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

Bam!

One punch crushed his sternum, ruptured his organs as if pressed by a machine, and snapped every joint in his spine. The Hunter collapsed, blood pouring from his mouth, nose, and ears. Around him lay others with similar fates, sprawled lifeless on the cold ground. Those still standing had no choice but to keep fighting.

“Run!”

At this shout, dozens of Hunters fled in all directions. But Igor wasn’t just going to watch them escape. He stomped down hard, sending a shockwave through the ground, binding the Hunters’ movements. Some managed to get away, but they didn’t get far—someone was blocking their path.

“J-Ju Se-ah...”

“Ah, so you recognize me. I must be famous.”

They had escaped the Tyrant only to be trapped by the witch. 

Realizing they were cornered, the Hunters lunged at Ju Se-ah.

'All I need to do is check on the Tyrant and leave the ones who fled to the other side be. I just need to finish off those who saw me.’

Ju Se-ah drew her sword. Normally, she relied on her usual martial arts, but this time, she wanted to end things decisively.

“More than 200,000 people died because of you. When you reach the afterlife, say sorry to them. Though there will be no forgiveness for you.”

***

Kang Mu-hyuk felt uneasy about leaving the Shenyang City Gate solely for Ju Se-ah. The entire purpose of this operation was to give S-rank Hunters the advantage in reclaiming the Gate. But with Kamensky’s sudden involvement, things could spiral out of control. Though he didn’t know Kamensky’s precise location, he knew the man wouldn’t sit idle.

‘He’ll likely scheme something and try to use this as an opportunity to strike at the Yellow Dragon Guild.’

If Kamensky’s actions aligned with his own plan, the Yellow Dragon Guild, which could only mobilize one S-rank Hunter, would have to make a difficult choice.

‘We don’t know Kamensky’s intentions, so it’s hard to gauge the bait’s appeal. Our only option is to give off a scent strong enough to draw attention to our bait.’

Kang Mu-hyuk visited Sung Seonjae and disclosed Ju Se-ah’s plan. He explained the current situation, including Kamensky’s unexpected involvement.

Sung Seonjae’s response was lukewarm.

“Going after the demon? Using the Tyrant? It’s a solid plan… But regardless of success, I’m concerned that even attempting to assassinate an S-rank could escalate into an international conflict.”

“The series of incidents—like the seizure of Sinuiju, the opening of the Demonic Realm Gates, and the Tumen River attack—were all based on China’s ambitions to dominate the Korean Peninsula. They provoked us first. If we just sit back, we’ll look weak. Who’s to say something like this won’t happen again?”

“So, the idea is to eliminate an S-rank as a warning and align with Russia…?”

Sung Seonjae raised eight fingers.

“There are the ‘Eight Martial Emperors’ in China. How do you plan to deal with all of them?”

The Eight Martial Emperors. They were China’s elite S-rank Hunters. 

Sung Seonjae pointed out the risk; if they all retaliated, Korea wouldn’t be able to withstand it.

"Russia has five S-ranks. We have one. That makes the score 6 to 8. If you take out Shimwol, it’s 6 to 7. That’s doable. Plus, Japan has three S-ranks, so China can’t act too recklessly either."

“If you’re trying to fight Hunters by crunching numbers, you might as well enjoy sports. This isn’t a game where things go as planned.”

“It’s not just about numbers—it’s a strategy based on real evidence.”

“What kind of strategy?”

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“Because China’s like a house of cards.”

Sung Seonjae nearly laughed out loud, understanding exactly what Kang Mu-hyuk meant by that.

China had the most S-ranks after the United States, but its influence on the international Hunter scene was minimal. The reason? China’s S-ranks were always competing with each other.

“There’s no organization like ‘Super S’ in China to represent S-ranks’ interests, as there is in the US. The Communist Party tried to manage them under one system, but with the various factions and regional warlords within the Party, unity was almost impossible. Expecting cooperation among them is absurd when even the Eight Martial Emperors, who possess superhuman abilities, can’t be controlled by ideology or censorship.”

“What about exceptions like the Black Dragon and the Demon (Shimwol)? If the Yellow Dragon and the Sundown Guild can join forces, doesn’t that mean other S-ranks could also get involved?”

“It was honestly a surprise that the Black Dragon and the Demon sided together. But they don’t truly work together—it’s like mixing oil and water. In fact, after the Black Dragon left to fight Guild Leader Ju Se-ah, the Demon didn’t budge. Now that the Black Dragon has retreated, the Demon will take the lead.”

Hunter confidence at times relies on arrogance. Hunters tend to get cocky at C-rank and even more so at B-rank, which has led to issues like Hunter bullying and violence. If they cross a certain line, they risk becoming the next Ujungdo convicts.

The only time Hunters regained some humility was when they faced someone of a higher rank. But S-ranks were different—they didn’t have a rank above them. When rankless elites gather, tensions are inevitable.

Even in Super S, reputed as the most democratic Hunter organization, S-ranks rarely faced each other directly; instead, their guilds act on their behalf.

Sung Seonjae, a former Hunter and now Strategy Team Leader, couldn’t dispute Kang Mu-hyuk’s logic. He understood this dynamic better than anyone.

He realized that, despite his reservations, the priority was to get the job done.

“Well, since you’ve already started, I suppose I don’t have a choice. What can I do to help?”

“I can’t ignore the White Tiger Guild anymore. I’ll tie them up with the Yellow Dragon Guild. But just letting them go would be a shame. I’ll use what I can from them, then get rid of them.”

***

Kang Mu-hyuk went to meet Eum Youngjon, the Vice Guild Master of the White Tiger Guild, with an unexpected request.

“I’d like to speak with the Yellow Dragon Guild. Please get me in touch with them”

“The Yellow Dragon Guild?”

Eum Youngjin shrugged, pretending not to know what was going on, but he was actually taken aback. It wasn’t that the relationship between the Yellow Dragon and White Tiger was being exposed—that could have happened at any time.

There was another reason he was caught off guard.

‘He’s way too outspoken.’

Although the Hunter industry was often seen as a world where brute strength ruled, beneath the surface, it was as ruthless and deceptive as international politics and diplomacy. In fact, it might even be scarier. Unlike diplomats who rely on political rhetoric, in this world, people negotiate with their lives on the line, often literally with a knife in hand.

When survival was at stake, one had to act as if they didn’t know things they did and pretend to know things they don’t, all while maneuvering to take advantage of any opportunity. But Kang Mu-hyuk wasn’t subtle—he charged right in, as if daring someone to crack his skull. And he wasn’t your regular guy.

It was no wonder Eum Youngjin was thrown into confusion.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about, Strategy Leader.”

He denied it.

Kang Mu-hyuk pounded on him, "The reason the White Tiger Guild went through all that trouble to join the Unified Strike Force—it’s all because the Yellow Dragon Guild made you do it, isn’t it? Oh, wait, that expression says it all. They didn’t force you. It’s more like a—‘cooperative relationship’? If that sounds better, let’s call it that.”

Eum Youngjin scowled. Even though Kang Mu-hyuk wasn’t a Hunter, he spoke with no fear, as if he were looking down on him.

‘Riding on Ju Se-ah and Sung Seonjae’s influence, he’s got some nerve, fucking nobody!’

Despite his irritation, Kang Mu-hyuk held the rank of Strategy Leader, so Eum Youngjin had to play along, replying with a forced smile.

"We’ve collaborated a few times at the guild level, but we’re not really close to the Yellow Dragon Guild."

“I know you’re not close. After all, who considers their master a friend?”

Eum Youngjin’s eyes flashed with anger.

"Are you calling our guild a servant?"

“Isn’t it?”

Kang Mu-hyuk’s eyes narrowed. Eum Youngjin’s fists clenched with suppressed rage.

‘Should I just kill him with one blow and make it look like an accident?’

But a wave of murderous intent from nearby made him unclench his fists.

‘Who is it? Sung Seonjae? Jang Deokgoo?’

As he got rid of his killing intent, the other disappeared too.

Eum Youngjin broke into a cold sweat. Not being able to sense his opponent’s location meant that they were either on par with him or even stronger.

Seeing Eum Youngjin back down slightly, Kang Mu-hyuk pressed harder, confident since he’d already set up security measures but still hadn’t received a clear answer.

“Here’s my theory. The Yellow Dragon Guild orchestrated the Tumen River incident, and the White Tiger Guild assisted. If the Chinese Hunter community infiltrates the Korean Peninsula while Korea’s monster defense is weak, the White Tiger Guild steps in to take control of the industry. Sounds plausible, doesn’t it?”

Eum Youngjin gritted his teeth; Kang Mu-hyuk’s guess was dangerously close to the truth.

“Don’t make baseless accusations without evidence.”

“Evidence? Who needs that?”

“You think spreading lies will make people believe you? You’ll only look like a fool.”

“Oh, that’s a bit troubling. So, what should we do? I know—how about this? First, we expose the true face of the White Tiger Guild throughout the industry. Murder, robbery, assault, money laundering, illegal item trading—everything. Then, we testify to this at the Tier Guild and the Guild Cooperation Center, building their reputation as a ruthless guild willing to do anything. And if we suggest a link between the White Tiger Guild and the Yellow Dragon Guild? Hey, these two have a lot of business together—who do you think people will believe?”

“That’s a lie!”

“Lie? Are you sure it’s a lie?”

“… …”

“Well, it doesn’t matter. If everyone else says you’re a bad guy, then you are. And you’re also “actually” a bad guy.”

Despite the killing intent emanating strongly from Eum Youngjin, he couldn’t act against Kang Mu-hyuk because of the overwhelming pressure that was still directed at him.

Kang Mu-hyuk drove his point home.

“Your fault for not making better choices in the past.”

“… … Hmph. Let me say it again: I deny any allegations regarding the Yellow Dragon Guild.”

“Alright, let’s assume that’s true. What’s next?”

“However, since I do have some connections with the Yellow Dragon Guild, I can provide you with their contact information.”

“Good. You know how to handle people well, Vice Guild Master Eum Youngjin. This was a productive conversation.”

“Oh, don’t mention it. I hope we can clear up misunderstandings through dialogue like this in the future as well.”

Kang Mu-hyuk and Eum Youngjin shook hands, both smiling brightly as though they hadn’t just been arguing. But beneath his forced smile, Eum Youngjin’s face showed his frustration.

‘This jerk. Just wait—I’ll catch you and kill you.’

***

“My name is Kang Mu-hyuk from Iron Will. Team Leader Guan Hong.”

For a moment, Guan Hong doubted his ears.

‘How did he get my contact information?’

The only ones who could have leaked it were in the White Tiger Guild.

‘Did they betray me?’

When Guan Hong didn’t respond, Kang Mu-hyuk continued, “The rumors about the White Tiger Guild are pretty terrible. But maybe they’re not true; after all, they were quite cooperative.”

These words helped Guan Hong regain his composure.

“Divide and Conquer? You must’ve read The Art of War. Trying to make me doubt others?”

“I got sidetracked. I know you’re busy with the Shenyang Gate situation, so I’ll get to the point.”

“Shenyang City?!”

The mention of Shenyang City startled Guan Hong. Angered that his uncomfortable situation had been exposed, he expected his opponent to relax and push him.

“The Tyrant has taken control of the Shenyang City Gate. Russia plans to destroy it, just like you did with the Tumen River.”

Kang Mu-hyuk was speculating based on Lee Sookyoung’s previous observations of a device in the Demonic Realm and the fact that the Jilin City Gate opened precisely when China needed it.

Could China have the ability to force open the Gates?

Even though his statement was just a well-educated threat, Kang Mu-hyuk knew that Kamensky had evidence of a device at the Jilin City Gate. This made Guan Hong take his words seriously.

For China, Korea, and Russia, this was now a shared problem.

“The Reaper and the Tyrant… Was it a diversion? Impressive.”

From Guan Hong’s response, Kang Mu-hyuk inferred Kamensky’s location.

‘We took control of Shenyang City, and Russia attacked other Gates. But Guan Hong referred to a diversion involving an envoy, meaning Kamensky has already moved.’

So where would Kamensky target next?

The only strategically significant point remaining in the Demonic Realm was a single Gate.

‘The Jilin City Gate?’

But wasn’t the Jilin City Gate already opened and used to destroy the Tumen River?

‘Then, there’s still something in Jilin City causing issues for the Yellow Dragon Guild. Perhaps it’s the device that Hunter Lee Sookyoung saw…’

Having quickly pieced together the clues, Kang Mu-hyuk continued, directing Guan Hong’s anger toward another target.

“The Tyrant’s younger brother is quite the strategist. Even I was surprised. I didn’t expect him to go that far.”

Guan Hong knew who he was talking about—the Tyrant’s younger brother was someone like himself.

‘Darden! How dare you mess with me?’

Usually, he’d have reacted calmly, but with two S-ranks attacking simultaneously and the Black Dragon incapacitated, Guan Hong was overwhelmed.

“So why did you contact me?”

“In one hour, we’ll be informing the Chinese intelligence agency about the Shenyang Gate situation. The Communist Party leadership will hear about it too.”

“What?!”

“If things blow up there, Hebei Province and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region will also be affected. I hope you make the right choice before then.”