The Time-Limited Leader Makes the Raid a Success - Chapter 48



Only Noblemtl

Episode 48

48. Write up a contract first.

Kang Mu-hyeok quickly looked over his opponent while taking hold of the hand that Seong Seon-je extended.

Contrary to his overall cold impression, he had a smile on his lips.

Seong Seon-je looked at Kang Moo-hyuk while maintaining a welcoming smile. His eyes were clearly visible. The eyes that evaluated people. Kang Moo-hyuk also had those eyes. Should we call it an occupational disease? Anyone who is in the position of the strategy team leader will naturally treat people with those eyes.

‘The guild leader said not to be fooled by appearances. Indeed. I see what he means.’

Joo Se Ah was wary of Seong Seon Je.

Kang Moo-hyuk opened his mouth. He too had a businesslike smile on his face.

“You recognized me right away. I didn’t expect to see the Slayer Guild’s strategy team leader like this.”

“Aren’t you a celebrity these days? I just had a late lunch. I saw you as I came in. Are you looking for me?”

“You’re quick-witted.”

“Because I handle most of the external affairs.”

“I tried to make an appointment, but the introduction of the Iron Will Guild immediately cut me off. I guess our guild leader’s reputation isn’t all that good.”

“There aren’t many people who can handle the personality of Joo Se-ah Hunter, or rather, Joo Gil-ma. It’s Captain Kang who is able to handle that personality and work together with her that is amazing.”

“Well, I’ve never experienced a guild leader like that before. He’s generally sensible and reasonable.”

“That reasonable person blew up this lobby a while ago and turned it into a war zone. Haha. But I didn’t send the bill because I felt sorry for the old days.”

“If the guild leader was angry, there must have been a reason.”

For a moment, Sungseonje’s smile cracked slightly. He quickly regained his stern expression, but he couldn’t hide the slight twitching of his nose.

‘Is this a fight?’

Kang Moo-hyuk was saying indirectly that the reason Joo Se-ah was causing trouble was because of Slayer.

Seongseonje decided to move for the time being.

“Instead of standing here like this, why don’t you go to my office?”

Most of the conversation we had while riding the elevator up was about light-hearted current events.

A public speech about the relocation of the Ironwill Guild and the subjugation of goblins, and a ceremonial conversation about taking care of your health while working.

Kang Moo-hyuk recalled Seong Seon-je’s history while talking.

‘Slayer Guild Strategy and Tactics Team Leader. A-Rank Hunter. 36 years old. At one time, he was a better hunter than the current Guild Leader, Ju Se Ah.’

He was expected to become the next S-rank, but one day he suddenly took a step back from his field position and moved to the strategy team.

At the time, it was known that this was a move to aim for the position of expedition leader, but after that, he devoted himself only to desk work without directly hunting.

Although it was never officially declared, it was effectively a retirement from active duty.

‘He’s first-class as a hunter and as a strategy team leader. There’s no benefit to having a long conversation with someone like him.’

19th floor.

The elevator stopped and I walked down a deserted hallway into an office filled with several secretaries.

It was too large to be considered an office for a single team leader. It looked just like any other executive office in a large corporation.

‘Even though you’re the Slayer Guild Strategy Team Leader, isn’t this a bit too much?’

Kang Mu-hyeok felt uncomfortable.

It was a luxury unbecoming of a person who was extremely efficient.

Seong Seon-je opened the door to his own office, trying to stop the secretaries who were about to hurriedly get up from their seats as soon as the office owner arrived. It was a much larger office than the one where several people were waiting. It was also more luxurious.

He said as he brought Kang Mu-hyeok inside and closed the door.

“What kind of car?”

“The tea is ready. I’m busy with guild work so I can’t talk at length.”

Kang Mu-hyeok immediately brought up the matter. Seong Seon-je opened his eyes wide.

“I like that. We are both people whose time is precious. Let’s hear what’s going on.”

“I’ve come to sell you something. I’d like to see if you’re interested in buying it.”

“Does Ironwill have anything to sell to our guild? Oh! Don’t get me wrong. I’m not ignoring you, I’m just saying this considering the size of the two guilds.”

“Don’t misunderstand. It’s a fact.”

“That’s fortunate. I’m a bit straightforward, so I hurt people’s feelings a lot. Most people get angry when I tell them the truth. But Director Kang is a bit different.”

Seong Seon-je raised his thumb to praise his opponent, but Kang Mu-hyeok spoke without showing any emotion on his face.

“I got my hands on some nice goodies from this Goblin Slaughter. It’s probably the item the Slayer needs most right now.”

“Us? I’m starting to get curious about this. Don’t hesitate and tell me quickly.”

Seong Seon-je rubbed his hands together as if he was looking forward to it and leaned his upper body towards Kang Mu-hyeok.

“I want to sell the Rider Wolf. 5 billion per horse.”

Seongseonje drew a vertical line between his eyebrows, calculated for about three seconds, and then opened his mouth.

“How many?”

“There are twenty.”

“A hundred million? The price is dropping nicely. I don’t want to play with numbers with a precious gate mount. It’s too expensive. I guess the Bukpocheon goblins were golden goblins.”

“Isn’t there a domestic supplier? Importing it isn’t easy. If we follow market logic, I think this is cheap. Of course, the price may go down a bit in the future.”

“Later?”

“I’m planning to add a breeding farm to the guild’s new business. The rider wolves I’ve acquired this time are quite good. I think I’ll be able to supply rider wolves on a regular basis. By the way, it’s a golden goblin.”

Seongseonje felt his mouth become dry.

‘Is this the first gate mount breeding facility in the country? And it’s a wolf at that… If breeding is successful, the Iron Will Guild will rise to the top in one breath. They’ll be able to take on an A-rank, or even a tier guild.’

From Seongseonje’s perspective, Kang Muhyuk’s words were damn right. Rider Wolf was worth calling. Foreign gate mounts were busy being digested by the domestic guilds of countries with stables.

Tier guilds, including the Slayer Guild, tried to somehow bring them in from overseas, but the ‘Tiny Ponies’ were the only options. And even those were insufficient in number.

Seongseonje didn’t ask about the success of the rider’s wolf breeding business. He must have some kind of plan, so he’s speaking so confidently.

‘The question is, what is the intention behind revealing such confidential information so easily?’

Before Seong Seon-je could ask a question, Kang Mu-hyeok came rushing in.

“If the goal was to sell it for a high price, it would have been better to gather the Tier Guilds and auction it off. There was no need to come looking for the Slayer like this.”

“That’s right. Why are you a Slayer? You’re not on good terms with Lord Gilma. Surely you’re not thinking of your parents.”

“that…….”

Kang Moo-hyuk recalled the conversation he had with Joo Se-ah a few days ago.

* * *

“No matter how much money you need, you’re selling wolves to the Slayers? I’m against this deal. I’m not giving them our wolf cubs!”

“Since when have we become wolves?”

“They’re expensive, so of course they’re mine.”

“Excellent. As a guild leader, it is the right attitude to be attached to the guild’s assets. Now I feel like I have the makings of a guild leader.”

When Kang Mu-hyeok spoke while clapping, Joo Se-ah got angry.

“Are you being sarcastic?”

“No way. But I still have to make a deal with the Slayer.”

“Why?”

“The Rider Wolf is the goose that lays the golden eggs. We can’t protect the goose with our current strength.”

“Even though I’m here?”

“365 days a year, 24 hours a day. If you’re confident enough to pitch a tent next to a wolf and guard it, then that’s fine. They say that in the old days, they even held a three-year mourning period. Why not give it a try?”

“…So what’s the plan?”

Kang Moo-hyuk pointed his index finger at Joo Se-ah, who was just about to bite his tail.

“First, securing funds for the guild’s operations. We are almost at the bottom right now. We barely managed to cover the cost of acquiring the C warehouse by bringing in money from the group, and it would be difficult to secure our shares by doing a reverse listing through the acquisition of Taesung Machinery. At the very least, we need to secure funds to reorganize the guild headquarters and operate it stably.”

“What about the second one?”

“Second is to ensure safety. We will reestablish our relationship with the Slayer Guild. To be honest, it is the worst choice for the guild leader to have a fight with the best guild in the country.”

“Did you lose because you wanted to show off? You squirmed because I touched you first. They are not easy to deal with. They may laugh and move on during the transaction, but later they will wipe their mouths and hit you on the back of the head. I am sure of it. I can even put a knife in your hand.”

“Who holds the hand of the one who resists even Drake’s Breath?”

“You’re saying they’re not that trustworthy? Don’t you even know the metaphor?”

“I don’t know the law of parables, but I know the law of dealing with those who can’t be trusted.”

“What kind of trading method?”

“We will sign a continuous supply contract, not a one-time transaction.”

“wolf?”

“Yes. I plan to exceed 50% of the sales share of Shipwolf.”

“That means… … .”

“Becoming partners.”

* * *

“Chief Kang.”

Kang Moo-hyuk woke up from his thoughts at the sound of Seong Seon-je’s voice.

“Oh, sorry. I was just trying to gather my thoughts. You asked me why I came to Slayer first. First of all, Slayer needs a mount like Rider Wolf the most. We are actively attacking the large gates the most. Mounts are essential to gain speed.”

“Even a newly awakened hunter would know that.”

“Next, I want to improve the relationship between Iron Will and Slayer. To be exact, I want to settle the bad relationship with Guild Leader Jusea.”

“For just twenty wolves? And it’s not free. Isn’t that too cheap?”

Kang Mu-hyeok whispered soothingly to Seong Seon-je, who was stroking his chin and pretending to look troubled.

“Of course, we need to maintain a continuous relationship going forward. That’s why I propose a partnership. I will give you the right to purchase 50% of the wolf shipments first.”

“entire.”

“… … .”

“I will purchase all future shipments. Of course, I will have to adjust the prices a bit.”

“That’s difficult. We can’t sell exclusively to one guild and then compete with other tier guilds.”

“Even if you make it so that it can’t be sold to anyone or everyone?”

Seong Seon-je’s face changed. It was a blank expression without any emotion.

He didn’t really exude the aura of a hunter. He didn’t lower his voice either. He just spoke calmly.

The majesty of the Slayer Guild Strategy Team Leader was so great that even a sleeper had to listen to his whispers.

“I say again, it is impossible.”

Kang Mu-hyeok also answered without any pitch in his voice.

“The negotiations broke down.”

As Seong Seon-je shook his hand and stood up, Kang Mu-hyeok added.

“It doesn’t matter. It’s already out of my hands.”

“Let go of my hand?”

“I proposed a rider wolf farm business through the guild cooperation office. It would be a good result to attract some national subsidies. The best part is that you will see it on the 9 o’clock news tonight. The higher-ups seem to like it quite a bit. It can be considered a significant achievement. The news title is ‘South Korea is now a proper gate mount supplier.’ The approval rating will go up a bit. And after I leave here, I will make similar proposals to other tier guilds. Except for the Slayer Guild. Oh? But Titan is my home guild, so it would be nice to hand over a few.”

Titan was mentioned on purpose. How could a Slayer, who was a tier above tiers, not have a wolf that even an A-class could have? Putting aside the need for a wolf, it was a matter of saving face.

The two glared at each other for a while. If they could kill each other with just a look, it was a fierce stare that would have killed each other a hundred times. Although there was no murderous intent or fighting spirit, their tongues were always ready to cut the other.

How much time has passed?

After a while, Seongseonje smiled faintly.

“So what happened to your account?”

“Let’s write up a contract first.”

Kang Mu-hyeok also smiled and handed over the contract he had written in advance.

* * *

After Kang Mu-hyeok left with the contract with the Slayer Guild seal, a man entered Seong Seon-je’s office.

To be precise, he came out of the office. The place he came out of was a secret door hidden in the wall. It was so perfect that not even a single gap could be seen, so it was impossible to find with the naked eye.

“You suddenly contacted me using your messaging skills and bothered me. It wasn’t very useful for a play that borrowed someone else’s office.”

“Rather than a play, it’s a place where Gilma can watch it in person.”

The person whom Seongseonje called Gilma. The man’s true identity was Slayer Guild Master Samunhyeok. In other words, this was Samunhyeok’s office, not Seongseonje’s office.

It was natural for Kang Mu-hyeok to feel uncomfortable in the office.

“He is definitely the type of person that the strategy team leader had in mind as his successor. He is exactly like you. No, in some ways, he is a bit more boring.”

“Are you curious? Should I take it out?”

“Okay. Do I have to see that ugly face again?”

“Haha, I guess even Gilma can’t do anything about Hunter Joo Sea.”

“If we fight, it’s war. I can’t just ignore it and say it’s cute anymore.”

Compared to Seongseonje who spoke with a smile, Samunhyeok spoke seriously. He soon told Gilma his true thoughts.

“By the way, Rider Wolf? You brought some really tasty stuff.”

“They’ve even done a nice job of packaging it. Didn’t they use the government to control the media? They threatened that if they were greedy, it wouldn’t end with damaging their reputation or anything like that. They can’t just touch it because it’ll only increase the number of enemies in other tiers.”

“Isn’t your side struggling with approval ratings due to the election next year? The timing is really good. Should I say you’re lucky?”

“You can’t miss out on luck if you don’t have the ability. You have to use the timing well. Your opponent.”

When Seong Seon-je nodded and acknowledged Kang Mu-hyeok, Samun-hyeok looked puzzled.

“Why did you get hit once and not feel any resentment?”

“Is there anything unfair? Twenty Rider Wolves. It will immediately relieve the 2nd Corps of its supply problems. It will also make reconnaissance easier. I heard that this gate is quite large. In addition, it is an attractive deal to obtain gate mounts without having to import them.”

“You didn’t get everything.”

“I didn’t intend to buy everything from the beginning. I just tried to haggle down the price of the items like a merchant would. I also wanted to see how it would turn out. It was more fun than I expected, so I guess it was a satisfying transaction.”

Samunhyeok shook his head and made a displeased expression as he watched Seongseonje whine.

“I don’t care about this kind of thing since I gave you full authority, but…. It makes my stomach turn to see Joo Se Ah doing well. They say your stomach hurts when your cousin buys land. Rider Wolf Supply Guild? This will instantly raise Iron Will’s popularity.”

“But if I can get a steady supply of wolves, it’s a worthwhile deal, as it means forgetting one old grudge.”

“No matter what anyone says, there are too many gates to clear. I don’t have time to argue with Thunderbolt. You handle the Rider Wolf thing yourself. Still, I’m satisfied that thanks to you, you can advance your plans.”

The reason why Seong Seon-je was able to smile even after getting punched by Kang Mu-hyeok.

It was because of a plan he had been holding onto for a long time.

“I was trying to secure the maximum ‘Dragon Horse’, but I ended up getting a better Rider Wolf. I guess it’s a sign from God to complete my plan.”

“Call back the people who went on a business trip to the American Monster Riding Club. It’ll just end up in vain anyway. Once the wolf numbers are filled, prepare to move on to the next stage.”

Seong Seon-je’s passion was rekindled after a long time. It was because a ray of hope was shining on his half-abandoned project.

‘A hundred rider wolves. With that, we will take the lead in gate hunting in Asia!’