Return of the Sword God-Rank Civil Servant novel Chapter 11

It was certain.

Of course, it was, because he had personally taken Park Yong's life.

‘So this lunatic is in this cohort.’

Park Yong was more than worthy of the title "lunatic."

No, he was a genuine madman.

A madman obsessed with both the sword and raw power.

He wielded a sword with almost insane proficiency and was so deeply immersed in swordsmanship that his nickname was "Mad Sword" (狂劍).

Suho narrowed his eyes.

‘So if we both make it through, does that mean we’d be in the same intake?’

That was right.

Although the industry didn’t really adhere to hierarchies, it could be said that, if anything, they’d be peers.

And Park Yong would likely pass.

Suho didn’t recall the exact details of his debut, but he knew that Park was one of the swordsmanship prodigies he respected in his past life.

‘Hmm.’

Suho rubbed his chin, briefly lost in thought.

Park Yong was the kind of person who saw everything through a lens of power, relying solely on strength to assess others.

Moreover, he was so thirsty for strength that he sought out masters at every chance to challenge them to fights—an obsession that ultimately led him down the path of a serial killer targeting Hunters.

That was why Suho had to take preventive measures now, while he still could.

If he turned a blind eye, who knew how many innocent people would become his victims?

‘Annoying, but necessary.’

After considering his options, Suho came up with a suitable approach and walked over to Park Yong.

He checked the name tag on his chest to confirm it was indeed him before speaking.

“Hello?”

“......?”

Park Yong glanced at him briefly, then looked away.

Right, that was typical of him.

He never paid attention to those he deemed weak.

But in contrast, he obsessed over strong opponents, almost to the point of stalking them.

Suho knew exactly how to deal with someone like him.

Suho asked again, “My name is Ahn Suho. Judging by the sword you’re holding, you’re an aspiring swordsman. How about a sparring match?”

Suho held up a practice wooden sword he had brought.

At that, Park Yong frowned and replied.

“Buzz off.”

“Sorry?”

“I said, buzz off.”

The cynical response was just as expected.

But did he think that would make Suho give up?

Suho smirked and asked, “A bit harsh, don’t you think? Or are you afraid?”

At that moment, Park Yong’s gaze, which had been avoiding him, suddenly snapped directly onto Suho.

Ah, classic Park Yong—so sensitive when it came to anything related to strength.

Park narrowed his eyes and asked, “What did you just say?”

“I asked if you’re avoiding it out of fear.”

“Do you think you’re somebody? Why so cocky?”

“Oh? And if I am? Want to find out?”

“......Ha!”

With that, Park Yong abruptly stood up.

“I was bored stiff surrounded by weaklings, so this is perfect. Let’s go. Bring it.”

“You should’ve agreed sooner. Follow me. There’s a sparring area over there; let’s use that.”

“......Crazy bastard.”

Park Yong let out a dry laugh, clearly amused by Suho’s brazen attitude.

In his life, he’d never met someone like this.

Fortunately, Park Yong followed Suho’s suggestion and headed to the sparring area with him.

After all, even though they were waiting, they were technically still in the middle of the exam. Park Yong didn’t want to be disqualified over something trivial.

“A sparring match? Sure, well... alright,” the examiner replied, a little surprised but quickly nodding in agreement.

This wasn’t the first time he’d encountered people like this.

Soon, the examiner, Suho, and Park Yong made their way to the temporary sparring area set up at the edge of the training grounds.

Naturally, no one else was using the sparring area.

After all, no one wanted to risk injury on such an important exam day.

Perhaps that was why other examinees, bored with waiting, started gathering to watch.

The examiner spoke up, “You’re only allowed to use the practice weapons provided by the Association, and remember, since this is a sparring match, I’ll stop it if things get too heated. Also, you need to be careful; if you get injured here, you may not be able to take the main exam.”

After agreeing that neither party would hold the other accountable for any injuries, they finally stepped back, creating some distance.

The onlookers started murmuring.

“Look at these guys.”

“What’s with the fuss on a day like this?”

“They must be attention seekers.”

“Who do you think will win?”

“I’m betting on that guy with the sleepy eyes.”

“Why?”

“Ever notice in comics, the ones with droopy or slit eyes are usually the skilled ones?”

“That’s true.”

The "sleepy-eyed" guy they were talking about was Park Yong.

Suho chuckled.

‘Not wrong, but this time will be different.’

Park Yong might be talented, but Suho was even more formidable.

The examiner signaled the start.

Immediately, Park Yong took his stance, but—

“Huh?”

“What’s with that guy?”

“Why’s he just standing there without even drawing his sword?”

Unlike Park Yong, who had immediately taken up a ready stance, Suho stood with his sword still sheathed at his waist, simply watching.

Some of the onlookers found it impressive, while others just shook their heads, thinking he was showing off.

“Look at that poser. Must’ve watched some sword-wielding character in an anime and gotten drunk on the fantasy. One hundred percent.”

“What if he’s actually skilled?”