Chapter 44

The commotion around me was unbearable. A relentless swarm of voices clamored for my attention, each one more desperate than the last.

"Sir, please join our guild!"

"We'll offer you the highest position!"

"Our guild specializes in finding new gates!"

"No, sir! Our information network is unparalleled!"

I sighed inwardly, doing my best to maneuver through the crowd without causing a scene. It was clear they'd all figured out I had no intention of joining the Titans, and their desperation only grew.

Somehow, I managed to push my way toward the door, ignoring the pleas and persistent chatter. Just as I reached for the handle, the door slammed open with such force that the entire room fell silent.

I turned my gaze to the figure standing in the doorway. She was a woman, composed and unassuming in strength, yet her mere presence commanded respect. Everyone in the room seemed to acknowledge her authority.

Curious, I tried to assess her skillset but found nothing extraordinary. Does she have some sort of special standing here? I thought, keeping my guard up.

She began walking toward me with a confident grin plastered across her face. I stayed calm, my expression neutral.

"Finally found you!" she said, her voice full of satisfaction.

I blinked, unsure of what she was talking about. "Pardon?" I asked, my voice polite but wary.

Without another word, she pulled out her phone and held it up for me to see. On the screen was a video—a recording of my battle against the greater dragon from last year.

"You're this person, aren't you?" she asked, her grin widening.

I glanced at the video and recognized it immediately. It was a recording of my fight, one I hadn't realized was public.

"Yes," I replied cautiously. "Is there a problem?"

Her grin grew even wider as she introduced herself. "I'm Maria Woods, the Co-Chairwoman of the Heroes Association. I'd like you to work directly under us."

Gasps rippled through the crowd, their faces filled with awe. Being directly recruited by the Heroes Association was a rare honor.

But to me, it was just another offer. I sighed internally, preparing to brush her off like all the others.

"Sorry, I'm busy," I said with a polite smile, moving to step past her.

Before I could, she grabbed my arm firmly, stopping me in my tracks.

"Come on," she said, pouting like a child. "I don't usually go out of my way for anyone, and I've been searching for you for a year. Are you really going to turn me down like all the others?"

I sighed again, this time outwardly. "Fine. Let's hear it, then," I said with mock enthusiasm.

Her face lit up, but before she could launch into her pitch, I raised a hand to stop her.

"I'm not interested in money, authority, fame, gear, or some high-ranking position. So tell me—what can you offer outside of those things?"

Her smile faltered, turning into a slight frown. "Ah, seriously?" she muttered under her breath. She took a moment to think before facing me again.

"Fine," she said, her tone laced with irritation but still maintaining a polite smile. "Outside of all those things, we can offer you good comrades, a safe place for you and your family to live, and the best network of gate information in the country."

That last part caught my attention. So she does have something worthwhile to offer after all, I thought, intrigued.

Meanwhile, Maria's mind raced. This is an SS+ ranker. Every one of them has joined the Titans so far. It's creating an imbalance of power in the government. We need someone capable of countering the Titans on our side. If I can't secure him, it could spell disaster.

"And all that is in addition to the things you've already rejected," she added quickly, her tone almost pleading.

I noticed the desperation in her eyes but chose to focus on her mention of the information network. "The information network," I said thoughtfully. "Does all information about newly opened gates go through the Association?"

"Yes!" she said brightly, her face lighting up with hope.

I paused, considering her words. If I align with the Association, I'll have access to critical information, which will help me carry out my liege's orders more efficiently.

A small smile crept onto my face. This offer might actually be worth considering.

"Then we might have a deal here, Mrs. Woods," I said, extending my hand.

Maria let out a sigh of relief, her shoulders relaxing as she accepted my hand. "Thank you," she said, her voice filled with genuine gratitude.

We shook hands, sealing the agreement. While the room erupted into murmurs and whispers, I couldn't help but feel a mix of amusement and satisfaction. For now, I had secured an advantage—one that might prove invaluable in the days to come.