"The Board of Directors does appoint you as the new CEO, but there is one condition you must fulfill," the secretary announced. "You have to climb the ranks and become an S-Rank Hunter within a year. If you don't, you'll be removed from the position. And since you'll be busy with Hunter activities, you may appoint someone as acting CEO for the time being."
I was so shocked I yelled, "What the—?! Even the fastest rank-climbing Hunter took five years, and you want me to become S-Rank in one?!"
While I tried to sound desperate and reasonable, deep down, I was actually elated. This was the perfect setup—I would definitely fail this ridiculous test and wave goodbye to this thorny position. Honestly, I never took my practice seriously. No one forced me to, since I was the sole heir to DA Group. Thank goodness I only trained casually and didn't go full-on training mode.
Right now, I could barely defeat F-Rank monsters with my current stats—stamina, mana, strength, agility, and luck—all tragically average.
"Furthermore," the secretary continued, "as CEO, there are no restrictions on your use of ability cards. You can spend as much money as you like to evolve your skills and climb faster. Until now, your identity has been hidden using your concealment ability, but you may reveal it if you wish. You're also allowed to create a guild and recruit any number of Hunters, with any salary you choose. All expenses will be covered by the company."
Once the announcement ended, the board asked me to decide on an acting CEO and inform them before my birthday.
Well, I didn't need much time to think. This whole situation had happened because of a certain someone—someone who made Grandma so desperate that she forced me to take an oath. It's time he suffered too.
I looked at my dad with razor-sharp eyes. Maybe he figured out what I was planning, because he immediately started telling people to wrap up the meeting and let me rest during this "period of grief."
But I wasn't about to let him escape.
Before anyone could leave, I stood up and declared in a loud voice, "Mr. Chanakya, my father, will serve as the acting CEO from now on."
My father looked at me with puppy eyes, silently begging for mercy. But I was merciless. He had dragged me into this mess—now he would face the consequences. It was time he used that overpowered brain of his for something useful.
No one objected. No one ever objected when Dad was involved—except Dad, of course. And just like that, the responsibility landed squarely on his shoulders.
Oh… how good that feels. May you enjoy the never-ending workload, Father! Mwahaha!
As soon as Grandma's last rites were completed—following Hindu rituals—I was sent off to begin my training until my birthday. My Hunter trial would start the day after, but until then, I planned to laze around and avoid effort at all costs.
If anyone asked, I'd just act sad and pretend to be practicing diligently.
Sorry, Grandma. You know I love you, and I'm really sad you're no longer here—but I'm playing the sorrow card for a peaceful life. I know you'd want me to be happy, so please forgive me for using your name as a shield to dodge training.