CH. 177 S-Rank Reexaminations

If you haven't noticed yet then let me inform you the Harem chapter is out and I already uploaded the pics so go there and give some likes.

***

Today's anime meme is here. [ ]

****

*****

Just before he could push open the glass front door, Hunters from the Monitoring Division rushed out first, and he was pushed back instead. They stood in a line to block off the front entrance.

'What the hell is this now?!'

Rhee Min-Seong's forehead creased up. He quickly checked the name tag attached to one of the men's chest.

'Section Chief Woo Jin-Cheol, Hunter's Association Monitoring Division?'

Rhee Min-Seong questioned Woo Jin-Cheol right away.

"What's the meaning of this? Why are you blocking the entrance?"

Woo Jin-Cheol's sunglasses-covered eyes stared down at Rhee Min-Seong.

"Currently, The Awakened's is going through the process of the rank re-assignment test. No one will be allowed to enter the building until 12 o'clock when the test is scheduled to end."

"What did you just say?!"

By 'The Awakened's', was this man referring to that young man and the beautiful lady who followed the Association President into the building not too long ago?

Rhee Min-Seong took a look at his watch. The time now was half-past ten in the morning. 11:30 o'clock was the originally scheduled time for his rank assignment test. No one was allowed to enter before 12 o'clock?

Rhee Min-Seong's scheme to take the test ahead of schedule to reverse the situation was about to blow up in his face.

At first, he spoke in a polite tone of voice.

"Please, don't be like this and let me in. I have something to discuss with the related department of the Association."

"I'm sorry."

Woo Jin-Cheol shut his mouth up with that single short sentence.

With his frustration boiling over, Rhee Min-Seong couldn't hold back any longer, and his true colors slowly surfaced to the fore.

"Look here, mister. Don't you know who I am? I'm Rhee Min-Seong, man. Rhee Min-Seong!"

Rhee Min-Seong's tone of voice became sharp and abrasive as if he could no longer take this crap, but still, Woo Jin-Cheol showed no sign of budging.

"Hah…."

Rhee Min-Seong spat out a dumbfounded groan.

"Oii. You know that Yujin Construction is the biggest sponsor of the Hunter's Association, right? And with the new deal, a huge sum of money is going to be donated to the association."

The corners of Rhee Min-Seong's lips arched up as he heard from his father that the deal was over 100 to 150 billion.

"Vice Chairman of Yujin Construction, Rhee Won-Gyu, is my father, okay? And do you see all these people behind me?"

Rhee Min-Seong pointed towards the sea of reporters below the entrance steps.

"You think you can treat the son of Yujin Construction's Vice Chairman this badly in front of these many reporters? You think you can handle the fallout?"

Woo Jin-Cheol's reply was pretty simple.

"Yes, we can."

"What?!"

Rhee Min-Seong was even more dumbfounded now.

Just who the hell was that young man and woman for the Association President to personally escort him inside and block off the entire building for a measly rank assignment test?

And, letting a Section Chief gopher, someone not even that high up in the food chain like a head of the department, do whatever the hell he pleased?

Rhee Min-Seong's hands were placed on his waist as he began questioning in anger.

"Just who the hell is this 'another Awakened's' supposed to be that the Association is willing to bend over backward like this?"

Only then did Woo Jin-Cheol remove his sunglasses.

"If I were to tell you that…"

Flinch.

When Woo Jin-Cheol's sharp, scary eyes resembling a bird of prey were finally revealed, Rhee Min-Seong unwittingly took a step back.

Woo Jin-Cheol continued to glare at Rhee Min-Seong and quietly spoke.

"Do you think you can handle the fallout instead, Mister Rhee Min-Seong? It's your luck that the President showed up at the right time, or you wouldn't be standing here."

***

The inside of the main building was rather empty.

There was no one waiting to take their rank assignment test inside the hallway, with only a smattering of Association employees going about their usual business.

This unusual situation was probably related to the reason why all those reporters were camping outside.

"Please, come this way."

"Alright."

Jin and Esdeath were about to follow Goh Gun-Hui's guidance and enter the measurement room, but then spotted two somewhat familiar-looking faces.

Baek Yun-Ho and Choi Jong-In were sitting on the waiting room chairs facing the measurement room. That was where smartly-dressed headhunters of various smaller Guilds could be found two weeks ago.

When their gazes met, both men stood up from their seats and bowed lightly. Jin reciprocated the greeting, and on the other hand, Esdeath didn't spare a glance for them. As they walked down the passageway, a soft smile formed on Goh Gun-Hui's lips.

"Those two men, they have been waiting for both of you for about an hour."

The leaders of two Guilds that represented South Korea on the world stage had shown up one hour early to wait for the re-evaluation result.

Perhaps Jin, not having any expression change and Esdeath like always didn't care at all. Gun-Hui continued to explain in a calm voice.

"Two new rank S Hunters have appeared after two long years. And besides, Choi Jong-In has heard of your powers, so he should be even more anxious at the moment. Especially with Ms. Esdeath following the same path."

Jin slowly nodded his head.

"Oh, my!"

"Association President!"

The Association employees they met on the way all politely greeted Goh Gun-Hui, and stared at Jin and Esdeath with mystified eyes.

'Who are those couples that necessitate our Association President to personally guide them?'

'Could they be someone really important?'

'How can someone as young as them know our President?'

Goh Gun-Hui had never shown up to personally receive guests even when a government minister came to visit, so the fact that he was doing precisely that had shocked the Association employees to no end.

Goh Gun-Hui spoke while keeping his eyes fixed to the front.

"I heard about what happened yesterday."

Goh Gun-Hui's expression was one of enjoyment for some reason.

As a matter of fact, he was indeed feeling really excited. Because his expectation of Sung Jin-Woo being a different type of Hunter from the rest proved to be right on the money, that was why. When he heard about Sung Jin-Woo's actions from Woo Jin-Cheol, sweat formed in Goh Gun-Hui's hands as if he was personally there, witnessing everything.

Then there was the most mysterious factor Esdeath, most likely being a Cryokinetic possibly an expert in Cryokinesis.

A very powerful magic and also seems to not only have greater control over her abilities but also physically strong, as she did jump from the roof of a building that had over 60 floors. Even though he only saw her do one thing, but how effortlessly she created a city-ending event speaks to her power.

'Yes, both do have incredible powers, but also….'

But also, he found Sung Jin-Woo's actions afterward even more to his liking.

Including the boss, he had almost single-handedly cleared the dungeon all by himself, yet the young man had shown not one trace of greed over the loot found within.

If Sung Jin-Woo's real aim was to fight monsters and protect other people rather than become famous and make lots of money, then the Association was fully prepared to support him in every conceivable manner. Because that goal lined up perfectly with the purpose of the Association's existence.

'If it's possible, I wish I could bring him into the Association with whatever means necessary, but…'

But, he couldn't do that, now could he?

Just like what the young man told him before, entering the Association would mean he'd have nearly zero opportunity to fight against the monsters.

And from what Goh Gun-Hui had heard about Sung Jin-Woo's powers, it was way too good to be wasted outside dungeons.

Then there also the most dangerous factor, Esdeath. She was someone who killed many times, but fortunately or unfortunately, she was in full control of Sung Jin-Woo. So, as long as the young man remained like this, she shouldn't do her killing outside of the dungeon. And that's a good thing.

Soon, they arrived at the examination area, located deeper within the building.

"Before the re-evaluation can take place, we must confirm your abilities first and set the new classification for you."

Jin already knew that.

Hunters were classified as a melee, mage, healing, or even support-type according to their abilities and performed their roles where they were needed the most.

The Association employee waiting at the examination area bent his back forward 90 degrees to greet Goh Gun-Hui, and took over guiding Jin and Esdeath from him.

"Please, come this way."

Jin stepped up to the middle of the examination area. Its interior layout much resembled an indoor gymnasium commonly found everywhere.

If there was one thing different from those gymnasiums, then it'd be the fact that one could sense fluctuations of magic energy coming from the walls as well as from the floor. Magic had been utilized to reinforce the structure in case something went wrong.

The examiner asked Jin.

"What kind of ability can you use?"

The Association President Goh Gun-Hui didn't return to his office immediately and, while standing in the far corner, stared at the examination process with a great deal of interest.

This was the reason why he came to guide Jin personally. He wanted to confirm Jin's and Esdeath's powers with his own eyes as quickly as possible.

"Well, I can do this."

Amid the backdrop of the bustling Association, Jin felt the little need to showcase his magical prowess. Being a guest in a new world, he decided to start with less flashy spells to avoid destroying the building, as no matter how much it was reinforced, it wouldn't even be a weak spell from him.

He raised his hand, and with a subtle gesture, conjured a soft glow at his fingertips. The light danced like a will-o'-the-wisp, capturing the attention of a few nearby observers. It wasn't much, just a display of basic illumination magic.

Then, his fingers moved with precision as he traced a pattern in the air. A shimmering shield formed around him, a translucent barrier that glistened with arcane energy. Those who noticed were captivated by the spectacle.

His next spell was a subtle one, yet it left people awestruck. He focused his energy, and the surrounding temperature dropped noticeably. Tiny ice crystals formed in the air, creating a delicate flurry that lasted only a few seconds. Those who witnessed it were left in a state of mild shock.

But the most shocking part was yet to come. As the ice crystals dissipated into nothingness, and the room began to heat up, creating sparks everywhere, Jin's eyes began to glow with an otherworldly light. In a calm yet commanding tone, he spoke an incantation that echoed in the minds of those nearby.

"Restoration."

Instantly, scars, bruises, and minor injuries of those within his vicinity began to heal at an accelerated rate. A scraped knee here, a sprained wrist there—all mended by his magic. The shocked faces of the witnesses showed a range of emotions, from disbelief to gratitude.

It was a subtle showcase of his magical might, leaving bystanders both amused and puzzled.

"My capabilities extend far beyond what you've witnessed, but unleashing them here would be catastrophic for this place and everyone within it." So in the shortest form, you could say, "In my hands, magic becomes an unstoppable force, reshaping reality itself." Jin told everyone. He sounded overly confident, but Goh Gun-Hui knew what he had shown wasn't even a mild amusement for him.

"Well, I can also do this."

Jin called out a single Shadow Soldier.

"Heok?!"

The examiner was greatly taken by surprise as his eyes were super wide open.

Seriously speaking, how could anyone stay composed when a soldier decked out in jet-black armor suddenly rose up from the ground?

Jin-Woo deliberately chose the lowest leveled one out of his regular Soldiers, but still, the dude emitted intense pressure that most normal people found hard to endure.

"This…. Is this your summoned creature? You can control a summon?"

The examiner's voice was trembling noticeably.

Jin had half a mind to helpfully explain that his Soldier was definitely not dangerous, but….

He formed a pitying expression while making his reply.

"….Well, something like that."

"I-in that case, h-how many summoned creatures can you control?"

'Well, it will be useless to lie, so….'

Indeed, the number of eyewitnesses who saw his Shadow Soldiers yesterday was nearly 80%, but just yesterday they had a great increase in their numbers.

Jin spoke to a slightly reduced number of Soldiers sealed inside his shadow through his skill.

"It's around 400 or so…."

The examiner's eyes went extra round at the number 400.

"F Fo- Fore h-hundred?!"

"Yes."

On the other hand, Jin remained nonplussed.

At the same time…

As he stared at the Shadow Soldier, Goh Gun-Hui's eyes were glittering brightly.

'Well, this one is not what I wanted to see, but around four hundred of those….'

At a glance, that 'soldier' possessed around the same amount of magic energy as a rank B++ Hunter. If that young man could summon four hundred of those soldiers, then one simply had to concede that his powers had already exceeded a regular large Guild's combat force.

Truthfully, that was an incredible ability.

Jin could feel Goh Gun-Hui's passionate gaze burning up on his skin.

So does the cold around him as he saw Esdeath just seems to be enjoying the show with a grin on her face.

'Well, if one regular Soldier can elicit this sort of reaction, then….'

He did the right thing and didn't choose to call out the highest leveled soldiers among his flock, Akame, or the boss-level creature he managed to poach yesterday, 'Tusk' Or Goar.

Whatever the case may be, this was enough to prove the type of ability he had possessed.

"In that case…. Sung Jin-Woo Hunter-nim, we confirm that you are a mage type, right?"

"Yes, that would be the best."

The examiner studiously jotted down something on the recording document and raised his head up, while looking rather satisfied.

"We can now head to the measurement room."

Jin held the newly-issued Hunter license in his hand.

It said, 'Sung Jin-Woo, rank S, Mage-type'.

Even though his face was plastered on the photo box, he still found it hard to believe.

'Very good. It went smoother than I had first thought,' Jin thought while looking at Esdeath who was holding her own license. After a glance, she put the card in her belt. Due to the fact that Esdeath was pretty famous here, and she was already judged as The S-rank when she came to register. It didn't take her long to get her own license. Jin quickly shoved his new Hunter license inside his wallet.

The sun cast a warm glow over Seoul as Jin and Esdeath made their way through the bustling streets towards the imposing headquarters of the Hunter Association. They knew that this visit was significant, for they had been summoned by none other than President Goh Gun-Hui himself. The fact that the Association's highest authority had requested their presence filled the air with anticipation.

The imposing building loomed before them, its glass and steel facade gleaming in the sunlight. Guards in sleek uniforms saluted as they entered, acknowledging their status as S-rank hunters. Their footsteps echoed through the marble-floored corridors as they made their way to the President's office.

Inside the office, President Goh Gun-Hui stood as they entered, his demeanor a mix of respect and authority. He gestured for them to sit, and as they did, he addressed them with a nod.

"Welcome, Jin Sung-Jin and Ms. Esdeath. I've gathered you here today for a special purpose," he began, his voice steady and measured. "In recognition of your exceptional abilities and accomplishments, I am pleased to hand you both S-rank hunter licenses."

Goh Gun-Hui's expression then turned somber as he broached a more pressing matter. "I'm sure you've heard about the tragedy on Juju Island."

"It's a devastating loss for our community. We've been in discussions with other nations, and there are plans for a joint raid on the island to address the situation."

Jin leaned forward, his eyes intent on the President. "How long until the joint raid begins?"

President Goh Gun-Hui sighed, his shoulders tense. "It could take over two months before we finalize the terms and actually begin the operation. Negotiations with multiple nations are never swift."

President Goh Gun-Hui turned away from the window and faced them directly. "A few days ago, a monstrous creature's corpse washed ashore in Japan. This creature was unlike anything we've ever seen before. It was an ant, but with wings which suggests that monsters on the island are evolving and trying to leave the Island. This fact that it appeared out of nowhere has sent shockwaves through the international Hunter community."

The weight of the situation hung heavy in the room. Juju Island was a catastrophic event, and every day of delay meant more suffering.

The President's gaze turned to Jin and Esdeath. "That's why I called you both here today. I want you on the team for this operation."

Jin remained silent for a moment, his thoughts racing. He knew that the next few weeks would be critical for his own plans, but he also felt a responsibility to use his strength for the greater good. Finally, he spoke, "I appreciate the offer, President Goh Gun-Hui, but I'm going to be extremely busy in the upcoming weeks. I might even be off the radar. However, if things take a turn for the worse during the operation, you can count on me to be there."

Esdeath's response was simpler. She leaned over and whispered to Jin, "Where you go, I follow, my love."

Goh Gun-Hui nodded, understanding the complexities of their lives as hunters. "Thank you both. Your commitment to our cause is commendable."

With the discussion concluded, Jin and Esdeath rose from their seats. They exchanged a final nod with the President before exiting the room.

When he got to the end of the corridor, the waiting duo of Baek Yun-Ho and Choi Jong-In approached him.

"Mister Sung Jin-Woo, can we have a chat?"

"Sung Jin-Woo Hunter-nim, I….."

"I'm sorry. I'm pressed for time at the moment."

Jin ignored them both and quickly walked towards the glass door.

"Uh? Uh?!"

Baek Yun-Ho raised his worried voice.

"If it was me, I wouldn't use that exit."

Jin wasn't interested regardless of what was being offered, so he continued to ignore Baek Yun-Ho's dissuasion and pushed the glass door wide open. And there is nothing more than a few paparazzi.

When that happened….

Click, click, click, click, click, click….!!

The reporters that had managed to climb up the steps to push and shove against the Monitoring Division's agents began clicking their cameras non-stop, with flashes exploding brightly all around him.

'What the heck is this?'

Jin became utterly speechless at this blinding explosion of lights. As their numbers have been quadrupled in a matter of minutes, news really flies fast.

As usual, Sung Jin-Ah stopped by the school tuck shop after the third period ended and bought herself a pack of banana milk.

There was still around one hour to go to lunch. If she didn't fill herself up temporarily with something like milk, for instance, she'd be unable to concentrate during the class.

And sure enough….

Rumble….

Already, her remorseless stomach was noisily demanding for more fuel to be put in there. Jin-Ah rubbed her hungry tummy and was about to enter her classroom, but then, one of her friends grabbed her wrist, a shocked expression clearly visible on that girl's face.

"J-Jin-Ah!!"

"Wha-what?!"

With her friend shocked like this, even Jin-Ah got shocked alongside her for no reason.

"It's your oppa! And another woman. He's on TV right now!!"

"What?? Why is my oppa…??"

Jin-Ha felt her heart tumble to the pit of her stomach.

'Were they carrying out the deed where others could see? If not, could it be even worse….??'

The friend dragged Jin-Ah by her wrist inside the classroom as if she didn't want to waste time explaining anymore.

Jin-Ah's eyes immediately shifted over to the large TV located next to the blackboard.

And there was….

"O…. Oppa?! U… Unnie?"

The moment Jin-Ah saw the TV screen, the banana milk in her hand fell to the floor.

****

Word Count: 3452.

Bigger chapter than usual just for you all