Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Silence hung in the air. Breaking the stillness, I spoke to Song Hojung.

"I'm not here to listen to excuses. Let's be honest—it's true, isn't it?"

Whether it was because he thought I'd go and wreak havoc, or perhaps feared the young leader would fall under the influence of the Azure Dragon Division, or for any other reason, Song Hojung ultimately didn't trust me.

Had he truly understood, he wouldn't have acted so recklessly.

"Were you trying to avoid implicating the division? Or did you genuinely believe you could handle it alone? Whatever the reason, your actions were wrong."

"..."

He had no response. It didn't matter.

"I've already told the Azure Dragon Leader. My role is to take responsibility for all of you. You're not the ones responsible for me. And beyond that..."

I lowered my gaze, breathing steadily to keep any murderous intent from surfacing.

"If you'd just told me sooner, do you think this mess would've happened?"

To be fair, things probably would've gone sideways even if he'd been honest. Perhaps it would've been a little less chaotic... but not by much. Still, this wasn't the point right now, so I pressed on.

"Answer me."

"...I'm sorry."

"Tsk."

Further conversation felt meaningless. Clicking my tongue, I mulled over the next step. Honestly, I wanted to strip him of his position as vice leader and end it there.

'Even so, it's tricky to hand this over to someone else.'

Song Hojung was still the better choice, relatively speaking.

After all, finding someone among the Alliance's warriors who wasn't a spy was harder than one might think. Knowing that the Red Dragon Leader had sent someone trustworthy made this decision even clearer.

In the end, it felt like I was letting him off the hook because of the Red Dragon Leader.

"For now... you're relieved from your duties."

"B-but, Leader..."

"Leave. And don't concern yourself with the affairs of the Azure Dragon Division anymore—I'll handle it."

Ignoring whatever else he tried to say, I dismissed him with a wave of my hand. This was far enough.

Song Hojung's lips trembled as if to say something, but he eventually exited. Turning, I fixed my gaze on the remaining individual.

"Now, speak."

"...Excuse me?"

My words caught Mun Do-hyuk off guard. He seemed confused by the abruptness.

I elaborated to make things clear.

"You've been looking like you have something to say for a while. Spit it out."

During my reprimand of Song Hojung, I'd caught his lingering glances. To make it easier for him, I laid the groundwork.

"Ah... well, that's..."

"I'm not in a good mood, so make it quick and clear."

"...The Ilcheon Sword has found out about the situation. I'm not sure if this will be okay."

At his sudden confession, I instinctively rubbed the back of my neck. The tension was building, muscles tightening.

Mun Do-hyuk was referring to my direct mention of his betrayal to the Ilcheon Sword.

"What's the problem?"

"Well, that is..."

"What? Are you worried the Ilcheon Sword might do something to you?"

He averted his gaze. My words must have hit the mark. I didn't intend to berate him for it.

'It's a reasonable concern.'

The Ilcheon Sword had been glaring at Mun Do-hyuk with an unmistakable bloodlust, and he must've noticed it.

"If you're that worried, why don't you go back to him? I'm sure he'd take you."

"N-no, that's not it... I'm genuinely concerned..."

"I'm joking."

Even if he did go, it wouldn't make much difference.

Smirking, I spoke to Mun Do-hyuk.

"You're wondering why I brought it up to the Ilcheon Sword, aren't you?"

Why did I choose that moment to mention the Ilcheon Sword's crimes? That seemed to be the root of his question. Admittedly, there was no pressing need to do so.

"Am I wrong?"

"...You're right."

Having chosen to side with me, he now found himself in a precarious position. It was only natural for him to be uneasy.

"Don't worry. I had a plan in mind when I did it."

"A plan...?"

"Yes, a plan. Don't trust me?"

"No, I—I trust you."

"Good. Since you've already chosen my side, just trust me. I'll take care of it."

It didn't matter to me. After all...

'I'm going to kill them all anyway.'

The Ilcheon Sword, or anyone else for that matter. Mun Do-hyuk wasn't an exception. I had no intention of sparing anyone. That's why I said it didn't matter.

"So stop worrying. I'll handle everything. For now, you can step aside—no, wait."

Just as I was about to dismiss Mun Do-hyuk, something crossed my mind.

"There's something I might need you for later. Stay on standby."

"...Understood."

Mun Do-hyuk nodded, though his face was still clouded with anxiety. It seemed he didn't completely trust me yet.

Not that it mattered. He didn't have any other options left besides me.

"Now go."

"...Yes, Leader."

"Oh, and as you're leaving, send someone else in."

"Who should I call?"

Smiling, I responded to Mun Do-hyuk's question.

"He's probably asleep right now... but wake him up if you have to. Tell him I need to see him."

It just so happened that the person I needed was someone specific.

******************

As time passed and night deepened, a guest arrived at my quarters—a young man with an unmistakably drowsy expression.

His face was full of irritation, as if silently asking what business I could possibly have at this hour. The visitor was Cheol Ji-seon.

With a sigh, he asked in a weary voice:

"...What do you want?"

"Welcome," I replied with a grin, greeting the exhausted man. However, his expression didn't soften.

"You know, Yangcheon..."

"Yeah?"

"...I'm on the last watch tonight."

"Right, and you've worked hard."

"...Huuuuu."

Cheol Ji-seon rubbed his forehead with his palm. Well, it was true—he was stuck with the most detested night shift, and, unfortunately for him, it was a permanent assignment.

Throughout the Sichuan journey, he had never once escaped that spot.

'Because I assigned him to it.'

It wasn't just him. Anyone close to me had to deal with the same treatment.

Tang So-yeol was an exception since she was a vice leader, but even Wi Seol-ah and Namgung Bi-ah had been stuck with similar designations.

No wonder Ji-seon was worn out.

"What can I say? You know it's necessary," I said with a shrug.

"That's not the issue... If you know, why'd you call me now?"

He seemed irritated about being summoned so close to the shift change. But what could I do?

"Well, if you don't like it, why not take over as leader?"

"..."

"What's with the look? Should I give you some personal training, since it's been a while?"

"Hahaha... ha... No, I'm fine. Look, I'm wide awake now."

"Good. That's the spirit."

Though I felt a little guilty about waking him, it had to be done. The sooner, the better.

"I called you here for a reason. By the way, are you prepared to stay up all night?"

"...Do I have a choice?"

"Not really."

"Then why even ask... Never mind. What do you need me to do?"

Cheol Ji-seon sighed, his frustration evident in his eyes, but he quickly acquiesced. He was sharp like that. His compliance pleased me, and I nodded approvingly.

"It's nothing major. I just think it's time."

"Time? Time for what?"

"Isn't it obvious?"

Not understanding, he looked at me blankly. Clicking my tongue, I explained.

"It's time to harvest the traps we've set."

"..."

At my words, his eyes narrowed. He seemed to grasp what I meant.

"Now?"

"Yeah, now. We need to reap everything at once, and I need you to get moving."

Since coming to Sichuan, I'd carefully laid groundwork for various schemes. It was time to trigger them all.

"But isn't this... a little rushed?"

Ji-seon frowned, his unease evident. Understandable, given that I'd initially set the date for three days later.

I would've preferred more time, too, but...

"Something came up."

Some unexpected complications required the plan to be expedited.

"It won't be an issue, even if we move a little early."

"I don't think it'll be a problem, but... what's your approach?"

"What approach?"

"Touching Gaecheonmun is one thing, but isn't your target the Ilcheon Sword? In that case, rushing into action seems risky..."

"What does it matter?"

"Huh?"

Tilting my head, I replied, "We'll just handle both at the same time."

"What?"

Cheol Ji-seon's reaction was one of shock, but I found his surprise strange. What was the issue here?

"It's a perfect situation."

In my eyes, no matter the justification, it was an ideal opportunity. Leaning back in my chair, I propped my chin on my hand and continued.

"The Ilcheon Sword, a figure revered by Zhongyuan and the Alliance, turns out to be a schemer colluding with a treacherous heretic."

I tapped my thigh rhythmically as I spoke.

"The Azure Dragon Division discovers this and launches a surprise attack."

"..."

"In the ensuing battle, things get... intense. Oops! The fight was so fierce we couldn't subdue them and ended up killing everyone instead."

The more I elaborated, the more Cheol Ji-seon's expression twisted in discomfort. I ignored it.

"Of course, the Azure Dragon Division suffers casualties as well... What a tragic outcome, don't you think?"

"...Yangcheon, you..."

"What? Do you see a problem with this scenario?"

"..."

"I don't." My V-irtu@al L-i#bra&r$y& Em#pi*re (M-|V|L^E-1MP-Y%R^) t$h$a-n^k$s^ you for readi#n#g at the sour!c^e.-

As long as no unforeseen complications arise, everything will go smoothly. And any potential issues...

"You'll handle those."

Cheol Ji-seon frowned at my words, then asked hesitantly, "...Are you saying you'll kill everyone?"

"Kill everyone? That sounds so scary."

To an outsider, it might seem like I enjoyed killing.

"I already told you—I only kill those who deserve it."

"But in a battle, unavoidable sacrifices..."

"Hahaha... Ji-seon."

My laughter made him fall silent.

"If you're going to worry about things like °• N 𝑜 v 𝑒 l i g h t •° that, it's far too late for you to start now, don't you think?"

"..."

"And those 'unavoidable sacrifices' you mentioned? To minimize those, I'm telling you to get to work. Don't you understand?"

"...I understand."

"Then follow the orders as they're given."

A simple chain of command: I give the orders, and he follows them. That was enough.

This was also the best way to lessen any guilt he might feel.

"So just do what I say. As always, I'll take full responsibility."

No matter what happens, it will all be on me. That's always been my principle when planning.

"I've written out the specifics in this letter. Follow it step by step."

Cheol Ji-seon accepted the letter I handed him. With that, everything was in place except for a few remaining details.

As I began thinking about the next steps, Ji-seon suddenly spoke up.

"What about you?"

"What?"

"If you're taking responsibility for everything... who's going to take responsibility for you?"

"..."

The unexpected question left me momentarily speechless. Thankfully, it didn't take long to recover.

"What kind of nonsense is that? Why would anyone need to take responsibility for me? I'll handle myself."

"You always..."

His face twisted with frustration, but he didn't finish his sentence.

"...I'll complete my assigned tasks before the day ends."

With that, Cheol Ji-seon turned and left my quarters. I found myself scratching my temple, staring at the door he'd just exited.

— Who's going to take responsibility for you?

His words lingered in my mind. It seemed they wouldn't leave me alone anytime soon.

"Tsk... Stupid kid with his unnecessary remarks."

If only he'd just follow orders instead of meddling. Who's responsible for me? There was no need, nor did I want anyone to be.

'I'm doing this precisely because I don't want anyone to bear that burden.'

So it'd be best if he dropped such thoughts entirely.

"Haa."

Rubbing my temples, I pushed the thought away. I couldn't let it distract me.

'Don't dwell on it. Focus on something else.'

If I got caught up in such sentiments, I wouldn't be able to do anything. I shifted my attention to the plans.

'Accelerating them won't be an issue, but... there's one thing bothering me.'

Focusing intently, I directed my energy inward, particularly to my heart. A faint sensation stirred within, an uncontrollable bloodlust—or something akin to a sinister force.

Biting my lip, I acknowledged it.

'This is the variable.'

A potential disruption during battle. I needed to address it before anything happened. Fortunately...

"...I'll need to visit the Tang Clan."

At least I had an idea of how to deal with it.