I stepped out of the mansion and let my eyes sweep over the line of black SUVs waiting by the gate.

Ten in total, engines already on.

Ellie and Ella stood near each other . The other girls followed suit, fully dressed to showcase their own different type of beauty.

Every outfit carried shades of green, each tailored to suit the wearer yet clearly part of a unified design.

Amanda lingered near the rear SUV, her fingers fidgeting with the strap of her bag. Her eyes darted toward me briefly . I could see the tension in her posture.

"You… you really think people will take us seriously?" she asked quietly, her voice low enough that only I could hear.

I smirked, letting my gaze linger on her. "They'll take notice. That's enough for now."

Her lips pressed into a thin line.

"Just… a month ago, I was running a training center that was about to go under. Now… this."

"Money can buy everything," I let out a chuckle to lighten up the mood.

Then I turned my attention to my beloved little sister, Hai‑Min, who was quietly standing.

She couldn't be seen openly by my side right now. The last thing I needed was for my image to be compromised.

I leaned slightly toward her and whispered, "Act like Amanda's assistant today. Keep close, but stay in the background."

Hai‑Min nodded reluctantly.

Amanda caught my glance and smirked slightly. "She's good at blending in,"

"Good," I replied, before sliding inside the SUV.

I checked myself in the reflection of the tinted window. My black coat clung to my frame, emerald green patterns lacing the seams and inner lining.

Subtle, but visible enough to leave an impression. Green. Growth. Ambition. Greed. Green minded.

Beside me sat Ellie, Ella, and Alice, their expressions calm, though I knew their minds were racing just like Amanda's.

All the SUVs began to roll out in perfect formation, driving from the mansion grounds into the streets.

The press conference awaited. And with it, the eyes of the city.

***

***

****

The convoy parked to the most expensive hotel in the city, its towering façade gleaming in the sun light.

Conveniently, this was the same hotel where the senator would be staying in just a few days.

The building dwarfed any place I had stayed before, even the suites I had once occupied in luxury hotels.

Its design leaned heavily on classic architecture, grand and imposing. Gold accents caught the light on every curve, every arch, and every ornate railing.

Marble columns rose from the ground like silent guardians, while sweeping staircases promised drama at every turn.

Forty million to rent this place for five hours was worth every penny.

The red carpet stretched from the hotel entrance to the street, lined with photographers and reporters, all craning their necks in anticipation.

When we stepped out, we got bombarded by questions.

"Mr. Ace, is it true that you're planning to hire S-Ranks from other cities? And that you're offering a signing bonus five times higher for A-Ranks—and ten times for those with unique abilities?"

I straightened my coat slowly, making sure I looked good for the cameras.

"I neither deny nor confirm it. But if there's one thing my guild has in abundance, it's money—and I believe talent should be compensated fairly, especially given the risks that come with being a Seeker."

The room buzzed with excitement. Cameras clicked nonstop, reporters murmuring among themselves, exchanging impressed glances.

"Finally, someone putting talent first," one whispered, scribbling notes furiously.

"Did you hear that? He's actually willing to pay top-tier bonuses!" another exclaimed.

I caught snippets as the murmurs spread like wildfire: "Bold… smart… exactly what the city needs…"

Every reaction matched exactly what I had hoped for. Good thing I'd planted that question beforehand.

Soon, more cars arrived.

Ten women stepped out—Alexa's team. Their presence made the crowd stir instantly.

Cameras swiveled. Flashes popped like fireworks. Reporters whispered, unable to contain themselves.

"Is this for real?" one shouted, pointing toward the newcomers. "Aren't those Seekers favorites for S-Ranks?"

"Yeah, that's Rhea. I heard her flames can take any shape, and they burn hotter than normal," another added.

"And look—alongside her is Lian, said to have a unique ability on part with the Ice Empress herself. I can't believe they joined a newly established guild."

A small smile tugged at my lips. Perfect. Exactly the kind of attention the DEGEN Guild deserved on its debut.

The arrivals didn't stop there. Wealthy and influential figures began filing in, each adding weight to the event.

Master Tang appeared, calm and composed, followed by the Blackwood family, whose presence alone made the crowd murmur with awe.

Every notable guest stacked prestige onto the las.

Then came another big shocker.

A group approached with authority: representatives from the Phoenix and Nebula Guilds.

All A-Rank, with S-Rank members among them. Cameras snapped furiously, flashes exploding faster than anyone could count.

But that wasn't even the most impressive part.

"Are you kidding me?!" a reporter shouted, pointing at a man stepping out of a sleek red car.

It was Hayes. Despite sending invitations, I hadn't expected him to appear personally.

His arrival shifted the entire energy of the crowd. Whispers erupted into speculation. His reputation alone lent gravity to the event.

"You look surprised," Hayes chuckled while extending a hand.

"I didn't expect you to come here personally," I admitted, shaking it. "Considering your position… it's an honor. I'm glad you came."

He nodded slowly. "Let's just say I was impressed by how you handled yourself in my office. I wanted to see if you had the potential to raise your guild into a top-tier one. But I guess I didn't have to worry…" His eyes flicked toward Alexa's team.

"You have a good eye. Given enough time, two or three of them could reach S-Ranks," he added.

'Two or three?' I almost laughed.

With me around, reaching S-Rank would be a piece of cake for all of them… thanks to a little dual cultivation.

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