[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-childhood-friend-of-the-zenith":3,"chapter-childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-600":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Childhood Friend of the Zenith",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1240550,1667,"Chapter 599","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-600",600,"\u003Cp>\"Why haven’t we left yet?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The innocent question, as if the speaker truly didn’t understand, was met with silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps it was because the sudden situation left me speechless. I couldn’t think of anything to say.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What is this?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why is that man here?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had gone out of my way to avoid causing a commotion and kept my mouth shut. So how in the world did he end up here?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Countless thoughts flashed through my mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially now—it was the worst time to face him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Considering I just sold out that old man…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking about the \"things\" I had done involving Paejon, I couldn’t even bring myself to look him in the eye.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he were to find out later about how I used his name for certain purposes...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It wouldn’t end with me just getting folded in half.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Disciple or not, he’d likely rip off my limbs and scatter them in different rivers. That man was entirely capable of it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I broke into a cold sweat at the thought, Paejon watched me silently before breaking the silence with a question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why do you look like that? You’re like someone caught stealing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...What are you talking about? When have I ever stolen anything?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His perceptiveness was annoyingly sharp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s what makes it strange—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When did you two start acting like siblings?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ahaha, yes, that’s—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moyong Hee-ah’s interjection caused Paejon to change his tone abruptly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Haha! Must be my tongue acting up this morning.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His clumsy attempt to smooth things over felt laughable, but of course, I kept that thought to myself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uh, Young Master Bi.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Elder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—What is it, old man?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you planning to join us?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Why would I, an elder, tag along? Stay home quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It seems fun. I could be of some help, so why not take me along?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Shut up and take him.—Unless you want to die.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\" \"Ahaha.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the brief exchange, his true intentions were clear. The final comment, in particular, sent a chill down my spine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It conveyed Paejon’s unyielding determination not to be left behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As much as I wanted to ditch him outright...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It’s not like he’s someone you can just abandon.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It would take everyone here working together just to push him back, and even then, it would be uncertain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And if we somehow managed to push him away...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘In the process…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I glanced briefly at Tang So-yeol and Moyong Hee-ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Who knows what he might do to them.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You’d think I’d have some trust in my master, but...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I don’t. Why would I?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If there’s anyone in the current martial world who knows Paejon well, I’d rank among the top ten.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That man sees nothing beyond martial arts. Even I, his disciple, am merely a stepping stone for his personal ambitions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’s a man too lazy to step outside but conveniently residing in the orthodox sects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s the Paejon I know.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huuh…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I let out a low sigh. Now that Paejon had decided, there was no escape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Please… behave yourself?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Please don’t cause any trouble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Living to hear such warnings from the Young Master Gu himself is a novel experience, I must say.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—You’re the last person I want to hear that from.—Are you testing me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a completely unproductive conversation, I clicked my tongue lightly and turned forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Let’s get going.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just thinking about traveling with that man gave me a headache already. But what could I do? This was all my karma.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of all people to choose as a master, why did it have to be someone like him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I truly was cursed with terrible luck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suppressing my irritation, I tapped lightly on the maunt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hey, let’s move as quickly as we—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“U-uh, excuse me…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The voice from behind made me frown deeply. It was Yuri.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If… if we’re going, how… how are we supposed to go?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was trembling as if she already had an idea but didn’t want to believe it. Her anxious eyes darted around nervously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed she had hoped her guess was wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at her, I laughed and said, \"Haha, what’s wrong? Surely, you’re not worried about flying?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing my lighthearted comment, hope flickered in Yuri’s expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of course not! Flying? That’s ridiculous. I mean, there’s no way—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Correct. Smart guess.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without letting her finish, I nudged the riding dragon with my foot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoooosh!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The massive body of the maunt flew into the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kyyaaaaaaaaaah!!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuri screamed and clung tightly to my back. Her shrill cries echoed loudly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wind rushed past my face. The speed was still something I couldn’t fully get used to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Barely able to adjust to the sudden rise, I held on to the dragon as it leveled off in the air. Only then did the landscape open before me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The vast lands of Zhongyuan stretched beneath the clouds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The breeze brushing against my cheeks was refreshingly cool, unlike the summer heat one might expect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Not bad.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was one of the few things I genuinely enjoyed in my current life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uuuugh!! We’re flying! This is insane! What the hell is this?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The person behind me didn’t seem to share the sentiment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Growl!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon was steadily picking up speed as I asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, I set up a barrier in front of us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wind was too strong, and without it, someone might fall off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘At this speed, how long will it take?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without knowing the exact distance, it was hard to calculate, but I estimated the round trip would take about a month.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flying nonstop would be faster, but that wasn’t possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the very least, we’d need to rest once every three days. That’s how I arrived at my estimate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘That leaves just under a month to resolve everything.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since I had to return within two months, it meant everything had to be dealt with in that timeframe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could I manage it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn’t know.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I had to try. This was something I started knowing the stakes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While steeling myself and reviewing my plans step by step…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ugh… I think I’m going to vomit…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The voice from behind made me close my eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Should I knock her out? The impulse struck again, but I held back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dealing with someone unconscious would only be more of a hassle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…We’ll get there eventually.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As always, enduring was the only way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that thought, I let time pass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, we arrived at our destination faster than expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the seventh night from the moment of our departure…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We reached the North Sea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>******************\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We crossed mountains and traversed the sea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was enough to talk about for an entire night, given all that had happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this wasn’t the right time to bring it up. This journey wasn’t easy by any stretch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had anticipated it, but traveling like this was vastly different from using a carriage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The speed was dozens of times faster, but the main issue was fatigue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We couldn’t sleep properly, day or night, forcing us to stay up. Since no one could take turns standing guard and everyone had to stay awake, our exhaustion doubled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although we stopped to rest every three days for the dragon, the breaks were good for us as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The speed was impressive, but from a personal perspective, I wouldn’t want to do this again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If we had taken a more relaxed pace, it might have been fine, but the urgency of this journey made it especially grueling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even with my body enhanced by myHwagyeonglevel of cultivation, this was the result.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ugh…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuri, who was only at the level of a first-rate martial artist, looked like she was dying every day. She seemed to be trying hard not to show it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But some things couldn’t be hidden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least she wasn’t whining, which was a relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘She probably knows better.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We were making this journey to the Ice Palace, which had descended into chaos because of her request. What right did she have to complain?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She needed to keep her mouth shut and follow along quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If she had whined the whole way…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I would’ve just left her behind.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether it was on a mountain or at sea, I really would have abandoned her. She had avoided that fate by keeping her complaints to herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘At least there’s one good thing.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sharp gust of wind brushed my cheek, making me frown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wind was too cold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Far too cold for summer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feeling the icy chill, I slowly lowered our altitude.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As we descended, the clouds parted, and a scene began to reveal itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had been seven days and nights since we departed from Zhongyuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We had arrived in the northern martial world, at the North Sea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was earlier than I had expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wow…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tang So-yeol let out a soft exclamation at the sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snow was falling all around us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snow in the middle of summer—it was a surreal scene.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What about the ground below?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The snow was piled high, covering the earth completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Here and there, mountains stood tall. Were they all made of ice?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘They said this sight would be mysterious to people from Zhongyuan.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That description was spot-on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was so unfamiliar, how could it not be mysterious?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The vast land stretched far into the distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everywhere, snow fell without pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything was white.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was something oddly unsettling about the view, though it was undeniably beautiful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It’s strangely ominous.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For some reason, my chest felt heavy, as if something was off. Was I getting motion sickness from all this flying?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Tch.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I ignored the feeling and scanned my surroundings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Turning to Yuri, I asked, “Hey, where are we supposed to go?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My words snapped Yuri back to reality. While I was leading the journey, she was the one directing us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You mentioned a safe location.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We… we need to head west from here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Growl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing her words, the dragon changed course.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If we head west, there should be a large iceberg. That’s where the warriors are stationed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After days of barely staying conscious, Yuri seemed more lively now that we were back in the North Sea.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her stammering speech had smoothed out, and a spark of energy had returned to her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just a few days ago, she had looked like a corpse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A large iceberg, huh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I recalled what she had said earlier about the Ice Palace’s forces being stationed there. I turned to her and asked, “How did they know when we’d arrive to wait for us?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I made sure they would stay until I returned.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Even though you didn’t know how long you’d be gone?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could they have prepared to wait indefinitely, especially during wartime?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The hideout is completely secure. We also stocked six months' worth of supplies—food, water, everything.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Six months. That’s the limit, then.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had endured for half a year, waiting for thelittle ladyto return from Zhongyuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Her role was that important.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It also meant that, even if a rebellion had occurred…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘They believed they could hold out for six months.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That must have been the reasoning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We slowed down our pace to search for the location.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as we entered the North Sea, I surrounded the dragon with an energy barrier to conceal its presence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Given its massive size, moving carelessly could draw attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As we continued on, Yuri pointed to a spot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Following her finger, I saw a massive iceberg distinct from the surrounding landscape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Growl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Confirming the sight, the dragon began its descent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he landed on the ground, a gust of wind mixed with snow came over him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least this time, the landing was gentle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed all my nagging had finally paid off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stepped onto the ground, sinking slightly into the deep snow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Growl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon let out a low rumble and began to clench its body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reduction in size was drastic—now it was dozens of times smaller than before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed exhausted from expending so much energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Rest somewhere nearby.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Growl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dragon replied and flew away, disappearing into the distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even in the North Sea, there were monsters, so it would likely keep itself busy. When needed, I could summon it back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wrapping my legs in energy, I took a step forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, my feet didn’t sink into the snow but remained on its surface.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt like stepping on solid ground—a method to avoid leaving footprints.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Paejon and Tang So-yeol were, of course, doing the same. Seong Yul had already adjusted without needing instruction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, I extended my energy toward Yuri.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hum…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuri floated into the air, startled. I had lifted her using my energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Covering her mouth with her hands, she stifled the scream that nearly escaped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With her level of skill, she wouldn’t have been able to do this on her own. I had to take charge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I’d rather not carry her myself.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuri seemed to understand the situation, staying silent without complaining. At least she had some sense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Glancing at her, I noticed she was pointing again. Following her lead, I nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So that’s the direction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We slowly walked in the direction Yuri indicated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After about five hundred paces, we arrived at the massive ice wall we had spotted earlier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once there, Yuri extended her right hand, gesturing forward with her left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wanted me to send her closer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I complied, letting her approach the wall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Placing her right hand against the ice, she triggered a reaction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Woooong…!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ice wall began to tremble, emitting a faint light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I watched curiously, the wall shifted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rumble…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The surface moved, forming a rectangular passage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was clear at a glance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘An entrance.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the way in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without hesitation, I stepped forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound of my footstep echoed as I entered. The passage wasn’t long, and it didn’t take much time before I emerged into a new space.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a vast, circular area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few crates were scattered around, and the warmth I felt in the passage was more concentrated here. Yet, it was still colder than Zhongyuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Aah!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My lady…!?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two men who had been inside noticed us and quickly rose to their feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at their attire, I thought…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Fur-lined clothing, huh.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thick garments designed to withstand the cold. Over them, they wore what seemed to be metal plates—a unique design.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It looked cumbersome for martial arts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I examined them, Yuri spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They’re warriors of the palace.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice was full of relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing that, I carefully set her down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My lady, you’ve returned…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s such a relief. Are you hurt anywhere, my lady?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The warriors approached cautiously, concern evident in their voices. Yuri responded to their questions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m fine… Thankfully, everything went well. How is the palace lord?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The palace lord…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of the men frowned deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…is not in good condition.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuri’s face twisted with concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She pressed them urgently for details.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The time has not yet come! What happened?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“For now, explanations can wait. You must return to the palace immediately.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Ah.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuri turned to me, apologetic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m sorry. It seems the situation is urgent. We must—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I wasn’t listening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I tilted my head slightly, looking at the men.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuri furrowed her brow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Excuse me, the red badge—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How should we handle this one?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Yuri could finish, Paejon interrupted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, I addressed him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re going to step in?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm, my body’s been feeling stiff. I’ll help.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then take the left one. That one seems easier to interrogate.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I figured as much.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wait, what are you talking abou—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Yuri could process what was happening, I moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I darted toward the warriors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What the—!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They reacted with shock, fumbling for their weapons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too late.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I grabbed the neck of the man on the right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Grrk…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a swift twist, his neck snapped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man collapsed to the ground, lifeless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking to the left, I saw Paejon had already subdued the other. He was holding the unconscious man by his collar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It had all happened in an instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuri’s eyes widened in shock as she shouted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wh-what are you doing!? Why would you attack the warriors!?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Warriors, my ass.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I looked at her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do these guys still look like your warriors to you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“W-what?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuri stammered, unable to comprehend. I clicked my tongue silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had insisted the hideout was secure. Secure, my foot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Annoyance bubbled up within me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We’d barely arrived at the North Sea, and this was what greeted us.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tap, tap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I nudged the dead man’s body with my foot and said to Yuri.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“These guys.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These bastards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They’re enemies.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They weren’t on our side.\u003C\u002Fp>",2802,"2026-06-05T15:10:09.877Z",1,"novelbin.me","9e933b32f55be5715fa18a4f5fe1c11bc735df5eb9e140651f03b437b52d736f","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-751","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-599",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]