episode_0711

After the World Hunter Association announced the creation of a new rank, quite a few people eagerly applied to take the promotion exam.

Even though the status of S-class is not what it used to be, the rights granted to them are formidable.

That’s why I got greedy.

What kind of rights can an SS-class that surpasses an S-class wield?

How many more people can you rule over?

Those who threw down the gauntlet were those who not only had the desire, but also the confidence to do so.

These are the people who rose to the S-class early on and have been active for quite a long time, accumulating achievements and skills.

On the other hand, the five S-class Hunters designated by the Association were relatively new, having been promoted for less than three years.

It was a reasonable choice.

Because the current S-class has a greater deviation than any other class.

If you ask them to deal with five people who have been S-class for over 10 or 20 years, doesn’t that mean they won’t produce any SS-class players?

Before Kim Do-jin arrived at the World Hunter Association, the number of people who challenged the promotion exam was thirty.

Among them, only three people passed the promotion test.

Athena of Greece, Arthur of Britain, and finally Boris of Russia.

Only those who have been evaluated as S-class since long ago and represented a country have succeeded in shedding their shells and rising to new heights.

Kim Do-jin, who heard the news, smacked his lips in regret.

“Ugh… I thought I was number one, but I wasn’t.”

I don’t know about Arthur from England, but Athena and Boris were clearly pushed by the government to take the promotion exam.

Otherwise, they wouldn’t have rushed to the promotion exam as soon as it opened, since they had absolutely no desire for honor.

“Well, it’s a shame, it’s a shame.”

Although it is impossible to become SS-class as the first place, it is still possible to show the gap between them.

It took Athena, Arthur, and Boris over 20 minutes to take down all five S-class hunters.

The shortest time is Arthur’s record of 21 minutes and 13 seconds.

Kim Do-jin intended to increase his own value by surpassing their records.

Are you disappointed in me because of my affair?

“Why are you so disappointed?”

This is a trick you should try once.

How far can they go in criticizing themselves for being disappointed?

Oh my…!

The huge iron door blocking my view opens with a loud noise.

[Hunter Kim Do-jin, please enter the examination room.]

Kim Do-jin takes a step forward after hearing the voice that follows.

As I ascend the stage of the training arena, which is covered in powerful protective magic on all sides, I feel the gazes of the few people sitting in the audience outside the translucent protective shield.

Boris waves his hand lightly in this direction and smiles gently.

Athena looks down at me with her arms crossed and an expressionless face.

Arthur, with his blue hair that stretched out in all directions like a lion’s mane, stylishly swept up, looks this way with an excited expression.

Other than that, there are executives from the World Hunter Association and a small number of reporters who are granted access.

Finally, the five S-rank hunters standing across from the training ground.

Kim Do-jin focused on loosening his body without paying any attention to his opponent.

What weapons they use, what characteristics they have, etc.

Nothing mattered to Kim Do-jin.

Because I am confident.

I am confident that no matter what they do, they won’t be able to touch even a single hair on my head.

The faces of the five examiners who had come forward to test them hardened at the indifferent attitude and relaxedness felt throughout their bodies.

“… How cheeky.”

“You’ve only just been promoted, so isn’t that too shameless?”

“I have to show you the bitter taste.”

“Let’s take this opportunity to blow away all the bubbles that are stuck in that guy’s mouth.”

“That’s great!”

They didn’t like Kim Do-jin.

Because I think that all the perceptions that are attached to him now are image making.

Francis Meyer, considered one of the greatest heroes of his time.

This is preliminary work to follow in his footsteps and use him as a symbol of a new era.

But even that went down the drain because of this incident.

“An affair with a 40-year-old? Are there really that few women in Korea?”

“Heh heh, well. Maybe they just have weird tastes.”

“If it were me, I would be too embarrassed to go out.”

“It’s obvious. Isn’t this just a low-level tactic to cover up an issue with another issue?”

“That’s only possible if you beat us.”

Having previously administered the promotion exam to 30 people, they were brimming with confidence.

It couldn’t be helped, as 27 out of 30 people were turned back, and the 3 who passed fought a fierce battle that lasted over 20 minutes.

This promotion test was also an opportunity for growth for them.

Because sparring with an S-class isn’t something you can do just because you want to.

They have definitely grown since the first time I administered the test, and their chemistry has improved.

So they were sure.

Kim Do-jin would never be able to pass their test.

[The test will begin in 1 minute.]

The last minute given.

They calmly adjusted their postures, each holding their own weapon.

Their eyes, glaring at Kim Do-jin, were burning with intense determination.

‘Knock him down in 10 minutes.’

‘I’m going to throw your already bad image into the abyss.’

Either way.

No matter what was happening on the other side, Kim Do-jin prepared for the exam at his own pace.

Actually, there was no preparation whatsoever.

The moment I stepped onto the stage where the exam was to be held, all preparations were as good as finished.

After the last minute has elapsed, the final announcement is heard.

[The test begins.]

A 30-minute stopwatch, set on a scoreboard mounted on one wall, starts running.

29:59.

29:58.

29:57.

Just 3 seconds.

At that time, the five test tubes were just putting all their strength into their toes, but they couldn’t even lift their feet.

Kim Do-jin’s attack has already begun.

Kukukuku…!

The ground around the five test tubes shook.

“What, what is it.”

“The earth… !”

The test tubes are confused.

The magical powers that had been hovering over their heads gained weight and crushed their bodies.

“Oh, my shoulder…!”

“Your body won’t move?!”

“What, what kind of harmony is this!”

“Keuuuut… !”

Kim Do-jin is no longer needed.

There are no restrictions or conditions for performing magic, or rather, magical miracles.

If he wishes, it will come true, and if his emotions waver, those around him will also waver.

In fact, it has become one with magic power.

The heavy magic that weighed down on the examiners’ shoulders was Kim Do-jin’s faint anger.

Just to the point where it’s annoying.

Kwajik!

Crunch!

“Ugh!?”

“Gyaaaak!”

“Coolook… .”

Five S-class hunters who would never bow down no matter where they were placed fell to their knees, unable to take a single step and unable to withstand the weight pressing down on their shoulders.

Kookookookook!

Crunch!

The land gradually being dug out around them.

Kim Do-jin leaned inside, crouched down, and adjusted his gaze to the viewer’s level.

And asked.

“How does it feel to be defeated by a brat with a lot of bubbles and unique tastes?”

“… … .”

“Ah! You haven’t lost yet, right? Then what else should I do here… .”

The test tube’s face turned pale as it met Kim Do-jin’s smiling gaze.

The hostility on that smiling face was so obvious, and the examiner who sensed it immediately raised his voice.

“Ha, surrender-!”

Really quick assessment of the situation.

At the same time, the stopwatch engraved on the scoreboard also stopped.

Time remaining is 28 minutes and 30 seconds.

It took Kim Do-jin only 1 minute and 30 seconds to pass the promotion test.

* * *

The world is once again abuzz with talk about Kim Do-jin.

[The fourth SS-ranked Hunter, Kim Do-jin! It only took him 1 minute and 30 seconds to get promoted.]

[A man destined to be the world’s strongest.]

[Kim Do-jin covers up the incident into a bigger incident.]

News of Kim Do-jin’s promotion poured in from around the world, starting with an exclusive article by journalists recognized by the World Hunter Association.

South Korea was already in a festive mood.

It can’t be helped, as they are the fourth country to possess SS-class Hunters, following Greece, England, and Russia.

Some even say that the date of his promotion test should be made a national holiday.

Praise poured in for him, who had raised the nation’s status.

Even so, there were still those who criticized him.

[ㅋㅋㅋ;; People are really disgusting. Do you really want to suck up to a cheating man like that?]

[If I become an SS-rank hunter, where will the fact that I had an affair go?]

[The Republic of Korea, a dog that sucks the son of an adulterer, tsk tsk]

But their criticism had long since lost its sharpness.

[If you’re SS-class, you should even forgive adultery, you idiots.]

[Because of you, can Kim Do-jin afford to go into exile in China or Japan?]

[Student,,, write down the text,,, if you want to be more careful,,,]

[The corner hater kid pretending to be awake is a doozy lol]

Those who were disappointed in Kim Do-jin until just a moment ago have turned to defending him.

This was the result that Kim Do-jin had expected.

Covering up a bad issue with a bigger issue.

He turned the people’s criticism into cheers, and unlike when he left, he returned home by plane through the airport and stood in front of a crowd of reporters.

To drive a wedge into the reversed public opinion.

“I am SS-class hunter Kim Do-jin.”

He greeted them, emphasizing his rank, and began a short interview with reporters who were desperate for a scoop.

Q: How do you feel?

A: I think I’ve been rewarded for my efforts so far.

Q: What do you think about the talk that you are the next best hunter after Francis Meyer?

A: It is a great honor.

Q: I heard that you are receiving a lot of love calls from all over the world, including the US.

A: That’s true.

In fact, before returning home, he stopped by the White House and met with the US President.

They made their suggestion directly without beating around the bush.

To become a citizen of the United States.

I’ll give you whatever you want.

Even though it was SS-class, it couldn’t have been an unconventional proposal.

In other words, it was also evidence that the world was in chaos.

Although it was a truly tempting offer, Kim Do-jin rejected all the offers that poured in from various countries, including the United States.

Q: Why did you refuse?

A: Because I still like South Korea the best.

It was a meaningful statement.

Doesn’t saying that South Korea is still good mean that we don’t know what the future will bring?

This was a warning to some malicious commenters who criticized him and the government.

Chew moderately and don’t cross the line.

And he must keep the conditions he set for himself.

As the friendly interview continued, a reporter asked him a question that broke the conversation without his permission.

“Do you have anything to say about the affair scandal that previously rocked the world?!”

As soon as the questioning ended, dozens of pairs of sharp eyes turned towards the reporter.

It was a question everyone wanted to ask.

But there is always a good reason why you don’t say it out loud.

The other reporters frowned and shook their heads at the reporter who broke the taboo.

‘Is it ignorance or bravery?’

‘I’m going to get cut off soon.’

‘S-class… no, SS-class hunter doesn’t know how scary it is, tsk tsk.’

At that time, everyone there was tense.

Kim Do-jin stood up from his seat.

“I was wondering why I wasn’t getting that question, but it came at a good time. First of all, I apologize for causing you all concern due to my personal life.”

Kim Do-jin bows deeply and apologizes amidst a barrage of flashes of light.

He had two choices.

Expose or keep quiet.

Public opinion had already turned increasingly more favorable to him.

If she confessed that her husband, Shin Hyo-seop, had cheated on her first and that while trying to comfort Seo Jeong-hee, who was hurt by him, they accidentally made eye contact, the wind that had been blowing fiercely toward him would have shifted in the opposite direction.

And this was also the situation that Kim Do-jin had hoped for.

This feeling remained unchanged until I entered the airport.

No, that was until a brave reporter brought the story to light.

but.

“… She and I were having an affair. She was seriously considering divorce at the time, but we were still a couple, so there is no excuse for that.”

At the very end, I changed my mind.

It was because the faces of Shin Yu-jeong and Seo Jeong-hee came to mind.

‘Do they really want that?’

No matter how much I hated him or how bad he was, he was a father and a husband.

Seo Jeong-hee, who was full of resentment towards him, was a good father to Shin Yu-jeong.

How sad it would be to see such a father being criticized by public opinion.

After thinking about it like that, I made a resolution.

He decided to push forward like a bulldozer, carrying everything on his shoulders.

“We’ve been through many twists and turns, but there’s only one thing that remains between me and her. We love and cherish each other more than life itself.”

It doesn’t lighten the load with all the details.

It doesn’t glorify adultery through flowery rhetoric.

“I don’t know how heavy the responsibility will be, but I’m willing to shoulder it all.”

I just pledge to take full responsibility for my choices.

Actually, that would have been enough.

What more can I say when I say that I will take full responsibility and live with it?

“I’m tired because I just got back. I’ll end the interview here.”

After greeting the reporters politely, he left the airport.

Now it was truly time to put an end to our relationship.