The conference room at the Association headquarters felt more like a corporate boardroom than anything related to hunting monsters. Polished table, leather chairs, and enough political tension to power a small city.
Seated around the table were representatives from Korea's five major guilds, each trying to look more important than the others while pretending this was just a casual meet-and-greet.
Choi Jong-In from the Hunters Guild sat directly across from me, his expression carefully neutral. To his left was Baek Yoon-Ho from the White Tiger Guild—Cha Hae-In's guild master and reportedly one of the most straightforward people in the industry. The other three represented the Fiend Guild, the Reaper Guild, and the Fame Guild.
Gun-hee took his seat at the head of the table. "Gentlemen, as you're all aware, Mr. Cross has agreed to hear your recruitment proposals. Please keep in mind that he's under no obligation to choose any guild."
"Of course," Choi Jong-In said smoothly. "We simply want to present the opportunities available to someone of his... unique talents."
I leaned back in my chair and waited. This should be interesting.
The Hunters Guild went first, naturally. Jong-In launched into a well-rehearsed presentation about resources, connections, and profit-sharing agreements. They were the largest guild in Korea, with the most political influence and the highest-value contracts. Joining them would mean access to S-rank dungeons, international raids, and a starting salary that was probably more than most people made in a decade.
"We also have excellent relationships with guilds in other countries," he concluded. "Thomas Andre specifically requested that I mention our American partnerships."
The implied threat wasn't subtle. Join us, or miss out on international opportunities.
Baek Yoon-Ho's pitch was more direct. "The White Tiger Guild values quality over quantity. We're smaller than the Hunters Guild, but our members receive more personal attention and better support. Plus, you've already worked well with Cha Hae-In."
The other three guilds made their offers, each trying to find a unique angle. The Fiend Guild emphasized their specialization in high-risk, high-reward dungeons. The Reaper Guild focused on their intelligence networks and information brokerage. The Fame Guild, somewhat desperately, talked about media opportunities and public relations management.
When they finished, Gun-hee looked at me expectantly. "Any questions, Mr. Cross?"
I had been listening with half my attention while the other half wondered where my actual target was hiding. But now I focused on the task at hand.
"What about independent operation?" I asked. "Is that a viable option?"
The temperature in the room dropped a few degrees. Independent hunters were harder to control, harder to predict, and generally considered a political liability.
"Certainly possible," Jong-In said carefully, "though it comes with certain... challenges. Independent hunters often find themselves excluded from the more lucrative opportunities."
"And there are safety considerations," Baek Yoon-Ho added. "Guild backing provides security, legal support, and backup in dangerous situations."
I nodded thoughtfully. "What if I wanted to maintain independence but work with guilds on a contract basis?"
That got their attention. Exclusive contracts were valuable, but non-exclusive arrangements meant I could work with multiple guilds depending on the situation.
"That would be... unusual," the Fame Guild representative said hesitantly.
"But not unheard of," Gun-hee interjected. "Some National Level hunters operate under similar arrangements."
I could see the wheels turning in their heads. None of them wanted to lose exclusive access to me, but they also didn't want to risk losing any access by being too demanding.
"I'll need time to consider all the options," I said finally. "This is a big decision."
"Of course," Jong-In said, though I could tell he was disappointed not to get an immediate answer. "Take all the time you need."
As the guild representatives filed out, each leaving business cards and contact information, Gun-hee lingered behind.
"Playing hard to get?" he asked once we were alone.
"Just being careful. Once I commit to something, it'll be difficult to change course later."
"Wise approach. Though I should mention that remaining completely independent might not be sustainable long-term."
"Why's that?"
He walked to the window, looking out at the city. "Power like yours doesn't exist in a vacuum. Other countries are already asking questions about Korea's new National Level hunter. Guild affiliation provides a framework for managing those... inquiries."
Politics again. Everything in this world seemed to come back to politics and power balances.
"How long do I have to decide?"
"No official deadline, but I'd recommend making a choice within the next week or two. The longer you wait, the more... complicated the situation becomes."
After Gun-hee left, I sat alone in the conference room, staring at the pile of business cards and recruitment packets. Each guild had put together impressive presentations, complete with financial projections and benefit packages.
But none of it mattered for my real mission.
**[MISSION UPDATE]**
**[TARGET STATUS: STILL UNLOCATED]**
**[RECOMMENDATION: ESTABLISH HUNTER NETWORK ACCESS]**
**[OPTIMAL PATH: GUILD AFFILIATION OR ASSOCIATION PARTNERSHIP]**
The system was right, as always. To find my target, I needed access to the hunter community's information networks. Guild membership would provide that access, along with legitimate reasons to investigate other hunters.
My phone buzzed with a text message from Cha Hae-In: *Coffee tomorrow? Would like to discuss the White Tiger Guild offer in a less formal setting.*
I stared at the message for a moment. She was being smart about this—personal relationships often mattered more than corporate presentations when it came to major decisions.
I typed back: *Sure. Name the place.*
Her response came immediately: *Small café in Hongdae. I'll send the address. 2 PM?*
*See you there.*
I leaned back in the chair and considered my options. The White Tiger Guild seemed like the most straightforward choice—smaller, more personal, and I already had a working relationship with one of their top members. Plus, Baek Yoon-Ho had struck me as someone who valued competence over politics.
But there were advantages to the larger guilds too. More resources, wider networks, access to information that might help me locate my target.
I gathered up the recruitment materials and headed back to my temporary quarters. Tomorrow's coffee meeting with Cha Hae-In would probably be more important than all of today's formal presentations combined.
The hunt for my target would have to wait a little longer. First, I needed to finish establishing Adrian Cross as a legitimate part of this world's hunter community.
Even if it was starting to feel more like a full-time job than a cover identity.