Blood Demon of the Past Life – Chapter 84

Chapter 84: Fragments of Memory （5）

This incident.

Command Headquarters also showed considerable interest.

Although an A-rank Werewolf Lord appeared suddenly, everyone survived safely thanks to the efforts of a mere D-rank Hunter. Moreover, Kim Myeong-min’s testimony was almost unbelievable. They temporarily suspended the evaluation itself at the testimony that not only did he endure against the Lord, but he even created opportunities to attack.

If it were true.

Kang San’s value had to be evaluated even higher.

However, while Kang San was hospitalized, Baek Seong-hyeon confirmed the truth himself while restoring the action cam footage.

“………What is this?”

It was a perplexing moment.

Inside the screen.

Kang San’s performance was there.

The picture Baek Seong-hyeon had in mind was Kang San being helplessly pushed back against the Lord.

Since that could also be considered enduring in its own way, he could only think that way with his common sense.

The truth was different.

『Hook』

『Whoosh, Hook━!』

Kang San narrowly deflected the Lord’s attacks.

It should be difficult to even grasp the attacks with the agility of a D-rank, but the attacks passing before his eyes were enough to give anyone goosebumps. That wasn’t all. He had already shown abilities beyond his rank. Kang San, at a distance close enough to feel each other’s breath, showed the appearance of digging into the space instead.

It was shocking.

The judgment to penetrate.

The ability to penetrate.

Even the determination to believe that it was possible.

『Blind』

He tore the scroll.

He blinded the Lord.

The simultaneous appearance of Kim Myeong-min implied that Kang San had intended and planned for such a combination.

Thud.

He got up from his seat.

Goosebumps arose.

Could this be called the ability of a D-rank?

Even if it was Lee Han-seong, who saved the Ranger unit this time, would he have shown this level of ability when he was a D-rank like Kang San?

No.

It was impossible.

It was beyond common sense, and after reviewing the video countless times, Baek Seong-hyeon and Command Headquarters unanimously reached the same conclusion.

A target that must be recruited.

It was the moment when Kang San’s name officially surfaced.

✦✦✦✦✦✦

And now.

Kang San showed a bewildered look at Baek Seong-hyeon’s suggestion.

“………Guardian, you say?”

“Yes, I want to invite Kang San-nim to the Guardians.”

Guardian.

There is no one in Korea who doesn’t know that name.

A group that protects Korea, just as the word implies.

White Knight Lee Han-seong, who saved Kang San this time, was a member of the Guardians, and Hunters who are currently enjoying tremendous fame have been active as members of the Guardians. They are beings who receive benefits from the government. In addition to tax exemption on their income, they fulfill a single promise to contribute to national defense in return for receiving various benefits.

For that reason.

Lee Han-seong stepped forward.

Although it was the support of a single person, the fact that the Guardians, a tremendous backing, existed was the reason why the problem was solved at once.

Kang San asked back.

“Do the Guardians recruit D-rank Hunters too?”

“Of course, it’s a very exceptional situation, but the Guardians’ recruitment principle includes not only ‘immediate combat power’ that can contribute to the defense of Korea, but also promising talents. In fact, some of the A-rank Hunters are those who have grown under the full support of the Hunter Management Bureau. We saw a future in Kang San-nim’s appearance against the Lord that cannot be evaluated with his current rank. I promise you here. If you join the Guardians, we will spare no effort to fully support Kang San-nim.”

It was exceptional.

It was tempting.

It was an offer that anyone should accept, but strangely, Kang San couldn’t readily give an answer.

Why?

It was different from when he accepted the Ranger job.

It was Azmoon who made Kang San, who had intended to refuse unconditionally, become a Ranger by imposing the compulsion of Trials. However, this time, he did not send any messages. As if it were Kang San’s choice, the transcendent being was just watching this situation from somewhere.

It’s a good opportunity.

In the context of protecting Korea, it might be better for resolving karma than being a Ranger.

Kang San said.

“If I become a Guardian, what kind of work will I be doing?”

“Depending on the circumstances, we solve problems like this isolation incident, but usually we take charge of large-scale incidents. Huge problems that individuals cannot handle in Korea. Or, we also contribute to enhancing national prestige by participating in competitions that raise Korea’s status, or dispatching troops. If Rangers are the ones who solve many problems on the front lines, the Guardians can be said to be the face of Korea.”

He had heard of it.

There was a time when a martial arts tournament was held around the world.

At that time, a Hunter belonging to the Korean Guardians participated and achieved the feat of reaching the quarterfinals, gaining recognition from all over the world.

It was quite different from the Rangers.

While Rangers are on standby at all times because they don’t know when and where an incident will occur, Guardians are guaranteed freedom and are only given missions when necessary. And the choice was theirs. If strong compulsion had been imposed, no matter how great the conditions offered, they would not be bound as Guardians.

Skilled Hunters.

Their value was like that.

Baek Seong-hyeon believed that with such attractive conditions, he could definitely persuade Kang San.

No matter how great his talent is.

He was only a D-rank.

Kang San was not in a position to be so bold as to refuse, believing in a future that had not yet come.

But.

“I admit it’s a really good opportunity, but I don’t think I can do it.”

“………Are you serious?”

Rejection.

Looking at Baek Seong-hyeon, who was bewildered, Kang San showed a firm expression.

“Yes, I refuse.”

✦✦✦✦✦✦

Baek Seong-hyeon did not give up immediately.

He tried to persuade him a few more times, but at Kang San’s unwavering response, he let out a dumbfounded laugh.

“………It’s a bit perplexing. While recruiting Guardians, it was rare for A-ranks or higher to refuse, but this is the first time a D-rank Hunter has refused. I understand. If you’re that adamant, I won’t force you. However, if you change your mind, please feel free to contact me anytime. Command Headquarters’ intention to highly evaluate Kang San-nim’s talent is sincere.”

With those words, Baek Seong-hyeon withdrew.

Only Kim Myeong-min and Kang San were left.

Kim Myeong-min said with a puzzled look.

“Why did you refuse? It’s the Guardians, not just any other place. Compared to the Rangers, you’ll receive overwhelming rewards in every aspect, so I don’t understand what you’re thinking.”

It was a natural reaction.

Frankly speaking, the Guardians were a superior version of the Rangers.

They represent the image of protecting Korea, and the Korean government manages them very specially, doesn’t it?

Frankly speaking, if the current Rangers were given the option to change their affiliation to the Guardians, all one hundred out of one hundred would transfer. The Guardians are also in charge of saving people. There was no reason for Rangers to refuse a job where they could also get the satisfaction they could get as Rangers.

Kang San said.

“I know that too. That this is a ridiculous choice. But after experiencing various things with the team leader, I realized that what I truly desire is not the benefits gained as a Ranger. If I become a Guardian, I will gain a lot, but I will be far from the disasters that occur on a daily basis. I will be one step removed, receive more spotlight, and be put into more important missions. Rather than those things, I simply wish to be a force in missions that save the people we can commonly encounter, ordinary civilians.”

“………Are you saying you’ll stay on our team?”

Kim Myeong-min showed a surprised reaction.

Actually, he knew.

Kim Myeong-min’s reaction, which seemed somehow bitter even as he expressed his gratitude, and Yoon Ji-tae, who spoke as if saying goodbye. They were already thinking about parting ways with Kang San. He was a D-rank Hunter who blocked an A-rank Werewolf Lord, so they thought that any place would definitely take him, even if it wasn’t the Hunter Management Bureau.

It was a rational judgment, but

Kang San’s circumstances were not considered.

While experiencing repeated Trials, Kang San felt a sense of accomplishment in solving the disasters that occurred on a daily basis.

Of course, he was forced to do it at first.

The Ranger job wasn’t very appealing to Kang San, but he learned a lot from watching the Rangers, who, unlike himself, voluntarily endured the ‘Trials’ every day. I don’t know when this daunting ordeal will end, but at least I hoped that Kim Myeong-min and the other Rangers would be safe. In this harsh world where human connection has become nosiness, I wanted to help those who have accepted a daily life that some might call irrational.

It was the direction he should take.

It was Kang San’s identity.

As the shadow of his past life deepened, Kang San tried to establish his own unwavering direction.

Kang San said.

“It doesn’t mean I can be on standby as a full-fledged member, but please contact me anytime if you need help. Whatever the situation, I will prioritize Ranger work.”

Kang San’s words.

Kim Myeong-min couldn’t hide his dumbfounded expression.

“Kang San-nim, you’re really making things difficult for yourself. I understand. If a situation arises where we need your help, I will definitely, without fail, contact you.”

Kim Myeong-min smiled brightly.

Kang San suddenly thought.

Among all the smiles Kim Myeong-min had shown so far, he felt that this one was the most joyful.

✦✦✦✦✦✦

At that time.

Second Lieutenant Kim Chun-sik was having hectic days.

He was ordered to create a special forces unit within the Capital Defense Force and selected members from soldiers who wished to join.

The capacity was 30 people.

Among them were Sergeant Park and other soldiers.

They said they would follow whatever Kim Chun-sik did, and they didn’t hesitate even after he explained how dangerous this was. It was the passing on of goodwill. Just as Kim Chun-sik had made up his mind thanks to Kang San’s help, the group of Sergeant Park, who had been helped by Kim Chun-sik, showed their will to follow in his footsteps.

It was not exposed to the media.

A special forces unit made up of ordinary soldiers, not verified Hunters.

It was because they judged that the Ministry of National Defense’s move could be ridiculed unless there were clear results.

Kim Chun-sik met with a member of the Capital Defense Command.

“From now on, the special forces unit operated by Second Lieutenant Kim Chun-sik will be exempt from all schedules, and all the budget and equipment needed for the training program you conduct independently will be provided. Also, the firearms will be provided with the latest models, so if there are any specific models you need, please let us know in advance.”

“I understand.”

The other person was a Colonel.

Nevertheless, he was courteous.

Since Kim Chun-sik belonged to a very special unit, they observed courtesy with each other, regardless of rank.

He moved busily.

Strangely, it wasn’t difficult.

Looking back on his encounter with Kang San, Kim Chun-sik felt a surge of energy.

‘Kang San-nim was indeed a good person. Considering his tendency to always sacrifice himself for others, situations like this could happen again at any time. To be of help to Kang San-nim every time that happens, I need to have the power not as an ordinary soldier, but as a platoon leader leading a special forces unit. The ability to exert actual influence and the right to speak to express my opinion to the military. This is not enough.’

He returned to the unit.

He used the same building as the Capital Defense Force, and since the selection of unit members was nearing completion, he was now planning to create a training program.

But that afternoon.

An unexpected guest visited.

“Congratulations. I heard you made a great contribution this time?”

“What brings you here?”

It was reporter Kim Min-yeong.

At Kim Chun-sik’s somewhat stiff attitude, Kim Min-yeong showed a sly smile.

“If it’s between us, shouldn’t we at least congratulate each other on our achievements? I was really surprised when I heard the news. Werewolves are monsters that even ordinary Hunters find difficult to handle, but you defeated that monster and saved the Rangers. People are going crazy right now. There are people who remember Second Lieutenant Kim Chun-sik’s name, and they all praise you for your great work this time.”

“Get to the point.”

“You’re so stiff. Alright. Then I’ll just ask you one thing.”

Their eyes met.

As if she would read the sincerity beyond his calmly gazing eyes, Kim Min-yeong showed a sharp glint in her eyes.

“Kang San. That person, is he the Wangsimni Tanker I was looking for?”

A sudden question.

For a moment, Kim Chun-sik’s expression hardened coldly.