In a setting far removed from the previous tale, where the world was a realm of steampunk marvels, I found myself facing a situation that coaxed a subtle smile from my lips. Before me stood a woman with fiery red hair, extending her hand for a handshake. This moment caught me off guard; perhaps due to my gender, or simply the surprise, my attention was instantly ensnared by her audacious attire.
My gaze was helplessly drawn to her bold ensemble, a sentiment captured by an involuntary "Ah…" that escaped my lips. Instantly, I realized my misstep. Two piercing stares converged on me – those of Jung Hayan and the woman herself, now known as Cha Hee-ra. My usually cautious demeanor faltered, overwhelmed by the unexpectedly daring fashion choice she'd made.
"That's it…" I mused, her outfit's alluring display barely concealing her chest and midriff, coupled with her confident demeanor, exuding a strangely intoxicating allure. Despite myself, I found her striking appearance undeniably attractive.
I shook my head briefly, taking a moment to appraise her using my perceptive eyes. Her entire profile unfurled before me in an instant.
[Check player Cha Hee-ra's Show Details and potential.]
[Name-Hee-ra Cha]
[Title-Blood Mad Madame, Red Sky Mercenary, Crimson Dame of the Holy Republic]
[Age-28]
[Disposition-Unpredictable Trailblazer]
[Vocation-Mercenary Queen-Legendary Tier]
[Vocational Attribute-Basic Sword Mastery Attained]
[Vocational Attribute-Intermediate Weapon Proficiency Attained]
[Vocational Attribute-Advanced Weapon Mastery Attained]
[Vocational Attribute-Advanced Dual Weapon Techniques Attained]
[Vocational Attribute-Advanced Magic Power Manipulation Mastery Attained]
[Attributes]
[Strength -97/Growth Cap: Legend or Beyond]
[Agility-82/Growth Cap: Hero or Lower]
[Vitality -85/Growth Cap: Hero or Lower]
[Intellect-67/Growth Cap: Rare or Beyond]
[Endurance-90/Growth Cap: Hero or Beyond]
[Luck-56/Growth Cap: Rare or Beyond]
[Magic potency -82 /Growth Cap: Hero or Lower]
[Equipment-None]
[Talent-Blood Mad Madame-Hero Tier]
[Intellectual stats temporarily suppressed for heightened attack prowess.]
[General comment-She seems somewhat hazardous. Exercise caution, lest she takes a bite out of you.]
Her title was 'Blood Mad Madame,' and her vocation stood at the heroic tier of 'Mercenary Queen.' Clearly, she wasn't one to be trifled with. Her appearance, as audacious as it was, wasn't her sole source of confidence. Her strength at 90 and endurance at 97 were astonishing – surpassing even Lee Sang-hee's capabilities.
While such high stats and heroic-tier vocations were standard among female executives, there was no need to overly favor her in comparison to the others. It was her captivating smile and the self-assured outstretching of her hand that held my attention, even though I was fully aware of the potential pitfalls this scenario presented.
Beside me, Jung Hayan's discomfort was palpable, a subtle shift betraying her unease. She masked it admirably, given that refusing the offered handshake would constitute a blatant lack of respect towards someone of Cha Hee-ra's stature. While I hoped for Jung Hayan's maturity, her grip on my arm tightened – a childish expression of her reluctance toward the handshake.
Yet, the introduction proceeded. Despite Jung Hayan's opposition, I maneuvered my arm to grasp Cha Hee-ra's hand, silently asking for her understanding.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Kee Miyoung," I introduced, momentarily displacing the spotlight onto Jung Hayan, who deserved credit for the impressive demonstration.
"All the accolades belong to Jung Hayan," I affirmed modestly, prompting Cha Hee-ra to compliment her performance. Jung Hayan's voice turned dangerously low in response. After releasing Cha Hee-ra's hand, Jung Hayan's grip on me eased – a subtle reassurance.
Cha Hee-ra observed our closeness and speculated, "Are the two of you particularly close? Could it be that you've fostered a connection beyond this context?" Jung Hayan's tightened grip on my arm communicated her reluctance for me to accept the handshake.
Nevertheless, I obliged Cha Hee-ra's inquiry. "Ah, no, it's not like that. We first met in the tutorial dungeon, and from there, we built a rapport."
"I envy you," Cha Hee-ra remarked. The intonation in her voice was difficult to decipher.
My inner turmoil intensified as Cha Hee-ra's unwavering gaze bore into me. I pondered, 'Aren't you the least bit embarrassed?' Her bold attire could draw attention, but her self-confidence evidently stemmed from her position as the Mercenary Queen Cha Hee-ra.
It was her strength that truly set her apart – stronger even than Lee Sang-hee. However, in the larger context of the female executives present, such high stats and heroic-tier vocations were becoming commonplace. There was no reason to singularly fixate on her.
Nonetheless, her inviting smile and assured hand extended towards me were incredibly alluring. Despite my reservations, I found myself captivated by her presence. Yet, this simple interaction could spell my undoing.
Jung Hayan's discomfort radiated beside me. It was clear that Cha Hee-ra's visit had put her on edge. Nonetheless, Jung Hayan maintained her composure, realizing the importance of not showing any sign of disrespect.
Cha Hee-ra commenced an explanation of her guild – the Red Mercenary Guild. With an emphasis on melee combat, it was a guild that ventured into quests, dungeons, monster hunting, and even warfare.
Amidst the exchange, Cha Hee-ra revealed the ins and outs of her guild's structure and objectives. I engaged in the conversation, albeit apprehensively.
Cha Hee-ra probed our potential interest in her guild's project. The dilemma was clear – whether we'd be willing to distance ourselves from our companions, Park Deokgu and Kim Hyunsung, and join her ranks.
After all, her guild was fortified with melee combatants, leaving the magical aspects neglected. A unifying focus could better synergize her guild, and thus she sought our input.
The conversation unfolded, revealing her intentions and proposed investment. The staggering numbers echoed – a down payment of over 2 billion units and an annual salary of 500 million.
The realization struck me – the Blue Guild's offer paled in comparison. This was a crucial decision. The sheer magnitude of the offer, both monetarily and in terms of potential, left me at a crossroads.
The conversation continued, exploring the complexities of the decision before me. And then, abruptly, Cha Hee-ra's actions caught me off guard. The narrative took an unexpected turn, and I found myself plunged into uncertainty, the tension escalating dramatically.