Sato sat opposite Jens in the luxurious meeting room on the 25th floor. Habes, Sia, and Woo sat beside Jens, silent and tense after their defeat. The air was thick with unspoken defeat.
Sato leaned back slightly.
"So… shall we renegotiate now?" he asked in a serious tone.
Jens paused, then smiled — a little more carefully this time.
"After seeing your incredible abilities… having a hunter like you join us would be an honor. If you wish, we can revise the contract," Jens said, his smile polite but guarded.
Sato watched Habes, Sia, and Woo staring at the table, avoiding eye contact.
Just as I thought, he mused inwardly. Acting serious and strong gets results.
"Hmm. Fine," Sato said. "But before that… let's eat. I haven't tasted real food in ages."
He smiled faintly in his mind.
After the show I just put on, they'll be ready to do anything for me. Then, like in those novels, I can squeeze everything I want from this guild.
Jens nodded immediately.
"Of course. I agree to your suggestion."
He turned to the three.
"What about you three?"
They nodded reluctantly.
"Yes… we agree," Habes muttered.
"Fine," Sia said quietly.
"Understood," Woo added.
Sato's eyes gleamed inwardly.
Perfect.
Then he added casually:
"One more thing."
Jens looked at him attentively.
"Go ahead."
"If possible… could I get some new clothes? Walking around only in armor doesn't feel right."
Jens smiled wider.
"That's no problem at all. I'll have the staff bring you the best we have."
A short while later…
Jens, Sia, and Woo sat in a spacious private dining room. The table was laden with exquisite dishes — grilled meats, fresh salads, exotic fruits, fine wines, and desserts that shimmered with mana-infused glaze.
The door opened.
Sato stepped in.
His hair was freshly washed and neatly combed, black strands falling perfectly. He wore a tailored black suit with subtle silver accents — crisp shirt, slim trousers, polished shoes. He looked refined, almost aristocratic — like a wealthy heir who had never seen a battlefield.
Everyone froze.
Is this… the same guy who just crushed three A-rank Hunters alone?Jens thought. He looks like the son of some powerful family now.
Jens stood quickly, gesturing to the seat beside him.
"Please, Mr. Sato, have a seat here."
"I hope you didn't wait too long," Sato said calmly as he walked over.
"No, not at all," Jens replied smoothly.
Sato sat down and glanced at the spread — then at the empty chair.
"Looks like someone's missing," he noted.
Jens smiled politely.
"Ah, yes. Mr. Habes had some personal matters and couldn't join us for that reason"
Sato nodded.
"If that's the case… fine."
Inwardly, he smirked.
Just as I thought… treat them like they owe you, and they'll bend over backward.
Jens leaned back slightly in his chair, his gentle smile never fading.
"Before we begin in earnest," he said smoothly, "allow me to introduce a guest."
The heavy door opened with a soft, deliberate click.
Sato turned his head.
A woman stepped inside — tall, her height nearly matching Sato's, perhaps just a fraction shorter. Her long silver hair shimmered like molten moonlight, falling in perfect, glossy waves down her back. A delicate, crown-like ornament rested atop her head, studded with tiny diamonds that caught every light in the room and scattered it like stars. Around her neck and wrists glittered fine diamond jewelry, cold and brilliant. She wore a long, elegant silver-gray dress — form-fitting yet graceful, the hem brushing the floor with each measured step. In her gloved hand she carried a small white leather purse, simple yet unmistakably luxurious.
She moved with effortless poise, every gesture refined, every step silent and commanding. The moment she entered, the air in the room seemed to shift — quieter, heavier, more attentive.
She walked directly to Sato's side and paused, looking down at him with soft, deep blue eyes.
"If it's not too much trouble," she said in a voice like velvet, calm and melodic, "may I sit here?"
Sato froze for a heartbeat.
Her face was breathtaking — flawless porcelain skin, full pink lips curved in the faintest smile, eyes the color of a clear midnight sea. Her figure was striking — elegant curves perfectly outlined by the dress, an aura of untouchable beauty and quiet power. For the first time in what felt like forever, Sato felt something stir inside him — something warm, something human, something he thought the hell had burned out of him long ago.
He blinked. Forced himself back.
"Of course," he said, voice steady despite the brief lapse. "Please."
She sat with perfect grace, folding her hands on the table. Sato couldn't stop himself from stealing another glance — her scent was faint, floral and expensive, like winter roses.
Jens's smile widened, warm and approving.
"This is Ms. Aiza — the pride of our guild. An S-rank Hunter."
Aiza turned to Sato, her blue eyes meeting his with quiet curiosity.
"Pleased to meet you, Mr. Sato," she said softly. "Jens speaks very highly of you."
Sato nodded, keeping his expression controlled.
"Likewise."
Jens chuckled lightly.
"I rarely praise anyone so highly," he said, "but after what I've seen… Sato is exceptional."
Aiza's lips curved into a small, intrigued smile.
"High praise from Jens is rare indeed."
Even a monster like him will melt for her. They always do. And I will use it for my advantage Jens thought.
Sato forced a polite smile in return, though his mind was already cold and sharp.
Just as I thought… he mused inwardly. They're trying to play me. Bring in a beauty to soften me up, make me drop my guard. Cute trick.
Jens raised his glass.
"Now that everyone's here," he said warmly, "let's eat."
The meal began — exquisite dishes, fine wine, polite conversation.
But Sato's thoughts were ice.
They think they can manipulate me with this?
Watch. I'll turn it around and squeeze everything I can from this guild.
He smiled faintly — polite on the surface, calculating underneath.
Sato raised his glass in a mock toast — smiling on the outside, already calculating how much blood he could squeeze from these smiling vipers.