Return of the Sword God-Rank Civil Servant novel Chapter 32

As the meal concluded and Jung Chul-min finished paying, they were about to leave the restaurant when he paused.

"By the way, Suho..."

"Yes?"

"Are you sure about this? You've seen it before, but there are sometimes reporters waiting outside the KHA building. They’re always looking for a big story."

It was true.

Just like reporters linger around police stations, there were always journalists loitering outside the KHA headquarters, hoping to catch a scoop.

And today was no different.

A quick look outside showed a small group of reporters gathered, chatting amongst themselves.

Suho glanced at them and chuckled.

"Oh, if that's the case, it’s fine. I can handle it. If you’re concerned, we can meet on the first floor entrance."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I’m fine. I’ll go on ahead and see you in the lobby."

With that, Suho started walking ahead.

Jung Chul-min was about to ask if he wanted company when something strange happened.

"...Huh?"

Suho had suddenly vanished.

What? He was just here a moment ago...

It was an odd situation.

In reality, Suho hadn’t disappeared. The effect of the "Colorless Solitude" skill, embedded in his Formless Sword technique, created a distortion that made him nearly invisible to the casual observer.

Seeing Jung’s puzzled expression, Suho nodded to himself in satisfaction as he walked into the KHA building, passing right in front of the reporters without being noticed.

***

The two reunited inside the building.

Jung Chul-min, still bewildered, asked Suho.

"Wait, Suho. There were reporters out front. How did you manage to slip past them?"

"It’s just a skill effect," Suho replied casually. "Shall we go?"

"A...ah, right. Let’s go."

Though curious about the skill, Jung held back his questions, respecting the etiquette between Hunters.

They soon arrived at the association president’s office, located on the top floor of the KHA building.

As they exited the elevator, Jung Chul-min explained.

"Just as expected, all you need to do is pose for a few photos in the president’s office and exchange a few words. Thank you again for this."

"It’s no trouble at all."

As Jung had mentioned, the office was fully set up for the photo session.

When President Jang Kyung-hwan and Vice President Park Gyu-man saw Suho enter, they greeted him with beaming smiles.

"Ah, welcome, Hunter Suho! It’s a pleasure. I’m Jang Kyung-hwan, president of the KHA."

Jang Kyung-hwan.

A friendly yet imposing figure.

He was a former five-term member of parliament with an impressive resume.

At the same time...

‘And also the guy who clung to his position until a massive reform swept him out.’

His reign didn’t end until two presidential terms later, after he’d thoroughly taken advantage of his position.

But this time would be different.

‘I’ll make sure you’re out long before this president’s term is up.’

Suho recalled memories involving Jang Kyung-hwan stored in his Memory Library.

Jang was the classic corrupt official, using the association’s budget for personal matters, and was notorious for his negligence in managing the association, leaving it stagnant and marred by scandal.

Under his leadership, the association became infamous instead of thriving.

One glaring issue was wages—Hunters working field jobs under the KHA were severely underpaid.

Beside him, Vice President Park Gyu-man, Jang’s loudmouth enabler, was a sycophant.

‘Honestly, Park’s even worse than Jang.’

To win Jang’s favor, Park constantly went overboard, enforcing unnecessary policies and causing undue strain on the staff, like when he insisted that Jung bring Suho in today.

But Suho hid his true feelings, smiling politely as he greeted them.

"Yes, I’m Ahn Suho. It’s an honor to meet you."

"Haha, the honor’s all mine. Would it be alright to take a photo? We’d like to feature you in our promotional materials. A hero like you would greatly enhance the association’s image."

"Oh, of course."

Usually, photos were taken informally during conversation, but they were asking directly right from the start.

Of course they would. That’s how they are.

Suho wasn’t surprised.

And so, the photo session began.

First, with just the president.

Then, with just the vice president.

Finally, a group shot.

They made sure to get every possible angle.

After the photographer left, the conversation finally began.

The vice president, sitting across from Suho, raised his teacup.

"By the way, I heard that Hunter Ahn Suho’s goal is to join the KHA...?"

Hearing this, the president’s eyes sparkled, and Jung Chul-min tensed up.

The president looked at Suho like a hawk eyeing prey, while Jung worried about what nonsense the old men would spout next.

However, Suho’s gaze was sharper than ever.

"Haha, yes. I mentioned in my Hunter exam interview that joining the KHA is my dream."