Chapter 123 : Chapter 123
Chapter 123: In Order to Become Stronger (2)
"Haha, Brother. I thought I would collapse from exhaustion while waiting for you."
As we met again after leaving the group, Yu-hyeon immediately offered a brazen smile and joked with me. I found his reaction absurd.
"You are quite nonchalant even in a place like this."
"Why should I be afraid when I have done nothing wrong?"
'Is being a member of the Reverse Heaven Sect not a wrongdoing in itself?'
However, there were too many eyes and ears around, so I did not voice my thoughts aloud.
"I think it would be best to leave this area first."
"You are in quite a hurry. Is something the matter?"
"I have several things to discuss. You are not exactly free either, are you?"
"That is true. Shall we move to another spot for now, then?"
With that, we stopped our conversation for a moment and moved together. Since I was more familiar with the layout of Glory, I led the way while Yu-hyeon followed behind. After leaving the banquet hall and arriving at a relatively secluded spot, I immediately resumed the conversation.
"By the way, how did you even get in here? It should not have been easy to come here after the final exam incident."
"I believe I told you once before. There is almost nothing that money cannot accomplish."
"What does that...?"
"As long as there is enough money and someone who wants it, obtaining a legitimate identity is not a difficult task."
I was momentarily lost for words at Yu-hyeon's confident reply. No matter how corrupt this world was, it was lamentable that an identity prestigious enough to receive an invitation to Glory was being traded like a commodity.
"The world is so deeply rotten that it makes me feel disgusted."
"I agree with you once again, just as I did before. It is certainly not a world where it is easy to dream of a happy future."
"Have you never considered that you are one of the reasons for that?"
"Haha, Brother, really. I am actually on the better side of things."
I did not want to admit it, but Yu-hyeon's words were true. Because of the existence of gates, the world did not exactly have great public security. Among the villains, there were likely many more who were far worse than Yu-hyeon. At least from a general perspective, Yu-hyeon had several aspects where he was actually helpful.
However, I did not feel like saying that in front of him, so I changed the subject moderately.
"So, why did you come here? I am sure you did not come just to say hello."
"Judging by how you suddenly changed the subject, you must inwardy agree with me."
"…Stop talking nonsense and just answer my question."
"Hmm, I suppose it is a virtue to pretend not to notice in this situation. Well, it is just as you said. I did not come simply to check on you."
The preceding comment was quite irritating, but that was not important right now. Therefore, I brushed it off and stared at Yu-hyeon, who soon brought up the main topic. It was a piece of information even more shocking than I had anticipated.
"When we were in contact before, I asked you if you had any information regarding the traitor."
"You did. But bringing that up suddenly means..."
"Yes. There is one individual I suspect."
Yu-hyeon spoke calmly, but the content was anything but calm. After all, it was information about a person who would cause great harm in the future. However, he surely did not come all this way just to deliver this news.
"So, what are you trying to say? If you were only going to tell me that, you would not have needed to come here in the first place."
"Hahaha! You are as sharp as ever, Brother. Correct. If I only intended to deliver that information, I would never have come here."
"Stop stalling and answer the question."
At my words, Yu-hyeon grumbled that I was too cold-hearted, but I could not help it. It was only natural for me to feel anxious given the importance of the subject. Since Yu-hyeon was also aware of this, he immediately answered my question.
"I need your help."
"My help?"
"That is correct. It feels a bit overwhelming to handle alone."
I could not help but feel doubtful at those words.
"If it is overwhelming for you, is there even anything I can do to help?"
He might be a guy with a few screws loose, but his skill was undeniable. For someone like him to feel overwhelmed... I had no idea what kind of help he could possibly need.
"Oh, of course, I do not mean that I need your combat power. To be honest, you are quite weak."
"…Did you really have to say that out loud?"
"Haha. At any rate, the help I need is regarding something other than martial strength."
Yu-hyeon said that and added more details about the assistance he required.
"As you know, Brother, one hundred percent is a probability that rarely exists in this world."
"That is true."
"That is why I need your help. I want to be certain."
In a way, it was an extremely insufficient explanation. However, it was enough for me to understand the hidden meaning behind Yu-hyeon's words.
"You want to have a three-way meeting. Because you cannot judge which side is telling the truth."
"……."
"And there is only one reason you are saying this. The target is in a position where they cannot be easily touched. Am I right?"
I did not know this guy that well. However, I could still realize one thing. It was the fact that Yu-hyeon was by no means a gentle person. Just thinking back to the previous gate incident confirmed it.
'If he were the type to be calculating and planned, he would not have stepped forward like that.'
Yu-hyeon's personality was one that moved into action rather than calmly setting the stage. Yet, he wanted to be certain about which side was telling the truth? That could only mean one thing. And it seemed my guess was correct.
"Hahahaha! I told you, Brother, we really do suit each other!"
As soon as I finished speaking, Yu-hyeon burst into a mad laughter and nodded.
"Correct. As you just said, they are in a position that is not easy to touch."
"……."
"Honestly, I do believe you, Brother... but as you know, things in this world are not always that simple."
"You are talking too much. You just want to make sure we identify who is real and who is fake, right?"
"Hmm. If you put it so bluntly, then yes."
He seemed to be speaking in circles to avoid being offensive, but I disliked this even more. After all, I did not feel offended in the slightest.
'It is only natural.'
If I put myself in his shoes, I surely would not have trusted me easily either. One was a cadet who seemed to have many secrets, and the other was a high-ranking individual who had been with the Reverse Heaven Sect for a long time. Anyone would naturally suspect the former. In fact, the very fact that he even brought this up was practically a miracle.
Therefore, I did not need to hesitate regarding Yu-hyeon's request.
"I do not mind. I can do that much."
"Ho? Are you serious?"
"If I can eliminate a potential problem from the start, it is only natural. But there is a problem."
"A problem, you say?"
Yes. There was a clear problem with the request Yu-hyeon had made of me.
"As I told you before, I do not know much about that person either. Other than the fact that they have a half-moon shaped scar."
"……."
"So how do you plan to confirm the truth? If they deny it, we will have no way of finding out."
"Ah, you do not need to worry about that."
There were so many things to worry about, yet he said there was nothing? What did that mean? However, my worries vanished at Yu-hyeon's next words.
"We simply need to create a situation where they have no choice but to speak the truth."
"…What?"
"As long as we have a third party who knows the identity of the traitor and an atmosphere that exerts psychological and physical pressure, what could possibly go wrong?"
Ah. I had forgotten for a moment. No matter how much of a man of action he was, he was still someone who had reached a high position. And I realized that no one who reaches such a height is truly brainless.
'Well, the problem is whether such a situation can actually be created...'
But there was no need for me to worry about that. For him to speak with such certainty meant he was confident he could create the situation he just described. Therefore, I accepted Yu-hyeon's words without further doubt.
"Then when shall we do it?"
"Hmm, it is difficult to give a definitive answer. It is a matter that requires prior preparation."
"Fine. I will make sure I can go whenever you call."
"Haha, I am truly grateful for your consideration, Brother."
I wondered why he kept saying such sly things. At any rate, it seemed this was the end of what Yu-hyeon wanted to say to me. If so, then now...
"I also have a favor to ask of you."
It was now time for what I had to say to Yu-hyeon. Since I had already mentioned that I had several things to talk about, Yu-hyeon nodded as if he had expected it.
"Please, speak. It is only fair to give if you have received."
"Actually, I have about three favors."
"…There are more than I expected."
Even as he said that, Yu-hyeon did not refuse. Thus, I continued without hesitation.
"Of course, I am not asking you to grant them all at once. I think it will be enough if you grant just one of the three for now."
"Hmm. Well, there is no problem, but is it the kind of favor I can actually grant?"
"If it were not, I would not have mentioned it in the first place."
"Then it does not matter. I always want to maintain a good relationship with you, Brother."
I could not help but be appalled by Yu-hyeon's brazenness.
"Were you not just talking about how it is better to be certain?"
"Haha, as I said before, I do trust you. I simply need sufficient evidence to take them down, so please do not be like that."
He did not seem to be lying. Honestly, even if he were lying, I was not particularly worried.
'I have nothing to hide, after all.'
Worry only arises when there is a mistake or a wrongdoing. Since I had done nothing wrong and made no mistakes, what was there to worry about?
'By the way, that person must be in an incredibly high position.'
Judging by his skill alone, I did not think Yu-hyeon's rank in the Reverse Heaven Sect would be low. It was surprising that the suspect was someone he had to approach with such certain means. Well, it was not as if I was dying to know who the suspect was. We were not going to be on the same side, and they were an unnecessary existence in the future anyway, so why bother being curious?
Therefore, I returned to the main point that had briefly veered off course.
"The favor is simple. I want you to help me get stronger."
"Hmm... that seems to be a statement with too much room for interpretation. Are there not countless ways to help someone get stronger?"
"I am talking about my own skill, excluding talent. I want you to help me pull that out."
"Ho?"
Yu-hyeon showed an interested reaction to my statement.
"Is Glory not the place you attend to learn such things? I wonder if I am really necessary."
"The road ahead is long, and I cannot simply walk forever."
"Which means?"
"I need a fast means of transportation, even if it is dangerous, rather than a safe but slow walk."
"Even if that means is a roller coaster in an amusement park without a safety bar?"
"…As long as I grip my arms tight, reaching the destination alive should not be a problem."
"Hahahahaha!!"
As soon as I finished, Yu-hyeon burst into laughter as if it were the funniest thing he had ever heard. But it was only for a moment. He soon composed himself and nodded at my words.
"Seeking teachings from a villain... that is truly a mad idea."
"……."
"Then again, if you were an ordinary person, Brother, we would not be here talking like this in the first place."
"Stop with the useless talk. So, are you going to help me or not?"
"Of course I will help you. It is beneficial for me in many ways if you become stronger."
As expected, Yu-hyeon expressed his acceptance without hesitation.
'It will be beneficial for him in many ways, after all.'
We were currently in a cooperative relationship as allies. It was obviously better for his partner to be stronger. And if I became stronger, it would be a huge help in protecting Ha Eun-ha.
Just as I was nodding to myself with that thought...
'Come to think of it...'
I had forgotten the most important thing. The single most crucial factor that must not be missing from this request. That was...
"But have you ever taught anyone before?"
It was about Yu-hyeon's quality as a teacher. It was true that he possessed outstanding skill, but that did not necessarily mean he could teach well. There is an old saying that geniuses do not understand ordinary people. It was such a basic fact, yet I only just remembered it because I had so much on my mind.
"I have never taught anyone. I have not lived such a lukewarm life."
"Then..."
"Haha, but you do not need to worry."
How could I not worry? It was no different from taking an unverified grenade onto a battlefield. However, I could understand why he said that after hearing his next words. At the same time, a different kind of anxiety washed over me.
"There might be those who started at the top from the moment they were born, but I was not one of them. I struggled and clawed my way up from the very bottom."
"So..."
"I do not know exactly how much you want, but I will at least meet your expectations. I know how to climb from the bottom to the peak."
"It is just that I do not know how to climb with dignity, so it might be a bit difficult."
Yu-hyeon said that and gave me a faint smile. Looking at that smile, if nothing else, I could instinctively feel one thing.
'I am truly screwed.'
I realized that a training session several times harder than I had imagined was waiting for me. Just as he said earlier, I would feel exactly like I was on a roller coaster without a safety bar.
...It seemed I was not just screwed, but well and truly screwed.