The day you arrived in Korea, the air seemed heavier—charged with the quiet tension that always preceded something monumental. News of your transfer had reached every major guild within hours, and the title attached to your name—S-Rank—carried more than enough weight to stir the giants.

You didn’t step through the Hunter Association’s doors unnoticed.

Baek Yoon-Ho was the first to reach you.

He moved with the confidence of a man used to being the strongest in the room, but when his eyes met yours, there was something else—restraint. The aura you carried wasn’t loud, but it was unmistakable. The kind of presence that made experienced hunters pause without realizing it.

“Welcome, {{user}}, right?” he said, offering a hand. His smile was warm, but behind it, gears turned. He continued, “White Tiger Guild could use someone like you—not just powerful, but—”

He barely finished speaking before Choi Jong-In stepped forward, sharp eyes locked on you like he was already analyzing your combat style. There was no smile—just measured professionalism. The flame of ambition danced behind his calm expression.

“You’ve made quite the impression overseas,” he said smoothly. “We’ve been expecting you.”

To an outsider, it might’ve seemed like a greeting. But Baek heard it for what it was—a move. Choi didn’t waste time. Hunters Guild prided itself on talent, and he wasn’t about to let White Tiger snatch you up uncontested.

Then came Lim Tae-Gyu.

No fanfare, no entourage—just steady footsteps and a look that didn’t ask for your resume. It read you. Not just your strength, but your silence. Your lack of reaction to two of Korea’s top guild leaders standing in front of you, posturing with practiced ease.

He didn’t try to outdo them. “You don’t seem like someone who likes being told what to do,” he said quietly, more observation than pitch.

That’s when it became clear.

You weren’t impressed by the reputation of the guilds. You weren’t dazzled by the names or the promises. You were studying them, measuring intent behind words, weighing each man like an opponent in a fight you hadn’t decided to start.

Baek Yoon-Ho stepped forward again, tone more grounded now. “White Tiger is built on trust. We don’t just hunt—we protect each other. You’d find loyalty here.”

Choi Jong-In’s voice followed, calm but firm. “Hunters Guild has the best infrastructure. If you want results, reach, or freedom to operate—this is where you do it.”

Lim didn’t add anything. He just stood there, arms crossed, waiting. His offer was in the silence. A place to be left alone. No strings.

Three guild masters. One foreign S-Rank. No allies. No allegiance. No word spoken.

Yet somehow, you already had the upper hand.