“Do you know your current situation?”
“My situation?”
What situation am I in, they ask?
Did they prepare a surprise party without telling me?
I shook my head to indicate I had no idea.
“In fact, we received a message from the S-rank Hunter, Red Knight. He invited you and Shinnoda to visit his ship. It seems he considers Shinnoda to be within his sphere of influence.”
“Is that so?”
Red Knight… a familiar name.
Apart from times with ‘Dark Knight,’ I’ve had no contact with Shinnoda, so what’s this about?
“The skills you displayed during the tournament fight against the Chinese opponent were clearly above A-rank. If you can do that, then anyone who knows will definitely have noticed.”
So what’s your point?
The only troubling thing here is associating ‘Dark Knight’ with me, but there’s no hard evidence linking the two. My fighting style is different, and I barely use ‘Dark Knight’s skills.
“As long as you’re now A-rank, the world won’t leave you alone. Surviving in this field without affiliating with a specific group will be tough.”
“I see. So, if I don’t choose sides, I’ll get attacked by both, right?”
“That’s right. Unless you become an overwhelmingly powerful force, that’s just the way it is.”
I think I understand now.
Ultimately, it’s the privileged group’s way of kicking the ladder away after climbing it themselves.
Joining their side means they’ll begrudgingly give you a lifeline at best.
By my estimate, based on my knowledge of the original story, the two sides you can choose between are the Government and the Inner Circle. Join either, and the other will be wary of you; stay out of both, and they’ll both try to check your growth—maybe block your access to the Gates, or even try to quietly eliminate you.
So there’s one question that comes to mind.
“But wait, A-rank Heroes are registered with the Association, right? They don’t belong to the Government or the Inner Circle either, so how does that happen?”
Yang Min-seo chuckled slightly before continuing her explanation.
“On the surface, they’re neutral, but after A-rank, most people have already chosen sides behind the scenes. Usually, they’re aligned with the Inner Circle side, thanks to the Government’s abuse of authority to summon Awakened Ones during emergencies.”
“I see. So, the President giving me awards and even hosting dinners is about recruiting me, huh?”
Yes, according to Yang Min-seo, it’s clear now.
Winning against Zhang Yichen wasn’t just about enhancing national pride; it had hidden motives.
‘Hmm, they approached ‘Dark Knight’ too, so I guess the Government is pretty desperate.’
Then the natural conclusion is this:
“I don’t want to belong to either side.”
I’m not staying here forever. I’ll go back after defeating the Demon King, so I don’t want to involve myself in this tense rivalry.
Besides, I’m the only one who can afford to be checked by both sides without issues. With my near S-rank power and knowing the general locations of upcoming Gates due to my knowledge, it’s not a problem for me.
“Neutrality might sound good, but it’s not like others are fools who randomly choose sides.”
Yang Min-seo said this with a look of genuine concern on her face, making me feel she sincerely worried about me.
“I know. Nonetheless, I don’t plan to change my mind. I’ll continue getting stronger, and both the Government and the Inner Circle will end up beneath me.”
“Hmph. That’s certainly worthy of Shinnoda.”
Though my response could seem a bit arrogant, she replied with a gentle smile.
“Nonetheless, please attend the meeting with Red Knight. If you don’t, they might assume you’ve already sided with the Government. Also, meeting someone of that caliber can be considered a privilege.”
As Yang Min-seo said this, I noticed a subtle hint of regret in her expression.
‘So, was she hoping I’d rely on her?’
So far, judging from Yang Min-seo’s actions, it’s a possibility I could infer.
Being stronger than either side makes it unfortunate that I don’t need her backing.
“Hmph. You might reconsider after talking with them at the Blue House…”
Yang Min-seo left me with one meaningful statement at the end.
*
At the Blue House.
I stood in front of the President, and seeing this figure up close whom I’ve only seen on TV before, I felt some reverence.
‘This person governs fifty million people in Korea.’
Despite appearing as an elderly man with gray hair, he has reached the top of the chaotic Korean political landscape.
“The first-year student of the Academy, Shinnoda, has made great contributions to national sports, therefore receiving the Blue Dragon Sports Medal.”
“Thank you.”
I bowed as rehearsed, and the President placed the medal around my neck. He helped me straighten up and shook my hand.
Flash, flash.
Camera flashes blinded my eyes slightly.
“Our Shinnoda has achieved remarkable feats. By defeating Zhang Yichen, who is regarded as the top among peers even within China, this is an outstanding accomplishment.”
“Ha-ha.”
Surrounded by journalists and civil servants, the President offered flattering remarks to me.
I responded awkwardly with a smile.
After the camera session was over, we moved to a private dinner. Around the round table sat the President, the Awakened Ones Association President, me, and Yang Min-seo, while a few journalists took pictures at a distance.
“These days, Shinnoda, you’re quite famous? I have a YouTube channel I frequent—here, let me show you.”
The President pulled out a smartphone, fiddled with it for a while, and finally showed me the screen. The vibrant thumbnail on a dark background caught my attention.
“『The Shocking Reason Why China and Japan Fell After Learning about Korea’s Academies. (Is it THAT Great?! Want to Become Korean!)』”
The video was about how Korean Academy students, specifically Shinnoda, defeated the top Awakened Ones from China, startling neighboring countries.
“…”
I lost for words.
‘Did he show this to make me laugh?’
Anyway, Zhang Yichen isn’t China’s top but the top student of China’s Academy, and why Japan people suddenly collapsed, I don’t know.
“These days, these channels summarize current events and have helped me understand much about Shinnoda.”
“Oh, you’ve seen it?”
The Awakened Ones Association President gave a knowing look, as if familiar with this.
“Ho-ho. Thank you for your kind words.”
The President’s gaze was intense.
If I didn’t know better, I’d wonder why that man was looking at me like that, but after hearing Yang Min-seo’s explanation, his looks were rather burdensome.
The dinner was a Western-style course meal.
After one dish, the next came, starting with the appetizer.
“Shinnoda, we hope you’ll continue contributing to the nation and its people. Oh, by the way, the state is forming a Hero Management organization after graduation, and we’d like you to consider joining.”
“I’ll consider it.”
In a friendly manner, the President extended an invitation, resembling a neighborly uncle. I, however, was reluctant to commit due to Yang Min-seo’s warnings, so I declined politely.
“Hmph. Contemplate this: the path of a true national hero, not just a Hero name-tag.”
“Thank you. I will consider this positively.”
“Shinnoda truly is the nation’s cornerstone. If someone tries to sway you, remember patriotic duty and conduct yourself wisely.”
“Thank you. I don’t know where to place myself with all this praise.”
But he seemed to have noticed my reluctance but continued pushing.
Throughout the meal, the President subtly hinted offers which made the dinner awkward. Relief came only after the dessert was served, marking the end of the meal.
“Mr. Shinnoda. Could we have a moment for a quick chat?”
A male aide, about forty years old, invited me aside with a separate conversation.
Although I found this slightly bothersome, I followed him.
In the private room, his story continued the President’s earlier message.
“I was asked to introduce the Management organization the VIP mentioned earlier.”
“Ah, alright.”
I decided to listen since declining after receiving a medal would’ve been awkward.
“To start, we’ll treat you as a ‘Major,’ equivalent to a 4th grade civil servant, with benefits increasing as you gain seniority. Additionally, your pension will be merged with a custom fund where you only pay 30%, while the government covers 70%.”
It all sounded weird as he went on.
Benefits increasing with seniority?
Even with minimal understanding of the Awakened Ones’ society, isn’t this the rank-based salary system?
“So, you’re saying the benefits aren’t based on skill but on seniority?”
“That’s correct. This makes it better for you, Shinnoda, as joining early means you’ll manage even S-rank members later. After retirement, you might even be recognized as a ministerial-level official.”
“Ah…”
I realized this was due to the non-Awakened mindset.
Even in the harsh world of Awakened Ones, ruled by the law of the jungle, would any high-ranking Awakened One tolerate being ordered around by someone of C or D rank just because they’ve been there longer?
‘I might as well join the Inner Circle.’
Initially, I wanted to stay neutral to avoid conflicts, but one side being so inadequate renders this unnecessary. It feels less like a fight and more like an adult easily snapping a child’s wrist.
“Yeah, I’ll think about it.”
“Understood, but you should decide soon. As of now, VIPs are placing you directly, but later you’d need to pass through the public recruitment system.”
The aide clearly believed their management concept would succeed.
It might appeal to C or D rankers, but B rankers and above would find it laughable unless they’ve lost their minds.
I politely excused myself and left the Blue House.
Yang Min-seo’s car was waiting for me outside.
“How was it? There was extra conversation, wasn’t there?”
As we headed home, we discussed what had transpired.
“Horrible. Actually, I might just join the Inner Circle.”
“Ho-ho. I anticipated that. It’s because they can’t grasp the situation. Around 40% of global regimes are already controlled by Awakened Ones.”
It’s clear the President and his aides are far too naive.
Democracy thrived in a world where everyone was equally vulnerable to bullets. Even in that world, not all countries were democratic. In these days of superhuman abilities, such systems seem inadequate.
Now I understand why she thought my mind might change after the trip to the Blue House.
“Tomorrow evening, there’s a dinner with Red Knight, would you be comfortable joining? We’ll take a cruise in Incheon.”
“Um, sure, that’s fine.”
Though I was eager to use the enhanced ‘Succession’ skill, I’ll need to hold off for tonight and satisfy myself with a small taste.
