CSAAC CH 08

Chapter 8

It’s a disciplinary action.

The first one I’ve received since becoming a civil servant.

My face burned with embarrassment and unfairness.

But technically, I did leave my post during work hours.

While I was trapped in the dungeon, the temporary Awakening testing booth was left unattended. The tissues and supplies were stolen, and the place was a mess.

Naturally, only one person had completed the test that day—the nine-year-old boy from the morning.

“Assistant Manager, be honest. You had an emergency, right? Constipation? Diarrhea?”

“I said no.”

“Come on, everyone poops. We understand. You’d never leave your post unless it was urgent.”

“You didn’t take the tissues yourself, did you?”

“I said no!”

On top of the disciplinary action, I had become the office joke for the entire day.

Who said civil servants are rigid and stiff?

At least in departments related to Hunters, that’s completely wrong.

They’re asking their superior if she ran off to poop and stole tissues.

But I can’t explain what really happened.

That’s the most frustrating part.

Bang bang!

“Yes, I’m coming—”

“Assistant Manager Kim Yeoul! What is this situation?!”

Someone nearly broke the door down with their knocking.

I stood up, almost grateful to escape the endless bathroom jokes—

But before I finished speaking, the door swung open.

Please don’t tell me the pay cut isn’t enough and they’re here to nitpick more.

And a deputy director at that?

“It’s not our measurement error, right? It’s a machine malfunction, right?! No, forget that! Bring me his Awakening data first! Hurry!”

“…What?”

“What are you waiting for? Move before more people gather!”

He barked without even finishing a proper sentence.

At first, I thought it was about yesterday’s absence.

But no.

He mentioned measurements. Awakening levels.

Putting his words together, I started to understand.

I handed over the file of the man I had tested just days ago.

My team stared at me as if asking what trouble I’d caused this time.

I’ve never been treated like a problem employee before.

“F-rank is certain? People are sensitive about ranks… Right! It was tested twice. There’s a record. Good! I knew Assistant Manager Kim handles her work properly!”

“…Yes. At the time, I also felt something was strange and conducted a second test. The machine clearly displayed F both times. If there’s an issue, it’s either a machine malfunction or the Awakened individual used an item to interfere with the measurement.”

“Good! If reporters ask, tell them we’re investigating. And if he comes back, you test him yourself. Don’t leave it to the juniors!”

“Yes, sir.”

The deputy director’s expression brightened once he confirmed it wasn’t our mistake.

But he left me with the mess and hurried out.

The room fell silent except for my team’s confused stares.

It already felt like a storm had blown through before noon.

I had been uneasy about letting those low-rank Hunters go without further action.

But I had no authority to detain them.

And Lee Eunhyun told me to let them go.

He made it look easier than flicking a finger.

“Sigh…”

“What’s happening? Did we do something wrong? Why are reporters coming?”

I almost pulled my hair out.

I have a bad feeling.

If nothing changes, maybe he’ll be exposed as someone who faked his rank.

But somehow, I don’t think he’ll test as F this time.

And if reporters are here, I need to look presentable.

“Do you have a spare shirt? You spilled instant coffee on your sleeve.”

“Oh my god. Assistant Manager really messed up, huh?”

They’re still whispering about me running off to poop in the bushes.

Honestly, my head hurts more now than when I was dragged into a dungeon.

***

“Hello, Assistant Manager Kim Yeoul.”

“What if I’m not doing well?”

I forced a smile.

Lee Eunhyun stood in front of me again, just one day later, smiling calmly.

In front of us, the low-rank Hunters we spared yesterday were passionately explaining what happened in the dungeon.

They talked about his estimated Awakening rank.

Even if one person said it, it could be dismissed.

But multiple testimonies—and reporters—showed up.

He either has connections or is excellent at stirring attention.

Honestly, yesterday’s events make him look more suited to show business than Hunter work.

Nowadays, once someone awakens, they automatically become a Hunter without thinking about suitability.

“Is it possible you experienced hallucinations in an unverified dungeon?”

“No! We all saw it!”

“You were in the same dungeon. Shared hallucinations are possible. People fake higher ranks, sure—but no one lowers their rank intentionally. This isn’t a comic book.”

“I’m telling you, it’s true!”

Some reporters looked skeptical.

There haven’t been many major incidents lately, so even a rumor is worth covering.

If it turns out to be nothing, they can always criticize our department.

Government mistakes always attract clicks.

“You let them go on purpose, didn’t you?”

“As expected, you’re sharp.”

“You think I wouldn’t notice? Why?”

The reporters began taking photos as Lee Eunhyun removed all items except basic clothing.

For retesting, anyone suspected of item interference must wear plain white clothing provided by the institution.

Unfortunately, with his appearance, even plain clothes made him look better.

Cameras clicked non-stop.

I turned my head to avoid being photographed next to him like a background prop.

“I’m trying your suggestion.”

“I don’t remember suggesting this. Raise your arms.”

I tapped his body with a detection rod, checking for hidden items.

I resisted the urge to smack him harder.

He leaned down slightly to make it easier.

“You said it’s better to reveal my rank openly. I thought about it. Just because it failed before doesn’t mean it always will. This time, you’re the variable. And honestly, hiding both my regression and my rank was exhausting.”

“Is that so? But did it have to be this dramatic?”

So he used those Hunters to force a retest.

He can’t confess fraud himself.

Better to let others raise suspicion.

And now I’m dragged into this mess.

“You’re not wearing the gloves. Dungeon items are lightweight. You should wear them even outside.”

“If I were wearing them, I’d punch your face right now. That doesn’t mean I can’t punch you barehanded, so be quiet.”

“One more thing. Press the button and step farther back.”

I was planning to step back anyway.

After confirming no items, I pushed him into the machine and pressed the button.

He gave me a look.

Step farther.