Chapter 63
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 63
Chapter Title: Manager's Qualification
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Washington's southern outskirts business district was buzzing with construction under heavy security.
The site, originally the headquarters of a private security firm, had completely transformed over the past few days.
Weeeng- Thud!
A massive crane was affixing special alloy armor plates to the outer walls.
The windows weren't ordinary glass but layered with blue-tinted mana-blocking film and bulletproof glass.
At the entrance, a state-of-the-art mana detection gate, typically used at key facilities, was being installed.
It might look rough on the outside, but the reinforcements provided defensive capabilities rivaling AHB headquarters.
Si-woo stood with his arms crossed, gazing up at the fortress-like Washington branch of Miracle Management.
"They're putting more effort into this than I expected."
"It's the director's special orders. We're proceeding with top priority, no budget limits."
A blonde woman beside him smiled warmly as she spoke.
She was Michelle Miller, James Miller's only daughter and the dedicated liaison for this project.
Her impeccable uniform and neatly swept-back blonde hair accentuated her physique, boasting the toned muscles unique to military personnel. She kept glancing at her tablet while explaining the plans.
"Security systems are being set to Level 5 standards. Even if villains launch a full-scale terrorist attack, it can hold out until reinforcements arrive."
"What about the staff?"
"Already in place. Selected by the director himself—F-rank Awakeners, many from government agencies. They're office workers, but trained to assist you in emergencies."
"That's fast."
"This is just basic."
Michelle handed him the tablet, showing the system build progress.
Si-woo nodded in satisfaction, thinking to himself.
'As expected when the U.S. gets directly involved.'
The U.S. government was pouring every resource into letting Han Si-woo start S-rank scouting as soon as possible.
With capital and administrative power thrown in without restraint, things progressed at an unimaginable speed.
That was when Colonel Michael, waiting behind Si-woo, checked his wristwatch and spoke up.
"Time to go, sir. It's ready."
"Got it."
Michael opened the door with crisp military precision.
"Let's begin."
**
Four hours later, Virginia military base.
The parade ground of this base, home to the U.S. Army's elite Hunter unit, thrummed with tense anticipation.
Every soldier's eyes burned with intensity.
"Attention!"
At the booming command, hundreds of soldiers snapped into perfect formation.
Handpicked by Colonel Michael, they were all B-rank or higher Awakeners.
They held their at-ease stance, but their gazes locked solely on Si-woo.
'That's him.'
'Han Si-woo, the CEO.'
'If I catch his eye, I can become S-rank!'
Their stares at the Asian man on the platform brimmed with raw desire and admiration.
Rumors about Han Si-woo were famous worldwide, not just in Korea.
The center of successive reawakenings and blooms.
When word spread of his contract with AHB, the soldiers had all shivered with excitement.
They couldn't talk due to security, but inside, they were going mad with fervor.
Getting noticed by Han Si-woo meant becoming S-rank.
Contracting with Miracle changes a Hunter's life entirely.
Being chosen by that man enables reawakening and bloom.
Since hearing Si-woo would visit the base with Colonel Michael, no U.S. soldier had slept properly.
They all aimed to become like him.
'I'm ready.'
'My potential can't be just this.'
The soldiers on the parade ground brimmed with confidence.
As Si-woo passed, they puffed out their chests and exuded presence.
As if screaming with their whole bodies that they were worthy.
Guided by Michelle, Si-woo slowly walked between the ranks.
He activated Heart's Eye, scanning each face.
'None.'
Si-woo's brow furrowed slightly.
Of course, he hadn't expected to find one easily.
But these soldiers' physiques were extraordinary.
Superhuman specs, perfect condition.
All of them gazed with desperate longing.
But that was it.
'Their bodies are perfect.'
Each time Si-woo passed without stopping, the soldiers' eyes wavered faintly.
Disappointment was evident, but they bit their lips and held position.
Those passed thought it was just the beginning.
Guided by Michelle, he passed endless ranks, but no reawakeners appeared.
"……."
Si-woo stopped after the last row.
A heavy silence blanketed the parade ground, hundreds of eyes fixed on his lips.
Pleading for him to call their names.
Si-woo slowly turned to Michael and shook his head.
"...None?"
Colonel Michael asked in disbelief, voice low.
These were his personally selected men.
Loyalty, stamina, mentality, experience.
All matched perfectly, so none having potential felt like a huge loss.
"Yes, unfortunately."
Michael was frustrated, unaware of Si-woo's criteria.
What standards for selection, for judging potential?
With Si-woo's words, stifled sighs rippled through the ranks like waves.
Some shoulders slumped, others clenched fists in frustration.
"Let's move."
"I'll guide you."
Si-woo followed Michelle to the next base.
"Where to next?"
"Air Force base."
Michelle checked the schedule promptly.
"Let's go right away."
**
Over the next two days, Si-woo scoured every major military base near Washington.
Thousands of soldiers scanned with Heart's Eye, but results: zero.
No sign of reawakening, even rubbing his eyes.
"Sir."
Michelle called cautiously.
"All units near Washington checked. Next, western bases...?"
"Yes, let's do that."
Si-woo sighed wearily.
Moments later, arriving at the Washington branch, someone emerged from the entrance as if waiting.
"Hahaha. Hard work, Mr. Han."
"Ah, Director."
Si-woo bowed slightly as he stepped out of the car.
"What brings you here, sir?"
"Hahaha. Just checking on you while you're working hard."
Miller grinned broadly, patting Si-woo's shoulder.
"No one to your liking? Well, didn't expect to find the right one right away."
"...Yeah."
"So, care for a meal?"
"Pardon?"
"You, my daughter, Colonel Michael—all busy for days. Let me treat you."
Miller rubbed his nose sheepishly.
"My wife's a great cook. Way better than restaurant food. Michelle hasn't had home cooking in ages."
He glanced at Michelle beside him.
"At your place?"
"Director! We're on duty... And I ate there last week!"
"That wasn't a proper meal. Your mom was upset."
Listening to Miller and Michelle, Si-woo pondered briefly, then chuckled and shook his head.
"Sorry, but I'll pass. People waiting for me."
"Huh... How about inviting them too?"
"...You'll regret it."
"Hahaha! Fine, I'll regret it! Come on! Michael, you too."
"Understood."
Miller tossed the car keys with a hearty smile; Michael caught them, caught off guard.
**
That night, Si-woo lay in bed, staring into space.
His eyes darted rapidly, as if speed-reading something.
Heart's Eye (Active)
Growth Synchronization (Passive)
Skill Replication (Passive)
Manager's Qualification (Passive)
'Manager's Qualification.'
Manager's Qualification (Passive)
Managed targets' abilities increase by 10%.
Share 7% of managed targets' stats.
Freely replicate managed targets' skills without restrictions.
"...Ha, insane."
**
Crackle-
Miracle Management CEO Han Si-woo signs unprecedented contract with the U.S., elevating Korea's status...
"...Me."
On the other hand, concerns that Miracle Management might expand into the U.S. and never return...
"That spot was mine."
A woman with messy, bird's-nest hair stared blankly at the TV.
She kept muttering.
"Ahh... Mr. Han Si-woo chose me..."
She grabbed the TV with both hands.
Suddenly hugging it tight, she said,
"I want to go back. I want to go back. Back to when Mr. Han Si-woo offered his hand. Why... Why did you refuse me..."
That was when.
Bzzz-
Her smartphone on the table vibrated.
"...."
She silently picked it up and checked the message.
[Pick up, you punk!]
"...."
Soon, vibrations continued, screen showing "Scammer."
"Hello."
[Hey!! Who ghosts like that? Huh?!]
"...."
[Thinking I got scammed into contracting you by Han Si-woo pisses me off! At least do your job right!]
"...."
[The name tricked me into thinking male, but female, useless—no reawakening!]
"...."
[At least work prop—]
Click.
She hung up and hurled the phone away.
Then stared blankly into space, muttering,
"...I want to go back."