Chapter: 781
Whoosh whoosh—!!
Rising flames fill the air.
The sizzling, bubbling energy was hot just to look at.
Night had turned into day with the moon still present.
Hwaruk.
I waved my hand, watching the flickering flames.
Kwarrrrrrrrrr—!!!
The sound echoed, resembling the howling of a beast.
The thick flames began to respond to my gestures. Not long after—
Kwaaaaaaa—!!
A tremendous wave erupted, and I started to be pulled back.
The blue flame returned to my body.
It poured in, building energy in my heart. The energy that built up was about half of the wager I’d made.
“…Phew….”
Immediately after gathering all the flames, I let out a soft sigh.
I generated a gust of wind, as if clearing away the heat that surrounded me.
Phew—!!
After dispelling the heat a few more times, I turned my gaze to survey the area.
Then, I couldn’t help but let out a chuckle.
‘What a mess this is.’
It looked like a complete disaster, likely due to the aftermath of the flames.
Not just the burnt trees, but black scorch marks were scattered everywhere.
Of course, it seemed only natural for things to end up this way after shooting flames about.
‘…I’ve completely lost control; how long has it been since this happened?’
I felt a bit flustered.
Once you become somewhat adept in flame arts, you should be able to inflict damage only where you desire.
In my past life, I didn’t care about such things and just went around killing everyone, but in this life, I thought I had learned to control it.
‘This has become so damn difficult.’
Last night, perhaps due to some changes I was undergoing, I lost my grip on the flames.
Every shot I fired sprang forth much stronger than I had anticipated.
Not only that, but since I couldn’t control them, I almost burned down an entire mountain.
Had I not recovered them quickly, I would have truly set a mountain ablaze.
After that, I tried to control it by aiming into the air instead of directly ahead…
‘In the end, I couldn’t solve everything.’
I stayed up the whole night experimenting, but I reached one conclusion.
‘This won’t be fixed in a day or two.’
It seems I’ll need more time to sort this out.
‘My firepower has increased too much.’
What had I said last night?
I had hoped the firepower would increase by about three percent, I think.
‘What do you mean three percent?’
It wasn’t just three times the amount.
This was more like double.
‘The original firepower has increased to twice as much.’
Moreover, it wasn’t just the power of the flames; my ability to strengthen through betting also increased.
Because of that, I’m still struggling to control my strength.
The increase in firepower means that the limit of what I can gather and explode at once has grown.
If the maximum I could gather and detonate was ten back then…
I’d say now it has exceeded twenty.
This means the destructive capability has grown, which, in a way, could be seen as becoming stronger.
‘But here’s the problem….’
The fact that I can’t control this sudden surge in power.
The firepower has skyrocketed, but the total energy I possess remains the same.
Since I already have a considerable amount of betting power, my firepower is high from the beginning.
In this situation, firepower has doubled while energy stays constant? That’s not something I can be happy about.
‘It means that I need even more energy.’
With this level of energy, I wouldn’t even be able to compete somewhere.
Probably only a handful of people I know have more betting power than I do.
I’m sure that’s the case…
‘But I don’t have enough firepower to manage.’
I couldn’t help but frown when I recalled the flames I had unleashed last night.
The strength has genuinely increased.
Surprisingly enough, it’s power that even astonishes me.
Yet, I lack the energy to handle it.
‘Should I see this as a good thing?’
Nevertheless, my upper limits of power have risen, so from a certain perspective, it’s a stroke of luck.
To use this properly, I’ll have to ramp up my training until I’m accustomed to it.
‘I need to find ways to gather more energy.’
To fully utilize this, I must expand my capacity for energy.
Whatever it may be, it’s acceptable. I have to think positively about it.
‘After all, I have grown stronger, haven’t I?’
This is undoubtedly an opportunity.
When I remember how time is pressing down each day, at least it’s better than the alternatives.
‘Taking care of just my energy presents a significant advantage.’
If I can muster up enough energy to literally handle the firepower…
‘Maybe I can stack up against the three great ones?’
Regardless of skills or applications, it’s possible that I may surpass them purely in firepower.
No, it absolutely has to be that way.
The heights I wish to reach are beyond theirs. I must find a way, no matter what.
‘At the very least, I must surpass the Heavenly King.’
In terms of firepower, he’s the most formidable among the three.
I felt that clearly during my last battle with the monster.
‘I lost in terms of firepower.’
The pitch-black clouds filled the sky.
Lightning surged forth from within.
It was so fierce it could be termed a disaster.
Personally, I believed Cheonjon to be the weakest among the three…
‘Three are three; that’s all there is to it.’
After witnessing the Heavenly King’s true form, it was impossible to think otherwise.
A human calamity.
Those who, with their mortal flesh, have touched the heavens.
I needed to reach their level.
‘How far have I come due to this twist of fate?’
Originally, I’d say I was in the mid-tier of teenage masters at this point.
If it were now…
‘Still, I think I’d rank at the top.’
While it’s hard to compare to Madeline or the Sword Sovereign, I believe I wouldn’t fall short against those below that level.
Given the right circumstances, I might be able to take on those two.
Seizing the moment using fiery aggression to gain an upper hand early could work.
Of course.
‘But a protracted battle would be difficult.’
If my energy drains first, my head would be on the chopping block.
That was the objective assessment.
But.
‘This only applies when fighting as an unmanned entity.’
If evaluating from the perspective of an outsider rather than an unmanned one, the narrative shifts dramatically.
Because I had much more than just martial arts.
‘I don’t think I’d lose if I went all out.’
Winning might be a gray area, but I won’t lose. That’s the certainty I felt.
“…Hmm.”
Calming my energy, I gazed intently at one spot.
All that I possess.
This refers to the martial arts I’ve built up until now as well as the abilities gained from becoming a dragon.
The sorcery I am still studying fits into this as well.
To be precise.
‘Powers.’
Powers obtained through becoming a dragon.
Until now, including the abilities and the fruits of my labor, I had gained considerable might.
In truth, these enhancements weren’t especially beneficial in combat.
However, in the last battle against the hundred-level monster, I managed to acquire yet another power.
The power I secured this time was—
‘It’s a solid ability.’
Even by my standards, it was a pretty impressive one.
Finally, it seemed I had something truly applicable to combat.
‘I should really put this to good use too.’
Under normal circumstances, I would have clarified this much earlier.
Instead, I had exhausted the whole night discerning the changes to my body’s condition.
“Hmmm…”
Should I give it a go now?
Thinking that, I gave my hand a little wave.
Honestly, I was itching to try it out.
But then.
“Tsk…”
Unfortunately, I had to curb that enthusiasm.
‘It’s too risky here.’
Even if this area was relatively deserted, the power I’ve obtained wasn’t easy to wield carelessly.
I wasn’t even sure if it would be properly effective.
‘It’s time to start moving.’
I had an imminent schedule to follow, so I couldn’t afford to waste more time.
I should have set off a long time ago, yet I lingered too long checking my firepower.
“I’ll leave this for another time.”
Regretful, yet I must resist.
I clicked my tongue internally and turned away.
It was now time to head down slowly.
‘Speaking of which, did that little guy make it down okay?’
I thought of the little fellow who had been nearby until just recently.
He said he would descend since I’d been like this the entire night. Does he know the way?
I was a tad worried for a brief moment.
‘Surely he’ll manage.’
After all, he’s not really a little kid; he’s just a sprightly fellow, so he should be fine.
In all honesty, I felt a little uneasy, but I had too much on my plate to dwell on that.
‘Let’s get going for now.’
Lingering any further would mean being late.
With that thought in mind, I hastily set off.
My destination was the Murim Alliance.
After flying for about half an hour, I finally reached the Murim Alliance.
Normally, I should have gotten here about half an hour earlier… but I ended up arriving later than I anticipated.
‘What is this…? With just a little effort, I shoot off like a rocket. It’s utterly beyond my control.’
Even the slightest exertion in my legs sent me zooming forward.
I had to rein it in carefully, fearful of crashing into the building.
And thus, I arrived at the Murim Alliance.
As soon as I approached the entrance, someone appeared, searching for me.
“…I meet the Holy King.”
“Good to see you.”
It seemed they had been waiting for me, as the members of the alliance lined up formally.
Seeing that, I couldn’t help but grimace a bit.
‘That accursed title still grates on me.’
The term “Holy King” annoys me profoundly.
“…Please wait here. If it’s alright, I’ll escort you inside.”
“If it’s not alright, can I just stay outside?”
“Yes…?”
“I’m joking. Let’s go.”
“…”
The mood was not favorable, so I thought I’d throw in a joke or two, but I immediately pulled back upon seeing the unmanned person’s expression sour.
Following the guide, I entered the alliance’s inner sanctum.
Having come here often lately, the scenery had grown familiar.
As I wandered through the surroundings one by one.
“The Leader has been waiting for you.”
The person in front of me suddenly addressed me.
“Oh, really?”
“Yes. The Holy King arrived a bit earlier than expected, so we prepared ahead of time.”
“You must be busy then, why go to such lengths?”
“Well, isn’t it just basic courtesy?”
Hearing this, I narrowed my eyes slightly.
It was a somewhat grating tone.
I observed the man closely as he strode along, his expression hidden from view.
Is this an illusion?
I initially thought that and moved on.
“…Yeah, whatever.”
But then.
“I guess our leader, being a senior, isn’t entirely at ease just waiting around.”
“…”
“If he shows any signs of discomfort, I hope that Your Majesty, being the junior, can be a bit understanding.”
It was clear that what I was hearing wasn’t an illusion.
‘He’s already getting on my nerves.’
I lifted my finger to scratch my cheek.
‘Is it a battle of wits from the very outset?’
Of course, I could let this fly since my arrival was slightly later than expected.
The whole senior-junior reference? Pretty amusingly inserted into their conversation.
Although I arrived later than expected, it was by no means severely late.
By strict standards, I wasn’t late at all.
‘But this guy keeps poking at me for being tardy.’
I nodded, glancing at the unmanned opponent.
By looking at the designs on their backs or the bands on their arms, I could easily gauge their affiliation.
I scrutinized him one by one before speaking.
“But?”
“Yes?”
The man froze in surprise at my inquiry. His expression clearly indicated he misheard me.
Against all odds, he probably didn’t mishear but grasped my words correctly.
“Who told you to wait?”
“What do you mean…?”
“Anyone would think I pleaded for you to wait up for me.”
The unmanned man gazed at me in disbelief. With my reaction not being normal at all, I caught a glimpse of his internal thoughts.
“If I had been late, I would’ve kept my mouth shut. I’m here as scheduled. Why are you bothering me?”
“That’s not how it is. How could I… towards the Holy King?”
“If that’s the case, then is this how you’d show courtesy? I don’t believe so.”
With an amused smile, I addressed the unmanned man. A crack formed on his previously stern expression.
“Didn’t you claim today was manageable? I merely accommodated to that. So why slip in senior-junior nonsense for no good reason?”
I adjusted the schedule since he remarked it was the most convenient day. I figured there wouldn’t be any issues, hence why I went along with it.
Didn’t this guy know? No, he probably did.
He must just be toying with me while fully aware.
Moreover.
“Mister.”
“Oh, sir?”
“Sir, don’t you know who I am?”
“…You are the Holy King.”
“No. I’m not merely a Holy King.”
With a charming smile, I gently nudged the man by the shoulder.
“I’m here giving you a favor. I hold more importance to you than you do to me, right?”
“…”
“That’s gotta be true. No matter how I look at it…”
After assessing him thoroughly, I concluded.
“From my perspective, you don’t seem to hold authority over me.”
“…”
I delivered this statement with a tone that encapsulated disdain.
“…Chuck.”
Hearing this, I caught the sound of him grinding his teeth, clearly incensed at being belittled, but I continued unperturbed.
“This is a word of kindness, you know. Regardless of why you act this way, don’t start off with unnecessary hostility towards me.”
I spoke without emanating energy or force.
Initially, I might have imposed such pressure. However, at present, I knew I wouldn’t be able to control that level and could put him in danger.
“My temper isn’t just a walk in the park. A mistake could lead to some unfortunate outcomes for you. Make sure to stay in good health.”
This was sincere advice. How many among those who’ve tangled with me still draw breath?
I hardly remembered those as I had ended their lives.
So heed my caution against needless bravado. That was the spirit of my words.
“This…!”
The man, hearing my advice, seemed overwhelmed with anger, his temper reaching a peak.
Not good.
Our dealings hadn’t officially commenced, and I was about to have to manhandle a corpse.
Yet, I didn’t particularly mind that.
The man gradually raised his hand, attempting to seize his sword.
I continued staring quietly.
‘Grab it.’
Seize your sword.
‘And draw it out.’
Then draw it out.
If you’re set on causing a ruckus right off the bat, that should suffice as justification.
Just as I was mulling over this prospect.
Clank.
The man had at last clasped his sword.
In that moment, just as I was about to crack a grin.
“Deputy Lord.”
“…!”
Click.
Regrettably, the scene I had been eager to witness vanished before my eyes.
An intruder had arrived.
‘No, he wasn’t really coming for me. Should I say he rushed in due to urgency?’
They must have been monitoring from the sidelines, jumping in to prevent a debacle.
The individual who appeared bore a solemn expression, scrutinizing both the man and me.
“Oh, my lord.”
“What’s going on here?”
“That… um…”
“Why ask when you clearly saw what’s happening?”
Taking advantage of the man’s blundering confusion, I chimed in.
Upon my comment, the figure shifted their gaze directly towards me.
“Oh, my apologies. I was speaking to myself. My inner thoughts slipped out without my consent.”
He attempted to excuse himself sheepishly, but, of course, the man’s expression remained fixed in a scowl.
“The Holy King.”
I flashed a bright smile and returned the greeting from the voice that called out.
“It’s been a while, Senior Ilcheonggeom.”
The individual before me was none other than the Blue Dragon Lord, Ilcheonggeom.
He was the one I had made arrangements to meet in connection with today’s agenda.
At the same time.
“You didn’t keep your subordinates in line, did you?”
He was one of the four individuals I had planned to take out upon entering this martial arts alliance.
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