Return of the Sword God-Rank Civil Servant novel Chapter 114

Su-ho smiled.

However, despite the smile, his words were sharp and chilling.

Kim Seung-hwan frowned.

“So, are you telling me I need to live under your watchful eye, Hunter An?”

“Everyone lives under someone’s watch. Who in this world lives without it? But for people like us, even just meeting like this and forming an alliance can be a significant weakness for both of us. So, isn’t it better if we both just live honestly? After all, isn’t that why our country has a separation of powers?”

“Good grief...”

His reasoning was as smooth as silk.

And yet, there was no way to refute it.

That was how Kim Seung-hwan felt about Su-ho.

Su-ho continued.

“In the end, someone must wield power. Not that I intend to become president or anything. What I aim to be is a sword capable of checking both corrupt leaders and rogue hunters. And that’s the same for you, Prosecutor Kim. I’m not asking you to become president—I just want you to ensure that the prosecution functions as it should.”

Kim Seung-hwan fell silent, deep in thought, before finally asking,

“Then is your goal to become the president of the Grand Hunter Association?”

“My goal is to end Gates. I have no interest in positions like the presidency.”

“But you say you want to be someone who can keep hunters in check?”

“Does that position necessarily have to be the president? If the association itself is efficient and systematic, it will naturally ensure that control. My goal is to reform the association into such an entity.”

“...I see. I understand what you’re trying to say and what you want from me.”

“Do you really understand?”

“Yes, you’re telling me that since I’ve broken once, I need to learn how to bend. To stop acting so righteous and become a monster to catch monsters.”

“Close enough. All I’m saying is that we should stick to our professional responsibilities. Prosecutors should do what prosecutors are supposed to do, and hunters should do what hunters are supposed to do.”

“Understood.”

“Then, since we’re on the same page, how about a toast? We’ll use this as our celebratory drink.”

Su-ho raised his takeout cup, prompting Kim Seung-hwan to smirk and lift his coffee cup as well.

They each took a sip, and at that moment—

Bzzzzzzzt.

Su-ho’s phone buzzed. Checking the caller ID, he chuckled.

“Sharp ears as always. This one’s no gentleman either.”

“Is it Pi Seong-yeol?”

“Yes.”

Su-ho held up the phone, showing the caller ID to Kim Seung-hwan before answering.

“Yes, senior.”

- “Where are you right now?”

It was Pi Seong-yeol’s voice, filled with tension.

Likely, he had seen the article that Jo Jin-hwi had released.

Su-ho replied calmly,

“I’m at home, resting.”

- “Where’s Son Baek-geum?”

“Well... When I went to apprehend him, I found out he’d already left Korea.”

- “He left Korea?”

“Yes. I heard he went on a short vacation. He’s scheduled to return in a few days, so I planned to meet him at the airport. I lack the authority or qualifications to forcibly bring him back. I apologize.”

- “...”

There was a long pause on the other end of the line.

Pi Seong-yeol seemed to be debating whether to scold Su-ho as he would his other subordinates or let it slide.

After a moment of silence, Pi Seong-yeol spoke again.

- “Have you seen the news?”

“Yes, I have.”

- “What do you think?”

“I plan to follow whatever instructions you give me, senior.”

- “Whatever instructions I give, huh...”

He was undoubtedly conflicted.

The article had only been out for a few hours. While it might not seem like much time, the topic involving Sword Saint An Su-ho had already stirred significant public interest.

Under normal circumstances, Pi Seong-yeol might have dismissed it outright, but his voice, filled with restrained anger, suggested he had already been reprimanded by President Jang Kyung-hwan.

‘If not, his reaction wouldn’t make sense.’

Pi Seong-yeol finally said,

- “I understand. Make sure you’re prepared to report back to me with all relevant records as soon as Son Baek-geum returns. Ignore the news.”

“Yes, understood.”

As expected of Pi Seong-yeol.

He didn’t tell Su-ho not to worry because he wouldn’t make promises he couldn’t keep.

After ending the call, Su-ho turned to Kim Seung-hwan, who had been listening quietly.

“Was that call about the article?”

“Yes.”

“What did he say?”

“He told me to ignore the news and focus on the tasks at hand. The fact that he didn’t say not to worry suggests he’s still deliberating.”

“Fascinating.”

“What is?”