episode_0013

I was the top scorer in the entrance exam?

What is this, a dream?

‘No way, there’s no chance I ranked first.’

Even I, as a human, couldn’t help but entertain a sliver of hope.

I was confident about scoring high on the written exam.

After all, I’d taken down that monstrous spirit—how could my results be bad?

But first place? That was impossible, no matter how I looked at it.

This exam was packed with insane geniuses.

Originally, the top two spots were supposed to go to Go Joo-young and Yoo Yeon-hwa.

Yoo Yeon-hwa was the daughter of a famous barrier corporation, a chaebol heiress.

And Go Joo-young? She was practically a named character who teamed up with the protagonist, serving as the main damage dealer in the early stages.

‘Even later, those two would dominate the rankings until the protagonist grew stronger.’

It was only natural they’d take first and second place this time too.

I never once considered the possibility of me being first.

But for me to end up as the top scorer here…

‘No, this is just going to draw too much attention.’

Honestly, I couldn’t even enjoy it.

If I were actually exceptional, maybe.

But what good would it do for a one-trick pony like me to stand out?

At best, people would just start saying, “Is that all the top scorer’s got?”

“Gasp…! Nam Do-hyung-ssi, you were the top recruit?”

Just look at this.

Yoo Eun-hye was staring at me like she’d just met a celebrity.

I guess it was shocking—the guy she’d just been casually sharing snacks with turned out to be the top scorer.

“…Is Nam Do-hyung not here?”

But the fact remained: I was first.

Cheok Ji-yeon, who had already gotten up, was standing at the podium.

‘Damn it.’

If I stayed put, I’d probably get fired in record time for ignoring orders.

Reluctantly, I stood up.

The moment I did, all eyes turned to me.

“That guy’s the top scorer?”

“Never seen him before. What’s his specialty?”

“Well, at least he’s decent-looking.”

People began whispering as they stared.

Most recruits here were already experienced exorcists.

And among them, the top scorer was usually some prodigy with a reputation.

But some random guy no one had heard of had taken first place…

No wonder they were suspicious.

‘…Honestly, I’d gladly give it to someone else.’

Seeing Cheok Ji-yeon as the runner-up, maybe we got the highest practical score for taking down that massive spirit.

Normally, a recruit wouldn’t be able to handle something like that.

Then, the written exam must’ve been what pushed me over the edge.

‘…Is this another butterfly effect from my instant-death ability?’

I sighed deeply without realizing it.

The murmurs grew louder.

“Wow, is he too lazy to even go up as the top scorer?”

“Bold move to act like that in front of Cheonjihoe. Must be confident in his skills.”

“No wonder he stayed under the radar until now.”

…They were definitely misinterpreting things.

If I dragged this out any longer, I’d just look like a lunatic.

With no other choice, I headed straight for the podium.

“Congratulations. You two are this year’s top scorer and runner-up.”

Lee Jae-hak said flatly, not a hint of celebration in his voice.

“But remember this. Cheonjihoe isn’t a place where standing out early does you any favors. It’d be wise to keep your head down.”

“Yes, I’ll keep that in mind.”

I answered immediately because I genuinely meant it.

But for some reason, the new recruits let out an impressed, “Ooh….”

Lee Jae-hak looked at me and smirked.

“Seems we’ve got a guy with some backbone.”

…They’re misunderstanding again, aren’t they?

Should I just stay quiet?

“Anyway, as promised, the top two recruits will receive equipment provided by Cheonjihoe. The top scorer picks first. You only get one, so choose carefully.”

Staff members brought out several boxes, each containing a piece of equipment.

‘Ah… what should I pick?’

I never expected to be in this position, so I hadn’t thought about it.

Couldn’t I just pick any weapon at random?

‘Most of these top-tier cursed items come with serious drawbacks.’

Even if they don’t, they drain a ton of spiritual energy.

If I’m not careful, I’ll end up like Kiyomaru, who recklessly used the Bao Wu Zakelu without thinking.

‘Losing just spiritual energy would be a blessing. At worst, it could drain my lifespan too.’

My eyes landed on the sword in the center.

Cheok Ji-yeon flinched.

“?”

When I glanced at her, she awkwardly looked away.

Tilting my head, I turned back to the sword.

‘If I remember right, the original runner-up, Yoo Yeon-hwa, chose this sword.’

Her reason? It was the most expensive item here.

As the daughter of a conglomerate, she had an eye for quality.

‘It’s probably the highest-performing weapon here. Which means I’d die trying to use it.’

The stronger the equipment, the more it drains the user’s energy.

I might collapse just carrying it, let alone swinging it.

I had to avoid this at all costs.

So I checked the other options.

Every single one radiated ominous energy…

‘Hmm, no good.’

I thought about taking something that was at least purified, but…

Cheonjihoe must’ve assumed the top scorer could handle anything.

‘Too bad, but there’s no helping it. If I can’t wield it, I might get hurt.’

Especially if it’s a cursed item.

Didn’t Minahye almost die just from opening a cursed book recently?

After some thought, I nodded.

“I won’t be taking any of the weapons.”

“What?”

Lee Jae-hak’s eyes widened.

Wow, scary.

The recruits, who had been watching excitedly, started whispering again.

“Did he just say what I think he said?”

“He’s not taking any weapon?”

“Why…?”

Their reactions were perfectly understandable.

Cheonjihoe’s equipment wasn’t something you could just get anywhere.

‘But unlike you guys, I could die if I pick wrong.’

The top scorer just gets the opportunity to take a weapon—it’s not mandatory.

This was the safest choice for me.

“…Are you serious?”

“Yes. Absolutely.”

“You won’t get a second chance. No regrets.”

“I won’t regret it.”

As I nodded, a thought suddenly struck me.

“Ah! Actually, could I have one of the boxes instead? If Cheok Ji-yeon picks, there’ll be one left anyway.”

These were the boxes that stored cursed items.

They were probably expensive, given how specialized they were.

Unlike the weapons, they were safe—something I could actually use.

“…….”

I thought I’d made the best possible choice.

…So why did the atmosphere keep getting colder?

“…Let me ask you this once. What’s your reason?”

Hmm, do I really have to explain?

I’d rather brush it off, but Lee Jae-hak looked ready to kill me if I did.

A little embarrassing, but I had no choice.

“None of the equipment suited me.”

I shrugged lightly as I spoke.

Just to nonverbally convey that I was genuinely disappointed too.

…But why?

The mood turned even frostier.

“Ha… Interesting.”

Lee Jae-hak chuckled.

“So our weapons aren’t good enough for you.”

“…That’s not it.”

“No? You’re protesting because Cheonjihoe can only offer you this much?”

“I said that’s not it.”

This guy’s making me sound like some sociopath.

Why would I protest against a major organization like this?

“I’m just afraid I’ll get cursed if I take one.”

“Haha… Cheonjihoe’s top recruit is refusing high-tier equipment because he’s scared of curses? You expect me to believe that?”

Uh… now that I hear it out loud, it does sound ridiculous.

But what can I do? It’s the truth.

“If your pride’s hurt, I’m sorry. We did our best to prepare decent gear.”

“…I truly didn’t mean to disrespect Cheonjihoe.”

“Doesn’t matter. We’re meritocrats here. It’s been a while since we got someone this entertaining.”

Lee Jae-hak smiled like a professor about to abduct a grad student.

Wow, terrifying!

“If you’ve made your choice, that’s that. We won’t force you.”

He nodded.

Well, I guess that settles it… right?

“Runner-up. What will you take?”

“Ah… I’ll take this sword.”

“Good. That’s the standard choice. We’ll need a box for him anyway.”

Lee Jae-hak looked at me again.

Why do you keep staring?

Is it really so bad to prioritize my life and take a box instead?

“Alright. Both of you have made your selections—no, the top scorer chose a box. You may step down now.”

We returned to our seats.

For some reason, everyone avoided my gaze, some even subtly distancing themselves.

‘…Now I feel like some kind of ghost.’

Wait, no. If Cheonjihoe saw a ghost, they’d probably chase it down for the achievement.

Anyway, I sat down, hugging the box.

By the way, Yoo Eun-hye, who I’d been talking to earlier, was frozen stiff.

“Hey…”

“Y-Yes! I’m sorry! I ate all the candy you gave me! Should I throw up?”

“…….”

I thought we’d gotten close?

Being suddenly avoided like this hurts, you know.

‘Sigh, whatever. It’s not like this attention will last.’

We’re all just trainees for now.

Soon enough, everyone will see my true level.

Then they’ll ignore me on their own.

The rest of the ceremony passed without incident.

‘I should sell this box fast. It’s a Cheonjihoe product—must be worth a lot.’

Later, I heard rumors about a new recruit who’d insulted Cheonjihoe’s standards.

A fresh hire, no less, rebelling against Cheonjihoe?

What a terrifying world.

After the ceremony, the recruits were sent home.

Even Cheonjihoe didn’t make them work on the very first day.

“Wait a second!”

I was about to head home to my waiting sister when Cheok Ji-yeon suddenly called out to me.

And she looked seriously urgent.

“Why did you give up the sword for me?”

“……?”

What kind of nonsense is this now?