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

Thud!

The gavel hit the desk hard and flew into the air. The head of the gavel broke off and rolled on the ground. After that, the room fell silent. The committee members had entered the hearing room. Each of them had a different expression. Some looked troubled, some seemed unsure, and others simply crossed their arms, saying nothing but letting their gestures speak for themselves.

The chairman had thrown the gavel. He fixed his angry expression and calmed himself. After taking a few deep breaths, he made a final remark to the assembly before walking out.

"We will take a short break. We'll reconvene in an hour. Be prepared. The next session will be a public hearing. Also, get me a new gavel."

He handed the broken gavel to his assistant and left. The members of the 'Hunter Special Committee' gathered in small groups. They talked among themselves, ignoring party lines.

"Weren't Taesung and Iron Will on bad terms?" one asked.

"That's what I thought. There were rumors that Ju Se-ah, the Guild Master, was Tae Jinsung's illegitimate child. Their relationship wasn't supposed to be that good."

"Then why is Chairman Tae pushing for the public hearing?"

"Tsk, tsk! Are you serious? Do you really think their relationship is that bad? Blood is always thicker than water. And believe me, no daughter truly hates her rich dad. Isn't Ju Se-ah the Guild Master of Iron Will because Chairman Tae pulled some strings?"

"Now that you mention it, my daughter and I argue sometimes, but it's not because we hate each other."

As they began to relax, the chaotic situation started to settle down bit by bit. But even though they could now understand the situation, it was still confusing why the chairman agreed to Chairman Tae Jinsung's request for a public hearing, especially after losing his temper.

"It's not that strange. He's just repaying what he owes."

"Chairman Jung Woosu? He has a reputation for being squeaky clean. We've had a hard time because nothing we do can sway him."

"He didn't take any money."

"Then what did he take?"

"He owes him a life instead."

"A life? Whose life?"

"Not his own. His wife's."

"His wife? What do you mean?"

"Years ago, Chairman Jung's wife was very seriously sick. At that time, he was just a rookie human rights lawyer with little real influence. Chairman Tae got her admitted to his hospital right away and saved her life. Now it's time for him to pay him back."

"Hah, Chairman Tae really knows how to plan ahead, doesn't he? Grooming rookies like that."

"Is there anyone here who hasn't been influenced by Chairman Tae? We just didn't know things would end up like this."

The lawmakers all frowned, their expressions bitter. They didn't care much about their parties being embarrassed in Cheongjin City in front of monsters. What really mattered was that the defense situation in North Hamgyong Province had been fully exposed to the public.

This would start to create cracks in public support for the two-party system. Public opinion was turning negative, and the polling numbers showed it.

Suddenly, the third party, which only had 21 seats and barely counted as a negotiating group in the National Assembly, started to gain popularity.

Regions like Chungcheong, Hwanghae, and even Hamgyong---areas known for having traditionally moderate voters, including former North Korean territories---were shifting their political loyalties. If this kept up, the country would move from a two-party to a three-party system.

The two major parties had tried to distract the public by using the Cheongjin incident as an excuse to demand accountability. They planned to keep the investigation a secret and only share a carefully edited outcome with the public. But Chairman Tae Jinsung's involvement had ruined their plan. They wanted to refuse him, but they had accepted too much from him to ignore his request.

It was almost funny how one word from a chairman of a conglomerate had forced the hearing to go public, while public pressure and media attention had hardly made them flinch. Now, with no idea what their opponent had planned for the public hearing, anxiety spread among them.

As the tension grew, one lawmaker sighed and made a suggestion, "Instead of standing around, why don't we grab some tea? It might help if we align our questions."

"You're right. If we work together, taking down a single Guild Leader--- who's not even a Hunter---will be a piece of cake."

A car had just crossed the Mapo Bridge and entered Yeouido. Kang Mu-hyuk was driving through the Guild District, which used to be Yeouido Park. Soon, the National Assembly building would be in view. He looked up at the tall guild buildings, which looked like skyscrapers, while listening carefully to his smartphone.

"Thank you, Chairman."

-- How did you know I had so many political connections?

"My previous job was with an A-rank guild. Actually, I'm passing by it right now. Brings back memories."

-- Enough with the small talk.

"Even A-rank guilds regularly bribe politicians. Do you think major corporations care about what's legal or illegal? Everyone knows politicians are just tools for the super rich."

-- As if it's ever been any different.

"It's different now. Back then, it was a mutually beneficial relationship."

The connection between politicians and conglomerates used to be a balance of power, where they could either clash or thrive together. But that balance was disrupted when monsters appeared.

"After the Great War, guilds became powerful. After the Minor War, companies in Gate-related industries took full control of society. It's no wonder that politicians bend over backward to represent their interests. Everyone in the industry knows the Hunter Special Committee was created because of the deep-rooted ties between politics, corporations, and guilds. But now, those ties are more like master-servant relationships at this point."

-- Because of that, I had to use a valuable card on something trivial.

"If you have a strong hand, you can make bigger bets. I'm thankful you used that card for me."

-- I didn't do it because I like you.

"I know. I'm not exactly the most likable person. But at least I'm nice to look at."

-- Stop with the jokes. You sound too frivolous.

"I'm just saying that I'll be in the public eye. People may claim looks don't matter, but in reality, they do."

-- No need to explain. I get your point.

Tae Jinsung cleared his throat to ease the awkward mood. Kang Mu-hyuk kept talking, "What I'm really saying is, we both have things to gain. It's in our best interest to cooperate."

-- And that's what the public hearing is about? I don't see how this benefits me.

"It's just part of the process. A step toward getting what you really want."

-- Let's see what you can do. I'm expecting results.

"Yes. Please wait. I'll give you something  truly special."

As Kang Mu-hyuk entered the National Assembly, he ended the call.

The vehicle stopped in front of the National Assembly building. Many media outlets and reporters had already gathered, swarming around his car. It had been less than an hour since the hearing went public, but the media had caught wind and rushed over. This was no accident---Tae Jinsung had arranged everything in advance.

Behind Kang Mu-hyuk's car, several tinted SUVs arrived. Plainclothes investigators from the Hunter Investigation Agency stepped out. However, they stayed close to their cars to avoid being recognized. The investigators moved ahead of Kang Mu-hyuk's car. They formed a path to the door and opened it for him.

As soon as Kang Mu-hyuk stepped out, the sound of cameras clicking filled the air. Flashes went off everywhere, and the scene became chaotic. It was like a bustling marketplace. The noise of overlapping voices was so loud it sounded like a different language.

"How do you feel about appearing at the hearing?"

"What do you think of the forced summons, with even the Hunter Investigation Agency involved?"

"Where is Guild Master Ju Se-ah? Did she say anything about you attending the hearing?"

"Guild Leader Kang, some say your actions in Cheongjin City were too extreme. What's your response?"

Kang Mu-hyuk didn't answer any of the reporters. Instead, he turned back toward his car and leaned inside.

The reporters went quiet, curious about what he was doing. Kang Mu-hyuk pulled out a piece of clothing and shook it hard to remove the dust. People nearby coughed from the dust, and some even stepped back, covering their mouths.

As the crowd moved away, a small space cleared around Kang Mu-hyuk. With more distance, the garment became visible. It was a black coat, trimmed with gold embroidery along the edges. The coat was armored but so dirty with dust and dirt that it looked gray in some places.

Kang Mu-hyuk put on the dirty armored coat. The Iron Will Guild logo on the chest immediately caught everyone's attention. With that single piece of clothing, he transformed from an ordinary person into a Hunter.

For a brief moment, the chaos faded, leaving only the sound of camera shutters echoing in the air.

"As the Guild Leader of the Iron Will Guild, I will answer the questions at this hearing sincerely."

It was as if a spell had been broken as soon as he spoke. The silence was shattered and reporters resumed bombarding him with questions as he made his way into the main building.

In his office, Chairman Jung Woosu watched the scene unfold live on television. He frowned and pointed at Kang Mu-hyuk, sneering at his assistant.

"That guy's Guild Leader? Ha! He'd make a better politician."

It was a decent bit of showmanship. Kang Mu-hyuk had chosen to put on his armored coat in front of the cameras instead of arriving already dressed. This move made it clear to everyone that he wasn't just a regular person---he was the leader responsible for a guild.

Plus, even the coat itself told a story. Covered in dust, it looked as if he had just come from the battlefield. The contrast between the pristine suit underneath and the dirty coat was intentional.

"Still, appearances matter. The public will only see that coat. Chairman, it's time. Shall we go?"

The assistant tapped his wristwatch, prompting Jung Woosu to rise. He adjusted his suit in front of a mirror near the office entrance. Since his opponent had donned full armor, he found it only fitting to ensure his own sharp appearance as well.

As he straightened his clothes, Jung Woosu muttered, "I may have allowed the public hearing, but nobody said I had to surrender control of its content. Chairman Tae, I owe you nothing now."

As with most hearings, they didn't jump right into the main issues from the start. Before launching their attacks, lawmakers went through formalities. They needed to justify their positions, protect themselves, and set the stage to avoid taking the blame. As officials, they had to follow decorum and prevent any controversy from spiraling out of control. The groundwork was crucial to keep the hearing focused to keep pointless chatter from escalating.

Only after the formalities were completed did the real questioning start.

"Guild Leader Kang Mu-hyuk, you're accused of falsifying the Cheongjin City war report. Did you do that?"

"My intention was to make sure people understood the reality of the battlefield---"

"Don't drag this out! Just answer yes or no."

"..."

"Guild Leader Kang, the Guild Cooperation Agency is a government department, right?"

"Yes, that's correct."

"Then why did a mere guild use a government department for its private reasons? Isn't that a form of state corruption?"

"The role of the Guild Cooperation Agency is to support guilds so they can effectively deal with monster threats---"

"Are you lecturing me? Do you think we don't know what the Cooperation Agency does? Just answer the question properly."

"..."

Time passed, with Kang Mu-hyuk mostly listening to the questions and giving unclear answers. Even the viewers watching the hearing on TV were starting to lose interest.

The hearing was neither exciting nor focused, and Kang Mu-hyuk's responses were vague. With nothing gripping happening, the hearing's ratings began to fall in real time. As the public's attention drifted, Chairman Jung Woosu glanced at one of his party's opposition members.

"Guild Leader Kang Mu-hyuk, there are many suspicions surrounding you. Let's talk about the Cheorwon Gate incident. Before the Orc Tribe raid, some of the orcs crossed into South Pocheon because the North Pocheon fence wasn't patrolled properly, which caused many casualties. Is this true?"

"Although it has nothing to do with the Cheongjin City incident, yes, it's true."

"Whether it's related or not isn't for you to decide. The point is that it's true, right?"

"Yes."

"And what about the Sinuiju incident? It's not well-known yet, but... Didn't you handle that as well? Our investigation shows hundreds died, and families of former North Korean Hunters who took part in a coup gained South Korean citizenship. You arranged for that as well, didn't you?"

"Yes, I did."

The questioning lawmaker's eyes widened in shock.

"Isn't that odd? A civilian---not even a Hunter, but the Guild Leader of a mere C-rank guild, not a high-tier one---was involved in both the Cheorwon Gate incident and the Sinuiju incident. These events are serious national security risks. Doesn't that show a complete disregard for the government? If you had worked with the government, I might understand. But no, you led a war with hundreds of Hunters, took control of a city, and brought coup participants in as new South Korean citizens. Who do you think you are? What gives you the right to act like you represent the government?"

Kang Mu-hyuk didn't respond with words. Instead, he stood up suddenly. He stared down at the lawmaker who had just yelled at him. The lawmaker instinctively leaned back in his chair.

"You're right. It was an overstepping of authority."

"Are you admitting it now?" the lawmaker asked.

"Yes. What I did was an overstepping of authority because those with authority who should have done it turned a blind eye, so I had to step in."

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