The One and Only Raid Team 2
"Any more words you'd like to add?"
Kang Taehoon and Park Chan-yeol both shook their heads. In a way, it was an utterly insincere interview attitude. The guild master was saying he'd overload them with work to keep them from raiding, and the vice guild master was saying he'd quit the guild in response. Depending on how you looked at it, it could come off as pure wordplay.
But seen from a slightly different angle, it also meant they had no real reason to be disqualified. The reason I'd asked that question wasn't to actually reject them—it was to gauge their sincerity.
Among the five major guilds, they were the only ones whose guild master and vice guild master had applied to join the raid team. Even expanding the scope to large guilds across Korea, Elision Guild was the sole one where both had applied.
That was why I'd wanted to test their true intentions, and to a certain extent, I'd confirmed them.
"All right. Then let me ask one more question."
At the words, Kang Taehoon and Park Chan-yeol looked at me with expressions laced with anticipation, their eyes gleaming as if wondering what I'd ask next. When someone showed expectation like that, it was only right to deliver.
I posed a question worthy of their anticipation.
"As I mentioned earlier, the Support Guild raid team is aiming to conquer SSS-rank dungeons, and we'll likely tackle an SS-rank dungeon before long. When that time comes, I plan to formally integrate the raid team into the guild structure. We won't be able to casually run other dungeons in our spare time while focusing on SSS-rank clears. So, when that happens, what do you plan to do, Guild Master Kang Taehoon and Vice Guild Master Park Chan-yeol?"
This wasn't set in stone yet—just something I was mulling over. Once we started SSS-rank raids, we'd be fully committed; there'd be no room for guild duties with occasional SSS dungeon runs on the side. At that point, I might have to force a choice on the raiders.
That's why I was asking Kang Taehoon and Park Chan-yeol ahead of time.
Was it a question worthy of their expectations? Unlike before, they both looked genuinely deep in thought.
I waited patiently for them to speak.
After a brief silence, Park Chan-yeol opened his mouth first.
"If the raid team ends up tackling Korea's first-ever SSS-rank dungeon clear, I'll join the Support Guild."
It came with a condition, but that very condition made it feel all the more sincere.
I was still registering surprise at Park Chan-yeol's answer when Kang Taehoon spoke up.
"You're one hell of a guy. Never thought you'd hit us with a question like that. I surrender—you win. If it comes to that... rice * *"
The interviews for all 80 applicants kicked off in earnest. Split into groups of 20 over four days, the applicants brought incredible passion. There was no raid team like this anywhere in Korea—or the world, for that matter—which made their attitudes stand out.
After four days of interviews, we selected the team based on the results. Fourteen of the fifteen spots were filled, leaving just one open. Bang Taegeuk and I were debating the final candidate: Hunter Sang-min Shin, whom Bang Taegeuk had mentioned on the first day, or Chang-ho Lee from Cheonmang Guild.
Seeing Bang Taegeuk agonizing over the two, I shoved Sang-min Shin's application form at him.
"Guild Master, you sure this guy's okay?"
"Asking me about that is a problem. You're picking the raiders, so you decide, Raid Leader. I'll fully defer to Iron Dragon's judgment."
Bang Taegeuk shot me an incredulous look.
"Then why'd you push this application my way?"
"You kept glancing at it pitifully."
Caught red-handed, Bang Taegeuk's face flushed, and I addressed him directly.
"Let me say it again: I can't interfere with what happens inside the dungeon. You'll have to handle everything, Iron Dragon. If that's too much, you can hand the raid leader spot to someone else."
His eyes flickered slightly at my words, but he pressed on.
"But I trust you, Iron Dragon. I trust your judgment and your choices. That's why I picked you for raid leader from the start and went ahead with selections. So have a little more confidence."
When raid team talks first came up, he hadn't shown this lack of assurance. Back then, he'd been more eager than anyone. But as selections progressed, I'd sensed him growing burdened.
I got it. At the outset, he hadn't envisioned a team on this level. Sure, we'd targeted five major guild hunters, but mid-tier ones. No pressure there.
Now? We'd overshot expectations by a mile. Top-tier elites from the five majors filled the roster, with even the weakest counting among the top ten fingers in the country.
In short, we'd assembled Korea's absolute best.
Bang Taegeuk felt the weight of leading them—and rightfully so. Doubts crept in: Can I even command these guys, all stronger than me? Those doubts snowballed into pressure. With just one spot left, he wished time would slow, turning deliberation into agony.
Amid that, I'd shown unwavering faith in him. It worked—his flickering eyes steadied swiftly, reverting to the resolute gaze from when the idea first sparked.
"Thank you, Guild Master. I won't betray your trust."
"My trust is always in you, Iron Dragon—so trust yourself too. Now, let's pick the final member. Who will it be?"
Without hesitation, Bang Taegeuk grabbed one application.
"This hunter."
"Got it. Final selectee: Sang-min Shin."
With that, raid team selections were complete.
"Yes, good work. Now just China left."
With selections done and the launch ceremony approaching, Lee Musin called. The World Hunter Association had ruled on Japan's penalties—far harsher than anything I could've done. Satisfaction welled up.
Perfect. Three years is plenty.
Three years was enough for my goals. Japan—and others—would think twice before acting out. Best possible outcome.
My steps lightened as I headed to the ceremony site. Not a stiff event, despite the name: first official gathering of the thirty selectees, to reveal operations and support gear.
Entering the auditorium, all thirty raiders were there, vibe positive. Personality checks during selection ensured no bad apples. Lingering awkwardness would fade with time.
Their eyes locked on me as I stepped in, conversations halting.
From the podium, I slowly scanned each face. Even though I'd picked them, seeing them together felt surreal.
"Hello. I'm Kim Suho, Support Guild master. I'm thrilled to have such amazing people on the raid team. Thank you again for applying."
They had their motives, but my gratitude was genuine.
Applause and cheers erupted.
"Let's begin the launch ceremony. First, meet your raid leader: Bang Taegeuk."
Bang Taegeuk, burdens shed, ascended with vibrant eyes and confident poise.
"Hello. I'm Bang Taegeuk, your Support Raid Team leader. I'm lacking compared to you all, but I'll give my all not to drag us down. I look forward to your support and cooperation."
Short and punchy. It might seem meek at a glance, but he showed no groveling or weakness. His words brimmed with force, eyes meeting each raider's, imprinting authority.
A few already looked approving. They'd doubted him at first—figured only a five-major guild master could wrangle this crowd. Concerns about him shrinking lingered.
But this display proved his potential, easing worries. First impressions mattered, and his were solid. Skeptical glances remained, but I was confident they'd change.
That's why I issued a warning—to empower Bang Taegeuk and preempt power struggles.
"Harmony was my top priority in selections. I don't expect issues here, but if anyone disrupts the vibe or undermines the raid leader—no matter who—they're out immediately."
The air grew heavy; faces stiffened. To lighten it, I pointed at one person.
"Even if it's Brain Emperor himself."
Predictably, Choi Taesu didn't disappoint.
"Hey! Kim Suho, you trying to die? Why pick on me when I'm just sitting here nice and quiet?"
From our first meeting, his bark held no bite. Not NPC protection—it just felt like classic griping. Tsundere, almost?
"I heard Emperor Guild's Guild Master Kim Seonghyeon is dealing with circular baldness. Shocked me."
Hit a nerve? Choi Taesu fumed harder.
"That's 'cause that punk acts all stingy for a guild master. Who said small-mindedness was okay?"
His fellow ex-Emperor Guild hunters grimaced and shook their heads. Other guild vets knew Choi Taesu well enough.
"You can't pull that on Raid Leader Bang Taegeuk. Once you hear the support gear specs, you probably won't—but with your track record, I had to say it. Sorry if it offends."
"Petty bastard, stuck on the past. People live for the future—judge on that, not old shit."
"Heard you went to the hospital for hair loss a week ago. A week's ancient history, right?"
"Damn it."
Choi Taesu thawed the mood, anticipation lighting faces—likely from my gear mention. Time to reveal.
"As you're all dying to know, here's the support gear. First, per prior agreement: the Oath of Covenant. It only binds external export of gear—no worries."
To be continued in the next chapter... The Hunter Who Awakened as an NPC