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

Sung Seonjae, bored with the repetitive paperwork, suddenly felt wide awake. It was shocking enough that he was in Sinuiju, a place that was part of Korea but couldn't be called Korean territory, but asking to be rescued? 'The' Kang Mu-hyuk? And not assistance? But rescue?

It was hard for him to accept Kang Mu-hyuk's request readily through the receiver. Leaving aside the fact that he had to dig into his wicked motives yet, he didn't even know what the current situation was.

Plus, dealing with the Chinese guild meant--

'He's saying he's going to war. Was he always this extreme?'

As he remained silent, unsure of how to respond, Kang Mu-hyuk continued, "I assume you're hesitating because you don't know enough about the current situation. Things are urgent here, so I can't explain everything. But it is true that the Chinese guild is trying to completely take over Sinuiju right now."

"We've already given up on Sinuiju anyway. Do we really need to get involved? Especially when it means shedding blood?"

"We haven't confirmed it yet, but the Chinese guild is connected to top-tier guilds in mainland China. Sinuiju is just a stepping stone for them to gain Hunter rights on the Korean Peninsula. If we don't respond proactively..."

"That's it?"

"..."

Sung Seonjae yawned lightly, pretending to be bored, and asked again, "Come on, you're 'the' Kang Mu-hyuk. Don't just try to get by with information everyone knows already. You must have something that will pique my interest."

"I'll give you Sinuiju."

"Hmm, still the same nasty habit of bargaining with something that isn't yours."

"You're aiming for the Demonic Realm, aren't you? Sinuiju would be a good foothold."

"The foothold in North Hamgyong Province is better. Rason City has well-established infrastructure, and the Tumen River area provides better access to the Demonic Realm. There's also less chance of clashing with the Chinese."

"But there are people here."

"People?"

"The descendants of former North Korean Hunters. You must be aware of them if you've investigated Sinuiju. The people of the prison village. These are Hunters and their families who have lived in the Demonic Realm for decades. They have a thorough understanding of the ecosystem, distribution, vegetation, geography, and resource extraction areas of the Demonic Realm. Even if the Slayer Guild advances into the Demonic Realm, it would take years just to gather and organize this information. The cost and effort during that time would be considerable. These people are a valuable human resource that can speed up the Slayer Guild's progress by years. For your information, the people fighting alongside me now are exactly these individuals."

"Wow..."

Sung Seonjae, genuinely impressed, clapped while holding the receiver between his shoulder and ear.

"You almost convinced me. Try a little more."

"You are quite greedy. I'm offering you something hard to obtain no matter how much money you have."

"That's because there are still a few problematic points. You need to present solutions for those as well. For example, Sinuiju is the perfect size for a headache if we were to take it over, don't you think?" Sung Seonjae added.

"No matter how small Sinuiju is, it's still a city. Once we drive out the Chinese, it will be an empty place. It will be practically impossible for us to defend it while targeting the Demonic Realm. The few years those North Korean Hunters might save us? It'll all go to waste."

"We can have other tier guilds join. Form a coalition specifically for Sinuiju and the Demonic Realm. Establish a joint strategy pact and position the Slayer Guild as the chair. I assume you weren't planning to enter the Demonic Realm alone anyway."

"Your idea is good, but do you think they'll listen to us? I may be a tier guild leader myself, but those tier guild members don't listen to a word from anyone."

"But we have Rider Wolves, don't we? The difference between having Rider Wolves in the Demonic Realm and at the gates is huge. Mobility, transport, and efficiency are worlds apart. I'll use that as leverage to bring them in."

Nodding in approval, Sung Seonjae kept the call connected while picking up another phone to dial a number.

"It's the strategy team leader. Prepare the expedition team. Equip them with Type 1 combat gear. The opponents are Hunters. Secure enough helicopters for full transportation. Gather the members within an hour and keep them on standby until further orders."

After issuing the orders, Sung Seonjae spoke to Kang Mu-hyuk.

"Okay, we're prepared. But sending them out depends on your answer to the next question."

"Do you need justification?"

"See, it's always easy to talk to you. Even if we deal with the Chinese guild, it doesn't end there. We'll also have to deal with those backing them. Even if it's Korean territory, it's a place we've half abandoned. Even minor disputes lead to bloodshed in Sinuiju. We need at least a liable justification to handle the Chinese without them intervening."

"That issue can be solved easily."

"Easily?"

Sung Seonjae was genuinely surprised. In a way, this last issue was the most difficult to solve.

Sinuiju was included as a candidate base in the Slayer Guild's plans for advancing into the Demonic Realm. But conflicts with China had pushed it to a lower priority. No matter how much he thought about it, there was no solution.

A justification was needed to keep the Chinese guilds quiet. Without justification, it would mean direct confrontation with the Chinese guilds.

Even for the Slayer Guild, a direct confrontation with China was a huge deal.

"The justification is the protection of Korean citizens."

"Citizens? Are there any Koreans living there... Wait. Don't tell me you mean those North Korean people?"

"Yes."

"That's even more far-fetched. If you're relying on the government or the Guild Cooperation Agency, you're making a misjudgment. People sensitive to public opinion would never approve such a risky move."

"It's difficult but possible."

Kang Mu-hyuk's resolute answer shook Sung Seonjae. Logically, it didn't add up. Yet, somehow, Kang Mu-hyuk's assurance felt achievable.

'As a strategy team leader, my judgment is "no". But as a Hunter, my gut says "go for it". Ha, this really puts me in a tough spot. If we make a wrong move, we'll be the ones to suffer.'

In his contemplation, Kang Mu-hyuk's voice rang out like an alarm.

"I can hear explosions in the distance. The battle has started. There's no way for me to get out of here. If Slayer doesn't help, I'll be buried here today."

"If you're hoping to make me feel guilty or something, it's a wasted effort."

"I'm emphasizing that you're missing a golden opportunity. If not today, Slayer, no, the entire Korean Hunter community, will never be able to dream of the Demonic Realm. Do you think time will solve this? What the Korean Hunter community didn't have so far isn't time or skill, but opportunity. Why do you think people say "go for it even if you can't do it" even when taking on a hard-to-beat boss in a gate?"

"Yes, I know, I know. Because it's obvious we won't get another chance if we miss this one. Because we still have to catch it somehow."

"And because it's not impossible. There must be some calculations in your head that tell you it's doable if I solve the justification issue."

Sung Seonjae groaned in frustration.

Even though they hadn't crossed paths many times, it was always like this. He would barge in with a headache of a proposal that he couldn't ignore. And he always used a way of speaking that left people uneasy. There was no one more annoying than him.

'The fact that he's a smart nuisance is even more irritating.'

Putting aside the regret of Kang Mu-hyuk not being simpler to handle, Sung Seonjae spoke.

"I need to report this to the guild master. I know it's urgent, but hang in there. If you resolve the justification issue, we will support you as quickly as possible."

"Thousands of lives are at stake. I hope we get a good outcome."

"I promise on my name. Support will come for sure. If the guild master refuses, I'll go alone. Some will follow me then. So, hang in there."

"And one more favor. We need to call in Guild Leader Ju Se-ah. But the White Tiger Guild has blocked Northern Pocheon. Explaining it will take time, so I'll tell you later. For now, can you get them to back off?"

"The White Tiger Guild... Seriously, why is a tier guild causing such a ruckus? As you know, large guilds don't directly fight each other because of their influence. There's no reason to either. But I think I can stop their provocations. The problem is defending the headquarters in Northern Pocheon, right?"

"That should be enough. I'll be waiting."

As soon as the call ended, Sung Seonjae contacted the guild master, Sa Munhyuk.

"Guild master, it's me. I have an urgent matter. I need your approval."

"Yes, this is Cha Giljoo. Oh? Director Kang Mu-hyuk. I was surprised since your number didn't show up. What's the sudden call about... Sinuiju?"

Guild Cooperation Agency Director Cha Giljoo tensed up at Kang Mu-hyuk's abrupt mention of Sinuiju.

After hearing a brief explanation about the situation in Sinuiju, he unconsciously ruffled his neatly combed hair.

"So, an unknown Chinese guild is scheming something in the Demonic Realm that could significantly impact the Korean Peninsula? And trying to take over Sinuiju is part of their plan? I don't have any idea how much of this I can believe. Do you have any evidence? ...Of course, you don't. But it sound like you're somewhere noisy... A battle? What do you mean─ ack!"

A sudden explosion made Cha Giljoo pull the receiver away from his ear. Rubbing his ringing ear, he quickly called out to Kang Mu-hyuk.

"Guild Leader Kang! Are you okay?"

Hearing that he was fine, Cha Giljoo felt relieved but also realized that Kang Mu-hyuk was in serious danger.

"Whatever's happening, is there something I can do to help immediately? ...What? What do you mean by that? Former North Korean Hunters? That's not within my power. Public opinion aside, accepting that proposal would open the government to attacks from the opposition. There's no reason to bear such a political burden..."

"Guild Leader Ju Se-ah has become an S-ranker."

"!!"

"She's the first Korean S-ranker since the Great War Era. You know the influence and symbolism that carries. This news will overshadow any issue. But please keep it a secret for now. The threats from Japan and China are serious. Assassins might come, or there could be other forms of attacks."

"I-is that really... true?"

"We will be the ones to decide how to announce the S-rank news. In return, we can assist in a way that supports the government. We'll also decide the timing. By the time of the election this year, we'll prepare for the government to declare that we have an S-ranker."

Cha Giljoo, who had been sitting rigid with tension, relaxed and slumped back in his chair.

Kang Mu-hyuk continued speaking.

"We'll attack the Chinese guild in Sinuiju. If you resolve the nationality issue, China won't be able to interfere directly."

Boom! Boom!

Kang Mu-hyuk flinched at the explosions nearby. Although they were considerably far, if the defense line broke, the enemies could reach his location in an instant.

He picked up the satellite phone and dialed the number for his final arrangements.

"Guild Leader Kang? Are you okay?! What's going on? Where are you?"

As Ju Se-ah's voice poured out nonstop, Kang Mu-hyuk waited until she paused before bringing the receiver to his mouth.

"Sinuiju."

"Do you think I don't know that?"

"We're in the middle of a battle."

Boom! Boom!

The timely explosions prompted Ju Se-ah to ask urgently.

"What's that sound? Are you fighting? What is this battle about? Why are you fighting?"

"The enemy is a Chinese guild in Sinuiju. I'm here fighting alongside the former North Korean Hunters against them."

"Why are you explaining so calmly like it's someone else's problem? So, what should I do? You're asking for help, right?!"

"I heard about the White Tiger Guild. Slayer will handle them. The Slayer Guild's expedition team has agreed to help."

"Slayer? What's going on now? No, never mind that. Should I head to Sinuiju immediately? Where do I go?"

"I'm sorry for not giving you enough explanation, but there's something else I need you to do."

No Songrin looked at Mr. Cho, who had transformed into Hyun Junggeon, with a disgusted expression.

"I just can't get used to it. This doppelgänger trait, I've never heard of such a thing before. So you can transform into me too? That feels really icky."

"I have choices, you know. I don't want to have your face either."

"How old are you? You're rude and have zero manners. I should just stab you."

"Put away your sword and handle that guy first."

No Songrin held a Hunter firmly in his grasp. As he pressed with more strength on the face he was pinning down, the Hunter was unable to move, his face pressed against the ground.

No Songrin turned his sword away from Mr. Cho and stabbed the Hunter in the neck.

The Hunter vomited blood and died, and No Songrin handed the body to Mr. Cho.

"Here, transform."

"You really are from Ujungdo. You kill without hesitation."

"If it's kill or be killed, you kill. Wouldn't you kill?"

"I usually avoid killing, but today's an exception since my neck's on the line."

Mr. Cho placed his hand on the dead Hunter's forehead. After a moment, he transformed into the Hunter. He copied the attire as well and put on the Hunter's gear.

Watching the complete transformation, No Songrin looked at Mr. Cho with amazement and reminded him.

"You know what you're supposed to do, right? Stalling for time. Mess up the order in them as much as possible."

"Using a pro spy like me for such a dangerous task, Jeez. Kang Mu-hyuk, I hate you. I'll put a curse on you."

"If you're going to hold a ritual, count me in."

"Do you hate Guild Leader Kang?"

"Yeah, a lot. I'm tied to him just like you."

"Tied to him? I'm just working for money."

"I get a salary too."

"Despite your feelings, isn't it your job to protect Director Kang?"

"Yeah, for now. I figure I have to keep him alive to survive myself. I can't get out of here on my own."

"I can't believe you're boasting about being stupid, huh. Tch tch. Hey, put away your sword!"

"Stop provoking me. I've killed many people already today... Ah, damn it!"

Mr. Cho smiled at No Songrin and gave him the middle finger before disappearing.

The sword's target was gone and it slashed through empty air. Grumbling, No Songrin hid the body and left the area.

"I don't know if this will really work. No. We'll just have to hope it does, right?"