Instant Kill, Time-Stop Spellcaster

Section Chief Choi Young-ho

A man with a straight back and proper posture.

“Mask? Oh, you caught a cold! How about a warm cup of cocoa?”

“Caffeine. Throat care. Trouble.”

“Huh?”

A veteran with a strong backbone, even in his youth.

He made significant contributions in the large-scale North Korean awakening event in Vietnam.

Naturally, he had also faced A-grade individuals directly.

The unique thrill felt from those superhumans, he could feel it now.

‘This man is by far the best…!’

Section Chief Choi trusted his instincts.

His hand trembled with excitement.

An S-grade, a perfect one.

And now he’s serving A-grade right in front of him!

As a public servant in this country, it was something he couldn’t help but be moved by!

However, Kang Hyun was uneasy.

‘Section Chief level?’

Even a Section Chief has his own level.

Would he have the discretion to solve the identity problem?

‘I’ll just test him.’

A few words would give a rough estimate.

After all, Kang Hyun had built relationships with various heroes, aristocrats, and royalty.

On the other hand, Aden was in complete turtle mode.

‘I… want to go home.’

Where did that resolve from earlier go?

She was so nervous, trembling in front of an important figure.

Shivering like a aspen tree.

The outside staff might even mistake it for an earthquake.

This time, Kang Hyun spoke for her again.

“This guy’s magical power is A-grade. That’s why we’re here for registration, but there’s a problem.”

“…Are you talking about the person next to you, not Kang Hyun?”

“Yes.”

Section Chief Choi, momentarily flustered.

‘A bit unexpected, but…’

Anyway, an A-grade newcomer was a huge deal.

Anything could happen.

“Oh no! What’s the problem? We’ll solve any complaint with sincerity!”

A surprisingly polite Section Chief.

The ideal attitude of a public servant in charge of complaints.

“This guy is an illegal alien from Thea, so please just clear up his identity.”

Aden was startled.

“S, Master…!”

To reveal her identity in front of such a “high-ranking person”…

What should she do now?

‘They’ll probably drag me to Thea now…!’

Shivering with fear.

However, Section Chief Choi’s focus was elsewhere.

‘Master?’

He was sure that the elf was A-grade.

But now he was called “Master”? A-grade’s?

Although Aden was the one in the spotlight.

The more he spoke, the more his attention was drawn to Kang Hyun.

“Is she an illegal fugitive, or something like that?”

“No, she’s registered on the Thea side and she’s not a criminal.”

“Hmm.”

“She came here hurriedly without time to spare. You can check her identity there, and a quick investigation will show you what the situation is.”

A concise explanation without unnecessary details.

A confident attitude.

It instilled trust.

The ability to give trust is a key trait for public servants.

‘He’s well-suited for public service.’

So much so that Section Chief Choi even showed interest in a small matter.

Maybe he should offer him a position later.

‘Anyway, if what he says is true, it should be fine.’

Of course, being an illegal alien was literally illegal. But.

‘She might be a pitiful person. It’s the nation’s duty to look after her.’

Above all, if she’s A-grade, even something like this wouldn’t be a problem.

A small illegal immigration issue?

Deportation of an illegal alien?

This was nothing compared to what was really for the country.

As an elite, Section Chief Choi had the necessary tact.

‘More than that…’

He stared carefully at Kang Hyun.

There had been hidden meaning in every conversation with the man so far.

‘Someone like this, who would be taken in by Korea’s protection, must be handled tactfully, and a person like him should be welcomed.’

He asked for “consideration” from a government official with authority.

By leveraging his value, he had confidently secured the country’s support.

His boldness was extraordinary.

It seemed like he was quite used to it.

Moreover, he was the master of an A-grade.

‘This person might be…’

Suddenly, a mysterious figure who had been recently discussed came to mind.

Section Chief Choi didn’t hesitate.

“Yes, I will take care of the request as you asked.”

“Seems not too hard.”

“It’s not difficult. More importantly…”

“Please, go ahead.”

“By any chance…”

A head suddenly approached Kang Hyun.

He flinched.

“Do you happen to be an S-grade Word Magician yourself?”

A sudden hook!

Until just now, it had been disorienting.

But Kang Hyun wasn’t someone easily swayed by psychological games.

“What are you talking about?”

His expression didn’t change.

Section Chief Choi also observed Aden’s reaction.

‘…Isn’t that right?’

Aden looked just as confused.

“Please stop bothering me. Just handle this matter properly.”

“…Understood.”

Clearly, it seemed like he had misread the situation.

Maybe it was just wishful thinking.

‘Not likely from the Perfect Grade.’

The level was too high.

Both Aden and Kang Hyun.

‘Since he’s the master of an A-grade, this man is likely at least A-grade too.’

A very modern, ability-based mindset.

‘Then the F-grade dungeon for Perfect Grade is impossible. They won’t even be able to enter.’

Dungeons have entry restrictions.

The dungeon’s power comes from the World Tree’s roots.

The roots have a protective instinct.

Therefore, they block entry for awakened individuals who are higher than the dungeon level.

You can only enter dungeons that are up to five levels below your own grade.

Thus, Perfect Grade awakens are limited to a maximum of E+ grade.

Since the dungeon in question was F-grade.

‘That’s why he’s such an incredible talent.’

If he grows more.

Even with just A-grade or B-grade stats, he could possibly rival the current S-grade.

He was the ultimate seed.

‘But this man isn’t a seed.’

Section Chief Choi felt that way.

He felt like he was someone truly complete, beyond just B-grade or A-grade.

In every way, he didn’t seem to fit the description of a Perfect Grade.

But something bothered him.

‘There’s no A-grade like this in Korea.’

Is he a foreigner?

Then why is his disciple registered in Korea?

He looked Korean.

A truly mysterious person.

Just like the mysterious S-grade Word Magician.

‘I’ll build a good relationship and keep an eye on him.’

Section Chief Choi called someone over.

With a sharp voice.

“Please assist with the registration process!”

“Yes, yes?”

“Please help this person with the registration! Oh, and a warm drink as well!”

The process was completed.

The magical power was also measured.

‘She really is A-grade!’

It was expected, but still good!

With this one person, Korea’s awakened forces had taken a step forward.

‘Korea has become stronger!’

Patriotism ignited within him.

‘I just achieved a big accomplishment.’

He had grabbed an A-grade that fell from the sky.

This was an amazing achievement.

The news would likely spread tomorrow.

The internet would buzz again.

It would be a positive boost for the public too.

Having finished their business, the two stood up, but before they left, Section Chief Choi handed Aden a business card.

“Please contact me directly if anything comes up. Don’t go through any middlemen.”

“Oh, that sounds good.”

Aden, still stiff, let Kang Hyun take the card.

He understood after a little conversation.

‘Section Chief Choi Young-ho, seems like a competent person.’

It would be good to get closer.

Once you get stronger, cooperation with the state is essential no matter what you do.

‘His sense is pretty good too.’

Since Kang Hyun didn’t like caffeine, he had even brought him warm water.

“Then I’ll rely on you.”

“Don’t worry!”

A deep bow from Section Chief Choi.

At that sight, Aden flinched.

She tugged on Kang Hyun’s sleeve.

The two quickly left.

Aden let out a sigh.

‘It felt like my soul was leaving.’

Her shoulders were heavy today.

Ah, maybe it’s because of her chest.

‘Anyway, it’s settled.’

She had a legitimate identity now.

‘No longer a fugitive.’

She could go to the hospital with confidence now.

She didn’t have to run from the police anymore.

All of this had been done in just a few hours.

It was thanks to her master.

“…Thank you, Master.”

“Yeah.”

A short, indifferent response.

Even after changing her life three times, that’s how it was.

‘My master has changed.’

He became someone amazing.

In just one day of awakening.

The Kang Hyun Aden knew…

He was a top-tier theoretical magic expert.

It was amazing.

‘He has no mana, yet such skill.’

And he was always reckless.

His faith in himself was unshakably high.

He was in debt.

His students had all left.

He was mocked as a fraud.

But he never wavered.

Always his own way.

Always his own temper.

‘Ah, he hasn’t changed.’

Her master was the same.

It was just the difference of having mana to prove his skills.

‘No matter what anyone says, he was a great person from the start.’

Aden thought.

Maybe it’s a bit of an exaggeration.

But she felt like she had witnessed the closest thing to the “hero” she once respected.

‘Whether it’s an exaggeration or not… I’ll find out later.’

Her loyalty to her master grew even deeper.

But that aside.

“Hey, let’s go to the dungeon now!”

Kang Hyun wanted to use his magic.

He was also looking forward to the Perfect Grade rewards.

###

They headed towards the gate.

Once again, it was an F-grade dungeon.

‘My mana hasn’t increased yet.’

What if the monsters are stronger?

Like last time, maybe they won’t be able to stop them all at once.

Because of the lack of mana.

“I hope my magical power increases this time.”

“I heard it’s really hard to raise stats.”

“Really? Don’t they give out potions or something as rewards?”

“That’s rare, they say. Only in higher-grade dungeons.”

“Hmm.”

The rewards were usually just junk.

“They say you need to go through a ton of dungeons to get anything useful.”

“Tch.”

Better not get my hopes up.

“But am I really going in with you?”

“Yeah. You need to come along to learn and see.”

“I’ll try my best to learn!”

Aden’s cheeks turned red.

“Finally, I get to see Master’s magic!”

“Stop the fuss.”

“Perfect Grade’s magic!”

And so, they arrived at the gate.