Seong was momentarily speechless, staring blankly at Seong, unsure of how to respond to the baffling situation.

    Seong, in turn, was beginning to understand the reality of his current situation.

    ‘Ah, I guess I’ve drawn more attention than I thought.’

    It finally dawned on him.

    While he had noticed how players and NPCs constantly made a fuss over him, he hadn’t grasped the full extent of it.

    Although he was aware that the Overlord class was extraordinary, he had never actively flaunted it.

    It didn’t occur to him that people might try to recruit him.

    As Seong’s expression showed signs of realization, Seong cleared his throat and introduced himself once again.

    “Allow me to reintroduce myself. I am Seong-yeong, a scouter for the Sick Brothers Guild. I sincerely apologize for disturbing you, but I’ve come here to extend an invitation to join our guild.”

    “Ah, I see.”

    “I don’t want to interrupt your hunting, so I’ll make this quick and just leave my business card.”

    “Business card?”

    “Yes, here it is.”

    Moving swiftly, Seong handed Seong his card with practiced ease.

    Inwardly, Seong was cheering.

    ‘This is it!’

    But he remained cautious—despite the confident demeanor, there was always the possibility of rejection.

    “By the way,” Seong ventured hesitantly, “have you received any offers from other guilds?”

    “No, none so far.”

    “Ah!!”

    Hearing this, Seong celebrated internally.

    ‘I’ve got him!’

    This was a huge win.

    While recruiting the female player from the Special Class Training Grounds earlier had been a bonus, Seong had always been the main target.

    Based on what he had gathered, Seong was someone who had mastered all skills in just one day—a golden fish of the highest caliber.

    ‘He’s already at least Epic tier.’

    This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

    Meanwhile, Seong found himself bewildered by the scouter''s enthusiasm.

    He understood why someone might be excited about recruiting him, but he was still unsure if it warranted such fervor.

    ‘Am I really that impressive?’

    While he acknowledged the financial stakes involved in gaming, the extent of it was still beyond his grasp.

    Noticing Seong’s thoughtful expression, Seong’s eyes glimmered with determination.

    Unlike most other scouters who would persistently push for an immediate contract, Seong had a different strategy.

    He was a specialist in the art of recruitment.

    “Well then, if you’re interested, feel free to contact me anytime. I can guarantee you the best conditions in the industry! Thank you so much for your time. I’ll take my leave now!”

    Like a whirlwind, Seong came and went, disappearing almost as quickly as he had arrived.

    Seong blinked a few times, staring at the now-distant figure of the scouter before looking at the business card in his hand.

    Business Card:@@@@

    Sick Brothers Guild – Global Ranking: 12th

    Scouter: Seong-yeong

    Game Messenger Code: iliilillili

    “???”

    Judging by Seong’s behavior, Seong initially assumed it was a small-time guild. But to his surprise, it was one of the top-ranking ones.

    “Congratulations! As expected of someone as great as you! It’s no wonder your fame is spreading among humans!”

    ‘No, that’s not really it.’

    This was only the first scouting offer he had received—it didn’t warrant such dramatic praise.

    Still, being approached by a prestigious guild was undeniably significant.

    Seong mulled over the implications, staring at the card thoughtfully.

    ‘The 12th-ranked guild... That’s impressive.’

    Even with his limited understanding of Eternal World, Seong knew enough to realize how big of a deal this was.

    He recalled hearing news about how top-tier guilds held influence comparable to large corporations.

    The promise of “maximum benefits” was hard to ignore.

    ‘Does that mean salaries in the millions?’

    He wasn’t sure how much his sister earned, but it couldn’t hurt to consider.

    “Good luck, great one. Beware of the guardians that await.”

    The goblin statue swung its spear toward Seong as he rushed forward.

    Whoosh!

    Seong ducked low, sliding under the strike to close the distance.

    Just as he reached the statue’s chest, the cracked statue thrust its spear toward him.

    Dodging while crouched was difficult, but Seong’s Emerald Eyes flared brightly as he tapped into the experiences of his predecessors—Drill Sergeant Eddie and Hunter Apik.

    Channeling their memories, Seong twisted his body like a snake, narrowly avoiding the spear.

    Now inside the statue’s guard, Seong planted his Steel Sword firmly for stability and lunged with his Tiger Fang Dagger, aiming for its core.

    The dagger’s penetration effect worked wonders, sinking deep into the statue''s heart.

    Thwack!

    [Critical Hit!]

    [The effect of 『One Strike!』 is activated!]

    Although he couldn’t carve through it effortlessly, the dagger drove in like a chisel through tough wood.

    Retrieving the dagger quickly, Seong leaped back and summoned another skill.

    In his palm, a green ethereal spear began to form, glowing ominously as it coalesced.

    Without hesitation, Seong hurled the spear mid-air, twisting his body for maximum force.

    Whoosh!

    The Spear of the Restless Dead whizzed through the air, striking the crack in the statue’s chest with pinpoint accuracy.

    Crack!

    The spear drilled through the goblin statue, emerging from its back in a burst of emerald light.

    [Dark damage is applied.]

    [The goblin statue’s sight and senses are impaired for 10 seconds.]

    ‘Huh? Even non-living beings are affected?’

    Surprised but pleased, Seong saw the potential advantage.

    The second statue, unaffected by its ally’s plight, charged him once more.

    While its speed wasn’t extraordinary, the weight behind its movements created a terrifying presence.

    Whoosh!

    As its spear swept past, the air itself seemed to shatter, producing an ear-splitting crack.

    But Seong, calm and focused, darted under its guard again, dagger at the ready.

    This time, the statue anticipated his approach, swinging its knee upward to intercept him.

    Seong responded with precision, thrusting his Tiger Fang Dagger into its knee.

    Thwack!

    The dagger sank deep, and using the force of the impact, Seong withdrew it while retreating.

    With a deft motion, he summoned another Bone Arrow, firing it at the cracked forehead of the first statue.

    Snap!

    The arrow shattered on impact again, but the crack widened further.

    Damage was accumulating steadily.

    Seong knew he couldn’t give the impaired statue time to recover.

    Closing the distance quickly, he reached the first goblin statue just as it regained its bearings.

    The second statue lunged to protect its ally, thrusting its spear recklessly toward Seong.

    But this time, Seong activated Blood Curtain, a protective spell.

    A crimson shield enveloped him just as the spear struck, deflecting the attack.

    Meanwhile, Seong’s Tiger Fang Dagger plunged into the crack on the first statue’s forehead.

    Crunch!

    The statue’s head crumbled under the force, its massive frame collapsing into rubble.

    [You have defeated a significantly higher-level monster!]

    [You have achieved a new milestone!]

    [Title Acquired: 『Hunter of the Strong』]

    [You have gained experience!]

    [Level Up!] x3

    The second statue, undeterred, charged with renewed vigor.

    Seong summoned a final Spear of the Restless Dead, aiming it at the exposed chest of the remaining statue.

    The spear pierced its core, shattering its internal structure.

    As the light faded from its eyes, the second statue crumbled to dust.

    [You have defeated a significantly higher-level monster!]

    [You have gained experience!]

    [Level Up!]

    [You have reached Level 15.]

    With the guardians vanquished, Seong approached the massive door of the treasure chamber.

    Placing his hand against it, a message appeared.

    [Hidden Piece: Kahku the Treasure Goblin’s First Vault is now open.]