After Kang Mu-hyuk left, Son Joong-beom initiated the headquarters eviction process.
Typically, evictions are carried out when a guild can no longer fend itself against the monsters. However, such events are rare in metropolitan areas, especially in Seoul.
The region's defence system is incredibly robust, making such protocols little more than a manual for emergencies.
Kang Mu-hyuk himself had experienced the guild eviction just once - during the war with the Orc tribe. For most guilds, such instances were limited to the catastrophic Great War and Minor War, where guild annihilations were routine.
However, the majority of those who lived through such times, carrying the memories had stepped into retirement, leaving just a handful of active hunters with firsthand experience.
One of them was Son Joong-beom. This eviction marked his second time.
'It was back when I first joined. Almost 20 years ago from now.'
If you were to name the Korean guild with the most number of eviction sequences, the White Tiger Guild would top the list---peculiarly enough not due to the monsters.
'We've been driven out by enemies more times than I can count. We lost the battle, but every time we came back, we came back victorious. This time won't be any different. We just need to weather the storm.'
Son Joong-beom agreed to Kang Mu-hyuk's proposal because the history of the White Tiger Guild was a perpetual loop of falling to disgrace and triumphant resurgence.
Survival always came before pride.
'70% of the guild's assets are hidden overseas anyway. Recovering won't be hard.'
Although losing the remaining 30% wasn't ideal, it seemed to be a fair price to pay to fend off the hyenas that were circling for scraps.
The sudden announcement of the guild's disbandment set off a ripple of chaos among the headquarters staff and among the mid to low-ranking hunters.
The upper floors, where executives and elite expedition members operated, were sealed off. Emails suggesting resignation were sent to all staff.
Amid the commotion, Eum Youngjin entered Son Joong-beom's office for task approval.
"Mr. Guild Master, withdrawing domestic deposits is proving difficult. What should we do?"
"Collect the laundered funds and use the rest for the employees' severance pay. Donate whatever's left to an orphanage or, better yet, to the Guild Cooperation Agency. Let them rebuild the northeast. If Kang Mu-hyuk ever brings this up, at least we'll have saved some face."
"Donate the rest? But that's not a small amount..."
"If you intend to return, leave the place clean. Let's use up the money since we can't spend it anyway. I'd rather it go to a cause than see Slayer or Kang Mu-hyuk eat it up. The thought of that makes me sick."
As a result, the White Tiger Guild's accounts, holding trillions of won, were forced into becoming a source of social contribution---an unexpected benefit of Kang Mu-hyuk's intervention.
"What about the vault?"
"Let it be. If they have nothing to eat, they'll bite us harder. As long as they're fed, they won't attack us. Our top priority now is ensuring the main force leaves Korea safely. Book the flights today and tell the guys to pack up. If needed, charter a special plane and pay whatever it costs. Oh, and send the main force's equipment as cargo. Make sure it's well-disguised."
"And the guild data?"
"You handle that. We've accumulated a lot of data over the years--- something that money cannot recreate overnight. Starting from scratch is not viable given the timeframe. I'll get it, so back it up, then wipe everything off the headquarters clean."
"Yes, I'll take care of it immediately."
With the decision to disband already made, there was no time to waste.
Son Joong-beom planned to scatter the White Tiger Guild's main hunters across various countries before regrouping at a safe house overseas.
However, his plan quickly hit a wall. By evening, Eum Youngjin brought bad news.
"What? A travel ban on leaving the country?"
"Yes. All hunters affiliated with the White Tiger Guild have been flagged."
"Kang Mu-hyuk... That sly fox. So much for letting me leave quietly. So he won't let me leave peacefully, huh? Tsk! What about fake passports?"
"The country recently implemented facial recognition systems. So they won't work."
"Damn it, that fast? Jeez, this country's impatience is something else! They want everything to be done so damn fast! What's the alternative? Don't tell me you came here just to say we're out of options."
"Smuggling is possible."
"Smuggling? This fucking takes me back 20 damn years. It was hell back then too. Are you sure this route is trustworthy?"
"This smuggling service is a little unique. It's a VIP service that offers speed and convenience. It's being marketed as an escape plan for the wealthy who are anxious about the Zmei Gorynych incident. It's quite popular---I've heard many people are already putting down deposits."
"Wow, the world really has changed. Even smuggling is a full-blown business now," Son Joong-beom remarked, feigning shock. But his expression quickly grew serious as he pointed out a major flaw.
"Still, even if you go through with it, the destination will likely be China or Russia. Russia has the Tsar, and China has the Yellow Dragon--- areas where Kang Mu-hyuk has influence. If we head to the port, we'll be caught immediately. Even with smuggling, security must be impenetrable. We'll need people who can keep their mouths shut."
"You don't have to worry about that. We can switch to a luxury cruise ship on the high seas. A WIG ship will quickly take you to the cruise ship. From there, the cruise will directly take you to your desired destination without docking at ports."
"Huh? That sounds great. It'd be nice to relax and enjoy a vacation while I'm at it. Check with them---see to it that we can leave today."
"Yes, I'll contact them right away."
***
"Welcome to JKJ Travel Agency."
The setup was far too extravagant to be called a secret smuggling operation.
At the corner of the port, where the White Tiger Guild Hunters had arrived, stood a building with a luxurious interior resembling a high-class restaurant, complete with a sign that read, "Travel Agency."
The hunters, having parked their supercars haphazardly in front of the building, watched as the travel agency staff approached to collect their keys, handling the vehicles like a valet service at a high-end hotel.
As some hunters eyed their prized cars with mixed feelings, a man who appeared to be the agency's manager approached them with a reassuring smile.
"Hello, I'm Manager Man from the travel agency management department. We will store your beloved vehicles in a safe location. If you need them later, you can pay a fee, and we'll deliver them to your chosen country by sea. Please rest assured."
The hunters looked at him in surprise. While it was disappointing to leave their beloved supercars behind, they were relieved to know they could get them back.
Some hunters scratched their heads, regretting that they had sold their cars cheaply, while most smiled in satisfaction.
"Oh, you offer services like that too?"
"I thought this was supposed to be smuggling. Anyone watching would think this is a luxury immigration service."
As more hunters arrived, the port grew increasingly noisy.
Manager Man ushered the group inside.
"Please step inside. Once everyone is gathered, we'll begin the smuggling package service. Thank you for your patience."
The interior of the travel agency was as lavish as its exterior. The furniture---sofas, chairs, and tables---looked like they cost millions of won each. The food and drinks provided were equally extravagant. Anyone looking in would think it was a high-profile party venue, not a smuggling facility.
"Is everyone here?"
At Son Joong-beom's entrance, over a hundred hunters immediately bowed their heads in unison.
"You're here, Guild Master."
Eum Youngjin, who had followed him inside, gave a curt reply.
"Everyone is here."
Son Joong-beom nodded, his gaze sweeping across the gathered hunters.
"Although we are temporarily stepping back due to problems with the guild, we will come back. In the history of the White Tiger Guild, there have been disbandments but never defeats. The White Tiger Guild has always resurrected itself, and this time will be no different. Think of it as an extended vacation. When we return, we'll be too busy to even catch our breath."
It wasn't an impressive speech, but Son Joong-beom's charisma thoroughly captivated the White Tiger Guild.
He wasn't just skilled---he was someone who always rewarded his members generously, leaving no room to doubt his words. Of course, he didn't reveal the whole story.
As soon as he finished, Manager Man, who had been waiting, approached.
"We're ready, Guild Master Son Joong-beom."
"Already?"
"Yes. Five people, including the pilot, for a WIG ship. A total of twenty-one WIG ships have been prepared exclusively for you. You'll board these ships and transfer to the cruise ship anchored in the open sea. Once aboard, you can decide your destination. The equipment you sent has already been loaded, so you'll receive it onboard."
The process was straightforward.
Son Joongbeom smiled in satisfaction.
"As expected, it was worth the money."
"You'll see the value on the cruise. The ship is in excellent condition, with chefs from first-class hotels and well-trained staff who'll ensure your journey is comfortable. I hope you enjoy your trip."
"Great. I like it. I'll contact you soon. There are others after me, so take good care of them."
"Of course. Our travel agency's motto is simple---we provide service to anyone who can cover the costs."
***
Kang Mu-hyuk and Ju Se-ah stood atop a stack of containers, overlooking the port.
In the distance, dozens of WIG ships were sneaking out of the harbor, disappearing into the darkness.
"He's gone," Ju Se-ah said bitterly.
"Yes, he is."
"I feel uneasy letting them go like that. Should we really let them escape like this?"
"As I said, if we fought here, the damage to the national and social systems would be catastrophic, regardless of the outcome. The downfall of South America and Africa wasn't just because of hunters' greed---it was because people lost faith in their countries' ability to protect them. Once that trust is gone, society collapses as people abandon their responsibilities to the state. Especially in Africa's case---"
"Yes, yes, I've heard it fifteen times already. Stop preaching! I'm just saying that because I think it's a shame."
"Ah, do you feel it's a shame? Well, there's no need to be sad."
"How can I not be? Those guys will jump at the chance to meddle in Korea again. Maybe it would've been better to eliminate them completely, even if it meant taking risks."
Ju Se-ah sighed heavily. Kang Mu-hyuk smirked conspicuously, catching her attention.
"I'm curious. What are you up to?"
"What do you mean?"
"You ban them from leaving the country, yet you let them go. You had Mr Cho arrange VIP smuggling services and sell them to the rich and powerful. Of course, word would spread in the hunter community. It's like you purposely drove the White Tiger Guild to use those services. Why? It all feels so complicated and superfluous."
"It was complicated, but not without purpose."
"See? There's something more to this, right?"
"Yes. Mr Cho is on the cruise ship now. She'll accompany the White Tiger Guild to their destination."
"What?! Is she there to assassinate the White Tiger Guild members?"
"Even Mr. Cho couldn't assassinate a hundred Tier 1 Guild Hunters on a confined cruise ship."
"Then why is she there?"
"No one is better at retrieving stuff we need than her."
"What stuff do we need? It can't be items because of their size, it'd be too hard. If something important goes missing, she'll be caught right away... Is it information? After all, her speciality is espionage."
"You're right---it's about information, but not anything grand."
Ju Se-ah tilted her head, puzzled.
Objectively, Mr. Cho was an exceptional personnel. Hiring her wasn't cheap, and her efficiency justified the cost.
But using her for mere information that wasn't significant didn't make sense, especially for a long-term business trip with no set timeline.
Ju S-eah began to worry about the bill for this operation.
"Stop being cryptic and just tell me. You wouldn't have sent Mr. Cho for something so trivial, right?"
Kang Mu-hyuk finally answered.
"The address."
"Address?"
"The address of the White Tiger Guild's overseas hideout. Mr. Cho's mission is to follow them and discover its location."
"Why the address? Wait... no way."
"I told you---I didn't think letting the White Tiger Guild go is a shame at all. Not one bit."