Childhood Friend of the Zenith

Chapter 321: Hands-on Training (1)

It happened just as midnight gave way to morning.

I’d been sleeping in more these mornings, neglecting my mind training.

Not wanting to deal with the hassle of waking up on my own, I had Pe Woocheol wake me every morning, and today, I expected it to be just like any other.

“Brother… Brother.”

I blinked my eyes open at the sound of his voice.

I figured it was time to get up.

My body felt unusually heavy.

I wondered if I was sick, but I couldn’t feel anything strange.

It felt more like mental exhaustion than physical.

“…Sigh.”

I sighed deeply and slowly pushed myself up.

I had no choice but to get up, even if I didn’t feel like it.

Barely managing to sit upright, a figure came into view.

Was it Pe Woocheol?

Or maybe one of my other roommates?

“…Hmm?”

But to my surprise, it was neither.

Pe Woocheol didn’t have such a feminine figure.

I rubbed my eyes and tried to focus.

Warm sunlight streamed through the windows, as if it existed solely to illuminate one person.

“…You.”

She was kneeling.

The person kneeling before me was none other than Wi Seol-Ah.

Her brown hair, touched with golden highlights, and her golden eyes came into focus.

Wait, that’s not the important part.

Now wasn’t the time to be admiring Wi Seol-Ah’s.

Why is she here right now?

I thought I might be dreaming, but that wasn’t it.

The reality of the situation confirmed it.

It wasn’t just Pe Woocheol; everyone in the room had stopped what they were doing to stare at Wi Seol-Ah.

Their eyes shifted nervously, unsure of what to make of the situation.

What was this?

What’s happening right now?

I shot a look at Pe Woocheol.

The giant appeared just as confused but began whispering in my ear once he noticed my gaze.

He wasn’t able to talk telepathically yet.

“So what’s going on?”

“…She suddenly said that she has a business with you…”

“You let her in?”

“I told her you were asleep… but big sis said she’d wait inside…”

“And you just let her in? Do you realize how many guys are in this room?”

Also, did he just say big sis?

Wi Seol-Ah was definitely younger than Pe Woocheol by a few years.

I was younger than him too.

Pe Woocheol was over twenty, wasn’t he?

“…I’m sorry, it was sudden for me as well.”

As Pe Woocheol scratched the back of his head awkwardly, Wi Seol-Ah cut in.

“I forced myself in here. I told him I wanted to come inside. Master Pe has done nothing wrong.”

Pe Woocheol’s face lit up when she called him ‘Master Pe’.

He must have been over the moon.

Slap-!

“Ugh!?”

I slapped Pe Woocheol’s leg, irritated by his reaction.

He immediately doubled over, clutching his leg.

What an overreaction, it was just a love tap.

“Stop overreacting, Woocheol.”

“…Brother, I think my bone cracked.”

I ignored Woocheol’s dramatic whining and turned back to Wi Seol-Ah.

“What brings you here?”

“…I have something I need to tell you.”

Something to say, huh?

She said that she needed some time.

The last time we spoke, Wi Seol-Ah had asked for time to think.

It’s been a few days ever since that happened.

I decided to respect Wi Seol-Ah.

After those few days, Wi Seol-Ah came to me directly.

Up until this point, it was fine.

But did she really have to come this early in the morning?

“What did you want to say?”

I regretted the way I said it the moment the words left my mouth.

I should’ve greeted her properly, complimented her, or at least asked if she’d had breakfast.

I had plenty of better options, but what I said came off as rude.

I doubt I’ll ever be able to fix this bad habit of mine.

After my question, Wi Seol-Ah lifted her head slightly.

Her golden pupils locked onto mine.

The bright, lively Wi Seol-Ah I had known as a servant was still there, but only faintly—most of that light had faded.

It made me a bit disappointed.

My head still wasn’t in the right place since I just woke up.

It felt as if I was spacing out.

As a Peak Realm martial artist, I shouldn’t be this tired just from a lack of sleep, but today was… different.

Just as I was about to use my Qi to shake off the fatigue, Wi Seol-Ah spoke.

“I like you.”

“…Eh?”

Her words made me blurt out a dumbfounded response.

“What did you just…”

“I like you.”

She repeated herself, confirming I hadn’t misheard her the first time.

Her words hit me like a heavy weight, instantly clearing the fog from my mind.

“You…”

Wi Seol-Ah still had a calm expression.

I stood there, dumbfounded for a few moments, just staring at her.

What do I say to her?

Nothing came to mind; I was at a loss for words.

I struggled to break through the invisible wall keeping me silent and finally managed to ask her a question.

“What…what are you saying all of a sudden?”

My voice trembled.

“I finished thinking.”

“Thinking?”

“Yes, thinking.”

She had asked for time to think, and this was the answer she’d come up with?

What was this?

This had to be a dream—somehow, that seemed more believable.

Huh…?

I studied Wi Seol-Ah more closely, and then I saw it.

Despite her calm demeanor, her ears had turned red.

“…”

I looked into her eyes again after noticing her flushed ears.

“Uh…”

I scrambled for an answer.

A thousand responses raced through my mind, but just as I was about to pick one,

“It turned out this way… so I just wanted to let you know.”

Before I could say anything, Wi Seol-Ah spoke again, then stood up, her head still bowed.

“Huh… Huh?”

Her ears flushed an even deeper shade of red.

I tried to call out to Wi Seol-Ah, but she darted out of the room before I could stop her.

She moved so fast I couldn’t even call out her name.

“What the…”

It was only after her footsteps faded that I finally began to process what had just happened.

What did she just say?

Did she… say she liked me?

My mind was still in chaos, as if my brain had short-circuited.

“Brother.”

Pe Woocheol’s voice cut through my daze.

“…Uh…H-Huh?”

Not only was my brain malfunctioning, but I couldn’t seem to speak properly either.

Pe Woocheol looked unusually serious as he lowered his head and spoke.

“This might be a bit rude… but- “

“Speak.”

“…Could I please hit you once?”

“Go ahe— …What did you just say you bastard?”

Pe Woocheol took a quick step back as I frowned.

I think this was about when Wi Seol-Ah started acting strange.

******************

After sitting through the lecture—having, of course, skipped my morning training—it was finally lunchtime.

I heard we had additional afternoon training, which was why lunch was earlier than usual today.

It didn’t really bother me, though.

“What’s for lunch today?”

“I’m not su- “

“Mhm, I’m used to it by now.”

It had become a daily habit of mine to ask Pe Woocheol what we were eating, even though I knew he never remembered.

He definitely didn’t remember, considering he devoured everything without issue.

“I heard that we were having meat today.”

“So then you can’t have it.”

“I was taught not to be picky with food.”

The Water Dragon slipped into my and Pe Woocheol’s conversation.

For the past few days, he’d been eating with us like it was the most natural thing, and I hadn’t bothered to stop him.

There was just one problem.

“…Could you please care about what others think of you?”

“I didn’t expect to hear that from you of all people.”

I sighed at the Water Dragon’s deadpan response.

There was only one reason why I said such a thing to him.

Since the Academy had Taoists, they served meals for those who didn’t eat meat.

But this bastard is putting meat on his plate like nothing is wrong…

“…Hey, your brothers are giving you a death gaze you know?”

“Brothers you say? I don’t know who they are, so don’t worry about it. I’m an only child.”

No, they were definitely martial artists from the Wudang Sect.

Moments like this always made me wonder if the Water Dragon was actually insane.

Why hasn’t the Wudang Sect kicked him out yet for behavior like this?

…Is it because of his talent?

Seriously?

To be fair, it was impossible to find a talent like the Water Dragon’s.

Kicking him out over a little trouble would be a waste.

“Oh! Chicken.”

Just look at him, he’s thrilled because there’s meat on the menu today.

It makes me wonder if he’s really a Taoist.

…Though, according to Elder Shin, the Light of Might from Shaolin also had grilled meat along with a drink when he was young.’

Maybe people like the Water Dragon, who simply followed their instincts, were better than those who pretended to be virtuous.

“Brother…”

“What.”

“Didn’t you take too much? I don’t think you will finish all that.”“You’ll eat the rest if I don’t.”

“That’s a fantastic idea.”

Pe Woocheol beamed after hearing my response.

Because of our group, I often overheard whispers here and there.

-Did the Water Dragon really enter his group…?

-The Cheolcheol Yang clique? They managed to win over even the Water Dragon of Wudang Sect. How could that be…!

-Wait, Cheolcheol Yang? Wasn’t it Cheolyang Cheol?

-That’s not what’s important.

-How is the name not important?

-I heard that the Dragon Warrior has also been spending time with the True Dragon lately… so perhaps?

-Cheol Jiseon, with three of the Six Dragons under his wing… what is he up to?

Very absurd rumors had been spreading.

The tales of the “Mad Dog” Cheol Jiseon still hadn’t died down either.

No wonder Cheol Jiseon had developed an anger disorder.

It seemed like I wasn’t the only one who was able to hear their chatter, because the Water Dragon smirked as he put food on his plate.

“So, is it Cheolyang Cheolhyuk now?”

“Did you just add your name to it?”

“Who cares? You barely spent time coming up with the name, so I might as well add mine.”

From his response, it was clear he knew I was joking when I came up with the name.

Sharp as ever, huh.

“But is it really okay?”

The Water Dragon tilted his head, hearing my question.

It seemed like he didn’t know what I was talking about.

“If you hang around me like this, then it might not be good for you in the future.”

“Oh.”

I knew just how much the Leader of Wudang Sect cared about fame, honor, and reputation.

And the Water Dragon was his golden child.

Would he really be fond of the Water Dragon hanging around with a troublemaker like me?

When I asked,

“It doesn’t matter. It’s fun, you know?”

The Water Dragon shrugged it off, as easygoing as ever.

“Also,”

“Hmm?”

“It’s a great blessing for me to be able to eat quietly.”

“Look at everyone in the cafeteria. Do you think you’ll be able to eat quietly?”

The cafeteria was packed since we arrived late—quiet wasn’t even close to happening.

The Water Dragon smirked after hearing my response, then he went back to putting food on his plate.

He got even more meat on it now.

I just shook my head.

It wasn’t always hard to find seats.

It was because Moyong Hi-ah was always quick to save a seat for me.

Three of the Four Noble Clans always sat together at one table.

With the ladies from the Namgung, Moyong, and Tang Clans all sitting together, it was rare for anyone else to join.

Even if they tried, they always ran away after hearing a sharp criticism from Moyong Hi-ah or Tang Soyeol.

Peng Ah-hee sometimes came to eat with Tang Soyeol, but that was rare too.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

In the end, those empty seats were pretty much reserved for me.

“What do you think you are doing?”

“Hmm?”

Just as I was about to sit down, Moyong Hi-ah’s icy voice cut through the air.

“What?”

“Why are you sitting down without permission?”

She sounded colder than usual.

An already cold girl had become even colder.

What was going on?

“Hmph…”

Judging by how she turned her head away, it seemed like I did somethi- …Oh.

I realized what had caused Moyong Hi-ah’s sudden attitude shift.

“Sorry, I had something come up that day.”

Moyong Hi-ah had asked to meet with me privately last time, but it seemed she was upset because I’d canceled on her for Cheol Jiseon.

Right, I forgot to visit her after that.

…It was understandable for her to be angry.

“Sorry.”

After my second apology, Moyong Hi-ah finally looked at me again.

“…I’m seriously going to be mad next time.”

She softened after that apology.

Surprisingly, she forgave me easily.

It was the complete opposite in my past life.

After I sat in the empty seat, the Water Dragon and Pe Woocheol, sensing the change in mood, sat down as well.

I took my usual seat next to the drowsy Namgung Bi-ah, and just as the Water Dragon tried to sit beside me, she woke up and motioned with her hand.

She was pointing directly at the Water Dragon.

“That seat… reserved.”

“…Hmm?”

“The seat is reserved.”

“Oh, it’s reserved. I apologize.”

The Water Dragon shifted over, taking the seat next to the reserved one.

Reserved? Is someone else coming?

“Someone is coming?”

“…Mhm…”

Namgung Bi-ah mumbled, then leaned her head against my shoulder, her sleepy expression returning.

Her long hair got in the way of me trying to eat, but I got used to it by this point.

As we were enjoying our food, Moyong Hi-ah in front of me suddenly spoke to the Water Dragon.

“It has been a while.”

She spoke with a smile, but her words sounded sharp.

The Water Dragon paused mid-bite, coughing as he sensed the shift in her tone.

“…Ahem, isn’t your voice a bit too sharp?”

“It’s obvious since I’m talking to another person.”

“…Ah, I see. Well… it has indeed been a while, Young Lady Moyong. I apologize for the late greetings.”

Moyong Hi-ah calmly sipped her tea in response.

What the? Had the two met before?

“Last time I visited you, you said that you had no intention to go or even be associated in any way.”

“…Uh, well, life doesn’t always go the way you think, you know?”

Oh.

Is this because Moyong Hi-ah was trying to recruit him for her clique?

Moyong Hi-ah was at the center of most conversations when it came to forming cliques in the Academy.

Sects with Sects, merchants with merchants.

People with similar backgrounds formed into groups, and I heard that Moyong Hi-ah was also trying to gather people only after a few days of the Academy opening.

It seemed like she also visited the Water Dragon, and he denied her offer.

No wonder she wasn’t pleased to see him here after saying he wouldn’t join any group.

“I’m sorry.”

Hearing a rare apology from the Water Dragon, Moyong Hi-ah folded her fan and lightly smiled.

“No problem. I’m actually glad you joined Master Gu’s side.”

“…Haha.”

“I would’ve buried you if you joined a different group…”

“Hmm? What did you just say?”

“Just kidding. Hoho.”

That definitely wasn’t a joke.

It was probably the most honest thing Moyong Hi-ah had said in days.

A cold sweat broke out on the Water Dragon’s face—he clearly sensed the threat in her tone.

It seemed like even this crazy bastard was scared of Moyong Hi-ah.

To be fair, he did run away from her every time in my past life.

He always put the blame on me whenever we were caught causing trouble.

…Just thinking about it makes me angry.

Just as I was about to take a sip of the water Namgung Bi-ah had poured for me to cool down,

Flop.

Someone sat beside me.

Namgung Bi-ah had said the seat was reserved for someone.

Was it that person?

I glanced over to see who it was, and immediately recognized the familiar presence and flowery scent.

“Oh.”

It was Wi Seol-Ah, the same one who had come to me earlier that morning.

She always avoided me whenever I tried to eat with her, so what was up with her today?

Puzzled, I glanced at her plate.

She brought a mountain of food.

Her plate piled high with all kinds of food.

Wi Seol-Ah must’ve noticed me staring, as her face reddened slightly before she spoke.

“…I heard that it’s good to eat a lot…”

She brought a lot of food because I always told her to eat a lot.

“S-Should I take some off if you don’t like it?”

“What do you mean take some off. Eat it all.”

“…Okay.”

Relieved by my response, Wi Seol-Ah began eating.

She ate quietly, without mentioning what had happened earlier.

I wondered if she’d already forgotten about it, but her flushed ears told me otherwise.

…Did Namgung Bi-ah call her here?

She was the one who mentioned someone coming, so maybe she knew all along.

However, Namgung Bi-ah only continued to sleep with her head leaning against my shoulder.

“…I was happy because I thought that one of the competitions left. Tsk.”

Moyong Hi-ah whispered under her breath.

It was a rather uncomfortable meal time.