Chapter 154
Ahn Suho, who had returned home first, quickly took a shower.
Even though his wounds had been treated, the blood scabs were still there.
He had already ordered food for the dinner gathering for the Association employees and told his housemates to stay at the academy tonight since he’d be hosting at home.
It didn’t take long to shower, and with ample time before the team members arrived, Suho truly began writing his report.
In fact, there wasn’t much to worry about with the report.
Sealed Gates like the Dark Canyon were already well-known, so all he really had to record was the damage sustained and the benefits obtained within.
Thus, he smoothly wrapped up the report and threw himself onto the couch.
Just then, Seo Giwon, who had just heard the news, contacted him.
– Hyungnim!!
His voice was full of alarm.
It seemed he had just seen the article.
“You’re only seeing the article now?”
– Yes, I just saw it! What on earth happened? Are you okay?!
“I’m fine. Just had some things to take care of, so I put on a little show.”
– Things to take care of? Everyone’s worried about you! What are you planning now?
“You’ll find out naturally if you keep monitoring the news. I’m busy, hanging up now.”
– Ah… Yes, understood!
Seo Giwon didn’t press any further and hung up.
If Suho said so, it was enough for him.
After finishing the call, Suho picked up his tablet and began monitoring public opinion.
The reaction was even more heated than before he’d returned home.
Everyone was in an uproar, wondering which Gate he had raided to end up in this state.
After observing the articles for a while, Suho picked up his phone and called Jo Jin-hwi.
– Yes, Mr. Ahn.
“Looking at the reactions, it seems things have heated up enough, so let’s start releasing the photos taken at the entrance of the Dark Canyon portal. I’ll give you the cue for the special feature article once the response builds up more.”
– Understood.
Everything had an order.
The special feature article was important, but to maximize its impact, he needed to let it simmer slowly.
That way, it would be ready at the most delicious timing.
Soon, Jo Jin-hwi released the photos, sparking public interest once more, and after watching the reactions for a while, Suho finally set down the tablet when the Association employees’ meal delivery arrived.
“Shall we set it up here?”
“Yes, please set it on the living room table.”
Alcohol and food were set out.
It was a luxurious feast that anyone would recognize as a grand spread.
He had asked them to put in some effort, and Association had delivered.
Soon after, he received a call from Jung Chulmin.
However, his voice lacked confidence.
– Um, Suho… I’ve arrived at the address you sent, but is this really the place…?
“Yes, it’s correct. Please come in.”
Soon, the front door opened, and team members started coming inside.
They were holding tissue boxes and packs of tissues, and they looked embarrassed as soon as they saw Suho.
He understood why.
However, Suho welcomed them with a laugh, unfazed.
“You could have come empty-handed. Why did you bring all these?”
“Well, it’s our first time visiting your house, after all… Agh, if I’d known, I would’ve just brought a fruit basket.”
“That’s why I suggested we go with high-end tissues!”
“How could I have known…?”
Jung Chulmin and Lee Won-an bickered belatedly.
Suho led them inside with a laugh, and they couldn’t help but be amazed at the size of the house and the spread on the table.
“Wow…”
“This is insane…”
“The Assistant Team Leader is rich…”
“I think I get why he didn’t join a guild but came to the Korean Hunter Association instead…”
Each had a different comment.
But all were expressions of admiration.
Suho gave a brief introduction of the house, and soon they sat down at the table to begin the gathering.
Then, Suho looked at the members and asked Jung Chulmin.
“By the way, you didn’t invite the Management Division members?”
“I didn’t. Our team’s Management Division people aren’t really part of our team, honestly.”
The Management Division wasn’t exclusive to Special Management Team 2.
There was also a Management Division in Team 1, led by Oh Bongju, and the Management Division members were effectively part of Team 1.
That was because the Special Gate management duties were primarily handled by Team 1.
Why did Team 1 handle it?
Nothing special.
Gate management was the safest task among Special Management Team duties.
‘That’s why Team 2 is loaded with exploration and raid duties.’
Of course, Team 1 also had Exploration and Raid Divisions, but they had merely existed on paper for a long time, with no actual assignments.
Thus, the only real members of Team 2 were the ones present here.
Understanding the general situation, Suho lifted a bottle of liquor.
“Then, I guess we can drink among ourselves. Shall we fill our glasses?”
“Sounds good. By the way, we finally get to drink together.”
“Indeed.”
The gathering continued in a friendly, joyful atmosphere.
When the mood had warmed, Lee Won-an, tipsy from the alcohol, spoke.
“Ahem, Assistant Team Leader?”
“Yes?”
“I’ve been curious for a while. May I ask you something now?”
“Yes, feel free to ask anything.”
“Then I’ll ask straight away. This is a question I asked previously… Would you consider becoming the Exploration Division Captain?”
Lee Won-an was a straightforward person.
And at his question, Jung Chulmin, who was drinking a highball, almost choked in surprise.
“Hey, hey! Why are you asking that? I told you to wait and discuss it gradually.”
“I was too curious to hold back. I didn’t have a proper chance to ask before, but today is our gathering, isn’t it? You can refuse if you like. I’m somewhat prepared for that.”
Though straightforward, Lee Won-an wasn’t naive.
He understood everything.
He knew what nickname Suho had within the Association and why he was assigned to the Gate Division instead of the Special Division.
But he still asked because he genuinely hoped Suho would take on the role.
No one else but Suho, who wasn’t just a player but a real powerhouse capable of breaking sealed Gates alone, could lead the Exploration Division.
Jung Chulmin quickly tried to smooth things over.
“Won-an, that’s something we should discuss gradually…”
“Yes, I’m willing to take it on.”
“…What?”
“…Yes?”
Suho suddenly cut in, answering in place of Jung Chulmin, who was about to respond.
Hearing Suho’s response, both Jung Chulmin and Lee Won-an, along with the other members who were listening intently, widened their eyes in surprise.
Seeing their rabbit-like expressions, Suho laughed.
“I was planning to talk about this as well. After all, Special Management Team 2 practically handles all the exploration and raid duties. And the Assistant Team Leader position has been vacant for a long time.”
The Assistant Team Leader role in Special Management Team 2 was indeed vacant.
Ideally, the team leader would also lead the divisions, but Jung Chulmin’s abilities were too modest even to call it “skills.”
Thus, Lee Won-an, the third in command, had to take on the role of Exploration Division Captain.
Due to this, Special Management Team 2 had been requesting an experienced hunter to fill the Assistant Team Leader position for a long time, but it was nearly impossible to find such a hunter.
Finding one was like plucking a star from the sky.
‘Besides, if they were skilled enough to enter through special recruitment, they’d have even less reason to join the Korean Hunter Association.’
And then, miraculously, Suho appeared.
That was why they didn’t want to lose him and wished for him to stay, even for a short while.
Lee Won-an was sincere about his work in exploration and raids.
Suho continued with a smile.
“I’ve heard a lot about Inspector Lee from the Team Leader. You’re always dedicated to exploration work and deeply committed to your duties.”
“Ahem, well, I do my best. Though, in reality, there are more Gates I can’t enter…”
“That’s to be expected. The growth environment isn’t favorable, and you earn less than ordinary hunters. On top of that, the government takes the spoils, so it’s harder to grow as a hunter.”
It was true.
These people were the true patriots working for the country and its citizens.
If not for their professional pride, Special Management Team 2 wouldn’t have been sustained.
Of course, they were mocked as “patriot pay warriors” by others outside.
And perhaps more heartbreaking than being mocked as “patriot pay warriors” was not being able to refute it.
Suho’s blunt truth made the team members look a bit somber.
At that moment, Suho lifted a bottle of alcohol.
“But things will be different now. As long as I am the Assistant Team Leader of Special Management Team 2 and the Captain of the Exploration and Raid Divisions, we will not face the same unfair obstacles, including giving up on Gate explorations.”
“Really?”
“Yes, of course. So let’s raise a glass.”
After pouring drinks for everyone, Suho filled his own glass and held it up.
“I’ll change everything. Just follow my lead. I’ll make sure you never regret joining the Korean Hunter Association.”
“Assistant Team Leader…”
“Suho…”
“Sniff…”
Moved by Suho’s reassuring words, everyone looked touched.
Was it because of the alcohol or the hardships they’d endured?
One of the team members’ noses tingled, and their eyes turned red.
“To a bright future for Special Management Team 2, cheers!”
“Cheers!”
“Clink!”
The glasses clinked.
***
“Everyone’s sleeping well.”
After Suho’s declaration as Captain, the gathering reached its peak.
Even though they were awakened, tonight, they drank until they could no longer stand.
They were truly happy.
Looking at the passed-out team members, Suho chuckled.
‘Many things are going to change from now on.’
The treatment of civil servant hunters.
The perception of Special Management Team 2.
And even the Korean Hunter Association itself.
Suho went out onto the terrace, pulled out his tablet, and checked the public sentiment again.
The reactions were very enthusiastic.
There were photos of Suho emerging from the Dark Canyon portal, with more than forty broken swords and a magic stone of a 1-star boss monster that had to be handed over to the Association.
After checking the public’s response, Suho texted Jo Jin-hwi.
To release the prepared special feature article as soon as dawn broke.
Within seconds, an “OK” reply came back.
‘Now all that’s left…’
Suho made a call to Vice President Park Gyu-min.
– Oh, it’s you.
“You answered quickly?”
– …With everything going on, could you sleep if you were me?
Since the news about Suho began circulating, Park Gyu-min had been unable to sleep.
He had a feeling Suho might contact him soon.
But he hadn’t dared to call first.
Remembering Suho’s warning not to meddle unnecessarily, he held back.
Park Gyu-min, feeling anxious, asked.
– How is everything going?
“I’m preparing something. As soon as you arrive at work, there’s something you’ll need to handle.”
Suho began explaining the special feature article soon to be released, and the task he needed Park Gyu-min to complete.
As Suho’s instructions sank in, Park Gyu-min’s mouth fell open in shock.
– M-me?
“Who else?”
– Ah, I got it…
“Do it well. Failure is not an option. This is extremely important.”
– “….”
“Answer.”
– …Understood.
“Then, get some sleep. Even a short rest is good for your health.”
Ending the call, Suho returned inside.