I'll Pass on the Headaches
The queen bee's wings and stinger didn't automatically become unique-grade items. Finished items like that usually came from humanoid monsters, intelligent special breeds, or ruins inside gates.
For animal-type or insect-type monsters, their byproducts typically served as crafting materials. The stronger the monster, the higher the grade of the item it could produce.
"The two unique items dubbed Africa's treasures: 'Mandrill's Robe' and 'Nocturnal Sword'.' There were even rumors that if we'd secured the 5th-generation queen bee's antennae, we could've made three unique items. They were that special—unique abilities and rare materials. We'll aim for all three in this raid plan."
Dwight jumped at Kang Moo-hyuk's words.
'Oh shit! I forgot about that?!'
It was a mistake. He'd been so focused on assessing the beehive raid's risks that he'd overlooked the potential rewards.
And understandably so—the guild analysts had estimated raid losses at 34% of the assault team's strength. Out of ten hunters, three or four would die.
A beehive sprawling across central LA? Ten people wouldn't cut it. Even excluding those blocking the entrance, you'd need at least thirty elites to breach the depths.
For total extermination without letting a single hornet larva escape, you'd need 150 to 200 for internal cleanup alone.
Losing thirty percent of that? It'd shut the guild down.
With the guild's survival on the line, getting greedy over items was foolish.
'Of course, those numbers were based on Botsuna-scale estimates. For a 5th-gen queen and tens of thousands of soldiers.'
LA was huge, but given how it'd evolved undetected this long, Dwight figured the numbers weren't that massive.
Still, tackling a 5th-gen or higher beehive was just as dangerous.
'But now an S-rank shows up? This is worth a shot.'
He'd momentarily forgotten her value amid the resentment of losing to Joo Se-ah. Dwight composed himself and spoke as the guild master.
"If Gunpowder dispatches an assault team to the hive's depths, how will we split the spoils?"
"Why? Feeling hungry?"
"You baited us with unique items, and now you're playing innocent?"
"We could solo it, no problem. But we'd have to gear up to match our guild master's rank. S-rank means uniques across the board, obviously."
"Isn't Guild Master Joo a tank? A robe wouldn't suit her."
"Lawmage uniques are rare. Offer to trade for tank gear anywhere, and they'll swarm like bees."
Dwight grew impatient as Kang Moo-hyuk dodged the answer he wanted.
But he couldn't just bow his head either—he was the one who'd hesitated on the raid moments ago.
Representing LA's top guild wasn't just about one group. It meant carrying the pride of the West Coast, pushed back by the East, even the whole state.
Without that pride, he couldn't have endured the East's interference this long.
He'd planned to concede just enough, pretend to be overpowered, and move on—but Kang Moo-hyuk showed no such intention.
'What's his angle? Trying to make me grovel? Damn! I admit S-ranks are impressive, but this is too brazen. Can't solo it either—that'd just make us cannon fodder.'
As Dwight's internal conflict deepened, Joo Se-ah stepped in to mediate.
"No pissing contest, guys. Unique items? Fine. But not worth lives. Delaying the carnivorous hornet extermination will just make it worse. Sending out the 1st gen means they're emptying the hive to refill with a new one. We need to hunt fast before it hits 5th gen or higher. Raid Leader Kang, I'll handle negotiations. Don't wanna be stubborn over one extra item. Step out for a bit."
"Guild Master, you gave me full authority. Ignoring that now?"
"Not ignoring... Just for this once, follow my lead. This raid only works because of me, an S-rank."
Kang Moo-hyuk frowned, displeased. Joo Se-ah met his gaze steadily, unflinching.
He shook his head with a sigh.
"This is tricky. Undermining my authority like this..."
"Sorry. But I won't concede everything. Promise."
Kang Moo-hyuk waved silently and left. No Song-rin, watching blankly, followed him.
Go Eul-ji, in the corner, hesitated amid the tense air and missed her escape, stuck behind. Jang Deok-gu, leaning against the wall, spoke to Joo Se-ah.
"Don't worry, Guild Master. I'll calm the raid leader."
"Thanks."
With Jang Deok-gu gone, Go Eul-ji was left alone. She smacked her forehead, realizing too late.
'Master's the real deal. True veteran hunter—slipping out like that.'
Go Eul-ji vowed to learn such quick thinking and timidly raised her hand.
"G-Guild Master. I'm worried about the raid leader too..."
"Stay. That's helping."
"Yes, ma'am..."
Deflated by the firm order, Go Eul-ji shrank into the corner.
With things settled, Joo Se-ah turned to Dwight.
"Negotiations. Shall we get serious?"
* * *
No Song-rin caught up to Kang Moo-hyuk, speaking anxiously.
"Raid Leader, shouldn't you apologize to the guild master...?"
"Me? Why?"
"I know you did a lot for the guild, but she's still the guild master, an S-rank... To me, Iron Will wouldn't run right without either of you. No good if you two clash."
"No. We didn't fight, so why apologize?"
"Pardon? That wasn't a fight...? So just a simple difference of opinion?"
"Not even that. More like aligning views. Or syncing up, really."
"Syncing up...?"
Jang Deok-gu answered No Song-rin's confusion.
"Can't you tell? They tag-teamed it."
"Tag-teamed?"
"Flatter and soothe. Dwight got pissy after getting chewed out by the guild master. She soothes him, saves face, gives him an out. Raid Leader never planned to hog all the uniques anyway. Right?"
Jang Deok-gu asked Kang Moo-hyuk, who smiled faintly. No Song-rin finally relaxed.
'Tricked again?'
He knew their cunning, yet fell for it every time. No signals this time—he hadn't suspected a con.
No Song-rin felt wronged.
"When'd you two sync up? I was stressing over picking sides."
"Weren't you on my side, Hunter No Song-rin?"
"Who'd beef with an S-rank?"
"With me?"
"You... Damn, pulling me in again. One slip, and you'll rat me out to the guild master, huh?"
"Guess our bond isn't trust-level yet. Won't join my side, then."
"Ugh, you drive me nuts."
No Song-rin dropped his original gripe, invoking silence.
Jang Deok-gu chimed in.
"Seriously curious—when'd you set up the rigged game?"
"Not rigged. Just steered the mood. Guild master handled the rest."
"No prior talk?"
"She read the room. I just laid the mat."
"Ha?"
Jang Deok-gu chuckled dryly. Joo Se-ah grasping Kang Moo-hyuk's intent and playing along? Mind games didn't suit her.
'Noticed lately, but the guild master's fitting her role better.'
Confirmed by Kang Moo-hyuk, Jang Deok-gu felt mixed—proud yet bittersweet, like sending a child off.
"But think Gunpowder's master didn't notice the guild master's play?"
No Song-rin hit the snag.
Kang Moo-hyuk smiled.
"Doesn't matter if he did. Probably eighty percent chance he caught it."
"Then we're screwed? He could flip the table in a huff."
"Someone who'd flip over this wouldn't have held off the East this long. He's capable."
"Rare praise from you. Gunpowder's master that great?"
"He lost to our guild master, but facing the East takes guts. They even have an S-rank. Gave him pride and solid gains with the uniques. He'll play along, pretending to yield."
Kang Moo-hyuk was certain. No Song-rin nodded instinctively.
"Fine, if you say so. I'll pass on the headaches. Just tell me the results after."
With the drama resolved, Kang Moo-hyuk hoped another card would fall into place.
'Now, just waiting on Hamilton's call to complete the groundwork.'
* * *
Sacramento, California's capital.
Hamilton headed straight to the state capitol from Sacramento International Airport as his private jet landed.
He'd called ahead, but tension lingered—the governor's poor ties with the president meant no slacking. After all, he was the White House's most trusted.
"Long time, Governor."
"Heard LA's in bad shape. Tough timing for a West Coast visit. Fate's a scary thing."
Governor Kevin Cock greeted Hamilton's courtesy with loaded concern, implying White House meddling.
Hamilton stayed cool despite the rudeness.
"If we could control monsters, no more gate deaths. This incident's future risks outweigh the past. No time for grudges."
"Don't take it hard. Cleaning around East guilds, then this hits—makes me sensitive."
"I won't deny representing New York and Washington's guilds. But I don't risk lives for that."
"Fine. Why come in person? Phone for aid—comms are back."
"Sacramento bypass lines are always monitored. Had to come myself."
Kevin's face twisted—surprise mixed with disbelief.
He didn't know details but sensed trouble.
"The great Hamilton flies in over wiretaps? Clashing with the White House?"
"We need a beehive raid now. Major guilds' interests clash. Need authority to unite them. Without presidential emergency order, your state declaration."
Kevin blinked in shock. Unforeseen—opposite faction's key figure volunteering for heavy political lift.
"This is California. Our turf. You know what you're saying? Aiming a gun at your own head. Worst case, accused of treason for defying feds. Monster cases go military law—you know?"
Hamilton closed his eyes, breathed deep, then spoke firmly, emphasizing each word.
"I'm betraying the White House for you to save lives. Prison? Not scary. Not compared to deaths."