NOVEL NEXT Chapter 100
Chapter 100: Po-ahim’s Third Guard Baton Received
[Active Skill ‘Executioner’s Gaze’ Emerged.]
Lee Si-hyun slowed his steps, contemplating the newly acquired skill and item.
The third guard baton must be an upgraded version.
Could it be a Rare-grade item, perhaps?
And then there’s the name.
‘Executioner’s Gaze?’
Once again, it was a skill related to the sub-class Executioner.
The difference this time was that it was active, unlike the previous passive skill.
Lee Si-hyun glanced at his watch.
There were still about 15 minutes left until 7:30 AM.
He turned away from the Security Department Office and headed up one flight of stairs.
On that floor was the self-study room.
There were usually few people there, and at this time, just before the workday started, it would be completely empty.
As he opened the door, just as he predicted, there was not a single soul inside.
Si-hyun took a seat and opened the skill window.
[Executioner's Gaze] – The Executioner was considered a performer that provided a special spectacle for others. A clumsy executioner who fails to execute properly might even be killed by stones thrown by the spectators. Po-ahim despised the notion of the Executioner being viewed as a performer. He believed that an executioner who couldn’t instill fear in others wasn’t a true executioner. Hence, before starting an execution, Po-ahim would glare with his massive eyes to instill terror before proceeding. Most people wouldn’t dare to meet Po-ahim’s gaze. – Those who meet your gaze will likely feel a sense of intimidation. – Human-type Monsters will also be highly likely to feel intimidated when met with your gaze.
“This is….”
Si-hyun read the skill description again carefully.
It wasn’t a skill related to inmates.
It would work on others too.
In terms of versatility, it seemed quite useful.
Though he hadn’t tested it yet, just based on the description, it seemed to have potential.
Of course, it might not hold the absolute fear effect like the Iron-Blooded Guard, but he thought intimidation could be beneficial in certain situations.
At the very least, it could be used to gain the upper hand while fighting human-type monsters.
Si-hyun then opened his inventory.
He wanted to confirm the new guard baton.
[Po-ahim’s Third Guard Baton] [Rare] Toughness: 69 Sharpness: 0 – A solid baton ordered from a blacksmith in Po-ahim’s early 30s. It has a nicely weighted feel when held. It hurts a lot when struck. Care must be taken not to accidentally kill an inmate due to improper strength control.
“….”
Finally, it had arrived.
The Iron Club.
Now, this was something that felt substantial in hand.
I used to worry that the wooden ones would get cut by blades, but I wouldn’t have to think about that anymore.
Si-hyun took one last look at his status displayed at the top right corner.
[Current Status] Fame: Slightly Known Position: 6th Grade Vice Officer
What caught his attention once again was the position labeled as 6th Grade Vice Officer.
There was a distinct difference from the 7th Grade.
The 7th Grade had the most members among all correctional officers.
It was said jokingly that if one didn’t know the ranks, greeting with ‘Sir’ would be half the truth.
But the moment one ascended to 6th Grade, the population drops dramatically.
It meant that getting promoted to 6th Grade was quite difficult.
That was a rank he reached at the age of 32.
He was probably among the younger of 6th Graders.
Having started from 9th Grade, it wouldn’t be odd to hear comments about his swift rise.
“Let’s walk with our shoulders back.”
Lee Si-hyun stood up, puffing out his chest as he left his seat.
◈ ◈ ◈
“Good morning.”
“Hello.”
While sitting in the Security Department Office sipping coffee, a staff member entered, smiling as they greeted.
Si-hyun smiled back and returned the greeting.
It felt refreshing.
It was impossible not to remember the old days.
The vibrant, new security office had felt like an awkward space back then.
Everyone had rank higher than his, so he was busy saluting them.
There was never a moment to relax, and he stood awkwardly in a corner.
But now, he had brought a chair, sitting comfortably, sipping coffee.
This was a drastic change, indeed.
– Security Chief has passed through the external gate.
A report from the TRS on the desk beside him informed about the security chief.
When high-ranking officials like the Warden, Deputy Warden, or Security Head passed through the external or front gate, a report was made through TRS.
The same applied when they left work.
– Security Chief has passed through the front gate.
Si-hyun finished the remaining coffee in one gulp and tossed the paper cup into the trash can.
The reason he was still in the Security Department Office at this hour was that his position hadn’t been determined yet.
He had been informed that it would be decided after his meeting with the Security Head.
So, he was waiting.
After a little while, the Security Head entered the office.
While the Warden had a friendly demeanor and the Deputy Warden appeared stern, the Security Head had a bland, colorless impression.
He looked like a typical office worker one might see around.
All the staff in the office stood up and saluted the Security Head in unison.
Si-hyun also stood up and saluted.
The Security Head waved his hand lightly in acknowledgment and entered the Security Chief’s Office.
He sometimes thought it was enviable to be so greeted by so many subordinates.
There had been times he wished to rise to such a position.
But now, he had reached a point where just one step away would place him in the position of a little chief.
While Si-hyun was smiling with such thoughts, someone called out to him.
“Lee Si-hyun, Section Chief.”
“Oh, yes.”
Si-hyun returned to reality.
“The Security Chief wants you to come in.”
“Understood.”
Si-hyun walked toward the Security Chief’s Office.
“Good morning.”
He greeted once more.
“Have a seat.”
As Si-hyun sat down, the Security Head slowly walked over and sat across from him.
His face was familiar, as if he had seen it somewhere before.
So ordinary that it felt like someone he already knew.
“Now, you understand that there’s suddenly a new Section Chief, right? So, there isn’t a position available.”
The Security Head got straight to the point.
Si-hyun understood what he was implying.
He hadn’t been promoted due to an available position but had earned a special promotion through achievements.
Thus, no position was currently vacant.
Though the Security Head could have thrown him into any random position, he didn’t.
The Warden had directed for a consultation with the involved party to consider their opinion before deciding on a position.
So, while the Security Head could make any arrangement, the directive contained an element of consideration for Si-hyun.
And the fact that the Security Head was tasked with deciding Si-hyun’s position meant he wasn’t considering sending him to another department.
It was clear that the events of that time left a good impression on the Warden.
Naturally, it would be expected that a subordinate who achieved something significant would be appreciated.
Of course, it didn’t seem completely unrelated to his relationship with Jang Hak-ki.
“Yes, I understand.”
“Alright, and you know this isn’t your first day as a correctional officer, so I’m sure you’re aware of which positions are powerful and which are more comfortable.”
Even among Section Chief positions, they can differ drastically.
One can only advance to a better position as they gain experience.
“Yes, I have a rough idea.”
“Then you understand that asking for a position that’s too demanding wouldn’t be appropriate?”
“Of course.”
“Very well, if you understand, we’re good. Now, tell me where you’d like to work.”
The Security Head asked while crossing his arms.
Si-hyun took a moment to organize his thoughts before speaking.
“Chief, to be honest, I’d like to work in a challenging environment.”
“A challenging environment? Are you serious? Are you sure you’re not trying to say something just to sound good?”
The Security Head looked at Si-hyun with a puzzling gaze.
After all, given that he had just achieved 6th Grade, it was almost certain he would land in a challenging location regardless of the discussion.
He had to consider how other Section Chiefs would perceive this as well.
If Si-hyun was sent to a comfortable position, complaints would undoubtedly arise.
Knowing this, he wondered if Si-hyun was saying such things to create a favorable impression on his superior.
“I mean it. I prefer the field. I enjoy facing the inmates directly and talking to them. I don’t shun difficult inmates; instead, I engage actively while thinking about the fulfillment of successfully rehabilitating them. You’ve probably seen my work, so I trust you understand.”
Si-hyun continued to speak without a hint of hesitation.
“Hmm.”
The Security Head seemed to be in thought with his arms crossed.
Indeed, Si-hyun had a unique working attitude.
His emphasis on inmate order was a sight not commonly seen among correctional officers.
There were concerns about potential conflicts with problematic inmates, which could escalate into major issues.
Yet, oddly enough, no significant problems had occurred.
The problematic inmates seemed to follow his lead without much resistance.
In any case, it would not be wrong to say that Si-hyun’s ability to maintain order among the inmates had already been recognized by the entire staff.
“And where do you mean by a challenging environment?”
“I prefer the field. Therefore, I wish to work in the ward.”
“The ward?”
“Yes, I want to work on the 6th floor.”
“6th floor?”
The 6th floor.
It was the top floor of the Special Ward, where high-grade Awakened Beings of B-Class and above were imprisoned.
Correctional officers were reluctant to work there.
While the officers of the Special Ward were considered Awakened, 90% were below D-Class, and the remaining 10% were C-Class.
There was no way high-ranking Awakened beings would be stuck in a detention center doing correctional work.
If they were to lead a Hunter’s life outside, they could earn so much more and have a much higher social status.
Thus, the inmates on the 6th floor typically regarded correctional officers with disdain as inferior beings.
This was a considerable source of stress for the officers.
Yet, there were no particular means to deal with this problem.
The inmates were not the type to listen simply because they were told to, and with corporal punishment banned, there were no effective alternatives.
Yet, this was such an important ward that they couldn’t just send over a rookie, which was why officers with a bit more experience were rotating in and out.
Yet here he was, volunteering to work there.
“…You’ve heard enough about the 6th floor, I’m sure. Think carefully before speaking. Once a position is decided, you’ll be required to work there for a year.”
The Security Head asked as if confirming Si-hyun’s intentions.
“This is a conclusion I’ve reached after careful thought. Please provide me a position on the 6th floor, Chief. I will do my utmost.”
“Hmm….”
The Security Head contemplated.
Si-hyun was assertive.
From an outsider’s point of view, he clung to inmate order to the point of obsession.
He could understand.
Such correctional officers are a common rarity anywhere.
However, if trouble arose between someone like Si-hyun and the problematic inmates on the 6th floor, it could lead to severe complications.
That was concerning.
“Chief, trust me. I have confidently performed my duties in the ward without falling short of anyone else. I have full confidence that I can excel on the 6th floor as well.”
Having sensed the Security Head’s hesitance, Si-hyun spoke with a voice full of confidence.
“I do like your confidence.”
The Security Head mumbled.
It was true that he hadn’t had any significant issues thus far.
And it seemed he had enough confidence in his capability to manage the ward duties.
Judging by how all the staff spoke highly of him after working alongside him in the ward.
While some unease lingered, it felt safe to place him in that role.
“Alright, I’ll arrange for a position on the 6th floor.”
“Thank you, Chief.”
Si-hyun greeted him with a bright expression.