Chapter 84
Chapter 84
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 84
Chapter Title: 16. Fragments of Memory (5)
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This incident.
The command headquarters had shown considerable interest.
An A-Rank Werewolf Lord had appeared out of nowhere, but a mere D-Rank hunter's exploits had ensured everyone's survival. On top of that, Kim Myung-min's testimony was almost unbelievable. Not only had he held his own against the Lord, but he'd even created openings for attacks. Because of this, they decided to hold off on any official evaluation for now.
If it was true.
Then Kang San's value needed to be rated even higher.
But while Kang San was hospitalized, Baek Sung-hyun restored the action cam footage and confirmed the truth for himself.
".........What is this?"
It was a moment of bewilderment.
On the screen.
Kang San's performance played out.
Baek Sung-hyun had imagined a scene where he was helplessly pushed back by the Lord.
Even that could be called 'holding out' in its own way, so it was the only conclusion his common sense allowed.
The truth was different.
[Whoosh]
[Hwooo, Whoosh-!]
Kang San deflected the Lord's attack by a hair's breadth.
A D-Rank's agility shouldn't even allow him to track the strike, yet the attack flashing by right in front of him was so close it sent chills down the viewer's spine. And that wasn't all. Despite already demonstrating abilities beyond his rank, Kang San dove into point-blank range—close enough to feel each other's breath—and pierced through the space instead.
It was shocking.
The judgment to dive in.
The ability to actually do it.
And the resolve to believe he could.
[Blind]
He tore the scroll.
Blinding the Lord.
Kim Myung-min's simultaneous appearance implied Kang San had planned and intended this exact combo.
Thud.
He kicked off the ground and stood.
Goosebumps prickled his skin.
Could this really be called D-Rank ability?
Even Lee Han-seong, who had saved the Rangers this time, couldn't have shown this level of skill back in his own D-Rank days, could he?
No.
Impossible.
It was beyond common sense. After rewinding the footage countless times, Baek Sung-hyun and command headquarters reached a unanimous conclusion.
A must-recruit target.
This was the moment Kang San's name truly surfaced.
And now.
Kang San looked flustered at Baek Sung-hyun's proposal.
".........Guardian?"
"Yes. We want to bring you on board as a Guardian."
Guardian.
No Korean citizen hasn't heard the name.
The group that protected the nation, literally.
White Knight Lee Han-seong, who had saved Kang San this time, was one of them. Hunters with immense fame currently operated under Guardian. They received government perks—no taxes on income, plus various benefits—in exchange for one promise: bolstering national defense.
That was why.
Lee Han-seong had stepped in.
Just one person, but with Guardian's massive backing, the problem was solved in an instant.
Kang San asked back.
"Do Guardians recruit D-Rank hunters?"
"It's certainly an unusual case, but Guardian's recruitment principles include not just immediate 'combat assets' helpful for protecting Korea, but also promising talents with bright futures. In fact, some A-Rank members grew under the Hunter Management Bureau's full support. In you facing the Lord, we saw a future beyond your current rank. I promise you here: join Guardian, and we'll provide unwavering support."
It was unprecedented.
Tempting.
An offer anyone would accept, yet Kang San strangely couldn't bring himself to reply right away.
Why?
It felt different from accepting the Ranger job.
Azmun had forced him into Rangers with the compulsion of trials—something he'd planned to outright refuse. But this time, no message came. As if it was purely his choice, the transcendent being watched silently from somewhere.
A great opportunity.
In terms of protecting Korea, it might even better absolve his karma than Rangers.
Kang San said.
"If I join Guardian, what would my duties be?"
"Sometimes it's solving isolations like this one, but usually large-scale incidents. Massive problems no individual can handle. Or elevating Korea's status through tournaments or deployments for national prestige. If Rangers handle frontline issues, Guardians are Korea's face."
He'd heard of it before.
There had been a global martial arts tournament once.
A Guardian hunter reached the quarterfinals, earning worldwide recognition.
Very different from Rangers.
Rangers stayed on constant standby, never knowing where trouble would strike next, while Guardians enjoyed freedom and only got missions when needed—and even then, they chose. If forced, no amount of perks would keep top hunters bound.
Skilled hunters.
That was their worth.
Baek Sung-hyun believed these attractive terms would surely sway Kang San.
No matter the talent.
He was just D-Rank.
Too risky to bet on an unproven future when he wasn't in a position to play bold.
But.
"I admit it's a fantastic opportunity, but I don't think it works for me."
".........You're serious?"
Rejection.
Looking at the stunned Baek Sung-hyun, Kang San's expression was firm.
"Yes. I decline."
Baek Sung-hyun didn't give up immediately.
He tried persuading a few more times, but Kang San's unyielding stance drew an incredulous laugh.
".........This is baffling. In recruiting for Guardian, rejections from A-Rank and above were rare, but a D-Rank saying no? First time in my life. Understood. If you're that set against it, I won't push. But if you change your mind, contact us anytime. Command headquarters truly values your talent."
With that, Baek Sung-hyun withdrew.
Now alone with Kim Myung-min.
Kim Myung-min looked baffled.
"Why decline? It's Guardian, not some agency. Better rewards than Rangers in every way. I can't fathom your thinking."
A natural reaction.
Frankly, Guardian was Rangers' superior version.
Representing Korea's defense image, with special government care.
If current Rangers could switch to Guardian, all hundred percent would.
Guardians saved people too. Same satisfaction as Rangers, no reason to refuse.
Kang San said.
"I know. It's an irrational choice. But after all we've been through, Team Leader, I realized the benefits from Rangers aren't what I truly want. Guardian offers much, but I'd drift from everyday disasters. Stepping back for spotlight missions and big duties. I'd rather help with what we encounter daily—saving ordinary civilians."
".........You mean staying with our team?"
Kim Myung-min looked shocked.
He knew, really.
Kim Myung-min's bittersweet thanks, Yoon Ji-tae's farewell-like words—they'd already anticipated parting with Kang San. A D-Rank blocking an A-Rank Werewolf Lord? Agencies would snatch him regardless of the Bureau.
Rational, but.
It overlooked Kang San's circumstances.
Through repeated trials, he'd found fulfillment in resolving daily calamities.
At first, it was forced.
Not thrilled with Ranger work at first—unlike him, they chose it daily as 'trials.' He gained much watching. Unsure when these trials end, but he hoped Kim Myung-min and the team stayed safe. In a harsh world where humanity became meddling, he wanted to aid those embracing 'unreasonable' lives.
His path forward.
His identity.
The deeper his past life's shadow loomed, the more Kang San sought an unshakable direction.
Kang San said.
"Not full-time standby, but call anytime you need help. Rangers come first, no matter what."
His words.
Kim Myung-min couldn't hide his astonishment.
"You live a tough life, Kang San. Got it. If we need help, we'll call—promise."
Kim Myung-min smiled brightly.
Suddenly, Kang San thought it was the happiest smile he'd seen from him yet.
At that moment.
Lieutenant Kim Chun-sik was swamped.
He'd been ordered to form a special unit under the Capital Defense Force and selected applicants from hopeful soldiers.
Quota: 30.
Including Corporal Park and others.
They'd follow him anywhere, undeterred even after he explained the dangers. A chain of goodwill. Like how Kang San inspired Kim Chun-sik, now Corporal Park's group vowed to follow him.
No media exposure.
Not verified hunters, just regular soldiers forming a special unit.
Without clear results, the Defense Ministry's move might draw mockery.
Kim Chun-sik met someone from Capital Defense Command.
"Your special unit under Lieutenant Kim Chun-sik will be exempt from all schedules. Budget and gear for your training program fully supported. Firearms will be latest models—let us know any specifics needed."
"Understood."
The man was a colonel.
Yet polite.
Kim Chun-sik's unique status meant rank didn't dictate courtesy.
He moved busily.
Strangely, not tiring.
Reflecting on Kang San, strength welled up where none had been.
'Mr. Kang San is truly good. Considering his sacrificial nature, this could repeat anytime. To help him then, I can't stay a mere soldier. I need power as a squad leader of a special unit. Real firepower and a voice in the military. This isn't enough.'
Back to base.
Sharing building with Capital Defense Force, selections nearly done—now training program.
But that afternoon.
An unexpected visitor.
"Congrats. Heard you shone brightly?"
"What brings you here?"
It was reporter Kim Min-young.
At Kim Chun-sik's stiff demeanor, she flashed a sly smile.
"We're past formalities—shouldn't we celebrate each other? Shocked hearing the news. Werewolf? Tough even for most hunters, yet you slew it and saved Rangers. People are buzzing. More remembering Lieutenant Kim Chun-sik, praising your feats again."
"Get to the point."
"So stiff. Fine, one question."
Their eyes met.
As if reading his soul through calm gaze, Kim Min-young's eyes sharpened keenly.
"Kang San. He's the Wangsimni Tanker I've been looking for, right?"
Sudden question.
In an instant, Kim Chun-sik's face hardened coldly.