Chapter 24
Chapter 24
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 024
Chapter Title: The Weak Protagonist Finally Shines
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"Chancellor, it's about time for you to head out."
A secretary with a sharp, venomous look delivered the line. At her words, Green House Chancellor Park Mu-jin lifted his heavy frame from the sofa.
His body, now entering old age, was no longer what it used to be. No matter how much of a superhuman one might be, all were equal before the ravages of time. Lately, he had grown dissatisfied with his own weakening form.
"Right. Let's get going."
"I'll guide you."
-Thud. Thud.
-Click. Clack.
Rhythmic footsteps echoed down the long corridor.
"...By the way, this is unexpected. For you to personally attend the exam, Chancellor."
"I wanted to see the talk of the town with my own eyes. I heard there's been some friction between the Security Chief and the Special Countermeasures Team 2 Leader over that agent's transfer?"
"Friction... that's putting it mildly. It was just a light argument."
"If you say so, then it must be. What's this agent like who's taking the exam?"
"His name is Ahn Su-ho. He's a General Division agent who passed the last public recruitment. Superhuman rank: E-Grade."
The Chancellor's eyes widened in surprise at the secretary's words.
"E-Grade? E-Grade? You're saying Team 2 Leader pushed for an E-Grade superhuman despite opposition from the others? Must be some standout ability, then?"
"Reports say his information-gathering skills are a cut above."
"Information-gathering?"
"The monster sample smuggling incident with Professor Shin Jin-woo. Apparently, it was this agent who tipped us off."
"I see."
He was well aware that Team 2 Leader pulled in talent from all directions using her connections—and he'd turned a blind eye to it.
The secretary gave a brief rundown of Ahn Su-ho's actions from the interview up to the present.
"I get it. Lately, he's been on loan to Team 2 for over a week on her unilateral decision... So he's practically Special Countermeasures already, isn't he? Why are the other team leaders objecting now?"
"Being practically Special Countermeasures and actually belonging there are worlds apart. You know how sky-high the pride of those agents runs."
"Pride befitting their skill."
A proud smile tugged at the Chancellor's lips as he said it. After all, he was the one who proposed establishing the Special Countermeasures Division in the first place.
Seven years into his tenure as Chancellor, he'd accomplished countless feats—but if pressed to name his greatest, he'd pick the Special Countermeasures Division without hesitation. That's how much he cherished it.
"Who'll be observing?"
"Team leaders from Teams 1 through 9, along with some team members. The Special Countermeasures Division Chief, Ahn Su-ho, his former General Division team leader and mentor. Plus the Chairman, and one attendant secretary."
"Why's that Chairman sticking his nose in?"
"He's particularly close to Team 2 Leader."
"Particularly close? What, is Team 2 Leader his mistress or something?"
"What the hell."
The secretary's steps halted abruptly. When the Chancellor turned, she was pinching the bridge of her nose with a weary expression, sighing deeply.
"...Chancellor. How many times have I asked you to drop that habit of blurting out whatever pops into your head?"
"I was just curious. Why react so sensitively?"
"It's about maintaining the dignity befitting an Academy Chancellor. If someone overheard that vulgar talk, what would they think of you?"
"Heh. Who else is here besides you?"
"You know perfectly well. Me."
"You're fine because you won't judge me over one or two slip-ups."
"As if. If I may be so bold, I watch your every move and score you mentally. That vulgar remark just cost you major points."
The Chancellor burst into hearty laughter at her words. It might seem rude at first glance, but this level of banter was par for the course between them.
"Don't laugh. I'm serious."
"Alright, alright. I'll watch it from now on. Anyway, what's the deal with the Chairman and Team 2 Leader being so close?"
"Are you really asking because you don't know?"
"Of course I don't. Why would I ask if I did?"
The Chancellor's innocent tone made the secretary swallow a sigh. Anyone else, maybe—but on Team 2 Leader Min Chae-ryeong's personal matters, even he might be in the dark. She was meticulous about hiding them, after all.
"You know the Chairman's remarried a few times? His second ex-wife is Team 2 Leader's mother. No blood ties, so to her, he's a stepfather."
"Oh? But isn't the Security Chief that guy's son too?"
"Yes. The Security Chief is the son from his third and current wife. So technically, Team 2 Leader and the Security Chief are stepsiblings. No blood connection."
"The Security Chief's from the third wife? Isn't he older than Team 2 Leader?"
"The Security Chief was born from an affair during the Chairman's first marriage. That affair partner is now his third wife."
"What a total mess."
"Couldn't agree more."
The Chancellor knew the Security Chief was the Chairman's son, but he hadn't realized the family tree was this tangled. After mentally sorting it out, he chuckled in disbelief.
"This is something. Turns out the top two in the Security Force are the Chairman's blood son and stepdaughter. No clue how to react."
"No clue how to react? That's exactly how I felt when you called his concubine or whatever earlier."
"Ahem. We're here."
Ignoring the secretary's jab, the Chancellor entered the exam arena.
The arena was the spacious stadium used for intra-Academy ranking matches. At the center lay a shock-absorbing panel field, encircled by a two-tiered spectator stand.
Scattered throughout the stands sat the Special Countermeasures team leaders, each with their team members. The Chancellor's arrival stirred a murmur through the crowd.
Ignoring them, he peered down at the field. Two men stood at opposite ends of the basketball-court-sized arena. One was a Special Countermeasures agent he'd seen a few times before. The Chancellor's gaze naturally shifted to the other side.
'That must be Ahn Su-ho.'
A bit over 180 cm tall, solidly built. Good proportions made his clothes fit sharply. Looks-wise, not bad at all, the Chancellor nodded to himself.
The man Team 2 Leader was dead set on recruiting, even against opposition from the other leaders.
Would he prove worthy of Special Countermeasures? An anticipatory smile played on the Chancellor's lips.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Meanwhile, in the opposite spectator section.
-Team Leader, is Ahn Su-ho really okay?
Chae So-yeon's voice emanated from the tablet beside Min Chae-ryeong. She was watching the exam via video call from the safehouse, unable to leave due to Ji Ye-won.
-Even with the talisman, he's terrible at fighting. Back when we fought that Dawn Corps guy, his screw-up nearly got Ji Ye-won killed.
"Who knows? I think he can win."
Despite Chae So-yeon's concerns, Min Chae-ryeong remained utterly relaxed. Chae So-yeon couldn't quite grasp it.
-...Do you really think he'll pass this exam?
At the question, Min Chae-ryeong eyed Ahn Su-ho's opponent.
Special Countermeasures agent Choi Jin-hyeok. He was a direct subordinate of Team 7 Leader Oh Tae-seong, the first to oppose the transfer. His hostile glare at Ahn Su-ho mirrored his boss's disdain.
Superhuman rank: C-Grade, middling even within Special Countermeasures. But as a true member, his skills were the real deal—leagues above your average street C-Grade.
Ahn Su-ho, meanwhile? Barely scraping E-Grade, the lowest rung. Four years of odd jobs before becoming a fresh General Division guard. Could he really beat Choi Jin-hyeok?
Most would say not just no win, but no real fight at all. Chae So-yeon agreed.
Except for Min Chae-ryeong, the sole one here betting on Ahn Su-ho.
'In three days, you'll all be shocked.'
A week ago, he'd left her with those words and vanished for three days, taking the high-end gear she'd provided.
She hadn't thought much of it then. Probably grinding real combat in some dungeon—but would it really help?
His confident attitude swayed her to let him go, though unease lingered.
But when Ahn Su-ho reappeared before her three days later...
No longer was there an E-Grade superhuman named Ahn Su-ho.
-With all observers present, we now commence Ahn Su-ho's Special Countermeasures transfer exam.
Lost in thought, Min Chae-ryeong heard Team 4 Leader—the referee—announce over the arena speakers. The chatting observers fell silent, focusing on the field.
-As announced, the exam is a 1v1 duel to assess overall combat ability.
-Duration: 10 minutes. Ends if one loses consciousness, sustains an injury preventing continuation, exits the field, or concedes. Other rules follow standard student ranking match protocols.
-Pass/fail decided by vote of official observers, regardless of duel outcome. Voters: Special Countermeasures team leaders except referee (me), Team 2 Leader, and Team 7 Leader—that's six; plus General Division and Special Countermeasures Chiefs; Security Chief, Chancellor, and Chairman. Total eleven.
-Explanation complete. Combatants, step forward.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ "...Remember, this is an evaluation duel only. Do not inflict unnecessary harm—."
Half-listening to the referee's fair play spiel, Choi Jin-hyeok sized up his opponent.
'Forget the duel nonsense—crush him overwhelmingly. Don't worry about fallout; I'll handle it.'
Team Leader Oh Tae-seong's words before the match echoed in his mind. He couldn't stand by while Min Chae-ryeong dragged Special Countermeasures through the mud anymore.
His resentment toward her wasn't just that, but Oh Tae-seong's higher cause resonated deeply.
'Some no-name E-Grade rolling in from nowhere, eyeing Special Countermeasures?'
Fueled by elitist pride in Special Countermeasures, he despised Ahn Su-ho's very existence.
With his boss outright ordering a beatdown, no holds barred. Choi planned to turn Ahn Su-ho into pulp.
Choi Jin-hyeok glared at Ahn Su-ho with naked hostility. But though Ahn's head faced him, his eyes stared elsewhere.
⚔ STATUS ⚔ Name: Choi Jin-hyeok
Gender: Male
Height/Weight/Age: 177.1cm / 78kg / 26
Job: Academy Guard
Affiliation: Green House Academy Security Force Special Countermeasures Division Team 7
Superpower: Pedal Power (B)
⚡ Strength: C 💨 Agility: C ✨ Magic Power: C 🛡️ Endurance: A 🍀 Luck: D 🎯 Technique: B 💥 Will: A Skills: 1. Close-Quarters Combat (Common. B) 2. Eight Extremes Fist (Rare. C) Academy personnel-only status view. Unlocked last time when the Academy Guard skill rose to D-Grade from the Ji Ye-won quest reward—a handy new feature.
'No detailed skill or superpower breakdowns, but this is plenty.'
For a reward from Blissful Heavenly Demon, it was damn useful. Dismissing Choi Jin-hyeok's status, he pulled up his own.
⚔ STATUS ⚔ Name: Ahn Su-ho
Gender: Male
Height/Weight/Age: 182.3cm / 76.6kg / 24
Job: Academy Guard
Affiliation: Green House Academy Security Force General Division
Superpowers: Black Smoke (D), Mana Absorption (A)
⚡ Strength: D+* 💨 Agility: C+* ✨ Magic Power: C 🛡️ Endurance: D 🍀 Luck: B* 🎯 Technique: C 💥 Will: E 1. [Academy Guard] skill effect: Luck +1 rank within Academy grounds. 2. [Morning Star's Breath] equip bonus: Strength and Agility +. Skills: 1. Academy Guard (Unique. D) Pitiful compared to Choi Jin-hyeok's. But considering his base, this was massive progress.
Thanks to Yeo In-hyeok's bone alignment: +1 rank each to Strength, Agility, Endurance, Magic Power. Plus Morning Star's Breath bonuses and Academy Guard's Luck boost.
Meager stats, sure—but the best he could muster now.
Back in position, Ahn Su-ho drew the practice sword from his waist. Dull-edged, but solid metal nonetheless.
Choi Jin-hyeok, unarmed, crouched with palms forward, steadying his breath.
Tension hung thick. Silence blanketed the arena.
The referee confirmed readiness and rang the starting gong.
-Ding!
-Boom!
The next instant, Choi Jin-hyeok stomped hard, closing the gap in a flash.
Ahn Su-ho aimed his sword. But the stance was odd.
One hand on the blade, the other on the hilt—held horizontal to the ground.
Like aiming a gun. As Choi puzzled over it, the blade spewed black smoke.
-Bang!
"Guh?!"
A baseball-sized smoke blob collided with Choi's arm. Too heavy for mere smoke; real pain.
"What the—."
Before he could process, second and third blobs assaulted him.
-Bang! Bang! Bang!
Using the leveled sword as a barrel, Ahn fired smoke bullets relentlessly. Choi, guarding, was slowly pushed back.
'How? Data said basic smokescreen ability.'
The heavy impacts on his arms kept Choi at bay.
Ahn Su-ho smirked, continuing the barrage. His right glove's fingers faintly glowed blue.
This attack adapted his strike against the Dawn Corps assassin.
Talisman-absorbed mana boosted smoke speed, mass, density—but dialed back to what his body could handle. No knockout recoil this time.
Weaker than before, sure—but still half a rifle bullet's power.
Broad area, no lethality, but perfect for suppression.
Proven as the charging Choi froze in guard.
"What? Choi can't even advance?"
"Shooting something? Ability variant?"
"Thought the E-Grade would fold instantly, but he's holding. Maybe Team 2 Leader saw something."
The stands buzzed at Ahn's showing. Min Chae-ryeong smiled knowingly.
-Crack!
Opposite, Oh Tae-seong ground his teeth at the farce.
'What the hell is that? Database said useless D-Grade smokescreen!'
Accelerated smoke bullets? Never heard of it. Ahn's file had no such info.
'Thought she just wanted his intel and scooped a worthless E-Grade. But he can ape a fight.'
Whatever. The issue: Min Chae-ryeong's pet General agent dominating his subordinate.
"Choi Jin-hyeok! Get it together! He's still E-Grade! Close in, and he's done!"
Team 4 Leader glared, but Oh ignored her.
Choi thought the same.
'Right. Team Leader's spot on. E-Grade. One gut punch seals it. So—.'
Power surged to his soles. His superpower: Pedal Power. Concentrate force for explosive next strikes.
-Boom!
Released, he rocketed forward.
Distance vanished. Punching range.
Choi smirked triumphantly. Decent resistance, but remote specialist reliant on power. Up close, victory.
His fist flew toward Ahn's solar plexus.
-Bang!
Simultaneously, Morning Star's Breath flashed red.
-Whoosh!
Choi's fist sliced air. He gaped at the miss—but recovered, unleashing the next.
-Whoosh!
Whipping roundhouse. Miss.
Lips bitten, next strike.
-Swoosh!
Spear-hand. Miss.
-Boom!
Stomping advance. Miss.
-Snap!
Elbow smash. Miss.
A storm of strikes from Choi's limbs. Eight Extremes Fist specialized in efficient one-shots, not combos—but each was lethal.
Yet none landed.
Why?
No matter the power, hits that don't connect are useless. Ahn dodged Choi's flurry with wind-like grace.
'Impossible.'
Choi tracked Ahn's moves. Crude, amateur—no reading attacks, only reacting at the last second. Sloppy dodges.
Yet he evaded everything.
How? The answer was right there.
'Impossible.'
No technique, no trick—just speed. Choi simply couldn't match it.
'An E-Grade reacting to me? No—outpacing me?'
Incomprehensible. Not just Choi—every observer felt it.
Except one: Min Chae-ryeong.
'Too early to be surprised.'
She smiled faintly at the glowing Morning Star's Breath on Ahn's left arm. The bracelet's red light reignited.
From pure evasion, Ahn switched to offense. Choi, dodging the flailing sword, recoiled in shock.
'Same here. No skill in attack either. Just wild swings.'
But fast. Faster now. Quadruple speed sword strikes battered Choi mercilessly.
Choi, a martial master, reacted barely—but the speed gap forced some hits.
'Me? Losing? To an E-Grade? No way!'
-Boom!
Pedal Power stomp leaped him back. Fist cocked, power condensed beyond before.
'Counter with Pedal Power the moment he closes. Amateur moves—no reacting to close counter!'
Team leaders spotted it: one-shot counter bet. Not optimal, but solid.
Or should have been.
-Ah.
Chae So-yeon gasped over video at Ahn raising his sword overhead.
Blue light rippled from Ahn. Smoke from both hands enveloped and surged along the blade.
-It's over.
Ahn swung down.
Darkest night blanketed the vast arena.