The only question was whether Sung would be willing to admit it, or would he pretend to be an E-rank Hunter?
And what should Jin-Chul do in such a situation?
- We meet again, Hunter.
- Oh, you were the one who interrogated me.
Fortunately, at least the boy's voice didn't change, because then the absurdity of this whole situation would have thrown Jin-Chul into orbit.
- My name is Woo Jin-Chul, head of the Hunter Monitoring Department. It seems one of my employees has gotten under your skin quite a bit. Kang Tae-Shik's nature has always seemed wild to me, and I've often wondered why he chose to work for the Association, but he always followed orders, and there were no abuses. Until today. Once we conclude our investigation, you will receive official apologies. The Investigative Department will take over the case.
Maintaining a calm, polite expression, Jin-Woo looked at the hunter across from him.
He already knew that there was no point in boasting about killing a B-rank hunter.
During their first meeting, he didn't realize it, but the guy in front of him is very strong.
Rank A?
Definitely.
Probably the upper limit.
He wouldn't stand a chance in a fight against him.
Two of his strikes, and he'd be dead.
This guy was in a completely different league.
Not just in terms of rank.
Now that he didn't look like he had just come down from a cross, he was quite a pleasant sight to behold.
This time, his perfectly pressed suit fit his body nicely, showing a slender but presumably muscular build.
His limbs were quite long, but in a very healthy and attractive way.
Light brown hair was perfectly combed back and treated, most likely, with an invisible amount of gel. Only the same strand as before delicately fell onto his forehead, slightly curling.
Slightly tanned skin, darker than Jin-Woo's.
He stood with his back straight, hands behind his back, and his chin slightly raised, but not excessively.
He exuded authority, seriousness, and respect.
His face was somewhat elongated, slightly triangular, and very, very handsome.
Dark brown eyes, a slightly curved nose, thin lips...
Holy moly, looking this good should be a crime.
With such looks, he could work as a model.
Jin-Woo tried to maintain a composed expression, but he felt his cheeks warming, and he started to feel hot. (T/L: I have no idea what's happening here! )
Did Kang Tae-Shik hit him on the head at some point and damage his brain?
- I have a few questions for you.
Even his voice was perfect. Deep, polite, yet firm, reminding Jin-Woo of honey.
He had no damn clue why he thought of honey.
I think I'm going crazy. (T/L: You bet, you're.)
- If you cooperate, everything should go smoothly.
The Hunters nodded.
Mr. Song and Ju-Hee standing next to him also seemed to fall under the man's spell. And in this case, they were more ensnared by his authority and self-confidence than by his appearance and voice quality.
- Let me ask you directly.
The man's voice, although still polite, became a bit sharper and no longer looked as friendly as a moment earlier, although it could not be said that he was trying to intimidate or threaten them.
- Who killed Kang Tae-Shik?
He has to confess. He won't be able to hide his skills any longer. Additionally, he will have to break his contract with Jin-Ho since he needs someone of low rank.
- It was me.
Hearing this, Jin-Woo glanced at Mr. Song out of the corner of his eye, glad that the shock he felt at his declaration did not appear on his face at the same time.
- I killed him.
- You are a C-rank, correct? - Woo Jin-Chul asked calmly. He didn't look like he didn't believe him. He didn't look like he believed him either.
However, what mattered to Jin-Woo was that the inspector's eyes were not currently on him.
Maybe he doesn't suspect anything.
- Are you telling me that you defeated a B-rank hunter?
With a poker face, Mr. Song pointed at Ju-Hee standing slightly behind him.
- Do you see that lady behind me?
The inspector's gaze moved to the silent Ju-Hee.
After a while, a strange glint appeared in his eyes, which worried Jin-Woo. However, as quickly as he appeared, he disappeared and Jin-Woo did not sense any dishonest intentions coming from this man.
But the glow looked like... amusement to him?
- With the support of a B-rank healer, it's possible... - The agent admitted after a while, looking thoughtful.
Nonsense.
Kang's wild nature?
He phrased it nicely.
To Jin-Woo, this man simply seemed like a beast.
Not a dangerous one, but still a beast.
Jin-Chul knew that an assassin wouldn't stand a chance against him. Kang was also aware of this, which is why he tried to keep his distance from him. That suited Jin-Chul just fine.
A healer with a clearly noted trauma by doctors and a 60-year-old mage.
Only a complete fool would believe such nonsense. Jin-Chul didn't consider himself one.
He quickly glanced at Hunter Sung.
The boy remained silent and looked as if he agreed with this version of events.
- Please go with my people. We will need your assistance in filling out a few reports.
Before the hunter could leave, Jin-Woo leaned over him and asked in a whisper.
- Sir, why did you lie? If the Association discovered this...
- Calm down, kid. You saved my life twice, and this is the least I can do for you. I assume you'd rather keep your abilities a secret. Am I right? Although you probably won't avoid interrogations.
When the gentleman left, Jin-Woo was approached by Inspector Woo Jin-Chul, who had previously been talking to his agents.
He had his hands in his pockets and seemed oddly amused, as his eyes showed, although his face was still just a mask of politeness.
- Can we talk for a moment... off the record?
Jin-Woo blinked in surprise.
- Unofficially... Yes, of course.
Jin-Chul and Jin-Woo moved away from the wandering agents to give them some privacy.
- I've been working in the Association for six years, and I don't believe that version of events. But let it be the official one. Neither a D-rank Hunter could kill eight more experienced Hunters, nor a healer and a mage would stand a chance against Kang Tae-Shik.
Swallowing hard, Jin-Woo felt his heart rate increase.
He knew.
The agent's dark eyes showed confidence in his words.
Bloody hell!
So now the trouble began.
- I don't know what rank you are. I don't know why you don't want to reveal it. But you've piqued my interest. I'll allow you to continue this charade, and we'll see where it leads us. You have my word that nothing I know will be recorded in the Association's records. Not until you take the step yourself.
Struggling to say anything, made it difficult due to his dry and tight throat, Jin-Woo finally managed to say something.
- Why... Why don't you reveal it... Isn't this breaking the law?
Damn it!
He shouldn't have framed it like that! It sounded as if he was encouraging him to reveal the truth. Or as if he were belittling him or something!
The agent emitted a long hum while raising his eyebrows, still gazing at Jin-Woo.
He seemed strangely... lazy and not at all concerned.
- Honestly... You don't seem like a bad person in any way.
- You've seen through me. - Jin-Woo guessed.
The agent nodded slightly.
- Your mother fell into the 'Eternal Sleep' four years ago, your sister attends high school and is in the top ten of her class, with no complaints about her behavior. You supported both of them and yourself by risking your life in the dungeons for meager pay. That's why I haven't reported you, though I should have. You're right, concealing your rank if there's been a reawakening is a crime; you're misleading the Association. Additionally, you are involved in two incidents. But don't worry, my department is very unpopular among Hunters, but contrary to the reputation, I am not a heartless bureaucrat, although I may appear to be one. I won't reveal your secret because you haven't done anything wrong so far. However, if you break the law using your rank, I won't hesitate to punish you.
Jin-Woo stared with wide, bulging eyes at the agent.
He just casually stated that he knew but would keep it to himself.
How incredibly fortunate Jin-Woo must be to have come across such a reasonable person.
Or how incredibly unfortunate that someone connected the dots at all.
If Inspector Woo figured it out, someone else might, too.
And should he trust this man not to expose him?
The man didn't seem the lying type.