Chapter: 795
Another day has passed.
I stayed up all night and could see the morning sun rising, but I didn’t actually sleep.
My physical condition didn’t really require sleep. I had to practice a bit during the night.
Was I trying to relive the enlightenment I felt during the training?
That was part of the reason, but ultimately, I needed to get used to the feeling of energy.
“Hmm.”
I repeatedly clenched and unclenched my hands.
I went through several processes until the night was over, but the conclusion was the same.
“It won’t work in a day or two.”
It’s good that my power and sensitivity increased, but adaptation was the issue.
I was trying to get used to it to some extent.
‘If this keeps up, it will be a problem in actual combat.’
So many things felt overwhelming, and the number of attacks increased.
I had to keep confirming how to handle it in real-life situations.
‘Dealing with those of a lower level shouldn’t be a big problem.’
However, facing someone of similar or higher level made issues clear.
Of course, I wondered how many stronger individuals I might meet now that I’ve come this far.
‘But it doesn’t matter how often that happens.’
Regardless of the odds,
‘What matters is that the possibility exists.’
If it wasn’t non-existent, I would have had to check it countless times.
Even if they aren’t my enemies now, I might face them as enemies someday.
‘Unless I properly grasp this, it will become a dagger.’
Not a dagger to stab my opponent,
But a dagger that will stab me.
Every second, I had to ponder that.
Phew-!!
Regaining my composure, I frowned.
‘Seven days and nights until Jegal Hyeok arrives in Hanam.’
He should have been here within four days, but I heard from Cheol Ji-seon that something came up.
I wouldn’t have called him if possible, but I had so much on my plate that I needed to ask for help.
There was also a request from the divine side.
‘Because I need to call the others too.’
The power of the guys linked to Jegal Hyuk was also necessary.
“Phew….”
I wondered what Jegal Hyuk would say if he saw me juggling more than one task.
He probably won’t say anything, but he’ll look at me with resentful eyes.
What if he just refuses to do it? That wasn’t out of the question.
What was it then?
‘… I need to use Mo Yong-hee a little.’
I don’t lack excuses, so something will work out.
‘Seven days and nights?’
An increase in time from four days.
It wasn’t a pity that the plan was delayed due to a hitch.
‘I bought some time.’
Rather, I gained time.
Just a bit more to think before he arrives.
If Jegal Hyuk or Cheol Ji-seon heard about this, they’d probably be ready to hurl their flagship.
“Shall we go?”
Continuing with the training any further felt awkward.
It was getting close to morning, so I had to start moving.
I tossed off my sweat-drenched training clothes and turned my head.
“Hey.”
“Ugh…?”
As I called out to someone beyond my line of sight, someone flinched and trembled from the trees at my voice.
“Wake up.”
“Ugh… Leader… is it all over…?”
“Yeah. We have to go now, so get up.”
It was Bong-soon, the girl wiping the drool she had dribbled while asleep.
I looked at her with a somewhat pitiful expression and continued.
“Let’s go. We’ll be late if we linger any longer.”
“… Okay.”
“…”
It was hard to tell if she was wiping drool or washing her face with it.
I turned my head away, feeling like I might look at her with disdain without even realizing it.
With that appearance, it felt a bit awkward walking together.
But there was no helping it.
‘…Starting today.’
Bong-soon had a role from today.
It was something I had been preparing for a long time.
A dagger to be launched at the Murim Alliance.
That role would never change, regardless of changes in timing and situation.
And hence, Bong-soon had to follow me into the Murim Alliance starting today.
After just a light wash, I arrived at the Murim Alliance.
“I meet the Holy King.”
“Yes. Nice to meet you.”
Getting in wasn’t difficult, just like last time.
Then I immediately followed the directions.
Last time, I went deep inside to reach the Daejooyong Conference Room.
This time, it was a location at the front. It was a space accessible even to ordinary folks.
I had to stifle a laugh as soon as I arrived at the new location.
‘Look at these people.’
It felt like stepping into a familiar space.
Wondering where it was, I realized it was the venue where the martial arts competition had taken place.
‘So this is their recycling method.’
It seemed that the venue hadn’t been closed down yet but was merely being separately managed.
I had thought they’d dismantled it because of the incident.
‘They must think it’s too wasteful to just destroy it, so they’re planning to use it again.’
Well, it made sense.
The martial arts tournament had turned into a mess, and even though I might use Shinryongdae to quickly control the faction, it was clear there were those who had cut off their support.
It seemed they were short on funds, hoping to find use for something like this.
‘Oh my.’
It felt a bit unsettling, but it wasn’t something I needed to worry about, so I followed my guide and took my seat.
The location was right in front of the stage where the martial arts competition had been held.
A table and chairs were set up there, with a shading installed above to block out sunlight.
I took my seat at the middle upper position among various seats.
Relaxing there, I looked to either side and spoke.
“Good morning. How have you been?”
“…”
“…”
No response came.
Seated nearby were the Twin Swords of the Golden Dragon Master and the Silver Sword of the Iron Dragon Master.
Judging by the absence of other major figures, it seemed these two were all that were present.
The two didn’t even glance at me after my greeting.
Seeing that, I clicked my tongue briefly.
“Tsk. How can a new employee be this cold when greeting someone? This workplace is so dreary. Where’s the joy in being here?”
This sort of territory rivalry is no joke.
How can someone gentle like me roam around feeling at ease when this is the atmosphere?
Thump.
With that thought, I rested my legs on the table.
Leaning back comfortably in my chair, I noticed the expressions of the people beside me sour instantly.
“What are you staring at?”
Upon noticing their gaze, I asked bluntly, and the Twin Illusionary Sword glared at me with discomfort.
“… Your Majesty. What are you doing?”
“What am I doing? Can’t you tell just by looking?“
“There are many eyes watching. But this is-”
“But?”
“… what?”
My boldness left the Twin Illusionary Sword speechless.
Sure, many eyes were on me.
There were two main characters present, but also members of the Murim Alliance.
They looked like lower-ranking officers or squad leaders.
They were all representatives of major members who couldn’t attend.
Not to mention, there seemed to be senior officers from Muyeon silently observing, meaning a considerable number of important figures were gathered here.
‘But what do you want me to do?’
I didn’t care about any of that.
What do their thoughts about me have to do with anything?
“But I say…!”
“Okay. But what do you want from me?”
“…”
The Twin Illusionary Sword’s brows furrowed deeply, clearly annoyed by my attitude.
“Your Majesty, do you still not realize what this place is? As a member of the Murim Alliance—”
“No, what is this place?”
“… What a surprise…!”
“What’s so special about this place that I need to be cautious? Besides.”
I chuckled while glancing at the Twin Swords.
“The number of members of the Murim Alliance? Oh my, how proud I must be.”
There’s nothing to be proud of, so why would I boast about being part of this?
“Honestly, if we’re being precise, isn’t this a place where I can do whatever I want? That’s what I heard from the advisor.”
Nodding my head lightly, I continued.
“Of course, the Lord of the Golden Dragon, and everyone here are merely spectators. So let’s not waste each other’s time. I’m tired because I haven’t even had breakfast.”
“What…? A spectator?”
Upon hearing my words, the eyes of the Twin Illusionary Sword filled with intensity.
He wore an expression as if ready to strike at a moment’s notice.
“Why? Are you gonna hit me?”
“Just because you’ve got some talent doesn’t mean you can behave so brazenly! Do you really believe you can ascend to the rank of the leader of Meng?”
“I keep hearing this senior say strange things?”
I visibly struggled to suppress a chuckle.
“That damn lord. Who’d want to do that? I’m begging and pleading just to be in this position. If anyone overheard, they’d think I kneeled and begged to get in.”
“Grr—!“
“Oh, it’s noisy….”
It was getting so loud I could feel it in my ears, so I waved my hand, cutting him off.
“If you can’t deal with it, get out.”
“Ha…?”
“Didn’t you hear? If not, then go out that door right now.”
My finger pointed to the entrance I had come through.
“If you don’t like that either.”
I turned my pointed finger back towards the stage.
“Stop the meaningless chatter and let’s settle this in a game.”
“…”
“Why? Are you scared?”
“Urgh…!”
The Twin Illusionary Sword seemed ready to explode in fury.
“Golden Dragon Master.”
“…!”
“… Calm down.”
The Iron Dragon Master, Silver Sword. He managed to calm the Twin Swords down.
“One, this guy…”
“As the Golden Dragon Master mentioned, many eyes are watching. Also—”
Eunranggeom shot a piercing gaze at the Twin Illusionary Sword.
“We didn’t come here today to fight.”
“…”
It felt like a cue to inform the others, causing the Twin Illusionary Sword to forcibly reign in his anger.
Watching this, my eyes narrowed slightly.
‘Look at them.’
I sensed a subtle strangeness in the tone that aimed to placate.
Not a sound, but an energy.
I could feel the energy moving between the two as they spoke.
‘It’s a telepathic exchange.’
Perhaps because they were martial artists of a higher grade, they were sending out unspoken signals while conversing.
I felt this even more clearly since I was seated among them.
‘I guess they prepared something.’
It felt odd for two leaders to directly show up for this.
It seemed they had indeed come with a plan.
‘Hmm.’
As I gathered this, I sank deeper into my chair.
‘If they’re prepared, let’s see what they’ve got.’
If they’ve worked hard on something, then I should give it a taste.
At that moment, as I thought that and tried to gather my thoughts.
“… Now that we have confirmed the Holy King’s presence, may we now allow the applicants in?”
“Yes, please do so.”
I nodded in response to the cautious inquiry from the attendant.
At the same time.
“I will enter.”
Creaaaak!!
A much larger door opened, different from the one I had entered.
Countless individuals began to step through.
Whoooosh—!!
As the door swung open, wind rushed in.
The energy passing through the door felt dense, mixed with an air of gambling.
That meant many had come with bets on the line.
The people entering were, unsurprisingly, all skilled martial artists.
The slow influx consisted of around a hundred individuals.
That’s quite a significant number.
Guided by the alliance members, they slowly gathered around the stage.
As I assessed them one by one.
“Thank you for coming.”
Soon, the person leading the group explained the reason for all these guests.
“From now on.”
The reason so many martial artists have gathered here.
That’s right.
“I will now begin the Sungryongdae entrance exam.”
Because I had to select the members of the battalion I would be overseeing.
My site has received a lot of DMCA notices, lol. From now on, I will update the MTL on https://darkmtl.com/.
The site is fast and lightweight because there are no ads yet. However, the theme is different from Cybor-TL, so take some time to familiarize yourself.
Support me by donating at least $10, and you'll have the right to request any novel from Novelpia (excluding 19+ content) using a newly developed tool.