"HUH? YOU'RE STILL GOING TO UNIVERSITY FOR AN EXAM?!"
The next morning, after Min-jun had successfully stabilized his new, overwhelming aura, he walked next door to visit his neighbors: Sung Jin-woo and his younger sister, Sung Jinah.
He had known the Sung siblings since childhood. They were the main reason he hadn't grown up entirely lonely. Naturally, they cared about him, and he cared about them—often secretly lending them money to help cover their mother's astronomical hospital bills. Jin-woo's income as an E-Rank Hunter was tragically low. Despite being the future protagonist of this world, Jin-woo was currently known as the "Weakest Hunter of All Mankind."
But that weakness was exactly why Jin-woo's desire to grow stronger ran so incredibly deep. He desperately wanted to repay his debts to Min-jun, give his little sister a proper life, and cure his hospitalized mother.
However, when Jin-woo heard Min-jun's plan for the day, he was absolutely stunned. Instead of rushing to the Hunter's Association to take the official measurement test, secure his S-Rank license, and instantly become one of the wealthiest, most powerful people in South Korea... Min-jun was going to SNU to take a psychology midterm.
He was casually ignoring the brightest, most lucrative opportunity a human being could possibly receive.
"What do you mean, Oppa?!" Jinah demanded, completely taking Min-jun's side as she shot her older brother a furious glare. "His midterm exam is incredibly important! What if he gets a bad grade after studying so hard?! Besides, with his SNU degree, Min-jun Oppa can just get a safe, high-paying job at a chaebol corporation! Why should he risk his life fighting monsters just because he Awakened?!"
"...."
Jin-woo closed his mouth. He wanted to argue, but he couldn't. Unlike him, who had dropped out to dive into dungeons for scrap change, Min-jun had been accepted into the most prestigious university in the country. His future was already guaranteed. If Min-jun never threw a single punch as a Hunter, he would still live a very comfortable, wealthy life.
Moreover, Jin-woo knew better than anyone just how brutal the Hunter lifestyle was. He had watched countless colleagues die horribly or lose limbs to sudden dungeon boss spawns.
But still... was Min-jun really going to just ignore an S-Rank Awakening? It felt like throwing away a winning lottery ticket.
"Don't yell at him, Jinah. Hyung is just worried about me," Min-jun said calmly, defusing the tension. "I'll go to the Association later today. It just has to wait until after I finish my exam."
"Are you really going to work as a Hunter, Oppa?" Jinah asked, her voice dropping into genuine worry.
Min-jun looked at her. She had grown up so fast, transforming from a loud, annoying brat into a bright, lively high schooler with her purple hair tied in a simple ponytail. For a brief second, he remembered his deceased grandmother's not-so-subtle hints about marrying a nice, dependable girl from the neighborhood—
No, no. Focus, Min-jun mentally scolded himself, pushing the thought away.
"It can't be helped, Jinah. In this country, it's basically mandatory," Min-jun explained practically.
Just like South Korea mandated nearly two years of military service for normal men, the Hunter laws were incredibly strict. Because Korea was arguably the weakest country in terms of Hunter military power, the government practically drafted high-ranking Awakened. They were expected to answer the call when high-level Gates opened on Korean soil. Naturally, they were paid millions for their service, but dodging the draft wasn't an option.
"More importantly..." Min-jun added with a slight shrug.
"More importantly?" both siblings echoed.
"I Awakened as an Archer. I'll be fighting from the absolute backline. I won't be anywhere near the front."
"An Archer?" Jinah tilted her head, curious. "Like... with a bow and arrow?"
"Exactly."
An Archer... Jin-woo murmured internally.
Frankly, Jin-woo couldn't honestly say that being an Archer was a great draw. In the Hunter world, people generally awakened into specific classes: Fighters, Mages, Tankers, Assassins, Healers, or Archers.
In Jin-woo's mind, the best class was a Fighter—high defense, fast reflexes, and strong in close combat. It was a perfectly balanced survival class.
While an Archer was definitely better than a Healer (who had zero combat ability), they were notoriously weak in close-quarters combat. An Archer's job was to stand far away, provide covering fire, and snipe any monsters trying to flank the team.
In other words, even if Min-jun was an S-Rank, his physical defense was likely incredibly squishy. However, as long as he positioned himself correctly behind a solid Tanker, he would be the safest person in the raid. Plus, Archers typically awakened a unique passive skill called "Eagle Eye," which made them highly valued as scouts.
"What are you going to do after you officially register, Min-jun?" Jin-woo asked carefully.
"I'm not entirely sure yet. What do you think I should do, Hyung?"
While Min-jun already had a ruthless, highly calculated corporate strategy locked and loaded in his mind, he purposefully asked Jin-woo for advice. It wasn't that he actually thought the E-Rank could help him navigate guild politics. But if he didn't ask, he knew Jin-woo would feel deeply inferior. In the future, Jin-woo would become a god-like idol, but right now, he was a chronically depressed young man who always had to lower his head to survive.
By approaching Jin-woo like a naive, helpless rookie asking for veteran advice, Min-jun was subtly protecting his friend's pride.
"...."
Jin-woo hesitated. He honestly wasn't sure how to answer. Min-jun's situation as a fresh S-Rank was a completely different universe from an E-Rank's daily struggle for survival. He didn't want to give bad advice and get his friend killed.
"L-Let me ask some of my senior colleagues first," Jin-woo offered awkwardly. He had met a few decent, experienced Hunters over the years. Maybe they would know how a rookie should handle guild recruitment.
"...."
Min-jun smiled softly. "Okay. Thank you, Hyung."
"But Oppa, you must have some idea of what you want to do, right?" Jinah quickly interjected. Honestly, compared to her older brother—who constantly made her worry by coming home bleeding every week—she relied heavily on Min-jun's terrifying intellect.
"....." Jin-woo slumped slightly, feeling the unintentional emotional damage from his sister.
"Well..." Min-jun adjusted his glasses, slipping back into his analytical mindset. "I'll probably just sign a contract with whichever major Guild offers me the highest base salary, the absolute least amount of mandatory raid hours, and the most comprehensive support team. As a squishy Archer, I need a dedicated Tanker. And more importantly, the contract must allow me the time to finish my university degree without interference."
"...."
Jin-woo stared at him, completely speechless. Did Min-jun think he was applying for a comfortable desk job at Samsung? What kind of elite combat Guild would ever agree to offer millions of dollars for a part-time Hunter who prioritized his homework over raiding?!
"That sounds perfect!" Jinah cheered, clearly not understanding the absurd politics of Hunter Guilds. She leaned over and happily kissed Min-jun on the cheek. "Make sure you treat me to a massive feast at a five-star hotel once you sign that millionaire contract, Oppa!"
"..."
Min-jun rubbed his cheek, a little startled, while Jin-woo just sighed helplessly.
"Let's talk about the feast later," Min-jun chuckled. "I really need to go pass this exam first."
"Okay! But eat first! I made breakfast!" Jinah ordered happily.
"Thank you, Jinah. And thank you too, Hyung," Min-jun said earnestly.
"It's nothing," Jin-woo waved it off. "But seriously, if you need anything, just tell me, alright?"
"I will." Min-jun nodded. He knew there was literally nothing the current Jin-woo could do to help an S-Rank, but the genuine, kind gesture was enough.
They enjoyed a warm, comfortable breakfast together. Jin-woo didn't even mind how close his sister was acting with Min-jun. Honestly, if Jinah ever had to date someone, Jin-woo vastly preferred giving his blessing to someone mature like Min-jun rather than some random punk he didn't know.
Having successfully handled his domestic situation, Min-jun grabbed his backpack and headed to the university.
However, the moment he stepped off the bus and approached the SNU campus gates, his calm morning was violently shattered.
A large group of men in sharp, tailored black suits were actively blocking the main entrance. They exuded a heavy, oppressive aura that forced normal civilians to instinctively step back in fear. The nervous university students had formed a wide circle around them, whispering frantically.
As Min-jun approached, the leader of the group—a tall, stern-looking man—stepped forward. He bowed deeply, a full ninety degrees.
Yet, despite the highly polite, respectful gesture, his voice carried the heavy, undeniable weight of a government order.
"Hunter-nim. Please accompany us to the Association headquarters immediately for your official mana measurement."
"...."
Min-jun stopped walking, his expression perfectly flat.
So much for taking my midterm in peace.
---
By the way, I have been thinking of the 4th Suzuki, but let me think of your idea of what world that do you think he should be.
Let me know.