CHAPTER FIFTEEN !
───re-evaluation, part one.

STEPPING OUT OF THE CAR, his heart pounded a nervous rhythm against his ribs. Today was the day, Rank Re-evaluation day. As they settled outside of the car, Taejoon cleared his throat.

"Hyeon," Taejoon started, his voice surprisingly gentle, "There's something I haven't told you." He paused, a glint in his sharp eyes. "I was once the Chairman of the Japan Hunters Association."

Hyeon's jaw dropped. His mild-mannered grandfather, a high-ranking Hunter leader? The revelation sent his mind reeling.

"Why didn't you tell me?" he stammered.

Taejoon smiled faintly. "There was no need. But this re-evaluation... Well, let's just say I've secured a fair chance for you."

A surge of curiosity mixed with apprehension washed over Hyeon. He knew his grandfather wouldn't pull strings without reason, but the thought of special treatment made him uneasy.

As they approached the imposing building housing the evaluation center, Hyeon noticed an unusually large crowd of reporters milling about.

Cameras flashed, microphones thrust forward. Before he could question it, they were ushered inside by a discreet security detail.

The air inside crackled with a strange energy. Whispers followed them as they walked, punctuated by surprised gasps. Hyeon noticed reporters' eyes widening, their cameras clicking furiously at the sight of Taejoon.

The former Chairman's presence had caused a stir. It was an unexpected turn of events, and the reporters were clearly curious.

One brave soul managed to squeeze a question past the security detail.

"Mr. Kim! Why are you here with your grandson, who's reportedly an F-Rank Hunter?"

Matsumoto Shigeo, the current Chairman, stepped forward, his voice calm and authoritative. "Calm down, everyone. Today's event will include a re-evaluation. Please excuse us." He ushered Taejoon and Hyeon past the throng of reporters, their hushed speculations filling the air.

Inside the evaluation room, Hyeon couldn't help but notice Taejoon's smirk as he spotted a familiar figure – Goto Ryuji, Japan's strongest Hunter and Guild Master of the Draw Sword Guild.

A shiver of excitement ran down Hyeon's spine. His grandfather had requested Ryuji's presence for his evaluation? This was far more than just pulling strings, this was a power play.

The evaluation room was sterile and intimidating. In the center stood a holographic projector, a shimmering portal ready to unleash a digital adversary. Hyeon's nerves thrummed like a live wire. He stole a glance at Goto Ryuji, a Strong Hunter. His face was an unreadable mask, but Hyeon sensed a flicker of curiosity in his steely gaze.

"Alright, Hyeon," Ryuji's voice boomed, surprisingly gentle for such a renowned warrior.

"This evaluation will assess your combat abilities and strategic thinking. The holographic opponent will adapt to your fighting style, so be prepared to adjust your tactics. Let's see what you've got."

Taking a deep breath, Hyeon focused. He wouldn't let his grandfather down, wouldn't let Ryuji dismiss him as another F-Rank.

As he channeled his magic, a sense of power surged through him, a residue from his epic battle with the lich.

The projector whirred to life, and a hulking orc warrior materialized, its tusks glinting with a menacing sheen. Hyeon didn't hesitate.

He launched into a flurry of spells, his movements precise and practiced. "[Earthen Bulwark]" conjured a wall of rock that deflected the orc's initial charge.

A well-placed "[Burst of Flame]" bathed the creature in searing fire, forcing it back.

But the orc, a complex AI program, learned quickly. It adapted its fighting style, dodging Hyeon's spells with surprising agility.

The battle devolved into a dance of offense and defense, a blur of flashing spells and clanging metal. Hyeon, fueled by adrenaline and a newfound confidence, fought like a man possessed.

Seeing Hyeon's strategic maneuvering and the raw power behind his spells, Ryuji's stoic expression flickered. This wasn't the performance of an F-Rank Hunter. This was... something else.

Hyeon unleashed a combination of spells he hadn't dared try before. He launched a torrent of shimmering stones with "[Stone Shrapnel]" while simultaneously channeling "[Life Mend]" on himself, replenishing his failing mana.

The orc, overwhelmed by the sheer number of attacks, faltered. Seizing this opportunity, Hyeon channeled his most powerful spell yet – the one he had perfected after facing the lich.

"[Shatter]" ripped through the air, a wave of pure energy that slammed into the orc with a deafening roar. The holographic creature dissolved into pixels of light, defeated.

Silence descended upon the room. Hyeon, panting, waited for Ryuji's verdict. The Hunter stared at him, a mixture of awe and surprise etched on his face.

"That... that was extraordinary," he finally said, his voice low.

"Your control, your magic... it surpasses the level of an A-Rank, maybe even S-Rank."

Hyeon's jaw dropped. S-Rank? The highest Hunter rank, reserved for the most elite warriors in the entire nation! Ryuji scanned a device in his hand, the results flashing on a screen.

"Hyeon Kim," Ryuji declared, his voice thick with respect, "your evaluation results are beyond anything I've witnessed in recent years. Based on your performance, you are officially designated..."

A tense silence stretched before Ryuji continued, "...S-Rank Hunter."

The news exploded in Hyeon's mind. He, the once F-Rank, had become an S-Rank Hunter in a single evaluation! A wave of elation washed over him, tinged with disbelief.

The news spread like wildfire through the Hunters Association. Reporters who had initially scoffed at the ex-Chairman's arrival were now scrambling for interviews. He was the 22nd S-Rank Hunter in Japan.

Taejoon and Matsumoto Shigeo, the current Chairman, stood on the sidelines, a silent conversation passing between them.

"Extraordinary, wouldn't you say, Taejoon?" Matsumoto boomed, a hint of awe in his voice. "An F-Rank to S-Rank in one evaluation. That's unheard of!"

Taejoon merely smirked, a knowing glint in his eyes. "He has potential, that much is clear."

Matsumoto leaned closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Now, the question remains... Would Hyeon be interested in joining the Japan Hunters Association?"

Taejoon chuckled, a low rumble that belied his amusement. "That," he said, shrugging his shoulders, "you'll have to ask him yourself."

Matsumoto's face fell slightly. He knew Taejoon was playing a game, a subtle way of asserting his influence even after retirement. But Hyeon's talent was undeniable. He couldn't afford to offend either the grandson or the formidable ex-Chairman.

Meanwhile, Goto Ryuji's mind raced. This unexpected turn of events had shaken him. Recruiting a brand new S-Rank was a golden opportunity, but the situation was far more complex than usual.

Hyeon was the grandson of Taejoon, a retired Hunter shrouded in mystery. Rumors swirled about his past - a powerful Fighter who abruptly left the scene to become a businessman.

And then there was Taejoon's fighting prowess. While officially retired, whispers persisted about his ability to hold his own against even S-Rank Hunters. Was there more to Taejoon than met the eye? Were there secret reasons for his retirement?

Torn between his desire to recruit Hyeon and his wariness of Taejoon's motives, Ryuji approached the young S-Rank with a mixture of respect and caution.

"Hyeon," he said, his voice measured, "your performance today was truly exceptional. Our guild would be honored if you join."

Hyeon, still basking in the afterglow of his victory, bowed his head in gratitude. "Thank you for the offer, Mr. Ryuji," he replied, "but I must decline for now. I... I need some time to adjust."

Matsumoto, sensing a potential opening, chimed in. "Of course, Hyeon, take all the time you need. But please know, the Association's doors are always open to you."

Hyeon smiled politely. "I appreciate that, Chairman. And while I won't be joining formally at this time, I'm always willing to lend a hand if there's anything I can do to help the Association or to your Guild Mr. Goto."

His response was met with surprised approval. Here was a young S-Rank not consumed by ambition or a thirst for power.

He simply wanted to be his own man, to use his abilities for good on his own terms.

As the initial commotion subsided, Hyeon found himself standing alongside his grandfather, a newfound respect blossoming between them. Taejoon placed a hand on Hyeon's shoulder.

"Remember, grandson," he said, his voice gruff but filled with pride, "true strength lies not just in power, but in choosing the right path to use it."