Let's See What He's Capable Of.
The evening news set the industry abuzz.
Everyone in the hunter business had their eyes on Iron Will Guild.
The tier guilds were paying especially close attention.
Rider Wolf.
Ridiculously enough, in Korea they insisted on calling it a "Rider Wolf" with half the name in Korean, but its value was no laughing matter.
Wolf-species mounts were drawing massive interest overseas as well.
It hadn't been long since the tier guilds started inquiring with Iron Will when Japan and China reached out.
Not only that, but it caught the eye of powerhouse hunter nations in North America and Europe.
This was because the Rider Wolf was the first combat-type taming monster that hunters could handle.
The most combat-suited taming monster to date had been the "Dragon Horse" shipped from the US. The Dragon Horse resembled a horse in form, making it more like a war steed than a monster.
In contrast, the Rider Wolf had value as a mount and could fight on its own—even without a rider.
If the business succeeded, Iron Will Guild could leap from latecomer in the ranch industry straight to the top group.
"In the current situation, talking to foreign guilds won't do us any good. Hunkering down in North Pocheon was a stroke of genius. We've only got a few lines barely connected to the Guild Cooperation Department, so no annoying calls for a while."
-That's convenient. So when are you coming back, Director Kang?
"I've still got business in Seoul."
-Take it easy, why don't you? You're not a hunter, you know. Even if you've shaken off that terminal illness, working nonstop like this is bound to wreck your health.
"Unlike hunters who rest after hunts, desk work has no days off. Rest up for the next hunt, Guild Master. Things are about to get busy."
-What are you scheming now...
"I'll wrap up here and head straight back. Meeting time's up—let's end the call."
Kang Moo-hyuk cut off Joo Se-ah's question and hung up. The female server who had guided him opened a refined sliding door made of hanji paper.
A graying man wearing glasses rose from his seat inside.
As Kang Moo-hyuk entered, the man greeted him with a broad smile and an outstretched hand.
"Hanshin Financial Holdings, Im Baek-gyu."
"Iron Will Guild, Kang Moo-hyuk. Thank you for making time for this sudden meeting amid your busy schedule, Director."
"After seeing that news, how could I refuse your call?"
Im Baek-gyu gestured to the seat.
Before Kang Moo-hyuk could even bring up business after sitting, the pre-ordered dishes arrived. He'd expected a light meal with drinks, but it was a gourmet course that only foodies would appreciate.
Kang Moo-hyuk, squeezing time from his packed schedule, glanced at his watch and sighed inwardly as he picked up his chopsticks.
He didn't particularly enjoy the social chit-chat over meals. But Im Baek-gyu was the opposite, savoring the food and talking at length. Sensing the man's temperament, Kang Moo-hyuk played along appropriately.
Only after a few obligatory rounds of drinks he wasn't enjoying did Im Baek-gyu get to the point.
"So, what brings you to see me?"
"When a guild comes looking for a bank, the reason's obvious. Money."
"Contacting me directly instead of a standard loan consultation suggests you need quite a sum."
"Wolf ranch construction, North Pocheon guild HQ rebuild. Lots of places money's going."
"So that's why you dropped the news first before reaching out?"
"Guild value goes up, loan limits follow."
"True enough. Especially for Korea's first—and one of the world's few—mount monster ranches... You've come to the right place. We're more than welcome. In this day and age, guilds offer the best investment returns. Our group was just scouting new opportunities."
"That's why I sought you out, Executive Director. I hear you're in charge of finding those investments. And the total scale is substantial."
"Excellent. Perfect timing. You've come to the right man."
Im Baek-gyu raised his glass in a solo toast to the air, then downed the strong Andong soju in one gulp, his eyes sharpening.
"What I'm curious about is this: With achievements like that, couldn't Iron Will's parent company cover it? Taeseong, I mean."
"Can't keep burdening the parent forever. Even if guilds are money pits, long-term financial independence is essential."
"Or maybe you need funds free from parent company influence?"
Im Baek-gyu had the seasoned insight befitting his gray hair streaked with age. That was why Kang Moo-hyuk had sought him.
Cautious, perceptive, and tight-lipped on official matters. Industry reputation held that his rags-to-riches climb gave him tenacity.
According to Titan Guild's finance director—Kang Moo-hyuk's former workplace—he was strict but efficient, making him a good partner.
True to his "spicy ginger" rep, Im Baek-gyu seemed aware of the strained ties between Taeseong Group and Iron Will.
"Rumors say Guild Master Joo Se-ah and Chairman Tae Jin-seong aren't on good terms."
"It's business. Personal feelings don't factor in."
Kang Moo-hyuk drew a firm line.
Not widely known, but the rift between Joo Se-ah and Chairman Tae Jin-seong was whispered in high society—nothing surprising that Im Baek-gyu knew.
But framing that as the conflict's root was another matter.
Grasping Kang Moo-hyuk's intent, Im Baek-gyu returned to business.
"So, what scale of loan are you after?"
"Refinance 300 billion in debt, plus an additional 500 billion."
"Not small, but doable. Within expectations."
"Could need more depending on circumstances."
"Hm... That exceeds projections. Given Iron Will's size and hunter levels, business potential alone without collateral has limits—even if the ranch succeeds. Pushing ahead would be gambling."
Kang Moo-hyuk pulled a USB from his pocket and set it on the table. Then he refilled Im Baek-gyu's glass from the earthen soju bottle.
"Data to help with loan approval. Beyond the ranch, additional ventures and projected guild revenue. For reference, tomorrow's news will cover MOU talks with Slayer Guild."
"Slayer?"
"Yes. Broad strokes agreed, ironing out details."
Im Baek-gyu, stunned, set down his glass untouched—a rare refusal for a drinker.
Considering Guild Master Joo Se-ah's ties with Slayer Guild, this is near-miraculous. Heard he wasn't ordinary since taking director post... How'd he pull it off? Anyway, with the board drawn this far, refusing the loan would be harder.
Im Baek-gyu pocketed the USB, impressed by the thoroughness.
"I'll check my lending limits and get back to you."
Item post-processing specialist Hanseong Enterprises was your run-of-the-mill small-to-medium firm with no patents to its name, yet jobs never dried up.
The factory ran smoothly, no overtime. Salaries were solid, welfare top-notch for its size.
No deadline crunches, no execs nagging about sales.
Some wondered why it stood out from struggling peers, but it wasn't a big deal. Steady pay and clock-out-on-time? All good.
Employees loved the place. Even got government nod as a labor-friendly SME.
At least on the surface, it was a model small business—no issues.
But every good company has its shadow.
Hanseong Enterprises was a satellite guild managed by Slayer Guild.
"Hard to believe this place runs so well without management bothering. They barely pay attention."
A man visiting as a Japanese buyer said to Executive Director Kim Myeong-jun. His fluent Korean and looks suggested Zainichi Korean or Korean expat in Japan.
"Just hire decent folks and leave 'em be—they handle it."
"They show up diligently too. Prepping for retirement, Executive Director?"
"Diligently? It's camouflage anyway. Gotta stick to the day job. You're the one singing early retirement blues. You need retirement prep more."
"Only if the bosses let me. Speaking of, let's talk real work—it's been a while."
Chae Dae-su, slouched against the sofa, straightened up. The loose salesman vanished, replaced by a battle-hardened killer aura.
Kim Myeong-jun tensed slightly.
"Fine. Why are you here?"
"Iron Will Guild."
"Guild? Putting the guild before Joo Se-ah for once. The wolves?"
"Thought Joo Se-ah was the only headache, but now another headache. Tops are displeased."
"Can't control variables like wolves."
"Can't just leave it. Elder doesn't want Korean hunter vitality reviving."
"That's not my lane. My orders were keep Joo Se-ah down. Assassination too tough, so kill her influence as a hunter. Hence the Slayer Guild ties I never wanted. Think I've done alright so far."
Kim Myeong-jun shrugged lightly in protest, but Chae Dae-su shook his head.
"Grasp the orders' intent. Joo Se-ah's next-gen S-rank, maybe already ranked up. Post-Great War, Korea's S-rank drought—cutting the sprout is to prevent hunter powerhouse revival. But Rider Wolves cross the line. Give 'em time, they'll shake Asia—no, the world market. Draw global eyes, spark exchanges. Korea could rejoin the mainstream."
"Thorough regardless of nationality. Got Korean blood, yet."
"I'm Japanese."
"Using a Korean name?"
"Easier for ops. Nationality means squat these days—especially for hunters."
Kim Myeong-jun nodded. Last time hunter nationality mattered was the Great War. Now it was money and power.
Asia clung to nationalism more than the West, but big money and power shook that too.
Hell, I'm taking their cash, so who am I to talk. But Japan's island pride—calling nationality-swapped hunters traitors while saying this? Hilarious irony.
Chae Dae-su pressed without showing he noticed Kim Myeong-jun's smirk.
"Time to deliver on Ujungdo extraction fee. How? Shake via Slayer Guild? Or Taeseong Group?"
"Too overplayed. And Slayer's not Joo Se-ah's enemy for now."
"Not an enemy? What?"
"News tomorrow: Teaming with Iron Will on Rider Wolves."
"Hm... Feared scenario unfolding. Slayer-Joo Se-ah combo's dangerous. Handle fast. Got a plan? Request support if needed."
At Chae Dae-su's concerned tone, Kim Myeong-jun smiled slyly.
"Kang Moo-hyuk. Iron Will's new director. Ex-Titan."
"Titan..."
"Got lines there? Need them to step up."
"Titan connections are hunter-side—useless."
"Not hunters. No knife dance with Joo Se-ah. Contact Titan vice master."
"Vice master... Ma Tae-soo? Not a pushover."
"Ma Tae-soo's greedy. Poke that. Let's see what he's capable of."