Chapter 33
‘Hyung must also be feeling quite frustrated. A sealed gate is no trivial matter.’
Even the head of the Nexus Guild, whom he had just met, mentioned how difficult it was to secure a bid for a sealed gate.
And yet, the Association Chairman had whimsically granted permission as if it were child’s play. No wonder he would be furious.
However, Suho had deliberately set up this atmosphere.
Chairman Jang Kyung-hwan wasn’t deeply concerned about matters that didn’t directly affect his own interests.
Especially if they had to do with hunters.
‘As long as it wasn’t about budget issues, the Chairman and Vice Chairman didn’t care how many hunters died or how they died.’
But right now, Suho needed a sealed gate.
He needed it to prove his abilities.
So, before Jung Cheol-min could say anything further, Suho steered the conversation to a more definite conclusion.
“After I clear the sealed gate, I’ll make sure to express my gratitude you, Chairman, during the interview. After all, none of this would have been possible without your permission.”
At those words, Chairman Jang Kyung-hwan’s mouth stretched into a wide grin. There was nothing better than having your name mentioned by a rising star in front of everyone.
Buoyed by the positive atmosphere, Chairman Jang Kyung-hwan continued with his questions.
“Haha, yes, yes. This is all very encouraging to see. By the way, Hunter Ahn Suho, are you planning to take the upcoming public recruitment exam?”
“The upcoming public recruitment?”
“For the ninth or seventh grade field positions.”
“Oh, I’m actually waiting for a different recruitment exam.”
“A different one?”
“Yes, I’m planning to take the fifth-grade public recruitment exam that will be held at the end of this year.”
“The fifth… grade…?”
At those words, the Chairman and Vice Chairman’s eyes widened in shock. They had assumed Suho would be applying for the ninth or seventh grade, never expecting him to mention the fifth grade.
The startled Chairman asked,
“The fifth grade exam is quite difficult, isn’t it?”
“I’m aware. But personally, I believe that compared to the ninth or seventh grade, the fifth grade would allow me to do more to help end the gate crisis.”
“Such deep conviction…”
As Suho spoke about the fifth grade, a sharp glint appeared in both men’s eyes.
Noticing this, Suho quickly added more to his explanation.
“I’ve consulted with several people, and they’ve told me that if I’m planning to take the fifth-grade exam, it might be better to gain some industry experience by joining a guild beforehand.”
“Who told you that?”
“Oh, just advice I received from public service exam prep centers.”
“Hmm, that’s not entirely wrong. We do tend to favor candidates with experience. But don’t most guilds these days have exclusive contracts with fixed terms?”
“That’s exactly my dilemma. I want to learn some practical skills, but the contracts are typically long-term. However, if a guild were willing to meet my conditions, I’d be open to joining one for a short period before the public exam.”
“Hoo… If such a place existed, we’d be quite grateful.”
Hearing this, Suho smiled inwardly.
Perfect.
Since the Chairman had said it himself, even if Suho ended up joining Nexus, it wouldn’t be viewed negatively.
In fact, they might even think highly of him.
Moreover…
‘This could also create a natural connection between the Association and Nexus.’
At that moment—
Knock, knock.
“Chairman, it’s Pi Seong-yeol.”
Upon hearing the voice, Suho’s eyes widened in surprise.
‘Pi Seong-yeol?’
The person who entered as the door opened was indeed the Pi Seong-yeol Suho knew.
‘To think I’d meet this man now…!’
Pi Seong-yeol of the Special Division.
He was one of the key figures Suho had targeted for judgment, just like the Chairman and Vice Chairman. After all, Pi Seong-yeol had been involved in the Gate Shock incident, where Suho lost his entire family.
Realizing there were guests, Pi Seong-yeol looked slightly startled and bowed his head.
“Oh, I didn’t realize there were guests… I apologize. I’ll come back another time.”
“No, no, it’s fine. We were just about to wrap up. Actually, why don’t you come in and introduce yourself? This is Hunter Ahn Suho, the one who recently cleared the Tower of Trials.”
“Ahn Suho, you say? Ah!”
At the Chairman’s introduction, Pi Seong-yeol immediately recognized the name and briskly walked over to Suho, extending his hand.
“I’m Pi Seong-yeol from the Special Division. Wow, thanks to the Chairman, I get to meet the man of the hour.”
“I’m Ahn Suho.”
Suho casually shook his hand.
Pi Seong-yeol grinned, flashing his signature gold tooth.
“I’ve read many articles about you. You’re quite the sensation these days, aren’t you?”
“Haha, not really.”
Suho smiled and exchanged pleasantries with him.
Though Suho had already passed judgment on Pi Seong-yeol once before, it didn’t mean he had forgiven him.
After all, this was still before Pi Seong-yeol faced the consequences for his actions.
That didn’t mean Suho would act like an amateur, letting his emotions take over.
The Vice Chairman then chimed in with more information about Suho.
“Ah, Cheif Pi, since you’re here, take note of this. Apparently, Hunter Ahn Suho is planning to take the fifth-grade public recruitment exam at the end of this year.”
“The fifth-grade exam?”
Suho quickly responded.
“Haha, yes, that’s the plan.”
Pi Seong-yeol feigned surprise, then raised his eyebrows and showed his gold tooth once more.
“Wow, the fifth-grade exam is incredibly difficult… You’re quite remarkable for someone so young.”
Excited by Pi Seong-yeol’s praise, the Vice Chairman eagerly added more details.
“Haha, and that’s not all! Our Association has also decided to provide Hunter Ahn Suho with a sealed gate. He’ll be challenging one soon.”
“A sealed gate?”
At the mention of Suho challenging a sealed gate, Pi Seong-yeol was once again struck with surprise.
While anyone could apply for the fifth-grade public exam, the sealed gate was an entirely different matter.
Was that why?
His reaction differed slightly from that of the Chairman and Vice Chairman.
“Um… Hunter Ahn Suho, are you sure? You know what a sealed gate entails, right?”
His voice carried concern. It was only natural. As an awakened one, Pi Seong-yeol understood just how dangerous those places could be.
But Suho responded casually, as if it were no big deal.
“Yes, it’s too dangerous, which is why guilds avoid it and the Association manages it separately, isn’t that right?”
“You’re well-informed. And yet, you still want to challenge it… Hm, if that’s your wish, I won’t stop you, but… I really hope you succeed in clearing it. If you manage to do so, the fifth-grade exam will practically be—”
The Vice Chairman cut him off.
“Ahem, Cheif Pi. You shouldn’t say things like that. No one knows who will pass the public exam. The process must be fair. Of course, clearing a sealed gate would prove one’s abilities, but… ahem, ahem.”
“Haha, as expected of the Vice Chairman. Hunter Ahn Suho, I’m rooting for you as well. If you manage to clear the sealed gate and pass the exam, I hope we get a chance to work together.”
Pi Seong-yeol’s eyes gleamed.
He meant it sincerely.
After all, he was always on the hunt for talented individuals.
‘More like always looking for his next loyal pawn.’
Once again, the Vice Chairman interjected.
“Ahem, Cheif Pi, it seems Hunter Ahn Suho already has his sights set on the Gate Division, doesn’t he?”
“The Gate Division? Why?”
“Hunter Ahn Suho’s dream is to bring an end to the gate crisis. He wants to make full use of the priority gate access.”
“Oh, is that all? If that’s the case, our Special Department could offer the same, don’t you think, Team Leader Jung?”
Finally, Pi Seong-yeol acknowledged Jung Cheol-min. His words forced an awkward response from Jung Cheol-min.
“Haha… Yes, I suppose.”
“But if Hunter Ahn Suho passes the fifth-grade exam, what will that mean for your rank, Team Leader Jung? I suppose we’ll find out by the end of the year. In any case, I’m rooting for you, Hunter Ahn Suho. I mean that sincerely.”
His casual mention of rank created an odd, almost uncomfortable atmosphere.
This raccoon-like bastard.
Pi Seong-yeol was clearly making things difficult for Jung Cheol-min on purpose.
Sensing this, Suho stood up.
“Thank you. I’ll let you continue your conversation. I’ll be taking my leave now.”
“Alright. It was a pleasure meeting you today, Hunter Ahn Suho. Oh, and as for the sealed gate we mentioned earlier, you can discuss the details with Team Leader Jung on your way out.”
“Yes, thank you. I will.”
Finally, Suho and Jung Cheol-min were able to leave the Chairman’s office.
However, once outside, Jung Cheol-min’s expression was far from pleasant.
Suho knew why but pretended not to notice. He spoke to Jung Cheol-min as if nothing was wrong.
“Thanks to the Chairman and Vice Chairman, I’ve been given quite the opportunity.”
“Well… that’s…”
Jung Cheol-min hesitated, clearly holding back the words he had wanted to say for a while now. Noticing this, Suho chuckled softly.
“Team Leader, you smoke, don’t you?”
“What? Oh, yes…”
“Then how about we take a quick smoke break?”
“…Alright.”
The two headed to the smoking area on the top floor of the building.
As soon as they entered, Jung Cheol-min silently placed a cigarette between his lips.
Watching him, Suho sat down in one of the chairs, smiling.
Jung Cheol-min looked puzzled as he asked,
“Suho-ssi, don’t you smoke?”
“I don’t, no.”
“Then why did you suggest it…?”
“You looked like you needed it. You haven’t looked too happy since earlier.”
Jung Cheol-min made a strange face at that, then gave a sheepish laugh.
“…Haha, was it that obvious?”
With that, he sat down as well.
“Mind if I light one up?”
“Of course. That’s why we came to the smoking area, isn’t it?”
“Thank you.”
Jung Cheol-min lit his cigarette.
After taking a deep drag and exhaling, his sigh seemed to dissolve into the air.
Watching him, Suho spoke up.
“You’re worried about me, aren’t you?”
At this, Jung Cheol-min looked at Suho for a moment before his gaze fell back to the floor.
“Yes, to be honest, I’m very worried. I’m fond of you already, Suho-ssi. I have a feeling you’re going to become someone great in the future. I don’t want to lose you. If I could, I’d do everything I can to help you grow safely.”
“Oh wow, I didn’t realize you thought that highly of me. Thank you.”
“I mean it. And because I do, I have to say this… Suho-ssi, you’ve only recently become a hunter, so you may not fully understand yet, but sealed gates are extremely dangerous places. The government manages them for a reason.”
“I know. I’m fully aware that even large guilds struggle to obtain bidding rights because of the safety concerns.”
“Then why…?”
“Because I’m confident.”
“What?”
“One of the gates the Association manages is called the ‘Nameless Sword’, right? It’s one of the sealed gates.”
“Yes, it is. It caused quite a stir back then.”
“I know how to clear it.”
“…What?”
At that moment, Jung Cheol-min looked at Suho with the widest eyes he had ever seen.
