Awesome Shut-In Necromancer

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A few days later, I finally regained my strength.

Honestly, I was feeling a bit restless, so this was a pretty good timing.

‘It’s clear that my usual power has significantly increased.’

After going through this ordeal, my level had ultimately risen to 48, and I could now handle quite a strong amount of Death Energy without even releasing my seals.

Of course, I was still far from sufficient, but now with my skills combined, I could hold my own against an S Rank Hunter even in everyday situations.

Unless something extraordinary happens, I would likely earn enough qualifications in the upcoming rank reassessment.

“…It’s unsettling how smoothly everything is going.”

With a sulky expression, I gripped the pillow and rolled around on the bed.

Sure, good things are good, but given my past run-ins with calamities, it was hard to accept everything so easily.

If I earn recognition as an S Rank Hunter like this, I could get permission to conquer dungeons alone and level up, and that way, I could achieve much faster growth than before.

Everything was going well, yet I still felt quite uneasy.

“It’s all because of those damned Hades creatures.”

Thinking back, it wasn’t strange to feel bothered since there were still unresolved matters.

Honestly, I expected that taking advantage of the dungeon situation in the U.S., they might proceed with that ritual, but thanks to Helena’s monitoring, there seemed to be no significant movement.

‘Or maybe, all the preparations aren’t finalized yet?’

That was quite possible. In fact, it was the most plausible explanation.

Watching me deep in thought, Gordon, who was feeling anxious, sent a message.

– Do you really need to think so seriously? In front of the Master, we’re no more than a candle in the wind.

“Didn’t you say not to speak for a month?”

Of course, Gordon wasn’t wrong. Honestly, no one could easily match me, who could boost 40% of my prime strength with Necromancy.

However, Lee Ji Cheol had mentioned that the head of the Hades group, a Necromancer, knew about my past.

If that’s the case, doesn’t that mean he’s too confident despite knowing my former power?

This was something to take note of.

‘…Thinking about it only gives me a headache.’

Helena said she would contact me as soon as she grasped the movements of the enemy, so for now, my only option was to wait.

Thud.

Plop.

As I slumped on the bed, suddenly the window opened, and a cold breeze hit me.

Chae Hwa In had returned from Chae Hwa Ryu’s house today.

“…You’ve regained your strength.”

“It’s been a week.”

“Are you thinking of leveling up again from now on?”

“Well, I have to.”

Just then, out of curiosity, I asked about Chae Hwa In’s level from her human days. She answered nonchalantly.

“It was 72 the last time I checked. I don’t know now.”

“……”

Considering her strength, I had anticipated it, but it was indeed high. Seven years ago, she surely had no rivals at that level.

‘If someone has talent, they can become that strong through simple awakening.’

As I had said earlier, this world was gathering unprecedented energy increasingly. However, conversely, it meant that it was considerably harder to grow stronger than it was seven years ago.

Even then, she had achieved that much growth, so if Chae Hwa In hadn’t died and was still alive, she might have had an even higher level by now.

‘That means if there’s someone with talent like Chae Hwa In, they could also reach that level.’

If such individuals gathered, I couldn’t guarantee victory even with my 40% prime strength.

It might seem somewhat unrealistic, but it meant I shouldn’t let my guard down.

‘Now I’m starting to worry about those Seven Stars guys too.’

The seven Hunter’s considered to be of a special rank among S Ranks. If my guess is correct, they probably are the same cases as Chae Hwa In.

In other words, if a significant number of Seven Stars gathered, they could become a threat to me at this point.

And that was truly something I disliked.

“…I guess I should level up even more.”

While grumbling with my face down on the pillow, I eventually received a notification.

It was the schedule for the test to confirm my S Rank qualification.

“Hello, I am Rodrick Coleman from the International Awakeners Response Agency that will assist with the measurements today.”

“Yeah. But is it really necessary to go through this troublesome measurement?”

“Well, rules are rules. Please take good care of us.”

Anyway, it didn’t matter as long as I could acquire the S Rank qualification.

I had arrived at the Awakeners Center in Gangnam, Seoul, for the test, and soon followed Rodrick and the staff to the measuring area.

There were already some guests who had arrived before me.

“It’s been a while.”

“Oh, Choi Han Min?”

“It’s Choi Ha Min. Have you forgotten my name already?”

Choi Ha Min, known as Gold River among the masses, was an S Rank Hunter from Korea who was a Returner.

He was the person I had seen when I went to the hotel where the international event was held following Seo Ha.

Another familiar face also waited in the observation room.

Ah, no wonder he had been busy going somewhere since morning.

“Hello. Nice to see you again.”

“…If that’s the case, why didn’t we just go together?”

“I had a few things to prepare separately.”

Yesiel, the Saintess from France, who had come to Korea to watch over me, seemed to have also visited the center in an observer capacity.

‘Indeed, they said that to recognize exceptional cases, two other S Rank witnesses are required to testify about the results.’

In other words, those two were going to prove my measurement results.

“You all seem to be busy, so let’s get started without dragging it out.”

It was a bit annoying, but I was definitely curious about how the S Rank measurements were conducted.

I nodded and began the official measurement under Rodrick’s instructions.

And frankly speaking, the content itself wasn’t anything special.

‘It truly feels like a mere formality.’

Perhaps my case is special. I was already acknowledged by numerous Hunters due to my exploits in the U.S.

In any case, once all the tests were complete, Rodrick approached me after confirming something.

“Yes, good work. With this, there shouldn’t be any issues with the rank assessment.”

“Okay.”

“However, if I may ask, did you perhaps hold back some of your strength during the test?”

“Well, something like that.”

Surely, if he knew about my prowess displayed in the U.S., what I showed now must look lacking in many ways.

Still, there was nothing I could do. There was no need to intentionally unsettle the seals for this trivial matter.

I didn’t want to prolong the process any further and wanted to head home after receiving all the necessary details.

While I was at it, a sudden curious thought popped into my head, and I called out to Choi Ha Min to ask him.

“What’s your level?”

“73. The highest in Korea.”

“Not bad.”

Sure enough, a Returner.

A level of 73 was indeed higher than Chae Hwa In’s level from her living days. Of course, I felt Chae Hwa In might be slightly stronger now, but Choi Ha Min probably wouldn’t be left far behind either.

Nodding, I brought up the main topic with Choi Ha Min.

“Then, how do you compare with those Seven Stars?”

“Seven Stars? Why do you ask that all of a sudden…?”

“Just curious.”

After pondering for a bit, Choi Ha Min cautiously continued.

“I haven’t had much interaction with them, to be honest. Most of them don’t even act much. However, I do have a memory of encountering one.”

“…How was that?”

The next words were surprisingly straightforward.

“Definitely strong. At least stronger than me?”

“……”

“Though I can’t say it’s an overwhelming difference until we actually face off. That’s something we won’t know until we try.”

If Choi Ha Min said that, then the abilities of those seven were legitimate.

Stronger than an S Rank Hunter from a Returner; it gives me a rather complicated feeling as I’ve worked tirelessly to gain my own strength.

‘Somehow I feel like I might cross paths with them soon.’

Of course, they were fundamentally on the same side as humanity, but since you never know how things will turn out, there might be conflicts that could arise.

For that possibility, I should gather as much information as I can and prepare mentally.

After chatting a bit more with Choi Ha Min, I felt the drowsiness creeping over me and decided to head home.

And that evening.

“So, one of the Seven Stars is your Master and is now coming here?”

“Yeah. I’m sorry. I also heard this news suddenly…”

I couldn’t help but feel a pulling sensation at the back of my head as I listened to Yesiel’s words, who unexpectedly rang the doorbell.