Returnee's S-Rank Management Guide

Awakener Crime Investigation Division (2)

If the only goal was merely to publicize Soo-ah's name, there was no need for her to become something like an ambassador for preventing awakener crimes.

Appearing frequently in public service advertisements and being able to establish a wholesome image with the public was certainly beneficial, but as an S-rank Hunter, Soo-ah had plenty of better ways to do that.

Nevertheless, the reason I accepted this ambassador role was that there were benefits I could gain only through this matter.

'That is, being able to cooperate with the Awakener Crime Investigation Division.'

In other words, it meant I could legally utilize the power of public authority.

'I've already asked Journalist Kim Ki-sung to help dig up information, but there are limits to what one person can do.'

Especially when it came to matters concerning the Javelin Guild or the demons.

It wouldn't be surprising even if the demons were up to something already.

When something happened, the fastest way to get information was through the police—specifically, the Awakener Crime Investigation Division.

That alone was sufficient reason to accept the role of ambassador.

"By the way, seeing as you're looking to receive support from Hunters in the form of an ambassadorial program, it must mean you're really understaffed."

It had been over 100 years since awakeners first appeared in the world, but it hadn't been long since laws for them had been established.

Until recently, the number of awakeners was low enough for the country to manage them sufficiently. However, as generations passed and their numbers grew markedly, the situation changed.

Unlike the naturally emerged first-generation awakened, from the second generation onward, cases of awakening through heredity increased.

And there were still steadily occurring naturally awakeners, so the increase in numbers was natural.

'Of course, just because someone has awakened parents doesn't mean they'll inherit it.'

In fact, that wasn't always the case.

The odds were a bit lower than half, I'd say.

Still, even so, the numbers increased little by little, and now, about one percent of the total population was awakened.

Estimated population: over 500,000.

Globally, it was in the tens of millions.

So it was only natural that crimes related to awakeners would rise.

Unlike decades ago, when the state was set on managing awakeners, the improvement of their rights led by the Hunter Association, and the management structure divided through management agencies and guilds, brought various problems.

"Ha, it's enough to drive us mad. If you become awakened, who would want to be a police officer instead of a Hunter? The salary is completely different."

Superintendent Shim Hyuk-soo, after a few conversations with Soo-ah, began divulging various information to us.

Apparently, Soo-ah's attitude had won his favor.

'Superintendent is a pretty high rank.'

It's a rank just below the average police station chief.

Considering his age—mid-thirties—it was a fast promotion.

Come to think of it, wasn't he said to be A-rank by Hunter standards?

That made sense enough.

"Superintendent Shim Hyuk-soo, could you please explain in detail what recent incidents have occurred? It will help us know how to assist you during investigations."

"Uh, I'm sorry, but that's a bit difficult. We're not allowed to divulge detailed investigation information to outsiders."

I tried fishing for information, but apparently it wasn't going to work.

The role of the ambassador was, after all, to help in situations where the Awakener Crime Investigation Division's own abilities weren't enough.

'If you think about it, this situation doesn't make sense either.'

It proves just how much the awakeners avoid careers like police or military.

It also means the state has less sway over Hunters.

In the past, the state could have forcibly conscripted manpower for this.

'It's great for me to take advantage of it, but honestly, it's not a desirable situation.'

It was a precarious situation that could become a serious problem.

For now, the number of awakeners was still within manageable limits, so a fragile balance was barely maintained.

"So, don't worry. We handle most cases ourselves, and only ask for Hunter Lee Soo-ah's help on those rare occasions when we're outmatched."

Shim Hyuk-soo drew a line for us.

Investigations were their domain, and we were only to do what was assigned.

'What to do......'

To be honest, there was no problem if I just retreated here.

There was no need to act in a hurry, and just listening in on recent crimes was worthwhile enough.

'Still, he seems to have a favorable impression of Soo-ah.'

His once indifferent expression had relaxed, showing clear favor toward Soo-ah.

In that case, maybe I could use that favor just once—it wouldn't hurt.

"Superintendent Shim Hyuk-soo, do you happen to know anything about the ultimate magic stone?"

"Pardon? The ultimate magic stone?"

He looked startled at my sudden question.

His eyes, which had softened because of Soo-ah, sharpened as he scrutinized me.

"...... Why are you asking about that all of a sudden?"

That reaction proved he knew something about the ultimate magic stone.

Many people didn't even know what an ultimate magic stone was; at best, they'd heard of it as an elixir that increased awakeners's magic power.

But Shim Hyuk-soo's current reaction was as if an ultimate magic stone was some kind of dangerous drug.

"Could you take a look at this?"

I took out the ultimate magic stone I'd been carrying and placed it on the table.

Superintendent Shim eyed it coldly.

"Where did you get this?"

"Hunter Ji Yeon-hwa."

"Ji Yeon-hwa... Isn't she the Hunter currently on probation after causing a commotion?"

"That's right."

He picked up the ultimate magic stone from the table and examined it carefully.

"It's already been used."

"Hunter Ji Yeon-hwa must have used it."

"So, where did Hunter Ji Yeon-hwa say she got this?"

Using the ultimate magic stone itself wasn't a crime.

In fact, there were no laws regulating ultimate magic stones yet.

So, though Shim Hyuk-soo showed an unhappy face, he couldn't openly accuse Ji Yeon-hwa.

"From the Javelin Guild."

"Hmm."

At my words, he let out a strange exclamation and twisted his lips wryly.

It was an odd reaction.

Had they already begun investigating the ultimate magic stone and narrowed it down to some extent?

"Judging from your reaction, you already had a hunch, didn't you?"

"Huh? No, not exactly. The management entity I was tracking for ultimate magic stones was somewhere entirely different."

"Somewhere different?"

"Actually, not so different. If anything, they might be related."

Sensing an opportunity, I quickly spoke up.

"Could you explain?"

"That's..."

He looked me straight in the eye, hesitating as if weighing whether to say more. Since this was tied to an investigation, it was understandable that he'd be reluctant to share.

"Whew, what I'm about to say is confidential, so you mustn't tell anyone carelessly."

"Pardon? Are you sure?"

"Ahem! Well, consider this your reward for telling me about the Javelin Guild, and you seem somewhat involved already. It might actually be safer to let you know a little."

Safer to tell us?

Could it be that Shim Hyuk-soo knew about the connection between the ultimate magic stone and the demons?

'No, it feels a little different than that.'

Maybe there was something more tangled up here.

I straightened my back, paying close attention to what he would say next.

"Manager Park Jung-woo, do you know JM Management?"

Of course I did. The first place I clashed with after joining Unique was JM Management.

"I know it's one of the sub-guilds under the Javelin Guild. Is there a problem with JM?"

"If you call it a problem, yes, but it's more complicated."

He paused for a moment, then continued.

"Recently, we received intel that an UnderStellar member visited JM Management."

UnderStellar.

The world's worst criminal group, made up of just six members.

"What were those bastards doing in Korea, and why did they meet with JM...?"

Despite their small number, they were infamous as the worst criminal group for a simple reason:
All six were S-rank awakened.

"Assuming they're responsible for relaying ultimate magic stones to the Javelin Guild makes sense, doesn't it?"

In other words, Shim Hyuk-soo had caught hold of the tail.

The sacrificial pawn the Javelin Guild could cut loose at any time if something went wrong.

That was JM Management.

***

At that moment, Soo-ah's head was a mess for several reasons.

There was what Superintendent Shim Hyuk-soo had told her yesterday about the ambassador job.

There was also the big fight with her parents this morning before leaving home.

But the biggest reason was that she was meeting Jung-woo today.

「Soo-ah-ssi, is it okay for you to live with someone?」

That question was still humming in her head.

She'd been fine when they'd talked at the police station yesterday, but after coming home and thinking about it, she realized just how weighty those words were.

'Living together... Isn't this a bit too fast?'

Ever since Super Hunter K ended, Soo-ah honestly wanted to get closer to Jung-woo.

She wanted to talk comfortably, just like when they had gone to the baseball stadium together, and build a more friendly relationship.

'How did Ah-yeon unni do it?'

Ever since she first met them, Jung-woo and Shin Ah-yeon had spoken comfortably with each other.

Of course, Shin Ah-yeon was still polite, but the fact that Jung-woo spoke casually to others was a shock to Soo-ah.

'Maybe I can do it too...'

She had tried a few times, but Jung-woo preferred to keep a clear line between manager and assigned Hunter. Except in special situations like the baseball stadium, he wouldn't let that line be crossed.

Only Shin Ah-yeon, whom he treated particularly generously, crossed that line freely.

But then, she'd heard those words just yesterday.

'Maybe I'm finally considered part of that close circle?'

Not a bad sign.

In fact, as nervous as she felt about living together, it seemed like a good opportunity to get closer to Jung-woo.

To be more honest, Soo-ah had strong feelings for Jung-woo.

She'd initially been suspicious, but during Super Hunter K, those feelings had quickly turned to affection.

"Ye-yeah. Living together is good. I like it."

She muttered quietly, sneaking a glance at her suitcase.

Her suitcase was packed full, including items bought just in case anything happened.

She hadn't had any at home, so she'd stopped by a convenience store on her way out.

It was her first time buying them, so she'd been embarrassed, but being prepared just in case was only sensible.

"Oh, you've already finished packing? Did your family say anything?"

"......!!"

Just then, Jung-woo approached from his car and spoke to her without her noticing.

Startled, Soo-ah did her best to answer calmly.

"N-no, nothing in particular. Um, anyway... Should I put my bags in the back?"

"Huh? Sure. But why are you so flustered?"

"I-I'm not flustered. Really, I'm not."

Anyone could see she was, but Jung-woo didn't press further.

He just figured she was nervous at the thought of living with someone for the first time.

"Let's go, then."

"Y-yes!"

Taking her now familiar seat next to Jung-woo, Soo-ah thought to herself.

The real story was just beginning now.

"Oh, welcome! Yay~."

Pop~

At least until Shin Ah-yeon appeared at the entrance of the huge mansion, setting off party poppers.

-------------= Clacky's Corner -------------=
Soo-ah's hopes just came crashing down.
【ദ്ദി(⩌ᴗ⩌)】