"Let's see…"
About twenty people had gathered at the café, all because of Lee Siwoo. These weren't just any people—they were representatives from Korea's top twelve guilds, all eager to recruit him.
"Quite the spectacle."
Among them were executives and senior members of the very guilds Siwoo had once dreamed of meeting while working in the Hunter industry for the past two years. And yet, here they were, standing stiffly, as if awaiting judgment.
The top five guilds of Korea:
Cheonryong Guild Genius Guild Cheonwoo Guild Galaxy Guild Black Dragon Guild
These weren't just powerful organizations; they were the elite. Compared to them, the remaining guilds ranked sixth and below were akin to mid-sized or small enterprises.
And it showed.
"The powerful always know their worth, don't they?"
Seated across from Siwoo were only the executives from the top five guilds. The rest stood quietly, watching the exchange, waiting for their turn.
Growing impatient, the director of Cheonryong Guild finally spoke up.
"Hunter Lee Siwoo, you seemed to know this would happen today, didn't you?"
She was a stunning woman, her beauty rivaling that of celebrities. If someone claimed a goddess had descended to earth, no one would question it. This was Seo Inna, Cheonryong Guild's recruitment director.
On any other day, Siwoo might have found himself swayed by her enchanting smile. But not today.
He knew exactly what he was doing.
With a relaxed smile, he answered, "I've worked in sales at Kiri & Tech for two years. If I didn't understand how this industry operates by now, that would be stranger, wouldn't it?"
Murmurs rippled through the group, particularly among the representatives of the lower-ranked guilds. In the Hunter world, information was power—and money. The fact that Siwoo had anticipated this meeting meant he possessed a level of insight that smaller guilds simply couldn't afford.
"Even getting guilds ranked eighth to twelfth to approach me is impressive."
Siwoo sipped his coffee, unfazed.
Then, the director from Genius Guild leaned forward and cut straight to the point.
"There's no need to drag this out. Let's get to the offers."
He had the kind of face that made people instinctively trust him—one of those naturally likable types.
"Hunter-world's friendly neighborhood hyung, Cha Juwil."
Siwoo had never met him before, but his reputation was well-known.
"Alright."
Siwoo had planned his response meticulously since yesterday. He was about to speak when—
"100 billion won. Our guild is offering a signing bonus of 100 billion won."
Nam Ilman, the executive from Cheonwoo Guild, had beaten him to it.
Gasps and murmurs spread through the café.
A signing bonus was just that—a bonus. In this industry, contracts typically lasted three years, and the bonus was non-refundable, even if the Hunter didn't work a single day.
In other words, they were offering a staggering sum purely to secure his allegiance.
"That's a major move."
Siwoo nodded slightly. It was a sum tempting enough to shake anyone's resolve.
"But it doesn't align with my plans."
He was about to refuse when—
"We'll offer 200 billion."
This time, it was Genius Guild.
"What? 200 billion? For an E-rank Hunter?"
"Even with a Double Title, he hasn't proven anything yet!"
"That's not the point! If his signing bonus is 200 billion, what's his salary going to be in three years? Double? Triple? Even more?"
With that, the café erupted into a frenzy.
Siwoo exhaled deeply.
Rejecting such tempting offers wasn't easy. For a moment, he almost reached out for the bait.
"No."
He reminded himself why he was here.
Why were the top guilds so powerful?
Because they extracted every ounce of value from their investments.
200 billion? If he underperformed, they wouldn't let him walk away unscathed. They'd ensure he was ruined, trapped with no escape.
Money was terrifying that way.
He was about to refuse again when—
"No need to drag this out. We're offering 500 billion."
500 billion won.
"What the…?!"
"Unbelievable!"
"Of course, it's Cheonryong Guild."
Seo Inna's voice was calm, but her gaze was sharp, as if silently challenging him.
"Well? Can you still refuse us now?"
500 billion was enough to change lives. With that money, he could ensure his family lived comfortably forever. A luxurious home, his father's dream dojo, his younger sibling's education—everything he ever wanted to provide them.
His heart pounded.
Money had that kind of pull.
Clenching his fists, he steeled himself.
"I won't fall for this trick."
He wasn't just rejecting an offer; he was rejecting Kang Myungjoon's influence. The man who had ruined his mother. The man who held the largest stake in Total Hunters—Cheonryong Guild's biggest investor.
Siwoo knew what kind of man he was. The moment Siwoo signed that contract, Kang Myungjoon would bleed him dry.
"Money makes people lose themselves."
He remembered his father's bitter words over a glass of soju.
"No. I won't let greed sway me."
Siwoo lifted his head, his voice firm.
"I'm sorry, but I have no intention of joining a guild."
"What?!"
"Are you insane?!"
"Going solo? You think that's possible?!"
Even the top guild representatives were in shock.
Nam Ilman narrowed his eyes. "Has a foreign guild reached out to you?"
"No. I'm well aware of the Taipei Protocol."
He nodded in understanding. The protocol prevented new Hunters from joining foreign guilds for ten years after obtaining their license.
Seo Inna frowned. "Hunter Lee Siwoo, are you misunderstanding something?"
"How so?"
"Securing a Double Title is impressive, but you can't grow without a guild. Do you realize that?"
"Of course."
"And yet you're refusing?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Because I'm afraid."
Silence.
"Afraid?"
"Afraid of what?!"
"You're kidding, right?"
The room grew tense.
"I have monster phobia."
Gasps filled the air.
A Double Title Hunter… with monster phobia?
Seo Inna tried to salvage the situation. "We'll provide the best treatment. Just sign with us."
But Siwoo had seen enough.
These people didn't care about him—only his potential profit.
He stood up.
"I've said my piece. Don't bother me again."
And with that, he walked out of the café.