Right.

Why worry about other concerns?

Most public servants would do anything to avoid going into a Gate, but if someone willingly volunteered for a field position, that was all the more welcome.

This job didn’t bring much material reward—it required true patriotism and selflessness to endure.

Suppressing a cheer, Jeong Chul-min responded, “Understood. The registration process and identity verification are complete. Although, this wasn’t exactly intended as an interview, but somehow it feels like it turned into one.”

“When people talk, sometimes the conversation just flows that way.”

“Haha, indeed. So, all that’s left is the aptitude test, written exam, and practical test….”

After checking his phone, Jeong Chul-min added, “You’re aware the exam registration period has already closed for this year, right? But if you’d like, I can arrange a special registration for you.”

“Is that possible?”

“It’s not illegal or anything. It’s an official rule, and since you solo-cleared an unanticipated Gate, I can get approval from the higher-ups. However, the exam happens to be tomorrow….”

He glanced at Suho, hesitant to suggest it too eagerly. After all, preparing for both a written and practical exam on just one day’s notice could be quite demanding.

‘The field and exams are two entirely different things… Sure, having some prior knowledge helps, but if he’s clueless about the specifics, it might be tough.’

Awkwardly smiling, Jeong continued, “It might be difficult. Otherwise, there’s always the test next month….”

“No, please register me for tomorrow.”

“Pardon?”

“I’d like to take the chance for the experience. So, will I be taking the aptitude test tomorrow as well?”

“Oh, no. You can do the aptitude test today if you’re up for it… Is that okay?”

“Yes, that’s fine. But could I ask you to handle these first? I’m low on registration funds.”

Suho pointed to the hobgoblin’s head and magic crystal, prompting Jeong to grab them right away.

“Of course. If you start your aptitude test, I’ll handle the sale and deposit the funds immediately. We can also cover your registration fee if you’d like….”

“No, thank you. I’d rather avoid any possible misunderstandings down the line. I’ll pay for it myself.”

Jeong, visibly moved by Suho’s response, quickly agreed.

“Understood! I’ll get everything ready right away, so please wait just a moment.”

Rising quickly from his seat, Jeong’s brisk movements made Suho chuckle to himself.

***

Everything proceeded smoothly.

While Suho took his aptitude test, Jeong, using his authority, handled the sale of the hobgoblin head and magic crystal with a tax exemption, depositing the proceeds—about 3 million won—directly to Suho’s account.

When Suho finished his aptitude test, he asked, “Team Leader, could I request one more favor?”

“What kind of favor?”

“I believe there’s a library in the Association’s basement. It has reference materials and guides relevant to tomorrow’s exam, if I’m not mistaken. If you allow me, I’d like to prepare there.”

“Oh, that’s all? Of course, you’re welcome to!”

“Thank you.”

The basement library was intended for the Association staff’s personal development. Given that Suho might one day become his subordinate, granting his request was a given.

The library, though technically a resource for staff, was rarely used, with only a few librarians whiling away their time. It was, in essence, a forgotten space.

Upon arrival, Suho immediately recognized the familiar smell of the staff library.

‘It’s been a while since I was here.’

Few people ever used the place, and the librarians barely took notice of anyone who entered.

Jeong lowered his voice and said, “You won’t need a staff card to leave, so feel free to stay as long as you need.”

“Yes, thank you.”

“Then I’ll be off to handle some work. Best of luck on tomorrow’s exam.”

After offering his encouragement, Jeong exited.

Once alone, Suho began scanning the library.

‘Now, where was it…?’

He’d come here seeking a hidden skill concealed in the staff library.

It was a skill related to memory retention—something he would’ve normally dismissed as unnecessary, but given recent events, he needed it more than anyone.

‘Human memory has its limits.’

As far as he knew, he was the only one who had returned to the past, meaning he had no one to turn to, no one to rely on.

Thus, he needed his memory to be as accurate as possible. He could recall significant events, but as a human, some minor details were fuzzy.

That’s why he was here.

Suho moved purposefully toward the “Unknown Books” section.

These were books found inside Gates from other realms, their contents unreadable, labeled as “junk items.”

Looking at the random assortment of books, Suho couldn’t help but recall some memories.

‘These were a pain back then.’

These “unknown books” were indeed troublesome.

They were flame-resistant, difficult to discard, and, given their origin, required some level of management, which led them to the Association’s library.

‘Most will be stored in a warehouse eventually.’

It didn’t take long for Suho to find the book he was looking for—it was the largest in the section.

‘Its size made it easy to spot.’

Taking it in hand, he walked to a quiet corner of the library.

Even though he couldn’t read its title, this book held a remarkable secret.

After ensuring he was alone, he opened the book and rested his head against it.

Minutes later, he heard the system notification.

[ Welcome to the Library of Memories. ]

[ The Library of Memories is intrigued by your story. ]

[ Would you like to donate your story to the Library of Memories? ]

Suho’s lips curled into a smile.

This was the “Library of Memories” hidden skill he’d come for.

As he withdrew his head from the book, he read the system messages with a grin.

‘So, it’s real.’

The Library of Memories was akin to a photographic memory skill, though one could call it a “curse of memory.”

After all, human resilience is partly due to the ability to forget pain.

But for Suho, the Library of Memories was essential.

It allowed him to recover all his memories perfectly.

As Suho nodded, the system processed the next step.

[ Your story has been donated. ]

[ The Library of Memories is delighted by your donation and offers a gift in return. ]

[ You have acquired the Library of Memories (A). ]

[ The Library of Memories has started recording and cataloging your memories. ]

Just then—

A gust of wind surged through his mind, and an image of a vast library formed within his consciousness.

The library was empty at first, but as the wind swept through, countless sheets of blank paper appeared, filling with records of Suho’s memories, binding into books, and stacking themselves onto shelves.

It was mesmerizing.

And once the library was fully stocked with books, the system message appeared:

[ The Library of Memories is now open. ]

Suho now had complete access to the Library of Memories.

[ Library of Memories ]

- Rank: A

# Stores every memory you see or hear in a library that you can access at any time.

# The Library of Memories may recommend relevant information when necessary.

The description was simple but effective.

The effect was all that mattered.

Suho thought of the person who had first told him about the Library of Memories.

She was the legendary secretary of Hexagon Guild, the top guild in the industry. Suho had learned about the skill by chance over a meal.

- Did you know, Suho? I actually used to work for the Association.

- Really? You, Secretary?

- Yes. Back when I was preparing to switch jobs, I was studying alone in the library….

She had jokingly mentioned how she acquired the skill, but it had left a strong impression on him.

- I couldn’t find a comfortable place to rest, so I grabbed a random book to use as a pillow, and that turned out to be the condition for discovering the skill!

He’d been dumbfounded at the time.

Who would’ve thought she’d acquire an A-rank skill that way?

‘Some people are just born lucky. She must’ve been one of them.’

With her newfound memory skill, she quickly rose through the ranks and joined Hexagon Guild, known for their memory-based qualifications.

Once there, her enhanced memory and the skill’s recommendation feature allowed her to manage all the guild members meticulously, and she eventually became the industry’s most renowned secretary.

Thinking he should treat her to a meal someday, Suho returned the book to its place.

With the Library of Memories acquired, no additional skills would be unlocked, but the book remained.

‘Now that I have the skill, let’s give it a light test.’

Suho tested it by recalling the events before his death.

In observer mode, he could vividly see his past, including the betrayal by his former allies, which brought a surge of anger.

‘Good. Now I have a new target. I won’t let myself forget this rage.’

Truly, the Library of Memories.

Simply recalling his memories reawakened the fury of that moment, solidifying his resolve.

But then—

...

[ The system has recognized your achievement in reaching the realm of transcendence and grants you an opportunity to become even stronger. ]

[ Rebooting the system for player Ahn Suho. ]

Within his fading memories, Suho saw the unexpected system message.