CHAPTER 7
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"Please come in as my exclusive supporter," he said, his tone implying a lucrative offer. "Your compensation will align with that of A-grade hunters. Given the nature of the job, your working hours will be flexible. However, should you exceed nine hours, additional overtime pay will be provided. Moreover, if we venture into dungeons together, a separate incentive awaits you."
"Wait a moment!" I interjected, raising my hand to halt the deluge of contract terms. The contract before me, though penned in Korean, seemed to resonate dimly in my ears.
"Exclusive supporter? So, you're asking me to join the guild?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Because I need you."
...What sort of absurdity was this? This man had a habit of spouting work-related jargon indiscriminately, context be damned. Consequently, my initial shock was rapidly replaced by annoyance.
"So, you require my skills?" I asked, trying to clarify his intentions.
"Yes."
His response came with a look that questioned the necessity of my inquiry. Fighting the urge to demand he articulate his thoughts more clearly, I managed a coy smile, feigning collaboration.
"So, to utilize my skills, must I join the guild?"
A direct "yes" eluded me, but my silence was far from a tacit agreement.
He noticed my reluctance and turned his gaze to the tatami-covered floor, his expression laced with regret. It was as if he was contemplating dismissing someone who had been needlessly suffering.
The bruises on my body were still starkly visible, as though they were a canvas he had painted with his bare hands. This reminded me of my resolve to leave this place unscathed.
"It's not that I'm averse to the idea..."
"...Then, please state your terms."
If refusing to join the guild was a term, would he acquiesce, like the man before? I abhorred pain above all else, yearning for a painless demise if it meant departing in one swift moment.
Thus, I was hesitant to entangle myself further with this man, Jehee. Yet, the words had already slipped from his lips. Once he was committed, there was no going back.
From the outset, the man in green exuded an air of arrogance, evident in the way he raised an eyebrow, as though he was the master of all he surveyed. His proposal, while seemingly benign, carried an undercurrent of coercion.
I pondered leveraging this to my advantage. It seemed my previous attempts to gain his favor had now evolved into an opportunity to become his exclusive supporter.
...Still, I questioned the prudence of this decision.
"I do have a request," I said cautiously.
"Please, proceed," he responded.
"My condition for joining is access to information about dungeons or outbreaks, preferably pertaining to other dimensions."
Dungeons served as gateways to alternate dimensions, and outbreaks indicated the emergence of portals to these realms. Knowledge of these could be my ticket back to my own world.
My true aim was information that could reconnect me with my past life. However, I shrouded my request in ambiguity, a tactic that left me feeling uneasy, especially given Jehee's silent contemplation.
His expression, now unreadable, seemed to study me intently. His prolonged silence heightened the tension until he finally broke it.
"Why do you need that information?"
His blunt inquiry was typical, revealing his irritation. Concealing his true feelings was never his strong suit.
"I'm simply fascinated by these phenomena. My experience in dungeons is limited, and isn't it natural for hunters of this era to seek such knowledge?"
His response, or lack thereof, was a stoic gaze that seemed to pierce through me.
I met his scrutinizing look with a feigned smile of innocence, trying to appear just curiously intrigued.
Whether he believed my act or not, Jehee eventually replied after a moment of heavy silence, his voice barely above a whisper. "Our guild doesn't possess extensive data... but I can provide what you need."
His emphasis on "I, personally," suggested that such information was within his exclusive reach.
Encouraged by this revelation, my smile grew more genuine, tinged with newfound optimism.
"Perfect. Let's incorporate this into the contract. I'll specify the information I need, and you'll obtain it to the best of your ability."
My excitement was palpable, a beacon of hope igniting at the prospect of finding a path home.
"Thank you! So, to whom should I speak to formalize joining the guild?"
"Who else but me? As your exclusive supporter, it's my responsibility."
"...Really?"
The thought that the guild master would personally handle my enlistment seemed implausible. My initial surge of enthusiasm waned at his response. I cast a quick glance at the unyielding man in green beside me, seeking some reassurance. However, his indifferent demeanor offered no solace.
It was naive to expect understanding from someone so detached.
"Isn't there a different process?"
"Why? Does your dislike for the guild extend to me as well?"
Yes, I disliked him. Anyone would after witnessing his ruthless demeanor. Yet, voicing my true thoughts had always been a challenge in this place.
I quickly attempted to defuse the situation with exaggerated gestures.
"No, no, it's not like that at all. Truth be told, I'm actually a big admirer of Hunter Jehee. That's why I'm so nervous around you. I'm struggling to articulate my thoughts, and I fear I might not handle the contract negotiations well."
"Hmm. A fan of mine? You mean Yeon Seonwoo?"
"Y-yes! Isn't everyone in South Korea a fan?"
"For a 'fan,' you seem unusually bold."
"I was once more articulate..."
Fabricating such stories was indeed a taxing endeavor.
I laughed nervously, while Jehee, who had been silently observing me, raised his hand and pointed. The man in green, who had been passive just moments before, sprang into action with a sense of urgency.
It was ironic how he had been so unresponsive when I had sought his assistance earlier...
"Check the left drawer of the desk. You'll find a contract there. Bring it to me."
"Yes, sir."
Jehee's decision to allow me to proceed with the contract was clear, but his silence, paired with a smug smile, felt like a tacit challenge.
The man in green moved with a confidence that seemed to amplify his physical presence. His stature, next to the sofa and the dark wooden desk, was notably imposing. Even compared to Jehee, who was certainly not lacking in height, this man had a presence that was both taller and more robust.
I couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. Both of us were hunters, yet the difference in our physicality was stark. My own average height and unremarkable physique stood in stark contrast to his. My modestly defined abs only made a brief appearance during strenuous activities, far from impressive.
The unfairness of it all gnawed at me. In the gaming world, progress and physical improvements seemed more tangible, more directly linked to your level and stats. Could it be that with increased levels and improved stats in this world, I might also experience a physical transformation?
Lost in these thoughts, I watched as the man in green placed an envelope on the table and slid it towards me. His demeanor towards Jehee had been strictly professional, but now he just stared at me with a look that seemed to question my hesitation. I responded with an awkward chuckle, unsure of how else to react to his intense scrutiny.
I yearned for someone to understand the turmoil of thoughts within me. Grasping the envelope, I extracted two contracts. The first was a standard guild membership form, which I examined closely to ensure it wasn’t a trap or a scam. It seemed straightforward, with spaces for personal information and the general terms of guild membership.
Somewhat relieved, I then examined the second document, the exclusive supporter contract. Returning to the first contract, I paid closer attention to its details. What exactly were the implications of this agreement?
The contents of the 《Exclusive Supporter Contract》 raised several red flags for me. The obligations outlined were extensive and, frankly, concerning.
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Support Duties and Compensation: This clause obligates Party B to perform support duties as requested by Party A. The duties are not clearly defined, which could lead to a wide range of tasks being demanded. The compensation aligns with that of an A-grade hunter, which is a positive aspect, but the vagueness of the required duties could be problematic.
Mandatory Accompaniment and Overtime Pay: Party B is required to accompany Party A whenever requested, highlighting a significant commitment of time and availability. The provision for overtime pay acknowledges the possibility of extended hours, but it also implies a potentially heavy workload.
Disclosure of Personal Information: Party B must disclose their information window upon request. This requirement raises privacy concerns, despite Party A's commitment to confidentiality. The necessity and scope of the information to be disclosed are not detailed, which could lead to uncomfortable situations.
Well-being Maintenance: Party B is responsible for maintaining Party A's mental and physical well-being. This clause extends beyond typical supporter duties, suggesting a more personal and comprehensive caretaker role. It places a significant burden on Party B, potentially involving tasks far beyond professional support.
Covered Expenses: Party A's agreement to cover expenses related to Party B's supporter activities is a standard and fair provision. It ensures that Party B is not financially burdened while performing their duties.
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The overall impression of the contract was one of modern-day indentured servitude. It appeared to demand near-total commitment and subservience to Party A, significantly restricting my personal freedom and autonomy. The terms seemed excessively controlling and disproportionately favored Party A, raising serious concerns about the balance of power and the nature of the relationship being established.