Chapter 2: The Diástima Guild
Inside Chairman Go Gunhee's opulent office, the ambiance exuded authority and sophistication. The room was adorned with dark mahogany furniture, intricately designed Oriental rugs, and tasteful artwork that hinted at a keen appreciation for culture and tradition. The Chairman's imposing desk, positioned near a floor-to-ceiling window, commanded the attention of anyone who entered, a symbol of his leadership within the Korean Hunters Association.
As Chairman Go engaged in the conversation with me, his trusted secretary, a young woman with a warm and welcoming smile, bustled around the office with graceful efficiency. She carried a tray holding a teapot and delicate porcelain cups. Her presence added a touch of charm and elegance to the room as she poured the tea, its aroma filling the air with a soothing fragrance.
With a slight bow, she offered the Chairman a cup of tea, her eyes reflecting unwavering respect for her superior. The Chairman acknowledged her gesture with a nod, a silent acknowledgment of the invaluable support she provided in the day-to-day operations of the Association.
Their seamless interaction painted a picture of an office that blended the demands of high-ranking decision-making with the quiet grace of tradition, all while bearing the weight of the nation's future.
As I sat across from Chairman Go, my eyes occasionally flicked to the man before me, a character from the pages of a book that had been a cherished part of my previous life. In the world of Solo Leveling, Chairman Go Gunhee had been a source of inspiration and admiration, a paragon of leadership and dedication to the welfare of hunters.
The internal struggle simmered beneath the surface of my thoughts. I had always wondered what it would be like to meet such a character in real life, to see if the qualities I had admired in fiction could truly manifest in a person.
Yet, now that I was face to face with Chairman Go, the boundary between fiction and reality blurred. He was not just a character from a book; he was a living, breathing individual with his own thoughts and concerns. The admiration I had held for him in my previous life was now overlaid with the complexities of the real world.
My contemplation was abruptly interrupted by the voice of the very subject that had occupied my thoughts.
"Hunter Haneul, are you aware that since the gates made their appearance in this world, this country is no longer governed by the government but by the hunters who protect the citizens?" Chairman Go Gunhee's voice carried a heavy, weary tone.
"Yeah, I had a vague idea," I replied, recalling the familiar tropes from Solo Leveling and the ongoing power struggles among hunters within the story.
"As you must know, there is still an imbalance in this system. The Hunter Association is working to reconcile the power of the two major guilds in Korea: the White Tiger Guild, led by Baek Yoonho, a formidable S-ranked hunter, and The Fame Guild, guided by Ma Dongwook."
The pieces of the puzzle were falling into place. It became apparent that I had been transported to a time slightly before the main storyline of Solo Leveling.
"Chairman Go continued, "These two guilds are locked in a relentless struggle to dominate the Korean peninsula and establish their supremacy. The only force maintaining order is me and the Hunter Association."
"This is providing me with valuable context," I thought, realizing the significance of my presence in this critical period.
"It must be a tremendous burden on you, Chairman Go," I commented empathetically.
"Yes, it is," he replied. "So, let's get to the reason you are here. What are your intentions now? While I don't yet know your specialties or the extent of your power, the fact remains that you are the 5th S-ranker in all of Korea. Your mere existence could either stabilize the nation's current predicament or plunge it into chaos. So, what do you want to do now?"
Chairman Go squared his shoulders, his expression growing serious, and the atmosphere in the room thickened.
"I want to establish a guild," I stated simply.
"That's what I thought. We can discuss it later and make it official, but for now, we should organize a conference with all the most important media channels to announce the birth of the 5th Korean S-ranker," Chairman Go Gunhee suggested.
As he spoke, his expression remained enigmatic, and I couldn't discern whether my response had made him more or less wary than before. The future would reveal the true impact of my words.
"Yeah, that works for me. When are we going to do it?" I inquired.
To my surprise, the Chairman sported a sly smirk. "Why wait? I've already arranged everything in advance," he chuckled and gestured for me to rise and follow him.
I couldn't help but think, "This old man didn't care whether I wanted to do the interview or not," as a thick vein began to throb on my forehead.
-----(POV Journalist)-----
Amidst the buzz and chatter of journalists and camera crews, anticipation rippled through the room as preparations for the impending announcement continued. Whispers filled the air, speculation running rampant.
"I hear they're making a huge announcement; why else would they summon all the news channels in the nation on such short notice?" a reporter from the Korean Daily remarked.
"Do you have any idea what's happened?" someone else queried.
"No, but I heard something like an earthquake occurred inside the HQ building. Maybe a gate opened within it?" came the response.
"That would be unprecedented!"
As the room brimmed with discussion and the cameras were meticulously set up, the lights illuminating the podium suddenly flared to life.
"They're about to start," someone in the crowd murmured.
The room fell silent, the cameras rolling, as Chairman Go Gunhee, one of the most powerful figures in the nation, walked with a grave demeanor toward the podium and reached the microphone.
"I have an announcement to make to the entire nation," he began, his voice carrying a weight that left the room hanging on his every word. "This morning, a truly momentous event occurred within this esteemed building, one that hasn't been witnessed in a long time."
Whispers and murmurs rippled through the crowd as curiosity thickened the air.
But Chairman Go did not leave them in suspense. With a booming voice, he continued, "The 5th S-rank Hunter has awakened in this very building today."
The room fell into stunned silence, a collective gasp of astonishment rippling through the journalists and viewers at home. The entire nation was watching.
An eruption of questions and inquiries cascaded toward Chairman Go from the journalists, but the clamor ceased abruptly at the Chairman's next words.
"Now, please welcome Hunter Haneul Yunseo, the new S-rank Hunter!"
--------(Haneul Pov)------
As Chairman Go Gunhee entered the room, the anticipation and hushed conversations seemed to grow louder. I could hear every word, and with each passing moment, my determination hardened. The Chairman's introduction of me marked the pivotal point where I had to take center stage, and my demeanor left no room for weakness. The whole nation was watching, including potential future adversaries.
With measured steps, I swung the door open and strode into the room. My presence exuded an aura of quiet strength, and I allowed a fraction of my power to flow into the surroundings. A subtle, almost cerulean hue filled the room, not overbearing but enough to let everyone know the depth of my abilities.
The room fell into a palpable stillness, as if no one dared to even draw a breath.
"It's a pleasure to meet you all. I am Haneul Yunseo," I began, my voice unwavering, "and I am proud to announce that from now on, I will do my utmost to protect this country and its citizens."
My concise but impactful speech hung in the air, and I gestured to the journalists, inviting their questions.
A brave journalist stood up, his curiosity palpable. "Hunter Haneul, could you tell the viewers at home what your powers are?" he asked, his voice carrying the weight of the nation's anticipation.
"You will see when the time is right," I responded, my tone cryptic yet resolute. "I cannot reveal all my cards just yet."
Another journalist pressed, "Then, Hunter, what will you do now?"
A hint of challenge flashed in my eyes as I looked directly into the camera that was focused on me, sending a clear message to the leaders of the two major guilds.
"I can answer that," I declared with gravitas. "I will establish the Diástima Guild and show the nation who the true strongest force is."
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CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
MeagerWriter
MeagerWriter Damn our protagonist sure knows how to make an entrance,
please comment and tell em what you think about this chapter and if you really are feeling generous then mind dropping a power stone to your dear author?? :3
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