Although I happened to hear it by chance, Im not sure if I can freely talk about it. Well, its not like he openly told me not to, so

He freely shared the information he knew, but the problem is that this information was quite distorted.

Because Ahn Yoonseung wasnt directly present at the scene of the incident It was just a phone conversation between Kim Kiryeo and Jung Haseong. Moreover, he has only heard one-sided statements from Kim Kiryeos side.

This A-Class hunter begins a confident fabrication based on an absolute trust towards the person involved in the incident.

Hyung-nim had no choice but to do something to save Jung Haseong!

In the EX-Class gate involving Jung Haseong, theres a rule that requires one of the three matched individuals to sacrifice themselves. So usually, they end up passing the role of sacrifice to each other and then fighting.

Hyung-nim was the only one who was against that. So Hunter Kim Kiryeo intervened with Jung Haseong to prevent him from performing the role of a sacrifice.

With admiration for Kiryeo, Yoonseung spoke with sparkling eyes.

I heard the conversation between the two myself. Kiryeo Hyung expressed concern to Jung Haseong, saying he was worried about his health and hurriedly tried to stop him. I saw him apologizing and saying sorry.

How can Hyung-nim be such a great person!

Before she knew it, in Ahn Yoonseungs heart, that F-Class had skyrocketed into an adult figure beyond reach. However, when Seonwoo Yeon heard this, her complexion turned pale.

Oh my.

What does it matter whether there is malicious intent or not? The most important thing is that he knocked out Koreas number one ranking as he pleased.

Are you human?

Seonwoo Yeon tried to ignore the cold sweat running down her back. Her intention wasnt to dig up Kim Kiryeos abilities.

Anyway.

Srrrk.

She wrapped up the conversation by lightly crumpling the wrapping paper of the finished sandwich.

I heard the story well. It all makes sense.

Really?

Yes. I dont think there is any need to treat Kiryeo as a potential criminal anymore.

Of course, he doesnt engage in any particularly suspicious activities, but the fact remains that he is someone hiding his rank. What can an employee of an association do? There was nothing she could do unless she could prove that theres something wrong with the latest measuring device.

Seonwoo Yeon decided to put aside her unnecessary doubts.

I just wasnt sure. Because he wasnt as bad of a person as I thought.

A brief afterimage passes through her mind. Kim Kiryeos leaving figure, carefully picking up the dead body of a wild animal that everyone tried to stay away from.

At this moment, why did that memory come to mind?

Im just thinking about it now. Seonwoo Yeon opened her mouth as she neatly arranged the plates of the lunch menu she had eaten. Actually, as a member of the association, I dont think its a bad thing that Hunter Kim Kiryeo is hiding his skills. Im actually glad.

Ahn Yoonseung raised his eyebrows at those words.

Glad? In which part?

That, if Hunter Kim Kiryeos true awakening value becomes known, each guild will not sit still.

Even now, many scouts must be coming in, right?

No matter how valuable an appraiser is, they cant compare to elite agents who can close high-level gates.

After saying that sentence, Seonwoo Yeon turned her gaze to her window for a moment. She pondered.

The current South Korea is maintaining a balance among three groups.

Although the number of senior agents is small, the [Hunter Association] is connected to the political world and barely manages to control the Awakener.

The [Korea Magic Tower] guild, led by the charisma of S-Class hunter Esther, gathers high-level Awakener.

Finally, [Neo Sisters], backed by the capital and business acumen of major corporations, possesses an overwhelming number of guild members.

They were maintaining a delicate cooperative relationship without one side dominating the other.

Within this large guild environment, the association could maintain some influence, thanks to the S-Class hunters independently drawing their own plan.

However

But what if a hidden third S-Class appears at this time?

Things changed when Kim Kiryeo joined a specific guild.

The existence of an S-class is enough to change even the evaluation of a countrys power, so if a comparable person belongs to a private company, a group with unrivaled power will be created.

There is a possibility that the industry will become embroiled in a power struggle aimed at profit.

Moreover, what if that S-Class joins the forces of other S-Class hunters?

In the meantime, it would be fortunate if Kim Kiryeo took the associations side

Although thinking in terms of S-Class might be an exaggeration, you never know how things will turn out in the unpredictable human world.

Even now, as someone who doesnt legitimately participate in the rank evaluation, can they really expect any help? The power of that mysterious hunter was enough to cause a crack in the peace.

Maybe a situation will arise where the association loses its deterrence power.

Seonwoo Yeon said with confidence.

So, I hope Kiryeo-ssi just pretends to be an F-class person and remains an independent.

Aha.

From the associations perspective, thats the way it is. Because we have to control the situation.

She wants to avoid situations where S-Class come together.

Ahn Yoonseung, who was quietly listening to those words, nodded his head with a bright face.

If thats the reason, dont worry. Hyung-nim didnt seem to have any intention of joining the guild.

Is that so?

He was also indifferent to the Magic Towers proposal.

Its a little unexpected that he even turned down a contract from one of the largest guilds.

Thats a relief, but

Well, externally, there would be no guild desperately trying to scout someone who was only F-Class. Seonwoo Yeon stood up with a much relieved expression.

Of course they didnt know.

At this moment, the situation they were already worried about is happening.

***

A few days ago now.

Korea Magic Tower Headquarters Executive Office.

You want me to scout this hunter?

At the time, the disappearance case investigation was underway.

Kwak Byeonggi, head of the human resources department who was in charge of recruiting and evaluating hunters for promotion at the Korea Magic Tower Guild, was given an unusual task.

F-Class? Did you say to do it by myself?

He wouldnt know if he was a super rookie who stands out like an A-Class player. Bringing a low-ranking hunter with an awakening value of only 1 and asking him to bow his head.

I know that the hunter is an appraiser. However, with this awakening value, wouldnt his mana be depleted after one or two skills?

The Magic Tower was a guild known for being selective in choosing awakened individuals, and it was famous for its elite-oriented approach. As evidence, there were no guild members below C-Class here.

CEO, youre aware of the average rank of our analysis team, right? Bringing in a low-ranked appraiser would almost make it impossible for us to handle the workload. Why bother?

Team leader Kwak Byeonggi gave advice, tapping the folder in his hand.

Besides, what is this ridiculous down payment?

Please tell me. This person is not an ordinary appraiser, is he? Dont I need some information to negotiate?

The woman by the window, who had been silently listening to these words, slowly turned her chair. Stop whining. Esther, the owner of the Magic Tower, blinked her dark eyelashes and spoke.

Do you know how fierce hunter society is? Sometimes, information inadvertently leaked comes back as a big weakness.

Yes?

So, among the awakened, there are some who are reluctant to reveal their abilities.

Does this have anything to do with this matter?

Of course. Kim Kiryeo could be just that type.

Esther spoke to the HR team leader, who appeared much older, without hesitation for a while.

Ive been thinking about it now, but it would be better if you didnt know the hunters secret.

Is that so?

Just know that its not just an F-Class. If you touch it any further than that, youll only get resentment.

Since there was no detailed explanation, it only stimulated his imagination.

Just what kind of secret does this unknown hunter hold that the representative of a guild is taking individual care of him?

First of all, I drafted a temporary contract template, but if you thought it would cost more than that, you could request as much money as he wanted.

Yes?

Im even willing to write a blank check.

Its an unprecedented treatment.

Kwak Byeonggi opened his eyes wide.

Are you saying that the hunter is worth this much?

Worth, value.

The S-class awakened person with curly hair had difficulty responding to the question, finding it hard to answer.

Because Kim Kiryeo wasnt recruited simply for profit.

Well, I dont know. In fact, all I can confirm right now is that his criminal record is clean.

Esther continued, recalling the cold atmosphere that the awakened person gave off.

Im going to keep it close to me as a test first.

At Korea Magic Towers headquarters, sensors installed at the entrance check whether the entering person has items. It was a measure taken to prevent someone from bringing something explosive. So, she found out that Kim Kiryeo didnt have any belongings other than absorbents with him that day.

Nevertheless, the F-Class escaped the maze he had prepared. In addition, the S-Class curse was easily shed.

It would be a shame to let him fall into someone elses hands.

The fact that her skill doesnt work is certainly a fearful thing, or rather, could this be an opportunity?

If its enough to ignore S-class status abnormalities whether caused by a skill or an awakening, its definitely not ordinary.

An accidental encounter with a powerful figure who has not been exposed anywhere. If someone could draw him in on their side, more opportunities would become achievable. Moreover, even if the awakened person was a typical villain, there would be no harm in knowing his true colors before others.

Its not okay to stay like this, so hurry up and contact Hunter Kim Kiryeo!

With a big smile, Esther said goodbye to Kwak Byeonggi and said she would wait for good news. Even though Kwak Byeonggi tilted his head, he had no choice but to follow his superiors words.

And a few days later. 𝖋𝔯𝔢𝔢𝔴𝖊𝔟𝔫𝖔𝖛𝖊𝖑.𝔠𝔬𝔪

This kind of treatment is too much for an F-Class. Hmm, could it be a case of a false registrant so the actual grade is different? Its certainly an uncomfortable topic to mention.

Kwak Byeonggi had difficulty making an appointment with Kim Kiryeo.

With a mindset of thoughtful consideration, I respectfully inquired about the issue, which led to a result.

[I will have some time this Saturday as I finish my work. See you then.]

He finally received a positive reply.

Hunter Kim Kiryeo?

Hello, I

Hello! Im Department Head Kwak Byeonggi, whom you were in contact with.

Kim Kiryeo, who arrived at the coffee shop in advance, shook hands and thought this.

This might be the ghost of those in the Magic Tower Guild who died because they couldnt drink coffee.

Of all places, they insist on meeting at a place like this.

Kiryeo was very dissatisfied, but he couldnt bring himself to reveal it. It was because the leader of the Korean Magic Tower was a magician with a cursed attribute.

Damn it, I cant leave behind unnecessary resentment by blatantly mistreating them.

A situation where contact couldnt be avoided due to unavoidable circumstances.

Kwak Byeonggi, who had no idea about this, thought as he looked through the documents he had prepared in advance.

Whether this hunter has a secret or not. Thats right, scouting is about money.

There are no restrictions on the deposit amount to be offered, so would it really be that difficult to recruit just one awakened individual?

In todays world, they can change even three letters of their name if they have money.

So up until this point, he expected that todays work would be easily completed.

Im sure I would have already turned down the scouting offer.

But after about 5 minutes.

Around the time when a person named Kim Kiryeo looked at himself with pitch-black eyes and said this.

Are you telling me to go to work at your company?

Kwak Byeonggi realized that something was wrong.