Return of the Sword God-Rank Civil Servant novel Chapter 42

The room Suho was led to by the staff was the best one in Damhwa.

However, contrary to his expectation of only seeing Nexus Guild Leader Baedonghyuk and Hunter Association President Jang Kyunghwan, there were two unexpected figures present as well: Vice President Park Gyumin and Special Division Chief Pi Sungyeol.

‘It makes sense for Park Gyumin to be here since he follows Jang Kyunghwan like a shadow, but why is Pi Sungyeol here?’

What was their agenda?

One thing was clear, though—White auras, symbolizing positive energy, radiated strongly from the group.

As Suho entered, they welcomed him warmly.

“Oh, here comes our Hunter.”

“Haha, we’ve been waiting for you, Hunter Ahn.”

In the place of honor sat Jang Kyunghwan, with Park Gyumin, the Vice President, and Baedonghyuk seated on either side of him. As Suho approached, Baedonghyuk naturally shifted to allow Suho to sit closer to Jang Kyunghwan.

Jang Kyunghwan, who had already had a few drinks, seemed to be in a good mood as food started being served for Suho.

With the table set, Jang Kyunghwan raised a bottle and spoke.

“First, let me congratulate you. I heard you conquered that infamous Sealed Gate in under five minutes? Haha, truly, Hunter Ahn Suho is a national treasure and the future of our country. Now, let’s all raise a toast in honor of Hunter Ahn Suho’s achievement!”

“Haha, yes, let’s do it!”

“It’s a special day, so Hunter Ahn, why don’t you give us a toast? After all, you’re the guest of honor today.”

At Jang Kyunghwan’s suggestion, Suho smiled lightly and didn’t refuse.

“Then I’ll suggest something simple. When I say ‘to everyone,’ let’s all respond with ‘cheers.’”

“Haha, sounds great!”

“To everyone!”

“Cheers!”

*Clink!*

After the toast, the atmosphere quickly grew more comfortable.

Eventually, after some idle chatter, Jang Kyunghwan began to address the real reason for inviting Baedonghyuk.

“By the way, I heard from Hunter Ahn that you didn’t impose any fixed contract term, Baedonghyuk. That’s quite impressive.”

“Oh, yes. Typically, contracts are made on a minimum of three-year terms, but Hunter Ahn is an exceptional person. He’s destined to do great things for the country, so the last thing I’d want to do is hold him back with my own personal interests.”

At that, Jang Kyunghwan smiled approvingly.

“Haha, as expected, Guild Leader Baedonghyuk’s foresight aligns closely with our own at the Korean Hunter Association. Isn’t that right, Hunter Ahn?”

“Yes, thanks to Guild Leader Baedonghyuk’s consideration, I’ve been able to learn a lot about the industry in a more comfortable environment. I believe that this experience will enable me to contribute even more if I join the Hunter Association in the future.”

Joining the Hunter Association to accomplish more—that was Jang Kyunghwan’s ultimate hope for Suho. After all, Suho’s achievements would reflect on his own.

That was why he’d arranged this meeting.

Taking a cue, Pi Sungyeol chimed in eagerly.

“I, too, am thrilled at the thought of Hunter Ahn joining our Association. An outstanding talent like him would not only elevate the Association but also strengthen the country’s safety and prestige.”

“Haha, indeed. With that in mind, the President here has arranged a special certificate of appreciation for Hunter Ahn.”

A special certificate of appreciation.

Suho couldn’t help but smile inwardly at that.

A certificate signed by the Association President was practically a ticket guaranteeing success in the upcoming 5th-grade Hunter recruitment exams.

Following Park Gyumin’s words, Jang Kyunghwan added.

“Haha, truth be told, we should have given it to you after the Nameless Sword Gate. I never expected you to clear another Sealed Gate so soon. I was truly shocked when I heard about your conquest of the Swamp of Despair.”

“It was nothing. Considering the rarity of Sealed Gate passes, I was simply grateful for the opportunity and wanted to make the most of it.”

“Haha, such humility from a young man!”

“Isn’t that the truth?”

Jang Kyunghwan praised him, and Park Gyumin eagerly chimed in.

A warm atmosphere prevailed.

Taking a sip of his drink, Pi Sungyeol then asked in a relaxed tone.

“So, could you tell us how you managed to conquer the Swamp of Despair? I’m very curious as a fellow Awakened.”

“Oh, yes. I’m not an Awakened myself, but hearing about a place with hundreds of casualties... how was it, Hunter Ahn?”

Pi Sungyeol’s question.

Suho knew.

This was the start of Pi Sungyeol’s interrogation method.

‘Pi Sungyeol’s specialty is to ask seemingly casual questions to extract information he wants.’

In that sense, it was true that no one knew much about the interior of the Swamp of Despair.

According to Suho’s memory, not even Pi Sungyeol knew about the interior before the ‘Seeker’ had cleared it.

Suho decided to mix truth with fiction.

“The Swamp of Despair is nothing more than a single staircase without any monsters.”

He mentioned the ‘Stairway of Despair.’

The best lies always contain an element of truth.

Suho elaborated on the Stairway of Despair and its powers before weaving in some alternative strategies.

“...By assessing the dangers of the first step, I thought of using tools rather than stepping on it directly. And it worked.”

Suho explained that he had used his spear to ascend the stairs, allowing him to clear the gate in record time.

Everyone nodded, impressed by his explanation.

It sounded convincing.

Pi Sungyeol, especially, seemed impressed.

“Hmm... most Hunters would try to rely on mental immunity skills or items, but you used a much simpler method?”

“I just thought of it simply. And I got a bit lucky.”

“Indeed, that’s what makes you exceptional, Hunter Ahn. By the way... what level are you currently at? I heard you’re not even at level 100 yet?”