"Wow… this is the real address," he muttered. Hunters really are wealthy.

He tapped the red button on the gate, and moments later, an elderly butler appeared, walking toward the massive entrance. The gates slowly opened, and the butler greeted him.

"We've been expecting you," the man said calmly.

Raito stepped inside, taking in the vast garden. Statues dotted the grounds, delicate tea spots were arranged around the courtyard, and exotic cars were parked along the drive. This is… incredible, he thought, marveling at the sheer luxury of it all.

They walked until they reached the massive front door of the mansion. The butler stepped forward, opened it with a quiet creak, and gestured politely for Raito to enter.

Raito stepped inside. The butler did not follow.

The interior was stunning—crystal chandeliers glimmered above, their light bouncing off polished marble floors. Expensive paintings lined the walls, and ornate furniture filled the vast hall. Everything screamed wealth and power.

Raito walked deeper in, his eyes scanning the luxurious surroundings—when suddenly, something glinted in his peripheral vision.

Whish!

A knife flew straight toward his head.

Without thinking, his hand shot up. Thud! He caught the blade cleanly between his fingers.

Silence filled the room.

Then came the sound of slow clapping.

From the upper balcony, Jiro descended the stairs with a smirk. "Impressive. You weren't even looking—but you still caught it. You've got sharp instincts, just like I thought."

Raito's expression didn't change. "What's the point of this? I didn't come here to play games, Jiro."

Jiro chuckled. "Relax. Just testing your reflexes." His tone shifted, serious now. "Before we proceed—tell me. Do you accept my offer?"

Raito hesitated for a moment, then said quietly, "Yes."

"Good." Jiro smiled faintly. "Then let's finalize it."

He turned and gestured toward a large doorway. "Come. Everything we need for the contract is in the living room."

Raito followed.

They entered a grand room, warm light spilling across velvet couches and a massive table. As Raito sat, Jiro waved to a servant who entered silently, setting down two plates of steaming food.

"Eat," Jiro said casually, sitting across from him. "We'll discuss business while we dine."

Raito shook his head. "No, I can't eat it. I just met you—and besides, I'm already full. Just get me something simple. A black coffee will do."

Jiro smiled faintly. "Alright then." He snapped his fingers lightly. Two servants appeared almost instantly. "Two black coffees," Jiro ordered.

They bowed slightly, turned, and left. Moments later, they returned—each carrying a cup. One servant handed Jiro his coffee, while the other gently placed Raito's cup before him.

Raito stared at the dark liquid for a moment, his expression unreadable. He suspected it might be poisoned—but then smirked faintly. Even if it is, it won't work. His body was immune to toxins, thanks to one of his unique skills.

He lifted the cup and took a slow sip.

"Thanks," he said quietly, his eyes still on Jiro.

Jiro set the contract and a pen on the low table. The terms were blunt and final. Work for me. I take the glory. You take the money. You go on missions I assign. You can leave whenever you want, but while you are under me the public credit goes to me. For signing now, two million yen up front.

Raito read every line, his face unreadable. He flipped pages, checked clauses, scanned the fine print. Freedom mattered to him. If it became a leash he could not live with, he would walk away. Still, the offer was life changing.

He set the pen down, breathed out, and said, Yes. He signed.

Jiro smiled and extended his hand. Welcome aboard. There is one more thing. You will have a partner on your first mission. She is strong. If after the first run you still want to go solo, I will let you.

Raito hesitated, then nodded. Fine. After the first mission.

Jiro tapped his fingers. Anything to sell me? Monster cores, rare materials, anything. I will buy it.

Raito thought for a moment and then looked away. I do. Follow me.

They walked to the back of the estate. The land behind Jiro's mansion was absurdly large, a private compound that could swallow a village. Raito felt the weight of it. This man was not merely rich. He was a force.

Raito opened his status and inventory boxes. Light shimmered in the space above his palm. He scrolled to Core and began pulling items free, placing each onto the polished stone at his feet.

A Minotaur core appeared first, heavy and red, still thrumming faintly with residual strength. Then several Goblin cores, small and pulsing. Jiro watched without saying a word, though his jaw tightened.

Raito hesitated, then tapped again. The prize came last. The Hydra remnant unfurled out of the inventory like a living thing. The corpse was massive, its two writhing heads still stiff and scaled. It sprawled across the ground, easily forty feet of dead muscle and fang. The smell of blood lingered in the air.

Jiro staggered back a step. His voice was low. You did this alone?

Raito did not answer. He watched the hydra, then met Jiro's gaze. It is mine to sell or keep.

"Is it that same dungeon, Raito — the one you fought me over just to enter?" Jiro asked.

Raito smirked. "Yeah. That was the one. Inside, I found this — a three-headed Hydra. But I destroyed two of its heads before killing it. What you're looking at now… is its full body."

Jiro raised a brow, impressed despite himself.

He stepped closer to the Hydra's massive corpse, running his hand across one of the shimmering scales. "This… this is insane. You're incredible, Raito. I'm looking forward to working with you. You know how much this is worth? This Hydra alone — its scales can be used to forge high-grade armor, luxury suits, even elite-tier swords. Each one would sell for a fortune."

Raito crossed his arms. "I don't know how much it's worth. Just give me what you think is fair."

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