I raised my hand slightly, feeling the weight of expectant gazes upon me. On the second floor, Kim Hyun-sung, Park Deokgu, and Jung Hayan were also fixated on my actions.
Despite the collective attention focused on me, I wasn't burdened with the need to prove myself. I knew the guild executives weren't anticipating anything remarkable from me.
"I'm ready," I responded.
However, it was Jung Hayan who appeared discomposed, her demeanor altered since the incident involving Cha Hee-ra. There was an unusual quietness about her that made me uneasy. Beside her, Park Deokgu displayed evident displeasure, while Kim Hyun-sung's expression remained enigmatic.
'I'm feeling apprehensive…' I sensed a reason behind the madwoman's actions, a reason that I strongly disliked. It seemed she had done it to spite Jung Hayan. Although it could be seen as a warning, that didn't seem likely. I even suspected she expected gratitude from me for sparing me the blade when I hesitated to accept her offer immediately.
Shaking off those thoughts, I concentrated on my magic. The incantation was growing more intricate, and I meticulously began to draw a circle on the floor. The process was elaborate, but the magic circle itself was prepared.
'At least it's efficient.' The magic circle not only conserved my magic power but also promised effectiveness.
In a heartbeat, the magic circle was complete. The nods in the audience signaled their familiarity with this type of magic.
"Lord, heed my call," I intoned.
The magic circle was the foundation for constructing the tower of magic, its chant itself draining considerable magic power.
"Flame pillar," I commanded.
Instantly, a column of fire erupted from the magical sigil I had crafted.
With the modest amount of magic power at my disposal, such a feat was impossible. However, with a slight enhancement and the magic circle's aid, my magic exceeded its natural limitations.
"What…" The applause of Park Deokgu, Kim Hyun-sung, and Jung Hayan didn't reach my ears as it would have in the past. Nonetheless...
Clap, clap, clap.
Applause echoed throughout the venue. While my demonstration wasn't exceptional, it was certainly worthy of appreciation.
They had likely deduced that I was the weakest link in my party. Yet, I knew I wasn't entirely useless.
"Thank you."
Kee Miyoung's presentation concluded. VIPs, please proceed with the protocol.
However, much like the day before, these attendees defied the instructions. Emissaries and scouts approached us like obedient hounds.
"I am Lee Yeon-hee, overseer of the Saseong Guild. Let's converse briefly… But first, allow me to offer you my business card."
"I am Clan Master Jeong Jong-cheol. If you'd excuse me..."
"I'm Youngsoo Ko. Our clan recently formed, and while our conditions are somewhat modest, our growth potential surpasses that of any other faction or guild..."
"I am Park Hye-soo, representative of the Magical Guild. I wish to discuss matters with you..."
Responding to each individual felt tiresome. Yet, they were all valuable prospects—be they newly established clans or declining guilds. Engaging in polite conversations and exchanging business cards was a necessity.
"If you haven't yet allied with the Azure Guild..."
"Yes. We look forward to potential collaboration."
"Our guild as well!"
"Absolutely. Let's share a meal when the opportunity arises."
"I hope to foster positive relations, regardless of your future guild."
"Yes. I'll strive to make initial contact."
I recognized the significance of maintaining amicable connections. My responses were appropriately cordial.
"That was an enjoyable presentation."
Enjoyable? Why do I sense a mocking tone...'
"It appears our perception of alchemists has shifted. Hahaha."
'You're not being honest.'
"Thank you, everyone. Although I feel slightly embarrassed, this is still modest compared to my party members' abilities."
Nonetheless, upholding appearances was crucial. It was standard social etiquette.
Navigating through the crowd, I noticed Lee Sang-hee and the other Azure Guild executives observing me with perturbed expressions. They had just realized that the negotiations were skewed from the start.
Within a week, we had discovered superior opportunities offered by other guilds, contradicting what we were initially told. Anyone observing our everyday conversations could arrive at a single conclusion.
'The position of Kee Miyoung in Kim Hyunsung's party is more significant than assumed.'
"Could we speak briefly? I believe I must reiterate the terms of negotiation..."
"Of course, Lee Sang-hee. I'm all ears."
"Let's step inside."
"Certainly," I replied, restraining my grin.
Glancing back, I saw Jung Hayan, Park Deokgu, and Kim Hyunsung immersed in discussions with others.
Upon entering the room where our prior negotiations transpired, I sensed a notably different ambiance. The older executives were now paying increased attention to me.
'Excellent.' I relished the feeling of authority.
"Firstly, I apologize for hastily altering the terms in our initial negotiation. I believed the contract conditions might be overly generous for newcomers. However, considering the impressions you've all made during the demonstration, it's clear we underestimated your potential."
"Well, that's understandable. It's only natural to be cautious about investing in unproven individuals from a managerial perspective. Your assessment is perfectly rational."
"Ah, thank you for comprehending."
"You've likely received offers from several sources by now."
I saw no reason to withhold the truth. It was a fact acknowledged by them, me, and everyone else.
"Yes, indeed."
"I can't ascertain the exact proposals from other guilds, but our Azure Guild..."
The ensuing words were predictable, requiring only partial attention. They would discuss the sum they could afford, emphasizing growth potential. The Azure Guild's distinctiveness, the specialized support they could provide, their expansion strategies, and our support—all this would be reiterated.
"You might deem our offer inadequate compared to others, but the Azure Guild remains a prominent entity within the Holy Empire. As a member, you'd have a dedicated budget for your party… And more than that, you'd have access to executive roles..."
"Could you specify?"
"It's still too early for precise details, but I'll strive to provide..."
"I see. Could you elaborate further on the contract terms?"
"Ah! Certainly," Lee Sang-hee responded, appearing somewhat pleased.
"We propose an upfront payment of gold along with an annual stipend of 3,000 gold. These are the terms we can offer. The contract duration is 10 years, with salary negotiations open for annual renewal..."
"In Korean currency, that's around 1 billion won."
"Indeed."
This was half the amount compared to the Red Mercenary's offer. However, the Red Mercenary Guild wouldn't include Kim Hyun-sung and Park Deokgu. They understood that hiring an alchemist would be prohibitively costly.
One significant point in Lee Sang-hee's words was the extension of the contract to three years. It indicated genuine interest in our growth.
If they were willing to offer such a substantial sum initially, then raising it slightly more as our potential manifested was probable.
This principle likely held true even in Cha Hee-ra's case, despite her exorbitant proposition.
I grinned, ready to make my proposal.
"The upfront payment I seek is 15,000 gold. In Korean won, that's around 1.5 billion. Additionally, we'd appreciate basic hero-level alchemy tool support, the refinement of hunting byproducts, a hero-level spellbook for Jung Hayan, and fundamental hero-level equipment for Park Deokgu and Kim Hyunsung."
"That... that's..."
"Consider it an investment. Our party will advance even further. I'm not fixated on salary for a reason. As we progress, the Azure Guild will also prosper. I'm aware other guilds would be inclined to invest as we seek."
"That's our rationale..."
"If you require gold, you can auction the first right of negotiation to other guilds. However, gold isn't Azure Guild's current priority, correct?"
Lee Sang-hee's expression revealed I had struck a chord.
"Guild Master."
As expected, the Guild Master made an appearance when matters appeared dire.
Nevertheless, if the Azure Guild Master were absent, it would signify significant turmoil within the guild.
"Is there anyone who could possibly..." the words trailed from my lips.
A shift in the atmosphere was palpable, a change that wrapped the surroundings in an altered aura. As though a subtle ripple had swept through the room.
In the realm of our guild's administrative prowess, lay the very bedrock of our growth trajectory. It was within that moment that I sensed the slight misstep I had taken.
"What audacity..." I muttered under my breath, a voice distinct from Lee Sang-hee.
The possessor of this voice was not Lee Sang-hee; rather, it was the elderly gentleman seated beside me. His gaze bore into me, fueled by a mixture of intense curiosity and eagerness.
'Curious...' I mused silently.
"We're not about to invest in you, alchemist."
"Seolho! What have you unleashed!"
"The Blue Guild we uphold hasn't sunk to the depths of subservience under that individual, Lee Sang-hee."
'That...' I gathered my thoughts.
"Inexperienced is what you are—a mere child with less than a year spent in this realm. Yes, I'm willing to be open-minded, but not in the face of one like him."
"Suppress your magical energy!"
'Cursed...' I realized what it meant to teeter on the edge of mortality.
Perhaps the elderly man's magical prowess was the catalyst, for my frame quivered involuntarily; even drawing breath transformed into a laborious endeavor.
The specter of demise loomed, refusing to vacate my thoughts.
"I did warn you to quell your magical potency, Seolho Lee!"
"This contemptible individual... I've encountered your ilk aplenty. You're the breed that rambles recklessly even when the odds are stacked against you. The populace here varies greatly. Do you assume I've never crossed paths with a rat like you whilst traversing this continent?"
"Uh..."
"It's hardly a bother to eradicate the likes of you. This realm is awash with incessant threats. The 'when' and 'where' are variables that defy anticipation. This realm is unlike Earth. Foolish child... Are you truly devoid of the discernment to tread gingerly? How dare you!"
'I stand on the precipice of demise,' the notion flickered across my consciousness, suffocating the very breath from my lungs.
The sequence of events eluded my comprehension, its essence veiled in obscurity.
'Like a mendicant... Old man...'
My instinct was to flee through the door, an impulsive urge, yet my corporeal vessel had metamorphosed into a lifeless prison.
In the throes of paralysis, a juncture presented itself—a juncture where any stratagem, regardless of its nature, was better than the surrender to impending doom. I seized the opportunity.
"Proceed, you erratic old soul."
"Pardon?"
"Give it a try. If you're capable of extinguishing my existence, then by all means."
"You dare to—!"
"Lee Seolho! Does my counsel indeed fall upon deaf ears?!"
Even amidst Lee Sang-hee's impassioned outburst, I brazenly hurled a cascade of insults into the fray.
"A deranged elder..."
"You!"
"In the event of my demise, do you believe Cha Hee-ra will pardon your transgressions?"
At my words, the elderly man's retort silenced abruptly.