Return of the Sword God-Rank Civil Servant novel Chapter 15

The shopkeeper gestured toward a corner. "The ones over there are the cheaper spears."

“Thank you.”

"Cheaper" was an understatement—they were indeed low-quality. Most of the spears in that corner didn’t even display item information, as items made by non-smith players often lacked such data. Items made by common craftsmen were usually classified as poor quality.

Of course, there were weapons made with craftsmanship and good materials, but that didn’t necessarily mean they would qualify as official items in the system. To be considered an item, the creator’s rank and skills mattered.

Suho narrowed his eyes and activated a skill.

**[Mana Detection has been activated.]**

With his skill in effect, he could sense all sources of mana within the vicinity. The real items—those emitting even a faint mana—were mostly displayed on walls or cases. This was expected, as any classified item had to contain a minimal amount of mana.

But Suho wasn’t looking for those.

Then, he noticed one spear that emitted a subtle mana pulse amidst the rest. Unlike the others, this one gave off a stronger mana wave. He picked it up and inspected it.

**[Old Spear]**

- Grade: F

- Description: An old, blackened spear.

The description was simple, and it was classified as a low-grade weapon. But Suho knew it was exactly what he was looking for.

After purchasing it, he left the shop. The price was 100,000 won—lowered even further by the shopkeeper’s quick inspection.

Watching the shopkeeper discount it, Suho smirked to himself. The owner would regret that decision if he knew the spear’s true value.

Suho found a quiet spot nearby and sat down. Pulling out the spear, he began channeling his mana into it. Soon, something remarkable happened.

**[Mana is being supplied to ???]**

**[???’s consciousness is beginning to awaken.]**

Two notifications appeared, and the spear started vibrating intensely, hungrily absorbing Suho’s mana at an alarming rate.

Suho quickly released the spear. After only a few seconds, he felt dizzy from the intense mana drain.

“So, I still don’t have enough stats.”

To fully awaken this spear, he would need at least 100 points in his mana stat. But Suho was satisfied—he’d found the right item. As for his lacking stats, that could be dealt with at his next destination. He had come here first simply to ensure no one else bought the spear.

With his shopping done, he hailed another taxi to his next stop.

***

In the cab, Suho searched online and found a certain blog. From it, he dialed a listed number.

“Hello, this is Jo Jin-hwi,” came the voice from the other end.

Jo Jin-hwi was a journalist working for PBS, Korea’s top player-focused broadcasting station. Suho had worked closely with him in the past—before he went into hiding—since knowing a capable journalist or two made many things easier.

Suho introduced himself. “Mr. Jo Jin-hwi from PBS? This is Ahn Suho.”

“Ahn Suho?”

There was a pause. The name seemed significant enough for Jo to rack his memory. After all, someone who introduced themselves so directly usually had a reason to. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t recall anyone named Ahn Suho.

“Sorry, but who are you?”

As expected—he didn’t know Suho yet.

“This will clear things up: I’m the solo conqueror of the unpredicted Gate incident at Sindorim Station,” Suho said calmly.

Jo’s eyes widened as he sat up straight. “The solo conqueror? What else?”

“I’ll also be the top scorer in yesterday’s Hunter exam. The results will be out soon.”

“The top scorer...?”

Jo’s mind froze for a moment. What was he talking about? The solo conqueror of the Sindorim Gate and a top scorer? Wasn’t that an unlicensed Hunter? Then, Jo’s mind flashed with the realization: **Could he have been unregistered?**

Given the strict regulations, once a Hunter license was revoked, it could never be reissued. Jo remained quiet, his pen still in hand.

“Soon, the exam results will be posted on the official site, and you’ll see it for yourself,” Suho said. “I thought you’d appreciate the heads-up.”

Still trying to process this, Jo managed to ask, “...Why me, though?”

It was the question on his mind—why him specifically?