The events of that day left everyone bewildered, struggling to comprehend what had unfolded and how it came to be. It turned out that I wasn't lost in a dream; Jung Hayan's performance exceeded even my highest expectations.
The initial silence gave way to a buzz of excitement that swept through the crowd, questions and chatter filling the air.
"Did you bring her profile?" a voice called out urgently.
"How are negotiations with the Blue Guild progressing?" another asked.
"They're offering unconditional recruitment. Who's their guild master?"
"They said the down payment is a non-issue. They've already received it."
"What were the guild personnel doing? No comprehensive data? Did the Blue Guild give you anything?"
"I apologize, truly."
"Damn it. Will an apology solve this issue? Useless fools..."
A communication system seemed to be in place, allowing us to interact with partners from a distance.
Just as I anticipated, or perhaps even more so, the guild executives clustered around, eager to gather more information about Jung Hayan. Simply looking at her profile was merely the first step; they were already calculating her potential contributions if she were to join their ranks.
Other guilds were also approaching the Blue Guild at this juncture. Given their advantageous position, some guilds contemplated bargaining with them.
Needless to say, Lee Sang-hee and the Blue Guild executives were perturbed by this development.
I had always known our team was impressive, but the extent of the desire for us caught me off guard.
I glimpsed at Jung Hayan's expression, which radiated a sense of accomplishment. She knew she had triumphed, and she looked endearingly cute, her hands clasped in delight.
I was curious about the extent of her growth, and with my ability, I delved into her Show Details to uncover her statistics.
[Review Jung Hayan's status and potential.]
[Name: Jung Hayan]
[Title: None. Keep striving.]
[Age: 21]
[Disposition: Pure Advocate]
[Profession: Elemental Magician- Rare Grade]
[Job Effect: Basic Magic Knowledge Acquisition]
[Job Effect: Intermediate Magic Knowledge Acquisition]
[Attributes]
[Strength: 11/Upper Limit for Rare or Below]
[Agility: 11/Upper Limit for Rare or Below]
[Health: 16/Upper Limit for Hero or Below]
[Intellect: 29/Upper Limit for Hero or Higher]
[Endurance: 14/Upper Limit for Rare or Below]
[Luck: 25/Upper Limit for Hero or Higher]
[Magic Power: 31/Upper Limit for Legend or Higher]
[Equipment: Divine Healing - Rare Grade]
[Talent: Becoming a Magician - Hero Grade]
[General Comment: Very promising. The growth of magic power is particularly striking. It's increasing at an astounding rate. However, there's a minor drawback; the attributes haven't grown evenly. Kee Miyoung, you're fortunate. Don't lose her. That's the path to survival. Just make sure you're on the right boat.]
"Magic power of 31?" The number was staggering.
Determining whether it was high or not was tricky. Magicians exhibited a wide range of magical power, varying from as low as 60 to as high as 80.
I pondered over whether she had been practicing intensively. One thing was certain: Jung Hayan's growth had been immense.
"Could she achieve such power in such a short time?"
Considering this, it was likely that Jung Hayan had chosen to be flexible with her abilities. Her weariness was evident, indicating that her display had cost her a great deal of magic. Nonetheless, judging by the excited atmosphere around us, her current achievements defied common sense.
"Ah... The demonstration has concluded..." The moderator's voice trailed off as Jung Hayan dashed in our direction. Ignoring the surrounding crowd, she seemed determined to reach us.
"I'm accepting business cards..." Her face lit up as she spoke.
"Kee Miyoung!" Jung Hayan's expression gleamed with anticipation. She clearly sought approval after a week of separation.
Having not seen her properly for the past week, showing some appreciation seemed fitting.
"You did well, Hayan."
"Thank you, Kee..."
"Was it tough?"
"No. Don't worry, it wasn't!" Her eyes glistened with tears.
I briefly wondered whether displaying affection in such a crowded space was appropriate, yet the Blue Guild's leader and executives were observing us.
"This isn't so bad. In fact, it might be beneficial." With my arms outstretched, I pulled her into a tight hug. Jung Hayan positively glowed.
As time went on, the intense stares directed at us started to feel burdensome and somewhat embarrassing.
"Ah..."
Naturally, I wasn't sly enough to flaunt public affection in this setting.
"Oh, Miyoung my man! Give me a passionate kiss!" It was Park Deokgu's playful voice.
"Cut it out, you goof!"
"Kee Kee My buddy! You're the hottest guy around!"
As Park Deokgu continued his antics, Jung Hayan's expression shifted. Clearly, she anticipated more.
"Jung Hayan..." I mentally mused, "You can't be this naive."
I hadn't spoken aloud, but I felt...
"I've come this far, I deserve a decent reward. I've been patient for a week." That's what I believed she was implying.
It wasn't a bad idea. I wanted to declare, "She's mine," for everyone to hear.
I had to be cautious, but action was also necessary.
After contemplating, I gently cupped her face in my hands and leaned in for a kiss. Slow and deliberate seemed the best approach.
A faint peck on her forehead, and I sensed Jung Hayan trembling.
Although it was just a touch on her forehead, the impact exceeded my expectations.
"What...?"
Her embrace tightened, almost painfully, and her legs quivered. Glancing down, I caught sight of a face flushed beyond imagination.
Her slightly parted lips seemed invitingly dangerous, yet I dismissed any reservations. Despite the weight of executives' stares, we projected the perfect image of lovers.
The moderator's voice seemed distant now, and the Blue Guild's leader had caught on that something was amiss.
"The... Jung Hayan's presentation is finished. Distinguished guests, please remain seated and adhere to the schedule after all presentations are concluded. Next, we'll have a demonstration by Kim Hyunsung, a strategic team member who participated in the first tutorial dungeon. The demonstration will involve a duel..."
"Hayan, I'm heading to see Mr. Hyunsung." Kee Miyoung said.
"Ah... Yes, of course." Jung Hayan looked up at me, a smile gracing her lips.
Though I felt uneasy, the situation wasn't unbearable. This could be a suitable reward for Jung Hayan's remarkable performance.
Indeed, showing off close companionship wasn't a bad move. I slightly extended my arms, pulling her into a tight hug. Jung Hayan radiated happiness.
As time passed, the intense gazes shifted from us to Kim Hyunsung, who had appeared in the training center with a sword.
"Well, I feel left out... Should I get a girlfriend too?"
"Haha" I felt funny about what Deokgu said.
Meanwhile Kim Hyunsung raised his hand, signaling his readiness.
"Let's begin."
I was aware that warriors would engage in a sparring demonstration, while Magicians would display their magic. However, Kim Hyunsung's opponent didn't seem like an easy adversary.
Firstly, the stats themselves surpassed Kim Hyunsung's.
But Kim Hyunsung probably thought otherwise.
His opponent's expression gradually hardened as he regarded Kim Hyunsung, confident as he held his sword.
Jung Hayan had hinted that our team was special, but Kim Hyunsung was on a whole different level.
In an instant, both combatants vanished from sight.
A fight ensued, too rapid for ordinary eyes to track.
This was a spectacle rivaled only by Jung Hayan's performance.
It appeared that the esteemed guests were in for a pleasant surprise.
As the duel progressed, the audience's eyes widened.
"Did you think only Jung Hayan was extraordinary?"
Their assumption was clearly off the mark.
"Phew!"
Seeing VIPs with jaws dropped, I couldn't help but smile. The only sound amidst the sword clashes was the clanging of steel.
"He's quite something!"
The discrepancy in stats was glaring, yet looking at the opponent's expression provided the answer.
Nervousness had replaced his earlier confidence. Kim Hyunsung had proven himself a formidable opponent.
"He's strong."
Soon, the opponent's sword was sent flying. Kim Hyunsung didn't bother retrieving it. He had already demonstrated his prowess.
However, his adversary persisted, swinging a fist. But as soon as the arm that had dropped the sword lunged at Kim Hyunsung, a tremendous roar reverberated.
Kim Hyunsung was flung to the opposite side.
"Ah!"
It was reasonable to expect that landing roughly against the wall would lead to multiple broken bones, but Kim Hyunsung rose easily, brushing off dust from his clothes. He intended to show his durability wasn't lacking either.
"I concede."
"It's impressive. This clever fellow is strong!"
It didn't matter. They had showcased their strengths effectively.
If the newcomer had casually defeated the veteran, the esteemed guests might have found it odd.
Demonstrating prowess through a duel was a smart move by Kim Hyunsung.
Gradually, applause erupted from the crowd. Executives from other guilds watched with hunger in their eyes.
In terms of impact, Jung Hayan might have ranked higher, but Kim Hyunsung's display was certainly remarkable.
"Huh..."
"Genius..."
"Kim Hyunsung's demonstration has concluded. Distinguished guests, please follow the protocol..."
The moderator's voice seemed to fade into the background for our esteemed guests.
As Kim Hyunsung's duel came to an end, many people left their seats, converging around him.
Well played.
At this point, it wasn't just Kim Hyunsung who shone.
"Could we have a moment of your time?"
"Kee Miyoung, right? And Jung Hayan. If you're not too busy, would you mind speaking with us? I'm Cha Hee-ra from the Red Mercenary Guild."