The recruiter's smile remained pleasant and professional, but his eyes watched Moon with intense focus, studying every micro-expression for signs of interest or rejection.

Moon stood in the empty street, weighing an offer that could change the trajectory of his entire awakener career.

'What's the catch? What obligations come with this? And what happens if I refuse?'

These questions dominated Moon's thoughts despite the generous financial package and equipment being offered.

"How long is the contract, and what restrictions are placed on me?" Moon asked directly.

He knew that rewards of this magnitude came with their own shackles—whether limitations on his time, freedom, autonomy, or future opportunities. Nothing this valuable came without strings attached.

"I'm glad you asked, Mr. Moon. Usually, we would discuss these specifics once the formal contract is presented, and in a more appropriate setting." Oliver gestured around the empty street with slight disapproval. "But since you appear to be in a hurry, I won't hide the non-negotiable terms from you."

He paused, then delivered the crucial restriction.

"We need you to remain in the First Sanctuary for at least one year as part of your service agreement."

Hearing that single condition, Moon's thoughts of even considering the contract died almost instantly.

The financial compensation was decent, yes. The equipment would accelerate his development too. But Moon's primary interest had never been money or gear alone—those were means to an end, not the end itself.

After killing two S-rank beasts, even acknowledging that circumstances had been favorable both times, Moon was confident he could replicate those achievements again after growing stronger. Money and equipment would come naturally through his own efforts.

What had actually caught Moon's attention about the Richter family offer was the implicit access to the patriarch himself. Help from such a powerful Evolver would be invaluable when Moon reached level twenty-five and faced his first class evolution tasks.

He hadn't received the requirements yet since he was only level twenty-two, but based on how powerful his Classless designation was, Moon was certain the evolution tasks wouldn't be simple. Having guidance, resources, or direct assistance from someone at the patriarch's level could mean the difference between success and catastrophic failure.

But being forced to delay his evolution by an entire year? That changed everything.

Moon could understand the strategic reasoning behind the restriction perfectly well. The Richter patriarch clearly wanted a powerful awakener available in the First Sanctuary—either to respond to unique rifts that might emerge within the year, or to support and protect someone from his family who was currently operating there. Possibly both.

It was a sound tactical decision from a business perspective. No matter how strong Moon is, he wouldn't be able to compete with already established Evolvers once he reached the second sanctuary. The patriarch understood that. Hence, he wanted Moon to remain as an awakener for a year, to get the most benefits out of him.

Some might have taken the bargain without hesitation. A single year meant little to an awakener, even less to an Evolver. To Moon, though, it was completely unacceptable.

Certain people from his class—students who'd awakened around the same time he had—were already beginning their ascension toward the Second Sanctuary. They'd reached level twenty-five faster, on the way of completing their evolution tasks, and were transforming into Evolvers while Moon would remain stuck as a baseline awakener.

Staying as an awakener for an additional forced year meant staying weak relative to his generation's top performers.

If a Second Order rift broke nearby, Moon's likelihood of dying permanently was drastically higher as an awakener compared to an Evolver. The gap in survivability wasn't marginal—it was the difference between having a reasonable chance of escape versus being completely outmatched.

Moon had no intention of sacrificing a year of critical development for money he could earn independently and equipment he could acquire through his own kills. Although it was a pity to not get tips from someone as powerful as the patriarch of the Richeter family.

"I appreciate the offer," Moon said carefully, his tone polite but firm. "But I'm going to have to decline."

Oliver's smile twitched slightly, surprise crossing his face. Clearly, he'd expected the generous package to secure the immediate agreement.

"Mr. Moon, perhaps you should take some time to think about this before making a final decision," Oliver suggested, his voice taking on a slightly harder edge beneath the pleasantness. "The Richter family doesn't extend offers like this lightly. The resources we're providing—"

"Are generous," Moon interrupted smoothly. "Very generous. I recognize that. But the time-line doesn't work for my goals. I need to progress toward evolution as quickly as possible, not delay it for a year."

Oliver's eyes narrowed slightly as he reassessed the young awakener before him. "You're quite confident in your ability to reach level twenty-five and complete evolution tasks without support. Thousands of powerful awakeners fail to do so."

"I am confident enough. Besides, I'm not just any powerful awakener. Otherwise, you wouldn't have come to invite me." Moon replied simply. He didn't need to act humble, he knew his worth well, so did Oliver Snack.

There was a moment of tense silence as Oliver considered his next move. The recruiter's pleasant demeanor had cooled noticeably, though he maintained professional composure.

"I see," Oliver said finally. "Well, Mr. Moon, I'll relay your decision to the patriarch. Though I should mention..."

He paused meaningfully.

"The Richter family tends to remember both those who accept our offers and those who decline them. I hope you understand what I'm saying."

The implicit threat was subtle but unmistakable. The family didn't appreciate rejection, and there could be consequences for turning down their generosity.

Moon met Oliver's gaze without flinching or looking away. "I understand perfectly. And I'm still declining."

Oliver held his stare for several long seconds, as if searching for any crack in Moon's resolve or hint of reconsideration.

He found none.

"Very well," Oliver said quietly, his expression unreadable now. "I've delivered the offer and received your answer. That concludes my business here."

He turned and began walking away with calm, unhurried steps, as if the encounter and rejection hadn't bothered him at all.

Moon's eyes remained locked on Oliver's broad back, tracking every movement as the massive recruiter departed. Moon wasn't foolish enough to turn away or relax his guard, even in the middle of a public street with potential witnesses nearby.

Oliver was undoubtedly much stronger—an Evolver with capabilities Moon couldn't hope to match currently. But that didn't mean Moon was afraid or would go down without fierce resistance if things suddenly turned violent.

His hand hovered near his spatial storage, ready to summon his staff and begin casting within a heartbeat's notice.

Oliver walked calmly to the end of the street, turned the corner, and disappeared from view without looking back once.

Only then did Moon allow himself to exhale slowly and relax his stance slightly.

'That could have gone worse,' he thought grimly. 'But I doubt this is the end of it.'Rejecting a family as powerful as the Richters meant he'd made either a smart strategic decision or a dangerous enemy.

Time would tell which.

Moon resumed walking toward his house, but his awareness remained heightened, constantly scanning for additional tails or threats.

He wasn't afraid of what was to come, if he couldn't deal with these people, then he was simply never meant to make it far. If the Richter family wanted to be wiped out, then he would happily oblige.

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