1. A guild is no different from a corporation. When a guild extends its reach into the realm of administration, seeks profit from capital, and controls businesses, branching its influence across various industries, it’s only natural that a large guild like the Myeongho Guild would oversee several companies, each generating hundreds of billions in revenue.

“Secretary, gather all the owners of the businesses affiliated with the guild.” “There are some businesses owned by the relatives of the fleeing executives…” “Do you understand the consequences of your reckless actions? If you keep speaking such nonsense, I won’t even give you a chance to atone.” “I will do anything! I’ll bring them all, by any means necessary!” “From now, I’ll give you exactly two hours.”

The Myeongho Guild is finished. The owners, who had sensed this, had already started to act for their own survival. Some companies had secretly made contact with other guilds, and there were those who embezzled funds with the relatives of the fleeing executives. But not everyone had betrayed the guild.

“Brother! Is it true that the Myeongho Guild is being disbanded? The rumors have spread to our company!” “It’s true. But, even I, or Lee Myeongho, can’t say we’ve had bad luck. Joo Yeong-jun, you’re the only one who’s kept your loyalty.” “If it weren’t for you two, I would’ve been dead over 10 years ago. Of course, I’ll keep my loyalty.”

Joo Yeong-jun, the CEO of Myeongho Entertainment, had used the power of Awakened individuals and capital to establish the company without investors. During his active years, he had barely ranked 5th within the guild, but back in the days of the 2nd generation Awakened, combat prowess was everything, and he couldn’t truly display his worth.

“What happened to Senior Ma In-seong and that Dong Dae-gil? Did Myeongho Metals and Myeongho Enterprises go down as well?” “Ma In-seong joined the Ilseong Guild. As expected of a leader of a top 10 guild, they acted quickly. They stole everything—from the original technology to major clients.” “Damn those scumbags!” “Dong Dae-gil must not be as smart as Ma In-seong. He ran off with the company’s money. We’ve put in a no-departure order, but it’s easy to sneak out these days.” “Has the rest been taken care of?” “The other three weren’t as smart as Ma In-seong or as fast as Dong Dae-gil. They’re all being charged with embezzlement and misappropriation. I’m on my way back now.” “So, the remaining assets are all wiped clean?” “We’ve managed to rescue the Myeongho Energy Research Institute’s team and equipment. The rest is yours—just your entertainment business.”

Joo Yeong-jun couldn’t hide his frustration. The core Awakened members of Myeongho Guild had each controlled businesses and nurtured them for over ten years. But in that span, so many had fallen into corruption. At the critical moment, they abandoned the guild, stuffing their own pockets or even betraying the guild and leaving with knives in their backs.

“What will you do now?” “I’ll leave the Myeongho Guild behind.” “I’ll help. Wherever you go, Myeongho Entertainment will follow. Why don’t we start a company under your name?” “Enough. How much time do I have left with this old body? I’ll join another guild.”

Joo Yeong-jun couldn’t believe it.

“You want to join another guild besides Myeongho Guild? Is there a guild worthy of your recognition?” “The Haenampa Guild. It’s small, but its guild leader is no ordinary person.” “Are they strong?” “They’re at the level of the leaders of the top 10 guilds.” “What about their magical disease?” “They haven’t reached the Endgame yet.” “Can we trust them?” “They’ve shown sincerity first. I’m just repaying my debts. If you don’t want to, you can remain independent.”

Joo Yeong-jun nodded eagerly. He was curious. How strong was the guild leader of Haenampa to capture the attention of the notoriously difficult Shin Seong-gwak? He was eager to find out.

2. “That’s a good sect.”

Joo Yeong-jun’s first impression of the Haenampa Guild upon visiting was a simple comment.

“It’s still a newborn guild, though.” “But doesn’t it smell of sweat?”

There’s a saying that if you want to understand the future of a guild, you should look at the lowest-ranked members, not the guild leader.
In an age overflowing with 3rd-generation Awakened individuals who no longer know the urgency, the breeze may be light, and the sweat may feel insignificant, but Haenampa’s young members exuded the scent of hard work. Despite living in an era of comfort and prosperity, their dedication was palpable, a stark contrast to other guilds where effort and achievement were lacking.

“Looks like you haven’t changed, have you? You’ve somehow managed to retain that original spirit.” “I still train for a few hours a day, though not as much as before.”

Joo Yeong-jun, who valued sincere training, found Haenampa’s first impression outstanding.

“This guild will succeed.” “Of course. If I’m going to rely on someone, it better be a guild that won’t fail.”

He liked the name of the guild, Haenampa. Despite the oddity of its name—coming from a place like the northern part of Seoul with only the Han River—it resonated with him. The effort put into training by the members would always remind them of the sea, the essence of Haenam, no matter where they were.

“Here. The guild leader doesn’t speak, so it would be best to communicate slowly and with writing.” While Secretary So Gyeong-seok stepped away briefly, Min Woo-seong offered advice.

“Oh, and our guild leader prefers people who show their emotions. It’s better to express yourself more than you think.” “Young ones are so thoughtful. I’ll remember that.”

The leader’s silence represented the guild’s current state. A guild’s power stems from the strength of its leader.

“Let me tell you in advance, don’t be too surprised.” “Senior, what do you mean? Am I a child?”

Joo Yeong-jun thought it was a needless concern, but once he entered the meeting room, he was immediately taken aback.

She was frighteningly beautiful.
It was the first thought Joo Yeong-jun had when he saw Hae Eung-eung.

‘There are such beauties in the world.’

Even someone as discerning as him, accustomed to high society in the entertainment industry, was at a loss for words in front of Hae Eung-eung’s beauty. He’d been around beautiful people, but nothing had prepared him for this.

“Thank you for accepting the meeting.” [It’s nothing.] “I went back to the guild for a moment, but there was something quite embarrassing.” Shin Seong-gwak, swallowing his shame, confessed the turmoil the guild had been facing.

“That’s why I’d like to rely on you now. Will you accept me?” [There are conditions.]

Even in the prime of a large guild, to seize its wealth, caution was needed. Hae Eung-eung's careful approach only made Joo Yeong-jun respect her even more.
He knew she wasn’t one to rush without careful consideration.

[I don’t want anyone who would harm or bring bad reputation to Haenampa.] “That’s a good point.” [Submit a list, and we’ll review it and hold interviews. Is that acceptable?]

Shin Seong-gwak nodded in agreement. As he looked back at Joo Yeong-jun, he raised his finger.

“Your business mind is excellent. But we also need to know if Haenampa is worthy of being reviewed by us.”

[You want proof?] “I don’t ask for much. Just show me your strength.”

At that moment, the soft, graceful hands placed the notebook down.
Click.

As she unsheathed her sword, Joo Yeong-jun was struck with a sense of fear, as if he were about to witness something incredible.

He had been amazed by her beauty, but now the power in the air had completely shifted. He could feel a dangerous energy, something almost tangible, radiating from her.

"Wow! This... this is unbelievable," Joo Yeong-jun said, his voice shaky. His earlier calmness had vanished, replaced by a visceral sense of awe and fear.

Hae Eung-eung glanced at him, her expression calm but slightly tilted, almost as if she were amused by his reaction.

Her sword sliced the air with an elegance that was terrifying in its precision. As she moved, the birds near a nearby utility pole suddenly took flight, startled by the wind she created.

Joo Yeong-jun’s mind raced, realizing that what he was witnessing was far beyond any normal display of skill. Her power was palpable, and it made him realize just how dangerous she truly was.

‘What is she doing? How is she able to take down birds with a single strike from her sword?’

His mind whirred, trying to make sense of what he had just witnessed, but before he could process it fully, Hae Eung-eung’s sword swung again. This time, she incorporated a twisting motion that sent a whirl of wind spiraling towards the building. Trees outside the building shook violently, and with a crashing noise, several more birds fell to the ground, lifeless.

"Is this... real?" Joo Yeong-jun whispered in disbelief, his voice filled with genuine astonishment.

Despite his years in the entertainment industry, where he had seen his share of spectacles, nothing had prepared him for this. This was far beyond the performances he was accustomed to.

His heart raced. The danger was palpable. She wasn’t just showcasing her skill; she was testing him, proving her strength.

‘Why isn’t he reacting more? Shouldn’t he be jumping out of his seat in shock?’

Hae Eung-eung tilted her head again, as if assessing his response. Joo Yeong-jun, realizing that his previous calm demeanor might have come off as indifferent, quickly decided to make a show of his surprise.

“Holy shit! You are so unbelievable! I’m really pissed off! I didn’t expect this!” He shouted, his voice loud and clear, as he finally allowed himself to show his shock.

Hae Eung-eung’s smile widened slightly. She seemed satisfied with his response, even though she didn’t fully understand the words.

She sheathed her sword with fluid grace, a glint of amusement in her eyes. She had achieved her goal—Joo Yeong-jun was now completely intimidated and intrigued.

But before they could continue the conversation, a voice from outside interrupted them.

“Who... who is that? Is that the 'Lioness of the Royal Club'?”

The tension in the room shifted instantly. Joo Yeong-jun’s face froze as he recognized the voice.

“No, no... I'm more of a leopard than a lion,” came the cool, confident voice of a woman who entered the room, catching everyone off guard.

She was wearing a stylish trench dress, and despite her elegant appearance, her presence was commanding, drawing all attention. Her figure, flawless and graceful, contrasted with the determined, fiery look in her eyes. It was clear she was not someone to be underestimated.

"I thought I’d get a call if you were forming a guild. But not a word from you? That’s disappointing," the woman said, addressing Hae Eung-eung with a teasing tone.

Joo Yeong-jun’s expression shifted to one of serious concern. This woman, whom he recognized, was the representative of the Royal Club, Han Chae-rin. The moment she entered, he felt the weight of the situation change dramatically.

“So, you’ve been involved with them as well?” Joo Yeong-jun muttered to himself, realizing the gravity of the situation.

Hae Eung-eung and Han Chae-rin exchanged a brief, meaningful glance.

“It seems like there’s no easy way out of this. The situation is much more complicated than I thought,” Joo Yeong-jun said, his voice filled with a mixture of awe and apprehension.

With Han Chae-rin’s arrival, everything had shifted. The stakes had just risen, and Joo Yeong-jun knew that the future of the Myeongho Guild was no longer the only thing at risk.