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

In front of a cafe with parasols set up for the sunlight, two men sat with a lot of  coffee and desserts in front of them. Yet, neither of them seemed to enjoy the refreshments. Unlike the bustling atmosphere around them, they remained expressionless.

The man with white hair spoke first.

"So, Sinuiju was a failure?"

"Looks like it."

"Ridiculous. After all this time plotting, to have everything fall apart just before the grand plan. What happened to Zhang Zhongxun?"

"We've lost contact. He didn't show up at the spot where he was supposed to meet Wen Hao."

"Did he run away because he was scared of being punished?"

"He's not that irresponsible."

"Then, did they take him out?"

"Probably."

"What about Dandong? What did Xiao Zhan say?"

"Being defeated by Ju Se-ah must've been quite the shock for him. It's also hard for him to move because of his injuries."

"They were crushed completely. If he has any shame left, he won't show his face. Tsk tsk."

"Xiao Zhan and the attack squad were defeated too easily. There's word that we need to reassess Ju Se-ah's level."

"S-rank?"

"No, we don't have enough information yet. However, she has always been known as a mage killer. She was a natural enemy for Xiao Zhan. Her physical defense would be among the top even globally. It's hard to confirm without testing her against another S-ranker. We should focus more on her traits."

"Indeed, if the Japanese, who get riled up about anything involving Korea, are quiet, it's more likely she's not an S-ranker yet."

"The same goes for the Korean government's actions. If an S-ranker had emerged, it wouldn't be this quiet."

"You're right. Their politicians are indeed noisy, as is the media. Unlike us, their party doesn't lead the people."

"Our party's power isn't what it used to be either."

"You're saying some dangerous words. Just because we're Hunters doesn't mean we're above the state. Keep such thoughts to yourself."

"......."

The conversation paused. They both took a sip of their drinks, looking displeased.

"So, what's the next plan?"

"We can't help losing Sinuiju, but we can't have the Slayer Guild take it either."

"I've heard they are interested in the Demonic Realm."

"While we were focusing on Russia, it left many gaps in the peninsula. Even last time, for this very reason, a North Korean Hunter discovered a Gate."

"What if we readjust the perimeter?"

"Then Russia's side would become lax unless we deploy more personnel."

"We can't do that. We're already stretched thin. The Demonic Realm is just too vast."

"Then we need to start Emergency Plan 2."

"Plan 2... So the peninsula is busy?"

"Yes. Our primary target is Russia anyway. Korea is the secondary target. It's time to choose and concentrate."

"Agreed. I'll personally inform the higher-ups."

"Thank you. And there's one more thing."

"What is it?"

"We need to improve the top-tier information on Iron Will, where Ju Se-ah is the Guild Master."

"Isn't that guild the least powerful?"

"To be precise, we need to gather information on the man who's the Guild Leader."

"The leader? I've heard of him. He's a civilian, right? Why him?"

"According to Wen hao's report, Zhang Zhongxun tried to recruit him."

"A civilian?"

"Yes. Zhang Zhongxun may not be perfect, but he has a good eye for people. That's why he was entrusted with Sinuiju. Also, although it's unverified, there's a theory that the Guild Leader was behind the failure in Sinuiju. It's worth investigating."

"Strange, Guan Hong, to think you're interested in a non-Hunter."

"We need to reduce variables. I don't want to repeat the same mistakes."

"Alright. I'll raise that issue as well. What's the leader's name?"

"Kang Mu-hyuk."

Having obtained information about Union Asset Management through an agreement with Ma Taesu, Kang Mu-hyuk made some necessary arrangements and then headed to the hospital room where Chairman Tae Jinsung was admitted.

He had requested a room next to the Chairman's from Ju Se-ah, but for security reasons, he could only be admitted to the floor directly below. Since the Chairman had been ambushed, one entire VIP floor was vacated to prevent anyone from coming close to the room.

Kang Mu-hyuk wheeled himself into the elevator in the wheelchair. When he arrived at the top floor's VIP sector, security guards blocked his path.

"No one is allowed in here. Please leave."

Kang Mu-hyuk observed the guards.

'The entrance guards aren't Hunters. The Hunters must be at the back.'

It was a standard protection protocol to prevent Hunters from being ambushed. Knowing he wouldn't be able to see the Chairman immediately, Kang Mu-hyuk addressed the guards.

"I'm Kang Mu-hyuk, the Guild Leader of Iron Will. Guild Master Ju Se-ah sent me. I'd like to speak with Mr. Jeong."

"Hmm, Miss Ju Se-ah sent you?"

The guards recognized Kang Mu-hyuk. He had been on TV and had met the Chairman several times, so they knew who he was. The issue was that he mentioned Ju Se-ah's name.

The guards were well aware, despite the secrecy, that Tae Jinsung's confidence was entrusted to Ju Se-ah. It was an open secret that she could be the next group leader. Given that one of her close associates had come, they couldn't just ignore him.

Plus, he was requesting to see Mr. Jeong, the head of security, not the Chairman, which made the request less problematic.

Kang Mu-hyuk had calculated this and asked for Mr. Jeong specifically.

"Please wait a moment."

One of the guards relayed the message, and shortly after, Mr. Jeong came out of the VIP ward.

"It's been a while, Guild Leader Kang."

"You don't seem very pleased to see me."

"Well, it still hurts from the time Guild Master Ju Se-ah beat me up so--"

Mr. Jeong's tone was hostile, likely due to the memory of being beaten up alongside Kim Myung-jun when Kang Mu-hyuk visited Hansung Corporation.

Feigning ignorance, Kang Mu-hyuk replied calmly, "Shall we talk privately for a moment?"

"If it's nothing important, just say it here."

"Our Guild Master plans to visit Hansung Corporation again soon..."

"Are you kidding me right now?"

"...But. I guess it'd be better to just talk, wouldn't it?"

"Damn it! You're saying if not words, then fists, right? What is it now?"

"Kim Myung-jun's contact number has changed. It seems like he blocked us intentionally. Please tell him we'd like to meet. I'm staying in the room on the floor below. Thanks."

Without waiting for a response, Kang Mu-hyuk turned his wheelchair around. He didn't need an answer. Mr. Jeong would report to Kim Myung-jun anyway, who was way too much of an overthinker to ignore his message. Even if he didn't feel like it, he'd come.

As Kang Mu-hyuk expected, Kim Myung-jun visited him with a fruit basket that afternoon.

"Yes, this is No Song-rin."

-It's me.

"Director Kim? What is it? The number is different."

-Too many people had my old number. I picked one of my spare numbers to use.

"What's this about?"

-Mr. Jeong said Kang Mu-hyuk is looking for me. Do you know anything about that?"

"I'm not with him right now."

-Aren't you in North Pocheon?

"I'm in Sinuiju."

-Sinuiju?

"Yes, with Guild Master Ju Se-ah."

-What's Ju Se-ah doing there?

"I'm still figuring that out. The Slayer Guild is here too."

-The Slayer Guild? What do you mean?

"That's... Ah! Guild Master Ju is coming now. I'm sorry, but I'll have to contact you later. Goodbye."

-Hey, No Song...

No Song-rin hung up the phone before Kim Myung-jun could say anything more.

Contrary to what he said, Ju Se-ah was nowhere near him.

After confirming that Kim Myung-jun didn't call back, No Song-rin dialed a familiar number.

"Yes, Guild Leader. I received a call from Kim Myung-jun, as you instructed. Yes, I mentioned Sinuiju briefly. Knowing his personality, he'll come by soon. I've reported to Guild Master Ju to station Go Eul-ji nearby just in case. She'll arrive shortly. Yes, no problem. That was part of our deal before entering North Pocheon, wasn't it? Since my life is in your hands, I have to perform my role as a spy well. Yes, I don't think he's noticed yet. Though, he won't stay in the dark for long. Be careful; he's not someone to take lightly."

Knock, knock.

"Yes, come in."

The door to the hospital room opened, and in walked Kim Myung-jun in a neat suit. It hadn't even been an hour since No Song-rin ended the call. Kim Myung-jun entered with a smile, swinging a fruit basket as if visiting a close friend.

"Hey, Guild Leader Kang, you should take better care of yourself. How much are they overworking for you to end up in the hospital?"

"I'm fine. Just a bit of overwork."

Kang Mu-hyuk had arranged with Ju Se-ah to have his admission reason listed as overwork. He was certain that Kim Myung-jun would bypass medical laws and privacy regulations to check his hospital records.

'Does this make me a criminal for falsifying medical records?'

Though it bothered him slightly, he had no intention of revealing his actual condition to someone from Ujungdo, especially a Hunter.

'With Go Eul-ji stationed in the next room, I've prepared enough to handle any crossing of lines.'

Kang Mu-hyuk thought about how frustrated Kim Myung-jun would be as he sat up at the edge of the bed. He casually placed the fruit basket on the table and got straight to the point.

"Why did you want to see me?"

"Your number changed, so I had to get in touch. I heard the Chairman was admitted, and Mr. Jeong was my only contact."

"Let's not beat around the bush, shall we?"

"Fine, if you prefer it that way."

"You don't look well, but you seem rather pleased."

"I enjoy my work."

"I changed my number to avoid this, you know. Let's keep it short, Guild Leader Kang. That's all I can handle."

"Union Asset Management."

"Damn it. That's way too much to handle."

Kim Myung-jun loosened his tie and sat on the sofa, clearly irritated by the turn of conversation.

"You're close with Hansung Corporation, aren't you?"

"I told you, don't beat around the bush."

"I have documents on Union Asset Management's corruption, including ties to Japanese guilds. Enough to bring down the whole company."

"We agreed not to mess with that side, didn't we?"

"We agreed not to involve the Slayer Guild. But Union is different. Even the Hunter Investigation Agency would drool over this."

"What are your reasons that you're going that far?"

"Tae Sucheol. White Tiger Guild."

"Haa, I guess this won't be short either, huh? How did you find out?"

Kim Myung-jun sighed deeply, ruffling his hair.

"Sorry, but I was just the middleman."

"If you tell me about the dealings between White Tiger Guild and Tae Sucheol, I'll destroy the documents. I won't use them again either."

"A good broker keeps their mouth shut. Don't you know that?"

"If Union goes down, your heavy mouth will find itself sinking in the East or West Sea. Not by me, but by the Japanese. I'm not that reckless."

"If only you couldn't speak. Even the mob and Yakuza would have to bow to you."

"So, will you make the deal?"

"Fxxk! Tae Sucheol? Damn it! Alright, hold on."

Kim Myung-jun fiddled with his smartphone for a moment before speaking again.

"I sent you a file. Check it and then destroy it. If you don't, I'm not making any deals with you again. Not sure this feels like a proper deal anyway."

"Don't worry about that. I don't go back on my word."

"And Sinuiju. What's that about?"

"Word travels fast, huh? Did you get that from your Slayer informant?"

"That's none of your business."

"We'll discuss that separately soon."

"Meet again? No thanks. I'll find out by myself."

"Sorry, you see what my condition is. I won't be able to send you off."

"Ugh! Don't pretend to be friendly. It's even more infuriating. And get rid of the guy in the next room."

Kim Myung-jun glared at the wall before leaving the room. After he left, Go Eul-ji entered.

"That guy is something, isn't he? He kept an eye on me the whole time."

"He's a well-known figure even in Ujungdo."

"Oh, so he's a bad guy? I thought so."

Kang Mu-hyuk gestured for her to stop as he checked his smartphone.

'An audio file?'

He quickly connected his earphones.

"This is...!"