I Became The Rankers’ Number One Pick [EN]: Chapter 158

158.

Of course, not just anyone with an S-rank could join. The guild leader had to personally scout them to even consider them.

“Ah, please don’t misunderstand. If Hunter Park Seo-ah demonstrates sufficient skill, she will be immediately recognized as a full member. Of course, even as a temporary member, the benefits are the same as those of a full member.”

Seo-ah looked at Oscar Jackson without any expression. Jackson thought Seo-ah was too surprised to move and continued speaking.

“You’re already aware of Heaven’s special benefits, aren’t you?”

“Roughly.”

Oscar Jackson’s smile deepened at Seo-ah’s answer.

Guild members of Heaven were granted U.S. citizenship immediately upon joining, without any procedures.

At the same time, they received full support from the U.S. government and could earn a tremendous income, though the exact amount was unknown.

In addition, they were guaranteed treatment and protocol equivalent to national leaders in almost every country, except for a few.

Right now, Jackson was using his influence to contact Seo-ah through Korean officials, which was a similar effort. In some ways, it was a greater benefit than being an S-rank hunter in Korea.

Of course, this guarantee from other countries was based on an agreement that Heaven would provide direct support in case of emergency.

“So, what’s your answer?”

But, contrary to his expectations, Seo-ah had no desire to act as a global hero, nor did she crave great fame or power.

“Um, I refuse.”

So she answered plainly.

Seo-ah was content as long as she could live happily with a healthy Gun-woo.

Of course, Seo-ah had also developed a sense of responsibility as a hunter through various experiences, and she felt loyalty and affection for the hunters who cared for her.

So, she had decided to continue this work as long as circumstances allowed. But she absolutely refused to let it disrupt her life.

When Jackson didn’t respond, blinking, Seo-ah added an explanation.

“It’s not an attractive offer for me.”

“Hunter Park Seo-ah, if you come to our Heaven, you can become stronger than you are now. The training programs are tailored to each individual and are much more diverse.”

“I see, it’s a good place.”

Oscar Jackson continued to explain the advantages of joining Heaven, but Seo-ah listened and ultimately refused.

Perhaps his pride was hurt, as Jackson shed a layer of his friendly facade.

“Whether you’re ignorant of the world or overly confident… Hunter Park Seo-ah, it’s a pity you rejected today’s offer.”

“Thank you for the kind offer.”

“Someday you’ll realize the value of my offer.”

As he said that, Jackson’s eyes flashed sharply. Seo-ah didn’t respond.

Jackson stared at Seo-ah and stood up. When Seo-ah stood up as well, the man in the suit handed her a business card.

Jackson said,

“I have to go to Japan on this route. I’ve wasted my time.”

“Is something happening in Japan?”

“Oh… how could you not know? The magical energy flowing in Japan is unusual. Although I can’t estimate the exact date, a huge gate is expected to form. I’m going to investigate it. Korean hunters are probably in Japan too. But you weren’t invited there.”

Jackson smiled faintly as he said that. It wasn’t a friendly smile. It was closer to a sneer at Seo-ah, a high-ranking hunter, being excluded.

‘Japan? Is that why everyone’s been out of touch?’

Of course, it didn’t bother Seo-ah much. If they needed Seo-ah, they would have contacted her.

“Yes, goodbye.”

Seo-ah greeted him and tried to leave first. Jackson’s words followed her from behind.

“Korean hunters are individually skilled.”

Seo-ah turned around, and at that moment, she could glimpse a sliver of his emotions.

‘Envy and jealousy?’

She thought it was out of place.

Until now, he had been talking about how great Heaven was with his own mouth. Wouldn’t pride be more fitting? But such conflicting emotions, and so intense.

“But the country doesn’t measure up. It’s a shame. Hunters naturally have a desire to become stronger….”

He trailed off, looking at Seo-ah. His eyes seemed to ask, ‘Aren’t you like that?’

Seo-ah also had that desire. Even though she had become an S-rank, she was still lacking in coordinating with other S-ranks.

However, she wasn’t upset about being excluded from this event. She just thought there must be a reason.

It was the trust that had come from the sincerity they had shown her and the time they had spent together.

“Of course, I also want to become stronger. It’s just that my way of thinking is a little different from yours. Then, have a safe trip.”

Seo-ah bowed in the Korean style and glanced at Jackson’s head before walking out.

For some reason, [Affinity LV.1] was displayed above Jackson’s head during that short time. It seemed to be thanks to [Gentle Sunlight].

‘I’m a supporter.’

Seo-ah had a buff skill that simply made someone stronger for a certain period of time, but the core skills were [Emotional Transference] based on affinity and [Genie of the Lamp], which granted wishes.

The only place where she could properly use these abilities was here, where she had grown attached to the people.

“Haa….”

Seo-ah looked at the sky as she came out of the building.

‘By the way, how much money do Heaven’s temporary members make?’

I should have asked that.

If Jackson had presented a specific amount first, she might have been swayed quite a bit.

Seo-ah took out Yoo Ji-an’s black card from her wallet and fiddled with it.

“Hmm, Gun-woo got discharged from the hospital, should we eat Korean beef [high-quality, expensive beef] to celebrate?”

It felt like a day when she could use the card.

***

Seo-ah bought a pack of Korean beef and some vegetables at the R Tower underground mart and confidently paid with Yoo Ji-an’s card.

As she was about to return, her cell phone suddenly rang.

Looking at the screen, it was Yoo Ji-an.

Calling as soon as she used the card? Did she spend too much? Is she asking for it back? Seo-ah answered the phone in a panic.

“Yes!”

– Where are you?

“I’m at the R Tower underground mart. Were you in Japan?”

– Ah, yeah. How did you….

– Seo-ah? Seo-ah!

Baek Eun-hee’s voice mixed with Yoo Ji-an’s voice.

“Oh, Eun-hee unnie [older sister or female friend] is there too.”

– Yeah. R Tower, you said?

“Yes… uh, would you like to come over and have dinner together? Eun-hee unnie too.”

– I’ll go, Seo-ah!

– …So, that’s what she says. I’ll go too.

“Yes!”

After hanging up, Seo-ah paused for a moment and looked at the shopping basket in her hand.

“Ah… it’s not enough.”

They’re both huge eaters.

Seo-ah loaded her things onto the cart and went back into the mart. Then, she picked out about four times as much as she had bought and paid again. The shopping basket became quite heavy.

After paying, she stood in front of the elevator to go up, and an employee approached her.

“Ma’am, if you live in R Tower, we can deliver it directly to you. What’s your apartment number?”

“It’s okay. I’ll just carry it myself.”

“That looks quite heavy to eat alone…”

The employee’s mouth dropped open as he watched Seo-ah easily lift the enormous amount with one hand.

Seo-ah smiled awkwardly and nodded.

“Then, have a good day.”

She quickly got on the elevator that had just arrived and closed the door.

Seo-ah wiggled the arm holding the luggage, estimating the weight, and chuckled. The moment she realized she had become an S-rank hunter was unexpectedly in such everyday things.

Because she could feel the clear difference from before.

She got off on the 95th floor and went into her house. Gun-woo was sprawled on the living room sofa, watching TV and rustling a bag of snacks.

He turned his head, mumbling, when he heard the sound of her coming in.

“Noona [term of endearment for an older sister or female friend], you’re here?”

“Where did you get the snacks?”

“An auntie [older woman] came earlier and gave them to me. She explained that she bought shampoo and this and that….”

“Okay, stop eating that and come here.”

Seo-ah put the groceries on the table. Gun-woo, who had been slouching over, opened his eyes wide as soon as he saw the Korean beef.

“Wow, meat! But why did you buy so much?”

“We’re having guests.”

“Guests? Maybe… hunters?”

Seo-ah nodded, seeing the expectant look in Gun-woo’s eyes.

“Yeah, Yoo Ji-an and Hunter Baek Eun-hee.”

“Wow!”

While Seo-ah was taking out the grill and tableware, the doorbell rang.

Seo-ah went to open the door, and Gun-woo followed her hesitantly.

“Welcome!”

“Seo-ah!”

Baek Eun-hee hugged Seo-ah as soon as the front door opened. Seo-ah also greeted Baek Eun-hee happily and greeted Yoo Ji-an, who was coming in behind her.

“Welcome.”

Yoo Ji-an made eye contact with Seo-ah and then looked around the house as if inspecting it.