[{"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-808":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},1240608,1667,"Chapter 807","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-808",808,"\u003Cp>Creeeak! ! Screech—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rumbling noise and turbulent energy grew more intense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I listened, countless thoughts raced through my mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The vortex created by the clash was massive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Whoosh—!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sword aura burst out of the storm, hurtling toward a martial artist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without hesitation, I reached out and yanked the man away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A deep sword mark was left in the spot where he had barely dodged. The man, now safe, panted heavily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“T-Thank you… Thank you so much.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I didn’t bother replying to his gratitude. Instead, I focused on reinforcing my energy barrier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uuuuuung—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoooosh—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Heat erupted alongside the vibrations, engulfing the area.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Others had already moved to block the gusts from escaping, but their efforts were insufficient.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had to use more energy to reinforce the barrier before the vibrations finally subsided slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But while the outward ripples had been contained, the pressure inside remained just as fierce.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shatter—! Screech—!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ground cracked and trembled, and waves of energy scattered in all directions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a chaotic sight, violent beyond reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was too intense to be called a sparring match.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, it wasn’t quite a life-or-death battle either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no killing intent, but the sheer ferocity of the clash was overwhelming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the energy—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…Tsk.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I could feel the barrier I’d barely erected trembling violently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this rate, it wouldn’t even last for 30 minutes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ssssss—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Qi I poured into maintaining the barrier was depleting far too quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I immediately added more energy to reinforce it and turned my gaze to the side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Standing there with a dumbfounded expression was the Fiery Battle Sword, watching the scene unfold in disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Frowning, I snapped at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What are you doing? Explain already!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A-Ah! T-That, uh…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Startled by my demand, the Fiery Battle Sword hurriedly began his explanation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And his explanation was this—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>******************\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As expected, the moment they gathered, cracks began to form.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Martial Alliance’s group initially seemed united, but unsurprisingly, sparks of conflict ignited almost immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What? Why should you be the deputy commander?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Obviously, it should be me. I’m from the Azure Dragon Unit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What nonsense—! You said we should stick together, and now you’re claiming the position for yourself? And what’s this about the Azure Dragon Unit?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It didn’t take long for arguments to escalate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if they disliked being sent here, these martial artists craved honor. Especially those from the Martial Alliance, who were sensitive to status—nothing was more inflammatory than a dispute over rank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why bring up the Azure Dragon Unit? You were drafted here like the rest of us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What did you just say, you bastard?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you were so capable, you’d have been promoted already instead of rotting as a rank-and-file member. And now you want to be the deputy commander? Your arrogance is off the charts.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ha! Now I have to listen to this crap from some brat in the Iron Dragon Unit? Unreal.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He’s not wrong, though.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not wrong? Are we using informal speech now, you punk?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Rank doesn’t matter here. Do I really need to respect you as a senior?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tension in the room thickened with every word exchanged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Being drafted into this unit hadn’t put anyone in a good mood, and it was only natural that even minor cracks quickly widened into full-blown arguments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He’s right. What’s so special about the Azure Dragon Unit? Do you think being in it makes you special?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I heard from someone in the Flying Dragon Unit that this guy lost a leadership contest to his junior. Oh, is that why you’re here now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is that true?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I heard it clearly. My friend in the Flying Dragon Unit told me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ha! No wonder the great Azure Dragon Unit’s warrior ended up here. Got booted out of a leadership contest, yet you’re strutting around like you’re important? You should be ashamed of yourself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You bastards—!!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Srrrng—! (The sound of a sword being drawn.)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As expected, the argument escalated into drawn weapons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The air bristled with tension, ready to explode into violence at any moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re pulling a sword? What, you wanna die here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Damn right. No ranks, no consequences—let’s settle this once and for all. I’ve had enough of that smug bastard acting like he’s better than the rest of us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You bastards think I’m easy to push around? Do you want to die?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What senior? What the hell kind of senior are you? You keep failing promotion exams and can’t even get past the fourth rank!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The men’s tempers flared, their teeth grinding as they shifted into combat stances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A brawl seemed inevitable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, the other recruits across the field clicked their tongues, watching the commotion unfold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“They’re already falling apart, and we haven’t even started yet. Incredible.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…And these are supposed to be martial artists from the Martial Alliance? What a disappointment.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not much time had passed, yet the scene had already devolved into chaos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The martial artists’ faces betrayed their disillusionment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, this was the Martial Alliance—even if these were drafted members, expectations had been higher.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now those expectations were completely shattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It only added to the dilemma.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Are we really supposed to choose a deputy commander from among them?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had been told there would be two deputy commanders—one from each group.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But did that mean one had to be chosen from this mess?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t understand this at all.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The martial artists found the decision difficult to swallow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Judging by the scene, how could they possibly serve under one of these people?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do we really have to pick someone from that lot? I just can’t understand the Star King’s decision.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The decision raised questions—not just for the man who spoke but for everyone present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet despite their doubts, they all shared one belief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t get it either, but I’m sure he has his reasons.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Exactly. If it’s him…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...Hmph.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the murmurs, the man who spoke could only sigh and nod.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s right.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if they couldn’t understand it, this was the Star King’s decision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man who had burned his own body to save others during a devastating ambush—surely he had a plan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Geniuses are often incomprehensible to ordinary men. The same goes for our commander.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Indeed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ironically, the men who once heard themselves called geniuses in their own sects or clans now found themselves laughing nervously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While one side bristled with hostility and killing intent, the contrasting atmosphere made it strangely tolerable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as someone noted this stark difference—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then we should decide too, shouldn’t we?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Decide what? Oh, the deputy commander?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Exactly. No matter what, the commander said we have to pick one.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter what, the deputy commander had to be chosen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s why the other group was tearing each other apart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So this group had to decide as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, isn’t it already obvious?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one seemed particularly worried.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course. We’ve already got someone.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All eyes turned in one direction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A woman with snow-white hair and a sleepy expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She radiated an aura so intimidating it was hard to even look at her directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was the daughter of the Sword King, a rising star in Henan—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah, the Sword Dancer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Noticing the stares, Namgung Bi-ah tilted her head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If we’re choosing a deputy commander, it should be based on skill, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Exactly. She already proved herself by defeating the commander in combat.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wait, what? She defeated the commander? Is that true?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, you missed it. It happened during the trials.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Unbelievable… So this young woman defeated the Iron Dragon Commander?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A Namgung who defeated the Silver Wolf Sword—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Word of that event had already spread through Henan, and those who witnessed it had no doubts about Namgung Bi-ah’s qualifications.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If someone strong enough to defeat the commander wasn’t fit for the position, then who was?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And so, everyone seemed ready to finalize the decision peacefully—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A single voice cut through the discussion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone turned to see who spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Oh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The speaker strode forward, her golden hair shimmering with each step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even with Namgung Bi-ah present, this woman had drawn glances simply for her beauty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of the Three Heavenly Masters, the granddaughter of the Sword Lord, and a renowned talent—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-ah, the Divine Sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Step.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Stopping in front of Namgung Bi-ah, Wi Seol-ah turned to the others and asked—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why does she have to be the deputy commander?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her question hung in the air, and no one could answer immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her skill is proven. Isn’t that enough?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wouldn’t the Sword Dancer be the obvious choice?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There were plenty of words to be said, but no one dared to speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-ah’s voice had been far too cold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the silence stretched and no one stepped forward—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Seol-ah.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah suddenly called her name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-ah turned her head toward Namgung Bi-ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, older sister.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you want it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Do you want to be the deputy commander?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-ah answered without hesitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice was firm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If I have to do something to get it, I’ll gladly comply.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her following words rippled through the crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I have to do something…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was an unmistakable declaration—if the position had to be decided through combat, then so be it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For martial artists, it was also a statement of confidence—a claim that she was stronger than the others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Expressions shifted instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere grew tense, and unease spread.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Would this ignite another conflict on this side?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as the tension was about to boil over—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…That’s fine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To everyone’s surprise, Namgung Bi-ah responded indifferently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn’t seem to care who took the deputy commander position.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…As long as they’re strong, it doesn’t matter.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was an unmistakable weight to Namgung Bi-ah’s words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If they’re strong enough to protect that person… anyone will do.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her voice, usually calm, took on a sharper edge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah’s deeper-than-average tone added an unshakable tension to the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What are you saying…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah’s gaze swept over Wi Seol-ah briefly before continuing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Not yet.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re not ready yet, Seol-ah.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…What?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re weaker than me. That’s why I have to do it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah stated it plainly, her voice calm but absolute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Srrrng—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-ah immediately drew her sword—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And with that, the conflict began.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>******************\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So... they started fighting like that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Unbelievable.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There weren’t many ways to react after hearing how this mess started.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Honestly, I expected a fight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Martial Alliance group practically set them up to clash, and I knew tensions would flare here as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I didn’t expect those two to fight.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of all people, I hadn’t thought Namgung Bi-ah and Wi Seol-ah would end up fighting each other.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And not just sparring—but going at it seriously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Craaaaack—!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clang! Clang! Screeeech—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blades of sword aura, glowing in distinct colors, clashed dozens of times in mere seconds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sparks erupted nonstop, and shockwaves stirred up powerful winds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was like a storm had descended.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘…What the hell am I supposed to do about this?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other martial artists stood frozen, stunned by the spectacle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one had expected two young women to create such chaos.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Screeech—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-ah twisted her body and swung her sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blade’s rotation amplified her sword aura, sending massive waves of energy hurtling forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Golden flying swords circled around her, relentlessly pressuring Namgung Bi-ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I blinked in surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘She’s controlling more swords now?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The number of flying swords had increased since the last time I saw her fight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Did her mastery advance in such a short time?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘At this rate…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a few years, she might actually catch up to the Divine Sword from my past life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Divine Sword had wielded dozens of flying swords, massacring hordes of demons with sheer overwhelming force.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crackle—!!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lightning crackled through the air as Namgung Bi-ah’s thunder-infused sword aura fired back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thung—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though it couldn’t destroy Wi Seol-ah’s flying swords, it deflected them and disrupted her formation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even her footwork was thrown off by the bursts of electricity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rumble—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A deep roar echoed—like the prelude to a thunderstorm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sound came from Namgung Bi-ah’s sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The compressed lightning energy within her aura hummed violently, signaling its sheer intensity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without hesitation, Namgung Bi-ah unleashed it at Wi Seol-ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whoosh—!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ahh!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Watch out!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A lightning strike exploded, tearing through the ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-ah’s body glowed with golden energy as she reacted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She darted away, her movements bursting like light, narrowly avoiding the strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah moved with the lightning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Using the distraction, she closed the distance and charged straight into Wi Seol-ah’s range.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-ah tried to raise her sword—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Boom—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ugh!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—but Namgung Bi-ah’s kick landed first, slamming into her abdomen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘A feint.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had faked a high strike and gone for a low attack instead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a difference in judgment—the ability to read and exploit openings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wi Seol-ah was sent flying, crashing across the field.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At first glance, it looked like a perfect victory for Namgung Bi-ah.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Namgung Bi-ah suddenly frowned and touched her stomach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even as she kicked, Wi Seol-ah had countered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a hasty strike, so the damage was minimal, but her reaction speed was undeniable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fwooooosh—!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The clash paused for a moment, and the winds began to settle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd, however, was still reeling from what they had just witnessed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What… what was that?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How the hell is this even a sparring match…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They couldn’t even comprehend what they had seen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They were starting to realize—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These two were in a different league.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dust cleared, and Wi Seol-ah coughed as she steadied herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite being thrown back, her eyes still burned with fighting spirit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Haa.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gripping her sword tighter, she prepared to continue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I pressed my fingers against my forehead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘She hasn’t even fully recovered yet.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if she was nearly healed, the pain couldn’t have disappeared completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And yet, here she was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I screwed up.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No excuses—this was my mistake.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I should have anticipated this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had just been too preoccupied with other matters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tsk.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What should I do?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Should I stop them now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Yeah, this is getting out of hand.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I had to step in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If this continued, it was obvious things would spiral out of control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Resolving myself, I moved to stop them—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Don’t interfere.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t stop us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you try to stop me…I’ll hate you. Just for today.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not forever… just a few days. I won’t talk to you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both Wi Seol-ah and Namgung Bi-ah sent me the exact same message through sound transmission—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Along with a very petty but deadly serious threat.\u003C\u002Fp>",2437,"2026-06-05T15:10:19.687Z",1,"novelbin.me","e09fc6e55a238fccf97da4f68c60b96cd2285bbf8e641d4e1e89878b472b96fd","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-809","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-807",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]