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Flame Burst–!!

The rising flames filled the void around me.

The sizzling energy was so hot, just looking at it made me feel the heat.

The night, once adorned by the moon, had turned into day.

Flame burst.

I waved my hand, watching the tumultuous fire dance.

<Rumble--!!!>

The sound that reached my ears resembled the cry of a demon beast.

The thick flames responded to my fingertips, and before long—

<Roar---!!>

A tremendous wave began to engulf me.

Blue flame returned to my body.

It surged in like a torrential downpour, accumulating energy in my heart. The energy piling up was about half of the bet I had made.

“…Huff….”

Right after gathering all the flames, I let out a soft sigh.

As if sweeping away the intense heat surrounding me, a pressure emanated.

<Wooosh--!!>

After clearing the heat a few more times, I turned my gaze around.

Soon after, I couldn’t help but smile awkwardly.

‘This is a mess.’

Perhaps due to the aftermath of the flames, everything was in chaos.

Burnt trees and blackened marks were scattered everywhere.

Of course, having shot flames everywhere, it was only natural for it to end up this way.

‘…It’s been a while since I couldn’t control it this much.’

I felt quite flustered.

Once you become accustomed to fire techniques, you can avoid damaging unnecessary areas.

In my previous life, I didn’t care and just obliterated everything, but this life was different. I thought I had a knack for controlling fire.

‘It’s gotten ridiculously hard.’

Last night, perhaps because of the changes I underwent, I couldn’t control the flames.

Every shot burst out much more forcefully than expected.

Not only was it strong, but I also couldn’t control it, and if I hadn’t acted quickly, I might have burned down an entire mountain.

If I hadn’t retracted quickly, I probably would have really set fire to at least one mountain.

After that incident, I attempted to shoot towards the void for better control, but…

‘In the end, I couldn’t resolve everything.’

I spent the whole night experimenting and came to one conclusion.

‘It won’t be resolved in a day or two.’

It would take more time to figure this out.

‘The firepower has increased too much.’

What did I say last night?

It seemed like the firepower had increased, and I hoped it would rise by about 30%.

‘30%? Pff.’

It wasn’t just 30%.

At this rate, it was doubled.

‘The firepower has increased by at least double compared to what I used to have.’

Moreover, not only did the firepower increase, but the strength from using my bet also grew.

As a result, controlling my strength still felt challenging.

The increase in firepower meant that my limit for a single explosion had expanded.

Where I could gather and explode up to ten before, now—

It could very well exceed twenty.

This meant increased destructive power, and you could argue I became stronger.

‘But the problem is….’

The abrupt increase in strength I couldn’t control.

While the firepower skyrocketed, my energy remained the same.

Given my immense inner strength, my firepower was originally high.

In that situation, while my firepower doubled, my energy stayed constant? This wasn’t a reason to rejoice.

‘This means the need for energy has increased.’

With this much, there wasn’t a chance to compete with anyone in terms of inner strength.

As far as I knew, there were only a handful who had more inner strength than me.

Sure, it seemed that way….

‘But it’s not enough to handle the firepower.’

I grimaced, recalling the flames I unleashed last night.

The strength had truly increased.

To a degree that even surprised me.

One, the energy to manage that strength was lacking.

‘Should I see this positively?’

After all, the ceiling of my power had expanded, so one could view it as an opportunity.

However, to utilize it effectively, I’d have to increase my training until I’m used to it.

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

To fully utilize it, I needed to expand my vessel for energy.

Regardless, it’s good. I have to see it positively.

‘I became stronger, after all.’

It’s undoubtedly an opportunity.

Considering the time was short each passing day, at least it was still better than not having it.

‘Just focusing on energy means I have a considerable advantage.’

If I only take care of the energy to manage the firepower…

‘Could I compete with the Three Eminent Beings?’

Leaving aside skills or proficiency, in terms of firepower alone, I might surpass them.

No, I had to.

The place I aimed for was higher than them, so I needed to find a way, no matter what.

‘At the very least, I have to surpass the Heavenly Lord.’

Among the Eminent Beings, he was the one who would probably possess the greatest firepower.

I felt it for sure in the battle against the demon beast.

‘In terms of firepower, I lost.’

The dark cloud that filled the void.

The lightning that erupted within it.

So fierce that it could be called a disaster, it invoked fear.

Personally, I thought the weakest of the Three Eminent Beings was the Heavenly Lord…

‘The Eminent Beings are still Eminent.’

Having witnessed the true power of the Heavenly Lord, I couldn’t think otherwise.

Human disasters.

Those who, as humans, reached the heavens.

I had to reach them.

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

Originally, I was probably halfway to the level of the mid-tier martial masters.

But now…

‘I should at least be upper-tier.’

While it’d be hard to compare to Maehwa Seon or the Sword Sovereign, I wouldn’t lose to the tier below them.

If I managed the situation, I might have a chance against those two.

If I pushed them back with my firepower and seized the initiative, I could do it.

Of course.

‘In a long fight, it would be tough.’

If my energy drained first, I’d get decapitated.

That was the objective assessment.

However.

‘This pertains to fighting as a martial artist.’

If I viewed it as an inhuman being, things would change entirely.

I possessed not only martial techniques but much more.

‘If I were to use everything, I wouldn’t lose.’

If I win, it might be ambiguous, but I wouldn’t lose. I felt a certainty in that.

“…Hmm.”

Calming my energy, I gazed at one place.

Everything I possessed.

This entailed all the martial techniques I had built up till now, as well as the powers acquired from becoming a dragon.

Not to mention the sorcery I was still researching.

Moreover, to be precise,

‘Powers.’

The powers obtained from becoming a dragon.

So far, I had gained Dragon Words and Tam.

In addition, I caught Mang and acquired the wind.

Though they hadn’t been exceptionally helpful in battle, I could now say I had gained a decent power in the fight against the White Grade Demon Beast last time.

The power I obtained this time was—

‘A rather good one.’

I was confident it was a significantly useful power.

Finally, I felt I had something valuable for battle.

‘I need to use this properly.’

Under normal circumstances, I should have confirmed this much earlier, but—

I spent the whole night understanding my altered state.

“Hmmm….”

Should I try using it even now?

Thinking so, I slightly moved my fingers.

Honestly, I wanted to try it out.

But.

“Tsk….”

Sadly, I had to hold back.

‘It’s too dangerous here.’

No matter how deserted the area might be, the powers I obtained were difficult to wield casually.

I wasn’t even sure if it would land correctly.

‘I must start moving soon.’

Since I had a schedule to follow shortly, I couldn’t waste any more time.

In hindsight, I should have left much earlier, but I lingered too long checking my firepower.

“This will have to wait for next time.”

I reluctantly made the decision.

Clicking my tongue internally, I turned my head.

Now, it was time to head down.

‘By the way, did that little rascal get back okay?’

Images of Tolly, who was with me until moments ago, flashed through my mind.

Having stayed up all night like this, he decided to leave, but did he know his way?

A fleeting worry crossed my mind.

‘He’ll figure it out.’

He’s not a mere child. That rascal flew around with ease. He should manage just fine.

Honestly, though I felt uneasy, I had many other tasks to focus on.

‘Let’s get moving.’

Staying longer could lead to delays.

Recalling this, I hastily moved forward.

My destination was the Martial Alliance.

After flying for about half a meal’s time, I finally arrived at the Martial Alliance.

Normally, I would have reached there at least half as early, but I was later than expected.

‘Honestly… Just a little thrust of power sends me flying. I can’t keep it in check.’

Just applying a bit of strength in my legs made my speed pick up.

If I slipped up, I might crash into a building, so I had to exercise caution.

Arriving at the Martial Alliance, as soon as I reached the door, someone appeared looking for me.

“…I shall meet the Great Lord.”

“Pleasure to meet you.”

It seemed he had been waiting, and the members of the alliance presented themselves properly.

I frowned at the sight.

‘That damned title still doesn’t sit well with me.’

The term “Great Lord” stung my ears.

“…He is waiting. If it’s alright, you may enter.”

“And if I don’t want to?”

“Uh…?”

“Just joking. Let’s go.”

“…”

It wasn’t a pleasant atmosphere, so I attempted a joke, but upon seeing the martial artist’s expression sour immediately, I withdrew.

Afterward, I followed the guide and entered the alliance.

Since I had been visiting often lately, the background was becoming familiar.

As I was observing everything one by one, I heard—

“The Great Lord has been waiting for you since just now.”

The person leading the way suddenly spoke to me.

I redirected my gaze.

“Really?”

“Yes. The Great Lord anticipated you would arrive a bit earlier and prepared in advance.”

“Is he that busy?”

“Well, it’s basic courtesy, isn’t it?”

Hearing his words, I narrowed my eyes slightly.

His manner of speaking felt bothersome.

I scrutinized the man walking in front, who kept his eyes ahead and did not reveal his expression.

Was I imagining things?

Thinking so, I momentarily let it slide.

“…Yes, whatever.”

However.

“Perhaps because our Great Lord is in the senior position, waiting might not be entirely comfortable for him.”

“…”

“If he shows any signs of discomfort, I hope the younger Great Lord can understand.”

From the continuous remarks, I was convinced it wasn’t an illusion.

‘He’s already being annoying.’

I scratched my chin with my finger.

‘Is this a spirit battle starting from the get-go?’

Of course, he was bringing up my tardiness.

His remarks about seniority and junior status, subtly inserting them into conversation, seemed ridiculous.

While my arrival time was slightly late, it wasn’t excessively so.

In other words, it wasn’t even a definitive tardiness.

‘But this guy keeps pushing the issue of my lateness.’

Nodding my head, I surveyed the martial artist.

The emblems on his back and the armband on his forearm made it easy to figure out his affiliation.

Taking everything in, I spoke to the martial artist.

“By the way?”

“Yes?”

The abruptness of my question caused him to stop and turn his head, confusion written all over his expression.

He obviously hadn’t misheard, and he should have clearly registered my inquiry.

“Who said to wait?”

“What do you…?”

“Who would think I begged to be kept waiting?”

The martial artist looked at me with a bewildered expression as if shocked. My reaction must have been unusual enough for him to lose focus.

“I’d keep my mouth shut if I was late. I’m not late, and I arrived properly. Why do you keep nagging me?”

“Nagging? I would never dare to—”

“If this isn’t nagging, what is it? Is that a sophisticated way of showing respect? I don’t think so.”

I smiled at him, and the martial artist’s expression cracked.

“I adjusted the schedule based on today being the most convenient, and I thought I could accommodate, since I figured it wouldn’t be a problem. But why are you stirring up unnecessary tension over seniority?”

Since I had arranged the timing because today was said to be the most convenient, it was only natural considering my side would be fine with it.

Does this guy not realize that? No, he must be aware.

He likely knew yet still opted to act like this.

On top of that.

“Hey, mister.”

“Ah, mister?”

“Do you even know who I am?”

“…The Great Lord, of course.”

“Nope, wrong. I’m not just any Great Lord.”

Smiling brightly, I patted the man’s shoulder.

“I’m here to become the Great Lord. So I outrank you, don’t I?”

“…”

“It should be accurate enough judging by the way our interactions are going.”

Looking him up and down, I continued.

“You don’t seem like you’re my superior.”

“…”

I infused my voice with an air of disdain.

“…Tsk.”

Hearing that, I could hear the martial artist grinding his teeth.

It seemed I had scratched his ego, yet I didn’t care an ounce as I continued.

“This is for your sake, mister. Don’t pick unnecessary fights with me, no matter who prompted you to.”

While speaking, I didn’t release any energy or exert strength.

Originally, I would have done so; however, if I did now, I risked not holding back and ending up in a situation where he could die.

“My temper isn’t particularly good. If the winds blow the wrong way, you might end up with one less limb.”

Those words were candid advice. How many of those who got tangled up with me had survived long enough to tell the tale?

I had killed so many that I could hardly remember.

So don’t act cockily. That was the underlying meaning I intended to convey.

“This…!”

In the end, it appeared the man had reach his boiling point, as he unleashed his energy.

That’s not good.

We were yet to even kick off the agenda, and now I had to deal with a corpse.

Ah, of course.

‘That doesn’t necessarily displease me.’

But it was a matter I wasn’t concerned about.

As the man raised his hand to grasp his sword, I watched silently.

‘Grab it.’

‘And draw it.’

If he was going to kick up a storm right from the start, that was ample justification for me.

As I awaited the unfolding scenario, the man finally gripped his sword.

At that moment, just as I was about to smirk—

“Deputy Lord.”

“…!”

‘Tsk.’

Regrettably, the scene I anticipated didn’t materialize.

A meddler had inserted themselves.

‘Or rather, it should be said they hastily raced in.’

Considering they had likely been observing closely, it was evident they’d stepped in before chaos erupted.

The individual who appeared wore a stern expression, gazing at the both of us.

“Wha-what are you doing?”

“What are you doing?”

“Honestly, why even ask?”

Taking advantage of the flustered martial artist, I interjected.

Hearing my response, the individual shifted their gaze toward me.

“Ah, I apologize. I was speaking to myself. My thoughts slipped out.”

Despite fumbling for an explanation, the individual’s expression did not relent.

“Great Lord.”

At the sound of my title, I smiled warmly and greeted them.

“It’s been a while. Senior Il Cheonggeom.”

The figure was none other than the Cheongryong Great Lord, the one I had planned to meet today.

Simultaneously.

“You really messed up with the training of your subordinates, didn’t you?”

He was one of the four targets I intended to eliminate in this Martial Alliance.

 

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