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

Kang Mu-hyuk had more than just reconnaissance in mind when he deployed drones and unmanned aerial vehicles. He had two additional reasons. The first was to turn the footage into educational material on raid tactics.

In South Korea, only top-tier and A-rank guilds had access to strategic data from high-level Hunters. Even if a B-rank or lower guild grew to the size of an A-level, their raid quality didn't improve overnight. The footage from the raid against four powerful named monsters could serve as a crucial reference for managing raid operations. 

It was also needed to show newly awakened trainees a chance to see how top-tier Hunters operate. The goal was to encourage them to improve by providing clear targets for growth. Similarly, it would set an example for aspiring freelancers and high-ranking Hunters.

And the second reason– 

"The named monster ‘Abomination,’ once feared as a ‘Hunter killer’, a creature that brought horror in North America, has been subdued by Korea's Unified Strike Force.” 

“This footage shows the raid on the airborne named monster ‘Garuda,’ which flies at supersonic speeds. It was discovered to have laid dozens of offspring, giving birth to them which shocked the industry. Professor Kwon Seungjin, a leading figure in monster biology, commented…”

“Commander Sung Seonjae of the Unified Strike Force announced this morning that they plan to launch a raid against a Gate boss believed to be hiding within the Demonic Realm.”

“Chinese guilds have reiterated that the Demonic Realm is Chinese territory, expressing regret over the Korean Unified Strike Force's advance into the Demonic Realm. Accordingly, raising the possibility of escalating international tension." 

“The Kremlin fully supports the Korean strike force’s operation…”

The point was that raid videos could be used to influence public opinion.

“You’ve made quite a stir, haven’t you?”

Aila’s voice, an elf from the World Hunters' Federation, arrived through the receiver. 

Kang Mu-hyuk muted the TV and responded, “The Demonic Realm is a place where Chinese and Russian interests are deeply intertwined. Until now, Korea hasn’t had any influence there. With a passive attitude, we can’t even claim hunting rights, let alone solve any problems.”

“So you think things need to be escalated to this kind of scale?”

“The bigger the issue, the simpler it becomes.” 

Korea had indirectly declared its intention to advance into the Demonic Realm under the pretext of subduing the Gate Boss. Naturally, this threw China, which claims rights over the former northeastern provinces, into chaos. 

Adding to the mix, Russia—China’s rival—declared support for Korea, while Japan quietly got involved, claiming to offer support. All four Far Eastern countries were now entangled. There was a risk of conflict, similar to the ‘Hunter Wars’ that had erupted in the Middle East. 

“I hope your ‘simple solution’ doesn’t lead to war.” 

“I try to avoid conflicts between Hunters whenever possible. But sometimes, eliminating threats to humanity is necessary."

“I didn’t know you were an anti-Hunter.”

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“It’s different from those radical terrorist groups. It’s contradictory for Hunters to argue against hunting; it’s just backlash from those in power losing their privileges. I believe we need to eliminate those who justify human sacrifices for their own gain.” 

Aila didn’t respond immediately. Kang Mu-hyuk's opinion touched on a sensitive topic within the World Hunters' Federation because of recent discussions. Hardliners in the Federation argued for more active intervention in Hunter conflicts, even by force if needed. 

Aila, a neutral, believed in adjusting the level of intervention based on the situation. As the hardliners gained power, she felt compelled to express her opposition to maintain balance in the organization. So she couldn't agree with Kang Mu-hyuk. She feared agreeing with Kang Mu-hyuk might bolster the hardliners.

“Let’s move on. This topic isn’t getting us anywhere. Why did you contact me when you’re so busy with raid preparations?” 

“The World Hunters' Declaration.” 

“What about it?” 

“I want you to hold a press conference addressing clauses related to gated terrains like the Demonic Realm and the Desert of Death.”

“Is this about China?” 

“Yes. If governments start claiming territories, it weakens control over gated terrains. Priority should be given to hunting rights, not national claims. I’m asking the Federation to curb Chinese interference.”

“To do that, Russia would need to withdraw its support for Korea first, or it will seem one-sided."

"You as well. Put pressure on them along with China."

“Weren’t you the one who nudged the Kremlin? I heard you stirred up anxiety in Vladivostok and regional councils.” 

“Maybe I gave them a push, but in the end, it was their decision."

Aila was shocked.

If he had any conscience, he should've at least tried to deny it. Kang Mu-hyuk was the one who managed to draw all four Far Eastern countries into the Demonic Realm, but he seemed completely unaware of the potential dangers. 

Aila tried to pinpoint exactly what Kang Mu-hyuk had done.

“Even the atmosphere in the Japanese Guild Association Alliance isn’t good because of the named raid. We said we'd do it together with Korea, but you acted alone. If this continues, it could lead to conflict, and there’s nothing in the Demonic Realm to prevent that." 

“There’s not much they can do other than complain. That’s how raids work. When an emergency arises, the first priority is to deal with it. We didn’t sign any agreement to raid together, and we’re not directly stationed in the Demonic Realm, so immediate action is impossible." 

“But Japan might interfere in the future, and even with China and Russia involved, it’s not a country that can be easily suppressed."

“Is the offer still valid?" She hesitated, caught off guard. 

The three trials of the World Hunters' Federation.

Kang Mu-hyuk thought it was a test for non-Hunters to join the Federation as a regular member. It was actually a commander’s test of the Federation. It was to ensure non-Hunters had the leadership to manage Hunters. 

The exams were suspended after the Federation’s Russian branch leader, Yuri Kozlov, betrayed them, but Aila still wanted Kang Mu-hyuk to join.

“Yes, but why are you bringing this up now?”

“I haven’t passed the test yet, but I’d like to use the Federation’s resources at your discretion, as a future member. Is that too much to ask?”

“Are you trying to provoke an elf's temper?” 

“I’ve heard from Hunter Alex that elves are calm by nature." 

“Exactly. That means Guild Leader Kang, your request is unreasonable.” 

“Why?"

"Are you asking me to explain it to you?"

"But the less influential Federation in the Far East could gain a foothold in the Demonic Realm then.” 

-!!

Aila almost gasped as if stabbed in the neck. Kang Mu-hyuk’s remark hit a core issue within the Federation and aligned with hardliner views. 

Kang Mu-hyuk continued, “I know the Federation’s usual stance, but there’s also the issue of the unknown. The Federation should raise its voice. Think about it: the Amazon, the Desert of Death, the Demonic Realm, the Russian Permafrost, the Grand Canyon. Sure, the Grand Canyon is U.S. territory, so it’s easier for the Federation, where it has its HQ. But how many other places can the Federation really influence?” 

"..."

“I’m giving you a chance to reset the Federation’s direction.”

Aila thought Kang Mu-hyuk’s proposal should never reach the roundtable. Otherwise, it could divide the already struggling organization because of the clear visible benefit. 

Yet his next words made it clear this wasn’t a matter she could ignore. 

“I’m suggesting this through Federation's official channels because I prefer a quiet approach. I could involve the foreign press, but I’m reaching out to you first." 

“We’re allies. You shouldn’t threaten us like this." 

“Sometimes, you need a bold move to simplify a complex issue. Sorry."

Aila recalled reading a report about Kang Mu-hyuk’s actions in Russia. 

'If he’d made one mistake, he could've driven a wedge between Russia’s central and regional governments. He’s capable of shaking an entire country. He won’t stop just because I refuse. He'll do it no matter what!'

She realized she had no choice but to take on the responsibility. If the Federation was going to intervene, she had to be the one to bring it to the council.

“Okay. What do you want?” 

“Have the Federation mediate to readjust rights over the Demonic Realm among China, Russia, Japan, and Korea."

***

Meanwhile, in the Demon Realm…

Ju Se-ah roamed the area freely, without any disturbance. She inspected the Gates where China was scheming. 

“No Red Gates, fortunately."

“Too bad. I would’ve blown them up." 

No, there was one disturbance.

Igor Dudnik.

The Russian S-rank Hunter known as the Tyrant, sipped vodka and grinned behind her. 

“This is close to the Russian border. If you blow up a Red Gate, Russia takes the biggest hit." 

“You could always push it towards Vladivostok." 

“Still hung up on Nazezhinsky? You’re ridiculous. An S-rank Hunter holding a grudge against the wrong people. If you want to act like a child, return to Moscow." 

“I’d like to, but your plan seems more fun. Hehe. I can’t believe you’re pulling this off. Was it your subordinate’s idea? The one who embarrassed my brother in Vladivostok?” 

“Guild Leader Kang Mu-hyuk. And he’s not a subordinate—he’s a comrade." 

“I didn't know a non-Hunter, whether he's a subordinate, lover, whatever would be that bold. I thought my brother was crazy, but it seems there’s someone even worse in Korea.” 

“As if there could be anyone crazier than you.”

“I don't know about other stuff. But when it comes to this, I’d bet my money on Kang Mu-hyuk being the crazier one."

Ju Se-ah couldn’t disagree. Even she thought Kang Mu-hyuk's plan was pushing the limits. But without a hardline approach, it would be difficult to rein in the Chinese guilds. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have teamed up with the Tyrant for this operation. Igor took another swig of vodka from his aluminum flask. 

“That’s why I like Kang Mu-hyuk. He’s a lot like me.” 

“Like you? Absolutely not!” 

“No, he is. If something’s in his way, he crushes it. That’s how I work. I’m sure Kang Mu-hyuk understands that, so he joined forces with me." 

"..."

“Just watch. He won’t stop here. I’d bet a thousand cases of vodka that he’ll end up controlling all the countries surrounding the Demonic Realm."