38. What an Incredible Gift
I still hadn't sheathed my sword.
"Shall we mix it up for two more rounds? Plum Blossom Sword Master Lee Gun."
"What nonsense is that?"
"Where I come from, they say a man needs three rounds to settle things."
"I decline!"
Chaeng!
Lee Gun boldly drew his sword again and charged. It was to gather more combat data, but honestly, I hadn't expected him to accept so readily.
In any case, after two more spars, our bout finally ended. All three rounds were my victory.
Glancing around, the company employees in the training hall were watching us. I was used to these gazes since I often sparred with Gwak Do-cheol. But back then, it always ended with his win, so everyone looked intrigued now.
"I was thinking of challenging you myself, but looks like that's off the table. No way I'd win."
"The rumors that you're the strongest section chief aren't exaggerated, huh."
The employees whispered among themselves. With my senses heightened to the Peak realm, I could hear every word.
"He's the Safety Planning Department employee's favorite, they say. Guess there's a reason for it."
"Come to think of it, word is they're already hooking up. Rumors of him sneaking into the director's room every night..."
Chaeng!
"Eek!"
I pointed my Sealed Sword, which I'd been about to sheathe, at the one spreading filthy rumors. He flinched, glanced at my eyes, and bowed his head.
"...S-sorry."
"Watch your mouth."
"Yes, sir, Section Chief."
"Get out of here."
"Yes, right away! Excuse me."
I didn't know who the other guy was, but the one who apologized was one of my Safety Planning Department subordinates. Following the unwritten rule of Hunter Stock Company—where rank is law—he scurried out of the training hall on tiptoe. I'd give him hell later.
Anyway, Lee Gun plopped down in exhaustion and let out a sigh.
"Hoo. I thought I could test my swordsmanship against the gap in our realms. But I was mistaken."
He looked deeply disappointed—in himself.
I replied calmly. "It might have been possible. If not for the Black Moon Tyrant Sword."
Meaning the Black Moon Tyrant Sword was a supreme sword art on par with the Plum Blossom Sword Technique.
He glanced up at me slyly, then nodded. "...I acknowledge it."
I glanced at Gwak Do-cheol. He wore a proud expression too.
Lee Gun continued. "Once you analyze that combat data, I'll never beat you, Kim Jeongha."
His words sparked my curiosity. "Isn't Director Seon Ga-hee of the HR Department a sword master herself? You could learn from her."
"Hmph. How could a disciple of the Conversational Sword Sect learn the sword arts of some nameless faction?"
A very Lee Gun-like response.
"Learning swordsmanship isn't the only path. She could offer plenty of other advice."
I doubted Seon Ga-hee would personally teach her own martial arts. But she'd probably scouted him for his talent and brought him into HR with intent to guide him.
"It might seem like youthful folly to you, but I've memorized every teaching of my master. I need nothing else from her."
He wouldn't accept anything but the Conversational Sword Sect's teachings. His resolve was ironclad.
Was that truly right? It was his conviction, so I didn't pry further.
"...Well, if our swords cross again, I'd like another spar."
He left some room, as expected of a prodigy from a famed sect—a natural-born warrior.
"I won the bet, but I'll still help you wear that Conversational Sword Sect uniform."
"...Really?"
Lee Gun's eyes sparkled. I nodded firmly.
"Bring it to me. It won't take long."
"How do you plan to convince Director Seon Ga-hee?"
"Don't worry about that. It'll sort itself out naturally."
* * *
I'd shown Lee Gun a favor. Creating a debt he'd repay when I needed help wasn't a bad idea. Uniformizing one outfit was no trouble for me—I'd prepared ten extras just in case.
Lee Gun raced back to his quarters and returned panting with the uniform. We headed to the military factory together, where I explained Sasha's capabilities. He finally understood and beamed with joy.
"Whoa. To think this factory can do that. Thank you, Kim Jeongha."
"No problem."
I eyed the outfit he'd brought. "But you only have the outer robe? No undergarments?"
"Hm."
Lee Gun lowered his voice calmly. "Even as a disciple of the Conversational Sword Sect, living here means I can't displease the director. So I'm content with just the robe."
"I told you not to worry about that."
"Even if there's a way, strutting around like it's fine would draw eyes. This is just between us."
"Hm."
He meant preserving Seon Ga-hee's dignity after she'd scolded him. Lee Gun was more shrewd than I thought—not some stubborn fool incapable of compromise.
As we left the factory, he glanced around and smiled faintly.
"Besides, the ladies around here say my suit fits me well. Not sure what that means exactly, but I take it as a compliment."
"Heh heh heh."
I couldn't help laughing. With his pretty-boy looks and toned build, he was bound to be popular with women. Even Lee Gun was just a man, after all. Maybe Seon Ga-hee was just a convenient excuse, and that was his real motive.
Following his gaze, I felt the stares of female employees peeking our way, jolting away when our eyes met.
-Sigh. They really stick to their own kind.
I brushed off Angelica's words and accepted Lee Gun's fist-and-palm salute.
"Anyway, I won't forget this favor. See you soon, Tyrant Sword Kim Jeongha."
"Sure thing. Plum Blossom Sword Master Lee Gun."
* * *
Operations Control Room. The department heads' meeting had ended.
I'd worried the military factory might throw a wrench in things, but the Welfare Department proceeded with the 15th-floor scouting as planned. Customizing the Enhanced Hunter Stock Company Standard Suit would take time anyway.
Plus, the department heads' opinions clashed. That was Cherubim's report as manager.
I asked him, "Really? What did our director say?"
"She'll respect Section Chief Kim's choice!!"
"And the Technical Information Department?"
"They prefer physical defense, but they won't oppose if you go for superpower defense!!"
"Got it."
Manager Cromwell seemed to understand my intent too. I'd thank them later.
Robert dropped by the control room mid-meeting.
"I'm ready, but you're heading out for the 15th-floor scout?"
"That's the plan. See you after."
"Understood. Be careful."
"Will do."
I wasn't sure how long finding the Fire Spirit Divine Crystal would take. It might not be long, so I could snag it before departure, but safety first. Swimming through magma required caution. One of the 15th-floor rewards seemed perfect—I'd grab that first.
I led the waiting employees out of the control room.
"Section Chief Lee Jun-yeol. Let's go. Kim Hansu, get up already."
"Huh?"
Kim Hansu peeked at the CCTV and said, "Welfare Department's not moving yet."
"We'll get the briefing there."
"No intel yet—what briefing? Such a hassle."
He scratched his head and rose from the sofa.
"My first mission's with Senior Kim Jeongha. Looking forward to it."
"Same here."
Section Chief Lee Jun-yeol fell in behind me. I took them to the Welfare Department grounds.
Recalling the way, I entered the conference building. Scanning the assembled staff, Lee Gun and I spotted each other simultaneously.
He greeted me warmly. "About time, Kim Jeongha."
As I moved to chat, the door burst open.
"Nice to see you, Welfare Department staff. And thanks in advance to the dispatched employees from other departments."
I sat near Lee Gun. Kim Hansu and Section Chief Lee Jun-yeol naturally took seats nearby.
All eyes focused on the podium.
Silky golden blonde hair, blue eyes. Stunning on their own, but pointed ears added mystique. Adjusting her horn-rimmed glasses, the elf introduced herself.
"I'm Stella, chief physician of the Welfare Department. Just call me Chief Stella if you need me."
Her voice brimmed with grace and elegance.
"As you know, today's preliminary scout has limited info: it's a 7th-grade stage. One of our staff divined it with their Gift."
Everyone held their breath at Chief Stella's words. Stage grades had been kept secret until now—Welfare had clamped down tight.
"So, this briefing will be short. Any questions?"
Hands shot up.
It didn't matter who asked; everyone wanted the same answers.
"How tough is 7th-grade?"
"Manageable for everyone here. This is our first time too, so please understand I can't say more."
"Who's the staffer? Time to tell us, Chief Stella."
All eyes turned to the questioner—a Welfare Department employee. Even they hadn't been told.
Chief Stella sighed softly. "As I said before, I can't reveal that. Please understand."
She was extremely cautious about security. For good reason—the staffer was Jo In-ho, brother of Welfare Director Jo Kyung.
As that thought crossed my mind, my eyes met Chief Stella's.
"That concludes the briefing. Dispatched staff, see me separately."
* * *
The dispatched were me, Kim Hansu, Lee Jun-yeol, Lee Gun. Exactly four.
Sruruk. No, five—Sasaki Kasumi too.
Alvin Taylor's absence meant real combat experience for her, like Lee Jun-yeol. Even for war-hardened survivors from prior worlds, they needed to know what Hunter Stock Company was about.
Chief Stella adjusted her glasses and eyed me. "Didn't expect Safety Planning to send three—volunteers, no less."
I crossed my arms and shot back curtly. "Sounds like you have a bias against our department."
"No such intent. Just... unexpected."
"No need to fret over what happened with Director Madric Blood. I just want to get along with Welfare too."
When Safety Planning Department clashed with HR Directorate, Welfare always sided with HR. An open secret among those in the know.
Since Madric Blood became director, other department-level units just watched the two giants. Yet Welfare stuck firmly to one side—no backing out now.
I was tempted to reveal how HR's mighty director had nearly groveled in apology to me, but I smiled and offered my hand instead. No need to sour things with Welfare yet.
She shook it. "If that's Safety Planning's stance, good."
"It's my personal view. How could one guy represent the department?"
"...Two section chiefs and a regular employee on the cusp of promotion? That's plenty to convey the director's will."
Chief Stella released my hand and moved to Kim Hansu and Lee Jun-yeol.
"Right? Employee Kim Hansu."
Kim Hansu had been staring out the curtained window, feigning ignorance.
"Huh? What'd you say?"
"...Safety Planning and Welfare..."
"Oh! Handshake? Sure."
He blew on his ear-picking hand and reached out.
"Ah, haha... I think we've greeted enough with Employee Kim Hansu."
Chief Stella awkwardly withdrew her hand and turned to Lee Jun-yeol.
"What about you, Section Chief Lee Jun-yeol?"
"......"
Lee Jun-yeol stood rigidly, staring. The faint glow from billions of nanomachines in his eyes sent chills. The same gaze I'd seen endlessly in my past life.
Chief Stella sighed. "...Haa. I see. Still, Safety Planning's lucky to have someone like Section Chief Kim Jeongha."
"I feel the same."
I had no desire to embarrass her. She couldn't defy her department's stance alone. For now, I genuinely wanted to get along with Welfare—personally, at least.