Episode 28
Fate Rides the Wind (3)
“……!”
“What, what the…!”
The sudden explosion left those outside the skill verification room wide-eyed.
It was rare for such a large explosion to occur even when many hunters hit the sandbag.
However, what was more surprising than the flashy skill effect was:
Beep-!!
<Score – 525 / 1,000>
The score displayed on the electronic board.
Considering his level and stats, they expected a score around 250, but it was more than double that at 525.
“Unbelievable… His stats were definitely C-rank, right?”
“His level was D-rank!”
“But the skill score is at an A-rank hunter’s level?”
A score of 525 is on par with the attack skills used by A-rank hunters.
Generally, skills are known to be influenced by stats, but to show destructive power two levels higher was unheard of.
Usually, the power of skills follows the level, but Han Sangwoo defied that rule.
The inspectors who had to give a comprehensive rating were understandably confused.
“Let’s check the standard hunter level chart for a moment.”
One of the inspectors flipped through the chart papers to check the global standard hunter level chart.
- SSS-rank: Level 601+
- SS-rank: 401 – 600
- S-rank: 301 – 400
- A-rank: 231 – 300
- B-rank: 181 – 230
- C-rank: 121 – 180
- D-rank: 71 – 120
- E-rank: 31 – 70
- F-rank: 1 – 30
The standard hunter levels follow an arithmetic progression.
Level isn’t the absolute criterion for ranking; stats and skill abilities are also considered. However, there were rarely cases like Han Sangwoo where the deviation in each section was so large.
Level: D-rank, Stats: average of C-rank hunters, Skill: A-rank hunter level.
“What should we do? I’ve worked here for over five years, and this is the first time I’ve seen something like this.”
“I agree. Usually, the skills follow the level or are lower, but this is the opposite….”
“But looking at it this way, I can understand how he subdued a B-rank hunter. If we consider only the abilities, he has C-rank stats and A-rank hunter skill levels.”
“Then how should we grade him overall?”
The inspectors were baffled by the series of unpredictable results.
Meanwhile, Han Sangwoo calmly exited the skill verification room and spoke to Shin Daehun.
“It’s a pity. I wanted a higher score.”
He wanted to be in the top 10 if not first, but the score was far from it.
But this was a personal regret. Shin Daehun clapped and gave him a thumbs up.
“This is amazing as it is.”
Shin Daehun wasn’t the only one impressed.
Lee Eunha also approached Han Sangwoo with wide eyes.
“You’re really amazing! Just a while ago, you were F-rank, and now you’re B-rank. Can you share your secret… or is it confidential?”
“No, I’m sorry, but there’s nothing to tell.”
“I figured… By the way, would you be interested in working for the Hunter Agency? With your skills, you could easily become a dungeon team leader.”
“Team leader? I don’t have much experience.”
“Not much experience? You’ve cleared so many C-rank and D-rank dungeons and even took down a B-rank hunter alone.”
Lee Eunha seemed keen on recruiting Han Sangwoo and even offered him a team leader position.
Han Sangwoo, not expecting a direct scouting offer from her, couldn’t answer immediately.
But the more surprised one was Shin Daehun.
‘It’s the first time I’ve seen Hunter Lee Eunha try to scout someone.’
She was not only an S-rank hunter but also had high standards, rarely offering anyone a proposal.
As far as Shin Daehun knew, this was unprecedented.
However.
“Sorry, but I want to go to higher-ranked dungeons.”
“Higher-ranked dungeons? Then why not join my team? You can explore as much as you want with me!”
“What? Why me… Aren’t there many hunters who would love to join your team?”
“Well… Ah! Hunter Agency hunters need not just skills but also a sense of justice. You’re perfect for that, having dealt with Luminus!”
Perhaps feeling embarrassed by the rejection, Lee Eunha, with a red face, made another offer.
Shin Daehun was again surprised.
‘Wow, she must really like him.’
Lee Eunha, a star who never had to ask for favors, was now practically begging.
This alone was a rare sight, but what was more remarkable was Han Sangwoo’s response.
“That makes us even more incompatible. Fighting Luminus was about survival, not justice. And I prefer being on my own. If you need a mercenary temporarily, I’ll consider it.”
“Oh… I see.”
He politely declined without a second thought.
‘That’s why I didn’t push hard for recruitment… I didn’t expect him to turn down even Lee Eunha’s offer.’
Shin Daehun didn’t aggressively recruit Han Sangwoo because he felt there were no openings.
He had hoped Lee Eunha might make a difference, but the result was the same, slightly dampening the previously heated atmosphere.
The only consolation was that the silence didn’t last long.
One of the inspectors, seemingly done with the grading, approached Han Sangwoo with a new hunter ID.
“Congratulations, Hunter Han Sangwoo. You’ve been reassessed as B-rank.”
“B-rank…?”
“Your level is D-rank, but considering your stats and skills, this is the conclusion. Do you think it’s too low?”
“No, I thought it was too high. I expected a D-rank.”
He wasn’t being humble; it was true.
His level was D-rank, and he didn’t have many skills, so he thought D-rank was more likely. But the result was two levels higher.
Han Sangwoo wondered if this was an overestimate, but the inspector seemed to believe it was an underestimate.
“Not at all. Your skills alone could earn you an A-rank. But due to your level and stats, we had to settle on B-rank. Increase those a bit, and you’ll be assessed as A-rank. Just come back after leveling up or improving your stats, and we’ll process it immediately.”
“Thank you for the high evaluation. I’ll return next time.”
The reassessment ended like that.
Han Sangwoo pocketed the new hunter ID, bowed slightly, and left the verification room.
Then.
“Ah….”
Lee Eunha let out a faint sigh of regret, and Shin Daehun stuck close to Han Sangwoo.
“May I ask what your next plans are? You don’t have to answer if you feel uncomfortable.”
“No, it’s fine. Next… I think I’ll clear some unresolved dungeons.”
“Unresolved dungeons? They are rare nowadays. May I ask why?”
With guilds eagerly awaiting the first-clear rewards and the decreasing frequency of new dungeons, finding unresolved dungeons is tough. Spending that time on regular dungeons might be better.
Shin Daehun sensed something in Han Sangwoo’s decision but couldn’t get an answer.
“There’s no particular reason. Just… I’m interested.”
“I see. So you really don’t plan to join any organization right now.”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“Then I’ll guide you out to avoid the scouts. The main lobby is crowded; let’s use another exit.”
“Are people still waiting?”
“Yes, Assistant Manager Seo is monitoring it, and more have gathered. More guilds and media are interested in you than expected. Did you bring a car?”
“No, I walked.”
“Then I’ll guide you out by foot.”
Shin Daehun seemed to ask about Han Sangwoo’s plans partly to guide him out.
With scouts and reporters in the main lobby, there was no need to face them if he didn’t intend to join a guild.
Han Sangwoo followed Shin Daehun’s guidance and exited through the emergency exit of the special building.
Indeed, looking at the main lobby from a distance, the crowd seemed twice as large as when he came in.
Shin Daehun’s judgment was correct.
However, they encountered an unexpected obstacle: scouts who came out to smoke.
“Huh? Isn’t that the hunter we saw at Shindorim hunting ground?”
“Oh! Looks like him!”
“Notify the vice guild leader! That hunter is over here!”
“Excuse me! You’re Hunter Han Sangwoo, right? Hunter Han Sangwoo!!”
It wasn’t just any reporters or scouts, but those who had seen him at Shindorim hunting ground.
“This way… Let’s head to the exit by the outdoor parking lot….”
Shin Daehun tried to redirect Han Sangwoo.
But.
“People are gathering there too? Isn’t that the hunter?”
“Let’s go! I think it’s the Ice Fortress mercenary!”
Reporters and scouts were also waiting by the outdoor parking lot.
“Hello, Hunter! You’re the Ice Fortress mercenary, right? We’re from the Earth’s Strongest Guild! Would you consider joining us?”
“Hunter Han Sangwoo! We’re from the Wind Guild! We offer optimal growth routes! We’ll also give you as much signing bonus as you want!!”
“We heard you had a re-evaluation today. Did you get reassessed? What was your new rank?”
People swarmed around Han Sangwoo and Shin Daehun.
Even those in the main hall, realizing the situation, began rushing out.
“Everyone, please step back! You can’t do this so recklessly!”
Shin Daehun tried to hold back the crowd, but it was too much, and they were surrounded.
“I’m sorry, but I’m not interested.”
Han Sangwoo pushed away the business cards and microphones and pondered how to get out.
His problem was soon solved.
“Sorry, but can you let me through?”
“Oh! Hello!”
“Huff…!!”
The noisy surroundings suddenly quieted as the crowd parted like the Red Sea.
“……?”
What was happening?
Han Sangwoo and Shin Daehun turned their heads automatically.
A man at the end of the crowd approached them.
“Hey, nice to meet you. You’re the Ice Fortress mercenary, Hunter Han Sangwoo, right?”
It was Gang Cheolman, the guild master of the A-Shin Guild.
