Horror Game Developer: My games aren't that scary!

Chapter 297: Poaching [1]

The commotion was loud.

It drew the attention of everyone present.

Along with the commotion, however, was a strange tension that spread throughout as Hermes stopped before a certain cubicle and removed his sunglasses.

”...It’s been a while, you two.”

He waved a couple of papers in his hand before tossing them on the desk.

”You can start packing your things. I’ve secured positions for both of you in the Arithmus Guild. One of the best you can get into, just a notch below the big five.”

Immediately, the place fell silent.

Several eyes widened at the sight of the papers.

It had to be noted that while most King Grade Guilds were all extremely powerful, there were still levels to them. The absolute best of all the King-Grade Guilds were known as the big five, and they were all located on the central island.

On the other hand, there existed the Oak Circle, which ranked the next twenty best Guilds.

The Arithmus was one such Guild.

”...I’ve talked to the Guild Master there, and if the two of you can perform well in the new Guild, you’ll be able to get promoted to one of the big five. Oh, and should I mention that your salaries will also be boosted? Naturally, the Guild will also be compensated for this.”

As he said those words, Hermed turned his attention towards the distance where a certain figure suddenly walked in, his expression unusually calm.

”Section Chief.”

Hermes bowed slightly.

”I was just talking with Kyle and Zoey about the offer. As you know, this is legal practice within the circle, and I hope you’re not here to stop it.”

”I’m not.”

The Section Chief replied calmly.

”If you wish to scout them, then you’re free to do so. However, I would’ve liked it if you didn’t do it so openly.”

The Section Chief’s gaze fell on the numerous people who had gathered.

Hermes smiled then.

”That wasn’t an accident.”

He looked around.

”I made sure all of you saw this so that, one day in the future, if you somehow become as capable as the two of them, I can come to you with the same offer. Having once been a part of this Guild, I have special ties to it. I want to make sure all my juniors succeed.”

Herme’s words immediately drew a commotion.

The Section Chief’s calm expression started to crumble, his brows furrowing tightly.

This...

”Oh, right.”

Hermes once again set his attention towards the Section Chief.

”I was previously talking about Guild compensation. Here’s the official offer from the Arithmus Guild.”

Hermes handed a couple of papers to the Section Chief.

”Fifty-five million each.”

”....!?”

”...!!”

The place fell silent again, the eyes of several widening in shock at the sum presented by Hermes.

”The Guild is willing to pay that much for the two of them. That would be 110 million in total. Amongst the transfer prices, while it won’t place them near the top, it still places them quite high. I dare say that their value will remain like this or even lower if they remain here. I’m also aware of how the Guild is in need of funds. Think carefully about the offer. This isn’t an offer that you will get often.”

Taking a look around and seeing the effect his words had on those nearby, a satisfied smile crossed Hermes’s face as he slid his sunglasses back on.

He looked at both the shocked Kyle and Zoey before tossing a couple of papers on their desk.

”This is the offer for the two of you. Think carefully about it before coming back to me with your answer.”

Shortly after that, Hermes turned around and proceeded to make his way out of the department.

Nobody chased after him.

All eyes seemed fixed on the Section Chief, Kyle, and Zoey.

This...

Without a doubt, this offer was going to make the headlines.

***

’One, two, three...’

I looked at my fingers and started counting.

’...four, five.’

I stopped before looking back at the main area. From the sickly pale look on Kyle’s face to the subtle trembling of Zoey’s lips. The man came, created a storm, and left right after.

But above all...

’Fifty-five million each... That’s a ridiculous amount of money.’

I wasn’t all too familiar with how transfers worked amongst the Guild. However, from what I had managed to figure out, most members had a contract that ran for several years. If a Guild wanted to poach someone, it needed to make an offer to the Guild that held the member’s contract.

Once a fee was agreed upon between the two Guilds, alongside the member, the transfer would occur.

There was a dedicated web page for this type of stuff.

And as expected...

[Official!] — Arithmus has made an official bid of 110 million for two key members of Queen Grade Guild, Severed Stars!

The news instantly spread.

I could already see several dozen comments appear at the same time.

●———————●

—Who? Why would they want them?

—Anybody got stats on them?

—...I actually know both of them. They’re extremely underrated. If you look at their advanced stats, they’re actually ranking among the top 1% in the world for those of the Fourth Order. They also appear to be nearing the Fifth Order.

—Welcome to Arithmus!

—Watch the two of them flop.

—I’m sorry, but of all the people you could’ve chosen to buy, you chose these two from some random island? What about Charles Malerc? He may be a bit more expensive, but he’s more proven than they.

●———————●

The comments were ruthless. It was quite obvious that a lot of them came from fans of rival Guilds, but there were a lot of them.

They overwhelmed the entire place.

Especially since the Arithmus Guild appeared to be a very popular Guild.

’I didn’t know things were like this with Guilds. Thank god I’m a relatively unknown person. No, wait...’

I suddenly thought about my recent performances and felt my face twitch.

Right...

Given my performance, it wouldn’t be strange if some Guilds had started to pay attention to me. I would’ve previously liked it, given that I’d be paid good money, but after seeing all of the comments, I wasn’t so sure anymore.

This felt like a lot of attention that I didn’t need.

I didn’t like attention.

’No, it’s more like I don’t like people.’

Yes, this was it.

”Zoey, Kyle.”

Grabbing my attention was the Section Chief, his voice gently traveling throughout as he looked at Zoey and Kyle.

He held the documents that Hermes had given him moments prior.

”I’ll be handing the documents to the Guild Leader. As key pieces of the Guild, we don’t want the two of you to leave. However, we will also not stop you if you wish to leave. We’d like to have a discussion privately with the two of you later; however, if the two of you wish to leave, please let us know. We’ll arrange for the transfer immediately.”

This was all that he wanted to say.

Shortly after that, he turned around and left, leaving the entire room in a tense silence.

Eventually, all eyes fell on Kyle and Zoey as the two blankly stared at the papers before them.

”So...?”

I mumbled, staring at the two of them.

”What will you choose?”