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

Chapter 144 - No Relationship Lasts Longer Than a Hateful One

Kang Mu-hyuk hoped nothing unexpected would happen in his absence. The Chinese side couldn't act immediately. It'd be too much for them to mobilize Hunters again after the attack squad in Dandong was wiped out. There was no benefit for them.

Sung Seonjae concerned him the most. Entrusting Sinuiju to Sung Seonjae, who could leverage Korea's top guild and its influence to the maximum, was like handing a cat a fish. That was why he left Ju Se-ah in Sinuiju.

'Though it's hard for her to match up to Sung Seonjae when it comes to plotting, our Guild Master has her ways to directly counter such tricks.'

Sung Seonjae knew Ju Se-ah too well. He would've anticipated her fatigue from dealing with the aftermath and cleanup. Conversely, Ju Se-ah also knew Sung Seonjae inside out. She used force when dealing with the Slayer Guild because it was the most effective method.

'Honestly, no guild in the country can brawl with the Slayer Guild. Our Guild Master picking fights with them just proves how amazing she is.'

Kang Mu-hyuk provided two reasons for leaving Ju Se-ah in Sinuiju.

"Guild Leader, you should handle the issues of the prison village residents' food, clothing and shelter since you have close ties to the Guild Cooperation Agency. We'll leave security to the Slayer Guild. Once the city stabilizes, we'll proceed with the Sinuiju Ltd. Guild Alliance proposal I mentioned. If you have any other opinions, please let me know."

"I'm fine. How about you, Team Leader Sung?"

"The people here don't seem to want to make decisions in your absence,anyway, Guild Leader Kang. So we'll just have to wait."

Sung Seonjae smiled knowingly. He had already figured out Kang Mu-hyuk's intentions. And Kang Mu-hyuk wasn't worried that his opponent had figured out his plans either.

'Team Leader Sung must know that crossing the line would destroy our relationship. As long as we are useful to each other, there's no need to become enemies.'

They had an unspoken agreement. With the Sinuiju matter temporarily settled, Kang Mu-hyuk boarded a helicopter bound for Seoul.

On the rooftop of Taesung General Hospital, the helicopter landed on the helipad marked with a large 'H.' The medical staff approached and wheeled him into a wheelchair. After various examinations, they moved him to a VIP room. Kang Mu-hyuk contacted his father to check on the progress of the making of injections.

"Can't you take care of your medicine properly? Lose them one more time, and I'll charge you extra."

"I already handed over my salary account to you. Can't you provide that level of service?"

"Your salary as a Guild Leader doesn't even come close."

"My salary's aren't on the higher end, though."

"The cost of your medicine isn't just on the 'higher end', you see?"

"If it's not enough, I'll sell my apartment. I can take a loan too."

"I'll handle it myself if I need to. I'll send the medicine as soon as it's ready."

After receiving medication from the hospital that alleviated the symptoms and pain of mana poisoning, even though it couldn't treat the disease, Kang Mu-hyuk requested information about the chairman's attack incident from Mr. Cho. Fortunately, before Mr. Cho had come to Sinuiju, he had instructed his employees to keep an eye on the Taesung Group. A day later, the awaited information arrived along with a man with a gentle impression.

"Hello, Guild Leader Kang Mu-hyuk? I work under Mr.Cho. My name is Man Suro."

"Mansur? Are you Arab?"

"No. It's 'Man Su-ro.' By the way, I'm not rich. I'm being worked to the bone by that... I mean, Mr. Cho."

"So the surname Man exists too, huh?"

"Yes. Our family's from Gaesung. There are fewer than 200 people with that surname in Korea. Not many know about it."

"But why are you here instead of Mr. Cho?"

"Mr. Cho took a sudden vacation after working overtime in Sinuiju, so I came personally."

"I was wondering where he disappeared to... But why go through the length of coming personally? You could've called."

"He ditched... I mean, went on vacation without leaving your number."

"Huh?"

"If you don't mind, may I start the briefing? Because of the sudden vacation, there's a lot of work piled up."

"Please, go ahead."

The briefing was short. Unidentified assailants had attempted to assassinate Chairman Tae Jinsung at his villa, where Kang Mu-hyuk had been summoned last time. But there was something unusual about this incident.

"In short, Mr. Jeong, who was in charge of Chairman Tae Jinsung's security, eliminated the assassins. Is that right?"

"Yes. According to our investigation, the assassins were five B-rank Hunters. Normally, the chairman would have been a dead man, but Mr. Jeong is an A-ranker. We suspect the assassins were from the White Tiger Guild. But the strange part is Mr.Jeong himself. No one around him knows his name. He's just known as Mr. Jeong. We tried facial recognition, but nothing came up in the database. We suspect he's using either plastic surgery or some item to alter his appearance."

Kang Mu-hyuk had a guess as to why Mr. Jeong's identity couldn't be verified.

'That's because he's helping Kim Myung-jun. His hidden identity means he was handling all sorts of covert operations. He's likely one of Kim Myung-jun's close aides from Ujungdo.

But the odd part wasn't about Mr. Jeong's identity.

'Kim Myung-jun. What is he plotting? He's the one who got Chairman Tae Jinsung's eldest son, Tae Sucheol, in touch with the White Tiger Guild. But Mr. Jeong, Kim Myung-jun's ally, stopped the White Tiger Guild's attackers who were hired. Something doesn't add up.'

As Kang Mu-hyuk was wrestling with the seemingly illogical intentions of Kim Myung-jun, he managed to solve the puzzle once he became aware of where he was.

'Kim Myung-jun... Taesung... Tae Jinsung... Ah? I see. It was because of Guild Leader Ju Se-ah.'

Kim Myung-jun was a janitor for the Slayer Guild, an agent for the Japanese Guild Alliance, and also a contract agent in the underworld of Hunters. Among these roles, the most prioritized one was being a spy for the Japanese Guild Alliance. And the reason the Japanese Guild Alliance used Kim Myung-jun was because of Ju Se-ah.

'Kim Myung-jun is scared of being killed after being used by the Japanese Guild Alliance. Failing could also be a reason for that.'

In other words, whether Ju Se-ah succeeded or disappeared, it would become a problem either way for him. To ensure his own safety, maintaining the status quo was the best option for Kim Myung-jun. This was confirmed during the 'Iga Clan Incident,' the assassination organization of the Japanese Guild Alliance.

'He wants to have both Tae Jinsung and Tae Sucheol, father and son, in his hold.'

He met the demands of both sides but ensured the outcome never favored one side too much, making decisions within a range acceptable to both. That was Kim Myung-jun's strategy.

'Now I get why No Song-rin called Kim Myung-jun cunning. He definitely deserves to be in the darkness of Ujungdo.'

While Kang Mu-hyuk organized his thoughts, Man Su-ro, who had been watching, spoke up.

"Um, the briefing is over."

"Oh, yes. Sorry to keep you waiting. Your clear briefing was very helpful. Thank you."

"No problem. I'm just doing my job for money. Haha, please use our services again. Dear customer."

After Man Su-ro left the hospital room, Kang Mu-hyuk felt the need to adjust his plan slightly.

"Looks like some stuff needs to be done before seeing the chairman."

His target was Kim Myung-jun.

'He's not an easy person to deal with, so I need to make some preparations beforehand. Hm, normal threats won't be enough to intimidate him. So, what should I do?'

Kang Mu-hyuk reviewed the cards he had or could prepare. After much contemplation, he came up with a plan.

"In that case, I'll have to make an abnormal threat."

Kang Mu-hyuk planned to propose an offer he couldn't refuse.

"What brings you to get in touch with me less than a day after arriving in Seoul?"

This was not a mere greeting. Sung Seonjae was genuinely curious about why Kang Mu-hyuk had reached out.

'It's not because he's worried about Sinuiju or doesn't trust me.'

Just as Sung Seonjae thought, Kang Mu-hyuk proposed something completely unexpected.

"I wanted to check a few things regarding the future establishment of the Sinuiju Alliance."

"Is it something urgent that needs to be decided immediately?"

"Not urgent, but necessary to address for future guild planning."

"Go ahead."

Sung Seonjae responded with a curious expression.

"Basically, you're okay with bringing in other Tier guilds, right?"

"Of course. And also, handing over the choice of those Tier guilds to us."

"What about the White Tiger Guild?"

"There's no need to include a guild with such a bad reputation. Honestly, their quality is too poor."

"That's precisely why I got in touch with you."

"Because of the White Tiger Guild? Or the decision-making authority to choose the guilds?"

"No. The issue of just the Tier guilds monopolizing Sinuiju. It's already an issue that we've included the Hunters from former North Korea, but it could also give the impression that Tier guilds are hogging Sinuiju. People might start complaining about it being an 'exclusive league' of theirs."

"We've worked hard to claim an area the country had practically abandoned. Will people really complain about that? Moreover, you almost died. Don't you deserve a share more than anyone else?"

"People in this field have no shame in face of greed."

Sung Seonjae couldn't deny Kang Mu-hyuk's words. But, his tone turned cold when it came to his own interests.

"If necessary, we can shut the mouths of both the government and the media."

Kang Mu-hyuk knew Sung Seonjae wasn't fond of the government. As Korea's representative guild, the Slayer Guild had received both scrutiny and favor from those in power, leading to frequent friction that was troublesome for the guild.

Aware of the Slayer Guild's circumstances, Kang Mu-hyuk wanted to use Sung Seonjae's concerns to his advantage.

"Is there a need to take the hard route? Let me guide you smoothly."

"I don't plan on taking the rough path either. If there's a paved road, tell me."

"Mix in some A-rank guilds."

"A-rank guilds?"

"And include a small government stake."

"I'm not fond of that idea."

"Just give the authorities a reason and a nominal hold over Sinuiju."

Sung Seonjae immediately understood Kang Mu-hyuk's intention.

"So supervise Sinuiju instead of the guild? That's quite a clever trick. How will you handle the Guild Cooperation Agency? They'll notice. Cha Giljoo is no pushover."

"I'll handle him. It won't be a big problem."

Sung Seonjae hesitated briefly. Before he could think otherwise, Kang Mu-hyuk added, "Team Leader. Mixing juice with alcohol doesn't turn it into juice. A cocktail is still alcohol, and drinking it will get you drunk. If we serve something this big, everyone will get drunk. The key is that we just need to stay sober, right?"

Sung Seonjae chuckled at Kang Mu-hyuk's persuasion.

"Seeing how eager you seem about this, you must want something, right? I feel like I should agree now just to satisfy my curiosity about what I want."

"Just allow us to recommend two of those A-rank guilds."

Titan Guild

Ma Taesu felt irritated after receiving a call from an unwelcome person.

"It's been a while, Vice Guild Master. How have you been?"

"Considering our relations, shouldn't you be more curious about me being alive or dead rather than my well-being? So, Guild Leader Kang, you're still alive? I heard the White Tiger Guild was messing around. Seeing as you called, I guess you're not dead yet."

"News travels fast."

"I always keep an ear open for bad news about you."

"Then you probably haven't heard the good news yet."

"Good news?"

Ma Taesu's face scrunched up naturally.

"As of yesterday, we took over Sinuiju. Together with the Slayer Guild."

Despite the brief conversation, Ma Taesu felt deeply shocked. He fully understood the significance of taking over Sinuiju. His face, initially filled with annoyance, now showed a mixture of astonishment and anticipation.

"You didn't call just to brag. Is your good news beneficial for me too?"

"That depends on you, Vice Guild Master."

"Tell me."

"We plan to use Sinuiju as a base for advancing into the Demonic Realm. We've already discussed it with the government and the Slayer Guild."

"No matter how impressive the Slayer Guild is, isn't it too soon to venture into the Demonic Realm?"

"That's why we're forming an alliance with a few Tier guilds specifically for this purpose."

"And?"

"We're adding a few A-rank guilds to the mix. Iron Will has the right to recommend two of those guilds. As you know, being part of this alliance could be quite profitable."

"Iron Will...?"

"We have a significant stake in the Sinuiju campaign."

Ma Taesu saw through Kang Mu-hyuk's intentions. He was offering a condition to recommend Titan for the Sinuiju alliance. But why?

"We don't exactly get along."

"I'm not one to base business on personal relationships. I do this out of necessity."

"That's laughable. What's in it for me? Why should I accept this? In the end, the Guild Master will get the benefits of joining the alliance. You're close with him, aren't you?"

"Let's frame it as your project. I'll support you. The shareholders and members will be thrilled."

"What?! Are you suggesting I break away from Lee Cheoljung, the Guild Master?"

"As I said, it's a proposal based on my needs. Unfortunately, Guild Master Lee Cheoljung doesn't have what I need."

Ma Taesu didn't quite understand what Kang Mu-hyuk was getting at. Whether it was him or Lee Cheoljung, they were both part of Titan.

'But reaching out to me instead of the Guild Master means it's not about the guild's assets. The only asset Kang Mu-hyuk could want from me is the information I hold. What could that be?'

With a light-hearted intention of hearing out his demands, Ma Taesu responded, "Let's hear it then."

"There was a company that helped take Hunter Do Kyunghoon and his members from our guild last time, right? It's one of Titan's shareholders."

"Union Asset Management?"

"You're aware that there's a lot of suspicious activity around that company, aren't you?"

"Hah! Do you think I'm crazy? Why would I mess with a shareholder?"

"Vice Guild Master, you love insurance, don't you? A Japanese financial company that hired you to shake up Iron Will. Despite your dislike for me, you must've had your suspicions. Am I wrong?"

Ma Taesu neither confirmed nor denied it, but he asked, "What about them?"

"Give me all the data you have on Union Asset Management that would hurt if made public. I won't question the source."

For a moment, Ma Taesu wavered at Kang Mu-hyuk's proposal.

'Damn demonic rascal. He's making it hard to refuse, timing it perfectly.'

Recently, Ma Taesu had faced scrutiny from the shareholders. His plans to oust Lee Cheoljung had repeatedly failed, causing some to start viewing Lee Cheoljung's abilities in a new light. This meant Ma Taesu didn't have many opportunities left.

And now, a large-scale project proposal? In collaboration with Tier guilds and the top guild, Slayer? He needed to check out the status of Sinuiju, but he knew Kang Mu-hyuk wouldn't lie about this.

'As annoying as he is, I must admit he's a good business partner.'

Sensing Ma Taesu's hesitation, Kang Mu-hyuk continued,

"Despite everything, we've spent time together in Titan, haven't we? Even if we don't have a fond affection, there's a kind of affection from hatred. They say relationships born out of hate last the longest."

"More like a relationship with zero affection."

"So, what's your answer?"

"Should I send it to your old email?"

"You've made an excellent choice. I guarantee you won't regret it."