Ch.114Clan Recruitment – 3

“How was your meal?”

“It was excellent. I feel almost uncomfortable having enjoyed such luxury.”

I’m not just saying that. The dinner at the Sky Lounge was truly exceptional.

The ingredients were top-quality, the chef’s skill was remarkable, and even the presentation was outstanding.

That man sitting across from me. The Clan Master of the Magic Tower Clan, Inbeom Kang.

I could clearly see why he chose this place for our meeting.

“I’m glad to hear that. I was worried it might not be enough.”

If this isn’t enough, we’d be in trouble. I noticed the prices were astronomical.

Even though I no longer have to worry about money, I still found myself thinking “Are you crazy?” when I saw them.

When someone treats you to a meal at a place like this, you should be grateful. Definitely.

“Um, Clan Master. You… you can speak casually with me.”

Inbeom Kang is Hana Kang’s father. And Hana and I aren’t that far apart in age.

Which means this person is old enough to be my parent.

It feels strange having someone like that speak formally to me.

“Ah. Would that be alright? I’m concerned I might be making you uncomfortable, Arbiter.”

“It’s fine, Clan Master.”

“Well then… ahem. I’ll speak more casually. Um… first, I’ve completely stepped down from public office.”

“Yes. That happened when you transferred to the Academy.”

Thanks to that, I said goodbye to that damn boss of mine forever.

“After hearing that news, several top clans made their move.”

“To recruit me, you mean?”

Inbeom Kang takes a sip of water and nods.

“It’s not surprising. You’re an extremely attractive asset. Ah, was that an odd comparison?”

“Not at all, Clan Master.”

“Thank you. Anyway, the fortunate thing is that I have a slightly closer connection to you than they do. Chairman Kang also mentioned that Magic Tower would be able to accommodate you.”

Why is Minseong Kang suddenly being mentioned?

Why are they listening to his opinion? They should be asking me!

“There’s no point in dragging this out, so I’ll make my proposal directly. Join Magic Tower, Arbiter Seojin Baek.”

“Is this a formal recruitment offer?”

“It is. Don’t worry about being called a ‘parachute hire’ or anything like that. Our HR team was already considering you very seriously. Since I’m personally stepping in, there won’t be any issues.”

I wasn’t worried about being called a parachute hire anymore. My skills have already been proven.

Who would dare challenge someone who went toe-to-toe with The Elder?

If anyone did, they’d either have serious anger management issues or be desperate for attention.

“I’m not worried about that. Everyone knows what kind of person I am now.”

“That’s true. In your position, I’d also want to avoid getting on your bad side.”

Inbeom Kang nods and glances at Hana Kang sitting beside him.

“Hana has talked about you a lot. Says you’re no ordinary person.”

“I’m certainly not ordinary.”

That’s not a joke, I really am not ordinary.

Whether as someone who’s been possessed or as an experimental subject, either way.

“The world has been feeling unstable lately. We’re preparing to strengthen our forces in response, and there’s unanimous agreement that you’re the best in the Support Class.”

“When you say unstable…”

“The recent disaster in Gangwon Province, for instance. Or the concerning movements among villains.”

By disaster, he must mean the early signs of the monster cataclysm.

And the villain issue must be related to the changes in The Elders that Sujin Hyun mentioned.

These are all very bad omens. And one more problem:

‘It’s happening too fast. Much faster than I expected.’

The first semester hasn’t even ended, let alone summer vacation.

Events that should have started in the second semester are already happening chaotically.

“Some say it’s just temporary unrest, but others can’t help but prepare for the worst.”

“So the current situation is about maximizing forces to prepare for the worst-case scenario.”

“Exactly. The more exceptional superpower users a group has, the more advantageous their position becomes when times get tough.”

Sadly, Inbeom Kang’s words are true. The stronger side prevails in chaotic times.

Those who fail to read and adapt to changing times ultimately fall behind and suffer more.

“I should start by explaining the conditions. I know you’re affiliated with the Academy. So you would help with clan activities without interfering with your Academy duties.”

“Academy work isn’t just occasional—it’s every weekday. Is there still benefit for the clan?”

“Of course there is, Arbiter.”

My question was answered by Hana Kang sitting beside me.

“People who work at the Academy as professors or teaching assistants—they all have field experience, past or present. They’re excellent reserve forces by any standard.”

“That’s right. And just having Academy-affiliated personnel in the clan is valuable enough.”

So it’s like having a renowned professor from a prestigious university join a civic organization?

I suppose a government couldn’t easily dismiss such an organization.

“Of course, you’ll need to coordinate with your assigned team members. Ideally during weekdays if you have time, but weekends might be necessary when unavoidable.”

Weekend work? That’s concerning. Weekends are meant for rest, aren’t they?

I was feeling quite positive about this until the weekend work came up. Now I’m not so sure.

No matter how much money they offer, I prefer having my rest.

‘But… it’s probably time I start making other preparations.’

I can’t remain as a Silver-grade Arbiter at the Academy forever.

If peaceful times continued, maybe, but in a few months, the field will be overflowing with incidents.

Before that happens, forming a well-coordinated team is essential.

Perhaps sensing my thoughts, Inbeom Kang shared a few more details.

It’s not just any team but quite a good one, so we’ll quickly find our rhythm.

Since I’m joining as Support Class, I shouldn’t worry too much.

The team members are also eager to have me, so please consider it positively. That’s about it?

“Ah. And there’s the most important matter of salary.”

Right. We all forgot about the money issue.

No matter how favorable the atmosphere or how unfavorable the situation,

Any deal can be flipped when it comes to money.

Does bringing up money suddenly seem too materialistic?

Try stepping into society yourself.

What can you accomplish without money?

“This is the annual salary we can currently offer you.”

“Million.”

Am I seeing this wrong? Why are there so many zeros?

Wasn’t I supposed to be reserve power? Not a main dealer or tank, yet this much?

“You’re offering this much?”

“In professional terms, you’re what they call a ‘named’ individual. You deserve compensation fitting your status. If it’s insufficient, we can negotiate further later. What do you think?”

I fell into thought as I looked at the salary figure on the contract.

What would benefit me most in the current situation?

What choices and decisions should I make now for future advantage?

“Clan Master.”

My deliberation didn’t take long.

“Yes? Have you decided?”

“Yes. The salary you’ve offered—I’ll accept just 50 percent of it.”

“…What?”

Inbeom Kang’s expectant expression turns to bewilderment.

It must be confusing when I’m not asking for more but suddenly cutting it down.

“Instead, I have other conditions.”

“Other conditions. You want to add something completely new?”

“That’s right.”

He asks me to explain what these conditions are.

Inbeom Kang and Hana Kang stare at me intently.

“I will join the Magic Tower Clan.”

“Excellent news.”

“However, I want to create my own team. I want to select the team members myself.”

“Select the team members…?”

Inbeom Kang mutters this, then seems to realize something and lets out an “Ah.”

He nods as if understanding and speaks.

“So besides yourself, you want to bring someone else into Magic Tower Clan.”

“Exactly.”

“I see. Then who do you have in mind?”

Party composition. The answer is already decided.

It wasn’t specifically for this moment, but somehow it fits perfectly.

“First, my joining the team is a given. Since this is Magic Tower Clan, a Magic Class member is essential. If possible, I’d like Hana Kang to fill that position.”

When I mention Hana Kang, she responds with “Me?”

She seems a bit surprised at being suddenly named.

But she doesn’t look displeased at all.

“She’s already affiliated with Magic Tower Clan, isn’t she? I’d like her assigned to my team.”

“Hana, you say. Is there a specific reason you’ve chosen her?”

“Because I’ve seen her abilities.”

When The Elder appeared before us, when everyone was too afraid to move,

Hana Kang was ready to fight The Elder alone.

Whether that was a momentary action born of fear,

Or her true heart, it doesn’t matter.

What’s most important is that she was able to act that way.

“As it happens, Hana also needs a new team. So, Hana, what do you think?”

“I…”

After looking at me briefly, Hana breaks into a smile.

“I’d like that. I’ll join your team, Arbiter.”

“Good. So one Magic Class position is filled. What’s next?”

“I plan to fill the remaining Magic Class position during the second semester. For Support Class with me, I’m thinking of Dasom Yoo. And for the frontline, I’m considering Hyunwoo Lee.”

Inbeom Kang responds with a “Hmm,” rubbing his chin.

I wonder if there’s a problem, so I wait quietly for his next words.

“I hear many clans are after Hyunwoo Lee. Can you persuade him? We’re Magic Tower, and as a Weaponry Class student, he might think there are better places for him.”

“He’ll come. In fact, because he’s Weaponry Class, he’ll join Magic Tower Clan.”

Hyunwoo is already growing rapidly in swordsmanship on his own.

What he needs now is to learn how to fight against Magic Class.

That’s exactly why bringing him into Magic Tower Clan would be beneficial.

“If that’s what you think… hmm, but there are still some empty spots. I think we need one more person.”

“About that…”

Honestly, I’m still a bit uncertain, but it’s time to confirm.

To confirm that this person can fight alongside us as an excellent comrade, not a villain.

“I’d like to include Soohyun Kim.”