I Became The Rankers’ Number One Pick [EN]: Chapter 122

122.

“You can use this office.”

Oh Hyun-soo led Seo-ah to a small office on the middle floor of the Hunter Association.

Unlike typical offices, this space was noticeable for its warm apricot-colored walls and charming decorations.

This place was known as the ‘Counseling Room’. It was located in the Association building.

“But you really decided to do it.”

“I don’t know when I’ll be going on a raid, so I can’t just keep lazing around until then.”

Oh Hyun-soo chuckled at Seo-ah’s words.

“Hunters usually prefer to raid even low-level gates.”

Seo-ah shrugged in response.

“I majored in psychology, even though I’m on leave.”

“Ah, I see. Well, I look forward to working with you. It’s been vacant for a long time, but it’s finally filled.”

After Oh Hyun-soo left, Seo-ah entered the counseling room.

This Counseling Room was literally a place where hunters could discuss their various concerns.

It was created for the welfare of hunters, but in reality, it was more of a formality.

High-level hunters would never come to such a place, and it was mostly frequented by low-level hunters. However, very few hunters would confide in low-level hunters they didn’t know.

Seo-ah happened to find out that this position was vacant, and she decided to take the job for a small salary until the raid.

Partly, it was because she didn’t want to just laze around, but also, if she was very lucky, she might be able to use her ability.

However, no one came to the counseling office for several hours.

‘At this rate, it’s no different from lazing around.’

Seo-ah, who had been pacing around inside, wrote down her contact information in front of the door and left. As she went down to the first floor, she noticed the lobby was unusually noisy.

“Where is the Association President? Tell him I want to see him.”

“Assemblyman Noh, the Association President is not here right now as he has an appointment with the Minister of Special Abilities.”

“Then, Vice President, you take care of it.”

Noh Yoon-ji’s father, Assemblyman Noh Hak-young, was arguing with Vice President Kim Jung-soo in a somewhat agitated state.

Seo-ah watched the situation from behind, out of Noh Hak-young’s sight.

“How difficult is it to assign one measly C-grade gate? Why are you being so difficult?”

“Assemblyman, to be assigned a C-grade gate, you need a team that includes at least one B-grade hunter. Why are you acting like this when you know that well?”

Kim Jung-soo’s tone gradually hardened as Noh Hak-young continued to insist.

“What? How much convenience have I provided to the Hunter Association? You can’t even do that much for me?”

Noh Hak-young seemed to get more and more agitated at the refusal, but he quickly calmed down.

Seo-ah quietly watched, noticing [Silent Night] flashing in her status window.

“It’s not that we’re deliberately doing this, but that’s the regulation. And it’s also for your safety, Assemblyman.”

“If that’s the case, don’t worry. Of course, I’m not going alone. I’ll be going with a hunter from the Taeyang Guild.”

“A hunter from the Taeyang Guild? Who are you talking about?”

Since he wanted a C-grade gate, it had to be at least a B-grade or A-grade hunter. If it was Assemblyman Noh Hak-young with an A-grade hunter, they might have given it to them even if it was just the two of them.

“It’s my daughter, Hunter Noh Soo-jung. Have you heard of her? She’s very talented.”

Kim Jung-soo frowned slightly and glanced at the secretary next to him. He couldn’t possibly remember every hunter within other guilds, especially those who weren’t high-ranking.

The secretary quickly searched and informed him of the results, causing Kim Jung-soo to look even more perplexed.

“She’s a C-grade hunter. If it’s the two of you going, we can give you a D-grade gate. Originally, this wouldn’t even be possible….”

“D-grade! What do you take me for!”

Watching the situation, Seo-ah suddenly remembered what Yoo Ji-an had said before.

Noh Hak-young and Noh Soo-jung might die in the future due to their greed. Perhaps it was related to this situation.

“I’m busy today, so I’ll be back later. I hope you’ll have a satisfactory answer by then.”

Assemblyman Noh Hak-young turned and left as if he really had something urgent to do. Kim Jung-soo sighed as he watched his retreating figure.

“Why is he suddenly like this? Assemblyman Noh Hak-young is a hunter, but he’s never even done a proper raid. Moreover, what confidence does a D-grade hunter have….”

Another employee next to him whispered in a low voice. Seo-ah, with her enhanced hearing since becoming an S-grade, could hear their voices clearly.

“It must be because of the next nomination. He needs an issue [a topic to campaign on].”

“What kind of person uses a gate for their own publicity? Does he know he has to risk his life?”

“Who knows….”

Anyway, it seemed the situation was over for now.

Kim Jung-soo finally noticed Park Seo-ah on one side and approached her, bowing politely.

“Oh, Hunter Park Seo-ah, what brings you here? Is there anything you need?”

“No, I was just passing by and watched because it was noisy. You’re going through a lot.”

“Ahahaha, well… isn’t it a common occurrence?”

At that moment, Seo-ah’s phone vibrated. Seo-ah nodded to Kim Jung-soo and turned to answer the call.

“Yes, hello.”

– Hello, this is Geon-gang Hospital.

“Yes? Yes.”

– Are you the guardian of Park Geon-hoo?

“Yes, that’s right. What’s wrong?”

Seo-ah felt uneasy at the voice on the phone and asked urgently.

– You need to come quickly. Park Geon-hoo’s condition has suddenly worsened.

“…What? Ah, I understand. I’ll be there soon.”

Seo-ah immediately hung up the phone. Then, ignoring Kim Jung-soo’s worried gaze, she hurried out.

Seo-ah didn’t even think about taking a car and ran straight towards Geon-gang Hospital. Considering the traffic situation in Seoul, running would be faster.

***

“He has to be okay.”

Baek Eun-hee sat in the back seat of the car, anxiously looking outside. Then, she nudged Song Jin-ah, who was sitting next to her.

“How much is possible?”

“I need to see his condition. But let me tell you, there are limits for ordinary people who aren’t hunters. Especially if it’s a disease….”

“What, so even an S-grade healer isn’t that great.”

“…Unnie [term for older sister or female friend], should I just get out here?”

When Song Jin-ah frowned, Baek Eun-hee immediately changed her attitude and gave an obsequious smile.

“What are you saying? It’s an honor just to have the only S-grade healer in the country look at him.”

“Well, I can keep him alive for now. Unless he’s already taken his last breath.”

“Please, just do that.”

The car stopped at the entrance of Geon-gang Hospital, and Baek Eun-hee and Song Jin-ah quickly got out.

Baek Eun-hee had previously told Geon-gang Hospital to inform the Royal Guild of Park Geon-hoo’s condition regularly. Han Seok-hyun of the Taeyang Guild was also informed.

From the perspective of both guilds trying to scout Seo-ah, Park Geon-hoo’s condition was a very important variable.

Of course, Baek Eun-hee was even more concerned because she cared about Seo-ah.

Baek Eun-hee dragged Song Jin-ah to the hospital room where Park Geon-hoo was admitted, but after confirming it was empty, they headed to the intensive care unit.

There, they found Seo-ah, who was pacing back and forth with red eyes and nose.

“Seo-ah!”

“Oh, Unnie.”

Baek Eun-hee immediately hugged Seo-ah tightly. Seo-ah leaned into Baek Eun-hee’s arms and sobbed.

“How… how did you come?”

“What’s important is that you’re okay, Seo-ah.”

“Thank you… for coming.”

“Look here, Seo-ah. See who I brought with me.”

Baek Eun-hee, who had been patting Seo-ah’s back, stepped aside slightly and showed Song Jin-ah. Song Jin-ah met Seo-ah’s eyes and waved her fingers.

“We meet again.”

“Hunter Song Jin-ah… ?”

Seo-ah nodded repeatedly with a slightly dazed expression. Seo-ah had heard about it from Song Jin-ho before.

Usually, a healer’s ability doesn’t work on ordinary people, but S-grade hunters are a bit different.

A slight expectation appeared on Seo-ah’s face.

“Please take care of him.”

When Seo-ah bowed politely, Song Jin-ah said in a serious voice.

“I can’t cure the disease with my ability alone. But his condition will improve a bit.”

“Yes, I’m grateful for that alone.”

Song Jin-ah was guided by a nurse and changed into the appropriate attire to enter the intensive care unit.

Meanwhile, Baek Eun-hee took Seo-ah to a bench and sat next to her.

“It must be hard.”

“…….”

Seo-ah couldn’t bring herself to answer, and Baek Eun-hee just held Seo-ah’s hand tightly.

In the meantime, Song Jin-ah, who had finished changing, peeked her head out.

“I’ll be back.”

It wasn’t visiting hours, but it wasn’t a big deal for the leaders of the Royal Guild and the Angel Guild.

With the hospital director’s special instructions, it wasn’t difficult for Song Jin-ah alone to enter.

Soon, the doctor in charge arrived and entered the intensive care unit with Song Jin-ah.

Seo-ah sat on the bench, staring intently at the closed door of the intensive care unit.

This anxiety couldn’t be calmed by [Silent Night], and she didn’t want it to be.

How long had it been? The door to the intensive care unit opened again.