Chapter 782: Come up one by one.

The words casually blurted out overflowed, swept up in the atmosphere.

It wasn’t like there weren’t many people around, and there were also subtle gazes pouring down.

That’s only natural. It was the first day at work for the Saint King, who was already the subject of much talk.

Yeah, work.

Just thinking about it makes my stomach churn and annoys me. If I had to pick the things I hated most in my past life, it would have ranked within the top ten, at the very least.

And yet, here I was, doing it.

Ah, just imagining it pisses me off. Being here, at this time, for that reason.

Just that alone is enough to drive me crazy.

“Your subordinate management is fucking terrible.”

In a situation that only made people angrier, my words wouldn’t stop.

The words spat out with such feelings instantly exploded with impact.

“…Uh….”

“Did… did the Saint King just say something to the Azure Dragon Leader?”

“Did I hear that wrong?”

It wasn’t a quiet sound, but because the surroundings were so still, there was no one who hadn’t heard it.

It was simply unbelievable.

Who could have imagined? Dare to do it inside the Murim Alliance.

And to think, the one called the center of the Eight Great Leaders, someone like Ilcheonggeom, that there would be someone to curse at him, they couldn’t have imagined it.

But what am I supposed to do about it?

“I’m already pissed off. Why are they acting like such assholes on the first day?”

I don’t care about that stuff.

I tried my damn hardest not to care about that kind of thing. But if they come at me like this on the first day, it’s problematic.

Treating people like shit.

“Saint King.”

Ilcheonggeom’s expression as he looked at me was priceless.

It was an expression of disbelief, and also an expression of hearing it clearly and getting increasingly heated.

“…What are you talking about right now?”

“You keep asking me that, don’t you? Is your hearing that bad…? What am I saying? You heard me perfectly fine. Or should I say it again?”

Right after tilting my head slightly, I spat it out in the exact same voice as before.

“Your subordinate management is fucking terrible, like, really fucking terrible. Senior Ilcheonggeom.”

I didn’t forget to smile while saying it.

“Can you hear me better now?”

“…”

At my consecutive words, the slight reactions I’d been getting disappeared.

Everyone seemed shocked, holding their breath, and staring only at me.

I was no different.

Immediately after spitting out the words, I was waiting for Ilcheonggeom to react somehow.

Thus, a moment passed.

“Haa…”

A shallow breath could be heard.

It was Ilcheonggeom’s exhale.

That wasn’t all.

Ssssseeeeee.

“…Hup!”

“Kkuhk…!”

An unknown energy spread out and overlaid everything around.

A chilling sensation flowed through the surroundings.

Those who felt it had to let out groans.

It was heavy yet chilling. And furthermore, it was a refined energy, clearly showing his level of mastery.

‘Hmm.’

Perhaps because my sensitivity to energy was developed, I felt it more clearly.

The origin was Ilcheonggeom’s body. Naturally, he was the owner of this energy.

Even without holding a sword, he possessed this much energy?

‘Strong.’

Not bad. That was exactly my impression.

Focusing my gaze, following the energy, I examined Ilcheonggeom closely.

In the Central Plains, the Three Venerables (三尊).

Below them, called the Seven Iron and Three Scrolls, the Ten Great Masters.

And below them, the Hundred Great Masters.

Among the countless masters, where would Ilcheonggeom’s position be?

Regarding this, I could recall words I heard in my past life as an example.

‘The Ten Great Masters of the next era.’

Or perhaps, a being just before reaching the ranks of the Ten Great Masters.

If I were to describe Ilcheonggeom’s position, it would be exactly that feeling.

He was at the tail end of the Hundred Great Masters, evaluated as someone who would one day ascend to the ranks of the Ten Great Masters.

Even if not quite at the level of the Ten Great Masters yet, they said he was on a similar level.

I don’t deny such an evaluation.

Even from my perspective, it was true.

Ilcheonggeom was strong. If given enough time, he possessed the potential to reach the level of the Ten Great Masters.

Because it was the aura emanating from such a master, those around were holding onto the walls, trying to regulate their breathing.

“Saint King.”

“Yes, Senior.”

“You seem to have forgotten where you are, Saint King.”

Do you not know where you are standing?

Ilcheonggeom said that with a stiff expression, but.

“No. I know perfectly well.”

As if I were completely unbothered, I simply continued speaking.

“Isn’t this the Murim Alliance?”

Was my nonchalant reaction the problem?

Ilcheonggeom’s brow continued to furrow.

“…You’re acting like this even though you know?”

His voice sounded incredulous. Rather, that voice amused me.

“Why? Is there a problem? I haven’t done anything I shouldn’t have.”

At my confident tone, Ilcheonggeom was about to retort immediately, but.

“The one who caused the issue was this guy. It wasn’t me, was it?”

“Kkuhk!?”

I grabbed the man beside me who didn’t know what to do and showed him to Ilcheonggeom.

I saw earlier, I think he was called the Vice Leader.

It seemed to mean the Vice Leader of the Azure Dragon Unit.

His mastery level seemed to be roughly between perfected peak and peak.

The man’s nape was caught in my hand, and he was lifted up.

Because he couldn’t move due to Ilcheonggeom’s aura, I could lift him without resistance.

“Kkeueueue…!”

The man groaned as if humiliated, but I didn’t care.

For now, showing him to Ilcheonggeom was the priority.

“If you, Senior, hadn’t done such trivial things in the first place, this wouldn’t have happened, right?”

Hearing my words, Ilcheonggeom’s eyebrows twitched.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. What did I do?”

The words that followed were a denial.

‘So, he’s taking the stance that he doesn’t know what’s going on.’

I see.

I had to barely hold back my laughter, as it kept wanting to burst out.

He must have clearly seen this man start a power struggle with me. He must have. No, not just seen it, but he probably ordered this whole thing.

The probability of it being his own decision? It’s quite possible. However.

‘Even for someone at the Vice Leader level, it wouldn’t be easy to act like this.’

This man’s position is Vice Leader. He’s someone directly under the Leader, and it’s definitely not a low position. Rather, because of that, his actions are shackled.

A subordinate might not know the ways of the world, but for someone of this level to not know that and start a power struggle with me?

It was absurd.

If the Leader is behind him, a Vice Leader wouldn’t proceed with something unilaterally. Even if they mention it, there’s permission… or else.

‘An order.’

It would have to be accompanied by an order from a superior.

Ah, of course, it’s possible he did it unilaterally out of excessive respect for Ilcheonggeom. It’s possible.

Even so, it’s fine.

Because the outcome wouldn’t change.

“Ah, so that’s how you’re going to act? Fine.”

I added with a smirk, speaking.

“Still, it doesn’t really matter…”

Whoosh-!

I threw the man I was holding.

“Kkuhk!”

The man who flew without strength rolled on the floor.

Only after seeing that, did Ilcheonggeom’s expression clearly change.

His face looked like he was about to grab his sword any second. But he hadn’t grabbed it yet.

The moment he grabbed it, it would be the end.

Inside the Alliance, for a Leader to draw his sword meant he intended to see it through to the very end.

Ilcheonggeom, of all people, would surely know that meaning.

“If you want to ascertain the facts, let’s do it properly. That’s what I’m saying. Perhaps you still don’t understand this?”

“Kkudeuk.”

As I shoved the words in mockingly, his reaction grew.

“Saint King. Do you truly wish to see blood?”

“Oh, come on. Blood? Why would you say something so frightening? This is purely out of concern.”

Ilcheonggeom’s hand slowly rose.

It looked like he was about to grab his sword.

‘Now.’

As soon as I confirmed it, I added my words.

“No. You never know, right? What if I get so angry about today’s events that I just quit on the spot?”

“…!”

“Why would I work at a job that treats me like shit from day one? Why would I bother? Wouldn’t you agree?”

“If you don’t believe me, go find the Strategist right now. They’re probably at the Alliance today, so it should be easy.”

Perhaps it was because I said it with a wide smile. Ilcheonggeom ultimately failed to carry out his action.

His hand, reaching for his sword, stopped. And from his incredibly distorted expression, I could feel his emotions.

‘Oh.’

I feel good.

I was already in a bad mood just from having to come to work, but thanks to this, I feel considerably more cheerful.

‘Serves you right for trying to provoke me.’

He challenged me to a power struggle to confirm something, though I don’t know what, but there were two things Ilcheonggeom failed to grasp.

One was.

‘The Murim Alliance needs me.’

As could be seen from the contract with Mookyeon, the Murim Alliance needed me right now.

Therefore, if I declared I was quitting over something like this, the one who would suffer the most would be the instigator.

‘If there’s a reason why this situation still occurred, it’s probably…’

related to the second reason.

And that is.

‘My personality is much worse than expected.’

If bitten, I’d tear off the ear of the one who bit me.

If poked repeatedly, I’m the type to stab them in the gut.

Ilcheonggeom wouldn’t have known that.

Who would have thought that just starting a little power struggle would make me go berserk like this, tearing into them without regard for consequences?

Everyone around was looking at me, wearing expressions of shock.

Even while receiving those stares, I felt calm inside.

‘Not knowing isn’t a crime?’

So what?

‘You should have known.’

Perhaps it could turn out like this.

Considering even the slightest possibility, you should have endured such dog-like behavior.

The fact that they didn’t do that is their fault.

“…”

“…”

While silence followed our conversation.

It seemed like there was no reaction, but a feeling quickly brushed past.

Sssseeeeee-!

The aura that had spread around slightly diminished.

His expression remained the same, but it seemed he had realized something at a glance.

‘This bastard will really quit if provoked.’

And.

‘If this guy quits, his own position could be shaken.’

Even if Ilcheonggeom is an asshole, he’s not incompetent.

If he were incompetent, he wouldn’t have held the position of Azure Dragon Leader.

Someone like that wouldn’t have a slow mind.

So, what attitude would Ilcheonggeom show now?

Curious about this, as I watched him with interest.

“Kkudeuk.”

A small, rough sound came from his mouth, and.

Swish.

His hand, which had been near his sword, was completely withdrawn.

Then.

“…Perhaps, our Vice Leader….”

Trying to swallow his pride, he tried to say something to me.

Perhaps he intended to apologize.

Just as I judged that, this time, I raised my hand and stopped him.

“Hahaha. I’m just kidding. Just kidding.”

“What?”

“The atmosphere was too heavy. Honestly, I don’t really care. I’m not a lunatic, so why would I actually quit over something like this?”

“What are you talking about-!”

“Ah. Honestly, it wasn’t even much of a power struggle. What our Azure Dragon Vice Leader said, filled with concern, I just took a bit too sensitively.”

At my consecutive words, not only Ilcheonggeom, but also the expression of the Vice Leader himself soured.

They must be thinking, ‘What the hell is this bullshit?’ They must be.

That’s right. It’s bullshit.

Perhaps to their ears, it sounds like gibberish?

But what can you do?

Thump.

I approached him, and casually threw my arm over Ilcheonggeom’s shoulder.

“M-Maniac-!”

“Oh my…!”

At my sudden action, even louder shouts erupted than before.

In their eyes, a junior who was much younger than Ilcheonggeom, who was decades his senior, had put his arm around his shoulder, so it must have seemed like an impossible situation.

And it truly was an impossible situation.

“Senior. Isn’t that right?”

As I leaned close to his face and spoke, Ilcheonggeom’s expression was plain to see.

It was flushed red, looking like it might burst.

Should I poke his cheek? To see if it really bursts.

Just as I was about to move my hand out of curiosity.

“…You truly… wish to die.”

A killing intent filled his tone, and at the same time, Ilcheonggeom prepared to draw his sword, imbued with it.

No, he only intended to.

Clang-!!

“…!?”

He tried to draw his sword immediately, but Ilcheonggeom couldn’t draw it.

Our distance was close, and at that close distance, I had already gripped his wrist.

Kkuwuuk-!

I could feel the strength.

He seemed to be trying desperately to draw it somehow, but no matter how much strength he used, the sword wouldn’t come out.

“Senior.”

Seeing that, in a low tone, I whispered in his ear.

“Calm down.”

Ilcheonggeom’s eyes widened.

Perhaps he didn’t expect to be unable to draw his sword. He was filled with bewilderment.

“Well, I’m not the type to refuse something like this… If you want, I can accept it. What’s so difficult about that? Clearing out a corpse or two is easy, isn’t it?”

Slightly provoking his pride, I slightly loosened my grip.

Kkgeugeuk-!

The sword slightly came loose from its scabbard.

At the same time, from our pressed bodies, I could tell Ilcheonggeom was drawing up his energy.

He seemed intent on unleashing sword energy like this to inflict a scratch on me, but.

“But, there are eyes watching, so it’s problematic if you keep doing this. Especially, wouldn’t the Strategist or the Alliance Leader look sadly upon this?”

I said that to Ilcheonggeom, who was filled with killing intent, and.

Uttuk-!!

Hearing this, Ilcheonggeom’s body stiffened once more.

Seeing that, along with a smile, my eyes sparkled.

Even after provoking him this much, he endured it. He has considerable patience.

If it were me, I would have killed him long ago. This situation seems quite strange, but.

‘As expected.’

It was as I expected.

‘Ilcheonggeom was the same even in the past.’

I expected him to endure even when provoked this much, I expected him to endure.

To be precise, the Alliance Leader and the Strategist. Mentioning his status and the eyes upon him, I thought he would endure.

That’s because.

‘This guy has considerable ambition for advancement.’

If one knew about Ilcheonggeom’s ‘goals’ and beliefs, it was something that could be predicted to some extent.

This incident was simply a verification process.

A confirmation of how far he could endure.

“Right? Senior.”

“…”

Even though I could hear the grinding of teeth, there was no further action.

Ilcheonggeom was enduring.

He was somehow suppressing his killing intent and controlling his emotions.

This is enough.

Judging so, I removed my hand from his shoulder.

Glancing around, I added my words.

“My apologies. We’re just very close, so I was just joking around. Hahaha.”

“…”

“…”

It was an excuse no one would believe, of course, but there was no one who could refute it.

The Vice Leader, who might have refuted it, was only watching Ilcheonggeom’s reaction.

Ilcheonggeom was also trembling uncontrollably, and simply remained silent.

Thus, a suffocating silence passed. And it was Ilcheonggeom who broke it.

Whoosh-!

Ilcheonggeom, who had been standing still, turned his back.

As he moved, his robe fluttered. The symbol of the Azure Dragon Leader waved in the air.

As the surrounding aura completely vanished, Ilcheonggeom, showing his back, said to me.

“Let’s stop… Let’s go. They’ll be waiting.”

He backed down.

Enduring both rebuttal and struggle, what Ilcheonggeom showed me was that.

For a warrior, it was considerable patience.

So, what should I do now?

‘Should I provoke him a bit more?’

Provoke him using the Vice Leader to apologize.

Or provoke him by asking if he’s running away when the conversation isn’t even over.

There are countless ways to provoke him, but….

‘No.’

I shook my head inwardly.

There was no need to do so now.

“Let’s go.”

Following Ilcheonggeom, I moved my steps.

As I did, I recalled.

The reason I didn’t provoke him further, even though I could have.

It was none other than.

‘It’s a waste.’

To explode in a place like this would be a shame.

Along with that reason.

‘I’m not quite ready yet.’

To see the desired scene, there was a bit more preparation needed.

That’s why.

As I walked along for a moment, I turned my head and looked somewhere.

The atmosphere was one of relief that no fight had broken out. But within that atmosphere, there was one unusual human.

-You know.

Hmph-!

At my telepathic message, from somewhere along the wall, someone flinched.

Even though they were hiding their presence, it wasn’t difficult to find them.

Seeing him, I said,

-I know you’re there.

A confident telepathic message. At those words, a face appeared from beyond the pillar.

It was the face of a man who seemed past forty, and was said to handle the Murim Alliance’s intelligence department.

Beeryong Leader, Beom Dong.

He was the identity of the person who had been hiding.

Beom Dong, whose eyes widened as if he hadn’t expected to be discovered, widened his eyes.

Seeing him, I said with a blank expression.

-Do me one favor.

Ah, naturally,

-If you don’t, I’ll kill your daughter.

This was a threat disguised as a request.