Well, I Was Wondering Why Things Had Been So Quiet Lately.
"I had no idea mana addiction came with symptoms like that. You can see mana?"
Joo Se-ah let out an irritated snort.
Kang Moo-hyuk picked up on the guild master's displeasure and quickly apologized.
"I'm sorry I didn't mention it sooner."
"Do you even know what you did wrong before apologizing?"
"Yes. My report was too late. But in the middle of facing an unknown entity and unknown risks, there was no way to explain an unconfirmed phenomenon. I planned to brief you once I had it pinned down precisely."
"No, that's not... Hoo!"
Joo Se-ah cut herself off with a sigh. It just rubbed her the wrong way.
Damn it, he doesn't give a single thought to what happens to his own body.
For some reason, Kang Moo-hyuk's ice-cold rigidity felt infuriating. Joo Se-ah pushed aside the urge to slug him and spoke up.
"Whatever that monster was that day, it wasn't something we could've handled right then. I kept it secret to avoid panicking the others, but honestly, it's a memory I'd rather forget. I haven't felt that powerless, unable to put up a proper fight, since over ten years ago."
"It was definitely the kind of existence that would spell disaster anywhere in the world."
"What I'm saying is, you don't have to shoulder that alone. No one could handle something like that solo. Report it when you need to, like always. But anything tied to your mana addiction directly affects your health—and that ties straight to the guild's well-being. It's something I need to stay on top of."
"My health's fine. Not cured, but it's under control enough not to interfere with my duties as leader."
"Not cured?"
"......"
Kang Moo-hyuk inwardly cursed his slip. What a rookie mistake. He'd anticipated this when mentioning the aftereffects of mana addiction, but Joo Se-ah's reaction was subtly off from what he'd expected, and he'd let his guard down.
Showing a weakness like this. I'm still not there yet.
Kang Moo-hyuk reflected on the error even as he felt a quiet relief that some human side still lingered amid his dulling emotions.
"Haa~ Let's table that for now. Anything else I need to know? Like how you're managing the illness."
"I'm taking meds consistently. Injections too."
"I heard there's no treatment. Where'd you get the drugs?"
"My fath— My father researches gate biology, physiology, and microbiology. My uncle works in gate mechanical engineering. The two of them teamed up to develop a treatment."
"If they've made progress on an incurable disease, they must be big names in gate science, right?"
"Probably not many people know them. They haven't done public work in ages. About fifteen years."
Joo Se-ah's stomach churned at Kang Moo-hyuk's casual mention of "fifteen years."
Noticing her darkening expression, Kang Moo-hyuk tilted his head.
"Something wrong? You don't look well."
"No. Just... old memories. Bad ones."
To drain the color from Korea's top hunter's face—it had to be more than just "bad."
Kang Moo-hyuk was about to press when his phone rang, forcing him to hold off.
"Take the call. Direct line means it's urgent. We'll pick this up when we're not rushed—let's pause here."
Joo Se-ah wagged her finger like a warning not to dodge, then plopped onto the sofa.
Feels like we've covered everything.
Kang Moo-hyuk racked his brain for anything left unsaid as he answered.
"Kang Moo-hyuk speaking."
Click!
"What the—? Why'd you hang up?"
"Wrong number."
"Who calls a direct line by mistake...?"
"Spam, probably."
Ring ring! Ring ring!
"It's calling back. Not spam then?"
As Kang Moo-hyuk ignored it, Joo Se-ah snatched the receiver.
"Hello?"
Click!
"Voice phishing."
"Scary stuff. Voice phishing... A voice that toxic just from hearing it. Guess I need a new number."
The ringing persisted. Kang Moo-hyuk nearly yanked the line but held off—the direct line was for emergencies. He had no choice but to answer.
"Kang Moo-hyuk speaking."
"How'd you get this number?"
Kang Moo-hyuk clocked that No Song-rin must've leaked it.
"Didn't we agree to stay out of each other's way?"
"So, what's the point?"
"Has to be in person?"
"That's it?"
Kim Myeong-jun faltered at Kang Moo-hyuk's nonchalance.
Normally, you'd at least pretend to freak out.
Was he being mocked? But Kang's tone was so even, Kim Myeong-jun's face twisted in confusion. Then it hit him—this wasn't the reaction he wanted. It meant get to the point.
"Now we're talking. Japan?"
Kim Myeong-jun swallowed a curse at Kang Moo-hyuk's needling.
"Fine. Let's meet. Might be something I can give you in return."
Kim Myeong-jun, who'd planned to play hard to get, dropped it at that last line.
Damn, plays you like a fiddle. One hell of a operator.
Outwardly calm, he replied.
"Of all the places to pick..."
On Nampocheon's outskirts, in an abandoned village depopulated by shrinking numbers, Kim Myeong-jun faced Kang Moo-hyuk. Joo Se-ah glared daggers beside him. His knees weakened, recalling the thrashing she'd given him before.
Shouldn't have come alone?
Bringing goons wouldn't stop her anyway. Meat shields at best?
If they couldn't stop her regardless, better to meet solo and avoid misunderstandings.
Kim Myeong-jun opened his mouth to shake off the tension.
"Orc tribe raid. Congrats on the win."
"Nothing to congratulate."
"Fair enough—more like something to worry about. You've got a real talent for PR. Tier guild fame off a mere orc raid. Sharp businessman. Bet you're racking up enemies everywhere."
"Get to the point."
He'd tried rattling him pre-talk. Kim Myeong-jun smacked his lips in regret.
Doesn't faze him. Means he knows the lay of the land.
Kang Moo-hyuk knew fame beyond his skills was poison. No way he'd bite at the bait.
Kim Myeong-jun said, "Heard of Japan's Gildanren?"
"Guild Union Federation. Right?"
"Also called the Japan Guild Union. Not an official group, though."
"Official or not, when that much dangerous power bands together, it's as good as recognized."
"Spot on. Even Japan's politicians back 'em. No sign doesn't mean powerless. They wield quiet influence here in Korea too."
"What are they plotting?"
"I mentioned their assassination squads?"
"They're in Korea. What's the target?"
"The group called Iga Squad."
Kim Myeong-jun circled slyly. Kang Moo-hyuk listened patiently, unruffled.
Tch, no fun.
With no reaction, Kim Myeong-jun scowled and continued.
"The union has several such squads. Iga, Fuma, Koga, Saika, Shuppa, etc. All named after ninja clans. Japanese are obsessed with ninjas—everything's themed like that."
"And?"
"Iga's the elite of elites. They're the ones who came to Korea to take you out, Leader Kang."
He dropped the bomb straight this time.
Expecting shock at elite Japanese assassins targeting him, Kang Moo-hyuk stayed stone-faced.
He glanced at Joo Se-ah, arms crossed like a statue beside him.
"What do they gain from killing me? The guild master, maybe."
"First leader I've met who tells 'em to aim for his boss instead. Why not give 'em your address?"
"Good idea, Guild Master."
"What're you on about?"
"Dig a trap? With your skills, odds are in our favor."
"Ugh, shoulda kept my mouth shut."
Realizing he meant it, Joo Se-ah clammed up.
Kim Myeong-jun cleared the awkward air with more details.
"Anyway, that's the deal. Reason they're after you? To stunt Guild Master Joo's growth, probably."
"She's plenty grown. What, cross an ocean to clip her wings now?"
"S-rank or not, they wanna neuter her solo power. No fights needed—just seal her off."
"How?"
"Slayer and all her other enemies, right? Personal strength shines in raids. Raids are guild-level ops. Even S-rank's useless if she can't raid at all."
"And you're the saboteur. Right?"
"......"
Kim Myeong-jun jolted—not at Kang Moo-hyuk, but Joo Se-ah nailing it.
Did Kang tip her? Or...?
Was Joo Se-ah changing?
As he scrambled for a dodge, Kang Moo-hyuk spoke.
"Got it—they're here. Obvious why you're telling us. Pure-blood Japan hunter scene sees Korean hunters as outsiders, no trust. Can't let the prey die or you're discarded. Or maybe keep it thrashing to climb higher? Owner feeds you better if it fights."
"Talking to you's always straightforward, Leader Kang. No need to spell it out."
"What do you want?"
"What you said earlier."
"Trap? Wipe out Iga Squad?"
At Kang Moo-hyuk's suspicion, Kim Myeong-jun explained quick.
"Not setting a reverse trap. Slayer sniffed 'em out, putting me in a bind. Success or fail, I risk exposure. Who survives Slayer's mark on Korean soil? Flee to Japan, think they'll welcome me? Status quo's best."
"And milk more union support using the guild master as excuse? Perfect."
"Call it my performance bonus."
Kang Moo-hyuk nodded, asking no more.
"I'll think it over and get back."
"Hoping for a favorable decision."
Eul-ji, you punk! Time for a reckoning!
Storming home, Han Byung-gu stomped up to the second floor and kicked Go Eul-ji's door.
"You brat! No Iron Will!"
"Hey, Gramps."
"Eh? Oh, Nari's here too. Thought it was just you, Eul-ji. Heh heh."
"Don't you know etiquette, Gramps? Bursting into a lady's room. Even old-school hunters gotta follow basics. You've got status. Total lack of common sense."
Han Byung-gu bristled at Go Eul-ji's shrug and head-shake.
"Etiquette? Basics? Common sense~? So Miss Common Sense joins a guild banned over some idol?"
"'Some' idol? It was a BTA fanmeet with a meal voucher!"
"Eul-ji's right, Gramps. It's BTA."
"Right?"
Buoyed by Kim Nari's backup, Go Eul-ji beamed.
Han Byung-gu smacked his forehead. What'd he do wrong? Why was his granddaughter simping for frilly popstars?
No. I did nothing wrong.
Then punish the culprit.
One conclusion.
"Kang Moo-hyuk, brainwashing my granddaughter!"
"Wait, why's Leader Kang dragged in? What'd that uncle do to get on your grudge list?"
"You... siding with that Kang Moo-hyuk punk now?"
"Siding?"
"Uwooh! Kang Moo-hyuk! Federation be damned—it's war!"
Go Eul-ji snagged Han Byung-gu with telekinesis as he spun to bolt for North Pocheon.
The clash of two top hunters' power rippled outward.
Crash! Shatter!
"Kyaa!"
Windows exploded, objects whirled—but Kim Nari was unharmed. Go Eul-ji shielded her.
"Agh, broke it again. How many windowpanes has my room eaten?"
"Eul-ji, you punk! No more allowance starting today!"
"Cool. I get paid now. No raids, so base salary only, but it's decent. Waived raid duty till adulthood since I'm a student. Paid to chill—pure honey!"
"You... you...!"
"Leader Kang said minors can join guilds without guardian okay if overseen. Had no clue. You went too far, Gramps. Controlling me with pocket money, no real job. Epic ten-year con by Chairman Han Byung-gu."
Go Eul-ji could've sworn she heard something snap in Han Byung-gu.
"Spoiled you too long—medicine's worn off, huh?"
"Medicine?"
"Love taps."
"That's not medicine, it's violence... Waaak! What era is this? Still old-school beatings? Your fists are lethal weapons!"
"Nari, sorry, head home. Eul-ji's in for some pain."
"No way. Sleepover tonight."
"Heh heh, hurting in front of a friend. My girl's troubling others."
"Don't come. Past that doll... Ow, don't pass it! Gramps, whatcha looking for? No weapons here... Ow, when'd I leave that sword? Anyway, stay back... Gyaaa!"
Kim Nari eased the door shut and slipped into the hall.
Moments later, crashes echoed.
Peeking in, a breeze ruffled her bangs through the missing wall.
Kim Nari sighed at Go Eul-ji's wrecked room.
"Been a while. Well, I was wondering why things had been so quiet lately."