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In the large lecture hall of Cheongjin University, Kang Mu-hyuk gathered the Hunters and briefed them. They had been warming up with raid drills for the past few days. The aim was to outline the primary objective for the Unified Strike Force.

The first mission of the strike force was to raid four named monsters from the Demonic Realm. These monsters had crossed into the Korean Peninsula.

"We're going after 'Garuda' first."

In the dimly lit lecture hall with curtains, Kang Mu-hyuk pointed at the giant screen. The monster's image was displayed on the screen. It had a humanoid shape with wings. It was bipedal, with a bird's head and a snake-like body.

"Why go after that one first?"

He disregarded the rule about waiting for permission to speak. The Hunters were unruly, so a few days earlier, they'd set a rule. They had to raise their hands before talking. Otherwise, it would turn into total chaos. But no one called him out.

Kang Mu-hyuk didn't seem bothered.

"It's a serious threat because it can fly. Unlike other monsters, Garuda might not gradually move south. It could suddenly appear in Seoul without any warning."

"If it shows up in Seoul, it's as good as dead. There are so many interception squads and large guilds there. If the magic forces engage in an aerial battle, no named monster would stand a chance. Even I could bring it down."

Gong Jungmoon, a confident mage from the Wanderer Guild spoke.

Kang Mu-hyuk shook his head.

"A lot of people would die or get hurt. And Garuda's mobility is beyond what any of you can imagine."

"How do you know that? You haven't even fought it."

"The Titan Guild was the first to attempt a raid on Garuda. That was my former guild. I was the one who developed the raid strategy. We gathered as much information from the reconnaissance team as possible. Once you see this, you'll understand. Here are Garuda's current known specs."

Kang Mu-hyuk switched to the next slide. Instead of a full-body photo of Garuda, a precise illustration appeared. It resembled Leonardo da Vinci's Vitruvian Man, with its limbs spread out.

"Height: 2.5 meters. Weight: 1.5 tons. Wingspan: 2.8 meters when folded, 6 meters when extended. Maximum flight speed: 348 meters per second---supersonic speed. It might be even faster, though that hasn't been confirmed yet. As for its attack patterns..."

When Kang Mu-hyuk finished briefing them about Garuda, the Hunters all shared the same reaction.

"Did Titan really try to go after that thing?"

It was understandable that they were shocked. In short, Garuda was a named monster that no A-rank guild could handle.

Kang Mu-hyuk cleared up their confusion.

"It wasn't this powerful at first. It was initially discovered in the Geumgang Plateau Special Operations Zone about two years ago. The raid was called off when it escaped into the Demonic Realm right before the operation. It hasn't been seen since. Based on the size difference from the initial data, it's safe to assume it has evolved several stages."

The Hunters nodded in agreement, muttering their thoughts to each other.

"I thought Titan had suddenly become a powerhouse."

"Without the wings, it doesn't seem all that scary."

"We could probably take it down with just one party. What should we do afterward?"

The Hunters laughed confidently. Seong Seonjae stood up from his seat. He strolled up to the podium where Kang Mu-hyuk stood. His hands were casually stuffed into his pockets as he spoke in a laid-back tone, "Like the others said, it's not that tough when it's stuck on the ground. The real issue is when it's airborne. You know how it goes---monsters become a whole lot more dangerous just by flying around like a bug. But if it's flying that fast and using skills? One wrong move, and you're done for..."

Seong Seonjae pulled his right hand from his pocket and tapped the screen.

"Listen closely. Don't get cocky and end up dead. Stay sharp. It's great that you're confident---you're all elite members of top-tier guilds---but right now, you're too relaxed. Is this a side gig for you? Do you act this casual when entering Gates with your guilds? Get serious. If we lose this thing, hundreds, maybe thousands, will die in an instant. What if it crashes into a small town without anti-air defenses? Every Hunter there will be wiped out.

We're the last line of defense, and we have to take it down. Got that? Now sit up straight!"

His harsh words made the Hunters, who had been lounging, sit up properly.

A few still slouched with an air of defiance. These were the veterans---experienced Hunters on par with Seong Seonjae and the White Tiger Guild.

Seong Seonjae didn't push them further. They were seasoned enough to keep themselves in check, unlike the hotheaded younger Hunters. Of course, if even the veterans had started slacking off, Seong Seonjae would've stepped in, regardless of their rank.

Kang Mu-hyuk nodded slightly in thanks to Seong Seonjae for stepping in at just the right time.

Seong Seonjae returned the nod and got straight to business.

"Strategy leader Kang Mu-hyuk, when's the raid?"

"We haven't pinpointed Garuda's exact location yet. We know it's somewhere in the Sky-Touching Mountain Range, but we're still searching. We should find it soon."

"Alright, let's be ready to raid as soon as it's located."

"Yes. We'll make sure all equipment is checked and the potions are fully stocked."

"That wraps up today's briefing. There's a night party check-up at 8 PM, so don't go too far and stay on standby."

The Hunters dispersed, grumbling like students assigned to extra classes.

At that moment, Jeon Yesung approached Kang Mu-hyuk.

"Strategy leader, I have a question."

"Yes, what is it?"

"Why isn't Ju Se-ah, your Guild Master, with the team? There's no tank like her."

Eum Youngjin of White Tiger Guild, still lingering in the lecture hall, cast a glance at Kang Mu-hyuk. With a Hunter's sharp ears, it wasn't a question they'd miss. Kang Mu-hyuk hesitated, stalling for a moment before responding.

"She's on a secret mission."

"A secret mission, huh? I'd like to know more about that."

Suddenly, Seong Seonjae cut in. He'd been paying attention to Eum Youngjin, only for Seong Seonjae to butt in. His unexpected interruption caught Kang Mu-hyuk off guard. Tension made him swallow dryly.

He shot Seong Seonjae a side eye as if asking, 'Wasn't this already settled?'

'Settled? I was just acting oblivious. But now I'm really curious. Where is she?'

The unspoken exchange between them sent sparks flying.

Jeon Yesung found it odd that Seong Seonjae didn't know Ju Se-ah's whereabouts.

'Even if things between Slayer and Ju Se-ah aren't what they used to be, this is strange.

It's clear their guilds are still working together. And during the formation of the Unified Strike Force, there was no mention of her. But as soon as I ask Kang Mu-hyuk, Seong Seonjae jumps in? Do they think I'm stupid?'

Jeon Yesung, leader of the Tier Guild, wasn't naive enough to take their words at face value.

Naturally, he could only assume they were putting on an act.

"Look, enough with the games. You've got me sitting here as deputy commander, and now you're messing with me? If you don't want to talk, just say so. Fine. If this is how it's going to be, I guess I don't need to report or handle things properly either, huh?"

"No, it's not an act."

"I have no idea what  you mean by that...?"

Kang Mu-hyuk and Seong Seonjae both protested seriously. But Jeon Yesung only saw it as more of the same double-dealing.

"Well, who'd have thought I'd end up as an outcast in the Unified Strike Force? You, strategy leader and the commander, best of luck with that."

Jeon Yesung muttered as he exited the lecture hall. Even Eun Youngjin, who had been lingering behind, soon followed.

Once the room was empty, Seong Seonjae let out a laugh.

"I was just putting on a bit of theater, but he fell for it so easily it's almost embarrassing."

"Perfect timing, though. We can only dodge questions for so long. I'm running out of decent excuses, so I appreciate the assistance."

"But seriously---are you really not going to tell me either?"

"It's still an uncertain plan, so I can't talk about it freely."

Seong Seonjae didn't know every detail of Kang Mu-hyuk's personality. But he'd come to understand his working style. Kang Mu-hyuk never mentioned anything unless it was likely to happen. When he committed to something, he made sure it got done. Of course, his methods weren't always conventional. But Seong Seonjae had already figured out how Kang Mu-hyuk's mind worked.

'Like they say, birds of a feather flock together'

A straight path driven by a single goal---defeating monsters. Having dealt with Ju Se-ah, Seong Seonjae understood Kang Mu-hyuk's relentless focus.

"Whatever it is, it must be bigger than a named monster or Gate boss, right?"

"Yes. It's far more dangerous."

For something to pose a danger to an S-rank Hunter...

'The Demonic Realm, then.'

And something tied to China or Russia. Only another S-rank could pose a serious threat to someone at that level. It wasn't a stretch to assume those two countries were involved.

Seong Seonjae couldn't help but picture the power shift in Korea's Hunter scene tipping toward Iron Will. Even before thinking about the Unified Strike Force, he had to calculate his next move. As a former strategist for the Slayer Guild, he ran the numbers in his mind. After mentally running the numbers, he winked at Kang Mu-hyuk.

"Once this mission is over, how about a meal with Guild Master Ju Se-ah, Guild Leader Kang?"

Picking up on Seong Seonjae's intentions, Kang Mu-hyuk crossed his arms. He pretended to mull it over.

"You're moving a little fast. I should probably listen to some other offers first. Plus, the Guild Master isn't exactly fond of her old workplace."

"Complaining about a former job is the same whether you're in an office or out here hunting. As dirty and unfair as it is, finding a better partner than Slayer will be tough."

"I'll mention it."

"I'm expecting good news."

Eun Youngjin stepped out onto the field and made a call.

"Ju Se-ah's still nowhere in sight. Judging by how Kang Mu-hyuk dodged the question, Mr. Guan might be right---maybe they're hiding an injury."

"That's probably why they've gathered the Tier Guild teams in Sinuiju."

"Tier Guild Expedition filling in for Ju Se-ah? That's a bit of a reach. Sure, she's Korea's top Hunter, but it's not that drastic."

"They're likely responding to us gathering forces in Dandong."

Guan Hong gave a vague answer, but Eun Youngjin wasn't buying it. He already had a good sense of what was happening in Sinuiju.

'After the Tier Guild Expedition gathered, the Yellow Dragon Guild moved into Dandong.

These guys are definitely hiding something.'

It hadn't even crossed Eun Youngjin's mind that Ju Se-ah had ascended to S-rank. He was too focused on Yellow Dragon Guild's schemes. He was also affected by Seong Seonjae's and Kang Mu-hyuk's manipulations. So, he couldn't think of anything else.

'Seems they don't know about Ju Se-ah's rank-up yet. Not that it'll do them any good. White Tiger Guild is full of opportunists. They're ready to jump ship the moment they smell trouble. If they find out Ju Se-ah is S-rank, they'll abandon ship in a heartbeat. Keeping that under wraps is the smartest move."

Even though he was on the same boat as White Tiger Guild, Guan Hong had kept his ticket separate. He was making sure Ju Se-ah's situation stayed hidden.

Of course, he had an idea as to why Kang Mu-hyuk was also keeping Ju Se-ah's information secret.

Japan--

China, being the powerful nation it was, thought they could simply crush any opposition with brute force. But Japan, with their small-islander mentality, has been persistently interfering with the growth of Korean Hunters at every turn.

Japan's guild federation, known as the Guild Association Alliance, was even considered a nuisance in China. It was no surprise that Kang Mu-hyuk wanted to avoid them.

'Tipping off Japan to get them to interfere could be useful. But it's not worth losing White Tiger Guild. Besides, Japan isn't someone we can manipulate as we please.'

As Guan Hong thought about this, a clever plan began to form in his mind.

'Still, it would be a waste to leave Japan out of this. I'll find a way to use them.'

He hurriedly tried to end the conversation.

"Then, if there's any new info, get in touch."

Without waiting for a response, Guan Hong hung up. He left Eum Youngjin on the other end with a furrowed brow.

"He's avoiding the topic.  There's definitely something going on. Kang Mu-hyuk is up to something with Ju Se-ah. Either way, we need to prepare."

Japan.

Kishin Takeru, one of the most powerful leaders in the Guild Association Alliance, had been quietly waiting for the right moment. He had been waiting ever since his assassination squad, the Iga Clan, had been wiped out in Korea.

As tensions in northern Korea started to rise, Kishin was pleased. He quickly reactivated some sleeper agents he had planted in Korea earlier. While another group was infiltrating Korea and waiting for orders, a suspicious piece of intel made its way to Kishin.

"Ju Se-ah has disappeared?"

"According to reports, she's in secluded training."

"Training?"

Kishin's expression darkened.

Secluded training, often called "secret training," was usually shrouded in mystery.

This was because the results were classified. Hunters only went into complete isolation for two reasons---either they were retiring or preparing to rank up.

But for Ju Se-ah to be absent while the north was in turmoil, and even the legendary Unified Strike Force from the Great War had been reassembled?

That was not something he could just brush off. Still, Kishin, being Japan's most powerful Hunter, decided to approach the situation cautiously.

"What's the source of this information?"

"Three sources."

"One of them must be Kim Myung-jun."

"The other two are the black market and China."

"China?"

Kishin raised an eyebrow. The black market made sense---those information brokers had their hands in everything worldwide.

But China...?

"We have a network in China as well."

"That's just surface-level stuff. Information on Ju Se-ah wouldn't be that easy to come by..."

"China doesn't see Korea's Hunters as a real threat the way we do. Even when it comes to someone like Ju Se-ah, they arrogantly believe there's no way she could surpass them as a major power. So, they might let such info slip without a second thought."

Kishin mulled it over. If this information was false, it wouldn't matter. But if it was true, how should he respond?

His decision didn't take long. He quickly devised a plan to get closer to Ju Se-ah.

"There's a department in the Korean government called the Guild Cooperation Agency, right? Get in touch with them."

"What should I tell them?"

"Say that as their neighbor, we can't just ignore their troubles. Japan is ready and willing to offer assistance."