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

Kang Mu-hyuk had meticulously planned the operation, readied the Hunters, and even deployed a task force in anticipation of unforeseen variables in conquering the Gate. Yet, he still felt it was insufficient.

'If this were a regular raid, we would have had ample time to prepare thoroughly. The current situation leaves no room for improvisation. But I can't afford to be careless either.'

He had to brainstorm alternative strategies to improve their odds, even if just slightly.

"I apologize for not meeting you face-to-face, and instead making this our first interaction over the phone, Chairman Han Byung-gu."

"What brings you to call me, Guild Leader Kang Mu-hyuk?"

Even though the other party seemed to feign ignorance, Kang Mu-hyuk found it irritating.

'He must have seen the guild app,' he thought to himself. In such urgent circumstances, dealing with someone who was already well-informed about the destruction caused by monsters would not be comforting.

Kang Mu-hyuk recalled Han Byung-gu's history.

'A first-generation Hunter. One of the few survivors of the Great War era. Current Chairman of the Hunter Association. Although he holds no real power, his disciples have significant influence in various aspects of the Hunter community. That is the extent of his influence.'

Back in his time with the Titan, there had been no occasion for Kang Mu-hyuk to personally meet Han Byung-gu. Han would only bother with individuals who were either Guild Masters of at least an A-rank guild or Hunters with top-tier skills.

Ju Se-ah was a classic example of someone who had earned Han's recognition purely through skill.

For someone not even a Hunter, like Kang Mu-hyuk, a meeting with Han Byung-gu would be impossible under normal circumstances. If it weren't for the assistance of the Guild Cooperation Division, even this phone call wouldn't have been possible.

"So this influential person dislikes the guild leader system? This complicates matters; future collaboration will be tough."

Kang Mu-hyuk was aware that Han Byung-gu was skeptical of the Guild Leader position. Han had openly stated that it was nonsensical for an ordinary person who had never been on a hunt to lead Hunters. Kang Mu-hyuk, who always kept an ear to the industry news, couldn't have missed this.

Given that Han belonged to a generation that had faced the pitfalls of the early Gate Era, his prejudice was somewhat justifiable.

However, clinging to past setbacks should not be the role of the older generation when it comes to shaping the future.

Faced with the dilemma of how to persuade Han Byung-gu, Kang Mu-hyuk reached a conclusion.

'This man won't change. There's no point in asking for favors or trying to persuade him. A hungry old tiger only moves when it sees prey. So, what is the prey this man desires?'

Monster extermination.

Hunters who had survived the Great War era typically had a visceral reaction towards monsters.

This was the point Kang Mu-hyuk needed to exploit.

"Are you not going to continue speaking? I postponed a meeting to take this call from the Guild Cooperation Division. Why are you silent? Time moves fast for an old man like me. Will I get to hear what you have to say before I die?"

"I've done some quick calculations, considering that time is of the essence for me as well."

"What? Time is of the essence? Seriously, always pretending to be so busy. So, what's this calculation about?"

"It's about whether or not this call is a waste of time."

"Huh? Haha, look at you, acting so high and mighty just because you're running a small guild."

"Mr. Association President, right now, a thousand orcs are moving south. Our guild has no intention of letting them reach South Pocheon. But if you're going to keep picking fights with the Hunters who are risking their lives to protect citizens, then what's the point in continuing this call?"

.....

"You should know well, having lived through the era of the Great War. The battle against monsters is a battle against time."

.....

"Shall we continue this call?"

"...I apologize. Go on."

"We need support."

"I've been gathering forces, but the situation is too abrupt; it's going to take time. I can send emergency standby troops, but their strength would be just a drop in the bucket compared to the orc army. It will take a while."

"Any support will do. What about you coming down yourself first, Mr. President? We need someone with experience from the era of the Great War."

"Ha! What, you're trying to put an old man to work? No Hunter has ever dared to suggest such a thing. Is it because you're not a Hunter that you lack common sense?"

"Let me reiterate, we don't have time. Are you coming, or not?"

"Agh! You and your Guild Leader are cut from the same cloth. Unfortunately, I can't come. Didn't the Guild Cooperation Division tell you? I'm in Japan on business for the World Hunter Association."

'Of all times, he has to be away now.'

Kang Mu-hyuk felt a sense of difficulty and at the same time saw the limitations of the Hunter Association. The system that had long dominated the industry was no longer functioning properly. What use was the association if it couldn't provide help when it was most needed?

Kang Mu-hyuk quickly regained his composure. One plan had failed, but he needed to let go of his regrets and prepare for the next step.

"Please request help from guilds that are under your influence, Mr. President. We need support as quickly as possible."

"It's embarrassing to say, but these young ones don't listen to me anymore. They're not willing to take losses."

"Mr. President."

"What is it now?"

"If you're embarrassed at this stage, isn't it game over? If you don't plan on retiring and becoming a backroom senior, stop being embarrassed. Goodbye."

"What? You little---Hey, hey!"

Ignoring the president's trailing words, Kang Mu-hyuk hung up the phone. He splashed water on his face and swallowed hard.

"Hmm, I've gone and done it."

The last bit of rudeness was intentional.

An old Hunter left with nothing but past glories, stubbornness, and pride.

Provoking such a Hunter might yield some results.

'If nothing comes of it, so be it. But I can't just sit around waiting for that.'

Kang Mu-hyuk connected a call with the Guild Cooperation Division for another mission.

"Chief Cha Gil-joo, this is Kang Mu-hyuk. I have a favor to ask."

...

'Ah, this guy's temperament is almost as bad as my own. Daring to scrape at my pride. What's he planning, trying to get something out of me?'

Han Byung-gu pondered in silence, wrestling with his thoughts before letting out a deep sigh.

'I may not like the guy, but I can't ignore the Orc problem. I don't want to see Ju Se-ah causing a fuss later. No choice then. I'll have to open my purse strings.'

He then dialed a number. After a few emotionless dial tones, someone on the other end picked up.

"Eulji, looks like I need you to step in."

...

"Team Leader Yeom Soo-hyung, I'm aware that you've lost your Hunter's license."

"Again?"

"I apologize for summoning you to the field so frequently."

"Why do you keep doing things that require apologies?"

"According to the emergency provision for non-commercial activities, I formally request your return to the field."

"And if I refuse?"

"You'll have to do it this time, whether you like it or not."

Yeom Soo-hyung sighed deeply, flaring his nostrils.

"I allowed you back during the Goblin Rider incident because we had no choice. But this can't go on. This time with the Orc tribe, it's not like we can afford to be leisurely. An accident could easily happen. Still want me to fight?"

"Yes."

"What if I promise to stop after this? Would you still ask me to go? The initial contract didn't include me acting as a Hunter, as far as I know."

"Then we have no choice. After this mission is over, we'll have to let you go."

Facing Kang Mu-hyuk, who didn't bat an eye at the prospect of losing a talent he'd gone to great lengths to acquire, Yeom Soo-hyung shook his head resignedly.

It was only four years ago that he vowed never to hunt again.

'Why do I keep getting pushed into battles?'

He knew Kang Mu-hyuk well enough. There were no compromises when it came to killing monsters. If the North Pocheon was breached, the next would be South Pocheon. Lives were at stake, which only fueled Kang Mu-hyuk's compulsion even more.

Yeom Soo-hyung knew that Kang Mu-hyuk was right, but he doubted whether he was fit for intense combat in his current state.

A thousand evolved Orcs.

These were not opponents he could afford to underestimate, unlike the Goblin Riders who were of lower class.

Moreover, he'd never faced a horde of this size even during his active years. Even for a battle-hardened Yeom Soo-hyung, it meant going all out.

The burden was immense, as he had to fight a battle with no retreat while not being sure if he'd overcome his past traumas.

'I may have to use my special abilities. Can I really control that power? If not, I could be more dangerous than the Orcs. It was like that before... and I'm not sure even now. Kang Mu-hyuk must know this, right?'

Sensing Yeom Soo-hyung's concern, Kang Mu-hyuk spoke first.

"Team Leader Pyo will accompany you. She will act as a brake in case of emergencies."

"I've failed before. I'm not someone who can just break any seal."

"This time it's a different kind of seal. Team Leader Pyo vouched for it."

Yeom Soo-hyung let out a long sigh and spat on the ground.

"Damn it. All I had to do was carry stuff."

"I apologize for forcing you into this hunt."

"Don't know if you're truly sorry. Tsk! Do I have my equipment? It must be stuck in some Titan warehouse. I can't do much without it."

"We took it out when we acquired Warehouse C. Team Leader An Ji-il should have it ready."

"You're pretty prepared, aren't you? Seems like you planned to fully reinstate me at some point."

"I didn't expect that point to come this soon."

"Let's give it a try then. After that... I don't know."

Kang Mu-hyuk nodded, seemingly understanding.

"That should suffice. I will arrange eight parties. Please take charge of the northern route as the raid leader. All you need to do is hold off the enemy troops while we deal with the main Orc force."

"Forty people plus Pyo Beom-hee... that's still too few against 200 Orcs. Our guys aren't exactly the best."

"That's precisely why I'm asking for your help, Team Leader Yeom. We have no other option."

"Threaten first and then flatter, eh? Quite crafty."

Yeom Soo-hyung grimaced, but given the circumstances, he accepted the proposal.

Suddenly, a thought occurred to him, and he casually asked, "Can we really trust Pyo Beom-hee's guarantee?"

"...Yes."

"Hey, you took your time answering."

"I just remembered something urgent. I'm busy, so I'll leave now."

"Hey, Guild Leader Kang! Hey, Kang Mu-hyuk!"

...

"Team Leader!"

"Hunter Kyung Soo-hyuk, I have to go out now. Is it urgent?"

Lee Jin-joo, having put on his equipment and prepared to leave, was met with Kyung Soo-hyuk pressing the issue.

"Why am I not on Team A? Not to boast, but I'm confident that among the new recruits, I'm within the top ten."

Lee Jin-joo, slinging her backpack over her shoulder, gestured toward the lake.

"Are you burdened by the idea of fighting a thousand Orcs?"

"It's not that Orcs scare me. This is a matter of pride."

"Ah, is that it?"

With a cheery clap of her hands, Lee Jin-joo suddenly grew serious.

"I know. Hunter Kyung Soo-hyuk is skilled. Additionally, Hunter Baek Seong-bin is decent, and Hunter Seo Dae-chi could also be on Team A."

"Are you saying ... it's because of their feud? You're saying I'm dragged down because of their fighting?"

"You were the party leader of that team, right? Why should I employ someone who can't even control their own team members? Cheolwon could be just as dangerous as here. I don't have the luxury to babysit unmanageable team members. Do you think you can control those two?"

Kyung Soo-hyuk was at a loss for words. He had no confidence in that.

Seo Dae-chi was, in a softened description, a problematic individual worthy of being called a 'double-trouble guy if not a villain.' Baek Seong-bin seemed to have an impulse disorder; he turned into a berserker at the sight of monsters.

"How should I deal with those guys?"

Kyung Soo-hyuk spoke in a raised voice, clearly frustrated.

"I, I mean... then we should exclude those two. Why me...?"

Lee Jin-joo glanced at the Gatewatch attached to her backpack, took a moment, and set her backpack on the ground.

"You had quite a few issues in your previous guild, didn't you? Always losing your temper, refusing orders."

"That's because the orders were unfair!"

"Learn another way. Don't let your anger guide you into making bad decisions."

"..."

"I had to learn it the hard way too. I showed those who told me I couldn't because I was a woman, or because my attributes were ambiguous."

Kyung Soo-hyuk felt as if he wanted to crawl into a mouse hole. His face felt hot, almost worryingly so.

'Ah, this is embarrassing. I look like a child throwing a tantrum.'

Observing Kyung Soo-hyuk's expression, Lee Jin-joo nodded her head, picked up her backpack, and started walking again.

"Ah, and also, you've been assigned to the second attack squad, right? The one that deals with the special forces. You'll be appointed as the party leader. Work well with Seo Dae-chi and Baek Seong-bin. Ah, I'm late. Good hunting. See you later."

Kyung Soo-hyuk mulled over her words for a good while after she left. Then it finally clicked.

"She put those two in again?"

Profanities flowed freely from Kyung Soo-hyuk's mouth.

...

Twenty trucks rolled toward the Sanjeong lake. Each truck, with a 2.5-ton carrying capacity, was filled to the brim with soldiers and cargo.

Kang Mu-hyuk greeted them and climbed into the first truck. Alongside An Ji-il, he began loading additional items before leading the convoy westward, where Jang Deuk-goo was located.

"What is all this?"

"Landmines."

"Landmines?"

"Yes, we got approval from the Ministry of National Defense through the Guild Cooperation Division. Since the collapse of North Korea, landmines are always ready in high-risk areas. We managed to get some from the nearby Pocheon military base."

Jang Deuk-goo responded with an incredulous look.

"Guild Leader, you do know that the mana dispersed in the air of the Special Activities Zone will cause gunpowder to fail, right? Even if you bury them, there's a high chance they'll be duds. It would be better to place them behind the barbed wire at South Pocheon."

"I'm aware that they won't work here. But when will we ever cover that large area?"

"Then why...?"

"The Guild Master said that those Orcs can smell the landmines."

Jang Deuk-goo and most of the Hunters nearby couldn't comprehend Kang Mu-hyuk's words.

Not wasting any more time, Kang Mu-hyuk lifted the veil on his plan.

"We're outnumbered compared to the Orcs. To avoid being surrounded, we need to restrict their movements. We'll bury landmines in this sector. Orcs that have experienced how dangerous mines can be will hesitate to move once they catch the scent."

The Hunters widened their eyes in astonishment.

Was it because he was a civilian? This was not a thought any Hunter would typically have.

'But it's definitely worth a try.'

Jang Deuk-goo inwardly admired him. Although he had always thought Kang Mu-hyuk was impressive, his respect had been primarily for Kang Mu-hyuk's skills in guild management.

Sure, he had seen Kang Mu-hyuk's raid records, but they were all just figures on paper.

He had always considered the success of the Goblin Tribe raid to be more about good planning than genuine skill.

The irony of Kang Mu-hyuk---a man who didn't actually hunt monsters---creating a battle strategy hadn't been lost on him.

Naturally, regardless of his abilities, he hadn't considered Kang Mu-hyuk to be particularly reliable in actual hunting.

'I have to admit it. You're incredible, Kang Mu-hyuk. Even setting aside the success or failure of this operation, coming up with an overall strategy and finding alternatives to fill in the gaps is not something an ordinary person can do. But...'

Having understood Kang Mu-hyuk's strategy, Jang Deuk-goo, like a seasoned Hunter, found a potential weakness.

"Let's assume the orcs pick up on the scent. If a large number of them rush in, there's a chance that one might accidentally step on a mine. They could completely ignore it too. If the mine doesn't go off, we'll be the ones getting counterattacked," Jang Deuk-goo pointed out.

"That's a valid concern. If the mine doesn't go off, they'll know they've been duped. Which is why we need this."

Kang Mu-hyuk reached out to An Ji-il.

He opened the case An Ji-il handed him and pulled out an object resembling a car cigarette lighter.

"This is what we used to detonate the mana stone mine in the past. It's fitted with an ignition stone and can be triggered remotely or set to explode at a specific time. Basically, it's a mana stone time bomb. It's also used to blow up waterfalls. What do you think will happen if we plant several of these and blow up a few orcs right at the beginning? Will they still underestimate the power of the mines?"

"..."

"I can't guarantee the success or failure of the operation, but from the orcs' perspective, I don't think they'll be too thrilled."

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