The meeting with the Head of the Management Department was brief.@@@@

    The head showed little interest in Su-ho.

    After all, no matter how much of a “royal” Su-ho was, he was just a rookie destined to move up to the Special Division soon. As far as they were concerned, it was enough if they kept things civil.

    Finally, after the obligatory formalities ended, Jeong Cheol-min spoke as they moved toward the management team.

    “So, what do you think the Management Department evaluation will cover?”

    “Well, since it’s the Gate Management Department, it’ll probably focus on field management assessments.”

    “That’s correct. But do you know which teams exist in the Management Department?”

    “As far as I know, there’s the Management Team, which handles regular gates, the Trading Team, which leases and sells gates to private entities, and the Sealing Team, which is responsible for managing sealed gates.”

    “Right. As you said, the Trading Team doesn’t really conduct field evaluations. So if there is an evaluation, it’ll likely involve the Management Team or the Sealing Team. But since the Sealing Team is too dangerous, the evaluation will be focused on the Management Team’s tasks.”

    As expected.

    Su-ho had already anticipated this and prepared a plan accordingly.

    Jeong Cheol-min continued, “With that in mind, this time’s evaluation will be about the general gate management protocol... By the way, is there any specific gate you’d like to visit?”

    Hearing this, Su-ho chuckled internally.

    ‘So they’re sticking to tradition, huh.’

    The Gate Management Department had a longstanding tradition passed down through generations.

    Instead of pre-selecting evaluation locations, unlike other departments, they gave candidates the option to choose a gate themselves.

    Why this tradition?

    The Gate Management Department had a reputation as one of the most grueling divisions both inside and outside the APA. Offering candidates such “kindness” was a way to entice them into joining.

    ‘Like the surgery department in a university hospital.’

    Of course, how many people would actually choose to join because of this little gesture? Still, it was a tradition started in an attempt to leave a good impression.

    In response to Jeong Cheol-min’s question, Su-ho replied, “Can I choose any gate?”

    “Oh, hearing you say that makes me think you already have one in mind. But what kind of place would make you drop such a hint this early?”

    “Haha...”

    Su-ho laughed awkwardly.

    At that, Jeong Cheol-min gave him a suspicious look.

    “...You’re not seriously thinking about a sealed gate, are you?”

    Su-ho just smiled silently in response.

    That smile made Jeong Cheol-min close his eyes briefly and shake his head.

    “...I can’t believe it. I had my doubts, but you really are something, Su-ho.”

    “Haha... Is it impossible?”

    Su-ho’s awkward laugh prompted Jeong Cheol-min to stare at him for a moment before smirking.

    “Well, you’ve already said it out loud, so why not? Besides, if it’s you, I think it’ll be fine.”

    “Thank you.”

    “So, which gate are you interested in?”

    “I’d like to visit Iron Valley.”

    “Iron Valley... You mean the one that was recently designated as a sealed gate?”

    “Yes, that’s the one.”

    “Hmm...”

    Iron Valley.

    As Jeong Cheol-min had just mentioned, Iron Valley was only recently designated as a sealed gate.

    That was precisely why Su-ho needed to go there now.

    ‘The sooner, the better when it comes to Iron Valley.’

    No, this might be his only chance. If he missed this opportunity, he might never find the right timing again.

    After a moment of deliberation, Jeong Cheol-min nodded.

    “Alright. Since Iron Valley was only recently designated as a sealed gate, it might actually fit well with the evaluation guidelines. After all, it’s still one of the gates with unrestricted access.”

    “Thank you for allowing it.”

    “No problem. I already gave my word, didn’t I? Then shall we head out right away? You know Iron Valley is in Gangwon Province, right?”

    “Yes, I know. I can drive; we can take my car.”

    “Oh, come on, we can’t tire out the candidate before the evaluation. I’ll drive; let’s use my car.”

    “Thank you for the consideration.”

    Though it was a bit of a long trip, Gangwon Province wasn’t too far from Seoul.

    With that, the two got into Jeong Cheol-min’s car and set off for Gangwon Province.

    ***

    Entry Condition: Level 99 or below.Maximum Entry Limit: 40 people.

    “The interiors of gates do have that kind of charm. You see landscapes here that you’d never find in the bleakness of the city... That’s why I like the Management Department within the Gate Division.”

    “Even with the heavy workload?”

    “Well, isn’t it the same in every department? Everyone thinks their job is the hardest. Still, I feel this place suits me.”

    Jeong’s expression grew contemplative, his eyes tinged with a hint of wistfulness.

    Seeing this, Su-ho almost burst out laughing.

    He knew exactly what Jeong was doing.

    Even the words and that sentimental gaze were all calculated moves—part of an elaborate strategy to lure recruits into the Gate Management Department.

    The so-called Romantic Strategy.

    Like enjoying a cold beer after a hard day’s work, they stirred emotions, subtly enticing people into joining the department.

    But it wouldn’t work on Su-ho.

    He was far too seasoned—one of the most experienced veterans in the association.

    Still, he didn’t dislike the Gate Division. On the contrary, he quite liked it.

    It was just that the Romantic Strategy didn’t have any effect on him.

    As Su-ho sipped his coffee, he casually spoke up.

    “Team Leader.”

    “Yes?”

    “Actually... I want to join the Gate Division.”

    “...What?”

    Jeong’s eyes widened in shock.

    What was he saying?

    Out of nowhere?

    But Su-ho paid no mind to Jeong’s surprise and continued speaking.

    “I’m well aware of the rumors about me—that I’m some kind of prodigy being groomed by the Special Division, a ‘royal.’ Even Deputy Director Pi has been spreading that around. But honestly... I want to work in the Gate Division more than in the Special Division.”

    “....”

    Jeong’s jaw dropped halfway open.

    Never in his wildest dreams did he think Su-ho would say something like this.

    And because of that, his heart began to race.

    ‘If Su-ho joins the Gate Division...’

    It would mean the chance to accomplish things they had never been able to do before—things they had only dreamed of.

    After all, wasn’t it Jeong himself who had first discovered Su-ho in the association?

    ‘I’ve imagined it before... Working alongside Su-ho.’

    But Su-ho was too exceptional. Naturally, others set their sights on him, and in the end, someone far more powerful than Jeong had taken Su-ho away.

    Jeong had no choice but to let go of the name "An Su-ho" in his mind.

    Yet here was Su-ho, saying he wanted to join the Gate Division instead of the Special Division.

    Su-ho continued, “You were the first person I met from the association. Maybe that’s why I want to join the Gate Division even more.”

    “....”

    Su-ho offered an awkward smile.

    Seeing that smile, Jeong felt his heart sink.

    Here was Su-ho, genuinely expressing his desire to join the Gate Division, and yet Jeong couldn’t do anything to help him.

    Was this how Romeo and Juliet felt?

    His mouth tasted bitter.

    After a long moment of thought, Jeong made a decision.

    Fine.

    If it wasn’t going to happen anyway, he could at least offer some comforting words. That way, it wouldn’t sting as much.

    Just as Jeong was about to open his mouth, Su-ho spoke first.

    “Team Leader.”

    “Yes, Su-ho?”

    “You know that once this training ends, I’ll start as a Deputy Team Leader, right?”

    “Ah... Yes, I’m aware. But why do you ask?”

    “What if I told you there’s a way for me to join the Gate Division instead of the Special Division? Would you be willing to help me?”

    “...What?”

    Jeong’s eyes widened again, even more than before.

    What was Su-ho planning now?