Return of the Sword God-Rank Civil Servant novel Chapter 43

As the late evening wore on and night approached, the gathering finally concluded.

The non-Awakened members—Association President Jang Kyunghwan, Vice President Park Gyumin, and Guild Leader Baedonghyuk—called for their drivers and returned home.

This left only Suho and Pi Sungyeol, both of whom were nearly immune to intoxication due to their stats, seated together.

As the senior officials’ cars disappeared from view, Pi Sungyeol took out a cigarette and placed it between his lips.

He then offered one to Suho, asking, “Do you smoke?”

“No, I don’t.”

“Alright, then I’ll just have one myself. Haha, after drinking, the urge to smoke becomes nearly unbearable...”

Pi Sungyeol lit his cigarette, inhaled deeply, and exhaled a cloud of smoke before grinning and handing Suho his business card.

“I didn’t get a chance to give you my card last time. This has my direct number—feel free to reach out anytime. I’ll always take your call, Hunter Ahn.”

“Haha, thank you.”

“Where are you staying these days?”

“Oh, I’m at a hotel for now. My old place got a bit too crowded with people flocking around...”

“Ah... that must be tough. It’s a real problem in our country, isn’t it? People swarm like obsessive fans the moment someone becomes even slightly famous.”

“Haha, I suppose it’s just passion for the fans.”

“Passion, huh...”

His previously white aura turned momentarily murky.

Suho knew why.

As the Special Division Chief of the Hunter Association, Pi Sungyeol viewed the public as nothing more than livestock.

In other words, he had a strong superiority complex.

‘Not only Pi Sungyeol but most of those in high public office, like the Association President and Vice President, hold similar elitist views.’

Pi Sungye took another drag on his cigarette, and as he exhaled, his aura slowly turned white again, as he continued.

“I’m sure you’re aware, but the upcoming year-end fifth-grade Hunter exam is essentially designed for you, right?”

A blunt question.

Suho responded immediately.

“Yes, I’m aware.”

Surprised by Suho’s directness, Pi Sungyeol raised his eyebrows slightly before smiling.

“Here I thought you’d be more modest.”

“Haha, not at all.”

“Then, since you’ll likely be joining the Association, why don’t we start the senior-junior dynamic right here?”

Pi Sungye’s tone turned informal.

Suho responded without the slightest hint of discomfort.

“Sounds good, senior.”

Suho didn’t feign humility. He knew that Pi Sungye preferred a clever fox over a timid lamb.

Pleased with Suho’s immediate response, Pi Sungye asked further.

“Haha, I like your straightforwardness, junior. Now, there’s one thing I’m curious about.”

“Yes, senior?”

“When you join the Association, why not come directly to the Special Division instead of the Gate Management Department? I could arrange for you to start here right away.”

A glint of greed flashed in Pi Sungyeol’s eyes as he made the offer.

Suho almost laughed.

So that was his reason for lingering.

Pi Sungye was adept at navigating social situations, arriving before superiors and leaving after them—not out of courtesy, but because it served his interests.

Tonight’s gathering was a prime example.

If he wanted to know Suho’s personal traits, he could have sent someone or asked Guild Leader Baedonghyuk to look into it.

But he showed up in person, likely to ensure that Suho would see him as an ally.

In Korea, few things fostered bonds like a shared night of drinking, and there was nothing more reliable than handling matters personally.

Recognizing the opportunity, Suho activated the Ring of Emotions he had saved for this moment, channeling White energy.

As the ring activated, a pure white aura began to infuse Pi Sungyeol’s own aura without his awareness.

Since it didn’t directly alter his state or stats, there was no risk of him noticing.

With the White energy flowing, Suho replied.

“I’d be honored.”

“Really?”

“Yes. The Special Division is the core of the Association. If you see potential in me, I’d be more than happy.”

Pi Sungye’s eyes widened in delight, his White aura intensifying.

“Haha, you’re different from others, junior. I can see ambition in your eyes. And I admire ambitious people. Without dreams, a person’s just an empty shell. But... weren’t you close with Team Leader Jung?”

The question was subtle.

Suho answered calmly.

“I am close with Team Leader Jung, but that doesn’t mean I can’t be close with you as well, senior. And I’d say you’re the person I should be closest to.”

Curious, Pi Sungyeol chuckled and asked, “Why’s that?”

“Well, they say one should always be closest to their immediate superior. The President is too high up, and Team Leader Jung... well, he’s more of a temporary colleague.”