Chapter 781: Come up one by one.

Hwa-reureureuk–!!

Soaring flames filled the air.

The Jigeul-jigeul, boiling energy felt hot just to look at.

The night, where the moon had been, had somehow turned into day.

Hwa-reureuk.

Watching the flickering flames, I waved my hand.

Kwareureureureureu–!!!

The sound that reached my ears was like the cry of a monster.

The dense flames showed movement with a single gesture; before long.

Kwa-aaaaaaa—!!!

Creating an immense wave, I began to be recalled.

Azure Flame returned into my body.

Pouring in like a flood, it burrowed into me, accumulating energy in my heart. The energy accumulated like that was about half of the internal energy I possessed.

“…Hoo…”

Immediately after recalling all the flames, I let out a low sigh.

I created a gust of wind, as if clearing away the surrounding heat.

Hoo-wook–!!

After clearing the heat a few more times. I turned my gaze, as if surveying the surroundings.

Immediately after, I had to let out a hollow laugh.

‘This is a mess.’

Perhaps due to the aftermath of the flames, it had become a disaster zone.

Not only were the trees burnt, but black scorch marks were scattered everywhere.

While thinking it was natural for it to end up like this since I had been shooting flames,

‘…I don’t know how long it’s been since I couldn’t control it this much.’

It was a baffling situation for me.

Once one becomes somewhat proficient in fire arts, they can inflict damage only on the desired areas.

In my past life, I went around killing everyone without caring about such things, but since I couldn’t do that in this life, I thought I had mastered controlling flames.

‘It’s gotten damn difficult.’

Last night. Perhaps because I underwent a change, I couldn’t control the flames.

Every shot flew out much stronger than expected.

Not only was it strong, but I couldn’t control it, so if I had made a mistake, I could have burned down the entire mountain.

If I hadn’t recalled it quickly, I probably would have burned down a whole mountain.

After that, I tried controlling it by shooting into the air rather than directly ahead…

‘I couldn’t resolve it in the end.’

I experimented with various things all night. The conclusion was one.

‘A day or two won’t cut it.’

It will take more time to resolve this.

‘My firepower has increased too much.’

What did I say last night?

I think my firepower increased, so I wished for it to rise by about thirty percent, didn’t I?

‘Thirty percent? What a joke.’

It’s not just thirty percent.

This is easily double.

‘My firepower has doubled compared to what I used to use.’

Moreover, it wasn’t just the firepower; the strength used to enhance it with internal energy had also increased.

Because of that, controlling the power is still difficult.

Increased firepower means the limit of what can be contained and released at once has increased.

If the maximum I could gather and explode was ten before.

Let’s say it’s now over twenty.

This means the destructive power has increased, so in a way, it could be seen as becoming stronger, but.

‘The problem here is….’

The fact that I can’t control the suddenly increased power, and.

That while the firepower has greatly increased, the actual energy remains the same.

Since I possess a large amount of internal energy, my firepower is high to begin with.

In that situation, the firepower doubled, but the energy remained the same?

This wasn’t a matter to just be happy about.

‘It means the need for energy has increased even more.’

Even at this level, I wouldn’t lose to anyone in terms of energy.

As far as I know, there are only a handful of people with more internal energy than me.

I’m sure of it…

‘It’s insufficient to handle the firepower.’

I had to frown, recalling the flames I shot last night.

The power really did increase.

It’s a power that even surprises me.

However, the energy to handle it is insufficient.

‘Should I see this as a good thing?’

Anyway, since the ceiling for my power has risen, it’s a fortunate encounter if you think about it.

To use this properly, not only do I need to increase the amount of training until I get used to it,

‘I need to find a way to procure more energy.’

I had to broaden my capacity for energy to utilize it fully.

Whatever the case, it’s good. I have to think positively.

‘I did get stronger, after all.’

It’s undeniably a fortunate encounter.

Considering how pressed for time I am each day, it’s at least better than anything else.

‘It means that just securing the energy is a significant advantage.’

If I just secure the energy to handle the firepower…

‘Perhaps I could contend with the Three Venerables (Samjon) level?’

Putting aside application or proficiency, it’s possible that solely in terms of firepower, I might surpass them.

No, I absolutely must.

Since the place I aim for is higher than theirs, I had to find a way, no matter what.

‘I have to at least surpass Cheonjun, don’t I?’

Among the Three Venerables, the person strongest in terms of firepower would be him.

I definitely felt it during the last battle with the demonic beast.

‘I lose in firepower.’

The dark clouds that filled the sky.

The lightning that erupted from within.

It was fierce enough to be called a disaster and evoked terror.

Personally, I thought Cheonjun was the weakest among the Three Venerables…

‘The Three Venerables are the Three Venerables, I see.’

Having seen Cheonjun’s true form, I had no choice but to change my mind.

Human Disaster.

Those who reached the heavens with a human body.

I had to reach them.

‘With my current fortunate encounter, how far have I reached?’

Originally, I would have been around the mid-level of the Ten Great Masters.

Now…

‘Still, I’d be in the upper ranks.’

It’s difficult to compare with Maehwaseon or Geomje, but I wouldn’t be below their level.

If the situation is right, I might be able to handle those two as well.

If I push with firepower and seize the advantage early on, I can.

Of course.

‘If it’s a long fight, it’ll be difficult.’

If my energy runs out first, my neck will be severed.

That was the objective assessment.

However.

‘This is when fighting as a martial artist.’

If judged as an inhuman entity rather than a martial artist, the story changes.

Because I possessed more than just martial arts.

‘If I use everything, I probably won’t lose.’

If I win, it’s ambiguous, but I won’t lose. I felt that certainty.

“…Hmm.”

Calmly gathering my energy, I stared at one spot.

Everything I possess.

This includes the martial arts I’ve built up so far, of course.

It means the things I gained upon becoming a dragon.

The spells I’m still repeatedly researching, and so on.

Furthermore, to be precise.

‘Abilities.’

The abilities gained upon becoming a dragon.

So far, Dragon Speech or Gluttony.

And additionally, the wind obtained by grasping the net.

While these weren’t particularly helpful in combat.

I was able to obtain another ability in the last battle against the Grade 100 demonic beast.

This ability, obtained like that.

‘It’s a decent power.’

I prided myself on it being quite a good power, even by my own standards.

It felt like I had finally obtained something somewhat useful for combat.

‘I need to try using this properly too.’

Normally, I should have checked it long ago, but.

I spent the entire night figuring out my changed physical condition.

“Hmm…”

Should I try using it now?

Thinking so, I flicked my finger.

Honestly, I wanted to try using it.

However.

“Tsk…”

Unfortunately, I had to hold back.

‘It’s dangerous here.’

Even if this place is sparsely populated, the ability I obtained is difficult to use casually.

Not to mention I’m not even sure if it will work properly.

‘I need to get moving soon.’

Since I have a schedule to proceed with shortly, I couldn’t spend more time.

I should have gone much earlier in the first place, but I spent too long confirming my firepower.

“I’ll try this one next time.”

It’s a shame, but I’ll endure.

Clicking my tongue inwardly, I turned my head.

Now, I had to start heading down.

‘Speaking of which, I wonder if that guy went okay?’

I thought of Ddol-ddol, who was nearby until just before.

Since I was doing this all night, he said he’d go on his own and headed down. Does that guy know the way?

A moment of worry flashed through me, but.

‘He’ll manage.’

He’s not exactly a baby, he flew around quite well, so he should be fine.

Honestly, I’m a bit worried, but I have too much to do to worry about that.

‘Let’s go for now.’

If I stay any longer, I’ll be late.

Remembering this, I hurried my steps.

My destination was the Murim Alliance.

---

Afterwards, I flew for about half a shichen and arrived at the Murim Alliance.

Normally, I should have arrived half a shichen earlier… I ended up being later than expected.

‘Seriously… If I apply even a little strength, I shoot forward. I can’t control myself.’

Just applying a little force to my feet accelerates me.

I had to barely control myself to avoid crashing into buildings.

Thus, I arrived at the Murim Alliance.

As soon as I reached the entrance, someone appeared looking for me.

“…Greetings, Star King.”

“Good day.”

An Alliance member, who seemed to be waiting, greeted me formally.

Seeing this, I wore a displeased expression.

‘I still can’t get used to that damn title.’

“…They are waiting for you. If you’re amenable, I shall escort you inside.”

“If I’m not amenable, can I just not go?”

“Yes…?”

“Just kidding. Let’s go.”

“…”

The atmosphere was quite unpleasant, so I thought I’d try a joke, but seeing the martial artist’s expression immediately sour, I quickly retracted it.

After that, I followed the escort into the Alliance.

I’d been coming here often lately, so the scenery had become familiar.

As I was walking, taking in the sights one by one.

“The Grand Master has been waiting since earlier.”

The person walking ahead suddenly spoke to me.

Hearing that, I sent my gaze.

“Is that so?”

“Yes. The Star King was expected to arrive a bit early, so they were preparing in advance.”

“They must be busy, why go to such lengths?”

“Wouldn’t that be basic courtesy?”

Hearing that, I narrowed my eyes slightly.

There was something bothersome about the tone.

With narrowed eyes, I examined the man.

He was walking straight ahead, so I couldn’t see his expression.

Am I mistaken?

At first, I thought so and let it pass.

“…Yes, well.”

But then.

“Since our Grand Master is in a senior position, it seems they aren’t entirely comfortable waiting.”

“…”

“If they show any signs of discomfort, we hope the junior Star King will understand.”

With the continuous remarks, I could confirm it wasn’t a mistake.

‘Already bothering me.’

I raised a finger and scratched my cheek.

‘Is this a power struggle from the start?’

Not only bringing up my lateness.

The way they subtly insert ‘senior’ and ‘junior’ into their words is ridiculous.

Although my arrival time was later than expected, it wasn’t entirely late.

Meaning, strictly speaking, I wasn’t late.

‘But this guy keeps giving me crap for being late.’

Nodding slightly, I observed the martial artist.

Looking at the symbol on his back and the armband on his forearm, I could quickly gauge his affiliation.

Taking it all in, I spoke to the martial artist.

“And?”

“Yes?”

At my words, the man paused and looked back.

His expression clearly showed he thought he misheard.

Of course, he hadn’t misheard; he heard correctly.

“Who asked them to wait?”

“What do you mean…”

“Anyone would think I begged them to wait for me.”

The martial artist looked at me as if I were absurd.

Perhaps it was because my reaction was unusual. As his composure faltered, I caught a glimpse of his true intentions.

“If I were late, I’d at least shut my mouth, but I’m not even late and arrived properly. Why do you keep giving me crap?”

“Crap? How could I possibly say such a thing to the Star King…”

“What else would you call this? Is this some highly courteous way of speaking? Because it doesn’t seem like it to me.”

As I said it with a smirk, cracks appeared in the martial artist’s expression.

“Don’t you know I accommodated you by agreeing to today because you said it was fine? So why are you pointlessly spewing nonsense about seniors and juniors?”

I had said today was the most convenient when adjusting schedules, and since it seemed like there wouldn’t be any major issues for me, I accommodated.

Does this man not know that? No, he must have known.

He’s doing this despite knowing.

What’s more.

“Hey, old man.”

“Ah, old man?”

“Don’t you know who I am, old man?”

“…You are Star King.”

“No. Not just any Star King.”

Smiling brightly, I patted the man’s shoulder.

“I’m here to become the Grand Master, so I’m your superior, aren’t I? Or not?”

“…”

“You’d be right. No matter how I look at it…”

After looking him up and down openly.

“I don’t think you’re my superior?”

“…”

I said it in a voice dripping with disdain.

“…Grrr.”

As soon as he heard that, I heard the man grit his teeth.

His pride seemed thoroughly wounded, but I continued speaking as if I didn’t care at all.

“This is for your own good, old man. Whoever told you to do it, don’t pick pointless power struggles with me.”

As I spoke, I didn’t emit energy or exert force.

I normally would have, but if I did it now, I might not be able to control it and the opponent could die.

“My temper isn’t exactly the best, so if things go wrong, you might end up crippled. You should live to see another day.”

It was advice given with sincerity.

How many people who got tangled up with me like this are still breathing?

I’d killed them all, so I barely remembered.

So don’t try any pointless bravado. That’s what I meant, but.

“You…!”

Hearing my advice, the man finally seemed to have reached his boiling point, revealing his killing intent.

This isn’t good.

The schedule hasn’t even properly begun, and it looks like I’ll have to deal with a corpse.

Ah, of course.

‘It’s not exactly something I’d shy away from.’

It wasn’t something I placed much significance on.

The man gradually raised his hand, reaching for his sword.

I watched him calmly.

‘Grab it.’

Grab the sword.

‘And draw it.’

And draw it.

If I’m going to cause chaos from the very first day, that would be justification enough.

As I watched the man, expecting just that.

Cheol-geok.

The man finally gripped his sword.

Just as I was about to raise the corners of my mouth seeing that.

“Deputy Grand Master.”

“…!”

‘Tsk.’

Unfortunately, the scene I hoped for didn’t unfold.

Because an obstruction had arrived.

‘Or maybe not. They didn’t just arrive; should I say they rushed over?’

Since they were probably watching everything anyway, it’s more accurate to say they intervened before an incident occurred.

The figure who appeared looked at the man and me with a stern expression.

“D-Deputy Grand Master.”

“What are you doing right now?”

“W-Well…”

“You were watching anyway, so why ask?”

Taking advantage of the flustered man, I interjected.

Hearing that, the figure shifted their gaze towards me.

“Ah, apologies. I was talking to myself. My inner thoughts just slipped out.”

I tried to explain sheepishly, but naturally, the figure’s expression didn’t soften.

“Star King.”

At the voice calling me, I greeted them with a smile.

“It’s been a while. Senior Ilcheonggeom.”

The figure was none other than the Azure Dragon Grand Master, Ilcheonggeom.

He was the very person I was supposed to meet for today’s schedule.

Simultaneously.

“You seem to have trained your subordinate rather shittily?”

He was also one of the ‘four people’ I intended to kill upon entering the Murim Alliance.