Chapter 14
Chapter 14
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 14
Chapter Title: Impressive Guild Scouts
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Guild scouts were more impressive than expected.
There were plenty of cases where they infiltrated exam halls—restricted to authorized personnel only—posing as examinees to scout talent.
Park Pyeong-sik was one such case.
That was the only way to snag the real gems early.
Of course, this method wasn't widespread yet, but in the future, most guilds would adopt it.
In that sense, Park Pyeong-sik was an early adopter.
Su-ho nodded and asked,
“You’re saying the pass list hasn’t leaked yet, so you must have taken the exam as an examinee yourself, scout?”
“Yes, that’s right. And I’ve been watching you closely ever since your duel with Player Park Yong.”
That made things even faster.
This was a good opportunity for Su-ho too.
“Then no need for lengthy explanations. So, what conditions are you thinking of offering?”
At the mention of conditions, Park Pyeong-sik’s face lit up.
Cases like this were easier to recruit for.
“You’ve just become a hunter, so ultra-special treatment might be tough, but among rookies, I can promise you the absolute best deal.”
“The best for a rookie... still sounds like rookie treatment.”
“That’s true, but with no hunter achievements yet, even if you went to Hexagon, the contract terms themselves would be similar to ours.”
“You really think so?”
“Pardon?”
“You know about the sudden gate at Sindorim Station the other day? The one yesterday.”
“Yes, I do. But why bring that up...?”
“You’re with Prime, but your info’s a bit slow. It’s only been a day, maybe? Anyway, I solo-cleared that one.”
“......Pardon?”
“If you don’t believe me, check the news later. Shall we renegotiate conditions then?”
“W-Wait, what... H-Hold on!”
“Hey, you’ll need internal meetings anyway, right? Take your time and call me. Oh, here’s my number, by the way.”
Su-ho gave Park Pyeong-sik his number and left first.
Park Pyeong-sik stared blankly at the number for a moment before hurriedly calling his guild.
It was an unexpected super-emergency.
***
The next day.
No surprises.
Given the times, results came out in a day, and Su-ho heard he passed first through a personal call from Jeong Cheol-min.
- Congratulations on passing, Su-ho.
“Thank you, Team Leader.”
- Haha, thanks to you, we nabbed a ton of cheaters this time. Just like you said, they were all skill-doping. It’ll hit the press soon, and exam rules will get stricter from now on.
Good news.
If just anyone could become a hunter, it’d drag down gate clear rates, leading to more innocent casualties—beyond just professional honor.
“That’s great. Exams should be fair.”
- Haha, exactly. Oh, and by the way... it’ll be announced soon, but you’re the top overall passer this exam. Congratulations again, sincerely.
Su-ho smiled at that.
Of course.
After all that chaos, they couldn’t not give him top spot.
But Su-ho replied humbly.
“Thank you. Thanks to you, I even got top honors.”
- Haha, what did I do... The pass list will be up on the National Hunter Association site this afternoon. Top three names at the very top, so check it out.
“Got it.”
As he was about to end the call, Jeong Cheol-min hesitated before continuing.
- Um, Su-ho... I know it’s awkward to ask right after passing, but... is joining the National Hunter Association still on the table for you?
Su-ho chuckled.
Must be eager now that he’d snagged top spot.
He gave the answer they wanted.
“Of course. I got scouted by a major guild already, but my mind’s made up.”
Jeong Cheol-min’s face broke into a huge grin.
- Thank you! I’ll contact you as soon as exam schedules or public recruitment pops up! Get some rest—you must be beat!
“Yes, thank you.”
The call ended.
Su-ho immediately dialed the next person.
He’d achieved top pass; time for business.
The call was to Director Kim Su-ae.
- Yes, Su-ho. Today’s the pass list announcement, right?
Kim Su-ae picked up right away.
She’d been waiting for his call.
Su-ho nodded lightly and replied.
“Yes, Director. That’s why I’m calling. Just got word from officials that I topped the list, and the official post will be on the National Hunter Association site in a few hours, so check it and wire the scholarship as per contract.”
- Hohoho, congrats on passing. I knew you’d ace it. So, Su-ho... if you’re okay with it, how about joining our Nexus Guild? I’ll make the deal better than anywhere else.
As expected.
He’d figured Kim Su-ae would want him too.
Any guild would react the same to the top passer.
Especially since he’d cleared a gate before even becoming a hunter—who wouldn’t drool?
That’s why she’d agreed to 300 million right away.
Building rapport like this first made guild pitches later no big deal.
Su-ho thought at her question.
‘Might as well test the waters since it came up?’
Su-ho asked,
“Prime said the same. How good a deal is Nexus offering?”
Silence followed briefly, then Kim Su-ae’s voice.
- ...You already met with Prime?
“There was a scout in the exam hall already. Disguised as an examinee. Guess I stood out.”
A faint exclamation came through the receiver.
She’d just learned about that method.
But true to pro form, Kim Su-ae quickly offered terms.
- Whatever. I’ll beat Prime’s offer.
“You know what Prime offered?”
- No idea. But I can make firmer promises than some scout. I have the authority. Plus, as our academy scholarship kid, terms will be easier to adjust. Don’t be like that—wanna meet now and talk face-to-face?
Very proactive.
But he declined.
Not the right time to join a guild.
“No, got personal stuff today. Text me the conditions, and I’ll consider. But as a Nexus scholarship alum, wouldn’t joining you look better than elsewhere?”
- Absolutely! Of course! I’ll whip up terms and get back to you. Su-ho, no signing with anyone else in the meantime, okay?
“Haha, yes. Waiting for your call.”
Call with Kim Su-ae ended.
Su-ho headed straight to the nearest community center.
He’d passed, so his hunter license should be in the system; time to get the physical card.
After getting his license, Su-ho hailed a taxi and went to Dongdaemun Market.
Needed some light shopping before proper hunter work.
The taxi carrying Su-ho headed for Dongdaemun Market.
***
Some time later, Hexagon Guild HQ.
Scouts and team members for this hunter exam project had gathered.
To check the soon-to-be-announced top passer.
“Ki-hyeon’s gotta be top this batch.”
“No doubt. We went through hell to snag that Olympic prospect, so Hexagon wins this round.”
The gap between top guilds Hexagon and Prime was slimmer than thought.
Rivalry in every field, including hunter exams.
But Hexagon hadn’t beaten Prime in exam tops for several batches, so they’d pulled out ace-in-hole: Olympic hopeful Kim Ki-hyeon.
Then.
“Glad to see everyone.”
Hexagon’s vice-guild master Han Tae-hyeon entered the meeting room.
The whole guild cared about this project, so he’d check before reporting to the guild master.
Han Tae-hyeon sat at the head and said casually,
“We’ll beat Prime this time, right?”
“Pfft, no question, Vice Master. Ki-hyeon will show ‘em.”
“Haha, high hopes.”
Then, a team member refreshing the National Hunter Association site spoke up.
“Whoa! It’s up.”
Eyes turned to the front screen, where the site and pass list popped up.
Everyone prepped smug grins for their sure win.
Kim Ki-hyeon had top written all over him.
But as the list loaded, Han Tae-hyeon and all frowned.
“Huh...?”
“Why’s this...?”
“What the?”
The Association lists top three at the very top.
Leftmost headline is top spot—should’ve been Kim Ki-hyeon.
But no trace of his name.
Instead...
Pass
An Su-ho
Park Yong Kang Dae-han Jang Hyeon-uk Kim Su-hyeon An Hyeon-san Pil Jeong-woo Sa Hyeon-min
Kim Gwang-hyeon Ju Do-hyeon Lee Myeong-hun Han Yeon-gwang Song Min-woo
...
Unfamiliar names topped the list.
Hexagon staff froze, speechless.
***
Dongdaemun Market.
One of Korea’s iconic open markets, blending light and shadow—exaggeration aside, it had damn near everything.
Su-ho shopped slowly, picking what he needed.
Money wasn’t an issue.
Scholarship wired right after Kim Su-ae call.
Finally grabbing most needs, Su-ho headed to his last stop.
[ Do Yeong Hardware ]
Sign said so clearly.
Tucked in a dingy corner, looking rundown—but this was Su-ho’s final destination.
Entering, the shirtless old owner—eyes on TV—said without looking,
“Welcome.”
Perfunctory greeting.
Typical for Dongdaemun merchants.
Main street or first-floor shops hawk, but back-alley spots like Do Yeong Hardware rely on word-of-mouth, so no frills.
Su-ho matched the vibe.
“Looking for some lightweight spears. Just became a hunter.”
Owner finally glanced at Su-ho, pointing to a corner stacked with spears.
Cheap ones galore.