[{"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-797":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},1240597,1667,"Chapter 796","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-797",797,"\u003Cp>The Star Dragon Unit was recruiting members.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This news came shortly after the announcement that the Star King had become one of the Martial Alliance’s captains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The unit, to be led by the Star King, was specifically formed to deal with human combat rather than monsters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike the other sword units, which had been established primarily to counter monsters, this unit focused on interpersonal combat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Martial Alliance’s declaration to create this specialized unit, led by the Star King, was a clear sign—they were preparing for war against the unorthodox sects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The age of peace had already shattered after the emergence of Crimson-Rank monsters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the alliance had done its best to maintain appearances, the recent events made that impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the appearance of a White-Rank monster and the rise of a new group calling itself the Demonic Cult, public anxiety had reached its peak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Forming a unit specifically to counter the unorthodox sects wasn’t received poorly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, it was surprisingly well-received.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ah, though…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘That’s mostly because of me.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After running around and cleaning up messes, my reputation had skyrocketed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thanks to that, anything the Star King announced was met with positivity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some even called me the hope of this era.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just hearing it made me feel burdened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On top of that, my face had become so recognizable that walking around Hanam in my normal appearance was nearly impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I could’ve solved that easily by wearing a veil or using a transformation technique, but—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I’m not going that far.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since I wasn’t fond of going out in the first place, I figured it’d be easier to just stay in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At any rate, my position had grown significantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To exaggerate a little, people would probably cheer even if I just took a dump.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whatever I did, they believed there was some great meaning behind it, and just passing by made their eyes light up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…Was this what it was like for the Divine Sword in my past life?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Probably not to that extent, but it felt similar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In my past life, I was treated as a walking disaster—something to be feared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this life, I was treated as a hero.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even as I felt the difference—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…Tch.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn’t enjoy it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wasn’t something I did for fun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’d built this situation intentionally, and I wasn’t interested in basking in admiration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All I felt was discomfort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyway.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Star Dragon Unit, a special team formed by the Star King.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With its creation announced, the Martial Alliance made a shocking follow-up declaration yesterday.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They would be recruiting members not only from within the alliance but also from outside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Normally, sword units in the alliance consisted exclusively of internal martial artists.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet the Star Dragon Unit boldly declared it would recruit external members.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, it wouldn’t be entirely made up of outsiders—some members would still come from within the alliance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Still, recruiting outsiders is unprecedented.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the Martial Alliance, this was a radical move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The alliance prided itself on tradition, considering itself the heart of the orthodox sects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To preserve that image, it followed strict rules.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One such rule was that any new group had to be formed exclusively with internal members.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wasn’t just the Martial Alliance—most organizations operated the same way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, for the alliance to break its own rules and recruit externally was a huge deal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Coupled with the symbolic meaning behind the unit, far more people had gathered than I expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rustle—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I flipped through the documents listing the applicants.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The papers contained basic information about the candidates.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A total of 103 people had shown up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Considering this was just one day’s worth of recruitment, it was an impressive number.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I heard most of the prominent families and sects already left Hanam.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The noble families and renowned sects that came for the martial tournament.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the mourning ceremony, most of them had returned home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only a handful remained in Hanam.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Six families and five sects.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite so many having left, this many people still gathered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did they really see that much value in the Star Dragon Unit?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If so, I couldn’t understand their reasoning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As I mentioned earlier, we’ll be selecting a total of ten members.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The alliance member in charge of the event began explaining.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I leaned my chin on my hand and listened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ten members from outside the alliance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another ten from within.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Star Dragon Unit would have 25 members in total.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why 25 when only 20 were announced?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because I had privately arranged five additional members with Muk Yeon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Altogether, 25.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It might seem like a lot, but compared to the other sword units, it was a small, elite force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Information Unit, Azure Dragon, had over 80 members.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the Red Dragon Unit, considered small, had more than 40.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But 25? That was tiny.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tap.Tap-tap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I drummed my fingers on the table, drawing a glance from the Twin Crescent Swords.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Hmm.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I kept my eyes on the papers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The numbers didn’t matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fewer, the better.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That part was fine—expected, even.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…What is this?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was a slight problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Why are these people here?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Several familiar names appeared in the documents.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Names that shouldn’t have been there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Names I went out of my way to keep out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘This isn’t good.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all the trouble I went through to prevent this, how did they end up here?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Ha.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just what was going on?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As suspicion swirled—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Sir?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘How did they even find out—’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sir Star King—!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A loud voice snapped me out of my thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was the alliance member speaking earlier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Apologies. You didn’t seem to be paying attention… Are you alright?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, yes. I just got distracted for a moment. What is it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I was reporting that the explanations are finished.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I turned and noticed the participants were all looking at me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I heard you personally prepared this test.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, right.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I cleared my throat a few times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he said, I was the one in charge of the test.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’d told Muk Yeon ahead of time that I’d handle it myself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’d declared that I’d choose members however I saw fit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Sigh….’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This situation was a bit annoying, but I had to move forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Narrowing my eyes, I looked at the gathered candidates and spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thanks for coming. Let’s skip introductions and get started.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd murmured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They hadn’t expected me to skip introductions entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I could sense their tension rising.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were probably expecting duels or tests of strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Not even close.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Judging by the arena setup, everyone thought this would involve combat trials.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a reasonable assumption—tests like these usually involved sparring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But too bad for them—I had no intention of doing things by the book.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rustle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I flipped through a few more sheets of the scroll before pausing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘This one’s good.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I’d found someone fitting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You there.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I pointed at someone immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man I singled out looked around nervously before pointing to himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…M-Me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, you. Please step up onto the dueling platform.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was an abrupt request, but the man didn’t hesitate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stepped forward without a word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn’t particularly tall, and his lean frame showed wiry muscles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From his build, it was clear he was a swordsman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s been a while. How’s your body holding up?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was someone I knew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment I acknowledged him, his eyes widened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You… remember me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It wasn’t exactly a short encounter. Of course, I remember. How are you?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m perfectly fine, no issues at all.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good to hear.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man gave a small nod, his expression calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn’t quite recall his name, but his nickname was—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Was it something like the Tenacity Blade?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wasn’t particularly famous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I just remembered he had fought in the battle against the White-Rank monster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So there he was—the Tenacity Blade—standing awkwardly as if unsure what to do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I gave him a slight smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sorry for calling you out like this. I just have a quick favor to ask.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“N-No, it’s fine. A favor? What kind…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just stand there until we’re finished.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I needed a clear benchmark, and you seemed perfect for it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A benchmark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A vague term, which only deepened the confusion on his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He still looked completely lost, so I added,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Oh, by the way—you’re already accepted.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wait… Huh? What do you mean I’m accepted…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The test is starting. The first row, left side—step up one by one.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leaving the Tenacity Blade still dumbfounded, I began calling people up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And after that—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Rejected. Rejected. Rejected. Hmm… Accepted. Oh, the three of you in the back—don’t bother coming up. You’re rejected.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I judged them at lightning speed, dismissing or approving candidates within seconds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The participants’ expressions ranged from disbelief to outrage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, it didn’t make sense—I knew that too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But I didn’t care.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had already discussed this with Muk Yeon beforehand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After eliminating about ten more people—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, you’re out. Next—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I paused as the next candidate stepped onto the platform.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Damn it.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was one of the problems I’d noticed earlier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Click.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her footsteps were light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And with them, the murmurs around us faded into silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A woman stepped onto the platform.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the silence she brought was suffocating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her clothes swayed with each step, and she brushed back her hair as the wind lifted it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her blue eyes glimmered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Wow….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Ah….”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soft gasps broke the silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was the only response.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ten steps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It took her no more than ten steps to reach the platform, but time felt slower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was nothing special about her movements—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet every damn person in the crowd was staring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had to furrow my brows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘For god’s sake, I told you to wear a veil if you’re going to walk around.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I already felt a headache coming on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had no idea why she kept getting prettier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The woman, now standing on the platform, made even the Tenacity Blade beside her sweat nervously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I scratched the back of my neck and stared at the white-haired woman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Our eyes met.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah’s clear blue eyes fixed on me without wavering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I took in the reactions around her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ones who had been rejected and were grinding their teeth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ones who were still tense about the upcoming tests.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every single one of them was staring at Namgung Bi-ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And it pissed me off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Haa.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I couldn’t just gouge out their eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wanted to, but I had to hold back—and that pissed me off even more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Tch.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clicking my tongue, I looked at Namgung Bi-ah again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her eyes were beautiful but disturbingly indifferent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At first glance, she seemed completely emotionless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after being around her long enough, I could tell—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those were the eyes of someone expecting something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was looking at me, expecting something.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And I knew exactly what she wanted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was obvious the moment she showed up without even telling me in advance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘No.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wasn’t about to give in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No way in hell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was about to reject her outright when—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Reject—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Bang—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sudden crash interrupted me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It came from the table being slammed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I turned to see the Twin Crescent Swords, his face red with anger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is—!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was grinding his teeth, practically foaming at the mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What the hell do you think you’re doing?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He roared, shaking with fury.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What the hell was his problem now?\u003C\u002Fp>",1910,"2026-06-05T15:10:17.629Z",1,"novelbin.me","7771dc2172d1ae40fc7fe4228c69d6f4f44984526a9b62868e44aa042ca38131","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-798","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-796",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]