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

Byun Jeong-cheol was monopolizing the break room all by himself.

Staff members who had come out for a cup of coffee turned on their heels without a peep when they saw him sprawled out on the sofa.

The Hunters also avoided him, grimacing as if repelled more by disgust than fear.

The break room was filled only with the loud ring of a smartphone.

One of the Hunters approached the engrossed Byun Jeong-cheol and kicked the sofa with his foot.

"Hey, the Guild Leader is calling for you."

"Calling? Why would he... Oh? I heard it was because I smacked that manager bastard."

"You caused trouble again? Didn't I tell you to moderate yourself?"

"Gi-young, are you going to nag at me too? I was moderate. I didn't kill him, you know."

Lee Gi-young rubbed his forehead as if he had a headache.

He had been warned by Jang Deuk-goo just yesterday. It was a harsh, painful warning that left him feeling quite upset. A command had also come down from the higher-ups to handle the situation. It meant to prevent any trouble.

But this guy...

"Anyway, they want to see you in the Strategy and Tactics Team's conference room. You should go."

"Damn, what a position to be a Guild Leader. Tsk!"

"The Party Leader's position is vacant right now. Don't cause trouble and be humble. Got it?"

"How does this make any sense? A non-Hunter being a Guild Leader. If you're the Guild Leader, you should be a Guild Master, right? Should we listen to someone like that?"

Lee Gi-young started to explain the difference between a Guild Leader and a Guild Master but stopped himself. There was no point in straining his mouth, as Byun Jeong-cheol would just let it go in one ear and out the other. Even if he took the time to explain, Byun Jeong-cheol was so dense he wouldn't understand.

He put up with him for the sake of their shared hometown, but the fool was endlessly causing trouble without considering the consequences. It wasn't just once or twice that this caused him difficulties. Thanks to him, Lee Gi-young had to deal with the fallout, even though they had joined at around the same time.

'If it weren't for the senior Party Leader, I would have kicked this bastard out.'

Lee Gi-young shook his head and left his seat.

After chuckling at his smartphone for a while, Byun Jeong-cheol got up when he heard the hustle and bustle of the passing employees. He stood up from his seat, claiming that he had forgotten.

"Ah, what a hassle. But I guess I should go? If I get an earful from the Guild Leader for no reason, it'll be annoying."

He feigned strength and swaggered in front of the employees before heading to the Strategy and Tactics Team.

—---

Kang Mu-hyuk was looking at Byun Jeong-cheol's personnel file when he checked the wall clock.

A considerable amount of time had passed since he had reached out, but he hadn't heard anything yet.

He had heard that the invitation to meet had been relayed. It was confirmed that Byun Jeong-cheol was in the guild. So why hadn't he come yet?

'Just as I heard, he's an insolent one.'

Kang Mu-hyuk did not show any signs of impatience or annoyance.

He had already expected this. It was something he had experienced when he had just become the Strategy and Tactics Team leader at Titan.

He was now at Taesung, a less organized place than back then, so there was no point in getting worked up before things even started.

Just as the second and minute hands of the clock met at the top, the door opened and a face popped in.

It was Byun Jeong-cheol.

Despite his tardiness, he entered the conference room with a brazen smile on his face.

"They said you were calling for me."

"Please, have a seat."

Byun Jeong-cheol plunked himself into the seat Kang Mu-hyuk had gestured toward, leaning back against the chair as if lying down.

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"You know why I've called you in, right?"

"Maybe, some sort of interview?"

"It's about the violent act against Deputy Baek Seung-hoon from the management team."

"Oh, that?"

"..."

"So, what? Should I compensate?"

"The term 'compensation' is typically used when referring to beating up a dog. Let's soften it a bit and say 'settlement'."

Byun Jeong-cheol chuckled at Kang Mu-hyuk's serious response to his light-hearted comment.

"Same difference whether it's a dog or a human, isn't it?"

"Of course, you, Hunter Byun Jeong-cheol, should first offer a sincere apology. After which, we will proceed with disciplinary measures."

"Disciplinary action. What's that mean? You planning to kick me out?"

Byun Jeong-cheol glared in a haughty manner, even going as far as to flare his nostrils.

Kang Mu-hyuk didn't change his expression or posture as he responded.

"We will gather evidence from the CCTV and witness testimonies to execute fair punishment. If the result turns out to be expulsion, you just need to accept it as befits a Hunter."

"F***, that's some bulls***."

"You sure have a way with words."

"Hey, 'leader'."

"It's 'Guild Leader,’ Hunter Byun Jeong-cheol."

‘Damn, what's this guy thinking he's up to? One punch from me and you'll be shitting yourself out of this world.’

Byun Jeong-cheol abruptly stood up and leaned forward, his fist menacingly close to Kang Mu-hyuk's face.

"Guild Leader. Let's have a clear understanding of things. We're both part of the same guild, after all. Just kick out the manager or whatever, why the fuss?"

"Do you know why we call everyone in the guild, not just the Hunters, 'members' or 'guild members'?"

Caught off guard by Kang Mu-hyuk's abrupt question, Byun Jeong-cheol scowled.

"What kind of nonsense is…"

"It's because we're all comrades fighting together."

Byun Jeong-cheol looked disgusted, as if he was hearing a nagging lecture, but he saw Kang Mu-hyuk's roundabout way of speaking as a sign of surrender and decided to let it be for the moment.

As he sat down, Kang Mu-hyuk continued his explanation.

"During the Great War era, it wasn't just the Hunters who fought against monsters. Soldiers fought, and corporate employees who supported the Hunters also fought. Women running restaurants cooked food for those fighting, and those who were injured or weak provided comfortable places to sleep and mended torn clothes to show their gratitude."

"Hell, how old is our 'leader' to be talking about the Great War? That was ages ago."

"It was just 30 years ago. Around the time I was born. Even though not even a generation has passed, it seems Hunters have forgotten those times."

"So what are you trying to say?"

"Managers are not slaves. They are supporters who ensure that you can hunt without hindrance and maintain optimal conditions. The role of these managers is the origin of the Hunter position of 'supporter.’ That's what I'm saying."

"So now it's a history lesson?"

Kang Mu-hyuk leaned forward.

"Do not harm the manager, no, any guild member, ever again. Don't lay hands on regular outsiders, either. As for that sincere apology we discussed earlier. And until the disciplinary measures are decided, stay within the guild lodging for introspection."

"This is insane."

"You clearly show no remorse."

"Well, who would listen to someone who's not even a Hunter? No, even amongst Hunters, no one talks like that. You seem to think being the Guild Leader is some sort of great position. You might be barking up the wrong tree..."

Suddenly, the shrill ring of a smartphone interrupted them, and Kang Mu-hyuk placed his index finger to his lips.

"Shh. I need to take this call. It's important."

"What? You've got to be joking."

"Yes."

Kang Mu-hyuk held the smartphone to his ear. He concentrated on the words flowing from the device, nodding his head several times.

"I understand."

After ending the call, he placed the smartphone in front of Byun Jeong-cheol.

"Hunter Byun Jeong-cheol. I've seen your personnel file. You hail from Ujungdo."

"It's nothing special. Just using my fists a bit."

"Before you arrived, Hunter Byun Jeong-cheol, I did some digging on Ujungdo through my own channels. That call was the answer."

"Damn it, what are you trying to do…"

"Hey, Byun Jeong-cheol."

"!!"

At Kang Mu-hyuk's icy voice, Byun Jeong-cheol froze.

Unable to admit he had been intimidated by a non-Hunter, Byun Jeong-cheol's eyes widened in rage and he moved to strike Kang Mu-hyuk.

If he was going to be expelled anyway, whether he hit the leader or the manager didn't matter.

However, Kang Mu-hyuk spoke first.

"You weren't on record at Ujungdo?"

Byun Jeong-cheol, who was about to rise and strike, suddenly lost his strength and slumped back down.

Kang Mu-hyuk slowly rose from his seat and glared at his opponent. Byun Jeong-cheol couldn't meet his eyes.

"What do you think will happen when the Hunters who had your back because you claimed to be from Ujungdo find out?"

"That… that is…"

"Even if they don't know, they'll be quite upset, won't they?"

"..."

"If you don't want to be discounted by them..."

Swallowing hard, Byun Jeong-cheol managed to look up at Kang Mu-hyuk.

"....know when to leave."

Byun Jeong-cheol's unfocused eyes trembled.

—

"Ah, dear Master. I can't wait any longer. I've already sniffed around a few places. If I can't publish an exclusive, I'm going to get roasted by the desk."

"Mr. Kim, how many times have I given you exclusives? Plus, exclusive interviews. But to be honest, I don't appreciate you sneaking around and coaxing our employees for covert interviews."

“Well, I have to get my story somehow. Last time, you did it with The Goryeo Daily, didn't you?”

"We have to give others a chance, too, so they don't get upset."

“Ah, I don't know. I don't know. I'll publish the article tomorrow.”

"I'm not asking for much. Just wait one more day. In return, I'll give you an exclusive."

“An exclusive? What else is there besides the Guild Leader system?”

"Something even more sensational."

“What, what is it? Something sensational.”

"You'll find out tomorrow evening. While other media outlets are making a fuss over the Guild Leader system, The Korea Times will be one step ahead. What do you think?"

“Sigh, I feel like I'm being persuaded by you, Master. Alright, fine. I'll take it up with the editor-in-chief. But you have to keep your promise.”

"I'll contact you."

Having concluded her dealings with the reporter, Ju Se-ah turned to look at Kang Mu-hyuk. He was nodding his head, as if satisfied.

"Did I do it right?"

"Yes, you did well. After finishing the guild cooperation meeting tomorrow morning, we can confirm and publish the article the next day."

Ju Se-ah shook her head, as if to clear away her complicated thoughts.

"Ah, why is everything so complex? I had to pretend to leak information by mistake and act like I've never done before. Can't we just give some money and let it be known?"

"As I mentioned before..."

"I know, I know. We need to divert people's attention. Therefore, instead of those who write articles for money, we need real deals. You've told me how troublesome it was because reporter Kim Jung-min is very perceptive."

"We still need to be careful in many ways. The revival of the Guild Leader system can provoke backlash from existing guilds. Also, large corporations unhappy with large guilds monopolizing monster corpses and various Gate resources will show interest in me. Our guild could get caught in a big fight between whales. Packaging the information as secretly acquired by a trustworthy reporter will boost credibility."

"I guess because the position of a Guild Leader would be distasteful in the eyes of old men. To cover that, we have to divert attention elsewhere."

"Yes. That's why the article about claiming the Special Activities Zone as our territory is important. The best way to cover an issue is with another issue."

Ju Se-ah asked anxiously.

"But, can it really be covered just by that?"

"The damages incurred due to missed monsters in the Special Activities Zone every year are quite significant. If a local guild is established, they will also carry the duty of defense, so it will be greatly welcomed by Pocheon City and the northern Gyeonggi region. I'm thinking of asking the government to heavily promote it through the media. It will be difficult to intervene directly because the interests are complicated. Rather, it is more likely that they will fight over the structure."

"What if they don't fight?"

"We need to make them fight."

For a moment, Ju Se-ah felt a shiver down her spine. Kang Mu-hyuk's intention was too malicious.

She was a Master of a Corporate Guild, but until recently, she had been an Ace of a Tier-ed guild, so she could predict how things would unfold.

Large Guilds and Corporate Guilds.

Although they watched each other like hawks, it was obvious that neither would easily back down if a fight started in this way.

'I was just thinking about how to block the tackles coming at the Guild Leader system, but I didn't expect him to start a fight this way....'

She thought it was impressive as she mulled over Kang Mu-hyuk's actions again.

Even though it wasn't yet in full swing, it was starting to produce results one by one.

The guild, which had been standing still all this time, finally seemed to be moving.

What had she been doing all this time?

A self-mocking smile soured her taste.

Ju Se-ah shook off her self-blame and changed the subject.

"By the way, you're expelling Hunter Byun Jeong-cheol, aren't you?"

"Yes, that's what happened."

"I've heard the news. But he’s from the assault team... I'm not sure if their representative will go quietly."

"There should be no problem. Hunter Byun Jeong-cheol is leaving voluntarily."

"That's the problem. He's not the type to let things go just because he's leaving voluntarily."

"I'm aware of that."

"You are?"

"Yes. That's why I recommended voluntary expulsion."

Ju Se-ah shuddered once again.

Kang Mu-hyuk continued in his indifferent voice.

"It's a kind of warning. How they receive it is up to them."