Lucian chewed thoughtfully, savoring the rich flavor of the at. It was extrely tender but also chewy like the mixture of at and fish in one place.
The juice squeezed out the body of the at like a sponge as lted in his mouth, adding even more flavor to the at.
Lucian couldn't help but be impressed. Even on earth, he had rarely tasted such succulent at. (A/N: smirk)
He paused, letting his words sink in. "Join us, Lucian. With your potential and our resources, your ascent through the Tower would be teoric. We can provide you with everything you need – better gear, skill books, rare materials, dedicated support teams. You wouldn't have to worry about nuisances like Urus or navigating the complex politics of the Lobby. You could focus purely on growing stronger. Imagine clearing floors with a fully equipped, coordinated team backing you up. Imagine the rewards."
Lucian continued eating, chewing thoughtfully before swallowing. He t Darius's expectant gaze, his expression unreadable. "It's a generous offer, Guild Leader Darius."
Darius smiled, sensing an opening. "Please, call Darius. And it's more than generous; it's an investnt. An investnt in a future powerhouse."
"I appreciate the confidence," Lucian said, placing his fork down gently. "However, I must decline."
The smile froze on Darius's face. The air in the room suddenly felt several degrees cooler. "Decline?" he repeated, his voice dangerously soft. "May I ask why? Is the offer not sufficient? We can negotiate terms, of course. A signing bonus, perhaps? A leadership position within one of our elite teams?"
"Ah, I forgot to add, this beautiful lady has also been brought to you as an apology from my brother to do as you wish. Fighting is hard and stressful, we need to constantly relief stress daily ."
Darius smiled even more as he gestured to the lady behind him.
The young lady squird, her expression flushed red in anger and embarrassnt but she didn't dare say a word as she stood there with her head lowered while both n spoke.
Lucian took one glance at her and imdiately shook his head slowly. Who knew how many people she's been passed around to.
"It's not about the terms, Darius. I have my own path to walk, my own thods. Being tied to a guild, obligated to follow its rules and objectives, participating in group runs... isn't sothing I see my self doing."
Lucian picked up the wine at the side and continued. "I truly appreciate your offer and also thank you for the al. It was indeed excellent. But my answer is no."
Silence suddenly descended like a thick fog. Darius stared at Lucian, the smile on his face was completely gone.
This was the first ti he has personally gone out of his way, smiled, and tried to persuade soone with such effort only to be rejected by the said person, how could he not be angry?
His knuckles were white where he gripped his wine. The faint him of mana from his rings grew. He had expected negotiation, perhaps reluctance, but not an outright, refusal from a newcor, a re kid , no matter how talented. It was an insult.
"You're making a mistake, Lucian," Darius said, with suppressed anger.
Lucian simply t his gaze, unfazed. "Perhaps. But it's a mistake I prefer to make myself." He pushed his chair back slightly, preparing to stand. "If that's all, I have things to sort."
Darius's eyes narrowed into slits. The sheer audacity! This nobody, this fresh at, daring to refuse him, Darius, leader of the Green Dragon Guild, just because he Soloed a single floor?
He thought he was untouchable? Darius felt a surge of fury overwhelm him.
However, he was the Guild leader for a reason.
"A pity," Darius said finally, his voice was flat, devoid of emotion. "A grave miscalculation on your part, I believe. But, as you say, your path is your own."
He picked up his glass and drained the remaining wine in one gulp, setting the glass, he continued. "Enjoy your stay at the Celestial Rest, Mr. Morningstar. This City can be... unpredictable for those without protection."
He rose, smoothing down his suit. The woman stepped back, ready to follow. Without another word or glance, Darius turned and walked away, his back straight like a rod as he left. The woman shot Lucian an angry look before following her leader out of the lobby.
Lucian watched them go, his expression unchanging. He finished the at on the table, and even chewed the bone before finishing the wine.
Letting out a burp of satisfaction, he left the restaurant only to be told Darius hadn't paid yet.
"Tch! Petty!"
Lucian almost cursed as his balance reduced by 100,000 relic coins then headed back to his room he wanted to fully review the items he had gotten, from the reroll.
…
Back at Green Dragon Group Headquarters
Back in the headquarters of the Green Dragon Guild, the heavy, soundproofed door to Darius's office slamd shut with a force that shook the entire door.
His secretary, who had been waiting patiently, remained unflinched while Urus jumped like a scared mouse.
"He refused?" The secretary asked with slight surprise in her tone.
"Refused?" Darius laughed, but his face was devoid of humor. "He practically didn't take serious."
"The arrogance! A brat who got lucky once thinks he's a big shot?"
His eyes, flickering dangerously. "He possesses S-rank potential, maybe higher. If we can't control him, then he's useless."
Urus, eyes lit up. "Yes, brother! Let take so n an—"
"Shut up! Fool!" Darius snapped as he stared coldly at his brother.
"Your incompetence will only lead to another failure."
Darius then turned to his secretary, his expression cold as he spoke. "Contact the Shadow Guild. Standard channels. High priority contract."
The secretary nodded, her face expressionless as she accessed a hidden communication device embedded in the desk.
"Lucian Morningstar. Current location: Celestial Rest Hotel, eighteenth-floor suite. Objective: Termination. Make it look like an accident if possible, or a simple disappearance. No witnesses, no links back to us."
The secretary's fingers moved deftly over the arcane interface. A mont later, she looked up. "ssage sent. Awaiting confirmation and quote."
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