Su-ho immediately checked the details of the item.

[ Liberated Soulstone ]

• Grade: A

A prison for souls crafted by a necromancer.
Originally created to seal malevolent spirits, it became a cursed object after part of the Soulstone was damaged, preventing it from fully containing the spirit.
The malevolent spirit has been purified by an external force.

After reviewing the item's information, Su-ho nodded in satisfaction.

“Just one more to go.”

With that thought, he finished cleaning up the scene and promptly headed back home.

***

A Few Days Later: Monday

The weekend had passed, and it was now Monday.

Yet, Nam Hae-won still hadn’t finished his task.

As Su-ho prepared to leave for work, Hae-won spoke in a voice that sounded half-dead.

“Team Leadeeerrr…”

“What is it?”

“Please… save me…”

“Save you from what?”

“This synthesis… it’s never going to end…”

“You’ll be fine. People don’t die that easily.”

Su-ho’s calm response made Hae-won snap his eyes open in disbelief.

“And how would you know that?”

“I’ve been to the Sealed Gate, haven’t I? Everyone else who went there died, but I didn’t.”

“…How is that the same thing?”

“Think about it positively. Isn’t this better than the way you used to live in Yeongdeungpo?”

“Wow, you’re really pulling out the cheat codes, huh?”

“Cheer up, Hae-won. You’ve got this.”

“Hah…”

With a defeated look, Hae-won trudged back to his lab.

Watching him retreat, Su-ho couldn’t help but feel reassured.

“All he needs is time and materials. He’ll pull through.”

As Su-ho was heading out for work, his phone rang.

“Hello, Vice President.”

• “I’ve returned the money to everyone on the list and made sure to keep their mouths shut.”

“Remember to speak casually unless we’re alone. It looks less suspicious.”

• “…Ahem. Understood. Anyway, it’s all taken care of. I told them the incident was the result of an anonymous tip-off, so none of the draft dodgers will raise a fuss.”

“And what about Chief Lee Wan-ik and Deputy Manager Lee Se-hyun?”

• “I’ll summon them separately today and deal with them immediately.”

“Got it. Also, take care of my evaluation while you’re at it. Oh, and one more thing—about the Resource Division, please transfer me there after Management.”

• “Resource Division? Why?”

“Do I need to explain?”

• “…No. My apologies.”

“I’ll hang up now.”

“Why even ask? Just do as I say.”

Still, Su-ho couldn’t deny that Park Gyu-min was proving unexpectedly competent, likely due to the metaphorical sword hanging over his neck.

Thanks to him, things were running smoothly. Non-Awakened Affairs was unusually quiet, and none of the draft dodgers had shown their faces after the weekend investigations wrapped up.

“Now all that’s left is my evaluation.”

Su-ho’s goals were progressing steadily. He had Park Gyu-min in his pocket and had resolved the draft-dodging scandal in one clean sweep. All that remained was completing his Awakening Division evaluation and moving on to the next department.

During his lunch break in the underground library, his phone buzzed.

The caller was none other than Park Gyu-min.

Su-ho smiled as he answered, “Yes, Vice President?”

• “The Awakening Division evaluation has been finalized. The two individuals involved have been dismissed for their roles in the incident.”

“Did you mention Pi Seong-yeol?”

• “Tch, as soon as I brought him up, they both clammed up. Thanks to that, it seems like there won’t be any further noise.”

“Of course. They fear Pi Seong-yeol more than they fear you.”

• “…That’s something I can’t argue with. Anyway, your next assignment will be with the Management Division, followed by the Resource Division.”

“So he doesn’t like being reminded that Pi is scarier than him. Interesting.”

Su-ho chuckled. “I heard the Management Division evaluation is just a written test. I’ll finish it today, so please expedite the process.”

• “Today? That’s quick. The test isn’t exactly easy, you know.”

“It is for me. I’ll wrap it up by today, so be ready. Also, send me the contact details for the Management Division head and their subordinate managers.”

• “Why do you need their numbers?”

“Because I said so. Let me know if anything comes up.”

Su-ho ended the call before Park Gyu-min could respond.

Afterward, Su-ho received a call from Eom Jun-seong.

• “Su-ho, where are you?”

“I’m at the underground library. What’s up?”

• “I just wanted to inform you that your Awakening Division evaluation is complete.”

“That was faster than expected.”

• “It surprised me too. Anyway, the results came back perfect, as expected. Team Leader Jung will contact you soon. Congratulations on finishing the process.”

“Thank you, and thank you for your hard work as well.”

“Having the right connections really pays off.”

Not one to waste time, Su-ho called Team Leader Jung directly.

• “Ah, Su-ho, I was just about to call you.”

“Is this a good time?”

• “Yes, of course. Did you hear from Eom Jun-seong?”

“Yes, that’s why I’m calling. I’m ready for the Management Division test. Can I take it right away?”

• “Already?”

“The study materials you provided were very helpful. I’d like to take all the tests at once, like I did back in school. Is that possible?”

• “If you’re sure, I’ll make the arrangements. But it might have to wait until after lunch. Could you come to the second conference room in the Management Division afterward?”

“Understood. By the way, is the Resource Division next?”

• “That’s correct. Why do you ask?”

“Just curious. I’ll see you after lunch.”

With the Awakening Division test and his transfer to the Resource Division on track, Su-ho couldn’t help but feel impressed with how well things were progressing.

“At this rate, I might even find what I need in the Resource Division today.”

Relaxing into his plans, Su-ho began mentally preparing for the next steps.

Just then, he received a message from Park Gyu-min containing the contact information for the Management Division staff.

“All familiar names.”

Forwarding the list to Seo Gi-won, Su-ho tasked him with running thorough background checks, specifying a few individuals for closer scrutiny.

“At this speed, I’ll finish my training in less than two weeks.”

If so, Su-ho would become the youngest and fastest trainee to ever complete the program in the history of the association.

“Once I’m a Grade 5 civil servant, I’ll probably start as a deputy team leader.”

Deputy team leaders served as second-in-command for various departments. Most spent one to three years in the role before advancing to team leader. Given the current trajectory, Su-ho was likely to start in the Special Division.

“But that’s not going to happen.”

While that had been his original plan, Su-ho had revised it after uncovering the inner workings of the association.

Now, he intended to use Park Gyu-min to shape his career path exactly as he desired.

Thinking about it brought a smile to Su-ho’s face.

“Who knew office life could be this fun?”

Once again, Su-ho marveled at the privileges of being a regressor.

***

After Lunch

Su-ho had gukbap for lunch and then proceeded with the full theoretical exam for the Management Division as scheduled.

Naturally, it was easy.

For someone like Su-ho, who had access to the Library of Memories, this type of test was no different from copying answers straight from a cheat sheet.

Perhaps it was because of this reputation that an unprecedented number of department heads participated as proctors for the test. Upon receiving Su-ho’s answer sheet, they could only react with astonishment.

“Wow…”

“Incredible…”

“Is this even possible?”

“He got a perfect score?”

“This is insane…”

The reactions were particularly strong from the heads of the Legal Affairs Division, with its massive volume of material to memorize; the General Affairs Division, with its complex calculations; and the Audit Division, with its focus on practical applications.

Each had the same thought.

“At this rate, he’ll complete his training in no time…”
“Think there’s a chance we can keep him as a deputy team leader in our department?”
“Probably not. He’s rumored to be one of Pi Seong-yeol’s protégés…”
“A royal…”

An Su-ho.

A once-in-a-lifetime genius and ace of the Korea Hunter Association.

With his remarkable record in the Awakening Division, it was no surprise that the department heads were drooling over the prospect of recruiting him.

However, none dared to make a move.

The rumor that Su-ho was a Royal—a direct protégé of Pi Seong-yeol—made them hesitate.

“Looks like the Special Division will only grow stronger…”
“What a shame…”
“They get all the good talent.”

As Su-ho had instructed, the Management Division test results were processed immediately, allowing him to transfer to the Resource Division without delay.

Moving to the Resource Division

While heading to the Resource Division with Team Leader Jung Cheol-min, Su-ho received congratulations.

“Congratulations, Su-ho.”

“Thank you, Team Leader.”

“I’m honestly curious about what kind of mischief you’ll get into at the Resource Division. Should I give you another cheat sheet this time?”

“Haha, I’d appreciate that.”

“Don’t worry, the tests there aren’t too hard. The Resource Division focuses more on field evaluations. By the way, do you know the two main departments in the Resource Division?”

“Yes, the Resource Management Department and the Research & Analysis Department.”

“And do you know their roles?”

“Yes. The Resource Management Department oversees the storage and organization of all items, while the Research & Analysis Department handles research on existing items and analysis of newly discovered ones.”

“You’ve done your homework. The field evaluation for the Resource Management Department shouldn’t be too difficult—it’s mostly logistics work, similar to a warehouse team.”

Su-ho nodded, fully aware.

The Resource Management Department handled countless items stored in the Association’s warehouses, spending entire days moving and categorizing materials.

“But because of that, it’s a treasure trove.”

Su-ho vividly remembered items that were initially dismissed as ordinary but later recognized for their extraordinary value.

The Research & Analysis Department was no different in that regard.

“And there’s also the final material I need for Kim Geon’s partner item.”

With a small smile, Su-ho said, “It doesn’t matter where I’m assigned. I’ll approach it with a mindset to learn and work hard.”

“That’s the spirit, Su-ho. Well, here we are—the floor for the Resource Division…”

Unexpected Call

Bzzzz.

Su-ho’s phone buzzed.

The caller ID displayed the name Pi Seong-yeol.

Seeing this, Su-ho chuckled to himself.

“I was wondering when he’d call. Took him long enough.”

It seemed there were a lot of things Pi needed to confirm before reaching out.

Turning to Jung Cheol-min, Su-ho said, “Team Leader, it’s Director Pi Seong-yeol. I need to take this.”

“Oh… sure.”

After receiving permission, Su-ho answered the call.

“Yes, Senior.”

• “Junior, where are you right now?”

“I just finished the Management Division’s theoretical test and was on my way to the Resource Division.”

• “I see. Then put off the Resource Division training until tomorrow and come see me now. It’s almost quitting time anyway—you won’t get much done there today.”

“Ah… understood.”

• “Come immediately. I’ll be waiting.”

Pi hung up without waiting for a response, clearly in a hurry.

Su-ho stifled a laugh and turned back to Jung Cheol-min.

“I’m sorry, Team Leader. I’ll need to visit the Resource Division tomorrow instead. Could you let the department head know?”

“Of course. Don’t worry about it.”

Jung Cheol-min’s understanding was appreciated, though it was clear Pi’s actions were rather inconsiderate. Still, who in the Association would dare challenge Pi Seong-yeol over something like this? Especially considering the Resource Division was firmly within Pi’s sphere of influence.

Heading to the Special Division

After thanking Jung Cheol-min with a polite nod, Su-ho made his way to the Special Division, reflecting on the situation.

“He must have something urgent to discuss.”

With that thought, Su-ho smiled faintly as he walked through the halls.