The Clerk: (Looking at Anas after he said "Yes") "Okay... but you must know that expedited re-evaluation has an additional fee."
Anas: (Calmly) "How much?"
The Clerk: "Five million Korean won. This is the penalty fee for violating the regulations. If your result doesn't change, you won't get the money back."
Anas: (Smiling) "Alright."
Nayun: (Tugging Anas's hand) "Dad... five million? That's too much!"
Anas: (Whispering to her) "Don't worry, my little one."
Anas raised his hand quietly, as if adjusting his shirt collar. But at that moment, he whispered words neither Nayun nor the clerk heard.
Anas: (In a faint voice) "Activate MOD MENU. Stop time."
In an instant, everything stopped.
The clerk froze in place, her eyes open staring into emptiness. Nayun stopped mid-smile, her small hand extended towards her father. Behind them, the people in the hall froze like statues. Even the lights on the screens stopped flickering, and the dust in the air froze as if time had turned into a painting.
Absolute silence reigned. No sound, no movement, no breath.
Anas: (Looking around calmly) "This is my work."
He raised his right hand, and in an instant, a massive screen appeared before him, shimmering with blue and golden lights.
```
╔══════════════════════════════════════╗
║ [SYSTEM ALERT: MOD MENU Activated] ║
║ [Absolute Version – Time Stop Mode]║
╠══════════════════════════════════════╣
║ [Available Options] ║
║ • World Edit [WORLD EDIT] ║
║ • Character Edit [CHARACTER EDIT] ║
║ • Stats Edit [STATS EDIT] ║
║ • Add Skills [ADD SKILLS] ║
║ • Advanced Options [ADVANCED] ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════╝
```
Anas: (Pressing the first option) "World Edit."
A sub-screen appeared, displaying data from the Bank of Korea, bank accounts, and balances.
```
╔══════════════════════════════════════╗
║ [WORLD EDIT: Financial Systems] ║
╠══════════════════════════════════════╣
║ [Banking Data] ║
║ Bank: Seoul National Bank ║
║ Account Name: Anas Sharif Yazeed ║
║ Account Number: 110-452-789012 ║
║ Current Balance: 1,247,000 won ║
║ ║
║ [Edit Options] ║
║ • Deposit Amount [DEPOSIT] ║
║ • Withdraw Amount [WITHDRAW] ║
║ • Edit Bank Log [EDIT LOG] ║
║ • Legalize Modification [LEGALIZE] ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════╝
```
Anas: (Pressing Deposit Amount) "Let's add... thirty billion won. Enough for a comfortable start."
A number entry window appeared.
```
╔══════════════════════════════════════╗
║ [Deposit Amount] ║
╠══════════════════════════════════════╣
║ Amount: 30,000,000,000 won ║
║ ║
║ [Additional Options] ║
║ ✓ Legalize Modification ║
║ ✓ Update Bank Log ║
║ ✓ Hide Source ║
║ ║
║ [Confirm Deposit] ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════╝
```
Anas pressed "Confirm".
```
╔══════════════════════════════════════╗
║ [SYSTEM ALERT: Deposit Successful] ║
╠══════════════════════════════════════╣
║ 30,000,000,000 won has been added ║
║ to Anas Sharif Yazeed's account. ║
║ ║
║ [New Balance] ║
║ 30,001,247,000 won ║
║ ║
║ [Bank Log Update] ║
║ ✓ Log updated ║
║ ✓ Source: Successful Investments ║
║ ✓ 100% Legal ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════╝
```
Anas: (Smiling) "Excellent. Now, deactivate time stop."
He closed the screen with a simple hand motion, and time returned to flowing.
The clerk came back to life, continuing her gaze at Anas as if nothing had happened. Nayun continued her speech without realizing the pause.
Nayun: "...but five million is a lot!"
Anas: (Placing his hand on her shoulder) "It's okay. I'll pay it."
He turned to the clerk and took out a bank card from his wallet.
Anas: "I'll pay now."
The Clerk: (Surprised) "You... you agree?"
Anas: "Yes. Where's the machine?"
The Clerk: (Handing him the payment device) "Here... just swipe the card."
Anas swiped the card, and the screen showed: "Approved. Sufficient balance."
The Clerk: (Staring at the screen in shock) "The balance... the balance is sufficient? But... yesterday only..."
Anas: (Calmly) "Perhaps there was a mistake in your information."
The Clerk: (Stammering) "I... I'm sorry. Payment procedures completed. Please, I'll take you to the test location."
The clerk stood up from behind her desk and walked ahead of them towards the elevators. She opened an elevator door and gestured for them to enter.
The Clerk: "Fifth floor. Test room 5B."
The elevator ascended quietly. Nayun was holding Anas's hand tightly, looking at him curiously.
Nayun: (Whispering) "Dad, how did you pay all that money?"
Anas: (Muttering) "I have... some savings."
Nayun: "But you didn't have anything yesterday!"
Anas: (Smiling) "Many things have changed."
---
The elevator doors opened onto a long corridor on the fifth floor. The corridor was wider than they expected, with white walls and quiet neon lighting. On both sides, glass doors with numbers, behind them test rooms equipped with advanced devices.
At the end of the corridor, there was a small waiting area, with about ten people sitting on blue plastic chairs. Some were staring at their phones, some whispering, and others eyeing the closed door of the test room with clear anxiety.
The Clerk: (Pointing to the area) "This is the waiting area. They'll call your name when it's your turn."
Anas: "Thank you."
The clerk sat at a small desk at the entrance of the area and started following the names on her screen. Anas and Nayun sat on two empty seats.
Anas began observing the people around him. They were all in a state of tension and anxiety. A young man in his twenties constantly wiping sweat from his forehead. A man in his forties nervously biting his nails. A young woman closing her eyes and murmuring as if praying.
Nayun: (Looking at them) "Dad, why does everyone look scared?"
Anas: "Because they're waiting for a result that will determine their future. The rank they get will change their lives."
Nayun: "Were you scared when you took the test?"
Anas: (Remembering the old Anas's memories) "The one before me... was very scared."
Nayun: "Dad, will you succeed this time?"
Anas: "Of course."
Nayun: "But the device said you're not fit to become a hunter."
Anas: (Laughing) "Don't worry. I will become one of the strongest hunters."
Nayun: (Tugging Anas's hand) "I trust you, Dad."
The test room door opened, and a young man in his twenties came out, his face pale, his shoulders slumped. He was holding a white paper trembling in his hand.
Man in his forties: (Asking curiously) "What was your result?"
The Young Man: (In a muffled voice) "D... D rank."
Everyone looked at him with a mix of pity and relief. D rank isn't bad, but it's not good either. The young man left the area with heavy steps.
Young Woman: (Whispering to her neighbor) "The last one who came out got E. The one before him got D+. No one got C today."
Her Neighbor: "I heard the success rate in this branch is only 30%."
Young Woman: "Oh my... I'm scared."
The door opened again, and a girl in her twenties came out crying quietly. No one asked her, it was clear from her crying that the result wasn't good.
A voice called from the clerk's desk: "Anas Sharif Yazeed... the test room is ready."
Anas stood up and patted Nayun's head.
Anas: "Wait here. I'll be back soon."
Nayun: "Dad... good luck."
Anas: (Smiling) "I don't need luck. I have certainty."
He entered the test room. It was a white room, with a massive device in the middle resembling a glass capsule, connected to a control panel and multiple display screens. To the side, three employees in white coats stood, looking at him curiously.
First Employee: (Pointing to the device) "Please. Place your hand on the glass panel there. The device will measure your stats."
Anas: (Approaching the device) "Are there any special instructions?"
Second Employee: "Just place your hand and remain calm. The result will appear within seconds."
Anas placed his hand on the cold glass panel. In an instant, blue lights lit up throughout the device, and faint humming sounds began filling the room.
On the main screen, numbers started jumping rapidly:
[Measuring Stats...]
HP: Measuring...
MP: Measuring...
STR: Measuring...
AGI: Measuring...
Then suddenly, everything stopped.
The lights changed from blue to deep red. A sharp alarm siren pierced the room. On the screen, an error message began to appear.
First Employee: (Stunned) "What's happening?!"
A message appeared on the screen:
```
╔══════════════════════════════════════╗
║ [SYSTEM ALERT: Measurement Error] ║
╠══════════════════════════════════════╣
║ [Error Details] ║
║ ⑊
║ • Unable to read HP value ║
║ • Unable to read MP value ║
║ • Unable to read STR value ║
║ • Unable to read AGI value ║
║ • Unable to read STA value ║
║ • Unable to read INT value ║
║ • Unable to read PER value ║
║ • Unable to read LUK value ║
║ ║
║ [Final Result] ║
║ Unmeasurable ║
║ [UNMEASURABLE] ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════╝
```
First Employee: (Trembling) "This... this is unbelievable. The device couldn't read any stat!"
Second Employee: (Approaching the screen) "All values unreadable? How is this possible?!"
Third Employee: "Is there a malfunction in the device?"
First Employee: (Pressing some buttons) "I'll restart the measurement."
He restarted the device, and Anas repeated placing his hand. The same result. Red lights, alarm, and the same message.
First Employee: (Wiping sweat from his forehead) "This... this has never happened before. The device is completely fine."
Second Employee: (Checking the device) "All indicators are normal. The device is operating at 100% efficiency."
Third Employee: (Looking at Anas) "Sir... this result means our device is unable to read your stats at all. This device is designed to measure the power of awakened ones from rank E to A+. When it gives an 'Unmeasurable' result, it means your power far exceeds the device's maximum limit."
Anas: (Calmly) "And what does this mean?"
First Employee: "The only way to measure your true power is by facing one of the high-rank hunters. An S-rank hunter or higher. Only they can determine your level."
Second Employee: "We'll go to the branch director. This is above our level. Please wait here."
The first and second employees rushed out, leaving the third employee with Anas.
Third Employee: (Trying to compose himself) "Please wait a moment. The director will come soon."
Anas: "No problem. I have time."
---
Outside, Nayun was waiting impatiently. She saw the employees rushing out, so she jumped from her seat and approached the door.
Nayun: (Worried) "Dad? Are you okay?"
Anas opened the door and came out to her.
Anas: "I'm fine, my little one."
Nayun: (Throwing herself into his arms) "I was scared! I saw the employees running and thought something bad happened!"
Anas: (Patting her back) "Don't be afraid. Everything is fine."
Nayun: (Raising her head) "What was the test result? Did you succeed?"
Anas: "The device couldn't read my stats. It said I'm 'Unmeasurable'."
Nayun: (Her eyes widening) "What does that mean?"
Anas: "It means I'm too strong for this device to measure."
Nayun: (Jumping with joy) "Really?! So you're stronger than A+?"
Anas: "It seems so."
Nayun: "Dad! This is amazing! I'm proud of you!"
Anas: (Smiling) "Didn't I tell you not to worry?"
Nayun: (Laughing) "But I was worried! Everyone here is scared, and I saw them leaving crying... I thought you'd become like them!"
Anas: "I'm not like them."
Nayun: (Observing him) "Dad, will you become SSS rank like those three?"
Anas: "Maybe. But even if I don't, I'll remain stronger than them."
Nayun: "How do you know?"
Anas: "Because I know."
Nayun: (Tugging his hand) "Dad, tell me... will you stay with us? You won't leave us again?"
Anas: (Looking into her eyes) "I won't leave you. Ever."
Nayun: "Promise?"
Anas: "Promise."
Nayun smiled widely, then hugged him tightly.
Nayun: "I love you, Dad."
Anas: (Feeling a strange warmth in his heart) "And I love you too, my little one."
---
After a few minutes, the two employees returned accompanied by a man in his fifties, wearing an elegant suit. He was a man of presence, his posture straight, his gaze sharp. He approached Anas and extended his hand.
The Man: "Hello. I am Kang Dae-ho, director of the Seoul branch of the Global Awakening and Hunters Association. I heard the measuring device had an issue with you."
Anas shook his hand calmly.
Anas: "Anas Sharif Yazeed. Pleased to meet you."
Director Kang: (Looking at him with interest) "The employees told me the device couldn't read any of your stats. Do you know what this means?"
Anas: "They told me it means my power exceeds the device's maximum limit."
Director Kang: (Smiling) "That's correct. And this is very rare. Let me formally introduce myself. I am an SS-rank hunter, and one of the top ten strongest hunters in Korea. In my career, I've never seen a case like yours."
Anas: "Honored."
Director Kang: (Observing him) "Yesterday you were G-rank, and today our device fails to measure you. This is not normal. Are you sure you want to proceed with this?"
Anas: "Yes. I'm sure."
Director Kang: "Alright. The only way to know your true level is by facing one of the high-rank hunters. I'll contact one of the S-rank hunters in Seoul. Come tomorrow at the same time."
Anas: "I'll be there."
Director Kang: (Looking at him with penetrating eyes) "You're a mysterious man, Mr. Anas. But I like mystery. Tomorrow we'll know your truth."
Anas and Nayun left the building, the sky completely dark. The lights of Seoul sparkled around them.
Nayun: (Holding his hand) "Dad, tomorrow you'll face an S-rank hunter?"
Anas: "Yes."
Nayun: "Is he dangerous?"
Anas: (Smiling) "Not to you."
Nayun: (Laughing) "I'm sure you'll win."
Anas: "Why are you sure?"
Nayun: "Because you're my dad. And my dad doesn't lose."
Anas looked at the sky, then at his little daughter.
Anas: "Your words mean a lot to me, Nayun."
Nayun: "Let's go. We're late for dinner."
They walked together through the crowded streets of Seoul, their hands intertwined, their hearts full of confidence and love.
Tomorrow is a new day.
Tomorrow is a new challenge.
And the fun hasn't ended yet.
```
╔══════════════════════════════════════╗
║ [SYSTEM ALERT: End of Day Three] ║
╠══════════════════════════════════════╣
║ [Location: Seoul – Jongno Streets] ║
║ [Next Mission: Confront S-rank Hunter] ║
║ [Warning: There may be eyes watching] ║
║ ║
║ [Get ready. The fun has just begun.] ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════╝
```