[{"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-950":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},1240700,1667,"Chapter 949","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-950",950,"\u003Cp>The one who opened the door and waved his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As I looked at Mongmong, my expression didn’t change.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His light green hair, bright and cheerful demeanor, and slightly flushed eyes were exactly the same as when I had seen him earlier in the day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s been a while since we’ve seen each other, hasn’t it?”“It hasn’t been that long, really.”“Hahaha, is that so? Well, if you say so, then that’s how it is.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He still had that air of being completely out of his mind. He seemed ridiculously excited for some reason, as though everything was perfect in his world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How had he appeared so suddenly? That thought didn’t even cross my mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I knew he’d be nearby anyway.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I hadn’t tried to sense his presence, but I was sure he’d been watching me from somewhere.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He’s definitely been keeping an eye on me.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ever since I started suspecting him, I knew he wouldn’t stay far. Even if he had briefly left to check something, he would’ve returned to confirm more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And, as I thought:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I was right.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It seemed my assumption had been spot on. He had indeed been watching me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Acknowledging that, I spoke to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You don’t seem like someone from around here. Are you sure it’s okay for you to waltz into a prison like this?”“Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mongmong tilted his head in response to my words. His innocent mannerisms matched his appearance, making him seem almost too naive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Come on, there’s nowhere in this place I can’t go.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Despite his harmless demeanor, I couldn’t even begin to fathom what was hidden within that small frame of his.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You already know, don’t you?”“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mongmong smiled as he spoke to me. His words made me pause briefly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You heard it from the Black family’s kid, didn’t you? Who I am.”“…Yes, I heard.”“Hahaha. Fascinating.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mongmong stepped closer to the bars, looking directly at me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yet, even knowing who I am, you still keep your head held high. How is that possible?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His light green pupils narrowed vertically.The moment I saw that, every hair on my body stood on end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A chill ran down my spine. If I hadn’t controlled myself, I might have shattered the shackles and assumed a defensive stance on instinct.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Something stirred within my chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It didn’t like his demeanor, as if it were ready to burst forth and demand that I crush him, force him to bow, and make him lower his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I gritted my teeth and suppressed it with effort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Why does this guy keep doing this?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was inciting something within me, something that screamed to dominate him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, I managed to keep myself under control and prepared to bow my head in deference.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But before I could act—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, don’t do that. I was just joking.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mongmong cut me off before I could move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey, I don’t like that kind of thing. Relax, okay?”“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What a strange guy.He didn’t stop me until I actually tried to act.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He was testing me.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If I hadn’t moved, what would’ve happened?I had a feeling the result wouldn’t have been favorable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Anyway, Cheol Ji-seon.”“…?”“Cheol Ji-seon?”“Oh, yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I responded belatedly, remembering the alias I was using. I had almost forgotten.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mongmong gave me a peculiar look.He didn’t seem suspicious, exactly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rather, it felt like he was silently saying:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘If you’re going to use a fake name, at least commit to it properly.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘This guy isn’t easy.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I nearly let out a bitter laugh. He might act cheerful and foolish, but there was a sharpness in his eyes that couldn’t be ignored.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was observing me, analyzing every move and word. His demeanor and even his breaths suggested he wasn’t here just for a casual visit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eventually, Mongmong chuckled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, whatever.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He acted as though it wasn’t important, but I wasn’t fooled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Like hell it’s “whatever.”’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I could tell he was still trying to figure something out about me, so I didn’t let my guard down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ah, it’s nothing much. I just made a bit of a mistake earlier, didn’t I?”“You did.”“…Ah… yeah, I did.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>My nonchalant agreement caught him off guard, making him hesitate momentarily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well, because of that, I was wondering if you needed any help. I could lend you a hand.”“Help me…?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feigning interest, I looked at him and spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How would you help me?”“I’ll do whatever you want.”“Would you let me out of here if I asked?”“Oh, sure. That’s no problem at all.”“Do you think the leader of this place would approve of that?”“Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mongmong tilted his head in genuine confusion at my question.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why would I need their approval?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spoke as though the idea was utterly incomprehensible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This land is mine anyway. There’s no need for such formalities.”“…I see.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I nodded, sensing the sheer weight of his confidence in that simple statement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I’m starting to get a clearer picture.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I was beginning to understand what kind of person he was.Still, the details were too thin for me to draw any solid conclusions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘He’s still wearing a thick mask.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Peeling it off would require a carefully executed plan—not something to rush into just yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So, what do you want me to do?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His demeanor made it seem like he was genuinely willing to grant any request.His overly pure and almost unsettlingly earnest expression only added to the unease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I pretended to consider his offer for a moment before speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m fine.”“Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mongmong’s eyes widened in surprise at my refusal. It was clear he hadn’t expected it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why? Why are you refusing? I said I’d help.”“I don’t really need anything, and I don’t want to impose.”“Come on, it’s not an imposition. I’m offering because I want to.”“Even so...”“Don’t worry about it. Just tell me what you want!”“…Hmm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He seemed almost desperate for me to ask for his help. It made me wonder why.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…In that case.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I carefully adjusted my tone and spoke, watching his reaction closely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Could you arrange a meeting with this place’s leader?”“Huh? The leader?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mongmong tilted his head again, clearly puzzled by the request.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes, the leader.”“Why?”“If I’m going to ask to be let out, I’d rather make the request directly. I also have some things I want to discuss.”“Things you want to discuss...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mongmong narrowed his eyes slightly at my words. I observed him carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Asking to meet the leader out of the blue would naturally raise suspicion.I knew Mongmong was watching me closely, but I had chosen this approach deliberately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘What will you do?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I wanted to see how he would react.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…Hmm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long pause, Mongmong finally spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine, I’ll arrange it.”“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mongmong nodded lightly, accepting the request. Seeing that, I clicked my tongue internally.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I can’t read him.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He acted so innocently that it suited him perfectly.Yet, I had no idea what he was really thinking deep down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was, without a doubt, a difficult opponent to face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And beyond that:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘...His presence is growing stronger.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps it was because it was nighttime, but I could feel Mongmong’s aura gradually becoming more pronounced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I recalled what Noya had told me:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Moonlit Night Tribe grows stronger at night, and each general possesses their own authority.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If that were true, then this Mongmong—no, Yusa—was not only growing stronger at night but also had some unique power of his own.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If so...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Would I stand a chance against him in a fight at night?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was a fundamental question.I had felt something similar when I saw the leader of this place. Could I defeat these people of the night?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That question remained unanswered.So, as I looked at Mongmong in front of me, I pondered once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Could I kill him?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I studied him closely, thinking about that possibility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Tsk...’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The more I looked, the more frustrated I became.I couldn’t get a clear read on him. Not being able to grasp his true strength was proof that he was formidable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I guess it’s too early to tell.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if I were in perfect condition, I wasn’t sure.At least for now, it didn’t seem like the right time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright, should I go fetch them now?”“…Yes, please.”“Great! Just wait here for a bit!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mongmong finished speaking and stepped out, closing the door behind him.His presence vanished almost immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sensing that, I focused a little harder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had he truly left? Or was he hiding somewhere nearby?I waited a little longer, and once I was confident, I activated my energy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whirr!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Power surged from my heart, and I used it to shatter the shackles on my arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a crisp sound, the restraints broke apart.My hands and body were free, and the suppression on my energy disappeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I clenched my fists to confirm it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hisssss.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t so much lighting a fire as it was concentrating heat.I focused that heat into my palms until they were scorching hot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ssssss---!!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I lightly gripped the bars, and they began to melt.Using that, I tore off the ends.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Creak!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After squeezing through the opening, I grabbed the detached bars and reattached them.Since they had been melted off, welding them back in place was simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With careful control of the heat, I ensured the repair left no trace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“All done.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After securing the bars, I turned to Cheonma, who sat quietly watching me.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at her, I said:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Remember what I told you earlier?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheonma nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Just stay put, and if anything happens, follow what I said.”“…When will they come?”“Probably not too long.”“What if they don’t come? Can I go find them?”“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Finding them, in her mind, likely meant ripping the bars apart and breaking out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was a problem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If I say no, will you hold back?”“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No response.I sighed at her silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do your best to stay put.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, I reached into my sleeve.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[It really won’t take long.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I pulled out a black martial robe and a cracked white mask, placing the mask over my face.\u003C\u002Fp>",1650,"2026-06-05T15:10:21.117Z",1,"novelbin.me","ae75ee104c3bb25ce42ac5fefaae5311304eba45faec6ada49c57602b2f4458d","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-851","childhood-friend-of-the-zenith-chapter-949",974,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fchildhood-friend-of-the-zenith-cover.jpg"]