Return of the Sword God-Rank Civil Servant novel Chapter 10

‘What do we have here?’

Suho had only recently started thinking about skill doping, and yet he’d already identified someone actively using it.

The woman in front of him was definitely engaged in skill doping. All examinees had surrendered their personal items and changed into designated test attire upon entry, which meant there should be no enhanced mana waves among them.

‘Besides, every candidate here is likely a Level 1 unregistered Hunter. There’s no way a Level 1 could exude this kind of mana—unless they’re like me.’

Hunters who lost their license were banned from retaking the exam, which reinforced Suho’s certainty.

Curious, he decided to discreetly scan the others around him. Focusing his senses to detect mana was a straightforward task. As Suho concentrated, he started picking up on mana flows from several people nearby, not just the woman.

Then, a notification appeared:

[Your sensitivity to mana is exceptionally high compared to others.]

[The system is evaluating your innate talent.]

[Congratulations! You have acquired Mana Detection (B).]

He had barely focused, and yet he gained a new skill.

The skill’s effects amplified his perception, allowing him to distinguish the nuances of mana waves more precisely. Now, he could confirm the abnormal mana flow coming from the woman, as well as others nearby.

‘Looks like she’s definitely using a skill.’

With the Mana Detection skill, Suho could now distinguish between mana produced by skills and items.

Sighing inwardly, Suho thought, ‘Things really were a mess back then.’

Though there wasn’t much he could do right now. As an examinee himself, he couldn’t exactly start accusing others in the middle of a test. Plus, with multiple cheaters around, calling them out one by one would be impractical.

But he had an idea.

Suho’s gaze drifted up to the transparent observation room on the second floor, reserved for overseeing the test and preventing cheating. Inside, he spotted a familiar face watching the scene: Jung Chul-min.

‘As I thought, he came.’

Suho grinned and waved up at him. After a brief moment, Chul-min waved back. Good, this meant he’d probably come down later to say hello.

Just then, the written exam began.

***

‘He made it!’

Jung Chul-min’s excitement grew as he saw Suho’s name on the attendance list and confirmed his presence in person.

Suho was an extraordinary find, the likes of which he hadn’t encountered in years. Though it was a long shot, he genuinely hoped Suho would pass the test.

And now, Suho spotted him and even waved.

‘This guy... he’s quite entertaining.’

Jung Chul-min decided he would personally congratulate him after the exam and reinforce his intention to recruit Suho into the Association.

Once the written exam was over and the examinees moved to the practical testing area, Chul-min hurried over to Suho.

“Did the test go well?”

“Yes, I think it went alright. But what brings you here, Team Leader?”

“Supporting the event. We’re always short on personnel at the Association, so on big days like this, everyone, regardless of their department, pitches in.”

“Sounds like hard work.”

“Haha, I’m used to it by now. But given you had less than a day to prepare, it’s impressive how confident you are. I heard the questions were particularly difficult this time.”

Suho chuckled. “They were manageable. By the way, may I ask you something?”

“Sure, as long as it’s not related to the test.”

“Well, it’s somewhat relevant... I noticed there’s no skill screening here. Is there a reason for that?”

“Skill screening?”

“Yes, I noticed they did a urine test and a blood test but didn’t screen for skills.”

Chul-min looked confused, clearly unfamiliar with the concept. This was still a time before skill screening had become common practice.

However, he narrowed his eyes, lowering his voice. “Is something bothering you?”

“Well, think about it. They confiscate items and make everyone change clothes to prevent item-based cheating. But why aren’t they checking for skill-based cheating?”

For a moment, Chul-min’s eyes widened. He then leaned in closer.

“...Did you see something?”

Suho grinned, confirming his suspicions, and watched as Chul-min’s expression grew serious.

“Report them to me, and I’ll deal with it immediately,” Chul-min urged.

“Haha, I’d like to, but I can’t be certain. That’s why I brought up skill screening.”

“I understand what you’re suggesting, but... even so, we don’t have the means to implement it. The concept of skill screening is still new to us. Addressing this would require organizing a team to devise a countermeasure, which isn’t feasible right now. So please, just report anyone you suspect.”