The Top Scorer's Weapon Selection
I heard that I got the highest score in the entrance exam?
What? Is this a dream?
'No way, I can't be the top scorer.'
As a person, I had a bit of hope too.
I was confident in getting a high score on the written exam.
After all, I caught that enormous yokai, so my score shouldn’t be bad.
But being the top is impossible no matter what.
This exam had some incredible geniuses holding on firmly.
Especially this year’s top and second were Go Juyeong and Yoo Yeonhwa respectively.
Yoo Yeonhwa is the daughter of a famous barrier company, a second-generation chaebol.
And Go Juyeong is a named character who teams up with the protagonist, the early main dealer.
'They’ve been maintaining the top spots until the protagonist grows.'
It was natural that they would take 1st and 2nd again this time.
I didn’t think I’d be the top.
But to be the top here...
'No, this would make me too noticeable.'
Honestly, I can’t be happy about it easily.
If I was really outstanding, maybe, but...
I’m just a one-trick pony with Instant Death, so why would anyone care?
It would just create expectations, and people would think ‘What’s this top scorer like?’
"Ha...! Mr. Nam Dohyeong... you are the top scorer?"
Even now, look at Yu Eunhye staring at me like she met a celebrity.
The person who was eating taffy with me just a moment ago is the top scorer. It was surprising.
"...No Nam Dohyeong?"
But the fact that I was the top didn't change.
Cheok Jiyeon, who acted first, was already at the podium.
'Damn it.'
If this continued, I’d be fired for ignoring the superior’s words in the shortest time at Cheonjihae.
I had no choice but to stand up.
At the same time, everyone's attention focused on me.
"Is that person the top scorer?"
"I've never seen an exorcist like this. What’s their specialty?"
"Still, the face is pretty good."
People started whispering while looking at me.
Many who enter Cheonjihae are already working as exorcists.
Among them, being the top scorer would normally make them famous as a genius.
But a completely unknown man became the top scorer...
It was natural for people to be surprised.
'...I wish I could give it to someone else.'
Looking at Cheok Jiyeon being second, perhaps we got the highest practical score by catching that huge yokai.
It was a yokai that even entry-level couldn't handle.
Then the written exam also divided the scores.
'...Is this a butterfly effect from my Instant Death skill?'
I let out a deep sigh without realizing.
Then people started gossiping more.
"Wow, even getting the top scorer is bothersome?"
"Having guts in front of Cheonjihae. Does that mean you're confident in your skills?"
"There must have been a reason it wasn't known before."
...It seems they're misunderstanding on their own.
If I drag this out, they'd think I'm crazy.
I had no choice but to head to the podium right away.
"Congratulations. You are this year’s top and second scorer."
Lee Jae-hak said with a completely unenthusiastic face.
"But remember this. Cheonjihae isn't a good place just because it stands out. It's better to lower your head a bit."
"Yes, I will do that."
I really meant it, so I answered immediately.
But for some reason, a sigh of admiration ‘O…’ came from the new recruits.
Lee Jae-hak looked at me and smirked.
"A guy with guts came."
...It seems like another misunderstanding.
Should I just stay quiet?
"Anyway, as I said, the equipment given by Cheonjihae will be awarded to the top and second scorer. The order is top scorer first. You can choose only one, so be careful."
Staff members brought several boxes and opened them.
Each box contained one piece of equipment.
'Oh... what should I choose?’
I didn’t think I’d get it, so I hadn’t planned.
Then, shouldn’t I just choose any weapon reasonably?
'Most top-tier anomaly items are often cursed.'
Even otherwise, they consume a lot of spiritual energy.
If you have it wrong, you might become like Kiyomaru who used Baou Zakuro thoughtlessly.
'It's fortunate if only spiritual energy runs out. Worst case, life force might be cut too.'
My eyes went to the sword in the middle.
Then Cheok Jiyeon's body flinched.
"?"
When I looked at her, she turned her face away embarrassedly.
I tilted my head and looked at the sword again.
'If I remember correctly, the second scorer Yoo Yeonhwa chose this sword.'
It was because this was the most expensive equipment among those here.
She, as the daughter of a large corporation, had excellent eyes for equipment.
'Actually, it is the best performing one. But that means I'll die while handling it.'
The better the equipment, the more it sucks the user's spiritual energy.
Just picking it up might make you collapse.
This one must be avoided at all costs.
In the end, I looked at other equipment.
All of them were emitting ominous auras...
'Hmm, not good.'
I thought about taking a purifying one, but Cheonjihae probably didn't think the top scorer couldn't handle it.
'It’s a shame, but I have no choice. If I can’t handle the weapon, I might get hurt.'
Especially if it’s an anomaly item.
Recently, Mi Nahye almost died by unfolding a book because of a evil spirit.
After thinking, I nodded.
"I will not take any weapon."
"What?"
Lee Jae-hak's eyes widened.
Wow, scary.
The trainees who were watching with bated breath started gossiping again.
"What did he just say?"
"He said he won’t choose any weapon?"
"Why...?"
Such reactions were completely normal.
Cheonjihae’s equipment isn’t something easily obtained.
'...But unlike you, if I choose wrong, I’ll die.'
Anyway, the top scorer only gets the chance to take the weapon.
It’s not mandatory to take one.
This is the safest choice for me.
"...Are you serious?"
"Yes. Really."
"You only get two chances. No use regretting later."
"I won’t regret it."
While nodding quietly, I suddenly remembered and said.
"Ah! Or will you give me the box that holds that weapon? Since Cheok Jiyeon chooses it, one will remain anyway."
It’s a box that stores an anomaly item.
It would be quite expensive since it’s a special box.
Unlike equipment, it’s safe, so I can take it.
"......"
I think I made the best choice.
...But why?
The surrounding air was getting colder.
"...Let me ask once. What’s the reason?"
Do I really need to give a reason?
I wanted to gloss over it, but Lee Jae-hak would kill me if I did.
A bit embarrassing, but I have no choice.
"There was no equipment suitable for me."
While saying that, I shrugged my shoulders lightly.
I did it to express my genuine disappointment non-verbally.
...But why?
The atmosphere was getting even colder than before.
"Haa... interesting."
Lee Jae-hak immediately smirked.
"You think this kind of weapon isn’t enough for satisfaction?"
"...It’s not like that."
"No, you’re not protesting that Cheonjihae can only provide this much equipment."
"No, I didn’t say that."
This guy is suddenly turning people into sociopaths.
Am I protesting against a chaebol?
"I’m afraid I’ll be cursed if I hear it."
"Haha... the top scorer of Cheonjihae refuses high-level equipment because he’s afraid of curses? Who would believe that."
Eh, hearing it like this, it doesn’t sound believable?
But what can I do if it’s the truth.
"If my pride was hurt, I’m sorry. We also prepared something decent."
"...I really had no intention of ignoring Cheonjihae."
"It doesn’t matter. As long as you’re skilled, we’re liberal. A fun guy came along."
Lee Jae-hak smiled like a professor trying to kidnap a grad student.
Wow, too scary!
"If you didn’t choose it, that’s it. We won’t force it."
Lee Jae-hak nodded.
Um, for now, the situation is resolved... right?
"Second scorer. What will you choose?"
"Ah... I’ll choose this sword."
"Right, that’s the usual choice. We need a box for that guy too."
Lee Jae-hak looked at me again.
Why are you looking at me like that from earlier.
It’s not that bad to receive a box instead because your life is in danger.
"Good. Both have chosen weapons... no, weapons and boxes, so let’s go down."
We each went back to our seats that way.
For some reason, everyone avoided my gaze and even widened the distance.
'...So I look like a ghost or something.'
No, in Cheonjihae, seeing a ghost would be a plus for achievements?
Anyway, I sat down holding the box.
By the way, Yu Eunhye who I talked to earlier was stiff as a board.
"Um..."
"Yes, yes! Sorry! I ate all the taffy you gave me! Should I puke?"
"......"
Weren’t we getting close?
If you suddenly distance yourself, it’s sad.
'Haa, it’s fine. Anyway, it won’t be interesting for long.'
We’ll be facing each other as trainees for a while.
Soon, everyone will know my level.
When that happens, they’ll ignore me naturally.
Then the entrance ceremony flowed smoothly and ended.
'I should sell the box quickly. If it’s a Cheonjihae product, it might be expensive?’
Later, I heard that among this cohort, there was a new hire who pushed back saying Cheonjihae level is low.
A new employee right after joining, rebelling against Cheonjihae.
It was a really scary world.
*****
After the entrance ceremony ended, the new hires were sent home.
No matter how much Cheonjihae, they don’t make them work from the day of the entrance ceremony.
"Wait a minute!"
I was going to my sister’s house where my sister was waiting, but Cheok Jiyeon, who had approached, called me.
Her face looked very urgent.
"Why did you yield the sword to me?"
"......?"
What is this sudden weird question?