87. Thick-Skinned as Always
Confidentiality makes sense since it involves an unknown entity—it's a natural measure for the Federation. But linking wolf breeding to a famous American ranch means drawing in guild backing and U.S. political interest. If the Federation brokers it, that's basically a declaration of support. In effect, it's a security guarantee.
Alex thought Kang Moo-hyuk was no pushover.
If Iron Will had tried to sign an MOU directly with a North American ranch, they could've flown to the U.S. anytime to close the deal. Rider Wolves were that appealing a product.
Of course, getting good terms would've been tough.
Great goods didn't always sell at fair prices.
Korea's pull in the hunter world had long faded. Guilds from North America would squeeze every last drop from a powerless nation begging for help.
That concern must've kept Kang Moo-hyuk from even considering foreign options.
But through the Federation, they'd at least get equal footing. The odd part is Mr. Kang assessing the Federation's influence. On the surface, we're a non-profit.
As his thoughts reached that point, Alex realized his own mistake. Looking back, Kang Moo-hyuk's judgment was inevitable. There were too many gaps.
Even in the hunter world's backwater, manipulating a national association chairman or preparing for a global unknown threat wasn't non-profit work.
With the Federation rigging Africa's mass sacrifices without a whisper, claiming powerlessness rang hollow.
"See? I told you. Total crook, this guy."
Han Byung-gu chuckled, clapping a flustered Alex on the shoulder.
"You seem awfully pleased, Mr. Han."
"Nonsense. Seeing wrinkles crease your brow after so long pains my heart."
Alex shook his head at Han Byung-gu's banter, then met Aila Priga's gaze.
"Is Guildmaster Kang Moo-hyuk's proposal too much for the Federation, Alex?"
Aila's single question shattered Alex's deliberations on steering the negotiation.
Ugh~ You know full well and still...
Aila might be an elf detached from human dealings, but she wasn't naive. Her priorities just differed.
For her, eliminating world threats trumped Federation prestige or minor losses. That's why she'd just exposed a weakness to Kang Moo-hyuk—tilting the deal against them.
The Federation existed to stabilize the world against gates, but it craved the power and wealth gained along the way. Lately, its shadow governance felt accelerated.
Such an organization couldn't measure Kang Moo-hyuk by Aila's standards.
Alex glanced between Aila and Kang Moo-hyuk before sighing deeply.
"Mr. Kang, you have a knack for putting people in tough spots. To cut to the chase, the Federation can handle your proposal."
"Can we put it in writing?"
"No major issues there."
This brief exchange let Kang Moo-hyuk gauge their standing in the Federation.
Quick decisions on tough calls. The hesitation wasn't lack of authority—it was checking with that elf. Shows non-humans hold serious sway here.
Alex extended his hand.
"Well then, seems we've wrapped this up. Do we need a contract drafted right now?"
"With Ms. Aila vouching, paperwork can wait."
Kang Moo-hyuk clasped his hand. Neither man was one for double-talk. Han Byung-gu figured this absurd deal was sealed.
The Federation yielding? Sun rising in the west. Kang Moo-hyuk... pulling North American hunter backing here? Impressive. With the Federation committed, no backing out. Korea's hunter scene's in for a shake-up.
As talks settled, Aila stepped in.
"That day, when you caught the goblin queen—what happened?"
"I saw black mana. Ominous energy pouring off it."
"No way!"
Raven, silent since Joo Se-ah subdued him, shouted.
"You saw mana? With your eyes? Total fraud, Alex. Wasted trip."
"Calm down, Raven."
Alex waved him back and pressed.
"Mr. Kang, you saw mana?"
"Yes."
"Impossible."
"Just because you can't doesn't mean others can't."
"Not that—humans on Earth can't."
"So non-humans here can, Ms. Aila?"
Kang Moo-hyuk turned to her.
"Not before crossing to this world."
"Crossing enabled it."
"Yes. No idea why."
"Then the green mana swirling around you isn't a hallucination."
"!!"
Aila's eyes widened. In her silence, Alex asked.
"Ms. Aila, is Mr. Kang telling the truth?"
She nodded. The Federation group fell mute, staring at Kang Moo-hyuk.
Once the shock faded, Aila spoke.
"No lie there. A human seeing mana—shocking. Mind if I ask how? Innate?"
"This is where confidentiality kicks in."
"We'll honor it."
"I have mana addiction."
"Mana addiction?"
Kang Moo-hyuk took a short breath.
"And I've spoken to your 'unknown entity.'"
"!!"
"Well, well, you're a rare sight these days. Feels like we've grown apart."
No Song-rin stared silently at Kim Myeong-jun in the private pavilion of the upscale Korean restaurant. As he stood frozen, Kim Myeong-jun tapped the laden table.
"Sit. Have a drink?"
No Song-rin slipped off his shoes and stepped up. His teeth chattered. He was trembling.
The chill went beyond brisk—it was cold—but not for hunters. His fear of Kim Myeong-jun caused it.
Not his A-rank. Just one step above me, and I've fought worse odds.
So why fear him?
Not his crimes, Ujungdo reign of terror, or Slayer Guild dealings.
None of it.
Kim Myeong-jun dominated all villains with sheer presence.
Acting calm, leisurely, affable—but a monster devouring anything for gain.
Especially human lives for profit, easier than breakfast.
Common villain mindset, but few matched his vicious secrecy.
As No Song-rin sat, Kim Myeong-jun poured. Ignoring the untouched glass, he continued.
"You've been radio silent. North Pocheon lockdown, sure. But when you're out, shouldn't you ping me? Not getting ideas, are you?"
"Kang Moo-hyuk. Not someone to underestimate. Tread carefully."
"I know. He stung me recently."
"You've met?"
Kim Myeong-jun set down the bottle, eyeing No Song-rin's face.
Truly clueless? Or playing dumb?
Same old face. Slightly spooked, eyes averted.
"Not sure."
"Pardon?"
"Always thought so—you've got some face. That's why I picked you."
No Song-rin clenched his teeth, then spat it out.
"Can't stay long. Got schedules."
"Dedicated to guild work."
"Do Kyung-hoon and Jo Choong-hyeon went after Kang Moo-hyuk lately. Two of Taeseong's third-gen lines crushed—I'm next. Can't give them cause. Late schedules just breed suspicion."
"If you say so."
"What do you want?"
"Kang Moo-hyuk's contact. Stuck in North Pocheon—no line means no contact. Guild Cooperation Office hits Slayer plants. Seong Seon-je sniffing around's trouble."
Kim Myeong-jun offered his smartphone. No Song-rin punched in the number.
"Direct line to Raid Leader Kang Moo-hyuk. He's out now."
"Where?"
"Doesn't broadcast schedules. No clue."
"Useless. Prove your worth. That's why I keep you."
"You don't trust me—getting chummy just raises flags."
"True, not the friendly type. Heh."
Kim Myeong-jun saved the number, swirling his glass. No Song-rin raised his in toast to empty air.
They downed shots and stood. No Song-rin left first. Kim Myeong-jun refilled and sipped, reseating.
"Thick-skinned. Can't read you."
Back at the Hunter Association, Aila recalled her meeting with Kang Moo-hyuk.
Mana addiction...
Federation intel confirmed: incurable, unstudied due to rarity. No survivors.
Kang Moo-hyuk had found a way to manage it—limited—and gained mana vision as side effect or aftermath.
"If true, he's no mere witness. Talking to the unknown? Huge."
"That guy's lying, right?"
Raven sniped at Alex, but Alex disagreed.
"No mana-seer could describe Aila's ambient particles."
"His claim of conversing felt genuine."
Aila vouched.
Her kind sensed true emotions—not intuition, but direct read.
Practically impossible to fool her on Earth.
"Alex, how should the Federation respond?"
"Honor the deal. Add clauses for deeper ties."
"Membership?"
"Well..."
"Why? Because he's no hunter?"
"Screening's rigorous. One or two joins yearly. Non-hunter status factors in."
"Membership eases collaboration. Assets get overt protection."
"Sure, but... Mr. Han would hate it."
"Oh? Forgot about Lord Han Byung-gu. He despises the Federation."
"Plus, convincing elders? No confidence."
"Sigh, overlooked their stubbornness. Not like Great War days. Time hardened them. No way around?"
Prior talk irrelevant. Her final words mattered.
"Federation screening only path."
"Harsh for Guildmaster Kang..."
"For non-hunters, skip monster hunts."
"Then how?"
"Give a problem. Solve it."
"That's commander selection. Brutal."
"Only way for non-hunters. Even needs elder buy-in."
"Your job, then."
"Yes."
Aila chewed her lip—her thinking habit.
Decision made, she said.
"No choice. Contact the Federation. Time to convene the Round Table."