Chapter Text
“… You… want to apply for- a job?”
“Yes.”
“At the Hunter’s Association?”
“Yes.”
“… Ah, then- I’ll let my supervisor know. Thank you.”
“Do you need a resume?”
“No, that- It’s a bit different when applying to the Association.”
“Ah, then I brought this for no reason…”
“… Actually, if you already brought it, I’ll accept it gratefully.”
He still had to go through the introductory video, and patiently waited at the desk until he got his new card issued. It was still pretty neat, wasn’t it? It was a thick ID that suggested electronics, with his face on it. Short dark brown hair, brown eyes, an average face.
Park Ryung
D-Rank Hunter
… It was still a little weird to think that this was his face and name? And that he used to be a she? But okay, sure. Pretty insignificant compared to everything else.
“Congratulations on your rank, Hunter Park,” the receptionist told him, smiling politely. “We look forward to seeing your career.”
“Ahaha… Ah, thanks?” He was aware that D-rank was almost the bottom of the rung, though? None of the recruiters outside had given him a second glance.
Well, he wasn’t exactly complaining. He knew this would be the outcome.
“… Ah.” The woman’s expression shifted slightly. Hm, a familiar expression? That nervous this man is acting weird and I don’t know why. “Did you… need something else, Hunter Park?” Park Ryung blinked.
“Oh, ah. Can I not wait here?” he realized. “Sorry, I can go somewhere else.”
“… I’m- sorry?” Fortunately, he was spared the rest of the awkwardness by someone else arriving behind the desk, clutching a folder to herself. She smiled.
“Hunter Park?” she confirmed, and he straightened. “Thank you for waiting. Can you please follow me?”
“Sure.” Park Ryung eased himself around the long desk, giving the receptionist a courtesy wave as he passed. She watched with puzzled eyes as he was led away.
After going into a little room on the same floor, he was directed to sit down on one side of a bare desk. Soon after, another man opened the door and walked in. Park Ryung stood automatically to shake his hand.
“Hunter Park,” the man greeted politely, a skinny thing in an office suit and glasses. “I’m Hae Sangwook, I’m the recruiter for the Hunter’s Association.”
“Thank you for your time,” Park Ryung replied amiably. The man gave a quiet chuckle, going around to the other side of the desk.
“That’s usually my line,” he admitted, and they both sat. “… If I may be candid?”
“Yes, that’s fine.”
“If you brought your resume beforehand, did you really plan on applying to the Hunter’s Association regardless of what rank you received?” Park Ryung nodded once.
“Outside of an S-rank,” he added jokingly.
“Right, of course.” Hae Sangwook smiled in amusement, then sobered. “I’m a recruiter on the ground floor, and usually the last resort for new Hunters,” he continued very bluntly. “Even the E-ranks. May I ask why you want to apply to the Hunter’s Association, and what you think you’ll get out of it?” Ah, definitely not the typical job interview, was it?
Apparently, it really was a shit job like people said.
“I wanted to work at headquarters specifically,” Park Ryung admitted. “My motivation is pretty straightforward, really. I want to meet new Hunters and potentially deal with their problems.”
“It’s more typical for the guards on the ground floor to be C-rank at minimum,” Hae Sangwook pointed out, puzzled.
“Ah, not that kind of problem. I’m thinking more about the fact that the average survival rate for a newly-minted E-rank Hunter is only around sixty percent.” The recruiter grimaced hard, unsurprised. “D-ranks, more towards eighty, but still not exactly great given how many that number is,” Park Ryung sighed. “The ranking office has a program to help new Hunters with basic training, doesn’t it? That’s what I want to apply for.”
“… I- see. It’s true, we do- technically still have that program. We used to only choose teachers based on their previous Hunter experience and rank, but…” Hae Sangwook sighed, weary. “Ah, that’s not a job that people kept for long,” he confessed. “Keeping what few Hunters accept the program alive is something- of a chore. And honestly, compared to going into that same Dungeon rank and hunting the monsters yourself, the pay is close to insignificant.”
“… I can’t tell if you’re a bad recruiter or a really cunning one,” Park Ryung had to confess. Hae Sangwook gave a startled laugh, shoulders falling.
“I prefer to think of myself as honest,” he replied. “Years ago, maybe, I did try to entice Hunters with the benefits. But our retention rate became so abysmal, the Association’s reputation took a critical hit. Now, we only want Hunters who won’t look back at the numbers and do some simple math.” Hm, that seemed fair. Park Ryung had really read nothing other than what a shit career this was.
“Basic training and equipment,” he asked. “Some kind of connection to a form of martial arts. And if all else fails, the ability to say which idiot really shouldn’t be given free rein to go into Dungeons.” He held out a hand vaguely. “And a pension on top of that,” he concluded. “That’s what I think I’ll be able to get out of the Hunter’s Association.” Hae Sangwook considered him with caution, then cleared his throat. He stood up again, collecting the folder he hadn’t opened.
“I’ll make a call to my manager,” he decided. “Please excuse me.”
“Take your time,” Park Ryung promised, and watched him leave. He settled into his chair with a heavy sigh, then looked down at himself.
… It was still weird, wasn’t it? He’d technically lived as Park Ryung for nineteen years already, but some months ago, he remembered something- different. Something outside of an unremarkable life he’d lived in a remarkable world, and even then, he couldn’t have imagined what it really was.
In the world of Solo Leveling, even if Dungeons and Hunters and Gates had become commonplace and mundane to most people, that didn’t make it less extraordinary and dangerous at once. But- he’d also realized just how bad this could be. It was almost ten years since the Gates first appeared, since the first Hunters had their Awakening. Jeju Island, as he’d found out, was still a normal island and popular tourist destination. The most powerful and terrifying Hunter of all time, Sung Jinwoo, wasn’t a Hunter at all. He was supposed to be one for years before the events of the story started, and barely survive to that start in the first place.
Before he was Park Ryung, he’d been a different person that only read halfway through an enjoyable webtoon, only to then read a spoiler about the ending by accident. That person had been so enraged, she’d lost the motivation to finish the story, let alone read the information that would have been extremely useful right now.
… He had some regrets, yes. Accidentally reading about a fictional world ending was one thing, but not knowing the circumstances of the world ending while suddenly living in that world- ugh. Was it any wonder that he’d rather take this shitty job and try to help the protagonist rather than chase a life obviously meant to crumble to dust?
He’d read about this program while trying to get his bearings, let alone suddenly deal with this Awakening bullshit, and immediately knew it desperately needed help. It clearly did shit for Sung Jinwoo.
He was still quietly regretting the ironies of life when the door eventually opened again. He looked up, then blinked hard.
… It wasn’t that he believed every hot guy in a suit was someone important, but also, his senses were screaming that this hot guy in a suit was very important.
Which might have also been the enormous sense of- energy? He was pretty sure that was the bullshit magical energy that was coming off the guy in steady waves. Figuring out magical energy had been wildly weird these last months.
“… Hunter Park? Is something wrong?” the hot suit guy asked. Park Ryung belatedly realized he was staring with unfocused eyes. He focused again, then blinked once more.
“Ah- holy shit,” he commented. “Sorry! Just, uh. I haven’t actually been around anyone as strong as you before? I didn’t expect the, uh. Feeling.” He stood up quickly, realizing the recruiter was behind the hot suit guy and looking exceptionally nervous. That seemed to be the expression of someone around upper management. Hot suit guy stared at him, then cleared his throat.
“Ah,” he answered. “Hae Sangwook, head down to the front and ask for a specialty kit.”
“Yes, sir,” the recruiter answered quickly, and scuttled off. Park Ryung blinked after him, then at the hot suit guy. Hot suit guy smiled back politely.
“A sudden thought,” he answered vaguely. “Park Ryung, is it? I’m Woo Jinchul.”
… Ah, yes, the hot suit guy was very important.
“Oh!” Park Ryung managed, aware of how Woo Jinchul’s gaze was sharp on him. “Ah, I’ve read your name before,” he explained honestly, offering a hand. “You’re pretty big here, aren’t you? Nice to meet you.” Woo Jinchul nodded after a moment, accepting his handshake.
“I’m only a paper-pusher, Hunter Park,” he replied. “I suppose you did quite a bit of research before coming here. Not many know about our teaching program in the first place. How long has it been since you Awakened?”
“It’s… actually been some months,” Park Ryung admitted. “I just- had to figure out what I wanted to do about it.” Woo Jinchul nodded again, more relaxed.
“I see. That’s commendable for your age.” Hmm, he didn’t look that much older. How old was Woo Jinchul again? Either way, Park Ryung could only awkwardly rub at his neck.
It didn’t feel that mature when the literal fate of the world was on the line? Sheesh.
“Sir!” Hae Sangwook announced, coming in with a large, metal briefcase. Woo Jinchul accepted with a nod, setting it on the empty desk. Park Ryung cocked his head slightly.
“This is… that device that tests for what class of Hunter you are, right?” he attempted. “I thought they didn’t use those for anything below C-rank?”
“You did do quite a bit of research,” Woo Jinchul acknowledged, removing a small tablet computer. “However, these devices are a bit useless in most cases, which is why we rarely use them below C-rank. Although, your test results showed an unusual amount of mana for a D-rank, and you barely didn’t make that cut.” Park Ryung coughed.
“I-Is that so…”
“We typically associate a higher mana ratio with a mage class, but overall, most Hunters can easily figure out their class on their own, without our help,” Woo Jinchul continued, setting a glass orb on the table as well. Inside was a blue crystal. “But as you’ve been Awakened for months and don’t seem to know your class, this is just a hunch.” Class? How the hell was Park Ryung supposed to think about bullshit like his own class? He was just strong, wasn’t he? That was fighter class, case dismissed!
… Hm, actually, maybe he shouldn’t mention that.
“You’re able to sense mana in others, though,” Woo Jinchul commented.
“Ah,” Park Ryung realized, startled. “Is that- not normal?”
“For most classes, they’re not particularly sensitive, yes. Even around higher ranks, they’re usually unable to tell unless that higher rank is expressing themselves with their abilities.” Woo Jinchul glanced at him. “I’m also an A-rank Hunter, for example, but very few are able to tell right away.”
“… Oh.” Hm, weird.
“Please put your hand here,” Woo Jinchul requested, pointing to the orb. Park Ryung could only obey. Warmth immediately met his palm on contact, and the gem glowed faintly. Park Ryung twitched when there was an internal- tug?? Whatever it was, it glowed with a turquoise color, which traveled down through the tubes attached to the orb and into the tablet. There was a faint beep, and Park Ryung pulled his hand back, unsettled.
“Turquoise is unusual,” Woo Jinchul commented, tapping at the tablet. “As I thought, then. You’re a healer class, it’s rare for your rank.”
“… Oh,” Park Ryung repeated, really and genuinely baffled. He considered his hand for a moment, then looked up. “… Does this- help or hurt my chances of employment here?” he attempted. Woo Jinchul paused in his tapping to look up. He was quiet for a moment, looking genuinely surprised, then abruptly- chuckled?? Ah, he was too attractive to suddenly chuckle like that, sheesh.
“Six months probation, during which you’re trained in combat and Dungeons by the Association, along with being given martial arts instruction,” he said. Park Ryung straightened. “Depending on your performance, we’ll review you for the instructor position, or recommend a different position at the Association if it’s not a fit. We’ll also add in special permission to obtain and sell crystals so long as it doesn’t interfere with your work.”
“R-Really??” Even Hae Sangwook looked stunned. Park Ryung was pretty sure that was definitely something he couldn’t ask for?? “Doesn’t the Association automatically have possession?” he tried.
“Not at all,” Woo Jinchul replied. “We simply have the exclusive buying rights. Monster crystals are fairly useless to Hunters otherwise, so selling to the Association is their only option. For our employees, we typically don’t harvest them ourselves and simply leave them to a specialty team. Even then, that team receives compensation based on what they collect, though their rate is discounted because of how often they work.” The Hunter shook his head. “But- this is my personal offer. Six months probation, but you can collect crystals from the very first Dungeon we run you through for training. All of your other terms are agreed on, including pension. Do you accept?”
“Y- Yes!!” Park Ryung managed, stunned. “Ah- yes, please,” he tried again, calmer. “W-When can I start? Ah- I’d say I was available right away, but I need to put in a notice at my current job. Is that okay? Do I need to buy a suit, too? I really don’t think I can wear it half as well as you do.” He paused. “Wait, that- I didn’t say that last part out loud,” he added quickly. Woo Jinchul chuckled again.
“Hae Sangwook will set you up with your contract and the details of it,” he answered. “Don’t bother with office attire just yet. Show up to your first day in something suitable for exercise.” Ah, he had plenty of those clothes. He’d been doing lots of exercise these last months. “I look forward to working with you, Hunter Park.”
“Ah- Y-You, too!” Park Ryung managed, accepting the handshake. It felt so official with a handshake. Woo Jinchul nodded, then glanced at the recruiter. Hae Sangwook asked him to wait a moment before following the Hunter out of the room, closing the door behind them.
“… Um, Sir?” Hae Sangwook asked, not too far away. “Is there- a reason we’re offering Hunter Park these kinds of benefits? I’ve never been able to approve anything even remotely so good…”
“I’ll handle it with the chairman, don’t worry. Just add it to his contract.”
“But- why? He’s just a D-rank Hunter, right?”
“Hmmm.” The footsteps paused. “He’s a D-rank Hunter,” Woo Jinchul answered. “And a D-rank Hunter who researched the Association extensively, along with our magic devices and employees. A Hunter’s rank can’t be improved through effort, yes. But their individual ability can improve their odds drastically. If he’s as intelligent as I suspect, he’ll be an asset to the program. And besides that… well. Every Hunter’s class seems to be chosen along the same trends of their existing character. If you knew someone for a lifetime, and they Awakened with a certain ability, you’d say- it suits them.” There was a shifting sound, then the voices drifted further away. “The Association has never had cause to distrust a healer class because of that.”
Park Ryung opened his eyes once they were too far off, and grimaced awkwardly. He looked down at his hand again.
“… So they’ll be really fucking pissed if they notice that I faked the rank results, won’t they?” he muttered.
Well, in the grand scheme of things, pretending to be a D-rank seemed pretty forgivable compared to the literal end of the world. It was- probably fine.
… Maybe.