As the late evening wore on and night approached, the gathering finally concluded.

The non-Awakened members—Association President Jang Kyunghwan, Vice President Park Gyumin, and Guild Leader Baedonghyuk—called for their drivers and returned home.

This left only Suho and Pi Sungyeol, both of whom were nearly immune to intoxication due to their stats, seated together.

As the senior officials’ cars disappeared from view, Pi Sungyeol took out a cigarette and placed it between his lips.

He then offered one to Suho, asking, “Do you smoke?”

“No, I don’t.”

“Alright, then I’ll just have one myself. Haha, after drinking, the urge to smoke becomes nearly unbearable…”

Pi Sungyeol lit his cigarette, inhaled deeply, and exhaled a cloud of smoke before grinning and handing Suho his business card.

“I didn’t get a chance to give you my card last time. This has my direct number—feel free to reach out anytime. I’ll always take your call, Hunter Ahn.”

“Haha, thank you.”

“Where are you staying these days?”

“Oh, I’m at a hotel for now. My old place got a bit too crowded with people flocking around…”

“Ah… that must be tough. It’s a real problem in our country, isn’t it? People swarm like obsessive fans the moment someone becomes even slightly famous.”

“Haha, I suppose it’s just passion for the fans.”

“Passion, huh…”

His previously white aura turned momentarily murky.

Suho knew why.

As the Special Division Chief of the Hunter Association, Pi Sungyeol viewed the public as nothing more than livestock.

In other words, he had a strong superiority complex.

‘Not only Pi Sungyeol but most of those in high public office, like the Association President and Vice President, hold similar elitist views.’

Pi Sungye took another drag on his cigarette, and as he exhaled, his aura slowly turned white again, as he continued.

“I’m sure you’re aware, but the upcoming year-end fifth-grade Hunter exam is essentially designed for you, right?”

A blunt question.

Suho responded immediately.

“Yes, I’m aware.”

Surprised by Suho’s directness, Pi Sungyeol raised his eyebrows slightly before smiling.

“Here I thought you’d be more modest.”

“Haha, not at all.”

“Then, since you’ll likely be joining the Association, why don’t we start the senior-junior dynamic right here?”

Pi Sungye’s tone turned informal.

Suho responded without the slightest hint of discomfort.

“Sounds good, senior.”

Suho didn’t feign humility. He knew that Pi Sungye preferred a clever fox over a timid lamb.

Pleased with Suho’s immediate response, Pi Sungye asked further.

“Haha, I like your straightforwardness, junior. Now, there’s one thing I’m curious about.”

“Yes, senior?”

“When you join the Association, why not come directly to the Special Division instead of the Gate Management Department? I could arrange for you to start here right away.”

A glint of greed flashed in Pi Sungyeol’s eyes as he made the offer.

Suho almost laughed.

So that was his reason for lingering.

Pi Sungye was adept at navigating social situations, arriving before superiors and leaving after them—not out of courtesy, but because it served his interests.

Tonight’s gathering was a prime example.

If he wanted to know Suho’s personal traits, he could have sent someone or asked Guild Leader Baedonghyuk to look into it.

But he showed up in person, likely to ensure that Suho would see him as an ally.

In Korea, few things fostered bonds like a shared night of drinking, and there was nothing more reliable than handling matters personally.

Recognizing the opportunity, Suho activated the Ring of Emotions he had saved for this moment, channeling White energy.

As the ring activated, a pure white aura began to infuse Pi Sungyeol’s own aura without his awareness.

Since it didn’t directly alter his state or stats, there was no risk of him noticing.

With the White energy flowing, Suho replied.

“I’d be honored.”

“Really?”

“Yes. The Special Division is the core of the Association. If you see potential in me, I’d be more than happy.”

Pi Sungye’s eyes widened in delight, his White aura intensifying.

“Haha, you’re different from others, junior. I can see ambition in your eyes. And I admire ambitious people. Without dreams, a person’s just an empty shell. But… weren’t you close with Team Leader Jung?”

The question was subtle.

Suho answered calmly.

“I am close with Team Leader Jung, but that doesn’t mean I can’t be close with you as well, senior. And I’d say you’re the person I should be closest to.”

Curious, Pi Sungyeol chuckled and asked, “Why’s that?”

“Well, they say one should always be closest to their immediate superior. The President is too high up, and Team Leader Jung… well, he’s more of a temporary colleague.”

Satisfied with the answer, Pi Sungyeol nodded approvingly.

“You really get it. But you’re pretty young to be so savvy. Are you secretly on your second life?”

“Haha, not at all. Honestly, if possible, I’d love to join the Association right away as a special hire or an experienced hire, rather than waiting for the year-end.”

“Special hire, huh…”

For a moment, Pi Sungyeol’s eyes gleamed.

Yes.

The special recruitment process.

Why hadn’t he considered that?

His expression made it clear.

Of course, Pi Sungyeol was well aware of the special recruitment option. But from years of experience, he knew not to rush things.

After all, the year-end exam was essentially guaranteed to go Suho’s way.

So there was no need for him to push for an immediate special hire.

But now, the situation had shifted.

Not only was he already favorably inclined towards Suho, but under the influence of the Ring of Emotions, his feelings had moved beyond simple goodwill.

‘According to the Seeker, this ends in deep affection.’

In other words, thanks to the White effect, Pi Sungyeol’s feelings for Suho had grown so strong that it bordered on admiration.

Of course, this feeling wouldn’t last forever—the Ring of Emotions wasn’t a permanent effect.

But it was enough to turn the situation in Suho’s favor for the time being.

With a wide smile, Pi Sungyeol said.

“I didn’t realize your admiration for the Association ran this deep.”

“My goal has never changed, then or now. I checked for special recruitment this year but was disappointed to see none scheduled.”

“True, special recruitment isn’t common. But it’s something I could handle if need be.”

Perfect.

That was exactly what Suho had been aiming for.

Feigning excitement, Suho asked, “Really? You’re amazing, senior.”

“Haha, well, it’s nothing, really. Special recruitment is ultimately at the discretion of the higher-ups. But if I present a case citing the need for additional staff in the Special Division, it might work. However…”

Pi Sungyeol narrowed his eyes.

“To initiate an unscheduled recruitment, there’d need to be a strong reason. Something to prove that you’re a vital asset to the Special Division… a significant accomplishment.”

Suho was inwardly impressed.

Even under the White influence, Pi Sungyeol still calculated his advantage.

‘To still prioritize personal gain despite being filled with goodwill toward me…’

Keeping his face neutral, Suho asked, “What kind of accomplishment would you suggest?”

“Well, we do various tasks in the Special Division. While Gate conquests are essential, we focus more on people—specifically, apprehending Awakened criminals.”

“Ah, yes. The Special Division has authority over investigations involving Awakened individuals.”

“Exactly. Among those, we pursue particularly notorious wanted individuals… villains, as they’re commonly called. Now, while I know you excel in Gate conquests, villain-hunting is a different matter. So, how about proving your capability by capturing a notable villain instead?”

“Understood. Do you have anyone specific in mind?”

“No one in particular. Any of the wanted ones would suffice. If you bring one in, I’ll use that to push forward the special recruitment. You know how quickly a special hire can be completed, right? Within a couple of months.”

“Yes, I’m aware. I’ll review the wanted list on the Association’s website and pick a target.”

“Now that’s the spirit! Our agents usually hesitate at the thought of hunting these wanted criminals, but you’re different. I’ll trust you with this, alright?”

“Yes, I’ll make sure to capture one to prove my worth.”

“Great. Then let’s grab a meal together next time. I know a great spot.”

“Thank you. I’ll look forward to your call.”

With that, Pi Sungyeol finally got into a taxi and disappeared.

Once his taxi was out of sight, Suho smirked.

He muttered to himself, “Junior, huh…”

The title was laughable.

Suho vividly remembered what Pi Sungyeol used to call him in his past life.

“Hey, swordsman.”

“Go fetch the sword-wielding guy.”

“That one who uses a sword… What was his name?”

“The butcher-like guy. Go get the swordsman.”

Swordsman.

That’s what Pi Sungyeol called him until he earned respect by taking down the Sword Emperor.

And here he was now, calling him “junior” from the very start, acting warm and accommodating.

Thanks to the Ring of Emotions, of course, but even promising to expedite Suho’s entry into the Association

 made Suho inclined to play along.

‘I know just the villain to use as bait.’

The timing was perfect, and an ideal target came to mind.

With that, Suho called for a taxi, not to the Kaiser Cheongdam but to another location.

After all, this "villain" would be easier to capture than most.