Against the Clock: The Team Leader’s Pursuit of Glory

Darden rented out the entire hotel lounge where he was staying to welcome the party led by Kang Mu-hyuk.

Kang Mu-hyuk identified their other side of the negotiation.

'Vice Guild Master Darden, the Hunter who attended to us last time. His right-hand man's name was Nikolayev, right? I'm not sure who the other one is.'

As Kang Mu-hyuk's gaze settled on the last person, Anton whispered in his ear, "That's Lev, the Expedition squad leader from Tyrant guild."

Darden, like Kang Mu-hyuk, scrutinized the opposing party.

'Kang Mu-hyuk, Ju Se-ah, Anton. As expected.'

He offered a seat to Kang Mu-hyuk without any change in expression.

A massive table laden with refreshments was placed between them as both sides glared at each other.

"First, congratulations on successfully subduing the Oopoomangbawoo. Honestly, I didn't expect to meet so soon. I thought you'd surrender a bit later."

At Darden's words, Anton twitched in his seat, clearly eager to overturn the table and start a fight. Darden's cronies also bared their teeth at his aggressiveness. However, the moment Ju Se-ah picked up a fork, the situation flipped.

"I've never tried stabbing someone in the head with this. Well, it looks like a three-pronged spear, so it probably doesn't matter, I guess."

"..."

"..."

As Darden's spirit died down, Anton let out a chuckle.

'That's why everyone babbles so much about S-rank this, S-rank that. Who would've thought Guild Master Ju was an S-ranker? Seeing their reaction, I'm sure it's not a lie.'

Anton felt immensely satisfied as he managed to turn the tables, usually being one step behind Igor.

As the situation settled, Kang Mu-hyuk spoke up.

"I, of course, thought you wouldn't refuse this meeting."

"You seem very confident after just one successful raid."

"Didn't you say something like this yourself? After the Nazezhinsky incident 14 years ago, you stopped believing in conscience, pride, or duty. So, I thought what else do you believe in."

"So, what do I believe in?"

"Profit."

Kang Mu-hyuk's tone turned cold.

"If revenge came first, you should have acted like the Tyrant, not so calculating. You seemed too focused on securing Vladivostok. That's why I thought you would never refuse this meeting."

"What a joke. Even solving the Oopoomangbawoo issue, we're still at an advantage. Ah? Are you acting tough because of your S-ranker here? Well, it's not like she'll stay with the Tsar Guild for a thousand years, ten thousand years, or forever. How long can she protect them?"

As Darden received no reply from Kang Mu-hyuk, he pressed harder, thinking he had the upper hand.

"Even if you try to sway the Kremlin, in Moscow, our main stage, you'll be outmatched politically. And with the current crisis, the recovery of the Tsar Guild's injured members will take a considerable amount of time. To fill that gap, you'd need outside help. Do you think the administration will wait that long? With a monster policing vacuum? It's only a matter of time before this city falls to the Tyrant Guild."

"Time is not on your side either. How long do you think the Tyrant Guild can hold out?"

Darden frowned at Kang Mu-hyuk's words.

"It's enough that you went beyond and took a prisoner who uses poison skills. But I'm curious what tricks you're planning to pull now. Go ahead, try babbling with that trap of yours."

"Even the stray dogs know the Kremlin's influence isn't what it used to be. Don't drag politics into guild fights. It will turn into a dogfight."

"So what are you going to negotiate with?"

"The fact that Vladivostok was nearly annihilated last night has been reported to both the city council and the administration. The one who plotted this was Igor Dudnik."

"Wasn't it you who just said not to drag politics into this?"

"I'm warning you. We don't mind a dogfight if necessary."

"......"

"Politicians are human too. If they realize they've narrowly escaped death, do you think they'll care about the Kremlin or anything else for that matter?"

Darden realized his mistake in assuming that this Korean in front of him was ignorant of Russian affairs.

'Could Anton have informed him? No. Even a whole night wouldn't be enough to explain the subtle currents of the current Russian political scene. And even if he knew, leveraging that knowledge to negotiate in this manner with me would be even harder.'

As Kang Mu-hyuk mentioned, there were quite a few regions discontented with the central government. The vastness of Russia was the problem. It meant more monsters and significant gaps in Hunter-led security. The reason for guaranteeing the rights of each city's guild in Russia was no different.

Resources were naturally unevenly distributed, leading to wealth and security resources flowing predominantly to major cities. As a result, the discontent in areas left out was growing.

The fact that the guilds hadn't turned into warlords like in South America or Africa was thanks to the so-called new Russian spirit of pan-Slavic nationalism and a strong Hunter force.

Kang Mu-hyuk knew that severing that weak link could lead to the collapse of the Russian Federation, and he was using this as leverage against Darden.

While it might not spark a great revolution, it could certainly be a catalyst for one.

Darden did not want to be that starting point.

"What would happen if I announced that the Russian central government, instead of ensuring the safety of its regions, conspired using Moscow's major guilds to take over Vladivostok? With such a scenario, even the Kremlin wouldn't be able to support you, even if you are an S-ranked guild."

"Hey, who do you think you are bluffing in front of? Don't you know how hollow slander without evidence sounds? Even if it were possible, do you have the guts to handle the aftermath?"

Kang Mu-hyuk hit the nail on the head, but Darden, true to his Tier Guild status, was unshaken and retorted.

"All 28 Hunters from the Tsar Guild, originating from Nazezhinsky, are dead. The cause of death: the Tyrant's merciless slaughter. Don't bring the tragedy of 14 years ago back into Russian politics. And for your information, I can just go back to Korea."

"This bastard......"

"Also."

"??"

"Our Guild Master here could repay you the same way your brother did to the Tsar Guild. I saw the hotel guest list; you've brought quite a few Hunters, haven't you? Can you handle that?"

Kang Mu-hyuk's eyes were steady as he openly threatened, knowing Igor was in the Tyrant Guild.

'He's doing this because he knows Igor isn't here right now. Damn, if only Igor hadn't touched Oopoomangbawoo, I wouldn't have to meet this man.'

If Vladivostok had simply fallen to Oopoomangbawoo, they could have pretended not to know, but since Igor leaked the poisonous energy right before they were about to succeed, he gave them a reason to hold the Tyrant Guild accountable.

Darden had foreseen this issue and had chosen not to participate in the raid after figuring out Makar's intentions.

"What do you want?"

"We're not asking for too much. Withdraw from Vladivostok and draft an agreement that you won't target this place again, okay? Of course, you'll need to pay reparations. Guild Master Anton, how much did you say that containment box was?"

Anton suppressed a laugh internally, then turned serious and handed over the prepared invoice when Kang Mu-hyuk asked.

Darden frowned as he received the invoice.

"That's the cost of a few Gates."

"Isn't that pocket change for Moscow's top guild? Anyway, if our Guild Master gets involved, all the Hunters here would end up half-crippled. Don't waste money on unnecessary medical expenses. Oh, by the way, Guild Master Anton, you've generously taken care of the Tsar Guild Hunters' medical expenses too, right?"

"I've even included the period they can't go hunting."

"Mr. Darden, you won't get another chance like this. To settle the issue your brother caused with just a bit of money."

Kang Mu-hyuk deliberately goaded Darden with conspicuous air.

Darden, unlike at the beginning, now felt a powerful impulse to turn the tables. But he soon had to discard that option, knowing how Igor had dealt with the Tsar Guild Hunters.

'We didn't bring the elite, but the area we have to cover in Moscow is substantial. We can't afford to lose Hunters in vain here.'

Had he come to Vladivostok to expand the guild's influence, only to lose Hunters and diminish it?

It was a reversal of roles.

"Fine. I'll gladly pay."

"Ah? And one more thing. Erect a memorial in Nazezhinsky."

"What?!"

"Don't get excited. It's not about confessing your sins. Erect it for all who were sacrificed there 14 years ago. Your family was among them, right? To honor them under the names of the Tsar Guild and the Tyrant Guild. For your information, Guild Master Anton has already agreed."

Darden was boiling inside.

'Would Igor accept this?'

This thought came before the anger.

In a way, erecting a memorial for the citizens of Nazezhinsky could be seen as humiliating for the Dudnik brothers. It could appear as a denial of their family's vengeance.

Yet, from another angle, erecting the memorial could be seen as a declaration to forget the grudge from 14 years ago.

It was as if Darden was giving up any justification for targeting Vladivostok.

'That could induce a sense of self-complacency.'

After some reflection, it seemed possible to persuade Igor with the pretext of signifying a huge memorial for his father and sister.

"Alright, I accept that too. Anything else?"

"None."

"I hope we never meet again. I've never seen a Korean as detestable as you."

"If you honor the agreement well like a Tier-ed Guild should, there won't be a reason to meet again."

Darden gritted his teeth as he watched Kang Mu-hyuk nonchalantly conclude the negotiation.

'I'm backing down this time, but don't think I've given up on this place.'

"Guild Leader Anton, once you return, tidy up the mess the Tyrant Guild made this time, and as soon as the money is deposited, spread it right away."

Inside the limousine returning to the Tsar Guild headquarters, Kang Mu-hyuk suddenly made the suggestion. Anton responded in surprise.

"Wouldn't that mean breaking the agreement from our side?"

"How long do you think a man like Darden will keep the agreement? As soon as he's out of this unfavorable situation, he'll target Vladivostok again."

"But what about the Tyrant's deed? We have leverage, would he move rashly?"

"People are creatures of forgetfulness. If we announce it now, the Vladivostok administration and the parliament will be furious, but as time passes, the effect will wear off. It's unlikely Darden won't take any precautions by then."

Anton realized that this was indeed likely. He was well aware of Darden's cunningness and persistence.

Even if his brother was an S-ranker, in Moscow, known as the Dragon Pond-Tiger Den, he had grown the Tyrant Guild into a Tier-ed Guild in just ten years---a testament to his capabilities.

However, the potential for retaliation from a sudden betrayal was daunting.

Reading Anton's concerns, Kang Mu-hyuk added, "The information will be spread among guilds that are hostile to the Tyrant Guild. I understand the Tyrant has made many enemies due to his rash ways. Russia doesn't have just one S-ranker Tyrant, and there will be enough checks and balances. Of course, without violating the agreement."

"Not violating the agreement... Ah? I see."

The agreement led by Kang Mu-hyuk seemed meticulous, but it specifically limited the confidentiality clause to politics, the administration, the press, and the internet.

Furthermore, there were many loopholes if the incident became known to hostile guilds.

If it was claimed that the intelligence networks of the guilds targeting the Tyrant Guild had acted, how would one uncover the truth?

The enemies of the Tyrant Guild also had the power equivalent to the Tier-ed Guild, which made such a plan feasible.

"They may suspect you, but for a while, you won't have the leisure to worry about Vladivostok. They'll be busy fending off the attacks from other guilds. It would be even better if they just collapse like that."

"Do as our Guild Leader says, Guild Master Anton. In these matters, he's someone you could say goes beyond an S-ranker. I bet even the erection of the memorial has a plot to it."

Ju Se-ah, who was sitting opposite in the limousine, joined in the conversation, causing Kang Mu-hyuk to grimace.

"What plot are you talking about now? It's just a good thing to do."

"So you're saying you have no ulterior motive with the memorial?"

"Well, no but..."

When Anton sent an inquisitive look, Kang Mu-hyuk explained.

"The first was that we needed a symbol to conclude the tragedy of Nazezhinsky. No one commemorated their sacrifice, people forgot, and the victims could not. This memorial may not comfort all the families of the victims, but it can be a starting point."

"And the other reason?"

"The second is a message to Darden. I'm not sure if he understood, but... it was a message."

"A message?"

"It means we no longer want to be associated with Nazezhinsky. Darden may be bad-tempered, but he's smart. If he's grasped the intent I've shown, he'll probably think we consider this matter over and let his guard down, believing that he has enough time to reorganize his guild. By providing this room, we aimed to keep him from breaking the agreement immediately."

Anton inwardly clicked his tongue.

The negotiation table, which seemed to be an open fight revealing true intentions, was in fact a gambling table of deceit and concealment.

Anton, realizing this just now, felt intimidated by Kang Mu-hyuk who seemed simple at first glance.

'Darn! Now that I think about it, he hasn't shoved an invoice in my face yet, has he? The amount he might ask for is already horrifying. He seems to hold grudges... I better be generous to avoid harboring any resentment, right?'

He thought he would need to hit the calculator again once back at the guild.

Awaiting Kang Mu-hyuk at the Tsar Guild was an unexpected figure.

"Pavel Akinfeyev, former Guild Master of the Tsar Guild."

"I summoned him."

Anton, unaware of the tragedy in Nazezhinsky, had summoned the retired former Guild Master. He believed that the Pavel he knew would never sacrifice Nazezhinsky. However, the truth is always cruel, and he wanted to confirm it directly from the person involved.

Anton had chosen Kang Mu-hyuk as the notary for this truth verification.

"I've heard from Guild Master Anton. That this Oopoomangbawoo incident and the Tyrant's attack originated from the tragedy in Nazezhinsky 14 years ago."

The old man, with deep wrinkles on his face, searched for his cigarette as he began to speak.

Kang Mu-hyuk examined the elderly man.

The old man's right leg was a prosthesis. Despite his estimated age in the documents being in his fifties, he looked old enough to be in his seventies.

Noticing Kang Mu-hyuk's gaze, the old man said, "Are you wondering about my appearance? It's because my mana circuit is broken. I lost my leg due to the Gate collapse 14 years ago."

"I heard that the Tsar Guild lured boss monsters and other creatures from the Gate to Nazezhinsky to protect Vladivostok."

"Guild Leader Kang, perhaps you could phrase that a bit..."

"No need, Guild Master Anton. It's also my fault for hiding the details of the tragedy back then."

The old man looked distant, lost in thought, and then puffed on his lit cigarette.

"To put it bluntly, we never chose which of the two cities, Vladivostok or Nazezhinsky, would be sacrificed."

"Are you saying the truth is different?"

"Look at this guild now. Doesn't something seem off?"

"..."

"I mean the members of this guild. There is no connecting generation between the current and the past members. It's like a generation has been cut out with scissors. Why do you think that might be?"

Kang Mu-hyuk instantly grasped the reason behind the old man's question.

"Was the guild annihilated?"

"The boss monster was powerful. The guild was decimated, and we failed to stop the boss. It wasn't us who drove it away. It just headed towards the demonic realm. Originally, we should have pursued it towards Nazezhinsky, but half of the guild members were dead and the rest were severely injured, so we were unable to do anything."

Kang Mu-hyuk could tell that the other party wasn't lying. Putting the truth aside, the composition of the members of the Tsar Guild, representing Vladivostok, was certainly unusual.

It was starkly different from ordinary guilds for Hunters, who should be in their mid-career, to dominate the leadership. A rapid generational change must have taken place.

"If the guild's strength has crumbled to that extent, I understand why you couldn't attempt luring tactics or other operations. But why didn't you disclose this situation to everyone?"

The old man continued.

"It was a time when everything had collapsed and hope was needed. Saying that we had repelled the monsters with our own strength was more reassuring to the people than just saying the monsters had retreated. Besides, this place is close to the demonic realm. The absence of the Tsar Guild, which protects Vladivostok, would bring great chaos. We had to be the pillar that supports this city. One that never wavers."

The old man took out an obsolete copied CD from his pocket and handed it over.

"This is part of the footage from the raid taken by a journalist after it ended. I snatched it from him. It's not complete, but you can see the extent of the damage the Tsar Guild suffered."

With those words, the old man left the guild. He declined Anton's invitation to stay a few days, saying the memories of that time kept haunting him.

Kang Mu-hyuk and Anton reviewed the video on the CD.

The footage contained a truly horrific scene. The journalist who recorded the video was intoxicated with journalism, his voice filled with excitement to inform the world. However, the video ended with a much younger and fully able former Guild Master intervening.

"In the end, it all stemmed from a misunderstanding."

Anton laughed bitterly. He couldn't believe the cause of this grudge was so absurd. It felt utterly meaningless, wondering what all this blood had been shed for.

Kang Mu-hyuk reaffirmed his resolution.

"Indeed, all of this is because of the monsters. They all need to disappear so such tragedies come to an end."

When Kang Mu-hyuk visited Pyo Beom-hee in the hospital, he received another unexpected piece of news.

"I think I've become an A+ ranker."

Kang Mu-hyuk looked back at Ju Se-ah.

"Her mana is definitely different from before. I'm not sure why exactly, but it might be because she surpassed her limits handling the Oopoomangbawoo's poisonous energy. I've experienced it a few times myself, you see."

Immediately after hearing Ju Se-ah's confirmation, Kang Mu-hyuk added more tasks for when he returned to his country.

'I guess I'm gonna have to add a few more items to the invoice I'm submitting to the Federation.'