bother replying to his gratitude.

Instead, I focused on reinforcing my energy barrier.

Uuuuuung—!!

Whoooosh—!

Heat erupted alongside the vibrations, engulfing the area.

Others had already moved to block the gusts from escaping, but their efforts were insufficient.

I had to use more energy to reinforce the barrier before the vibrations finally subsided slightly.

But while the outward ripples had been contained, the pressure inside remained just as fierce.

Shatter—!

Screech—!!

The ground cracked and trembled, and waves of energy scattered in all directions.

It was a chaotic sight, violent beyond reason.

It was too intense to be called a sparring match.

Yet, it wasn’t quite a life-or-death battle either.

There was no killing intent, but the sheer ferocity of the clash was overwhelming.

And the energy— ‘...

Tsk.

’ I could feel the barrier I’d barely erected trembling violently.

At this rate, it wouldn’t even last for 30 minutes.

Ssssss—!

The Qi I poured into maintaining the barrier was depleting far too quickly.

I immediately added more energy to reinforce it and turned my gaze to the side.

Standing there with a dumbfounded expression was the Fiery Battle Sword, watching the scene unfold in disbelief.

Frowning, I snapped at him.

“What are you doing?

Explain already!

” “A-Ah!

T-That, uh...

” Startled by my demand, the Fiery Battle Sword hurriedly began his explanation.

And his explanation was this— ****************** As expected, the moment they gathered, cracks began to form.

The Martial Alliance’s group initially seemed united, but unsurprisingly, sparks of conflict ignited almost immediately.

“What?

Why should you be the deputy commander?

” “Obviously, it should be me.

I’m from the Azure Dragon Unit.

” “What nonsense—!

You said we should stick together, and now you’re claiming the position for yourself?

And what’s this about the Azure Dragon Unit?

” It didn’t take long for arguments to escalate.

Even if they disliked being sent here, these martial artists craved honor.

Especially those from the Martial Alliance, who were sensitive to status—nothing was more inflammatory than a dispute over rank.

“Why bring up the Azure Dragon Unit?

You were drafted here like the rest of us.

” “What did you just say, you bastard?!

” “If you were so capable, you’d have been promoted already instead of rotting as a rank-and-file member.

And now you want to be the deputy commander?

Your arrogance is off the charts.

” “Ha!

Now I have to listen to this crap from some brat in the Iron Dragon Unit?

Unreal.

” “He’s not wrong, though.

” “Not wrong?

Are we using informal speech now, you punk?

” “Rank doesn’t matter here.

Do I really need to respect you as a senior?

” The tension in the room thickened with every word exchanged.

Being drafted into this unit hadn’t put anyone in a good mood, and it was only natural that even minor cracks quickly widened into full-blown arguments.

“He’s right.

What’s so special about the Azure Dragon Unit?

Do you think being in it makes you special?

” “I heard from someone in the Flying Dragon Unit that this guy lost a leadership contest to his junior.

Oh, is that why you’re here now?

” “Is that true?

” “I heard it clearly.

My friend in the Flying Dragon Unit told me.

” “Ha!

No wonder the great Azure Dragon Unit’s warrior ended up here.

Got booted out of a leadership contest, yet you’re strutting around like you’re important?

You should be ashamed of yourself.

” “You bastards—!!

” Srrrng—!

(The sound of a sword being drawn.

) As expected, the argument escalated into drawn weapons.

The air bristled with tension, ready to explode into violence at any moment.

“You’re pulling a sword?

What, you wanna die here?

” “Damn right.

No ranks, no consequences—let’s settle this once and for all.

I’ve had enough of that smug bastard acting like he’s better than the rest of us.

” “You bastards think I’m easy to push around?

Do you want to die?!

” “What senior?

What the hell kind of senior are you?

You keep failing promotion exams and can’t even get past the fourth rank!

” The men’s tempers flared, their teeth grinding as they shifted into combat stances.

A brawl seemed inevitable.

Meanwhile, the other recruits across the field clicked their tongues, watching the commotion unfold.

“They’re already falling apart, and we haven’t even started yet.

Incredible.

” “...

And these are supposed to be martial artists from the Martial Alliance?

What a disappointment.

” Not much time had passed, yet the scene had already devolved into chaos.

The martial artists’ faces betrayed their disillusionment.

After all, this was the Martial Alliance—even if these were drafted members, expectations had been higher.

And now those expectations were completely shattered.

It only added to the dilemma.

“...

Are we really supposed to choose a deputy commander from among them?

” They had been told there would be two deputy commanders—one from each group.

But did that mean one had to be chosen from this mess?

“I don’t understand this at all.

” The martial artists found the decision difficult to swallow.

Judging by the scene, how could they possibly serve under one of these people?

“Do we really have to pick someone from that lot?

I just can’t understand the Star King’s decision.

” The decision raised questions—not just for the man who spoke but for everyone present.

Yet despite their doubts, they all shared one belief.

“I don’t get it either, but I’m sure he has his reasons.

” “Exactly.

If it’s him...

” “...

Hmph.

” Hearing the murmurs, the man who spoke could only sigh and nod.

That’s right.

Even if they couldn’t understand it, this was the Star King’s decision.

The man who had burned his own body to save others during a devastating ambush—surely he had a plan.

“Geniuses are often incomprehensible to ordinary men.

The same goes for our commander.

” “Indeed.

” Ironically, the men who once heard themselves called geniuses in their own sects or clans now found themselves laughing nervously.

While one side bristled with hostility and killing intent, the contrasting atmosphere made it strangely tolerable.

Just as someone noted this stark difference— “Then we should decide too, shouldn’t we?

” “Decide what?

Oh, the deputy commander?

” “Exactly.

No matter what, the commander said we have to pick one.

” No matter what, the deputy commander had to be chosen.

That’s why the other group was tearing each other apart.

So this group had to decide as well.

“Well, isn’t it already obvious?

” No one seemed particularly worried.

“Of course.

We’ve already got someone.

” All eyes turned in one direction.

A woman with snow-white hair and a sleepy expression.

She radiated an aura so intimidating it was hard to even look at her directly.

She was the daughter of the Sword King, a rising star in Henan— Namgung Bi-ah, the Sword Dancer.

Noticing the stares, Namgung Bi-ah tilted her head.

“If we’re choosing a deputy commander, it should be based on skill, right?

” “Exactly.

She already proved herself by defeating the commander in combat.

” “Wait, what?

She defeated the commander?

Is that true?

” “Ah, you missed it.

It happened during the trials.

” “Unbelievable...

So this young woman defeated the Iron Dragon Commander?

” A Namgung who defeated the Silver Wolf Sword— Word of that event had already spread through Henan, and those who witnessed it had no doubts about Namgung Bi-ah’s qualifications.

If someone strong enough to defeat the commander wasn’t fit for the position, then who was?

And so, everyone seemed ready to finalize the decision peacefully— “Why?

” A single voice cut through the discussion.

Everyone turned to see who spoke.

Step.

“...

Oh?

” “Hmm?

” The speaker strode forward, her golden hair shimmering with each step.

Even with Namgung Bi-ah present, this woman had drawn glances simply for her beauty.

One of the Three Heavenly Masters, the granddaughter of the Sword Lord, and a renowned talent— Wi Seol-ah, the Divine Sword.

Step.

Stopping in front of Namgung Bi-ah, Wi Seol-ah turned to the others and asked— “Why does she have to be the deputy commander?

” Her question hung in the air, and no one could answer immediately.

Her skill is proven.

Isn’t that enough?

Wouldn’t the Sword Dancer be the obvious choice?

There were plenty of words to be said, but no one dared to speak.

Wi Seol-ah’s voice had been far too cold.

As the silence stretched and no one stepped forward— “Seol-ah.

” Namgung Bi-ah suddenly called her name.

Wi Seol-ah turned her head toward Namgung Bi-ah.

“Yes, older sister.

” “Do you want it?

” Do you want to be the deputy commander?

Wi Seol-ah answered without hesitation.

“Yes.

” Her voice was firm.

“If I have to do something to get it, I’ll gladly comply.

” Her following words rippled through the crowd.

If I have to do something...

It was an unmistakable declaration—if the position had to be decided through combat, then so be it.

For martial artists, it was also a statement of confidence—a claim that she was stronger than the others.

Expressions shifted instantly.

The atmosphere grew tense, and unease spread.

Would this ignite another conflict on this side?

Just as the tension was about to boil over— “...

That’s fine.

” To everyone’s surprise, Namgung Bi-ah responded indifferently.

She didn’t seem to care who took the deputy commander position.

However— “...

As long as they’re strong, it doesn’t matter.

” There was an unmistakable weight to Namgung Bi-ah’s words.

“If they’re strong enough to protect that person...

anyone will do.

” Her voice, usually calm, took on a sharper edge.

Namgung Bi-ah’s deeper-than-average tone added an unshakable tension to the air.

“What are you saying...?

” “But.

” Namgung Bi-ah’s gaze swept over Wi Seol-ah briefly before continuing.

“...

Not yet.

” “...

” “You’re not ready yet, Seol-ah.

” “...

What?

” “You’re weaker than me.

That’s why I have to do it.

” Namgung Bi-ah stated it plainly, her voice calm but absolute.

“...

” And then— Srrrng—!

Wi Seol-ah immediately drew her sword— And with that, the conflict began.

****************** “So...

they started fighting like that?

” “...

Yes.

” “Unbelievable.

” There weren’t many ways to react after hearing how this mess started.

Honestly, I expected a fight.

The Martial Alliance group practically set them up to clash, and I knew tensions would flare here as well.

But— ‘I didn’t expect those two to fight.

’ Of all people, I hadn’t thought Namgung Bi-ah and Wi Seol-ah would end up fighting each other.

And not just sparring—but going at it seriously.

Craaaaack—!!!

Clang!

Clang!

Screeeech—!

Blades of sword aura, glowing in distinct colors, clashed dozens of times in mere seconds.

Sparks erupted nonstop, and shockwaves stirred up powerful winds.

It was like a storm had descended.

‘...

What the hell ✪ Nоvеlіgһt ✪ (Official version) am I supposed to do about this?

’ The other martial artists stood frozen, stunned by the spectacle.

No one had expected two young women to create such chaos.

Screeech—!

Wi Seol-ah twisted her body and swung her sword.

The blade’s rotation amplified her sword aura, sending massive waves of energy hurtling forward.

Golden flying swords circled around her, relentlessly pressuring Namgung Bi-ah.

I blinked in surprise.

‘She’s controlling more swords now?

’ The number of flying swords had increased since the last time I saw her fight.

Did her mastery advance in such a short time?

‘At this rate...

’ In a few years, she might actually catch up to the Divine Sword from my past life.

The Divine Sword had wielded dozens of flying swords, massacring hordes of demons with sheer overwhelming force.

And now— Crackle—!!!!

Lightning crackled through the air as Namgung Bi-ah’s thunder-infused sword aura fired back.

Thung—!

Though it couldn’t destroy Wi Seol-ah’s flying swords, it deflected them and disrupted her formation.

Even her footwork was thrown off by the bursts of electricity.

Rumble—!

A deep roar echoed—like the prelude to a thunderstorm.

The sound came from Namgung Bi-ah’s sword.

The compressed lightning energy within her aura hummed violently, signaling its sheer intensity.

Without hesitation, Namgung Bi-ah unleashed it at Wi Seol-ah.

Whoosh—!!!

“Ahh!

” “Watch out!

” A lightning strike exploded, tearing through the ground.

Wi Seol-ah’s body glowed with golden energy as she reacted.

She darted away, her movements bursting like light, narrowly avoiding the strike.

But— “...!

” Namgung Bi-ah moved with the lightning.

Using the distraction, she closed the distance and charged straight into Wi Seol-ah’s range.

Wi Seol-ah tried to raise her sword— Boom—!

“Ugh!

” —but Namgung Bi-ah’s kick landed first, slamming into her abdomen.

‘A feint.

’ She had faked a high strike and gone for a low attack instead.

It was a difference in judgment—the ability to read and exploit openings.

Wi Seol-ah was sent flying, crashing across the field.

At first glance, it looked like a perfect victory for Namgung Bi-ah.

But— “...

” Namgung Bi-ah suddenly frowned and touched her stomach.

Even as she kicked, Wi Seol-ah had countered.

It was a hasty strike, so the damage was minimal, but her reaction speed was undeniable.

Fwooooosh—!

The clash paused for a moment, and the winds began to settle.

The crowd, however, was still reeling from what they had just witnessed.

“What...

what was that?

” “How the hell is this even a sparring match...?

” They couldn’t even comprehend what they had seen.

They were starting to realize— These two were in a different league.

“Cough.

” The dust cleared, and Wi Seol-ah coughed as she steadied herself.

Despite being thrown back, her eyes still burned with fighting spirit.

“...

Haa.

” Gripping her sword tighter, she prepared to continue.

I pressed my fingers against my forehead.

‘She hasn’t even fully recovered yet.

’ Even if she was nearly healed, the pain couldn’t have disappeared completely.

And yet, here she was.

‘I screwed up.

’ No excuses—this was my mistake.

I should have anticipated this.

I had just been too preoccupied with other matters.

“Tsk.

” What should I do?

Should I stop them now?

‘Yeah, this is getting out of hand.

’ I had to step in.

If this continued, it was obvious things would spiral out of control.

Resolving myself, I moved to stop them— “...

Don’t interfere.

” “Don’t stop us.

” “...

” “If you try to stop me...

I’ll hate you.

Just for today.

” “Not forever...

just a few days.

I won’t talk to you.

” Both Wi Seol-ah and Namgung Bi-ah sent me the exact same message through sound transmission— Along with a very petty but deadly serious threat.