Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Flower petals scatter.

Petals floated gently in the air, and the scent of plum blossoms suddenly filled my nose.

It was fragrant and peaceful.

Perhaps describing a scent as "peaceful" seemed odd, but that’s exactly how it felt to me.

Under the moonlight, the petals became more abundant, their numbers increasing gradually.

The petals, swaying gracefully with the nonexistent wind, were undoubtedly beautiful.

"…But there’s no wind.

"Strangely enough, there wasn’t even the faintest breeze.

My gaze fixed on the owner of these blossoms, and I stared at them in shock.

"How?

"How on earth—Truly, why—"…is that old man here?

"What was that man doing in this place?

No, his presence here was one thing, but the more pressing question was—"Why… why can I see him?

"Why was he visible to me?

That was the most baffling part.

I could see his form—something I shouldn’t have been able to see.

With a dumbfounded expression, I simply stared at the old man’s face.

"Tsk, tsk.

"The old man clicked his tongue as he looked at me.

"Foolish brat.

You’re still as ugly as ever, even after all this time.

"“…”I grimaced at the familiar insult.

Looking at his distinct white martial robes, adorned with an embroidered plum blossom over his chest, I spoke.

"Shin Noya.

"An old man with sharp eyes that hinted at how piercing they must have been in his youth, white hair, and a flowing beard.

Shin Noya.

The hero of Zhongyuan, the "Sage Sword of Mount Hua," Shin Cheol.

He stood before me.

At my call, the old man, whose martial robes fluttered in the windless air, slowly descended from above.

I had wondered how he was floating, but then I noticed the plum petals beneath his feet.

It seemed he had been standing on those tiny petals.

As Shin Noya landed calmly on the ground, petals bloomed at his feet in a sudden burst.

Hwaaahhh—!!!

A breeze carried the force of his energy, making my hair flutter.

I could feel it—it wasn’t a natural wind but one made entirely of energy.

By strength alone, it was akin to a gentle breeze.

But the petals, which had moved even without wind, now danced even more vibrantly.

For a moment, my attention was stolen by the petals.

Even in this situation, they were captivating enough to hold my gaze.

But I managed to snap back and asked Shin Noya,"Noya… why?

"Before I could finish my question, a voice interrupted me.

[Outsider.

]A creature that had introduced itself as the leader cut me off.

[Why do you disrupt this sacred ritual?

]At the leader’s words, Shin Noya shifted his gaze.

"Who told you to make such a racket that an old man with light sleep couldn’t get any rest?

"[It is by the master’s decree.

]"Of course it is.

Otherwise, a lazy lump like you wouldn’t bother coming out at this hour.

Or… am I wrong?

"A sly grin spread across Shin Noya’s face as he continued.

"Or is it because you’re such a coward that you only dared to come out in the safety of night?

"[…]The creature let out a huff, its nostrils flaring as it exhaled intense flames.

It seemed agitated by Shin Noya’s words.

[Outsider, didn’t you make a promise to the master?

]Boom!

The creature slammed the axe it was holding into the ground, unleashing a cloud of dust.

[You promised not to interfere with what he does.

]Despite the violent reaction, Shin Noya didn’t so much as blink.

"That’s right, I did.

"He simply unclasped his hands, which had been calmly resting behind his back.

"But I’m sure I added something to that promise back then.

"[Added something?

]"Yes, something.

"Hwaaahhh—!

The plum petals caught in the swirling dust moved busily once more.

"I said I wouldn’t interfere, so long as no one disturbed me.

Didn’t I clearly state that?

"[I cannot understand.

]The leader’s small eyes narrowed in confusion.

*[Outsider.

We have not disturbed you.

]"No, you have.

Look.

"Swish!

"…!

"I suddenly felt something shift against my arm.

The cord binding Eternal Bind to my left arm unraveled, and it flew toward Shin Noya.

As it flew, Eternal Bind, which had been a deep blue, gradually turned crimson.

That was its original color.

The Eternal Bind landed in Shin Noya’s hand and morphed into the form of a sword.

The moment it reached him, Shin Noya pointed its tip at the leader.

"Even with the sword pointed at you, you feel nothing, don’t you?

"[…]"Does this seem to you like I’ve broken our agreement?

"The leader, staring at the tip of the crimson sword, began to snort more heavily, its breath growing more intense.

[I cannot understand.

]Thud, thud.

The axe embedded in the ground was pulled free.

At the same time, the leader’s bulging muscles rippled violently.

*[But I understand this.

Outsider.

]"Speak.

"*[You are now obstructing the master’s will.

For that, you will be dealt with.

]"Hmm.

"At those words,"How amusing.

"Shin Noya chuckled.

"You?

Deal with me?

"[Ku-hu-hu-hu—!

]The leader charged forward.

******************Boom—!

Kwang—!!

Shrieeeek—!!

The battle unfolding before my eyes was impossible to look away from.

The clash of the axe and the sword unleashed embers, a byproduct of their friction.

Between each strike, the pressure collided, creating constant shockwaves.

The axe split through the air once again.

Kuwoooong—!!!

When it struck the ground, the earth immediately cracked and fissures spread in all directions.

Even just witnessing its destructive power was enough to make my skin crawl.

And yet, that wasn’t even a full-force blow.

The leader instantly pulled out the axe and started swinging it again.

"That’s just insane.

"The strength was no joke.

Each strike was dangerous enough to kill if it landed.

Even with reinforced energy to shield against the blows, I couldn’t imagine enduring more than three consecutive hits.

The sheer force was overwhelming and monstrous.

"Hmph.

"Yet, the old man standing against that axe—Shin Noya—didn’t show even the slightest hint of strain on his face.

Clang—!

Clang, clang—!!

With Eternal Bind, he parried the barrage of attacks, deflecting the axe upward.

A burst of wind pressure sent the axe soaring into the sky.

I widened my eyes in disbelief.

He deflected that immense force with an upward swing?

The sheer grip strength required was absurd.

[Kuhung!

]The leader tried to strike down again with even greater force, but—Slash—!!

[Gurrrk!!

]Shin Noya’s sword sliced through the leader’s chest.

Blood sprayed into the air, scattering like a crimson mist.

It wasn’t just a shallow cut—it was deep, threatening to split the leader’s body in half.

Schlurrrp!

"Tch.

"But before the body could fully separate, it fused back together.

The grotesque sight made me gasp for air, and—[Kuhuhu...!!

You bastard!!

]The leader roared in fury, channeling power into the axe.

Fwoosh—!

Flames engulfed the weapon.

The intensity of the heat was palpable, and I could instantly gauge how condensed the fire was.

Whoooosh—!!

The surrounding air was gradually drawn toward the axe.

[All of this is as the master wills.

]Kyaaaaahhh—!!!

With those words, other beasts nearby revealed their fangs.

Were they planning to attack Shin Noya?

No wonder they had been so quiet.

I furrowed my brows and gathered my energy.

There was no way I could stand idly by.

At that moment—"Don’t interfere.

"Shin Noya spoke in a lighthearted tone, as if amused.

"It’s been a while since this old man had some fun.

Don’t ruin it.

"“...

Excuse me?

”"Youngster, let an old man enjoy his moment.

Don’t you have any sense?

Tsk, tsk.

"“...

”What nonsense was he spouting in this situation?

I stared incredulously at his back, unsure of what to say, when—"Man’gae (Full Bloom).

"In a low voice, Shin Noya murmured.

Saaaaah…The floating plum petals began to move.

And then—The beautiful petals that I had admired transformed into a scene from hell.

Shiiiiiiiiing—!!!

The petals filling the sky whirled violently in a storm.

The problem was—[Kyaaahhh!!!

][Grrrrr—!!

]Shrrrrrrip—!!

The countless petals poured down on the beasts like rain, tearing into them.

The petals pierced and shredded the monsters mercilessly.

When I used Flame Jade, I erased my enemies without a trace, but these petals were different.

Each one was like a razor, slashing through flesh as if to ensure every wound was deliberate.

Blood splattered, and fragments of bones and flesh littered the ground.

It only took seconds for the cries of the beasts to be silenced, their hostility snuffed out.

The field, if it could still be called that, was drenched in blood.

The only clean areas were where Shin Noya and the leader stood, and where I stood with Cheonma.

Everywhere else was soaked in gore.

Seeing this, I swallowed hard.

The fact that some areas remained untouched meant that even amidst such carnage, Shin Noya had controlled the petals’ reach.

And to manage such precision while manipulating such an enormous amount of energy?

It was impossible for me.

"Even if controlling Flame Jade is hard…"To compress, rotate, and multiply the energy while maintaining control— Massacring with Flame Jade alone was a challenge.

"But splitting and controlling energy this small is insane.

"The plum petals formed entirely of energy— To refine and utilize energy at such a minuscule level was beyond comprehension.

This was a battlefield of unparalleled skill.

"Finally, some peace.

"Shin Noya nodded in satisfaction amidst the calm he had created.

[Kuhuhuhu—!!!

Hnghh!!

]The leader, now bereft of his forces, seethed with rage.

His muscles bulged, veins popped, and he swung his flame-covered axe at Shin Noya once more.

"Are you sure about this?

The night will end soon.

"[...!

]At those words, the leader froze momentarily.

"Night?

"I, too, looked up at the sky.

Sure enough, it was brighter than before.

"When the sun rises, you won’t even be able to put on a show in front of me.

Do you still wish to proceed?

"[Grrr… Grrrrrr….

]What was it?

I could feel the leader’s hesitation after Shin Noya’s words.

"Beast of the Full Moon, while I respect your loyalty to your master, knowing your place is also important.

What do you think?

"[…]Shin Noya’s words seemed to imply he was willing to let the leader go.

[You are the one who does not know your place, outsider.

]The leader crushed his hesitation, gripping the axe once more.

[The master has ordered me to kill the vile dragon.

I obey.

Day and night hold no meaning in this task.

]"Hmm.

"[I will kill you and the dragon.

That is all.

]"Is that so?

"[Die—!!

]The leader swung his axe, sending a burst of flames hurtling toward Shin Noya.

But then—"Why…?

"Why wasn’t that old man moving?

At this rate, Shin Noya might actually be in danger.

I was about to leap into action when—[...

Kuhung!

]Shriek—!

The axe stopped abruptly right in front of Shin Noya.

The energy and flames gathered in the axe exploded outward in all directions.

Kuwaaaaahhhh—!!!

The scorching heat forced a grimace onto my face.

If it had gone any further, Shin Noya’s head would have been split open.

Why did the attack stop?

As I pondered, the leader pulled back his axe and took a step back.

Seeing this, Shin Noya smirked.

"It seems you’ve been summoned back home.

"[…]The leader didn’t respond, but his silence seemed to confirm Shin Noya’s words.

"Don’t worry.

I won’t stop you.

Go in peace.

"[Grrrr….

]The leader growled lowly in irritation but turned his back.

As he departed, he spoke.

[Outsider.

You are fortunate.

Be grateful for the master’s mercy.

]"Oh, I will.

Be sure to thank him for me.

"[Grrrrrr….

]The leader swung his axe, splitting the air, and another Magyeong Gate opened.

The leader stepped inside, and the gate began to close.

Before it fully shut, the leader turned his gaze directly at me.

[Dragon, next time, I’ll kill you.

]His words were directed at me, and I frowned.

"What nonsense are you spouting?

Get lost, you stupid beast.

"[You—!

]Before he could say more, the Magyeong Gate closed completely and vanished.

In the sudden calm, Shin Noya was the first to break the silence.

"Heh.

Your mouth is still as foul as ever.

"Shin Noya sighed, tossing Gui-jeong toward me.

Thwack!

I instinctively caught it, and the moment I did, Gui-jeong coiled around my arm again, its color restored to blue.

"Using it after so long wasn’t bad.

It felt good, even.

"He sounded almost wistful.

Watching him, I bit my lip.

What should I ask first?

Why was he here?

Where even was this place?

Or how he could appear in such a solid form?

Should I ask for a general explanation?

A flood of questions swirled in my mind, but the first words out of my mouth were—"Why did you stay still?

"I asked about the earlier battle.

"Hmm?

"Shin Noya looked at me as if confused.

"Just now.

Why did you stay still?

It looked dangerous.

""Stay still?

Who did?

""You did, Noya…""Ah, tsk, tsk.

"He clicked his tongue sharply at my words, his expression one of exasperation.

"Kid, how is it that your eyes are still so blind after all this time?

"He raised a hand and pointed to the sky.

Following his gesture, my gaze shifted upward.

"What…?

Huh!

"My body froze as I looked.

It was only then that I saw them.

Three massive swords pierced through the clouds and stars.

Just looking at them, I could feel the overwhelming energy radiating from the swords.

They were mental swords—constructs of pure energy and willpower.

The sight was staggering.

Even my heart trembled from just looking at them.

Compared to my mental fists or the swords used by others, these were in a completely different league.

They embodied something far more profound and transcendent.

"You thought it was dangerous?

"At Shin Noya’s voice, I turned my gaze back to him.

He was still smiling.

That smile—"For who?

"It was the smile of an old man watching a child’s naive antics.