After Louis entered the office, Go Gun-Hee stood up from his seat.
"You must be Kim Yoo-Won, Hunter-nim."
Even though he was over eighty years old, his body was still impressive. His size reminded Louis of a retired professional wrestler or even a sumo wrestler.
However, none of the arrogant aura Louis expected from someone like him could be felt.
Hooo… so different from that silly chairman in One Punch Man.
Based on his appearance and status, Louis expected him to act arrogant and a bit foolish, but instead, the people around him looked more intimidating.
"Yes, I am Kim Yoo-Won," Louis answered.
Go Gun-Hee reached his hand out with a bright expression.
"It's a pleasure to meet you. I am Go Gun-Hee."
They shook hands briefly. Then the chairman pointed toward a sitting area in the middle of the office, arranged for face-to-face conversation.
"Why don't we sit and talk?"
Louis sat first, then Go Gun-Hee sat in front of him.
Louis accidentally noticed a golden badge attached to Go Gun-Hee's suit. This man wasn't only the Association President—he was also a member of the National Assembly.
And on top of that, an S-Rank hunter.
Go Gun-Hee wasn't someone normal people could just meet whenever they wanted.
Louis knew that.
If the system were still active, it might have counted this meeting as a special achievement already.
So many powerful people wanted to talk to Go Gun-Hee—political giants, business giants, even foreign leaders.
That was why Louis already guessed the reason for this meeting. If things went like the original story, then this should be obvious…but if not…
Go Gun-Hee began speaking.
"I would like to congratulate you on becoming the newest S-rank hunter."
Louis tilted his head. "But my re-evaluation result hasn't come out yet."
Go Gun-Hee immediately shook his head.
"Actually, the test doesn't mean very much."
"Excuse me?" Louis looked confused, while the old man just smiled kindly.
"The truth is… our so-called precise measuring device is only designed to evaluate someone's ability within normal limits. It cannot measure something that already exceeds the range of all other devices."
"Are you wondering why we created another step called re-evaluation?" he added after seeing Louis's confused expression.
Then he continued without waiting:
"Because we needed some time."
"Time?" Louis asked, pretty sure he had guessed the reason correctly.
Before Louis could ask more, the chairman spoke again, looking slightly embarrassed.
"The purpose was to create a chance for us to meet and speak to someone like you, Hunter-nim."
"…Ah."
After hearing that, Louis finally confirmed his suspicions.
And what followed was almost the exact same conversation Go Gun-Hee had with Sung Jin-Woo in the original story.
"As you know, we do not have many top-level hunters in the Association, like Chief Woo Jin-Chul here, compared to our size… The reason is simple: big guilds."
Louis nodded, while Go Gun-Hee continued:
"Joining a big guild means huge salaries and a lot of fame. Who wouldn't want that?"
"The Association's pay isn't bad, but compared to what large guilds offer, it feels very small."
Right… fame was a major part of the original story too, Louis thought.
"People know every member of the main raid teams from the large guilds. But it would be hard to find someone who even knows the name of our raid leader, Woo Jin-Chul."
That was the difference between hunters who worked for the Association and hunters who signed with major guilds.
"So, we came up with a certain plan… just in case someone truly exceptional awakened and visited us one day."
"So… the real reason you called me here wasn't the re-evaluation test?" Louis asked.
"Well, of course… If we announced your results publicly right away, would the Association still have a chance to speak with you like this?"
That made perfect sense, Louis thought.
"I won't beat around the bush. I'll get straight to the point."
Before Louis realized it, the warm smile on the chairman's face had completely disappeared.
"We are not a company, so we cannot promise you huge money. However…"
Go Gun-Hee touched his chest area and then slowly extended his fist as if he was holding something.
"However, we can help you in a different way."
"Before you tell me what kind of help, shouldn't I first know why you're offering this?" Louis asked.
That was a good question. Go Gun-Hee's eyes shined as he continued to look directly at Louis.
So this young man can calmly ask what I'm thinking without being afraid of my position, and without being blinded by benefits right in front of him.
Go Gun-Hee held back his smile and continued speaking.
"You know about the five major guilds, right?"
"Who doesn't know them?" Louis nodded.
"If you decide to join one of the five guilds, no matter which one, the delicate balance we currently have will break—and everything will change."
"Until now, the power and influence of the big guilds is already sky-high. But what if one of them manages to recruit another S-rank hunter, and uses that to climb even higher? Would they still listen to the Association?"
Go Gun-Hee's expression became more serious.
"And the Association needs your help, Hunter-nim.
Help from someone like you—someone with great power."
For the first time in a long while, Go Gun-Hee felt both nervous and hopeful as he asked the next question in a quiet but firm voice:
"What will you choose, Hunter-nim?"