The Time-Limited Leader Makes the Raid a Success - Chapter 136



Only Noblemtl

Episode 136

136. You don’t know, so why are you asking?

Seong Seon-je, who had been bored with repetitive paperwork, felt his mind light up.

It’s surprising that he’s in Shinuiju, which is Korean territory but not Korean territory. He’s asking for help? That Kang Mu-hyeok? Not cooperation?

Kang Mu-hyeok’s request that came out of the receiver was difficult to readily accept.

Even if we put aside the need to dig into that sinister inside, don’t you even know what the situation is right now?

Besides, it means that the Chinese guild is the opponent.

‘You’re saying you’re going to war? Are you really that violent?’

While I was silent, not knowing how to react, Kang Mu-hyeok continued his business.

-I think you are hesitating because you don’t know the current situation. The situation here is urgent, so I can’t explain the entire situation. However, it is true that the Chinese guild is trying to completely take over Sinuiju.

“Shingiju, it’s already abandoned land. Is there really a need for us to come out and shed blood?”

– I haven’t figured it out yet, but the Chinese guilds are connected to the top guilds in mainland China. Shinuiju is nothing more than a bridgehead for controlling the rights of hunters on the Korean Peninsula. If we don’t respond preemptively… … .

“Is that all?”

-… … .

Seongseonje yawned slightly as if he was bored and asked again.

“But it’s Kang Mu-hyuk. Don’t tell me what everyone already knows. Don’t try to beat me up with words. There must be something. I’ll be interested in it.”

-I will give you a gift.

“Well, you still have that wicked habit of bargaining over something that isn’t yours.”

-Are you aiming for the Demonic Realm? Shinuiju would be a good bridgehead.

“The bridgehead is better in North Hamgyong Province. There is a ‘Naseon’ city with solid infrastructure, and the access to Ma-gyeong is better on the Tuman River side. There is less chance of getting involved with the Chinese.”

-Instead, there are people here.

“person?”

– Descendants of the old North Korean hunters. You must have researched Shinuiju, so you know, the people of the prison village. They are hunters and their families who have lived in the Demon Realm for decades. They know the monster ecology and distribution, vegetation, geography, and resource gathering areas of the Demon Realm at a glance. Even if the Slayer were to advance into the Demon Realm, it would take a long time just to gather and organize the information there. The costs and sweat that would go in during that time would be considerable. These beings are valuable human resources that can shorten the Slayer Guild’s progress by several years. By the way, the people I am fighting with right now are these people.

“Wow… … .”

Seong Seon-je clapped his handset, holding it between his shoulder and ear, with a heartfelt exclamation.

“I almost fell over. Just try a little harder.”

-You’re very greedy. No matter how much money you have, you’re giving something that’s hard to get.

“There are some annoying problems. You should also suggest a solution to them. For example, the problem that the size of the Shinuiju is just right for eating and causing stomach upset?”

Seong Seon-je added:

“No matter how small Shinuiju is, it is still a city. If we send all the Chinese out, it will be an empty place. It is realistically difficult for us to defend it and attack the Demonic Crusade. Those North Korean hunters are bringing it forward by a few years? It will all be a complete waste.”

-You can join other tier guilds as well. We will form an alliance only for Shinuiju and Ma-gyeong. We will set up some kind of joint attack rules and put the Slayer Guild in the chairman position. You don’t plan on advancing to Ma-gyeong alone anyway, do you?

“The idea is good, but will they listen to us? I’m a Tier Guild member, so I don’t know what to say, but the Tier Guild members don’t listen to anything.”

-Don’t you have a Rider Wolf? Whether it’s a Demonic Realm or a Gate, the difference between having a Rider Wolf and not is extreme. The efficiency, such as mobility and transport, is worlds apart. I’ll bring that in as collateral.

Seongseonje nodded as if he was satisfied, connected the call, picked up another phone, and dialed the number.

“Hey, strategy team leader. Get the expedition team ready. Equipment is in a type 1 combat stance. The opponent is a hunter. Transportation is a helicopter. Secure enough for everyone to board. Assemble the members within an hour. Standby until further orders.”

After giving the order, Seongseonje said to Kang Muhyeok.

“Okay, I’m ready. But before we can start, you need to answer the following question.”

-Is it because of a cause?

“As expected, it’s easy to say. Even if we deal with the Chinese guild, it doesn’t end there. We also have to deal with the guys behind them. Even though it’s Korean territory, it’s half-abandoned land. It’s a place where even the slightest dispute will cause bloodshed. If we have at least some kind of justification, we can deal with it without the Chinese interfering, right?”

-That problem can be solved simply.

“simply?”

At this point, Seongseonje was truly surprised. In a way, this last problem was the most difficult.

The Slayer’s plan to advance into the Demon Realm included Shinuiju as a potential base. However, due to the conflict with China, it was put aside as a second-best option. No matter how hard he thought about it, there was no answer.

There needed to be a pretext to silence the Chinese guilds, because intervention without a pretext would mean confrontation with the Chinese guilds.

Even though they were a Slayer Guild, it was burdensome to confront China head-on.

-The pretext is to protect the citizens of the Republic of Korea.

“Citizens? Are there any Koreans living there? Wait. Are you talking about those North Koreans?”

-yes.

“That doesn’t make any sense? The government? If you’re trusting the Guild Cooperation Agency to proceed, then it’s a misjudgment. People who are sensitive to public opinion would never allow such a reckless move.”

-It’s hard, but it can be done.

Sung Seon-je was shaken by Kang Moo-hyeok’s firm answer. It was clearly a solution that did not make sense rationally. However, somehow, Kang Moo-hyeok’s promise seemed like it would come true.

‘As the strategy team leader, my judgment is ‘no’. But as a hunter, my intuition is screaming ‘go’. Haa, this guy really is a troublemaker. If we make a mistake here, we’ll be the only ones getting hurt.’

While I was worrying, Kang Mu-hyeok’s voice rang the alarm.

-I can hear explosions in the distance. The battle has begun. There’s no way out of here. If Slayer doesn’t help me, I’ll be buried here today.

“Remorse. If that’s what you’re hoping for, it’s a useless attempt.”

– I’m appealing that you’re missing a golden opportunity. If not today. Slayer, no, the Korean hunter community itself, wouldn’t even dream of the Demon Realm. Do you think time will solve it? What the Korean hunter community has lacked so far is not time or skill, but opportunity. Why would you shout ‘Even if you can’t eat it, go’ when you’re dealing with a boss that’s difficult to conquer at the gate?

“Yes. I know, I know. It’s obvious that if I don’t catch it now, I won’t be able to catch it. But I have to catch it anyway, so that’s why.”

-And it’s not impossible. It’s because there’s some calculation. Team Leader Sung must have made some calculations in his head. He said that he could do it if I just solved the justification issue.

Seongseonje groaned.

Even though he was someone I had never met before, he was always like this. He made a troublesome suggestion, and I couldn’t ignore it. On top of that, he used a way of speaking that made people feel uncomfortable for no reason. I’ve never seen such an unpleasant person.

‘It’s more annoying when someone is smart and mean.’

Seong Seon-je said, putting aside his regret that he wished he had been a little more simple.

“I have to report this to Gilma. I know it’s urgent, but please hold on. If you can just resolve the issue of legitimacy, I will provide support as quickly as possible.”

-Tens of thousands of lives are at stake. I hope this results in a good outcome.

“I promise you in the name of this holy man. I will definitely send support. If Gilma won’t send, I will go alone. Then, some of them will follow. So please hold on tight.”

-And I have one more request. I need to call Guild Leader Ju Se-ah. However, Baekho Guild is currently blockading Bukpocheon. If I explain, it will be long, so I will tell you later. For now, please step aside.

“If it’s the Baekho Guild… . Seriously, why is the Tier Guild causing such a mess? As you know, the large guilds can’t fight head-on because of their influence. There’s no reason to. Instead, I think we can block provocations. The problem is defending the Bukpocheon headquarters, right?”

-That’s enough. Well, I’ll wait.

As soon as the call ended, Seongseonje contacted Gilmain Samunhyeok.

“Your Majesty, I am here. I have an urgent matter to discuss. Please give your approval.”

* * *

“Yes. It’s Cha Gil-ju. Oh? Director Kang Mu-hyeok. I was surprised because the number didn’t come up. What’s going on all of a sudden… Shin Ui-ju?”

Guild Cooperation Manager Cha Gil-ju was very nervous about Kang Mu-hyeok’s sudden mention of Shinuiju.

After hearing a brief account of the situation in Shinuiju, he unconsciously grabbed his neatly combed hair.

“So. An unknown Chinese guild is plotting something in the Demon Realm, and it’s likely to affect the Korean peninsula? Is taking over Sinuiju a preparatory step? I don’t know how much to believe. Do you have any evidence? … Of course not. But it seems like there’s a lot of commotion around here… . A battle? What the— ugh!”

Cha Gil-ju took his ear off the receiver at the sudden loud noise. Rubbing his stuffy ears, he quickly looked for Kang Mu-hyeok.

“Director Kang! Are you okay?”

Although he was relieved to hear that everything was okay, Cha Gil-ju could clearly see that Kang Mu-hyeok was in danger.

“I don’t know what it is, but is there anything I can do to help right now? … … Yes? What are you talking about? Former North Korean hunters? That’s not something I can do. Public opinion is public opinion, but the moment that proposal is made, the government will be attacked by the opposition party. There’s no reason to protect those people while shouldering the political burden… … .”

-Guild leader Jusea has become S-rank.

“!!”

– The first Korean S-rank since the Great War. I don’t need to explain its influence and symbolism. If this news is spread, all issues will be covered up. Of course, please keep it a secret for the time being. The threat from Japan and China is serious. Assassins may come. Or there will be attacks in other ways.

“Is that really…?”

-We decide how to package and promote S-rank. Instead, we can help in a way that supports the government. We will decide the timing as well. We will prepare for the government to declare itself as an S-rank country by the elections this year at the latest.

Cha Gil-ju relaxed his back, which had been tense and upright. He leaned against the back of the chair as if his body was collapsing.

Kang Moo-hyuk continued speaking.

-We will attack the Chinese guilds of Slayer and Shinuiju. If you just resolve the nationality issue, we will not be able to directly intervene in China.

* * *

Kwaaang! Kwaaang!

Kang Moo-hyuk shrugged his shoulders at the sound of an explosion coming from nearby. Although they were still some distance away, the moment the defense line was pushed back, the enemy could rush to where he was in an instant.

He picked up the satellite phone and dialed the number for final arrangements.

-Chief Kang? Are you okay?! What happened? Where are you?

As Joo Se-ah’s voice poured out without a break, Kang Moo-hyuk took his ear off for a moment until it died down, then put his mouth to the receiver.

“This is Shinuiju.”

-Why are you asking because you don’t know?

“We are in combat now.”

Phew! Phew!

Joo Se Ah asked urgently at the sudden loud noise.

-What are you talking about? Are you fighting? What is this? Why are you fighting?

“The enemy is a Chinese guild in Sinuiju. I am fighting against them together with the old North Korean hunters here.”

-No, why are you explaining it so calmly as if you were talking about someone else’s business? So what do you want me to do? Aren’t you asking for help?!

“I heard about the White Tiger Guild. They’re going to put the brakes on the Slayers. The Slayer Guild’s expedition team has agreed to help.”

-Slayer? What kind of situation is this? No. That’s okay. Then, should I run to Shinuiju right away? Where should I go?

“I apologize for the lack of explanation. There are other things the guild leader needs to do.”

* * *

Noh Song-rin said as if she felt bad looking at Mr. Cho who had turned into Hyun Jeong-geon.

“I can’t seem to get used to it. This is the first time I’ve heard of something like a doppelganger trait. Does that mean you can transform into me? It’s really annoying.”

“I have a choice, too. I don’t want to end up like that.”

“How old are you? You talk too little and don’t fight. Oh, I guess I’ll just draw you.”

“Put the knife away and just deal with that guy.”

Noh Song-rin was holding a hunter in her hands. As she applied force to her hand that was covering his mouth and pressing down on his face, he was unable to move and was pressed to the floor, his face crushed.

Noh Song-rin turned the knife pointed at Mr. Cho and stabbed the hunter in the neck.

He held up the lifeless hunter, blood frothing from his mouth, and handed him to Mr. Joe.

“Okay, transform.”

“Who would say he’s from Ujungdo? He kills without hesitation.”

“He looks like he’s going to die, so I have to kill him. Aren’t you going to kill him?”

“I normally avoid killing, but… today, if I did, my head would be cut off, so I’m making an exception.”

Mr. Joe put his hand on the dead hunter’s forehead. After a moment, he transformed into that hunter. He copied the outfit as well, took off his equipment, and put it on.

Noh Song-rin looked at Mr. Joe, who had become a completely different person, as if he was amazed and gave him a word.

“You know? Your job is to kill time. Do as you’re told and sabotage the other side’s orders by confusing them.”

“You’re using me, a professional spy, in such a dangerous place. Kang Moo-hyuk, you’re going to hate me. You’re going to curse me.”

“If you’re going to have fun, let me join in.”

“Do you hate Captain Kang?”

“Oh, really. I have a stuffy nose just like you.”

“A pierced nose? I’m actually getting paid to do this work.”

“I also get a salary.”

“Considering the thing you hate, wasn’t your job to protect Captain Kang?”

“Uh. I think I can only survive if I save Captain Kang. I can’t get out of here with my own head.”

“You’re bragging about being stupid. Tsk tsk. Hey, aren’t you going to put your knife away?”

“Stop getting angry. You’re killing a lot right now… This is, for real!”

Mr. Joe smiled at Noh Song-rin, gave her his middle finger, and disappeared.

The sword stroke that had lost its target only cut through the air. No Song-rin grumbled and hid the body before leaving the place.

“I don’t know if this will actually work. No, I guess I should hope it does.”