Childhood Friend of the Zenith

A massive fist loomed right in front of my face. If I had been even a fraction of a second slower, it would have smashed straight into me.

The fist remained frozen in place, unmoving. As I stared at it intently—

“What did you just say?”

Paehjon’s voice rang out. The fist was still there, and the energy surrounding it hadn’t dissipated.

He hadn’t withdrawn his power yet.

Confirming this, I glanced slightly at Paehjon.

“I meant my identity.”

I met his gaze as I responded.

“You asked, so I answered.”
“I asked what exactly you said.”
“I said ‘disciple.’”
“...Whose disciple?”

At that, I raised my hand and pointed at the massive old man standing before me.

“Yours, elder.”
“...Ha?”

A sharp exhale escaped him, accompanied by an oppressive surge of energy. Seeing that, I turned my body slightly and clenched my fist.

Tua Infinite Fist.

Paehjon’s Tua Infinite Fist activated.

Tua Infinite Fist.

I met his attack with the same technique.

KUAAAAAA—!!!

A shockwave erupted, sending tremors through the surroundings. Trees and boulders were blasted away, and the distance between Paehjon and me widened slightly.

Watching this unfold, I scowled.

“Really, elder? You could just confirm with words. Do we always have to resort to fists?”
“If you’re planning on playing word games, I’m not interested in listening.”
“It’s not a joke.”

Thunk.

I removed my martial robe and laid it on the ground.

“Honestly, elder, you already know that this is the only possible answer. No—”

I stopped mid-sentence.

Because now, I had to say something I had never once uttered before when addressing Paehjon.

“You already know this, Master.”

Master. Or teacher.

Since becoming Paehjon’s disciple, not once had I ever called him that.

But now, it had to be said.

“Haha.”

Paehjon’s laughter grew deeper. This was the turning point.

I knew that laugh—it meant he was on the verge of exploding.

“I don’t recall ever teaching you. Do I look like I’ve lost my mind?”
“Judging by your actions, it’s not far off.”
“What did you say?”

Ah, damn. I accidentally provoked him even more.

A force of habit.

“...Anyway. You’re right, you never actually taught me. At least, not yet.”
“Not yet?”
“Yes. You heard me, didn’t you?”