Hayes's words were a final stamp of approval.

With a final, confident smile, I led my entourage through the grand, gilded doors of the hotel's main ballroom.

The moment we stepped inside, the scale of the room hit us.

The ceiling soared high above, lost somewhere in the sparkle of countless crystal chandeliers.

Each one caught the warm golden light and fractured it into thousands of points that danced across the polished marble floors.

My gaze swept the hall. The raised stage held a polished wooden black table, and my inner circle was already in place. Seekers, legal counsel, key personnel, each exactly where they belonged.

Ellie and Ella sat to the far right.

Beside them, Alexa's eyes moved constantly, catching the small details no one else would notice.

To my left, Amanda had composed herself, the tension from earlier replaced with a mask of professionalism.

Below us, reporters packed the floor shoulder to shoulder. Cameras stood ready on tripods, all pointed at the stage.

Microphones crowded the podium, stacked and tangled together. Every journalist waited in silence, fingers tense, ready to catch the first word I spoke.

Beyond them, the real audience sat at more than a hundred tables spread across the ballroom.

Old faces from the Mercer Family network, men and women whose wealth and influence could sway governments, mingled with socialites who commanded attention without effort.

Waiters moved through the crowd , offering champagne and food, keeping every guest comfortable, every detail seamless.

After everyone settled, I checked the folder prepared for me earlier, just in case they asked specific questions.

When everything was ready, I placed my hands on the smooth wood, my gaze sweeping over the crowd. I caught eyes, measured reactions, let the silence stretch just long enough for my presence to settle.

"Good afternoon," I began, feeling a brief tension in my chest as the room fell silent. I forced my voice steady, letting it carry just enough to command attention without shouting.

"Thank you all for being here today. Honestly, I'm a little shocked to see so many important people in one room—it's a bit nerve-wracking, not gonna lie." I laughed, and the crowd chuckled along with me.

"And I have to say—this guild wouldn't be here without the people who stood by me. Even when I was trapped in that tower, they never doubted my goal to build something bigger."

"They knew why I wanted it. I've always respected the Seekers. They've saved me countless times—this time, and long before that. Honestly, if it weren't for them back then, I would already be dinner for some monster," I said, letting the words sink in.

The room went quiet. A few gasps rippled through the press, and I could see some faces shift, recalling my past.

With everyone's attention fixed on me, I continued, "That's why, when I awakened my power, I made a vow: to use my resources to build a guild strong enough to protect anyone facing danger—just like I once did years ago."

For three long seconds, the room stayed silent. Then it erupted. Cameras flashed. Reporters shouted over one another, scrambling to capture every word.

"Mr. Mercer, what's your plan? Are you going to use your vast wealth to strengthen your guild?"

I smiled slightly. "Of course. But it's not just about wealth. My goal is to build a guild that's strong, fair, and ready to protect anyone who needs it. Money can open doors, but it's the people who walk through them that make the difference."

My answer came out picture-perfect, thanks to my "Francis" card. His PR skills were still the best in my arsenal. I mean, the guy could charm lonely housewives—so acting charismatic in front of so many people was practically effortless.

"How about the rumors that you plan to poach Seekers from other guilds? Is that true?"

"Well, isn't that just how things work? At the end of the day, it's up to each Seeker if they want to transfer. Although, I got to admit—I'm feeling pretty generous right now. My guild's still new, so I get impressed easily."

"And what's your next plan? Who will be the face of your guild? We've heard you're only a D Rank, so to be taken seriously, you'll need an S Rank."

The way the reporter asked carried a hint of malice—it was obvious he wanted to put me down by mentioning my rank. But I didn't mind; in fact, I wanted them to underestimate me.

"My rank doesn't really matter—I'll mainly handle operations. As for S Ranks, that's for the future. For now, I'm just glad to have ten A Ranks who believe in my vision. I'm sure some of you already know they're strong S ranks candidates."

I scanned the room, making eye contact with as many reporters as I could. "Any more questions?"

One raised a hand it was a female reporter.

"I got an insider report that you're in a relationship with your stepmother. Is that true?"

The question made my stomach tighten. I forced a calm smile, already plotting how to get back at her.

"I'm sorry, but this isn't the right place for that tasteless question. And whoever your insider is should get an attorney—and so should you—for making a defamatory claim meant to damage my reputation."

The reporter went pale. "N-no, I was just asking—"

"Regardless of your intention," I interrupted, "I'll let my legal counsel handle this. Next question, please."

"No!" she tried to argue, but my guards gently escorted her out.

With her out of the picture, the press conference continued as usual, until another question made everyone paused.

"If I'm not mistaken, the girl with you, Mr. Ace, is the younger sister of the Checkered Sword Maiden, Hai-Yen? May I ask what your relationship is with the S Rank? Does this mean she plans to transfer to your guild?"

Even Master Tang looked interested, practically grinning at me from afar. His expression showed he was impressed by my resourcefulness in getting high quality women.

Honestly, I didn't know whether to be proud or embarrassed.

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