S-Rank Confirmation and Endless Perks
I'd been to the Hunter Management Office a few times before for rank measurements, so the procedure was familiar. But today felt entirely different. I already knew my rank.
S-rank.
Before Jo Dong-geun died, Korea had exactly ten S-rank hunters. Now that I'd awakened, the count was back to ten. What a coincidence. Not that I believed in some cosmic law behind it.
"Please have a seat over there."
I followed the examiner's instructions. Naturally, the process was no different from what I'd experienced before. But as the measurement began, I noticed something off right away.
Is this supposed to take this long?
The measurement dragged on. The examiner—watching the monitor with his usual blank expression, probably assuming my rank hadn't budged much since my last visit—suddenly widened his eyes.
"Huh?"
At first, it was just mild surprise, like Oh, so the rank really went up. But as time passed, his reactions grew more intense.
"Huh? Huuuh?"
He even started fiddling with the machine, as if checking for a malfunction.
"Huuuuh? What the—?"
Like a broken doll spitting out weird interjections, the staffer finally picked up the phone and called someone.
"Hold on a sec."
The measurement wasn't done yet, so I couldn't move. I spoke up. "Who are you calling?"
But he'd already connected.
"Director, we're measuring a hunter's rank right now."
"Yes, yes, he's here. So the current rank is... S."
I couldn't make out the response, but a high-pitched voice exploded from the receiver.
"Sigh..."
I let out a weary breath. This was what I'd been dreading.
Living so long at Kang A-jin's house, surrounded by extraordinary women, I'd forgotten how society treated S-rank hunters.
Soon, rapid footsteps—unusual for a government hallway—echoed: tatata.
Knock knock.
The examiner bowed apologetically, looking mortified. "I'm so sorry, Hunter. I can't handle this alone..."
Just measure it, renew the license, and send me home. I felt a flicker of annoyance, but yelling at the staff wouldn't help.
I sighed and nodded. "Got it."
The examiner opened the door, and in came a middle-aged man—clearly the director—and two high-ranking staffers.
"Hunter!"
The director's face was stiff, like he'd never imagined this scenario. No manual for how to handle it, either.
"Hunter!"
"Yeah, I'm listening."
The sweaty brow-wiper—probably the director—suddenly bowed deeply. "It's an honor to meet you!"
Honor? For an S-rank showing up for a measurement? This wasn't standard for every hunter. Even A-ranks probably didn't get this.
Seeing all three bow in unison was novel.
"Uh, sure."
They straightened only after I replied. In perfect sync again.
"We apologize for not recognizing you and any poor hospitality!"
"No, I just got measured."
"Ahh, I see!"
The director checked the examiner's monitor himself.
"Incredible! S-rank! And such rare mana levels. I don't have the exact data, but..."
The examiner whispered in his ear as he trailed off.
"My word! Levels like Jo Dong-geun's! Amazing! Truly amazing!"
"Thanks for the congrats."
"Well then."
I stood to leave. I couldn't stand another second in this awkward vibe. And whenever things got this formal, nothing good ever followed. At least, not in my experience. Though that time, the situation left no choice.
"Already leaving?"
"Measurement's done. Gotta go. Please rush the license renewal."
"Of course! Have you eaten? If not, let me treat you. I'll do my humble best!"
"Not hungry."
"Then..."
The director glanced desperately at his staff. One stepped up after some eye-rolling.
"First time at S-rank? Do you know about the benefits?"
"Benefits?"
"Heh heh~"
The director seized the cue with a grin. "I'll explain. Come to my office for coffee. Or tea, snacks—whiskey if you like."
"Whiskey in the morning? This is a public office, and you're on duty."
"Aw, come on, don't be so formal! What's more important? Haha!"
He laughed heartily at his own joke, but I didn't crack a smile. He wiped his brow again, embarrassed.
"Coffee's fine. I'll hear about these benefits before the license comes."
"Smart choice! This way!"
I followed the director down the hall. If I'd been a regular awakener, this fawning might've felt great—shoulders puffed. But after years at the Dungeon Management Office, I'd seen the ugly side of hunter-related bureaucrats. And tagging along with Kim Seol-bi, I'd endured this multiple times. Now it just annoyed me.
This treatment was a pro of S-rank life—or a con, depending.
"Come on in~"
The director's office was bigger than expected. Sleek interior, oversized luxury sofa and table. One wall stocked with liquor; a large fridge probably held drinks. No normal director got a space this lavish. I figured it was for entertaining high-rank hunters—one of his key duties, maybe the main one.
Today might be his big shot. S-ranks rarely visited, let alone got promoted on-site. Whatever his angle, he'd milk this opportunity.
Understanding that made the hassle tolerable.
"Take the head seat."
He offered the top spot, but I sat on the side sofa instead.
"Haha."
Embarrassed chuckle as he sat opposite.
"What coffee? We have beans for every taste—just say the word."
"Americano. Iced."
"Got it."
He buzzed a staffer, ordering two coffees.
"When did you awaken? Coming for measurement today, it must be recent..."
He knew little about me, rushing in on short notice.
"Ten years ago."
I answered honestly.
"Pardon?"
His eyes bulged.
"Come on, no jokes."
"For real. Check it."
"Pardon?"
As he pulled out his phone, I cut in. "Not now. Like I said, coffee and S-rank perks, then I'm out."
"Ah, yes. Sorry."
Whether ten years or a week ago didn't matter. Even if he thought I was pranking, no harm. As he said, trivial stuff.
He grabbed a tablet, searched something. Not routine enough to memorize.
"S-ranks can open overdraft accounts up to 10 billion won. Home loans up to 5 billion. Guilds, clans, related businesses get extra loans too."
What? I doubted my ears.
At Kang A-jin's, I'd vaguely thought about needing a place post-departure. Better than a studio, maybe. But 10 billion overdraft? 5 billion mortgage?
And that wasn't all, apparently. The director continued.