The Handsomer You Are, the Stronger You Become

“Whoa, what’s this? Is that really Kang Hyunsoo? The hunter who won first place yesterday?”

“Looks like it. But what’s going on? Just wearing a suit makes him look like a completely different person!”

Whispers buzzed around the banquet hall.

The attention of dozens of people focused on one spot.

And it wasn’t just the hunters.

Even the staff working security or serving at the banquet kept sneaking glances toward him.

At the center of their gazes stood none other than Kang Hyunsoo, the champion of the tournament.

Dressed in a navy pinstripe suit with a tie, polished shoes, and a gold watch, he exuded an undeniable presence.

At a glance, his outfit seemed ordinary, similar to what other attendees wore. But there was something distinctly different about Kang Hyunsoo—an inexplicable, luxurious aura that emanated from him.

For example:

“Wow… He’s got some serious presence.”

“Think he’d blow me off if I tried talking to him?”

Despite being the tournament’s winner and someone people would typically approach to build connections, most were too overwhelmed by his atmosphere to do more than admire him from afar.

But at the center of all this attention, the man in question was completely oblivious.

“Swallow, what’s going on? Why’s everyone staring at me like that? Are they picking a fight or something?”

Kang Hyunsoo scanned the room with a blank expression, clearly uncomfortable with the stares.

After shopping for clothes with Han Sungbin, he had come to Jaewon University at the designated time for the winners’ party. Yet, the moment he stepped into the banquet hall, all eyes were on him.

If it were mere glances, he wouldn’t have felt so uneasy.

But the eyes looking at him seemed to hold some kind of emotion—something he had never experienced before.

For someone like Kang Hyunsoo, who had regressed and lived through countless betrayals and disdain, such attention felt utterly foreign.

Thankfully, Swallow was quick to clarify.

“Hoho, judging by their whispers, they’re amazed at Master’s beauty. Yesterday, you were just plain, but today you’re suddenly dashing—it’s no wonder they’re stunned.”

Indeed, there was no hostility in their gazes.

Unlike in his previous life, where he’d faced countless looks of contempt or derision due to his appearance, those feelings were absent here.

Of course, had he been able to compare this reaction to his past life, he might have understood it sooner. But this time, there was no point of reference—because in his previous life, he had never made it to this party.

Before Regression:

• Hyunsoo, you must be tired from the raid, right? Just rest at the hotel.
• Don’t worry about the special item; we’ll take care of it. Just focus on recovering, Hyunsoo oppa!

In his previous life, Kang Hyunsoo had tried to attend this banquet, but Choi Taehun and Seo Jieun had stopped him.

Feigning concern for his well-being, they had used the excuse to attend alone, network, and claim the special item—the tournament’s grand prize—for themselves.

But things were different now.

Kang Hyunsoo had stood up on his own, and his changed appearance created a situation unlike any in his previous life.

Of course, not everyone greeted him with admiration.

“So, you got all dressed up just because you won.”

The sneer came from Hwang Wonchang, the hunter who had placed second in the tournament.

Hwang approached with a derisive look.

Kang Hyunsoo turned to him and asked nonchalantly, “Who are you?”

“What? How dare you speak informally to me…!”

“You were the one who spoke informally first.”

“Th-that’s…”

Hwang stammered, rendered speechless by Hyunsoo’s calm retort.

Most people would have faltered under Hwang’s intimidating glare, but Hyunsoo remained unfazed.

And for good reason.

‘This guy hasn’t changed one bit.’

Kang Hyunsoo already knew what kind of person Hwang Wonchang was: a hot-tempered opportunist who bullied the weak and kowtowed to the strong. In his past life, Hwang had been infamous for using violence against hunters weaker than him.

Even at the party in his previous life, Hwang had openly mocked Hyunsoo for being ugly, belittling him and laughing.

Today, Hyunsoo’s decision to act as though he didn’t recognize Hwang served two purposes: to assert dominance and to avoid wasting time on someone so unworthy of his attention.

Sure enough, Hwang’s reaction was immediate.

When Hyunsoo tilted his chin slightly, looking down at him, Hwang clenched his fists in frustration.

“You… you bastard!”

But just as Hwang seemed ready to act, the tension was interrupted.

“Haha, are we all having a good time?”

Ji Wonhoon, the president of Jaewon University, entered the banquet hall, his presence instantly drawing everyone’s attention.

“It’s Ji Wonhoon!”

“Wow, you can really tell he was an actor. His face literally shines.”

The focus shifted away from Hyunsoo and onto Ji Wonhoon. Even Hwang was no exception.

With a resentful glare at Hyunsoo, Hwang muttered, “I’ll deal with you later,” before scurrying over to greet Ji Wonhoon.

“Good evening, President!”

Hwang bowed so deeply his head was practically at Ji Wonhoon’s feet.

“Ah, Hunter Hwang Wonchang. It’s nice to meet you.”

“It’s an honor to meet you, sir!”

True to form, Hwang eagerly flattered the stronger figure.

But it didn’t work.

Ji Wonhoon offered a polite response before bypassing Hwang entirely and heading straight to Kang Hyunsoo.

“Oh! You came to the party. It’s great to see you here, Hunter Kang Hyunsoo.”

“…!”

Hwang’s eyes widened in shock as Ji Wonhoon initiated a conversation with Hyunsoo.

“What an impressive outfit. You look very different from yesterday.”

“Thank you.”

“By the way, I don’t see Hunter Yoo Hana. Is she not attending?”

“Ah, she had something come up and couldn’t make it. She’s also not feeling well.”

“That’s unfortunate. If I’d known, I could’ve helped. Well, we’ll have to arrange a separate celebration with her next time.”

“Thank you for your consideration.”

Ji Wonhoon’s concern for Yoo Hana, one of Kang Hyunsoo’s teammates, was evident as he inquired about her absence. Meanwhile, Hwang Wonchang could only bite his lip in frustration as he watched the interaction.

After all, at an event meant to celebrate the winners, the protagonist was none other than Kang Hyunsoo, the tournament champion.

This was further reinforced by the next event on the agenda.

“Before we proceed, I’d like to extend another round of congratulations to all the hunters who attended this winner’s celebration,” the secretary began, taking the stage and grabbing the microphone.

“Now, we will commence the awarding ceremony for the special item. Would Hunter Kang Hyunsoo’s team please come up to the stage?”

Clap, clap, clap, clap!

Amidst the applause of the participants, Ji Wonhoon guided Kang Hyunsoo onto the stage.

“Bring it out.”

“Yes, President.”

The secretary retrieved a small box, roughly the size of a palm, from a briefcase and handed it to Kang Hyunsoo.

“Congratulations once again on your victory, Hunter Kang Hyunsoo. I hope this item helps you grow into an even more remarkable hunter.”

“Thank you.”

“With this, the awarding of the special item is complete. Let’s give another warm round of applause for our champion!”

Clap, clap, clap, clap!

“That’s the item everyone wanted so badly….”

“What kind of special item is it this time? It’s so small, but it must be incredible.”

The murmurs of admiration and envy filled the banquet hall.

Hyunsoo shared their sentiment as he opened the box, feeling a surge of satisfaction.

Finally. I got it.

After all, the special item was the main reason he had gone through so much effort.

The prize for winning the 3rd Rising Star Hunter Tournament was none other than:

[Ring of the Spatial Mage]

• Grade: Heroic
• Effects: +20 Magic Resistance, +20 Mana
• Skill: Summon (A) – Teleports the user to a desired empty space within their line of sight. Costs 300 Mana. Cooldown: 10 minutes.
• Passive Skill: Magic Research (B) – Increases maximum Mana capacity by 10% when equipped.

It was a heroic-grade ring, boasting both an active skill and a passive one.

The skill, Summon, allowed for instantaneous teleportation, and though its cooldown of 10 minutes was significant, it was invaluable in combat or emergencies. The passive skill, Magic Research, boosted Mana capacity by 10%, further enhancing its utility.

In his previous life, Seo Jieun had used this ring to significantly enhance her survivability. Paired with the Trust Bracelet, which created transparent mana armor, she had combined its defensive capabilities with the teleportation skill to evade otherwise deadly attacks.

Obtaining such a powerful item was critical for Kang Hyunsoo, though there were still additional benefits he aimed to secure.

The ceremony continued as Ji Wonhoon delivered a congratulatory speech.

“Thank you all for attending this winners’ celebration. Watching yesterday’s raid, I was deeply impressed by the incredible skill and determination displayed by Korea’s hunters. Thanks to your efforts, our hunter community continues to grow and thrive.

“Jaewon University will continue to provide unwavering support for your endeavors. If there is anything you need for your activities, please don’t hesitate to let us know. Together with the government, we will ensure you receive the resources necessary for your growth.”

“Wow! Thank you, President!”

“I knew joining this tournament was worth it!”

Jaewon University’s active support was one of the main draws for hunters attending this event.

As a government-backed institution for nurturing hunters, Jaewon University provided numerous benefits, including funding for guild startups, item support, and tax reductions. There were even rumors that cultivating a relationship with Ji Wonhoon could result in acquiring legendary-grade items.

Naturally, every newly awakened hunter was eager to make connections at the university.

“Now, as for the support projects, we’ll discuss those at a later time. Tonight, let’s focus on enjoying the party! You’ve all worked so hard—thank you!”

“Thank you for hosting such a wonderful event!”

“You’re amazing, President!”

When Ji Wonhoon raised his glass, the hunters eagerly followed suit, cheering enthusiastically.

Winning the president’s favor was critical, and everyone sought to make the best impression possible.

Yet, the party itself was genuinely enjoyable.

The atmosphere was lively, and after spending so much time focusing on raids for the tournament, the hunters were finally able to let loose.

“Is this… a thirty-year-old Xrentain? Can we really drink this?”

“Of course! Please feel free to enjoy all the food and drinks provided, and if there’s a wine you’d like, just let the bartender know.”

“Hey, hurry up! If you’re late, the drinks might run out!”

As the mood grew more festive, laughter and camaraderie spread throughout the banquet hall.

“This is a wonderful evening. Hunter Kang Hyunsoo, would you like a drink?”

“Thank you.”

Ji Wonhoon handed Hyunsoo a glass before moving to mingle with the other hunters.

Hyunsoo sipped from his glass and made his way toward the buffet.

The party grew even livelier as classical musicians in elegant dresses entered and began playing, enriching the atmosphere further.

By this point, some of the hunters began approaching Kang Hyunsoo.

“Ah, hello, Hunter Kang Hyunsoo! I watched your raid footage—it was incredible!”

“Could I… get your contact information?”

“My number?”

“Yes! I’d love to join your team!”

“M-me too!”

Perhaps it was the alcohol, but the hunters became more assertive. For Hyunsoo, who had never received such direct attention in his previous life, it was overwhelming. He wasn’t sure how to respond.

Just as he stood there awkwardly, unsure of what to do, something far more concerning occurred.

Hunters who had been enjoying the party moments earlier began to stagger.@@novelbin@@

“Huh…?”

“Ugh, what’s happening to me…?”

Thud! Thud! Plop!

One by one, they collapsed to the floor.