The Nation Stands Still
South Korea had come to a standstill. To be precise, it had been that way ever since the breaking news report aired. The manifestation of a C-rank Gate. With the fire now burning at their feet, President Cha Insoo of the Blue House delivered an emergency address.
"My fellow citizens, today we face an unprecedented national crisis: the emergence of a C-rank Gate... However, I ask you not to be afraid. The government will mobilize all available resources to overcome this crisis. We have officially requested assistance from our close neighbors, the governments of Japan and China. We will surely succeed. We will fight to the very end for the safety and prosperity of the Republic of Korea. Thank you."
The address only concluded after a thirty-minute speech.
# China.
In a conference room at Zhongnanhai, President Jiang Weichang stared at the screen with a cold expression. As soon as President Cha Insoo's address ended, he turned his head to the high-ranking officials surrounding him.
"They want us to send support for a C-rank Gate?" A sneer colored his voice. "They sure know how to spout nonsense."
From China's perspective, a C-rank was not an irresistible force. It might be different for a small nation like Taiwan, but in a great power like China, a C-rank was a gate that could be cleared. However, Jiang Weichang had no intention of sending aid. Foreign Minister Wang Lei spoke up cautiously.
"But, Mr. President. South Korea is an important trading partner of ours. At the very least, some minimal support..."
Jiang Weichang scoffed. "Support? Why should we support them? South Korea has been getting too big for its britches lately. It’s time to remind them once again just how weak they truly are."
"But sir. If South Korea fails to resolve this situation properly, the aftermath could spread to our country as well."
China could clear a C-rank, but that was only if it stayed within the gate. If a Gate Break occurred and monsters scattered in all directions, and if those monsters crossed over into China... it could become a headache. People might even blame him for not sending aid to South Korea.
"Don't worry. We can step in after the gate bursts. Like saviors. We just need to sit back and watch how long South Korea can hold out." The President pondered for a moment before continuing. "Give them this official response: 'China is closely monitoring the situation in South Korea and is prepared to take appropriate measures if necessary.' That will be enough."
"Understood, Mr. President."
"Oh! And secretly convey this to Japan as well. China's intentions. They’re even worse than us, so they’ll understand immediately." A smile that suggested he was having the time of his life spread across the President's lips.
# Japan's Prime Minister's Official Residence.
A sneer spread across Prime Minister Kenji's lips.
"So, China isn't going to provide support?"
Defense Minister Hiroshi nodded. "Yes, Prime Minister. The Chinese side only sent a reply stating they would closely monitor the situation."
Prime Minister Kenji shook his head. "This is why you can't trust the Chinese."
"Then, will you announce a statement that we will provide support?"
"Of course we have to support them. People's lives are on the line." Prime Minister Kenji clicked his tongue and opened his mouth. "Prepare a statement immediately."
"Understood."
The statement was prepared quickly. At the press conference, amidst the flash of countless cameras, Prime Minister Kenji cleared his throat.
"The Japanese government has decided to provide full-scale support regarding South Korea's C-rank Gate crisis."
A stir ran through the reporters.
"We are prepared to dispatch the best gate response team. However, there are a few conditions attached to this support." His eyes sharpened. "First, the South Korean government must officially recognize Japan's sovereignty over Dokdo."
The press room erupted in chaos. As if the commotion didn't matter, Prime Minister Kenji continued.
"Second, I ask that South Korea apply special preferential tariffs on Japan's semiconductor materials and core electronic product exports. Lowering them to 50% of the current tariff rate would be appropriate."
These were conditions overwhelmingly favorable to Japan and disadvantageous to South Korea. It was a level of demand that would be impossible to accept in normal diplomatic relations. But the bomb Prime Minister Kenji had prepared was not finished.
"Lastly, you must pay a fee of 300 billion won to the gate response team that will be dispatched due to this gate crisis."
The press conference turned into a scene of carnage. A subtle smile hovered on his lips.
"This is an inevitable choice and measure for the peace and stability of East Asia. Therefore, I hope the South Korean government will make a wise decision."
- What kind of bull is this? Is this support or robbery?
- Wow, Japan's national character is still the same. Aren't they trying to eat Korea using this crisis?
- Dokdo is our land! Even with Apocalyptor there, Dokdo is still our land!
- Self-proclaimed Economic Expert: Lowering semiconductor tariffs by 50%? That's just trying to swallow our economy whole!
- China's vague answer about whether they'd help or not is better!
- What's better about that! China is the same! In the end, they aren't going to help our country in danger.
- Damn, but seriously, shouldn't we flee overseas at this rate?
- I checked for flight tickets and they were already sold out.
Even before the gate had opened, South Korea was in an uproar. They knew the terror of a C-rank. It was possible for hunter powerhouses like the US, UK, China, or Japan, but for other countries, it was out of the question. Take the C-rank Gate that appeared in Taiwan. Taiwan had boasted that they would refuse help and clear the C-rank Gate on their own. However, they failed to clear it before the Gate Break occurred. In the end, countless citizens lost their lives before they could finally deal with the C-rank monsters with the help of other nations.
That was when the news started to air. Kang Minho's press conference. At a grand hotel banquet hall in Seoul, amidst the flash of countless cameras, Kang Minho appeared.
"Regarding the simultaneous manifestation of C-rank Gates that occurred today." His voice rang through the conference hall. "As the only A-rank hunter representing the Republic of Korea, I feel a deep sense of responsibility."
He paused for a moment, took a deep breath, and continued. "Therefore, I propose this to the Hunter Management Department. Our guild will clear the C-rank Gate. Without anyone else's help!"
As soon as his statement ended, a barrage of questions from reporters followed.
"I-is that really true? Is that possible?"
Kang Minho's eyes shone coldly. "Do you not know who I am? I am the A-rank hunter Kang Minho. Furthermore, I have experience clearing C-ranks." Of course, it wasn't in Korea, and he had been with A-rank hunters of other nationalities, but he didn't mention that.
"Do you have any intention of clearing it together with Hunter Cheon Yooshin of the Hunter Management Department?"
Kang Minho was one thing, but Cheon Yooshin was also a rising star—no, a monster. Naturally, the reporters thought the success rate would increase if he were with Cheon Yooshin. But.
A subtle smile spread across Kang Minho's lips. "It's hard to say this, but Hunter Cheon Yooshin is E-rank. No matter how well he fights, he's ultimately E-rank. Besides, there's a difference in experience. Based on my experience clearing various gates, we need to deploy perfectly trained hunters into this C-rank Gate. There won't be any room to look after anyone else inside the gate."
At his words, the reporters shut their mouths.
"I'm just saying this for the sake of the Republic of Korea. And if you aren't confident in clearing the C-rank, hand over the C-rank clearance rights to me. I, Kang Minho, an A-rank hunter, will clear it for you."
As soon as the press conference ended, praise from the public followed.
[As expected of Hunter Kang Minho! He's truly the representative hunter of our country.]
[Hunter Cheon Yooshin is great too, but Hunter Kang Minho is still a step above.]
[I support the verified Hunter Kang Minho!]
[Honestly, it's impossible for an E-rank hunter to clear a C-rank Gate. I hope the Hunter Management Department isn't greedy this time.]
[He is the hero of the Republic of Korea!]
[I canceled my flight ticket to the US. It seems there are many others canceling besides me. I checked and there are many empty seats.]
Everyone was fervently shouting for Hunter Kang Minho.
# Hunter Management Department Minister's Office.
"Minister, our department can solve this on our own! You know Hunter Cheon Yooshin well, don't you!" Section Chief Lee Eunsoo's face turned red. He was furious.
"Why are you handing it over to Kang Minho? I cannot accept this."
Minister Choi Jeongwon shook his head as if he had a headache. "I know, man. When you get old, you should have a bit of a submissive side. People, really."
"Haa... what exactly is the reason?"
"Both the ruling and opposition parties are pressuring me to hand over the clearance rights to the guild that Hunter Kang Minho belongs to."
"Minister. We are the Hunter Management Department. Since when has the Hunter Management Department been swayed by what others say?"
Minister Choi Jeongwon said in a heavy voice, "Above all, it's public opinion. Public opinion. Even I would blow the face off anyone who tried to interfere with our department if they were other people. But the flow of public opinion has already shifted to Kang Minho."
At the mention of public opinion, Section Chief Lee Eunsoo's mouth shut. On the surface, Hunter Cheon Yooshin was E-rank, and Hunter Kang Minho was A-rank. And the only one of his kind in the country, at that. Objectively speaking, no matter how much Hunter Cheon Yooshin had been active, he could not be compared to Hunter Kang Minho. Especially in a crisis situation like this. In the end, Section Chief Lee Eunsoo could not reject the choice of the people.
"We should have amended the law. The problem is that they set the grade re-measurement to one year. If grade measurement were possible at any time, Hunter Cheon Yooshin's grade could have been re-measured."
That was it. The reason Hunter Cheon Yooshin had remained E-rank until now. It was because of the damn Hunter Management Act. Because grade measurement was only possible during the regular grade review period every year.
# Cheon Yooshin was also watching Kang Minho's press conference in Team Leader Park Haesu's office.
"Look at that bastard?"
It felt like he was targeting me right now. A cold smile hung on Cheon Yooshin's lips. Unlike the eyes that had been dripping with annoyance until just a moment ago, they were now burning brightly.
"That young bastard, he's really trying to die."
Suddenly, he felt motivated. "Confident in clearing a C-rank?" It was enough. No, it was overflowing. It wasn't even SSS-rank, just a measly C-rank.
That was when Team Leader Park Haesu opened the office door in a hurry and entered.
"Ch-Cheon Yooshin-ssi."
Cheon Yooshin said without taking his eyes off the TV. "Team Leader. When are we going to the C-rank? I'm going in alone this time too. I'll clear it to show them..."
"The C-rank Gate clearance rights have been handed over."
Cheon Yooshin's gaze turned slowly. With an expressionless face. "...What has been handed over?"
Park Haesu, cold sweat running down his back. "The C-rank clearance rights have been handed over to Hunter Kang Minho."
"Yes? Why? Why on earth? Since when has the Hunter Management Department been so spineless and just handing things to others? Huh?"
"A-ah, why are you suddenly talking about being spineless..."
"Ah, forget it! So, you're saying I should just stay cooped up here after receiving such an insult?"
"Y-you're not cooped up, you're on standby..."
"Haa... I'm on standby? Aha! This is the same as that. It feels like being a perennial benchwarmer who can't play as a starter. This."
"A-ah, no..."
"Forget it. Don't look for me from now on." Cheon Yooshin, who had risen from his seat, pushed Park Haesu, who was standing and blocking the door with his mouth shut tight. "Move! Why are you standing there awkwardly? Isn't that why you're getting your clearance rights stolen by a guild other than the Hunter Management Department because you're so awkward!"
SLAM! CRASH! The door closed strongly as if it were reeling.
"..."
Park Haesu was staring blankly at the closed door. 'No, is he going through puberty or something, why is he suddenly like that?'
# In front of the C-rank Gate.
Time passed quickly. About 5 minutes left until the C-rank Gate opened. And the area around the gate was full of crowds. Amidst the ominous flickering of the C-rank Gate, soldiers and police in combat uniforms were maintaining a strict perimeter around it. Behind them, countless reporters were holding cameras and microphones, and vehicles for live broadcasting were lined up. The sound of helicopter propellers was also shaking the sky and the earth.
The first C-rank Gate to occur in the Republic of Korea. The participation of an A-rank hunter to clear the C-rank Gate. Countless citizens were also watching this scene to see this historic moment. And the person receiving all this attention was Kang Minho. He was sitting in a chair with his eyes closed, a giant sword stuck in the ground near the gate. As if lost in meditation. It was enough to evoke awe in those watching.
And at that moment. Kang Minho's eyes opened. The moment he stood up from his seat, the noise created by countless people subsided at once. Kang Minho, standing in front of the gate, shouted.
"Everyone!"
His voice shook the earth.
"Today, the Republic of Korea will rewrite history. From now on, the Republic of Korea will also be a country that has succeeded in clearing a C-rank Gate!"
Waaaaah! At Kang Minho's words, people shouted in admiration as if responding.
"I will go in now. See you again in a few days!"
With his shout, the guild members shouted in unison and began to rush into the gate!