The Backlash
[EXCLUSIVE] Sole Name on Japan's Top-Secret Raid List... Rumors of Lee Taepyeong's Naturalization Swirl
[CONTROVERSY] Taking Korea's Support, Fighting for Japan? Controversy Over Double-Dealing
From Super Rookie to Traitor Hunter? Korea's Hunter Community in Turmoil
Rumors of Tsushima Island's Demonic Outbreak... Is It Reality?
It was absolute chaos.
The media was frantically devouring the information leaked by Han Myeongjin, and public opinion was boiling over.
"...Some sources claim Hunter Lee Taepyeong is already operating in coordination with the Japanese government, and this top-secret raid is also..."
"...Regarding the Demonic Outbreak on Tsushima Island, both Korea and Japan have maintained a strict silence..."
"...According to an anonymous informant, 'Mr. H,' a long-time member of the Hunter community, Hunter Lee Taepyeong has long desired to naturalize in Japan..."
...Perfect.
I slowly scrolled down, the corners of my mouth curling upward.
Everything was going exactly according to plan.
If the media and public opinion remained quiet, my plan wouldn't work.
The noise was actually a good sign.
The louder it got, the stronger the backlash would be.
Bzzzz.
My phone vibrated.
It was Kang Mina.
"Hello?"
"Hunter Lee, it's just as you said."
"Han Myeongjin?"
"Yes. Han Myeongjin was the 'anonymous informant.'"
"Of course he was. Who else could it be?"
He was the one who had dug into my background.
He was the one who could access information about the Demonic Outbreak on Tsushima Island.
And he was the one who knew suspiciously too much about how to naturalize in Japan.
All signs pointed to Han Myeongjin.
There was no other suspect.
"So, how is the Hunter Administration Office going to move?"
So far, the Administration Office had remained silent.
It made sense, considering the Demonic Outbreak on Tsushima Island was classified as top-secret.
Since it involved Japan, they couldn't just speak out carelessly.
They were probably discussing how to coordinate their media response with Japan at this very moment.
The Demonic Outbreak on Tsushima Island was scheduled to be announced soon, along with talks of international cooperation.
But Han Myeongjin had just thrown a wrench into the gears.
Both Korea and Japan had to be absolutely furious.
Korea was angry because their carefully nurtured rookie was being framed as a traitorous Hunter.
Japan was angry because the Tsushima Island Demonic Outbreak, which they had kept strictly under wraps, was now exposed to the world.
In short, Han Myeongjin had made enemies of two nations just to screw me over.
It was a complete blunder.
A desperate move born of the anxiety that if he didn't ruin me now, he would never get another chance.
Of course, he had probably thought it through in his own way.
The Demonic Outbreak on Tsushima Island was bound to be revealed eventually.
If he leaked the information that I was participating in the raid after the outbreak was made public, it would just be seen as part of an international cooperation effort.
But leaking my name as the sole participant on the raid list before the outbreak was officially revealed?
That was a narrative the media would salivate over.
A super rookie.
The next generation of Korea's power, second only to Choi Muryeong.
And that very Lee Taepyeong was naturalizing in Japan as a traitor?
It was a goldmine.
They could churn out articles, stir up public outrage, write more articles based on that outrage, and repeat the cycle indefinitely.
A perpetual motion machine of clickbait.
"We are currently in communication with Japan," Mina said. "We'll hold a press conference as soon as possible to clear your name, Hunter Lee..."
"No, you can take your time with that."
"Pardon?"
"More importantly..."
"..."
"Before the press conference, let's put a travel ban on Han Myeongjin."
"Ah...!"
"He's the type of bastard who will flee the country the moment things look bad for him."
"Understood. We will take care of that immediately!"
"Great. Keep up the good work."
That was satisfyingly quick.
Now, all that was left was to wait.
They say a gentleman's revenge is never too late, even if it takes ten years.
I wonder if this will even take ten hours.
While the Administration Office beat down on Han Myeongjin, I would just sit back and enjoy the show.
Let's see what these trash articles are saying.
"If Lee Taepyeong naturalizes in Japan, the Korean government must take strong measures to ensure he never sets foot in the Republic of Korea again..."
Time to enjoy the garbage.
"Hehehe."
Han Myeongjin giggled to himself, staring at his phone until his coffee went completely cold.
All kinds of articles were calling Lee Taepyeong a traitorous Hunter.
This was exactly what Han Myeongjin had hoped for.
What are you going to do now, Lee Taepyeong?
He should have just accepted the demands in the first place.
For someone like Lee Taepyeong, a hundred billion won in cash would be pocket change.
And as for the director position at the Typhoon Guild, couldn't he just kick Go Juhee out?
"Why did you have to cross me?"
Looking at the public reaction, this was worse than just falling from grace. It was absolute ruin.
You ruined this yourself when we could have ended it easily!
Since he had no way of making a comeback in Korea anyway, Han Myeongjin planned to flee to Japan after sending Lee Taepyeong to the abyss.
He had already helped quite a few Hunters naturalize there. His second plan for life was to use those connections to establish himself in Japan.
"Team Leader Han!"
"Oh, Jeonghun!"
Someone greeted Han Myeongjin.
The young man, named Jeonghun, was a B-rank Hunter whom Han Myeongjin planned to sell off to Japan as his final deal.
Though he was closer to a C-rank than a B-rank.
Still, better than nothing.
Japan was currently suffering from a severe shortage of Hunters.
Thanks to that, even incompetent fools like him were worth money. And as an illegal broker, Han Myeongjin could pocket a hefty commission.
"Did you see the articles? Everyone is calling him a traitorous Hunter..." Jeonghun asked, his face pale with worry.
"Hey, that's why right now is the perfect time."
"Pardon?"
"Even if you naturalize, your news will be completely buried under Lee Taepyeong's scandal!"
"I-Is that so..."
Han Myeongjin smirked and showed Jeonghun his phone screen.
It was filled with articles about Lee Taepyeong.
No matter how amazing Lee Taepyeong was, it would be impossible for him to turn this around.
"Wait..."
"What?"
Jeonghun's reaction was strange.
"It says the Hunter Administration Office is holding a national press conference right now...?"
"What?!"
Han Myeongjin stared back at his phone.
On the page that had been filled with articles attacking Lee Taepyeong, new breaking news alerts were popping up.
[EXCLUSIVE] Hunter Administration Office Statement – Lee Taepyeong's Naturalization Rumors are 'False'
[BREAKING] Administration Office Finally Draws Its Sword... Leaker to Face 'Severe Punishment'
Official Statement: "Tsushima Island Demonic Outbreak Information is Classified... Those Distorting and Spreading It Will Be Held Accountable"
Naturalization Rumors Dismissed... Administration Office: "Lee Taepyeong is Not Under Investigation, Tracking the Leaker"
Tsushima Island Outbreak is an International Agreement Matter... Administration Office: "Not a Cover-up, a Leak Issue"
Hunter Association: "Malicious Defamation of Hunters Will Not Be Tolerated"... Crackdown on Brokers Begins
“An Act Undermining National Security” Administration Office Promises Iron Fist Against Fake News Regarding Lee Taepyeong
Administration Office Takes Hardline Stance: "Lee Taepyeong is a Protected Asset"... False Rumor Spreaders Will Be 'Punished'
"W-What is this...?"
Han Myeongjin scrolled down repeatedly, his face blank with shock.
However, the articles written by trash journalists trying to ruin Lee Taepyeong had already been pushed deep into the abyss.
The new articles rising in real-time were instead paving a direct path to Han Myeongjin's own ruin.
"This... this can't be happening...!"
While Han Myeongjin was busy denying reality, an urgent breaking news report broadcasted from the cafe's TV.
As the anchor finished speaking, the Director of the Hunter Administration Office appeared on the screen.
The eyes of everyone in the cafe began to turn toward the television.
"Let me make this absolutely clear," the Director said. His face was solemn, and his voice carried a heavy, unyielding weight. "Hunter Lee Taepyeong currently maintains his citizenship in the Republic of Korea, and no naturalization process has ever been initiated."
Administration Office: "Lee Taepyeong is a Korean Hunter... Naturalization Rumors Groundless"
Bold text scrolled across the bottom of the screen.
"Furthermore, the matter regarding the Demonic Outbreak on Tsushima Island is a classified international cooperation effort currently being negotiated with Japan."
Tsushima Island Demonic Outbreak: 'Classified Negotiations,' Not a 'Cover-up'
"We will take strict legal action against the individual who first leaked this false information, in accordance with the Special Hunter Act and the National Security Act."
Clack.
Han Myeongjin's phone slipped from his hand and hit the floor.
His hands were trembling uncontrollably.
What is going on?
Things had gone completely wrong.
No, "wrong" didn't even begin to cover it.
It was an absolute disaster.
"The Administration Office has stated that they view this incident not merely as a case of fake news, but as a grave matter that has compromised national security and diplomatic trust..."
"No, it's not!!!"
A desperate shriek tore from Han Myeongjin's throat before he could stop himself.
Instantly, every eye in the cafe locked onto him.
"What's up with him?"
"Why is he acting like that?"
"Is he crazy?"
"M-Manager Han! What's wrong..."
Just as a panicked Jeonghun reached out to support him, a low, dry voice cut through the air.
"So, this is where you were."
A group of men in black suits instantly surrounded the two.
"Mr. Han Myeongjin."
The burly man leading the group pulled out a document.
"We are from the Information Security Division of the Hunter Administration Office."
In an instant, all the color drained from Han Myeongjin's face.
"W-What... Why..."
"Under Article 17 of the Special Act."
The man flipped a page.
"On suspicion of violating the National Security Act."
He flipped another page.
"We are requesting your voluntary cooperation for questioning."
Whispers broke out among the onlookers.
*Click!*
*Click! Click!*
People began pointing their phone cameras at Han Myeongjin.
Cold sweat poured down his neck, soaking his collar.
"I-It's a mistake! This is all a misunderstanding!"
"Mr. Han Myeongjin."
"Who do you think you are to do this to me?!"
"A travel ban has already been issued against you."
"Shut up!!!"
"And..."
The agent's gaze shifted to Jeonghun, who was standing behind Han Myeongjin.
"We have also confirmed evidence of illegal brokerage activities."
"I-Illegal?! Manager Han, what is he talking about?!"
Jeonghun's face turned pale as a sheet as he scrambled away from Han Myeongjin.
"An illegal broker?"
"Wait, is he the one they just mentioned on the news...?"
"Wow, that's him?"
"What a piece of trash!"
*Click!*
*Click! Click!*
"N-No, it's not true...!"
As Han Myeongjin tried to back away, the agents grabbed him from both sides.
"Let go of me!!!"
"Let's go."
"L-Lee Taepyeong is the traitorous Hunter!!!"
Those were the final, desperate words Han Myeongjin screamed as he was dragged down into the abyss.
[BREAKING] Han Myeongjin, Initial Spreader of 'Lee Taepyeong Naturalization Rumors,' Arrested for Leaking State Secrets
[EXCLUSIVE] 'Tsushima Island Demonic Outbreak Leak,' Illegal Broker Han Myeongjin Confirmed to Be Involved...
"Traitor Hunter Controversy" Overturned... Evidence of Public Opinion Manipulation Revealed
Former GR Guild Team Leader Han Myeongjin Arrested After Travel Ban
Administration Office: "Reports on Lee Taepyeong's Naturalization are Blatantly False... Media Outlets Will Be Held Accountable"
Media Outlet That First Reported Lee Taepyeong's Naturalization Rumors Initiates Internal Disciplinary Action
Administration Office: "Zero-Tolerance Policy for Articles Based on Unverified Sources"
Kang Mina's voice sounded much lighter over the phone.
"Did you see the articles?"
"Yeah, I saw them."
No matter which channel I turned to, Han Myeongjin's pixelated face was on the screen.
"We'll make sure to handle this thoroughly to the very end, so please don't worry, Hunter Lee."
"Thank you, Ms. Kang Mina."
"Honestly, why on earth did he do something so incredibly stupid?"
Well, he probably had a plan of his own.
Until he got punched in the face, that is.
"I have no idea," I replied with a chuckle, switching the channel.