[{"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-636":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},1240486,1667,"Chapter 635","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-636",636,"\u003Cp>Silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a world scorched black, Woo Hyuk pondered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was truly quiet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A world that had been filled with noise was, for some reason, silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just moments ago, it had undoubtedly been unbearably loud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Kill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Accept.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Praise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These weren’t the usual chaotic noises he was accustomed to. Unlike the muddled cacophony he typically heard, these voices were piercingly clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How much time had passed since he started hearing these sounds? It felt like an eternity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom! Boom, boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, there were echoes of something shattering, as if the ceiling was collapsing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Praise…!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Revere!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The voices, as if attempting to brainwash him, kept repeating over and over again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then, after a long while of incessant ringing—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Praise…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Abruptly, silence returned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Hmm?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noticing the stillness, Woo Hyuk slowly opened his eyes. A strange sense of longing washed over him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It wasn’t bad.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the repetitive voices had become slightly tiresome, compared to the usual noises, they were no different from a lullaby.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘At this rate, I could rest a little more.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then it occurred to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The fact that the sounds have stopped…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It likely meant something was about to happen. With that thought, Woo Hyuk opened his eyes fully and sat up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He tilted his head at the sight before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Night had fallen over the world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A pitch-black night so dark that nothing could be seen—not the ground below, nor the sky above.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking upward, Woo Hyuk let out a sound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He clearly saw it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The remaining white backdrop, consumed and swallowed by the encroaching blackness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was the last of it. The entire world around Woo Hyuk had been scorched black.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Heh.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Woo Hyuk laughed at the sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is perfect for sleeping.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rather than worry, that was the first thought that came to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A world devoid of even a single glimmer of light. If he closed his eyes here, it felt like he’d sleep soundly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he considered this and was about to lie back down—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Come to think of it…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An odd thought crossed his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why am I here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why was he in such a place? It was only now that the question arose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How had he ended up here?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I remember… near the end…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thought he’d followed someone and seen something. But the details were unclear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, does it matter?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t feel it was particularly important.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Using his arm as a pillow, Woo Hyuk turned onto his side. Whatever it was, what did it matter?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It’s so peaceful right now.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tranquility of the moment was more significant to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the silence, he sought sleep. Unable to resist the temptation, Woo Hyuk began to close his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He felt a presence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Curious about the sudden intrusion, he turned his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Someone was sitting next to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And not just anyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Creak… groan…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They sat on something white and indiscernible, crushing it under their weight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It vaguely resembled a snake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But no. It wasn’t quite a snake. Its form was too peculiar for that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And as for the person atop it…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…Who is that?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was someone Woo Hyuk had never seen before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clad in a torn and tattered black martial robe, their frame didn’t appear particularly large.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, when Woo Hyuk raised his gaze to look at their face—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A chill ran down his spine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instinctively, his body shot upright.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Goosebumps erupted across his skin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as their eyes met, an inexplicable terror engulfed him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…What is this killing intent…?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sheer murderous aura emanating from the man put Woo Hyuk’s body on high alert.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man had done nothing—hadn’t even directed his gaze at Woo Hyuk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet, just being in his presence made Woo Hyuk feel as though death was imminent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was as if the man had condensed killing intent into human form.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such a man stood before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Who are you…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a voice full of caution, Woo Hyuk asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man slowly turned his head to face Woo Hyuk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his face, Woo Hyuk flinched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…What is this?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked familiar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man’s face bore a striking resemblance to someone Woo Hyuk knew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aside from the amethyst-like pupils and sclera darkened as if scorched, the man’s sharp eyes and features reminded him of someone familiar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was as if this was how that person would look if they aged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gulp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the heavy silence, Woo Hyuk swallowed dryly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m sorry.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sudden apology broke the stillness, leaving Woo Hyuk dumbfounded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hadn’t expected such words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unconcerned with hiding his confusion, Woo Hyuk questioned the man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I realized I’ve never said those words to you before.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Does he know me?Woo Hyuk wore a puzzled expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do you think?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, the man directed a question at Woo Hyuk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The man you saved—how do I seem now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Saved? What was he talking about? Woo Hyuk couldn’t comprehend.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Saved him? When had he ever saved this man?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…When did I ever save you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Though I’ve tried to understand, I’ve never been able to comprehend you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even as Woo Hyuk asked, the man didn’t seem inclined to answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To risk your precious life to save me—to do so without a moment’s hesitation—I’ll never understand that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For some reason, Woo Hyuk felt suffocated as he listened to the man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Who are you? Who could you possibly be to say such things?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you regret it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once again, no answer. The man merely continued speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I hope you do.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice was heavy, his tone scorched with weariness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So you’ll resent me. You deserve that.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Back then. And…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man turned his head away from Woo Hyuk again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In the future.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how Woo Hyuk looked at it, he couldn’t understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What the man was saying, who he even was—none of it made sense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…I don’t know what you’re saying.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For some reason, Woo Hyuk felt compelled to respond.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why? If he had to explain—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If I truly saved you…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It just felt like the right thing to do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s because you seemed worth saving.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man still didn’t look at Woo Hyuk, but his shoulders trembled faintly at those words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You asked if I regretted it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Woo Hyuk answered with a blunt expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, I probably didn’t. I would have saved someone worthwhile. That’s enough. That’s what I’d have thought.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s what he believed he would have done. Those feelings shaped his words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You started wrong.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Started?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m sorry.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man’s initial words to Woo Hyuk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Woo Hyuk didn’t like them for some reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That would’ve been a little better to hear.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ha.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At Woo Hyuk’s response, the man let out a soft laugh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re still an idiot.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Caught off guard by the sudden insult, Woo Hyuk stared at the man incredulously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet, he felt oddly familiar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Damn brat.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“For a stranger, you sure have a foul mouth. Does everyone who looks like that act this way—?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Woo Hyuk could finish, the man rose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, Woo Hyuk waved his hands in alarm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wait, wait! It was a joke! Just a joke—!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instinctively sensing danger, Woo Hyuk prepared to flee, but—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, the man didn’t seem intent on hitting him. Approaching Woo Hyuk calmly, the man looked down at him and spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now, get up.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Excuse me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s about time. My hand’s starting to hurt.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...What?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Woo Hyuk could make sense of the statement—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slap!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ugh!?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Woo Hyuk’s head turned sharply to the side. A stinging pain spread across his cheek, prompting him to clutch it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had been slapped. But—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘It wasn’t him who hit me.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man before him hadn’t moved. What was going on?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slap!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Argh!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another hit. And it didn’t stop there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slap! Slap! Slap!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With each sharp sound, Woo Hyuk’s head was whipped back and forth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ugh—stop it!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He shouted, not even sure who he was yelling at. The man, meanwhile, merely stared at him and spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Get up.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slap!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wait—hold on—!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Slap! Slap!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I said, get up.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>SLAP!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn it—!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unable to endure the pain any longer, Woo Hyuk finally shouted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fine! I’ll get up! Just stop hitting me!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, he shot to his feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hah… hah…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re up,\" came a voice, lighter and more youthful than the one they had been conversing in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Woo Hyuk turned his gaze toward it and saw Gu Yangcheon standing there, hand raised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...You…ugh!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pain flared again as Woo Hyuk winced, his cheeks throbbing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were unbearably sore and burning hot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You just wouldn’t wake up. So, I gave you a little nudge. Turns out this was the answer.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wait. The pain and sound he’d been experiencing…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...You were actually hitting me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You wouldn’t wake up,\" Gu Yangcheon replied casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Woo Hyuk, his cheeks swollen, grumbled, \"Couldn’t you have just used your energy to wake me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, a simple flow of energy would’ve been enough to rouse him. It might have been a slightly advanced technique, but for someone like Gu Yangcheon, it should’ve been child’s play.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon gave an awkward laugh. \"Yeah, that doesn’t really work on you anymore.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What…?\" Woo Hyuk started to ask, only to freeze, his eyes widening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something felt off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He inspected his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then he noticed. His body was different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What is this?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aside from his tattered robes, his body didn’t appear damaged on the surface. But internally, everything was different.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘...Energy.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An overwhelming amount of energy coursed through him, far more than he was accustomed to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Woo Hyuk had already been a prodigy of his generation, known as one of the \"Three Peaks of Wudang.\" His energy had never been insignificant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, it was on an entirely different level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘...It’s overflowing.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It flowed and surged, so much that he couldn’t even grasp its full extent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he assessed the energy, Woo Hyuk noticed the most peculiar thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Why is my energy...?!’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The energy that should have been centered in his lower dantian was now concentrated near his heart—in the middle dantian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was going on?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tsk.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon clicked his tongue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You’re already an arrogant bastard, and now you’ve gone and devoured a fortune on top of it.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A fortune…?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ah, damn it. What a waste….\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His sighs grew heavier, tinged with genuine frustration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Seriously, such a waste….\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...What are you talking about? What’s so wasteful?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There’s stuff like that, you idiot! If I’d gotten it instead, I could’ve….\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon grumbled while inspecting Woo Hyuk’s body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Still, at least it seems to be working properly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Judging by your state, you don’t seem to realize what you’ve gained. Is this some side effect from passing it over?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What are you talking about?\" Woo Hyuk asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Never mind. As long as it works, that’s all that matters.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without answering any of Woo Hyuk’s questions, Gu Yangcheon straightened up. Woo Hyuk, noticing the state of his companion, spoke with concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Are you hurt?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huh? Oh.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon’s body was in a terrible condition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His torso bore deep, dark wounds from which blood seeped. Scrapes and gashes covered him, evidence of countless battles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘His breathing is erratic.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon’s uneven breathing was a clear sign of exhaustion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For someone like him—a monster in human form—to reach such a state, what on earth had happened?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s just a few scratches,\" Gu Yangcheon dismissed lightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But his condition was far from simple. Meanwhile, Woo Hyuk glanced around, taking in his surroundings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This place….\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was destroyed and in ruins, but still familiar. It was the place he and Yuseon had come to.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yuseon…! Where is Lady Il Gong-nyeo?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At Woo Hyuk’s question, Gu Yangcheon frowned slightly and replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I had a lot of questions I wanted to ask you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Woo Hyuk clamped his mouth shut.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were words that needed to be exchanged between them. Gu Yangcheon had things to ask Woo Hyuk, and now Woo Hyuk had questions for him as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So, be ready.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...Ready?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yeah, ready.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon rubbed his ear with his pinky finger, as if bored.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s going to be a long conversation, so let’s both prepare a three-sentence summary. For each other.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Neither of us is a fan of lengthy chatter, right?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It should’ve been a grave moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But, as always, Gu Yangcheon’s demeanor was nonchalant. Suggesting a three-sentence summary in such a situation—it was sheer lunacy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘This guy….’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The more Woo Hyuk looked at him, the less he understood him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Gu Yangcheon turned to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then, I’ll head out first. Take your time coming.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon’s words left Woo Hyuk flustered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Head out? Where?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was he seriously planning to leave Woo Hyuk here?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Woo Hyuk’s confusion grew, Gu Yangcheon explained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I was going to take you with me when you woke up.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was, after all, the original purpose of his search.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It’s gotten urgent.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon wiped away cold sweat as he glanced at something in the distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Damn it. Even at the end, it’s still causing trouble. Nothing’s ever simple, is it?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yangcheon…?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You should be fine on your own now. Just make your way back.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed Gu Yangcheon didn’t have time to explain. He crouched slightly, preparing to leap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, flames engulfed his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And just as he was about to take off—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if remembering something, Gu Yangcheon turned back to Woo Hyuk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hey.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Huh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thanks…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hesitated for a moment, biting his lip before finishing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thanks for staying alive.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Woo Hyuk could ask what he meant—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fwoosh! Boom!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon shot through the ceiling, surrounded by flames.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Left alone, Woo Hyuk couldn’t help but feel…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something bittersweet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if the feelings he was experiencing weren’t entirely his own.\u003C\u002Fp>",2317,"2026-06-05T15:10:11.188Z",1,"novelbin.me","00284c4ea0cd9284ff6cc3a07e939332d4ed4afd00f728c3b28963b7056fed19","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-637","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-635",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]