Chapter 76 - A-Rank Review (1)
After wrapping up affairs in Cheonan, Kim Sun-woo returned alongside the Night Team.
◈ Discovered an undiscovered underground dungeon during the A-rank dungeon break.
◈ Made a major contribution to subjugating the Bone Dragon alongside A-rank hunter Yi Seong-jin.
◈ Blocked the activity of an out-of-spec rank monster attempting to emerge from the 'gate' in the depths of the undiscovered underground dungeon.
◈ Secured numerous new data points that had not been discovered previously.
"On top of that, there was the strong endorsement from A-rank hunter Yi Seong-jin, who fought alongside him in this operation. I'd like to hear your thoughts on the matter."
Hunter Association President Jang Seok-ho scanned the five figures gathered in the room.
Hunter ranks were assigned through rigorous examinations.
Especially from C-rank onward, internal standards were applied with ironclad strictness, and the difficulty spiked dramatically for promotions to B-rank and A-rank.
For A-rank in particular, one needed the approval of five A-rank hunters—or guild masters recognized by the Association—to even qualify for the review process.
Following the investigation at Cheonan Station, Executive Director Lee Jin-hyuk had initiated the eligibility review based on Yi Seong-jin's recommendation.
Did B-rank hunter Kim Sun-woo truly qualify for an A-rank promotion review?
They combed through his past actions and personal background with a fine-tooth comb.
Even his personality and private conduct fell under scrutiny.
But the deeper they dug, the more astonished they all became.
"...Man, what a dull life he's led. Ever since his parents passed, he's just been paying off debts nonstop, huh."
Nam Jin-wook, guild master of Haedong Guild—one of the five guilds invited by the Association—clicked his tongue.
"Evaluations from acquaintances from his college days are glowing too. Exceptional sense of responsibility and loyalty. His middle and high school records are spotless as well."
"They say a person's true nature shows in times of crisis. I'd like to focus on those ten years he spent as an F-rank hunter. It's refreshingly straightforward. Maybe once the debts are cleared..."
Seon Yu-eun, attending as proxy for the Huashan Sect leader, trailed off.
Kim Sun-woo had lived an extraordinarily disciplined life.
He rarely went anywhere besides work and home.
Even long-time ascetics occasionally craved a little indulgence, but he never strayed—unless it was a guild event.
He'd even head to construction sites or pick up short-term gigs on his days off just to earn extra cash.
"Honestly, I couldn't do it myself. Gotta say, his mental fortitude is something else."
"Whether it's impressive mental strength or just twisted, that's the question."
Nam Jin-wook stroked his chin, then looked around the room.
"Some of you have met him in person. I'd like to hear your takes. Especially you, Mugung Guild Master—what do you think?"
"......"
Han Kang-seok stared silently at the documents before him.
A cut above the rest, indeed.
He'd known the kid had sharp edges, but the speed at which he'd pierced through his pocket was way beyond expectations.
'All my carefully laid plans, down the drain.'
He'd originally figured the A-rank review would happen around year-end.
Attach Robert and the Night Team as support, have him tag along with the main raid team on various ops, rack up some solid merits.
Slip the eligibility review in amid the year-end chaos transitioning to New Year's.
But who could've guessed he'd charm Yi Seong-jin in Cheonan?
'Well, can't say I'm surprised.'
Han Kang-seok let out a wry smile and leaned back in his chair.
The guy's raw talent was on another level—utterly immeasurable.
Anyone who'd reached a certain realm would feel more bafflement than admiration, more incredulity than pride.
Even Han Kang-seok himself had been floored watching the kid manifest sword gang perfectly after less than half a year of martial arts training.
And the brat had the nerve to act dissatisfied, like he hadn't quite nailed it.
Was that what true genius looked like?
Never satisfied with his own achievements.
No matter how impressive it seemed to others, his personal bar was sky-high, always pushing him to gaze upward and charge ahead.
It wouldn't take long for him to catch up here.
No—he wanted the kid to catch up.
In these chaotic times, the emergence of a prodigy like him was something to celebrate.
"I'm in favor. Ability alone doesn't make an A-rank. But he seems qualified enough to step onto the stage."
"...Same here. His track record and merits are a bit light, sure, but is there any hunter more talked-about lately? If he's got the chops, the review will sort it out."
"What say the rest of you?"
At Association President Jang Seok-ho's question, the other guild masters and officials nodded in agreement.
These were all people with direct or indirect ties to Kim Sun-woo.
No one missed the Association's direction—they were just following the flow.
"It's decided, then."
Jang Seok-ho nodded with a pleased expression.
"Let's get things ready. To see if a new A-rank hunter is about to be born."
The hunters who'd participated in the Cheonan Station operation were granted a full week of extended vacation upon return.
Kim Sun-woo, naturally, had plunged straight into training immersion.
Shwick! Shaaak—!
In the center of Essential Armory HQ's private training grounds, streaks of sharp blue sword gang shot skyward.
Watching from the master room, Vice President Shin Young-sik turned to the researcher beside him.
"How's it looking?"
"...Hmm. Hard to believe it's the same guy from before. The sword gang output, which used to flicker unstably, is holding steady now."
"Meaning...?"
"His peak has gone up. Normally, sustaining full power that long is impossible, so he's probably throttling back to maintain that state."
"Is that even possible?"
Shin Young-sik asked with genuine curiosity.
A hunter's power curve didn't climb easily past certain thresholds.
You needed some special 'trigger'—awakening a new ability, surviving a near-death epiphany, something extraordinary.
But the man inside was mocking every theory, shattering normal parameters across the board.
"Tch, this isn't how it's supposed to go."
The man himself swung his sword with gusto, only to scowl in dissatisfaction.
Shwick, shaaak!
True skill bridged the gap between training and real combat.
He knew he was stronger in actual fights, but as his realm advanced, that disparity was widening.
Even manifesting sword gang and swinging felt nothing like blocking the Bone Dragon or that finger from the gate.
To train properly, he needed to summon that sensation during practice.
"Guess at this point, I need a sparring partner."
He could kinda see why the powerhouses in wuxia tales or fantasy novels went around challenging dojos to prove themselves.
Once he reached a stage where he could train purely through mental imagery, maybe. But right now, he needed someone on his level.
"Robert's..."
It was a rare day off.
Family business had called him back to the UK temporarily.
Probably mid-flight by now.
Unlike the early days when he'd joined the Night Team, their gap had widened massively.
With a bit of exaggeration, a single Lightning Strike could send Robert flying.
He'd meant to nurture the guy as a sparring partner, but not everyone could grow at his breakneck pace. Shame.
Swish.
Kim Sun-woo lightly swung the Black Flow Sword to shake off the lingering sword gang, gazing at the straight, upright blade.
"...About time to switch swords."
Every foe he'd faced had been a powerhouse, so the Black Flow Sword—resistant to scratches—now felt its limits.
No visible surface wear yet, but having wielded it exclusively for so long, Kim Sun-woo sensed the subtle shift.
Internal erosion was starting, throwing off the balance.
He'd asked Mugung and Essential Armory to source a decent blade, but swords of legendary caliber weren't easy to come by. No telling when one would arrive.
"...Oppa."
Then the training hall door slid open, Han Su-ah peeking in.
"Sorry to interrupt your training."
"Nah, I was resting. What's up?"
"You expecting anyone? Some people showed up asking for you by name."
"Me?"
He lowered the Black Flow Sword, puzzled.
No appointments he could recall.
If it was Mugung Guild business, Su-ah would know.
"Let's check it out."
Kim Sun-woo followed Han Su-ah out of the training grounds.
"They had a weird vibe. Definitely hunters, but faces I didn't recognize."
"Hm."
Maybe Yi Seong-jin dropped by?
Or possibly Shin Cheol-hyeok.
He'd told him to visit after the Huashan branch, but an Association commission had overlapped, so no time yet.
Right now, he was prioritizing training and keeping some distance on purpose.
Once he hit a wall in his martial cultivation, he'd seek advice incidentally.
Maybe the guy couldn't wait and came looking...
"......?"
Entering the reception room, Kim Sun-woo tilted his head.
'Who're they?'
He really had no clue.
One was a sturdy 30s-40s man in a black coat; the other, a hunter clearly honed by the blade.
A quick gauge put them above Mugung's main raiders.
As Kim Sun-woo entered, they rose with ready smiles, like they'd been waiting.
"There you are."
"Nice to meet you, Sun-woo."
"...Uh, yeah. Who might you be?"
Han Su-ah, sensing his awkward reaction, subtly stepped back behind him.
Ready to call security if needed.
But these weren't the type to need that.
"Sorry for the unannounced visit. Name's B-rank Han Ji-seok."
"Park Eun-hyuk."
The burly one was Han Ji-seok; the lean, agile one, Park Eun-hyuk.
Kim Sun-woo narrowed his eyes slightly at the casual address, but Han Ji-seok grinned and continued.
"Heard Kim Sun-woo the hunter's up for A-rank candidacy."
"......!"
Han Su-ah was the one who gasped in surprise.
The weight of a B-rank versus A-rank hunter was worlds apart.
National strategic assets—only two digits' worth in Korea.
Each treated abroad like presidents in state visits.
'Already?'
Han Su-ah stared at Kim Sun-woo with wide eyes.
She knew he was amazing, but A-rank review discussions already?
"......"
Kim Sun-woo, however, focused elsewhere.
"Appreciate the heads-up, but what's the point?"
He'd caught the faint killing intent lurking in their gazes.
No matter how well-hidden, it couldn't fool his senses.
Sensing their intentions read, Han Ji-seok let out a low whistle of admiration and clasped his hands.
"As expected of the next A-rank—sharp instincts. Well, the gist is this."
Flash!
A massive surge of mana erupted centered on Han Ji-seok, engulfing them all.