Chapter 14 : Reward For Excellent Students

In the conference room, a cold tension hung in the air.

As the executives of the Anomaly Management Bureau sat down, the report began with a simple gesture.

“The intruder has indeed been confirmed as a person from the Future Anomaly Utilization Research Institute.”

A small sigh spread among the executives.

The recent unexpected incident during the new recruit orientation and training.

At the center of it was the illegal organization, ‘Future Anomaly Utilization Research Institute,’ which had been recently discovered and was in the process of being eradicated.

“Is that research institute still operational? This is getting troublesome. They’re like cockroaches.”

“Yes. They are clearly pursuing profit through the use of anomalies, no matter what sacrifices they must make.”

Anomalies.

They can be useful when properly harnessed, but fundamentally, they are no different from natural predators for humans.

Even low-tier anomalies can be fatal to regular people.

In other words, from the Bureau’s standpoint, they were entities that could never be allowed.

“In this incident, they summoned a C-class anomaly, ‘Sandohwa,’ and attacked the new recruits.”

“They directly summoned a C-class anomaly? The cost of that kind of contract must have been significant.”

“We are still investigating. It’s currently under interrogation, and we should find out soon.”

One of the executives asked with a serious expression.

“By the way, what about the manual? They said they had it. Was internal security compromised?”

“That is a possibility, but it’s still unclear.”

A brief, uncomfortable silence lingered among the executives.

“Could it be… that the anomaly that created the manual had direct contact with them?”

At that moment, the air in the conference room became even colder.

But soon, someone shook their head.

“That’s unlikely. Considering the cost of creating the manual, it’s not something that could happen easily.”

After a short pause, the reporter continued.

“Anyway, in this incident, the performance of Kim Min-woo and Seo Yuna stood out.”

All the executives’ gazes shifted to the reporter.

“Those two new recruits took down a C-class anomaly? Is that confirmed information?”

It was hard to believe.

Seo Yuna, thanks to her background and the anomaly she was contracted with, could be understood to have done so,
but Kim Min-woo was still an ordinary person who hadn’t even contracted with an anomaly yet.

The only known oddity was that the anomaly ‘Pamyoh’ followed him.

“After the battle, Seo Yuna fainted, and it seems Kim Min-woo faced the anomaly Sandohwa alone. The exact details of the scene are still unclear, but… there were traces of the anomaly left on his body.”

“Traces? What kind of traces? Could it be…?”

“Yes, exactly. A powerful binding curse. During the battle, he must have paid an enormous price, enduring great sacrifice from Sandohwa.”

Surprised looks passed between them.

How much sacrifice could one have made to face a C-class anomaly? It was unimaginable.

“Furthermore, after the situation stabilized, Kim Min-woo reportedly protected the other new recruits and, using the manual, waited for rescue.”

The atmosphere in the conference room shifted mysteriously.

A mix of astonishment and admiration filled the air.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen a true talent like this. He’s an invaluable asset that our Bureau cannot afford to overlook.”

“Moreover, among the new recruits this term, Song Min-taek couldn’t overcome the fear of anomalies and resigned. That makes Kim Min-woo’s value even greater. He is a true virtuous person who can sacrifice himself for his comrades.”

The executives nodded in agreement.

“Then, Kim Min-woo will require additional compensation. However, the only thing the headquarters can offer right now is a monetary reward… It would be insufficient to evaluate his dedication with just money.”

Offering only money would be an insult to his noble sacrifice.

At that moment, the door to the conference room opened, and a man walked in.

All the executives’ eyes turned to him.

It was Seong Gang-il, the leader of Anomaly Containment Team 1.

“Apologies for interrupting the meeting,” he said with a brief bow.

“If it concerns Kim Min-woo’s compensation, my family, the Seong family, will take responsibility. We personally owe a debt to him. My younger sibling also received his help. We will cover all the costs for the anomaly contract he needs.”

“You’re saying the Seong family will bear the cost of the anomaly contract?”

The unexpected offer caused a stir in the conference room.

Contracts with anomalies required a substantial cost, sometimes involving human emotions, memories, or even parts of the body.

Until the contract was made, the exact cost was uncertain.

But now, they were guaranteeing it in advance?

Someone spoke in admiration.

“Indeed, the Seong family’s commitment remains unchanged. We gladly accept that offer.”

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the room fell silent again.

Everyone knew now.

Kim Min-woo, a mere new recruit, had become the center of attention for the entire Bureau of Anomalies.

Inside the classroom, the atmosphere had settled.

No one spoke, but the tension was palpable in their eyes.

It was only natural.

The training was over, and only the evaluation remained.

And, above all, two seats were now empty.

Kwon Hyuk-min had disappeared during the training, and Song Min-taek had resigned after being unable to overcome the fear of anomalies.

Then, Dr. Im Hyo-rin slowly spoke from the podium.

“The top student of this orientation is…”

A brief silence.

“Kim Min-woo.”

As my name echoed quietly through the classroom, all eyes turned toward me.

There was no murmuring, but the sound of their breathing was enough to tell me.

Between their gazes, there was a strange mix of admiration and embarrassment.

‘I was just an ordinary person. I was lucky to get hired and came here.’

‘…I see.’

Their cold expressions during my introduction, when they had looked down on me, had now shifted to confusion and embarrassment.

Especially Jaden, who couldn’t even meet my eyes and quickly looked away.

It was a far cry from his earlier confidence when he had boasted about being from Harvard.

Though unintentional, I felt a small sense of satisfaction at the awkwardness.

Harvard, Olympic gold medalist, special forces veteran.

I had overcome all of those accomplishments.

There were no applause or cheers, but this silence was enough.

Dr. Im Hyo-rin continued in a calm tone.

“After encountering the anomaly, Kim Min-woo continued to protect his unconscious comrades until help arrived. All alone… We highly value this. The Bureau will facilitate the contract between Kim Min-woo and the anomaly.”

It was a straightforward evaluation.

‘I wonder if I’ll get a bonus too?’

More than the contract or the tools or equipment I might receive, I was looking forward to the bonus that would come soon.

‘Wallet, get ready! I’m going to treat you to a feast soon. Heh heh.’

After the orientation ended, the members of the team I originally belonged to congratulated me.

Then, Jaden and Lee Min-ah also came over and expressed their thanks, one after the other.

“Thank you. I will never forget this favor. Thank you for saving me.”

“Thank you for saving me. I almost died, thanks to you.”

The man with many scars standing next to Lee Min-ah also expressed his gratitude.

“Thank you so much for saving our team’s youngest, Kim Min-woo.”

I heard he was the team leader of the team Lee Min-ah belonged to.

“Assistant Manager Baek Seok-ho, I’m envious. To have such a talent on your team.”

“…No way! He’s ours!”

As the scarred man patted my shoulder, Choi Yuri quickly stepped in front of him.

“Sigh… I’m sorry, Team Leader Yun. Our kid isn’t feeling too well.”

Baek Seok-ho let out a small sigh and apologized on her behalf.

“Growl… growl…”

But it seemed like Choi Yuri had no intention of backing down.

She was glaring, almost like a dog guarding its food, afraid it might be taken away.

“If it’s Section Chief Choi Yuri, I understand.”

I couldn’t help but admire how quickly she diverted attention and agreed.

Yuri, how notorious is she for being this much of a nuisance?

“Anyway, Kim Min-woo, let me give you a word of caution as a token of our gratitude.”

Team Leader Yun looked at my arm with a serious expression.

“That curse, it’s pretty strong. I’m not sure of its exact effect, but… I could feel a force pushing away ordinary people, especially human women.”

“Huh? What did you say?”

For a moment, I thought I heard wrong.

Was that curse left by Sandohwa really affecting me like that?

“You must have paid a hefty price to face Sandohwa. We can’t remove that curse, but… we won’t forget this favor.”

Team Leader Yun and Lee Min-ah both bowed their heads in gratitude once again.

Honestly, I could barely process their words.

I’d wondered when I’d ever meet a woman, and now this was happening?

It was a shock.

I rubbed the scar hard, but of course, it wouldn’t disappear.

‘So where am I supposed to meet women?’

My future felt bleak.

Just as worry clouded my mind,

“Min-woo, could you come over here for a moment?”

Seo Yuna quietly called me.

“Yeah…?”

With a heavy heart, I lowered my head and followed her.

Could it be that she felt the effects of the curse and was telling me not to talk to her from now on…?

I worried unnecessarily.

But her next words were nothing like I expected.

“Would you like to come to my house tonight?”

It was something I’d only heard about in internet legends.

I never thought I’d actually hear it in real life.

“Come see my cat.”