The Time-Limited Leader Makes the Raid a Success - Chapter 38



Only Noblemtl

Episode 38

38. The more friends you have, the better.

As Joo Se Ah walked into the classroom, she was holding a huge horn in each of her hands.

The sight of him walking with a bluish fluid covering his entire body was bizarre, if not eerie.

On the other hand, there were those who felt that the appearance was beautiful.

Like a goddess of war.

Joo Sea, holding the trophies that proved her victory, was walking with such a majestic air that she was more suited to being called a ‘queen’ than a ‘witch’.

The horns dragging on the playground drew two solid lines.

The hunters who looked at her tensed. They felt shock, fear, and awe at the same time.

They fought dozens of Watusi steaks and came back without a single scratch on their bodies, so they didn’t look like humans like themselves.

Kang Moo-hyuk, who had seen her through the situation room window, came out to greet her.

“Thank you for your effort.”

Joo Seah lifted the horn and threw it left and right.

Just the sound of the thud gave off a heavy feeling.

“Seventeen killed. We lost about four or five because they ran in all directions. Send a disassembly team to collect the horns and hide. Oh, and don’t touch the horns. They were taken out alive, so they still contain poison. Tell them to use heavy equipment to box them with seals.”

“I will pass it on to you.”

Joo Sea added, brushing away the hair from her face.

“So. Have you thought about this situation? From experience, the only thing that comes to mind is the king cobra.”

“Let’s talk after you wash up.”

“Hmm, I guess it’s not a king cobra. It’s a bit strange. Okay. I’ll wash up and come back, so please prepare the briefing.”

* * *

Kang Moo-hyuk took over a classroom and summoned A-rank or higher hunters. In addition, the strategy team leader and his staff were called in. They were practically the backbone of the guild.

As Joo Se-ah came in after finishing her shower, Kang Moo-hyuk picked up some chalk and stood in front of the blackboard.

He wrote ‘Goblin’ on the blackboard.

And then I wrote down the rest in one go, drawing arrows.

Goblin -> Goblin Soldier -> Goblin Warrior -> Goblin General -> Hobgoblin -> Goblin Chieftain -> Goblin Warhead

“You all probably know. It’s the evolution order of goblins.”

“How about that?”

Expedition leader Do Kyung-hoon asked in a twisted tone.

He was in a bad mood because the young hunters in his line fell for Kang Mu-hyeok’s sweet talk.

Kang Moo-hyuk continued speaking without paying attention to his attitude.

“Fundamentally, goblins are a patriarchal society.”

“Patriarchal society? Is there such a thing among monsters?”

“In North America, they call it ‘monster studies’ and study their ecology and habits. In Korea, it is still considered a secondary discipline, but in countries with advanced hunter culture, it is an area where research is actively taking place. According to him, most humanoid monsters are known to have a patriarchal society.”

During his time in Titan, Kang Moo-hyuk quickly accepted the world’s Hunter theory faster than anyone else in the country.

Foreign cases that elevated monsters from mere hunting targets to an academic field piqued Kang Moo-hyeok’s interest, and he wanted to actively introduce them.

If he had not used foreign research forums, it would have been difficult to catch a clue to the strange currents currently flowing around him.

“Back to the main topic. There are times when a patriarchal society like goblins suddenly changes into a matriarchal society.”

Kang Moo-hyuk erased the word ‘Goblin Warhead’, which means chieftain, and wrote the word ‘godmother’ instead.

“It is time for the position of Chieftain to be taken by a female rather than a male.”

“female?”

“In monster science, she is called ‘Godmother’ or ‘Mother Guardian.’ In our terms, she would be called ‘Godmother.’”

Godmother.

First discovered in Brazil 7 years ago, the A-class guild that went out to subjugate goblins at the time lost half of their forces and retreated.

The guild members were shocked by Kang Mu-hyeok’s simple explanation.

If a Class A guild was defeated, it meant that the Iron Will Guild was not at a level that could handle it.

“Of course, Brazil’s case can be said to be because it was able to grow its power by hiding in the Amazon rainforest. On the other hand, Bukpocheon, which has a significantly smaller area, is a bit different.”

The monsters that grew secretly in the vast jungles of the Amazon were on a whole other level in terms of both their level of evolution and their numbers.

It is speculated that countless monster species and tribes are still hiding in the remote areas of the Amazon and Africa, yet to be discovered.

“So what does that goblin godmother have to do with the current situation?”

When Joo Se-ah asked a question, Kang Mu-hyeok did not answer right away, but pointed to a number written on the blackboard.

“The hobgoblin is the only caster known among the goblins. However, this matriarch has also been confirmed to be a species that uses magic. The only difference is that instead of attack magic, it can use wide-range mental magic.”

“Does that mean the goblin was controlling the Watusi Snake?”

“Not only the Watusi, but also the blood squirrel is suspected.”

“Could it be a coincidence?”

Do Kyung Hoon intervened again with a nitpicking tone.

This time too, Kang Mu-hyeok did not answer right away, but drew a rough outline of Bukpocheon on the blackboard and explained.

“With Sanjeong Lake at the center, Myeongseongsan is to the north, and above that is Cheorwon. To the east is Mangbongsan, to the south is Sahyangsan and Gwaneumsan, and to the west is a plain that leads to Yeongbuk-myeon. According to the testimonies of former freelancers, the goblin’s territory was limited to the area surrounding Sanjeong Lake, while the rest of the Watusi snakes and blood squirrels were distributed throughout this wide area. In the case of Watusi snakes in particular, we confirmed through the guild cooperation office that several were captured in southern Cheorwon.”

“Is there no more Watusi in Cheorwon now?”

“Yes. Since two years ago.”

Joo Se-ah’s lips were tightly shut at Kang Mu-hyeok’s answer.

Considering the food chain, it was strange that there were so many Watusi snakes in such a small area, but it was also unnatural for these monsters, who usually live in burrows and only come out when hunting, to come out in a swarm.

But who would have thought that a monster that had only appeared once in the records would appear?

As a seasoned hunter, she was not pleased with this variable.

“I thought it was strange from the beginning. How can it be that the Watusi snake and the blood squirrel barely managed to move their habitat because of goblins?”

Baek Hyeong-gyu, the only hunter from the neutral line who attended the meeting, muttered.

Kang Moo-hyuk opened his mouth to hear his words.

“The same goes for Illandria. A monster that preys on goblins would not avoid goblins. That’s where I should have been suspicious. This is entirely my fault for planning this plan.”

“Huh! Then why are you rushing the plan like this… … .”

Do Kyung-hoon, who was about to criticize Kang Mu-hyeok, shut his mouth at Jang Deuk-gu’s glaring gaze.

Joo Sea asked.

“There must be a solution, right?”

“I think I should first apologize for that.”

“Is it difficult to subdue them?”

“It is difficult. Where is easy hunting? However, the part that I am sorry about is that I have to cancel the original plan.”

“If that’s the plan… … .”

“I will now go hunting with all my might. And the guild leader.”

“Yes. Go ahead.”

When Kang Mu-hyeok called her name, Joo Se-ah’s eyes lit up.

“Please prepare fully armed. I will deploy all of the guild’s top-ranked hunters into battle.”

* * *

While Kang Mu-hyeok prepared for a full-scale battle, he left the base camp to Joo Se-ah and went down to Nampocheon.

He asked for permission from Pocheon City Hall and rented a conference room to welcome his guests.

“I am Kang Mu-hyeok, the leader of the Iron Will Guild.”

“This is Director Oh Jeong-su of Hanju Hotel & Resort.”

No matter how much I look at it, he’s in his mid to late 30s.

He was too young to hold the title of director of a large corporation.

Kang Moo-hyuk looked over the personal information of the key figures in the Hanju Group that he had researched in advance, paying attention to the man’s surname, Oh.

“By any chance, your father… … .”

“Yes, that’s right. The chairman of the group company is my father.”

“I didn’t know the owner would come in person.”

“Originally, the head of the resort development department was supposed to come. But I volunteered and asked to be transferred to the resort. Until recently, I was in the chemical department.”

Kang Mu-hyeok tilted his head.

Oh Jeong-su, the second son of the owner of Hanju Group.

I was curious as to why he had gone from a successful chemical company to a declining hotel company. He even came to Pocheon secretly without any attendants.

‘Could it be that he was pushed out in the succession battle? It’s hard to tell without knowing the internal circumstances. Could it be that he is trying to claim the rights to the Sanjeong Lake Resort?’

Oh Jeong-su, who read Kang Mu-hyeok’s suspicious gaze, opened his mouth before any unnecessary misunderstanding arose.

“I don’t plan on claiming the resort as our company now. I’ve already given up on it. And it’s not even in the hands of the Ironwill Guild yet, is it?”

“That sounds like you’re saying that you might change your mind after you get it.”

“Among hunters, they call stealing items ‘eat’, right? We are not a shameless company that would ‘eat’ the spoils of war that others have fought and shed blood for. Rather, I think it would be more correct to say that I came here in person because I am personally interested in you, Captain.”

“For me?”

“I’ve been a fan of yours, Captain. Ever since the Titan days.”

Oh Jeong-su blushed as if embarrassed and continued speaking.

“I’m embarrassed to say this, but my childhood dream was to become a hunter. Fortunately or unfortunately, I never realized it, and ended up becoming a businessman. But you, Captain, became the strategy team leader despite not being a hunter. You even played an active role in many raids and turned your guild into an A-class guild.”

Not only the general public, but also many hunters had misunderstandings about Kang Mu-hyeok.

Most people think that Kang Mu-hyeok is the strategy team leader of an A-class guild, but in reality, it was he, the strategy team leader, who made Titan into an A-class guild.

The difference in perception was as vast as the difference between heaven and earth.

Thanks to this, many people considered themselves lucky, making it much easier for Kang Moo-hyuk to let his guard down.

This was the reason why Kang Mu-hyeok deliberately did not promote his own resume.

Oh Jeong-su was speaking with an accurate knowledge of Kang Mu-hyeok’s movements.

“But now you are the first non-hunter guild leader. As a big fan of yours, I can’t just sit still. That’s why I came to you at this age and complained to you.”

Kang Moo-hyuk looked closely into Oh Jeong-su’s eyes.

‘It doesn’t seem like I lied… But it doesn’t seem like I told everything either.’

After becoming addicted to mana, my five senses became more acute, so I was able to read the desires and aspirations in the eyes of others.

Kang Moo-hyuk started to guess based on his own experience.

“I understand that you disbanded the guild last week. Are you planning on re-establishing it?”

“… … .”

“Director Oh Jeong-su is going to take the position of guild leader, or rather, the leader.”

“Haha, as expected… . Did it look too obvious?”

When Oh Jeong-su made a clean admission, Kang Moo-hyuk could see why he had come to this place in person.

“Is what you’re looking for some know-how on running a guild?”

“I can’t hide anything from you, Captain. That’s right. Regarding the establishment and operation of the guild, I would like to sign an MOU between Ironwill Guild and the Hanju Group Guild.”

“Do you really need to do that with us? If it’s a one-week group, there’s a way to find a decent guild as a sponsor.”

“That’s what I, Captain… … .”

“Other than being a big fan.”

“… The guilds have become more vigilant. Everyone is reluctant. I didn’t know that the leader system was such a threat to existing guilds. It’s not easy to have a mutually equal cooperative relationship.”

Looking at the bitterly smiling face of Oh Jeong-su, it seemed like he had already been in contact with several places.

The neglect and persecution of the big business guilds was probably more than he had imagined.

When has the owner ever been treated like that as his own child?

Even if you think about the so-called reserve tier guild, Titan, it would be difficult to receive treatment unless you are one of the top 3 conglomerates in South Korea.

“Strategic partnership. It can happen. But there is no reason for us to carry it for a week.”

“It’s not about carrying them, it’s about forming a triangle.”

“What part are you talking about?”

“I heard that you are planning to build your guild headquarters at Sanjeong Lake, not the Nampocheon border, and that you are aiming for a resort.”

Kang Moo-hyuk chewed the flesh on the inside of his cheek with his molars.

They say there are no eternal secrets, but this one leaked out too quickly.

Externally, it was a simple monster subjugation operation. In order to hide the fact that it was a resort headquarters, construction materials were piled up at a closed Nampocheon golf course in agreement with Pocheon City.

But the rumor has already spread.

‘Is this the Guild Cooperation Office?’

As work began in earnest, it would have been difficult to keep it a secret since several government departments were involved. If even large corporations knew about it, it would be the same for Tier Guild.

Even as Kang Mu-hyeok was taking in the complicated situation in his head, Oh Jeong-su continued speaking.

“If you are going to use the resort as your headquarters, you will need a lot of supplies and equipment. As you know, our company is strong in the biotechnology and chemical fields, such as potions and ampoules. In addition, we are involved in various sectors of the gate business. Wouldn’t there be various cooperation possibilities in this area?”

“The same goes for Taesung Group.”

“I know it’s a bit odd to say this, but I know that the Chairman of Taesung Group doesn’t like the Iron Will Guild very much. There are no rumors in our world about anything related to Gilma either.”

The rich have their own community, and there are rumors that only circulate in this world.

A league of their own that cannot be spoken of lightly even if others know about it.

Rumors within the secure fence that make open secrets no longer open.

Oh Jeong-su, a member of the group, said that he knew about the relationship between Joo Se-ah and Chairman Tae Jin-seong.

It also meant that we should stop being so stubborn and just open up our hearts.

‘It’s not like we can’t get Taesung’s cooperation at all, but there’s no need to expand their influence. But would Hanju be an alternative?’

Kang Moo-hyuk said after calculating the pros and cons in various ways.

“As the director said, the guilds don’t look at me very favorably. They probably won’t welcome the entry of a large corporation with a leader system into the guild industry. It could end up being a relationship that causes more harm than good.”

“We are not planning to establish a guild right away. We will proceed after we have accumulated sufficient know-how. However, before that, we plan to start with Iron Will and the guild-to-company relationship and build a relationship of trust.”

Kang Moo-hyuk caught a strange nuance in Oh Jeong-su’s remarks.

At first, he approached me as a big personal fan who wanted to realize his dream of founding a guild, but now he is putting the company’s position first.

‘Besides, the last words sounded like they weren’t his own.’

That means it means something higher than that.

It was obvious that he was above Oh Jeong-su, the owner’s child.

‘The chairman or the eldest son. If the successor hasn’t been decided yet, it would be the chairman. That is, unless you listen to the eldest son who will be your rival.’

The second son steps forward according to the chairman’s wishes?

Establishing a guild is no easy task, but if you consider the leader system to be comprised of ordinary people rather than hunters, then this will be no ordinary project for the entire group.

‘The more vulnerabilities there are in power, the better it can be for Iron Will.’

Kang Moo-hyuk said with a faint smile.

“Come to think of it, the more friends you have, the better.”