Ch.78Becoming Famous – 1

Suddenly, a thought crosses my mind.

This guy Hyuk Kwak. Maybe he’s just scary on the outside but actually hollow inside.

Otherwise, how could the result be like this again?

‘Seriously, how can you be this fine after taking such a beating from The Elder?’

I was held by doctors and subjected to all kinds of examinations and tests.

With warnings that I shouldn’t have any discomfort anywhere.

Furthermore, even with emergency treatment for such serious injuries,

They said there might be aftereffects on a body that couldn’t handle that moment’s damage.

Sensing their urgency, I complied without resistance.

Honestly, I’m not too happy about my body being in poor condition either.

If I’m going to live, living long without pain is definitely the best option.

And the result was, surprisingly, one hundred percent. No, a thousand percent healthy.

As a bonus, even the doctors thought it was unbelievable how healthy I was.

“We were worried about aftereffects, but this is truly fortunate.”

“The field treatment must have been appropriate.”

“Seojin Baek’s physical abilities seem exceptional.”

“In my opinion, he might as well be Superman!”

Well. From my perspective, the problem seems to be just Hyuk Kwak, that bastard.

Isn’t The Elder supposed to be capable of at least crippling someone if not killing them?

How can my body be so perfectly fine that they’re discharging me early?

I’ve only been conscious for a few days and they’re already discharging me.

Honestly, I thought I’d be hospitalized for a few more days, but that wasn’t going to happen.

That alone was irritating enough, but what came next was even worse.

“Oh shit.”

The first thing I see upon leaving the hospital are people who clearly live off tax money.

Those people were waiting in several groups in front of the main entrance.

In ill-fitting black suits. Damn, why are they wearing sunglasses?

Do they want to advertise “Look at me”?

A group of suspicious-looking men and women in suits giving off dubious vibes.

It was obvious who they were here to see without even asking.

“Mr. Seojin Baek.”

As soon as I come out of the hospital, the suited group approaches me.

I wonder if saying “I’m not Seojin Baek” would work here.

I don’t expect it to, but maybe they might fall for it just once.

“Are you him?”

“…Yes. I am Seojin Baek.”

Of course, I didn’t actually say “I’m not him” or anything like that.

I know that would only make things more difficult for me.

These people definitely approached after confirming my face.

So after I confirmed my identity, they subtly moved closer to me.

“We’re from a government department. We apologize, but we’d like you to come with us immediately.”

“Excuse me. I just got discharged.”

“We’re aware. And we also know there’s nothing wrong with your body.”

“Physically, yes. But mentally, I’m extremely exhausted. I want to rest.”

I’m fucking tired. So please go away. That’s what I expressed indirectly.

I hoped they would take the hint and say “Is that so? Understood,” but…

“This is a matter of national security. We’re asking because time is of the essence.”

Wow, these bastards. They’re playing that card here? What? National security?

What national security issue? They’re talking nonsense.

At most, they just want to find out what kind of person I am.

How should I get rid of them? I thought hard about it.

But I couldn’t come up with any good solution.

Should I scream for help? That might make people wonder what’s going on.

“Excuse me.”

At that moment, a familiar voice came from behind the suited group.

With arms crossed and a very displeased expression was none other than Jiyoon Han.

Perhaps she heard about my discharge. She seemed to have come to meet me.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

“Lord… I mean, Professor Jiyoon Han. We are currently performing official duties…”

“So what? Which department are you from? Actually, it doesn’t even matter which department. While I’m still being nice, all of you should leave. What are you doing with someone who just got discharged?”

Clicking her tongue, Jiyoon Han pushed through the suited group.

Some of the suited people couldn’t hide their awkwardness but still,

They slightly blocked her way as if trying to explain their situation once more.

“But, Professor Jiyoon Han…”

Sling—

As if there was nothing more to hear, the sword at her waist was slightly drawn.

As the blade left its sheath, the way it reflected sunlight was extremely threatening.

“Do you think I’m easy to deal with? Unlike Rina Lee who’s unreasonable, do you think I’m someone you can reason with?”

The suited men and women shook their heads and immediately stepped back.

S-rank ability users. Their integration into society is ultimately a personal choice.

They could always quit everything and become villains if they’re dissatisfied.

If that happens, it would mean one more Elder that we already can’t handle.

Especially since South Korea lost two S-ranks a few years ago.

No, not just lost—they became villains.

Their identities, as I well know, were Sujin Hyun and Hyuk Kwak.

‘That’s why they can’t do anything against Rina Lee. It would be a disaster if that crazy woman became an Elder too.’

In this situation, another S-rank, Jiyoon Han, appeared.

And they pull this “We’re from the government, please step aside” crap?

If this gets reported to higher-ups, it won’t end with just their heads rolling.

As the suited group hastily retreated, Jiyoon Han returned her sword to its place.

Then, still in a cold voice, she spoke to them.

“I don’t know which department you’re from, but tell them to be reasonable. Understand? A patient who was just discharged today, someone who suffered serious injuries protecting academy students. Instead of showing respect, you immediately start with national security nonsense. I’m clearly warning you. If I see this behavior one more time, it won’t end with just words. Consider this an official expression of ‘regret’.”

“Y-yes. Understood. We apologize, Lord… I mean, Professor Jiyoon Han.”

The suited group scattered quickly with a rumble.

Thanks to this, I thought people’s attention might be drawn to us, but Jiyoon Han quickly moved me away.

“I’m sorry, Seojin. I’ll apologize on their behalf.”

“Why are you apologizing, Professor? It’s fine. And those people are just sad civil servants who have to follow orders from above, so I understand.”

If a civil servant doesn’t understand another civil servant, who will?

If they say they have no authority and need to transfer to another department, people complain they’re not working.

When something seems impossible but superiors order it, you just have to keep quiet.

“So I’m really fine.”

“…Thank you for saying that, at least.”

To avoid drawing more attention, we left through the back.

There, several men and women who had been waiting guided Jiyoon Han and me to a car.

They were probably academy-related personnel or members of her clan.

“I’ll take you home.”

“Is that okay? From what I know, Professor Jiyoon Han is a very busy person.”

Because two S-ranks became villains,

And one of the few remaining S-ranks is a crazy woman,

The remaining S-ranks are burdened with all kinds of tasks.

Like last time, when they had to repel villains in alliance with other countries.

Or when dealing with monsters or dungeons that seem difficult even for A-ranks.

Places that need S-ranks are probably everywhere in the world.

And the government will also bother them with managing important people.

I understand why Sujin Hyun and Hyuk Kwak said “fuck the country” and became villains.

“I’m busy, but not so busy that I don’t have that much time. And I have things to talk about.”

Jiyoon Han, who had been looking at me for a moment, suddenly bowed her head.

“Thank you. And I’m sorry. It was originally my job, but I left everything to you. I’m truly sorry. I feel ashamed to call myself an S-rank.”

I expected the thanks, but the apology was a bit sudden.

It wasn’t Jiyoon Han’s fault that The Elder appeared, nor did she push me forward.

She simply did her best to arrive at the scene quickly.

And the fight with The Elder wasn’t forced by anyone—it was my choice.

To protect my students, those who needed to be evaluated by me.

And to stop someone who hadn’t even been evaluated by me from crossing the line.

I simply acted in accordance with the “Gatekeeper” characteristic.

“I’m really fine. Please don’t do this. It makes me feel more burdened.”

“Thank you for saying that, at least.”

Afterward, Jiyoon Han shared news about various people.

First, Hakjun Ma was also very grateful for what happened.

He praised me for saving students twice now, following the previous academy attack.

He said he’d like to talk comfortably in a quiet place sometime, not as a principal and examiner.

‘Hakjun Ma is always welcome. He’s a reliable ally.’

Besides that, Jiyoon Han’s main story was that quite a few people had heard about this incident.

It seems they didn’t try to hide my achievements like last time.

Or rather, they couldn’t hide them.

At that time, I just tried to stop him, got hit a few times, and was sent flying.

But this time, against The Elder, even while being reduced to a rag,

I managed to land a critical hit on him.

And that scene was witnessed by students as well as national ability users.

It would be impossible to cover up all of that.

“Oh, and one more thing. You’ll probably have your rank reassessed within this month.”

“I was expecting that.”

“The government seems to be secretly hopeful. They must be desperate after losing two precious S-ranks in just a few years. They’re even calling some A-ranks potential future S-ranks. No matter how talented someone is, there’s never been a case of an A-rank rising to S-rank.”

I’ve heard about that. They say up to A-rank is possible through personal effort and ability growth.

But S-rank, called demigods, is ultimately determined by innate factors.

Whether abilities manifest early or late, effort alone isn’t enough, they say.

“What do you think, Seojin?”

“Well, my ability did manifest late, that’s true. But…”

But in the rank reassessment, B-rank would probably be my limit.

Even with extremely good luck… A-rank? Honestly, even that would be a miracle.

‘Now that I’ve figured it out somewhat.’

My characteristic isn’t something I can use anytime, anywhere.

Especially not during something like a rank reassessment where there’s no real reason.

“I don’t think my rank will turn out the way those higher-ups want.”

I simply wondered if it was influenced by the “Silver” I wanted before the possession.

But now I know that’s not all there is to it.

The Gatekeeper characteristic is influenced by something I don’t even know about.