Ren leaned back in his chair, watching the older man across from him with an expression somewhere between curiosity and boredom.
"What's up with you, old man? You look like you just swallowed a lemon every time you see my power. Am I wrong?"
Sir Armand Claymoor didn't flinch at the jab. His voice came out steady, but there was an edge in it.
"Ren Hector, don't get the wrong idea. I still find your power disgusting—deeply so. But I have to admit this: you are strong. The strongest S-Rank I've ever met."
Ren tilted his head. "Is that supposed to be a compliment?"
"It's a fact. Your power… it's revolting. And yet, it can cure people. That contradiction is strange, but it matters. The confirmation that you really are a healer helps—slightly. My opinion of you has improved… slightly."
Ren stared at him. "What the fuck is this? A backhanded compliment?"
"You can take it however you want," Armand said without missing a beat. "But the real reason I want you involved has nothing to do with liking you. It's because of your ability to destroy the power of two… problems."
He turned his gaze toward Veyra Mornveil and Elias Thorne.
Ren raised an eyebrow. "Problems, huh?"
"Perhaps you don't realize it," Armand continued, "but these two are exceptionally powerful. They can kill a monster capable of destroying a country. Yet you, Ren Hector… you erased their supernatural power. You left them as nothing more than physical Hunters, stripped of every supernatural advantage. That makes you… undeniably valuable."
Ren's lips curved into a slow smile. He lifted one hand as if to accept the praise—then extended his middle finger.
"Thanks," he said. "But no."
The room froze for half a second. Armand's face went rigid.
Then laughter broke out.
Veyra nearly fell out of her chair, clutching her stomach. "What did you expect, old man? Your attitude is toxic enough to be a dungeon hazard."
Armand's jaw tightened, his face flushing red. He drew in a breath like he was wrestling with himself.
Ren leaned forward, tone shifting. "If you want me in, there's a condition: you help me, even if it's not… reasonable. You agree to that, and I'll consider it."
Armand's eyes narrowed. "You dare—"
"Calm down, calm down."
Evan Roman's voice cut through the tension. The nearly three-meter-tall Bureau Director moved forward, one massive hand gesturing for everyone to relax. "Sir Armand, may I suggest something?"
Armand exhaled sharply. "What, Evan?"
"You should sign that contract," Evan said evenly.
Armand's eyes widened. "Why would I lower myself to that?"
"Because he has a skill so valuable to your guild that it's worth it," Evan replied.
The words landed heavily. Even Veyra, who had been laughing moments ago, blinked in surprise. Elias Thorne's gaze sharpened.
From the far side of the room, Lu Changcheng spoke up, his tone calm but laced with interest. "May I sign as well, Brother Ren?"
Ren shook his head. "No need, Brother Lu. I'll tell you afterward for free. And if you ever want me in your guild, just say the word."
Lu smiled faintly. "You're the best, Brother Ren."
Armand turned back to Evan, his voice lower now. "Is what you said true?"
Evan met his gaze without hesitation. "Not a single word of falsehood, Sir Armand. When I saw his report, I almost wanted to put him at Mythic Rank. He's close to qualifying, but his stats and skills aren't at the requirement yet. Still… he could fight two Myth-Rank Hunters and hold his own. The only reason he could do that is because his abilities give him a massive advantage."
Armand's jaw flexed as he processed it.
Ren, watching him, thought about the truth tablet he'd swallowed earlier. The Bureau had no reason to doubt his words now—not when the pill guaranteed honesty. If they wanted proof that he really was a healer, they had it. And if they wanted something believable to explain why he'd destroyed Veyra's and Elias's powers, well… he'd have to put that into writing later. Something about dismantling a dangerous chimera and neutralizing a rogue shadow construct. That would make sense on paper.
Finally, Armand spoke. "Fine. Add your condition. I'll help you, as long as it doesn't involve killing an innocent human."
Ren nodded once. "Deal."
Evan stepped back, satisfied. "Now we're even, Hector. I've just helped you gain a Myth-Rank supporter."
Ren smirked. "Sure. I'll forgive you for letting them attack me… but fifty million is still fifty million."
Evan's mouth twitched. "We'll… revisit that later."
Armand spread his hands. "Enough talking. Let me in."
Ren gave a curt nod. "Welcome aboard."