Return of the Sword God-Rank Civil Servant novel Chapter 200

Su-ho didn't hide his emotions.

The air in the meeting room grew cold, as if an intimidation skill had been used.

Surprised by the tension, Oh Bong-ju quickly spoke up.

"Su... Su-ho, what's wrong? They didn’t mean it like that..."

"Exactly. I'm just making sure I understand correctly, so I’d like to ask the representatives. Since you’ve brought your own hunters, wouldn’t it be better if the representatives themselves spoke up now? Or..."

Su-ho turned to Na Hyeon-il.

"Should I assume that what Na Hyeon-il just said reflects the intentions of the representatives?"

At Su-ho's firm question, Oh Bong-ju quickly fell silent.

In the chilling atmosphere, the only sound was the sound of eyes darting.

After a brief silence, the first to speak was none other than Kim Su-baek, the representative of Hexagon.

"... First of all, it seems that Hunter Na got a bit too excited, and his words may have been a little too intense."

"Too intense?"

"Yes, would we really think so little of the hard work and sacrifices of the national hunters and the Grand Hunter Association? People in our industry always feel immense gratitude toward the government and the association."

Kim Su-baek spoke gently, continuing.

"Also, as you mentioned, we are fully aware of why hunters and guilds came into existence. But, Administrative Officer, there’s something you need to understand clearly as well. The sacrifices and efforts are not only carried by national hunters. Awakened individuals from all over, despite their affiliations, have been bearing the same burdens and making sacrifices in the face of the catastrophe of the Great Change."

Su-ho listened in silence, his expression unchanged.

Kim Su-baek continued.

"I've heard a lot about your recent work, Administrative Officer. Honestly, I was quite surprised. I heard you were tackling all those gates by yourself. At first, I thought I must have misheard. But after checking the gate transactions through the trading team, I confirmed it was true. However, I am concerned. Right now, you are handling Level 1 gates by yourself, but what if something happens to you and you get seriously injured?"

Kim Su-baek then shifted his gaze to Ma Sang-il, the representative of Prime Guild.

Ma Sang-il naturally added to the conversation.

"Yes, that’s our biggest concern. We may belong to different guilds, but we all work for the safety and peace of humanity, and we’d like for someone as talented as Administrative Officer An to stay in the field for a long time. So, from a long-term perspective, we’d rather you didn’t overburden yourself by handling everything alone."

Su-ho smiled inwardly.

It was no surprise these representatives were skilled in business talk, handling the situation much more refined than Na Hyeon-il, who just blurted things out.

But despite their polished words, Su-ho had seen through them.

He had dealt with people like them many times before.

Su-ho quietly replied.

"Well, it's touching to know that you care about me even more than my own team leader. So, does this mean you're asking me to share the gates and take them down a notch?"

"Haha, we’re saying let’s share the burden. It’s like the saying, ‘Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.’ It’s great that someone like you is growing so fast, but in the end, we all need to grow together to be ready for any sudden danger."

"I see. That makes sense. I do agree with some of your points. But there’s a bit of a problem with what you're saying, especially since it involves my job."

"A problem?"

"Yes, I’m currently leading the exploration and clearing teams of the Special Management Team 2 in the Gate Division. As you both know, these teams are responsible for investigating new gates and attempting first clears."

"Right?"

"But until now, the exploration and clearing teams didn’t have enough personnel, so both teams have been made up of the same members. That hasn’t changed, but because of this, I couldn’t change out personnel. As a result, we’ve only been able to do minimal exploration and clearing, leaving the rest to the trading team. However, now that I’m the new team leader, I feel that I need to give my best to the task."

"Right?"

"So, according to my professional ethics, I’ve been doing my best. But..."

Su-ho gave a slightly embarrassed smile.

"I've always # Nоvеlight # thought that if things get dangerous, I should pull out immediately, but every time I enter a new gate, I end up clearing it."

"... What?"

"Yes, really. I don’t mean to brag, but as you know, the roles of the exploration and clearing teams are almost identical right now. I just go into the new gates to see what they’re like, and once I feel it’s worth trying, I give it a shot. And before I know it, it’s been cleared."

"Wait, that’s...?"

"Is that even possible?"

The two representatives stared at him in disbelief.

Su-ho chuckled inwardly.

‘Of course, it’s possible. Why wouldn’t it be? I was once a top ranker and now I’ve regressed. A Level 1 gate is nothing for me.’

But Su-ho still kept his embarrassed expression as he spoke.

"Yes, well. As you know, I’m a healer, but not just an ordinary healer, right? It’s a bit awkward to say this myself, but I’m known as the Sword Saint, focusing on dealing damage. So, with self-healing, dealing, and mobility, solo raids aren’t too difficult for me."

"So..."

"And that’s the dilemma. I’m a civil servant, receiving my salary from the people’s taxes, so I should work hard for the amount I’m being paid, right? As a public servant hunter, I mustn’t hold back when it comes to ensuring the safety and peace of the people. You know, just like the police, who don’t avoid danger when capturing criminals."

"..."

"..."

The two representatives were left speechless.

Su-ho had wrapped his explanation with care, even though it was disguised as concern for his safety. But now that he said he was fine, what could they do?

If they suggested he stop handling so many gates, it would disrespect Su-ho’s professional ethics.

The atmosphere was too tense to speak casually.

‘That’s why I started off so sharp.’

Su-ho had expected this kind of situation.

In his previous life, everyone’s growth was more or less the same until they became top rankers, but this time, Su-ho was advancing far faster than anyone else.

‘Especially since, in Korea... no, globally, there are less than 20 Level 2 players so far.’

So, Su-ho had no intention of handing over any gates.