1.02.3 An offer you can't refuse.

Words couldn't begin to describe the guilt Jeremy felt at this moment. What he had thought was a righteous act had only brought misery to an already disadvantaged boy.

It was this crushing guilt that drove him to accept Sarina's offer. It wasn't as though he couldn't afford to take care of Dan. With the wealth his family possessed, the burden was negligible. Admitting Dan into the hospital run by his father's mercenary guild would also significantly lower the costs.

Principal Jalgan, seeing Jeremy's resolve, nodded approvingly. "You're doing the right thing, Jeremy," he said, his tone calm and encouraging. "What's done is done. Don't let it weigh you down. Focus on the future."

He then added with a congratulatory smile, "And let me remind you—it's not every day our school has someone as talented as you graduate from here."

Sarina, satisfied that the matter was now resolved, also offered her congratulations. She engaged Jeremy in small talk, offering advice on the paths he should pursue in the future. But before leaving, her tone turned sharp as she gave him a subtle warning.

"And one more thing: don't even think about joining some shady organization while hiding from us. You know what happens to those who try, don't you?" Her words were pointed, though delivered with a smile.

Jeremy responded with a dry, painful laugh. His heart still hadn't recovered from what he had learned about Dan, and he couldn't muster the energy to engage in Sarina's banter.

More than anything, he wanted to meet Dan—to see him, to apologize, to make amends. But for now, he had been denied that chance.

It wasn't wise to let Jeremy see Dan in his current state, fresh wounds and all. The risk of an emotional outburst or rash actions was too high. Instead, they planned to let some time pass, allowing Dan's wounds to heal and Jeremy's guilt to subside before they reunited.

And so, a week later, when Dan's condition had stabilized, Jeremy finally returned home.

The Reinhardt family welcomed him with open arms, organizing a grand celebration in his honor. Friends, family, and influential allies of his father gathered to acknowledge the remarkable talent Jeremy had displayed during the awakening ceremony.

For the Reinhardt family, this was more than just a party—it was a statement. They were introducing the world to the genius in their ranks, solidifying their status and forging new connections.

Amid the festivities, Jeremy found himself momentarily distracted. The warmth of his family and friends did help him forget Dan, if only for fleeting moments. But deep down, he couldn't shake the promise he had made to Sarina.

Two weeks later, just as Jeremy was preparing to begin his training as a Warrior, a visitor arrived at his home.

The woman wore formal office attire and carried herself with a professional air. Under normal circumstances, Jeremy might have ignored someone like her. But this time, he couldn't.

"The Boman Foundation should already be aware of my plans," Jeremy stated curtly, setting the record straight before the woman could even begin her pitch. "I have no intention of joining any guild."

His aspirations were no secret. Jeremy's dream of joining the Immortal Corps—an elite force stationed within the Maker's Domain—was well-known among his peers and the organizations vying for his talent.

The woman, introducing herself as Kesa Watson, smiled politely. She didn't seem fazed by Jeremy's sharp tone.

"Of course, we're aware," Kesa replied smoothly. "That's precisely why we're not here to recruit you into a guild."

Kesa explained that she was a former climber of the Maker's Domain, though her career had ended prematurely after failing to overcome the third floor. She had since retired and joined the Boman Foundation, an influential organization focused on fostering talent.

"But that doesn't mean we can't establish a mutually beneficial relationship," Kesa continued, sliding a file toward Jeremy. "Our Talent Department is very optimistic about you. We'd like to sponsor your training for the Maker's Domain, providing you with both knowledge and techniques used by the Immortal Corps themselves. It will save you precious time when you enter that place."

Jeremy's curiosity was piqued, though he maintained his skepticism. The techniques of the Immortal Corps were legendary, rumored to enhance regenerative abilities to the point where practitioners could regenerate their entire bodies from a single cell. Such an offer sounded too good to be true.

"I don't believe this would be offered to me without a price," Jeremy said, his tone cautious. Years of living under his father's watchful eye had taught him to see through veiled intentions.

"Of course," Kesa admitted without hesitation. "There are two conditions to this sponsorship."

She handed Jeremy a contract, and he began to read.

"The first condition is a support contract," Kesa explained. "After a maximum of thirty years in the Maker's Domain, you must return to Earth, regardless of your achievements there."

Jeremy frowned. Thirty years seemed harsh, especially considering that time within the Maker's Domain moved faster. What felt like thirty years on Earth could be the equivalent of over a century in that otherworldly place.

"All I need to do is return? There's no clause about providing special advantages to your organization or completing specific tasks?" Jeremy asked, finding the simplicity of the condition suspicious.

"This clause is non-negotiable," Kesa replied firmly.

Jeremy mulled it over but decided to hold his final judgment until he saw the second condition. "What's the other one?" he asked.

Kesa handed him a second, smaller contract.

Jeremy's eyes scanned the document, and his expression twisted with confusion. "Why him? How do you even know about him?"

The mention of Dan's name sent a wave of anger through Jeremy. To him, this felt like a hostage situation—a ploy to exploit someone vulnerable. His voice rose as he glared at Kesa.

"Even if your foundation is stronger than our mercenary guild, that doesn't mean I'll take this kind of threat lightly!"

But Kesa remained calm, her smile unwavering. "I expected such a reaction," she said coolly. "But you misunderstand. Dan is important to us, yes, but this isn't about threatening you. If anything, we're relieved you took him from the LOA before we had to intervene."

Her words made Jeremy pause. 'What do they want with Dan?' he wondered, his suspicion deepening.

"We don't want the LOA to know we're interested in him," Kesa continued. "Your involvement has made that possible. That's why we're offering you this sponsorship in exchange for Dan."

Jeremy's mind raced, trying to make sense of the situation.

"You think he has some kind of rare ability, don't you?" Jeremy asked, narrowing his eyes.

Kesa's expression softened. "We see potential in him—potential that others have overlooked."

She reassured Jeremy that the Boman Foundation had no intention of harming Dan. If Jeremy accepted their offer, they would ensure Dan received the best care possible, including treatments to restore his sight and improve his cognitive functions.

"You can visit him whenever you like while you're still on Earth," Kesa said. "And even after you leave for the Maker's Domain, you can assign someone to keep an eye on him."

Jeremy's thoughts were in turmoil. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this than Kesa was letting on.

"I'll need time to think," Jeremy finally said.

Kesa nodded. "Take all the time you need," she said, rising to leave.

Elsewhere…

"Mistress, it seems the boy has been enticed by our offer. It won't be long before he accepts," Kesa reported through her communicator.

— "Good. It seems my prayer worked. The boy named Dan will soon be with us. Be ready to run diagnostics the moment he arrives."

"The doctors are already on standby, Mistress. You'll have a full report within the hour."

— "I hope you don't disappoint me this time."

Kesa wiped a bead of sweat from her brow. "I won't, Mistress," she said, bowing to the voice on the other end. "And don't worry—I plan to be your maid for decades to come."

She ended the call with a shaky breath. 'I feel like I'm losing a year of my life every time I speak to her.'