Su-ho immediately checked the details of the item.

    [ Liberated Soulstone ]

    Grade: A

    A prison for souls crafted by a necromancer.

    Originally created to seal malevolent spirits, it became a cursed object after part of the Soulstone was damaged, preventing it from fully containing the spirit.

    The malevolent spirit has been purified by an external force.

    After reviewing the item''s information, Su-ho nodded in satisfaction.

    “Just one more to go.”

    With that thought, he finished cleaning up the scene and promptly headed back home.

    ***

    A Few Days Later: Monday

    The weekend had passed, and it was now Monday.

    Yet, Nam Hae-won still hadn’t finished his task.

    As Su-ho prepared to leave for work, Hae-won spoke in a voice that sounded half-dead.

    “Team Leadeeerrr...”

    “What is it?”

    “Please... save me...”

    “Save you from what?”

    “This synthesis... it’s never going to end...”

    “You’ll be fine. People don’t die that easily.”

    Su-ho’s calm response made Hae-won snap his eyes open in disbelief.

    “And how would you know that?”@@@@

    “I’ve been to the Sealed Gate, haven’t I? Everyone else who went there died, but I didn’t.”

    “...How is that the same thing?”

    “Think about it positively. Isn’t this better than the way you used to live in Yeongdeungpo?”

    “Wow, you’re really pulling out the cheat codes, huh?”

    “Cheer up, Hae-won. You’ve got this.”

    “Hah...”

    With a defeated look, Hae-won trudged back to his lab.

    Watching him retreat, Su-ho couldn’t help but feel reassured.

    “All he needs is time and materials. He’ll pull through.”

    As Su-ho was heading out for work, his phone rang.

    “Hello, Vice President.”

    “I’ve returned the money to everyone on the list and made sure to keep their mouths shut.”

    “Remember to speak casually unless we’re alone. It looks less suspicious.”

    “...Ahem. Understood. Anyway, it’s all taken care of. I told them the incident was the result of an anonymous tip-off, so none of the draft dodgers will raise a fuss.”

    “And what about Chief Lee Wan-ik and Deputy Manager Lee Se-hyun?”

    “I’ll summon them separately today and deal with them immediately.”

    “Got it. Also, take care of my evaluation while you’re at it. Oh, and one more thing—about the Resource Division, please transfer me there after Management.”

    “Resource Division? Why?”

    “Do I need to explain?”

    “...No. My apologies.”

    “I’ll hang up now.”

    “Why even ask? Just do as I say.”

    Still, Su-ho couldn’t deny that Park Gyu-min was proving unexpectedly competent, likely due to the metaphorical sword hanging over his neck.

    Thanks to him, things were running smoothly. Non-Awakened Affairs was unusually quiet, and none of the draft dodgers had shown their faces after the weekend investigations wrapped up.

    “Now all that’s left is my evaluation.”

    Su-ho’s goals were progressing steadily. He had Park Gyu-min in his pocket and had resolved the draft-dodging scandal in one clean sweep. All that remained was completing his Awakening Division evaluation and moving on to the next department.

    During his lunch break in the underground library, his phone buzzed.

    The caller was none other than Park Gyu-min.

    Su-ho smiled as he answered, “Yes, Vice President?”

    “The Awakening Division evaluation has been finalized. The two individuals involved have been dismissed for their roles in the incident.”

    “Did you mention Pi Seong-yeol?”

    “Tch, as soon as I brought him up, they both clammed up. Thanks to that, it seems like there won’t be any further noise.”

    “Of course. They fear Pi Seong-yeol more than they fear you.”

    “...That’s something I can’t argue with. Anyway, your next assignment will be with the Management Division, followed by the Resource Division.”

    “So he doesn’t like being reminded that Pi is scarier than him. Interesting.”

    “Today? That’s quick. The test isn’t exactly easy, you know.”“Why do you need their numbers?”“Su-ho, where are you?”“I just wanted to inform you that your Awakening Division evaluation is complete.”“It surprised me too. Anyway, the results came back perfect, as expected. Team Leader Jung will contact you soon. Congratulations on finishing the process.”“Ah, Su-ho, I was just about to call you.”“Yes, of course. Did you hear from Eom Jun-seong?”“Already?”“If you’re sure, I’ll make the arrangements. But it might have to wait until after lunch. Could you come to the second conference room in the Management Division afterward?”“That’s correct. Why do you ask?”

    With his remarkable record in the Awakening Division, it was no surprise that the department heads were drooling over the prospect of recruiting him.

    However, none dared to make a move.

    The rumor that Su-ho was a Royal—a direct prote?ge? of Pi Seong-yeol—made them hesitate.

    “Looks like the Special Division will only grow stronger...”

    “What a shame...”

    “They get all the good talent.”

    As Su-ho had instructed, the Management Division test results were processed immediately, allowing him to transfer to the Resource Division without delay.

    Moving to the Resource Division

    While heading to the Resource Division with Team Leader Jung Cheol-min, Su-ho received congratulations.

    “Congratulations, Su-ho.”

    “Thank you, Team Leader.”

    “I’m honestly curious about what kind of mischief you’ll get into at the Resource Division. Should I give you another cheat sheet this time?”

    “Haha, I’d appreciate that.”

    “Don’t worry, the tests there aren’t too hard. The Resource Division focuses more on field evaluations. By the way, do you know the two main departments in the Resource Division?”

    “Yes, the Resource Management Department and the Research & Analysis Department.”

    “And do you know their roles?”

    “Yes. The Resource Management Department oversees the storage and organization of all items, while the Research & Analysis Department handles research on existing items and analysis of newly discovered ones.”

    “You’ve done your homework. The field evaluation for the Resource Management Department shouldn’t be too difficult—it’s mostly logistics work, similar to a warehouse team.”

    Su-ho nodded, fully aware.

    The Resource Management Department handled countless items stored in the Association’s warehouses, spending entire days moving and categorizing materials.

    “But because of that, it’s a treasure trove.”

    Su-ho vividly remembered items that were initially dismissed as ordinary but later recognized for their extraordinary value.

    The Research & Analysis Department was no different in that regard.

    “And there’s also the final material I need for Kim Geon’s partner item.”

    With a small smile, Su-ho said, “It doesn’t matter where I’m assigned. I’ll approach it with a mindset to learn and work hard.”

    “That’s the spirit, Su-ho. Well, here we are—the floor for the Resource Division...”

    Unexpected Call

    Bzzzz.

    Su-ho’s phone buzzed.

    The caller ID displayed the name Pi Seong-yeol.

    Seeing this, Su-ho chuckled to himself.

    “I was wondering when he’d call. Took him long enough.”

    It seemed there were a lot of things Pi needed to confirm before reaching out.

    Turning to Jung Cheol-min, Su-ho said, “Team Leader, it’s Director Pi Seong-yeol. I need to take this.”

    “Oh... sure.”

    After receiving permission, Su-ho answered the call.

    “Yes, Senior.”

    “Junior, where are you right now?”

    “I just finished the Management Division’s theoretical test and was on my way to the Resource Division.”

    “I see. Then put off the Resource Division training until tomorrow and come see me now. It’s almost quitting time anyway—you won’t get much done there today.”

    “Ah... understood.”

    “Come immediately. I’ll be waiting.”

    Pi hung up without waiting for a response, clearly in a hurry.

    Su-ho stifled a laugh and turned back to Jung Cheol-min.

    “I’m sorry, Team Leader. I’ll need to visit the Resource Division tomorrow instead. Could you let the department head know?”

    “Of course. Don’t worry about it.”

    Jung Cheol-min’s understanding was appreciated, though it was clear Pi’s actions were rather inconsiderate. Still, who in the Association would dare challenge Pi Seong-yeol over something like this? Especially considering the Resource Division was firmly within Pi’s sphere of influence.

    Heading to the Special Division

    After thanking Jung Cheol-min with a polite nod, Su-ho made his way to the Special Division, reflecting on the situation.

    “He must have something urgent to discuss.”

    With that thought, Su-ho smiled faintly as he walked through the halls.