Against the Clock: The Team Leader's Pursuit of Glory-Chapter 213 - See You in Three Days

"Name: Thomas Lee. Age: 24. Korean, adopted by a third-generation Korean-American family. Special characteristics: Hunter with Mana Poisoning."

When Kang Chang-soo recited this profile, Kang Mu-hyuk momentarily thought he had misheard.

"A hunter? That's odd."

"You noticed too. It doesn't align with typical cases of mana poisoning. Being a hunter and having mana poisoning is inherently contradictory. Do you know why?"

"Mana poisoning makes the body hypersensitive to mana, leading to rejection. But hunters absorb mana to awaken their powers and surpass human limits."

"I can't prove this, but I have a theory."

"What kind of theory?"

"If someone awakens as a hunter while carrying the disease, they might develop symptoms afterwards."

"The chances of awakening as a hunter are 0.37%. Mana poisoning/addiction affects one in a million people. There are fewer than ten thousand cases worldwide. Most die or rely on life-extending treatments. It's an extremely rare condition."

"And even if some mana addicts have the potential to awaken as hunters, they're more likely to succumb to the disease and die before awakening."

The rarity of mana poisoning was a significant obstacle in researching it. The disease was so uncommon that finding enough cases to study was nearly impossible. Even when a volunteer was found, their weakened body often couldn't endure the treatment process. For patients who had lived with the disease for a long time, travelling to Korea for treatment was often out of the question unless they had started the treatment process right away as Kang Mu-hyuk had.

"Mana poisoning doesn't even have an official disease code in Korea. Without comparing symptoms and test results, most people wouldn't even know they have it. Many just assume it's incurable and die. In countries with underdeveloped medical systems, cases go unreported. You were incredibly fortunate. Thanks to your guild master, Taesung Hospital's doctors identified the disease and that let you at least get treatment even though it wasn't perfect."

The key requirement for treatment was a relatively healthy body in the early stages of the disease. The initial treatment process was so gruelling that weaker bodies couldn't handle it. Typically, Mana poisoning worsened over time, with individual differences determining how quickly the symptoms appeared. Once the disease progressed, its pace became uncontrollably rapid.

Kang Mu-hyuk understood the implications.

"So, a hunter's body might endure the disease longer?"

"Yes. There's the treatment approach we couldn't complete even after slowly progressing for over six months. I'll need to examine it in detail, but in theory, it seems possible."

***

Kang Mu-hyuk decided to visit LA. The situation there was too precarious to send his father to make contact. Back in North Pocheon, he reviewed the file his father had given him on Thomas Lee.

"Ithaca Guild. Of all places... why here?"

The Ithaca Guild was akin to Korea's White Tiger Guild.

Unlike White Tiger, Ithaca didn't openly commit crimes. In the US, where guild crimes faced stricter scrutiny, any guild operating like White Tiger would have been shut down by authorities and rival guilds alike. However, American guilds faced their own challenges, in running business.

The competitive market with vested interests where winners took all, veiled as free-market capitalism, often left smaller guilds struggling for funds. This led to widespread fraud. Activities such as distributing hallucinogenic Gate-derived drugs without active properties, civilians exporting captured monsters for private research, or exploiting emergency-use medical Gate resources blurred legal lines.

On the surface, it seemed like a problem for which the guild could be held responsible, but the dark side of the American guild industry was the illicit businesses that cleverly evaded the law. Ithaca Guild was a master of these legal grey areas. Whenever issues arose, they were shielded by powerful law firms. Without concrete evidence of wrongdoing, dismantling Ithaca was nearly impossible.

'I went too far. Even though I've been dealing with impossible people lately, how could I even consider taking down Ithaca?'

It wasn't entirely baseless for him to assume Ithaca as his enemy. He wanted to remove Thomas from Ithaca not only to treat his mana poisoning but also to protect him from the dangers of hunting while sick. The issue, however, was that even Thomas seemed aware of the risks.

Kang Mu-hyuk read the email Thomas had sent his father. Despite being adopted as a child and likely unfamiliar with Korean, Thomas had written the email in Korean instead of English.

"I am a mana addict. And I am a hunter. I belong to the Ithaca Guild in the US. If I were to receive treatment in Korea, the guild might consider it a contract violation and refuse to grant me long-term leave."

The introduction was brief, omitting any detailed sad story of someone with a terminal illness. Yet, the essential details about this hunter were clear from the very first paragraph.

Kang Mu-hyuk noted a specific detail: the mention of the Ithaca Guild.

"It's just one sentence, but it keeps bothering me."

Something about it gave him the feeling that there was more waiting for him in America---something not mentioned in the email. He fell into a dilemma.

'Mana poisoning is, ultimately, a personal issue. I already have a mountain of guild work piling up. Do I really have time to go to America for something that might take who knows how long?'

While his health could be considered a matter of public concern, travelling for research rather than treatment felt dangerously close to neglecting his responsibilities.

"Maybe I should let it go. If I go, I'll just end up tangled with the Federation again. Besides, there's no guarantee the research will even succeed."

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As he debated, his phone rang. The caller was Kang Chang-soo, whom he had spoken to earlier.

"There's one hypothesis I didn't share. Thomas Lee's role in the guild is listed as a mage, and his rank is C. But if his mana poisoning is cured, how will the heightened mana sensitivity from his condition affect his abilities? I wonder what might happen to his powers as a Hunter."

"I don't think that's enough of a reason to justify this call."

"I know you better than that. I'm giving you a reason to go to America. If you stay busy with guild work, you'll keep putting off your own needs. Think about it: this hunter might gain remarkable abilities after being cured. You, who shares the same condition, recognize his potential better than anyone else. Besides, the guild doesn't have a mage right now---what better excuse could there be for recruiting talent from abroad?"

Kang Mu-hyuk realized he needed a justification to travel to America, a choice that extended beyond his personal health and was more public-oriented. For someone like him, with an almost obsessive adherence to professional ethics, this reasoning carried weight.

"If it's that bog of a problem, I can go instead."

"No, thank you. I appreciate your concern, but I'll handle it. I'll head to the United States."

"That's good. Sometimes, it's okay to put yourself first, you know, no matter how important the guild is"

"No, this isn't just about me. If I'm flying all the way to the US, I might as well take care of other matters while I'm there."

***

"Hello? Guild Leader Kang? Have you made your decision?" Ayla's voice came through the receiver.

The elf's sensitive ears detected subtle shifts in his breathing, clues to his mood--- a trait not particularly useful in the forest but invaluable in the human world. Her hunch proved true when Kang Mu-hyuk spoke.

"Yes, I'll go to America. Are the test conditions you mentioned still valid?"

"Absolutely. This isn't a raid. However, because the test might spark controversy, we will take full responsibility for safety."

"Are there any changes to the test content?"

"No. The starting fund is one million dollars. With support from the Federation, you can expand your influence in the Hunter community where the test takes place."

"What are the criteria for evaluation?"

"There aren't any clear grading criteria. The test is known for being unpredictable, which is why it's infamous within the Federation."

"And what happens if I fail?"

"The contract between Ironwill and the Federation remains valid. However, you won't gain any additional authority. On the other hand, achieving full Federation membership comes with unique benefits."

"Such as?"

"The Federation Intelligence Service. How does that sound?"

There was a brief silence. Then a cough, as if Kang Mu-hyuk was caught off guard.

"If it includes access to the intelligence agency, does that mean the 'Clairvoyance' as well?"

"Yes, although the level of information accessible depends on your security clearance. While raising your level requires personal effort, you can still access Clairvoyance indirectly--- by working with someone who has the necessary clearance. Information gathered through these channels will be incredibly valuable."

"That's great. Information is one of the most valuable commodities. The Federation is among the best in both quality and quantity of intel. Now, about the mission location. You mentioned I could choose?"

"Correct. Where are you thinking?"

"Los Angeles."

***

"You're really going to LA? What's going on here?"

Ju Se-ah glared at him as if she wouldn't let him leave. Her concern seemed more about herself than Kang Mu-hyuk. The stack of papers on her desk towered like a skyscraper. Though she had improved significantly, desk work was still a struggle for her.

"This is the first time I've felt like even an S-rank could die from overwork. Please, don't go."

"I've already booked my flight for tomorrow."

Kang Mu-hyuk changed his strategy when he saw Ju Se-ah pressing down on his shoulder, keeping him from getting up. Initially, he had planned to convince her it was a necessary trip for long-term training and to strengthen cooperation with the World Hunters' Federation for the guild's future. However, Ju Se-ah's firm resolve made that impossible. In the end, he revealed the real reason for his trip.

"I'll tell this only to you. This trip to America is also related to my illness. I might find a clue to curing it."

"Illness... Mana poisoning? But you said it's incurable. You said it could only be treated, not cured."

"It seems my father has found another possibility. It's still uncertain, but it's worth trying."

Ju Se-ah couldn't argue further. Iron Will needed Kang Mu-hyuk, and his illness posed a constant risk to his ability to work. If he could resolve it, even a month-long business trip would be worth it.

"Then take a proper bodyguard with you."

"I've already selected one."

"Hunter No Songrin alone isn't enough."

"I'm also bringing Hunter Jang Deuk-goo."

"Mr. Deuk-goo?"

"As I said, this trip is important for solidifying our relationship with the World Hunters' Federation. Jang Deuk-goo's experience as a hunter will be invaluable in many situations."

"No way! Are you doing that test again? After all that chaos in Russia last time?!"

"This time, it's completely safe. It's political, not dangerous."

"Ha! A man who risks his life for work saying that? Do you think I'd believe it?"

Ju Se-ah crossed her arms and puffed out her cheeks in frustration.

"It's true. There won't be any danger. But just in case, I've prepared additional backups."

***

"No way! Guild Leader Kang is on the same flight as me? Are you monitoring me on vacation now?"

When Go Eul-ji arrived at the Incheon airport, she screamed upon spotting Kang Mu-hyuk.

Just when she thought she was finally free from work, her boss appeared on the same flight to LA. A guild leader like Kang Mu-hyuk wasn't the type to go to the US for fun. It was undoubtedly for work.

'And somehow, I'll end up getting roped into it again.'

No wonder he helped me go to the concert. He must have concocted this whole situation just to exploit me.

"No, I'm on vacation. Not working no matter what."

"The LA concert matter was purely due to goodwill. But somehow things turned out this way. Still, I love that you've gotten so quick-witted."

"Of course, you'd love it. You have another slave now. Why do this to me? Ahjussi, one hunter isn't enough for your schemes? Why drag me in too, especially when you've already brought Mr. Jang?"

"A slave? Is that how you see me? And why am I an 'ahjussi' while Mr. Jang is a "mister"? Guild Leader Kang, do you actually think that way?"

No Songrin clutched his chest, feigning emotional distress. He glared at Kang Mu-hyuk, demanding an explanation, but he simply avoided his gaze. Before he could say more, Kang Mu-hyuk spoke up.

"That's not what I meant when I said was glad. I was just saying how much Go Eul-ji has grown. I'm really happy by how well you understand my intentions now."

"Well, you're happy. But in the end, you're saying you're going to order me around again? Sorry, but not this time. I'm not falling for it. No means no".

A while later--

"Wow, this is my first time in first class! The seats are like beds! Nari, have you ever flown in first class before?"

"You do know it's not free, right?"

"What, do you think a first-class seat is enough to tempt me? I'm not that easy! Freedom over restraint--- I won't do anything I don't want to!"

After Arriving in LA--

"Is this the Prestige Penthouse Room?"

"The BTA concert schedule covers two nights and three days. Hunter Go Eulji, you and your friends can use the entire 27th floor of the hotel. This is a token of the guild's appreciation for your hard work. If you don't like it, feel free to leave."

"Thank you, Guild Leader. I think I've always liked being restrained. My grandfather was a Spartan, after all. Well then, I'll see you in three days."