“So, what will you do?”
Gang Cheolmin’s voice was dry.
That barren voice, stripped of all emotion, sounded like a death sentence to the hyenas gathered in the office.
They were no longer team leaders of massive guilds who held their shoulders high, nor directors of management agencies that boasted of being number one in the industry.
They were merely sinners who had been placed on the judgment stand, waiting only for Siu and Attorney Gang to decide their fate.
The silence was brief.
The first to raise the white flag was Director Choe of Star Entertainment.
“Hah… I understand.”
He let out a deep sigh and dropped his head.
Pride? That had been cast to the floor long ago.
What mattered now was the company’s survival.
He had already calculated that it was far cheaper to kneel here and beg pathetically than to suffer a six-month business suspension.
“If only you will not press charges… we will do as you wish. Even a settlement fee under the pretext of consolation money. We will accept all of the CEO’s conditions.”
Director Choe’s declaration of surrender became the starting signal.
The other scouts who had been watching for their chance collapsed like dominoes.
“W-we’ll settle too, our Taeyang Guild! Please show mercy!”
“Daeseong Guild will comply as well. We’ll do whatever you ask.”
Those who had ignored Siu and laughed at him with their noses in the air just moments ago were now begging him to take their money and forgive them.
Siu looked down at their abject display with his arms crossed. A faint sneer hung at the corner of his mouth.
‘This is power.’
Absolute power called the law. And the omnipotent authority called the Hunter Association.
With those at his back, the reversal between superior and inferior was instantaneous.
It was a cold cross-section of the Hunter world ruled by the logic of power.
Siu slowly nodded.
“Very well. The settlement is five hundred million won per company. No exceptions.”
“F-five hundred million?”
Someone gasped and asked back, but when met with Siu’s cold gaze, they hurriedly shut their mouth.
‘Too expensive? Then take the six-month suspension and close your doors.’
Under the silent pressure of Siu’s eyes, they had no choice but to nod in bitter resignation.
With this, Siu not only recovered his initial capital but also gained a massive amount of operating funds.
Even after paying off his debts, billions remained—it was truly a jackpot.
But the real game started now.
Money was merely a means. Siu’s goal was set much higher.
Attorney Gang Cheolmin stepped forward, adjusting his glasses.
“Now then, let’s settle the criminal matters like this.”
He pulled out another stack of documents from his briefcase.
It was an extremely natural, smooth motion, as if this entire situation had been prepared in advance.
“Instead of administrative procedures, I would like to propose a new business venture hosted by our Association.”
“B-business?”
The scouts looked at Attorney Gang with puzzled expressions.
For the Association’s audit team leader to propose a business venture instead of disciplinary action was a completely unexpected development.
“Hunter I Jia is an asset of national importance. Confining such a talent to a small vessel called Miracle Management would be a national loss, and surely a regrettable matter for all of you as well, would it not?”
Attorney Gang continued smoothly, like a sly old fox.
“Therefore, the Association and CEO Han Siu have mutually agreed to create a special ‘lease system.’”
He spread a sample contract out across the table.
“For the next two years, when the guilds here tackle high-difficulty dungeons of B-rank or higher, you may take Hunter I Jia along in a leasing arrangement.”
The scouts’ eyes widened.
Vitality returned to their dying gazes.
Although it was not a full recruitment, being able to utilize the power of an A-rank re-awakener was an enormous advantage.
Moreover, she was a rare magic-type Hunter capable of carrying an entire raid team’s firepower—a priceless asset worth her weight in gold.
“Of course, it will not be free. There is no such thing as a free lunch.”
Siu cut in.
He recited the conditions with a relaxed smile.
“For each lease, a fixed contract fee of three hundred million won. This is an upfront payment. In a lump sum.”
“…!”
“And fifteen percent of the total revenue from the dungeon will be paid to Hunter I Jia as an incentive. Additionally, you must contribute five percent to the Association’s development fund.”
They were overwhelmingly favorable conditions for Miracle—no, they were practically robbery.
They were far more expensive than standard mercenary contract fees, and the revenue share was steep as well.
On top of that, they had to pay tribute to the Association.
But the scouts could not get angry.
Rather, one could almost hear the sound of calculators being frantically tapped inside their heads.
‘It’s expensive, but… if we can use an A-rank mage on a one-time basis, and without risk at that, it’s not bad.’
‘Anyway, it’s a hundred times better than getting caught for tampering, being disciplined, and going bankrupt.’
Seeing their expressions waver, Attorney Gang threw out the decisive bait.
“And there is the most important condition.”
He lowered his voice.
The eyes of everyone present focused on him.
“This contract lasts for two years. During those two years, the guild that best synergizes with Hunter I Jia and receives the highest evaluation…”
Attorney Gang paused, then looked around and declared.
“Will be granted the right of first refusal when recontracting with Hunter I Jia in the future.”
“!!”
The office buzzed.
Right of first refusal.
In other words, it was the most certain ticket to officially recruit I Jia two years later.
For now, they were paying a great deal of money to lease her, but if things went well, it was an opportunity to secure a future ace.
This was a board guaranteed by the Association.
From the guilds’ perspective, it was a sweet poison apple they could not—no, must not—refuse.
“How is it? As atonement for tampering, isn’t this quite a productive proposal?”
At Attorney Gang’s words, the Taeyang Guild team leader was the first to raise his hand.
“We’ll do it. Our Taeyang Guild will do it! We accept all the conditions!”
“No, what are you talking about! Our Rojen Guild was first! We have the greatest financial power!”
“We accept the conditions too. Let’s sign the contract right now!”
It became an auction house in an instant.
Those who had hung their heads like sinners and awaited their punishment just moments ago were now fighting tooth and nail to take I Jia even one more time.
Watching that spectacle, Siu inwardly cheered.
‘Perfect.’
This was not simply a contract to earn money.
It was a system to make the guilds compete.
In order to bite the bait called right of first refusal, they would have to devote themselves to I Jia for two years.
They would provide the best equipment, give her the safest positions, and cherish her like a master, fearing she might get hurt.
Without lifting a finger, Siu would use the large guilds’ infrastructure and capital to raise his Hunter as top-tier.
On top of that, money would come in as money should.
This was the pinnacle of management.
“Please calm down. The order will be decided fairly.”
Siu stepped in to mediate.
After a fierce battle of wits, the protagonist of the first lease contract was decided.
Rojen Guild, one of the nation’s top five guilds.
It was the place with the deepest pockets and the most stable raid system.
“Thank you, CEO Han! Let’s do great things together. We will definitely serve her properly.”
Rojen Guild’s scout team leader grabbed both of Siu’s hands and shook them vigorously.
The dungeon raid schedule was in two days—an A-rank dungeon.
Once all procedures were finished, the Rojen Guild team leader bowed obsequiously and asked.
“Perhaps… is there anything we should be careful of? Anything we should pay special attention to…?”
Siu was about to put on a deliberately stern expression, but soon smiled gently.
In the past, Siu would have threatened, “If she gets hurt, I’ll kill you,” but not now.
There was a more refined method.
“Team Leader. Our Hunter I Jia still lacks experience.”
“Ah, yes. Of course. We will take good care of her.”
“I’m counting on you. I’ve heard Rojen Guild’s training system is the best in the industry. Please raise our Hunter well. Feed her plenty of experience points, and please pay attention to top-tier equipment settings. I trust you will provide thorough aftercare following the dungeon raid as well.”
Siu tapped the team leader’s shoulder.
“All of that… won’t it be reflected in the score later?”
“Ah! I will take it to heart. How could it not be? We will assign two dedicated healers and the finest potions. We will arrange a limousine for transportation as well.”
The team leader bowed at a ninety-degree angle as if swearing allegiance.
Siu nodded in satisfaction.
‘This is enough. I Jia will be able to build experience and grow quickly in the best environments while moving through large guilds. She’ll earn money too.’
And as she grew, Siu’s stats would skyrocket through the growth synchronization skill.
After the storm passed, silence settled into the office.
Checking the bank balance with the settlement fees and first lease payments deposited, a laugh naturally escaped him.
Even after paying off all his debts, several times that amount was sitting in the account.
Only Siu and Attorney Gang Cheolmin remained in the office.
Attorney Gang approached Siu while packing his briefcase.
His stiff face had loosened somewhat.
“You’re incredible, CEO Han.”
He offered a handshake first.
“Honestly, I was surprised. I didn’t know you would turn the tampering case around like this. Thanks to you, we’ve thoroughly suppressed the spirits of those guild bastards who looked down on the Association. The Chairman will be very pleased.”
“Not at all. It’s thanks to you, Attorney Gang, for setting the stage so well.”
“Haha. It’s a win-win for both of us, is it not?”
Siu and Gang Cheolmin exchanged meaningful smiles.
This was not a simple legal advisory relationship.
Siu established the Association’s authority, and the Association watched Siu’s back.
With this solid backing, ordinary guilds would not be able to touch Siu from now on.
“Then, I will contact you often.”
Attorney Gang bowed politely and left the office.
Left alone, Siu leaned back deeply into his chair.
As his tension released, fatigue washed over him, but an even greater sense of accomplishment filled his chest.
‘I did it.’
Siu took out his phone.
It was time to deliver the good news to I Jia.
[It’s all taken care of. There won’t be anyone bothering you anymore. And in two days, your first schedule with Rojen Guild has been set. I’ve told them firmly to treat you with the best service, so Miss Jia, you just go and hunt to your heart’s content.]
The reply came immediately.
[Really? Thank you, CEO! I was right to trust only you, CEOㅠㅠ I’ll work hard! I won’t let you down!]
Siu snickered and placed his phone on the desk.
His heart swelled at the thought of discovering a second I Jia, a third I Jia, and growing Miracle Management into Korea’s greatest company.
The future looked like a smooth, solid road.
Or so he thought.
**
The next morning.
As soon as he got to work, the real-time search rankings on the internet portal site he had mindedly turned on were unusual.
1st. I Jia Reawakening
2nd. Miracle Management
3rd. Han Siu Slave Contract
‘…What?’
Siu’s eyes sharpened.
The peaceful morning air turned cold in an instant.
With a foreboding feeling, he hurriedly clicked the keyword.
Dozens of articles were pouring out like a waterfall.
They all carried provocative, malicious headlines.
[Shocking Exclusive] Reawakened Cinderella I Jia, Turns Out to Be a Slave to a Corrupt Agency?
[F-Rank Days Exploited for a Cheap Contract… The Two Faces of Miracle CEO Han Siu]
[Tossed 100 Million and Snatched Away Hundreds of Billions… Controversy Over Modern-Day Slave Contract]
[Experts: “Clearly an Unfair Contract, Nullification Lawsuit Possible”]
“What kind of bullshit is this…”
The article contents were cunningly distorted.
They claimed that Siu had exploited I Jia’s desperate situation, taking advantage of her clouded judgment to sign what was essentially a lifetime slave contract under absurd conditions.
The details of the groundbreaking 9:1 revenue split that defied industry common sense were completely omitted, while only the penalty fee and contract period were maliciously highlighted.
And the source of those articles.
The “anonymous insider, Mr. A” who had provided the interview.
Siu’s gaze, reading through the article, stopped at one sentence.
“CEO Han was fired from his former company for incompetence and corruption… He always viewed Hunters not as people, but merely as tools to make money.”
A bastard who knew such detailed internal affairs.
And a bastard who would harbor such vicious malice toward him.
“Deputy Manager Bak.”
A low curse spat from Siu’s mouth.
It was impossible for Deputy Manager Bak alone.
To move media companies simultaneously like this required a greater backer—a force with financial power and influence.
A banner ad at the bottom entered his vision.
[A Company That Thinks of the Hunter’s Future, Jenia Management].
Jenia.
The former company where Siu had devoted ten years of his life, only to be thrown away like a used rag.
And the place Deputy Manager Bak belonged to.
It was them.
They couldn’t stand watching Siu succeed.
No, they were clearly intent on taking out their anger over missing the big fish called I Jia by burying Siu socially.
Ring. Ring. Ring.
The office phone and Siu’s cell phone began ringing simultaneously.
They would be reporters, and calls from the Association’s ethics committee demanding an explanation.
Commotion could be heard from outside the office as well.
Siu looked at the phones ringing like mad.
Fear? No. His eyes had gone ice-cold.
A frigid anger rippled within them.
“So… this is how you want to play it?”
‘I was going to let you go nicely. But you bastards are rushing to your own deaths.’