The Excluve Privilege
Right after Han Seol-ah left, the man turned to Yoo Taejeong and asked,
"So, you're a Hidden, right? What's your class?"
"Mechanic."
"Mechanic? Never heard of that job before. Melee type?"
"No. It's a job that uses guns and cannons."
"Guns? Cannons? You mean shooting guns?"
"Yes."
"Guns... Hard to get a sense of it just from hearing. I won't pry too much. If the Leader sent you personally, you must have abilities to match. What's your name, by the way? I'm Yang Taesik, the one leading Jenix Guild."
"Yoo Taejeong."
"Yoo Taejeong? Sharing the 'Tae' generation makes you feel like kin already. Hold on a sec."
With that, Yang Taesik picked up the phone and dialed somewhere.
"Is Lee Tae-ho there? Come up to my office."
Shortly after the call, a man in his thirties entered.
"You called for me, Guild Master."
"This guy here. He's new. Register him as Excluve grade, handle the signup, and assign him lodging."
"Pardon?"
Lee Tae-ho tilted his head at Yang Taesik's words. Excluve was a rank reserved for S-grade and above—a privilege equivalent to levels 750+, basically core executives in the guild, and there weren't many.
"What kind of person is he to warrant..."
"He's Hidden. Recommended by the Leader himself."
"Ah, that explains it. Understood. And his position...?"
"General."
"Excluve grade but general rank?"
"You forgetting already? Our guild runs strictly on merit. We can match conditions and treatment, but climbing up depends on your own will and ability."
"Got it. I'll take care of him then. This way."
Lee Tae-ho left the office with Taejeong and properly introduced himself.
"I'm Lee Tae-ho, HR Manager. May I have your name?"
"Yoo Taejeong."
"Since you don't have a rank yet, I'll call you Taejeong-ssi."
"Sure, whatever's comfortable."
"First, we need to handle signup, so please follow me."
As Taejeong walked the corridors behind Lee Tae-ho, he realized the building's scale was no joke. It rivaled Hallasan Myeongdo Hotel in size.
Then, glancing out the window, he was left speechless. Countless buildings packed densely as far as the eye could see.
What the hell is this?
Hundreds—no, thousands maybe. Without that massive wall in the distance, he'd swear this was downtown Seoul.
As he marveled, Lee Tae-ho spoke up proudly.
"Impressive, right? Our HQ is the largest among peer guilds. Like a small city. Wouldn't lose much even to the Specialists."
"How many guild members does it take to fill all these buildings?"
"About 7,000 official members. Including families and contractors, pushing 30,000. I'll explain later, but think of it as having all the leisure, convenience, and education facilities of a city center. Do you have family, Taejeong-ssi?"
"Yes, one younger sister."
"Once assigned lodging, I'll guide you through move-in procedures."
"Okay."
"Almost there. This way."
Following Lee Tae-ho's lead, Taejeong arrived at the top floor's "Introitus" signup hall. Opening the door revealed a gym-sized space with a magic circle in the center.
Lee Tae-ho positioned Taejeong on it.
"Wait a moment, and the join prompt will appear."
Sure enough, a translucent message window popped up before his eyes.
[Would you like to join Jenix Guild?]
[Yes / No]
"Yes."
As soon as he answered, a brighter light flared, and another window appeared.
[Welcome to Jenix Guild.]
[Your class is registered as Mechanic user, #7,122.]
[Access to all guild gates granted.]
[Gate-specific reputation opened.]
Signup complete, followed by a quest completion chime.
[Quest completed.]
[EXP debuff released.]
[New quest opened.]
"Looks like it's done?"
"Did a member number window pop up?"
"Yeah, #7,122."
"Perfect, you're officially in. Congratulations."
"Thanks. But who makes these things?"
Taejeong was fascinated by the unfamiliar magic circle. How did it handle guild joins?
"The Guild Master made this one."
"Mind if I ask how? First time seeing one, got me curious."
"Of course. At level 400+, you get a guild creation skill. Use it to form a guild, then invite individually. Only the master has permissions until a certain level—master approves each one. Past 800, you unlock auto-join circles like this. Then, appointed members can auto-join without approval."
"So this is a skill."
"Yes. Treat it as a permanent skill."
Taejeong nodded at the new info, then curiosity struck.
"How many over 800 in the guild?"
"Over 50, probably."
"50? And above that...?"
"Above that... hmm. Excluding the Guild Master, about five."
"They must be insanely strong."
"S+ grade. They'd hold top seats anywhere."
Taejeong recalled his talk with Han Seol-ah. Hanrasan and Ranger execs gunning for him were S-grade. Four stronger here.
"Got it. What's next?"
"Assign you a room first."
Leaving HQ, they headed to a massive building left of the central road. Bustling with people, some greeting Lee Tae-ho.
They reached the top floor's last of five rooms.
"Here. Take a look."
Inside was better than expected. Simple officetel layout, but high-end interior and furniture rivaled luxury homes. Best was the panoramic 38th-floor view.
Lee Tae-ho handed over a card key.
"Use this. Oh, and this is the dorm map."
Taejeong took the key and laminated paper, nodding.
"Do all guild members live inside?"
"B-grade and below have duties, but not you. Excluve matches S-grade perks—live freely. And your sister..."
"Yes."
"Tell your secretary later; we'll arrange her move-in."
"Thanks for everything."
"No trouble. Gotta register you in the system. Here's your guild ID—access anywhere. Have a good day."
After Lee Tae-ho left, Taejeong sat at the table, glancing around. Felt like a real hunter now.
Idly sitting, something clicked, and he spoke to the air.
"Quest open."
[Path of the Beginning 1-3]
Congratulations on joining the guild. You've now stepped onto the true hunter's path.
Hunt in a party with guildmates. Strength in numbers.
Target: Crescent Earth, Count's Castle. Party clear 0/1
Reward: Jet Blaster
"Party hunt, huh."
Solo-hunting addict though he was, no aversion to parties. Groups yielded bigger gains sometimes.
"Think on that later. For now..."
Closing the quest window, Taejeong checked the time and called Yoo So-young.
—Yeah, oppa? What's up?
"Listen carefully from now on. Truth is, I've..."
Taejeong spilled everything to So-young. She first doubted, but his serious tone convinced her it was real.
—Why tell me now?
"Didn't want you worrying. That's why."
—I am worried. Who else worries about you? You okay, no injuries?
"I'm fine. Anyway, pack now. You're moving here. Details when we meet."
—Okay, got it.
Taejeong planned to bring So-young to the guild. Post-Hallasan, he realized how dangerous this world was.
"Time to handle the biggest issue first."
Deciding to tackle priorities, Taejeong bolted from the dorm. Overwhelmed by the crowds and buildings, he grabbed a passerby.
"Excuse me, how do I get out?"
"Out where?"
"Seoul."
"North gate."
"First day here, lost."
"Ah. North gate's 5km that way. Got a car?"
"No, left it in Seoul."
"Too far to walk. Shuttle at the stop ahead. Wait, I'll take you."
Following the kind woman from the dorms led to a bus stop with an electronic board like outside.
"Got your guild ID? Tap and board."
"Thanks."
After she left, the board chimed shuttle arrival. A mid-size bus pulled up nearby.
Boarding, he saw the card reader upfront.
"Tap guild ID here?"
The driver nodded curtly. Taejeong tapped casually.
A cheerful melody blared with alerts.
Beep-beep-beep!Ding-ding!Beeeep!
> [You are Excluve grade.]
> [Have a nice day. Thank you.]
Chuckling at the fanfare, his eyes met the driver's. The once-lazy nodder shot up, bowing deeply.
"H-hello, sir."
"Pardon?"
"Wh-what brings you h-here..."
"Uh? Just boarding the bus..."
"Ah! Yes! Understood. I'll serve you well."
Stunned by the sudden formality, Taejeong turned awkwardly. Everyone stared, dumbfounded. Then, as if scripted, all looked out windows.
What? Newbie vibe showing?
Weird, but he sat. A booming voice from ahead:
"Ready to depart?"
Gazes flicked back to him.
What? Why me?
Peeking driver: "R-ready to go?"
"Asking me?"
"Yes. If not ready..."
"What prep for a bus ride?"
"Ah, roger! Departing!"
Over-the-top service felt off, but soon murmurs from behind.