"Mr. Lucas, our Prosperity Guild truly values your talent. Personally, I think you have an incredible future ahead."
The person speaking was Logan Barrett, the president of the Prosperity Guild. What was shocking wasn't just what he said—but that he'd shown up in person.
That kind of attention was rare.
Lucas, after all, was just an S-Level Talent. For a guild president like Logan to come and meet him directly? That meant something. Clearly, Lucas's performance in the freshman tournament had caught his eye—and maybe the attention of the entire Prosperity Guild leadership.
Lucas could feel the genuine sincerity from Logan. That alone made him listen more carefully.
"Mr. Lucas," Logan continued, his voice calm but persuasive, "if you join our Prosperity Guild, I personally promise to nominate you as a future candidate for Guild President after you graduate."
He went on to list a wide range of offers—strong career guarantees, real authority within the guild, and a plan to help him climb to the top. Lucas couldn't deny it: he was tempted.
The Prosperity Guild was no small organization. It was the leading super-guild in the country, filled with top-tier talent. Most past presidents had SS-Level Talent, and S-Level individuals were rarely accepted unless they were exceptionally outstanding.
No one from the SS-Level pool had joined recently either.
What made the offer more enticing was Logan's promise: Lucas would be given a path to real power, rising from middle management to possibly becoming a vice president, even the president someday—if he proved himself.
Of course, Logan clarified that while he could nominate Lucas, actual promotion would depend on his own performance. He'd need to earn the respect of the guild elders and show leadership to reach that level.
Still, the offer was more than generous—it was sincere and full of opportunity.
"I really appreciate President Logan's sincerity," Lucas said with a slight nod. "These conditions are very attractive."
He meant it.
At this point, Lucas felt that if the other guilds he planned to speak with couldn't offer anything better, then the Prosperity Guild would be his choice.
But even with all this, he didn't rush into a decision.
"I'll need a bit of time to think about it," Lucas added calmly. "I'll give you a clear answer within three days."
Logan didn't seem surprised.
This was how the recruitment process worked. Talented players like Lucas were in demand, and no top guild expected an instant yes.
"By the way, President Logan," Lucas said as they stood up to leave, "may I ask one more question?"
Logan paused. "Of course."
Lucas sat back down with a serious look in his eyes. "Does your Prosperity Guild have any plans to attempt the 100th floor of the Mysterious Tower in the future?"
The room went silent.
For a brief second, Logan Barrett's elegant smile cracked.
He tried to hold it, but his expression twitched—just slightly.
Did he hear that right?
The 100th floor?
For a moment, Logan had flashbacks—to another conversation years ago, with someone else who'd asked that exact question.
A crazy woman.
Jade Walker.
Back then, she had asked him the same thing. And now, here was Lucas, sitting in front of him, sounding just as insane.
"Oh no… another one…" Logan thought.
He looked at Lucas the way someone might look at a person planning to jump off a cliff for fun.
It was happening again.
A second madman had entered his life.
Still, Logan was no amateur. Years of training and patience allowed him to regain his composure quickly.
He smiled again, though it clearly took effort.
"What's wrong, President Logan?" Lucas asked with curiosity. "Did I ask something I shouldn't have? Is that some kind of guild secret?"
Inside, Logan was screaming: "Inappropriate?! It's beyond inappropriate! You've opened my old wounds, you lunatic!"
But on the outside, he simply sipped his tea and answered gently, "No, no. Not at all. You're overthinking it, Mr. Lucas."
He waved his hand calmly and tried to recover.
"But I am curious," Logan added, raising an eyebrow. "Why do you ask? Are you especially interested in the Mysterious Tower?"
Lucas chuckled a bit. "Not exactly. I just know that someday, I'll reach Level 100. And to go beyond that, one must pass the 100th floor of the Mysterious Tower, right?"
"I was thinking ahead. If I want to break past the ceiling, that tower must be overcome."
Lucas leaned forward.
"Isn't that something every job changer should worry about eventually?"
Logan stared at him.
He wanted to scream again. No! No one thinks that way! Only lunatics do!
That 100th floor had destroyed entire elite teams, led by SSS-Level Transcendents, with all members at SS-Level. Even they couldn't conquer it.
It wasn't a challenge. It was a death sentence.
How dare this S-Level freshman talk like this?
But Logan kept his face calm and his thoughts private.
He didn't want to push Lucas away. Instead, he considered how to guide this lost soul back to the path of reason.
"Mr. Lucas," Logan said at last, "you're thinking very far ahead."
He praised him first, then slowly shifted the tone.
"But there are many unknowns. You're still new, and there's a lot you haven't seen yet. When you reach Level 100, we can revisit this topic."
He chose not to answer directly.
Instead, he made a kind suggestion: "I'm sure with your talent, you'll get there soon enough."
In his head, Logan was estimating: maybe ten years, if everything went well.
That included passing class advancement trials, dungeon blocks, and resource collection. But if Lucas stayed consistent, it could happen.
"…You're right," Lucas replied thoughtfully. "I'm only in my early twenties now. Maybe I'm just overthinking it."
Logan smiled warmly.
"Yes! That's the attitude of a good guild leader!" he said, praising Lucas again. "Knowing when to listen is a great strength."
In his heart, Logan celebrated:
Good! You're not like Jade Walker! That lunatic hit walls and kept going! But you—you're reasonable!
He felt like he'd just pulled a young genius back from the edge of obsession.
"Alright then, I'll take my leave," Lucas said, standing up again.
"Please, take care, Mr. Lucas," Logan replied.
They shook hands and parted on good terms. The entire meeting had been pleasant—productive and respectful.
…
After Lucas had left, he couldn't help but think back on the conversation.
"So… the Prosperity Guild doesn't have any real plans for the Mysterious Tower," he murmured.
He'd clearly noticed Logan's hesitation, and how carefully he'd avoided the topic.
"Is the 100th floor really that terrifying?"
Lucas wasn't sure yet. He didn't have all the details. But it was something he'd definitely explore in the future.
For now, he had other priorities.
His main focus was still: which guild should he join?
So far, Prosperity Guild was the top candidate.
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