38 One out of three
"Are you sure you can really take care of this city?"
"Kid."
The man's icy cold gaze was fixed upon Hans, who felt a pang of intimidation but tried to act normal.
Shortly after, the white-haired man resumed speaking, "You know, one of my old friends called me the other day. He did so to explain to me the reasons behind his sudden retirement from a successful position."
"I was worried for him and helped him pick his successor. I sent a long list of candidates. Yet, just yesterday, he called me, saying not to worry, as he had already found the perfect person to take on the role."
"And now, I discover that his chosen PERFECT PERSON is just a kid, barely old enough to live independently."
"A kid who won't be able to protect or command the citizens of this city since he probably can't even take care of himself."
"Perhaps instead of reassuring him to have made the right choice, I should've beaten him until he understood what a terrible mistake he had made."
"What do you think?"
The man was expecting no response from the rookie, but an unexpected response came to his question.
Actually, more than an answer, it was another question.
"And on what basis…. are you assuming all that?"
"What?!"
"I mean, what biases are you referring to? Talking about me, seeing how you speak ill of me this way, I guess you don't know who I am and how I've lived up until now."
"Judging someone solely by their age isn't polite, is it? I expected more from an admired businessman like yourself."
The man remained stunned by the retort, something that was far from what he had anticipated.
While he observed Hans's demeanor along with his every action and word, he thought of something, something that he kept for himself.
'This kid is… quite good, where did you find someone like him? Garrison,' he couldn't help but wonder.
And Hans, whose personality had completely shifted, was just a breath away from wiping away the sweat from his face.
He wasn't usually arrogant, but Garrison had specifically instructed him how to deal with the three guild leaders.
For Benjamin, a hostile approach was recommended. "Benjamin? That old man always favors youngsters, except for those who try to get close to his daughter."
"To get along with him, you only need to do three things. First of all, stay as far away as you can from his daughter, secondly, act that you are quite confident in yourself, and third, try not to break the thin line that separates confidence and arrogance. Otherwise, I can't promise that I will see you return with good news."
Had he acted too cocky? Maybe a bit too disrespectful.
'Should I have just stuck to my normal attitude? What if he kicks me out?' Hans was acting as told, yet he wasn't entirely sure about the outcome.
The old man just remained silent, observing Hans with his piercing, eagle-like eyes.
He scoffed, before continuing, "Anyway, what have you come here for? Need help with the association business? I suppose even that old coot of a man suggested you find me, after all, I'm widely known for bei-"
"Sorry to disappoint you, but I am not here for a meaningless reason like that today... Logan Harris, I'm sure the name rings a bell."
The man's expression, previously annoyed due to Hans' interruption, quickly shifted, turning curious as to what the young man wanted to say.
"Yes, the security team leader, what about him? Are you here to speak on his behalf?" He asked, looking more serious than he was before.
"No, it's quite the contrary. I came here to ask your approval for taking him down. I won't need any help from you, rather, I just need the assurance that you won't take part in the discussion. You see, having the three guilds interfere with my work wouldn't be optimal."
Before giving the other a chance to speak, Hans continued, "Regarding the information he holds on your daughter, rest assured, there won't be any voices or rumors about what happened."
Even though the proposal changed nothing for Benjamin, as an experienced dealer, he knew it was possible for more negotiation. After all, the other side had no choice but to concede.
So he posed an additional request.
"I, Benjamin Carter, swear on my honor as the guild master of the Vortex guild, that I won't meddle in the association's affairs under two conditions."
"First, as you've already mentioned, no rumors about what happened with my daughter's school will leak out."
"And second…. You, with the authority and connections of the association, must find a magic teacher for my daughter. They have to be at least a Tier-5, if not higher."
"Considering that you're still a greenhorn without any connections, I'll give you four months at most."
"But if after a hundred and twenty days you still haven't found an appropriate teacher, then I'll personally come knocking at your door, and I can assure you that it won't be a pleasant experience."
"KRK"
The old man cracked his knuckles and exuded a strong aura, which in the confines of the office, seemed to bear down heavily on Hans, pressing him with an incredible weight.
Though nothing happened physically, mentally Hans felt as if he was being crushed by a car.
It truly wasn't a pleasant sensation, one that was on the list of things Hans never wanted to experience again.
Then, the next moment, all the pressure vanished as if it had never been there.
"You're free to go."
Hans breathed heavily as he left the building.
Even if his wisdom was above the average, he was still a newly promoted Tier-4 mage, equivalent to a C-Rank.
This meant that the aura of an A-Rank was more than enough to intimidate him.
If it weren't for his high wisdom and strong mentality, he might have already been lying unconscious on that office floor right now, making a fool out of himself in front of the guild leader.
'Luckily that didn't happen,' Hans thought as he gazed at the floor where he met the guild leader.
'Also… it's better to keep my promise this time. After all, I do not want to get
chased down by that monster.'
[Name: Benjamin Carter
Age: 59
Class: Windweaver (RARE)
Level: 242
Strength: 320
Dexterity: 399
Endurance: 256
Wisdom: 62
Class Skills:
{Wind Swordsmanship (Rare)
Effect: This swordsmanship allows the user to bend the wind at their will and use it to hasten and strengthen their attacks.}
{Wind Aura (Rare)
Effect: When manifesting aura, it will react as a powerful wind, cutting and sweeping everything it encounters in its path.
The user's aura element will be imbued with sharpness}
Description: An incredibly talented warrior and intelligent individual, who has the qualities of both a leader and a great warrior.
Evaluation: High Rank-A]
In his office alone, Benjamin pondered the young and bold man who had just visited him.
"Mmhhhh…. I'd say 8/10.
"If only he were a bit stronger. He's still the highest rating I've given after all, however, no one with a rating lower than ten will pass."
From the beginning of their encounter and even before they met, the old man had been aware of Hans. This time around, the test was not to prove Hans's qualifications as a branch leader, but rather his suitability as a potential husband for his daughter.
And… the young man had failed.
_____
"One out of three"
Hans lay in bed, thinking of what he had accomplished that day.
He managed to convince one of the three guild leaders, one of the figures that he, and all citizens of Chicago, believed to be legendary.
A hero who had protected the city and the country countless times.
But above all, he was now the association branch leader.
The announcement ceremony was scheduled in five days, giving him enough time to gain the approval of the other two leaders and to prepare everything needed to fire the security team leader.
After that, he would 'simply' have to kill him.
"Haaaaa.." Hans sighed, already tired of the work he had troubled himself with.
He didn't want to remain in that position; he was merely holding an empty seat until the owner returned. In the meantime, he wanted to use his powers to alleviate his friend's suffering.
He was doing this for Aiden.
After all, when Hans was young, no one had helped him. It had hurt and Hans understood that pain all too well. That's why he was the only person with the will and determination to do it.
Hans closed his eyes and his clouded mind quieted, releasing all the depressing thoughts that had been dwelling within it.
