Gwang-taek and Yu-seon were at a loss for what to do due to the sudden appearance of Yoo Se-hyun.
How could they not be?
The man before them was the guild leader of Glory Way, one of the top ten guilds in the country, and an A-rank Tanker to boot.
In truth, calling him A-rank was an understatement; his stats were A++, nearly reaching the level of an S-rank.
[Analysis Result]
Yoo Se-hyun: [A-Rank Iron Defender]
Average Stats: [A++]
Combat Style: [Blocks enemy attacks at the source based on powerful defense and various defensive maneuvers.]
Core Skills: [Iron Barrier / Will of Protection]
Trust: 32
Psychological State: [Suspects Kim Seong-jun, known as an F-rank Buffer, might be a re-awakened Irregular. Wants to confirm if he is an Irregular on the spot if possible.]
Seong-jun confirmed Yoo Se-hyun’s information through Deep Analysis.
He felt a look of surprise cross his face as he read the man’s psychological state.
‘So, he personally moved because he thought I might be an Irregular? Impressive. To figure out I’m an Irregular just from fragmentary pieces of information. Setting everything else aside, the fact that I can reach EX-rank just by putting in the time is enough to be called an Irregular.’
Seong-jun had been aware he was an Irregular from the moment he obtained this ability.
Who else in the world could raise their rank just by leveling up, and eventually reach EX-rank?
Only Seong-jun could do that, and that alone made him more than worthy of being called an Irregular.
On top of that, Seong-jun was currently showing healing, buffing, and even attack skills that far exceeded his current rank.
An existence outside the norm, transcending the common sense of typical classes and ranks.
People referred to such beings as Irregulars.
Having finished his thoughts quickly, Seong-jun spoke with a smile.
“As expected, the nation’s top ten guilds are different. I’ve heard many guilds view their members as consumables or tools to maintain the guild, but for a guild leader to personally step out for a member… Regardless, I will gratefully accept the reward you’re offering.”
Seong-jun knew Yoo Se-hyun’s true intentions for being here thanks to Deep Analysis, but he didn’t feel the need to bring it up.
Meanwhile, Yoo Se-hyun looked intrigued as he watched Seong-jun respond calmly and even with a smile, unlike Gwang-taek and Yu-seon, who were so overwhelmed by his presence they didn’t know what to do.
“I was worried you might refuse, but I’m glad you accepted so readily. By the way, it seems the two people here find my presence a bit burdensome.”
When Yoo Se-hyun looked at Gwang-taek and Yu-seon and asked that.
“Gah! N-no, not at all!”
“B-burdensome? Not at all! Please, speak comfortably! Ha, haha, hahahaha.”
They were startled and quickly denied it.
Yoo Se-hyun shifted his gaze back to Seong-jun and spoke.
“On the other hand, Seong-jun doesn’t seem to feel that way at all.”
In response to Yoo Se-hyun’s observation, Seong-jun maintained his smile and said.
“Not at all. I find it plenty burdensome, and I consider it an honor. It’s just that my life’s motto is to maintain composure in any situation, so I’m trying my best to stay calm.”
“Haha, is that so? Certainly, if one can remain calm in any situation, they can respond quickly even if an unexpected variable occurs. That’s a very good mindset. Be that as it may…”
Yoo Se-hyun trailed off for a moment, then asked Seong-jun with a serious expression.
“According to Team Leader Jang Seok-ho here, you’ve manifested heals, buffs, and attack magic all at an incredible level. Is that true?”
Yoo Se-hyun finally got to the main point.
After all, the reason he had come here personally was to verify this part.
“That’s correct. Strictly speaking, I re-awakened as a Healer. I have no intention of hiding it; I was just pushing back the date for the re-awakening test.”
Yoo Se-hyun nodded at Seong-jun’s words.
“So you really did re-awaken. If so, may I ask why you’re delaying the re-awakening test?”
From the start, Yoo Se-hyun had been almost certain of Seong-jun’s re-awakening.
Otherwise, it made no sense for a Buffer to use heals.
The important thing here was whether he was an Irregular as he suspected, and if he had re-awakened, why he hadn’t taken the test immediately.
When asked why he hadn’t taken the test, Seong-jun looked at Yoo Se-hyun for a moment.
‘Yoo Se-hyun… For such a huge figure to roll right in front of me, I wouldn’t be Kim Seong-jun if I just let him roll away. I might not be able to do something right this moment, but I can at least lay the foundation for him to become part of my network.’
The reason Seong-jun had been able to consistently work as a mercenary as an F-rank Buffer—essentially a support class—and even secure a fixed mercenary position, was because of his sociability.
And what allowed him to maximize that sociability was his special ability, Deep Analysis.
Just by checking the other person’s psychological state with Deep Analysis, Seong-jun’s sociability could be several times, no, dozens of times more efficient.
With a big shot like Yoo Se-hyun appearing before him, how could he just let this opportunity fly away?
“The reason for delaying the re-awakening test… well, it’s not some grand secret, so it’s not hard to tell you… but just telling you is no fun, so why don’t you buy me a drink?”
When Seong-jun boldly asked him to buy a drink with a smiling face.
“Excuse me? A drink? So suddenly?”
Instead, it was Yoo Se-hyun who looked flustered.
“Why? Do you not drink? How often do people like us get to meet someone as amazing as Hunter Yoo Se-hyun? When an opportunity like this comes along, we should have a drink bought by Guild Leader Yoo Se-hyun and even get an autograph. If you find it burdensome, we can just end things here.”
At Seong-jun’s unexpected words, Gwang-taek and Yu-seon were shocked and tried to stop him.
“Ack! S-Seong-jun! Are you crazy? Asking Hunter Yoo Se-hyun to buy you a drink!”
“Seong-jun! Have you lost your mind? What’s wrong with you? H-haha, I-I’m so sorry. Seong-jun occasionally does crazy things, but I didn’t think it would be today of all days. Hahahaha.”
Who was their companion talking to?
The master of Glory Way, one of the top ten guilds in the country, the 9th ranked hunter nationally, and the 4th ranked tanker. He was an incredible figure.
To suddenly ask such a man to buy a drink at their first meeting?
From Gwang-taek and Yu-seon’s perspective, it was only natural that Seong-jun looked like a madman.
But Seong-jun was certain that Yoo Se-hyun would not refuse.
At the very least, he hadn’t achieved the ultimate goal that brought him here.
Namely, confirming whether Seong-jun was an Irregular or not.
And as expected, Yoo Se-hyun readily accepted Seong-jun’s proposal.
“Haha, it’s fine. Let’s do that. Actually, I like the boldness. There were a few things I wanted to ask Seong-jun, so this works out well. Let’s have a drink and talk candidly.”
In an awkward and stiff setting like this, any conversation would inevitably be rigid and uncomfortable.
But once the alcohol started flowing and the atmosphere became friendly, they could have a much softer and more comfortable conversation.
He judged that he could learn more that way than by asking here, so he readily accepted the proposal.
And so, they left the cafe and headed to a bar.
***
The drinking session lasted longer than expected.
Following the first round, it went on to a second and third, finally ending past 1 AM.
“Whoa! I’m wasted! Haha! Today was truly an honor! And this autograph! I’ll keep it as a family heirloom for the rest of my life!”
Gwang-taek, who had caught a taxi, waved to Yoo Se-hyun while swaying, unable to steady himself.
“Ah! Seriously! Stop being so embarrassing. Just get in the taxi already!”
On the other hand, Yu-seon, who had drunk the most, was the most sober, appearing as if she hadn’t touched a single drop.
“Yu-seon, please make sure Gwang-taek gets home safely. I’m counting on you.”
And Seong-jun, who had been drinking while matching the mood, was also perfectly sober, just like Yu-seon.
“Yeah! I’ll take good care of him, so don’t worry and see you tomorrow!”
As Yu-seon forcibly loaded Gwang-taek into the taxi and departed, Yoo Se-hyun spoke with a smile.
“They are quite delightful people. By the way, Seong-jun, you are a very strange person. You have a talent for making people feel comfortable, leading the atmosphere without overdoing it or letting it fall short, rather than getting swept up in it yourself. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this relaxed and happy while drinking with someone.”
Since Seong-jun had been checking Yoo Se-hyun’s psychological state with Deep Analysis—essentially his main social skill—and leading the atmosphere with his unique sociability, Yoo Se-hyun had eventually melted into that atmosphere.
No, in a way, it wouldn’t be wrong to say Seong-jun had artificially created the ideal drinking setting that Yoo Se-hyun desired.
Of course, if Seong-jun’s ability was making it not feel artificial, then that was indeed a talent.
“I’m glad you enjoyed it. By the way, have the things you were curious about regarding me been somewhat resolved?”
It was only natural that as the drinking session matured and the atmosphere became friendly, Yoo Se-hyun had subtly asked various questions.
Naturally, Seong-jun had responded by appropriately mixing truth and lies.
“Yes, and I’ve also become convinced that you are an Irregular. But are you really not interested in joining our guild?”
Seong-jun had released information by manipulating it appropriately to make Yoo Se-hyun think he was an Irregular.
In any case, a needle in a pocket is bound to poke through eventually, and there are things that cannot be hidden even if one tries.
If he tried to hide it for no reason, he might have to deal with even greater misunderstandings and annoyance later, so he had simply manipulated and released the information in a form the other party wanted.
At the same time, he subtly declined Yoo Se-hyun’s recruitment offer.
“As I said earlier, I have no intention of being affiliated with a guild for the time being. The moment I join a guild, I won’t be able to move as freely as I do now, right? There would be guild-specific rules and control following those rules. For a while, I want to hunt comfortably with people I get along with. Of course, at some point, a time will come when I have to make a decision. When that time comes, I will keep Glory Way in mind first.”
It seemed like he was leaving various possibilities open, but in the end, it was a refusal.
However, because those words came from Seong-jun’s mouth, they didn’t feel like a mere formality to Yoo Se-hyun.
Through those few hours of drinking together, Seong-jun had made his words sound entirely sincere.
“Haaa, I suppose it can’t be helped. Enjoy your freedom as much as you want. Instead, you must keep that promise to put our Glory Way at the very front of your mind when the time comes to join a guild.”
At Yoo Se-hyun’s words, Seong-jun spoke with a smile.
“Of course. Ah! And you told me to call you comfortably whenever I wanted a drink, right? I really will call.”
While drinking together, at some point, Seong-jun and Yoo Se-hyun had been swept up in the mood and exchanged numbers.
Of course, it was Seong-jun who had created that mood.
In any case, it was Yoo Se-hyun who had first said to call whenever he wanted a drink while exchanging numbers.
Seong-jun wasn’t the type to let such an opportunity go to waste.
“Ha, haha, of course. I also found the drinking session with Seong-jun very comfortable and pleasant. It would be good to meet like this occasionally. Though, of course, there might be times when I have work.”
Yoo Se-hyun also had a desire to maintain a connection with Seong-jun, whom he was certain was an Irregular, so he readily agreed.
They were talking for a moment in front of the bar.
Vroom!
A luxury sedan stopped in front of them.
Click!
Then the driver’s door opened, and a chauffeur hurriedly stepped out.
“I will take you now.”
It was Yoo Se-hyun’s personal chauffeur.
As the chauffeur opened the rear door, Yoo Se-hyun looked at Seong-jun and said.
“I’ll take you home. Let’s go together.”
At Yoo Se-hyun’s offer to take him home, Seong-jun smiled and shook his head.
“It’s okay. I’m not far from here anyway. I’ll walk to get some fresh air.”
“Understood. Then I’ll see you next time.”
After saying that, Yoo Se-hyun got into the car.
Vrooooom!
As Yoo Se-hyun drove away, Seong-jun, who had been standing still watching him leave, let out a thin smile.
‘Trust level 42. Since it’s over 40, does that make us acquaintances? Well, you can’t be full on the first spoonful. If we meet a few more times like this, we’ll reach the friend stage in no time.’
The trust level of Deep Analysis was almost absolute.
And Seong-jun had created his own ranks based on those trust values.
The 10s and 20s were almost strangers, or even if they had a connection, the relationship had deteriorated to the point where they could backstab each other at any time depending on the situation.
The 30s were the stage where they had just become acquainted.
The 40s to 50s were acquaintances who felt favorable toward each other.
Once it passed 60, it reached the stage of being friends who shared a certain level of mutual trust.
And the moment it passed 80, it became the stage of bosom buddies who could trust each other with their lives.
Well, if it hit 100, it went without saying that it became a relationship of absolute trust.
And Seong-jun had raised Yoo Se-hyun’s trust, which was 32 when they first met at the cafe, to 42 during the drinking session.
This much alone could be considered a successful first meeting.
***
A private investigation agency in Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu.
After finishing his hunt, Seong-jun visited a detective agency operated by a friend of Gwang-taek’s.
“Nice to meet you. I’m Choi Gyu-taek, the director of Speed Detective Agency.”
When Choi Gyu-taek offered a handshake while introducing himself, Seong-jun took the hand and said.
“Yes. I’m Kim Seong-jun. I’ve heard a lot about you from Gwang-taek. He said you’ve been close since high school.”
“Haha, yes. Gwang-taek and I have been close since high school. It’s a bit embarrassing to say, but back then we were wild and had nothing to fear. Also, since our names both ended in ‘Taek,’ people in the area used to call us the Gwang-Gyu Twin-Taeks.”
The moment the name Gwang-Gyu Twin-Taeks came out of Choi Gyu-taek’s mouth, Gwang-taek’s expression crumpled.
“Hey! Why are you bringing that up all of a sudden!”
Seong-jun looked at the shouting Gwang-taek with a surprised expression.
“Oh! Gwang-Gyu Twin-Taeks. It sounds like a title from a martial arts novel.”
“Ugh, don’t tease people about their dark past. And Gyu-taek, you stop talking nonsense and focus on the work. Seong-jun is a brother I’d give my life for, so don’t you dare slack off.”
At Gwang-taek’s words, Gyu-taek spoke with a smile.
“I always do my best in everything. Well, since he’s your acquaintance, I’ll put in a little extra effort.”
Gwang-taek, who rarely asked for favors, had made a request for the first time in a long while.
Even if it wasn’t Gwang-taek’s own business but that of an acquaintance, it was Gwang-taek’s request, so he intended to put in more effort than usual.
“By the way, you said it’s about finding someone?”
At Gyu-taek’s question, Seong-jun nodded and said.
“Yes, it seems my uncle was scammed by a friend. He even took out a loan because the man said he needed urgent cash, but the man vanished immediately after receiving the money. Naturally, he’s unreachable.”
Having said that, Seong-jun handed a note to Gyu-taek.
“This is information about my uncle. Actually, my uncle doesn’t know that I know about this. And I’d like to keep it that way. That’s why I couldn’t ask exactly who that friend is. Can you find him with just this?”
After checking the information Seong-jun provided, Gyu-taek spoke with a smile.
“The victim’s information is quite specific. With this much, I’ll be able to quickly identify the perpetrator just by investigating for a few days, even without specific info on him. What’s important here is clarifying the content of the request: whether you just want to identify the perpetrator, or find his current location, or if the request includes bringing the perpetrator before you.”
Judging by the way he spoke, he seemed very confident.
Seong-jun looked at Gyu-taek and said.
“Bring that bastard before me.”
At Seong-jun’s words, Gyu-taek let out a thin smile.
“Request confirmed. The total fee is 30 million; you pay 10 million as a down payment and the remaining 20 million after the request is completed. I’ll try to finish it within a month if possible, but if variables arise, like the guy fleeing overseas, additional costs may occur.”
When Gyu-taek called for 30 million, Gwang-taek frowned and said.
“What? 30 million? Hey! Isn’t that too steep for a friend’s recommendation?”
It seemed Gwang-taek thought Gyu-taek was overcharging.
“Friend, go ahead and get a quote somewhere else. There might be places that charge more, but no one will charge less than this.”
As Gyu-taek said, it was difficult to find a cheaper quote anywhere.
However, Seong-jun didn’t believe words; he believed in information, so he verified it through Deep Analysis.
‘Deep Analysis!’
As he cast Deep Analysis, information about Choi Gyu-taek was immediately displayed in a translucent window.
[Analysis Result]
Choi Gyu-taek: [Normal Human]
Trust: 39
Psychological State: [Intends to complete the request as quickly and reliably as possible since it’s a favor from his close friend, Park Gwang-taek. Feels slightly hurt that Park Gwang-taek is nagging about the price being expensive despite charging less than the usual fee.]
After finishing the analysis, Seong-jun let out a smirk.
‘I can’t trust people’s words, but I can trust Deep Analysis. I can leave this to him.’
After organizing his thoughts, Seong-jun spoke to Gyu-taek.
“Tell me your account number and I’ll transfer it right now.”
Then Gyu-taek smiled and handed over a business card with his account number.
“This is my card. If you deposit it to the account written there, I’ll start working immediately.”
Seong-jun took the card, pulled out his phone, and made the transfer immediately.
“I’ve sent it. Please check.”
Upon hearing it was sent, Choi Gyu-taek checked his phone and soon looked puzzled.
“Huh? 50 million was deposited? Did you send the wrong amount?”
He had asked for a total of 30 million—10 million down and 20 million upon completion—so it was only natural to be puzzled when 50 million suddenly came in.
Looking at him, Seong-jun spoke with a smile.
“The more expensive it is, the faster and more certain the processing will be. If you bring that guy before me within two weeks, I’ll give you an additional 50 million. Can you do it?”
At Seong-jun’s words, Choi Gyu-taek also smiled.
“I’ll have him ready within two weeks by any means necessary.”
At this moment, for Choi Gyu-taek, Seong-jun had transformed from Park Gwang-taek’s acquaintance into a major client.
I Became an EX-Rank All-Rounder Priest Chapter 23
E-book Publication Date: 2025.11.14
Author | Kim Hyun-jun
Publisher | Heo Heung-beom, Park Gun-won
Published by | Poten
Address | [04783] 10th Floor, 8 Yeonmujang 11-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
Phone 02-6320-8500
Fax 02-6320-8585
ISBN 9791175302167
Price: Not for Sale
Kim Hyun-jun 2025
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This e-book was published by contract with the author, and unauthorized transcription, reproduction, distribution, or sharing without the written consent of both parties is prohibited.