Chapter 88: Chapter 88

[Translator - Night]

[Proofreader - Gun]

Chapter 88: Physical Exam (2)

"Did you say you missed me?"

"What the heck? Who are you talking to?"

The strange comment made by the man caused a commotion among the hundreds of people present.

Floating midair, not too high above, was a white-haired man.

【'Prince of the Investigation Bureau' wonders if there’s someone like that in the Investigation Bureau.】

【'The Ferryman of the Administration Bureau' is shocked by this unexpected appearance!】

The man was dressed in a robe of indeterminate color, his face smudged with stains as if he had been hit by a mild explosion.

He opened his mouth.

[As expected! You look even better in person.]

What’s “as expected,” and who is supposed to look better in person?

The survivors gathered on the floating island busily worked their eyes and minds, trying to figure it out.

Searching for the target of those unnaturally glowing eyes.

"Um… Mr. Eunho! Who is that guy?"

And amidst all this, a man who seemed utterly indifferent to everyone else’s interest suddenly spoke.

"I don’t know who he is, but he’s probably not human."

"But that person—or, um, that figure—seems to be heading our way."

He was walking toward us.

Muttering to himself without hesitation, striding confidently in our direction.

[Trying to enhance the resolution… but, as expected… couldn’t capture the light in the eyes. I’ll settle for pixel quality…]

This was no misunderstanding.

He wasn’t avoiding eye contact.

I instinctively knew it.

‘He knows me.’

【'The Raven of the Administration Bureau' wonders if a fan of subject Lee Eunho has appeared.】

[The skull and brain were all I considered… I wasn’t thinking far enough. The shoulder-to-fingertip proportions… are sublime. Not to mention… the overall symmetry is exquisite.]

He knew me.

Whether he only recognized my face, had been observing my actions thus far, or knew everything about my abilities was unclear.

But one thing was certain: this wasn’t just a casual observer.

‘Where have I seen him before?’

What was undeniable, though, was that…

[Should I put you on display?]

…this was no ordinary interest.

"Senior Jang! Isn’t that guy talking to you?"

"Huh? To me? But I don’t know him…"

"Senior, word about your missions must’ve spread!"

The unusual attention unsettled everyone nearby.

The guys from the Athlete Village were convinced it was aimed at Senior Jang—the eternal second place—and were making a fuss.

【'The Ferryman of the Administration Bureau' is flustered by the bizarre situation!】

"Jieun."

"Yes…!"

Without taking my eyes off the man, I whispered to Jieun beside me.

Her soft, swaying hair brushed against my nose.

"If he does anything strange, lift everyone into the air and hide right below the floating island. Leave me out, though."

"Wh-what about you, Eunho?"

"I’ll act separately. I’ve got an acceleration skill, remember?"

Nod.

As the distance between us and the man narrowed step by step…

When he was close enough to reach out and touch, right behind him—

[The assigned investigator has arrived!]

Swoosh—!

Clouds, soft and fluffy like cotton candy, thickened and then dissipated.

Revealing the “investigator.”

"What the heck, now there’s an investigator? And what’s the difference between that and an examiner?"

"Seems like they have different roles. So far, we’ve only dealt with managers."

"Damn it. Does that mean more of these guys will show up? The tiny manager was already hard enough to handle…"

Ignoring the grumbling of the foul-mouthed guy, I observed the newcomer.

Short stature, slightly plump.

A friendly-looking face.

Wearing a collared T-shirt and comfortable outdoor clothing, like hiking gear.

[10 minutes ago.]

Even his timid, mumbling tone lacked confidence.

If he weren’t floating midair, he could easily pass for a typical middle-aged man.

The kind of affable department manager you might find in any company.

One who’s kind and well-meaning but constantly outpaced by his younger, more capable subordinates.

[Well, the assessment can wait.]

Then, the tousled-haired man erased his grin and reluctantly opened his mouth.

Like a child ordered to finish their homework before playing with a toy right in front of them.

[The fact that we’ve met is what matters. Isn’t that right?]

The tousled-haired man’s eyes met mine.

He stifled a rising smirk, twitching his lips as if suppressing a laugh or a sigh.

[My name is Iro. I’m the examiner assigned to conduct medical evaluations in the ROK-SEO-NOR sector.]

‘Iro.’

I silently mouthed the name, and his snake-like yellow eyes darted around.

For some reason, it made me uncomfortable.

But the others seemed less bothered, already starting to ask questions.

"An examiner…?"

"Who… are you? And what are we supposed to do now?"

The tousled-haired examiner raised the corners of his mouth, as if waiting for those questions, and spoke.

[First off, good work passing the entrance test. So, I’ve prepared a gift just for you.]

A sweet carrot dangled before us.

[Summon it.]

[…]

[Hurry!]

[…]

[Fine, whatever.]

Reluctantly, the investigator waved his hand.

Then, he began typing something onto a translucent screen that appeared out of thin air.

Familiar motions, but seemingly begrudging.

— Flash!

At the center of the floating island appeared—

‘…A capsule?’

A cylindrical object large enough to fit one or two people.

It looked like a transparent shower booth.

[Step into this capsule, and it’ll scan your body to address any deficiencies.]

Scanning the body?

‘So this is what they meant by a medical examination?’

It was quite different from what I had imagined.

"Deficiencies?"

"What, like enhancements?"

[Exactly. Enhancements. But there’s a limit to the number of times you can use it, so it’s better to go quickly.]

"!!"

The examiner’s words stirred excitement among the crowd.

"Damn, I’m going in first."

"Me too. Everyone, get ready."

Jang Hanil, ever the Athlete Village veteran, declared his intention with a serious tone.

His eyes gleamed like those of a hyena eyeing its prey.

[Oh, by the way, I’ll be deciding the order. Fairly, of course…]

The earlier you go, the safer you are.

You’ll be able to "enhance" your body without worrying about losing the opportunity.

[We’re thinking of proceeding based on the entrance exam scores.]

Entrance exam scores, huh.

This is turning out to be a smooth process, isn’t it?

“Huh? Were scores even released?”

“There were only evaluation grades… and the grades were all similar, weren’t they? How are they going to decide the order?”

“Exactly! The highest grade was A anyway.”

“No, there’s also S. I heard there was one at Taereung.”

“What? There’s an S? That’s the first I’ve heard of it!”

The murmuring among the people gave me some idea about the situation in other zones.

“Senior! It seems there wasn’t an S in the other zones!”

“Hah! Is that so?”

“It looks like you’ll be the first to receive it, Senior!”

And so, the conclusion was clear.

[ROK-SEO-NOR Zone, first place in the entrance exam is…]

I have a pretty good idea who it’ll be.

[Lee Eunho.]

"!!"

“Eunho!”

“Big bro!”

As expected. The name I predicted.

An inevitable result.

[Subject ‘Lee Eunho.’ Pre-examination results indicate an ultra-suitability rating!]

[Additional points will be awarded for future entrance exam evaluations!]

I already received bonus points during the personality test.

[An additional mission was assigned for the grade evaluation of subject ‘Lee Eunho.’]

Not to mention, I completed a solo mission before receiving an evaluation grade.

“Wow! So, Mister, you’re first in Gangbuk?”

“I knew it! If not you, who else would be first?”

Those who knew me celebrated at the sudden ranking announcement.

“Who’s Lee Eunho?”

“Is it that guy?”

Those who didn’t know me were curious.

“Damn it, what did you just say?”

And the ones who vaguely knew me turned bright red with fury.

[Now then…]

Unlike Jang Hanil, whose face hardened, the scruffy-haired man who smiled brightly as if his facial muscles had completely relaxed, opened his mouth.

[Step in, Lee Eunho.]

Pointing to the wide-open capsule door.

* * *

[Translator - Night]

[Proofreader - Gun]

[Why! The hell! Is that bastard there?!]

[This is odd. Physical examinations are under the jurisdiction of the Investigation Bureau, so why is the Center involved…?]

Seung was flustered.

It didn’t make sense.

Just as the Selection and Entrance Exams were solely handled by the Management Bureau, preliminary investigations and post-assessment procedures like physical examinations were exclusive to the Investigation Bureau.

That’s why all they could do this time was watch the screen.

[The arrogant Investigation Bureau wouldn’t have requested help from another nation. What’s going on? Heard anything?]

[No idea what’s happening either… Did the Investigation Bureau’s head get blackmailed somehow?]

BANG!

Suddenly, Harona’s fist struck the desk with a loud crash.

And then—

CRACK!

A shallow fracture formed on the sturdy desk.

Normally, Harona would’ve smashed the desk into splinters, but right now, her frustration and worry were outweighing her anger.

Her clenched fists were damp with sweat.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

[What do we do? What now?]

Harona, usually calm and collected, was deeply anxious about Lee Eunho.

That man was bound to do something.

Especially if he colluded with the Investigation Bureau’s head, this would be far worse than his little stunt with the temporary admin rights last time.

What’s his agenda?

[Oh! That finger!]

[Finger, what about it?]

[Can’t I just borrow one? I just need a sample!]

The guy was so far removed from common sense it was alarming.

[If not, lend it to me. I’ll take a sample and return it.]

[That guy’s got sticky fingers. Could he be… targeting Lee Eunho?]

[Harona, don’t worry.]

Despite this assurance, Harona’s pigtails stuck out like twin pistols, signaling high alert.

She was tense.

A subordinate gathered the courage to speak.

[As you know, the researchers in the Center don’t receive combat training. Plus, this one is rumored to be a weakling who never leaves the lab.]

But—

[Lee Eunho doesn’t know that bastard’s face!]

The biggest issue was that Lee Eunho had no idea who this man was.

He didn’t know the guy was a genius researcher or that he was a lunatic obsessed with harvesting Lee Eunho’s abilities.

The researcher, on the other hand, had likely memorized every detail about Lee Eunho, thanks to countless reports and data.

[The information gap is too wide. If a fight breaks out, it’ll be completely one-sided.]

[Right… After losing the golem he sent last time, he must’ve been sharpening his knife… and conducting experiments.]

[He’s watched everything—what Lee Eunho’s abilities are, how he fights. If a fight happens now…]

Harona fell silent.

[This isn’t like before.]

This wasn’t a simple mission they’d orchestrated.

This time, it felt like real trouble was brewing.

The thought gripped both of them at once.

And then—

[What the hell is that capsule?!]

The cylindrical object in the testing area.

Its familiar design, and the fact that the Investigation Bureau head had summoned it…

[That… isn’t that a specimen collection capsule used by the Investigation Bureau?]

[What?]

Seung, startled by Harona’s words, stared at the screen again.

Then, a rapid outburst followed.

[Y-Yes! It does look like one! It’s the kind they use during preliminary investigations to collect soil or biological specimens!]

A specimen collection capsule.

The crazy researcher obsessed with Lee Eunho.

There was only one conclusion to draw from this situation.

[Don’t tell me… that bastard plans to take Lee Eunho? Put him in that capsule?!]

The “specimen” the researcher wanted—

It was Lee Eunho’s body.

[Take him? Where to?!]

[Some secret location he set up. Maybe a hidden lab…]

Seung’s face went pale.

But Harona continued speaking without hesitation.

[If he takes him, it’s over.]

[But… surely he’ll be somewhere in the Center! Can’t we just find the lab?]

It was a logical guess, but logic didn’t always align with reality.

[Do you even know where that guy's lab is? And it takes over a week just to get clearance to access the center.]

[Ah…]

Seung let out a low sigh.

[Unbelievable…]

And then quickly regained his composure.

— Go in. Lee Eunho.

On the screen, Lee Eunho had already begun walking.

Because he realized there was no time to stay shocked.

[No, stop! If you go in, who knows where you'll end up…]

[Stop him. Now!]

* * *

Step.

I moved.

Toward the cylindrical structure placed at the center of Sky Island, drawing everyone’s attention.

"Wait a second! That’s Lee Eunho, isn’t it?"

"Oh, yeah! The guy from Noksapyeong!"

"The one who ranked first in the Memory Mission!"

It wasn’t my first time receiving a reward in front of everyone.

After completing the "Memory" mission in first place last time, I’d received a eye called "The All-Seeing Observer’s Eye."

Step.

Back then, X massacred the people from my memory, and I turned the Bureau’s raven into a romance movie protagonist to win Jieun’s fans over.

That’s how fierce the competition was to get the reward.

The "eye."

But now.

‘A tool that complements everyone’s weaknesses? Without any conditions?’

If that’s the case, why didn’t they just hand it out as a reward when I passed the entry test?

Why go through the trouble of splitting it into two stages?

"Hey, sir! Aren’t you going?"

"Hold on."

A strange sense of unease crept over me.

Was it because of the white-haired man who kept locking eyes with me?

‘This is different from before.’

The faint doubt stopped him in his tracks.

"Seriously? This guy’s the first place? That’s bullshit!"

The grating voice of a local broadcast came from behind him.

"It has to be rigged… There’s no way, unless it’s favoritism…"

The words, a perfect example of petty jealousy, could’ve been dictionary-worthy.

Without realizing it, I turned and gave Jang Hanil a look of sheer contempt. And in that moment—

【WARNING!】

【A delay has been detected!】

【Immediately proceed with the scheduled "physical examination"!】

A red message popped up in front of the inspector and investigator.

[Damn it…!]

[What’s going on?!]

The middle-aged man, visibly flustered, and the messy-haired guy, his face twisted in irritation.

Their eyes quickly shot upward.

Toward the "eye" gaping wide above, as if it were about to swallow us all.

[It hasn’t even been a minute! Did someone snitch?]

[Start it now! Any delay, and the Audit Bureau will come down on us!]

[Ugh, I swear I’d rip that damn eyeball apart if I could…!]

[This is Iro!]

The forever middle manager nervously glanced around.

That cursed "eye" seemed to be their surveillance tool as well.

But the messy-haired guy—

[Thirty seconds, tops! Come on, get in there, Lee Eunho!]

—spoke, not to his colleague, but directly to me.

[You… Your physical development isn’t bad. Pretty quick, too. So, how about strength this time? Tremendous strength.]

His bloodshot eyes gleamed yellow.

[Don’t you want to become stronger?]

The desire gleaming in his gaze seemed to shout, I want to be strong!

【WARNING!】

【WARNING!】

【WARNING!】

…

The blaring sirens sounded like a warning directed at me.

[Hurry! Lee Eunho!]

So—

"I…"

Just as I faced the gleaming man and opened my mouth—

"That lucky bastard! Ever since we were kids, he’s only ever relied on sheer luck…!"

Jang Hanil, breathing heavily through his nose, shoved me aside.

"?!"

Slam!

And threw himself into the capsule.

"You think I’d lose again this time?!"

A last-ditch sprint toward the wrong finish line.

[You idiot! What the hell are you doing…?!]

The inspector belatedly ran over, but—

[No, stop!!!]

It was already too late.

The wide-open door had closed, and inside the transparent cylinder, smoke began to rise from the floor, cutting off the view.

[This is insane…!]

The cylinder had already taken Jang Hanil instead of me.

Whirrr!

The capsule began spinning rapidly.

[Translator - Night]

[Proofreader - Gun]

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