Chapter 1077 - 77 - 81

Chapter 77: Chapter 77

The entirety of the Block B had become deathly silent.

'J-just now, definitely, impossible to measure....'

'D-does that mean, that guy's a rank S?'

'I've only ever heard of it, but seeing an impossible to measure rank with my own eyes is....'

Gulp.

The recruitment agents dispatched by various smaller Guilds were busy swallowing dry saliva as they stared at Jin-Woo turning in their direction.

However, none of them tried to talk to him.

"....."

"....."

If he was a rank C, then they would've started a war of nerves trying to sign him up to their respective Guilds. They would have formed the proverbial queue just for a chance to talk to him.

What about a rank B, then?

They would pounce on him like crazy while throwing around quite attractive-sounding offers, such as 'guaranteed spot as a high-ranking officer in the Guild', or 'shares in the Guild', etc., etc.

Onlookers would probably see it as an all-out war or something.

Well, it was not such a weird thing when considering the value of a Hunter ranked B, or the fact that they would receive a fat bonus by luring a high-ranked Awakened like that to their Guilds.

There were enough rank Bs who fell for the sweet-talk, after all; they would rather prefer to be the head of a snake, instead of the tail of a dragon.

However, the story changed when it came to a rank A. A rank A would be showered with a crap ton of special privileges by entering large Guilds, never mind small-to-medium Guilds.

Being selected as a member of the main raid team was a given, and since the main raid team only targetted high-ranked dungeons, the financial reward would be quite enormous as well.

Was that all?

If the offers of the Guilds weren't to your liking, you could just establish your own Guild and become its Master.

You could just make a small or a medium Guild by yourself, so was there a real reason to sign with one?

Indeed, rank As were that kind of existence.

However....

This man, who got his magic energy measured just now, was supposedly a rank S.

Not an 'A', but an 'S'.

It might be an easy thing to say, but the truth was, that single letter was only used to denote the very best Awakened in the country, with only nine of them existing in South Korea.

'With that man included, it'll be ten, isn't it?'

'The tenth rank S Hunter.....'

This youth was not someone these headhunters from the various small Guilds could even attempt to talk to.

Gulp....

Nope, all they could do now was to silently swallow their saliva. He was literally a pie in the sky to them.

But, it was then.

'Wait a minute.....'

'This, couldn't this be my opportunity?'

A handful of quick-witted scouts suddenly had this remarkable idea: How about acting as a middleman, guide this new rank S Awakened to a large Guild, and get paid handsomely for their efforts?

The contract signing fee for a rank S would easily exceed tens of billions of Won, at the least. Just one percent of that fee as their commission would prove to be a good enough incentive to quit their current Guilds.

And, if one got lucky and got on the good books of that youth to become his personal agent, then hell, you'd be set for life.

Didn't a personal agent of some rank S Hunter get a Po*sche as a birthday present or something?!

'….Should I try it?'

'My silver tongue won't lose to anyone, anywhere, so, like....'

'Should I just man up and jump in?'

Within a blink of time, all sorts of thoughts entered and exited the minds of the scouts. The ridicule of the failure would only last for a short while, but the sweetness of success would last forever.

Just as the scouts sneakily glanced at their peers and began inching forward....

Someone suddenly pointed towards the entrance of the Block B.

"Huh? Isn't that....?"

Was it because everyone was so tense already?

No one could tell who did it first – everyone seemingly shifted their gazes over in the direction the first man to open his mouth pointed at. The eyes of the scouts widened immediately.

"Heok!"

A man wearing a stylish business suit was entering Block B. There wasn't a single person present who didn't know that man's name.

"Choi.... Choi Jong-In?!"

"Why, why is the leader of the 'Hunters' here?"

Sure enough....

Choi Jong-In felt the gazes of the crowd and lightly tidied up his suit, before walking straight towards Jin-Woo.

'But, isn't this too fast for him to get here after receiving an alert?'

'No, wait a minute. Did he already sign up with the Hunters?'

'Did the Hunters know about him? Well, the top Guild sure operates on another level, no?'

'Yup, as expected....'

Scouts present all readily accepted the inevitable conclusion to come.

Perhaps, it was a relief that none of them stepped forward and tried to chat up the youth. How embarrassing would it have been, when one of them started yapping on and ended up running into Choi Jong-In, instead?

Only now did they realise the direction this situation had taken.

'Well, with Choi Jong-In's entrance, the picture is complete.'

'Hiya~. This is so cool.'

'To think that the leader of the Hunters Guild has personally stepped up.... Indeed, treatments for S ranks are totally different from the rest, no?'

Although the scouts did feel a bit rueful, they nevertheless witnessed this scene of the leader of the South Korea's top Guild meeting with the Awakened blessed with the highest rank there was, with warm expressions on their faces.

On the other hand....

Jin-Woo was breathing a sigh of relief at the grand entrance of Choi Jong-In.

'What a relief.'

He was pondering what to do next after being stared at by so many pairs of eyes. But what a wonderful timing it was, that man walking in and dividing the attention.

Jin-Woo inwardly thanked Choi Jong-In for providing some unexpected help, and simply walked past the latter. And Choi jong-In's eyes widened in surprise.

'Huh? This can't be right.'

Choi Jong-In hurriedly called out to Jin-Woo.

"Excuse me, can you stop for a second?"

Jin-Woo stopped walking away and turned around to look.

".....?"

Choi Jong-In's eyes gleamed brightly as he stared into Jin-Woo's face.

'This man's the tenth....'

Choi Jong-In beat around the bush with Chief Park about checking out the situation together or some such, but the truth was, he already had sensed what was happening before coming here.

'I mean, they've been yapping on so loudly about impossible to measure this and device error that, so how can I not hear them?'

Thanks to that, though, he was given a huge opportunity here.

This guy was a rank S. A rank S!!

By signing this man, the Hunters Guild would then boast the services of three S ranks, and be able to brush shoulders with the best Guilds in the world, never mind those found in South Korea.

How could he not salivate over that prospect?

'There's no need to borrow a measuring device, either.'

Just a short meeting of their gazes and he immediately sensed the depths of the youth's strength. Without a doubt, this guy was the highest-grade Hunter there was. Hell, Choi Jong-In saw absolutely no reason to wait for three, four days at all.

"Hmm, hmm."

Choi Jong-In cleared his throat and formed his trademark smile.

"I'm Choi Jong-In, the leader of the Hunters Guild."

Of course, Jin-Woo knew that already. Well, that man's face could be seen frequently enough whenever a TV was turned on, after all.

Jin-Woo wondered briefly why such a famous man was trying to talk to him after coming all the way to the Association, but well, he didn't have the leeway to ask for the clarification.

Jin-Woo sneaked a glance at the clock mounted on one of the walls.

'It's already ten to six....'

If he thought about the time he needed to go 'there', then he was cutting it pretty close.

When Jin-Woo formed an expression that implied 'Okay, you're done with your introduction, so hurry up with what you want to say', Choi Jong-In became a bit flustered as he continued on.

"Ah, well, actually.... I'm aware that you just had your Awakened rank evaluation."

"Yes."

"By any chance, have you thought of a Guild to join?"

"No."

A bright smile formed on Choi Jong-In's face when he heard that reply.

'Yup, it's done.'

One of the top three Guilds in the world – 'Hunters'.

What a sweet title that was. From today onwards, it'd not be a simple daydream anymore.

'You're mine.'

Choi Jong-In's chest puffed up from happiness, and spoke the line that might be recorded in the annals of history.

"I'd like to speak to you regarding that issue, so can you spare a minute to talk, please?"

"Sorry, but don't have the time."

Jin-Woo quickly voiced his refusal and hurriedly left the Block B building.

"..."

It happened so fast that Choi Jong-In didn't even have the chance to think about stopping the youth from leaving. Meanwhile, the Association employees and the scouts from other Guilds belatedly realised what had transpired and began freaking out.

"What the hell??"

"Wait, did Choi Jong-In get kicked to the curve?!"

"No matter who sees it, he was ignored!"

Mutter, mutter.....

The waiting room became very noisy all of a sudden. Choi Jong-In did his best to maintain his calm and looked to his side.

"Chief Park?"

"Yes?"

Chief Park replied with an awkward look on his face.

"Did I make a mistake during my introduction?"

"W-well, I..... I wonder. I'm not sure."

Obviously, Chief Park heard everything as he was standing to the side. Still, this wasn't the right time to say that out loud, no?

When Chief Park shut his mouth, Choi Jong-In sheepishly scratched the side of his head.

'Was I too careless with my approach....?'

Still, there was no reason to feel disappointed here. Without a doubt, he was one step ahead of other Guilds.

'I'm the only one who knows about the appearance of the new rank S.'

The re-measurement was scheduled for three days later. There was still some time left until the official announcement.

'Before that, though, I gotta find another opportunity to talk to him, no matter what....'

Wasn't there a good way?

While Choi Jong-In began pondering his options, he spotted someone else hurriedly running towards the building.

'…..Wait, isn't he...?

Now that was definitely a familiar face.

When that man pushed open the glass door and entered, Choi Jong-In spoke up with a surprised expression on his face.

"Chairman Baek? What are you.....?"

Baek Yun-Ho's eyes also widened after recognising Choi Jong-In.

"Master Choi?"

Choi Jong-In quickly deciphered Baek Yun-Ho's expression.

'It's like, he knows he's been busted....'

It was not very likely that he came running after an informant rang him up just now. No, the time of his arrival didn't make sense if that was the case.

'I mean, the distance between the White Tiger Guild offices and the Hunter Association is great, so....'

That's right – Baek Yun-Ho knew from the get-go.

….He had prior knowledge regarding what would happen here.

'Meaning, he knows about the existence of that man already?'

But, that couldn't be. If so, he'd never let that man go through the reassignment test in this fashion.

'If it were me, I'd make him sign the contract first and then let him take the test.'

It was here that the scattered puzzle pieces in Choi Jong-In's head began falling into their respective places.

'…..No way. Could it be?'

The White Tiger Guild. The incident during their training. The Red Gate. The mystery helper. And then, the newly-appeared rank S Awakened.

- The White Tiger must've received help from someone they don't want others to know about.

- A newbie who hasn't gone through the rank assignment test? Or, maybe a convict whose identity can't be revealed?

Now everything made sense.

…..Found him.

'So, it was that man, huh.'

Baek Yun-Ho was completely out of breath. He must've ran really hard and fast to get here. Most likely, he had not left that man to his own devices. No, the Master of the White Tiger Guild actually couldn't stop the youth even if he wanted to.

Choi Jong-In stared at Baek Yun-Ho and formed a knowing smile.

'You let him slip through your fingers.'

Because, he wasn't the same as Baek Yun-Ho.....

'Thanks for the opportunity.'

Choi Jong-In didn't say anything else and relaxedly walked past Baek Yun-Ho.

Meanwhile, Baek Yun-Ho took a look around. He couldn't spot Jin-Woo anywhere.

'Am I too late?'

Baek Yun-Ho could only look on at the distancing back of Choi Jong-In and softly sigh.

"Fuu-woo...."

Who knew that the Master of Hunters Guild would be at the Hunters Association?

Baek Yun-Ho scratched the back of his head and muttered to himself.

"Things just got complicated...."

***

The visiting hours of the Seoul's Ilshin hospital ended at eight in the evening.

"Are you the guardian of the patient Park Kyoung-Hye?"

"That's correct."

"You can go and see her. Are you aware of the visiting hours cut-off time?"

"Yes, I'm aware."

Finishing his chat by the nursing station, Jin-Woo quickly walked to the patient ward his mother was in. Thanks to his hurried steps, he arrived there not too long afterwards.

Clang...

Jin-Woo opened the door and entered the ward, and quietly sat down on the chair next to the bed his mother was lying in. She seemed to be in a deep slumber.

'With her like this, it's like she'd wake up at any moment now....'

A slumber that no one could wake up from; it was a new type of illness that appeared with the advent of the Gates.

'I heard from someone that this hospital alone has over ten patients suffering the same illness....'

Jin-Woo gently held his mother's hand.

"Mom...."

Thankfully, the life support machines using the magic crystals as fuel managed to stop mom and her hand from wasting away, even though she had been in a coma for many years now.

However, magic crystals were expensive. The magic crystals to fuel the life-support machines for a month cost over five million Won.

A youth in his early twenties would never have been able to afford such a fee, if it weren't for him working for the Hunters Association and was qualified to receive their medical aid scheme.

Because he'd been working his a*s off until now, he was able to hold his mom's hand like this. However, everything would change soon.

He would no longer simply be satisfied with her still breathing like this, and actually be able to cure her outright.

The Divine Water of Life – the cure-all the System had gifted him with.

Whether it'd work or not was something to worry about later. Right now, crafting it was his first priority.

"I'll save you."

Mom did her best to stabilise the family when his father went missing, even though she never enjoyed robust health. Not too long from now, he'd get to see her up on her two feet again.

'Please, just wait a little while longer.'

How long did he sit there by her side?

Jin-Woo finally pushed himself up after a lengthy vigil.

Ending his definitely-not short visit, Jin-Woo wordlessly walked out of the ward and carefully closed the door behind him. And when he turned around to leave, he got to spot a familiar face standing in the corridor.

"On that day... it was you who killed the monsters in the dual dungeon, wasn't it?"

A low and think, manly voice.

Sharp, scary eyebrows.

He was none other than Woo Jin-Cheol from the Monitoring Division.

Jin-Woo didn't reply. There was no reason to, nor did he particularly feel like it, either. Instead, there was something else he wanted to ask.

"How did you find out that I was here?"

"I tried to guess the places you might head off to. I called the hospital and they informed me of your presence here."

The Association was paying for mom's hospital fees, after all.

'Well, that's going to change soon.'

It was possible that Woo Jin-Cheol checked the hospital first, before anywhere else. Should he chalk that up to the swift nature befitting the Monitoring Division?

Jin-Woo let a smirk form on his face.

"Did you seek me out just to ask me about that day's events?"

"No, I did not."

"Well, then. How can I help you?"

"There is someone who'd like to speak to you. Would you mind accompanying me for a little while?"

The infamous Monitoring Division of the Hunters Association.

The main role the Monitoring Division performed was to watch and manage those high-risk Hunters, as well to punish those who broke the law. From a Hunter's perspective, they weren't really a welcoming presence.

Of course, Jin-Woo's gaze wasn't too friendly, either.

"Is that an order?"

"No."

Woo Jin-Cheol took his sunglasses off. He then deeply bowed his head, his voice sounding much more serious than before.

"I'd like to ask you for this favour."

"....."

Jin-Woo didn't expect Woo Jin-Cheol, with his fearsome countenance and all, to assume that kind of attitude.

Jin-Woo pondered a little, before deciding to find out who wanted to meet him first.

"Who wants to talk to me?"

Woo Jin-Cheol raised his head only then.

"It's the President of the Hunters Association, Goh Gun-Hui."

Woo Jin-Cheol then pointed towards the corner behind him and spoke.

"The Association President is currently here."

Chapter 78: Chapter 78

The office of the President of the Hunters Association.

The facial expression of the doctor examining Goh Gun-Hui wasn't so good. He removed the stethoscope from Goh Gun-Hui's chest.

"….President."

"No need to say it. I can already tell from the look on your face."

Goh Gun-Hui chuckled gently as he buttoned up his shirt.

The doctor couldn't bring himself to say anything.

'President Goh Gun-Hui…. What with the state of your health, you walking around like this is a miracle in itself already…..'

Even then, the President of the Association did not show any signs of slowing down. He actually didn't even have the time to stop by at the hospital, and had his personal doctor come to see him at the office, instead!

"Actually…."

President Goh Gun-Hui slid his arm in the sleeve of the jacket and spoke.

"Back when the Healers began appearing here and there, and healing magic was discovered, I thought that for sure I'd be able to regain my youth, and that I would be saying bye bye to this terribly inconvenient old and decrepit body of mine."

Goh Gun-Hui then chuckled again.

"However, the truth didn't work out that way."

"There was no improvement from the treatment, sir?"

"It seems that this thing called 'age' is beyond the capability of the high-ranking Hunters and their magic."

If the Healer-type Hunters could heal any and all types of sickness with magic, then without a doubt, every single hospital in the land would've closed up, and doctors would've ended up on the street, begging for food.

But fortunately, or perhaps, unfortunately, such an event didn't occur.

Only speeding up the regeneration.

The healing magic was limited only to healing the external injuries.

Although magic could miraculously cause the amputated arm to grow back, it could not lower the temperature of a child sick with the flu.

'Well, thanks to that, I managed to not end up as unemployed, though…..'

The doctor stared at the President of Association getting ready to leave the office.

'If only I could borrow magical power as great as the President's and cure him in full….'

However, both the healing magic and the modern medicine couldn't do much at this stage. All this doctor could do was to offer his advice.

"You need to maintain calm no matter what, sir. Also, you need to take a regular break, even if it's for a little while."

"I wish I could do that, as well."

Unfortunately, if he did take a break, then just what would happen to the Hunters Association? Goh Gun-Hui used his gentle laughter as a replacement for his words.

'An Association without Goh Gun-Hui, is it?'

The large Guilds were spending huge sums of money to grow ever larger even at this very moment. Their might already equalled that of some nations' military forces.

The only reason why the Association could still flex its muscle among these Guilds was because of the presence of Goh Gun-Hui as its President, not because the government was backing the Association.

The moment the Association lost its true trump card, the Hunters would become rein-less wild horses and run amok.

'Not just yet…. Yes, not just yet.'

Indeed, he couldn't retire just yet.

The Association was the only rope that could rein them in.

With no viable alternative in place, how could he even think about leaving the scene?

'In order to show how robust and healthy the Association is, I must stay.'

The rank S above all the other S ranks.

Indeed, the name of Goh Gun-Hui was a must-have.

So, until that time, he must….

"M-mm!"

A pained moan leaked out of Goh Gun-Hui. He grabbed his chest and the tidy shirt crumpled under his grip.

"President, take this…."

The doctor brought along a pill of painkiller and a glass of water.

"Thank you."

He could just barely regain his bearings after ingesting the painkiller.

It was then.

'Mm?'

His phone issued a ring.

But, he ordered no one to disturb him when his doctor was here.

Goh Gun-Hui frowned slightly and picked the phone up.

"I'm with my doctor at the moment."

It was at this point that the urgent voice of his male PA came from the phone's speaker.

"Apologies, President. But this news is too urgent, sir."

"Did the Japanese call again?"

"They did, but this isn't because of that, sir."

Goh Gun-Hui's brows quivered slightly.

'A bigger problem than the ants of the Jeju island?'

Just what could it be?

"Tell me what's going on."

Before the patience of Goh Gun-Hui had the chance to run out, the PA replied in the nick of time.

"I just received a call from the Evaluation Division, sir."

"From the Evaluation Division? Why?"

The role of the Evaluation Division was to assign ranks to various Gates as well as to newly Awakened. Such a department wouldn't be a likely candidate to cause much trouble.

'Or, could it be….?'

Did they make another blunder with assigning a Gate's rank?

Thinking back to the debt he had to owe the White Tiger Guild not too long ago, Goh Gun-Hui's expression crumpled a little. But his unhappiness lasted only for a short while.

The news conveyed by the PA easily exceeded the scope of 'problem' Goh Gun-Hui had been expecting.

��Just now, the Evaluation Division had…. an Awakened who couldn't be measured appeared, sir."

"The President of the Hunters Association, Goh Gun-Hui??"

Did I hear that right?

Jin-Woo doubted his own hearing just then.

A man often referred to as the most powerful Hunter in South Korea wanted to talk to him and chased him all the way to this hospital??

'That must be some kind of joke….'

Just as Jin-Woo stood there not wholly convinced, Woo Jin-Cheol pointed behind him, further driving the point home.

"Yes, the Association President is here."

Woo Jin-Cheol looked a bit anxious as he waited for Jin-Woo's reply.

The current atmosphere definitely didn't come off as suitable for throwing around dumb jokes at all.

'…..He must be telling the truth.'

Why was someone like Goh Gun-Hui looking for him? A powerful curiosity suddenly invaded Jin-Woo's mind. The only thing he could think of was the result of the rank reassignment test he took…..

'Is it to lure me into signing with the Association?'

However, the Association was a non-profit organisation. Its President wouldn't necessarily show up with the top agent from the Monitoring Division in tow just to headhunt a lone Hunter.

Besides, Jin-Woo hadn't even finished with his evaluation yet.

The more he thought about it, the more curious he became regarding the President's reasons.

"Okay, I will."

Jin-Woo finally agreed.

Woo Jin-Cheol formed such a bright expression that the anxiety of a second ago seemed like a lie long forgotten.

"Thank you very much!!"

His voice sounded incredibly earnest just then.

'This ahjussi with that stonewall of a face can also form such expressions, huh.'

Jin-Woo was inwardly surprised as he followed after Woo Jin-Cheol.

When they walked past the corner, he could see an old man sitting in one of the waiting room's chairs.

'So, that must be….'

Jin-Woo swallowed his saliva.

The heaven above heaven.

The S rank Hunter Goh Gun-Hui, also known as the sky above the sky.

After discovering Jin-Woo, Goh Gun-Hui stood up from the seat.

"You must be Seong Jin-Woo Hunter-nim."

He might be over 80 years old, but his physique was still quite amazing. Indeed, his size reminded one of either a retired pro wrestler or a traditional grappler.

However, he didn't emit any of the overbearing aura one might expect from someone like that.

'That's surprising.'

Judged from his appearance or his station, Jin-Woo expected him to be a bit of douche, a stuck-up of sorts, yet the entourage accompanying that man carried scarier expressions instead.

"Yes, I'm Seong Jin-Woo."

Jin-Woo replied.

Goh Gun-Hui extended his hand for a shake with a bright face.

"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I'm Goh Gun-Hui."

The two men shared a short handshake. Goh Gun-Hui pointed towards the chairs in the waiting area, already rearranged in a way that those sitting there would look at each other.

"Why don't we have a chat after taking seats?"

"Thank you."

Jin-Woo sat down first, and Goh Gun-Hui too parked himself on the opposite chair.

Jin-Woo inadvertently caught the glimpse of a golden badge pinned to Goh Gun-Hui's jacket. This man currently served as a member of the National Assembly, and at the same time, as the President of the Association as well.

'And a rank S Awakened on top of that, too.'

Goh Gun-Hui wasn't someone anyone could meet just because they wanted to. One couldn't even count the number of people who wanted to speak to this man, be that the giants of the financial and political world as well as bigshots from other countries.

That was why Jin-Woo was getting even more curious now. Why was someone like Goh Gun-Hui seeking him out so urgently?

And, now that he thought about it….

'After Choi Jong-In, it's the turn of Goh Gun-Hui, isn't it?'

Just in one day, he ran into two men who could proudly boast the title of the 'best' in a row.

….Even though he wasn't officially confirmed as a rank S yet.

Goh Gun-Hui began speaking.

"I'd like to congratulate you on becoming the newest rank S Hunter."

Jin-Woo tilted his head.

"But, the result of the reassignment test hasn't come out yet."

Goh Gun-Hui shook his head immediately.

"Actually, the test itself does not have much of a meaning."

"Excuse me?"

While Jin-Woo formed a confused expression, Goh Gun-Hui was forming a gentle smile.

"The truth is, the so-called precision measuring device is used to draw a finer line on the level of one's powers. It's not designed to sense something that already has exceeded the scope of other device's measuring capability."

"Then, how come…."

"Do you wish to ask me why we created another process called re-evaluation?"

Indeed, he did want to ask that. If the end results were going to be the same, then why go through yet another cumbersome process?

Goh Gun-Hui answered in rather a straightforward manner.

"It's because we were looking for a grace period."

'A grace period…?'

Even before Jin-Woo could ask what he meant by that, Goh Gun-Hui spoke up first, looking somewhat embarrassed.

"It's to create an opportunity where we can meet and speak to someone like you, Seong Jin-Woo Hunter-nim."

"….Ah."

Listening to the Association President, Jin-Woo finally figured it out.

"As you may well know, there aren't that many excellent Hunters in the Association, like Division Chief Woo Jin-Cheol here, compared to our size."

That was because of large Guilds.

"And that's because of the large Guilds."

But, of course.

Jin-Woo nodded his head.

"Signing up with a large Guild guarantees you fat salaries and fame, so who would want to come and work for the Association?"

The salaries for the Association's Hunters weren't small by any means. But then again, when compared to what one could potentially be earning by working for large Guilds, the salary was pitifully pathetic.

It was the same story regarding fame, too.

"There are some people who can recite the names of every member of a large Guild's main raid teams. But, you will have a very hard time trying to find someone who knows the name of our Division Chief Woo Jin-Cheol."

Hearing the term 'members of the main raid team', Jin-Woo recalled the rank A Hunter Kim Cheol.

His Perception Stat allowed him to grasp another's capability. From Jin-Woo's perspective, Woo Jin-Cheol was definitely a level higher than Kim Cheol.

'They both might be rank As, but the gap in their skills are pretty obvious.'

Jin-Woo took a deeper look at Woo Jin-Cheol.

Perhaps finding the praise of the Association President and the gaze of Jin-Woo burdensome, Woo Jin-Cheol lowered his head, looking a little flushed.

'But, then….'

If Kim Cheol had made his debut as a Hunter without meeting that 'accident', then he'd have made a lot more money and become much more famous than Woo Jin-Cheol.

That was the difference between a Hunter working for the Association and someone signed to a large Guild.

"And so, we came up with a plan in case a truly exceptional Awakened decides to visit the Association."

So, that would be the re-evaluation test, then?

'Well, sure…..'

If the result of the evaluation was publicly made available and was spread everywhere, would the Association have the chance to make an approach like this? It certainly made sense.

"I won't beat around the bush and get to the point."

Before anyone had noticed it, that warm smile was no longer visible on the face of the Association's President.

"We're not a corporation, so we can't promise you lots of money. However…."

Goh Gun-Hui touched his chest area, before extending his fist that was gripping onto something.

"However, we can help you in a different way."

"I don't quite understand…..?"

"What I'm saying here is that we can help guide you, Seong Jin-Woo Hunter-nim, down a very different direction."

His clenched fist slowly unfurled. On Goh Gun-Hui's palm, a golden badge gleamed brightly.

'Political power….. Is it?'

Even after that, Jin-Woo maintained a suspicious expression.

"I still don't quite understand."

"Pardon?"

"Is there a reason for you to go this far for me?"

That was a valid question. A certain glint flickered in Goh Gun-Hui's eyes as he continued to gaze at Jin-Woo.

'To think, this young man can still calmly ask what's on his mind, without being scared by my background, nor influenced by potential benefit right in front of his eyes….'

….Was I in a too much of a rush?

Didn't someone once say this?

'Patience decreases with age.'

That concept certainly wasn't wrong.

Goh Gun-Hui suppressed his smile and continued on.

"You know about the five Guilds, yes?"

How could anyone not know of them? Jin-Woo silently nodded his head.

"Currently, you'll find that in South Korea, the heads of five large dragons are locked in a delicate balance."

Around the capital, the Hunters, the White Tiger, and the Reapers.

And in the countryside, the Shining Star and the Knight Order.

"If you decide to enter one of the five Guilds, doesn't matter which one, the delicate balance will shatter and everything will change."

Even now, the status and authority of large Guilds were soaring into high heavens. However, what if one of them managed to sign up another rank S Hunter, and used that as the springboard to soar even higher?

Would they listen to the Association anymore?

The Association's sole role was to remain as the centre of the balance among the Hunters by using power.

"It is simply far too inadequate to control and tie down Hunters with laws and regulations and the threat of prosecution."

Jin-Woo too thought like that before. Monsters found in dungeons weren't the only 'monsters' out there. Hunters were also, in a way, 'monsters'.

If one were to look only at the 'strength' aspect, then Hunters were far more dangerous 'monsters' than regular monsters found in dungeons.

"That is why the Association exists."

Goh Gun-Hui's expression became far more grave.

"And the Association needs your help, Seong Jin-Woo Hunter-nim."

….The help from someone like you, who possessed great power.

Gou Gun-Hui's gaze became sharper.

'Sure, I'll have to keep an eye on him and find out what he's like, but….'

But, as long as Seong Jin-Woo gave his OK here, the Association would support him to the utmost fullest.

A rank S was certainly worthy of such an investment, after all.

'This should be enough of an explanation.'

That was why….

For the first time in a long, long while, Goh Gun-Hui was feeling nervous and expectant at the same time, as he asked the next question in a soft but firm voice.

"What will you choose, Hunter-nim?"

Chapter 79: Chapter 79

That wasn't a bad suggestion.

If Goh Gun-Hui were to lend his support, then even the most average guy would be on the fast track to success.

The National Assembly, the government, the Hunters Association, and even the mass media, too – it'd be very hard to find a sector that Goh Gun-Hui's reach did not extend to.

Not only that, if the person receiving that support just so happened to a rank S Hunter?

'I can't even imagine how far a person like that would climb up.'

All of a sudden, Jin-Woo pictured himself sitting right next to the member of National Assembly Goh Gun-Hui while kitted out in a super-dope designer business suit.

His heart palpitated ever so slightly.

'Such an opportunity wouldn't come knocking every day, right?'

Even if one wanted to walk down on this 'different path' Goh Gun-Hui had suggested, not everyone was qualified to step on this road, after all.

However….

There was one important thing missing from that scenario.

'If I sign up with the Association, I won't be able to increase my level.'

The higher ranked Hunters working for the Association never participated in raids at all. Their main role was to deal with other Hunters, not to hunt down and kill monsters.

And, even if he managed to get permission and participate in raids organised by the Association….

'Dungeons the Association deals with are rank Ds and Es, those that the Guilds aren't interested in.'

Could he continue on by hunting down low-level mobs that didn't even give him any experience points? No, of course not.

Jin-Woo strongly baulked at the idea.

'I wish to become even stronger.'

To a higher place…..

He wanted to climb up as high as he could.

Unless it was impossible, or there was no certainty, why should he give up on something he was fully capable of achieving?

What a nonsensical notion that was.

'As long as I keep levelling up, I will get stronger and stronger.'

Thump.

Thump.

Imagining that caused his heart to thump way harder and faster than imagining himself being next to the Association President Goh Gun-Hui.

Goh Gun-Hui too sensed the change in Jin-Woo.

'His breathing has suddenly picked up. Did he finally make up his mind?'

He could only hope that the decision was a good one.

'No, it simply has to be a good one.'

….If he thought about his remaining time.

His own anticipation no less than that of Jin-Woo's, Goh Gun-Hui waited for the answer. Each passing second felt like a minute.

Jin-Woo eventually opened his mouth.

"I'm sorry."

Goh Gun-Hui's expression hardened immediately.

'I thought I saw determination fill up his face just now…. Was I mistaken?'

He couldn't hide the disappointment in his face.

'In the end, the ambition of the man named Seong Jin-Woo was only about this much….'

Goh Gun-Hui wasn't lying about lending support for the 'other path'. Actually, he was thinking of something even greater.

'A new rank S to appear in two years….'

Goh Gun-Hui was thinking of keeping this youth close and teaching him the ropes, and if the kid showed promise, groom him to become the next successor.

Because, a powerful figure was needed to support the Association when he was gone. Meaning, Goh Gun-Hui was planning to hand over everything he had.

However, for the result to be like this….

'How laughable I am.'

Goh Gun-Hui took away the golden badge and asked in a dejected voice.

"Is it…. because of money?"

Jin-Woo replied right away.

"No, it is not."

Goh Gun-Hui snorted inwardly.

'They all sound righteous, of course.'

However, they were all the same inside. In the end, it was all about the money. And, the accompanying fame would be like icing on cake.

'Then again….'

Chasing after material wealth was an innate instinct found in all human beings, so Goh Gun-Hui didn't have any thoughts of faulting the youth for that.

Only that, he found it utterly laughable that people couldn't be honest with themselves.

"In that case, why did you say no?"

Goh Gun-Hui asked, even though he already knew the answer. He just wanted to see the youth's response.

However…..

"I want to fight."

Jin-Woo's unhesitating reply smacked the back of Goh Gun-Hui's head.

'What did he say??'

It definitely felt like he got sucker-punched just now.

"That…. Did you mean that you want to fight against the monsters?"

"That's correct."

Jin-Woo didn't bother with unnecessary explanations and spoke frankly.

"I want to enter Gates and hunt down monsters. I believe the place I belong is inside dungeons."

'How can this be?'

Goh Gun-Hui's eyes widened.

A man like him standing on top of many others knew whether someone was telling the truth or lying through their teeth simply from the light emitting from their eyes.

The position he occupied could only be reached by possessing such a skill, after all. That was why Goh Gun-Hui knew it.

'Those eyes…. He's being dead serious.'

Goh Gun-Hui's own eyes staring at Jin-Woo did a 180.

'How long has it been since I felt this?'

By the time Goh Gun-Hui had 'Awakened', his body was already too old. That was why, instead of fighting against monsters, he looked for other things he could do, instead.

By using the money he got from selling his company, he established the Korean Hunters Association, gathered Hunters, and with his fame serving as the foundation, he marched straight into the National Assembly, and even had a hand in creating laws that governed Hunters.

However, there was this lingering regret in his heart that would never go away, even though he worked tirelessly all this time.

'If only I was younger by 20, no, 10 years, I'd been…. With these young people, I…..!'

Thump, thump, thump….

Goh Gun-Hui pressed his hand on his chest. His heart that threatened to quit at any time was pounding quickly, rather noticeably, now.

'My heart can still make a noise like this?'

The rhythmic beating of the heart felt good.

On the other hand, Jin-Woo was tilting his head.

'Isn't this strange?'

He refused the suggestion of Goh Gun-Hui, fully preparing himself to be at odds with the Association in the process, yet the President seemed to be happy about something, instead.

'Well, it doesn't matter one way or the other….'

He had said what he wanted to, so Jin-Woo got up from his seat.

"My younger sister is watching the house alone, so I should get going now."

"Thank you for your time."

Goh Gun-Hui got up along with Jin-Woo and pulled something out from his inner pocket.

"And, please take this."

It was a business card.

'…..?'

"If you require my assistance, don't hesitate and give me a call."

Goh Gun-Hui was smiling brightly.

What Jin-Woo said was right. Powerful Hunters belonged in dungeons.

Although he had failed in recruiting Jin-Woo, as the President of the Association, or perhaps as a fellow Hunter, Goh Gun-Hui wished to help Jin-Woo out however he could.

If he were to be more honest, then….

'This young man, I like him.'

That was why he needed to offer advice, as well. Nagging would only come from someone holding interest towards you, after all.

"It's impossible to enter high-ranked dungeons by yourself. Please, give it a careful consideration when choosing a Guild to join."

'Your choice would change the status quo by a great deal.'

After hearing Goh Gun-Hui's earnest advice, Jin-Woo briefly formed a mysterious smile.

"Thank you."

Jin-Woo pocketed the business card in his wallet, lightly bowed towards Goh Gun-Hui and Woo Jin-Cheol, and left the waiting area.

"Fuu…."

While letting out a sigh, Goh Gun-Hui plopped down on the chair.

"Are you alright, sir?"

Woo Jin-Cheol guessed that Goh Gun-Hui wasn't feeling good, and quickly approached his boss. However, Goh Gun-Hui smiled and waved his hand away.

"No, I'm fine."

Actually, he was beyond fine.

What an enjoyable meeting this had been, a first in such a long while.

Goh Gun-Hui sat there smiling for a long time, before turning to his PA and handed out an order.

"Clear the schedule for the rest of the day."

"But, sir. The meeting with the Ministers…."

"Cancel them all."

Goh Gun-Hui chuckled to himself.

"I do not wish to waste this good feeling on those small-minded idiots."

He wished to retain this lingering feel-good attitude for today, at least.

Suddenly, Goh Gun-Hui shifted his gaze over to Woo Jin-Cheol. Seeing that rarely-seen smile on the President's face, even Woo Jin-Cheol began feeling a bit hyped up, as well.

"Is there something you need, sir?"

"No, well. It's nothing serious but, my man….."

Goh Gun-Hui took his time as he scratched below his chin.

"How about having a drink with me today?"

At this quite unexpected suggestion, Woo Jin-Cheol could only form an awkward smile.

"I'm not very good with holding my liquor, sir…. Will that be fine with you?"

"Uh-huh. I didn't take you for a person like that."

Goh Gun-Hui playfully clicked his tongue.

"Haven't you heard of the old saying about the cup size of a man's drink determining the extent of the world he can make his own?"

"My apologies, sir."

Woo Jin-Cheol's face reddened in embarrassment and scratched the back of his head.

"I was just kidding with you. I'm feeling rather good right now, and jokes just seem to come out on their own."

Also, the one he wanted to share drinks with was someone else.

Goh Gun-Hui's gaze shifted towards the end of the corridor that Jin-Woo had disappeared to.

'Hunter Seong Jin-Woo….'

How well would he be able to hold his liquor?

Thinking that he'd like to find out someday, a thin smile formed on Goh Gun-Hui's lips.

Screech….

Clunk.

Jin-Woo stepped down from the bus that came to a noisy stop.

'Well, I did escape from there with my sister as an excuse, but….'

When he took a look at his watch, it was still too early for her to be home. Jin-Woo slowly walked towards his home.

Tick, tick.

Hearing an unfamiliar noise, he turned his head to look, and spotted a street lamp that was definitely malfunctioning.

'Now that I think about it….'

He realised that the street was far too dark.

What with this district being so derelict, to begin with, just from walking a bit away from the main street one would find themselves in a dark and isolated location like this one.

It was at this point that a certain news item entered his mind.

'The case of serial murders that have been happening around here lately.'

Weren't the victims supposedly all women?

His little sister frequented this road, as well. Not only that, late at night, too.

'Since her school's nearby, we can't just move house willy-nilly, either.'

He began to get worried now.

Apprehending the criminal wouldn't be difficult at all as long as the murdering b*stard had been found, but he couldn't really stand around here every night because of his worries.

Wasn't there a better way?

He stood there thinking with his arms crossed, before a smile crept up on Jin-Woo's lips.

'Well, all I have to do is leave someone else here as a lookout, right?'

Didn't he possess the perfect candidates for that task?

"Come out."

At Jin-Woo's call, shadow soldiers popped up.

'Five should be enough.'

These guys had levelled up quite nicely during their conquest of the Demon's Castle. Just looking at them gave him lots of confidence.

"From today onwards, you guys will serve as this district's watchmen. Start your patrol."

As soon as he finished speaking, the soldiers melted into the shadow-like state. And then, they began moving while weaving in and out of the shades found between various buildings.

'That's right. Move around like that avoid being spotted by other people.'

Holy wowsers, what wonderful little kids they were turning out to be!

Unless that serial murderer was a high-ranked Hunter, he'd never be able to win against a shadow soldier. And even if that murdering b*stard did somehow win against his soldiers, Jin-Woo would know right away.

He was an S rank Hunter, after all.

'No, hang on. Since I don't have my revised licence yet, should I say that I'm an S rank Awakened, instead?'

Well, what did it matter anyway?

A suburb being protected by a rank S, didn't matter whether he was a Hunter or an Awakened.

If the truth of a free security system being deployed in this area for 24 hours became known, wouldn't the land price jump up overnight?

A smirk leaked out of his mouth.

'Very good.'

With this, he felt more relaxed.

Jin-Woo scanned his surroundings once more and turned around to leave while looking much more satisfied than before.

"I came running because you said you'd buy me a meal, but it's just some measly pork belly??"

"Huh?! Are you looking down on the mighty pork belly now??"

"...."

"This place is where my great memory of me and my hyung-nim was created, you know!!"

Yu Jin-Ho and his deeply-reddened face put the empty shot glass of alcohol down on the table and snorted out in drunkenness.

"Okay, so why did you bring me to this place of such a 'wonderful' memory?"

Yu Soo-Hyun formed a flabbergasted expression.

She was getting ready to sleep, but then, Yu Jin-Ho called her out of the blue.

"Noona, please console me. Please."

"….Why 'noona' all of a sudden?"

"Noooooonaaaa~~."

She found his tearful whimpering rather desperate and pitiful, so she hurriedly came out to meet him, but to think, the place he brought her to was a diner….

It was only obvious for Yu Soo-Hyun to be less than impressed by her current situation, when considering the fact that she grew up as a refined lady of a chaebol's family, and also from the fact that she was working as a top model nowadays.

Glance, glance….

Because she was in a hurry, she threw on whatever and even wore a baseball cap on top of that too, yet the glances from the surrounding men were still flying towards her non-stop.

"What's going on? Will you just speak up?"

Yu Soo-Hyun asked while pouring more soju in Yu Jin-Ho's empty shot glass.

"Look, look at this. This is the phone number of my dear hyung-nim. Right?"

Still sounding tearful, Yu Jin-Ho pushed forward his smartphone. On the screen, one could see the lengthy list of calls.

One successful call, and four failed attempts.

Even then, the first one that got through was apparently cut short in the middle, too.

"Wait. Did you call me out here because you couldn't reach someone you know on the phone?!"

Nod, nod.

Yu Jin-Ho's head bobbed up and down.

"Ha-ah…"

Yu Soo-Hyun could hardly believe this crap. She snatched Yu Jin-Ho's phone away.

"Gimme that."

She quickly tapped on the 'Call' icon.

Ringgg….

The ringtone got cut off a short while later. When that happened, Yu Soo-Hyun began glaring at him.

"Hey, you dumba*s."

"Eh?"

Yu Jin-Ho raised his head from the table.

"The ringtone cuts out after 15 seconds. That guy's not avoiding answering you, it's just that his phone's been switched off. And if the call got cut out in the middle, his battery must've run out."

"…Really?"

"If you don't believe me, call again."

Ringgg….

Just as she said, the signal got cut off after 15 seconds.

"Hey, it's for real?!"

Yu Jin-Ho's expression brightened instantly.

"It's sorted now, right? I'm going home."

Yu Soo-Hyun was about to leave without a shred of hesitation, but Yu Jin-Ho hurriedly latched onto her sleeve.

"Noooona~. Please hang around until I finish this bottle, at least!"

"Am I a noona only on occasions like this one, ah?"

And this fool usually called her 'You' this and 'Hey you' that all the time, too!

In the end, though, Yu Soo-Hyun settled back down on the chair.

"Huh? Noona, you also want a drink?"

"You wanted me to wait until you finish the bottle, right? It's going to take a long time before you solo that bottle and I can't wait around until you manage that."

"As expected, there can only be one noona!"

"Stop it, please?"

Even though she replied like that, they began emptying the shot glasses in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.

"By the way, just who is this 'hyung-nim' guy?"

"You'll find out soon enough."

After signing up with the Yujin Guild, that is.

Yu Jin-Ho was about to say those words out loud, but then, his eyes widened slightly after seeing the footage being shown on the TV mounted high up on the diner's wall.

"Uh? Isn't that guy….?"

Yu Soo-Hyun also turned her gaze towards the TV.

The screen showed a news broadcast, and it carried the news regarding a top celebrity named Rhee Min-Seong, who had gone through the Awakening process recently.

Standing in front of the huge throngs of reporters, Rhee Min-Seong spoke as if he was abashed by the attention.

"Well, my filming schedule hasn't been cleared yet….. Will only know after my evaluation result comes out….."

The ticker tape on the bottom of the screen said that Rhee Min-Seong was planning to stop by the Hunters Association soon and take his rank assignment test.

"Wowsers. As expected of the star of the Korean Wave, Rhee Min-Seong! Look at the number of reporters there. Aren't those guys from the Chinese media?"

Yu Jin-Ho sighed in admiration.

However, Yu Soo-Hyun simply frowned.

"How can that guy lie so boldly in front of so many people?!"

"Eh?"

"Everyone who's in the know all know it already. That's all just a show. He already has been ranked A, you know? He's just playing it up for the cameras because he wants to be the talk of the town!"

"He's putting on an act? But, that symbol of modesty Rhee Min-Seong is?!"

Yu Soo-Hyun clicked her tongue in annoyance.

Tsk, tsk.

'How come no one has got any clue?'

This kinda felt like she was badmouthing someone behind his back, but within the circle of those who knew Rhee Min-Seong personally, that man's reputation was the absolute worst.

The difference in his personality between when the cameras were around and when they were not was, as the kids liked to say nowadays, the 4th dimensional wall that no one could cross. (TL: It's a Korean slang.)

That was the type of person Yu Soo-Hyun detested the most.

If he was just two-faced, then she might have overlooked his faults, but then again, that b*stard was notorious for his flirtatious ways, too.

Not too long ago, he called her up totally out of the blue and started his shtick while saying something about being a Hunter like her. She had to go through a wringer trying to end that call.

'What an unpleasant b*stard….'

Even before he had Awakened, he was infamous for his incredible arrogance, but now that he was about to become a rank A Hunter, how bad would it get now?

Not only that, it looked like that the occasion of him being labelled as a rank A would be broadcast live nationwide, too.

'He's really good at using his head for stuff like this, isn't he?'

Yu Soo-Hyun shook her head and slammed back the remaining soju in her shot glass.

Chapter 80: Chapter 80

"Will you take responsibility if I get fired?"

"Excuse me? What are you even talking about?"

"You see, regarding the events of yesterday, the Association President issued a gag order. He even said that, if the identity of the Awakened in question gets leaked out, he will use whatever means necessary to find out who was responsible and harshly punish them."

"President Goh Gun-Hui said that? But, he has never done anything like that before, so why now?���

"You think I know what's inside the Association President's head?"

"…."

"If that is all, I'm hanging up."

"…..I'll call you again at a later date."

Click.

And that's how the phone call ended.

The expression of Im Tae-Gyu, the Master of the Reapers Guild, wasn't good at all.

'What on earth is happening here….?'

When the leader of this large Guild heard the news that, after two long years, a super-powerful rookie had appeared, he immediately called his contact in the Association.

However, he didn't expect to hear this type of answer at all.

Taking responsibility after getting fired?

Who would be stupid enough to hire an ex-Association employee that got personally fired by none other than the Association President Goh Gun-Hui himself?

There was no guarantee the recruitment of the mystery rookie would be successful just because his identity was discovered, too.

'Finding out the guilty ones by any means necessary and punishing them, is it….'

Coming from Goh Gun-Hui's mouth, that sounded plausible.

'But then, why is the geezer doing something he has never done before? Maybe, he's finally gone senile?'

What had gotten into him?

To forbid everyone from leaking the identity of the mystery Awakened like this….

This was unprecedented.

Thanks to that, the Guild Master of the Reapers had no choice but to suck on his thumb and wait for the official announcement.

That wasn't the only thing he felt wronged about, though.

'Then, how did Choi Jong-In and Baek Yun-Ho find out and go there yesterday?'

Was it the difference in their spy networks?

Was this the sign of the Reapers influence waning even further?

If that powerful rookie appearing yesterday signed up with either the Hunters or the White Tiger, the already-widening gap between them and the Reapers would become impossible to bridge.

That was the current situation, yet that inexplicable gag order was blocking the Reaper's path.

���Could that geezer have a grudge with me from a past life or something??'

When Baek Yun-Ho decided to quit the Reapers Guild and created his own, the White Tiger Guild, it was precisely that geezer who helped facilitate the whole process and made sure everything went smoothly. The ensuing aftermath forced the Reapers off the position of the top Guild in the country.

Both the Hunters and the White Tiger were already so far ahead, yet the Reapers Guild was circling around in the exact same spot.

'I mean, isn't that enough by now? Can't you help out the Reapers at least once?!'

Suddenly, he began to resent Goh Gun-Hui.

Even then, he still found himself left with no tangible way forward.

Im Tae-Gyu could only anxiously stomp on the ground, feeling rather aggrieved over this development.

'I finished the Daily Quest.'

Feeling light-hearted, Jin-Woo began searching the internet.

There were two more days to the reassignment test. He decided to gather more information on the artefact trade during this time period, so he switched on his computer.

'Heok?!'

As he browsed through the available information on the auctioned goods, Jin-Woo's eyes grew wider and wider.

'….The minimum starts in the hundreds of millions, huh.'

Was that all? Items that looked okay to his eyes commanded an average of several dozen billion.

'Then again….'

To Hunters, good equipment was like their lifeline.

There was no need to even mention the obvious fact that using better, more expensive equipment made you safer.

Most Hunters made quite a bit of coin, and when given the chance to buy tools that would allow them to hunt faster and safer, was there a reason for them to hold back with their money?

Jin-Woo could understand it. Indeed, he could, but that didn't change the fact that he was taken greatly by surprise.

Seeing the pricing of various artefacts, he was getting more nervous by the minute.

'This… I don't think it'll be enough with what I have in the bank….'

He didn't find a defensive artefact designed to defend against flame-type damage, but it looked increasingly likely that the amount he had would not be enough to buy high-grade defensive equipment at all.

'And I thought that I had enough money now….'

That opinion was from the perspective of a normal person. As a Hunter, it fell far, far too short.

He had around 1.7 billion Won saved up in the bank. If he were to purchase artefacts he wanted, he definitely had to sell the 'Bead of Avarice'.

Now that he was the seller, Jin-Woo's expression rapidly changed.

'Needing a lot of money to buy an artefact means that I can sell my own artefact at a sky-high price.'

Click.

He moved the mouse and continued to search, until the list of the magical tools currently on sale appeared on the monitor.

'.....'

No matter how hard he searched, he could not find a single artefact that doubled the magic damage. The best ones he found had the enhancement of around 20~30 percent. And those artefacts boasted scarcely-believable asking prices.

'Man, these prices for the magic tools are no laughing matter, aren't they?'

When he thought about it, though, the boost of 20% was not small at all. Only the upper tier, no, the very best Hunters out there, would be able to afford such an expensive artefact.

However, with their already-excellent strengths being enhanced by 20%? The difference would be quite incredible to behold. The high-ranked Hunters knew this point as well, so no wonder they were prepared to shell out big bucks for them.

Actually, he could frequently spot the goods being on sale only a moment ago suddenly sporting a 'Sold' tag.

The '20%' artefacts were selling out fast like this, so….

'So, just how much should I sell this guy for?'

Gulp.

Jin-Woo swallowed his saliva.

Not too long ago, he didn't even dare to dream about touching an artefact. Not too surprisingly, he couldn't even begin to imagine how much money others were willing to pay for his artefact at the moment.

'That's why there's the thing called auction, right?'

He prayed that, when he put the Bead of Avarice up for auction, a suitable bid would be called out in the end.

With a satisfied smile on his face, Jin-Woo exited the auction information page.

According to his research, there was two obvious way to sell an artefact.

One, selling it via the official route. Or, sell it in the black market.

However, he had no way of approaching this elusive black market at all. Well, there was a limit to the information one could find on the internet, after all.

'I mean, if you can access it via a couple of mouse clicks, it shouldn't even be called the black market anymore.'

Besides, the Bead of Avarice didn't have any disreputable background anyway, so there was no need to go through the black market in the first place. The best available option was to let the artefact specialists handle the bead and sell it via auction.

Sure, there was the issue of taxes and commission fee, but this was still the best and quickest method that wouldn't produce any unnecessary baggage in the long run.

'So, the only remaining issue would be with me providing the information on where I've found this thing….'

A rank E Hunter showing up with a crazy artefact that shouldn't even exist in the first place.

Would anyone quietly accept that?

The Korean Hunter Auction House was a huge corporation that oversaw all transactions between Hunters. They would surely try to confirm and investigate every single suspicious detail they find.

'That is why I need my new licence.'

The new Hunter licence with 'rank S' nicely printed on it – he took the reassignment test solely for that licence.

And the result was a resounding success.

If he went by what the Association President Goh Gun-Hui had said, he'd be able to get his hands on that licence in two days' time without an issue.

He did worry slightly there for a sec, thinking that he had complicated the matters by refusing to sign up with the Association, but…

'What a relief it is since the Association President doesn't look like that type of person.'

Even until they said their goodbyes, that deep smile never left the President's mouth.

When one spent a long time always minding other people's moods, one would become a master at reading the flow. Jin-Woo was one such example.

He spent four years as a rank E and always had to mind other Hunters. That was why he could more or less figure out what was what by simply looking at other people's expressions.

Goh Gun-Hui's expression was definitely not faked. At least, that's how Jin-Woo saw it. So, he shouldn't worry about anything and quietly wait for the reassignment test in two days' time.

'However…. what I am supposed to do in the meantime?'

Jin-Woo leaned against the back of the chair.

Two days. It was a bit too short to do anything substantial, and maybe a bit too long to do nothing but lounge around at home.

'Should I just take a look anyway?'

Feeling half-interested, Jin-Woo moved the mouse cursor to the recruitment noticeboard in the Hunter forums.

Click.

One click later, and countless recruitment notices filled up his monitor. He quickly noticed a flood of requests from various freelancer raid teams searching for temps nearby this area.

'....'

The reason for this was simple. When he and Yu Jin-Ho monopolised every rank C Gate nearby for a little while, many raid teams temporarily lost their livelihood.

Perhaps as a rebound, the raid teams that had been sitting idle during that time suddenly went into an energetic overdrive in the last few days.

Jin-Woo smiled wryly and changed the page.

'Well, I won't level up anymore in rank C dungeons, anyway.'

It took him one full day to level up once in the very last rank C dungeon he entered. No, never mind one day, he actually needed nearly two days for that single level up. And his current level was higher than that time by 15.

If there was a gauge for the experience points, then the needle wouldn't even budge.

'Rank C Gates have no meaning to me anymore….'

Unfortunately, he couldn't find a single recruitment offer for raiding higher ranked dungeons. Freelancer raid teams trying to clear high ranked dungeons was akin to them killing themselves. And the large Guilds wouldn't really recruit temporary members like this, either.

Still, one would never know.

'Should I change the search parameters?'

Jin-Woo changed the search condition and had it display only the results with 'high-ranked dungeons'.

Click.

Even though he was hoping, he wasn't expecting much at all.

However…

'…..Huh?'

Something did pop up.

"You're a rank E?"

"Yes."

"You've never done anything like this before?"

"No, never."

"Well, uh… your speciality is?"

"I'm a close-quarter combat type."

'Well, at least that's a relief.'

The foreman wearing a hard hat swept his gaze up and down over Jin-Woo.

'For a rank E, he's got a pretty impressive physique, doesn't he? His eyes look okay, too.'

Jin-Woo patiently waited for the answer from the foreman.

The foreman returned Jin-Woo's Hunter licence and smiled jovially.

"Hahaha. There are quite a few people similar to you here, Mister Jin-Woo. Don't be too nervous and let's get along well."

The foreman ahjussi was over forty years old, yet he was overflowing with energy. As an added bonus, he even sported a cool moustache, too.

"You can wait here until everyone shows up, Then, you can go inside. And don't forget your equipment, too."

"My equipment….?"

"You can pick up any one of those lying on the ground over there."

"…..Okay, got it."

Jin-Woo nodded his head while looking at the pile of pickaxes on the ground.

It was at this point that another ahjussi with a towel draped behind his neck hurriedly approached the two men.

"Mister Bae! Our team is also hurting for manpower, so how can you take people away willy-nilly like that??"

"Aigoo~. That many people's fine for the retrieval team. Hey, will you take responsibility when a problem occurs during the operation and we miss the Gate closing down?"

"Even then!"

The moustached ahjussi spun the towel ahjussi around and grinned at Jin-Woo.

"Mister Seong? Why don't you take five over there? This fella and me, we gonna have a bit of chat."

"Hey, why don't we just hash it out right over here? Where are you planning to take me now?"

"C'mon, my man. Come with me for a sec."

The two ahjussis disappeared to somewhere while arguing with each other.

'The other ahjussi is from the retrieval team, huh….'

The sizes of high-ranked dungeons were so great that a single raid team couldn't do everything in one go. That was why the labour was divided.

The raid team that cleared the dungeons, the mining team that mined minerals from the dungeon's interior, and finally, the retrieval team tasked with collecting the remains of the fallen monsters.

Both the mining and the retrieval team entered the dungeon once all the monsters inside except the boss were eliminated.

Jin-Woo applied to the mining team.

'….Wait, is this all the so-called equipment there is?'

With a somewhat unconvinced expression, Jin-Woo picked up one of the pickaxes. Even though it was faint, he could sense the flow of magical energy in it.

'Huh. It's got magic energy inside.'

Modern technology that utilised electricity didn't work inside dungeons. Because of that, the old fashioned tools like this pickaxe were used instead, with magic energy enhancing their performance.

'…..'

Once he held the pickaxe tightly, he felt certain. It was not for nothing that Hunters in the mining team were roundly berated by others as dungeon miners.

Jin-Woo shifted his gaze over to the Gate. A giant hole was silently floating in the air. A Gate with a humongous size that no rank C Gates could even hope to compare filled up Jin-Woo's vision.

'So, that's the rank A Gate….'

That guy was his sole reason for showing up here today.

'I want to see high-rank dungeons with my own eyes.'

Even though all the monsters inside – except the boss, of course – were dead, he still wanted to confirm the interior layout of the rank A dungeon with his own two eyes.

'Well, I'll be entering one sooner or later.'

Knowledge was indeed power. However, there would always be a limit to learning from books and internet articles. Didn't the newbies of the White Tiger Guild meet with a huge misfortune simply because they had overlooked that crucial fact?

'If I wasn't there, none of them would have survived.'

Knowing something, and personally experiencing it, were two different things. When the opportunity arose, Jin-Woo readily applied to enter the mining team in order to get used to rank A dungeons.

He did feel a slight pang of regret when holding that deeply-uncool pickaxe, but when staring at that massive, fearsome Gate, such misgivings flew out of his mind.

'Looks like I've made the right choice.'

He still had some time left to kill until the reassignment test, so what a good opportunity this was.

The 'chat' must've gone well, because the moustached ahjussi – no, the foreman Bae Yun-Sek, ran to where Jin-Woo was with a smile on his face.

"Let's go inside. They say they are ready."

While gripping the pickaxe, Jin-Woo smiled and nodded his head.

Chapter 81: Chapter 81

Knock, knock.

"Here are the requested files, sir."

"Come in."

Woo Jin-Cheol entered the Association President's office.

As if he had been waiting a while, Goh Gun-Hui welcomed him as his expression brightened considerably. As soon as opening the file Woo Jin-Cheol handed over, a familiar youth's face could be seen.

It was none other than Seong Jin-Woo.

The Jin-Woo in the identity photo looked immature and the atmosphere exuded seemed quite different compared to now, but it wasn't enough to make it impossible to recognise him.

"H-mm…"

Reading the youth's prior records, Goh Gun-Hui gradually became serious.

'Four years of Hunter activity as a rank E? Not only that, the lowest grade there is?'

This was no different than him trying to kill himself.

Even if the Gates under the Association's jurisdiction were of lower grades compared to what large Guilds or freelancers were in charge of, they should still be breathlessly difficult for a rank E!

And as expected….

Jin-Woo had spent as much time in the hospital as he was active as a Hunter.

"Even with all these frequent injuries, he still managed to tough it out."

"Apparently, he couldn't quit the Association because of his mother's hospital fees."

"….A rare type of youth in this age, indeed."

An unreadable light flickered in Goh Gun-Hui's eyes.

'In place of his missing father, he has been looking after his sick mother and a younger sister who is still a student, all by himself….'

After learning that Seong Jin-Woo was a Re-Awakened, Goh Gun-Hui decided to take a peek at the youth's files half out of interest, but he sure didn't expect this.

Goh Gun-Hui found the youth even more likeable after reading more about the kid.

'It'll be just too much of a waste to hand him over to large Guilds.'

The longer he took a look at the information, the greater Goh Gun-Hui's regret grew for failing to recruit the youth to the Association's folds.

"Tsk."

He smacked his lips a little and flipped the page, and eventually, arrived at the last one. Feeling satisfied now, Goh Gun-Hui closed the file folder.

"Thank you. This was informative."

"Thank you, sir."

Woo Jin-Cheol took the files being handed back to him and turned around to leave, only to stop and open his mouth, apparently in some difficulty.

"Excuse me… President, sir."

"Mm?"

Goh Gun-Hui raised his head.

The look of hesitation could clearly be seen on Woo Jin-Cheol's face.

'….Why would Chief Woo make that kind of face, when normally, he looks hard enough to chew on rocks for breakfast?'

Was there a difficult matter to discuss?

Goh Gun-Hui's curiosity had been stoked for good now.

"What's the matter?"

Woo Jin-Cheol hesitated for a while before he finally replied.

"There is something you should know, sir….. The truth is, I received word not too long ago that Hunter Seong Jin-Woo has entered a raid team earlier today."

"Already? Okay, so whose team are we talking about here?"

"It's the raid team from the Hunters Guild."

"Hmm… Hunters, is it?"

Seong Jin-Woo had chosen the Hunters. Not only that, in one day, too.

Goh Gun-Hui's expression hardened.

'Could he have been just all talk, and he got tempted by the massive contract signing fee of the Hunters…?'

If so, what a disappointing turn of events this was. Well, he was feeling genuinely moved for the first time in a long, long while after meeting a Hunter worthy of that job title.

However, when thinking back to the attitude the youth carried from yesterday's meeting, as well as the information Goh Gun-Hui had read just now, Seong Jin-Woo definitely did not look like someone who'd change his mind with a flip of his hand.

There must be some other reason.

Such as…

"For sure, if he wished to combat truly powerful monsters, then the Hunters Guild should suit him the best."

Goh Gun-Hui was ready to accept this explanation. Too bad, because Woo Jin-Cheol quickly tackled him off that thought process.

"It doesn't sound like that's the case, sir."

"Have you heard of something?"

"It has been confirmed that he…. Hunter Seong Jin-Woo didn't join with the main raid team, but actually with the mining team, instead. Sir."

Goh Gun-Hui shot up from his chair.

"What did you say? A rank S Hunter applied to become a miner??"

His voice accurately conveyed his disbelief.

In all honesty, Woo Jin-Cheol reacted the same back then. That was why he confirmed it several times to make sure, but the result didn't change no matter what.

'That's why I hesitated about telling him about this matter….'

Just what was Seong Jin-Woo thinking?

Cold sweat trickled down Woo Jin-Cheol's face as he spoke.

"Yes, sir. He has indeed done so."

Goh Gun-Hui plopped down on the chair and began chuckling in helplessness.

"What a hard to understand young man he is."

After putting on the distributed hard hat and the miner's overall, Jin-Woo followed after the foreman Bae Yun-Seok. He found a fairly large group of Hunters wearing hard hats like him near the Gate itself. Around twenty or so?

Their gazes focused on Foreman Bae. And the moustached man introduced Jin-Woo to everyone.

"This here is Mister Seong, and he'll be working with us from today onwards."

"Hello."

Jin-Woo lightly bowed his head and tried to read the overall atmosphere of the mining team.

"….."

Their reactions were indifferent. But, that was understandable.

'Of course….'

On one hand, he was a temp who may or may not show up tomorrow. And on the other side, they were Hunters who had signed formal contracts with the Guild to become full-time members of the mining team.

From their perspective, there was no reason to get particularly friendly with Jin-Woo.

"Gee whiz…. These guys. He's a colleague who's going to work together with you, you know."

Foreman Bae smiled awkwardly and pointed at a guy with pretty scary facial features standing far back.

"Mister Seong, please stick with Mister Mok over there, and if you're curious about something, learn from him. Mister Mok might be a silent type, but he's the most experienced out of everyone here."

"…Understood."

Jin-Woo didn't say anything else and stood next to this Mister Mok. When their gazes briefly met, Mister Mok spoke in a voice small enough to miss it.

"It's Mok Jin-Su."

"I'm Seong Jin-Woo."

The introduction ended with that. Before long, Mok Jin-Su's gaze had shifted to the foreman.

'….What a friendly guy.'

Jin-Woo also shifted his gaze.

The foreman was conversing with a regular person who must've been the Guild employee in a location a bit of a distance away, looking rather serious. When Jin-Woo concentrated a little harder, he could hear the contents of that conversation.

"…The raid team hasn't come out yet? Didn't you say they were finished already? How many minutes ago was that?"

"They said that they are almost finished for real, this time. Please be patient for a little while longer until all the monsters inside are taken care of. This is all for the safety of you and your team, you know."

"I've heard the exact same thing three times already."

"Eii~. Mister Foreman, you know as much as I do how complicated it'll become when we don't do a thorough job, and a hidden monster pops out during the mining operation."

When the male employee who was young enough to be his son smiled and went on a charm offensive, Foreman Bae could no longer stay angry anymore. The moustached man turned around with a smirk on his lips.

"Okay, okay. I got it."

"Oh? Mister Foreman, you're not angry anymore?"

"I said I got it. So get going already."

"Yes, sir. As soon as the raid team exits from the Gate, I'll definitely run over to you right away without a moment's hesitation. Oh, by the way. You still remember that we're all having a drink after today's operation, yes?"

"Aigoo. I know. I know! So get going, young man."

Fortunately, the conversation came to an end without any potential problems developing. That employee's responses were quite excellent, indeed.

'Most folks would think that, once you start working for a large Guild, you become more arrogant than before no matter where you are, but….'

The truth was, most of the Guild's administrative staff were regular people, while those operating out in the field were mostly Hunters – those who had Awakened.

There were many things requiring the touch of an Awakened, but there would always be a finite number of them.

In other words, it was impossible to hire and fire Awakened at will as if they were parts of a factory machine that could easily be replaced. That was why all Guild employees did their best to mind the Hunters and their moods.

From others' perspective, they might seem like they had made it in life, but the employees of large Guilds all had to go through trials and tribulations that only they knew.

It was then.

'…..Mm?'

Jin-Woo was focusing on the conversation between the foreman and the employee, but out of the blue, he could also hear the whisperings coming from his side.

"Did you hear that? The newbie joining us today is supposed to be a rank E."

'Are they talking about me again?'

Sometimes, Jin-Woo couldn't help but resent his excellent sense of hearing.

'Still, doesn't mean I'm gonna cover up my ears or anything….'

While he bitterly smiled to himself, other Hunters were cautiously whispering to each other.

"What? A rank E?"

"A rank E has been selected?"

"That's right."

Jin-Woo could sense the sharp glares boring down on the back of his head.

"What the heck. What is the foreman thinking of, hiring a rank E and all?"

"Does a rank E even have enough strength, I wonder?"

"Yeah, I wonder about that, too."

"Huh, can we even finish today's operation on time?"

Worried voices could be heard coming from here and there.

Still, they kept their voices low, perhaps in consideration of the new guy. Too bad, such actions were meaningless in front of Jin-Woo, though.

Jin-Woo could only keep his chuckles down.

'There was another reason for their reactions not being so welcoming, huh.'

As expected – a rank E would receive cold shoulders no matter where they went. He was already well used to this, so it didn't faze him anymore.

'Well, it's not like I'll be seeing them for long, anyway."

But then, something else happened.

Noisy, noisy….

Suddenly, the front of the Gate became rather noisy.

"The raid team has come out."

"Looks like they are finally finished."

The tired expressions of the Hunters in the mining team, restless from all that waiting, brightened one by one. Foreman Bae had been observing the situation until then, and he gestured at his team.

"Okay, okay. Everyone, let's get going."

Hunters in the mining team checked their equipment and slowly shuffled towards their destination. Jin-Woo blended in and went along with them.

"Thank you for your hard work."

"Thank you."

"You all worked hard, everyone!"

The Hunters Guild employees stood in front of the Gate and welcomed the raid team members as they made their exit one by one.

The term raid team as used in the field seemed to refer to the members belonging to the Guild's main assault force.

'So, these people are…. the country's best assault force.'

Studying the faces of each and every upper rank – no, the very highest ranked – Hunters walking by, Jin-Woo's eyes sharpened considerably.

He spotted a familiar face among them.

'….Choi Jong-In.'

The leader of the Hunters Guild, and a rank S mage-type Hunter.

Jin-Woo pulled the hard hat lower to hide his face, figuring that things might get complicated if Choi Jong-In recognised him here. Thankfully, there were many Hunters wearing a similar get-up as him nearby. So, Jin-Woo was able to blend in just fine.

And so, as he stood amidst the miners and silently studied the members of the country's very best assault force, Jin-Woo began thinking that…

'…..Are they really the true elites of the Hunters Guild?'

He was feeling quite incredulous inwardly.

Quite contrary to his initial expectations, it was hard to find a single Hunter with a really powerful aura.

As befitting of the nickname 'Ultimate Weapon', Jin-Woo could sense an enormous amount of magical energy from Choi Jong-In, but besides that guy, not one was worthy of mention.

'Could they be the weak ones, instead?'

But, that simply made no sense.

Jin-Woo softly shook his head.

These were the members of the no.1 raid team selected from the cream of the crop found in the country's top Guild.

'I mean, the Guild Master himself has participated in the raid, so there's just no way that some nobodies would be chosen as team members.'

The word most ill-suited to describe these people would be 'Weak'. Then, there could be only one conclusion.

'No, it's me who has gotten stronger.'

A thin smile crept up on Jin-Woo's lips. Strength was relative, wasn't it?

The efforts of the last couple of months definitely did not betray his expectations. His Stats had increased by so much that he could think of the raid team that managed to conquer a rank A dungeon as weaklings.

By using the difference between himself and them, he could sense his own strength.

Thump, thump, thump….

His heart began beating faster from this realisation.

But, then….

No one told him to do so, and there was no sound attracting him, yet Jin-Woo's head instinctively swivelled back towards the Gate. And then, he gasped out in surprise.

'How can this be….?'

There was a woman with a short hairstyle relaxedly walking out from the Gate.

The very first things that caught his attention on her makeup-less face were a pair of large and clear eyes. Next up, her clean and pale skin, as well as her smoothly flowing neckline, also managed to attract his gaze.

If there were 100 men, 99 of them would unhesitatingly praise her looks and call it beautiful. However, besides all that, what attracted Jin-Woo's attention the most was not her looks but what was inside her.

The power that was hidden inside her.

From that expressionless woman, an incredible amount of magic energy was leaking out non-stop.

'At a bare minimum, she's on the same level as Choi Jong-In.'

Or maybe, even more than that.

She possessed an aura that easily overwhelmed her surroundings.

By the time his shock wore off and cold reasoning succeeded in driving his emotions out of his head, Jin-Woo recalled this woman's name.

'She must be….'

The only female rank S, Cha Hae-In.

The top-ranked Hunter who formed, along with Choi Jong-In, one of the core pillars of the Hunters Guild.

'I can't think of anyone else.'

Just how many women possessing such an aura existed in South Korea?

Compared to her 'rarity' though, Cha Hae-In's face wasn't all that well known. It was because she didn't enjoy being exposed to the cameras. And that was also why Jin-Woo saw Cha Hae-In's face for the first time today as well.

'Wait, her face doesn't even look weird like in some rumours, so how come she hates being in front of a camera?'

Indeed, pretty much all ladies in their early twenties loved taking photos. Sure, all those happened to be selfies, but still.

Perhaps his stare was too direct, Cha Hae-in's own gaze began shifting in Jin-Woo's direction.

'Stealth… shouldn't be necessary here, right?'

Jin-Woo easily hid his presence. Cha Hae-In continued to scan the area Jin-Woo used to stand before tilting her head slightly.

'What was that? I thought I felt a really strong presence just now.'

Was she mistaken?

Initially, she thought that the Association President Goh Gun-Hui had stopped by at the operations area. However, that powerful presence disappeared completely as if it was a lie.

'Well, someone as busy as the Association President wouldn't come unannounced, now would he?'

Too bad for her, the cost of her misunderstanding was rather great.

Because she was searching after the hint of that strong presence, she had to focus her senses, and that meant the heavy odour several times worse than normal assaulted her nose.

"Euk."

As usual, Cha Hae-In pulled out a handkerchief to cover her nose, and while tottering around somewhat uneasily, escaped from the cordon of Hunters.

'Her perception is better than I thought.'

Jin-Woo let out a sigh of relief while watching Cha Hae-In's distancing back. With her exit, all the raid team members had come out of the Gate.

Having been waiting with bated breath for this moment, the foreman of the mining team Bae Yun-Seok turned around to face his boys. He clapped his hands loudly and spoke up with a bright voice.

"Well, it's our turn now, so let's all do our best!"

The unique nature of the job meant that the retrieval team would have to enter first, followed by the mining team.

Jin-Woo stood in front of the Gate.

'....'

As he stood there while silently admiring the splendour of the rank A Gate, something he hadn't experienced before, Bae Yun-Seok approached him.

"Mister Seong, what are you doing? We should go inside."

"Alright."

Jin-Woo replied briefly and stepped through the Gate, just like other Hunters did before him.

And then, a familiar message popped up before his eyes.

[You have entered a dungeon.]