This story, without a doubt, had its merits. Ultimately, I found myself presented with a contract offering a substantial sum of 150 million won. In this new realm, the currency equated to 1,500 gold for the initial payment, followed by an annual salary of 700 gold. Remarkably, the annual salary translated to an impressive 70 million won in the context of Hanwha. Though I couldn't ascertain the evaluation given to other newcomers, I believed I was granted a significantly larger sum than most of them.
Nevertheless, even enticed by this alluring proposition, I couldn't ignore the fact that their intent to recruit me lacked sincerity. The reasons for this could be numerous, but the foremost thought that occurred to me was that my potential paled in comparison to the average. I was perceived as the weaker one, dependent on others for support, unlike my companions.
Occupying the role of an alchemist and grappling with my limited magical abilities seemed to be the primary factors contributing to my reduced evaluation. I wanted to voice my concerns, yet I found myself paralyzed. An inexplicable heaviness engulfed me, and the thought of regurgitating my previous day's meals crossed my mind.
In the midst of these reflections, I pondered the extent to which they were willing to go in order to secure the entire team's recruitment. They must have recognized that excluding me from the team would result in the others rejecting their offer. Lee Sang-hee, sensing my unease and embarrassment, broke the silence once again.
"You won't just receive that. I can't detail everything now, but there are several welfare plans in place. Think of them as incentives, akin to those on Earth. You'll have access to various basic insurances like accident and death coverage. You're also entitled to use the guild's facilities and will be assigned a personal mentor. And even if you marry or have a child, you'll receive essential support. Although, not many people are getting married these days…"
"True, any particular reason for that?"
"Perhaps the guild environment exposes individuals to unfamiliar dangers. The current situation might be better than the tutorial dungeon itself, but caution is paramount. The Blue Guild primarily sustains itself through dungeon exploration and monster hunting. Naturally, alongside hunting, we operate a profit-sharing system. The spoils from the monsters, distributed after each hunt, are divided between the guild and the hunting party at a 40% to 60% ratio. The precise figure is…"
"It's understandable that the risks are significant. Does the initial payment and annual salary include risk compensation?"
"Yes, indeed. It's likely more substantial than you might imagine," she answered frankly. This interaction made me feel quite professional for inquiring about such matters.
While I wasn't certain how long Earth's inhabitants had been here, it felt like an extended period. How else could they have developed long-term backup solutions such as insurance?
"You clever bunch."
"As an alchemist, we'll do our best to provide you with the catalysts you require. Naturally, supporting costly items might be challenging, but…"
"Lee Sang-hee…"
"Honesty is always the best policy."
"Right…"
"This encompasses everything that the Blue Guild can offer you."
I admired Lee Sang-hee's approach—respectful and patient, giving me time to absorb the information. However, the elderly members flanking her presented a dilemma. I could sense their disapproval from miles away—openly judgmental individuals. Yet, a single quandary loomed before them—they remained oblivious to the depth of my emotional attachment to the other three.
Teaming up with these people seemed like a short-term scheme, but it appeared that they were carrying me far more than I had initially perceived.
"Perhaps there's a flicker of empathy in them after all."
Had these individuals witnessed numerous scenarios involving loss? Had they suffered firsthand?
I could safely assume they'd lost colleagues before, those with whom they had once fought side by side, now departed. It must have been traumatic.
Even on Earth, the same circumstances—relationships fracturing due to conflicting interests, tearing apart friends, families, and partnerships—applied here as well as there.
"But no matter how they suppress their emotions, my friends won't."
Absolutely not.
Park Deokgu and Jung Hayan wouldn't entertain the notion of excluding me from the team. The same sentiment held for Kim Hyunsung, who had already invested in me.
Our bond surpassed the elders' understanding, and we harbored our own personal motives hidden from their gaze.
Their blatant hostility appeared absurd to me.
Though I appreciated their offer, one that included a handsome bribe, their lingering disapproving stares chafed at me.
Not to a significant degree, though.
In fact, this situation brought me more satisfaction than embarrassment.
"You simpletons."
In due time, these elders would learn to regard me with respect and cease underestimating me.
They would come to realize the advantages of being on my side.
"I'm uncertain, but this seems like a fairly decent proposition. I know you've given this considerable thought."
"Yes, absolutely. Your satisfaction is guaranteed."
"Does the Blue Guild have a noncombatant division?"
"Yes, indeed."
One of the elders finally addressed me after a pause.
"Absolutely, Mr. Kee Miyoung. Strictly speaking, alchemists fall into the noncombatant category. And in terms of alchemist contract conditions, you won't find any guild offering better terms."
"I see. That's a bit surprising. I expected alchemical magic to be more prominent."
"It's not very efficient, you see. While the job relies on a catalyst to activate magic, the by-products of monsters are quite expensive. Yeonseongjin, frequently employed by alchemists, isn't particularly efficient for us."
"I understand."
"Should the alchemist possess substantial magical power, the scenario might differ slightly… Could I inquire about your magical stats?"
"I have 8."
"Hmm… That might be slightly low for a second job change. Your magical power growth might have been a bit sluggish."
"Yes, it doesn't seem to increase as rapidly as my intellect or in comparison to fellow mages."
"Alas… I see, alright."
I understood the meaning behind his gaze. Our brief exchange had diminished my worth slightly.
Nevertheless, he was willing to accept me into the fold because omitting me would dissuade Kim Hyunsung and Jung Hayan from joining as well.
"So, how does the contract appear to you?"
He continued to play along with this exasperating charade until our contracts were finalized.
I began speaking slowly after scrutinizing the contract.
"I'm not entirely sure. I believe I need some more time to contemplate."
"What?"
"Ah, yes. To start, I'd like to express my appreciation for your offer. However, I'll require additional time to weigh my decision."
"Ah… Well, we'd appreciate a relatively swift response. Time isn't exactly on our side…"
"Yes, I'll deliberate as swiftly as possible."
"And remember to discuss this with your friends too."
"Of course."
Lee Sang-hee interjected once again, this time with urgency in her voice.
"All the details, as well as the terms of the Blue Guild, are outlined in the catalog and contract. Reading through it during your consideration may prove helpful."
"Thank you, I'll peruse it later."
In truth, I knew it wouldn't be worth my while to read it.
"Everything will be turned around
within a few days, anyway."
Once outside, I was greeted by the sight of Park Deokgu, Jung Hayan, and Kim Hyunsung waiting for me. Their inquisitive expressions brought a smile to my face.
"Did you undergo any special tests?"
"What? No!"
"Actually, the offer seems quite favorable."
"Really?"
"Yes, Kee Miyoung. I did a bit of research myself, and it appears that other major guilds don't extend such generous conditions. They aren't bluffing. Despite not fully gauging our growth potential, they've been considerate in their offer…"
"Indeed. They seem like good people"
"Perhaps they're gamblers in their own way. They're likely feeling the pressure to successfully secure our recruitment. They value individuals as valuable assets."
Honestly, it didn't seem like they viewed us in that light.
"It might be too early to judge, but what's your take? Being here might offer more stability than joining a larger guild."
"If you like it, I'm in."
"Me too…"
Park Deokgu and Jung Hayan remained steadfast; they'd never betray me. However, Kim Hyunsung's demeanor suggested he was leaning towards the Blue Guild.
It even seemed like he was in a hurry.
I knew his rationale was rooted in wanting a contingency rather than forming a personal force. He believed it would be safer.
I would have made the same choice.
Forming a personal force had its merits. It would operate according to our wishes and provide more options. However, joining the Blue Guild held its own advantages.
One could make use of the guild's amenities and facilities. Kim Hyunsung and Jung Hayan could effortlessly become the guild's core members. His decision was logical.
"Of course, there's no need to rush. It might be best to discuss this further and think about it… I've taken a liking to this guild."
Kim Hyunsung spoke cautiously, hiding his nervousness. "I believe additional contemplation is in order."
"Ah, you're having second thoughts?"
"Not exactly. I mean, I like it, but…"
"But?"
"There might be room to negotiate a better salary."
"You think so?"
"It's possible there's a way to increase the compensation."
"Ah…"
Kim Hyunsung had exposed himself, realizing he'd been transparent. I wasn't entirely sure of his plan, but his reasoning was sound. We had time to think.
The scenarios in his mind would proceed without hitches once we exited the tutorial dungeon.
"What you're saying… Ah, I understand."
"Yeah. There's no rush to finalize the contract, Mr. Hyunsung. Dragging it out could make them more anxious."
Kim Hyunsung grasped my implication. He knew exactly what I was getting at.