Wait, I Am Telling You, I Am A Sword Saint!

[Gonis Archive Life]

In short, the era of ‘GAL’ was set in modern-day South Korea as its main run-stage.

Riding in personal cars or choosing modes of transportation like buses or subways, each carrying around a basic smartphone… A truly familiar and friendly society to be stuck in.

To be honest, there were times when I doubted if I was truly possessed because of its similarity.

However, there were a few things that painfully reminded me of the reality.

The first were the corpses of ‘monsters’ often seen around on the streets.

Dozens of policemen would gather to put up no-entry signs, and when a professional butchering company would come to dismember the ‘monster’s’ corpses, various feelings would rise up within me.

And next to them were those who would verify and record the deeds that happened.

The second was the ‘hunter’ being interviewed by reporters, who hurriedly came on hearing the news.

“…Lastly, should I equip gear?”

As soon as I boarded the bus and sat down, what I saw were people holding onto their weapons.

Even ordinary people, not hunters, naturally equip basic self-defense purpose weapons.

Even an elderly person with a head full of white hair could be seen carrying a large bow on his back, giving off the feeling that most of my common senses were being kicked into the Andromeda.

“…Surely, according to the setting, South Korea was the fastest to recover among all the countries in the world, right?”

The history of ‘GAL’ was based on a typical ‘Gate’ invasion type.

Awakened beings could use a [Status Window] based on the power of monsters and magic that appeared by tearing through dimensions.

In this era, many well-known countries had perished.

Despite suffering devastating damage, South Korea remarkably recovered its economy, law, and society at an astonishing speed, growing into a recognized powerhouse all over the world.

The reason this was possible was because two forces worked together as a dual chariot to open a golden age.

“…First is the Academy.”

The main stage of ‘GAL’ and the most important institution by far.

[Gonis Hunter Academy] was one of the first protagonists worthy of introduction.

As a place that nurtured and produced monster-like talents called characters, it held significant power in this country.

The second was the [Hunter Association].
An institution referred to simply as ‘The Association’.

In cooperation with the government, it revised laws exclusive to the ‘Awakened Ones’ that couldn’t be controlled by general laws, and established a system that recognized their rights, honor, and financial assets, ensuring their power was directed in the right direction.

In many ways, it was an institution that played a significant role in preventing social chaos.

The basic setting was that these two places watched over and competed with each other, driving the country to become a better place to live.

Well, even though it was said to be an old story from this point of time, it had passed quite a bit.

‘But the influence is still clearly existent.’

‘The Association’ had its headquarters and operated multiple ‘sub-organizations’ like octopus tentacles for various purposes.

Among them, the most important institution and a place that numerous hunters necessarily visited was the ‘Guild’.

And now, it was my destination.

‘…Phew. Finally arrived.’

Looking up, a huge skyscraper was built high enough to make my neck hurt.
This entire building was the ‘Guild’ for this area, right?

‘So huge…’

Well, considering the fees from hunters and brokerage fees alone, it would generate a significant income.

There was no way they could be short of money.

I stepped in cautiously, feeling the anxiousness of attending a company interview for the first time.

The security door opened with a whirring sound.

As I took a step forward, dozens of gazes naturally focused on me.

All of them were sisters, wearing bulky weapons and crude armor.

-Wow, what’s this? An aspiring celebrity?

-Apart from being handsome… you look too young? You just became an adult then, did you? It seems like you came to apply as a hunter.

-Seeing the sword at your waist… you must be applying as a dealer. Perhaps a [Swordsman] class? We do need a defense reduction… Should we invite him?

-Ah, why would a man be a dealer, though? Obviously, he’s applying to be a porter. That must be a weapon for self-defence. The guild is also hiring special porters this time. You came to apply for that, didn’t you?

-…Truly, this must be what people mean when they say healing the body just by looking. To form a party with such a person and explore dungeons together would leave nothing more to wish for… After only seeing ugly monsters for so long, this is a real treat.

‘…Ahem.’

It was embarrassing to be talked about so openly.

I felt those gazes on the bus and subway, but here, it was more blatant.

Additionally, I could feel the jealousy from other men.

‘Is… is this what life looks like for a handsome alpha male?’

Yu Seha, you bastard. You should pay double the taxes.

‘…Ah, then I’d have to pay, wouldn’t I? Cancel, cancel.’

Thinking it would be troublesome to get involved in something bothersome here, I quickly headed towards the receptionist.

I saw hunters lined up at a counter labelled <Mandatory Subjugation>.

‘Wow, is everyone here for mandatory subjugation just like me?’

<Mandatory Subjugation Order>
Wondering what on earth this was, I found out it was considered the duty of the most representative ‘Awakened’ in this country.

Regardless of gender, one must participate… It was somewhat similar to the concept of the reserves, though the risks involved were incomparably higher.

‘Because it actually involves entering the dungeons inside the gates.’

A real battle against monsters that were very much alive and breathing.

Unless a dungeon within a gate was completely ‘sealed’, monsters would continue to multiply.

And if these monsters were not dealt with, a ‘Break Out’ would occur.

‘Guilds’ conduct periodic subjugations, but…
Since there were so many different types, inevitably, there were gates that would become unpopular and wouldn’t get cleared most of the time.

‘Mandatory Subjugation’ was generally tasked with the cleaning up of such dungeons.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Arirang, here to assist with your consultation today.”

Before I knew it, it was my turn, and the female employee looked at me with a slight smile.

“Ah, my name is Yu Seha. I came here because of the mandatory subjugation.”
“Ah~ You came to participate as a porter, I see. There’s a party recruiting members for loot collection–”
“No. No. I came to participate here as a dealer.”
“…Eh? What? A-a dealer? Excuse me, but are you a long-range or a special job class?”
“No. I’m a close-range main dealer.”

My answer visibly flustered the employee.

But perhaps that was what being a professional meant.

‘Ahem! Please wait a moment!’ She started to search for something diligently.

“…Male dealer recruitment. Ah, as expected, there’s no vacancy… Maybe…”
“Yes, yes.”
“What’s your Grade? It’s not written on your application here.”
“I am a Sword Saint.”
“Ah, a Sword Saint? Just a moment… Eh, what? What did you just say?!”

Upon hearing my answer, the employee’s eyes widened in disbelief.

For a full five seconds.

Then, with a slight furrow of her brows, she abandoned her professional demeanor up until now and looked at me as if to say, ‘This is absurd..’

“…Excuse me, Mr. Yu Seha. I believe you are aware, but impersonating a ‘Grade’ is a serious crime. I understand being a man might make you feel insecure, but to claim to be a ‘Sword Saint’ of all things…”

Wasn’t this a bit unfair?

“No. No. I really am a Sword Saint.”

Despite my explanation, the female employee looked at me as if she didn’t believe my words.

Sighing deeply, she then pulled out a kit that looked similar to a yellow blood collection device from a drawer.

“Could you please extend your hand for a moment? We plan to conduct a test.”
“Yes, of course.”

No sooner had the words ended than a sharp needle stole a drop of blood from the tip of my finger.

And then, as if to prove it was no lie, the class [Sword Saint] was displayed.

“See! I told you I’m a Sword Saint, right?”

I looked at the employee with a bit of smugness, but there was no room for that.

Because the employee’s reaction was priceless.

“Th-th-th-this can’t be. What in the world… is this, really…?”

Her eyes widened as if they were about to pop out, and then she opened her mouth wide in shock, going, “Hah…”

“Um…”
“Ah, ah! S-sorry! I didn’t recognize a VIP!”

Clack!

The employee bowed her head at a 90-degree to apologize.

The reaction drew the attention of other hunters nearby, but the employee showed no signs of stopping.

“Thank you so much for stepping into our guild. Information about Mr. Yu Seha will be sent to our guild leader. We promise to protect you with the honor of our guild at stake.”

“Ah, um…”

“If, by any chance, there’s still some resentment left from the earlier rudeness, we can immediately replace the staff–”

“N-no! There’s no need for that. Just proceed!”

“Yes, yes! Thank you!”

As soon as the words ended, the staff member rapidly typed on the keyboard.

Honestly, I was the most surprised.

‘…A Sword Saint gets treated like this?’

Of course, the [Sword Saint] class was overpowered.

It was the most talked-about job in the community.

But to me, it was just one of the strong job classes.

That was why I didn’t expect this reaction at all.

‘Is the position brought by the grade that significant?’

Hmm, I thought I should first find out how precious a Sword Saint was and then ask about what I was most curious about.

“Excuse me…”
“Yes, esteemed guest!”
“…It’s just, you seemed so surprised… Was my record not here? I heard there was a mandatory subjugation last year, too.”
“…Huh? Oh, you’ve always been substituting it with other duties… Don’t you remember?”
“…No?”

According to the kind explanation, Yu Seha had been substituting service by volunteering or providing supplies because he was afraid of fighting the ‘monster’.

“But you’ve officially turned 19 this year. You’re an adult now, right? You can’t substitute with alternative service anymore.”

The female employee looked at me as if she felt a bit sorry for me.

She probably thought I was talking nonsense out of sheer terror.

On the contrary, I realized why Yu Seha, being a 5★, had such weak basic stats.

“…Haa, Yu Seha. This bastard…”

Because he was such a coward, he didn’t even apply for the gate. That was why he didn’t have the [Swordsmanship] trait, this idiot.

“Don’t worry. You are a Sword Saint, aren’t you? You’ll definitely do your role right.”

The employee clenched her fists and sent a ‘Fighting!’ look with their eyes.

That strange trust shining in her eyes.

‘…I feel a bit guilty about this.’

I was a Sword Saint, but still weak…

“We are currently matching. I’ll give you a brief explanation in the meantime.”
“Yes.”
“The gate you will enter for today’s mandatory subjugation is the ‘Goblin Tribe Territory’. The dungeon’s grade is D. The entry conditions are 2 [Strikers] and 1 [Backup], which is the most basic composition.”

The employee dragged out the time by explaining various precautions to me, but as the matching didn’t happen no matter how much time passed, she scratched her cheek with a concerned look.

“…Excuse me, esteemed guest?”
“Yes?”
“I’m really sorry, but… since you mentioned being a male dealer… everyone has been declining. Could you possibly… change to a [Backup]?”

Backup change?

I knew what ‘backup’ was, but change?

I tilted my head, making a ‘What is that?’ expression, and the female employee let out a small groan.

“…It can’t be helped. We’ll have to deal with it by assigning someone with less experience… Ah! The [Striker] who will join you has just arrived.”

Huh?
Who?
Where?

At the mention of someone arriving, I looked around.

Being a dealer, there was a high chance a tank would appear, likely someone of a sturdy build with a shield.

But no matter how much I looked, I couldn’t see anyone.

Sneak.

That’s when it happened.

I felt something, or someone, approaching ever so slightly.

I slowly lowered my gaze.

“…Ah.”

I unknowingly let out an exclamation.

It was someone I had never met before.

It should feel strange.

But it felt familiar.

There was no other way to describe it.

Staaaaare.

From deep within my chest, a sensation rose like a clump of cotton candy.

Longing, joy, perplexity, and wonder formed a shape that could be called a cluster of various emotions.

“You’ve arrived just in time.”

The female employee extended her hand with a bright smile, as if introducing someone.

“Mr. Yu Seha? This is your party member for today’s mandatory subjugation. Please introduce yourselves.”

Wriggle, wriggle.

Upon the female employee’s words, the black furry bundle that had locked eyes with me wriggled their fingers.

About 155cm in height.

A small stature that didn’t match the giant shield as long as their body and a blunt dagger attached to their waist.

Leather armor full of black stains here and there, not properly cleaned.

A shabby feeling emanated from their black, bushy hair and their soft pair of cat ears attached to it like a headband.

And finally, the appearance of a cute girl with cheeks still chubby from baby fat, oddly soft and squishy.

I knew this girl very well.

Better than anyone else.

Squirm.

The hesitant girl slowly extended her hand to me.

“…M-My name is Ma Hana.”

The voice I heard in the game resonated in my ears just as it did then.

“Pl-Please take good care of me today.”

“……”

Crazy, is this for real?

Ma Hana.

Commonly known as Meowy.

A 1-star (★) character by birth from [Gonis Archive Life].

She was the original member who had never been replaced among the countless characters I had raised.

And this was my first meeting with my most precious favorite character.