[{"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-627":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},1240477,1667,"Chapter 626","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-627",627,"\u003Cp>A room with not a single light on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the silence, Yuseon sat on a throne, her eyes closed, resting her chin on her hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beyond her closed eyes lay only darkness, and the room remained steeped in quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But unlike the stillness of the room, Yuseon’s mind was in turmoil.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[…Swallow…]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A voice echoed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Kill.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Consume.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Swallow the shard.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The incessant whispers made Yuseon lift her hand from her chin to her forehead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Noisy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How long had it been since she had last been able to sleep? Likely ever since the Ice Essence had chosen her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her body, no longer bound by human limitations, didn’t require rest, so the lack of sleep posed no physical problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, she still felt weary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not physically—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But mentally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking about this, Yuseon allowed herself a faint, bitter smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Weak… so weak.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even after shedding her humanity, to feel exhausted over something so trivial—it was laughable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had become a great being, chosen by the Ice Essence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such petty concerns should no longer bother her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hm…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Deciding so, Yuseon waved her hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wuuum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each time her fingertips brushed the air, ripples formed. Feeling the faint vibrations, she repeated the motion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Devour it.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[So that…]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I understand, so be quiet for a moment, will you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuseon frowned at the recurring commands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I will do it. You need not rush me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no need for constant reminders. She had made a contract for this very purpose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To her words—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[But why?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Why haven’t you consumed it yet?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Ice Essence questioned her, its tone filled with curiosity. Why hadn’t she swallowed the shard yet? Yuseon’s thoughts drifted to a certain young man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Yuseon-nim.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A man who continued to act against her wishes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A man who displeased her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The one person she wanted most to possess.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…I’m merely waiting for the right time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuseons voice carried a faint weariness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So please, be quiet. I’d like to be left alone for now.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her tone was tinged with irritation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[…]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The once incessant voice fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the room grew calmer, Yuseon tilted her head, her expression curious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could it be… had it actually listened to her?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That can’t be it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She knew the Ice Essence wouldn’t heed her words like that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then what was going on?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Yuseon pondered for a moment—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wuuum!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She reacted to a sudden sensation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Oh my.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something had entered her perception.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thunk!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sound came from outside the window.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud-thud! Crash!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rain. Rain was pouring outside the window, harsh and fast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What is this…?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where had the snow that had been falling moments ago gone? Why had it suddenly turned to rain?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Why?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuseon felt a flicker of astonishment at how she had only now noticed this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anything happening within her \"domain\" shouldn’t have escaped her notice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet, this strange phenomenon—she was only realizing it now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Yuseon briefly displayed her confusion—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The clear sound of footsteps drew her attention, her head snapping toward the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound grew louder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Footsteps echoing leisurely down the hallway, steadily approaching her location.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then they stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The steps, which had been drawing closer, halted just outside the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Hm.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The voice that reached her ears made Yuseon furrow her brow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clink.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone grasped the doorknob.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clink-clink!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They tried to open the door several times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[What’s with this? Why won’t it open? Isn’t this how it works?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The attempts faltered momentarily, as if the person was confused.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crunch!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A harsh sound erupted from the door, and then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The door was ripped from its hinges.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One side of the door was utterly destroyed, and the one responsible stared at it with a slightly sheepish expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Oh, crap. Why is this thing so weak?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their eyes met.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuseon saw slit-like pupils, blue and sharp, reminiscent of her own but distinctly different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she stared at him in silence, the young man holding the shattered door gave an awkward smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sorry. Still getting the hang of controlling my strength.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…You.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whip!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crash!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young man casually tossed the door aside, the sound of it clattering down the hall echoing loudly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a few seconds, they simply stared at each other in silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the midst of the awkwardness created by the chaotic scene—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s been a while.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young man spoke first, addressing Yuseon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Though, saying it’s been a while feels odd. It’s only been, what, two days? Right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuseon studied him, her gaze searching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It hadn’t been long since they last met, as he said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His appearance was largely unchanged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Oh my.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Yuseon could feel the differences.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though his outward form remained the same—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had changed. In many ways.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thump.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thump.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuseon’s racing heartbeat was proof of that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It seems you’ve made your decision.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man who had once been adrift, undervaluing his own worth—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now he was different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was centered, composed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The impatience and hesitation characteristic of humans were gone, replaced by the poise of something far greater.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Showing mercy seems to have been worth it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Should I thank you for that?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you do, I’d gladly accept it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuseon smiled as she replied. The young man, too, smiled in response.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Go to hell.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His raised middle finger accompanied his words, prompting Yuseon to tilt her head in mild irritation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Apologies, but I have nothing to kneel on. That’ll be impossible.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re more feisty than I thought.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You misunderstand. I was raised with utmost grace.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As their playful exchange continued, Yuseon asked him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How did you get here?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her question carried many layers of meaning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why had he come here?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How had he managed to reach this place?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had to ask.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It didn’t make sense for him to arrive so peacefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he’d had any conflict with the guards outside, Yuseon should have noticed immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the moment he stepped foot within the palace, his presence should have been in her perception.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet she only became aware of him when he was already walking down the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Guess.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon answered with a smirk, refusing to explain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Yuseon opened her mouth to press further, but—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is that your true form now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, Gu Yangcheon asked her a question, his tone curious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the moment, Yuseon had taken a female form, while the last time they met, she had appeared male.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who knows?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuseon answered vaguely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This was my appearance when I was human, but it doesn’t really matter.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Gender doesn’t mean much to beings like us.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The distinction between male and female applies only to humans and beasts.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The only thing that matters is being a dragon. Gender is irrelevant.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you saying you can choose freely?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the young man’s question, Yuseon chuckled lightly and then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hisss…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her body began to transform, gradually taking on the appearance from their first encounter—a cold, imposing man with white hair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the complete transformation, the young man let out a sound of admiration. At the same time, he seemed to realize something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s not martial arts, is it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spoke with a tone of certainty, and Yuseon’s expression shifted subtly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You have sharp eyes.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had tried to play it off, to reveal it subtly. But the young man had noticed immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How dull.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment, Yuseon thought it was disappointing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hiss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rising slowly from the throne, Yuseon reverted back to her female form as she descended the steps, step by step, toward the young man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And so, my dear pureblood, what brings you here to seek me out?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The distance between them closed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Our previous meeting wasn’t exactly pleasant, was it? Or am I wrong?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No, you’re right. You ripped my arm off out of nowhere.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well, considering you tore apart the precious doors of our palace, I’d say we’re even.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ha.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing her words, Gu Yangcheon laughed openly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ripping someone’s arm off and comparing it to a door? That’s absurd.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Besides, I even gave you a gift, didn’t I?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had restored his broken body, even regenerated his lost limb. Surely that was enough compensation?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Yuseon spoke with such intent, Gu Yangcheon’s laughter faded, his expression turning cold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The first part is true. The second? Not so much.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flinch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuseon’s steps halted momentarily at his offhand remark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I still don’t know how you healed my internal injuries, but the second part isn’t true, is it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he continued, Yuseon’s expression twisted further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed he had figured it out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had thought it wouldn’t take him long to notice now that he had solidified his identity and moved past his hesitation—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But to have realized this quickly?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Sharp indeed.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s not a compliment I hear often, but I don’t mind.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they exchanged words, Yuseon pondered how much he had realized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While part of her was curious,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Even if he has realized…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was confident it wouldn’t change anything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if he were a pureblood capable of claiming the title of Dragon Lord, he couldn’t escape herAuthority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that conviction, Yuseon smiled and asked,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And so, what brings you here?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Confident in her dominance, Yuseon could afford to smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After the mercy I showed you, have you come back to die?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Quite the morbid thing to say. I have no intention of dying.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If not, then I can’t understand why you’re here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feigning exaggerated confusion, Yuseon continued, the smile fading from her lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If I’d given you time, you could’ve run away disgracefully. So why come back here?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ll be back.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuseon had told him that. She had intended to return when the time was right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For now, she had been content to wait.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet, Gu Yangcheon had come to her directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could it be?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Did you think that, just because you gained some strength, you could defeat me? That would be disappointing.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she spoke, Yuseon flicked her fingers slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A peculiar sound rang out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon glanced toward the source of the noise—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From his left shoulder, something exploded, and his arm was severed cleanly from his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud-thud-thud!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blood from the wound dripped onto the floor, forming a crimson pool.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the face of the sudden turn of events, Yuseon spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Know your place. Even among dragons, we are not equals.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her expression exuded overwhelming arrogance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon, however, simply stared at her, his face blank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite the pain he must have been feeling, there wasn’t even a twitch of discomfort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blood dripped from the corner of his mouth, but he didn’t bother to wipe it away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This feels real—the pain, too. No wonder I couldn’t notice it before.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…What are you talking about?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuseon frowned at his cryptic words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Back then, and now too. It’s incredible. Is this what they call Authority?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At his remark, Yuseon clenched her teeth internally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed her suspicion was correct.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had realized exactly what was happening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So this entire space—your Authority?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuseon didn’t answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if Gu Yangcheon had figured it out, it didn’t matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He’s in my domain.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as he was within her \"nest,\" his chances of victory were nonexistent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that thought, Yuseon spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why don’t you try to guess?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She turned his earlier words back on him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon chuckled, the sound unsettling as blood dripped from his mouth and his severed arm lay on the floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s fine. I’m not that curious.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…You.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What did you ask earlier? Why I came?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hum.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon’s eyes glimmered faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuseon felt an uncanny sensation, as if the very air had shifted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"First, I wanted to try something out, and you’re the only one I could test it on.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What…?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Second, I remembered something you said.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Something I said?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At her puzzled response, Gu Yangcheon replied,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You said dragons don’t tolerate having what’s theirs taken.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And what do you think?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With his one remaining arm, Gu Yangcheon brushed his hair back, revealing his clear, piercing gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I’ve come to take back what was stolen from me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Give it back.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What could he possibly be asking for? Yuseon pondered briefly before the answer came to her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was only one thing he could want from her right now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Vioe-gun?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That’s right.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if to confirm, Gu Yangcheon smiled, while Yuseon’s expression twisted into a vicious scowl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing her reaction, Gu Yangcheon clapped his hands mockingly, though with only one hand, it amounted to a hollow gesture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wow, that look on your face—it’s terrifying.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How dare you…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuseon’s emotions triggered a violent tremor in the space around them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hm?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon’s body was lifted into the air and pulled toward Yuseon’s outstretched hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grab!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She caught him by the neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crunch!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her grip tightened as she spoke through her twisted expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don’t delude yourself… How dare you covet what’s mine?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Yuseon had maintained her composure until now, her reaction this time was undeniably intense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Here we go again. This part always feels terrible.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even in this situation, Gu Yangcheon remained composed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Don’t misunderstand. I didn’t steal what’s yours.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rumble!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tremors grew more intense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He was mine to begin with. I was merely taking back what already belonged to me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hm.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's not yours.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crunch!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was a sensation as if something was being crushed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Where this time?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon focused on his body, and he realized the pressure was now on his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was she planning to crush his heart? Sensing this, he nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright then, make it yours.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…What?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuseon was momentarily startled by his casual response.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just take it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such nonchalant words from someone who had stormed into enemy territory to reclaim what was his—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed absurdly flippant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Go ahead, make it yours—him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was as if it didn’t matter at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And to Gu Yangcheon, it really didn’t.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s fine if he’s yours.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether it was Woo Hyuk or Vioe-gun, even if they truly belonged to Yuseon, Gu Yangcheon genuinely didn’t care.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What does it matter?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So what if it was Yuseon’s?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I didn’t come here to reclaim what’s mine. I came to take what’s yours.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What…?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The meaning wouldn’t change.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Yuseon reeled at his ridiculous wordplay,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clench!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon used his one remaining hand to grab Yuseon’s wrist, the one gripping his neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a situation reminiscent of their last encounter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the problem remained: Yuseon didn’t budge an inch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon continued to apply force, but breaking free of her grip was nearly impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite his increased energy and elevated cultivation level, the outcome was the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, Gu Yangcheon didn’t seem bothered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking directly at Yuseon, he spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You know, I’ve realized something—I’m really greedy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a revelation that had struck him recently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t want to lose anything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had to have everything he desired.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And if he couldn’t, he’d crush and take it by force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So, even if he’s yours, it doesn’t matter to me. I’ll just take him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it belonged to someone else, he’d simply steal it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he wanted something, he’d get it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Primal instincts guided him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With hesitation gone, it seemed this had always been his true nature.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Whether I became arrogant and selfish because I’m a dragon, or I was always this way—I’m not sure.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps it was this greed that had given him his \"Authority.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon couldn’t help but find the thought amusing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But one thing is clear. If I want something, I’ll take it—especially if it’s yours.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuseon fell silent, her expression gradually freezing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her once-heated demeanor cooled, and she felt that her earlier outburst was foolish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re right,\" she said, nodding at Gu Yangcheon’s words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Words were meaningless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was here to take what was hers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What reason was there to deny such a simple truth?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All that mattered was ensuring he couldn’t take it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stab!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuseon’s free hand plunged into Gu Yangcheon’s chest, piercing his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just like that—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thunk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon’s head drooped, his body going limp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This had been the inevitable conclusion from the moment he entered her domain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a predetermined outcome, and it had simply come to pass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though anticlimactic, it was reality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…Getting so worked up was foolish.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The exaggerated reaction seemed laughable in hindsight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuseon sighed and began to withdraw her hand when—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Grip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her hand wouldn’t move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hand piercing Gu Yangcheon’s chest felt stuck, as though bound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clench!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The same went for the hand gripping his neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What is this…!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuseon gasped in shock just as Gu Yangcheon’s voice, low and steady, came from his seemingly limp body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Got you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Startled, Yuseon tried to exert more force, but—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Devour.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon acted first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Greed (탐, Tām).\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A blue darkness enveloped the space entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>",2804,"2026-06-05T15:10:11.188Z",1,"novelbin.me","ca2d298e4e71beefe76c909d0f4e34013048518c2866006c802f0183ab5307bb","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-628","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-626",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]