Return of the Sword God-Rank Civil Servant novel Chapter 354

For a moment, I thought I’d misheard.

Suddenly talking down to me like that?

But no—Su-ho hadn’t misheard or misseen.

One of the men stood up, while the other remained seated, raising a single hand in a mock-friendly greeting.

The one sitting so arrogantly was named Oota Isao, Director of the Paranormal Ability Agency’s Gate Bureau.

Standing beside him, acting as a host, was Nakamura Yoshito, a section chief.

Section Chief Nakamura replaced a formal greeting with a light bow.

Yet Hiro, despite their arrogance, didn’t show the slightest sign of displeasure.

Instead, he smiled and began introducing himself and Su-ho.

“It’s been a while, Director Oota. You know me, of course, but for the sake of the person with you, let me introduce myself again. I’m Yasuda Hiro of the Sumiyoshi Guild, and this gentleman with me is Vice President Kim Su-ho of Union.”

“I’m Kim Su-ho. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Since Hiro had shown courtesy, Su-ho did as well.

However, Director Oota, despite both Hiro and Su-ho being polite, immediately voiced his dissatisfaction.

“Eh? Vice President? Not President? Hey, Chairman Yasuda, what’s going on here?”

Su-ho was about to answer, but Hiro stepped in first.

“Ah, yes, normally the Union president should have come, but if that happened, due to travel schedules, it would have taken at least two more days. We thought it better for the vice president, who was already in Japan, to attend instead. After all, the two of you have time more precious than gold.”

“Hmph, well, that’s true enough... tsk, but I still don’t like it.”

“Haha, please forgive the discourtesy. I’ll make sure to treat you both properly today to make up for it.”

“Hmm, proper hospitality is only to be expected...”

Once they were seated, Director Oota, after a small cough, stared intently at Su-ho before letting out a brief, derisive chuckle.

“You speak Japanese quite well, don’t you?”

“Yes, I studied in advance for business purposes.”

“For business purposes, hmm... Then, since we’re on the topic, may I ask you something?”

“By all means.”

“Why is Union coming all the way to Japan to do raid business when you have perfectly good Gates in your own country? You know full well that most countries only grant raid permits to domestic companies, not foreign ones.”

It was true.

No matter how much Gates were regarded as a disaster for humanity, there was no denying they were an excellent source of revenue.

Su-ho answered matter-of-factly.

“The reason is simple: money. Union is a company in the raid business, and it’s better for us to have revenue sources not just at home but abroad as well.”

“No other ulterior motives?”

“Ulterior motives?”

“Well, you say it’s all about money, but there could be other objectives, right?”

“Like the two of you here?”

“What?”

Director Oota’s face was laced—not subtly, but openly—with ridicule and contempt.

So Su-ho decided to just do things his usual way.

Hiro was startled.

“Vice President?”

But Su-ho had already made up his mind.

No, in truth, from the moment he’d stepped into this ryotei and entered this room, the decision had been made.

“My apologies, Chairman, but I think no matter what’s said now, the result’s already set.”

“Vice President, what do you mean?”

“You haven’t noticed yet? The massive killing intent aimed at our room.”

“Killing intent? What do you mean?”

So they couldn’t sense it.

It was unfortunate—early-stage Players after the Great Cataclysm were often like this.

If the system didn’t give a clear notification for things like mana or killing intent, no matter their level, they were like ordinary people—completely unaware.

Well, I suppose it can’t be helped. Mastery of qi manipulation doesn’t usually come until at least the mid-to-late game.

Su-ho shifted his gaze back to Director Oota.

“There are quite a few capable people lying in wait here targeting us. Judging from their levels, they seem to be decent Players. Are they your men, Director?”

Su-ho was kind enough to say it all in Japanese from start to finish.

Perhaps that was why—

—right after he finished, Director Oota’s face went colder than ever.

“Sharp, aren’t you. Which is why I dislike you even more. For a chosun-jing to act so knowing... This is exactly why I hate Koreans, right, Yoshito?”

“Yes, Director.”

“Seems our conversation’s over. Bring it out.”

“Yes.”

At Oota’s order, Nakamura Yoshito, who had been waiting nearby, pulled from his inventory a massive tetsubo—a great iron club—and Director Oota spoke again.

“Chairman Yasuda, you’re a smart man. I’m sure you understand. You’re not going to make the mistake of helping some Korean company, are you?”

“Director! What is the meaning of this?!”

“Shh, be quiet. I won’t allow any further remarks.”

Shutting him down, Director Oota turned his gaze back to Su-ho.

“For a chosun-jing, you do pick up on things quickly. Then you must also realize this—you’re never getting out of here alive.”

“Really? You think so?”

“What?”

“I don’t know who you brought, but go ahead—bring them in. Let me see their faces.”

“Puhaha! All bark to the end, huh? Well, that’s how you Koreans are. Don’t worry, I won’t kill you. I’ll just lock you away in the Paranormal Ability Agency’s underground prison, slap every charge I can on you, and you’ll never set foot in your homeland again—just like your damned ancestors.”

“Ooh, how scary. But thanks to you, now we have a clear justification. You started this.”

“What?”

“Everyone, quiet.”

At that moment—

[ Mini Fear is activated. ]

“Ghhk!”

“Urgh!”

“Krrgh!”

At Su-ho’s quiet murmur, Mini Fear activated.

The three in the room couldn’t withstand the oppressive force and staggered instantly—

No, more than staggered—they could barely keep their bodies upright.

Su-ho spoke ❖ Nоvеl𝚒ght ❖ (Exclusive on Nоvеl𝚒ght) again.

“It’s definitely Fear, but a bit different from Lion’s Roar.”

Mini Fear continued.

With just a single casual remark, the air in the room trembled again.

All nine assassins froze in place, muscles locked, unable to move.

Su-ho still hadn’t drawn his sword.

Hands clasped behind his back, he strolled forward at an unhurried pace.

“You should consider yourselves lucky.”

Bzzzzt!

“If I didn’t have Fear as a tool...”

Bzzzzt!

“...you’d have already lost a leg each before we even began.”

Thud!

By the time he finished, most of the assassins had collapsed unconscious.

The more mana he infused into his voice, the stronger the Fear became.

Su-ho’s gaze shifted to the one man still standing.

“Oh?”

It was the team leader who’d given the earlier orders.

Holding out a little longer just because he was the head, was he?

Then he deserved to be treated accordingly.

Su-ho approached him with a pleasant smile.

The man could barely remain conscious—his weapon had already clattered to the floor, and his body was swaying on the verge of collapse.

Leaning in, Su-ho spoke softly into his ear—

“Boo.”

“Ghhhaa—!”

Thud—

Just like startling a child—one word, and down he went.

With even the team leader out cold, Su-ho finally allowed himself a lighter expression, glanced around the room, and then pressed Hiro’s ear point again.

“You all right?”

“V–Vice President, what on earth is happening?”

“We’ll have to interrogate them to find out. But if you ask me...”

He trailed off, grabbing one unconscious assassin and tearing his clothes open.

What was revealed made his eyes narrow.

“Knew it.”

“This is—!”

“Recognize it?”

“How could I not? That’s the Yamaguchi Guild’s mark...!”

Exactly as Hiro said—

On the man’s body was the signature tattoo of the Yamaguchi-gumi, Japan’s number one guild and formerly a massive yakuza syndicate.

Every one of the others was the same.

Just to be sure, Su-ho tore all their clothes—and every single one bore the same tattoo.

Expression unreadable, Su-ho spoke.

“Looks like the Paranormal Ability Agency... or maybe even the Japanese government itself... has ties with the Yamaguchi Guild.”