163. We're Not That Close, Are We?
Dalian People's General Hospital.
Guan Hong, known as the strategist of the Huanglong Guild, made his way to the VIP room where his superior, Bi Yuanjun, was hospitalized.
The entire floor had been rented out exclusively, guarded airtight by guild hunters.
He passed through the numerous security personnel and arrived at the door to the room. Taking a deep breath, he knocked carefully—tap tap. A deep, resonant voice came from inside.
"Come in."
Opening the door and stepping inside, he saw Bi Yuanjun half-reclining in bed, reading a book.
"How's your body holding up?"
"Hm, there's a limit to what potions can heal. The internal injuries will take time. Those Japanese made a huge fuss over Joo Se-ah, and it turns out they were right to."
"Impressive. To wound the vice guild master. And she's only been S-rank for a short while."
Only after spitting out the words did Guan Hong realize his mistake.
Mentioning that Bi Yuanjun had been injured was tantamount to touching on the guild's dignity.
In China, the S-rank realm was called Patian—Breaking the Heavens—likened to the sky itself. Bi Yuanjun was a hunter called the sky. One could not dare question such an existence.
Bi Yuanjun paid no particular mind to Guan Hong's words.
"We both held back till the end. If we'd gone all out, one of us would've died. Or maybe both. We spared each other somewhat, but it was still fierce enough to land us both in the hospital."
"Then Joo Se-ah...?"
"I won't be moving for a while, but she'll have a hard time getting around too. I'm not China's only S-rank, but she is Korea's sole one. We've got another friend we can call up, don't we? Not a bad outcome at this point."
Guan Hong had checked the reports on the clash between Bi Yuanjun and Joo Se-ah before visiting.
The battle had altered the terrain of the lower Yalu River dramatically. Even without full power, leaving such massive traces was awe-inspiring.
If Bi Yuanjun—known as Iron Bones even before reaching Patian, never complaining in red gates—was opting for rest, the impact must have been worse than it appeared.
As Guan Hong pondered Joo Se-ah's prowess, Bi Yuanjun spoke up.
"Your report's a bit late this time."
"Sorry for the delay."
"How could someone who entered the Makyung return so quickly? I understand. So, how did it go?"
"The other gates are proceeding smoothly, but there was an issue with the Jilin City gate."
"What kind?"
"Failed to lure the gate boss."
"That's all? That's why they're bosses. Where do you find monsters that go exactly as planned?"
"My apologies."
"Where's that thing now?"
Guan Hong had braced for reprimand, but Bi Yuanjun didn't make a big deal of it.
Still, Guan Hong didn't relax. Bi Yuanjun's leniency depended on his mood. Right now, it just happened to be decent.
"Not precise, but estimated midway between Jilin City and the Tumen River defense line. Couldn't pinpoint it after the scouting team got wiped."
"I heard the Tumen River report. Couldn't push the boss there, but you did trigger an artificial monster wave on that side, right? Had the Korean north in an uproar. Half a success, literally."
"Yes. That's why I wanted to mention... we may need to alter some plans."
That was the real reason Guan Hong stayed tense. He had to propose a highly sensitive change to his superior.
Guan Hong was making the suggestion, but Bi Yuanjun had orchestrated the entire plan. It could bruise his pride if mishandled.
"Which ones?"
"What if we seal the Shenyang gate as is...?"
"Reason?"
"Dalian and Dandong to the south, Tsifeng and Qingdao to the west—they're close. Beijing's just 600 km away. With our imperfect boss-luring method, we can't predict where it'll bolt. Too risky to stake the capital on it."
Bi Yuanjun fully closed his book, tapping the cover thoughtfully with a finger.
After a long pause, having run the calculations, Bi Yuanjun spoke.
"What about the Russian gate? That's the key."
"No issue there. Even with variables, it won't affect the mainland. Proceed as planned."
"Dandong might be one thing, but risking Dalian and Beijing is a stretch. The Chairman's face matters too. Fine. Hold off on Shenyang. Raid it later with an expedition force. Rest as planned."
"Understood. Thank you for the decision."
Gazing at Guan Hong's deeply bowed head, Bi Yuanjun murmured lowly.
"Not much time left. Handle it without mistakes."
Guan Hong felt a chill on his nape and bowed even lower.
As each tier guild's expedition forces shifted to Sinuiju, additional strike teams were steadily deployed to Chongjin City.
Filling the gaps left by the expeditions, the guilds had carefully assembled high-caliber forces for the strikes.
Ampoule kits and consumables were temporarily duty-free, with massive government support via the Guild Cooperation Office.
Unmet needs from public procurement went to private sources, compensated via tax-funded loss coverage for participating guilds.
The problem was procurement difficulties despite these measures.
Japan and nearby China refused exports. Urgent airlifts from the US and Europe were limited—global potion stocks were tight, costs prohibitive.
'Made in India' risked severe addiction compared to others; Southeast Asia's were markedly weaker. Russians favored dubious cocktail potions, shunned in Korea.
Delays sparked outcries from the front lines.
The government resorted to 'patriotic support'—semi-forced requisitions from mid- and small guilds not in the war.
This ignited guild backlash.
The Guild Cooperation Office's complaint desk overflowed with guild reps. Phones rang off the hook; some screamed. Hunter Investigation Agency agents prevented injuries to officials.
"Hey, if you're taking it, pay fair. Our stock ampoule kits cost 980k ticks each. Selling at 55? Citing average market price? Where's that fair?"
"Ours are big corp brand. At least 60 ticks. Small corp ones go for 50-ish per ampoule? Sure, higher-tier potions cover with recovery rate per tick. But pricing by minimum tick? Overkill."
"I get it. War's tough. But tier and A-rank giants differ in scale from mid-tiers like us? They raid warehouses full, refill easy. We skip small gates, guild shakes. Hunt without potions? Gate blows, you take blame?"
"What? North Pocheon? Iron Will's C-grade? With Joo Se-ah, fat land? They took Sinuiju too? Making them fight frontline doesn't mean we do—unfair. Heard tiers ain't all-in either. Manageable, so they slack?"
The guilds' grievances stemmed from innate hunter selfishness but more from long-brewing resentments.
Industry-wide rich-poor gap between giants and smalls; distrust of government forcing sacrifices post-Great War; backlash to anti-hunterism treating them as threats, shrinking rights for state control—all made guilds defensive, isolated.
The Guild Cooperation Office ground to a halt amid constant clashes.
Then Kang Moo-hyuk contacted Cha Gil-ju.
"What brings you?"
-We need more troops.
Straight to the point, Cha Gil-ju was speechless. He knew the front's plight. But where to pull from? He half-wanted to urge a mobilization order from the president.
'That'd backfire post-mob. Government concessions galore. No pol wants that burden.'
Silence prompted Kang Moo-hyuk.
-Government and media seem clueless about here.
"No. Fully aware."
-I see the broadcasts. Short blurbs like distant Africa or South America chaos. Pre-election downplay?
"That's... sorry. Beyond my control."
-That informal hearing. Congress summoning me surprised. Calling frontline guild commander? Rear's too comfy.
"Didn't expect them to call you."
-Our lawmakers must not grasp the situation. If you're okay, Director, invite them to Chongjin.
"In, invite?"
The sudden proposal left Cha Gil-ju stunned. Reports detailed the dangers.
What good calling loudmouth pols? Just hindrance.
He got the intent—show war's urgency for more support. But would they even go?
-Stick a few cams on 'em for good footage... Thoughts?
"Frankly, unclear on your intent."
-Intent? Just helping their election campaigns.
"Election...?"
-Give votes to vote-hungry pols. Potions to potion-thirsty hunters.
Cha Gil-ju reeled at Kang Moo-hyuk's words.
Call congressmen to Chongjin for potions?
These were blowhards promising top-10 global hunter index for a decade. Election pledges were air. Plenty would perform for cams then ghost.
And they'd balk at Chongjin's risks.
"Safety first. No pols if unsecured."
-That's where you help, Director.
"Me convince them to Chongjin? No confidence."
-Not convince. Make them choose.
"How?"
-The battle progress reports to congress. Tweak those.
Understanding, Cha Gil-ju gaped silently in shock.
'Falsify gov docs?'
Kang Moo-hyuk was finally crossing the line.
'Wait, when hasn't he?'
Even Cha Gil-ju's lines blurred now.
"Witch... why're you here?"
"Makyung, duh? Monster central. Where else fits me?"
Joo Se-ah eyed the barefoot, disheveled man gripping a monster's leash.
He tilted his head repeatedly, then chuckled dryly as realization dawned.
"Ha? Heard you went down with Bi Yuanjun. Lie, huh. Looking fine. Bi's blade taste good?"
"Not as much as fighting you. Kinda bland."
"Kuhahaha! Makes sense. Tanked my fists fine; no way she'd fall to weaker Bi."
"Maybe I'm too strong. His magic blocked easy."
"Magic users just flash and annoy. Real hunters grab mobs barehanded. In that, just you and me."
"Still cocky? Heard you moped after I beat you."
"Climb after a compliment? Wanna go proper?"
He snapped the monster's neck, advancing on Joo Se-ah.
She grinned.
"Later. Here for other business today."
"Business besides fighting? We're not that close."
Joo Se-ah extended her hand.
"Requesting alliance. Igor Dudnik."