Chapter 95: I'm the One Who Should Be Thanking You

“I hereby recommend Hunter Taejun for a special A-Rank Promotion Examination in the first half of next year.”

“A special examination…? For A-Rank?” Hong Sujin, who had been typing on her laptop, froze, her mouth agape in disbelief.

The reporters in the press conference room were equally stunned. Viewers watching the live broadcast were likely just as shocked.

A murmur rippled through the hall, growing louder and more chaotic.

Go Geonho calmly concluded, “That concludes my remarks.”

He turned to Taejun beside him. Taejun simply shook his head slightly, a faint smile playing on his lips.

That was the signal.

“Jeong Ilwoo from NCB. I have a question…”

“Kim Miyeong from CNA! I have a question for Lee Taejun!”

The reporters exchanged glances, then spontaneously rose from their seats, each eager to ask their question. Some couldn’t contain themselves and blurted out their questions immediately.

Go Geonho calmly raised his hand and pointed to one of them. It was Hong Sujin, who had straightened her back and been the first to eagerly raise her hand.

“Hong Sujin from Huntertime. I have a question for the Lord of the Nine Heavens.”

“Ask away,” Go Geonho replied. “But I’ll only take one question per person.” He knew that endless questioning could keep them trapped in this press conference indefinitely.

Hong Sujin nodded, already pushing up her horn-rimmed glasses. If she only had one shot, this was the question to ask.

“It’s about Hunter Taejun’s promotion to A-Rank.”

Kim Daegi, sitting beside her, gave a wry smile.

As expected, Hong Sujin immediately cut to the chase with her question.

She always snags the most interesting questions.

Except for S-Rank promotions, which required approval from the International Headquarters and were subject to an Out-of-Standard Judgment, A-Rank was the highest tier of Hunter License issued by the Alliance Headquarters.

Therefore, the Promotion Examination was divided into two stages, and only those who met strict eligibility requirements could even attempt it.

These requirements included:

• Clearing at least 50 dungeons and Gates of Grade 2 or higher.
• Eliminating at least 30 A-Rank Monsters.
• Possessing at least one S-Class piece of Equipment.
• Mastering four A-Grade Skills or equivalent Martial Arts.

These conditions could only be met by B-Rank Hunters who had been actively working for at least three consecutive years.

In other words, only Hunters whose abilities have been thoroughly verified are eligible to challenge the A-Rank Promotion Examination.

However, there is one exception.

It is possible to take the A-Rank Promotion Examination without meeting all the standard requirements.

“Lord of the Nine Heavens, are you saying you’re willing to take a significant risk for Hunter Taejun’s promotion immediately upon your return?”

The leaders of Korea’s Big Three Guilds, or those who have etched their names in history as national heroes through their extraordinary achievements, can recommend a Hunter for a special examination, staking their own reputation and honor on the outcome.

“A risk…” Go Geonho murmured, his gaze deepening.

Breaking established rules naturally carries consequences. If a specially recommended Hunter fails to obtain their A-Rank License due to insufficient ability, the recommender will be barred from challenging the A-Rank Promotion Examination for the next five years.

However, the recommender would suffer an even greater blow.

They would face a massive fine and their guild would be penalized with expedition restrictions. Public scorn, ridicule, and a tarnished reputation would be added to the burden.

Go Geonho, celebrated as the hero who redefined the perception of necromancers, naturally had the most to lose.

“Are they really pushing this rookie this hard?”

“Isn’t it a little too obvious that he’s favoring his own guild member?”

“Even the mighty Nine Heavens Bone King has lost his edge in his twilight years. Now he’s practically on a leash held by some rookie.”

“I knew things were going downhill the moment he handed the guild over to his incompetent nephew.”

Kim Daegi, overhearing the journalists’ conversations nearby, wore a grim expression.

If these rumors are already spreading here…

The chat windows on the internet channels streaming the press conference must have already devolved into a mudslinging frenzy.

But…

“We have no concerns about the risks,” Go Geonho stated calmly. “Hunter Taejun has more than enough talent to easily obtain his license.”

His eagle-sharp eyes remained unwavering.

“Ahem, ahem.”

When his gaze swept across the conference hall, the reporters who had been whispering behind their hands fell silent, clearing their throats awkwardly.

In the sudden quiet, Hong Sujin, completely unfazed by Go Geonho’s imposing presence, nodded and smiled. “I sincerely hope your judgment proves correct.”

Then, she turned her attention to the person beside her.

“Taejun, will you only be taking one question as well?”

Taejun replied with a faint smile. “Originally, I only intended to answer one question. But since you’ve broken the ice, I’ll allow two.”

“Oh, thank you! Then first… I suppose I have to ask about this.” Hong Sujin’s eyes sparkled with curiosity behind her horn-rimmed glasses. “Did you request the special examination, Taejun?”

Had the Nine Heavens Bone King pressured Taejun into it? Or had Taejun requested the examination and asked the Nine Heavens Bone King for a recommendation?

The answer came swiftly. “It’s accurate to say both. I wanted it, and the Lord of the Nine Heavens wanted it too. Our interests simply aligned perfectly.”

Kim Daegi’s eyes narrowed at the question.

It was a question that was bound to invite criticism, no matter whether Taejun or Go Geonho answered.

However, Taejun’s response, though somewhat vague, minimized the risk by carefully avoiding naming the proposer of the special Promotion Examination.

This is his first official press conference, yet he’s surprisingly adept.

Typically, overnight sensations either rush headlong into mistakes or stumble over their words, revealing their lack of experience. But Taejun showed none of those telltale signs.

“Hmm, that answer’s a bit unsatisfactory, but I’ll let it slide since we still have one more question. Thank you.”

“The pleasure’s mine. Next question, please.”

Hong Sujin realized that Taejun wouldn’t be an easy target and smiled knowingly.

“As you know, Taejun, the Lord of the Nine Heavens is a prominent figure both domestically and internationally. Hunter reporters from around the world are here right now.”

“It seems that way,” Taejun replied.

“Originally, this press conference was meant to focus on the Lord of the Nine Heavens’ return. But somehow, you’ve become the main attraction.”

“Yes.”

“In other words, countless eyes, both at home and abroad, are currently fixed on you. With that in mind, I’d like to take this opportunity to ask you some questions about your future plans.”

Taejun remained silent for a moment, considering her words.

But that moment of reflection was fleeting.

“I understand there’s still quite some time before next year’s A-Rank Promotion Examination.”

“That’s right. The exact date hasn’t been announced yet, but the first A-Rank Promotion Examination usually takes place between October and November.”

“Until then, I plan to keep working hard.”

“Are you referring to the efforts required to pass the A-Rank Promotion Examination?”

“No.”

Taejun spoke calmly.

“I’ll simply strive to become stronger than I am now.”

“Thank you, Lord of the Nine Heavens. Securing this position for me must have been quite an ordeal.”

The press conference had ended, leaving the two of them alone in the waiting room.

“Nonsense. This was nothing.”

“Still, I’m deeply grateful that you risked your reputation to recommend me.”

“What risk? Just enduring a few bitter words from the public?” Go Geonho chuckled. “Even if you fail the Promotion Examination, face a hefty fine, and lose a bit of face… how could that compare to the wretched life you led before?”

”…”

“Of course, that won’t happen. You already possess the skills worthy of an A-Rank Hunter. What’s A-Rank anyway? You should aim for S-Rank!”

Not quite yet, I thought.

I bowed my head in gratitude.

Then, Go Geonho, his face softened with a kind smile as he gazed intently at me, continued.

“Still, I must admit I was a little surprised when you first brought it up.”

The day before, on Daehwa Island, I had asked Go Geonho if he would recommend me for the A-Rank Promotion Examination scheduled for the first half of next year. I also requested that he publicly announce his recommendation during the press conference for my return, which was being held to mark my inheritance of Blood Magic. Since A-Rank examination recommendations could only be made through official channels anyway, I figured it would be more efficient to handle everything at once while I was already in the public eye.

Fortunately, he had readily agreed.

Today, he had carried out my request exactly as asked.

Then, out of the blue, Go Geonho quietly said, “I suppose you wouldn’t want to talk about it.”

“About why you’re so obsessed with ‘growth.’”

”…”

When I remained silent, Go Geonho continued, gazing at the dimly lit ceiling of the waiting room.

“An A-Rank License is the ultimate dream for anyone in this industry. It’s been that way ever since the formal licensing system was established 28 years ago.”

“Back in my day, it was like a medal of honor, a badge of courage. Proof that our mission to save humanity, our spirit of self-sacrifice, wasn’t misplaced.”

That must have been true.

“But it’s not like that anymore. Most of the kids these days crave an A-Rank License for the wealth and fame that come with being an A-Rank Hunter. It’s all about popularity.”

That was also true.

You didn’t even need to look as far as Lee Seonah.

As soon as Choi Jinhyuk earned his A-Rank, his social media followers exploded into the hundreds of thousands. He was flooded with interview requests and advertising deals.

Before that, he’d been just a moderately popular up-and-comer in the unremarkable Bicheon Guild.

In an instant, he became a full-blown celebrity.

The gold-rimmed A-Rank License was the ultimate symbol of success for the top 1% in this era.

“But I’m certain your desire for promotion isn’t driven by ambition,” Go Geonho said.

Of course not.

I had no interest in that kind of success.

What mattered to me was the privilege that came with an A-Rank License.

A-Rank Hunters gained priority access to expeditions in any domestic dungeon.

When high-level Gates appeared, they could participate in sealing operations without additional certification.

Most importantly, they became eligible for large-scale international Gate missions and expeditions to dungeons in other countries.

That was the sole reason I sought promotion: to eliminate any variables hindering my growth and to explore more diverse methods of enhancing my Synchronization Rate.

Go Geonho pressed further, “Curious why I’m so certain?”

“I’m curious,” I said.

“Your eyes remind me of my comrades from my era, not the Hunters of today,” Go Geonho replied.

”…”

“I don’t know what’s driving you to rush like this.”

Thud.

Go Geonho’s hand gripped my shoulder.

“Don’t worry,” he said, narrowing his wrinkled eyes. “You’ll continue to grow faster and stronger than anyone else.”

His gaze was filled with a warmth I hadn’t felt since my parents passed away—an eternity ago.

“Thank you,” I managed to say.

“No need for thanks. I simply spoke the truth.”

Go Geonho smiled, but his expression soon darkened. “Anyway, something’s been bothering me a bit.”

“What’s troubling you?” I asked.

“Back when I was a Hunter, I was fortunate enough to make some good friends who looked favorably upon me. But conversely, I also made just as many enemies who resented me.”

Ah.

Given Go Geonho’s uncompromising, rigid, and fiercely opinionated nature, that was inevitable. Especially when dealing with those who were quick to scheme and prioritize their own interests. He would have been their antithesis.

“Most of them were Hunters dispatched from the International Headquarters or from foreign branches. As you know, during the early days of the Great Change, Korea didn’t have nearly as many talented Hunters as we do now.”

The early days of the Great Change were a far more severe ordeal for Korea than for other nations. The frequency of Gate and dungeon appearances was abnormally high compared to the global average, making it virtually impossible for domestic Hunters alone to contain the disaster. Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of Hunters like Ma Daechun and Cha Taesu, who had received an Out-of-Standard Judgment, the country managed to barely hold on.

Consequently, Korea had to rely on support from Hunters dispatched by foreign countries. Among them, some had clearly come with ulterior motives.

“Quite a few were sent here looking to make a killing,” Go Geonho said.

Of course, the majority were undoubtedly driven by a noble sense of duty to protect humanity, saving countless lives. Yet, there were certainly Hunters and mercenaries who had set foot on Korean soil solely to pursue their own interests, regardless of the consequences.

“Naturally, they weren’t on good terms with me,” Go Geonho said. “I even punished some of them myself. There were those who threw helpless civilians to monsters as bait, and others who hunted monsters for sport.”

“I’ve heard of such people,” I replied. “Mostly mercenaries from other countries.”

“It was a time when even subhuman beasts were pretending to be heroes. That’s why I have more enemies abroad than you might think. Most of those who clashed with me back then are still living comfortably now.”

Go Geonho stared at me intently, then added quietly, “As representatives of Hunter Agencies, Guilds, and similar organizations in their respective countries.”

I met his gaze. Seeing the worry in his eyes, I could guess what he was concerned about.

Through a press conference, I was publicly revealed as Go Geonho’s heir to Blood Magic, his first and only official “disciple” to be thrust into the global media spotlight.

Therefore…

“Are you saying that those who still harbor resentment toward the Lord of the Nine Heavens might try to harm me?”

“They probably won’t try to take your life,” Go Geonho replied. “Long ago, someone tried to kidnap my nephew. After I shattered his limbs and wiped out his entire Guild, even my most bitter enemies stopped resorting to such extreme measures.”

“Then…”

“They might try to test your abilities and embarrass me without crossing the line.”

“Test me?”

“For example…”

The Nine Heavens Bone King then voiced his thoughts.

“So, if anything like that happens, tell me immediately.”

As he finished speaking, I nodded eagerly, my eyes gleaming.

“Understood.”

“Hmm.”

“I’d be grateful if they proposed that kind of ‘test.’”

“Right. Even if you refused, they wouldn’t dare harm you… Hmm?”

Go Geonho’s mustache twitched in confusion.