The contract was signed.

With other formalities and instructions scheduled for the next day, Suho and Jo Jin-hwi left the guild. It was getting late, and Jo Jin-hwi seemed too exhausted to continue the conversation, so they decided to head back to the Kaiser Cheongdam.

As Jo Jin-hwi moved to take the wheel again, Suho spoke up.

“I’ll drive this time.”

“No, I’ll do it.”

“But you’re not my manager, and I can’t keep relying on you to drive me everywhere.”

“I actually am your manager, you know?”

“What?”

“Well, kind of, don’t you think? You’re giving me these exclusive scoops so regularly; I figure the least I can do is act as your manager. Besides, I’m really fine with it. Switching from a Ferrari to a sedan is pretty comfortable for a change. Maybe I’ll just stick to a sedan from now on.”

Suho chuckled at that.

“I have to admit, the sedan is more comfortable. But didn’t you miss work today? Won’t they mind?”

“Don’t worry about that. With the exclusives I’ve landed just today, no one’s going to say a word.”

“Fair enough.”

It was a satisfying situation. After all, this was the kind of arrangement Suho had envisioned.

Then, as he drove, Jo Jin-hwi broached the topic cautiously.

“So, I think I’ll lead with the Sealed Gate clearance for the article. Technically, the Nexus contract should come first, but there’s no telling how long the government embargo will last.”

“Do what’s best. Go ahead.”

“Looks like I’ll be heading back to the office right after I drop you off… By the way, Suho.”

“Yes?”

“I’ve been wanting to ask—how were you so confident about tackling the Nameless Sword Gate?”

“Ah, that?”

Jo Jin-hwi had been holding back that question, but since Suho had answered the Nexus Guild head with just a vague “I killed it,” he thought he should give Jin-hwi a bit more detail.

‘The details I tell him will go directly into the article. Might as well flesh it out a bit.’

Suho began, “Inside the Nameless Sword Gate is the Sword Emperor, right?”

“Yes, the Nameless Swordsman.”

“I knew his reputation well. His skill forces everyone to engage him in sword-to-sword combat, which has led to many deaths, particularly among sword-wielding players. That’s why I was confident.”

“Confident? How?”

“In a sword fight under those conditions, I knew I’d win. You know I’m technically a healer, but my primary skill is swordsmanship.”

“That’s… that’s your whole reason?”

“What other reason do I need?”

“But… that Swordsman killed over 200 people, including high-ranked players. You didn’t feel even a little fear?”

“So what if they were high-ranking? The Sword Emperor’s skill duplicates physical stats, so everything is equalized in that respect. The key to beating him lies purely in swordsmanship—no reliance on items or skills. I trusted my skill and prepared for that.”

“Do you have sword skills?”

“Of course. S-rank. It’s a creation skill, so I’m the only one who has it.”

Jo Jin-hwi’s eyes widened in surprise.

“S-rank?! When did you learn that?”

“Not long ago. And I’m not going anywhere, so you can take your time with questions. It’s better to release information gradually—keeps people interested. Feel free to ask me anytime.”

“Man… Suho, you really drive me crazy. I can’t believe I’m getting this excited over a guy—I finally understand why people become fanatics for idols and singers. I never used to get it.”

“Oh, it’s not that big of a deal.”

“No, seriously. Thank you again for calling me first, and sorry for doubting you at first.”

“Think nothing of it.”

With a contented nod, Jo Jin-hwi dropped Suho off at Kaiser Cheongdam before heading back to his office.

Now comfortably at home, Suho sank into his sofa.

“It’s been a long day.”

The Gate clearing hadn’t exhausted him, but the travel was tiring. Even with his high stats, long-distance trips were still draining.

After a brief rest, Suho checked his status screen.

> [Ahn Suho]

- **Level**: 52
- **Class**: Healer
- **Trait**: New Blood
- **Strength (R)**: 14
- **Endurance (R)**: 14
- **Mana (R)**: 14
- **Perception**: 96
- **Bonus Stats**: 7

Seeing the seven bonus points accumulated, Suho smiled. It was like a magical accumulation; just a short break, and they seemed to pile up like multiplying bonuses.

Following his plan, he allocated four points to his Perception stat to reach 100.

> [Perception stat has reached 100.]
> [Perception stat has advanced further.]
> [Congratulations! Perception stat level has reached Red grade!]

Finally, his Perception stat reached Red grade. With all four main stats in Red, a new notification appeared.

> [All stats have reached Red grade.]
> [Unified Effect granted as a special privilege.]
> [Remaining bonus stats will be used to unify all color stats.]

> [Stat information has been updated.]

This new “Unified Effect” caught Suho’s attention, so he checked his refreshed status screen.

> [Ahn Suho]

- **Level**: 52
- **Class**: Healer
- **Trait**: New Blood
- **Strength (R)**: 14
- **Endurance (R)**: 14
- **Mana (R)**: 14
- **Perception (R)**: 14
- **Bonus Stats**: 0

Looking at the unified stats, Suho felt a thrill. Thanks to the Unified Effect, he’d only needed three bonus stats to increase Perception by 11 points.

‘The Unified Effect only triggers when all stats are the same color and if you’re just one stat away from full unification.’

It was a rare privilege, difficult to achieve since the requirements were strict. Even if all conditions were met, without any available bonus stats, the effect wouldn’t activate.

‘This is what they call a hidden privilege.’

With his status screen updated, Suho finally took a proper break.

After a quick shower, he checked his secondary phone, which had become his main device. Jo Jin-hwi had messaged him—news of the Nameless Sword Gate clearance had been published.

‘Let’s see how people are reacting.’

Opening his laptop, Suho saw that every news outlet, social media platform, and online community was buzzing with his story.

- "What the hell is Ahn Suho?"
- "How long has it been since he cleared the Tower of Trials, and now he’s tackled a Sealed Gate?"
- "How did he beat the Sword Emperor?"
- "I once challenged the Sword Emperor, and that guy is insane... Suho actually beat him?"
   - "And how is this guy even alive?"
   - "The Nameless Sword Gate lets you escape halfway."
   - "Oh, makes sense."

- "So is Ahn Suho the new Sword Emperor?"
- "You don't just become the Sword Emperor for beating him; he’s probably surpassed that."
- "What’s beyond the Sword Emperor?"
   - "I don’t know... Sword God?"
   - "Sword God Ahn Suho, huh?"

- "Mom! I want to be Ahn Suho when I grow up!"
   - "Same here!"

- "How did he even get access to the Nameless Sword Gate? Isn’t it under government management?"

- "Maybe the government gave him a special pass after the Tower of Trials?"
   - "Let’s ask the KHA."
   - "On it!"

The general reaction was positive, which was to be expected. He hadn’t yet drawn any serious criticism or the kind of “anti” sentiment that often comes with fame.

‘But if I’ve got fans, critics won’t be far behind.’

Turning his primary phone back on, he was immediately hit with a barrage of missed calls. Scrolling through them, he noticed one name that had called especially frequently: Park Pyeong-sik, the headhunter from Prime, the top-ranked guild.

‘This guy really doesn’t give up.’

From the recruiter’s perspective, he had likely spotted Suho’s potential early on, trying to recruit him with a “best possible offer for a rookie.” Suho could imagine how much the man was kicking himself now.

‘He’s good, but maybe we’ll work together some other time.’

Switching off his phone again, Suho’s secondary phone rang. He recognized the number immediately, a welcome call.

Answering, he spoke, “Hey, how’ve you been?”

- "You sound pretty relaxed."

The voice belonged to none other than Gu Yeon-hwa, leader of the Banshee faction. She had called him immediately after reading about his success.

“So, what’s your answer?”

- "How about we meet in person?"

“Is that necessary? I just need a yes or no.”

He wasn’t keen on meeting her in person repeatedly. Allowing her to dictate the terms would give her the impression that she had control, which was far from what Suho wanted.

He was confident. With his abilities proven, it was clear who needed whom more.

Gu Yeon-hwa replied, - "Confident, aren’t you? You know we haven’t accepted your proposal yet, right?"

“If you don’t want to, then forget it.”

- "What?"

“I

 don’t need you that badly. Say no if you want.”

- "Why so sudden…?"

“But you should consider this—will making an enemy of me really benefit you? I could take you all down whenever I wanted.”

There was silence on the other end. Then, with a sigh, Gu Yeon-hwa responded.

- "Fine… So, what do you need us to do?"

Suho smiled, satisfied that the hierarchy had been firmly established.

“Let’s meet tomorrow. Around lunchtime, at the Nexus Academy in Paju. How’s that?”

- "All of us?"

“Of course.”

- "That’s difficult. Two of our team members have jobs, and I have classes."

“If your current lives matter more than revenge, then keep living that way. Maybe I misjudged your desperation.”

- "...Fine. See you tomorrow at the Nexus Academy at noon.”

“Good.”

Suho chuckled as he ended the call, feeling thoroughly prepared for what lay ahead.