As the meal concluded and Jung Chul-min finished paying, they were about to leave the restaurant when he paused.

    "By the way, Suho..."

    "Yes?"

    "Are you sure about this? You''ve seen it before, but there are sometimes reporters waiting outside the KHA building. They’re always looking for a big story."

    It was true.

    Just like reporters linger around police stations, there were always journalists loitering outside the KHA headquarters, hoping to catch a scoop.

    And today was no different.

    A quick look outside showed a small group of reporters gathered, chatting amongst themselves.

    Suho glanced at them and chuckled.

    "Oh, if that''s the case, it’s fine. I can handle it. If you’re concerned, we can meet on the first floor entrance."

    "Are you sure?"

    "Yes, I’m fine. I’ll go on ahead and see you in the lobby."

    With that, Suho started walking ahead.

    Jung Chul-min was about to ask if he wanted company when something strange happened.

    "...Huh?"

    Suho had suddenly vanished.

    What? He was just here a moment ago...

    It was an odd situation.

    In reality, Suho hadn’t disappeared. The effect of the "Colorless Solitude" skill, embedded in his Formless Sword technique, created a distortion that made him nearly invisible to the casual observer.

    Seeing Jung’s puzzled expression, Suho nodded to himself in satisfaction as he walked into the KHA building, passing right in front of the reporters without being noticed.

    ***

    The two reunited inside the building.

    Jung Chul-min, still bewildered, asked Suho.

    "Wait, Suho. There were reporters out front. How did you manage to slip past them?"

    "It’s just a skill effect," Suho replied casually. "Shall we go?"

    "A...ah, right. Let’s go."

    Though curious about the skill, Jung held back his questions, respecting the etiquette between Hunters.

    They soon arrived at the association president’s office, located on the top floor of the KHA building.

    As they exited the elevator, Jung Chul-min explained.

    "Just as expected, all you need to do is pose for a few photos in the president’s office and exchange a few words. Thank you again for this."@@@@

    "It’s no trouble at all."

    As Jung had mentioned, the office was fully set up for the photo session.

    When President Jang Kyung-hwan and Vice President Park Gyu-man saw Suho enter, they greeted him with beaming smiles.

    "Ah, welcome, Hunter Suho! It’s a pleasure. I’m Jang Kyung-hwan, president of the KHA."

    Jang Kyung-hwan.

    A friendly yet imposing figure.

    He was a former five-term member of parliament with an impressive resume.

    At the same time...

    ‘And also the guy who clung to his position until a massive reform swept him out.’

    His reign didn’t end until two presidential terms later, after he’d thoroughly taken advantage of his position.

    But this time would be different.

    ‘I’ll make sure you’re out long before this president’s term is up.’

    Suho recalled memories involving Jang Kyung-hwan stored in his Memory Library.

    Jang was the classic corrupt official, using the association’s budget for personal matters, and was notorious for his negligence in managing the association, leaving it stagnant and marred by scandal.

    Under his leadership, the association became infamous instead of thriving.

    "Right. As long as I have enough to avoid hunger, that’s all I need... But if they’d offered Gates instead, I might have considered."

    "Gates?"

    "Yes, my ultimate goal is to eradicate Gates. I want to grow stronger as quickly as possible. Joining the KHA is appealing because of the priority access it grants to various Gates."

    "Oh..."

    "Wow, you truly think differently, Hunter Ahn Suho."

    Both the president and vice president looked at Suho in admiration.

    Feeling inspired, the president turned to Jung Chul-min.

    "Team Leader Jung, do we have any way to help such a noble person? Can we support him in some way?"

    "The association?"

    "Yes. Since he’s so keen on Gates, maybe we could assign him a few of the ones we manage. From what I know, we have several Gates in our possession."

    "Ah, that’s true. But they’re all Sealed Gates or challenging Hard Gates..."

    Jung trailed off, clearly flustered.

    After all, the only Gates managed by the KHA were public Gates like the Tower of Trials or difficult Sealed Gates.

    But at those words, Suho’s eyes lit up.

    "Sealed or Hard Gates would actually be perfect. Aren’t those Gates humanity’s greatest enemies? If given the chance, I’d love to take on a Sealed Gate and help manage that burden."

    "Pardon?"

    Startled by Suho’s bold statement, Jung became visibly anxious.

    "Haha! As expected of Hunter Ahn Suho! Sure, why not? Go ahead and take it on."

    President Jang Kyung-hwan readily agreed with enthusiasm.

    "P-President!"

    "What’s the problem, Team Leader Jung?"

    "I-I... um..."

    Jung was flustered.

    How had things escalated so quickly?

    And even Suho...

    "Thank you, Mr. President. I appreciate it."

    "Haha, it’s only right. A noble Hunter has volunteered to tackle a Sealed Gate, and it’s our duty to support him. Isn’t that what the association is here for?"

    "With an opportunity, I’ll give it my best."

    Suho responded eagerly, almost as if he had been waiting for this.

    ‘Ah... Damn it...’

    Jung was not only stunned—he was downright angry.

    While Suho might be inexperienced, it was unacceptable for the president and vice president to be so reckless.

    Did they even understand what they were doing?

    Sealed Gates were no joke. They had claimed countless lives and were under strict government control for safety reasons, requiring rigorous qualifications even for large guilds to access.

    Yet here they were, approving access for Suho without a second thought.

    ‘This is why I can’t stand

    officials who’ve never faced Gates...!’

    If they’d ever entered a Gate, they wouldn’t make decisions so lightly.

    What frustrated Jung even more was the thought of sending such a promising talent into what was known as a "Hunter’s grave."

    He didn’t want to lose Suho.

    There was a chance Suho could grow into a truly great Hunter.

    Jung wanted to guide Suho carefully, helping him develop into a hero who could contribute to humanity’s peace.

    But in this atmosphere, he couldn’t suddenly object and risk ruining everything.

    Only Jung, who knew the inside story, felt completely helpless and exasperated.

    Seeing Jung’s flushed face, Suho smiled inwardly.