It was certain.

    Of course, it was, because he had personally taken Park Yong''s life.

    ‘So this lunatic is in this cohort.’

    Park Yong was more than worthy of the title "lunatic."

    No, he was a genuine madman.

    A madman obsessed with both the sword and raw power.

    He wielded a sword with almost insane proficiency and was so deeply immersed in swordsmanship that his nickname was "Mad Sword" (狂劍).

    Suho narrowed his eyes.

    ‘So if we both make it through, does that mean we’d be in the same intake?’

    That was right.

    Although the industry didn’t really adhere to hierarchies, it could be said that, if anything, they’d be peers.

    And Park Yong would likely pass.

    Suho didn’t recall the exact details of his debut, but he knew that Park was one of the swordsmanship prodigies he respected in his past life.

    ‘Hmm.’

    Suho rubbed his chin, briefly lost in thought.@@@@

    Park Yong was the kind of person who saw everything through a lens of power, relying solely on strength to assess others.

    Moreover, he was so thirsty for strength that he sought out masters at every chance to challenge them to fights—an obsession that ultimately led him down the path of a serial killer targeting Hunters.

    That was why Suho had to take preventive measures now, while he still could.

    If he turned a blind eye, who knew how many innocent people would become his victims?

    ‘Annoying, but necessary.’

    After considering his options, Suho came up with a suitable approach and walked over to Park Yong.

    He checked the name tag on his chest to confirm it was indeed him before speaking.

    “Hello?”

    “......?”

    Park Yong glanced at him briefly, then looked away.

    Right, that was typical of him.

    He never paid attention to those he deemed weak.

    But in contrast, he obsessed over strong opponents, almost to the point of stalking them.

    Suho knew exactly how to deal with someone like him.

    Suho asked again, “My name is Ahn Suho. Judging by the sword you’re holding, you’re an aspiring swordsman. How about a sparring match?”

    Suho held up a practice wooden sword he had brought.

    At that, Park Yong frowned and replied.

    “Buzz off.”

    “Sorry?”

    “I said, buzz off.”

    The cynical response was just as expected.

    But did he think that would make Suho give up?

    Suho smirked and asked, “A bit harsh, don’t you think? Or are you afraid?”

    At that moment, Park Yong’s gaze, which had been avoiding him, suddenly snapped directly onto Suho.

    Ah, classic Park Yong—so sensitive when it came to anything related to strength.

    Park narrowed his eyes and asked, “What did you just say?”

    “I asked if you’re avoiding it out of fear.”

    “Do you think you’re somebody? Why so cocky?”

    “Oh? And if I am? Want to find out?”

    “......Ha!”

    With that, Park Yong abruptly stood up.

    “I was bored stiff surrounded by weaklings, so this is perfect. Let’s go. Bring it.”

    “You should’ve agreed sooner. Follow me. There’s a sparring area over there; let’s use that.”

    “......Crazy bastard.”

    Park Yong let out a dry laugh, clearly amused by Suho’s brazen attitude.

    In his life, he’d never met someone like this.

    Fortunately, Park Yong followed Suho’s suggestion and headed to the sparring area with him.

    After all, even though they were waiting, they were technically still in the middle of the exam. Park Yong didn’t want to be disqualified over something trivial.

    “A sparring match? Sure, well... alright,” the examiner replied, a little surprised but quickly nodding in agreement.

    This wasn’t the first time he’d encountered people like this.

    But that couldn’t be helped.

    Suho was now level 10.

    Among all the unregistered Hunters in the country... no, among all unregistered Hunters in existence, he likely had the highest level and stats.

    After all, under the global Hunter laws, unregistered Hunters were never allowed into Gates.

    Then, with his foot still pinning Park Yong’s movement, Suho pushed hard, sending Park Yong staggering backward.

    Unable to overcome the vast difference in stats, Park Yong nearly stumbled, barely keeping his balance.

    The crowd fell silent.

    Everyone had expected a chaotic brawl or one-sided beatdown but hadn’t anticipated the match to play out like this.

    The examiner was equally stunned.

    ‘Who... who is this guy?’

    Exhausted from preparing for the exam, the examiner’s fatigue disappeared upon witnessing Suho’s skill.

    In all his years of watching examinees, including elite recruits backed by major guilds, he’d never seen anyone like Suho.

    Suho laughed.

    “What’s wrong? Not coming at me again? Giving up?”

    “You...!”

    Park Yong’s anger flared as he ground his teeth but quickly swallowed his rage, lifting one corner of his mouth in acknowledgment.

    Initially enraged by Suho’s toying, Park Yong, a true believer in strength, now recognized Suho’s skill.

    When it came to swordsmanship, Park Yong was dead serious, and he could tell.

    That maneuver wasn’t beginner’s luck or a special skill—it was the real deal.

    With newfound respect, Park Yong adjusted his stance.

    “You’re interesting. Now I understand why you were so confident. Alright, from now on, I’ll take this seriously.”

    “You seemed pretty serious a moment ago.”

    “Yes, I was serious then too.”

    Park Yong’s lips twisted into a chilling smile.

    For a brief moment, Suho felt he glimpsed the true madness that defined Park Yong.

    It was exactly what he had wanted.

    ‘Perfect. This is exactly what I was aiming for.’

    Suho wanted Park Yong fixated on him. This way, he wouldn’t target anyone else until he had overcome Suho.

    Park Yong shifted into a different stance, and Suho’s mouth opened in surprise.

    It was the basic stance of Park’s original swordsmanship style, *Dragon Sword Technique*.

    ‘Dragon Sword Technique, huh? It’s been

    a while since I’ve seen that. Although people who know it often call it *Mad Dragon Sword* instead.’

    Why was it called Mad Dragon Sword?

    The reason was simple.

    With the name "Mad Sword" and Park’s family name "Yong" (meaning dragon), the style had been named accordingly.

    However, since he was still unlicensed, he wouldn’t have fully mastered the original technique yet. At best, he might have grasped the basics.

    In an instant, Park Yong closed the distance to Suho.

    Not bad at all.

    He clearly had some sort of footwork skill.

    But—

    ‘I have footwork too.’

    Suho followed Park Yong’s movements with his eyes.

    And as if calculating every move, he dodged each strike, turning his body just before Park’s sword could touch him.

    Once.

    Twice.

    Even three times.

    After three consecutive misses, Park Yong didn’t get angry, nor did he laugh maniacally.

    Instead, he stared intensely at Suho with an unnervingly focused gaze.

    As Park prepared a fourth strike, Suho, almost instinctively, leaned his forehead forward.

    Thunk!

    A dull sound echoed.

    Suho’s forehead had met the bridge of Park Yong’s nose.

    With both hands still at his waist.

    A headbutt.

    Startled by the unexpected hit to his nose, Park Yong stumbled back a few steps, covering his mouth as he looked at Suho with utter bewilderment.