Return of the Sword God-Rank Civil Servant

Chapter 33

‘My brother must be feeling frustrated too. It’s a Sealed Gate we’re talking about, after all.’

Just moments ago, even the Nexus Guild Master had complained about how hard it was to bid on a Sealed Gate.

But the Association President had allowed it on a whim, as if it were child’s play, so naturally, he’d be furious.

However, Suho had intentionally leveraged this kind of atmosphere.

Association President Jang Kyunghwan rarely took much interest in matters that didn’t impact his own interests.

Especially if it was related to Hunter affairs.

‘If it weren’t for budget concerns, he wouldn’t care how or how many Hunters got killed. That’s the kind of person the Association President and Vice President are.’

But right now, Suho needed the Sealed Gate.

He needed it to prove his abilities.

So, he solidified the situation before Jung Chulmin could say anything further.

“After we clear the Sealed Gate, I’ll make sure to thank the Association President in interviews. This was all possible because he gave his permission.”

At that, Association President Jang Kyunghwan’s mouth stretched into a broad grin.

After all, there was nothing better than hearing his name mentioned by the rising star everyone was watching.

With renewed enthusiasm, Jang Kyunghwan continued his questioning.

“Haha, yes, yes. Very good to hear. Ah, so, Hunter Ahn Suho, are you planning to apply for this open recruitment?”

“If you’re referring to the upcoming recruitment…?”

“For the field positions, either Grade 9 or Grade 7.”

“Ah, I’m waiting for another recruitment opportunity.”

“Another recruitment?”

“Yes, I’m waiting for the Grade 5 recruitment at the end of this year.”

“Grade 5…?”

At those words, the Association President and Vice President’s eyes widened as if they’d seen a ghost.

They had assumed he’d apply for Grade 9 or 7, so hearing Grade 5 caught them entirely off guard.

The astonished Association President asked,

“The Grade 5 exam is quite challenging, you know?”

“I know. But personally, I think I could do more to bring an end to the Gate crises with a Grade 5 position than with Grade 9 or Grade 7.”

“Such a noble goal…”

At the mention of Grade 5, both men’s eyes gleamed with unusual intensity.

Seeing their expressions, Suho quickly added more.

“So, I consulted several people, and they suggested that if I aim for Grade 5, it’d be better to gain some industry experience by joining a guild.”

“Who advised you that?”

“Just something I heard from a civil service academy.”

“Hm, it’s not entirely wrong. We also prefer experienced hires. But these days, guilds have something called exclusive contracts, with specific contract periods, right?”

“That’s what I’m concerned about. I want to learn some practical skills, but it seems like most contracts are binding that way. However, if there’s a place that meets my conditions, I’d consider joining a guild for a short time before taking the recruitment exam.”

“Ho… If such a place exists, we’d be grateful as well.”

Suho chuckled inwardly.

Perfect.

With the Association President himself saying this, it wouldn’t look bad if he joined Nexus.

In fact, it would likely be seen as commendable.

Moreover,

‘I might naturally be able to establish a connection between the Association and Nexus this way.’

Then,

Knock knock—

“President Jang, it’s Pi Seongyeol.”

A knock at the door.

At the voice that followed, Suho’s eyes widened.

‘Pi Seongyeol?’

The man who walked in as the door opened was indeed the Pi Seongyeol he knew.

‘To think I’d see that man here…!’

Pi Seongyeol, from the Special Division.

He was one of the people Suho was targeting for punishment, just as much as the Association President and Vice President.

After all, Pi Seongyeol had also been involved in the Gate Shock incident that had taken Suho’s family.

Seeing a guest in the room, Pi Seongyeol gave a startled expression before bowing his head.

“Oh, I didn’t realize you had a guest… My apologies, I’ll come back another time.”

“No, no, it’s fine. We’re just about done with our conversation anyway. Actually, Director Pi, come in and introduce yourself. This here is Hunter Ahn Suho, the one who recently cleared the Tower of Challenge.”

“If he’s Hunter Ahn Suho… Oh!”

Recognizing the name, Pi Seongyeol immediately approached Suho and extended his hand.

“I’m Pi Seongyeol, from the Special Division. It’s a pleasure to meet such a famous figure, thanks to the Association President.”

“Ahn Suho.”

Suho naturally shook the hand offered to him.

Pi Seongyeol grinned, showing his characteristic gold tooth.

“I’ve read plenty of articles about you. You’re the hottest name these days, aren’t you?”

“Haha, not really.”

Suho greeted him naturally, sharing a laugh.

Though he had once already punished this man in the past, it didn’t mean he’d forgiven him.

This Pi Seongyeol had yet to face justice in the current timeline.

But even so, Suho didn’t act impulsively.

There was no need to be swept up in emotions.

The Vice President gave an additional explanation about Suho.

“Director Pi, you should pay attention to this. This gentleman here is planning to take the Grade 5 recruitment exam at the end of the year.”

“Grade 5 recruitment?”

As Pi Seongyeol repeated the question, Suho promptly answered.

“Haha, yes. That’s the plan.”

At this, Pi Seongyeol gave a mildly surprised look and lifted his mouth, revealing his gold tooth once more.

“Wow, the Grade 5 exam is pretty tough… And you’re still so young. That’s really impressive.”

The Vice President, excited by Pi Seongyeol’s admiration, began adding even more details.

“Haha, that’s not all. We’ve agreed to grant Hunter Ahn Suho access to a Sealed Gate, and he’ll be challenging one soon.”

“A Sealed Gate as well?”

The mention of the Sealed Gate surprised Pi Seongyeol once more.

Anyone could take the Grade 5 recruitment exam, but a Sealed Gate was a different matter entirely.

Perhaps that was why.

Pi Seongyeol’s reaction differed somewhat from the Association President and Vice President.

“So… Hunter Ahn Suho, are you sure you’re ready? Do you know what a Sealed Gate entails?”

A worried tone.

Naturally, as an awakened individual himself, Pi Seongyeol knew well how dangerous that place was.

However, Suho answered calmly as if it were nothing.

“Yes, it’s an area so dangerous that even the guilds avoid it, and the Association has been managing it separately.”

“You’re well-informed. And yet, you’re still willing to take it on… Well, if it’s your choice, I won’t stop you… But I sincerely hope you succeed. If you conquer a Sealed Gate, that would certainly…”

The Vice President interjected at that point.

“Uh, Director Pi, let’s not say such things. Recruitment is unpredictable, and the process should remain fair. Of course, clearing a Sealed Gate would be quite an achievement… ahem…”

“Haha, that’s why you’re the Vice President. Hunter Ahn Suho, I’m cheering for you as well. If you manage to pass both the Sealed Gate and the recruitment exam, I hope we’ll have a chance to work together.”

Pi Seongyeol’s eyes gleamed.

He meant it.

As always, he was desperate to find talent.

‘Specifically, his own hunting dogs.’

And the Vice President stepped in once more.

“Hey, Director Pi. It seems like Hunter Ahn Suho already has his sights set on the Gate Division.”

“Gate Division? Why?”

“Hunter Ahn Suho’s goal is the end of the Gates. He hopes to fully utilize his priority Gate entry rights.”

“Oh, I see. If that’s the case, we in the Special Division could also offer that. Right, Team Leader Jung?”

Only now did Pi Seongyeol acknowledge Jung Chulmin.

At this, Jung Chulmin awkwardly replied,

“Haha… yes, sure.”

“But if Hunter Ahn Suho passes the Grade 5 exam, what does that make your relationship with Team Leader Jung? Well, we’ll find out by the end of the year. Anyway, I’m rooting for you, Hunter Ahn Suho. That’s genuine.”

He subtly brought up lineage, creating an awkward atmosphere.

Just like the sly fox he was.

Deliberately creating trouble for Jung Chulmin.

So, Suho stood up as well.

“Yes, thank you. Please continue with your conversation. I’ll be taking my leave.”

“Very well. It was a pleasure to meet you today, Hunter Ahn Suho. Oh, on your way out, you can discuss the Sealed Gate with Team Leader Jung.”

“Understood. Thank you.”

Only then could Suho leave the President’s office with Jung Chulmin.

But once they exited, Jung Chulmin’s expression didn’t look very pleasant.

Suho knew why.

However, he pretended not to notice and addressed him.

“Thanks to the Association President and Vice President, I’ve got this opportunity.”

“Well…”

Jung Chulmin hesitated.

He’d been holding back his words for a while now.

Noticing this, Suho chuckled and said,

“Team Leader, you smoke, don’t you?”

“Huh? Oh, yes…”

“Then, how about we take a smoke break?”

“…Alright.”

The two headed to the smoking room on the top floor.

Once inside, Jung Chulmin wordlessly placed a cigarette in his mouth.

Watching this, Suho sat down in a chair and asked with a curious expression,

“You’re not smoking?”

“No, I don’t. I’m a non-smoker.”

“Then why…”

“It seemed like you needed it. You haven’t looked very pleased since earlier.”

Hearing that, Jung Chulmin made a strange expression, then awkwardly laughed.

“…Haha, was it that obvious?”

With those words, he, too, sat down.

“Mind if I light up?”

“Of course. That’s why we came to the smoking room.”

“Thank you.”

Jung Chulmin lit his cigarette.

After taking a deep drag and exhaling, his sigh dissipated into the air.

Suho looked at him and said,

“You’re worried about me, aren’t you?”

At that, Jung Chulmin glanced at Suho before looking back down.

“Yes, to be honest, I am very worried. I like you, Suho. I feel like you’ll become someone really important someday. So I don’t want to lose you if I can help it. I even want to help you grow as safely as possible.”

“Wow, I didn’t realize you thought that highly of me. Thank you.”

“I mean it. And, if I may be so bold… Suho, you may not realize it, being a relatively new Hunter, but Sealed Gates are incredibly dangerous. There’s a reason the government manages them.”

“Oh, I know well. I’m aware that even large guilds are rarely granted access due to safety concerns.”

“But then, why…”

“Because I’m confident.”

“What?”

“There’s a Sealed Gate among those managed by the Association called the ‘Nameless Sword,’ right?”

“Yes, there is. It was quite a notorious gate.”

“I know how to clear it.”

“…What?”

At that moment, Jung Chulmin looked at Suho with the widest eyes he’d shown all day.