Return of the Sword God-Rank Civil Servant novel Chapter 98

Seeing the tremble in Jeong Cheol-min’s eyes, Su-ho smiled with confidence.

Yes.

He must be curious.

No, it was inevitable.

As a person.

As a man.

As a player.

As a Hunter.

There was no way he couldn’t be curious.

After all, no one had ever seen Su-ho in a proper battle. Not once.

‘Of course, Cheol-min saw me during the healer exam...’

But back then was different.

At that time, Su-ho had no skills, no real power—just a sword in hand, fighting to protect the injured.

This was precisely why Su-ho had baited him.

‘Cheol-min is someone with a deep yearning for combat.’

Jeong Cheol-min had been a Hunter and a player.

However, due to his age and lack of innate combat talent, he gave up on the Hunter lifestyle and joined the APA.

But that decision had been based on objective self-assessment, choosing a realistic path in life. It didn’t mean he’d given up his long-held dreams and passion.

What someone is good at and what they love are often very different things.

Su-ho broke the silence.

“Think about it this way: In the APA, as long as the result is good, nobody cares if the process isn’t perfect. That’s the kind of organization we work for. And I promise—if anything even slightly dangerous happens, I’ll leave the gate immediately.”

“...”

Jeong Cheol-min remained silent for a while.

For someone who had always followed the rules, Su-ho’s suggestion went against everything he believed in.

But curiosity was a dangerous thing. It gnawed at him, making it impossible to decide easily.

And yet.

“...Are you serious?”

In the end, Jeong Cheol-min was only human.

A man with fiery passions and dreams buried in his heart.

Seeing Jeong’s cautious yet positive reaction, Su-ho’s smile grew wider.

‘That’s the Cheol-min I know.’

After spending so much time with him, how could Su-ho not know his nature?

This was a calculated move, planned from the start.

Moreover, Su-ho had a personal reason. If there was anyone he wanted to show his combat prowess to, it was Jeong Cheol-min.

After all, seeing is believing. If Jeong witnessed his abilities firsthand, he would support Su-ho in the future during similar situations.

Su-ho spoke again, his tone reassuring.

“I’m serious. I promise.”

“...Fine. I get it. You’re pushing this so hard—how could I say no? But let me be clear: I don’t approve of this sort of thing lightly. I’m only agreeing because it’s you, Su-ho.”

“Of course. That’s why I came to you.”

Yes, of course.

Su-ho thought, That’s how you always are, hyung.

Now, the hard part was over. The first hurdle is always the toughest; the second is much easier.

With Jeong’s approval, all that remained was to conquer the Iron Valley and cement his skills in Jeong’s mind.

Su-ho crushed the empty coffee cup in his hand and stood up.

“By the way, Team Leader, what’s your class?”

“Well, I’ve transitioned into an archer class. Why?”

“Just curious. Not that it’ll happen, but if things get dangerous, you’ll need to run for your life.”

“...Ahem.”

It wasn’t wrong.

If things went south, Jeong was more at risk than Su-ho.

“And one more thing. What I’m going to show you today—my skills, items, and such—must stay a secret. Just between us.”

“That’s a given. I understand.”

“Good, then.”

[ Blood Weapon Activated ]

Su-ho summoned a crimson blade into his hand and gripped it tightly.

“I’ll go ahead and clear the area. Stay back and follow at a safe distance. Try not to draw attention.”

“What? Right now?”

[ You have defeated a Valley Lion. ]

[ You have defeated a Valley Lion. ]

[ You have defeated a Valley Lion. ]

[ You have defeated a Valley Lion. ]

[ Blood Prison Activated ]

This time, Su-ho had skills he hadn’t possessed then, such as the S-rank Leap Skill, which allowed a double jump.