Solo Levelling: Perception

The International Guild conference mostly occurs around October, however, for some reason, it was rescheduled and is now being held in February.

As such, it was necessary for Korea to send their representatives as well.

Every year, the Hunter guild's master—Choi Jong-In attends the conference, however, this time it would be a different participant.

"As the guild master of Ahjin guild, I would like you to participate in the conference." Hearing Go Gun-Hee's words, Jin-Woo didn't show any reaction. He somehow expected such.

However the Chairman's following words made Jin-Woo frown, "And as a special guest, Hunter Nanae is also invited."

"Special guest? Do they generally invite individuals like this?" Jin-Woo asked and the suspicion he carried in his voice, didn't go unnoticed by anyone present in the room.

Haru remained silent and allowed the Surveillance Chief to respond this time, "In the past, there have been some instances where the high-ranked hunters are specially invited on behalf of their guild to the conference."

"But they have always been a part of some guild, right? Then why is Haru being the exception?" Jin-Woo's question wasn't answered since there was nothing Jin-Chul had to propose as a response.

This...indeed was the first time that an individual was invited despite not having a connection with any guild nor being listed in the National ranked hunters list.

The room went silent after that. Jin-Woo's suspicion regarding this conference is rising higher than before. He could vividly sense the trap that might be waiting for them.

'Are the Monarchs involved in this?' The Ruler of Death wondered.

It was then, suddenly a reassuring voice reached his ears, "Don't worry about it Sunbae. I know what this might be about."

Haru wore his usual grin and didn't show a speck of hesitation when he said that. The other people in the room seemed more tense than him.

Anyone could discern that there was something about this conference that was related to Haru's awakening. However, the person who should have been worried nonchalantly said,

"I will go there, Chairman. Just let me know the details of the conference; I will be there on time."

Go Gun-Hee felt complicated about this decision. However, he didn't say anything regarding that and moved on, "There will be a press conference tomorrow. Please participate in that."

Saying so, the old man got up from the seat—feeling much more liberated than before.

The duo soon left, and in the office, only Haru along with Jin-Woo and Jin-Ho remained.

"Fue…" Jin-Ho heaved a long sigh of relief once the Association people were out. He was always near the edge and when Jin-Chul jumped into action, Jin-Ho's heart nearly leaped out of his mouth.

It was nerve-wracking.

"So Sunbae…how do I get recruited in your Guild? Any assessment or just application would do?"

Jin-Ho's brows elevated high as he asked, "Hyung-nim…is Hunter Nanase planning on joining our Guild?"

Jin-Woo tilted his head, "Is there any problem?"

"I got it…Mr. Yoo isn't satisfied with my working experience, that's why he must be unwilling to let me enter." Haru made the comment which caused Jin-Ho to panic,

"W-what? No! I never said that…did not even think about it. I just-"

"Jin-Ho, he is just messing up with you." Hearing those words from Jin-Woo, Jin-Ho finally calmed down and realized that indeed there was a smirk on Haru's face.

Jin-Ho grumbled, "Hunter-nim…I would request you to not play with my fragile heart like this."

Haru chuckled aloud before raising his hand in defeat, "Haa….alright. I won't~"

And with that Nanase Haruka became the fourth member of the Ahjin guild.

******

*Click*

After the discussion was over, the trio decided to head towards the nearest barbeque shop to share a meal—when suddenly Haru found a familiar person standing outside the door.

"Hey, Song-Yi. How come you are here?" Wearing a hood was his classmate Han Song-Yi whose face was almost covered but Haru had identified her even before she arrived here.

Song-Yi's eyes widened in shock upon finding not only her friend but Jinah's Oppa also standing there.

Jin-Ho walked out and after finding Song-Yi, he facepalmed himself. Why didn't he inform her?

Song-Yi glared at Jin-Ho for a moment before she greeted Jin-Woo and said an awkward 'Hi' to Haru.

"I…was told by Yoo Jin-Ho that I had an interview today to join the guild."

Jin-Ho's eyes widened upon hearing such a blatant lie…however, considering the situation this was the best option.

Jin-Woo raised his left eyebrow before he asked, "There has been no offer of recruitment," Turning his attention toward his Vice-guild master, Jin-Woo asked, "Jin-Ho? Why did you lie to her?"

"Ah…Hyung-nim…" Jin-Ho's voice trailed off as he began to look around to find a response. However, as much as he thought he couldn't answer him.

"Phahaha! You are a player Mr. Jin-Ho!" Suddenly Haru burst out in laughter as he smacked his hand lightly on Jin-Ho's shoulder—making the latter stagger forward and get supported by Song-Yi.

Jin-Woo questioningly looked at Haru, to which Haru said, "Can't you see what's cooking, Sunbae?" Haru raised his eyebrows suggestively which further confused the Shadow Monarch.

However, once he looked at the crimson sprinkle on the cheeks of the other two…he finally realized what was cooking.

Jin-Woo smirked before asking Jin-Ho, "Weren't you warning me to be careful with Song-Yi since she is a student, Jin-Ho?"

Jin-Ho's face turned completely red in embarrassment as he stuttered to come up with a response but utterly failed.

Song-Yi chuckled at the display before she assisted him, "As I said, I am not a kid. Anyways, where is Jinah, Haru?"

"Ah, she is with Hunter Cha. Now that you mentioned, why don't we eat dinner all together at some good Chinese restaurant?"

"Sounds good." Jin-Woo assented before he took out his phone to call Hae-In and ask her if she was willing.

Haru also took out his phone to call Jinah. She most probably would say yes once Haru would tell her about Song-Yi's presence…and the fact that now their friend is no more single

Once the two left to call their respective girlfriends, Song-Yi looked at Jin-Ho and shook her head, "Seriously….you could have dropped a message."

"Sorry…everything happened so fast that I couldn't." Jin-Ho apologized in a passive tone, before he hesitantly directed his eyes at her and asked, "Are you…not ready to let the others know about us?"

Song-Yi knew Jinah would possibly bombard her with questions once she heard about it, but she was prepared for it.

"Let's go." Hooking her arm with his, Song-Yi urged him—indicating her intentions.

Jin-Ho beamed at the gesture before he nodded and escorted his girlfriend out of the building.

*******

A/N:- Hmm~well, he settled for one of the best.