Becoming Their Masters
The next day arrived. The President hosted a banquet inviting the key figures who had participated in the battle against the orcs. He had several reasons for arranging this event. First, his approval ratings had skyrocketed. It was thanks to repelling the orcs. On top of that, economic growth forecasts were far higher than before. Bond credit ratings had been upgraded too. It proved they could handle even dangerous monsters like orcs. As a result, the world's view of South Korea had changed. They had gone from a nation on the brink of collapse to an advanced gate management country.
Becoming a gate management powerhouse carried immense significance. It meant safety from monsters, which drove up stock prices and land values, attracted foreign factories, and even solved unemployment. Foreign countries had dispatched envoys to learn how they'd defeated the orcs—a diplomatic card that could be played to great effect. Thanks to all this, the President's and his party's approval ratings soared past 50%. They were now positioned for a landslide victory in the upcoming general election, something they'd desperately wanted.
The President took his seat at the banquet. Large guild masters were also in attendance. They hadn't done much themselves, but they'd sent their executives into the gate on orders, earning them a spot here. The large guild masters approached the table where the President sat, aiming to take seats according to their hierarchy.
Nam Gyuil headed toward a different table. But the President called out to him.
"Where are you going? The number one contributor can't sit elsewhere. Take the seat beside me."
The large guild masters froze at those words. They all grasped the implication. It meant treating him as their equal—a mere national hunter on par with large guild masters.
Nam Gyuil sat beside the President. The large guild masters, except for Han Ducheol, watched the scene with displeased glares. Sim Jeongun of Gold Dragon Guild had a rigidly hardened expression. As Hunter Association president and Korea's strongest hunter, with the top domestic guild under his belt, he wasn't about to take this treatment lightly.
"Ahem."
Song Taesu, master of Cheongwol Guild, cleared his throat awkwardly, making his displeasure clear. Jo Sangmin of Presento Guild furrowed his brow. His executives had been wiped out in that gate, weakening his forces. Already fuming, this sight made his blood boil even more. Of course, Jo Sangmin still had no idea who had killed his executives.
Hwang Hiryong of Unha Guild glared at Nam Gyuil. His face screamed, How can this guy be on our level?
They saw this as a humiliation. Han Ducheol, on the other hand, was delighted. It was a legal way to screw over those damn large guild masters. Especially seeing Sim Jeongun's shit-eating face—it felt like flying.
The President stood from his seat.
"I can't remember a day as joyful as today. Thanks to all of you, South Korea is safe. I am truly grateful!!"
The President's speech ended. Everyone in the hall applauded. Then the meal began. Traditional Korean dishes in elegant glassware were served. The President picked up his chopsticks and spoke.
"I'll present the rewards after the meal."
"Understood."
Nam Gyuil replied loudly. Everyone at the banquet savored their food—except the large guild masters, who forced it down through gritted teeth, their pride wounded.
The banquet ended. The President took Nam Gyuil to a separate room prepared just for them. No one else was there.
"I hope the government's reward pleases you."
The President handed him a bag. Nam Gyuil opened it, revealing the reward inside. The R-rank item the government had kept secret was a platinum-shining ore.
Nam Gyuil recognized it instantly.
Mithril?!
A legendary mineral even in the Arnian world. Weapons forged from it boasted tremendous destructive power, and depending on processing, could achieve transcendent durability. Unbreakable famed swords. Blades that cut anything. He could make them.
Nam Gyuil picked up the mithril in a daze. It weighed about 3kg. Enough for one sword.
What an incredible reward.
At 100 million won per gram, it was priceless. The government knew its value well. Normal smelting couldn't shape it into weapons, and it shrugged off bullets and shells effortlessly.
A suspicion bubbled up from deep in Nam Gyuil's chest. Sure, the gift was welcome. But...
The President isn't the type to hand over something like this so generously.
Wasn't he a power-hungry maniac? For such a man to offer this as a reward without hesitation?
What's the reason?
He could've just given tens of billions in cash.
The President smirked, lifting the corner of his mouth.
"The reason I'm giving you this metal... well, call it an investment."
"An investment, sir?"
"Yes. It means 'let's get along from now on.' The era of hunters is dawning, isn't it? Power comes from strength."
The President's words carried deep meaning. Nam Gyuil grasped it immediately, his expression hardening.
The military hadn't handled the orcs properly. But hunters had. They possessed the force to repel orcs. And power always stemmed from strength. In capitalism, money was power, so the rich ruled. But not anymore. Now, violence was power. Soon, individuals would surpass armies armed with cutting-edge weapons. Within a year, even.
In such a world, to hold power, one needed capable hunters. In short, the President was building connections with Nam Gyuil to secure his own rule.
This guy's no saint either.
Nam Gyuil eyed the mithril distastefully.
So this is...
A sort of friend-making fee. Payment to become buddies. How ridiculous.
Nam Gyuil left the Yongsan office with the mithril.
I have no intention of being friends. It's just a nicer way of saying he'll use me.
He clenched his fist.
Instead, I'll turn you into my pawns, moving for me.
Nam Gyuil returned to the Hunter Agency. His 01 Team members greeted him with congratulations.
"Hyung, congrats!"
"So cool!"
Lee Chanu approached with a sly grin.
"Hyung, what'd you get as a reward?"
"Why?"
"Maybe something tasty...?"
"No food, so buzz off."
Nam Gyuil said as much. He stared endlessly at the sun floating outside the window. His experiences so far had brought many realizations.
Until now, my goal was to build strength and forces to survive against powerful monsters.
Not anymore. He couldn't settle for that—a conviction boiled up from his chest.
Beings colluding with monsters. Selfish large guilds. Power-mad politicians. None were sane. Humanity would perish like this. Either from infighting or traitors siding with monsters.
This state of affairs wouldn't do.
Soon, countless people will die horribly.
The weak would sacrifice in that vicious whirlpool. A tragic tale.
Someone has to step up and change this hellish world.
Nam Gyuil resolved himself. At first, he'd planned the guild for his own survival, no matter the crisis. But now it was different.
I'll build power to save humanity from ruin.
His personal goal of self-preservation had evolved into a grand mission to protect mankind.
Nam Gyuil chuckled wryly.
Now I get what the Akashic Records librarian wanted from me when he invited me.
To protect humanity. That's why he'd granted access to the Akashic Records.
Nam Gyuil understood it all. And to achieve it, he needed comrades. From the 10 in 01 Team he trusted, he called the reliable ones.
"Hwang Ilsu, Lee Chanu, Hong Shinu, Han Kangsu."
His four core members. Nam Gyuil nodded toward the rooftop.
"Come up for a talk."
They headed to the roof. No cameras here, and at this hour, few people—perfect for secrets.
"Hyung, what's up?"
Lee Chanu sensed something off and asked. Nam Gyuil activated the Memorial Jewel, showing them everything from the gate.
- Even if we kill you, no evidence remains. This is a gate.
- Destroy the core and close it, your body and evidence vanish. Only our testimony matters.
Everyone heard Presento Guild executives' words. Hong Shinu trembled.
"Sergeant Nam Gyuil, what is this?"
"Presento Guild executives tried to kill me in the gate. To steal the credit."
Hwang Ilsu clenched his fists. Lee Chanu exploded in rage.
"Those fucking bastards-!!"
Han Kangsu squeezed his eyes shut. Now he understood why his father despised the Hunter Association.
That's why Dad hated and avoided other large guild masters.
Nam Gyuil addressed them all.
"Except Kangcheol Guild, all large guilds are like that. Even as stronger monsters emerge, they act this way!! Giving them power only hurts people."
He urged them.
"So join me in forming a guild-!"
They were stunned. They'd expected him to make a guild, but not recruit them specifically.
Lee Chanu scratched his head.
"Honestly, hyung, you're amazing. You pull off insane feats alone. But we're not."
He bowed his head.
"Unlike you, we're weak. No matter how much we train, we don't get stronger."
Hong Shinu nodded at Lee Chanu's words. Even Hwang Ilsu did. To them, Nam Gyuil was an unreachable star. They didn't know how to grow. They could only watch him shine. So they'd deemed themselves talentless.
But Nam Gyuil slowly shook his head.
"It's not that you're weak."
"What?"
Lee Chanu blinked. Nam Gyuil revealed the hidden truth.
"Your training methods were wrong."
"...?"
"Proper training methods exist separately."
"?!"
They were shocked. They'd never imagined distinct ways to grow stronger.
Hong Shinu asked in confusion.
"Sergeant Nam Gyuil, what do you mean?"
"This world has correct training methods. You didn't grow because of flawed ones."
"Is that true?"
"Yes. Large guilds monopolized them to build power and influence."
Nam Gyuil stated flatly. Hwang Ilsu's face flushed red as he spat curses.
"Those damn bastards!! National hunters have just a 37% chance of discharging intact, and those fuckers... for their own gain...!!"
It was the first time they'd seen Hwang Ilsu so furious. His rage was immense. While national hunters died in gates, large guilds—who had the means to solve everything—fanned incidents for profit. And hoarded growth methods too.
Han Kangsu hung his head. Doubt flooded his life so far.
Monopolizing training methods... what a joke.
He was one who'd grown strong that way. Guilt surged.
I'm not innocent either.
He'd basked in his rapid growth, strutting with pride, championing meritocracy.
What meritocracy? I just lucked into a great dad and indirectly aided their bullshit.
Today, Han Kangsu realized: he had combat talent, but was just a spoiled young master.
Nam Gyuil exhaled deeply.
"If proper methods spread, large guilds won't sit idle. They'll try to kill us. Keep them secret."
They nodded at his order. He asked their intent.
"Will you join me? Fair warning: it'll be grueling."
Han Kangsu spoke first.
"Private Han Kangsu will follow Sergeant Nam Gyuil unconditionally."
Hong Shinu raised her hand.
"Private Hong Shinu will join Sergeant Nam Gyuil."
Hwang Ilsu and Lee Chanu agreed.
"Where you go, how can I not follow? Just feed me well!!"
"I'll follow you too, hyung."
All pledged loyalty to Nam Gyuil. They swore secrecy on the training methods too.
Lee Chanu asked.
"What now? Build power and crush the large guilds?"
"No. If they vanish suddenly, we'd lack monster slayers and chaos would ensue."
"Then what?"
"We'll rise to a position where we can command those bastards."
Nam Gyuil lifted the corner of his mouth faintly, spitting a cold, meaningful line.
"We become the masters of those fucking bastards."