Chapter 79
Chapter 79
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 81
Chapter Title: Verification (1)
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“Have a safe trip! We'll be waiting for you!”
Cha Su-ho headed into the teleporter, catching the nuance in Derek's words that he should come back soon.
“We'll head straight to the Association.”
“Yes.”
Standing side by side with Trevor in the teleporter, Cha Su-ho spoke to Jin Seong-hyeok.
'We'll probably meet the Association President right away.'
'Who knows. But one thing's for sure—they'll try to keep you at the Association as long as possible. Make you subconsciously feel like it's a good place.'
'What a hassle. I was hoping to get back quick.'
There was no time to waste on nonsense. Cha Su-ho's mind was focused on learning skills as soon as possible and building the mental strength to control his power.
'Think of it as a short break.'
'A break doesn't take more than an hour or two. Teach me the skills after we get back from the Association.'
Jin Seong-hyeok chuckled softly.
'Depends on how you do.'
'Ah, hyung!'
Just as he was about to retort to Jin Seong-hyeok's laugh, Trevor spoke up to Cha Su-ho.
“Cha Su-ho Helper.”
Cha Su-ho turned his gaze to Trevor beside him.
“From now on, you'll get a lot of approaches from other branches and countries.”
“Is that so.”
Cha Su-ho decided to play dumb. It would be easier that way.
“You could ignore them like Jin Seong-hyeok does, but that might make it seem like there's room for negotiation, so they'll keep trying to recruit you. Especially you, Cha Su-ho Helper...”
Trevor paused mid-sentence. It was best not to reveal that Cha Su-ho's test results had outscored Jin Seong-hyeok's. It would only give more power to someone already rebelling against joining the Association or any branch.
Better to emphasize his shortcomings and how the Association could fill them.
“Trevor Examiner?”
“Nothing. Anyway, it would be more convenient to belong somewhere. Joining the First Branch like Jin Seong-hyeok Hunter isn't a bad option. The Center 1 Director has been understanding of him before, so you'd be comfortable there too, Cha Su-ho Helper.”
Jin Seong-hyeok snorted at that.
'They only treat me well because they profit from having me. Isn't that obvious?'
Oblivious to Jin Seong-hyeok speaking in his head, Trevor continued.
“The Association is good too. If you join the Association proper, it would block most approaches from other branches.”
“I won't ignore them.”
“...Pardon?”
“No room for negotiation. I'll flatly refuse.”
Right then, the mechanical chime announced their arrival at Association HQ, and Cha Su-ho stepped forward.
“We're here. Will you show me the way?”
Trevor, staring at Cha Su-ho at the teleporter exit, finally spoke.
“Follow me.”
It was an impressive teleporter zone no matter how many times he saw it. Passing dozens of teleporters, they emerged into a hallway, and Cha Su-ho scanned his surroundings.
The security agents stationed everywhere made it clear this was the Association.
“Chief Examiner Trevor!”
Someone called out to Trevor. A man in a gray suit bowed politely toward him—the Association President's secretary.
“Hello. We're here to see the Association President.”
“The President has an urgent meeting right now. Would you mind waiting a bit?”
Trevor glanced at Cha Su-ho.
“Ah, that's fine with me.”
At Cha Su-ho's okay, Trevor turned back to the secretary.
“Understood.”
“I'll show you to the waiting area.”
The secretary strode ahead. Soon, a cozy space with sofas and tables came into view.
“Please have a seat and wait.”
No sooner had the secretary spoken than staff arrived with trays.
“Have some while you wait.”
All sorts of breads, cookies, and drinks filled the table. They all looked delicious.
“Is this part of the recruitment pitch?”
Trevor paused at Cha Su-ho's words, then chuckled.
“No, go ahead.”
Cha Su-ho eyed the snacks on the table, hesitating. Not because of anything else—he just didn't want an earful from Jin Seong-hyeok if he ate.
As if reading his mind, Jin Seong-hyeok spoke up.
'That square cookie is fine. It's a protein cookie.'
Protein cookie?
'Just eat that one.'
Sticking out his tongue at Jin Seong-hyeok's strictness, Cha Su-ho reached out. He picked up the square protein cookie as instructed, and Trevor commented.
“That's interesting.”
“Pardon?”
“Jin Seong-hyeok Hunter only ate those too.”
No wonder. It was on Jin Seong-hyeok's orders. Cha Su-ho laughed awkwardly.
“Haha, it just looked the tastiest.”
He popped the protein cookie into his mouth—and immediately scrunched his brow.
What a awful cookie.
Jin Seong-hyeok's laughter echoed in his head. To wash away the taste he'd never want to experience again, Cha Su-ho reached for the cup in front of him.
“Chief Examiner Trevor.”
It was the Association President's secretary.
“Sorry, but the meeting's running longer than expected. If you have time, would you visit the testing lab before meeting the President? One of our examiners wants to report on a recent experiment.”
“The testing lab?”
“Yes.”
Trevor stared silently at the secretary before slowly standing.
“Cha Su-ho Helper.”
“Yeah, that's fine. Go ahead.”
Thanks to his time in the Fifth Branch, the earpiece translating seamlessly felt like second nature now.
It was actually more comfortable waiting alone to chat with Jin Seong-hyeok than sticking with Trevor.
“Got it.”
Trevor followed the secretary out, and Cha Su-ho stretched as if finally relaxing. Confirming he was alone, he leaned back on the sofa and tilted his head.
Maybe because he'd just finished sparring with Eun-woo—after a few blinks, sleepiness washed over him.
'So carefree. Already thinking of napping.'
'What's wrong with that? I'm alone. Wake me if you sense anyone coming.'
Jin Seong-hyeok let out a hollow laugh and muttered, but Cha Su-ho didn't hear.
'Already asleep, Cha Su-ho?'
He was already out.
Meanwhile, Trevor noticed something off as he followed the secretary. The testing lab was downstairs, but they were heading to the President's office.
Trevor had only told the President that Cha Su-ho tested SSS-grade, nothing more detailed. So the President likely wanted to hear the full story from him first.
“Go on in.”
Trevor knocked cautiously and opened the door at the secretary's words.
“Chief Examiner Trevor.”
The President stood waiting, gesturing to the empty sofa beside him as soon as he saw Trevor.
Trevor waited for the door to close before sitting and speaking.
“You knew I came with him, but called me alone. There must be a reason.”
The President laughed heartily.
“Haha, I have to acknowledge how sharp you are, Examiner Trevor.”
Unlike his kindly crinkled eyes, a glint of cold sharpness showed in his gaze.
“So, tell me more about Cha Su-ho Helper. Confirm if what you reported is really true.”
Trevor responded as the President cut straight to it.
“Just as I said. Cha Su-ho Helper received an SSS-grade rating on the Hunter test.”
“...The same as SSS-grade Jin Seong-hyeok Hunter?”
“The scores match, but we can't say their skills do yet. He awakened recently, so he has few usable techniques, and his power output is weaker than Jin Seong-hyeok Hunter's.”
The President nodded thoughtfully.
“That makes sense. Still, for a Hunter with less than a year since awakening to show that level is impressive. And...”
His eyes flashed suddenly.
“The key is that an A-grade Helper has SSS-grade Hunter-level power.”
“Exactly. And since he's a Helper, it seems he purifies the power buildup in his body.”
“...What?”
Trevor calmly replied to the stunned President.
“He said he's never needed a Clean despite using his power.”
“So... Cha Su-ho Helper doesn't need Cleans?”
“He hasn't used massive power like Jin Seong-hyeok yet, so we can't say for sure, but one thing is certain...”
Trevor's expression grew meaningful.
“Cha Su-ho Helper doesn't need to worry as much about Cleans as Jin Seong-hyeok Hunter does.”
“Incredible...”
Even the President trailed off. Jin Seong-hyeok's biggest issue was Cleans. His immense power required equally immense purification. That's why five Helpers clung to him, but complete Cleans were impossible.
As a result, he suffered excruciating headaches daily and had to limit his power use.
Jin Seong-hyeok was already remarkable for performing at that level despite the pain and incomplete Cleans.
“If everything Chief Examiner Trevor said is true...”
If Cha Su-ho truly had SSS-grade Hunter power on top of not needing Cleans, there was nothing left to ask. Trevor fixed his gaze on the slowly speaking President.
“We must secure Cha Su-ho Helper for the Association, by any means.”
Before other branches coveted him, before governments caught wind—publicly stamp him as Association personnel. That would prevent needless strife and secure the Association's stable power.
“But President, as Center 1 Director of the First Branch said, Cha Su-ho Helper stated he doesn't want to join anywhere.”
The President's resolve didn't waver.
“We have to make him want to join. If not...”
A shadow crossed his face for a moment.
“We'll make him join, no matter what.”
Trevor shut his mouth. His role as examiner was done. The choices were now the President's and Cha Su-ho's.
Having finished his task, Trevor stood.
“Then I'll bring Cha Su-ho Helper now.”
Dae-geon, who had come to the Association on the President's sudden summons, narrowed his eyes at the security agents gathered outside the reception room.
Security wasn't usually posted there. They only guarded when SSS-grade Jin Seong-hyeok Hunter was inside.
With no SSS-grade Hunter present now, he wondered why they were there.
Thinking maybe a national leader had arrived, Dae-geon headed to the reception room. The agents recognized and greeted him.
“Hello, Mr. Cha.”
Dae-geon nodded curtly and asked one agent.
“Who's inside the reception room?”
“Cha Su-ho Helper, as far as I know.”