‘Hyung must be feeling really frustrated. He knows what a Sealed Gate entails.’

Even the Nexus guild master he’d recently met had mentioned how difficult it was to secure a Sealed Gate bid.

Yet, here was the association president casually granting permission as if it were child’s play—no wonder Jung Chul-min would be furious.

But Suho had deliberately manipulated the situation to create this very outcome.

President Jang Kyung-hwan never cared much about matters that didn’t involve his own profit.

Especially when it came to issues related to Hunters.

‘As long as it’s not about budget, he doesn’t care how many Hunters get killed. That’s just how the president and vice president are.’

Right now, Suho needed access to a Sealed Gate.

Only then could he prove his abilities.

So, before Jung Chul-min could say anything further, Suho cemented his advantage in the conversation.

"After I clear the Sealed Gate, I’ll make sure to mention in interviews that I owe it all to President Jang Kyung-hwan’s support. It’s thanks to his approval that I’m able to do this."

Jang Kyung-hwan’s face broke into a broad smile.

Nothing could be better than having his name mentioned by a rising star that everyone was watching.

Encouraged, Jang continued with more questions.

“Haha, wonderful, just wonderful. So, are you planning to take the public service exam this year, Hunter Ahn?”

"The public service exam?"

"For a field position, either Level 9 or Level 7."

"Oh, I’m actually waiting for a different exam."

"A different exam?"

"Yes, I’m planning to take the Level 5 exam at the end of this year."

"Level 5… really?"

Both Jang and the vice president widened their eyes in surprise.

They had assumed that Suho would be aiming for a Level 9 or Level 7 position, so the mention of Level 5 was entirely unexpected.

The president, stunned, asked,

"The Level 5 exam is notoriously difficult."

"I know, but I believe that as a Level 5, I could do more to help eradicate the Gates than I could at lower levels."

"Such profound thinking…"

Suho’s mention of Level 5 seemed to spark interest in both men.

Suho read their expressions and quickly added,

"I’ve consulted with various people, and they said if I want to aim for Level 5, it might be better to build some experience in the field by joining a guild first."

"Who said that?"

"Just people from the civil service prep academies."

"Hmm, that’s not incorrect. We do tend to prefer experienced candidates. But these days, guilds have binding contracts, don’t they?"

"That’s what I’m struggling with. I want to gain some practical experience, but most guild contracts come with terms that restrict my choices. However, if there’s a guild willing to accept my conditions, I’d consider joining until I take the exam."

"Hmm… if there were such a place, I’d be quite grateful as well."

Internally, Suho smiled.

Perfect.

Now that the president had said it himself, there wouldn’t be any issues if he joined Nexus. They’d probably even view it favorably.

Moreover…

‘This could be an opportunity to build a natural connection between the association and Nexus.’

At that moment, there was a knock on the door.

"President, it’s Pi Sung-yeol."

Hearing the name from the hallway, Suho’s eyes widened.

‘Pi Sung-yeol?’

As the door opened, Suho saw that it was indeed Pi Sung-yeol.

‘So, I’m seeing him here…’

Special Division’s Pi Sung-yeol.

He was one of the figures Suho had marked for punishment, just as he had marked the president and vice president.

After all, Pi Sung-yeol was also involved in the Gate Shock incident that had taken his family from him.

Realizing there was a guest, Pi Sung-yeol gave a surprised nod.

"Oh, I didn’t realize you had company… my apologies. I’ll come back another time."

"No, it’s alright. We were just wrapping up. In fact, come in and introduce yourself. This is Hunter Ahn Suho, the man who conquered the Tower of Trials."

"Ahn Suho… Ah!"

Recognizing Suho’s name, Pi Sung-yeol approached him with a friendly smile, extending a hand.

"I’m Pi Sung-yeol from the Special Division. I’ve heard a lot about you. Thanks to the president, I get to meet such a prominent figure."

"Ahn Suho," Suho replied as he shook Pi Sung-yeol’s hand.

Pi Sung-yeol grinned, flashing his trademark gold tooth.

"I’ve read so much about you. You’re the hottest figure these days, I hear?"

"Haha, that’s an exaggeration."

Suho exchanged pleasantries with a polite smile.

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

After all, this Pi Sung-yeol was still in the period before his reckoning.

But Suho wasn’t an amateur.

He wouldn’t let his emotions interfere.

The vice president added,

"While you’re here, take a good look at Hunter Ahn Suho. He’s planning to take the Level 5 public service exam this year."

"The Level 5 exam?"

When Pi Sung-yeol looked at him in surprise, Suho answered quickly.

"Yes, that’s the plan."

Pi Sung-yeol raised his eyebrows in astonishment, then smirked, once again showing his gold tooth.

"Wow, the Level 5 exam is incredibly challenging. You’re so young and ambitious!"

Encouraged by Pi Sung-yeol’s admiration, the vice president began to elaborate.

"Haha, and that’s not all. Our association has even granted Hunter Ahn access to a Sealed Gate. He’ll be challenging one soon."

"A Sealed Gate?"

Pi Sung-yeol’s surprise grew.

Anyone could take the Level 5 exam, but a Sealed Gate was a different story.

This time, his reaction was notably distinct from the president’s and vice president’s.

"Uh… Hunter Ahn Suho, are you sure? You know how dangerous Sealed Gates are, right?"

His voice carried genuine concern.

As an awakened Hunter himself, Pi Sung-yeol understood the risks of Sealed Gates.

But Suho answered calmly.

"Yes, I’m aware. They’re too dangerous for most guilds to handle, which is why the association manages them."

"You’re well-informed. Still, challenging it… if that’s your decision, I won’t try to dissuade you. I do hope you succeed. If you clear a Sealed Gate, then the Level 5 exam is practically…"

The vice president interjected,

"Hey, Pi. Don’t say things like that. We don’t know who will pass the exam. It’s a fair process, after all. Though, of course, clearing a Sealed Gate would certainly demonstrate one’s abilities…"

"Haha, of course. Hunter Ahn Suho, I support you. If you manage to clear the Sealed Gate and pass the exam, I hope we get a chance to work together."

Pi Sung-yeol’s eyes gleamed with genuine enthusiasm.

He was truly interested.

‘Specifically, he’s always looking for new “hunting dogs.”’

The vice president jumped in again.

"Now, now, Pi. I believe Hunter Ahn Suho has his heart set on the Gate Division."

"The Gate Division? Why?"

"His dream is to eradicate the Gates. He wants to take full advantage of priority access to them."

"Oh, I see. Well, the Special Division could offer something similar, don’t you think, Team Leader Jung?"

Pi Sung-yeol finally acknowledged Jung Chul-min, who responded awkwardly.

"Haha… yes, perhaps."

"By the way, if Hunter Ahn passes the Level 5 exam, how will his position relate to Team Leader Jung? Well, we’ll see at the end of the year. Anyway, Hunter Ahn Suho, I genuinely wish you the best."

Pi brought up the issue of hierarchy in an offhand way, creating a subtle tension.

A fox-like schemer as always.

Clearly, he was deliberately trying to discomfort Jung.

So, Suho decided it was time to wrap things up.

"Thank you. I’ll take my leave now. Enjoy the rest of your conversation."

"Of course. It was a pleasure to meet you, Hunter Ahn. As for the Sealed Gate, you can discuss it with Team Leader Jung on your way out."

"Thank you, then."

With that, Suho and Jung finally left the president’s office.

However, Jung’s expression was anything but happy.

Suho knew why.

But he pretended to be unaware as he turned to Jung.

"Thanks to the president and vice president, I’ve been given such a great opportunity."

"Well…"

Jung hesitated, struggling to hold back his words.

Seeing this, Suho chuckled and asked,

"Team Leader, you smoke, don’t you?"

"Uh? Oh, yes…"

"Then why don’t we take a break for a smoke?"

"…Alright."

They made their way to the smoking room on the top floor.

Once inside, Jung wordlessly lit a cigarette, his expression full of turmoil.

Suho sat down on one of the chairs provided in the smoking area and noticed Jung’s puzzled look.

"You’re not smoking?"

"No, I don’t smoke."

"Then why…?"

"You seemed like you needed it. You’ve looked tense for a while."

Jung gave him a strange look, then awkwardly smiled.

"

…Haha, was it that obvious?"

With a sigh, Jung sat down too.

"Mind if I go ahead?"

"Of course. That’s what we came to the smoking room for, isn’t it?"

"Thank you."

Jung took a deep drag and released a long sigh, his breath dissolving into the air.

Seeing this, Suho spoke.

"You’re worried about me, aren’t you?"

Jung looked at Suho, then dropped his gaze to the floor.

"Yes, to be honest, I am very worried. I like you, Suho. I feel like you’ll become someone truly great someday. I don’t want to lose you. If possible, I want to help you grow safely."

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

"I mean it. Frankly… Suho, as a new Hunter, you might not fully understand, but Sealed Gates are truly dangerous. They’re managed by the government for a reason."

"Oh, I know. I’m aware that even large guilds rarely get entry rights due to the safety concerns."

"Then why…?"

"Because I’m confident."

"What?"

"The association manages a gate called the ‘Formless Sword,’ right? One of the Sealed Gates."

"Yes, we do. It’s a notoriously challenging gate."

"I know how to clear it."

"…What?"

At that moment, Jung’s eyes grew wider than Suho had ever seen.