The Time-Limited Leader Makes the Raid a Success - Chapter 454



Only Noblemtl

Episode 454

#454. I will definitely return alive!

Eagles Mercenary Unit.

According to the explanation of the mercenary captain, Eagles, unlike other mercenary groups that focus on war or gate conquests, they were a somewhat unique mercenary group that took on non-lethal requests such as protecting important figures, guiding people through rough terrain, and defeating monsters.

When Kang Mu-hyuk heard this story, there was only one thing that came to his mind first.

“Is that worth the money?”

“All, Captain?!”

Johanna looked at Kang Mu-hyeok in surprise. It was an unusual remark for him.

‘The Archduke connected you with the Eagles probably because of your disposition. But how could you be so rude?’

Johanna was familiar with the Eagles mercenary group. They were the only ones in Africa who did not engage in murder, a place where unscrupulous men would kill for profit and then attack fellow hunters.

Edoardo’s introduction of the Eagles mercenary corps as guides was also likely a consideration for Kang Mu-hyeok, who was trying to save people by eliminating monsters.

When I asked such a person if he could make money, even Johanna couldn’t help but be flustered. The Eagles mercenary captain was also sensitive to such matters, so he thought that it would definitely go bankrupt from the start.

But contrary to her concerns, the Eagles responded with a smile.

“I only make a little bit of money. But it’s better than the money that ordinary people make. Monsters have pretty big tails.”

“I apologize if I was rude. I’ve only met a few hunters who aren’t greedy for money.”

“You are doubting.”

“I’ve seen so many people who clean up their image on the outside and then crack pumpkin seeds behind the scenes. To be honest, it would cost a lot of money to run a full 41-person raid team, including the raid leader, so it’s natural to be suspicious.”

“I’ve never seen anyone dig that deep on a first meeting.”

“That’s not the answer.”

The Eagles paused for a moment and then answered.

“I can’t fully disclose the financial situation of the mercenary corps, but I do have a sponsor.”

“sponsor?”

“I can’t reveal everything, but the Archduke is one of those sponsors. Does that answer your question?”

Kang Moo-hyuk felt sincerity in the Eagles’ expression and voice. He thought of Edoardo and added to Eagles’ face. Their good impressions were similar.

He said after gathering his thoughts carefully.

“Can anyone provide that support?”

“yes?”

“Is there a minimum amount, eligibility requirements, or can anyone, whether an individual or group, donate?”

“What is that all of a sudden… … ?”

“Our Ironwill Guild will also provide that support.”

“??”

The Eagles looked back at Johanna, who had a surprised look on her face.

Only then did she seem relieved and shrug her shoulders with a sly smile.

“It would be good for the Eagles captain to have more sponsors. Feel free to speak.”

“No, what is going on right now… I’m here on a request, not for a business meeting… … .”

The Eagles looked at Kang Moo-hyuk again. He thought that the Korean was seriously misunderstanding something. He might have thought that since the Grand Duke was paying, there must be something good.

“Um, I don’t know if Director Kang understands this correctly. We are a mercenary force. And we are the worst-profitable mercenary force. Without sponsorship, we would be so poor that we would close tomorrow. We are so small that we can’t even enter the PMC (private military company) category, so we are lacking in terms of military power. All we have is a ridiculously small portfolio of commissions to see the future. In short, we are a mess.”

“Don’t worry. I got it right. A non-lethal mercenary force. Our main business is rescuing people, protecting them, defeating monsters, and guiding them along the way. In short, we only do things that don’t make money. Right?”

“Yes, that’s right, but… … .”

“People don’t call it a mercenary army. That’s why they support it. Not an investment.”

The moment Kang Moo-hyuk heard about the Eagles mercenary unit, he was able to complete the basic framework of his vague future plan.

‘Multinational guilds, the Relief Knights, the Eagles Mercenary Corps. It seems like the empty spaces in the cheese-like system are being filled. There are still many hunters like this left in the world. They are a small but significant force. If only we could unite them. If only we could secure the appropriate finances!’

A new organization of the most ideal form that he had hoped for would be born.

To do that, it was necessary to maintain relationships with them.

‘It’s a group where money isn’t the priority, but ironically, in times like these, the best way to persuade is still money.’

Kang Moo-hyuk was not a desk-bound idealist. He was more realistic than anyone else. He keenly realized that money, power, authority, and fame were necessary to achieve his dreams.

“Please don’t feel too burdened. We are not supporting a huge amount of money. We are also in a tight situation. However, if we have the means, we can gradually increase the amount of support.”

“We would appreciate it if we could get some support, even if it’s just a little bit, because it would help us breathe a little easier. But we don’t have much money, so how can we accept support from someone who wants to support us…?”

“Think of me as being of a similar type to Grand Duke Edoardo. Although I’m not a hunter.”

The Eagles still couldn’t understand why this common man was spending money on them.

‘There’s a solid reason why the Grand Duke supports us as a backup for the Relief Knights. Of course, he’s a real hunter and prefers us because we have similar philosophies. But what if Captain Kang Moo-hyuk simply spends his money on a good cause?’

The main activity areas were also different. The Eagles mainly operated in countries with low gate security indices, such as Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Eastern Europe.

On the other hand, Iron Will was in Korea, a corner of East Asia. Although it had a wasteland called Ma-gyeong to its north, Korea was the top country in terms of gate security.

In such a place, a guild with S-rank hunters would sponsor a mere raiding force-sized mercenary force from a corner of Africa.

Rather, it was something that aroused suspicion on this side.

“This time, you are suspicious. It is a good attitude. If it were easy to let it go, I would have been disappointed. At this point, I think I can trust the Eagles captain’s vision. It makes me want to support you even more.”

“So, I really don’t understand what part of it makes you want to support it.”

“If I can catch one more monster and save one more person, that will be the reason for my support.”

The Eagles were breathless.

‘In all the dozens of years I’ve been rolling around on this floor, have I ever met anyone like this?’

I have never seen anyone say such a thing, even if it was hypocritical.

Sponsors also boasted of their personal justice and gave money for their own satisfaction.

Edoardo’s case was a little different, but he was not much different from other sponsors in that he prioritized pride and honor.

But this guy named Kang Mu-hyeok… … .

‘Or the worst scammer.’

Or maybe it’s a new category I’ve never seen before.

One word came to mind to define Kang Moo-hyuk, but the Eagles didn’t dare say it.

There was still too much I didn’t know about Kang Moo-hyuk to say that word.

“Okay, let’s take our time coordinating the sponsorship issue and talk about this mission.”

While Kang Moo-hyuk was having a serious conversation with the Eagles, Mr. Joe was secretly pressing the keys on his smartphone.

Just as I was about to write a brief message and press the ‘SEND’ button.

“Got you, you little rat.”

Suddenly Thomas grabbed Mr. Joe’s hand.

“Why, why?”

“This is a message from the captain. He told me to make sure which line I stand on.”

“Chief Kang is a faction?!”

“No matter what I say to Gilma, it’s going to break anyway. Even if it’s Mr. Joe, I’m going to send him away for sure.”

Mr. Joe slumped to the ground and sobbed.

“That’s why I shouldn’t have come between Gilma and the captain. Oh my… I feel wronged. What does a powerless, unconnected woman do?”

“Well, I guess there is certainly room for leniency in that regard.”

When Thomas nodded, Hyun Jeong-geon said a word.

“Thomas Hunter, that’s an act. Don’t be fooled. That woman probably got paid by Gilma to do this.”

“How did you… Huh!”

Mr. Joe hurriedly covered his mouth with his hand and looked at Thomas. Thomas’ eyes were cold.

“Thank you, Hunter Hyun Jeong-geon. I almost got fooled.”

“What do you mean by this much?”

“No. It was thanks to Hunter Hyun Jeong-geon’s tip that we were able to catch the text message being sent. I think we made a good decision to join hands.”

“From now on, you can leave the surveillance of Mr. Cho to me.”

When Thomas praised his hard work, Hyun Jeong-geon smiled and responded.

Mr. Joe felt a deep sense of betrayal at that sight.

“Mr. Hyun, are you on the side of evil?”

“I’m already evil, so what’s the point of siding with anyone? It’s only natural to side with the stronger side.”

Mr. Joe was in despair when he found out that not only Thomas but also Hyun Jeong-geon was watching him.

It was a really big problem that Kang Mu-hyeok’s every move was no longer reported to Joo Se-ah.

‘Oh my, what if Gilma asks for a deposit?’

With the spy sealed off, Kang Moo-hyuk can now continue his mission discussions with the Eagles with more peace of mind.

“The gist of this mission is to find a terrain where amphibious monsters like Naga can live in large numbers. The northern coastline of the Atlas Mountains is the target.”

“We won’t be able to cover that wide terrain with just our numbers, right?”

“The Eagles mercenary unit only needs to worry about providing directions and fighting any monsters that may arise. We’ll leave the search work to the other party.”

“Somewhere else? Do you have a separate mercenary company that you have a contract with? If it’s okay, please tell me the name of the mercenary company. I’m kind of the old guard here, so I can tell right away if it’s a good place.”

The Eagles said dubiously.

Kang Moo-hyuk smiled and shook his head.

“It’s not a mercenary unit. Let me just say that it’s a place where I do side jobs.”

“Two jobs?”

The Eagles’ expressions only became more puzzled at the mention of a second job.

* * *

It was a cave filled with darkness. The only sound was the sound of water dripping from afar or nearby.

Sometimes I could hear the monster’s breathing, but it was an illusion. It was the sound of the wind flowing through the cave.

Ayla hid herself in a narrow gap between stalactites and made as little noise as possible. It was a space with nothing in it, but it only looked that way on the outside, and in fact, all sorts of dangerous things were lurking everywhere.

‘I’m the only one left. Is everyone else alive? If I had known this would happen, I would have brought more troops. Maybe I needed some elite agents… … .’

The guards were sacrificed to save him. He might be alive somewhere, but since this was their lair, it would be difficult for him to escape safely.

‘It’s a good thing Alex didn’t come with me. No, he might have come to Morocco looking for me by now. For whatever reason, I’ve caused trouble to too many people.’

But Ayla had no regrets. Thanks to her bold actions, she was able to figure out what danger Clairvoyant had warned her about.

If only there was a way out, a solution would definitely be found before this danger materialized.

She clenched her lips and vowed.

‘I will definitely return alive!’