It was certain.

Of course, it was, because he had personally taken Park Yong's life.

‘So this lunatic is in this cohort.’

Park Yong was more than worthy of the title "lunatic."

No, he was a genuine madman.

A madman obsessed with both the sword and raw power.

He wielded a sword with almost insane proficiency and was so deeply immersed in swordsmanship that his nickname was "Mad Sword" (狂劍).

Suho narrowed his eyes.

‘So if we both make it through, does that mean we’d be in the same intake?’

That was right.

Although the industry didn’t really adhere to hierarchies, it could be said that, if anything, they’d be peers.

And Park Yong would likely pass.

Suho didn’t recall the exact details of his debut, but he knew that Park was one of the swordsmanship prodigies he respected in his past life.

‘Hmm.’

Suho rubbed his chin, briefly lost in thought.

Park Yong was the kind of person who saw everything through a lens of power, relying solely on strength to assess others.

Moreover, he was so thirsty for strength that he sought out masters at every chance to challenge them to fights—an obsession that ultimately led him down the path of a serial killer targeting Hunters.

That was why Suho had to take preventive measures now, while he still could.

If he turned a blind eye, who knew how many innocent people would become his victims?

‘Annoying, but necessary.’

After considering his options, Suho came up with a suitable approach and walked over to Park Yong.

He checked the name tag on his chest to confirm it was indeed him before speaking.

“Hello?”

“……?”

Park Yong glanced at him briefly, then looked away.

Right, that was typical of him.

He never paid attention to those he deemed weak.

But in contrast, he obsessed over strong opponents, almost to the point of stalking them.

Suho knew exactly how to deal with someone like him.

Suho asked again, “My name is Ahn Suho. Judging by the sword you’re holding, you’re an aspiring swordsman. How about a sparring match?”

Suho held up a practice wooden sword he had brought.

At that, Park Yong frowned and replied.

“Buzz off.”

“Sorry?”

“I said, buzz off.”

The cynical response was just as expected.

But did he think that would make Suho give up?

Suho smirked and asked, “A bit harsh, don’t you think? Or are you afraid?”

At that moment, Park Yong’s gaze, which had been avoiding him, suddenly snapped directly onto Suho.

Ah, classic Park Yong—so sensitive when it came to anything related to strength.

Park narrowed his eyes and asked, “What did you just say?”

“I asked if you’re avoiding it out of fear.”

“Do you think you’re somebody? Why so cocky?”

“Oh? And if I am? Want to find out?”

“……Ha!”

With that, Park Yong abruptly stood up.

“I was bored stiff surrounded by weaklings, so this is perfect. Let’s go. Bring it.”

“You should’ve agreed sooner. Follow me. There’s a sparring area over there; let’s use that.”

“……Crazy bastard.”

Park Yong let out a dry laugh, clearly amused by Suho’s brazen attitude.

In his life, he’d never met someone like this.

Fortunately, Park Yong followed Suho’s suggestion and headed to the sparring area with him.

After all, even though they were waiting, they were technically still in the middle of the exam. Park Yong didn’t want to be disqualified over something trivial.

“A sparring match? Sure, well… alright,” the examiner replied, a little surprised but quickly nodding in agreement.

This wasn’t the first time he’d encountered people like this.

Soon, the examiner, Suho, and Park Yong made their way to the temporary sparring area set up at the edge of the training grounds.

Naturally, no one else was using the sparring area.

After all, no one wanted to risk injury on such an important exam day.

Perhaps that was why other examinees, bored with waiting, started gathering to watch.

The examiner spoke up, “You’re only allowed to use the practice weapons provided by the Association, and remember, since this is a sparring match, I’ll stop it if things get too heated. Also, you need to be careful; if you get injured here, you may not be able to take the main exam.”

After agreeing that neither party would hold the other accountable for any injuries, they finally stepped back, creating some distance.

The onlookers started murmuring.

“Look at these guys.”

“What’s with the fuss on a day like this?”

“They must be attention seekers.”

“Who do you think will win?”

“I’m betting on that guy with the sleepy eyes.”

“Why?”

“Ever notice in comics, the ones with droopy or slit eyes are usually the skilled ones?”

“That’s true.”

The "sleepy-eyed" guy they were talking about was Park Yong.

Suho chuckled.

‘Not wrong, but this time will be different.’

Park Yong might be talented, but Suho was even more formidable.

The examiner signaled the start.

Immediately, Park Yong took his stance, but—

“Huh?”

“What’s with that guy?”

“Why’s he just standing there without even drawing his sword?”

Unlike Park Yong, who had immediately taken up a ready stance, Suho stood with his sword still sheathed at his waist, simply watching.

Some of the onlookers found it impressive, while others just shook their heads, thinking he was showing off.

“Look at that poser. Must’ve watched some sword-wielding character in an anime and gotten drunk on the fantasy. One hundred percent.”

“What if he’s actually skilled?”

“If he is, I’ll give up the exam and go eat grilled pork immediately.”

“You better follow through.”

Park Yong shared the onlookers' disdain, scowling at Suho.

“What are you doing?”

“What do you mean? We’re sparring. Go on, make your move.”

“This damn bastard…”

Seeing Suho just standing there with his sword at his waist, not even taking a proper stance, Park Yong gritted his teeth.

He resolved to break at least one of Suho’s bones, or maybe two or three, if he had to pay compensation.

With that determination, Park Yong lunged toward Suho.

But Suho remained still, and when Park Yong’s sword was mere inches from his face—

Whoosh!

The sound of air splitting.

Park Yong’s eyes widened.

He had missed entirely, as if nothing was there to strike.

Suho had simply turned his body slightly to evade Park Yong’s attack.

Beginner’s luck, maybe?

Sure, even lottery winners existed, so dodging a first strike was possible.

Thinking that, Park Yong twisted his waist, swinging his sword again in the direction Suho had dodged.

Or rather, he tried to swing it.

Thud!

Just as he was about to swing, something pressed down on the back of his sword.

Incredibly, it was Suho’s foot.

Before Park Yong could gather his strength, Suho had stepped on his sword, halting his swing.

Shocked, Park Yong tried to shove Suho back using both hands, but Suho didn’t budge, like a stone.

He chuckled.

Seeing Park Yong’s growing frustration and struggle, Suho couldn’t help but laugh to himself.

Right.

It must be frustrating.

But that couldn’t be helped.

Suho was now level 10.

Among all the unregistered Hunters in the country… no, among all unregistered Hunters in existence, he likely had the highest level and stats.

After all, under the global Hunter laws, unregistered Hunters were never allowed into Gates.

Then, with his foot still pinning Park Yong’s movement, Suho pushed hard, sending Park Yong staggering backward.

Unable to overcome the vast difference in stats, Park Yong nearly stumbled, barely keeping his balance.

The crowd fell silent.

Everyone had expected a chaotic brawl or one-sided beatdown but hadn’t anticipated the match to play out like this.

The examiner was equally stunned.

‘Who… who is this guy?’

Exhausted from preparing for the exam, the examiner’s fatigue disappeared upon witnessing Suho’s skill.

In all his years of watching examinees, including elite recruits backed by major guilds, he’d never seen anyone like Suho.

Suho laughed.

“What’s wrong? Not coming at me again? Giving up?”

“You…!”

Park Yong’s anger flared as he ground his teeth but quickly swallowed his rage, lifting one corner of his mouth in acknowledgment.

Initially enraged by Suho’s toying, Park Yong, a true believer in strength, now recognized Suho’s skill.

When it came to swordsmanship, Park Yong was dead serious, and he could tell.

That maneuver wasn’t beginner’s luck or a special skill—it was the real deal.

With newfound respect, Park Yong adjusted his stance.

“You’re interesting. Now I understand why you were so confident. Alright, from now on, I’ll take this seriously.”

“You seemed pretty serious a moment ago.”

“Yes, I was serious then too.”

Park Yong’s lips twisted into a chilling smile.

For a brief moment, Suho felt he glimpsed the true madness that defined Park Yong.

It was exactly what he had wanted.

‘Perfect. This is exactly what I was aiming for.’

Suho wanted Park Yong fixated on him. This way, he wouldn’t target anyone else until he had overcome Suho.

Park Yong shifted into a different stance, and Suho’s mouth opened in surprise.

It was the basic stance of Park’s original swordsmanship style, *Dragon Sword Technique*.

‘Dragon Sword Technique, huh? It’s been

 a while since I’ve seen that. Although people who know it often call it *Mad Dragon Sword* instead.’

Why was it called Mad Dragon Sword?

The reason was simple.

With the name "Mad Sword" and Park’s family name "Yong" (meaning dragon), the style had been named accordingly.

However, since he was still unlicensed, he wouldn’t have fully mastered the original technique yet. At best, he might have grasped the basics.

In an instant, Park Yong closed the distance to Suho.

Not bad at all.

He clearly had some sort of footwork skill.

But—

‘I have footwork too.’

Suho followed Park Yong’s movements with his eyes.

And as if calculating every move, he dodged each strike, turning his body just before Park’s sword could touch him.

Once.

Twice.

Even three times.

After three consecutive misses, Park Yong didn’t get angry, nor did he laugh maniacally.

Instead, he stared intensely at Suho with an unnervingly focused gaze.

As Park prepared a fourth strike, Suho, almost instinctively, leaned his forehead forward.

Thunk!

A dull sound echoed.

Suho’s forehead had met the bridge of Park Yong’s nose.

With both hands still at his waist.

A headbutt.

Startled by the unexpected hit to his nose, Park Yong stumbled back a few steps, covering his mouth as he looked at Suho with utter bewilderment.