Chapter 37
Chapter 37
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 37
Chapter Title: Promotion Exam (2)
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A few days after the Sealed Tower broadcast.
I got off the shuttle bus and let out a low whistle.
"Look at that building. It's massive. They must have money to burn."
A ridiculously huge building filled my entire field of view.
The big-shot complex that made my blood boil with envy.
The engraved 'ACE' at the entrance left a strong impression.
This was none other than Korea's Hunter promotion exam venue.
Hunters only take promotion exams three times in their lifetime.
Once each for A, C, and E ranks—three in total.
B and D ranks promote automatically based on achievements without exams. Like getting YouTube's gold button.
To keep my channel's momentum going, I need to pass this in one shot.
I fiddled with my wristwatch as I entered the venue.
Of course, failing wouldn't ruin everything.
Viewers would understand a flop.
My channel's value was that solid.
Worst case, I could tag along with other hunters for a.
I couldn't buy gates D-rank or higher right now.
F-ranks soloing D-gates was illegal.
But joining other hunters's was fine.
If that's not allowed, support members couldn't participate either, right?
Porters and support are essential for high-difficultys.
Even S-rank guilds have D-rank members.
Though their D-ranks are leagues above average ones in talent.
No matter how it goes, there's no rule saying I have to die on failure.
As long as you don't die, there's always a way back.
Like me, after tanking stocks, ending up here.
Still, I burned with determination anyway.
No, I forcibly stoked my competitive fire.
Viewers would probably overlook one failure.
But that meant 'one free pass,' not the same wild enthusiasm as before.
Ilryun Guild is nipping at my heels. I can't afford months of stagnation.
The leader's greatest fear is getting bogged down.
The slump after failing this exam would hit harder than I thought.
"I'm here to register for the E-rank promotion exam."
So I strode confidently to the counter.
"Yes, examinee. Your name?"
"Jeong Do-jin."
"Yes, Mr. Jeong Do-jin... Oh my?"
The receptionist’s eyes widened as I handed over my ID.
I was even wearing a mask, but she recognized me instantly.
Damn, what to do with this fame.
Fine, I could give an autograph before entering.
But anything more would be awkward. Playing coy would be trouble.
"This is a credit card. You need to give me your ID."
"...Yep. Hold on."
"You did bring it, right?"
"Of course. Got it here."
Shit. Mortifying.
But it wasn't all bad.
The tension melted away, shoulders loosening.
No worries. Unless my luck is cursed, failing would be weirder.
Objectively, I was more than qualified.
I sat in the waiting room, reviewing the building layout.
Had to return here after the exam.
First physical test, then gate.
Incidentally, A, C, and E promotion exams are on the same day.
So C-rank examinees were here too.
No A-rank candidates this time.
Makes sense—barely any qualify nationwide.
Exams are in different areas per rank.
Obviously. C and E ranks can't tackle the same gate.
Gather here, then bus to gates near exam sites.
Why not assemble there, finish, and check results at home?
Sounds efficient, but wrong.
Networking is huge in the Hunter world.
This exam was an opportunity.
To catch the eye of top guilds or hunters.
Lifetime chance: just three, max.
S-rank promotions are the exception.
Why would an S-rank need validation?
Even A-rank exams are brutal.
A-rank hunters are only 0.26% of the population.
Average hunters max out at two chances: E and C.
Retries possible, but multiple fails? Like a jobless grad on their third or fourth try.
Not unlucky, but reputation tanks.
Unless you flip it with something huge.
Zing.
Killers' glints in examinees' eyes weren't my imagination.
No chit-chat. Relative evaluation, duh.
Absolute would be easier. Just do well.
Relative? Others' wins and losses affect you.
Hunter life's two-shot lottery for dirt-poor scrubs.
Heavy mood made sense.
Can't slack either.
As I rebuilt some tension...
"Thank you for waiting. Follow me."
A burly Association staffer called us.
Starts quick. Good thing it wasn't delayed.
"Physical measurement first. All examinees, store valuables in lockers and change into provided gear."
We changed as instructed.
Simple, mobility-focused equipment set.
No options attached.
Swap to prevent gear cheese passes.
Felt like the real promotion exam kicking off.
Forgotten tension surged, curling my lips into a grin.
Not proudly declaring your job.
Heo Ji-tae, 36-year-old bachelor, believed that was the saddest thing for a married man.
Saying 'I'm a hunter' is the hardest.
Easy if you think of a comedian's intro.
Or singer, entertainer.
If your name's famous—stage or real—no need for job. 'Heo Ji-tae~' and they know.
Would national MC Yoo Jae-dong say 'I'm an entertainer'?
Doubt it. Face alone gives it away.
Fame-based jobs are always like that.
Your name becomes your job.
Hunters too.
Walking in a park, hear 'I'm Iyan. Nice to meet you' behind you?
Pedestrians whip around, stunned.
Though Iyan wouldn't intro in a park.
If I were even C-rank, I'd proudly say my name.
C-rank beats most prosecutors.
Great pay, future, sturdy body.
Hell, D-rank's top 50%.
Reality? Brutal.
Perennial F-rank hunter Heo Ji-tae.
Ex-Photon Guild broadcast manager Heo Ji-tae.
Or... unemployed awakener, week two, Heo Ji-tae.
That was his calling card.
This bitterness sours more in your 30s.
Especially meeting girlfriend's parents.
'So, what's your job?'
'Hunter. Used to manage broadcasts.'
'Ooh! Hunter? What rank?'
'...F-rank. Just got awakener cert.'
'...Oh. Quit broadcasting? Why?'
'Gate Live Broadcast Ban Law hit...'
'Out!! Unemployed scum!! No daughter of mine!!'
Heo Ji-tae. Current unemployed. 36.
Five years dating fiancée.
Reason for E-rank promotion challenge.
"Next. No. 36, Heo Ji-tae."
"Yes sir!"
He gripped the wooden sword tightly.
Even exam number matched his age. Fate mocking him?
"Strike the machine ahead with the wooden sword. Treat it like real combat. Below threshold? No exam."
No exam entry. Fail.
Brute force, but necessary.
records can be faked.
Second filter after paperwork.
"Hrup!!"
Heo Ji-tae spread his arms, swinging hard.
Old sword academy technique.
Thud-!
Fake swordsmanship nailed the tester.
Machine shook heavily, spitting numbers.
Mechanical score readout.
Pass at 40—barely scraped by.
Neighboring lines scored way higher.
Self-loathing hit, but for a rusty warrior-class awakener? Decent.
"No. 36, passes first physical test."
"Phew... Thank you."
"Next. ...No. 77, Jeong Do-jin."
He wiped sweat, passed the wooden sword.
Next guy took it, bowed politely.
Heo nodded back, turned away.
That's when the weirdness hit.
Murmurs...
...Huh?
As Heo tried leaving, examinees peeking or waiting buzzed, staring at the next batter.
Nearby lines too.
Even proctors who should hurry him.
Familiar vibe.
Like watching broadcast A-rank exam.
Famous hunter taking promotion.
All eyes on their score.
Exactly like that.
Who is it?
Heo peeked back.
Brown-haired back view unfamiliar.
Jeong Do-jin, was it?
No ring to it.
Top-tier guild member?
"Uh... um..."
He gripped wooden sword awkwardly, eyed machine.
Panicked face turned to proctors.
"...Technically a mage class. Mind if I ask why I'm here?"
"Summoners come here. Registered summons as mage type? You'd be at mage station. Questions done? Get to it."
"Yes sir."
Courteous yet curt reply.
Manual response; Jeong scratched his cheek.
"Call Dancing Specter El Ayla."
He summoned his minion.
"If my liege calls, I come gladly."
Dancer appeared with a bored expression.
Slender hand took wooden sword from owner.
Heo didn't know Jeong Do-jin.
Back view a stranger.
But that face stepping aside, and the beauty subbing in? Unmistakable.
"Yeoto?"
"Yeoto."
"Real Yeoto."
"See? Told ya!"
Someone muttered, sparking it.
El Ayla, peeved it wasn't real fight, yanked sword behind shoulder.
Scimitar swapped for training wood.
No buffs, half-assed full swing.
Result? No half-assing.
Kaboom-!!
Like dump truck smashing building.
Wind flipped Heo's bangs.
Score voice lagged, like stunned.
...That casual swing got 96?
Heo gawked at Yeoto, at Jeong.
Jeong's face pale, unlike before.
Ah, knew it? Full power after all?
Still, 2.5x my score? El Ayla's acting gold. Totally fooled me.
"Screwed. Sword's busted. Gotta pay?"
"...No claims for exam damage."
"For real? Hunter Association's the best!"
Except stocks. Jeong sighed in relief.
Facing reality, Heo knelt in despair.
"Bang Jun-ah! New sword here!"
"Y-yes! Senior!"
Proctor fetched replacement; meanwhile, Jeong bowed to others.
"Uh, next folks? Sorry for the wait. Bear with us."
"No prob! Heh heh."
"Haha! Few minutes, big deal! Heh heh!"
Fresh-faced examinees grinned at apologizing El Ayla—no big issue.
"Pr-proctor? Question?"
Bowing lightly around, Jeong approached proctor.
"Max score on this tester?"
"999, I believe."
"...Not 99?"
Jeong's jaw dropped.
Asked scared he'd wrecked it?
"Surprised? Used for A-rank too."
Proctor cracked a rare smile, stern face.
"Domestic record: Jeong So-won at 924 for A-rank."
"...Proctor, gonna cry."
"No need."
Proctor showed log, whispered.
"Congrats. E-rank record broken."
Score predicted easy exam win.