Return of the Sword God-Rank Civil Servant - Chapter 95
Chapter 95
“But for that, we need one item.”
“An item?”
At the mention of needing an item, Kang Seulgi’s expression changed.
“Yes. It’s nothing complicated, just something easily obtainable. Do you know of an item called the ‘Third-Person Pilot’s Perspective Device’?”
“Third-person… what?”
“It’s an item stored in the Resource Warehouse, classified as junk. With that, we can remove the Mega Crusher from your body, Assistant Team Leader.”
“R-really? What did you call it? Third-Person… Pilot?”
“The Third-Person Pilot’s Perspective Device. I saw it when I was taking the first exam; it was in the junk storage.”
The Third-Person Pilot’s Perspective Device.
Known as the ‘Third-Person Device,’ this item actually had no connection with the Mega Crusher.
However, Suho needed the Third-Person Device.
It was the final material needed for the partner item he planned to give Kim Geon.
‘But in the current situation, it’s practically impossible for me to take the Third-Person Device without leaving any trace.’
Even if the Resource Warehouse overflowed with items, taking something would risk getting caught during inventory checks later.
Kang Seulgi would face the same problem.
Kang Seulgi frowned.
“But if it’s already in the Resource Warehouse, taking it out is a bit…”
“Right. Usually, it would be difficult. But now, there’s a way.”
“A way?”
“I discovered the 22nd purification method. Because of that, the Resources Department will likely need to recheck all items to see if there are hidden options uncovered by this purification method.”
“…Ah!”
Exactly.
With the discovery of a new purification method, the Resources Department would need to re-inspect all items for potential hidden effects.
Being sharp, Kang Seulgi immediately understood the advantage of this situation for her.
Suho asked, “Do you think you can do it?”
“Yes, I’ll make it happen somehow. In fact, if I can get it, I’ll definitely bring it.”
“Got it. Then, contact me here once you have it.”
With that, the issue of the Third-Person Device was resolved.
After sharing his private contact, Suho stood up slowly.
It was just then that Kang Seulgi hesitantly called out, “Um… Suho?”
“Yes?”
“I’m really sorry to ask, but… how did you find out I had the Mega Crusher implanted in me?”
His face was filled with unease.
Of course.
He thought it was his secret, known only to herself, not even to anyone from Special Team 2, let alone Suho, who had only recently joined.
Suho pondered for a moment and then answered lightly, “It’s a personal skill effect.”
“A skill effect?”
“Yes, it’s a secret, but I’m only telling you, Assistant Team Leader. So, don’t worry. No one else knows about it besides me.”
“R-really?”
“Of course. You can trust me. No, actually, you should only trust me. I keep secrets.”
Suho gave his shoulder a couple of reassuring pats before leaving.
Now, there was nothing left but to wait.
***
The next day.
The impact of Suho’s 22nd purification method was far greater than he’d anticipated.
It was so significant that his evaluation in the next department, Research and Analysis, was automatically passed.
Suho realized this after receiving a call from Kim Seokhoon the following day.
“…So, are you really giving me full marks for the Research and Analysis evaluation too?”
“Yes, that’s the decision from above. Your discovery has been monumental for our Resource Society.”
That was true.
Since the Great Cataclysm, any system-related discovery had been top priority in every nation, and Suho had made a major breakthrough in that top-priority area.
Pretending not to understand, Suho asked, “But isn’t the Research and Analysis Department separate from the Resources Division?”
“It’s not a Resources Department, but it is part of the Resource Division, so they were able to make this decision.”
“That’s good news. Then, should I go straight to the Gate Division?”
“Yes, that’s the plan. However, given the significance of the matter, please stay at home until we reach out again.”
“Understood.”
After ending the call, Suho nodded with a murmur.
“Well, that’s impressive.”
He liked it.
That they’d clear an entire evaluation for him.
But this kind of delay was a bit inconvenient…
Suho wanted to complete his training quickly and get into practical work as soon as possible.
After a moment’s thought, Suho picked up his phone again.
“Hello, Vice Chairman?”
“Oh, it’s you. What’s the matter?”
The person Suho called was none other than Vice Chairman Park Gyu-min.
After explaining what had happened in the Resource Division, he asked if he could go directly to the Gate Division for training without waiting.
“I see. I understand. With a solid reason, that shouldn’t be too difficult.”
“Thank you. I’ll be waiting. Also, I think we should recheck everything in the Resource Warehouse, starting with the junk items, since I discovered the 22nd purification method.”
“Is there a specific reason?”
“There’s always a reason. But do I have to say it?”
“…Apologies, I’ll arrange it right away.”
“Please do. And you’re handling the other matter we discussed?”
“…I am.”
“Take care of anything you can on your own. If you don’t, it’ll only get harder for you. Let me know if anything comes up. Goodbye.”
After ending the call, Suho was confident that Kang Seulgi would soon contact him.
This is the benefit of having solid backing.
And sure enough, shortly after, he received a call from Jung Chulmin.
“Yes, Team Leader.”
“Suho, I heard. I heard you made quite a scene in the Resources Division?”
“Haha, not really, it just happened.”
“That’s the same thing. Anyway, you were supposed to stay at home for a while, but we just got orders from above. You can go directly to the Gate Division for training. It’s great news! Keeping a talent like you on standby would be a complete waste.”
“Thank you. It feels good to hear that.”
“Haha, I’m just stating facts. And you’ll be doing your training in the Gate Division under me.”
Hearing this, Suho smiled and nodded slightly.
Of course.
Jung Chulmin belonged to the Gate Division, so it made sense he’d be overseeing the training.
“Really? That’s great news.”
“Come to the Gate Floor right when you report in tomorrow. You know where it is, right?”
“Yes, I do.”
“Alright, see you tomorrow. Oh, by the way, are you going to take the theory exam again first?”
“Yes, I’ve already studied the materials you provided last time.”
“Hah… Then the result will be the same as before. I’ll prepare the field evaluation right after the theory test, so you can move directly to practical training.”
“Thank you. I appreciate it.”
“Alright, see you tomorrow.”
Now, they understood each other well.
After finishing the call, Suho took out paper and a pen and began checking his planned schedule.
“If it’s the Gate Division, I’ll go through Detection and Management.”
The Gate Division had two sections: Detection and Management.
Originally, there was only one section, Detection, but as gate incidents increased, a new department, Management, was created to divide the responsibilities.
Detection focused on identifying premonitory signs to foresee and prepare for gate formations, while Management was responsible for overseeing all existing gates.
“In Detection, they’ll likely run detection tests based on predictive formulas… and in Management, they’ll cover basic gate management techniques.”
As Suho rolled his pen across the paper, he paused at the word ‘Detection,’ reminiscing.
Suho had once been a gate orphan, having lost his entire family in a gate shock caused by a newly formed gate.
“Even though I already dealt with them once… that doesn’t erase their crimes.”
As he had once told Banshee, the accident that day could have been prevented.
However, due to the personal interests of those in power, the government ignored the gate shock, and as a result, countless people, including Suho, lost their loved ones and homes.
Upon discovering the truth, Suho tracked down everyone responsible and brought them to justice.
Not through vigilante actions, but by legal means.
And now, he intended to do the same once again.
Although he had already punished them in his past life, he had returned to the past, and so had they, free from any consequences.
However, now was not the time.
Given that he was still in training, he lacked the means to exact justice right away.
“But at least, I can do it much sooner than before.”
For now, Suho decided to be patient and wait.
Suho then began gathering information on gates from the Library of Memories, aligning it with the Gate Division’s training schedule.
As he compiled the data, one memory stood out.
“Was this gate supposed to open around this time?”
He had found a gate that piqued his interest.
No, more than that, it was a highly coveted gate.
“With this, I definitely have to make first contact.”
A smile crept onto Suho’s lips, thanks to the well-timed information.
***
The next day.
Suho reported to the Gate Division as scheduled.
Upon arrival, Jung Chulmin welcomed him and quickly escorted him to meet the head of the department.
“Nice to meet you. I’m Go Seongrok.”
Go Seongrok, the head of the Gate Division.
He was aligned with Pi Seongyeol’s faction and was involved in the ‘Redevelopment Gate’ incident
—otherwise known as the gate shock event that led to Suho’s family’s death.
Since he hadn’t yet faced punishment, he appeared to be in unnervingly high spirits.
Nonetheless, Suho greeted him professionally.
“I’m Ahn Suho.”
“I’ve heard much about you. They say you’ve achieved remarkable things in every department.”
“Not at all; I was just lucky.”
“Haha! Luck is only granted to those who are prepared. In that sense, I have high expectations this time as well. I’m curious to see what kind of impression you’ll leave on our Gate Division.”
An impression, huh…
Yes.
An impression indeed.
And it would be a very memorable one.
After a brief show of support from Go Seongrok, Suho was able to take the theory test with Jung Chulmin.
The result was obvious.
A perfect score.
Upon confirming it, Jung Chulmin smiled, now hardly surprised.
“Just one more perfect score on the Special Division test, and you’ll be the first in the history of the Korean Hunter Association to score perfectly in every evaluation.”
“I hope so. Shall we start the field evaluation?”
“Yes, let’s get going. We’ll start in Management before heading to Detection. First, let’s meet the head of the Management Section, and then we’ll start the evaluation. Since I lead the Management team, I’ll be overseeing this evaluation.”
“Understood.”
The two headed to the Management Section together.