Return of the Sword God-Rank Civil Servant novel Chapter 156

An Su-ho stood quietly in the spotlight as the scripted press conference unfolded before him.

“We deeply regret the recent incident and extend our sincere apologies on behalf of the Grand Hunter Association...”

The speech was painfully predictable.

Regret for the incident. Acknowledgment of the hardships endured by affiliated hunters. A pledge to eradicate the remnants of outdated practices moving forward.

Jang Kyung-hwan, the speaker and Vice President of the Grand Hunter Association, paused as his aide handed him a mana stone. It was a first-star-grade mana stone obtained from the Dark Canyon—a boss monster's core, secured by Su-ho during the recent operation.

“...To demonstrate our commitment beyond mere words, I hereby grant this first-star-grade mana stone, obtained from the sealed gate campaign, to Officer An Su-ho.”

Upon hearing his name, Su-ho stepped forward, maintaining his composed demeanor. Cameras flashed incessantly as he accepted the mana stone, his movements measured and deliberate.

The scene resembled an award ceremony, almost comical in its theatrics. Something Su-ho was entitled to by merit was being presented as a grand gesture. But he showed no outward reaction, merely accepting the mana stone and retreating to his previous position.

Jang Kyung-hwan resumed the speech, his delivery polished but devoid of sincerity.

“We also pledge active support for retired national hunters injured in the line of duty...”

The script, unsurprisingly, was one Su-ho had crafted himself and passed along to Jang Kyung-hwan through Park Gyu-min. It was straightforward—essentially a blueprint of the reforms Su-ho knew the association would eventually adopt in his previous life.

As the speech concluded, reporters raised their hands, their questions sharp and pointed.

“How exactly will these care measures be implemented?”

“Isn’t this just a one-time show of returning spoils to create a false impression?”

“How could the association claim ignorance of the national hunters’ struggles all this time?”

The barrage of questions was relentless. Reporters weren’t here to console or sympathize—they were here to attack.

Jang Kyung-hwan fielded the questions as best he could, but his patience soon waned. With a glance toward the moderator, he signaled for an end to the Q&A. The moderator, catching the cue, hastily took the microphone.

“We will now conclude the question session. To wrap up, Officer An Su-ho will share a few words.”

When cornered, there’s nothing better than hiding behind a shield. And for Jang Kyung-hwan, Su-ho was that shield.

It was finally Su-ho’s turn. As Jang Kyung-hwan stepped aside, Su-ho approached the microphone. The room, already buzzing with the sound of camera shutters, grew even louder.

After all, Su-ho was the centerpiece of the entire ordeal.

Before speaking, he scanned the room, briefly locking eyes with Jo Jin-hwi, a journalist from PBS. Then, he began.

“First, I’d like to express my gratitude for the interest you’ve all shown...”

Su-ho’s remarks were as formulaic as expected.

He hadn’t anticipated the situation would escalate to this degree.

Still, he expressed gratitude for the attention, stating that it brought hope for addressing the association’s shortcomings. Everything was framed as a collective achievement, crediting those who had shown interest.

Finally, Su-ho lifted the first-star-grade mana stone he had received and declared his intention to donate it.

“I will auction this mana stone through an open bidding process, and the proceeds will be dedicated to supporting retired national hunters who continue to endure hardships.”

The camera flashes erupted like fireworks, capturing the moment.

A perfect conclusion.

Despite having earned the mana stone through his own efforts, Su-ho’s decision to dedicate it to injured, retired hunters painted him as both selfless and honorable.

It wasn’t long before the reporters began clamoring to ask him questions.

All hands were raised, including Jo Jin-hwi’s—who had refrained from asking any earlier.

Their gazes met once again, a silent acknowledgment passing between them.

Su-ho was allotted three questions. He began by selecting two reporters whose questions were of little consequence.

“How did you manage to conquer the Dark Canyon?”