Zero Mana, A+ Rank
Hunter rank assignments usually followed one of two methods. The first involved registering as an awakener, then going through an internship period with a corporation or hunter guild, where your rank was determined based on your performance during that time. This wasn't just about your mana levels or unique ability—it factored in situational awareness, strategy, external communication skills, and even luck.
Internship or not, it was basically unpaid slave labor. Still, most newbie awakeners preferred this route. Why? Because it gave you a slightly higher chance of landing a better rank.
But not for me or Yelena. No need—we'd score high anyway.
Honestly, Sujin's A-rank, so I should hit at least that.
"Soo-hyeok. I said this way."
Yelena's rank test was on the second floor of the building. Mine was the third. Probably separated by gender due to all the physical exams.
"Yeah. Good luck."
"You too, Soo-hyeok."
"Got it."
She should make A-rank, right?
Who was stronger, Sujin or Yelena? Hard to say exactly, but probably about even. So Yelena should hit A-rank too.
Heading up to the third floor as instructed, I found a decent crowd already there. All awakeners. I'd heard there weren't that many, but gathered together, it was quite a few.
Thud!
Fitting for a group like this, loud impacts echoed from all around.
The tests covered a bunch of items. Too bad there wasn't a magic crystal ball where you just touch it and—poof!—results pop out. No such luck.
First up: grip strength. Stick your hand in the machine and squeeze hard. Simple.
Looks expensive.
I was tempted to go all out, but with the device car-sized, I held back. Wouldn't want to break it and get billed.
"Tch. Measurement complete! 154 points...?"
"Is that high?"
"Uh... y-yes, yes it is!"
The staffer's face said I'd done well enough.
After that came similar tests: vertical jump, long jump, side-to-side shuffles.
One memorable one was picking the mana core box out of about a hundred. Testing color perception, I guess. No mana core or horns for me, so nothing visible, but I followed the mana afterglow and nailed it.
Finally, the mana measurement test. Place your hand on the crystal orb in front, and it detects your mana levels. Then it tallies everything for your hunter rank on the spot.
"Huh."
This one was mixed gender—women dotted the line ahead. Yelena was right at the front, her line shorter.
Kim Ye-na. Your total mana level is '24'.
"Ooh..."
Gasps rippled from those behind her at Yelena's score.
That's high, huh?
Probably. She's just a freeloader at our place, but an A-rank hunter gets serious respect.
"Hee hee."
Kim Ye-na beamed smugly. Everyone still in line stared in awe.
"Whoa... she's gorgeous."
"Who's that girl?"
"Mana 24? That's basically A-rank territory."
Reactions suggested she'd crushed it.
Combining confirmed test scores to determine Kim Ye-na's hunter rank.
Kim Ye-na, your hunter rank is 'A+'.
"Ooh...!"
Yelena's rank: A+. A notch above Sujin.
"You can take the unique ability test here for a possible rank boost. Want to?"
"Hm."
She glanced around at the staffer's words, spotted me, and strode over.
"They say that. Should I do the unique ability test?"
They test unique abilities since they can't know them all upfront. Spar with association hunters to gauge usefulness.
Yelena's is Sword Master, right?
Great for combat. Nail the test, and she might top A+.
"If you want."
"Too annoying. Wanna go home now."
"Then skip it."
"Got it."
She nodded and headed back.
"What? They know each other?"
"She said 'home,' right? Married?"
"Damn, lucky bastard..."
Her sudden move drew eyes my way. The misunderstanding wasn't fun, but denying it felt awkward, so I let it slide.
"Next."
"Yes."
My turn finally.
"Just place my hand here?"
"Yes. Relax, take a deep breath, and place it gently."
"Hoo."
Following instructions, I touched the orb. Watching earlier, I was worried. It measures mana, but I had no core or horns.
Just come out decent...
Beep.
The alert echoed through the room. Eyes from behind felt piercing—probably Yelena's influence.
Park Soo-hyeok. Your mana level is...
Gulp!
Total '0'.
"Damn."
As expected, not great.
"Pfft."
"Mana zero? Not even an awakener?"
"Why show up? Heh."
Laughter from the back.
"Uh... is this a problem?"
"Well, no. Physical scores factor in too... huh?"
The staffer tilted their head at my physicals. Then the machine continued.
Combining confirmed test scores to determine Park Soo-hyeok's hunter rank.
Park Soo-hyeok, your hunter rank is 'C'.
"C, C-rank?"
Overkill. C-rank's the level of that sniper kid from back in the day.
"Me, C-rank? But my physicals were solid. C-rank?"
"I-it's... physical average plus mana average..."
"Still..."
"Move it. People waiting."
An irritated voice from behind as I grumbled.
"Ugh."
"S-sorry. First time we've seen such a score gap..."
"Sigh."
No choice but to take it for now.
"Hee hee."
Yelena smirked beside me. Begging for a forehead flick.
"Soo-hyeok. I'm A+."
"I know, you brat."
"Call me Master from now on. Might share rank-boosting secrets."
"You little..."
Nothing to do but leave. Clear a few dungeons, rank up eventually.
No face to show Sujin.
Embarrassed, I pulled up a map app for nearby A-rank dungeons.
"Mind if I check something?"
Suddenly, someone cut in. Black short-sleeve tee, jeans. Amid workout clothes, it stood out.
"Pardon? Well... gasp!"
The staffer frowned at the intruder, then paled at his face.
"L-Lee Shin-yul!"
Their eyes bulged; mouth agape.
"Guh!"
They clamped it shut, realizing the slip.
Understandable. Even for association staff, Lee Shin-yul was Korea's No.1 hunter. Like the president strolling into a local office unannounced. Globally, top-tier untouchable.
"Wh-why is Lee Shin-yul here...?"
"What? Lee Shin-yul?"
"No way, for real?"
Awakeners caught on, reacting the same.
"Nothing major. Just saw a rank judgment issue."
Lee Shin-yul met my eyes.
Hmph.
Our first meeting wasn't pleasant, so no warm fuzzies. But No.1 was No.1: solid build, bottomless black eyes that made me frown instinctively.
Why butt in, though? I eyed him warily.
"We know each other?"
"Doubt it."
"Hmph."
"Um..."
The staffer peeked at us with my results.
"Ah, sorry. Late intro. Lee Shin-yul. Also association advisor."
"Oh, right."
Emphasizing advisor over Gu-guk Guild master. Meaning he could check results legit.
"Mind if I see?"
"Sure. If you're the advisor."
Uncomfortable, honestly. Guild master or not, barging in...
"Impressive physicals. Park Soo-hyeok, right?"
"Yes."
"This physique? A+ no issue."
"...Pardon?"
He glanced at the staffer.
"Our guild has folks like you. Hunters aren't just mana."
"Ah, yes! Registering as such."
Park Soo-hyeok, your hunter rank is 'A+'.
"Huh? For real? It works like that...?"
Dazed by the turn, he smiled warmly.
"Of course. Can't let talent like yours waste as association advisor."
"Uh..."
Misjudged him. Suspicious of such a nice guy on first meet.
Yeah, first impressions can wrinkle the brow.
No grudge over nothing. Thanks to him, I could face Sujin.
"Unique ability test?"
"Nah. A+ is fine."
Could boost more, but mine didn't work that way. No horns now—unique ability might not even trigger reliably.
"How to thank you."
I scratched my head, embarrassed. Felt petty toward a national hero.
"No need. Just doing my job."
"Ahaha."
Rank sorted, quick thanks and bounce. But...
"Park Soo-hyeok. Any guild you're joining?"
"Pardon?"
What now?
"Like I said, we have hunters like you. With fitting treatment."
Scouting me, clearly.
"Gu-guk wants him?"
"Whoa... turtle ship captain in a past life or what?"
Envious stares all around.
But I had a guild already. And the favors felt off.
"Thanks, but already committed."
"...I see."
A pause, then regret in his tone.
"Hope I repay this favor someday."
Got what I needed—time to go.
"That favor. How about repaying it like this?"
"...Like this?"
His follow-up was unexpected.
"Our guild's tackling a dungeon soon. Join us?"