30. Blackmail is My Constitution.
No Song-rin couldn't make sense of his current situation.
He glanced at the people in the sedan he was riding in.
Jang Deok-gu was behind the wheel, Kang Moo-hyuk in the passenger seat. In the back with him, Joo Se-ah sat with her arms crossed, glaring straight ahead.
Her expression alone made it clear she was in a foul mood.
How the hell did I end up here?
No Song-rin recalled the events from just an hour ago.
He'd been checking on the strategic team when he heard Kang Moo-hyuk had arrived, so he'd gone up to the 17th floor.
"First time meeting you, Commander Kang. I'm No Song-rin."
"Ah, right... Ujungdo. I've heard about it. You're their representative, yeah?"
"I'd appreciate it if you didn't hold too many prejudices just because we're from Ujungdo. I'm a reasonable guy, always ready for a chat."
"Fine. Reasonable it is."
"Could you spare a moment alone?"
"Well... problem is, I've gotta head somewhere right now."
"It's important for the guild's future."
"Ahh, the future. If it's okay with you, how about we talk in the car on the way? Perfect spot for that kind of conversation."
At the time, No Song-rin had thought the isolated confines of a car would be ideal for secretive talk.
So he'd agreed readily and gotten in.
But then—
Shit. Didn't know 'on the way' meant scouting the Pocheon site.
And not just Kang Moo-hyuk alone, but with the guild master and her right-hand man. What an uncomfortable lineup.
"Looks like all the guild's key figures are here. Perfect chance for some frank talk about the guild. These are people who rarely get together."
"Haha... y-yeah."
No Song-rin turned from the passenger seat, forcing a stiff smile at Kang Moo-hyuk.
The way he smiled like he was being considerate made No Song-rin want to punch him.
Joo Se-ah was just as irritated watching No Song-rin.
Why the hell is he here?
In over a year as guild master, she'd only met him face-to-face twice.
It wasn't just because he was from Ujungdo; he was more interested in side gigs than actual hunter duties.
Commander Kang has to know how uncomfortable we are with each other.
Yet he'd put them all in one car. And not in the passenger seat, but right next to her. There had to be intent behind it.
Always so scheming.
Kang Moo-hyuk had even given her a heads-up before getting in.
"Just glare at him."
She didn't know why, but she'd done as told. The contract demanded it.
"Nice weather. Perfect for discussing the guild's future. Feels like we'll get some good results today."
"……."
"……."
South Pocheon had shrunk to just under half its original area compared to the whole of Pocheon before.
Its population had plummeted from over 150,000 to under 50,000.
Those with means had moved to other regions, but people with most of their assets tied to local land couldn't escape the monster threats.
Previously, tourism, manufacturing, agriculture, forestry, and livestock had all supported the local economy evenly. Now, everything except agriculture and livestock was struggling.
Government subsidies kept them afloat, but they stopped the moment you left, so no one could just up and go without thinking twice.
"Business is tough, jobs are scarce. Young folks keep heading out. Older Pocheon residents are scraping by more and more. Then news hits that Taeseong Guild's basing in North Pocheon—it's a huge hope for us struggling folks. As mayor, I want to thank you sincerely. Looking forward to working together."
"We'll be in your debt in many ways going forward. We appreciate your support."
City hall officials bustled about, snapping photos of Joo Se-ah shaking hands with the Pocheon mayor.
It was an unannounced surprise visit—no media.
The formal MOU for Pocheon defense and development would come later, but today's meeting would surely boost the citizens' spirits.
"You wanted to tour Pocheon, so we didn't set up anything formal... you sure no escort's okay?"
"We might hit dangerous spots. We can handle ourselves, but we can't risk endangering others."
The mayor nodded at Kang Moo-hyuk's reply.
He liked the man.
Pocheon was a hot potato no politician wanted—the local government head spot.
Problems cropped up daily, with no upsides.
Handle them well, and it was just doing your job. Mess up, and it wasn't just criticism—you got hell.
The mildest humiliation was rotten eggs. Only a local like him could endure it.
How could he not like Kang Moo-hyuk, who chose this place as base?
"We'll tour Pocheon thoroughly, then set up a frank discussion later, Mayor."
"We're waiting anytime. We'll support Taeseong Guild with everything we've got."
Kang Moo-hyuk left the mayor behind and moved with just the Taeseong crew.
A crowd had already gathered outside city hall—word spread fast.
As the group emerged, they unfurled banners and placards.
<Taeseong Guild. We sincerely welcome you to North Pocheon.>
<Milky-skinned Joo Se-ah Hunter. Become Pocheon's goddess.>
<Commander Kang Moo-hyuk, Pocheon supports you.>
"What the—those cringey lines?"
Joo Se-ah peered at the welcoming citizens through the window.
Mostly elderly or middle-aged, but some students in uniforms too.
The lines making her cringe and blush were mostly on those youths' placards.
"Great start. Ties with locals matter for a home guild. Popularity makes swaying opinion easy."
"I don't wanna profit off innocent kids' hopes, Commander."
"It's not exploiting purity—it's meeting expectations. Thin line on paper, but show results, and our sincerity won't be questioned."
No Song-rin, listening to the guild master and commander, was deeply shocked.
Why do they talk like that? Are they really here to save Pocheon? Or acting for my benefit?
Guild revival under a commander, relocation to North Pocheon.
He'd assumed some conspiracy amid the whirlwind changes—maybe internal faction realignment or prelude to collapse.
But seeing it firsthand, their actions felt genuine.
Did any guild set policy like this?
They just raided gates out of inertia, basked in public cheers for protecting the nation from monsters.
Byproducts? Money and fame.
Hunters were the era's pinnacle of power.
As long as gates existed, that solidified over time.
Yet these two dismissed that flow like it was nothing.
Without weighing profits.
Admirable, in a way.
Doesn't mean I'll buy in. I just need to eat well and live well. Sacrifice? Duty? Responsibility? Ancient history. Not modern hunter mindset.
The boundary splitting Pocheon north and south centered on Geumjusan, between Yeongpyeong Stream flowing into the Hantan River, Ildong-myeon, and Yeongjung-myeon.
Part of the special zone fell inside the border fence, but mana was thin there—no monster spawns.
They could draw natural boundaries and focus on occasional southern stragglers.
Kang Moo-hyuk's group crossed Manse Bridge, the boundary entrance, into the special zone.
Roads allowed vehicle access deep into Yeongjung-myeon.
Empty streets, abandoned shops and homes, overgrown middle school grounds.
Low-grade monsters appeared occasionally, but Joo Se-ah cracking the window and flaring her aura sent them scampering in panic.
They parked at Yeongjung Bridge, where dangerous monsters started appearing.
A crumbling agricultural specialty exhibit hall stood before the bridge—the planned outpost for the guild HQ move. Time to inspect on foot.
Seizing the moment, No Song-rin sidled up to Kang Moo-hyuk.
"Commander, you planning to talk to me at all?"
"Sorry. I get tunnel vision on the job. You want a one-on-one without the guild master, right?"
You know damn well.
Outwardly, No Song-rin smiled faintly and nodded.
"I'll step away and talk with Hunter No Song-rin."
No Song-rin panicked as Kang Moo-hyuk told Joo Se-ah.
Too blatant!
Expecting interference, Joo Se-ah just waved him off—go do your thing—unfazed.
Kang Moo-hyuk walked to the bridge center with No Song-rin.
"Far enough they won't hear. Ready for constructive talk?"
"Music to my ears. What I want is for you to reconsider the relocation."
"Can't. Already announced to media, talks with Pocheon city hall underway—as you saw. Plans set, group HQ approved."
All his contingencies resolved—his face hardened.
Can't brush this off with words, then.
Time to flex his influence.
"You know as the new commander you're up against the three factions you call raid lines."
Kang Moo-hyuk stared blankly as the honorifics dropped.
"One word from me, and a third of the guild's forces vanish. Word's out we're leaving Seoul—deserters already trickling. If I join them?"
"Guild becomes a shell."
"Talking like it's someone else's problem."
"Why not just stay? You and your followers—no issue."
"Not exactly hopeful odds."
"Not hope. An order."
"Order?"
No Song-rin's brow twitched at Kang Moo-hyuk's icy glare.
Cocky bastard. For a normie.
Kang Moo-hyuk looked skyward, as if recalling.
"You know about Hunter Byeon Jeong-cheol recently? Kept me busy. Dug into Ujungdo factions in the guild."
"Snooping, huh?"
No Song-rin's shoulders heaved—veiled threat of killing intent.
Kang Moo-hyuk ignored it calmly.
"As a Titan alum, I've got great connections. Some investigators who dig relentlessly once hooked."
"And? What'd they dig up?"
"Slayer Guild."
"!!"
"One exec from Ujungdo. Guild master confirmed it."
No Song-rin kept composed.
"No clue what you're on about. Ujungdo guys everywhere. Sounds like you're saying I'm tight with him. Why would I? I joined Taeseong before the guild master. Linking me to her bad blood with Slayer? Low blow, trying to frame an innocent. Won't last long as commander."
"No need for hard evidence. Don't ask how I know—it's my weapon. But does evidence matter here? Rumors alone make people vanish overnight. You know that best, No. Song. Rin. Hunter."
Murder and corpse disposal. The words flashed in No Song-rin's mind.
Feeling the surging mana, Kang Moo-hyuk preempted.
"Killing me won't change much. Guild master and Jang Deok-gu know."
He waved across the bridge. No Song-rin turned—Joo Se-ah waved back from the entrance.
She looked bored, expressionless, which made it scarier.
Damn. It's a trap.
Both stronger than him. One on one, he'd lose.
North Pocheon was deserted.
Like a gate inside.
Body vanishes unnoticed, blame monsters—perfect dump site.
Chills ran down his spine.
Planned to off me from the start?
Kang Moo-hyuk, back turned, leaned on the railing, gazing at Yeongpyeong Stream.
"No need to go after the guild master. Kill me, gives Jang Deok-gu reason to take you out. Only if talks fail, of course."
"What do you want?"
"Three options."
"Three?"
"One: Come to North Pocheon quietly, help Guild Master Joo Se-ah. Two: Clean resignation."
"Help or quit—Slayer brands me traitor either way."
"Admitting ties to Slayer."
"Hypothetically."
"Assuming ties, pick three."
"What's three?"
"Be a double agent."
"D-double agent?"
No Song-rin gawked at Kang Moo-hyuk's back.
Feeling the stare, he continued.
"Obey Slayer, feed me their info. Report to them you're pretending to help Taeseong, biding time. Play both sides right, you'll survive. I'll play along."
"What if I backstab you?"
"Guild HQ at Sanjeong Lake resort—deep mountains. Dangerous anytime for a hunter."
"All talk, you said?"
"Doing it now."
Gulp.
Cornered.
Any choice, his life was collateral.
To Joo Se-ah, Slayer, or Kang Moo-hyuk.
Normie pulls this off. Not to be underestimated.
No Song-rin thought fast.
Evidence didn't matter.
Power was law, justice, authority for hunters.
He'd bow for now, plan later.
"Three... I'll take it."
"Good. Full car on the way back."
Confirmed it: he'd have killed him if needed.
"Slyer than you look. Sharp commander."
"Not sharp."
"Then?"
"Blackmail's just my nature."