Su-ho received the materials from Seo Gi-won on his phone, then asked Kim I-gang to handle Kim Geon’s move before heading to his parked car.

    As he made his way to the parking lot, he called Park Gyu-min.

    - “Yes, Hunter An.”

    “I just released the article about the unfair personnel decision we discussed. Keep an eye on the timing and schedule a meeting with the association president.”

    - “You’ve already released it?”

    “Yes.”

    - “Understood.”

    With orders given to Park Gyu-min, Su-ho set aside any concerns about that issue.

    If there were any further follow-ups, the most he would have to deal with would be a call from Pi Seong-yeol.

    Su-ho skimmed through the documents Seo Gi-won had sent and made another call.

    - “Yes, this is Prosecutor Kim Seung-hwan.”

    The person on the other end was a sitting prosecutor.

    Hearing the response, Su-ho smiled as he replied.

    “Hello? This is Hunter An Su-ho from the Grand Hunter Association.”

    - “Hunter An Su-ho?”

    “Yes, that’s correct.”

    - “Hunter An Su-ho from the Grand Hunter Association... You mean the Sword Saint An Su-ho?”

    “Yes, that’s me. If you’re available, could I treat you to a cup of coffee today? I have something to discuss regarding former Prosecutor Pi Seong-yeol.”

    - “...”

    Former Prosecutor Pi Seong-yeol.

    Since he was no longer in office, he was referred to as a former prosecutor.

    After a brief silence, Kim Seung-hwan replied.

    - “Understood.”

    “Thank you for agreeing. I’ll text you the time and location.”

    Ending the call, Su-ho got into his car and started the engine.

    There was no time to relax before meeting him.

    There were many preparations to complete beforehand.

    That evening.

    Su-ho chose a quiet, secluded location for their meeting and waited.

    Before long, an unfamiliar vehicle arrived, and Prosecutor Kim Seung-hwan stepped out.

    Su-ho greeted him warmly with a friendly smile.

    “Hello, Prosecutor Kim Seung-hwan?”

    “...So you’re really Hunter An Su-ho.”

    “Haha, did you think I was lying?”

    It was true.

    The authority to investigate or prosecute Awakened individuals rested solely with the Grand Hunter Association’s Special Division.

    That was why Pi Seong-yeol had aligned himself with the Special Division. He understood the power that came with deciding who could be prosecuted or not.

    Kim Seung-hwan spoke up.

    “You must not have looked into my personality, then. If you had, you’d know I’m someone who lives for justice and integrity.”

    “I know. You’re more upright and righteous than anyone. But you’re also someone who broke under pressure because of it, right?”

    “...Yes, I am. What’s your point?”

    “My point is that you need to learn to bend a little. After all, you’ve been transferred to Gyeonggi Province and haven’t been as driven in your work as before.”

    Kim Seung-hwan fell silent.

    It was true.

    Once a paragon of justice, he had fallen into burnout and disillusionment after being outmaneuvered by Pi Seong-yeol.

    Su-ho continued.

    “Have you seen my interviews?”

    “...Which ones?”

    “The ones where I talk about why I joined the Grand Hunter Association.”

    “Yes, I saw them. You said it was to put an end to Gates.”

    “That’s genuine. I joined the Grand Hunter Association because I truly want to end Gates.”

    Kim Seung-hwan raised an eyebrow.

    “What does that have to do with anything? Wouldn’t joining a large guild make more sense if that’s your goal?”

    “No. Guilds prioritize their own profits over humanity’s security. The Grand Hunter Association, as a state-run organization, exists for the public good. That’s why I joined—to have access to Gates before anyone else.”

    “And?”

    “To end Gates, I need to cleanse the rot within our systems first. People like Pi Seong-yeol are obstacles to progress. They use their power as a means to an end, exploiting the association for personal gain. You’ve experienced that yourself, haven’t you?”

    Kim Seung-hwan remained silent for a long time before finally speaking.

    “So, is this personal revenge for you?”

    “Not at all. If it were personal, I wouldn’t bother with all this. I’d just hunt down everyone involved in that incident and end them. My nickname should tell you enough about my abilities.”

    The Sword Saint An Su-ho.

    A man with unparalleled combat prowess who had cleared multiple sealed Gates alone.

    Su-ho’s tone turned serious.

    “I want to end Gates. To do that, I need trustworthy allies. That’s why I’m proposing this cleanup—to ensure the upper ranks are filled with people who lead by example.”

    “You’re idealistic to a fault.”

    “Dreams are meant to be pursued, not abandoned.”

    “Why me, though? What if I change once I taste power?”

    “Then I made a mistake. But for now, you’re the most suitable person I’ve found.”

    Su-ho grinned as he took another sip of his coffee.

    “And if you ever think of straying, I’ll be watching. So stay honest, won’t you?”