Observing Rega's conflicted expression, Carte offered another friendly smile.
"Perhaps I should ask about this..."
Rega gave a subtle nod.
"Actually, forget it. It's not my style to pry into other people's secrets."
"Eh?" Rega froze, staring at Carte in utter disbelief.
"Even so, I must tell you this: if you decide to strike out on your own, don't shine too brightly."
Rega fell silent, his lips pressed into a firm line.
"I won't be jealous of a rookie hunter's rapid growth, but other guild leaders might not be as open-minded as I am. Do you understand what I'm getting at?"
Rega nodded, a troubled look clouding his face.
"Does Mr. Carte have a suggestion?"
Carte smirked.
"Haven't you already guessed it in your heart?"
"Yes, but I wasn't sure about my hunch."
"Hahaha, your hunch was spot on! I'm inviting you to join the Keris Guild."
Rega took a deep breath.
"A rookie like me?"
"It is precisely because it's you that I want to recruit you."
"...What kind of benefits would I receive if I joined the Keris Guild?"
"Good question! Yoga!"
"Right away, Father!"
Yoga switched on his phone, displaying a simulation of the benefits Rega would receive upon joining. There were several conditions Rega had to meet, such as participating in the routine dungeon raids organized by the Keris Guild.
"Ahem! Since you're a special case, you aren't required to fulfill those requirements. In exchange, if you want to sell any valuables found inside a dungeon, you must sell them through the guild." Carte wore a sly grin.
Rega remained silent, seriously contemplating the terms Carte had laid out. To be honest, the offer was so generous it was hard to believe someone could be this kind.
"You know? People who aren't short on cash like me prefer long-term investments. My gut tells me you'll become a renowned hunter in no time. When that happens, the Keris Guild stands to make a massive profit."
"And what are you basing this conclusion on, Mr. Carte?"
"Instinct. I trust my instincts implicitly."
Rega sighed, looking somewhat defeated.
"I suppose I have no choice. I agree to join the Keris Guild."
"Hahaha, excellent! I'm glad to hear it."
Carte laughed heartily, clearly delighted to have successfully brought Rega into the fold. Yoga had never seen his father this jubilant, and he watched the reaction with genuine surprise.
After signing the contract, Rega was handed a special Keris Guild identification card.
"With that card, you can get discounts at all the top-tier shops."
"I'll keep that in mind."
"Speaking of your salary, would it be alright if we transferred it now?"
"Ahem, if I may ask... how much is the monthly salary?"
"It's not much, just fifty million universal credits."
Rega's eyes nearly popped out of his head in shock at the amount. With fifty million, an ordinary person could live in luxury for years without ever worrying about money. However, for high-ranking hunters, fifty million was considered a small sum.
"Normally, you'd get one million a month. But to ensure you stay with the Keris Guild, I'm using my authority as the founder to give you fifty million a month."
Rega squinted, looking skeptical.
"Won't the guild get into trouble for this?"
"If you don't grow for a hundred years, the guild might face some financial strain. But if it's only for a few years, we can handle it easily."
Rega's mouth formed a perfect 'O'. Once again, he was being schooled in the sheer scale of a hunter's finances. The Keris Guild was certainly living up to its reputation as the premier guild in Central Java.
'I'm sure I didn't make the wrong choice.'
The contract was signed, the initial salary was transferred, and Rega was officially a member of the Keris Guild.
"This is a special smartphone for guild members. You don't need to charge it because it's powered by magic."
Rega accepted it, nodding with a serious expression.
"Since you're still a rookie, I'd like to invite you to a special dungeon controlled by the Keris Guild."
"A special dungeon?"
Carte gave a mysterious smile.
"If you enjoy leveling up, you're going to love this place."
Gulp...
Rega swallowed hard, his anticipation clear.
Ring!
Rega's phone suddenly rang.
"Sorry, it looks like I have to head home immediately." Rega gave a sheepish smile, scratching the back of his head.
"Mm, we're heading out tomorrow, so don't worry about it."
"Glad to hear it."
"Want a ride?"
"No, thank you. My parents might actually faint if they met someone like you."
"Hahaha! Well, don't forget to celebrate this moment with your family."
Rega nodded softly.
"I will."
With that, Rega took his leave, leaving Carte and Yoga behind.
To be continued...