After learning from her mistake during the last meeting at a noisy café, Jade Walker decided to change the setting. This time, she arranged to meet Amelia Su at a quiet and refined teahouse.
A professional tea master was already waiting for them. With graceful and precise movements, he prepared the tea using the traditional High-Level tea ceremony. When finished, he bowed politely and exited, leaving the private room to the three women.
"Please, try it. The tea here is excellent," Jade said with a calm smile.
She picked up her porcelain cup with elegance, took a gentle sip, and nodded in satisfaction. As always, she much preferred tea over coffee.
"...Thank you," Amelia replied shyly. She copied Jade's actions and brought the teacup to her lips. Her movements weren't as graceful, and she felt self-conscious about it.
But as soon as the tea touched her tongue, her eyes lit up.
The flavor was soft, smooth, and naturally sweet—elegant and rich without being overwhelming. It was her first time tasting tea like this, and she instantly loved it.
Sitting quietly to the side was Emily Frost, Jade's loyal assistant. She also took a sip of tea, watching Amelia carefully. Her role today was to observe—to read Amelia's expressions, emotions, and body language—and support Jade in this critical recruitment effort.
After a moment, Emily gave Jade a subtle glance.
Jade caught the signal and nodded slightly. It was time to begin.
"Miss Su," Jade said, her tone turning serious. "Let's not waste time. I'll be direct with you."
She had already studied Amelia's background in great detail. From both the collected data and her current impression, Amelia had a distinct personality—introverted, anxious, and soft-spoken, yet intelligent and sharp.
So Jade chose the most straightforward approach. No long speeches. No manipulation. Just truth.
"Okay…" Amelia replied nervously, placing the cup down with both hands. She looked like she was listening, but her gaze was evasive.
She couldn't bring herself to look directly at Jade. The woman across from her had a strong presence—a commanding aura that made others feel small. Her sharp gaze, calm posture, and controlled voice all added to her intimidating charisma.
Compared to the other presidents Amelia had met—many of whom were more enthusiastic, or even desperate—Jade Walker felt different. She was poised, self-assured, and… intense.
Amelia felt outmatched.
It was like standing in front of a tiger while being a rabbit. A predator and prey situation. Jade's confidence completely crushed her only sense of superiority as an SS-Level Talent.
Sure, Jade was an SS-Level Talent too. So what if Amelia was rare? Jade matched her in talent and surpassed her in presence.
If Amelia hadn't mentally prepared herself before this meeting, she might have folded already.
Jade leaned forward slightly.
"Our Tower Demolition Squad Guild holds you in the highest regard, Miss Su," she said sincerely. "We believe in your future potential. That's why I'm offering you a place in our guild."
She paused for a breath.
"If you accept, we would like you to join us as Vice President."
That was the moment. The big reveal.
Amelia sat frozen, unsure how to respond. She shifted in her seat, clearly shaken. Her breath caught in her throat.
Then, Jade smiled—gently, kindly. In an instant, her overwhelming presence melted away, replaced with a friendly and approachable warmth.
Her energy shifted from stormy to sunny in seconds.
This sudden change completely threw Amelia off. Just a moment ago, she was feeling overwhelmed, and now she felt as if a calm breeze was brushing against her skin. It made her heart tremble.
The contrast was powerful.
For a split second, Amelia almost blurted out "yes." Not out of strategy, but instinct. Maybe because she wanted to step closer. Or maybe because she simply wanted to escape the pressure she was feeling.
"I…" Amelia began.
But she caught herself.
"…I'll need to think about it," she said at last, holding herself back.
It was a huge decision—not one to be made under emotional pressure, even if that pressure was wrapped in a warm smile.
She wasn't dumb. She had social anxiety, yes—but she was also extremely thoughtful and intelligent.
Amelia had already been through multiple rounds of guild offers, facing presidents and representatives with flowery speeches and lavish promises. This wasn't her first negotiation.
She had grown resistant to flashy recruitment efforts, no matter how generous the conditions.
Sure, Jade's offer of a vice president position sounded amazing. But the Tower Demolition Squad was still a small-to-mid-tier guild. In her eyes, that high-ranking title didn't carry much weight.
In contrast, other top-tier guilds had offered her structured promotions—start low, rise slowly, and eventually earn a top position. They were already Level 9 or 10, massive organizations with enormous backing.
Compared to that, Jade's offer felt uncertain.
Still, Amelia knew she was being courted for a reason—she was hot property right now. A new SS-Level transfer student with impressive early performance? Of course every guild wanted her.
"Miss Su, no need to decide immediately," Jade said smoothly, almost as if she could read her thoughts. "But allow me to clarify."
She sat upright, her tone calm but convincing.
"Our guild is currently Level 6. I won't lie about that. But I guarantee you, before you graduate, we'll reach at least Level 9. That will make us a major guild."
Her voice didn't waver. Her words were firm and certain.
"Also, unlike other guilds that assign five or six vice presidents, we only allow two. No more than that."
She smiled again.
"That means your authority will be clear. You won't have to compete for relevance."
Amelia's eyes widened slightly. That part caught her attention.
Other guilds often split their leadership into factions—multiple VPs, department heads, rivals vying for power. It was messy. It was political.
But what Jade described sounded… efficient. And, in a way, more meaningful.
"Only two vice presidents…?" Amelia asked, surprised.
"Yes," Jade confirmed. "And the position is vacant—waiting for your agreement."
Her voice carried genuine sincerity, not just empty salesmanship.
Still, unlike with Lucas, Jade wasn't planning on grooming Amelia to become guild president one day.
Even though Amelia was an SS-Level Talent, Jade didn't see the leadership potential in her. Not yet.
Based on Amelia's combat style, her hesitation, her overly shy responses, and her lack of initiative, Jade didn't believe she could handle the responsibility of leading an entire guild.
Unless she matured significantly, the presidency would be out of reach.
But as vice president? That was very realistic.
Jade was committed to protecting the guild she had built. She wouldn't gamble its future just because someone was talented.
"That's… interesting," Amelia nodded thoughtfully.
She didn't know what Jade truly thought of her—but she could feel she was being taken seriously.
Of course, the recognition felt good.
"…Can I ask something?" Amelia suddenly said after a pause. "Who's the other vice president?"
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