Chapter 45

"Damn it! This isn't a joke, how can you conduct an exam like this!"

Another candidate who had been eliminated burst out with a string of curses and rushed out of the room.

In the center of the room, where an awkward silence had settled, sat the two interviewers from Baegun Security Agency.

Do Jin-woo subtly checked the expression of the person next to him.

However, contrary to his worries, Yu Shin-un showed no signs of anger.

Yu Shin-un did not even spare a glance at the backs of the eliminated candidates, just as he had done before.

'Sigh, perhaps I should have intervened.'

For a moment, a hint of worry appeared on Do Jin-woo's face.

The conversation from a few days ago, when Yu Shin-un had talked about Baegun Security Agency's future plans, kept flashing through his mind.

- ...Are you saying you will dissolve Jeokun Pavilion and establish two new pavilions?

- Yes. They will be called Heukun Pavilion and Jeongun Pavilion. Heukun Pavilion will take over the previous tasks of Jeokun Pavilion, while Jeongun Pavilion will operate as an independent security team under my direct supervision.

- ...Then, how large do you expect the two pavilions to be?

- Both pavilions will be the same size as the current ones.

- ...Lord, if 20 new security agents join each pavilion, the remaining budget will run out much faster than we discussed.

- Don't worry about the budget. Prepare the recruitment exams as soon as possible.

Despite the significant concerns about financial issues expressed by No Dae-woong, No Geun-ho, and the Chief of the Security Bureau, Yu Shin-un pushed forward with the recruitment exams without any hesitation.

When asked how he would secure the funds, Yu Shin-un only said that it was not the right time to reveal his plans.

When everyone was hesitant, Do Jin-woo, saying, "How can a criminal understand the mind of a genius?" convinced the other pavilion heads and the Chief of the Security Bureau to proceed with the plan.

Do Jin-woo firmly believed in his master, who had overcome unimaginable crises with his own abilities, without a single doubt.

But...

Since sitting as an interviewer for the Jeongun Pavilion security agent exam, a growing worry and concern had been gnawing at his heart.

"Next group."

With the security agent's words, the next group of candidates lined up and entered the room.

Due to the large number of applicants, the exam was conducted in groups of four.

Thud.

The candidates took their seats in turn. Three men who looked like ronins and a middle-aged woman were seated. The middle-aged woman was Hong-ryeon, whom Do Jin-woo had seen earlier.

Do Jin-woo quickly scanned their tense faces.

By his standards, the three men were of third and second-class levels, and the woman showed no signs of martial arts training.

If Do Jin-woo were to judge, the two second-class men would pass, and the other two would fail.

However, he had no authority to make the final decision.

The selection of Jeongun Pavilion security agents was entirely up to Yu Shin-un.

Yu Shin-un raised his head and met the eyes of the candidates.

He simply stared at each of them for a long time without saying a word.

When his gaze reached Hong-ryeon, it showed a glimmer of interest for the first time.

After a moment, Yu Shin-un finally spoke to the perplexed candidates.

"Fail."

"Fail."

"Fail."

"Pass."

Yu Shin-un announced the failure of the three men and the pass of Hong-ryeon.

"..."

All four had the same stunned expressions.

It was understandable. They had come in and done nothing, yet their fates were decided in an instant.

The recruitment for Jeongun Pavilion security agents was being judged solely by the interview, with no practical martial arts assessment.

During this time, Baegun Security Agency had never conducted a recruitment exam in this manner.

In fact, no security agency in the entire country would ever select candidates based solely on an interview without assessing their actual martial skills.

'Sigh, again.'

Do Jin-woo sighed inwardly.

The reason for his growing concern was the incomprehensible exam method and its results.

"...The exam is over. Those who failed, please leave the room."

In response to Do Jin-woo's dismissal, the three ronins, now agitated, began to curse.

"Are you kidding us!"

"How much do you know about my martial skills!"

"You accepted a woman who has never even heard of a sword and rejected me!"

The atmosphere grew tense, but Hong-ryeon was only bewildered.

Whoosh.

At that moment, Yu Shin-un released his inner energy.

"Ugh!"

"Ugh!"

"Ugh!"

The three ronins began to groan. With their martial skills barely at the second-class level, they could not withstand Yu Shin-un's energy.

"I've seen your mediocre abilities enough times. Don't worry, just get lost."

Yu Shin-un said this with a gaze as cold as ice.

"Ugh!"

"I'll make you regret this!"

The failed candidates, overwhelmed by the energy, left the room with pale faces.

"Go to the designated area to receive your security uniform and join Jeongun Pavilion by the set date."

"...Thank you, Lord. I will serve you with my life!"

Hong-ryeon, moved by Do Jin-woo's words, bowed repeatedly to Yu Shin-un in gratitude.

Yu Shin-un simply nodded in response.

Seeing this, Do Jin-woo wondered if Yu Shin-un's purpose in creating Jeongun Pavilion was to help those living difficult lives.

"Next group."

At that moment, the next group of four entered the room.

"Oh, both of you have worked hard."

As soon as he crossed the threshold, Je-gal-gun greeted Do Jin-woo and Yu Shin-un with a relaxed smile, showing no signs of tension.

Part 2

The moment she first saw Yu Shin-un, Tang Haling was very surprised, though she did not show it.

'...Is this really him?'

It was due to Yu Shin-un's changed appearance.

When she started her investigation while hiding in a hideout, Yu Shin-un was already confined to his room, so this was the first time she had seen him in person.

She had known that he had lost a significant amount of weight, but...

'This is not a body that can be achieved by slacking off in training.'

She had not expected such a drastic change.

The body revealed through the gaps in his clothes was that of a true martial artist, solid and strong.

Moreover, the aura emanating from his entire body was not that of an ordinary person.

'The name on the badge is definitely his.'

At that moment, Tang Haling's eyes met Yu Shin-un's as she looked at the name on the badge.

Startled!

Tang Haling's pupils trembled slightly. This was the first time she had lost her composure and expression, which she usually maintained in any situation.

'...What kind of gaze is that?'

When she met Yu Shin-un's gaze, she felt an inexplicable pressure.

There was no special aura, so it was not a martial technique.

Then, it must be the inherent pressure emanating from him.

'So, he's not an easy opponent.'

Tang Haling felt her doubts about Yu Shin-un growing in her heart.

'I'll infiltrate perfectly and uncover everything.'

She focused on her goal.

But then...

"Why are you here?"

"..."

Yu Shin-un suddenly asked a question that caught her off guard.

Tang Haling's expression showed a hint of surprise.

Why are you here?

What did he mean by that?

'Could he...?'

Her heart skipped a beat, thinking that Yu Shin-un might have discovered her purpose, but she quickly dismissed the thought.

It was impossible.

The infiltration of Baegun Security Agency was a decision she had made independently, without informing the Byung-eung Unit, and they were wearing the highest-quality masks supplied to the Byung-eung Unit, which no one could identify.

She forced herself to speak with a confident voice.

"I've always dreamed of becoming a security agent, but I couldn't achieve it due to my background. Now, with the opportunity provided by Lord, I have applied to join Jeongun Pavilion."

It was a quite exemplary answer, meant to flatter Yu Shin-un.

"Hmm."

But Yu Shin-un's reaction was far from impressed.

Tang Haling felt her lips dry up.

'What's wrong with this guy?'

Jae-gal-gun, watching the scene, was also sweating profusely.

It was hard to believe that Tang Haling, the top talent of the Byung-eung Unit known for her composure and quick thinking, was in such a tight spot.

Then, Yu Shin-un asked another question.

"What is your level of martial arts?"

"…I am at the initial peak level."

Originally, she had planned to pass herself off as a first-class level, but in her haste, she raised her level by one rank.

"Initial peak level? Really?"

Do Jin-woo, who had been listening, was surprised and asked.

It was impossible for a peak-level martial artist to apply for a regular security agent exam.

Peak-level martial artists were typically treated as leaders or higher ranks.

'With this, he'll probably want to take me in with open arms.'

Tang Haling felt relieved.

But Yu Shin-un's next words were completely unexpected.

"Good, that's great. With such excellent martial skills, you can easily find a better place even if you fail here."

"…What?"

"Lord!"

Yu Shin-un turned his gaze from the stunned Tang Haling to Jae-gal-gun, who was at a loss.

"What is your level of martial arts?"

"Ah, yes! I have just reached the first-class level!"

Yu Shin-un scanned Jae-gal-gun from head to toe and then nodded.

"Hmm, good. You are accepted. The others can leave."

This meant that the other three, including Tang Haling, were rejected.

The two other candidates, who had already given up after hearing about the peak and first-class levels, left the room without a word.

'Why? Why did I fail?'

But Tang Haling could not bring herself to leave.

"…Lord."

Seeing Tang Haling's state, Jae-gal-gun spoke to Yu Shin-un in a nervous voice.

"Yes, why haven't you left? What's the matter?"

"From what I can see, this person is really skilled. If you accept her, you won't be disappointed."

'From what I can see?'

Tang Haling was even more shocked by Jae-gal-gun's words.

To be treated as an obstacle by Jae-gal-gun rather than herself was unbelievable.

Yu Shin-un looked at Tang Haling with a displeased expression and then spoke to Jae-gal-gun.

"Are you saying that if this person fails, you won't join?"

"…No, that's not it."

Jae-gal-gun was tempted by the offer but knew he would be in trouble if he said that, so he left it ambiguous.

After a moment of consideration, Yu Shin-un made a decision.

"Tsk, I understand. Then, let's put this person on the reserve list. Will you accept it?"

"Reserve list?"

At the mention of the reserve list, Tang Haling fell into a panic, and Jae-gal-gun grabbed her head and nodded for her.

"Oh! Thank you, Lord! Being on the reserve list is fine. People grow and learn, right? I can't even express how happy this person is."

Jae-gal-gun dragged the statue-like Tang Haling out of the room.

Yu Shin-un watched their backs carefully.

'…Why are they here?'

Yu Shin-un's eyes glinted with a mysterious light.

Martial World's Reincarnated Top Ranker