You've Witnessed the Scene.
Jang Deok-gu's group had no choice but to pass through western Culver City.
The fastest route from their hotel to the concert venue lay southwest, but pushing through the carnivorous wasps swarming the city center would have drained too much time and stamina.
They'd detoured along paths with fewer wasps, swinging wide to the west before heading south.
The problem was they couldn't just ignore the residential areas of Culver City.
The survivors Jang Deok-gu had been rescuing one by one quickly swelled their numbers until it exceeded what he could handle alone.
Thomas had helped by injecting even less of the serum than he'd used at the hotel, and Johanna—who'd ended up tagging along—had pitched in too. But the influx of new survivors was overwhelming.
That's when Jang Deok-gu suggested seeking help from other hunters. Thomas, who had mapped every guild outpost in LA, volunteered as their guide.
Once Jang Deok-gu rounded up the cautious hunters with his unique brand of persuasion, the rescue operation wrapped up in no time.
They liberated Culver City as swiftly as possible, dumped the cleanup on the most influential mid-tier guild in the area, and immediately shifted course south.
That's when they finally made contact with Kang Moo-hyuk's group, who were heading north.
"Everyone's safe. That's a relief. How's Thomas holding up?"
"Yes, sir. Thanks to the meds you gave me, I'm managing."
"Eul-ji mentioned you used magic?"
"I could manage it by dialing back the dosage. Of course, duration's still limited."
"Abusing it in short bursts could have unknown effects on your body, so hold off for now."
"I was already wiped—had no plans to push it further."
After checking on Thomas, Kang Moo-hyuk turned to Johanna.
"And who might this be?"
"This is Johanna Sereti, an A-rank hunter from Italy's Gloria Guild. She's been a huge help getting here."
Jang Deok-gu introduced her. She waved it off like it was nothing. Kang Moo-hyuk, who'd been studying her closely, lit up and extended a hand.
"Thank you for aiding my guildmates. If it's not too rude, may I ask what brings you to LA?"
"Why do you want to know?"
"Gloria's a top-tier guild in Italy, known for real talent. Surprising to see a high-rank hunter here during the busiest quarter."
"Nothing special. I'm on vacation."
"Vacation?"
"More precisely, a sabbatical. Got caught up in this mess while world-hopping."
"I see. Just curiosity—don't mind me."
Kang Moo-hyuk brushed it off casually, but his mind was already filing away her profile.
Gloria high-rank means skills are solid. Never heard of hunters taking sabbaticals, so there's a story there—probably why she's out. Might as well scout for a multinational restructure while in the US. Hunters are a dime a dozen here, after all.
Thomas and now Johanna. Kang Moo-hyuk's talent radar fired up, spinning a new plan on the spot.
"Alright, full roster assembled. Things should go smoother from here."
"What exactly are we doing?"
To Jang Deok-gu's question, Kang Moo-hyuk laid out the plan. Listening in, Thomas tilted his head.
"Speaking as an Ithacan... that guild's the first to bolt if things go south. They won't step up for a monster cull."
"That's why we're roping in the O.C."
"O.C.?"
"Among LA's hunter factions, O.C. has the most to lose if the city falls. You operated here long-term, Thomas—you know why."
Any hunter tuned into LA's power dynamics could guess it.
O.C. was built to elevate freelancers. The group's very existence spoke to their poor conditions.
West Coast freelancers scrape by okay. East is guild turf wars. Midwest lacks infrastructure. Freelancers thrive on cities. Lose that base, lose your gigs.
Few freelancers amassed wealth. Unlike guilds, they footed all gear and consumables themselves.
Even big scores like high-value monster parts or skill books went right back into top-tier equipment.
No savings meant partying up for hunts, government quests, or guild side jobs.
All city-dependent.
City collapse equaled freelancer economy implosion.
Thomas got the angle but doubted the outcome.
"O.C.'s sitting tight like the guilds. Only freelancers I've seen are the ones Mr. Jang grabbed for chores in Culver City."
"Predictable. Once they grasp the wasps' trajectory, they'll decide whether to fight or flee. Our job: nudge that call sooner."
"Not sure they'll bite. LA branch chief's no pushover... he's got baggage and a mouth, but no guild's reined him in yet."
"No surprise. They've never treated O.C. as equals. Big guilds see them as rootless riffraff. No respect, no action. Ithaca's clashed since O.C.'s founding—they'll harp on that."
After hearing the full pitch, Thomas whistled in admiration.
"Execution snags aside, the big picture's sharp. Piecing this together so fast? Impressive."
"Not the wow moment yet. We need Ithaca in, long-term. Bait's already laid."
"Long-term...? Oh. Got it."
"Yes. That's it."
"Stop!"
Go Eul-ji raised a hand, halting the talk. All eyes turned to her.
"What're you two on about?"
"Yeah, I'm curious too."
No Song-rin chimed in, raising his hand. Johanna followed suit, then blushed and lowered it. Jang Deok-gu stared off at distant buildings, uninterested.
"Explain like normal people. I followed at first, but then it's all shortcuts—no subjects, no objects. How'm I supposed to get it?"
"No biggie. Just me transferring to Iron Will."
"Transfer? Huh? Transfer? Thomas, you joining our guild?"
"Yes. Captain Kang proposed it."
Go Eul-ji scooted close, cupping her hand to whisper in Thomas's ear.
"If the captain's blackmailing you, blink three times."
Thomas blinked blankly, clueless. Go Eul-ji jumped back.
"For real?! Whoa, didn't peg our captain for that... blackmailing a sick guy? That's illegal. I'm the victim here—let Thomas off. Don't bully low-ranks."
"Was Go Eul-ji the victim?"
"You tossed me to the guild master. You devil captain! I was on vacation, and you worked me to death."
"Kinda harsh, cutting her vacation."
Even quiet Johanna eyed Kang Moo-hyuk like a sleazy boss.
"Noted your guild master complaints for report. Tell him to ease up on Go Eul-ji."
"Argh, not like that! Who's dying here?!"
"That's blackmail, Go Eul-ji."
"……."
"What I offered Thomas was a proposal. Same for you—a great one. Think about it: back home, BTA dinner awaits. Industry reward for fans, right? You'll be a success story otaku. Still mad about the vacation cut? If so, we can void your contract. No success otaku life, though."
"Sorrry~!"
"No, I can't take it. Existing contract's off."
"Pleeease, Captain. Not that...!"
"New deal: one extra meal voucher, optional merch swap, birthday song gift."
"!!"
"Contract term extends a bit."
"Y-yes... sure. Fine by me. Sign now."
No Song-rin messaged her as her eyes glazed over.
Go Eul-ji snapped to, clapping a hand over her mouth.
"Eep!"
Kang Moo-hyuk pulled out his smartphone and tapped the screen.
"Just recorded your agreement. Bail, and we'll meet in court."
"Demon...!"
"Void it? Chat with guild master first."
"Even Satan bows to this captain."
"Salary and perks: top-tier for your rank. This amount?"
He opened the calculator, punched in figures, and showed her.
"Did I say Satan? Misspoke. Candy. Captain's so sweet, candy bows too. Haha."
"Agreed then. Haha."
Johanna, watching them grin, cautiously asked Jang Deok-gu.
"What's happening?"
"As you see. You've witnessed Korea's top prospect get scammed."
His deadpan tone left her speechless. Dry delivery, but the content sounded like a joke.
What're these people? Isn't this super serious? Sudden recontract mid-crisis? Culture gap? How else no tension?
Johanna gripped her fraying nerves. Kang Moo-hyuk's earlier gaze lingered—his clutches on Go Eul-ji felt aimed at her next.
Stay sharp. Till this blows over.
Her wasp worries had vanished.
"This is an announcement for all passengers on board. Your Incheon-to-LA flight is scheduled to arrive at the airport in approximately seven hours. Expect severe turbulence en route—please remain calm and follow the crew's instructions."
The broadcast ended. A first-class hunter donned his eye mask and reclined.
"Nap and we're there. Hope Captain Kang's faring well."