Return of the Sword God-Rank Civil Servant

Chapter 15

The shop owner spoke.

“Those over there are a bit cheaper.”

“Thank you.”

Cheap items.

It meant they were basically junk spears.

As proof, most of the spears here didn’t display any item information.

Items made by ordinary people, not blacksmith players, usually didn’t show information.

And most equipment made by ordinary people was cheap.

Of course, there were things made with good materials and craftsmanship, but that didn’t mean they were all classified as items.

To be officially classified as an item by the system, the creator’s skill and rank were crucial.

Thus, Suho narrowed his eyes and activated a skill.

[ Mana Detection is being activated. ]

As the skill activated, Suho’s senses heightened, and he began to feel the mana present nearby.

Of course, within the shop, only genuine items of a certain grade emitted mana.

For example, those displayed on the wall or on the shelves.

This was expected.

Every item held a minimum level of mana, which is why they were classified as items.

But Suho wasn’t looking for such things.

At that moment, he spotted a single spear faintly emitting mana within his sight.

The other spears showed no reaction.

Only that one emitted a strong mana wavelength.

Suho picked it up and checked its information.

[ Old Spear ]

– Grade: F

# An old, blackened spear.

An F-grade, cheap spear.

The description was simple.

However, Suho could tell.

This spear was exactly what he had been looking for.

After purchasing it, Suho exited the shop.

The price was 100,000 won.

Even that was slightly discounted after the shop owner looked it over.

Watching the shop owner lower the price, Suho chuckled inwardly.

If he knew the true identity of this spear, he’d regret lowering the price.

Yet, without a hint of emotion, Suho moved to a spot with few people around.

Then, he took out the spear and began to infuse it with mana, and after a moment, something incredible happened.

[ Mana is being supplied to ???. ]

[ The consciousness of ??? is beginning to awaken. ]

Two lines of alerts appeared before his eyes.

Simultaneously, the spear started vibrating with a buzzing sound, furiously absorbing Suho’s mana.

The rate of absorption was tremendous.

Suho immediately withdrew his hand from the spear.

He felt dizzy not long after he started infusing mana.

‘My stats are still lacking.’

To fully awaken this spear, he probably needed at least 100 mana stat points.

But Suho was satisfied.

Even if his mana was insufficient, he had found the right item.

And he could make up for his lacking stats at his next destination.

He had come here first to ensure that no one else bought the spear in the meantime.

With that, Suho decided it was time to move to his next destination.

With the shopping complete, it was time to carry out his next plan.

Suho got into a new taxi and headed somewhere.

***

While riding in the taxi, Suho searched the internet and found a particular blog.

He dialed the number listed there.

– “Yes, this is Jo Jin-hwi speaking.”

A voice came through the receiver.

His name was Jo Jin-hwi, and he was a journalist.

Currently, he worked for PBS, Korea’s top player broadcasting network, and they had been quite close before he had gone silent for a while.

After all, having a competent journalist or two on hand made handling things much easier.

Suho spoke.

“Is this reporter Jo Jin-hwi from PBS? Nice to meet you. I’m Ahn Suho.”

– “Ahn Suho?”

Jo Jin-hwi paused for a moment to think.

Since he introduced himself so directly, he figured this was someone noteworthy and racked his brain.

However, no matter how much he searched his memory or his notes, he couldn’t recall or find the name Ahn Suho.

He cautiously asked.

– “I’m sorry, but I have a bad memory. Who are you again?”

As expected.

He doesn’t know about me yet.

But this should change things.

“I’m the solo conqueror of the Unpredicted Gate that recently appeared at Sindorim Station.”

At those words, Jo Jin-hwi’s eyes widened as he straightened up.

– “The solo conqueror of Sindorim Station? A-and?”

“And I’m also the top scorer of yesterday’s Hunter Exam, which will be announced soon.”

– “What? Top scorer?”

Jo Jin-hwi momentarily froze.

What was he talking about?

Just now, he mentioned being the solo conqueror of the Unpredicted Gate at Sindorim Station, right?

Does that mean he’s a Hunter?

Then why did he take the test yesterday?

At that moment, one thought flashed through Jo Jin-hwi’s mind.

‘Could he have been an unregistered Hunter?’

There was only that possibility.

The Hunter license was different from a driver’s license; if it was revoked even once, you could never obtain it again.

Suho glanced at the time and said.

“Yes, that’s correct. The list of successful candidates should be up on the official website soon, so you can check for yourself. I called to let you know about this.”

Jo Jin-hwi, who had been twirling his pen, suddenly stopped, his mouth half-open.

It was a fresh shock in many ways.

Then, regaining his composure, Jo Jin-hwi asked.

– “…But why me?”

This was what he was most curious about.

There were plenty of other journalists, so why me?

Suho answered.

“I have a lot of things I want to do, and I thought it would be good to have a close journalist on my side.”

Caught off guard by the straightforward answer, Jo Jin-hwi replied, baffled.

– “If that’s your reason, aren’t there other journalists too?”

“I read some articles on your blog. I understand you’re what people call a ‘gold spoon,’ right? Despite that, you’re working as a journalist, which means you must have a lot more professional pride than most journalists, don’t you?”

Jo Jin-hwi laughed, half incredulous.

His words were blunt but true.

Among all the journalists, Suho had chosen Jo Jin-hwi because Jo Jin-hwi was, as people often said, a genuine “gold spoon.”

‘He always said he didn’t take bribes because he came from a wealthy family.’

Of course, Suho didn’t know exactly what kind of family he came from.

Even as a civil servant, investigating someone’s private life was illegal.

But as he saw on the blog, despite being just a journalist, Jo Jin-hwi drove the latest yellow Ferrari.

His nickname was “Golden Tabloid.”

Some called him the “Yellow Tabloid” or “Golden Reporter,” but he personally preferred “Golden Tabloid.”

‘He said it sounded the coolest.’

Furthermore, Suho had watched Jo Jin-hwi for a long time and never saw him write a single article that hinted at bribery.

Before he voluntarily disappeared in his previous life, Suho had worked with him extensively.

His outstanding investigative skills, combined with the journalist’s ability to stir up controversy, were incredibly useful for generating public interest.

‘Although his talent was so remarkable that he ended up being ousted later….’

In any organization, someone sharp would inevitably stand out.

Jo Jin-hwi was such a person.

As a result, he ended up getting entangled in factional conflicts and was forced to retire.

Whether he retired or not was unclear.

When he suddenly disappeared, everyone assumed he was pushed out by factional struggles and forced into retirement.

But this time, Suho intended to personally take care of Jo Jin-hwi so that things wouldn’t turn out the same way.

Jo Jin-hwi continued.

– “I understand your point, but this approach makes me uncomfortable. As much as I’m interested in exclusives, I’m not your lackey, right?”

“Of course not. I simply want an outstanding partner.”

– “An outstanding partner, huh… Let’s be frank. Are you telling me this because you’re about to join a guild and want to inflate your value?”

“You could see it that way. But would someone like me rely on mere publicity to increase my worth?”

– “What?”

“I’m aiming for fame. I intend to become a civil servant.”

– “…?”

Jo Jin-hwi’s thoughts stalled once again.

His face practically displayed the question: “What is this guy talking about?”

It was understandable, given that someone clearly on the track to becoming a major guild prospect had suddenly declared he wanted to be a civil servant Hunter.

Unable to grasp the situation, Jo Jin-hwi asked again.

– “If you’re aiming for fame through media exposure, isn’t that usually for joining a major guild? To inflate your worth? So, why say civil servant Hunter? Are you joking?”

“I’m not joking. I plan to join the Korean Hunter Association and work in the field. I’ve already conveyed this to the relevant people. If I had to name a reason, let’s say it’s for the public good. I’m not someone interested in just living well on my own.”

– “Then…were you also born with a silver spoon, like me? Is that why you want prestige?”

“No, I’m what’s called a Gate orphan. I also recently dropped out of the physical department because I couldn’t stand the corruption there. So, yes, I’m interested in public welfare. My life’s goal is Gate eradication. I think that’s enough information for your article, isn’t it?”

– “Well….”

Indeed, there was enough material for an article, as Suho said.

But that made it all the harder to understand.

Going by his words alone, he sounded like a classic hero, but what kind of hero is like this?

‘Is this guy for real?’

Jo Jin-hwi hesitated.

The exam results would soon reveal the truth, but even if that was real, Suho’s words sounded suspiciously exaggerated.

Was that why?

After some contemplation, Jo Jin-hwi decided to dismiss it.

– “All right. I understand what you’re saying, but I can’t become your personal reporter. I only write what I want to write. So let’s consider this talk about the top score in the Hunter Exam unheard.”

Suho smiled at his response.

Typical Jo Jin-hwi.

He had the particular grit unique to those born with a “golden spoon.”

Suho spoke.

“Then, let’s make a bet.”

– “A bet?”

“Yes, a bet. Since it seems you don’t trust me, I’ll prove I’m not all talk. Now that I’m a Hunter, I’ll prove it with skill.”

– “What… How do you plan to prove that?”

“I’m in Pangyo right now.”

– “Pangyo?”

“Yes. Now that I have my license, I plan to challenge the Tower of Trials.”

The Tower of Trials.

The place where new players often gathered once they earned their license.

So, Jo Jin-hwi replied indifferently.

– “And?”

“I plan to conquer it today. By myself.”

– “What? You’re planning to solo the Tower of Trials?”

“Yes, that’s my next plan. Whether I’m real or not, watch and see. You’ll naturally understand. But if I succeed in soloing the Tower of Trials today, will you then become my exclusive and personal journalist?”

An absurd proposal.

No one had conquered the Tower of Trials before…

Or even come close to a high record.

Thus, Jo Jin-hwi involuntarily let out a scoff.

– “All right. Even if you’re the top scorer, if you really solo the Tower of Trials, I’ll comply with any request as a journalist.”

“Good. Then, feel free to contact me later. Or perhaps we could even meet in Pangyo.”

Ending the conversation, Suho hung up.

It was only a verbal promise, but it was enough.

Jo Jin-hwi wasn’t a fool.

After the call, Suho looked up at the Tower of Trials, towering like a spire into the sky.

‘It’s been a while.’

Suho headed toward the entrance of the Tower of Trials.