Chapter 5. The Porter Registers as a Hunter.
A massive building flaunting its modern interior design. Its sleek, brand-new exterior screamed "recent construction," giving off an imposing vibe.
He took a deep breath outside, unable to step inside just yet. The last time he'd been measured, it came out as D-rank, but things were different now.
"Guess it's time to officially register as a hunter."
He gently stroked the registration card he'd received before. He probably wouldn't need it anymore. What if the measurement goes wrong, though?
-[Name: Lee Seojun / Job: Porter / Rank: D-rank]-
D-rank, the bare minimum grade for porters to enter dungeons.
"Um, excuse me. I'm here to register as a hunter."
He stepped right inside and asked at the reception desk, but the staffer looked flustered. Her face seemed outright frightened.
"Ah, registration? Yes. Could you wait a moment?"
She kept exchanging glances with someone, so he turned to look behind him. Men in suits stood out like sore thumbs in the empty lobby. It was a weekday, too, with hardly anyone around. No wonder they're drawing eyes.
"Could you place your hand here and wait a bit?"
He turned back at her words and did as instructed.
It was a simple awakener test he'd done before regression—easy as pie.
Beep. Bee-beee-beep.
A simple alert sounded, and the results appeared.
[Job: Healer / Skills Held: 4]
[Appropriate Rank: S-rank]
The test only showed the job name, number of skills, and rank. You could guess the skills from the job, of course. But no machine, no matter how advanced, could identify the exact skills. Figuring out even this much was humanity's victory. The scientists and specialized hunters must have suffered for it.
"...Healer? S-rank? No way. This can't be possible?!"
He overheard the staffer muttering. Oh no, don't freeze up like that. Was she even aware? She stared blankly at the machine displaying the results, her shocked expression plain as day.
"Excuse me? Hello?"
He called out to snap her out of it, since her mouth was hanging open.
She finally jolted back to reality.
"I think that's it for the test. How long does registration take?"
Composing herself, she flashed a sparkling smile, like she was hypnotizing herself with "I'm a pro."
"Ah, terribly sorry. We'll issue your hunter registration right away. Just a moment. But..."
"But?"
What now? Unease crept in.
"By law, A-rank hunters and above are publicly announced. Oh, it doesn't mean you'll work for the state. But this result will likely go up to the Hunter Association."
No surprise there. A-rank and higher were national treasures. And he was S-rank.
"This way, please. We'll escort you."
The excited staffer scurried like a squirrel, as if filming a spy thriller. Two more staffers joined, surrounding him as they headed upstairs.
In a second-floor room sat a middle-aged woman who looked seasoned. She seemed calm, like she'd already been briefed.
"Welcome, Hunter Lee Seojun."
"...Ah, hello."
He sat in the chair her trembling finger indicated, and staff brought drinks and snacks. The atmosphere was awkward, but he waited patiently for her to speak.
"Hunter Lee Seojun, straight to the point."
"......"
Damn, now I'm tense too.
"Hunter Lee Seojun stands out from all previous hunters. Your job is Healer. Healer classes are rare to begin with, but a straight-up 'Healer' job? That's a first."
"Oh, really? I guess healer types vary."
He'd known that, but he hadn't realized "Healer" was unprecedented.
"Usually, it's monk, holy knight, bard, and such. 'Healer' is brand new. This alone will be a global sensation."
"...Who knows."
"Do you have any healing skills, by chance?"
She spoke with such fervor that spittle flew onto his face. He discreetly wiped it with a tissue from the table and sighed inwardly.
"Of course I have healing skills."
"Does your system window show any usage limits?"
Huh? No such thing. Had he missed it?
"Um, are skill uses normally limited?"
"Of course. Young folks call it 'cooldown.' Dealers have it easy, but even the top A-rank healer couldn't use healing more than three times a day."
"Got it. Well, I think I could manage about five."
Just in case. He'd test it later. Saying he could do twice what an A-rank could, she beamed, unable to hide her delight.
"As expected of the world's first S-rank healer. Oh, looks like it's ready."
The first-floor staffer approached with his hunter registration card. Faster than expected.
"Ah, thank you."
-[Name: Lee Seojun / Job: Healer / Rank: S-rank]-
Sleek and premium-looking card. Unbelievably, he fiddled with it.
"As the world's first S-rank healer, expect tons of scout offers. But one recommendation: ever dreamed of being a civil servant?"
Most hunters joined government guilds or private ones. For mediocre jobs and ranks, civil service was fine. But an S-rank healer in government? Total waste. Government hunter perks paled against corporate guilds—less power, worse gear. And salaries? At least tenfold difference.
"Sorry, but no thanks."
"...Of course. Expected as much."
She gazed at him wistfully, like an ex-lover. This is getting awkward.
"...Can I go now?"
As he stood with his card, a desperate shout rang out, nearly bursting his eardrums.
"Wait! There's still orientation. If you're busy, just one form at least!!"
Forms and a map lined the desk. They weren't a bad deal for him: upkeep stipend and housing as an S-rank. The house was in a top safety zone, per the hazard map dividing areas by dungeon risk. Why refuse? Especially with family.
In exchange, no foreign guilds or emigration while benefiting. No dual citizenship either. It could end anytime, she pleaded. After some thought, he signed. Better Korea than some foreign land where his mom wouldn't adjust anyway. Some countries even blackmailed hunters with family threats. Good thing he hadn't awakened there.
"Hunter Lee Seojun, there's a new hunter program."
"I'm good. It's not mandatory."
Not yet, anyway. It might help get used to skills through training. But her eyes screamed "join the civil service." She just couldn't let go.
For beginners, just voice-activating skill names worked fine. No shame in the names, and it let you show off.
"Lee Seojun, right?"
He hadn't gotten far from the building when someone called his name. Suit-clad men approached. As expected. His predictions never missed. He'd suspected since the hospital visit. But this info leak was sloppy.
"Wrong person. And not interested."
Self-praise aside, a healer like him was one-of-a-kind. Objectively prime talent. Best case: recruitment. Worst: kidnapping, confinement, torture. Maybe family hostages. He needed a guild first. One to protect him and his family.
"Lee Seojun, please. Just hear us out?"
Their guild must have solid intel and funds. Their groveling softened him a bit. Might be useful. Let's listen.
"Which guild are you from?"
His opening gave them hope; their faces lit up, egos inflating.
"Cheonsu Guild."
Damn. Kang Ga-young's guild.
"No thanks. Threaten me, and I'll report you now. You know I'm S-rank, right? Don't think it's just healing!!"
His sharp yell made them flinch. No attack skills detected, but whatever. Better safe. He bolted for the bus stop, diving into the first taxi. They watched anxiously until he shrank to a dot.
"Hah. You guys aren't trying to die, are you? Hate your paychecks?"
Kang Ga-young swept back her light brown hair, her flushed face belying her refined features. The well-kept locks flowed smoothly.
"Bring him by any means. Money's no object. Get him in our guild."
"Sorry. We've failed you."
"Instead of reporting to me, go convince him."
She didn't even glance their way; they scurried off, bowing obsequiously.
"Why am I so pissed?"
The crude word clashed with her noble looks. She wanted to fire them all.
"Who knew that porter awakened as a healer. An S-rank one."
At her level, such talents were impossible to snag. Bad news. Persuasion was key. As soon as possible, before others knew. If only they'd met sooner. Using his sick mom as an excuse for a heal would've sealed half the deal. She could've melted him into her orbit.
"...Lee Seojun."
His neat vibe wasn't drop-dead gorgeous, but handsome enough. Seeing him stirred a pang in her chest— inexplicable longing and affection. Unfounded anxiety choked her. She needed him. Only he could quell this fear.
Knock knock.
"Come in."
Composing herself, she allowed her secretary entry. A bespectacled, meticulous woman entered.
"Report."
"Visited Hunter Jeong Ye-na today, but she asked for time and put it on hold."
"Hah. Whatever. Do as you like."
Who cared? Kang Ga-young sighed. She'd liked the talent for her side, but now? Zero interest.
"No worries. It's just a matter of time. Korea's top guild, Cheonsu. No one turns down the pay and perks."
Reading her mood, the secretary added slyly.
"And."
"......"
"The chairman calls for you."
"Hah. That old geezer."
Her head throbbed, despite her sturdy S-rank body.
"Got it. Out."
She slumped into her chair, leaning back. Heavy eyelids closed, summoning his face—the man Lee Seojun she'd just learned of.