Return of the Sword God-Rank Civil Servant

Chapter 89

Knock-knock-

“Come in.”

As Suho knocked on the door, he heard Pi Seongyeol’s voice, and he opened the door to enter.

Inside, there was no one except Pi Seongyeol.

That was intentional, no doubt.

Pi Seongyeol looked at Suho and gestured him to take a seat.

“Sit.”

The atmosphere was heavy.

It had to be.

Two of the people he had planted as informants had been taken down in a single day—how could he not be angry?

However, Suho sat down with an expression that showed he knew nothing.

Pi Seongyeol quietly stared at Suho, then let out a small chuckle and spoke.

“Scored perfect marks in both the Awakening and Management Department evaluations, huh?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“I thought you were only good with your body, but your mind’s sharp too?”

“No, I was just lucky.”

“Luck favors the prepared… Anyway, congratulations.”

“Thank you, senior.”

“Yes. By the way, this case with the draft dodgers—that was your work, right?”

“Yes, it was.”

“How did you pull it off?”

So.

Finally, the question had come.

If you were going to ask me anything, it could only be this.

Thus, Suho wasn’t fazed and pulled out the prepared answer.

“There was an anonymous tip.”

“A tip?”

“Yes, someone threw the files at me in plain view, and in them were all the materials related to the draft dodgers in this case.”

“…Are you serious?”

“Yes, would I lie to you, senior?”

An anonymous tip.

Perhaps because he hadn’t considered it, Pi Seongyeol’s expression shifted subtly.

“Who threw them at you?”

“I couldn’t catch them; they were too quick.”

“You missed them? You, the Sword God?”

“I apologize. It was a situation where I had to choose between catching them or retrieving the files.”

“Hmm….”

His brows narrowed.

Right.

It made sense in that scenario.

As Pi Seongyeol’s thoughts deepened, Suho added a few more words.

“I apologize. I should have reported to you before handling the case, but I thought it wasn’t much of a matter….”

When Suho lowered his head, Pi Seongyeol glanced at him before speaking in a low voice.

“…No, it’s not like you knew anything. Alright, well done. There’s nothing else, right?”

“No, nothing.”

“Fine. From now on, report every little thing to me, even small cases like this anonymous tip.”

“I will remember that.”

“Your next department is the Resource Department, right?”

“Yes, it is.”

“Go through the Resource Department, then the Gate Department, and then report to me. I’ll notify the department heads in advance so you can train smoothly. After you complete the Special Department training, let’s sit down and plan things properly.”

“Yes, understood.”

“Go on.”

At his words, Suho left the director’s office.

As he waited for the elevator, he stifled a smile.

‘His head must be spinning.’

Right now, Pi Seongyeol couldn’t suspect Suho.

There was nothing substantial to suspect him with.

In fact, he was probably suspecting Park Gyu-min.

Suho had deliberately let false information slip for that very purpose.

‘An anonymous tip and the dismissal of Lee Wan-ik and Lee Sehyun. He’s likely thinking Park Gyu-min is behind it.’

Everything was going according to plan.

This way, Pi Seongyeol would not sit still either.

So.

‘From now on, I’ll have to be a bit more careful.’

Repeated coincidences would naturally raise suspicions.

‘But even if you do, can you really catch me?’

In his previous life, Suho had dealt with Pi Seongyeol.

If he’d caught him once, he could certainly catch him a second time.

Soon after, Suho, having left work immediately, called Park Gyu-min.

***

The next day.

As planned, Suho reported to the Resource Department with Jung Chulmin.

When he went to the department head’s office first, the head of the Resource Department, Do Hak-hyun, greeted Suho warmly.

“So you’re that friend I’ve heard so much about. I’m Do Hak-hyun.”

“I’m Ahn Suho. I look forward to working with you.”

Do Hak-hyun had the brightest demeanor of any executive Suho had met so far.

And it was understandable.

Compared to the other departments, which worked tirelessly, the Resource Department… especially Do Hak-hyun, who was in charge of management, only had a few documents to approve.

‘Moreover, being a department head under Pi Seongyeol’s line, he holds one of the most cushy positions.’

Do Hak-hyun smiled as he spoke.

“I heard you got perfect scores on both the theoretical exams for the Awakening and Management Departments? Then you should be able to ace our exams too. We focus more on memorization than application. The field evaluation won’t be a big deal either. I prepared only the easiest tasks so you can complete them comfortably.”

“Thank you.”

“So, how about starting with the theory exam again?”

“Yes, I studied in advance yesterday.”

“Tsk, this guy’s got fire in him. Alright, let’s get the test out of the way, and then you can start your Resource Management training. Your assigned partner should be here soon.”

Upon hearing that someone would be assigned to Suho, Jung Chulmin spoke up.

“If the theory test is coming up, I can supervise it myself. With your permission, I’ll also grade it on the spot.”

“Oh, would you? That would be great for me. Let’s go with that, then.”

“Yes, I’ll do that.”

As expected of Jung Chulmin.

Thanks to him, the theory test process became much simpler.

And just as Do Hak-hyun had said, Suho passed the Resource Department theory test in one go.

This was thanks to the focused materials Jung Chulmin had given him the previous day.

The Resource Department training supervisor, who joined them later, was amazed at Suho’s test results.

“Wow… I didn’t think you’d score full marks here too.”

At those words, Jung Chulmin smiled knowingly, holding the answer sheet as he left the room first.

As he left, he said,

“I’ll send the Gate and Special Department test materials to you later as well.”

“Thank you.”

After he left, Suho finally greeted Kim Seokhun, the Resource Department supervisor.

“My name is Kim Seokhun. I’ll be overseeing your time here in the Resource Department.”

“I’m Ahn Suho.”

The two exchanged a light handshake.

Kim Seokhun naturally suggested a change of location as he spoke.

“Shall we start with the Resource Management Department? I’ll brief you on the on-site evaluation while we’re on the way.”

“Yes, I understand.”

“By the way, how much do you know about the Resource Management Department? You know there are five teams here, right?”

“Yes, I’m aware. There’s the Equipment Team that manages items, the Book Team that manages skill books, the Consumables Team for expendable items, the Special Team 1 for miscellaneous or material items, and the Special Team 2, which handles so-called cursed items. I know these five teams exist.”

“Oh, you’re well-informed. In that case, the on-site evaluation will take place in two stages.”

“Two stages?”

“Yes, with Special Team 2 assessed separately from the rest.”

Suho nodded at Kim Seokhun’s explanation.

“That makes sense. Unlike the four teams that handle regular items, Special Team 2 deals with much higher risks.”

Having experienced it before, Suho understood well.

However, he pretended not to know and listened to Kim Seokhun’s explanation.

“…That’s why the evaluation is split into two stages. Don’t worry too much, though. As for the cursed items, we’re just giving you a taste, so to speak. The first test might actually be more of a hassle. It’s pure grunt work since it’s all about logistics management.”

As their conversation reached that point, they arrived at the office of the Resource Management Department head.

Department Head Gu Min-hwan.

Given his relaxed administrative role, he appeared as easygoing as Do Hak-hyun.

“I’m Gu Min-hwan. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

“I’m Ahn Suho. I look forward to working with you.”

“Right. So, I heard you’ve already completed the theory test—is that true?”

“Yes, it is.”

“Ha ha, as expected of a talent. So, Seokhun, what’s the sequence for the on-site evaluation?”

“We’ll start with the first test, a joint evaluation, then move on to the second test with Special Team 2.”

“Alright, that sounds good. But isn’t it the department inspection season? The first test might be difficult right now.”

The department inspection.

It referred to a comprehensive review of every task to ensure work was being done properly.

‘People always dread the inspection season.’

Each department had a different inspection period, and it seemed that it was currently the Resource Department’s turn.

In response to Gu Min-hwan’s concern, Kim Seokhun quickly answered.

“Yes, so I’m planning to handle the first test myself.”

“You will?”

“Yes, since everyone is busy due to the inspection season. I’ve already received prior approval, so if you sign off, we can proceed immediately.”

“Then, of course, you have my approval. Let’s go ahead… Suho, I’ll see you later.”

“Yes, understood.”

Suho suppressed a small laugh at the thought of Seokhun handling it alone.

It was better to have one person conduct an abridged evaluation than to be shuttled between different teams for assessments.

After leaving the department head’s office, Kim Seokhun immediately led Suho to the external resource warehouse managed by the department.

“The desks are where the department head and manager stay, but most of us work in the resource warehouse. Do you know why?”

“Yes, I understand it’s because the Resource Department manages a large volume of items.”

“Correct. So what you’ll be learning from now is how to locate and classify items managed by each team and how to store them. Although all this is covered in the theory test, it’s a bit different in practice.”

“Is there a big difference?”

“The theory is standard, so you can follow it as it is, but there are many variables, which makes it challenging.”

“Hmm, then I think I can manage it.”

“Sorry?”

“Like you said, the methods for locating and classifying items were covered in the theory test, so I can handle it based on that.”

“…You’re confident?”

“Yes, I am.”

It was true.

After all, Suho had once worked a rotation in the Resource Department.

‘That was quite tough back then.’

Those unfamiliar with the Resource Department tended to underestimate its work.

They thought it was just a matter of categorizing, managing, and retrieving items as needed.

‘Some even think it’s similar to being a librarian.’

But once faced with reality, they would quickly realize how naive their preconceptions were.

Seeing Suho’s confidence, Kim Seokhun smiled quietly.

“Right. It’s best to learn through experience.”

You may be the Sword God, but you’re not the God of Logistics, are you?

Smiling, Kim Seokhun spoke.

“Great. I’m glad I’ll finally see just how amazing this famed ace is. So, trusting Suho’s confidence… here!”

Kim Seokhun handed him two sheets of paper and continued.

“This is a bundled test, so start by retrieving the items listed there.”

“Got it. Where should I bring them?”

“I’ll be waiting at the entrance to the warehouse. Bring them over there. Alright… here we are, the warehouse.”

By the time the explanation ended, the two arrived at the warehouse.

As they entered through a side door, Suho was able to see it.

The vast interior of the resource warehouse managed by the Resource Department.

“Lift it up!”

“Careful over there!”

“Item 2a123ab is coming up!”

The place was bustling with people.

The multi-leveled interior, stacked even higher than the world’s most famous warehouse-style furniture store, was overwhelming.

Additionally, everyone was wearing hard hats and work clothes.

And then—

“Watch out! A helmet is falling!”

“Be careful!!”

Clang!!

At that moment, a helmet fell from a shelf and struck a worker on the head, causing the person to collapse on the spot.