I Became the Only Healer in the Academy - Chapter 15.2
The Chairman and Vice-Chairman strode confidently towards the conference room, somewhat more assertive than in the past.
Inside the conference room, there was a lively discussion about Seonghyun’s abilities.
“So, the healing ability was indeed real…”
“But there are side effects, aren’t there? And they are quite significant.”
“The side effects aren’t the main point. Those can be compensated for with proper equipment.”
“Such a situation may bring quite a significant change in South Korea’s ranking in the global hierarchy.”
Just as the conversation was starting to heat up, a voice announcing their arrival was heard.
“The Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the South Korean Hunter Association.”
The Chairman and Vice-Chairman exchanged brief nods and headed to their respective seats.
“First, I will discuss today’s agenda for the meeting.”
The reason for today’s meeting was not solely on Seonghyun’s presence. The current increased occurrences of Grade 3 Gates was the main cause.
Once the discussions on this matter concluded, the most critical topic was upon them.
“We will now begin the meeting regarding the country’s ranking in the global hierarchy.”
The meeting proceeded with speeches in the order of the existing rankings.
South Korea’s ranking was 20th.
Naturally, it took a considerable amount of time before it was South Korea’s turn to speak.
“…”
A brief silence followed.
Up until then, those present hadn’t paid much attention to South Korea’s remarks, but today everyone was as attentive as individuals listening to a matter of utmost importance.
“Regarding South Korea…”
The Chairman intentionally paused his speech, as though he already knew of today’s outcome.
“We request a change in the country’s ranking in the global hierarchy.”
Immediately upon the Chairman’s words, as if eagerly awaited, someone voiced their opposition.
“I object.”
“…Japan’s Chairman, what is the reason for your opposition?”
It was the Japanese Chairman.
Japan’s ranking was 9th.
Although positioned far ahead of South Korea, having recently been displaced from the 8th rank made Japan particularly sensitive to any changes in the hierarchy.
“A half-baked, or rather a fraction of an ability, don’t you think? A healer who heals others but fully receives back their pain.”
“Indeed… then, is that even healing?”
“It’s definitely a half-baked ability. I’m not sure about a fraction.”
Overall, there was a prevailing sense of support for Japan’s arguments.
“You saw it correctly.”
“But… What? What are you saying now?”
For a moment, Japan seemed momentarily puzzled by the Chairman’s words. He had seen opposition to his country’s rise in the global ranking.
“I said you saw it correctly.”
“Th-Then are you withdrawing the request for the change in ranking?”
“Hm? Why do you suggest that?”
Japan finally realized that the Chairman was playing word games, he furrowed his brow and raised his voice slightly.
“Speak properly! Is this a place for jokes?”
“I am trying to convey a particular message.”
“What do you even mean…!”
Japan attempted to intervene, but the Chairman didn’t allow it.
“Half-baked, yes. Maybe not exactly a fraction. But the point is… Isn’t this half-baked ability more significant than any other whole?”
The various country representatives fully understood the meaning behind the Korean side’s words.
Although it could be perceived as arrogant and bold, the weight carried by the word ‘healing’ was distinctly different from other abilities.
“Let’s examine the abilities of the hunters thus far. There are countless different abilities.”
The Chairman continued with a calm yet firm voice.
“Do you know what the common denominator among these numerous abilities is?”
“…”
The representatives from various countries remained silent, unable to respond, and the Chairman continued.
“Precisely, it’s an ability to do something different. However, dismissing this ability as just half-baked separates it from other abilities. It embodies a noble act of healing the injured and bearing their pain in return.”
“…Is the Chairman of Korea being overly sentimental right now?”
The Japanese side seemed determined not to retreat.
If Japan fell outside the top 10 due to the results of today’s meeting, it would lose its eligibility for battling the 1st Grade Gates, which were only available for ranks 1 to 9.
“Ahaha… Sentimental, huh? It seems Japan regards nobility as merely sentimental.”
“Please refrain from these excessive word games!”
“It appears that Japan has become quite sensitive. Then let me ask one thing. Do you believe healing abilities are useless in the battles of the hunters?”
“W-Well, that’s not exactly what we meant…”
Japan was well aware of it, making it even less tolerable. If they retreated now, they didn’t know how high South Korea might rise in the ranks.
“But there’s no guarantee that the ability will always be utilized! He will still feel pain!”
“Is there a guarantee?”
“W-What?”
“No one here can heal anyone. The moment he feels the pain in return, it’s not just using the ability, it’s a sacrifice.”
The Chairman’s insistence wasn’t merely about the value of the ability. Apparently, everyone in the room understood that sentiment and refrained from lending support to the Japanese side.
While the world continued its endless battle against the Gates, there were things that couldn’t be easily let go.
It’s all about public opinion.
Even civilians were quite interested in the work of hunters, which was directly related to their safety. They were already aware that there were hunters in Korea with healing abilities.
In such a situation, if South Korea raised objections to the requested change in hierarchical rankings, it was obvious how public opinion would fluctuate.
“We must protect our country’s hunters.”
It was a common thought among all representatives.
Seemingly noticing this, the Association Chairman firmly stated.
“Is there any more need for discussion on this matter?”
The decision on the hierarchical ranking was simple.
The method involved the country above agreeing to the ranking that the requesting country deemed appropriate.
“So, what rank is South Korea requesting?”
When asked by the U.S., With a bright smile, the Association Chairman responded.
“It would be the 9th position.”
