The Time-Limited Leader Makes the Raid a Success - Chapter 423



Only Noblemtl

Episode 423

#423. Where should I go?

Cold voice, hot anger.

At that moment, not only Jung Woo-soo, who had not interacted much with Kang Moo-hyeok, but even Cha Gil-joo, who had worked on many projects with him, flinched. Even Han Byung-goo could not get involved.

As the conference room became silent, Kang Moo-hyuk opened and closed his eyes slightly and spoke.

“I’m sorry. My true feelings came out. Please pretend I didn’t hear that.”

“Don’t you usually say that that wasn’t your intention? Or that you made a mistake. You’re being aggressive because you’re just like your own path. Seriously.”

Han Byung-goo tried to lighten the mood by joking, but the tense atmosphere did not ease easily.

Jeong Woo-su ​​coughed and continued speaking in a businesslike tone.

“It’s not just the Ulleungdo operation. Although it hasn’t been announced, there are several guilds that have gone hunting near Dadohae Marine National Park, including Heuksando and Wando in Sinan.”

“What about the guild level?”

When Kang Mu-hyeok asked, Cha Gil-ju stood up and handed over a folder.

“It’s confidential.”

Cha Gil-ju warned Kang Mu-hyeok against his impulsive actions. If he were thinking of using this list to make a decision, he should refrain from doing so.

Kang Mu-hyeok opened the file without saying anything.

Inside was a list of guilds participating in the Naga expedition. More guilds than expected participated, and the guild sizes varied from A-class to C-class to medium-sized and small guilds.

Kang Moo-hyuk asked, pulling down the file.

“How are your hunting results?”

“Most of the hunting was successful, but there was a lot of damage. The problem is that most of them were small groups of Nagas, each in the dozens.”

“What happens to the damage?”

“It’s written on the back of the guild roster.”

Cha Gil-ju interjected and spoke. Kang Mu-hyeok turned the next page and groaned lightly.

Han Byeong-gu, who was standing next to me, quietly stuck his head out, checked the document, and let out a hollow laugh.

“Huh! This much force was mobilized, and we only managed to catch a few fish and suffer this much damage… It’s really hard to go out and fight on the sea. Listen, Director Cha. Did the government rush in without knowing this would happen? Did they see clearly what kind of failure Japan had in Okinawa?! Why do we have a collaborator? We should have prevented this!”

“I’m sorry. By the time I found out, it had already progressed to the point where I couldn’t do anything… … .”

“If you proceeded unilaterally without asking for the opinions of the relevant ministries, does that mean that the plan was made on its own from above? Let me ask you something. What kind of nerve did you have to rehash another country’s failed plan with just seasoning?”

Cha Gil-ju twisted his body as if in pain from Han Byeong-gu’s criticism, and barely managed to open his mouth.

“The above judged that the reason for the failure of the battle to recapture Okinawa was because they moved slowly and with large warships.”

“It’s not like you’re completely brainless.”

“So at first we wanted to attack through an air assault, but helicopters were also rejected because they were within the Nagas’ attack range, so we switched to airdrops instead. However, in the case of the Hunters, they were not trained to land, so it would be difficult for them to land on their proper location, and the winds at sea were strong, so it fell through. So as a second best option, we suggested using wig ships that could move quickly. At first, that strategy seemed to work, but… … .”

“They must have been attacked near the island.”

Kang Mu-hyeok spoke on behalf of Cha Gil-ju.

“You had an idea what was going to happen, didn’t you? That’s right. Most of the hunter parties that were mobilized for the Ulleungdo and Daedohae naval operations were defeated near the island.”

“No matter how fast the wig ship is, it will have to slow down in order to land on the island. Naturally, the speed will have to slow down during battle as well. High-speed movement is not a very effective strategy against the Nagas that move underwater, except as a means of moving between bases. There were similar attempts during the Great War. And they all failed.”

When Kang Mu-hyeok cited the example of a soldier killed in the Great War, Han Byeong-gu, who could be called a living history book of the Great War, was surprised and asked back.

“There was such an operation? I’ve been to the Mediterranean, but I don’t remember much about it.”

“At that time, the battle of Nagawa took place not only in the Mediterranean but also in many other seas, so you may not have experienced it firsthand. I have confirmed that it is only recorded. If you would like, may I recommend a good book?”

“What book is giving you a headache?”

“Anyway, now that we’re dealing with Naga, we need to approach things differently than before. The sea is a battlefield that hunters in Northeast Asia have little experience with. Well, let’s get to the point. I’m curious as to why even Representative Jeong Woo-soo came to see me.”

Jung Woo-soo calmly brought up the matter even though Kang Mu-hyeok suddenly passed the baton.

“The guilds listed there, including the Charisma Guild, have one thing in common.”

“Yes, I know. It’s the region. It’s the current ruling party’s stronghold. I’m not sure about some areas because I don’t pay attention to elections, but it’s probably related to the government.”

“You know so much about things you don’t care about.”

“I only know the regions where the guilds belong.”

“That’s right. The ruling party politicians and the government are guilds that have mobilized their blood ties and regional ties. They wanted to come up with a government-led solution using various benefits as an excuse. That was the cause of their reckless operation, which was based on concerns that they might end up in a lame duck state and hand over power in the next election.”

“So?”

“If he succeeded, then it’s fine, but if he failed, he should pay the price. The opposition parties are planning to issue a joint statement. They will reveal the truth about the operation hidden from the media and pull out the impeachment card.”

Kang Moo-hyuk simulated the strategy that Jeong Woo-su ​​had planned. Then he shook his head.

“It was a unilateral operation and failed, but impeachment will be difficult, right? Is it a stepping stone for another move?”

“The failures of this government have resulted in regrettable sacrifices, but there is hope even in failure. As a result, the government’s influence has been significantly reduced, and it has become difficult to influence future plans.”

“Future plans?”

“The opposition party plans to leave the Naga situation to a group of experts who are not under the control of the government, in exchange for covering up the government’s mistakes.”

“Are you a partner too?”

“It’s a form of active support, but without interference.”

“So, the reason you met me is to reassemble the combined strike force?”

“Unified assault forces are not enough to get us through this crisis. Something bigger is needed.”

“So you’re saying there’s no detailed plan?”

“We’ve got the rough outlines in place. The name of the organization hasn’t been decided yet, but we’re calling this new organization the ‘Hunter Integration Headquarters.’ It’s an organization that will only be activated when facing a national threat like the Naga incident, and we plan to plan and execute all raid strategies and tactics here.”

The picture Jung Woo-soo was drawing came to Kang Moo-hyeok’s mind. He saw through it that this picture was a double-edged sword.

‘It could be the key to solving the problem, but it could also be the starting point of a new conflict.’

The so-called Hunter Integrated Headquarters would be an organization within the government organization chart, although in times of emergency, the Hunters would have full authority.

It could have been a culmination of the long-standing debate: will the hunters rule the government, or will the government rein in the hunters?

It would grant them authority over the unified attack force, so even if it wasn’t immediately obvious, it could potentially become a problem later on.

‘Still, I need this.’

You can’t stop a snowball from rolling. So shouldn’t you at least interfere with the direction in which the snowball rolls?

Kang Moo-hyuk felt the need to actively intervene.

“So, what is my role?”

“Of course you have to make a detailed plan.”

“Of course?”

“Director Cha Gil-ju said that. If there is anyone who has a plan to overcome the current situation, it would probably be Director Kang Moo-hyeok. Even though he knew it was impossible, he requested a meeting with the president and other key government officials. Wasn’t it because he had some kind of secret plan?”

“It’s a plan… … .”

“No matter how much you try to take the initiative by taking advantage of the government’s failures, criticism without an alternative is bound to backfire. If you can clearly present that alternative, public opinion will be able to give weight to our plan. I need that alternative.”

Kang Moo-hyuk had already made up his mind, but there was one last thing he had to check.

“There are also Slayer and other Tier Guilds. Their abilities are also excellent. Did you ask for their opinion?”

“No. The first person I should reach out to is Director Kang Mu-hyeok.”

“Why? Because I have an S-rank?”

“It’s because we care about people before the guild.”

“… … .”

“I don’t think the hunters who talk about the guild’s interests and negotiations first will run this new organization without any selfish motives. I also recognize the dangers of an organization being run poorly. That’s why we need to get things off to a good start. I think the leader is the only one who can ensure that the organization is run transparently.”

“I am also quite selfish.”

“It doesn’t matter because the public interest and your private interests are aligned.”

Jung Woo-soo investigated Kang Mu-hyeok’s previous actions and career after the unified attack force. He has also been keeping a close eye on his subsequent activities.

What kind of life he has lived, what direction he is heading in, and how he is moving forward.

‘He’s not a hunter, but he’s the best person for this job. What he lacks in strength, Joo Se-ah Gilma can make up for it. If it’s not Team Leader Kang Moo-hyeok, the only other option is Team Leader Seong Seon-je… . He’s disappeared from official events, so he’s the only alternative.’

Kang Moo-hyuk showed signs of deliberate thought. During that time, he confirmed the framework of the Naga subjugation war, which had been nothing more than an idea.

Han Byeong-gu, who had been silently listening to the conversation until now, misunderstood that Kang Mu-hyeok’s worries were getting longer and gave him careful advice.

“Don’t you know how to shake hands at the end of a fight? You’ve got a card in your hand that can lead you the way you want. Even if you can’t eat it, it’s still good.”

As Han Byung-goo laid the groundwork, Kang Mu-hyeok opened his mouth.

“Okay. I’ll take on this job.”

* * *

Johanna was hospitalized after fighting Demi Balrog during the Bukhansan Gate Outbreak. She was seriously injured, so she was discharged after long-term treatment and has been focusing on recovery and rehabilitation.

She stayed in a hotel and traveled around Korea. This was not just a leisure trip. It was also a process of healing past trauma.

After the battle with Demi Balrog, Johanna began to accept the memories that had been plaguing her.

I needed time to organize those thoughts and bury them in my heart.

Johanna, who was like that, realized it was time to leave Korea after watching the news recently. She packed her bags, but she hasn’t booked a flight yet.

Strangely enough, he just sat on the bed, tending to his weapon, and seemed to have no intention of leaving.

at that time.

Ding dong.

The hotel room bell rang and Johanna got up as if she had been waiting and opened the door.

“I was wondering when you would come, Captain.”

Kang Moo-hyuk looked at Johanna, who was standing there holding a sharp sword, and smirked.

“I guess you knew I was coming.”

“I saw the news. I knew you’d come.”

“Your vacation must have been quite long. Will you be able to return to work?”

“Where should I go? South Sea? East Sea?”

“Italy. Venice.”