Return of the Sword God-Rank Civil Servant novel Chapter 96

The meeting with the Head of the Management Department was brief.

The head showed little interest in Su-ho.

After all, no matter how much of a “royal” Su-ho was, he was just a rookie destined to move up to the Special Division soon. As far as they were concerned, it was enough if they kept things civil.

Finally, after the obligatory formalities ended, Jeong Cheol-min spoke as they moved toward the management team.

“So, what do you think the Management Department evaluation will cover?”

“Well, since it’s the Gate Management Department, it’ll probably focus on field management assessments.”

“That’s correct. But do you know which teams exist in the Management Department?”

“As far as I know, there’s the Management Team, which handles regular gates, the Trading Team, which leases and sells gates to private entities, and the Sealing Team, which is responsible for managing sealed gates.”

“Right. As you said, the Trading Team doesn’t really conduct field evaluations. So if there is an evaluation, it’ll likely involve the Management Team or the Sealing Team. But since the Sealing Team is too dangerous, the evaluation will be focused on the Management Team’s tasks.”

As expected.

Su-ho had already anticipated this and prepared a plan accordingly.

Jeong Cheol-min continued, “With that in mind, this time’s evaluation will be about the general gate management protocol... By the way, is there any specific gate you’d like to visit?”

Hearing this, Su-ho chuckled internally. ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom

‘So they’re sticking to tradition, huh.’

The Gate Management Department had a longstanding tradition passed down through generations.

Instead of pre-selecting evaluation locations, unlike other departments, they gave candidates the option to choose a gate themselves.

Why this tradition?

The Gate Management Department had a reputation as one of the most grueling divisions both inside and outside the APA. Offering candidates such “kindness” was a way to entice them into joining.

‘Like the surgery department in a university hospital.’

Of course, how many people would actually choose to join because of this little gesture? Still, it was a tradition started in an attempt to leave a good impression.

In response to Jeong Cheol-min’s question, Su-ho replied, “Can I choose any gate?”

“Oh, hearing you say that makes me think you already have one in mind. But what kind of place would make you drop such a hint this early?”

“Haha...”

Su-ho laughed awkwardly.

At that, Jeong Cheol-min gave him a suspicious look.

“...You’re not seriously thinking about a sealed gate, are you?”

Su-ho just smiled silently in response.

That smile made Jeong Cheol-min close his eyes briefly and shake his head.

“...I can’t believe it. I had my doubts, but you really are something, Su-ho.”

“Haha... Is it impossible?”

Su-ho’s awkward laugh prompted Jeong Cheol-min to stare at him for a moment before smirking.

“Well, you’ve already said it out loud, so why not? Besides, if it’s you, I think it’ll be fine.”

“Thank you.”

“So, which gate are you interested in?”

“I’d like to visit Iron Valley.”

“Iron Valley... You mean the one that was recently designated as a sealed gate?”

“Yes, that’s the one.”

“Hmm...”

Iron Valley.

As Jeong Cheol-min had just mentioned, Iron Valley was only recently designated as a sealed gate.

That was precisely why Su-ho needed to go there now.

‘The sooner, the better when it comes to Iron Valley.’

The task was to demonstrate the order and method for inspecting managed gates and to check each element according to protocol. Unsurprisingly, Su-ho passed every part with ease.

“As expected from you, Su-ho. This is your first time on-site, isn’t it? How are you so good at this?”

“I just followed what was in the manuals.”

“Well, you’ve passed the external management procedures... and the square inspection method... Now, shall we take a quick look inside the gate and head back?”

This was the final step.

Gate management was divided into two main categories: checking external factors and conducting internal inspections by entering the gate itself.

In the case of Iron Valley, the internal inspection had already been completed. However, since Su-ho was here as an examinee, he had to enter for evaluation purposes.

After Jeong explained the internal evaluation process and requested gate access from the person in charge, the square opened up.

“Even though this is a sealed gate, make sure to be as cautious as possible, complete your test, and come back out immediately.”

“Understood.”

After receiving the instructions, Su-ho entered the square with Jeong.

It wasn’t long before they saw the gate portal leading to Iron Valley, located inside the square.

‘It’s been a while since I’ve seen a gate portal.’

Having been occupied with association activities, it felt nostalgic to see one again.

“Shall we go?”

At Jeong’s prompt, the two of them stepped into the portal together.

[ You are entering the gate. ]

[ Retrieving gate information. ]

[ Iron Valley ]