Dr. Park Yong Jun leaned back in his chair, interlocking his fingers as he deliberated on recent developments. With deliberate precision, he activated his communicator and dialed Officer Gi Min Ji's number. The line rang several times without a response. A faint frown creased his brow, but he refrained from further attempts and instead left a succinct voicemail:
Dr. Park: "Officer Gi, this is Dr. Park Yong Jun. I'm notifying you that Park Hyun Woo's discharge has been successfully completed. He has officially departed from the Medical Wing. Should you need additional information, feel free to contact me."
Ending the message, he reclined in his chair, his thoughts lingering on the broader ramifications of Hyun Woo's release.
At the same time, Kim Hyun Son and Gi Min Ji strode purposefully through the polished corridors of the Main Headquarters of the Association. Their movements exuded confidence, their expressions mirroring the gravity of the task ahead. Upon reaching the 25th floor, they found themselves before the grand double doors of the Council Chamber. Two guards, their demeanor formal and expressions neutral, stood flanking the entrance.
Recognizing the approaching figures, the guards executed synchronized nods of respect.
Guards (politely): "Captain Kim, Officer Gi, welcome. The council is ready for you. Please proceed."
Kim Hyun Son (with a faint smile): "Thank you, gentlemen. I trust we haven't kept anyone waiting too long."
The guards responded with a silent, efficient opening of the heavy doors, gesturing for them to enter.
The Council Chamber was a sprawling, meticulously designed space, its centerpiece a long oval table surrounded by high-backed chairs. Lining both sides were the heads of the Association's primary divisions, their composed yet serious expressions underscoring the significance of the meeting. At opposite ends of the room sat two additional captains, each absorbed in their respective roles.
To the left sat the Captain of Special Unit "Bravo," who oversaw reconnaissance operations. Beside her, her officer leafed through a stack of documents with quiet focus. To the right, the Captain of Special Unit "Charlie," head of the scientific division, sat with a brooding air, his elbows resting on the table, his gaze distant and contemplative.
The atmosphere was heavy with anticipation, the weight of unresolved matters palpable. As was his habit, Kim Hyun Son moved to lighten the mood.
Kim Hyun Son (with a wry smile): "Well, colleagues, it seems we're all here for quite the gathering. Tell me, is there cake involved?"
A few division heads exchanged amused glances, their expressions softening. The Captain of Unit "Bravo" lifted her head, her tone playful as she responded.
Captain 'Bravo' (smirking): "If this were a party, Captain Kim, you'd likely talk everyone to exhaustion. But here, you might have to listen for once."
Lowering himself into his seat with exaggerated resignation, Kim Hyun Son raised his hands in mock surrender.
Kim Hyun Son (grinning): "Alright, for the sake of harmony, I'll do my best to keep quiet… for at least five minutes."
Bravo's officer let out a faint chuckle, while several division heads nodded politely in acknowledgment of Delta's captain and officer. Despite the brief levity, the room's underlying tone of seriousness remained unbroken.
Seated, Kim Hyun Son surveyed the room with a discerning eye, taking in the expressions and body language of those present.
Kim Hyun Son (lightheartedly): "But on a serious note, why the somber faces? You all look like someone's about to announce the end of the world."
Captain 'Bravo' (teasing): "Maybe it's because only the Captain of Delta can manage to fill the silence endlessly."
Kim Hyun Son (with mock indignation): "Ah, envy. But don't worry, I'm more than willing to share my 'gift of gab' for the good of all."
Soft laughter rippled through the chamber, yet the undercurrent of tension remained. Even amid the lighthearted exchanges, it was evident that the meeting carried significant weight and urgency.
The muted murmur of conversation within the Council Chamber ceased instantly as the grand double doors swung open. Entering with measured confidence was Kim Hae In, the Chairwoman (CEO) of the Hunter Association. Her commanding presence radiated authority, her piercing gaze leaving no doubt about her control of the room.
Clad in a tailored black suit that accentuated her commanding presence, she wore over it a flowing haori of the same shade. Embroidered on its back was the Association's insignia: a white lotus, meticulously crafted to symbolize elegance and steadfast resolve.
As she moved forward, every individual seated at the oval table rose in perfect unison. Their synchronized bows were a testament to their respect.
All: "CEO Kim, welcome."
Acknowledging their greeting with a subtle inclination of her head, she made her way to the head of the table, where a tall, distinctly ornate chair awaited her.
Kim Hae In (calmly, with quiet authority): "Good afternoon. I appreciate your punctuality."
Her voice was measured and steady, carrying an inherent weight that required no embellishment to command attention.
With deliberate composure, Kim Hae In began a slow circuit around the table, her sharp gaze appraising each attendee. Her footsteps echoed faintly in the chamber's stillness, amplifying the palpable tension.
The participants remained motionless, their focus unwavering as she approached her seat.
Once seated, Kim Hae In placed her hands on the armrests, her posture impeccable. Though her expression was calm, it conveyed a sense of resolute focus. She allowed her gaze to traverse the room, momentarily locking eyes with each individual as if assessing their readiness.
Kim Hae In (firmly, with composure): "This assembly has been convened to address the pressing matter of the A-Rank Gates. These Gates, identified last month, necessitate rigorous study and meticulous preparation for their clearance."
She paused briefly, ensuring her words carried their full weight.
Kim Hae In: "Preliminary evaluations strongly suggest these are not standard Gates but rather 'Anomalous A-Rank Gates.' This conclusion is supported by the data provided by the Scientific Special Unit."
Her gaze shifted deliberately to Captain Ku Jin Ho of Special Unit 'Charlie.' Throughout her address, his contemplative demeanor had remained steadfast.
Kim Hae In: "Captain Ku Jin Ho, the floor is yours. Please present your findings, including the results of your analyses and any key insights that will deepen our understanding of these Gates."
Raising his head, Captain Ku Jin Ho met her gaze with quiet determination. He offered a respectful nod before opening the folder in front of him.
Ku Jin Ho (calmly, with measured precision): "Thank you, Director Kim. With your permission, I will provide a comprehensive analysis of the situation."
He rose smoothly from his seat, his movements deliberate and purposeful. Gathering his materials, he approached the central display screen that dominated the chamber. His confident demeanor and resolute posture immediately commanded the attention of everyone present.
Standing beside the screen, Captain Ku Jin Ho turned slightly to face the assembly, preparing to deliver his detailed report.
The stage was set. The room fell into anticipatory silence, awaiting the insights that would shape the course of their strategy.
Ku Jin Ho (in a composed, authoritative tone): "Let me begin with the essential details. The rift, which signifies the emergence of the Gates, was identified approximately one month ago. Initially, it appeared to align with the characteristics of a standard A-Rank Gate. However, as our findings will illustrate, this is far from the case."
He retrieved a compact device from his pocket, activating the projection on the central screen. The display illuminated with an image of the rift — a dark, glimmering fissure encircled by fluctuating energy fields.
Ku Jin Ho: "Here, you can see the rift as it was captured at the time of its discovery. Ordinarily, A-Rank Gates fully stabilize and open within a six-hour window. These Gates, however, exhibit entirely anomalous behavior."
He advanced to the next slide, which revealed a series of data graphs. One of the lines, labeled "Particle Stability," displayed erratic fluctuations with no discernible pattern.
Ku Jin Ho: "This graph presents data collected during the first 48 hours post-detection. Focus on this line representing particle stability. The erratic oscillations indicate severe instability, a phenomenon scarcely observed even in Gates of a higher classification."
He briefly scanned the room before turning his attention back to the presentation.
Ku Jin Ho: "Our analysis indicates that these unstable particles are directly responsible for delaying the Gates' stabilization. However, the anomalies do not end here."
Switching to the next slide, he displayed a radiation emission diagram. The projection highlighted regions of heightened activity surrounding the rift.
Ku Jin Ho: "Measurements reveal that the area encircling the Gates is emitting energy streams at concentrations nearly double the established thresholds for A-Rank Gates. This data strongly suggests that these Gates may surpass their initial classification."
Allowing a moment for his words to resonate, he transitioned to a new slide showcasing a photograph of the advanced research team working at the site of the rift.
Ku Jin Ho: "Our advanced research team has performed extensive analyses to validate these observations. The findings converge on one conclusion: these Gates may exceed even the S-Rank classification. Yet, due to their inherent instability, definitive measurements remain unattainable."
The screen shifted to display a regional map, with hazard zones clearly marked around the Gates' location.
Ku Jin Ho: "This leads us to our most pressing challenge. Without intervention, we cannot predict the consequences should these Gates open autonomously. Even minimal delays in addressing the situation could precipitate catastrophic outcomes. For this reason, I strongly advocate for an immediate clearance operation."
He advanced to the final slide, a table outlining potential scenarios stemming from delayed action. The modeled outcomes ranged from localized disruptions to widespread devastation affecting multiple regions.
Ku Jin Ho: "Our simulations present a spectrum of risks, from localized destruction to large-scale disasters spanning multiple territories. The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated."
Returning the device to his pocket, Ku Jin Ho turned to face CEO Kim directly.
Ku Jin Ho: "This concludes my analysis. The stakes are too high to justify any further postponement."
A heavy silence settled over the chamber. Ku Jin Ho resumed his seat, his presentation leaving the assembly to grapple with the gravity of the decisions before them.
Kim Hae In listened with unwavering focus as Captain Ku Jin Ho detailed his findings. Her piercing gaze remained fixed on the screen, her calm expression betraying no emotion yet radiating authority. When Ku Jin Ho concluded and returned to his seat, the chamber was briefly enveloped in a tense silence.
Seated upright, Kim Hae In placed her hands deliberately on the armrests of her chair, her sharp gaze methodically assessing each person in the room.
Kim Hae In (firm, authoritative): "The decision is unequivocal. These Gates cannot remain in their current state of instability. As Captain Ku has highlighted, even the slightest delay risks catastrophic consequences."
Her tone, though calm, carried the weight of unyielding resolve, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
Kim Hae In: "I am authorizing the immediate commencement of the clearance operation. Preparations must begin without delay."
Turning her attention to Captain Yoon Ha Rin of Special Unit "Bravo," Kim Hae In issued the next directive.
Kim Hae In: "Captain Yoon, your reconnaissance team will conduct a comprehensive survey of the surrounding area and the Gates' entry point. Any anomalies must be meticulously documented and relayed to the main clearance team."
Yoon Ha Rin (serious, with a sharp nod): "Understood. We will initiate reconnaissance immediately."
Her gaze then shifted to Captain Kim Hyun Son.
Kim Hae In: "Captain Kim, your Delta Unit will spearhead the primary clearance operation. Considering the volatility of these Gates, your team's expertise is indispensable. You will receive detailed reconnaissance data as soon as it is available."
Kim Hyun Son (with a faint smile, his tone assured): "As always, I'm ready to be in the thick of it. My team will handle this."
She held his gaze for a moment, as if gauging his readiness, before addressing Captain Ku Jin Ho once more.
Kim Hae In: "Captain Ku, your Scientific Special Unit will maintain continuous monitoring of the Gates until the clearance operation is complete. Any significant changes must be reported to me immediately."
Ku Jin Ho (nodding, his tone measured): "Understood. We will ensure uninterrupted surveillance."
Kim Hae In rose from her chair, her poised movements commanding undivided attention. Her gaze swept across the assembly, anchoring each individual with the weight of her words.
Kim Hae In: "This is not a routine clearance operation. We are confronting Anomalous Gates with potential threats exceeding S-Rank classifications. The stakes extend beyond the Hunter Association — they encompass the safety and stability of the entire region. Your performance will be decisive. Operate as a cohesive unit. We cannot afford errors."
Her directive resonated as an irrefutable command, leaving no room for ambiguity or dissent. The attendees responded with synchronized nods, acknowledging the gravity of their mission.
Kim Hae In (with unwavering determination): "Time is not a luxury we possess. Dismissed. Begin preparations immediately."
Kim Hae In collected a folder and tablet from the table, her focus unwavering as she exited the Council Chamber. The remaining attendees dispersed promptly, engaging in focused discussions about their assignments. Meanwhile, Captain Kim Hyun Son lingered in his seat, his expression thoughtful as he appeared to deliberate on the tasks ahead.
Captain Kim Hyun Son meticulously leafed through the documents handed over by Ku Jin Ho, his deliberate movements reflecting focus and thoughtfulness. Without lifting his gaze, he broke the silence.
Kim Hyun Son (faintly amused): "Kiddo, you've always had a knack for keeping everyone on edge. Hard to imagine you were once that scrappy little brat with a wooden sword, constantly underfoot."
His tone carried an air of playful nostalgia tempered with respect — a dynamic reserved for his interactions with CEO Kim Hae In, grounded in memories of her formative years under the mentorship of Kang Dae Hyun, one of the Association's founding figures.
Kim Hae In paused, her sharp gaze slicing toward the Delta Captain as if evaluating his intent.
Kim Hyun Son (lifting his gaze with a wry smile): "All kidding aside, the current situation is... intense, to say the least. Our fearless leader didn't miss a beat — precise, authoritative. Sometimes I think Kang Dae Hyun would've been immensely proud of his daughter."
He motioned toward the wall where portraits of the Association's founders hung. Among them was Kang Dae Hyun — a stern, dignified figure radiating gravitas and legacy.
Kim Hae In followed his gesture, her gaze lingering on the portrait before returning to him.
Kim Hae In (measured, with a trace of warmth): "If not for him, I would've remained an orphan swallowed by fear. He gave me more than guidance; he gave me a purpose."
Her expression softened briefly as her eyes rested on the portrait. Whatever flicker of emotion surfaced was quickly replaced by her composed demeanor.
Kim Hae In: "I owe him everything. But wherever he is, I hope he's not resting too easily. For now, you're the one I trust to steer this Association."
She paused, her face settling back into its characteristic cool professionalism.
Kim Hae In: "So, Captain, prioritize minimizing casualties during the Gates clearance. Above all, ensure you return alive. Understood?"
Setting the documents aside, Kim Hyun Son rose from his seat. Though his characteristic smile lingered, his eyes reflected a deeper sincerity.
Kim Hyun Son (in a composed tone): "Understood, boss. I won't let you down. But try not to miss me too much while I'm away."
Kim Hae In nodded subtly, the faintest trace of a smile on her lips. Without another word, she exited the hall, leaving the captain alone beneath the watchful gazes of the founders' portraits.
Standing in contemplative silence, Kim Hyun Son turned to Kang Dae Hyun's portrait, his voice low and reflective.
Kim Hyun Son (murmuring): "Old man, I hope you're proud of your girl. She's upheld your name with honor."
The quiet of the Council Chamber was abruptly interrupted by the sharp creak of the door. Gi Min Ji strode in, her footsteps echoing through the room. Her sharp eyes immediately locked onto Kim Hyun Son, still standing by his seat, lost in thought.
Gi Min Ji (with exasperation): "Captain Kim Hyun Son! Are you planning to stand there all day, or do I have to drag you to work myself?"
Her voice shattered the lingering solemnity. The captain turned slowly, his face breaking into its familiar, teasing grin.
Kim Hyun Son (playfully): "Ah, Min Ji, as fiery as ever. Sometimes I think you live for moments when you can boss your captain around."
Gi Min Ji (archly, arms crossed): "If you handled your duties properly, I wouldn't have to."
Kim Hyun Son stepped away from his spot leisurely, his smirk firmly intact.
Kim Hyun Son (nonchalantly): "Alright, alright, I'm moving. No need to scare anyone with that temper of yours."
Gi Min Ji (deadpan): "Who exactly are you scaring, Captain? Yourself? Or do you just enjoy blaming me for your inefficiencies?"
Laughing softly, Kim Hyun Son passed her, patting her shoulder lightly as he went.
Kim Hyun Son (mock-serious): "If I've missed anything, trust me, it was for a very serious reason. You know I'm all about professionalism."
Gi Min Ji (dryly): "Of course. So professional that even the CEO had to remind you to come back alive."
Kim Hyun Son raised his hands in a mock gesture of surrender and picked up his pace toward the exit.
Kim Hyun Son (grinning): "Alright, alright, let's not dwell on that. We've got plenty to tackle ahead."
Gi Min Ji shook her head, silently exasperated, but followed him out of the hall without another word.