Chapter 42
Chapter 42
The room that the staff had guided him to was the best room in the lounge.
However, instead of just President Jang Kyunghwan and Guild Master Bae Dong-hyuk as he had expected, there were two more unexpected people present.
They were Vice President Park Kyuman and Special Division Director Pi Seongyeol.
‘Park Kyuman being here makes sense as he follows Jang Kyunghwan like a shadow, but why is Pi Seongyeol here?’
What were they up to?
Still, one thing was clear—the white aura symbolizing positive energy radiated from them.
As Suho opened the door and appeared, they greeted him warmly.
“Oh, our Hunter has arrived.”
“Haha, we’ve been waiting for you, Hunter Ahn.”
At the head of the table sat President Jang Kyunghwan, with Vice President Park Kyuman and Guild Master Bae Dong-hyuk seated beside him.
When Suho entered, Bae Dong-hyuk naturally shifted his position outward, allowing Suho to sit closer to Jang Kyunghwan.
It looked like he had already had a drink or two, and soon, dishes meant for Suho started to arrive.
As the table was set, President Jang Kyunghwan raised a bottle and spoke.
“First, let me offer my congratulations. I heard you cleared the infamous Sealed Gate in under five minutes? Haha, truly, Hunter Ahn Suho is a national treasure and the future of our country. So, let’s all raise our glasses to celebrate Hunter Ahn Suho’s success.”
“Haha, yes, let’s do it.”
“Since it’s a special day, how about Hunter Ahn give us a toast? After all, you’re the man of the hour.”
Jang Kyunghwan suggested.
Suho smiled slightly and didn’t decline.
“Then I’ll keep it simple. When I say ‘To everyone,’ I’d like you all to respond with ‘Cheers.’”
“Haha! That sounds wonderful.”
“To everyone!”
“Cheers!”
Clink!
After the toast, the atmosphere quickly grew lively.
It was around then that Jang Kyunghwan, who had been talking about trivial things, finally revealed why he had called Guild Master Bae Dong-hyuk.
“Hunter Ahn already mentioned this, but Guild Master Bae, I must say I’m impressed. I hear you purposely set no contract term for him?”
“Oh, yes. Normally, we sign contracts for at least three years, but Hunter Ahn is someone special. He’s someone who’ll accomplish great things for the country, and I couldn’t let my own personal interests get in the way.”
Jang Kyunghwan raised his lips into a smile and replied.
“Haha, as expected, Guild Master Bae’s outlook and vision align very well with our association. It’s truly a pleasure. Don’t you agree, Hunter Ahn?”
“Yes, thanks to Guild Master Bae’s consideration, I’m able to learn more about this industry in a more relaxed environment. If I join the association, I believe I’ll be able to accomplish even more.”
Accomplishing more within the association.
This was exactly what Jang Kyunghwan ultimately wanted from Suho, as Suho’s achievements would become his own.
It was also why he’d arranged this meeting.
At that moment, Pi Seongyeol, who had been observing, chimed in.
“I’m already excited at the thought of Hunter Ahn joining our association. With a talent like you, our association and the nation’s safety will reach new heights.”
“Haha, that’s right. In fact, to commemorate Hunter Ahn, our President here is preparing a special certificate of appreciation.”
A special certificate of appreciation.
Suho chuckled inwardly at the thought.
A certificate signed by the President was practically a guaranteed ticket for passing the fifth-grade civil servant exam.
Following Vice President Park Kyuman’s comment, Jang Kyunghwan added.
“Haha, I should have given it to you after the last Nameless Sword Gate, but I had no idea you’d clear another Sealed Gate so soon. Haha, you’re quite talented. When I heard you’d cleared the Swamp of Despair Gate, I was genuinely astonished.”
“No, not at all. You entrusted me with the entrance ticket for the Sealed Gate, something not easily given even to major guilds. So I simply wanted to prove myself worthy of the trust.”
“Haha, you speak so humbly for such a young man.”
“Indeed.”
Jang Kyunghwan praised, and Park Kyuman joined in with his agreement.
A warm atmosphere surrounded them.
Then, after a sip of his drink, Pi Seongyeol asked in a subtle tone.
“In that sense, could you perhaps tell us how you cleared the Swamp of Despair? As a fellow awakened one, I’m quite curious.”
“Oh, yes. I’m not an awakened, so I don’t fully grasp it, but I hear it’s a place where hundreds have lost their lives…”
“Since no one has ever returned alive, no one knows what the inside of the Swamp of Despair is like. So, how was it, Hunter Ahn Suho?”
Pi Seongyeol’s question.
Suho knew.
This was the start of Pi Seongyeol’s interrogation method.
‘His specialty is extracting information by steering conversations naturally.’
In that regard, it was true that no one knew about the inside of the Swamp of Despair.
In Suho’s memory, even Pi Seongyeol himself hadn’t known what was inside until the Ascetic had conquered it.
So Suho spoke in broad terms.
Mixing in a bit of truth with the lies, of course.
“The Swamp of Despair was nothing more than a place with a single flight of stairs and no monsters.”
Suho mentioned the Stairway of Despair.
After all, a believable lie needed to be mixed with bits of truth.
So, after talking about the Stairway of Despair and its power, he added another strategy.
“…Once I gauged the danger from the first step, I decided to be cautious. Instead of stepping on it directly, I used a tool to ascend, and that worked.”
Suho explained that he had used his spear to climb the stairs, enabling him to clear the gate quickly.
Everyone nodded with interest, finding his story convincing.
It sounded very plausible.
Pi Seongyeol, in particular, was impressed.
“Oh… Most hunters would have relied on mental immunity skills or items, but you used a much simpler method?”
“I just thought about it simply, and luckily, it worked out.”
“I see. As expected of Hunter Ahn. By the way… What level are you? I heard you haven’t reached level 100 yet…”
“Yes, currently, I’m level 53.”
“Level 53! That’s amazing. Then, you must have unlocked a unique trait as well?”
Pi Seongyeol’s eyes sparkled more than ever.
The white aura around him also grew more intense.
Naturally, as anticipation was a positive emotion.
‘So, this was your true goal.’
In hindsight, it was obvious.
Though Suho had put Gate Management as his first preference, Pi Seongyeol was determined to bring him into his division.
‘After all, a capable hunting dog is always desirable for a swordsman.’
In that sense, verifying a hunting dog’s trait was the first priority.
While level, core skills, and class were easily discovered with some investigation, traits were something only the individual could reveal.
However, Suho had no intention of revealing any of his traits, such as New Blood, Dragon Blood, Vampire Blood, Subspace House, or Ghost Shadow Spear.
So Suho said.
“My trait is the Path of the Sword. Though I’m a healer, I acquired it due to my emphasis on swordsmanship.”
“Path of the Sword… That’s certainly a unique trait for a healer.”
Pi Seongyeol had an odd expression.
But Suho could see it.
The faint disappointment behind that odd look.
And the white aura that was subtly diminishing.
‘As expected.’
Suho understood very well why Pi Seongyeol reacted that way.
The Special Division was filled with hunters with unusual traits.
Which was why it felt demeaning.
To be regarded merely as a hunting dog.
Though he already knew, it was always unpleasant to feel disrespected.
And, in truth, Pi Seongyeol was thinking.
‘Well, that should be fine. The Path of the Sword is typically a dealer’s trait, but since he’s a healer with that trait, it means he’s a hybrid.’
Perhaps because of this, Pi Seongyeol decided to view it positively.
No matter Suho’s composition, the important thing was results, and Suho had achieved them.
As proof, the white aura around him grew thicker again.
At that moment, Bae Dong-hyuk spoke.
“I didn’t know you had the Path of the Sword as a trait. As Director Pi said, it’s quite an unusual combination.”
“Haha, my main skill is swordsmanship, but I don’t intend to neglect my healing abilities. Over the remaining period, I’ll focus on advancing my healing skills, so I’d appreciate it if you could support me. After all, as you know, hunters’ lifespans are short, right?”
Bae Dong-hyuk responded with a slightly bitter smile.
“Of course. As someone who runs a guild, no one understands better than me how the mortality rate increases with a hunter’s level. It truly worries me. While it’s wonderful to have a skilled individual like you appear, it also means you’ll be venturing into more dangerous places.”
He seemed genuinely concerned.
The white aura around him grew fainter, proof of his sincerity.
At that moment, President Jang Kyunghwan, who had been nibbling on appetizers, spoke.
“Well, it’s no secret that hunters have a high mortality rate. I hope Guild Master Bae can lend as much support as possible. After all, private guilds are much more skilled at training hunters than we are.”
“Haha, of course. I’ll do my best to help. I’m even prepared to step up for any other needs the association might have.”
He was sincere.
And this was the very reason he had come to this meeting.
If Suho was going to end up with the association anyway, Bae Dong-hyuk’s goal was to use him to strengthen ties with the association for the guild’s future.
For Nexus, which typically didn’t get much attention from the association, this was the best they could do.
‘Ultimately, the larger the guild, the more they can accomplish.’
Jang Kyunghwan looked satisfied at Bae Dong-hyuk’s words.
It was then that Vice President Park Kyuman, who had been waiting for his chance to speak, jumped in.
“Indeed, Guild Master Bae. I’ll do my utmost to serve as a bridge of communication between the association and Nexus, ensuring the safety and prestige of our nation. Now, let me offer a toast.”
As expected of Park Kyuman.
Coming to a meeting where he wasn’t needed, eager to assert his presence and snatch any benefits he could.
It was just as Suho remembered from his past life.
Which was why Suho intended to use him to his advantage.
Suho accepted his glass with a smile.
“Then, I’ll be counting on you, Vice President.”
“Haha! Of course. And don’t be shy, Hunter Ahn. Reach out to me whenever you have concerns or need help.”
At that moment, Pi Seongyeol, who was sitting beside Park Kyuman, raised his glass with a smile.
“Don’t forget about me. My contact is always open too. Since I’m on the field, I can handle any minor issues you may have.”
“With everyone here so willing to support me, I feel quite reassured. I’ll continue to challenge every gate in Korea, including the Sealed Gates, for the nation’s benefit.”
“As expected from a young hunter, your ambition is remarkable.”
“Haha! Isn’t it!”
Laughter filled the air as white auras flared brightly.
Each person’s desires were now clear.
Having confirmed each other’s intentions, all that remained was to secure their own interests quietly.
As the gathering reached its climax and finally came to an end, Suho’s eyes gleamed.
The real objective he had set for tonight was about to begin.
