I Became a Childhood Friend of the Middle Boss

Chapter 15

Do School’s main house, 2nd floor library.

However, it was merely a library in appearance; in reality, it was nothing more than an entertainment venue to alleviate boredom.

Most of the attendees at the banquet had gathered there to enjoy themselves.

“Great! I won again!”

“Ah, come on, stop taking it all. Don’t we need to make a living too?”

“Let’s go have a smoke.”

“Is there something stronger than this?”

People excitedly gambling at the baccarat table, making loud, vulgar remarks.

Those openly smoking cigarettes or pipes, spreading the smoke around them.

Even though the banquet had not yet begun, people drinking heavily at the bar set up in one corner of the library.

And so on.

“….”

In the library, you could see people indulging in the pleasures of the moment.

“Ugh, the smell of cigarettes….”

“Why do those people really… smoke indoors like that?”

Entering the study, Han Ji-ae, the mother of Do Gyeon-woo, wrinkled her face at the smell of tobacco.

Do Sang-joon glanced at the people smoking on one side and immediately cast a protective spell over her.

The smoke veered away from her.

“No more smell now?”

“Yeah, there’s no one like you after all.”

Han Ji-ae’s eyes rounded.

Do Sang-joon took her hand and pulled her closer to him.

A smile played on his lips.

“Shall we go meet some people?”

“The Second Elder is over there, and the Second Brother is there.”

“Right, the eldest brother hasn’t arrived yet, let’s go meet the Second Brother first.”

Soon, the two turned to greet those who maintained some semblance of friendliness towards them.

They were welcomed warmly and offered seats.

Of course, they didn’t forget to be cautious.

“We understand that you two have a good relationship, but if Do-husband sticks close to Dongseo, we can’t talk freely among ourselves.”

“Right, if Do-husband is around, husbands will overhear. It makes it hard to get close—”

“hahahaha… is that so?”

Do Sang-joon didn’t miss the implication behind their laughter.

It meant to leave Han Ji-ae behind.

But he couldn’t do that.

“How do I know what might happen to Ji-ae when I’m not around?”

It was a few years ago.

Han Ji-ae had suffered a great humiliation while trying to interact with the women of the New Moon Guild to be of help to him.

Was she just a woman who married well just because she had a pretty face and no real background?

Seeing her hurt by those words and returning home in sorrow, he couldn’t leave her alone.

“Sorry, it’s my fault…”

“Why apologize and all that? Let’s go over there and have a drink together.”

Anyway, they must have seen everyone they needed to see.

To comfort her melancholy, they decided to spend time together.

And then it happened.

“Sang-joon, long time no see. How have you been?”

“…”

He had avoided mixing words, pretending not to know until now.

It was Do Beom-joon, Do Sang-joon’s third brother, who initiated the conversation.

“Yeah, it’s been a while. Why are you here?”

Do Seung-woo’s father.

Not long ago, he had been an unwelcome figure due to his continuous harassment of Do Seung-woo, his son.

The resentment in his voice was unmistakable.

In response, Do Beom-joon let out a wry smile.

“We settled it over the phone, but I felt it necessary to meet in person. I warned Seung-woo not to do it again from now on.”

“….”

“Now that he’s heard a word, he probably won’t bother Kyungwoo anymore. But is Kyungwoo okay?”

“My son is doing fine even without his brother’s concern, so don’t worry about it.”

“Well, that’s a relief. I was concerned that what Seungwoo did might have traumatized Kyungwoo’s personality.”

“….”

“If there’s a need to go to the hospital because of this, let me know. I’ll introduce you to a good doctor in that field. Anyway, Seungwoo’s actions have caused regret. I’ll apologize on his behalf.”

Doh Beomjoon suddenly reached out his hand.

It was a gesture of reconciliation, suggesting they stop arguing about this matter and make amends.

“Huh, what? Apologize?”

However, Do Sangjoon had no intention of accepting Doh Beomjoon’s apology.

He waved his hand dismissively, glaring at Doh Beomjoon.

“If you want to apologize, do it directly to Kyungwoo. I’m not going to do it on your behalf.”

“What… What are you suggesting?”

“Don’t slyly try to influence the situation. What exactly are you trying to do?”

It was a gathering of family members.

Do Sangjoon knew that they were all pretending to focus on their own tasks while subtly eavesdropping on conversations.

And he was aware that Doh Beomjoon was intentionally fueling the friction between Do Seungwoo and Do Kyungwoo, undermining Do Kyungwoo.

Knowing this, Do Sangjoon couldn’t help but feel angry.

“If that’s your answer, there’s nothing I can do. I won’t offer any help. If you need my strength later on, contact me.”

“I know there won’t be any need for help from you, so I understand that.”

Regardless of Do Sangjoon’s feelings, Doh Beomjoon turned away as if to say he had done all he could.

And just as he was about to leave…

“Doh Beomjoon, Sub Lord!”

The attention of those in the study was subtly directed towards the two men.

A man in the uniform of the Regulus Clan entered the study and approached Doh Beomjoon.

“…Is that so?”

The man who seemed to be with Doh Beomjoon whispered something to him.

Soon, his expression changed.

‘What’s going on?’

Do Sangjoon had a bad feeling about the mocking look in the man’s eyes.

His intuition was correct.

Doh Beomjoon raised his voice as if to make sure everyone heard.

“It seems like the parties involved intend to resolve the matter from the last time amongst themselves, right?”

“What do you mean?”

“It seems like our sons had a duel at the training ground.”

“Kyungwoo… had a duel?”

“I heard that Kyungwoo challenged Seungwoo to a duel first. I find it hard to believe my Kyungwoo would do that, but the information should be accurate.”

“….”

“Well, come to think of it, Kyungwoo is also from the Shin-Geom-Do clan, so it’s not surprising. One should know how to protect their dignity. It seems he inherited the lion’s spirit as well.”

Do Kyungwoo is fighting with Do Seungwoo.

Dosangjun paled at the mocking words from Dobumjun that made Dobomjun’s shoulders shake.

He had been told not to cause trouble, yet he ended up causing trouble.

‘Why do I have a bad feeling…’

Dosangjun mumbled.

Having seen Dogyunwoo’s skills before, he no longer worried about Dogyunwoo’s abilities.

“….”

The problem was the recent change in Gyunwoo’s personality; Dosangjun was deeply worried about what Gyunwoo might do.

He was concerned about having to clean up after Gyunwoo.

His expression darkened gradually.

“Why? Worried?”

Dobumjun misunderstood the reason for his change in expression.

He smirked and taunted, addressing others, “We might witness a match if we go now. It’s a lucky break. Anyone interested in watching Seungwoo and Gyunwoo spar?”

“Oh, that sounds good!”

Dobumjun encouraged.

Starting with those who were already tipsy, a few people got up.

His scheme was obvious.

By making a public spectacle of the two’s match, it was an attempt to diminish Gyunwoo’s influence.

Of course, the success of his scheme hinged on Gyunwoo losing.

“Everyone’s going, but are you not coming to watch, Sangjun?”

“…I’ll go too.”

“Good decision. I understand your feelings, but they said they would handle it themselves, so let’s not interfere.”

“….”

“This match will settle everything. You know what I mean, right?”

“Yes, I won’t forget your words.”

“Pretend you’re tough.”

At that point, Dosangjun decided to simply give up on his thoughts.

The situation had escalated beyond his ability to salvage it.

On one hand, he was irritated by Dobumjun’s disregard for his own son.

‘In a way, this is a stroke of luck.’

In a sense, it was an opportunity.

If Gyunwoo could overturn the opinions of the family members and defeat Doseungwoo, Gyunwoo’s evaluation would rise significantly.

It wasn’t all turmoil.

Thus, he intended to follow the others to the library.

Naturally, he didn’t forget to take Han Jiae with him.

Dosangjun called out to her, who had been away talking to Dobumjun.

“Let’s go. It will be interesting… right?”

“Seungwoo troubled Gyunwoo, didn’t he?”

And he froze in his seat.

“What on earth are you talking about? Why does it feel like the first time I’ve heard this?”

“W-well….”

“You seem to be aware.”

Han Ji-ae was smiling.

But her smile wasn’t a real one.

To survive, Do Sang-jun instinctively called her by a nickname, but it had no effect.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

I was dead.

Do Sang-jun trembled in fear.

◈

The master of Shingeom martial arts, Do Seung-woo.

He still vividly remembered memories from several years ago.

―Teach one, enlighten ten, seems like you know how to unfold the sensory martial arts.

―Thank you!

Before Do Seung-woo was known as a master.

At that time, the one who carried the family’s expectations wasn’t him, but someone of the same age, Do Gyun-woo.

He once showed such prowess in swordsmanship that he received high praise from the family head grandfather.

Perhaps because of that, his personality back then was more proactive and full of confidence.

―Hmm, that kid was born….

―Already mastered the breathing technique?

―He’s quite exceptional.

If Do Seung-woo became a master through effort, a acquired talent.

Do Gyun-woo was a natural-born genius from birth.

There was a difference in their talents.

The difference was so enormous that it created an insurmountable gap.

Being compared and competing with him all his life due to being of the same generation and age, Do Seung-woo felt despair.

―Why can’t you even do that much! Born as my son, how can you not keep up with that kid!?

Learning the basics of sensory martial arts and starting the direct family members’ competition that had to be presented to the family.

Do Seung-woo was constantly compared to him, facing harsh criticism from his own parents.

―You can do it. You must.

– And yet, can you fall asleep?

– Is that all you can do!?

– Are you really my son!?

The memories of that time were dreadful.

Do Seungwoo was dragged by his father, trying to surpass Dogyeongwoo by reducing even his sleeping time.

Despite his efforts, he could not defeat Dogyeongwoo.

The more he tried, the more he irrationally despised Dogyeongwoo.

– If only you weren’t here….

I wouldn’t be like this.

Do Seungwoo harbored resentment, fueled by evil.

In truth, Do Seungwoo knew.

Dogyeongwoo had done nothing wrong.

Yet, Do Seungwoo could not bring himself to blame his parents, nor could he blame his own talent.

To resent them would be to deny his own existence.

Therefore, subconsciously, he blamed Dogyeongwoo to protect himself.

He resented, blamed, and abhorred.

It was a twisted self-consciousness.

The incident occurred right at that time.

– S-Seungwoo!

During the first evaluation match.

Do Seungwoo found himself dueling with Dogyeongwoo as if fate had embraced evil.

A duel with wooden swords.

In that duel, he was injured by Dogyeongwoo’s attack.

– W-What do I do. There’s blood….

Dogyeongwoo was young and inexperienced.

He did not fully comprehend how dangerous his attack was or how much harm it could cause to his opponent.

What he had merely understood in his mind was different when seen directly with his eyes.

Dogyeongwoo was at a loss seeing blood flow from Do Seungwoo’s elbow due to his sword.

– This is!

On the other hand, Do Seungwoo remained composed.

He immediately seized the opportunity.

Do Gyounwoo failed to respond properly. He only focused on defending himself and did not attempt to attack further.

As a result,

―…I won.

Do Seungwoo achieved his first victory.

When he belatedly regained his senses, Do Gyounwoo was lying beneath him.

―P-please, stop…

―…

Protecting his face with raised arms, whimpering.

Do Gyounwoo, who had been touted as a prodigy in the family, was now pleading.

At that moment, Do Seungwoo felt a strange sense of pleasure and fulfillment as he looked at Do Gyounwoo.

From then on,

―I thought you were a prodigy, but you’re no different from the others.

―Everyone’s a genius when they’re young. I knew it would come to this.

―That’s how commoner’s kids are, what’s new.

Do Gyounwoo ceased to be a prodigy.

As if awaiting his downfall, the family members mocked him, leading to his current situation being referred to as “Rabbit.”

And from that point on, Do Seungwoo continued to elevate his own evaluation.

―You can’t even kill one rabbit, you’re really pathetic, huh?

Do Seungwoo provoked Do Gyounwoo.

Having gained the psychological upper hand over him, Do Seungwoo unleashed all the suppressed emotions.

―D-don’t talk like that.

―What’s wrong with talking like that?

―Huh?

―What are you going to do? Fight?

―…

―I’m fine with it, let’s fight. Let’s do it again. I’ll knock you down like back then.

Do Gyounwoo couldn’t say a word.

He had completely surrendered to Do Seungwoo.

“From now on, crawl on your own.”

…

A coward who was extremely fearful of causing harm to others.

To Doseungwoo, Dogyeongwoo could no longer be his rival.

However, Dogyeongwoo’s existence in itself stimulated feelings of inferiority from the past.

No, he was unconsciously afraid of Dogyeongwoo.

“It’s trying to crawl up!”

Could it be that Dogyeongwoo was overcoming his weakness, not reverting to his childhood?

And then, his own position would be shaken, and life would come back to being compared to Dogyeongwoo.

Doseungwoo secretly harbored such assumptions unconsciously.

That’s why…

“Do not let him rise again, crush him mercilessly.”

He was determined to bring Dogyeongwoo down in front of his family, crushing his influence to the ground.

But things took a different turn.

“…!?”

As if reading his thoughts, Dogyeongwoo dodged the attack.

“It’s unbelievable! How on earth…”

Doseungwoo couldn’t understand.

Each time his black sword seemed to touch him, it barely grazed him, slicing through the air.

Then came his attacks.

Each time, Doseungwoo hastily brought his sword to block the strikes aimed at him.

Clang!

Swords clashed.

It was also when Doseungwoo’s and Dogyeongwoo’s gazes met during their fast movements.

Doseungwoo glared at Dogyeongwoo.

Dogyeongwoo’s gaze was indifferent.

“What’s with that look?”

A gaze that seemed to say there was nothing special.

Doseungwoo felt an unfamiliar discomfort in his gaze.

No, it was a kick of inferiority.

The inferiority that had been hidden all this time rose upon looking into Dogyeongwoo’s eyes.

“This brat…!”

Don’t ignore me.

Doseungwoo clenched his teeth, holding back the words that were about to burst out.

He struck Dogyeongwoo’s sword and immediately assumed the Suwangryu stance.

＜Suwangryu Attack Form Type 3＞

At that moment, Dogyeongwoo also responded.

He adjusted his stance in line with Doseungwoo and stepped one foot back.

Mana surged in his swordsmanship.

Lion Iron Armor

In the world that Doseungwoo gazes upon,

his swordsmanship unfolds, flying from right to left towards Dogyeonwoo.

A strike like a whip of iron bends, aiming for Dogyeonwoo’s side.

──!!

As Dogyeonwoo’s blade points towards the ground, he raises the sword in a perpendicular direction.

His right hand on the hilt moves downward, while the left hand below moves upward, changing the grip.

Thus…

＜Water King Style Defense Form 2＞

Lion Iron Armor

Activating the mana circuit in the lower body, firmly holding the ground to prevent the feet from leaving.

Activating the mana circuit in the arms, deflecting the impact downwards through the body, a defensive form.

Although easy to learn as part of Form 2, it was a highly challenging swordsmanship.

It was almost like cutting flesh and taking bones.

In fact, Form 2 was a swordsmanship meant to progress towards another defense form.

“Gah…!”

However, Dogyeonwoo unfolded the Lion Iron Armor to block the attack.

Doseungwoo clicked his tongue in frustration.

Flesh Slashing Bone Breaking.

If Dogyeonwoo gave in like this, it would be Doseungwoo’s turn to take his bones.

‘What attack form can follow the Lion Iron Armor…’

Doseungwoo quickly turned his head.

A situation where he could face a counterattack.

His mind calculated the possibilities more urgently than ever.

Thus, the calculated possibilities were two.

‘Form 3 Lion Iron Edge.’

And Form 4 Lion Whirlwind.

Dogyeonwoo had no other attacking form to use in this situation.

‘Which one will it be?’

Doseungwoo observed Dogyeonwoo’s movements, preparing to respond accordingly.

At that moment, Dogyeonwoo moved.

Dogyeonwoo… didn’t unfold his swordsmanship.

Instead, he suddenly delivered a spinning kick, striking Dosungwoo’s chest.

Caught off guard by the unexpected attack, he was pushed back.

Right after…

“Slow.”

“…!”

A smirk formed on Dogyunwoo’s lips.

Dosungwoo’s face twisted.

Having been struck in the chest and pushed back, he quickly adjusted his stance to defend.

However…

“Too slow.”

Him stepping back.

Dogyunwoo stepping forward.

Dogyunwoo took one step faster.

In an instant, he spun around Dosungwoo and brought down his sword.

“…!”

He needed to put up a defense.

But his thoughts didn’t follow.

Above all, his body didn’t comply.

He couldn’t stop it.

It was unbelievable.

Denying reality.

Yet Dogyunwoo’s sword relentlessly descended towards him.

“…Ugh!”

A sharp impact struck the back of his head.

Dosungwoo tried to withstand the impact.

But as he took a step, he immediately lost balance and crumbled.

Consciousness faded.

No strength entered his body.

‘No…’

Dosungwoo tried to move his lips.

But he couldn’t as intended.

Only his eyes moved, capturing Dogyunwoo at the end of his sight despite the situation.

Soon, his vision flipped upside down, and Dogyunwoo’s figure turned upside down.

In that state…

“Sleep well, it was nothing special.”

Dogyunwoo’s smirk appeared.

His words faded away in the fading consciousness.

Eventually, consciousness was cut off.