[{"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-727":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},1240777,1667,"Chapter 726","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-727",727,"\u003Cp>-Yul-ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was something my master once told me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-“Someday, you’ll feel like the world is being especially cruel to you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was my parent and my friend.My friend and my everything.He often said those words while sitting me on his lap when I was a child.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swoosh.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His hand, rough but gentle, stroked my hair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-“When that time comes, remember this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His voice was dry, yet soft.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-“Even if the world makes you suffer, know that it’s not your fault, Yul.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spoke those words to comfort me when I came crying after being tormented.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young Seong Yul nodded at his words, but even after all these years, he couldn’t understand them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was it really not my fault?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The world grew darker and darker.Murderous urges threatened to burst out at any moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how much I recited the Daoist teachings, no matter how often I meditated, I couldn’t suppress them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I want to kill.I want to kill everything I see.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I don’t know why.I don’t even understand why I feel this way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it felt like I had to do it—As if it was the very reason I was born.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When I could no longer resist and bit my master’s hand as hard as I could,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He simply patted my back with the same calm expression as always.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He said it was okay.That I could endure it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That I was capable.And so, I tried.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I stopped biting his hand and used my own instead.On days when I couldn’t bear it, I crawled under the covers and faced the darkness alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s how I lived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A cursed life.A master who accepted me for what I was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clinging to that thought was the only thing that kept me going.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My master was my shelter.He shielded and protected me.I endured because he was there.I lived because he was there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What am I supposed to do?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that my master was gone, how was I supposed to live?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the thought that surfaced the first time I killed someone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blood stained my blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seong Yul stared at the person he had just killed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The body was mangled, brutally torn apart.They said he was a man who had assaulted a woman in a nearby village and fled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What did I feel back then?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shaa—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That day, it rained.The downpour was so intense that some areas flooded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I watched the blood flow away with the water,watched as the man grew cold and lifeless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a disciple of the Dao, I felt guilt for taking a life.I also felt fear—the fear of having killed another human being.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I would be lying if I said I didn’t feel those things.But even as those heavy emotions lingered,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What remained at the center—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was ecstasy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haa… Haa.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Overwhelming.So this is what a dying human looks like.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even as the rain poured down, the scent of blood was thick and rich.Its fragrance was irresistible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could something be so beautiful?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was becoming addicted to killing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the moment I realized it—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Urgh…!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I dropped to my knees and vomited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Gah…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn’t stand the monster I had become.I couldn’t bear the thought that I admired death—that I wasn’t human anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I felt like a monster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hic… Hic…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crying, I picked up my sword.The same sword I had used to butcher that man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this time, I pointed it at my own throat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If this was what I had become, then I should just die.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I should disappear completely.I made up my mind and prepared to slit my own throat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-Yul-ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, I froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I thought I heard my master’s voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-“It’s okay.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I remembered his words.I saw his face, smiling even as he faced death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-“So live.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn’t bring the blade any closer to my neck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Ah…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could a life like this even have meaning?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What value was there in clinging to this cursed existence, knowing I would one day become a monster?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Please…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If someone knew the answer, I begged them to tell me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That day, in the rain,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I prayed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Jin Im-seok.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A voice snapped Seong Yul out of his thoughts, and he opened his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beyond his clearing vision, he saw a spacious arena.A rectangular stage surrounded by countless spectators.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thump—!His heart pounded wildly at the sight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Insects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd looked like a swarm of insects.He wanted to crush them all and paint the world in blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought made him clutch his chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Calm down.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s fine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He took a deep breath, calming himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’s behind me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So it’s fine.Repeating that thought, Seong Yul cooled his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Jin Im-seok. Are you alright?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The referee’s voice brought him back to reality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’ll begin soon. Are you sure you’re ready?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was just a formality.Seong Yul’s answer had already been decided before he stepped onto the stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes. No problem.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The referee turned his gaze to the opposite side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A man, clad in black from head to toe, stood before Seong Yul.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…Fallen Blade, was it?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin.The son of the Peng Clan’s Blade King.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was his name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Peng Woojin.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve been ready for a while.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Alright. Then let’s prepare to begin.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The referee’s words made Peng Woojin grin.Seeing that grin gave Seong Yul an odd feeling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What is this?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t describe it.It was an inexplicable, eerie sensation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It made him instinctively wary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Seong Yul furrowed his brow,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master Jin, was it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin spoke before the match started.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The name still felt unfamiliar, but Seong Yul nodded because he had been told to use it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I see you’re close with Master Gu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Excuse me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master Gu?His tone sounded strange, but Seong Yul didn’t bother to correct him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do you think?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…About what?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They say a friend of a friend is also a friend. Since I’m close with Master Gu, why don’t we strengthen our bond as well?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seong Yul was caught off guard by the sudden remark and couldn’t immediately respond.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To ask such questions right before a duel—was he mocking me?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought flashed through my mind, but Seong Yul chose not to dwell on it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘There’s something important at stake.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was something he needed to gain from this match.He couldn’t afford to be shaken by pointless distractions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Srrng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before responding, Seong Yul drew his sword.Peng Woojin, who had been smiling, momentarily faltered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“First, I must apologize.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh my…! A rejection? That’s quite disappointing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s not so much a rejection as it is a clarification. I am not friends with Master Gu.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He and I could not be described as friends.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I merely follow in his footsteps. Our relationship is not one where I can call him a friend.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Following him didn’t mean treading the same path he had walked or would walk in the future.It was, quite literally, just following behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And furthermore—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seong Yul tightened his grip on his sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“While I appreciate Peng Woojin’s words, forging bonds would only cause hesitation when it comes time to cross blades. I must, with apologies, decline.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t afford to hold back.He had to win this duel—no matter what.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin let out a soft hum, as if disappointed by Seong Yul’s words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, he didn’t erase the smile from his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What a shame. Though I can’t compare to Master Gu, you too have a rather pleasing color.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Color?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was he referring to my clothes, my eyes, or perhaps my hair?Seong Yul felt a brief sense of confusion, but Peng Woojin continued speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I understand your reasoning well, which is why it’s even more regrettable.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was difficult to point a blade at someone with whom you’d formed a bond.Peng Woojin seemed to understand that sentiment all too well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Which is precisely why I wanted to form that bond.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The words made Seong Yul furrow his brows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Prepare.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The referee’s voice rang out.Seong Yul immediately steeled himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t let his guard down.He resolved never to lose focus against Peng Woojin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before stepping onto the stage, Gu Yangcheon had warned him:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-“Do everything you can. If you don’t, you’ll wish you died when I’m through with you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just recalling those words sent a shiver down his spine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But there had been meaning in those words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon had been giving him a heads-up.Peng Woojin was strong—so strong that he needed to focus completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hoo.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tension.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vigilance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Concentration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seong Yul’s senses slowly sharpened, and his body warmed up.He gathered his energy through steady breaths, focusing entirely on Peng Woojin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I won’t lose.I have to win.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So that—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I can learn the truth about Master’s death.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that resolve, he hardened his determination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The referee slowly opened his mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Begin.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Swish—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The referee’s hand, raised high, dropped down.Seong Yul immediately prepared to charge at Peng Woojin—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My apologies in advance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kuugh!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a sudden impact, Seong Yul’s knees buckled.What just happened? With his vision blurred, Seong Yul barely managed to brace himself against the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Drip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Plop—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blood trickled onto the floor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was his own blood.Seong Yul quickly clutched his mouth to stop the flow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As his hazy vision gradually cleared, realization struck him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I lost consciousness…?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It couldn’t have been more than a second.Even if it was brief, Seong Yul had blacked out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What had happened?Stiffly, he lifted his head and looked at Peng Woojin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man who had been several steps away was now standing right in front of him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What had hit me?Was it his fist? Or the flat side of his blade?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whatever it was, he had definitely attacked me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You see, normally…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin’s voice rang out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t particularly enjoy doing this.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No matter how much you try to teach the incompetent, it’s meaningless. And since I can’t show too much, there’s only so much I can offer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He scratched his cheek, looking as though the whole situation annoyed him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seong Yul instinctively leapt back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crash—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even as he spoke, Peng Woojin swung his blade, slicing through the spot where Seong Yul had just been.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The heavy blade exuded an ominous pressure, and Seong Yul swallowed nervously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he hadn’t dodged, his chest would’ve been torn open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This time, however, it’s different. Someone I respect asked this of me, and unlike those other fools, you’re not incompetent. So let’s see what you’ve got.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin slammed his blade into the ground, and energy burst forth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blade began to darken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If I have one request for you, Master Jin… I hope—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vrrrrr—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A deafening hum resonated from the blade.Seong Yul bit his lip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What the hell is he saying?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The vague words confused him, but there was no time to ask questions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I hope you make me happy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment he finished speaking, Peng Woojin flashed a grin and lunged at Seong Yul.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crash—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Urgh!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seong Yul groaned as he barely managed to block the attack with his sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now he understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The unexplainable sensation he felt from Peng Woojin—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His instincts were screaming in terror.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vrrng—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He immediately coated his blade with energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin’s relentless attacks were barely deflected, but each collision left Seong Yul’s mind reeling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom—! Boom! Boom—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It felt like being pounded by a blunt weapon.Even though he blocked every strike, his arms felt like they were about to tear apart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Creak—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their blades locked for a moment, but then Peng Woojin twisted his weapon, knocking Seong Yul off balance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pressure exploded, and Seong Yul’s arm recoiled violently, leaving his torso wide open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hurriedly gathered energy to defend—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Peng Woojin struck with the flat of his blade, shattering the energy barrier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The force was overwhelming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Smash—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Gah!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The flat of the blade slammed into Seong Yul’s chest.He clearly felt his bones rattle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The impact sent him flying across the stage, leaving a trail of blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Urgh…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Barely managing to stop himself, Seong Yul clutched his chest and gasped for breath.Pain shot through him with every inhale—his ribs were likely cracked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even so, he had no time to stop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin wasn’t giving him any room to breathe as he pressed the attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dodging the incoming strikes, Seong Yul’s thoughts raced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He’s… strong.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Terrifyingly strong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It only took a few exchanges to realize—Peng Woojin was far stronger than he had imagined.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fighting Peng Woojin felt different from facing Gu Yangcheon, but the conclusion was just as clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…I can’t win.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The end was inevitable. No matter what he tried, he couldn’t overcome this opponent.The overwhelming gap between them drained his will to fight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was that why?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was that the reason Gu Yangcheon made that bet?Did he already know Seong Yul had no chance of winning? Is that why he pushed him like that?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If so, it was cruel—far too cruel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The impact of Peng Woojin’s blade against Seong Yul’s sword sent tremors through his legs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His knees shook.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though he had blocked the blow with both hands, it felt like being struck by a boulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“One more.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin’s voice rang out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite the raw power behind his strikes, his voice was eerily calm.Seong Yul bit his lip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew it was coming, but he couldn’t avoid it.The moment he heard the words, the blade was already falling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom—!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A heavier impact struck his blade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ugh…!!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once again, Seong Yul dropped to one knee.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His sword lowered as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Ah…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he stared at his sword, the thought crept in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no way out of this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His sword fell to the ground.Seong Yul’s head drooped as he knelt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His limbs were drained of strength.His trembling muscles screamed silently in agony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Staring at the ground, his vision started to blur.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The thought of not hearing the truth about his master burned inside him, but he had no choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I can’t win…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t do it.It had been impossible from the start.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As his consciousness began to fade—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Hey.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Flinch—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A familiar voice jolted him awake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[What the hell are you doing?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Gu Yangcheon’s voice—through sound transmission.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seong Yul immediately turned his head, scanning the crowd of spectators.Amid the throng of people, he found a pair of eyes locked onto him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[What the hell are you doing right now, you bastard?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sharp glare and harsh words.Those piercing blue eyes made him shrink back instinctively.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You’re giving up already? Are you insane?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seong Yul bit his lip under the barrage of scolding.Normally, he would’ve just accepted it quietly, but this time—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[…What am I supposed to do?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time, Seong Yul lashed out, defying Gu Yangcheon.That’s how cornered he felt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[What do you mean, what? Just fight. Don’t give up and fight.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[I can’t win.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You can’t win? How the hell do you know that? What have you even tried?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[…I’ve done everything I can. I can’t—]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Ha.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon scoffed as if he’d heard the most ridiculous thing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Everything? Don’t make me laugh. You’ve still got plenty left in the tank.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[No…! I swear I’ve—]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You’ve done everything, yet you still have the energy to talk to me through sound transmission? You call that giving it your all?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[…!]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seong Yul froze, unable to refute him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You haven’t done anything. You took a few hits and decided to quit. That’s all this is.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clench.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seong Yul’s fist trembled.He wanted to argue back, but he had no words to defend himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Stop acting like a child. Don’t tell yourself you’ve done everything when you haven’t done shit. That’s pathetic.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You—what do you even know—]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[I don’t know, that’s why I’m telling you to show me, you idiot! You’ve still got more to give. So stop making excuses and pick up your damn sword.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon’s frustrated tone only made Seong Yul’s anger rise.Part of him wanted to give up, to end it all—but then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Are you deaf? If you walk off that stage, I swear I’ll kill you myself before Peng Woojin does. Got it!?]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sheer force of his voice made Seong Yul grip his sword once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His muscles screamed in protest as he tried to move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ugh… ah…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He staggered, barely able to stand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peng Woojin was watching him with a relaxed expression, as if waiting to see what he’d do next.His eyes seemed to say, ‘Go ahead. Try something.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Giving up only counts when you’ve truly done everything.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon’s voice echoed in his mind as he willed himself to stand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[What you’re doing now isn’t giving up—it’s running away.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What’s the difference?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seong Yul couldn’t understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Get it together.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You know it too. There’s still more you can do.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More I can do?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seong Yul’s eyes cleared slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon was right—there was still something he hadn’t done.Something he had refused to do out of fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seong Yul closed his eyes, and in the darkness, he saw it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A lock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An old, cracked lock—so fragile it looked like it would shatter with a touch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It sealed a door.But despite the lock’s frailty, a sinister energy seeped out from the cracks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t open it.If he did, the monster inside would consume him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That fear had always stopped him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seong Yul took a deep breath, staring at the lock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I don’t know.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What does he expect me to do?I don’t understand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lock was all he could see.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the source of his curse.He knew he shouldn’t touch it, but—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Don’t be scared.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yangcheon’s words echoed again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[You’ll be fine.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he even realized it, Seong Yul’s hand touched the lock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Click.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the faintest touch, the lock shattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Creak—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The door it had sealed burst open.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And at that moment—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whooosh—!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The energy inside surged forth and engulfed Seong Yul completely.\u003C\u002Fp>",2985,"2026-06-05T15:10:16.200Z",1,"novelbin.me","bb2000fd67804ee11eed370c5ccc1343c347fba33f61e1ff3bf57d1ab2c0d543","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-728","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-726",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]