Chapter 44

# 44

Guide for the Reincarnated 044

Crazy Woman (2)

-Please send a signal when you are ready, Mr. Lee Gi-Young.

As I raised my hand slightly, I could feel the gazes of those around me turn to me.

On the second floor, Kim Hyun-Sung, Park Deok-Gu, and Jeong Hae-Yeon were looking this way.

Although the attention of everyone present made me a bit nervous, I didn't feel the pressure of having to show something extraordinary, knowing that the guild executives didn't have high expectations of me.

"I'm ready."

What was more concerning was Jeong Hae-Yeon.

Her unusually quiet demeanor, as if she was deep in thought, made me uneasy.

I wasn't sure if it was because of Park Deok-Gu's presence, but her attitude, as if nothing had happened, seemed to suggest that she wanted to pretend yesterday's incident never occurred.

'I'm anxious...'

I had a sense of why that crazy woman acted the way she did.

She didn't seem to like me rationally.

It was probably to tease Jeong Hae-Yeon, who was radiating killing intent.

Of course, it also had a warning aspect, but if I had managed to get away with a mere verbal reprimand for sending killing intent to the leader of a major guild, it was a relatively cheap price to pay.

The method was just wrong.

Honestly, I felt a bit grateful to that crazy woman.

I should be thankful that she didn't draw her sword and cut off my head on the spot.

I cleared my mind and began to draw the alchemy circle on the floor.

It was a somewhat complex process, but it was already etched in my mind.

'Inefficient.'

It required less mana, but it was definitely inefficient.

However, the alchemy circle was completed in an instant.

A few people nodded, recognizing the familiar process.

"Lord, I, Barano, beseech you, answer my voice."

The mana tower was built on the alchemy circle.

As I chanted the incantation, I could feel my mana being drained.

"Flame Pillar."

The flame pillar rose from the alchemy circle, burning the target.

This was not the firepower I could produce with my own mana.

The effect was quite spectacular, and with the help of the alchemy circle, I could clearly produce efficiency beyond my own mana capacity.

"Phew..."

Unlike the cheers from Park Deok-Gu, Kim Hyun-Sung, and Jeong Hae-Yeon yesterday, there were no such cheers this time.

However,

Clap, clap, clap.

The sound of applause began. Everyone nodded and clapped.

It wasn't a bad demonstration, but it wasn't enough to warrant applause.

What they wanted was one thing.

They probably wanted to impress me, who seemed to be the informal power broker of our party.

"Thank you."

-Mr. Lee Gi-Young's demonstration is now complete. Please proceed according to the procedure, distinguished guests.

As usual, the VIPs and scouts gathered around, as if the procedure was irrelevant.

"I'm Lee Yeon-Hee, the operator of the Four Saints Guild. Can we have a brief conversation... or, let me give you my business card first."

"I'm Jung Jong-Chul, the Clan Master of the Clan. If it's not too much trouble... "

"I'm Go Young-Soo. Our clan is a newly formed clan, and while we may lack in some areas, our growth potential is greater than any other clan or guild... "

"I'm Park Hye-Su, the representative of the Magic Guild. I'd like to have a brief conversation... "

Greeting each person was a task.

Each one was a potential valuable customer.

Whether it was a newly formed clan or a fallen guild, everyone was important.

I received their business cards and had formal conversations.

"If you don't plan to sign a contract with the Blue Guild... "

"Yes. I will definitely visit all of you in the future."

"Our guild as well."

"Yes. When you have time, let's have a meal together."

"I hope we can maintain a good relationship, regardless of which guild you join."

"Yes. I will contact you first."

Formalities, but they weren't bad.

If someone asked what the big deal was about having a few words, I wouldn't have much to say, but human relationships are important in such small things.

"That was an interesting demonstration."

'Interesting, my ass...'

"It seems to have changed the perception of alchemists. Hahaha."

'Liar.'

"Thank you all. I feel a bit embarrassed, as I didn't show much compared to the other party members."

Still,

This is what social life is like.

As I pushed through the crowd, I could see Lee Sang-Hee and the Blue Guild executives looking at me.

Naturally, their faces were twisted.

They realized that the negotiations had gone awry from the beginning.

It was natural for Kim Hyun-Sung to notice that they were taking my words seriously.

We had many opportunities to see each other over the past week.

We had meals together and shared basic information about the continent.

If they saw our party having casual conversations, they would have naturally reached one conclusion.

'Lee Gi-Young's position in Kim Hyun-Sung's party is higher than expected.'

"Can we have a brief conversation? I need to discuss the negotiation terms again... "

"Of course, Mr. Lee Sang-Hee. I welcome it."

"Let's go inside."

"Yes."

I felt like whistling.

Jeong Hae-Yeon, Park Deok-Gu, and Kim Hyun-Sung were talking to others.

When we entered the room where we had negotiated before, the atmosphere was noticeably different.

Even the somewhat arrogant elders seemed to be watching me carefully.

'Good.'

This is what power feels like.

"First, I apologize for hastily adjusting the terms of the first negotiation. I thought the contract terms would be generous for new members... but seeing your demonstration, I realized we underestimated you, Mr. Lee Gi-Young, and the others."

"Ah, it's fine. I understand. It's natural to be cautious when investing in unverified individuals. It's a rational decision."

"Thank you for your understanding."

"..."

"I assume you've received offers from various places."

There was no reason to lie. They knew, I knew, and everyone knew.

"Yes, that's correct."

"I don't know what offers you received from other guilds, but the Blue Guild... "

I couldn't hear what he was explaining clearly, but it was obvious.

The amount they could offer might be insufficient, but they would talk about growth potential.

The unique advantages of the Blue Guild, special conditions they could offer, plans to help us grow, and how they would support us.

It was all predictable.

"You might feel the amount is insufficient compared to other guilds, but the Blue Guild is still one of the named guilds in the Holy Empire. If you join the Blue Guild, we can allocate a separate budget for your party... and, that's not all. Positions in the Blue Guild's leadership... "

"Specifically... "

"It's difficult to give a specific answer, but we will do our best... "

"I see. Can I hear more detailed contract terms?"

"Of course."

He looked a bit pleased.

"The contract terms we can offer are 10,000 gold as a signing bonus and an annual salary of 3,000 gold. The contract period is 10 years, and the salary can be renegotiated annually... "

"That's 1 billion won in Korean currency."

"Yes."

Compared to the Red Mercenaries, it was half.

Of course, the Red Mercenaries didn't include Kim Hyun-Sung and Park Deok-Gu, but it was still a bitter pill to swallow, knowing the cost of being an alchemist.

Notably, the contract period was extended by three years.

They probably wanted to see us grow.

If the initial offer was that much, it suggested they had room to increase it.

I had mentioned something similar to Cha Hee-Ra.

Negotiations are often about pushing the other side when they feel they've missed out.

I smiled gently and spoke.

"15,000 gold as a signing bonus. That's 1.5 billion won. This is the contract we hope for."

"Ah..."

"Additionally, we request support for at least Hero-grade alchemy tools and adjustments for byproducts from hunting. We also request Hero-grade magic books for Jeong Hae-Yeon and Hero-grade basic equipment for Park Deok-Gu and Kim Hyun-Sung."

"That... that's..."

"Consider it an investment. Our party will grow. The faster we grow, the more the Blue Guild will benefit. We might even receive investments from multiple guilds."

"That's... our situation... "

"If you need gold, you can sell the first negotiation rights to other guilds. Gold isn't the most important thing for the Blue Guild, is it?"

His expression suggested he had been hit where it hurt.

"Guild Master."

The absence of the Guild Master until this point was telling.

The sudden changes in the tutorial dungeon had brought out the leaders of both small and large guilds.

Even Cha Hee-Ra had come to make offers.

The absence of the Blue Guild's Master suggested internal issues.

"You... knew. Did you... "

"It's a simple deduction. If you can't see it, it's only natural to think it."

It felt like things were going smoothly.

The Blue Guild accepted my proposal.

If there were issues with the guild's main forces, including the Guild Master, our appearance as potential high-ranking members would be very welcome.

I felt I had made a mistake at that moment.

"Arrogant... "

It wasn't Lee Sang-Hee.

An old man beside him was looking at me with an overly excited expression.

'Oh...'

"We are not investing in you, alchemist."

"Seol-Ho. What are you doing!"

"The Blue Guild is not so weak that it can be toyed with by someone like you, Mr. Lee Sang-Hee."

'This...'

"You've been here for less than a year. How can you bow to someone like him!"

"Retract your mana!"

'Damn...'

I understood what killing intent and mana were.

My body began to tremble from the old man's overwhelming mana, and even breathing became difficult.

The thought of 'I'm going to die' kept flashing in my mind.

"Retract your mana! Seol-Ho!"

"This trash... I know your kind well. You're just a nobody causing trouble. This place is full of all sorts of people. Do you think I haven't seen someone like you in my years on this continent?"

"Ugh..."

"Killing scum like you is no big deal. This continent is always filled with threats. No one knows when or where something might happen. It's different from Earth. You, a foolish brat, dare to act recklessly without knowing the sky's height? Daring to challenge the Blue Guild? Daring to!"

'Die.'

I really felt like I was going to die.

Breathing became almost impossible.

I couldn't fully grasp the situation.

'What a... damn... old man...'

I wanted to run out of the room, but my body wouldn't move.

In a situation where I had to make a choice, I had to pick one.

"Try it, you crazy old man."

"What?"

"Try it, you crazy old man. If you can kill me, go ahead."

"How dare you!"

"Seol-Ho! Is this how you speak?!"

Amidst the chaos, I spoke each word clearly.

"Crazy old man..."

"You!"

"If I die, do you think my sister Hee-Ra will just stand by?"

The old man's mouth closed, visible in my field of vision.