“Hello. I’m Kang Su-jin, the guild leader of Holy War. Congratulations on your final acceptance. You’ve worked hard.”

“You’ve worked hard too, Guild Leader. I heard you personally oversaw the recruitment. Must have been hard to see everything with your own eyes.”

“Not at all. It was fine watching through the media; there wasn’t much danger.”

In the top-floor guild leader’s office of Holy War. Lud, who had just received his final acceptance notice, was sitting on a sofa in the reception room, fiddling with a teacup.

The aroma of freshly served black tea filled the room. To Nari, who had only ever had tea in teabags, it seemed like a luxurious scent.

Watching Lud sip his tea, the guild leader picked up a document. Now that the recruitment was confirmed, it was time for negotiations.

Then, glancing at Lud sitting in front of her, the guild leader’s gaze lingered. The man in black, whom she had only seen on screen, was sitting casually on the sofa, indifferently poking at an orange in his teacup with a fork.

‘A real monster.’

Kang Su-jin turned her eyes back to the document, intentionally avoiding eye contact. The difference between seeing him on screen and in person was immense.

Just looking at I-hyun was different, but this was a level higher.

As soon as Lud entered, all the energy in the room seemed to flee from him. Even Su-jin could feel sweat running down her back while facing him.

Despite being the world’s top ranker, Holy War was a guild of holiness, and Lud was the embodiment of evil. His psychic energy overwhelmed even the sacred energy filling the guild.

The guild leader inwardly sighed, not noticing that Lud’s appearance was an avatar, a monster-like element. She placed the paper on the table and spoke.

“I’ve read the conditions proposed by Mr. Lud. Firstly, a one-year contract instead of a permanent position. Not to inquire further than the information given about yourself. Media control is a must… and several other conditions, all of which are feasible.”

“That’s good to hear.”

Lud, fiddling with his teacup, didn’t even look at Su-jin. There was no sign of happiness despite his acceptance into Holy War. Su-jin cleared her throat and continued.

“Holy War, along with White Night, was one of the first guilds established in South Korea. For over 20 years, we’ve been protecting people, centered around my younger siblings and their spouses. We never abandon order, no matter what, serving as South Korea’s steadfast shield.”

“So what?”

Lud spoke in an indifferent tone, as if he had no interest in Holy War. Su-jin tensed up again and pulled out a file from inside. It was time for the second round.

“And this is our contract. It’s the best in the industry, so please take your time to read it.”

Holy War, being one of the top four guilds, had been earning money legally and provided the best welfare, work-life balance, and salaries in the industry.

But how could this monster be satisfied with such a contract!

He dominated every Gate in southern Gyeonggi Province from evening to dawn, not even selling boss monster items.

Moreover, he was number one, not just in Korea but worldwide! It was impossible to offer him a slightly higher salary than other hunters.

If they did, both Lud and Holy War’s pride would be at stake.

“With 20 years of top-notch operations, we pride ourselves on running the guild transparently for the sake of our hunters.”

Click, Lud opened his eyes narrowly and flipped through the contract. Su-jin laughed nervously, trying to hide her tension.

‘Please be satisfied with this. If you demand more outrageous conditions, the guild’s very existence is at risk.’

And Lud…

‘Wow, is this for real? How many zeros are on this? They’re offering me this much? Are they insane?’

He was genuinely astonished by the contract’s terms.
The signing bonus alone far exceeded several times the annual salary Nari made working part-time at a convenience store. Lud continued to scrutinize the contract, surprised by the unexpectedly good terms.

‘X it… Should have joined a guild earlier…’

I should have just lived a normal social life… gotten a job… not just sold low-grade items bit by bit… worked part-time at a convenience store… been ridiculed for having no connections…

“Ha ha… Huh… Haha… Ha…”

Lud let out a hollow laugh, feeling the hardships of the past, and pressed his forehead. The guild leader of Holy War flinched.

“Is it not to your liking?”

“No, it’s just funny…”

Ah, Mom. Seems like he doesn’t like it. Su-jin, misunderstanding Lud’s attitude, sweated internally. But she couldn’t back down now!

“I’m sorry we couldn’t meet your expectations… But it would be hard to get this much in other guilds.”

“No, no. That’s okay. Let’s sign the contract.”

Lud, regaining his composure and seemingly in a good mood, waved his hand at Su-jin, not even looking at her. Surprised by his unexpected response, Su-jin’s eyes widened.