Kael Vi-rel stood before them with a calm, measured look in his eyes.
"I want you guys to join the company I've been building," he began. His voice was even, professional, but a subtle warmth underscored his words. He wasn't a salesman; he was an investor, and they were the most valuable assets. "I'm not forcing you this isn't about pressuring anyone. But it would be nice if we could grow stronger together, share information, and take on dungeon raids as a united team."
Clara Winslet tilted her head, curiosity glinting in her gaze. Her dark hair, usually so meticulously styled, had a few strands escaping, a sign of her inner turmoil. She was a planner, a strategist, and this was an unknown variable. "If it's a group… is it the kind that manages heroes? You know supporting their activities and handling all the behind-the-scenes stuff?"
"Exactly," Kael replied with a small smile. "It's the same idea as a hero management company handling schedules, legal matters, negotiations, even public relations. It's much more convenient to have a reliable team backing you than to work alone. You two are talented, but talent can only get you so far on your own. It's about synergy."
Selene Whitmore folded her arms, her expression thoughtful. She was a storm of raw power, a force of nature in human form, and her expression was like the quiet before a hurricane. "It is a tempting offer. Especially since having proper support increases the chances of awakening one's full potential. But… I'll need to think about it."
Clara stayed quiet, her eyes fixed on the floor as if weighing invisible scales in her mind. She was calculating the risks, the benefits, the long-term implications. The thought of giving up her independence for an untested venture was a significant leap of faith.
Kael's voice softened. "Honestly, I'd love for both of you to join my guild. But even if you can't or don't want to right now, that's fine. Trust comes first in anything worth building. This isn't just about a company; it's about a partnership. And partnerships require a foundation of mutual respect."
He leaned back slightly, letting the moment breathe. "So for now, that's all you need to know. No rush make your decision when you're ready."
"What? I can't do that," Selene said suddenly, a spark of defiance in her eyes. She looked at him, not with suspicion, but with a challenge. "I don't like the idea of just taking without giving anything in return. I'll join."
"I… I'll join too," Clara stammered, still looking a bit uncertain. The words felt like they were pulled from her against her will, but a fragile hope flickered in her gaze. The idea of a stable support system was a powerful one, even if it came with an unknown leader.
Kael shook his head with a chuckle. "You really don't have to decide now. I'm not forcing you. You have to graduate before you can even become active heroes anyway. Think of this as… helping a friend. Let's just call it an early-access investment."
"A friend…" Clara repeated, her expression softening. The word seemed to resonate with her, a simple, powerful concept that cut through all the business jargon and strategic maneuvering.
Internally, Kael's thoughts were more strategic. If they see it as helping me, they'll feel a subtle sense of obligation. That's a bond I can build on. They'll be more invested, more committed, than if this was just a simple transaction. It's not manipulation; it's just… good management.
"Then I can't do what I was planning with you," Selene muttered under her breath.
Kael frowned. "Huh? What did you say?"
"Nothing," she replied with a playful smirk. She was a puzzle Kael hadn't quite solved, and that intrigued him.
He decided to let it slide. "Alright, let's talk about the dungeon plans before we wrap this up."
Once the conversation ended, Kael made his way to the training room. The echo of their agreement still lingered in his mind, a quiet victory. The first domino had fallen. Now, he just had to make sure the rest followed. They've got all the information they need. Now it's just about being ready for the dungeon raid next week.
He sighed as he walked. The weight of his responsibility felt heavier with each step. Feels like I'm a salaryman trying to provide for a family… except instead of bills, I'm fighting for my life and trying to enjoy my time here while I still can. The world of heroes wasn't all glory and fame; it was a grind, a constant battle for survival, and now he had two more lives to protect.
"Kael Vi-rel!"
He turned to see who had called. "Silva? You here to train too?"
"Yeah," Silva said with a nod. His stance was confident, his eyes clear. There was no shame in his face, only a burning desire to improve. It was a commendable trait.
Kael studied him briefly. The guy didn't seem the least bit discouraged after their last duel. He's definitely a positive one. He's not just a hero; he's a true competitor. This is the kind of drive a guild needs.
"I saw the training videos you uploaded," Silva said. "I think I've watched almost thirty-five of them. You've got a killer technique. I've been studying it, trying to see where my own style breaks down against yours."
Kael smirked. "Yeah, I saw your comments. You didn't miss a single detail, did you?"
"They're good really good. That's why I commented. I'm still not perfect myself, but I've been working on my weaknesses. How about a sparring session? Rematch time."
So he trusts me now… good. My plan's working. Kael's lips curled into a satisfied smile. "Sure. But I'm recording it I need to track my progress. We can analyze our techniques afterward."
"No problem," Silva replied with a grin.
Kael summoned the drones he'd designed. The small devices hovered into the air, lenses glowing only for a wooden staff to smash one out of the sky.
The shattered pieces clattered to the floor.
"What the hell are these annoying things?"
Kael blinked. "Aah? You" He felt a surge of frustration, the perfect setup for his training session suddenly thrown into chaos.
Silva scratched his head, looking just as bewildered.
What are you doing Nad?
And from the corner of the room, a girl stood with her staff resting on her shoulder, expression unreadable. Her name was Nad. She was one of the most enigmatic students in the academy, a quiet storm of power and unpredictability.
"Hmph," she said simply, without offering any explanation. Her gaze was fixed on Kael, a silent challenge in her eyes. The drone, it seemed, was an obstacle to her, a distraction from the real confrontation.